Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The relationship between elevated serum xenin and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a case-control study

Abstract This study aims to determine whether serum xenin-25 levels are altered in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The study included 31 women diagnosed with PCOS according to the 2003 Rotterdam criteria and 30 healthy controls. The primary outcome was serum xenin-25 levels. Other variables evaluated were menstrual history, physical findings, Ferriman-Gallwey hirsutism score, blood pressure, transvaginal ultrasonography, fasting blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and day-21 progesterone. Median (min–max) values of xenin-25 were 45.50 pg/mL (7.10–656.40) and 9.85 pg/mL (7.00–564.40) for cases and controls, respectively, demonstrating a significant difference (Z = 2.803, p = .007). The ROC curve for xenin-25 predicting the PCOS risk had an area under the curve of 0.747. The optimal cutoff value of xenin-25 for detecting PCOS was calculated as ≥32.60 pg/mL with sensitivity, specificity values of 61.3% and 86.7%, respectively. A logistic regression model including xenin-25, FSH, Ferriman-Gallwey score, and Menstrual cycle frequency demonstrated the independent relationship of xenin-25 on PCOS (p < .05). This study demonstrated that xenin-25 may contribute to the diagnosis of PCOS. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the effects of xenin-25 in the pathogenesis of PCOS.
Rab5-dependent autophagosome closure by ESCRT

Zhou et al. identify the mechanism of autophagosome (AP) closure. They show that Rab5 GTPase regulates an interaction between the ESCRT subunit Snf7 and Atg17 to bring ESCRT to APs where it catalyzes AP closure. These findings highlight the convergence of the endocytic and autophagic pathways at this step.
Deep Learning Predicts Lung Cancer Treatment Response from Serial Medical Imaging

Purpose: Tumors are continuously evolving biological systems, and medical imaging is uniquely positioned to monitor changes throughout treatment. Although qualitatively tracking lesions over space and time may be trivial, the development of clinically relevant, automated radiomics methods that incorporate serial imaging data is far more challenging. In this study, we evaluated deep learning networks for predicting clinical outcomes through analyzing time series CT images of patients with locally advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Experimental Design: Dataset A consists of 179 patients with stage III NSCLC treated with definitive chemoradiation, with pretreatment and posttreatment CT images at 1, 3, and 6 months follow-up (581 scans). Models were developed using transfer learning of convolutional neural networks (CNN) with recurrent neural networks (RNN), using single seed-point tumor localization. Pathologic response validation was performed on dataset B, comprising 89 patients with NSCLC treated with chemoradiation and surgery (178 scans). Results: Deep learning models using time series scans were significantly predictive of survival and cancer-specific outcomes (progression, distant metastases, and local-regional recurrence). Model performance was enhanced with each additional follow-up scan into the CNN model (e.g., 2-year overall survival: AUC = 0.74, P < 0.05). The models stratified patients into low and high mortality risk groups, which were significantly associated with overall survival [HR = 6.16; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.17–17.44; P < 0.001]. The model also significantly predicted pathologic response in dataset B (P = 0.016). Conclusions: We demonstrate that deep learning can integrate imaging scans at multiple timepoints to improve clinical outcome predictions. AI-based noninvasive radiomics biomarkers can have a significant impact in the clinic given their low cost and minimal requirements for human input.
The ectopic expression of Snail in MDBK cells does not induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a key process in the tumor metastatic cascade, is characterized by the loss of cell-cell junctions and cell polarity, as well as by the acquisition of migratory and invasive properties. However, the precise molecular events that initiate this complex EMT process are poorly understood. Snail expression induces EMT in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and the human epidermoid carcinoma cell line, A431. Snail is a zinc finger transcription factor and triggers EMT by suppressing E-cadherin expression. In the present study, to broaden our knowledge of Snail-induced EMT, we generated stable Snail transfectants using Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells. Contrary to the MDCK or A431 cells examined in our previous studies, the MDBK cells transfected with the Snail construct maintained an epithelial morphology and showed no sign of reduced cell-cell adhesiveness compared to the control cells. Consistent with these observations, the down-regulation of epithelial marker proteins, e.g. E-cadherin and desmoglein, and the upregulation of mesenchymal marker proteins, e.g., N-cadherin and fibronectin, were not detected. Furthermore, the E-cadherin promoter was not methylated. Therefore, in the MDBK cells, the ectopic expression of Snail failed to induce EMT. As previously demonstrated, in MDCK cells, Snail expression is accompanied by the increased expression of other EMT-inducing transcription factors, e.g., Slug and zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1). However, the MDBK cells transfected with the Snail construct did not exhibit an increased expression of these factors. Thus, it is possible that the failure to upregulate other EMT-related transcription factors may explain the lack of Snail-mediated induction of EMT in MDBK cells.
An In Vitro Study of Chitosan-Coated Bovine Pericardium as a Dural Substitute Candidate

Defects in the dura matter can be caused by head injury, and many cases require neurosurgeons to use artificial dura matter. Bovine pericardium is an option due to its abundant availability, adjustable size and characteristics, and because it has more collagen than porcine or equine pericardia. Nevertheless, the drawback of bovine pericardium is that it has a higher inflammatory effect than other synthetic dura matters. Chitosan has been shown to have a strong anti-inflammatory effect and has good tensile strength; thus, the idea was formulated to use chitosan as a coating for bovine pericardium. This study used decellularized bovine pericardial membranes with 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulphate and coatings containing chitosan at concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%. An FTIR test showed the presence of a C=N functional group as a bovine pericardium–chitosan bond. Morphological tests of the 0.25% and 0.5% chitosan concentrations showed standard pore sizes. The highest tensile strength percentage was shown by the membrane with a chitosan concentration of 1%. The highest degradation rate of the membrane was observed on the 7th and 14th days for 0.75% and 1% concentrations, and the lowest swelling ratio was observed for the 0.25% concentration. The highest level of cell viability was found for 0.75% chitosan. The bovine pericardium membrane with a 0.75% concentration chitosan coating was considered the optimal sample for use as artificial dura matter.
The relationships of social capital, institutional support, and emotional and behavioral adjustment of vulnerable children in Addis Ababa

Abstract Child vulnerability has been a very serious problem in Africa, including Ethiopia, despite rich stock of social capital resources and efforts from child-affiliated institutions to handle the problem. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role of social capital variables and institutional support on vulnerable children’s emotional and behavioral adjustment (E/BA) in Ethiopia. A correlational research design was employed to investigate the relationships among variables. A total of 250 vulnerable children were randomly selected and filled adapted scales/questionnaires of the study. Independent t-test, correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression were utilized to analyze the collected data through SPSS version 20. The findings show that social capital variables and institutional support have significant negative association with vulnerable children’s E/BA. All the variables jointly explained 31.7% of the variances of E/BA, where institutional support and peer social capital were significant unique contributors. These results suggest that children with high perceived social capital resources and institutional support reported lower emotional and behavioral problems, which led to better adjustment. Finally, children’s demographic variables have insignificant correlation and predictive roles on vulnerable children’s E/BA. Social capital variables and institutional support show significant negative association with, and predict a significant proportion of emotional and behavioral adjustment problems of vulnerable children. The result suggests that any child protection practices for vulnerable children need to consider these social capital resources and strengthen them through appropriate interventions in order to improve the wellbeing of such children and ensure the sustainability of their care.
Board Characteristics and Disclosure of Environmental Sustainability Reports in Indonesia: Moderation Effects of Political Connection

The purpose of this study is to examine whether the characteristics of the board of commissioners in Indonesia affect the level of corporate environmental sustainability reporting, as well as to examine the moderating effect of political connections on the disclosure of environmental sustainability reports. The sample used was 80 companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2019-2021. The analysis technique used is Moderated Regression Analysis to examine the moderating effect of political connections and the effect of board characteristics on the disclosure of environmental sustainability reports. The results show that the board size variable has a significant positive effect on the disclosure level of environmental sustainability reports. Additionally, this study found that political connections weaken the influence of gender diversity on the disclosure of environmental sustainability reports. These findings provide valuable insights and evaluation for stakeholders aiming to implement good corporate governance practices to enhance environmental sustainability reporting performance. They can also serve as input for the government in developing guidelines for corporate sustainability reporting.
Recent Advances in Lanthanide Metal–Organic Framework Thin Films Based on Eu, Tb, Gd: Preparation and Application as Luminescent Sensors and Light-Emitting Devices

Lanthanide Metal–Organic Frameworks (LnMOFs), in recent years, have developed into an interesting subclass of MOFs. While the number of published papers, in particular, were dedicated to their synthesis and functional properties, along with the application mechanisms of MOFs, only a few of them have been focused on LnMOFs thin films independently. LnMOFs have become interesting thanks to their outstanding properties, for example, excellent structural flexibility, tunable pore size, surface area, functionality, and good chemical stability. Significant progress over the past two decades in the preparation of MOF films has been achieved, especially towards the development of green, or at least greener, synthesis approaches. We begin with insight into various types of MOFs and summarize recent achievements in the production of LnMOF films, along with various film preparation approaches. Afterward, we briefly discuss the applications of luminescence features of lanthanide ions in films and their potential as white-light source materials. We also covered films based on Eu, Tb, and Gd with particular accents on different design approaches. Moreover, specifically, luminescent features applied for sensing temperature, a variety of ions, gases, and biomolecules are highlighted. The review ends with a comprehensive conclusion about the state-of-art-potential of LnMOFs together with an outlook on the future of LnMOF films in future technologies.
The Effect of Aqueous Lessertia frutescens Extract on TM3 Leydig Cells Exposed to TNF-α in vitro.

BACKGROUND Extractions of Lessertia frutescens (Lf) are shown to have immune modulation, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, Lf is also cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and pro-apoptotic in vitro. Furthermore, Lf extractions may influence steroidogenesis. Nevertheless, the impact on Leydig cell function has not previously been investigated. As tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is known to cause Leydig cell dysfunction under inflammatory conditions, it is further proposed that Lf extracts may protect against the negative impact of TNF-α on Leydig cells. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of an aqueous Lessertia frutescens extract (LFE) on Leydig cells exposed to TNF-αin vitro. METHODS Human chorionic gonadotrophin-stimulated TM3 Leydig cells were exposed for 24 h to (a) TNF-α (0.1, 1, 10, 100 ng/mL), (b) LFE (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 ng/mL), and (c) co-exposure to 10 ng/mL TNF-α and LFE (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 ng/mL). We analyzed cell viability, cytotoxicity, caspase 3/7 activation, testosterone concentration, and intracellular superoxide. RESULTS TNF-α exposure decreased cell viability, increased cytotoxicity, and caspase 3/7, with no significant effect on intracellular superoxide in TM3 Leydig cells. When LFE concentrations of 0.01-10 ng/mL were tested, we observed improved vitality and reduced levels of caspase 3/7. At 100 ng/mL, LFE decreased viability and increased cytotoxicity and caspase 3/7. However, LFE did not affect intracellular superoxide. Furthermore, LFE protected against 10 ng/mL TNF-α-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis, except at the highest concentration. LFE alone and in co-culture with 10 ng/mL TNF-α increased testosterone at high concentrations. CONCLUSIONS In our TM3 Leydig cell model, LFE protected against TNF-α-induced cytotoxicity and early apoptosis, except at the highest experimental concentrations, where it was cytotoxic. These effects were not mediated through a change in intracellular superoxide. Although further investigations are warranted, aqueous LFE may protect against TNF-α-induced Leydig cell dysfunction.
Jurnal Ekonomi dan Pembangunan Indonesia Jurnal Ekonomi dan Pembangunan Indonesia

One important aspect of ﬁscal desentralization policy is delegation of authority and responsibility of management of public ﬁnance to regional governments, especially those of municipalities/districts. After more than ten years of implementation, it is now the right time to evaluate the policy questioning how eﬀective its impacts on regional economic development. The study intends to ﬁnd on how eﬀective the performance of regional public ﬁnance is in providing basic infrastructures and how eﬀective the provision of basic infrastru-ctures reduces the poverty rates. By using panel data methods, this study conﬁrms the positive relationship between performance of regional ﬁnance management and provision of basic infrastructures (especially those of road and electricity, but not that of drinking water). On the other hand, the relationship between the provision of basic infrastructures and poverty rates, as expected, is negative. This ﬁnding strengthens the belief that it is necessary to further enhance the basic infrastructures development to reduce poverty rates.
Factors That Predict Food Skills in Canadian Gym Members: A National Cross-Sectional Survey

This study determined predictors of food skills in Canadian gym members. A random sample of gym members were invited to complete a validated Food Skills Questionnaire with supplementary questions. All questions/variables significantly associated (p < 0.05) and fair-to-moderately correlated (r ≥ 0.40) with Total Food Skills (TFSs) were analyzed by multiple regression. The respondents’ (n = 576) mean ± SD age was 41.3 ± 14.8 years, with 67.3% females and 13.2% students. The mean TFSs score was 77.1 ± 11.9 (maximum 100). Females reported higher TFSs than males; however, this did not remain significant when nutrition-related beliefs were considered. Increasing age, taking a nutrition/cooking course, teen meal preparation, primary cook, time preparing weekend meals, believing that preparing healthy food is important, and self-reported nutritional quality of diet and nutrition knowledge were positively associated with TFSs (p < 0.05). Purchasing food/beverages from convenience stores, buying pre-prepared dinners, and being a student were negatively associated with TFSs (p < 0.05). The strongest predictors of TFSs were self-reported nutrition knowledge and nutritional quality of diet. The adjusted R2 increased by 0.30 when food-related experiences/behaviours and nutrition-related beliefs were included in the final model, which accounted for 50% of the variance in TFSs. Food experiences/behaviours and nutrition beliefs, which are associated with food skills, are potential intermediary targets for programs and/or research to improve food skills.
The migration through Europe and wintering in West Africa of Curlew Sandpipers

The migration of Curlew Sandpipers Calidris ferruginea in Europe and north-west Africa is reviewed by bringing together sightings of visible migration, counts at resting sites, and ringing recoveries to put into perspective the occasional influxes of this species into north-west Europe. Data on counts, catching, weights and moult obtained in north-west Africa are presented and the species' wintering status in west Africa is reviewed. Most Curlew Sandpipers occurring in these regions appear to migrate between northern USSR and West Africa via European Russia and the Black and Mediterranean seas. There is a smaller regular autumn passage through N W. Europe but these birds tend to join the majority in the more easterly route in spring. In years of high breeding success and certain weather patterns over northern Europe large numbers of juveniles are displaced westwards resulting in the occasional large influxes into Western Europe. Unlike the regular N.W. European component, these birds use a more easterly course in later autumns. The early departure of males from the breeding grounds results in different migration and moult schedules between the sexes but it is not known if wintering grounds are also different. More work is required in west and central Africa to clarify the winter distribution of this species.
Factor that Drives Consumer to Shop Online

The growing infiltration of internet and the prolific growth of smart phone use among Indian consumer has made a significant transformation in the manner of how consumer in present time does its business. Indian consumer is extremely specific about what product or service they have to buy and from where to buy given the choice of online and offline. However, limited are the studies that gives a comprehensive result of what factor that drives a consumer to shop online. Therefore, to fill this void this study will only focus consumer intention to purchase online through online.
The Supplementation of Sechium edule var. nigrum spinosum (Chayote) Promotes Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Protection in Older Adults with Metabolic Syndrome

The aim was to determine the effect of Sechium edule var. nigrum spinosum (chayote) on gene expression related to antioxidant protection mechanisms and the inflammatory process in older adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). A quasi-experimental study was carried out in a convenience sample of 46 older adults diagnosed with MetS: (i) placebo group (PG; n = 20); (ii) experimental group (EG; n = 26). The clinical, biochemical, anthropometric parameters and SOD, GPx, and CAT enzyme activity, alongside total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α), and mRNA expression of SOD, GPx, CAT, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, Nrf2, NFkB p50, and NFkB p65, were measured at baseline and 6 months post-intervention. A statistically significant decrease was observed in TOS (baseline, 28.9 ± 3.6 vs. post, 23.7 ± 3.4, p < 0.01) and OSI (baseline, 24.1 ± 3.8 vs. post, 17.7 ± 4), as well as an increase in IL-6 (baseline, 10.7 ± 1.1 vs. post, 12.3 ± 2, p = 0.03), SOD activity (baseline, 167.1 ± 11.9 vs. post, 180.6 ± 7.6, p < 0.05), CAT activity (baseline, 1.0 ± 0.2 vs. post, 1.3 ± 0.2, p < 0.01), and TAS (baseline, 1.1 ± 0.1 vs. post, 1.4 ± 0.1, p < 0.01) in the EG compared to the PG. Regarding the expression of Nrf2, SOD, and IL-6, the EG showed a significant increase vs. basal levels (47%, 44%, and 43%, respectively). Our findings suggest that Sechium edule supplementation promotes the antioxidant response and decreases oxidative stress via Nrf2.
Closure of "Analytical Model for Particle Migration within Base Soil-Filter System"

This study highlights a mathematical (analytical) model simulating the filtration phenomenon applicable to a base soil-filter system, incorporating the hydraulic conditions and the relevant material properties such as porosity, density, friction angle, and the shape and distribution of particles. The model is founded on the concept of critical hydraulic gradient derived from limit equilibrium considerations, where the migration of particles is assumed to occur under applied hydraulic gradients exceeding this critical value. The rate of particle erosion, and hence, the filter effectiveness is quantified on the basis of mass and momentum conservation theories. By dividing the base soil and filter domains into discrete elements, the model is capable of predicting the time-dependent particle gradation and permeability of each element, thereby the amount of material eroded from or retained within the system. Laboratory tests conducted on a fine base material verify the validity of the model. The model predictions are also compared with the available empirical recommendations, including the conventional grading ratios.
The role of the global network of cities in the development of peripheral cities and regions

This study seeks to understand the implications of the global network of cities for the development of peripheral cities in peripheral regions (D cities) such as Lagos through the growth and expansion of their firms, by comparing the geography of this network with the geography of Lagos firms’ global interactions. A first phase drew a sample of corporate location data spanning 1,625 cities to construct a graph of the global network, subdivided into seven regions and 11 industrial sectors. This was analysed with both visual and computational methods. A second phase involved fieldwork in which senior staff at 20 Lagos firms were interviewed about their firms’ global and regional interactions. The location data thus obtained were used to construct a graph of the network centred on Lagos and spanning 219 cities, analysed in the same way. While intrafirm ties remain important for describing the geography of the global network towards its core, interfirm ties may be increasingly important for describing its geography towards its periphery. Lagos’ interfirm ties reveal that core cities in peripheral regions such as Johannesburg (C cities) play a weaker role than Friedmann’s (1986) “world city hypothesis” suggests, while peripheral cities in core regions (B cities) play a stronger role. Lagos acts like a funnel, taking the products and knowledge developed in B cities and bringing them to market in other D cities. A theoretical framework is constructed, which suggests that rather than seek further ties to the existing core of the network, firms in D cities such as Lagos should broaden their connections amongst other peripheral cities (both B and D cities). This effectively puts their cities at the core of new components within the wider global network, a proposition which resonates with sociologist Immanuel Wallerstein’s (1984) theories of “economic worlds” and with urbanist Jane Jacob’s (1984) argument that “backward cities need one another”.