Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Controlling contagious bacterial conjunctivitis.

BACKGROUND Recent outbreaks (epidemics) of Streptococcus pneumoniae conjunctivitis, involving hundreds of patients, underscore the importance of following recommended guidelines to minimize disease transmission. These include the use of antimicrobial agents capable of minimizing patients' symptoms and the duration of the infectious period when disease can be transmitted to others. PURPOSE To compare the amount of time required forvarious antibiotic solutions to kill S. pneumoniae, a common cause of bacterial conjunctivitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Isolates of S. pneumoniae from three patients were exposed to selected ophthalmic antibiotic products: moxifloxacin 0.5%, tobramycin 0.3%, gentamicin 0.3%, and polymyxin B 10,000 IU-trimethoprim 1.0%. The products were diluted 1:100 and 1:1000 for testing. At 15, 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes after exposure, aliquots of broth were withdrawn, the cells were separated and cultured, and the viable cell count was determined. RESULTS Moxifloxacin killed actively growing S. pneumoniae faster and to a greater extent than did the other three antibiotic products when tested at concentrations corresponding to tear film concentrations 5 to 10 minutes and 30 to 60 minutes after instillation of the products. CONCLUSIONS Moxifloxacin killed S. pneumoniae in vitro faster than did the other antibiotics. Consequently, its use should complement other generally accepted measures for minimizing patients' symptoms and limiting the contagiousness of bacterial conjunctivitis. Also, this is consistent with the recommendations of other investigators to prescribe the most recent generation of fluoroquinolone antibiotics for the specific purpose of limiting the spread of bacterial resistance.
The Incidence of Riata Defibrillator Lead Failure: a Single-Center Experience

Riata defibrillator leads were recalled due to a high failure rate. This study measured the incidence of externalized conductor (EC) and electrical dysfunction (ED) and sought to determine the predictors of ED with Riata defibrillator leads. We enrolled patients who received Riata® or Riata® ST silicone defibrillator leads at our center between January 2003 and December 2010. The presence of EC was evaluated with chest radiography. The incidence rates were measured at < 3 years, 3–5 years, and > 5 years after lead implantation. We also investigated the rates of ED and other clinical events during the follow-up period. A total of 44 patients were analyzed. The total cumulative incidence of EC was 27.3%. During the median dwell time (80 months), the incidence of ED was 22.7%. Patients with ED were younger (46.5 vs. 56.5 years, P = 0.018) and had a higher prevalence of cardiomyopathy than those without ED (60.0% vs. 20.6%, P = 0.043). ECs were most frequently detected in patients who underwent X-ray analysis 3–5 years after lead implantation (44.4%). In contrast, ED had a bimodal incidence pattern, with peaks at 5 years (7.0%) and 9 years (5.3%). There was no difference in ED-free survival rate between patients with and without EC (P = 0.628). Given the delayed occurrence of EC and ED after implantation of Riata defibrillator leads, long-term close monitoring is critically important.
The role of the plant cytoskeleton in the interaction between legumes and rhizobia

The study of the symbiotic interaction between rhizobia and legumes represents a major theme in plant biology. This interaction results in the formation of nodules, root organs in which the bacteria reduce atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which can subsequently be utilized by the plant. The execution of the different developmental stages observed during nodule ontogenesis involves many cellular processes with significant roles for the plant cytoskeleton. A challenging question in cell biology is how the cytoskeleton organizes itself into the dynamic arrays required for cell differentiation and functioning. Nodulation is, particularly, well qualified as an experimental system for cytoskeleton research because an early essential step of the plant/microbe interaction takes place in surface‐exposed root hairs, well suited for cell biological in vivo experimentation. Moreover, the changes in the organization of the cytoskeleton can be elicited by a well‐defined molecule, the Nod factor, or by bacterial inoculation, thus providing the researcher with the possibility of controlling the cytoskeletal changes in target cells. In addition, the well‐known cytology of the symbiotic interaction facilitates the correlation between the changes in the organization of the plant cytoskeleton with both histological and cellular changes. In this review, the current knowledge on the role of the plant cytoskeleton during nodulation is summarized, with emphasis on the interaction between Medicago truncatula and Sinorhizobium meliloti.
The impact of R&D and knowledge spillovers on the economic growth of Russian regions

Russia presents an interesting case of a country which has strived to implement innovation policies since the transition period but so far has achieved mixed results. This study aims to analyze the impact of knowledge production and knowledge spillovers on regional growth in Russia within a framework of endogenous growth models. Applying GMM and spatial error panel modeling techniques to Rosstat data for 80 Russian regions from 2005 to 2013, the authors test the hypothesis about the relevance of R&D and expenditure on technological innovations (H1) and the hypothesis about the relevance of knowledge spillovers (H2) on the growth rates of GRP per capita. Hypothesis 1 was confirmed while Hypothesis 2 was rejected, indicating the absorptive capacities of innovatively lagging regions were not high enough for effective adaptation of new technologies from technologically innovative regions. Inclusion of indicators related to additional channels of knowledge diffusion in regressions resulted in the relevance of FDI and imports of goods and services for regional growth. Results of the study could form the basis for developing innovation policies for the Russian regions.
Dynamic spectral imaging colposcopy: higher sensitivity for detection of premalignant cervical lesions

Please cite this paper as: Louwers J, Zaal A, Kocken M, ter Harmsel W, Graziosi G, Spruijt J, Berkhof J, Balas C, Papagiannakis E, Snijders P, Meijer C, van Kemenade F, Verheijen R. Dynamic spectral imaging colposcopy: higher sensitivity for detection of premalignant cervical lesions. BJOG 2011;118:309–318.
Post-Schooling Human Capital Investments and the Life Cycle of Earnings

We propose an original model of human capital investments after leaving school in which individuals differ in their initial human capital obtained at school, their rates of return and costs of human capital investments, and their terminal values of human capital at an arbitrary date in the future. We derive a tractable reduced-form Mincerian model of log earnings profiles along the life cycle that is written as a linear factor model in which levels, growth, and curvature of earnings profiles are individual specific. This provides a structural interpretation of results obtained in the empirical literature on the dynamics of earnings and acknowledges its limitations.
Understanding and Evaluating Success in International Forestry Research Projects: Experience from ACIAR Projects in Vietnam, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea

SUMMARY The success of research for development projects is of interest to project funders and recipients, and underpins project impact. This paper synthesizes results from case studies of collaborative forestry research projects in Vietnam, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, where the relative success of projects was evaluated and the factors affecting project success investigated. Differences were found in the relative success of projects, between and within countries, and between related projects in a long-term program. Only one-quarter of the 30 projects had high achievements and high impacts; none of which occurred in Papua New Guinea. Interviews with 90 project participants identified 37 success factors that can enhance or diminish project success, of which 15 are considered generally applicable to research for development projects. The two most important success factors that could be addressed by research managers and project staff to improve project success were, respectively, collaborative scoping and design, and the scientists' commitment, collaboration and focus. Some relationships are apparent between relative success, the success factors and context at the national, local and project levels, including the importance of linking research to impact pathways.
Testicular Germ Cell Tumors With Sarcomatous Components: An Analysis of 33 Cases

The development of sarcomatous component (SC) in testicular germ cell tumor (GCT) is an uncommon phenomenon. We searched our surgical pathology files from 1985 to 2007 and identified 33 cases of testicular GCTs with SC. The average age of patients was 31 years. All patients underwent radical orchiectomy, which demonstrated a GCT in all patients except for 3 patients who had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. All testicular GCTs contained a teratomatous component. The GCTs were pure teratomas in 3 cases, and were mixed GCTs in the other cases. The SC was observed in primary testicular tumor (n=19), in metastasis (n=11), or in both primary testicular tumor and metastasis (n=3). The average percentage of the SC in the primary testicular GCT was 32% (range: 5% to 99%). The most common histologic type of SC was rhabdomyosarcoma (n=24), followed by high-grade unclassified sarcoma (n=5), rhabdomyosarcoma admixed with high-grade unclassified sarcoma (n=2), angiosarcoma (n=1), and low-grade myxoid sarcoma (n=1). Clinical follow-up information was available for 27 patients. Of the 13 patients whose SC was limited to the testicular GCT, 2 patients died of GCT not otherwise specified at 37 and 68 months, respectively; and 11 patients were free of disease at a mean of 46 months. Of the 14 patients with a SC in the metastasis, 7 patients died of GCT not otherwise specified at a mean of 95 months, and 7 patients were free of disease at a mean of 104 months. These results suggest that patients with a SC confined to the primary testicular GCT may not have a higher risk of mortality than those at a comparable stage without a SC. However, patients with a SC in the metastasis have an increased risk of mortality.
γH2AX foci analysis for monitoring DNA double-strand break repair: Strengths, limitations and optimization

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) represent an important radiation-induced lesion and impaired DSB repair provides the best available correlation with radiosensitivity. Physical techniques for monitoring DSB repair require high, non-physiological doses and cannot reliably detect subtle defects. One outcome from extensive research into the DNA damage response is the observation that H2AX, a variant form of the histone H2A, undergoes extensive phosphorylation at the DSB, creating γH2AX foci that can be visualised by immunofluorescence. There is a close correlation between γH2AX foci and DSB numbers and between the rate of foci loss and DSB repair, providing a sensitive assay to monitor DSB repair in individual cells using physiological doses. However, γH2AX formation can occur at single-stranded DNA regions which arise during replication or repair and thus does not solely correlate with DSB formation. Here, we present and discuss evidence that following exposure to ionising radiation, γH2AX foci analysis can provide a sensitive monitor of DSB formation and repair and describe techniques to optimise the analysis. We discuss the limitations and benefits of the technique, enabling the procedure to be optimally exploited but not misused.
Growth of long term survivors of liver transplantation

OBJECTIVE To assess growth in survivors of liver transplantation. Study design—Growth was studied in 105 children up to seven years after liver transplantation. Results—At transplantation, mean height standard deviation score (zH) was −1.22 but 19% of patients were severely growth retarded (height below 0.4th centile). Growth and pubertal retardation were seen in the first six months after liver transplantation. Significant catch up in growth and puberty continued for more than five years. At five years, mean zH was −0.95 and at seven years −0.84. The mean zH of patients at final height was −0.55. zH at six months was predicted by zH and bilirubin at the time of transplantation and prednisolone dose at six months. At four years, zH was predicted by zH at the time of transplantation and the cumulative prednisolone dose. There was no association between zH and age at transplantation, sex, or diagnosis, although those with biliary atresia and those undergoing transplantation under 2 years of age showed more initial growth delay and subsequent catch up. Average age at menarche was 14.2 years. Conclusions—The mean height of the group to have reached final height after liver transplantation was on the 27th centile. Those transplanted earlier in childhood are likely to achieve more normal final heights. High steroid dose, poor liver function, and retransplantation are associated with poorer height outcomes. Persisting severe short stature is largely confined to children with severely retarded growth at the time of transplantation. Transient delay in puberty and menarche occur early after transplantation, although appropriate pubertal progress is resumed after two to three years. Key messages Average final height after liver transplantation was on the 27th centile, although those undergoing transplantation as infants can achieve better final heights Height at transplantation is the most important predictor of later height outcome, emphasising the need for optimal transplant timing and preoperative nutritional management High steroid dose, poor liver function, and the need for a second transplant were associated with poor height outcome Transplantation in infancy was not associated with poorer height outcomes Normal pubertal progress was resumed three to five years after transplantation
Circulating microRNAs in exosomes indicate hepatocyte injury and inflammation in alcoholic, drug‐induced, and inflammatory liver diseases

MicroRNAs are fine tuners of diverse biological responses and are expressed in various cell types of the liver. Here we hypothesized that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) may serve as biomarkers of liver damage and inflammation. We studied miRNA‐122, which is abundant in hepatocytes, and miR‐155, ‐146a, and ‐125b, which regulate inflammation in immune cells in mouse models of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), drug (acetaminophen, APAP)‐induced liver injury (DILI), and Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 9+4 ligand‐induced inflammatory cell‐mediated liver damage. We found that serum/plasma miR‐122 correlated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increases in the liver damage caused by alcohol, APAP, and TLR9 (CpG)+4 (LPS) ligands. MiR‐155, a regulator of inflammation, was increased in serum/plasma in alcoholic and inflammatory liver injury. Alcohol failed to increase serum miR‐122 in TLR4‐deficient and p47phox‐deficient mice that were protected from ALD. We found the most robust increase in plasma miR‐122 in DILI and it correlated with the highest ALT levels. Consistent with the massive inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver, plasma miR‐155 and miR‐146a were significantly elevated after CpG+LPS administration. We show for the first time that, depending on the type of liver injury, circulating miRNAs are associated either with the exosome‐rich or protein‐rich compartments. In ALD and in inflammatory liver injury, serum/plasma miR‐122 and miR‐155 were predominantly associated with the exosome‐rich fraction, whereas in DILI/APAP injury these miRNAs were present in the protein‐rich fraction. Conclusion: Our results suggest that circulating miRNAs may serve as biomarkers to differentiate between hepatocyte injury and inflammation and the exosome versus protein association of miRNAs may provide further specificity to mechanisms of liver pathology. (HEPATOLOGY 2012;56:1946–1957)
Herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein C-negative mutants exhibit multiple phenotypes, including secretion of truncated glycoproteins

A virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibody specific for glycoprotein C (gC) of herpes simplex virus type 1 strain KOS was used to select a number of neutralization-resistant mutants. A total of 103 of these mutants also were resistant to neutralization by a pool of gC-specific antibodies and thus were operationally defined as gC-. Analysis of mutant-infected cell mRNA showed that a 2.7-kilobase mRNA, comparable in size to the wild-type gC mRNA, was produced by nearly all mutants. However, six mutants, gC-5, gC-13, gC-21, gC-39, gC-46, and gC-98, did not produce the normal-size gC mRNA but rather synthesized a novel 1.1-kilobase RNA species. These mutants had deletions of 1.6 kilobases in the coding sequence of the gC structural gene, which explains their gC- phenotype. Despite the production of an apparently normal mRNA by the remaining 97 mutants, only 7 mutants produced a detectable gC polypeptide. In contrast to wild-type gC, which is a membrane-bound glycoprotein with an apparent molecular weight of 130,000 (130K), five of these mutants quantitatively secreted proteins of lower molecular weight into the culture medium. These were synLD70 (101K), gC-8 (109K), gC-49 (112K), gC-53 (108K), and gC-85 (106K). The mutant gC-3 secreted a protein that was indistinguishable in molecular weight from wild-type KOS gC. Another mutant, gC-44, produced a gC protein which also was indistinguishable from wild-type gC by molecular weight and which remained cell associated. Pulse-labeling of infected cells in the presence and absence of the glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin demonstrated that these proteins were glycosylated and provided estimates of the molecular weights of the nonglycosylated primary translation products. The smallest of these proteins was produced by synLD70 and was 48K, about two-thirds the size of the wild-type polypeptide precursor (73K). Physical mapping of the mutations in synLD70 and gC-8 by marker rescue placed these mutations in the middle third of the gC coding sequence. Mapping of the mutations in other gC- mutants, including two in which no protein product was detected, also placed these mutations within or very close to the gC gene. The biochemical and genetic data available on mutants secreting gC gene products suggest that secretion is due to the lack of a functional transmembrane anchor sequence on these mutant glycoproteins.
Visual evoked potentials: relation to adult speechreading and cognitive function.

This study investigated the putative relationship between visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and specific aspects of speechreading. The nature and constraints of the relationship between VEPs and cognitive functioning was also examined. The original finding of Shepherd, DeLavergne, Frueh, and Clobridge (1977) that visual-neural speed (VN 130) predicts speechreading skill was not replicated. However, the picture is rather complex in that we find significant correlations for some context-free word discrimination and sign-alphabet testing conditions. These correlations occur only for the VN 130/P 200 peak-to-peak amplitude measure, not for neural speed. Nevertheless, visual-neural speed (VN 130 and P 200) was relevant to certain aspects of long-term memory access (i.e., letter matching, Posner & Mitchell, 1967) and to complex short-term memory function (i.e., reading span, Baddeley, Logie, Nimmo-Smith, & Brereton, 1985).
Very Low Frequency Modulation in Renal Autoregulation

This study aims to examine the presence of a possible third renal autoregulatory mechanism in the very low frequency (VLF) band (~10 mHz) using a high-resolution time- frequency spectral method. Blood pressure and renal blood flow data were measured from conscious and anesthetized Sprague-Dawley and spontaneously hypertensive rats, at the level of the whole kidney (via ultrasound flow probe) and local cortical tissue of a kidney (via laser Doppler flow probe). In addition, N-nitro-L-arginine (LNAME) was used in order to assess the effect of nitric oxide on the third mechanism. Using a complex demodulation method with high time and frequency resolution, a VLF band was often observed, as well as amplitude modulation at the VLF of the two other autoregulation mechanisms. The presence of amplitude modulation is an indication of a particular form of nonlinear interaction between the autoregulatory mechanisms. Physically, such interactions may arise from the fact that all three mechanisms share a common effector, the afferent arteriole. In addition, the magnitude of amplitude modulation of the VLF on the other autoregulatory mechanisms was enhanced by the addition of LNAME, suggesting an important role of nitric oxide in the autoregulatory process
Kidney Transplantation Significantly Improves Patient and Graft Survival Irrespective of BMI: A Cohort Study

Obesity and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) are on the increase worldwide. Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for ESRD. However, obesity is considered a contraindication for transplantation. We investigated the effect of BMI on mortality in transplanted and patients remaining on the waiting list in the United Kingdom. We analyzed the UK Renal Registry (RR) and the National Health Service Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) Organ Donation and Transplantation data for patients listed from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2010, with follow‐up until December 31, 2011. Seventeen thousand six hundred eighty‐one patients were listed during the study period, with BMI recorded for 13 526 (77%). One‐ and five‐year patient survival was significantly better in all BMI bands (<18.5, 18.5–<25, 25–<30, 30–<35, 35–<40, and 40+kg/m2) in the transplant group when compared to those who remained on the waiting list (p < 0.0001). The analyses were repeated excluding live donor transplants and the results were essentially the same. On analyses of patient survival with BMI as a continuous variable or using 5 kg weight bands, there was no cut‐off observed in the higher BMI patients where there would be no benefit to transplantation. For transplanted patients (N = 8088), there was no difference in patient or graft survival between the defined BMI bands. Thus, irrespective of BMI, patient survival is improved if transplanted.