Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of silver elution from functionalised antimicrobial nanofiltration membranes

Abstract In an effort to mitigate biofouling on thin film composite membranes such as nanofiltration and reverse osmosis, a myriad of different surface modification strategies has been published. The use of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) has emerged as being particularly promising. Nevertheless, the stability of these surface modifications is still poorly understood, particularly under permeate flux conditions. Leaching or elution of Ag-NPs from the membrane surface can not only affect the antimicrobial characteristics of the membrane, but could also potentially present an environmental liability when applied in industrial-scale systems. This study sought to investigate the dynamics of silver elution and the bactericidal effect of an Ag-NP functionalised NF270 membrane. Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy was used to show that the bulk of leached silver occurred at the start of experimental runs, and was found to be independent of salt or permeate conditions used. Cumulative amounts of leached silver did, however, stabilise following the initial release, and were shown to have maintained the biocidal characteristics of the modified membrane, as observed by a higher fraction of structurally damaged Pseudomonas fluorescens cells. These results highlight the need to comprehensively assess the time-dependent nature of bactericidal membranes.
Quantification of effects of season and nitrogen supply on tree below-ground carbon transfer to ectomycorrhizal fungi and other soil organisms in a boreal pine forest.

SUMMARY *The flux of carbon from tree photosynthesis through roots to ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi and other soil organisms is assumed to vary with season and with edaphic factors such as nitrogen availability, but these effects have not been quantified directly in the field. *To address this deficiency, we conducted high temporal-resolution tracing of (13)C from canopy photosynthesis to different groups of soil organisms in a young boreal Pinus sylvestris forest. *There was a 500% higher below-ground allocation of plant C in the late (August) season compared with the early season (June). Labelled C was primarily found in fungal fatty acid biomarkers (and rarely in bacterial biomarkers), and in Collembola, but not in Acari and Enchytraeidae. The production of sporocarps of ECM fungi was totally dependent on allocation of recent photosynthate in the late season. There was no short-term (2 wk) effect of additions of N to the soil, but after 1 yr, there was a 60% reduction of below-ground C allocation to soil biota. *Thus, organisms in forest soils, and their roles in ecosystem functions, appear highly sensitive to plant physiological responses to two major aspects of global change: changes in seasonal weather patterns and N eutrophication.
Evaluating prescribing competencies and standards used in nurse-independent prescribers’ prescribing consultations

State-sanctioned independent prescribing by British nurses is a relatively new phenomenon and little research exists about this emerging professional activity. The authors are publishing this study as the one component of a larger research project evaluating nurse prescribing independent of physician oversight that was commissioned by the governmental health agency. In this paper, the authors discuss the mechanisms for describing and evaluating how closely nurses’ prescribing met predetermined competencies set by national agenda in the Nursing and Midwifery Council Standards of Proficiency. Although the authors clearly expended impressive effort developing an involved sampling procedure, data collection tool development and data analysis, this paper is primarily a description of how well 14 British nurses met national prescribing competencies. In this sense, the paper is more reminiscent of policy-based quality assurance studies using competencies as benchmarks, rather than a true research project. Limitations of this paper include the study design, perhaps due to constraints imposed by the commissioning agency and the underlying purpose of the study. We do not know from this study whether the competencies actually represent safe practice norms or to what extent quality of patient care can be measured in this context. The lack of sound research to support the verifiability and legitimacy of Council Standard defined competencies undermine the applicability of study results for informing practice and policy. Nonetheless the findings provide food for thought and perhaps some basis for developing further research questions. For example, although the sample was small, the nurses showed remarkable consistency and completeness in meeting competencies diagnostic assessment, prescription writing accuracy, and record documentation. However, as has been found in studies from other countries, nurses frequently neglected to inquire about allergies or the use of over-the-counter medications. The
Current management of myomas: the place of medical therapy with the advent of selective progesterone receptor modulators

Purpose of review To review the current management of myomas with the advent of selective progesterone receptor modulators. Recent findings Selective progesterone receptor modulators have proved effective and recent publications on the use of ulipristal acetate (UPA) have analyzed the performance of long-term intermittent utilization of 10 mg UPA given in repeated courses of 3 months. This long-term intermittent therapy maximizes the efficacy of UPA. Indeed, control of bleeding is achieved sooner after each course. With each subsequent course, a statistically greater number of patients show a fibroid volume reduction of more than 50%. Summary The choice of therapy is influenced by different factors, such as the severity of symptoms, tumor characteristics, age, and wish to preserve the uterus (and fertility). Use of UPA will undoubtedly modify the surgical approach.
Influences of Intestinal Ligation on Bacterial Translocation and Inflammatory Response in Rats with Hemorrhagic Shock: Implications for Damage Control Surgery

Damage Control Surgery (DCS) treatment of rapid intestinal ligation to control the bowel spillage in severe abdominal trauma induces acute intestinal loop obstruction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of intestinal ligation on bacterial translocation (BT) and inflammatory reaction under the condition of acute hemorrhagic shock and its probable pathophysiology. Escherichia coli TG1 labeled with green fluorescent protein was used to track BT by gavage to rats. Group Shock rats were subjected to hemorrhagic shock for 30 minutes. Group Shock+Ligation (Shock+L) rats were subjected to hemorrhagic shock and following intestinal ligation. We found that hemorrhagic shock alone or in combination with intestinal ligation caused not only morphological damage to ileal mucosa, but also induced BT and promoted release of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 in serum and lymph. Ileal mucosa injuries and BT were significantly aggravated and cytokine levels in serum and lymph were significantly elevated in group Shock+L compared with group Shock. The positive proportions of bacterial culture and cytokine levels were significantly elevated in lymph compared with these in blood in both groups. By fluorescence microscope and XbaI restriction digestion analysis, we elucidated that the bacteria isolated from extraintestinal organs were the same bacteria we gavaged to the rats. We first confirmed that DCS treatment of rapid intestinal ligation under the condition of acute hemorrhagic shock leads to aggravated intestinal mucosa barrier injury and BT and elevated inflammatory response. The intestinal BT and immunoinflammatory factors may act through or mainly through lymph route.
The nutritional implications of food wastage in hospital food service management

While there is considerable anecdotal evidence and some research indicating poor nutritional intake and high levels of food wastage in hospitals, there have been no studies relating these issues to the catering system used. The overall purpose of this study was, therefore, to measure food wastage and nutritional intake in selected hospital catering systems. Data were collected from three types of ward (elderly, medical and surgical) in four hospitals (nine wards), two in London and two in Southern England. Three wards used food cooked mainly in the hospital kitchen, six used cook‐chill and cook‐freeze dishes bought in ready prepared. Five of the wards used a bulk system where food is transported to the ward and plated, in the others, food is plated in the hospital kitchen then transported to the ward. Food sent to the ward, served to patients, and that which remained uneaten or left on the service trolley was weighed for a minimum of 24 hours in each ward; 966 patient‐meal‐days. This data enabled food wastage and nutritional intake to be calculated. Results indicate that food wastage was lower at the breakfast meal, than the midday and evening meal, 23.10 per cent, 39.99 per cent and 42.35 per cent, respectively; female wastage was higher than male, 33.91 per cent and 27.26 per cent, respectively; wastage was higher where food was plated in wards rather than in the kitchen, 57.75 per cent and 35.28 per cent, respectively; and wastage was higher where food was purchased‐in ready prepared, rather than prime cooked in the hospital kitchen. Nutritional intake was calculated for five wards and in all, energy intake was below the recommendations, the highest deficit being 58 per cent. Deficiencies were also noted for other nutrients.
Treatment of Patellar Lower Pole Fracture with Modified Titanium Cable Tension Band Plus Patellar Tibial Tunnel Steel “8” Reduction Band

Abstract Purpose: To determine the efficacy of modified titanium tension band plus patellar tendon tunnel steel 8 “reduction band” versus titanium cable tension band fixation for the treatment of patellar lower pole fracture. Materials and Methods: 58 patients with lower patella fracture were enrolled in this study, including 30 patients treated with modified titanium cable tension band plus patellar tibial tunnel wire “8” tension band internal fixation (modified group), and 28 patients with titanium cable tension band fixation. All patients were followed up for 9∼15 months with an average of 11.6 months. Results: Knee flexion was significantly improved in the modified group than in the titanium cable tension band group (111.33 ± 13 degrees versus 98.21 ± 21.70 degrees, P = 0.004). The fracture healing time showed no significant difference. At the end of the follow-up, the improvement excellent rate was 93.33% in the modified group, and 82.14% in the titanium cable tension band group. Titanium cable tension band internal fixation loosening was found in 2 cases, including 1 case of treatment by two surgeries without loose internal fixation. Conclusions: The modified titanium cable tension band with “8” tension band fixation showed better efficacy for lower patella fractures than titanium cable tension band fixation.
Histology of the Nervous System of Man and Vertebrates

Santiago Ramon y Cajal (1852-1934) mastered the Golgi stain to become the greatest neurohistologist to date. His autobiography has been reviewed in these pages. 1 The Spanish histologist's great masterpiece on the structure of nerve cells was published in French in two volumes in 1909 and 1911. This work evolved from a series of invited lectures that were published in Spanish in 1904. Ramon y Cajal worked closely with a French translator and added more than 100 figures, so that Histologie du Systeme Nerveux was really a new work. Now two Americans have translated this historical text into English and republished the work, complete with its original illustrations. The translators have transposed the complex French into American-style English with modern anatomical terms, but have resisted the temptation to correct or amplify Ramon y Cajal's observations. The work includes a thorough index using both modern and historical terminology. The figures are
Host immune responses to cervical cancer

Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to understand the role of the host immune system in clearing the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, strategies adopted by HPV to subvert the host immune responses and analyze the challenges to the future immunotherapeutic treatment modalities. Recent findings Cervical epithelium provides a protective niche to the virus to subvert the immune responses. The absence of an inflammatory milieu in the cervix makes the resident dendritic and langerhan cells tolerogenic to HPV antigens. CD4+ cells predominated in regressing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia lesions, whereas CD8+ cells were dominant in invasive carcinoma. A reduced expression of T cell signaling molecule T-cell receptor zeta chain was observed in CD8+ lymphocytes. Decreased numbers of NKG2D expressing natural killer and T cells were present in patients with cervical cancer and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Increased frequencies of CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ T regulatory cells were observed in patients with cervical cancer. The Nrp-1+Treg showed greater suppressive activity. A network of Treg and indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase expressed in tumor cells facilitates immune escape of tumor cells. Summary The HPV uses different strategies to evade immune recognition. Understanding the immune evasion mechanisms used by HPV will help in designing newer therapeutic strategies for cervical cancer.
Autonomic neuropathy in anaesthesia

Autonomic neuropathy is a common problem encountered by anaesthetists, both in operating theatres and in the critical care setting. There are a wide variety of causes, many of them associated with significant co-morbidity. It is clear that it is a problem which involves every system on a number of levels, and many of the issues are of particular significance to the anaesthetist. This review will cover briefly the aetiology and diagnosis of autonomic dysfunction, before discussing the clinical manifestations and consequences of the disorder. The major focus will be on cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) and its implications for the peri-operative phase. In addition, it will briefly look at the involvement of the enteric nervous system, as well as deal with some of the new concepts emerging in the literature.
Bridging the Distance: A Clinical Phase Model of Family Therapy with Adolescent Residential Treatment

As early as the 1970s, residential care sought to include families in the clinical treatment of their children (Kemp, 1971). However, families have not been consistently included in residential treatment (Sunseri, 2004) and models are needed to clinically support the phases of family treatment. This article describes an integrative clinical phase model for supporting family therapy with an adolescent in a residential program. Several different phase models are reviewed for family involvement in residential treatment (Fairhurst, 1996; Jones, 1985; Martone, Kemp, & Pearson, 1989). A phase model is advanced that includes updates in family-centered work, corresponding treatment techniques, and knowledge gained in supporting families at one residential program, the Wediko School.
Experience of elder abuse among older Korean immigrants

ABSTRACT Studies on the scope and nature of Asian American elder abuse conducted with older immigrants are extremely limited. The overall purpose of this study was to examine the extent and type of elder abuse among older Korean immigrants, and to investigate critical predictors of elder abuse in this population. The sample consisted of 200 older Korean immigrants aged 60 to 90 years who resided in Los Angeles County in 2008. One of the key findings indicated that 58.3% of respondents experienced one or more types of elder abuse. Logistic regression indicated that the victims’ health status and educational level were statistically significant predictors of the likelihood of experiencing abuse. The present study, although limited in sample size, measures, sampling methods, and population representation, has contributed to this important area of knowledge. It is recommended that future studies conduct research on elder abuse with more representative national samples that can measure the extent of abuse and neglect more accurately.
The Effect of a Multicomponent Dual-Modality Exercise Program Targeting Osteoporosis on Bone Health Status and Physical Function Capacity of Postmenopausal Women

Purpose: Exercise is important for the prevention of osteoporosis and the reduction of fracture risk because it improves muscle mass and strength, besides improving balance. We evaluated the effect of a specific exercise program on bone mass and quality and physical function capacity in postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density. Methods: Participants (N = 125) underwent a bone mass (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry), bone quality (osteosonography), and physical functional capacity assessment. Fifty-eight of them took part in an 11-month exercise program (E), that included a multicomponent (strength, aerobic capacity, balance, joint mobility) dual-modality (on ground and in the water; alternating group and home-based exercise periods) exercise regimen. The others represented a control group (C) that did not exercise. After the exercise program all participants were reevaluated. Results: After the training program: femoral neck T-score significantly improved in E; C significantly decreased all bone quality (osteosonography) parameters, whereas E showed no differences; E significantly improved all the physical function capacity parameters, while most of them decreased or did not change in C. Conclusions: A specific exercise program targeting osteoporosis improves physical function capacity, reduces physiological bone loss, and maintains bone quality in low bone mineral density postmenopausal women.
Emotional Strain in Caregiving Among African American Grandmothers Raising Their Grandchildren

African Americans are disproportionately represented in the number of grandparents raising their grandchildren. Using Role Strain Theory and Socioemotional Selectivity Theory, this study examines how older grandmothers fare relative to their younger counterparts. Eighty-five custodial African American grandmothers, aged 33–88 years old, completed demographic questionnaires and scales of Role Demand, Emotional Strain, Caregiving Strain Index, and Level of Care. Results showed older grandmothers experienced less emotional and caregiving strain relative to younger grandmothers. Furthermore, married grandmothers experienced less caregiving strain, and their age did not insulate them from the strain associated with the level of care. Implications are discussed.
Modified approach to vaginal hysterectomy without initial colpotomy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To evaluate the surgical technique and outcomes of women undergoing the modified approach to vaginal hysterectomy at Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center from 2000 to 2011. A retrospective chart review was performed of all vaginal hysterectomy cases performed using the modified technique. RECENT FINDINGS There is much evidence in favor of the safety of vaginal hysterectomy over other modes of hysterectomy, such as the lower overall incidence of vaginal cuff dehiscence, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery from surgery. The traditional method of performing vaginal hysterectomy involves early anterior or posterior colpotomy. At times, this may be difficult secondary to a flush cervix, distorted anatomy, and adhesions from prior surgeries or infection. At our teaching institution, however, we have adopted a different technique, initially developed by Dr. Reza Mohajer who is one of our faculty members and co-author of this article, that facilitates ligation of uterine vessels without initial attempt at colpotomy. This enables Ob/Gyn residents to safely and successfully perform vaginal hysterectomies despite large uterine size, nulliparity, flush cervix and previous pelvic surgery. SUMMARY Modified approach to difficult vaginal hysterectomy facilitates performance of vaginal hysterectomy without need for initial anterior or posterior colpotomy.
Array-based comparative genomic hybridization analysis of 1176 consecutive clinical genetics investigations

Purpose: Cytogenetic investigations are useful for etiologic determinations of mental retardation, developmental delay, multiple congenital anomalies, and pregnancy complications; however, the causes remain elusive in a majority of cases despite high-resolution cytogenetic studies and multiple fluorescence in situ hybridization examinations. Array-based comparative genomic hybridization has the ability to examine the genome at a higher resolution and may yield an increased detection of genetic abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to assess the use of array-based comparative genomic hybridization in a clinical genetics setting.Methods: DNA from 1176 patients was analyzed using a bacterial artificial chromosome array-based comparative genomic hybridization platform. All abnormal cases were confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and parental studies were completed when possible.Results: Of the 1176 patients included in this survey, 163 showed a genomic imbalance identified by array-based comparative genomic hybridization. Of these 163 cases, 116 had a clinically relevant genetic abnormality. A total of 9.8% (116 of 1176 cases) were determined to exhibit a causative genomic imbalance. Twenty-five of the 116 abnormal cases had a previously identified cytogenetic abnormality yielding an increased detection rate of 7.9% (91 of 1146) in cases with normal or no cytogenetics.Conclusion: Array-based comparative genomic hybridization increases the overall abnormality detection rate, thus improving the diagnostic potential of clinical cytogenetics investigations.
Pleistocene climatic oscillations and the speciation history of an alpine endemic and a widespread arctic-alpine plant.

Even in cases in which geographic isolation appears to have driven the speciation of regional endemics, range shifts during the Pleistocene climatic oscillations may also have influenced their evolutionary history. Elucidating speciation history can provide novel insights into evolutionary dynamics following climatic oscillations. We demonstrated a sister relationship between the Japanese alpine endemic Cardamine nipponica and the currently allopatric, widespread arctic-alpine Cardamine bellidifolia (Brassicaceae) based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences and 10 other nuclear genes. Speciation history was inferred using demographic parameters under the isolation with migration model. The estimated demographic parameters showed that the population size of C. nipponica was similar to that of C. bellidifolia and that gene flow occurred exclusively from C. nipponica to C. bellidifolia after speciation. The inferred speciation history, which included gene flow, suggests that geographic barriers between the peripheral C. nipponica and the widespread C. bellidifolia were reduced during the Pleistocene. The asymmetric introgression implies that genetic isolation may have been involved in the speciation of C. nipponica. Our results suggest that even currently allopatric species may not have diverged solely under geographic isolation, and that their evolutionary history may have been influenced by Pleistocene range dynamics.