Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Treating bone and joint infections with teicoplanin: hospitalization vs outpatient cost issues.

: The relative cost of outpatient parenteral antibiotic treatment of bone and joint infections with the investigational drug teicoplanin was compared with the cost of inpatient treatment. A private practice infectious disease group used teicoplanin to treat 49 patients (53 treatment courses) with bone and joint infections. The outpatient treatment program "saved" $403,680 compared with inpatient treatment, based on per diem reimbursements of $700 for inpatient treatment and $220 for outpatient treatment. Any cost analysis should be interpreted carefully because accurate calculation of outpatient treatment savings requires distinguishing among actual costs, charges, and reimbursements. In addition, there may be hidden costs related to lack of efficacy, toxicity, or litigation. Consideration should also be given to whoever is the beneficiary of the savings. Is it the indemnity insurance company, the provider, or the patient? Specific characteristics of the treatment, including ease of use, effectiveness, and monitoring requirement, may affect the savings. Our study showed that teicoplanin allows once-daily dosing, is easily administered, is generally efficacious, and has minimum requirements for blood level monitoring. These characteristics improve the cost effectiveness of using the drug in an outpatient treatment program.
How Aging Shapes Neural Representations of Space: fMRI Evidence for Broader Direction Tuning Functions in Older Adults

Human aging is characterized by losses in spatial cognition as well as reductions in distinctiveness of categoryspecific fMRI activation patterns. One mechanism linking theses two phenomena could be that broader neural tuning functions lead to more signal confusions when tuning-based representations of walking direction are read out. To test this idea, we developed a novel method that allowed us to investigate changes in fMRI-measured pattern similarity while participants navigated in different directions in a virtual spatial navigation task. We expected that adjacent directions are represented more similarly within direction sensitive brain areas, reflecting a tuning-function-like signal. Importantly, heightened similarity might lead downstream areas to become more likely to confuse neighboring directions. We therefore analyzed predictions of a decoder trained on these representations, asking (1) whether decoder confusions between two directions increased proportionally to their angular similarity, (2) and how this differs between age groups. Evidence for tuning-function-like signals was found in the retrosplenial complex and primary visual cortex. Significant age differences in tuning width, however, were only found in the primary visual cortex. Our findings introduce a novel approach to measure tuning specificity using fMRI and suggest broader visual direction tuning in older adults might underlie age-related spatial navigation impairments.
Infectious Disease: An agent-based simulation.

One of the primary reasons for studying infectious diseases is to improve control and ultimately eradicate the infection from the population (Keeling 2008). An agent base model was designed to observe the spread of disease and the effect of vaccination using the program known as StarLogoTNG. Experiments were designed, not having a particular disease in mind, and simulations were run to determine the effects of different variables on the vaccination process of a certain population. Goals included observation of how infections spread and how vaccination plays a role in various situations such as, root of the infection, population size, number of providers for vaccination, and the longevity of vaccination.
Oxymorons: The Myth of a U.S. Health Care System

Preface Acknowledgments About the Author 1. Wars, Strikes, Riots, and Acts of Congress The Accidental Patient The Accidental Provider Is There a Doctor in the Corporation? A Medical Chicken in Every Pot? I'm from the Government, and I'm Here to Audit You Back Alleys and "Integrated" Care Systems Chocolate and Vanilla Politics 2. Playing with the Boss's Money Ten Thousand Little Health Care Systems Life in the Data Mines Continuity Conundrum Stuck in Fifty Catatonic States Toward a New Federalism? Who Benefits from the Proliferation of Benefit Plans? 3. The HMO Will See You Now Diagnosis: Organizational Multiple Personality Disorder Data Speak Louder Than TV Ads MCO Multiple Personality Disorder, Deconstructed Who Buys an Ounce of Prevention? You Get What You Pay For 4. The Health Care Jobs Program The Managed Care Jobs Program Life on the Hospital Chain Gang Old South, New South Spoonfuls of Sugar 5. Chaos in the Clinic Having a Bad O'Hare Day From Here to Infinity Why It Is Called Medical "Practice". Rational Irrationality Misguidelines My Data Can Beat Up Your Data. From Infinity Back to Here 6. Vaporware.com Nightmare on Wall Street A Fix for Health Care's Permanent Love Triangle? Is There a Doctor in the Corporation.com? Whose Preferred Provider? Open Your E-mail and Say "Ah" Nightmare on Wall Street: The Remake 7. A "System" for the Uninsured A Not-for-Profit Hospital by Any Other Name Waiting for Godot's Reform Plan 8. A Simple Plan My Tax Break Is Your Tax Break ERISA (or Something Like It) for All The Benefits of Standard Benefits 9. Personal Effects References Index Contents viii
Nursing Student Stress and Demographic Factors

of Nursing Student Stress and Demographic Factors by Mary Lelia Baker Statement of Problem Nursing students experience high levels of stress (Beck, Hackett, Srivastava, McKim, & Rockwell, 1997), have been shown to be at increased risk for physical and psychiatric illnesses (Beck & Srivastava, 1991) and stress has been shown to increase dropout rates (O’Regan, 2005). No prior published studies that focus on the relationship between demographic variables and reported stress levels in nursing students have been published. Sources of Data Data was collected from a convenience sample of all nursing students currently enrolled at California State University San Marcos. Students completed an online survey that included demographic data, the Student Nurse Stress Index (SNSI) (Jones & Johnston, 1999), and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (Strahan & Gerbasi, 1972). Conclusions Reached Two independent variables, GPA (p=.001) and Study Time (p=.013) showed statistical significance in affecting the self-reported stress levels as measured by the SNSI.
Principales desenlaces clínicos en lactantes con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda tratados con cánula nasal de alto flujo

La canula Nasal de Alto Flujo (CNAF) es una modalidad ventilatoria no invasiva que cada vez mas se utiliza en la poblacion pediatrica en la que se describen beneficios sobre la oxigenacion, ventilacion y confort del paciente a traves de mecanismos de accion que han sido estudiados y descritos en la literatura medica, sin embargo aun existe poca evidencia respecto a la eficacia y seguridad de la canula nasal de alto flujo por lo que a traves de este estudio generaremos informacion cientifica y conoceremos cuales son los principales desenlaces de los lactantes de un mes y hasta los 23 meses de edad que fueron atendidos con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda con canula nasal de alto flujo en la unidad de cuidado intensivo pediatrico de la Clinica Infantil Colsubsidio entre 2016 -2017
A Minus That Makes the Difference

Background: Acute Coronary Syndromes include a wide variety of clinical scenarios. Coronary Angiography (CA) is a low-resolution imaging technique and its inability to provide a satisfactory tissue characterization of culprit lesions could be a concern in some cases. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an emergent intravascular high-resolution imaging modality which could be complementary to CA in challenging cases. We report a case of a young man in whom OCT had been determinant to understand the pathology of culprit lesion and to formulate a tailored therapy. Case presentation: We report a case of a 28-years-old man, presenting to the emergency department and complaining of acute chest pain lasting about 30 minutes. Cardiovascular risk factors were cigarette smoking and familial history of Coronary Artery Disease. At admission both EKG and echocardiogram were unremarkable; a mild positivization of high sensitive troponine T was detected. The next day CA was performed showing a “minus” image in the proximal Left Anterior Descendent Artery (LAD), highly suspicious for a pedunculated, non-stenosing, adherent wall thrombus which prompted adequate antithrombotic and anticoagulant therapy. At control angiography we performed an OCT study which showed a thin-capped eccentric vulnerable plaque. We therefore decided to implant a bioresorbable scaffold on the proximal LAD. Subsequent thrombophilia screening showed severe hyperhomocysteinemia and homozygous C677T Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase mutation. The patient was discharged home 2 days later on aspirin, ticagrelor, folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12. At 6-month follow-up, a new OCT image acquisition showed satisfactory apposition of the bioresorbable scaffold. Conclusions: OCT is a promising high-resolution intravascular imaging modality able to provide a comprehensive tissue characterization of unstable coronary plaques. OCT should be used as a complementary technique in challenging clinical scenarios.
To be or not to be pink(1): contradictory findings in an animal model for Parkinson’s disease

Abstract The PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 knockout rat (Pink1−/−) is marketed as an established model for Parkinson’s disease, characterized by development of motor deficits and progressive degeneration of half the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta by 8 months of age. In this study, we address our concerns about the reproducibility of the Pink1−/− rat model. We evaluated behavioural function, number of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons and extracellular striatal dopamine concentrations by in vivo microdialysis. Strikingly, we and others failed to observe any loss of dopaminergic neurons in 8-month-old male Pink1−/− rats. To understand this variability, we compared key experimental parameters from the different studies and provide explanations for contradictory findings. Although Pink1−/− rats developed behavioural deficits, these could not be attributed to nigrostriatal degeneration as there was no loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and no changes in neurotransmitter levels in the striatum. To maximize the benefit of Parkinson’s disease research and limit the unnecessary use of laboratory animals, it is essential that the research community is aware of the limits of this animal model. Additional research is needed to identify reasons for inconsistency between Pink1−/− rat colonies and why degeneration in the substantia nigra is not consistent.
Correlations of Corneal Spherical Aberration with Astigmatism and Axial Length in Cataract Patients

Purpose To clarify the distribution of corneal spherical aberrations (SAs) in cataract patients with different corneal astigmatism and axial length. Setting Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science of the Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Design Retrospective case series. Methods The axial length, corneal SAs, and other corneal biometrics were collected in cataract patients with Pentacam HR and IOLMaster 500. The statistical analysis of the corneal SAs was based on the stratification of axial length and anterior corneal astigmatism. Results In total, 6747 eyes of 6747 patients were recruited, with 2416 eyes (58.17 ± 16.81 years old) in the astigmatism group (anterior corneal astigmatism ≥1 D) and others (61.82 ± 12.64 years old) in the control group. In patients with astigmatism <2 D, the total and anterior SAs decreased as the axial length increased (P < 0.001). The total corneal SAs of patients with astigmatism of 2-3 D stabilized at around 0.29 μm, whereas those of patients with anterior corneal astigmatism ≥3 D tended to be variable. Age and anterior corneal astigmatism had positive and negative effects, respectively, on SA in the regression model. Conclusions Axial length has a negative effect on the anterior and total corneal SAs, which stabled around 0.33 μm and 0.30 μm in patients with axial length of ≥26 mm, respectively. Individualized SA adjustments are essential for patients undergoing aspheric toric IOL implantation with preoperative anterior corneal astigmatism of 1-2 D or ≥3 D. Toric IOLs with a negative SA of −0.20 μm are recommended for patients with anterior corneal astigmatism of 2-3 D if no customized therapy is warranted.
Penal Populism and Public Opinion: Lessons from Five Countries

Although criminal justice systems vary greatly around the world, one theme has emerged in all western jurisdictions in recent years: a rise in both the rhetoric and practice of severe punishment at a time when public opinion has played a pivotal role in sentencing policy and reforms. Despite the differences among jurisdictions, startling commonalities exist among the five countries-the U.K., USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand-surveyed here. Drawing on the results of representative opinion surveys and other research tools the authors map public attitudes towards crime and punishment across countries and explore the congruence between public views and actual policies. Co-authored by four distinguished sentencing policy experts, Penal Populism and Public Opinion is a clarion call for limiting the influence of penal populism and instituting more informed, research-based sentencing policies across the western world.
UPDATE: METABOLIC DISORDERS OF PREECLAMPSIA A REVIEW

Background: Preeclampsia is one of the contributors to the increased maternal morbidity and mortality rates in Indonesia. One of the disorders caused by the preeclampsia is metabolic disorders. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of metabolic disorders that accompany preeclampsia. Methods: This was a literature review using electronic databases Science Direct and PubMed. Keywords used in searching literature were ‘preeclampsia’ and ‘metabolism disorder of preeclampsia’ with the year limit between 2010 and 2018. Articles published in English was chosen in this study. Results: The search found 3,823 articles, of which 14 articles were included in this study. Metabolic disorders that happened in the group of preeclampsia were higher RDW (Red blood cell distribution width), MTT (Biomarker), ADA (adenosine deaminase), CA-125 serum, triglycerides (TG), Angiotensin, cytokinin, CEC (Circulating endothelial cells), lipoprotein and cholesterol. Meanwhile, studies also found that preeclampsia caused the lower selenium serum, aromatase, and thiol-disulphide in the body. Conclusion: Preeclampsia proved causing the disorders of metabolic, mostly in the form of inflammation, endothelial cell damage and oxidative stress. Potential targets are needed for treatment of metabolic disorders in preeclampsia group both medically and non-medically especially for the lipid levels in preeclampsia.
Management of Ear Keloids Using Surgical Excision Combined with Postoperative Steroid Injections

BACKGROUND Ear keloids are a challenging problem that affect people of different races with substantial aesthetic consequences. Various types of adjuvant therapies, including intralesional corticosteroid injection are advocated to lower recurrence following excision. We investigated the efficacy of a protocol combined of excision and postoperative intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection for treating earlobe keloids in a group of Iranian female patients. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 21 patients representing 31 ear keloids treated by a single physician between 2013 and 2017 was conducted. All keloids occurred after ear piercing in female cases. Postoperative intralesional TA injection was administered once monthly and continued for several months based on the patients’ clinical progress. Results were assessed according to Kyoto scar scale. RESULTS The patients’ mean age was 24.29 years and ranged from 16 to 40 years. After the surgery, the follow-up period ranged from 10 to 29 months (mean: 15.93 months) and patients were given TA intralesional injections 3 to 6 times (mean: 4.22 times) with no complication or adverse effect. Of the treated keloids, success was achieved in all of 31 keloids (100%) and final evaluation revealed that the mean Kyoto scar scale was significantly decreased. No recurrence occurred. CONCLUSION Surgical excision followed by postoperative intralesional TA injection can be suggested as the primary protocol for the treatment of ear keloids considering its durable results and economic advantage.
The Learning, Teaching and Assessment of Partnership Work in Social Work Education

This review focuses on the teaching, learning and assessment of partnership work in qualifying social work education. It includes a research review and a survey of practice in the area. The review offers an informed and critical evaluation of the evidence in relation to partnership teaching in social work education, including both what is known and where the gaps in the knowledge base are. The practice survey identifies good practice examples as well as recommendations for practice development in this area of the social work qualifying curriculum.
Pharmacology and mechanisms of action of calcium-channel blockers.

: The calcium-channel blockers represent a group of organic chemical structures that share the ability to inhibit Ca2+ entry into excitable cells. In coronary and peripheral arterial smooth muscle and the heart, inhibition of Ca2+ entry blunts the ability of Ca2+ to serve as an intracellular messenger. Thus, calcium-channel blockers are smooth-muscle dilators and have a negative inotropic effect on the working myocardial cells of the atria and ventricles. Calcium-channel blockers also have effects on impulse formation and conduction in some regions of the heart. A fast, Na+-dependent ionic current is responsible for the upstroke of the action potential in the working cells of the atria and ventricles and in the rapidly conducting cells of the His-Purkinje system, so that the calcium-channel blockers do not inhibit conduction in these cells. In the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes, where depolarization is due primarily to a Ca2+-dependent slow inward current, the calcium-channel blockers slow the sinus pacemaker and inhibit atrioventricular conduction. The actions of different calcium-channel blockers are not always similar; for example, nifedipine is much more potent as an inhibitor of calcium channels in smooth muscle than in the heart, whereas verapamil and diltiazem are approximately equipotent in heart and vascular smooth muscle. It is likely that the calcium-channel blockers reach their specific binding sites in membranes by first dissolving in the phospholipid bilayer, after which they may interact with hydrophobic regions of proteins that make up, or regulate, these channels. Further knowledge of these molecular properties should facilitate the development of new calcium-channel blockers with improved specificity.
Association of gene polymorphisms in thyroid function-related genes with differentiated thyroid cancer risk and post thyroidectomy l-thyroxine suppressive dose requirements

Patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) are usually managed with total thyroidectomy and subsequent radioiodine ablation of the remnant thyroid tissue. Since these patients become athyrotic, L-throxine (L-T4) therapy is required for life, in order to replace the thyroid hormones and also to suppress the endogenous thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) which may have a growth-promoting effect on any residual thyroid cancer cells. The approximate dose required to achieve this suppression is about 2 g/kg. However, there is wide variation between patients in their L-T4 requirement. Although factors such as the timing of the dose, compliance, weight and age play important roles, genetic factors are also thought to be important in this dose variability. Therefore, the aims of this study are to identify and evaluate the association of polymorphisms in six genes [(iodothyronine deiodinases (DIO) 1, 2 and 3, paired box gene 8 (PAX8), thyroid stimulating hormone subunit β (TSHβ), and sodium iodide symporter (NIS)], involved in thyroid hormone metabolic and functional pathways with DTC risk and L-T4 dose requirement.
Demand Response and Battery Energy Storage Systems in Electricity Markets: Frameworks & Models

Ensuring a balance between the generation and demand is one of the most challenging tasks in power systems because of contingencies, sudden load changes, forecasting errors and other disturbances, occurring from time to time. The peak demand, which occurs only for a short duration, has always been a concern for independent system operators (ISOs), as it leads to high market prices and reliability concerns. Furthermore, in recent years there have been significant increase in the penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) to address the challenge of significantly reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the system’s dependence on fossil fuels based generation resources. However, the high penetration of RES, because of their intermittency and uncertainty, poses operational and reliability issues and thus necessitates an increase in the procurement and deployment of primary and secondary regulation reserves, as well as spinning and non-spinning reserves. In recent years, demand response (DR) and battery energy storage systems (BESS), because of their characteristic features such as fast response time, high ramp rate, and the ability to provide flexible upward and downward response as compared to conventional generators, have been considered as promising and viable options by the ISO to reduce the peak demand, facilitate RES integration and for the provision of ancillary services, such as regulation and spinning reserves. Despite the benefits and the growth opportunities of DR and BESS, there are still many challenges associated with their market participation. To address the challenges pertaining to DR and BESS participation in electricity markets, this thesis proposes appropriate models and frameworks, which can efficiently integrate these resources into the day-ahead and real-time electricity markets, and at the same time effectively address the aforementioned challenges of ISOs. This thesis first presents a new bid/offer structure for DR provisions, simultaneously through price responsive demand (PRD) based bids and load curtailment based DR offers from customers. Thereafter, incorporating the DR offer structure, a novel day-ahead, cooptimizing market auction framework and mathematical model for DR-energy-spinning reserve market, based on LMPs, which includes transmission loss representation within the dc power flow constraints is proposed. The impact of DR on both energy and spinning reserve market prices, market dispatch, line congestions, and other economic indicators, is studied using the IEEE Reliability Test System (RTS), by considering various scenarios and cases. In the next stage, the thesis considers the BESS participation in the day-ahead markets. First, a novel BESS cost function model, considering Degradation Cost, based on depth of