Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Postoperative wound infections--systematic recording for seven years at a local hospital].

BACKGROUND Norwegian law requires all health institutions to have programmes in place for systematic surveillance of infections. Recording of wound infections is mandatory in surgical departments. We here present data from seven years of follow-up at a local hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS 2,421 patients, who comprised the study population, underwent orthopaedic procedures (acute or elective) from 1.2. 1998 through 31.12. 2004. Patients with orthopaedic implants were followed up for 12 months after the operation and other patients for four weeks. Quarterly reports were prepared and preventive measures undertaken. RESULTS One patient was lost to follow-up. 158 infections (mean: 6.5% of the patients, annual variation: 4.8-10.5%) were recorded; 56 of these were deep (2.3% of the patients) and 102 superficial. 28 of the deep infections occurred in primary hip replacement operations. The incidence of infections during three months varied from 1.6% to 8.9%. 72% of the infections were discovered after hospital discharge. Deep hip infections were detected from six days up to 18 months post-operatively. Multivariate analysis showed a positive correlation between surgeon and deep hip infection in primary hip replacement surgery. DISCUSSION Systematic recording of post-operative wound infections is a time-consuming, but important quality assurance measure. Recording should be carried out for one year in hip replacement surgery and for at least four weeks after other operations. The incidence of infections varies largely during three months and long-term recording is required to obtain valid data in a single hospital. Deep infections in primary hip replacement surgery may be operator-dependant.
Pilot study using molecular profiling of patients' tumors to find potential targets and select treatments for their refractory cancers.

PURPOSE To compare the progression-free survival (PFS) using a treatment regimen selected by molecular profiling (MP) of a patient's tumor with the PFS for the most recent regimen on which the patient had experienced progression (ie, patient as his own control). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with refractory metastatic cancer had tissue samples submitted for MP in two formats including formalin-fixed tissue for immunohistochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization assays and immediately frozen tissue for oligonucleotide microarray (MA) gene expression assays (all performed in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments [CLIA]-certified laboratory). The MP approach was deemed of clinical benefit for the individual patient who had a PFS ratio (PFS on MP-selected therapy/PFS on prior therapy) of ≥ 1.3. RESULTS In 86 patients who had MP attempted, there was a molecular target detected in 84 (98%). Sixty-six of the 84 patients were treated according to MP results. Eighteen (27%) of 66 patients had a PFS ratio of ≥ 1.3 (95% CI, 17% to 38%; one-sided, one-sample P = .007). Therefore, the null hypothesis (that ≤ 15% of this patient population would have a PFS ratio of ≥ 1.3) was rejected. CONCLUSION It is possible to identify molecular targets in patients' tumors from nine different centers across the United States. In 27% of patients, the MP approach resulted in a longer PFS on an MP-suggested regimen than on the regimen on which the patient had just experienced progression. Issues to be considered in interpretation of this study include limited prior experience with patients as their own controls as a study end point and overall patient attrition.
The use of native and protonated grapefruit biomass (Citrus paradisi L.) for cadmium(II) biosorption: equilibrium and kinetic modelling

This paper describes the use of native and protonated grapefruit biomass, a by-product of the food industry, as an effective and low-cost biosorbent for cadmium removal from aqueous solutions. The biomass composition was analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, showing that hydroxyl and carboxylic groups were the main functional groups implicated in Cd(II) biosorption. The effect of different parameters affecting the biosorption process were studied. The optimum removal of cadmium ions was at pH 4.5. Elution of alkaline-earth ions proved to be related with cadmium uptake, aiming for an ion-exchange mechanism. Protonated biomass showed higher adsorption affinity, binding strength and irreversibility for cadmium than native grapefruit, although the optimum metal uptake and high reaction rate was for the native form of grapefruit. Biosorption experimental data fitted Freundlich>Langmuir>Temkin equilibrium adsorption models. Data for both types of biomass were better fitted by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, with an excellent correlation between calculated and experimental values. Because of these experimental results, and taking into account that both types of biomass displayed an exothermic and spontaneous physical adsorption process, native grapefruit can be proposed in further experiments as a cheap, effective, low-cost and environmentally friendly natural sorbent for the removal of cadmium from industrial wastewater effluents, avoiding chemical pretreatment before its use.
Nuclear DNA amounts in angiosperms: targets, trends and tomorrow.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The amount of DNA in an unreplicated gametic chromosome complement is known as the C-value and is a key biodiversity character of fundamental significance with many practical and predictive uses. Since 1976, Bennett and colleagues have assembled eight compilations of angiosperm C-values for reference purposes and subsequently these have been pooled into the Angiosperm DNA C-values Database (http://data.kew.org/cvalues/). Since the last compilation was published in 2005, a large amount of data on angiosperm genome size has been published. It is therefore timely to bring these data together into a ninth compilation of DNA amounts. Scope The present work lists DNA C-values for 2221 species from 151 original sources (including first values for 1860 species not listed in previous compilations). Combining these data with those published previously shows that C-values are now available for 6287 angiosperm species. KEY FINDINGS Analysis of the dataset, which is by far the largest of the nine compilations published since 1976, shows that angiosperm C-values are now being generated at the highest rate since the first genome sizes were estimated in the 1950s. The compilation includes new record holders for the smallest (1C = 0·0648 pg in Genlisea margaretae) and largest (1C = 152·23 pg in Paris japonica) genome sizes so far reported, extending the range encountered in angiosperms to nearly 2400-fold. A review of progress in meeting targets set at the Plant Genome Size meetings shows that although representation for genera, geographical regions and some plant life forms (e.g. island floras and parasitic plants) has improved, progress to increase familial representation is still slow. In terms of technique it is now clear that flow cytometry is soon likely to become the only method available for plant genome size estimations. Fortunately, this has been accompanied by numerous careful studies to improve the quality of data generated using this technique (e.g. design of new buffers, increased awareness and understanding of problems caused by cytosolic inhibitors). It is also clear that although the speed of DNA sequencing continues to rise dramatically with the advent of next-generation and third-generation sequencing technologies, 'complete genome sequencing' projects are still unable to generate accurate plant genome size estimates.
Platelet-activating factor reduces endothelial nitric oxide production: role of acid sphingomyelinase

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a mediator of pulmonary oedema in acute lung injury that increases vascular permeability within minutes, partly through activation of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM). Since caveolae are rich in sphingomyelin and caveolin-1, which block endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) by direct binding, we examined the relationship between ASM, caveolin-1 and eNOS activity in the regulation of vascular permeability by PAF. In caveolar fractions from pulmonary vascular endothelial cells (isolated from perfused rat lungs) the abundance of caveolin-1 and eNOS increased rapidly after PAF perfusion. PAF treatment decreased endothelial NO (eNO) formation as assessed by in situ fluorescence microscopy. Restoration of eNO levels with PAPA-NONOate ((Z)-1-[N-(3-ammoniopropyl)-N-(n-propyl)amino]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate) mitigated the PAF-induced oedema. PAF treatment increased the ASM activity in caveolar fractions and perfusion with ASM decreased eNO production. Pharmacological inhibition of the ASM pathway with imipramine, D609 or dexamethasone blocked the PAF-induced increase of caveolin-1 and eNOS in caveolae, and the decrease in eNO production and oedema formation. We conclude that PAF causes ASM-dependent enrichment of caveolin-1 in caveolae of endothelial cells, leading to decreased eNO production which contributes to pulmonary oedema formation. These findings suggest rapid reduction in eNO production as a novel mechanism in the regulation of vascular permeability.
CONTRIBUTION A UNE COMPREHENSION ECONOMIQUE DE L'OCTROI DE MER-LE CAS DE LA MARTINIQUE

Synthese : Apprehender l'OM via le filtre de l'analyse economique en s'appuyant sur l'exemple de la Martinique, elargit le champ fonctionnel, dans lequel le consigne les reglements de l'UE : celui d'un outil d'allocation de ressources, destine a favoriser le developpement des productions locales. Cette contribution ne rejette pas ce role et dans une certaine mesure le confirme, quand bien meme des travaux complementaires demeurent a entreprendre pour evaluer l'apport intrinseque de l'outil OM a l'amelioration du ratio des productions importes a celles des productions locales. La lecture economique de l'OM de cette contribution degage quelques elements complementaires de caracterisation. Ainsi cette contribution figure l'OM comme : • Un impot indirect principalement percu sur l'importation d'un effet inflationniste modere et non une taxe sur la consommation ; dont le fonctionnement privilegie le rendement fiscal, dans l'objectif principal de favoriser developpement de la production alimentaire en Martinique, • La premiere ressource fiscale de la Martinique, qui exerce une ponction fiscale concentree et macroeconomiquement moderee, • Un outil de politique economique, au sens normatif de l'analyse economique, que son fonctionnement consacre principalement comme un instrument de redistribution, moderement comme un outil de stabilisation et marginalement comme un processus d'allocation de ressources, dont l'efficacite est conditionnee par la structure de marche, le comportement des importateurs, et les capacites de production disponibles.
Essays in Unconventional Monetary Policy and Firm Dynamics

This collection of essays uses microdata to investigate the effects of unconventional monetary policy and exchange rate shocks on the macroeconomy. Chapter 1 studies the transmission mechanisms of a prominent competitive devaluation in Japan and analyzes its effects on firm dynamics. The yen devaluation is shown to negatively affect exporters in terms of employment, domestic sales and market capitalization relative to their nonexporting peers. A New Keynesian general equilibrium model featuring common ingredients from international trade, including firm heterogeneity, varying intermediate import intensities, and international dollar pricing is constructed to explain the findings. Chapter 2 shows that banks’ exposure to large-scale asset purchases, as measured by the relative prevalence of mortgage-backed securities on their books, affects lending following unconventional monetary policy shocks. The chapter finds strong effects of the first and third round of quantitative easing (QE1 and QE3) on credit, with highly affected commercial banks increasing lending by 3% relative to their counterparts. QE2 had no significant impact, consistent with its exclusive focus on Treasuries sparsely held by banks. Overall, banks respond heterogeneously and the type of asset being targeted is central to QE. Chapter 3 uses a uniquely granular online retail dataset that spans Russia’s enormous currency depreciation in late 2014 to show that firms choose to offer lower quality products in response to rising input costs. This reallocation is not driven by an income shock or “flight from quality”. To explain quality downgrading, the chapter proposes a model of demand and firm dynamics where consumers value low prices and high qualities. It is argued that a positive correlation between marginal cost and quality can explain quality downgrading. The model is able to generate a reallocation in offerings towards low cost, low quality products, and yields starkly different welfare implications following an exchange rate shock than a model with only cost heterogeneity.
Identification of a Cellular Protein That Interacts and Synergizes with the RTA (ORF50) Protein of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus in Transcriptional Activation

ABSTRACT Lytic reactivation of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), or human herpesvirus 8, from latency requires transcriptional transactivation by the viral protein RTA encoded by the ORF50 gene. Very little is known about how RTA functions and the cellular factors that may be involved in its transactivation function. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we have identified a human cellular protein that can interact with KSHV RTA. The cellular protein, referred to as the human hypothetical protein MGC2663 by GenBank, is encoded by human chromosome 19. This protein is 554 amino acids (aa) in size and displays sequence similarity with members of the Krueppel-associated box–zinc finger proteins (KRAB-ZFPs). MGC2663 expression could be detected in all primate cell lines tested, and its expression level was neither stimulated nor inhibited by RTA. MGC2663 specifically synergizes with RTA to activate viral transcription, and overexpression of MGC2663 in the presence of RTA further enhances RTA transactivation of several viral promoters that were identified as targets for RTA. Coimmunoprecipitation and pull-down assays further demonstrated that MGC2663 interacts with RTA both in vivo and in vitro, and the N-terminal 273 aa of KSHV RTA and the potential zinc finger domain of MGC2663 are required for their interaction. Our results indicate that this novel human cellular protein, MGC2663, named K-RBP (KSHV RTA binding protein) due to its RTA binding feature, specifically interacts with the KSHV RTA protein and functions as a cellular RTA cofactor to activate viral gene expression. Though its normal cellular function needs to be further studied, K-RBP may play a significant role in mediating RTA transactivation in vivo.
Training-based channel estimation and equalization for space-time block-coded systems over frequency-selective fading channels

Channel estimation for a space-time block coded transmission system is considered. By assuming that the channel frequency response is quasi-static, we develop channel estimation based on the use of a space-time block coded (STBC) training block. The optimality criterion for training sequence design is derived and the design tradeoffs associated with the choice of training length are discussed. A novel equalization and detection algorithm for the Alamouti scheme is developed, which is derived from the max-log maximum a posteriori (MAP) algorithm for conventional single-antenna systems. Zero-forcing (ZF) and minimum mean square error (MMSE) equalization are derived for the suboptimal detection algorithm. Numerical results are provided to demonstrate the performance of the proposed channel estimation and equalization algorithm for space-time block coded transmission systems.
Design and analysis of a broad band wide beam circular polarization microstrip antenna

A broad band wide beam circular polarization microstrip antenna is designed and analyzed. The antenna uses double-layer circular patch to broad bandwidth. The antenna is enclosed by a folded conducting wall so that a wide radiation beam is achieved. Parametric studies are performed to explore the performance improvements. The simulated and measured results indicate that the bandwidth of the antenna is 900MHz (from 3.46GHz to 4.36GHz) while the reflection coefficient is less than -13dB and the half-power beamwidth can achieve 120°. In the bandwidth, the antenna is realized with a good gain and a good circular polarization fed by a Wilkinson power divider with 90° phase difference.
Immortalization and leukemic transformation of a myelomonocytic precursor by retrovirally transduced HRX–ENL

A subset of chromosomal translocations in acute leukemias results in the fusion of the trithorax‐related protein HRX with a variety of heterologous proteins. In particular, leukemias with the t(11;19)(q23;p13.3) translocation express HRX–ENL fusion proteins and display features which suggest the malignant transformation of myeloid and/or lymphoid progenitor(s). To characterize directly the potential transforming effects of HRX–ENL on primitive hematopoietic precursors, the fusion cDNA was transduced by retroviral gene transfer into cell populations enriched in hematopoietic stem cells. The infected cells had a dramatically enhanced potential to generate myeloid colonies with primitive morphology in vitro. Primary colonies could be replated for at least three generations in vitro and established primitive myelomonocytic cell lines upon transfer into suspension cultures supplemented with interleukin‐3 and stem cell factor. Immortalized cells contained structurally intact HRX–ENL proviral DNA and expressed a low‐level of HRX–ENL mRNA. In contrast, wild‐type ENL or a deletion mutant of HRX–ENL lacking the ENL component did not demonstrate in vitro transforming capabilities. Immortalized cells or enriched primary hematopoietic stem cells transduced with HRX–ENL induced myeloid leukemias in syngeneic and SCID recipients. These studies demonstrate a direct role for HRX–ENL in the immortalization and leukemic transformation of a myeloid progenitor and support a gain‐of‐function mechanism for HRX–ENL‐mediated leukemogenesis.
Dual Layer X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy model to simultaneously determine a PFPE/A20H lubricant mixture and carbon-Layer thicknesses on hard-disk magnetic media

New blends of complex lubricants have recently been introduced to help meet the increasing tribological demands being placed on the head-disk interface in hard-disk drives. A20H (Moresco), a hybrid molecule consisting of a perfluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricant (Z-Dol) and cyclic phosphazene (X1P), is one such lubricant used in combination with a simple PFPE (e.g., Z-Dol). This paper describes an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) method to simultaneously measure the thickness of each lubricant component, as well as the carbon layer thickness, via reference to the magnetic layer.
Phenotypic Profiling of Mycobacterium tuberculosis EspA Point Mutants Reveals that Blockage of ESAT-6 and CFP-10 Secretion In Vitro Does Not Always Correlate with Attenuation of Virulence

ABSTRACT The EspA protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is essential for the type VII ESX-1 protein secretion apparatus, which delivers the principal virulence factors ESAT-6 and CFP-10. In this study, site-directed mutagenesis of EspA was performed to elucidate its influence on the ESX-1 system. Replacing Trp55 (W55) or Gly57 (G57) residues in the putative W-X-G motif of EspA with arginines impaired ESAT-6 and CFP-10 secretion in vitro and attenuated M. tuberculosis. Replacing the Phe50 (F50) and Lys62 (K62) residues, which flank the W-X-G motif, with arginine and alanine, respectively, destabilized EspA, abolished ESAT-6 and CFP-10 secretion in vitro, and attenuated M. tuberculosis. Likewise, replacing the Phe5 (F5) and Lys41 (K41) residues with arginine and alanine, respectively, also destabilized EspA and blocked ESAT-6 and CFP-10 secretion in vitro. However, these two particular mutations did not attenuate M. tuberculosis in cellular models of infection or during acute infection in mice. We have thus identified amino acid residues in EspA that are important for facilitating ESAT-6 and CFP-10 secretion and virulence. However, our data also indicate for the first time that blockage of M. tuberculosis ESAT-6 and CFP-10 secretion in vitro and attenuation are mutually exclusive.
Minimal inhibitory concentrations of first-line drugs of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis isolates

Context: The treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis (TB) is consistently difficult. Besides resistances, drug availability can be problematic and costs for therapy are high. Aims: Our aim was to evaluate alternatives in treatment of MDR and XDR TB other than using second-line drugs. Materials and Methods: We analyzed retrospectively the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of first-line drugs for 44 multidrug–resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates determined in our institute over a period of 20 years (1990 - 2010, n = 44). Drug susceptibility testing (DST) was performed using the proportion method on Lowenstein–Jensen Medium or Middlebrook 7H10 agar. MICs were defined as the lowest drug concentration after two-fold serially diluted concentration of the drugs that inhibits growth of more than 99.0% of a bacterial proportion of the tested M. tuberculosis within 14 to 21 days of incubation at 37°C. Statistical Analysis Used: Summation. Results: The MICs of isoniazid and ethambutol were equal or slightly above the critical concentration in most of the strains (92% and 84%, respectively), defined as “low-level resistance”. Rifampicin and streptomycin exhibited very high MICs in most of the strains (100% and 77%, respectively), indicating a “high-level resistance”. Conclusion: Our results indicate that isoniazid and ethambutol could still play a role in treating MDR and XDR TB patients if low-level resistance is detected. Quantitative DST seems to be promising for the recognition of residual drug activity, but has to be confirmed by clinical studies.
The human RNA-binding protein and E3 ligase MEX-3C binds the MEX-3–recognition element (MRE) motif with high affinity

MEX-3 is a K-homology (KH) domain-containing RNA-binding protein first identified as a translational repressor in Caenorhabditis elegans, and its four orthologs (MEX-3A–D) in human and mouse were subsequently found to have E3 ubiquitin ligase activity mediated by a RING domain and critical for RNA degradation. Current evidence implicates human MEX-3C in many essential biological processes and suggests a strong connection with immune diseases and carcinogenesis. The highly conserved dual KH domains in MEX-3 proteins enable RNA binding and are essential for the recognition of the 3′-UTR and post-transcriptional regulation of MEX-3 target transcripts. However, the molecular mechanisms of translational repression and the consensus RNA sequence recognized by the MEX-3C KH domain are unknown. Here, using X-ray crystallography and isothermal titration calorimetry, we investigated the RNA-binding activity and selectivity of human MEX-3C dual KH domains. Our high-resolution crystal structures of individual KH domains complexed with a noncanonical U-rich and a GA-rich RNA sequence revealed that the KH1/2 domains of human MEX-3C bound MRE10, a 10-mer RNA (5′-CAGAGUUUAG-3′) consisting of an eight-nucleotide MEX-3–recognition element (MRE) motif, with high affinity. Of note, we also identified a consensus RNA motif recognized by human MEX-3C. The potential RNA-binding sites in the 3′-UTR of the human leukocyte antigen serotype (HLA-A2) mRNA were mapped with this RNA-binding motif and further confirmed by fluorescence polarization. The binding motif identified here will provide valuable information for future investigations of the functional pathways controlled by human MEX-3C and for predicting potential mRNAs regulated by this enzyme.