Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Candidemia in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective, Observational Survey and Analysis of Literature Data

We evaluated the epidemiology of Candida bloodstream infections in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of an Italian university hospital during a 9-year period as a means of quantifying the burden of infection and identifying emerging trends. Clinical data were searched for in the microbiological laboratory database. For comparative purposes, we performed a review of NICU candidemia. Forty-one candidemia cases were reviewed (overall incidence, 3.0 per 100 admissions). Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto (58.5%) and C. albicans (34.1%) were the most common species recovered. A variable drift through years was observed; in 2015, 75% of the cases were caused by non-albicans species. The duration of NICU hospitalization of patients with non-albicans was significantly longer than in those with C. albicans (median days, 10 versus 12). Patients with non-albicans species were more likely to have parenteral nutrition than those with C. albicans (96.3% versus 71.4%). Candida albicans was the dominant species in Europe and America (median, 55% and 60%; resp.); non-albicans species predominate in Asia (75%). Significant geographic variation is evident among cases of candidemia in different parts of the world, recognizing the importance of epidemiological data to facilitate the treatment.
A Speed Limit Monetary Policy Rule for the Euro Area

This paper estimates a hybrid New Keynesian model on euro area data and evaluates the performance of different simple policy rules and of the optimal unconstrained rule under commitment. The study reaches two main conclusions. First, inflation is found to be mainly forward-looking in the euro area, which implies the optimal policy reaction to cost push shocks is a muted one. Second, a "speed limit" rule of the type recently proposed by Walsh (2003) is able to closely approximate the performance of the optimal rule under commitment. The optimal speed limit rule is also characterised by super-inertia, making it a first difference rule similar to those recently proposed as a possible solution to measurement problems in the level of the natural interest rate and of potential output. JEL Classification: E52, E58
Potential effectiveness of sleep hygiene and relaxation Benson in improving the quality of sleep in patients with heart failure: Literature review

Abstract Heart failure has now become a global cardiovascular problem with high mortality and disability. Sleep disturbance is a common problem in heart failure patients. Sleep disorders that occur in patients with heart failure will cause increased levels of urine catecholamine, plasma leptin, and inflammatory markers. These changes are related to the development of hypertension, activation of the sympathetic nervous system, and blunting of chemoreflex, which will increase the heart burden and ultimately lead to a poor prognosis. Sleep disorders in heart failure patients can be treated with psychological interventions and behaviors including sleep hygiene and Benson relaxation. Nurses, as one of the health professionals, have an important role in this matter. This is because the scope of nursing is meeting basic human needs, namely sleep. Through intervention in sleep hygiene and relaxation, Benson is expected to be able to improve the patient's sleep quality. Keywords: benson relaxation, heart failure, sleep disorders, sleep hygiene.
Pattern of Lip Print among Undergraduate Students : A Forensic Anthropological Study

Background: Scientific study of lip prints as lines and fissures in form of wrinkles and grooves on labial mucosal surface of upper and lower lip which developed since sixth week of intra uterine life is called as Cheiloscopy. Materials and methods: The present study was done among total 121 2 nd MBBS students after obtaining their informed written consent and ethical approval. Lip prints were collected, developed and analyzed with use of red/pink lipstick (Persona®: non-metallic, non-glossy, non-persistent), white paper, cellophane tape, scanner, hand magnifying glass, scissors, Adobe Photoshop CS5 Software etc. Results: Out of 73 male students, most common lip pattern was II (branched) in 45.21%, followed by I (long vertical) in 27.4%, IA (short vertical) in 15.6%. Out of 48 female students, most common lip pattern was II (branched) in 44.64%, followed by I (vertical) in 25.62%, IA (short vertical) in 13.22%. Out of total 121 students, most common lip pattern was II (branched) in 44.64% and least common was V (mixed indefinite) in 1.65%. Conclusion: It was found that type II (branched) was most common type of lip print observed among students while type V (mixed indefinite) was the least common among students.
Phase II Trial of 5-Fluorouracil and Leucovorin in Combination With Interferon-alpha and Interleukin-2 for Advanced Renal Cell Cancer

Recent clinical trials have demonstrated activity of chemoimmunotherapy with interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-&agr;, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in advanced renal cell cancer. A phase II study was performed to evaluate the affect of adding the potentiating agent leucovorin to this combination regimen. Treatment courses consisted of IL-2 5 MIU/m2 subcutaneously days 1, 3, and 5 of weeks 1 to 4, interferon-&agr; 3 MIU/m2 subcutaneously on days 1, 3, and 5 of weeks 1 to 4, and leucovorin 50 mg/m2 IV followed by 5-FU 450 mg/m2 IV infusion weekly weeks 1 to 4. Patients were given no treatment on weeks 5 and 6 of the 6-week treatment cycle. Of the 20 patients enrolled in the study, 16 were evaluable for toxicity and 15 were evaluable for tumor response. The most severe toxicities included three reports of grade IV diarrhea; overall, nine incidents of grade III or IV toxicity were reported. No objective antitumor responses were observed, and the median time to progression was 2.8 months. We conclude that this combination chemoimmunotherapy regimen has substantial toxicity but no significant antitumor activity in patients with advanced stage renal cell carcinoma.
A European perspective on nosocomial urinary tract infections II. Report on incidence, clinical characteristics and outcome (ESGNI-004 study). European Study Group on Nosocomial Infection.

OBJECTIVES To estimate the incidence of nosocomially acquired urinary tract infections (NAUTI) in Europe and provide information on the clinical characteristics, underlying conditions, etiology, management and outcome of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We collected clinical information from NAUTI patients with a microbiology report on the named study day. RESULTS A total of 141 hospitals from 25 European countries participated in the study. Written institutional bladder catheter guidelines were in place in 90.3% of EU hospitals and 55% of non-EU hospitals (P < 0.05). The total number of new NAUTI episodes on the day of the study was 298, representing an incidence of 3.55 episodes/1000 patient-days and an estimated prevalence of 10.65/1000. The five most commonly isolated micro-organisms were Escherichia coli, Enterococcus sp. , Candida sp. , Klebsiella sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Patients from non-EU countries were younger, with more severe underlying diseases with a higher incidence of obstructive uropathy/lithiasis. Overall, 22.8% of patients had no 'classic' UTI-predisposing factors. Catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI) was present in 187 patients (62.8%). A closed drainage system was used in only 78.5% of catheterised patients. The indication for bladder catheterisation was not considered adequate in 7.6% of cases and continuation of bladder catheterisation was considered unnecessary in 31.3%. Opening of the closed drainage system was the most frequent major error in catheter management (16.8%). Antimicrobial treatment was not considered adequate in 19.8% of all cases. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of NAUTI in a large European population is 3.55/1000 patient-days. There is clearly room for improvement in the area of bladder catheterisation, catheter care and medical management of NAUTI. We recommend that European authorities draw up and implement practical and specific guidelines to reduce the incidence of this infection.
Auto-adjusting and Advanced Positive Airway Pressure Therapeutic Modalities

Abstract Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Although the gold standard for the treatment of OSA, CPAP may not be the optimal modality to treat more complex sleep disordered breathing such as Cheyne–Stokes respirations, opioid-induced central apnea, and complex sleep disordered breathing related to chronic hypoventilation syndromes (obesity–hypoventilation syndrome, restrictive thoracic disease due to neuromuscular or thoracic cage disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Newer generation auto-adjusting PAP devices are increasingly being used to treat OSA. Advanced positive airway pressure modalities have been developed in an effort to improve treatment of the more complex sleep disordered breathing syndromes including automated servo ventilation and volume-targeted pressure-limited ventilation. This article is intended to provide the clinician reader with a description of newer PAP modalities, a review of evidence-supported indications for use, as well as to provide a framework for managing patients with advanced positive airway pressure therapy.
Modeling Behavior Cycles as a Value System for Developmental Robots

The behavior of natural systems is governed by rhythmic behavior cycles at the biological, cognitive, and social levels. These cycles permit natural organisms to adapt their behavior to their environment for survival, behavioral efficiency, or evolutionary advantage. This article proposes a model of behavior cycles as the basis for motivated reinforcement learning in developmental robots. Motivated reinforcement learning is a machine learning technique that incorporates a value system with a trial-and-error learning component. Motivated reinforcement learning is a promising model for developmental robotics because it provides a way for artificial agents to build and adapt their skill-sets autonomously over time. However, new models and metrics are needed to scale existing motivated reinforcement learning algorithms to the complex, real-world environments inhabited by robots. This article presents two such models and an experimental evaluation on four Lego Mindstorms NXT robots. Results show that the robots can evolve measurable, structured behavior cycles adapted to their individual physical forms.
U.S State Tax and Expenditure Limitations: A Comparative Political Analysis

Much of the academic literature that examines U.S. state tax and expenditure limitations (TELs) concludes that TELs are an ineffective mechanism for limiting state spending. However, one shortcoming common to all of these studies is their failure to take into account the incentives of the political actors who enact these TELs. I hypothesize that because of differences in incentives, TELs enacted by citizen initiatives will be more stringent and more effective than TELs passed by state legislatures. An examination of the provisions of the various TELs and a regression analysis support this hypothesis.
Constitutively Active Type I Insulin-Like Growth Factor Receptor Causes Transformation and Xenograft Growth of Immortalized Mammary Epithelial Cells and Is Accompanied by an Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Mediated by NF-κB and Snail

ABSTRACT Type I insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) can transform mouse fibroblasts; however, little is known about the transforming potential of IGF-IR in human fibroblasts or epithelial cells. We found that overexpression of a constitutively activated IGF-IR (CD8-IGF-IR) was sufficient to cause transformation of immortalized human mammary epithelial cells and growth in immunocompromised mice. Furthermore, CD8-IGF-IR caused cells to undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) which was associated with dramatically increased migration and invasion. The EMT was mediated by the induction of the transcriptional repressor Snail and downregulation of E-cadherin. NF-κB was highly active in CD8-IGF-IR-MCF10A cells, and both increased levels of Snail and the EMT were partially reversed by blocking NF-κB or IGF-IR activity. This study places IGF-IR among a small group of oncogenes that, when overexpressed alone, can confer in vivo tumorigenic growth of MCF10A cells and indicates the hierarchy in the mechanism of IGF-IR-induced EMT.
Interleukin‐6 Induction by Helicobacter pylori in Human Macrophages is Dependent on Phagocytosis

Background: The colonization of the gastric mucosa with Helicobacter pylori is accompanied by elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), IL‐6, and IL‐8. The aim of our study was to determine the mechanisms of IL‐6 stimulation in phagocytes upon H. pylori infection.
Glaucoma Tube Shunt Implantation Through the Ciliary Sulcus in Pseudophakic Eyes With High Risk of Corneal Decompensation

PurposeTo summarize our clinical experience with implanting Baerveldt glaucoma tube shunts through the ciliary sulcus in eyes with a posterior chamber intraocular lens and shallow anterior chambers, corneal transplants, guttata or edema. Patients and MethodsA retrospective interventional nonrandomized noncomparative case series. Main outcome measure was postoperative corneal status. Secondary outcome measures included postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity and complications. ResultsThirty-six eyes of 32 patients were identified through chart review. Follow-up period was 21.8±16.6 months (mean±standard deviation, range: 4.0 to 58.5 mo). At final visit, all 23 preoperative clear native corneas and 6 of 7 corneal transplants remained clear. Thus, of the 30 preoperative clear corneas, only 1 decompensated. Preoperative IOP was 27.9±11.8 mm Hg (range: 12 to 59 mm Hg), reduced postoperatively to 10.1±3.9 mm Hg (range: 2 to 21 mm Hg, P=0.0001), a reduction of 58.2%±19.3% (range: 5.0% to 95.4%). Final IOP was ≥5 and ≤21 mm Hg in 33 of 36 eyes (91.7%). It was lowered by 30% or more in 34 of 36 eyes (94.4%). ConclusionsAlthough previously published studies demonstrated a significant risk of corneal decompensation after angle or pars plana tube implantation, our clinical experience suggests that ciliary sulcus tube implantation in eyes with a posterior chamber intraocular lens is a safe and effective procedure even in eyes with high risk of corneal decompensation.
Changes in CD45 isoform expression vary according to the duration of T-cell memory after vaccination

Healthy young (< 40 years) and elderly (< 60 years) adults were immunized with the 1992-1993 preparation of trivalent influenza vaccine, and changes in CD45 isoform expression on peripheral blood lymphocytes were measured in the pre- and postvaccination periods. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis was used to study T-cell subsets in fresh peripheral blood lymphocytes (day 0) and after 6 days of culture with live influenza virus. We have reported previously that the interleukin-2 response to the stimulating strain of virus, A/Texas/16/89, did not decline until 26 weeks postvaccination. In ex vivo CD4+ subsets, this interleukin-2 response was paralleled by a > 10% increase in the proportion of cells expressing the CD45RO+ phenotype following vaccination (p < 0.0001). In vitro stimulation had no effect on CD4+ subsets prior to vaccination but, after vaccination, was associated with a > 10% increase in CD45RA+RO+ cells (P < 0.0001). In addition, we have identified a change in the population of cells that express a CD45 isoform that is neither CD45RA nor CD45RO (CD45RA-RO-). At 26 weeks postvaccination, the proportion of CD45RA-RO- cells in ex vivo CD4+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells increased by approximately 15% from that measured at the earlier postvaccination time points (P < 0.0001). In vitro stimulation with influenza virus resulted in a further 20% increase in the proportion of CD45RA-RO- cells (P < 0.0001). The CD45RA-RO- phenotype may identify a population of cells undergoing apoptosis (programmed cell death) that limits the duration of helper T-cell (CD4+) memory after vaccination.
Millennial changes in North Atlantic oxygen concentrations

Abstract. Glacial–interglacial changes in bottom water oxygen concentrations [O2] in the deep northeast Atlantic have been linked to decreased ventilation relating to changes in ocean circulation and the biological pump (Hoogakker et al., 2015). In this paper we discuss seawater [O2] changes in relation to millennial climate oscillations in the North Atlantic over the last glacial cycle, using bottom water [O2] reconstructions from 2 cores: (1) MD95-2042 from the deep northeast Atlantic (Hoogakker et al., 2015) and (2) ODP (Ocean Drilling Program) Site 1055 from the intermediate northwest Atlantic. The deep northeast Atlantic core MD95-2042 shows decreased bottom water [O2] during millennial-scale cool events, with lowest bottom water [O2] of 170, 144, and 166 ± 17 µmol kg−1 during Heinrich ice rafting events H6, H4, and H1. Importantly, at intermediate depth core ODP Site 1055, bottom water [O2] was lower during parts of Marine Isotope Stage 4 and millennial cool events, with the lowest values of 179 and 194 µmol kg−1 recorded during millennial cool event C21 and a cool event following Dansgaard–Oeschger event 19. Our reconstructions agree with previous model simulations suggesting that glacial cold events may be associated with lower seawater [O2] across the North Atlantic below ∼ 1 km (Schmittner et al., 2007), although in our reconstructions the changes are less dramatic. The decreases in bottom water [O2] during North Atlantic Heinrich events and earlier cold events at the two sites can be linked to water mass changes in relation to ocean circulation changes and possibly productivity changes. At the intermediate depth site a possible strong North Atlantic Intermediate Water cell would preclude water mass changes as a cause for decreased bottom water [O2]. Instead, we propose that the lower bottom [O2] there can be linked to productivity changes through increased export of organic material from the surface ocean and its subsequent remineralization in the water column and the sediment.
Rapid detection of the O25b-ST131 clone of Escherichia coli encompassing the CTX-M-15-producing strains.

OBJECTIVES Recently, a CTX-M-15 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli O25b-ST131 clone, belonging to the B2 phylogenetic group and with a high virulence potential, has been reported all over the world, representing a major public health problem. The present study was carried out to develop a rapid and simple detection assay that identifies members of this clone. METHODS A total of 627 E. coli isolates of which 373 produced an ESBL, collected across four continents, were screened using a O25b-ST131 clone allele-specific PCR for the pabB gene. RESULTS One hundred and forty-three ESBL isolates were found positive with the assay. These isolates were all of O25b type and, when studied by multilocus sequence typing (25 cases), were all of ST131. The O25b-ST131 clone was found to produce ESBLs other than CTX-M-15, specifically CTX-M-2, -3, -14, -27, -32 and -61 as well as TEM-24. This clone represents 3% of non-ESBL B2 isolates originating from urinary tract infections in Paris. CONCLUSIONS We have developed a PCR-based assay that easily identifies a clone with high likelihood of producing ESBLs, including CTX-M-15.
Particle interactions in complex dry powder inhaled formulations and single particle aerosol mass spectrometry

9 CHAPTER 1: GENERAL INTRODUCTION INTO PULMONARY DRUG DELIVERY & FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT . 15 1. General Introduction . 15 2. Pulmonary Drug Delivery . 16 2.1 From Inhalation to Clinical Effect . 16 2.2 Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Respiratory Tract . 16 2.3 Particle Deposition in the Lungs . 17 2.4 Pulmonary Drug Absorption . 19 2.4.1 Dissolution . 19 2.5 Clearance and Defense Mechanisms in the Respiratory Tract . 21 3. Targets of Inhalation Therapy . 23 3.1 Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) . 23 3.1. 1 Bronchodilators . 23 3.1. 2 Anti-Inflammatory Drugs . 24 3.1. 3 Combination Therapy . 24 4. Inhaler Devices . 25 4.1 Nebulizers . 25 4.2 Metered Dose Inhalers . 25 4.3 Dry Powder Inhaler Containing Adhesive Mixtures . 26 5. Challenges in the Development of Dry Powder Inhaled Formulations . 28 6. Pulmonary Drug Delivery through Dry Powder Inhaled Formulations . 30 6.1 Drug Substance . 30 6.1. 1 Micronization of Drug Substance . 30 6.1. 2 Air Jet Milling . 30 6.1. 3 Spray Freeze Drying . 31 6.1. 4 Supercritical Fluid Technology. 31 6.2 Spray Drying . 32 6.3 Adhesive Mixtures . 33 6.3.1 Carrier Particles in Adhesive Mixtures . 33 6.3. 2 Blending of Adhesive Mixtures for Inhalation . 34 6.3. 3 Magnesium Stearate as a Performance Enhancer and Force Control Agent in DPI Formulations . 35 7. Particle Interactions . 37 8. Pharmaceutical Aerosol Testing . 41
Selective Hippocampal Lesions Differentially Affect the Phenotypic Fate of Transplanted Neuronal Precursor Cells

RN33B cells, a CNS-derived neuronal precursor cell line, transplanted into normal adult rat hippocampus can survive and morphologically differentiate with their ultimate morphology dependent on the integration site. This study examined the differentiation and structural integration of RN33B cells transplanted into the lesioned adult hippocampus. Pyramidal neurons of the CA1-3 regions or granular neurons in the dentate gyrus were preferentially destroyed by unilateral intraventricular kainic-acid or intradentate colchicine injections, respectively. One week after the lesion, a suspension of undifferentiated beta-galactosidase (beta-gal)-labeled RN33B cells was stereotaxically transplanted into the lesioned or the contralateral hippocampus. After 5-7 weeks, sections of the recipient brains were analyzed by toluidine blue staining and immunohistochemistry for beta-gal, GFAP, and OX-42. A reactive gliosis was observed on the lesioned side which persisted up to 7 weeks postlesion (the latest time point examined). RN33b cells survived in the lesioned hippocampus and assumed variable morphologies depending on the hippocampal layer into which they integrated. Only RN33B cells located in intact or partially damaged cell layers or in the unlesioned contralateral hippocampus differentiated with morphologies similar to those of endogenous neurons characteristic of those layers. Cells located in layers completely depleted of endogenous neurons assumed bipolar morphologies or sent out multiple processes with no structural polarity, unlike the neuronal morphologies characteristically seen in intact hippocampal cell layers. These data suggest that the presence of some endogenous neurons and partially conserved cytoarchitectural organization are essential for immortalized neuroepithelial precursor cells to differentiate into region-specific neuronal cell types.