Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Food-Borne Outbreak Investigation and Molecular Typing: High Diversity of Staphylococcus aureus Strains and Importance of Toxin Detection

Staphylococcus aureus is an important aetiological agent of food intoxications in the European Union as it can cause gastro-enteritis through the production of various staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) in foods. Reported enterotoxin dose levels causing food-borne illness are scarce and varying. Three food poisoning outbreaks due to enterotoxin-producing S. aureus strains which occurred in 2013 in Belgium are described. The outbreaks occurred in an elderly home, at a barbecue event and in a kindergarten and involved 28, 18, and six cases, respectively. Various food leftovers contained coagulase positive staphylococci (CPS). Low levels of staphylococcal enterotoxins ranging between 0.015 ng/g and 0.019 ng/g for enterotoxin A (SEA), and corresponding to 0.132 ng/g for SEC were quantified in the food leftovers for two of the reported outbreaks. Molecular typing of human and food isolates using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and enterotoxin gene typing, confirmed the link between patients and the suspected foodstuffs. This also demonstrated the high diversity of CPS isolates both in the cases and in healthy persons carrying enterotoxin genes encoding emetic SEs for which no detection methods currently exist. For one outbreak, the investigation pointed out to the food handler who transmitted the outbreak strain to the food. Tools to improve staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP) investigations are presented.
Effect of Plasma Calcium Concentration on the Metabolic Clearance Rate of Calcitonin in the Dog

Plasma immunoreactive calcitonin (iCT) levels generally are not elevated in chronic, nonmalignant, hypercalcemic states. Normocalcitoninemia might occur despite increased CT secretion if hypercalcemia itself accelerated the clearance of CT from the circulation. Therefore, we have measured the metabolic clearance rate (MCR) of human CT (hCT), infused to constant plasma levels in thyroparathyroidectomized dogs, under conditions of acute and chronic hypo- and hypercalcemia. Acute increases of plasma calcium were without significant effect on the MCR of hCT, but chronic hypercalcemia, induced by dihydrotachysterol treatment, reduced the MCR of hCT by 30% (P less than 0.05) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by 40% (P less than 0.02). There was a significant, positive correlation (r = 0.60, P less than 0.02) between GFR and the MCR of CT. The data suggest that failure to detect elevated iCT levels in chronic hypercalcemia is not the result of an increased MCR of CT. In fact, hypercalcemia should exaggerate the effect of increased CT secretion by decreasing the renal clearance of the hormone.
Do Higher Levels of Resilience Buffer the Deleterious Impact of Chronic Illness on Disability in Later Life?

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY In examining the ability of resilience, or the ability to navigate adversity in a manner that protects well-being, to buffer the impact of chronic disease onset on disability in later life, the authors tested 2 hypotheses: (a) People with greater levels of resilience will have lower levels of disability and (b) resilience will moderate the association between the onset of a new chronic condition and subsequent disability. DESIGN AND METHODS This study used a sample of 10,753 Americans between the ages of 51 and 98, derived from 3 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2010). Ordinary least squares regression was used to estimate the impact of resilience on changes in disability (measured as difficulty with activities of daily living [ADLs] and instrumental activities of daily living [IADLs]) over a 2-year period using a simplified resilience score. RESULTS Resilience protects against increases in ADL and IADL limitations that are often associated with aging. Resilience mitigates a considerable amount of the deleterious consequences related to the onset of chronic illness and subsequent disability. IMPLICATIONS Our results support our hypotheses and are consistent with claims that high levels of resilience can protect against the negative impact of disability in later life.
NEW VARIANTS OF EUROPEAN BROWN HARE SYNDROME VIRUS STRAINS IN FREE-RANGING EUROPEAN BROWN HARES (LEPUS EUROPAEUS) FROM SLOVAKIA

Investigations regarding European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV) in European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) in Slovakia were undertaken in order to detect the possible presence of EBHSV and to evaluate its phylogenetic position. Liver and/or serum samples were obtained from 135 European brown hares shot by hunters in eight regional hunting areas. From 36 animals corresponding liver and serum samples were available; from the remaining 49 and 50 animals only liver or serum samples were examined, respectively. Samples were tested for antibodies against EBHSV and for viral RNA by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and RT-PCR products were subsequently sequenced. Additionally, matrilinear hare haplotypes were analyzed in order to detect potential familial susceptibility to EBHSV. Sixty-three of 86 sera contained antibodies against EBHSV, whereas 15 of 85 liver samples were PCR positive. Of the latter, 14 were sequenced, revealing three new strains of EBHSV. Fifteen different matrilinear haplotypes were identified, but no correlation was found between haplotype and susceptibility to EBHSV infection. Our findings confirmed the existence of EBHSV in Slovakia and reinforce the need for determining EBHSV status when importing hares for restocking.
Public attitudes about the culpability and punishment of young offenders.

Opinions of 789 community adults were individually assessed, using a video-clip of an actual armed robbery and other measures, to determine whether attitudes toward the culpability and appropriate punishment of young offenders were linked to offenders' age, race, and physical appearance. Three major findings emerged: (1) community adults endorse the view that criminal choices of young offenders are influenced by their developmental immaturity and attribute more responsibility for the criminal act as the actor gets older; (2) the public has a relatively strong preference for differential treatment of juvenile and adult offenders; and (3) attitudes about culpability and punishment are not influenced by the culprit's race, physical maturity, or appearance of "toughness. " Indications that punitive public opinion toward youth crime may be changing and implications for juvenile justice policy of the study's findings are discussed.
Relationship Among Physical Activity Level, Mood and Anxiety States and Quality of Life in Physical Education Students

Background: Physical activity level (PAL) is known to play an important role in reducing risk factors associated with sedentarism, in addition to improving the mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Objective: Investigate the relationship of PAL and their domains with HRQL, mood state (MS) and anxiety. Method: 140 Physical Education students (23.6 ± 3.7 years) were evaluated. The Baecke Habitual Physical Activity and Quality of Life (QOL-36) questionnaires, State-Trait Anxiety Inventories (STAI-S and STAI-T) and Profile of Mood States (POMS) scale were used to investigate PAL, HRQL and mental health indicators. Pearson’s correlation coefficient examined the association between PAL and both mental health and HRQL parameters. Results: There was a correlation between state anxiety and both the domain leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) (p = 0.013) and total PAL score (p = 0.010). In relation to MS, a negative correlation was found between LTPA and total mood disorder (TMD) (p = 0.004). However, there were positive correlations between the vigor subscale and both LTPA (p=0.001) and total PAL (p=0.019). With respect to HRQL, analysis of the relationship between LTPA and total PAL demonstrated positive coefficients with the physical component summary (PCS) (p=0.000; p = 0.005), mental component summary (MCS) (p = 0.000; p = 0.006) and total HRQL (p = 0.000; p = 0.003). Conclusion: The findings suggest that the rise in LTPA was related to an increase in HRQL and MS. However, PAL was positively related to anxiety.
Household Deleveraging and Saving Rates: A Cross-Country Analysis

A number of economists argue that household deleveraging can exert a significant drag on the economic recovery by weighing on consumption. Using a sample of OECD countries, this paper finds evidence of a negative relationship between household saving rates and changes in debt-to-income ratios. This relationship is however asymmetric, being statistically and economically more significant during debt build-ups than in deleveraging periods. Moreover, the effect of declining debt ratios on saving is only significant in economies where consumer credit is widespread. Results therefore suggest that the upward adjustment in saving rates associated with household deleveraging may widely differ across countries and may be overestimated for several economies.
Urinary Bactericidal Activity of Extended-Release Ciprofloxacin (1,000 Milligrams) versus Levofloxacin (500 Milligrams) in Healthy Volunteers Receiving a Single Oral Dose

ABSTRACT Twelve volunteers received a single oral dose of 1,000 mg extended-release (XR) ciprofloxacin versus 500 mg levofloxacin to assess urinary bactericidal titers (UBTs) against common uropathogens. Areas under UBT-time curves were significantly larger for Proteus mirabilis with XR ciprofloxacin and for staphylococci with levofloxacin.
Long-term outcomes following full macular translocation surgery in neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Background/aims Long-term data of macular translocation for choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration is lacking. Therefore, we describe the 3-year acuity outcomes. Methods This is a retrospective, interventional case series consisting of 40 consecutive patients who underwent translocation between 2003 and 2008. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the most recent follow-up visit was compared to that of the 1 year and pre-operative visits. Delayed post-operative complications were recorded, as diagnosed by clinical examination, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence imaging and angiography. Results The mean (range) follow-up duration was 37.6 months (range 12.4–67.4 months). Median BCVA values were 0.80, 0.70 and 0.78 log(MAR) at the baseline, 1 year and most recent visits (p=0.13). A three-line gain in BCVA was seen in 12 (30%) patients at 1 year and 10 (25%) patients at the last observation. Twenty-seven (68%) patients achieved a BCVA of 6/60 or better and six (15%) patients, 6/12 or better at the final visit. In the subset of the cohort followed for two or more years, 24 of 32 patients (75%) achieved a BCVA of 6/60 at 1 year but six of these (25%) lost two lines of BCVA thereafter due to recurrent CNV, idiopathic macular oedema, macular hole or macular pucker. Recurrent CNV developed in nine patients (23%) within the first 2 years and their final mean VA was 6/30. Conclusions With close post-operative monitoring and early treatment of delayed complications, 25% of this cohort maintained a three-line gain in acuity at 3 years after macular translocation.
Awareness of risk factors among persons at risk for lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and sleep apnea: a Canadian population-based study.

OBJECTIVE To assess awareness among persons at risk for lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and sleep apnea regarding symptoms and risk factors of the disease, and their attitudes regarding the disease and toward those who are affected. METHODS A quantitative hybrid telephone and Internet survey of a representative population of Canadian adults at risk for at least one of the three diseases was conducted. To measure the awareness and attitudes of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people to these diseases, a proportionate number were also surveyed. RESULTS A total of 3626 individuals were contacted. Of these, 3036 (84%) were eligible to participate. Of those at risk for lung cancer and COPD, 65% and 69%, respectively, were due to tobacco smoke exposure. Among those at risk, 72% believed that they were informed about lung cancer compared with 36% for COPD and 56% for sleep apnea. Most respondents were knowledgeable about the common symptoms of lung cancer, COPD and sleep apnea, but were less aware of the impact lifestyle choices could have on the development of these disorders and the availability of treatment. Most of the participants (77%) believed that smoking was an addiction rather than a habit (19%). There were no significant differences in the awareness of risk factors, symptoms and attitudes toward all three lung diseases between First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and the general population. CONCLUSIONS Canadians are reasonably aware of risk factors and symptoms for lung cancer and sleep apnea. However, there is poor awareness of COPD as a disease entity. There is a lack of appreciation for the impact lifestyle choices and changes can have on lung diseases.
Combined electroencephalography–functional magnetic resonance imaging and electrical source imaging improves localization of pediatric focal epilepsy

Surgical treatment in epilepsy is effective if the epileptogenic zone (EZ) can be correctly localized and characterized. Here we use simultaneous electroencephalography–functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG‐fMRI) data to derive EEG‐fMRI and electrical source imaging (ESI) maps. Their yield and their individual and combined ability to (1) localize the EZ and (2) predict seizure outcome were then evaluated.
The role of stearoyl‐CoA desaturase in obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation

Stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) is an essential lipogenic enzyme that has been shown to play an intrinsic role in the development of obesity and related conditions, such as insulin resistance. Through the generation of various mouse models of SCD1 deficiency, we have come to understand that SCD1 plays a role, directly or indirectly, in diverse metabolic processes, including lipogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, insulin signaling, thermogenesis, and inflammation. This review will address recent advances in our understanding of this key regulator of cellular metabolic processes, including the role of SCD1 in maintaining skin barrier integrity and the role of skin SCD1 in the metabolic phenotype elicited by global SCD1 deficiency.
New agents for bacillus Calmette–Guérin-refractory nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer

Purpose of review Radical cystectomy is the standard of care for patients who fail intravesical bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). For patients unwilling or unable to undergo cystectomy, numerous local therapies exist, although few are approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This review describes available therapies for this challenging clinical entity. Recent findings Combination intravesical chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and drug delivery enhancement have all been under recent investigation and are promising, although none has proven superior as of yet. Summary While BCG is standard treatment for intermediate and high-risk NMIBC, many patients fail therapy with recurrence or progression. Early cystectomy is the standard of care for BCG failure; however, many patients are unwilling or unable to undergo cystectomy. Multiple intravesical therapies have been used in this BCG failure population with moderate success, and, recently, technologies to improve drug delivery or create novel drugs have also been applied. Comparing efficacy of these therapies remain challenging as study cohorts are heterogeneous and study designs are variable. However, there are an increasing number of novel treatment options that can be offered to patients faced with recurrent NMIBC after BCG who seek bladder-sparing therapy.
Why primary care physicians join HMOs.

OBJECTIVE To determine the reasons why primary care physicians affiliate with health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and assess how these reasons vary with personal and practice characteristics. STUDY DESIGN A 1996 national telephone/mail survey of primary care physicians who were affiliated with at least 1 HMO plan for more than 9 months. METHODS Survey responses were assessed according to geographic region, age, income, level of involvement in managed care, and HMO penetration rate. The sample consisted of 210 primary care physicians who played a role in the decision to affiliate. RESULTS The overwhelming reason primary care physicians affiliated with an HMO was to retain patients. Eighty-three percent reported this as one of the reasons for affiliating and 59% reported it as the primary reason. Physicians with the greatest portion of income from managed care and physicians practicing in areas with high HMO penetration were most likely to report quality of life issues--such as more personal time, more predictable work hours, or reduced administrative burden--as the rationale for HMO plan affiliation. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the view that the majority of HMO-affiliated physicians join HMOs to avoid a perceived penalty associated with lack of affiliation, rather than for positive reasons. The data also suggest that physicians with managed care experience affiliate more often for quality of life reasons.
Relationship Between Patient SWAP-200 Personality Characteristics and Therapist-Rated Therapeutic Alliance Early in Treatment

Abstract In the present study, we assess the extent to which patient personality features and prototypes are associated with early treatment therapist-rated alliance. The study sample consisted of 94 patients receiving psychodynamic psychotherapy at an outpatient clinic. Clinicians completed the Working Alliance Inventory (J Couns Psychol 36:223–233; Psychother Res 9:405–423) to assess their views of early alliance and the Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure 200 (SWAP-200; Assessment 5:333–353, Am J Psychiatry 161:1350–1365, 1743–1754; Am J Psychiatry 156:258–272, 273–285) to assess patient personality. The SWAP-200 Narcissistic Clinical Prototype, Dysphoric Q-Factor, and Dysphoric/High-Functioning Neurotic Q-Subfactor significantly correlated with early therapist-rated alliance. Correlations that trended toward significance were also found. Also identified were specific SWAP-200 items that were found to relate to high early therapist-rated alliance scores. These results demonstrate some relationship, albeit small, between patient personality characteristics and therapists’ views of the alliance that may serve to further a conceptual understanding of the alliance, specific personality syndromes, and the associated impact on the therapeutic interaction.
Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for osteoid osteoma: How we do it

Abstract Aims and Objectives: To describe our technique for performing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in osteoid osteoma and to evaluate the results of treatment. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 40 patients in whom RFA was performed for osteoid osteomas between October 2005 and February 2008. The lesions were located in the femur (n = 22), tibia (n = 10), humerus (n = 2), acetabulum (n = 2), radius (n = 1), fibula (n = 1), patella (n = 1), and calcaneum (n = 1). The procedure was performed using a standard technique. Results: Technical success was achieved in all patients, with intranidal localization of the needle and complete ablation. All patients were fully weight bearing 2-3 h after the procedure. Successful pain relief was achieved in all patients within 48 h. Immediate complications included a case of minor thermal skin burn and a small cortical chip fracture, which healed on its own. There were no delayed complications. The average follow-up period was 12 months. Two patients (5% of cases) had recurrence of pain after intervals of 5 and 8 months, respectively, following the ablation; this was due to recurrence of the lesion. Complete pain relief was however achieved after a second ablation in both cases. Thus, our primary and secondary clinical success rates were 95 and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: RFA is a safe, quick, minimally invasive, and extremely effective method for the management of osteoid osteomas.
Hydrogen sulfide modulates eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) phosphorylation status in the integrated stress-response pathway

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) regulates various physiological processes, including neuronal activity, vascular tone, inflammation, and energy metabolism. Moreover, H2S elicits cytoprotective effects against stressors in various cellular models of injury. However, the mechanism of the signaling pathways mediating the cytoprotective functions of H2S is not well understood. We previously uncovered a heme-dependent metabolic switch for transient induction of H2S production in the trans-sulfuration pathway. Here, we demonstrate that increased endogenous H2S production or its exogenous administration modulates major components of the integrated stress response promoting a metabolic state primed for stress response. We show that H2S transiently increases phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α) resulting in inhibition of general protein synthesis. The H2S-induced increase in eIF2α phosphorylation was mediated at least in part by inhibition of protein phosphatase-1 (PP1c) via persulfidation at Cys-127. Overexpression of a PP1c cysteine mutant (C127S-PP1c) abrogated the H2S effect on eIF2α phosphorylation. Our data support a model in which H2S exerts its cytoprotective effect on ISR signaling by inducing a transient adaptive reprogramming of global mRNA translation. Although a transient increase in endogenous H2S production provides cytoprotection, its chronic increase such as in cystathionine β-synthase deficiency may pose a problem.
An outbreak of mumps with genetic strain variation in a highly vaccinated student population in Scotland

SUMMARY An outbreak of mumps within a student population in Scotland was investigated to assess the effect of previous vaccination on infection and clinical presentation, and any genotypic variation. Of the 341 cases, 79% were aged 18–24. Vaccination status was available for 278 cases of whom 84% had received at least one dose of mumps containing vaccine and 62% had received two. The complication rate was 5·3% (mainly orchitis), and 1·2% were admitted to hospital. Genetic sequencing of mumps virus isolated from cases across Scotland classified 97% of the samples as genotype G. Two distinct clusters of genotype G were identified, one circulating before the outbreak and the other thereafter, suggesting the virus that caused this outbreak was genetically different from the previously circulating virus. Whilst the poor vaccine effectiveness we found may be due to waning immunity over time, a contributing factor may be that the current mumps vaccine is less effective against some genotypes. Although the general benefits of the measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccine should continue to be promoted, there may be value in reassessing the UK vaccination schedule and the current mumps component of the MMR vaccine.