Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Haemophilus influenzae, Branhamella catarrhalis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae

During the last two decades, resistance to selected antimicrobial agents commonly used to treat infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria gonorrhoeae has become increasingly prevalent. In addition, during the last 10 years, information has accumulated which supports the role of Branhamella catarrhalis as the etiologic agent of a variety of human infections. It is now clear that most clinical isolates of B. catarrhalis produce 3-lactamase and are, therefore, possibly not susceptible to beta-lactam antimicrobial agents such as penicillin, ampicillin, and amoxicillin, agents often considered the drugs of choice for treating infections such as those with which B. catarrhalis is often associated. The recognition of antimicrobial resistance among these three organisms has led to a need for in vitro susceptibility test procedures and interpretive criteria for the results which reliably predict therapeutic outcome. Because of the fastidious nature of these three organisms, susceptibility testing procedures which effectively assess the in vitro activity of antimicrobial agents for rapidly growing bacteria are of questionable value. The intent of this review is to provide specific recommendations for in vitro susceptibility testing of H. influenzae, B. catarrhalis, and N. gonorrhoeae.
Biologically inspired deadbeat control for running on 3D stepping stones

This paper enhances the Biologically Inspired Dead-beat (BID) controller from [1], to not only enable three-dimensional bipedal running on a horizontal plane but also on 3D stepping-stones. Further contributions of the paper are explicit foot step targeting during running, leg cross-over avoidance and the embedding of the BID controller into a QP-based whole-body controller. The BID controller is based on the encoding of leg forces and CoM trajectories during stance as polynomial splines, allowing for intuitive and primarily analytical controller design. It allows a real-time implementation, is highly robust against perturbations and enables versatile running patterns. The performance of the control framework is tested in various simulations for a bipedal point-mass model and an articulated multi-body model of the humanoid robot Toro.
Method for evaluating the relationships between urban forms and energy system

The urban energy system is a current topic of interest because more people are expected to live in urban areas in the future. Although some empirical evidence shows that some urban forms have reduced carbon dioxide emission, questions still remain regarding the generality of the results and the existence of causal correlations. We developed an energy simulation model of an urban area to examine the relationship between the urban form and the potential for reducing carbon dioxide emission. We conducted a case study targeting an imaginary downtown area and found that urban forms that are highly clustered or centralized tend to have greater potential for reducing carbon dioxide emission.
Hereditary persistence of alpha-fetoprotein is due to both proximal and distal hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 site mutations.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The molecular mechanism of hereditary persistence of alpha-fetoprotein (HPAFP) has been previously described in a large Scottish family, consisting of a -119G>A substitution in the distal hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 (HNF-1) binding site of the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) gene promoter. We report here the molecular mechanisms of HPAFP in 2 new unrelated families. METHODS Family 1 was of Bengali origin, and family 2 was Italian. Four of 5 subjects (family 1) and 3 of 9 (family 2) showed HPAFP. The AFP gene promoter was studied in all available family members. RESULTS All subjects with high AFP levels had mutated promoter sequences. Family 1 showed the reported -119G>A substitution. Family 2 showed -55C>A and -65C>T substitutions in the proximal putative HNF-1 binding region of the promoter. The -55C>A mutation increased the similarity of the proximal HNF-1 binding region to a consensus binding region. Gel shift assays confirmed its increased affinity toward HNF-1, and transfection experiments revealed an increased level of gene transcription. The -65C>T substitution theoretically created a CCAAT box. However, gel shift and transfection experiments failed to show any biological effect of this substitution that is associated with the -55C>A mutation. CONCLUSIONS Two different mutations localized in either HNF-1 binding sites of the AFP gene promoter may result in HPAFP. This highlights the importance of HNF-1 in AFP gene expression. Unexplained persistent AFP should lead to family study and/or AFP gene promoter sequencing to avoid inappropriate explorations and treatment decisions.
Angioedema: 5 Years' experience, with a review of the disorder's presentation and treatment

Angioedema is a problem that the otolaryngologist—head and neck surgeon is often asked to treat. This report concerns 17 patients admitted for care during a 5‐year period. At their initial presentation, 94% of these patients manifested signs and symptoms of angioedema in the head and neck; three of them required urgent tracheotomy or intubation. As treatment of complement‐mediated angioedema is distinct, an etiology‐specific diagnostic and treatment protocol is presented.
Experimental Investigation of Flow Past a Square Cylinder at an Angle of Incidence

Flow past a square cylinder placed at an angle to the incoming flow is experimentally investigated using particle image velocimetry, hot wire anemometry, and flow visualization. The Reynolds number based on cylinder size and the average incoming velocity is set equal to 410. Data for four cylinder orientations =0, 22.5, 30, and 45° and two aspect ratios AR=16 and 28 are reported. Results are presented in terms of drag coefficient, Strouhal number, time averaged velocity, stream traces, turbulence intensity, power spectra, and vorticity field. In addition, flow visualization images in the near wake of the cylinder are discussed. The shape and size of the recirculation bubble downstream of the cylinder are strong functions of orientation. A minimum in drag coefficient and maximum in Strouhal number is observed at a cylinder orientation of 22.5°. The v-velocity profile and time-average stream traces show that the wake and the separation process are asymmetric at orientations of 22.5 and 30°. The corresponding power spectra show additional peaks related to secondary vortical structures that arise from nonlinear interaction between the Karman vortices. The flow visualization images show the streamwise separation distance between the alternating vortices to be a function of cylinder orientation. Further, the flow approaches three dimensionality early, i.e., closer to the cylinder surface for the 22.5° orientation. The drag coefficient decreases with an increase in aspect ratio, while the Strouhal number is seen to increase with aspect ratio. The turbulence intensity is higher for the large aspect ratio cylinder and the maximum turbulence intensity appears at an earlier streamwise location. The overall dependence of drag coefficient and Strouhal number on orientation is preserved for the two aspect ratios studied.
NonOperative Management of Blunt Solid Abdominal Organ Injury in Calabar, Nigeria

Background: Over the past several years, nonoperative management has been increasingly recommended for the care of selected blunt abdominal trauma patients with solid organ injuries. Objective: To evaluate the pattern and outcome of blunt abdominal trauma using haemodynamic stability and ultrasonography in the selection of patients for nonoperative management in a facility without computed tomogram. Methods: Patients admitted with blunt abdominal trauma between February 2005 and January 2010 were prospectively studied. Haemodynamic stability and sonography formed the basis for selecting patients for nonoperative management. Results: In total, 58 patients suffered blunt abdominal trauma and 19(33%) patients were successfully managed nonoperatively suffered blunt solid abdominal organ injuries. Road traffic accidents inflicted 17(89%) patients while 2(11%) patients sustained sports injury (football). The spleen was the commonest solid organ injured 12(60%), while the liver and kidney were injured in 6(30%) and 2(10%) respectively. Associated injuries were fractured left femur recorded in 3(16%) patients and fractured rib in a patient (5%). Conclusion: Nonoperative treatment is a safe and effective method in the management of haemodynamically stable patient with blunt solid abdominal organ injury. This translated to a reduction in hospital stay, absence of the risk of blood transfusion as well as attendant morbidity and mortality associated with laparotomy. Establishment of trauma system, provision of diagnostic and monitoring facilities, good roads, and education on road safety is recommended for improved outcome.
Programmable Fractal Nanostructured Interfaces for Specific Recognition and Electrochemical Release of Cancer Cells

Topographic recognition of cancer cells is triggered by fractal gold nanostructures (FAuNSs), leading to dramatically enhanced recognition capability and efficient release of cancer cells with little damage. The unique characteristic of FAuNSs is the similar fractal dimension of their surface and that of a cancer cell. The design of fractal nanostructures will open up opportunities for functional design of bio-interfaces for highly efficient recognition and release of disease-related rare cells, which will improve detection in a clinical environment.
HIV-1 p55Gag Encoded in the Lysosome-associated Membrane Protein-1 as a DNA Plasmid Vaccine Chimera Is Highly Expressed, Traffics to the Major Histocompatibility Class II Compartment, and Elicits Enhanced Immune Responses*

Several genetic vaccines encoding antigen chimeras containing the lysosome-associated membrane protein (LAMP) translocon, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic domain sequences have elicited strong mouse antigen-specific immune responses. The increased immune response is attributed to trafficking of the antigen chimera to the major histocompatibility class II (MHC II) compartment where LAMP is colocalized with MHC II. In this report, we describe a new form of an HIV-1 p55gag DNA vaccine, with the gag sequence incorporated into the complete LAMP cDNA sequence. Gag encoded with the translocon, transmembrane and cytoplasmic lysosomal membrane targeting sequences of LAMP, without the luminal domain, was poorly expressed, did not traffic to lysosomes or MHC II compartments of transfected cells, and elicited a limited immune response from DNA immunized mice. In contrast, addition of the LAMP luminal domain sequence to the construct resulted in a high level of expression of the LAMP/Gag protein chimera in transfected cells that was further increased by including the inverted terminal repeat sequences of the adeno-associated virus to the plasmid vector. This LAMP/Gag chimera with the complete LAMP protein colocalized with endogenous MHC II of transfected cells and elicited strong cellular and humoral immune responses of immunized mice as compared with the response to DNA-encoding native Gag, with a 10-fold increase in CD4+ responses, a 4- to 5-fold increase in CD8+ T-cell responses, and antibody titers of >100,000. These results reveal novel roles of the LAMP luminal domain as a determinant of Gag protein expression, lysosomal trafficking, and possibly of the immune response to Gag.
Interference suppression and link selection for amplify-and-forward multiple full duplex relays

In this paper, we present a cooperative communication system with multiple full duplex relays deployed in the amplify-and-forward mode over frequency selective channels. In particular, we focus on the interference suppression which utilizes the elements of extended orthogonal codes in order to remove both inherent inter-relay and self interferences. Performance results are provided in order to verify that our proposed system achieves the maximum multi-path and link diversity in multiple full duplex networks.
Determinants of Use of Community‐Based Long‐Term Care Services

resources (e.g., income). Improvement of these factors could help alleviate symptoms of psychological distress and ultimately mitigate its adverse effects on functional capability. Although its small sample size and cross-sectional design limit this study, to the knowledge of the authors, it is the first conducted in elderly adults in Sri Lanka on HGS and ADL and their correlates. Given Sri Lanka’s increasing life expectancy, rapidly growing elderly population, and limited resources, there is value in encouraging policy-makers to emphasize maintaining cognitive function and SRH and reducing psychological distress in Sri Lanka’s elderly adults.
The Relationship Between Stature, Growth, and Short-term Changes in Height and Weight in Normal Prepubertal Children

Human growth is a nonlinear process with marked variation in growth rate during the short-term. It is not known how long-term height gain or stature is influenced by short-term changes in height and weight. This study has addressed these issues by using thrice weekly height and weight measurements during 1 year in 43 normal prepubertal children (aged 5.7-7.7 y) to construct individual height and weight velocity curves by regression analysis. The former were comprised of 3 to 6 growth spurts separated by stasis, whereas the latter were characterized by 2 to 5 periods of weight gain separated by periods of weight loss. Stepwise regression analysis to determine characteristics of these curves that influence stature and growth showed that height SD score was correlated to the mean absolute weight velocity amplitude (+), the mean lenght of height velocity peaks (-), and the number of periods of weight gain (-) (r2 = 38%). In contrast, change in height SD score (Δheight SD score) was correlated to the number (+) and mean amplitude (+) of the periods of weight gain and the mean height velocity peak amplitude (+) (r2 = 44%). Examination of changes in height relative to weight during the year in the whole group revealed that height increased relative to weight in autumn and spring, whereas the reverse occurred during the winter months. We conclude that 1) both height and weight velocities during 1 year show a biphasic pattern, 2) there is seasonal variation in the short-term change in height relative to weight, and 3) prepubertal stature and the amount grown through the year are related to short-term changes in height and weight. Our data indicate that large but infrequent changes in weight with growth spurts of short duration are found in tall children. Good growth during the year was related to large but frequent gains in weight and large individual spurts in height.
Household Ceramic Assemblage Attributes in the Sierra de los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico

Contemporary ceramic assemblage characteristics and pottery use-lives have important implications for archaeological research. The systematic collection of these data, however, has progressed slowly. This paper considers the factors affecting the size, composition, and use-life of ceramic assemblages within campesino households in the Sierra de los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico. Data indicate that assemblage size and composition are conditioned by a community's access to pottery, while longevity is strongly related to use-frequency and replacement costs. Rates of pottery replacement are presented to compare the ethnographic assemblage with a projected archaeological assemblage. The apparent differences underscore the importance of fully appreciating the behavioral forces affecting the formation of the ceramic record.
Intoxication Before Intercourse and Risky Sexual Behavior in Male Veterans With and Without Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Background:Male veterans represent a large population at risk for acquiring or transmitting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We sought to determine the prevalence of risky sexual behavior among veterans with and without HIV infection and to assess the relationship of intoxication before intercourse and other measures of drug and alcohol use to risky sexual behavior in this population. Methods:We analyzed baseline data on 1009 HIV-positive (mean age 49 years) and 710 HIV-negative male veterans (mean age 55 years) who were participating in the Veterans Aging Cohort 5-Site Study (VACS 5). Participants completed a written questionnaire that included measures of alcohol and drug use and risky sexual behavior. Results:Compared with HIV-negative veterans, HIV-positive veterans were more likely to report 5 or more sexual partners in the past year (14% vs. 4%, P < 0.01), less likely to report not using a condom at last intercourse (25% vs. 75%, P < 0.01), and similarly likely to report having 2 or more partners and inconsistent condom use (10% vs. 10%). Among sexually active HIV-positive veterans, intoxication before intercourse was significantly associated with having 5 or more sexual partners in the past year (odds ratio [OR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–2.8), inconsistent condom use (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2–2.7), and the combined measure of 2 or more partners and inconsistent condom use (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3.0). Intoxication before intercourse was not significantly associated with these behaviors in HIV-negative veterans, although similar trends were noted. Conclusion:Risky sexual behavior was common among male veterans attending outpatient clinics and is more common among HIV-positive veterans who use alcohol and drugs in sexual situations. Asking HIV-positive men a single question about intoxication before intercourse could help to identify men at increased risk of engaging in risky sexual behavior, and specific advice to avoid intoxication in sexual situations could help to reduce risky sexual behavior.
HSV-1 amplicon vectors

Amplicons are defective and non-integrative vectors derived from herpes simplex virus type 1. They carry no virus genes in the vector genome and are, therefore, not toxic to the infected cells or pathogenic for the transduced organisms, making these vectors safe. In addition, the large transgenic capacity of amplicons, which allow delivery of ≤ 150 Kbp of foreign DNA, make these vectors one of the most powerful, interesting and versatile gene delivery platforms. Here, the authors present recent technological developments that have significantly improved and extended the use of amplicons, both in cultured cells and in living organisms. In addition, this review illustrates the many possible applications that are presently being developed with amplicons and discuss the many difficulties still pending to be solved in order to achieve stable and physiologically regulated transgenic expression.
The Fixed Combination of Pioglitazone and Metformin Improves Biomarkers of Platelet Function and Chronic Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Results from the PIOfix Study

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by a proinflammatory and procoagulant condition. This study investigates the impact of a pioglitazone plus metformin therapy on biomarkers of inflammation and platelet activation in comparison to a treatment with glimepiride plus metformin. Methods: The study was designed as a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded two-arm trial. Patients with T2DM and dyslipidemia under metformin monotherapy with hemoglobin A1c value between 6.5% and 9.0% were eligible for trial participation. Blood was drawn at baseline and after 24 weeks of treatment from patients of five centers. Markers of inflammation and thrombocyte function (soluble CD40 ligand, thromboxane, vWillebrand factor, adhesion molecules, clotting reaction) were evaluated subsequently in a central laboratory. Results: A total of 46 patients were included in the final analyses. Mean (± standard deviation) age was 58.5 ± 9.0 years (13 women, 33 men; disease duration 6.3 ± 5.0 years; body mass index 32.0 ± 4.8 kg/m2). A total of 25 patients were treated with pioglitazone plus metformin, and 21 patients were in the glimepiride arm. There was a significant decline of E-selectin (-3.7 ± 4.8 ng/ml, p < .001 versus baseline), vWillebrand factor (−19.5 ± 32.0%, p < .05), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentrations (−1.08 ± 0.91 mg/liter, p < .05) in the metformin + pioglitazone arm only (metformin + glimepiride, −0.5 ± 3.4 ng/ml, +1.4 ± 33.2%, + 0.08 ± 0.72 mg/liter, respectively, all not significant). Also, all other surrogate markers for platelet function and inflammation showed slight improvements in the metformin + pioglitazone arm but not in the metformin + glimepiride arm. Conclusions: The fixed metformin + pioglitazone combination treatment showed an overall improvement of laboratory surrogate markers, indicating improvement of platelet function and of chronic systemic inflammation, which was not seen with metformin + glimepiride.
Apparent reinfection of enzootic-pneumonia-free pig herds: search for possible causes

In a control scheme for enzootic-pneumonia-free herds, run by the Pig Health Control Association, a detailed study was made of 55 herds that developed enzootic pneumonia without a simple explanation. These herds were compared with 57 herds that were still free from enzootic pneumonia in mid-1984. A high standard of precautions against the risk of infection being transferred by people and fomites seemed to confer no obvious benefit. This observation was in keeping with in vitro studies which showed that, although Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae could survive for a long time in favourable liquid medium, it could not be recovered from material such as cloth, once the culture had become dry. Under field conditions, the organism would probably cease to be infective within 48 hours. The organism survived particularly well in rain water at lower temperatures, however, and transmission via moist cold air seemed a possibility. There was a tendency for breakdowns to start in the autumn and winter, particularly in highly secure units, and several farmers associated colder misty conditions with the arrival of infection. One herd was probably infected by an imported boar and the very close proximity of foreign pigs, such as in slaughterhouse transport, seemed the most likely explanation in 15 other herds. One herd was replaced without this danger being attended to and it soon broke down again, whereas the three herds in this category that have survived after replacement all had this risk eliminated. Data was available on 37 of the 39 remaining herds to compare them with the 57 surviving herds, using a risk index based on the proximity of other pig units. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Use of Hydroxyapatite Blocks for Innominate Osteotomy: A Report of Three Cases

We evaluated the use of hydroxyapatite blocks as spacers in pelvic osteotomy. The hydroxyapatite blocks fused with autologous bone tissue within 10 months and were highly biocompatible even after 10 years. They prevent pelvic deformities and are as effective as autogenous bone grafts.
Urinary biomarkers suggest that estrogen-DNA adducts may play a role in the aetiology of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

A variety of evidence suggests that estrogens may induce non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The reaction of catechol estrogen quinones with DNA to form depurinating estrogen-DNA adducts is hypothesized to initiate this process. These adducts are released from DNA, shed from cells into the bloodstream and excreted in urine. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the depurinating estrogen-DNA adducts might be involved in the aetiology of human NHL. Estrogen metabolites, conjugates and depurinating DNA adducts were identified and quantified in spot urine samples from 15 men with NHL and 30 healthy control men by using ultraperformance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. The levels of estrogen-DNA adducts were significantly higher in the men with NHL than in the healthy control men. Thus, formation of estrogen-DNA adducts may play a critical role in the aetiology of NHL, and these adducts could be potential biomarkers of NHL risk.