Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glucocorticoids modify effects of TGF-β1 on multidrug resistance in the fetal blood-brain barrier

Abstract Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) increases P-glycoprotein (P-gp; encoded by Abcb1) activity in fetal brain endothelial cells (BECs). P-gp is important for fetal brain protection against xenobiotics including synthetic glucocorticoids (sGC). We hypothesized that antenatal sGC would modify P-gp responsiveness to TGF-β1 in fetal BECs. Pregnant guinea pigs were treated with dexamethasone or vehicle (N = 5/group) on gestational day (GD) 48–49 and BECs derived on GD50. In BECs from control fetuses, TGF-β1 increased Abcb1 mRNA and P-gp function, by approximately 5-fold and 55% respectively, as well as tight junction function. In contrast, TGF-β1 had no effect on these parameters in BECs from sGC-exposed fetuses. Moreover, levels of TGF-β1 responsive gene, Smad7, were increased 3-fold in BECs from control fetuses after TGF-β1 but not in sGC-exposed fetuses. In conclusion, antenatal sGC alters responsiveness to TGF-β1 in fetal BECs. This study has identified novel mechanisms by which TGF-β1 and sGC modulate fetal brain protection against xenobiotics and other P-gp substrates.
Rijndael cipher optimization using low complexity serial multiplier based on Karatsuba technology

Improving efficiency of Galois Field (GF) operators has become attention to researchers, either by reducing time or space in FPGA implementation. This paper shows that speed improvement could be achieved by applying Karatsuba-based serial multiplication in Rijndael Cipher. Throughput improvement is gained from overall performance of ciphering process instead of improvement over any single arithmetic operator. Cipher algorithm was implemented in two FPGA platforms: Xilinx and Altium and then compare the throughput obtained by every combination of processing structure and GF representation basis. The experiment shows that 20% throughput improvement is accumulated by 83% time efficiency and automated synthesis optimization due to constant variable in polynomial multiplications. This paper demonstrates significant efforts that has been put to evaluate application performance by applying all best operators versus optimal configuration. The result gives us a new insight in performance evaluation technique specifically for GF based applications.
Evolving complexity of complement-related diseases: C3 glomerulopathy and atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome

Purpose of review The current review will discuss recent advances in our understanding of the pathology of C3 glomerulopathy and atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). Recent findings C3 glomerulopathy and aHUS are associated with abnormalities of control of the alternative pathway of complement. Recent articles have provided new insights into the classification of C3 glomerulopathy and its relationship to idiopathic immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis. They suggest that there may be considerable overlap in pathogenesis between these entities and have indicated novel ways in which classification may be improved. There is increasing evidence that monoclonal gammopathy may cause C3 glomerulopathy or aHUS in older patients and emerging evidence that treatment of the underlying plasma cell clone may ameliorate the kidney disease. Summary Recent work has provided new insights into the causes of C3 glomerulopathy and aHUS, and the mechanism by which complement is dysregulated. This is of particular importance with the advent of new therapeutic agents which can specifically target different parts of the complement cascade.
P38/TRHr-Dependent Regulation of TPO in Thyroid Cells Contributes to the Hypothyroidism of Triclosan-Treated Rats

Background/Aims: Triclosan, as an antimicrobial agent and a potential endocrine disruptor, has been used extensively in diverse products, resulting in widespread human exposure. In recent years, studies suggest that triclosan could disturb thyroid functions and decline thyroid hormones (THs). Methods: To verify our hypothesis that the MAPK pathway may function significantly in triclosan-induced hypothyroidism, Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged with triclosan for 31 consecutive days; Nthy-ori 3-1 cells were treated with triclosan in the presence/absence of NAC, inhibitors (SB203580 and SB202474), or TRHr siRNA. Tissues and/or cells were analyzed by several techniques including transmission electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, gene silencing, western blot, and real-time PCR. Results: Triclosan led to histopathologic changes in the thyroid and decreases in triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Triclosan stimulated ROS production and oxidative stress occurrence, thereby activating the p38 pathway in vivo and in vitro. Thyrotropin releasing hormone receptor (TRHr) was induced when the p38 pathway was activated, and was suppressed when that pathway was inhibited. Moreover, thyroid peroxidase (TPO) was restrained and modulated by the p38/TRHr pathway after triclosan treatment. Furthermore, deiodinase 3 (D3) and hepatic enzymes (Ugt2b1, CYP1a1, CYP1a2, CYP2b1, CYP3a1, and Sult1e1) were also induced by triclosan. Conclusion: Taken together, p38/TRHr-dependent regulation of TPO in thyroid cells contributes to the hypothyroidism of triclosan-treated rats.
Does Control-Ownership Divergence Impair Market Liquidity in an Emerging Market? Evidence from China

This paper examines how institutional characteristics of emerging economies influence the effect of control-ownership divergence on market liquidity. We find that the divergence is negatively associated with liquidity and that this negative relationship is more pronounced in firms with more severe agency problems and information asymmetry. We argue that in an emerging market, the negative effect of the divergence on liquidity is worsened by state ownership and poorer shareholder protection, both of which result in more severe agency conflicts; we also find, however, that this effect is alleviated by the NTS reform, which aligns the interest of different shareholders.
A Cyclone Phase Space Derived from Thermal Wind and Thermal Asymmetry

Abstract An objectively defined three-dimensional cyclone phase space is proposed and explored. Cyclone phase is described using the parameters of storm-motion-relative thickness asymmetry (symmetric/nonfrontal versus asymmetric/frontal) and vertical derivative of horizontal height gradient (cold- versus warm-core structure via the thermal wind relationship). A cyclone's life cycle can be analyzed within this phase space, providing substantial insight into the cyclone structural evolution. An objective classification of cyclone phase is possible, unifying the basic structural description of tropical, extratropical, and hybrid cyclones into a continuum. Stereotypical symmetric warm-core (tropical cyclone) and asymmetric cold-core (extratropical cyclone) life cycles are illustrated using 1° Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS) operational analyses and 2.5° NCEP–NCAR reanalyses. The transitions between cyclone phases are clearly illustrated within the phase space, including extratro.
Inhibition of glioblastoma tumorspheres by combined treatment with 2-deoxyglucose and metformin

Background Deprivation of tumor bioenergetics by inhibition of multiple energy pathways has been suggested as an effective therapeutic approach for various human tumors. However, this idea has not been evaluated in glioblastoma (GBM). We hypothesized that dual inhibition of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation could effectively suppress GBM tumorspheres (TS). Methods Effects of 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) and metformin, alone and in combination, on GBM-TS were evaluated. Viability, cellular energy metabolism status, stemness, invasive properties, and GBM-TS transcriptomes were examined. In vivo efficacy was tested in a mouse orthotopic xenograft model. Results GBM-TS viability was decreased by the combination of 2DG and metformin. ATP assay and PET showed that cellular energy metabolism was also decreased by this combination. Sphere formation, expression of stemness-related proteins, and invasive capacity of GBM-TS were also significantly suppressed by combined treatment with 2DG and metformin. A transcriptome analysis showed that the expression levels of stemness- and epithelial mesenchymal transition-related genes were also significantly downregulated by combination of 2DG and metformin. Combination treatment also prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice and decreased invasiveness of GBM-TS. Conclusion The combination of 2DG and metformin effectively decreased the stemness and invasive properties of GBM-TS and showed a potential survival benefit in a mouse orthotopic xenograft model. Our findings suggest that targeting TS-forming cells by this dual inhibition of cellular bioenergetics warrants expedited clinical evaluation for the treatment of GBM.
Characteristics of the Skeletal System of Bound Foot: A Case Study

The purpose of this study was to establish the character of skeletal system of bound foot with binding deformity. Medical images were taken with a slice distance of 1mm from CT equipment. 3D models of bound foot were developed using density segmentation techniques through Mimics software. The talocalcaneal angle, calcaneal-first metatarsal angle, talo-first metatarsal angle, hallux valgus angle, I-II inter-metatarsal angle, I-V inter-metatarsal angle, first cuneiform-metatarsal angle, the horizontal metatarsal angle and the length of five metatarsals were evaluated on the lateral and antero posterior view. The results showed that bound foot have great deformation on the second to fifth toe, forming the abnormal higher foot longitudinal arch. The potential formation process of foot deformity associated with the binding process and its influence on the daily life of the foot binding subjects is discussed.
Dopamine drives left‐hemispheric lateralization of neural networks during human speech

Although the concept of left‐hemispheric lateralization of neural processes during speech production has been known since the times of Broca, its physiological underpinnings still remain elusive. We sought to assess the modulatory influences of a major neurotransmitter, dopamine, on hemispheric lateralization during real‐life speaking using a multimodal analysis of functional MRI, intracranial EEG recordings, and large‐scale neural population simulations based on diffusion‐weighted MRI. We demonstrate that speech‐induced phasic dopamine release into the dorsal striatum and speech motor cortex exerts direct modulation of neuronal activity in these regions and drives left‐hemispheric lateralization of speech production network. Dopamine‐induced lateralization of functional activity and networks during speaking is not dependent on lateralization of structural nigro‐striatal and nigro‐motocortical pathways. Our findings provide the first mechanistic explanation for left‐hemispheric lateralization of human speech that is due to left‐lateralized dopaminergic modulation of brain activity and functional networks.
Strategies to prevent death by suicide: Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Background Few randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have shown decreases in suicide. Aims To identify interventions for preventing suicide. Method We searched EMBASE and Medline from inception until 31 December 2015. We included RCTs comparing prevention strategies with control. We pooled odds ratios (ORs) for suicide using the Peto method. Results Among 8647 citations, 72 RCTs and 6 pooled analyses met inclusion criteria. Three RCTs (n = 2028) found that the World Health Organization (WHO) brief intervention and contact (BIC) was associated with significantly lower odds of suicide (OR = 0.20, 95% CI 0.09–0.42). Six RCTs (n = 1040) of cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) for suicide prevention and six RCTs of lithium (n = 619) yielded non-significant findings (OR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.12–1.03 and OR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.05–1.02, respectively). Conclusions The WHO BIC is a promising suicide prevention strategy. No other intervention showed a statistically significant effect in reducing suicide.
The evolution of coloration and toxicity in the poison frog family (Dendrobatidae)

The poison frogs (family Dendrobatidae) are terrestrial anuran amphibians displaying a wide range of coloration and toxicity. These frogs generally have been considered to be aposematic, but relatively little research has been carried out to test the predictions of this hypothesis. Here we use a comparative approach to test one prediction of the hypothesis of aposematism: that coloration will evolve in tandem with toxicity. Recently, we developed a phylogenetic hypothesis of the evolutionary relationships among representative species of poison frogs, using sequences from three regions of mitochondrial DNA. In our analysis, we use that DNA-based phylogeny and comparative analysis of independent contrasts to investigate the correlation between coloration and toxicity in the poison frog family (Dendrobatidae). Information on the toxicity of different species was obtained from the literature. Two different measures of the brightness and extent of coloration were used. (i) Twenty-four human observers were asked to rank different photos of each different species in the analysis in terms of contrast to a leaf-littered background. (ii) Color photos of each species were scanned into a computer and a computer program was used to obtain a measure of the contrast of the colors of each species relative to a leaf-littered background. Comparative analyses of the results were carried out with two different models of character evolution: gradual change, with branch lengths proportional to the amount of genetic change, and punctuational change, with all change being associated with speciation events. Comparative analysis using either method or model indicated a significant correlation between the evolution of toxicity and coloration across this family. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that coloration in this group is aposematic.
Predicting suicidal behaviours using clinical instruments: Systematic review and meta-analysis of positive predictive values for risk scales

Background Prediction of suicidal behaviour is an aspirational goal for clinicians and policy makers; with patients classified as ‘high risk’ to be preferentially allocated treatment. Clinical usefulness requires an adequate positive predictive value (PPV). Aims To identify studies of predictive instruments and to calculate PPV estimates for suicidal behaviours. Method A systematic review identified studies of predictive instruments. A series of meta-analyses produced pooled estimates of PPV for suicidal behaviours. Results For all scales combined, the pooled PPVs were: suicide 5.5% (95% CI 3.9–7.9%), self-harm 26.3% (95% CI 21.8–31.3%) and self-harm plus suicide 35.9% (95% CI 25.8–47.4%). Subanalyses on self-harm found pooled PPVs of 16.1% (95% CI 11.3–22.3%) for high-quality studies, 32.5% (95% CI 26.1–39.6%) for hospital-treated self-harm and 26.8% (95% CI 19.5–35.6%) for psychiatric in-patients. Conclusions No ‘high-risk’ classification was clinically useful. Prevalence imposes a ceiling on PPV. Treatment should reduce exposure to modifiable risk factors and offer effective interventions for selected subpopulations and unselected clinical populations.
CDC Grand Rounds: Promoting Hearing Health Across the Lifespan

Globally, one in three adults has some level of measurable hearing loss, and 1.1 billion young persons are at risk for hearing loss attributable to noise exposure. Although noisy occupations such as construction, mining, and manufacturing are primary causes of hearing loss in adults, nonoccupational noise also can damage hearing. Loud noises can cause permanent hearing loss through metabolic exhaustion or mechanical destruction of the sensory cells within the cochlea. Some of the sounds of daily life, including those made by lawn mowers, recreational vehicles, power tools, and music, might play a role in the decline in hearing health. Hearing loss as a disability largely depends on a person's communication needs and how hearing loss affects the ability to function in a job. The loss of critical middle and high frequencies can significantly impair communication in hearing-critical jobs (e.g., law enforcement and air traffic control).
Disordered Consciousness or Disordered Wakefulness? The Importance of Prolonged Polysomnography for the Diagnosis, Drug Therapy, and Rehabilitation of an Unresponsive Patient With Brain Injury.

ABSTRACT Disorders of consciousness may follow brain injury, due to impairments of wakefulness and/or awareness. Polysomnography can identify elements that may be ascribed to impairments of specific neuroanatomical areas. Recognizing which impairments affect each patient is crucial for diagnosis, prognosis, and to select an appropriate therapy. We present a pediatric case of insufficient wakefulness in a patient with severe disability following a pilocytic astrocytoma. Polysomnography was crucial for diagnosis, as it detected a well-structured pattern with daytime sleep initiations in the REM sleep phase. Treatment with modafinil was successful, as confirmed by polysomnography, leading to partial recovery of the patient's consciousness and communication ability. We suggest that polysomnography is a useful diagnostic tool to direct the pharmacotherapy and rehabilitation of states of reduced consciousness.
Survival of gynecological cancers in Turkey: where are we at?

Objective To investigate the 5-year relative survival rates in gynecological cancers diagnosed and treated in Turkey by year 2009 and to compare the results with developed countries. Methods Data of patients diagnosed for ovarian, corpus uteri or cervix uteri cancer at year 2009 are collected from 9 national cancer registry centers. Date of deaths are retracted from governmental Identity Information Sharing System (KPS). In order to calculate relative survival rates, national general population mortality tables are obtained from Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat). Hakulinen method is used for computing curves by R program. Data for European, Asian and some developed countries were obtained from official web pages. Results A total of 1,553 patients are evaluated. Among these, 713 (45.9%) are corpus uteri cancers, while remaining 489 (31.5%) are ovarian and 351 (22.6%) are cervix uteri. Five-year overall relative survival rates are 85%, 50%, and 62% for corpus uteri, ovarian, and cervix uteri, respectively. These figures are between 73%–87% for corpus uteri, 31%–62% for ovarian and 61%–80% for cervix uteri in developed countries. Stage is the most important factor for survival in all cancers. Five-year relative survival rates in corpus uteri cancers are 92%, 66%, and 38% for localized, regional, and distant metastatic disease, respectively. These figures are 77%, 57%, and 29% for ovarian; 80%, 50%, and 22% for cervix uteri. Conclusion This is the first report from Turkey giving national overall relative survival for gynecological cancers from a population based cancer registry system.
Systematic Review of Measures Used in Pictorial Cigarette Pack Warning Experiments

Background We sought to describe characteristics and psychometric properties of measures used in pictorial cigarette pack warning experiments and provide recommendations for future studies. Methods Our systematic review identified 68 pictorial cigarette pack warning experiments conducted between 2000 and 2016 in 22 countries. Two independent coders coded all studies on study features, including sample characteristics, theoretical framework, and constructs assessed. We also coded measurement characteristics, including construct, number of items, source, reliability, and validity. Results We identified 278 measures representing 61 constructs. The most commonly assessed construct categories were warning reactions (62% of studies) and perceived effectiveness (60%). The most commonly used outcomes were affective reactions (35%), perceived likelihood of harm (22%), intention to quit smoking (22%), perceptions that warnings motivate people to quit smoking (18%), and credibility (16%). Only 4 studies assessed smoking behavior. More than half (54%) of all measures were single items. For multi-item measures, studies reported reliability data 68% of the time (mean α = 0.88, range α = 0.68-0.98). Studies reported sources of measures only 33% of the time and rarely reported validity data. Of 68 studies, 37 (54%) mentioned a theory as informing the study. Conclusions Our review found great variability in constructs and measures used to evaluate the impact of cigarette pack pictorial warnings. Many measures were single items with unknown psychometric properties. Recommendations for future studies include a greater emphasis on theoretical models that inform measurement, use of reliable and validated (preferably multi-item) measures, and better reporting of measure sources. Implications Robust and consistent measurement is important for building a strong, cumulative evidence base to support pictorial cigarette pack warning policies. This systematic review of experimental studies of pictorial cigarette warnings demonstrates the need for standardized, theory-based measures.
Skeletal muscle measures and physical function in older adults with cancer: sarcopenia or myopenia?

Background Skeletal muscle loss, commonly known as sarcopenia, is highly prevalent in older adults and linked with adverse outcomes in cancer, yet the definition and role of sarcopenia remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to examine the association of Computerized Tomography (CT) assessed skeletal muscle measures with physical function in older adults with cancer. Results CTs for 185 patients were available. Median age 73 (IQR 68–76) and 56.5% female. After controlling for sex and BMI, we found no evidence that SMI was associated with physical function impairments. Both SMD and SMG were associated physical function impairments and higher values were associated with decreased limitations in instrumental activities of daily living (RR 0.84 [CI 0.73–0.96] and 0.94 [CI 0.89–0.99], respectively), climbing stairs (RR 0.84 [CI 0.76–0.94] and 0.91 [CI 0.87–0.96]), walking 1 block (RR 0.77 [CI 0.67–0.90] and 0.91 [CI 0.85–0.97]), and prolonged Timed Up and Go (RR 0.83 [CI 0.75–0.92] and 0.92 [CI 0.88–0.96]). Materials and Methods Using the Carolina Senior Registry, we identified patients with CT imaging performed within 60 days +/− of baseline geriatric assessment (GA). Skeletal muscle area and density (SMD) were analyzed from L3 lumbar segments. Muscle area and height (m2) were used to calculate skeletal muscle index (SMI). Skeletal Muscle Gauge (SMG) was created by multiplying SMI x SMD. Conclusions Skeletal muscle mass as assessed from CT imaging was not associated with physical function impairments. Skeletal muscle radiodensity was more associated with physical function and may aid in identifying older adults at risk for functional impairments.
Tat is a multifunctional viral protein that modulates cellular gene expression and functions

The human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) has developed several strategies to condition the host environment to promote viral replication and spread. Viral proteins have evolved to perform multiple functions, aiding in the replication of the viral genome and modulating the cellular response to the infection. Tat is a small, versatile, viral protein that controls transcription of the HIV genome, regulates cellular gene expression and generates a permissive environment for viral replication by altering the immune response and facilitating viral spread to multiple tissues. Studies carried out utilizing biochemical, cellular, and genomic approaches show that the expression and activity of hundreds of genes and multiple molecular networks are modulated by Tat via multiple mechanisms.