Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic Resistance in Gram-Negative Peritonitis

274 Peritonitis is still a significant cause of morbidity and technique failure in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients (1). Advances in connectology have significantly reduced the overall incidence of peritonitis, particularly that caused by gram-positive organisms (2–4). However, the incidence of gram-negative peritonitis remains at a steady level and so they have become proportionally more important. Gram-negative organisms now account for 20% – 30% of all PD-related peritonitis (5,6). Moreover, gram-negative peritonitis is often more severe and associated with worse outcomes (4,7,8). Therefore, gram-negative peritonitis remains an issue in PD. The reasons for the poor outcome of gram-negative peritonitis have not been completely identified but some factors are significant. An important factor is the inherent virulence of gram-negative organisms. Among all gram-negative organisms, Pseudomonas species are the most important causes of severe peritonitis, with high rates of catheter loss and technique failure (9). Enterobacteriaceae peritonitis is also a serious complication of PD. A recent review of 210 consecutive cases of PD peritonitis caused by Enterobacteriaceae reported a complete cure rate of only 58% of episodes (10). Moreover, in recent years, increased virulence of Escherichia coli peritonitis with no changes in in vitro sensitivity to antibiotics has been reported (11). A second important factor may be the origin of the peritonitis (10). Gram-negative peritonitis may result from touch contamination, exit-site infection, or intraabdominal source of contamination. The outcome of gram-negative peritonitis is poorer in concurrent exitsite infection and even worse in cases of intra-abdominal source of contamination. In a significant number of cases with intra-abdominal pathology, the consequence is a single-species Enterobacteriaceae peritonitis (12,13). A potential intra-abdominal origin should be suspected in gram-negative peritonitis, particularly in cases involving Enterobacteriaceae. Therefore, screening for intra-abdominal pathology should be considered in those cases showing an aggressive clinical presentation or a slow response to effective antibiotic therapy (14). Pseudomonas aeruginosa peritonitis is often related to a catheter infection but other single-organism gramnegative peritonitis may also be due to exit-site infecANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN GRAM-NEGATIVE PERITONITIS
[In kinetic perimetry high refractive errors also influence the isopter position outside the central 30 degrees].

BACKGROUND In kinetic perimetry, refractive errors are usually only corrected within the central 30 degrees of the visual field. In this study, we determined whether refractive errors have an influence on the peripheral visual field. PATIENTS AND METHODS The peripheral visual field was determined with and without contact lens correction always by the same examiner in 58 myopic in 30 hyperopic eyes (range of refractive errors - 25 D to + 17.25 D). If the average of an isopter position determined without contact lens was outside its 95 % confidence interval, a significant influence of the corresponding refractive error was postulated. STUDYDESIGN: Experimental, clinical study. RESULTS In uncorrected myopias > 11 D and uncorrected hyperopias > 9 D, we observed a significant inward displacement of the I4e isopter. In uncorrected myopias > 18 D and uncorrected hyperopias > 13 D, we observed a significant inwards displacement of the I3e isopter. No influence of refractive errors could be found on the V4e isopter. CONCLUSIONS In myopias > 11 D and hyperopias > 9 D kinetic perimetry of the peripheral visual field should be performed only after correcting the refractive error with a contact lens. No refractive correction is needed if only the boundaries are determined.
Consumer involvement in seafood as family meals in Norway: an application of the expectancy-value approach

A theoretical model of involvement in consumption of food products was tested in a representative survey of Norwegian households for the particular case of consuming seafood as a common family meal. The empirical study is based on using structural equation approach to test construct validity of measures and the empirical fit of the theoretical model. Attitudes, negative feelings, social norms and moral obligation were proved to be important, reliable and different constructs and explained 63% of the variation in seafood involvement. Negative feelings and moral obligation was the most important antecedents of involvement. Both our proposed model and modified model with seafood involvement as a mediator fit well with the data and proved our expectations in a promising way.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of liver resection versus transplantation for early hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria

Both liver resection (LR) and cadaveric liver transplantation (CLT) are potentially curative treatments for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within the Milan criteria and with adequate liver function. Adopting either as a first‐line therapy carries major cost and resource implications. The objective of this study was to estimate the relative cost‐effectiveness of LR against CLT for patients with HCC within the Milan criteria using a decision analytic model. A Markov cohort model was developed to simulate a cohort of patients aged 55 years with HCC within the Milan criteria and Child‐Pugh A/B cirrhosis, undergoing LR or CLT, and followed up over their remaining life expectancy. Analysis was performed in different geographical cost settings: the USA, Switzerland and Singapore. Transition probabilities were obtained from systematic literature reviews, supplemented by databases from Singapore and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (USA). Utility and cost data were obtained from open sources. LR produced 3.9 quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) while CLT had an additional 1.4 QALYs. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of CLT versus LR ranged from $111,821/QALY in Singapore to $156,300/QALY in Switzerland, and was above thresholds for cost‐effectiveness in all three countries. Sensitivity analysis revealed that CLT‐related 5‐year cumulative survival, one‐time cost of CLT, and post‐LR 5‐year cumulative recurrence rates were the most sensitive parameters in all cost scenarios. ICERs were reduced below threshold when CLT‐related 5‐year cumulative survival exceeded 84.9% and 87.6% in Singapore and the USA, respectively. For Switzerland, the ICER remained above the cost‐effectiveness threshold regardless of the variations. Conclusion: In patients with HCC within the Milan criteria and Child‐Pugh A/B cirrhosis, LR is more cost‐effective than CLT across three different costing scenarios: the USA, Switzerland, Singapore. (Hepatology 2015;61:227–237)
Stimulation of large proteoglycan synthesis in cultured smooth muscle cells from pig aorta by endothelial cell‐conditioned medium

We have previously shown (Berrou et al., J. Cell. Phys., 137:430–438, 1988) that porcine endothelial cell‐conditioned medium (ECCM) stimulates proteoglycan synthesis by smooth muscle cells from pig aorta. ECCM stimulation requires protein cores for glycosaminoglycan chain initiation and is accompanied by an increase in the hydrodynamic size of proteoglycans secreted into the medium. This work investigates the mechanisms involved in the ECCM effect. (1) Control and ECCM stimulated proteoglycan synthesis (measured by a 20 min [35S]‐sulfate labeling assay) was not inhibited by cycloheximide, indicating that the proteoglycans were composed of preexisting protein cores and that ECCM stimulates glycosylation of these protein cores. (2) Whereas ECCM stimulation of [35S]‐methionine incorporation into secreted proteins only occurred after a 6 h incubation, the increase in [35S] methionine‐labeled proteoglycans was observed after 1 h, and the increase was stable for at least 16 h. (3) As analysed by electrophoresis in SDS, chondroitinase digestion generated from [14C] serine‐labeled proteoglycans 7 protein cores of high apparent molecular mass (550–200 kDa) and one of 47 kDa. The two protein cores of highest apparent molecular masses (550 and 460 kDa), but not the 47 kDa protein cores, showed increased [14C]‐serine incorporation in response to ECCM (51%, as measured by Sepharose CL‐6B chromatography). (4) Finally, incorporation of [35S]‐sulfate into chondroitinase‐generated glycosaminoglycan linkage stubs on protein cores was determined by Sepharose CL‐6B chromatography: ECCM did not modify the ratio [35S]/[14C] in stimulated protein cores, indicating that ECCM did not affect the number of glycosaminoglycan chains. The results of these studies reveal that (1) endothelial cells secrete factor(s) that preferentially stimulate synthesis of the largest smooth muscle cell proteoglycans without structural modifications and (2) the stimulation proceeds via increased glycosylation of protein core through enhancement of xylosylated protein core, followed by enhanced protein synthesis.
Letters to the Editor

Sir: Lithium has been used as a mood stabilizer for decades and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for acute and maintenance therapy of mania in bipolar disorder. The Physicians’ Desk Reference lists generalized pruritus with or without rash as one of the dermatologic side effects of lithium. We present an interesting case of maculopapular rash that we believe was induced with lithium.
Genetic studies on the inability of beta-galactosidase to be translocated across the Escherichia coli cytoplasmic membrane

When a signal sequence is attached to beta-galactosidase, the normally cytoplasmic protein is unable to fully traverse the cytoplasmic membrane. We used a genetic approach to study those features of beta-galactosidase responsible for the block in translocation. By using both in vivo and in vitro techniques, fragments of beta-galactosidase were interposed between a signal sequence and alkaline phosphatase. The alkaline phosphatase acts as a sensor for any blocking effects of beta-galactosidase on export. From these studies, we show that multiple regions of beta-galactosidase contribute to its failure to be translocated. These results are most easily interpreted if the folding of beta-galactosidase or of domains of it is responsible for the block in export. In addition, in certain constructs, positively charged amino acids directly following the signal sequence interfered with export.
Is tumor length a prognostic indicator for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma? A single larger study among Chinese patients.

OBJECTIVE In esophageal cancer, depth of wall penetration, reflected by T classification, represents the most important prognostic variable. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of tumor length, measured as the longitudinal length, on the outcome of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. METHODS The survival data of 362 ESCC patients who underwent surgical resection as the primary treatment between 1999 and 2007 were collected retrospectively. Receiver-operator characteristic analysis was applied to identify the optimal cut-off values. RESULTS 4.0 cm was identified as the optimal cut-off value within the whole group. Tumor length greater than 4.0 cm was associated with increasing T stage (P=0.001), N stage (P=0.046), and tumor differentiation (P=0.033). Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis both found that tumor length greater than 4.0 cm was associated with worse overall survival compared with shorter tumors (P<0.001). It appeared to have a greater impact on N0-N1 (P<0.001, P=0.026, respectively) than N2-N3 and appeared to have a higher impact on the lower-stage patients than the higher-stage patients. CONCLUSIONS Tumor length proved to be an independent prognostic parameter for ESCC patients, especially for node-negative and lower-stage patients. More attention should be paid to its role in the management of ESCC.
The Cyber-Propelled Egyptian Revolution and the De/Construction of Ethos

This chapter examines two key Egyptian Facebook pages that became the voice and face of the youth movement that ignited the Egyptian revolution. The “Kolena Khaled Said” and “We are all Khaled Said” Facebook pages, respectively, represent the Arabic and international branch of the Egyptian human rights campaign against police violence. This chapter explores the complexity of ethos construction in activist digital discourses by analyzing the visual and textual elements of each page, the communal ethos, and the sense of shared identity that emerge in these digital social networks, as well as the internal and external challenges posed to their emergent ethos. The results of the analysis of both Facebook campaigns indicate the powerful role anonymity plays in activist digital discourses in creating a communal ethos that, combined with the visual and textual elements of the page, are able to achieve massive outreach that legitimates their calls for reform, activism, and revolutionary work. The chapter reflects upon the possibilities of integrating the critical study of ethos in composition teaching. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-2663-8.ch018
“Understanding my ALS”. Experiences and reflections of persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and relatives on participation in peer group rehabilitation

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to gain insight into experiences and reflections of persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and relatives concerning the peer group rehabilitation programme “More Life – Less Illness”. Methods: This qualitative study used the Interpretive Description methodology with Symbolic Interactionism as the analytical framework. Eighteen programme participants representing persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (n = 8) and relatives (n = 10) were included. Data consisted of individual interviews and participant observation. Results: The analysis revealed two categorical themes, “Sense of Community Building” and “Understanding my ALS”, which represented the participants’ experiences and reflections on peer group rehabilitation. Through the analysis, it became apparent that “Sense of Community Building” gave rise to an increased and personalised understanding of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis among the participants. As a part of the continuous processing of the knowledge gained, “Facing Facts” and “Retaining Normality” appeared as subthemes regarding the participants’ ability to live a less dependent and more meaningful life. Conclusions: This study of peer group rehabilitation for persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and relatives indicates that programme participation leads to positive experiences in terms of living a shared meaningful life despite severe disability. The findings may guide practice to develop longitudinal peer group rehabilitation programmes with joint inclusion of persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and relatives. Implications for Rehabilitation Peer group rehabilitation may facilitate an increased and personalised understanding of what it means to live with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A programme design with six months of sequential sessions enables a continuous processing of shared experiences and gained knowledge. Joint participation of persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their relatives supports both their internal relationship and social networking. Peer group rehabilitation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis should help overcome obstacles concerning the needs of participants, accessibility, and geographical distance.
Kinetics of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration And Minimum Fungicidal Concentration of Aqueous and N-Hexane Leaf Extract of Moringa Oleifera against some Dermatophytes

The antifungal activity of Moringa oleifera aqueous and n-hexane leaf extracts against some dermatophytes viz: Epidermophyton floccossum, Microsporium audouinii and Trichophyton rubrum was assessed in this study. Scalp scrappings and nail clippings were collected from 50 pupils in primary school and were processed by potassium hydroxide (KOH) for direct microscopy and culture. Fresh leaves of Moringa oleifera were also collected and extracted with water and n-hexane to investigate their antifungal activity in vitro. Phytochemical analysis of the M. oleifera leaf extracts was carried out using a standard method. The antifungal effect of the leaf extracts against the dermatophyte was assessed by agar well diffusion method. The fungicidal activity was determined using Kill-Time Kinetics. Results showed that 20% of the samples analyzed were positive for dermatophytes while 80% did not yield any dermatophyte species. Dermatophytes isolated include: Epidermophyton floccossum (8%), Trichophyton rubrum (6%) and Microsporium audouinii (6%). Males showed higher prevalence to dermatophytosis (14%) than their female counterparts (6%). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and tannins in the leaf extracts of M. oleifera. The results revealed that Epidermophyton floccossum was more susceptible to the extracts followed by Microsporium audouinii while T. rubrum was least susceptible. Aqueous fraction showed the least activity with MIC value of 250 mg/ml against E. floccossum, M. audouinii and T. rubrum were resistant to the aqueous extract in relation to n-hexane fraction. The fungicidal activity revealed that all the extracts were fungicidal at the 8 th hour. It can be concluded that M. oleifera leaves possess inhibitory properties, thus can serve as an alternative therapy for certain fungal infections and also a good source of nutrients supplements.
Beneficial effect of low-density lipoprotein apheresis (LDL-A) on refractory nephrotic syndrome (NS) due to focal glomerulosclerosis (FGS).

AIMS Hypercholesterolemia is one of the factors which deteriorate renal function in NS especially due to FGS. LDL-A is a potential option for treating NS due to FGS accompanied by hypercholesterolemia and resistant to conventional drug therapy with steroids and/or cyclosporine A (CsA). As reported by Muso et al. [2001], LDL-A combined with drug therapy yields more rapid relief from NS and better prognosis than drug therapy alone. However, very limited data are available on outcome at several years after treatment. The aim of this study was to clarify long-term outcome of NS patients treated with LDL-A and to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS To clarify the long-term outcome of LDL-A, we conducted a retrospective survey on outcome up to 5 years. From 36 hospitals in Japan, 41 patients with NS whose short-term outcomes with LDL-A were reported from 1999-2004 were collected and analyzed. RESULTS In all, 29 and 15 patients with outcomes determined at 2 and 5 years after treatment, respectively, were obtained. At 2 and 5 years after treatment, 62 and 87% of patients, respectively, were classified into complete or Type 1 incomplete remission. The strength of correlations between outcome and several factors including parameters of renal function measured before and after treatment and treatment condition revealed that early administration of LDL-A after the onset of NS provided a good long-term outcome. The data also suggest that more drastic decrease of LDL favored a better prognosis. CONCLUSIONS In NS due to FGS treated with LDL-A, long-term outcome was as good as short-term outcome. Early administration of LDL-A after the onset of NS provided a good long-term outcome. To obtain more precise findings regarding the effects of this treatment, a large-scale prospective study will be needed.
Spindle cell sarcoma of the kidney with ganglionic elements (malignant ectomesenchymoma) associated with chromosomal abnormalities and a review of the literature.

PURPOSE Malignant ectomesenchymomas are tumors that exhibit both mesenchymal and neuroectodermal elements (1). We report a case thought to represent a malignant ectomesenchymoma arising in the kidney with cytogenetic abnormalities that may provide insight into the biologic basis for this unusual tumor. METHODS We discuss the clinical features, histopathologic findings, cytogenetics, treatment, and outcome of a child with a malignant ectomesenchymoma arising in the kidney. RESULTS An asymptomatic 16-month-old boy had a large abdominal mass. The resected tumor contained sheets of spindled cells that expressed mesenchymal markers and cartilaginous differentiation, interspersed with clusters of ganglion cells that expressed neural markers. No blastemal or epithelial elements were demonstrated. Cytogenetic analysis of the tumor revealed a hyperdiploid count with multiple numerical and structural abnormalities, including a translocation between chromosomes 12 and 15. In addition to the surgical resection, the patient was successfully treated with adjuvant chemotherapy and local radiation therapy. CONCLUSION This is the first report of which we are aware of an ectomesenchymoma arising within the kidney. A subset of malignant ectomesenchymomas may be related to the Ewing's family of tumors (EFTs) (2), but this case did not exhibit cytogenetic features consistent with EFT. Thus, the malignant ectomesenchymoma phenotype probably represents a heterogeneous group of tumors with different genotypes and origins. Cytogenetic analysis may be instrumental in determining the appropriate therapeutic approach when faced with such a neoplasm. The outcomes of 12 other children with ectomesenchymoma are reviewed.
Reliability of isokinetic assessment of shoulder-rotator strength: a systematic review of the effect of position.

CONTEXT Isokinetic assessment of shoulder internal-(IR) and external-rotator (ER) strength is commonly used with many different postures (sitting, standing, or supine) and shoulder positions (frontal or scapular plane with 45° or 90° of abduction). OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review to determine the influence of position on the intersession reliability of the assessment of IR and ER isokinetic strength, to identify the most reliable position, and to determine which isokinetic variable appears to be most stable in intersession reliability. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A systematic literature search through MEDLINE and Pascal Biomed databases was performed in October 2009. Criteria for inclusion were that studies be written in English or French, describe the isokinetic evaluation methods, and describe statistical analysis. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Sixteen studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included. Variable reliability of ER and IR peak torque (PT) were generally reported for all assessment positions; intraclass correlation coefficients were . 44-. 98 in the seated position with 45° of shoulder abduction, . 09-. 77 in the seated position with 90° of shoulder abduction, . 86-. 99 (coefficient of variation: 7.5-29.8%) in the supine position with 90° of shoulder abduction, . 82-. 84 in the supine position with 45° of shoulder abduction, and . 75-. 94 in standing. The ER:IR ratio reliability was low for all positions. CONCLUSIONS The seated position with 45° of shoulder abduction in the scapular plane seemed the most reliable for IR and ER strength assessment. The standing position or a shoulder posture with 90° of shoulder abduction or in the frontal plane must be used with caution given the low reliability for peak torque. Good reliability of ER and IR PT was generally reported, but ER:IR ratio reliability was low.