Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Blinq Vision Screener in the Detection of Amblyopia and Strabismus in Children

Purpose Amblyopia is a major health problem with an estimated 2% to 4% of the population affected. Screening combined with corrective measures, such as correction of refractive error and occlusion of the dominant eye, could reduce this prevalence. A new pediatric vision scanner, the blinq (Rebion, Boston, MA), studies the foveolar quality of fixation of each eye during binocular viewing. Based on the initial premise that poor quality foveolar or non-foveolar fixation is indicative of strabismus and, potentially of amblyopia, this study evaluates the effectiveness of the blinq screening device in detecting these two conditions compared to a standard ophthalmic examination (Gold Standard) based on the recommendations of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Material and Methods A prospective study was performed on a total of 101 children between 2 and 8 years of age. These children were offered a test by the blinq screening device before a standard ophthalmological examination in the ophthalmology department of the Erasmus Hospital in Brussels, Belgium. The two tests were then compared. Results In a pediatric population heightened with amblyopia and strabismus (prevalence of 33.4%) and based on the Gold Standard Examination, the blinq device showed a specificity of 73.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 60.9%–83.2%) with a sensitivity of 91.2% (95% CI = 76.3%–98.1) to detect these conditions. The positive and negative predictive values were 63.3% (95% CI = 53.4%–72.2%) and 94.2% (95% CI = 84.6%–98%) respectively. The positive likelihood ratio (LR+) was 3.39 (95% CI = 2.26–5.11) for a negative likelihood ratio of 0.12 (95% CI = 0.04–0.36). Conclusions The blinq device has good sensitivity, but insufficient specificity to be used alone in the first line of screening. Whereas other devices on the market detect risk factors that may lead to amblyopia, the blinq pediatric vision scanner detects poor foveolar fixation and strabismus, giving it a potential advantage in sensitivity to directly detect strabismus, including microstrabismus. The blinq does not detect refractive abnormalities, however, and will therefore need to be improved in the future to be used alone in pediatric vision screening. Translational Relevance The blinq device detects visual axis alignment abnormalities with potential impact in the early detection of strabismus and subsequent associated amblyopia.
Pickle Juice Intervention for Cirrhotic Cramps Reduction: The PICCLES Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION: Muscle cramps are common among persons with cirrhosis and associated with poor health-related quality of life. Treatment options are limited. We sought to determine whether pickle juice can improve muscle cramp severity. METHODS: We enrolled 82 patients with cirrhosis and a history of >4 muscle cramps in the previous month from December 2020 to December 2021. Patients were randomized 1:1 to sips of pickle juice vs tap water at cramp onset. Our primary outcome assessed at 28 days was the change in cramp severity measured by the visual analog scale for cramps (VAS-cramps, scaled 0–10). Cramps were assessed 10 times over 28 days using interactive text messages. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of days with VAS-cramps <5, change in sleep quality, and global health-related quality of life measured using the EQ-5D. RESULTS: Overall, 74 patients completed the trial, aged 56.6 ± 11.5 years, 54% male, 41% with ascites, 38% with encephalopathy, and model for end-stage liver disease—sodium score 11.2 ± 4.9. Many patients were receiving other cramp therapies at baseline. The baseline VAS for cramps was 4.2 ± 3.4, the EQ-5D was 0.80 ± 0.10, and 43% rated sleep as poor. At trial completion, the respective values for the pickle juice and control arms were −2.25 ± 3.61 points on the VAS for cramps, compared with control tap water (−0.36 ± 2.87), P = 0.03; a proportion of cramp-days with VAS-cramps <5 were 46% vs 35% (P = 0.2); and the change in sleep quality was not different (P = 0.1). The end-of-trial EQ-5D was 0.78 ± 0.10 vs 0.80 ± 0.10 (P = 0.3). No differences in weight change were observed for those with and without ascites. DISCUSSION: In a randomized trial, sips of pickle brine consumed at cramp onset improve cramp severity without adverse events.
Proteomics identifies new potential therapeutic targets of diabetic retinopathy

ABSTRACT Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is an important component of the outer blood-retinal barrier and plays a critical role in maintaining retinal homeostasis. Alterations in RPE can be detected during the early stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these early changes remain unclear. We investigated the molecular changes induced in the RPE by high glucose concentrations by constructing a high glucose-induced ARPE-19 cell injury model simulating the DR environment in vitro. Proteomic analysis was conducted to measure differences in protein expression between cells treated with normal (5 mM) and high (25 mM) glucose concentrations, and bioinformatics techniques were used to analyze the mechanism of action. The results of the proteomic analyses were validated using western blotting. High glucose levels inhibited the proliferation of ARPE-19 cells. We identified 88 upregulated proteins and 114 downregulated proteins. Six of these proteins were selected for further validation. Changes in the proteome mainly affected the lysosome and cell cycle pathways. Proteomic differences between ARPE-19 cells treated with normal and high glucose concentrations indicate that damage to the RPE in DR may be caused by specific mechanisms. Our study verified protein changes in ARPE-19 cells in a high-glucose environment and may provide new strategies for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying DR. Graphical abstract
Learning without Boundaries MOOCs in Malaysia: Design and Implementation

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have been the focus of mainstream media which promises to change the entire world education and create a meaningful impact for all. This book chapter reports on the design and implementation of Malaysian MOOC. Malaysia is the first country in the world to implement the MOOCs initiative for public universities. This new platform of learning is also in line with the National Higher Education Strategic Plan that includes life-long learning, e-Learning, internationalization, and knowledge transfer.
Pathological examination of breast cancer samples before and after neoadjuvant therapy: recommendations from the Italian Group for the Study of Breast Pathology - Italian Society of Pathology (GIPaM-SIAPeC)

Summary Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in breast cancer is administered to downstage the tumor, de-escalate surgery, and provide prognostic information that can be used to tailor subsequent adjuvant therapy. In this respect, the pathological evaluation of both pre-NAT biopsies and post-NAT surgical specimens is crucial to precisely assess the treatment response. With the increasing possibilities of NAT protocols and the rising number of eligible patients, it has become extremely important to standardize the pathological response assessment. Here, we provide an update on the recommendations of the Italian Group for the Study of Breast Pathology - the Italian Society of Pathology (GIPaM-SIAPeC) for the analysis of breast cancer samples before and after NAT.
Rape Victim Advocates’ Perceptions of the #MeToo Movement: Opportunities, Challenges, and Sustainability

Awareness of the frequency of sexual victimization has been promoted through the #MeToo movement that opened the floodgates for survivors of sexual harassment, victimization, and violence to disclose their victimization. This research explores 41 rape victim advocates’ perceptions of the #MeToo movement and concludes that they recognize its strengths and weaknesses. They credit the movement for: empowering survivors to disclose their experience possibly due to reduced stigma surrounding sexual victimization given the number of disclosures, providing support through social media from other survivors, and increasing societal awareness of the prevalence of sexual victimization. Those interviewed fault the movement for: giving the false perception that since so many survivors are stepping forward then reports must be fabricated, pressuring victims to support the movement through disclose and criticizing those who do not disclose, and hindering survivors’ ability to escape media and social media coverage of sexual victimization. Advocates perceived #MeToo to be more of a “movement” rather than a “moment. ” However, to sustain its progress advocates suggested that action must be taken to create change for survivors and to reduce the occurrence of sexual victimization through policy/legal change and perpetrator accountability.
A neuroimaging study of interpersonal distance in identical and fraternal twins

Keeping appropriate interpersonal distance is an evolutionary conserved behavior that can be adapted based on learning. Detailed knowledge on how interpersonal space is represented in the brain and whether such representation is genetically influenced is lacking. We measured brain function using functional magnetic resonance imaging in 294 twins (71 monozygotic, 76 dizygotic pairs) performing a distance task where neural responses to human figures were compared to cylindrical blocks. Proximal viewing distance of human figures was compared to cylinders facilitated responses in the occipital face area (OFA) and the superficial part of the amygdala, which is consistent with these areas playing a role in monitoring interpersonal distance. Using the classic twin method, we observed a genetic influence on interpersonal distance related activation in the OFA, but not in the amygdala. Results suggest that genetic factors may influence interpersonal distance monitoring via the OFA whereas the amygdala may play a role in experience‐dependent adjustments of interpersonal distance.
CVIS: Automated OCT‐scan‐based software application for the measurements of choroidal vascularity index and choroidal thickness

To develop an automated image recognition software for the objective quantification of choroidal vascularity index (CVI) and choroidal thickness (CT) at different choroidal locations on images obtained from enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI‐OCT), and to validate its reliability and investigate the difference and correlation between measurements made by manual and software.
A prospective observational cohort study to screen major depressive disorders in geriatric oncology—Comparison of different scales

Abstract Objective Systematic depression screening is recommended for older patients with cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of three mood disorder screening scales frequently used in geriatric oncology to help in diagnosing major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods A prospective multicentre study was conducted in patients 70 years of age and over with cancer, comparing three self‐report questionnaires: the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale – Depression (HADS‐D) and the Distress Thermometer (DT). In the event of abnormal scores, a psychologist consultation was suggested and a reassessment of the patient's mood was planned within 3 weeks. Potential differences between initial abnormal screening score and confirmed MDD (according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria [DSM‐5]) were assessed using variance analysis for each screening scale. Results Ninety‐three patients with a median age of 81 years (70–95) were included. Sixty‐six patients had at least one abnormal score on one of the screening scales. MDD was confirmed in 10 of the 36 reassessed patients. Analysis of ROC curves showed that the HADS‐D significantly predicted MDD (AUC = 0.760, IC95%: 0.603–0.917; p = 0.017), but not the GDS‐15 or the initial DT. Conclusion The HADS‐D could better detect MDD, to confirm in a larger sample.
Seasonal and geographical variations in insecticide and miticide residues in hop samples produced across three hop-growing regions in the Czech Republic during the years 2018–2020

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the presence of zoocide (insecticide and miticide) residues in hops collected in three hop-growing regions located in the Czech Republic, and to assess their zoocide profiles and residue levels in terms of variability in temperature and precipitation across the 2018–2020 seasons. Furthermore, the weather factors that influenced the occurrence of hop pests are described and discussed. During our 3-year survey, a total of 120 samples of whole-cone hops samples harvested in three hop-growing regions were analysed for the presence of 29 insecticides and miticides using the modified QuEChERS extraction method, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A majority, 119 of 120 samples, contained a residue of at least one of the active substances surveyed in this study, and 34 analysed samples contained multiple residues with three to four zoocides presented. Concerning the most frequently detected zoocide residues, spirotetramat and/or its metabolites were found in 94.2% of the samples at levels ranging from 0.02 to 1.08 mg/kg. Of the other zoocides surveyed, residues of fenpyroximate, hexythiazox, bifenazate and lambda-cyhalothrin were routinely found in hop cone samples. Obtained data were then used for evaluating seasonal and geographical variations in the profile of zoocide residues among the hop-growing regions in the years 2018–2020, and the compliance with legal regulations concerning the use of zoocides on hops was ascertained. The results showed that (1) the profile and levels of zoocide residues found in the samples reflected seasonal prevalence of pest infestation on hop plants; (2) the strategy to control pests (especially aphids) used in most of hop yards was consistent across the seasons; and (3) a concentration of spirotetramat residues less than 1 mg/kg was typical for hops grown in the Czech Republic.
Hereditary retinoblastoma iPSC model reveals aberrant spliceosome function driving bone malignancies

Significance Rare human hereditary disorders provide unequivocal evidence of the role of gene mutations in human disease pathogenesis and offer powerful insights into their influence on human disease development. Using a hereditary retinoblastoma (RB) patient–derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) platform, we elucidate the role of pRB/E2F3a in regulating spliceosomal gene expression. Pharmacological inhibition of the spliceosome in RB1-mutant cells preferentially increases splicing abnormalities of genes involved in cancer-promoting signaling and impairs cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. Expression of pRB/E2F3a–regulated spliceosomal proteins is negatively associated with pRB expression and correlates with poor clinical outcomes of osteosarcoma (OS) patients. Our findings strongly indicate that the spliceosome is an “Achilles’ heel” of RB1-mutant OS.
Influence of social networks on cancer survivors' self‐management support: A mixed methods study

Abstract Objective The role of social networks, especially weaker ties (e.g. casual acquaintances and hobby groups), in self‐management of long‐term consequences of cancer is unexplored. This study aimed to explore the structure of cancer survivors' social networks and their contribution to self‐management support and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods The study used a sequential, exploratory mixed methods design. Phase 1 surveyed 349 lymphoma, colorectal, breast and prostate cancer survivors. Phase 2 analysed 20 semi‐structured interviews with respondents recruited from Phase 1. Results Phase 1 results suggested participants' HRQoL increased if they participated in an exercise group, if their self‐management skills increased, and social distress and negative illness perception decreased (p < 0.0005 adj. R 2 = 0.631). These findings were explored in Phase 2, identifying underlying mechanisms. Four themes were identified: disrupted networks after cancer treatment; navigating formal support and building individual capacity; peer networks and self‐management knowledge and linking networks to enable adaptation in recovery. Conclusions This study suggests engagement with community groups, particularly those not directly related to illness management and social interaction with weak ties, make a valuable contribution to self‐management support, increase HRQoL and enhance well‐being.
FY2008 Report on GADRAS Radiation Transport Methods.

The primary function of the Gamma Detector Response and Analysis Software (GADRAS) is the solution of inverse radiation transport problems, by which the configuration of an unknown radiation source is inferred from one or more measured radiation signatures. GADRAS was originally developed for the analysis of gamma spectrometry measurements. During fiscal years 2007 and 2008, GADRAS was augmented to implement the simultaneous analysis of neutron multiplicity measurements. This report describes the radiation transport methods developed to implement this new capability. This work was performed at the direction of the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Nonproliferation Research and Development. It was executed as an element of the Proliferation Detection Program’s Simulation, Algorithm, and Modeling element.
Modeling and identification of highly maneuverable fighter aircraft dynamics using block-oriented nonlinear models

In this paper, a new approach based on block-oriented nonlinear models for the modeling and identification of aircraft nonlinear dynamics is proposed. Some of the block-oriented nonlinear models are regarded as flexible structures, which are suitable for the identification of widely applicable dynamic systems. These models are able to approximate a wide range of system dynamics. In general, aircraft flight dynamics is considered as a nonlinear and coupled system whose dynamics—in addition to pilot control inputs—depend on the flight conditions such as Mach number and altitude, which cause the aircraft dynamics to have various operational points. In this study, three types of block-oriented models, namely the Hammerstein, Wiener, and Hammerstein–Wiener models with different nonlinear functions, have been used and compared in order to identify and model the aircraft nonlinear dynamics. These models have been employed in three forms of single-input single-output, multi-input multi-output, and multi-input single-output (MISO); of which, multi-input single-output has been recognized to have fewer errors in aircraft nonlinear dynamics identification. Thus, it has been demonstrated that six separate multi-input single-output models (with three inputs and one output), which have been trained with experimental flight test data, can model the coupled nonlinear six-degree-of-freedom dynamics of a highly maneuverable aircraft.
Urine test strips and iodine contamination: a tricky trick in iodine nutrition surveys

Abstract Objective A recent report from the Faroe Islands suggested mild iodine deficiency among women aged 40 years and older. New preliminary results showed an average urinary iodine concentration of 457 µg/L. This spurious finding encouraged the present report. Methods A subset of 17 consecutive pregnant women from an ongoing study provided an additional morning spot urine sample; one part was tested for a few seconds with a test strip for glucose, protein, and erythrocytes, and the other was left untouched. The women recorded the previous week’s intake of iodine-rich foods. Additionally, 12 tap water samples were collected such that three samples were sealed immediately, the remaining were strip tested for 10, 30 and 60 s, respectively. Urine and water samples were analysed using the ceri/arsen method after alkaline ashing. Results Median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in pristine urine samples was 116 µg/L (IQR 79–204 µg/L; range 26–475 µg/L), and positively associated with iodine-rich food intake. UIC increase with test-strip dip varied from 10 to 94 times the non-dip value. In tap water, the pristine samples had an iodine concentration of 2–4 µg/L, which increased to 10,000 µg/L after 60 s. Conclusion Urine samples exposed to test strips can be contaminated within a few seconds leading to unreliable iodine results. Therefore, it is crucial that the study protocol clearly states the procedure for urine sample collection and handling, strict adherence to protocol, and that utensils used are dedicated to collecting urine to measure iodine.
Implementation of a 2-for-1 Price Incentive for Fruits and Vegetables in a Grocery Retail Setting

Background and Purpose There is growing interest in expanding healthy eating interventions in the retail setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of a successful 2-for-1 price incentive for fruits and vegetables (F&V), including frozen and canned, that took place in partnership with a large chain grocery retailer in Maine. Intervention Approach. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) pilot study was conducted in 2015–2016, followed by a larger RCT in 2016–2017, to assess whether a supermarket double-dollar F&V incentive increased purchases of these items. Evaluation Methods A convergent, parallel mixed-methods design was used to examine barriers and facilitators to implementing the interventions, using six implementation outcomes: acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, implementation fidelity, and perceived cost. Results The intervention was deemed highly acceptable, appropriate, and feasible by shoppers, retailers, and researchers. The F&V discount had a high rate of initial adoption. There was a moderate degree of fidelity, which improved over time based on lessons learned from the pilot and applied to the subsequent RCT. Specific costs associated with implementation from the research perspective are reported. Implications for Practice, Policy, and Research. Partnerships between academic researchers and retailers can be an effective model for improving healthful purchases among shoppers. These findings are relevant for investigators, public health advocates, and retailers interested in implementing similar grocery retail-based interventions.
Erythrocyte-derived liposomes for the treatment of inflammatory diseases

Abstract Effective and safe therapies to counteract persistent inflammation are necessary. We developed erythrocyte-derived liposomes (EDLs) with intrinsic anti-inflammatory activity. The EDLs were prepared using lipids extracted from erythrocyte membranes, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids with several health benefits. Diclofenac, a widely used anti-inflammatory drug, was incorporated into EDLs in relevant therapeutic concentrations. The EDLs were also functionalised with folic acid to allow their active targeting of M1 macrophages, which are key players in inflammatory processes. In the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages, empty EDLs and EDLs incorporating diclofenac were able to reduce the levels of important pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely interleukin-6 (IL-6; ≈85% and 77%, respectively) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α; ≈64% and 72%, respectively). Strikingly, cytocompatible concentrations of EDLs presented similar effects to dexamethasone, a potent anti-inflammatory drug, in reducing IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations, demonstrating the EDLs potential to be used as bioactive carriers in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.