Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of Antibiotics in Surface and Groundwater of a Drinking Water Catchment Area in Germany

The contamination of the aquatic environment with organic micropollutants, such as veterinary pharmaceuticals, has become an increasingly serious problem and has aroused attention in the course of the last decades. This study presents a screening for a series of veterinary antibiotics, potentially introduced by the application of liquid manure, in ground‐ and surface water of a drinking water catchment in Lower Saxony, Germany. Of the 26 compounds analyzed, eight, including sulfadiazine, sulfapyridine, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, dehydrato‐erythromycin, sulfadimidine, tylosin, and tetracycline were detected in surface water samples. Trimethoprim was detected in 11 out of 15 shallow groundwater samples, indicating its high environmental relevance. Column sorption experiments conducted on trimethoprim show a comparatively moderate sorption affinity to sandy aquifer material with a retardation coefficient of 5.7.
Statistical models as cognitive models of individual differences in reasoning

There are individual differences in reasoning which go beyond dimensions of ability. Valid models of cognition must take these differences into account, otherwise they characterise group mean phenomena which explain nobody. The gap is closing between formal cognitive models, which are designed from the ground up to explain cognitive phenomena, and statistical models, which traditionally concern the more modest task of modelling relationships in data. This paper critically reviews three illustrative statistical models of individual differences in reasoning which embed some notion of cognitive process. Although the models are each developed in different frameworks, it is shown that they are more similar than would first appear. The cognitive meaning of elements in the example models is explored and some sketches are developed for future directions of research.
Axial Lengths in Children with Recessive Cornea Plana

Abstract Introduction: While flat keratometry contributes to the hyperopia and associated refractive accommodative esotropia that is part of recessive cornea plana, whether or not axial lengths are abnormally short in the disease is unclear. In this study we assess this possibility. Methods: Prospective (2010–2012) axial length measurement (IOLmaster; Carl Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany) of affected right eyes and comparison to right eyes with refractive accommodative esotropia only. Keratometry and refraction were also performed. Results: For eight affected right eyes (age 10–12 years; seven families) axial length ranged from 21.46–24.80 mm (mean 23.34). Best corrected visual acuity ranged from 20/25 to 20/50, keratometry from 25.33–39.80 diopters (D) [mean 31.80], and refraction from +2.00 to +14.00 D (mean +7.22). For 50 control right eyes (age 4–12 years), axial length ranged from 19.87–23.66 mm (mean 21.6). Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/25 or better, keratometry ranged from 39.81–46.25 D (mean 42.42), and refraction from +2.25 to +8.00 D (mean 4.71). Axial lengths were longer in the affected group (2-tailed unpaired t-test p value 0.000005) despite greater hyperopia (2-tailed unpaired t-test p value 0.001). Conclusions: Despite greater hyperopia, axial lengths were longer in eyes with recessive cornea plana, evidence that axial lengths are not shortened by the disease. Keratometry in children with cornea plana was below the range of controls and was the major factor underlying the phenotype's hyperopia.
Genetics of Lipid-Storage Management in Caenorhabditis elegans Embryos

Lipids play a pivotal role in embryogenesis as structural components of cellular membranes, as a source of energy, and as signaling molecules. On the basis of a collection of temperature-sensitive embryonic lethal mutants, a systematic database search, and a subsequent microscopic analysis of >300 interference RNA (RNAi)–treated/mutant worms, we identified a couple of evolutionary conserved genes associated with lipid storage in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos. The genes include cpl-1 (cathepsin L–like cysteine protease), ccz-1 (guanine nucleotide exchange factor subunit), and asm-3 (acid sphingomyelinase), which is closely related to the human Niemann-Pick disease–causing gene SMPD1. The respective mutant embryos accumulate enlarged droplets of neutral lipids (cpl-1) and yolk-containing lipid droplets (ccz-1) or have larger genuine lipid droplets (asm-3). The asm-3 mutant embryos additionally showed an enhanced resistance against C band ultraviolet (UV-C) light. Herein we propose that cpl-1, ccz-1, and asm-3 are genes required for the processing of lipid-containing droplets in C. elegans embryos. Owing to the high levels of conservation, the identified genes are also useful in studies of embryonic lipid storage in other organisms.
Diplonema spp. Possess Spliced Leader RNA Genes Similar to the Kinetoplastida

Abstract The phylogenetic placement of the genus Diplonema in relation to fellow phylum members Euglena and Trypanosoma has been uncertain. The spliced leader RNA gene, present in the euglenids and kinetoplastids in distinct forms, was a potential target for resolving this question. The first indication supporting a closer relationship to the kinetoplastids was the recognition of potential spliced leader RNA exon sequences in the genomic DNA of two Diplonema isolates. Examination of total cell RNA revealed transcripts in the anticipated size range at approximately 120 and 130 nt. Specific PCR amplification of a spliced leader RNA gene repeat was performed. The hallmark features of the kinetoplastid-type spliced leader RNA, specifically the 39-nt exon, splice-donor site, Sm-binding site and poly-T tract and the potential to form the requisite stem-loop structures, were found. Diplonema spp. are different from the kinetoplastids by virtue of C residues at positions 4 and 18 in the exon. While the intergenic spacer regions varied in size, each contained the complete sequence or remnants of a 5S ribosomal RNA gene. Possession of a functional spliced leader RNA gene of the kinetoplastid variety in Diplonema supports a closer evolutionary relationship with this group than with the euglenids.
Psychogenic Seizures: A Study of 42 Attacks in Six Patients, With Intensive Monitoring

• Intractable complex partial seizures and seizures of unknown type were studied in 78 patients, six of whom were found to have psychogenic seizures. Evaluation by intensive monitoring included simultaneous six-hour telemetered EEG and videotape recordings and daily determination of plasma antiepileptic drug levels. Diagnosis was determined by assessment of four major criteria: deviation of seizures from characteristics of known seizure types, absence of epileptiform activity in the ictal EEG, absence of slowing in the postictal EEG, and relation of seizure frequency to decreasing plasma concentrations of antiepileptic drugs. No single criterion is sufficient for an unequivocal diagnosis of psychogenic seizures.
Online exclusive: art intervention with family caregivers and patients with cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To describe the implementation and preliminary evaluation of an art intervention at the bedsides of patients with cancer and their family caregivers. DATA SOURCES Field notes from ongoing encounters with family caregivers and patients with cancer, research literature, and descriptions of other programs. DATA SYNTHESIS An "Art Infusion" intervention was developed and offered to family caregivers and patients with cancer during treatment at a comprehensive cancer center. Training of interventionists, timing and delivery of the intervention, and the availability of art activity choices were key factors in the intervention's success. CONCLUSIONS Family caregivers and patients with cancer are interested in and responsive to art interventions. Additional research is needed to quantify the effects. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Art interventions enhanced and extended the scope of care for family caregivers and patients with cancer. Nurses are in key positions to establish, supervise, and promote such interventions.
Clinical features and outcome of pregnancy with SLE-associated thrombocytopenia

Abstract Objective: To analyze the course of maternal diseases and compare pregnancy outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-associated thrombocytopenia to patients without. Methods: Medical charts of 77 pregnancies in 73 SLE patients were systematically reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of thrombocytopenia. Patients who are new onset SLE during pregnancy were also been studied. Result: Thrombocytopenia was found in 18 (23.3%) of the pregnancies. SLE patients with thrombocytopenia during pregnancy had higher percentage of disease flaring (11/18 versus 14/59, p = 0.003) and SLE-Pregnancy Disease Activity Index (7.89 ± 6.192 versus 2.41 ± 3.3.89, p = 0.001) compared to patients without. Also, patients with thrombocytopenia had a higher percentage of pulmonary, cardiac and multiple organ system involvement. There was a statistically significant difference in preeclampsia and early onset hypertensive disorder induced before 34 weeks as well as the rate of live birth less than 34 weeks (33.3% versus 6.8%, p = 0.003 & 38.9% versus 13.6%, p = 0.018 & 16.7% versus 1.7%, p = 0.038). Patients with thrombocytopenia suffered from higher rate of pregnancy loss (22.2% versus 3.4%, p = 0.024) and neonatal death (33.3% versus 1.7%, p = 0.000). In our study there were 17 patients with new-onset of SLE during pregnancy. The hematological system manifestation occurred in all of them and there was a significant increase in the incidence of thrombocytopenia (n = 12, 70.6%). Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia in SLE during pregnancy indicates higher disease activity, severe organ damage, early onset preeclampsia and higher pregnancy loss.
Coevolution of host and virus: the pathogenesis of virulent and attenuated strains of myxoma virus in resistant and susceptible European rabbits.

Myxoma virus was introduced into the European rabbit population of Australia in 1950. Although the virus was initially highly lethal in rabbits, there was rapid selection for less virulent strains of virus and innately resistant rabbits. To investigate the basis of resistance to myxoma virus, we have compared the pathogensis of the virulent strain of myxoma virus originally released into Australia and an attenuated, naturally derived field strain of myxoma virus. This was done in laboratory rabbits, which have not been selected for resistance, and in wild rabbits that have developed significant resistance. Wild rabbits were able to recover from infection with virus that was always lethal in laboratory rabbits. Laboratory rabbits were able to control and recover from infection with attenuated virus. This virus caused a trivial disease in wild rabbits. There was little difference between laboratory and wild rabbits in titers of either virulent or attenuated virus in the skin at the inoculation site. However, resistant wild rabbits had a 10- to 100-fold lower titer of virulent virus within the lymph node draining the inoculation site and controlled virus replication in tissues distal to the draining lymph node. Replication of virus in lymphocytes or fibroblasts cultured from wild and laboratory rabbits demonstrated that resistance was not due to altered cellular permissivity for replication. Neutralizing antibodies were present in both susceptible and resistant rabbits, suggesting that these have no significant role in resistance. We hypothesise that resistance is due to an enhanced innate immune response that allows the rabbit to mount an effective cellular immune response.
2008 Emily Cooley Memorial Lecture: lessons learned from pediatric transfusion medicine clinical trials . . . a little child shall lead them

BACKGROUND: Many clinical practices in transfusion medicine are controversial and/or lack definitive guidelines established by sound clinical trials. Although recommendations based on results of clinical trials performed using infants and children may not always be applied directly to adults—and vice versa—lessons learned from pediatric trials can be useful when critically assessing the design/results/conclusions of adult trials.
tcrB, a Gene Conferring Transferable Copper Resistance in Enterococcus faecium: Occurrence, Transferability, and Linkage to Macrolide and Glycopeptide Resistance

ABSTRACT A newly discovered gene, designated tcrB, which is located on a conjugative plasmid conferring acquired copper resistance in Enterococcus faecium, was identified in an isolate from a pig. The tcrB gene encodes a putative protein belonging to the CPx-type ATPase family with homology (46%) to the CopB protein from Enterococcus hirae. The tcrB gene was found in E. faecium isolated from pigs (75%), broilers (34%), calves (16%), and humans (10%) but not in isolates from sheep. Resistant isolates, containing the tcrB gene, grew on brain heart infusion agar plates containing up to 28 mM CuSO4 compared to only 4 mM for the susceptible isolates. Copper resistance, and therefore the presence of the tcrB gene, was strongly correlated to macrolide and glycopeptide resistance in isolates from pigs, and the tcrB gene was shown to be located on the same conjugative plasmid as the genes responsible for resistance to these two antimicrobial agents. The frequent occurrence of this new copper resistance gene in isolates from pigs, where copper sulfate is being used in large amounts as feed additive, suggests that the use of copper has selected for resistance.
Optimal threshold classification characteristics

This study looks at the application of mathematical concepts of entropy and Fibonacci sequence in creating optimal dimensional relations of classification character. The paper is devoted to optimization of some numerical relations and integers as unified threshold characteristics of classification type, aimed for example at systemic optimizing the measuring information of various processes. The paper is devoted to optimization of some numerical relations and integers as unified threshold characteristics of classification type. The dimensional concepts of information optimality, harmony and balance in the complex are major criteria underlying the present study. Based on the criteria, the maximum deviations from the optimal values and the way to optimize the redundancy of information are determined and justified. As the model in determining informational optimality has used the principle of equivalence, based on the equality of total entropy of system and the entropy of its informative components. The application of suggested theory is discussed on examples of characteristics relating to binary classification from the sphere of practical metrology, such as confidence levels, tolerance uncertainty ratios, and test uncertainty ratios. As accompanying results of the research the optimality of system of decimal numbering and the information nature of “magic number seven” are proved.
Charcot foot associated with chronic alcohol abuse

Two patients without a history of diabetes mellitus but with a history of chronic alcohol abuse were referred to our foot clinic due to pain and deformity of the midfoot. On examination both of the feet of the first patient and the left foot of the second patient were swollen and warm but all the inflammatory markers were negative. Subsequent imaging revealed Charcot deformity and the patients were treated with casting and special shoes. The temperature and the swelling of the feet after the offloading improved. x-Rays which were performed 1 and 2 years after the diagnosis did not show any progression of the Charcot deformity.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Perioperative Outcomes of Major Procedures: Results From the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

Objective: To determine the association between race/ethnicity and perioperative outcomes in individuals undergoing major oncologic and nononcologic surgical procedures in the United States. Background: Prior work has shown that there are significant racial/ethnic disparities in perioperative outcomes after several types of major cardiac, general, vascular, orthopedic, and cancer surgical procedures. However, recent evidence suggests attenuation of these racial/ethnic differences, particularly at academic institutions. Methods: We utilized the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to identify 142,344 patients undergoing one of the 16 major cancer and noncancer surgical procedures between 2005 and 2011. Results: Eighty-five percent of the cohort was white, with black and Hispanic individuals comprising 8% and 4%, respectively. In multivariable analyses, black patients had greater odds of experiencing prolonged length of stay after 10 of the 16 procedures studied (all P < 0.05), though there was no disparity in odds of 30-day mortality after any surgery. Hispanics were more likely to experience prolonged length of stay after 5 surgical procedures (all P < 0.04), and were at greater odds of dying within 30 days after colectomy, heart valve repair/replacement, or abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (all P < 0.03). Fewer disparities were observed for Hispanics, than for black patients, and also for cancer, than for noncancer surgical procedures. Conclusions: Important racial/ethnic disparities in perioperative outcomes were observed among patients undergoing major cancer and noncancer surgical procedures at American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program institutions. There were fewer disparities among individuals undergoing cancer surgery, though black patients, in particular, were more likely to experience prolonged length of stay.
Action of plant growth regulators and salinity on seed germination of Ceratoides lanata

Ceratoides lanata (Pursh) J.T. Howell is a shrub with numerous annual branchlets from the family Chenopodiaceae and is widely distributed in brackish water playas of northern Utah. Seeds had no dormancy, and about 90% of the seeds germinated in nonsaline control. Seed germination decreased with the increase in salinity, and more than 10% of the seeds germinated at 900 mmol/L NaCl. Almost all seeds germinated in less than 24 h, and no additional seed germinated after this time. Gibberellic acid had no effect in alleviating salinity effects; however, kinetin and fusicoccin substantially alleviated the effect of salinity on germination, while ethephon almost completely reverted the effect of salinity.Key words: Ceratoides lanata, gibberellic acid, ethephon, fusicoccin, halophytes, kinetin.
Phase II study of cisplatin (C), gemcitabine (G) and gefitinib for advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC): Analysis of the second cohort of CALGB 90102.

4578 Background: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently expressed in UC and carries a poor prognosis. C has preclinical synergy with gefitinib and GC plus gefitinib was safe in lung cancer patients (pts). In a UC trial of GC using fixed dose rate infusion of G plus gefitinib, Gr 4 and 5 toxicities led to premature closure of the study after 27 patients. Because toxicity was felt to be related to the fixed dose rate infusion of G, accrual was resumed with a standard G dosing schedule in a second cohort. METHODS Eligible pts had measurable N2, N3 or M1 disease; PS of 0-2; CrCl of > 50 ml/min; adequate organ function; no prior systemic combination chemotherapy. Treatment consisted of C 70 mg/m2 D1, G 1000 mg/m2 D1+8 given over 30 min every 3 weeks concurrent with gefitinib 500 mg/day PO for a maximum of 6 cycles. Responders received maintenance gefitinib 500 mg/day until progression. RESULTS In 55 eligible pts with a median age of 64 years, 67% (of 49) had visceral metastases and 91% had PS of 0-1. Objective response (CR+PR) was observed in 51% (95% CI = 37-65). With a median follow up of 13.2 mo, the median time to progression was 8 mo (95% CI = 6.8-9.2) on the basis of 45 events, and the median overall survival was 14.4 mo (95% CI = 10.7-20.9) on the basis of 26 deaths. No lethal toxicity was seen. Gr 4 toxicities included Gr 4 neutropenia (20%) and Gr 4 metabolic/electrolyte disorders in 13%. Gr 3 and 4 diarrhea was observed in 25% and 2 % of pts respectively and Gr 3 skin rash in 16% of pts. CONCLUSIONS The combination of GC and gefitinib has acceptable toxicity in advanced UC. However, the relative contribution of gefitinib to the efficacy of this regimen remains uncertain. These preliminary results do not suggest a substantial improvement upon historical results with GC alone in advanced UC. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Levels of Soluble Adhesion Molecules Are Elevated in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Children with Moyamoya Syndrome

OBJECTIVE The pathogenesis of moyamoya syndrome is unknown; however, previous studies suggested an inflammatory component. Because adhesion molecules mediate inflammation during cerebral ischemia, we measured the levels of soluble isoforms of the endothelial adhesion molecules vascular cell adhesion molecule Type 1, intercellular adhesion molecule Type 1, and E-selectin in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from children with moyamoya syndrome. METHODS Serum and CSF samples were obtained from children with moyamoya syndrome (n = 20) and patients with congenital spinal deformities (n = 20). Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule Type 1, intercellular adhesion molecule Type 1, and E-selectin levels were measured in enzyme-linked immunoassays. The correlation between the levels of soluble adhesion molecules and the Suzuki angiographic classification was analyzed. CSF/serum albumin index values were also measured, to determine the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. RESULTS Compared with the control group, children with moyamoya syndrome exhibited significantly elevated CSF levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule Type 1, intercellular adhesion molecule Type 1, and E-selectin. The albumin index for the moyamoya group was 9, which was significantly higher than that for the control group. However, there were no differences in the serum levels of the three soluble adhesion molecules and no correlations between age, Suzuki classification, and serum and CSF levels of adhesion molecules. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates increased CSF levels of soluble endothelial adhesion molecules, suggesting that children with moyamoya syndrome have ongoing central nervous system inflammation, with slight impairment of the blood-brain barrier. These soluble adhesion molecules may be clinically useful as indicators of this inflammatory process and may provide some insight into this enigmatic disease process.
Microdeletion of 16p11.2 associated with endocardial fibroelastosis

Microdeletion of 16p11.2 Associated With Endocardial Fibroelastosis Surasak Puvabanditsin,* Michael S. Nagar, Meera Joshi, George Lambert, Eugene Garrow, and Erik Brandsma Department of Pediatrics, UMDNJ-RWJ Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey Department of Pathology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey Department of Surgery, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York
Mammary transfer of vitamin E in dairy cows.

Milk vitamin E from eight dairy cows was analyzed for vitamin E by HPLC during the 1st mo of lactation. Colostrum gave a mean value of 1.9 micrograms alpha-tocopherol/ml while concentrations of fresh milk averaged . 3 microgram alpha-tocopherol/ml. D-gamma-tocopherol concentrations were observed in very small amounts. When six cows at the end of the 1st mo of lactation were injected intraperitoneally with an emulsion of dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate (5 g), plasma and milk concentrations of alpha-tocopherol were increased from their original values of 4.5 micrograms/ml plasma and . 3 microgram/ml fresh milk to 10.9 micrograms/ml plasma and 1.6 micrograms/ml fresh milk, 12 h later. The results show that intraperitoneal administration of vitamin E to dairy cows in an effective way of increasing plasma and milk tocopherol concentration.