Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Circulating Inflammatory Cytokine Responses to Endurance Exercise in Female Rowers

Abstract This investigation examined the effects of acute rowing exercise on a panel of 12 different inflammatory cytokines. Fifteen female rowers (18.3±1.6 yrs; 172.0±5.0 cm; 67.5±8.8 kg; maximal oxygen consumption [VO2max]: 47.2±7.9 ml.min.−1kg−1) completed a 1-h endurance exercise (distance: 12.1±1.1 km; energy expenditure [EE]: 639±69 kcal; heart rate: 151±7 beats.min−1; intensity: 79.6±3.5% of the second ventilatory turn point). Venous blood samples were analysed for interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-1α, IL-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations. Rowing exercise resulted increment (P<0.05) in IL-6, IL-8, VEGF and MCP-1. Exercise metabolic demand variables such as rating of perceived exertion (r=0.61), distance covered (r=0.60) and EE (r=0.57) were related (P<0.05) to changes in VEGF concentration. Cardiorespiratory fitness as measured by VO2max was correlated with changes in IL-6 (r=–0.55; P<0.05) level. In conclusion, acute exercise-induced inflammatory reaction was induced by a significant increase in IL-6, IL-8, VEGF and MCP-1 concentrations. Variance in exercise-induced increases in inflammatory cytokines in response to prolonged endurance exercise was characterised by exercise metabolic demand and cardiorespiratory fitness measures in female rowers.
Estimation of the sensitivity of environmental sampling for detection of Salmonella in commercial layer flocks post-introduction of national control programmes

SUMMARY A key element of national control programmes (NCPs) for Salmonella in commercial laying flocks, introduced across the European Union, is the identification of infected flocks and holdings through statutory sampling. It is therefore important to know the sensitivity of the sampling methods, in order to design effective and efficient surveillance for Salmonella. However, improved Salmonella control in response to the NCP may have influenced key factors that determine the sensitivity of the sampling methods used to detect Salmonella in NCPs. Therefore the aim of this study was to compare estimates of the sensitivity of the sampling methods using data collected before and after the introduction of the NCP, using Bayesian methods. There was a large reduction in the sensitivity of dust in non-cage flocks between the pre-NCP studies (81% of samples positive in positive flocks) and post-NCP studies (10% of samples positive in positive flocks), leading to the conclusion that sampling dust is not recommended for detection of Salmonella in non-cage flocks. However, cage dust (43% of samples positive in positive flocks) was found to be more sensitive than cage faeces (29% of samples positive in positive flocks). To have a high probability of detection, several NCP-style samples need to be used. For confirmation of Salmonella, five NCP faecal samples for cage flocks, and three NCP faecal boot swab samples for non-cage flocks would be required to have the equivalent sensitivity of the EU baseline survey method, which was estimated to have an 87% and 75% sensitivity to detect Salmonella at a 5% within-flock prevalence in cage and non-cage flocks, respectively.
Meteorological factors and El Nino Southern Oscillation are associated with paediatric varicella infections in Hong Kong, 2004–2010

SUMMARY Varicella accounts for substantial morbidities and remains a public health issue worldwide, especially in children. Little is known about the effect of meteorological variables on varicella infection risk for children. This study described the epidemiology of paediatric varicella notifications in Hong Kong from 2004 to 2010, and explored the association between paediatric varicella notifications in children aged <18 years and various meteorological factors using a time-stratified case-crossover model, with adjustment of potential confounding factors. The analysis found that daily mean temperature, atmospheric pressure and Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) were positively associated with paediatric varicella notifications. We found that an interquartile range (IQR) increase in temperature (8·38°C) at lag 1 day, a 9·50 hPa increase in atmospheric pressure for the current day, and a 21·91 unit increase in SOI for the current day may lead to an increase in daily cases of 5·19% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·90–8·58], 5·77% (95% CI 3·01–8·61), and 4·32% (95% CI 2·98–5·68), respectively. An IQR increase in daily relative humidity (by 11·96%) was associated with a decrease in daily paediatric varicella (−2·79%, 95% CI −3·84 to −1·73). These findings suggest that meteorological factors might be important predictors of paediatric varicella infection in Hong Kong.
Large outbreak of Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever at a military base

SUMMARY We investigated a mixed outbreak of Legionnaires' disease (LD) and Pontiac fever (PF) at a military base to identify the outbreak's environmental source as well as known legionellosis risk factors. Base workers with possible legionellosis were interviewed and, if consenting, underwent testing for legionellosis. A retrospective cohort study collected information on occupants of the buildings closest to the outbreak source. We identified 29 confirmed and probable LD and 38 PF cases. All cases were exposed to airborne pathogens from a cooling tower. Occupants of the building closest to the cooling tower were 6·9 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2·2–22·0] and 5·5 (95% CI 2·1–14·5) times more likely to develop LD and PF, respectively, than occupants of the next closest building. Thorough preventive measures and aggressive responses to outbreaks, including searching for PF cases in mixed legionellosis outbreaks, are essential for legionellosis control.
Successful Management of Foot Drop by Nerve Transfers to the Deep Peroneal Nerve

Traumatic damage to the common peroneal nerve due to sharp injury, gunshot wound, sciatic nerve tumor, radiculopathy, or hip replacement surgery may result in foot drop. We present an alternative strategy for reanimation of foot drop following deep peroneal nerve palsy, successfully restoring voluntary movement. Fourteen consecutive patients with deep peroneal nerve injuries resulting in foot drop underwent nerve transfer of functional fascicles of either the superficial peroneal nerve or of the tibial nerve as donor for deep peroneal-innervated muscle groups. Eleven cases had successful restoration of British motor grade 3+ to 4+/5 ankle dorsiflexion, one case had restoration of grade 3 ankle dorsiflexion, and two cases had no restoration of dorsiflexion. Nerve transfer to the deep peroneal nerve is a feasible and effective method of treating deep peroneal nerve injuries of less than 1-year duration.
Does Doppler Ultrasound Have a Role in Vascular Access Management?

Hemodialysis accesses monitoring is based on the premise that elective correction of access stenosis will prevent future access thrombosis and prolong access life. Static and dynamic venous pressures, recirculation and, more recently, direct access blood flow measurements (by indicator dilution techniques) are all accepted as playing a role in such monitoring. Another method, color-flow Doppler ultrasound, remains controversial despite being the only mobile noninvasive technique that provides both anatomic (direct visual imaging of the access and venous runoff) and physiologic (access flow measurement) data. Cited reasons for the controversy include concerns about variability due to operator dependence, the expense of the studies and the fact that these studies cannot be performed during hemodialysis. A significant component of the “operator dependence” of color-flow Doppler is actually device dependence. Volume flow within the access is calculated by multiplying the measured mean velocity in the access by the cross-sectional area of the access. These measurements are machine specific because the methodology for arriving at the velocity used for flow calculation varies by device (1, 2). These differences must be taken into account when comparing measurements obtained on different types of machines. Stenosis is measured by comparing the diameter of the stenotic segment to the diameter of a nearby normal segment of the access. Much of the “operator variability” in imaging results in differences in quantifying stenosis rather than in recognizing that stenosis is present. Evaluation of sequential studies and reviewing previous ultrasounds during interpretation improves the utility and accuracy of readings. Color-flow Doppler ultrasound correlates closely with other measurements of access flow and imaging modalities. Access flow measured simultaneously by duplex ultrasound (Phillips 700 with CVIQ) and ultrasound dilution (Transonic Hemodialysis Monitor, Transonic Inc., Ithaca, NY) was shown to be comparable with a correlation coefficient of 0.83 (3). In a study of 64 dialysis accesses by both Doppler ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography, ultrasound detected stenotic lesions (>SO%) with a 92% sensitivity in grafts, and a 79% sensitivity and 84% specificity in AV fistulas. Doppler analysis also identified 32 of 34 occluded access segments (4).
Failing to meet the goals of periodontal recall programs. What next?

Supportive periodontal care is a crucial aspect of the management of chronic periodontitis and peri-implantitis and is inevitably a long-term commitment for both the clinician and the patient. The principal goals of supportive care are to achieve a high standard of plaque control, minimize bleeding and maintain pockets at less than 6 mm. Gain of attachment around natural teeth during supportive periodontal care has been reported, although gain of attachment and of bone during supportive care may be a more pragmatic and aspirational aim in the longer term. Furthermore, we occasionally see patients for whom, despite excellent home and professional care (surgical or nonsurgical), including the management of risk factors, supportive periodontal care appears to be failing and therefore for such patients the clinician needs to consider further management options. This review considers, in particular, the options of using local or systemically delivered antimicrobials to eradicate periodontal and peri-implant disease progression and discusses the extent to which culture and sensitivity testing before the prescription of systemically delivered antimicrobials may be a cost-effective alternative to prescribing 'blind'.
Evaluation of the impact of a simple hand-washing and water-treatment intervention in rural health facilities on hygiene knowledge and reported behaviours of health workers and their clients, Nyanza Province, Kenya, 2008

SUMMARY Many clinics in rural western Kenya lack access to safe water and hand-washing facilities. To address this problem, in 2005 a programme was initiated to install water stations for hand washing and drinking water in 109 health facilities, train health workers on water treatment and hygiene, and motivate clients to adopt these practices. In 2008, we evaluated this intervention's impact by conducting observations at facilities, and interviewing staff and clients about water treatment and hygiene. Of 30 randomly selected facilities, 97% had water stations in use. Chlorine residuals were detectable in at least one container at 59% of facilities. Of 164 interviewed staff, 79% knew the recommended water-treatment procedure. Of 298 clients, 45% had received training on water treatment at a facility; of these, 68% knew the recommended water-treatment procedure. Use of water stations, water treatment, and client training were sustained in some facilities for up to 3 years.
Edge Modes, Degeneracies, and Topological Numbers in Non-Hermitian Systems.

We analyze chiral topological edge modes in a non-Hermitian variant of the 2D Dirac equation. Such modes appear at interfaces between media with different "masses" and/or signs of the "non-Hermitian charge. " The existence of these edge modes is intimately related to exceptional points of the bulk Hamiltonians, i.e., degeneracies in the bulk spectra of the media. We find that the topological edge modes can be divided into three families ("Hermitian-like," "non-Hermitian," and "mixed"); these are characterized by two winding numbers, describing two distinct kinds of half-integer charges carried by the exceptional points. We show that all the above types of topological edge modes can be realized in honeycomb lattices of ring resonators with asymmetric or gain-loss couplings.
A Consensus Approach to the Formulation of Guidelines for Laboratory Testing and Reporting of Antiphospholipid Antibody Assays

Despite numerous past and ongoing efforts, there remains significant variation in results from assays for the major antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), namely anticardiolipin (aCL), anti-beta2 glycoprotein I (anti-beta2GPI), and lupus anticoagulant (LA). There is therefore a need to produce comprehensive guidelines on laboratory testing and reporting of aPL assays. However, because of the paucity of good-quality published evidence, there is a heavy reliance on expert opinion, and thus the existing consensus guidelines for aPL testing and reporting are largely eminence based rather than evidence based. This may potentially bias recommendations to reflect the personal preferences of those who have the greatest influence during the guideline formulation process. This article largely details the experience of the Australasian Anticardiolipin Working Party in undertaking a consensus approach to formulation of guidelines on aCL and anti-beta2GPI testing and reporting, including measures taken to minimize these issues. Despite the time-consuming nature of the process, given the paucity of good-quality published evidence, formulation of guidelines by the consensus process remains an important initiative to improve the standardization of aPL testing and reporting.
Vertical ridge augmentation in the esthetic zone

The reconstruction of deficient alveolar ridges using vertical and/or horizontal guided bone regeneration techniques allows for ideal implant placement, which is crucial for function and also for esthetically successful outcomes. Unlike in the past, when meeting a patient's functional demands was sufficient, many patients now have greater expectations from their implant restoration. Hence, it is no longer enough simply to restore the edentulous space with a functioning tooth or teeth. It has been suggested that patients now measure their final restoration using the contralateral natural tooth as the gold standard. Both subjective and objective levels of patient information on dental implants have increased significantly in the last decade. As a result of this demand, implant literature has inherited and developed specific esthetic parameters and patient-centered outcomes from studies in the restorative field. Unfortunately, studies reporting on guided bone regeneration in the esthetic zone entirely lack such parameters and outcomes. Currently, there is a strong need for a consensus on objective and well-defined parameters to assess the esthetics in bone regeneration and subsequently on implant dentistry.
Experimental considerations for fast kurtosis imaging

The clinical use of kurtosis imaging is impeded by long acquisitions and postprocessing. Recently, estimation of mean kurtosis tensor W¯ and mean diffusivity ( D¯ ) was made possible from 13 distinct diffusion weighted MRI acquisitions (the 1‐3‐9 protocol) with simple postprocessing. Here, we analyze the effects of noise and nonideal diffusion encoding, and propose a new correction strategy. We also present a 1‐9‐9 protocol with increased robustness to experimental imperfections and minimal additional scan time. This refinement does not affect computation time and also provides a fast estimate of fractional anisotropy (FA).
Study of the relationship between metabolic syndrome score and angiographic severity of coronary artery disease according to the presence of diabetes.

Background: The relationship between metabolic syndrome score and coronary artery disease severity is unclear in the presence of diabetes. Hypothesis: The hypothesis of this study is to assess whether there is a relationship between metabolic syndrome score and coronary artery disease angiographic severity and whether or not the severity of the relationship differs in the presence of diabetes. Methods: We consecutively enrolled 132 metabolic syndrome patients who underwent their first coronary angiography. We used four angiographic scores and compared the relationship between metabolic syndrome score and angiographic coronary artery disease severity or clinical presentation between diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. Results: Individuals with both metabolic syndrome and diabetes (n=64) had significantly higher
Infection risk factors associated with seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii in a population-based study in the Central Region, Ghana

SUMMARY About 20–90% of the world's population has had contact with Toxoplasma gondii parasites. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in the Central Region, Ghana. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three selected communities. Serum samples were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies by ELISA. A serological criterion for seropositivity was a positive test result for any of the two anti-Toxoplasma IgG or IgM antibodies or a combination of both. In all, 390 participants of mean age 47·0 years consisting of 118 (30·3%) males and 272 (69·7%) females were tested. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 85% (333/390) where fishermen, farmers and fishmongers, respectively, had the highest seropositivity. IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 329 (84%) and 25 (6%), respectively, while both IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 21 (5%) of the participants. Respectively, 1% (4/390) and 79% (308/390) of participants tested positive for IgM-only and IgG-only antibodies. There was a significant relationship between Toxoplasma seropositivity and contact with soil, presence of a cat in the surrounding area, age, sources of drinking water, level of formal education, and socioeconomic status. The results suggest that the seashore may serve as a good ground for sporulation and survival of Toxoplasma oocysts.
Simultaneous Presentation of Silicone and Silica Granuloma

We report a case of a 45-year-old woman who presented a simultaneous foreign-body granuloma reaction to silicone in her face and to silica in the elbow and knee. The patient had received silicone injections in her face 7 years earlier and had suffered a motorcycle accident when she was young. Changes suggestive of silicone were observed in the biopsy obtained from the face, and silica was detected in the biopsy taken from the elbow, confirmed by polarized light and X-ray microanalysis. The presence of polarizable foreign matter in cutaneous epithelioid granulomas should alert to the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.
Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Shigella in stool samples in a tertiary healthcare hospital of Punjab

Background: Shigella is an important cause of invasive dysentery in children and others. The present study was done to study the prevalence, any seasonal variation, distribution among children and adults, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Shigella isolates in stool. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted over a period of 1 year from June 2011 to June 2012 in the department of microbiology, in a tertiary care hospital in Punjab. Stool specimens from diarrhea/dysentery cases in different age-groups were processed. The specimens were processed by standard microbiological techniques. The suspected colonies of Shigella were identified by standard biochemical tests and serotyping was done by group specific antisera. The susceptibility of all the isolated Shigella species to different antibiotics were done by Kirby-Bauer′s disk diffusion technique as per the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results: Shigella species were isolated from 30 (2.1%) of the total 1,402 stool samples received during the study period. Among these, Shigella flexneri was the predominant species accounting for 57% of isolates, followed by S. sonnei (36%) and S. boydii (7%). Over 70% of Shigella isolates were resistant to two or more drugs including ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and norfloxacin; and 10% Shigella isolates were resistant to chloramphenicol and ceftriaxone during the study period. No resistance was observed to cefoperazone/sulbactam, piperacillin/tazobactam, and imipenem. Conclusions: The results of the study revealed the high prevalence of shigellosis with S. flexneri as the predominant species. The result also suggests that ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and norfloxacin should not be used empirically as the first line drugs in the treatment of shigellosis. Periodic analysis and reporting of antibiotic susceptibility is an important measure to check for antibiotic resistance and form appropriate treatment protocols.
Genotyping of Leptospira directly in urine samples of cattle demonstrates a diversity of species and strains in Brazil

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to identify Leptospira in urine samples of cattle by direct sequencing of the secY gene. The validity of this approach was assessed using ten Leptospira strains obtained from cattle in Brazil and 77 DNA samples previously extracted from cattle urine, that were positive by PCR for the genus-specific lipL32 gene of Leptospira. Direct sequencing identified 24 (31·1%) interpretable secY sequences and these were identical to those obtained from direct DNA sequencing of the urine samples from which they were recovered. Phylogenetic analyses identified four species: L. interrogans, L. borgpetersenii, L. noguchii, and L. santarosai with the most prevalent genotypes being associated with L. borgpetersenii. While direct sequencing cannot, as yet, replace culturing of leptospires, it is a valid additional tool for epidemiological studies. An unexpected finding from this study was the genetic diversity of Leptospira infecting Brazilian cattle.
Assessing coughing-induced influenza droplet transmission and implications for infection risk control

SUMMARY Indoor transmission of respiratory droplets bearing influenza within humans poses high risks to respiratory function deterioration and death. Therefore, we aimed to develop a framework for quantifying the influenza infection risk based on the relationships between inhaled/exhaled respiratory droplets and airborne transmission dynamics in a ventilated airspace. An experiment was conducted to measure the size distribution of influenza-containing droplets produced by coughing for a better understanding of potential influenza spread. Here we integrated influenza population transmission dynamics, a human respiratory tract model, and a control measure approach to examine the indoor environment–virus–host interactions. A probabilistic risk model was implemented to assess size-specific infection risk for potentially transmissible influenza droplets indoors. Our results found that there was a 50% probability of the basic reproduction number (R 0) exceeding 1 for small-size influenza droplets of 0·3–0·4 µm, implicating a potentially high indoor infection risk to humans. However, a combination of public health interventions with enhanced ventilation could substantially contain indoor influenza infection. Moreover, the present dynamic simulation and control measure assessment provide insights into why indoor transmissible influenza droplet-induced infection is occurring not only in upper lung regions but also in the lower respiratory tract, not normally considered at infection risk.