Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome β The Role of TGF -

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by chronic oligoanovulation and hyperandrogenism and associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular risk. In recent years, genetic studies have linked PCOS to a dinucleotide marker D19S884 in the fibrillin 3 gene. Fibrillins make up the major component of microfibrils in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and interact with molecules in the ECM to regulate transforming growth factor b (TGF-b) signaling. Therefore, variations in fibrillin 3 and subsequent dysregulation of TGF-b may contribute to the pathogenesis of PCOS. Here, we review the evidence from genetic studies supporting the role of TGF-b in PCOS and describe how TGF-b dysregulation may contribute to (1) the fetal origins of PCOS, (2) reproductive abnormalities in PCOS, and (3) cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities in PCOS.
PHoS: Persistent Homology for Virtual Screening

Finding new medicines is one of the most important tasks of pharma- ceutical companies. One of the best approaches to finding a new drug starts with answering this simple question: Given a known effective drug X, what are the top 100 molecules in our database most similar to X? Thus the essence of the problem is a nearest-neighbors search, and the key question is how to define the distance between two molecules in the database. In this paper, we investigate the use of topological, rather than geometric, or chemical, signatures for molecules, and two notions of distance that come from comparing these topological signatures. We introduce PHoS (for Persistent Homology-based virtual Screening), a new system for ligand-based screening using a topological technique known as multi-parameter persistent homology. We show that our approach can match or exceed a reasonable estimate of current state of the art (including well-funded commercial tools), even with relatively little domain-specific tuning. Indeed, most of the components we have built for this system are general-purpose tools for data science and will be released soon as open source software.
Italian semen cryobank of autochthonous chicken and turkey breeds: a tool for preserving genetic biodiversity

Abstract The creation of genetic resource cryobanks provides a crucial link between in situ and ex situ techniques to improve the efficiency of conservation programs. Aim of the present review is to describe all the activities developed for the implementation of the first Italian Semen Cryobank of Autochthonous Chicken and Turkey Breeds. These activities can be classified into three main topics: (1) identification of species-specific semen freezing/thawing reference procedures; (2) drafting Standard Operative Procedures (SOP) for the implementation of the semen cryobank; (3) storage of semen doses from Italian chicken and turkey breeds to establish the cryobank. Several trials have been developed to identify a specie-specific semen cryopreservation protocol for chickens and turkeys. The major results are reviewed and a final reference protocol described. Taking into consideration the FAO guidelines for cryoconservation of animal genetic resources, SOP were drafted with the aim to provide technical guidance and logistical support on the choice of priority breeds, selection of birds for semen production, infrastructures and storage sites, birds and semen management, cryopreservation process and doses traceability. Lastly, the Italian Semen Cryobank was created. A total of 112 semen doses from 22 cockerels of three breeds, and 74 doses from 12 turkey males of three breeds were stored in the Cryobank. Breed specific semen quality parameters assessed before and after cryopreservation are reported. The described activities provide information and tools useful for the implementation of semen cryobanking in avian species and might be transferred also to other species after appropriate adaptations. HIGHLIGHTS Implementation of the first Italian Semen Cryobank of Autochthonous Chicken and Turkey Breeds Drafting Standard Operative Procedures provides technical guidance and logistical support on the design and establishment of the cryobank Semen cryobank is a precious genetic reservoir and could be useful to safeguard genetic variability in small population in vivo conserved
Publication bias in meta-analysis

Corresponding author: Shengping Yang Contact Information: Shengping.Yang@pbrc.edu DOI: 10.12746/swrccc.v9i41. 945 direction, nature, or strength of the study findings. Publication bias frequently occurs in academic publications and can be generalized to include outcomereporting bias, time-lag bias, gray-literature bias, full-publication bias, language bias, citation bias, and media-attention bias. It has been reported that more than 20% of completed studies may not be published for various reasons, including publication bias. For example, studies with a small sample size as well as those with non-significant or negative results are less likely to be published, especially in journals with a high impact. Meanwhile, studies with non-significant results tend to be published much later than those with significant results. In addition, studies conducted outside English-speaking countries are less likely to be published in peer-reviewed journals in English. Consequently, the results from published studies may be systematically different from those of unpublished studies, and this translates into challenges for a meta-analysis.
Der Beschäftigungseffekt geringerer Sozialabgaben in Deutschland. Wie beeinflusst die Wahl des Simulationsmodells das Ergebnis

This study analyses to what extent political advice may depend on research instru-ments. As an example, a cut in the social contributions rate, financed by an increase in VAT or by a flat-rate premium, was simulated with three alternative macro models. The general equilibrium model PACE-L, the long term structural model IAB/INFORGE and the short term business cycle model IAB/RWI all contain the main components of the theoretical analysis. These are labour demand, depending on wages, as well as wage setting through bargaining. However, the models put differ-ent emphasis on the main factors that influence the employment effect of the partial refinancing of the social security system, namely labour costs, macroeconomic de-mand and the shift of the tax burden. The maximum employment effect is found by the general equilibrium model in a flat-rate premium case for everyone. It amounts to 0.56 %. In the only negative case, employment declines by 0.05 %. Via moderate wage claims, employees can promote the employment effect of the reform in theory as well as in all the simulation models.
The nexus between bond liquidity, stock liquidity and foreign portfolio investment

The purpose of this article was to assess the impact of financial market liquidity on international capital flows in emerging markets. Specifically, the research investigates the effect of bond market liquidity and stock market liquidity on foreign portfolio investments using data for five emerging African countries, being Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria and South Africa, for the period 2000 to 2020. The data was sourced from the Bloomberg and World Bank (WDI) databases. Panel data analysis (fixed effects model) was undertaken using three different liquidity measures: the effective spread; Amihud’s (2002) illiquidity measure; and market impact as measured by trading volume. Our findings revealed mixed results. It was found that stock market liquidity attracted foreign portfolio investments. Although bond market liquidity, as measured by the volume of trade, promoted foreign portfolio investment, it was different for the effective spread, as the higher the effective spread, the higher the inward FPI flows, and vice versa. Results on the effects of the bond effective spread on FPI show that as long as the bonds are above the investable grade, investors are not discouraged by the cost of trading. Our findings thus confirm that FPI inflows are predisposed on liquid and efficient host country financial markets. Further, the entrance of foreign investors in the host country’s domestic financial markets, leads to the enhancing of liquidity in the local market, thus increasing risk sharing between local and foreign investors.
Synthesis, characterization, potential antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, DNA binding, and molecular docking activities and DFT on novel Co(II), Ni(II), VO(II), Cr(III), and La(III) Schiff base complexes

In this study, five novel complexes for Co(II), Ni(II), VO(II), Cr(III), and La(III) ions were synthesized from a tridentate NNO monobasic chelating Schiff base ligand, (Z)‐2‐((pyridin‐2‐ylimino)methyl)phenol (HL). Spectral and analytical tools were applied to elucidate the structural compositions of the new compounds. Then, geometry optimization was conducted for all the syntheses by the Gaussian 09 program via the density functional theory method to obtain optimal structures and the most essential parameters. Moreover, the biochemical behaviors of all the syntheses were explored based on the reactivity, which was tested against various cancer cell lines (HepG‐2, MCF‐7, and HCT‐116). The complexes exhibited an interestingly antiproliferative potential against human cancer cell lines, and the cytotoxicities of the new complexes were arranged to follow the order: VOL > CrL > NiL > LaL > CoL > HL. The antioxidant behaviors of the complexes were studied using the DPPH assay, and VOL showed the maximum antioxidant activity, followed by LaL. The antibacterial activities of the HL ligand and its complexes were studied. Moreover, the binding nature of the complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) was investigated based on the spectrophotometric absorption titration, viscosity, and gel electrophoresis methods. The binding ability of the complexes with CT‐DNA was proposed to be just intercalation or replacement mode. The intrinsic binding constant Kb was calculated and arranged based on the following order: VOL (5.2 × 105) > CrL (3.6 × 105) > NiL (3.3 × 105) > LaL (3.0 × 105) > CoL (1.12 × 105) mol−1 dm−3. Docking investigations were performed using the receptors of COVID‐19's main protease viral protein (PDB ID: 6LU7) and Escherichia coli (gram [–ve] bacteria [PDB ID: 1fj4]). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Applied Organometallic Chemistry is the property of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Development of ultrafast camera-based imaging of single fluorescent molecules and live-cell PALM

The spatial resolution of fluorescence microscopy has recently been greatly improved. However, its temporal resolution has not been improved much, despite its importance for examining living cells. Here, by developing an ultrafast camera system, we achieved the world’s highest time resolutions for single fluorescent-molecule imaging of 33 (100) µs (multiple single molecules simultaneously) with a single-molecule localization precision of 34 (20) nm for Cy3 (best dye found), and for PALM data acquisition of a view-field of 640×640 pixels at 1 kHz with a single-molecule localization precision of 29 nm for mEos3.2. Both are considered the ultimate rates with available probes. This camera system (1) successfully detected fast hop diffusion of membrane molecules in the plasma membrane, detectable previously only by using less preferable 40-nm gold probes and bright-field microscopy, and (2) enabled PALM imaging of the entire live cell, while revealing meso-scale dynamics and structures, caveolae and paxillin islands in the focal adhesion, proving its usefulness for cell biology research. Summary An ultrafast camera developed by Fujiwara et al. allows single fluorescent-molecule imaging every 33 μs with a localization precision of 34 nm (every 100 μs; 20 nm), and enables ultrafast PALM imaging of whole live cells.
W Tissue dendritic cel

Dendritic cells (DCs) are found at the portals of pathogen entry such as themucosal surfaces of the respiratory, gastrointestinal and genital tracts where they represent the first line of contact between the immune system and the foreign invaders. They are found throughout the body inmultiple subsets where they express unique combinations of C-type lectin receptors to best aid them indetection of pathogens associatedwith their anatomical location. DCs are important in the establishment inHIV infection for two reasons. Firstly, they are one of the first cells to encounter the virus, and the specific interaction that occurs between these cells andHIV is critical to HIVestablishing a foothold infection. Secondly andmost importantly, HIV is able to efficiently transfer the virus to its primary target cell, the CD4 T lymphocyte, in which it replicates explosively. Infection of CD4 T lymphocytes via DCs is far more efficient than direct infection. This review surveys the various DCs subsets found within the human sexual mucosa and their interactions with HIV. Mechanisms of HIVuptake are discussed as well as how the virus then traffics through the DC and is transferred to Tcells. Until recently, most research has focussed on vaginal transmission despite the increased transmission rate associated with anal intercourse. Here, we also discuss recent advances in our understanding of HIV transmission in the colon. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Association between Social Support and Cognitive Impairment among the Urban Elderly in Jinan, China

China is currently facing a severe challenge of population ageing. However, no study has specifically explored the association between social support and cognitive impairment in Chinese urban elderly aged 60 and older. We explored the prevalence of cognitive impairment and its relationship with social support among the urban elderly aged above 60 years in Jinan, China. A total of 522 urban elderly individuals were recruited using multi-stage cluster random sampling, of which 35.55% were males and 64.45% were females. The average age of all participants was 69.66 ± 8.91 years old. Social support was assessed using the Social Support Rating Scale. Cognitive status was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires. Descriptive analysis, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were conducted. After analysing the data from 512 participants, 154 (30.1%), 352 (68.8%), and 6 (1.2%) participants had high, moderate, and low levels of social support, respectively. In addition, 125 participants (24.4%) had a cognitive impairment, while the other 387 participants (75.6%) had a normal cognitive status. Binary logistic regression analyses showed that age, educational level, occupation or pre-retirement occupation, and social support were statistically associated with cognitive impairment. A significant association between social support and cognitive impairment was found among the urban elderly in Jinan, China, which provided useful information for the intervention of cognitive impairment. More attention should be paid to the social support of the urban elderly to effectively reduce the occurrence of cognitive impairment.
Tax Incentives, R&D Manipulation, and Corporate Innovation Performance: Evidence from Listed Companies in China

This study investigated the R&D manipulation of Chinese listed companies under preferential tax policies based on the bunching approach. On this basis, differences in organizational performance aspirations were used to distinguish firm heterogeneity. This was to clarify how tax incentives affected firm innovation performance. The empirical results show that preferential tax policies can effectively reduce the actual tax burden of high-tech enterprises. Some companies have enjoyed corporate income tax breaks by manipulating R&D spending. The counterfactual estimate of R&D intensity shows that the elasticity of taxable income of R&D investment of listed companies in China is between 0.55 and 0.8. The elasticity of taxable income of manufacturing enterprises is between 0.6 and 0.75. Furthermore, within the R&D operating range, firm-level variations will affect innovation performance. The incentive effect of R&D activities of enterprises with a negative organizational performance aspiration gap is higher than that of enterprises with a positive organizational performance aspiration gap. The conclusion provides the basis for the country to improve preferential tax policies for high-tech enterprises.
Species composition and mitochondrial molecular phylogeny of Acropora corals in Funakoshi, Amami-Oshima Island, Japan: A proposal for its new taxonomic grouping

About 80 species of Acropora corals have been recorded in Japan to date. However, there are few information on its diversity in Amami-Oshima Island, which is located in the northern part of the central Ryukyu Islands. Multiple studies, including molecular work, have looked at the species diversity of Acropora in Japan, but many of them have not been effective in successful differentiation at the species. This is the first study reporting the species diversity and molecular phylogeny of the Acropora species in Amami-Oshima Island. We collected 89 Acropora specimens, including 26 species within reef lagoon in the southwestern area (Funakoshi) of the island. We recorded A. spathulata for the first time in Japan, and A. acuminata and A. papillare for the first time in the Amami Islands. For eight species that were uncommon or difficult to identify, we described their morphological characteristics. To infer the phylogenetic relationships between the Acropora species in Amami-Oshima Island and Japan, we also reconstructed the phylongey of the specimens using a mitochondrial putative control region including published DNA data from other Japanese specimens. The results showed that Acropora species were genetically separated into seven clades. As previously reported, A. hyacinthus and A. cytherea were highly polyphyletic; nonetheless, most species were included in specific clades. In combination with previously published ecological data, the present data allowed us to propose a new species grouping (eight groups) for 36 Japanese Acropora species, which have morphological, molecular phylogenetic, and ecological similarities. This grouping will help identify the species and understand the species diversity of Acropora until a formal taxonomic revision of the genus is conducted.
Impact of single-port laparoscopic approach on postoperative pain and cosmesis for acute appendicitis: a comparison with multi-port laparoscopic approach

Background: Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical abdominal emergency. Single-port laparoscopic appendectomy (SPLA) has been suggested potential advantages including less postoperative pain and better cosmesis. The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative pain and cosmetic outcomes between SPLA and multi-port laparoscopic appendectomy (MPLA) for acute appendicitis.Materials and methods: The study included 47 patients who underwent SPLA and 51 patients who underwent MPLA for acute appendicitis between August 2014 and November 2017. The patient scar assessment questionnaire (PSAQ) was used to assess cosmetic outcomes. Results: MPLA involved a longer median operative time than MPLA (60 vs. 47.5 minutes, p=0.02). There were no apparent differences in the time before diet tolerance, length of hospital stay, inflammatory laboratory findings including C-reactive protein and white blood cell count, and postoperative complication rate. SPLA patients had a smaller total incision length (2.0 vs. 2.5 cm, p<0.001) and the total number of analgesics used on postoperative day 0 in the SPLA group was significantly lower than that of the MPLA group (1 vs. 1, p=0.011). The PSAQ scores showed that the SPLA group had a better overall outcome than the MPLA group with respect to total score (48 vs. 55; p = 0.026), appearance (15 vs. 18; p = 0.002) and consciousness (8 vs. 10; p = 0.005), but not in the satisfaction with appearance and symptoms subscales.Conclusion: SPLA is safe and feasible and provides better cosmetic outcomes and less analgesic requirements on the day of surgery compared to MPLA.
Germline POT1 Deregulation Can Predispose to Myeloid Malignancies in Childhood

While the shelterin complex guards and coordinates the mechanism of telomere regulation, deregulation of this process is tightly linked to malignant transformation and cancer. Here, we present the novel finding of a germline stop-gain variant (p.Q199*) in the shelterin complex gene POT1, which was identified in a child with acute myeloid leukemia. We show that the cells overexpressing the mutated POT1 display increased DNA damage and chromosomal instabilities compared to the wildtype counterpart. Protein and mRNA expression analyses in the primary patient cells further confirm that, physiologically, the variant leads to a nonfunctional POT1 allele in the patient. Subsequent telomere length measurements in the primary cells carrying heterozygous POT1 p.Q199* as well as POT1 knockdown AML cells revealed telomeric elongation as the main functional effect. These results show a connection between POT1 p.Q199* and telomeric dysregulation and highlight POT1 germline deficiency as a predisposition to myeloid malignancies in childhood.
Experimental Study on the Mass Flow Rate of the Self-Pressurizing Propellants in the Rocket Injector

High vapor pressure propellants such as nitrous oxide are widely used in experimental hybrid and liquid rockets as they can be used in a self-pressurization mode, eliminating the need for external pressurization or pumps and simplifying the design of the rocket system. This approach causes the two-phase flow in the feed system and the injector orifices, which cannot be easily modeled and accounted for in the design. A dedicated test stand has been developed to better understand how the two-phase flow of the self-pressurizing propellant impacts the mass flow characteristics, enabling the simulation of the operating conditions in the rocket engine. The injectors have been studied in the range of ΔP. The flow regimes have been identified, which can be predicted by the SPI and HEM models. It has been shown that the two-phase flow quality upstream of the injector may impact the discharge coefficient in the SPI region and the accuracy of the HEM model. It has been found that the transition to the critical flow region depends on the L/D ratio of the injector orifice. A series of conclusions can be drawn from this work to design the rocket injector with a self-pressurizing propellant to better predict the mass flow rate and ensure stable combustion.