Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cystic fibrosis lung microbiome: Opportunities to reconsider management of airway infection

The importance of infection in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease has been long recognized, and the use of antibiotics targeting bacteria identified in cultures of respiratory specimens has played a critical role in improving outcomes for individuals with CF. Over the past ∼15 years, the use of culture‐independent methods to assess airway microbiology in CF has revealed complex and dynamic CF airway bacterial communities. Recent areas of investigation of the CF lung microbiome have included exploring how bacterial community structures change over time, particularly with respect to disease progression or pulmonary exacerbation, and in response to antibiotic therapies. This review will discuss what has been learned from these studies as well as how these findings offer opportunities to further refine management of CF airway infection. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:S31–S38. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emerging epidemic of hepatitis C virus infections among young nonurban persons who inject drugs in the United States, 2006-2012.

BACKGROUND Reports of acute hepatitis C in young persons in the United States have increased. We examined data from national surveillance and supplemental case follow-up at selected jurisdictions to describe the US epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among young persons (aged ≤30 years). METHODS We examined trends in incidence of acute hepatitis C among young persons reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during 2006-2012 by state, county, and urbanicity. Sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of HCV-infected young persons newly reported from 2011 to 2012 were analyzed from case interviews and provider follow-up at 6 jurisdictions. RESULTS From 2006 to 2012, reported incidence of acute hepatitis C increased significantly in young persons-13% annually in nonurban counties (P = .003) vs 5% annually in urban counties (P = .028). Thirty (88%) of 34 reporting states observed higher incidence in 2012 than 2006, most noticeably in nonurban counties east of the Mississippi River. Of 1202 newly reported HCV-infected young persons, 52% were female and 85% were white. In 635 interviews, 75% of respondents reported injection drug use. Of respondents reporting drug use, 75% had abused prescription opioids, with first use on average 2.0 years before heroin. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate an emerging US epidemic of HCV infection among young nonurban persons of predominantly white race. Reported incidence was higher in 2012 than 2006 in at least 30 states, with largest increases in nonurban counties east of the Mississippi River. Prescription opioid abuse at an early age was commonly reported and should be a focus for medical and public health intervention.
Uniform research case definition criteria differentiate tuberculous and bacterial meningitis in children.

BACKGROUND Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) research is hampered by low numbers of microbiologically confirmed TBM cases and the fact that they may represent a select part of the disease spectrum. A uniform TBM research case definition was developed to address these limitations, but its ability to differentiate TBM from bacterial meningitis has not been evaluated. METHODS We assessed all children treated for TBM from 1985 to 2005 at Tygerberg Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. For comparative purposes, a group of children with culture-confirmed bacterial meningitis, diagnosed between 2003 and 2009, was identified from the National Health Laboratory Service database. The performance of the proposed case definition was evaluated in culture-confirmed TBM and bacterial meningitis cases. RESULTS Of 554 children treated for TBM, 66 (11.9%) were classified as "definite TBM," 408 (73.6%) as "probable TBM," and 72 (13.0%) as "possible TBM. " "Probable TBM" criteria identified culture-confirmed TBM with a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 100%; sensitivity was increased but specificity reduced when using "possible TBM" criteria (sensitivity 100%, specificity 56%). CONCLUSIONS "Probable TBM" criteria accurately differentiated TBM from bacterial meningitis and could be considered for use in clinical trials; reduced sensitivity in children with early TBM (stage 1 disease) remains a concern.
Risk factors for adverse outcomes of Indigenous infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis

Hospitalized bronchiolitis imposes a significant burden among infants, particularly among Indigenous children. Traditional or known risk factors for severe disease are well described, but there are limited data on risks for prolonged hospitalization and persistent symptoms. Our aims were to determine factors (clinical and microbiological) associated with (i) prolonged length of stay (LOS); (ii) persistent respiratory symptoms at 3 weeks; (iii) bronchiectasis up to ∼24 months post‐hospitalisation; and (iv) risk of respiratory readmissions within 6 months.
Managing human resources toward achieving knowledge management

This research examines the linkages between human resource management and knowledge management. Specifically, the association between four areas of human resource management (training, decision‐making, performance appraisal, and compensation and reward) with the five areas of knowledge management (knowledge acquisition, knowledge documentation, knowledge transfer, knowledge creation, knowledge application) is explored. The statistical results suggest that a knowledge organisation requires a different management approach than the non‐knowledge organisation. Hence, the role of human resource management is also unique. In terms of employee development, the focus should be placed on achieving quality, creativity, leadership, and problem solving skill. The design of a compensation and reward system should be on promoting group performance, knowledge sharing, and innovative thinking. The performance appraisal must be the base of evaluation of employee’s knowledge management practices, and an input for directing.
Imaging Diagnosis of Ameloblastoma – Bildgebung bei Ameloblastomen

Fortschr Röntgenstr 2015; 187 Bei den Ameloblastomen (früher auch Adamantinome genannt) handelt es sich um odontogene Tumoren des Oberund Unterkiefers. Sie gelten als benigne und langsam wachsend, können jedoch lokal invasives Wachstum aufweisen. Dies legt einen besonderen Fokus auf eine adäquate Bildgebung und gezielte histologische Sicherung (Scholl RJ et al. Radiographics 1999; 19: 1107–1124; McClary AC et al. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2015; DOI: 10.1007/s00405-015-3631-8).
Current trends in pediatric pain management: from preoperative to the postoperative bedside and beyond

Pediatric pain management for children undergoing surgical care presents unique and significant challenges for clinicians. Effective and thoughtful pain management begins prior to the child’s arrival in the facility’s preanesthesia holding room, lasts throughout the entire perioperative process, and well into the postoperative period. The nature of pain, particularly in children, is complex and results from the interplay of biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors influencing not only the child, but also the child’s family. We now know that adequate pediatric pain management may improve both short- and long-term health outcomes for many years following surgical intervention. This manuscript reviews the current state-of-the-art trends in neonatal and pediatric pain assessment and management. Topics included in this review are pain assessment, neonatal pain, opioids, regional anesthesia, and psychological and physical strategies for reducing acute pediatric pain.
In utero exposure to zidovudine and heart anomalies in the ANRS French perinatal cohort and the nested PRIMEVA randomized trial.

BACKGROUND Antiretroviral (ARV) regimens during pregnancy are highly effective in preventing mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Congenital heart defects (CHDs) and anomalies in cardiac function have been reported in zidovudine (ZDV)-exposed uninfected children. We explored these associations in a large observational cohort and a randomized clinical trial. METHODS Since 1986, the French Perinatal Cohort prospectively enrolled all HIV-infected women in 90 centers and collected follow-up on their children through 2 years of age. All CHDs were reviewed by a specialist blinded to exposures. Additionally, in a randomized trial (PRIMEVA ANRS 135) of 2 ARV regimens during pregnancy, 1 of which was without nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, infants had a specific follow-up including echocardiography at 1 month and 12 months. RESULTS Among 12 888 children included, ZDV exposure in the first trimester was significantly associated with CHD (1.5% vs 0.7%; adjusted odds ratio, 2.2 [95% confidence interval, 1.3-3.7]; P < .001). This association was significant for ventricular septal defects (1.1% vs 0.6%; P = .001) and other CHDs (0.31% vs 0.11%; P = .02). In the randomized trial, among 50 infants, girls (but not boys) exposed in utero to ZDV/lamivudine/ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (LPV/r) had a higher left ventricular shortening fraction at 1 month (40% vs 36%; P = .008), and an increased posterior wall thickness at 1 year (5.4 mm vs 4.4 mm; P = .01) than the LPV/r group. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms a specific association between in utero exposure to ZDV and CHDs, and a long-lasting postnatal myocardial remodeling in girls. A potential common mechanism, including the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction, must be explored, and long-term consequences on cardiac function warrant specific attention. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT00424814.
Video Games: An Exploration of Their Potential as Recreational Activity Programs in Nursing Homes

In the past few years, the video game explosion has permeated our everyday culture, involving in particular the younger generation. Video games once found only in arcades are now being manufactured for home use. This study seeks to analyze the value of video games as an activity program for geriatric populations in skilled nursing home facilities. Areas examined include resident acceptance and reaction to the program, how many residents utilized the equipment as well as how often, and those residents most interested and capable of participating in this activity. Suggestions for equipment adaptations are made to correct problems of poor visual clarity and awkward manipulation of controls. Video games may be successful small group recreational activities for those residents with adequate eye-hand coordination, vision and mental functioning.
Hirsute women with elevated androgen levels: Psychological characteristics, steroid hormones, and catecholamines

Fifteen hirsute women with oligomenorrhea were compared with age-matched, healthy, normally menstruating women during rest and experimentally induced stress to explore the relation between increased androgen levels and catecholamine excretion. Testosterone levels in serum (p<.0001) and basal catecholamine excretion (p<.05) were higher in hirsute women than in the control group. Testosterone levels of hirsute women were negatively correlated with serum Cortisol (p<.05) and urinary Cortisol (p<.01) levels. No significant correlations were found between urinary catecholamines and serum steroid hormone or urinary Cortisol levels. The control group responded to the experimentally induced stress with an increase in diastolic blood pressure (p<.001). In the personality measurements, the hirsute women scored higher than the control subjects as to introversion, anxiety proneness, psychasthenia, guilt, and inhibited aggression. They were more anxious to please others, and experienced a lack of control over personal.
HIV Infection Is Associated With Progression of Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND Individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) live longer as a result of effective treatment, but long-term consequences of infection, treatment, and immunological dysfunction are poorly understood. METHODS We prospectively examined 1011 women (74% HIV-infected) in the Women's Interagency HIV Study and 811 men (65% HIV-infected) in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study who underwent repeated B-mode carotid artery ultrasound imaging in 2004-2013. Outcomes included changes in right common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) and new focal carotid artery plaque formation (IMT >1.5 mm) over median 7 years. We assessed the association between HIV serostatus and progression of subclinical atherosclerosis, adjusting for demographic, behavioral, and cardiometabolic risk factors. RESULTS Unadjusted mean CCA-IMT increased (725 to 752 µm in women, 757 to 790 µm in men), but CCA-IMT progression did not differ by HIV serostatus, either in combined or sex-specific analyses. Focal plaque prevalence increased from 8% to 15% in women and 25% to 34% in men over 7 years. HIV-infected individuals had 1.6-fold greater risk of new plaque formation compared with HIV-uninfected individuals (relative risk [RR] 1.61, 95% CI, 1.12-2.32), adjusting for cardiometabolic factors; the association was similar by sex. Increased plaque occurred even among persistently virologically suppressed HIV-infected individuals compared with uninfected individuals (RR 1.56, 95% CI, 1.07-2.27). HIV-infected individuals with baseline CD4+ ≥ 500 cells/µL had plaque risk not statistically different from uninfected individuals. CONCLUSIONS HIV infection is associated with greater increases in focal plaque among women and men, potentially mediated by factors associated with immunodeficiency or HIV replication at levels below current limits of detection.
Knowledge domains and knowledge conversion: an empirical investigation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present evidence of how different domains of knowledge (basic, experiential, emotional and innovative knowledge) relate to knowledge conversion processes (socialization, externalization, combination and internalization) in the firm.Design/methodology/approach – Confirmatory principal component analyses were performed on knowledge domain and knowledge conversion variables. Path analyses, based on stepwise multiple regressions, were performed in order to determine the strength and directionality of the relationships between the four processes of knowledge conversion and the four knowledge domains.Findings – The results indicate that knowledge based on experience impacts the conversion of tacit knowledge within an organization, leading to innovative knowledge and competitive advantage. Emotional knowledge impacts the knowledge conversion process similarly. Only basic knowledge impacts the explicit components of combination.Research limitations/implications – First, t.
Comparison of the Effectiveness and Safety of Linezolid and Daptomycin in Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcal Bloodstream Infection: A National Cohort Study of Veterans Affairs Patients.

BACKGROUND Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus bloodstream infections (VRE-BSIs) are becoming increasingly common. Linezolid and daptomycin are the primary treatment options for VRE-BSI, but optimal treatment is unclear. METHODS This was a national retrospective cohort study comparing linezolid and daptomycin for the treatment of VRE-BSI among Veterans Affairs Medical Center patients admitted during 2004-2013. The primary outcome was treatment failure, defined as a composite of (1) 30-day all-cause mortality; (2) microbiologic failure; and (3) 60-day VRE-BSI recurrence. Poisson regression was conducted to determine if antimicrobial treatment was independently associated with clinical outcomes. RESULTS A total of 644 patients were included (linezolid, n = 319; daptomycin, n = 325). Overall, treatment failure was 60.9% (n = 392/644), and 30-day all-cause mortality was 38.2% (n = 246/644). Linezolid was associated with a significantly higher risk of treatment failure compared with daptomycin (risk ratio [RR], 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.67; P = .001). After adjusting for confounding factors in Poisson regression, the relationship between linezolid use and treatment failure persisted (adjusted RR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.02-1.30; P = .026). Linezolid was also associated with higher 30-day mortality (42.9% vs 33.5%; RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.04-1.32; P = .014) and microbiologic failure rates (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.02-1.18; P = .011). No difference in 60-day VRE-BSI recurrence was observed between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with linezolid for VRE-BSI resulted in significantly higher treatment failure in comparison to daptomycin. Linezolid treatment was also associated with greater 30-day all-cause mortality and microbiologic failure in this cohort.
Fibre type‐specific satellite cell response to aerobic training in sedentary adults

Satellite cell activation and fusion accompany resistance exercise training. Aerobic exercise training is capable of inducing subtle muscle fibre hypertrophy; however, the role of satellite cell activation during aerobic exercise‐induced muscle adaptation is unknown. Twelve weeks of aerobic training in sedentary subjects yielded an increase in myosin heavy chain type I and type II muscle fibre cross‐sectional area. Satellite cell activation and myonuclear addition occurred only in myosin heavy chain type I fibres, with no change in myosin heavy chain type II fibres. These results help us better understand the role of satellite cells in muscle fibre adaptation to aerobic exercise, and suggest differential fibre type regulation of the myonuclear domain.
Targeting HIV Prevention Based on Molecular Epidemiology Among Deeply Sampled Subnetworks of Men Who Have Sex With Men.

BACKGROUND Molecular epidemiology can be useful in identifying clusters of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission that can be targeted for prevention. METHODS Regular screening of 2000 men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing, China, for HIV infection every 2 months identified 179 primary infections (2007-2010). HIV-1 pol sequences were obtained and used to infer the transmission network and identify transmitted drug resistance (TDR) among these individuals. We evaluated the use of clinical and network information to target prevention efforts. Prevention efficiency was calculated as the number of infections saved per number of interventions. RESULTS This cohort was infected with HIV-1 subtype B (28%), circulating recombinant form (CRF)_01 AE (53%), and CRF_07 BC (16%). The overall rate of TDR was low (5%), but the rate of clustering was high (64%), suggesting deep sampling of the subnetwork. Provision of a theoretically high-efficacy intervention like antiretroviral therapy to all participants had a prevention efficiency of 23%. The efficiency of targeting prevention based on lower CD4 counts (<200 cells/mL, <350 cells/mL, or <500 cells/mL) and higher viral loads (>100 000 copies/mL and >50 000 copies/mL) was between 10% and 18%. The efficiency of targeting prevention based on number of network connections was much higher (30%-42%). For example, treating the 33 participants with ≥5 connections in 2009 would have theoretically prevented 14 infections in 2010 (42% prevention efficiency). CONCLUSIONS Regular HIV testing of MSM in Beijing can deeply sample the local transmission subnetwork, and targeting prevention efforts based on network connectivity may be an efficient way to deliver prevention interventions.
Developmental changes in Ca2+ channel subtypes regulating endocytosis at the calyx of Held

We examined the roles of each Ca2+ channel subtype in the time course of endocytosis at the calyx of Held terminal by a capacitance measurement technique. At the calyx of Held terminal, endocytosis is mediated by two kinetically distinct components, a fast mode and a slow mode of endocytosis, in animals at postnatal days 8–11. R‐Type Ca2+ channels are more tightly coupled to the slow mode of endocytosis than P/Q‐ and N‐type, demonstrating the differential contribution from different Ca2+ channels to endocytosis. The fast mode of endocytosis, which was observed only following strong stimulation, was mainly mediated by P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels. In animals at postnatal days 14–17, when fast endocytosis becomes less prominent, slow endocytosis was regulated by Ca2+ influx through P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels, indicating developmental changes in the functional coupling between Ca2+ channel subtypes and endocytosis.
The emerging field of HCV drug resistance

Background: With 170 million people infected worldwide and an inadequate current standard of care, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection represents a major unmet medical need. Multiple companies are working on the discovery and development of specific HCV antiviral drugs, including inhibitors of HCV polymerase, protease and NS5A. Because of the error-prone nature of viral RNA replication, resistance mutants will develop that could present a potentially significant challenge to developing antiviral treatment regimens. Objective: Here, we review the major drug classes currently in preclinical and clinical development and the resistance mutations specific for each class that have been identified from cell culture and/or in vivo studies. Methods: We have analyzed currently available scientific literature to create a comprehensive review of the current state of the art in the field of HCV resistance to specific antiviral agents, in vitro and in vivo. Results/conclusion: Most specific HCV inhibitors described in the literature can select resistant viral variants in cell culture and in the clinic. Interplay of a mutant's fitness and its level of resistance will determine its clinical importance. Combinations of non-cross-resistant classes of dugs will be key to successful antiviral therapy. The number of drugs in a combination as well as the optimal duration of antiviral treatment, are important issues that need to be addressed in future studies.
Knowledge clusters and knowledge hubs: designing epistemic landscapes for development

With globalization and knowledge-based production, firms may cooperate on a global scale, outsource parts of their administrative or productive units and negate location altogether. The extremely low transaction costs of data, information and knowledge seem to invalidate the theory of agglomeration and the spatial clustering of firms, going back to the classical work by Alfred Weber and Alfred Marshall, who emphasized the microeconomic benefits of industrial collocation. This paper will argue against this view and show why the growth of knowledge societies will rather increase than decrease the relevance of location by creating knowledge clusters and knowledge hubs, due to sharing of tacit knowledge and research and development outputs. Designing epistemic landscapes of knowledge clusters and hubs is, therefore, proposed as a viable development policy.