Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biological response of adrenal carcinoma and melanoma cells to mitotane treatment

A previous case report described an adrenal incidentaloma initially misdiagnosed as adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), which was treated with mitotane. The final diagnosis was metastatic melanoma of unknown primary origin. However, the patient developed rapid disease progression after mitotane withdrawal, suggesting a protective role for mitotane in a non-adrenal-derived tumor. The aim of the present study was to determine the biological response of primary melanoma cells obtained from that patient, and that of other established melanoma and ACC cell lines, to mitotane treatment using a proliferation assay, flow cytometry, quantitative PCR and microarrays. Although mitotane inhibited the proliferation of both ACC and melanoma cells, its role in melanoma treatment appears to be limited. Flow cytometry analysis and transcriptomic studies indicated that the ACC cell line was highly responsive to mitotane treatment, while the primary melanoma cells showed a moderate response in vitro. Mitotane modified the activity of several key biological processes, including ‘mitotic nuclear division’, ‘DNA repair’, ‘angiogenesis’ and ‘negative regulation of ERK1 and ERK2 cascade’. Mitotane administration led to elevated levels of DNA double-strand breaks, necrosis and apoptosis. The present study provides a comprehensive insight into the biological response of mitotane-treated cells at the molecular level. Notably, the present findings offer new knowledge on the effects of mitotane on ACC and melanoma cells.
Comprehensive Assessment of the Left Ventricular Systolic Function in the Elderly with Acute Myocardial Infarction Using Echocardiography

Aim To evaluate the left ventricular (LV) systolic function in elderly with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT-3DE) and two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (STI). Methods Forty NSTEMI and forty STEMI patients after undergoing percutaneous coronary artery intervention (PCI) were enrolled. The myocardial segments were supplied by the infarct-related artery (Myo-IRA) which were indicated by the selective coronary arteriography (SCA). The LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), end-systolic volume (LVESV), stroke volume (LVSV) and ejection fraction (LVEF) were acquired by 4D LV Volume Tom Tec. LV longitudinal peak systolic strain (LPSS), radial peak systolic strain (RPSS), circumferential peak systolic strain (CPSS) of Myo-IRA segments, LV rotational peak degree in the base (rot-base) and in the apex (rot-apex), and twist were acquired by strain analysis software. Forty older healthy individuals were included as normal controls. Results The LVEF of the NSTEMI and STEMI patients at 1 week after PCI were significantly lower (P<0.05), then, this parameter was improved in both groups after 3 months, but was still significantly lower than that of the controls (P<0.05). The LPSS, RPSS, CPSS of the Myo−IRA segments, rot−Base, rot−Apex and twist in both groups were significantly lower than those in the controls. The LPSS and CPSS of the Myo-IRA segments, rot−Base, rot−Apex and twist in NSTEMI patients were obviously higher than those in STEMI patients in 1 week and 3 months after PCI (P<0.05). After 3 months, the RPSS of NSTEMI patients was improved notably and was obviously higher than that of STEMI patients (P<0.05). All these values in STEMI and NSTEMI patients were improved after 3 months, apart from LPSS in STEMI patients (P>0.05), but were still significantly lower than those in the controls (P<0.05). Conclusion RT-3DE and STI can sensitively assess LV systolic function with different extents of transmural damage.
Egyptian renal data system (ERDS) 2020: an annual report of end-stage kidney disease patients on regular hemodialysis

A patient registry is the collection of uniform data (clinical and others) to evaluate specified outcomes for a population defined by a particular disease or therapy (target disease or therapy) and that serves one or more predetermined scientific, clinical, or policy purposes. Our aim is to establish a renal database for hemodialysis patients (as a first step) that would help in providing the optimal health care to improve quality of life and prolong survival. Egyptian renal data system (ERDS) was established out of the firm belief that delivering a clear picture of the incidence, prevalence, and outcomes of hemodialysis-related problems in Egypt is the needed action to identify the real magnitude of the problem. ERDS is the Egyptian national registry of nephrology patients. It was founded and is run by the Egyptian Society of Nephrology and Transplantation (ESNT), the only official Egyptian Non-Governmental Organization representing nephrologists and officially managing some issues of the nephrology specialty in Egypt. ERDS until now registers data about patients with End stage kidney disease (ESKD) on chronic hemodialysis, but the plan is to include more patient groups in the future. Two types of data were collected; data about the dialysis units as a whole and data specific to each patient. Data entered by all units were exported from the digital system as a . csv file that can be opened by Microsoft Excel. Data analysis was carried out by Microsoft Excel functions and Microsoft Power Business Intelligence. Results were represented by different sectors.
Evaluation of Occupational Lead Exposure in Informal Work Environment in Kenya

Lead (Pb) is widely used in the informal sector and much of the exposure levels is through handling, processing, fabrications, burning and disposal of materials containing Pb. Furthermore, Pb bio-accumulate and is highly toxic to human health and is persistent in the environment. This study was therefore designed to evaluate levels of exposure to airborne Pb among workers in the informal sector. Airborne Pb was collected using air sampler in 34 production areas (sheds) and two control areas. The concentration of airborne Pb was determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). An empirical survey using questionnaires also assessed the knowledge about airborne Pb and occupational safety, and health strategies in place. Nearly 56.0% of the sheds had airborne Pb concentration ranging from 1.4 µg/m3 to 126.9 µg/m3. On the contrary, 44.1% of the production areas and control sites had airborne Pb levels below the detectable limit (BDL). The welding works in sheds 11 and 27, and painting activities in shed 6 and 16 had significantly (p <0.05) higher levels of airborne Pb with a mean ± standard deviation (sd) of 126.9 ± 20. 1µg/m3, 117.4 ± 5.2 µg/m3 and 56.4 ± 3.1 µg/m3, and 53.6 ± 0.6 µg/m3, respectively than other operations within the sheds, and the controls areas. These levels in the welding and painting areas also exceeded the USA. Occupational Safety Health Act (OSHA) Permissive Exposure Limit (PEL) Time Weighted Average (TWA) of 50 µg/m3. The study further found that the informal sector workers had limited information about Pb exposure despite the fact that 50.0% of them had secondary education and 9.4% had primary education. About 62.0% of these workers were unaware of Pb exposure and related adverse effects. 70.6% of the workers had not taken annual medical check-ups. In addition, the workers did not have appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that would reduce their exposure to Pb. The study recommends comprehensive awareness and training programs on Pb exposure and occupational safety and health in the informal work environment to prevent associated health effects.
Impacts of Water Quality on Finfish and Shellfish Biodiversity in the River Meghna

Fish biodiversity largely depends on different environmental factors including water quality parameters. The current study was conducted to investigate the impacts of water quality variables on fish biodiversity at upstream and downstream of the river Meghna in dry and rainy season in 2011. Twelve water samples and 66 fish samples were collected from 2 different sampling stations of the river Meghna during the study period where 61 were finfish species and 5 were shellfish species. The number of finfish and shellfish catch at upstream in both dry and rainy seasons were significantly higher than that of downstream (p<0.01). Shannon-Weiner index and species richness were determined where significantly higher Shannon-Weiner index was observed at upstream in dry season than that of downstream (p<0.01) and similar species richness was observed at upstream and downstream in both of the seasons. Significant correlation was observed between physicochemical parameters and the fish biodiversity indices. The obtained results suggested that the changes in environmental parameters of water including conductivity, pH, DO, BOD had significant impacts on Shannon-Wiener indices at downstream which indicate the water quality detarioration. This findings have the implications in designing polices to sustain the finfish and shellfish biodiversity and to mitigate the environmental changes in the river Meghna. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 31(1): 19-27, 2022 (January)
Effects of nitrogen rates on yield, yield components, and other related attributes of different rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) varieties

Rapeseed is one of the most important oilseed crops in the world and, in Morocco, it may contribute to the improvement of food security in edible oils through developing performant cultivars and optimizing the crops management including nitrogen fertilization. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of different Moroccan varieties to nitrogen application. Field trials were carried out at the experimental station of National School of Agriculture in Meknes, during two cropping seasons (2017–2018 and 2018–2019). Five varieties (“Narjisse”, “Moufida”, “Alia”, “Adila”, and “Lila”) were combined to different nitrogen rates (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg N ha−1). The experimental design adopted is a split split-plot with three replications, where nitrogen treatment was affected to main plot, variety to subplot, and year to sub-subplot. Results showed that dry matter, harvest index, oil content, seed yield per plant and yield components were significantly affected by nitrogen rates, with an upward trend in seed yield as the nitrogen rates increased. On average, seed yield increased by 50.33% for application of 90 kg N ha−1 compared to the control (without N fertilization). However, oil content declined from 41.08% to 37.81% with the increase of nitrogen level from 0 to 90 kg N ha−1. Additionally, for the other traits studied, the highest mean values were observed for 90 kg N ha−1, except harvest index which exhibited the greatest value for 60 kg N ha−1. Variation among the varieties was significantly large for all traits studied with a superiority of the variety “Alia” for seed yield per plant (9.82 g plant−1), number of pods per plant (151), and number of seeds per pod (24.05).
Pros and Cons of Home Office during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many changes have taken place, not only in the economic and health sector but also in the labor market. Many workers had to shift to work from home regardless of their previous experience in having a home office, bringing many challenges and possible benefits and drawbacks. The paper aims to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the home office trend during the Covid-19 pandemic and their differences in terms of location through a literature review method, synthesis, and subsequent comparison. The research has shown that the most common benefits of working from home include time flexibility, no need to commute, and a reduced risk of contracting the Covid-19. Better communication and physical health are among the least mentioned and therefore the least frequent benefits of the home office trend. The results show that social isolation, work-life balance, and lack of equipment are the most common disadvantages. The least common cons include issues with performing tasks, back pain, or long meetings. In terms of location, the most common advantages and disadvantages vary considerably. In some cases, however, the differences in terms of location were slight to almost non-existent. The findings indicate that it is not clear whether the home office trend and the transition during the Covid-19 pandemic are positive or negative, as it has both advantages and disadvantages. They vary in terms of location, which may be due to the different development of countries and cultural differences.
Integrated analysis of the whole-transcriptome of sheep skeletal muscle reveals the ceRNA regulation network related to muscle fiber formation in sheep

Background: The different muscle fiber types are closely related to meat quality. Tan sheep is famous for the fur breed of China, and the meat quality is among the best in various sheep breeds. The mutton of Tan sheep have many characteristics including tender, juicy, nutritious and unique flavor. In this study, the high-throughput RNA sequencing was used to identify the expression profiles of coding and non-coding RNAs from longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris samples obtained from Tan sheep, Dorper sheep and their hybrid Dutanhan sheep. Results: The results of immunofluorescence staining showed that the proportion of slow-twitch fibers in longissimus dorsi tissue in Tan sheep (about 11.247%) was significantly higher than that in Dorper sheep (about 5.408%) (P<0.05). A total of 819 difference expression (DE) lncRNAs, 354 DE circRNAs, 139 DE mRNAs, and 36 DE miRNAs were identified in high and low slow-twitch fiber ratio groups. Several key genes involved in signaling pathways that form different types of muscle fibers, including protein kinase AMP-activated catalytic subunit alpha 2 (PRKAA2), EF-hand domain family member B (EFHB), folliculin interacting protein 2(FNIP2) and L-lactate dehydrogenase A chain (LDHA), had significantly different levels of expression in the two muscle tissues. Functional analysis suggested that the differentially expressed transcripts are involved in biological processes such as FoxO signaling pathways, AMPK signaling pathway and Ca2+ signaling pathway. There were 26 lncRNAs, 115 circRNAs, 21 miRNAs and 4 genes formed 70 mRNA-miRNA, 31 lncRNA-miRNA, and 158 circRNA-miRNA interaction relationships, suggesting that complex regulatory networks of coding and non-coding genes underlie the muscle fiber formation in Tan sheep. The functional prediction results showed that many of these DE circRNAs, such as novel_circ_0017336, novel_circ_0007039, novel_circ_0017132, competing to bind with miR-23a, might act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to control PRKAA2, EFHB and FNIP2 level, respectively. RT-qPCR validation for randomly selected 4 DEGS (PRKAA2, EGR1, MYL3 and FBXL5), 5 DEMs (miR-26a, miR-308-3p, miR-409-3p, miR-495-3p and miR-23a), and 4 DECs (circ_0017336, circ_0017132, circ_0017430, and circ_0007039) expression patterns were highly consistent with those obtained by RNA-Seq.Conclusion: Our study provides a foundation for understanding how lncRNA, circRNA, miRNA and genes interact to regulate muscle fiber formation in Tan sheep, Dorper sheep and their hybrid. We also constructed lncRNA/circRNA–miRNA–gene interaction networks to elucidate the complex molecular mechanisms underlying muscle fiber formation. The results extend our knowledge about the diversity of meat trait among different domestic animals and provide a foundation for studying novel mechanisms that control meat trait in Chinese indigenous sheep.
A study on Chinese ancient timber structures by shaking table test

An intermediate bay model of an ancient palace was made according to Fabrication Methods of the Song dynasty,on which the shaking table test was carried out.El Centro,Taft and Lanzhou waves were chosen as input seismic excitations.The displacement and acceleration responses of the shaking table,column ends,column upper and beam under different levels of earthquake excitation were measured.The failure mode,natural period,damping ratio,dynamic responses,and hysteretic energy dissipation performance were analyzed.Test results indicate that the range of natural period T is 0.48～0.67s and the damping ratio ξ is 0.029～0.046. The first period and damping ratio of the model increase along with the increasing seismic excitations.The dynamic magnification factor β is less than 1 and decreases as the input seismic excitations increase.The dougong layer and column base dissipate seismic energy by means of frictional slippage.The mortise-tenon joint of the frame has the largest energy dissipation capacity,playing an important role in shock absorption.
DOLAVI Real-Life Study of Dolutegravir Plus Lamivudine in Naive HIV-1 Patients (48 Weeks)

Brief: Real-world data in naïve HIV-1 patients demonstrate that dolutegravir plus lamivudine in a multiple tablet regimen is effective, safe, and satisfactory; it causes moderately increasing weight and abdominal circumference and is administrable on a test-and-treat strategy. Background: Our objectives were to determine the real-life effectiveness and safety of DT with dolutegravir (50 mg/QD) plus lamivudine (300 mg/QD) in a multiple-tablet regimen (MTR) in naïve PLHIV followed up for 48 weeks and to evaluate the compliance and satisfaction of patients. Material and methods: An open, single-arm, multicenter, non-randomized clinical trial from May 2019 through September 2020 with a 48-week follow-up. Results: The study included 88 PLHIV patients (87.5% male) with a mean age of 35.9 years; 76.1% were MSM patients. The mean baseline CD4 was 516.4 cells/uL, with a viral load (VL) of 4.49 log10, and 11.4% were in the AIDS stage. DT started within 7 days of first specialist consultation in all patients and the same day in 84.1%; 3.4% had baseline resistance mutations (K103N, V106I + E138A, and V108I); 12.5% were lost to follow-up. At week 48, 86.3% had VL < 50 cop/uL by intention-to-treat analysis and 98.7% by per-protocol (PP) analysis. Virological failure (VF) was recorded in 1.1%, with no resistance mutation. One blip was detected in 5.2% without VF. Three reported anxiety, dizziness, and cephalgia, respectively, at week 4 and one reported insomnia at week 24; none reported adverse events at week 48. The mean weight was 4 kg higher at 48 weeks (p = 0.0001) and abdominal circumference 3 cm larger at 24 weeks (p = 0.022). No forgetfulness occurred in 98.7% of patients. Patient satisfaction was 90/100 at 4, 24, and 48 weeks. Conclusion: Real-world data demonstrate that dolutegravir plus lamivudine in MTR is effective, safe, and satisfactory, moderately increasing weight and abdominal circumference and administrable on a test-and-treat strategy.
What Shapes Activity Preferences? The Role of Tourist Personality, Destination Personality and Destination Image: Evidence from Serbia

Understanding activity preferences and their antecedents is essential for creating personalized tourism offers and effective destination marketing, vital components of a sustainable tourism destination. Previous studies have provided insights into tourist behavior and activity choices, but without research on activity preferences and their relationship with perceptions of destinations. The literature still lacks an integrative model exploring the antecedents of activity preferences, including tourist characteristics, destination personality, and destination image, and explaining the nature of the relationships between them. This research proposes and tests a structural model of individual characteristics, destination image, destination personality, and activity preferences. A survey was conducted on a sample of 502 visitors to The Trail of Roman Emperors in Serbia. The results confirmed the influence of personality (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness) and destination personality (sincerity and ruggedness) on activity preferences. Additionally, the model revealed the significant influence of individual characteristics on perceptions of destination personality and image. Managerial implications were given in light of the importance of this research for destination branding that will support long-term destination sustainability.
Options for diversifying agricultural systems to reduce pesticide use: Can we learn from nature?

There is increasing demand for farmers to reduce their use of anthropogenic inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. It is often suggested that nature offers alternative ways to suppress pests, but what might these be? One prominent difference between most natural and agricultural systems is the diversity of plants and associated biota such as arthropod herbivores, predators and parasites, both above- and below-ground. It is often claimed that a move away from monocultures and towards greater field, farm and landscape diversity could be an important and obvious first step towards more natural pest control. This paper draws together strands of evidence on what a move to more diverse crop systems can and cannot bring to pest control. We conclude that diversification has great potential, but is not a silver bullet. Adopting a wider definition of IPM and including the environmental stewardship role of agriculture would enable a greater use of natural mechanisms for pest control, including a greater role for diversity, but would also require an economic mechanism to reward stewardship that serves wider societal needs while discouraging management that does not.
Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Adolescents’ and Young Adults’ Susceptibility, Use, and Intended Future Use of Different E-Cigarette Devices

Numerous studies have identified sociodemographic factors associated with susceptibility, ever-use and past-30-day use of e-cigarettes, including JUUL. However, it remains unknown which sociodemographic factors are associated with adolescents’ and young adults’ (AYA) use of the entire spectrum of different types of e-cigarette devices (e.g., disposables, pod/cartridge-based, and other e-cigarettes, like mods or tanks). The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between sociodemographic factors and use, future use intent and susceptibility to use different e-cigarette device types. We conducted a national online survey using a convenience sample of 13–24-year-olds, 50:50 e-cigarette ever- to never-users and sex and race/ethnicity balanced per the U.S. Census (n = 4351). Sociodemographic factors were not associated with ever use of disposables among AYAs or generally with intent to use e-cigarette devices in the future. However, sociodemographic factors were related to the use of pod/cartridge-based and other e-cigarette devices. LGBTQ+ AYAs were more likely to use pod/cartridge-based devices and to be susceptible to using all device types compared to other AYAs. Young adults, males, and other/multiracial non-Hispanic AYAs were more likely to report past-30-day-use of all devices and AA/Black non-Hispanic AYAs were more likely to report past-30-day use of pod/cartridge-based and other devices compared to former users. AA/Black non-Hispanic AYAs were more likely to be susceptible to using all devices and other/multiracial non-Hispanic AYAs were susceptible to using other devices (compared to White non-Hispanic AYAs). AYAs under 21 who were former users were more likely to intend using other devices in the future compared to AYAs 21 years or above. These findings may inform targeted prevention efforts to curb the growing popularity of different devices among AYAs.