Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genotypic Diversity Is Associated with Clinical Outcome and Phenotype in Cryptococcal Meningitis across Southern Africa

Cryptococcal meningitis is a major cause of mortality throughout the developing world, yet little is known about the genetic markers underlying Cryptococcal virulence and patient outcome. We studied a cohort of 230 Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) isolates from HIV-positive South African clinical trial patients with detailed clinical follow-up using multi-locus sequence typing and in vitro phenotypic virulence assays, correlating these data with clinical and fungal markers of disease in the patient. South African Cn displayed high levels of genetic diversity and locus variability compared to globally distributed types, and we identified 50 sequence types grouped within the main molecular types VNI, VNII and VNB, with 72% of isolates typed into one of seven 'high frequency' sequence types. Spatial analysis of patients’ cryptococcal genotype was not shown to be clustered geographically, which might argue against recent local acquisition and in favour of reactivation of latent infection. Through comparison of MLST genotyping data with clinical parameters, we found a relationship between genetic lineage and clinical outcome, with patients infected with the VNB lineage having significantly worse survival (n=8, HR 3.35, CI 1.51-7.20, p=0.003), and this was maintained even after adjustment for known prognostic indicators and treatment regimen. Comparison of fungal genotype with in vitro phenotype (phagocytosis, laccase activity and CSF survival) performed on a subset of 89 isolates revealed evidence of lineage-associated virulence phenotype, with the VNII lineage displaying increased laccase activity (p=0.001) and ex vivo CSF survival (p=0.0001). These findings show that Cryptococcus neoformans is a phenotypically heterogeneous pathogen, and that lineage plays an important role in cryptococcal virulence during human infection. Furthermore, a detailed understanding of the genetic diversity in Southern Africa will support further investigation into how genetic diversity is structured across African environments, allowing assessment of the risks different ecotypes pose to infection.
Supramolecular assembly of the beta-catenin destruction complex and the effect of Wnt signaling on its localization, molecular size, and activity in vivo

Wnt signaling provides a paradigm for cell-cell signals that regulate embryonic development and stem cell homeostasis and are inappropriately activated in cancers. The tumor suppressors APC and Axin form the core of the multiprotein destruction complex, which targets the Wnt-effector beta-catenin for phosphorylation, ubiquitination and destruction. Based on earlier work, we hypothesize that the destruction complex is a supramolecular entity that self-assembles by Axin and APC polymerization, and that regulating assembly and stability of the destruction complex underlie its function. We tested this hypothesis in Drosophila embryos, a premier model of Wnt signaling. Combining biochemistry, genetic tools to manipulate Axin and APC2 levels, advanced imaging and molecule counting, we defined destruction complex assembly, stoichiometry, and localization in vivo, and its downregulation in response to Wnt signaling. Our findings challenge and revise current models of destruction complex function. Endogenous Axin and APC2 proteins and their antagonist Dishevelled accumulate at roughly similar levels, suggesting competition for binding may be critical. By expressing Axin:GFP at near endogenous levels we found that in the absence of Wnt signals, Axin and APC2 co-assemble into large cytoplasmic complexes containing tens to hundreds of Axin proteins. Wnt signals trigger recruitment of these to the membrane, while cytoplasmic Axin levels increase, suggesting altered assembly/disassembly. Glycogen synthase kinase3 regulates destruction complex recruitment to the membrane and release of Armadillo/beta-catenin from the destruction complex. Manipulating Axin or APC2 levels had no effect on destruction complex activity when Wnt signals were absent, but, surprisingly, had opposite effects on the destruction complex when Wnt signals were present. Elevating Axin made the complex more resistant to inactivation, while elevating APC2 levels enhanced inactivation. Our data suggest both absolute levels and the ratio of these two core components affect destruction complex function, supporting models in which competition among Axin partners determines destruction complex activity.
Progressive Sample Processing of Band Selection for Hyperspectral Image Transmission

Band selection (BS) is one of the important topics in hyperspectral image (HSI) processing. Many types of BS algorithms were proposed in the last decade. However, most of them were designed for off-line use. They can only be used with pre-collected data, and are sometimes ineffective for applications that require timeliness, such as disaster prevention or target detection. This paper proposes an online BS method that allows us obtain instant BS results in a progressive manner during HSI data transmission, which is carried out under band-interleaved-by-sample/pixel (BIS/BIP) format. Such a revolutionary method is called progressive sample processing of band selection (PSP-BS). In PSP-BS, BS can be done recursively pixel by pixel, so that the instantaneous BS can be achieved without waiting for all the pixels of an image. To develop a PSP-BS algorithm, we proposed PSP-OMPBS, which adopted the recursive version of a self-sparse regression BS method (OMPBS) as a native algorithm. The experiments conducted on two real hyperspectral images demonstrate that PSP-OMPBS can progressively output the BS with extremely low computing time. In addition, the convergence of BS results during transmission can be further accelerated by using a pre-defined pixel transmission sequence. Such a significant advantage not only allows BS to be done in a real-time manner for the future satellite data downlink, but also determines the BS results in advance, without waiting to receive every pixel of an image.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage: Results of long-term follow-up

Background/Aim: Recently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) has emerged using a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS). The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of this procedure. In addition, the efficacy and safety of EUS-GBD with SEMS were assessed. Patients and Methods: Thirteen consecutive patients who underwent EUS-GBD for acute cholecystitis between February 2014 and September 2016 were included in this retrospective study. EUS-GBD was performed under the guidance of EUS and fluoroscopy, through puncturing the gallbladder with a needle, inserting a guidewire, dilating the puncture hole, and placing a SEMS. Results: The rates of technical success, functional success, and adverse events were 100%, 92.3% and 7.7%, respectively. The median procedure time was 26.9 min (range 19–42 min). The median follow-up time was 240 days (range 14–945 days) and during this follow-up period recurrence of cholecystitis was observed in one patient (7.7%). Conclusion: EUS-GBD with a SEMS is a possible alternative treatment for acute cholecystitis in high surgical risk patients. Long-term outcomes after EUS-GBD were promising.
The role of transformational leadership in enhancing team reflexivity

Team reflexivity, or the extent to which teams reflect upon and modify their functioning, has been identified as a key factor in the effectiveness of work teams. As yet, however, little is known about the factors that play a role in enhancing team reflexivity, and it is thus important to develop theorizing around the determinants of reflexivity. From an applied perspective, leadership is a very relevant factor. The current study is a first step in the development of such a model, and addresses this important gap in our understanding of team reflexivity by focusing on the role of leader behavior. We examined the extent to which transformational leadership influences team reflexivity, and in turn, team performance, in a field study conducted among 32 intact work teams from nine organizations. Team members rated reflexivity and leadership, while external managers rated team performance. We hypothesized and tested a mediational model proposing that transformational leadership is related to the adoption of a shared vision by the team. This in turn relates to team reflexivity, which leads to higher team performance. Results support this model.
Drone Mission Definition and Implementation for Automated Infrastructure Inspection Using Airborne Sensors

This paper describes a Mission Definition System and the automated flight process it enables to implement measurement plans for discrete infrastructure inspections using aerial platforms, and specifically multi-rotor drones. The mission definition aims at improving planning efficiency with respect to state-of-the-art waypoint-based techniques, using high-level mission definition primitives and linking them with realistic flight models to simulate the inspection in advance. It also provides flight scripts and measurement plans which can be executed by commercial drones. Its user interfaces facilitate mission definition, pre-flight 3D synthetic mission visualisation and flight evaluation. Results are delivered for a set of representative infrastructure inspection flights, showing the accuracy of the flight prediction tools in actual operations using automated flight control.
Strategic profiling for behaviour visualization of malicious node in MANETs using game theory

In Mobile Adhoc Network (MANET), one of the precarious problems is of identifying the malicious nodes. The identification and later mitigation of the same becomes an immensely difficult task especially when selfish / erroneous nodes exist along with normal collaborative nodes in the Regular camp. The presence of selfish nodes is potentially harmful as similar behaviour can be imitated by malicious nodes which are the point of concern of many security aspects. The paper accentuates the use of game theory and probability theory considering selfish nodes in the regular node camp while modelling the Regular versus Malicious node game and thereby enhancing the prior mathematical schema of strategical decision making to accommodate for the same. The framework effectively represent the various unpredictable actions of node cooperation, node declination, node attacks, as well as node reporting that can model the strategic profiling of various mobile nodes. A significant focus is given on Perfect Bayesian Equilibrium (PBE) strategy which forms as the basis of all the result analysis. The enhancement is shown in terms of 63% lesser false positives which favors higher overall network utility (modelled as utility of regular nodes in the game) with selfish / erroneous nodes existing in the network when collating the proposed schema with prior work.
Dietary patterns and cardiometabolic risk factors among adolescents: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract This study systematised and synthesised the results of observational studies that were aimed at supporting the association between dietary patterns and cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors among adolescents. Relevant scientific articles were searched in PUBMED, EMBASE, SCIENCE DIRECT, LILACS, WEB OF SCIENCE and SCOPUS. Observational studies that included the measurement of any CMR factor in healthy adolescents and dietary patterns were included. The search strategy retained nineteen articles for qualitative analysis. Among retained articles, the effects of dietary pattern on the means of BMI (n 18), waist circumference (WC) (n 9), systolic blood pressure (n 7), diastolic blood pressure (n 6), blood glucose (n 5) and lipid profile (n 5) were examined. Systematised evidence showed that an unhealthy dietary pattern appears to be associated with poor mean values of CMR factors among adolescents. However, evidence of a protective effect of healthier dietary patterns in this group remains unclear. Considering the number of studies with available information, a meta-analysis of anthropometric measures showed that dietary patterns characterised by the highest intake of unhealthy foods resulted in a higher mean BMI (0·57 kg/m²; 95 % CI 0·51, 0·63) and WC (0·57 cm; 95 % CI 0·47, 0·67) compared with low intake of unhealthy foods. Controversially, patterns characterised by a low intake of healthy foods were associated with a lower mean BMI (−0·41 kg/m²; 95 % CI −0·46,−0·36) and WC (−0·43 cm; 95 % CI −0·52,−0·33). An unhealthy dietary pattern may influence markers of CMR among adolescents, but considering the small number and limitations of the studies included, further studies are warranted to strengthen the evidence of this relation.
Impact of Physician's Education on Adherence to Tuberculosis Treatment for Patients of Low Socioeconomic Status in Bangladesh

Successful tuberculosis control depends on good adherence to treatment. Yet, limited data are available on the efficacy of methods for improving the adherence of patients of low socioeconomic status. We evaluated the impact of physician-provided patient education on adherence to anti-tuberculosis medication in a low socioeconomic status and resource-limited setting. A pre-/post-intervention study was conducted at a suburban primary health care clinic in Bangladesh where an intensive education strategy was established in May 2006. Treatment outcomes of tuberculosis patients from March 2005 to April 2006 (pre-intervention) and from May 2006 to December 2007 (post-intervention) were compared. Among 354 patients, 198 (56%) were treated before intervention and 156 (44%) were treated after intervention. Cumulative adherence to anti-tuberculosis medication was significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group in univariate and multivariate analyses. Physician's education can contribute to increasing the adherence of patients in resource-limited settings.
Targeting hedgehog signaling in cancer: research and clinical developments

Since its first description in Drosophila by Drs Nusslein-Volhard and Wieschaus in 1980, hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been implicated in regulation of cell differentiation, proliferation, tissue polarity, stem cell maintenance, and carcinogenesis. The first link of Hh signaling to cancer was established through studies of Gorlin syndrome in 1996 by two independent teams. Later, it was shown that Hh signaling may be involved in many types of cancer, including skin, leukemia, lung, brain, and gastrointestinal cancers. In early 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the clinical use of Hh inhibitor Erivedge/vismodegib for treatment of locally advanced and metastatic basal cell carcinomas. With further investigation, it is possible to see more clinical applications of Hh signaling inhibitors. In this review, we will summarize major advances in the last 3 years in our understanding of Hh signaling activation in human cancer, and recent developments in preclinical and clinical studies using Hh signaling inhibitors.
Effect of different surface finishing/polishing procedures on color stability of esthetic restorative materials: A spectrophotometric evaluation

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the color stability of different esthetic restorative materials after surface finishing/polishing with different procedures. Materials and Methods: All materials were polymerized into silicone rubber rings to obtain specimens identical in size. Samples were randomly assigned into four groups (10 specimens of each composite for each group), and they were finished with different procedures: Control group (Group 1), three or two polishers interspersed with diamond grit (Groups 3 and 2, respectively), and one tungsten carbide bur + one polisher interspersed with diamond grit (Group 4). After staining process in coffee, a colorimetric evaluation according to the CIE L*a*b* system was performed by a blind trained operator at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Shapiro–Wilk test and Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance were applied to assess significant differences among restorative materials. Means of the different polishing/finishing groups were compared with Scheffe’s multiple comparison test at the 0.05 level of significance. Results: In control group, significant lower discolorations were recorded for Essentia, Admira Fusion, and Estelite. After finishing, Filtek Supreme XTE and Ceram.X Universal showed a significantly lower degree of staining. The finishing technique used for Group 4 produced higher color changes. Conclusions: Tungsten carbide burs produced the higher color variations; after finishing, the nanofilled composites showed lower discoloration than nanohybrid ones, and the time of exposure to the staining agent and the polishing/finishing technique influenced the color change.
Background Subtraction Using Multiscale Fully Convolutional Network

Background modeling and subtraction based on change detection are the first step in many high-level computer vision applications. Many background subtraction methods have been proposed in the recent past and their efforts mainly focus on two aspects: more advanced background models and more complex feature representations. Recently, hierarchical features learned from deep convolutional neural networks have been shown to be effective for many computer vision tasks, such as classification and recognition. However, few researchers try to learn the deep features to address the background subtraction problem. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a novel multiscale fully convolutional network (MFCN) architecture which takes advantage of different layer features for background subtraction. We show that the foreground detection accuracy can be greatly improved by using the deep features learned from the MFCN and instead of building highly complex background models, and the complexity of the background subtraction process can be easily solved during the subtraction operation itself. Experimental results on CDnet 2014 data set and SBM-RGBD data set show that the proposed MFCN-based method achieves state-of-the-art performance while operating at real time.
IMPACT OF TGF-β FAMILY-RELATED GROWTH FACTORS ON CHONDROGENIC DIFFERENTIATION OF ADIPOSE-DERIVED STEM CELLS ISOLATED FROM LIPOASPIRATES AND INFRAPATELLAR FAT PADS OF OSTEOARTHRITIC PATIENTS

The success of cell-based approaches for the treatment of cartilage defects requires an optimal autologous cell source with chondrogenic differentiation ability that maintains its differentiated properties and stability following implantation. The objective of this study was to compare the chondrogenic capacity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from lipoaspirates (ASCs) and infrapatellar fat pads (IFPSCs) of osteoarthritic patients and treated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β family-related growth factors. Cells were cultured for 6 weeks in a 3D pellet culture system with the chimeric activin A/bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-2 ligand (AB235), the chimeric nodal/BMP-2 ligand (NB260) or BMP-2. To investigate the stability of the new cartilage, ASCs-treated pellets were transplanted subcutaneously into severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. Histological and immunohistochemical assessment confirmed that the growth factors induced cartilage differentiation in both isolated cell types. However, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR results showed that ASCs presented a higher chondrogenic potential than IFPSCs. In vivo results revealed that AB235-treated ASCs pellets were larger in size and could form stable cartilage-like tissue as compared to NB260-treated pellets, while BMP-2-treated pellets underwent calcification. The chondrogenic induction of ASCs by AB235 treatment was mediated by SMAD2/3 activation, as proved by immunofluorescence analysis. The results of this study indicated that the combination of ASCs and AB235 might lead to a cell-based cartilage regeneration treatment.
Relationship between serum tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 concentration and periodontal destruction in patients with type 2 diabetes: Cross-sectional study.

Introduction The role of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) is well documented in pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis (CP) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Considering short half-life of TNFα, tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 (TNFR2) is used as prosperous surrogate marker of TNFα activity. Objective The aim was to detect TNFR2 serum concentration and correlate it with periodontal destruction in patients with diagnosed T2D and nondiabetics. Methods The study included 85 patients divided into three groups: T2D + CP (group T2D, n = 34); nondiabetics + CP (Group PD, n = 27); and healthy controls (group HC, n = 24). T2D was diagnosed according to WHO criteria (2013) and periodontitis was diagnosed using International Workshop for a Classification of Periodontal Diseases and Conditions criteria (1999). TNFR2 level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results There was no difference in TNFR2 level among the groups (Kruskal–Wallis, p = 0.482). Significant correlation (Pearson’s correlation coefficient) was observed between clinical attachment loss (CAL) and TNFR2 concentration in PD group (rp = -0.460, p = 0.016). In T2D group, correlations were observed between TNFR2 concentration and CAL (rp = 0.363, p = 0.005) and periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) (rp = 0.345, p = 0.046) and periodontal epithelial surface area (PESA) (rp = 0.578, p = 0.000). Conclusion Higher concentration of TNFR2 was associated with higher CAL, PESA, and PISA scores in T2D group. Contrary to that, nondiabetics with higher values of CAL exhibited lower concentration of TNFR2, presenting potential protective effect on periodontal destruction. These results imply that diabetes may alter TNFR2 secretion originated from periodontium.
Increased risk of hip fracture among older people using antidepressant drugs: data from the Norwegian Prescription Database and the Norwegian Hip Fracture Registry.

BACKGROUND hip fractures are usually caused by a combination of reduced bone mineral density and falls; using antidepressant drugs may affect both of these. OBJECTIVE we aimed to examine associations between exposure to antidepressant drugs and the risk of hip fracture among older people, and, provided associations found, to estimate the attributable risk of hip fracture. DESIGN we conducted a nationwide prospective cohort study of the 906,422 people in Norway born before 1945. METHODS information on all prescriptions of antidepressants dispensed in 2004-10 and all primary hip fractures in 2005-10 was obtained from the Norwegian Prescription Database, and the Norwegian Hip Fracture Registry, respectively. The incidence rates of hip fracture during the time people were exposed and unexposed to antidepressant drugs were compared by calculating the standardised incidence ratio (SIR). RESULTS altogether 39,938 people (4.4%) experienced a primary hip fracture. The risk of hip fracture was increased for people exposed to any antidepressant [SIR = 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7-1.8]; tricyclic antidepressants (SIR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.3-1.5); selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (SIR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.7-1.8) and other antidepressants (SIR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.5-1.7). The risk of hip fracture attributable to exposure to antidepressant drugs was 4.7%. CONCLUSIONS this study indicated an increased risk of hip fracture among people exposed to antidepressants, especially those with serotonergic properties such as SSRIs. This association needs to be explored further in clinical studies.