Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Posterior corneal astigmatism: a review article

Abstract Most human eyes show at least a small degree of corneal astigmatism and it can arise from both surfaces of the cornea. The shape of the anterior corneal surface provides no definitive basis for knowing the toricity of the posterior surface. In the previous studies, average astigmatism of the posterior corneal surface was −0.26 to −0.78 diopter. The radius of the posterior corneal surface is less than the radius of the anterior corneal surface. Most studies have found a clear correlation between the anterior and posterior corneal asphericities and the asphericity of the posterior surface is independent of the vertex radius of curvature, refractive error and gender. In contrast to the anterior corneal surface, the asphericity of the posterior corneal surface varies significantly between meridians. The anterior and posterior corneal surface would have approximately parallel principal meridians and both of these surfaces are often flatter in the horizontal meridian than the vertical one. This is especially true in the higher degrees of corneal astigmatism, and then about 10% of any anterior corneal astigmatism is neutralized by an astigmatism arising from the posterior corneal surface. Although the second corneal surface only contributes to about 10% of the total refractive power of the eye, a precise knowledge of its morphology is needed for the correct diagnosis and monitoring the corneal diseases or the surgical interventions and in many eyes neglecting the posterior corneal surface measurement may lead to significant deviations from the corneal astigmatism estimation. In this article, we have reviewed the shape and the toricity of the posterior corneal surface and also the effect of age on it. We investigated the contribution of posterior corneal astigmatism to the total corneal astigmatism and evaluated the accuracy of corneal astigmatism estimation by neglecting the posterior corneal surface measurement.
Intergenerational consequences of the Holocaust on offspring mental health: a systematic review of associated factors and mechanisms

ABSTRACT Exposure to war and violence has major consequences for society at large, detrimental impact on people’s individual lives, and may also have intergenerational consequences. To gain more insight into these intergenerational consequences, research addressing the impact of the Holocaust on offspring is an important source of information. The aim of the current study was to systematically review the mechanisms of intergenerational consequences by summarizing characteristics in Holocaust survivors and their offspring suggested to impact the offspring’s mental health. We focused on: 1) parental mental health problems, 2) (perceived) parenting and attachment quality, 3) family structure, especially parental Holocaust history, 4) additional stress and life events, and 5) psychophysiological processes of transmission. We identified 23 eligible studies published between 2000 and 2018. Only Holocaust survivor studies met the inclusion criteria. Various parent and child characteristics and their interaction were found to contribute to the development of psychological symptoms and biological and epigenetic variations. Parental mental health problems, perceived parenting, attachment quality, and parental gender appeared to be influential for the mental well-being of their offspring. In addition, having two survivor parents resulted in higher mental health problems compared to having one survivor parent. Also, there was evidence suggesting that Holocaust survivor offspring show a heightened vulnerability for stress, although this was only evident in the face of actual danger. Finally, the results also indicate intergenerational effects on offspring cortisol levels. Clinical and treatment implications are discussed. HIGHLIGHTS • The aim was to review the mechanisms of intergenerational consequences of the holocaust. • Survivor mothers were more influential for the well-being of their offspring than fathers. • Having two survivor parents resulted in higher mental health problems compared to one. • Heightened vulnerability for stress in offspring was found in the presence of actual danger• The results indicated intergenerational effects with regard to cortisol levels.
Effect of Lavender on Sleep, Sexual Desire, Vasomotor, Psychological and Physical Symptom among Menopausal and Elderly Women: A Systematic Review

Objectives The present systematic review was conducted to compare the effect of lavender on the quality of sleep, sexual desire, and vasomotor, psychological and physical symptoms among menopausal and elderly women. Methods There were five electronic databases which selected to search respective articles which included were Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library without any language restriction since the study inception to March 10, 2018. The quality of studies was assessed in accordance with a jaded scale. Results According to three trials, the lavender as utilized in a capsule form or aromatherapy could significantly improve the measured Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score (P < 0.05) in the menopausal and elderly women. The aromatherapy with lavender improved sexual function (P < 0.001), depression (P < 0.001), anxiety (P < 0.001), and physical (P < 0.001) symptoms. Based on a trial, 66.7%, 70.0%, and 53.3% of subjects reported feelings of relaxation, happiness, and cleanness effects of having used lavender respectively. Conclusions The results suggested the effectiveness of the use of lavender either in capsule form or aromatherapy on the improved quality of sleep, depression, anxiety, sexual desire, and psychological and physical symptoms. These results, however, should be interpreted with caution considering the limitations of the study.
Oleic acid-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier inhibit neutrophil activities in the presence of albumin and alleviates skin inflammation

Aim This paper reports on the incorporation of oleic acid (OA) within nanostructured lipid carriers (OA-NLC) to improve the anti-inflammatory effects in the presence of albumin. Materials and methods NLCs produced via hot high-shear homogenization/ultrasonication were characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, and toxicity. We examined the effects of OA-NLC on neutrophil activities. Dermatologic therapeutic potential was also elucidated by using a murine model of leukotriene B4-induced skin inflammation. Results In the presence of albumin, OA-NLC but not free OA inhibited superoxide generation and elastase release. Topical administration of OA-NLC alleviated neutrophil infiltration and severity of skin inflammation. Conclusion OA incorporated within NLC can overcome the interference of albumin, which would undermine the anti-inflammatory effects of OA. OA-NLC has potential therapeutic effects in topical ointments.
A study of clinical teachers’ attitude to teaching and perceived learning needs in a medical college in Nigeria

Background and purpose Debates on medical educational reform initiatives in Nigeria have gradually shifted from access to medical colleges to improving learning quality. Understandably, clinical teachers are being encouraged to acquire basic teaching pedagogical knowledge through learning activities. Considering the fact that the concept of faculty development for medical teachers’ is still evolving in Sub-Saharan Africa, this study aims to explore clinical teachers’ attitude to teaching and perceptions of continuing education in teaching knowledge and skills in a medical college in Nigeria. Methods Using a mixed-method research approach, quantitative data were collected from a sample of teachers through survey questionnaires, and qualitative data were obtained through face-to-face individual semi-structured interviews of teachers from the same institution. Results Sixty-one survey questionnaires (response rate of 88%) and 10 interviews were completed and analyzed. Findings revealed that teachers’ derived satisfaction from teaching and maintain a strong commitment to teaching. Bedside teachings (64%) and lectures (21%) were reported to be the most frequent mode of teaching. Although four out of every five respondents (80%) reported not having previous training in teaching, a large proportion (97%) self-assessed their teaching abilities to be average or above average, with most indicating that the experience of teaching observed during undergraduate medical training may be sufficient preparation for their teaching roles. The majority of the teachers' were of the opinion that there is a need to improve their individual teaching skill. However, in the absence of formal faculty development programs in the college, most of the teachers indicated that their teaching skills are currently being improved through sporadic informal community of practice involving interested colleagues and modeling identified good teachers. Conclusion A catalyst of learning by teachers’ may come from their belief and self-rating of teaching ability. In this under-resourced context, explicit classifications of existing informal learning opportunities coupled with greater institutional support could improve teaching and teachers’ development.
Ras functional proximity proteomics establishes mTORC2 as new direct ras effector

Although oncogenic mutations in the three major Ras isoforms, KRAS, HRAS and NRAS, are present in nearly a third of human cancers, therapeutic targeting of Ras remains a challenge due to its structure and complex regulation. However, an in-depth examination of the protein interactome of oncogenic Ras may provide new insights into key regulators, effectors and other mediators of its tumorigenic functions. Previous proteomic analyses have been limited by experimental tools that fail to capture the dynamic, transient nature of Ras cellular interactions. Therefore, in a recent study, we integrated proximity-dependent biotin labeling (BioID) proteomics with CRISPR screening of identified proteins to identify Ras proximal proteins required for Ras-dependent cancer cell growth. Oncogenic Ras was proximal to proteins involved in unexpected biological processes, such as vesicular trafficking and solute transport. Critically, we identified a direct, bona fide interaction between active Ras and the mTOR Complex 2 (mTORC2) that stimulated mTORC2 kinase activity. The oncogenic Ras-mTORC2 interaction resulted in a downstream pro-proliferative transcriptional program and promoted Ras-dependent tumor growth in vivo. Here we provide additional insight into the Ras isoform-specific protein interactomes, highlighting new opportunities for unique tumor-type therapies. Finally, we discuss the active Ras-mTORC2 interaction in detail, providing a more complete understanding of the direct relationship between Ras and mTORC2. Collectively, our findings support a model wherein Ras integrates an expanded array of pro-oncogenic signals to drive tumorigenic processes, including action on mTORC2 as a direct effector of Ras-driven proliferative signals.
Gastrointestinal motility and absorptive disorders in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: Prevalence, diagnosis and treatment

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn`s disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic conditions associated with high morbidity and healthcare costs. The natural history of IBD is variable and marked by alternating periods of flare and remission. Even though the use of newer therapeutic targets has been associated with higher rates of mucosal healing, a great proportion of IBD patients remain symptomatic despite effective control of inflammation. These symptoms may include but not limited to abdominal pain, dyspepsia, diarrhea, urgency, fecal incontinence, constipation or bloating. In this setting, commonly there is an overlap with gastrointestinal (GI) motility and absorptive disorders. Early recognition of these conditions greatly improves patient care and may decrease the risk of mistreatment. Therefore, in this review we describe the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of GI motility and absorptive disorders that commonly affect patients with IBD.
Life Cycle Assessment Framework To Support the Design of Biobased Rigid Polyurethane Foams

A methodological framework implementing laboratory activities and life cycle assessment is presented and applied to determine which parameters should be considered to develop biobased rigid polyurethane foams for thermal insulation with improved environmental performances when compared to their fossil counterparts. The framework was applied to six partially biobased (produced from bio-based polyols obtained from azelaic acid and/or lignin) and one fossil-based formulations. A comprehensive set of impact assessment categories was investigated including uncertainty and sensitivity analysis. Results proved that physical characteristics such as thermal conductivity and density are the most important variable to be optimized to guarantee better environmental performances of biobased polyurethane rigid foams for thermal insulation. Care should be taken with reference to ozone depletion potential, marine eutrophication, and abiotic depletion potential because of the uncertainty related to their results. The methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and foam production process were identified as the major sources of impacts. Overall environmental superiority of biobased polyurethanes cannot always be claimed with respect to their fossil counterpart.
Perceptual load modulates contour integration in conscious and unconscious states

Previous research has documented that contour detection and integration may either be affected by local features such as the distances between elements or by high-level cognitive factors such as attention in our visual system. Less is known about how low and high level factors interact to influence contour integration. In this paper, we investigated how attention modulates contour integration through saliency (different element spacing) and topological propert ies (circle or S-shaped) when the state of conscious awareness is manipulated. A modified inattentional blindness (IB) combined with the Posner cuing paradigm was adopted in our three-phased experiment (unconscious-training-conscious). Attention was manipulated with high or low perceptual load for a foveal go/no-go task. Cuing effects were utilized to assess the covert processing of contours prior to a peripheral orientation discrimination task. We found that (1) salient circles and S-contours induced different cuing effects under low perceptual load but not with high load; (2) no consistent pattern of cuing effects was found for non-salient contours in all the conditions; (3) a positive cuing effect was observed for salient circles either consciously or unconsciously while a negative cuing effect occurred for salient S-contours only consciously. These results suggest that conscious awareness plays a pivotal role in coordinating a closure effect with the level of perceptual load. Only salient circles can be successfully integrated in an unconscious state under low perceptual load although both salient circles and S-contours can be done consciously. Our findings support a bi-directional mechanism that low-level sensory features interact with high-level cognitive factors in contour integration.
Perception of general dentists and laypersons towards altered smile aesthetics

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate how dental practitioners and laypersons differ in their perception of altered smile aesthetics based on viewing images of a digitally manipulated smile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A photograph with close to ideal smile characteristics was selected and digitally manipulated to create changes in buccal corridor space (BCS), midline diastema, gingival display, and midline shift. These altered images were rated by two groups: dental practitioners and lay persons using a visual analogue scale. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of both groups were calculated and the Student's t-test was used to identify any statistically significant differences between the groups. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Science (version 23.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA). RESULTS: The dentists were more sensitive to changes in the midline shift than laypeople and provided lower scores. There were no significant differences between the two groups when the gingival display alteration was ≤3 mm. However, for gingival display of 4 mm and 5 mm, there was significant difference between the two groups, with dentist rating them poorer as compared with the laypeople (P < 0.001). Dentists were more sensitive than the laypeople for midline diastema of 2 mm and 3 mm (P < 0.001 and P = 0.005 respectively). Changes in the BCS had minimal impact on the overall esthetic score for both the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Perception of smile esthetics differed between dentists and laypersons.
Selection Pressures on RNA Sequences and Structures

With the discovery of increasingly more functional noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), it becomes eminent to more strongly consider them as important players during species evolution. Although tests for negative selection of ncRNAs already exist since the beginning of this century, the SSS-test is the first one for also investigating positive selection. When analyzing selection in ncRNAs, it should be taken into account that selection pressures can independently act on sequence and structure. We applied the SSS-test to explore the evolution of ncRNAs in primates and identified more than 100 long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that might evolve under positive selection in humans. With this test, it is now possible to more thoroughly include ncRNAs into evolutionary studies.
Microwave ablation compared with radiofrequency ablation for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose Percutaneous ablation techniques, including microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), have become important minimally invasive treatment options for liver cancer. This systematic review compared MWA with RFA for treatment of liver cancer. Methods The systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted for randomized and observational studies published from 2006 onwards. A random-effects model was used for meta-analyses and local tumor progression (LTP), technique efficacy, overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), intrahepatic de novo lesions (IDL), extrahepatic metastases (EHM), length of stay (LOS), and complications were analyzed. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Results Of 1379 studies identified, 28 randomized and observational studies met inclusion criteria. The main analysis demonstrated that LTP was significantly reduced by 30% with MWA versus RFA (RR=0.70; P=0.02) (all studies) and by 45% with MWA versus RFA (RR=0.55; P=0.007) (randomized studies only). There were no significant differences between MWA and RFA for other efficacy and safety outcomes. Higher frequency (2450 MHz) and larger tumor size (≥2.5 cm) are amongst variables that may be associated with improved outcomes for MWA. Sensitivity analyses were generally congruent with the main results. Conclusion MWA is at least as safe and effective as RFA for treating liver cancer and demonstrated significantly reduced LTP rates. Future studies should assess time and costs associated with these two treatment modalities.
Plasma concentrations of steroid precursors, steroids, neuroactive steroids, and neurosteroids in healthy neonatal foals from birth to 7 days of age

Abstract Background Transient hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis dysfunction occurs in critically ill foals with sepsis and neonatal maladjustment syndrome (NMS). Cortisol is the most commonly measured steroid. However, a complex interaction of various steroid compounds might play a role in pathophysiology of this disorder. Objective To identify steroid compounds present at high concentrations at birth that rapidly and steadily decrease within the first 7 days of life in healthy foals and that might be supportive diagnosis of NMS and other neonatal disorders. Animals Ten healthy neonatal Quarter Horse foals (5 females and 5 males). Methods Prospective study. Blood was collected in heparinized tubes within 30 minutes after birth, and at 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 hours of age. Plasma was separated and a panel of steroid compounds was analyzed using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. A nonlinear regression model was used to determine decay concentrations over time. Confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and significance was set a P ≤ . 05. Results Five compounds were identified: pregnenolone, progesterone, deoxycorticosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. Pregnenolone and progesterone concentrations rapidly decreased by 24 hours of age and remained low throughout the first 7 days of life. Their half‐life (95% CI) was short at 3.7 (3.4, 4.0) and 4.5 (2.8, 6.1) hours, respectively. No statistical differences in the concentrations of these compounds were found between males and females. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Progesterone might be a useful marker for identifying continuous endogenous production of neuroactive steroids in foals with suspected NMS and other neonatal diseases.
Impact of caesarean section on breastfeeding indicators: within-country and meta-analyses of nationally representative data from 33 countries in sub-Saharan Africa

Objective To examine the impact of caesarean section on breastfeeding indicators—early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months and children ever breastfed (at least once)—in sub-Saharan Africa. Design Secondary analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). Setting Thirty-three low-income and middle-income countries with a survey conducted between 2010 and 2017/2018. Participants Women aged 15–49 years with a singleton live last birth during the 2 years preceding the survey. Main outcome measures We analysed the DHS data to examine the impact of caesarean section on breastfeeding indicators using the modified Poisson regression models for each country adjusted for potential confounders. For each breastfeeding indicator, the within-country adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were pooled in random-effects meta-analysis. Results The within-country analyses showed, compared with vaginal birth, caesarean section was associated with aPR for early initiation of breastfeeding that ranged from 0.24 (95% CI 0.17 to 0.33) in Tanzania to 0.89 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.00) in South Africa. The aPR for exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months ranged from 0.58 (95% CI 0.34 to 0.98) in Angola to 1.93 (95% CI 0.46 to 8.10) in Cote d'Ivoire, while the aPR for children ever breastfed ranged from 0.91 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.02) in Gabon to 1.02 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.04) in Gambia. The meta-analysis showed caesarean section was associated with a 46% lower prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding (pooled aPR, 0.54 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.60)). However, meta-analysis indicated little association with exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months (pooled aPR, 0.94 (95% CI 0.88 to 1.01)) and children ever breastfed (pooled aPR, 0.98 (95% CI 0.98 to 0.99)) among caesarean versus vaginally born children. Conclusions Caesarean section had a negative influence on early initiation of breastfeeding but showed little difference in exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months and children ever breastfed in sub-Saharan Africa.