Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review of the Effects of Body Temperature on Outcome After Adult Traumatic Brain Injury

ABSTRACT Objective: This systematic review describes effects of body temperature alterations defined as fever, controlled normothermia, and spontaneous or induced hypothermia on outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in adults. Data Sources: A search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Science in July 2013 with no back date restriction except for induced hypothermia (2009). Study Selection: Of 1366 titles identified, 712 were reviewed. Sixteen articles met inclusion criteria: randomized controlled trials in hypothermia since 2009 (last Cochrane review) or cohort studies of temperature in TBI, measure core and/or brain temperature, neurologic outcome reporting, primarily adult patients, and English language publications. Exclusion criteria were as follows: most patients with non-TBI diagnosis, primarily pediatric patients, case reports, or laboratory/animal studies. Data Synthesis: Most studies found that fever avoidance resulted in positive outcomes including decreased length of stay in the intensive care unit; mortality; and incidence of hypertension, elevated intracranial pressure, and tachycardia. Hypothermia on admission correlated with poor outcomes. Controlled normothermia improved surrogate outcomes. Prophylactic induced hypothermia is not supported by the available evidence from randomized controlled trial. Conclusion: Setting a goal of normothermia, avoiding fever, and aggressively treating fever may be most important after TBI. Further research is needed to characterize the magnitude and duration of temperature alteration after TBI, determine if temperature alteration influences or predicts neurologic outcome, determine if rate of temperature change influences or predicts neurologic outcome, and compare controlled normothermia versus standard practice or hypothermia.
Proceedings INNODOCT/18. International Conference on Innovation, Documentation and Education

This paper presents an analysis of the 62 universities in Ecuador that are in the web ranking of universities, in order to evaluate the use of digital media and obtain information on the management of university e-branding. The study explores, to a large extent, the digital variables currently used for broadcasting and we include the resources of two indexed databases as a dissemination flow. All this data has been analyzed through statistics and web performance tools. The results indicate the universities in Ecuador do not present a clear use of the academic e-branding as a strategy of dissemination, exposure, and visibility improvement to increase their ranking level. However, it is clear that some have demonstrated the relevance of the uses of these systems to improve their worldwide level spread.
Noninvasive, in vivo determination of uterine fibroid thermal conductivity in MRI‐guided high intensity focused ultrasound therapy

To estimate the local thermal conductivity of uterine fibroid in vivo at a high temperature range (60–80°C) typically encountered in magnetic resonance imaging‐guided high‐intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU) surgery. The thermal conductivity of uterine fibroids in vivo is unknown and knowledge about tissue thermal conductivity may aid in effective delivery of thermal energy for ablation.
Updates on immunity and inflammation in Parkinson disease pathology

Studies in the last decade have suggested the association of both neuroinflammatory processes and immune responses in Parkinson disease (PD) pathology. PD pathology is related to depleted dopamine levels, α‐synuclein aggregation, and death of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Reports have suggested central and peripheral inflammation in the prodromal stage of the disease, which is sustained during disease progression. Alongside the activation of peripheral immune system exacerbates the dissonant central inflammatory responses and could contribute in synergistic neurodegeneration. Activated glial cells contribute significantly in the neuroinflammatory process during the occurrence of the disease and are also acknowledged as a hallmark of disease progression. However, the contribution of glial cells is not well defined in the context of neurodegeneration and neuroprotection. This review provides an overview of the roles of immune and inflammatory responses and their consequences in PD disease pathogenesis and also discusses possible therapeutic strategies for PD based on these findings.
The Use of Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography to Confirm Placement of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in Neonates

Abstract The use of plain radiographs in assessing the correct position of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line tips is not always accurate. Ultrasound may be a better modality in detecting tip position and aid in line manipulation. We assessed the accuracy of plain radiographs in determining PICC line tip position compared with using targeted neonatal echocardiography (TnECHO) in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit. Following PICC insertion, tip position was confirmed using TnECHO after the first radiograph. A 2 × 2 table was constructed to compare the two modalities’ ability to detect line position. A total of 22 infants were included in the study with a gestation of 26.5 weeks (25.4 to 28.8) and birth weight of 833 g (710 to 1930). Concordance between radiographs and TnECHO for PICC line tip position occurred in 13 infants (59%). Sensitivity of radiographs in determining malposition was 64% with a specificity of 55%. Three infants were incorrectly identified to have deep lines and two infants were incorrectly identified to have short lines. In nine infants (41%), a second radiograph was avoided following line manipulation using TnECHO. TnECHO is a useful tool in identifying tip position, performing real-time manipulation, and minimizing exposure to further radiographs.
Selecting Treatments and Monitoring Outcomes: The Circle of Evidence-Based Practice and Client-Centered Care in Treating a Preschool Child Who Stutters.

Purpose The purpose of the present clinical forum is to compare how 2 clinicians might select among therapy options for a preschool-aged child who presents with stuttering close to onset. Method I discuss approaches to full evaluation of the child's profile, advisement of evidence-based practice options open to the family, the need for monitoring of the child's response, and selection of other approaches, if the child appears nonresponsive to the 1st-line approach. Results Although some researchers and clinicians appear to favor endorsement of a single recommended treatment for early stuttering, I do not find this approach helpful or consistent with newer mandates for patient-centered care. I am also most comfortable recommending RESTART demands and capacities model as the 1st treatment approach, with parent consent, because its mechanism of action appears transparent and well-documented. Conclusions There are numerous well-supported intervention options for treating preschool children who stutter. No single therapy can possibly work for all clients. I discuss available options that I feel have sufficient evidence-based support for use with young children who stutter. I emphasize the need to consider more, not fewer, acceptable therapy options for children who do not respond positively to a selected treatment approach within a reasonable time frame.
Coordinate Control of the Locus of Enterocyte Effacement and Enterohemolysin Genes by Multiple Common Virulence Regulators in Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT The locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) pathogenicity island is required for the intimate adhesion of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) to the intestinal epithelial cells. GrlR and GrlA are LEE-encoded negative and positive regulators, respectively. The interaction of these two regulators is important for controlling the transcription of LEE genes through Ler, a LEE-encoded central activator for the LEE. The GrlR-GrlA regulatory system controls not only LEE but also the expression of the flagellar and enterohemolysin (Ehx) genes in EHEC. Since Ehx levels were markedly induced in a grlR mutant but not in a grlR grlA double mutant and significantly increased by overexpression of GrlA in a ler mutant, GrlA is responsible for this regulation (T. Saitoh et al., J. Bacteriol. 190:4822-4830, 2008). In this study, additional investigations of the regulation of ehx gene expression determined that Ler also acts as an activator for Ehx expression without requiring GrlA function. We recently reported that the LysR-type regulator LrhA positively controls LEE expression (N. Honda et al., Mol. Microbiol. 74:1393-1411, 2009). The hemolytic activity of the lrhA mutant strain of EHEC was lower than that of the wild-type strain, and LrhA markedly induced ehx transcription in an E. coli K-12 strain, suggesting that LrhA also activates the transcription of ehx without GrlA and Ler. Gel mobility shift assays demonstrated that Ler and LrhA directly bind to the regulatory region of ehxC. Together, these results indicate that transcription of ehx is positively regulated by Ler, GrlA, and LrhA, which all act as positive regulators for LEE expression.
Cloning and characterization of novel CIS family genes.

We have reported two JAK-signaling modulators, CIS (cytokine-inducible SH2 protein) and JAB (JAK2 binding protein), which are structurally related. Here we cloned three additional CIS family genes (CIS2, CIS3, and CIS4) on the basis of an expression sequence tag (EST) database search. We also found at least two additional candidates of this gene family in the database. These genes were induced by erythropoietin and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor in certain hematopoietic cell lines. The SH2 domain and a C-terminal 40 amino acid region, designated the CIS homology domain (CH domain), are highly conserved in this family, while the N-terminal regions of these proteins share little similarity. A yeast two-hybrid assay and in vitro and in vivo binding assays revealed that in addition to JAB, CIS3 bound to the JAK2 tyrosine kinase domain (JH1), although the interaction of CIS3 with the JAK2-JH1 domain was much weaker than that of JAB. Transient expression of JAB and CIS3, but not other CISs, strongly inhibited leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)-induced STAT3-reporter gene activation in 293 cells. Furthermore, constitutive overexpression of JAB and CIS3 in M1 leukemia cells prevented LIF-induced differentiation and growth arrest. Although the physiological function remains to be investigated, CIS family genes could play a role in the negative regulation of cytokine signaling by interacting with specific targets.
Overlapping Pathways Mediate the Opposing Actions of Tumor Necrosis Factor- and Transforming Growth Factor- on 2(I) Collagen Gene Transcription (*)

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are multifunctional peptides intimately involved in the process of extracellular matrix remodeling. We recently showed that TGF-β stimulates the human α2(I) collagen gene by increasing the affinity of an Sp1-containing transcriptional complex bound to an upstream sequence termed the TbRE (Inagaki, Y., Truter, S. and Ramirez, F.(1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 14828-14834). Here, we report that the TbRE-bound complex also mediates the inhibitory signal of TNF-α. Nuclear proteins from cells treated with TNF-α bind to the TbRE sequence substantially more strongly than those from untreated cells. Additionally, TNF-α increases binding of a second protein complex that recognizes the negatively cis-acting element located immediately next to the TbRE. Thus, we postulate that TNF-α counteracts the TGF-β-elicited stimulation of collagen gene expression through overlapping nuclear signaling pathways. One modifies the TGF-β-targeted transcriptional complex, probably by reducing its stimulatory effect on collagen transcription. The other acts on the binding of the adjacent factor, presumably by increasing its effectiveness in repressing the activity of the collagen promoter. The convergence of the TGF-β and TNF-α pathways on the same sequence of the α2(I) collagen promoter is yet another example of combinatorial gene regulation achieved through composite response elements.
Quantitative PCR for Epstein–Barr virus DNA and RNA in multiple sclerosis

Background Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is associated with MS, but it is not clear whether EBV plays a role in the pathogenesis of MS. Hypothesis We hypothesized that the immune control of EBV might be defective in MS, and that reactivation of EBV might drive the immune response in MS. Methods We collected blood from controls and patients with MS, and measured the amounts of EBV DNA and RNA using quantitative PCR. Results We found that EBV DNA and RNA were frequently detectable in peripheral blood leukocytes from both patients with MS and normal controls. There was no significant difference between patients with MS or controls. Paired samples from a small number of subjects suggest that EBV DNA may increase before and during clinical relapse. Conclusions We conclude that the immune control of EBV infection is similar in MS and controls, and that reactivation of EBV may correlate with MS disease activity.
Optimization-based analysis for residential PV spreading considering non-residential PV allocation in distribution networks

In recent years, photovoltaic (PV) penetration has significantly increased in distribution networks. In the future, it will be more and more important to predict how much and where PV will be installed. Existing agent-based PV diffusion models just considered the spreading of residential PV, but actually there is a large amount of non-residential PV such as industrial and commercial. Its effect should not be ignored. So far agent-based models considering optimization do not exist. In this paper, we incorporate the optimization problem into the agent-based model, and analyze how residential PV diffusion changes depending on the allocation of non-residential PV. As a result, it is shown that PV installation in root sections makes more residential PV diffuse than in end sections.
Accelerated proximal algorithms for L1-minimization problem

Linearized Bregman algorithm is effective on solving l1-minimization problem, but its parameter's selection must rely on prior information. In order to ameliorate this weakness, we proposed a new algorithm in this paper, which combines the proximal point algorithm and the linearized Bregman iterative method. In the second part of the paper, the proposed algorithm is further accelerated through Nestrove's accelerated scheme and parameters' reset skills. Compared with the original linearized Bregman algorithm, the accelerated algorithms have better convergent speed while avoiding selecting model parameter. Simulations on sparse recovery problems show the new algorithms really have robust parameter's selections, and improve the convergent precision at the same time.
On the Failure of R&D Projects

There is an extensive literature on the success/failure of firm-funded R&D projects, but growing policy interest focuses on publicly funded R&D projects. We discuss this literature, which builds on a long stream of research of which Albert Rubenstein was a prime investigator, and use the literature to motivate the theoretical and empirical parts of the paper. Using data from 1878 Phase II R&D projects funded through the U.S. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, of which 624 had been discontinued prior to technical completion, we provide for the first time quantitative findings on the success/failure of publicly funded firm-performed R&D projects. Using a single-equation qualitative choice model, we find that prior R&D experience with the technology funded by SBIR projects, the amount of the SBIR award, and having a female as a principle investigator, other factors held constant, are all negatively related to the probability of project failure. In contrast, firm size is positively associated with project failure. We did not find evidence that human capital, experiential knowledge embodied in the firm conducting the R&D, or university involvement in the R&D project affected the probability of project failure. We discuss the implications of these findings for practice, policy, and further research.
The use of polymerase chain reaction to confirm diagnosis in skin biopsies consistent with American tegumentary leishmaniasis at histopathology: a study of 90 cases.

BACKGROUND Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a chronic, infectious disease caused by protozoa of the genus leishmania. The incidence of this disease is high in Brazil, with 19,746 new cases having been detected in 2008. The presence of amastigotes in the cytoplasm of histiocytes constitutes diagnosis of the disease; however, their presence is rarely found in late lesions, making histological diagnosis difficult. Polymerase chain reaction has been shown to represent a highly sensitive and specific technique for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. OBJECTIVES To use polymerase chain reaction to evaluate paraffin-embedded skin biopsies with histopathological features consistent with cutaneous leishmaniasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Polymerase chain reaction amplification of a 120-base-pair fragment of Leishmania kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) minicircles was performed on 90 skin biopsies. The male/female ratio was 75/15. Mean age was 32.36 years, with a median of 31 years, range 4-72 years. Samples were histologically compatible with cutaneous leishmaniasis but a definitive diagnosis could not be made since amastigotes were not found. All cases were histologically classified according to the patterns described by de Magalhães. RESULTS According to the de Magalhães classification, the most common histological pattern was type IV (exudative granulomatous reaction), which was found in 65.6% of cases (56/90), followed by type I (exudative cellular reaction) in 21.1% of cases (19/90) and type III (exudative and necrotic granulomatous reaction) in 12.2% of cases (11/90). Leishmania DNA was found in 96.7% of the biopsies (87/90). CONCLUSION Polymerase chain reaction performed by amplifying kDNA is able to confirm a diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis with a high degree of sensitivity in cases in which histopathology is consistent with a diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis but not definitive.
Acute Physiologic Stress and Subsequent Anxiety Among Family Members of ICU Patients

Objectives: The ICU is a complex and stressful environment and is associated with significant psychologic morbidity for patients and their families. We sought to determine whether salivary cortisol, a physiologic measure of acute stress, was associated with subsequent psychologic distress among family members of ICU patients. Design: This is a prospective, observational study of family members of adult ICU patients. Setting: Adult medical and surgical ICU in a tertiary care center. Subjects: Family members of ICU patients. Interventions: Participants provided five salivary cortisol samples over 24 hours at the time of the patient ICU admission. The primary measure of cortisol was the area under the curve from ground; the secondary measure was the cortisol awakening response. Outcomes were obtained during a 3-month follow-up telephone call. The primary outcome was anxiety, measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety. Secondary outcomes included depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Measurements and Main Results: Among 100 participants, 92 completed follow-up. Twenty-nine participants (32%) reported symptoms of anxiety at 3 months, 15 participants (16%) reported depression symptoms, and 14 participants (15%) reported posttraumatic stress symptoms. In our primary analysis, cortisol level as measured by area under the curve from ground was not significantly associated with anxiety (odds ratio, 0.94; p = 0.70). In our secondary analysis, however, cortisol awakening response was significantly associated with anxiety (odds ratio, 1.08; p = 0.02). Conclusions: Roughly one third of family members experience anxiety after an ICU admission for their loved one, and many family members also experience depression and posttraumatic stress. Cortisol awakening response is associated with anxiety in family members of ICU patients 3 months following the ICU admission. Physiologic measurements of stress among ICU family members may help identify individuals at particular risk of adverse psychologic outcomes.
In-house coordinator programs improve conversion rates for organ donation.

BACKGROUND The organ supply shortage continues to be a public health care crisis, with nearly 20 people dying each day awaiting transplantation. Inability to obtain consent remains one of the major obstacles to converting potential donors into organ donors. We hypothesize that the presence of in-house coordinators (IHCs) from organ procurement organizations (OPOs) will improve organ donor conversion rates. METHODS This retrospective review analyzed the effect of an IHC program on organ donation outcome. Referrals for possible organ donation from three IHC programs to regional organ procurement organizations were included. Data regarding organ donation demographics and outcomes were compared before (Pre-IHC) and after (Post-IHC) the establishment of an IHC program. The main outcome measures were conversion and family decline rates. The conversion rate was calculated as the number of actual donors divided by the number of eligible deaths and is represented as a percentage. The IHC functioned to assess for potential donors, ensure timely referrals, provide hospital staff education, assist with family consent and donor management, and provide family support. RESULTS Post-IHC was associated with a significantly lower family decline rate (6% vs. 18%, p < 0.001), a significantly higher consent for research rate (8% vs. 0.4%, p < 0.001), and a significantly higher conversion rate (77% vs. 63%, p = 0.007) compared with Pre-IHC. In addition, a significant increase in referrals per day (0.35 vs. 0.27, p < 0.05) and organs transplanted per eligible death were noted Post-IHC. CONCLUSION The presence of an IHC program significantly improves conversion rates for organ donation as well as organ yield. An IHC program should be considered as a viable option to bridge the gap between organ supply and organ demand.
Identification of critical positive charges in XIP, the Na/Ca exchange inhibitory peptide.

The peptides XIP (RRLLFYKYVYKRYRAGKQRG) and C28R2 (LRRGQILWFRGLNRIQTQIRVVKAFRSS) correspond to the autoinhibitory domains of the Na-Ca exchanger and the plasma membrane Ca pump, respectively. An increase of ionic strength reduced the inhibition of exchange activity by XIP and C28R2, consistent with an important role for electrostatic interactions. Sulfosuccinimidyl acetate (SNA)-modified XIP did not inhibit Na-Ca exchange. Because SNA modifies lysines, we conclude that at least one of the positive charges at the XIP lysine positions (7, 11, or 17) is important for inhibition. 2CK-XIP (RRLLFYRYVYRCYCAGRQKG) has cysteines at 12 and 14 and only one lysine (at 19). 2CK-XIP inhibited Na-Ca exchange; thus positive charges at 12 and 14 are not essential. SNA-modified 2CK-XIP did not inhibit; thus a positive charge at 19 is important. Iodoacetic acid-modified 2CK-XIP inhibits the Na-Ca exchanger but not the PM Ca pump. These results show that the structural determinants for inhibition of the Na-Ca exchanger and the PM Ca pump are different, that positive charges at 7, 11, or 17 (or some combination) are more important than positive charges at 12 and 14 for inhibition by XIP of the Na-Ca exchanger.