Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Bacteremia Caused by Enterobacter spp.: Should the Potential for AmpC Induction Dictate Therapy? A Retrospective Study.

Objective: Carbapenems are considered treatment of choice for bacteremia caused by potential AmpC-producing bacteria, including Enterobacter spp. We aimed to compare mortality following carbapenem vs. alternative antibiotics for the treatment of Enterobacter spp. bacteremia. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in two centers in Israel. We included hospitalized patients with Enterobacter bacteremia treated with third-generation cephalosporins (3GC), piperacillin/tazobactam, quinolones, or carbapenem monotherapy as the main antibiotic in the first week of treatment, between 2010 and 2017. Cefepime was excluded due to nonavailability during study years. The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted, introducing the main antibiotic as an independent variable. Results: Two hundred seventy-seven consecutive patients were included in the analyses. Of these, 73 were treated with 3GC, 39 with piperacillin/tazobactam, 104 with quinolones, and 61 with carbapenems. All-cause 30-day mortality was 16% (45 patients). The type of antibiotics was not significantly associated with mortality on univariate or multivariate analyses. With carbapenems as reference, adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for mortality were 0.708, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.231-2.176 with 3GC; OR 1.172, 95% CI 0.388-3.537 with piperacillin/tazobactam; and OR 0.586, 95% CI 0.229-1.4 with quinolones. The main antibiotic was not associated with repeated growth of Entrobacter spp. in blood cultures or other clinical specimens. Resistance development was observed with 3GC and piperacillin/tazobactam. Conclusions: Carbapenem treatment was not advantageous to alternative antibiotics, including 3GC, among patients with Enterobacter spp. bacteremia in an observational study.
Assessment of Mental Health Factors among Health Professionals Depending on Their Contact with COVID-19 Patients

It seems that the medical personnel in contact with patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 are at an especially high risk of adverse psychological effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the mental health factors among healthcare workers by quantifying the severity of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders during the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, while taking into account coexisting diseases. The study involved 441 healthcare professionals including 206 healthcare workers at emergency wards, infectious wards, and intensive care units. The control group consisted of 235 healthcare workers working in wards other than those where individuals from the study group worked. Regression adjusted by age, gender, the occurrence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and cigarette smoking showed the elevated risk of anxiety on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale (OR = 1.934; p < 0.001), depression on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scale (OR = 2.623; p < 0.001), and sleep disorders on the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scale (OR = 3.078; p < 0.001). Our study showed that healthcare workers who are exposed to SARS-CoV-2-infected patients at emergency wards, infectious wards, and intensive care units are at a much higher risk of showing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders than healthcare workers working in other wards.
Enhanced Performance of a Brain Switch by Simultaneous Use of EEG and NIRS Data for Asynchronous Brain-Computer Interface

Previous studies have shown the superior performance of hybrid electroencephalography (EEG)/ near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). However, it has been veiled whether the use of a hybrid EEG/NIRS modality can provide better performance for a brain switch that can detect the onset of the intention to turn on a BCI. In this study, we developed such a hybrid EEG/NIRS brain switch and compared its performance with single modality EEG- and NIRS-based brain switch respectively, in terms of true positive rate (TPR), false positive rate (FPR), onset detection time (ODT), and information transfer rate (ITR). In an offline analysis, the performance of a hybrid EEG/NIRS brain switch was significantly improved over that of EEG- and NIRS-based brain switches in general, and in particular a significantly lower FPR was observed for the hybrid EEG/NIRS brain switch. A pseudo-online analysis was additionally performed to confirm the feasibility of implementing an online BCI system with our hybrid EEG/NIRS brain switch. The overall trend of pseudo-online analysis results generally coincided with that of the offline analysis results. No significant difference in all performance measures was also found between offline and pseudo online analysis schemes when the amount of training data was same, with one exception for the ITRs of an EEG brain switch. These offline and pseudo-online results demonstrate that a hybrid EEG/NIRS brain switch can be used to provide a better onset detection performance than that of a single neuroimaging modality.
The effectiveness of flower strips and hedgerows on pest control, pollination services and crop yield: a quantitative synthesis

Abstract Floral plantings are promoted to foster ecological intensification of agriculture through provisioning of ecosystem services. However, a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of different floral plantings, their characteristics and consequences for crop yield is lacking. Here we quantified the impacts of flower strips and hedgerows on pest control (18 studies) and pollination services (17 studies) in adjacent crops in North America, Europe and New Zealand. Flower strips, but not hedgerows, enhanced pest control services in adjacent fields by 16% on average. However, effects on crop pollination and yield were more variable. Our synthesis identifies several important drivers of variability in effectiveness of plantings: pollination services declined exponentially with distance from plantings, and perennial and older flower strips with higher flowering plant diversity enhanced pollination more effectively. These findings provide promising pathways to optimise floral plantings to more effectively contribute to ecosystem service delivery and ecological intensification of agriculture in the future.
Effect of CCK-8 on B7.1 and B7.2 expressions and costimulatory activity of LPS-activated murine macrophages

Aim To investigate in vitro effects of CCK-8 on the expressions of B7.1 and B7.2 and the costim-ulatory activity for T lymphocytes in LPS-activated macrophages.Methods Mouse peritoneal macrophages were isolated and incubated with LPS and/or CCK-8(10-12~10-6)mol·M-1 for indicated times.The B7.1 and B7.2 expressions of murine peritoneal macrophages were analyzed by flow cytometry.CD4+ T cells were isolated from mouse spleen by using immunomagnetic beads, and cultured with 1/4 numbers of macrophages which were pretreated with LPS, CCK-8 and/or anti-B7.1 antibody, anti-B7.2 antibody, CCK1R antagonist CR1409, CCK2R antagonist CR2945 for 24 h. ConA was added into the culture medium to stimulate CD4+T cell proliferation.The proliferation was determined by measuring[3H]-TdR incorporation in a β-scintillation counter.Results LPS-induced B7.1 and B7.2 expressions and costimulatory activity of peritoneal macrophages were inhibited by CCK-8 in a dose-dependent manner, with the maximal effects occurred at the concentrations from 10-7 mol·L-1 to 10-9 mol·L-1. Both CR1409 and CR2945 reversed the effect of CCK-8 on costimulation, and the role of CR1409 was more significant. Anti-B7.1 antibody and anti-B7.2 antibody inhibited the modulatory role of LPS on costimulatory activity.Conclusion CCK-8 inhibited LPS-induced macrophage costimulatory activity by down-regulating B7.1 and B7.2 expressions, which was mediated by CCK1R and CCK2R. CCK1R might be the major receptor responsible for the modulation of CCK-8 on costimulation.
The Association Between Endotracheal Tube Size and Aspiration (During Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) in Acute Respiratory Failure Survivors

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Objectives: To determine whether a modifiable risk factor, endotracheal tube size, is associated with the diagnosis of postextubation aspiration in survivors of acute respiratory failure. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: ICUs at four academic tertiary care medical centers. Patients: Two hundred ten patients who were at least 18 years old, admitted to an ICU, and mechanically ventilated with an endotracheal tube for longer than 48 hours were enrolled. Interventions: Within 72 hours of extubation, all patients received a flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing examination that entailed administration of ice, thin liquid, thick liquid, puree, and cracker boluses. Patient demographics, treatment variables, and hospital outcomes were abstracted from the patient’s medical records. Endotracheal tube size was independently selected by the patient’s treating physicians. Measurements and Main Results: For each flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing examination, laryngeal pathology was evaluated, and for each bolus, a Penetration Aspiration Scale score was assigned. Aspiration (Penetration Aspiration Scale score ≥ 6) was further categorized into nonsilent aspiration (Penetration Aspiration Scale score = 6 or 7) and silent aspiration (Penetration Aspiration Scale score = 8). One third of patients (n = 68) aspirated (Penetration Aspiration Scale score ≥ 6) on at least one bolus, 13.6% (n = 29) exhibited silent aspiration, and 23.8% (n = 50) exhibited nonsilent aspiration. In a multivariable analysis, endotracheal tube size (≤ 7.5 vs ≥ 8.0) was significantly associated with patients exhibiting any aspiration (Penetration Aspiration Scale score ≥ 6) (p = 0.016; odds ratio = 2.17; 95% CI 1.14–4.13) and with risk of developing laryngeal granulation tissue (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Larger endotracheal tube size was associated with increased risk of aspiration and laryngeal granulation tissue. Using smaller endotracheal tubes may reduce the risk of postextubation aspiration.
Trends in Location of Death in Patients With Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection

Aortic dissections and aneurysms (ADA) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and location of death for these patients is important in determining impact on end of life care. We analyzed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database. Black and Hispanic backgrounds had decreased odds of dying at home from ADA. Married or educated individuals tended to die at home at a higher rate than unmarried individuals. Overall, we have shown place of death in individuals with ADA is different among individuals of different demographics.
Effects of ensilage of grass on performance and nutrient utilization by dairy cattle 2. Nutrient metabolism and rumen fermentation

A study was carried out to examine the effects of ensiling and pattern of silage fermentation on nitrogen and energy utilization, rumen fermentation and rumen degradation characteristics of forage by lactating dairy cows. Six nonfistulated dairy cows and three rumen fistulated dairy cows were offered fresh grass (G) or grass silage produced from the same sward which had undergone either an extensive (E) or restricted (R) fermentation. Animals offered extensively fermented silage had liigher urinary nitrogen (N) outputs (expressed as a proportion of N intake) than those offered fresh grass (P 1 ). Animals offered extensively fermented silage had higher proportions of propionate and lower proportions of acetate than those offered fresh grass or restricted fermented silage (P
Does Perceived Lack of Control Lead to Conspiracy Theory Beliefs? Findings from an online MTurk sample

It is widely believed that conspiracy theory beliefs are the product of perceived lack of control. However, to date there is mixed evidence, at best, to support this claim. We consider the reasons why conspiracy theory beliefs do not appear to be based in any straightforward way on control beliefs, interrogating existing findings and presenting new data that call the relationship into question. Across six studies conducted online using MTurk samples, we observed no effect of control manipulations on conspiracy theory beliefs, while replicating previously reported correlational evidence of their association. The results suggest that conspiracy beliefs are not suitable for compensating for threats to control. We discuss possible reasons for the discrepancy between experimental and correlational effects and examine the limitations of the studies.
Influence of Metallic Deposition on Ceramic Femoral Heads on the Wear Behavior of Artificial Hip Joints: A Simulator Study

Several retrieval studies have reported on metallic depositions on ceramic femoral heads, but the effect on the wear behavior of artificial hip joints has not been investigated in wear simulator studies. In the present study, retrieved ceramic heads with metallic depositions as third particles were tested against cross-linked ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) liners in a hip wear simulator. The amount of liner wear and expansion of metallic depositions on the heads were determined before and after wear testing with digital microscopy. The surface roughness of the heads was investigated in areas with and without metallic depositions by laser scanning microscopy. After five million load cycles, a non-significant reduction in the metallic formation on the retrieved heads was found. The metallic areas showed a higher surface roughness compared to unconcerned areas. The liners showed a higher wear rate of 1.57 ± 1.36 mg/million cycles for 28 mm heads and 2.42 ± 0.82 mg/million cycles for 36 mm heads with metallic depositions, in comparison with new ceramic heads with a 28 mm size ((−0.06 ± 0.89) mg/million cycles) and 36 mm size ((2.04 ± 0.46) mg/million cycles). Metallic transfer on ceramic heads can lead to an increased surface roughness and higher wear rates at the UHMWPE liners. Therefore, metallic contact of the ceramic femoral head should be avoided.
Two cases of adenodermatofibroma

Dermatofibromas (DF) are common skin lesions composed of a dermal proliferation of fibroblasts and histiocytes. Among the variants of DFs, adenodermatofibroma are characterized by a dense proliferation of fibroblasts and histiocytes admixed with entrapped dilated glandular structures. We report two additional cases of adenodermatofibromas, review the literature, theorize on the histopathogenesis of this variant, and suggest that there are different patterns among adenodermatofibromas, from primarily cystic to primarily glandular.
Status and Habitat Use of Scaphirhynchus Sturgeons in an Important Fluvial Corridor: Implications for River Habitat Enhancement

AbstractIn the central United States, recovery efforts for populations of the federally endangered Pallid Sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus have been ongoing since its listing in 1990. Its congener, the Shovelnose Sturgeon S. platorynchus, has also recently been listed as threatened where it overlaps with Pallid Sturgeon. The status of both species in the Mississippi River is unknown and so are habitat enhancement priorities that would benefit their recovery. Using field data collected from 2002 through 2005, we (1) estimated the adult population size of both species using mark–recapture methods and (2) quantified habitat use of these sturgeons with multiple gears to elucidate habitat enhancement priorities in the middle Mississippi River—an important fluvial corridor that connects the upper Mississippi River and Missouri River basins with the lower Mississippi River basin. Population size was estimated to be 1,516 (95% CI = 710–3,463) Pallid Sturgeon (five individuals per river kilometer [rkm]) and 82,336 (9.
Spatial encoding in dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus is related during deliberation

Deliberation is thought to involve the internal simulation of the outcomes of candidate actions, the valuation of those outcomes, and the selection of the actions with the highest expected value. While it is known that deliberation involves prefrontal cortical areas, specifically the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), as well as the hippocampus (HPC) and other brain regions, how these areas process prospective information and select actions is not well understood. We recorded simultaneously from ensembles in dmPFC and CA1 of dorsal HPC in rats during performance of a spatial contingency switching task, and examined the relationships between spatial and reward encoding in these two areas during deliberation at the choice point. We found that CA1 and dmPFC represented either goal locations or the current position simultaneously, but that when goal locations were encoded, HPC and dmPFC did not always represent the same goal location. Ensemble activity in dmPFC predicted when HPC would represent goal locations, but on a broad timescale on the order of seconds. Also, reward encoding in dmPFC increased during hippocampal theta cycles where CA1 ensembles represented the goal location. These results suggest that dmPFC and HPC share prospective information during deliberation, that dmPFC may influence whether HPC represents prospective information, and that information recalled about goal locations by HPC may be integrated into dmPFC reward representations on fast timescales.
Population fluctuations of the New Holland mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae at Wilson's Promontory National Park, Victoria.

The New Holland mouse (Pseudomys novaehollandiae) was first recorded at Wilson’s Promontory in 1972 in heathland vegetation, but has not been located in this habitat subsequently. The species was not trapped again until 1993 when it was found in calcarenite dune woodland on the Yanakie Isthmus. The aims of this study were to assess the population dynamics and habitat use of the species in this dune habitat. Mark-recapture trapping was conducted at three sites from 1999 to 2002. One site was located on low (0 - 5 m), flat sand dunes and open swales, another on medium (5 – 10 m) vegetated dunes, and the third on high (20 m) steep vegetated dunes. The three sites had not been burnt for 30 to 50 years. The abundance of P. novaehollandiae was related to understorey vegetation density and differences in population densities on the sites are likely to be related to the primary succession stages on the sand dunes, rather than fire history. The maximum density (24 ha-1) recorded at one site was very high compared to other Victorian populations, however this was followed by a substantial decline in numbers within the year. At another site a small population declined to extinction. Populations on the isthmus are thus capable of achieving high densities but may decline quickly. Rainfall patterns may have affected the population fluctuations, but further research is required to elucidate fully the factors involved in the long-term dynamics of this species.
Prediction of Response and Survival Following Treatment with Azacitidine for Relapse of Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

To provide long-term outcome data and predictors for response and survival, we retrospectively analyzed all 151 patients with relapse of myeloid neoplasms after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) who were uniformly treated with first-line azacitidine (Aza) salvage therapy at our center. Patients were treated for molecular (39%) or hematologic relapse (61%), with a median of 5 cycles of Aza and at least one donor lymphocyte infusion in 70% of patients. Overall response was 46%, with 41% achieving complete (CR) and 5% achieving partial remission. CR was achieved after a median of 4 cycles and lasted for a median of 11 months (range 0.9 to 120 months). With a median follow-up of 22 months (range: 1 to 122 months), the 2-year survival rate was 38% ± 9%, including 17 patients with ongoing remission for >5 years. Based on results from multivariate analyses, molecular relapse and time to relapse were integrated into a score, clearly dividing patients into 3 subgroups with CR rates of 71%, 39%, and 29%; and 2-year survival rates of 64%, 38%, and 27%, respectively. In the subgroup of MDS and secondary AML, receiving upfront transplantation was associated with superior response and survival, and therefore pretransplant strategy was integrated together with relapse type into a MDS–sAML-specific score. Overall, Aza enables meaningful responses and long-term survival, which is a predictable with a simple-to-use scoring system.
The Ethical Implications of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Implicaåiile etice ale medicinei complementare æi alternative în lupusul eritematos sistemic Lupus eritematos sistemic (LES), s-a dovedit a fi o boalã greu de înåeles æi una chiar mai greu de controlat. LES reprezintã un obstacol major pentru comunitatea medicalã, deoarece etiologia æi evoluåia bolii sunt insuficient înåelese. Medicina convenåionalã se apropie de boalã prin diferitele scheme de terapie medicamentoasã. Cum medicina convenåionalã nu a fãcut progrese semnificative, este atât necesar cât æi raåional sã stabilim dacã medicina complementarã æi alternativã pot aduce contribuåii pentru a umple golul. Medicina complementarã æi alternativã este frecvent folositã dar problemele etice pe care le implicã aplicarea ei sunt rareori discutate. Pentru clinician practicarea æi utilizarea terapiei medicale complementare æi alternative pot crea o serie de dileme etice. Medicii au datoria de a respecta autonomia pacienåilor lor æi prin urmare, sã permitã libertatea de a alegere conform dorinåei lor de a cãuta tratamente alternative. Buna practicã medicalã obligã toåi medicii în a conætientiza pacienåii lor cu privire la riscurile posibile, dar multe dintre riscuri sunt teoretice æi tratamentele complementare æi alternative pot sã fie benefice. Medicii trebuie sã fie pregãtiåi sã acorde atât asistenåã juridicã cât æi sã consilieze pacienåii cu privire la toate opåiunile terapeutice disponibile, oferindu-le mai bune dovezi disponibile. Pentru un numãr tot mai mare de pacienåi “toate opåiunile disponibile’’ vor însemna integrarea medicinei complementare æi alternative în îngrijirea sãnãtãåii lor. Acesta implicã cã pacientul æi medicul vor explora împreunã toate opåiunile de tratament, atât convenåionale æi alternative, într-o încercare de a controla cel mai adecvat manifestãrile de LES cu aplicare individualã pentru fiecare pacient în parte.