Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multistate outbreak of listeriosis caused by imported cheese and evidence of cross-contamination of other cheeses, USA, 2012

SUMMARY Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that can cause bacteraemia, meningitis, and complications during pregnancy. In July 2012, molecular subtyping identified indistinguishable L. monocytogenes isolates from six patients and two samples of different cut and repackaged cheeses. A multistate outbreak investigation was initiated. Initial analyses identified an association between eating soft cheese and outbreak-related illness (odds ratio 17·3, 95% confidence interval 2·0–825·7) but no common brand. Cheese inventory data from locations where patients bought cheese and an additional location where repackaged cheese yielded the outbreak strain were compared to identify cheeses for microbiological sampling. Intact packages of imported ricotta salata yielded the outbreak strain. Fourteen jurisdictions reported 22 cases from March–October 2012, including four deaths and a fetal loss. Six patients ultimately reported eating ricotta salata; another reported eating cheese likely cut with equipment also used for contaminated ricotta salata, and nine more reported eating other cheeses that might also have been cross-contaminated. An FDA import alert and US and international recalls followed. Epidemiology-directed microbiological testing of suspect cheeses helped identify the outbreak source. Cross-contamination of cheese highlights the importance of using validated disinfectant protocols and routine cleaning and sanitizing after cutting each block or wheel.
Role of binary toxin in the outcome of Clostridium difficile infection in a non-027 ribotype setting

SUMMARY Binary toxin (BT) has been associated with strains causing more severe Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), such as ribotype 027. Data on the outcome of patients having BT present in ribotypes other than 027 are scarce. Our objective was to investigate the association between BT isolates and outcome of CDI in a non-027 ribotype setting. We prospectively included CDI episodes (January–June 2013 and March–June 2014) from symptomatic patients aged >2 years. Epidemiological and clinical data were recorded. BT genes were detected using multiplex PCR. During the study period, we identified 326 episodes of CDI, of which 319 were available for molecular analysis. Of these, 54 (16·9%) were caused by C. difficile strains with BT. Most (90·7%) isolates with BT were ribotype 078/126. CDI patients with BT-positive strains did not differ from those with BT-negative strains in terms of recurrence (13·0% vs. 15·5%, P = 0·835), treatment failure (0·0% vs. 2·3%, P = 0·594), overall mortality (11·1% vs. 9·1%, P = 0·612), or CDI-related mortality (0·0% vs. 1·9%, P = 0·612). Multivariate regression revealed no association between BT and poor outcome. In conclusion, in a non-027 setting, we found that most BT isolates were 078/126 and were not associated with poor outcome.
Evaluation of wave delivery methodology for brain MRE: Insights from computational simulations

MR elastography (MRE) of the brain is being explored as a biomarker of neurodegenerative disease such as dementia. However, MRE measures for healthy brain have varied widely. Differing wave delivery methodologies may have influenced this, hence finite element‐based simulations were performed to explore this possibility.
ESSENTIAL HYPERHIDROSIS CURED BY SYMPATHETIC GANGLIONECTOMY AND TRUNK RESECTION

Essential hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating which is limited to circumscribed bilaterally symmetrical areas and to extremities. Excessive sweating of the hands and feet frequently accompanies vasospastic conditions, such as are seen in Raynaud's disease and peripheral atrophic arthritis, but in true essential hyperhidrosis the patient complains chiefly of excessive perspiration that is aggravated by exposure to warm temperatures, by nervous excitement and by emotional strain. This symptom becomes so annoying as to interfere with business and social activities. When the hands are involved, the patients find it impossible to work as bookkeepers or accountants or to work with delicate fabrics that require dry finger-tips. The skin over the finger-tips often becomes macerated and tender. The patients are likewise constantly embarrassed in meeting strangers, since their hands are always dripping wet and they feel compelled to apologize in offering them in the customary salutation. They frequently shun the opposite sex to
Autocalibrated wave‐CAIPI reconstruction; Joint optimization of k‐space trajectory and parallel imaging reconstruction

Fast MRI acquisitions often rely on efficient traversal of k‐space and hardware limitations, or other physical effects can cause the k‐space trajectory to deviate from a theoretical path in a manner dependent on the image prescription and protocol parameters. Additional measurements or generalized calibrations are typically needed to characterize the discrepancies. We propose an autocalibrated technique to determine these discrepancies.
Intracerebral synthesis of glutamine from hyperpolarized glutamate

Changes in glutamate (Glu) levels occur in a number of neurodegenerative diseases. We proposed the use of 13C spectroscopy and the highly amplified signal generated by hyperpolarization to achieve spatial and temporal resolutions adequate for in vivo studies of Glu metabolism in the healthy rat brain. Thus, we investigated uptake of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]Glu after a temporary blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption protocol and its conversion to glutamine (Gln) in the brain.
Study on the qualities of diet and life in Parkinson's disease patients according to their nutritional status

Assessment regarding the nutritional status of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients is important because their nutritional status influences the outcome of disease. The purpose of this study investigated the dietary habits, dietary quality, and quality of life for Korean PD patients according to their nutritional status. Seventy PD patients were recruited from K University Hospital (KMC IRB#0918-07) from February 2010 to October 2011. To diagnose PD, the United Kingdom Parkinson’s Society Brain Bank standards were used by a neurology physician. The participants were interviewed and assessed using various tools, including a general questionnaire, anthropometrics, questionnaires for dietary habits, dietary diversity score (DVS), dietary variety score (DVS), diet quality index-international (DQI-I), beck depression inventory (BDI), the Korean version of mini mental state examination (K-MMSE), and 36-item short-form health survey (SF36). The results of the study were as follows: 1) Most of the PD patients (69.0%) were at risk of malnutrition, and 8.5% and 22.5% of the subjects were malnourished and well-nourished, respectively. 2) Clinical symptoms (swallowing and chewing difficulties ) were obvious, and the quality of diet (DDS, DVS, DQI-I) was low in the malnourished group (p < 0.01). 3) The malnourished group had significantly lower scores regarding SF-36 (quality of life) as well as that of cognitive function (p < 0.05). 4) The nutritional status of PD patients was significantly correlated with their depression (p < 0.05) and quality of life (p < 0.01). These results indicate that appropriate nutritional management will improve the nutritional status and quality of life as well as the cognitive function in Parkinson’s disease patients. (Korean J Nutr 2012; 45(3): 240 ~ 251)
Perceived barriers to sport and recreation participation in Botswana.

Participation in different forms of recreation and physical activities has beneficial effects on the health and health status of individuals. Physical inactivity has also been identified as a major health problem affecting many people in all regions of the world (World Health Organisation, 2002). Participation in physical recreation activities is influenced by several factors, e.g. time, interest, availability of facilities and accessibility to facilities (Scholtz, 1995; Sayed, Meyer & Monyeki, 2004). In developing countries several factors have been identified as precursors of physical inactivity, e.g. overcrowding, poverty, crime, lack of parks, and sports and recreation facilities (World Health Organisation, 2002). These factors often lead to the development of a number of health problems including hypokinetism, obesity, hypertension, premature mortality and increased prevalence of concomitant social and economic problems. In order to determine perceived barriers to sport and recreation participation in Botswana the modified Crawford, Jackson and Godbey's (1991) constraint assessment questionnaire which focused on five barrier categories, i.e. aptitude, socio-economic, socio-cultural, facility-awareness and facility constraint, was used. Specifically, the study examined the factors that preclude or limit Botswana people's frequency and quality of participation in sports and recreation, and the extent to which the barriers were distributed among the population. From an initial target sample of 2195 residents in six randomly selected communities in Botswana, data based on responses from 1664 (75.8%) correctly completed questionnaires were statistically analysed. Results indicated that the participants were constrained mainly by socio-economic, socio-cultural, facility awareness and facility inaccessibility barriers. These results provide relevant information for planning and delivering sport and recreation services as well as implementing intervention programmes for community health promotion in Botswana.
The impulse response of S-cone pathways in detection of increments and decrements

Impulse response functions (IRFs) were obtained from two-pulse detection thresholds using isoluminant stimuli that produced increments or decrements in S-cone excitation. The pulses were chromatically modulated at constant luminance (based on 18 Hz heterochromatic flicker photometry). Chromatic stimuli were presented as a Gaussian patch (±1 SD = 2.3°) in one of four quadrants around a central fixation cross on a CRT screen. Each of the two pulses (6.67 ms) was separated by an inter-stimulus interval (ISI) from 20 to 360 ms. Chromaticity of the pulses was changed from the equal-energy white of the background to a bluish or yellowish color along individually determined tritan lines (based on color matching under strong S-cone adaptation from a 420 nm background superimposed in Maxwellian view). Chromatic detection thresholds were determined by a four-alternative forced-choice method with staircases for each ISI interleaved in each session. Measurements were repeated in at least four sessions for each observer. IRFs were calculated by varying four parameters of an exponentially-damped sinewave. Both S-cone increment and decrement IRFs are characterized by a single excitatory phase and a much longer time course compared with IRFs derived for luminance modulation using the same apparatus and observers. S-cone increment IRFs are faster than S-cone decrement IRFs; the time to peak amplitude of S-cone increment and decrement IRFs is 50–70 and 100–120 ms, respectively. These results were used to derive the temporal contrast sensitivity for human observers of putative ON- and OFF-channels carrying signals from S-cones.
Early and late dot-probe attentional bias to mild and high threat pictures: Relations with EEG theta/beta ratio, self-reported trait attentional control, and trait anxiety.

Frontal EEG theta/beta ratio (TBR; negatively associated with attentional control, or AC) was previously reported to moderate threat-level dependent attentional bias in a pictorial dot-probe task, interacting with trait anxiety. Unexpectedly, this was independent from processing stage (using cue-target delays of 200 and 500 ms) and also not observed for self-reported trait AC. We therefore aimed to replicate these effects of TBR and trait anxiety and to test if effects of early versus late processing stages are evident for shorter cue-target delays. This study also revisited the hypothesis that TBR and self-reported trait AC show similar effects. Fifty-three participants provided measurements of frontal TBR, self-reported trait AC, trait anxiety, and dot-probe task bias for mild and high threat pictures using the same dot-probe task, but this time with 80- and 200-ms cue-target delays. Results indicated that higher TBR predicted more attention to mild than high threat, but this was independent from trait anxiety or delay. Lower self-reported trait AC predicted more attention to mild than high threat, only after 200 ms (also independent of trait anxiety). We conclude that the moderating effect of TBR on threat-level dependent dot-probe task bias was replicated, but not the role of trait anxiety, and this study partially confirms that effects of trait AC are more dominant in later processing.
On eigenmode approximation for Dirac equations: Differential forms and fractional Sobolev spaces

We comment on the discretization of the Dirac equation using finite element spaces of differential forms. In order to treat perturbations by low order terms, such as those arizing from electromagnetic fields, we develop some abstract discretization theory and provide estimates in fractional order Sobolev spaces for finite element systems. Eigenmode convergence is proved, as well as optimal convergence orders, assuming a flat background metric on a periodic domain.
Body Composition of Female Wheelchair Athletes

Wheelchair users undergo changes in body composition as a result of disability. In this study the distribution of bone mineral, lean and fat mass was assessed in highly-trained female wheelchair athletes and a reference group by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The transferability of anthropometric equations commonly used in female groups was examined in order to establish a suitable field method of body composition assessment. The DXA total-body results indicated no difference between groups, but segmental analyses uncovered regional differences. The wheelchair athletes had greater BMD (p=0.088), more lean mass (p<0.001) and a lower percent fat (p=0.050) in their arms. The reverse was true of the legs (p< or =0.001). The trunk as a whole did not differ between groups. In general, the anthropometric equations showed a lack of transferability to the wheelchair group and tended to underestimate total percent body fat. Anthropometric measures such as body mass index (BMI) and waist girth showed strong correlations with body fat in the wheelchair group (BMI: r=0.90, p=0.001; waist: r=0.83, p=0.001), but weaker results in the reference group. It is recommended that specific anthropometric equations be developed for use in the absence of a 'gold standard' measure of body composition such as DXA.
GlyRα2, not GlyRα3, modulates the receptive field surround of OFF retinal ganglion cells

Abstract Receptive fields (RFs) of most retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) consist of an excitatory center and suppressive surround. The RF center arises from the summation of excitatory bipolar cell glutamatergic inputs, whereas the surround arises from lateral inhibitory inputs. In the retina, both gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) and glycine are inhibitory neurotransmitters. A clear role for GABAergic inhibition modulating the RGC RF surround has been demonstrated across species. Glycinergic inhibition is more commonly associated with RF center modulation, although there is some evidence that it may contribute to the RF surround. The synaptic glycinergic chloride channels are formed by three homomeric β and two homomeric α subunits that can be glycine receptor (GlyR) α1, α2, α3, or α4. GlyRα composition is responsible for currents with distinct decay kinetics. Their expression within the inner plexiform laminae and neuronal subtypes also differ. We studied the role of GlyR subunit selective modulation of RGC RF surrounds, using mice lacking GlyRα2 (Glra2−/−), GlyRα3 (Glra3−/−), or both (Glra2/3−/−). We chose this molecular genetic approach instead of pharmacological manipulation because there are no subunit selective antagonists and strychnine blocks all GlyRs. Comparisons of annulus-evoked responses among wild type (WT) and GlyRα knockouts (Glra2−/−, Glra3−/− and Glra2/3−/−) show that GlyRα2 inhibition enhances RF surround suppression and post-stimulus excitation in only WT OFF RGCs. Similarities in the responses in Glra2−/− and Glra2/3−/− RGCs verify these conclusions. Based on previous and current data, we propose that GlyRα2-mediated input uses a crossover inhibitory circuit. Further, we suggest that GlyRα2 modulates the OFF RGC RF center and surround independently. In summary, our results define a selective GlyR subunit-specific control of RF surround suppression in OFF RGCs.
Retinal A2A and A3 adenosine receptors modulate the components of the rat electroretinogram

Abstract Adenosine is a neuromodulator present in various areas of the central nervous system, including the retina. Adenosine may serve a neuroprotective role in the retina, based on electroretinogram (ERG) recordings from the rat retina. Our purpose was to assess the role of A2A and A3 adenosine receptors in the generation and modulation of the rat ERG. The flash ERG was recorded with corneal electrodes from Sprague Dawley rats. Agonists and antagonists for A2A and A3 receptors, and adenosine were injected (5 µl) into the vitreous. The effects on the components of the single flash scotopic and photopic ERGs were examined, and ERG flicker. Adenosine (0.5 mM) increased the mean amplitudes of the scotopic ERG a-waves (68 ± 8 to 97 ± 14 µV, P = 0.042), and b-waves (236 ± 38 µV to 305 ± 42 µV). A2A agonist CGS21680 (2 mM) reduced the mean amplitude of the ERG b-wave, from 298 ± 21 µV in response to the brightest stimulus to 212 ± 19 µV (P = 0.005), and mean scotopic oscillatory potentials (OPs) from 100 ± 9 µV to 47 ± 11 µV (P = 0.023). ZM241385 [4 mM], an A2A antagonist, decreased the scotopic b-wave of the ERG. A3 agonist 2-CI-IB-MECA (0.5 mM) increased the a-wave, while decreasing the scotopic and photopic ERG b-waves, and the scotopic OPs. A3 antagonist VUF5574 (1 mM) increased the mean amplitude of the scotopic a-wave (66 ± 8 to 140 ± 29 µV, P = 0.046) and b-wave (224 ± 20 to 312 ± 39 µV, P = 0.0037). No significant effects on ERG flicker were found. We conclude that retinal neurons containing A2A and/or A3 adenosine receptors contribute to the generation of the ERG a- and b-waves and OPs.
Repeated measures design: a methodological issue of conducting research on patients with chronic pain.

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is prevalent and canaffect all aspects of a person’s life (Breivik et al., 2006). Activity limitations and/or participation restrictions inthis group are a major problem and have a reportedprevalence of 26% (Mullersdorf and Soderback, 2000). In addition, patients with chronic pain are known to beunderactive and/or overactive (Birkholtz et al., 2004;CunninghamandJillings,2006;Mainetal.,2008),whichmay lead to an unpredictable and/or ﬂuctuating level ofactivity. To re-establish activity limitations and/orparticipation restrictions, rehabilitation is often needed(Main et al., 2008) and multidisciplinary interventionshave been proven effective (Airaksinen et al., 2006). However, it is also known that available interventionsdonotworkforeveryone(Turketal.,2008). Thereasonsfor the different ﬁndings may be the methodologicallimitations of research on multidisciplinary rehabilita-tion programmes (Ravenek et al., 2010; Turk, 2002). This paper considers the use of a repeated measuresdesign as an individualized approach when conductingresearch on patients with chronic pain or any othercondition that is known to ﬂuctuate. To assume thatpositive outcomes and research results are related to theintervention provided may be a mistake, as a dependentvariable such as pain or the level of activity may changeand vary autonomously with the independent variable.
People's Perceptions and Beliefs about their Ability to Exercise with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Qualitative Study.

Background: Randomised controlled trials have shown exercise benefits people’s general health. For individuals living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), various factors may influence their ability or willingness to exercise (MaraditKremers et al., 2005; Wolfe et al., 2008). Objectives: The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the perceptions and beliefs about the ability to exercise in people with RA. Methods: Six participants aged between 39-76 years with various stages of RA were recruited from the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). A focus group lasting 60 minutes was run to explore people’s perceptions and beliefs about exercising with RA. Questions had been derived from relevant literature and had been piloted. The focus group was recorded and transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to code the data and identify pertinent themes. Results: Seven distinct themes were identified. These were; the belief that specific symptoms prevented exercise, medication modifies the ability to exercise; frustration from not being able to take exercise; benefits of taking exercise; limitations to participation during exercise class; fear of pain or catching colds/infection and conflict in advice from health professionals. All six participants reported they understood the benefits of exercise and each enjoyed taking an appropriate form of exercise. All participants agreed that certain types of exercise could improve their muscle strength but believed that dynamic and weight-bearing exercise would damage their joints. Conclusions: The findings suggest that people with RA want to exercise and believe that their medication helps them achieve this. However it was evident that people with RA receive conflicting advice from health care professionals about what is appropriate exercise and alongside fear of pain, joint damage and infection could limit people’s willingness to engage with exercise. References: Maradit-Kremers H, Crowson C, Nicola P Ballman KV, roger VL, Jacobson SJ, Gabriel SE (2005). Increased unrecognized coronary heart disease and sudden deaths in rheumatoid arthritis: a population-based cohort study. Arthritis and Rheumatism 52: 402–411. Wolfe F, Michaud K (2008) The risk of myocardial infarction and pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic myocardial infarction predictors in rheumatoid arthritis: a cohort and nested case control analysis. Arthritis Rheumatology 58: 26122621 DOI: 10.1002/art.23811. Acknowledgedments: I am grateful to Dr J Adams and Dr M Donovan-Hall for supervising this project and allowing me to perform my studies within the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, and providing continual support, advice and encouragement throughout the project. I would like to thank Hannah Haywood for all the assistance given to me. Ailsa Bosworth Chief Director, National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, for all their support and thank you to the participants whom without their co-operation I would not have succeeded with this project. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared