Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transforming growth factor-beta: An important role in CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells and immune tolerance

The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) protein family is highly evolutionarily conserved and they have been implicated in many biological processes. Also, TGF-β can exert pivotal functions in the immune system. It is widely accepted that regulatory T cells (Treg cells) play an important role in the maintenance of the immune homeostasis, but the underlying molecular mechanisms through which they can gain and/or perform suppressive functions in an active way remains to be defined. Though the engagement of TGF-β in the Treg cells has been discounted for a period of time, an emerging body of data has established a close link between Treg cells and TGF-β, as TGF-β has been demonstrated to induce the expression of Foxp3, which acts as a master regulator for the development and function of Treg cells. We will, herein, focus on the crucial role of TGF-β signaling in Treg cell biology and summarize the current studies regarding TGF-β in the generation and function of CD4+CD25+Treg cells both in vivo and in vitro.
Transgender Population Size in the United States: a Meta-Regression of Population-Based Probability Samples.

BACKGROUND Transgender individuals have a gender identity that differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. The population size of transgender individuals in the United States is not well-known, in part because official records, including the US Census, do not include data on gender identity. Population surveys today more often collect transgender-inclusive gender-identity data, and secular trends in culture and the media have created a somewhat more favorable environment for transgender people. OBJECTIVES To estimate the current population size of transgender individuals in the United States and evaluate any trend over time. SEARCH METHODS In June and July 2016, we searched PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science for national surveys, as well as "gray" literature, through an Internet search. We limited the search to 2006 through 2016. SELECTION CRITERIA We selected population-based surveys that used probability sampling and included self-reported transgender-identity data. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used random-effects meta-analysis to pool eligible surveys and used meta-regression to address our hypothesis that the transgender population size estimate would increase over time. We used subsample and leave-one-out analysis to assess for bias. MAIN RESULTS Our meta-regression model, based on 12 surveys covering 2007 to 2015, explained 62.5% of model heterogeneity, with a significant effect for each unit increase in survey year (F = 17.122; df = 1,10; b = 0.026%; P = .002). Extrapolating these results to 2016 suggested a current US population size of 390 adults per 100 000, or almost 1 million adults nationally. This estimate may be more indicative for younger adults, who represented more than 50% of the respondents in our analysis. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Future national surveys are likely to observe higher numbers of transgender people. The large variety in questions used to ask about transgender identity may account for residual heterogeneity in our models. Public health implications. Under- or nonrepresentation of transgender individuals in population surveys is a barrier to understanding social determinants and health disparities faced by this population. We recommend using standardized questions to identify respondents with transgender and nonbinary gender identities, which will allow a more accurate population size estimate.
Migration and particle clearance from hard-setting Ca(OH)2 and self-etching adhesive resin following direct pulp capping.

PURPOSE To evaluate the migration and particle clearance from a hard-setting calcium hydroxide (HSCH) and self-etching adhesive resin (SEAD) following direct pulp capping using the light and electron microscope. METHODS Exposed monkey pulps were capped with a hard-setting calcium hydroxide (Dycal) or adhesive resin (Clearfil SE Bond), and histopathologically evaluated at 14 and 21 days using light and transmission electron microscopy (n = 14). RESULTS At 14 days, both HSCH and SEAD materials showed no severe inflammatory reactions of the pulp (necrosis and abscess formation). The main reaction was slight inflammatory cell infiltration consisting of leukocytes. A number of HSCH particles were entrapped by macrophages and observed in the small capillaries similar to blood or lymphatic vessels. For SEAD, slight hemorrhage was observed at the exposed surface. At 21 days, for both HSCH and SEAD, a few cases showed minimal inflammatory response which was limited to the area beneath the exposure. Some macrophages entrapping the HSCH particles in vacuoles within the cytoplasm were arranged at the surface of the capping layer. HSCH particles were also observed in the vessels similar to blood or lymphatic vessels. A few macrophages entrapped filler-like particles of SEAD adjacent to the capping material, but there was no evidence of any SEAD in the vessels.
Interrupter technique versus plethysmography for measurement of respiratory resistance in children with asthma or cystic fibrosis

The purpose of the present study was to compare measurements of respiratory system resistance by the interrupter method (Rrsint) with those of airway resistance by plethysmography (Raw) in nonobstructed children with asthma or cystic fibrosis (ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 sec to vital capacity, FEV1/VC ≥80% with a forced expiratory flow rate between 25–75% of forced vital capacity, FEF25–75 ≥75% of normal values) and in obstructed children with the same diseases (FEV1/VC <80% and/or FEF25–75 <75% of normal values). Eighty‐one children (47 asthmatics and 34 suffering from cystic fibrosis) aged 5–18 years (mean 11.2 ± SD 3.4 years) were included in the study.
Theory of Dynamic Pulsatile Spectroscopy for photoplethysmographic signals analysis

Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a technique that uses light to non-invasively obtain a volumetric measurement of an organ with each cardiac cycle. Pulse Oximetry (PO) is an empirical technique which allows the arterial blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) evaluation from the PPG signals. There have been many reports in the literature suggesting that other arterial blood chemical components can be evaluated from the PPG signals. Most attempts to perform such evaluation on empirical bases have failed, especially for components concentrations. This paper introduces a non-empirical rational theory called Dynamic Pulsatile Spectroscopy (DPS) which can be used to analytically investigate the phenomena of PPG. The DPS theory provides the mathematically rigid method of how PPG signals can be used for arterial blood analysis to evaluate its chemical component concentrations and molar fractions spectroscopically and transcutaneously. It also highlights what other signals might be required for such evaluation. DPS opens the possibility of extending PPG application for blood analysis beyond conventional PO. The DPS basic principles are introduced in this paper.
Complex of rapid movements and vocalization induced by RX336-M in mice: possible relevance to Tourette's syndrome

RX336-M (7,8-dihydro-5',6'-dimethylcyclohex-5'-eno-1',2',8',14 codeinone) induced a complex of simultaneous rapid movements of body parts accompanied by a single squeak-vocalization, which occurred at irregular intervals, when injected i.p. in mice. The complex included whole body jerks and head-shakes and its frequency was dose dependent between 0.1 and 20 mg/kg. Frequency after a 5 mg/kg dose was reduced by haloperidol (0.5-10 mg/kg, i.p.), ritanserin (0.1-10 mg/kg, i.p.) and ICI 169,369 (2.0 mg/kg, i.p.), suggesting the possible involvement of 5-HT2A and/or dopamine receptors. The possible relevance of the behavioural effects of RX336-M to the tics and vocalization of Tourette's syndrome is discussed.
Altered plasticity of the human motor cortex in Parkinson's disease

Interventional paired associative stimulation (IPAS) to the contralateral peripheral nerve and cerebral cortex can enhance the primary motor cortex (M1) excitability with two synchronously arriving inputs. This study investigated whether dopamine contributed to the associative long‐term potentiation–like effect in the M1 in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Eighteen right‐handed PD patients and 11 right‐handed age‐matched healthy volunteers were studied. All patients were studied after 12 hours off medication with levodopa replacement (PD‐off). Ten patients were also evaluated after medication (PD‐on). The IPAS comprised a single electric stimulus to the right median nerve at the wrist and subsequent transcranial magnetic stimulation of the left M1 with an interstimulus interval of 25 milliseconds (240 paired stimuli every 5 seconds for 20 minutes). The motor‐evoked potential amplitude in the right abductor pollicis brevis muscle was increased by IPAS in healthy volunteers, but not in PD patients. IPAS did not affect the motor‐evoked potential amplitude in the left abductor pollicis brevis. The ratio of the motor‐evoked potential amplitude before and after IPAS in PD‐off patients increased after dopamine replacement. Thus, dopamine might modulate cortical plasticity in the human M1, which could be related to higher order motor control, including motor learning. Ann Neurol 2006
Therapeutic Psychosocial Intervention for Elderly Subjects With Very Mild Alzheimer Disease in a Community: The Tajiri Project

Elderly subjects with mild memory impairment but not apparent dementia are the focus of early intervention trials. To examine the effects of structural psychosocial intervention for elderly subjects with very mild Alzheimer disease, i.e., Clinical Dementia Rating 0.5. The design is a prospective study. The experimental group (14 Clinical Dementia Rating 0.5 subjects) and the control group (11 Clinical Dementia Rating 0.5 subjects) were studied. Subjects with cerebrovascular disease as shown by magnetic resonance imaging were excluded. The experimental group participated in activities in a day-care-like setting once a week over a period of 6 months, whereas the control group did not. Each group was reevaluated after approximately 9 months. The effects of intervention were evaluated by cognitive tests, affective scales, a global clinical measure, an observation scale in the sessions, and a projective test. The experimental group showed a significant improvement on the word fluency test, whereas the control group showed a significant decline on the Mini-Mental State Examination, the digit span, and the Trail Making-A test. The experimental group revealed significantly higher levels on the Mini-Mental State Examination and the digit span compared with the control group after the 6-month intervention. A significant improvement was found for the global clinical measure, the observation scale, and the projective test in the experimental group after the intervention. After controlling the potential confounders (age, educational level, baseline cognitive, and affective status) in a multiple regression analysis, the same results were found. We considered that psychosocial intervention had beneficial effects for subjects with very mild Alzheimer disease.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in 373 Italian children with HCV infection: changing distribution and correlation with clinical features and outcome

Background and aim: Little is known of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in HCV infected children. This retrospective, multicentre study investigated genotype distribution and correlation with clinical features and outcome in a large series of Italian children. Methods: Between 1990 and 2002, 373 HCV RNA positive children, consecutively recruited in 15 centres, were assayed for genotypes by a commercial line probe assay. Results: The following genotype distribution pattern was recorded: genotype 1b = 41%; 1a = 20%; 2 = 17%; 3 = 14.5%; 4 = 5%; other = 2.5%. The prevalence of genotypes 1b and 2 decreased significantly (p<0.001) among children born from 1990 onwards compared with older children (46% v 70%) while the rate of genotypes 3 and 4 increased significantly (from 8% to 30%). Children infected with genotype 3 had the highest alanine aminotransferase levels and the highest rate of spontaneous viraemia clearance within the first three years of life (32% v 3% in children with genotype 1; p<0.001). Of 96 children enrolled in interferon trials during the survey, 22% definitely lost HCV RNA, including 57% of those with genotypes 2 and 3. Conclusion: HCV genotypes 1 and 2 are still prevalent among infected adolescents and young adults in Italy but rates of infection with genotypes 3 and 4 are rapidly increasing among children. These changes could modify the clinical pattern of hepatitis C in forthcoming years as children infected with genotype 3 have the best chance of spontaneous viraemia clearance early in life, and respond to interferon in a high proportion of cases.
Financing Renewable Energy Projects: An Empirical Analysis for Turkey

The main purpose of this study is to estimate the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and stock market capitalization (SMC) on the renewable energy consumption (REC). In addition, the study aims to ivestigate the impact of financial development (FD) and research-development expenditures (R&D) on the renewable energy consumption. The study utilizes annual data from 1990 to2015 inTurkey using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach. The findings show that, based on the ARDL estimates, there exist long-run equilibrium relationships among the variables. The results of this study also indicate that the renewable energy consumption is mainly determined by FDI inflows, financial development and research-development expenditures in the long run.
A Fast Radio Map Building Method Based on Floor Plan and Accelerometer

The fingerprinting method based on Received Signal Strength (RSS) in localization has been drawing great attention these days due to the popularity of WLAN and mobile devices. However, this method usually requires tremendous time and efforts in building the fingerprinting map in the offline phase. In this paper, we propose a fast radio map building method utilizing the floor plan of the localization area and the accelerometer inside the smart mobile terminals. The proposed method collects RSS while the user is walking along a straight line and computes the position information after the walking finishes. The experiment results show that our method significantly decreases time and labor consumption with only a little sacrifice in accuracy. Furthermore, due to the highly improved efficiency, the method makes it possible to widely apply WLAN localization in different kinds of scenarios where there are corresponding floor plans.
Effect of experimental hyperlipidaemia on the electrocardiographic effects of repeated doses of halofantrine in rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Halofantrine can cause a prolongation of the cardiac QT interval, leading to serious ventricular arrhythmias. Hyperlipidaemia elevates plasma concentration of halofantrine and may influence its tissue uptake. The present study examined the effect of experimental hyperlipidaemia on QT interval prolongation induced by halofantrine in rats.
Outcome Assessment of Minimizing Vancomycin Monitoring and Dosing Adjustments

An approach to minimize monitoring of vancomycin therapy was evaluated in 120 patients, and results were compared with data from 120 patients in whom vancomycin therapy was monitored and adjusted based on serum peak and trough concentrations and traditional pharmacokinetic methods. Patients dosed by the nomogram (NM) had regimens adjusted based on actual body weight, estimated creatinine clearance, and a targeted trough concentration of 5–20 μg/ml. A single trough serum concentration was drawn only after 5 or more days of therapy. Overall, the average length of therapy was similar between groups (9.9 ± 9.4 days NM and 8.6 ± 7.2 days pharmacokinetic). The most common regimen for both groups was 1 g every 12 hours, although NM patients received significantly fewer grams/day (1.9 ± 0.7g/day) than the pharmacokinetic group (2.2 ± 1.0 g/day, p<0.04). Patients dosed by NM also had significantly fewer regimen changes (0.63 ± 0.96 vs pharmacokinetic 0.92 ± 0.97, p=0.02) as well as significantly fewer serum concentrations measured/patient (1.08 ± 1.9 vs 1.96 ± 2.0, p = 0.001). In addition, serum concentrations for NM patients were drawn later in therapy (5.4 ± 2.5 vs 3.8 ± 3.4 days, p = 0.004). Of patients dosed by NM guidelines, 77 had trough concentrations drawn; these data were used to validate the nomogram. Seventy‐two patients (94%) had trough concentrations in the target range of 5–20 μg/ml. No differences were found between groups with respect to cure, improvement, failure, or days to eradication, or with respect to nephrotoxicity. Finally, total drug cost/patient was not different between groups. A considerable cost savings to our institution was noted for patients dosed by NM compared with pharmacokinetics ($232.5 ± 50.74 vs $403.75 ± 70.97/mo, p = 0.009) based on levels saved. Caution should be applied when generalizing our results to other patient populations.
Dengue Virus Infection of Aedes aegypti Requires a Putative Cysteine Rich Venom Protein

Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that causes serious human disease and mortality worldwide. There is no specific antiviral therapy or vaccine for DENV infection. Alterations in gene expression during DENV infection of the mosquito and the impact of these changes on virus infection are important events to investigate in hopes of creating new treatments and vaccines. We previously identified 203 genes that were ≥5-fold differentially upregulated during flavivirus infection of the mosquito. Here, we examined the impact of silencing 100 of the most highly upregulated gene targets on DENV infection in its mosquito vector. We identified 20 genes that reduced DENV infection by at least 60% when silenced. We focused on one gene, a putative cysteine rich venom protein (SeqID AAEL000379; CRVP379), whose silencing significantly reduced DENV infection in Aedes aegypti cells. Here, we examine the requirement for CRVP379 during DENV infection of the mosquito and investigate the mechanisms surrounding this phenomenon. We also show that blocking CRVP379 protein with either RNAi or specific antisera inhibits DENV infection in Aedes aegypti. This work identifies a novel mosquito gene target for controlling DENV infection in mosquitoes that may also be used to develop broad preventative and therapeutic measures for multiple flaviviruses.
Genetic interactions among viruses of the Bunyamwera complex

Seventy-seven temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants belonging to three antigenically distinct and geographically isolated members of the Bunyamwera complex--Batai virus, Bunyamwera virus, and Maguari virus--have been isolated after 5-fluorouracil treatment. High-frequency recombination was observed, and the mutants of each virus were classified into two groups, which were shown to be equivalent by heterologous recombination experiments. In most combinations heterologous recombination was less efficient than homologous recombination, but all crosses of group I and II mutants yielded viable recombinants. Recombination was an early event. Analysis by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the proteins of the wild-type viruses and recombinant clones obtained from the six possible heterologous combinations of group I and II mutants indicated that recombination occurred by reassortment of genome subunits. Group I appeared to correspond to the genome subunit coding for the N protein, and group II corresponded to the G1/G2 determinant. The G1 (or G2 or both) protein was associated with neutralization specificity and plaque diameter, and the N protein was associated with plaque opacity. Complementation was observed between two nonrecombining mutants of Maguari virus belonging to group I, which may indicate that the N genome subunit codes for an additional protein. There appeared to be no genetic barrier to exchange of genetic material between Batai, Bunyamwera, and Maguari viruses in vitro, and it is concluded that the Bunyamwera complex is potentially a single gene pool if geographical and ecological constraints are discounted.
THE HILDA SURVEY: What's in it for finance researchers and practitioners?

The HILDA Survey is a nationally representative longitudinal study of Australian households, which provides household wealth and other financial data. It represents a rich resource for empirical household finance researchers and many empirical studies in recent years have used the HILDA wealth data to examine household financial decision making and outcomes. However, there remain significant unexploited opportunities to use this longitudinal data to explore the causal pathways to wealth accumulation.
Advantages of Autologous Platelet‐Rich Fibrin Membrane on Gingival Crevicular Fluid Growth Factor Levels and Periodontal Healing: A Randomized Split‐Mouth Clinical Study

BACKGROUND This study evaluates contributions of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) combined with conventional flap surgery on growth factor levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and periodontal healing. METHODS Twenty-six patients (52 sites) with chronic periodontitis were treated either with autologous PRF with open flap debridement (OFD+PRF) or OFD alone. Growth factor levels in GCF at baseline and 2, 4, and 6 weeks after surgery were analyzed, and clinical parameters such as probing depth (PD), relative clinical attachment level (rCAL), and gingival margin level (GML) at baseline and 9 months after surgery were measured. RESULTS Mean PD reduction and rCAL gain were significantly greater in OFD+PRF sites than in OFD sites. Mean GML change was -0.38 + 0.10 mm in OFD sites and 0.11 + 0.08 mm in the test group; difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P <0.05). Both groups demonstrated increased expression levels of fibroblast growth factor-2, transforming growth factor-β1, and platelet-derived growth factor-BB at 2 weeks compared with baseline, followed by reductions at 4 and 6 weeks. The OFD+PRF group showed significantly higher growth factor levels compared with the OFD group at 2 and 4 weeks. CONCLUSION PRF membrane combined with OFD provides significantly higher GCF concentrations of angiogenic biomarkers for ≈2 to 4 weeks and better periodontal healing in terms of conventional flap sites.
Pengaruh Debt Covenant, Growth Opportunities, Political Cost, Bonus Plan, Dan Profitabilitas Terhadap Konservatisme Akuntansi

This research aims to examine the effect of debt covenant, growth opportunities, political cost, bonus plan, and profitability to accounting conservatism to manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the period 2015-2017. The sample of this research was chosen by using purposive sampling and obtained data 204 companies with 68 companies per annum. This hypothesis testing in this research used multiple regression model. The results showed that simultaneously debt covenant, growth opportunities, political cost, bonus plan, and profitability have significantly effect to accounting conservatism. While partially debt covenant, growth opportunities, political cost, and bonus plan don’t have significantly effect to accounting conservatism, but profitability has significantly effect to accounting conservatism.