Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cyclic RGD-Functionalized and Disulfide-Crosslinked Iodine-Rich Polymersomes as a Robust and Smart Theranostic Agent for Targeted CT Imaging and Chemotherapy of Tumor

There is tremendous interest in integrating CT imaging with chemotherapy; however, reported iodine-based nanosystems such as nanogels and nano-emulsions display typically reduced contrast coefficient, low drug loading and stability, and poor targetability. Here, cRGD-functionalized disulfide-crosslinked iodine-rich polymersomes (cRGD-XIPs) were designed as a novel, robust and smart theranostic agent and investigated for targeted CT imaging and chemotherapy of malignant tumors. Methods: cRGD-XIPs were prepared from co-self-assembly of poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(dithiolane trimethylene carbonate-co-iodinated trimethylene carbonate) (PEG-P(DTC-IC)) and cRGD-PEG-P(DTC-IC) block copolymers. In vitro and in vivo CT contrast effect of cRGD-XIPs was studied using αvβ3-overexpressing B16 melanoma as a tumor model in comparison with clinical agent iohexol. The therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin-loaded cRGD-XIPs (cRGD-XIPs-Dox) to B16 melanoma was investigated and compared with XIPs-Dox (non-targeted), cRGD-IPs-Dox (non-crosslinked) and free Dox. Results: cRGD-XIPs were formed with 55.5 wt. % iodine and ca. 90 nm in diameter. cRGD-XIPs-Dox with a Dox loading of 15.3 wt. % bared superior colloidal stability and reduction-responsive drug release. Notably, blank cRGD-XIPs showed a maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) > 400 mg iodine equiv. /kg while cRGD-XIPs-Dox had an MTD > 150 mg Dox equiv. /kg, ca. 15-fold improvement over free Dox. cRGD-XIPs revealed superior CT contrast effect and achieved 46.5- and 24.0-fold better enhancement of CT imaging of B16 melanoma than iohexol at 4 h following intratumoral and intravenous injection, respectively. cRGD-XIPs-Dox displayed an elimination half-life of 6.5 h and an elevated accumulation of 6.68% ID/g in the tumors. Furthermore, cRGD-XIPs-Dox was significantly more effective than XIPs-Dox and cRGD-XPs-Dox in inhibiting growth of B16 melanoma model. Conclusion: This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that cRGD-XIPs are a robust, non-toxic and smart polymeric theranostic agent that can not only significantly enhance CT imaging of tumors but also mediate efficient tumor-targeted chemotherapy. XIPs offer a unique and safe platform for theranostic polymersomes that pre-select patients using CT imaging prior to targeted chemotherapy with the same system.
A cross-sectional study on serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level and shift work among reproductive age women

Background: Among the inflammatory factors, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of serum hs-CRP level with shift work among reproductive age women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2017 to May 2018 in three cities in Mazandaran Province, North of Iran. Through purposive sampling, 350 women (172 shift workers and 178 day workers) were recruited. The guideline recommended by the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was used to interpret the result of hs-CRP measurement as the following: less than 1 µg/ml: low CVD risk; 1–3 µg/ml: moderate CVD risk; and more than 3 µg/ml: high CVD risk. The data were analyzed using the independent-sample t and the chi-square tests as well as the logistic regression analysis. Results: 11.1% of participants had a serum hs-CRP level of more than 3 µg/ml. This rate among shift workers was significantly greater than day workers (15.6% vs. 7.0%; p=0.012). After adjusting the effects of potential confounders shift work significantly increased the odds of serum hs-CRP level of more than 3 µg/ml by 2.45 times (OR=2.45, 95% CI: 1.01–5.93, p=0.047). Conclusion: Shift work is a significant predictor of high serum hs-CRP level probably due to its association with sleep problems and occupational stress. Improving the knowledge of female shift workers about the importance of quality sleep can reduce their CVD risk and improve their health.
Does Corporate Social Responsibility Add Value ? Evidence from Capital Structure and Product Markets Interactions *

Research on capital structure and product markets interactions shows that high leverage is associated with substantial losses in market share due to unfavorable actions by customers and competitors. We examine whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) affects firms’ interactions with customers and competitors and reduces the costs of high leverage. We find that CSR reduces losses in market share for highly leveraged firms. In particular, CSR helps highly leveraged firms keep customers and guard against rival predation. Our findings support the value-enhancing view of CSR and highlight the risk management role through which CSR adds value.
Association and Similarities between Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Diseases and Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases

Objectives: Autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATDs) can be accompanied by systemic autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the association, similarities, and differences between undifferentiated connective tissue diseases (UCTDs) and ATDs. Materials and Methods: Fifty-nine UCTD patients and 108 control subjects were retrospectively evaluated. Thyroid function tests, antithyroid antibodies, antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid and anti-extractable nuclear antigens peptide levels, and histopathological examination of the minor salivary gland were evaluated. Results: The prevalence of ATD was 23.70% and 33.30% in the UCTD and control groups, respectively (p = 0.220). The prevalence of arthritis in isolated UCTD patients was 11.10%, which was significantly increased (35.70%) if UCTD was accompanied by a ATD (p = 0.047). Other clinical symptoms such as arthralgia, xerostomia, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, Raynaud’s phenomenon, oral aphthous ulcers, and photosensitivity observed in UCTD, ANA positivity rates, and the most common staining pattern (speckled) were similar between the ATD and non-ATD patients. Histopathological examination of the minor salivary gland in 9 ATD patients revealed no significant lymphocyte infiltration. In the comparison of UCTD and ATD patients, the findings were similar, except arthralgia and ANA positivity, which were higher in UCTD patients. Conclusion: As a result, considering similar clinical symptoms and autoimmune profiles of UCTD and ATD, it is recommended to make a clear differential diagnosis of both diseases in patients presenting with complaints such as arthralgia, xerostomia, and Raynaud’s phenomenon.
An Empirical Analysis on the Nature of Relationship between Capital Structure and Firms Performance : A Study of 40 Indian Firms

The financing decision with regard to capital structure theory of finance has been a topic of many theories and their conflicting output for past many years. This paper aims to analyse the nature of relationship between the capital structure of a firm and its performance. The data of 40 firms excluding financial services firms listed on Nifty 50 on National Stock Exchange is studied. Financial services firms have been excluded from purview of this paper, as they are in the business of collecting money and investing in financial assets rather than producing goods, hence follow a unique business valuation model. This paper analyzes a period of 13 years (2001/02-2013/14) covering the phases of a business cycle starting from boom (2001/02-2006/07), recession (2007/08-2008/09) and then recovery (2009/10-2013/14). The complete business cycle will aid to demonstrate the results more accurately. This paper also surveys the topical developments in the empirical capital structure research. The data for a period of 13 years is analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression techniques. For research purpose, the ratios such as debt-equity ratio, debt-asset ratio and long term debt are taken as dependent variables whereas Net Profit, Net Profit Margin, ROCE, ROE and ROA are the ratios taken as independent variables.
ROLE OF DIVALENT CATIONS IN GLYCOCALYX SHEDDING AND LEUKOCYTE-ENDOTHELIUM ADHESION

The endothelial cell surface layer, also known as the glycocalyx, is composed of macromolecules including glycoproteins and proteoglycans. The proteoglycan network consists of glycosaminoglycans such as heparan sulfate (HS), chondroitin sulfate (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA), which regulate the interactions between endothelial cells and their microenvironment. It has been shown that the glycocalyx regulates the adhesion of white blood cells (WBCs) on the walls of postcapillary venules. In the past, researchers have infused fluorescently labeled microspheres (0.1 μm diameter) labeled with lectins specific for polysaccharides on the endothelial surface layer to quantify changes in the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composition during inflammation. To examine the changes in glycocalyx composition during increased leukocyte adhesion, f-Met-Leu-Phe peptide (fMLP; 10 M) was used to simulate inflammation. In response to superfusion of the mesenteric tissue with 10 M fMLP, the heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate GAG components of the glycocalyx were shed and there was an increase in WBC adhesion. Previous studies have demonstrated that the shedding of glycans from the endothelial cell (EC) glycocalyx in response to fMLP could be attenuated by doxycycline (Doxy) through the inhibition of matrixmetalloproteases (MMPs). Since, Doxy is a strong calcium chelator, the present studies were undertaken to determine if the calcium chelator EDTA could produce a similar effect. To this end, WBC-EC adhesion and adhesion of lectin (BS-1) coated microspheres in postcapillary venules of the rat mesentery were studied during superfusion of the tissue with Ringer’s solution solution plus EDTA in the presence or absence of fMLP. In
Composting of opium poppy processing solid waste with poultry manure: effects of initial C/N ratio on composting losses

In this study, composting of opium poppy processing solid waste with poultry manure and rough sawdust with five initial Carbon/Nitrogen (C/N ratio) ratio ranging from 20.45, 25.00, 29.03, 32.60 and 37.47 was carried out using fifteen-identical cylindrical stainless steel reactors, each of which has an effective volume of 100 L to determine the effects of initial C/N ratio on composting loss due to degradation (dry matter loss, organic matter loss, carbon loss, and nitrogen loss, and ammonia loss). The experiment lasted for 18.65 days. In the experiment, the temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, moisture, organic matter, total carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) contents and NH3-N were monitored. Dry matter loss, organic matter loss, carbon loss, nitrogen loss, and NH3-N loss were expressed as a function of initial C/N ratio. Results showed that the highest dry matter loss and organic matter loss existed at the CN ratio of 29.70 and 31.18, respectively. The highest carbon loss occurred at the C/N ratio of 30.83. Both nitrogen loss and NH3-N loss decreased as the C/N ratio increased.
Decontamination of Profenophos, Acephate, Triazophos and Ethion in Okra at Field Level

The aim of the study was to find the most effective method which can reduce the residues of pesticides in okra at the maximum level. The magnitude of reduction of profenophos, acephate, triazophos and ethion was observed in the range of 22.99-67.09, 30.14-74.72, 27.00-70.41 and 15.02-73.75 percent respectively. The treatment T1 (washing under running tap water for 10 min resulted in the maximum removal than rest of the treatments in decontamination of profenophos, triazophos and ethion showing 67.09, 70.41 and 73.75 % respectively. Acephate was reduced in maximum amount i.e. 74.72% by T4 treatment (dipping in 0.5% acetic acid) which was at par with T1. Moreover, T8 (microwave treatment for 2 min) resulted in increase in ethion residues upto 10.81%.
THE LAST ENLARGEMENT OF THE EU AND THE EFFECTS OF INWARD FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT : A DYNAMIC PANEL DATA APPROACH by

This paper represents an attempt to highlight the effects of the recent surge of FDI in the enlargement states over domestic investment and growth. A similar analysis will be carried out for the EU-15 in order to ascertain if this type of capital inflows has a differential impact in these two regions of the European Union. Empirical analysis, based on dynamic panel data models, suggests the existence of a positive contribution of FDI to higher domestic investment and economic growth in the new member states. The evidence obtained for the EU-15 old member countries confirmed the FDI-growth nexus but does not suggest a positive impact of FDI on domestic investment, what would be consistent with a different nature of these capital inflows for this more advanced economies.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES ON LIFE HISTORY OF TRICHOGRAMMA CHILONIS ( ISHII ) IN THE LABORATORY CONDITIONS

ARTICLE INFORMATION Received: June 11, 2013 Received in revised form: October 15, 2013 Accepted: December 22, 2013 Email: Optimum temperature is an important physical factor for the efficient performance of Trichogramma chilonis (Ishii) to control notorious pests in field. To evaluate this appropriate temperature, all life fitness parameters of T. chilonis such as survival, parasitism, and emergence rates of parasitoid were studied under laboratory conditions by exposing the parasitoid on various temperature ranges i.e. 25±2°C, 30±2°C, 35±2°C, and 40±2°C in incubator. Highest survival rate of both male and female parasitoids were recorded at 25°C i.e. 22% up to 72 hours and 31.67% up to 120 hours respectively. The highest survival duration of female was recorded at 30°C up to 240 hours. Female possessed the ability to withstand the extreme temperature conditions and survived better than male. At 30°C it was found that ovipositing period of T. chilonis continued up to 264 hours and maximum parasitism recorded was 90.7%. Gradual increase in temperature resulted in increase in development rate, earlier maturation and rapid emergence of parasitoids. At Temperature 40°C emergence rate of male and female was maximum, 55% in 96 hours and 66.7% up to 120 hours respectively. The emergence duration was found maximum i.e. 216 hours for male and 240 hours for female at its favorable temperature which was 30°C. So, for successful rearing of T.chiolonis under laboratory conditions 25-30°C is a suitable temperature range.
Assessment of heavy metals concentrations in the soil of Mongla industrial area, Bangladesh

Background: Contamination of soil with heavy metals is an alarming issue around the world. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the contamination status of heavy metals in the soil of Mongla industrial area, Bangladesh. Methods: Soil samples were randomly collected from 20 sites and digested by wet digestion method. The concentrations of heavy metals (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The quality of soil was assessed based on the contamination factor (CF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), and ecological risk index factor (ERIF) analyses. Results: The average concentrations of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were obtained to be 258.08±51.61, 3736.90±322.17, 19.55±6.49, 66.76 ± 18.32, 0.59±0.13, and 10.40 ± 1.49 mg kg-1, respectively, which were below the permissible limit. The highest value of CF (0.74±0.16), Igeo (0.35±0.34), EF (24.86±6.27), and PERIF (22.11±4.81) was observed for Cd. The pollution of CF, Igeo, EF, and ERIF was classified as very severely polluted, unpolluted to moderately polluted, strongly to extremely polluted, and slightly polluted, respectively, with these heavy metals due to anthropogenic activities. One-way ANOVA indicated a significant difference between Zn and Cd concentrations (P<0.05), whereas Pearson correlation showed a positive correlation between Zn-Pb (P=0.01) and Fe-Zn (P=0.05). Conclusion: There are different classes of contamination with heavy metals in the study area. Therefore, necessary steps should be taken and people’s awareness of the soil pollution should be raised.
What stripe orientation ? Tasks Incompatible Repeat Compatible Repeat Relevant Target Feature : Shape Repetition Irrelevant Grouping Factor : Color b Shape Color

How does the neural representation of simple visual features affect perceptual operations, such as perceptual grouping? If the strength of feature representations in the brain is indicative of how the perceptual system partitions information into visual elements, then identifying the underlying neural representation may determine why things look the way they do. During functional MRI, participants viewed objects that varied along three feature dimensions: shape, color, and orientation. Afterward, participants performed an independent perceptual-grouping task outside the scanner to measure the strength of feature grouping. In lateral occipital cortex, neural feature discriminability, characterized using functional MRI multivariate pattern classification, positively predicted feature grouping strength: The more distinct the neural representations of a particular feature, the stronger the grouping was for that feature outside the scanner. Thus, variation in neural feature representation can be quantified to predict perceptual organization.
Slater, MJ and Barker, JB and Coffee, P and Jones, MV (2014)Leading for gold: social identity leadership processes at the London

This paper adopted a social identity approach to explore the media data of leadership figures at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Media data in the form of interviews, speeches/team announcements, and blog posts from leaders integral to the London 2012 Olympic Games were analysed from one-hundred days prior to, during, and for thirty days following, the Olympic Games. Leaders included Lord Seb Coe, Andy Hunt, and performance directors of TeamGB athletics (Charles van Commenee), cycling (Sir David Brailsford), rowing (David Tanner), and swimming (Michael Scott). An inductive and deductive thematic analysis identified five higher order themes: creation of team identities, team values, team vision, performance consequences, and “we” achieved. The analysis makes a contribution to extant leadership literature by highlighting novel contextually relevant themes surrounding leadership at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Thus, opportunities for future research and application are outlined.
A multicentre prospective observational study of the prevalence and glycaemic control of diabetes mellitus in adult non-cardiac elective surgical patients in hospitals in Western Cape Province, South Africa.

BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common condition. The high burden of undiagnosed DM and a lack of large population studies make accurate prevalence estimations difficult, especially in the surgical environment. Furthermore, poorly controlled DM is associated with an increased risk of perioperative complications and mortality. OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to establish the prevalence of DM in elective adult non-cardiac, non-obstetric surgical patients in hospitals in Western Cape Province, South Africa. The secondary objectives were to assess the glycaemic control and compliance with treatment of known diabetics. METHODS A 5-day multicentre, prospective observational study was performed at six government-funded hospitals in the Western Cape. Screening for DM was done using finger-prick capillary blood glucose (CBG) testing. Patients found to have a CBG ≥6.5 mmol/L had their glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level measured. DM was diagnosed based on the Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa (SEMDSA) diagnostic criteria. Patients known to have DM had their HbA1cmeasured and completed a Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4) questionnaire to assess glycaemic control and compliance with treatment. RESULTS Of the 379 participants, 61 were known diabetics (16.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 12.4 - 19.8). After exclusion of 8 patients with incomplete results, a new diagnosis of DM was made in 5/310 patients (1.6%; 95% CI 0.2 - 3.0). The overall prevalence of DM was 17.8% (66/371; 95% CI 13.9 - 21.7). HbA1c results were available for 57 (93.4%) of the 61 known diabetics. Of these, 27 (47.4%; 95% CI 34.4 - 60.3) had an HbA1c level ≥8.5% and 14 (24.6%; 95% CI 13.4 - 35.8) had a level ≤7%. Based on positive responses to two or more questions on the MMAS-4 questionnaire, 12/60 participants (20.0%) were deemed non-compliant. CONCLUSIONS There is a low rate of undiagnosed DM in our elective surgical population, but in a high proportion of patients with DM the condition is poorly controlled. Poorly controlled DM is known to increase postoperative complications and is likely to increase the burden of perioperative care. Resources should be focused on improvement of long-term glycaemic control in patients presenting for elective surgery.
Determinants of Audit Fees : a Study in the Companies Listed on the BM & FBOVESPA , Brazil *

This paper analyzes the determinants of audit fees paid by companies listed on the BM&FBOVESPA. Data referring to listed companies for 2012 show a positive relationship between fees and the variables size, client’s complexity, and Big N auditors. The risk perceived by the auditor demonstrated to affect the values of fees differently in larger and smaller clients. In smaller clients, the results suggest that the auditor charges lower fees to more leveraged and riskier clients, contrary to the hypothesis that the auditor might charge higher fees as a reward for his risk. In turn, in larger clients, the results demonstrate that clients with higher risk, as measured by liquidity and leverage, or those having stronger governance practices, tend to spend more on auditing. As for changing the auditor, the results pointed out that larger clients pay less in the first year of audit. These results qualify the findings of Hallak and Silva (2012), suggesting the need for further research with temporally more extensive bases.
Patterns of Child Rearing

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ENCEFALITE GRANULOMATOSA DA HALICEPHALOBUS GINGIVALIS IN UN CAVALLO HALICEPHALOBUS GINGIVALIS GRANULOMATOUS ENCEPHALITIS IN A HORSE

Il genere H a l i c e p h a l o b u s comprende otto specie di nematodi che vivono come saprofiti nel terreno, nel materiale fecale e nella vegetazione in decomposizione; tra questi solo Halicephalobus gingivalis, altrimenti detto Halicephalobus deletrix (Anderson et al., 1998) e noto in passato come Micronema deletrix, si può rendere responsabile di manifestazioni patologiche con esito letale nel cavallo (Bröjer et al., 2000; Cantile et al., 1997; Weaver et al., 1999) e nell’uomo (Gardiner et al., 1981; Hoogstraten e Young, 1975; INTRODUCTION