Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A comparative study for mesopic contrast sensitivity between photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE To compare the effect on visual performance of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with mesopic contrast sensitivity. PATIENTS AND METHODS Postoperative visual performance for 40 eyes undergoing PRK and 40 eyes undergoing LASIK was compared with mesopic contrast sensitivity at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Eyes were divided into two groups (< -6.0 D and > -6.25 D). Mesopic contrast sensitivity was performed with the patient's best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better under photopic conditions. RESULTS A significant decrease in mesopic contrast sensitivity from preoperative baseline was obtained at all spatial frequencies for the PRK and LASIK groups (P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference at 1 or 3 months postoperatively in both groups (P > .05). At 6 months postoperatively, LASIK significantly decreased mesopic contrast sensitivity more than PRK in myopia with a refractive error of less than -6.0 D, especially at the middle and high spatial frequencies of 6, 9, and 12 cycles per degree (P < .05). However, no statistically significant differences in mesopic contrast sensitivity between PRK and LASIK were found in myopia with a refractive error of greater than -6.25 D (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS In broad-beam excimer laser refractive surgery, PRK seemed to have a more significant effect on mesopic contrast sensitivity than LASIK for myopia with a refractive error of less than -6.0 D at 6 months postoperatively.
Omalizumab, anti-IgE recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody, for the treatment of severe allergic asthma.

BACKGROUND A recombinant humanized anti-IgE mAb, omalizumab, forms complexes with free IgE, blocking its interaction with mast cells and basophils; as a consequence, it might be effective in the treatment of asthma. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in the treatment of inhaled corticosteroid-dependent asthma. METHODS In this phase III, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, 525 subjects with severe allergic asthma requiring daily inhaled corticosteroids were randomized to receive placebo or omalizumab subcutaneously every 2 or 4 weeks, depending on baseline IgE level and body weight. Inhaled corticosteroid doses were kept stable over the initial 16 weeks of treatment and tapered during a further 12-week treatment period. RESULTS Omalizumab treatment resulted in significantly fewer asthma exacerbations per subject and in lower percentages of subjects experiencing an exacerbation than placebo treatment during the stable steroid phase (0.28 vs 0.54 [P =.006] and 14.6% vs 23.3% [P =.009], respectively) and during the steroid reduction phase (0.39 vs 0.66 [P =.003] and 21.3% vs 32.3% [P =.004], respectively). Beclomethasone dipropionate reduction was significantly greater with omalizumab treatment than with placebo (median 75% vs 50% [P <.001]), and beclomethasone dipropionate discontinuation was more likely with omalizumab (39.6% vs 19.1% [P <.001]). Improvements in asthma symptoms and pulmonary function occurred along with a reduction in rescue beta-agonist use. Omalizumab was well tolerated, with an adverse-events profile similar to that of placebo. CONCLUSION The addition of omalizumab to standard asthma therapy reduces asthma exacerbations and decreases inhaled corticosteroid and rescue medication use.
What’s new in asthma pathophysiology and immunopathology?

Research on asthma pathophysiology over the past decade has expanded the complex repertoire involved in the pathophysiology of asthma to include inflammatory, immune and structural cells, as well as a wide range of mediators. Studies have identified a role for connective and other mesenchymal tissues involved in airway remodeling. Recent findings have implicated the innate immune response in asthma and have revealed interesting patterns of interaction between the innate and adaptive immune response and the associated complex chronic inflammatory reaction. New immune cell populations have also been added to this repertoire, including Tregs, natural killer T cells and Th17 cells. The role of the eosinophil, a prominent pathological feature in most asthma phenotypes, has also been expanding to include roles such as tissue modifiers and immune regulators via a number of fascinating and hitherto unexplored mechanistic pathways. In addition, new and significant roles have been proposed for airway smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, epithelial and endothelial cells. Tissue remodeling is now considered an integral element of asthma pathophysiology. Finally, an intricate network of mediators, released from both immune and inflammatory cells, including thymus stromal lymphopoietin and matrix metalloproteinases, have added to the complex milieu of asthma immunity and inflammation. These findings have implications for therapy and the search for novel strategies towards better disease management. Sadly, and perhaps due to the complex nature of asthma, advances in therapeutic discoveries and developments have been limited. Thus, understanding the precise roles played by the numerous dramatis personae in this odyssey, both individually and collectively within the context of asthma pathophysiology, continues to pose new challenges. It is clear that the next stage in this saga is to embark on studies that transcend reductionist approaches to involve system analysis of the complex and multiple variables involved in asthma, including the need to narrow down the phenotypes of this condition based on careful analysis of the organs (lung and airways), cells, mediators and other factors involved in bronchial asthma.
Gain enhancement of microstrip grid array antenna for 5G applications

A single patch microstrip grid array antenna is presented. The proposed antenna is designed in rectangular diamond shape with dimension of 34 mm × 35 mm in width and length respectively. Rogers 5880 with a low relative permittivity of 2.2 is used as substrate with the thickness of 0.508 mm. The proposed microstrip grid array antenna successfully enhanced the antenna gain up to 11.32 dBi compared to existing silicon dioxide antenna, 2.99 dBi and 10.35 dBi for existing stacked patch antenna arrays. The reflection coefficient, S11 is -24.08 dB at frequency of 28 GHz. With ease of fabrication and low-profile, the proposed antenna is potentially be implemented in future 5G applications.
Transcription Factor NF&kgr;B Expression and Postsurgical Organ Dysfunction

ObjectiveTo examine the role of neutrophil NF&kgr;B activation in organ dysfunction after major surgery. Summary Background DataNF&kgr;B is a transcription factor involved in the signal transduction of many stimuli that may participate in the pathogenesis of sepsis and resultant multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). It may therefore be a potential target for modulation in the reduction of postsurgical MODS. MethodsTwenty-five patients undergoing major vascular surgery (thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair) were studied. Perioperative levels of neutrophil NF&kgr;B, CD11b, and glutathione were measured. In vitro inhibition experiments using NF&kgr;B inhibitors were also performed. ResultsNo differences in clinical parameters were apparent before surgery between the patients who subsequently developed MODS and those who did not. However, there was a significant difference in preoperative levels of NF&kgr;B between the patients who developed postoperative organ dysfunction and those who did not. There was also a significant preoperative difference between patients who survived surgery and those who did not. Glutathione levels were reduced both in patients who developed MODS and those who did not at the onset of surgery. NF&kgr;B inhibitors suppressed patient plasma-stimulated NF&kgr;B activation in healthy neutrophils. ConclusionsPreoperative neutrophil NF&kgr;B status may be a marker of postoperative outcome after major surgery, and therapy aimed at attenuating neutrophil NF&kgr;B activation may reduce postoperative sepsis and organ dysfunction.
Measurement of Function Post Hip Fracture: Testing a Comprehensive Measurement Model of Physical Function

Background: Measurement of physical function post hip fracture has been conceptualized using multiple different measures. Purpose: This study tested a comprehensive measurement model of physical function. Design: This was a descriptive secondary data analysis including 168 men and 171 women post hip fracture. Methods: Using structural equation modeling, a measurement model of physical function which included grip strength, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and performance was tested for fit at 2 and 12 months post hip fracture, and among male and female participants. Validity of the measurement model of physical function was evaluated based on how well the model explained physical activity, exercise, and social activities post hip fracture. Findings: The measurement model of physical function fit the data. The amount of variance the model or individual factors of the model explained varied depending on the activity. Conclusion: Decisions about the ideal way in which to measure physical function should be based on outcomes considered and participants. Clinical Relevance: The measurement model of physical function is a reliable and valid method to comprehensively measure physical function across the hip fracture recovery trajectory.
Concise Review: Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Their Phenotype, Differentiation Capacity, Immunological Features, and Potential for Homing

MSCs are nonhematopoietic stromal cells that are capable of differentiating into, and contribute to the regeneration of, mesenchymal tissues such as bone, cartilage, muscle, ligament, tendon, and adipose. MSCs are rare in bone marrow, representing ∼1 in 10,000 nucleated cells. Although not immortal, they have the ability to expand manyfold in culture while retaining their growth and multilineage potential. MSCs are identified by the expression of many molecules including CD105 (SH2) and CD73 (SH3/4) and are negative for the hematopoietic markers CD34, CD45, and CD14. The properties of MSCs make these cells potentially ideal candidates for tissue engineering. It has been shown that MSCs, when transplanted systemically, are able to migrate to sites of injury in animals, suggesting that MSCs possess migratory capacity. However, the mechanisms underlying the migration of these cells remain unclear. Chemokine receptors and their ligands and adhesion molecules play an important role in tissue‐specific homing of leukocytes and have also been implicated in trafficking of hematopoietic precursors into and through tissue. Several studies have reported the functional expression of various chemokine receptors and adhesion molecules on human MSCs. Harnessing the migratory potential of MSCs by modulating their chemokine‐chemokine receptor interactions may be a powerful way to increase their ability to correct inherited disorders of mesenchymal tissues or facilitate tissue repair in vivo. The current review describes what is known about MSCs and their capacity to home to tissues together with the associated molecular mechanisms involving chemokine receptors and adhesion molecules.
Spontaneous Healing of a Bucket-Handle Lateral Meniscal Tear in an Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Deficient Knee

Medial and lateral meniscal tears can occur in association with ACL injuries. Lateral meniscal tears are more frequently associated with acute ACL injuries, whereas medial meniscal tears appear to be more commonly associated with chronic ACL injuries. The incidence of meniscal tears increases as the ACL injury becomes more chronic. Magnetic resonance imaging is useful in detecting medial and lateral meniscal tears. Displaced bucket-handle tears of the meniscus are easily identified on MRI scans. Displaced fragments can be seen as a low-intensity signal band parallel to the PCL on the sagittal image or as a flipped meniscus sign on the coronal image. We describe a case of a displaced buckethandle tear of a lateral meniscus in association with an acute ACL disruption in which the meniscus healed spontaneously without surgical intervention.
The Rural Social Justice Leader: An Exploratory Profile in Resilience

An exploratory investigation was conducted into the motivations and leadership traits of five rural school superintendents who over time evidenced a commitment to social justice. This effort meets a call in the research literature by Furman (2012), who noted that “to date, the literature offers few specifics about the actual practice of social justice leadership in K–12 schools and the capacities needed by school leaders to engage in this practice” (p. 192). Also noted has been the lack of attention to rural social justice and rural education internationally (Cuervo, 2009; Tikly & Barrett, 2009). To address this deficiency, a qualitative methods approach was used. As a result, we sought to compile a profile for the rural social justice leader who is capable of engendering strong social justice–oriented rural leadership. Findings suggest that these superintendents were attracted by, as well as challenged by, the work. Moreover, themes revealed how these superintendents worked to sustain themselves and to maintain resiliency through various strategies, including finding their rudder, managing the work, establishing relationships, and seeking out mentors or relying on spiritual guidance.
[Germinal material localization in the non-incubated duck egg blastoderm studied by means of X-ray irradiations].

Primordial germ cells (CGP) have been numbered from the 7-somite to the 14-somite stage in embryos formed from blastoderms the anterior or posterior halves of which have been irradiated with X-rays at the non-incubated stage or after 10 h of incubation. The germinal population decrease is almost the same for irradiations of the anterior or posterior halves at the non-incubated stage. At 10 h of incubation, this decrease is very marked for irradiations of the anterior halves while it is slight for irradiations of the posterior halves.These results seem to indicate that at the non-incubated stage, the germinal material is localized in the anterior half of the blastoderm as well as in the posterior one with a slight anterior predominance, and tends to accumulate in the anterior part only as early as the first hours of incubation.
Twelve tips on rural medical placements: what has worked to make them successful

Providing undergraduate and post-graduate rural training opportunities aids rural medical recruitment. Medical schools that provide rural educational placements, and the communities that host those placements, must give serious consideration to the structure and supports required to ensure both quality and enjoyment of rural placements. This paper presents tips for success gleaned from the results of experience in providing rural placement opportunities to medical students throughout their medical school experience.
Web‐Based Training in Geriatrics for Medical Residents: A Randomized Controlled Trial Using Standardized Patients to Assess Outcomes

Although Web‐based instruction offers an advantageous approach to medical education, few studies have addressed the use of Web‐based education to teach clinical content at the postgraduate level. Even fewer studies have addressed clinical outcomes after the Web‐based instruction, yet postgraduate training requirements now focus on outcomes of training. A randomized trial was conducted to compare knowledge of postgraduate year (PGY) 1 residents after Web‐based with that after paper‐based instruction and to compare residents' clinical application of their instruction using unannounced standardized patients (SPs) and unannounced activated standardized patients (ASPs). PGY 1 residents were assigned to a month‐long ambulatory rotation during which they were randomized as a block to Web‐ or paper‐based instruction covering the same four geriatric syndromes (dementia, depression, falls, and urinary incontinence). Outcome measures were mean change scores for before and after testing and scores from SP and ASP clinical encounter forms (checklist, chart abstraction, and electronic order entry). Residents who completed the Web‐based instruction showed significantly greater improvement on the knowledge tests than those who received paper‐based instruction. There were no significant differences in the scores from the SP and ASP clinical encounters except that the chart abstraction score was better for Web‐based group than the paper‐based group for dementia. Web‐based instruction is an educational tool that medical residents readily accept and can be used to improve knowledge of core geriatrics content as measured using immediate posttesting. More‐intensive educational interventions are needed to improve clinical performance by trainees in the care of older patients.
Myocardin is a direct transcriptional target of Mef2, Tead and Foxo proteins during cardiovascular development

Myocardin is a transcriptional co-activator of serum response factor (Srf), which is a key regulator of the expression of smooth and cardiac muscle genes. Consistent with its role in regulating cardiovascular development, myocardin is the earliest known marker specific to both the cardiac and smooth muscle lineages during embryogenesis. To understand how the expression of this early transcriptional regulator is initiated and maintained, we scanned 90 kb of genomic DNA encompassing the myocardin gene for cis-regulatory elements capable of directing myocardin transcription in cardiac and smooth muscle lineages in vivo. Here, we describe an enhancer that controls cardiovascular expression of the mouse myocardin gene during mouse embryogenesis and adulthood. Activity of this enhancer in the heart and vascular system requires the combined actions of the Mef2 and Foxo transcription factors. In addition, the Tead transcription factor is required specifically for enhancer activation in neural-crest-derived smooth muscle cells and dorsal aorta. Notably, myocardin also regulates its own enhancer, but in contrast to the majority of myocardin target genes, which are dependent on Srf, myocardin acts through Mef2 to control its enhancer. These findings reveal an Srf-independent mechanism for smooth and cardiac muscle-restricted transcription and provide insight into the regulatory mechanisms responsible for establishing the smooth and cardiac muscle phenotypes during development.
Dietary modifications, weight loss, and changes in metabolic markers affect global DNA methylation in Hispanic, African American, and Afro-Caribbean breast cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND Lower levels of global DNA methylation in tissue and blood have been associated with increased cancer risk. Conversely, cross-sectional analyses of healthier lifestyle patterns have been associated with higher levels of global DNA methylation. OBJECTIVE In this trial, we explored the associations between changes in lifestyle modifications (diet, weight loss), metabolic markers, and global epigenetic biomarkers in white blood cells. METHODS Study participants were Hispanic, African American, and Afro-Caribbean overweight and sedentary female breast cancer survivors (n = 24) who participated in a larger randomized, crossover, pilot study of a 6-mo weight loss intervention and who had available blood specimens. Anthropometric measures, a food-frequency questionnaire, and peripheral blood were collected at baseline, 6 mo, and 12 mo. Plasma samples were analyzed for metabolic markers (insulin, glucose). We measured DNA methylation of long interspersed nucleotide element 1 (LINE-1) and satellite 2 by pyrosequencing and MethyLight, respectively, and global DNA methylation by the luminometric methylation assay (LUMA). RESULTS DNA methylation of LINE-1 was statistically significantly elevated at 6 mo [75.5% vs. 78.5% (P < 0.0001)] and 12 mo [75.5% vs. 77.7% (P < 0.0001)], compared to baseline. Over a 12-mo period, changes in percentage body fat and plasma glucose concentrations were positively associated with LINE-1 DNA methylation (β = 0.19, P = 0.001) and LUMA DNA methylation levels (β = 0.24, P = 0.02), respectively. Similarly, 12-mo changes in dietary measures such as vegetable (β = 0.009, P = 0.048), protein (β = 0.04, P = 0.001), and total caloric (β = 0.05, P = 0.01) intake were positively associated with changes in LUMA DNA methylation, as was intake of fruit positively associated with changes in LINE-1 DNA methylation (β = 0.004, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Our hypothesis-generating results suggest that lifestyle modifications may be associated with changes in global DNA methylation detectable at 6 and 12 mo. These biomarkers may be useful intermediate biomarkers to use in future intervention trials. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00811824.
Disordered Water Homeostasis in Schizophrenia and Cerebral Ventricular Size

Background A possible association between disordered water homeostasis and cerebral ventricular size in patients with schizophrenia was investigated. Method In a cross-sectional study of hospitalised patients, cerebral ventricular size was measured in 16 schizophrenic patients with disordered water homeostasis and 16 matched schizophrenic controls by magnetic resonance imaging. Results Ventricle to brain ratio, third ventricular index, bicaudate index and bifrontal index tended to be greater in those with schizophrenia with disordered water homeostasis, although differences were significant only for the bifrontal index (P<0.05). Strong negative correlations were found between ventricular size and performance on neuropsychological testing in the disordered water homeostasis group. Conclusion These results provide evidence for an association between structural brain abnormality and disordered water homeostasis in a subset of schizophrenic patients.
Does Better Information Lead to Better Choices? Evidence from Energy-Efficiency Labels

Information provision is a key element of government energy-efficiency policy, but the information that is provided is often too coarse to allow consumers to make efficient decisions. An important example is the ubiquitous yellow “EnergyGuide” label, which is required by law to be displayed on all major appliances sold in the United States. These labels report energy cost information based on average national usage and energy prices. We conduct an online stated-choice experiment to measure the potential welfare benefits from labels tailored to each household’s state of residence. We find that state-specific labels lead to significantly better choices. Consumers choose to invest about the same amount overall in energy efficiency, but the allocation is much better with more investment in high-usage high-price states and less investment in low-usage low-price states.
Lethality of Quinolones against Mycobacterium smegmatis in the Presence or Absence of Chloramphenicol

ABSTRACT Quinolones were examined for rapid lethal activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis in the presence and absence of chloramphenicol, an inhibitor of protein synthesis. C-8 methoxy, C-6 fluorine, and particular C-7 ring substituents enhanced rapid killing. With the surprising exception of moxifloxacin, higher quinolone concentrations were required for lethal activity in the presence of chloramphenicol than in its absence. Moxifloxacin was also unusual in lacking the time lag characteristic of fluoroquinolone lethality. Several fluoroquinolone dimers, which represent quinolones with large C-7 substituents, showed modest bacteriostatic activity. Unlike other quinolones, the dimers failed to display lethal activity. The insensitivity of moxifloxacin to chloramphenicol has not been observed with other bacteria and may therefore reflect unique aspects of mycobacterial gyrase.