Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae hospital acquired bacteremia. Risk factors and clinical outcome.

OBJECTIVE To study the risk factors and clinical outcome in patients having extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing (ESBL) Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) hospital acquired bacteremia. METHODS The study was conducted at 500 bedded King Fahad Hospital and Tertiary Care Center, Al-Hofuf, Al-Hasa, Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Retrospectively infection control and microbiology records of patients having hospital acquired K. pneumoniae bacteremia during July 2001 to July 2003 were reviewed. Data on age, gender, location, onset of bacteremia, hospital stay after onset of bacteremia, prior antibiotic therapy, comorbid conditions and clinical outcome were recorded. RESULTS During 2 years of study period 26 patients developed hospital acquired K. pneumoniae bacteremia, out of them 10 patients had bacteremia due to ESBL producing strains. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing K. pneumoniae bacteremia was significantly higher among patients of less than 65 years of age (p=0.004). Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia was more common (12/26, 46.1%) among diabetic patients and 8/12 had ESBL K. pneumoniae bacteremia. (p=0.02). Invasive devices (urinary and vascular catheters) were more commonly observed among patients having ESBL K.pneumoniae bacteremia (p=0.004, 0.001). Significantly higher number (9/10) of patients with ESBL K.pneumoniae bacteremia received prior third generation cephalosporins (p=0.001). Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase K. pneumoniae hospital acquired bacteremia had significantly longer hospital stay and higher mortality (p=0.0001). CONCLUSION Elderly age, diabetes, invasive devices and prior third generation cephalosporin therapy are the major risk factors for hospital acquired ESBL K.pneumoniae bacteremia, leading to significantly higher mortality and prolonged hospitalization. Infection control measures should be aggressively followed to prevent such infections among these high risk patients.
Chondrogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Results in Substantial Changes of Ecto‐Nucleotides Metabolism

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are population of adult stem cells and attractive candidates for cartilage repair due to their chondrogenic potential. Purinergic compounds (purinergic receptors and ecto‐enzymes metabolizing nucleotides), together with nucleotides/nucleosides present in the extracellular environment, are known to play a key role in controlling the stem cells biological potential to proliferate and differentiate. Despite the available literature pointing to the importance of purinergic signaling in controlling the fate of MSCs, the research results linking nucleotides and ecto‐nucleotidases with MSCs chondrogenic differentiation are indigent. Therefore, the aim of presented study was the characterization of the ecto‐nucleotides hydrolysis profile and ecto‐enzymes expression in human umbilical cord‐derived MSCs and chondrogenically induced MSCs. We described substantial changes of ecto‐nucleotides metabolism and ecto‐enzymes expression profiles resulting from chondrogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord‐derived MSCs. The increased rate of ADP hydrolysis, measured by ecto‐nucleotidases activity, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of cartilage formation and resorption. Despite the increased level of NTPDase1 and NTPDase3 mRNA expression in chondrogenically induced MSCs, their activity toward ATP remains quite low. Supported by the literature data, we hypothesize that structure–function relationships in chondrogenic lineage dictate the direction of nucleotides metabolism. In early neocartilage tissue, the beneficial role of ATP in improving biomechanical properties of cartilage does not necessitate the high rate of enzymatic ATP degradation. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2915–2923, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oil rents and institutional quality: empirical evidence from Algeria

This paper examines the interaction between natural resource abundance and institutional quality in Algeria, using two measures of institutional quality (corruption and democratic accountability), and a measures for resource endowment (oil rents as a percentage of GDP). Our results indicate that an increase in oil rents significantly increase corruption in Algeria, while the interaction effect between oil rents and democratic accountability is positive and statistically significant, which means that enhancing democratic institutions can reduce corruption. It is also revealed that the manufactures exports significantly decline in the aftermath of oil rents shock, a pattern consistent with the Dutch Disease phenomenon. On the one hand, these findings confirms that Algeria’s institutional framework demonstrates a high degree of perceived weakness, and on the other hand, enhancing these institutional environment would reduce corruption, and increase the impact of resource abundance on economic development.
Impairments in an early stage of the decision-making process in patients with ventromedial prefrontal damage: preliminary results

Lesions of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex can result in a deficient decision-making behavior. So far, most experimental results in the neuropsychological decision-making research have been obtained with gambling tasks. Due to their high complexity, it is difficult to evaluate the underlying processes of the decision-making deficits. The aim of this study was to assess if patients with ventromedial prefrontal damage compared to patients with dorsolateral prefrontal damage and controls show a deficit in an early stage of the decision-making process. Nine patients with ventromedial prefrontal damage, three with dorsolateral prefrontal damage, and eleven healthy controls were tested with a newly developed decision task in which they had to search actively for the information they needed for their decisions. Our results show that patients with ventromedial prefrontal damage compared to the brain-lesioned dorsolateral prefrontal control group and healthy controls searched less for information with regard to risk defusing operators or consequences of their decisions indicating impairment already in the early stage of the decision-making process.
Global financial crisis, ownership structure and firm financial performance: An examination of listed firms in Australia

This paper aims to investigate the financial performance of listed firms on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) over two sample periods (1998-2007 and 2008-2010) before and during the global financial crisis periods. ,The generalized method of moments (GMM) has been used to examine the relationship between family ownership and a firm’s performance during the financial crisis period, reflecting on the higher risk exposure associated with capital markets. ,Applying firm-based measures of financial performance (ROA and ROE), the empirical results show that family firms with ownership concentration performed better than nonfamily firms with dispersed ownership structures. The results also show that ownership concentration has a positive and significant impact on family- and nonfamily-owned firms during the crisis period. In addition, financial leverage had a positive and significant effect on the performance of Australian family-owned firms during both periods. However, if the impact of the crisis by sector is taking into account, the financial leverage only becomes significant for the nonmining family firms during the pre-crisis period. The results also reveal that family businesses are risk-averse business organizations. These findings are consistent with the underlying economic theories. ,This paper contributes to the debate whether the ownership structure affects firms’ financial performance such as ROE and ROA during the global financial crisis by investigating family and nonfamily firms listed on the Australian capital market. It also identifies several influential drivers of financial performance in both normal and crisis periods. Given the paucity of studies in the area of family business, the empirical results of this research provide useful information for researchers, practitioners and investors, who are operating in capital markets for family and nonfamily businesses.
Electromagnetic Propagation in Four-Layered Media Due to a Vertical Electric Dipole: A Clarification

This communication presents a quasi-analytical method for predicting the electromagnetic propagation in four-layered media due to a vertical electric dipole. The method includes the components known as the direct, ideal reflected, lateral, and trapped surface waves. Previous literature, studying less complex geometries, is extensively reviewed and found to be incomplete and inaccurate in a number of places. These deficiencies are highlighted and the methodology is presented with enough detail to allow repetition of the results. Results are shown which approximate the scenario of a leaking water-pipe, buried in the shallow sub-surface. It is shown that the trapped surface wave does not dominate in this scenario. Furthermore, it is shown that the trapped surface wave magnitude is reduced when conductivity of the fourth layer is reduced, or when the third layer thickness is increased; these results fit the qualitative expectation based on previous results.
'Justifiable depression': how primary care professionals and patients view late-life depression? A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND Depression is the commonest mental health problem in elderly people and continues to be underdiagnosed and undertreated. AIM To explore the ways that primary care professionals and patients view the causes and management of late-life depression. DESIGN A qualitative study using semistructured interviews. SETTING One Primary Care Trust in North West England. PARTICIPANTS Fifteen primary care practitioners comprising nine GPs, three practice nurses, two district nurses and one community nurse; twenty patients who were over the age of 60 and who were participating in a feasibility study of a new model of care for late-life depression [PRIDE Trial: PRimary care Intervention for Depression in the Elderly (a feasibility study in Central Manchester funded by the Department of Health)]. RESULTS Primary care practitioners conceptualized late-life depression as a problem of their everyday work, rather than as an objective diagnostic category. They described depression as part of a spectrum including loneliness, lack of social network, reduction in function and viewed depression as 'understandable' and 'justifiable'. This view was shared by patients. Therapeutic nihilism, the feeling that nothing could be done for this group of patients, was a feature of all primary care professionals' interviews. Patients' views were characterized by passivity and limited expectations of treatment. Depression was not viewed as a legitimate illness to be taken to the GP. Primary care professionals recognized that managing late-life depression did fall within their remit, but identified limitations in their own skills and capabilities in this area, as well as a lack of other resources to which they could refer patients. CONCLUSION This study highlights the complicated nature of the diagnosis and management of late-life depression. Protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of depression emphasis the biomedical model which does not fit with the everyday experience of GPs or elderly patients who share the views of primary care professionals that depression is a consequence of social and contextual issues. There is a need for the development of evidence-based provision for older people with depression within primary care, but also a need for elderly patients to be made aware of the legitimacy of presenting low mood and misery to their primary care professional.
A High‐Growth Firm Contingency Test of the Formalization‐Performance Relationship*

Abstract The effect of formalization in high‐growth firms' performance is still unclear. We propose that formal commitment‐based human resource practices contribute positively to the financial performance of established high‐growth firms but have little effect on emergent ones. Using a sample of 101 Portuguese high‐growth firms (2006–2009 period), we tested the effect of formal HR practices during the high‐growth period in their financial results two years later (2011). Our results suggest that adopting a formal performance appraisal and a formal R&D function contributed positively for the performance of only established firms, while adopting a formal training activity negatively affected the performance of only emergent firms.
Understanding the role of communication in maintaining and forming friendships following traumatic brain injury

Primary objective: To describe and analyse how two adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) construct meaning about their communication and its impact upon friendships. This information was sought with a view to understanding whether these adults perceived a link between their post-TBI communication and their experience of friendship; and, in addition, which aspects of their communication, if any, emerged as being important in this scenario. Research design: A qualitative approach based on Grounded Theory. Methods and procedures: Purposive sampling of two participants living in the community at a minimum of 2 years post-severe TBI was utilized. Data was collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were analysed for categories and themes. Outcomes and results: Three major themes were evident: (1) The experience of friendship following TBI, (2) Changes to conversational skill and (3) Opening up to others. Communication change was important in the experience of friendships in so much as difficulties with conversational skill impacted on participation levels and self-disclosure. Participants identified aspects of communication associated with difficulties when interacting with friends and peers. Conclusions: Participants’ stories illustrate the need to address post-TBI communication difficulties within social contexts. Further research addressing communication difficulties that impact on friendships specific to gender, age and time post-injury is warranted.
Long-term bisphenol A exposure accelerates insulitis development in diabetes-prone NOD mice

Abstract Exposure to the endocrine disruptor (ED) bisphenol A (BPA) used in polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins appears ubiquitous since BPA can be found in over 90% of analyzed urine samples from all age groups. There is a parallel occurrence of increased prevalence in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and an increased exposure to EDs the last decades. T1DM is caused by insulin deficiency due to autoimmune destruction of insulin producing pancreatic beta cells and has been suggested to be induced by various environmental factors acting together with a genetic predisposition. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of BPA (0, 1 and 100 mg/l BPA in the drinking water) on T1DM development in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, spontaneously developing T1DM. Histological evaluation of pancreas from 12-weeks-old female mice revealed significantly increased insulitis in mice exposed to 1 mg/l BPA, while the insulitis was less severe at the higher BPA exposure. Serum glucose levels in the 1 mg/ml BPA group tended to be hyperglycaemic, also indicating an accelerated onset of T1DM. The high BPA exposure seemed to counteract the diabetes development in females and also in male NOD mice for both BPA concentrations. Prior to insulitis, both BPA concentrations resulted in increased apoptosis and reduced numbers of tissue resident macrophages in pancreatic islets. In conclusion, long-term BPA exposure at a dose three times higher than the tolerable daily intake of 50 µg/kg, appeared to accelerate spontaneous insulitis and diabetes development in NOD mice.
Export and import composition as determinants of bilateral trade in goods: evidence from Russia

ABSTRACT Conventional theory and several empirical studies state that incomes and exchange rates are the key determinants of the trade balance. Here, we argue that export and import composition are also key explanatory variables because some goods are inelastic and/or with a high added value, directly and indirectly affecting income and price elasticities and trade balance. Thus, if exports and/or imports significantly consist of price inelastic products, then, a positive and a negative effect, respectively, should be expected on the trade balance. Using bilateral trade data and dynamic panel models, we found that the ratio of exports of crude petroleum and natural gas (price inelastic goods) to total exports is significantly and positively associated with the Russian trade balance in goods. For its part, Russian imports of high-tech goods (income elastic and price inelastic with a high added value) show a negative association. The goods balance of Russia also responded to changes in relative income, but there is only weak evidence of reactions to changes in the exchange rate. These findings partially explain the persistent surplus in the Russian trade balance and current account.
Detection of the G>C SNP and rare mutations in the 28-bp repeat of TYMS using gel-based capillary electrophoresis.

AIMS Polymorphisms in the 5' regulatory region of the thymidylate synthase gene (TYMS) have been shown to modulate thymidylate synthase expression and are associated with resistance to fluoropyrimidine-based therapies. These polymorphisms include a two repeat (2R) or three repeat (3R) of a 28-bp sequence and a G>C SNP in the second repeat of the 3R allele (TSER*3 G>C). Genotyping methods for the TYMS 5'-UTR polymorphisms have typically involved visualizing PCR and RFLP products on agarose gels. This article describes the use of a robust capillary electrophoresis assay for TYMS 5'-UTR genotyping. MATERIALS & METHODS As part of pharmacogenetic studies, we performed TYMS genotyping for the 5'-UTR polymorphisms in 314 colorectal cancer patients. A gel-based capillary electrophoresis method, employing a high-resolution gel cartridge on a QIAxcel(®) system, was developed to detect PCR products and RFLP fragment sizes. RESULTS The high resolution of the capillary electrophoresis technique allowed identification of a 6-bp insertion in the second repeat of the 3R allele in three patients. The frequency of the insertion allele was 0.4% in Caucasians and 1.3% in African-Americans. We also found 3.3% of Caucasian patients were heterozygous for a G>C SNP in the first repeat of the 2R allele, but this allele was not observed in the African-American patients. CONCLUSION We describe a robust RFLP genotyping technique that employs size discrimination by capillary electrophoresis to genotype the TYMS TSER*3 G>C SNP. The technique also allows identification of a 6-bp insertion in the 3R allele, and we report the allelic frequencies for two uncommon TSER alleles.
Geriatric depression treatment in nonresponders to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

BACKGROUND Up to a third of elderly patients with major depressive disorder are treatment resistant, yet little objective evidence is available to guide the clinician in managing these patients. We report here our experience with elderly subjects with prospectively defined treatment-resistant depression in 2 separate research studies: one entailing an augmentation strategy, the other a change to venlafaxine extended release (XR). METHOD Fifty-three elderly subjects with major depressive disorder according to DSM-IV criteria who failed treatment with paroxetine plus interpersonal psychotherapy received 1 to 3 trials of augmentation with bupropion sustained release, nortriptyline, or lithium. Successively fewer subjects entered each sequential trial of augmentation. Twelve subjects subsequently received venlafaxine XR monotherapy. Response to treatment was defined as a 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score of < 10 for 3 weeks. RESULTS Sixty percent of subjects (N = 32) responded to some form of augmentation, with 45% (24/53), 31% (5/16), and 43% (3/7) responding to the first, second, and third augmentation trials, respectively. The mean time to response after starting the first augmentation trial was 6.0 (SD = 5.8) weeks. Forty-two percent (N = 5) of the venlafaxine XR-treated subjects responded with the mean time to response of 6.4 (SE = 0.9) weeks. Adverse effects leading to treatment discontinuation and falls were more common in the augmentation subjects than in the venlafaxine XR subjects. CONCLUSION We observed similar rates and speed of response with an augmentation strategy and a strategy of switching to venlafaxine XR in elderly subjects with prospectively defined treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Venlafaxine XR was generally better tolerated than the augmentation strategies. Further investigation of venlafaxine XR as a preferred strategy for treatment-resistant geriatric depression is warranted.
Local stakeholder judgements of the social acceptability of applying environmental water in the Gunbower Island forest on the Murray River, Australia

Australian governments have purchased large volumes of water from irrigators to decrease the amount of water diverted for agriculture to improve the health of the Murray River. Irrigation entitlements ‘bought back’ are managed by government agencies and are broadly described as ‘environmental water’. The water reform process, the volume of water bought back from irrigators and the objectives and application of environmental water are all contested by irrigators and local communities. This paper provides the first examination of the social acceptability of environmental water in Australia with a case study of Gunbower Island on the Murray River using a survey of local stakeholders. Most respondents visited Gunbower Island regularly, placed a high value on the island and were committed to maintaining the health of the island. Nevertheless, respondents were more likely to exhibit unfavourable judgements about environmental water. Positive judgements were associated with pro-environmental values, belief in the benefits of environmental water and higher levels of trust in the managing agency. Findings provide insights about how the key agency can improve the social acceptability of environmental water in Gunbower Island, including a greater focus on on-ground work as an opportunity to engage local people in learning and action.
Emotional health in adolescents with and without a history of specific language impairment (SLI).

OBJECTIVE This study examined the emotional health of adolescents with and without specific language impairment (SLI). METHOD One hundred and thirty-nine adolescents with a history of SLI (15;10 years) and a peer group of 124 adolescents with normal language development (NLD) (15;11 years) participated, who were in their final year of compulsory schooling. The risk of emotional difficulties was assessed using the Moods and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ) and the Child Manifest Anxiety Scale-R (CMAS-R). Comprehensive language and cognition data were available for all participants (NLD and SLI) concurrently and also longitudinally for those with SLI. RESULTS A clear increased risk of emotional health symptoms was found for the SLI group on both self- and parental-report. Girls scored less favourably than boys when groups were combined, but these were due to the effect of the NLD group, with no gender differences found in the SLI group. Direct links with language and cognition were not obvious. Instead, more diffuse factors such as family history of emotional health difficulties may warrant further investigation. CONCLUSION There is a marked higher rate of anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescents with SLI. However, these do not appear to be a direct result of impoverished communicative experiences.