Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Ultra-Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy and Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery for Renal Stones: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis from the KSER Update Series

Miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for renal stones have been developed to overcome the invasive disadvantages of PCNL. We aimed to compare the therapeutic effect and safety of ultra-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (UMPCNL) and RIRS for renal stones using an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched clinical trials comparing UMPCNL and RIRS for renal stones using the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases up to October 2021. Seven studies were included in the current study. The renal stone size was 10–20 mm in three studies, 10–25 mm in one study, 10–35 mm in two studies, and not specified in one study. The stone-free rate of UMPCNL was higher than that of RIRS (p = 0.02; odds ratio (OR) = 2.01; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.12, 3.61). The complication rate showed no significant difference between UMPCNL and RIRS (p = 0.48; OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 0.73, 1.98). Regarding the operative time, UMPCNL was shorter than RIRS (p = 0.005; weighted mean difference (WMD) = −15.63; 95% CI = −26.60, −4.67). The hospital stay of UMPCNL was longer than that of RIRS (p = 0.0004; WMD = 1.48; 95% CI = 0.66, 2.31). UMPCNL showed higher efficacy than RIRS and similar safety to RIRS. UMPCNL may be a useful therapeutic option for moderate-sized renal stones.
The power of public–private partnership in medical technology innovation: Lessons from the development of FDA-cleared medical devices for assessment of concussion

Abstract Given the convergence of the long and challenging development path for medical devices with the need for diagnostic capabilities for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI/concussion), the effective role of public–private partnership (PPP) can be demonstrated to yield Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearances and innovative product introductions. An overview of the mTBI problem and landscape was performed. A detailed situation analysis of an example of a PPP yielding an innovative product was further demonstrated. The example of PPP has led to multiple FDA clearances and product introductions in the TBI diagnostic product category where there was an urgent military and public need. Important lessons included defining the primary public and military health objective for new product introduction, the importance of the government–academia–industry PPP triad with a “collaboration towards solutions” Quality-by-Design (QbD) mindset to assure clinical validity with regulatory compliance, the development of device comparators and integration of measurements into a robust, evidence-based statistical and FDA pathway, and the utility of top-down, flexible, practical action while operating within governmental guidelines and patient safety.
META3.1exp: a new global mesoscale eddy trajectory atlas derived from altimetry

Abstract. This paper presents the new global Mesoscale Eddy Trajectory Atlases (META3.1exp DT all-satellites, https://doi.org/10.24400/527896/a01-2021.001, Pegliasco et al., 2021a; and META3.1exp DT two-satellites, https://doi.org/10.24400/527896/a01-2021.002, Pegliasco et al., 2021b), composed of eddy identifications and trajectories produced with altimetric maps. The detection method used is inherited from the py-eddy-tracker (PET) algorithm developed by Mason et al. (2014), and is optimized to efficiently manage large datasets, and thus long time series. These products are an improvement on the earlier META2.0 product, which was produced by SSALTO/DUACS and distributed by AVISO+ (https://aviso.altimetry.fr, last access: 8 March 2022) with support from CNES, in collaboration with Oregon State University and support from NASA, and based on the Chelton et al. (2011) code. META3.1exp provides supplementary eddy information, such as eddy shapes, eddy edges, maximum speed contours, and mean eddy speed profiles from the center to the periphery. The tracking algorithm is based on overlapping contours, includes virtual observations, and acts as a filter with respect to the shortest trajectories. The absolute dynamic topography (ADT) field is now used for eddy detection, instead of the previous sea level anomaly (SLA) maps, in order to better represent the dynamics in the more energetic oceanic regions and in the vicinity of coasts and islands. To evaluate the impact of the changes from META2.0 to META3.1exp, a comparison methodology has been applied. The similarity coefficient (SC) is based on the ratio of the eddy overlaps to their cumulative area, and allows for extensive comparison of the different datasets in terms of geographic distribution, statistics on the main physical characteristics, changes in the lifetimes of the trajectories, etc. After evaluating the impact of each change separately, we conclude that the major differences between META3.1exp and META2.0 are due to the change in the detection algorithm. META3.1exp contains smaller eddies and trajectories lasting at least 10 d; these were not available in the META2.0 product. Nevertheless, 55 % of the structures in META2.0 are similar to META3.1exp, thereby ensuring continuity between the two products and their physical characteristics. Geographically, the eddy distributions differ mainly in the strong current regions, where the mean dynamic topography (MDT) gradients are sharp. The additional information on the eddy contours allows for more accurate collocation of mesoscale structures with data from other sources, and so META3.1exp is recommended for multi-disciplinary application.
The influence of chronotype on the body mass index of U.S. college students

ABSTRACT Objectives: The relationship between a college student’s chronotype and body mass index (BMI) is important to understand for university decision makers who want to build healthy and inclusive academic communities. This study aimed to evaluate how a student’s chronotype influences their BMI. Material and Methods: Participants were college students from Oral Roberts University (n=384) with a mean age of 18.94 years, a mean BMI of 24.7kg/m 2 , and a mean morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ) score of 47.65. Results: BMI values were significantly correlated with both chronotype (r=-.11, β=-.09, p=.03) and age (r=.12, β=.53, p=.02). The rate at which BMI increased with age depended upon the student’s chronotype (β=.81-.005 / MEQ, p=.005). The later the chronotype, the higher the rate of increase. Race had no significant influence on MEQ or BMI values except in the case of students who identified as Black and female. These students were found, on average, to have significantly higher BMI values (p<.01). Conclusion: For college students, BMI tends to increase over time and at a rate that is dependent upon chronotype. The later the chronotype, the faster the rate at which BMI increases. BMI values were found to be significantly higher for Black females. However, this result is potentially spurious, as BMI does not take into account differences in body composition between genders and race/ethnicity groups.
Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Balance Function in Stroke Patients: An Overview of Systematic Review

Background Tai chi (TC) has received increased attention in stroke rehabilitation, yet services are greatly underutilized. An increasing number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) have begun to investigate the effects of TC on balance function in stroke patients. The aim of this current study was to systematically collate, appraise, and synthesize the results of these SRs/MAs using a systematic overview. Methods Eight databases were searched: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, SinoMed, Chongqing VIP, and Wanfang Data. SRs/MAs of TC on balance function in stroke patients were included. Literature selection, data extraction, and assessment of the review quality were performed by two independent reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed by the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2), reporting quality by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), and evidence quality by Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Results Nine SRs/MAs were included in this study. For methodological quality, what resulted in unsatisfactory methodological quality was noncompliance with critical item 4 (using a comprehensive literature search strategy) and critical item 7 (providing the list of excluded research literature). For reporting quality, what resulted in unsatisfactory reporting quality was inadequate reporting of Q1 (protocol and registration), Q8 (search), Q15 (risk of bias across studies), Q16 (additional analyses), Q22 (risk of bias across studies), Q23 (additional analysis), and Q27 (funding). For GRADE, the evidence quality was high in 0, moderate in 3, low in 11, and very low in 6. Risk of bias was the most common factor leading to downgrading of evidence, followed by inconsistency, imprecision, publication bias, and indirectness. Conclusions TC may have beneficial effects on balance function in stroke survivors; however, this finding is limited by the generally low methodology, reporting quality, and evidence quality for published SRs/MAs.
Quantitation of Diclofenac, Tolbutamide, and Warfarin as Typical CYP2C9 Substrates in Rat Plasma by UPLC-MS/MS and Its Application to Evaluate Linderane-Mediated Herb-Drug Interactions

Linderane (LDR), the main active and distinctive component of L. aggregate, is a mechanism-based inactivator of CYP2C9 in vitro, indicating the occurrence of herb-drug interactions. However, little is known about the changes of the pharmacokinetic properties of the common clinical drugs as CYP2C9 substrates after coadministration with LDR. In this study, a selective and rapid ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS-MS) method for the determination of diclofenac, tolbutamide, and warfarin as CYP2C9 substrates in rat plasma has been developed. Chlorzoxazone was employed as an internal standard (IS), and protein precipitation was used for sample preparation. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a UPLC BEH-C18 (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 µm) with 0.1% (v:v) formic acid in water (A) and acetonitrile (B) as the mobile phase with gradient elution. The total run time was only 3.8 min. MS analysis was performed under multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) with electron spray ionization (ESI) operated in the negative mode. The bioanalytical method was validated, and the selectivity, carryover effects, linearity, precision, accuracy, matrix effect, extraction recovery, and stability were acceptable. The validated method was then successfully applied for evaluating the potential pharmacokinetic interactions when LDR was used along with diclofenac, tolbutamide, and warfarin, respectively. Results showed that the Cmax of diclofenac in the treated group was 1287.82 ± 454.16 μg/L, which was about 5-fold of that in the control group (P < 0.01). The Cmax of tolbutamide in the treated group was 60.70 ± 10.70 mg/L, which was significantly decreased by about 25% when compared with the control group (P < 0.01). The Vd of warfarin in the treated group was obviously increased, which was about 1.4-fold of that in the control group (P < 0.01).
Design and Evaluation of a Distributed Security Framework for the Internet of Things

The adopters of IoT face challenges with the surging Internet-based attacks on their IoT assets and inefficiencies within the technology. Unfortunately, IoT is overly distributed, still evolving and facing implementation and security challenges. Given the above scenario, we argue that the IoT network should always be decentralized design, and security should be built by design. The paper is the design and construction of a decentralized IoT security framework, with the goal of making emerging IoT systems more resilient to attacks and supporting complex communication and resource sharing. The framework improves efficiency and scalability in IoT, exposes vulnerable subsystems and components as possible weak links to system compromise, and meets the requirements of a heterogeneous computing environment. Other features of the framework including efficient resource sharing, fault tolerance, and distributed storage support the Internet of Things. We discuss the design requirements and carry out the implementation of Proof of Concept and evaluation of our framework. Two underlying technologies: the actor model and the blockchain were used for the implementation. Our reason for choosing the actor model and blockchain is to compare its suitability for IoT integration in parallel. Hence, evaluation of the system is performed based on computational and memory efficiency, security, and scalability. We conclude from the evaluations that the actorbased implementation has better scalability than the block-chain-based implementation. Also, the blockchain seems to be computationally more intensive than the actors and less suitable for IoT systems.
A New Role of Acute Phase Proteins: Local Production Is an Ancient, General Stress-Response System of Mammalian Cells

The prevailing general view of acute-phase proteins (APPs) is that they are produced by the liver in response to the stress of the body as part of a systemic acute-phase response. We demonstrated a coordinated, local production of these proteins upon cell stress by the stressed cells. The local, stress-induced APP production has been demonstrated in different tissues (kidney, breast cancer) and with different stressors (hypoxia, fibrosis and electromagnetic heat). Thus, this local acute-phase response (APR) seems to be a universal mechanism. APP production is an ancient defense mechanism observed in nematodes and fruit flies as well. Local APP production at the tissue level is also supported by sporadic literature data for single proteins; however, the complex, coordinated, local appearance of this stress response has been first demonstrated only recently. Although a number of literature data are available for the local production of single acute-phase proteins, their interpretation as a local, coordinated stress response is new. A better understanding of the role of APPs in cellular stress response may also be of diagnostic/prognostic and therapeutic significance.
Assessment of Nurse's Knowledge and attitude regarding WHO breastfeeding guideline during COVID-19

Background: Nurses are the first line of defense during the current world wide pandemic. Nurses’ knowledge and attitudes can directly influence their practices. Effective nurses’ practices lead to achievement of the desired outcomes. The study aimed to: assess Nurse's Knowledge and attitude regarding WHO breastfeeding guideline during COVID-19. Subject & Method: A descriptive research design was used to accomplish this study. Sample: Study sample included one hundred and ten nurses who were working in obstetrics and gynecology departments and neonatal intensive care unit at Mansoura University Hospitals were involved in the study. Tools: Data was collected through three tools. Tool I: Sociodemographic data about nurses. Tool II: Nurse's Knowledge regarding WHO breastfeeding guideline during COVID-19.It included 2 parts: Part I: General knowledge about covid 19: Part II: knowledge regarding WHO breastfeeding guideline during COVID19.Tool III: Attitude of the nurses towards breast feeding during COVID‐19. Results: A total of 71 (64.5%) of nurses showed poor level of knowledge regarding World Health Organization breastfeeding guideline during COVID-19, while 12 (10.9%) of nurses had good level of knowledge. Moreover, 65.5% of nurses had a positive attitude toward breast feeding during COVID-19. Conclusion: The study provided a better understanding of prevalent knowledge of nurses regarding the recommended breastfeeding practices among suspected or confirmed cases with COVID-19. The results highlighted that there were poor knowledge score regarding WHO breastfeeding guideline during COVID-19 and a positive attitude toward breast feeding during covid. The study recommended; Promotion of optimal breastfeeding practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and creating awareness among nurses and HCWs about WHO breastfeeding guideline during COVID-19. Further researches; are needed to provide educational program to nurses about World Health Organization breastfeeding guidelines during COVID-19.
Rethinking Educational Transitioning in South African Primary Schools in Grades 3 and 4

In South Africa, Grade 3 learners are taught by a class-teacher who teaches all the subjects in this specific grade, but once they are promoted to Grade 4, they are taught by specialist subject teachers. This implies that the learners suddenly transition from one teacher to being taught by four or five specialist subject teachers; and this adapting to various pedagogical approaches, has disadvantages. Research reveals that Grade 3 learner- performance is usually satisfactory or better as compared to Grade 4 results. In other words, once the learners’ transition to Grade 4, their academic performance drops. This study investigates the foundational problems plaguing learner-transitioning from Grade 3 to 4. This study is significant in that it suggests recommendations that may address transitional challenges. The interpretive worldview and the case study method were used in conjunction with the qualitative approach to collect data. For this purpose, 5 ex-Model-C schools were conveniently selected; this included 10 Grade 3 teachers and 10 Grade 4 teachers from these schools. Research instruments such as lesson observation, interviews and document analysis were utilised. Additionally, Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory was adopted as the theoretical lens which explored the pedagogical relationship between the teacher and the learners. Findings in the study indicated that when Grade 3 learners’ transition to Grade 4 they fail to navigate this process due to contextual barriers. Possibly, the language barrier precipitated by the Language of learning and Teaching (LOLT), affected the learners’ performance. This study recommended changing communication strategies in content subjects as well as re-analysing Grade 4 language pedagogy in curriculum delivery as intervention strategies to solve the issue of poor performance when learners transition from Grade 3 to 4.
Effect of Educational Program for Nurses on Clinical Outcomes of Cancer patients with Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression

Background: Spinal cord compression is a common oncological emergency that requires early detection and prompt treatment as it can result in permanent neurological deficit. Nurses are often involved in supporting patients living with cancer. They may be the first healthcare professional to recognize the “red flag” symptoms of MSCC. Early recognition by the nurses will prompt timely investigation, treatment and potentially reduce the risks of patient’s having a permanent disability. Aim: To determine the effect of educational program for nurses on clinical outcomes of cancer patients with Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression. Method: Design, A quasiexperimental research design was utilized in this study . Setting, the study was conducted at Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Department at Tanta University Hospital. Subjects: convenience sample of 40 nurses and 30 cancer patients. Tools: Tool I: Structured Interview Schedule. Tool II: Nursing Care Observational Checklist. Tool III: Patient's Assessment Structured Interview Schedule. Tool (IV): Patient's Outcomes sheet. Results : a highly significant difference was noticed related to the total level of knowledge and practice of studied nurses through periods of study (pre-immediate and post one month assessment periods) with P value= 0.0001. A highly significant difference was found related to the total level of knowledge for the studied patients thought the periods of the study as P value =0.0001. Conclusion:The oncology nurse's knowledge and practice improved significantly after attendance of program sessions. Recommendation: Conduct periodical training programs, workshops and seminars for oncology nurses to refresh their knowledge, and practice about metastatic spinal cord compression and its early detection and management.
ENHANCEMENT EFFECT OF IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLES ON FERMENTATIVE BIOHYDROGEN PRODUCTION BY PURPLE NON-SULFUR BACTERIA

In this work, the comparative impact of iron oxide nanoparticles (synthesized by orange and green tea leaf extracts) on hydrogen production by three isolates of purple non-sulfur bacteria, Rhodobacter sphaeroides (MG588088), Rhodopseudomonas parapalustris (MH094546), and Rhodopseudomonas sp. TUT (MG813240) was investigated. UV-vis spectra showed that the absorption band centered at a wavelength of 550 nm, which corresponds to the surface plasmon resonances of synthesized FeNPs. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy spectrum (FTIR) exhibited the characteristic band assigned to Fe-O. Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM) image confirmed that the average size of NPs was 3260 nm. Nitrogenase activity was significantly stimulated by iron oxide nanoparticle and the maximum activity was recorded at 150mg/L. The hydrogen yield was significantly enhanced by FeNPs. Iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by green tea leaves extract were more stimulatory than those extracted from orange leaves extract. This paper is dedicated to the memory of our Prof Dr Ahmed M. Abdel‐Wahab, who recently passed away.
Gemcabene as a Potential Therapeutic for NASH: Lessons Learnt from its Clinical Trials in Dyslipidemia

Elevated hepatic lipogenesis and inflammation are associated with the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cardiovascular disease. Gemcabene, a small molecule in development for dyslipidemia, reduces plasma very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in animal models and humans. An analysis of the clinical information available for gemcabene and translational research substantiates the potential of gemcabene as a therapeutic agent for NASH. Specifically, gemcabene showed positive effects in clinical trials in severe hypertriglyceridemia and in subsets of obese, diabetic patients, particularly reductions in triglycerides, cholesterol and proatherogenic and inflammation markers. In nonclinical models, gemcabene showed significant improvement in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity and fibrosis scores and affected beneficially the hepatic expression of many lipid regulating and inflammatory genes.
Impact of Inertial Training on Muscle Strength and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of inertial training on the muscle strength, on breast-cancer-related lymphedema, and on quality of life in breast cancer survivors. After a mastectomy, 24 women (age, 66.2 ± 10.6 years) were randomized to a training (n = 12) or control group (n = 12). The training group performed inertial training twice per week for 6 weeks with a training load of about 70% of the maximal force. Before and after training, we tested the maximum force of shoulder flexors, extensors, abductors, and adductors; body composition; breast-cancer-related lymphedema; and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand. Inertial training significantly improved the strength in all tested muscles (from 32 to 68%; effect size (ES) from 0.89 to 1.85 in the impaired limb and from 31 to 64%; ES from 0.86 to 1.57 in the unimpaired limb). However, changes in the control group were not significant. Quality of life improved following treatment; the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score decreased significantly by 24.5% (ES from—0.29 to 1.38), p ≤ 0.05 in the training group and by 3.99% (ES from −0.49 to 1.14) in the control group p > 0.05. Breast-cancer-related lymphedema and body composition did not change significantly after the intervention in either group. We recommend inertial training for increasing muscle strength and improving quality of life in breast cancer survivors.