Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Whither genocide? The International Court of Justice finally pronounces

The long awaited judgment of the International Court of Justice in Bosnia and Herzegovina v Serbia 1 was greeted with considerable dismay in Sarajevo, and graciously welcomed in Belgrade (although no doubt champagne corks were popping in Serbia’s foreign ministry). They shouldn’t have been, because, as the Court noted, Serbia’s lawyers admitted to war crimes and crimes against humanity. But proceeding with the case now looks like a terrible miscalculation on the Bosnian side. Its lawyers were seduced by the idea of an expansive and liberal conception of genocide by which it would encompass a range of atrocities colloquially described by such terms as “ethnic cleansing. ” They were no doubt encouraged by politicians, journalists and academics, who have all been guilty of imprecise use of the term. Actually, the Court’s final judgment, issued on February 26, 2007, was entirely predictable. It was remarkably consistent with the decisions, and the practice, of the institutions of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, upon which the Court relied heavily. Careful students of the Yugoslavia Tribunal would have known that there had been no successful prosecutions for genocide, with the notable exception of two cases relating to the July 1995 massacre in Srebrenica. But even in those cases, many judges seemed uncomfortable with the result, and compromised by calling the accused “accomplices” rather than perpetrators. There had been several acquittals on counts of genocide, although the accused were invariably convicted of crimes against humanity instead. Moreover, the Office of the Prosecutor had often indicated its ambivalence on the subject. Often, the Prosecutor doesn’t even bother to appeal a genocide acquittal. It declined charging Milosevic with genocide with respect to Kosovo. Even more striking was the decision to withdraw genocide charges against Biljana Plavšić, who had been one of the Bosnian Serb leaders at the height of the conflict. If she hadn’t been responsible for genocide, then who had? When all of this was added up, it should have been clear to the lawyers for Bosnia that their case sat on a fragile footing. There must have been a forlorn and ultimately misguided hope that the International Court of Justice would “correct” its neighbour, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. But it did nothing of Journal of Genocide Research (2007), 9(2), June, 183–192
Nutritional management of older adults with cognitive decline and dementia

Age‐related cognitive decline is a main predictor of disability among elderly people, and with the continued expansion of the aging population and the increase in life expectancy, the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment and dementia represented by Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder of older adults, have increased. Recent epidemiological and observational studies suggest a relationship exists between lifestyle factors, including nutrition and diet, and cognitive function in aging adults. It is also suggested that malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies are associated with cognitive decline in patients with dementia. There are a variety of nutritional factors, including nutritional status and dietary patterns, that might be associated with cognitive function, and specific micronutrients and dietary components have been suggested to have an association with cognitive function as well. Based on these findings and evidence, evaluation of nutritional state, as well as nutritional intervention, might be able to play a role in the management and prevention of dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14 (Suppl. 2): 17–22.
Artesunate enhances the antibacterial effect of {beta}-lactam antibiotics against Escherichia coli by increasing antibiotic accumulation via inhibition of the multidrug efflux pump system AcrAB-TolC.

OBJECTIVES Occasionally, we found that artesunate enhanced the antibacterial effects of antibiotics in vitro. Therefore, the enhancement of various β-lactam antibiotics by artesunate against Escherichia coli and the possible mechanism were investigated in the present study. METHODS Antibacterial effects were observed using the serial 2-fold dilution method and dynamic bacterial growth. Daunomycin accumulation within E. coli was observed using fluorospectrophotometry and laser confocal scanning microscopy. AcrAB-TolC, AmpC and TEM-1 mRNA expression was observed using a PCR method. Antisense oligonucleotides (as-ODNs) targeting AcrB were designed and used to block AcrB gene expression within E. coli ATCC 35218. RESULTS Although artesunate itself had no antibacterial ability, artesunate significantly increased the antibacterial effect of β-lactam antibiotics against E. coli ATCC 35218 and an E. coli clinical strain. Artesunate increased daunomycin accumulation within E. coli ATCC 35218 in a dose-dependent manner and reduced the mRNA expression of AcrAB-TolC, an important multidrug efflux system for Gram-negative bacteria. The bacterial number was significantly reduced by as-ODN targeting AcrB, but did not further decrease after additional artesunate treatment. In contrast, artesunate lost its enhancement of β-lactam antibiotics against E. coli AG100A, a strain lacking the gene encoding AcrAB, and artesunate did not increase daunomycin accumulation within E. coli AG100A. After the transformation of pET28a-AcrB into E. coli AG100A, artesunate regained enhancement of β-lactam antibiotics. Furthermore, artesunate did not inhibit the expression of AmpC and TEM-1 mRNA. CONCLUSIONS Artesunate enhances the antibacterial effect of various β-lactam antibiotics against E. coli, which might be associated with the suppression of a major multidrug resistance system, AcrAB-TolC.
Association of Radiologic Indicators of Frailty With 1-Year Mortality in Older Trauma Patients: Opportunistic Screening for Sarcopenia and Osteopenia

Importance Assessment of physical frailty in older trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit is often not feasible using traditional frailty assessment instruments. The use of opportunistic computed tomography (CT) scans to assess sarcopenia and osteopenia as indicators of underlying frailty may provide complementary prognostic information on long-term outcomes. Objective To determine whether sarcopenia and/or osteopenia are associated with 1-year mortality in an older trauma patient population. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective cohort constructed from a state trauma registry was linked to the statewide death registry and Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System for readmission data analyses. Admission abdominopelvic CT scans from patients 65 years and older admitted to the intensive care unit of a single level I trauma center between January 2011 and May 2014 were analyzed to identify patients with sarcopenia and/or osteopenia. Patients with a head Injury Severity Score of 3 or greater, an out-of-state address, or inadequate CT imaging or who died within 24 hours of admission were excluded. Exposures Sarcopenia and/or osteopenia, assessed via total cross-sectional muscle area and bone density at the L3 vertebral level, compared with a group with no sarcopenia or osteopenia. Main Outcomes and Measures One-year all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included 30-day all-cause mortality, 30-day readmission, hospital length of stay, hospital cost, and discharge disposition. Results Of the 450 patients included in the study, 269 (59.8%) were male and 394 (87.6%) were white. The cohort was split into 4 groups: 74 were retrospectively diagnosed with both sarcopenia and osteopenia, 167 with sarcopenia only, 48 with osteopenia only, and 161 with no radiologic indicators. Among the 408 who survived to discharge, sarcopenia and osteopenia were associated with higher risks of 1-year mortality alone and in combination. After adjustment, the hazard ratio was 9.4 (95% CI, 1.2-75.4; P = .03) for sarcopenia and osteopenia, 10.3 (95% CI, 1.3-78.8; P = .03) for sarcopenia, and 11.9 (95% CI, 1.3-107.4; P = .03) for osteopenia. Conclusions and Relevance More than half of older trauma patients in this study had sarcopenia, osteopenia, or both. Each factor was independently associated with increased 1-year mortality. Given the prevalent use of abdominopelvic CT in trauma centers, opportunistic screening for radiologic indicators of frailty provides an additional tool for early identification of older trauma patients at high risk for poor outcomes, with the potential for targeted interventions.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery: A Review

Importance Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a paradigm shift in perioperative care, resulting in substantial improvements in clinical outcomes and cost savings. Observations Enhanced Recovery After Surgery is a multimodal, multidisciplinary approach to the care of the surgical patient. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery process implementation involves a team consisting of surgeons, anesthetists, an ERAS coordinator (often a nurse or a physician assistant), and staff from units that care for the surgical patient. The care protocol is based on published evidence. The ERAS Society, an international nonprofit professional society that promotes, develops, and implements ERAS programs, publishes updated guidelines for many operations, such as evidence-based modern care changes from overnight fasting to carbohydrate drinks 2 hours before surgery, minimally invasive approaches instead of large incisions, management of fluids to seek balance rather than large volumes of intravenous fluids, avoidance of or early removal of drains and tubes, early mobilization, and serving of drinks and food the day of the operation. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols have resulted in shorter length of hospital stay by 30% to 50% and similar reductions in complications, while readmissions and costs are reduced. The elements of the protocol reduce the stress of the operation to retain anabolic homeostasis. The ERAS Society conducts structured implementation programs that are currently in use in more than 20 countries. Local ERAS teams from hospitals are trained to implement ERAS processes. Audit of process compliance and patient outcomes are important features. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery started mainly with colorectal surgery but has been shown to improve outcomes in almost all major surgical specialties. Conclusions and Relevance Enhanced Recovery After Surgery is an evidence-based care improvement process for surgical patients. Implementation of ERAS programs results in major improvements in clinical outcomes and cost, making ERAS an important example of value-based care applied to surgery.
Evaluation of Malignancy Criterias in Dogs Melanocytic Neoplasms

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer which is very aggressive in humans and dogs. Melanocytic tumors are common in the dogs, acconting for 3% of all neoplasms and up to 7% of all malignant tumors. The aim of this research was to evaluation of morfological aspects and malignancy criterias of the spontaneous melanocytic neoplasms in dogs. 18 tumors samples from skin and ocular areas of dogs were used. Evaluation of malignancy criterias of the melanocytic tumors was made by histopathology exams. Tumor location, histological cells type, stromal invasion, level of invasion according by Clark classification mitotic figures, presence of necrosis, lymphocyte infiltration, junctional activity, the presence of the tumors cell in the superficial layer, were recorded for each case. The head (33 %), the limbs (22 %) and the thoracic area (22 %) were the most common sites. Most melanocytic neoplasm were malignants (16 of 18 cases), composed of spindle cells (28 %), epithelioid cells (28%) and a mixture of epitheliod and spindle cells (17%) were common. We found only 2 cases of benign tumors. The mitotic index, cytological atypia, the high invasion level of the tumor and necrosis confirmed the malignancy in all cases of melanoma. In conclusion, the results of our study show that majority of all melanocytic tumors from dogs were represented by melanomas. The histological features used for the histological diagnosis of melanoma are not present in benign melanocytic tumors.
Erosive tooth wear among children in the United States: Relationship to race/ethnicity and obesity

OBJECTIVE The study aims were to estimate the prevalence of erosive tooth wear (ETW) in children and to specifically examine its association with race/ethnicity and obesity in the United States. DESIGN We analysed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2003-2004. ETW was measured using the modified Smith and Knight Tooth Wear Index derived from the 1998 United Kingdom Adult Health Survey. RESULTS This study shows that 45.9% of children aged 13-19 years had evidence of ETW in at least one tooth. The prevalence of ETW was bilaterally symmetrical in all teeth examined and was most prevalent in mandibular [corrected] teeth. Females had significantly lower rates of ETW of any tooth compared to males. African Americans had significantly lower rates of ETW (except in the canines), and Hispanics had similar rates compared to whites. Compared to 'healthy weight' children, those 'at risk for overweight' had lower rates of ETW and the 'overweight' groups had higher rates, but results were not significant. CONCLUSIONS Substantial proportions of children in the US are affected by ETW. Compared to whites, African American children had significantly lower rates of ETW. Although not significant, 'overweight' (obese) children had increased odds of having ETW and those at 'risk for overweight' had lower odds compared to 'healthy weight' children.
Elicitation of expert knowledge on dynamics of Salmonella infections and contamination in the pork chain

There is little information available from experiments and literature on the course of Salmonella infections in pigs and on the course of contamination at slaughter. To obtain such information, an expert elicitation study was carried out in the Netherlands (23 respondents). The estimation of the experts for the most likely duration to be infectious after infection with Salmonella is for a pig 38 days. The most likely duration to be a carrier was estimated at 55 days and to become serological negative 109 days. Application of fermented feed decreases the infectious period by 11 days. At slaughter, the average number of carcasses at risk after one to four contaminated carcasses was 10 to 21. So the duration of infection can be shortened by e.g. feed measures. In a situation that infected pigs enter the slaughterhouse, the order of the pigs to be slaughtered is important.
THE EFFECT OF ESTRADIOL VALERATE ON SEX HORMONE LEVELS IN AGED FEMALE ALBINO RATS

The study was carried out to evaluate the levels of sex hormones (follicle stimulating hormone , luteinizing hormone, prolactin, testosterone and estradiol) in young, aged and aged administered with estradiol velerate female rats. The gonadotropin levels were declined in aged rats, which were elevated drastically by estradiol velerate administration, stimulating the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in aged rats. Elevation in testosterone levels represents elevation in bone mineral density and decreases fracture risk and risk of coronary heart disease events. Keywords : Post menopausal changes, Hormonal replacement therapy, Gonadotropins, Testosterone, Prolactin.
Resistance profiles of emtricitabine and lamivudine in tenofovir-containing regimens.

OBJECTIVES To compare the frequency of the selection of the M184V/I resistance mutation in HIV-infected patients who experienced virological failure while receiving emtricitabine (FTC) or lamivudine (3TC), administered with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and either efavirenz (EFV) or a ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor (PI; lopinavir or atazanavir). METHODS Patient data held at two clinical centres in France were analysed retrospectively. Eligible patients had experienced virological suppression (plasma HIV RNA <200 copies/mL) for ≥ 6 months before experiencing their first virological failure (at least two measurements of plasma HIV RNA ≥ 200 copies/mL). RESULTS Of the 880 patients eligible for the study, 278 patients had experienced virological failure while receiving FTC + TDF + ritonavir-boosted PI, 257 while receiving FTC + TDF + EFV, 178 while receiving 3TC + TDF + EFV and 167 while receiving 3TC + TDF + ritonavir-boosted PI. Proportions of patients harbouring the M184V/I mutation were 24% (n = 62) for those who received FTC + TDF + EFV versus 51% (n = 91) for 3TC + TDF + EFV (P < 0.0001; Fisher's exact test); proportions were 11% (n = 30) for FTC + TDF + ritonavir-boosted PI versus 22% (n = 37) for 3TC + TDF + ritonavir-boosted PI (P = 0.002; Fisher's exact test). The use of lamivudine versus emtricitabine (P = 0.001), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors versus ritonavir-boosted PIs (P = 0.01) and the level of viral load at the time of virological failure (P = 0.01) were associated with selection of the M184V/I mutation (logistic regression analysis). CONCLUSIONS Emtricitabine and lamivudine showed differing resistance profiles when administered in combination with tenofovir disproxil fumarate and either efavirenz or a ritonavir-boosted PI. The prevalence of the M184V/I resistance mutation was significantly lower in patients who received emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate than in those who received lamivudine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.
Current issues in allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Abstract Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) has evolved as a central treatment modality in the management of different hematological malignancies. However, 2 major issues still impact overall mortality and morbidity post transplant.Despite adequate post-transplantation immunosuppressive therapy, acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation setting, even in patients who receive human HLA identical sibling grafts. Up to 30% of the recipients of stem cells or bone marrow transplantation from HLA-identical related donors and most patients who receive cells from other sources (matched-unrelated, non-HLA-identical siblings, cord blood) will develop Grade II or more acute GvHD despite immunosuppressive prophylaxis. Thus, GVHD continues to be a major limitation to successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.With improvements in outcome, an increasing number of patients survive free of the disease for which they were treated. Today, about 60% of patients will survive 5 years after diagnosis. Therefore, immediate survival is no longer the sole concern. The aim of the allogeneic SCT now is to cure a patient's underlying disease and, at the same time, to minimize the incidence of post-treatment complications and ensure the best possible long term quality of life. The long time span between initial therapy and late effects, the multiple factors influencing cancer related health risk and the unknown effect of treatment on aging are common characteristics of late effects. While the treatment strategy of a cancer patient depends widely on the type and extension of the disease, considerations for a long term survivor depend much more on the type of treatment applied, age of the patient, its general health status, as well as his familial and social integration.I will discuss, based on the most recent knowledge, advances and current issues in GvHD and some typical examples of late effects in survivors, and the practical recommendations that could assist practitioner and patient decision about appropriate healthcare for specific clinical circumstances.
Molecular characterization of two high-level ceftriaxone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates detected in Catalonia, Spain.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to characterize the first two extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant and multidrug-resistant (MDR) Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates collected from two sexually related patients (men who have sex with men) in Spain. METHODS Antimicrobial susceptibility was studied by Etest. Genes involved in quinolone, ceftriaxone and multidrug resistance were amplified by PCR and sequenced in both directions. The isolates were typed by N. gonorrhoeae multi-antigen sequence typing (NG-MAST). RESULTS The two isolates had the same MDR profile, showing resistance to penicillin (MIC 0.094 mg/L; β-lactamase negative), ceftriaxone (MIC 1.5 mg/L), cefixime (MIC 1.5 mg/L), cefotaxime (MIC 1 mg/L), ciprofloxacin (MIC >32 mg/L) and tetracycline (MIC 1.5 mg/L). NG-MAST showed that both isolates belonged to sequence type (ST) 1407 (porB-908 and tbpB-110). Ciprofloxacin resistance was due to amino acid substitutions in GyrA (S91F and D95G) and ParC (S87R). An A deletion in the promoter of the MtrCDE efflux pump (mtrR) was detected. No changes were detected in the pilQ gene. The outer membrane protein PorB showed two substitutions at G120K and A121N. An L421P substitution was observed in the PBP1A (ponA) sequence. The sequence of PBP2 (penA) showed a mosaic structure related to genotype XXXIV with a single additional amino acid substitution (A501P). This genotype was identical to a recently described French isolate (F89). CONCLUSIONS This is the first reported case of high-level extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant N. gonorrhoeae transmission. The molecular typing and MDR genotype suggest possible European spread of this strain, highlighting the need for surveillance and the importance of testing the susceptibility of N. gonorrhoeae to extended-spectrum cephalosporins.
Lopinavir pharmacokinetic profiles in HIV-infected patients during rifabutin-based anti-mycobacterial therapy.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of ritonavir-boosted lopinavir in HIV-infected patients during rifabutin-based anti-mycobacterial therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS A longitudinal, cross-over pharmacokinetic evaluation of lopinavir with and without rifabutin in HIV-infected subjects with mycobacterial disease was done. All received lopinavir/ritonavir (400/100 mg twice a day) + an adjusted rifabutin dose of 150 mg every other day. Twelve-hour lopinavir pharmacokinetic sampling occurred at 2 weeks (T1) and 6 weeks (T2) after starting combined therapy and 10 weeks after completion of adjusted rifabutin (T3). Plasma was assayed using an HPLC method; lopinavir plasma concentration-time data were analysed using non-compartmental methods. RESULTS In 10 patients with complete lopinavir curves at T1, T2 and T3 pharmacokinetic values were, respectively: AUC(0-12), 187.5, 161.8 and 121.1 μg · h/mL; C(trough), 13.2, 10.0 and 7.7 μg/mL; C(max), 18.7, 15.9 and 13.3 μg/mL; and apparent oral clearance (CL/F), 0.035, 0.037 and 0.045 L/h/kg. Lopinavir C(trough) and AUC(0-12) were significantly higher at T1 compared with T3 while CL/F remained unchanged throughout. Combined treatment was well tolerated and none of the patients experienced moderate to severe lopinavir-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Lopinavir serum concentrations are not reduced when the drug is administered together with an adjusted dose of 150 mg of rifabutin every other day.