Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simulating observable comets. III. Real stellar perturbers of the Oort cloud and their output

Context. This is the third of a series of papers on simulating the mechanisms acting currently on the Oort cloud and producing the observed long-period comets. Aims. In this paper we investigate the influence of current stellar perturbers on the Oort cloud of comets under the simultaneous galactic disk tide. We also analyse the past motion of the observed long-period comets under the same dynamical model to verify the widely used definition of dynamically new comets. Methods. The action of nearby stars and the galactic disk tide on the Oort cloud was simulated. The original orbital elements of all 386 long-period comets of quality classes 1 and 2 were calculated, and their motion was followed numerically for one orbital revolution into the past, down to the previous perihelion. We also simulated the output of the close future pass of GJ 710 through the Oort cloud. Results. The simulated flux of the observable comets resulting from the current stellar and galactic perturbations, as well as the distribution of perihelion direction, was obtained. The same data are presented for the future passage of GJ 710. A detailed description is given of the past evolution of aphelion and perihelion distances of the observed long-period comets. Conclusions. We obtained no fingerprints of the stellar perturbations in the simulated flux and its directional structure. The mechanisms producing observable comets are highly dominated by galactic disk tide because all current stellar perturbers are too weak. Also the effect of the close passage of the star GJ 710 is very difficult to recognise on the background of the Galactic-driven observable comets. For the observed comets we found only 45 to be really dynamically “new” according to our definition based on the previous perihelion distance value.
Intricate clinical evaluation and management strategies in vision-threatening phacomorphic glaucoma

As we all know, intumescent cataract is a surgical challenge for all cataract surgeons, and the definitive treatment is cataract extraction. If left untreated, it can result in phacomorphic glaucoma, posing management challenges. [1] These patients present with very high uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) and a shallow anterior chamber. Intraoperatively, there is an increased risk of zonular dialysis (ZD), posterior capsular rent (PCR), whole bag removal, vitreous loss, and expulsive choroidal hemorrhage. [2] Prompt diagnosis and meticulous management are warranted to safeguard vision in these cases. We read an interesting article by Gupta et al.[3] on “Survival analysis of phacomorphic glaucoma at a tertiary hospital in North India,” and we must congratulate the authors for bringing out a large‐scale analysis. However, we have a few important observations and suggestions to make that we believe will benefit all ophthalmologists and readers globally.
Children in Tokyo Have a Long Sustained Axial Length from Age 3 Years: The Tokyo Myopia Study

Background: myopia prevalence is high among Japanese schoolchildren, but the underlying causes are unclear. Objective: To examine the distributions of ocular biometry and refraction and their associations with lifestyle variables among Japanese schoolchildren. Methods: This cross-sectional school-based study included 2140 children aged 3–14 years in Tokyo, Japan, and evaluated the distributions under non-cycloplegic conditions and the associated environmental factors. Results: The prevalence of spherical equivalent (SE) ≤−0.75 diopter among preschoolers (aged 3–6 years), elementary school students (aged 6–11 years), and junior high school students (aged 12–14 years) was 49.7%, 72.4%, and 87.7%, respectively. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that the time spent using digital devices was associated positively with lens thickness (β = 0.010; p < 0.050) but not SE, axial length, or vitreous chamber depth. The time spent reading was associated negatively with lens thickness (β = −0.012; p < 0.050), SE (β = −0.152; p < 0.010), axial length (β = 0.110; p < 0.001), and vitreous chamber depth (β = 0.110; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The data indicated that almost half of preschoolers may be myopic. The association with the lens thickness differed depending on the type of near work performed.
Three dimensional rotating hairy black holes, asymptotics and thermodynamics

A rotating hairy black hole solution is found in gravity minimally coupled to a self-interacting real scalar field in three spacetime dimensions. Then we discuss analytically the horizon structure and find an analogue of the famous Kerr bound in (2+1) dimensions because of the existence of black hole horizons. We present the asymptotic symmetries and find the same symmetry group (i.e. the conformal group) and central charge as in pure gravity. Based on the asymptotic behavior, the mass and angular momentum are presented by the Regge-Teitelboim approach. Other thermodynamic quantities are also obtained and the first law of black hole thermodynamics and Smarr relation are checked. In addition, we also investigate the local thermodynamic stability and find the existence of Hawking-Page phase transition in the rotating hairy black hole.
Special values of partial zeta functions of real quadratic fields at nonpositive integers and the Euler-Maclaurin formula

We compute the special values at nonpositive integers of the partial zeta function of an ideal of a real quadratic field applying an asymptotic version of Euler-Maclaurin formula to the lattice cone associated to the ideal considered. The Euler-Maclaurin formula in- volved is obtained by applying the Todd series of differential opera- tors to an integral of a small perturbation of the cone. The additive property of Todd series w.r. t. the cone decomposition enables us to express the partial zeta values in terms of the continued fraction of the reduced element of the ideal. The expression obtained uses the positive continued fraction which yields a virtual decomposition of the cone. We apply the expression to some indexed families of real quadratic fields satisfying certain condition on the shape of the continued frac- tions. The families considered include those appeared in (20) and (21) as well as the Richaud-Degert types. We show that the partial zeta values at a given nonpositive integerk in the family indexed by n is a polynomial of n. Finally, we compute explicitly the polynomials producing the par- tial zeta values at s " ´k for small k of some chosen families and compare these with some previously known results.
Changes Overtime in Perinatal Management and Outcomes of Extremely Preterm Infants in One Tertiary Care Romanian Center

Background and Objectives: Extremely preterm infants were at increased risk of mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to: (1) examine changes over time in perinatal management, mortality, and major neonatal morbidities among infants born at 250–286 weeks’ gestational age and cared for at one Romanian tertiary care unit and (2) compare the differences with available international data. Material and Methods: This study consisted of infants born at 250–286 weeks in one tertiary neonatal academic center in Romania during two 4-year periods (2007–2010 and 2015–2018). Major morbidities were defined as any of the following: severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Adjusted logistic regression models examined the association between the mortality and morbidity outcome and the study period. Results: The two cohorts differed with respect to antenatal antibiotics and rates of cesarean birth but had similar exposure to antenatal steroids and newborn referral to the tertiary care center. In logistic regression analyses, infants in the newer compared to the older cohort had a lower incidence of death (OR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.11–0.35), a lower incidence of IVH (OR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.15–0.46), and increased incidence of NEC (OR: 19.37; 95% CI: 2.41–155.11). Conclusions: Changes over time included higher use of antenatal antibiotics and cesarean delivery and no change in antenatal steroids administration. Overall mortality was lower in the newer cohort, especially for infants 250–266 weeks’ gestation, NEC was higher while BPD and ROP were not different.
Molecular Pathways and Genomic Landscape of Glioblastoma Stem Cells: Opportunities for Targeted Therapy

Simple Summary Glioblastoma stem cells are a unique population of tumor cells that contribute to tumor growth, invasion, and resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These stem cells are capable of self-renewal and proliferation. Traditional treatment strategies that target glioblastoma often fail to eradicate these stem cells, contributing to tumor recurrence. Dysregulation of several critical signaling pathways drive the oncogenic nature of glioblastoma stem cells and represent attractive therapeutic targets. Additionally, these stem cells possess a high mutation rate and feature epigenomic changes that alter the landscape of their genomic expression. Here, we review the phenotypic characteristics of glioblastoma stem cells, their interactions with the tumor microenvironment, critical signaling pathways, and epigenomic landscape of glioblastoma stem cells. Therapeutic targets are discussed in the context of these pathways and mutations. A multi-pronged therapeutic approach will likely be needed to simultaneously target multiple pathways and molecules to overcome tumor resistance mechanisms. Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive tumor of the central nervous system categorized by the World Health Organization as a Grade 4 astrocytoma. Despite treatment with surgical resection, adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, outcomes remain poor, with a median survival of only 14-16 months. Although tumor regression is often observed initially after treatment, long-term recurrence or progression invariably occurs. Tumor growth, invasion, and recurrence is mediated by a unique population of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). Their high mutation rate and dysregulated transcriptional landscape augment their resistance to conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy, explaining the poor outcomes observed in patients. Consequently, GSCs have emerged as targets of interest in new treatment paradigms. Here, we review the unique properties of GSCs, including their interactions with the hypoxic microenvironment that drives their proliferation. We discuss vital signaling pathways in GSCs that mediate stemness, self-renewal, proliferation, and invasion, including the Notch, epidermal growth factor receptor, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, sonic hedgehog, transforming growth factor beta, Wnt, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and inhibitors of differentiation pathways. We also review epigenomic changes in GSCs that influence their transcriptional state, including DNA methylation, histone methylation and acetylation, and miRNA expression. The constituent molecular components of the signaling pathways and epigenomic regulators represent potential sites for targeted therapy, and representative examples of inhibitory molecules and pharmaceuticals are discussed. Continued investigation into the molecular pathways of GSCs and candidate therapeutics is needed to discover new effective treatments for GBM and improve survival.
Methyl Group Metabolism in Differentiation, Aging, and Cancer

Methyl group metabolism belongs to a relatively understudied field of research. Its importance lies in the fact that methyl group metabolic pathways are crucial for the successful conversion of dietary nutrients into the basic building blocks to carry out any cellular methylation reaction. Methyl groups play essential roles in numerous cellular functions such as DNA methylation, nucleotide- and protein biosynthesis. Especially, DNA methylation is responsible for organizing the genome into transcriptionally silent and active regions. Ultimately, it is this proper annotation that determines the quality of expression patterns required to ensure and shape the phenotypic integrity and function of a highly specialized cell type. Life is characterized by constantly changing environmental conditions, which are addressed by changes in DNA methylation. This relationship is increasingly coming into focus as it is of fundamental importance for differentiation, aging, and cancer. The stability and permanence of these metabolic processes, fueling the supplementation of methyl groups, seem to be important criteria to prevent deficiencies and erosion of the methylome. Alterations in the metabolic processes can lead to epigenetic and genetic perturbations, causative for diverse disorders, accelerated aging, and various age-related diseases. In recent decades, the intake of methyl group compounds has changed significantly due to, e.g., environmental pollution and food additives. Based on the current knowledge, this review provides a brief overview of the highly interconnected relationship between nutrition, metabolism, changes in epigenetic modifications, cancer, and aging. One goal is to provide an impetus to additionally investigate changes in DNA methylation as a possible consequence of an impaired methyl group metabolism.
The Effect of Host Risk Factors in Identifying Mortality in Covid-19 Pneumonia and a New Covid-19 Mortality Index: Co-AMSCA

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The purpose of the study was to examine the host risk factors related to mortality in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia and to find a COVID-19 mortality score based on these factors. METHODS: Subjects hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia between March 11, 2020, and October 1, 2020, were retrospectively analyzed. The age, gender, smoking status, body mass index, blood group, severity of pneumonia, comorbidity, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction positivity, use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, radiological changes, and mortality rates of the patients who had proven COVID-19 pneumonia were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups according to mortality status, and the two groups were compared. The cutoff values, sensitivity and specificity values, and odds ratios were calculated to predict mortality of the new scoring system. RESULTS: A total of 422 patients (51 mortal and 371 nonmortal) participated in the study. The univariate regression analysis showed that age, male gender, smoking, comorbidity, and using ACE inhibitors were prognostic host risk factors for COVID-19-related mortality. A new scoring model with the combination of risk factors named Co-AMSCA was created in the study. The cutoff value of the system was found to be 3.5 with 88.4% sensitivity and 65.5% specificity. The mortality risk in patients with a Co-AMSCA mortality score above 3.5 points was 7.8 times higher than that in patients whose score was lower than 3.5 points. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, older age and smoking were significant risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: A mortality score was created based on host risk factors, which are easy to calculate and do not need laboratory tests and do not waste the time of the clinicians. This study showed that by using Co-AMSCA scoring model, it is possible to achieve a mortality prediction in COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized due to pneumonia.
A Temperature-Dependent Model for Tritrophic Interactions Involving Tea Plants, Tea Green Leafhoppers and Natural Enemies

Simple Summary Tritrophic interactions have achieved much attention in research on ecology. The tea plant Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze is a major economic crop in Asian countries, especially in China. Tea plants suffer infestations from herbivory attack during their lifetime. The tea green leafhopper (Empoasca onukii Matsuda) is a major pest for tea plants. The parasitic or predatory natural enemies of tea green leafhoppers (TGLs) can feed on their eggs, nymphs, or adults. However, a detailed mathematical model for tea plants–TGLs–natural enemies is still lacking. In the current work, we established a novel model based on laboratory measurements or field observations with temperature-dependent effects on tritrophic interactions for tea ecosystems. As expected, cyclic behaviors are identified. Stochastic simulations further showed two TGL outbreaks, the timing of which is consistent with field observations. Effective accumulated temperature (EAT) is possibly an important predictor of TGL outbreak. Applying slow-releasing semiochemicals as either repellents or attractants may be highly efficacious for pest biocontrol. An optimal treatment time of semiochemicals can also be determined. Our detailed model identifies key features of tritrophic interactions involving tea plants and can be extended to other ecosystems. Abstract The tea green leaf hopper, Empoasca onukii Matsuda, is a severe pest of tea plants. Volatile emissions from tea shoots infested by the tea green leafhopper may directly repel insect feeding or attract natural enemies. Many studies have been conducted on various aspects of the tritrophic relationship involving tea plants, tea green leafhoppers and natural enemies. However, mathematic models which could explain the dynamic mechanisms of this tritrophic interaction are still lacking. In the current work, we constructed a realistic and stochastic model with temperature-dependent features to characterize the tritrophic interactions in the tea agroecosystem. Model outputs showed that two leafhopper outbreaks occur in a year, with their features being consistent with field observations. Simulations showed that daily average effective accumulated temperature (EAT) might be an important metric for outbreak prediction. We also showed that application of slow-releasing semiochemicals, as either repellents or attractants, may be highly efficacious for pest biocontrol and can significantly increase tea yields. Furthermore, the start date of applying semiochemicals can be optimized to effectively increase tea yields. The current model qualitatively characterizes key features of the tritrophic interactions and provides critical insight into pest control in tea ecosystems.
Predicting Species Boundaries and Assessing Undescribed Diversity in Pneumocystis, an Obligate Lung Symbiont

Far more biodiversity exists in Fungi than has been described, or could be described in several lifetimes, given current rates of species discovery. Although this problem is widespread taxonomically, our knowledge of animal-associated fungi is especially lacking. Fungi in the genus Pneumocystis are obligate inhabitants of mammal lungs, and they have been detected in a phylogenetically diverse array of species representing many major mammal lineages. The hypothesis that Pneumocystis cospeciate with their mammalian hosts suggests that thousands of Pneumocystis species may exist, potentially equal to the number of mammal species. However, only six species have been described, and the true correspondence of Pneumocystis diversity to host species boundaries is unclear. Here, we use molecular species delimitation to estimate the boundaries of Pneumocystis species sampled from 55 mammal species representing eight orders. Our results suggest that Pneumocystis species often colonize several closely related mammals, especially those in the same genus. Using the newly estimated ratio of fungal to host diversity, we estimate ≈4600 to 6250 Pneumocystis species inhabit the 6495 currently recognized extant mammal species. Additionally, we review the literature and find that only 240 (~3.7%) mammal species have been screened for Pneumocystis, and many detected Pneumocystis lineages are not represented by any genetic data. Although crude, our findings challenge the dominant perspective of strict specificity of Pneumocystis to their mammal hosts and highlight an abundance of undescribed diversity.
Technical efficiency of national HIV/AIDS spending in 78 countries between 2010 and 2018: A data envelopment analysis

HIV/AIDS remains a leading global cause of disease burden, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In 2020, more than 80% of all people living with HIV (PLHIV) lived in LMICs. While progress has been made in extending coverage of HIV/AIDS services, only 66% of all PLHIV were virally suppressed at the end of 2020. In addition to more resources, the efficiency of spending is key to accelerating progress towards global 2030 targets for HIV/AIDs, including viral load suppression. This study aims to estimate the efficiency of HIV/AIDS spending across 78 countries. We employed a data envelopment analysis (DEA) and a truncated regression to estimate the technical efficiency of 78 countries, mostly low- and middle-income, in delivering HIV/AIDS services from 2010 to 2018. Publicly available data informed the model. We considered national HIV/AIDS spending as the DEA input, and prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) and antiretroviral treatment (ART) as outputs. The model was adjusted by independent variables to account for country characteristics and investigate associations with technical efficiency. On average, there has been substantial improvement in technical efficiency over time. Spending was converted into outputs almost twice as efficiently in 2018 (81.8%; 95% CI = 77.64, 85.99) compared with 2010 (47.5%; 95% CI = 43.4, 51.6). Average technical efficiency was 66.9% between 2010 and 2018, in other words 33.1% more outputs could have been produced relative to existing levels for the same amount of spending. There is also some variation between WHO/UNAIDS regions. European and Eastern and Southern Africa regions converted spending into outputs most efficiently between 2010 and 2018. Rule of Law, Gross National Income, Human Development Index, HIV prevalence and out-of-pocket expenditures were all significantly associated with efficiency scores. The technical efficiency of HIV investments has improved over time. However, there remains scope to substantially increase HIV/AIDS spending efficiency and improve progress towards 2030 global targets for HIV/AIDS. Given that many of the most efficient countries did not meet 2020 global HIV targets, our study supports the WHO call for additional investment in HIV/AIDS prevention and control to meet the 2030 HIV/AIDS and eradication of the AIDS epidemic.
A Novel Approach of Antiviral Drugs Targeting Viral Genomes

Outbreaks of viral diseases, which cause morbidity and mortality in animals and humans, are increasing annually worldwide. Vaccines, antiviral drugs, and antibody therapeutics are the most effective tools for combating viral infection. The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, in particular, raises an urgent need for the development of rapid and broad-spectrum therapeutics. Current antiviral drugs and antiviral antibodies, which are mostly specific at protein levels, have encountered difficulties because the rapid evolution of mutant viral strains resulted in drug resistance. Therefore, degrading viral genomes is considered a novel approach for developing antiviral drugs. The current article highlights all potent candidates that exhibit antiviral activity by digesting viral genomes such as RNases, RNA interference, interferon-stimulated genes 20, and CRISPR/Cas systems. Besides that, we introduce a potential single-chain variable fragment (scFv) that presents antiviral activity against various DNA and RNA viruses due to its unique nucleic acid hydrolyzing characteristic, promoting it as a promising candidate for broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics.