Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of the presence of auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) on outcomes of children at three years of age

Abstract Objective: To determine the influence of the presence of auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) on speech, language, and psycho-social development of children at three years of age. Design: A population-based, longitudinal study was performed on outcomes of children with hearing impairment (LOCHI) in Australia. The demographic characteristics of the children were described, and their developmental outcomes were evaluated at three years of age. Performance of children with ANSD was compared with that of children without ANSD in the LOCHI study. Study sample: There were 47 children with ANSD in the study sample. Results: Sixty-four percent of children with ANSD have hearing sensitivity loss ranging from mild to severe degree, and the remaining have profound hearing loss. At three years, 27 children used hearing aids, 19 used cochlear implants, and one child did not use any hearing device. Thirty percent of children have disabilities in addition to hearing loss. On average, there were no significant differences in performance level between children with and without ANSD. Also, the variability of scores was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: There was no significant difference in performance levels or variability between children with and without ANSD, both for children who use hearing aids, and children who use cochlear implants.
IMMUNOGLOBULINS ON THE SURFACE OF THYMUS-DERIVED CELLS ENGAGED IN THE INITIATION OF A HUMORAL IMMUNE RESPONSE

Preculture treatment of normal spleen cells with antiserum against mouse kappa light chains and complement was found to inhibit in vitro responses of these cells to TNP and erythrocyte (carrier) antigens, primarily by elimination of a thymus-derived helper component required for the response. Spleen populations inactivated in this way could be reconstituted with irradiated, carrier-immune spleen cells or with carrier-educated thymus-derived spleen cells. The ability of helper populations (i.e. irradiated, carrier-immune spleen cells or carrier-educated thymus-derived spleen cells) to enhance the response of normal spleen cells to hapten was eliminated by pretreatment of the helper cells with anti-kappa serum and complement. No significant effect of anti-kappa and complement treatment on precursor cell populations in normal spleen or bone-marrow-derived spleen could be demonstrated. The data are interpreted as evidence for the presence of immunoglobulin components. The function of these molecules is not established but it would be reasonable to assume that they are involved in antigen recognition, on the surface of thymus-derived cells.
Modelling the interactions between herpes simplex virus type 2 and HIV: implications for the HIV epidemic in southern India

Background The role of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in the HIV epidemic and the potential impact of HSV-2 suppressive therapy have previously been explored only within the context of sub-Saharan Africa. In this analysis, modelling is used to estimate the contribution of HSV-2 to HIV transmission from clients to female sex workers (FSW) in a southern Indian setting and the maximum potential impact of ‘perfect’ HSV-2 suppressive therapy on HIV incidence. Methods A dynamic HSV-2/HIV model was developed, parameterised and fitted to Mysore data. The model estimated the attributable fractions of HIV infections due to HSV-2. Multivariate sensitivity analyses and regression analyses were conducted. Results The model suggests that 36% (95% CI 22% to 62%) of FSW HIV infections were due to HSV-2, mostly through HSV-2 asymptomatic shedding. Even if HSV-2 suppressive therapy could eliminate the effect of HSV-2 on HIV infectivity among all co-infected clients, only 15% (95% CI 3% to 41%) of HIV infections among FSW would have been averted. 36% (95% CI 18% to 61%) of HIV infections among HSV-2-infected FSW could have been averted if suppressive therapy reduced their risk of HIV acquisition to that of HSV-2-uninfected FSW. Conclusions HSV-2 contributes substantially to HIV in this southern Indian context. However, even in the best case scenario, HSV-2 suppressive therapy is unlikely to reduce HIV transmission or acquisition by more than 50% (as aimed for in recent trials), because of the limited strength of the interaction effect between HSV-2 and HIV.
Sirolimus‐associated hepatotoxicity in the kidney graft recipient

The aim of our paper was to describe hepatotoxicity of sirolimus (SRL) in a kidney graft recipient. We report the case of a 30‐year‐old male after kidney transplantation, treated with steroids, cyclosporin A and SRL, with steroid‐resistant acute rejection in anamnesis. At 16th month after transplantation, elevation of serum aminotransfereases was observed. After exclusion of common reasons of this condition, liver biopsy was performed. Nonspecific changes were observed, with probability of drug‐induced injury. SRL was changed to mycophenolate mofetil, which was followed by quick normalization of serum aminotransferase levels. Hepatoxicity is a rare complication of SRL therapy and may be connected with some diagnostic and/or therapeutic problems. Conversion to another immunosuppressant seems to be an appropriate procedure in this condition.
How do cells respond to their thermal environment?

Changes in growth temperature induce both activating and inactivating responses from cells, with the magnitude of the temperature change being among the factors that influence which type of response dominates. Aside from upregulated enzyme activity, induction of thermotolerance is the most widely studied and best understood activating response that cells exhibit following heat shock. Inactivating responses to heat shock that are of biomedical interest include heat radiosensitization and cytotoxicity. Interestingly, the activation energy for inducing thermotolerance, heat cytotoxicity, and radiosensitization all fall within a similar range of 120–146 kcal per mole. The relatively high activation energy for each of these responses suggests that they all involve a heat-induced molecular transition as a trigger, and several lines of research suggest strongly that protein denaturation is the common transition that triggers all three responses. Low levels of protein denaturation are sufficient to attract the 90 kDa heat shock protein (HSP90) such that it frees up heat shock factor 1, which then trimerizes to form an active transcription factor that upregulates expression of heat shock proteins. Upregulation of heat shock proteins and other heat-induced events result in the development of thermotolerance, which protects cells from subsequent exposure to heat shock and other stresses. A more severe heat shock increases protein denaturation proportionately and leads to aggregation of both denatured and native proteins. This results in inactivation of protein synthesis, cell cycle progression, and DNA repair processes such that cells either die or are sensitized to radiation and other cytotoxic events. The ultimate fate of cells following a heat shock depends upon the summation of the activation and inactivation events that are induced, which appears to be governed by the resultant magnitude of protein denaturation and aggregation. Treatments that stabilize cellular proteins against denaturation and aggregation reduce the magnitude of inactivating responses while increasing that of activating responses for a given heat shock (time at temperature), while treatments that sensitize proteins to denaturation and aggreation have the converse effect. These findings support the conclusion that the determinant of the cellular response to heat shock is the amount of heat-induced protein denaturation and aggregation and not the time at temperature.
Polyamine deficiency leads to accumulation of reactive oxygen species in a spe2Δ mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have previously shown that polyamine‐deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae are very sensitive to incubation in oxygen. The current studies show that, even under more physiological conditions (i.e. growth in air), polyamine‐deficient cells accumulate reactive oxygen species (ROS). These cells develop an apoptotic phenotype and, after incubation in polyamine‐deficient medium, die. To show a specific effect of polyamines on ROS accumulation, uncomplicated by any effects on growth, spermine was added to spermidine‐deficient spe2Δ fms1Δ cells, since spermine does not affect the growth of this strain. In this strain, spermine addition caused a marked, but not complete, decrease in the accumulation of ROS and a moderate protection against cell death. In other experiments with polyamine‐deficient cells containing plasmids that overexpress superoxide dismutases (SOD1, SOD2), ROS decreased but with only a partial protection against cell death. Polyamine‐deficient cells incubated anaerobically show markedly less cell death. These data show that part of the function of polyamines is protection of the cells from accumulation of ROS. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure of toroidal DNA collapsed inside the phage capsid

The structure of DNA toroids made of individual DNA molecules of various lengths (3,000 to 55,000 bp) was studied, by using partially filled bacteriophage capsids in conjunction with cryoelectron microscopy. The tetravalent cation spermine was diffused through the capsid to condense the DNA under conditions that were chosen to produce a hexagonal packing. Our results demonstrate that the frustration arising between chirality and hexagonal packing leads to the formation of twist walls; the correlation between helices combined with their strong curvature impose variations of the DNA helical pitch.
The role of everolimus-eluting and resolute zotarolimus-eluting stents in the treatment of coronary bifurcations.

OBJECTIVES To compare the long-term clinical outcomes of everolimus-eluting (EES) and Resolute zotarolimus-eluting (R-ZES) stents in the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions. BACKGROUND Recent studies have suggested that the R-ZES is comparable to the EES in the treatment of de novo coronary artery disease. Available data on how these compare in the treatment of bifurcation lesions are limited. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed consecutive de novo bifurcation lesions, including left main stem lesions, treated with either EES or R-ZES between October 2006 and October 2011. Study endpoints examined included major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), defined as the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), including periprocedural MI, and target vessel revascularization (TVR). Target lesion revascularization (TLR) per patient and per bifurcation as well as stent thrombosis (ST) were also analyzed. RESULTS We identified 235 bifurcation lesions treated with either EES (157 lesions in 154 patients) or R-ZES (78 lesions in 73 patients). Baseline clinical and procedural characteristics were broadly similar between the two groups. No significant differences in MACE (14.6% vs 11.5%; P=.99) or TVR (8.0% vs 7.3%; P=.45) rates were noted between the two groups at 2-year follow-up. The incidence of ST was low and similar in both groups (0% vs 1.4%). CONCLUSIONS EES and R-ZES are associated with acceptable and comparable long-term clinical outcomes when used in the treatment of bifurcation lesions. Further evaluation into the role of currently available drug-eluting stents in bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention is required.
Subgroups of refusers in a disability prevention trial in older adults: baseline and follow-up analysis.

OBJECTIVES This study explored differences between refusers and participants in a longitudinal study with extensive baseline and follow-up information. METHODS Results of a trial comparing 791 participants and 401 community-residing older adults who refused to participate in a study concerning preventive home visits were examined. Information was collected from interviews, insurance records, and government files. RESULTS Despite similarities in terms of age, sex, and self-perceived health at baseline, 3-year follow-up data indicated that refusers had a 1.58-fold higher risk of entering a nursing home than participants. There were additional differences between refusers and participants when refusers were categorized in 4 subgroups based on self-reported reason for refusal (too ill, too healthy, no interest, and other reasons). CONCLUSIONS Future studies should include follow-up data to allow comparisons between refusers and participants and should address the presence of multiple subgroups of refusers.
Service and support needs of Australian carers supporting a family member with disability at home

Abstract Background As part of an international, multicentre project, the service and support needs of Australian family carers were investigated. Method A sample of 1,390, 448 family carers completed a self-report survey, including an adaptation of the Family Needs Survey (FNS) and several open-ended questions. A mixed method design was used, employing quantitative and qualitative analyses. Results On the FNS the most frequently endorsed items were those relating to the need for information about services and, in particular, future, out-of-home accommodation. Similarly, the need for respite services was endorsed by over 80% of respondents. Comments indicated that access to and the quality of respite, day support, and therapy programs were a priority. Conclusions Participants expressed the need for greater access to information. Access to appropriate respite options, together with quality day support and therapy services, remain a priority for family carers.
A hindbrain segmental scaffold specifying neuronal location in the adult goldfish, Carassius auratus

The vertebrate hindbrain develops as a series of well‐defined neuroepithelial segments or rhombomeres. While rhombomeres are visible in all vertebrate embryos, generally there is not any visible segmental anatomy in the brains of adults. Teleost fish are exceptional in retaining a rhombomeric pattern of reticulospinal neurons through embryonic, larval, and adult periods. We use this feature to map more precisely the segmental imprint in the reticular and motor basal hindbrain of adult goldfish. Analysis of serial sections cut in three planes and computer reconstructions of retrogradely labeled reticulospinal neurons yielded a segmental framework compatible with previous reports and more amenable to correlation with surrounding neuronal features. Cranial nerve motoneurons and octavolateral efferent neurons were aligned to the reticulospinal scaffold by mapping neurons immunopositive for choline acetyltransferase or retrogradely labeled from cranial nerve roots. The mapping corresponded well with the known ontogeny of these neurons and helps confirm the segmental territories defined by reticulospinal anatomy. Because both the reticulospinal and the motoneuronal segmental patterns persist in the hindbrain of adult goldfish, we hypothesize that a permanent “hindbrain framework” may be a general property that is retained in adult vertebrates. The establishment of a relationship between individual segments and neuronal phenotypes provides a convenient method for future studies that combine form, physiology, and function in adult vertebrates. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2446–2464, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vertebral fracture assessment using a semiquantitative technique

The assessment of vertebral fracture by conventional radiography has been refined and improved using either semiquantitative or quantitative criteria. The inter‐ and intraobserver variability was determined for a semiquantitative visual approach that we routinely use in clinical studies for assessing prevalent and incident vertebral fractures. In addition, the semiquantitative approach was compared with a quantitative morpho‐metric approach. The incidence and prevalence of vertebral fractures were determined in 57 postmenopausal women (age 65–75 years) by three independent observers. The radiographic basis for fracture definitions and the source of interpretative errors are illustrated. The results show excellent intraobserver agreement and good interobserver agreement for the semiquantitative technique. We conclude that the semiquantitative approach can be applied reliably in vertebral fracture assessment when performed using well‐defined criteria.
Prevalence of Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Infections in the United States Predominated by Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract Background Carbapenem-resistant (CR) Gram-negative pathogens are recognized as a major health concern. This study examined the prevalence of infections due to 4 CR Gram-negative species (Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli) in the United States and assessed their impact on hospital stays and mortality. Methods Hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed infection due to any of the 4 Gram-negative pathogens were identified from the Premier Healthcare Database. Proportions of CR were calculated by pathogen and infection site (blood, respiratory, urinary, or other) for the United States as whole and by census regions. Crude and adjusted odds ratios for in-hospital mortality were produced using logistic regression. Results From 2009 to 2013, 13 262 (4.5%) of 292 742 infections due to these 4 Gram-negative pathogens were CR. Of these CR infections, 82.3% were caused by A. baumannii (22%) or P. aeruginosa (60.3%), while 17.7% were caused by K. pneumoniae or E. coli. CR patients had longer hospital stays than carbapenem-susceptible (CS) patients in all pathogen-infection site cohorts, except in the A. baumannii-respiratory cohort. The crude all cause in-hospital mortality was greater for most pathogen-infection site cohorts of the CR group compared with the CS group, especially for A. baumannii infection in the blood (crude odds ratio [OR], 3.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.69–5.70). This difference for the A. baumannii-blood cohort remained after adjusting for the relevant covariates (adjusted OR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.43–4.22). Conclusion The majority of CR infections and disease burden in the United States was caused by nonfermenters A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa. Patients with CR infections had longer hospital stays and higher crude in-hospital mortality.
Should pension funds hedge currency risk? The case of Poland

ABSTRACT In this study, we identify the optimal hedge ratio for mandatory pension funds, defining the optimum as the value that minimizes the portfolio variance in accordance with the social objective of the mandatory pension system. Unlike most previous studies, we apply a dynamic framework to account for a regular inflow of contributions and impose specific investment constraints that make the simulation more realistic. Our outcomes challenge the conventional knowledge concerning the need for currency hedging. We discover that in the case of Poland, shortening the currency positions is undesirable, as it amplifies the portfolio variance. Moreover, we provide evidence that pension funds should internationalize their portfolios even further to fully exploit the available diversification gains. Finally, the obtained simulation results are matched with real data. The comparison presented tends to beg the question of how to overcome the home bias phenomenon.
Clarifying misconceptions about compassionate care.

AIM To discuss the meaning of compassionate care as it applies to staff, patients and families in health and social care settings, its application to practice and how organizational infrastructures affect the delivery of care. BACKGROUND The term compassion has assumed headline status and inclusion in current health and social care policy. Clarity of what the term means in practice is needed and may help to promote delivery of compassionate care consistently across health and social care settings. DESIGN Discussion paper. DATA SOURCES This article draws on data from an action research programme (Leadership in Compassionate Care Programme, 2007-2011) that focused on embedding compassionate care into practice and education and related literature focused on compassionate person-centred care. A literature search was conducted and articles published in English relating to the terms compassionate, person-centred care between 1999-2011 were included. DISCUSSION Perceptions of compassion, practising compassion and the infrastructure to support compassion are discussed. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING It is anticipated that this discussion will prompt further debate, raise awareness and help to clarify the meaning of compassion in everyday practice with patients, relatives and staff, so that it can be more clearly named, valued and defended. CONCLUSION This article challenges some of the beliefs and values that underpin the meaning of compassionate care and its application to practice. It brings greater clarity to the meaning of compassion, which could be used to form the basis of shared visions of caring, both strategic and operational, across organizations.
Noninvasive Continuous Arterial Blood Pressure Monitoring with Nexfin®

Background: If invasive measurement of arterial blood pressure is not warranted, finger cuff technology can provide continuous and noninvasive monitoring. Finger and radial artery pressures differ; Nexfin® (BMEYE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) measures finger arterial pressure and uses physiologic reconstruction methodologies to obtain values comparable to invasive pressures. Methods: Intra-arterial pressure (IAP) and noninvasive Nexfin arterial pressure (NAP) were measured in cardiothoracic surgery patients, because invasive pressures are available. NAP-IAP differences were analyzed during 30 min. Tracking was quantified by within-subject precision (SD of individual NAP-IAP differences) and correlation coefficients. The ranges of pressure change were quantified by within-subject variability (SD of individual averages of NAP and IAP). Accuracy and precision were expressed as group average ± SD of the differences and considered acceptable when smaller than 5 ± 8 mmHg, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation criteria. Results: NAP and IAP were obtained in 50 (34–83 yr, 40 men) patients. For systolic, diastolic, mean arterial, and pulse pressure, median (25–75 percentiles) correlation coefficients were 0.96 (0.91–0.98), 0.93 (0.87–0.96), 0.96 (0.90–0.97), and 0.94 (0.85–0.98), respectively. Within-subject precisions were 4 ± 2, 3 ± 1, 3 ± 2, and 3 ± 2 mmHg, and within-subject variations 13 ± 6, 6 ± 3, 9 ± 4, and 7 ± 4 mmHg, indicating precision over a wide range of pressures. Group average ± SD of the NAP-IAP differences were −1 ± 7, 3 ± 6, 2 ± 6, and −3 ± 4 mmHg, meeting criteria. Differences were not related to mean arterial pressure or heart rate. Conclusion: Arterial blood pressure can be measured noninvasively and continuously using physiologic pressure reconstruction. Changes in pressure can be followed and values are comparable to invasive monitoring.
The effect of organisational size and age on position and paradigm innovation

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to knowledge and theory on innovation in small and medium-sized organisations (SMEs) by exploring the role of size and age on organisational engagement with position and paradigm innovation. , – Data on organisational characteristics, including age and size, and engagement with position and paradigm innovation was collected as part of a questionnaire based survey of food sector SMEs in the UK. Structural equation modelling was used to identify the existence of any significant relationships between engagement with position and paradigm innovation and organisational age and size. , – Findings suggest that organisational engagement with position and paradigm innovation is not affected by either age or size. , – Prior research, based primarily on process and product innovation, has generated contradictory results regarding whether size or age effect innovation. This study contributes by focusing on the previously unexplored concepts of position and paradigm innovation.