Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multidrug-Resistant Proteus mirabilis Bloodstream Infections: Risk Factors and Outcomes

ABSTRACT Our aims were to identify (i) risk factors associated with the acquisition of multidrug-resistant (MDR, to 3 or more classes of antimicrobials) Proteus mirabilis isolates responsible for bloodstream infections (BSIs) and (ii) the impact on mortality of such infections. Risk factors for acquiring MDR P. mirabilis BSIs were investigated in a case-case-control study; those associated with mortality were assessed by comparing survivors and nonsurvivors in a cohort study. The population consisted of 99 adult inpatients with P. mirabilis BSIs identified by our laboratory over an 11-year period (1999 to 2009), 36 (33.3%) of which were caused by MDR strains, and the overall 21-day mortality rate was 30.3%. Acquisition of an MDR strain was independently associated with admission from a long-term care facility (odds ratio [OR], 9.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.94 to 49.16), previous therapy with fluoroquinolones (OR, 5.52; 95% CI, 1.30 to 23.43) or oxyimino-cephalosporins (OR, 4.72; 95% CI, 1.31 to 16.99), urinary catheterization (OR, 3.89; 95% CI, 1.50 to 10.09), and previous hospitalization (OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 10.4 to 6.89). Patients with MDR P. mirabilis BSIs received inadequate initial antimicrobial therapy (IIAT, i.e., treatment with drugs to which the isolate displayed in vitro resistance) more frequently than those with non-MDR infections; they also had increased mortality and (for survivors) longer post-BSI-onset hospital stays. In multivariate regression analysis, 21-day mortality was associated with septic shock at BSI onset (OR, 12.97; 95% CI, 32.2 to 52.23), P. mirabilis isolates that were MDR (OR, 6.62; 95% CI, 16.4 to 26.68), and IIAT (OR, 9.85; 95% CI, 26.7 to 36.25), the only modifiable risk factor of the 3. These findings can potentially improve clinicians' ability to identify P. mirabilis BSIs likely to be MDR, thereby reducing the risk of IIAT—a major risk factor for mortality in these cases—and facilitating the prompt implementation of appropriate infection control measures.
Concordant Patterns of Brain Structure in Mothers with Recurrent Depression and Their Never-Depressed Daughters

Background: A growing body of research has demonstrated that having a mother with a history of major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the strongest predictors of depression in adolescent offspring. Few studies, however, have assessed neural markers of this increased risk for depression, or examined whether risk-related anomalies in adolescents at maternal risk for depression are related to neural abnormalities in their depressed mothers. We addressed these questions by examining concordance in brain structure in two groups of participants: mothers with a history of depression and their never-depressed daughters, and never-depressed mothers and their never-depressed daughters. Method: We scanned mothers with (remitted; RMD) and without (control; CTL) a history of recurrent episodes of depression and their never-depressed daughters, computed cortical gray matter thickness, and tested whether mothers' thickness predicted daughters' thickness. Results: Both RMD mothers and their high-risk daughters exhibited focal areas of thinner cortical gray matter compared with their CTL/low-risk counterparts. Importantly, the extent of thickness anomalies in RMD mothers predicted analogous abnormalities in their daughters; this pattern was not present in CTL/low-risk dyads. Conclusions: We identified neuroanatomical risk factors that may underlie the intergenerational transmission of risk for MDD. Our findings suggest that there is concordance in brain structure in dyads that is affected by maternal depression, and that the location, direction, and extent of neural anomalies in high-risk offspring mirror those of their recurrent depressed mothers.
Seasonal Specificity of Seasonal Allergens and Validation of the ARIA Classification in Korea

Purpose In Korea, tree pollens are known to be prevalent in spring, grass pollens in summer and weed pollens in autumn. However, few studies have revealed their seasonal specificity for allergic rhinitis symptoms. An ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) classification of allergic rhinitis was recently introduced and its clinical validation has not been well proved. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seasonal specificity of seasonal allergens and to validate the ARIA classification with the conventional seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis (SAR/PAR) classification. Methods Two hundred twenty six patients with allergic rhinitis were included in this study. The patients were classified according to the sensitized allergens and the ARIA classifications. A questionnaire survey was performed and the data on the seasonal symptom score, the severity of symptoms and the SNOT (sinonasal outcome test)-20 score was obtained and the data was analyzed and compared between the conventional SAR/PAR classification and the ARIA classification. Results Seasonal pollens (tree, grass, weed) were not specific to the pollen peak season and the patients' symptoms were severe during spring and autumn regardless of the offending pollens. More than 60% of the patients with SAR showed persistent symptoms and 33% of the patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) had intermittent symptoms, showing the lack of association between the SAR/PAR/PAR+SAR classification and the ARIA classification. The ARIA classification showed better association not only with the symptomatic score, but also with the SNOT-20 score, which showed better validity than the conventional SAR/PAR classifications. Conclusions Seasonal pollens were not specific to their season of prevalence in terms of the severity of symptoms, and the ARIA classification showed better representation of allergic symptoms and quality of life (SNOT-20 score) than did the SAR/PAR classification.
Fibroblasts from non-healing human chronic wounds show decreased expression of beta ig-h3, a TGF-beta inducible protein.

BACKGROUND Increasing evidence shows persistent phenotypic alterations in fibroblasts from non-healing human chronic wounds, which may result in faulty extracellular matrix deposition and keratinocyte migration. We have previously shown that these cells are characterized by morphological changes, low proliferative potential and unresponsiveness to TGF-beta1, and down regulated phosphorylation of Smad 2/3 and p42/44 MAPK from decreased expression of the TGF-beta type II receptor. OBJECTIVE To identify genes and proteins that may be differentially expressed in chronic wounds and their cultured fibroblasts. METHODS Differential display analysis with 120 random primer sets was used in fibroblasts from human venous ulcers and acute wounds created on the ipsilateral thighs of the same patients. Positive differential results were confirmed by RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry of cultured fibroblasts and tissues was used to determine the expression of differentially expressed proteins. RESULTS A total of 16 differentially expressed genes were identified and cloned. The only candidate gene that was differentially expressed in all patients and confirmed by repeated differential display testing and RT-PCR was beta ig-h3, a TGF-beta-induced gene involved in cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. Decreased expression of beta ig-h3 in chronic wounds and their fibroblasts was further confirmed by Western blot and immunostaining. CONCLUSION These findings point to beta ig-h3 as an important gene characterizing the abnormal phenotype of chronic wound fibroblasts. Corrective measures to increase the expression of this protein might have therapeutic potential.
Finding the Right Balanced Scorecard for Business-Driven IT Management: A Literature Review

During the last decades information technology (IT) management has changed significantly. Starting from being a costly and rare resource in its very beginnings IT has evolved into a vital enabler for almost any kind of business today. This development demands for highly flexible management concepts allowing the business to actively control and govern IT performance. A meanwhile widely used approach for multi-dimensional performance measurement in the context of IT management is the Balanced Scorecard (BSC). With this article we aim at investigating the state of the art of IT BSC use through a comprehensive literature analysis. Moreover, we evaluate the adaptability of the different types of this concept to the most recent developments in IT management. Our findings suggest that two new scorecards need to be derived: the IT BSC for services and service portfolios.
Annual variation of potential predation impacts on larval and juvenile marbled sole Pseudopleuronectes yokohamae by sand shrimp Crangon uritai in Hakodate Bay, Hokkaido

An investigation was conducted to evaluate the annual variation in potential predation impact (PPI) on larval and juvenile Pseudopleuronectes yokohamae by Crangon uritai in Hakodate Bay using predator-prey size relationships. Laboratory experiments were designed to estimate the favorable prey size of C. uritai through back-calculation of body length (BL) of P. yokohamae from sagittal otolith diameter observed in the stomachs of C. uritai. The most favorable prey-predator size ratio (BL of P. yokohamae-total length (TL) of C. uritai) class was 0.15–0.19, and ranged from 0.12–0.31. There was a significant positive correlation between the BL increase of P. yokohamae and the bottom water temperature in the field, such that BLs stagnated during the cold year of 1999 from April to June, and increased during the warm year of 2002. In contrast, no significant correlation was found between the TL increase of C. uritai and the bottom water temperature. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the mean TL of C. uritai between months (April–June) or years (1998–2002). Variation of PPI depended on the relationships between the growth rates of P. yokohamae and bottom water temperature. Therefore, the warm year of 2002 resulted in higher potential predation impact (PPI≥20), and it was at least 20 days shorter than that of the cold year of 1999. These results suggest that increased bottom water temperature in the nursery area was one of the most important factors for cumulative predation loss.
In Situ Doped Source/Drain for Performance Enhancement of Double-Gated Poly-Si Nanowire Transistors

A poly-Si nanowire (NW) thin-film transistor configured with the double-gated scheme was fabricated and characterized. The fabrication process features the clever use of selective plasma etching to form a rectangular NW underneath a hard mask. In this paper, we show that replacing the original ion-implanted poly-Si with in situ doped poly-Si for the source/drain significantly enhances the device performance, including steeper subthreshold swing (SS), larger on/off current ratio, and reduced series resistance. In particular, the SS is improved to a record-breaking low value of 73 mV/dec, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the most ideal ever reported for a poly-Si based device. The new NW transistors with such excellent switching properties are highly promising for reducing power consumption and operational voltage in practical circuit applications.
On the Energy Efficiency of Physical Topology Design for IP Over WDM Networks

The energy consumption of information and communications technology networks is increasing rapidly as a result of the Internet expansion in reach and capacity. In this paper, we investigate energy-efficient physical topologies for backbone IP over wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) networks. We develop a mixed integer linear programming model to optimize the physical topology of IP over WDM networks with the objective of minimizing the network total power consumption. We consider the National Science Foundation network topology and compare its energy consumption with the energy consumption of optimized physical topologies under different IP over WDM approaches and nodal degree constraints. We study the physical topology optimization under a symmetric full-mesh connectivity traffic matrix and an asymmetric traffic demand, where data centers create a hot node scenario in the network. We also investigate the power savings obtained by deploying topologies that eliminate the need for IP routers, including a full-mesh topology and a star topology. Simulation results show that the full-mesh and star topologies result in significant power savings of 95% and 92%, respectively. Furthermore, the optimization of the physical topology is investigated considering the presence of renewable energy sources in the network. The results show that optimizing the physical topology increases the utilization of the renewable energy sources.
Overnight urinary cortisol and cortisone add new insights into adaptation to training.

PURPOSE To examine the effects of training on the HPA axis using two new noninvasive tools: salivary cortisol response to awakening and overnight urinary cortisol and cortisone excretion, and on the sympathoadrenal system using overnight catecholamines excretion. To dissociate the effects of training to those of seasonal hormonal variations, endurance-trained men were compared with sedentary men. METHODS Nine untrained (UT) men and 10 triathletes were followed during a 10-month season. Clinical (total score of fatigue, total training load, and performances during the competition period) and hormonal parameters (overnight excretion of glucocorticoids and catecholamines, increment of saliva cortisol response to awakening) were measured. RESULTS Significant seasonal variations in overnight urinary glucocorticoids (decreased in June) and catecholamines (increased in June) concentrations and in saliva cortisol response to awakening were depicted in the two groups. Whereas urinary cortisol excretion was similar between both groups, overnight urinary cortisone excretion was significantly higher in triathletes compared with UT men (ANOVA: training effect: F(2,45) = 9.50, P = 0.0003), suggesting that during a resting day there is a higher inactivation of cortisol into cortisone in highly trained men. Two triathletes developed an overtraining syndrome and presented an increased urinary cortisol/cortisone ratio (>1) due to lower cortisone inactivation compared with the triathlete group. CONCLUSION : When not taken into account, seasonal variations may induce errors in the interpretation of hormonal variations with training. The increased intracellular inactivation of cortisol during the night in endurance-trained men uncovers subtle changes in HPA function during training. We show in this study the interest of noninvasive biological markers of the activity of the neuroendocrine system to monitor the repercussion of training load during longitudinal follow-up of athletes.
Effect of gas cooking on lung function in adolescents: modifying role of sex and immunoglobulin E

BACKGROUND A study was undertaken to investigate the effect of gas cooking on the lung function of adolescents while considering serum IgE level as a possible effect modifier. METHOD The cross sectional study was performed in 702 subjects aged 11–13 years from primary and secondary schools in Civitavecchia and Viterbo ( Latium region in Central Italy), categorised according to how often they were in the kitchen while the mother cooked (never, sometimes, often). Data were collected by questionnaire and lung function was measured by spirometric tests. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness was evaluated by the methacholine test, atopic status by a skin prick test, and a blood sample was collected to determine serum IgE levels. The results were analysed separately for boys and girls. Multiple regression analysis was performed, taking functional parameters (FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25–75, FEF50, FEF75) as the dependent variables and age, height, parental smoking, and father's education as independent variables. RESULTS There was no association between time spent in the kitchen and lung function level in boys, but a reduction in lung function was detected in girls which was statistically significant for FEF75 (sometimes –10.3%, often –11.1%). After stratifying boys and girls into four groups on the basis of the IgE serum level (below and above the median value of IgE), the reduction in lung function was significant in girls with a high IgE value whereas no significant deleterious effects were evident in girls with a low IgE value or in boys with either a low or high IgE. The results remained substantially unchanged after excluding girls with a response to methacholine below the concentration of 4 mg/ml, asthmatic patients, and those with positive skin prick tests. CONCLUSION Gas cooking has a harmful effect on the lung function of girls with a high serum level of IgE. We do not know whether serum IgE, a marker of allergic susceptibility, is a simple indicator that an inflammatory process is in progress or whether it is involved in the pathogenesis of injury leading to bronchial obstruction.
Cervical Muscle Response to Head Rotation in Whiplash-Type Left Lateral Impacts

Study Design. Twenty healthy volunteers were subjected to left lateral impacts, randomly looking either left or right. Objectives. The purpose of this study is to determine the response of the cervical muscles to lateral impact whiplash-type perturbations when the head is rotated at the time of impact. Summary of Background Data. A previous study of left lateral impacts with head in neutral posture suggests that the burden of impact is borne primarily by the splenius capitis muscles. In order to improve automobile designs to prevent whiplash injury, we need to understand the response of the cervical muscles to whiplash-type perturbations in less-than-ideal conditions, such as when the head is rotated to the right and at the time of lateral impact. Methods. Bilateral electromyograms of the sternocleidomastoids, trapezii, and splenii capitis were recorded. Triaxial accelerometers recorded the acceleration of the sled, torso, and head of the participant. Results. For participants experiencing a left lateral impact, whether having the head rotated to the left or right at the time of impact, the muscle responses generally increased with increasing levels of acceleration (P < 0.05). The time of onset and peak electromyograph reading for most muscles progressively decreased with increasing acceleration. Overall, however, muscle responses were of low magnitude with the head rotated to the left or right. The sternocleidomastoid muscle responsible for head rotation (i.e., right sternocleidomastoid muscle when looking left) had a greater electromyograph response than its counterpart (P < 0.05). The contralateral splenius capitis and trapezius had the highest electromyograph responses. The remaining muscles showed similar levels of electromyograph responses, but even at the highest acceleration of 12.8 m/s2, all generated less than 45% of their maximal voluntary contraction electromyograph reading. Conclusions. Compared to a lateral impact with the volunteer’s head in the neutral position, a lateral impactwith head rotation to either right or left may reduce the muscle response. Further studies are needed to determine whether or not head rotation at the time of lateral impact reduces overall injury risk.
Effect of ropivacaine on endothelium‐dependent phenylephrine‐induced contraction in guinea pig aorta

Background: Previous studies have shown that ropivacaine has biphasic vascular effects, causing vasoconstriction at low concentrations and vasorelaxation at high concentrations. This study was designed to examine the role of the endothelium during accidental intravascular absorption of ropivacaine, and to elucidate the mechanisms responsible.
Therapeutic effects of low‐dose cytosine arabinoside, alpha‐interferon, 1α‐hydroxyvitamin D3 and retinoic acid in acute leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes

62 evaluable patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or acute leukemia were treated with different combinations of low dose ara‐C, α‐interferon (IFN), 1α‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (vit D3) and retinoic acid. The aim was to study the efficacy and toxicity of each combination. The overall rate was 44%. Of these, 50% responded favorably to the combination of IFN, vit D3 and retinoic acid (IDR), which was comparable to the response rate of 43% for low‐dose ara‐C. The results of the IDR treatment may be explained by additive or synergistic effects between the separate drugs in the combination. Ara‐C and IDR treatment was generally well‐tolerated but interferon gave more side effects than any other drug used in the study. Evaluation of the full combination of ara‐C, IFN, vit D3 and retinoic acid was not possible because of toxicity. Marrow hypoplasia was infrequent (5/27 patients) in cases responding favorably to treatment. Complete remissions were not longer than partial remissions or significant responses.
From Roots to Blossoms: A Description of the Shared Teaching Experiences of Jamaican Teacher Educators.

The study explored teaching and teacher education in the postcolonial context, Jamaica, based on arguments that Jamaica's education system and teacher training is constructed on its colonial past and the heavy reliance on knowledge from the West. It provided a rich description of the shared teaching experiences of teacher educators in Jamaica, answering the central research questions: (a) How do teacher educators see themselves in their practice? (b) What do teacher educators understand to be the impact of colonization on education and their teaching (teacher education), and how do they evaluate this? (c) How do teacher educators describe their education, and how does this impact their teacher education practice? (d) How do they describe their practice? (e) What does this practice look like? The study was framed on a qualitative research design and used theories of phenomenology to uncover lived experiences of teacher educators. Data collection methods were in-depth interviews, observations, and focus groups. Fourteen participants were included in the study from three teacher education sites in Jamaica. A postcolonial theoretical perspective was used to interpret the findings, but also drew on critical pedagogy and critical thinking to explain the emerging phenomenon. Data were coded and analyzed using the cross-case analysis thematic design. Based on the theoretical perspectives, I reported these findings: Teacher educators see the impact of colonialism as having an inherent value in the construction of knowledge; it is historically and socially embedded, reproduced, and a fostered dependency. Their educational background has impacted who they are as teacher educators in that it gave them the foundation needed to frame their own perceptions about teaching and learning. They find benefit in adopting new approaches, in particular, student-centered classrooms, but this is not without challenges.