Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical SARS-CoV-2 Sensing at Point-of-Care and Artificial Intelligence for Intelligent COVID-19 Management

To manage the COVID-19 pandemic, development of rapid, selective, sensitive diagnostic systems for early stage β-coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) virus protein detection is emerging as a necessary response to generate the bioinformatics needed for efficient smart diagnostics, optimization of therapy, and investigation of therapies of higher efficacy. The urgent need for such diagnostic systems is recommended by experts in order to achieve the mass and targeted SARS-CoV-2 detection required to manage the COVID-19 pandemic through the understanding of infection progression and timely therapy decisions. To achieve these tasks, there is a scope for developing smart sensors to rapidly and selectively detect SARS-CoV-2 protein at the picomolar level. COVID-19 infection, due to human-to-human transmission, demands diagnostics at the point-of-care (POC) without the need of experienced labor and sophisticated laboratories. Keeping the above-mentioned considerations, we propose to explore the compartmentalization approach by designing and developing nanoenabled miniaturized electrochemical biosensors to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus at the site of the epidemic as the best way to manage the pandemic. Such COVID-19 diagnostics approach based on a POC sensing technology can be interfaced with the Internet of things and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques (such as machine learning and deep learning for diagnostics) for investigating useful informatics via data storage, sharing, and analytics. Keeping COVID-19 management related challenges and aspects under consideration, our work in this review presents a collective approach involving electrochemical SARS-CoV-2 biosensing supported by AI to generate the bioinformatics needed for early stage COVID-19 diagnosis, correlation of viral load with pathogenesis, understanding of pandemic progression, therapy optimization, POC diagnostics, and diseases management in a personalized manner.
ROCK Inhibition May Stop Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease and is strongly associated with cardiovascular mortality. Given the pandemic of obesity and diabetes, the elucidation of the molecular underpinnings of DKD and establishment of effective therapy are urgently required. Studies over the past decade have identified the activated renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and hemodynamic changes as important therapeutic targets. However, given the residual risk observed in patients treated with RAS inhibitors and/or sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, the involvement of other molecular machinery is likely, and the elucidation of such pathways represents fertile ground for the development of novel strategies. Rho-kinase (ROCK) is a serine/threonine kinase that is under the control of small GTPase protein Rho. Many fundamental cellular processes, including migration, proliferation, and survival are orchestrated by ROCK through a mechanism involving cytoskeletal reorganization. From a pathological standpoint, several analyses provide compelling evidence supporting the hypothesis that ROCK is an important regulator of DKD that is highly pertinent to cardiovascular disease. In cell-based studies, ROCK is activated in response to a diverse array of external stimuli associated with diabetes, and renal ROCK activity is elevated in the context of type 1 and 2 diabetes. Experimental studies have demonstrated the efficacy of pharmacological or genetic inhibition of ROCK in the prevention of diabetes-related histological and functional abnormalities in the kidney. Through a bird’s eye view of ROCK in renal biology, the present review provides a conceptual framework that may be widely applicable to the pathological processes of multiple organs and illustrate novel therapeutic promise in diabetology.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Dyslipidemia Among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Saudi Arabia

Introduction Dyslipidemia is a key clinical abnormality among diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, which heightens their risk of cardiovascular events. Data on the serum lipid profile of type 2 DM (T2DM) patients in Saudi Arabia are scarce. This study therefore aimed to establish dyslipidemia prevalence in a sample of adult T2DM patients in Saudi Arabia and to investigate its associated factors. Patients and Methods A cross-sectional survey was applied to 400 adult T2DM outpatients in attendance at a diabetic center clinic in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia between September 2017 and December 2018 using convenience sampling. Structured questionnaires gathered data relating to the potential risk factors for dyslipidemia. Data on fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were collected from all participants along with their height and weight measurements. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was then used to evaluate the associated risk factors for dyslipidemia. Results Of the sampled outpatients, 47.8% had high TC levels, 39.0% had high LDL-C, 35.5% had low HDL-C, 42.8% had high TG levels, and 66.5% had a minimum of one abnormal lipid level (dyslipidemia). The risk factors associated with dyslipidemia were an age of >40 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.96, 95% CI 1.19–3.22), irregular exercise (AOR = 2.90, 95% CI 1.21–6.92), a family history of T2DM (AOR = 3.72, 95% CI 2.22–6.23), having had T2DM for >7 years (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.46–3.99), and overweight (AOR = 2.61, 95% CI 1.49–4.58) or obesity (AOR = 2.50, 95% CI 1.24–5.05). Conclusion Dyslipidemia prevalence was found to be high among T2DM patients. Therefore, a compressive mechanism is needed which can screen, treat, and inform them about dyslipidemia and its risk factors, especially modifiable ones such as obesity and exercise.
Influence of Lifestyle and Environmental Factors on Semen Quality in Ghanaian Men

Introduction Male infertility is known to contribute about half of all infertility cases. In Ghana, the prevalence of male infertility is higher (15.8%) than in females (11.8%). Sperm quality is associated with the likelihood of pregnancy and known to be the cause of male fertility problems 90% of the time. Exposure to certain environmental factors reduces semen quality in men. The study examined the effects of environmental and lifestyle factors on semen quality in Ghanaian men. Materials and Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving 80 apparent healthy adult males in their reproductive age. Participants were males referred to the laboratory (Immunology Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital) for semen analysis test and/or culture and sensitivity. Participants were made to fill out a questionnaire which entailed selected environmental factors (accidents or trauma, exposure to chemicals, radiation, and heat) and lifestyle habits (including alcohol consumption, smoking, and whether participants sat more or less than 4 hours per day). Semen samples were then collected by masturbation into sterile containers and analysed in accordance with WHO guidance for semen analysis within 60 minutes after ejaculation and collection. Results About 69% of participants had semen pH within the normal range compared to 15% whose pH were lower than 7.2. There was a significantly high number of immotile sperm cells (p value = 0.017) in participants who sat for more than 4 hours as compared to those that sat for less than 4 hours in a day. Active sperm motility and viability showed significant increase (p value = 0.002 and 0.009, respectively) in participants who kept their cell phones in their side pockets. Smoking produced a twofold decrease in sperm count as smokers had a significantly lower sperm count (12.28 ± 10.95 × 106/ml) compared to the smoke-free (23.85 ± 22.14 × 106/ml). For exposure to STDs, no significant differences were recorded among study groups concerning semen quality. Conclusion Sperm quality in Ghanaian men is associated with lifestyle habits. Smoking and sitting for long hours influenced sperm motility and count, respectively. Knowledge of the factors that influence sperm quality in this geographical region can contribute to informed decisions on effective management of infertility in Ghanaian men.
Delimitation, new species and teleomorph-anamorph relationships in Codinaea, Dendrophoma, Paragaeumannomyces and Striatosphaeria (Chaetosphaeriaceae)

Abstract The Chaetosphaeriaceae are a diverse group of pigmented, predominantly phialidic hyphomycetes comprised of several holomorphic genera including Chaetosphaeria, the most prominent genus of the family. Although the morphology of the teleomorphs of the majority of Chaetosphaeria is rather uniform, their associated anamorphs primarily exhibit the variability and evolutionary change observed in the genus. An exception from the morphological monotony among Chaetosphaeria species is a group characterised by scolecosporous, hyaline to light pink, multiseptate, asymmetrical ascospores and a unique three-layered ascomatal wall. Paragaeumannomyces sphaerocellularis, the type species of the genus, exhibits these morphological traits and is compared with similar Chaetosphaeria with craspedodidymum- and chloridium-like synanamorphs. Morphological comparison and phylogenetic analyses of the combined ITS-28S sequences of 35 isolates and vouchers with these characteristics revealed a strongly-supported, morphologically well-delimited clade in the Chaetosphaeriaceae containing 16 species. The generic name Paragaeumannomyces is applied to this monophyletic clade; eight new combinations and five new species, i.e. P. abietinussp. nov., P. eleganssp. nov., P. granulatussp. nov., P. sabinianussp. nov. and P. smokiensissp. nov., are proposed. A key to Paragaeumannomyces is provided. Using morphology, cultivation studies and phylogenetic analyses of ITS and 28S rDNA, two additional new species from freshwater and terrestrial habitats, Codinaea paniculatasp. nov. and Striatosphaeria castaneasp. nov., are described in the family. A codinaea-like anamorph of S. castanea forms conidia with setulae at each end in axenic culture; this feature expands the known morphology of Striatosphaeria. A chaetosphaeria-like teleomorph is experimentally linked to Dendrophoma cytisporoides, a sporodochial hyphomycete and type species of Dendrophoma, for the first time.
Osteogenic Effect of tsRNA-10277-Loaded Exosome Derived from Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Steroid-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head

Purpose Steroids are known to inhibit osteogenic differentiation and subsequent bone formation in bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). However, little is known about the role of BMSC exosomes (Exos) and tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH). The objective of this study was to characterize the tsRNA expression profiles of plasma Exos collected from SONFH patients and healthy individuals using small RNA sequencing and further explore the effect of BMSC Exos carrying specific tsRNAs on osteogenic differentiation. Materials and Methods Based on insights from small RNA sequencing, five differentially expressed (DE) tsRNAs were selected for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The regulatory networks associated with interactions of the tsRNAs-mRNA-pathways were reconstructed. The osteogenesis and adipogenesis in BMSCs were detected via ALP and oil red O staining methods, respectively. Results A total of 345 DE small RNAs were screened, including 223 DE tsRNAs. The DE tsRNAs were enriched in Wnt signaling pathway and osteogenic differentiation. We identified five DE tsRNAs, among which tsRNA-10277 was significantly downregulated in plasma Exos of SONFH patients compared to that in healthy individuals. Dexamethasone-induced BMSCs were associated with an increased fraction of lipid droplets and decreased osteogenic differentiation, whereas BMSC Exos restored the osteogenic differentiation of that. After treatment of tsRNA-10277-loaded BMSC Exos, the lipid droplets and osteogenic differentiation ability were found to be decreased and enhanced in dexamethasone-induced BMSCs, respectively. Conclusion An altered tsRNA profile might be involved in the pathophysiology of SONFH. tsRNA-10277-loaded BMSC Exos enhanced osteogenic differentiation ability of dexamethasone-induced BMSCs. Our results provide novel insights into the osteogenic effect of BMSC Exos carrying specific tsRNAs on SONFH.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of breast cancer and breast self-examination among female detainees in Khartoum, Sudan 2018

Summary Introduction Breast cancer is the common cancer among females and a leading cause of mortality among them globally, its rates are three times higher in developing countries. Breast self-examination (BSE) had an important role in early detection, increasing the survival rate of breast cancer patients, despite these benefits, the rates of practicing BSE are low, especially in developing countries. Objective To assess the levels of awareness about breast cancer, and BSE among the detainees of Dar-Altaebat facility, a female’s detention facility in Khartoum, Sudan. Methods A cross-sectional study conducted at Dar-Altaebat a female imprisonment facility in Khartoum, Sudan. 354 participants were randomly selected from the total population of the facility. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire, which was composed of socio-demographic section, knowledge section, attitude section, and breast self-examination section. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences(SPSS) software. Results 330 participants responded to the questionnaire, their mean age was (31, SD: 11.2) years, 126 (38.2%) of them were illiterate, 196 (59.4%) were married, and the majority of them 177 (76.3%) were housewives. their overall knowledge score revealed that 185(56.2%) of them had poor knowledge about breast cancer. 218 (66.3%) of them had poor knowledge about breast self-examination, however 314 (95.3%) thought that it was important. 315 (95.5%) of the participants had poor practice towards breast self-examination. Conclusion Poor levels of knowledge about breast cancer were reported among the detainees. Additionally, their level of knowledge and practice of breast self-examination was also low, thus more health education campaigns are recommended in such facilities.
Effects of Exogenous Hormones and Reproductive Factors on Female Melanoma: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract Epidemiological findings on the effects of hormones on melanoma risk have been inconsistent. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to examine the relationship between exogenous hormonal and reproductive factors and the risk of melanoma in women. We performed a search of PubMed, Web of Science, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database through April 2020 for relevant studies. Based on heterogeneity, we performed the meta-analysis of the risk estimates using either fixed effect or random effect models. We identified 38 studies that met the analytical criteria, involving 3,571,910 participants. The results showed that long-term use of oral contraceptives (OC) may increase the risk of melanoma in women (≥5 years [pooled RR=1.18; 95% CI: 1.07–1.31; I2=0%] and ≥10 years [pooled RR=1.25; 95% CI: 1.06–1.48; I2=0%]). Women who first used OC 15–19 years previously were more likely to develop melanoma (pooled RR=1.52; 95% CI: 1.03–2.24; I2=0%), while the years since the last use and the age at first use were not associated with the development of melanoma in women. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increased the incidence of melanoma in women (pooled RR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.02–1.24; I2=50%) and was especially associated with an increased risk of superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) (pooled RR=1.26; 95% CI: 1.17–1.37; I2=0%), and estrogen and estradiol may be the main active agents that contribute to the increased risk of melanoma, but these results may be due to a combination of sun exposure factors. With regard to reproductive factors, decreased parity and being aged ≥20 years at first birth may be associated with an increased risk of melanoma in females, while menopausal status and age at menarche are not associated with the incidence of melanoma in females. Further large-scale prospective studies are necessary to reveal new pathophysiological mechanisms and new therapeutic targets for cutaneous melanoma.
Incidence and Clinicopathological Features of Breast Cancer in the Northern Emirates: Experience from Sharjah Breast Care Center

Background Breast cancer is the most frequently reported cancer among women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. However, the available data about women breast cancer from the MENA and particularly from the Northern Emirates region of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are scarce and inconsistent. Therefore, this study estimated the incidence, patient-specific factors including 25(OH)D levels, and clinicopathological features of breast cancer in women from the Northern Emirates. Methods We conducted this retrospective case–control study on 1,048 women who were referred to the Sharjah Breast Care Centre at University Hospital Sharjah between March 2016 and July 2018. Multivariate logistic regression was used for the statistical analysis of clinical data. Results Out of 1048 women with breast-related conditions referred to our canter, 94 (10%) were diagnosed with breast cancer (1 in 11), and approximately 1 in 5 of these women was younger than 40 years. After adjusting for age, body mass index and menopause status, women with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels lower than 20 ng/mL were found to be at higher risk of breast cancer (odd ratio, 4.63; 95% CI, 2.61–8.23). The majority of breast cancer cases had invasive-ductal carcinoma with hormone-positive receptor molecular subtype (78 cases out of 94, 83%). HER2 overexpressing tumor (3+ by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)) was seen more in women younger than 40 years as compared to older women (7 cases out of 19 HER2 expressed tumors, p=0.007). Conclusion Our study cohort showed a mean age of diagnosis of breast cancer in women a decade earlier than in the developed countries. Furthermore, women with breast cancer tend to be serum 25(OH)D deficient at diagnosis and to have luminal A tumors.
Mothers’ knowledge of breastfeeding and infant feeding types affect acute respiratory infections

Summary Introduction World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for new-borns until 6 months of age. However, exclusive breastfeeding in Indonesia only reached 52.3% in 2014 and 65.16% in 2018. It is known that administration of infant formula and non-formula supplements to infants aged less than 6 months increases the risk of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs). In addition, the high prevalence of ARIs in infants in Sleman Regency, Indonesia indicates the need of optimal early prevention. Therefore, we conducted this study to confirm that mothers’ knowledge of breastfeeding and infant feeding types affect the prevalence of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs). Methods Data were collected through questionnaires from 50 mothers with infants aged 7-12 months who had experienced ARIs in the last 3 months (case group) and 50 mothers with healthy infants (control group). Collected data were then analysed using Chi-Square, Logistic Regression, Lambda, and Somers’ D tests. Results The results showed that types of infant feeding are associated with the prevalence of ARIs. Non-breastfed infants were 14 times riskier to contract ARIs. Mothers’ knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding influenced their preferences of feeding practice. However, their attitude towards breastfeeding did not appear to significantly affect their choices of feeding practice. Conclusions Exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of an infant’s life can lower the prevalence of ARIs for when they are older. Mothers’ good knowledge of breastfeeding is associated with its practice.
Two Siblings With Valproate-Related Hyperammonemia and Novel Mutations in Glutamine Synthetase (GLUL) Treated With Carglumic Acid

This case report describes 2 siblings with myoclonic epilepsy who had novel mutations in the glutamine synthetase (GLUL) gene: c.316C>T, p.(Arg106*) and c.42G>C, p.(Lys14Asn). Valproic acid improved seizure control, but was associated with hyperammonemic encephalopathy. Addition of carglumic acid reduced ammonia levels but drug coverage was declined. We therefore designed a protocol to measure the reduction in plasma ammonia in response to carglumic acid therapy. After the first dose of carglumic acid, Patient 1 showed a reduction in plasma ammonia levels within 3 hours, from 114 umol/L to 68 umol/L (reference 12-47 umol/L), and Patient 2 from 108 umol/L to 80 umol/L, which was sustained over a 2 week period. Overall, there was a strong negative correlation between plasma ammonia levels and carglumic acid levels (r = −0.86, p = 0.0013), and recurrence of hyperammonemic encephalopathy was not observed while the patients were taking carglumic acid.
In vivo Targeting of Liver Cancer with Tissue- and Nuclei-Specific Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle-Based Nanocarriers in mice

Purpose Cancer tissue-specific and nuclei-targeted drug delivery is ideal for the delivery of chemotherapy. However, it has only been achieved in in vitro studies mainly due to low efficiency in vivo. In this study, we aimed to establish an efficient dual-targeted system that targets liver cancer tissue as well as the nuclei of cancer cells in vivo. Methods We first synthesized TAT peptide (TATp)-mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) complex (TATp-MSN) and generated liposomes that carried liver cancer-specific aptamer TLS11a (TLS11a-LB). We then generated the drug TLS11a-LB@TATp-MSN/doxorubicin (DOX) by mixing TLS11a-LB and DOX-loaded TATp-MSN. After physical and chemical characterization of the nanoparticles, DOX release from these formulations was evaluated at pH 5.0 and 7.4. Furthermore, we also evaluated nuclear localization and cytotoxicity of the drug in H22 cells in vitro and investigated the liver cancer targeting and antitumor activities of the nano-drug in vivo using a H22 tumor-bearing mice model. Results TLS11a-LB@TATp-MSN/DOX and its controls were confirmed as nano-drugs (<100 nm) using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The DOX release rate of TLS11a-LB@TATp-MSN/DOX was significantly faster at pH 5.0 than at pH 7.4. TLS11a-LB@TATp-MSN/DOX effectively targeted the nuclei of H22 cells and released DOX with a higher efficiency than that of the control groups. In addition, TLS11a-LB@TATp-MSN/DOX exhibited slight cytotoxicity, but not significantly more than controls. In vivo studies showed that TLS11a-LB@TATp-MSN accumulated in subcutaneous H22 tumors in the right axilla of BALB/c mice, reaching peak levels at 48 h after intravenous injection, respectively, and demonstrated that TLS11a-LB@TATp-MSN/DOX group enhanced tumor treatment efﬁcacy while reducing systemic side effects. Conclusion TLS11a-LB@TATp-MSN/DOX can efficiently deliver DOX to the nuclei of liver cancer cells by dual targeting liver cancer tissue and the nuclei of the cancer cells in mice. Thus, it is a promising nano-drug for the treatment of liver cancer.