Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization and description of "Campylobacter upsaliensis" isolated from human feces

During a 3-year period, "Campylobacter upsaliensis" was isolated from 99 patients. Phenotypic characterization and numerical analysis of protein electrophoregrams showed evidence that "C. upsaliensis" is a distinct Campylobacter species with unique characteristics. The MBCs of 13 antibiotics were determined. In general, these organisms were highly susceptible to drugs that were present in the selective isolation media, making none of the available selective media suitable for the isolation of "C. upsaliensis. " Ten strains were found to be resistant to erythromycin (MBCs, greater than or equal to 12.50 mg/liter). Plasmid DNA was detectable in 89 of the 99 strains; 16 plasmid profiles could be identified. Plasmid pattern 16, containing four plasmids of 52, 32, 5.5, and 2.6 megadaltons, represented 60.7% of the plasmid-containing strains. None of the "C. upsaliensis" strains could be agglutinated with antisera against heat-labile antigens from C. jejuni, C. coli, or C. laridis. "C. upsaliensis" was found to be susceptible to serum killing and was readily phagocytized by human polymorphonuclear cells.
Organisation, practice and experiences of mouth hygiene in stroke unit care: a mixed-methods study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To (1) investigate the organisation, provision and practice of oral care in typical UK stroke units; (2) explore stroke survivors', carers' and healthcare professionals' experiences and perceptions about the barriers and facilitators to receiving and undertaking oral care in stroke units. BACKGROUND Cerebrovascular disease and oral health are major global health concerns. Little is known about the provision, challenges and practice of oral care in the stroke unit setting, and there are currently no evidence-based practice guidelines. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey of 11 stroke units across Greater Manchester and descriptive qualitative study using focus groups and semi-structured interviews. METHODS A self-report questionnaire was used to survey 11 stroke units in Greater Manchester. Data were then collected through two focus groups (n = 10) with healthcare professionals and five semi-structured interviews with stroke survivors and carers. Focus group and interview data were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using framework approach. RESULTS Eleven stroke units in Greater Manchester responded to the survey. Stroke survivors and carers identified a lack of oral care practice and enablement by healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals identified a lack of formal training to conduct oral care for stroke patients, inconsistency in the delivery of oral care and no set protocols or use of formal oral assessment tools. CONCLUSION Oral care post-stroke could be improved by increasing healthcare professionals' awareness, understanding and knowledge of the potential health benefits of oral care post-stroke. Further research is required to develop and evaluate the provision of oral care in stroke care to inform evidence-based education and practice. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Development of staff training and education, and evidence-based oral care protocols may potentially benefit patient care and outcomes and be implemented widely across stroke care.
Morphological and morphometrical study of the nasal opening of nasolacrimal duct in man.

BACKGROUND Epiphora constitutes one of the major and very common problems in all age groups. Recent developments in ophthalmology such as balloon dilatation, stent implantation, laser therapy and endoscopy of the lacrimal drainage system raise the need for a detailed anatomical knowledge of this system. It is also important for formulation of principles and techniques in the management of acrimal problems. The aim of this study was to demonstrate variations in shape, size and location of the opening of the nasolacrimal duct and of the lacrimal fold. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty sagittal head sections were obtained, the nasal septum was removed and the lateral wall of the nasal cavity was exposed and examined. The opening of the nasolacrimal duct (NLD) was demonstrated and was subjected to anatomical observations for the shape, site, size, opening type and the presence of the lacrimal fold. The different measurements for the distances between the opening of NLD and anterior nasal spine, palate and inferior concha were made. RESULTS The examined specimens showed that the opening of the NLD was variable in shape taking the form of sulcus in 70% and fissure in 30% of specimens. The sulcus was either vertical or oblique while the fissure was either vertical, oblique or in the form of anteroposterior one. Regarding the location, the opening of the NLD was located at anterior one third below line of attachment of the inferiorconcha in nearly half of cases (45%). The lacrimal fold was present in most of examined specimens (70%) and absent in 30%. The fold take 5 different forms. CONCLUSIONS The knowledge of the morphology and morphometry of the lacrimal drainage system enables the ophthalmologist to plan intervention on the lacrimal drainage system precisely and avoid unnecessary manipulations and also minimizing the risk of injury during intra-nasal surgery.
Mushroom Bodies and Post-Mating Behaviors of Drosophila Melanogaster Females

After mating, Drosophila melanogaster females lay substantially more eggs and mate rarely. Central to these changes is Sex peptide (SP), a male peptide transferred into the female during copulation. Injected into virgins, SP induces the same post mating response as observed after mating. In this study we investigated the role of the mushroom body (MB) in the SP response system. The SP response of females with either chemically ablated or mutant MBs was analyzed. After injection of SP, females with chemically ablated MBs reduce their receptivity and increase their ovulation and oviposition to the level of females with intact MBs. Virgin females with ablated MBs, however, show a constitutively elevated oviposition rate. Hence in untreated females, MBs are not implicated in the SP-induced reduction of receptivity and increase of ovulation. However, they depress the oviposition rate of virgins. Thus, SP has two functions for oviposition: it de-represses the MB-dependent block on the egg laying activity of virgins and additionally stimulates oviposition. SP-injected mushroom body miniature (mbm) females lay fewer eggs, ovulate less frequently, and mate more often than wild-type females. A model of the putative role of MBs and the gene product of mbm in SP-induced oviposition is presented.
The US Labour Market: How Much Slack Remains?

Despite the US unemployment rate being close to estimates of the non-accelerating-inflation rate of unemployment (NAIRU), measures of underemployment remain elevated, which could be an indication of remaining labour market slack. The shares of involuntary part-time workers and long-term unemployment are high relative to the current stage of the business cycle, suggesting available labour inputs are being underutilized.
The challenge of isolation in immigrant family language maintenance in
 regional Australia

The critical factor determining whether children of immigrants become bilingual is strong family and community support for, and use of, the home language(s) alongside English (Pauwels, 2005). It is well accepted that children of immigrant parents often undergo language shift to English (Clyne & Kipp, 1996), that bilingualism is a cognitive and social asset to children (Wong Fillmore, 2000) and that maintaining “potential for belonging” (Bilbatua & Ellis, 2011) is a powerful motivator for families to maintain the home language. As yet, however, we know little about how bilingual families in isolated circumstances in regional Australia manage the task of passing on their home language in the absence of a co-located speech community. This paper focuses on the challenges and impacts associated with isolation for plurilingual families in small towns in regional Australia. In this paper, selected findings are presented from a larger research project (the base study, titled ‘Bilingualism in the Bush) tracking the experiences of plurilingual families with pre-school-aged children in three regional towns over a three-year period. This paper explores each family’s language goals, aspirations, beliefs and practices. Findings reported here are that families struggle, facing extra pressures brought on by isolation from other speakers of the home language, that extended family relationships, often crucial to bilingual acquisition, can be problematic and not necessarily available for language support, and that the demands of work and study exacerbate the problems of isolation.
Trends in hospital treatment of ventricular arrhythmias among Medicare beneficiaries, 1985 to 1995.

BACKGROUND Treatment options for patients with ventricular arrhythmias have undergone major changes in the last 2 decades. Trends in use of invasive procedures, clinical outcomes, and expenditures have not been well documented. METHODS We used administrative databases of Medicare beneficiaries from 1985 to 1995 to identify patients hospitalized with ventricular arrhythmias. We created a longitudinal patient profile by linking the index admission with all earlier and subsequent admissions and with death records. RESULTS Approximately 85,000 patients aged > or =65 years went to hospitals in the United States with ventricular arrhythmias each year, and about 20,000 lived to admission. From 1987 to 1995, the use of electrophysiology studies and implantable cardioverter defibrillators in patients who were hospitalized grew substantially, from 3% to 22% and from 1% to 13%, respectively. Hospital expenditures rose 8% per year, primarily because of the increased use of invasive procedures. Survival improved, particularly in the medium term, with 1-year survival rates increasing between 1987 and 1994 from 52.9% to 58.3%, or half a percentage point each year. CONCLUSION Survival of patients who sustain a ventricular arrhythmia is poor, but improving. For patients who are admitted, more intensive treatment has been accompanied by increased hospital expenditures.
Effect of oral N-acetylcysteine treatment on immune system in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients.

AIM to determine the effect of oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on plasma levels of inflammatory markers in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) patients. METHODS we performed a placebo-controlled study over 8 weeks in 32 patients on regular CAPD. The patients were divided into 2 groups of 16 patients matched for age and gender. The first group was given NAC 2x600 mg/day for 8 weeks and inflammatory parameter was compared with control group. The immune system is determined from the average levels of Procalcitonin, IL-6, IL-1, C3, SICAM, hsCRP, and TNF- before and after treatment with NAC. Student t-test was performed to compare the means between NAC receiving and control groups. All statistics were done using SPSS software (SPSS Ver 16.0). RESULTS administration of NAC, significantly diminished PCT (-0.38±0.57 vs 0.09±0.14; p=0.004), IL-6 (-1.94±3.03 vs 1.19±1.99; p=0.002), IL-1 (-0.14±0.21 vs 0.01±0.04; p=0.010), C3 (-7.40±12.04 vs 4.60±8.12; p=0.002), sICAM (-80.59±29.18 vs -35.02±46.99; p=0.007), hsCRP (-1.50±1.32 vs 0.81±1.17; p<0.001) and TNF- (-0.73±0.47 vs 0.14±0.74; p<0.001) levels compared control to group. CONCLUSION short-term oral NAC treatment resulted in reduction of circulating PCT, IL-6, IL-1, C3, sICAM, hsCRP, and TNF- in CAPD patients.
High glycemic index foods, overeating, and obesity.

OBJECTIVE The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically in recent years. However, the role of dietary composition in body weight regulation remains unclear. The purpose of this work was to investigate the acute effects of dietary glycemic index (GI) on energy metabolism and voluntary food intake in obese subjects. METHODS Twelve obese teenage boys were evaluated on three separate occasions using a crossover study protocol. During each evaluation, subjects consumed identical test meals at breakfast and lunch that had a low, medium, or high GI. The high- and medium-GI meals were designed to have similar macronutrient composition, fiber content, and palatability, and all meals for each subject had equal energy content. After breakfast, plasma and serum concentrations of metabolic fuels and hormones were measured. Ad libitum food intake was determined in the 5-hour period after lunch. RESULTS Voluntary energy intake after the high-GI meal (5.8 megajoule [mJ]) was 53% greater than after the medium-GI meal (3.8 mJ), and 81% greater than after the low-GI meal (3.2 mJ). In addition, compared with the low-GI meal, the high-GI meal resulted in higher serum insulin levels, lower plasma glucagon levels, lower postabsorptive plasma glucose and serum fatty acids levels, and elevation in plasma epinephrine. The area under the glycemic response curve for each test meal accounted for 53% of the variance in food intake within subjects. CONCLUSIONS The rapid absorption of glucose after consumption of high-GI meals induces a sequence of hormonal and metabolic changes that promote excessive food intake in obese subjects. Additional studies are needed to examine the relationship between dietary GI and long-term body weight regulation.
Residual haptic sensation following stroke using ipsilateral stimulation

In 1987, Weiskrantz and Zhang described a stroke patient with severe somatosensory loss who, nevertheless, demonstrated impressive residual sensory performance when required to touch the affected limb with her ipsilesional hand (self touch; ST). The current study set out to ascertain the prevalence and characteristics of self-touch enhancement (STE) in patients with unilateral stroke and hemihypaesthesia. Thirty-nine stroke patients who were referred with hemihypaesthesia fulfilled the criteria. STE was defined where a patient showed a statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in performance for (i) detection, (ii) localisation and/or (iii) perceived intensity during touch with their ipsilesional hand, compared with standard experimenter elicited sensory performance. Group comparisons between the conventional touch versus ST conditions revealed significant differences for detection (p<0.01), intensity estimation (p<0.01) and localisation (p<0.001) using ST. Twenty-two of the 39 patients (56.4%) showed STE on at least one assessment mode. In detection, 16 (41%) patients showed STE; for localisation, 12 patients (31%) showed STE and for intensity, 17 patients (44%) showed STE. Out of the 22 patients with STE, 17 had right hemisphere lesions. In summary, more than half of the stroke patients showed reliable and significant improvements in somatosensory performance when using their unaffected hand as the source of tactile stimulation. This striking phenomenon suggests that the threshold for the impaired hand is affected by active involvement of the contralateral (ipsilesional) limb when delivering the stimulus contact. Possible mechanisms to explain these findings are discussed.
Analysis and modeling of earthquake strong-motion site effects on Icelandic arrays for earthquake engineering applications

This work was made possible by the Icelandic Centre for Research through a Research Grant of Excellence no. 141261-051/52/53. Additionally, a Doctoral grant from the Eimskip Fund of the University of Iceland, and a grant from the University of Iceland Research Fund enabled this work. The basis of this work is the ICEARRAY I strong-motion dataset, recorded on instruments funded by a Marie Curie Reintegration Grant in 2008, and the ICEARRAY II strong-motion dataset, funded through a Rannis Equipment Grant in 2012 with their deployment funded by the Icelandic Catastrophe Insurance (Grant no. S112-2013). Additionally, the inhabitants of Hveragerði and Husavik, and their municipalities, are acknowledged for their generosity and assistance in housing the recording equipment and for their dedication and support to the ICEARRAY project.
Asthma care quality for children with minority-serving providers.

OBJECTIVE To compare asthma care quality for children with and without minority-serving providers. DESIGN Cross-sectional telephone survey of parents, linked with a mailed survey of their children's providers. SETTING A Medicaid-predominant health plan and multispecialty provider group in Massachusetts. PARTICIPANTS A total of 563 children with persistent asthma, identified by claims and encounter data. Main Exposure Whether the child's provider was minority serving (>25% of patients black or Latino). Outcomes Parent report of whether the child had (1) ever received inhaled steroids, (2) received influenza vaccination during the past season, and (3) received an asthma action plan in the past year. RESULTS In unadjusted analyses, Latino children and those with minority-serving providers were more likely to have never received inhaled steroids. In adjusted models, the odds of never receiving inhaled steroids were not statistically significantly different for children with minority-serving providers (odds ratio [OR], 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63-2.64), or for Latino vs white children (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 0.74-4.18); odds were increased for children receiving care in community health centers (OR, 4.88; 95% CI, 1.70-14.02) or hospital clinics (OR, 4.53; 95% CI, 1.09-18.92) vs multispecialty practices. Such differences were not seen for influenza vaccinations or action plans. CONCLUSIONS Children with persistent asthma are less likely to receive inhaled steroids if they receive care in community health centers or hospital clinics. Practice setting mediated initially observed disparities in inhaled steroid use by Latino children and those with minority-serving providers. No differences by race/ethnicity or minority-serving provider were observed for influenza vaccinations or asthma action plans.
Diagnostic Differences for Anterior Knee Pain between Sexes in Adolescent Basketball Players.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a sex difference in the prevalence of specific patellofemoral disorders that cause anterior knee pain in adolescent basketball players undergoing pre-participation screening. METHODS: SETTING Biomechanical Laboratory. METHODS: PARTICIPANTS A total of 810 (688 female and 122 male) basketball players from a single county public school district. METHODS: MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prior to the start of three consecutive basketball seasons, participants were evaluated for anterior knee pain. Testing consisted of completion of the Anterior Knee Pain Scale. Those with positive findings completed an IKDC form, a standardized history and a physician-administered physical examination. RESULTS Anterior knee pain was noted in 410 of 1620 knees (25.3%). 26.6% of female knees and 18.0% of male knees were affected (p<0.05). Patellofemoral dysfunction (PFD) was the most common diagnosis with an overall prevalence of 6.4% (7.3% females; 1.2% males). Less common were Sinding-Larsen-Johanssen disease (SLJ), 4.8% (5.0% females; 3.7% males), Osgood-Schlatter Disease (OSD) 2.5% (2.3% females; 4.1% males); and plica syndrome 2.3% (2.1% females; 3.3% males). The remaining diagnoses (trauma, fat pad syndrome, IT band and pes anserine bursitis) had a combined prevalence of 1.7% (1.9% females; 1.6% males). CONCLUSIONS PFD was significantly more common in females (p<0.05). Anterior knee pain was more common in adolescent female basketball players than in adolescent male basketball players. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Descriptive Laboratory Study. Level 1.
Short recovery augments magnitude of muscle damage in high responders.

PURPOSE To examine serum creatine kinase (CK) activity after resistance exercise bouts with different rest intervals between sets and exercises in high responding (HR) and normal responding (NR) subjects. METHODS During each resistance exercise bout, three sets with 10-repetition maximum (10RM) loads were completed for the chest press, cable pulldown, biceps curl, triceps extension, leg extension, and prone leg curl. Each bout differed in the length of the rest interval between sets and exercises, specifically either 1 or 3 min. After blood analysis, subjects were separated into NR or HR on the basis of the peak serum CK activity being in the 90th percentile. RESULTS The volume completed (load x sets x repetitions) was significantly greater for the 3-min bout versus the 1-min bout, with no significant differences between the HR and the NR groups. For the NR group, serum CK was significantly elevated from 24 to 72 h after each bout, with no significant differences between bouts. Conversely, for the HR group, the 1-min bout resulted in serum CK activity levels that were approximately 70% greater than the 3-min bout at the 48- and 72-h time points. CONCLUSIONS The key finding from the current study was that the HR group experienced significantly greater CK responses when using shorter rest intervals between sets. Conversely, for the NR group, CK responses were not significantly different between bouts. These findings may have implications for resistance exercise prescription in that some individuals might be less tolerant of shorter rest intervals between sets with greater skeletal muscle microtrauma.
Enhanced Methodologies to Enumerate Persons Experiencing Homelessness in a Large Urban Area

Introduction: Homelessness is a public health problem, and persons experiencing homelessness are a vulnerable population. Estimates of the number of persons experiencing homelessness inform funding allocations and services planning and directly determine the ability of a community to intervene effectively in homelessness. The point-in-time (PIT) count presents a logistical problem in large urban areas, particularly those covering a vast geographical area. Materials and Methods: Working together, academia, local government, and community organizations improved the methodology for the count. Specific enhancements include use of incident command system (ICS), increased number of staging areas/teams, specialized outreach and Special Weapons and Tactics teams, and day-after surveying to collect demographic information. Results: This collaboration and enhanced methodology resulted in a more accurate estimate of the number of persons experiencing homelessness and allowed comparison of findings for 4 years. While initial results showed an increase due to improved counting, the number of persons experiencing homelessness counted for the subsequent years showed significant decrease during the same time period as a “housing first” campaign was implemented. The collaboration also built capacity in each sector: The health department used ICS as a training opportunity; the academics enhanced their community health efforts; the service sector was taught and implemented more rigorous quantitative methods; and the community was exposed to public health as a pragmatic and effective discipline. Practical Implications: Improvements made to increase the reliability of the PIT count can be adapted for use in other jurisdictions, leading to improved counts and better evaluation of progress in ending homelessness.