Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The metallic compound promotes primordial follicle activation and ameliorates fertility deficits in aged mice

Background: Aged women and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) patients have residual dormant primordial follicles that are hard to be activated through a physiological process. However, there are no effective and safe drugs to help them. Methods: We used the in vitro culture model of newborn mouse ovaries to identify the drugs that promote primordial follicle activation and study its mechanisms. It was verified by in vivo injection model of newborn mice and in vitro culture model of human ovarian tissue. In addition, we used the aged mice as a low infertility model to verify the effects of primordial follicle activation, and fertility by drugs. Results: Eleven metallic compounds activated mouse primordial follicles, and the five most effective compounds were selected for further study. Thapsigargin (TG), CrCl3, MnCl2, FeCl3 and ZnSO4 increased the levels of the glycolysis-related proteins (glucose transporter type 4, GLUT4; hexokinase 1, HK1; pyruvate kinase M2, PKM2; phosphofructokinase, liver type, PFKL), phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) in cultured mouse ovaries. The compound-promoted p-mTOR levels could be completely blocked by 2-DG (the inhibitor of glycolysis). The compounds also increased the levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt). TG-, CrCl3- and FeCl3-promoted p-Akt levels, but not MnCl2- and ZnSO4- promoted p-Akt levels, could be completely blocked by ISCK03 (the inhibitor of proto-oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase, KIT). The injection of newborn mice with the compounds also activated primordial follicles and increased the levels of the glycolysis-related proteins, p-mTOR, and p-Akt. The oral administration of the compounds in adolescent and aged mice promoted primordial follicle activation, and had no obvious side effect. Importantly, ZnSO4 also increased ovulated oocytes, oocyte quality and offspring in aged mice. Furthermore, the compounds promoted human primordial follicle activation and increased the levels of the glycolysis-related proteins, p-mTOR, and p-Akt. Conclusion: The metallic compounds activate primordial follicles through the glycolysis-dependent mTOR pathway and/or the PI3K/Akt pathway, and the oral administration of ZnSO4 enhances fertility in aged mice. We suggest that these metallic compounds may be oral drugs to ameliorate fertility deficits in aged women and POI patients.
Potential Role and Expression Level of Urinary CXCL8 in Different Stages of Incipient Diabetic Nephropathy with Undiminished Creatinine Clearance: A Pilot Study

Background Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most devastating microvascular complications of diabetes, with a high prevalence and poor prognosis. Early intervention is crucial to improve the outcomes of DN. CXCL8 is related to podocyte damage in incipient DN; however, the role and expression level of CXCL8 have never been elucidated, especially in those with undiminished creatinine clearance. Methods Consecutive inpatients with type 2 diabetes were included in this study. Patients were assigned into four groups based on the Mogensen stage, reflecting pathological features through clinical manifestations: non-DN group, hyperfiltration group, microalbuminuria group and overt DN group. Clinical and laboratory data were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Urinary CXCL8 (uCXCL8) was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and adjusted for urinary creatinine (Cr) from the same urine sample. Results In total, 88 eligible consecutive inpatients with type 2 diabetes were included in this study. uCXCL8 was differentially expressed in different stages of incipient DN; it decreased in the hyperfiltration phase of incipient DN (1.40±1.01 pg/μmol Cr) and was highly expressed in patients in the microalbuminuria stage (5.01±4.01 pg/μmol Cr). uCXCL8 was positively correlated with age, diabetes course, cystatin C and urinary albuminuria-to-creatinine ratio, but negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (P<0.05). uCXCL8 was a risk factor for classic DN after adjusting for age, diabetes course and cystatin C (OR=1.17, 95% CI 0.98–1.4, P=0.045). Conclusion CXCL8 played an important role in the progression of incipient DN. The unique expression profile of uCXCL8 may provide a reference for understanding the prognosis and mechanisms of incipient DN progression. uCXCL8 was an independent risk factor for the development of classic DN.
Outcomes and Associated Factors of Induction of Labor in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Background Induction of labor is the initiation of uterine contractions by artificial methods once the fetus has reached viability and prior to spontaneous onset of labor with the aim of achieving vaginal delivery. Although induction of labor is a critical life-saving intervention that potentially reduces adverse pregnancy outcomes, sometimes it has undesirable consequences for the health of the mother and/or the fetus. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the outcomes and associated factors of labor induction. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 25 to May 25, 2020, among women undergoing induction at East Gojjam zone public hospitals in northwest Ethiopia. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 411 mothers who were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Stata/se™ Version 14 statistical software was used to analyze the data. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to determine the potential factors affecting successful labor induction. Adjusted odds ratios with their 95% CI intervals were used to declare the strength of the association, and a variable with p value <0.05 was considered to have statistical significance. Results The prevalence of successful induction of labor was 70.3% (65.6, 74.7). The favorable Bishop score ((CI 3.90, 1.63–9.29); p value = 0.002), the intermediate Bishop score ((CI 3.53, 2.15–5.82); p value = 0.001), labor induction using oxytocin with cervical ripening ((CI 2.60, 1.21–5.63); p value = 0.015), and urban residence ((CI 0.48, 0.30–0.78); p value = 0.003) were associated with successful induction of labor. Conclusion These findings strongly suggest that cervical conditions are important determinants for the success of labor induction. Therefore, healthcare providers should confirm the favorability of the cervical status (using Bishop score) as a strict prerequisite before actual labor induction, and special consideration should be given to those pregnant women who reside in urban areas.
A Targeted and pH-Responsive Nano-Graphene Oxide Nanoparticle Loaded with Doxorubicin for Synergetic Chemo-Photothermal Therapy of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Purpose Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a malignant disease with serious impacts on human health and quality of life worldwide. This disease is traditionally treated through a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, the efficacy of traditional treatments is hindered by systemic toxicity, limited therapeutic effects, and drug resistance. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a membrane-bound protease. Although FAP has limited expression in normal adult tissues, it is highly expressed in the tumor microenvironment of many solid cancers – a characteristic that makes it an ideal target for anticancer therapy. In this study, we constructed a nano-drug delivery system (NPF@DOX) targeting FAP to increase the therapeutic efficiency of synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy against OSCC. Methods We utilized PEGylated nano-graphene oxide (NGO) to link doxorubicin (DOX) and fluorescently-labeled, FAP-targeted peptide chains via hydrogen bonding and π–π bonding to enhance the targeting capability of NPF@DOX. The synthesis of NPF@DOX was analyzed using UV–Vis and FT–IR spectroscopy and its morphology using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, the drug uptake efficiency in vitro, photo-thermal properties, release performance, and anti-tumor effects of NPF@DOX were evaluated and further demonstrated in vivo. Results Data derived from FT–IR, UV–Vis, and TEM implied successful construction of the NPF@DOX nano-drug delivery system. Confocal laser scanning microscopy images and in vivo experiments demonstrated the targeting effects of FAP on OSCC. Furthermore, NPF@DOX exhibited a high photothermal conversion efficiency (52.48%) under near-infrared radiation. The thermogenic effect of NPF@DOX simultaneously promoted local release of DOX and apoptosis based on a pH-stimulated effect. Importantly, FAP-targeted NPF@DOX in combination with PTT showed better tumor suppression performance in vivo and in vitro than did either therapy individually. Conclusion NPF@DOX can precisely target OSCC, and combined treatment with chemical and photothermal therapy can improve the therapeutic outcomes of OSCC. This method serves as an efficient therapeutic strategy for the development of synergistic anti-tumor research.
Measuring Equity of Geographical Distribution of Specialist Physicians in Iran's Health System

Background: Equitable distribution of health care sector resources is one of the most important goals of health systems in all countries. The purpose of this study is to measure equity of geographical distribution of active specialist physicians in Iran's health system. Methods: The present study was a descriptive-cross-sectional. The statistical population included: all active specialist physicians working in the public, private, social insurance organization, military, charity, and the other health service providers in Iran in 2019. Studied demographic data were collected from Iran's national statistic center. Also, information of specialist physicians was obtained from several databases. Finally, duplicated records were removed, and the number of specialist physicians extracted. Data analysis was performed using Stata V.16 and ArcGIS 10.4 software. Results: The results showed that the number of specialist physicians per 100,000 population who worked in Iran's health system was 46.81. The provinces of Tehran had the highest and Sistan and Baluchestan had the lowest number of specialist physicians. Also, 52.63% of active specialist physicians provide health services in four provinces, whereas these provinces are 37.13% of the country's population. Total Gini coefficient of the distribution of active physicians in Iran in 2019 was 0.23. Conclusions: Distribution of specialist physician was different but somewhat equitable in the provinces. However, in some provinces, the ratio of specialist physicians to the population was still low. Therefore, when the number of specialist physicians increased, their distribution should be considered concurrently.
Comprehensive Analysis Reveals the Potential Roles of Transcription Factor Dp-1 in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Background Transcription factor Dp-1 (TFDP1) was overexpressed and interacted with other genes to impact multiple signaling pathways in various human cancers. However, there is less research about the TFDP1 specific roles in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods We first explored TFDP1 expression levels and relative diseases from a pan-cancer perspective using the ONCOMINE, TIMER, and Open Targets Platform databases. Then, we used UALCAN, GEPIA 2, TCGA-LUAD data, and Kaplan-Meier plotter to examine TFDP1 clinicopathological features and prognosis in LUAD patients. Genomic alterations and DNA methylation analysis were performed by cBioPortal and MethSurv, respectively. Then, we used a cancer single-cell state atlas (CancerSEA) to find TFDP1 functions at a single-cell resolution. LinkedOmics was used to find TFDP1 coexpressed genes, biological processes, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Then, Gene Set Cancer Analysis (GSCA) was used to examine the drug resistence of TFDP1 in LUAD. Results We found that TFDP1 was overexpressed in most human cancers and related to various diseases, including LUAD. Moreover, LUAD patients with high TFDP1 expression levels might be significantly associated with individual cancer stages and have a poor prognosis. Multivariate analysis revealed that the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) pathologic stage, AJCC stage T, and AJCC stage N were the independent prognostic factors. LUAD patients with TFDP1 alterations suggested poor overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS), while hypermethylation might lead to a good prognosis. TFDP1 and its coexpressed genes were enriched in multiple signaling pathways and biological processes involved in the cell cycle, spliceosome, and DNA replication. Furthermore, TFDP1 was strongly positively related to the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of multiple drugs. Conclusions In summary, TFDP1 was a possible biomarker and potential therapeutic target for LUAD patients.
Independent Predictors and Causes of Thirty-Day Gastrointestinal Readmissions Following COVID-19-Related Hospitalizations: Analysis of the National Readmission Database

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to significant mortality and morbidity in the United States. The burden of COVID-19 was not limited to the respiratory tract alone but had significant extrapulmonary manifestations. We decided to examine the causes, predictors, and outcomes of gastrointestinal (GI)-related causes of 30-day readmission following index COVID-19 hospitalization. Methods We used the National Readmission Database (NRD) from 2020 to identify hospitalizations among adults with principal diagnosis of COVID-19. We identified GI-related hospitalizations within 30 days of index admission after excluding elective and traumatic admissions. We identified the top causes of GI-related readmission, and the outcomes of these hospitalizations. We used a multivariate Cox regression analysis to identify the independent predictors of readmission. Results Among 1,024,492 index hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19 in the 2020 NRD database, 644,903 were included in the 30-day readmission study. Of these 3,276 (0.5%) were readmitted in 30 days due to primary GI causes. The top five causes of readmissions we identified in this study were GI bleeding, intestinal obstruction, acute diverticulitis, acute pancreatitis, and acute cholecystitis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis done adjusting for confounders showed that renal failure, alcohol abuse, and peptic ulcer disease were associated with increased odds of 30-day readmission from GI-related causes. Conclusions GI manifestations of COVID-19 are not uncommon and remain an important cause of readmission. Targeted interventions addressing the modifiable predictors of readmission identified will be beneficial in reducing the burden on already limited healthcare resources.
Study Protocol for the Interactions between Dietary Patterns and ARL15 and ADIPOQ Genes Polymorphisms on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are recognized as one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Studies have shown the impact of genetic predisposition and dietary factors on developing these diseases. Dietary patterns and genetic factors such as polymorphisms related to the level of adiponectin may also interact with each other and produce variances in the effects of these factors on different individuals. The purpose of this study is to investigate the interactions between food intake patterns and polymorphisms on ADIPOQ and ARL15 genes in relation to cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study is conducted on 380 adults (20 to 70 years old) living in Yazd, Iran. Individuals were selected from the participants in Yazd Health Study (YaHS) and its sub-study called Taghziyeh Mardom-e Yazd (TAMYZ) after reviewing the inclusion and exclusion criteria. YaHS is a population-based cohort study which has been conducted on 9962 adults living in Yazd since 2014. In the present study, rotated principle component analysis (PCA) with Varimax rotation is used to identify the major dietary patterns. The polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method is used in order to identify rs1501299 and rs6450176 variants (on ADIPOQ and ARL15 genes, respectively). General linear models (GLM) as well as regression models are used to investigate the interactions between the studied genotypes and the extracted dietary patterns. Conclusions: The results of this study can help to personalize dietary recommendations for the prevention of CVDs according to the genetic predisposition of individuals.
International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction

The present study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on quantitative conclusion and appraisal of findings from Protection Motivation Theory to predict protective behaviors against COVID-19. This meta-analysis covered the period between 2019 and 2022. Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, Emerald, PubMed, Springer, Sage, Online Wiley Library, Taylor & Francis and ProQuest were searched to find related articles to the study topic. Using Effect Size of Random model, the quality of each study, homogeneous of studies and Publication bias of data were analyzed and assessed by CMA2 software. The results indicate that perceived severity ( 𝛽 = 0 . 197 ), perceived vulnerability ( 𝛽 = 0 . 160 ), response efficacy ( 𝛽 = 0 . 251 ) and self-efficacy ( 𝛽 = 0 . 270 ) are positively associated with COVID-19 disease. In addition, the results show that Response cost ( 𝛽 = −0 . 074 ) is a negative and weak predictor of motivation to protect against COVID-19. The results of this study regarding Protection Motivation Theory (PMT)- as a very strong and flexible theory during outbreak of COVID-19-may suggest that despite positive protection, the mean of Effect Size of total PMT elements is less than average size. Meta-analysis of studies shows that coping appraisal variables provide the strongest predictors of behavior and intention. Furthermore, self-efficacy was identified as the most important determinant in protective behaviors against COVID-19
Enhanced Goat Milk MUFA Quality via Date Pit Supplementation: A Time-Based Pattern Recognition Analysis Utilizing Agricultural Waste Byproduct

Date pits are agricultural waste byproducts and are available in tons yearly. Milk MUFAs are lipids beneficial for health and sorted out for food product development. This work is aimed at researching the effect of supplementing dairy goats with date pit powder (DPP) as a source of fatty acids (FA), an alternative to enhancing the unsaturated FA in milk and analysed via chemometrics in a 3-month supplementation-based study. Saanen-Boer crossed dairy goats were divided into six groups comprising of control, 10 g and 20 g both for Ajwa DPP (high-quality dates) and Mariami DPP (agricultural waste byproduct), and another 30 g for Mariami DPP only. The supplementation exercise was done daily on each dairy goat. The DPP and milk samples were analysed for its FA profile applying GC-FID and followed by chemometric techniques, namely, PCA and PLS. Results indicated that the n-6/n-3 ratio was the highest for the unsupplemented group compared to the DPP-treated goats with lower n-6/n-3 ratios. The M30 group showcased the most promising health-related class of FAs viewed by 3D PCA and PLS model clustering patterns, in particular monounsaturated FA (MUFA) (C18:1n9c or oleic acid). These results suggest that Mariami DPP supplementation at higher doses and time to lactating Saanen-Boer cross goats can be a means to milk FA quantity and quality enhancement and that chemometrics via pattern recognition can be useful statistical tools when dealing with overwhelming data.
Towards sustainable emergence transportation system for maternal and new born: Lessons from the m-mama innovative pilot program in Shinyanga, Tanzania

Maternal mortality comprises about 10% of all deaths among women of reproductive age (15–49 years). More than 90% of such deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). In this study, we aimed to document lessons learnt and best practices toward sustainability of the m-mama program for reducing maternal and newborn mortality in Tanzania. We conducted a qualitative study from February to March 2022 in Kahama and Kishapu district councils of Shinyanga region. A total of 20 Key Informant Interviews (KII) and four Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted among key stakeholders. The participants included implementing partners and beneficiaries, Community Care groups (CCGs) facilitators, health facility staff, drivers and dispatchers. We gathered data on their experience with the program, services offered, and recommendations to improve program sustainability. We based the discussion of our findings on the integrated sustainability framework (ISF). Thematic analysis was conducted to summarize the results. To ensure the sustainability of the program, these were recommended. First, active involvement of the government to complement community efforts, through the provision and maintenance of resources including a timely and inclusive budget, dedicated staff, infrastructure development and maintenance. Secondly, support from different stakeholders through a well-coordinated partnership with the government and local facilities. Third, continued capacity building for implementers, health care workers (HCWs) and community health workers (CHWs) and community awareness to increase program trust and services utilization. Dissemination and sharing of evidence and lesson learnt from successful program activities and close monitoring of implemented activities is necessary to ensure smooth, well-coordinated delivery of proposed strategies. Considering the temporality of the external funding, for successful implementation of the program, we propose a package of three key actions; first, strengthening government ownership and engagement at an earlier stage, secondly, promoting community awareness and commitment and lastly, maintaining a well-coordinated multi-stakeholder’ involvement during program implementation.
The Effect of Family-Centered Intervention on Key Indicators of Diabetes Management and Control in Patients with Type-2 Diabetes

Background: This study is to determine the effect of the family-centered intervention (FCIS) on the key indicators of diabetes management and Control control in patients with type-2 diabetes. Method: The present study is a quiz- experimental study with a randomized control group. Participants were 64 patients with type-2 diabetes visiting Ali Asghar Hospital of Isfahan in 2018. The eligible patients were assigned to either the intervention group or the control group (i.e., patient-center care) through block randomization. FCIS were implemented in 4 two-hour sessions as home visits while the patients and their caregivers were present. Data were collected twice-i.e. before the intervention and 12 weeks after it- and were analyzed, by running a t-test (α = 0.05), using SPSS-21. Results: The mean ± SD age of participants was 50.4 ± 8.5. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the mean weight, serum levels of FBS and A1C, physical activity, energy intake, and BMI before intervention. But, a significant improvement in the mean values of these variables in the intervention group after the intervention, compared with the control group was indicated (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study suggests that FCIS are more effective than patient-center care in the management and control of type-2 diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended that the family be considered in educational interventions.