Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THORAXJNL142604 815..822

Childhood community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is common, and recent data have shown that the number of children with severe CAP is increasing worldwide. Regardless of geographical area, severe cases are those at the highest risk of hospitalisation, prolonged hospitalisation and death, and therefore require prompt identification and the most effective treatment in order to reduce CAP-related morbidity and mortality. This review evaluates the available data concerning the diagnosis and treatment of severe and/or complicated cases of paediatric CAP in developed and developing countries. It also underlines the fact that any evidence-based recommendations require more research in various areas, including the aetiology of severe cases and the reasons for the complications, the better definition of first-choice antibiotic treatment and when surgery may be useful, and the role of chest physiotherapy. INTRODUCTION Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is common among children all over the world, but its incidence and mortality rate are significantly higher in developing countries than in the industrialised world. It has been estimated that there are about 151 million new episodes a year among Third World children aged <5 years, leading to an incidence of 0.29 episodes per child-year and a mortality rate of 1.3e2. 6%, 2 or >2 million per year. In industrialised countries the total number of new episodes in the same age group is about 4 million (an incidence of 0.05 episodes per childyear), and the risk of mortality is extremely low in otherwise healthy children and relatively important only in subjects with severe chronic underlying diseases. 4 These differences are due to a number of factors. First, the incidence of risk factors such as malnutrition, crowding, low birth weight, HIV and the lack of measles and pneumococcal immunisation is much higher among children in developing countries. Second, they are more likely to be affected by other likely or possible risk factors such as zinc and vitamin A deficiency, poor maternal education and living in polluted areas. Finally, there are profound differences between developing and developed countries in the organisation and efficiency of their health systems. The aim of this review is to consider the available data concerning the diagnosis and treatment of severe cases of paediatric CAP. The data used in this review were identified by searching PubMed, Medline, Current
Prevalence of Incisal Trauma in Class II Division 1 Malocclusion Compared to Class I Control Group – A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Dental trauma is the most common and important dental public health problem. The most prevalent dental injury among growing individuals is incisal trauma. Maxillary incisors are the most frequently affected teeth by trauma. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of incisal trauma in Class II division 1 malocclusion and compare the prevalence of incisal trauma in patients with Class II division 1 malocclusion to Class I control group. Material and methods: Case records of 180 patients between 10-25 years age who had visited to the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere were analyzed. Information regarding the etiology of trauma, number of teeth affected, type of tooth involved, type of dentition and overjet were collected. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Prevalence of incisal trauma was higher in class II division 1[65.6%] than in class I control group [34.4%]. Prevalence rate was higher in males [55.6%] than in females [44.4%]. Patients from urban area belonging to upper middle class showed higher prevalence for incisal trauma [52.8%]. The most common cause for incisal trauma was found to be falls [61.1%]. Patients of 13-17 years age group showed higher frequency of incisal trauma as compared to other ages [49.4%]. Maxillary central incisors were found to be more affected by incisal trauma [78.6%]. Conclusion: Overall the study results showed a greater prevalence of incisal trauma in Class II division 1 patients affecting the maxillary central incisors. As the combination of trauma with orthodontic treatment seems to render the teeth more susceptible to complications, knowledge of the prevalence of previous dental trauma in patients referred for orthodontic treatment is of paramount importance for early treatment planning and success of any individual orthodontic treatment.
Politicising the debate on urban sprawl

The fight against urban sprawl has become an international motto for planners. However, recent urban policies promoting "smart growth" and "new urbanism” are the subject of growing criticism from various scientific disciplines. This paper goes beyond the debate for or against sprawl to examine the political and social issues behind anti-sprawl policies. We show how and why urban compaction can be perceived as a burden or a resource, depending on the different sub-metropolitan territories concerned. These issues are discussed in the case of the second largest metropolitan area in France, the region of Lyon. The paper analyses how the national legislation on urban sprawl and the “compact city” is implemented in the very diverse territories within Lyon’s metropolis and how some of those territories use it to their advantage. It reveals that the resulting compromises are deceptive and raise spatial justice issues. It also shows how compaction or densification are negotiated in the suburbs to preserve the status quo in wealthy municipalities.
Adversarial Bandits with Corruptions

This paper studies adversarial bandits with corruptions. In the basic adversarial bandit setting, the reward of arms is predetermined by an adversary who is oblivious to the learner’s policy. In this paper, we consider an extended setting in which an attacker sits in-between the environment and the learner, and is endowed with a limited budget to corrupt the reward of the selected arm. We have two main results. First, we derive a lower bound on the regret of any bandit algorithm that is aware of the budget of the attacker. Also, for budget-agnostic algorithms, we characterize an impossibility result demonstrating that even when the attacker has a sublinear budget, i.e., a budget growing sublinearly with time horizon T , they fail to achieve a sublinear regret. Second, we propose , a bandit algorithm that incorporates a biased estimator and a robustness parameter to deal with corruption. We characterize the regret of and show that for the case of a known corruption budget, the regret of is tight.
Microcrystalline cellulose from bagasse and rice straw

Microcrystalline cellulose from two different locally available lignocellulosic materials, namely bagasse and rice straw has been prepared by simple process of hydrolysis. The different characteristics of prepared microcrystalline cellulose were determined and are found to be comparable with the characteristics of commercially available microcrystalline cellulose and the specifications given by Indian Standards.
In-Situ Copolymerization of Cyclic Poly(butylene terephthalate) Oligomers and ε-Caprolactone

Copolyesters were synthesized by using ring-opening polymerization of cyclic poly(butylene terephthalate) oligomers (c-PBT) and -caprolactone monomer (CL) in the presence of stannoxane catalyst at an elevated temperature. The in-situ copolymerization was conducted with various c-PBT/CL feed ratios. The copolyesters were characterized by GPC, NMR, and FT-IR techniques. Phase separation and the relaxation behavior of the resultant copolyesters were investigated by DSC, DMTA, and dielectric spectroscopy measurements. Mechanical properties (stress-strain behavior) are also reported and can be adjusted by varying the -caprolactone content of the copolymer.
Transcriptomic pro les of non-embryogenic and embryogenic callus cells in a highly regenerative Upland Cotton line (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Li Wen Clemson University Wei Li Clemson University Stephen Parris Clemson University Matthew West Clemson University John Lawson Clemson University Michael Smathers Clemson University Zhigang Li Clemson University Don Jones Cotton Incorporated Shuangxia Jin Huazhong Agriculture University College of Science Christopher Saski (  saski@clemson.edu ) Clemson University College of Agriculture Forestry and Life Sciences https://orcid.org/0000-00022780-4274
Microwave Characterization of BST Thin Films on LAO Interdigital Capacitor

The dielectric properties of (Ba0.5Sr0.5)TiO3 (BST) thin films on LaAlO3 (LAO) single crystals were studied over a wide frequency range. The samples with interdigital electrodes were prepared by microelectronic processing. The dielectric characterizations were carried out in the following steps: 1) the standard calibration of the instrument, 2) the removal of parasitic capacitance and the extraction of the capacitance of the interdigital capacitor (IDC) and 3) the extraction of the dielectric permittivity (ϵ) of BST. It was found that ϵ of BST has a constant value (about 400) from 50 MHz to 2 GHz; at higher frequencies, ϵ gradually decreases. The BST interdigital capacitors exhibited good dielectric tunability.
Induced twisted-grain-boundary phases in the binary mixtures of a cholesteric and a nematic compound

Thermodynamical, optical-texture and dielectric studies have been performed to study the phase diagram of the binary system of 5-cholesten-3β-ol-octanoate and 4-n-nonyloxybenzoic acid. It is observed that low concentrations of 5-cholesten-3β-ol-octanoate (2–30 mol %) in 4-n-nonyloxybenzoic acid induce a mean-field phase diagram derived by Renn within the framework of the chiral Chen–Lubenski model. Various optical textures of the twisted-grain-boundary (TGB) phases under different conditions of molecular anchoring have been observed. Weak transitions related to the TGB phases have been detected by temperature dependent dielectric spectroscopy.
Contribution to the Tritium Continental Effect

The results of tritium measurements of atmospheric water vapour and precipitation samples for 1982 and 1983 are presented. The data were used to establish a simple model describing the tritium continental effect taking into account re-evaporation of tritium from the continental land surfaces. Some comments on man made tritium are given.
Development of a DNA aptamer to detect Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis through cell SELEX

Background: Brucellosis is a zoonosis, caused by Brucella spp. which are small aerobic intracellular coccobacilli, localized in the reproductive organs of host animals, causing abortion and sterility. The diagnosis of this zoonosis is based on microbiological, serological or real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) laboratory tests. Although the common microbiological and serological based assays have advantages, they are not able to solve the diagnosis problems. Aims: To overcome some of the limitations of present techniques, in this study, we developed an aptamer through whole-cell systematic evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX) procedures to detect Brucella. Methods: We used mixture of Brucella melitensis and Brucella abortus as the target. In order to prepare the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) aptamer, the DNA library was amplified with 5´-phosphorylated reverse primer and treated with lambda exonuclease. The SELEX procedure was performed by incubating the ssDNA pool with a bacterial suspension in a binding buffer. The selected procedures were monitored by flow cytometry using FITC-labelled forward primer. Aptamers with the highest binding affinity towards the target and the lowest to other strains were selected. Results: Two aptamers namely B20 and B21 showed significant binding affinity toward B. melitensis and B. abortus. The dissociation constant (Kd) for aptamers B20 and B21 was 40.179 ± 3.06 pM and 184.396 ± 465 pM, respectively. Conclusion: The isolated aptamers were able to identify B. melitensis and B. abortus with a remarkable binding efficiency and appropriated Kd in a picoMolar range and therefore can be good candidates in the development of any rapid assay test implanted on routine brucellosis diagnoses.
Predictive performance of CT for adverse outcomes among COVID-19 suspected patients: A two-center retrospective study

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to compare the performance of various computed tomography (CT) reporting tools, including zonal CT visual score (ZCVS), the number of involved lobes, and Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) categorization in predicting adverse outcomes among patients hospitalized due to the lower respiratory symptoms during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A total of 405 patients admitted with severe respiratory symptoms who underwent a chest CT were enrolled. The primary adverse outcome was intensive care unit (ICU) admission of patients. Predictive performances of reporting tools were compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC ROC). Among the 405 patients, 39 (9.63%) required ICU support during their hospital stay. At least two or more observers reported a typical and indeterminate COVID-19 pneumonia CT pattern according to RSNA categorization in 70% (285/405) of patients. Among these, 63% (179/285) had a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The median number of lobes involved according to CT was higher in patients who required ICU support (median interquartile range [IQR], 5[3; 5] vs. 3[0; 5]). The median ZCVS score was higher among the patients that subsequently required ICU support (median [IQR], 4[0; 12] vs. 13[5.75; 24]). The bootstrap comparisons of AUC ROC showed significant differences between reporting tools, and the ZCVS was found to be superior (AUC ROC, 71-75%). The ZCVS score at the first admission showed a linear and significant association with adverse outcomes among patients with the lower respiratory tract symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
One-Year Aerobic Exercise Reduced Carotid Arterial Stiffness and Increased Cerebral Blood Flow in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment.

BACKGROUND Central arterial stiffness and brain hypoperfusion are emerging risk factors of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aerobic exercise training (AET) may improve central arterial stiffness and brain perfusion. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of AET on central arterial stiffness and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a prodromal stage of AD. METHODS This is a proof-of-concept, randomized controlled trial that assigned 70 amnestic MCI patients into a 12-month program of moderate-to-vigorous AET or stretching-and-toning (SAT) intervention. Carotid β-stiffness index and CBF were measured by color-coded duplex ultrasonography and applanation tonometry. Total CBF was measured as the sum of CBF from both the internal carotid and vertebral arteries, and divided by total brain tissue mass assessed with MRI to obtain normalized CBF (nCBF). Episodic memory and executive function were assessed using standard neuropsychological tests (CVLT-II and D-KEFS). Changes in cardiorespiratory fitness were measured by peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). RESULTS Total 48 patients (29 in SAT and 19 in AET) were completed one-year training. AET improved VO2peak, decreased carotid β-stiffness index and CBF pulsatility, and increased nCBF. Changes in VO2peak were associated positively with changes in nCBF (r = 0.388, p = 0.034) and negatively with carotid β-stiffness index (r = -0.418, p = 0.007) and CBF pulsatility (r = -0.400, p = 0.014). Decreases in carotid β-stiffness were associated with increases in cerebral perfusion (r = -0.494, p = 0.003). AET effects on cognitive performance were minimal compared with SAT. CONCLUSION AET reduced central arterial stiffness and increased CBF which may precede its effects on neurocognitive function in patients with MCI.
Coronary stent CD31-mimetic coating favours endothelialization and reduces local inflammation and neointimal development in vivo

Abstract Aims The rapid endothelialization of bare metal stents (BMS) is counterbalanced by inflammation-induced neointimal growth. Drug-eluting stents (DES) prevent leukocyte activation but impair endothelialization, delaying effective device integration into arterial walls. Previously, we have shown that engaging the vascular CD31 co-receptor is crucial for endothelial and leukocyte homeostasis and arterial healing. Furthermore, we have shown that a soluble synthetic peptide (known as P8RI) acts like a CD31 agonist. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CD31-mimetic metal stent coating on the in vitro adherence of endothelial cells (ECs) and blood elements and the in vivo strut coverage and neointimal growth. Methods and results We produced Cobalt Chromium discs and stents coated with a CD31-mimetic peptide through two procedures, plasma amination or dip-coating, both yielding comparable results. We found that CD31-mimetic discs significantly reduced the extent of primary human coronary artery EC and blood platelet/leukocyte activation in vitro. In vivo, CD31-mimetic stent properties were compared with those of DES and BMS by coronarography and microscopy at 7 and 28 days post-implantation in pig coronary arteries (n = 9 stents/group/timepoint). Seven days post-implantation, only CD31-mimetic struts were fully endothelialized with no activated platelets/leukocytes. At day 28, neointima development over CD31-mimetic stents was significantly reduced compared to BMS, appearing as a normal arterial media with the absence of thrombosis contrary to DES. Conclusion CD31-mimetic coating favours vascular homeostasis and arterial wall healing, preventing in-stent stenosis and thrombosis. Hence, such coatings seem to improve the metal stent biocompatibility.
Feasibility study of reactive distillation using the analysis of the statics

Various aspects related to the feasibility and design of continuous reactive distillation processes are addressed in this paper. The recent developments in the field of reactive distillation design are discussed. Then, a new type of reliable and systematic design method, which is based on the “static analysis”, is explained. In this method, using minimal information about the physicochemical properties of the reaction mixture, the possible degree of conversion and the location of the reactive zone are calculated. The main feature of this method is that conventional distillation lines can be used in the analysis by assuming an infinite separation efficiency. The results of applying this method to the production of MTBE show that the feed region is classified into several subregions, each of which has different characteristics.
Association between Depression, Lifestyles, Sleep Quality, and Sense of Coherence in a Population with Cardiovascular Risk

People with cardiovascular risk have more depression than the general population. Depression and cardiovascular risk have been commonly linked to lower sense of coherence (SOC) values, unhealthy lifestyles, and poor sleep quality. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between depression, health-related lifestyles, sleep quality, and SOC in a population with cardiovascular risk. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 310 participants (aged 35–75 years) with cardiovascular risk. Sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, cardiovascular risk, SOC score, depression levels, sleep quality, and lifestyles (physical activity, diet quality (measured as the adherence to the Mediterranean diet), and tobacco and alcohol consumption) were determined. The regression analysis showed significant associations between depression levels and sex (odds ratio (OR): 2.29; 95% CI: 1.29, 4.07), diet (OR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.99), body mass index (BMI) (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.12), cardiovascular disease (CVD) (OR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.18, 5.48), sleep quality (OR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.46), and SOC (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.94, 0.98). Protective effects of male sex, a lower BMI, no CVD, a higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet, a high sleep quality, and a higher SOC were found. In conclusion, among lifestyles determined, only diet was associated with depression levels. SOC and sleep quality were also found as significant predictors for depression levels.
α-Synuclein emerges as a potent regulator of VDAC-facilitated calcium transport

When the Parkinson’s disease (PD) related neuronal protein, alpha-synuclein (αSyn), is added to the reconstituted mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), it reversibly and partially blocks VDAC conductance by its acidic C-terminal tail. Using single-molecule electrophysiology of reconstituted VDAC we now demonstrate that, at CaCl2 concentrations below 150 mM, αSyn reverses the channel’s selectivity from anionic to cationic. Importantly, we find that the decrease in channel conductance upon its blockage by αSyn is hugely overcompensated by a favorable change in the electrostatic environment for calcium, making the blocked state orders-of-magnitude more selective for calcium and thus increasing its net flux. These findings reveal a new regulatory role of αSyn, with clear implications for both normal calcium signaling and PD-associated mitochondrial dysfunction.
Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Human Embryo Implantation: Clinical Implications

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well-known angiogenic factor that plays a critical role in various physiological and pathological processes. VEGF also contributes to the process of embryo implantation by enhancing embryo development, improving endometrial receptivity, and facilitating the interactions between the developing embryo and the endometrium. There is a correlation between the alteration of VEGF expression and reproductive failure, including recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent miscarriage (RM). In order to clarify the role of VEGF in embryo implantation, we reviewed recent literature concerning the expression and function of VEGF in the reproductive system around the time of embryo implantation and we provide a summary of the findings reported so far. We also explored the effects and the possible underlying mechanisms of action of VEGF in embryo implantation.
Processing and quality characteristics of muscadine grapes

Nine black cultivars of muscadine grapes and four bronze cultivars were evaluated for their processing potential for juices and jellies. After harvesting the grapes by a method simulating mechanical harvesting, they were washed, sorted, crushed and deseeded, and the juice pressed out. Records were kept on percent ripe fruit, size, stem scarring, seed and skin contents, processing losses, and juice yields for each cultivar. Quality evaluations of the juices and jellies prepared from the grapes included soluble solids, titratable acidity, tannin, color measurement, and color and flavor scores. The flavor of cold-press juices was preferred over hot-press juices. The color of processed products from black cultivars was preferred to those from bronze cultivars, while bronze grape products had a slight flavor preference. Browning occurred rapidly in cold-press red juices stored at room temperature. There were wide variations in the processing properties and quality characteristics of the 13 cultivars with several cultivars showing potential for processing applications.