Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Salmonella Bacteremia in Kenyan Children

Background: Nontyphoidal Salmonella spp. are among the leading causes of childhood bacteremia in sub-Saharan Africa, yet there are few published clinical series, and the risk factors for acquiring infection are not fully understood. Methods: We examined data from 166 cases of nontyphoidal Salmonella bacteremia identified during a large prospective study of bacteremia among all children admitted to a district hospital in Kenya. We also investigated the importance of comorbidities, including current malaria parasitemia, recent malaria (detectable Plasmodium falciparum histidine rich protein 2 in the absence of parasitemia), sickle cell disease, malnutrition and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Results: Nontyphoidal Salmonella bacteremia was associated with severe malnutrition (33% cases), HIV infection (18% cases), a history of illness >7 days, recent hospital admission, splenomegaly, anemia and recent (but not current) malaria but was not associated with diarrhea. Seventy-seven (46%) children with nontyphoidal Salmonella bacteremia fulfilled World Health Organization clinical criteria for a diagnosis of pneumonia. Independent risk factors for death were diarrhea, tachypnea, HIV infection, severe malnutrition, meningitis and young age. Conclusions: Clinical diagnosis of invasive nontyphoidal Salmonella infection in African children is difficult without microbiology facilities because clinical features overlap with other conditions. The common risk factors for nontyphoidal Salmonella infection differ from developed countries, with high a prevalence of malnutrition, HIV, malaria and anemia. Children with nontyphoidal Salmonella infection who fulfill World Health Organization clinical criteria for severe pneumonia may receive ineffective therapy in the form of penicillin.
Examining the Process of Responding to Circumplex Scales of Interpersonal Values Items: Should Ideal Point Scoring Methods Be Considered?

ABSTRACT The Circumplex Scales of Interpersonal Values (CSIV) is a 64-item self-report measure of goals from each octant of the interpersonal circumplex. We used item response theory methods to compare whether dominance models or ideal point models best described how people respond to CSIV items. Specifically, we fit a polytomous dominance model called the generalized partial credit model and an ideal point model of similar complexity called the generalized graded unfolding model to the responses of 1,893 college students. The results of both graphical comparisons of item characteristic curves and statistical comparisons of model fit suggested that an ideal point model best describes the process of responding to CSIV items. The different models produced different rank orderings of high-scoring respondents, but overall the models did not differ in their prediction of criterion variables (agentic and communal interpersonal traits and implicit motives).
Analysis of Planar Ultrawideband Antennas With On-Ground Slot Band-Notched Structures

Planar ultrawideband (UWB) antennas with on-ground band-notched structures are studied in this paper. Two different slot resonators, which feature quarter-wavelength and half-wavelength configurations, are embedded into the arc shaped ground plane of the circular disk patch antennas in order to obtain the desired band-rejection around 5.8 GHz. Their principles and characteristics are analyzed and compared in detail providing designers with in-depth understanding and useful design information. By choosing the quarter-wavelength slot resonator, the first spurious stopband can be pushed up to 3 f 0 (f 0 stands for the center frequency of the notch) and this antenna retains a super wide working band which spans from 1.62 GHz to 17.43 GHz. Performance in both the frequency domain and time domain for this antenna has been investigated carefully. The transmission response of a transceiving antenna system and their corresponding transient analysis are discussed at the end of this paper.
Experimental and theoretical analysis of cytokine release for the study of radiation-induced bystander effect

Purpose: To clarify the experimental conditions that might influence the release of cytokines in the culture medium and give some basic input for building a model for cytokine (e.g., Interleukin-6, IL-6) regulation in the case of ‘sham irradiation’ and after ionising radiation exposure. Materials and methods: The influence of cell type, cell density, medium volume, medium storage temperature and other methodological aspects on IL-6 and Interleukin-8 (IL-8) release were investigated. In addition, the effects over the time of different doses of gamma irradiation on the clonogenic survival of bystander cells and on the secretion of these cytokines were studied. Results: We observed significant decreases of clonogenic survival in AG01522 and T98G cells after the transfer of medium collected 5 and 20 h after low doses of gamma irradiation. Concerning the Interleukins' measurements, our experiments showed that the aggregate removal modalities tested, and up to 10 freeze-thaw cycles, do not have significant influence on the measurements of IL-6 concentration in the medium. We also observed that the IL-6 accumulated in the medium of human fibroblasts is not degraded when maintained at 37°C. Sets of experiments demonstrated that cell density or medium volume do not influence the release of IL-6. On the contrary, our results showed that IL-8 released by glioblastoma cells strongly depends on the amount of medium. Finally, the exposure of fibroblasts to gamma irradiation has influence on the release kinetics of both IL-6 and IL-8 with peculiar features. Conclusions: This study solved some of the methodological doubts concerning the study of bystander effects by means of the medium transfer technique; moreover it also highlighted some experimental aspects that need to be considered when approaching this sort of experiments.
Myoid Harmatoma of the Breast: Clinicopathologic Analysis of a Rare Tumor Indicating Occasional Recurrence Potential

To the Editor: Myoid hamartoma (MH) is an extremely rare subtype of breast hamartoma characterized by the presence of myoid cell bundles in the stroma. Only approximately 30 cases have been reported to date. So its biological behavior, clinicopathologic features and histological origin are not well characterized. Moreover, its potential recurrence is usually overlooked. To the best of our knowledge, no case of MH with local recurrence has been reported previously. Herein, we described clinicopathologic features of five MHs, containing two recurrent lesions. Our aim is to elucidate pathologic features of MH, and to lay stress on its recurrence potential to evoke attentions of pathologists and surgeons. Five cases of MH were collected in the Department of Pathology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai. For each case, sections of 5 lm were cut from paraffin blocks for HE and immunohistochemistry using Envision method. The primary antibodies included vimentin, desmin, h-caldesmon, calponin, SMA, MSA. One case was studied ultrastructurally. The age of five patients ranged from 29 to 44 years (mean, 39 years). Physical examinations all revealed nontender, palpable lumps. The radiological information of two patients was available. On Mammography, two lesions appeared as ovoid to rounded, well circumscribed masses of mixed heterogenous density. A thin smooth capsule with peripheral radiolucent zone was seen in one lesion. In MRI, the lesion displayed an ovoid, well-defined mass with heterogenous enhancement, a focal dark thin rim. Internal fat intensity was demonstrated. All patients underwent lumpectomy. Three patients were well after the initial surgery. However, two cases developed local recurrence. One case relapsed 10 months following the initial surgery. Another recurred twice, with an interval of 36 and 41 months, respectively. Moreover, when recurred for the second time there were two separate
Mental Health and Primary Care in Ethnic Groups Greek Cypriots in London: a Preliminary Investigation

The psychiatric symptoms of 50 consecutive Greek Cypriot attenders at a primary health care centre in North London were compared with 50 consecutive native English attenders using the 28 item General Health Questionnaire. No differences were identified between the two ethnic groups. However, the less 'acculturated' Greek Cypriot patients manifested a higher level of psychological disturbance.
Lack of clinical association with antibodies to ribosomal P proteins in Indian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE We examined the prevalence and clinical association of the antiribosomal antibodies in our cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS IgG antiribosomal P protein (anti-P) antibodies were detected in 202 consecutive patients with SLE and 212 age and sex matched healthy subjects by an in-house ELISA, using the 22-mer C-terminal peptide. In 13 patients, IgG anti-P antibodies were also tested in paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and sera samples. Clinical variables were compared in the antibody-positive and negative groups using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS Of the 202 patients, 15 were male. Their median age was 30 years and the median disease duration was 36 months. Thirty-one patients (15.35%) were positive for IgG anti-P antibodies, of which 24 were also positive by Western blot. No association with SLE Disease Activity Index, nervous system disease, nephritis, hepatitis, skin disease, arthritis, and juvenile onset disease could be demonstrated. Levels of IgG anti-P antibodies in CSF were 100-fold less compared to levels in serum, and correlated well with the latter (r = 0.86; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION The prevalence of IgG anti-P antibodies is similar in Indian and Caucasian patients with SLE. No association with specific organ involvement or age at onset could be demonstrated.
COPD in individuals with the PiMZ alpha-1 antitrypsin genotype

Since the discovery of severe alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency as a genetic risk factor for emphysema, there has been ongoing debate over whether individuals with intermediate deficiency with one protease inhibitor Z allele (PiMZ, or MZ) are at some risk for emphysema. This is important, because MZ individuals comprise 2–5% of the general population. In this review we summarise the evidence about the risks of the MZ population to develop emphysema or asthma. We discuss the different study designs that have tried to answer this question. The risk of emphysema is more pronounced in case–control than in population-based studies, perhaps due to inadequate power. Carefully designed family studies show an increased risk of emphysema in MZ smokers. This is supported by the rapid decline in lung function of MZ individuals when compared to the general population after massive environmental exposures. The risk of asthma in MZ subjects is less studied, and more literature is needed before firm conclusions can be made. Augmentation therapy in MZ individuals is not supported by any objective studies. MZ smokers are at increased risk for emphysema that is more pronounced when other environmental challenges are present. MZ smokers are at increased risk for emphysema http://ow.ly/ur6f30fufZ1
Review of Research on Reversal Errors

This review focuses on the phenomenon of reversals: the tendency for children, especially those with reading difficulties, to make errors of orientation (“b-d”) or sequencing (“was-saw”). After a brief historical (Orton) and theoretical (Gibson) look at the phenomenon, a variety of studies on reversals is reviewed and evaluated. The first group of studies reviewed and discussed involves neurological and psychological factors associated with reversals, e.g., age, training. The second set of investigations summarizes the literature relating reversals to reading disabilities and to future reading achievement.
Altered Behavior of Parasitized Killifish Increases Susceptibility to Predation by Bird Final Hosts

Parasites that are transmitted from prey to predator are often associated with altered prey behavior. Although many concur that behavior modification is a parasite strategy that facilitates transmission by making parasitized prey easier for predators to capture, there is little evidence from field experiments. We observed that conspicuous behaviors exhibited by killifish (Fundulus parvipinnis) were associated with parasitism by larval trematodes. A field experiment indicated that parasitized fish were substantially more susceptible to predation by final host birds. These results support the behavior-modification hypothesis and emphasize the importance of parasites for predator-prey interactions.
Tackling HIV in resource poor countries

Focusing on prevention of HIV will not prevent the deaths of the millions already infected. The international community must adopt a strategy that links treatment and prevention Despite recent proposals to expand access to antiretroviral treatment for people with HIV in resource poor settings, debate continues about the cost effectiveness of prevention and treatment strategies. This debate delays the urgent action needed to implement a comprehensive global AIDS strategy. To underscore the need to link prevention with treatment, we review the effect of HIV on economic and human development, the ways in which HIV prevention and treatment are mutually reinforcing, and the requirements for scaling up the response. Prevention of HIV infection is often promoted as the only feasible option in resource poor settings despite the existence of drugs to treat it. As recently as 2002, experts argued that prevention should take priority over treatment for AIDS in Africa based on cost effectiveness.1 2 However, cost effectiveness analyses fail to take into account the most important reason for implementing widespread HIV treatment–treating sick people. Prevention strategies do nothing to improve the quality or length of life of the millions of people living with HIV. Moreover, the unchecked spread of HIV is resulting in indirect costs, ranging from orphaning to famine and from stigma to professional burnout, that are damaging already heavily burdened societies. A poignant example of the shortcomings of the focus on prevention is the practice of prioritising the use of antiretroviral therapy for prevention of mother to child transmission without giving the drugs to mothers who are sick. Although this strategy protects babies, their untreated mothers develop AIDS and die. Clearly, both prevention of mother to child transmission and treatment of HIV positive parents are needed to protect the family and community. [][1] Patients with AIDS in a … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Stabilisation of Collagen Sponges by Glutaraldehyde Vapour Crosslinking

Glutaraldehyde is a well-recognised reagent for crosslinking and stabilising collagens and other protein-based materials, including gelatine. In some cases, however, the use of solutions can disrupt the structure of the material, for example, by causing rapid dispersion or distortions from surface interactions. An alternative approach that has been explored in a number of individual cases is the use of glutaraldehyde vapour. In this study, the effectiveness of a range of different glutaraldehyde concentrations in the reservoir providing vapour, from 5% to 25% (w/v), has been explored at incubation times from 5 h to 48 h at room temperature. These data show the effectiveness of the glutaraldehyde vapour approach for crosslinking collagen and show that materials with defined, intermediate stability could be obtained, for example, to control resorption rates in vivo.
Production of transgenic mice from cryopreserved fertilized ova

Cryopreserved fertilized mouse ova were used to generate transgenic mice via micromanipulation. Five DNA constructions were injected into a total of 1,052 cryopreserved ova, of which 683 (65%) survived the injection and were transferred into recipients. Of 35 recipients, 66% became pregnant and littered a total of 88 pups. As controls, these DNA constructions were also injected into 1,123 fresh ova, of which 744 (66%) survived and were transferred. Of 42 recipients, 79% became pregnant and littered a total of 167 pups. That is, 22% of fresh ova that were transferred developed into live pups, whereas only 13% of cryopreserved ova did so.
CD8 T Cells Inhibit IgE Via Dendritic Cell IL-12 Induction That Promotes Th1 T Cell Counter-Regulation1

Th1 and Th2 cells are counterinhibitory; their balance determines allergic sensitization. We show here that CD8 T cell subsets break these rules as both T cytotoxic (Tc)1 and Tc2 cells promote Th1 over Th2 immunity. Using IL-12−/−, IFN-γ−/−, and OVA257–264-specific Vα2Vβ5 TCR-transgenic mice, we have identified the key steps involved. OVA-specific IFN-γ−/− CD8 T cells inhibited IgE responses equivalent to wild-type CD8 T cells (up to 98% suppression), indicating that CD8 T cell-derived IFN-γ was not required. However, OVA-specific CD8 T cells could not inhibit IgE in IFN-γ−/− recipients unless reconstituted with naive, wild-type CD4 T cells, suggesting that CD4 T cell-derived IFN-γ did play a role. Transfer of either Tc1 or Tc2 Vα2Vβ5 TCR-transgenic CD8 T cells inhibited IgE and OVA-specific Th2 cells while promoting OVA-specific Th1 cell responses, suggesting a potential role for a type 1 inducing cytokine such as IL-12. CD8 T cells were shown to induce IL-12 in OVA257–264-pulsed dendritic cells (DC) in vitro. Furthermore, CD8 T cells were unable to inhibit IgE responses in IL-12−/− recipients without the addition of naive, wild-type DC, thus demonstrating a pivotal role for IL-12 in this mechanism. These data reveal a mechanism of IgE regulation in which CD8 T cells induce DC IL-12 by an IFN-γ-independent process that subsequently induces Th1 and inhibits Th2 cells. Th1 cell IFN-γ is the final step that inhibits B cell IgE class switching. This demonstrates a novel regulatory network through which CD8 T cells inhibit allergic sensitization.
ACTUAL PEDESTRIAN VISIBILITY AND THE PEDESTRIAN'S ESTIMATE OF HIS OWN VISIBILITY*

ABSTRACT Over 1,700 observations were made on the road involving actual pedestrians and cars, to test three factors of pedestrian visibility. Of 26 pedestrian observers, ages 18‐35, the one pedestrian most pessimistic about his visibility closely estimated his true visibility of 175 feet. Each of the remaining 25 pedestrians estimated his visibility to be up to three times farther than it actually was. The average pedestrian thought he was visible at 343 feet. Actual pedestrian visibility was enhanced from about 175 feet for normal dark clothing to about 790 feet by using reflectorized clothing. In the presence of headlight glare, black clothing was seen at about 167 feet while the reflectorized clothing was seen at 680 feet. The clothing was reflectorized with a 1″ fabric tape outlining the collar and wrapped around the sleeves. The reflectance of the tape was 50 candles/ft2/ft candle of incident light.
Performance of the South Pole Air Shower Experiment during 1987 to 1992.

We describe the performance of an extensive air shower array sited at the geographic South Pole from its construction in 1987 to the austral summer of 1991. The stability of the array over this four year period when the detectors were subjected to temperature cycling over a 60 °C range is evaluated. The analysis techniques used to determine the core position and direction of the shower are discussed, along with checks on the angular resolution and pointing accuracy of the array, found to be 0.9° and 0.2°±0.5° respectively
Measuring Stroke Impact With the Stroke Impact Scale: Telephone Versus Mail Administration in Veterans With Stroke

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to examine response rate, mode effects, and reliability of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) in a veteran stroke population using mail and telephone modes of administration. Methods:Patients who had suffered a stroke were identified using national VA administrative data and International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision codes in 13 participating Veterans Affairs hospital. Stroke was confirmed by reviewing electronic medical records. Patients were randomized to SIS administration by mail or telephone at 12-weeks after their stroke. Comparison of response rate, nonresponse bias, domain scores, administration costs, and instrument reliability were performed. Results:Four hundred fifty-eight patients with stroke were identified, validated, and randomly assigned into 2 administration groups. No significant cluster effect was observed. Response rates for mail and telephone were 45% and 69%, respectively. Mail nonresponders were more likely to have had severe stokes, cognitive deficits, and be unmarried. No difference was observed between telephone responders and nonresponders. Responders in mail and telephone modes were not different, and the SIS score distribution did not indicate the presence of mode effects. Test-retest reliability was good to excellent in the mail group (0.77–0.99) except social participation (0.62). Test retest reliability was excellent in the telephone mode (0.90–0.99) except emotion (0.68). Conclusions:Telephone mode of survey administration yielded a higher response rate, less bias in responder selection, and higher test-retest reliability. The cost of telephone administration was 2times the cost of mail. Mode effects in SIS score distribution were not observed in this study but additional research with larger sample sizes is needed to provide more definitive evidence.
Least-squares Migration of Simultaneous Sources Data With a Deblurring Filter

We present the theory and numerical results for least-squares migration of traces generated by simultaneous sources. Numerical tests show that standard seismic data processing, such as stacking and migration, can effectively suppress some crosstalk associated with simultaneous sources data, and so can separate shot gathers from one another. In contrast, LSM can remove most of the noise from simultaneous sources data for up to 20 shots fired at nearly the same time. To reduce the high computational cost problem of LSM, we use a deblurring filter as a preconditioner to speed up the convergence rate of the conjugate gradient method by factors of 2-3. As a result, we get acceptable migration images after only a few iterations of LSM applied to multisource data.