Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bacteremia After Diagnostic Conventional Laparoscopy and Minilaparoscopy: A Prospective Study in 100 Patients

Background/Goals Diagnostic laparoscopy under sedoanalgesia is a valuable tool in the work-up of liver diseases and is helpful as a staging procedure. The rate of bacteremia caused by this procedure is unknown, in particular when performed as minilaparoscopy. Study A 100 consecutive patients having undergone diagnostic laparoscopy carried out either conventionally (group I, n=50) or as minilaparoscopy (group II, n=50) were prospectively enrolled in this study. Blood cultures were drawn before and within 5 minutes after the procedure. Risk factors for bacteremia were evaluated. Results Bacterial growth occurred in 4 blood cultures drawn immediately after laparoscopy. No patient developed fever or other signs of infection in the follow-up. Risk factors predisposing to bacteremia could not be identified. Conclusions Conventional diagnostic laparoscopy under sedoanalgesia and minilaparoscopy are associated with a low rate of bacteremia as in diagnostic upper endoscopy.
Experiences in thoracoscopic sympathectomy for axillary hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis: focusing on the extent of sympathectomy.

HYPOTHESIS A more selective sympathectomy can improve the outcome of axillary hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis and minimize the potential sequelae. DESIGN Retrospective cohort. SETTING Tertiary care center. PATIENTS Between July 1, 1996, and May 30, 2000, 171 patients with axillary hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis were studied. INTERVENTIONS T3-4 sympathectomies were performed in 40 patients (group 1), T4 sympathectomies were performed in 56 patients (group 2), and T4-5 sympathectomies were performed in 75 patients (group 3). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The surgical outcomes were evaluated by direct patient interview in the outpatient clinic or by telephone or mail questionnaires. The results were categorized as excellent (significant or complete disappearance of symptoms), good (>/=50% improvement), or poor (<50% improvement). RESULTS There were no surgical mortalities in this study. Twenty-eight group 1 patients (70%), 16 group 2 patients (29%), and 22 group 3 patients (29%) developed compensatory perspiration (P<.001). Six group 1 patients (15%), 1 group 2 patient (2%), and 1 group 3 patient (1%) developed dry hands (P =.02). In the group 1 patients, the surgical outcomes were excellent in 21 (52%), good in 6 (15%), and poor in 13 (32%). In the group 2 patients, the surgical outcomes were excellent in 29 (52%), good in 10 (18%), and poor in 17 (30%). In the group 3 patients, the surgical outcomes were excellent in 53 (71%), good in 11 (15%), and poor in 11(15%) (P =.04). (Percentages may not sum to 100 because of rounding.) CONCLUSION T4-5 sympathectomies provide higher patient satisfaction rates in treating axillary hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis, with fewer sequelae.
Strength Imbalances and Prevention of Hamstring Injury in Professional Soccer Players

Background The relationship between muscle injury and strength disorders remains a matter of controversy. Purpose Professional soccer players performed a preseason isokinetic testing aimed at determining whether (1) strength variables could be predictors of subsequent hamstring strain and (2) normalization of strength imbalances could reduce the incidence of hamstring injury. Study Design Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 1. Methods A standardized concentric and eccentric isokinetic assessment was used to identify soccer players with strength imbalances. Subjects were classified among 4 subsets according to the imbalance management content. Recording subsequent hamstring injuries allowed us to define injury frequencies and relative risks between groups. Results Of 687 players isokinetically tested in preseason, a complete follow-up was obtained in 462 players, for whom 35 hamstring injuries were recorded. The rate of muscle injury was significantly increased in subjects with untreated strength imbalances in comparison with players showing no imbalance in preseason (relative risk = 4.66; 95% confidence interval: 2.01-10.8). The risk of injury remained significantly higher in players with strength imbalances who had subsequent compensating training but no final isokinetic control test than in players without imbalances (relative risk = 2.89; 95% confidence interval: 1.00-8.32). Conversely, normalizing the isokinetic parameters reduced the risk factor for injury to that observed in players without imbalances (relative risk = 1.43; 95% confidence interval: 0.44-4.71). Conclusion The outcomes showed that isokinetic intervention gives rise to the preseason detection of strength imbalances, a factor that increases the risk of hamstring injury. Restoring a normal strength profile decreases the muscle injury incidence.
Social Rented Housing in Western Europe: Developments and Expectations

What lies ahead for the social rented sector in western Europe? Do countries differ merely in degree, or do differences between countries offer grounds on which to sketch divergent scenarios for the future? This paper treats these questions in light of the work of Harloe and Kemeny. Based on the development of the policy context and the size and the character of the social rented sector in six west European countries, three plausible scenarios will be presented. The first (residual dual market) scenario is comparable to Harloe's residual model and Kemeny's dual market model. The second (residual unitary market) scenario starts with Kemeny's unitary market model but develops in the direction of the first (residual dual market) scenario. The third (unitary rental market) scenario combines social responsibilities with a market approach to housing provision.
Design of the blockade of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor to avoid vascular occlusion (BRAVO) trial.

BACKGROUND Platelets play a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and acute coronary and cerebrovascular syndromes. Inhibition of platelet function by acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) has been shown to reduce the incidence atherothrombotic events in patients with coronary, cerebrovascular, or peripheral vascular disease. Thienopyridine agents, however, including ticlopidine and clopidogrel, inhibit the adenosine diphosphate receptor and have modestly superior effects compared with aspirin on reduction of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke among a broad group of patients with vascular disease. More effective antithrombotic agents are still required to treat patients at high risk for recurrent vascular events. METHODS Lotrafiban, a selective, nonpeptide antagonist of the human platelet fibrinogen receptor (glycoprotein [GP] IIb/IIIa [alphaIIb/beta3 integrin]), blocks the binding of fibrinogen to the GP IIb/IIIa receptor, which is the final common pathway of platelet aggregation. Lotrafiban at doses of up to 50 mg twice daily was well-tolerated in a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study in patients with recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina, transient ischemic attack, or stroke when added to aspirin therapy. On the basis of these results, a dosing regimen was selected for the phase III Blockage of the Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Receptor to Avoid Vascular Occlusion (BRAVO) trial based on pharmacodynamics and drug tolerability. In the pivotal BRAVO study, lotrafiban therapy is being evaluated in patients who have had a recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina, transient ischemic attack, or ischemic stroke, or who present at any time after a diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease combined with either cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease. RESULTS The efficacy evaluation will be based on a composite end point of clinical events (death by any cause, myocardial infarction, stroke, recurrent ischemia requiring hospitalization, or urgent ischemia-driven revascularization). The target enrollment is 9200 patients worldwide. Approximately 700 centers will participate and will be distributed within 30 countries across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
The Construction of Metagenome of Metal-Contaminated River Sediments and Screening Heavy-Metal Resistant Gene

Metagenome is a fast developing cultivation independent technology, which is useful in addressing evolutionary and ecological relationship of microbial communities, also quite challenging to research function genes. Here we improved DNA extraction method and the DNA extracted is of high yield and allows direct 16S rDNA PCR amplification. we used the high-molecular-weight bacterial DNA to construct sediment metagenomic library. The metagenomic library of river sediments polluted was constructed, and then was estimated by digested clones selected randomly by BamH I. The metagenomic library containing 6,000 clones was constructed into pUC18 vector. An positive clones was selected by functional screening of the library. A Zn-Cd resistance active gene designated Mtx was identified by subcloning, sequencing and expression. This Mtx gene encodes cation-proton-antiporter belonging to Czc family, which is most related to the Czc R gene from Ralstonia sp. CH34 with 93% similarity.
Stage at Diagnosis of Cancer Varies With the Age of the Patient

The stage of a cancer at diagnosis is multiply determined, theoretically depending on such disparate factors as tumor biology, patient education, and physician behaviors. Data from all Hispanic and non‐Hispanic white residents of New Mexico diagnosed with a malignancy from 1969 through 1982 were analyzed to determine the relationship between the age of the patient and the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis. Three general patterns were apparent. For cancers of the bladder, breast, cervix, ovary, thyroid, and uterus, and for melanoma, there were significant linear trends for the cancers to be diagnosed at more advanced stages in older patients. For cancers of the lung, pancreas, rectum, and stomach, there were significant linear trends for cancers to be diagnosed at an earlier stage in older patients. For cancers of the colon, kidney, liver, and prostate, there were no significant linear trends in stage at diagnosis versus age of the patient.
A Cluster of Virus-Encoded MicroRNAs Accelerates Acute Systemic Epstein-Barr Virus Infection but Does Not Significantly Enhance Virus-Induced Oncogenesis In Vivo

ABSTRACT Over 90% of the adult human population is chronically infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), an oncogenic herpesvirus. EBV primarily infects naive human B cells and persists latently in memory B cells. Most individuals experience an asymptomatic infection that is effectively controlled by the adaptive immune response. However, EBV-associated lymphomas can develop in immunocompromised individuals. These tumors typically express all nine EBV latent proteins (latency III). Latency III is also associated with the expression of three precursor microRNAs (miRNAs) located within the EBV BHRF1 gene locus. The role of these BHRF1 miRNAs was unclear until recent in vitro studies demonstrated that they cooperate to enhance virus-induced B cell transformation and decrease the antigenic load of virus-infected cells, indicating that the BHRF1 miRNA cluster may serve as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of latency III EBV-associated malignancies. However, to date, it is not known if BHRF1 miRNAs enhance virus-induced oncogenesis and/or immune evasion of EBV in vivo. To understand the in vivo contribution of the BHRF1 miRNA cluster to EBV infection and EBV-associated tumorigenesis, we monitored EBV infection and assessed tumor formation in humanized mice exposed to wild-type virus and a viral mutant (Δ123) that lacks all three BHRF1 miRNAs. Our results demonstrate that while the BHRF1 miRNAs facilitate the development of acute systemic EBV infection, they do not enhance the overall oncogenic potential of EBV in vivo.
Impact of soil medium on the path connectivity of sensors in wireless underground sensor networks

This paper studies the impact of soil medium properties and network parameters on the topological connectivity of wireless sensor nodes communicating with each other via electromagnetic wave under the ground. The sensor nodes are deeply buried under the ground and randomly deployed in a square sensing area. Through two simulation scenarios, we investigate the path connectivity between two arbitrary sensors under various settings of soil moisture, sensor's density and operating frequency, and sensing area. It is shown that the water content in soil remarkably changes the influence of other factors on path connectivity. The results obtained in this paper provide useful guidelines on the design of reliable wireless underground sensor networks.
The effect of alkylphosphocholines on intraretinal proliferation initiated by experimental retinal detachment.

PURPOSE To determine the effect of alkylphosphocholines (APCs) on intraretinal proliferation induced by experimental retinal detachment in the rabbit. METHODS Retinal detachments were created in adult pigmented rabbits. APCs, either liposome bound (liposome, L-APC) or unbound (free, F-APC), were injected intravitreally on either day 1 or day 2 after detachment. BrdU was injected on day 3, 4 hours before death. After fixation, retinas were triple labeled with anti-BrdU, anti-vimentin, and the isolectin B4. The number of anti-BrdU-labeled cells was counted per millimeter of retina from sections imaged by laser scanning confocal microscopy. Toxicity was examined using toluidine blue-stained sections imaged by light microscopy and by electron microscopy for ultrastructural evaluation. RESULTS Retinal detachment initiated proliferation of all non-neuronal cells. After intravitreal injection on day 1 or 2 after experimental induction of retinal detachment, APCs significantly reduced the number of dividing cells at day 3. Liposome-bound drug given on day 2 was more effective on Müller cell proliferation than was unbound drug. Injection of F-APC on day 1 was more effective than when given on day 2. No apparent effect was seen on Müller cell hypertrophy as indicated by vimentin expression. In addition, no evidence of toxicity was observed in the retina at day 3 for any of the conditions. CONCLUSIONS APCs significantly reduce the number of Müller cells that are stimulated to divide as a result of retinal detachment. The preliminary results indicate no evidence of significant toxicity; however, further studies are needed. APCs have the potential to be used as part of a therapeutic approach if they can be combined with other agents that can suppress the fibrosis that is also a critical event in the pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinal diseases such as proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).
The current status of monoamine oxidase and its inhibitors

The enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) plays an important role in the inactivation of both dietary amines and also of neurotransmitter amines. A study of the properties of irreversible inhibitors of this enzyme suggests that the enzyme exists in two broad types — MAO‐A and MAO‐B. Although irreversible inhibitors of MAO were once widely used as antidepressant agents, they fell from favour because of adverse reactions after the ingestion of amine‐containing foodstuffs (“the cheese reaction”). However, these inhibitors (phenelzine and tranylcypromine) are probably best for the treatment of atypical depression providing the patient is aware of dietary reactions. A new series of reversible, MAO‐A selective inhibitors are being developed which do not exhibit serious dietary interactions. These reversible inhibitors show promise as rapidly acting antidepressant agents. An atypical irreversible MAO‐B selective inhibitor, selegiline (deprenyl) does not exhibit an adverse reaction on the ingestion of amine‐containing foods. This drug has been used as an adjuvant in the treatment of Parkinson's disease since it allows the dose of l‐dopa to be reduced by approximately 25%. More important, selegiline may slow the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons that is characteristic of Parkinson's disease.
Image bilevel thresholding based on multiscale gradient multiplication

This paper introduces a novel global thresholding approach that exploits the product of gradient magnitude (PGM). The PGM of an image is obtained by multiplying the responses of the first derivative of Gaussian (FDoG) filter at three adjacent space scales. The output threshold is selected as the one that maximizes a new objective function of the gray level variable t . The objective function is defined as the ratio of the mean PGM values of the boundary and nonboundary regions in the binary image obtained by thresholding with variable t . Through analysis of 35 real images from different application areas, our results show that the proposed method can perform bilevel thresholding on the images with different histogram patterns, including unimodal, bimodal, multimodal, or comb-like shape. Its segmentation quality is superior to five popular thresholding algorithms.
Serial FDG-PET/MR Imaging for Head and Neck Cancer Radiation Therapy: A Pilot Study

Radiation therapy (RT), with or without chemotherapy, can be an effective organ-preserving treatment strategy for many patients with head and neck cancer. Loco-regional failure, however, can occur in a significant minority of patients. Typically, treatment response is assessed months after radiotherapy to allow the tumor to regress and to avoid confounding acute therapy effects. This paper investigates the use of hybrid 18-Flurodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/ magnetic resonance (PET/MR) imaging for early visualization of tumor changes during treatment. Qualitative and quantitative comparison of changes in the anatomical and functional parameters is presented by multi-point serial scanning of head and neck cancer patients undergoing RT. Parameters derived from diffusion weighted imaging and PET imaging are found to trend differently in the patient with recurrence in comparison to patients without recurrence. By reporting feasibility and early findings of PET/MR within treatment, this study suggests that PET/MR has the potential to demonstrate mid-treatment tumor changes. A combination of anatomical and functional parameters can be used to guide potential treatment re-planning for patients who do not respond well to the initially planned treatment strategy.
In vivo exposure to Porphyromonas gingivalis up‐regulates nitric oxide but suppresses tumour necrosis factor‐α production by cultured macrophages

The present study was designed to test whether the functional response of mouse macrophages elicited by chronic exposure to bacteria will be different from that of cells elicited by a non‐bacterial irritant. Macrophage elicitation was conducted by Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major periodontal pathogen, in comparison to a standard elicitation by thioglycollate (TG). We measured lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced nitric oxide (NO) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) secretion by the elicited macrophages, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the whole elicited cell population. In addition, we tested the response of TG‐elicited macrophages to pretreatment with P. gingivalis LPS in vitro. Mouse peritoneal macrophages were harvested 4 days after intraperitoneal injection of TG or heat‐killed P. gingivalis. TG‐elicited macrophages produced undetectable levels of TNF‐α and approximately 0·5 μm of NO. The stimulation of the macrophages with LPS resulted in the secretion of NO and TNF‐α in a dose‐dependent manner. The P. gingivalis‐elicited macrophages produced basal levels of approximately 5 μm NO, but TNF‐α was not detectable. LPS stimulation of these cells further increased the secretion of NO eightfold while TNF‐α remained undetectable. The NO secretion by P. gingivalis‐elicited cells was significantly higher than that by TG‐elicited cells. Examination of cytokine expression in the whole elicited cell population revealed that both P. gingivalis‐elicited cells and TG‐elicited cells expressed messenger RNA for interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), TNF‐α and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), but not for IL‐4. IL‐6 was expressed in P. gingivalis‐elicited cells only. Pretreatment of TG‐elicited macrophages with P. gingivalis LPS for 24 hr prior to a second LPS challenge resulted in down‐regulation of TNF‐α secretion and up‐regulation of NO secretion, a response similar to that seen in P.gingivalis‐elicited peritoneal macrophages. The results suggest that the in vivo exposure of resident macrophages to P. gingivalis induces functional changes in peritoneal macrophages. These changes might be due to the effect of P. gingivalis LPS.
Regulation of Bacteriophage T5 Development by ColI Factors

The I-type colicinogenic factor ColIb transforms Escherichia coli from a permissive to a nonpermissive host for bacteriophage T5 reproduction by preventing complete expression of the phage genome. T5-infected ColIb+ cells synthesize only class I (early) phage protein and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Neither phage-specific class II proteins [associated with viral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication] nor class III proteins (phage structural components) are formed due to the failure of the infected ColIb+ cells to synthesize class II or class III phage-specific messenger RNA. Comparable studies with T5-infected cells colicinogenic for the related ColIa factor revealed no decrease in the yield of progeny phage although the presence of the ColIa factor leads to a significant reduction in the amount of phage-directed class III protein synthesis.
Implementing energy saving measures: A decision support tool for corporate real estate management

Purpose – This paper aims to propose a decision support tool that would aid decision-makers to implement energy-saving measures efficiently in a corporate real estate. Design/methodology/approach – The tool consists of a system dynamic model that allows describing and quantifying the complex interaction between potential maintenance scenarios, external energy factors and case-specific conditions. In addition, to include the uncertainty of some of the input variables related to the external energy factors, Monte Carlo simulation has been applied. Findings – A case study of a city hall in The Netherlands showed the usability of the proposed tool. Over the selected period of 20 years, applying the chosen set of interventions, the simulation showed possible gains in the net present value and significant decrease of energy consumption and carbon emission. Municipal officials and consultants verified the tool for energy efficiency. Research limitations/implications – Although the tool has proved its functionali.
The Flow into Unemployment in Britain

This paper examines a largely neglected aspect of unemployment dynamics, namely the flow into unemployment. A model is set up relating this to the demand for labor and the quit rate. The empirical results lend considerable support to the model: a fall in planned employment growth or a fall in the quit rate both raise the inflow rate. The implications of the results for unemployment-vacancy analysis are discussed, and the distinction made between symmetric and asymmetric shocks to the matching function. Copyright 1992 by Royal Economic Society.