Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photonic Crystals: Molding the Flow of Light

Since it was first published in 1995, Photonic Crystals has remained the definitive text for both undergraduates and researchers on photonic band-gap materials and their use in controlling the propagation of light. This newly expanded and revised edition covers the latest developments in the field, providing the most up-to-date, concise, and comprehensive book available on these novel materials and their applications. Starting from Maxwell's equations and Fourier analysis, the authors develop the theoretical tools of photonics using principles of linear algebra and symmetry, emphasizing analogies with traditional solid-state physics and quantum theory. They then investigate the unique phenomena that take place within photonic crystals at defect sites and surfaces, from one to three dimensions. This new edition includes entirely new chapters describing important hybrid structures that use band gaps or periodicity only in some directions: periodic waveguides, photonic-crystal slabs, and photonic-crystal fibers. The authors demonstrate how the capabilities of photonic crystals to localize light can be put to work in devices such as filters and splitters. A new appendix provides an overview of computational methods for electromagnetism. Existing chapters have been considerably updated and expanded to include many new three-dimensional photonic crystals, an extensive tutorial on device design using temporal coupled-mode theory, discussions of diffraction and refraction at crystal interfaces, and more. Richly illustrated and accessibly written, Photonic Crystals is an indispensable resource for students and researchers.Extensively revised and expanded Features improved graphics throughout Includes new chapters on photonic-crystal fibers and combined index-and band-gap-guiding Provides an introduction to coupled-mode theory as a powerful tool for device design Covers many new topics, including omnidirectional reflection, anomalous refraction and diffraction, computational photonics, and much more.
Bipolar type I diagnosis after a manic episode secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection: A case report

Rationale: Our objective is to provide awareness about psychotic vulnerability in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and to better understand the role of steroid withdrawal in manic episodes, especially with its common usage in respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Patient concerns: We present the case of a patient who was hospitalized twice after discontinuing steroid therapy for SARS-CoV-2 infection and presented with a manic episode despite not having a psychiatric history. Diagnosis: The patient tested positive on a polymerase chain reaction test for SARS-CoV-2 and developed pneumonia. Other organic differential diagnoses such as encephalitis were also investigated and excluded. Manic episodes were diagnosed according to DSM-V criteria. Subsequently, the patient was diagnosed with type I bipolar disorder. Interventions: According to the protocols, supplemental oxygen therapy, prophylactic enoxaparin and intravenous (IV) steroids were administered. Steroid dosage was gradually reduced under supervision. During the acute mania, antipsychotics and benzodiazepines were administered. Outcomes: After discharge, the patient was admitted to the psychiatric consultation service. He first received mood stabilizer therapy and then received supportive psychotherapy. Lessons: Psychotic symptoms commonly occur after the discontinuation of high-dose steroid therapy; however, controlled tapering may prevent these side effects. Only a few cases have reported concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection and manic episodes, often with an apparent relationship with steroid withdrawal syndrome. In this case, we considered psychotic vulnerability a condition that is often underestimated. In consideration of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the case may represent an underlying trigger for psychotic decompensation, which, in concert with neuroinflammation, may induce a manic episode.
Identification and functional characterization of a novel susceptibility locus for small vessel vasculitis with MPO-ANCA

Abstract Objective To identify and characterize genetic loci associated with the risk of developing ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV). Methods Genetic association analyses were performed after Illumina sequencing of 1853 genes and subsequent replication with genotyping of selected single nucleotide polymorphisms in a total cohort of 1110 Scandinavian cases with granulomatosis with polyangiitis or microscopic polyangiitis, and 1589 controls. A novel AAV-associated single nucleotide polymorphism was analysed for allele-specific effects on gene expression using luciferase reporter assay. Results PR3-ANCA+ AAV was significantly associated with two independent loci in the HLA-DPB1/HLA-DPA1 region [rs1042335, P = 6.3 × 10−61, odds ratio (OR) 0.10; rs9277341, P = 1.5 × 10−44, OR 0.22] and with rs28929474 in the SERPINA1 gene (P = 2.7 × 10−10, OR 2.9). MPO-ANCA+ AAV was significantly associated with the HLA-DQB1/HLA-DQA2 locus (rs9274619, P = 5.4 × 10−25, OR 3.7) and with a rare variant in the BACH2 gene (rs78275221, P = 7.9 × 10−7, OR 3.0), the latter a novel susceptibility locus for MPO-ANCA+ granulomatosis with polyangiitis/microscopic polyangiitis. The rs78275221-A risk allele reduced luciferase gene expression in endothelial cells, specifically, as compared with the non-risk allele. Conclusion We identified a novel susceptibility locus for MPO-ANCA+ AAV and propose that the associated variant is of mechanistic importance, exerting a regulatory function on gene expression in specific cell types.
Value of clinical tests in diagnosing anterior cruciate ligament injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: This study compared 4 clinical tests with reference to magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopic visualization to comprehensively evaluate their diagnostic value for anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Methods: We systematically searched 10 electronic databases from January 1, 2010, to May 1, 2021. Two reviewers collected data in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. The quality of each study was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool. A meta-analysis was performed using Meta-Disc version 1.4 and Stata SE version 15.0. Results: Eighteen articles involving 2031 participants were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that for the Lachman test, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnosis odds ratio, area under the curve (AUC) of summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC), and Q* were 0.76 (95% CI, 0.73–0.78), 0.89 (95% CI, 0.87–0.91), 5.65 (95% CI, 4.05–7.86), 0.28 (95% CI, 0.23–0.36), 22.95 (95% CI, 14.34–36.72), 0.88, and 0.81, respectively. For the anterior drawer test, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnosis odds ratio, AUC of SROC, and Q* were 0.64 (95% CI, 0.61–0.68), 0.87 (95% CI, 0.84–0.90), 3.57 (95% CI, 2.13–5.96), 0.44 (95% CI, 0.32–0.59), 8.77 (95% CI, 4.11–18.74), 0.85, and 0.78, respectively. For the pivot shift test, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnosis odds ratio, AUC of SROC, and Q* were 0.59 (95% CI, 0.56–0.62), 0.97 (95% CI, 0.95–0.98), 13.99 (95% CI, 9.96–19.64), 0.44 (95% CI, 0.35–0.55), 29.46 (95% CI, 15.60–55.67), 0.98, and 0.94, respectively. For the lever sign test, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnosis odds ratio, AUC of SROC, and Q* were 0.79 (95% CI, 0.75–0.83), 0.92 (95% CI, 0.87–0.95), 9.56 (95% CI, 2.76–33.17), 0.23 (95% CI, 0.12–0.46), 47.38 (95% CI, 8.68–258.70), 0.94, and 0.87, respectively. Conclusions: Existing evidence shows that these clinical tests have high diagnostic efficacy for anterior cruciate ligament injuries, and that every test has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, the above results should be validated through additional studies, considering the limited quality and quantity of our sample.
Genetic characterization of the highlander Tibetan population from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau revealed by X chromosomal STRs

Tibetans are considered an East Asian ethnic group and primarily live in the high Tibetan plateau, the western Sichuan and Yunnan mountains of central and southern China, and areas throughout the Himalayas and around the Tibetan plateau. These people exhibit rare molecular machinery that allows them to adapt to hypoxic environments in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and make them a potential candidate for providing insights related to medical genetic, molecular medicine and human population studies. In the current study, we have genotyped 549 individuals with Investigator Argus X-12 Kit. For 12 X-STRs, a total of 174 unique alleles were found, among them DXS10134 and DXS10135 were the most polymorphic loci. All of the loci were in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE). The numbers of observed haplotypes in Highlander Tibetans males were 161,112, 96 and 108, respectively, whereas haplotype diversities (HD) were 0.9959, 0.9880, 0.9809 and 0.9873, respectively. The combined discrimination power for males (PDm) was 0.999 999 99701 and for females (PDf) was 0.999 999 999 999 9958. This study represents an extensive report on X chromosomal STR markers variation in the Highlander Tibetans population for forensic applications and population genetic studies.
Precut technique using an injection needle: A retrospective study on a new ancillary procedure for pleural biopsy

The effectiveness of thoracoscopic biopsy as a diagnostic method for pleural diseases has been reported; however, obtaining a sufficient specimen size is sometimes difficult. Therefore, an ancillary technique, the precut technique using an injection needle, was devised to address this problem. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the novel precut technique in patients with undiagnosed pleural effusion. This retrospective study included 22 patients who underwent pleural biopsy using the precut technique to examine exudative pleural effusion of unknown etiology. Thoracoscopy was performed under local anesthesia. The biopsy procedure was performed as follows: a needle was inserted into the pleura around the lesion using a semiflexible thoracoscope; the needle was positioned to make an incision in the pleura while injecting 1% lidocaine with epinephrine and lifting the pleura from the fascia; 2 or 3 precut incision lines were arranged in a triangle; and the specimen was obtained from the parietal pleura using forceps or a cryoprobe. Patient data including age, number of biopsies, biopsy specimen size, pathological and final diagnosis, and postoperative complications were examined. All patients were male with an average age of 74 years. Pleural effusion was found on the right and left sides in 16 and 6 patients, respectively. The average major axis of the biopsy specimens was 18 mm (range, 10–30 mm), which was sufficient to establish a pathological diagnosis. Only 1 patient experienced minor temporal bleeding as a complication. The precut technique enabled the procurement of specimens sufficient in size for pleural biopsy.
The efficacy of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment before hysteroscopic myomectomy for large-sized submucosal leiomyoma

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist for treating large-sized submucosal leiomyoma before hysteroscopic myomectomy. The data were retrospectively collected from patients who underwent a hysteroscopic myomectomy for a submucosal leiomyoma >3.5 cm in size from January 2009 to December 2018. The patients were divided into the GnRH group and the control group according to whether they were pretreated before surgery. A total of 61 patients were included in the study, 31 in the GnRH agonist group and 30 in the control group. At diagnosis, the maximum leiomyoma diameter was similar between the 2 groups (4.67 ± 0.6 cm in the GnRH agonist group vs 3.82 ± 0.6 cm in the control group, P = .061). After pretreatment with the GnRH agonist, the maximum diameter was significantly smaller in the GnRH agonist group compared to the control group (3.82 ± 0.6 vs 4.33 ± 0.8 cm, respectively, P = .004). The leiomyoma volume in the GnRH agonist group decreased by 55.6%, from 41.68 ± 15.7 to 23.19 ± 10.4 cm3, which led to significant differences in leiomyoma volume between the 2 groups (23.19 ± 10.4 cm3 in the GnRH agonist group vs 33.22 ± 24.7 cm3 in the control group, P = .042). The GnRH agonist group showed a shorter operation time (37.7 vs 43.9 minutes, P = .040) and less uterine distention media was used (6800 vs 9373.3 mL, P = .037) compared to the control group. Postoperative complications such as estimated blood loss, remnant leiomyoma, and recurrence were similar between the 2 groups. Treatment with a GnRH agonist before hysteroscopic myomectomy for large submucosal leiomyoma might decrease the volume of the leiomyoma, reduce operation time, and the amount of uterine-distension media used without surgical complications.
A Joint Constrained CCA Model for Network-Dependent Brain Subregion Parcellation

Connectivity-based brain region parcellation from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data is complicated by heterogeneity among aged and diseased subjects, particularly when the data are spatially transformed to a common space. Here, we propose a group-guided functional brain region parcellation model capable of obtaining subregions from a target region with consistent connectivity profiles across multiple subjects, even when the fMRI signals are kept in their native spaces. The model is based on a joint constrained canonical correlation analysis (JC-CCA) method that achieves group-guided parcellation while allowing the data dimension of the parcellated regions for each subject to vary. We performed extensive experiments on synthetic and real data to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed model compared to other classical methods. When applied to fMRI data of subjects with and without Parkinson's disease (PD) to estimate the subregions in the Putamen, significant between-group differences were found in the derived subregions and the connectivity patterns. Superior classification and regression results were obtained, demonstrating its potential in clinical practice.
QbD-assisted development of lipidic nanocapsules for antiestrogenic activity of exemestane in breast cancer

Abstract Some breast cancers are caused by hormonal imbalances, such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormones play a function in directing the growth of cancer cells. The hormone receptors in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer lead breast cells to proliferate out of control. Cancer therapy such as hormonal, targeted, radiation is still unsatisfactory because of these challenges namely multiple drug resistance (MDR), off-targeting, severe adverse effects. A novel aromatase inhibitor exemestane (Exe) exhibits promising therapy in breast cancer. This study aims to develop and optimize Exe-loaded lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) by using DSPC, PF68 and olive oil as lipid, surfactant and oil phase, respectively and to characterize the same. The prepared nanocapsules were investigated via in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal models. The LNCs exhibited cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cell lines and enhanced anti-cancer activity and reduced cardiotoxicity in DMBA-induced animal model when compared to the drug. Additionally, in vivo pharmacokinetics revealed a 4.2-fold increased oral bioavailability when compared with Exe suspension. This study demonstrated that oral administration of Exe-loaded LNCs holds promise for the antiestrogenic activity of exemestane in breast cancer.
Correcting for selection bias in HIV prevalence estimates: an application of sample selection models using data from population‐based HIV surveys in seven sub‐Saharan African countries

Population‐based biomarker surveys are the gold standard for estimating HIV prevalence but are susceptible to substantial non‐participation (up to 30%). Analytical missing data methods, including inverse‐probability weighting (IPW) and multiple imputation (MI), are biased when data are missing‐not‐at‐random, for example when people living with HIV more frequently decline participation. Heckman‐type selection models can, under certain assumptions, recover unbiased prevalence estimates in such scenarios.
IKBKE and BANK1 Polymorphisms and Clinical Characteristics in Chinese Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

ABSTRACT Background Defects in apoptotic cell clearance is a pathogenic factor in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study screened potential pathogenic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to anti-apoptosis from an SLE family and explored their contribution to SLE susceptibility in Chinese women. Methods Four SNPs (IKBKE rs15672, BANK1 rs12640056, BANK1 rs6842661, and NFKBIA rs1957106) with potential SLE susceptibility were analyzed for clinical characteristics between 567 patients with SLE and 345 healthy control subjects. Results IKBKE rs15672 G/A and BANK1 rs12640056C/T polymorphisms were associated with SLE susceptibility (rs15672 A vs G, P = 0.028, OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.02–1.52; rs12640056 T vs C, P = 0.015, OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.64–0.95, respectively). In addition, patients with AA+GA genotypes of IKBKE rs15672 had higher positive rates of anti-SSB antibodies (q = 0.008) and lower positive rates of anti-RIB antibodies (q = 0.024) than those with the GG genotype. There were no significant differences in BANK1 rs12640056 between different genotypes and clinical characteristics. Conclusion IKBKE rs15672 G/A and BANK1 rs12640056C/T polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to SLE in Chinese women. This highlights the important role of these two SNPs in this disease and suggests that multiple genes from these pathways are candidates for functional studies and therapeutic targets.
Combining Parenting Strategies in Discipline Encounters: Influences on Moral Internalization in Adolescence

Abstract Current research in the field of moral socialization needs to address more fully how combinations of discipline practices influence the internalization process. The present study examined young adults’ retrospective reports concerning their mother’s and father’s disciplinary responses to remembered moral transgressions. Participants included 410 undergraduate students (Mage = 19.11 years; 79% female) who self-identified as White (74.9%), Hispanic (8.8%), Multiracial (8.8%), Black (3.2%), Asian (2.7%), and other (1.6%). Young adults provided narrative accounts of maternal and paternal responses to moral transgressions, then rated these responses in terms of their fairness and effectiveness. Discipline responses were coded for the presence of inductive discipline, mild punishment, or their combination. Results indicated that mother’s use of inductive discipline with (and without) the presence of mild punishment was viewed as more appropriate than mild punishment used alone. Importantly, inductive discipline combined with mild punishment was viewed as more acceptable than (and equally effective as) inductive discipline alone. Findings for fathers were more limited, suggesting only that inductive discipline when used without mild punishment was viewed as more acceptable than mild punishment alone. Overall, mothers’ use of induction with mild punishment in response to their adolescents’ moral transgressions may not undermine the internalization of inductive messages and may even enhance its perceived appropriateness.
Parents' experiences of handling oral anticancer drugs at home: ‘It all falls on me …’

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of parents handling oral anticancer drugs in a home setting. Methods Parents of children with cancer were recruited from a paediatric oncology ward in Sweden to participate in an interview. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to qualitative content analysis. Results We found the following categories and subcategories: parents’ views on the provided information—lack of, too little or contradictory information, and parents’ preferences for information delivery; safety over time; correct drug dose; and drug administration. As time passed, most parents adapted to their child's illness, felt safer and found it easier to take in and process any given information. Parents preferred information in different formats (written, movie clips and orally) and in their mother tongue. Many parents were aware of the importance of giving an accurate dose to their child and described the process of drug administration as overwhelming. Conclusion Parents need to be provided with accurate, timely, nonconflicting and repeated information—in different forms and in their mother tongue—on how to handle oral anticancer drugs at home.
Tear Film miRNAs and Their Association With Human Dry Eye Disease

Abstract Purpose miRNAs can regulate inflammatory pathways. The purpose of this work was to determine if inflammatory-related tear film miRNAs are associated with extracellular vesicles (EVs) in human non-Sjögren’s Syndrome dry eye disease (DED) participants. Methods Five DED and 5 non-DED human participants were recruited. Tears samples were collected by washing the ocular surface of both eyes with phosphate buffered saline, pooling samples from the right and left eyes, and purifying EVs from the samples with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) 8000 precipitation procedure. Samples were directly analyzed via ELISA or transmission electron microscopy (TEM), or RNA was isolated first from the EVs and evaluated with RNA-Seq. Results EVs were identified in the tear film of both groups using TEM and ELISA. Following EV purification and RNA isolation, RNA-Seq determined that there were 126 EV miRNAs differentially expressed between the two groups when comparing their RNA cargoes. Ingenuity Pathways Analysis found 9 upregulated miRNAs that were associated with inflammation (miR-127-5p, miR-1273h-3p, miR-1288-5p, miR-130b-5p, miR-139-3p, miR-1910-5p, miR-203b-5p, miR-22-5p, and miR-4632-3p; all p < 0.049; fold regulation range = 1.43–1.67). Conclusion This study determined that EVs are present in the tear film and that tear EVs contain miRNAs that may be associated with DED inflammatory pathways.
Past, present, and future of orthopedic surgery in hemophilia: looking to a world without bleeding and arthropathy in the near future

ABSTRACT Introduction The purpose of this article is to review the literature on orthopedic surgery in people with hemophilia (PWH), to better understand its past and present and attempt to predict the future. Areas covered A Cochrane Library and PubMed (MEDLINE) search of studies related to orthopedic surgery in PWH was analyzed. A downward trend in orthopedic surgery in PWH has been observed. Patients on continuous prophylaxis are less likely to require orthopedic surgery. In patients with hemophilia, the risk of major bleeding remains high after total joint arthroplasty, even with factor replacement. Cases of acute compartment syndrome, pseudotumors, and even limb amputations are still observed in PWH. Expert opinion Orthopedic surgery for PWH should always be performed in specialized centers with multidisciplinary expertise in the correct management of hemophilia. It is paramount to perform an accurate preoperative coagulation screening before surgery. The availability of prophylaxis through replacement and the recent non-replacement therapy in well-developed countries will diminish substantially or hopefully abolish completely the need for surgery in the treatment of PWH. Therefore, we are looking to a world without bleeding and arthropathy in the next future. Unfortunately, this is not true for under-developed countries.