Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Parent Perspective: “Being a Good Parent” When Making Critical Decisions in the PICU

Objective: To identify factors important to parents making decisions for their critically ill child. Design: Prospective cross-sectional study. Setting: Single center, tertiary care PICU. Subjects: Parents making critical treatment decisions for their child. Intervention: One-on-one interviews that used the Good Parent Tool-2 open-ended question that asks parents to describe factors important for parenting their ill child and how clinicians could help them achieve their definition of “being a good parent” to their child. Parent responses were analyzed thematically. Parents also ranked themes in order of importance to them using the Good Parent Ranking Exercise. Measurement and Main Results: Of 53 eligible parents, 43 (81%) participated. We identified nine themes through content analysis of the parent’s narrative statements from the Good Parent Tool. Most commonly (60% of quotes) components of being a good parent described by parents included focusing on their child’s quality of life, advocating for their child with the medical team, and putting their child’s needs above their own. Themes key to parental decision making were similar regardless of parent race and socioeconomic status or child’s clinical status. We identified nine clinician strategies identified by parents as helping them fulfill their parenting role, most commonly, parents wanted to be kept informed (32% of quotes). Using the Good Parent Ranking Exercise, fathers ranked making informed medical decisions as most important, whereas mothers ranked focusing on the child’s health and putting their child’s needs above their own as most important. However, mothers who were not part of a couple ranked making informed medical decisions as most important. Conclusion: These findings suggest a range of themes important for parents to “be a good parent” to their child while making critical decisions. Further studies need to explore whether clinician’s knowledge of the parent’s most valued factor can improve family-centered care.
Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Binding Protein-3 in Localized, Metastasized Prostate Cancer and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Objective: Insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and IGF-II) are important mitogenic peptides and are thought to be significant factors involved in normal and malignant cellular proliferation including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PC). In particular, the association between IGF-I and PC has received much attention. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) is the major carrier protein in serum for the IGF-I, thus is an important functional modulator of it. On the other hand, one of the functions of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is to cleave IGFBP-3. Epidemiological studies have shown that decreased levels of serum IGFBP-3 are associated with increased PC risk. Controversial results have also been reported on the value of serum IGF-I and/or IGFBP-3 in the detection of PC, especially of metastatic PC; as increased, decreased or unchanged when compared to BPH. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels change in localized and metastasized PC cases compared with BPH as the control cases. Method: The study included 45 BPH, 24 localized PC and 19 metastasized PC cases. Serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels were measured by two-site immunoradiometric assay kits, and serum total and free PSA levels were assayed by chemiluminescence method. Results: Serum IGF-I levels in both localized and metastasized PC cases were similar to BPH cases (138.3 ± 58.2, 137.7 ± 39.0 and 147.7 ± 44.2 ng/ml, respectively), whereas serum IGFBP-3 levels were lower in metastasized PC group than in BPH group (1,795.6 ± 305.6 and 2,196.0 ± 505.7 ng/ml; p = 0.005). In localized PC, serum IGFBP-3 levels (1,911.00 ± 349.58 ng/ml) were similar to metastasized PC. There were significant correlations between serum IGFBP-3 and serum free PSA in three groups (r = –0.46, p = 0.02 for localized PC; r = –0.56, p = 0.01 for metastasized PC, and r = –0.31, p = 0.03 for BPH). Conclusion: These data reveal that serum IGF-I levels may not change either in localized or metastasized PC, and that decreased serum IGFBP-3 levels may be attributed to its proteolysis by PSA which is increased in PC.
Estrogen increases sensory nociceptor neuritogenesis in vitro by a direct, nerve growth factor‐independent mechanism

Estrogen affects many aspects of the nervous system, including pain sensitivity and neural regulation of vascular function. We have shown that estrogen elevation increases sensory nociceptor innervation of arterioles in Sprague–Dawley rat mammary gland, external ear and mesentery, suggesting widespread effects on sensory vasodilatory innervation. However, it is unclear whether estrogen elicits nociceptor hyperinnervation by promoting target release of neurotrophic factors, or by direct effects on sensory neurons. To determine if estrogen may promote axon sprouting by increasing release of target‐derived diffusible factors, dorsal root ganglia explants were co‐cultured with mesenteric arterioles for 36 h in the absence or presence of 17β‐estradiol (E2). Mesenteric arteriolar target substantially increased neurite outgrowth from explanted ganglia, but estrogen had no effect on outgrowth, suggesting that estrogen does not increase the availability of trophic proteins responsible for target‐induced neurite outgrowth. To assess the direct effects of estrogen, dissociated neonatal dorsal root ganglion neurons were cultured for 3 days in the absence or presence of E2 and nerve growth factor (NGF; 1–10 ng/mL), and immunostained for the nociceptor markers peripherin or calcitonin gene‐related peptide. NGF increased neuron size, survival and numbers of neurons with neurites, but did not affect neurite area per neuron. Estrogen did not affect neuron survival, size or numbers of neurons with neurites, but did increase neurite area per neuron. The effects of these agents were not synergistic. We conclude that estrogen exerts direct effects on nociceptor neurons to promote axon outgrowth, and this occurs through an NGF‐independent mechanism.
EVOLUTION OF REPRODUCTIVE ISOLATION WITHIN A PARASITIC FUNGAL SPECIES COMPLEX

Abstract Despite important advances in the last few years, the evolution of reproductive isolation (RI) remains an unresolved and critical gap in our understanding of speciation processes. In this study, we investigated the evolution of RI among species of the parasitic fungal species complex Microbotryum violaceum, which is responsible for anther smut disease of the Caryophyllaceae. We found no evidence for significant positive assortative mating by M. violaceum even over substantial degrees of genetic divergence, suggesting a lack of prezygotic isolation. In contrast, postzygotic isolation increased with the genetic distance between mating partners when measured as hyphal growth. Total RI, measured as the ability of the pathogen to infect and produce a diploid progeny in the host plant, was significantly and positively correlated with genetic distance, remaining below complete isolation for most of the species pairs. The results of this study, the first one on the time course of speciation in a fungus, are therefore consistent with previous works showing that RI generally evolves gradually with genetic distance, and thus presumably with time. Interestingly, prezygotic RI due to gamete recognition did not increase with genetic distance, in contrast to the pattern found in plants and animals.
Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification: an emerging technology for detection of fish and shellfish pathogens

Abstract Fish and shellfish diseases are a constant threat to the sustainability and economic viability of aquaculture. Early diagnosis plays a vital role in management of fish and shellfish diseases. Traditionally, various biochemical and serological tests have been used for fish disease diagnosis. However, the time and expertise required for such diagnoses makes it difficult for aquaculturists to easily adopt them under production conditions. Polymerase chain reaction and probe‐based nucleic acid detection have become increasingly popular in fish and shellfish diagnostics. Recently, a novel technique called loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has been developed, which is highly sensitive and rapid. LAMP has been used for the detection of bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic diseases in both animal and plants. In aquaculture, LAMP‐based detection of pathogens like Edwardsiella tarda, E. ictaluri, Nocardia seriolae, Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae, white spot syndrome virus and infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus have been reported. In this review, the application of LAMP for the detection of aquaculture‐associated pathogens is discussed.
Evaluating web site accessibility: validating the WAI guidelines through usability testing with disabled users

The purpose of the reported study has been to validate empirically the usefulness of using the WAI accessibility guidelines WCAG 1.0 as a heuristic for website accessibility. Through controlled usability tests of two websites with disabled users (N=7) and a control group (N=6) we found that only 27% of the identified website accessibility problems could have been identified through the use of WCAG. We conclude from this that in its current version, the application of WCAG alone is not sufficient to guarantee website accessibility. WCAG has a large potential for improvement, and our data point to some problem areas that we suggest should be included. We recommend that future versions of accessibility guidelines should be based on empirical data and validated empirically.
A CMOS chopper-stabilized differential difference amplifier for biomedical integrated circuits

A new CMOS chopper-stabilized differential difference amplifier (CHSDDA) that exploits the combination of chopper technique with differential difference amplifier is proposed, with advantages for use in instrumentation circuits requiring floating differential input and single-ended output. When configured as an instrumentation amplifier (IA), it operates as the analog front-end (AFE) for an electroencephalogram (EEG) recording system in integrated biomedical systems. The measurement results have shown that it achieves 1/f noise reduction, CMRR more than 120 dB (0-700 Hz), dc offset less than 16.5 /spl mu/V and current drain of 150 /spl mu/A at a 3 V single supply using a standard 0.6 /spl mu/m CMOS technology.
Suicidal ideation in a young adult population

ABSTRACT– Depending on the manner in which the data were interpreted, as many as 17.5% of women and 20.2% of men, or as few as 3.0% of women and 3.3% of men in a young Australian adult population reported some degree of suicidal ideation in the few weeks prior to testing. Using a suicidal ideation score derived from the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), 11.7% of men and 9.7% women could be considered to have suicidal ideation. These findings and the diversity of results from other studies emphasize the need for standardized methods of assessment of suicidal ideation. The GHQ could be usefully employed for this purpose, particularly as it is widely used and further analysis of existing data could provide valuable comparisons.
A compact CPW resonator cell with dual-bandgap characteristics

In this paper, a compact coplanar waveguide (CPW) resonant cell is introduced, which can exhibit dual-bandgap characteristics by only single unit. The same pattern has been adopted in the microstrip line as reported previously and here is applied to CPW. Experimental results show good agreement with numerical results. By alternating the relative position between CPW defected ground structure (DGS) and split-ring resonator (SRR), the separation between the two resonant frequencies can be controlled easily.
Factors associated with hepatitis B vaccination among men who have sex with men: a systematic review of published research

This systematic review identified and synthesised evidence from published research regarding personal and environmental factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination uptake among gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in low prevalence, high-income countries. A systematic literature search identified 18 eligible papers that addressed factors potentially associated with HBV vaccination uptake among MSM, of which 16 reported research conducted in the US. Studies assessed possible associations between HBV vaccination among MSM and socio-demographic characteristics, behavioural and social-cognitive factors and indicators of health service access. Converging evidence was found for associations between HBV vaccination and younger age, gay self-identification, and not using alcohol and drugs; evidence suggests a lack of association between HBV vaccination and ethnicity. There was converging evidence for associations between HBV vaccination and social-cognitive factors, in particular knowledge, perceived vulnerability and perceived severity regarding HBV infection, and perceived barriers to HBV vaccination. Evidence further supported associations between HBV vaccination and indicators of health service access. While research regarding factors associated with HBV vaccination among MSM remains limited, the identified correlates of HBV vaccination among MSM provide important guidance for the development of health promotion interventions to effectively increase coverage of HBV vaccination among MSM.
The establishment of serologically identifiable strains of Rhizobium trifolii in field soils in competition with the native microflora.

SUMMARY: Field trials were made at thirteen centres in varied localities to test whether a strain of clover Rhizobium used as a seed inoculum in the field could establish itself in the crop in competition with the native strains already present in the soil. Each experiment comprised four sets of plots, one uninoculated and the other three each sown with seed inoculated with a different strain of Rhizobium. The difficulty in identifying a strain re-isolated from a nodule was met by using as inocula strains whose antigenic composition made them readily identifiable by agglutination tests. From each plot, twenty-five nodules were selected, and isolates from these tested against selected antisera. This method of identification enabled the percentage of nodules produced by each inoculant strain to be ascertained. Strains differed in their ability to establish themselves in the field: a suitable strain gave rise to 50% or more of the nodules. In sand culture competition between pairs of inoculant strains was not related to their ability to establish themselves in the field, but each strain whose establishment was superior also showed competitive dominance on at least one date of sampling.
Hacia un sistema participativo de garantía para la producción ecológica en Andalucía

El sistema de garantia para los productos ecologicos en la Union Europea viene regulado por el Reglamento 2092/91 y la Norma DIN EN 45011. A traves de ellos se establece como mecanismo obligatorio la certificacion por tercera parte o por auditorias tecnicas de este tipo de producto para ser considerados como tales. En Andalucia, en el ano 2005, tres grupos productores plantearon la necesidad de buscar alternativas a este sistema de certificacion que, por determinadas caracteristicas, desincentivaba el registro oficial de sus producciones ecologicas. Esta tesis doctoral se ha enmarcado en el proyecto a traves del cual se ha construido una alternativa a la certificacion por tercera parte denominada Sistema Participativo de Garantia. A partir del proyecto de ambito andaluz, hemos profundizado en el analisis de este tipo de sistemas a traves del estudio de caso de dos iniciativas consolidadas extranjeras: una en Francia y otra en Brasil. Los resultados de la investigacion son de dos tipos: estructurales, ya que hemos analizado los discursos de las personas inmersas en las experiencias de Sistemas Participativos de Garantia estudiadas en torno a la produccion ecologica, la garantia participativa y la problematica de la certificacion por tercera parte; y dialecticos, analizando la evolucion y el cambio social agroecologico impulsado a traves del proceso participativo llevado a cabo con los grupos productores andaluces implicados. Esta tesis doctoral se enmarca en la dimension socioeconomica de la produccion ecologica. Trabaja dos componentes basicos de esta dimension: las relaciones entre la produccion y el consumo de productos ecologicos; y la garantia como intermediaria entre ambos actores. Asimismo, profundiza en un concepto innovador en nuestros contextos sociopoliticos: los Sistemas Participativos de Garantia como mecanismos alternativos a la certificacion por tercera parte de la produccion ecologica.
Lesser Toe PIP Joint Resection Versus PIP Joint Fusion

Background: It is unclear whether proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) resection or fusion leads to superior clinical outcome in patients undergoing hammertoe surgery. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate a series of patients undergoing this surgery. Methods: Patients with one or more toes with rigid PIP flexion deformity were prospectively enrolled. These patients were randomly assigned to undergo either PIPJ resection or PIPJ fusion. In addition to the PIPJ procedure, a metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) release was performed if deemed necessary. Follow-up was up to 1 year postoperatively. Twenty-six patients (39 toes) were included in the PIPJ resection group and 29 (50 toes) in the PIPJ fusion group. Results: Thirty-four underwent an MTPJ release. No significant difference in foot outcome scores (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scale, the Foot Function Index, and visual analog scale pain) could be detected after 1-year follow-up. A statistically significant difference was found regarding the toe alignment in the sagittal plane in favor of PIPJ fusion. Conclusions: Our randomized controlled study did not show any clinical outcome difference between PIPJ fusion and PIPJ resection. Both procedures resulted in good to excellent outcome in pain and activity scores. Level of Evidence: Level II, lesser quality RCT or prospective comparative study.
Effect of certain nutrients on the production of dextransucrase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B‐512F

The effects of certain nutrients on dextransucrase (sucrose: 1,6‐α‐D‐glucan 6‐α‐D‐glucosyltransferase EC 2.4.1.5) production from Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B‐512F were studied. An increase in concentration of sucrose to 4% in the enzyme production medium resulted in the increase of activity of dextransucrase. Higher enzyme yields were obtained at low yeast extract and high phosphate concentrations. The presence of peptone and beef extract in the medium in addition to 2% yeast extract resulted in an enhanced production of dextranscucrase. The enzyme activity increased by 30% by both peptone and beef extract. Addition of Tween 80 to the medium enhanced the production of enzyme and the activity was increased by 25%. Magnesium ions stimulated the acitivity marginally. Sodium fluoride enhanced the activity of dextransucrase by 25%.
Radial Peripapillary Capillary Density Measurement Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Early Glaucoma

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) density between normal subjects and patients with early primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). Materials and Methods: A total of 24 patients with early POAG and age-matched 52 normal subjects underwent scanning with OCT-A imaging (RTVue XR-100, Avanti OCT). The enface angioflow images obtained were analyzed qualitatively for the RPC network, and RPC capillary density (CD) was measured in 8 sectors within a 3.45-mm-diameter circle around the optic disc, using the Bar-Selective Combination of Shifted Filter Responses (B-COSFIRE) method. CD and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were compared between corresponding sectors with the Mann-Whitney U test. Correlations between CD and Humphrey visual field parameters and optic disc structural parameters were calculated by linear regression analysis. Results: In the normal eyes, RPC bed was clearly visible on OCT-A as a dense microvascular network around the optic disc, whereas in POAG patients it was focally attenuated. RPC CD was lower in the inferotemporal (P=0.002) and superotemporal (P=0.008) sectors with corresponding focal RNFL defect in POAG patients when compared with normal controls. The average CD correlated with visual field mean deviation (P=0.01) and pattern standard deviation (P=0.02) in glaucomatous eyes. Conclusions: OCT-A demonstrated reproducible, focal loss of RPCs in patients with early POAG when compared with normal controls. The results of our study suggest that the RPC density measurements may have a value in the diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma.
Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Cardiomyocytes as an In Vitro Model for Coxsackievirus B3–Induced Myocarditis and Antiviral Drug Screening Platform

Rationale: Viral myocarditis is a life-threatening illness that may lead to heart failure or cardiac arrhythmias. A major causative agent for viral myocarditis is the B3 strain of coxsackievirus, a positive-sense RNA enterovirus. However, human cardiac tissues are difficult to procure in sufficient enough quantities for studying the mechanisms of cardiac-specific viral infection. Objective: This study examined whether human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) could be used to model the pathogenic processes of coxsackievirus-induced viral myocarditis and to screen antiviral therapeutics for efficacy. Methods and Results: hiPSC-CMs were infected with a luciferase-expressing coxsackievirus B3 strain (CVB3-Luc). Brightfield microscopy, immunofluorescence, and calcium imaging were used to characterize virally infected hiPSC-CMs for alterations in cellular morphology and calcium handling. Viral proliferation in hiPSC-CMs was quantified using bioluminescence imaging. Antiviral compounds including interferon&bgr;1, ribavirin, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, and fluoxetine were tested for their capacity to abrogate CVB3-Luc proliferation in hiPSC-CMs in vitro. The ability of these compounds to reduce CVB3-Luc proliferation in hiPSC-CMs was consistent with reported drug effects in previous studies. Mechanistic analyses via gene expression profiling of hiPSC-CMs infected with CVB3-Luc revealed an activation of viral RNA and protein clearance pathways after interferon&bgr;1 treatment. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that hiPSC-CMs express the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor, are susceptible to coxsackievirus infection, and can be used to predict antiviral drug efficacy. Our results suggest that the hiPSC-CM/CVB3-Luc assay is a sensitive platform that can screen novel antiviral therapeutics for their effectiveness in a high-throughput fashion.
Contributions from Visitor Research to CI and ICT4D Theory and Research Methodology

Abstract The case study involved the evaluation of a single science centre exhibit in a number of different science centres in a developing country. This illustrates the lessons that Community Informatics and ICT for Development researchers can learn from “Visitor Research” theory and methods. The three contexts identified in The Contextual Model of Learning are seen to shed light on the research process as well as to its original purpose, free-choice learning. A multi-methodological research approach was used and each science centre was described separately so that the different levels of context could be taken into account.