Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gene Transfer of Skeletal Muscle-Type Myosin Light Chain Kinase via Adeno-Associated Virus 6 Improves Muscle Functions in an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mouse Model

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that shows progressive muscle weakness. A few treatments exist including symptomatic therapies, which can prolong survival or reduce a symptom; however, no fundamental therapies have been found. As a therapeutic strategy, enhancing muscle force is important for patients’ quality of life. In this study, we focused on skeletal muscle-specific myosin regulatory light chain kinase (skMLCK), which potentially enhances muscle contraction, as overexpression of skMLCK was thought to improve muscle function. The adeno-associated virus serotype 6 encoding skMLCK (AAV6/skMLCK) and eGFP (control) was produced and injected intramuscularly into the lower limbs of SOD1G37R mice, which are a familial ALS model. AAV6/skMLCK showed the successful expression of skMLCK in the muscle tissues. Although the control did not affect the muscle force in both of the WT and SOD1G37R mice, AAV6/skMLCK enhanced the twitch force of SOD1G37R mice and the tetanic force of WT and SOD1G37R mice. These results indicate that overexpression of skMLCK can enhance the tetanic force of healthy muscle as well as rescue weakened muscle function. In conclusion, the gene transfer of skMLCK has the potential to be a new therapy for ALS as well as for other neuromuscular diseases.
Short term outcome of arthroscopic drilling of osteochondral lesions of the talus

Background: Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are any defects involving either the articular surface or the subchondral bone of the talus that encompass osteochondritis dissecans, osteochondral defects, and osteochondral fractures. These lesions often arise idiopathically or are related to acute trauma or repetitive microtrauma. The arthroscopic technique allows precise access to the site of injury and less tissue damage, allowing faster and functional recovery with fewer complication inherent to medial malleolus osteotomy or miniarthrotomy such as Infection, neurovascular injury, risk of injury to surrounding structures, risk of consolidation, delay or pseudoarthrosis and joint degeneration in the long term and increasing the possibility of the osteoarthritis. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the short term results of arthroscopic drilling of osteochondral lesions of the talus including preoperative assessment, operative techniques and short term result. Methods: The study was conducted at orthopedic surgery departmentBehna university hospital on 20 patients with osteochondral lesion talus who arrived to the outpatient clinics of orthopedic surgery departmentin the period between (June 2019 to September 2020) and are fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Three-quarters of the patients (75.0%) showed the traumatic mechanism of injury. The mean weight was 64 kg. About two-thirds (65.05) play sports. Only 10.0% of the patients had DM. Most patients were re-creational atheletes (65.0%). Most patients showed chondral lesion type (90.0%). The mean size was 1.1 cm. The most frequent location was posteromedial (55.0%), followed by anterolateral (35.0%) and central (10.0%). The most frequent radiographic classification was IIa (40.0%), followed by III (25.0%), while the least frequent classification was IV (15%). The most frequent MRI staging was IIa (40.0%), while the least frequent was V (5.0%). The most frequent CT staging was IIa (30.0%), while the least frequent were I, IIb, and IV (15% for each). The most frequent arthroscopic staging was B (30.0%), while the least frequent was A (5.0%). Conclusion: Treatment of osteochondral injuries of the talus by arthroscopy and injury resection with drilling and debridement improves pain and function of the ankle, regardless of the stage of the injury and its medial or lateral location.
Evaluation of Biocompatibility of two bioactive composite resin materials versus MTA: A Comparative histopathological study

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the biocompatibility of two bioactive materials, Cention N (CN) and ACTIVA bioactive, then compare the result with that of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) as a retrograde filling materials. Methods: Sixty Albino male rats were used in the study, four polyethylene tubes were subcutaneously implanted into the rats, an empty one was used as a control group, and the other three tubes were filled with ACTIVA, Cention N and MTA-HP. Rats were then divided into three groups (n = 20 rats) following the sacrification time into three intervals: one, two and three weeks, then, the tissue specimens were analyzed histopathologically. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: ANOVA test showed that the lowest inflammatory reaction was recorded for ACTIVA while a high degree of chronic inflammation was recorded for MTA group, with highly significant differences, P< 0.001. ACTIVA bioactive material exhibited observable decline of inflammation and fibrosis in a comparison to the control. Conclusions: The two bioactive materials showed a higher biocompatibility comparable to MTA. ACTIVA showed the highest degree of biocompatibility related to the decreased intensity of inflammation, with well-formed fibrous connective tissue conversion and improved healing patterns.
EFFECT OF SOME MULCHING METHODS AS POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE MEASURES ON BROOMRAPE, ANNUAL WEEDS CONTROL AND PRODUCTIVITY OF TWO FABA BEAN CULTIVARS

Two field experiments were conducted in a naturally infested field with annual weeds and broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk.) at Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt, during 2018/19 and 2019/20 winter seasons. The aims of this work were (1) investigate the performance of two cultivars of faba bean (Giza 843 and Sakha 3) under some weed control treatments [mulching with the rice straw, mulching with the sorghum straw, mulching with the black plastic, mulching with the white plastic, mulching with the blue plastic, stomp extra at rate 1.5 L/fed + Round up at rate 75 cm 3 /fed, (hand hoeing + hand pulling) twice and untreated check) (2) Effect of some weed control treatments on annual weeds and broomrape, faba bean yield and its components. The results indicated that the cultivar Giza 843 decreased exhibited the lowest dry weight of broadleaved, grassy and total annual weeds by 27.2, 20.8 and 20.9 %, respectively as compared to Sakha 3. It also, decreased broomrape spike length, number of spikes/ plant and dry weight of spikes/m 2 by 30.9, 38.5 and 38.3 %, respectively. In addition, it scored the highest values of yield and its components, compared to the cultivar Sakha 3. Moreover, all weed control treatments significantly decreased dry weight of total annual weeds and broomrape, and increased yield components in both seasons. The highest values obtained for faba bean yield (ardab./fed.) yield were detected for mulching with sorghum straw and mulching with black plastic for nine weeks, followed by stomp extra + Round up, mulching with rice straw, mulching with blue plastic and mulching with white by 71.8, 68.9, 67.9, 66.1, 64.2 and 60.9 %, respectively compared to the control treatment. The interaction between faba bean cultivars and weed control treatments exerted a significantly integrated impact on annual weeds and broomrape characters which was reflected on increases in yield faba bean and its components. From the results of correlation analysis, the dry weight of total annual weeds and broomrape biomass negatively correlated with faba bean yield and its components. These results indicated that in soil infested with annual weeds and broomrape, it is better to grow the cultivar Giza 843 with the application of weed control treatments such as mulching with the sorghum straw, or mulching with black plastic for nine weeks or stomp extra at rate 1.5 L/fed + Round up at rate 75cm 3 /fed. These practices gave the highest reduction in annual weeds and broomrape density and increased faba bean yield and its components and improved faba bean productivity.
Effects of Mind-Body Interventions on Adolescents’ Cooperativeness and Emotional Symptoms

Background: Mind-body interventions may support the development of adolescents’ self-regulation and provide a protective effect against maladaptive outcomes, e.g., internalizing and externalizing problems. The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of mindfulness-oriented meditation training (MOM) and autogenic training (AT) on a group of healthy Italian adolescents’ character dimensions, emotional and behavioral difficulties. Methods: 72 adolescents were randomly assigned to MOM/AT conditions and tested before and after the 8-week trainings through self-report measures (Temperament and Character Inventory 125, TCI; Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for Adolescents, SDQ-A). Main analyses involved robust and repeated measures ANOVAs, carried out separately for character TCI and SDQ-A scales. Results: After trainings, we found increased levels of cooperativeness and reduced emotional symptoms. Changes in these dimensions were negatively correlated: the more participants increased in their cooperativeness the greater decrease they showed in emotional symptoms. Conclusion: Both MOM and AT enhanced a cooperative attitude in adolescents and helped reducing their emotional problems. Therefore, it may be useful to apply these mind-body interventions in school settings as they can have a protective effect on the well-being and psychosocial adjustment of youths, through fostering their character maturity and helping them to better regulate their emotions.
Investigating Student Engagement and Making Science Real during a Pandemic: Bioskills at Home, a Case Study

Development of key practical skills is fundamental to bioscience courses in higher education. With limitations on access to laboratory time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a “Bioskills at home” kit was developed to create opportunities for first year undergraduate students to develop these skills using online support resources to guide their activities and build communities of learning. Equipment and activities in this kit enabled students to practice key skills such as pipetting, data handling, experimental design and microscopy, as well as build an online peer learning community through the use of discussion boards and microscopy competitions that encouraged students to explore their local environment. Students who engaged with these activities reported increased confidence in key practical skills. Practical assessment of skills showed that that there was no reduction in the proportion of students who succeeded in achieving the pipetting learning objective compared to previous years, despite a significantly reduced on-campus provision. Although the celebration event to choose the microscopy competition winners was well attended, there was limited use of the discussion boards by students to build a community of learning during the term. Refinement of this initiative will focus on providing greater scaffolding to encourage greater engagement with activities and enhance community building.
Mitochondrial Pathophysiology on Chronic Kidney Disease

In healthy kidneys, interstitial fibroblasts are responsible for the maintenance of renal architecture. Progressive interstitial fibrosis is thought to be a common pathway for chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Diabetes is one of the boosters of CKD. There is no effective treatment to improve kidney function in CKD patients. The kidney is a highly demanding organ, rich in redox reactions occurring in mitochondria, making it particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress (OS). A dysregulation in OS leads to an impairment of the Electron transport chain (ETC). Gene deficiencies in the ETC are closely related to the development of kidney disease, providing evidence that mitochondria integrity is a key player in the early detection of CKD. The development of novel CKD therapies is needed since current methods of treatment are ineffective. Antioxidant targeted therapies and metabolic approaches revealed promising results to delay the progression of some markers associated with kidney disease. Herein, we discuss the role and possible origin of fibroblasts and the possible potentiators of CKD. We will focus on the important features of mitochondria in renal cell function and discuss their role in kidney disease progression. We also discuss the potential of antioxidants and pharmacologic agents to delay kidney disease progression.
Insight into Structural Features of Magnetic Kaolinite Nanocomposite and Its Potential for Methylene Blue Dye Removal from Aqueous Solution

An in-depth understanding on the structural features of engineered magnetic adsorbent is important for forecasting its efficiencies for environmental clean-up studies. A magnetic kaolinite nanocomposite (MKN) was prepared using Malaysia’s natural kaolinite via co-precipitation method with a three different clay: iron oxide mass ratio (MKN 1:1, MKN 2:1 and MKN 5:1). The morphology and structural features of the magnetic composites were systematically investigated using techniques, such as: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), surface area analysis (BET), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), and zeta potential measurement. The removal efficiencies of the adsorbent for Methylene Blue (MB) dye were studied in batch method as a function of pH and initial concentration. MKN1:1 demonstrated the highest magnetisation susceptibility (Ms) of 35.9 emu/g with four-fold-increase in specific surface area as compared to the pristine kaolinite. Preliminary experiment reveals that all MKNs showed almost 100% removal of MB at low initial concentration (<50 ppm). The spent MKN adsorbent demonstrated an easy recovery via external magnetic field separation and recorded maximum adsorption capacity of 18.1 mg/g. This research gives an insight on the surface characteristics of magnetic clay composite for potential application as an effective and low-cost adsorbent in treating dye contaminated water. Copyright © 2022 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Relation between Quality of Life and Sex of Patients Post Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most prevalent of heart diseases and the main cause of mortalities in the world today which affect patients’ QOL. Quality of life has emerged as an important concept and outcome in health and health care. The concept of quality of life refers to a person or groups perceived physical and mental health over time. Women with coronary artery disease report worse QOL after coronary artery bypass surgery when compared with male. A quality of life approach works to ensure that the level of the well-being of people remains high despite the possibility of increasing number of people with disabilities or declining abilities. Objective: The study aimed to identify the relation between quality of life and sex of patients post coronary artery bypass surgery. Setting: The study was conducted at the open heart outpatient clinic (male & female) at Alexandria Main University Hospital and Shark El Medina Hospital. Subjects: A convenience sample of 160 adult patients after CABG, their age ranged from 21up to 60. Tool: One tool was used by the researcher to collect the data; Quality of Life of Adult Patients Post Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery. It was divided into two parts; Part I: Sociodemographic data sheet, Part II: "Euro Quality of life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) structure interview schedule". Results: Findings of the present study revealed that males have higher mean score and higher quality of life related to mobility, self-care and usual activities as compared with females. There is a high statistical significant relation between overall average score for EQ-5D and Euro Quality of Life Visual Analogue Scale (EQVAS) and determinant length period postoperatively. The determinant length period postoperatively of the study patients is significantly associated with difference in dimension scores of mobility, self-care, usual activities pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression dimensions. Moreover group2 (post three months post operatively) have higher mean score and higher quality of life related to these dimensions as compared to group1 (post one month and half post operatively. Conclusion: CABG surgery improves patients QOL, but men achieved more improvement than women. Patients’ QOL post three months was better than patients’ QOL post one month and half. Recommendations: Standards of care and guidelines should be developed to improve the patient's quality of life post CABG especially for women.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Prior Fertility-Sparing Surgery in Women with FIGO 2018 Stage IB2 Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review

Simple Summary In order to provide our contribution to the knowledge of women affected by IB2 cervical cancer, who wish to preserve fertility, we revised and updated the available literature in the debated issue of neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to fertility-sparing treatment. The effectiveness of preoperative chemotherapy in tumors larger than 2 cm virtually proposes a conservative opportunity to a broader group of women, while keeping low, and hopefully absent, the risk of local and distant relapse. Available studies of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to the fertility-sparing approach have shown that a suboptimal response at surgery seems to be an independent prognostic factor in poorer survival, and, therefore, the careful selection of patients and the surgical approach after neoadjuvant chemotherapy remains crucial. Finally, we proposed an algorithm to be helpful in the decision-making process of that subgroup of patients. Abstract Nowadays, the optimal management of patients with cervical cancers measuring 2–4 cm desiring to maintain fertility is still uncertain. In this systematic review, we assessed the reliability of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) prior to fertility-sparing (FS) surgery in International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2018 stage IB2 cervical cancer, in terms of pathologic response, oncological and obstetric outcomes. The review of the literature was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data, using MEDLINE and PubMed, were searched for from 1 January 2005 up to 1 December 2020. We identified 20 articles and 114 women with IB2 disease, possible candidates for NACT prior to FS surgery. However, uterine conservation was achieved only in 76.7% of them. Patients reached optimal pathological response to NACT in 60.9% of cases and a TIP (cisplatin, ifosfamide and paclitaxel) regime was related to the best response. Suboptimal response to NACT appeared to be an independent negative prognostic factor. Up to 9.2% of patients recurred with a median 7.4-months DFS, and 4.6% of patients died of disease. Fifty percent of women tried to conceive after treatment and NACT prior to conization appeared to be the most promising alternative to upfront radical trachelectomy in terms of obstetric outcomes. In conclusion, NACT prior to FS surgery is an option, but the literature about this issue is still weak and FS should be carefully discussed with patients.
A Machine Learning-Based Study of the Effects of Air Pollution and Weather in Respiratory Disease Patients Visiting Emergency Departments

Background To date, investigating respiratory disease patients visiting the emergency departments related with fined dust is limited. This study aimed to analyze the effects of two variable-weather and air pollution on respiratory disease patients who visited emergency departments. Methods This study utilized the National Emergency Department Information System (NEDIS) database. The meteorological data were obtained from the National Climate Data Service. Each weather factor reflected the accumulated data of 4 days: a patient's visit day and 3 days before the visit day. We utilized the RandomForestRegressor of scikit-learn for data analysis. Result The study included 525,579 participants. This study found that multiple variables of weather and air pollution influenced the respiratory diseases of patients who visited emergency departments. Most of the respiratory disease patients had acute upper respiratory infections [J00–J06], influenza [J09–J11], and pneumonia [J12–J18], on which PM10 following temperature and steam pressure was the most influential. As the top three leading causes of admission to the emergency department, pneumonia [J12–J18], acute upper respiratory infections [J00–J06], and chronic lower respiratory diseases [J40–J47] were highly influenced by PM10. Conclusion Most of the respiratory patients visiting EDs were diagnosed with acute upper respiratory infections, influenza, and pneumonia. Following temperature, steam pressure and PM10 had influential relations with these diseases. It is expected that the number of respiratory disease patients visiting the emergency departments will increase by day 3 when the steam pressure and temperature values are low, and the variables of air pollution are high. The number of respiratory disease patients visiting the emergency departments will increase by day 3 when the steam pressure and temperature values are low, and the variables of air pollution are high.
Candida isolation from peritoneal fluid: Its role in the outcome of patients with perforation peritonitis

Objective: Perforation peritonitis is a common surgical emergency which is treated by surgery and antibiotics. Candida isolation in peritoneal fluid and antifungal treatment is not a norm. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of Candida in peritoneal fluid and its role in the outcome of patients with perforation peritonitis. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 70 patients with perforation peritonitis from October 2016 to February 2018. Intraoperatively, peritoneal fluid was taken and sent for microbiological culture and sensitivity. Perforation was managed according to the site of perforation and condition of bowel. Results: The mean age of the patients was 38.74 years with male predominance (58, 82.85%). Forty-seven (67.14%) patients had positive peritoneal cultures. Escherichia coli was the most common bacteria (n=29), while Candida was found to be the most common fungi and was found in 18 patients. The incidence of Candida was higher in upper gastro-duodenal perforation (30, 42.85%). Patients found positive for Candida had APACHE II severity score 10 or more which was higher than the rest of the patients. The mortality was higher in patients with positive peritoneal cultures (10/47) as compare to negative ones (2/23, P<0.001). The mortality in mixed bacterial and fungal-positive cultures (7/18) was also higher as compared to isolated bacterial culture (3/29, P<0.001). The overall mortality rate was 17.14%. Conclusion: Patients with Candida positive peritoneal culture had a significant mortality and morbidity as compared to Candida negative. Peritoneal fluid culture and sensitivity for bacterial and fungal were helpful in the early diagnosis and treatment.