jimnoneill/paper-to-field-training huggingface dataset:
FAMILIAL OUTBREAK OF STAPHYLOCOCCAL SCALDED SKIN SYNDROME?

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

To The Editors: We read with interest the report of familial outbreak of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) by Ladhani and Newson. 1 We would like to highlight further a few observations. The index case is convincingly a case of SSSS, but the other family members appear to have developed bullous impetigo (BI) limited to the portal of entry by the same strain of Staphylococcus. Although pathogenesis of BI and SSSS is similar and BI is regarded as a localized form of SSSS, there are some subtle differences in clinicobacteriologic manifestations of the two. Whereas BI is caused by localized infection of superficial layers of skin, the SSSS is a manifestation of spread of epidermolytic toxin (ET) from a site of localized infection by Staphylococcus aureus, which may not always be cutaneous. Similarly staphylococci can be isolated from all lesions of BI whereas it cannot be isolated from all intact bullae or erosions of SSSS. The manifestations of SSSS are caused by ET, which affects infants and adults differently. A few reports of SSSS in adults are limited to patients with immunologic incompetence, renal failure or both. 2, 3 Studies in mouse model have suggested a compromised renal clearance of ET and a diminished or absent antitoxin antibodies as the basis for epidermolysis. 4, 5 Infants and neonates are especially predisposed to epidermolytic effect of ET caused by absence of neutralizing antibodies and renal prematurity to clear ET effectively and rapidly from the circulation. We feel this report is rightly a familial outbreak of staphylococcal skin infection by same strain of organism rather than an outbreak of SSSS. Gurvinder P. Thami M.D. Sukhjot Kaur M.D.
Contracting for safety with patients: clinical practice and forensic implications.

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

The contract for safety is a procedure used in the management of suicidal patients and has significant patient care, risk management, and medicolegal implications. We conducted a literature review to assess empirical support for this procedure and reviewed legal cases in which this practice was employed, to examine its effect on outcome. Studies obtained from a PubMed search were reviewed and consisted mainly of opinion-based surveys of clinicians and patients and retrospective reviews. Overall, empirically based evidence to support the use of the contract for safety in any population is very limited, particularly in adolescent populations. A legal review revealed that contracting for safety is never enough to protect against legal liability and may lead to adverse consequences for the clinician and the patient. Contracts should be considered for use only in patients who are deemed capable of giving informed consent and, even in these circumstances, should be used with caution. A contract should never replace a thorough assessment of a patient's suicide risk factors. Further empirical research is needed to determine whether contracting for safety merits consideration as a future component of the suicide risk assessment.
Somnambulism: Psychophysiological Correlates

Field: Neuroscience (Life Sciences)

IN TWO PREVIOUS studies1-211 known somnambulists, seven children and four adults, were studied for 61 uninterrupted subject nights with electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyogram (EMG), and eye movements (EOG) continuously monitored throughout the night.3A total of 89 somnambulistic incidents was observed and recorded including 11 episodes of sleepwalking and 78 of sitting up or crawling about the bed. All of the sleepwalking incidents except one occurred in child somnambulists. All of the somnambulistic incidents occurred in nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, typically Stages 3 and 4 and not during rapid eye movement periods (REMP's) which are most frequently associated with dreaming. In addition, measurements of total sleep, awake, and REMP times as well as the sleep cycles were similar for the somnambulists, as compared to normal children of the same ages.2,4The somnambulistic incidents characteristically began with a paroxysmal burst
Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: A Contemporary Review

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a debilitating condition affecting approximately 3% of the female population. IC/BPS is defined as an unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, discomfort) perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms for more than six weeks duration, in the absence of infection or other identifiable cause. This condition is known to have a profound negative impact on quality of life. There are few well-studied treatment options and no cure for this condition, which is therefore challenging to treat. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarise the contemporary literature, including the Canadian Urological Association (CUA) and American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines, on various treatment options that exist for IC/BPS, including conservative therapies, oral therapies, intravesical therapies, and more invasive surgical options. Most importantly, this review highlights the need for an individualised, multimodal approach to the treatment of IC/BPS.
Devaluation of renminbi and its effects on China's exports.

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance (Social Sciences)

This research aims to study the effects of real exchange rate devaluation on the export performance of China. This study was motivated by the speculation that the Asian economic crisis could be due to the exchange rate reforms implemented by China in 1994, which adversely affected other Asian economies while boosting China's export competitiveness. This study uses a fixed effects model using panel data for 28 Chinese provinces with a time series dimension that spans from period 1988 to 1996.
pyDockDNA: a new approach for protein-DNA docking

Field: Computer Science (Physical Sciences)

Here we present pyDockDNA, which is based on the pyDock program, with a new module for reading and parsing DNA molecules. The protocol is composed of two major steps: sampling and scoring. The first sampling step consists in the generation of 10,000 protein-DNA docking models by FTDock [5]. This program takes a protein and a nucleic acid coordinate file, discretizes the molecules into corresponding 3D grids, and computes their geometric correlation by using Fast Fourier Transform algorithms to speed up the translations between the two molecules.
Examination of the Impact of Virtual Reality on Surgical Hand Scrubbing and Sterile Gowning Skills: A Randomized Controlled Study (Preprint)

Field: Health Professions (Health Sciences)

BACKGROUND

In addition to traditional educational methods, virtual reality (VR) and three-dimensional (3D) technology can offer opportunities in surgical nursing education to facilitate the retention of surgical procedures more effectively.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the impact of virtual reality on surgical hand scrubbing and sterile gowning knowledge, skills, satisfaction, and confidence among students enrolled in surgical nursing, against routine teaching methods.

METHODS

Participants were divided into three groups: Virtual Reality Group (VRG: 27 participants), Video Group (VG: 27 participants), and Theoretical Group (TG: 25 participants). All participants received theoretical training and demonstrations. For the VR group, a surgical hand scrubbing and sterile gowning video prepared within a scenario approved by experts was presented through virtual reality goggles. The VG watched a surgical hand scrubbing and sterile gowning video, while the TG received self-learning instructions. Knowledge and skill assessments were conducted for all groups after three weeks.

RESULTS

The VR group demonstrated proficiency in applying the steps of the procedure more quickly and showed significant improvements in self-confidence. There was no significant difference in knowledge levels among the groups. Participants in the VR group were more satisfied with the training method compared to the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Virtual reality is an effective strategy to support the training on surgical hand scrubbing and sterile gowning in surgical nursing.

CLINICALTRIAL

NCT06162364
Climate Change farm-level Adaptation Measures among Soybean Farmers in Benue state, Nigeria

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences (Life Sciences)

This study analyses climate change farm-level adaptation measure among soybean farmers in Benue state, Nigeria. The study used multistage sampling technique and primary data were collected from 217 soybean farmers. Objective (i) was realized using descriptive statistics, viz. percentages and frequencies. Objective (ii) was achieved using stochastic frontier model. Objective (iii) made use of multivariate discreet choice model (MNL). Objective (v) was realized using Factor Analysis model (FA). Results of the multinomial logit analysis showed that Age positively influenced the use of crop diversification at 5% significant. Household size had positive relationship with the choice of crop diversification as farm-level adaptation measures. Farm size had a negative effect on the choice of multiple crop varieties. The stochastic frontier analysis showed that farm size was highly significant at 1% level of probability among soybean farmers. The computed mean of technical efficiency estimate was 0.12 and 0.90. The technical inefficiency model showed that land fragmentation (i.e. multiple farm plots) is significant at 5%, off farm employment is significant at 1%, both organic and inorganic had 10% significant technical inefficiency. The factor analysis revealed that the major constraints to climate change and farm-level adaptation measures among the soybean farmers were public, institutional and technological constraints; land, traditional beliefs and farm distance constraints; high cost of inputs, small scale production and knowledge of cropping or building resilience constraints; The study, therefore, recommends, inter alia, proactive regulatory land use systems that will make soybean farmers to participate in cooperative membership, have access to extension services to enhance their investment in climate change farm-level adaptation measures that has a long-term effect. More also, Government and non-governmental organizations should help the farmers in the area of provision and/ or facilitate the provision of input-based farm-level adaptation measure in the study area. Again, intensive use of already proven adaptation measures at farm-level by the farmers at their present resource technology will make them to reduce technical inefficiencies in the study area.
Optically nonactive assorted helix array with interchangeable magnetic/electric resonance

Field: Physics and Astronomy (Physical Sciences)

We report here the design of an optically nonactive metamaterial by assembling metallic helices with different chiralities. With linearly polarized incident light, pure electric or magnetic resonance can be selectively realized, which accordingly leads to negative permittivity or negative permeability. Further, we show that pure electric or magnetic resonance can be interchanged at the same frequency band by merely changing the polarization of incident light for 90°. This design demonstrates a unique approach in constructing metamaterials.
New Insights on the Biophysical Interaction of Resveratrol with Biomembrane Models: Relevance for Its Biological Effects B

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)

Resveratrol has been widely studied because of its pleiotropic effects in cancer therapy, neuroprotection, and cardioprotection. It is believed that the interaction of resveratrol with biological membranes may play a key role in its therapeutic activity. The capacity of resveratrol to partition into lipid bilayers, its possible location within the membrane, and the influence of this compound on the membrane fluidity were investigated using membrane mimetic systems composed of egg l-α-phosphatidylcholine (EPC), cholesterol (CHOL), and sphingomyelin (SM). The results showed that resveratrol has greater affinity for the EPC bilayers than for EPC:CHOL [4:1] and EPC:CHOL:SM [1:1:1] membrane models. The increased difficulty in penetrating tight packed membranes is also demonstrated by fluorescence quenching of probes and by fluorescence anisotropy measurements. Resveratrol may be involved in the regulation of cell membrane fluidity, thereby contributing for cell homeostasis.
Haptic telemanipulation of soft environment without direct force feedback

Field: Engineering (Physical Sciences)

Haptic exploration of remote object plays an important role in teleoperation system. This paper proposes a novel method to realize the softness display for telemanipulation of soft environment without direct force feedback, which is based on stiffness control of elastic element and damp control of magnetic field. This method can produce softness sensation with wide range from very soft to hard to the human fingertip. And a new control structure for hapticly telemanipulating the soft environment by using the softness display devices is presented, which send dynamics parameters of soft environment identified on line back to the master site instead of direct force feedback. The parameters are used to control the softness display, which can let human operator feel the softness of remote environment when his fingertip jiggles the button of the softness display device.
Gene Expression Profile Associated With Neural Tube Defects Among Infants Attending Muhimbili National Hospital And Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute In Tanzania

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)

Abstract

Background: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are severe congenital anomalies of the central nervous system. The specific cause is not known, though several factors including gene variants involving the folate metabolism have been implicated in the etiology. This study aimed at identifying the gene expression profile of selected genes known to be associated with NTDs among infants attending Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) and Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI).Methods: We conducted a matched case control study involving infants who were attending MNH and MOI during 6 months of the study period. Each case was matched with two controls by gestational age, sex and birth weight. Whole blood samples were collected from all study participants for genetic analysis. Total RNA was isolated using Qiagen RNA blood mini kit, and reversed transcribed into complementary DNA (cDNA) using Super Script II Reverse Transcriptase cDNA Synthesis kit. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed on extracted cDNA by a Light Thermal Cycler 480 machine using specific primers for studied genes to determine their expression levels. Results were analysed by GraphPad Prism 5Software, using Student t-test, and Bonferroni post hoc statistical tests. A p value of < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results: The study recruited 50 cases and 100 controls. Among eight studied genes, we found significantly low expression of Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase [MTHFR] gene among cases than controls (p=0.006). Expression of others genes were having variations and expressed at very low levels in both cases and controls.Conclusions: A low expression level of MTHFR gene was a significant risk factor for the occurrence of NTDs amongst infants attending MNH and MOI. We recommend gene expression analysis to be done on mothers of infants with NTDs to identify those at risk; and further mutational analysis to be done to enhance genetic counseling and therefore to prevent recurrence of NTDs.
Preparation of topoisomers of short circular dsDNA with defined linking number by accurate topological control

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)

Abstract Short DNA catenanes [circular double-stranded DNA (dsDNA)] have attracted considerable interest for constructing nanostructures and nanomachines, as well as understanding DNA topology. The study of topoisomers of a circular dsDNA with a definite linking number (Lk) is essential but very difficult for simplifying the complex problems about DNA topology. The topoisomers are difficult to prepare, especially in the case that two strands are completely complementary. In this study, using a model system, we prepared all eight topoisomers (Lk0–Lk7) of a 79-bp-long circular dsDNA (8–14 nm in size) by utilizing aid-DNA to prevent undesired hybridization. By rapid ligation before strand displacement, high selectivity (&gt;75%) for most topoisomers (31% for Lk1) was achieved under the strict topological control. All eight topoisomers with high purity were obtained after purification. Using a gel shift assay with Z-DNA-specific binding proteins, as well as by circular dichroism chromatography and enzymatic digestion, it was found that Z-DNA forms for topoisomers Lk0–Lk6, and Lk0–Lk5 can be converted to Lk6 by topoisomerase I. The approach developed in this study can significantly contribute to DNA or RNA topology, particularly the effect of topological constraints on DNA structures and functions.
Infant Feeding

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)

IL-4 receptor signaling is supposed to play a major role in anti-inflammatory polarization and proliferation of adipose tissue macrophages. In this study, we examined the metabolic and inflammatory phenotype of C57BL/6J mice (IIl4ra) with LysM-dependent knockout (IIl4raΔmyel) of the IL-4 receptor α-chain (IL-4Rα), the mandatory signaling component of IL-4 and IL-13, on chow and high-fat diet. Lean IIl4raΔmyel mice showed decreased insulin sensitivity, no divergent adipose tissue macrophage polarization, but an increased percentage of CD8+ T cells in visceral adipose tissue. After 20 wk of a high-fat diet, IIl4raΔmyel mice exhibited higher glucose tolerance, no changes in the lymphocyte compartment and fewer M1 macrophages in visceral adipose tissue. In vivo adipose tissue macrophage proliferation measured by BrdU incorporation was unaffected by Il4ra knockout. Interestingly, we show that IL-4Rα signaling directly augmented Itgax (Cd11c) gene expression in bone marrow–derived macrophages and increased the amount of CD11c+ macrophages in adipose tissue explants. Myeloid cell–specific knockout of Il4ra deteriorated insulin sensitivity in lean mice but improved parameters of glucose homeostasis and partially protected from adipose tissue inflammation in obese mice. Hence, IL-4Rα signaling probably plays a minor role in maintaining the macrophage M2 population and proliferation rates in vivo. Moreover, our data indicate that IL-4 signaling plays a proinflammatory role in adipose tissue inflammation by directly upregulating CD11c on adipose tissue macrophages.
[Risks and liability in complications with respect to implant-supported suprastructures].

Field: Dentistry (Health Sciences)

Despite high survival percentages of oral implants and suprastructures, various risks threaten the success of oral implant treatments. Four risk categories can be distinguished: complications during surgical treatment, loss or impending loss of the implant, fracture or wearing out of (parts of) the suprastructure, and patient dissatisfaction with the treatment outcome. The question is when a complication can be expected on the basis of present-day knowledge in a certain percentage of cases and when one can speak of negligence. In cases where treatment is carried out in accordance with the most recent protocols, guidelines and recommendations, there can be no question of liability. It is proposed that retreatment is carried out without any costs if an implant or a superstructure is lost within one year post-treatment.
Meta-analysis of three genome-wide association studies identifies two loci that predict survival and treatment outcome in breast cancer

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)

The majority of breast cancers are driven by the female hormone oestrogen via oestrogen receptor (ER) alpha. ER-positive patients are commonly treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy, however, resistance is a common occurrence and aside from ER-status, no unequivocal predictive biomarkers are currently in clinical use. In this study, we aimed to identify constitutional genetic variants influencing breast cancer survival among ER-positive patients and specifically, among endocrine-treated patients. We conducted a meta-analysis of three genome-wide association studies comprising in total 3,136 patients with ER-positive breast cancer of which 2,751 had received adjuvant endocrine therapy. We identified a novel locus (rs992531 at 8p21.2) associated with reduced survival among the patients with ER-positive breast cancer (P = 3.77 × 10-8). Another locus (rs7701292 at 5q21.3) was associated with reduced survival among the endocrine-treated patients (P = 2.13 × 10-8). Interaction analysis indicated that the survival association of rs7701292 is treatment-specific and independent of conventional prognostic markers. In silico functional studies suggest plausible biological mechanisms for the observed survival associations and a functional link between the putative target genes of the rs992531 and rs7701292 (RHOBTB2 and RAB9P1, respectively). We further explored the genetic interaction between rs992531 and rs7701292 and found a significant, treatment-specific interactive effect on survival among ER-positive, endocrine-treated patients (hazard ratio = 6.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.79-27.08, Pinteraction= 0.036). This is the first study to identify a genetic interaction that specifically predicts treatment outcome. These findings may provide predictive biomarkers based on germ line genotype informing more personalized treatment selection.
Polymer - Sn Composite : Development of Amperometric Hydrazine Sensor

Field: Chemistry (Physical Sciences)

Abstract In the present work, an ease and green chemical protocol for the formation of polyaniline - Sn composite is proposed. The protocol involves the formation of composite by the simple mixing of tin nitrate and aniline at room temperature without using any agents for polymerisation process. The composite obtained has been well characterized with the aid of SEM with EDAX and XRD. Further, it has been used in the development of thin film electrodes on the surface of rigid glassy carbon electrode and subsequently employed as an electrochemical interface for the electroanalytical amperometric sensing of hydrazine model analyte system at trace concentration level. The developed interface showed good affinity towards the analyte in the dynamic range upto 400 µM with a detection limit of 0.1 µM (3ϭ). The stability, reproducibility has been proven to be good without any deviation in its electrochemical performance with least interference from commonly encountered foreign species. Finally, the practical utility of the developed sensor has been shown by determining the trace concentration levels of hydrazine from tap water.