Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phytochemistry, Biological, and Toxicity Study on Aqueous and Methanol Extracts of Chromolaena odorata

The medicinal plant Chromolaena odorata is traditionally used by people living in different communities of Nepal and the globe against diabetes, soft tissue wounds, skin infections, diarrhea, malaria, and several other infectious diseases. The present study focuses on the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses and antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and toxicity of the plant for assessing its pharmacological potential. The extracts of flowers, leaves, and stems were prepared using methanol and distilled water as the extracting solvents. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were estimated by using the Folin–Ciocalteu phenol reagent method and the aluminum chloride colorimetric method. Antioxidant and antidiabetic activities were assessed using the DPPH assay and α-glucosidase inhibition assay. A brine shrimp assay was performed to study the toxicity, and the antibacterial activity test was performed by the agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, quinones, terpenoids, and coumarins as secondary metabolites. The methanol extract of leaves and flowers displayed the highest phenolic and flavonoid content with 182.26 ± 1.99 mg GAE/g, 128.57 ± 7.62 mg QE/g and 172.65 ± 0.48 mg GAE/g, 121.74 ± 7.06 mg QE/g, respectively. The crude extracts showed the highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 32.81 ± 5.26 µg/mL and 41.00 ± 1.10 µg/mL, respectively. The methanol extract of the leaves was found to be effective against bacterial strains such as K. pneumoniae (ZOI = 9.67 ± 0.32 mm), B. subtilis (ZOI = 15.00 ± 0 mm), and E. coli (7.3 ± 0.32 mm). The methanol extract of the flowers showed the most α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 227.63 ± 11.38 µg/mL), followed by the methanol extract of leaves (IC50 249.50 ± 0.97 µg/mL). The aqueous extract of the flowers showed the toxic effect with LC50 107.31 ± 49.04 µg/mL against the brine shrimp nauplii. In conclusion, C. odorata was found to be a rich source of plant secondary metabolites such as phenolics and flavonoids with potential effects against bacterial infection, diabetes, and oxidative stress in humans. The toxicity study showed that the aqueous extract of flowers possesses pharmacological activities. This study supports the traditional use of the plant against infectious diseases and diabetes and provides some scientific validation.
Insights into the Role of Galectin-3 as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular atrial activity and the most prevalent type of arrhythmia. Although AF is easily diagnosed with an electrocardiogram, there is a keen interest in identifying an easy-to-dose biomarker that can predict the prognosis of AF and its recurrence. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a beta-galactoside binding protein from the lectin family with pro-fibrotic and -inflammatory effects and a pivotal role in a variety of biological processes, cell proliferation, and differentiation; therefore, it is implicated in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular (e.g., heart failure (HF)) and noncardiovascular diseases. However, its specificity and sensitivity as a potential marker in AF patients remain debated and controversial. This article comprehensively reviewed the evidence regarding the interplay between Gal-3 and patients with AF. Clinical implications of measuring Gal-3 in AF patients for diagnosis and prognosis are mentioned. Moreover, the role of Gal-3 as a potential biomarker for the management of AF recurrence is investigated. The association of Gal-3 and AF in special populations (coronary artery disease, HF, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes mellitus) has been explored in this review. Overall, although further studies are needed to enlighten the role of Gal-3 in the diagnosis and treatment of AF, our study demonstrated the high potential of this molecule to be used and focused on by researchers and clinicians.
Preliminary Study of Social Withdrawal Behaviour in Vietnamese Adolescents

Objective: Social withdrawal behaviour is a modern psychosocial phenomenon that has been studied in many countries. However, this is a research gap in Vietnam – a developing country, with almost no research on this phenomenon. This study was conducted to explore the context of social withdrawal behaviour among Vietnamese adolescents. Method: By designing a cross-sectional study on 1071 representative participants from three regions of the country, we have discovered that 1.77% of the selected participants experience this behaviour. Result: The common social withdrawal expressions in adolescents are being alone, not participating in meetings, not requiring others to interact and not talking to others, which can be categorized into two groups: Without interaction when being in the context that is required to participate, and (2) Choose to work alone if possible. These findings broaden our understanding of the possibility of facing this phenomenon in adolescents currently. Conclusion: This preliminary study can guide future studies on social withdrawal in a developing country. Despite the acknowledged limitations, our study provided an important insight into the social withdrawal in adolescents from a developing and multicultural country, thus contributing to the existing literature. Moreover, the research and development of other theoretical frameworks on social withdrawal is an indispensable direction to strengthen and broaden our understanding of this field.
Immune Thrombosis: Exploring the Significance of Immune Complexes and NETosis

Simple Summary While neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are released by neutrophils as part of immune processes, there is extensive evidence of the involvement of NETs in pathological developments such as thrombosis. Immune complexes, formed by antibodies against diverse antigens, can trigger NETs formation, which induces a generation of neutrophil–platelet aggregates, platelet activation, vascular damage, and thrombus formation. Thromboses associated with autoimmune diseases and severe infections are thought to be caused by immune complex-induced NETs formation. Here, we explore the impact of immune complexes on NETs-associated thrombosis. Abstract Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are major contributors to inflammation and autoimmunity, playing a key role in the development of thrombotic disorders. NETs, composed of DNA, histones, and numerous other proteins serve as scaffolds for thrombus formation and promote platelet activation, coagulation, and endothelial dysfunction. Accumulating evidence indicates that NETs mediate thrombosis in autoimmune diseases, viral and bacterial infections, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. This article reviews the role and mechanisms of immune complexes in NETs formation and their contribution to the generation of a prothrombotic state. Immune complexes are formed by interactions between antigens and antibodies and can induce NETosis by the direct activation of neutrophils via Fc receptors, via platelet activation, and through endothelial inflammation. We discuss the mechanisms by which NETs induced by immune complexes contribute to immune thrombotic processes and consider the potential development of therapeutic strategies. Targeting immune complexes and NETosis hold promise for mitigating thrombotic events and reducing the burden of immune thrombosis.
A Comparison of GLDAS Soil Moisture Anomalies against Standardized Precipitation Index and Multisatellite Estimations over South America

AbstractThis study aims to compare simulated soil moisture anomalies derived from different versions of the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS), the standardized precipitation index (SPI), and a new multisatellite surface soil moisture product over southern South America. The main motivation is the need for assessing the reliability of GLDAS variables to be used in the characterization of soil state and its variability at the regional scale. The focus is on the southeastern part of South America (SESA), which is part of the La Plata basin, one of the largest basins of the world, where agriculture is the main source of income. The results show that GLDAS data capture soil moisture anomalies and their variability, taking into account regional and seasonal dependencies and showing correspondence with other proxies used to characterize soil states. Over large portions of the domain, and particularly over SESA, the correlation with the SPI is very high, with the second version of GLDAS, version 2 (GLD.
Critical failure factors for Quality 4.0: an exploratory qualitative study

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the adoption of Quality 4.0 (Q4.0) and assess the critical failure factors (CFFs) for its implementation and how its failure is measured.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative study based on in-depth interviews with quality managers and executives was conducted to establish the CFFs for Q4.0. FindingsThe significant CFFs highlighted were resistance to change and a lack of understanding of the concept of Q4.0. There was also a complete lack of access to or availability of training around Q4.0. Research limitations/implicationsThe study enhances the body of literature on Q4.0 and is one of the first research studies to provide insight into the CFFs of Q4.0. Practical implicationsBased on the discussions with experts in the area of quality in various large and small organizations, one can understand the types of Q4.0 initiatives and the CFFs of Q4.0. By identifying the CFFs, one can establish the steps for improvements for organizations worldwide if they want to implement Q4.0 in the future on the competitive global stage.Originality/valueThe concept of Q4.0 is at the very nascent stage, and thus, the CFFs have not been found in the extant literature. As a result, the article aids businesses in understanding possible problems that might derail their Q4.0 activities.
Crustal recycling by slab failure

Models for crustal recycling are based upon estimates of the amount of material being returned to the mantle today; thus, a better understanding of those processes will help to constrain the models. We suggest—through the use of an Early Proterozoic example in the Wopmay orogen—that failure of the subducting slab during collision leads to large quantities of crustal material being recycled into the mantle, that this process has been active since the Early Proterozoic, and that it may explain the paucity of rift deposits in other orogens.
III.—Saurischia and Ornithischia

In 1888 the late Professor H. G. Seeley pointed out for the first time (Rep. Brit. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 1888, pp. 698–9) that Owens' order ‘Dinosauria’ should be divided into two great natural groups, especially on account of their pelvis. He called them Saurischia (=‘Theropoda’ + ‘Sauropoda’) and Ornithischia (=‘Orthopoda’). He maintained his, classification until his death in 1909, but nobody followed him. Only in 1907 did the present writer accept this classification and gave new evidences for it, but still was of opinion that these two groups only were ramifications of one natural unity, the ‘Dinosauria’. But now, for several years, the writer has come to the conclusion that the ‘Dinosauria’ are not of monophyletic origin, but have developed from different points, and should therefore be considered as two distinct natural orders. Superficial similarities have been valued too highly, such as general form and size of the body, bipedal locomotion in two large groups, certain similarities in the formation of the foot, the femur, the humerus, and the shouldergirdle.
Recent Subsidence-Rate Reductions in the Mississippi Delta and Their Geological Implications

Abstract The Mississippi Delta has long been characterized as an area of rapid subsidence; however, recent subsidence rates are substantially lower than previously reported. Tide-gauge records indicate that rates of relative sea-level rise were slow from 1947 until the mid-1960s, relatively fast from the mid-1960s until the early 1990s, and then slow since the early 1990s. These trends and rates are independently verified by repeat benchmark surveys and height monitoring at continuously operating geographic positioning system stations. Subsidence rates for the slow periods were a few millimeters per year, comparable to rates averaged over geological time scales that are attributed to natural processes such as shallow sediment compaction and deep crustal loading. The decadal pattern of slow, then rapid, then slow subsidence may be caused by natural deep-basin processes (e.g., gravity gliding and salt migration), but it is more likely related to rates of hydrocarbon production that followed the same temporal trends. If accelerated subsidence was primarily induced by reservoir compaction and fault reactivation associated with fluid withdrawal that also accelerated in the 1960s and 1970s, then the recent reductions in subsidence rates likely reflect a balancing of subsurface stresses and a return to near preproduction conditions.
Session to session transfer learning using regularized four parameters common spatial pattern method

Brain computer interface (BCI) has many useful applications to help disabled people that have an active brain with difficulties in movements and speaking. One of these applications is the wheelchair, this device is operated always by just one user no sharing or borrowing the device. One-user applications need features extraction methods with high classification accuracy and small training datasets, the variability of the subjects’ mood during the recorded sessions and the tiredness during the long sessions are serious problems that affect the classification accuracy in these applications. Transfer learning can solve the problem, by recording short and separated sessions for the same subject in different training times or days. The proposed method in this paper uses motor imagery (MI) signals from different recorded sessions by one user to build an acceptable size training dataset. To regularize different recording sessions, four tuning parameters that are independent from each other are generated using a loop, these parameters are used to find the ratios of the covariance matrices. The suggested method gives very good performance using a different number of training samples compared with six different common spatial patterns (CSP) methods using only two channels.
Co-Living at Its Best—An Empirical Study of Economies of Scale, Building Age, and Amenities of Housing Estates in Hong Kong

Co-living is commonly considered as an arrangement for rental housing. However, co-living in housing estates by sharing common amenities among co-owners has been practiced for many years in high-density cities. Yet, there have been very few empirical studies on the estate premium and the economies/diseconomies of scale effect on house prices, probably due to the lack of data. This study is a novel attempt to examine the economies/diseconomies of scale effect using the hedonic price model to estimate the impact of the number of housing units in a housing estate on house prices, ceteris paribus, using Hong Kong housing transaction data. The results confirm the hypothesis of estate premium and the economies of scale effect of co-living in housing estates. Economies of scale are observed, with larger estates commanding a premium of up to 5031 units, beyond which the effect declines, hinting at potential diseconomies. Building age moderates this effect, as we observe a larger scale effect in especially younger estates with lower maintenance costs. Additional tests confirm the positive correlation between amenities and prices, with an optimal amenity number enhancing prices, while excess amenities lead to diminishing returns. A case study reinforces these findings, demonstrating a general trend of decreasing management fees with increasing estate size, supporting the notion of economies of scale. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights for developers and homebuyers, emphasizing the importance of balancing estate size and amenities for cost-sharing advantages and effective management in co-living housing estates.
Current Advances and Future Strategies for BCL-2 Inhibitors: Potent Weapons against Cancers

Simple Summary The development of BCL-2 inhibitors as a pivotal approach in cancer treatment lies in their ability to effectively trigger apoptosis in tumor cells. Venetoclax, a highly selective BCL-2 inhibitor, has exhibited robust antitumor capacity in hematologic malignancies. However, patients undergoing venetoclax treatment often develop drug resistance, leading to a reduced sensitivity to BCL-2 inhibition therapy. Given the pronounced variations in venetoclax effectiveness attributed to patient heterogeneity, we demonstrated crucial gene mutations for the accurate prediction of the clinical responses to venetoclax. Our review encompasses not only advancements in hematologic tumors but also a comprehensive overview of recent progress in employing BCL-2 inhibitors to treat solid tumors. We summarize predictive biomarkers and synergistic drug combinations aimed at enhancing the efficacy of BCL-2 inhibition in solid tumors. This review offers innovative perspectives for translational studies on the application of BCL-2 inhibitors in cancer therapy. Abstract Targeting the intrinsic apoptotic pathway regulated by B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) antiapoptotic proteins can overcome the evasion of apoptosis in cancer cells. BCL-2 inhibitors have evolved into an important means of treating cancers by inducing tumor cell apoptosis. As the most extensively investigated BCL-2 inhibitor, venetoclax is highly selective for BCL-2 and can effectively inhibit tumor survival. Its emergence and development have significantly influenced the therapeutic landscape of hematological malignancies, especially in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia, in which it has been clearly incorporated into the recommended treatment regimens. In addition, the considerable efficacy of venetoclax in combination with other agents has been demonstrated in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma and certain lymphomas. Although venetoclax plays a prominent antitumor role in preclinical experiments and clinical trials, large individual differences in treatment outcomes have been characterized in real-world patient populations, and reduced drug sensitivity will lead to disease recurrence or progression. The therapeutic efficacy may vary widely in patients with different molecular characteristics, and key genetic mutations potentially result in differential sensitivities to venetoclax. The identification and validation of more novel biomarkers are required to accurately predict the effectiveness of BCL-2 inhibition therapy. Furthermore, we summarize the recent research progress relating to the use of BCL-2 inhibitors in solid tumor treatment and demonstrate that a wealth of preclinical models have shown promising results through combination therapies. The applications of venetoclax in solid tumors warrant further clinical investigation to define its prospects.
Interglacial clathrate destabilization on Mars: Possible contributing source of its atmospheric methane

The presence of methane has been recently detected in the martian atmosphere, suggesting a contemporary source such as volcanism or microbial activity. Here we show that methane may be released by the destabilization of methane clathrate hydrates, triggered by the interglacial climate change starting 0.4 Ma. Clathrate hydrates are nonstoichiometric crystalline compounds in which a water ice lattice forms cages that contain apolar gas molecules, such as methane [CH4· n H2O] and carbon dioxide [CO2· n H2O]. The loss of shallow ground ice eliminates confining pressure, initiating the destabilization of clathrate hydrates and the release of methane to the atmosphere. This alternative process does not restrict the methane's age to 430 yr (maximum residence time of methane gas in martian atmosphere), because clathrate hydrates can preserve (encage) methane of ancient origin for long time periods.
Cytotoxic and Antitumor Effects of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tagetes erecta in Lung Cancer Cells

Among all cancers, lung cancer is the one with the highest mortality rate, and it also has limited therapeutics. Antitumor agents based on medicinal plants have gained importance as a source of bioactive substances. Tagetes erecta is a plant of great cultural value, and recent reports have suggested its cytotoxic effects in tumor cells. Our objective was to evaluate the antitumor activity of Tagetes erecta extract in a lung carcinoma model. Hydroalcoholic extracts were obtained from fresh flowers and leaves of T. erecta; both extracts did not exert toxicity on Artemia salina. We observed cytotoxic effects induced by the floral extract in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) and breast tumor cell line (MCF7), but not by the leaf extract. In vivo, a xenograft lung carcinoma model was performed with LLC cells implanted on C57BL/6 mice, which showed that the floral extract reduced tumor growth and improved the effect of etoposide. Microscopic analysis of tumors showed a reduction in mitoses and an increase in necrotic areas with the extract and the etoposide. The main phytochemical compounds found are 2,3-dihydro-benzofuran, octadecanoic acid, benzenacetic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and acetic acid. We conclude that the hydroalcoholic extract of T. erecta flowers has cytotoxic effects in lung carcinoma cells and enhances the effect of etoposide.
Cloud and cloud shadow effects on the MODIS vegetation index composites of the Korean Peninsula

The impact of cloud and cloud shadows on clear-sky Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) vegetation index (VI) composite images of the Korean Peninsula was evaluated using four different composite schemes, including weekly, 10 day, biweekly, and monthly maximum value composites. Daily MODIS surface reflectance data were acquired and processed to compute normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI) data sets with the four compositing periods. On average, 65% of the year was cloudy, and biweekly and monthly compositing periods were required to produce spatially continuous images. The means of composite VI maximums from cloud-shadowed pixels were slightly higher than those of clear-day composite data. It seems that the unusual VI highs from cloud-shadowed areas are often influenced by the data acquisition time of the year and viewing geometry of MODIS data products. Although biweekly composites have been frequently used for various applications, their regularity of pixel sampling intervals was lowest among the four data compositing schemes. This data sampling issue should be carefully examined for analyses of VI time-series composite data sets because leaf phenology studies often assume regular sampling intervals between composite periods to estimate the timing of green-up, maturity, senescence, and dormancy.