Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The E7 Open Reading Frame Acts in cis and in trans To Mediate Differentiation-Dependent Activities in the Human Papillomavirus Type 16 Life Cycle

ABSTRACT Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the causative agents of several important genital and other mucosal cancers. The HPV16 E7 gene encodes a viral oncogene that is necessary for the continued growth of cancer cells, but its role in the normal, differentiation-dependent life cycle of the virus is not fully understood. The function of E7 in the viral life cycle was examined using a series of mutations of E7 created in the context of the complete HPV16 genome. The effect of these E7 mutations on key events of the viral life cycle, including immortalization, episomal maintenance, late promoter activation, and infectious virion synthesis, was examined. Our studies show that the pRb binding domain is indispensable for early viral activities, whereas the C-terminal zinc finger domain contributed primarily to very late events. Mutations of the casein kinase II phosphorylation site caused a complex phenotype involving both the function of E7 protein and a cis element necessary for the activation of the late promoter, identifying for the first time a promoter element important for late promoter function in the context of the viral genome. All mutant genomes tested showed reduced viral titers following growth in organotypic raft cultures. These studies clarify the role of E7 as a regulator of late events in the differentiation-dependent HPV life cycle.
Lupus in Chinese male: a retrospective study of 61 patients.

BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has traditionally been considered a disease of women, and is uncommon in men. In recent years, several large clinical series of male lupus patients have been reported. As no known data are available for lupus in males from Taiwan, a retrospective analysis of data from male lupus patients was done to determine whether these patients differed from other series of male or female SLE patients in the literature. METHODS Sixty-one male lupus patients, diagnosed and followed in Tri-Service General Hospital, between 1983 and 1993, were studied and their data analyzed, retrospectively. RESULTS The mean age of diagnosis was 30 +/- 17 (mean +/- SD, range: 13-81) years. The peak age of diagnosis was between 13 and 40 years. The mean duration of follow-up was 36 +/- 36 (range: 2-256) months. The 1-, 5- and 10-year survival rates were 84%, 76% and 75%, respectively. The frequency of clinical manifestations were renal disease, 75%; malar rash, 70%; arthritis, 60%; fever, 56%; photosensitivity, 48%; pleuritis, 39%; pericarditis, 31%; alopecia, 31%; mucosal ulcers, 29%; neuropsychiatric disease, 26%; discoid lupus, 21%; vasculitis, 15%; Raynaud's phenomenon, 10%; and lymphadenopathy, 2%. The frequency of abnormal laboratory findings were antinuclear antibodies (ANA), 95%; hypocomplementemia, 77%; antibodies to double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA), 57%; leukopenia, 44%; lupus erythematosus (LE) cells, 39%; anti-Ro, 39%; anti-Smith antibodies (anti-Sm), 19%; thrombocytopenia, 18%; rheumatoid factor, 17%; anti-ribonucleoprotein antibody (anti-RNP), 14%; autoimmune hemolytic anemia, 8%; false-positive venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL), 6% and anti-La, 4%. CONCLUSIONS In a review of the 61 ethnic Chinese male lupus patients, a higher frequency of renal disease, malar rash and photosensitivity, but a lower frequency of arthritis and lymphadenopathy, compared to previous reports of Caucasians. There were no significant immunological differences from other series of male lupus, except a lower frequency of anti-dsDNA. In general, poor prognosis was noted for male lupus patients here.
Eco‐efficiency of high‐yielding variety rice cultivation after accounting for on‐farm environmental damage as an undesirable output: an empirical analysis from Bangladesh†

This study computes the eco-ei¬ciency of high-yielding variety (HYV) rice production by including an on-farm environmental damage index (OFEDI) as an undesirable output using data envelopment analysis. It then identii¬es its determinants by applying an interval regression procedure on a sample of 317 farmers from north-western Bangladesh. Results reveal that the mean level of the OFEDI-adjusted production ei¬ciency (i.e. eco-ei¬ciency) is 89 per cent, whereas ignoring OFEDI adjustment (i.e. with OFEDI = 0) reduces the mean level of ei¬ciency to 69 per cent, implying that the production of undesirable output or on-farm environmental damage induces an ei¬ciency loss of 20 per cent with signii¬cant dii¬erences across regions. The proportion of farmersâ income from HYV rice agriculture, land ownership, extension services and socio-environmental living standard are the signii¬cant determinants of improving eco-ei¬ciency. Policy implications include investments in extension services and land reform measures to increase land ownership, which will synergistically improve eco-ei¬ciency of HYV rice production in Bangladesh.
Conversion disorder and its subtypes: A need for a reclassification

Four subtypes of conversion disorder were described in DSM-IV. There are few publications concerning studies aimed at separating the subtypes of the conversion disorder. Usually, pseudoseizures are in focus and attempts are made to differentiate these seizures from other disorders. The aim of the present study has been to investigate differences between the four subtypes of the conversion disorder and to discuss the possibilities for a reclassification. Ninety-five patients were seen by two researchers and diagnosed as conversion disorders. The subtypes were determined according to DSM-IV criteria. All completed the Patients Information Form, developed by the researchers, and the Dissociative Experience Scale (DES). Twenty-four (25.2%) of the patients had motor symptoms or deficits (Type 1), 5 (5.2%) sensory symptoms or deficits (Type 2), 23 (24.2%) seizures or convulsions (Type 3) and 43 (47.3%) had mixed presentations (Type 4). There were statistically significant differences between the subtypes as concerns occupation, family history of psychiatric disorders, hospitalizations and place of settlement. Furthermore, the DES scores were statistically different between the groups of patients with different subtypes of conversion disorder.
MicroRNA‐127‐5p targets the biliverdin reductase B/nuclear factor‐κB pathway to suppress cell growth in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation is one of the major mediators of inflammation‐induced cancer cell growth and progression. In previous studies, we screened a series of microRNAs (miRNAs) that targeted the NF‐κB signaling pathway. In this study, we showed that miR‐127‐5p suppressed NF‐κB activity through inhibition of p65 nuclear translocation. In addition, miR‐127‐5p also inhibited the transcription of downstream targets of the NF‐κB signaling pathway. While exploring the mechanism of the inhibition of NF‐κB activity by miR‐127‐5p, we found that miR‐127‐5p decreased the phosphorylation of p65. MicroRNA‐127‐5p inhibited the growth and colony formation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and decreased biliverdin reductase B (BLVRB) expression by directly binding to its 3′‐UTR. RNA interference of BLVRB suppressed HCC cell growth, whereas the overexpression of BLVRB promoted HCC cell growth. Furthermore, BLVRB blockade inhibited the phosphorylation of p65 protein and the expression of downstream targets of the NF‐κB signaling pathway, mimicking the function of miR‐127‐5p. The restoration of BLVRB in HCC cells overexpressing miR‐127‐5p impaired the suppression of HCC growth by miR‐127‐5p. Moreover, miR‐127‐5p was downregulated in 58% of HCC samples. In summary, we found that miR‐127‐5p suppressed NF‐κB activity by directly targeting BLVRB in HCC cells, and this finding improves our understanding of the molecular mechanism of inflammation‐induced HCC growth and proliferation and the successful inhibition of NF‐κB activity by cancer treatment.
The Elnady Technique: An innovative, new method for tissue preservation.

At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, there is an increasing number of students but a limited availability of animal cadavers used for dissection, and student exposure to formalin is a known hazard. In order to address these challenges, a new method for tissue preservation was developed, the "Elnady Technique. " This method is a modified form of plastination, where the chemicals used are not patented, are inexpensive and locally available, and the process is performed at room temperature. The produced specimens are realistic, durable, have no offensive odor, and are dry, soft and flexible. They can be used to replace the use of animals killed for teaching basic anatomy, embryology, pathology, parasitology and forensic medicine. They have great potential to support training in clinical skills and surgery, including for clinical examination, endoscopy, surgical sutures, and obstetrics simulation.
Oriented Towards Action: The Political Economy of Primary Education in Rwanda

When it comes to the delivery of services to the poor, politics matter. This paper applies a political settlements framework to approach the study of primary education quality in Rwanda. In recent years, the government of Rwanda has received recognition for its commitment to expand education for all young people. But the drivers for improving quality have been less straightforward. Through process tracing from national to local levels, this study investigates the interests, institutions and incentives for improving the education quality. Findings suggest there was a stated commitment to educational quality on the part of the government across all levels. At the same time, the country’s decentralised system of governance has deconcentrated implementation responsibilities to local government and schools. Performance-based incentives at the local level focus on aspects of quality that are measurable -- i.e., through the construction of classrooms and provision of materials -- rather than on improving the capacity of the teaching workforce or tracking learning outcomes. The incentives and ideas that drive the behaviour of key actors in the education sector allow us to consider the degree to which state capacity and elite commitment can be sustained.
Interactive effects of protein and carbohydrates on production of microbial metabolites in the large intestine of growing pigs

ABSTRACT The study aimed at determining the effect of protein type and indigestible carbohydrates on the concentration of microbial metabolites in the large intestine of pigs. The experiment involved 36 pigs (15 kg initial body weight) divided into six groups, fed cereal-based diets with highly digestible casein (CAS) or potato protein concentrate (PPC) of lower ileal digestibility. Each diet was supplemented with cellulose, raw potato starch or pectin. After 2 weeks of feeding, pigs were sacrificed and samples of caecal and ascending, transverse and descending colon digesta were collected for analyses of microbial metabolites. PPC increased the concentration of ammonia, p-cresol, indole, n-butyrate, isovalerate and most of the amines in comparison with CAS. Pectin reduced the production of p-cresol, indole, phenylethylamine and isovalerate in the large intestine compared with potato starch. Starch and pectin increased mainly the concentration of n-butyrate and n-valerate in the colon compared to cellulose. Interaction affected mainly amines. Feeding PPC diet with potato starch considerably increased putrescine, cadaverine, tyramine and total amines concentrations compared with PPC diets with pectin and cellulose, whereas feeding CAS diet with starch reduced their concentrations. There was also a significant effect of interaction between diet and intestinal segment on microbial metabolites. In conclusion, PPC intensifies proteolysis in the large intestine and also n-butyrate production. Raw starch and pectin similarly increase n-butyrate concentration but pectin inhibits proteolysis more efficiently than starch. The interactive effects of both factors indicate that pectin and cellulose may beneficially affect fermentative processes in case of greater protein flow to the large intestine.
Perioperative changes in alpha 1-acid glycoprotein concentrations in infants undergoing major surgery.

alpha 1-Acid glycoprotein (AAG) is an acute phase protein that is responsible for binding basic drugs such as bupivacaine. In order to determine how AAG concentrations change in response to surgical stress, arterial blood samples were obtained from 50 infants undergoing major surgery, at induction of anaesthesia and daily for the next 7 days. AAG concentrations were measured using a rate nephelometric technique. The overall mean preoperative AAG concentration was 0.38 (SD 0.16) mg ml-1, although concentrations were significantly greater in infants undergoing urgent surgery compared with those undergoing elective surgery (P = 0.02). There were no significant correlations between gestational or postnatal age and preoperative AAG concentration. Mean AAG concentrations increased to 0.76 (0.18) mg ml-1 by day 4 after surgery and stayed at that concentration thereafter. Infants with preoperative AAG concentrations < 0.38 mg ml-1 showed a greater percentage increase in postoperative AAG concentrations than did infants with preoperative AAG concentrations > 0.38 mg ml-1 (P = 0.001). We conclude that preoperative measurement of AAG may identify those infants most at risk of drug toxicity in the early postoperative period.
The Equity Risk Premium in 2018

We analyze the history of the equity risk premium from surveys of U.S. Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) conducted every quarter from June 2000 to June 2010. The risk premium is the expected 10-year S&P 500 return relative to a 10year U.S. Treasury bond yield. While the risk premium sharply increased during the financial crisis peaking in February 2009, the current surveys show that the premium has returned to levels observed in late 2006 and early 2007. The survey also provides measures of cross-sectional disagreement about the risk premium, skewness, and a measure of individual uncertainty. While disagreement has decreased from peak levels, the level of disagreement is still historically high suggesting considerable uncertainty. We also present evidence on the determinants of the long-run risk premium. Our analysis suggests the level of the risk premium closely tracks both market volatility (reflected in the VIX index) as well as credit spreads.
Outflow paths of cells from the lymph node parenchyma to the efferent lymphatics--observations in thin section histology.

Observations in the mouse lymph nodes using thin section histology made the authors conclude that the outflow of lymphocytes to the efferent lymphatics is probably a passive desquamation of cells. In the medullary sinuses this outflow seems to be restricted to circumscribed desquamation zones. The authors describe a specific type of structure, ad interim named ‘mud streams’, which probably represents a concentration of outflowing lymphocytes in extended desquamation zones, reaching deep into the parenchyma as temporary first segments of the efferent sinus system. These structures, which are difficult to recognize in routine, thick sections are very spectacular in 1 μ sections, together with the high endothelium venules they decide the specific morphologic pattern of the paracortical area of lymph nodes.
ICF use to identify common problems on a TBI neurorehabilitation unit in Spain.

OBJECTIVE To describe functioning and health of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). METHODS A cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted in a neurorehabilitation hospital. Data collection included socio-demographic factors, single interviews based on the extended ICF Checklist 2.1 for TBI, patient ratings on general health and functioning status, WHOQoL, EQ5D and the Comorbidity Questionnaire. RESULTS 103 patients (81%males) were included in the study. The mean of age was 34 yrs. 24% were inpatients whereas 76% were outpatients. 130 out of 150 categories (87%) of the extended checklist were relevant in > 10% of patients. Differences in functioning and disability between patients in the shorter versus long term situation were noted to be predominantly in the ICF domains of Activities and Participation as well as in Body Functions. Correlations between EQ5D and ICF-based data collections were all p < 0.01. CONCLUSIONS This study identified the most common problems in patients with TBI receiving Neurorehabilitation services based on the ICF. Results emphasize the need to describe disability and rehabilitation standards from a comprehensive perspective that not only includes Body Functions and Structures but also the ICF domains of Activities and Participation and Environmental factors.
TAX TREATEMENT OF FARMERS IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

The subject of this paper is the tax treatment of natural persons that perform agricultural activities in the Republic of Serbia. The goal of the paper was to analyse norms related to the most important taxes that burden farmers, to assess their status in the Serbian tax system, as well as to formulate appropriate de lege ferenda propositions. The research showed that in many aspects farmers have privileged tax treatment due to the importance of agriculture in national economy, as well as their number and socialeconomic profile. Apart from the normative method, which was used predominantly, sociological, axiological and comparative methods were also used.
Psychological Treatment of Sexual Offenders Against Children

Numerous meta-analyses and reviews have been conducted on the effectiveness of psychological treatment of sexual offenders in reducing recidivism, but no meta-analysis has been done on sexual offenders against children (SOAC) specifically. A moderate treatment effect has been shown in several evaluations of general sexual offenders, while many scholars maintain that the question remains unanswered until an adequate number of effectiveness studies with a strong research design have been carried out. In this meta-analysis, we evaluated 14 studies selected and coded according to Collaborative Outcome Data Committee (CODC) criteria. They included 1,421 adult offenders in psychotherapy and 1,509 nontreated controls, with a minimum average follow-up period of 3 years, published in peer-reviewed journals in 1980 or later. Recidivism was defined as rearrest or reconviction. Study quality was classified into strong, good, weak or rejected. The analysis revealed a treatment effect size of r = . 03 for nine studies evaluated as Good or Weak, while all studies yielded an effect size of r = . 08, including five studies classified as Rejected. The results show that the available research cannot establish any effect of treatment on SOAC. Despite a large amount of research, only a tiny fraction of studies meet a minimum of scientific standards, and even fewer provide sensible and useful data from which it is possible to draw conclusions.
Associations between anthropometric parameters and lipid profiles in Chinese individuals with age ≥40 years and BMI <28kg/m2

Background Lipid abnormalities are associated with overweight and obesity. Some simple anthropometric measurements such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHpR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), may link to increased risk of dyslipidemia. However, diverse results were found in different population studies. We focused on the associations between these measurements and dyslipidemia in non-obese (BMI <28kg/m2) population aged more than 40 years. Methods and findings Cross-sectional study of 4185 non-obese adults aged more than 40 years was conducted in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, China. Questionnaire, anthropometric and laboratory tests were conducted. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) criteria were used to define high total cholesterol (TC), high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), hypertriglyceridemia and dyslipidemia. The overall prevalence of high TC, high LDL-C, low HDL-C, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and dyslipidemia were 15.68%, 27.98%, 20.12%, 44.01%, 21.98% and 49.06% respectively. Multiple logistic regressions showed only BMI (per quartile increment) increased risks for prevalent high LDL-C, low HDL-C, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and dyslipidemia. Regardless of sex, age and prevalent metabolic syndrome, increasing BMI was persistently independent risk factor for having low HDL-C, hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia, however was not associated with high TC. Conclusions In non-obese Chinese population aged more than 40 years, increasing BMI may better identify the prevalent dyslipidemia than other anthropometric measurements. However, due to the different meanings, both BMI and WC should be measured and monitored for metabolic risk assessment.
Expression of the Homeobox Genes OTX2 and OTX1 in the Early Developing Human Brain

In rodents, the Otx2 gene is expressed in the diencephalon, mesencephalon, and cerebellum and is crucial for the development of these brain regions. Together with Otx1, Otx2 is known to cooperate with other genes to develop the caudal forebrain and, further, Otx1 is also involved in differentiation of young neurons of the deeper cortical layers. We have studied the spatial and temporal expression of the two homeobox genes OTX2 and OTX1 in human fetal brains from 7 to 14 weeks postconception by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. OTX2 was expressed in the diencephalon, mesencephalon, and choroid plexus, with a minor expression in the basal telencephalon. The expression of OTX2 in the hippocampal anlage was strong, with no expression in the adjacent neocortex. Contrarily, the OTX1 expression was predominantly located in the proliferative zones of the neocortex. At later stages, the OTX2 protein was found in the subcommissural organ, pineal gland, and cerebellum. The early expression of OTX2 and OTX1 in proliferative cell layers of the human fetal brain supports the concept that these homeobox genes are important in neuronal cell development and differentiation: OTX1 primarily in the neocortex, and OTX2 in the archicortex, diencephalon, rostral brain stem, and cerebellum.
Corporate Governance, Board Diversity, and Firm Value: Examining Large Companies Using Panel Data Approach

Many governments seek to impose diversity in the boardroom, but the consequences of doing so are inconsistent and could decrease firm performance and economies. This paper shed light on this diversity at board level topic by conceptualizing the relationships as firm value and diverse board. Reasonable theoretical arguments drawn from Upper-echelon theory and agency theory suggest that board characteristics (gender, ethnic and age diversity) may have either a positive, negative, or neutral effect on the firm value. To investigate this phenomenon relevant hypotheses are developed to test diversity at board level and its impact on firm value with the use of appropriate variables and measures. A total sample of large 60 top Malaysian non-financial companies is selected on the basis of their market capitalization from the population of 938 listed companies of Bursa, Malaysia. To investigate this empirical study, data were collected from the Datastream (Thomson Reuters) database and manually, over the period 2009 to 2013 (5 years). This study incorporates econometrics methodology on panel data analysis, which is used rigorously for hypothesis testing. The age profile of Directors has a significant positive impact on firm value. However, gender and ethnic diversity have no significant impact on firm value. The results indicate that demographic diversity at board level does have a relationship with market value.