Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Femtosecond laser and microkeratome corneal flaps: comparison of stromal wound healing and inflammation.

PURPOSE To examine early postoperative wound healing in rabbit corneas that had LASIK flaps formed with three different models (15 KHz, 30 KhZ, and 60 KHz) of a femtosecond laser compared with flaps formed with a microkeratome. METHODS Thirty-nine rabbit eyes were randomized to receive either no surgery or corneal flaps formed with one of the lasers or the microkeratome. Sixteen eyes also had lamellar cuts with no side cuts with the 30 KHz laser. Animals were sacrificed and corneas processed as frozen sections or fixed for transmission electron microscopy. Frozen sections were evaluated with the TUNEL assay to detect apoptosis, immunocytochemistry for Ki67 to detect cell mitosis, and immunocytochemistry for CD11b to detect mononuclear cells. RESULTS Rabbit corneas that had flaps formed with the 15 KHz laser had significantly more stromal cell death, greater stromal cell proliferation, and greater monocyte influx in the central and peripheral comea at 24 hours after surgery than corneas that had flaps formed with the 30 KHz or 60 KHz laser or the microkeratome. Results of the 60 KHz laser and microkeratome were not significantly different for any of the parameters at 24 hours, except for mitotic stromal cells at the flap margin. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the primary mode of stromal cell death at 24 hours after laser ablation was necrosis. CONCLUSIONS Stromal cell necrosis associated with femtosecond laser flap formation likely contributes to greater inflammation after LASIK performed with the femtosecond laser, especially with higher energy levels that result in greater keratocyte cell death.
Surgical Effects of Obesity on Laparoscopy-assisted Distal Gastrectomy

Purpose To compare the effects of obesity on laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) and open distal gastrectomy (ODG). Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 249 patients, who underwent LADG and 224 patients who underwent ODG. Results The regression coefficient of the primary regression equation between operative time and body mass index (BMI) for LADG was greater than ODG; and between blood loss and BMI for LADG was almost the same as ODG. In overweight patients (BMI ≥25), no significant difference was seen between LADG and ODG regarding postoperative complications, and the benefits of the less-invasive nature of LADG were also seen in some parameters. Conclusion Obesity-associated difficulties are more while performing LADG than during ODG; however, the influence of obesity on LADG decreases with surgical experience. Moreover, even in overweight patients, the benefits of the less-invasive nature of LADG still remain, but the degree of the benefits is smaller than that in nonobese patients.
The Renin‐Angiotensin‐Aldosterone System in Greyhounds and Non‐Greyhound Dogs

Background The renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) regulates blood pressure, electrolyte homeostasis, and renal function. Blood pressure, serum sodium concentrations, and urinary albumin excretion are higher in Greyhounds than other purebred and mixed‐breed dogs. Hypothesis Alterations in the RAAS in Greyhounds are associated with hemodynamic and clinicopathologic differences observed in the breed. Animals Clinically healthy Greyhound and non‐Greyhound dogs consecutively enrolled as blood donors (n = 20/group). Methods Prospective study. Standard chemical analysis was performed on serum and urine. Serum angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) activity was determined by fluorometric assay. All other RAAS hormones were determined by radioimmunoassay. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) was measured by immunoassay. Measurements were compared to blood pressure and urine albumin concentration. Data are presented as mean ± SD or median, range. Results Serum creatinine (1.5 ± 0.2 vs 1.0 ± 0.1 mg/dL, P < .001), sodium (149, 147–152 vs 148, 146–150 mEq/L, P = .017), and SDMA (16.1 ± 2.9 vs 12.2 ± 1.8 μg/dL, P < .001) were significantly higher in Greyhounds versus non‐Greyhounds, respectively. Plasma renin activity (0.69, 0.10–1.93 vs 0.65, 0.27–2.93 ng/mL/h, P = .60) and ACE activity (4.5, 2.1–8.5 vs 4.6, 2.1–11.4 activity/mL; P = .77) were similar between groups and did not correlate with higher systolic pressures and albuminuria in Greyhounds. Plasma aldosterone concentration was significantly lower in Greyhounds versus non‐Greyhounds (11, 11–52 vs 15, 11–56 pg/mL, respectively, P = .002). Conclusions and clinical importance Basal RAAS activation did not differ between healthy Greyhounds and non‐Greyhounds. Lower aldosterone concentration in Greyhounds is an appropriate physiologic response to higher serum sodium concentration and blood pressure, suggesting that angiotensin II effects in the renal tubule predominate over those of aldosterone.
Plasma calcitonin gene‐related peptide levels in patients with various hypertensive diseases

Objective: To clarify the pathophysiological role of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) in hypertensive diseases. Method: Using a sensitive radioimmunoassay established in our laboratory, plasma CGRP levels were evaluated in control subjects and in patients with essential hypertension, phaeochromocytoma or primary aldosteronism. Results: The CGRP levels in the three hypertensive groups were significantly higher than in normal controls, but no statistically significant difference was observed among CGRP levels in the three hypertensive groups. In the three cases of secondary hypertensives (one patient with phaeochromocytoma and two with primary aldosteronism), a significant decrease in plasma CGRP levels and a marked reduction in blood pressure were observed after adrenalectomy. Conclusion: These results suggest that increased plasma CGRP levels in hypertensive patients could be a compensatory reaction to elevated blood pressure.
Environmental mastitis: cause, prevalence, prevention.

Rate of intramammary infection by coliform bacteria and species of streptococci other than Streptococcus agalactiae (environmental pathogens) was studied in a dairy herd in total confinement. Rate was higher during the dry period than during lactation and increased progressively as parity increased. Rate was maximal during summer and coincided with maximum exposure to coliforms in bedding. Streptococcal infections were longer than coliform. Approximately 59% of streptococcal infections and 69% of coliform infections were present for 30 lactation days or less. Percent quarters infected by day of year varied between . 7 and 3.0% for coliform bacteria and between 1.6 and 4.7% for streptococci. Approximately 81% of coliform infections and 53% of streptococcal infections during lactation were clinical. Clinical cases were highest during the first 76 days of lactation and during summer. Only 6.7% of coliform infections resulted in acute coliform mastitis, and all acute cases were during summer or early lactation. Dry cow therapy reduced rate of streptococcal infection during the early dry period but was without effect during the prepartum period. There was no effect of dry cow therapy on coliform infection rate during the dry period. Problems associated with prevalence and control of environmental mastitis were discussed.
Breast discharge: ultrasound and Doppler evaluation.

BACKGROUND Nipple discharge causes discomfort and anxiety to many women. Nipple discharge is most commonly associated with endocrine alterations and/or medications. These often result in duct ectasia and/or fibrocystic changes that may lead to discharge from one or several ducts. The most common cause of clinically significant discharge is intraductal growth of the ductal epithelium, due to hyperplasia, micropapillary proliferation, solitary papillomas and/or ductal carcinoma (both in situ and invasive). The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of the gray-scale ultrasound and colour Doppler in the diagnosis of intraductal pathology in patients with nipple discharge. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred & seven patients were included in the study, (age range 23-65years). Standard mammographic views were taken. Ultrasound evaluation was performed for all cases; ductography for 20 cases and ductoscopy for 3 cases. US guided fine needle biopsy was done in 7 cases; microducectomy of affected duct was done in 20 cases and major duct excision in 5cases. Fibro-optic Ductoscopy is performed for 3 cases. RESULTS Revision of biopsy specimens of 17 cases with intraluminal masses detected by US revealed: Six cases with intraductal carcinoma, intraductal papilloma in 7 cases, 1 case of ductal papillomatosis. Three cases showed atypical cells: Intraductal papilloma with atypia in 2 cases, proliferative hyperplasia with atypia in one case. Eighty eight cases had simple duct ectasia (51 bilateral multiple and 37 focal duct ectasia). No dilated ducts were detected in 2 cases. Fibro-optic Ductoscopy confirmed the presence of intraductal papilloma in one case, carcinoma in one case, no intraductal masses in the third case. A 6 months follow-up was requested for all cases with no detected intra luminal pathology. Ultrasound examination is highly sensitive (100%) but less specific (82.4%) in diagnosis of intraductal pathology. Colour & power Doppler are sensitive (94%) in detecting flow in intraductal echogenic masses to differentiate them from insipissated secretions. Colour and power Doppler raises specificity and diagnostic accuracy to 100%. Ductography is an underused procedure that is sensitive (100%) but less specific (60%) in characterization of intraductal filling defects. CONCLUSION Ultrasonography is a mandatory complement to mammography in these cases, US guided fine needle biopsy is minimally invasive technique in confirming the diagnosis of suspicious mass. Ultrasound may also be a guide to fibro-optic ductoscope. KEY WORDS Ductography - Nipple discharge - Intraductal carcinoma - Intraductal papilloma - In situ ductal carcinoma - Invasive ductal carcinoma - Duct ectasia - Breast ductoscopy.
Is Consolidation Chemotherapy after Concurrent Chemo-Radiotherapy Beneficial for Patients with Locally Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer?: A Pooled Analysis of the Literature

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether consolidation chemotherapy (CCT) after concurrent chemo-radiotherapy is beneficial for patients with locally advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC). Methods: We systematically searched PubMed for phase II/III trials published before December 31, 2011, examining survival of LA-NSCLC treated with concurrent chemo-radiotherapy. Median overall survival and other study characteristics were collected from each study and pooled. We extracted log-transformed hazards and standard errors under the assumption that survival follows an exponential distribution, and computed a pooled median overall survival and a 95% confidence interval (CI) using random-effects model. Collected trial arms were categorized as having CCT or not having it, CCT+ and CCT−, respectively. Results: Forty-one studies were identified including seven phase III studies and 34 phase II studies with 45 arms (CCT+: 25; CCT−: 20). Clinical data were comparable for clinical stage, performance status, cancer histology, sex, and median age between the two groups. There was no statistical difference in pooled mOS between CCT+ (19.0 month; 95% CI, 17.3−21.0) and CCT− (17.9 month; 95% CI, 16.1−19.9). Predicted hazard ratio of CCT+ to CCT− was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.81−1.09; p = 0.40). There were no differences between the two groups with regard to grade 3−5 toxicities in pneumonitis, esophagitis, and neutropenia. These models estimated that addition of CCT could not lead to significant survival prolongation or risk reduction in death for LA-NSCLC patients. Conclusion: The pooled analysis based on a publication basis failed to provide evidence that CCT yields significant survival benefit for LA-NSCLC.
Mobile Advertising Technology Acceptance Model (M-TAM): An Extension of TAM in Mobile Marketing Context

: Mobile advertising technology has revolutionized the way companies interact with their customers. This has oﬀered both marketers and consumers the advantages of convenience, ﬂexibility, and ubiquity etc. Irrespective of the advantages of mobile advertising technology, it is not easy for marketers and researchers to form adoptable mobile advertising technology for consumers without being in a position to precisely foresee consumers’ behavioural outcome. Additionally, this ﬁeld appears to be scant in academic researches. The current study was initiated to empirically examine the inﬂuence of m-advertising technological factors (i.e., ease of use, usefulness, personalization and credibility) on consumers’ adoption behaviour. These factors were also mediated by emotional value in order to inﬂuence end users’ adoption behaviour. A quantitative approach based upon a cross-sectional administered survey was employed to collect the data from university going student as respondents. The Partial Least Square (PLS) two step path modelling was used through SmartPLS 3 to test the direct and indirect hypotheses. The results indicate that mobile advertising technology factors (i.e., ease of use, usefulness, personalization and credibility) directly and indirectly impact consumers’ adoption behaviour through emotional value. Based on the ﬁndings of the study, theoretical and practical contributions along with certain limitations and future researches recommendation are discussed consequentially.
Opposite Market Responses to Meeting or Beating Earnings Expectations

Using 24,756 firm-year observations from 1992 to 2003, we report three major findings related to opposite market response to MBE: (1) Earnings management and/or expectations management increases the probability of receiving negative market responses for MBE firms. This suggests that investors are capable of seeing through MBE achieved by earnings management and/or expectations management and adjusting accordingly. (2) Positive earnings growth is a necessary condition for firms to achieve the expected market response when meeting or beating expectations. That is, for firms with positive earnings growth, the market is more likely to punish, by responding negatively, firms that fail to MBE. In addition, the market is also likely to punish MBE firms if earnings growth is negative. (3) The opposite market response is positively associated with firm size and therefore a function of institutional investor trading. The results suggests that there has been an over emphasis on positive effects associated with MBE and managers should use caution before participating in the "Numbers game. "
Retinotectal terminals in the superior colliculus of the rabbit: A light and electron microscopic analysis

The projection from the retina to the contralateral superior colliculus was studied light and electron microscopically by means of anterogradely transported horseradish peroxidase and tetramethylbenzidine histochemistry as well as light microscopically by experimental degeneration and [3H]‐leucine autoradiography.
Haematological and serum biochemical values of southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica)

Blood samples were taken from 75 free-ranging southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) captured in drive-nets in Catalonia, north-eastern Spain, and 20 haematological and 24 serum biochemical variables were analysed. The values were similar to those of other species of the Caprinae subfamily, except for cortisol, the concentration of which was higher. The red blood cell count (RBC), platelets and leucocytes, and the concentrations of cortisol, lactate, muscular enzymes and γ-globulins were higher in summer than in spring, whereas the mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, and the concentrations of cholesterol, total bilirubin and creatinine were lower. Adult males had higher RBCs and haemoglobin values than females in summer, and lower leucocyte, lymphocyte and neutrophil counts than females and yearling males. The concentrations of triglycerides, total bilirubin, lactate, creatinine, urea, chloride and α2-globulins were higher in adult males than yearling males. In summer the adult females had higher values for platelets, lymphocytes, cortisol, sodium and muscular enzymes.
Renal expression of two rat kallikrein genes under diabetic conditions

Objective We have reported that bradykinin (BK) excretion is increased in severely diabetic rats, independent of the activity of the main renal kininforming enzyme, true kallikrein (KLK). To further investigate the relationship between renal BK excretion and renal KLK in diabetes we studied the regulation of the renal kallikrein-like gene, rat kallikrein 7 (rKLK7), as well as of the KLK encoding gene, rKLK1, in streptozotocin-induced (STZ) diabetic rats. Methods Experiments were performed in STZ-induced diabetic male Wistar rats and their non-diabetic controls (n = 7 each group). Twelve weeks after STZ injection, urinary KLK activity, glomerular filtration rate and total protein excretion were determined. After extraction of total renal cortical RNA, specific oligonucleotides were used to generate a reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) products of renal cortical rKLK1 and rKLK7 messenger (m)RNA. Southern blot analysis of these RT-PCR products were hybridized with appropriate gene-specific oligonucleotide probes. Results After 12 weeks, the rats showed hyperglycemia, proteinuria and a reduced glomerular filtration rate. Renal kininogenase was reduced, as indicated by a reduction in the expression of rKLK1, as well as of the KLK-related gene, rKLK7. Conclusions Our data show that the expression of the two principal renal KLK genes is downregulated in the renal cortex of STZ-diabetic rats. We suggest that under severe diabetic conditions the rise in urinary BK excretion is not related to activation of the renal kinin-forming enzyme system.
Avoiding Climate Change: “Agnostic Adaptation” and the Politics of Public Silence

What does it mean to adapt to climate change without talking about climate change? The term agnostic adaptation has emerged to refer to actions that address climate change’s effects without acknowledging its existence or human causes. Although prevalent, agnostic adaptation has yet to be the focus of significant empirical research. Most studies of climate silence and denial examine the absence of action rather than its paradoxical presence. This article, by contrast, explores how action and silence coexist and even serve to reinforce each other. It draws on fieldwork in Staten Island, New York City’s most politically conservative and only predominantly white borough, where residents mobilized after Hurricane Sandy in favor of government buyouts of their damaged homes that would pay them to relocate rather than rebuild in place. The areas that received buyouts have been lauded from afar as exemplary sites of community-led climate adaptation in one of its most radical forms, managed retreat. On the ground, however, those who participated in the push for retreat were largely silent on the topic of climate change, which was not seen as politically enabling or efficacious to discuss. Agnostic adaptation minimized conflict, made for more tractable claims, and maintained relations of power but in so doing offered protection to only a select few. These findings point to the practical effects of climate silence as it exists in relation to climate talk, both of which share omissions, erasures, and forms of agnosticism that narrow the space for transformative action. Key Words: adaptation, climate change, denial, disaster, environmental politics.
Jurisdiction and Liability under the European Convention of Contracting Parties Participating in Military Operations Abroad

The conduct of military forces is not limited to their territory. They are typically sent on missions that potentially affect civilians beyond the borders of the sending State. Under the European Convention, the linking factor bringing its protection into play is that of jurisdiction under Article 1 ECHR. What is the reach of the European Convention in the context of participation by Contracting Parties in military operations abroad? The interpretation of the concept of jurisdiction has evolved from its territorial beginnings. After a detailed analysis of the case-law on the interpretation of jurisdiction, including the latest landmark cases of Al-Jedda and Al-Skeini, I conclude that the current case-law lacks coherence. The search for a more coherent approach to determining questions of jurisdiction, in situations involving military conduct abroad has steered this thesis into considering the unsatisfactory interplay between humanitarian law and human rights law and the way in which the two systems apply to civilians caught in military operations. An analysis of the case-law under the European Convention in situations where Contracting Parties send troops as part of multi-national forces has indicated the benefits of considering dual or multiple attribution rather than a separation of jurisdiction. I propose a more coherent approach to jurisdiction replacing the present uncertainty in the context of applicability of the European Convention to military operations abroad. I argue, in all situations, for a test requiring a direct and immediate link between the conduct of Contracting Parties and the violation of Convention rights as offering better protection of human rights for individuals trapped in conflicts. In this way the supervisory effect of the European Convention is enhanced.
Efficacy of two chondroitin sulfate ophthalmic solutions in the therapy of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects and ulcerative keratitis associated with bullous keratopathy in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy of two antimicrobial-chondroitin sulfate ophthalmic solutions in the therapy of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCED) and ulcerative keratitis associated with bullous keratopathy in dogs. ANIMALS STUDIED Eighty dogs with SCCED and 14 dogs with ulcerative keratitis associated with bullous keratopathy. PROCEDURE Following manual debridement of nonadherent epithelium, dogs were treated topically with a chondroitin sulfate ophthalmic solution containing either tobramycin or ciprofloxacin. Patients were re-evaluated at 2-week intervals for 4 weeks. RESULTS After 2 weeks of treatment, 53.6% of eyes with SCCED and 17.6% of eyes with ulcerative keratitis associated with bullous keratopathy had healed. After 4 weeks of treatment, 81.0% of eyes with SCCED and 23.5% of eyes with ulcerative keratitis associated with bullous keratopathy had healed. There were no statistically significant differences in healing percentages between the tobramycin-chondroitin sulfate solution treatment groups and the ciprofloxacin-chondroitin sulfate solution treatment groups. Two dogs with SCCED, one treated with the tobramycin-chondroitin sulfate solution and the other treated with the ciprofloxacin-chondroitin sulfate solution, developed sterile corneal stromal abscesses during the study. CONCLUSIONS Topical therapy with an antimicrobial-chondroitin sulfate ophthalmic solution combined with manual debridement of nonadherent epithelium compares favorably with other published medical and surgical therapies for SCCED; however, these compounds are only equivocally more effective than therapy with manual debridement alone. These solutions appear to be ineffective in the treatment of ulcerative keratitis associated with bullous keratopathy. The significance of the two cases of corneal stromal abscessation is unknown at this time and warrants further investigation.