Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of an RN Champion Model to Improve the Outcomes of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Patients in the Intensive Care Unit

Healthcare-associated infections are costly. Methods to prevent infections must be effective and provide a return on investment to be sustainable. A funded project supported the design and implementation of a unique quality and safety model, using unit-based quality and safety RN champions. The goal was to create and sustain a hospital-wide safety culture focused on preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) by adopting the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s VAP bundle. The program began with a pilot in 7 ICUs. Using the RN champion model resulted in the reduction of the incidence of VAP, cost avoidance, and decreased length of stay. Six years later, each adult ICU reached “zero zone. ”
A new antibacterial chromone derivative from mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium aculeatum (No. 9EB)

Abstract One new chromone derivative, (2ʹS*)-2-(2ʹ-hydroxypropyl)-5-methyl-7, 8-dihydroxy-chromone (1), together with three known compounds, bacillisporin A (2), bacillisporin B (3) and 5-carboxyphthalide (4) were obtained from the mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium aculeatum (No. 9EB). Their structures were elucidated by the detailed analysis of comprehensive spectroscopic data. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited potent inhibitory activity against Bacillus subtilis with the same MIC values of 0.13 ± 0.02 μM, whereas compound 1 showed antibacterial activity against Salmonell with an MIC value of 2.00 ± 0.02 μM. Compound 2 and 3 possessed significant inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 33.55 ± 0.63 and 95.81 ± 1.12 μM, respectively.
Post-stroke gaseous hypothermia increases vascular density but not neurogenesis in the ischemic penumbra of aged rats.

PURPOSE In aged humans, stroke is a major cause of disability for which no neuroprotective measures are available. In animal studies of focal ischemia, short-term hypothermia often reduces infarct size. Nevertheless, efficient neuroprotection requires long-term, regulated lowering of whole body temperature. Previously, we reported that post-stroke exposure to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) effectively lowers whole body temperature and confers neuroprotection in aged animals. METHODS In the present study using behavioral tests, MRI, telemetrical EEG, BP and temperature recordings, RT-PCR and immunofluorescence, we assessed infarct size, vascular density, neurogenesis and as well as the expression of genes coding for proteasomal proteins as well as in post-stroke aged Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to H2S- induced hypothermia. RESULTS Two days exposure to mild hypothermia diminishes the expression of several genes involved in protein degradation, thereby leading to better preservation of infarcted tissue. Further, hypothermia increased the density of newly formed blood vessels in the peri-lesional cortex did not enhance neurogenesis in the infarcted area of aged rats. Likewise, there was improved recovery of fine vestibulomotor function and asymmetric sensorimotor deficit. CONCLUSION Long-term hypothermia may be a viable clinical approach by simultaneously targeting multiple processes including better tissue preservation, enhanced vascular density and improved behavioral performance.
Tetranucleotide short tandem repeat polymorphisms and their possible mode of origin

An analysis of three autosomal, one X-chromosomal, and one Y-chromosomal tetranucleotide short tandem repeat loci in a large southern German population sample (including family studies) and in several nonhuman primate species revealed remarkable similarities in structure of already known and some newly detected alleles and in allele frequency distributions. These similarities, which are briefly discussed, can best be explained by transspecific evolution, followed by gene-conversion-like mutational events.
Pressure-induced structural modifications of rare-earth hafnate pyrochlore

Complex oxides with the pyrochlore (A2B2O7) and defect-fluorite ((A,B)4O7) structure-types undergo structural transformations under high-pressure. Rare-earth hafnates (A2Hf2O7) form the pyrochlore structure for A = La–Tb and the defect-fluorite structure for A = Dy–Lu. High-pressure transformations in A2Hf2O7 pyrochlore (A = Sm, Eu, Gd) and defect-fluorite (A = Dy, Y, Yb) were investigated up to ~50 GPa and characterized by in situ Raman spectroscopy and synchrotron x-ray diffraction (XRD). Raman spectra at ambient pressure revealed that all compositions, including the defect-fluorites, have some pyrochlore-type short-range order. In situ high-pressure synchrotron XRD showed that all of the rare earth hafnates investigated undergo a pressure-induced phase transition to a cotunnite-like (orthorhombic) structure that begins between 18 and 25 GPa. The phase transition to the cotunnite-like structure is not complete at 50 GPa, and upon release of pressure, the hafnates transform to defect-fluorite with an amorphous component. For all compositions, in situ Raman spectroscopy showed that disordering occurs gradually with increasing pressure. Pyrochlore-structured hafnates retain their short-range order to a higher pressure (30 GPa vs. <10 GPa) than defect-fluorite-structured hafnates. Rare earth hafnates quenched from 50 GPa show Raman spectra consistent with weberite-type structures, as also reported for irradiated rare-earth stannates. The second-order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state fit gives a bulk modulus of ~250 GPa for hafnates with the pyrochlore structure, and ~400 GPa for hafnates with the defect-fluorite structure. Dy2Hf2O7 is intermediate in its response, with some pyrochlore-type ordering, based on Raman spectroscopy and the equation of state, with a bulk modulus of ~300 GPa. As predicted based on the similar ionic radius of Zr4+ and Hf4+, rare-earth hafnates show similar behavior to that reported for rare earth zirconates at high pressure.
In utero fetal muscle biopsy alters diagnosis and carrier risks in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy.

OBJECTIVES We have previously shown that Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can be diagnosed by fetal muscle biopsy and immunohistochemical staining showing the absence of dystrophin. In Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), there is a variable dystrophin staining pattern. STUDY DESIGN A 26-year-old, gravida 5, para 1, SAB 2, VIP 1, white female had a son with the diagnosis of BMD, with no other affected family members. In the current pregnancy, the male fetus inherited the same X chromosome. RESULTS Fetal muscle biopsy revealed no dystrophin, consistent with the diagnosis of DMD, prompting re-analysis of the sibling whose diagnosis was then changed to DMD. CONCLUSIONS Molecular techniques in prenatal diagnosis in this case not only led to the diagnosis of a severe disorder in the current pregnancy, but changed the diagnosis in another child, allowing for more appropriate counseling of this couple.
Study of DFIG connected to back-to-back converter for space vector control techniques

This report gives a proper understanding of conceptual power control by using space vector control techniques and it's quality improvement conducted with DFIG, back to back converter technology and its control schemes (such as direct and in-direct space vector modulation schemes) along with their characteristics and limitations for power quality improvement. The proposed BTB with ISVM control technique simplifies the detection of the nearest three vectors, the generation of switching sequences and also having lesser THD percentage. Therefore ISVM is more efficient than BTB with DSVM control scheme.
Prenatal Exposure to Neurotoxicants Dieldrin or Lindane Alters tert-ButylbicyclophosphorothionateBinding to GABA A Receptors in Fetal Rat Brainstem

GABA acts as a trophic signal for cultured embryonic rat monoamine neurons by activating GABAA receptors. These effects are blocked by the organochlorine insecticide dieldrin and the classic GABAA antagonist bicuculline. Both dieldrin and another organochlorine insecticide, lindane, block the effects of GABA on the GABAA receptor by binding directly to the Cl– channel. Therefore, prenatal exposure to these chemicals could lead to disturbances in the trophic actions of GABA on monoamine neurotransmitter systems in the embryonic brain and produce alterations in GABAA receptor expression and function. Effects of daily prenatal exposure to organochlorine insecticide (dieldrin or lindane) or bicuculline from embryonic day (E)12–17 were determined in brains of E17 fetal rats using t-[35S]butyl-bicyclophosphorothionate ([35S]TBPS) binding. This radioligand was chosen because, like organochlorine insecticides, it binds directly to GABAA receptor/Cl– channels. [35S]TBPS binding was analyzed in extensively washed membranes from E17 brainstem and whole brain with the brainstem removed (‘rest of brain’) at a TBPS concentration that approximated the KD determined in [35S]TBPS saturation binding experiments performed on normal E17 rat brainstem. In utero exposure to dieldrin, lindane, or bicuculline from E12-E17 caused a significant reduction in the amount of [35S]TBPS binding in E17 brainstem compared to vehicle-injected controls, but had no significant effect on ‘rest of brain’. These data suggest that in utero exposure to organochlorine insecticides that act as GABAA antagonists negatively regulate expression of GABAA receptors in fetal brainstem. If these effects persist, they could lead to disturbances in postnatal functions of the ascending GABAergic system, possibly with behavioral consequences.
Rapid weight gain during infancy and subsequent adiposity: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of evidence

The contribution of rapid weight gain (RWG) during infancy to later adiposity has received considerable investigation. The present systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to update the literature on association between RWG and subsequent adiposity outcomes. Electronic searches were undertaken in EMBASE, MEDLINE, psycINFO, PubMed and ScienceDirect. Studies that examined the associations between RWG (a change in weight z‐scores > 0.67) during infancy (from birth to age 2 years) and subsequent adiposity outcomes were included. Random effects meta‐analysis was conducted to obtain the weighted‐pooled estimates of the odds of overweight/obesity for those with RWG. Seventeen studies were eligible for inclusion with the majority of studies (15/17) being of high/acceptable quality and reporting positive associations between RWG during infancy and later adiposity outcomes. RWG in infancy was associated with overweight/obesity from childhood to adulthood (pooled odds ratio = 3.66, 95% confidence interval: 2.59–5.17, I2 > 75%). Subgroup analyses revealed that RWG during infancy was associated with higher odds of overweight/obesity in childhood than in adulthood, and RWG from birth to 1 year was associated with higher odds of overweight/obesity than RWG from birth to 2 years. The present study supports that RWG during infancy is a significant predictor of adiposity in later life.
Whole‐genome sequencing approaches for conservation biology: Advantages, limitations and practical recommendations

Whole‐genome resequencing (WGR) is a powerful method for addressing fundamental evolutionary biology questions that have not been fully resolved using traditional methods. WGR includes four approaches: the sequencing of individuals to a high depth of coverage with either unresolved or resolved haplotypes, the sequencing of population genomes to a high depth by mixing equimolar amounts of unlabelled‐individual DNA (Pool‐seq) and the sequencing of multiple individuals from a population to a low depth (lcWGR). These techniques require the availability of a reference genome. This, along with the still high cost of shotgun sequencing and the large demand for computing resources and storage, has limited their implementation in nonmodel species with scarce genomic resources and in fields such as conservation biology. Our goal here is to describe the various WGR methods, their pros and cons and potential applications in conservation biology. WGR offers an unprecedented marker density and surveys a wide diversity of genetic variations not limited to single nucleotide polymorphisms (e.g., structural variants and mutations in regulatory elements), increasing their power for the detection of signatures of selection and local adaptation as well as for the identification of the genetic basis of phenotypic traits and diseases. Currently, though, no single WGR approach fulfils all requirements of conservation genetics, and each method has its own limitations and sources of potential bias. We discuss proposed ways to minimize such biases. We envision a not distant future where the analysis of whole genomes becomes a routine task in many nonmodel species and fields including conservation biology.
Predictive imaging biomarkers relevant for functional and anatomical outcomes during ranibizumab therapy of diabetic macular oedema

Background/aims The objective is to identify imaging biomarkers in optical coherence tomography predicting functional/anatomical outcomes in diabetic macular oedema (DMO). Methods The presented study is a post hoc analysis of the RESTORE/RESTORE-extension studies. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was analysed using general estimating equation models using treatment group/morphological features as predictor variables. In addition, linear multiple regression models analysed BCVA gain up to 12 and 36 months with BCVA/morphological baseline characteristics as independent predictor variables. The correlations between central retinal thickness (CRT)/BCVA were calculated as Spearman’s/Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Results A weak negative linear correlation between CRT/BCVA was observed in all study arms at baseline (r=−0.34, p<0.001) and at month 36 (r=−0.26, p<0.001). Patients with baseline height of intraretinal cystoid fluid (IRC) ≤380 µm had better baseline BCVA compared with patients with IRC height >380 µm (64.84±10.63 vs 61.66±9.92 letters; p=0.0071, respectively), which was maintained until the end of month 12 (70.5±12.33 vs 67.0±14.09 letters; p=0.0252, respectively). With laser, there was a trend for patients with subretinal fluid (SRF) at baseline to lose BCVA letters at month 12 (−5.38±16.54 vs 2.49±9.72 letters; p=0.1038), whereas ranibizumab patients trended towards higher BCVA gains (10.28±7.14 vs 6.76±7.67; p=0.0563), compared with those without SRF. With combined therapy, all patients had similar BCVA gains regardless of SRF (p=0.3768). Conclusion With ranibizumab treatment, the height of IRC spaces at baseline was a better predictor of functional/anatomical improvement than CRT alone. There was also a trend for SRF to show a positive impact on ranibizumab therapy response and a negative impact on laser therapy response.
Femoroacetabular impingement: a common cause of hip pain

ABSTRACT Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common cause of hip pain that can affect a wide range of patients. It is due to altered bony morphology of the proximal femur and acetabulum, resulting in decreased function and progression to early osteoarthritis. Until the early 2000s, little was known or understood about the significance of FAI as a clinical entity. The field of hip preservation has grown exponentially since that time, and has led to many advances in caring for those with symptomatic impingement. This review details the early diagnosis and proper management of femoroacetabular impingement for the sports medicine practitioner.
Adaptação de um modelo de diagnóstico de transferência de conhecimento para organizações de pequeno porte

Este artigo tem por objetivo propor uma adaptacao do modelo de diagnostico de transferencia de conhecimento de Frank e Echeveste (2012). O modelo foi adaptado para seu em empresas de pequeno porte que trabalham principalmente por meio de projetos compostos de pequenas equipes que precisam que o conhecimento gerado seja reutilizado em projetos futuros. Para tanto, foi utilizada a pesquisa-acao com entrevistas semiestruturadas com os especialistas de uma organizacao de projetos de mobilidade urbana. A principal contribuicao deste artigo e que as empresas de pequeno porte possam se inspirar nesta aplicacao para realizarem diagnosticos similares de transferencia de conhecimento nos seus proprios ambientes, consequentemente melhorando sua eficiencia por meio da gestao estrategica do conhecimento.
Suppression of Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) With Trimedlure and Biolure Dispensers in Coffea arabica (Gentianales: Rubiaceae) in Hawaii

Abstract To assess the potential to suppress Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann; Diptera:Tephritidae), via mass trapping withTrimedlure (TML), we compared fly catch (as catch per trap per time period) provided by either a novel, solid, triple-lure dispenser withTML, methyl eugenol (ME), and raspberry ketone (RK) (TMR) or solidTML plugs, both without insecticides, in addition to Biolure bait stations. Work was done in a coffee plantation that had a dense C. capitata population. Three treatments were compared: 1) TMR or TML (50 traps per ha), 2) Biolure (50 traps per ha), 3) TML (25 per ha) orTMR (25 per ha) + Biolure (25 per ha), and 4) an untreated control. During coffee season, based on C. capitata captures (mean flies per trap per wk) inside plastic McPhail traps, all treatments were significantly different than the control: Biolure (9.57) = TMR (11.28) = Biolure +TMR (13.50) < Control (36.06 flies/trap/ wk). During non-coffee season, all treatments were significantly different than the control andTML was significantly lower than Biolure (wax matrix bait stations): TML (0.95) < Biolure (1.43) = Biolure +TML (1.77) < Control (2.81 flies/trap/wk). Surprisingly, captures were not lower in plots treated with combinations of Biolure + TMR or TML, compared to individual plots with Biolure orTML orTMR alone. Mass trapping with eitherTML orTMR dispensers deserves further study as a component of Integrated Pest Management programs for C. capitata in Hawaii and may have global potential for management of C. capitata.
Image denoising method based on PM model with transforming edge stopping function

Owing to the anisotropic Perona-Malik(PM) diffusion model is often used for image denoising and enhancement, and in this model the diffusion rate is controlled by the edge stopping function, the significant shortcoming of PM model is the failure in preservation of sharp edges and textures. In this paper, we mainly analyze the effects of different edge stopping functions with regard to edge protection. By selecting an appropriate edge stopping function, the drawback of the PM model mentioned above can be overcome. Therefore, in this paper, the characteristics of several different edge stopping functions are discussed, and finally some guidance suggestions are given for how to choice appropriate edge stopping function and the corresponding gradient threshold K.
Different Brain Morphologies from Different Genotypes in a Single Teleost Species, the Medaka (Oryzias latipes)

In a teleost fish, the medaka (Oryzias latipes), many inbred strains have been established from various origins including wild populations. Brains from five genetically different strains, which had been bred and raised under the same conditions, were examined to determine whether there is intraspecific genetic variation. A total of 25 brains from the wild-type strains (HNI-II, HB11A and HB32C) and from the body-colour mutant strains (Hi3 and HO5) were fixed, and the external features of the brains were examined under a stereomicroscope. The differences between the HNI-II brains and the Hi3 brains were the most remarkable in the external features. In order to carry out a volumetric analysis, the brains of all strains were cut into complete serial cryostat sections. Total brain volumes and relative volumes (in % of total brain volume) of the olfactory bulb, telencephalon, optic tectum, and cerebellum were calculated in each brain using a semi-automatic image analyzer. Statistical analysis showed that significant differences in the total brain volumes and the relative volumes of these subdivisions exist not only between wild-type and mutant strains but also among wild-type strains. Thus, our results demonstrate that the strains with different genotypes possess large variation in brain morphology. This is the first report to demonstrate that there exists intraspecific genetic variation in the gross brain morphology of a wild-type vertebrate.
Path loss analysis of RF waves for underwater wireless sensor networks

Radio waves are preferred to acoustic and optical waves for underwater wireless communications for shallow water real-time applications. However, for deep water communication, acoustic waves are preferred to electromagnetic waves as acoustic waves are capable of propagating through compressions and rarefactions. Moreover, acoustic waves require high power for underwater transmissions. Radio waves have a different mechanism of propagation than acoustic waves. Also, radio waves have higher data rate underwater than acoustics. This leads to low power usage by underwater sensors. Therefore, radio frequency electromagnetic waves can be employed to address constrained battery life issue in underwater wireless sensor networks. Attenuation loss in seawater depends on temperature and salinity of the wireless medium and frequency of propagating radio signal. Temperature and salinity both changes with variation in depth. This leads to lower attenuation of radio waves in deep water as compared to shallow water. Our research analytically establishes the fact that radio waves are suitable for deep water communications by using acoustics as a complementary technology. In this paper, an extensive study of path loss analysis is provided for radio waves in case of shallow and deep water sensor networks.
ETS transcription factor ETV2/ER71/Etsrp in hematopoietic and vascular development, injury, and regeneration

The major goal in regenerative medicine is to repair and restore injured, diseased or aged tissue function, thereby promoting general health. As such, the field of regenerative medicine has great translational potential in undertaking many of the health concerns and needs that we currently face. In particular, hematopoietic and vascular systems supply oxygen and nutrients and thus play critical roles in tissue development and tissue regeneration. Additionally, tissue vasculature serves as a tissue stem cell niche and thus contributes to tissue homeostasis. Notably, hematopoietic and vascular systems are sensitive to injury and subject to regeneration. As such, successful hematopoietic and vascular regeneration is prerequisite for efficient tissue repair and organismal survival and health. Recent studies have established that the interplay among the ETS transcription factor ETV2, vascular endothelial growth factor, and its receptor VEGFR2/FLK1 is essential for hematopoietic and vascular development. Emerging studies also support the role of these three factors and possible interplay in hematopoietic and vascular regeneration. Comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation and function of these three factors may lead to more effective approaches in promoting tissue repair and regeneration. Developmental Dynamics 246:318–327, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.