Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of meningococcal vaccination on carriage and disease transmission: A review of the literature

ABSTRACT Colonization of the human nasopharyngeal tract by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis is usually asymptomatic, but life-threatening meningococcal disease with a clinical presentation of meningitis, septicemia, or more rarely, gastrointestinal symptoms, can develop. Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) can be fatal within 24 hours, but IMD is vaccine-preventable. Vaccines used to protect against IMD caused by 5 of the 6 most common serogroups (A, B, C, W, and Y) may also influence carriage prevalence in vaccinated individuals. Lower carriage among vaccinated people may reduce transmission to nonvaccinated individuals to provide herd protection against IMD. This article reviews observational and clinical studies examining effects of vaccination on N. meningitidis carriage prevalence in the context of mass vaccination campaigns and routine immunization programs. Challenges associated with carriage studies are presented alongside considerations for design of future studies to assess the impact of vaccination on carriage.
Comparison of Clinical Outcomes after Surgical and Endovascular Revascularization in Hemodialysis Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia

Aim: The treatment strategy for hemodialysis (HD) patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) has been clinically debatable. Here we compared clinical outcomes after bypass surgery (BSX) and after endovascular therapy (EVT) using propensity score matching. Methods: A retrospective multicenter database of 246 (68 BSX and 178 EVT) consecutive HD patients with CLI (79% with tissue loss) who underwent infrainguinal revascularization from 2007 to 2009 was used to compare clinical outcomes, including overall survival (OS), major amputation (MA), major adverse limb event (MALE: repeat EVT, surgical reconstruction, or MA), and MALE-free survival after BSX vs. EVT using propensity score matching. Results: The median (interquartile range) follow-up duration after revascularization was 21 (8–33) months. The analysis of the 63 propensity score-matched pairs revealed no significant difference in OS (53% vs. 52%, P = 0.96), MA (25% vs. 14%, P = 0.71), MALE (42% vs. 58%, P = 0.63), and MALE-free survival (33% vs. 11%, P = 0.37) at 3 year after BSX vs. EVT. Conclusions: In HD patients with CLI who underwent infrainguinal revascularization, OS, MA, MALE, and MALE-free survival rates were not significantly different after EVT vs. BSX. The less invasive EVT should be considered as the first-choice therapeutic strategy for HD patients with CLI.
Falls and Social Isolation of Older Adults in the National Health and Aging Trends Study.

A longitudinal secondary analysis of 2 years of data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study was undertaken to determine the extent to which social isolation predicts falls in older adults. Social isolation during Year 1 (baseline) was operationalized as a multiple-indicator measure based on Social Network Index participation domains. Falling during the previous year was self-reported using Year 2 data. Logistic regression models revealed social isolation significantly predicted falls (odds ratio [OR] = 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.05, 1.17]). The relationship remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, and education (OR = 1.08; 95% CI [1.02, 1.14]). The relationship weakened after adjusting for self-reported general health, depression risk, and worry about falling (OR = 1.02; 95% CI [0.96, 1.08]). Adjusting for Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), assistive mobility device, and activities of daily living further weakened the relationship (OR = 0.99; 95% CI [0.94, 1.04]). SPPB demonstrated the strongest correlation with social isolation (r = -0.42; p < 0.01). Fall prevention intervention studies specifically targeting social isolation may incorporate physical performance as a shorter-term and cost-effective proxy outcome for falls. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2018; 11(2):61-70. ].
Demography and mating system shape the genome-wide impact of purifying selection in Arabis alpina

Significance Intermediate outcrossing rates are theoretically predicted to maintain effective selection against harmful alleles, but few studies have empirically tested this prediction with the use of genomic data. We used whole-genome resequencing data from alpine rock-cress to study how genetic variation and purifying selection vary with mating system. We find that populations with intermediate outcrossing rates have similar levels of genetic diversity as outcrossing populations, and that purifying selection against harmful alleles is efficient in mixed-mating populations. In contrast, self-fertilizing populations from Scandinavia have strongly reduced genetic diversity and accumulate harmful mutations, likely as a result of demographic effects of postglacial colonization. Our results suggest that mixed-mating populations can avoid some of the negative evolutionary consequences of high self-fertilization rates. Plant mating systems have profound effects on levels and structuring of genetic variation and can affect the impact of natural selection. Although theory predicts that intermediate outcrossing rates may allow plants to prevent accumulation of deleterious alleles, few studies have empirically tested this prediction using genomic data. Here, we study the effect of mating system on purifying selection by conducting population-genomic analyses on whole-genome resequencing data from 38 European individuals of the arctic-alpine crucifer Arabis alpina. We find that outcrossing and mixed-mating populations maintain genetic diversity at similar levels, whereas highly self-fertilizing Scandinavian A. alpina show a strong reduction in genetic diversity, most likely as a result of a postglacial colonization bottleneck. We further find evidence for accumulation of genetic load in highly self-fertilizing populations, whereas the genome-wide impact of purifying selection does not differ greatly between mixed-mating and outcrossing populations. Our results demonstrate that intermediate levels of outcrossing may allow efficient selection against harmful alleles, whereas demographic effects can be important for relaxed purifying selection in highly selfing populations. Thus, mating system and demography shape the impact of purifying selection on genomic variation in A. alpina. These results are important for an improved understanding of the evolutionary consequences of mating system variation and the maintenance of mixed-mating strategies.
Liquid-based cytology versus conventional cytology in fine-needle aspirates of salivary gland neoplasms

Background: Liquid-based cytology (LBC) is a method of retrieving and processing of cytological material for the assessment of both gynecological and nongynecological cases introduced in 1996. Mostly conventional smears (CS) are prepared in Indian scenario; however, due to increasing popularity of LBC in nongynecology specimens, LBC is also used in few centers for diagnosing salivary gland neoplasm. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare CS and LBC in fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the salivary gland neoplasms in terms of cytomorphological details, adequacy, ease of interpretation, pitfalls, and diagnostic efficiency. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective, observational, comparative study which included 64 salivary gland neoplasms. Both CS and LBC (SurePath) were prepared as per standard protocols and examined. Results and Conclusion: In our study, specificity and positive predictive value of both the techniques (conventional and LBC) were found to be 100%. Sensitivity of both the techniques was found to be similar (66.7%). Negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of conventional technique were found to be almost similar to that of LBC technique (97.6% vs. 97.2% and 97.7% vs. 97.4%). In terms of adequacy and cellularity, CSs were better than LBC. Ease of interpretation was better with CSs due to abundant chondromyxoid stroma, an important clue in the diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma. Nuclear details and background were better in LBC as compared to CS. Hence, we conclude that in salivary gland FNAC, both CS and LBC have similar diagnostic efficiency. however, interpretation of conventional smears is easier than Liquid Based Cytology especially in cases of pleomorphic adenoma. However, some advantages of LBC in respect to conventional cytology, with better-preserved morphology obtained from LBC becomes furthermore obligatory.
Atomic-Scale Engineering of the SiC-SiO2 Interface

We report results from three distinct but related thrusts that aim to elucidate the atomic-scale structure and properties of the Sic-SiO{sub 2} interface. (a) First-principles theoretical calculations probe the global bonding arrangements and the local processes during oxidation; (b) Z-contrast atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron-energy-loss spectroscopy provide images and interface spectra, and (c) nuclear techniques and electrical measurements are used to profile N at the interface and determine interface trap densities.
Structure-Property Relationships in Semiconducting Polymers and Small Molecules Probed by Synchrotron X-ray Methods

Author(s): Su, Gregory | Advisor(s): Chabinyc, Michael L | Abstract: Organic semiconductors are an exciting class of materials that have potential to producelow-cost, printable, and flexible electronic devices. Moving to the next generationof organic semiconductors that will result in greater efficiency requires advancements inthe areas of materials chemistry, molecular assembly, predictive modelling, and deviceoptimization. Here, we focus on morphology and demonstrate how it is linked to each ofthese areas. Understanding the connections among chemistry, thin film microstructure,and charge transport remains a major challenge in the field. We examined materialssystems relevant to organic solar cells, memory devices, and transistors, with a focus onsynchrotron-based X-ray techniques. For a blend of a polymer and small molecule, applicable to solar cells, control of molecular orientation in the small molecule is especially important for non-fullerene based molecules that exhibit anisotropic charge transport. In ferroelectric-semiconductor polymer blends used in organic memory, improved control over phase separation length scales is achieved by altering the chemistry of the semiconducting polymer to tune polymer-polymer interactions. Complementary simulations can facilitate characterization of organic semiconductors. First-principles predictions of X-ray absorption spectroscopy are applied to semiconducting polymers, and prove critical for understanding complex experimental data related to molecular orientation and electronic structure in general. Overall, these studies provide insights into key factors that should be considered in the development of new organic semiconductors.
Control of embryonic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation via coordinated alternative splicing and translation of YY2

Significance Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) maintain a low translation rate; therefore control of mRNA translation is critical for preserving their stemness. We identified a hitherto unstudied transcription factor, Yin-yang 2 (YY2), which is translationaly regulated and controls self-renewal and differentiation of mouse ESCs (mESCs). Although YY2 is essential for mESC self-renewal, increased YY2 expression directs differentiation of mESCs toward cardiovascular lineages. Examination of the Yy2 5′-UTR revealed a multilayer regulatory mechanism through which YY2 expression is dictated by the combined actions of the splicing regulator, Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1), and the translation inhibitors, Eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding proteins (4E-BPs). YY2 directly controls the expression of several pluripotency and development-related genes. This study describes a synchronized network of alternative splicing and mRNA translation in controlling self-renewal and differentiation. Translational control of gene expression plays a key role during the early phases of embryonic development. Here we describe a transcriptional regulator of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), Yin-yang 2 (YY2), that is controlled by the translation inhibitors, Eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding proteins (4E-BPs). YY2 plays a critical role in regulating mESC functions through control of key pluripotency factors, including Octamer-binding protein 4 (Oct4) and Estrogen-related receptor-β (Esrrb). Importantly, overexpression of YY2 directs the differentiation of mESCs into cardiovascular lineages. We show that the splicing regulator Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1) promotes the retention of an intron in the 5′-UTR of Yy2 mRNA that confers sensitivity to 4E-BP–mediated translational suppression. Thus, we conclude that YY2 is a major regulator of mESC self-renewal and lineage commitment and document a multilayer regulatory mechanism that controls its expression.
Refractive Index and Dispersive Energy of NiSO4 Doped Poly (Ethylene Oxide) Films

Refractive index and dispersive energy of NiSO4 doped with Poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) films have been studied. The films are characterized by using X-ray diffractometry (XRD) at room temperature. The peak observed at 2 = 19.16 o for pure PEO and shifted to 19.43 o for doped films. The XRD results indicate the reducing crystallinity and increasing amorphous nature with NiSO4. The optical absorption and transmittance studies were made in the wavelength range 200-800 nm. The optical transmittance decreases with increasing of NiSO4 doping concentration; it can be explained in terms of a reduction in cross linking. Reflectance is calculated by using absorbance and transmittance data and hence the refractive index has been calculated. The refractive index shows increasing trend with dopant concentration and it can be explained in terms of real and imaginary part. The real part of the refractive index gives the dispersion and the imaginary part of the refractive index, k, gives the absorption of the electromagnetic wave. The dispersion of the refractive index is discussed in terms of the single oscillator model proposed by Wemple and DiDomenico. By using this model, i.e., by plotting (n 2 −1) −1 against E 2 and fitting a straight line, oscillator parameters, Eo—the single oscillator energy and Ed—the dispersion energy, were directly determined. The Eo is the energy of the effective dispersion oscillator is found to be 6.33 eV, 6.23 eV and 5.99 eV for PA05, PA10 and PA15, respectively. The Ed, which measures the average strength of inter band optical transitions is found to be 1.52 eV, 0.48 eV, and 0.16 eV for PA05, PA10 and PA15, respectively. The optical conductivity is found in the range of 2 Scm -1 . The real part of dielectric constant is in the range of 4 and imaginary part of dielectric constant is in the range of 6.0 × 10 -5 for PEO and increases for doped polymer films.
Dipolar extracellular potentials generated by axonal projections

Extracellular field potentials (EFPs) are an important source of information in neuroscience, but their physiological basis is in many cases still a matter of debate. Axonal sources are typically discounted in modeling and data analysis because their contributions are assumed to be negligible. Here, we show experimentally and theoretically that contributions of axons to EFPs can be significant. Modeling action potentials propagating along axons, we showed that EFPs were prominent in the presence of a terminal zone where axons branch and terminate in close succession, as found in many brain regions. Our models predicted a dipolar far field and a polarity reversal at the center of the terminal zone. We confirmed these predictions using EFPs from the barn owl auditory brainstem where we recorded in nucleus laminaris using a multielectrode array. These results demonstrate that axonal terminal zones produce EFPs with considerable amplitude and spatial reach.
Role of Collagen Concentration in Stability of Star-Shaped Silver@Gold Nanoparticles

In this report, star-shaped silver@gold (Ag@Au) nanoparticles were synthesized in collagen (Coll) suspensions by a seeding growth approach. The silver nanoparticles were used as seeds for Au development. Coll was used as a protecting agent and the effect of its concentration on stability was also examined. Obtained nanoparticles were then characterized by UV-Vis, TEM, XRD and FTIR. The result was confirmed by the maximum surface plasmon resonance peak at 566-580 nm for each sample indicating the formation of branched Ag@Au@Coll NPs. The average diameters of the branched Ag@Au@Coll NPs were revealed to be 30-50 nm depending on the corresponding component ratio and the pH value. It is interesting to note that the concentration of Coll plays a critical role in the stability of the star-shaped gold nanoparticles. The results offer an understanding of the handling of the electronic and the silver@gold based nanoparticles stability properties.
Identification of Kernel Proteins Associated with the Resistance to Fusarium Head Blight in Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Numerous potential components involved in the resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) in cereals have been indicated, however, our knowledge regarding this process is still limited and further work is required. Two winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines differing in their levels of resistance to FHB were analyzed to identify the most crucial proteins associated with resistance in this species. The presented work involved analysis of protein abundance in the kernel bulks of more resistant and more susceptible wheat lines using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry identification of proteins, which were differentially accumulated between the analyzed lines, after inoculation with F. culmorum under field conditions. All the obtained two-dimensional patterns were demonstrated to be well-resolved protein maps of kernel proteomes. Although, 11 proteins were shown to have significantly different abundance between these two groups of plants, only two are likely to be crucial and have a potential role in resistance to FHB. Monomeric alpha-amylase and dimeric alpha-amylase inhibitors, both highly accumulated in the more resistant line, after inoculation and in the control conditions. Fusarium pathogens can use hydrolytic enzymes, including amylases to colonize kernels and acquire nitrogen and carbon from the endosperm and we suggest that the inhibition of pathogen amylase activity could be one of the most crucial mechanisms to prevent infection progress in the analyzed wheat line with a higher resistance. Alpha-amylase activity assays confirmed this suggestion as it revealed the highest level of enzyme activity, after F. culmorum infection, in the line more susceptible to FHB.
Vitamin D and host resistance to infection? Putting the cart in front of the horse

Vitamin D is being touted as an anti-infective agent and it has even been suggested that vitamin D supplementation could be effective against the H1N1 influenza virus. The claims are largely based on the ability of vitamin D to induce antibacterial peptides and evidence that the immune system produces active vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3) in situ. While there are many examples of immune production of 1,25(OH)2D3 in vitro, there is little in vivo evidence. In addition, it is not clear what role immune production of 1,25(OH)2D3 has on the course of disease. Vitamin D and 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibit T helper type 1 (Th1)/Th17-mediated immune responses and autoimmune diseases by acting on the innate and acquired immune system to inhibit the function of Th1 and Th17 cells. Th1 and Th17 cells are important in host resistance to many infections including tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Paradoxically the innate immune system is induced to produce antibacterial peptides that are effective against TB in vitro. Data from several models of infection have so far not supported a role for vitamin D in affecting the course of disease. There is also very little evidence that vitamin D affects the course of human TB infection. Experiments have not been done in cells, mice or humans to evaluate the effect of vitamin D on influenza virus. At this time it would be premature to claim that vitamin D has an effect on TB, influenza or any other infection.
Bulk and Interphase Effects in Aged Structural Joints

Abstract Although structural adhesives are becoming widespread in numerous applications, one important limitation at present is the long term behaviour of bonded assemblies under conditions of high humidity, especially at elevated temperatures. This study presents a comparison between bulk properties of a structural epoxy resin and its behaviour in a torsional joint consisting of a hollowed-out cylinder bonded to a plate—both substrates being in stainless steel. Exposure to ca. 100% relative humidity at 70°C leads to modification of the bulk properties of the polymer, notably reduction of its elastic modulus. Although this may explain some differences in behaviour of the torsional joint, premature failure is attributed to weaknesses in the interphase zone. Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) has been employed to investigate both unbonded steel surfaces and fracture zones. Although prolonged exposure to water leads to a more extensive degree of (apparently) adhesive failure at the interface polymer/metal, AE.
Rapid Plasticity in the Prefrontal Cortex during Affective Associative Learning

MultiCS conditioning is an affective associative learning paradigm, in which affective categories consist of many similar and complex stimuli. Comparing visual processing before and after learning, recent MultiCS conditioning studies using time-sensitive magnetoencephalography (MEG) revealed enhanced activation of prefrontal cortex (PFC) regions towards emotionally paired versus neutral stimuli already during short-latency processing stages (i.e., 50 to 80 ms after stimulus onset). The present study aimed at showing that this rapid differential activation develops as a function of the acquisition and not the extinction of the emotional meaning associated with affectively paired stimuli. MEG data of a MultiCS conditioning study were analyzed with respect to rapid changes in PFC activation towards aversively (electric shock) paired and unpaired faces that occurred during the learning of stimulus-reinforcer contingencies. Analyses revealed an increased PFC activation towards paired stimuli during 50 to 80 ms already during the acquisition of contingencies, which emerged after a single pairing with the electric shock. Corresponding changes in stimulus valence could be observed in ratings of hedonic valence, although participants did not seem to be aware of contingencies. These results suggest rapid formation and access of emotional stimulus meaning in the PFC as well as a great capacity for adaptive and highly resolving learning in the brain under challenging circumstances.