Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Latanoprost PF vs. Bimatoprost PF: Which Treats the Ocular Surface Better?

(1) Background: The current study aimed to compare two of the most frequently prescribed preservative-free (PF) antiglaucoma drops, (Latanoprost PF vs. Bimatoprost PF) in promoting OSD in patients with POAG. (2) Methods: In this prospective study, 44 eyes from 44 participants were included. In the control group we enrolled 24 eyes, 11 eyes treated only with Latanoprost PF were enrolled in the Latanoprost PF group, and 9 eyes treated only with Bimatoprost PF in the Bimatoprost PF group. In all eyes, we evaluated the ocular levels of MMP-9 using the InflammaDry kit. We also performed Schirmer’s test and the TBUT test. (3) Results: We found elevated ocular levels of MMP-9 (>40 ng/mL) in the Bimatoprost PF group (88.89% of the participants) compared to the control (8.33%) and the Latanoprost PF group (27.27%), and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The Schirmer’s test values were statistically significantly lower in the Bimatoprost PF group compared to the other two groups. Additionally, the TBUT values were lower in the Bimatoprost PF group compared to the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. (4) Conclusions: Latanoprost PF eye drops treat the ocular surface better and they do not induce overexpression of MMP-9, a molecule that is related to OSD.
Influence of pelvic floor disorders on quality of life in women

Objective To determine whether the different pelvic floor disorders are associated with changes in perceived quality of life (QoL), globally and in its sub-dimensions. Methods An observational study was conducted with women in Spain between 2021 and 2022. Information was collected using a self-developed questionnaire on sociodemographic data, employment, history and health status, lifestyle and habits, obstetric history, and health problems. The SF-12 questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. The Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) was used to assess the presence and impact of pelvic floor problems, and includes the POPDI-6 subscales for prolapse, CRADI- 8 for colorectal symptoms, and UDI-6 for urinary symptoms. Crude (MD) and adjusted mean differences (aMD) were estimated with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Thousand four hundred and forty six women participated in the study with a mean age of 44.27 (SD = 14.68). A statistical association was observed between all the pelvic floor disorders and QoL, overall and in all its dimensions (p <0.001), in the bivariable analysis. The lowest scores were observed in the emotional component. After adjusting for confounding factors, the pelvic floor disorders in general (aMD −0.21, 95% CI: −0.23 to −0.20), the impact of uterine prolapse symptoms (aMD −0.20, 95% CI: −0.27 to −0.12), the colorectal-anal symptoms (aMD −0.15, 95% CI: −0.22 to −0.09), and urinary symptoms (aMD −0.07, 95% CI: −0.13 to −0.03) was negatively associated on the score on the SF-12 questionnaire (p <0.05). Conclusions Women who have a pelvic floor dysfunction, symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, colorectal-anal symptoms, or urinary symptoms, have a worse perceived quality of life in all dimensions. Prolapse symptoms have the biggest impact, and the emotional component of QoL is the most affected sub-domains.
Climate, Santa Ana Winds and Autumn Wildfires in Southern California

Wildfires periodically burn large areas of chaparral and adjacent woodlands in autumn and winter in southern California. These fires often occur in conjunction with Santa Ana weather events, which combine high winds and low humidity, and tend to follow a wet winter rainy season. Because conditions fostering large fall and winter wildfires in California are the result of large-scale patterns in atmospheric circulation, the same dangerous conditions are likely to occur over a wide area at the same time. Furthermore, over a century of watershed reserve management and fire suppression have promoted fuel accumulations, helping to shape one of the most conflagration-prone environments in the world [Pyne, 1997]. Combined with a complex topography and a large human population, southern Californian ecology and climate pose a considerable physical and societal challenge to fire management.
Influence of geomagnetic activity on the southern atmosphere and its cross‐seasonal association with SAM

This study investigates the interannual cross‐seasonal association between the winter energetic particle precipitation, which is related to the geomagnetic activity (GA), and the southern annular mode (SAM) in the following summer by employing the ERA5 reanalysis dataset. The results reveal a marked negative correlation between these variables on an interannual timescale. Therefore, we analyse the GA signatures in the southern atmosphere and find that the evolution of SAM to the negative phase driven by GA may be caused by the following two mechanisms: First, for high GA levels, the middle and lower stratospheric polar vortex becomes weaker from October to November, with considerable changes in the stratospheric thermal structure and more anomalous planetary wave upwelling, accompanied by weakening of the circumpolar westerly. Over time, the anomalous signal from the upper layer can be transmitted downward and is conducive to inducing and strengthening the negative SAM in the following summer, which may serve as the stratospheric pathway for the geomagnetic impact on the SAM and Southern Hemisphere (SH) climate. Second, another possible way is that the preceding GA also appreciably regulates negative anomalies in the Ferrel circulation in SH, implying poleward anomalies in the direction of the pressure gradient, which promotes the development and enhancement of the negative phase of the SAM. In addition, easterly quasi‐biennial oscillation conditioning plays a positive role in the response of the southern atmosphere to geomagnetic forcing, thereby strengthening the connection between them.
Douglas-fir Beetle Mediated Changes to Fuel Complexes, Foliar Moisture Content and Terpenes in Interior Douglas-Fir Forests of the Central Rocky Mountains

67 Introduction 68 Methods 71 Study Design – Fuels Complex 73 Results 81 Discussion 84 x Conclusion 92 Literature Cited 94 4. VOLATILE AND WITHIN-NEEDLE TERPENE RESPONSE OF INTERIOR DOUGLAS-FIR TREES TO ATTACK BY DOUGLAS-FIR BEETLES (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE) 115 Abstract 115 Introduction 116 Materials and Methods 119 Results 124 Discussion 127 References 131 5. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 150 Introduction 150 Interior Douglas-fir Forest Health 151 Douglas-fir beetle Effects on Fuels 151 Douglas-fir beetle Effects on Foliage Chemistry 152 Conclusion 154 References 155 APPENDICES 157 Appendix A 158 Appendix B 160 Appendix C 161
Impact of Subsurface Temperature Variability on Surface Air Temperature Variability: An AGCM Study

Abstract Anomalous atmospheric conditions can lead to surface temperature anomalies, which in turn can lead to temperature anomalies in the subsurface soil. The subsurface soil temperature (and the associated ground heat content) has significant memory—the dissipation of a temperature anomaly may take weeks to months—and thus subsurface soil temperature may contribute to the low-frequency variability of energy and water variables elsewhere in the system. The memory may even provide some skill to subseasonal and seasonal forecasts. This study uses three long-term AGCM experiments to isolate the contribution of subsurface soil temperature variability to variability elsewhere in the climate system. The first experiment consists of a standard ensemble of Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP)-type simulations in which the subsurface soil temperature variable is allowed to interact with the rest of the system. In the second experiment, the coupling of the subsurface soil temperature to the rest of th.
Capillary Bridge in Contact with Ice Particles Can Be Related to the Thin Liquid Film on Ice

: We experimentally demonstrate the presence of a capillary bridge in the contact between an ice particle and a smooth aluminum surface at a relative humidity of approximately 50% and temperatures below the melting point. We conduct the experiments in a freezer with a controlled temperature and consider the mechanical instability of the bridge upon separation of the ice particle from the aluminum surface at a constant speed. We observe that a liquid bridge forms, and this formation becomes more pronounced as the temperature approaches the melting point. We also show that the separation distance is proportional to the cube root of the volume of the bridge. We hypothesize that the volume of the liquid bridge can be used to provide a rough estimate of the thickness of the liquid layer on the ice particle since in the absence of other driving mechanisms, some of the liquid on the surface must have been pulled to the bridge area. We show that the estimated value lies within the range previously reported in the literature. With these assumptions, the estimated thickness of the liquid layer decreases from nearly 56 nm at T = − 1.7°C to 0.2 nm at T = − 12.7°C. The dependence can be approximated with a power law, proportional to ( T M − T ) − β , where β < 2.6 and T M is the melting temperature. We further observe that for a rough surface, the capillary bridge formation in the considered experimental conditions vanishes. DOI: 10.1061/JCRGEI.CRENG-738 . This work is made available under the terms of the Creative Commons
Potential benefits of yeast Saccharomyces and their derivatives in dogs and cats: a review

Yeast Saccharomyces and its derivatives have been largely used in livestock and poultry nutrition for their potential positive impact on growth, performance, and general health. Originally included in animal diets as a source of protein, yeasts can also offer a wide range of by-products with interesting bioactive compounds that would confer uses beyond nutrition. Although its supplementation in livestock, poultry and even in humans is well documented, the available body of literature on the use of yeast and its derivatives in companion animals’ food, mainly dogs and cats’ diets, is still developing. Despite this, gut microbiota modulation, immune system enhancement or decreasing of potentially pathogenic microorganisms have been reported in pets when using these products, highlighting their possible role as probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics. This review attempts to provide the reader with a comprehensive on the effects of Saccharomyces and its derivatives in pets and the possible mechanisms that confer their functional properties.
Gonadotropin Stimulation's Effects on Folliculogenesis in Mild and Severe Endometriosis

Infertility in endometriosis has been linked to a number of theories, including a disruption in the folliculogenesis process. Further research is needed to determine whether this issue is linked to the stage of endometriosis or gonadotropin stimulation. In a cross-sectional study design, the study comprised 28 women with moderate endometriosis and 25 women with severe endometriosis who had had in vitro fertilization. The data includes the total number of follicles, mature follicles, and ovarian responses. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were used to examine the data. In bivariate analysis, the t-test and chi-square were utilized. There was no significantly difference in number of follicles total between the two groups (15.2 vs. 10.6; p>0,05). In comparison to the severe endometriosis group, the moderate endometriosis group had considerably more mature follicles (2.891.62 vs. 1.761.17; p0,05). In the severe endometriosis group, insufficient ovarian response was more likely (RR 1.26 ; p 0.018). The number of follicles in total is the same in mild and severe endometriosis, but mild endometriosis has more developed follicles, and severe endometriosis has a higher rate of inadequate ovarian response
Pyruvate kinase M in germ cells is essential for sperm motility and male fertility but not spermatogenesis

Male germ cells employ specific metabolic pathways throughout their developmental stages. In a previous study, we discovered heightened expression of pyruvate kinase M (PKM), a pivotal glycolytic enzyme, in spermatogonia and spermatids. To gain deeper insights into PKM’s roles in spermatogenesis, sperm function, and male fertility, we engineered a conditional-knockout mouse model (Pkm-vKO mice) to selectively disrupt the Pkm gene within germ cells. Despite maintaining regular testicular histology and sperm morphology, the male Pkm-vKO mice were infertility, characterized by significant impairments in sperm motility and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation. In addition, Pkm-null spermatozoa exhibited similar deficits in protein tyrosine phosphorylation linked to capacitation, as well as compromised performance in in vitro fertilization experiments. To conclude, PKM’s presence is not obligatory for the entirety of spermatogenesis in male germ cells; however, it emerges as a critical factor influencing sperm motility and overall male fertility.
Construction of a Banker Plant System via the Host Switch Trait of a Natural Enemy Aenasius bambawalei

Understanding the most effective host switch patterns in parasitic wasps, specifically Aenasius bambawalei (AB), is crucial for effectively controlling pests like Penacoccus solenopsis (PSS). This study aims to elucidate AB’s ideal host switch pattern and assess its utility in maintaining synchronization between AB and PSS, thereby aiding in PSS control. We examined various host switch patterns and cycles to evaluate their impact on AB’s offspring’s parasitism rates and fitness in laboratory conditions. Concurrently, we assessed the fitness of both PSS and AB on tomato plants using different banker plant systems to maintain field synchronization. Results indicate that the three-repeat T1 host switch pattern of PSS-Penacoccus solani (PSI)-PSS was the most effective. Additionally, a specific banker plant system, “System B”, which provided succulent plants hosting PSI, was optimal for synchronizing AB and PSS in a summer greenhouse setting. Our findings underscore the importance of employing specific host switch patterns and banker plant systems to effectively control PSS in the field. This research offers foundational data for incorporating a banker plant system into integrated pest management strategies for enhanced PSS control.
Granitic Magmatism in the North Qaidam Early Paleozoic Ultrahigh-Pressure Metamorphic Belt, Northwest China

Three suites of granitic rocks are present in the early Paleozoic North Qaidam ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic belt, which has eclogite ages of 466-495 Ma. The first suite consists of quartz monzodiorite + granodiorite + monzogranite, the second of monzogranite + two-mica granite + muscovite granite + syenogranite, and the third of granodiorite + monzogranite + biotite granite. The country rocks into which these bodies were intruded consist chiefly of medium- and high-grade Proterozoic gneisses and schists and Paleozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks. Monzogranite of the first suite has a zircon SHRIMP age of 473 Ma, whereas syenogranite in the second suite has an age of 446 Ma, and granodiorite in the third suite has an age of 397 Ma. Rocks of the first and third suites have similar mineralogies consisting of plagioclase, hornblende, quartz, alkali feldspar, and biotite, whereas those of the second suite consist of potassium feldspar, quartz, muscovite, biotite, and plagioclase. Rocks of the first and third suites have I-type compositions with SiO2 = 61-69 wt%, Na2O/K2O >1, ANK <1, and Eu/Eu* = 0.7-1.0, whereas the second suite consists of S-type granites, with SiO2 = 70-76 wt%, Na2O/K2O <1, ANK >1, and Eu/Eu* = 0.1-0.3. The first suite is interpreted as island arc or active continental margin magmatism, the second as igneous activity related to collision between the Qaidam and Qilian blocks, and the third as post-collisional plutonic activity.
Lithospheric deformation induced by loading of the Hawaiian Islands and its implications for mantle rheology

The long‐term rheological properties of the lithosphere are fundamental for understanding both surface tectonics and mantle dynamics on Earth. In this study, we have developed 3‐D finite element models for computing the load‐induced surface deformation and stress for lithosphere and mantle with realistic nonlinear viscoelastic rheology including the frictional sliding, low‐temperature plasticity, and high‐temperature creep. We have determined the lithospheric deformation and stress due to volcano loading in the Hawaiian Islands region for the last few million years. By comparing model predictions with seismic observations of the depth to the top of oceanic crust and depth dependence of seismicity in the Hawaiian Islands region, we have sought to constrain lithospheric rheology. Our calculations show that the load‐induced surface deformation is controlled by low‐temperature plasticity and frictional sliding but is insensitive to high‐temperature creep. Lithospheric strength predicted from laboratory‐derived low‐temperature plasticity needs to be reduced significantly, and a frictional coefficient μf ranging from 0.1 to 0.7 is required in order to account for the observations. However, μf = 0.1 weakens the shallow part of the lithosphere so much that it causes the minima in strain rate and stress to occur at too large depths to be consistent with the observed depth distribution of seismicity. Our results therefore suggest a value for μf between 0.25 and 0.7. Finally, the maximum stress that accumulates in the deformed lithosphere beneath the Hawaiian Islands is about 100–200 MPa for models that match the observations, and this stress may be viewed as the largest lithospheric stress on Earth.
Relación entre las tendencias temporales de producción y transporte de sedimentos y las condiciones climáticas en una pequeña cuenca de la montaña mediterránea (Vallcebre, Pirineos orientales)

The Vallcebre catchment (Llobregat river head-waters) shows an important variety on land uses and geomorphic environments: forest, pasture, farmed and abandoned agricultural terraces, and badlands. Three nested catchments (Cal Rodo, Ca L'Isard and Can Vila) were equipped to measure hydrological and sedimentological yield from different land conditions. There was also set a raingauge net and two weather stations in the basin. Badland areas, that occur only in the Cal Rodo and Ca l'Isard catchments, are relatively small but very active, because both the abundant precipitation (924 mm year -1) and the high weathering rate in winter. Between September 1994 and December 1999 about 350 events were recorded at both the Cal Rodo and the Ca L'lsards station. At the Can Vila station some few tens of events were recorded, because it was not completely equipped until June 1998, in this case the badlands absence was reflected in a very poor sediment production. To study the temporal patterns on sediment transport a set of statistical analysis was performed, relating sedimentary parameters with the hydrological ones, at different temporal scales (single event, month, season and year). The results show that transport rates depend on the seasonal climatic conditions, directly by rainfall distribution, and indirectly by moisture and temperature annual regimes, because their great influence on the weathering badland dynamics. The most important conclusion related with the temporal scale suggested that results and their interpretation depend on the season or year taken into account. Mean erosion rates can be changed by a single event, because approximately a 90 % of the sediment yield is produced by only a 2 % of the events and a 17 % of the total precipitation. This means that, in these badland are as, precipitation distribution and characteristics (nor total amount), along wi.h badland weathering dynamics are the main factor controlling erosion rates and transport.
The Use of Intraoperative Cholangiography During Cholecystectomy: A Systematic Review

Cholecystectomy is a widespread surgical procedure for gallbladder diseases. Evolving techniques and technologies, such as intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), enhance safety and outcomes by providing real-time biliary system visualization during surgery. This systematic review explored available data on using IOC during cholecystectomy, highlighting its effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness. To perform this systematic review, a thorough literature search was conducted using relevant keywords in electronic databases, such as PubMed, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We included studies published during the last 10 years exploring the use of IOC during cholecystectomy. The findings showed success rates of up to 90% with a median time of 21.9 minutes without complications. Most (90%) patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis underwent cholecystectomy with IOC, with unclear IOC results in 10.7% and failure in 14.7%. IOC failure factors included age, body mass index (BMI), male sex, concurrent acute cholecystitis, common bile duct (CBD) stone evidence on imaging, CBD diameter of >6 mm, total bilirubin of >4 mg/dL, abnormal liver tests, and gallstone pancreatitis. The detection of choledocholithiasis by IOC prompted trans-cystic duct exploration and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Biliary abnormalities and stone identification were observed using IOC, and routine use increased bile duct stone detection while decreasing bile duct injury and readmission rates. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of IOC for common bile duct stone detection were reported at 77%, 98%, 97.2%, 63%, and 99%, respectively. Routine IOC was projected to provide substantial quality-adjusted life years (QALY) and cost-effectiveness gains compared to selective IOC. Regarding safety, IOC was generally associated with reduced complication and open surgery conversion risks, with similar rates of CBD injury and bile leaks. These findings indicate that IOC enhances cholecystectomy outcomes through precision and decreasing complications.