Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optic Disc Morphometry Correlated with Confocal Laser Scanning Doppler Flowmetry Measurements in Normal-Pressure Glaucoma

PurposeTo examine the relationship between morphologic optic disc parameters and hemodynamic parameters as measured by confocal laser scanning Doppler flowmetry in patients with normal-pressure glaucoma. MethodsThe study included 91 eyes of 54 patients with normal-pressure glaucoma (mean age: 57.7 ± 9.8 years), and 136 eyes of 77 age-adjusted normal controls. Color stereo optic disc photographs were morphometrically examined, and confocal laser scanning flowmetry (Heidelberg Retinal Flowmeter) in the neuroretinal rim inside of the optic disc, and in the retina close to the temporal and nasal border of the optic nerve head was performed. ResultsMean confocal laser scanning flowmetric measurements in the neuroretinal rim, temporal parapapillary retina, and nasal parapapillary retina were significantly (P <0.03) lower in the normal-pressure glaucoma group than in the age-adjusted control group. Correspondingly, mean confocal laser scanning flowmetric measurements within the neuroretinal rim decreased significantly, with relatively low correlation coefficients, decreasing neuroretinal rim area (P = 0.016; correlation coefficient r2 = 0.026), and increasing mean visual field defect (P = 0.011;r2 = 0.029). Measurements were statistically independent of &agr; zone (P = 0.38;r2 = 0.004) and &bgr; zone (P = 0.57;r2 = 0.002) of parapapillary atrophy. ConclusionsConfocal laser scanning flowmetric measurements within the neuroretinal rim were lower in eyes with normal-pressure glaucoma than in age-matched normal eyes. Confocal laser scanning flowmetric measurements decrease with increasing glaucomatous optic nerve damage. There is, however, a marked variability preventing a clear relationship between stage of glaucoma and decrease in confocal laser scanning flowmetric measurements. The correlation between parapapillary atrophy and confocal laser scanning flowmetric measurements is not statistically significant in normal-pressure glaucoma.
Macular choroidal thickness measured by swept source optical coherence tomography in eyes with inferior posterior staphyloma.

PURPOSE To study the choroidal thickness in eyes with inferior posterior staphyloma (IPS) and to elucidate its role in the development of macular complications. METHODS The macular area of 42 eyes of 32 patients with IPS was studied prospectively with swept source optical coherence tomography at 1050 nm. Using a raster scan protocol with 512 × 128 A-scans, we produced a macular choroidal thickness map (6 × 6-mm(2)). RESULTS Eyes with IPS showed relatively well-preserved choroid outside of the staphyloma but the inferior-nasal choroid within the staphyloma was thinned substantially. In addition, eyes with IPS often had a belt-shaped area with the thinnest choroid along the superior border of the staphyloma. As patient age increased, choroidal thinning progressed in the entire macular area. The macular choroidal thickness showed a close correlation with age (R(2) = 0.506, P < 0.001). On the superior border of the staphyloma, 13 eyes (30.9%) showed serous retinal detachment and/or pigment epithelial detachment without neovascularization, and eight (19.0%) showed neovascularization. Patients with neovascularization were older and had worse visual acuity (P < 0.001). Macular choroidal thickness in eyes with neovascular complications (76.5 ± 19.9 μm) was significantly reduced compared with that of eyes with no complication (133.0 ± 61.9 μm, P = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS Eyes with IPS showed marked choroidal thinning along the superior border of the staphyloma. Reduction of the choroidal thickness progressed with age and seemed to be involved in the development of neovascularization associated with the IPS.
PROPERTIES OF HARDENED CONCRETE BRICKS CONTAINING EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE BEADS

Polystyrene aggregate concrete is one of many lightweight and low strength materials. This project reports the results of an experimental investigation into the properties of hardened concrete bricks containing expanded polystyrene beads. The beads are used as part of sand replacement in the mixes. A total of 200 samples of bricks with the standard size of 215mm x 102.5mm x 65mm were prepared in this study. Among the properties studied were compressive strength, water absorption, drying shrinkage and wet expansion of the polystyrene concrete bricks. It was found that polystyrene concrete is very prone to segregation and has low compressive strength. The properties of the bricks are mainly influenced by the content of polystyrene beads in the mix. The results indicate that polystyrene concrete mix with certain portion of the beads may provide as a suitable alternative material in the construction industry.
A myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase gene, IbMIPS1, enhances salt and drought tolerance and stem nematode resistance in transgenic sweet potato.

Myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase (MIPS) is a key rate limiting enzyme in myo-inositol biosynthesis. The MIPS gene has been shown to improve tolerance to abiotic stresses in several plant species. However, its role in resistance to biotic stresses has not been reported. In this study, we found that expression of the sweet potato IbMIPS1 gene was induced by NaCl, polyethylene glycol (PEG), abscisic acid (ABA) and stem nematodes. Its overexpression significantly enhanced stem nematode resistance as well as salt and drought tolerance in transgenic sweet potato under field conditions. Transcriptome and real-time quantitative PCR analyses showed that overexpression of IbMIPS1 up-regulated the genes involved in inositol biosynthesis, phosphatidylinositol (PI) and ABA signalling pathways, stress responses, photosynthesis and ROS-scavenging system under salt, drought and stem nematode stresses. Inositol, inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3 ), phosphatidic acid (PA), Ca(2+) , ABA, K(+) , proline and trehalose content was significantly increased, whereas malonaldehyde (MDA), Na(+) and H2 O2 content was significantly decreased in the transgenic plants under salt and drought stresses. After stem nematode infection, the significant increase of inositol, IP3 , PA, Ca(2+) , ABA, callose and lignin content and significant reduction of MDA content were found, and a rapid increase of H2 O2 levels was observed, peaked at 1 to 2 days and thereafter declined in the transgenic plants. This study indicates that the IbMIPS1 gene has the potential to be used to improve the resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses in plants.
The effect of infliximab on bone metabolism markers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate urinary excretion of N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX) and deoxypyridinoline (DPD), markers of bone resorption, and serum bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) level, a marker of bone formation and an early marker of osteoblast differentiation, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with infliximab. METHODS Seventeen male and female patients (age 60.7+/-2.53 yr; mean disease duration 12.9+/-3.01 yr; Steinbrocker's class II-IV) with RA, diagnosed according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), took part in the study between March 2003 and January 2005. None of the patients had a history of oestrogen replacement therapy. All patients were treated with infliximab combined with methotrexate. Infliximab was infused intravenously at 3 mg/kg at baseline, 2 and 6 weeks, then every 8 weeks. To evaluate disease activity, ESR, CRP, the numbers of swollen and tender joints, modified Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (mHAQ) score and ACR score were measured. Levels of NTX and DPD in urine and BAP in serum were measured in all patients. RESULTS ESR, CRP, the number of swollen joints and tender joints, and mHAQ score had decreased significantly 6 weeks after initial treatment and were still low 6 months after initial treatment. NTX levels had decreased significantly 6 weeks after the initial treatment and were still low 6 months after initial treatment. DPD levels had decreased 6 months after initial infusion. Mean serum BAP level did not differ significantly among the three time points. NTX levels were statistically corresponding with the number of swollen joints and mHAQ scores. DPD levels were statistically lower corresponding with ESR. CONCLUSION Infliximab therapy may inhibit generalized bone loss in patients with RA. NTX is a more sensitive marker than DPD.
The Integrin Inhibitor Cilengitide Affects Meningioma Cell Motility and Invasion

Purpose: Meningiomas are frequent intracranial or spinal neoplasms, which recur frequently and can show aggressive clinical behaviour. We elucidated the impact of the integrin inhibitor cilengitide on migration, proliferation, and radiosensitization of meningioma cells. Experimental Design: We analyzed integrin expression in tissue microarrays of human meningiomas and the antimeningioma properties of cilengitide in cell cultures, subcutaneous and intracranial nude mouse models by measuring tumor volumes and survival times. Results: αvβ5 was the predominantly expressed integrin heterodimer in meningiomas, whereas αvβ3 was mainly detected in tumor blood vessels. Application of up to 100 μg/mL cilengitide resulted in only mildly reduced proliferation/survival of meningioma cell lines. Effects on cell survival could be enhanced by irradiation. One μg/mL cilengitide was sufficient to significantly inhibit meningioma cell migration and invasion in vitro. A daily dosage of 75 mg/kg did neither affect tumor volumes nor overall survival (P = 0.813, log-rank test), but suppressed brain invasion in a significant fraction of treated animals. A combination of 75 mg/kg cilengitide daily and irradiation (2 × 5 Gy) led to a 67% reduction of MRI-estimated tumor volumes in the intracranial model (P < 0.01), whereas the corresponding reduction reached by irradiation alone was only 55% (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These data show that a monotherapy with cilengitide is not likely to achieve major responses in rapidly growing malignant meningiomas, although brain invasion may be reduced because of the strong antimigratory properties of the drug. The combination with radiotherapy warrants further attention. Clin Cancer Res; 19(19); 5402–12. ©2013 AACR.
Flavedo and albedo changes in 'Eureka' lemons caused by static compression and impact loading

Mature lemons (Citrus limon (L.) Burm. ‘Eureka') were subjected to increasing compression, impact and static loading, then stored at either 1C, 13C or 20C for 14 or 28 days. Following storage, fruit were assessed for cellular damage associated with the site of loading. Slow compression (1.7cm plunger driven at a loading rate of 200 mm min−1) resulted in cell damage in the mid to lower flavedo tissue. Tissue failure was characterised by cell rupture, with minor cell deformation and compression associated with damage to the oil glands. Impact loading caused relatively little lower flavedo damage, with most of the injury associated with the albedo, the upper flavedo and tissue surrounding the oil glands. Damaged albedo cells formed a distinct zone of ruptured and laterally compressed tissue which increased in area with drop height. Static loading (3.7 kg top weight) resulted in a similar mode of failure to that of impact loading, with extensive cellular damage observed in the lower albedo. Injury was distinct in that cells were not laterally compressed and flavedo damage was far more pronounced. While most of the tissue damage was directly
A Provably Password Authenticated Key Exchange Scheme Based on Chaotic Maps in Different Realm

Until now, the overwhelming majority of password- authenticated key agreement protocols using chaotic maps are based on three architectures (client/server, two clients/server and multi-server) and four security models (heuristic security, random oracle, ideal cipher and standard model). However, with rapid changes in the modern communication environment such as wireless mesh net- works and cloud storing, it is necessary to put forward a kind more flexible and general architecture to adapt it. So, in our paper, we firstly propose a provable secure two-party in two-realm key agreement protocol using chaotic maps in the standard model. Our proposed protocol is more general and it is easy to expand to many other forms, such as three-party or N-party in different realms. The new protocol resists dictionary attacks mounted by either passive or active network intruders, allowing, in principle, even weak password phrases to be used safely. It also offers perfect forward secrecy, which protects past sessions and passwords against future compromises. Finally, we give the security proof in the standard model and the efficiency analysis of our proposed scheme.
Morphometric evaluation of nitric oxide synthase isoforms and their cytokine regulators predict pulmonary dysfunction and survival in systemic sclerosis

Because histopathological changes in the lungs of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are consistent with alveolar and vessel cell damage, we presume that this interaction can be characterized by analyzing the expression of proteins regulating nitric oxide (NO) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) synthesis. To validate the importance of alveolar-vascular interactions and to explore the quantitative relationship between these factors and other clinical data, we studied these markers in 23 cases of SSc nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (SSc-NSIP). We used immunohistochemistry and morphometry to evaluate the amount of cells in alveolar septa and vessels staining for NO synthase (NOS) and PAI-1, and the outcomes of our study were cellular and fibrotic NSIP, pulmonary function tests, and survival time until death. General linear model analysis demonstrated that staining for septal inducible NOS (iNOS) related significantly to staining of septal cells for interleukin (IL)-4 and to septal IL-13. In univariate analysis, higher levels of septal and vascular cells staining for iNOS were associated with a smaller percentage of septal and vascular cells expressing fibroblast growth factor and myofibroblast proliferation, respectively. Multivariate Cox model analysis demonstrated that, after controlling for SSc-NSIP histological patterns, just three variables were significantly associated with survival time: septal iNOS (P=0.04), septal IL-13 (P=0.03), and septal basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF; P=0.02). Augmented NOS, IL-13, and bFGF in SSc-NSIP histological patterns suggest a possible functional role for iNOS in SSc. In addition, the extent of iNOS, PAI-1, and IL-4 staining in alveolar septa and vessels provides a possible independent diagnostic measure for the degree of pulmonary dysfunction and fibrosis with an impact on the survival of patients with SSc.
The sensitivity of Fanconi anaemia group C cells to apoptosis induced by mitomycin C is due to oxygen radical generation, not DNA crosslinking

Fanconi's anaemia (FA) is characterized by increased spontaneous and induced chromosome fragility. This has been widely regarded to be due to a defect in DNA crosslink repair, because of the sensitivity of cells to known DNA crosslinking agents such as mitomycin C (MMC) and diepoxybutane (DEB). Although Fanconi cells are also sensitive to molecular oxygen, and may be protected by antioxidants, this has generally been considered to be a secondary phenomenon. However, it has recently been demonstrated that the FAC protein, coded for by the Fanconi anaemia gene for complementation group C, is strictly cytoplasmic and does not enter the nucleus even after DNA damage, which seems inconsistent with a role in DNA repair.
Observational evidence that urbanisation and neighbourhood deprivation are associated with escalation in chronic pharmacological pain treatment: a longitudinal population-based study in the Netherlands

Objective To examine, in the light of the association between urban environment and poor mental health, whether urbanisation and neighbourhood deprivation are associated with analgesic escalation in chronic pharmacological pain treatment and whether escalation is associated with prescriptions of psychotropic medication. Design Longitudinal analysis of a population-based routine dispensing database in the Netherlands. Setting Representative sample of pharmacies, covering 73% of the Dutch nationwide medication consumption in the primary care and hospital outpatient settings. Participants 449 410 patients aged 15–85 years were included, of whom 166 374 were in the Starter group and 283 036 in the Continuation group of chronic analgesic treatment. Main outcome measure Escalation of analgesics (ie, change to a higher level of analgesic potency, classified across five levels) in association with urbanisation (five levels) and dichotomous neighbourhood deprivation was analysed over a 6-month observation period. Methods Ordered logistic multivariate model evaluating analgesic treatment. Results In both Starter and Continuation groups, escalation was positively associated with urbanisation in a dose–response fashion (Starter group: OR (urbanisation level 1 compared with level 5): 1.24, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.30; Continuation group: OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.23). An additional association was apparent with neighbourhood deprivation (Starter group: OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.11; Continuation group: OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.08). Use of somatic and particularly psychotropic co-medication was associated with escalation in both groups. Conclusions Escalation of chronic analgesic treatment is associated with urban and deprived environments and occurs in a context of adding psychotropic medication prescriptions. These findings suggest that pain outcomes and mental health outcomes share factors that increase risk and remedy suffering.
Somatoform and Substance Use Disorders

Objective: To review the potential for diagnostic difficulties and overlap in a number of symptoms of somatoform disorders and symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol and drugs, and to review epidemiologic, family, and clinical studies addressing comorbidity between somatoform and substance use disorders. The comorbidity between somatoform disorders and substance use disorders has rarely been studied. Methods: Symptoms of somatoform disorders and substance withdrawal were compared. A PubMed-based literature review was conducted. Results: Somatoform and withdrawal symptoms overlap considerably. Few studies, however, have addressed comorbidity between somatoform and substance use disorders. Although results are inconsistent, a number of studies suggest that an association exists. Conclusion: More research on this type of comorbidity is warranted because the associations may be stronger than generally assumed. Such research should address methodological problems to produce studies with clearer findings. ECA = Epidemiologic Catchment Area; USD = undifferentiated somatoform disorder; SSI = Somatic Symptom Index; SSI4,6 = Somatic Symptom Index, 4 symptoms (men) and 6 symptoms (women).
Interfacial ionic ‘liquids’: connecting static and dynamic structures

It is well known that room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) often adopt a charge-separated layered structure, i.e. with alternating cation- and anion-rich layers, at electrified interfaces. However, the dynamic response of the layered structure to temporal variations in applied potential is not well understood. We used in situ, real-time x-ray reflectivity to study the potential-dependent electric double layer (EDL) structure of an imidazolium-based RTIL on charged epitaxial graphene during potential cycling as a function of temperature. The results suggest that the graphene–RTIL interfacial structure is bistable in which the EDL structure at any intermediate potential can be described by the combination of two extreme-potential structures whose proportions vary depending on the polarity and magnitude of the applied potential. This picture is supported by the EDL structures obtained by fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations at various static potentials. The potential-driven transition between the two structures is characterized by an increasing width but with an approximately fixed hysteresis magnitude as a function of temperature. The results are consistent with the coexistence of distinct anion- and cation-adsorbed structures separated by an energy barrier (∼0.15 eV).
Pre-PMF emerging as important subgroup of MPN.

In this issue of Blood , Guglielmelli et al highlight the importance of distinguishing prefibrotic/early primary myelofibrosis (pre-PMF) from overt primary myelofibrosis (overt-PMF) as a separate prodromal subgroup of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). 1 Before the World Health Organization (WHO) 2016 classification, pre-PMF was neither generally accepted in the scientific community as a distinct subgroup of MPN nor aligned with overt-PMF. 2 In this study, the authors provide evidence that pre-PMF represents a prodromal stage of overt-PMF, and that it is clearly different from essential thrombocythemia (ET). With respect to clinical, hematologic, and molecular phenotypes, pre-PMF is associated with better risk factors that result in prolonged overall survival, as well as leukemia-free and fibrosis-free survival, when compared with overt-PMF. However, as has been reported in earlier studies, pre-PMF showed a significantly shorter overall survival than ET. 3-5 Patients with pre-PMF are younger compared with patients with overt-PMF. Patients with overt-PMF have greater hematologic abnormalities (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, higher blast counts), are more symptomatic, have larger spleens, and have a higher frequency of high molecular risk mutation profiles. Interestingly, the cohort of patients with pre-PMF had a predominance of female patients, which suggests the possibility that male patients progress to overt-PMF faster as the sex distribution is balanced in the later cohort.
Short- and Long-Term Changes in Plasma Inflammatory Markers Associated With Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension, dyslipidemia, and increased systemic inflammatory response and has been associated with an increased maternal risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Low-grade chronic inflammation is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This study examined changes in inflammatory markers prospectively during pregnancy, the current inflammatory status of women who had a pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia 20 years previously against matched controls, and the association between inflammatory genes and risk of preeclampsia in a case (n=106) control (n=212) study. In control pregnancies (n=34), mean interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels increased 38% (P=0.012) and tumor necrosis factor-&agr; (TNF-&agr;) by 33% (P=0.024) between the first and third trimesters. The mean preeclampsia group IL-10 and TNF-&agr; rose by 43% (P=0.013 and P=0.0065, respectively) from the first to the third trimester. In women with preeclampsia only, plasma IL-6 increased from the first to the third trimester (1.66 [2.04] to 2.94 [2.47] pg/mL; P=0.0004). Twenty years after the index pregnancy, women who had had preeclampsia demonstrated significantly higher IL-6 to IL-10 ratio (3.96 [6.07] versus 2.12 [1.89]; P=0.034) compared with a healthy index pregnancy 20 years previously, that persisted after adjustment for smoking and current body mass index. The IL-1&bgr; (C-511T), IL-6 (G-174C), TNF-&agr; (G-308A), E-selectin (S128R), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (K469E), and C-reactive protein (C1059G) polymorphisms were not associated with risk of developing preeclampsia. In conclusion, preeclampsia is associated with short- and long-term changes in inflammatory status.