Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the educational benefit of additional cataract surgery cases in ophthalmology residency.

PURPOSE To quantify the resident learning curve for cataract surgery using operative time as an indicator of surgical competency, to identify the case threshold at which marginal additional educational benefit became equivocal, and to characterize heterogeneity in residents' pathways to surgical competency. SETTING Academic medical center. DESIGN Large-scale retrospective consecutive case series. METHODS All cataract surgery cases performed by resident physicians as primary surgeon at Massachusetts Eye and Ear from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2015 were reviewed. Data was abstracted from Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education case logs and operative time measurements. A linear mixed-methods analysis was conducted to model changes in residents' cataract surgery operative times as a function of sequential case number, with resident identity included as a random effect in the model to normalize between-resident variability. RESULTS A total of 2096 cases were analyzed. A marked progressive decrease in operative time was noted for resident cases 1-39 (mean change -0.17 minutes per additional case, 95% CI -0.21, -0.12; p<.001). A modest, steady reduction in operative time was subsequently noted for case numbers 40-149 (mean change -0.05 minutes per additional case, 95% CI -0.07, -0.04; p<0.001). We found no statistically significant improvement in operative times beyond the 150th case. CONCLUSIONS Residents derive educational benefit from performing a greater number of cataract procedures than current minimum requirements. However, cases far in excess of this threshold may have diminishing educational return in residency. Educational resources currently employed for these cases might be more appropriately devoted to other training priorities.
Importance of tear volume for positivity of tear matrix metalloproteinase-9 immunoassay

The tear matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) immunoassay (Inflammadry) exhibits variable results in dry eye (DE) patients. We investigated if the tear volume in DE patients affects the results of MMP-9 immunoassay in clinical and in vitro settings. This cross-sectional study enrolled 188 eyes of 188 DE patients. The clinical symptoms and signs of DE were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index and visual analog scale, strip meniscometry, tear break-up time, and tear meniscus height (TMH), area (TMA), and depth (TMD) using swept-source optical coherence tomography and corneal and conjunctival staining scores. For quantitative evaluation, the bands produced by the InflammaDry test were analyzed with ImageJ. DE subjects were grouped according to MMP-9 positivity and TMH. The InflammaDry-positive group showed greater TMH, TMA, and TMD than the MMP-9-negative group (p < 0.05). InflammaDry test band density in the high TMH group was significantly greater than that in the low and normal TMH groups (p < 0.05). InflammaDry test band density correlated positively with TMH, TMA, and TMD (all p < 0.05). InflammaDry test results were influenced by tear volume. Low tear volume in aqueous tear-deficient DE may induce false-negative results, and reflex tearing during the test may induce false-positive results.
Dispersal of the Filth Fly Parasitoid Spalangia cameroni (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) in a Swine Facility Using Fluorescent Dust Marking and Sentinel Pupal Bags

Abstract Fluorescent dust marking and sentinel pupal bags were used in 1998 and 1999 to examine dispersal, spatial distribution, and duration of activity of mass-released Spalangia cameroni Perkins in a swine facility. In 1998, four releases were conducted in the period May–November and in 1999 a final release was completed in August. Males were observed in large numbers on window sites shortly after releases, whereas females seemed to remain in the environment. However, in one trial, and probably due to high air temperatures in the facility, a similar flight propensity toward the window sites was noted for the females. The distribution of parasitoids was clearly aggregated within a perimeter of 3 m from the release point. The duration of activity of marked S. cameroni, measured as the number of attacked sentinel pupal bags and parasitism, declined to a low level within 2 wk from the time of release. The results are discussed in relation to release strategies of S. cameroni in control of nuisance flies.
British grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) abundance in 2008: an assessment based on aerial counts and satellite telemetry

Recent estimates of the total size of the British grey seal population have been based on fitting age-structured models to estimates of pup production. The estimates were sensitive to whether density-dependence was considered to act on fecundity or pup survival. This study provides an alternative estimate for abundance in 2008: 91 800 animals (95% confidence interval, CI, 78 400 –109 900). The estimate is consistent with the results of existing models where population density influences pup survival. It suggests that reductions in fecundity are unlikely to have been the cause of the recent slowing of the rate of growth of the population. The estimate presented is based on aerial surveys of the entire Scottish coast and the east coast of England. The surveys were carried out in August of 2007 – 2009 and restricted to the 2 h each side of daylight low water. Data from 107 electronic tags deployed between 1995 and 2008 were used to estimate the proportion of animals hauled out during the surveys. Overall, the animals hauled out for 31% (95% CI 15 –50%) of the survey windows. No significant effects on the proportion of animals hauled out were detected from year, location, age, sex, temperature, rainfall, or the timing of low tide.
Distinct Microbiota Dysbiosis in Patients with Non-Erosive Reflux Disease and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are often regarded as bookends in the gastroesophageal reflux disease spectrum. However, there is limited clinical evidence to support this disease paradigm while the underlying mechanisms of disease progression remain unclear. In this study, we used 16S rRNA sequencing and mass-spectrometer-based proteomics to characterize the esophageal microbiota and host mucosa proteome, respectively. A total of 70 participants from four patient groups (NERD, reflux esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and EAC) and a control group were analyzed. Our results showed a unique NERD microbiota composition, distinct to control and other groups. We speculate that an increase in sulfate-reducing Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes along with hydrogen producer Dorea are associated with a mechanistic role in visceral hypersensitivity. We also observed a distinct EAC microbiota consisting of a high abundance of lactic acid-producing bacteria (Staphylococcus, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus), which may contribute towards carcinogenesis through dysregulated lactate metabolism. This study suggests the close relationship between esophageal mucosal microbiota and the appearance of pathologies of this organ.
Study on podding index and other traits in groundnut (A. hypogaea L.)

Groundnut lines differed significantly for podding index and nine other traits. Correlation study showed not significant correlation between podding index and yield per plot. However, days to first 10 per cent flowering and days to last 10 per cent flowering, the difference between which measures the podding index were negatively correlated with yield per plot. Correlation of these two traits was positive with number of pods per plant. Between these two traits there was negative correlation. Days to 75 per cent flowering, 100-kernel weight, 100-pod weight, shelling per cent and number of pods per plant showed positive and significant correlation with yield per plant. Path analysis revealed that podding index and the two traits that measure it, along with 100 kernel weight and number of pods per plant had positive direct effect on yield per plot and days to last 10 per cent flowering showed the highest positive direct effect on yield per plot. Days to 75 per cent flowering and shelling per cent which were positively correlated with yield per plot showed negative direct effect or. yield. The overall result suggests that podding index or days to last 10 per flowering can be manipulated by plant breeders using restricted selection index for improving yield in groundnut.
Laparoscopic assisted percutaneous herniorrhapy in dogs using PIRS technique

Background In the literature, no studies describe the use of laparoscopic techniques for inguinal hernia repair in canine clinical patients. The surgical technique—Percutaneous Internal Ring Suturing (PIRS) presented in this article is the world's first minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical technique for inguinal canal closure in dogs. Aim The aim of the presented study is to evaluate the possibility of employment of the laparoscopic PIRS technique in clinical practice as well as to technically evaluate its usefulness in the treatment of the inguinal hernia in dogs. The presented study describes the procedure and the results of laparoscopic treatment of 11 inguinal hernias in nine dogs (two bilateral). Methods The whole procedure is performed under camera control introduced through one umbilical trocar. The very closure of the inner inguinal ring is done with the injection needle by a small puncture over the inguinal canal with the help of which the suture material is inserted, and the canal of the operated inguinal hernia is closed. Each operated dog underwent a thorough clinical examination before surgery which was combined with ultrasound examination of the inguinal canals before, immediately after and three months after surgery. Results There was no hernia recurrence in the study period in the operated dogs and all individuals returned to full mobility immediately after recovery from anesthesia. Conclusions Due to the low invasiveness and simplicity of performance, the PIRS technique described in the study should be taken into account when choosing a treatment method for non-traumatic inguinal hernia in dogs. At the same time, the possibility of using the described technique in other types of inguinal hernia in dogs requires further research.
Beta-blockers in hypertension: overview and meta-analysis of randomized outcome trials.

BACKGROUND Meta-analyses from randomized outcome-based trials have challenged the role of beta-blockers for the treatment of hypertension. However, because they often include trials on diseases other than hypertension, the role of these drugs in the choice of the blood pressure (BP)-lowering treatment strategies remains unclear. METHODS Electronic databases were searched for randomized trials that compared beta-blockers vs. placebo/no-treatment/less-intense treatment (BP-lowering trials) or beta-blockers vs. other antihypertensive agents in patients with or without hypertension (comparison trials). Among BP-lowering trials and according to baseline comorbidity, we separately considered trials in hypertension, trials without chronic heart failure or acute myocardial infarction, and trials with either chronic heart failure or acute myocardial infarction. Seven fatal and nonfatal outcomes were calculated (random-effects model) for BP-lowering or comparison trials. RESULTS A total of 84 BP-lowering or comparison trials (165 850 patients) were eligible. In 67 BP-lowering trials (68 478 patients; mean follow-up 2.5 years; baseline SBP/DBP, 136/82 mmHg), beta blockers were associated with a lower incidence of major cardiovascular events [risk ratio 0.85 and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.78-0.92] and all-cause death (risk ratio 0.81 and 95% CI 0.75-0.86). Restriction of the analysis to five trials recruiting exclusively hypertensive patients (18 724 patients; mean follow-up 5.1 years; baseline SBP/DBP 163/94 mmHg), a -10.5/-7.0 mmHg BP decrease was accompanied by reduction of major cardiovascular events by 22% (95% CI, 6-34). In 24 comparison trials (103 764 patients, 3.92 years of mean follow-up), beta-blockers compared with other agents were less protective for stroke and all-cause death in all trials and in trials conducted exclusively in hypertensive patients (averaged risk ratio increase 20 and 6%, respectively, for both cases). CONCLUSION Compared with other antihypertensive agents, beta-blockers appear to be substantially less protective against stroke and overall mortality. However, they exhibit a substantial risk-reducing ability for all events when prescribed to lower BP in patients with modest or more clear BP elevations, and therefore can be used as additional agents in hypertensive patients.
Toxicity Studies of the Ethanolic Stem- Bark Extract of Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C. C. Berg in Wistar Rats

Thisstudy was designed to investigate the toxicity ofethanolic stem bark extract of Miliciaexcelsa in wistar rats. The ethanolic extract was screened for secondary metabolites to determine its phytochemical constituents. The acute toxicity of the extract was determined in mice with a view to estimating its median lethal dose (LD50). For sub-chronic toxicity study, twenty wistar rats with average weight of 184.50 ± 3.21 g were randomly assigned into four groups (I-IV) of five rats each. Animals in groups II-IV were orally administered with ethanolic extract at the doses of 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg body weight respectively once daily for 28 days, while those in the control group (group I) received 2 ml of 5% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO/water 5:95 v/v) daily. The results of this study showed that flavonoids, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides and terpenoids are the major secondary metabolites present in the extract. The LD50 was found to be greater than 5 g/kg body weight. The results of biochemical analyses showed that the concentrations of plasma protein, albumin, bilirubin, creatinine and uric acid in the extract treated rats (groups II- IV) were not significantly different (p > 0.05) from the control (group I). Similarly, the activities of hepatic marker enzymes in the plasma showed that AST, ALP and GGT activities in all the treated groups were not significantly different from control group. However, the ALT activity of the extract treated groups was lower than its activity in the control group and the difference was statistically significant (p 0.05) from control group. The results of this study suggest that prolonged use of ethanolic stem bark extract of Milicia excelsa might not have adverse effects on the liver and kidney at the tested doses in this study.
Vrije Universiteit Brussel Adult Learner Characteristics as Predictors of Performance, Satisfaction and Intent-to- Persist in Online and Blended Environments. Vanslambrouck,

Online or blended adult education offers learners autonomy which makes them responsible for shaping their own learning. Considering the increased responsibility over learning, learner characteristics are important factors to consider in order to achieve educational success. With this in mind, the current study examines to what extent different learner (background) characteristics predict adult learners’ intent-to-persist, satisfaction and performance in online or blended environments. The learner characteristics, namely motivation, self-regulation, internet attitudes and self-efficacy are selected based on previous research with regard to influences on persistence, performance and satisfaction. Furthermore, background variables like age, gender, having children, prior diploma, employment status and current educational level are included. Data were collected through a survey among 242 learners in online or blended adult education. Multivariate linear regressions (with intent-to-persist, satisfaction and performance as respective dependent variables) show that the motivation of learners influences all three outcomes. For both satisfaction and intent-to-persist, results show a positive relationship with controlled motivation and a negative relationship with amotivation. The autonomous motivation has a positive relationship with expected performance. Moreover, motivation is found to be the only characteristic in this study that predicts the intent-to-persist. For expected performance, negative relationships are found for the self-regulation subscale ‘time management’ and a positive relationship for ‘self-evaluation’. The self-regulation subscale ‘environment structuring’ has a positive relationship with satisfaction, while ‘helpseeking’ has a negative relationship. As predicted, self-efficacy seems to be an important variable which predicts the performance and satisfaction. Internet attitudes only relate to the satisfaction of learners. The results in the current study demonstrate that in online or blended adult education, learner characteristics are important to consider. Motivation is seen as a particularly critical variable. In this respect teachers and institutions should pay attention to the individual learner characteristics since these can serve as indicators for learners at risk.
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF TAGETES MINUTA L. AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AND STREPTOCOCCUS PYOGENES

Evaluated the antibacterial effect of aqueous and ethanolic extract of the leaf, bark of Tagetes minuta L. against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes was analyzed in this study. These Gram positive strains were isolated and characterized by standard methods. Aqueous and ethanolic extract of the leaf, bark of Tagetes minuta L. were prepared with help of soxhlet unit. Further, evaluated the antimicrobial activity of these extract were analyzed against S. aureus and S. pyogenes. Biochemical test confirmed that isolated strains were Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Aqueous and ethanolic extract of the leaf and bark of Tagetes minuta leaf showed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogens. 15 µg/ml aqueous extract of T. minuta leaf showed 80, 120% antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogens respectively as compared to the control. Similarly, ethanolic extract of leaf of T.s minuta showed significant values against S. aureus and S. pyogens. 15 ethanolic extracts of T. minuta leaf showed more inhibition zones (121.21 and 0 %, respectively) against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogens. 15 µg/ml aqueous extract of bark of T. minuta showed less inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus as compared to 15 µg/ml norflox (control drug) whereas 35 µg/ml aqueous extract of bark of T. minuta exhibited more inhibition zone (49.59%) against S. pyogens as compared to the control. Similarly, 20 µg/ml ethanolic extract T. minuta bark marked similar inhibition zone against S. aureus and similarly 20 µg/ml ethanolic extract T. minuta bark showed 50.31% more inhibition zone against S. pyogens as compared to 15 µg/ml norflox (control drug). Aqueous extract of the leaves as well as barks of Tagetes minuta exhibited 5 µg/ml MIC against S. aureus and S. pyogenes.
Plant diversity and land use under organic and conventional agriculture: a whole‐farm approach

Summary 1 Organic farming is thought to lead to increased biodiversity and greater sustainability than higher-yielding conventional farming systems. It is usually assumed that organic farms have both larger and higher quality areas of semi-natural habitats, although this assumption has not been unequivocally tested. 2 Here we test the hypothesis that in comparison to conventional farms, organic farms have larger areas of semi-natural and boundary vegetation, and organic farms support higher levels of plant abundance, richness and diversity within cropped and semi-natural areas. 3 Our study compared whole-farms: 10 organic farms were paired with 10 conventional farms in a complex landscape in the south-west of England. On average, organic farms were 7·3 years post conversion. Plant abundance, species richness and diversity were measured in all crop and non-crop landscape elements on each farm. 4 Organic farms had greater total areas of semi-natural habitat (woodland, field margins and hedgerows combined). Woodland area on it's own was also significantly greater. Organic farms had more continuous blocks of woodland (with simpler perimeters than similarly sized patches on conventional farms), whereas woodland on conventional farms often consisted of more linear patches. 5 Semi-natural habitats on organic farms did not have higher plant abundance, richness or diversity than their conventional counterparts. The only landscape element that showed a significant increase in plant abundance, richness or diversity was arable fields. 6 Synthesis and applications. Even within a complex agricultural landscape differences do exist between organic and conventional farms, these differences being larger areas of semi-natural habitats on organic farms. However, with the exception of arable fields, no habitats on organic farms were yet of a better quality than their conventional counterparts in terms of plant abundance and diversity. Conventional farmers may be able to achieve an increase in plant diversity within arable fields by adopting some organic management practices at the field scale (e.g. exclusion of synthetic herbicides), and whole-farm conversion to organic practice might not be required. However, further work is needed to determine any biodiversity benefits of larger areas of semi-natural habitat on conventional farmland.
A Testbed for Studying COVID-19 Spreading in Ride-Sharing Systems

Order dispatch is an important area where artificial intelligence (AI) can benefit ride-sharing systems (e.g., Grab, Uber), which has become an integral part of our public transport network. In this paper, we present a multi-agent testbed to study the spread of infectious diseases through such a system. It allows users to vary the parameters of the disease and behaviours to study the interaction effect between technology, disease and people's behaviours in such a complex environment.
Life history of the Asian longhorn beetle Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera Cerambycidae) in southern Europe

The Asian longhorn beetle Anoplophora glabripennis is highly polyphagous and widely spread over regions with different climates. Determining the key life‐history traits is important for understanding how local conditions affect its successful establishment and to develop adaptive management strategies. Field and laboratory studies were conducted from 2010 to 2012 on an A. glabripennis infestation in Northern Italy, aiming to determine its seasonal phenology, adult beetle longevity, density of successful emergence, infestation age and overwintering life history. Adult beetle emerged from infested trees from 22 May to 28 June. Ninety percent of emergence was reached around 20 July. The first 1% of emergence was accurately predicted by an accumulated degree‐day model. In the laboratory, the mean longevity of males and females developed under natural conditions was 27.8 ± 1.7 and 24.9 ± 1.8 days, respectively. In northern Italy, A. glabripennis largely overwinter as mature larvae in the xylem. The mean density of exit holes was 24.0 ± 2.7 holes/m2 of bark, with successful emergence from branches as small as 3.2 cm in diameter. Although the infestation was discovered in June 2009, the oldest exit hole found in infested trees dated from 2005.