Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modified small-incision cataract surgery for combined extraction – A comparative study of two techniques

Purpose: To explore straight incision technique in terms of efficacy for intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering by small-incision cataract surgery (SICS) trab versus modified “frown” incision with triangular scleral flap technique. Methods: This study was done at a tertiary health center. It included 44 eyes diagnosed with cataract and coexisting primary glaucoma that underwent SICS with trabeculectomy using modified “frown” incision with triangular scleral flap technique and straight incision in group A (n = 22) and B (n = 22), respectively. Postoperative evaluation was done at first postoperative day, then at the end of first week, third week, and 6 weeks; at the end of third month and finally at the end of sixth months. Data were entered and analyzed via Microsoft Excel sheet and SPSS software using Mann–Whitney U test for averages and Chi-square test for categorical values. Results: Mean preoperative IOP in groups A and B were 38.6 and 29.1 mm Hg respectively, by applanation tonometry. After 6-month follow-up, mean of difference in IOP (preoperative – postoperative) for group A was 20.8 ± 8.3 mm Hg and that for group B was 17.2 ± 13.5 mm Hg. Conclusion: Capacity of IOP reduction of both techniques was found to be comparable and did not show much difference up to the end of 6 months. Mastering technique of group A (modified “frown” incision with triangular scleral flap technique) requires more expertise; the simpler straight incision technique provided in group B may be effectively used by the novice and current era Ophthalmologists to combat glaucoma coexistant with cataract.
Study on Preoperative Neutrophil/Lymphocyte (NLR) and Platelet/Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) as a Predictive Factor in Endometrial Cancer

Objective: To evaluate predictive factors between serum inflammatory markers and malignancy potential of endometrium. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the gynecological oncology unit, department of obstetrics and gynecology, at the faculty of medicine of Thammasat University. The study period was from 2017 to 2020. Endometrial cancer and benign gynecologic disease cases who underwent hysterectomy (with or without adnexectomy) during the study period were recruited. Demographic characteristics, histopathology reports and serum markers were also collected. Results: The study included a study group of 49 participants with endometrial cancer and a control group consisting of 119 cases of benign uterine disease. The study group had statistically significantly higher mean ages, proportional menopausal status and instances of underlying diseases when compared with the control group. Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratios (NLR) and Platelet/Lymphocyte ratios (PLR) could not meaningfully predict the malignant potential of endometrium in hysterectomy specimens. NLR and PLR were statistically associated with depth of myometrial invasion (MI) in endometrial cancer cases. NLR equal to or greater than 1.93 predicted MI more than half thickness with sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) at a percentage of 83.3, 52.8, 37.0, 90.5 and 60.4, respectively. PLR equal to or greater than 134.95 predicted MI of greater than fifty percent thickness with sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV at 75.0, 55.6, 36.0, 87.0 and 60.4 percent, respectively. Conclusion: NLR and PLR have positive associations with myometrial invasion of endometrial cancer.
Postoperative systemic inflammatory dysregulation and corticosteroids: a narrative review

In some patients, the inflammatory‐immune response to surgical injury progresses to a harmful, dysregulated state. We posit that postoperative systemic inflammatory dysregulation forms part of a pathophysiological response to surgical injury that places patients at increased risk of complications and subsequently prolongs hospital stay. In this narrative review, we have outlined the evolution, measurement and prediction of postoperative systemic inflammatory dysregulation, distinguishing it from a healthy and self‐limiting host response. We reviewed the actions of glucocorticoids and the potential for heterogeneous responses to peri‐operative corticosteroid supplementation. We have then appraised the evidence highlighting the safety of corticosteroid supplementation, and the potential benefits of high/repeated doses to reduce the risks of major complications and death. Finally, we addressed how clinical trials in the future should target patients at higher risk of peri‐operative inflammatory complications, whereby corticosteroid regimes should be tailored to modify not only the a priori risk, but also further adjusted in response to markers of an evolving pathophysiological response.
Specifications and feasibility of technology-based self-management of COPD: An exploratory qualitative study with patients and providers

This article outlines the findings of a study that looked at the self-management needs of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients and the feasibility of an eHealth intervention. This study found that patient self-monitoring is sub-optimal. Patients want the technology to include record keeping, feedback, the integration of biomedical and environmental data, exacerbation detection, and the ability to connect with providers. Health leaders could benefit from this information by working with their suppliers to eliminate system and technology barriers, and ensuring that technology is interactive, personalized and easy to use.
Compatible cut‐off values for luteinizing hormone and the luteinizing hormone/follicle‐stimulating hormone ratio in diagnostic criteria of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology for polycystic ovary syndrome

The abnormal secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) is one of the typical features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and adopted in the diagnostic criteria of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG). We investigated cut‐off values for LH and the LH/follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio in resent two measurement systems for the diagnosis of PCOS.
Chemical compositions of giants in the Hyades and Sirius superclusters

An abundance analysis for 20 elements from Na to Eu is reported for 34 K giants from the Hyades supercluster and for 22 K giants from the Sirius supercluster. Observed giants were identified as highly probable members of their respective superclusters by Famaey et al. (2005, A&A, 430, 165). Three giants each from the Hyades and Praesepe open clusters were similarly observed and analysed. Each supercluster shows a range in metallicity: $-0.20 \leq$ [Fe/H] $\leq +0.25$ for the Hyades supercluster and $-0.22 \leq $ [Fe/H] $\leq +0.15$ for the Sirius supercluster with the metal-rich tail of the metallicity distribution of the Hyades supercluster extending beyond that of the Sirius supercluster and spanning the metallicity of the Hyades and Praesepe cluster giants. Relative elemental abundances [El/Fe] across the supercluster giants are representative of the Galactic thin disc as determined from giants in open clusters analysed in a similar way to our approach. Judged by metallicity and age, very few and likely none of the giants in these superclusters originated in an open cluster: the pairings include the Hyades supercluster with the Hyades - Praesepe open clusters and the Sirius supercluster with the U Ma open cluster. Literature on main sequence stars attributed to the two superclusters and the possible relation to the associated open cluster is reviewed. It is suggested that the Hyades supercluster's main sequence population contains few stars from the two associated open clusters. As suggested by some previous investigations, the Sirius supercluster, when tightly defined kinematically, appears to be well populated by stars shed by the U Ma open cluster.
A comparison of sub-tenon block with peribulbar block in small-incision cataract surgery

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of sub-tenon block to peribulbar block with respect to analgesia, akinesia, and complications. Methods: It is an observational study conducted at a government hospital in Karnataka. Seventy patients who came to the ophthalmology OPD for small-incision cataract surgery (SICS) under local anesthesia were included in the study. The participants were divided into two groups of 35 as per the surgeon. The pain was evaluated at the time of administration of the block, during the surgery, and during the postoperative period of 4 h. Akinesia was noted in both the groups and the time of onset of akinesia was noted. Any complications associated with the block such as chemosis or subconjunctival hemorrhage were also noted. Statistical analysis was done using PSS version 25.0, where P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The baseline pain score was higher in the peribulbar group (1.57). The onset of akinesia was faster in sub-tenons (90.34 s). Complete akinesia was achieved in 82.9% of patients after peribulbar block. There was no significant difference in complications in both groups. Conclusion: Sub-tenons block is an effective and safer technique of ocular anesthesia for SICS. It can be considered as an alternative to the conventional peribulbar block for SICS.
The existence of regular boundary points for non-linear elliptic systems

Abstract We consider non-linear elliptic systems of the type with Hölder continuous dependence on (x, u), and give conditions guaranteeing that almost every boundary point is a regular point for the gradient of solutions to related Dirichlet problems. We also introduce a new comparison technique, in order to deal with difference quotients.
Estimating the Cancer Treatment Cost for 5 Common Types of Cancer with Separating Out-of-Pocket and Governmental Costs in Afghanistan, 2020

The objective this study was to estimate the cost of cancer treatment services for 5 common types of cancer (Breast, Esophageal, Colorectal, Stomach and lung) by the public sector and patients. This study was a cross-sectional study that conducted using the medical records of patients who were registered in the Jamhuriyat Hospital from 1, 2020 to 12, 2020. The prevalence-based approach was used to estimate the costs of five major cancer types. The data of 769 patients were eligible to include for the analysis. The considered cost of services was obtained from the average cost in 3 private hospitals in Kabul. Also all costs converted in to US dollar using the exchange rate of each USD equaling to AFN 77 in 2020. The data was analyzed using Ms. Excel Program. The total number of patients with 5 types of cancer were 769. Of these, female, in the age group of 40-60 years and were illiterate. The most common cancers based on the cancer treatment services’ costs of health services was breast cancer, followed by esophagus, colorectal, stomach and lung. Moreover, the most common cancers based on the cancer treatment services’ costs of health services which cancer patients needed was breast cancer, followed by esophagus, colorectal, stomach and lung. Moreover, total cost of cancer treatment is US$590,662.98, in which Patients paid USD 82,537 of it out-of-pocket. The costs of cancer treatment services for 5 common types of cancer are high which a considerable portion are paid by patients. There is a need for the government to pay more attention to the provision of these services and to increase the centers providing these services and the existing facilities. Also, support of the international community in this process can enable more people to access these services and reduce the economic burden on patients.
Perceived academic performance explained by school climate, positive psychological variables and life satisfaction

Abstract Background Adolescents spend a large percentage of their time at school, where learning and achievement are important activities that are vital to their future educational success and subsequent career opportunities. However, studies reveal a significant drop in satisfaction and performance during the teenage years. Aim Based on the ecological model, this study aims to explore the relationship dynamics between contextual (school climate) and psychological (emotional intelligence and resilience) variables, life satisfaction and perceived academic performance, analysing, to this end, four theoretical models grounded in previous research. Sample The sample comprised a total of 1397 adolescents aged between 12 and 16 years from the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country (northern Spain). Analysis The Equations 6.2 program was used to estimate the measurement model and the structural models, using the robust maximum likelihood procedure. Results School climate and life satisfaction were found to directly influence perceived academic performance, whereas emotional intelligence and resilience did so indirectly, with the full mediation of life satisfaction. Conclusions These results have important educational implications, since they reveal existing relationship dynamics, which should serve as a basis for the effective implementation of school programs. They also indicate how important it is for adolescents to be psychologically well‐adjusted and satisfied with their lives, in order for them to perform optimally at school.
Achyranthoside D (AD) improve intervertebral disc degeneration through affect the autophagy and the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

Purpose This study aims to explore the potential mechanism of Achyranthoside D (AD) in improving intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD). Methods The IDD model of SD rats and nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) was established by lumbar cone annulus puncture and tert-butyl peroxide, respectively. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK8 assay. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. IVD tissue injury was observed by HE staining. Alcian blue staining observed the glycoprotein secretion in IVD. Monodansylcadaverin (MDC) staining was used to detect the formation of autophagosomes. The LC3 expression was tested by immunofluorescence. The type II collagen, aggrecan and MMP3 expression were detected by ELISA. RT-qPCR was used to detect the Casp 3, Bax, Bcl2, Acan, Col2a1 and Mmp3 expression. The LC3, P62, type II collagen, aggrecan, Beclin1, Akt, MMP3, p-mTOR, PI3K, mTOR, p-PI3K and p-Akt expression were analyzed by western blot. Results The IVD tissue damage and apoptosis occurred in the Model group, and the glycoprotein secretion decreased. Compared with Model group, AD-H group alleviated the injury of IVD tissue, inhibited the apoptosis of cells, and increased the secretion of glycoprotein. 40 μg/mL AD restored the proliferation activity of NPCs. Compared to the Normal group, the NPCs apoptosis increased, the Collagen II, aggrecan and Bcl2 expressions were significantly decreased, the MMP3, Bax and Casp 3 expression were significantly increased, and the LC-3 II/I expression in IVD tissues were increased significantly in Model group, all of which was reversed in AD group. AD promoted the p-Akt, p-PI3K, p-mTOR, LC-3 II/I and Beclin1 expression, inhibited the P62 expression to alleviate the damage of nucleus pulporeus cells and the degeneration of IVD. Conclusion AD improved IDD by affecting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and autophagy.
Catquest-9SF questionnaire shows greater visual functioning in bilateral cataract populations: A prospective study

Purpose: Visual functioning evaluated by the Catquest-9SF questionnaire has shown to be a valid measure for assessing a patient's prioritization for cataract surgery. This study adapted Catquest-9SF for visual function outcomes post uni-lateral cataract surgery or bi-lateral cataract surgery. Methods: Visual functioning was assessed before and after uni-lateral or bi-lateral cataract surgery using the Catquest-9SF questionnaire. Patients were enrolled to this study prior to their cataract surgery between March 29 and April 30, 2021 at Shellharbour Hospital, Australia. Catquest-9SF questionnaires were completed prior to and 3 months post surgery. Resulting data were assessed for fit to a Rasch model using WINSTEPS software (version 4.2.0). Catquest-9SF data analysis of Chi-square, Wilcoxon sum test, and Fischer's test were performed in R (version 4.1.0). P value <. 05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Sixty-one patients (mean age = 73.2 years, 62% female) were included for analysis. Catquest-9SF response thresholds, adequate precision (person separation index = 2.58, person reliability = 0.87, Cronbach's alpha = 0.74), uni-dimensionality, and no misfits (infit range 0.65–1.33; outfit range 0.64–1.31) were recorded. The mean of item calibration for patients was -0.22 post-operatively. There was significant (P <.05) improvement (16.3%) in visual functions across all nine Catquest 9-SF items. There was a significant mean visual function difference between patients with uni-lateral (10.1%) and bi-lateral cataract surgery (22.3%) pre-operatively and post-operatively. Conclusion: The Catquest-9SF questionnaire showed excellent psychometric properties and can assess visual functioning in an Australian population. There was a significant improvement in patient visual function post cataract surgery and higher functioning with bi-lateral cataract surgery.
Hyperhomocysteinemia in men and women of married couples with reproductive disorders. What is the difference?

Abstract Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is an autosomal recessive inherited metabolic disease caused by variations in folate metabolism genes, characterized by impaired methionine metabolism and accumulation of homocysteine (Hcy) in the blood serum. It was shown that men usually have higher plasma Hcy levels than women, but have not yet assessed the leading factors of these differences, which is important for the development of personalized protocols for the prevention of folate metabolism disorders in couples with reproductive disorders. This study aimed to analyze the effect of intergenic and gene-factor interactions on the risk of developing HHcy in men and women of married couples with reproductive disorders. In our study were involved 206 married Caucasian couples (206 males and 206 females) from central regions of Ukraine with early pregnancy losses in the anamnesis. We found that the incidence of HHcy in men was significantly higher than in women. Gender differences in folic acid and vitamin B12 levels were identified. The best predictors of HHcy in men (MTRR (A66G), MTHFR (C677T), MTR (A2756G), vitamin B12 level) and in women (MTHFR (C677T), MTR (A2756G), vitamin B12 level) were selected by binary logistic regression. There was no significant difference in the distribution of genotypes by the studied gene variants when comparing men and women with HHcy. Our findings demonstrate that there is a gender difference in the development of HHcy. This difference is caused by intergenic interaction and by environmental factors, in particular, nutrition and vitamins consumption.
Evidence for older carbon loss with lowered water tables and changing plant functional groups in peatlands

A small imbalance in plant productivity and decomposition accounts for the carbon (C) accumulation capacity of peatlands. As climate changes, the continuity of peatland net C storage relies on rising primary production to offset increasing ecosystem respiration (ER) along with the persistence of older C in waterlogged peat. A lowering in the water table position in peatlands often increases decomposition rates, but concurrent plant community shifts can interactively alter ER and plant productivity responses. The combined effects of water table variation and plant communities on older peat C loss are unknown. We used a full‐factorial 1‐m3 mesocosm array with vascular plant functional group manipulations (Unmanipulated Control, Sedge only, and Ericaceous only) and water table depth (natural and lowered) treatments to test the effects of plants and water depth on CO2 fluxes, decomposition, and older C loss. We used Δ14C and δ13C of ecosystem CO2 respiration, bulk peat, plants, and porewater dissolved inorganic C to construct mixing models partitioning ER among potential sources. We found that the lowered water table treatments were respiring C fixed before the bomb spike (1955) from deep waterlogged peat. Lowered water table Sedge treatments had the oldest dissolved inorganic 14C signature and the highest proportional peat contribution to ER. Decomposition assays corroborated sustained high rates of decomposition with lowered water tables down to 40 cm below the peat surface. Heterotrophic respiration exceeded plant respiration at the height of the growing season in lowered water table treatments. Rates of gross primary production were only impacted by vegetation, whereas ER was affected by vegetation and water table depth treatments. The decoupling of respiration and primary production with lowered water tables combined with older C losses suggests that climate and land‐use‐induced changes in peatland hydrology can increase the vulnerability of peatland C stores.
Patient‐reported outcomes with cemiplimab monotherapy for first‐line treatment of advanced non–small cell lung cancer with PD‐L1 of ≥50%: The EMPOWER‐Lung 1 study

In the EMPOWER‐Lung 1 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03088540), cemiplimab conferred longer survival than platinum‐doublet chemotherapy for advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) ≥50%. Patient‐reported outcomes were evaluated among trial participants.
Endocannabinoid signaling in the central nervous system

It is hard to overestimate the influence of the endocannabinoid signaling (ECS) system on central nervous system (CNS) function. In the 40 years since cannabinoids were found to trigger specific cell signaling cascades, studies of the ECS system continue to cause amazement, surprise, and confusion! CB1 cannabinoid receptors are expressed widely in the CNS and regulate cell–cell communication via effects on the release of both neurotransmitters and gliotransmitters. CB2 cannabinoid receptors are difficult to detect in the CNS but seem to “punch above their weight” as compounds targeting these receptors have significant effects on inflammatory state and behavior. Positive and negative allosteric modulators for both receptors have been identified and examined in preclinical studies. Concentrations of the endocannabinoid ligands, N‐arachidonoylethanolamine and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG), are regulated by a combination of enzymatic synthesis and degradation and inhibitors of these processes are available and making their way into clinical trials. Importantly, ECS regulates many essential brain functions, including regulation of reward, anxiety, inflammation, motor control, and cellular development. While the field is on the cusp of preclinical discoveries providing impactful clinical and therapeutic insights into many CNS disorders, there is still much to be learned about this remarkable and versatile modulatory system.