Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous Anidulafungin in Children with Neutropenia at High Risk for Invasive Fungal Infections

ABSTRACT Anidulafungin is an echinocandin with activity against Candida species and Aspergillus species. Adult dosages under study are 50 mg/day for esophageal candidiasis and 100 mg/day for invasive candidiasis and aspergillosis. Little is known, however, about the safety and pharmacokinetics of anidulafungin in children. A multicenter, ascending-dosage study of neutropenic pediatric patients was therefore conducted. Patients were divided into two age cohorts (2 to 11 years and 12 to 17 years) and were enrolled into sequential groups to receive 0.75 or 1.5 mg/kg of body weight/day. Blood samples were obtained following the first and fifth doses. Anidulafungin was assayed in plasma, and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined. Safety was assessed using National Cancer Institute (NCI) common toxicity criteria. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined for 12 patients at each dosage (0.75 mg/kg/day or 1.5 mg/kg/day). Concentrations and drug exposures were similar for patients between age cohorts, and weight-adjusted clearance was consistent across age. No drug-related serious adverse events were observed. One patient had fever (NCI toxicity grade of 3), and one patient had facial erythema, which resolved with slowing the infusion rate. Anidulafungin in pediatric patients was well tolerated and can be dosed based on body weight. Pediatric patients receiving 0.75 mg/kg/day or 1.5 mg/kg/day have anidulafungin concentration profiles similar to those of adult patients receiving 50 or 100 mg/day, respectively.
Anxiodepressive disorders and chronic psychological stress are associated with Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy- New Physiopathological Hypothesis.

BACKGROUND Recent retrospective studies suggest that psychiatric disorders could be a predisposing risk factor for Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC). The aim of the present study was to characterize the prevalence of anxiodepressive disorders (ADD) and chronic psychological stress (CPS) in patients with TTC or acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS AND RESULTS Between January 2010 and December 2011, 45 consecutive patients with TTC were prospectively screened by systematic interview with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. CPS was systematically recorded. During the same period, 50 patients admitted for ACS with troponin elevation and matched for age and sex were prospectively included as a control group. An acute stressful event within 72 h before presentation was identified in 35 patients (78%) with TTC vs. 9 (18%) with ACS (P<0.001). Thirty-five patients (78%) and 13 (26%) had ADD in the TTC and ACS groups, respectively (P<0.001). CPS was found in 20 patients (44%) and in 9 (18%) with TTC and ACS, respectively (P=0.005). CPS and/or ADD were found in 35 patients (78%) and in 18 (36%) with TTC and ACS, respectively (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS ADD and CPS are common in patients with TTC and more frequent than in patients with ACS. This finding suggests that systemic effects of ADD and CPS could participate in the pathophysiology of TTC.
Surgical removal of an aural sarcoid in a donkey using ultrasonic shears

SCIENTIFIC literature describing diseases affecting the ears of donkeys is sparse, with one case report of cryptococcosis affecting both ears of an Iranian donkey ([Khodakaram-Tafti and Dehgani 2006][1]). Diseases of the external ear canal and pinna in other equids include dentigerous cysts, cranial
ANTHROPOMETRY AND FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE OF ELITE INDIAN JUNIOR TENNIS PLAYERS

To find out the correlation between body composition and functional performance of elite Indian junior tennis players. Tennis academies all over Delhi and National Capital Region 100 elite Indian junior tennis players. The anthropometric data (BMI, fat mass, height, weight, BMI, girth measurement, Waist- hip ratio, fat mass and muscle mass) of each athlete has measured and has been correlated with all the three functional performance tests. Pearson's correlation test was used to correlate the anthropometric data and functional performance test results. The study result showed there was a correlation exist between some of the anthropometric variables (e.g.: muscle mass, percentage of fat, Girth measurement,) with functional performance at the same time there was no correlation exist between some of the anthropometric variables ( E.g.: BMI, Waist Hip ratio,) with functional performance.
The genome sequence of the wine yeast VIN7 reveals an allotriploid hybrid genome with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces kudriavzevii origins.

The vast majority of wine fermentations are performed principally by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, there are a growing number of instances in which other species of Saccharomyces play a predominant role. Interestingly, the presence of these other yeast species generally occurs via the formation of interspecific hybrids that contain genomic contributions from both S. cerevisiae and non-S. cerevisiae species. However, despite the large number of wine strains that are characterized at the genomic level, there remains limited information regarding the detailed genomic structure of hybrids used in winemaking. To address this, we describe the genome sequence of the thiol-releasing commercial wine yeast hybrid VIN7. VIN7 is shown to be an almost complete allotriploid interspecific hybrid that is comprised of a heterozygous diploid complement of S. cerevisiae chromosomes and a haploid Saccharomyces kudriavzevii genomic contribution. Both parental strains appear to be of European origin, with the S. cerevisiae parent being closely related to, but distinct from, the commercial wine yeasts QA23 and EC1118. In addition, several instances of chromosomal rearrangement between S. cerevisiae and S. kudriavzevii sequences were observed that may mark the early stages of hybrid genome consolidation.
Preliminary analysis of lignocellulose content and monolignol composition of oil palm trunk from two different genetic backgrounds.

A preliminary investigation of chemical and lignin composition was conducted from samples of oil palm trunk of two different genetic backgrounds. A significant difference in percent (%) of standing palms was noted for the two different genetic backgrounds after 24 years of planting. Given that these palms were planted in neighboring fields, the objective of this preliminary study was to compare the chemical composition, as well as the lignin composition of the two palm varieties. When comparing the two populations, significant differences were observed in the structural carbohydrate composition and the lignin composition. This research constitutes the first reporting on the pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analysis of oil palm trunk lignin composition.
Regulation of Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation by &bgr;-Catenin/T-Cell Factor Signaling Involves Modulation of Cyclin D1 and p21 Expression

We previously observed that stimulation of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation with growth factors is associated with dismantling of cadherin junctions and nuclear translocation of &bgr;-catenin. In this study we demonstrate directly that growth factors stimulate &bgr;-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF) signaling in primary VSMCs. To determine whether &bgr;-catenin/TCF signaling regulates VSMC proliferation via modulation of the &bgr;-catenin/TCF responsive cell cycle genes, cyclin D1 and p21, we inhibited &bgr;-catenin/TCF signaling by adenoviral-mediated over-expression of N-Cadherin, ICAT (an endogenous inhibitor of &bgr;-catenin/TCF signaling), or a dominant negative (dn) mutant of TCF-4. N-cadherin, ICAT or dnTCF-4 over-expression significantly reduced proliferation of isolated human VSMCs by approximately 55%, 80%, and 45% respectively. Similar effects were observed in human saphenous vein medial segments where proliferation was reduced by approximately 55%. Transfection of dnTCF-4 in the ISS10 human VSMC line significantly lowered TCF and cyclin D1 reporter activity but significantly elevated p21 reporter activity, indicating regulation of these genes by &bgr;-catenin/TCF signaling. In support of this, over-expression of N-cadherin, ICAT or dnTCF-4 in isolated human VSMCs significantly lowered levels of cyclin D1 mRNA and protein levels. In contrast, over-expression of N-Cadherin, ICAT or dnTCF4 significantly elevated p21 mRNA and protein levels. In summary, we have demonstrated that increasing N-cadherin and inhibiting &bgr;-catenin/TCF signaling reduces VSMC proliferation, decreases the expression of cyclin D1 and increases levels of the cell cycle inhibitor, p21. We therefore suggest that the N-cadherin and &bgr;-catenin/TCF signaling pathway is a key modulator of VSMC proliferation via regulation of these 2 &bgr;-catenin/TCF responsive genes.
Prediction of the response to chemotherapy in acute leukemia

The prognostic value of the in vitro incorporation of labeled thymidine was evaluated in 53 cases of acute leukemia, by means of autoradiography and liquid scintillation (LS) count. A higher rate of incorporation before therapy with higher labeling index and LS‐ specific activity was observed in patients who later responded to chemotherapy with a complete remission. The in vitro depression of labeled thymidine incorporation after incubation with the two drugs selected for the induction therapy was more marked in those who responded to therapy than in the nonresponders. The in vitro incorporation of 3H‐thymidine was also evaluated after 48 hours of chemotherapy (“vivo‐vitro” test). A decrease of the incorporation was observed frequently in the responders. On the other hand, in the group of nonresponders, there was generally an increase of the incorporation measured by the liquid scintillation count, often contrasting with a decrease of the labeling index, and corresponding to a higher rate of intracellular incorporation. The prognostic value of these findings appears to be significant, as it allows the response to chemotherapy to be predicted, as well as allowing the selection of the various cytotoxic drugs.
Lime stabilization of primary sludges.

that the extended test planned would over load the existing digester and the new kinds of sludge would possibly cause di gester problems. Consequently, the Ulti mate Disposal Research Program staff at the Taft Laboratory was asked to recom mend and operate a suitable sludge dis posal system during the testing period. The requirements of the project for a disposal system that could be installed quickly with minimum capital cost, would be easy to operate, and would produce a safe and stable product did not allow a choice of numerous options. Chemical treatment was chosen to meet these re quirements. Lime represented the cheap est and safest chemical that could produce a stable, pathogen-free sludge. Preliminary studies conducted on sludges supplied by the pilot plant indicated that costs of lime treatment would be low, pathogens and odor greatly reduced, and filterability improved. These findings led to lime treatment of sludge on a plant scale during the alum and iron addition experi ments and to documentation of the results.
Real-Time News Summarization with Adaptation to Media Attention

Real-time summarization of news events (RTS) allows persons to stay up-to-date on important topics that develop over time. With the occurrence of major sub-events, media attention increases and a large number of news articles are published. We propose a summarization approach that detects such changes and selects a suitable summarization configuration at run-time. In particular, at times with high media attention, our approach exploits the redundancy in content to produce a more precise summary and avoid emitting redundant information. We find that our approach significantly outperforms a strong non-adaptive RTS baseline in terms of the emitted summary updates and achieves the best results on a recent web-scale dataset. It can successfully be applied to a different real-world dataset without requiring additional modifications.
A critical review of the postulated role of the non-essential amino acid, β-N-methylamino-L-alanine, in neurodegenerative disease in humans

ABSTRACT The compound BMAA (β-N-methylamino-L-alanine) has been postulated to play a significant role in four serious neurological human diseases: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Parkinsonism Dementia Complex (ALS/PDC) found on Guam, and ALS, Parkinsonism, and dementia that occur globally. ALS/PDC with symptoms of all three diseases first came to the attention of the scientific community during and after World War II. It was initially associated with cycad flour used for food because BMAA is a product of symbiotic cycad root-dwelling cyanobacteria. Human consumption of flying foxes that fed on cycad seeds was later suggested as a source of BMAA on Guam and a cause of ALS/PDC. Subsequently, the hypothesis was expanded to include a causative role for BMAA in other neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) through exposures attributed to proximity to freshwaters and/or consumption of seafood due to its purported production by most species of cyanobacteria. The hypothesis that BMAA is the critical factor in the genesis of these neurodegenerative diseases received considerable attention in the medical, scientific, and public arenas. This review examines the history of ALS/PDC and the BMAA-human disease hypotheses; similarities and differences between ALS/PDC and the other diseases with similar symptomologies; the relationship of ALS/PDC to other similar diseases, studies of BMAA-mediated effects in lab animals, inconsistencies and data gaps in the hypothesis; and other compounds and agents that were suggested as the cause of ALS/PDC on Guam. The review concludes that the hypothesis of a causal BMAA neurodegenerative disease relationship is not supported by existing data.
Age-Related Differences in Random Generation

This study investigated the effects of age on a random generation task. In Experiment 1, young and elderly subjects were asked to generate random strings of letters at 1-, 2-, and 4-s rates. The elderly subjects produced more alphabetical stereotype responses than young subjects, even in the slowest rate condition. Furthermore, as faster rates were imposed, elderly subjects could no longer maintain the pace and missed responses. In Experiment 2, subjects were required to generate letters at the same time that they sorted cards into one, two, four, or eight categories. Age-related differences were observed on most of the measures of randomness (stereotypes, zero-order, and first-order measures). In addition, the number of errors increased with the number of sorting alternatives, especially for elderly subjects. These results suggest the existence of a reduction of the central executive resources, along with a reduced inhibition ability, in the elderly subjects. However, the contribution of a perceptual speed factor is also discussed.
Put the patient in the room, always

There used to be a time when, in a meeting to discuss the safety of healthcare, someone would stand up and say indignantly “We have been discussing safety all day and no one has used the word ‘patient’, not even once. ” Everyone would smile ruefully and acknowledge the oversight. But everyone stayed within their comfort zone—no threat, no challenge to attitudes, beliefs or practice. Then came a time when, in such a gathering, a doctor, nurse or chief executive officer would relate the experience of a patient that they knew or had heard of. It would always enrich a discussion and provide insights. But everyone was still in a comfort zone. There was no challenge and little emotion. It was all too tidy. The true, authentic patient experience was the elephant in the room. No one wanted to face the painful reality that medical errors caused tragedies that robbed families of their future. Today we are in an era when in some gatherings (and especially the most enlightened ones) the patient or their family members are in the room. They tell their own stories, relate their own experiences, recount their own emotions. This moves outside the comfort zone. There is challenge. It can be uncomfortable. It can be raw. It can be emotional, sometimes confrontational. Those who create opportunities for this direct dialogue with patients and their families do not always have the gratitude of their colleagues. They …
Perceptual Asymmetry in Depression: Role of Co-morbid Anxiety

Background: Vulnerability of depression has often been linked with enhanced right hemispheric asymmetry. However, other emotional states such as stress and anxiety have also been found to be associated with greater activity of the right hemisphere. Since, anxiety disorders are the most commonly reported co-morbidity in depression; it would be interesting to examine the role of co-morbid anxiety in determining the pattern of hemispheric asymmetry in depression. In the view of this, the present study investigated the influence of co-occurring anxiety on the observed pattern of hemispheric asymmetry in depression in processing of emotional information. Method: Twenty-nine right handed sub-clinically depressed individuals and matched controls were assessed for their level of anxiety (trait and free-floating) and perceptual asymmetry in processing of emotional information. Three emotional tasks for assessing perceptual asymmetry were used- Chimeric face test, facial emotion discrimination task and judgment of emotional valence of positive and negative emotional words. Results: The analysis of the obtained data revealed that the depressed individuals showed increased left visual field (right hemispheric) bias in processing of facial emotional stimuli and no asymmetry was reported in processing of emotional words when the co-occurring anxiety was not controlled. Further, the findings of ANCOVA revealed that the observed enhanced right hemispheric asymmetry in depression for processing of emotional information is not influenced by the co-existing level of trait anxiety. But contrary to it, the neurotic (free-floating) anxiety played a minimal role as evident by reduction in the observed magnitude of right hemispheric asymmetry in depressed group after statistically controlling its effect. Conclusion: The findings indicated that anxiety does not have any significant influence on the observed pattern of hemispheric asymmetry in depression and further, the findings are discussed under the light of several theoretical observations of role of co-morbid anxiety in the pattern of hemispheric asymmetry in depression.
Malnutrition and environmental enrichment by early adoption

several different countries have demonstrated that malnutrition during the first two years of life, when coupled with all the other socioeconomic deprivations that generally accompany it, is associated with retarded brain growth and mental development which persist into adult life (1-3). What is not clear is the contribution of the malnutrition relative to that of the other social and cultural deprivations. When malnutrition has occurred in human populations not deprived in other ways the effects on mental development have been much less marked (4). Animal experiments have shown that early isolation results in the same type of persistent behavioral abnormalities as does early malnutrition (5). A stimulatory environment has been shown to counteract the untoward behavioral effects of early malnutrition in rats (6). These observations have led to the hypothesis that malnutrition and environmental deprivation act synergistically to isolate the infant from the normal stimulatory inputs necessary for normal development (6). In addition, they suggest that enriching the environment of previously malnourished children might result in improved development. To test this hypothesis, we have examined the current status of a group of Korean orphans who were adopted during early life by U.S. parents and who had thereby undergone a total change in environment.
An experimental and theoretical investigation of the effects of supply air conditions on computational efficiency in data centers employing aisle containment

Aisle containment is increasingly common in data centres, and is widely believed to improve efficiency and effectiveness of cooling. Investigations into the impacts of aisle containment on the behavior and power consumption of cooling infrastructure and servers have been limited. Nor has the impact of supply air conditions on these factors been extensively investigated. This work uses measurements of bypass in a test data centre and observations on server behavior in a wind tunnel, in conjunction with a system model, to investigate the efficiency with which computations can be undertaken in an aisle contained data centre, and how this is impacted by supply air conditions.
Recent Strategies for Improving the Catalytic Activity of 2D TMD Nanosheets Toward the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Two‐dimensional (2D) transition‐metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanosheets have emerged as a fascinating new class of materials for catalysis. These nanosheets are active for several important catalysis reactions including hydrogen evolution from water. The rich chemistry of TMDs combined with numerous strategies that allow tuning of their electronic properties make these materials very attractive for understanding the fundamental principles of electro‐ and photocatalysis, as well as for developing highly efficient, renewable, and affordable catalysts for large‐scale production of hydrogen. Recent developments are highlighted and important challenges in using TMDs as catalysts are also discussed.
The influence of personality traits on nurses' job satisfaction in Taiwan.

AIM The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate a set of personality traits based on core self-evaluations in relation to job satisfaction among nurses in Taiwan, and to identity important personality characteristics in contributing to nurses' satisfactory attitudes towards work. METHOD A cross-sectional survey research was conducted with self-reported questionnaires. The participants were 314 nurses (89% response rate) in two regional hospitals in Taiwan. Among them, 99% were female (n=311), 54.5% (n=171) ranging between 21 and 30 years old, 37.9% (n=119) ranging between 31 and 40 years old, 44.6% (n=140) are registered nurse, 29.3% (n=92) are licensed vocational nurse and 52.9% were married (n=166). In addition, ethical research requirements for conducting research on human subjects were fulfilled for all of the participants in the study. ANALYSIS Data were analysed using SPSS version 14.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). A number of data analysis procedures were conducted including descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlation and multiple regression analysis. The selection of the predictor variables was performed with the level of significance P<0.05 and the adjusted explained variance was used to examine statistical explanatory power. RESULTS Personality traits of optimism, self-esteem, proactive personality, self-efficacy and negative affectivity significantly contributed to job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study confirmed the importance of taking personality variables into consideration during the process of evaluating job satisfaction. Job satisfaction should not only be related to extrinsic factors but also associated with individual differences of dispositional tendency. Nurses with positive evaluation and expectation towards self and others tend to report higher job satisfaction. The results of this study are consistent with previous studies. The implications for nursing managements are discussed.