Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Meningitis in the Absence of Pleocytosis in Children: A Systematic Review.

One of the main features of bacterial meningitis is pleocytosis. However, when children with meningitis present within hours of onset of symptoms, there is the possibility that the meninges are not yet sufficiently inflamed to lead to pleocytosis. A systematic search was done to identify published studies reporting children with culture- or polymerase chain reaction-proven bacterial meningitis in the absence of pleocytosis. We identified 26 studies describing 62 children (18 neonates). In those in whom fever duration was specified, 32 (80%) of 40 had a fever for less than or equal to 24 hours before lumbar puncture (LP). In those in whom the glucose level was reported, it was normal in 14 (82%) of 17 neonates and 33 (80%) of 41 older infants and children. The protein level was normal in 8 (44%) of 17 neonates and 32 (80%) of 40 older infants and children. Twelve of the 62 children had a Gram stain of their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and this was positive in 2 (17%). Simultaneous blood cultures were positive in 5 (28%) of 18 neonates and 21 (68%) of 31 older infants and children. There was no association between the absence of pleocytosis and particular bacteria. All of the 10 children who had a second LP had an abnormal CSF including pleocytosis. These findings indicate that the absence of pleocytosis does not exclude bacterial meningitis reliably and should be interpreted in the context of the duration of illness. CSF samples, particularly those from cases with relatively short symptom duration, should be cultured even when the cell count and biochemistry are normal. A second LP can be helpful when bacterial meningitis is suspected despite a normal initial CSF.
Inverse association between systemic immune-inflammation index and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate whether systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and neutrophil-to-platelet ratio (NLR) were associated with bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 413 postmenopausal women who never received menopause hormone therapy. The relationship between SII, NLR, and BMD was investigated by linear regression analysis. Results Significant inverse association was observed between SII and BMD in postmenopausal women. The mean BMD in each quartile of SII level were 0.923, 0.914, 0.900, and 0.876 g/cm2, respectively (p = .011). After adjusting for covariates, SII levels remained significantly associated with BMD (regression coefficients for quartiles 1–3 vs. quartile 4 were 0.035, 0.029, and 0.023, respectively; p for trend <.05). An inverse association was also found between NLR and BMD in postmenopausal women. However, there was no significant association between NLR and BMD after adjusting for covariates. Conclusion The quartile of SII was negatively associated with the mean BMD in postmenopausal women, independent of age, body mass index, sex hormone levels, and other factors. Therefore, SII can be used as a new predictor of bone loss in postmenopausal women.
Surface Tension Models for Aqueous Amine Blends

The surface tension is an essential property in mass-transfer calculations, since it determines for example the wetting area of a packing in column simulations. Especially for aqueous systems, the use of a simple mixing rule based on mole fractions in general fails. In this work a new simple empirical model is proposed. This model and an, in the literature, often used chemical model have been tested for the description of binary mixtures water + amine. The chemical model has been extended to multicomponent mixtures. The predictions of the empirical and especially the chemical model show good agreement with the surface tensions of aqueous amine blends.
A Series of Fortunate Events: Introducing Chlamydomonas as a Reference Organism[OPEN]

For close to 100 years, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has been used as a reference organism for exploring cilia and organelle function, photosynthesis, and metabolism. The unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a classical reference organism for studying photosynthesis, chloroplast biology, cell cycle control, and cilia structure and function. It is also an emerging model for studying sensory cilia, the production of high-value bioproducts, and in situ structural determination. Much of the early appeal of Chlamydomonas was rooted in its promise as a genetic system, but like other classic model organisms, this rise to prominence predated the discovery of the structure of DNA, whole-genome sequences, and molecular techniques for gene manipulation. The haploid genome of C. reinhardtii facilitates genetic analyses and offers many of the advantages of microbial systems applied to a photosynthetic organism. C. reinhardtii has contributed to our understanding of chloroplast-based photosynthesis and cilia biology. Despite pervasive transgene silencing, technological advances have allowed researchers to address outstanding lines of inquiry in algal research. The most thoroughly studied unicellular alga, C. reinhardtii, is the current standard for algal research, and although genome editing is still far from efficient and routine, it nevertheless serves as a template for other algae. We present a historical retrospective of the rise of C. reinhardtii to illuminate its past and present. We also present resources for current and future scientists who may wish to expand their studies to the realm of microalgae.
The structure characterization of thermosensitive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate) hydrogel

The goal of this work was to investigate a possible way of crosslinking polymer chains and the potential formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds in thermosensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (p(NIPAM-HPMet)) hydrogels obtained by radical polymerization. The chemical structure of the synthesized hydrogels was investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and XRD. The FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of hydrogen bonds formed between the chains in the copolymer. XRD analysis confirmed the amorphous − crystalline structure of the copolymer. A three-glass transition and two melting temperatures were detected by DSC. It was found that the addition of HPMet increased the glass transition and melting temperatures of the p(NIPAM-HPMet) copolymer. The swelling transport mechanism of p(NIPAM-HPMet) changed from non-Fickian at 20 °C to case III or zero-order time-independent kinetics characterized by a linear mass uptake with time with increasing temperature at 40 °C. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Fusarium virguliforme Transcriptional Plasticity Is Revealed by Host Colonization of Maize versus Soybean[OPEN]

Transcriptomic analysis of Fusarium virguliforme colonization revealed extensive rewiring of infection programs, leading to asymptomatic and symptomatic phenotypes in maize and soybean, respectively. We exploited the broad host range of Fusarium virguliforme to identify differential fungal responses leading to either an endophytic or a pathogenic lifestyle during colonization of maize (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max), respectively. To provide a foundation to survey the transcriptomic landscape, we produced an improved de novo genome assembly and annotation of F. virguliforme using PacBio sequencing. Next, we conducted a high-resolution time course of F. virguliforme colonization and infection of both soybean, a symptomatic host, and maize, an asymptomatic host. Comparative transcriptomic analyses uncovered a nearly complete network rewiring, with less than 8% average gene coexpression module overlap upon colonizing the different plant hosts. Divergence of transcriptomes originating from host specific temporal induction genes is central to infection and colonization, including carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and necrosis inducing effectors. Upregulation of Zn(II)-Cys6 transcription factors were uniquely induced in soybean at 2 d postinoculation, suggestive of enhanced pathogen virulence on soybean. In total, the data described herein suggest that F. virguliforme modulates divergent infection profiles through transcriptional plasticity.
DETERIORATION OF SUNFLOWER SEEDS DURING STORAGE

The speed on deterioration of oil-seeds depends on conditions of the storage environment and on particularities of the species, which include the seed chemical composition. Within this study, the changes on quality of sunflower seeds, stored in different packaging types and environmental conditions, were investigated. The packaging used were multiwall Kraft paper and plastic packaging (with and without vacuum), under cold chamber and conventional storage conditions. Seed quality was evaluated by tests of: germination and accelerated aging; besides alterations on oil content, fatty acids profile, and isoenzymatic systems. The storage under cold chamber conditions was more efficient in maintaining physiological quality of sunflower seeds; and under such environment, the Kraft paper packaging was the most adequate. Under conventional storage facility, however, the plastic packaging, sealed with vacuum, has provided better maintenance of physiological quality. Changes in the sunflower seed quality were detected by the enzymatic systems: alcohol dehydrogenase and superoxide dismutase. The oil content in seeds decreases over time, regardless of storage condition. The linoleic and oleic acids constituted 80% of the total amount of fatty acids scanned. There have been no significant differences on the fatty acid profiles of the sunflower oil under the different storage conditions studied.
Prescribing patterns for medical treatment of suspected prostatic obstruction: a longitudinal register-based study of the Scottish Health and Social Care Open Data

Background The diagnosis of lower urinary tract symptoms related to suspected bladder outflow obstruction from benign prostate hyperplasia/enlargement in men is increasing. This is leading to high demand on healthcare services; however, there is limited knowledge of differences in pharmacotherapy prescribing for this condition based on geography. Objective To investigate potential variation in drug prescribing for suspected bladder outflow obstruction in Scotland, based on analysis of publicly available data, to identify trends and inform future prescribing. Study design A longitudinal register-based data study of prescribing and patient data publicly available from Scottish registries. All information is available as monthly aggregates at the level of single general practices. Setting and participants 903 (97%) general practices in Scotland, over a 50-month period (October 2015 to November 2019). Outcome measurements and statistical analysis We analysed numbers of daily doses of drugs for suspected bladder outflow obstruction prescribed per month using a Bayesian Poisson regression analysis, incorporating random effects to account for spatial and temporal elements. Results Prescriptions for suspected bladder outflow obstruction medications increased during the observation period (overall average rate of change 1.24±0.28, ranging from 0.893 in Orkney to 1.95 in Lanarkshire). While some determinants of health inequality regarding prescribing practices across health boards are consistent with those known from the literature, other inequalities remain unexplained after accounting for practice-specific and patient-specific characteristics such as deprivation and rurality. Conclusions Inequalities in prescribing for suspected bladder outflow obstruction medications exist in Scotland, partially ascribable to accepted sociodemographic and geographic factors.
Study of Nutraceuticals and Phytochemicals for the Management of Alzheimer's Disease: A Review

Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects several people worldwide and has devastating impacts on society with a limited number of approaches for its pharmacological treatment. The main causes of AD are not clear yet. However, the formation of senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, hyper-phosphorylation of tau protein, and disruption of redox homeostasis may cause AD. These causes have a positive correlation with oxidative stress, producing reactive ions, which are responsible for altering the physiological condition of the body. Conclusion Ongoing research recommended the use of phytochemicals as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to hinder the onset and progression of AD. The natural compound structures, including lignans, flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols, triterpenes, sterols, and alkaloids have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-amyloidogenic properties. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief introduction to AD along with the use of natural compounds as new therapeutic approaches for its management.
The implementation of correctional nursing practice-Caring behind bars: A grounded theory study.

AIM To understand how registered nurses implement their nursing practice in correctional institutions with healthcare governance by a health authority (e.g. Ministry of Health). DESIGN Straussian grounded theory. METHODS Simultaneous data collection and analysis were undertaken using theoretical sampling, constant comparison and memo writing. Thirteen registered nurses engaged in semi-structured telephone interviews about implementing their correctional nursing practice including, providing direct care to adult offenders. Data were collected (December 2018 to October 2019) until saturation occurred. Analytic coding (open, axial and final theoretical integration) was performed to identify the core category and subcategories around which the substantive theory was developed. RESULTS The theory of Caring Behind Bars refers to the process of how registered nurses implemented their correctional nursing practice to care for offenders. The core category of Caring Behind Bars is comprised of five subcategories: tension between custody and caring, adaptability and advocacy, offender population, provision of care, and challenging and positive elements. CONCLUSION Caring Behind Bars required registered nurses to address tension between custody and caring by adapting and advocating to access offenders. The provision of care required registered nurses to use assessment skills and numerous resources to provide a variety of patient focused care to offenders. The consequences of Caring Behind Bars had challenging and positive elements. IMPACT The tension provides purposeful space to continue improving teamwork among correctional officers and registered nurses. More research is required about the impact of correctional healthcare governance models on professional practice and health outcomes. Frontline registered nurses can use the theory to make informed choices when providing care. Registered nurses practising in other domains of correctional nursing (i.e. administration, education and research) can also use this theory to advance and inform practice with the goal of promoting offender health.
When does proton pump inhibitor treatment become long term? A scoping review

Objective Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use has risen substantially, primarily driven by ongoing use over months to years. However, there is no consensus on how to define long-term PPI use. Our objectives were to review and compare definitions of long-term PPI use in existing literature and describe the rationale for each definition. Moreover, we aimed to suggest generally applicable definitions for research and clinical use. Design The databases PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched for publications concerning long-term use of PPIs and ClinicalTrials.gov was searched for registered studies. Two reviewers independently screened the titles, abstracts, and full texts in two series and subsequently extracted data. Results A total of 742 studies were identified, and 59 met the eligibility criteria. In addition, two ongoing studies were identified. The definition of long-term PPI use varied from >2 weeks to >7 years. The most common definition was ≥1 year or ≥6 months. A total of 12/61 (20%) of the studies rationalised their definition. Conclusion The definitions of long-term PPI treatment varied substantially between studies and were seldom rationalised. In a clinical context, use of PPI for more than 8 weeks could be a reasonable definition of long-term use in patients with reflux symptoms and more than 4 weeks in patients with dyspepsia or peptic ulcer. For research purposes, 6 months could be a possible definition in pharmacoepidemiological studies, whereas studies of adverse effects may require a tailored definition depending on the necessary exposure time. We recommend to always rationalise the choice of definition.
sangeranalyseR: Simple and Interactive Processing of Sanger Sequencing Data in R

Abstract sangeranalyseR is feature-rich, free, and open-source R package for processing Sanger sequencing data. It allows users to go from loading reads to saving aligned contigs in a few lines of R code by using sensible defaults for most actions. It also provides complete flexibility for determining how individual reads and contigs are processed, both at the command-line in R and via interactive Shiny applications. sangeranalyseR provides a wide range of options for all steps in Sanger processing pipelines including trimming reads, detecting secondary peaks, viewing chromatograms, detecting indels and stop codons, aligning contigs, estimating phylogenetic trees, and more. Input data can be in either ABIF or FASTA format. sangeranalyseR comes with extensive online documentation and outputs aligned and unaligned reads and contigs in FASTA format, along with detailed interactive HTML reports. sangeranalyseR supports the use of colorblind-friendly palettes for viewing alignments and chromatograms. It is released under an MIT licence and available for all platforms on Bioconductor (https://bioconductor.org/packages/sangeranalyseR, last accessed February 22, 2021) and on Github (https://github.com/roblanf/sangeranalyseR, last accessed February 22, 2021).
Rituximab as an Adjuvant Rescue Treatment for Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid

Purpose: Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) can lead to devastating ocular complications without prompt treatment. A number of immunomodulatory agents have been attempted with varying success. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of rituximab as an adjuvant to immunomodulatory treatments (IMTs) in refractory OCP. Methods: The clinical records of 14 patients with treatment refractory OCP treated with rituximab as monotherapy or in combination with IMTs were retrospectively reviewed, with a focus on demographics, treatments prerituximab and postrituximab, total number of rituximab infusions, response to treatment, and ocular outcomes including staging and best-corrected visual acuity. Results: Thirteen patients (92.9%) achieved a complete response with rituximab over a mean period of 4.3 months. The average sustained complete response time in those without relapse was 29.7 months. Five patients relapsed over a mean period of 15 months, 2 of whom were able to regain control over a mean of 2.5 months with additional rituximab treatments. At the final evaluation, rituximab-based therapy improved ocular outcomes in OCP by stabilizing Foster staging and preventing the deterioration of best-corrected visual acuity in 72% of eyes. In total, 90% of eyes with Foster stages 3 or less did not progress. All patients were able to decrease IMT dosage and/or transition to less potent adjuvant treatments. Conclusions: The consideration of rituximab earlier in treatment of OCP as a rescue and/or maintenance therapy could result in an earlier arrest of disease progression, resulting in preservation of patients' vision, and enable tapering of adjuvant IMT.
Interfacial Tension at Elevated PressuresMeasurements and Correlations in the Water + Carbon Dioxide System

A novel apparatus, PeDro, for high-pressure measurement of the interfacial tension using the pendant drop method is presented. This apparatus was constructed for accurate measurements in the two-component system of water and compressed carbon dioxide. The main influences on accurate and reproducible results have been investigated, and the results have led to an optimized experimental setup and a quasi-static measuring method. PeDro was calibrated against well-established data for water + air. The experimental error of measurement is smaller than 2%. In this two-phase system measurements were conducted in the ranges (278 to 335) K and (0.1 to 20) MPa. The interfacial tension showed a pronounced dependence on pressure and temperature. A regression function has been found which describes the experimental data in the range investigated with high precision.
FPGA-Based High-Throughput CNN Hardware Accelerator With High Computing Resource Utilization Ratio

The field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based CNN hardware accelerator adopting single-computing-engine (CE) architecture or multi-CE architecture has attracted great attention in recent years. The actual throughput of the accelerator is also getting higher and higher but is still far below the theoretical throughput due to the inefficient computing resource mapping mechanism and data supply problem, and so on. To solve these problems, a novel composite hardware CNN accelerator architecture is proposed in this article. To perform the convolution layer (CL) efficiently, a novel multiCE architecture based on a row-level pipelined streaming strategy is proposed. For each CE, an optimized mapping mechanism is proposed to improve its computing resource utilization ratio and an efficient data system with continuous data supply is designed to avoid the idle state of the CE. Besides, to relieve the off-chip bandwidth stress, a weight data allocation strategy is proposed. To perform the fully connected layer (FCL), a single-CE architecture based on a batch-based computing method is proposed. Based on these design methods and strategies, visual geometry group network-16 (VGG-16) and ResNet-101 are both implemented on the XC7VX980T FPGA platform. The VGG-16 accelerator consumed 3395 multipliers and got the throughput of 1 TOPS at 150 MHz, that is, about 98.15% of the theoretical throughput ( $2 \times 3395 \times 150$ MOPS). Similarly, the ResNet-101 accelerator achieved 600 GOPS at 100 MHz, about 96.12% of the theoretical throughput ( $2 \times 3121 \times 100$ MOPS).
The SMC5/6 Complex Subunit NSE4A Is Involved in DNA Damage Repair and Seed Development[OPEN]

Characterization of the two NSE4 paralogs in Arabidopsis revealed that NSE4A is essential for both genome stability and plant reproduction. The maintenance of genome integrity over cell divisions is critical for plant development and the correct transmission of genetic information to the progeny. A key factor involved in this process is the STRUCTURAL MAINTENANCE OF CHROMOSOME5 (SMC5) and SMC6 (SMC5/6) complex, related to the cohesin and condensin complexes that control sister chromatid alignment and chromosome condensation, respectively. Here, we characterize NON-SMC ELEMENT4 (NSE4) paralogs of the SMC5/6 complex in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). NSE4A is expressed in meristems and accumulates during DNA damage repair. Partial loss-of-function nse4a mutants are viable but hypersensitive to DNA damage induced by zebularine. In addition, nse4a mutants produce abnormal seeds, with noncellularized endosperm and embryos that maximally develop to the heart or torpedo stage. This phenotype resembles the defects in cohesin and condensin mutants and suggests a role for all three SMC complexes in differentiation during seed development. By contrast, NSE4B is expressed in only a few cell types, and loss-of-function mutants do not have any obvious abnormal phenotype. In summary, our study shows that the NSE4A subunit of the SMC5-SMC6 complex is essential for DNA damage repair in somatic tissues and plays a role in plant reproduction.