Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Economic evaluation of policy options for dialysis in end-stage renal disease patients under the universal health coverage in Indonesia

Objectives This study aims to assess the value for money and budget impact of offering hemodialysis (HD) as a first-line treatment, or the HD-first policy, and the peritoneal dialysis (PD) first policy compared to a supportive care option in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Indonesia. Methods A Markov model-based economic evaluation was performed using local and international data to quantify the potential costs and health-related outcomes in terms of life years (LYs) and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Three policy options were compared, i.e., the PD-first policy, HD-first policy, and supportive care. Results The PD-first policy for ESRD patients resulted in 5.93 life years, equal to the HD-first policy, with a slightly higher QALY gained (4.40 vs 4.34). The total lifetime cost for a patient under the PD-first policy is around 700 million IDR, which is lower than the cost under the HD-first policy, i.e. 735 million IDR per patient. Compared to supportive care, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of the PD-first policy is 193 million IDR per QALY, while the HD-first policy resulted in 207 million IDR per QALY. Budget impact analysis indicated that the required budget for the PD-first policy is 43 trillion IDR for 53% coverage and 75 trillion IDR for 100% coverage in five years, which is less than the HD-first policy, i.e. 88 trillion IDR and 166 trillion IDR. Conclusions The PD-first policy was found to be more cost-effective compared to the HD-first policy. Budget impact analysis provided evidence on the enormous financial burden for the country if the current practice, where HD dominates PD, continues for the next five years.
Further Observations on the Inhibitory Effect of Myxoviruses on a Transplantable Murine Leukemia 1

Summary Immunization of mice with parainfluenza viruses NDV or Sendai increases the oncolytic effect of these viruses when pre-infected leukemic cells are injected into C3H mice. Variations in oncolytic activity between different strains of influenza and parainfluenza viruses were noted, and also between two leukemic tumors induced by the Gross virus. Statolon given before virus-infected cells prevents oncolysis but has no effect when given later. Antiserum to NDV or Sendai (plus complement) shows a cytolytic effect in vitro against leukemic cells infected with these viruses.
The Mediating Roles of Upward Social Comparison and Self-esteem and the Moderating Role of Social Comparison Orientation in the Association between Social Networking Site Usage and Subjective Well-Being

The increased pervasiveness of social media use has raised questions about potential effects on users’ subjective well-being, with studies reaching contrasting conclusions. To reconcile these discrepancies and shed new light on this phenomenon, the current study examined: (1) whether upward social comparison and self-esteem mediate the association between social networking site (SNS) usage and users’ subjective well-being, and (2) whether the association between SNS usage and upward social comparison is moderated by users’ social comparison orientation. Data from 696 participants were collected. Structural equation modeling revealed that upward social comparison and self-esteem mediated the relationship between SNS usage and users’ subjective well-being. We found that social comparison orientation moderated the association between passive SNS usage and users’ upward social comparison. Specifically, social comparison orientation strengthened the association between passive SNS usage and upward social comparison. The results might suggest a process through which passive SNS usage is related to subjective well-being, and identify a context under which these associations may differ.
A Non-Local Conventional Approach for Noise Removal in 3D MRI

In this paper, a filtering approach for the 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assuming a Rician model for noise is addressed. Our denoising method is based on the Conventional Approach (CA) proposed to deal with the noise issue in the squared domain of the acquired magnitude MRI, where the noise distribution follows a Chi-square model rather than the Rician one. In the CA filtering method, the local samples around each voxel is used to estimate the unknown signal value. Intrinsically, such a method fails to achieve the best results where the underlying signal values have different statistical properties. On the contrary, our proposal takes advantage of the data redundancy and self-similarity properties of real MR images to improve the noise removal performance. In other words, in our approach, the statistical momentums of the given 3D MR volume are first calculated to explore the similar patches inside a defined search volume. Then, these patches are put together to obtain the noise-free value for each voxel under processing. The experimental results on the synthetic as well as the clinical MR data show our proposed method outperforms the other compared denoising filters.
A specific role for posterior dorsolateral striatum in human habit learning

Habits are characterized by an insensitivity to their consequences and, as such, can be distinguished from goal‐directed actions. The neural basis of the development of demonstrably outcome‐insensitive habitual actions in humans has not been previously characterized. In this experiment, we show that extensive training on a free‐operant task reduces the sensitivity of participants’ behavior to a reduction in outcome value. Analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data acquired during training revealed a significant increase in task‐related cue sensitivity in a right posterior putamen–globus pallidus region as training progressed. These results provide evidence for a shift from goal‐directed to habit‐based control of instrumental actions in humans, and suggest that cue‐driven activation in a specific region of dorsolateral posterior putamen may contribute to the habitual control of behavior in humans.
Differences in experimental pancreatic carcinogenesis induced by oral or subcutaneous administration of 2,2'-dihydroxydi-n-propylnitrosamine in duct-ligated hamsters.

After ligation of the main pancreatic duct in the splenic lobe, Syrian golden hamsters were treated, either p.o. or s.c. , for 15 weeks with dihydroxydi-n-propylnitrosamine for induction of pancreatic duct carcinomas. The incidence, location, and type of proliferative lesions distal and proximal to the ligature were recorded and compared to those of dihydroxydi-n-propylnitrosamine-treated hamsters without duct ligation. Proliferative duct lesions, including carcinomas, developed on either side of the ligation. While after s.c. administration the incidence was similar to that in nonligated animals, a markedly decreased incidence was found in p.o. -treated animals with duct ligation. The data suggest that the blood stream might be one major access route of the carcinogen to the pancreatic duct cell. Furthermore, it is assumed that an umimpaired release of pancreatic juice in the duodenum is necessary for the enteral resorption of dihydroxydi-n-propylnitrosamine.
Brain-Like Emergent Temporal Processing: Emergent Open States

Informed by brain anatomical studies, we present the developmental network (DN) theory on brain-like temporal information processing. The states of the brain are at its effector end, emergent and open. A finite automaton (FA) is considered an external symbolic model of brain's temporal behaviors, but the FA uses handcrafted states and is without “internal” representations. The term “internal” means inside the network “skull. ” Using action-based state equivalence and the emergent state representations, the time driven processing of DN performs state-based abstraction and state-based skill transfer. Each state of DN, as a set of actions, is openly observable by the external environment (including teachers). Thus, the external environment can teach the state at every frame time. Through incremental learning and autonomous practice, the DN lumps (abstracts) infinitely many temporal context sequences into a single equivalent state. Using this state equivalence, a skill learned under one sequence is automatically transferred to other infinitely many state-equivalent sequences in the future without the need for explicit learning. Two experiments are shown as examples: The experiments for video processing showed almost perfect recognition rates in disjoint tests. The experiment for text language, using corpora from the Wall Street Journal, treated semantics and syntax in a unified interactive way.
B-Cell Depletion Promotes Aortic Infiltration of Immunosuppressive Cells and Is Protective of Experimental Aortic Aneurysm

Objective—B-cell depletion therapy is widely used for treatment of cancers and autoimmune diseases. B cells are abundant in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA); however, it is unknown whether B-cell depletion therapy affects AAA growth. Using experimental models of murine AAA, we aim to examine the effect of B-cell depletion on AAA formation. Approach and Results—Wild-type or apolipoprotein E–knockout mice were treated with mouse monoclonal anti-CD20 or control antibodies and subjected to an elastase perfusion or angiotensin II infusion model to induce AAA, respectively. Anti-CD20 antibody treatment significantly depleted B1 and B2 cells, and strikingly suppressed AAA growth in both models. B-cell depletion resulted in lower circulating IgM levels, but did not affect the levels of IgG or cytokine/chemokine levels. Although the total number of leukocyte remained unchanged in elastase-perfused aortas after anti-CD20 antibody treatment, the number of B-cell subtypes was significantly lower. Interestingly, plasmacytoid dendritic cells expressing the immunomodulatory enzyme indole 2,3-dioxygenase were detected in the aortas of B-cell–depleted mice. In accordance with an increase in indole 2,3-dioxygenase+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells, the number of regulatory T cells was higher, whereas the expression of proinflammatory genes was lower in aortas of B-cell–depleted mice. In a coculture model, the presence of B cells significantly lowered the number of indole 2,3-dioxygenase+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells without affecting total plasmacytoid dendritic cell number. Conclusions—The present results demonstrate that B-cell depletion protects mice from experimental AAA formation and promotes emergence of an immunosuppressive environment in aorta.
Proposed Levels of Christian Spiritual Maturity

Consideration is given to the ramifications of Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral reasoning for understanding Christian spiritual development. Utilizing Kohlberg's insights, four levels toward Christian spiritual maturity are identified: (a) accommodation to God's law, (b) respect for and obedience to God's law, (c) principle-centered commitment to a Christian worldview, and (d) Kingdom-centered commitment to God's glory. The discussion intends to challenge churches to foster an environment whereby people are more likely to reach a Postconventional level of spiritual maturity.
Clinical Trials Targeting the Stroma in Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in the initiation and progression of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In this systematic review, we provide an overview of clinical trials with stroma-targeting agents. We systematically searched MEDLINE/PubMed and the EMBASE database, using the PRISMA guidelines, for eligible clinical trials. In total, 2330 records were screened, from which we have included 106 articles. A meta-analysis could be performed on 51 articles which describe the targeting of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway, and three articles which describe the targeting of hyaluronic acid. Anti-VEGF therapies did not show an increase in median overall survival (OS) with combined hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.01 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.90–1.13). Treatment with hyaluronidase PEGPH20 showed promising results, but, thus far, only in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel in selected patients with hyaluronic acid (HA)high tumors: An increase in median progression free survival (PFS) of 2.9 months, as well as a HR of 0.51 (95% CI 0.26–1.00). In conclusion, we found that anti-angiogenic therapies did not show an increased benefit in median OS or PFS in contrast to promising results with anti-hyaluronic acid treatment in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel. The PEGPH20 clinical trials used patient selection to determine eligibility based on tumor biology, which underlines the importance to personalize treatment for pancreatic cancer patients.
The Resilience Program: preliminary evaluation of a mentalization-based education program

In order to manage with the burden of mental health problems in the world we need to develop cost-effective and safe preventive interventions. Education about resilience to support the ability to cope with life challenges in general, may be a useful strategy. We consider the concepts of Theory of Mind and Mentalization to be relevant in this context. In this paper we describe a simple modular intervention program based on these concepts which can be tailored to specific needs and situations in individual therapy as well as group levels. The program has shown promising results in pilot studies and is now tested in controlled trials in settings such as schools and educational institutions, adults diagnosed with ADHD, and children in care.
Biological properties of factors secreted by antigen-reactive suppressor cells in mice infected with Mycobacterium lepraemurium

Antigen-reactive cells were isolated from the spleens of Mycobacterium lepraemurium-infected C57BL/6 mice on petri dishes coated with mycobacterial antigens. When adoptively transferred to syngeneic mice, the mycobacterial antigen-reactive cells were found to depress the induction and expression of the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction to M. lepraemurium antigens. The adoptive transfer of soluble suppressor factors (SF) secreted by these cells inhibited only the expression of DTH. The cells depressing the induction of DTH mainly belonged to the L3T4+ (CD4+) T-lymphocyte subset, whereas those depressing its expression differed from the L3T4+ and Lyt-2+ (CD8+) subsets. Treatment of M. lepraemurium-infected mice with SF reduced their mean survival time and enhanced the multiplication of bacilli at the site of infection and their dissemination to the spleen and liver. In vitro at least, SF appeared to interfere at the level of mycobacterial antigen recognition by T lymphocytes rather than at the levels of antigen processing and presentation by macrophages.
Structural and Functional Variation in Outer Membrane Polysaccharide Export (OPX) Proteins from the Two Major Capsule Assembly Pathways Present in Escherichia coli

Capsules are protective layers of polysaccharides that surround the cell surface of many bacteria, including that of Escherichia coli isolates and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi. Capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) are often essential for virulence because they facilitate evasion of host immune responses. The attenuation of unencapsulated mutants in animal models and the involvement of protein families with conserved features make the CPS export pathway a novel candidate for therapeutic strategies. However, appropriate “antivirulence” strategies require a fundamental understanding of the underpinning cellular processes. Investigating export proteins that are conserved across different biosynthesis strategies will give important insight into how CPS is transported to the cell surface. ABSTRACT Capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) are virulence factors for many important pathogens. In Escherichia coli, CPSs are synthesized via two distinct pathways, but both require proteins from the outer membrane polysaccharide export (OPX) family to complete CPS export from the periplasm to the cell surface. In this study, we compare the properties of the OPX proteins from the prototypical group 1 (Wzy-dependent) and group 2 (ABC transporter-dependent) pathways in E. coli K30 (Wza) and E. coli K2 (KpsD), respectively. In addition, we compare an OPX from Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (VexA), which shares structural properties with Wza, while operating in an ABC transporter-dependent pathway. These proteins differ in distribution in the cell envelope and formation of stable multimers, but these properties do not align with acylation or the interfacing biosynthetic pathway. In E. coli K2, murein lipoprotein (Lpp) plays a role in peptidoglycan association of KpsD, and loss of this interaction correlates with impaired group 2 capsule production. VexA also depends on Lpp for peptidoglycan association, but CPS production is unaffected in an lpp mutant. In contrast, Wza and group 1 capsule production is unaffected by the absence of Lpp. These results point to complex structure-function relationships between different OPX proteins. IMPORTANCE Capsules are protective layers of polysaccharides that surround the cell surface of many bacteria, including that of Escherichia coli isolates and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi. Capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) are often essential for virulence because they facilitate evasion of host immune responses. The attenuation of unencapsulated mutants in animal models and the involvement of protein families with conserved features make the CPS export pathway a novel candidate for therapeutic strategies. However, appropriate “antivirulence” strategies require a fundamental understanding of the underpinning cellular processes. Investigating export proteins that are conserved across different biosynthesis strategies will give important insight into how CPS is transported to the cell surface.
High performance voltage regulation of current source inverters

Current source inverters offer advantages of voltage boost, short circuit protection, reduced EMI and direct regeneration. While CSI control strategies are less developed than for a VSI, the topologies are functional duals and have much in common in a control sense. In particular, since CSI voltage regulation is the dual of VSI current regulation, current regulation control strategies for a VSI can be readily implemented as equivalent voltage control strategies for a CSI. This paper shows how a high performance PI stationary frame and P+Resonant CSI voltage regulator can be analytically designed and optimised, while in particular taking into account the second order response of a CSI filter/load combination.
Facilitators and barriers to adopting evidence-based physical education in elementary schools.

BACKGROUND Evidence-based physical education (EBPE) programs have increased physical activity (PA) by as much as 18%, yet widespread adoption has not occurred. Understanding school facilitators and barriers to PE should prove useful to EBPE dissemination efforts. METHODS Pairs of principals and PE teachers from 154 schools (75 Adopters and 79 Non-Adopters) from 34 states completed questionnaires. Differences between Adopter and Non-Adopter schools were tested using t tests or Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests and chi-square analyses. RESULTS Principals and teachers reported distinct PE curriculum adoption decision making roles, but few viewed themselves as very involved in program evaluation. Teachers in Adopter schools were more satisfied with PE program outcomes and had greater involvement in teacher evaluation and program decision making. Compared with teachers, principals were generally more satisfied with their school's PE program outcomes and did not share the same perceptions of PE barriers. However, principals also demonstrated a general lack of PE program familiarity. CONCLUSIONS To facilitate EBPE adoption, dissemination efforts should target both principals and PE teachers. Increasing principal's knowledge may be instrumental in addressing some teacher perceptions of barriers to PE. Strategic advocacy efforts, including targeting policies that require PE program evaluation, are needed.
Medical and Dietary Uses of N-Acetylcysteine

N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a plant antioxidant naturally found in onion, is a precursor to glutathione. It has been used as a drug since the 1960s and is listed on the World Health Organization (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines as an antidote in poisonings. There are numerous other uses or proposed uses in medicine that are still in preclinical and clinical investigations. NAC is also used in food supplements and cosmetics. Despite its abundant use, there are projections that the NAC global market will grow in the next five years; therefore, the purpose of this work is to provide a balanced view of further uses of NAC as a dietary supplement. Although NAC is considered a safe substance, the results among clinical trials are sometimes controversial or incomplete, like for many other antioxidants. More clinical trials are underway that will improve our understanding of NAC applicability.
Novel Intronic RNA Structures Contribute to Maintenance of Phenotype in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome has undergone extensive intron loss during its evolutionary history. It has been suggested that the few remaining introns (in only 5% of protein-coding genes) are retained because of their impact on function under stress conditions. Here, we explore the possibility that novel noncoding RNA structures (ncRNAs) are embedded within intronic sequences and are contributing to phenotype and intron retention in yeast. We employed de novo RNA structure prediction tools to screen intronic sequences in S. cerevisiae and 36 other fungi. We identified and validated 19 new intronic RNAs via RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and RT-PCR. Contrary to the common belief that excised introns are rapidly degraded, we found that, in six cases, the excised introns were maintained intact in the cells. In another two cases we showed that the ncRNAs were further processed from their introns. RNA-seq analysis confirmed that introns in ribosomal protein genes are more highly expressed when they contain predicted RNA structures. We deleted the novel intronic RNA structure within the GLC7 intron and showed that this region, rather than the intron itself, is responsible for the cell’s ability to respond to salt stress. We also showed a direct association between the in cis presence of the intronic RNA and GLC7 expression. Overall, these data support the notion that some introns may have been maintained in the genome because they harbor functional RNA structures.
Foot Abduction Brace in the Ponseti Method for Idiopathic Clubfoot Deformity: Torsional Deformities and Compliance

The Ponseti method has shown to be effective in treating idiopathic clubfoot deformity. Application of a foot abduction brace is crucial to long term outcome. Compliance and possible effect on femoral anteversion and tibial torsion were assessed in 20 children with an average bracing period of 33 months. Nineteen patients were compliant with the bracing protocol and highly satisfied with the treatment protocol. Ultrasound measurement of femoral anteversion (40.5 degrees) and tibial external torsion (38.4 degrees) of the affected side were within the normal range. Range of motion of the ankle joint in all clubfeet resulted in an average dorsiflexion of 27.5 degrees. Among our patient group, the method proved to be highly accepted by almost all families, with excellent functional results. Application of the foot abduction brace did not result in pathological changes of femoral anteversion or tibial torsion.