Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Autologous fat graft in irradiated orbit postenucleation for retinoblastoma

ABSTRACT Autologous fat grafting has been extensively and successfully adopted in a number of pathologic conditions in regenerative surgery especially on irradiated fields in order to improve pain symptoms and tissue trophism promoting scar release. In the present study, we report our experience with autologous fat grafting for the treatment of postirradiation fibrosis and pain on three consecutive patients undergoing orbital enucleation for locally advanced retinoblastoma (RB) and subsequent radiotherapy. We selected three consecutive patients who underwent orbital enucleation for locally advanced RB and subsequent local radiotherapy showing severe reduction in orbital volume and eyelid length and retraction due to fibrosis, spontaneous local pain exacerbated after digital pressure with no possibility to place an ocular implant. They underwent autologous fat grafting in the orbital cavity and results were evaluated by clinical examination at 5 and 14 days, and 1, 3, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. A significant release of scar retraction, reduction of fibrosis and orbital rim contraction together with an important improvement of pain symptoms was observed in all patients. The local changes observed enabled an ease placement of an ocular prosthetic implant (implant). No local or systemic complication occurred. Fat grafting is a promising treatment for patients showing radiotherapy related complication in the orbital area and it should be adopted by all oculoplastic surgeon in order to improve pain syndrome creating the ideal local conditions for the placement of an ocular prosthetic implant.
SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY POLICING VERSUS TRADITIONAL POLICING AMONG NONMETROPOLITAN POLICE OFFICERS: A SURVEY OF FOUR NEW MEXICO POLICE DEPARTMENTS

Looks at policing in small to medium departments in nonmetropolitan areas. Describes the level and sources of support for traditional and community policing activities. Finds that highly educated and long‐serving officers had lower levels of police solidarity (social cohesiveness); conversely the higher the police solidarity, the lower the level of police professionalism. Traditional policing and CP were seen as separate but related aspects and higher expenditure on the former aspect was supported. Suggests that officers are not in favor of funding CP at the expense of traditional policing. Finds that well‐educated officers are less supportive of police solidarity and of CP. Points out that although the officers surveyed were based in relatively isolated communities they did not unequivocally support CP.
Population trends of widespread woodland birds in Europe

We explore population trends of widespread and common woodland birds using data from an extensive European network of ornithologists for the period 1980–2003. We show considerable differences exist in the European trends of species according to the broad habitat they occupy and the degree to which they specialize in habitat use. On average, common forest birds are in shallow decline at a European scale; common forest birds declined by 13%, and common forest specialists by 18%, from 1980 to 2003. In comparison, populations of common specialists of farmland have declined moderately, falling on average by 28% from 1980 to 2003. These patterns contrast with that shown by generalist species whose populations have been roughly stable over the same period, their overall index increasing by 3%. There was some evidence of regional variation in the population trends of these common forest species. The most obvious pattern was the greater stability of population trends in Eastern Europe compared with other regions considered. Among common forest birds, long-distance migrants and residents have on average declined most strongly, whereas short-distance migrants have been largely stable, or have increased. There was some evidence to suggest that ground- or low-nesting species have declined more strongly on average, as have forest birds with invertebrate diets. Formal analysis of the species trends confirmed the influence of habitat use, habitat specialization and nest-site; the effects of region and migration strategy were less clear-cut. There was also evidence to show that year-to-year variation in individual species trends at a European scale was influenced by cold winter weather in a small number of species. We recommend that the species trend information provided by the new pan-European scheme should be used alongside existing mechanisms to review the conservation status of European birds. The analysis also allows us to reappraise the role of common forest bird populations as a potential barometer of wider forest health. The new indicator appears to be a useful indicator of the state of widespread European forest birds and might prove to be a useful surrogate for trends in forest biodiversity and forest health, but more work is likely to be needed to understand the interaction between bird populations and their drivers in forest.
Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Tonapofylline: Evaluation of Dose Proportionality, Oral Bioavailability, and Gender and Food Effects in Healthy Human Subjects

Tonapofylline is an antagonist of adenosine A1 receptor being developed for heart failure. In the present studies, pharmacokinetic characteristics, including dose proportionality, bioavailability, and effects of gender and food, were evaluated in healthy subjects receiving single‐dose tonapofylline (0.2–375 mg) in a parallel or crossover design. Following oral administration, tonapofylline concentrations mostly peaked within 3 hours and declined over time in a multiple phasic manner. Based on a power model, dose proportionality of peak concentration (Cmax), area under the time‐concentration curve for all values (AUCall), and area under the time‐concentration curve to infinity (AUCinf) was concluded in a clinical setting. The bioavailability of tonapofylline was 81.2% (90% confidence interval, 70.6%–93.5%). Following intravenous administration, the steady‐state volume of distribution of tonapofylline was estimated to be 756 mL/kg. The total clearance of tonapofylline was low (64.8 mL/h/kg), approximately 5% of hepatic blood flow. The terminal half‐life was variable within groups and ranged from 11.2 to 24.2 hours across the dose range. Female subjects showed significantly higher Cmax, AUCall, and AUCinf than male subjects (P < .05). Food decreased Cmax by approximately 39%, whereas it did not appear to affect AUCall and AUCinf. The intersubject variability of the pharmacokinetic parameters of tonapofylline was generally less than 30%. In these studies, a single dose of tonapofylline was safe and well tolerated.
Acinetobacter baumannii infection in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Background: To perform a prospective case control study of blood stream infection to determine the infection rate of Acinetobacter baumannii and the risk factors associated with mortality. Methods: From February 2004 to January 2005, 579 consecutive episodes of blood stream infection were obtained at two neonatal intensive care units Al Nasser and Al Shifa hospitals in Gaza City. Forty (6.9%) isolates of A. baumannii were obtained from the neonates under 28 d. Most of the isolates (92%) were from hospitalized patients in the intensive care units. Results: Community acquired infection was 8%. Sixty three percent of the patients were males. The isolates of A. baumannii were resistant to commonly used antibiotics while being sensitive to meropenem (92.5%), imipenem (90%), chloramphenicol (80%), ciprofloxacin (75%), gentamicin (57.5%), ceftriaxone (50%), amikacin (37.5%), cefuroxime and cefotaxime (35%). Over all crude mortality rate was 20% with much higher crude mortality among patients with nosocomial infection. Based on logistic regression, the following factors were statistically significant: weight < 1500g, age < 7 d, mean of hospitalization equal 20 days, antibiotic use, and mechanical ventilation, when compared to the control group (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Infection rate of nosocomial blood stream infection was considerable and alarming in neonatal intensive care unit infants and associated with a significant excess length of NICU stay and a significant economic burden.
Facebook and socio-economic benefits in the developing world

Facebook is becoming increasingly important for the socio-economic development of countries across the globe as stakeholders engage in online social interaction and expand their reach for new products, services and markets to open up new revenue streams. Past studies have examined the environment that supports effective use of social networking technologies in the developed world. This study argues that the enabling environment in developed and developing countries may vary and therefore may impact Facebook adoption and its socio-economic benefits differently. The model integrates the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and revised UTAUT. Using a structured questionnaire on a sample of 367 Facebook users, the results show that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions (affordability and regulatory environment) are important factors that impact Facebook adoption in a developing country such as Malaysia. The study contributes to the literature by identifying that Facebook user's perceived socio-economic benefits act as a mediator between adoption and actual use behaviour (information seeking, socialisation, entertainment and business development). The findings also indicate that religion, ethnicity, language, gender and education are significant factors moderating the adoption-perception-use behaviour of Facebook. Theoretical and practical implications of the study are discussed in the paper.
Work climate, innovativeness, and firm performance in the US forest sector: In search of a conceptual framework

Innovativeness can help companies differentiate themselves, with the ultimate goal of securing survival and im- proving performance. Modern theories in organizational behavior look at innovation as something that starts with individ- ual creativity but that is also affected by the work environment. Using one broad industry sector, the US forest products industry, this study attempts to integrate into a unifying model the concepts of work climate, innovativeness, and firm per- formance using structural equation modeling. Results support the proposed theoretical model, with some modifications, finding a positive and significant relationship among all factors. Having innovation as a core part of a company's strategy and fostering a climate for innovation positively affects the degree of innovativeness and performance of a company. This is especially true for secondary or value-added wood products manufacturers. A climate for innovation is characterized by high levels of autonomy and encouragement, team cohesion, openness to change and risk taking, and sufficient resources available to people. Lack of a validation sample suggests treating the model as tentative until further testing. Resume´ : L'innovativitepeut aider les entreprises a se demarquer les unes des autres avec comme objectif ultime d'as- surer leur survie et d'ameliorer leur performance. Les theories modernes du comportement organisationnel considerent que l'innovation decoule de la creativitedes individus mais qu'elle est aussi influencee par le milieu de travail. Utilisant un large secteur industriel, l'industrie americaine des produits forestiers, cette etude tente d'integrer dans un modele unifica- teur les concepts de climat de travail, d'innovativiteet de performance de l'entreprise en ayant recours a la modelisation par equation structurelle. Avec quelques modifications, les resultats supportent le modele theorique proposeen mettant en evidence une relation positive et significative entre tous les facteurs. Le fait que l'innovation soit au cœur de la strategie d'une entreprise et que celle-ci entretienne un climat propice al'innovation affectent positivement son degred'innovativite ´ et sa performance. Ceci est particulierement vrai pour les entreprises de seconde transformation du bois ou celles qui fabri- quent des produits avaleur ajoutee. Un climat qui favorise l'innovation est caracterisepar un degreeleved'autonomie et de support, la cohesion d'equipe, l'ouverture face aux changements et la disposition a prendre des risques ainsi que par la disponibilitede ressources suffisantes pour les personnes. L'absence d'echantillon de validation incite a considerer le mod- ele comme provisoire tant qu'il n'aura pas etedavantage teste ´. (Traduit par la Redaction)
Enhancement of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of cetuximab by a chimeric protein encompassing interleukin-15

ABSTRACT Enhancement of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) may potentiate the antitumor efficacy of tumor-targeted monoclonal antibodies. Increasing the numbers and antitumor activity of NK cells is a promising strategy to maximize the ADCC of standard-of-care tumor-targeted antibodies. For this purpose, we have preclinically tested a recombinant chimeric protein encompassing the sushi domain of the IL15Rα, IL-15, and apolipoprotein A-I (Sushi-IL15-Apo) as produced in CHO cells. The size-exclusion purified monomeric fraction of this chimeric protein was stable and retained the IL-15 and the sushi domain bioactivity as measured by CTLL-2 and Mo-7e cell proliferation and STAT5 phosphorylation in freshly isolated human NK and CD8+ T cells. On cell cultures, Sushi-IL15-Apo increases NK cell proliferation and survival as well as spontaneous and antibody-mediated cytotoxicity. Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-B1) is the receptor for ApoA-I and is expressed on the surface of tumor cells. SR-B1 can adsorb the chimeric protein on tumor cells and can transpresent IL-15 to NK and CD8+ T cells. A transient NK-humanized murine model was developed to test the increase of ADCC attained by the chimeric protein in vivo. The EGFR+ human colon cancer cell line HT-29 was intraperitoneally inoculated in immune-deficient Rag2−/−γc−/− mice that were reconstituted with freshly isolated PBMCs and treated with the anti-EGFR mAb cetuximab. The combination of the Sushi-IL15-Apo protein and cetuximab reduced the number of remaining tumor cells in the peritoneal cavity and delayed tumor engraftment in the peritoneum. Furthermore, Sushi-IL15-Apo increased the anti-tumor effect of a murine anti-EGFR mAb in Rag1−/− mice bearing subcutaneous MC38 colon cancer transfected to express EGFR. Thus, Sushi-IL15-Apo is a potent tool to increase the number and the activation of NK cells to promote the ADCC activity of antibodies targeting tumor antigens.
Delayed‐type hypersensitivity skin reactions due to heparins and heparinoids. Tolerance of recombinant hirudins and of the new synthetic anticoagulant fondaparinux

Eczema‐like, infiltrated plaques at subcutaneous heparin‐injection sites are well‐documented side effects of these anticoagulants. They are due to delayed‐type hypersensitivity. In 4 patients, patch, intradermal and subcutaneous tests were performed with a panel of unfractionated heparins (UFHs), low‐molecular‐weight heparins (LMWHs), heparinoids, recombinant hirudins and a new synthetic pentasaccharide anticoagulant fondaparinux sodium, to find safe alternatives. 3 patients were sensitized to all the UFHs and LMWHs. The LMWH tinzaparin sodium and the heparinoid pentosan polysulfate were found to be a possible substitute in patient no. 1 and 2, respectively. The recombinant hirudins and fondaparinux sodium were tolerated without any side effects in all patients tested. Fondaparinux is a synthetic copy of a pentasaccharide sequence in the heparin molecule. It is the first in a new class of antithrombotic agents. Our study suggests that it is a new safe alternative in patients with eczema‐like, infiltrated plaques at subcutaneous heparin‐injection sites.
Subcutaneous Panniculitis‐Like T‐Cell Lymphoma with Hemophagocytic Syndrome in a Child

Subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma (SPTCL) characterized by subcutaneous infiltration of pleomorphic T‐cells of the α/β phenotype rarely affects children. Development of hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) leads to a poor prognosis with this otherwise indolent lymphoma. We report a case of SPTCL in a 5‐year‐old child complicated by HPS treated successfully with combination chemotherapy. We discuss the potential pitfalls in reaching an early diagnosis and challenges in its management. Previously reported cases of SPTCL with HPS in children are briefly reviewed.
A novel hierarchical QAM-based unequal error protection scheme for H.264/AVC video over frequency-selective fading channels

A novel unequal error protection (UEP) scheme based on the hierarchical quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) is proposed for H.264/AVC video transmission over frequency selective fading channels. In order to avoid the situation that data with higher priority in the H.264/AVC video streams to be mapped onto subcarriers in deep fading, an OFDM subcarrier classification strategy with two signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) thresholds is presented. Simulation results show that the proposed UEP scheme outperforms the state-of-the-art UEP method by up to 1.6 dB in terms of the quality of the reconstructed video.
A physiologically based toxicokinetic model for methylmercury in female American kestrels

A physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model was developed to describe the uptake, distribution, and elimination of methylmercury (CH3Hg) in female American kestrels. The model consists of six tissue compartments corresponding to the brain, liver, kidney, gut, red blood cells, and remaining carcass. Additional compartments describe the elimination of CH3Hg to eggs and growing feathers. Dietary uptake of CH3Hg was modeled as a diffusion‐limited process, and the distribution of CH3Hg among compartments was assumed to be mediated by the flow of blood plasma. To the extent possible, model parameters were developed using information from American kestrels. Additional parameters were based on measured values for closely related species and allometric relationships for birds. The model was calibrated using data from dietary dosing studies with American kestrels. Good agreement between model simulations and measured CH3Hg concentrations in blood and tissues during the loading phase of these studies was obtained by fitting model parameters that control dietary uptake of CH3Hg and possible hepatic demethylation. Modeled results tended to underestimate the observed effect of egg production on circulating levels of CH3Hg. In general, however, simulations were consistent with observed patterns of CH3Hg uptake and elimination in birds, including the dominant role of feather molt. This model could be used to extrapolate CH3Hg kinetics from American kestrels to other bird species by appropriate reassignment of parameter values. Alternatively, when combined with a bioenergetics‐based description, the model could be used to simulate CH3Hg kinetics in a long‐term environmental exposure. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1854–1867. © 2010 SETAC
Mechanisms of proton spin dephasing in a system of magnetic particles

For protons diffusing among a system of magnetic particles, the process by which initial phase coherence is lost depends substantially on particle size. In this article, evidence for three dephasing mechanisms is presented: an incremental process at small particle sizes (motional averaging regime), a discrete process at intermediate particle sizes (visit limited regime), and a continuous process at large particle sizes (static dephasing regime). While motional averaging regime and static dephasing regime are well known, the distinct dynamics in visit limited regime are often overlooked. Revisiting earlier analytic treatments for the dynamics in this regime, Monte Carlo simulations are performed to extract the details of dephasing and to test the concept of an inner zone of rapid dephasing herein named the full dephasing zone. It is shown that the emergence of a full dephasing zone marks the transition from motional averaging regime to visit limited regime since protons can be fully dephased in a single encounter. Moving from the visit limited regime to the static dephasing regime, a crossover between a purely discrete process and a purely continuous process occurs. Developing a simple model of the dephasing process, the average dephasing time is demonstrated to be relatively constant thus giving insight into the long lasting plateau in the relaxation rate. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nurses’ knowledge and attitudes regarding malnutrition in children and its management in Ghana

Background Malnutrition contributes significantly to child morbidity and mortality. Nurses require appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes to prevent and treat malnutrition in children using appropriate guidelines or protocols. Objectives The aim of this article was to assess nurses’ knowledge, attitudes towards malnutrition and its management using the World Health Organization (WHO) or United Nations International Children’s Fund guidelines for the treatment of severely malnourished children and to evaluate factors associated with their knowledge and attitudes. Methods Participants included 104 nurses working in the outpatient and paediatric units or departments of four hospitals in Tamale metropolis. An 88-item questionnaire was used to measure nurses’ socio-demographic characteristics as well as their knowledge and attitudes towards malnutrition in children and its management using the WHO guidelines for the inpatient treatment of severely malnourished children. Results Nurses’ knowledge in malnutrition and its management was slightly above average (54.0%), but their attitudes were highly positive. Factors that were associated with nurses’ knowledge were number of nutrition courses undertaken in nursing school, number of years working as a nurse, receipt of a refresher course on nutrition after school and receipt of training on the guidelines. Nurses’ attitudes were associated with report of having awareness on the guidelines, number of years a nurse has been involved in the treatment of a severely malnourished child. Conclusion Nurses’ knowledge levels in the inpatient treatment of severely malnourished children were not desirable. However, their attitudes were generally positive. Receipt of previous training, awareness of the WHO guidelines, practice experience and number of years as a nurse significantly affected knowledge and attitude scores in the positive direction.