Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic content of selective culture media for isolation of Capnocytophaga species from oral polymicrobial samples

In oral microbiome, because of the abundance of commensal competitive flora, selective media with antibiotics are necessary for the recovery of fastidious Capnocytophaga species. The performances of six culture media (blood agar, chocolate blood agar, VCAT medium, CAPE medium, bacitracin chocolate blood agar and VK medium) were compared with literature data concerning five other media (FAA, LB, TSBV, CapR and TBBP media). To understand variable growth on selective media, the MICs of each antimicrobial agent contained in this different media (colistin, kanamycin, trimethoprim, trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, vancomycin, aztreonam and bacitracin) were determined for all Capnocytophaga species. Overall, VCAT medium (Columbia, 10% cooked horse blood, polyvitaminic supplement, 3·75 mg l−1 of colistin, 1·5 mg l−1 of trimethoprim, 1 mg l−1 of vancomycin and 0·5 mg l−1 of amphotericin B, Oxoid, France) was the more efficient selective medium, with regard to the detection of Capnocytophaga species from oral samples (P < 0·001) and the elimination of commensal clinical species (P < 0·001). The demonstrated superiority of VCAT medium, related to its antibiotic content, made its use indispensable for the optimal isolation of Capnocytophaga species from polymicrobial samples.
The effect of different isolation protocols on detection and molecular characterization of Campylobacter from poultry

We determined whether different methods to isolate Campylobacter (including the ISO standard 10272:2006‐1) affected the genotypes detectable from poultry, at three points during slaughter: caecal content, neck skin and meat. Carcasses from 28 independent flocks were thus sampled (subset A). In addition, ten neck skin samples from four flocks, ten caecal samples from ten different flocks and ten unrelated meat samples obtained from local supermarkets were collected (subset B). Campylobacter was isolated using eight different protocols: with and without enrichment using Bolton broth, Preston broth or Campyfood broth (CFB), followed by culture on either modified Charcoal Cefoperazone Deoxycholate Agar (mCCDA) or Campyfood agar (CFA). All obtained isolates were genotyped for flaA‐SVR, and over half of the isolates were also typed by MLST. The strain richness, as a measure of number of detected fla‐genotypes, obtained from subset A neck skin and caecal samples was higher than that of meat samples. In half of the cases, within a flock, at least one identical fla‐genotype was obtained at all three slaughter stages, suggestive of autologous contamination of carcasses. Enrichment reduced the observed richness of isolates, while CFA plates increased richness compared to mCCDA plates, irrespective of inclusion of an enrichment step. Because the isolation protocol used influences both the yield and the fla‐genotype richness obtained from poultry, this variable should be taken into account when different studies are being compared.
Risk for HIV Infection Among Adolescents in the Border City of Tijuana, Mexico

Previous studies have suggested high rates of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections in theU.S. –Mexico border region. However, no information is available on the risk for HIV infection among Mexican adolescents living in this geographic area. This study examines the prevalence of HIV risk practices and psychosocial correlates among 370 high school students in the border city of Tijuana, Mexico, by gender and age group. The results indicate substantial risk for HIV infection among Tijuana youth due to unprotected sexual practices, lifetime rates of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, and needle-sharing practices, mostly related to tattooing and body piercing. These findings suggest the need for HIV prevention programs for Tijuana adolescents. These programs must be culturally sensitive and tailored to meet the needs of the different age and gender groups in this region.
Outcome of simultaneous transurethral resection of bladder tumor and transurethral resection of the prostate in comparison with the procedures in two separate sittings in patients with bladder tumor and urodynamically proven bladder outflow obstruction.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE A prospective randomized study was undertaken wherein transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) was performed along with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in the same sitting (group A) in patients with bladder tumor and urodynamically proven bladder outflow obstruction. The outcome (recurrence and progression of superficial transitional cell carcinoma) was compared with patients who underwent TURBT and TURP in two separate sittings (group B) approximately 6 months apart. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between January 2002 and December 2007, 48 patients were randomized for this study. The inclusion and exclusion criteria are described below. The patients were followed up according to standard protocols. The two groups were compared for the recurrence and progression of the bladder tumor. RESULTS Mean age in both the groups were similar (group A = 56.06 +/- 4.45 years, group B = 57.36 +/- 3.65 years). The mean duration of follow-up was also similar between the two groups (group A, 35.71 +/- 12.8 months; group B, 37.55 +/- 14.12 months; P > 0.05). In group A, 12 (50%) patients had recurrence, while in group B, 11 (42.85%) patients had recurrence. The differences in recurrence, mean elapsed time to recurrence, and progression of tumor between the two groups were statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION TURBT and TURP can be performed simultaneously without any increased risk of recurrence and progression of tumor, if performed in a properly selected group of patients.
Sources of cadaver used for dissection at the Ibadan medical school, Nigeria - Analysis of a three-year data

Our experience with cadaver collection at the Department of Anatomy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria between 9th of February 1998 and 11th of October 2001 is presented. A total of twenty-eight bodies were collected from the State Hospital, Ring Road during this period viz: twenty-six were males (92.9%) and two females (7.1%). Twenty-two (78.6%) were suspected bandits who died during gun duel with law enforcement agents while six (21.4%) were bodies that were accident victims and unclaimed bodies. Four of the unclaimed bodies were males (66.7%) while females were two (33.3%). The majority of bodies that were those of suspected bandits were males and they were twenty-two (100%) while no female (0%) was recorded. No record of voluntary donation of cadavers for anatomy dissection was documented. Adequate documentation is advocated for the giving hospital and the receiving medical school. It is suggested that anatomists embark on a more aggressive enlightenment campaign to the society to encourage those that might be willing to voluntarily will their body after dying to further the quest of knowledge to do so.
Quantification of relative proportions of intact cells in microbiological samples using the example of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts

The fast analysis of relative proportions of live and dead cells can be of great value whether for comparing inactivation efficiencies of different biocidal treatments or for monitoring organisms of interest in environmental samples. We introduce here a straightforward method to determine the percentage of intact cells based on treatment of samples with the viability dye propidium monoazide (PMA). PMA selectively enters membrane‐damaged cells and suppresses their PCR detection through modification of their DNA. The study was performed using Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts as a model although the principle should be applicable to other organisms. Validation was performed with defined mixtures of live and heat‐killed oocysts and by exposing oocysts to a heat stress gradient. The method correctly indicated increasingly lower proportions of intact cells with increasing temperatures. When comparing the loss of membrane integrity of UV‐killed (40 mJ cm−2) oocysts during storage in nonsterile tap water, results suggested that integrity declines slowly (over weeks) and at a rate comparable to non‐UV‐exposed oocysts. For all experiments, the amplification of longer DNA sequences was found beneficial. In the UV experiment, longer amplicons revealed not only higher sensitivity in excluding membrane‐damaged oocysts, but also in excluding DNA with UV‐induced damage.
Mortalidade perinatal por sífilis congênita: indicador da qualidade da atenção à mulher e à criança

Syphilis is a persistent cause of perinatal mortality in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where this study was performed using data from the mortality data system and investigational reports for fetal and neonatal deaths, mandatory in municipal maternity hospitals. From 1996 to 1998, 13.1% of fetal deaths and 6.5% of neonatal deaths in municipal maternity hospitals were due to congenital syphilis. From 1999 to 2002, the proportions were 16.2% and 7.9%, respectively. For the city of Rio de Janeiro as a whole from 1999 and 2002, the proportions were 5.4% of fetal deaths and 2.2% of neonatal deaths. The perinatal mortality rate due to congenital syphilis remains stable in Rio de Janeiro, despite efforts initiated with congenital syphilis elimination campaigns in 1999 and 2000. We propose that the perinatal mortality rate due to congenital syphilis be used as an impact indicator for activities to control and eliminate congenital syphilis, based on the investigational reports for fetal and neonatal deaths. Such reports could be extended to the surveillance of other avoidable perinatal disease outcomes.
Characterization of renal ischemia using DLP hyperspectral imaging: a pilot study comparing artery-only occlusion versus artery and vein occlusion.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Renal artery-only (AO) occlusion, as opposed to artery and vein (AV) occlusion, has demonstrated some benefit in reducing renal insufficiency during warm ischemia. In this pilot study, we used digital light projection hyperspectral imaging (HSI) to construct a "real time" tissue oxygenation "map" to determine whether there are differences in renal tissue oxygenation during vascular occlusion with AO vs AV. MATERIALS AND METHODS Renal vascular occlusion with either AO or AV was performed for 60 minutes in seven porcine renal units. Using HSI, the percentage of oxyhemoglobin (%HbO(2)) in the renal cortex was determined at 4-minute increments throughout the ischemic period and for 30 minutes after reperfusion. RESULTS Average baseline %HbO(2) in all animals was approximately 70%. After vascular occlusion in both cohorts, %HbO(2) decreased by one third within 2 to 5 minutes, with a gradual decline in %HbO(2) over the remaining 55 minutes. Oxyhemoglobin profiles for AO and AV occlusion diverged significantly between 16 and 24 minutes after vascular occlusion (P = 0.0001 and 0.036, respectively), with a merging of the two curves occurring after approximately 36 minutes (P = 0.093). During reperfusion, average %HbO(2) improved to 72.4% after 25 to 30 minutes. CONCLUSION In this pilot study, we demonstrate that renal tissue oxygenation drops rapidly after occlusion of the renal vasculature and returns to near baseline 30 minutes after reperfusion. In the porcine model, the %HbO(2) differs significantly between AO and AV occlusion for up to 35 minutes after ischemia onset, indicating a possible "ischemic window" in which AO occlusion may provide benefit over AV occlusion.
What does client satisfaction tell us about effectiveness

It is common in child protection research to undertake studies of client satisfaction with services. Although these studies have their own intrinsic value, it has been argued that they tell us little if anything about effectiveness—high levels of client satisfaction mean little if child abuse continues to occur. This study, undertaken in a statutory child protection service in Australia, considers the relationship between client satisfaction and other outcome measures, including worker estimates of client progress, further notifications of abuse and whether or not children have been removed. The results show strong correlations between different measures of client satisfaction and strong correlations between different measures of worker estimates of client progress. They show weaker but statistically significant correlations between client satisfaction and worker estimates of client progress, and between client satisfaction and further notifications. There is also a significant relationship between client satisfaction and children remaining at home. However, this applies only to parents, relatives and carers, not to the primary clients themselves. It is concluded that client satisfaction studies may have value beyond simply measuring client satisfaction. However, the study also supports an argument for using more than one outcome measure if the aim is to measure effectiveness. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Yttrium‐90 microspheres (TheraSphere®) treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: Downstaging to resection, RFA and bridge to transplantation

To present the clinical data of 35 patients with T3 unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that were treated with 90Y with the specific intent of downstaging to resection, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) candidate, United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) stage T2 or liver transplantation.
Euzebya tangerina gen. nov., sp. nov., a deeply branching marine actinobacterium isolated from the sea cucumber Holothuria edulis, and proposal of Euzebyaceae fam. nov., Euzebyales ord. nov. and Nitriliruptoridae subclassis nov.

A tangerine-coloured, Gram-positive actinobacterial strain, designated F10(T), was isolated from the abdominal epidermis of a sea cucumber, Holothuria edulis, collected in seawater off the coast of Japan. A 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain F10(T) was a member of the class Actinobacteria and was most closely related to Nitriliruptor alkaliphilus ANL-iso2(T) (87.4 % sequence similarity). Phylogenetic analyses showed that strain F10(T) represented a novel, deep-rooted, and distinct phylogenetic lineage within the class Actinobacteria and clustered with N. alkaliphilus and uncultured bacteria. The organism had meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan, and rhamnose and galactose as the diagnostic cell-wall sugars. Strain F10(T) contained C₁₆ :₀ω7c, C₁₆:₀ and C₁₇:₁ω8c as the major cellular fatty acids. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-9 (H₄). The G+C content of the DNA was 68.3 mol%. Based on data from the current polyphasic study, it is proposed that the new marine isolate be placed in a novel genus and be considered a novel species designated Euzebya tangerina gen. nov., sp. nov. within the new family, order and subclass Euzebyaceae fam. nov., Euzebyales ord. nov. and Nitriliruptoridae subclassis nov. in the class Actinobacteria. The type strain of Euzebya tangerina is F10(T) (=NBRC 105439(T) =KCTC 19736(T)).
Cost‐effectiveness of laparoscopy versus laparotomy for initial surgical evaluation and treatment of potentially resectable hepatic colorectal metastases: a decision analysis

Approximately 10–40% of colorectal cancer patients with potentially resectable hepatic metastases are incorrectly deemed resectable on standard pre‐operative evaluation, including contrast‐enhanced CT. Laparoscopy can identify unresectability in a majority of patients at highest risk of being incorrectly deemed resectable, sparing them an unnecessary laparotomy. However, laparoscopy requires an added investment by surgeons, patients, and payers. This analysis seeks to ascertain whether that investment is cost‐effective.
Effect of proteases against biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis

Biofilms play a key role in bacterial resistance against antibacterial agents—an issue that causes multiple problems in medical fields, particularly with Staphylococcus biofilms that colonize medical indwelling devices. The literature reports several anti‐biofilm strategies that have been applied in medicine. Disrupting the biofilm formation process creates new sites open to colonization by treatment‐generated planktonic bacteria, so efforts have turned to focus on strategies to prevent and control the initial Staphylococci adhesion. Here, we investigated the preventive activities of three commercial proteases (Flavourzyme, Neutrase and Alcalase) against biofilm formation by two Staphylococcus strains. Some proteolytic extracts revealed interesting results with Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus aureus biofilms.
The relationship between structure and in vitro antibacterial activity of selected isoflavones and their metabolites with special focus on antistaphylococcal effect of demethyltexasin

In this study, we tested 15 naturally occurring isoflavones and their metabolites for their possible antibacterial properties against nine Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The in vitro antibacterial activity was determined using the broth microdilution method, and the results were expressed as minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). 6,7,4′‐trihydroxyisoflavone (demethyltexasin), 7,3′,4′‐trihydroxyisoflavone (hydroxydaidzein), 5,7‐dihydroxy‐4′‐methoxyisoflavone (biochanin A), 7,8,4′‐trihydroxyisoflavone (demethylretusin) and 5,7,4′‐trihydroxyisoflavone (genistein) produced significant antibacterial activity (MICs ≥ 16 μg ml−1). The most effective compound, demethyltexasin, was subsequently tested for its growth‐inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, and it exhibited significant antistaphylococcal effects against various standard strains and clinical isolates, including methicillin and tetracycline resistant ones with the MICs ranging from 16 to 128 μg ml−1.
Survival of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli in broth as influenced by pH, water activity and temperature

This study examined the effects of and interactions between pH, aw and temperature on the survival of the top six non‐O157 STECs and Escherichia coli O157:H7. All variables significantly affected the survival of all STEC serotypes. However, aw bore the most significant effect, followed by temperature and then pH. Examination of the effect of the interaction between these variables revealed that the interaction between aw and temperature was the most significant followed by the interaction between pH and temperature and then aw and pH. Decrease in aw resulted in population reduction of all serotypes studied. This reduction in population was significantly increased with the increase in temperature and was further significantly enhanced with decreasing pH. Examination of the differences in the survival among the individual serotypes revealed that the response of each serotype to aw or temperature changes was significantly different, while their response to pH changes was similar. Analysis of the relative survival of individual non‐O157 STECs to O157:H7 revealed that the survival of O121 and O45 was not significantly different to O157:H7 while O103, O111, O145 and O26 showed less tolerance to the combined treatments, and their survival was significantly different from O157:H7.
Technical aspects of cytoreductive surgery

At the Fifth International Workshop on Peritoneal Surface Malignancy, in Milan, the consensus on technical aspects of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for peritoneal surface malignancy was obtained through the Delphi process. Five conflicting points were discussed: radicality of the peritonectomy procedure, cytoreduction of neoplastic nodules <2.5 mm, the timing of bowel anastomoses in relation to hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and indications of protective ostomies. According to the panel of experts a partial parietal peritonectomy restricted to the macroscopically involved regions could be indicated in all listed clinical conditions with the exception of peritoneal mesothelioma. No expert was of the opinion that a radical parietal peritonectomy is advisable irrespective of the disease being treated. All the experts agreed that electrovaporization of small (<2.5 mm) non‐infiltrating metastatic nodules in the mesentery would be appropriate, even if theoretically the HIPEC affords microscopic cytoreduction. The panel also agreed that in the closed technique for HIPEC administration the intestinal anastomoses should be fashioned after completion of the perfusion. Finally when considering the place for protective ostomies the experts voted for a flexible approach allowing the surgeon to exercise discretion for individual patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:232–236. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The anabolic androgenic steroid, nandrolone decanoate, increases the density of Fos‐like immunoreactive neurons in limbic regions of guinea‐pig brain

The increased abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids is a major concern because of physiological and psychological side‐effects. In some individuals they induce dramatic behavioural changes such as increased aggression, anxiety and depression. The mechanisms behind these behavioural changes are still poorly understood. In order to obtain information on the brain regions affected by anabolic androgenic steroids, the distribution of neurons containing c‐Fos, the protein product of the immediate early gene c‐fos, and Fos‐related antigens was studied following chronic treatment of guinea‐pigs with a high dose of nandrolone decanoate (15 mg/kg i.m. daily for 14 days). The behaviour of the guinea‐pigs was monitored for 1 h each day. Animals treated with nandrolone exhibited a significantly greater incidence of biting behaviour during the 14 day treatment period than vehicle‐treated animals. A significantly greater density of c‐Fos and Fos‐related antigen‐positive neurons was found in the central nucleus of the amygdala, and of Fos‐related antigen‐positive neurons in the frontal cortex, the shell of the nucleus accumbens and the supraoptic nucleus in nandrolone‐treated animals than in vehicle controls. Therefore, nandrolone induced Fos in brain regions involved in stress, behavioural responses and reward. The increased Fos expression in these limbic brain regions is of particular interest in relation to the behavioural changes reported in humans who abuse anabolic androgenic steroids and the abuse potential of these drugs.
Simultaneous detection of Tomato spotted wilt virus, Dahlia mosaic virus and Chrysanthemum stunt viroid by multiplex RT‐PCR in dahlias and their distribution in Japanese dahlias

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), Dahlia mosaic virus (DMV) and Chrysanthemum stunt viroid (CSVd) are economically important viruses and viroid that infect cultivated dahlias. Prior to this investigation, no multiplex RT‐PCR assay for the detection of dahlia virus and viroid infections existed. In this study, we report the development of a multiplex RT‐PCR that simultaneously detects TSWV, DMV and CSVd infections in dahlias. In addition, a simple RT‐PCR method that does not require RNA extraction, microtissue direct RT‐PCR, could be used to prepare samples for analysis by this multiplex RT‐PCR. A field survey validated our results, indicating that TSWV was the dominant virus found in the Kansai region, DMV in the Tohoku and Kyushu regions, and CSVd in the Hokkaido region. This method represents a rapid, sensitive and cost effective approach to diagnose viral infections in dahlias.