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Comparative Genomic Analysis of Third Generation Cephalosporin-Resistant Escherichia coli Harboring blaCMY-2-Positive IncI1 group, IncB/O/K/Z, and IncC Plasmids Isolated from Healthy Broilers in Japan. [Epidemiology and Surveillance]

The off-label use of third generation cephalosporin (3GC) during in ovo vaccination or vaccination of newly hatched chicks, was a common practice worldwide. CMY-2-producing Escherichia coli have been disseminated among broiler production. The objectives of this study were to determine the epidemiological linkage of blaCMY-2-positive plasmids among broilers both within and outside Japan because grandparent stock and parent stock were imported in Japan. We examined the whole genome sequences of 132 3GC-resistant E. coli isolates collected from healthy broilers during 2002-2014. The predominant 3GC-resistance gene was blaCMY-2, which was detected in the plasmids of 87 (65.9%) isolates. The main plasmid replicon types were IncI1-I (n=21; 24.1%), IncI (n=12; 13.8%), IncB/O/K/Z (n=28; 32.2%), and IncC (n=22; 25.3%). Those plasmids were subjected to gene clustering and network analyses and plasmid multi-locus sequence typing (pMLST). The chromosomal DNA of isolates was subjected to MLST and single nucleotide variant (SNV)-based phylogenetic analysis.

MLST and SNV-based phylogenetic analysis revealed high diversity of E. coli isolates. ST429 harboring blaCMY-2-positive IncB/O/K/Z was closely related to isolates from broiler in Germany harboring blaCMY-2-positive IncB/O/K/Z. pST55-IncI and pST12-IncI1-I and pST3-IncC were prevalent in western Japan. pST12-IncI1-I and pST3-IncC were closely related to those detected in E. coli isolates from chicken in American continent, whereas 26 IncB/O/K/Z were related to those in Europe. These data will be useful to reveal the whole picture of transmission of CMY-2-producing bacteria in and out of Japan.




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Comparative plasma pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone and ertapenem between normoalbuminemia, hypoalbuminemia and with albumin replacement in a sheep model. [Pharmacology]

Background

Optimal concentrations of unbound antimicrobials are essential for maximum microbiological effect. Although hypoalbuminemia and albumin fluid resuscitation are common in critical care, the effects of different albumin concentrations on the unbound concentrations of highly protein-bound antimicrobials are not known. The aim of this study was to compare effects of different albumin states on total and unbound concentrations of ertapenem and ceftriaxone using an ovine model.

Methods

Design

Prospective, three phase intervention observational study.

Subjects

Healthy Merino sheep.

Interventions

Eight sheep were subject to three experimental phases; normoalbuminemia, hypoalbuminemia using plasmapheresis and albumin replacement using a 25% albumin solution. In each phase, ceftriaxone 40 mg/kg and ertapenem 15 mg/kg were given intravenously. Blood samples were collected at pre-defined intervals and analyzed using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method. Pharmacokinetic parameters such as area under the curve (AUC0-24), plasma clearance (CL) and apparent volume of distribution in the terminal phase (Vd) were estimated and compared between the phases.

Results

The protein and albumin concentrations were significantly different between phases. Hypoalbuminemia resulted in a significantly lower AUC0-24 and higher CL of total and unbound concentrations of ceftriaxone compared to the other phases. Whereas albumin replacement led to higher AUC0-24 and lower CL compared to other phases for both drugs. The Vd for total drug concentrations for both drugs were significantly lower with albumin replacement.

Conclusions

For highly protein-bound drugs such as ceftriaxone and ertapenem, both hypoalbuminemia and albumin replacement may affect unbound drug exposure.




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The Cost of Avast's Free Antivirus: Companies Can Spy on Your Clicks

Avast is harvesting users' browser histories on the pretext that the data has been 'de-identified,' thus protecting your privacy. But the data, which is being sold to third parties, can be linked back to people's real identities, exposing every click and search they've made.




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Avast to End Browser Data Harvesting, Terminates Jumpshot

'As CEO of Avast, I feel personally responsible and I would like to apologize to all concerned,' wrote Ondrej Vlcek following a PCMag-Motherboard investigation into the privacy risks around the data harvesting.




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Efficacy of Melatonin in Children With Postconcussive Symptoms: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND:

Approximately 25% of children with concussion have persistent postconcussive symptoms (PPCS) with resultant significant impacts on quality of life. Melatonin has significant neuroprotective properties, and promising preclinical data suggest its potential to improve outcomes after traumatic brain injury. We hypothesized that treatment with melatonin would result in a greater decrease in PPCS symptoms when compared with a placebo.

METHODS:

We conducted a randomized, double-blind trial of 3 or 10 mg of melatonin compared with a placebo (NCT01874847). We included youth (ages 8–18 years) with PPCS at 4 to 6 weeks after mild traumatic brain injury. Those with significant medical or psychiatric histories or a previous concussion within the last 3 months were excluded. The primary outcome was change in the total youth self-reported Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory score measured after 28 days of treatment. Secondary outcomes included change in health-related quality of life, cognition, and sleep.

RESULTS:

Ninety-nine children (mean age: 13.8 years; SD = 2.6 years; 58% girls) were randomly assigned. Symptoms improved over time with a median Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory change score of –21 (95% confidence interval [CI]: –16 to –27). There was no significant effect of melatonin when compared with a placebo in the intention-to-treat analysis (3 mg melatonin, –2 [95% CI: –13 to 6]; 10 mg melatonin, 4 [95% CI: –7 to 14]). No significant group differences in secondary outcomes were observed. Side effects were mild and similar to the placebo.

CONCLUSIONS:

Children with PPCS had significant impairment in their quality of life. Seventy-eight percent demonstrated significant recovery between 1 and 3 months postinjury. This clinical trial does not support the use of melatonin for the treatment of pediatric PPCS.




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Costs and Use for Children With Medical Complexity in a Care Management Program

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Children with medical complexity (CMC) comprise only 6% of the pediatric population, account for ~40% of pediatric health care spending, and provide an important opportunity for cost saving. Savings in this group can have an important impact on pediatric health care costs. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a multicenter care management program on spending and use in CMC.

DESIGN AND METHODS:

We conducted a prospective cohort analysis of a population of 4530 CMC enrolled in a learning collaborative designed to improve care for CMC ages 0 to 21 years identified using 3M Clinical Risk Group categories 5b through 9. The primary outcome was total per-member per-year standardized spending; secondary outcomes included inpatient and emergency department (ED) spending and use. We used a 1:1 propensity score match to compare enrolled patients to eligible nonenrolled patients and statistical process control methods to analyze spending and usage rates.

RESULTS:

Comparison with the matched group showed a 4.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.9%–7.3%) decrease in total per-member per-year spending (P < .001), a 7.7% (95% CI: 1.2%–13.5%) decrease in inpatient spending (P = .04), and an 11.6% (95% CI: 3.9%–18.4%) decrease in ED spending (P = .04). Statistical process control analysis showed a decrease in hospitalization rate and ED visits.

CONCLUSIONS:

CMC enrolled in a learning collaborative showed significant decreases in total spending and a significant decrease in the number of hospitalizations and ED visits. Additional research is needed to determine more specific causal factors for the results and if these results are sustainable over time and replicable in other settings.




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Predicting School-Aged Cognitive Impairment in Children Born Very Preterm

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Children born very preterm (VPT) are at high risk of cognitive impairment that impacts their educational and social opportunities. This study examined the predictive accuracy of assessments at 2, 4, 6, and 9 years in identifying preterm children with cognitive impairment by 12 years.

METHODS:

We prospectively studied a regional cohort of 103 children born VPT (≤32 weeks’ gestation) and 109 children born term from birth to corrected age 12 years. Cognitive functioning was assessed by using age-appropriate, standardized measures: Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Second Edition (age 2); Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (ages 4 and 6); and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition (ages 9 and 12).

RESULTS:

By 12 years, children born VPT were more likely to have severe (odds ratio 3.9; 95% confidence interval 1.1–13.5) or any (odds ratio 3.2; 95% confidence interval 1.8–5.6) cognitive impairment compared with children born term. Adopting a severe cognitive impairment criterion at age 2 under-identified 44% of children born VPT with later severe impairment, whereas a more inclusive earlier criterion identified all severely affected children at 12 years. Prediction improved with age, with any delay at age 6 having the highest sensitivity (85%) and positive predictive value (66%) relative to earlier age assessments. Inclusion of family-social circumstances further improved diagnostic accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS:

Cognitive risk prediction improves with age, with assessments at 6 years offering optimal diagnostic accuracy. Intervention for children with early mild delay may be beneficial, especially for those raised in socially disadvantaged family contexts.




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Campaign Monitor

Campaign Monitor is a satisfactory marketing tool, especially with email marketing features and analytics, but it trails the competition in areas like direct online support.




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Mailchimp

Mailchimp is still leading the email marketing category, but it now adds CRM features and a website builder to help small to midsize businesses carry out marketing campaigns.




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Champions League Fantasy: Inside info

Who takes the penalties? Who can't you afford to ignore? And who are the bargain signings that could make all the difference?




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Champions League Fantasy: Who's in form?

With the UEFA Champions League resuming next week, UEFA.com looks at which players have been hitting the heights on the domestic front.




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Champions League Fantasy: Bargain signings

Players who provide excellent value for money are a key component of successful Fantasy sides; check out our suggestions.




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Champions League Fantasy: Big-money assets

UEFA.com runs the rule over some of the most expensive players in the game to assess who's worth splashing out for.




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Champions League Fantasy Matchday 7: What the numbers say

UEFA.com studies the statistics to find out which players are predicted for big Matchday 7 totals.




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Champions League Fantasy: Captain marvel

The UEFA Champions League is back and UEFA.com are here to guide #UCLfantasy managers through the first legs of the round of 16.




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Champions League Fantasy popular picks and potential differentials

Ahead of Matchday 7, UEFA.com looks at some obvious selections and some lesser-owned options.




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Champions League Fantasy Matchday 7: The Scout squad

As the knockout stage kicks off this week, The Scout has put together a squad drawing on players from nine teams.




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Tech Company Wins Ed. Dept Award to Create Accessible Books

Benetech, a Palo Alto, Calif. based software company, is embarking on is third 5-year award with the U.S. Department of Education to create books for students with print disabilities.




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Technology Has No Impact on Teaching and Learning

If we truly want educational technology to take root in schools and finally live up to the promise we've been expecting for more than a decade, schools need to develop a cadre of well-trained tech instructional coaches.




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Penn State Health selects president for its new Hampden Medical Center

Penn State Health has appointed Don McKenna as president of Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center.




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Seed grants jump-start 47 interdisciplinary teams to conduct COVID-19 research

With speed and ingenuity, more than 100 researchers across Penn State are shifting their research programs to address the COVID-19 crisis, thanks to funding from a seed grant initiative led by the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences. In total, the initiative awarded $2.25 million to 47 teams of researchers from three campuses, 10 colleges and more than 25 departments.




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Fin24.com | Want to improve managing your money? Here are 7 tools

This list looks at seven top South African products disrupting the traditional way of doing finance.




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Youth Olympics futsal qualifying report

The future of European futsal – male and female – was displayed over the last week in qualifying for the 2018 Youth Olympic games with Russia and Portugal coming out on top.




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Penn Staters stock shelves, continue to serve students at campus pantries

Penn Staters across the Commonwealth are embodying the “We Are” spirit by keeping campus food pantries open and shelves stocked to continue to serve students in need during the coronavirus pandemic.




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Hazleton native joins campus athletics department as new trainer

Hazleton native Megan Bobish has joined the Penn State Hazleton Athletics Department as the newest member of its team.




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Virtual services keeping Hazleton students, campus connected during crisis

Penn State Hazleton’s Student Services and Engagement team is continuing to forge personal connections with students while operating under the restrictions in the virtual environment created by the COVID-19 crisis.




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World Campus helps students find mental health services no matter where they are

Katie Marshall, Penn State World Campus mental health case manager, connects students learning online to resources in their own communities.




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Labor and Employment Relations student will be 2020 World Campus student marshal

As part of Penn State's 2020 spring commencement activities, Matthew Solovey will represent the College of the Liberal Arts as its World Campus student marshal.




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Campus Recreation to host Virtual 5K

Campus Recreation, a unit of Penn State Student Affairs, is hosting the first ever “We Are Penn State Virtual 5K,” with the opportunity to benefit the Penn State Student Care and Advocacy Student Emergency Fund.




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World Campus students elect student government leaders for 2020-21

Online learners at Penn State have elected 10 leaders to the World Campus Student Government Association to serve in the 2020-21 school year.




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Nontraditional Pets Policy--Reaffirmed With Reference & Data Updates




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How to Copy Large Files From Your Phone to a Computer

There are plenty of ways to transfer large files between Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, including AirDrop, Google Photos, Bluetooth transfer, and third-party programs.




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How to Fix a Noisy Computer Fan

Computer fans can get pretty noisy, but there are a few things you can do to reduce the din. Here's how to quiet disruptive PC equipment.




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Amazon Music Unlimited vs. Spotify: How Do They Compare?

The big difference between Spotify and Amazon Music Unlimited is Amazon offers an affordable tier of service available on just one Echo device. Here's how else they differ.




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What's the Best MP3 Player?

Yes, there are still portable music players in 2019, and we don't just mean the iPod touch. The question is whether you need one, and if so, which is the best MP3 player to buy?




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Deals: Acer Computers, Blink XT2, 65-Inch Vizio P-Series Quantum X

Amazon is offering up to 30 percent off Acer laptops, desktops, and monitors. Plus, you can save $930 on the 65-inch Vizio P-Series Quantum X 4K TV.




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The Best All-in-One Computers for 2020

What you want: space savings, power, and flexibility, all from a single desktop computer. What you need: an all-in-one (AIO) PC. Our buying guide and deep-dive reviews will help you shop for one of these sleek machines. (We've tested all the latest models.)




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The Best Budget Desktop Computers for 2020

A reliable home PC doesn't have to cost you four figures...far from it. Most of our budget-PC favorites cost less than $600, and some are hundreds less than that. Check out our top tested picks among conventional towers, compact PCs, and more.




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The Best Desktop Computers for 2020

Whether hulking towers, sleek all-in-ones, or space-saving mini PCs, today's desktops pack spiffier designs and more value than ever. Check out our recent favorites, along with some in-depth shopping advice and deep-dive reviews.




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11 Apps and Services to Help You Stay Safe on Campus

Don't take your safety for granted. These apps, services, and gadgets will help you communicate your location to trusted contacts and get help should trouble arise.




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How to Capture Important Data With Scanning and OCR Apps

With the best scanning and OCR apps, you can save whiteboard text, business cards, and important documents so that you can not only read them, but also edit them.




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Parents Report Obstacles in Filing Special Education Complaints, Watchdog Says

The Government Accountability Office finds that parents often have a hard time initiating complaints about special education services, but that these barriers don't affect all parents in the same way.




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Basic Tech Skills? Many Americans Have Room for Improvement

991 people in the US were asked about their mastery of three common tech tasks; the results aren't too encouraging.




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Improving Research on Charters




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Libraries employees receive national award for technology innovation

Two Penn State University Libraries employees at Berks Thun Library, Penn State Berks, have been awarded the American Library Association’s 2020 Emerging Technologies Section 2020 Best Emerging Technology Application (BETA) Award, which recognizes a technology application that directly benefits library users.




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Video showcases Penn State Berks’ impact on community

Watch Penn State Berks’ new video titled “One Community Impacting Many,” which showcases the depth and breadth of the college’s positive effects on the surrounding region.




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Second Libraries team at Berks campus wins national award for innovative work

Three Berks Thun Library employees received the 2020 Innovation in College Librarianship Award from the College Libraries Section of the Association of College & Research Libraries, a division of the American Library Association. The award honors librarians who demonstrate a capacity for innovation in working with or serving undergraduates or instructors in the areas of programs, services, and operations, or creating innovations for library colleagues that facilitate their ability to better serve the library’s community.




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Choice, Vouchers and the Trump Education Agenda

Marc Tucker looks at what the world's top performers tell us about the school choice agenda likely to be pursued by President Trump and his Education Secretary nominee Betsy DeVos.




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In reversal, Lee says state no longer implementing vouchers




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Early Diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis Through Neonatal Screening Prevents Severe Malnutrition and Improves Long-Term Growth

Philip M. Farrell
Jan 1, 2001; 107:1-13
ARTICLES