Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Opposite outcomes of coinfection at individual and population scales

Significance Infection with multiple parasite species is common and the majority of coinfections involve at least one long-lasting infection. Our data-driven model of chronic coinfection dynamics shows that accurate prediction at the population level requires quantifying both the individual-level transmission and mortality consequences of coinfection. The infections characterized in this study compete at the population level. When one pathogen facilitates both the transmission and progression of the second pathogen, the prevalence of the first pathogen is reduced. This mechanism of competition is unique compared with previously described mechanisms and occurs without cross-immunity, resource competition within the host, or convalescence. We recommend assessing the generality of this mechanism, which could have important consequences for other chronic, immunosuppressive pathogens such as HIV or TB. Coinfecting parasites and pathogens remain a leading challenge for global public health due to their consequences for individual-level infection risk and disease progression. However, a clear understanding of the population-level consequences of coinfection is lacking. Here, we constructed a model that includes three individual-level effects of coinfection: mortality, fecundity, and transmission. We used the model to investigate how these individual-level consequences of coinfection scale up to produce population-level infection patterns. To parameterize this model, we conducted a 4-y cohort study in African buffalo to estimate the individual-level effects of coinfection with two bacterial pathogens, bovine tuberculosis (bTB) and brucellosis, across a range of demographic and environmental contexts. At the individual level, our empirical results identified bTB as a risk factor for acquiring brucellosis, but we found no association between brucellosis and the risk of acquiring bTB. Both infections were associated with reductions in survival and neither infection was associated with reductions in fecundity. The model reproduced coinfection patterns in the data and predicted opposite impacts of coinfection at individual and population scales: Whereas bTB facilitated brucellosis infection at the individual level, our model predicted the presence of brucellosis to have a strong negative impact on bTB at the population level. In modeled populations where brucellosis was present, the endemic prevalence and basic reproduction number (R0) of bTB were lower than in populations without brucellosis. Therefore, these results provide a data-driven example of competition between coinfecting pathogens that occurs when one pathogen facilitates secondary infections at the individual level.
Flexible Transient Optical Waveguides and Surface‐Wave Biosensors Constructed from Monocrystalline Silicon

Optical technologies offer important capabilities in both biological research and clinical care. Recent interest is in implantable devices that provide intimate optical coupling to biological tissues for a finite time period and then undergo full bioresorption into benign products, thereby serving as temporary implants for diagnosis and/or therapy. The results presented here establish a silicon‐based, bioresorbable photonic platform that relies on thin filaments of monocrystalline silicon encapsulated by polymers as flexible, transient optical waveguides for accurate light delivery and sensing at targeted sites in biological systems. Comprehensive studies of the mechanical and optical properties associated with bending and unfurling the waveguides from wafer‐scale sources of materials establish general guidelines in fabrication and design. Monitoring biochemical species such as glucose and tracking physiological parameters such as oxygen saturation using near‐infrared spectroscopic methods demonstrate modes of utility in biomedicine. These concepts provide versatile capabilities in biomedical diagnosis, therapy, deep‐tissue imaging, and surgery, and suggest a broad range of opportunities for silicon photonics in bioresorbable technologies.
Serum thyrotrophin at baseline predicts the natural course of subclinical hyperthyroidism

Optimal therapeutic strategies for subclinical hyperthyroidism are undecided. Overt disease develops in a minority of cases, but the risk factors for progression remain unclear. We examined whether a baseline thyrotrophin (TSH) predicted progression to overt hyperthyroidism in asymptomatic individuals with subclinical hyperthyroidism.
Temozolomide in the management of dopamine agonist–resistant prolactinomas

The majority of prolactinomas respond to dopamine agonist therapy, but a proportion are resistant, requiring other treatments including surgery and/or radiotherapy. Temozolomide is an oral chemotherapy agent, which has been used as a salvage therapy to treat aggressive pituitary adenomas and carcinomas, including prolactinomas, unresponsive to all conventional treatment.
International Journal of Medical Informatics

Background: Wearable technology has shown the potential of improving healthcare efﬁciency and reducing healthcare cost. Different from pioneering studies on healthcare wearable devices from technical perspective, this paper explores the predictors of individuals’ adoption of healthcare wearable devices. Considering the importance of individuals’ privacy perceptions in healthcare wearable devices adoption, this study proposes a model based on the privacy calculus theory to investigate how individuals adopt healthcare wearable devices. Method: The proposed conceptual model was empirically tested by using data collected from a survey. The sample covers 333 actual users of healthcare wearable devices. Structural equation modeling (SEM) method was employed to estimate the signiﬁcance of the path coefﬁcients. Results: This study reveals several main ﬁndings: (1) individuals’ decisions to adopt healthcare wearable devices are determined by their risk–beneﬁt analyses (refer to privacy calculus). In short, if an individual’s perceived beneﬁt is higher than perceived privacy risk, s/he is more likely to adopt the device. Otherwise, the device would not be adopted; (2) individuals’ perceived privacy risk is formed by health information sensitivity, personal innovativeness, legislative protection, and perceived prestige; and (3) individuals’ perceived beneﬁt is determined by perceived informativeness and functional congruence. The theoretical and practical implications, limitations, and future research directions are then discussed.
Association between circulating cytokine levels, diabetes and insulin resistance in a population‐based sample (CoLaus study)

The associations between inflammation, diabetes and insulin resistance remain controversial. Hence, we assessed the associations between diabetes, insulin resistance (using HOMA‐IR) and metabolic syndrome with the inflammatory markers high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α).
Evidências da ação de agentes físicos sobre o metabolismo do tecido ósseo e seus potenciais usos clínicos

The action of physical agents such as low level laser therapy, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and electrical and electromagnetic fields on bone have been often studied, showing that they are able to promote osteogenesis, accelerate fracture consolidation and augment bone mass. The use of these therapeutic modalities was first based on the finding that bone is a piezoelectric material, that means it can generate polarization when deformed, transforming mechanical energy into electric energy, and this has widen therapeutic possibilities to bony tissue. The present work aims to present evidences of physiologic effects and mechanisms of action of these physical agents on bone metabolism, based on articles published in international scientific literature.
Confinement transition of ℤ2 gauge theories coupled to massless fermions: Emergent quantum chromodynamics and SO(5) symmetry

Significance Universal properties of quantum (zero-temperature) phase transitions are typically well-described by the classical Landau theory of spontaneous symmetry breaking. A paradigmatic counterexample is deconfined criticality, where quantum interference allows for a direct and continuous transition between states with distinct symmetry-breaking patterns, a phenomenon that is classically forbidden. In this work, we extend the scope of deconfined criticality to a case where breaking of a global symmetry coincides with confinement of a local (gauge) symmetry. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we investigate a lattice realization of this transition. Remarkably, we uncover emergent and enlarged global and gauge symmetries. These findings direct us in constructing a critical field theory description. We study a model of fermions on the square lattice at half-filling coupled to an Ising gauge theory that was recently shown in Monte Carlo simulations to exhibit Z2 topological order and massless Dirac fermion excitations. On tuning parameters, a confining phase with broken symmetry (an antiferromagnet in one choice of Hamiltonian) was also established, and the transition between these phases was found to be continuous, with coincident onset of symmetry breaking and confinement. While the confinement transition in pure gauge theories is well-understood in terms of condensing magnetic flux excitations, the same transition in the presence of gapless fermions is a challenging problem owing to the statistical interactions between fermions and the condensing flux excitations. The conventional scenario then proceeds via a two-step transition, involving a symmetry-breaking transition leading to gapped fermions followed by confinement. In contrast, here, using quantum Monte Carlo simulations, we provide further evidence for a direct, continuous transition and also find numerical evidence for an enlarged SO(5) symmetry rotating between antiferromagnetism and valence bond solid orders proximate to criticality. Guided by our numerical finding, we develop a field theory description of the direct transition involving an emergent nonabelian [SU(2)] gauge theory and a matrix Higgs field. We contrast our results with the conventional Gross–Neveu–Yukawa transition.
Bisphenol A in polycystic ovary syndrome and its association with liver–spleen axis

Bisphenol A, one of the highest‐volume chemicals currently available, is known to act as endocrine disruptor and alters several metabolic functions, including inflammatory pathways. Elevated serum levels of bisphenol A have been found in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and a role of low‐grade chronic inflammation has been recently reported in the pathogenesis of this syndrome. Increased spleen volume, a reliable and stable index of chronic inflammation, was strictly associated with the severity of hepatic steatosis (HS) in obese subjects, determining the so‐called liver–spleen axis.
Striking stationarity of large-scale climate model bias patterns under strong climate change

Significance The typical magnitude of coupled climate model biases is similar to the magnitude of the climate change that is expected on a centennial time scale. Using climate models for assessing future climate change therefore relies on the hypothesis that these biases are stationary or vary predictably. This hypothesis, however, has not been, and cannot be, tested directly. We compare the biases of individual models with respect to a multimodel mean for two very different climate states. Our comparison shows that under very large climate change the bias patterns of key climate variables do not change substantially. This provides a justification for using state-of-the-art climate models to simulate climate change and allows extending the range of climate model applications. Because all climate models exhibit biases, their use for assessing future climate change requires implicitly assuming or explicitly postulating that the biases are stationary or vary predictably. This hypothesis, however, has not been, and cannot be, tested directly. This work shows that under very large climate change the bias patterns of key climate variables exhibit a striking degree of stationarity. Using only correlation with a model’s preindustrial bias pattern, a model’s 4xCO2 bias pattern is objectively and correctly identified among a large model ensemble in almost all cases. This outcome would be exceedingly improbable if bias patterns were independent of climate state. A similar result is also found for bias patterns in two historical periods. This provides compelling and heretofore missing justification for using such models to quantify climate perturbation patterns and for selecting well-performing models for regional downscaling. Furthermore, it opens the way to extending bias corrections to perturbed states, substantially broadening the range of justified applications of climate models.
Oxygen‐Vacancy and Surface Modulation of Ultrathin Nickel Cobaltite Nanosheets as a High‐Energy Cathode for Advanced Zn‐Ion Batteries

The development of high‐capacity, Earth‐abundant, and stable cathode materials for robust aqueous Zn‐ion batteries is an ongoing challenge. Herein, ultrathin nickel cobaltite (NiCo2O4) nanosheets with enriched oxygen vacancies and surface phosphate ions (P–NiCo2O4‐x) are reported as a new high‐energy‐density cathode material for rechargeable Zn‐ion batteries. The oxygen‐vacancy and surface phosphate‐ion modulation are achieved by annealing the pristine NiCo2O4 nanosheets using a simple phosphating process. Benefiting from the merits of substantially improved electrical conductivity and increased concentration of active sites, the optimized P–NiCo2O4‐x nanosheet electrode delivers remarkable capacity (309.2 mAh g−1 at 6.0 A g−1) and extraordinary rate performance (64% capacity retention at 60.4 A g−1). Moreover, based on the P–NiCo2O4‐x cathode, our fabricated P–NiCo2O4‐x//Zn battery presents an impressive specific capacity of 361.3 mAh g−1 at the high current density of 3.0 A g−1 in an alkaline electrolyte. Furthermore, extremely high energy density (616.5 Wh kg−1) and power density (30.2 kW kg−1) are also achieved, which outperforms most of the previously reported aqueous Zn‐ion batteries. This ultrafast and high‐energy aqueous Zn‐ion battery is promising for widespread application to electric vehicles and intelligent devices.
Diagnostic pitfalls in the evaluation of fine needle aspiration cytology of the thyroid: correlation with histopathology in 260 cases

Objectives: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the thyroid is a non‐invasive, cost‐effective screening procedure that is valuable for distinguishing neoplastic lesions from non‐neoplastic nodules. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of FNACs performed at our institution by correlating FNAC results with histopathological diagnoses.
Prevalence of high‐risk human papillomavirus type 16/18 infection among women with normal cytology: risk factor analysis and implications for screening and prophylaxis

Objective: To determine the prevalence of high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) 16/18 infection of uterine cervix among women in the reproductive age group, with cytologically normal cervical (Pap) smears; to analyse the risk factors for HR‐HPV acquisition and to address their implications for cervical cancer screening and prophylaxis in a low resource setting.
Shallow junction formation by polyatomic cluster ion implantation

Recent integrated circuits require shallow junctions which are less than 0.1 /spl mu/m depth. This creates a strong demand for low energy ion beam techniques. Equivalent low-energy and high current ion beams can be realized quite easily with clusters, because the kinetic energy of the cluster is shared between the constituent atoms. Additionally, cluster-ion beams avoid damage due to excessive charge. We have used polyatomic clusters, decaborane (B/sub 10/H/sub 14/) as a kind of B cluster, in order to form a very shallow p/sup +/ junction. A B SIMS profile of B/sub 10/H/sub 14/ implanted into Si (100) at 20 keV was quite similar to that of B implanted at 2 keV. These SIMS measurements revealed that the cluster ion beam can realize equivalent low-energy implantation quite easily. The implantation efficiency achieved was about 90%. The damage induced by B/sub 10/H/sub 14/ implantation was completely removed by a 600/spl deg/C furnace anneal for 30 min, and implanted B atoms were electrically activated. After rapid thermal annealing (RTA) at 900/spl deg/C of a sample prepared with a dose of 5/spl times/10/sup 13/ ion/cm/sup 2/ the sheet resistance decreased to about 600 W/sq. and the activation efficiency was about 50%. These results show that a polyatomic cluster ion beam is useful for shallow junction formation.
Harrison's Endocrinology

Endocrinology - as only HARRISON'S can cover it. A Doody's Core Title for 2015. Featuring a superb compilation of chapters on endocrinology that appear in Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, Eighteenth Edition, this concise, full-color clinical companion delivers the latest knowledge in the field backed by the scientific rigor and authority that have defined Harrison's. You will find content from renowned editors and contributors in a carry-anywhere presentation that is ideal for the classroom, clinic, ward, or exam/certification preparation. Features: an organization that reflects the physiologic roots of endocrinology: Pituitary, Thyroid, and Adrenal Disorders; Reproductive Endocrinology; Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, Lipoprotein Metabolism; Disorders Affecting Multiple Endocrine Systems; and Disorders of Bone and Calcium Metabolism; an important introduction that uses numerous examples of translational research to link genetics, cell biology, and physiology with pathophysiology and treatment; integration of pathophysiology with clinical management; 108 high-yield questions and answers drawn from Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine Self-Assessment and Board Review, 18e; updates and new developments since the publication of Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 18e; 29 chapters written by physicians who are recognized experts in the field of endocrinology; and, Helpful appendix of laboratory values of clinical importance.
Distressed personality (Type D) - its role in health and sport - report from research review

Introduction: Type D personality or distressed personality is a construct provided by Johan Denollet. It refers to people who: a) generally experience negative emotions and their affect is dominated by them; b) restrict themselves from self-expression in social situations. Type D is mainly studied as a predictor of somatic diseases, especially in cardiology. Aim (Objective): The article reviews scientific papers including Type D in relation to health and sport from 3 databases to present the state of the art in this area. Materials and methods: Three scientific databases were searched (PsycARTICLES, ACADEMIC SEARCH COMPLETE and MEDLINE). Key words putted in databases searching engines were: "distressed personality" OR "type d" AND "health"; "distressed personality" OR "type d" AND "sport". The main inclusion criterion for a research was its subject - related to Type D. Results: Seventy eight research were included into extended analysis. Forty eight studies were conducted on unhealthy subjects (mainly on cardiac patients but also on cancer survivors, irritable bowel syndrome patients, patients with diabetes). The results of those research generally confirm the relation between Type D personality and poorer somatic and mental health. Only one research was indirectly related to sport. But there were no single research specifically on people who do sports (professionally or are in the training stage of their carrier). Conclusion: There are many studies on distressed personality, but there is a lack of research conducted on athletes. Such research might be useful in creating programs for athletes who have difficulties in coping with stress.
The Rpb4/7 Module of RNA Polymerase II Is Required for Carbon Catabolite Repressor Protein 4-Negative on TATA (Ccr4-Not) Complex to Promote Elongation*

Background: mRNA transcription and decay are coordinated processes. Results: The Rpb4/7 module of RNA polymerase II is required for the transcription and mRNA decay factor Ccr4-Not to associate with elongation complexes. Conclusion: Association between these two entities is required for Ccr4-Not to promote transcription elongation. Significance: Our work provides molecular insights into how transcription and mRNA decay are linked. Gene expression relies on the balance between mRNA synthesis in the nucleus and decay in the cytoplasm, processes once thought to be separate. We now know that transcription and decay rates are coordinated, but the factors or molecular mechanisms are unclear. The Ccr4-Not complex regulates multiple stages of gene expression, from mRNA synthesis to protein destruction. One of its functions is to promote RNA polymerase II elongation by reactivating arrested elongation complexes. Here we explored the features of polymerase required for Ccr4-Not to promote elongation and found that the Rpb4/7 module is important for Ccr4-Not to associate with elongation complexes and stimulate elongation. Rpb4/7 has also been implicated in coordinating mRNA synthesis and decay, but its role in this process is controversial. The interplay between Ccr4-Not and Rpb4/7 described here suggests a mechanism for how the cell coordinates mRNA synthesis and decay.
Periodic behavior of locally stabilizing saturated linear controllers for the discrete-time double integrator

The main contribution of this paper is to point out the vast difference between a discrete-time double integrator subject to actuator saturation and a continuous-time double integrator subject to actuator saturation. In continuous-time, any linear state feedback control law which locally stabilizes the double integrator, also globally stabilizes the double integrator in the presence of actuator saturation. In discrete-time, the equivalent of the double integrator has intrinsically different behavior. Some linear feedbacks which locally stabilize the double integrator, also globally stabilize the double integrator in the presence of actuator saturation. However, other linear feedbacks which locally stabilize the double integrator, do not globally stabilize the double integrator in the presence of actuator saturation. We classify a class of linear feedback laws which achieve local stability but also yield nonzero periodic solutions in the presence of actuator saturation and therefore cannot achieve global asymptotic stability.