Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bacteremia due to extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae other than Escherichia coli and Klebsiella.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Carbapenems are considered the drugs of choice for the treatment of serious infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella and Escherichia coli. However, controversy exists about the antibiotic choice for infections due to ESBL-producing organisms of other genera. METHODS This retrospective study evaluated the risk factors and outcomes of 54 adult patients with bacteremia due to ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae other than Klebsiella spp. or E. coli treated at a tertiary care hospital in northern Taiwan from January 2001-December 2003. Patients were categorized into carbapenem (n = 22) and non-carbapenem (n = 32) treatment groups. All patients had at least one positive blood culture together with fever or other clinical features compatible with systemic infection. RESULTS Higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, glucocorticoid use, and presentation of septic shock were significant risk factors for mortality (p<0.05). Patients treated with a carbapenem had a better 14-day or overall survival rate (i.e., survived to discharge) than those treated with non-carbapenem antibiotics, although this difference was not significant. Among patients in the non-carbapenem group, the overall survival rates of ciprofloxacin, aminoglycoside, and ceftazidime were 70% (14/20), 62.5% (5/8), and 50% (2/4), respectively (p=0.877). The overall survival rates of the carbapenem (72.7%) and ciprofloxacin (70.0%) groups were similar. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that ciprofloxacin, when indicated based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing, may serve as an alternative choice for infections caused by ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae other than E. coli or Klebsiella spp. and may not affect the clinical outcome at discharge.
Evaluation of chondromalacia of the patella with axial inversion recovery–fast spin‐echo imaging

The purpose of our study was to assess the accuracy of inversion recovery–fast spin‐echo (IR‐FSE) imaging for the evaluation of chondromalacia of the patella. Eighty‐six patients were included, they underwent magnetic resonance (MR) examination and subsequent knee arthroscopy. Medial and lateral facets of the patella were evaluated separately. Axial images were obtained by using IR‐FSE (TR/TE/TI = 3000/25/150 msec; echo train length, 8; 4‐mm thickness; 12‐cm field of view; 512 × 256 matrix; two, number of excitations) with a 1.5‐T MR machine. MR interpretation of chondromalacia was made on the basis of the arthroscopic grading system. Of a total of 172 facets graded, arthroscopy revealed chondromalacia in 14 facets with various grades (G0, 158; G1, 1; G2, 3; G3, 6; G4, 4). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in the chondromalacia grades were 57.1%, 93.0%, and 90.1%, respectively. There was one false‐negative case (G4) and 11 false‐positive cases (G1, eight; G2, two; G3, one). Sensitivity and specificity corrected by one grade difference were improved to 85.7% and 98.1%, respectively. When cartilage changes were grouped into early (corresponding to grade 1 and 2) and advanced (grade 3 and 4) diseases, sensitivity and specificity of the early and advanced diseases were 75% and 94% and 80% and 99%, respectively. IR‐FSE imaging of the knee revealed high specificity but low sensitivity for the evaluation of chondromalacia of the patella. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:412–416. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Muscle Protein Dok-7 Is Essential for Neuromuscular Synaptogenesis

The formation of the neuromuscular synapse requires muscle-specific receptor kinase (MuSK) to orchestrate postsynaptic differentiation, including the clustering of receptors for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Upon innervation, neural agrin activates MuSK to establish the postsynaptic apparatus, although agrin-independent formation of neuromuscular synapses can also occur experimentally in the absence of neurotransmission. Dok-7, a MuSK-interacting cytoplasmic protein, is essential for MuSK activation in cultured myotubes; in particular, the Dok-7 phosphotyrosine-binding domain and its target in MuSK are indispensable. Mice lacking Dok-7 formed neither acetylcholine receptor clusters nor neuromuscular synapses. Thus, Dok-7 is essential for neuromuscular synaptogenesis through its interaction with MuSK.
Novel Dual-Rotor Axial Field Flux-Switching Permanent Magnet Machine

A dual-rotor axial field flux-switching permanent magnet (DRAFFSPM) machine is proposed. A 3-phase 12/10-pole DRAFFSPM machine is designed. The topology and operation principle of the machine are described in detail. The power equation is deduced and the dimensions of the DRAFFSPM machine are determined. The electromagnetic characteristics including the air-gap field distribution, the PM flux-linkage, the back-EMF, and the cogging torque, are investigated based on the 3-D finite element (FE) analysis. The influences of the rotor pole width and the stator slot chamfer on the back-EMF and cogging torque are investigated. It shows that the sinusoidal back-EMF can be gained and the cogging torque can be greatly reduced.
Catheter ablation techniques in managing arrhythmias.

BACKGROUND Pharmacological management of arrhythmias is not curative, is sometimes difficult, and may be associated with significant morbidity. OBJECTIVE This article discusses the place of catheter ablation in the treatment of arrhythmias. DISCUSSION Supraventricular and typical atrial flutter can be cured with catheter ablation in approximately 95% of cases with very low complication rates. Catheter ablation can successfully restore and maintain sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and should be considered in symptomatic patients not controlled on medical therapy before the initiation of amiodarone. Results for AF ablation are best in paroxysmal patients without structural heart disease. Ventricular tachycardia in patients without structural heart disease is readily treated with catheter ablation. Catheter ablation is an effective adjunct to an implantable cardioverter defibrillator in patients with ventricular tachycardia postmyocardial infarction.
Maternal and Fetal Plasma Cortisol Levels at Parturition

Fetal adrenal function during pregnancy has a probable role in parturition. Ninety-five mothers and fetuses were evaluated to ascertain maternal or fetal plasma cortisol interrelationships under various clinical situations. When mode of delivery was evaluated, maternal cortisol levels showed no differences. However, the fetuses from vaginal delivery (mean, 43.7 μg/100 ml) had higher levels than those from cesarean section (mean, 34.7 μg/100 ml). Induction of labor showed a rise in maternal cortisol from preinduction levels (mean, 40.2 μg/100 ml) to delivery (mean, 49.6 μg/100 ml), probably reflecting the maternal stress of labor. The fetal cortisol level after induced labor (mean, 35.2 μg/100 ml) supporting the adrenal contribution to the initiation of labor. Gestational age of the fetus was significant in the fetal cortisol levels: 36 weeks or less (mean, 34.1 μg/100 ml); 37 weeks or more (mean, 44.5 μg/100 ml). This again supports the development of adrenal maturity. Fetal weight, postdatism, acute and chronic fetal distress, hypertensive disease in pregnancy, and race were evaluated without revealing any significant intergroup differences. Two anencephalic pregnancies were also studied.
IP Mobility Support

This document specifies protocol enhancements that allow transparent routing of IP datagrams to mobile nodes in the Internet. Each mobile node is always identified by its home address, regardless of its current point of attachment to the Internet. While situated away from its home, a mobile node is also associated with a care-of address, which provides information about its current point of attachment to the Internet. The protocol provides for registering the care-of address with a home agent. The home agent sends datagrams destined for the mobile node through a tunnel to the care- of address. After arriving at the end of the tunnel, each datagram is then delivered to the mobile node.
Infection control: Preventing iatrogenic transmission of spongiform encephalopathy in Danish hospitals

The Danish infection control guidelines dealing with transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) recognise that preventive measures to avoid iatrogenic transmission must be taken, though the risk for patients in Danish hospitals can be characterised as minimal. A minimal risk situation cannot meanwhile be maintained unless hospitals and other healthcare institutions are prepared and have effective and well‐functioning decontamination procedures in place suited for the purpose. The guidelines recommend that staff both in the operating theatre and in the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) must be able to apply the procedures needed for safe handling and decontamination of used instruments. These include cleaning and effective sterilisation, as well as quarantine procedures and ways to discard and incinerate certain used instruments. The guidelines also address occupational safety, and single‐use instruments are recommended where these are available and can be safely used. Effective procedures for decontamination of instruments and other medical devices are identified as the key to prevention of iatrogenic spread of TSE. Hospitals are advised to have their sterilisers and other equipment professionally checked in order to make sure that specific procedures for safe handling and decontamination of used surgical instruments and other medical equipment are available in case of suspected or confirmed TSE.
A Review of Medium Access Control Protocols in Next Generation Wireless Networks ( IEEE 802 . 16 )

The IEEE 802.16 standard for broadband wireless access has recently been approved. It is an emerging global broadband wireless access standard capable of delivering multiple megabits of shared data throughput supporting fixed, portable, and mobile operation. The standard offers a great deal of design flexibility including support for licensed and licenseexempt frequency bands, channel widths ranging from 1.25 to 20 MHz, Quality of Service (QoS) establishment on a per-connection basis, strong security primitives, multicast support, and low latency/low packet loss handovers. This paper discusses the main features of the various IEEE 802.16 standards with emphasis on the MAC protocol. The focus is on analyzing the differences between MAC layer implementations in several version of the standard like 802.16, 802.16a and 802.16e. This review can be used as the foundation to conduct detailed performance analysis of the emerging WIMAX/802.16 systems.
ONF Trainee Awards Contribute to Capacity Building in Neurotrauma

Objective : Injury to the brain and spinal cord is one of the most catastrophic and costly occurrences in the Ontario health system. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of past Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (ONF) studentships and fellowships in terms of capacity building in the neurotrauma field in Ontario. Method : An online, cross sectional survey amongst past recipients of studentships and fellowships that terminated prior to July 2005. Explicit data were collected on various aspects of career development including current activity, awards and publications. Results : Thirty-six out of 42 (86%) eligible past trainees responded; 12 (33%) were Masters students, 12 (33%) were PhD students and 12 (33%) were Post-Doctoral students. A majority of the recipients (61%) are currently involved in neurotrauma-related activities (clinical, research and teaching) in more than 20% of their time, with no substantial differences between the degree groups. Half the recipients are currently involved in neurotrauma-related research in more than 20% of their time. The awardees published 1.5 peer-review manuscripts/person-year and received multiple awards. A high majority of our recipients (86%) feel that the ONF award had a substantial impact on their career. Conclusions : A high proportion of past award recipients remain involved in neurotrauma activities, especially in research. These results may lead to a cautious conclusion of the positive impact of the ONF studentships and fellowships on neurotrauma capacity building. These results should be considered in strategic planning of funding agencies similar to ONF.
Respiratory syncytial virus‐induced cytokine production by neonatal macrophages

The induction of immunoregulatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐12, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) was studied with neonatal (cord blood) monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDM) after in vitro infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The expression of mRNAs for these cytokines in RSV‐infected MDM was examined by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The activities of these cytokines were assayed by ELISA. Significant increase of expression of mRNA for IL‐6, IL‐12, TNF‐α and IFN‐γ occurred within 2 h after infection and decreased within 6 h after infection. At 20 h after infection the MDM produced and secreted moderate levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α; however, no IL‐12 and IFN‐γ activities were detected. Moderate IL‐1β mRNA was expressed before RSV infection, and its expression increased at 2 h after infection. However, no detectable IL‐1β was secreted in culture fluids. These observations suggest that RSV‐infected neonatal macrophages produce and secrete IL‐6 and TNF‐α quickly during the eclipse phase of RSV infection and therefore may play a prominent role in the initiation of the immune response to RSV.
Personality change in women from college to midlife.

Personality scores of female college seniors studied in 1958 or 1960, again when they were 27 years old, and again when they were 43 show significant mean changes and high stability coefficients on the California Psychological Inventory, Joffe-Naditch coping scales, Adjective Check List, and other measures. Changes in personality were largely consistent with theories of adult development. In these women, a major factor associated with change appears to be an increase in sex role specialization in their late 20s and a decrease in their later years that is accompanied by increases in confidence, dominance, and coping skills. The normative pattern of change was not confined to women on any one particular life path, but was most pronounced in women who actively engaged in some "social clock project. "
Endogenous digoxin‐like factor in acute myocardial infarction

Abstract. Objectives. The aim of the study was to test the hypotheses that the concentrations of endogenous digoxin‐like factor (EDLF) are (i) increased in the initial period after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and (ii) may contribute to the genesis of ventricular arrhythmias.
Effect of time, temperature and solvent on the stability of T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, deoxynivalenol and nivalenol calibrants

The influence of solvent, storage time and temperature on the stability of the trichothecene mycotoxins T-2 toxin (T-2), HT-2 toxin (HT-2), deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol (NIV) was investigated. Toxins in acetonitrile, ethyl acetate or as thin film were stored in sealed glass ampoules at -18, 4, 25 and 40°C for up to 24 months. Samples were analysed by HPLC with UV detection. The results show that acetonitrile was the preferred solvent and no significant (t 0.95 -test) decomposition occurred for any of the four trichothecenes when stored for 24 months at 25°C or 3 months at 40°C. T-2 and HT-2 in ethyl acetate or as thin film were also stable under the same conditions. DON and NIV in ethyl acetate or as thin film were stable for up to 24 months at -18°C, but a significant decomposition of DON and NIV in ethyl acetate was observed for both toxins after 24 months of storage at 4°C and after 12 months at 25°C. When stored as thin film, a significant trend of decomposition of DON occurred after 24 months of storage at 4°C and after 6 months of storage at 25°C. A significant decrease of NIV stored as thin film was observed after 9 months at 25°C. In conclusion, acetonitrile was the most suitable solvent for long-term storage of T-2, HT-2, DON and NIV.
Effects of Plant Density on the Number of Glandular Trichomes and on Yield and Quality of Essential Oils from Oregano

Plants yields are influenced by agronomic techniques. Plant density is a complex issue and extremely important when maximizing both crop quality, and biomass and essential oil yields. Plants belonging to the Origanum vulgare subspecies hirtum (Link) Ietswaart were grown adopting four types of plant density and were characterized in biometric and chemical terms. The samples were analyzed using the ANOVA (Principal Component Analysis) statistical method regarding biometric aspects, EO yield and peltate hair density. Essential oil (EO) was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-FID and GC-MS. GC-FID and GC-MS analysis led to the identification of 45 compounds from the EO. Plant density affected production both in terms of biomass and EO. However, it was not found to have affected peltate glandular trichome density or EO quality.
Cigarette smoking saturates brain alpha 4 beta 2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

CONTEXT 2-[18F]fluoro-3-(2(S)-azetidinylmethoxy) pyridine (2-F-A-85380, abbreviated as 2-FA) is a recently developed radioligand that allows for visualization of brain alpha 4 beta 2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) with positron emission tomography (PET) scanning in humans. OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of cigarette smoking on alpha 4 beta 2* nAChR occupancy in tobacco-dependent smokers. DESIGN Fourteen 2-FA PET scanning sessions were performed. During the PET scanning sessions, subjects smoked 1 of 5 amounts (none, 1 puff, 3 puffs, 1 full cigarette, or to satiety [2(1/2) to 3 cigarettes]). SETTING Academic brain imaging center. PARTICIPANTS Eleven tobacco-dependent smokers (paid volunteers). Main Outcome Measure Dose-dependent effect of smoking on occupancy of alpha 4 beta 2* nAChRs, as measured with 2-FA and PET in nAChR-rich brain regions. RESULTS Smoking 0.13 (1 to 2 puffs) of a cigarette resulted in 50% occupancy of alpha 4 beta 2* nAChRs for 3.1 hours after smoking. Smoking a full cigarette (or more) resulted in more than 88% receptor occupancy and was accompanied by a reduction in cigarette craving. A venous plasma nicotine concentration of 0.87 ng/mL (roughly 1/25th of the level achieved in typical daily smokers) was associated with 50% occupancy of alpha 4 beta 2* nAChRs. CONCLUSIONS Cigarette smoking in amounts used by typical daily smokers leads to nearly complete occupancy of alpha 4 beta 2* nAChRs, indicating that tobacco-dependent smokers maintain alpha 4 beta 2* nAChR saturation throughout the day. Because prolonged binding of nicotine to alpha 4 beta 2* nAChRs is associated with desensitization of these receptors, the extent of receptor occupancy found herein suggests that smoking may lead to withdrawal alleviation by maintaining nAChRs in the desensitized state.
The Effectl of Insurance Type on Prescription Drug Use and Expenditures among Elderly Medicare Beneficiaries

The debate over the impact of the new Medicare prescription drug benefit (Part D) has intensified in anticipation of its implementation. This paper contributes additional information related to the effect of different types of prescription drug coverage plans on use and expenditures among elderly Medicare beneficiaries. Crosssectional design using data from the 2002 Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (MEPS). The two dependent variables were (1) prescription drug use and (2) expenditures. The main independent variable was the type of drug insurance (Medicare FFS only [no Rx insurance], Medicare FFS + Rx insurance and Medicare HMO). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to test the effect of insurance type, and beneficiaries’ characteristics, on likelihood and level of drug use, as well as expenditures. The findings showed that average total drug expenditures among Medicare FFS enrollees who had Rx insurance (non-HMO) were higher ($182.51) than that of Medicare FFS enrollees with no Rx insurance. In addition, the former group had a higher likelihood (any use) of using prescribed medications. On the other hand, no differences in the likelihood of use were detected between Medicare HMO and Medicare FFS (no Rx insurance) enrollees. However, Medicare HMO enrollees had a higher level of drug use. In conclusion, The differences in drug use and expenditures by insurance type imply that each party (Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, employers) will have a different set of dis/incentives for involvement in Medicare Part D.
Synthesis of Poly-N-acetyllactosamine in Core 2 Branched O-Glycans

Poly-N-acetyllactosamine is a unique carbohydrate composed of N-acetyllactosamine repeats and provides the backbone structure for additional modifications such as sialyl Lex. Poly-N-acetyllactosamines in mucin-type O-glycans can be formed in core 2 branched oligosaccharides, which are synthesized by core 2 β-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase. Using a β-1,4-galactosyltransferase (β4Gal-TI) present in milk and the recently cloned β-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase, the formation of poly-N-acetyllactosamine was found to be extremely inefficient starting from a core 2 branched oligosaccharide, GlcNAcβ1→6(Galβ1→3)GalNAcα→R. Since the majority of synthesized oligosaccharides containedN-acetylglucosamine at the nonreducing ends, galactosylation was judged to be inefficient, prompting us to test novel members of the β4Gal-T gene family for this synthesis. Using various synthetic acceptors and recombinant β4Gal-Ts, β4Gal-TIV was found to be most efficient in the addition of a single galactose residue to GlcNAcβ1→6(Galβ1→3)GalNAcα→R. Moreover, β4Gal-TIV, together with β-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase, was capable of synthesizing poly-N-acetyllactosamine in core 2 branched oligosaccharides. On the other hand, β4Gal-TI was found to be most efficient for poly-N-acetyllactosamine synthesis inN-glycans. In contrast to β4Gal-TI, the efficiency of β4Gal-TIV decreased dramatically as the acceptors contained moreN-acetyllactosamine repeats, consistent with the fact that core 2 branched O-glycans contain fewer and shorter poly-N-acetyllactosamines than N-glycans in many cells. These results, as a whole, indicate that β4Gal-TIV is responsible for poly-N-acetyllactosamine synthesis in core 2 branched O-glycans.
Recurrent airway obstruction in horses - an allergic inflammation: a review

Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), also known as heaves, is a debilitating and incurable disease of the equine airway. Affected horses develop bronchoconstriction and neutrophilic airway inflammation as a result of exposure to specific airborne irritants and allergens such as hay mould and barn dust. Clinical signs of RAO include exercise intolerance, coughing, nostril flare and abdominal push related to respiratory effort. Evidence suggests that both the innate and acquired immune response contribute to the activation of inflammatory cells resulting in type I hypersensitivity and type III hypersensitivity reactions with an increased expression of Th1- and Th2-cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, receptors and release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The regulation of inflammatory gene expression in RAO-affected horses is dependent on the binding of transcription factors such as Nuclear factor-(kappa)B (NF-kB), activator protein-1 (AP-1) and the cyclic AMP response ele- ment binding protein (CREB) to the promoter region of target genes. In chronic disease an increased number of mucous-producing cells and increased amounts of stored mucins are observed in conjunction with other charac - teristics of airway tissue remodelling. In this review the findings related to the inflammatory and immunologic response in RAO-affected horses will be presented, and this information will be integrated into existing concepts of immunopathologic mechanisms.