Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Superior Rectus Transposition in the Management of Duane Retraction Syndrome: Current Insights

Abstract Various surgical approaches have been described for the management of Duane retraction syndrome (DRS), a type of congenital cranial dysinnervation disorder (CCDD), the goals of which include correcting the primary position deviation and abnormal head posture (AHP), minimizing globe retraction and overshoots and improving the ocular rotations. Vertical rectus transposition (VRT) is one such technique, found more effective in improving abduction and thereby expanding the field of binocular vision, as compared to horizontal muscle surgery. VRT, however, is associated with the risk of inducing vertical deviations and also poses a risk for development of anterior segment ischemia. To overcome these concerns, transposition of only the superior rectus to the lateral rectus was proposed and evaluated to reveal improvement in alignment, AHP and motility comparable to VRT but with lesser surgical time and fewer post-operative complications. With promising results in the management of DRS, superior rectus transposition (SRT) has been extensively studied and has evolved over the last decade with several modifications to further increase the efficiency and reduce the risk of post-operative complications. This article focusses on the pre-operative considerations while planning SRT in DRS, various approaches and surgical techniques described, and the outcomes and complications of SRT in DRS. The role of SRT in the management of other CCDDs may be explored with further studies.
The impact of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) sinks on age of air climatologies and trends

Abstract. Mean age of air (AoA) is a common diagnostic for the strength of the stratospheric overturning circulation in both climate models and observations. AoA climatologies and AoA trends over the recent decades of model simulations and proxies derived from observations of long-lived tracers do not agree. Satellite observations show much older air than climate models, and while most models compute a clear decrease in AoA over the last decades, a 30-year time series from measurements shows a statistically nonsignificant positive trend in the Northern Hemisphere extratropical middle stratosphere. Measurement-based AoA derivations are often founded on observations of the trace gas sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), a fairly long-lived gas with a near-linear increase in emissions during recent decades. However, SF6 has chemical sinks in the mesosphere that are not considered in most model studies. In this study, we explicitly compute the chemical SF6 sinks based on chemical processes in the global chemistry climate model EMAC (ECHAM/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry). We show that good agreement between stratospheric AoA in EMAC and MIPAS (Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding) is reached through the inclusion of chemical SF6 sinks, as these sinks lead to a strong increase in the stratospheric AoA and, therefore, to a better agreement with MIPAS satellite observations. Remaining larger differences at high latitudes are addressed, and possible reasons for these differences are discussed. Subsequently, we demonstrate that the AoA trends are also strongly influenced by the chemical SF6 sinks. Under consideration of the SF6 sinks, the AoA trends over the recent decades reverse sign from negative to positive. We conduct sensitivity simulations which reveal that this sign reversal does not result from trends in the stratospheric circulation strength nor from changes in the strength of the SF6 sinks. We illustrate that even a constant SF6 destruction rate causes a positive trend in the derived AoA, as the amount of depleted SF6 scales with increasing SF6 abundance itself. In our simulations, this effect overcompensates for the impact of the accelerating stratospheric circulation which naturally decreases AoA. Although various sources of uncertainties cannot be quantified in detail in this study, our results suggest that the inclusion of SF6 depletion in models has the potential to reconcile the AoA trends of models and observations. We conclude the study with a first approach towards a correction to account for SF6 loss and deduce that a linear correction might be applicable to values of AoA of up to 4 years.
Curcumin Supplementation Protects Broiler Chickens Against the Renal Oxidative Stress Induced by the Dietary Exposure to Low Levels of Aflatoxin B1

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) causes hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and kidney damage, and it is included in group I of human carcinogens. The European Commission has established maximum limits of AFB1 in feed, ranging from 5 to 20 μg/kg. Chicken is moderately sensitive to AFB1, which results in reduced growth performance and economic losses. Oxidative stress triggered by AFB1 plays a crucial role in kidney damage and the antioxidant activity of Curcumin (CURC) could help in preventing such adverse effect. Twenty-days-old broilers were treated for 10 days with AFB1 (0.02 mg/kg feed), alone or in combination with CURC (400 mg/kg feed), to explore the effects on the renal tissue. Animals exposed to AFB1 alone displayed alterations of the oxidative stress parameters compared with controls: serum antioxidant capacity, and enzymatic activity of kidney superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were decreased, while renal malondialdehyde levels and NADPH oxidase complex expression were increased. The administration of CURC attenuates all the oxidative stress parameters modified by AFB1 in the chicken kidney, opening new perspectives in the management of aflatoxicosis.
A Polyphasic Approach Reveals Novel Genotypes and Updates the Genetic Structure of the Banana Fusarium Wilt Pathogen

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) is a soil-borne fungus that causes Fusarium wilt, a destructive plant disease that has resulted in devastating economic losses to banana production worldwide. The fungus has a complex evolutionary history and taxonomic repute and consists of three pathogenic races and at least 24 vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs). Surveys conducted in Asia, Africa, the Sultanate of Oman and Mauritius encountered isolates of F. oxysporum pathogenic to banana that were not compatible to any of the known Foc VCGs. Genetic relatedness between the undescribed and known Foc VCGs were determined using a multi-gene phylogeny and diversity array technology (DArT) sequencing. The presence of putative effector genes, the secreted in xylem (SIX) genes, were also determined. Fourteen novel Foc VCGs and 17 single-member VCGs were identified. The multi-gene tree was congruent with the DArT-seq phylogeny and divided the novel VCGs into three clades. Clustering analysis of the DArT-seq data supported the separation of Foc isolates into eight distinct clusters, with the suite of SIX genes mostly conserved within these clusters. Results from this study indicates that Foc is more diverse than hitherto assumed.
Transient and persistent efficiency: an application to Portuguese wineries

The computation of productive efficiency provides key insights for firm managers and policymakers towards improvements in the competitiveness of businesses and industries, namely those that observe firm heterogeneity and high competition, as is the case of wine. Benefiting from Portuguese wineries panel data, this research measures firms’ productive efficiency, decomposing it into transient and persistent. Results allow us to conclude that wineries can boost overall performance through better input management and long-term policies, such as improvements in market regulation and public firm support.
Internal Control System between Fraud Asset Management and Local Governance: A Social and Organizational Perspective

This study aims to examine the effects of peer influence and outcome expectancies on fraud in local government asset management. This study is also to analyze moderating effect of the internal control system between peer influence and outcome expectancies on the fraudulent behavior. By utilizing purposive sampling method to obtain data from government units of Palu City and by using PLS with the help of WarpPLS software, the results show that peer influence has a positive effect on fraudulent behavior, while outcome Expectancies have a negative effect on the fraudulent behavior. Moreover, internal control system is able to moderate the influence of peer influence and outcome expectancies against fraudulent behavior. The results would imply that strong internal control system is more likely able to reduce or weaken the influence of peer influence on fraudulent behavior.
Different Changes in Adipokines, Lipid Profile, and TNF-Alpha Levels between 10 and 20 Whole Body Cryostimulation Sessions in Individuals with I and II Degrees of Obesity

Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation. While cold therapy influences the pro/antioxidative status of an individual, by affecting adipokine levels and the lipid profile, the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the response to cold exposure is unclear. We analyzed the link between BMI and the differences in effects of whole-body stimulation, depending on the number of treatments, on specific physiological parameters in men. Twenty-seven non-active men were divided into three groups: N (n = 9, BMI < 24.9), IOb (n = 9, BMI 30.0–34.9), and IIOb (BMI ≥ 35.0). The subjects participated in 20 3-min cryochamber sessions (−120 °C), 1/day, 5 days/week. Body composition was analyzed before and after treatment. Blood adiponectin (ADP), leptin (LEP), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) levels, and the lipid profile were analyzed three times: at baseline and up to 2 h after 10 and 20 sessions. The 20 treatments caused significant changes in body composition. Between 10 and 20 whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) sessions, a significant decreased was observed in the LEP and TNF-alpha levels. No significant changes in the lipid profile were noted. However, a positive tendency to regain the metabolic balance in adipose tissue was apparent in the IOb group in the tested period (decreased TG levels, increased HDL levels or the HDL/LDL ratio, and significantly decreased visceral adiposity index levels). Collectively, for people with obesity increasing the number of treatments above the standard 10 should be recommended.
Sometimes it helps to be taken out of context: Memory for objects in scenes

ABSTRACT It is well known that humans demonstrate massive and surprisingly rich recognition memory for objects and/or scenes and that context typically aids retrieval of episodic memories. However, when we combine picture memory for 100 objects with the context in the form of a background scene, we find that irrelevant contexts lead to substantial impairments of object memory. Twelve experiments used a standard long-term, picture memory paradigm. Backgrounds could be semantically consistent or inconsistent scenes or simple arrays of objects. In all cases, the target object to be remembered was clearly marked by an outline box. Backgrounds were always known to be irrelevant, but, nevertheless, significantly reduced old/new discrimination for target objects. Interference from the scene was apparently unavoidable, suggesting that the seemingly effortless encoding that makes it easy to store scenes into memory, makes it hard to avoid interference with the encoding and recognition of objects placed in or on those scenes.
Increased Mass-Specific Maximal Fat Oxidation Rate with Small versus Large Muscle Mass Exercise

ABSTRACT Introduction Skeletal muscle perfusion and oxygen (O2) delivery are restricted during whole-body exercise because of a limited cardiac output (Q˙). This study investigated the role of reducing central limitations to exercise on the maximal fat oxidation rate (MFO) by comparing mass-specific MFO (per kilogram of active lean mass) during one-legged (1L) and two-legged (2L) cycling. We hypothesized that the mass-specific MFO would be higher during 1L than 2L cycling. Methods Twelve male subjects (V̇O2peak, 59.3 ± 8.4 mL·kg−1·min−1; mean ± SD) performed step-incremental 2L- (30%–80% of V̇O2peak) and 1L (50% of 2L power output, i.e., equal power output per leg) cycling (counterbalanced) while steady-state pulmonary gas exchanges, Q˙ (pulse-contour analysis), and skeletal muscle (vastus lateralis) oxygenation (near-infrared spectroscopy) were determined. MFO and the associated power output (FatMax) were calculated from pulmonary gas exchanges and stoichiometric equations. A counterweight (10.9 kg) was added to the contralateral pedal arm during 1L cycling. Leg lean mass was determined by DEXA. Results The absolute MFO was 24% lower (0.31 ± 0.12 vs 0.44 ± 0.20 g·min−1, P = 0.018), whereas mass-specific MFO was 52% higher (28 ± 11 vs 20 ± 10 mg·min−1·kg−1, P = 0.009) during 1L than 2L cycling. FatMax was similar expressed as power output per leg (60 ± 28 vs 58 ± 22 W, P = 0.649). Q˙ increased more from rest to exercise during 1L than 2L cycling when expressed per active leg (ANOVA main effect: P = 0.003). Tissue oxygenation index and Δ[deoxy(Hb + Mb)] were not different between exercise modes (ANOVA main effects: P ≥ 0.587), indicating similar skeletal muscle fractional O2 extraction. Conclusions Mass-specific MFO is increased by exercising a small muscle mass, potentially explained by increased perfusion and more favorable conditions for O2 delivery than during whole-body exercise.
The GABA Polarity Shift and Bumetanide Treatment: Making Sense Requires Unbiased and Undogmatic Analysis

GABA depolarizes and often excites immature neurons in all animal species and brain structures investigated due to a developmentally regulated reduction in intracellular chloride concentration ([Cl−]i) levels. The control of [Cl−]i levels is mediated by the chloride cotransporters NKCC1 and KCC2, the former usually importing chloride and the latter exporting it. The GABA polarity shift has been extensively validated in several experimental conditions using often the NKCC1 chloride importer antagonist bumetanide. In spite of an intrinsic heterogeneity, this shift is abolished in many experimental conditions associated with developmental disorders including autism, Rett syndrome, fragile X syndrome, or maternal immune activation. Using bumetanide, an EMA- and FDA-approved agent, many clinical trials have shown promising results with the expected side effects. Kaila et al. have repeatedly challenged these experimental and clinical observations. Here, we reply to the recent reviews by Kaila et al. stressing that the GABA polarity shift is solidly accepted by the scientific community as a major discovery to understand brain development and that bumetanide has shown promising effects in clinical trials.
A New Design for Magnetic Poly(vinyl pivalate) for Biomedical Applications: Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Cytotoxicity in Fibroblasts, Keratinocytes, and Human Melanoma Cells

Polymers containing magnetic properties play an important role in biomedical therapies, such as embolotherapy or hyperthermia, for their differentiated properties. In this work, magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were synthesized by the coprecipitation method and dispersed into a thermoplastic matrix of poly(vinyl pivalate) through an emulsion polymerization process. The main goal was the individual encapsulation of magnetite nanoparticles to improve the magnetic response of the magneto-polymeric materials using polymerizable carboxylic acids as coating agents, minimizing the leaching of nanoparticles throughout the nanocomposite formation. For this purpose, synthesized magnetite had its surface modified by acrylic acid or methacrylic acid to improve its individual encapsulation during the polymerization step, thus generating a series of magnetic nanocomposite materials containing different amounts of magnetite intended for biomedical applications. X-ray diffractometry and TEM measurements provided a mean size of approximately 8 nm for the pure magnetite nanoparticles and a spherical morphology. Acid-functionalized Fe3O4 had a size of approximately 6 nm, while the nanocomposites showed a size of approximately 7 nm. Magnetization measurement provided a saturation magnetization value of approximately 75 emu/g and confirmed superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. DSC analysis showed a glass transition temperature of 65 °C for poly(vinyl pivalate)-based nanocomposites. The tests realized with homopolymer and magnetic composites against different cell lineages (i.e., fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and human melanoma) to evaluate the levels of cytotoxicity showed good results in the different exposure times and concentrations used, since the obtained results showed cell viability greater than 70% compared to the control group, suggesting that the synthesized materials are very promising for medical applications.
Selected Natural Products in Neuroprotective Strategies for Alzheimer’s Disease—A Non-Systematic Review

Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are distinguished by the irreversible degeneration of central nervous system function and structure. AD is characterized by several different neuropathologies—among others, it interferes with neuropsychiatrical controls and cognitive functions. This disease is the number one neurodegenerative disorder; however, its treatment options are few and, unfortunately, ineffective. In the new strategies devised for AD prevention and treatment, the application of plant-based natural products is especially popular due to lesser side effects associated with their taking. Moreover, their neuroprotective activities target different pathological mechanisms. The current review presents the anti-AD properties of several natural plant substances. The paper throws light on products under in vitro and in vivo trials and compiles information on their mechanism of actions. Knowledge of the properties of such plant compounds and their combinations will surely lead to discovering new potent medicines for the treatment of AD with lesser side effects than the currently available pharmacological proceedings.
Party cues or policy information? The differential influence of financial and economic literacy on economic policy preferences

Abstract Political economy theories tell us that policy preferences are driven by economic self-interest and that party cues can be a rational decision-making strategy. But does citizens’ ability to assess their self-interest influence the sources of information they rely on and their policy choices? I hypothesise that financial and economic literacy influences the type of information individuals are responsive to, and ultimately, their economic policy preferences. Using a survey experiment on price controls in Italy, I manipulate whether citizens receive party cues or policy information. I show that financially and economically literate individuals are more likely to understand information concerning the costs and benefits of the policy under analysis, and to be responsive to it. This is not the case for financially and economically illiterate individuals, who are more receptive to party cues, even when such cues are misleading and lead them to support welfare-reducing policies.
The Role of NRF2 in Obesity-Associated Cardiovascular Risk Factors

The raising prevalence of obesity is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), particularly coronary artery disease (CAD), and heart failure, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. Obesity contributes directly to incident cardiovascular risk factors, including hyperglycemia or diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, which are involved in atherosclerosis, including structural and functional cardiac alterations, which lead to cardiac dysfunction. CVDs are the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In obesity, visceral and epicardial adipose tissue generate inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induce oxidative stress and contribute to the pathogenesis of CVDs. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2; encoded by Nfe2l2 gene) protects against oxidative stress and electrophilic stress. NRF2 participates in the regulation of cell inflammatory responses and lipid metabolism, including the expression of over 1000 genes in the cell under normal and stressed environments. NRF2 is downregulated in diabetes, hypertension, and inflammation. Nfe2l2 knockout mice develop structural and functional cardiac alterations, and NRF2 deficiency in macrophages increases atherosclerosis. Given the endothelial and cardiac protective effects of NRF2 in experimental models, its activation using pharmacological or natural products is a promising therapeutic approach for obesity and CVDs. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge on the role of NRF2 in obesity-associated cardiovascular risk factors.
Numerical analysis of railway transition zones in soft soil

Transition zones are constructions intended to provide smooth passage of a train, when moving from a track supported on an embankment to a track on a stiff structure, such as a bridge, tunnel or culvert. The design of transition zones is based on creating a gradual stiffness variation between the free track and the stiffer structure. In the Netherlands, the standard transition zone design consists of placing a concrete approach slab before and after the structure. In the present paper, the performance of a typical transition zone is assessed, by means of numerical analysis. After validation of the results it is shown that the presence of a concrete slab, combined with the fact that the sleepers are hanging, causes a stress redistribution towards the free end of the approach slabs. This aggravates the long-term deformation of the soil and increases the differential settlement under normal train speed. A critical train speed is identified for the transition zone.
GA-IMC Based PID Control Design for an Infrared Dryer

In this paper, for the purpose of temperature control of a batch dryer, a PID controller is designed using genetic algorithm (GA) so that minimises performance(fitness) function which involves controller energy consumption and change in control input in three different operation areas. Having a varsity of operation areas in tunning and testing the controller in an area different not used during tunning procedure makes the proposed designed controller more reliable then the controller is implemented on the system through an I/O card and Real-Time windows target toolbox of MATLAB software. The merit of the designed GA-based PID controller is indicated compared to IMC-based PID.
The Adaptive Force of Healthy Young Women Is Influenced by Emotionally Affective Imaginations

Emotionally affective imaginations influence the Adaptive Force (AF) in healthy participants as was recently shown. The AF describes the neuromuscular holding capacity, suggested to be especially vulnerable for interfering inputs. The present study investigated the influence of neutral, pleasant, and unpleasant food imaginations on the manually assessed AF objectified by a handheld device of elbow and hip flexors in 12 healthy participants with improved design. Muscle lengthening started on a significantly lower maximal isometric AF (AFisomax) during unpleasant vs. neutral/pleasant imaginations (AFisomax/AFmax = 59 ± 22 % vs. 98 ± 5 %, p < 0.001), whereby oscillations (AFosc) occurred mainly after AFisomax (AFosc/AFisomax= 188 ± 121 % vs. 75 ± 16%). Thus, healthy participants show an impaired holding function due to negative imaginations. Assuming this leads to joint destabilization, musculoskeletal complaints might result. It could support understanding the causal chain of linked pain and mental issues. A case example (current stress vs. positive imaginations) will be presented, underpinning the hypothesis this approach might support psychomotor diagnostics and therapeutics.