Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Re: TG13 antimicrobial therapy for acute cholangitis and cholecystitis

We read Tokyo Guideline (TG13) antimicrobial therapy with great interest [1]. According to the guideline, ampicillin/sulbactam alone is no longer recommended for the treatment of acute biliary infections without adding aminoglycosides, based on the data that ampicillin/ sulbactam has little activity against Escherichia coli, and that it was removed from the recent North American guideline [2]. However, the data at Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, which is one of the largest city hospitals in Kobe City, Japan, show quite the contrary. For E. coli found from bile, 65% was sensitive to amoxicillin/ clavulanate, 32% was intermediately resistant, and only 3% was resistant (samples taken from 2011 to date, total samples 34). Indeed, we are very comfortable in treating patients with acute cholangitis using ampicillin/sulbactam alone, with very few treatment failures, provided that appropriate drainage was accompanied. According to Japan Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (JANIS) data, although it does not distinguish between community and nosocomial pathogens, more than half E. coli reported are ampicillin sensitive [3]. The addition of aminoglycosides for biliary tract infections in our settings might risk patients additional and unnecessary renal or ototoxicity. We would like to request the guideline to be adjusted to various settings, respecting their local factors.
Computational Approach for Determining the Spectrum of DNA Damage Induced by Ionizing Radiation

Abstract Nikjoo, H. , O'Neill, P., Wilson, W. E. and Goodhead, D. T. Computational Approach for Determining the Spectrum of DNA Damage Induced by Ionizing Radiation. Radiat. Res. 156, 577–583 (2001). To study the characteristics of molecular damage induced by ionizing radiation at the DNA level, Monte Carlo track simulation of energetic electrons and ions in liquid water, a canonical model of B-DNA, and a comprehensive classification of DNA damage in terms of the origin and complexity of damage were used to calculate the frequencies of simple and complex strand breaks. A threshold energy of 17.5 eV was used to model the damage by direct energy deposition, and a probability of 0.13 was applied to model the induction of a single-strand break produced in DNA by OH radical reactions. For preliminary estimates, base damage was assumed to be induced by the same direct energy threshold deposition or by the reaction of an OH radical with the base, with a probability of 0.8. Computational data are given on the complexity of damage, including base damage by electrons with energies of 100–4500 eV and ions with energies of 0.3–4.0 MeV/nucleon (59–9 keV μm−1 protons and 170–55 keV μm−1 α particles). Computational data are presented on the frequencies of single- and double-strand breaks induced as a function of the LET of the particles, and on the relative frequencies of complex single- and double-strand breaks for electrons. The modeling and calculations of strand breaks show that: (1) The yield of strand breaks per unit absorbed dose is nearly constant over a wide range of LET. (2) The majority of DNA damage is of a simple type, but the majority of the simple single-strand breaks are accompanied by at least one base damage. (3) For low-energy electrons, nearly 20–30% of the double-strand breaks are of a complex type by virtue of additional breaks. The proportion of this locally clustered damage increases with LET, reaching about 70% for the highest-LET α particles modeled, with the complexity of damage increasing further, to about 90%, when base damage is considered. (4) The extent of damage in the local hit region of the DNA duplex is mostly limited to a length of a few base pairs. (5) The frequency of base damage when no strand breaks are present in the hit segment of DNA varies between 20–40% as a function of LET for protons and α particles.
Combined Anaerobic/Aerobic Digestion: Effect of Aerobic Retention Time on Nitrogen and Solids Removal

A combined anaerobic/aerobic sludge digestion system was studied to determine the effect of aerobic solids retention time (SRT) on its solids and nitrogen removal efficiencies. After the anaerobic digester reached steady state, effluent from the anaerobic digester was fed to aerobic digesters that were operated at 2‐ to 5‐day SRTs. The anaerobic system was fed with a mixture of primary and secondary sludge from a local municipal wastewater treatment plant. Both systems were fed once per a day. The aerobic reactor was continuously aerated with ambient air, maintaining dissolved oxygen level at 1.1 ± 0.3 mg/L. At a 4‐day or longer SRT, more than 11% additional volatile solids and 90% or greater ammonia were removed in the aerobic digester, while 32.8 mg‐N/L or more nitrite/nitrate also was measured. Most total Kjeldahl nitrogen removal was via ammonia removal, while little organic nitrogen was removed in the aerobic digester.
Are acute infarcts the cause of leukoaraiosis? Brain mapping for 16 consecutive weeks

Neuroimaging of older adults commonly reveals abnormality (leukoaraiosis) in the cerebral white matter. Studies have established that extensive leukoaraiosis predicts dementia and disability, but the pathogenesis of leukoaraiosis remains unclear. We recruited 5 patients with leukoaraiosis and performed magnetic resonance mapping of the brain for 16 consecutive weeks. We observed tiny lesions arising de novo in the cerebral white matter. These lesions were clinically silent. They had the signature features of acute ischemic stroke. With time, the characteristics of these lesions approached those of pre‐existing leukoaraiosis. Together, these findings suggest that tiny silent acute infarcts are a cause of leukoaraiosis. Ann Neurol 2014;76:899–904
Comparing ray tracing, free space path loss and logarithmic distance path loss models in success of indoor localization with RSSI

In this paper, free space path loss, ray tracing with one and two reflection points and logarithmic distance path loss models are used to determine distance between nodes according to RSSI values. First of all, required parameters to use called models are determined by making RSSI characterization study in corridors. Then determined parameters are used to perform a localization test RSSI characterization and localization tests are carried out for different areas and environments' effects and success of all models are investigated.
Preparation and in vivo toxicity study of solid lipid microparticles as carrier for pulmonary administration

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of processing conditions on the characteristics of solid lipid microparticles (SLM) with a potential application as carriers for pulmonary administration. Compritol (5.0% wt/wt) SLM dispersions were prepared by rotor-stator homogenization, at different surfactant concentrations and emulsification times. The SLM were characterized, in terms of morphology and size, after lyophilization and sterilization by autoclaving process. In vivo assessment was carried out in rats by intratracheal instillation of either placebo or SLM dispersion, and by bronchoalveolar lavage for cytological analysis. Mean particle size of 4 to 5 μm was achieved using 0.3% and 0.4% (wt/wt) of emulsifier (Poloxamer 188) and emulsification times of 2 and 5 minutes. The particles showed spherical shape and smooth surface. The morphology of microparticles, the size, and the size distribution were not substantially modified after lyophilization and sterilization. Total cell counts showed no significant differences between placebo and SLM 0.5% or 2.5% groups. Regarding cytology, percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and macrophages did not significantly differ between groups. These results suggest that a single intratracheal administration of the SLMs does not induce a significant inflammatory airway response in rats and that the SLMs might be a potential carrier for encapsulated drug via the pulmonary route.
Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Intestinal Microcirculation and Intestinal Epithelial Barrier in Endotoxemic Rats

Background:Dexmedetomidine reduces cytokine production in septic patients and reduces inflammation and mortality in experimental models of endotoxemia and sepsis. This study investigated whether dexmedetomidine attenuates endothelial dysfunction, intestinal microcirculatory dysfunction, and intestinal epithelial barrier disruption in endotoxemic rats. Methods:Ninety-two male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the following four groups: (1) Sham; (2) lipopolysaccharide, received IV lipopolysaccharide 15 and 10 mg/kg at 0 and 120 min; (3) dexmedetomidine, received IV dexmedetomidine for 240 min; and (4) lipopolysaccharide + dexmedetomidine, received both lipopolysaccharide and dexmedetomidine. Sidestream dark-field videomicroscope, tissue oxygen monitor, and full-field laser perfusion image were used to investigate the microcirculation of the terminal ileum. Serum endocan level was measured. The Ussing chamber permeability assay, lumen-to-blood gadodiamide passage by magnetic resonance imaging, and bacterial translocation were conducted to determine epithelial barrier function. Mucosal apoptotic levels and tight junctional integrity were also examined. Results:The density of perfused small vessels in mucosa, serosal muscular layer, and Peyer patch in the lipopolysaccharide + dexmedetomidine group was higher than that of the lipopolysaccharide group. Serum endocan level was lower in the lipopolysaccharide + dexmedetomidine group than in the lipopolysaccharide group. Mucosal ratio of cleaved to full-length occludin and spleen bacterial counts were significantly lower in the lipopolysaccharide + dexmedetomidine group than in the lipopolysaccharide group. Conclusion:The study finding suggests that dexmedetomidine protects against intestinal epithelial barrier disruption in endotoxemic rats by attenuating intestinal microcirculatory dysfunction and reducing mucosal cell death and tight junctional damage. (Anesthesiology 2016; 125:355-67)
In vitro and in situ Erosion Models for Evaluating Tooth Substance Loss

Because of the difficulties in measuring erosion in vivo, a number of in vitro and in situ models have been developed and validated. These models are flexible and informative, allowing single as well as multiple variables to be examined under specific conditions using accurate measurement techniques over defined timelines, thus yielding useful data without harmful effects on individuals. This information, together with clinical findings, is essential for clinicians advising susceptible patients appropriately regarding the management of their condition. Little guidance is available, however, on the standardisation of in vitro and in situ protocols for erosive tooth wear studies, so it is difficult to make meaningful comparisons between investigations as experimental variables differ widely from study to study. The aim of this review was to collate the available data on models designed to assess erosive challenges which are severe enough to cause tissue loss as opposed to just softening of the surface structure. The different types of models, with their merits and pitfalls, are documented. Test substrates, disinfecting regimens and ethical considerations are discussed. The aims of this paper are to give guidance to the researcher on evidence-based in vitro and in situ erosive tooth wear methodology and to suggest best practice given current knowledge.
Weight Status in Adolescence Is Associated With Later Life Functional Limitations

Objectives: This study examines the relationship between weight status in adolescence and later life functional limitations. Method: We use the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study to characterize the relationship between standardized relative body mass ascertained from high school photograph portraits in 1957 and self-reported functional imitations in 2004. Results: Compared to individuals with normal body mass, those who were overweight in high school had poorer later life physical function, with observed gender differences. Women who were underweight in adolescence had better functioning in older adulthood than their normal weight counterparts. This relationship, however, was not found among men. Conclusions: These findings underscore the long-term consequences of being overweight in adolescence on the functional disadvantages conferred in late life.
Practicing Perfection: Piano Performance as Expert Memory

A concert pianist recorded her practice as she learned the third movement, Presto, of J.S. Bach's Italian Concerto. She also described the formal structure of the piece and reported her decisions about basic features (e.g., fingering), interpretive features (e.g., phrasing), and cues to attend to during performance (performance cues). These descriptions were used to identify which locations, features, and cues she practiced most, which caused hesitations when she first played from memory, and which affected her recall 2 years later. Effects of the formal structure and performance cues on all three activities indicated that the pianist used the formal structure as a retrieval scheme and performance cues as retrieval cues. Like expert memorists in other domains, she engaged in extended retrieval practice, going to great lengths to ensure that retrieval was as rapid and automatic from conceptual (declarative) memory as from motor and auditory memory.
Occupation-based and family-centered care: a challenge for current practice.

347 Occupational therapy practitioners need to change their “way of thinking” about families to help them meet the demands of providing family-centered care. I suggest this goal can be met while addressing the meaningful occupations of the family unit. The term family-centered care is not new to occupational therapy practitioners who work with infants and children. We have focused on providing therapeutic services in a family-centered manner for over 20 years. Within the past decade, practitioners who provide services to clients throughout the lifespan have been encouraged to also assume this framework for practice. Although the profession has grown in the understanding of and practice in family-centered care, I argue that we have yet to identify exactly what it means to provide family-centered care. Additionally, as a profession we have yet to clearly articulate how we are (a) addressing the occupations of the family unit, (b) measuring change within the family unit, and (c) helping the family unit to meaningfully participate in everyday life. Thus, despite occupational therapy practitioners basing their services on the tenets of family-centered care, the true nature of family-centered care has yet to be captured and practiced. This article will introduce a “way of thinking” about the family unit and describe a way to provide services aligned with the tenets of familycentered care. This way of thinking will focus predominately on the meaningful aspects of “being” and creating a family, rather than the “doing” of family tasks.
Effect of intravenous sodium bicarbonate, disodium edetate (Na2EDTA), and hyperventilation on visual and oculomotor signs in multiple sclerosis

The effects of procedures believed to produce a decrease in serum ionized calcium were tested on visual and oculomotor function in nine multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Transient improvement in scotomas, nystagmus, and oculomotor paresis occurred with intravenous infusions of NaHCO3 or Na2EDTA. Hyperventilation was also tested for its effect on nystagmus and caused marked decreases in frequency. Control experiments with saline infusions did not produce any effect. The probable mechanism and site of action for these effects is discussed. This study demonstrates that certain signs and symptoms in MS can be altered favourably by changes in the internal chemical environment and offers a new approach to the search for a symptomatic therapy in MS.
Control of the cell elongation–division cycle by shuttling of PBP1 protein in Bacillus subtilis

The characteristic shape of bacterial cells is mainly determined by the cell wall, the synthesis of which is orchestrated by penicillin‐binding proteins (PBPs). Rod‐shaped bacteria have two distinct modes of cell wall synthesis, involved in cell elongation and cell division, which are believed to employ different sets of PBPs. A long‐held question has been how these different modes of growth are co‐ordinated in space and time. We have now identified the cell division protein, EzrA, and a newly discovered protein, GpsB, as key players in the elongation–division cycle of Bacillus subtilis. Mutations in these genes have a synthetic phenotype with defects in both cell division and cell elongation. They also have an unusual bulging phenotype apparently due to a failure in properly completing cell pole maturation. We show that these phenotypes are tightly associated with disturbed localization of the major transglycosylase/transpeptidase of the cell, PBP1. EzrA and GpsB have partially differentiated roles in the localization cycle of PBP1, with EzrA mainly promoting the recruitment of PBP1 to division sites, and GpsB facilitating its removal from the cell pole, after the completion of pole maturation.
Model Predictive Control of Engine Speed During Vehicle Deceleration

We consider the speed control of a spark ignition engine during vehicle deceleration. When the torque converter bypass clutch is open, the engine speed needs to be kept close to the turbine speed to guarantee responsiveness of the vehicle for subsequent accelerations. However, to maintain vehicle drivability, undesired crossing between engine speed and turbine speed must not occur, despite the presence of significant torque disturbances. Hence, the engine speed during vehicle decelerations needs to be precisely controlled by feedback control, which has to coordinate airflow and spark timing and enforce several constraints including engine stall avoidance, combustion stability, and actuator limits. We develop a model predictive controller that manipulates airflow and spark to track the reference signal for engine speed while enforcing constraints, and synthesize it in the form of a feedback law. The controller is evaluated in simulations and in a vehicle, and it is shown to achieve a responsive and consistent deceleration and the potential for reducing fuel consumption.
MultiScale Analysis for Linear First Order PDEs. The Finite Larmor Radius Regime

The subject matter of this paper concerns the asymptotic analysis of mathematical models for strongly magnetized plasmas. We concentrate on the finite Larmor radius regime with nonuniform magnetic field in three dimensions. We determine the limit model and establish convergence results for any initial conditions, not necessarily well prepared. This study relies on a two-scale approach, based on the mean ergodic theorem, which allows us to separate the fast and slow dynamics. The method adapts to many models. In particular it is possible to incorporate collision operators and to compute the effective diffusion matrices of the limit models. The average advection field and average diffusion matrix field appear as the long time limit for some parabolic problems, which allows us to obtain good approximations of the limit models, in the case of nonuniform magnetic fields (when exact formulae are not available).
Cryptic speciation in Triatoma sordida (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) from the Bolivian Chaco

Eight natural Bolivian populations of two closely related species of Triatominae, Triatomasordida and T. guasayana, were analysed by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis at 20 loci. Both species were readily separated and no natural hybrid was observed. Among the silvatic sample of T. sordida, strong departure from panmixia within and between loci was detected in two sites of the Chaco, suggesting two reproductively separate populations easily recognized at Idh2 and Mdh2 loci. Genetic distance between them was in agreement with the hypothesis of distinct species. However, the detection of 3% of putative hybrids suggested a recent evolutionary divergence.
Clinical Impact of Mycobacterium tuberculosis W-Beijing Genotype Strain Infection on Aged Patients in Taiwan

ABSTRACT The impact of W-Beijing genotype Mycobacterium tuberculosis on treatment outcome was evaluated in 249 newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients. No significant difference in the treatment outcome was found between the W-Beijing and non-W-Beijing groups. However, a poor outcome was more common in the elderly patients (≥65 years) infected with the W-Beijing strain.
PCR/LDR/capillary electrophoresis for detection of single‐nucleotide differences between fetal and maternal DNA in maternal plasma

The discovery of fetal DNA in maternal plasma has opened up an approach for noninvasive diagnosis. We have now assessed the possibility of detecting single‐nucleotide differences between fetal and maternal DNA in maternal plasma by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/ligase detection reaction((LDR)/capillary electrophoresis.
Estudio descriptivo de la frecuencia de los casos de carcinoma de mama por tipo histológico en Médica Sur comparados con los datos de la literatura mundial

Objetivo: Describir y comparar las características del tipo histopatológico de la neoplasia en pacientes con carcinoma mamario en un hospital de tercer nivel comparadas con los datos reportados en la literatura mundial. Material y métodos: Se realizó búsqueda en la base de datos del Departamento de Anatomía Patológica de Médica Sur en el periodo comprendido entre 1999 y 2003. Se realizó para el análisis de frecuencias con pruebas de chi cuadrada y diferencia de proporciones por medio del programa Microsoft Excel. Resultados: Se realizaron durante el periodo del estudio 1,043 procedimientos. De éstos, el 37.48% de la población presentó condición fibrosa quística, el 18.88% una neoplasia epitelial maligna y el 16.87% una neoplasia mixta. De casos de neoplasia epitelial maligna, el 84% son infiltrantes; el 70.39% pertenecen a la variedad histológica ductal infiltrante y el 14.53% carcinoma lobulillar infiltrante. El resto pertenecen a las variedades in situ como el carcinoma ductal in situ con el 3.91% y el carcinoma lobulillar in situ. Conclusiones: Existe una diferencia de presentación entre los tipos histológicos de carcinoma entre la población de Médica Sur y los datos reportados en la literatura mundial (p < 0.005). Por tanto la población de mujeres en México posee diferencias en cuanto a los tipos histológicos de carcinoma de mama que se presentan con respecto a otras poblaciones del mundo. Este resultado sugiere que deben de realizarse mayores estudios sobre la epidemiología del cáncer de mama en México para determinar la frecuencia de presentación por tipo histológico.
Performance analysis of dynamic channel allocation based on the greedy approach for orthogonal frequency‐division multiple access downlink systems

This paper presents a performance analysis of dynamic channel allocation (DCA) based on the greedy approach (GA) for orthogonal frequency‐division multiple access downlink systems over Rayleigh fading channels. The GA‐based DCA achieves its performance improvement using multiuser diversity. We analyze the statistics of the number of allocable users that represents the multiuser diversity order at each allocation process. The derived statistics are then used to analyze the performance of GA‐based DCA. The analysis results show that the number of subcarriers allocated to each user must be equal to achieve the maximum system performance based on outage probability and data throughput. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.