Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship of Low-luminance Visual Acuity with Ocular Aberrations in Older Participants

ABSTRACT SIGNIFICANCE This study highlights the importance of twilight adaptation for reliable assessment of low-luminance visual acuity and understanding the relationship between low-luminance visual acuity and ocular aberrations. PURPOSE The human eye experiences reduced visual acuity as luminance decreases owing to reduced retinal and optical resolutions; however, the details are unclear. This study aimed to quantify the effects of refraction, pupil diameter, and ocular aberrations on visual acuity during the transition from high- to low-light environments, thereby contributing to the standardization of low-luminance visual acuity measurements. METHODS In total, 27 older participants with a mean age of 70.0 ± 4.1 years were included in this study. Visual acuity was measured according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) protocol with three luminance conditions: high luminance (300 cd/m2), low luminance (10 cd/m2), and low luminance with short-term (15-minute) twilight adaptation (10 cd/m2). RESULTS The mean logarithm of minimum angle of resolution values of visual acuity were −0.09 ± 0.09, 0.10 ± 0.13, and 0.03 ± 0.09 at 300, 10, and 10 cd/m2 with twilight adaptation, respectively. Multiple regression analysis determined that spherical aberration (P < .005) and tetrafoil (P < .005) were significant factors associated with low-luminance visual acuity after twilight adaptation, with an adjusted R2 value of 0.35 for this model (P < .005). CONCLUSIONS Although the influence of ocular aberrations on low-luminance visual acuity may be relatively modest compared with neural effects, it remains a crucial factor that should not be overlooked. The absence of twilight (or dark) adaptation can cause ocular aberrations and neural effects, potentially leading to inaccuracies in the measurement of low-luminance visual acuity.
Medical imaging and multimodal artificial intelligence models for streamlining and enhancing cancer care: opportunities and challenges

ABSTRACT Introduction Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform oncologic care. There have been significant developments in AI applications in medical imaging and increasing interest in multimodal models. These are likely to enable improved oncologic care through more precise diagnosis, increasingly in a more personalized and less invasive manner. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state and challenges that clinicians, administrative personnel and policy makers need to be aware of and mitigate for the technology to reach its full potential. Areas covered The article provides a brief targeted overview of AI, a high-level review of the current state and future potential AI applications in diagnostic radiology and to a lesser extent digital pathology, focusing on oncologic applications. This is followed by a discussion of emerging approaches, including multimodal models. The article concludes with a discussion of technical, regulatory challenges and infrastructure needs for AI to realize its full potential. Expert opinion There is a large volume of promising research, and steadily increasing commercially available tools using AI. For the most advanced and promising precision diagnostic applications of AI to be used clinically, robust and comprehensive quality monitoring systems and informatics platforms will likely be required.
Unraveling the Role of Sex in Endothelial Cell Dysfunction: Evidence From Lineage Tracing Mice and Cultured Cells

BACKGROUND: Biological sex differences play a vital role in cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. The endothelium is a critical contributor to cardiovascular pathologies since endothelial cells (ECs) regulate vascular tone, redox balance, and inflammatory reactions. Although EC activation and dysfunction play an essential role in the early and late stages of atherosclerosis development, little is known about sex-dependent differences in EC. METHODS: We used human and mouse aortic EC as well as EC-lineage tracing (Cdh5-CreERT2 Rosa-YFP [yellow fluorescence protein]) atherosclerotic Apoe–/– mice to investigate the biological sexual dimorphism of the EC functions in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analyses were performed on male and female mouse aortic EC and human lung and aortic EC. RESULTS: In vitro, female human and mouse aortic ECs showed more apoptosis and higher cellular reactive oxygen species levels than male EC. In addition, female mouse aortic EC had lower mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), lower TFAM (mitochondrial transcription factor A) levels, and decreased angiogenic potential (tube formation, cell viability, and proliferation) compared with male mouse aortic EC. In vivo, female mice had significantly higher lipid accumulation within the aortas, impaired glucose tolerance, and lower endothelial-mediated vasorelaxation than males. Using the EC-lineage tracing approach, we found that female lesions had significantly lower rates of intraplaque neovascularization and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition within advanced atherosclerotic lesions but higher incidents of missing EC lumen coverage and higher levels of oxidative products and apoptosis. RNA-seq analyses revealed that both mouse and human female EC had higher expression of genes associated with inflammation and apoptosis and lower expression of genes related to angiogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation than male EC. CONCLUSIONS: Our study delineates critical sex-specific differences in EC relevant to proinflammatory, pro-oxidant, and angiogenic characteristics, which are entirely consistent with a vulnerable phenotype in females. Our results provide a biological basis for sex-specific proatherosclerotic mechanisms.
Application of hybrid FFNN-Genetic Algorithm for predicting evaporation in storage dam reservoirs.

Evaporation is one of the most important parameter to manage dam reservoirs water regulations. Average annual evaporation losses from storage dam reservoirs in arid and semi-arid areas are about 2 meters. It is necessary to predict how much evaporation losses occur from water surface of dam reservoirs. For estimating the evaporation, direct measurement methods such as pan evaporation can be used. Pan evaporation is one of the popular instruments to measure evaporation. Direct measurement methods required installing meteorological stations in various stations for measuring evaporation. In this study, the evaporation was estimated by using hybrid FFNN - Genetic Algorithm system. Primary model was simulated based on Feed forward and then the model structure was optimized through Genetic Algorithm. Daily data from the meteorological station in Kermanshah statistical period 1994-2009 was used as input to the model. Network inputs include minimum and maximum temperature, wind speed and sunshine hours. The best structure had only one hidden layer with 14 neurons and it had mean square error (MSE) 0.021 with correlation coefficient of (R) 0.997. Carefully fitted coefficients (R 2 ) for this model was 0.9. The results show the suitable capability and acceptable accuracy of hybrid FFNN Genetic Algorithm system in estimation of daily evaporation.
ANALYSIS OF THE TRENDS OF THUNDERSTORMS IN 1951-2007 IN JIANGSU PROVINCE

Based on the 1951-2007 thunderstorms in Jiangsu,a study is conducted for their climate trends,periodicity,spatiotemporal patterns,and the distributions of the first and last days of the thunderstorms at different guarantee rates (GRs) using climate tendency rate,wavelet analysis,and GR for diagnosis.Results suggest that the inter-annual number of thunderstorm days (TSDs) exhibits a decreasing trend in this province.The trend is displayed mainly in the decreasing TSD number in summer and autumn except in spring,when the variation is not significant in the study period.In this province,the TSD number declines by ～2 days per 10 years.On an inter-annual basis,the pronounced positive departures of the number take place chiefly in the early 1960s,the late 1960s to the early-mid-1970s,the late 1980s,and the late 1990s compared with the negative anomalies dominant in the late 1970s to the mid-1980s,the mid-to-late-1990s,and the late 1990s to 2007.There are vast differences in the initial and ending days at diverse GRs in different areas of the province.At 50% GR,the earliest (last) days occur from mid-March to early April (early to late September) while at 80% GR,the initial (last) days are from late March to early May (early to late October). For the distribution of periods,the periods >8-10 years are relatively stable for the entire province.Based on 1951-2007 period analysis,the region north (south) of the Huaihe River experiences TSDs less (more) than normal days in recent years.
How does emotion regulation change during psychotherapy? A daily diary study of adults in a transdiagnostic partial hospitalization program.

OBJECTIVE Improvement in emotion regulation is a proposed transdiagnostic mechanism of change. However, treatment research is limited by disorder-specific investigations that assess a narrow number of emotion regulation strategies. Moreover, most assess pre-to-post-treatment change without examining short-term changes throughout psychotherapy that might influence treatment response. METHOD To address these gaps, this study uses daily diary methodology to examine trajectories of change in use of six emotion regulation strategies during partial hospitalization psychiatric treatment. Treatment was rooted in cognitive behavioral principles and included skills adapted from empirically supported cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) manuals. Participants were adults (N = 364; Mage = 34.6 years; 60% female; 85% non-Hispanic White) with various profiles of mood, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders who completed symptom measures at baseline and discharge and daily measures of emotion regulation. RESULTS In the first 7 treatment days, patients increased use of engagement strategies (reappraisal, acceptance) and decreased use of disengagement (expressive suppression) and cognitive perseveration (experiential avoidance, rumination) strategies. Day-to-day trajectories found that decreased use of experiential avoidance predicted next-day changes in distraction and suppression use. In predicting treatment outcomes, steeper rates of decreased suppression use predicted reductions in anxiety, depression, and general psychopathology symptoms; similar patterns were observed for decreased rumination and experiential avoidance use and increased reappraisal use. CONCLUSION Results add to a growing literature on the value of intentional, constructive engagement with emotional experiences as a mechanism of psychological health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
Spatial-temporal characteristics of PM_(2.5) in Beijing in 2013

Data of PM2.5from 35 automatic air quality monitoring stations of Beijing in 2013 were analyzed to examine the temporal and spatial characteristics of PM2.5and the correlation between PM2.5and its precursors and atmospheric oxidation.The results showed that the average concentrations of PM2.5in different seasons decreased in the order of winter,spring,autumn and summer,which were 122.8 μg· m-3,85.1 μg· m-3,84.9 μg· m-3 and 79.1 μg· m-3,respectively.The average concentrations of PM2.5at different stations decreased in the order of traffic station,urban station,suburban station and regional station,which were 102.2 μg · m-3,91.8 μg · m-3,89.1 μg · m-3 and 88.7 μg · m-3,respectively.Monthly average concentrations of PM2.5showed a wavy-shaped curve,the peaks of which appeared in January,March,June and October,respectively.For the whole year,diurnal variation of PM2.5at traffic station showed a single-peak curve,while other stations showed bimodal curves.Annual average concentrations of PM2.5in different regions decreased in the order of southeast,southwest,center(six districts),northeast and northwest.Concentrations of PM2.5were significantly positively correlated with those of NO2,SO2 and OX,which indicated that precursors and atmospheric oxidation had a significant impact on the concentration of PM2.5.
Personal Agency and Social Supports to Manage Health Among Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic Men With Diabetes

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic communities, especially among men who develop this chronic condition at earlier ages. Personal agency and social support are vital aspects to diabetes management. However, less is known about the relationship between these variables among men living with diabetes. The purposes of this study were to identify (1) levels of personal agency to manage health, (2) sources of social supports to manage health based on personal agency levels, and (3) factors associated with lower personal agency to manage health. Cross-sectional data from non-Hispanic Black (n = 381) and Hispanic (n = 292) men aged 40 years or older with T2D were collected using an internet-delivered questionnaire. Three binary logistic regression models were fitted to assess sociodemographics, health indicators, and support sources associated with weaker personal agency to manage health. About 68% of participants reported having the strongest personal agency relative to 32.1% reporting weaker personal agency. Men who relied more on their spouse/partner (odds ratio [OR] = 1.22, p = .025), coworkers (OR = 1.59, p = .008), or faith-based organizations (OR = 1.29, p = .029) for ongoing help/support to improve their health and manage health problems were more likely to have weaker personal agency. Conversely, men who relied more on their health care providers for ongoing help/support to improve their health and manage health problems were less likely to have weaker personal agency to manage health (OR = 0.74, p < .001). Findings suggest personal agency may influence men’s support needs to manage T2D, which may also be influenced by cultural, socioeconomics, and the composition of social networks.
Understanding cellular senescence: pathways involved, therapeutics and longevity aiding

ABSTRACT A normal somatic cell undergoes cycles of finite cellular divisions. The presence of surveillance checkpoints arrests cell division in response to stress inducers: oxidative stress from excess free radicals, oncogene-induced abnormalities, genotoxic stress, and telomere attrition. When facing such stress when undergoing these damages, there is a brief pause in the cell cycle to enable repair mechanisms. Also, the nature of stress determines whether the cell goes for repair or permanent arrest. As the cells experience transient or permanent stress, they subsequently choose the quiescence or senescence stage, respectively. Quiescence is an essential stage that allows the arrested/damaged cells to go through appropriate repair mechanisms and then revert to the mainstream cell cycle. However, senescent cells are irreversible and accumulate with age, resulting in inflammation and various age-related disorders. In this review, we focus on senescence-associated pathways and therapeutics understanding cellular senescence as a cascade that leads to aging, while discussing the recent details on the molecular pathways involved in regulating senescence and the benefits of therapeutic strategies against accumulated senescent cells and their secretions.
Correlation between red blood cell distribution width/platelet count and prognosis of newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Background Red blood cell distribution width/platelet count ratio (RPR) is a reliable prognostic assessment indicator for numerous diseases. However, no studies to date have examined the relationship between RPR and the prognosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between RPR and the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Methods We retrospectively studied 143 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL and used the median value as the RPR threshold. We also investigated the correlation of pretreatment RPR level with clinical characteristics and its impact on DLBCL prognosis. Results Using the median value as the cut-off, patients with DLBCL were divided into a low RPR group (<0.0549) and a high RPR group (≥0.0549). Patients in the high RPR group were older, had a later Ann Arbor stage, were prone to bone marrow invasion, and had a higher National Comprehensive Cancer Network International Prognostic Index score (P< 0.05). A survival analysis showed that progression-free survival (PFS) (P=0.003) and overall survival (OS) (P<0.0001) were significantly shorter in the high versus low RPR group. A multifactorial Cox analysis showed that bone marrow invasion and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were separate risk factors for PFS (P<0.05), while an RPR ≥0.0549 and elevated LDH were separate risk factors for OS (P<0.05). Conclusion A high RPR (≥0.0549) in patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL is an independent risk factor for a poor prognosis.
Manipulation of unfolded protein response by zoonotic vaccinia virus strains Guarani P1 and Passatempo

The replicative success of vaccinia virus (VACV) depends on its ability to subvert host functions. Poxviruses multiplication and maturation are closely associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and its membranes. This organelle responds to disturbances caused by the accumulation of misfolded proteins, leading to processing of these proteins or even programmed cell death through the unfolded protein response (UPR). Several studies show that different viruses can activate UPR pathway components and negatively modulate others. Here, we investigate the effects of infections by zoonotic VACV strains from Brazil, Guarani P1 virus (GP1V) and Passatempo virus (PSTV), in the activation of UPR pathway sensors. We observed translocation of ATF6 to the nucleus as well as transcriptional increase after GP1V, PSTV, and reference strain Western Reserve (WR) infection. XBP1 processing appears to be negatively modulated after VACV infection; however, inhibition of the inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) kinase domain led to a reduction in plaque sizes for these viruses. The absence of PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) has an impact on the plaque phenotype of GP1V, PSTV viruses, as well as for the prototypical strain WR. These results indicate that the VACV manipulates the three arms of the UPR path differently to ensure replicative success.
Therapeutic Efficacy of Prodrug Activator Gene Therapy Using Retroviral Replicating Vectors for Human Ovarian Cancer

Background/Aim: Retroviral replicating vectors (RRV) have exhibited efficient tumor transduction and improved therapeutic benefits in a variety of cancer models. In this study, we validated two RRV created from amphotropic murine leukemia virus (AMLV) and gibbon ape leukemia virus (GALV), which use different cell receptors for virus entry, in human ovarian cancer (OC) cells. Materials and Methods: Expression levels of the receptors for AMLV (PiT-2) and GALV (PiT-1) in human OC cell lines (A2780, Caov3, RMG-1, SKOV-3), fibroblasts and HEK293 cells were evaluated using quantitative RT-PCR. In vitro RRV-GFP replication was monitored using flow cytometry, and cytotoxicity quantitated using AlamarBlue assay after 5-fluorocytosine treatment of OC cells transduced with RRV expressing the yeast cytosine deaminase prodrug activator gene. In vivo antitumor effect of RRV-mediated prodrug activator gene therapy was investigated in a SKOV-3 subcutaneous tumor model. Results: Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed high expression levels of PiT-2 (AMLV receptor) and PiT-1 (GALV receptor) in the RMG-1 and SKOV3 OC cell lines, compared with their levels in non-malignant cells. In RMG-1 and SKOV3 cells, both RRV showed highly efficient RRV replication and spread leading to over 90% transduction by Days 10-13. Additionally, both RRV that express the yeast cytosine deaminase gene demonstrated effective cell killing of RMG-1 and SKOV-3 cells upon treatment with the prodrug 5-fluorocytosine. Notably, RRV-mediated prodrug activator gene therapy showed significant inhibition of subcutaneous SKOV-3 tumor growth in nude mice. Conclusion: RRV-mediated prodrug activator gene therapy may be used for treating PiT-expressing human OC.
Utilizing Simulation to Address Structural Racism in the Health-Care System

Aim: To fill the gap in research that historically has been limited by focusing on the health problems experienced by people of color. Method: A simulation exercise was developed for senior pre-licensure nursing students in their senior year of a pre-licensure nursing program at a Midwest liberal arts college to intervene when a health-care provider in the hospital acted in an oppressive manner toward a client. Results: Qualitative findings suggest the value of addressing structural racism during a simulated learning experience to facilitate an understanding of the extent of racism inherent in the health-care system and biases that can be perpetuated by health-care providers. Conclusions and Implication for Practice: This simulation on the topic of implicit bias and racism in the health-care system provided an opportunity to open and deepen important conversations about equity, belonging, and justice. Additional work is needed in training professional nurses to lead meaningful change in dealing with the current inequities in our health-care system.
Factors of Missed Nursing Care in Intensive Care Units

Maintaining a high standard of nursing care is imperative for ensuring patient safety. Several factors significantly impact the provision of nursing care, including work environment resources, personnel coordination, work systems, and head nurse leadership. In addition, each nurse's clinical and academic career also plays a role in shaping the quality of care provided to patients. This article reports results of a cross-sectional study aimed to identify the different types of missed nursing care and the factors that contribute to them, as perceived by nurses, and second, to investigate how nurses' characteristics may relate to the occurrence of missed nursing care. Data for this study were obtained through a self-administered questionnaire that was distributed to participants working in an intensive care unit. The study included a final sample size of 176 participants, all of whom worked in intensive care unit hospitals located in the north region of Palestine. The study found that handwashing, setting up meals for patients who feed themselves, discharge planning, and response to a call light were the most frequently missed nursing care activities. The primary factors identified as reasons for missed nursing care were inadequate availability of labor and material resources, along with communication issues. Efforts to address these identified issues can potentially lead to improved quality of nursing care in intensive care units.