Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Temporal trends in the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1998 to 2005: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND There is a paucity of population-based studies on Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) in the United States. We determined the incidence of and trends in SAB in Olmsted County, Minnesota, over an 8-year period. METHODS A retrospective, population-based, cohort study was done to evaluate the initial episodes of SAB occurring in adult residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, from 1 January 1998 through 31 December 2005, using the microbiology databases at Mayo Clinic and Olmsted Medical Center in Rochester, Minnesota. RESULTS Of 247 evaluable adult patients with SAB who were included in the incidence calculation, 143 (57.9%) were males, and the median age was 72.1 years (range, 19.5-98.5 years). Episodes of bacteremia were classified according to acquisition type: 58 (23.5%) were nosocomial (N-SAB), 145 (58.7%) were healthcare-associated (HCA-SAB), and 44 (17.8%) were community-acquired (CA-SAB). Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) constituted 31.6% of the cases. No community-acquired MRSA bacteremia was noted. The age-adjusted incidence of SAB was 28.3 episodes/100,000 person-years for females and 53.5 episodes/100,000 person-years for males, with an age- and sex-adjusted rate of 38.2 episodes/100,000 person-years. The age- and sex-adjusted incidence of N-SAB, HCA-SAB, and CA-SAB was 9.0, 22.6, and 6.6 episodes/100,000 person-years, respectively. The age- and sex-adjusted incidence of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus was 25.4 episodes/100,000 person-years, and that of MRSA was 12.4 episodes/100,000 person-years. Overall, the incidence rate increased with age but not over the calendar year. The exception was MRSA bacteremia, which increased at a rate of 19.8% (standard error, +/-5.5%) per year during the study. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of SAB in adults remained stable in Olmsted County, Minnesota, from 1998 to 2005, but the proportion of episodes due to MRSA significantly increased over the 8-year period.
Cholesterol level of rabbit meat and trait relationships among growth, carcass and lean yield performances.

Data from New Zealand White rabbits (n = 89) were collected on growth, carcass and lean yield traits and on total lipid and cholesterol contents of total carcass lean tissue. Postweaning growth traits included individual 28-d weaning weight, 56-d market weight and average daily gain (28 to 56 d). Carcass yield traits included preslaughter, abdominal fat, giblet, pelt, visceral and carcass weights and dressing percentage; lean yield traits consisted of uncooked lean percentages from forequarter, hindquarter and loin primal cuts, adjusted total lean weight and overall meat to bone ratio. Experimental rabbits were reared under similar environmental conditions of diet, housing and management, were similar in age (range of 4 d) and were all slaughtered on the same day. Analysis of variance results revealed detectable (P less than .05) effects of litter source for all traits examined, except for loin lean percentage, meat to bone ratio and cholesterol content. In a separate analysis, litter size class influenced (P less than .05) the same traits (as the above litter source effect) with the exception of visceral weight and hindquarter lean percentage. Sex of rabbit did not (P greater than .05) have an effect on any carcass measurements. Cholesterol content of uncooked rabbit meat (total ground lean tissue) was 163.6 +/- 3.1 mg/100 g DM. Correlation coefficients were low (r less than .25) in absolute value between total cholesterol content and all other traits investigated. Individual 56-d market weight was related to a number of carcass parameters: dressing percent (r = .60), carcass weight (r = .93) and adjusted total lean weight (r = .89). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Working Memory Training does not Improve Intelligence: Evidence from Brazilian Children

Recent investigations applying working memory training have indicated that it is possible to train intelligence. This work aimed to verify the effectiveness of a cognitive training program aimed at increasing children's intelligence. Fifty-three Brazilian children, enrolled in the sixth year of elementary school (M=11.17 years, SD=.37), were selected from a larger original group. This selected sample was randomly assigned into the experimental group/EG (n=27) and the control group/CG (n=26). All children were evaluated by cognitive measures in the pre-test and post-test phase. Three working memory tasks encompassed the cognitive training program. The cognitive training was administered to the EG twice a week for eight weeks. The post-test assessment was administered two weeks following the conclusion of the training program. The statistical analysis indicated no significant differences between EG and CG after training for cognitive measurements. These results demonstrate partial support of the selective literature that indicates the difficulty of achieving significant intellectual changes through specific intervention programs.
Low-volume circuit versus high-volume periodized resistance training in women.

PURPOSE The purpose of this investigation was to determine the long-term training adaptations associated with low-volume circuit-type versus periodized high-volume resistance training programs in women. METHODS 34 healthy, untrained women were randomly placed into one of the following groups: low-volume, single-set circuit (SSC; N = 12); periodized high-volume multiple-set (MS; N = 12); or nonexercising control (CON) group (N = 10). The SSC group performed one set of 8-12 repetitions to muscular failure 3 d x wk(-1). The MS group performed two to four sets of 3-15 repetitions with periodized volume and intensity 4 d x wk(-1). Muscular strength, power, speed, endurance, anthropometry, and resting hormonal concentrations were determined pretraining (T1), after 12 wk (T2), and after 24 wk of training (T3). RESULTS 1-RM bench press and leg press, and upper and lower body local muscular endurance increased significantly (P < or = 0.05) at T2 for both groups, but only MS showed a significant increase at T3. Muscular power and speed increased significantly at T2 and T3 only for MS. Increases in testosterone were observed for both groups at T2 but only MS showed a significant increase at T3. Cortisol decreased from T1 to T2 and from T2 to T3 in MS. Insulin-like growth factor-1 increased significantly at T3 for SSC and at T2 and T3 for MS. No changes were observed for growth hormone in any of the training groups. CONCLUSION Significant improvements in muscular performance may be attained with either a low-volume single-set program or a high-volume, periodized multiple-set program during the first 12 wk of training in untrained women. However, dramatically different training adaptations are associated with specific domains of training program design which contrast in speed of movement, exercise choices and use of variation (periodization) in the intensity and volume of exercise.
Arabidopsis LTPG Is a Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Lipid Transfer Protein Required for Export of Lipids to the Plant Surface[W][OA]

Plant epidermal cells dedicate more than half of their lipid metabolism to the synthesis of cuticular lipids, which seal and protect the plant shoot. The cuticle is made up of a cutin polymer and waxes, diverse hydrophobic compounds including very-long-chain fatty acids and their derivatives. How such hydrophobic compounds are exported to the cuticle, especially through the hydrophilic plant cell wall, is not known. By performing a reverse genetic screen, we have identified LTPG, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored lipid transfer protein that is highly expressed in the epidermis during cuticle biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana inflorescence stems. Mutant plant lines with decreased LTPG expression had reduced wax load on the stem surface, showing that LTPG is involved either directly or indirectly in cuticular lipid deposition. In vitro 2-p-toluidinonaphthalene-6-sulfonate assays showed that recombinant LTPG has the capacity to bind to this lipid probe. LTPG was primarily localized to the plasma membrane on all faces of stem epidermal cells in the growing regions of inflorescence stems where wax is actively secreted. These data suggest that LTPG may function as a component of the cuticular lipid export machinery.
The relationship of hyperuricemia and blood pressure in the Thai army population.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated a strong association of hypertension and renal disease with gout. Nevertheless, controversy remains concerning serum uric acid concentration as an independent factor of hypertension. AIM To explore the relationship between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) with serum uric acid levels. SETTINGS AND DESIGN An observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 5,564 subjects from the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences were included in the study. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS ANOVA tests, Chi-square test, correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis were performed. RESULTS Of the total subjects, 4,099 (73.7%) were male. Mean SBP and DBP were 128.73+/-17.06 and 81.62 +/- 11.58 mm Hg, respectively. The mean serum uric acid level was 6.54 +/- 1.71 mg/dL. A significant and positive correlation was found both between serum uric acid and SBP (r=0.186, P P CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we suggest that serum uric acid be used to correlate with levels of blood pressure in the general population. Further investigation is required to establish the treatment for hyperuricemia in hypertensive patients.
Sensitivity Improvement of Spin-Exchange Relaxation Free Atomic Magnetometers by Hybrid Optical Pumping of Potassium and Rubidium

An optically pumped atomic magnetometer using a hybrid cell of potassium and rubidium atoms was demonstrated to yield high sensitivity to magnetic fields. We operated the magnetometer with the four possible combinations of optically pumped and optically probed atoms and found that the combination of optically pumped potassium and optically probed rubidium showed the highest sensitivity among the four combinations because the rubidium atoms were denser than those of potassium. Furthermore, we investigated the dependence of the sensitivity on the power densities of the pump and probe beams and the wavelength of the probe beam. The magnetometer using the hybrid cell required higher pump-beam power and had narrower magnetic linewidth than those of the single alkali-metal cell. However, the magnetic linewidth was larger than the theoretical value, ignoring the spin relaxation caused by the spin-exchange collisions. By adjusting the laser conditions, the highest sensitivity approached 30 fTrms/Hz1/2.
Indirect immunofluorescence antibodies in natural and acquired Rickettsia tsutsugamushi infections of Philippine rodents

Antibodies against Rickettsia tsutsugamushi detected by the indirect fluorescent-antibody test (IFAT) were present in most rats trapped from a human focus of scrub typhus in the Philippines. Rickettsiae were isolated only from rats with positive IFATs. Naturally acquired antibodies persisted for at least 11 months, and antibodies resulting from experimental infections of rats persisted for at least 7 months. A common Philippine rodent, Rattus mindanensis, tolerated experimental infections with both local and standard Karp strains of R. tsutsugamushi, and such infections always produced a positive IFAT.
Plasticity of Arterial and Venous Endothelial Cell Identity: Some Nerve!

The vascular endothelium, the innermost lining of the blood vessel wall, forms a critical barrier between blood and all tissues. Endothelial injury in large caliber arteries contributes to coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease, whereas endothelial injury in veins may predispose to venous thromboembolic disease such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Accumulating studies over the past few decades revealed that endothelial cells (ECs) from arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels exhibit important differences with respect to their appearance, function, regenerative capacity, and molecular repertoire. The identification of specific markers for arterial (EphrinB2) and venous (EphB4) ECs lead to the appreciation that upstream signaling pathways may govern arterial versus venous EC fate specification.1–4 For example, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated induction of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) activation facilitates the induction of Dll4/Notch signaling leading to arterial EphrinB2 expression.2–4 In contrast, transcriptional activation of Coup-TFII (chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor II) inhibits the VEGF receptor neuropilin to suppress notch signaling, thereby inducing venous marker expression.5 The role of VEGF in promoting arterial EC identity has been well recognized from genetic ablation studies across species. However, VEGF-independent mechanisms may also be contributory as suggested by the observation that arterial VEGF expression is significantly reduced after birth.6 In addition, the heterogeneity of ECs within the vessel wall7 raises the question of flexibility of EC identity toward arterial or venous differentiation. In keeping with this, arterial cells contribute to venous vessels, and venous cells may differentiate into arteries or lymphatic ECs in zebrafish embryos.8,9 Collectively, these studies suggest that extrinsic factors, potentially independent of VEGF, may govern EC fate plasticity during development and in their maintenance in adult vessels. Article, see p 607 In this issue of Circulation …
Consequences of local recurrence of soft tissue sarcoma: 205 patients from the Scandinavian Sarcoma Group Register

From the Scandinavian Sarcoma Group Register, information on 1,224 surgically-treated patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the extremity or trunk wall, diagnosed between 1987 and 1995, was collected. 205 patients, one third of whom were referred to a center with a local recurrence, had a total of 284 local recurrences. This analysis describes the treatment for these local recurrences, complications and risk of further recurrences. 169 patients were surgically treated for their first local recurrence. An intralesional or marginal margin was achieved in 110 of these patients, 59 of whom were also given radiotherapy. 54 of the 169 patients had a second local recurrence. The second local recurrence rate was 0.50 if the first local recurrence had been treated with only surgery with a marginal margin, compared to 0.28 if treated with surgery with a marginal margin and radiotherapy or with a wide margin (p = 0.0008). In extremity STS, the crude amputation rate for local recurrences was 0.22 (31 of 142)--i.e., higher than for primary tumors 0.09 (96 of 1065) (p < 0.0001). A high local recurrence rate after treatment outside of sarcoma centers has earlier been shown. We conclude that the consequences of local recurrence in terms of morbidity and costs justifies referral of STS patients for multidisciplinary evaluation and multimodality treatment.
The Role of the Novel Fem Protein VanK in Vancomycin Resistance in Streptomyces coelicolor*

The non-pathogenic, non-glycopeptide-producing actinomycete Streptomyces coelicolor carries a cluster of seven genes (vanSRJKHAX) that confers inducible, high level resistance to vancomycin. The vanK gene has no counterpart in previously characterized vancomycin resistance clusters, yet vanK is required for vancomycin resistance in S. coelicolor. VanK belongs to the Fem family of enzymes, which add the branch amino acid(s) to the stem pentapeptide of peptidoglycan precursors. Upon exposure to vancomycin, the VanRS two-component system switches on expression of all seven van genes, and the VanHAX enzymes reprogram the cell wall such that precursors terminate d-Ala-d-lactate (Lac) rather than d-Ala-d-Ala, thus conferring resistance to vancomycin, which only binds d-Ala-d-Ala-containing precursors. Here we provide biochemical and genetic evidence that VanK is required for vancomycin resistance because the constitutively expressed FemX enzyme, encoded elsewhere on the chromosome, cannot recognize d-Lac-containing precursors as a substrate, whereas VanK can. Consistent with this view, d-Lac-containing precursors carrying the Gly branch are present in the wild type transiently exposed to vancomycin but are undetectable in a vanK mutant treated in the same way. Further, femX null mutants are viable in the presence of vancomycin but die in its absence. Because only VanK can recognize d-Lac-containing precursors, vancomycin-induced expression of VanHAX in a vanK mutant is lethal, and so vanK is required for vancomycin resistance.
The response of young infants to ingestion of ammonium chloride.

The results of observations of the effect of ingestion of ammonium chloride on the acid-base excretion of three premature and three full term infants are presented. Two of the three premature infants showed a definitely diminished ammonia and increased sodium excretion as compared with the full term infants. The results suggest that some premature infants may have a renal tubular disability. One of the two infants with diminished ammonia formation and the third premature infant, the two smallest in the series, became listless, refused their feedings, and developed depressed fontanelles and diminished elasticity of the skin. This could not be correlated with changes in serum CO2 content or chlorides or with the presence or absence of an adequate urinary formation of ammonia and conservation of sodium. Since the infants who became dehydrated gained weight while doing so, shifts of water and electrolytes from extracellular to vascular or intracellular compartments must have occurred. It is suggested that the tendency of young infants to disturbances of acidbase balance may be conditioned by disabilities in intracellular metabolism as well as by renal dysfunction. The implications of the limitations and variability in homeostasis for therapy are discussed.
Associations among Neighborhood, Race, and Sleep Apnea Severity in Children. A Six‐City Analysis

Rationale: Prior researchers found that individual‐level environmental and social indicators did not explain the racial disparity in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Neighborhood socioeconomic variables, as well as risk factors for a range of adverse behavioral and health outcomes, may better explain this racial disparity and help identify modifiable intervention targets. Objectives: To evaluate the associations of neighborhood socioeconomic variables with obstructive sleep apnea severity and to assess whether the neighborhood variables explain the association between race and obstructive sleep apnea severity. Methods: We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of data of 774 children in six cities who participated in the Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial. The outcome variable was the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI). Neighborhood socioeconomic variables were obtained on the basis of the children's residential addresses and information in the American Community Survey. Regression models were used to assess the associations among neighborhood conditions, race, and AHI. Measurements and Main Results: Higher poverty rate and percentage of single‐female‐headed households were associated with higher AHI (P = 0.008 and 0.002, respectively). African American race was associated with a 1.33 (1.08‐1.64 95% confidence interval)‐fold increase in AHI, adjusting for age and sex. After controlling for poverty rate or percentage of single‐female‐headed households with children, the association between race and AHI levels was no longer significant (P = 0.15 and 0.26, respectively), and the magnitude of race association decreased 34 or 55%, suggesting that the association between race and AHI levels was largely explained by poverty rate or percentage of single‐female‐headed households with children. Conclusions: Neighborhood socioeconomic variables in comparison with individual‐level socioeconomic indicators provides better explanations for the racial disparity in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Further research aimed at identifying factors that aggregate in disadvantaged neighborhoods and increase sleep apnea risk may suggest modifiable intervention targets. Clinical trial registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00560859).
Channel resource allocation/reallocation in cellular communication and linear programming

An approach aiming to formulate the mobile network resource allocation problem is proposed here. In order to formulate the resource allocation problem, the way network resources are to be counted is defined. Then, the resource allocation problem is expressed as a multidimensional knapsack problem. The knapsack problem is relaxed and a constrained optimisation linear programming problem is obtained. A series of pseudo-utility values is obtained from the solution of the linear programming problem. The pseudo-utility values are used to establish an order by which the calls/terminals/users are to be attended by the network.
Long‐term survival in a pediatric patient with supratentorial primitive neuro‐ectodermal tumor and extraneural metastasis at diagnosis

Extraneural metastases of central nervous system (CNS) tumors are rare occurrences most commonly observed in medulloblastomas. Survival outcomes are generally dismal. Supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors (stPNET) are rare childhood tumors with few documented cases of extraneural metastases. We present a rare occurrence of a 23‐month‐old patient with long‐term survival after diagnosis of stPNET with metastases to the lungs. This patient was treated with surgical resection, induction chemotherapy, tandem autologous hematopoietic cell rescues, and focal radiotherapy. We report long‐term survival for a patient with a stPNET and extraneural metastases at diagnosis following an intensive approach to treatment. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 341–344. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.