Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The susceptibility of Pseudomonas spp. isolated from dogs with otitis to topical ear cleaners.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the in vitro efficacy of commercially available topical otic preparations ("ear cleaners") against Pseudomonas spp. isolated from canine ear infections. METHODS Between January and May 2011, 50 isolates that were morphologically and phenotypically confirmed as Pseudomonas spp. were isolated from 48 dogs that had been identified with clinical signs of otitis externa and media at a referral dermatology clinic in the north west of the UK. The in vitro efficacy of eight different topical preparations against these isolates was investigated using an in-agar inhibition test. RESULTS Of the eight preparations tested, three showed consistently good in vitro activity against Pseudomonas spp. , while a further three were consistently ineffective. For the remaining two -preparations, in vitro efficacy was variable and inconsistent. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Topical treatment with ear cleaners is considered to be a valuable adjunct in the treatment of canine otitis that involves multi-antimicrobial-resistant organisms such as Pseudomonas spp. Where treatment with antimicrobials is not an option, the use of these preparations, as a sole form of therapy, may be effective in some cases. As a comparison with other similar studies looking at the activity of ear cleaners against bacterial isolates from otitis, this study uses isolates from 50 ears from 48 dogs providing a significant number of isolates for analysis.
Harder-to-reach people living with HIV experiencing high prevalence of all-type mental health disorder diagnosis

ABSTRACT People living with HIV/AIDS (PHA) often concurrently cope with mental health disorders that may greatly influence HIV and other health-related outcomes. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of self-reported mental health disorder diagnosis among a cohort of harder-to-reach HIV-positive individuals in British Columbia, Canada. Between 2007 and 2010, 1000 PHA who had initiated ART were enrolled in the Longitudinal Investigation into Supportive and Ancillary health services (LISA) study. Socio-demographic, behavioral, health-care utilization and psychosocial information was collected through interviewer-led questionnaires and linked to longitudinal clinical variables through the provincial Drug Treatment Program at the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS. We identified the prevalence of all-type and specific mental health disorders among this population. Of the 916 participants included in this analysis, 494 (54%) reported ever having a mental health disorder diagnosis. Mood (85%) and anxiety (65%) disorders were the two most frequently reported mental health conditions. Self-reported all-type mental health disorder was independently associated with decreased overall functioning (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.83–0.98) and life satisfaction (AOR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.74–0.89), and having higher stigma score (AOR = 1.11, 95%CI = 1.02–1.21). Participants reporting any mental health disorder were more likely to report a history of sexual assault (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.75–3.43) and to have used case management services (AOR = 1.63, 95%CI = 1.17–2.27). Our findings uncovered a high burden of mental health disorders among harder-to-reach PHA and suggest that PHA with at least one mental health disorder diagnosis are disproportionately impacted by sexual violence and stigma.
Effect of Chronic Ethanol Feeding on 24-Hour Rhythms of Mitogenic Responses and Lymphocyte Subset Populations in Thymus and Spleen of Peripubertal Male Rats

This work analyzes the effect of chronic ethanol feeding on the 24-hour variation of mitogenic responses and lymphocyte subset populations in thymus and spleen. Animals were maintained under a 12:12-hour light/dark photoperiod and they received a liquid diet for 4 weeks, starting on day 35 of life. The ethanol-fed group received a similar diet to controls except that maltose was isocalorically replaced by ethanol. Ethanol replacement provided 36% of the total caloric content of the diet. Rats were killed at 6 time intervals around the clock, beginning at Zeitgeber time (ZT) 1 (ZT 0 = lights on). Under ethanol intake the splenic and thymic weight decreased. In addition, mean values of the thymic, but not of the splenic T cell number decreased, and mean values of the thymic and splenic CD8+ and CD4+CD8+ number increased. Consequently, the thymic T/B ratio and the thymic and splenic CD4+/CD8+ ratio decreased in ethanol-fed rats. At the same time there was a significant increase in the response of the thymic cells to LPS. The ethanol diet modified the 24-hour rhythmicity of thymic and splenic T, B and CD4+CD8+ cells, thymic CD4+ and splenic CD8+ cells, thymic and splenic T/B and CD4+/CD8+ ratios, as well as of mitogenic responses in both tissues. Chronic ethanol administration presumably affects the endogenous clock that modulates the circadian variation of immune responsiveness in growing rats.
Intermittent perirenal instillation of bupivacaine after tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy under spinal anesthesia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pain at the surgery site is a common complaint in patients who experience percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). The aim of this double-blind, randomized clinical trial is evaluation of the effect of scheduled infusion of bupivacaine on postsurgical pain and narcotic consumption after tubeless PCNL under spinal anesthesia. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty patients were randomly divided into two groups. A small caliber fenestrated feeding tube was placed into the nephrostomy tract under direct vision in a manner in which its tip lied close to the renal capsule. The study group received infusion of diluted bupivacaine while physiologic saline was injected in the control group. Each patient was given the same dose every 6 hours until 24 hours after the surgical procedure. RESULTS Mean pethidine injection was significantly lower in the group who underwent bupivacaine instillation (20.5±14.5 vs 3.97±2.4 mg: P=0.009). There was no significant difference between mean visual analogue scale (VAS) score in these two groups after 6 and 12 hours while it was significantly lower after 18 and 24 hours in the patients who had received bupivacaine. Mean time to the first analgesic request was significantly longer in the study group (11.35 vs 6.44 hours: P=0.001). CONCLUSION Intermittent perirenal instillation of bupivacaine via the nephrostomy tract after PCNL decreases the need for more systemic narcotics and provides acceptable analgesia in the postoperative period.
A High-Resolution Silicon-on-Glass  $Z$ Axis Gyroscope Operating at Atmospheric Pressure

This paper describes a high-resolution silicon-on-glass z axis gyroscope operating at atmospheric pressure. The mechanical structure is designed in such a way that it exhibits low cross coupling between drive and sense mode of less than 0.5% simulated using finite-element method and 1.35% verified by experimental measurements. Due to a symmetrically designed structure, the specified bandwidth can be maintained despite of fabrication imperfections. The fabrication process flow is based on a combination of silicon on glass bonding and deep reactive ion etching which results in a large proof mass and capacitances. A closed loop self-oscillation drive interface is used to resonate the gyroscope in the drive mode, which reaches steady-state after 150 ms. Using area-varying capacitors, large quality factors of 217 and 97 for drive and sense mode, respectively, were achieved operating at atmospheric pressure. A low drive voltage, with a 1 Vpeak-peak AC drive amplitude and 10 V DC bias was used to excite the drive mode. The measured scale factor was 10.7 mV/°/s in a range of ±300°/s with a R 2-nonlinearity of 0.12%. The noise equivalent angular rate is 0.0015°/s/Hz1/2 (=5.4°/h/Hz1/2) in a 50 Hz bandwidth. The measured SNR was 34 dB at an angular rate input signal with an amplitude of 12.5°/s and a frequency of 10 Hz. Without any active temperature control, zero bias stability of 1°/s was achieved for long-term measurements over six hours and 0.3°/s for short-term measurements over 120 seconds (1-¿).
Route Segmentation into Speed Limit Categories by using Image Analysis

In this contribution, we address the problem of road sequence segmentation into speed limit categories, as perceived by the user. We propose an algorithm that is based on two processing steps. First, the images are classified independently using a standard random forest algorithm. Low-level and high-level approaches are proposed and compared. In the second phase, a sequential smoothing of the results using different filters is applied. An evaluation based on two databases of images with ground truth shows the pros and cons of the methods.
Removal of SO2 from Simulated Flue Gases Using Non-Thermal Plasma-Based Microgap Discharge

Abstract The removal of sulfur dioxide (SO2) from simulated flue gases streams (N2/O2/H2O/SO2) was experimentally investigated using microgap discharge. In the experiment, the thinner dielectric layers of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) were used to form the microgap discharge. With this physical method, a high concentration of hydroxyl (OH·) radicals were produced using the ionization of O2 and H2O to further the conversion of SO2 into sulfuric acid (H2SO4) at 120° C in the absence of any catalysts and absorbents, which were captured with the electrostatic precipitator (ESP). As a result, the increase of discharge power and concentrations of O2 and H2O increased the production of OH· radicals resulting in enhanced removal of SO2 from gas streams. With the test and analysis, a number of H2SO4 droplets were produced in experiment. Therefore, a new method for removal of SO2 in semidry method without ammonia (NH3) additive was found.
Educational strategies in curriculum development: the SPICES model

Six education strategies have been identified relating to the curriculum in a medical school. Each issue can be represented as a spectrum or continuum: student‐centred/teacher‐centred, problem‐based/information‐gathering, integrated/discipline‐based, community‐based/hospital‐based, elective/uniform and systematic/apprenticeship‐based.
Access of primary and secondary literature by health personnel in an academic health center: implications for open access.

PURPOSE The research sought to ascertain the types and quantity of research evidence accessed by health personnel through PubMed and UpToDate in a university medical center over the course of a year in order to better estimate the impact that increasing levels of open access to biomedical research can be expected to have on clinical practice in the years ahead. METHODS Web log data were gathered from the 5,042 health personnel working in the Stanford University Hospitals (SUH) during 2011. Data were analyzed for access to the primary literature (abstracts and full-text) through PubMed and UpToDate and to the secondary literature, represented by UpToDate (research summaries), to establish the frequency and nature of literature consulted. RESULTS In 2011, SUH health personnel accessed 81,851 primary literature articles and visited UpToDate 110,336 times. Almost a third of the articles (24,529) accessed were reviews. Twenty percent (16,187) of the articles viewed were published in 2011. CONCLUSION When it is available, health personnel in a clinical care setting frequently access the primary literature. While further studies are needed, this preliminary finding speaks to the value of the National Institutes of Health public access policy and the need for medical librarians and educators to prepare health personnel for increasing public access to medical research.
Do Catheter Side Holes Provide Better Blood Flows?

Four catheters (Ash Split Cath, Tesio, Duo‐Split, and Duo‐‐Flow; Medcomp, Harleysville, PA, U.S.A.) were tested in a temperature‐controlled in vitro setup filled with 50% aqueous glycerin solution to determine hydraulic resistance at different flow rates. All these catheters have side holes; hydraulic resistance was determined with these holes open and closed. Due to extra pressure losses near the catheter tip, the pressure–flow relationship deviates from Poiseuillian theory and is generally quadratic in nature. An equivalent diameter was derived from the data. This equivalent diameter can be used to evaluate performance using a single number.
A Cross-Sectional Study of HIV and Tuberculosis Coinfection Cases in Mainland China

Background: The prevalence of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) within mainland China is unprecedented and the convergence of these two infectious diseases is increasingly and significantly endangering human health for socioeconomic development. To date, the clinical manifestations, laboratory presentation, and epidemiologic features of HIV/TB coinfection cases in mainland China have not been described in detail. To assess the incidence, clinical characteristics and outcome of coinfection with HIV and TB, we conducted a cross-sectional study of coinfected cases reported from nine domestic hospitals throughout mainland China. Method: During the 3-year survey period from January 2003 to December 2005, all patients were followed regularly. Medical records were reviewed, a standardized questionnaire was administered, and clinical databases were analyzed. Results: A total of 241 cases (183 male, 58 female) with pulmonary TB, extrapulmonary TB, or both, accounted for 9.5%, 21.6%, and 18.7% of cases, respectively. Among the 241 reported cases of HIV/TB coinfection, 76.8% had CD4 cell counts 200/mm3 and 58.5% were 100/mm3. Treatments for TB and HIV were provided to patients and mortality attributable to coinfection was reported for 15.8% of the cases. Conclusions: The clinical characteristics of HIV/TB coinfection varied among the 241 cases studied with pulmonary TB predominating. Immune function among most patients was suppressed based on reduced CD4+ T cell counts. HIV/TB coinfection was related to high mortality even when HAART and/or drug therapy for TB was provided. Additional sensitive techniques are needed to improve the diagnosis of HIV/TB coinfection.
The use of halofuginone in limiting urethral stricture formation and recurrence: an experimental study in rabbits.

PURPOSE We developed a reproducible animal model for the induction of urethral stricture in the rabbit and evaluated the role of halofuginone in limiting stricture formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 20 New Zealand male rabbits were used in the first phase of the experiment. Bulbar urethral stricture was induced by electrocoagulation. The animals were then randomly assigned to 2 groups of 10 each, which received a diet containing halofuginone or a normal diet. In the second phase electrocoagulation induced stricture was treated with visual internal urethrotomy in 45 rabbits. These rabbits were randomly assigned to 2 groups, namely a halofuginone and a control group. RESULTS In the first phase stricture developed in 2 study rabbits (20%) vs 10 controls (100%). In the second phase 37 rabbits were evaluable (8 died). Recurrent stricture was observed in 5 of the 18 study rabbits (27%) vs 14 of the 19 controls (73%). CONCLUSIONS Halofuginone is effective in limiting the occurrence of de novo urethral stricture and recurrent stricture after visual internal urethrotomy. This antifibrotic molecule may become an important therapy to treat urethral stricture and/or recurrence following endoscopic manipulation of stricture in humans.
Return to Play after Cervical Spine Injuries: A Consensus of Opinion

Study Design Survey. Objective Sports-related spinal cord injury (SCI) represents a growing proportion of total SCIs but lacks evidence or guidelines to guide clinical decision-making on return to play (RTP). Our objective is to offer the treating physician a consensus analysis of expert opinion regarding RTP that can be incorporated with the unique factors of a case for clinical decision-making. Methods Ten common clinical scenarios involving neurapraxia and stenosis, atlantoaxial injury, subaxial injury, and general cervical spine injury were presented to 25 spine surgeons from level 1 trauma centers for whom spine trauma is a significant component of their practice. We evaluated responses to questions about patient RTP, level of contact, imaging required for a clinical decision, and time to return for each scenario. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results Evaluation of the surgeons’ responses to these cases showed significant consensus regarding return to high-contact sports in cases of cervical cord neurapraxia without symptoms or stenosis, surgically repaired herniated disks, and nonoperatively healed C1 ring or C2 hangman's fractures. Greater variability was found in recommendations for patients showing persistent clinical symptomatology. Conclusion This survey suggests a consensus among surgeons for allowing patients with relatively normal imaging and resolution of symptoms to return to high-contact activities; however, patients with cervical stenosis or clinical symptoms continue to be a challenge for management. This survey may serve as a basis for future clinical trials and consensus guidelines.
Position measurement using Bluetooth

A Bluetooth wireless indoor position-measurement system is described. Normal Bluetooth operation uses receiver signal strength indicator (RSSI) for automatic transmitter power control to ensure satisfactory received signal-to-noise ratio. This feedback system was disabled and a novel use of RSSI allowed a series of measurements to be made. The distance was estimated between a reference transmitter and a mobile receiver, using a line-of-sight radio propagation model within a single cell. The design, implementation and evaluation of the system demonstrated that a mean absolute range error of 1.2 m was feasible in the presence of multipath fading.
Proton spectroscopy study of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in youth with familial depression

Structural, functional, and metabolic changes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) are implicated in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). We used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1 H‐MRS) to examine the metabolite choline (glycerophosphocholine plus phosphocholine), which is used as an index of membrane integrity in the left DLPFC, in adolescents and young adults with MDD who were treatment‐resistant and had a positive family history compared to healthy controls. Differences in the choline resonance indicate an imbalance between synthesis and degradation activity of neuronal and glia membrane phospholipids.
Effect of hemoglobin levels in hemodialysis patients with asymptomatic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND Hemoglobin levels below 10 g/dL lead to left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, LV dilation, a lower quality of life, higher cardiac morbidity, and a higher mortality rate in end-stage renal disease. The benefits and risks of normalizing hemoglobin levels in hemodialysis patients without symptomatic cardiac disease are unknown. METHODS One hundred forty-six hemodialysis patients with either concentric LV hypertrophy or LV dilation were randomly assigned to receive doses of epoetin alpha designed to achieve hemoglobin levels of 10 or 13.5 g/dL. The study duration was 48 weeks. The primary outcomes were the change in LV mass index in those with concentric LV hypertrophy and the change in cavity volume index in those with LV dilation. RESULTS In patients with concentric LV hypertrophy, the changes in LV mass index were similar in the normal and low target hemoglobin groups. The changes in cavity volume index were similar in both targets in the LV dilation group. Treatment-received analysis of the concentric LV hypertrophy group showed no correlation between the change in mass index and a correlation between the change in LV volume index and mean hemoglobin level achieved (8 mL/m2 per 1 g/dL hemoglobin decrement, P = 0.009). Mean hemoglobin levels and the changes in LV mass and cavity volume index were not correlated in patients with LV dilation. Normalization of hemoglobin led to improvements in fatigue (P = 0.009), depression (P = 0.02), and relationships (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Normalization of hemoglobin does not lead to regression of established concentric LV hypertrophy or LV dilation. It may, however, prevent the development of LV dilation, and it leads to improved quality of life.
Ensemble survival trees for identifying subpopulations in personalized medicine

Recently, personalized medicine has received great attention to improve safety and effectiveness in drug development. Personalized medicine aims to provide medical treatment that is tailored to the patient's characteristics such as genomic biomarkers, disease history, etc., so that the benefit of treatment can be optimized. Subpopulations identification is to divide patients into several different subgroups where each subgroup corresponds to an optimal treatment. For two subgroups, traditionally the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model is fitted and used to calculate the risk score when outcome is survival time endpoint. Median is commonly chosen as the cutoff value to separate patients. However, using median as the cutoff value is quite subjective and sometimes may be inappropriate in situations where data are imbalanced. Here, we propose a novel tree‐based method that adopts the algorithm of relative risk trees to identify subgroup patients. After growing a relative risk tree, we apply k‐means clustering to group the terminal nodes based on the averaged covariates. We adopt an ensemble Bagging method to improve the performance of a single tree since it is well known that the performance of a single tree is quite unstable. A simulation study is conducted to compare the performance between our proposed method and the multivariate Cox model. The applications of our proposed method to two public cancer data sets are also conducted for illustration.