Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Getting Personal: How Childhood Vaccination Policies Shape the Landscape of Vaccine Exemptions

Abstract Background State-mandated school entry immunization requirements in the United States play an important role in achieving high vaccine coverage, but variations in vaccine exemption policies result in a patchwork of vaccine coverage across the country. Methods In this study, we evaluate epidemiological effects and spatial variations in nonmedical exemption (NME) rates in the context of vaccine policies. We first analyze the correlation between NME rates and vaccine coverage for 3 significant childhood vaccinations. Furthermore, we assess the effects of policy changes in a subset of states, using a correlative approach at the state level and performing a clustering analysis at the county level. Results We find that higher rates of exemptions are associated with lower vaccination rates of school-aged children in all cases. In a subset of states where exemption policy has recently changed, we show that the effects on statewide NME rates vary widely and that decreases in NMEs can lead to an increase in other types of exemptions. Finally, our clustering analysis in California, Illinois, and Connecticut shows that policy changes affect the spatial distribution of NMEs. Conclusions Our work suggests that vaccination policies have significant impacts on patterns of herd immunity. Our findings can be used to develop evidence-based vaccine legislation.
EBV immune evasion genes modulating CD8+ T cell recognition during lytic cycle replication

During lytic cycle replication EBV expresses at least three genes; BNLF2a, BILF1 and BGLF5, which individually act to inhibit efficient processing and presentation of CD8+ T cell epitopes. This thesis sets out to assess the relative contribution of these potential immune-modulating proteins to the evasion from CD8+ T cells at different stages of EBV lytic cycle. Lentiviral vectors for shRNAs were used to silence expression of these individual viral genes in EBV-transformed B-cells, which were then probed with CD8+ T cell effector clones of specificities for epitopes derived from the three phases of the EBV lytic cycle; allowing us to determine the contribution each immune evasion gene makes towards the inhibition of antigen presentation during lytic cycle. Cells replicating viruses lacking BNLF2a were more efficiently recognised by CD8+ T cells specific for immediate early and early expressed antigens relative to those lacking BGLF5 and BILF1. Conversely, cells lacking the expression of BILF1 were better recognised by CD8+ T cells specific for early and late lytic antigens. These data suggest that whilst the role BNLF2a plays in interfering with antigen presentation diminishes as lytic cycle progresses (IE>E>>L), BILF1 plays a more active role with the progression of lytic cycle (IE
A riot of species in an environmental calm: the paradox of the species-rich deep-sea floor

Deep-sea ecosystems are the most extensive and remote ecosystems on Earth. Perception of the deep-sea benthic environment has changed dramatically in the last century from one of an azoic, or at least species-poor habitat to one that is rich in species. The early misconception was created, in part, by evidence of vast, monotonous expanses of cold, dark sediment plains with little obvious spatial or temporal heterogeneity. Given that many species-rich ecosystems on Earth are obviously heterogeneous, it is surprising that some estimates of species numbers in the deep sea (e.g. ∼10 7 macrofaunal species) rival those for tropical rainforests. Although other estimates are more conservative (e.g. 5 x 10 5 macrofaunal species), it is clear that deep-sea benthic habitats contain many species. The paradox of high deep-sea diversity has generated a number of explanatory hypotheses, including some that are currently difficult to test and others that are the focus of ongoing study. Approaches include analyses of local, regional, and global patterns, and experimental manipulations within habitats. Mechanistic generalisations are difficult to make because experimentation and sampling coverage are spatially and temporally limited, but evidence to date suggests that small-scale habitat variability and patchy disturbance, as well as global and regional variability, may play roles in maintaining deep-sea diversity. The importance of small-scale habitat variability and patchy disturbance has been demonstrated for only a small subset of species, many of which are opportunists. Broad inferences from global and regional patterns of species diversity are debatable because many areas remain poorly sampled and causes of patterns are ambiguous. Nonetheless, our understanding of diversity patterns in the deep-sea benthos has increased dramatically in the last three decades. If the approaching decades hold even a portion of the surprises seen in the recent past, then science can expect very exciting discoveries from the deep ocean in the near future.
Priming as a strategy to enhance stress tolerance in plants with focus on the role of Brassinosteroid related genes

It is of interest to gain knowledge of the mechanisms operating behind priming, an important possible strategy to help plants handle stress. The hypothesis is that priming of Arabidopsis thaliana, as a result of colonization of roots using the beneficial bacteria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, stimulates Brassinosteroid (BR) synthesis in plants leading to plant growth promotion and improved defense responses. The beneficial bacterium B. amyloliquefaciens (strain UCMB5113) was used for priming of wild type Col-0 and different mutant lines of A. thaliana in order to study the gene expression of different BR-related genes using real-time PCR (qPCR). The BR-related genes DET2, BAK1, BRI1 and DWF1 were found to be involved in priming. Gene expression of BAK1, BRI1 and MPK4 was examined during Bacillus mediated priming and the result showed that Bacillus is likely to bind to BAK1 during priming. It was of interest to see whether a surface molecule on Bacillus could be responsible for priming. This was examined using heat killed Bacilli with focus on effects on BAK1 expression, compared with regular priming. The result showed that it is likely that a surface molecule on Bacillus is responsible for activation of BAK1 upon priming. Effects of herbivore and pathogen attack on A. thaliana during priming were also investigated using larvae of Spodoptera littoralis and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato strain DC3000, respectively. Both treatments indicated that the BR-related gene BAK1 is of great importance in defense responses to pathogen and herbivore attack. It was shown that primed plants were much more tolerant to different kinds of stress than control plants and could protect the plants to a certain degree from herbivory or disease.
What is seed quality

If quality is defined as degree or standard of excellence, then seed quality can be viewed as a standard of excellence in certain characters or attributes that will determine the performance of the seed when sown or stored. In practice the expression seed quality is used loosely to reflect the overall value of seed for its intended purpose; the performance of seed must measure up to the expectations of the end user of that seed. This review examines seed quality from five different perspectives: seed quality as a misused biosecurity tool; seed quality as a marketing tool; seed quality as a nonsense; seed quality as a specific requirement for modern crop production; and seed quality needs in non-temperate environments.
A rare case of fungal meningitis with atypical presentation in immunocompetent patient

Fungal meningis is uncommon in general population especially in immunocompetent indivisuals. Meningitis, when caused by the fungal mycoses Cryptococcus neoformans, is normally seen in immunocompromised hosts. However, it is also seen in immunocompetent patients. In patients with an intact immune system, CM usually presents with the typical signs and symptoms of meningitis: fever, stiff neck, dizziness and headache. We report a rare case of fungal meningitis in a immunocompetent patient on antiseizure drugs for last 12 years misdiagnosed as phynetoin toxicity.
Viral vector-mediated RNA interference in the retina

RNA interference (RNAi) is a highly conserved post-transcriptional gene silencing process triggered by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in eukaryotic cells. Elucidation of the RNAi regulatory pathway and its components has led to the identification of endogenous dsRNA molecules, termed microRNAs (miRNAs), which are transcribed as a single hairpin molecule prior to their maturation into a cytoplasmic dsRNA. The efficient gene silencing achieved by these short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and the cumulative understanding of the RNAi pathway has prompted the development of hairpin expression vectors capable of mediating stable gene silencing in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this thesis is to evaluate the efficacy of viral vector-mediated RNAi in the retina using recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAV) and lentiviruses that contain silencing hairpin cassettes to target four genes in murine photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). A detailed assessment of the utility and extend of RNAi in the retina using different viral vectors and hairpin designs is presented in this thesis. Lentiviral and AAV vectors were firstly used to silence GFP in vitro and in vivo as a proof of concept for vector mediated RNAi in the retina. Subsequently, we used lentivirally-mediated RNAi to study disease processes in the retina concentrating on tight junction (TJ) modulators ZO-1 and ZONAB and their role in RPE homeostasis, cell-cycle progression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here we demonstrated how TJ misregulation can lead to RPE loss, proliferation or dedifferentiation; processes involved in pathological conditions such as atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and proliferative vitroretinopathy (PVR). Whilst lentivirally-mediated RNAi was used to elucidate aspects of retinal function and disease, AAV-mediated RNAi was used to probe the therapeutic potential of shRNAs by silencing Peripherin-2 (Prph2), the second most abundant retinal protein, using a miRNA-based hairpin. AAV2/8 particles were used to target endogenous Prph2 and evasion of silencing was demonstrated using an engineered Prph2 cDNA that could be used in a suppression and replacement approach for the treatment of dominant retinal disorders.
NAC Transcription Factors in Senescence: From Molecular Structure to Function in Crops

Within the last decade, NAC transcription factors have been shown to play essential roles in senescence, which is the focus of this review. Transcriptome analyses associate approximately one third of Arabidopsis NAC genes and many crop NAC genes with senescence, thereby implicating NAC genes as important regulators of the senescence process. The consensus DNA binding site of the NAC domain is used to predict NAC target genes, and protein interaction sites can be predicted for the intrinsically disordered transcription regulatory domains of NAC proteins. The molecular characteristics of these domains determine the interactions in gene regulatory networks. Emerging local NAC-centered gene regulatory networks reveal complex molecular mechanisms of stress- and hormone-regulated senescence and basic physiological steps of the senescence process. For example, through molecular interactions involving the hormone abscisic acid, ArabidopsisNAP promotes chlorophyll degradation, a hallmark of senescence. Furthermore, studies of the functional rice ortholog, OsNAP, suggest that NAC genes can be targeted to obtain specific changes in lifespan control and nutrient remobilization in crop plants. This is also exemplified by the wheat NAM1 genes which promote senescence and increase grain zinc, iron, and protein content. Thus, NAC genes are promising targets for fine-tuning senescence for increased yield and quality.
Dialyse 2.0 – Möglichkeiten und Herausforderungen der digitalen Vernetzung

Dialyse 2.0 – Möglichkeiten und Herausforderungen der digitalen Vernetzung Die stetig ansteigende Inzidenz der chronischen Nierenerkrankung (CKD) stellt – nicht zuletzt aufgrund der dialyseassoziierten Kosten – eine medizinische und gesundheitspolitische Herausforderung dar. Digitale Strategien können Lösungsansätze bieten, um in Zukunft durch die Kombination einer Vielzahl technischer Parameter mit den Patientendaten die anspruchsvolle Therapie zeitgemäß, ressourcenschonend und effizienter zu gestalten als es bei handschriftlicher Dokumentation möglich ist. Die Arbeit stellt dialyserelevante Kommunikationsabläufe dar, Einsatzmöglichkeiten digitaler Lösungen sowie technische und datenschutzrechtliche Aspekte. Erläutert werden beispielhaft Planung und Datenaustausch, Dokumentationsund Organisationsstruktur, aber auch die Einbindung des Patienten in die Dialysebehandlung.
THE EFFECT OF HOUSE VISITS ON HYPERTENSION CONTROL IN THE ELDERLY: A STUDY FROM BURSA, TURKEY

Girifl: Bu çal›flman›n amac› yafll›lardaki hipertansiyonun kontrolünde ev ziyaretlerinin etkisini de¤erlendirmektir. Gereç ve Yöntem: Bursa’da, Nilüfer Halk Sa¤l›¤› E¤itim ve Araflt›rma Bölgesi’nde yafll›lar için bir izlem program› yürütülmektedir. Türkiye için yeni olan bu uygulamada, hemflire ve ebeler, 65 yafl ve üzerindeki kiflileri alt› ayda bir ziyaret etmektedir. Bu ziyaretler s›ras›nda, onlar yafll› kiflilerin kan bas›nçlar›n› ölçmekte ve sa¤l›k durumlar› ile ilgili sorular sormaktad›r. Hastan›n kan bas›nc› yüksek ise doktora yönlendirilmektedir. Uygulamada, doktora gidip gitmediklerini kontrol etmek ve son sa¤l›k durumlar›n› gözlemlemek amac›yla hastalar takip eden ay içinde ebe-hemflire taraf›ndan tekrar ziyaret edilmektedir. Bu çal›flmada yafll› takip kartlar› incelenmifltir. Alt› ayda bir düzenli takip edilen ve dört kan bas›nc› ölçüm sonucu var olan kifliler (1063 kad›n ve 713 erkek) çal›flmaya al›nm›flt›r. Bulgular: ‹lk ziyarette kan bas›nc› de¤erleri normal olan (normal, prehipertansiyon ya da kontrol alt›nda) kad›nlar›n oran› %34,5 iken bu de¤er dördüncü ziyarette %46,4’e ç›km›flt›r (p<0,05). Erkekler için ise bu oranlar s›ras›yla %41,4 ve %54,4’tür (p<0,05). Sonuç: Bu çal›flmada, ebe-hemflireler taraf›ndan yafll›lara yap›lan ev ziyaretlerinin hipertansiyonun kontrolünde olumlu bir etkisi oldu¤u saptanm›flt›r. Anahtar Szcükler: Hipertansiyon; Yafll›; Ebe; Türkiye. ABSTRACT
Low Dose Rate prostate brachytherapy with 125 Iodine & 103 Palladium

Brachytherapy for cancer of the prostate can be performed using either low dose rate (LDR) or high dose rate (HDR) techniques. LDR implants used permanent seeds of 125I or 103Pd. Clinically there seemed to be no clear difference in treatment outcome between 103Pd and 125I. The American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) does not recommend one isotope in preference to the other. The recommended prescription doses for monotherapy are 145 Gy for 125I and 125 Gy for 103Pd. The corresponding boost doses, after 40 Gy to 50 Gy external beam radiotherapy, are respectively 110 Gy and 100 Gy. HDR, using 192Ir remote afterloading stepping sources, are not as popular as LDR brachytherapy. This review covers the physical and radiobiological basis of permanent implants. Prostate cancer is one of the slowest growing carcinomas with a mean doubling time of 577±68 days for those with a low Gleason score of <6, and 495±56 days for those with a high Gleason score of � 6. T pot varies from 16 to 67 days. The α/β ratio for localized prostatic carcinoma is close to 1.5 Gy. The techniques of brachytherapy have improved and currently the transperineal route is most commonly used. Traditionally pre-planning is performed before the procedure and after the positions of the sources are verified in the CT scan, the final planning process is made. However, intraoperative computer optimized conformal planning is now feasible. Patient selection is based on the combination of clinical stage, PSA level, and biopsy Gleason score. If the gland size is between 40 g and 60 g, one should perform a pubic arch study but avoid an implant if more than one-third of the prostate gland is blocked. Androgen ablation may improve the efficacy of radiation therapy. There is little published literature regarding the use of permanent seed implantation in the management of recurrent prostate cancer in patients who had been treated previously by radiotherapy of the true pelvis.
Methods of Diagnosing in Liver Diseases for Dog and Cats

Diagnosis of liver diseases can be difficult because the symptoms of the organ may be ambiguous or may easily interfere with the symptoms of other liver diseases. In some cases, the animal may have no symptoms, but the liver may already be severely damaged. Liver diseases have multiple causes including infectious, genetic, autoimmune, and some metabolic. This makes diagnosis of the disease difficult and needs to be done to correctly diagnose the underlying cause of the disease. Diagnosis of liver diseases is based on initial formation and physical examination. Findings of liver diseases; weakness, fatigue, swelling of the abdomen, pain and nausea. In addition to clinical findings to diagnose liver diseases, existing tests called liver tests such as blood tests, hepatic enzymes, protein metabolism, lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and bilirubin urine analysis are used as additional diagnostic tests and include abdominal radiography, abdominal ultrasonography, nuclear scintigraphy, Such as computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and kallistatin levels are commonly used tests in liver diseases. In this review, detailed information about abdominal radiography, abdominal ultrasonography, nuclear scintigraphy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging kallistatin and vitamin D levels will be given in addition to the routine tests used to diagnose liver diseases.
New Pharmacist Role in Diabetes Education in Sri Lanka: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Randomized Step-Up Study

Introduction: The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is globally on the rise, in both developed and developing countries. Type 2 diabetes is a major public health issue in Sri Lanka. This study aims to investigate the effect of structured self-management health education intervention based on ‘PITS model’ (Pathophysiology, Indications, Treatment and Specifics) would result in a clinically significant improvement in glycaemic control of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods: Patients who were diagnosed with T2DM at two tertiary care hospitals in Sri Lanka, comply with the selection criteria were enrolled to the study. The intervention consisted with two repeated one to one education sessions followed up in six and twelve months. HbA1c, lipid profiles, waist circumference, BMI and other biomedical measurements were done in both groups. Analysis of covariance between groups were conducted to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. Results: Mean HbA1c level in both intervention and usual care group was 8.6% with deviation from their target glycaemic level (6.5%,48 mmol/mol) at baseline. At six months, there was a significant reduction (P<0.001; size of effect = 0.69) in HbA1c between the intervention and the usual care group controlling the baseline values. Conclusion: The results demonstrate the effectiveness of one to one diabetes self-management intervention among the adults with T2DM.
Telomeres and Senescence: Ending the Debate

DNA, the genetic material, is arranged in chromosomes, linear structures in the nucleus capped with a long series of repeated sequences called telomeres. As de Lange describes in her commentary, in 1986 the telomere theory of senescence was put forward, in which progressive loss of bits of the telomere with each cell division serves as a sort of clock, with the cell reaching the end of its life as it runs out of telomere. The corollary--that tumor cells can maintain their telomeres at a "young" length and so escape death--suggested an attractive site for cancer therapeutics. But the theory had come under fire since its introduction and had fallen out of favor with much of the scientific community. Now in a research article in this issue, the telomeric theory of aging is dramatically resuscitated. [ Bodnar et al ][1]. transfect adult differentiated human cells with a critical subunit of telomerase and rescue them from senescent death. [1]: http://www.sciencemag. org/cgi/content/short/279/5349/349
Effects of Garlic (Allium sativum) on indicators of diabetic nephropathy

The anti‐diabetic, antioxidant and anti‐nephropathic effects of an aqueous extract of raw garlic (RGE) were studied in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by IP injection of streptozotocin (STZ) and a fasting blood sugar >;300 mg/dl indicated diabetes. Diabetic rats were divided into 2 groups; control and garlic‐treated. RGE was administered daily for 8 weeks. Blood glucose and serum creatinine and urea were elevated in diabetic rats, and lowered by RGE treatment. In contrast, serum and kidney protein and antioxidants, and serum albumin levels were decreased in diabetic rats, and increased in RGE‐treated diabetic rats. Serum insulin levels were decreased over 10 fold in diabetic rats and increased by RGE treatment. In addition, total urine creatinine, protein and albumin were elevated in diabetic animals and decreased by RGE treatment. In contrast, urine urea was decreased in diabetic rats and elevated by RGE treatment. Plasma and kidney antioxidant enzymes (GR, GPx, catalase) were lower in diabetic rats with RGE‐treated diabetic rats having increased activities. Lipid peroxidation (MDA levels) were increased in kidneys of diabetic rats and lowered in RGE‐treated diabetic rats. Urine enzymes (LDH, ALP and NAG) were increased in diabetic controls and decreased in RGE‐treated diabetic rats. Immunochemical analysis of angiotensin receptor expression and localization in kidney tissues indicated that AT1 receptors were up‐regulated and AT2 receptors were down‐regulated in kidneys of diabetic rats, while these changes were reversed in RGE‐treated diabetic rats. Thus, RGE relieved oxidative stress and nephropathy in diabetic rats.