Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic accuracy of a mathematical model to predict apnea–hypopnea index using nighttime pulse oximetry

Abstract. The intent of this study is to develop a predictive model to convert an oxygen desaturation index (ODI) to an apnea–hypopnea index (AHI). This model will then be compared to actual AHI to determine its precision. One thousand four hundred and sixty-seven subjects given polysomnograms with concurrent pulse oximetry between April 14, 2010, and February 7, 2012, were divided into model development (n=733) and verification groups (n=734) in order to develop a predictive model of AHI using ODI. Quadratic regression was used for model development. The coefficient of determination (r2) between the actual AHI and the predicted AHI (PredAHI) was 0.80 (r=0.90), which was significant at a p<0.001. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve ranged from 0.96 for AHI thresholds of ≥10 and ≥15/h to 0.97 for thresholds of ≥5 and ≥30/h. The algorithm described in this paper provides a convenient and accurate way to convert ODI to a predicted AHI. This tool makes it easier for clinicians to understand oximetry data in the context of traditional measures of sleep apnea.
Sexual selection and mating systems

Sexual selection is among the most powerful of all evolutionary forces. It occurs when individuals within one sex secure mates and produce offspring at the expense of other individuals within the same sex. Darwin was first to recognize the power of sexual selection to change male and female phenotypes, and, in noting that sexual selection is nonubiquitous, Darwin was also first to recognize the importance of mating system—the “special circumstances” in which reproduction occurs within species. Analyses of mating systems since Darwin have emphasized either the genetic relationships between male and female mating elements, usually among plants, or the numbers of mates males and females may obtain, usually among animals. Combining these schemes yields a quantitative methodology that emphasizes measurement of the sex difference in the variance in relative fitness, as well as phenotypic and genetic correlations underlying reproductive traits that may arise among breeding pairs. Such information predicts the degree and direction of sexual dimorphism within species, it allows the classification of mating systems using existing genetic and life history data, and with information on the spatial and temporal distributions of fertilizations, it may also predict floral morphology in plants. Because this empirical framework identifies selective forces and genetic architectures responsible for observed male-female differences, it compliments discoveries of nucleotide sequence variation and the expression of quantitative traits. Moreover, because this methodology emphasizes the process of evolutionary change, it is easier to test and interpret than frameworks emphasizing parental investment in offspring and its presumed evolutionary outcomes.
Mitomycin C-treated dendritic cells inactivate autoreactive T cells: Toward the development of a tolerogenic vaccine in autoimmune diseases

Treatment of autoimmune diseases remains a challenge for immunological research. An ideal therapy should inhibit the immune reaction against the diseased organ and leave the rest of the immune response intact. Our previous studies showed that donor-derived dendritic cells (DCs) treated in vitro with mitomycin C (MMC) suppress rat heart allograft rejection if injected into recipients before transplantation. Here we analyze their efficacy in controlling autoimmunity. MMC-DCs loaded with myelin-basic-protein (MBP) inhibited specific T cells derived from multiple sclerosis patients in vitro. If coincubated with MMC-DCs, T cells were arrested in the G0/G1 cell cycle phase. Microarray gene scan showed that MMC influences the expression of 116 genes in DCs, one main cluster comprising apoptotic and the second cluster immunosuppressive genes. Apparently, the combination of apoptosis with expression of tolerogenic molecules renders MMC-DCs suppressive. MBP-loaded MMC-DCs also inhibited mouse T cells in vitro and, in contrast to MBP-loaded naïve DCs, did not induce experimental autoimmune encephalitis. Most importantly, mice vaccinated with inhibitory DCs became resistant to the disease. Whereas this is not the first report on generation of suppressive DCs, it delineates a method using a clinically approved drug at nontoxic concentrations, which yields irreversibly changed DCs, effective across species in vitro and in vivo.
T‐cell‐rich B‐cell lymphoma: Fine‐needle aspiration cytology and immunocytochemistry

Cytomorphologic and immunocytochemical characteristics of FNA aspirates from 5 patients with T‐cell‐rich B‐cell lymphoma are described. The aspirates were dominated (over 90%) by small mature lymphocytes, but there was a sparse admixture of large, immature lymphoid cells, some of which mimicked Hodgkin's or Reed Sternberg's cells. The cytologic picture of 3 cases was similar to that of Hodgkin's disease of lymphocytic predominance. Two cases presented, in addition to the components described above, fragments of small vessels and epithelioid cells, which raised the possibility of true T‐cell lymphoma. Immunocytochemical analysis of cytospin preparations showed that the mature small lymphocytes were of T‐phenotype, while the large cells were of B‐phenotype. Light‐chain restriction was demonstrated in all cases, and monoclonality for kappa and lambda was shown in 4 cases and 1 case, respectively. Three cases had a previous histological diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease, which was revised to T‐cell‐rich B‐cell lymphoma as a consequence of the cytologic and immunologic findings in aspirates from reccurent/remaining lymphoma manifestations. It can thus be concluded that immunocytochemistry in conjunction with cytomorphology on fine‐needle aspirates will allow a conclusive diagnosis of T‐cell‐rich B‐cell lymphoma and its differentiation from Hodgkin's disease and T‐cell lymphomas. This distinction, from a prognostic and therapeutic standpoint, is of utmost importance. Diagn. Cytopathol. 1998;18:1–4. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mouse Osteoblastic Cell Line (MC3T3‐E1) Expresses Extracellular Calcium (Ca2+o)–Sensing Receptor and Its Agonists Stimulate Chemotaxis and Proliferation of MC3T3‐E1 Cells

The calcium‐sensing receptor (CaR) is a G protein‐coupled receptor that plays key roles in extracellular calcium ion (Ca2+o) homeostasis in parathyroid gland and kidney. Osteoblasts appear at sites of osteoclastic bone resorption during bone remodeling in the “reversal” phase following osteoclastic resorption and preceding bone formation. Bone resorption produces substantial local increases in Ca2+o that could provide a signal for osteoblasts in the vicinity, leading us to determine whether such osteoblasts express the CaR. In this study, we used the mouse osteoblastic, clonal cell line MC3T3‐E1. Both immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis, using an antiserum specific for the CaR, detected CaR protein in MC3T3‐E1 cells. We also identified CaR transcripts in MC3T3‐E1 cells by Northern analysis using a CaR‐specific riboprobe and by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction with CaR‐specific primers, followed by nucleotide sequencing of the amplified products. Exposure of MC3T3‐E1 cells to high Ca2+o (up to 4.8 mM) or the polycationic CaR agonists, neomycin and gadolinium (Gd3+), stimulated both chemotaxis and DNA synthesis in MC3T3‐E1 cells. Therefore, taken together, our data strongly suggest that the osteoblastic cell line MC3T3‐E1 possesses both CaR protein and mRNA very similar, if not identical, to those in parathyroid and kidney. Furthermore, the CaR in these osteoblasts could play a key role in regulating bone turnover by stimulating the proliferation and migration of such cells to sites of bone resorption as a result of local release of Ca2+o.
Students’ Perceptions on the Use of English Vlog (Video Blog) to Enhance Speaking Skill

Nowadays, English proficiency is needed for all people including students. They are required to master all skills in English language including speaking skill. There have been many strategies of students to learn speaking both in and outside the classroom. But generally, those strategies are still difficult to be applied due to several aspects. The development of technology leads students to have many resources to learn English in order to offset in English class or even in daily communication. Therefore, the technology may help students to enhance their speaking skill through E-Learning media. In this paper, the authors tried to reveal students’ strategy to enhance their speaking skills through the use of English Vlog. The purposes of this research were: 1) to know how students’ perception on the use of English Vlog to enhance speaking skill, and 2) to study about what student’s strategy in using English Vlog to enhance speaking skill. The samples were 5 students of English Education Department of Universitas Islam Indonesia who learnt Listening and speaking subject. The authors applied a purposeful sampling technique to get samples. The type of research was qualitative research. The method of the research concerned to the students’ perception in the use of English Vlog and students’ strategy to use it while the data came from the students’ interview, observation, and document. The result shows that students’ perceptions on the use of English Vlog to enhance speaking skill are good through various strategies. Furthermore, students have good English skills by using English Vlog as the media to learn English.
Comparison of Needlescopic Appendectomy Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Appendectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Laparoscopic appendectomy has been shown to improve postoperative recovery when compared with open appendectomy. The present randomized trial was conducted to evaluate any further difference in outcome between needlescopic appendectomy (NA) and conventional laparoscopic appendectomy (CLA) in the management of acute appendicitis. Patients with the clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis were randomized to either NA (instrument size ≤3 mm) or CLA (instrument size ≥5 mm). Standardized anesthetic technique and perioperative management were adopted. The primary end point was length of postoperative hospital stay. Other parameters such as conversion rate, postoperative pain score and analgesic requirement, return of bowel function, resumption of normal activities, complication rate, and length of the final scars were also assessed and compared. A total of 363 patients (NA: 174, CLA: 189) were recruited. Both approaches could accurately arrive at the diagnosis (NA: 98.3%; CLA: 100%). Compared with CLA, NA resulted in a significantly longer operation time (P = 0.015) and a higher conversion rate (P < 0.001). The final scars of the NA group were significantly shorter when compared with the CLA group (P < 0.001). Otherwise, there was no statistical difference between the 2 groups in terms of complication rate, postoperative pain score, length of postoperative stay, and other recovery parameters. NA resulted in a longer operation time and higher conversion rate. Except for a smaller scar, the present study was unable to demonstrate any other short-term benefits. Thus, the technique cannot be routinely recommended.
Macrophage interaction of HDL subclasses separated by free flow isotachophoresis.

Preparative isotachophoresis (ITP) was used for the fractionation of fasting and postprandial high density lipoproteins (HDL) according to their net charge in the absence of molecular sieve effects. Three major HDL subpopulations with fast, intermediate, and slow mobility have been recognized. Particle size analysis by gradient gel electrophoresis has shown that in the fast-migrating subpopulation particles dominate with a size of HDL3a and HDL2b. The subpopulation with intermediate mobility contains particles with a size between HDL2a and HDL3b, while in the slow migrating subpopulation particles dominate with a size of HDL2b, HDL3a, and HDL3c. The fast-migrating subpopulation is rich in apoA-I and phosphatidylcholine. The particles of this fraction bind at 4 degrees C to HDL receptors on macrophages with high affinity (KD = 7.71 micrograms/ml; Bmax = 245.6 ng). The subpopulations with intermediate mobility is rich in apoA-II, apoE, C apolipoproteins, cholesteryl esters, and sphingomyelin. Its affinity to HDL receptors (KD = 17.7 micrograms/ml; Bmax = 198.4 ng) is lower than that of the HDL particles in the fast-migrating subfraction. The slow-migrating subpopulation consists of particles rich in apoA-IV and is associated with a high LCAT activity. This fraction expresses the highest nonspecific binding to mouse peritoneal macrophages compared to the other HDL fractions and contains only a small amount of particles that interact with HDL receptors by high affinity binding (KD = 7.3 micrograms/ml; Bmax = 95.9 ng). In 37 degrees C binding experiments the fast-migrating subfraction reveals the highest total cell-associated activity. 72% of which is trypsin-resistant. The other subfractions express a lower total cell-associated activity and 45% of the activity of the intermediate- and 43% of the activity of the slow-migrating fraction is trypsin-sensitive. When the HDL fractions are isolated from postprandial sera of the same donor, the fast-migrating particles bind at 4 degrees C with a higher affinity (KD = 4.6 micrograms/ml) while no significant changes are observed in the intermediate- and slow-migrating subpopulations. The slow- and the fast-migrating HDL subpopulations isolated from fasting serum have a high capacity to promote cholesterol removal from macrophages. We hypothesize that the HDL subpopulations rich in apoA-I promote cholesterol removal predominantly via the interaction with HDL receptors, while apoA-IV-rich HDL particles receive their driving force for cholesterol efflux from the concomitant action of LCAT via a predominantly nonspecific interaction of the particles with the cell surface. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Paroxetine serum concentrations in depressed patients and response to treatment.

INTRODUCTION There is no established relationship between the serum concentration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and clinical response in depressed patients. METHODS We analyzed paroxetine concentrations in serum of 46 depressed patients during treatment with a fixed dosage of 40 mg paroxetine. RESULTS After 5 weeks 29 patients responded to treatment, while 17 did not. Analysis of variance with repeated measures (ANOVA-rm) revealed a significant effect of "response" with responders having lower serum concentrations throughout the treatment period, when compared to non-responders. After 2, 3, and 4 weeks of treatment, we could define an upper threshold of paroxetine serum concentrations (week 1 : 22.7 ng/mL; week 2 : 43 ng/mL; week 3 : 53.4 ng/mL; week 4 : 39.1 ng/mL) above which response to treatment was unlikely. CONCLUSION We conclude that -- in contrast to other pharmacological approaches -- high rather than low drug serum concentrations may be associated with non-response in paroxetine treatment of depressed patients.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase promoter polymorphism: a molecular susceptibility marker for vitiligo in Egyptians

Vitiligo is a depigmentary disease characterized by loss of melanocytes from the skin and mucous membranes. The pathomechanism of vitiligo is still obscure. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) produces very large amounts of nitric oxide (NO). Promotor polymorphisms within iNOS gene have been reported to be associated with overproduction of NO, which may induce melanocyte destruction.
Economic integration and growth at the margin: A space-time incremental impact analysis

We use the case of EU enlargement in 2004 to investigate the impact of economic integration on regional income growth. Being particularly interested in studying the effects 'at the margin', we track the relative performance of regions adjacent to both sides of the integration border vis-a-vis non-border regions. We use a space-time incremental difference-in-difference (IDiD) analysis to account for spatial spillovers, early anticipation and adjustment dynamics over time. Our findings indicate that EU-15 regions up to a distance of 100 km from the integration border experience positive integration effects, but we do not observe additional income growth effects for NMS-10 border regions compared to non-border regions. The results are found to be robust for alternative regression specifications including doubly robust estimation, varying sample settings and placebo tests. Country-specific estimates for the EU-15 finally indicate that in particular East German regions have benefited from EU enlargement potentially reflecting their proximity to Poland as largest NMS market, their favorable investment conditions, i.e. modern infrastructure, and preferential historical ties to the NMS-10.
WDR8 is a centriolar satellite and centriole-associated protein that promotes ciliary vesicle docking during ciliogenesis

ABSTRACT Ciliogenesis initiates at the mother centriole through a series of events that include membrane docking, displacement of cilia-inhibitory proteins and axoneme elongation. Centriolar proteins, in particular at distal and subdistal appendages, carry out these functions. Recently, cytoplasmic complexes named centriolar satellites have also been shown to promote ciliogenesis. Little is known about the functional and molecular relationship between appendage proteins, satellites and cilia biogenesis. Here, we identified the WD-repeat protein 8 (WDR8, also known as WRAP73) as a satellite and centriolar component. We show that WDR8 interacts with the satellite proteins SSX2IP and PCM1 as well as the centriolar proximal end component Cep135. Cep135 is required for the recruitment of WDR8 to centrioles. Depletion experiments revealed that WDR8 and Cep135 have strongly overlapping functions in ciliogenesis. Both are indispensable for ciliary vesicle docking to the mother centriole and for unlocking the distal end of the mother centriole from the ciliary inhibitory complex CP110–Cep97. Our data thus point to an important function of centriolar proximal end proteins in ciliary membrane biogenesis, and establish WDR8 and Cep135 as two factors that are essential for the initial steps of ciliation. Summary: WDR8 is a centriolar and pericentriolar satellite protein. WDR8 is targeted to the centrioles by the proximal end protein Cep135. Cep135 and WDR8 are required for ciliary-vesicle docking during ciliogenesis.
Passive Immunity to SARS-CoV-2 at Birth Induced by Vaccination in the First Trimester of Pregnancy

As is well known, the COVID-19 infection is affecting the whole world, causing a serious health, social and economic crisis. The viral infection can cause a mild or severe illness, depending on how effectively the virus is countered by the immune system. In this context, the position of pregnant women remains rather unknown. The case described here reports the immune response in a woman in good health and in her newborn son, having undergone complete vaccination during the first trimester of her pregnancy. We performed a serological assay, measuring IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, by a fully automated solid phase DELFIA (time-resolved fluorescence) immunoassay in a few drops of blood, collected by a finger-prick and spotted on filter paper. The dried blood spot (DBS) sample we used is the same type of sample routinely used in a newborn screening program test. Such a simple and minimally invasive approach allowed us to monitor both the mother and the newborn soon after birth for their anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels. The serological test on the DBS carried out on both mother and newborn revealed the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies up to 7 months after vaccination in the mother, and already at 48 h of life in the newborn.
Initial hydrogenation and extensive reduction of substituted 2,4-dinitrophenols

Rhodococcus erythropolis HL 24-1 isolated as a 2,4-dinitrophenol-degrading organism can utilize 2-chloro-4,6-dinitrophenol as the sole nitrogen, carbon, and energy source under aerobic conditions. This compound is metabolized with liberation of stoichiometric amounts of chloride and nitrite. Under anaerobic conditions, 2,4-dinitrophenol was transiently accumulated in the culture fluid, indicating a reductive elimination of chloride. During aerobic bioconversion of 2-amino-4,6-dinitrophenol by R. erythropolis HL 24-1, a reductive elimination of nitrite leading to 2-amino-6-nitrophenol was observed. Elimination of chloride or nitrite by the initial formation of a hydride Meisenheimer complex is discussed. A methyl group in the ortho position of the 2,4-dinitrophenol gives rise to an extensive reduction of the aromatic ring under aerobic conditions. Thus, 2-methyl-4,6-dinitrophenol was shown to be converted to the two diastereomers of 4,6-dinitro-2-methylhexanoate as dead-end metabolites which were identified by spectroscopic methods.
A Successful Dental Care Referral Program for Low-Income Pregnant Women in New York

Despite evidence-based guidelines that advocate for dental care during pregnancy, dental utilization among pregnant women remains low, especially among low-income and racial–ethnic minority women. We investigated self-reported dental care referral and self-reported dental care attendance among a group of 298 low-income, largely racial–ethnic minority pregnant women attending two suburban prenatal care clinics that had integrated dental care referrals into their prenatal care according to these guidelines. We administered a questionnaire that asked women: (1) whether they had been referred for care by their prenatal care provider; (2) whether they had been seen by a dentist during pregnancy. Among those women who were eligible for a dental care referral (those who reported having dental symptoms, and those not having a recent dental visit), we found that 73.0% reported that they had indeed been referred for dental care by their prenatal provider, while the remaining women reported either no referral (23.5%, n = 67) or were not sure whether they had been referred (3.5%, n = 10). Among those who reported a dental care referral, 67.3% (n = 140) reported that they saw a dentist during their pregnancy, while of those who reported no dental care referral only 35.1% (n = 27) reported a dental visit (Chi-Sq. = 24.1, df = 1, p < 0.001). Having received a dental referral was a significant predictor of reporting a dental visit during pregnancy, with women who received a referral being 4.6 times more likely to report a dental visit during pregnancy compared to those women who did not report a referral. These results demonstrate that vulnerable pregnant women referred for dental care by their prenatal provider will indeed seek and utilize dental care when offered. This dental referral program may serve as a model for improving the utilization of dental care among this population.
Holding Bitcoin Longer: The Dynamic Hedging Abilities of Bitcoin

This paper investigates whether Bitcoin can hedge and diversify risk against the Euro STOXX, Nikkei, Shanghai A-Share, S&P 500, and the TSX Index, and examines the dynamics of these abilities over different data frequencies. Pairwise GARCH models and constant conditional correlation models are used for daily, weekly, and monthly returns from October 2010 to October 2017. We find that Bitcoin is an effective strong hedge for all these indices under monthly data frequency. However, daily and weekly returns do not demonstrate strong hedge properties. Further frequency dependence model tests reveal that Bitcoin returns are strong hedgings against S&P and Euro indices over medium data frequency, and also against the Shanghai A-Share over low data frequency.