Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of closing postcatheterisation pseudoaneurysms with ultrasound-guided thrombin injections using two approaches: bolus versus slow injection. A prospective randomised trial.

BACKGROUND Thrombin injection is a widely accepted treatment of an iatrogenic arterial pseudoaneurysm. However, the optimal mode of injection and type of pseudoaneurysm amenable to this therapy have yet been established. AIM To compare efficacy and safety of two approaches to ultrasound-guided thrombin injections into a femoral artery pseudoaneurysm with or without long neck that developed as an iatrogenic complication of cardiac catheterisation. METHODS Patients were randomised to thrombin administration in a bolus or slow injection. The length and width of aneurysm neck and blood flow velocity in the neck were measured with color Doppler ultrasonography before the closure procedure. Thrombin dose, time to thrombotic occlusion, blood oxygen saturation in a toe of the extremity with the pseudoaneurysm (a marker of silent microembolisation), and clinical signs of distal embolisation were recorded. Between 2006 and 2009, 73 consecutive patients (33 males; mean age 67.8 ± 11.9 years) with femoral pseudoaneurysms complicating cardiac catheterisation were randomised into two groups that were treated with thrombin bolus (n = 40) or slow injection (n = 33). RESULTS The efficacy of aneurysm closure with either method was similarly high (100% vs 96.8%, NS, respectively) and did not depend on the length and width of the aneurysm neck. Independent risk factors for distal embolisation were: thrombin dose (OR 4.2; 95% CI 0.92-19.3), the length of aneurysm neck (OR 4.66; 95% CI 1.1-19.9), age above 80 years (OR 10.9; 95% CI 1.0-116.8), and bolus treatment (OR 7.6; 95% CI 1.3-44.9). We observed silent microembolisation phenomenon that was common (occurring in 38% of patients in the bolus group vs 33% of patients in the slow injection group) but in most cases asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS Femoral pseudoaneurysm closure with a low dose of thrombin is a valid and beneficial treatment. Either method (bolus or slow injection) was similarly efficacious and safe even in the subgroup of patients with neckless aneurysms. We observed and confirmed silent microembolisation phenomenon during thrombin injections.
CONFLICTO DE INTERESES: EL PUNTO DE VISTA ETICO

Resumen Los conflictos de intereses son problemas éticos muy generalizados que, precisamente por esta razón, merecen una atención especial, tanto desde el punto de vista legal como del de la ética aplicada a las organizaciones y profesiones. En este trabajo se explica la naturaleza de los conflictos de intereses utilizando el marco conceptual de la teoría de la agencia, lo que nos permite identificar sus causas y analizar los criterios éticos y las soluciones que suelen ofrecerse a las situaciones de conflicto de intereses. La existencia de importantes sesgos inconscientes y no intencionados en la manera de procesar la información, juzgar y decidir nos lleva a poner énfasis en las condiciones que debe reunir la decisión de un agente éticamente correcto en una situación de conflicto de intereses.
The exploration of risk factors of concurrent bacteraemia in patients critically ill with severe dengue

We investigated the clinical features of intensive care unit (ICU) patients with concomitant severe dengue infection and bacteraemia to identify risk factors for this comorbidity. The records of all ICU dengue patients admitted during the period of 31 July–30 November 2015 were reviewed. Patients with ‘concurrent bacteremia’ (positive bacterial blood culture within 72 h of ICU admission) were identified. ICU admission was required for 142 patients, of which 22 (15.5 %) had concurrent bacteraemia. Species of the genus Streptococcus was the most common pathogens, followed by Escherichia coli then species of the genus Staphylococcus. Patients with a severe dengue infection and bacteraemia had higher APACHE II and TISS scores, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and leukocyte counts, positive fluid balances, longer activated partial thromboplastin times (APTTs), higher lactate levels and more kidney failure, but controls (severe dengue patients without bacteraemia) had higher Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, higher albumin levels and more abdominal pain (all P<0.05). Patients with bacteraemia had a higher mortality rate than did ontrols (40.9 vs 18.3 %; P=0.018). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that bacteraemia was significantly positively associated with the following independent predictors: higher CRP levels [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.026; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.008–1.044; P=0.005], and longer APTTs (aOR: 1.034; 95 CI: 1.004–1.065; P=0.027). Concurrent bacteraemia is not uncommon in severe dengue patients in the ICU, and it is associated with high mortality. Higher CRP levels and longer APTTs were two independent risk factors associated with bacteraemia.
Mechanisms for Fatigue of Micron‐Scale Silicon Structural Films

Although bulk silicon is not susceptible to fatigue, micron‐scale silicon is. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain this surprising behavior although the issue remains contentious. Here we review published fatigue results for micron‐scale thin silicon films and find that in general they display similar trends, in that lower cyclic stresses result in larger number of cycles to failure in stress‐lifetime data. We further show that one of two classes of mechanisms is invariably proposed to explain the phenomenon. The first class attributes fatigue to a surface effect caused by subcritical (stable) cracking in the silicon‐oxide layer, e.g., reaction‐layer fatigue; the second class proposes that subcritical cracking in the silicon itself is the cause of fatigue in Si films. It is our contention that results to date from single and polycrystalline silicon fatigue studies provide no convincing experimental evidence to support subcritical cracking in the silicon. Conversely, the reaction‐layer mechanism is consistent with existing experimental results, and moreover provides a rational explanation for the marked difference between the fatigue behavior of bulk and micron‐scale silicon.
Area Target Response of Triangularly Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave Radars

For a postulated model of the area target returns, the variance of the signal appearing at the detector output of a frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar is analytically and graphically displayed as a function of the range and Doppler spread. The influence of important system parameters like modulation frequency, measuring time, and frequency excursion are also included in the analysis. Closedform relationships are given for sawtooth or triangular frequency modulation and a Gaussian separable scattering function. A comparison is also made between the range noise of an ideal frequency detector and a zero-crossings counter.
Layerless fabrication with continuous liquid interface production

Despite the increasing popularity of 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), the technique has not developed beyond the realm of rapid prototyping. This confinement of the field can be attributed to the inherent flaws of layer-by-layer printing and, in particular, anisotropic mechanical properties that depend on print direction, visible by the staircasing surface finish effect. Continuous liquid interface production (CLIP) is an alternative approach to AM that capitalizes on the fundamental principle of oxygen-inhibited photopolymerization to generate a continual liquid interface of uncured resin between the growing part and the exposure window. This interface eliminates the necessity of an iterative layer-by-layer process, allowing for continuous production. Herein we report the advantages of continuous production, specifically the fabrication of layerless parts. These advantages enable the fabrication of large overhangs without the use of supports, reduction of the staircasing effect without compromising fabrication time, and isotropic mechanical properties. Combined, these advantages result in multiple indicators of layerless and monolithic fabrication using CLIP technology.
Neural cell adhesion molecule L1: relating disease to function

Neural cell adhesion molecules of the immunoglobulin superfamily are important components of the network of guidance cues and receptors that govern axon growth and guidance during development. For neural cell adhesion molecule L1, the combined application of human genetics, knockout mouse technology, and cell biology is providing fundamental insight into the role of L1 in mediating neuronal differentiation. Disease‐causing mutations as well as mouse models of L1 disruption can now be used to examine the relevance of L1 binding specificities and signal transduction pathways that have been observed in vitro. BioEssays 20:668–675, 1998. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons Inc.
Advanced therapeutic methods for the treatment of meningococcal septic shock - case report.

BACKGROUND Meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis is primarily a disease of children and young adults. If septic shock complicates the course of meningitis, it must be treated in the intensive care unit. CASE REPORT An 18 year-old man with symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and clinical features of septic shock was admitted to the ICU. Tachycardia (heart rate 140 min⁻¹) required vasopressor to maintain blood pressure (noradrenalin 1 μg kg⁻¹ min⁻¹) on admission. Respiratory failure developed (respiratory rate of 40 min⁻¹, SaO₂ 79%, PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio = 55) and mechanical ventilatory support was used. The presence of Neisseria meningitidis was confirmed by a rapid latex agglutination test. Cefotaxime with vancomycin was administered on day one, and vancomycin was replaced by meropenem on day two. Additionally to the standard treatment of septic shock and multiorgan failure, haemoperfusion with LPS adsorber was performed to eliminate endotoxins from the bloodstream, and drotrecogin alfa was administered. Haemoperfusion was performed twice for sessions of two hours, and blood endotoxin activity decreased from 0.75 EAU to 0.4 EAU after 48 hours. The patient was admitted with signs of acute kidney injury and required continuous renal replacement therapy (Ca-Ca CVVHD, CVVHDF). CONCLUSIONS Rapid pathogen identification, adequate antimicrobial therapy and endotoxin elimination from the bloodstream improved the haemodynamic and respiratory parameters of the patient. The application of routine plus non-standard methods of treatment of septic shock prevented the progression of the biological cascade in sepsis, and improved the patient's clinical condition.
Contorted Hexabenzocoronenes with Extended Heterocyclic Moieties Improve Visible-Light Absorption and Performance in Organic Solar Cells

The large band gaps of existing contorted hexabenzocoronene derivatives severely limit visible-light absorption, restricting the photocurrents generated by solar cells utilizing contorted hexabenzocoronene (cHBC). To decrease the band gap and improve the light-harvesting properties, we synthesized cHBC derivatives having extended heterocyclic moieties as peripheral substituents. Tetrabenzofuranyldibenzocoronene (cTBFDBC) and tetrabenzothienodibenzocoronene (cTBTDBC) both exhibit broader absorption of the solar spectrum compared to cHBC, with peak absorbances on the order of 105 cm–1 in the near-ultraviolet and in the visible. Planar-heterojunction organic solar cells comprising cTBFDBC or cTBTDBC as the donor and C70 as the acceptor surpass those having cHBC in photocurrent generation and power-conversion efficiency. Interestingly, devices containing cTBFDBC/C70 exhibit the highest photocurrents despite cTBTDBC having the smallest band gap of the three cHBC derivatives. X-ray reflectivity of the active la.
Acrophialophora fusispora misidentified as Scedosporium prolificans.

Comment Letter 1 Arthur et al. reported an interesting case of human keratouveitis associated with the long-term intraocular retention of a contact lens, in which a filamentous fungus and Staphylococcus aureus were involved (1). In spite of no antifungal drug being administered, the infection was resolved. Histological examination revealed the presence of fungal elements in the tissue around the lens. The fungus involved in such infection was identified by the authors as Scedosporium prolificans (1), an emerging hyphomycete which causes severe infections, mainly in immunocompromised patients (3). However, it was described as having “flask-shaped conidiogenous cells with elongated necks and individual conidia as well as chains. ” (1). Scedosporium prolificans is indeed characterized by flask-shaped conidiogenous cells, often in brush-like arrangement, not single on hyphae as depicted in Fig. 2 of the mentioned article, and by its ovoid conidia in slimy heads, never in chains. This last feature is useful to inexperienced mycologists for distinguishing this species from other morphologically similar fungi such as Scopulariopsis spp. Some species of Scopulariopsis show dark colonies and also dark conidia, which arise from annellidic conidiogenous cells, forming dry, basipetal chains. However, the fungus shown in Fig. 2 does not seem to be a species of Scopulariopsis, because in this genus single conidiogenous cells are not common. They are mainly in branched and sometimes penicillated conidiophores. Furthermore, conidia of Scopulariopsis spp. are more or less spherical and usually with a wide truncate base, while those of Fig. 2 seem to be fusiform or lemon-shaped. It is difficult, merely by observing the mentioned figure, to ascertain the species to which the fungus belongs. However, the images are reminiscent of Acrophialophora fusispora, which has been recovered recently in several clinical cases. Its colonies are greyish brown, and the conidia are pale brown. An important distinctive feature of this species is the ornamentation of the conidia, which is finely echinulate and often with distinct spiral bands. Acremonium sp. could be another possibility due to the presence of single conidiogenous cells (phialides) emerging from ropes of vegetative hyphae (Fig. 2B), which is typical of this genus, although dark colonies are rarely produced. To provide figures of a fungus involved in a reported case, even if the species is common, constitutes a good practice. This allows readers to agree or not, as in this case, with the identification of species involved. We would like to encourage the authors to deposit cultures of clinical isolates in an international culture collection, from where it could then be obtained by interested people for further studies. Without the availability of the isolates, the published etiology is of low value (2).
Greeks and Trojans Together

This paper describes a comprehensive solution for the integration of object oriented ontology representation frameworks with logic-based agent communication frameworks. The proposed solution addresses the problem at both the agent communication level and the agent implementation level. At the agent communication level, we propose to extend logic content languages with some domain independent operators that allow building logic constructs as propositions from domain dependent entities defined in an object oriented ontology. At the implementation level, we propose to use object-oriented databases as the support for the agent information. Finally, we propose an automatic mechanism for translating agent messages using the extended content language into ODMG OQL commands, which are then used to interact with the object-oriented database. This binding mechanism relies on a special purpose data dictionary representing the mapping between the domain ontology and the agent internal database.
A sequence‐specific function for the N‐terminal signal‐like sequence of the TonB protein

TonB is a proline‐rich protein which provides a functional link between the inner and outer membranes of Gram‐negative bacteria. TonB is anchored to the inner membrane via an N‐terminal signal‐like sequence and spans the periplasm, interacting with transport receptors in the outer membrane. We have investigated the role of the N‐terminal signal‐like peptide in TonB function. Replacement of the N‐terminal sequence with heterologous sequences indicates that it has at least three distinct rotes in TonB function: (i) to facilitate translocation of TonB across the cytoplasmic membrane; (ii) to anchor TonB to the cytoplasmic membrane; (iii) a sequence‐specific functional interaction with the ExbBD proteins.
Alveolysin, the thiol-activated toxin of Bacillus alvei, is homologous to listeriolysin O, perfringolysin O, pneumolysin, and streptolysin O and contains a single cysteine

The gene coding for alveolysin, the thiol-activated toxin produced by Bacillus alvei, has been cloned by means of an oligonucleotide based on the known N-terminal sequence of the secreted protein. The complete nucleotide sequence of the gene has been determined. The deduced amino acid sequence of alveolysin shows that alveolysin shares homologies with listeriolysin O, perfringolysin O, pneumolysin, and streptolysin O. Alveolysin, like the other members of the family, contains a single cysteine in the conserved peptide sequence ECTGLA WEWWR.
Exercise accelerates wound healing among healthy older adults: a preliminary investigation.

BACKGROUND Older adults are likely to experience delayed rates of wound healing, impaired neuroendocrine responsiveness, and increased daily stress. Exercise activity has been shown to have a positive effect on physiological functioning and psychological functioning among older adults. This study evaluated the effect of a 3-month exercise program on wound healing, neuroendocrine function, and perceived stress among healthy older adults. METHODS Twenty-eight healthy older adults (mean age 61.0 +/- 5.5 years) were assigned randomly to an exercise activity group (n = 13) or to a nonexercise control group (n = 15). One month following baseline randomization, after exercise participants had acclimated to the exercise routine, all participants underwent an experimental wound procedure. Wounds were measured 3 times per week until healed to calculate rate of wound healing. All participants completed assessments of exercise endurance, salivary cortisol, and self-reported stress prior to randomization and at the conclusion of the intervention. RESULTS Exercise participants achieved significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, as reflected by increased oxygen consumption (VO(2)max) and exercise duration. Wound healing occurred at a significantly faster rate in the exercise group [mean = 29.2 (9.0) days] than in the nonexercise group [38.9 (7.4) days; p =. 012]. Exercise participants also experienced increased cortisol secretion during stress testing following the intervention. Group differences in wound healing and neuroendocrine responsiveness were found despite low levels of self-reported stress. CONCLUSIONS A relatively short-term exercise intervention is associated with enhanced rates of wound healing among healthy older adults. Thus, exercise activity may be an important component of health care to promote wound healing.
Neurologic function in the optimally healthy oldest old

We examined cognition on a wide range of standardized neuropsychological tests in two groups of optimally healthy, elderly volunteers. One was composed of community-dwelling, functionally independent individuals aged 84 years and older, and the other group was nearly 20 years younger. The effect of aging was greatest on visual perceptual and constructional tasks rather than on memory tasks. Many cognitive functions were relatively well preserved in the optimally healthy oldest old.
Underwater 3D shape measurement using inverse triangulation through two flat refractive surfaces

This work describes a physical refraction model stereo vision system calibration. A back projection and a stereo optimization are used to find the cameras axis and distances from its central point to the water tank glass. The system performs inverse triangulation, also known as mesh oriented measurements. In order to evaluate the refraction model performance, laboratory experiments were conducted and the measurement error of two calibrated spheres were compared to air acquisitions. A mannequin face is also used as a complex shape underwater measurement sample.
The Economic Notion of Trust

It is apprehended that the human element of trust is becoming the number one asset for the financial organisations. And since trust is a matter of relationships, financial organisations need to create, expand and maintain consumer trust for communication, transactions and payments. Financial institutions are known for their ability to cultivate long-standing relationships with their clients based on integrity and trust. And as we move towards electronic-based transactions, there is the need to explore the factor of trust in order to identify how financial organizations are shaped in the future and what issues are raised. Trust always affects two measurable outcomes: speed and cost and there are essentially two mechanisms that lead to economic notions of trust, the one is based on repeated interaction the other one is based on beliefs. The ultimate goal is to engage online commerce users quickly and establish and preserve strategic trust under challenging situations. In the ecommerce context, based on the target, the study of trust can be categorized as macro-level or micro-level. The macro-level study of trust deals with what called institution-based trust and the micro-level study of trust is different from the macro-level study in that the target of the former is an individual e-business. The research questions that are brought in the surface are: what exactly is trust in the on-line environment? What are the sources of trust? Is there more than one form of trust? Is it a static or dynamic phenomenon etc. The paper will try to explore, examine, and describe the methods for estimating the economic value of trust (cost of developing trust, maintaining trust and trust failure), the impacts of trust on e –economy (general finding) and how trustworthy financial organizations are created and finally financial organizations benefit from trust.
Dissociative Experiences of Women Child Abuse Survivors

A selective literature review of dissociation in women abuse survivors was under-taken from a feminist, constructivist perspective. Dissociation has been conceptualized many ways historically. Current understandings of dissociative phenomena are diverse, as reflected in the research and treatment literature. Dissociation has been linked to physical and psychological problems, including major mental ill-nesses, pelvic pain, somatization disorders, and eating disorders. There has been a preoccupation with rare but fascinating extremes of dissociation, such as multiple personality disorder, with less emphasis on more frequently seen types of dissociation, such as depersonalization and derealization. Views of dissociation as it occurs in women child abuse survivors affect their autonomy and perceived credibility and determine treatment trajectories. Questions remain as to what aspects and types of dissociation are “pathological. ” There is evidence that dissociation may be a commonplace human experience in the general population. Implications for theory, research, and practice are included.