Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence-Based Optimization of Urban Firefighter First Response to Emergency Medical Services 9-1-1 Incidents

Abstract Introduction. Many emergency medical services (EMS) systems dispatch nonparamedic firefighter first responders (FFRs) to selected EMS 9-1-1 calls, intending to deliver time-sensitive interventions such as defibrillation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and bag–mask ventilation prior to arrival of paramedics. Deciding when to send FFRs is complicated because critical cases are rare, paramedics often arrive before FFRs, and lights-and-siren responses by emergency vehicles are associated with the risk of en-route traffic collisions. Objective. To describe a methodology allowing EMS systems to optimize their own FFR programs using local data, and reflecting local medical oversight policy and local risk–benefit opinion. Methods. We constructed a generalized input–output model that retrospectively reviews EMS dispatch and electronic prehospital clinical records to identify a subset of Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) call categories (“determinants”) that maximize the opportunities for FFR interventions while minimizing unwarranted responses. Input parameters include local FFR interventions, the local FFR “first-on-scene” rate, and the locally acceptable ratio of risk to benefit. The model uses a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve to identify the optimal mix of response specificity and sensitivity achieved by sending FFRs to progressively more categories of EMS calls while remaining within a defined risk–benefit ratio. The model was applied to a 16-month retrospective sample of 220,358 incidents from a large urban EMS system to compare the model's recommendations with the system's current practices. Results. The model predicts that FFR lights-and-siren responses in the sample could be reduced by 83%, from 93,058 to 16,091 incidents, by confining FFR responses to 27 of 509 MPDS dispatch determinants, representing 7.3% of incidents but 58.9% of all predicted FFR interventions. Of the 93,058 incidents, another 58,275 incidents could be downgraded to safer nonemergency FFR responses and 18,692 responses could be eliminated entirely, improving the specificity of FFR response from 57.8% to 93.0%. Conclusions. This model provides a robust generalized methodology allowing EMS systems to optimize FFR lights-and-siren responses to emergency medical calls. Further validation is warranted to assess the model's generality.
Persistent Loss of Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Increased Cell Death following Adolescent, but Not Adult, Chronic Ethanol Exposure

Although adolescence is a common age to initiate alcohol consumption, the long-term consequences of exposure to alcohol at this time of considerable brain maturation are largely unknown. In studies utilizing rodents, behavioral evidence is beginning to emerge suggesting that the hippocampus may be persistently affected by repeated ethanol exposure during adolescence, but not by comparable alcohol exposure in adulthood. The purpose of this series of experiments was to explore a potential mechanism of hippocampal dysfunction in adults exposed to ethanol during adolescence. Given that disruption in adult neurogenesis has been reported to impair performance on tasks thought to be hippocampally related, we used immunohistochemistry to assess levels of doublecortin (DCX), an endogenous marker of immature neurons, in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus 3-4 weeks after adolescent (postnatal day, PD28-48) or adult (PD70-90) intermittent ethanol exposure to 4 g/kg ethanol administered intragastrically. We also investigated another neurogenic niche, the subventricular zone (SVZ), to determine if the effects of ethanol exposure were region specific. Levels of cell proliferation and cell death were also examined in the DG via assessing Ki67 and cleaved caspase-3 immunoreactivity, respectively. Significantly less DCX was observed in the DG of adolescent (but not adult) ethanol-exposed animals about 4 weeks after exposure when these animals were compared to control age-mates. The effects of adolescent ethanol on DCX immunoreactivity were specific to the hippocampus, with no significant exposure effects emerging in the SVZ. In both the DG and the SVZ there was a significant age-related decline in neurogenesis as indexed by DCX. The persistent effect of adolescent ethanol exposure on reduced DCX in the DG appears to be related to significant increases in cell death, with significantly more cleaved caspase-3-positive immunoreactivity observed in the adolescent ethanol group compared to controls, but no alterations in cell proliferation when indexed by Ki67. These results suggest that a history of adolescent ethanol exposure results in lowered levels of differentiating neurons, probably due at least in part to increased cell death of immature neurons. These effects were evident in adulthood, weeks following termination of the chronic exposure, and may contribute to previously reported behavioral deficits on hippocampal-related tasks after chronic ethanol exposure in adolescence.
Population Polymorphism of Nuclear Mitochondrial DNA Insertions Reveals Widespread Diploidy Associated with Loss of Heterozygosity in Debaryomyces hansenii

ABSTRACT Debaryomyces hansenii, a yeast that participates in the elaboration of foodstuff, displays important genetic diversity. Our recent phylogenetic classification of this species led to the subdivision of the species into three distinct clades. D. hansenii harbors the highest number of nuclear mitochondrial DNA (NUMT) insertions known so far for hemiascomycetous yeasts. Here we assessed the intraspecific variability of the NUMTs in this species by testing their presence/absence first in 28 strains, with 21 loci previously detected in the completely sequenced strain CBS 767T, and second in a larger panel of 77 strains, with 8 most informative loci. We were able for the first time to structure populations in D. hansenii, although we observed little NUMT insertion variability within the clades. We determined the chronology of the NUMT insertions, which turned out to correlate with the previously defined taxonomy and provided additional evidence that colonization of nuclear genomes by mitochondrial DNA is a dynamic process in yeast. In combination with flow cytometry experiments, the NUMT analysis revealed the existence of both haploid and diploid strains, the latter being heterozygous and resulting from at least four crosses among strains from the various clades. As in the diploid pathogen Candida albicans, to which D. hansenii is phylogenetically related, we observed a differential loss of heterozygosity in the diploid strains, which can explain some of the large genetic diversity found in D. hansenii over the years.
Early detection of regional cerebral ischemia in cats: Comparison of diffusion‐ and T2‐weighted MRI and spectroscopy

Diffusion‐weighted MR images were compared with T2‐weighted MR images and correlated with 1H spin‐echo and 31P MR Spectroscopy for 6‐8 h following a unilateral middle cerebral and bilateral carotid artery occlusion in eight cats. Diffusion‐weighted images using strong gradient strengths (b values of 1413 s/mm2) displayed a significant relative hyperintensity in ischemic regions as early as 45 min after onset of ischemia whereas T2‐weighted spin‐echo images failed to clearly demonstrate brain injury up to 2‐3 h postocclusion. Signal intensity ratios (SIR) of ischemic to normal tissues were greater in the diffusion‐weighted images at all times than in either TE 80 or TE 160 ms T2‐weighted MR images. Diffusion‐ and T2‐weighted SIR did not correlate for the first 1‐2 h postocclusion. Good correlation was found between diffusion‐weighted SIR and ischemic disturbances of energy metabolism as detected by 31P and 1H MR Spectroscopy. Diffusion‐weighted hyperintensity in ischemic tissues may be temperature‐related, due to rapid accumulation of diffusion‐restricted water in the intracellular space (cytotoxic edema) resulting from the breakdown of the transmembrane pump and/or to microscopic brain pulsations. © 1990 Academic Press, Inc.
Veiled Threats

It has long been recognized that the veil taken by consecrated women religious draws upon nuptial associations and thus symbolizes the trope that consecrated women are brides of Christ. The history of the veil’s symbolic value in the early Middle Ages can, however, be probed more extensively than it has been. This chapter proposes that prior to the tenth century polyvalent symbolism and intermittent use produced competing understandings of the veil. That competition culminated in efforts in the ninth century to regulate the practice of veiling, and also in discursive shifts in representation of the veil’s significance. By tracing the chronology of the connection of the veil to the concept of the bride of Christ, Firey invites consideration of the possible function of symbolism as a device for parties with opposing views to negotiate contested positions, practices, and meanings.
Extra-articular manifestations in a community-based sample of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: incidence and relationship to treatment with TNF inhibitors

Objectives: To determine the incidence of severe extra-articular rheumatoid arthritis (ExRA) in a community-based cohort of RA patients, and to evaluate whether treatment with tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors has any effect on the risk of ExRA. Methods: In a review of clinical records from 1 July 1997 to 31 December 2004, severe ExRA manifestations were classified according to predefined criteria. Patients were censored at the development of ExRA, death, emigration, or 31 December 2004. Exposure to anti-TNF treatment has continuously and independently been recorded as part of a regional follow-up system. Results: During treatment with TNF inhibitors, there were two patients with new onset of ExRA in 408 person-years at risk (pyr) [0.49/100 pyr, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06–1.77]. Among those without anti-TNF treatment there were 63 patients with ExRA in 5425 pyr (1.16/100 pyr, 95% CI 0.89–1.49). The relative risk comparing those treated to those not treated with TNF inhibitors was 0.42 (95% CI 0.10–1.73). Conclusion: Our data show a lower incidence of ExRA in patients treated with TNF inhibitors but further studies with a larger sample size are needed for a more accurate estimate of the size of the effect.
Clonal analysis of mammalian cell cultures persistently infected with Japanese encephalitis virus

More than 200 cells were cloned from populations of mammalian cells persistently infected with Japanese encephalitis virus. Only four cloned cultures contained cells that had viral antigen measurable by immunofluorescence and that released infectious virus, yet all clones harbored virus-specific RNA. Superinfection of cloned cells with wild-type Japanese encephalitis virus did not produce cytopathic effects, but resulted in production of viral antigen and infectious virus in formerly nonproducing clones. Cocultivation of nonproducer clone cells with normally permissive cells did not induce virus production, nor did treatment of nonproducer clones with various inhibitors of DNA, RNA, or protein synthesis. It is suggested that the cloning procedure may have selected for a particular subpopulation of cells and that defective virus is also involved in establishment and maintenance of persistent infection.
The antioxidant systems in Toxoplasma gondii and the role of cytosolic catalase in defence against oxidative injury

Superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and peroxiredoxins form an antioxidant network protecting cells against reactive oxygen species (ROS). Catalase is a potent H2O2-detoxifying enzyme, which is unexpectedly absent in some members of the Kinetoplastida and Apicomplexa, but present in Toxoplasma gondii. In T. gondii, catalase appears to be cytosolic. In addition, T. gondii also possesses genes coding for other types of peroxidases, including glutathione/thioredoxin-like peroxidases and peroxiredoxins. This study presents a detailed analysis of the role of catalase in the parasite and reports the existence of antioxidant enzymes localized in the cytosol and the mitochondrion of T. gondii. The catalase gene was disrupted and, in addition, T. gondii cell lines overexpressing either catalase or a cytosolic 1-cys peroxiredoxin, TgPrx2, under the control of a strong promoter were created. Analysis of these mutants confirmed that the catalase activity is cytosolic and is encoded by a unique gene in T. gondii. Furthermore, the catalase confers protection against H2O2 exposure and contributes to virulence in mice. The overexpression of Prx2 also increases protection against H2O2 treatment, suggesting that catalase and other peroxidases function as a defence mechanism against endogenously produced reactive oxygen intermediates and the oxidative stress imposed by the host.
A computational study of single cells trapping inside a microfluidic channel

The purpose of this paper is to present the simulation results from a computational model of cell-like object flow in a microfluidic device. This work is important because computational models are needed to design miniaturized biomedical devices which leverage microfluidics technology. Microfluidic devices are important for the single cell analysis such as cell adhesion and single cell electrical properties studies which could lead to many significant applications including early disease diagnosis. The aims of this study are to trap a single cell-like object in the micro-well and to obtain the optimized micro-channel water flow rate and micro-well suction rate using finite element analysis. This study presents numerical solutions from the finite element analysis simulation using ABAQUS-FEA software to analyze the effects of suction rate and depth of the micro-well for a single cell trapping in a microfluidic device. According to the simulation results, a single cell-like object able to be trap into the micro-well with the optimized well's depth and suitable micro-channel's flow rate and micro-well's holes suction rate.
Uncorrelated evolution between vocal and plumage coloration traits in the trogons: a comparative study

The costs of bird song incurred in a diversity of ways may result in trade‐offs in the production and maintenance of elaborate plumage ornaments. In this paper, we examine evolutionary trade‐offs between acoustic and visual signalling in trogon birds (Trogonidae). Using multiple regressions with phylogenetically independent contrasts, we found that interspecific variation in male plumage coloration was not significantly predicted by song traits (reduced by PCA) or altitude. Although plumage coloration is expected to decrease with increases in song elaboration, both groups of variables were not related. Given that song and plumage coloration traits are likely targets of sexual selection, we also examined their relationships with sexual plumage dimorphism. We found that male carotenoid‐derived coloration was positively related to sexual plumage dimorphism, suggesting that sexual selection on male carotenoid‐derived coloration may be stronger than on melanin‐ or structurally based coloration, or than on acoustic traits. Comparative studies on other bird families accounting for the effects of phylogeny as well as environmental covariates are required to test the generality of our findings in trogons.
The influence of e-word-of-mouth on hotel occupancy rate

Purpose Online consumer reviews have become increasingly important for consumer decision-making. One of the most prominent examples is the hotel industry where consumer reviews on websites, such as Bookings.com, TripAdvisor and Venere.com, play a critical role in consumers’ choice of a hotel. There have been a number of recent studies analyzing various aspects of online reviews. The purpose of this paper is to investigate their effects in terms of hotel occupancy rates. Design/methodology/approach This paper measures through regression analysis the impact of three dimensions of consumer reviews (i.e. review score, review variance and review volume) on the occupancy rates of 346 hotels located in Rome, isolating a number of other factors that might also affect demand. Findings Review score is the dimension with the highest impact. The results suggest that after controlling for other variables, a one-point increase in the review score is associated to an increase in the occupancy rate by 7.5 percentage points. Regardless the review score, the number of reviews has a positive effect, but with decreasing returns, implying that the higher the number of reviews, the lower the beneficial effect in terms of occupancy rates is. Practical implications The findings quantify the strong association of online reviews to occupancy rates suggesting the use of appropriate reputational management systems to increase hotel occupancy and therefore performance. Originality/value A major contribution of this paper is its comprehensiveness in analyzing the relation between online consumer reviews and occupancy across a heterogeneous sample of hotels.
Pain-Associated Adaptive Cortical Reorganisation in Chronic Pancreatitis

Background/Aims: In various chronic pain conditions cortical reorganisation seems to play a role in the symptomatology. The aims of this study were to investigate cortical reorganisation in patients with pain caused by chronic pancreatitis (CP) and to correlate putative cortical reorganisation to clinical pain scores. Methods: 24 patients suffering from CP and 14 healthy volunteers were included. Patients’ daily experience of pain was recorded in a pain diary. The sigmoid was stimulated electrically with simultaneous recording of evoked brain potentials (EPs). The brain source localisations reflecting direct neuronal activity were fitted by a five-dipole model projected to magnetic resonance imaging of the individual brains. Results: Patients showed prolonged latencies of the EPs confined to the frontal region of the brain (p < 0.01). The corresponding brain sources were located in the bilateral insula, cingulate gyrus and bilateral secondary somatosensory area. The insular dipoles were localised more posterior in the patients than in healthy subjects (p < 0.01). The shift in insular dipole localisation was negatively correlated with the patients’ clinical pain scores (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings indicate that sustained pain in CP leads to functional reorganisation of the insular cortex. We suggest its physiological correlate to be an adaptive response to chronic pain.
Avian influenza: A pandemic waiting in the wings?

Recent widespread outbreaks of avian influenza and, associated with these a growing number of human infections with a high mortality rate, have raised concerns that this might be the prelude to a severe pandemic of human influenza. As a background to these concerns the present article reviews influenza as a human disease, its origins and the involvement of other species, properties of the influenza viruses and the current status of influenza prevention and control.
Reducing observation time in children post‐adenoidectomy

Adenoidectomy is one of the most common operations of childhood. The current method employed is monopolar suction diathermy, a procedure traditionally performed via curette. Thismethod has shown improved haemostasis with reduced intraoperative and postoperative bleeding and shorter operating times.Our personal experience has been that patients recover more quickly, with fewer complications, and thus, we have conducted this study to illustrate that a reduction in postoperative observation time to 4 hour is warranted. Current guidelines at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Brighton recommend that patients (children aged 0–17)who undergo adenoidectomy grommet insertion are to be monitored for a minimum of a 6 hour following the procedure. These guidelines have not been updated since the transition from curette to suction diathermy. A telephone survey of UK hospitals revealed little consistency between trusts for recommended postoperative observation times, illustrating the lack of a firm evidence base for these guidelines.
A theoretical computation of abnormal oscillation propagation in a 2-D excitable neuronal network coupled via gap junction

The propagation of abnormal oscillations in actual neural tissue is often irregular and highly complex. The experiments and theoretical work on it are both very difficult; however, it can be helpful to understand some disorder in the neural system. With the help of microelectrode recording techniques and microdialysis, some experimental results from human beings and animal models have demonstrated that epileptic seizures can occur when either the external cellular environment of neurons is changed drastically from physiological conditions or when the synapses of neurons are extensively induced to release neurotransmitter or other neural signals. Here, we present a theoretical framework to investigate the gap junction's (electrical synapse) effect on the propagation of abnormal oscillations. Although such theoretical work is still very limited in explaining all the mechanistic problems related to the disorder situation, e.g., epilepsy, it is, nevertheless, helpful to our understanding of synaptic effects on the abnormal activity propagation. Now, from ionic channels to neural networks, a two-dimensional (2-D) spatial-temporal partial differential equation (PDE) is built. The implicit scheme of the finite-differential method in the time domain and a multistep algorithm are utilized to solve the PDE and the nonlinear ordinary differential equations, respectively, while the successive overrelaxation method is utilized to compute the large-scale sparse equations. Lyapunov exponent and approximate entropy are further applied, respectively, to the analysis of chaos and complexity in the propagation. Numerical results show that abnormal oscillations can propagate when the coupling strength of the gap junctions is sufficiently large, leading to turbulence in the excitable network, and that the larger the coupling strength is, the greater the nonlinear and the complexity of the propagation are. It is also concluded that the chaos and the complexity of the activity at the periphery point are larger than that at the central point when the abnormal oscillations propagate from the central to the periphery. This theoretical work is helpful to understand the gap junction's effects on the abnormal oscillation propagation in a 2-D excitable neural tissue.