Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of inorganic carbon on the completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON) process in a sequencing batch biofilm reactor

Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and anaerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB) are autotrophic microorganisms. Inorganic carbon (IC) is their main carbon source. The effects of IC limitation on AOB and AnAOB in the completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON) process in a sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) were examined. The optimal IC concentration in the influent was investigated. The start-up time of the CANON process from the activated sludge in the SBBR was 80 d under controlled free ammonia (FA) conditions and sufficient IC source. The AOB and AnAOB activities were limited by an IC concentration of 50 mg− C·L−1 in the influent, whilst the nitrogen loading rate (NLR) was 200 mg-N·L−1·d−1. The experiment on recovering the influent IC showed that AOB and AnAOB activities were affected by the IC limitation, and not by the pH or FA, at 200 mg-N·L−1·d−1 NLR and 50 mg-C·L−1 IC in the CANON process. The activities were recovered by increasing the IC concentration in the influent. From an economic point of view, the optimal IC concentration in the influent was 250 mg-C·L−1 at 200 mg-N·L−1·d−1 NLR in this CANON system.
Aspergillosis in Liver Transplant Recipients: A Single Center Experience

Purpose: The aim of this study was to review the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and effect of treatments of aspergillosis infections in adult liver transplantation patients. Methods: We retrospectively studied the cases of aspergillosis among 625 (164 deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT), 461 living donor liver transplantation (LDLT)) adult liver transplantation recipients (≥18 yrs old) operated between May 1996 to May 2008. Results: Fourteen cases of aspergillosis infection were detected, which consisted of 9 cases of invasive aspergillosis, 5 cases of aspergilloma in maxillary sinuses which occurred before the transplantation. One patient with invasive aspergillosis, who had received liver transplantation overseas and had post-operation care in our center, was also included. Among the 8 cases (1.28%) of invasive aspergillosis (excluding one case operated overseas), 6 cases (3.7%) were DDLT and 2 cases (0.4%) LDLT (P-value＜0.05). Among the 6 patients with early onset of invasive aspergillosis, 5 patients (1.8%) had fluconazole and only 1 patient (0.3%) had itraconazole as prophylactic antifungal agent (P-value＜0.05). The three cases with localized lesions in the lung survived after lobectomy, but the disseminated and inoperable cases died. Conclusion: The incidence of invasive aspergillosis was lower in LDLT cases and prophylactic itraconazole might be more effective than fluconazole. Paranasal aspergilloma, detected before transplantation had no relation with posttransplant invasive aspergillosis infection. Patients who had localized lesion in the lung, and underwent surgery had better survival than who could not.
PATH-GOAL THEORY OF LEADERSHIP

Abstract : The paper reviews the path-goal theory of leadership. This theory states that a leader's behavior is important for good performance as a function of its impact on subordinates' perceptions of paths to goals and the attractiveness of the goals. When leader behavior clarifies these goals or makes them more attractive the satisfaction, performance, and the leader acceptance is expected to increase. The specific relationship between leader behavior and these criteria will depend upon the personality of the subordinate and the existing task environment. The paper discusses these complex relationships in some detail.
The type species of the genus Nocardia.

SUMMARY: Expanded descriptions of Nocardia asteroides (Eppinger) Blanchard, based on 142 strains, and of N. brasiliensis (Lindenberg) Castellani & Chalmers, based on 62 strains, are presented and compared. Illustrations are given of the variation in morphology and appearance of the growth among strains of both species. The morphological and physiological similarity of ATCC strain no. 3318, the accepted type strain of N. farcinica Trevisan, to strains of N. asteroides is shown, and the resulting problem of nomenclature is discussed.
The iturin-like lipopeptides are essential components in the biological control arsenal of Bacillus subtilis against bacterial diseases of cucurbits.

The antibacterial potential of four strains of Bacillus subtilis, UMAF6614, UMAF6619, UMAF6639, and UMAF8561, previously selected on the basis of their antifungal activity and efficacy against cucurbit powdery mildew, was examined. Among these strains, UMAF6614 and UMAF6639 showed the highest antibacterial activity in vitro, especially against Xanthomonas campestris pv. cucurbitae and Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. These strains produced the three families of lipopeptide antibiotics known in Bacillus spp. : surfactins, iturins, and fengycins. Using thin-layer chromatography analysis and direct bioautography, the antibacterial activity could be associated with iturin lipopeptides. This result was confirmed by mutagenesis analysis using lipopeptide-defective mutants. The antibacterial activity was practically abolished in iturin-deficient mutants, whereas the fengycin mutants retained certain inhibitory capabilities. Analyses by fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy revealed the cytotoxic effect of these compounds at the bacterial plasma membrane level. Finally, biological control assays on detached melon leaves demonstrated the ability of UMAF6614 and UMAF6639 to suppress bacterial leaf spot and soft rot; accordingly, the biocontrol activity was practically abolished in mutants deficient in iturin biosynthesis. Taken together, our results highlight the potential of these B. subtilis strains as biocontrol agents against fungal and bacterial diseases of cucurbits and the versatility of iturins as antifungal and antibacterial compounds.
A Comparative Evaluation of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Versus Exercise Therapy (ET) for the Treatment of Body Image Disturbance

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) was compared to a combination of aerobic/anaerobic exercise therapy (ET) for the treatment of elevated levels of body image disturbance in college females. CBT consisted of a modification of the 1987 Butters and Cash procedure that was tailored for group intervention; ET consisted of weightlifting and aerobic dancing. Using a counterbalancing procedure, the same therapists conducted both 6-week interventions, which were compared to a nontreated control group. Results revealed equivalent reductions for both treatment groups when compared to controls on measures of body image disturbance reflective of trait and state body weight anxiety, cognitive-behavioral aspects of appearance, and overall body dissatisfaction. Unfortunately, few subjects were available for follow-up analyses, preventing an evaluation of the stability of changes. The findings are discussed with regard to the potential role of fitness training as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral interventions for body image disturbance.
Effect of hetastarch bolus in trauma patients requiring emergency surgery.

UNLABELLED If blood products are not available, current military guidelines recommend a hetastarch bolus (HEX, Hextend 6% hetastarch in lactated electrolyte buffer, www. hospira.com) for initial treatment of hypovolemic shock in the field. We previously reported that a HEX bolus plus standard of care (SOC = crystalloid plus blood products) was safe during initial resuscitation in 1714 trauma patients. This study tests the hypothesis that HEX+SOC is more effective than SOC alone for volume expansion in trauma patients requiring urgent operation. METHODS From July 2009 to August 2010, the records from all adults who required emergency surgery within 4 hours of admission were screened for a retrospective cohort observational study. Burns, and those with primary neurosurgical or orthopedic indications, were excluded. The study population was comprised of 281 patients with blunt (n = 72) or penetrating (n = 209) trauma; 141 received SOC and 140 received SOC+HEX in the emergency room only (ER, n = 81) or the ER and operating room (OR, n = 59). Each case was reviewed with waiver of consent. RESULTS After penetrating injury, with SOC, the injury severity score was 17 and mortality was 12%; the corresponding values in the HEX(ER) and HEX(OR) groups were 19? 21 and 8%, but these apparent differences did not reach significance. However, in patients receiving HEX, initial heart rate was higher, base deficit was lower, and hematocrit was lower (consistent with relative hypovolemia), even though blood product requirements were reduced, and urine output was greater (all p < 0.05). These effects were absent in patients with blunt trauma. Platelet consumption was higher with HEX after either penetrating (p = 0.004) or blunt trauma (p = 0.045), but coagulation tests were unchanged. CONCLUSION HEX is safe for initial resuscitation in young patients who required urgent operation after penetrating trauma, but there was no apparent effect after blunt trauma. A bolus of HEX reduced transfusion requirements without inducing coagulopathy or causing renal dysfunction, but a randomized controlled trial is necessary to eliminate the possibility of selection bias.
Outer membrane antigens of Neisseria meningitidis group B serotype 2 studied by crossed immunoelectrophoresis

This study shows that the capsular polysaccharide, protein, and lipopolysaccharide antigens from the outer membrane of Neisseria meningitidis group B serotype 2 may be identified by crossed immunoelectrophoresis. By using this technique, seven precipitates were resolved when outer membrane preparations were reacted against goat anti-whole cell group B type 2 antiserum. Most of these precipitates were identified by comparison with purified reference preparations. Different outer membrane preparations, reflecting different growth conditions, varied in their compositions of lipopolysaccharide, protein, and polysaccharide. Detergent treatment altered the protein and lipopolysaccharide precipitation patterns. In the presence of detergent, the lipopolysaccharide did not precipitate, and the electrophoretic migration of the protein antigens decreased. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis is a useful qualitative method for analysis of the antigenic components of the meningococcal outer membrane. The crossed immunoelectrophoresis with intermediate gel technique is presently being used to measure the human immune response to the different cell surface components.
Chronic hypocalcemia in a patient with parathyroid clear-cell hyperplasia.

THE etiology of hypocalcemia is usually not difficult to define. In most cases it is due to one of the following: postoperative, idiopathic or pseudohypoparathyroidism; rickets and osteomalacia; chronic renal disease with azotemia; renal tubular acidosis; hypoalbuminemia; or malabsorption syndrome. The present report concerns a patient with long standing hypocalcemia not readily explained by any of the known causes. Parathyroid exploration demonstrated gross enlargement of the glands, which, on histologic study, revealed clear-cell hyperplasia. A partial defect in synthesis of parathyroid hormone resulting in compensatory hyperplasia, an end-organ (bone) refractoriness to the effect of parathyroid hormone and a hypersecretion of .
Expression of FGF Receptors 1, 2, 3 in the Embryonic and Postnatal Mouse Brain Compared with Pdgfrα, Olig2 and Plp/dm20: Implications for Oligodendrocyte Development

Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) receptors FgfR1, FgfR2 and FgfR3 are differentially regulated during oligodendrocyte (OL) maturation in vitro: FgfR3 is expressed by OL progenitors whereas FgfR2 is expressed by differentiated OLs[Mol Cell Neurosci 1996;7:263–275], and we have recently shown that FgfR3 is required for the timely differentiation of OLs in vivo [J Neurosci 2003;23:883–894]. Here we have used in situhybridization to investigate the expression patterns of FgfR1–3 and compare them to the putative OL progenitor markers Olig2, Pdgfrαand Plp/dm20 as a function of development in vivo, in particular at sites of OL specification, migration or differentiation in the mouse forebrain and cerebellum. We show that at early stages FgfR1–3 expression overlaps with that of Olig2 in the embryonic ventricular zone of the lateral and medial ganglionic eminences. Further, a scattered population of cells expressing FgfR3 (but not FgfR1 or FgfR2) in the ventral telencephalon appear to arise from the ventricular zone, and at later stages are found more dorsally in the cortex, in an overall pattern similar to Olig2 and/or Pdgfrα. Postnatal expression of FgfR2 increases with age, more prominently in specific regions, including the cortical and cerebellar white matter and optic nerve. Thus, the differential expression pattern of FgfR2 and FgfR3 observed in vivo suggests that their expression is developmentally regulated in a manner consistent with the pattern of their expression in culture. These data provide further insights into role of FgfRs in OL development, and they emphasize that these receptors are positioned both spatially and temporally to impact OL generation in vivo.
Short Communication Selective Expression of Murine Prostate Stem Cell Antigen in Fetal and Adult Tissues and the Transgenic Adenocarcinoma of the Mouse Prostate Model of Prostate Carcinogenesis

Prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) is a GPI-anchored membrane protein whose expression is reportedly up-regulated in a majority of human prostate cancers, including advanced stages and metastases. In this study, we investigate the expression pattern of the murine orthologue of PSCA by in situ hybridization in fetal and adult mouse tissues. Murine PSCA is expressed during fetal development in the urogenital sinus, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. The expression in these tissues is restricted to the most superficial cell layer. In the adult mouse, expression is highest in the mucosal lining of the urinary tract. In the normal adult prostate, expression of PSCA is detected exclusively in the secretory epithelium. Examination of PSCA during carcinogenesis of the murine prostate in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate model showed a markedly increased expression in areas of neoplasia. The transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate model may represent a valuable model for the study of PSCA as a potential target for immunotherapy of prostate cancer, despite potential differences in the pattern of expression between mice and humans. (Am J Pathol 2001, 158:809–816)
FREQUENCY CHARACTERISTICS OF SOUND FROM SOMPOTON MUSICAL INSTRUMENT

Sompoton' is one of the most popular traditional musical instruments among local residents in Sabah. The sound generated by the instrument is unique and attractive and its architecture contains a gourd, which had been dried up with eight pieces of bamboo (pipe) inserted into it. A measurement has been carried out to determine the frequency characteristics of sound of the 'sompoton' in its original forms. Frequency values obtained from the measurement were then compared to the frequency predicted by using the closed-end pipe and open-end pipe model. It was found that the generation of harmonic frequency by the 'sompoton' follows the open-end pipe model. However, the generation of the fundamental frequency does not comply with any of the models. This has opened for possibility to the establishment of a new model for 'sompoton'.
[Is chronic, untreated scapho-trapezoid arthrosis after resection arthroplasty of the carpometacarpal joint clinically relevant?].

Basal joint arthrosis and scapho-trapezio-trapezoid arthrosis (triscaphe-arthrosis) are common degenerative diseases with proven surgical treatment. Besides the extirpation of the trapezium during the resection-suspension arthroplasty, we have performed additional fusion of the scaphoid and the trapezoid (ST arthrodesis) in patients with heavy arthrotic changes in both locations. But the combination of these two surgical procedures results in a prolonged rehabilitation and may lead to more complications, e.g. nonunion. Thus the question arises, whether there is any clinical relevance to an untreated scapho-trapezoid arthrosis after resection-suspension arthroplasty of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb. From 1992 to 1998, we performed resection-suspension arthroplasty of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb without additional intervention at the scapho-trapezoid joint in 229 patients. In reviewing the perioperative X-rays of these patients, we found 55 cases with untreated arthrosis of the scapho-trapezoid joint. 36 of these patients were reviewed and re-examined. We used the wrist-score as well as new X-rays for our retrospective examination. The untreated arthrosis of the scapho-trapezoid joint does not lead to any reduction of wrist movement and only in some cases to a slight decrease of grip strength (compared with the other side). 23 of the 36 patients were free of pain. Two thirds of the reviewed patients (24 of 36) did not feel any loss of usability of the hand. Only four in 36 cases suffered a significant loss of function. The X-rays for this follow-up showed an increase in arthrotic changes of the scapho-trapezoid joint in comparison to the X-rays after the resection-suspension arthroplasty of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb in one-third of the patients. In conclusion, in the majority of the patients there are no clinical symptoms of an untreated scapho-trapezoid arthrosis after resection-suspension arthroplasty of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb. Individual subjective symptoms did exist, even with increased radio-morphologic changes, only in a few cases. We cannot recommend combining of the resection-suspension arthroplasty of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb with the risky, uncomfortable fusion of the scaphoid and the trapezoid. Presently, we treat very severe arthrotic changes in both joints with a double-resection arthroplasty. These are very rare cases. If there are any advantages in this procedure, those will need to be proven in another follow-up study.
First Update of the Lebanese Guidelines for Osteoporosis Assessment and Treatment

With the demographic explosion, the human, social, and economic costs of osteoporosis in developing countries, including the Middle East, will continue to rise. In 2002, the Lebanese Guidelines for Osteoporosis Assessment and Treatment were developed to optimize quality of osteoporosis care in Lebanon and the region. They were endorsed by 5 Lebanese medical scientific societies, and by the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office branch of the World Health Organization (WHO). In April 2006, the Lebanese Society for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disorders (OSTEOS) led an initiative to update several recommendations detailed in the original document, based on relevant new local and international data. Data from a population-based sample of elderly Lebanese validated the following recommendations: fracture risk assessment, expressed as relative risk per standard deviation (RR/SD) decrease, was comparable in Lebanese subjects to similarly derived estimates from Western studies; the use of the NHANES database (hip), and the densitometer American database (spine) was as good, if not superior to the use of a Lebanese database for identifying subjects with prevalent vertebral fractures. The original recommendation regarding the use of a gender-specific western database, densitometer for spine and NHANES for T-score derivation for men, remains unchanged. For skeletal site selection, the update recommends measuring the spine and hip for women 65 yr, hip only for subjects O65 yr, and adding the forearm in conditions associated with cortical bone loss or in the case of inability to measure axial sites. The original recommendations for conservative management in premenopausal women were reiterated. This First Update of the Lebanese Osteoporosis Guidelines validates previous recommendations using evidence from a population-based sample of elderly Lebanese, and lays the ground for transitioning the Lebanese Osteoporosis Guidelines to the WHO global fracture risk assessment model.
What factors influence the prevalence and accuracy of nursing diagnoses documentation in clinical practice? A systematic literature review.

AIM To identify what determinants influence the prevalence and accuracy of nursing diagnosis documentation in clinical practice. BACKGROUND Nursing diagnoses guide and direct nursing care. They are the foundation for goal setting and provide the basis for interventions. The literature mentions several factors that influences nurses' documentation of diagnoses, such as a nurse's level of education, patient's condition and the ward environment. DESIGN Systematic review. METHOD MEDLINE and CINAHL databases were searched using the following headings and keywords: nursing diagnosis, nursing documentation, hospitals, influence, utilisation, quality, implementation and accuracy. The search was limited to articles published between 1995-October 2009. Studies were only selected if they were written in English and were primary studies addressing factors that influence nursing diagnosis documentation. RESULTS In total, 24 studies were included. Four domains of factors that influence the prevalence and accuracy of diagnoses documentation were found: (1) the nurse as a diagnostician, (2) diagnostic education and resources, (3) complexity of a patient's situation and (4) hospital policy and environment. CONCLUSION General factors, which influence decision-making, and nursing documentation and specific factors, which influence the prevalence and accuracy of nursing diagnoses documentation, need to be distinguished. To support nurses in documenting their diagnoses accurately, we recommend taking a comprehensive perspective on factors that influence diagnoses documentation. A conceptual model of determinants that influence nursing diagnoses documentation, as presented in this study, may be helpful as a reference for nurse managers and nurse educators. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE This review gives hospital management an overview of determinants for possible quality improvements in nursing diagnoses documentation that needs to be undertaken in clinical practice.
The Economic Impact of Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis in the United States and Canada: A Literature Review

BACKGROUND: Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB) are recurrent and potentially severe medical events for the 13 million people in the United States who have chronic bronchitis. Medical resource use associated with AECB can have a substantial economic impact on the patients, health care system, and society overall. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate literature on the economic impact of AECB in terms of cost of illness, cost of treatments, and cost-effectiveness. METHODS: A MEDLINE literature search was conducted for studies of chronic bronchitis and costs. Reference lists of identified articles were also retrieved for review. RESULTS: Eight published studies were identified: 2 cost-of-illness studies, 1 comparative cost study, and 5 cost-effectiveness studies. Important drivers of costs associated with AECB include hospitalization and choice of antibiotics. In mild to moderate AECB, patient adherence with therapy is essential to consider when selecting treatment. The antibiotic with the lowest acquisition cost has not been shown to be the most cost effective, as adherence and clinical outcomes, particularly re-hospitalization rates, differ. CONCLUSIONS: Further research in these areas is needed to guide clinical decision making and the conduct of disease management programs.