Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative in vitro synergistic activity of new beta-lactam antimicrobial agents and amikacin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens

The in vitro synergistic activities of moxalactam, cefoperazone, or cefotaxime in combination with amikacin or piperacillin were compared against aminoglycoside-susceptible and aminoglycoside-resistant isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens by the checkerboard agar dilution method. All antimicrobial combinations demonstrated some synergy, and no antagonism was observed. Moxalactam plus amikacin and piperacillin plus amikacin were most frequently synergistic (two-thirds of the isolates inhibited synergistically by each combination), whereas combinations of moxalactam, cefotaxime, or cefoperazone with piperacillin were synergistic against only 18 to 25% of the isolates. Moxalactam plus amikacin was the combination most often synergistic for amikacin-susceptible P. aeruginosa, and piperacillin plus amikacin was the combination most frequently synergistic for amikacin-resistant P. aeruginosa and amikacin-susceptible S. marcescens. These results demonstrate frequent in vitro synergistic activity between the new beta-lactam agents and amikacin (especially moxalactam or piperacillin with amikacin), but comparative clinical trials are needed to establish the relative efficacy and toxicity of these combinations.
Endoscopic resection of haemangiomas in the sinonasal cavity

Abstract Objectives: Haemangiomas do not develop as commonly in the sinonasal cavity, compared with other head and neck sites. The clinical characteristics of sinonasal cavity haemangiomas and the results for endoscopic resection have been addressed in the literature only briefly. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate these points. Materials and methods: A retrospective chart review was undertaken of 22 patients who had undergone endoscopic excision of sinonasal cavity haemangiomas, in order to define clinical characteristics and tumour control rates. Results and analysis: The most common presenting symptom was epistaxis. The most prevalent site was the inferior turbinate (45.5 per cent), followed by the maxillary sinus (18.2 per cent). No recurrence was observed in any patient. Conclusion: Although past studies have described external approach sinonasal surgery as the mainstay of treatment, our results imply that endoscopic excision of sinonasal haemangiomas yields excellent outcomes in terms of tumour control and safety.
Pyridoxal‐5‐phosphate plasma concentrations in children receiving tuberculosis chemotherapy including isoniazid

Aim: Little is known about pyridoxine nutriture of children treated with isoniazid (INH) regimens. This study documents plasma pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP) concentrations in children, HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected, receiving INH regimens.
Impact of Varying Traffic Profile on Phantom Cell Concept Energy Savings Schemes

Sleep mode techniques can provide energy savings in Phantom Cell Concept (PCC) systems. However, the impact of the traffic profile on the performance of these energy savings schemes is not well understood. In this paper, we evaluate the influence of the size of transmitted files on the network performance. Contrary to previous findings, we show that for smaller file sizes the connection latencies associated with different energy savings schemes do have a non-negligible impact on system performance. However, as the file size increases, the influence of the connection delays associated with different schemes becomes negligible. The particular file size inflection point depends on the ratio of bandwidth resources on the small cell and the macro cell.
Stem cell transplantation as a biological therapy for peripheral T-cell lymphomas

Importance of the field: Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) are a heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in which conventional chemotherapy has been characterized by poor outcomes when compared with most aggressive B-cell lymphomas. Autologous, and to a lesser extent allogeneic, hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (HSCT) have been advocated as potential means to improve and consolidate remissions in PTCL. Areas covered in this review: Given the absence of large-scale randomized clinical controlled trials of transplantation for PTCL, we review existing data addressing the role and timing of HSCT in PTCL. What the reader will gain: A detailed overview of the available data of overall and progression-free survival associated with HSCT in PTCL with discussion of existing studies, data on determinants of HSCT outcome in PTCL, and future directions for research. Take home message: The optimal roles and timing of HSCT in PTCL remain unclear. Accordingly, clinicians are encouraged to register their patients in PTCL registry studies and enroll them in clinical trials investigating the role of HSCT. Risk-adapted treatment strategies utilizing identified prognostic parameters may provide future means for identifying the optimal use of HSCT for patients with PTCL, but additional studies are needed before such approaches can be routinely applied.
Indications for radiotherapy and chemotherapy after complete resection in rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Studies I to III.

PURPOSE To evaluate the outcome of patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) treated with complete surgical resection and multiagent chemotherapy, with or without local radiotherapy (RT). PATIENTS AND METHODS Four hundred thirty-nine patients with completely resected (ie, group I) RMS were further treated with chemotherapy (vincristine and actinomycin D +/- cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin) on Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Studies (IRS) I to III between 1972 and 1991. Eighty-three patients (19%) also received local RT as a component of initial treatment. RESULTS Eighty-six patients relapsed (10-year failure-free survival [FFS] 79%, overall survival 89%). Six percent of failure sites were local, 6% were regional, and 7% were distant. Poor prognostic factors were tumor size greater than 5 cm, alveolar or undifferentiated histology, primary tumor sites other than genitourinary, and treatment on IRS-I or II. For patients with embryonal RMS who were treated with RT, there was a trend for improved FFS but no difference in overall survival. On IRS-I and II, patients with alveolar or undifferentiated sarcoma who received RT compared with those who did not receive RT had greater 10-year FFS rates (73% v 44%, respectively; P =.03) and overall survival rates (82% v 52%, respectively; (P =.02). Such patients who received RT on IRS III also benefited more than those who did not receive RT (10-year FFS, 95% v 69%; P =.01; overall survival, 95% v 86%; P =.23). CONCLUSION Patients with group I embryonal RMS have an excellent prognosis when treated with adjuvant multiagent chemotherapy without RT. Patients with alveolar RMS or undifferentiated sarcoma fare worse; however, FFS and overall survival are substantially improved when RT is added to multiagent chemotherapy (IRS-I and II). The best outcome occurred in IRS-III, when RT was used in conjunction with intensified chemotherapy.
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate, Emtricitabine, and Efavirenz Compared With Zidovudine/Lamivudine and Efavirenz in Treatment-Naive Patients: 144-Week Analysis

Background:As antiretroviral regimens for the treatment of HIV infection improve, trials providing data on long-term follow-up are increasingly important. Methods:A regimen of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), emtricitabine (FTC), and efavirenz (EFV) demonstrated superior virologic, immunologic and morphologic effects compared with a regimen of fixed-dose zidovudine/lamivudine (ZDV/3TC) and EFV through 96 weeks in a randomized open-label trial. After 96 weeks, patients on TDF + FTC transitioned to fixed-dose combination TDF/FTC. Results:Through 144 weeks, significantly more patients in the TDF/FTC arm reached and maintained an HIV RNA level <400 copies/mL (71% receiving TDF/FTC and EFV vs. 58% receiving ZDV/3TC and EFV; P = 0.004), with a trend toward greater CD4 cell increase in the TDF/FTC arm (312 vs. 271 cells/mm3; P = 0.09). Over 144 weeks of follow-up, more patients in the ZDV/3TC arm discontinued therapy because of adverse events (11% vs. 5%; P = 0.01) and no patients discontinued because of renal events. Patients in the ZDV/3TC arm had significantly less limb fat than patients in the TDF/FTC arm (5.4 vs. 7.9 kg; P < 0.001) at 144 weeks. Conclusions:Cumulative results from 3 years of follow-up suggest that a regimen of TDF/FTC and EFV demonstrates superior durability of viral load suppression and an improved safety and morphologic profile compared with ZDV/3TC and EFV.
A Second Amorphous Layer Underneath Surface Oxide

Abstract Formation of a nanometer-scale oxide surface layer is common when a material is exposed to oxygen-containing environment. Employing aberration-corrected analytical transmission electron microscopy and using single crystal SnSe as an example, we show that for an alloy, a second thin amorphous layer can appear underneath the outmost oxide layer. This inner amorphous layer is not oxide based, but instead originates from solid-state amorphization of the base alloy when its free energy rises to above that of the metastable amorphous state; which is a result of the composition shift due to the preferential depletion of the oxidizing species, in our case, the outgoing Sn reacting with the oxygen atmosphere.
“A game of two halves?” Understanding the process and outcomes of English care home closures: Qualitative and quantitative perspectives

With care services increasingly delivered via a market there is always a risk that care homes could fail financially or struggle in terms of quality, ultimately having to close. When this happens, the received wisdom is that subsequent relocation can be detrimental to the health and well ‐ being of older residents (possibly even culminating in increased mortality). However, there is very little formal evidence in the United Kingdom (UK) or beyond to guide policymakers and local leaders when undertaking such sensitive work. Against this background, this article reports findings from an independent evaluation of what is believed to be the largest care home closure program in the UK (and possibly beyond). This consisted of qualitative interviews with older people, families, care staff, and social work assessors during the closure process in one case study care home and one linked day center, as well as self ‐ reported health and quality of life data for older people from 13 homes/linked day centers at initial assessment, 28 days after moving and at 12 ‐ month follow up. The study is significant in presenting public data about such a contested topic from such a large ‐ scale closure process, in its focus on both process and outcomes, in its mixed ‐ methods approach, and in its engagement with older people, families, and care staff alongside the use of more formal outcome measures. Despite significant distress part ‐ way through the process, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - the article suggests that outcomes either stayed the same or improved for most of our sample up to a year after moving to new services. Care homes closures may thus be a “ tale of two halves ” , with inevitable distress during the closure but, if done well, with scope for improved outcomes for some people in the longer term. These findings are crucial for current policy and practice given that the risk of major closures seems to be growing and given that there is virtually no prior research on which to base local or national closure processes. While some of this research is specific to England, the underlying issue of care home closures and lessons learned around good practice will also apply to other countries.
Induction when rats lick for 1% liquid-sucrose reinforcement

Previous research reported that rats responding for 1% liquid-sucrose reinforcement when 32% sucrose reinforcement is upcoming will decrease their response rate (contrast) if licking is the dependent measure and increase their response rate (induction) if pressing a lever is the dependent measure. The present study investigated whether induction could be observed when licking served as the dependent measure and whether induction in lever pressing and contrast in licking behaviour could be concurrently observed. Experiment 1 found induction when rats licked to earn the rewards but consumed them at a location separate from the spout licked to earn them. Experiment 2 also found induction when rats earned (and consumed) rewards by licking the same spout throughout the session. Experiment 3 separately measured instrumental lever pressing for sucrose rewards and licking the sucrose during the reward period. We found that both measures increased for 1% sucrose when 32% sucrose reinforcement was upcoming. The present results indicate that the type of response is not the sole determinant of whether contrast or induction is observed. Rather, they suggest that other procedural details, such as the location of reinforcer delivery, influence which effect is observed. The results also indicate that associative processes underlie the appearance of induction in responding for 1% sucrose.
Phosphorylation of E-cadherin at threonine 790 by protein kinase Cδ reduces β-catenin binding and suppresses the function of E-cadherin

Proper control of cell-cell adhesion is crucial for embryogenesis and tissue homeostasis. In this study, we show that protein kinase C (PKC)δ, a member of the novel PKC subfamily, localizes at cell-cell contacts of epithelial cells through its C2-like domain in an F-actin-dependent manner. Upon hepatocyte growth factor stimulation, PKCδ is phosphorylated and activated by Src, which then phosphorylates E-cadherin at Thr790. Phosphorylation of E-cadherin at Thr790 diminishes its interaction with β-catenin and impairs the homophilic interaction between the ectodomains of E-cadherin. The suppression of PKCδ by its dominant-negative mutants or specific short-hairpin RNA inhibits the disruption of cell-cell adhesions induced by hepatocyte growth factor. Elevated PKCδ expression in cancer cells is correlated with increased phosphorylation of E-cadherin at Thr790, reduced binding of E-cadherin to β-catenin, and poor homophilic interaction between E-cadherin. Analysis of surgical specimens confirmed that PKCδ is overexpressed in cervical cancer tissues, accompanied by increased phosphorylation of E-cadherin at Thr790. Together, our findings unveil a negative role for PKCδ in cell-cell adhesion through phosphorylation of E-cadherin.
Manipulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine production by the bacterial cell-penetrating effector protein YopM is independent of its interaction with host cell kinases RSK1 and PRK2

The effector protein Yersinia outer protein M (YopM) of Yersinia enterocolitica has previously been identified and characterized as the first bacterial cell-penetrating protein (CPP). We found that recombinant YopM (rYopM) enters different eukaryotic cell types and downregulates the expression of several pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]) after autonomous translocation. After infection with Y. enterocolitica or transfection of host cells, YopM interacts with isoforms of the two kinases ribosomal S6 protein kinase (RSK) and protein kinase C-related kinase (PRK). This interaction caused sustained RSK activation due to interference with dephosphorylation. Here we demonstrate by co-immunoprecipitation that rYopM interacts with RSK and PRK following cell-penetration. We show that autonomously translocated rYopM forms a trimeric complex with different RSK and PRK isoforms. Furthermore, we constructed a series of truncated versions of rYopM to map the domain required for the formation of the complex. The C-terminus of rYopM was identified to be essential for the interaction with RSK1, whereas any deletion in rYopM’s leucin-rich repeat domains abrogated PRK2 binding. Moreover, we found that the interaction of cell-penetrating rYopM with RSK led to enhanced autophosphorylation of this kinase at serine 380. Finally, we investigated whether downstream signaling of the trimeric rYopM-RSK/PRK complex modulates the expression of pro-inflammatory TNF-α. Here, we could exclude that interaction with RSK1 and PRK2 is essential for the anti-inflammatory effects of rYopM.
Fetal gender and gestational‐age‐related incidence of pre‐eclampsia

Background. Male fetal gender is associated with an overall increased risk of pre‐eclampsia. However, it was recently shown that the male: female birth ratio was decreased in pre‐eclampsia associated with preterm delivery. The reason for this discrepancy is not known. Objective. To investigate whether the fetal and newborn gender is associated with the incidence of antenatal maternal pregnancy complications, and to investigate if gender‐associated risk changes with gestational age at delivery. Methods. Population‐based study including 1,158,276 infants born in Sweden 1990–2001. Five maternal diagnosis groups (pre‐eclampsia, infection, preterm premature rupture of membranes, abruptio placentae, and polyhydramnios) were explored in relation to newborn infant gender and gestational age at delivery. Results. When all gestational ages were evaluated, male newborn gender was associated with increased odds ratios for all five diagnosis groups, and for preterm birth before 37 weeks gestation, M/F ratio 1.17. In very preterm births (gestational age below 32 weeks), male newborn gender was associated with a significantly lower risk for pre‐eclampsia (OR 0.88, 95%CI 0.80–0.97), and a marginally lower risk for polyhydramnios (OR 0.74, 95%CI 0.54–1.01). Conclusion. The fetal gender seems to affect the occurrence of pre‐eclampsia, and possibly also polyhydramnios. The finding could be due to an increased risk for spontaneous abortions in pregnancies with male fetuses, but could also be associated with the etiology of these conditions. Evaluation of antenatal pregnancy complications from a fetal/newborn gender perspective may contribute to new insights regarding their pathophysiological mechanisms.
Metabolic and molecular stress responses of sublittoral bearded horse mussel Modiolus barbatus to warming sea water: implications for vertical zonation

SUMMARY The present study set out to investigate the thermal limits of the Mediterranean bivalve Modiolus barbatus, acclimated to various temperatures, and includes a comparison of laboratory determined limits with its temperature-dependent restriction to deeper water layers in its natural habitat. Thermal responses and limits were determined by integrating information from various levels of biological organization, including the expression of Hsp70 and Hsp90, the phosphorylation of stress-activated protein kinases, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and cJun-N-terminal kinases (JNKs) as well as metabolic adjustments. The latter were assessed by examining temperature effects on the activity of the key glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase (PK). The expression of Hsp70 and Hsp90 was activated when mussels were acclimated to temperatures above 20°C. Increased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and JNKs at about the same temperatures indicate activation of MAPK signaling cascades and their potential involvement in the induction of Hsp genes. As indicated by the activity of PK, Modiolus barbatus maintains some aerobic capacity when acclimated to temperatures up to 24°C, while further warming probably caused metabolic depression and a shift from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. An increase in mortality occurred in parallel, during acclimation to temperatures above 24°C. Our results indicate that both the biochemical stress indicators and metabolic status respond in parallel once hypoxemia becomes extreme. Comparison with our previous study of thermal limits and vertical distribution in M. galloprovincialis dwelling in shallow waters emphasizes the relevance of maintained aerobic scope over that of passive tolerance for permanent vertical zonation at higher temperatures in the field. These findings and conclusions are in line with the concept of oxygen and capacity limited thermal tolerance and the associated systemic to molecular hierarchy of thermal limitation.
An interfacial mechanism for cloud droplet formation on organic aerosols

Organic contributions to cloud theory Current theories about the formation of cloud droplets from aerosol particles containing organic components assume that the organic molecules are distributed throughout the droplet. Ruehl et al. show that this assumption is not always correct (see the Perspective by Noziere). During droplet nucleation, droplet diameters were 50% larger than predicted by the standard model. This suggests that the organic particles reside in a surface layer rather than in the bulk of the droplet. Models that neglect organic surface activity will thus underestimate how well organic-rich particles seed clouds. Science, this issue p. 1447; see also p. 1396 Organic molecules can form a surface layer around nucleating cloud droplets. [Also see Perspective by Noziere] Accurate predictions of aerosol/cloud interactions require simple, physically accurate parameterizations of the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity of aerosols. Current models assume that organic aerosol species contribute to CCN activity by lowering water activity. We measured droplet diameters at the point of CCN activation for particles composed of dicarboxylic acids or secondary organic aerosol and ammonium sulfate. Droplet activation diameters were 40 to 60% larger than predicted if the organic was assumed to be dissolved within the bulk droplet, suggesting that a new mechanism is needed to explain cloud droplet formation. A compressed film model explains how surface tension depression by interfacial organic molecules can alter the relationship between water vapor supersaturation and droplet size (i.e., the Köhler curve), leading to the larger diameters observed at activation.
Energy use in informal food enterprises: A gender perspective

The informal sector provides economic opportunities to the poor, and in sub-Saharan African countries it is dominated by women. Energy is a key input into the food sector enterprises. A study was carried out to review academic and non-academic literature on the use and gender impacts of modern energy in informal food enterprises. The review established that few studies have addressed energy for the informal food sector from a gender perspective. Although these few are qualitative in nature, they tend to lack in-depth analysis of gender and of the cause-and-effect linkages between modern energy use in the informal sector and the gendered goals of women and men. Moreover, a lack of understanding of gender from a relational perspective focusing on both women and men impeded conclusions on empowerment in terms of whether increased access to modern energy in the informal food sector contributes to closing the gender gap. This paper makes three key recommendations. First, scholars need to address the gaps and take a relational approach, so that studies are not just about women but also about the power relations between various groups of women and men. Secondly, policy needs to recognise that biomass is sometimes desired not just as an energy source but also for the flavour it imparts to food. Lastly, policy should be informed by the needs of informal enterprise owners and their customers, not by the general discourse in the energy sector that assumes that increased uptake of modern energy services makes positive contributions to enterprises.