Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Treatment Outcomes in Type 3 Neovascularization: Focus on the Difference in Outcomes between Geographic Atrophy and Fibrotic Scarring

Background: To evaluate the difference in the long-term treatment outcomes of type 3 neovascularization between eyes with geographic atrophy and those with fibrotic scars. Methods: This retrospective study included 195 eyes diagnosed with type 3 neovascularization and treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents. The included eyes were divided into three groups according to the fundus findings at the final visit: patients with fovea-involving geographic atrophy (GA group), patients with fovea-involving fibrotic scars (scar group), and patients with no fovea-involving geographic atrophy or fibrotic scars (non-GA/scar group). The best-corrected visual acuities (BCVA) of the three groups at the final visits were compared. Results: The mean follow-up period was 47.5 ± 20.7 months. The mean logMAR BCVA at the final visit was 1.18 ± 0.58 in the GA group (n = 58), 1.67 ± 0.58 in the scar group (n = 62), and 0.69 ± 0.64 in the non-GA/scar group (n = 75). The BCVA was significantly worse in the scar group than in the GA (p < 0.001) and the non-GA/scar groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Eyes with fibrotic scars showed the poorest visual outcomes in type 3 neovascularization among the studied groups. Preventing the development of fibrotic scars should be considered an important treatment goal.
Analysis of Wave Patterns Under the Region of Macro-Fiber Composite Transducer to Improve the Analytical Modelling for Directivity Calculation in Isotropic Medium

Analytical modelling is an efficient approach to estimate the directivity of a transducer generating guided waves in the research field of ultrasonic non-destructive testing of the large and complex structures due to its short processing time as compared to the numerical modelling and experimental techniques. The wave patterns or the amplitude variations along the region of ultrasonic transducer itself depend on its behavior, excitation frequency, and the type of propagating wave mode. Depending on the wave-pattern of a propagating wave mode, the appropriate value of the amplitude correction factor must be multiplied to the amplitudes of the excitation signal for the accurate evaluation of directivity pattern of the ultrasonic transducers generating guided waves in analytical modelling. The objective of this work is to analyse the wave patterns under the region of macro-fiber composite (MFC) transducer to improve the accuracy of a previously developed analytical model for the prediction of directivity patterns. Firstly, the amplitude correction factor based on the wave patterns under the region of P1-type MFC (MFC-2814) transducer at two different frequencies (80 kHz, 3 periods and 220 kHz, 3 period) glued on 2 mm Al alloy plate has been estimated analytically in the case of an asymmetric (A0) guided Lamb wave. The validation of analytically estimated amplitude correction factor is performed by a proposed experimental method that allows analyzing the behaviour of MFC transducer under its region by gluing MFC on bottom surface and scanning the receiver on the top surface of the sample. Later on, the estimated amplitude correction factor is included in the previously developed 2D analytical model for the improvement in the directivity patterns of the A0 mode. The modified analytical model shows a significant improvement in the directivity pattern of the A0 wave mode in comparison to the results obtained by the previous model without considering the proper wave patterns. The results reveal that errors between the directivity estimated by the present modified 2D analytical model and experimental investigation are reduced by more than 58% in comparison to the previously developed analytical model.
Compatibilization Effect of Ionic Liquid-Based Surfactants on Physicochemical Properties of PBS/Rice Starch Blends: An Initial Study

Polybutylene succinate (PBS)/rice starch (RS) blends were prepared via the hot-melt extrusion technique through the usage of a twin-screw extruder without and containing ionic liquid-based surfactants (ILbS). Two types of ILbS were used, specifically, 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate, [C12mim][OTf] and 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [C12mim][NTf2] were mixed into the PBS/RS blends at the different contents (0–8 wt.%). The tensile and flexural results showed that the blends containing ILbS have a high tensile extension and tensile energy compared to the blend without ILbS. The blends containing ILbS also have a high flexural extension compared with the blend without ILbS. The blends containing [C12mim][NTf2] have a significant improvement in the tensile energy (up to 239%) and flexural extension (up to 17%) in comparison with the blends containing [C12mim][OTf]. The FTIR spectra demonstrated that the presence of ILbS in the blends generated the intermolecular interactions (ion-dipole force and hydrophobic-hydrophobic interaction) between PBS and RS. The DSC results exhibited that the melting points of the prepared blends are decreased with the addition of ILbS. However, the TGA results showed that the thermal decomposition of the blends containing ILbS are higher than the blend without ILbS. The values of decomposition temperature were 387.4 °C, 381.8 °C, and 378.6 °C of PBS/RS-[C12mim][NTf2], PBS/RS-[C12mim][OTf], and PBS/RS, respectively. In conclusion, the ILbS could significantly improve the physicochemical properties of the PBS/RS blends by acting as a compatibilizer.
Automatic Derivation of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Settings: Comparison with In-Laboratory Titration

Background and Purpose This study was designed to investigate differences in the final recommended pressure setting between that derived from an autotitrating continuous positive airway pressure (APAP) device and manual in-laboratory continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration, as well as the factors that influence pressure differences in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods This study enrolled 50 patients with OSA. All patients underwent both APAP titration and manual CPAP titration. We obtained the average device pressure ≤90% of the time (APAP90) from the downloaded manual for the APAP machine and the optimal pressure obtained by manual CPAP titration (CPAPmanual). We placed the subjects into three groups based on the pressure difference (ΔP) obtained by subtracting CPAPmanual from APAP90: 1) Prequal (ΔP=0), 2) CPAPmanual+ (ΔP ≤−1), and 3) APAP90+ (ΔP ≥1). Regression analysis was conducted to identify predictive factors associated with ΔP. Results The values of APAP90 and CPAPmanual were 9.50±3.03 cmH2O and 9.48±2.71 cmH2O (mean±SD), respectively (p=0.95). The Prequal, CPAPmanual+, and APAP90+ groups comprised 9 (18%), 23 (46%), and 18 (36%) subjects, respectively. Regression analyses revealed that male sex [β=3.539, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.040–7.039], body mass index (BMI) (β=0.186, 95% CI=0.020–0.352), and average usage per day (β=0.768, 95% CI=0.077–1.459) were associated with ΔP. Conclusions While the mean pressure in the overall cohort did not differ significantly between APAP90 and CPAPmanual, there was a discordance majority showing different single pressures obtained when applying the two titration methods. Being Male, having an increased BMI, and having an increased average usage per day of APAP were significantly correlated with increased ΔP in this study.
Land versus pool based physiotherapy in fibromyalgia.

We read the article by Acosta-Gallego et al.[1] published in your journal and congratulate the authors for conducting and reporting the findings of a longterm study (20 weeks) on the effects of pool versus land based physiotherapy interventions in female patients with fibromyalgia. However, we would like to offer the following commentary to contribute to the interpretation of the findings and be taken into consideration in the future studies on this topic.
Beneficial Effect of Mildly Pasteurized Whey Protein on Intestinal Integrity and Innate Defense in Preterm and Near-Term Piglets

Background. The human digestive tract is structurally mature at birth, yet maturation of gut functions such as digestion and mucosal barrier continues for the next 1–2 years. Human milk and infant milk formulas (IMF) seem to impact maturation of these gut functions differently, which is at least partially related to high temperature processing of IMF causing loss of bioactive proteins and formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Both loss of protein bioactivity and formation of AGEs depend on heating temperature and time. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of mildly pasteurized whey protein concentrate (MP-WPC) compared to extensively heated WPC (EH-WPC) on gut maturation in a piglet model hypersensitive to enteral nutrition. Methods. WPC was obtained by cold filtration and mildly pasteurized (73 °C, 30 s) or extensively heat treated (73 °C, 30 s + 80 °C, 6 min). Preterm (~90% gestation) and near-term piglets (~96% gestation) received enteral nutrition based on MP-WPC or EH-WPC for five days. Macroscopic and histologic lesions in the gastro-intestinal tract were evaluated and intestinal responses were further assessed by RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry and enzyme activity analysis. Results. A diet based on MP-WPC limited epithelial intestinal damage and improved colonic integrity compared to EH-WPC. MP-WPC dampened colonic IL1-β, IL-8 and TNF-α expression and lowered T-cell influx in both preterm and near-term piglets. Anti-microbial defense as measured by neutrophil influx in the colon was only observed in near-term piglets, correlated with histological damage and was reduced by MP-WPC. Moreover, MP-WPC stimulated iALP activity in the colonic epithelium and increased differentiation into enteroendocrine cells compared to EH-WPC. Conclusions. Compared to extensively heated WPC, a formula based on mildly pasteurized WPC limits gut inflammation and stimulates gut maturation in preterm and near-term piglets and might therefore also be beneficial for preterm and (near) term infants.
Delineating Repetitive Behavior Profiles across the Lifespan in Fragile X Syndrome

Restricted repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are a core area of impairment in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but also affect several other neurodevelopmental disorders including fragile X syndrome (FXS). Current literature has begun to describe the RRB profile in FXS up through adolescence; however, little is known about the subtypes of RRBs in adolescents and adults. Further, literature on the RRB profile of females with FXS is limited. The present study examines the RRB profile across subtypes and specific items in both males and females with FXS while assessing for differences based on age, ASD diagnosis and the impact of IQ. Participants included 154 individuals with FXS (ages 2 to 50 years old). Results revealed a peak in RRB severity in FXS between 7–12 years for the majority of RRB subscales with the exception of Sensory-Motor behaviors peaking between 2 and 12 years before declining. Distinct RRB profiles in males and females with FXS emerged in addition to significant overlap among the item and subscale levels of RRBs across gender. Further, an added diagnosis of ASD significantly increased rates of RRBs across all subscale levels, but not necessarily across all items. Lastly, IQ did not solely account for the presence of RRBs in FXS, with Sensory-Motor behaviors being driven by comorbid ASD in males with FXS, and Restricted Interest behaviors being driven by comorbid ASD regardless of gender. These findings build on the current understanding of RRBs in FXS based on gender and comorbid ASD and lay important groundwork for the development of targeted behavioral and pharmacological treatments.
An examination of dysfunctional attitudes and extreme response styles as predictors of relapse in guided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for depression.

OBJECTIVES Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) is an effective treatment option for depression, but its long-term effects are not well understood. We investigate for whom iCBT may have more enduring effects by evaluating dysfunctional attitudes as predictors of relapse. METHODS The sample consists of 31 iCBT responders (20 women, average age 31.6) who were followed for 1 year. RESULTS Higher Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale scores predicted higher risk of relapse (hazard ratio = 1.98). This relation remained significant when controlling for high style (dysfunctional) or content (functional) responses. Having relatively more positive extreme responses on style rather than content items did not predict risk of relapse. CONCLUSIONS Our results were consistent with the value of differentiating an extreme style of responding from otherwise endorsing belief in dysfunctional attitudes. Research that refines our understanding of patients' individual risk for relapse has the potential to inform how treatment might be individually tailored.
Chemical stability of fructans in apple beverages and their influence on chronic constipation.

The aim of this study was to analyse the concentration of reducing sugars in beverages based on apple juice with the addition of 2 and 4% of native and high polymerized inulin as well as oligofructose. Moreover, the effect of the consumption of this potentially prebiotic beverage containing highly polymerized inulin (12 g per 300 mL) on constipation was analysed. Pasteurization of the studied beverages followed by 120-day storage at ambient temperature, carried out in three independent trials, did not cause the hydrolysis of fructans into reducing sugars. Sensory analysis showed that the presence of fructans in beverages based on apple juice did not change the colour, clarity, odour, flavour, sweetness and acidity in comparison to apple juice. A placebo-controlled, randomized study involving 20 volunteers of age 20-29 with symptoms related to chronic constipation showed that the consumption of juice enriched with highly polymerized inulin significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the frequency of bowel movements and facilitated defecation. The final conclusion is that fructans in beverages based on apple juice are chemically stable, do not affect sensory sensation and can help those with chronic constipation.
Irisin ameliorates bone loss in ovariectomized mice

Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of irisin on bones of ovariectomized (OVX) mice, to explore a possible treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Methods: The OVX mice were treated with intraperitoneal injections of recombinant irisin (r-irisin) or saline twice a week for 5 weeks. The trabecular bone structure of the femur, the bone strength of the tibia, and serum parameters were assessed. Results: Treatment with r-irisin prevented the trabecular bone loss of the OVX mice. The r-irisin-treated OVX mice exhibited a greater bone microarchitecture, with significantly increased bone mineral density, bone volume to tissue volume ratio, connection density, and trabecular number parameters compared to those of the saline-treated OVX mice. The improved bone microarchitecture induced an increased bone stiffness in r-irisin-treated OVX mice. Consistently, the OVX mice treated with r-irisin showed a significantly increased number of osteoblasts on the trabecular surface and a significantly decreased number of osteoclasts. The r-irisin-treated OVX mice also had a higher osteocalcin level and a lower tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase concentration in serum. Conclusion: Irisin increases osteoblasts and decreases the number of osteoclasts, which leads to the maintenance of bone mass and quality in OVX mice. Irisin likely preserves the bone microarchitecture via building a ‘new balance’. Therefore, our study extended the understanding of the role of irisin in bone metabolism and revealed the possibility of therapeutic application of irisin for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Large intestine embryogenesis: Molecular pathways and related disorders (Review)

The large intestine, part of the gastrointestinal tract (GI), is composed of all three germ layers, namely the endoderm, the mesoderm and the ectoderm, forming the epithelium, the smooth muscle layers and the enteric nervous system, respectively. Since gastrulation, these layers develop simultaneously during embryogenesis, signaling to each other continuously until adult age. Two invaginations, the anterior intestinal portal (AIP) and the caudal/posterior intestinal portal (CIP), elongate and fuse, creating the primitive gut tube, which is then patterned along the anteroposterior (AP) axis and the radial (RAD) axis in the context of left-right (LR) asymmetry. These events lead to the formation of three distinct regions, the foregut, midgut and hindgut. All the above-mentioned phenomena are under strict control from various molecular pathways, which are critical for the normal intestinal development and function. Specifically, the intestinal epithelium constitutes a constantly developing tissue, deriving from the progenitor stem cells at the bottom of the intestinal crypt. Epithelial differentiation strongly depends on the crosstalk with the adjacent mesoderm. Major molecular pathways that are implicated in the embryogenesis of the large intestine include the canonical and non-canonical wingless-related integration site (Wnt), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), Notch and hedgehog systems. The aberrant regulation of these pathways inevitably leads to several intestinal malformation syndromes, such as atresia, stenosis, or agangliosis. Novel theories, involving the regulation and homeostasis of intestinal stem cells, suggest an embryological basis for the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Thus, the present review article summarizes the diverse roles of these molecular factors in intestinal embryogenesis and related disorders.
Treatment for long acting anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning – beyond INR monitoring?

Abstract Poisoning by long acting anti-coagulant rodenticides (LAARs) requires long-term treatment with oral vitamin K1 (VK1). However, discontinuing treatment based on normalization of INR, may leave some patients with serum LAAR concentrations above a level considered safe. To address this, we carried out a retrospective analysis of 21 case reports of LAAR poisoning having at least two serum LAAR concentrations quantified during treatment with oral VK1. We identified the case reports by survey of existing peer-reviewed literature in which a patient presented to emergency department exhibiting bleeding or elevated International Normalized Ratio (INR), and had quantitative measurements of serum LAAR concentrations. Of 21 case reports, measurement of serum LAAR concentrations following VK1 treatment showed that over half (n = 11) had serum LAAR concentrations that were above a concentration considered to be safe (10 ng/mL), despite having received higher daily and total VK1 dosing, over an equivalent treatment duration. Since residual amounts of serum and tissue LAAR could contribute to symptom recurrence and repeated hospitalization, these results indicate that normalization of INR is not a sufficient criterion to discontinue VK1 treatment and that measurements of serum LAAR concentrations should be included to help guide decisions to continue or discontinue VK treatment.
ETIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF NEOVASCULAR GLAUCOMA AT A TERTIARY LEVEL HOSPITAL

BACKGROUND Neovascular glaucoma is a potentially blinding secondary glaucoma without pupillary block. It is associated with severe, diffuse and chronic retinal ischemia. Prevention and treatment of neovascular glaucoma early in its course is important as neovascular glaucoma carries a very guarded prognosis. The objective of the study is to find out the common aetiological factors of neovascular glaucoma in a tertiary level hospital in southern part of Kerala.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Late Fusion and Calibration for Multimedia Event Detection Using Few Examples

The state-of-the-art in example-based multimedia event detection (MED) rests on heterogeneous classifiers whose scores are typically combined in a late-fusion scheme. Recent studies on this topic have failed to reach a clear consensus as to whether machine learning techniques can outperform rule-based fusion schemes with varying amount of training data. In this paper, we present two parametric approaches to late fusion: a normalization scheme for arithmetic mean fusion (logistic averaging) and a fusion scheme based on logistic regression, and compare them to widely used rule-based fusion schemes. We also describe how logistic regression can be used to calibrate the fused detection scores to predict an optimal threshold given a detection prior and costs on errors. We discuss the advantages and shortcomings of each approach when the amount of positives available for training varies from 10 positives (10Ex) to 100 positives (100Ex). Experiments were run using video data from the NIST TRECVID MED 2013 evaluation and results were reported in terms of a ranking metric: the mean average precision (mAP) and R0, a cost-based metric introduced in TRECVID MED 2013.
Drug usage in the management of snake bite patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital - A retrospective study -

Background: Snake bite is an important medical emergency and an occupational health hazard in India especially in rural population. In the developing countries, it has been reported that about 80% of the snake bite patients first consult traditional practitioners before approaching the hospital and the delay in transportation leads to mortality. Thus, the actual incidence of mortality due to snake bites in India especially in Jammu and Kashmir may be much higher as a large number of cases remain unreported. Objective: The objective of the study was to study the drug usage pattern in the management of snake bite patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: This was an observational retrospective study conducted over a period of 3 months. The medical records of snake bite patients during the study period were reviewed to extract information regarding demographics (age and gender), site of bite, clinical features, anti snake venom (ASV) administration, and pattern of concomitant drugs used. The data thus obtained were filled in a pre-designed pro forma and analyzed with the help of descriptive statistics. Results: In the present study, data of 76 snake bite patients were analyzed. Males 52 (68.4%) were predominantly affected as compared to females 24 (31.6%). The mean age of the patients was 35.26 ± 14.11 years. As per site of bite, it was observed that lower limbs were most commonly affected in 84.2% of patients whereas 12 (15.8%) patients had a bite over upper limbs. Nearly 35 (46.1%) patients received ASV within 6 h following bite. Concomitant drugs used were tetanus toxoid in 81.6% patients and antibiotics in 53.9% of patients. Conclusion: Snake bite, though preventable yet remains to be one of the common medical emergency. Thus to decrease the mortality associated with this disease, it is need of the hour to make patients and community aware of correct first aid measures, quick transport and should also be imparted other important information such as not to walk barefooted and not to sleep on floor the training of primary level health workers will also be of immense help in educating the people.