Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial prescribing practices following publication of guidelines for the prevention of infections associated with combat-related injuries.

BACKGROUND Timely and limited antibiotic prophylaxis (postinjury antimicrobial therapy) targeting specific traumatic injuries is a well-recognized measure to lessen posttraumatic infection. Modern military combat injuries raise significant challenges because of complex multiple injuries and limited data derived directly from well-controlled trials to base recommendations. Expert consensus review of available evidence led to published guidance for selection and duration of antimicrobial therapy for combat-related trauma infection prevention. This analysis evaluates antibiotic-prescribing practices by military physicians in the operational theater relative to the published guidance. METHODS Trauma history and infectious disease-specific inpatient care information is captured through the Joint Theater Trauma Registry along with a supplemental infectious disease module. Injury patterns are classified based on documented International Classification of Diseases-9th Revision codes with a composite assessment of each patient's injury pattern. Antimicrobial use categorized as prophylaxis is prescribed within the first 48 hours postinjury. Adherence to published guidance is reported along with patient characteristics and injury severity to assess for potential explanations of nonadherence. RESULTS During June to November 2009, 75% of the 610 eligible trauma patients received antimicrobial prophylaxis. Adherence to the recommended antibiotic agent on the day of injury was in the range of 46% to 50% for the most common extremity injury patterns and <10% in penetrating abdominal injuries. Antibiotics were given in 39% of patients sustaining injuries that are recommendations to not receive antimicrobial prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS This first evaluation of combat trauma-related antibiotic prophylaxis shows adherence levels comparable or superior to reported rates in civilian settings despite the austere, frequently mass casualty environment. Areas for interval surveillance and education-based strategies for improved adherence to practice guidance are identified.
Evaluation of Performance of Measurement of Faecal α1-Antitrypsin Clearance and Technetium-99m Human Serum Albumin Scintigraphy in Protein-Losing Enteropathy

Background and Aim: Our study aimed to compare the performance of faecal α1-antitrypsin clearance (AATC) and radiolabelled human serum albumin (HSA) scintigraphy in protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). Methods: Patients studied by both AATC and technetium-99m (99mTc)-labelled HSA scintigraphy were recruited and categorized into PLE and non-PLE groups based on clinical and laboratory findings. The performance of AATC and 99mTc-labelled HSA scintigraphy was evaluated using clinical diagnosis of PLE as a gold standard. Results: 29 patients were recruited and 13 patients were considered to have definite PLE (PLE group). In the PLE group, all patients had a positive HSA scinigraphy and 10 (77%) had demonstrable positive tracing in the early phase. Conversely, only 6 of them (46%) had elevated AATC level (>13 m/day). Results of 99mTc-labelled HSA scan (but not AATC) showed significant agreement with the clinical diagnosis (ĸ 0.35, p = 0.013). 99mTc-labelled HSA scintigraphy carried higher sensitivity (100 vs. 46%) and negative predictive value (100 vs. 63%) compared to AATC in diagnosing PLE. The correlation between the results of these two investigations was only modest (ĸ 0.27, p = 0.04). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of AATC level showed no optimal diagnostic cut-off for PLE. Conclusion:99mTc-labelled HSA scintigraphy was superior to AATC in diagnosing PLE.
Improved diffusion‐weighted single‐shot echo‐planar imaging (EPI) in stroke using sensitivity encoding (SENSE)

Diffusion‐weighted single‐shot EPI (sshEPI) is one of the most important tools for the diagnostic assessment of stroke patients, but it suffers from well known artifacts. Therefore, sshEPI was combined with SENSitivity Encoding (SENSE) to further increase EPI's potential for stroke imaging. Eight healthy volunteers and a consecutive series of patients (N = 8) with suspected stroke were examined with diffusion‐weighted SENSE‐sshEPI using different reduction factors (1.0 ≤ R ≤ 3.0). Additionally, a high‐resolution diffusion‐weighted SENSE‐sshEPI scan was included. All examinations were diagnostic and of better quality than conventional sshEPI. No ghostings or aliasing artifacts were discernible, and EPI‐related image distortions were markedly diminished. Chemical shift artifacts and eddy current‐induced image warping were still present, although to a markedly smaller extent. Measured direction‐dependent diffusion‐coefficients and isotropic diffusion values were comparable to previous findings but showed less fluctuation. We have demonstrated the technical feasibility and clinical applicability of diffusion‐weighted SENSE‐sshEPI in patients with subacute stroke. Because of the faster k‐space traversal, this novel technique is able to reduce typical EPI artifacts and increase spatial resolution while simultaneously remaining insensitive to bulk motion. Magn Reson Med 46:548–554, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Luteinizing Hormone Responses to N‐Methyl‐D,L‐Aspartate During a Photoperiodically‐lnduced Reproductive Cycle in the Ram

Aspartate and glutamate represent a major class of excitatory amino‐acid neurotransmitters in the vertebrate brain, and stimulation of gtutaminergic receptors by the specific agonist N‐methyl‐D, L‐aspartate (NMDA) induces luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) and LH secretion. In this study, we used NMDA as a probe to investigate the hypothalamic regulation of LH secretion at different stages of a reproductive cycle in Soay rams induced by exposure to alternating 16‐week periods of long and short days. NMDA (20 mg/kg) injected intravenously caused an acute increase in blood plasma concentrations of LH, with a significant increase within 2 to 4 min, and peak levels within 20 min. The magnitude of the response changed markedly during the cycle; it was greatest in the sexually inactive phase under long days (with a linear dose‐response over the range 1 to 20 mg/kg NMDA) and least in the sexually active phase under short days (only 20 mg/kg NMDA produced a small response). Pituitary responsiveness to a standard dose of LHRH (5.3 ng/kg iv) varied only slightly at the different stages and could not account for the observed changes in the LH response to NMDA. There were the expected changes in the endogenous pattern of LH secretion during the cycle, with high frequency LH pulses occurring during the sexually active phase. There was an inverse relationship between the frequency of LH pulses and the LH response to NMDA. Pretreatment of rams with an LHRH antagonist (36 μg/kg iv; Syntex, RS18286) totally blocked the LH response to both NMDA and LHRH, while in a separate study, treatment with dexamethasone (synthetic glucocorticoid, 133.4 μg/kg iv) partially blocked the LH responses. The overall results indicate that NMDA stimulates LHRH secretion in the ram and the response is independent of the activation of the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenal axis. The variation in the LH response during the reproductive cycle may reflect changes in the releasable stores of LHRH in the median eminence. These appear to be depleted in the sexually active phase, when LHRH is secreted in pulses at high frequency. The variation in the response to NMDA may also reflect changes in release of endogenous excitatory amino‐acids, which act via NMDA receptors to form part of the physiological regulation of the reproductive cycle in the ram.
Differential in vitro degradation of particular Fos family members expressed by kainic acid in nuclear and cytosolic fractions of murine hippocampus

Mice were injected with kainic acid (KA) at a convulsive dose, followed by homogenization of the hippocampus in the presence of different protease and phosphatase inhibitors, and subsequent preparation of nuclear and cytosolic fractions. An intraperitoneal injection of KA resulted in marked expression of particular Fos family members, including c‐Fos, Fra‐2, and Fos‐B, but not Fra‐1 proteins, in both fractions 2 to 18 h after administration. These fractions were individually incubated at 30°C for 1 to 18 h for determination of in vitro degradation. Similarly rapid degradation was seen with c‐Fos protein between nuclear fractions obtained 2 and 18 h after administration, while no significant degradation was found for c‐Fos protein in cytosolic fractions obtained 2 h after administration during incubation. By contrast, in vitro incubation led to rapid degradation of c‐Fos protein in cytosolic fractions obtained 18 h after administration. Degradation profiles were peculiar to each member protein in nuclear and cytosolic fractions obtained 2 and 18 h after administration. Dialysis prevented degradation of c‐Fos protein in nuclear fractions without markedly affecting that in cytosolic fractions in a manner independent of the time after administration. The addition of inhibitors for phosphatases, but not for proteases, accelerated the degradation of c‐Fos protein in nuclear fractions previously dialyzed. These results suggest that in vivo KA signals may modulate heterologous machineries responsible for breakdown of each Fos family member in a unique manner in nuclear fractions, rather than cytosolic fractions, of murine hippocampus. J. Neurosci. Res. 64:34–42, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mapping Cortical Gray Matter Asymmetry Patterns in Adolescents with Heavy Prenatal Alcohol Exposure

Here we report on detailed three-dimensional quantitative maps of brain surface and gray matter density asymmetry patterns during normal adolescent development and show how these anatomical features of the brain are disrupted as a result of prenatal exposure to large quantities of alcohol. We studied two independent samples of normally developing children, adolescents, and young adults, totaling 83 subjects from two different research groups, and compared them to 21 individuals with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure. Surface-based image analysis techniques allowed us to match cortical anatomy across subjects and between hemispheres based on manually delineated sulcal landmarks. Quantitative maps of brain surface asymmetry reveal prominent peri-Sylvian hemispheric differences in which the superior temporal and inferior parietal cortices are shifted backward in the left relative to the right hemisphere in both normal and alcohol-exposed subjects. Cortical surface gray matter asymmetry, mapped here in adolescent populations, is most prominent in the posterior inferior temporal lobes (right greater than left), and this effect does not differ between groups of normally developing children, adolescents, or young adults. Alcohol-exposed individuals show a significant reduction in this asymmetry, whether studied with surface-based or more traditional volumetric region of interest analyses. This region of cortex, near the junction of Brodmann's areas 21, 22, and 37, primarily subserves language functions that are known to be impaired on average in the alcohol-exposed subjects. Our findings elucidate regional patterns of brain surface and gray matter asymmetry during normal development and may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the neural substrates of cognitive dysfunction after heavy prenatal alcohol exposure.
A comparative study of health related quality of life among academician — A case study

Universities give a huge impact towards processes of economic development and social change of Malaysia. Therefore it is very crucial to retain a good quality of life among lecturers to ensure all these academic staffs have a high quality of teaching and also in conducting research. A study has been conducted to investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of lecturers at a public university in Selangor. A survey methodology using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire was utilised to collect the data. Descriptive analysis and multivariate test were used to analyse the data. The Malaysian general population norms were applied as a key indicator reflecting the various domains whether scores below or above the average of our country especially according to gender. In order to make a comparison between scores of lecturers with population norm for Malaysia, the means and standard deviation were presented.
Localization of salmon gonadotropin‐releasing hormone mRNA and peptide in the brain of atlantic salmon and rainbow trout

The decapeptide gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) is a key hormone for the central regulation of reproduction. The distribution of salmon GnRH (sGnRH), which is the major form in salmonids, has been studied in different fish species by immunocytochemistry. Discrepancies in data concerning the distribution of sGnRH perikarya led us to investigate this problem in two species, the Atlantic salmon and the rainbow trout, with in situ hybridization of sGnRH messenger, a highly specific molecular tool. By Northern blot analysis, the rainbow trout sGnRH messenger appears to be about 500 bases in length, which is close to those isolated from Atlantic salmon or masu salmon and characterized previously, In situ hybridization with riboprobes generated with Atlantic salmon sGnRH cDNA demonstrated that sGnRH perikarya are restricted to the ventral part of olfactory bulbs, telencephalon, and preoptic area. They are distributed on a nearly continuous line extending from the olfactory bulbs to the preoptic area in both salmonid species studied.
Efficacy of and adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

BACKGROUND Clinical trials in adults have demonstrated the efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to suppress replication of HIV-1 to nondetectable levels, but lower success rates have been observed in practice. We sought to determine the efficacy of HAART in our population of HIV-1-infected children and to identify determinants of efficacy, especially the role of adherence to prescribed antiretrovirals. METHODS The viral load and CD4+ T cell responses of 72 children with perinatally acquired HIV-1 treated with HAART including a protease inhibitor for at least 90 days were examined retrospectively in relation to adherence, as measured by pharmacy records for the first 180 days of HAART. RESULTS Patients were defined as adherent if > or =75% of protease inhibitors and > or =75% of all antiretroviral prescriptions were filled. Of the 42 patients (58%) who were adherent, nondetectable viral loads were achieved and maintained in 22 (52%). A Kaplan-Meier plot showed a drop-off in patients maintaining a nondetectable viral load after 200 days. Higher initial viral load was the only pretreatment factor that identified adherent patients at risk for treatment failure. Only 3 (10%) nonadherent patients maintained a viral load of <400 copies/ml. The adherent group had a prompt and sustained increase in CD4+ T cell counts. CONCLUSIONS HAART can achieve control of viral replication in HIV-1-infected children who adhere to therapy. However, treatment failure is likely unless there is a high level of adherence. Nonadherence to therapy is common and might be the major impediment to successful treatment of children infected with HIV-1.
Relationship of academic success of medical students with motivation and pre-admission grades.

OBJECTIVE To determine predictive validity of pre-admission scores of medical students, evaluate correlation between level of motivation and later on academic success in a medical college. STUDY DESIGN Analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Foundation University Medical College, Islamabad, from June to August 2011. METHODOLOGY A non-probability convenience sampling of students of 1st to final year MBBS classes was done after obtaining informed consent. These students filled out 'Strength of Motivation for Medical School' (SMMS) questionnaire. The data of pre-admission grades of these students along with academic success in college according to examination results in different years were collected. The correlation between the pre-admission grades and score of SMMS questionnaire with their academic success in medical college was found by applying Pearson co-efficient of correlation in order to determine the predictive validity. RESULTS Only 46% students revealed strong motivation. A significant, moderate correlation was found between preadmission scores and academic success in 1st year modular examination (0.52) which became weaker in various professional examinations in higher classes. However, no significant correlation was observed between motivation and academic success of medical students in college. CONCLUSION Selecting medical students by pre-admission scores or motivation level alone may not be desirable. A combination of measures of cognitive ability criteria (FSc/pre-admission test scores) and non-cognitive skills (personality traits) is recommended to be employed with the use of right tools for selection of students in medical schools.
Effect of Probiotic Lactobacilli on the Growth of Streptococcus Mutans and Multispecies Biofilms Isolated from Children with Active Caries

Background The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of probiotic lactobacilli on Streptococcus mutans (MS) and multispecies biofilms isolated from children with severe caries. Material/Methods Twenty children with active caries (DMFS ≥6) were selected as the experimental group and Streptococcus mutans (MS) were isolated from their saliva. After identification the MS strains were mixed with lactobacilli at 37°C, following which viable MS colonies were counted. At the same time dental plaques from the children were mixed with lactobacilli in vitro to form biofilms, and the population of nine common strains in the biofilms was enumerated after 24 hours of growth. Results Lactobacillus casei Shirota, L. casei LC01, L. plantarum ST-III and L. paracasei LPC37 all had strong inhibitory effects on the majority the MS isolated from children with active caries, with the inhibition rate reaching approximately 70–90% (p<0.05). L. casei Shirota, L. casei LC01, L. plantarum ST-III, L. paracasei LPC37 also significantly reduced the numbers of MS, Streptococcus spp. , S. sanguinis and total bacteria in mixed biofilms compared with the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions The four strains of lactobacilli were able to inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans and had effects on the composition of bacterial biofilms in vitro. Ingestion of probiotics may be a promising method of caries prevention.
Closing the intention–behaviour gap for sunscreen use and sun protection behaviours

Objective Two studies were conducted with the aim of closing the intention–behaviour gap for sunscreen use and sun protection behaviours by examining the influence of self-regulatory capacity on the prediction of sunscreen use (Study 1) and self-regulatory capacity and habit on sun protection behaviours (Study 2). Design Studies were conducted online. Participants completed questionnaires and cognitive measures and then reported behaviour one week later. Main Outcome Measures Questionnaires measuring intention and cognitive tasks measuring self-regulatory capacity were administered to 209 university students. One week later, participants reported behaviour. In Study 2, questionnaires measuring intentions, and habit and cognitive tasks measuring self-regulatory capacity were administered to 178 university students who reported behaviour one week later. Results Intention accounted for 7.1% of variance in sunscreen use, no measures of self-regulation accounted for variance in behaviour or moderated the intention–behaviour gap (Study 1). Intention, self-regulatory capacity and habit accounted for 56.1% of variance in sun protection behaviours (Study 2). Intention, self-regulatory ability and habit predicted behaviour, while habit moderated the intention–behaviour gap. Conclusion Interventions aimed at increasing sun protection behaviours should take into account level of intention, self-regulatory capacity and habit. Individuals may benefit from habit formation strategies and self-regulation training.
Generational Status and Social Factors Predicting Initiation of Partnered Sexual Activity Among Latino/a Youth

Objective: Examine the longitudinal association of generational status (first = child and parent born outside the United States; second = child born in the United States, parent born outside the United States; third = child and parent born in the United States) and parent and peer social factors considered in 5th grade with subsequent oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse initiation by 7th and 10th grade among Latino/a youth. Method: Using data from Latino/a participants (N = 1,790) in the Healthy Passages™ study, the authors measured generational status (first = 18.4%, second = 57.3%, third-generation = 24.3%) and parental (i.e., monitoring, involvement, nurturance) and peer (i.e., friendship quality, social interaction, peer norms) influences in 5th grade and oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse initiation by 7th and 10th (retention = 89%) grade. Results: Among girls, parental monitoring, social interaction, friendship quality, and peer norms predicted sexual initiation. Among boys, parental involvement, social interaction, and peer norms predicted sexual initiation (ps < .05). When ≥1 friend was perceived to have initiated sexual intercourse, third-generation Latinas were more than twice as likely as first- and second-generation Latinas (ps < .05) to initiate vaginal intercourse by 10th grade and almost 5 times as likely as first-generation Latinas to initiate oral intercourse by 7th grade. Conclusions: Among Latina youth, generational status play a role in social influences on vaginal and oral intercourse initiation. Moreover, Latinas and Latinos differ in which social influences predict sexual intercourse initiation. Preventive efforts for Latino/a youth may need to differ by gender and generational status.