Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Healthcare Expenditure and Economic Performance: Insights From the United States Data

This research explores the association of public health expenditure with economic performance across the United States. Healthcare expenditure can result in better provision of health opportunities, which can strengthen human capital and improve the productivity, thereby contributing to economic performance. It is therefore important to assess the phenomenon of healthcare spending in a country. Using visual analytics, we collected economic and health data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the years 2003–2014. The overall results strongly suggest a positive correlation between healthcare expenditure and the economic indicators of income, GDP, and labor productivity. While healthcare expenditure is negatively associated with multi-factor productivity, it is positively associated with the indicators of labor productivity, personal spending, and GDP. The study shows that an increase in healthcare expenditure has a positive relationship with economic performance. There are also variations across states that justify further research. Building on this and prior research, policy implications include that the good health of citizens indeed results in overall better economy. Therefore, investing carefully in various healthcare aspects would boost income, GDP, and productivity, and alleviate poverty. In light of these potential benefits, universal access to healthcare is something that warrants further research. Also, research can be done in countries with single-payer systems to see if a link to productivity exists there. The results support arguments against our current healthcare system's structure in a limited way.
Occasional Review: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Pregnancy at the Royal Women's Hospital, Brisbane 1979–1989

Summary: : The management and obstetric outcome of 17 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicating 42 pregnancies is presented. Similar to world figures there was a 14.3% incidence of therapeutic abortion, a 4.8% incidence of ectopic pregnancy, a 16.7% incidence of spontaneous abortion, a 23.8% incidence of prematurity, a 4.8% incidence of fetal death in utero (FDIU) and a 9.5% incidence of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). In patients with antiphospholipid antibodies the obstetric outcome was significantly worse. Pregnancies complicated by preexisting renal compromise all concluded with an adverse outcome to the conceptus. In light of the experiences at the Royal Women's Hospital and a review of the world literature, the need for a standardized approach to SLE in pregnancy and more importantly the need for a large, prospective randomized trial of low dose aspirin in these pregnancies is highlighted.
Factor Structure and Utility of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function—Preschool Version

Executive function (EF) is a domain general cognitive construct associated with a number of important developmental outcomes. The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function—Preschool version (BRIEF-P) is intended to assess 5 distinct components of EF in preschool age children. In this study, a series of factor analyses was conducted with teacher-reported EF of 2,367 preschool students to assess the structure of the BRIEF-P, and the predictive relations between the resulting factors and children’s academic abilities and behavioral self-regulation were assessed to test the construct and convergent validity of the BRIEF-P scores. Results yielded mixed findings concerning the structure of the BRIEF-P and validity of its resultant scores. Results of the factor analyses indicated that the items of the BRIEF-P did not map onto factors in the way that would be expected based on its item-to-subscale mapping. The best solutions were a 4-factor and a bifactor model. The 4-factor solution revealed substantial correlations between factors, and although the bifactor solution identified a General Self-Regulation factor that explained variance in responses across items, this general factor did not account for all of the overlap among specific factors. Analyses of the relations for the factors from the correlated-factors and the bifactor models indicated that the majority of the factors had limited convergent validity with academic ability or with a measure of behavior self-regulation. Overall, these findings call into question the validity of aspects of BRIEF-P.
Protein molecular modeling techniques investigating novel TAB2 variant R347X causing cardiomyopathy and congenital heart defects in multigenerational family

Haploinsufficiency of TAB2 is known to cause congenital heart defects and cardiomyopathy due to its important roles in cardiovascular tissue, both during development and through adult life. We report a sibling pair displaying adult‐onset cardiomyopathy, hypermobility, and mild myopia. Our proband, a 39‐year‐old male, presents only with the above symptoms, while his 36‐year‐old sister was also notable for a ventricular septal defect in her infancy.
Authentic Matrix Vesicles Contain Active Metalloproteases (MMP)

Matrix vesicles (MV) play a key role in the initiation of cartilage mineralization. Although many components in these microstructures have been identified, the specific function of each component is still poorly understood. In this study, we show that metalloproteases (MMP), MMP-2, -9, and -13 are associated with MV isolated from growth plate cartilage. In addition, we provide evidence that MV contain transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and that MV-associated MMP-13 is capable of activating latent TGF-β. To determine whether MMPs are associated directly with MV, vesicles isolated from growth plate cartilage were sequentially treated with hyaluronidase, NaCl, and bacterial collagenase to remove matrix proteins and other components attached to their outer surface. Finally, the vesicles were incubated with detergent to rupture the MV membrane and expose components that are inside the vesicles. Each treated MV fraction was subjected to substrate zymography, immunoblotting, and substrate activity assay. Whereas active MMP-13 was lost after combined treatment with hyaluronidase and NaCl, MMP-2 and -9 activities were still retained in the pellet fraction even after detergent treatment, suggesting that the gelatinases, MMP-2 and -9, are integral components of MV. In addition, MV contain TGF-β in the small latent complex, and MMP-13 associated with the MV surface was responsible for activation of TGF-β. Since the amount of TGF-β activated by hypertrophic chondrocytes increased with mineral appearance in serum-free chondrocyte cultures, a role for active MV-associated MMPs is suggested in activation of TGF-β seen during late chondrocyte hypertrophy and mineralization of growth plate cartilage.
Characterisation of myofibroblasts in fibrovascular tissues of primary and recurrent pterygia

Aims: To determine the presence and origin of myofibroblasts in pterygia. Methods: 86 specimens including head, body, and fibrovascular tissue from 52 primary and 34 recurrent pterygia and five exenterated eyes without pterygia were searched for the origin of myofibroblasts. All tissues were subjected to haematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry using antibodies against alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), desmin, vimentin, and caldesmon, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The phenotype of fibroblasts subcultured in a serum free medium from pterygium fibrovascular tissues was characterised by the above antibodies. Bundles of dense fibrous tissues were noted in 86% of the fibrovascular tissue specimens evaluated. Cells within these bundles were characterised as myofibroblasts based on positive staining to α-SMA, but negative to desmin and caldesmon, markers for smooth muscle cells. Interestingly, positive α-SMA staining was also found in the periorbital fibroadipose tissue posterior to Tenon’s capsule near the nasal conjunctiva in all exenterated specimens. All first passage fibroblasts expressed vimentin, some were positive to α-SMA, but all were negative to desmin or caldesmon. Cells in pterygium fibrovascular tissues showed ultrastructural features of intracytoplasmic bundles of microfilaments, consistent with myofibroblastic differentiation. Conclusion: These studies collectively demonstrate the presence of contractile myofibroblasts bundle in pterygia and in the periorbital fibroadipose tissue posterior to Tenon’s capsule of exenterated eyes without pterygium.
Effectiveness of Universal Self-regulation–Based Interventions in Children and Adolescents

Importance Childhood and adolescence self-regulation (SR) is gaining importance as a target of intervention because of mounting evidence of its positive associations with health, social and educational outcomes. Objective To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of rigorously evaluated interventions to improve self-regulation in children and adolescents. Data Sources Keyword searches of the PsycINFO, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, ERIC, British Education Index, Child Development and Adolescent Studies, and CENTRAL were used to identify all studies published through July 2016. Study Selection To be eligible for this review, studies had to report cluster randomized trials or randomized clinical trials, evaluate universal interventions designed to improve self-regulation in children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 years, include outcomes associated with self-regulation skills, and be published in a peer-reviewed journal with the full text available in English. Data Extraction and Synthesis A total of 14 369 published records were screened, of which 147 were identified for full-text review and 49 studies reporting 50 interventions were included in the final review. Results were summarized by narrative review and meta-analysis. Main Outcomes and Measures Self-regulation outcomes in children and adolescents. Results This review identified 17 cluster randomized trials and 32 randomized clinical trials evaluating self-regulation interventions, which included a total of 23 098 participants ranging in age from 2 to 17 years (median age, 6.0 years). Consistent improvement in self-regulation was reported in 16 of 21 curriculum-based interventions (76%), 4 of the 8 mindfulness and yoga interventions (50%), 5 of 9 family-based programs (56%), 4 of 6 exercise-based programs (67%), and 4 of 6 social and personal skills interventions (67%), or a total of 33 of 50 interventions (66%). A meta-analysis evaluating associations of interventions with self-regulation task performance scores showed a positive effect of such interventions with pooled effect size of 0.42 (95% CI, 0.32-0.53). Only 24 studies reported data on distal outcomes (29 outcomes). Positive associations were reported in 11 of 13 studies (85%) on academic achievement, 4 of 5 studies on substance abuse (80%), and in all studies reporting on conduct disorders (n = 3), studies on social skills (n = 2), studies on depression (n = 2), studies on behavioral problems (n = 2), and study on school suspensions (n = 1). No effect was seen on 2 studies reporting on academic achievement, 1 study reporting on substance abuse, and 1 additional study reporting on psychological well-being. Conclusions and Relevance A wide range of interventions were successful in improving self-regulation in children and adolescents. There was improvement in distal academic, health, and behavioral outcomes in most intervention groups compared with controls.
Convergence and qualitative properties of modified explicit schemes for BSDEs with polynomial growth

The theory of Forward-Backward Stochastic Differential Equations (FBSDEs) paves a way to probabilistic numerical methods for nonlinear parabolic PDEs. The majority of the results on the numerical methods for FBSDEs relies on the global Lipschitz assumption , which is not satisfied for a number of important cases such as the Fisher–KPP or the FitzHugh–Nagumo equations. Furthermore, it has been shown in [LDRS15] that for BSDEs with monotone drivers having polynomial growth in the primary variable y, only the (sufficiently) implicit schemes converge. But these require an additional computational effort compared to explicit schemes. This article develops a general framework that allows the analysis, in a systematic fashion, of the integrability properties, convergence and qualitative properties (e.g. comparison theorem) for whole families of modified explicit schemes. The framework yields the convergence of some modified explicit scheme with the same rate as implicit schemes and with the computational cost of the standard explicit scheme. To illustrate our theory, we present several classes of easily implementable modified explicit schemes that can computationally outperform the implicit one and preserve the qualitative properties of the solution to the BSDE. These fit into our developed framework and are tested in computational experiments.
Modelos de valoración y eficiencia: ¿bate el CAPM al mercado?

En trabajos anteriores, hemos contrastado en profundidad el grado de funcionamiento del CAPM en el mercado bursatil espanol1. Asi, en Gomez-Bezares, Madariaga y Santibanez (1994) presentabamos un amplio resumen de las conclusiones alcanzadas en el contraste del modelo en dos periodos distintos de la realidad espanola: el comprendido entre 1959 y 1988 (Mercado de corros), y el que abarca los anos 1990 a 1993 (Mercado Continuo).
Transcriptional Control of Th9 Cells: Role of Foxo1 in Interleukin-9 Induction

Interleukin (IL) 9-producing helper T (Th) 9 cells play a major role in contributing immunity against extracellular pathogens. In addition, the role of Th9 cells was demonstrated in the pathogenesis of allergic, skin, and intestinal inflammation. The functions of Th9 cells were further extended in antitumor immune response, as Th9 cells were suggested to be potent antitumor Th cells. Given the pleotropic functions of IL-9 in various pathophysiological conditions, it is essential to understand the differentiation and stability of Th9 cells and other IL-9-producing T cells. In addition to Th9 cells, Th2 and Th17 cells as well as induced Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (iTregs) cells also produce IL-9, but how IL-9 production is regulated in these cell types is not yet clearly defined. Although Th2, Th9 and Th17 cells as well as iTregs develop in the presence of distinct differentiating factors, yet they all express IL-9 together with their own lineage specific cytokines. Here, in this review, we summarize the current understanding of signaling pathways that lead to the promotion of differentiation of Th9 cells and IL-9 induction in Th2 and Th17 cells, as well as in iTregs. We further discuss the transcriptional regulation of Th9 cells in context of Foxo1, as an essential transcription factor required for the development and functions of Th9 and other IL-9-producing T cells.
Lifestyle factors influencing bone health in young adult women in Saudi Arabia.

AIM To analyze risk factors leading to osteopenia and osteoporosis among young female students. METHODS Quantitative Ultrasonography measurements were performed in the calcaneal region of 101 young Saudi females. Dietary habits, exercising and sun exposure were assessed using questionnaires. The association between the different studied factors was assessed by Pearson test and multiple linear regression model. RESULTS Participants diagnosed with either osteopenia or osteoporosis (>33%.) showed significant higher soft drinks consumption, reduced exercise, limited intake of milk and dairy products, calcium and vitamin D supplementation compared to the healthy group. Multiple regression analysis showed that T-score and Z-score were negatively associated with soft drink intake and positively associated with exercising, milk and dairy products consumption, and calcium and vitamin D supplementation use (p <0.05). CONCLUSION High soft drink intake, lack of exercising and limited calcium and vitamin D supplementation are the combined lifestyle factors leading to osteopenia and osteoporosis among young Saudi females. These findings might serve as a basis of nutrition education intervention to promote healthy bones among this population.
Robust Operation of Microgrids via Two-Stage Coordinated Energy Storage and Direct Load Control

This paper proposes a robust optimization approach for optimal operation of microgrids. The uncertain output variation of renewable energy sources (RESs) is addressed by collaboratively scheduling of energy storage (ES) and direct load control (DLC) through a two-stage complementary framework: an hour-ahead charging/discharging of ES and a quarter-hour-ahead activation of DLC. The objective is to maximize the total profit of the microgrid considering operation and maintenance costs of ES units, wind turbines and photovoltaics, and transaction with main grid and customer loads. Assuming the power output of RES randomly varies within a bounded uncertainty set, the problem is modeled to a two-stage robust optimization model and solved by a column-and-constraint generation algorithm. Compared with conventional operation methods, the ES and DLC are coordinated in different time-scales, and RES uncertainties are fully addressed during operation decision-making, ensuring the solutions to be optimal and robust for any realization of uncertainty. The proposed methodology is verified on the IEEE 33-bus distribution system through a wide range of different tests.
Exposure to permethrin and cancer risk: a systematic review

Abstract No systematic reviews are available on data from humans on cancer risk from exposure to permethrin, a widely used insecticide for which some animal studies have reported positive findings based on mechanisms that may not be relevant to humans. We identified potentially relevant articles through a search of electronic databases which included all studies of pesticide exposure and human cancer. A total of 18 articles were selected, including six identified from the list of references of other articles. Most articles were based on analyzes of the Agriculture Health Study (AHS); they provided no evidence of an increased risk of cancers of colon, rectum, pancreas, lung, melanoma, female breast, prostate, urinary bladder, as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma (including its main subtypes), and leukemia. An increased risk of multiple myeloma was reported among AHS members with the highest tertile of estimated permethrin exposure (odds ratio 5.01; 95% confidence interval 2.41–10.42; p for trend <0.01). A subsequent analysis with a larger number of cases found a less pronounced association between permethrin exposure and risk of multiple myeloma; no exposed cases were reported in a separate study. Two case–control studies of childhood leukemia reported an association with biological markers of permethrin metabolites; in another study self-reported exposure to permethrin was associated with risk in children below 1 year of age, but not in older children. In conclusion, permethrin exposure does not seem to entail a risk of cancer in humans. Results on multiple myeloma and childhood leukemia are weak and inconsistent, and require replication in independent populations.
Hfq Influences Multiple Transport Systems and Virulence in the Plant Pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens

ABSTRACT The Hfq protein mediates gene regulation by small RNAs (sRNAs) in about 50% of all bacteria. Depending on the species, phenotypic defects of an hfq mutant range from mild to severe. Here, we document that the purified Hfq protein of the plant pathogen and natural genetic engineer Agrobacterium tumefaciens binds to the previously described sRNA AbcR1 and its target mRNA atu2422, which codes for the substrate binding protein of an ABC transporter taking up proline and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Several other ABC transporter components were overproduced in an hfq mutant compared to their levels in the parental strain, suggesting that Hfq plays a major role in controlling the uptake systems and metabolic versatility of A. tumefaciens. The hfq mutant showed delayed growth, altered cell morphology, and reduced motility. Although the DNA-transferring type IV secretion system was produced, tumor formation by the mutant strain was attenuated, demonstrating an important contribution of Hfq to plant transformation by A. tumefaciens.
CT Air-Contrast Enema as a Preoperative Examination for Colorectal Cancer

Background/Aims: We conducted a study on three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) images, in particular CT air-contrast enema (CT enema), using multidetector-row CT (MDCT), to see whether CT enema is useful as a preoperative examination for colorectal cancer. We aimed to evaluate the detectability of lesions and the depth of cancer invasion using CT enema. Methods: 292 patients (328 lesions) with colorectal cancer were enrolled. After an adequate insufflation of the large intestine, MDCT scans were performed. With the data obtained by MDCT, we reconstructed CT enema images. CT enema images were assessed for the detectability of lesions. The depth of invasion was evaluated by the deformity of the lesion on profile images. The deformities were divided into five groups: no deformity, slight deformity, mild deformity, moderate deformity and severe deformity. Results: The detectability of lesions was 97.3%. The reasons for undetectability were due to residual fluid in 8 cases and insufficient colonic distention in 1 case. As the depth of invasion increased, the grade of the deformity became severer (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: CT enema proved to be an excellent examination tool to detect lesions. The deformity demonstrated by CT enema could be an additional source of information to predict the depth of invasion.
Risk factors for hyperplasia-associated versus atrophy-associated endometrial carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE Endometrial cancer can be divided into atrophy-associated and hyperplasia-associated subtypes. It has been suggested that these subtypes have different pathologic features and prognoses. This preliminary study explores whether these subtypes are associated with different risk factors. STUDY DESIGN Hysterectomies performed in cases of endometrial carcinoma with evaluable benign endometrium on routine processing were reviewed, and clinical data were abstracted from medical records. Forty-eight subjects with atrophy-associated and 28 subjects with hyperplasia-associated cancers were studied. RESULTS We found younger age, higher weight, absence of cigarette smoking, and earlier menarche in subjects with hyperplasia-related cancers. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the idea that hyperplasia-associated endometrial cancer is estrogen-related but also suggest that atrophy-associated cases may result from a different causal pathway. Epidemiologic studies may yield more precise and accurate measures of association if atrophy-associated and hyperplasia-associated endometrial cancers are considered separately.