Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molgramostim (GM-CSF) associated with antibiotic treatment in nontraumatic abdominal sepsis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

HYPOTHESIS The addition of molgramostim (recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) to antibiotic therapy for nontraumatic and generalized abdominal sepsis is effective and has a significant impact on length of hospitalization, direct medical costs, and mortality. DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTING Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS Fifty-eight patients with abdominal sepsis. INTERVENTIONS Patients were allocated to receive, in addition to ceftriaxone sodium, amikacin sulfate, and metronidazole, molgramostim in a daily dosage of 3 microg/kg for 4 days (group 1) or placebo (group 2). Antibiotics were administered for at least 5 days and discontinued after clinical improvement had occurred and white blood cell count had been normal for 48 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Time to improvement, duration of antibiotic therapy, hospital stay, complications, mortality, and adverse reactions to drugs. RESULTS Median time to improvement was 2 days in group 1 and 4 days in group 2 (P<.005). Median length of hospitalization was 9 and 13 days, respectively (P<.001), and median duration of antibiotic therapy was 9 and 13 days, respectively (P<.001). Numbers of infectious complications in the 2 groups were, respectively, 6 and 16 (P = .02); of residual abscesses, 3 and 5; and of deaths, 2 and 2. Costs per patient were 12,333 dollars and 16,081 dollars (US dollars), respectively. CONCLUSION Addition of molgramostim to antibiotic therapy reduces the rate of infectious complications, the length of hospitalization, and costs in patients with nontraumatic abdominal sepsis.
Design of Time-Delay Chaotic Electronic Circuits

This paper investigates the problem of the design and the implementation of time-delay chaotic circuits. A simple feedback scheme consisting of a nonlinearity, a first-order RC circuit and a delay block has been fixed and a procedure to design the characteristics of these blocks in order to obtain chaotic dynamics has been introduced. A series of n Bessel filters in cascade is used to implement the time-delay. The suitability of the approach is demonstrated with an example: a new chaotic circuit has been first designed and, then, implemented with off-the-shelf discrete components. The approach allows us to design and implement a new class of time-delay chaotic circuits with simple components, like resistors, capacitors, and operational amplifiers.
Interventions designed to reduce sedentary behaviours in young people: a review of reviews

Background Leisure time is increasingly spent in sedentary pursuits such as screen-viewing (eg, television/DVD viewing and computer use), motorised travel, school/work and sitting-based socialising (eg, social media and chatting). Sedentary screen time, particularly TV, appears to play an important role in the aetiology of obesity due to its co-occurrence with other unhealthy behaviours such as snacking on energy-dense foods, low levels of physical activity and inadequate sleep. More information is needed on how to reduce sedentary behaviours. Most interventions have focused on young people and a number of systematic reviews exist on this topic. Objective To synthesise systematic reviews and meta-analyses of interventions aimed at decreasing sedentary behaviours among children and adolescents. Methods Papers were located from computerised and manual searches. Included articles were English language systematic reviews or meta-analyses of interventions aiming at reducing sedentary behaviour in children (<11 years) and adolescents (12–18 years). Results Ten papers met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. All reviews concluded some level of effectiveness in reducing time spent in sedentary behaviour. When an effect size was reported, there was a small but significant reduction in sedentary time (highest effect size=−0.29; CI −0.35 to −0.22). Moderator analyses showed a trend favouring interventions with children younger than 6 years. Effective strategies include the involvement of family, behavioural interventions and electronic TV monitoring devices. Conclusions Results from systematic reviews and meta-analyses show that interventions to reduce children's sedentary behaviour have a small but significant effect. Future research should expand these findings examining interventions targeting different types of sedentary behaviours and the effectiveness of specific behaviour change techniques across different contexts and settings.
Changes of sodium channel expression in experimental painful diabetic neuropathy

Although pain is experienced by many patients with diabetic neuropathy, the pathophysiology of painful diabetic neuropathy is not understood. Substantial evidence indicates that dysregulated sodium channel gene transcription contributes to hyperexcitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons, which may produce neuropathic pain after axonal transection. In this study, we examined sodium channel mRNA and protein expression in dorsal root ganglion neurons in rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes and tactile allodynia, using in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry for sodium channels Nav1.1, Nav1.3, Nav1.6, Nav1.7, Nav1.8, and Nav1.9. Our results show that, in rats with experimental diabetes, there is a significant upregulation of mRNA for the Nav1.3, Nav1.6, and Nav1.9 sodium channels and a downregulation of Nav1.8 mRNA 1 and 8 weeks after onset of allodynia. Channel protein levels display parallel changes. Our results demonstrate dysregulated expression of the genes for sodium channels Nav1.3, Nav1.6, Nav1.8, and Nav1.9 in dorsal root ganglion neurons in experimental diabetes and suggest that misexpression of sodium channels contributes to neuropathic pain associated with diabetic neuropathy.
Correlates and Moderators of Child Pornography Consumption in a Community Sample

This study compares pornography users who report child pornography (CP) consumption with those who do not on demographic characteristics (age, ethnicity, and education level), psychological characteristics (e.g., loneliness, attachment style, anxiety, and sensation seeking), frequency of pornography use, and intentions to engage in contact sexual abuse. Participants were recruited on the Internet to complete an online anonymous survey about “problematic pornography use. ” Approximately, one fifth of the recruited male pornography users (21%, n = 37) reported consuming CP. The two groups were similar on all demographic and psychological characteristics. However, the probability of CP consumption was the greatest among men scoring high on a measure of sensation seeking who reported frequent pornography use (i.e., statistical moderation). CP consumers also reported a greater interest in engaging in sexual contact with a minor than non-CP consumers.
The influence of sinus membrane thickness upon membrane perforation during transcrestal sinus lift procedure.

OBJECTIVES Schneiderian membrane perforation is one of the main complications during sinus augmentation. The reasons may be associated with surgical technique, septum, inadequate ridge height, and membrane thickness. However, reports that used cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to quantify the thickness of sinus membrane were limited. The aims of this retrospective study were: to study the correlation between membrane thickness and perforation rate during transcrestal sinus lift and to propose a classification system of sinus membrane thickness based upon CBCT data. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred and twenty-two subjects who received dental implant restorations over posterior maxilla with a total of 185 transcrestal sinus lift procedures between years 2010 to 2013 were selected consequently. Each patient selected had to have taken CBCT in the initial examination and immediately after surgery. The membrane thickness, perforation rate, residual bone height, and elevated bone height were recorded and processed for statistical analysis. RESULTS The mean thickness of the Schneiderian membrane was 1.78 ± 1.99 mm. There was a significant correlation between membrane thickness and perforation rate (P < 0.05), and the perforation rate was higher in thicker (≥3 mm) and thinner membrane (≤0.5 mm). Among the thickness group, Class B (between ≥1 and <2 mm) had the lowest perforation rate. No significant difference was between the perforation and the membrane morphology. A negative relationship between residual bone height and membrane thickness was found. Trend showed that in the thicker and the thinner residual bone height, the higher the perforation rate would be. CONCLUSIONS There was a significant correlation between membrane thickness and perforation rate. The perforation rate was lowest when the thickness was 1.5-2 mm.
Sequence Learning: Response Structure and Effector Transfer

Two experiments are reported that investigate the response structure and effector transfer of repeated movement sequences. Participants moved a lever to targets sequentially presented on the computer monitor. In Experiment 1 the learning of 10- and 16-element sequences (identical movement pattern) was contrasted. After 1 day of practice the 10-element sequence was organized into fewer subsequences and, thus, performed more rapidly than the 16-element sequence. The imposed organization appeared to be coded in a relatively abstract way, as evidenced by effector transfer that was as good as that on the retention test. In Experiment 2 the 16-element sequence was studied after more extensive practice. By the end of 4 days of practice the participants produced relatively seamless responses void of obvious transitions between subsequences, but the control of the movement was less effector independent than observed earlier in practice. The results suggest that the process of consolidating the sequence, which led to more fluent response production, also resulted in the utilization of effector specific information.
Structural Basis for Bisphosphonate-mediated Inhibition of Isoprenoid Biosynthesis*

Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthetase (FPPS) synthesizes farnesyl pyrophosphate through successive condensations of isopentyl pyrophosphate with dimethylallyl pyrophosphate and geranyl pyrophosphate. Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate drugs used to treat osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and tumor-induced hypercalcemia are potent inhibitors of the enzyme. Here we present crystal structures of substrate and bisphosphonate complexes of FPPS. The structures reveal how enzyme conformational changes organize conserved active site residues to exploit metal-induced ionization and substrate positioning for catalysis. The structures further demonstrate how nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates mimic a carbocation intermediate to inhibit the enzyme. Together, these FPPS complexes provide a structural template for the design of novel inhibitors that may prove useful for the treatment of osteoporosis and other clinical indications including cancer.
Does Teaching Matter? The Role of Teaching Evaluation in Tenure Policies at Selected Canadian Universities

Teaching has always been and remains a core function of universities. However, there is a pervasive assumption that research activity is privileged over teaching contributions, particularly when hiring, tenure and promotion decisions are being made. Where do such beliefs come from? Are these assumptions based on policy or practice, or a combination of the two? Is research privileged, and if so, does teaching really matter? This dissertation considers the assumption that teaching is undervalued in Canadian universities, particularly within the context of institutional reward structures and more specifically in relation to the tenure review. My dissertation examines the emergence of formal faculty evaluation systems in the second half of the 20 Century and considers various influencing factors on their development, including the evolution and adoption of tenure within academia and the move toward faculty collective bargaining. The extensive body of literature on the evaluation of teaching provides a conceptual framework to examine the current Canadian landscape. Specifically, this involves a comprehensive review and analysis of tenure policies from 46 Canadian universities. This study reviews these
Fetal and Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia: A Management Algorithm Based on Risk Stratification

Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia constitutes the most common cause of severe thrombocytopenia in fetuses and neonates and of intracranial hemorrhage among term newborns. The cornerstone of therapy involves the use of steroids and intravenous immunoglobulins. Despite the risk of potentially devastating consequences to the fetus, fetal blood sampling has typically been used to document response to therapy. We propose a therapeutic algorithm based on risk stratification with individualized treatment optimization without the use of fetal blood sampling.
Health systems' "surge capacity": state of the art and priorities for future research.

CONTEXT Over the past decade, a number of high-impact natural hazard events, together with the increased recognition of pandemic risks, have intensified interest in health systems' ability to prepare for, and cope with, "surges" (sudden large-scale escalations) in treatment needs. In this article, we identify key concepts and components associated with this emerging research theme. We consider the requirements for a standardized conceptual framework for future research capable of informing policy to reduce the morbidity and mortality impacts of such incidents. Here our objective is to appraise the consistency and utility of existing conceptualizations of health systems' surge capacity and their components, with a view to standardizing concepts and measurements to enable future research to generate a cumulative knowledge base for policy and practice. METHODS A systematic review of the literature on concepts of health systems' surge capacity, with a narrative summary of key concepts relevant to public health. FINDINGS The academic literature on surge capacity demonstrates considerable variation in its conceptualization, terms, definitions, and applications. This, together with an absence of detailed and comparable data, has hampered efforts to develop standardized conceptual models, measurements, and metrics. Some degree of consensus is evident for the components of surge capacity, but more work is needed to integrate them. The overwhelming concentration in the United States complicates the generalizability of existing approaches and findings. CONCLUSIONS The concept of surge capacity is a useful addition to the study of health systems' disaster and/or pandemic planning, mitigation, and response, and it has far-reaching policy implications. Even though research in this area has grown quickly, it has yet to fulfill its potential to generate knowledge to inform policy. Work is needed to generate robust conceptual and analytical frameworks, along with innovations in data collection and methodological approaches that enhance health systems' readiness for, and response to, unpredictable high-consequence surges in demand.
Perception of Ecological Risk to Water Environments

This paper examines lay and expert perceptions of the ecological risks associated with a range of human activities that could adversely affect water resource environments. It employs the psychometric paradigm pioneered in characterizing perceptions of human health risks, which involves surveys to obtain judgments from subjects about risk items in terms of several important characteristics of the risks. The paper builds on a previous study that introduced ecological risk perception. This second study employs a larger, more diverse sample, a more focused topic area, and comparisons between lay and expert judgments. The results confirm that a small set of underlying factors explain a great deal of variability in lay judgments about ecological risks. These have been termed Ecological Impact, Human Benefits, Controllability, and Knowledge. The results are useful in explaining subjects’ judgments of the general riskiness of, and need for regulation of, various risk items. The results also indicate several differences and areas of agreement among the lay and expert samples that point to potential key issues in future ecological risk management efforts for water resources.
Governmental Affairs & Public Policy The Urban Health Penalty New Dimensions and Directions in Inner-City Health Care

The story of the nation's cities, their culture, history and evolution, is an inseparable part of the rich story of the United States. In recent times, however, to mention the phrase "inner city" is to conjure up any number of negative images—"crime ridden," "drug infested," "rundown" and "impoverished," to name just a few. A core symptom of these conditions is poor health status. And so, in the 1990s, for many, these urban areas have come to represent a sadder chapter in the American story.
Ischemia-modified albumin as an oxidative stress biomarker in early pregnancy loss

Abstract Background/aims: This study aimed to determine the association between early pregnancy loss and serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) concentrations. Methods: Serum samples of 180 women that included healthy pregnant women, women admitted for termination of pregnancy due to the absence of fetal cardiac activity or absence of fetal pole on ultrasonographic examination, and healthy non-pregnant women attending for gynecological examination. Each group included 60 patients. Serum concentrations of IMA were compared among the groups, and the correlations with patients’ age, gravidity, BMI, gestational age and total serum albumin concentrations were calculated. Results: When the groups were compared with respect to IMA concentrations, the group with early pregnancy loss was found to have significantly higher IMA concentrations (p < 0.001). An IMA threshold of >163 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 55% to discriminate between healthy pregnant patients and patients with early pregnancy loss in first trimester. Conclusion: Our findings support the theory that possible oxidative stress, a more hypoxic environment and defective placentation lead to increased serum IMA concentrations. These findings may help to shed light on the complicated pathogenesis of early pregnancy loss.
Fatigue in airline pilots after an additional day's layover period.

INTRODUCTION We investigated the effect of an additional day's layover on reducing fatigue in two different duties: a two-pilot crew flying between Auckland and Brisbane, and a three-pilot crew flying between Auckland and Los Angeles. METHODS Pilots completed a reaction time task, the Samn-Perelli fatigue scale, and the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale on both outward and return flights. The flights were conducted with and without a 1-d layover (Brisbane) and with a 1- or 2-d layover (Los Angeles). RESULTS On the Brisbane route, the addition of a layover resulted in a significant reduction of fatigue, sleepiness, and reaction time. At top of descent, Samn-Perelli fatigue was reduced from over 5.0 to under 4.5. In contrast, the addition of an extra day layover in Los Angeles had no significant effect on the same measures during the return flight; on both flights Samn-Perelli fatigue was over 5.0 at top of descent. DISCUSSION The results suggest that the addition of an extra night's layover has different effects depending on the type of operation. Layover periods need to ensure adequate opportunity to recover from any sleep deficit arising from the outbound journey, but the benefit of increased layover time may be limited if time-zone shifts cause a mismatch between local time and the circadian rhythm of sleep.
An empirical analysis of beliefs about climate change challenges

In the last decades, one of the main efforts of the Common Agricultural Policy was to promote a better use of natural resources in agricultural and food production. The adoption of environment-friendly technology depends in turn on farmers beliefs in the different solutions offered by the knowledge-based systems. In this context, farmers beliefs are recognized to be the critical drivers of the possibilities of adopting new technologies in the field of climate change mitigation. This study considers the beliefs as drivers of the farmers evaluation of the possibility to contribute to climate change mitigation and frame them in wider conceptual framework of institutional change. The objective of the study is to address the question on whether or not the farmer beliefs about technology influence the potential farming activities contributions to mitigation. The results of the empirical analysis confirms the role of the beliefs and of their institutional dimensions.
The National Youth At Risk Program Sustainability Study

The National Youth at Risk Programs Sustainability Study was designed to examine the sustainability of Youth at Risk projects initially funded through the USDA/CSREES CYFAR (Children, Youth, and Families at risk) Initiative. The current report focuses on 94 Youth at Risk (YAR) projects four years after their initial grant ended and represents the latest in a series of reports focused on the sustainability of these projects. For more information on this research, please see the following reports (Mancini & Marek, 1998; Marek, Mancini, & Brock, 1999; Mancini & Marek, 2000; Marek, Mancini, & Brock, 2000). To read the 1998 and 1999 reports go to:
MR findings of meniscal extrusion correlated with arthroscopy

To correlate MR exams showing meniscal extrusions >3 mm beyond the tibial margin with arthroscopic findings. Meniscal extrusion (>3 mm extension beyond the tibial margin) has been described on previous studies as having a high index of association with meniscal root tears. These previous studies were limited by a lack of exact arthroscopic correlation. We also assessed the prevalence of meniscal root tears on MR examinations without meniscal extrusions.
Bilateral Pneumothoraces, Pneumomediastinum, Pneumoperitoneum, Pneumoretroperitoneum, and Subcutaneous Emphysema After Thoracoscopic Anterior Fracture Stabilization

Study Design. Case report and clinical discussion. Objective. A rare case of air passage into multiple body compartments after thoracoscopic minimally invasive spine surgery is described. Summary of Background Data. In recent years, there is growing interest in thoracoscopic minimally invasive spine surgery for the treatment of thoracic and lumbar spine fractures. Severe complications due to the operative procedure are rare. Methods. We present a case of a 73-year-old woman who developed bilateral pneumothoraces, pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum, and subcutaneous emphysema after thoracoscopic anterior stabilization of a Th12 fracture. Results. The operative procedure was completed without any obvious intraoperative complications. Routine made postoperative radiograph of the chest revealed a pneumothorax on the right side, bilateral subphrenic free air, and bilateral supraclavicular air. Subsequently, a CT scan showed bilateral pneumothoraces, pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum and a supraclavicular subcutaneous emphysema. Bronchoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and laryngoscopy showed no hollow organ injury or any other pathologic changes. Intraabdominal free air and pneumothoraces could not be detected on thoracic radiographs after 2 days. The patient remained cardiopulmonary stable throughout the hospital course. Conclusion. This report documents a rare case of air passage into multiple body compartments after thoracoscopic-assisted treatment of a spinal fracture, which has not yet been described previously. After exclusion of a tracheo-bronchial and hollow organ injury the process was self-limiting. To avoid this complication, special care should be taken to evacuate all intrathoracal air at the end of the endoscopic procedure.