Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Spatial Representation of Time Can Be Flexibly Oriented in the Frontal or Lateral Planes From an Early Age

The perception of time is strongly influenced by spatial context. The longer the distance of a stimulus’ trajectory, the longer its duration is perceived to be. This effect has primarily been investigated in the lateral (left-right) axis despite the fact that spatial metaphors for time most commonly invoke the frontal (front-back) axis. We therefore explored how spatial distance, depth, and direction influenced perceived duration of stimuli moving in the frontal or lateral axes. Moreover, we compared the developmental trajectories of frontal versus lateral representations of time by testing children (5, 7, or 10 years old) and adults. Results showed that perceived duration of the interval between 2 consecutive stimuli in a temporal bisection task was biased by distance in the frontal, as well as lateral, plane across all age groups. Even the mere impression of distance in depth (Ponzo illusion), was sufficient to produce these effects. These findings indicate that the spatial representation of time can be oriented flexibly in either frontal or lateral planes from the age of 5 years and even precedes the development of explicit timing mechanisms. Motion direction in the frontal plane (looming/receding) had little effect on perceived duration in adults, though children temporally underestimated looming stimuli, possibly due to attentional mechanisms.
Sepsis‐induced expansion of granulocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells promotes tumour growth through Toll‐like receptor 4

Severe sepsis remains a frequent and dreaded complication in cancer patients. Beyond the often fatal short‐term outcome, the long‐term sequelae of severe sepsis may also impact directly on the prognosis of the underlying malignancy in survivors. The immune system is involved in all stages of tumour development, in the detection of transforming and dying cells and in the prevention of tumour growth and dissemination. In fact, the profound and sustained immune defects induced by sepsis may constitute a privileged environment likely to favour tumour growth. We investigated the impact of sepsis on malignant tumour growth in a double‐hit animal model of polymicrobial peritonitis, followed by subcutaneous inoculation of MCA205 fibrosarcoma cells. As compared to their sham‐operated counterparts, post‐septic mice exhibited accelerated tumour growth. This was associated with intratumoural accumulation of CD11b+Ly6Ghigh polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) that could be characterized as granulocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (G‐MDSCs). Depletion of granulocytic cells in post‐septic mice inhibited the sepsis‐enhanced tumour growth. Toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐4 (Tlr4) and Myd88 deficiencies prevented sepsis‐induced expansion of G‐MDSCs and tumour growth. Our results demonstrate that the myelosuppressive environment induced by severe bacterial infections promotes malignant tumour growth, and highlight a critical role of CD11b+Ly6Ghigh G‐MDSCs under the control of TLR‐dependent signalling. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time continuous monitoring of injection pressure at the needle tip for peripheral nerve blocks: description of a new method

The measurement of injection pressure during the performance of peripheral nerve blocks can be pivotal to detect intraneural placement of the needle tip and thus avoid intrafascicular injection. However, injection pressure can only be measured along the injection line (tubing), which is influenced by several factors. The primary aim of this feasibility study was to describe and validate the principle of a novel nerve‐block needle conceived for real‐time continuous monitoring of injection pressures at the needle tip. Our secondary aim was to provide measurements and compare injection pressure values at the needle tip and in the injection line. Four porcine lower limb anatomic models were prepared and extraneural injections were performed with fractioned boluses of 2 ml saline at a controlled infusion rate of 10 ml.min−1 (0.16 ml.s−1). Injection pressure at the needle tip was monitored and compared with the pressure in the injection line. The system proved to be reliable. Thirty injections were successfully performed without technical failures. The mean (95%CI) difference between pressures at the needle tip and the injection line varied substantially from 14.33 (12.58–16.08) kPa at 0.5 ml injected volume to 41.56 (39.66–43.45) kPa at the end of the injection. This study demonstrates that the described system allows for real‐time continuous monitoring of injection pressure at the needle tip. Moreover, this study shows that injection pressure values measured in the injection line cannot be assumed to be a reliable indicator of the injection pressure at the needle tip.
Association of Neck Circumference With Perioperative Adverse Respiratory Events in Children

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the association of neck circumference (NC) with perioperative respiratory adverse events in children undergoing elective noncardiac surgery, a relationship that has not been previously characterized. METHODS: Using a prospective, observational design, we studied children aged 6 to 18 years undergoing elective noncardiac surgeries at our institution. Trained research assistants collected clinical (including perioperative adverse events) and anthropometric data from all subjects. Patients were stratified into 2 classes: high NC versus low NC on the basis of age- and gender-specific receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Subsequently, univariate factors associated with high NC were explored, and odds ratios for the occurrence of perioperative adverse events were then calculated from logistic regression after controlling for clinically relevant cofactors. RESULTS: Among the 1102 patients, the prevalence of high NC was 24.3%. NC was positively correlated with age and other anthropometric parameters. Children with high NC were more likely to be loud snorers and have a history of bronchial asthma, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Composite adverse airway events were more frequent in children with a large NC. There was no significant association between high NC and difficult laryngoscopy in our study population. CONCLUSIONS: NC was positively correlated with other indices of obesity in children, and large NC (indicative of central obesity) was associated with some adverse respiratory events in these children undergoing noncardiac surgery. NC could be a useful clinical screening tool for the occurrence of perioperative adverse respiratory events in children.
Female Patients’ Preferences Related to Interpersonal Communications, Clinical Competence, and Gender When Selecting a Physician

Purpose In obstetrics and gynecology (ob-gyn), a physician’s gender can affect patients’ access to care as well as medical education curricula and career counseling. The authors focused on the importance that female patients place on various physician characteristics, and how this importance varied by patients’ characteristics and compared for family practitioners, obstetrician-gynecologists, and surgeons. Method In 1999–2000, an anonymous questionnaire was distributed for one week to all women scheduled for an ob-gyn visit at six community campuses of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. The first section of the questionnaire listed 16 physician characteristics and asked patients to rate the importance of each using a six-point scale (1 = not at all important, to 6 = very important). The items were presented three times, in reference to the patients’ choice of a family physician, ob-gyn, and surgeon. The questionnaire also asked for patients’ demographic information. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient demographics and ratings. Multivariate relationships were tested using analyses of variance (repeated-measures analysis of variance [ANOVA]) and multiple regression. Results In the 1,059 completed questionnaires, items related to physician gender were among the lowest rated, regardless of specialty. A factor analysis resulted in a three factor solution: Interpersonal Communications, Clinical Competence, and Gender. Interpersonal Communications ratings varied least by physician specialty and patient characteristics; Gender ratings varied most. Physician behaviors rather than physician attributes play an important role in women’s choices. Conclusions For most women, physician gender was one of the least important characteristics, regardless of specialty. Excellent skills might give all physicians an edge in patients’ choice decisions, a finding contrary to widely held beliefs about more limited future opportunities for men in some specialties.
A 12-year survey of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in Greece: ST80-IV epidemic?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important cause of both healthcare-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) and community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections. Severe MRSA infections have been associated with the virulence factor Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL). The aim of this study was to investigate susceptibility patterns, the presence of toxin genes, including that encoding PVL, and clonality among MRSA isolates collected from patients in Greece over a 12-year period. MRSA isolates were collected from January 2001 to December 2012 from six different hospitals. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined with the disk diffusion method and the Etest. The presence of the toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 gene (tst), the enterotoxin gene cluster (egc) and the PVL gene was tested with PCR. The genotypic characteristics of the strains were analysed by SCCmec and agr typing, and clonality was determined with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing. An increasing rate of MRSA among S. aureus infections was detected up to 2008. The majority of PVL-positive MRSA isolates belonged to a single clone, sequence type (ST)80-IV, which was disseminated both in the community and in hospitals, especially during the warmest months of the year. Carriage of tst was associated with ST30-IV, whereas egc was distributed in different clones. CA-MRSA isolates were recovered mainly from skin and soft tissue infections, whereas HA-MRSA isolates were associated with surgical and wound infections. During the period 2001-2012, ST80-IV predominated in the community and infiltrated the hospital settings in Greece, successfully replacing other PVL-positive clones. The predominance of ST239-III in HA-MRSA infections was constant, whereas new clones have also emerged. Polyclonality was statistically significantly higher among CA-MRSA isolates and isolates from adult patients.
Human metapneumovirus in hospitalized children in Amman, Jordan

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has recently been identified as an important cause of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in children worldwide. However, there is little systematic data on its frequency and importance as a cause of ARI in the Middle East. We conducted a viral surveillance study in children <5 years of age admitted with respiratory symptoms and/or fever at two major tertiary care hospitals in Amman, Jordan from 1/18‐3/29/07. Nose and throat swabs were collected and tested for HMPV and other respiratory viruses by real‐time RT‐PCR. A total of 743 subjects were enrolled. Forty‐four (6%) subjects were positive for HMPV, 467 (64%) were positive for RSV and 13 (1.3%) had co‐infection with both HMPV and RSV. The frequency of HMPV in January, February, and March was 4.1%, 3.0%, and 11.9% respectively. Clinical features associated with HMPV infection were similar to those of other respiratory viruses, except children with HMPV were more likely to present with fever than children not infected with HMPV. Children with HMPV and RSV co‐infection were administered supplemental oxygen and were admitted to the ICU more frequently than children infected with HMPV alone or RSV alone, though these differences did not reach statistical significance. We conclude that HMPV is an important cause of acute respiratory infections in children in Amman, Jordan. Longer surveillance studies are needed to better understand the seasonal epidemiology of HMPV and to assess if co‐infection with HMPV and RSV leads to more severe illness. J. Med. Virol. 82:1012–1016, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seatbelt compliance and mortality in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in comparison with other high-income countries

Background and Objectives : Mortality from road traffic collisions (RTC) is a major problem in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Low compliance with seatbelt usage can be a contributing factor for increased mortality. The present study aimed to ascertain the presence of a relationship between seatbelt non-compliance of vehicle occupants and mortality rates in the GCC countries versus other high-income countries. Design and Setting : Observational and descriptive study using information published by the World Health Organization Methods: Data for all GCC countries (n=6) and other high-income countries (n=37) were retrieved and compared with regard to population, gross national income, number of vehicles, seatbelt non-compliance and road traffic death rates. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to define factors affecting the mortality rates. Results: The median road traffic death rates, occupant death rates, and the percentage of seatbelt non-compliance were significantly higher in the GCC countries (P<.0001, P=.02, P<.001, respectively). There was a strong correlation between occupant death rates and seatbelt non-compliance (R=.52, P=.008). Seatbelt non-compliance percentage was the only significant factor predicting mortality in the multiple linear regression model (P=.015). Conclusions: Seatbelt non-compliance percentages in the GCC countries are significantly higher than in other high-income countries. This is a contributing factor in the increased road traffic collision mortality rate in these countries. Enforcement of seatbelt usage by law should be mandatory so as to reduce the toll of death of RTC in the GCC countries.
Pharmacotherapy of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder across the life cycle.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the scope of the available therapeutic armamentarium in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHOD The literature of medication trials in ADHD was systematically reviewed, with attention to issues of psychiatric comorbidity, age, gender, and ethnic background. RESULTS One hundred fifty-five controlled studies of 5,768 children, adolescents, and adults have documented the efficacy of stimulants in an estimated 70% of subjects. The literature clearly documents that stimulants not only improve abnormal behaviors of ADHD, but also self-esteem, cognition, and social and family function. However, response varied in different age groups and with certain comorbid conditions. In addition, there is an impressive body of literature documenting the efficacy of tricyclic antidepressants on ADHD in more than 1,000 subjects. Studies of alternative antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihypertensives, and other compounds were also reviewed. CONCLUSIONS The available literature indicates the important role of psychopharmacological agents in the reduction of the core symptoms of ADHD and associated impairments. More research is needed on alternative pharmacological treatments and to further evaluate established therapeutics beyond school-age Caucasian boys. In addition, more research is needed on the efficacy of treatment for comorbid ADHD, use of combined medications, and the combination of medication and psychosocial treatment.
Experimental Evaluation of Indoor Localization Using Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor network (WSN) is a potential approach to indoor localization. Receiver signal strength indicator (RSSI), time of arrival (TOA), and time difference of arrival (TDOA) are three main techniques that have been considered for WSN localization. In this paper, we evaluate the different WSN-based localization methods in real experimental environments. In addition, we propose a technique to minimize the computational cost while conserving the robustness of steered response power-based phase transition algorithm. It is shown here that the practical localization can be performed using real-life acoustic WSN.
Cytogenetic Features of Human Head and Body Lice (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae)

ABSTRACT The genus Pediculus L. that parasitize humans comprise two subspecies: the head lice Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer and the body lice Pediculus humanus humanus De Geer. Despite the 200 yr of the first description of these two species, there is still a long debate about their taxonomic status. Some authors proposed that these organisms are separate species, conspecifics, or grouped in clades. The sequencing of both forms indicated that the difference between them is one gene absent in the head louse. However, their chromosomal number remains to be determined. In this study, we described the male and female karyotypes, and male meiosis of head and body lice, and examined the chromatin structure by means of C-banding. In P. h. humanus and P. h. capitis, the diploid chromosome complement was 2n = 12 in both sexes. In oogonial prometaphase and metaphase and spermatogonial metaphase, it is evident that chromosomes lack of a primary constriction. No identifiable sex chromosomes or B chromosomes were observed in head and body lice. Neither chiasmata nor chromatin connections between homologous chromosomes were detected in male meiosis. The meiotic behaviour of the chromosomes showed that they are holokinetic. C-banding revealed the absence of constitutive heterochromatin. Our results provide relevant information to be used in mapping studies of genes associated with sex determination and environmental sensing and response.
Redox‐dependent disulfide bond formation in SAP30L corepressor protein: Implications for structure and function

Sin3A‐associated protein 30‐like (SAP30L) is one of the key proteins in a multi‐subunit protein complex involved in transcriptional regulation via histone deacetylation. SAP30L, together with a highly homologous SAP30 as well as other SAP proteins (i.e., SAP25, SAP45, SAP130, and SAP180), is an essential component of the Sin3A corepressor complex, although its actual role has remained elusive. SAP30L is thought to function as an important stabilizing and bridging molecule in the complex and to mediate its interactions with other corepressors. SAP30L has been previously shown to contain an N‐terminal Cys3His type zinc finger (ZnF) motif, which is responsible for the key protein–protein, protein–DNA, and protein–lipid interactions. By using high‐resolution mass spectrometry, we studied a redox‐dependent disulfide bond formation in SAP30L ZnF as a regulatory mechanism for its structure and function. We showed that upon oxidative stress SAP30L undergoes the formation of two specific disulfide bonds, a vicinal Cys29‐Cys30 and Cys38‐Cys74, with a concomitant release of the coordinated zinc ion. The oxidized protein was shown to remain folded in solution and to bind signaling phospholipids. We also determined a solution NMR structure for SAP30L ZnF that showed an overall fold similar to that of SAP30, determined earlier. The NMR titration experiments with lipids and DNA showed that the binding is mediated by the C‐terminal tail as well as both α‐helices of SAP30L ZnF. The implications of these results for the structure and function of SAP30L are discussed.
Werner Syndrome Protein Contains Three Structure-specific DNA Binding Domains*

Werner syndrome (WS) is a premature aging syndrome caused by mutations in the WS gene (WRN) and a deficiency in the function of the Werner protein (WRN). WRN is a multifunctional nuclear protein that catalyzes three DNA-dependent reactions: a 3′-5′-exonuclease, an ATPase, and a 3′-5′-helicase. Deficiency in WRN results in a cellular phenotype of genomic instability. The biochemical characteristics of WRN and the cellular phenotype of WRN mutants suggest that WRN plays an important role in DNA metabolic pathways such as recombination, transcription, replication, and repair. The catalytic activities of WRN have been extensively studied and are fairly well understood. However, much less is known about the domain-specific interactions between WRN and its DNA substrates. This study identifies and characterizes three distinct WRN DNA binding domains using recombinant truncated fragments of WRN and five DNA substrates (long forked duplex, blunt-ended duplex, single-stranded DNA, 5′-overhang duplex, and Holliday junction). Substrate-specific DNA binding activity was detected in three domains, one N-terminal and two different C-terminal WRN fragments (RecQ conserved domain and helicase RNase D conserved domain-containing domains). The substrate specificity of each DNA binding domain may indicate that each protein domain has a distinct biological function. The importance of these results is discussed with respect to proposed roles for WRN in distinct DNA metabolic pathways.
The development of Newton’s law encyclopedia based on advance organizer

This research aims to develop Newton’s Law encyclopedias based on Advance Organizer, that is suitable for use as a source of learning. The method used in this research is Research and Development (R&D) using ADDIE model. The steps of ADDIE model are analyze, develop, implement, and evaluate. The research instrument was obtained from interviews, observation, and questionnaires. The encyclopedia cover is designed to illustrate the content of the material on this product. The title of each content is arranged alphabetically in Bahasa. The content of the encyclopedia consists of (1) dinamometer, (2) force, (3) weight, (4) frictional force, (5) normal force, (6) centripetal force, (7) tension force, (8) Newton’s First Law, (9) Newton’s Second Law, (10) Newton’s Third Law, (11) gravitional force, (12) Kepler’s Law, (13) gravity accelaration. Finally, the structure of this encyclopedia is structured based on steps in Advance Organizer model, there are presentaion of Advance Organizer, presentation of learning task, and strengthening cognitive organization. This encyclopedia expected to be feasible of use as a learning resource for textbook companion in senior high school based on validated by experts.