Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic involvement in melioidosis.

CONTEXT Melioidosis is endemic to tropical regions and, despite the common occurrence of intra-abdominal abscesses, pancreatic involvement in melioidosis has not previously been reported. OBJECTIVE We report our experience with pancreatic melioidosis. PATIENTS All 65 patients treated for melioidosis who had computed tomography (CT) scans were identified from prospective databases and were retrospectively reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES A detailed review of cases with pancreas involvement was carried out. RESULTS There were four cases (three males and one female; median age 29.5 years, range: 25-48 years) with pancreatic melioidosis, giving a prevalence of 6.2%. All had predisposing conditions (two had poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and two had thalassemia) for melioidosis. Fever (100%), anorexia (100%), weight loss (100%), rigor (75%) and abdominal pain (75%) were the most common symptoms at presentation and the median duration of symptoms before presentation was six weeks (range: 2-8 weeks). All pancreatic abscesses were detected on CT scan. Multiple foci involvement was common (3 to 6 sites): blood (4 patients), liver (3 patients), psoas muscle (2 patients), spleen (2 patients), infected ascites (2 patients) and lung (1 patient). Pancreatic involvement ranged from multi-focal micro-abscesses to focal large abscesses and involved all parts of the pancreas (body 100%, head 75% and tail 50%). Associated pancreatic findings included splenic vein thrombosis, peripancreatic inflammation and peripancreatic fat streaking. All the pancreatic abscesses were resolved with antibiotics without requiring pancreatic abscess drainage (including one patient who died from disseminated melioidosis). CONCLUSION Pancreatic involvement typically occurs as part of multi-organ involvement and commonly manifests as multifoci micro-abscesses. Associated pancreatic abnormalities were also common. All responded to treatment without requiring drainage.
Temporal triangular alopecia: Trichoscopic diagnosis

newly emerging potentially hazardous microorganism should not be overlooked. The recent report describing isolation of this species from the bed cover linen in a body polishing facility of a hot spa in Japan may suggest possible prevalent but unrecognized distribution of this pathogen in this country, while epidemiology was unclear for the present sporadic case of infection. Duarte et al. reported possible alteration of characteristics of M. massiliense to obtain the unusual resistance to disinfectants during the treatment. The outbreaks of M. massiliense infections after surgeries as reported from Brazil and i.m. injections as reported from Korea may be partly explained by the similar alteration in resistance to disinfectants. It has been reported that M. massiliense are usually susceptible to clarithromycin and amikacin but resistant to ciprofloxacin. Susceptibility to doxycycline was valuable. The present isolated M. massiliense showed susceptibility to antibiotics for clarithromycin and levofloxacin but not for amikacin. Susceptibility characteristics of this pathogen to antibiotics should be further investigated for each isolate to establish a better therapeutic regimen. Finally, it should be noted that the DNA–DNA hybridization method based on the 16S rRNA gene that has been routinely performed in this country is unable to distinguish M. massiliense from M. abscessus, as shown in the present study. Therefore, the multi-locus sequencing approach for hsp65, rpoB and 16S–23S rRNA ITS is required in distinguishing M. massiliense from M. abscessus and related species.
Direct imaging constraints on planet populations detected by microlensing

Results from gravitational microlensing suggested the existence of a large population of free-floating planetary mass objects. The main conclusion from this work was partly based on constraints from a direct imaging survey. This survey determined upper limits for the frequency of stars that harbor giant exoplanets at large orbital separations. Aims. We want to verify to what extent upper limits from direct imaging do indeed constrain the microlensing results. We examine the current derivation of the upper limits used in the microlensing study and re-analyze the data from the corresponding imaging survey. We focus on the mass and semi-major axis ranges that are most relevant in context of the microlensing results. We also consider new results from a recent M-dwarf imaging survey as these objects are typically the host stars for planets detected by microlensing. We find that the upper limits currently applied in context of the microlensing results are probably underestimated. This means that a larger fraction of stars than assumed may harbor gas giant planets at larger orbital separations. Also, the way the upper limit is currently used to estimate the fraction of free-floating objects is not strictly correct. If the planetary surface density of giant planets around M-dwarfs is described as df_Planet ~ a^beta da, we find that beta ~ 0.5 - 0.6 is consistent with results from different observational studies probing semi-major axes between ~0.03 - 30 AU. Having a higher upper limit on the fraction of stars that may have gas giant planets at orbital separations probed by the microlensing data implies that more of the planets detected in the microlensing study are potentially bound to stars rather than free-floating. The current observational data are consistent with a rising planetary surface density for giant exoplanets around M-dwarfs out to ~30 AU.
Function and glycosylation of plant-derived antiviral monoclonal antibody

Plant genetic engineering led to the production of plant-derived mAb (mAbP), which provides a safe and economically feasible alternative to the current methods of antibody production in animal systems. In this study, the heavy and light chains of human anti-rabies mAb were expressed and assembled in planta under the control of two strong constitutive promoters. An alfalfa mosaic virus untranslated leader sequence and Lys-Asp-Glu-Leu (KDEL) endoplasmic reticulum retention signal were linked at the N and C terminus of the heavy chain, respectively. mAbP was as effective at neutralizing the activity of the rabies virus as the mammalian-derived antibody (mAbM) or human rabies Ig (HRIG). The mAbP contained mainly oligomannose type N-glycans (90%) and had no potentially antigenic α(1,3)-linked fucose residues. mAbP had a shorter half-life than mAbM. The mAbP was as efficient as HRIG for post-exposure prophylaxis against rabies virus in hamsters, indicating that differences in N-glycosylation do not affect the efficacy of the antibody in this model.
Confirmation of postcholecystectomy biliary dyskinesia by elevation of serum transaminases (GOT and GPT) after injection of morphine?

Abstract. In 39 cholecystectomized patients and 62 patients without previous cholecystectomy the effect of i.m. injection of morphine on the serum concentrations of bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, GOT, GPT, LDH and amylase has been studied. Most of the cholecystectomized patients in whom the injection of morphine provoked a reaction of abdominal pain showed increased serum activity of both GOT and GPT 8 hours after the injection of morphine. The results suggest that this “morphine-enzyme-pain provocation” may be helpful in differentiating dyskinesia of the sphincter Oddi from other postcholecystectomy abdominal complaints.
Strategy-as-practice

This review maps and critically evaluates the rapidly growing body of research in the strategy-as-practice field. Following an introduction on the emergence and foundations of strategy-as-practice, the review is structured in three main parts, based on the terminology, issues and research agendas outlined in the field. First, the paper examines the concepts of practitioners and praxis. A typology of nine possible domains for strategy-as-practice research is developed, based on the way that different studies conceptualize the strategy practitioner and the level of strategy praxis that they aim to explain. Second, the paper reviews the concept of practices, which has been adopted widely but inconsistently within the strategy-aspractice literature. While there is no dominant view on practices, the review maps the various concepts of practices that inform the strategy-as-practice field and outlines avenues for future research. The final section attends to the call for strategy-as-practice research to develop and substantiate outcomes that may better explain or inform strategy praxis. Five categories of outcomes are found within existing empirical studies and an agenda for building upon this evidence is advanced. The paper concludes with a summation of the current state of the field and some recommendations on how to take strategy-as-practice (s-as-p) research forward.
Japan's Universal Long‐Term Care System Reform of 2005: Containing Costs and Realizing a Vision

Japan implemented a mandatory social long‐term care insurance (LTCI) system in 2000, making long‐term care services a universal entitlement for every senior. Although this system has grown rapidly, reflecting its popularity among seniors and their families, it faces several challenges, including skyrocketing costs. This article describes the recent reform initiated by the Japanese government to simultaneously contain costs and realize a long‐term vision of creating a community‐based, prevention‐oriented long‐term care system. The reform involves introduction of two major elements: “hotel” and meal charges for nursing home residents and new preventive benefits. They were intended to reduce economic incentives for institutionalization, dampen provider‐induced demand, and prevent seniors from being dependent by intervening while their need levels are still low. The ongoing LTCI reform should be critically evaluated against the government's policy intentions as well as its effect on seniors, their families, and society. The story of this reform is instructive for other countries striving to develop coherent, politically acceptable long‐term care policies.
A code division multiplexing scheme for satellite digital audio broadcasting

Several systems are being considered for digital audio broadcasting (DAB) and some of these systems will be deployed for commercial use. In this paper, we consider a code division multiplex (CDM) scheme for satellite DAB. For diversity purposes, this system makes use of at least two satellites, and in urban areas, where the satellite signals are shadowed by large structures, a terrestrial network is employed. We present a forward error protection (FEC) scheme that is robust under a variety of channel conditions, especially in cases where the received signal is severely attenuated because of highway underpasses and tunnels. This FEC scheme makes use of time diversity, and this introduces a large delay. Such delays will not affect the performance of broadcast systems; however, the delay will be an issue during tuning when a switch to another channel occurs. We introduce a separate low-delay low-rate tuning channel to facilitate tuning. Extensive simulation results are given to examine the performance of the system, and it is shown that about 70 audio channels, each with a rate of 96 kbit/s, can be satisfactorily supported in a bandwidth of approximately 12.5 MHz in most of the channel conditions considered.
Detection of Pneumocystis carinii and Characterization of Mutations Associated with Sulfa Resistance in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Samples from Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Subjects

ABSTRACT One hundred ninety-four bronchoalveolar specimens were evaluated by microscopic examination and by amplification of a sequence of a Pneumocystis carinii dihidropteroate synthase gene for identification of mutations linked to sulfa resistance. PCR sensitivity and specificity were 100 and 86.7%, respectively, compared to results of microscopic examination. However, 7 out of 19 microscopy-negative, PCR-positive samples were collected from subjects with a clinically high probability of P. carinii pneumonia, suggesting that PCR may be more sensitive than microscopic examination, although the absolute performance of PCR cannot be determined. Mutations were identified in 28 out of 70 (40%) PCR-positive specimens and were significantly more common in patients exposed to sulfa drugs (21 out of 29 [72.4%]) than in those not exposed to sulfa drugs (4 out of 35 [11.4%]).
Effect of the infection with the nematode Haemonchus contortus (Strongylida: Trichostrongylidae) on the haematological, biochemical, clinical and reproductive traits in rams

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Haemonchus contortus infection on rams’ haematological, biochemical and clinical parameters and reproductive performances. A total number of 12 Barbarine rams (control and infected) were included in the experiment. The infected group received 30 000 H. contortus third-stage larvae orally. Each ram’s ejaculate was immediately evaluated for volume, sperm cell concentration and mortality rate. At the end of the experiment (day 82 post-infection), which lasted 89 days, serial blood samples were collected in order to assess plasma testosterone and luteinising hormone (LH) concentrations. There was an effect of time, infection and their interaction on haematological parameters (p < 0.001). In infected rams, haematocrit, red blood cell count and haemoglobin started to decrease from 21 days post-infection. There was an effect of time and infection for albumin. For total protein, only infection had a statistically significant effect. For glucose, only time had a statistically significant effect. Concentrations were significantly lower in infected rams compared to control animals. A significant effect of infection and time on sperm concentrations and sperm mortality was observed. The effect of infection appears in time for sperm concentrations at days 69 and 76 post-infection. Sperm mortality rate was significantly higher in infected animals at day 46 post-infection when compared to control group (p < 0.05). Finally, plasma testosterone traits (average concentration, cumulated levels during the sampling period and pulse frequency) were depressed in infected rams when compared to control counterparts; none of these endocrine traits were affected for plasma LH.
Splanchnic tissue perfusion in acute experimental pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND Gut hypoperfusion may have a role in the pathogenesis of multiple organ failure, which is a the main cause of death in severe acute pancreatitis. We hypothesized that gut hypoperfusion is present early in acute pancreatitis and that supporting the systemic hemodynamics by fluid resuscitation would prevent this. METHODS In a pig model of randomized, controlled experimental hemorrhagic pancreatitis induced by Na-taurocholate the animals were divided into four groups (n = 6 for each): 1) pancreatitis, 2) control, 3) pancreatitis and fluid resuscitation to keep the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure at 5 to 6 mmHg, and 4) control and fluid resuscitation as in group 3. Splanchnic perfusion was assessed by means of local PCO2 gap with intestinal tonometer, oxygen delivery and consumption, lactate production, and blood flow. The follow-up time was 6 h. RESULTS The Pco2 gap increased in pancreatitis (1.72+/-0.17, 1.94+/-0.29, 1.75+/-0.22, 2.32+/-0.33; 9.40+/-2.16, 3.72+/-1.78, 0.84+/-0.39, 1.11+/-0.21 kPa, respectively; P < 0.05). Oxygen delivery in portal-drained organs decreased in pancreatitis (2.5+/-0.3, 2.6+/-0.2, 2.8+/-0.4, 2.3+/-0.2; 1.7+/-0.3, 2.3+/-0.3, 2.4+/-0.5, 2.3+/-0.3 ml/min x kg, respectively; P < 0.05). Regional oxygen consumption did not change. Arterial plasma lactate increased (1.20+/-0.19, 1.33+/-0.16, 1.14+/-0.15, 1.43+/-0.33; 3.81+/-1.31, 1.48+/-0.48, 1.12+/-0.18, 1.18+/-0.35 mmol/l, respectively; P < 0.05). The portal venous blood flow decreased 50% in pancreatitis, but with fluid resuscitation it increased 50%. CONCLUSIONS Splanchnic hypoperfusion is present early in acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis. The signs of hypoperfusion can be prevented with fluid resuscitation.
RF‐induced temperature elevation along metallic wires in clinical magnetic resonance imaging: Influence of diameter and length

With the development of interventional MRI, heating of biological tissues along the metallic wires in the MRI scanner has become an important issue. To assess thermal response to RF exposure during MRI, we studied the temperature elevation near nonmagnetic metallic wires. All tests were performed on a 1.5 T clinical scanner. Four experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of the wire diameter, the excitation flip angle, the temperature distribution along the wire, and the wire length. Electromagnetic simulations of the experimental setup were made with the use of commercial method of moments (MoM) software and numerical simulations of Hallén's equations. Comparisons between measured and calculated values of the electric field are presented. This study demonstrates that 1) temperature decreases with the diameter of the wire,2)temperature increases quadratically with the excitation flip angle, 3) heating occurs not only at the tip but also along the wire, and 4) the heating peaks are not obtained for the classical resonant length multiple of λ/4 (where λ is the RF field wavelength). In addition, significant and rapid heating increases were observed in the close vicinity of the wire. Magn Reson Med 52:1200–1206, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The use of insulin detemir during pregnancy: a safety evaluation

Introduction: Diabetes during pregnancy causes both fetal and maternal complications. Insulin is the most effective pharmacological treatment for controlling hyperglycemia during gestation and can limit adverse outcomes. Insulin detemir (IDet), a novel basal insulin, has already been used for this indication for several years. It was reclassified in 2012 by the FDA from category C to category B for the treatment of pregnant women with diabetes. Areas covered: This article reviews published data regarding the use of IDet during pregnancy. We discuss pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic qualities of IDet and potential advantages for its use during pregnancy. Expert opinion: IDet is a viable option for the management of diabetes during pregnancy. Though data is limited, its safety and efficacy is probably comparable to human insulin, and in some aspects superior to it. More data, specifically for IDet in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes (GDM) or type 2 diabetes, is needed.
Costs and Consequences of Cellular Compartmentalization and Substrate Competition among Human Enzymes Involved in Androgen and Estrogen Synthesis

ABSTRACT The impact of compartmental expression of steroidogenic enzymes and of changes in flux through delta5 and delta4 metabolism on sex steroid synthesis was investigated by rebuilding pathways using recombinant enzyme expression by infection of insect cells with recombinant baculovirus constructs. Human cytochromes 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (P450c17) and aromatase (P450arom), always coexpressed with their redox partner NADPH-P450 oxidoreductase (CPR) and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta5-4 isomerase (3betaHSD; types 1 or 2), were compartmentally expressed in different cell populations or coexpressed together with pregnenolone (100 nM) as substrate. Estrone was compared among cell compartments expressing different enzyme combinations or in cells coexpressing all enzymes (experiment 1). Additionally, P450c17, 3betaHSD, and CPR were all coexpressed, and androstenedione was measured in cells with different 3betaHSD expression levels or activity using an inhibitor, trilostane (experiment 2). Steroids were measured by immunoassay and mass spectrometry. In experiment 1, partitioning of P450c17, P450arom, and 3betaHSD markedly decreased estrone synthesis in comparison to cells coexpressing enzymes in different combinations. However, partitioning P450arom with 3betaHSD from P450c17 in different cell populations resulted in more estrone than either of the other two-cell compartment models. In experiment 2 (cells coexpressing P450c17, 3betaHSD, and CPR), androstenedione secretion was (paradoxically) higher at lower levels of 3betaHSD, and partial inhibition of 3betaHSD by trilostane also increased androstenedione when 3betaHSD expression was high. We conclude 1) that tissue or cell-specific, partitioned expression of sex steroid synthesizing enzymes limits rather than maximizes estrogen synthesis and 2) that limiting metabolism by 3betaHSD can paradoxically promote androgen synthesis when 3betaHSD expression is high by promoting delta5-steroid flux.
Is the coverage of mass-drug-administration adequate for elimination of Bancroftian filariasis? An experience from West Bengal, India

Background: Bancroftian filariasis is the second most common mosquito-borne disease in India. Government of India adopted mass-drug-administration (MDA) since 2004 for its elimination by 2015 AD. Objective: The aim was to assess the coverage, compliance, factors-related to noncompliance to MDA. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 1 week was conducted within 2 weeks after completion of MDA for 2012 in three villages and two municipal wards of North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India selected as clusters by multistage random sampling. Information was collected via interview of inhabitants of the clusters selected by systematic random sampling and drug administrators of the selected clusters along with verifying left over medicines, if any. Results: Both appropriate medicine distribution (83.4%) and 61.28% of people who received drug reported consumption and effective consumption rate (48.01%) fell short of the target. The lowest consumption (38.15%) was noted in one of the rural cluster (villages), followed by municipal wards (43.14%). Consumption was significantly higher among rural residents and Hindu community. Fear of the adverse reaction was the commonest (63.02%) cause of noncompliance. Contrary to the requirement, almost all consumptions were unsupervised by drug administrators. Only 10.71% of the respondents reportedly were paid house to house campaign of forthcoming MDA. About 64% participants had heard about filariasis out of which 71% & 47% mentioned swelling of legs as symptoms and mosquito bite as mode of spread, respectively. About one-third opined mosquito control and MDA each as means of prevention. Approximately, 60% participants had heard about MDA. Information education and communication related to MDA program was conspicuously inadequate in the last round. Conclusion: Mass mobilization as in intensive pulse polio immunization with effective monitoring and supervision is the need of the hour for universal coverage of MDA with supervised on the spot consumption of tablets.
Beam-Scanning Performance of Leaky-Wave Slot-Array Antenna on Variable Stub-Loaded Left-Handed Waveguide

Metamaterial is an artificial material in which the effective phase constant can be controlled by the internal physical periodic structure of the transmission line. Effective phase constant is designed to be of any value, which may be small, large, approximately zero, or negative, attained by changing the dimensions of the periodic structure. Miniaturization of the antenna and wide design flexibility of radiation patterns can be expected from the use of metamaterials. In this work, we developed a leaky-wave slot-array antenna on a variable stub-loaded left-handed waveguide. The radiation pattern of the fabricated antenna was measured and the characteristics of the left-handed transmission line were observed. Moreover, performance of beam-scanning by changing the length of the stubs on the waveguide was confirmed experimentally.