Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel Correlation between TGF-β1/-β3 and Hormone Receptors in the Human Corneal Stroma

This study investigated the interplay between transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1/T1 and TGF-β3/T3), and sex hormone receptors using our 3D in vitro cornea stroma model. Primary human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) from healthy donors were plated in transwells at 106 cells/well and cultured for four weeks. HCFs were supplemented with stable vitamin C (VitC) and stimulated with T1 or T3. 3D construct proteins were analyzed for the androgen receptor (AR), progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ), luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR), KiSS1-derived peptide receptor (KiSS1R/GPR54), and follicle-stimulating hormone subunit beta (FSH-B). In female constructs, T1 significantly upregulated AR, PR, ERα, FSHR, GnRHR, and KiSS1R. In male constructs, T1 significantly downregulated FSHR and FSH-B and significantly upregulated ERα, ERβ, and GnRHR. T3 caused significant upregulation in expressions PR, ERα, ERβ, LHR, FSHR, and GNRHR in female constructs, and significant downregulation of AR, ERα, and FSHR in male constructs. Semi-quantitative Western blot findings present the interplay between sex hormone receptors and TGF-β isoforms in the corneal stroma, which is influenced by sex as a biological variable (SABV). Additional studies are warranted to fully delineate their interactions and signaling mechanisms.
Clinical outcomes of ramucirumab plus docetaxel in the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer after immunotherapy: a systematic literature review

Introduction In the REVEL trial, ramucirumab plus docetaxel demonstrated significant improvements in overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall response rate (ORR) compared with placebo plus docetaxel for treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that progressed during or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Since the approval of ramucirumab plus docetaxel, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), either as single agents or in combination with chemotherapy, have become the standard of care for first-line treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC. However, efficacy and safety data for ramucirumab plus docetaxel after prior ICI treatment from randomized controlled clinical studies are lacking. Methods Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic literature review was performed. Electronic databases and select international oncology conference proceedings were searched. Studies published between 01 January 2014 and 01 July 2022, which evaluated 2 efficacy outcomes (and included at least 1 time-to-event endpoint) or safety outcomes of ramucirumab plus docetaxel in NSCLC that progressed after prior ICI treatment, were identified. Twelve studies were included in the analysis. Two treatment groups were selected: ramucirumab plus docetaxel after prior ICI ± chemotherapy (RAM + DTX ICI pre-treated) and ramucirumab plus docetaxel after prior chemotherapy only (RAM + DTX ICI naïve). OS, PFS, ORR, disease control rate (DCR), and safety data were extracted and descriptively summarized across both treatment groups. Results The pooled weighted median PFS and median OS were 5.7 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.9-6.8) and 11.2 months (95% CI: 7.5-17.5), respectively, in the RAM + DTX ICI pre-treated group and 3.8 months (95% CI: 2.3-4.1) and 13.5 months (95% CI: 8-24.0), respectively, in the RAM + DTX ICI naïve group. The ORR and DCR ranged from 20.9% to 60.0% and from 62.4% to 90.0%, respectively, in the RAM + DTX ICI pre-treated group and from 17.7% to 20.0% and from 57.1% to 75.0%, respectively, in the RAM + DTX ICI naïve group. The safety profile across studies was consistent between both treatment groups, and no new safety signals were reported. Conclusions Cumulatively, these results support the combination of ramucirumab plus docetaxel as an effective and safe subsequent therapy for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC with disease progression irrespective of previous ICI treatment.
Moving Toward More Inclusive Government Communication in an Era of Superdiversity

Going beyond the practical obstacles of and facilitators for inclusive government communication, this study stresses the underlying tension between democratic and bureaucratic values in administrative structures and its implication for inclusive communication. The clash between on the one hand efficiency, market-driven patterns, and impartiality and on the other hand individual rights, advocating equal rights and social justice shows that in coming to terms with the reality of superdiverse societies governments need to reconcile these values on the level of actual decision-making and behavior by public communication practitioners.
Government Health Expenditure and Stunting Prevalence Reduction in Indonesia

Indonesia has started to set policies and programs to alleviate stunting prevalence in the last decade. By reducing stunting prevalence, the government has cut the short-term and long-term effects of stunting. Government health expenditure at the regional level is also part of regional government expenditure, which is proposed to overcome health issues. This research empirically examines the correlation between government health expenditure and stunting prevalence reduction in Indonesia. The data on government health expenditure is obtained from the Ministry of Finance, and the data on stunting prevalence is compiled from several sources such as Riskesdas (Ministry of Health), SSGBI (Ministry of Health), and Statistics of Indonesia (BPS). The panel data uses the provincial level of data from 2010 until 2020, covering 33 provinces, and is estimated with the Fixed Effects (FE) model and the robustness check of the heteroskedasticity problem using fixed robustness. The results show that government health expenditure significantly reduces the prevalence of stunting in all provinces and provinces located outside Java Island.
COMPARISON OF FIELD VANE AND LABORATORY UNDRAINED SHEAR STRENGTH IN SOFT SENSITIVE CLAYS

The purpose of the paper is to compare, at two different sites, the field vane strength with the undrained shear strength measured in the laboratory on intact clay specimens cut from block samples. The laboratory tests included triaxial compression, triaxial extension, and direct simple shear tests on specimens anisotropically reconsolidated to the in-situ stresses. The laboratory undrained shear strength was determined on averaged stress strain curves built from the three types of laboratory tests in order to account for strain compatibility. At both sites, the undrained shear strengths obtained by the field vane and by the laboratory tests are nearly identical. The comparison is discussed in terms of field vane correction. (A) For the covering abstract see IRRD 863366.
Boosts and Setbacks of Implementing Indigenous Filipino Games: Perspectives from Curriculum’s Stakeholders

Filipinos had enjoyed playing indigenous games long before any other games. Little is known about traditional games and their perspectives among educational stakeholders who support their preservation in the educational system for emerging countries like the Philippines. This study aimed to explore the viewpoints of educational stakeholders regarding integrating indigenous games into the curriculum. A scoping design was used to review pertinent journal articles. Thus 14 were considered after screening and filtering the searched records in three databases. It was found that stakeholders have both positive and negative perspectives on the said implementation. They perceived that implementing indigenous Filipino games a) promotes cultural heritage, b) facilitates convenient learning, and c) strengthens the foundation values, health, and socialization. However, there are some setbacks, like a) limitations in using traditional games in the classroom and b) the endangerment of indigenous Filipino games due to the fast growth of e-games. Therefore, a call to action among curriculum implementers to revisit what areas need to be strengthened in implementing indigenous games despite the continuous advancements of technology that paved the emergence of modern games and even the prioritization of sports games. Although support from the community is needed, and more mandates from the local government to promote these games in playing, especially outside school.
Problematic Internet Use in Early Adolescents: Gender and Loneliness Differences in a Latent Growth Model

Purpose Based on the Cognitive-Behavioral model and the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution model, this study examined the developmental trajectory of problematic Internet use (PIU) in early adolescents and explored whether there were gender differences in the onset level and rate of development of this developmental trajectory, and tested whether developmental changes in loneliness could have an impact on the developmental trajectory of problematic Internet use. Participants and Methods This longitudinal study collected data on PIU and loneliness from 296 early adolescents (Mage=11.65, SD=0.58) in four waves. The development of PIU in adolescents and the effects of gender and loneliness development on PIU development were examined using a latent growth model. Results The results revealed that individuals’ PIU development showed a nonlinear latent growth model, with PIU significantly higher than 0 in grade 6 and its growth rate slowing down as PIU increased. Individuals’ PIU at low starting levels developed more rapidly later. Boys had higher initial levels of PIU but their PIU developed and increased at the same rate as girls’. Both the initial value and slope of loneliness had a significant effect on the initial value and slope of boys’ and girls’ PIU. Conclusion Interventions for PIU in early adolescents also need to consider loneliness at the same time, and intervention groups can focus on individuals with low initial levels of PIU, boys, and individuals with high levels of loneliness.
Adaptation and Validation of the Child Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (ChEDE-Q) for Use in English among Adolescents in Urban India

Eating pathology is increasingly common among Indian adolescents. However, brief validated measures of disordered eating in Indian contexts are scarce. This study adapted and validated a culturally appropriate English language version of the Child Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (ChEDE-Q) among 385 adolescents (mean age = 13.42 years; 47.3% girls) in urban India. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that a two-factor eight-item solution had an acceptable fit to the data across gender: an ‘Eating Concerns and Restraint’ subscale and a ‘Weight and Shape Concerns’ subscale. Further, the questionnaire can be utilised as both a unidimensional and multidimensional tool. This allows for the computation of a total score on the primary factor of ‘Child Eating Pathology’, as well as the two subscales. Internal consistency of the ‘Weight and Shape Concerns’ subscale (α = 0.825) and ‘Eating Concerns and Restraint’ subscale (α = 0.649) was satisfactory. Concurrent validity was established through medium significant correlations with measures of body image and broader mental health. The results support the use of the ChEDE-Q for assessing disordered eating among urban Indian adolescents, thus providing the research community and practitioners with a measure to investigate the nature and scale of disordered eating among adolescents in India.
Mapping the Auditory Space of Culex pipiens Female Mosquitoes in 3D

Simple Summary Mosquitoes possess one of the best-developed and sensitive hearing systems among insects. Their auditory Johnston’s organs located at the antennae bases include several thousand radially distributed sensory cells. Male mosquitoes use their hearing for acoustic courtship behavior, while the function of hearing in blood-sucking female mosquitoes is poorly studied. In addition to courtship behavior, hearing is presumed to be used for host detection, including the use of human voices as an attraction cue. Since mosquitoes spread dangerous diseases such as West Nile fever, understanding their hearing system is of crucial importance. We studied the auditory system of Culex pipiens female mosquitoes using behavioral and electrophysiological experiments and created a three-dimensional model of the mosquito auditory space. The in-flight position of antennae was found optimal for binaural hearing focused primarily in front of, above and below a mosquito. By varying the antennae position a mosquito can adjust the directional properties of hearing depending on behavioral context. According to our findings, the auditory system of female mosquitoes has enough resolution to estimate the direction to the sound source, while its frequency range enables detection of sounds produced by other flying mosquitoes and human hosts. Abstract The task of directional hearing faces most animals that possess ears. They approach this task in different ways, but a common trait is the use of binaural cues to find the direction to the source of sound. In insects, the task is further complicated by their small size and, hence, minute temporal and level differences between two ears. A single symmetric flagellar particle velocity receiver, such as the antenna of a mosquito, should not be able to discriminate between the two opposite directions along the vector of the sound wave. Paired antennae of mosquitoes presume the usage of binaural hearing, but its mechanisms are expected to be significantly different from the ones typical for the pressure receivers. However, the directionality of flagellar auditory organs has received little attention. Here, we measured the in-flight orientation of antennae in female Culex pipiens pipiens mosquitoes and obtained a detailed physiological mapping of the Johnston’s organ directionality at the level of individual sensory units. By combining these data, we created a three-dimensional model of the mosquito’s auditory space. The orientation of the antennae was found to be coordinated with the neuronal asymmetry of the Johnston’s organs to maintain a uniformly shaped auditory space, symmetric relative to a flying mosquito. The overlap of the directional characteristics of the left and right sensory units was found to be optimal for binaural hearing focused primarily in front of, above and below a flying mosquito.
Prevalence of comorbid disease and associated risk factors among homeless people living in temporary shelters during the COVID-19 lockdown in Tshwane, South Africa.

BACKGROUND People experiencing homelessness are among the most socially and medically vulnerable populations. OBJECTIVES To assess the prevalence of comorbid disease and associated risk factors among homeless people admitted to temporary shelters in the City of Tshwane during levels 4 and 5 of the COVID-19 national lockdown in South Africa. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. The sample was drawn from secondary data on all individuals placed in temporary shelters constructed by Tshwane during levels 4 and 5 of the COVID-19 lockdown (26 March - 31 May 2020). Descriptive statistics were used to summarise data, and a multivariable logistic regression model was applied to determine factors associated with comorbid disease. RESULTS The overall prevalence of comorbid disease among homeless people in temporary shelters in Tshwane was 28.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 26.9 - 30.8). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of comorbid disease by illicit substance use (29.9% for users v. 29.5% for non-users; p=0.871). In adjusted analyses, being South African (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.06; 95% CI 1.10 - 3.88; p=0.024), being female (aOR 3.73; 95% CI 1.85 - 7.53; p<0.001), being black (aOR 3.43; 95% CI 1.12 - 10.54; p=0.031) or white (aOR 6.11; 95% CI 1.55 - 24.0; p=0.01), and injecting substances (aOR 1.68; 95% CI 1.19 - 2.37; p=0.003) were significantly associated with having comorbid disease. CONCLUSION The study found a 28.8% prevalence of comorbid disease among homeless people placed in temporary shelters in Tshwane. In adjusted analysis, being South African, being female, black and white race, and injecting substances were associated with having comorbid disease. Strengthening of public health interventions such as needle and syringe exchange programmes, family planning and access to primary care with health education could improve the healthcare of people experiencing homelessness.
Extraordinary magnetoresistance in a 2-terminal structure

Extraordinary magnetoresistance (EMR) is a phenomenon discovered by Solin et al. at the interface between a metal (high conductivity material) and a semiconductor (high mobility material). EMR is a much larger effect than the other magnetoresistive phenomenon, reaching values up to 107 %. In this work, we present simulation results to determine if it is possible to realize EMR-based power limiters, by defining more clearly the differences between 4- and 2-terminal geometries in term of performance for power limiter applications, as well as the dependence of the EMR with different material properties and different shapes.
Bayesian estimation of explained variance in ANOVA designs

We propose to use the squared multiple correlation coefficient as an effect size measure for experimental analysis‐of‐variance designs and to use Bayesian methods to estimate its posterior distribution. We provide the expressions for the squared multiple, semipartial, and partial correlation coefficients corresponding to four commonly used analysis‐of‐variance designs and illustrate our contribution with two worked examples.
Integrated Effect of Plastic Mulches and Biorational Insecticides in Managing Tomato Chlorotic Spot Virus (TCSV) and Its Vector Thrips in Tomatoes

Simple Summary Thrips transmitted tomato chlorotic spot virus (TCSV) is one of the limiting factors of tomato production in South Florida. After invading in 2012, growers are mostly dependent on conventional and broad-spectrum insecticides to face this challenge. Insecticide alone is inadequate to manage this pest-borne disease. A combined effect of cultural and chemical control strategy can be a potential management approach for this pest without imposing any environmental stress. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of four different plastic mulches and four biorational insecticides on the abundance of thrips population, marketable yield, and presence of TCSV-infected tomatoes. Reflective plastic mulches, especially silver on black (S/B) and Entrust®SC, among the biorational insecticides used, were the most effective in managing the thrips population while increasing the marketable yield and reducing the TCSV-infected tomatoes. Abstract In the USA, tomato chlorotic spot virus (TCSV) was first identified in Miami-Dade County of Florida in 2012. This viral disease is transmitted by thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) of different species, imposing a serious threat to the entire tomato production in the state. Both cultural and chemical control techniques could be essential tools to combat this vector-borne disease. In the present two-year-long study, we determined the effect of different types of plastic mulches and biorational insecticides on managing thrips and TCSV. Results from the leaf and flower samples showed a significantly lower adult thrips population in Entrust®SC treated tomatoes than in other treated and untreated tomatoes in 2018. Silver on black and silver on white reflective plastic mulches significantly reduced the adult thrips population in 2018. In both study years, marketable yield was significantly higher in tomatoes treated with Entrust®SC and reflective plastic mulches than in other treatments. The incidence of TCSV was significantly reduced in tomatoes treated with Entrust®SC and reflective plastic mulches than the untreated control in 2018. Marketable yield was negatively correlated with the thrips population, as observed from the Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. This research describes a potentially viable management program for thrips and thrips-transmitted TCSV.
Single-cell RNA sequencing shows the immune cell landscape in the kidneys of patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) is a leading pathological type of the adult primary nephrotic syndrome. Some patients develop end-stage renal disease due to poor response to treatment with steroid and immunosuppressive agents. In order to explore the molecular mechanism of IMN, we collected renal tissue samples from IMN patients and healthy controls and performed analysis by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). A total of 11 kidney cell clusters were identified, including multiple myeloid cell clusters, NK/T cell clusters, and B cell clusters. Most kidney parenchymal and immune cells were enriched in the regulation of immune response, inflammation, fibrosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress. The macrophage population in the IMN group showed a highly activated profile with up-regulated genes related to chemotaxis, inflammation, phagocytosis and fibrosis. CD8+ T cells continued to be cytotoxic in IMN; however, a transition to “inflammageing” GZMK+ CD8+ T cells was observed. The proportion of activated B cells in renal tissues of IMN patients was much higher than that of normal controls, indicating that B cells in IMN might be activated by constant antigenic stimulation. Moreover, the cell-cell interaction analysis revealed the potential communication between renal glomerular cells and immune cells in IMN. Overall, scRNA-seq was applied to IMN to unravel the characteristics of immune cells and elucidate possible underlying mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of IMN.
Global-Local Priors for Spatial Small Area Estimation

Small area estimation is gaining increasing popularity among survey statisticians. Since the direct estimates of small areas usually have large standard errors, model-based approaches are often adopted to borrow strength across areas. The models often use covariates to link different areas and random effects to account for the additional variation. In the classic Fay-Herriot model, the random effects are assumed to have independent normal distributions with a shared variance. Recent studies showed that random effects are not necessary for all areas, so global-local priors have been introduced in Tang et al.[26] to effectively characterize the sparsity in random effects. This article introduces global-local priors in the context of small area estimation where the area level random effects exhibit a spatial structure. This generalizes the findings of Tang et al.[26] where independence of the area level effects is assumed. Our findings are illustrated via both simulation and real data examples. AMS Subject Classification: 62D05, 62M30