Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Retrospective Data Analysis of Anterior Cervical Discectomies and Fusion Without Plate and Screws

Abstract Surgical intervention in cervical disease can relieve neurological symptoms and improve life quality. This study aimed to analyse retrospective data of microscope-assisted anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgeries. The retrospective study was carried out at the ORTO clinic, Rīga, Latvia, from 2013 to 2017. Data from 198 patients were extracted retrospectively. Data on patient gender, age, diagnosis, extent of operation, type of cage and the overall height of the implants were used. Comparative analysis was carried out with the SPSS 22 software. P < 0.05 represented statistical significance. During the study period, 198 elective ACDF were carried out with increasing number of surgeries: 25 cases in 2013, 43 in 2014, 38 in 2015, 44 in 2016, and 48 in 2017. ACDF were significantly more often performed for females (n = 117, 59%) compared to males (n = 81, 41%; p < 0.003). Women were older with an average age of 50 ± 1 years than men (age 46 ± 1; p = 0.007). The mean surgery time was 1.5 ± 1 hours and the mean hospitalisation time was 3 ± 1 days. Four types of cages were used in similar number of operation: Cervios Peek Chronos C (24%), Syncage C (21%), EIT 3D print (29%), Cervios C Peek (26%); p = 0.2, regardless of patient age or gender. Most often, in 98 cases, the overall height of implants was 6–10 mm. The maximal height was 22 mm, where two patients underwent three-level, and one had a four-level discectomy. The most prevalent disc lesion levels were C5/6 and C6/7, followed by C4/5 and C3/4. One- and two-level discectomies were performed in similar numbers: 95 and 81 cases. However, only 20 patients underwent three level and two patients had four level discectomies in 2016 and 2017. Two level discectomy at C5/6, C6/7 was carried out significantly more often for women (55 vs. 26; p = 0.01), and for men 1-level lesion was more common in C6/7; p = 0.04. The overall incidence of cage subsidence was 5.5%, and the highest incidence was 24% when a Syncage C was used. The ACDF appears to be performed increasingly more often, particularly, in females. The most frequent operation was in one or two cervical levels; including level C6/7 in both genders. In the last years, three- and four-level cervical discectomies have become one of the surgical opportunities. Choice of cage was not influenced by patient gender and age, while cage biophysical and biochemical properties may influence the choice.
New 40Ar/39Ar, fission track and sedimentological data on a middle Miocene tuff occurring in the Vienna Basin: Implications for the north-western Central Paratethys region

Abstract The Kuchyňa tuff is found on the Eastern margin of the Vienna Basin and was formed by felsic volcanism. The Ar/Ar single grain sanidine method was applied and resulted in an age of 15.23±0.04 Ma, which can be interpreted as the age of the eruption. The obtained numerical age is in accordance with the subtropical climate inferred by the presence of fossil leaves that originated in an evergreen broadleaved forest. Furthermore, the described volcanism was connected with the syn-rift stage of the back-arc Pannonian Basin system. The sedimentological data from the underlying sandy mudstones indicate alluvial environment what confirms terrestrial conditions during deposition. Moreover, the tuff deposition probably occurred shortly before the Badenian transgression of the Central Paratethys Sea.
Assessment of Genetic Relationships among Cultivated and Wild Pistachios (Pistacia vera L.) using Molecular Markers

Abstract Iran is one of the main diversity centers and origins of pistachios in the world. Pistachio cultivation spread first within the ancient Persian Empire and then moved gradually westward. Knowledge of the genetic relationships among wild and cultivated varieties of pistachio is important for the efficient utilization of the available germplasm resources. Three molecular marker strategies, namely, inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR), inter-retrotransposon amplified polymorphism (IRAP), and retrotransposon microsatellite amplified polymorphism (REMAP), were used to study the genetic relationships among 35 pistachio accessions including 15 wild-type genotypes of Pistacia vera and 20 important cultivars from Iran. According to the results, high levels of polymorphism were observed for all three marker systems. REMAP and IRAP techniques had the higher mean values of genetic relationships parameters than ISSR technique. The results from this study showed that the 5′LTR2, Sukkula, Sukkula + UBC855, and 5′LTR2 + UBC811 primers were the most informative and could be used to evaluate the genetic relationships of pistachios accessions. Cluster analysis using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) properly separated the accessions and divided them into four main groups. The presence of most cultivated genotypes in a group indicates genetic erosion of cultivated pistachio in Iran. Wild-type genotypes of P. vera are located in different clusters indicating the high diversity of the genotypes. The results provide useful genetic information about wild pistachios in northeastern of Iran and indicate that the use of wild pistachios in breeding programs could be useful for generating new genotypes with interesting characters.
Progress in Treatment and Prevention of Trichinellosis

Trichinellosis is a foodborne parasitic zoonosis caused by eating raw or uncooked meat of animals infected with Trichinella species. The disease is widely distributed all over the world. It is a public health hazard by affecting humans and represents an economic problem in porcine animal production and food safety. Drugs used to treat Trichinellosis include anthelmintics and glucocorticosteroids. Benzimidazole derivatives or adding excipients, medical plant extracts and some biological agents have shown good insecticidal effects. Preventing infection is crucial for combating human and mammal trichinellosis. Designing effective vaccines and developing promising probiotics may be future preventive strategies against infection with Trichinella spiralis infection. This paper reviews new progress in the treatment and prevention of trichinellosis.
Evidence from Zambia’s Child Grant Programme

Climate change is projected to dramatically disrupt rainfall patterns and agricultural yields in Sub-Saharan Africa, potentially stalling and even reversing gains that have been made in the region’s fight against poverty. Many of the coping strategies the rural poor use to cope with failed harvests and other negative income shocks, such as reducing food consumption, selling off productive assets, and pulling children out of school, can mire households in poverty traps – the self-reinforcing conditions that cause poverty to persist. Avoiding detrimental coping strategies that degrade households’ capabilities, and thus ability to escape poverty, is essential for building resilience to climate change. This study investigates whether cash transfers enable households facing weather and other negative shocks to avoid coping strategies that lead to poverty traps. We capitalize on the randomized roll-out of Zambia’s Child Grant programme and a panel of 2,515 households to estimate impacts. The programme provides a monthly cash payment of 60 kwacha (U.S. $12) to poor households with children under the age of five. We find that in the face of shocks, cash empowers poor, rural households to employ coping strategies typically used by the non-poor, such as spending savings, and also enables them to substantially increase their food consumption and overall food security. This evidence demonstrates that extending relatively small cash payments unconditionally to the rural poor is a powerful policy option for fostering climate-resilient development.
Bog TurTle ( Glyptemys muhlenberGii ) Dispersal CorriDors anD ConservaTion in new York , usa

—Identifying potential corridors for local movements and dispersal is an important but often difficult part of conservation planning for rare species. New spatial analysis tools facilitate mapping of potential movement pathways, provided sufficient detail is known about the habitat use, dispersal behavior, and threats to a species, and appropriately specific regional habitat and landscape feature data are available. Using previously collected detailed habitat data (mapped remotely and field-verified), we identified potential core habitat for endangered Bog Turtles in a 590-km2 area in their northern range. We created a landscape resistance map based on habitats, roads, water bodies, and slope, and then calculated least-cost corridors for maintaining both population complex and regional network connectivity, identified points of vulnerability in these corridors, ascertained the relative importance of each core habitat and corridor for maintaining connectivity across the network, and mapped likely road-crossing sites. The model results were supported by records of Bog Turtles found away from core habitats. Our results can be used directly for prioritizing sites for acquisition and management, reviewing land development proposals, educating landowners, locating road signs or crossing aids, and other conservation measures. The results are particularly relevant as this species responds to both land use alterations and climate change.
Cellular Composition and Differentiation Signaling in Chicken Small Intestinal Epithelium

Simple Summary The small intestine is the major place for chickens to digest and absorb the nutrients. The intestinal epithelium is a single layer of cells that are generated by the stem cells in the crypt. This review mainly summarized the recent findings of molecular signaling pathways that control the proliferation and differentiation of chicken small intestinal stem cells, and the biological functions of chicken small intestinal stem cells, and the biological functions of chicken small intestinal epithelium corresponding to different cell types. We also provided some novel in vitro models for studying chicken small intestinal stem cells. With the understanding of cellular composition and differentiation in chicken small intestinal epithelium, it may bring the new ideas for the poultry industry to improve the small intestinal health and nutrition. Abstract The small intestine plays an important role for animals to digest and absorb nutrients. The epithelial lining of the intestine develops from the embryonic endoderm of the embryo. The mature intestinal epithelium is composed of different types of functional epithelial cells that are derived from stem cells, which are located in the crypts. Chickens have been widely used as an animal model for researching vertebrate embryonic development. However, little is known about the molecular basis of development and differentiation within the chicken small intestinal epithelium. This review introduces processes of development and growth in the chicken gut, and compares the cellular characteristics and signaling pathways between chicken and mammals, including Notch and Wnt signaling that control the differentiation in the small intestinal epithelium. There is evidence that the chicken intestinal epithelium has a distinct cellular architecture and proliferation zone compared to mammals. The establishment of an in vitro cell culture model for chickens will provide a novel tool to explore molecular regulation of the chicken intestinal development and differentiation.
Critical Issues in Dental and Medical Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

This critical review focuses on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its management from a dental medicine perspective. OSA is characterized by ≥10-s cessation of breathing (apnea) or reduction in airflow (hypopnea) ≥5 times per hour with a drop in oxygen and/or rise in carbon dioxide. It can be associated with sleepiness and fatigue, impaired mood and cognition, cardiometabolic complications, and risk for transportation and work accidents. Although sleep apnea is diagnosed by a sleep physician, its management is interdisciplinary. The dentist’s role includes 1) screening patients for OSA risk factors (e.g., retrognathia, high arched palate, enlarged tonsils or tongue, enlarged tori, high Mallampati score, poor sleep, supine sleep position, obesity, hypertension, morning headache or orofacial pain, bruxism); 2) referring to an appropriate health professional as indicated; and 3) providing oral appliance therapy followed by regular dental and sleep medical follow-up. In addition to the device features and provider expertise, anatomic, behavioral, demographic, and neurophysiologic characteristics can influence oral appliance effectiveness in managing OSA. Therefore, OSA treatment should be tailored to each patient individually. This review highlights some of the putative action mechanisms related to oral appliance effectiveness and proposes future research directions.
Virtual-Reality-Induced Visual Perturbations Impact Postural Control System Behavior

Background: Virtual reality (VR) is becoming a widespread tool in rehabilitation, especially for postural stability. However, the impact of using VR in a “moving wall paradigm” (visual perturbation), specifically without and with anticipation of the perturbation, is unknown. Methods: Nineteen healthy subjects performed three trials of static balance testing on a force plate under three different conditions: baseline (no perturbation), unexpected VR perturbation, and expected VR perturbation. The statistical analysis consisted of a 1 × 3 repeated-measures ANOVA to test for differences in the center of pressure (COP) displacement, 95% ellipsoid area, and COP sway velocity. Results: The expected perturbation rendered significantly lower (p < 0.05) COP displacements and 95% ellipsoid area compared to the unexpected condition. A significantly higher (p < 0.05) sway velocity was also observed in the expected condition compared to the unexpected condition. Conclusions: Postural stability was lowered during unexpected visual perturbations compared to both during baseline and during expected visual perturbations, suggesting that conflicting visual feedback induced postural instability due to compensatory postural responses. However, during expected visual perturbations, significantly lowered postural sway displacement and area were achieved by increasing the sway velocity, suggesting the occurrence of postural behavior due to anticipatory postural responses. Finally, the study also concluded that VR could be used to induce different postural responses by providing visual perturbations to the postural control system, which can subsequently be used as an effective and low-cost tool for postural stability training and rehabilitation.
Knowledge And Awareness Of Hospital Pharmacist Toward Pharmaceutical Care In Khartoum State

Background: The philosophy of pharmaceutical care has been accepted worldwide, as the primary mission of pharmacy; pharmaceutical care mandates that practitioners not only dispense medications, but also assume responsibility for improving the quality of patients' outcomes. Design: This is a descriptive cross-sectional survey research by questionnaire. Objectives: The aim of the study is to describe the current pharmacy practice in hospitals in Khartoum state at Sudan, explore the knowledge and awareness of hospital pharmacists to implement pharmaceutical care practice. Method: A questionnaire was designed to explore the hospital pharmacist’s understanding, knowledge and their perceptions on the philosophy of pharmaceutical care, barriers and also the current pharmacy practice. The cross-sectional study was conducted, which involve exploring and collecting data from hospital pharmacists in Khartoum state using the self-administered questionnaire approach. The mode of data collection chosen was a selfadministered questionnaire. In a sample of 115 hospital pharmacists from a hospitals in Khartoum state. The data was collected and analyzed using the SPSS ver.16 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Result: The respondent demographic Characteristic were collected and analyzed. The median age were found to be 25 years old, 77% are female, 41.7% had experience less than 2 years. Related to the knowledge and awareness of the hospital pharmacist among respondent using one sample t-test a total mark of scale was 30, a mean was compared to the value 18 there is significant deferent. Conclusion: The current practice of hospital pharmacists in Sudan needs further improvement. Knowledge and awareness is low about pharmaceutical care, continuous education programs would be an important approach for World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research SJIF Impact Factor 5.990 Volume 4, Issue 12, 1484-1492. Research Article ISSN 2277– 7105 Article Received on 16 Oct 2015, Revised on 07 Nov 2015, Accepted on 29 Nov 2015
Neuroinflammation in Post-Traumatic Epilepsy: Pathophysiology and Tractable Therapeutic Targets

Epilepsy is a common chronic consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI), contributing to increased morbidity and mortality for survivors. As post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is drug-resistant in at least one-third of patients, there is a clear need for novel therapeutic strategies to prevent epilepsy from developing after TBI, or to mitigate its severity. It has long been recognized that seizure activity is associated with a local immune response, characterized by the activation of microglia and astrocytes and the release of a plethora of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. More recently, increasing evidence also supports a causal role for neuroinflammation in seizure induction and propagation, acting both directly and indirectly on neurons to promote regional hyperexcitability. In this narrative review, we focus on key aspects of the neuroinflammatory response that have been implicated in epilepsy, with a particular focus on PTE. The contributions of glial cells, blood-derived leukocytes, and the blood–brain barrier will be explored, as well as pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. While the neuroinflammatory response to TBI appears to be largely pro-epileptogenic, further research is needed to clearly demonstrate causal relationships. This research has the potential to unveil new drug targets for PTE, and identify immune-based biomarkers for improved epilepsy prediction.
Effects on Intestinal Mucosal Morphology, Productive Parameters and Microbiota Composition after Supplementation with Fermented Defatted Alperujo (FDA) in Laying Hens

The olive oil sector is currently adapting its traditional function to also become a supplier of high-value by-products that possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the fermented defatted alperujo (FDA) on the intestinal health of laying hens. The morphology of the duodenal and cecal mucosa, the composition of the intestinal microbiota and the productivity of a batch of laying hens were evaluated after FDA supplementation. At early life stages, significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed in duodenal villi height and in crypt depth of both the duodenum and the cecum in the FDA-supplemented group, indicating improved intestinal health in this group. Microbiota composition in the hatchery group supplemented with FDA had a higher abundance of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, and higher bacterial diversity. During the production period, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the number of broken eggs from the supplemented group. We conclude that FDA supplementation improves the absorption capacity of the intestinal mucosa and modifies the intestinal microbiota to favor a greater immune response, leading to an increase in egg production.
SLC transporters ASCT2, B0AT1‐like, y+LAT1, and LAT4‐like associate with methionine electrogenic and radio‐isotope flux kinetics in rainbow trout intestine

Methionine (Met) is an important building block and metabolite for protein biosynthesis. However, the mechanism behind its absorption in the fish gut has not been elucidated. Here, we describe the fundamental properties of Met transport along trout gut at µmol/L and mmol/L concentration. Both electrogenic and unidirectional DL‐[14C]Met flux were employed to characterize Met transporters in Ussing chambers. Exploiting the differences in gene expression between diploid (2N) and triploid (3N) and intestinal segment as tools, allowed the association between gene and methionine transport. Specifically, three intestinal segments including pyloric caeca (PC), midgut (MG), and hindgut (HG) were assessed. Results at 0–150 µmol/L concentration demonstrated that the DL‐Met was most likely transported by apical transporter ASCT2 (SLC1A5) and recycled by basolateral transporter y+LAT1 (SLC7A7) due to five lines of observation: (1) lack of Na+‐independent kinetics, (2) low expression of B0AT2‐like gene, (3) Na+‐dependent, high‐affinity (Km, µmol/L ranges) kinetics in DL‐[14C]Met flux, (4) association mRNA expression with the high‐affinity kinetics and (5) electrogenic currents induced by Met. Results at 0.2–20 mmol/L concentration suggested that the DL‐Met transport is likely transported by B0AT1‐like (SLC6A19‐like) based on gene expression, Na+‐dependence and low‐affinity kinetics (Km, mmol/L ranges). Similarly, genomic and gene expression analysis suggest that the basolateral exit of methionine was primarily through LAT4‐like transporter (SLC43A2‐like). Conclusively, DL‐Met uptake in trout gut was most likely governed by Na+‐dependent apical transporters ASCT2 and B0AT1‐like and released through basolateral LAT4‐like, with some recycling through y+LAT1. A comparatively simpler model than that previously described in mammals.
Tongue thickness is associated with masticatory performance of perioral muscles: Ultrasonographic study of perioral muscle characteristics in healthy young subjects.

BACKGROUND Mastication is a complicated task that involves the teeth and perioral muscles, such as the tongue and lip. Previous studies have shown correlations between masticatory performance and perioral muscle strength (e.g., tongue pressure) and between masticatory performance and occlusal forces. OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationships between masticatory performance and perioral muscle characteristics. METHODS Forty-nine healthy young subjects (men: 24, women: 25) with Eichner classification group A were included in this cross-sectional study. Age, body weight, masticatory performance, masseter muscle thickness, masseter muscle echo intensity, cross-sectional area of geniohyoid muscle, geniohyoid muscle echo intensity, tongue thickness (TT), and tongue echo intensity were assessed. Masticatory performance was evaluated using a color-changeable chewing gum. The thickness and echo intensity of the masseter muscle, geniohyoid muscle, and tongue were observed using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine relationships between perioral muscle characteristics and masticatory performance. RESULTS TT (p < 0.01) was the sole significant explanatory variable for masticatory performance. The standard partial regression coefficient was 0.47. The multiple correlation coefficient (R) was 0.47 and the adjusted R2 was 0.20; the variance inflation factor was 1.0. This study showed that TT was related to masticatory performance, whereas perioral muscle quality was not. Moreover, perioral muscle quantity was highly correlated with perioral muscle quality. CONCLUSIONS TT is a predictor of masticatory performance in healthy young subjects. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is useful in the evaluation of perioral muscle characteristics.