Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Current Topic : Trovafloxacin Vol . 15 , No . 8 671 Eur

The in vitro activity of the fluoroquinolone trovafloxacin (CP-99,219) against 257 blood isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae obtained from Swedish hospitals was compared with those of commonly prescribed oral antibiotics and also with those of ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin against a collection of strains resistant (n = 6) or intermediately resistant (n = 22) to penicillin (Pc-R). The MICs of trovafloxacin for Pc-R strains of pneumococci ranged from 0.032 to 0.25 mg/I. No difference was seen between the clinical isolates and the Pc-R strains (MIC50 = 0.064 mg/I and MIC90 = 0.125 mg/I for both collections). For the Pc-R Strains, the MIC50 and MIC90 values of ciprofloxacin were 0.5 and 1 mg/I, and those of ofloxacin 2 and 4 mg/I. The incidence of resistance in the two collections (clinical isolates/Pc-R strains) was 3%/39% for tetracycline, 1%/18% for macrolides, and 3%/57% for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. The results of the current study suggest that the clinical efficacy of trovafloxacin in the treatment of pneumococcal infections should be investigated.
Separation of double‐stranded DNA fragments by capillary electrophoresis in interpenetrating networks of polyacrylamide and polyvinylpyrrolidone

Mixtures of two polymers with totally different chemical structures, polyacrylamide and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) have been successfully used for double‐stranded DNA separation. By polymerization of acrylamide in a matrix of PVP solution, the incompatibility of these two polymers was suppressed. Laser light scattering (LLS) studies showed that highly entangled interpenetrating networks were formed in the solution. Further systematic investigation showed that double‐stranded DNA separation was very good in these interpenetrating networks. With a concentration combination of as low as 2% w/v PVP (weight‐average molecular mass Mr = 1×106 g/mol) + 1% w/v polyacrylamide (Mr = 4×105 g/mol), the 22 fragments in pBR322/HaeIII DNA, including the doublet of 123/124 bp, have been successfully separated within 6.5 min. Under the same separation conditions, similar resolution could only be achieved by using polyacrylamide (Mr = 4×105 g/mol) with concentrations higher than 6% w/v and could not be achieved by using only PVP (Mr = 1×106 g/mol) with a concentration as high as 15% w/v. It is noted that the interpenetrating network formed by 2% PVP and 1% polyacrylamide has a very low viscosity and can dynamically coat the inner wall of a fused‐silica capillary. The separation reached an efficiency of more than 107 theoretical plate numbers/m and a reproducibility of less than 1% relative standard deviation of migration time in a total of seven runs. The interpenetrating network could stabilize polymer chain entanglements. Consequently, the separation speed was increased while retaining resolution.
Metabolic and perceptual responses during arm and leg ergometry in water and air.

This investigation determined metabolic (i.e., kcal.min-1) responses and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) for varying pedal-crank rates (PCR) and power outputs (PO) during arm and leg exercise in thermoneutral air (TA) and water (TW). Nine males (age 28.2 yr; leg cycle VO2peak 3.4 l.min-1) undertook the 24 exercise trials. During the TW trials kcal.min-1 were less (P < 0.05): at 50 W for 40 (X +/- SE; 10.9 +/- 0.8) than 50 (8.2 +/- 0.2), 60 (8.2 +/- 0.6), or 70 (7.4 +/- 0.3) rev.min-1 and at 100 W for 40 (15.2 +/- 0.7), 50 (14.0 +/- 1.1), and 60 (13.8 +/- 0.7) than 70 (12.1 +/- 0.5) rev.min-1. All other comparisons of kcal.min-1 between PCR at the three PO were not significant. During the TA trials kcal.min-1 were less (P < 0.05): at 50 W for 40 (11.4 +/- 0.3) than 60 (9.7 +/- 0.4) and 70 (9.1 +/- 0.4) rev.min-1 and for 50 (11.0 +/- 0.5) than 70 rev.min-1. During the TW trials: RPE-Arms and RPE-Overall at 50 W were lower (P < 0.05) for 40 (8.1 +/- 0.5; 8.3 +/- 0.4) than 60 (9.6 +/- 0.5; 9.8 +/- 0.6) and 70 (9.3 +/- 0.5; 9.9 +/- 0.7) rev.min-1, RPE-Legs at 50 W was lower (P < 0.05) for 40 (8.3 +/- 0.4) than 70 (9.9 +/- 0.7) rev.min-1. All other comparisons of RPE between PCR at the three PO were not significant.
Sepsis severity is the major determinant of circulating thrombopoietin levels in septic patients

ObjectiveTo measure serum thrombopoietin levels and to investigate their relationship with platelet counts and other potential determinants in septic patients. DesignProspective study comparing septic patients and healthy volunteers. SettingGeneral intensive care units in two tertiary university hospitals. PatientsA total of 152 consecutive septic patients (69 with sepsis, 24 with severe sepsis, and 59 with septic shock). Twenty-two healthy volunteers served as control subjects. Sepsis severity was determined by grading septic patients in those having sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. InterventionsNone. Measurements and Main ResultsAfter blood sampling, platelet counts, and serum thrombopoietin, interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels were measured. Platelets did not decrease in patients with sepsis, but they significantly decreased in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock (p < .01 vs. controls and sepsis). In contrast, thrombopoietin levels (median [range]) increased in patients with sepsis (159 [34–1272] pg/mL) compared with controls (57 [33–333] pg/mL, p < .001), exhibiting further significant increase in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock (461 [73–1550] and 522 [45–2313] pg/mL, respectively, p < .001 vs. sepsis). In multiple regression analysis, thrombopoietin levels were independently related only to sepsis severity (higher in patients with increased sepsis severity, p < .001) and platelet counts (higher in patients with lower platelet counts, p = .004). Sepsis severity accounted for most of the variance explained by the model. Thrombopoietin was significantly related to interleukin-6 (r2 = .26) and C-reactive protein (r2 = .37, p < .001 for both). In serial measurements, interleukin-6 peak values constantly preceded those of thrombopoietin, whereas peaks in thrombopoietin levels coincided with clinical episodes of septic shock. ConclusionsSepsis severity is the major determinant of elevated thrombopoietin levels in septic patients, whereas platelet count is a secondary determinant. Thrombopoietin represents a potential marker of sepsis severity.
Risk Management with the Cev Libor Market Model

We analyze the pricing accuracy and risk properties of the constant-elasticity-volatility (CEV) market model. It is shown that the calibration results to both caps and swaptions show small pricing errors. The whole model fit confirms the existence of strike bias in the US interest rate derivative market (the bias is much weaker in the corresponding Euro market). Daily VaRs are computed using Monte Carlo simulation. The back testing results suggest an underestimation problem for the cap-calibration-based model while the problem is reduced in the swaption-calibration-based model. Stress test regarding price sensitivities to yield curve shape changes is conducted. The results indicate that delta-gamma hedged portfolio has strong resistance to forward curve changes.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension: diagnosis with fast perfusion MR imaging and high-spatial-resolution MR angiography--preliminary experience.

PURPOSE To determine prospectively the accuracy of a magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion imaging and MR angiography protocol for differentiation of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary arterial hypertension (CTEPH) and primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) by using parallel acquisition techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was approved by the institution's internal review board, and all patients gave written consent prior to participation. A total of 29 patients (16 women; mean age, 54 years +/- 17 [+/- standard deviation]; 13 men; mean age, 57 years +/- 15) with known pulmonary hypertension were examined with a 1.5-T MR imager. MR perfusion imaging (temporal resolution, 1.1 seconds per phase) and MR angiography (matrix, 512; voxel size, 1.0 x 0.7 x 1.6 mm) were performed with parallel acquisition techniques. Dynamic perfusion images and reformatted three-dimensional MR angiograms were analyzed for occlusive and nonocclusive changes of the pulmonary arteries, including perfusion defects, caliber irregularities, and intravascular thrombi. MR perfusion imaging results were compared with those of radionuclide perfusion scintigraphy, and MR angiography results were compared with those of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and/or contrast material-enhanced multi-detector row computed tomography (CT). Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of MR perfusion imaging and MR angiography were calculated. Receiver operator characteristic analyses were performed to compare the diagnostic value of MR angiography, MR perfusion imaging, and both modalities combined. For MR angiography and MR perfusion imaging, kappa values were used to assess interobserver agreement. RESULTS A correct diagnosis was made in 26 (90%) of 29 patients by using this comprehensive MR imaging protocol. Results of MR perfusion imaging demonstrated 79% agreement (ie, identical diagnosis on a per-patient basis) with those of perfusion scintigraphy, and results of MR angiography demonstrated 86% agreement with those of DSA and/or CT angiography. Interobserver agreement was good for both MR perfusion imaging and MR angiography (kappa = 0.63 and 0.70, respectively). CONCLUSION The combination of fast MR perfusion imaging and high-spatial-resolution MR angiography with parallel acquisition techniques enables the differentiation of PPH from CTEPH with high accuracy.
Scoliosis in Pediatric Spinal Cord‐Injured Patients

Summary: One hundred thirty children who sustained spinal cord injuries between birth and age 21 years were reviewed to determine the progression rate of paralytic scoliosis and the effects of bracing and surgery. Patients were divided into two groups: those injured before and those injured after the adolescent growth spurt. Scoliosis developed in 97 and 52%, respectively. Bracing was effective in delaying progression in the preadolescent group. The progressive paralytic spinal deformity did not appear to be related to the level of injury. The older patient is at much less risk for paralytic scoliosis, but still requires routine examination.
Identifying Laffer Bounds: A Sufficient‐Statistics Approach with an Application to Germany

We derive a simple sufficient‐statistics test for whether a nonlinear tax‐transfer system is second‐best Pareto efficient. If it is not, then it is beyond the top of the Laffer curve and there exists a tax cut that is self‐financing. The test depends on the income distribution, extensive and intensive labor supply elasticities, and income effect parameters. A tax‐transfer system is likely to be inefficient if marginal tax rates are quickly falling in income. We apply this test to the German tax‐transfer system, and we find that the structure of effective marginal tax rates is likely to be inefficient in the region where transfers are phased out.
Efficacy and tolerability of slow release urapidil (ebrantil) in hypertensive patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

Urapidil, a new alpha-blocker that peripherally antagonizes postsynaptic alpha 1 receptors and centrally causes a reduction in sympathetic tone as agonist of the serotoninergic receptors, was assessed for its antihypertensive effect and its role on glucose and lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity in diabetic hypertensive patients. Thirty-three non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients with diastolic blood pressure (BP) of 95-115 mm Hg were treated with either 30 or 60 mg urapidil twice a day, with a gradual increment up to a maximum of 90 mg b.i. d. , in order to reduce diastolic pressure to < 90 mm Hg or by at least 10% in the sitting position. A significant reduction in systolic and diastolic arterial pressure, not accompanied by an increased heart rate, was achieved after 12 weeks of treatment. Lipid and carbohydrate homeostasis and glycemic control, as assessed by HbA1C levels, were not affected. The fasting insulin concentration before the glucose load remained similar, but there was a trend toward reduction in peak insulin concentration, and the ratio of insulin change to glucose change between fasting levels and peak levels was significantly lowered by treatment, suggesting improved insulin sensitivity. In conclusion, urapidil is an effective antihypertensive agent in NIDDM patients with essential hypertension, with a neutral effect on lipids and carbohydrates and a possible beneficial effect on insulin resistance.
Multiplication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Within Normal and “Immune” Mouse Macrophages Cultivated With and Without Streptomycin

Acquired cellular immunity to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis is believed to reside in the capacity of mononuclear phagocytes of immunized animals to inhibit intracellular multiplication of the parasite. However, in macrophage tissue culture systems, it has been customary to employ streptomycin in the medium for the purpose of restricting extracellular, but not intracellular, growth of M. tuberculosis. In contrast, our data show that small amounts of streptomycin markedly inhibit intracellular as well as extracellular growth of M. tuberculosis in normal mouse peritoneal macrophages, and that the degree of this inhibition is directly proportional to the concentration of streptomycin used. In the absence of streptomycin, virulent tubercle bacilli grew as rapidly in “immune” macrophages as in normal macrophages. “Immune” macrophages, however, were slightly more resistant to destruction by the intracellularly multiplying mycobacteria. In the presence of streptomycin, however, intracellular mycobacterial growth was inhibited more in “immune” macrophages than in normal macrophages, and this effect also was directly proportional to the concentration of streptomycin used. Virulent mycobacteria grew somewhat more slowly within mouse peritoneal macrophages obtained after induction of a peritoneal exudate with glycogen than in noninduced cells. The rate of multiplication, though, was the same within normal and “immune” induced peritoneal cells except in the presence of streptomycin. As with noninduced macrophages, this drug inhibited the intracellular multiplication of virulent tubercle bacilli more effectively within “immune” induced than within normal induced cells. It would appear, therefore, that the greater inhibition of intracellular multiplication of virulent tubercle bacilli in “immune” macrophages in tissue culture noted by a number of investigators in the past may have been an artifact created by the use of streptomycin in the tissue culture medium.
Is lactic acidosis a cause of exercise induced hyperventilation at the respiratory compensation point?

Objectives: The respiratory compensation point (RCP) marks the onset of hyperventilation (“respiratory compensation”) during incremental exercise. Its physiological meaning has not yet been definitely determined, but the most common explanation is a failure of the body’s buffering mechanisms which leads to metabolic (lactic) acidosis. It was intended to test this experimentally. Methods: During a first ramp-like exercise test on a cycle ergometer, RCP (range: 2.51–3.73 l*min–1 oxygen uptake) was determined from gas exchange measurements in five healthy subjects (age 26–42; body mass index (BMI) 20.7–23.9 kg*m–2; Vo2peak 51.3–62.1 ml*min–1*kg–1). On the basis of simultaneous determinations of blood pH and base excess, the necessary amount of bicarbonate to completely buffer the metabolic acidosis was calculated. This quantity was administered intravenously in small doses during a second, otherwise identical, exercise test. Results: In each subject sufficient compensation for the acidosis, that is, a pH value constantly above 7.37, was attained during the second test. A delay but no disappearance of the hyperventilation was present in all participants when compared with the first test. RCP occurred on average at a significantly (p = 0.043) higher oxygen uptake (+0.15 l*min–1) compared with the first test. Conclusions: For the first time it was directly demonstrated that exercise induced lactic acidosis is causally involved in the hyperventilation which starts at RCP. However, it does not represent the only additional stimulus of ventilation during intense exercise. Muscle afferents and other sensory inputs from exercising muscles are alternative triggering mechanisms.
The Implication of Lymph Node Metastasis on Survival in Patients with Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Though survival for well-differentiated thyroid cancer is very good, specific populations suffer greater recurrence and mortality. Defining these cohorts can significantly influence prognosis and extent of treatment. This study, using a large, multi-institutional database, seeks to determine how the presence of lymph node disease in patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer affects outcome. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database is a large-scale sample of 14 per cent of the U.S. population. It was used to identify patients with papillary and follicular thyroid carcinomas and identify the prognostic implications of lymph node metastasis. Additional factors, including presence of metastasis, age, and tumor size, were compared using multivariate and χ2 analyses. Of 19,918 patients identified, lymph node status was known for 9,904 (49.7%). On multivariate analysis, age >45 years, presence of distant metastasis, large tumor size, and lymph node involvement significantly predicted poor outcome. Overall survival at 14 years was 82 per cent for node negative and 79 per cent for node positive patients (P < 0.05). This study shows that the survival of patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer is adversely affected by lymph node metastases. The optimum treatment for this cohort needs further delineation, as particular populations are at greater risk of recurrence and death.
Sectoral Output Response to Fluctuations of Oil Exports in Algeria

The aim of this paper is to econometrically examine the impact of fluctuations of oil exports and its expansion on Algerian economic growth. The model of “an export as an engine of growth” is applied to total output as well as sectoral outputs. The technique of a Koyck distributed lag scheme was used and the main results can be illustrated as following: The growth rates of all Algerian sectors were much higher during the periods of rise in oil prices than during the period of oil recession. The regression results suggest that the coefficient of oil exports is highly significant in all periods except in the recession period (1986-1998). There are spread effects from oil exports to the rest of the economy during the periods that enjoyed high oil prices (1973-1985 and 1999-2010). When the component effects are excluded, the results of sectoral output investigation indicate that there is no evidence of spread effects of oil exports to the rest of the economy. The coefficient of the dummy variables in the equations of trade sector and manufacturing sector are statistically significant, which suggest that the intercept of these sectors have risen during periods of increase in export prices.
Seasonal and spatial variations of prokaryoplankton communities in a salinity‐influenced watershed, China

&NA; Prokaryotes represent the largest biodiversity pool and drive the biogeochemical cycles in fluvial environments. However, the mechanisms underlying the assembly of prokaryotic communities are largely unexplored at taxonomic and functional levels, simultaneously. Here, we investigated the spatio‐seasonal distribution of prokaryoplankton communities in a salinity‐influenced watershed, China using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The OTUs were divided into core and satellite, based on a statistical approach. Our results indicated that the core taxa accounted for 87.4% of all the communities, predominantly including Betaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Thaumarchaeota. Whereas 10 of 22 metabolic phenotypes annotated using METAGENassist had significantly higher relative abundances in the core than satellite communities. Temporal variations in the composition of ammonia‐oxidizing prokaryotes could be attributed to the seasonal nutrient concentrations. Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that environmental filtering rather than dispersal limitation is the primary mechanism driving the assembly of the whole, core and satellite communities at both taxonomic and functional levels. Network analysis revealed that the mutualistic interactions might also have certain roles in the assembly of the core taxonomic community. However, taxonomic community fluctuations can only partially reflect the functional community variations. Collectively, this study significantly advanced our understanding of the biogeographic pattern of the fluvial prokaryotic communities.
Infarct size by contrast enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance is a stronger predictor of outcomes than left ventricular ejection fraction or end-systolic volume index: prospective cohort study

Objectives: Ejection fraction (EF) and end-systolic volume index (ESVI) are established predictors of outcomes following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We sought to assess the relative impact of infarct size, EF and ESVI on clinical outcomes and left ventricular (LV) remodelling. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Academic hospital in Chicago, USA. Patients: 122 patients with STEMI following acute percutaneous reperfusion. Main outcome measures: Death, recurrent myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure. Methods: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was obtained within 1 week following STEMI in 122 subjects. ESVI, EF and infarct size were tested for the association with outcomes over 2 years in 113 subjects, and a repeat study was obtained 4 months later to assess LV remodelling in 91 subjects. Results: Acute infarct size correlated linearly with the initial ESVI (r = 0.69, p<0.001), end-diastolic volume index (EDVI) (r = 0.42, p<0.001) and EF (r = −0.75, p<0.001). All were independently associated with outcomes (one death, one recurrent MI and 16 heart failure admissions). However, infarct size was the only significant predictor of adverse outcomes (p<0.05) by multivariate analysis. The smallest infarct size tertile had an increased EF (49% (SD 8%) to 53% (6%); p = 0.002) and unchanged EDVI (p = 0.7). In contrast, subjects with the largest infarct tertile also had improved EF (32% (9%) to 36% (11%); p = 0.002) at the expense of a dramatic increase in EDVI (86 (19) to 95 (21) ml/m2; p = 0.005). Conclusions: Infarct size, EF and ESVI can predict the development of future cardiac events. Acute infarct size, which is independent of LV stunning and loading, directly relates to LV remodelling and is a stronger predictor of future events than measures of LV systolic performance.