Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Micropulse Laser Treatment of Retinal Diseases

Subthreshold micropulse laser treatment has been intensively used for selected retinal diseases in the last decade; however, the exact mechanism of the action of lasers in the subthreshold micropulse mode is not yet fully understood. This kind of treatment is safe and cheap, and contrary to classic laser photocoagulation, it leaves the retinal cells intact. A modern theory of micropulse laser interaction with retinal tissue and a possible explanation of this mechanism are presented in this review. The authors present all the relevant literature on the application of micropulse lasers in different retinal disorders. The efficacy of this treatment is analyzed on the basis of available studies and then placed in the perspective of other therapeutic methods that are used in retinal diseases.
Finite Precision Logistic Map between Computational Efficiency and Accuracy with Encryption Applications

Chaotic systems appear in many applications such as pseudo-random number generation, text encryption, and secure image transfer. Numerical solutions of these systems using digital software or hardware inevitably deviate from the expected analytical solutions. Chaotic orbits produced using finite precision systems do not exhibit the infinite period expected under the assumptions of infinite simulation time and precision. In this paper, digital implementation of the generalized logistic map with signed parameter is considered. We present a fixed-point hardware realization of a Pseudo-Random Number Generator using the logistic map that experiences a trade-off between computational efficiency and accuracy. Several introduced factors such as the used precision, the order of execution of the operations, parameter, and initial point values affect the properties of the finite precision map. For positive and negative parameter cases, the studied properties include bifurcation points, output range, maximum Lyapunov exponent, and period length. The performance of the finite precision logistic map is compared in the two cases. A basic stream cipher system is realized to evaluate the system performance for encryption applications for different bus sizes regarding the encryption key size, hardware requirements, maximum clock frequency, NIST and correlation, histogram, entropy, and Mean Absolute Error analyses of encrypted images.
Quality Parameters in Small Grains from Minnesota Affected by Fusarium Head Blight.

Recent epidemics of Fusarium head blight (FHB) severely damaged the hard red spring wheat and barley crops in Minnesota. Samples of commercial grain were analyzed in 1993 and 1994 to determine the effects of FHB on several quality parameters. Wheat test weight (TW) averaged 832 kg m-3 (55.4 lb/bu), thousand kernel weight (TKW) averaged 27.4 g, and the proportion of visually scabby kernels (VSK) averaged 11.0%. Deoxynivalenol (DON) was detected in 493 of 500 samples (98.6%). The mean concentration was 8.3 μg/g (range = 0.0 to 44.7 μg/g). Scab in wheat could rapidly be estimated using easy-to-prepare visual comparison standards. Scores of percent VSK were correlated with DON concentration at r = 0.897 and 0.908 in 1993 and 1994, respectively. TW and TKW were less effective estimators of DON (r = -0.622 and -0.550, respectively). DON was detected in 100 of 100 six-row barley samples collected during the survey and averaged 10.4 μg/g (range = 0.5 to 39.7 μg/g). DON concentration in barley could not be effectively estimated with grading parameters including TW, TKW, percent plump kernels, or a visual index of kernel discoloration. In 28 samples of oats, DON averaged 1.4 μg/g (range = 0.0 to 6.4 μg/g). Nivalenol was not detected in any of the 628 samples analyzed during the two-year study.
Beyond esterase‐like activity of serum albumin. Histidine‐(nitro)phenol radical formation in conversion cascade of p‐nitrophenyl acetate and the role of infrared light

Serum albumin, recognized mainly for its capacity to act as a carrier protein for many compounds, can also actively transform some organic molecules. As a starting point in this study, we consider esterase‐like activity of bovine serum albumin (BSA) toward p‐nitrophenyl acetate (p‐NPA). Our results reveal that the reaction goes beyond ester hydrolysis step. In fact, the transformation product, p‐nitrophenol (p‐NP), becomes a substrate for further reaction with BSA in which its nitro group in subtracted and released in the form of HNO2. Spectral data indicate that this cascade of events proceeds through formation of phenoxyl radical via proton‐coupled electron transport (PCET) between OH group of p‐NP and imidazole ring of histidine from the protein. Furthermore, the effect of application of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared range suggests that this remote physical trigger can support interactions based on PCET mechanism by acting on polarization and mutual alignment of water dipoles serving as effective water wires.
The Effectiveness of Pharmacological Agents for the Treatment of Uveitic Macular Edema (UMO): A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Purpose: To conduct a systematic review of effectiveness of pharmacological therapies for treatment of Uveitic Macular Edema (UMO). Method/Design: Comparative studies of pharmacological therapies in patients with UMO were identified in Cochrane CENTRAL/MEDLINE/EMBASE/CINAHL/trials registers (February 2017). PROSPERO registration: CRD42015019170. Results: Thirty-one studies were included. Corticosteroids were the most frequently studied (n = 20). Corticosteroids (all forms) were consistently of greater/equal efficacy to active comparators; for anti-VEGF (n = 4) improvement, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were mostly less than local corticosteroid injection; for interferon (n = 1) improvement BCVA and CMT were greater than the comparator of methotrexate; for topical indomethacin (n = 1) improvement, BCVA and CMT were greater than placebo. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and vitamin E (n = 5) were not effective for these outcomes. Conclusion: The review highlights areas where the evidence base is still lacking, and appropriately focused trials are needed to inform best treatment to tackle this sight-threatening condition.
Achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and stroke risk: A meta-analysis of 23 randomised trials.

AIMS Lowering the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level reduces the risk of stroke, but it has not been clear whether the stroke risk would continuously decrease by lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to a very low level. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and stroke risk. METHODS AND RESULTS A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases was conducted to identify randomised controlled trials that tested cholesterol-lowering pharmacological therapies and reported both achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and stroke outcomes. A meta-regression analysis was conducted to assess the linear association between the achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and stroke risk. In addition, we evaluated pooled estimates of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering effect stratified by achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels of active arms. A total of 222,149 participants in 23 trials (52 arms of 26 studies) were included. The meta-regression analysis showed that each 1 mmol/L decrease in the achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (down to 0.78 mmol/L) was associated with a significant reduction of 23.5% (slope 0.235, 95% confidence interval 0.007-0.464, P = 0.044) in stroke risk. Irrespective of achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the active arms, the effects of lowering the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level on stroke risk were significant and consistent (test for subgroup difference, P = 0.23, I2 = 31%). However, there was no significant increase in haemorrhagic stroke risk with lower achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. CONCLUSION In this meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials, the stroke risk monotonically reduced with lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to very low levels.
Austral Summer Bloom of Loricate Choanoflagellates in the Central Ross Sea Polynya

A bloom of loricate choanoflagellates was recorded for the first time in the Ross Sea polynya during the austral summer 2017. Both individual cells and uncommon large‐size colonies (200 μm length) represent the 42–55% of the total plankton community (i.e. specimens from 5 to 150 μm length). Choanoflagellates serve as a link between low and mid trophic levels since they prey on bacteria and in turn are ingested by zooplankton. This twofold role and the unusual abundance recorded in the Antarctic ecosystem may have relevant but still unknown effects on food web structure and dynamics in that area.
Myths and Methodologies: How loud is the story told by the transcranial magnetic stimulation‐evoked silent period?

What is the topic of this review? The origin, interpretation and methodological constraints of the silent period induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation are reviewed. What advances does it highlight? The silent period is generated by both cortical and spinal mechanisms. Therefore, it seems inappropriate to preface silent period with ‘cortical’ unless additional measures are taken. Owing to many confounding variables, a standardized approach to the silent period measurement cannot be suggested. Rather, recommendations of best practice are provided based on the available evidence and the context of the research question.
Comprehensive Treatment of Dactylitis in Psoriatic Arthritis

Dactylitis, a hallmark clinical feature of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and other spondyloarthropathies, may also be a severity marker for PsA and psoriasis. Traditionally, clinicians have used nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and local corticosteroid injections to treat dactylitis, although conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are also used. We performed a systematic literature review to determine the most efficacious current treatment options for dactylitis in PsA. Effect sizes were greatest for the biologic agents ustekinumab, certolizumab, and infliximab, suggesting that therapy with one of these agents should be initiated in patients with dactylitis. However, the limited data highlight the need for randomized, placebo-controlled trials, with dactylitis as a primary outcome, to determine a valid, reliable, and responsive clinical outcome measure for PsA patients with dactylitis.
Symmetrical Viewpoint Representations in Face-Selective Regions Convey an Advantage in the Perception and Recognition of Faces

Learning new identities is crucial for effective social interaction. A critical aspect of this process is the integration of different images from the same face into a view-invariant representation that can be used for recognition. The representation of symmetrical viewpoints has been proposed to be a key computational step in achieving view-invariance. The aim of this study was to determine whether the representation of symmetrical viewpoints in face-selective regions is directly linked to the perception and recognition of face identity. In Experiment 1, we measured fMRI responses while male and female human participants viewed images of real faces from different viewpoints (−90, −45, 0, 45, and 90° from full-face view). Within the face regions, patterns of neural response to symmetrical views (−45 and 45° or −90 and 90°) were more similar than responses to nonsymmetrical views in the fusiform face area and superior temporal sulcus, but not in the occipital face area. In Experiment 2, participants made perceptual similarity judgements to pairs of face images. Images with symmetrical viewpoints were reported as being more similar than nonsymmetric views. In Experiment 3, we asked whether symmetrical views also convey an advantage when learning new faces. We found that recognition was best when participants were tested with novel face images that were symmetrical to the learning viewpoint. Critically, the pattern of perceptual similarity and recognition across different viewpoints predicted the pattern of neural response in face-selective regions. Together, our results provide support for the functional value of symmetry as an intermediate step in generating view-invariant representations. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The recognition of identity from faces is crucial for successful social interactions. A critical step in this process is the integration of different views into a unified, view-invariant representation. The representation of symmetrical views (e.g., left profile and right profile) has been proposed as an important intermediate step in computing view-invariant representations. We found view symmetric representations were specific to some face-selective regions, but not others. We also show that these neural representations influence the perception of faces. Symmetric views were perceived to be more similar and were recognized more accurately than nonsymmetric views. Moreover, the perception and recognition of faces at different viewpoints predicted patterns of response in those face regions with view symmetric representations.
The importance in diagnosing patients with conflicting observational data for post surgery radioiodinated ablation of thyroid remnants.

OBJECTIVE There is a special group of patients, according to 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines. This group is defined as "the patients with conflicting observational data for post-surgery radioiodine ablation (COD for PSRIA)". For this special group of patients RIA is applied after a thorough reassessment of histopathological, clinical and biochemical features, including thyroglobulin (Tg). However, there is no consensus on what is the suitable cut-off value for the radioiodine ablation (RIA) decision or for therapy prediction. Moreover, is also unclear which Tg parameters should be used for these purposes. If we can determine useful and practical cut-off values for excellent response (ER) and non-structural incomplete response (non-SIR) response categories, this will facilitate our therapy response prediction before RIA and may allow us to categorize the group of "COD for PSRIA" based on a higher risk of recurrence/relapse or disease specific mortality rates according to serum thyroglobulin (Tg). This categorization may also enable us to plan the follow-up frequency of patients more scientifically. Consequently, it may provide the more efficient use of medical facility and healthcare system resources. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Two hundred forty-nine patients (out of 577 examined) with "COD for PSRIA" were included in this study. Firstly, patients with indeterminate, biochemical incomplete and structural incomplete responses were considered as the non-ER group and compared to the ER group. Secondly, patients with excellent, indeterminate, and biochemically incomplete responses were considered as the non-SIR group and compared to the SIR group. The data were evaluated by MedCalc Statistical Software version 18.9. RESULTS The cut-off value for ER patients was calculated as ≤6.57ng/mL. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 67.9%, 75.4%, 55.6% and 83.8%, respectively. The cut-off value for non-SIR patients was calculated as ≤12.7ng/mL. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 78.5%, 91.7%, 35.5% and 98.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION If a patient has ≤6.57ng/mL pre-ablative Tg, follow-up intervals of patients with "COD for PSRIA" may be extended due to lower recurrence/relapse rates. However, if a patient has >12.7ng/mL pre-ablative Tg, these patients should be followed-up more frequently in order to determine SIR earlier. This approach may enable more efficient use of medical facility and healthcare system resources and a more scientific planning of their follow-up treatment. This approach seems to have the potential to contribute significantly to cost-effectiveness.
Clinical assessment, design and performance testing of mobile shower commodes for adults with spinal cord injury: an exploratory review

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to explore evidence concerning clinical assessment, design and performance testing of mobile shower commodes used by adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Method: Searches of electronic databases, conference proceedings and key journals were undertaken with no restriction on language or study design. Keywords included spinal cord injury, lesion, sanichair, sanitary chair, shower chair, bowel chair and commode. Results: A total of 20 publications were included in this review. Common approaches to clinical assessments were questionnaires and observational analysis to assess bowel care routines, function and skin integrity. Design features addressed access for bowel care, postural support, transfers, stability, use in wet environments and skin integrity. Objective performance measures addressed requirements for static stability, backward-sloping seat angles, arm supports and seat materials. Conclusions: Evidence reviewed was of low methodological quality and lacking in validated instruments to guide clinical practice. Further high-quality research is needed to identify bathing, showering and personal hygiene tasks affecting mobile shower commodes use and to develop validated clinical assessment tools. Performance testing to published standards is also needed. Implications for Rehabilitation Adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) use mobile shower commodes for functional activities including transferring, propelling, bowel care and showering, and the interactions between an adult with SCI, their mobile shower commode, and the physical environment are not well understood. Current mobile shower commode designs may not facilitate functional activities and may contribute to falls and development of pressure ulcers. Standardised and validated clinical assessment tools are needed to guide clinical practice, and should include questionnaires and observational analysis of functional activities performed in mobile shower commodes across all environments of use.
SATB2 Versus CDX2: A Battle Royale for Diagnostic Supremacy in Mucinous Tumors.

CONTEXT. — Metastatic mucinous tumors present a diagnostic challenge for pathologists as tumor histomorphology is often nonspecific and optimal immunoprofiles are still under investigation. OBJECTIVE. — To present a head-to-head comparison of special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2 (SATB2) and caudal type homeobox 2 (CDX2) expression in a diverse array of primary mucinous tumors. DESIGN. — SATB2 and CDX2 immunohistochemical stains were performed on whole sections from 44 mucinous colorectal carcinomas and 175 noncolorectal mucinous tumors. A nuclear scoring system measuring intensity (0-3+) and percentage staining (0 = <5%, 1 = 5%-49%, 2 = ≥50%) was implemented, producing an additive histologic score (H-score). RESULTS. — SATB2 demonstrated acceptable accuracy at low to moderate expression levels (H-scores of 1-4). With these H-score cutoffs, overall accuracy was greater than 90%. In contrast, CDX2's accuracy rivaled that of SATB2 only at an H-score of 5 (89.0%), as its specificity suffered at lower expression levels (<70.0% at H-scores of 1-4). Using a moderate H-score cutoff of 3 or higher, significant differences for both sensitivity and specificity were identified between SATB2 and CDX2 ( P = .01 for sensitivity and P < .001 for specificity), though these stains were near equivalent when each was interpreted as positive at its respective optimal H-score (SATB2 ≥ 3 and CDX2 = 5). CONCLUSIONS. — SATB2 is a more accurate marker of colorectal origin across a variety of expression levels compared with CDX2 when applied to mucinous tumors from a host of primary sites. However, these stains are near equivalent when each is interpreted at its optimal expression level.
Characterization of Antimicrobial Resistance in Serratia spp. and Citrobacter spp. Isolates from Companion Animals in Japan: Nosocomial Dissemination of Extended-Spectrum Cephalosporin-Resistant Citrobacter freundii

In many countries including Japan, the status of emerging antimicrobial resistance among Serratia spp. and Citrobacter spp. in companion animals remains unknown because these genera are rarely isolated from animals. In this study, 30 Serratia spp. and 23 Citrobacter spp. isolates from companion animals underwent susceptibility testing for 10 antimicrobials. Phenotypic and genetic approaches were used to identify the mechanisms of extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESC). Subsequently, ESC-resistant Citrobacter spp. strains underwent multilocus sequence typing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). A significantly higher rate (34.8%) of ESC resistance was observed in Citrobacter spp. isolates than in Serratia spp. isolates (0%). ESC resistance was detected in five C. freundii strains, two C. portucalensis strains, and one C. koseri strain. All of the ESC-resistant Citrobacter spp. strains harbored CMY-type and/or DHA-type AmpC β-lactamases. Three C. freundii strains harbored the CTX-M-3-type extended-spectrum β-lactamases. Notably, the three blaCTX-3-producing and two blaCMY-117-bearing C. freundii strains (obtained from different patients in one hospital) had the same sequence type (ST156 and ST18, respectively) and similar PFGE profiles. We believe that ESC-resistant Citrobacter spp. are important nosocomial pathogens in veterinary medicine. Therefore, infection control in animal hospitals is essential to prevent dissemination of these resistant pathogens.
Salivary alkaline phosphatase activity and chronological age as indicators for skeletal maturity.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the relationship between salivary alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), protein concentration, and chronological age with cervical vertebral maturation stages (CVMS) as noninvasive biomarkers for skeletal maturity assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study included 79 subjects (48 females, 31 males; 7 to 23 years old) categorized into five CVMS based on lateral cephalographs evaluated by three examiners. ALP activity and protein concentration in unstimulated whole saliva were compared among five CVMS. The association between age and CVMS was assessed and five multinomial logistic regression models were utilized to predict CVMS based on salivary ALP activity, protein concentration, and chronological age. RESULTS Salivary ALP reached the peak at early pubertal stage and then declined with a significant difference between CVMS I and CVMS II (P < .001) and between CVMS I and CVMS V (P = .004). A significant positive correlation between age and CVMS was found (rs = 0.763, P < .001). The models' overall correct classification rates for predicting CVMS were 32.9% using protein concentration, 35.4% using ALP activity, and 53.2% using both ALP activity and age. CONCLUSIONS The combination of salivary ALP activity and chronological age may provide the best CVMS prediction.