Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FemtoLASIK After Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty.

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FemtoLASIK) to correct the residual refractive error after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). METHODS This case series study included 7 eyes that underwent FemtoLASIK after a DMEK surgery. The refractive error, uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, corneal topography (Sirius, CSO, Italy), and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (Visante, Carl Zeiss-Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) were registered at each postoperative follow-up visit. RESULTS All surgeries were uneventful, with no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The follow-up time after DMEK (before FemtoLASIK surgery) ranged from 18 to 36 months. The post-FemtoLASIK follow-up period ranged from 12 to 60 months. All cases experienced a significant improvement in UDVA after FemtoLASIK, all of them reaching a postoperative UDVA value ≥20/32. None of the eyes lost lines of CDVA, and 1 case showed a gain of lines of CDVA. In all cases, the refractive error, UDVA, and CDVA values remained stable at their respective postoperative follow-up visits. Furthermore, all topographic and pachymetric parameters were stable at the different postoperative follow-up visits. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the residual refractive error after DMEK surgery can be safely and effectively treated with FemtoLASIK.
Seed-to-seedling transitions exhibit distance-dependent mortality but no strong spacing effects in a Neotropical forest.

Patterns of seed dispersal and seed mortality inuence the spatial structure of plant communities and the local coexistence of competing species. Most seeds are dispersed in proximity to the parent tree, where mortality is also expected to be the highest, due to competition with siblings or the attraction of natural enemies. Whereas distance-dependent mortality in the seed-to-seedling transition was often observed in tropical forests, few studies have attempted to estimate the shape of the survival-distance curves, which determines whether the peak of seedling establishment occurs away from the parent tree (Janzen-Connell pattern) or if the peak attenuates but remains at the parent location (Hubbell pattern). In this study, we inferred the probability density of seed dispersal and two stages of seedling establishment (new recruits, and seedlings 20 cm or taller) with distance for 24 tree species present in the 50-ha Forest Dynamics Plot of Barro Colorado Island, Panama. Using data from seed traps, seedling survey quadrats and tree census records spanning the 1988-2014 period, we fit hierarchical Bayesian models including parameters for tree fecundity, the shape of the dispersal kernel, and overdispersion of seed or seedling counts. We combined predictions from multiple dispersal kernels to obtain more robust inferences. We find that Hubbell patterns are the most common and Janzen-Connell patterns are very rare among those species; that distance-dependent mortality may be stronger in the seed stage, in the early recruit stage, or comparable in both; and that species with larger seeds experience less overall mortality and less distance-dependent mortality. Finally, we describe how this modelling approach could be extended at a community scale to include less abundant species.
Subclinical Inflammation of the Ocular Surface in Soft Contact Lens Wear.

PURPOSE To investigate the inflammatory response of the ocular surface with different soft contact lens (CL) replacement frequencies and materials. METHODS Twenty soft CL wearers were required to wear 3 lens types: reusable Acuvue 2 (A2), reusable Acuvue Oasys (AO), and daily disposable Acuvue Oasys (AODD), for 1 week in random sequence in 1 eye with the nonlens-wearing eye acting as a control. Three methods were used to assess the subclinical response: tear cytokine evaluation, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), and impression cytology. RESULTS Of 13 cytokines investigated, differences were observed only for IL-12p70, which was present in greater concentrations for A2 (interocular difference 8.8 pg/mL, 95% confidence interval 5.5-12.1) and AO (8.9 [5.7-12.1]) compared with AODD (3.7 [0.6-6.8]). For IVCM, corneal presumed dendritic cell density was lower for AODD (interocular difference 1.9 [-0.1 to 3.9] cells/mm) than for both A2 (9.3 [7.2-11.4]) and AO (10.6 [8.6-12.6]). This trend was the same for the other 5 IVCM measures evaluated. The proportion of CD45 cells in the bulbar conjunctiva was lower for AODD (0.6 [-0.3 to 1.5]%) compared with A2 (4.6 [3.7-5.6]) and AO (4.8 [3.9-5.8]). Similar findings were observed for cells in the upper lid margin. CONCLUSIONS This work has demonstrated for the first time that daily disposable CL wear produces a minimal subclinical inflammatory response compared with no lens wear over 1 week. By contrast, this inflammatory response is upregulated with reusable lenses but appears to be similar between hydrogel and silicone hydrogel materials over this short time frame.
Effects of Chaihu-Shugan-San capsule for psychogenic erectile dysfunction

Abstract Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects many adult men worldwide. Many studies on the brain of psychogenic ED have shown significant cerebral functional changes and reduced volume of gray matter and white matter microstructural alterations in widespread brain regions. Chaihu-Shugan-San (CHSGS) capsule has been used to treat ED from the 20th century in China. However, clinical research of CHSGS capsule in the treatment of ED was lack. We design this study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CHSGS capsule in the treatment of patients suffering from psychogenic ED. Furthermore, we also aim to provide a new evidence as well as an innovation of the clinical treatment in psychogenic ED. Methods: This study is designed as a multi-center, 3-arms, randomized trial. From the perspective of psychogenic ED, we will divide patients into 3 groups, which are placebo group, tadalafil group and CHSGS group. One hundred thirty-five patients will be randomly allocated to receive placebo, CHSGS capsule or tadalafil oral pharmacotherapy. After the period of 4-week treatment, the outcome of primary assessment changes in the brain MRI, IIEF-5, EHS, and QEQ total scores from baseline. Secondary assessments include the SEAR, HAMA-14, HAMD-17 scores, response rate of the patients and their partners. Discussion: We designed this study based on previous research about psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED). This study will provide objective evidences to evaluate the effects of CHSGS capsule as an adjuvant treatment for psychogenic ED. Trial registration number: chictr.org. cn, ChiCTR-IOR-1800018301.
Overexpression of miR-150 Inhibits the NF-κB Signal Pathway in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration through Targeting P2X7

Objective: To elaborate the mechanism of miR-150 in the regulation of the NF-κB signal pathway in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) by targeting P2X7. Methods: The degenerative and normal intervertebral disc tissues were collected to detect the expressions of miR-150 and P2X7. Nucleus pulposus cells were transfected and divided into different groups. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. The expressions of IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-3, MMP-13, Cox-2, iNOS, collagen II and aggrecan, as well as NF-κB-associated proteins were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Furthermore, IDD rat models were established to validate the role of miR-150 in vivo.Results: miR-150 was down-regulated but P2X7 was up-regulated in the degenerative intravertebral disc tissues. The apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells in the IL-1β-induced group with the transfection of miR-150 mimic and siP2X7 was significantly decreased, with reduced levels of IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-3, MMP-13, Cox-2 and iNOS, increased levels of collagen II and aggrecan, as well as decreased P2X7, p-p65/p65 and cleaved caspase-3. However, the above factors showed an opposite tendency after treatment with miR-150 inhibitor. Furthermore, the P2X7 siRNA transfection could reverse the effects caused by miR-150 inhibitor. Simultaneously, pcDNA P2X7 transfection also inhibited the function of miR-150 mimic in IL-1β-induced nucleus pulposus cells. In vivoexperiments further verified the protective role of miR-150 in IDD rats. Conclusion: miR-150 may alleviate the degeneration of the intervertebral disc partially since it could restrict the NF-κB pathway by targeting P2X7, and thereby inhibiting IL-1β-induced matrix catabolism, inflammatory responses and apoptosis of the nucleus pulposus cells.
Monitoring Air Pollution from Wildfires Using Ground Data, Satellite Products and Modeling: The Austral Summer 2016-2017 In Argentina

The air pollution caused by the immense wildfire that occurred in Northeast Patagonia, Argentina in the summer 2016-2017 is presented in this work through the assessment of ground-based data, satellite measurements and modeled concentrations of NO, NO2, CO, PM2.5, PM10 and AOD. The data was obtained from a monitoring station placed in Bahia Blanca city; the OMI (Aura), MOPITT and MODIS (Terra) satellite sensors, and the APIFLAME-WRF-CHIMERE modeling system was used to estimate the chemical processes and atmospheric transport of pollutants emitted. A concentration higher than usual was found for December 20th and 21st 2016 and January 1st 2017 for every species, at Bahía Blanca’s station. Satellite daily data was acquired for a specific day and modeled results were also exhibited for a qualitative assessment. The models obtained satisfactory results, according to the satellite survey. Finally, it was possible to assess air pollution from a wildfire by means of the combination of these different data sources.
Enzymatic and Biological Characterization of Novel Sirtuin Modulators against Cancer

Sirtuins, a family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent lysine deacetylases, are promising targets for anticancer treatment. Recently, we characterized a novel pan-sirtuin (SIRT) inhibitor, MC2494, displaying antiproliferative effects and able to induce death pathways in several human cancer cell lines and decrease tumor growth in vivo. Based on the chemical scaffold of MC2494, and by applying a structure–activity relationship approach, we developed a small library of derivative compounds and extensively analyzed their enzymatic action at cellular level as well as their ability to induce cell death. We also investigated the effect of MC2494 on regulation of cell cycle progression in different cancer cell lines. Our investigations indicated that chemical substitutions applied to MC2494 scaffold did not confer higher efficacy in terms of biological activity and SIRT1 inhibition, but carbethoxy-containing derivatives showed higher SIRT2 specificity. The carbethoxy derivative of MC2494 and its 2-methyl analog displayed the strongest enzymatic activity. Applied chemical modifications improved the enzymatic selectivity of these SIRT inhibitors. Additionally, the observed activity of MC2494 via cell cycle and apoptotic regulation and inhibition of cell migration supports the potential role of SIRTs as targets in tumorigenesis and makes SIRT-targeting molecules good candidates for novel pharmacological approaches in personalized medicine.
Effect of Beta Radiation on the Quality of the Bonded Joint for Difficult to Bond Polyolefins

Bonding is increasingly being used, and it is an ever-evolving method for creating unbreakable bonds. The strength of adhesive bonds determines, to a significant extent, the possible applications of this technology and is influenced by many factors. In addition to the type of adhesive used, the characteristics of the surface layers play a significant role; therefore, significant attention is paid to their adjustment and modification. Radiation crosslinking is one of the most important methods for modifying polymer properties. Currently, the most frequently used type of radiation for polymer crosslinking is beta minus (β−) radiation, which affects not only mechanical but also surface properties, chemical and temperature resistance, and surface layer characteristics of polymers. This study investigated the effect of β− radiation on the surface layer properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP) and the effects of surface-layer modification on the ultimate tensile strength of bonded joints. Based on the results, we concluded that β− radiation significantly changes the properties of the tested surface layers, increases the surface energy, and improves the adhesiveness of bonds. Consequently, the final strength of the LDPE, HDPE, and PP bonds increases significantly.
Excitatory–Inhibitory Synaptic Coupling in Avian Nucleus Magnocellularis

The activity of neurons is determined by the balance between their excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs. Neurons in the avian nucleus magnocellularis (NM) integrate monosynaptic excitatory and polysynaptic inhibitory inputs from the auditory nerve, and transmit phase-locked output to higher auditory centers. The excitatory input is graded tonotopically, such that neurons tuned to higher frequency receive fewer, but larger, axon terminals. However, it remains unknown how the balance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs is determined in NM. We here examined synaptic and spike responses of NM neurons during stimulation of the auditory nerve in thick brain slices of chicken of both sexes, and found that the excitatory–inhibitory balance varied according to tonotopic region, ensuring reliable spike output across frequencies. Auditory nerve stimulation elicited IPSCs in NM neurons regardless of tonotopic region, but the dependence of IPSCs on intensity varied in a systematic way. In neurons tuned to low frequency, IPSCs appeared and increased in parallel with EPSCs with elevation of intensity, which expanded dynamic range by preventing saturation of spike generation. On the other hand, in neurons tuned to higher frequency, IPSCs were smaller than EPSCs and had higher thresholds for activation, thus facilitating high-fidelity transmission. Computer simulation confirmed that these differences in inhibitory input were optimally matched to the patterns of excitatory input, and enabled appropriate level of neuronal output for wide intensity and frequency ranges of sound in the auditory system. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neurons in nucleus magnocellularis encode timing information of sound across wide intensity ranges by integrating excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs from the auditory nerve, but underlying synaptic mechanisms of this integration are not fully understood. We here show that the excitatory–inhibitory relationship was expressed differentially at each tonotopic region; the relationship was linear in neurons tuned to low-frequency, expanding dynamic range by preventing saturation of spike generation; by contrast inhibitory input remained much smaller than excitatory input in neurons tuned to higher frequency, thus ensuring high-fidelity transmission. The tonotopic regulation of excitatory and inhibitory input optimized the output across frequencies and intensities, playing a fundamental role in the timing coding pathway in the auditory system.
Construction of a dermis–fat composite in vivo: Optimizing heterogeneous acellular dermal matrix with in vitro pretreatment

Dermis–fat composite tissues have been widely used in plastic and reconstructive surgery and were previously constructed using hydrogel‐type scaffolds. The constructs can be used for in vitro cosmetic and pharmaceutical testing but are not mechanically strong enough for in vivo applications. In this study, we used heterogeneous (porcine) acellular dermal matrix (PADM) as dermal layer scaffold. PADM was pretreated with the laser micropore technique and then precultured with rat adipose‐derived stem cells (rADSCs) in vitro. rADSCs proliferated well on pretreated/unpretreated PADM, showing increased expression of genes associated with inflammatory regulation, proangiogenesis, and stemness, indicating that pretreated/unpretreated PADM both provide a beneficial microenvironment for rADSCs to exert their paracrine function. After in vitro processing, the rADSCs–polyporous PADM and PADM without pretreatments were implanted into the back of rats respectively, followed by adipose tissue transplantation. After implantation, the inflammation induced by pretreated PADM was significantly attenuated and localized compared to the unpretreated group. Moreover, the vascularization was faster, and more adipose tissue was formed in the pretreated group. Sound dermis–fat composite tissue was constructed with sufficient strength, which can potentially be used for actual repair application.
Childhood adrenocortical tumor

Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms in childhood adrenocortical tumors (ACTs), which is still unclear. A total of 9 girls and 4 boys with ACTs were enrolled. Relevant clinical features were obtained from records. Immunohistochemistry of vimentin, chromogranin A, S100, synaptophysin, cytokeratin (CK), type 2 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD), cytochrome P45017α, p53, p21, p27, cyclin D1, Ki-67, insulin growth facter-2 (IGF-2), and β-catenin were undertaken for 13 tumors and 3 adjacent normal tissues. TP53 mutations in exon 2-11 were analyzed for 6 tumors and 3 blood samples. Virilization was the most common presentation (8/13, 61.5%). Immunohistochemically, p53 was positive in 8 of 13 ACTs and none in controls while p21 was positive in 12 of 13 ACTs and none in controls (P = .0036). Ki-67 was positive in 10 of 13 ACTs, but not in normal tissues (P = .0089). Although the expression of p27, cyclin D1, IGF-2 and β-catenin were similar between the ACTs and controls, β-catenin was noted in nuclear of 3 ACTs but not in controls. The difference of type 2 3βHSD and P450c17α was not significant (P > .05, respectively). Four variants of TP53 were identified in the 6 tumors. C215G variant was found in 5 of 6 while A701G and G743A variants were found in 1 case, respectively. A novel C680G variant was also noted in 1 case. It was notable that C215G variant was found in the blood mononuclear cell of 3 patients. In conclusion, p53 variant and p21 overexpression, and abnormal β-catenin distribution may be involved in the etiology and mechanism of childhood ACTs.
Managing the tension: From innovation to application in health professions education

Abstract Innovations in education are essential for solving problems and introducing new ways of thinking. However, implementation of these innovations must take several factors into consideration, including the context, the environment, the stakeholders, the technology needed, the cost, the pace of implementation, appropriateness, and available resources. When these factors are not balanced and considered, tensions arise. This paper describes tensions in five major educational domains, namely curriculum, instruction, assessment, accreditation/regulation, and faculty development. For each of these domains, the typical problems are described, and solutions are presented to manage the tension.
Friends with benefits: The effects of vegetative shading on plant survival in a green roof environment

Green roofs help ameliorate some of the adverse social, economic and environmental effects of urbanisation. However, green roofs are harsh environments for plants, as they must cope with shallow soils, low nutrient availability, high solar radiation, low water availability and high pollution/disturbances. The effect of shade plants on vegetation survivability was investigated using green roof mesocosms with four different native species pairs (shade plant and a target ground cover plant). To examine the effect of shading and competition on plant growth and survival, plant pairs were subjected to four treatments; naturally shaded with a shade plant shading the target plant, artificially shaded with an artificial plant shading the target plant, unshaded natural which had a trimmed shade plant providing no shade to the target plant and an unshaded treatment with the target plant being the sole occupant of the mesocosm. The experiment ran for 11 months with measurements taken monthly to record growth and visual health of the target plant. Soil moisture and biomass data was collected at the end of the experiment. Overall, natural shade treated plants had the highest biomass while unshaded plants had the lowest biomass. Contrary to our predictions, the shaded artificial and the unshaded natural had similar moderate biomass. This similarity suggests that while shading had a positive influence on plant growth, there was also a positive influence of growing with a shade plant which is not accounted for by shading. The results highlight the complexity of biotic relations between plants and emphasises that the presence of a nurse plants can be benefit to the survival and growth of other species within a green roof ecosystem.
Metabolic Signature of Hepatic Fibrosis: From Individual Pathways to Systems Biology

Hepatic fibrosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, as it ultimately leads to cirrhosis, which is estimated to affect up to 2% of the global population. Hepatic fibrosis is confirmed by liver biopsy, and the erroneous nature of this technique necessitates the search for noninvasive alternatives. However, current biomarker algorithms for hepatic fibrosis have many limitations. Given that the liver is the largest organ and a major metabolic hub in the body, probing the metabolic signature of hepatic fibrosis holds promise for the discovery of new markers and therapeutic targets. Regarding individual metabolic pathways, accumulating evidence shows that hepatic fibrosis leads to alterations in carbohydrate metabolism, as aerobic glycolysis is aggravated in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the whole fibrotic liver; in amino acid metabolism, as Fischer’s ratio (branched-chain amino acids/aromatic amino acids) decreases in patients with hepatic fibrosis; and in lipid metabolism, as HSCs lose vitamin A-containing lipid droplets during transdifferentiation, and cirrhotic patients have decreased serum lipids. The current review also summarizes recent findings of metabolic alterations relevant to hepatic fibrosis based on systems biology approaches, including transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in vitro, in animal models and in humans.