Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of flight and equivalent short-term high-altitude exposure on ocular structures and function

Background: Exposure to high-altitude conditions during flight or similar activities affects many aspects of visual function, which is critical not only for flight safety but for any altitude-related activity. We aimed to summarize the available literature pertaining to ocular changes during flight or equivalent short-term high-altitude exposure (e.g., hypobaric chamber, effortless ascent lasting ≤ 24 h) and to highlight future research priorities. Methods: Using the PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science/ISI Web of Knowledge databases with structured search syntax, we conducted a systematic review of the literature spanning a 40-year period (January 1, 1983, to October 10, 2023). Articles pertaining to ocular changes during flight or flight-equivalent exposure to altitude were retrieved. The reference lists of retrieved studies were also searched, and citations of these references were included in the results. Results: Of 875 relevant PubMed and ISI publications, 122 qualified for inclusion and 20 more were retrieved from the reference lists of initially selected records, for a total of 142 articles. Reported anterior segment changes included deterioration in tear film stability and increased dry eye incidence, increased corneal thickness, discomfort and bubble formation in contact lens users, refraction changes in individuals with prior refractive surgery, decreased intraocular pressure, and alterations in pupillary reaction, contrast sensitivity, and visual fields. Photoreceptor–visual pathway changes included alterations in both photoreceptors and neuro-transduction, as evidenced in dark adaptation, macular recovery time, reduction in visual field sensitivity, and optic neuritis (likely an element of decompression sickness). Retinochoroidal changes included increases in retinal vessel caliber, retinal blood flow, and choroidal thickness; central serous chorioretinopathy; and retinal vascular events (non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy, high-altitude retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion). Conclusions: The effect of short-term high-altitude exposure on the eye is, in itself, a difficult area to study. Although serious impairment of visual acuity appears to be rare, ocular changes, including tear film stability, contact lens wear, central corneal thickness, intraocular pressure, contrast sensitivity, stability of refractive surgeries, retinal vessels, visual fields, and macula recovery time, should be considered in civilian aviators. Our report provides guidance to climbers and lowlanders traveling to altitude if they have pre-existing ocular conditions or if they experience visual symptoms while at altitude. However, key outcomes have been contradictory and comprehensive studies are scarce, especially those pertaining to the choroid and retina. Such studies could not only deepen our understanding of high-altitude ocular pathophysiology, but could also offer valuable information and treatment possibilities for a constellation of other vision-threatening diseases.
Heliospheric Conditions at Saturn During Cassini's Ring‐Grazing and Proximal Orbits

We surveyed energetic charged particle measurements by Cassini between 2016 and the end of the mission in order to identify transients of solar energetic particles and galactic cosmic rays. Such transients offer hints about the state of the heliosphere and valuable context for interpreting space weather phenomena in Saturn's magnetosphere. The period studied includes the mission's Ring‐Grazing and Proximal orbits, which due to their week‐long periods are ideal for capturing short timescale dynamics in the planet's magnetosphere, including solar periodicities. We find that Saturn was exposed to corotating interaction regions for nearly all the 21 final months of Cassini and encountered just two interplanetary coronal mass ejections. Several independent studies report solar periodicities and storm‐time conditions in the magnetosphere at times, which coincide with the transients that we identify here.
FOCUS ON POLICY: The Power of Words: Top-Down Mandates Masquerade as Social Justice Reforms

The author explores the appropriation of social justice language and metaphors for top-down mandates that disenfranchise students and teachers. Arguing against ideas that equate “equity” with “standardization,” the author reflects on the ways that these top-down programs impede authentic writing instruction. She urges teachers to decode the rhetoric and talk back to school districts that speak of equity and social justice, but treat educators like robotic hands that deliver education programs designed and shipped from sites outside of classrooms.
The Synthesis and Reactivity of Mesoporous and Surface-Rough Vinyl-Containing ORMOSIL Nanoparticles

Silica nanoparticles synthesized solely from organosilanes naturally possess a greater number of organic functionalities than silica nanoparticles surface-modified with organosilanes. We report the synthesis of organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) nanoparticles with a mesoporous and surface-rough morphology and with a high surface area, made solely from vinyltrimethoxy silane. We chemically modified these vinyl silica nanoparticles using bromination and hydroboration, and demonstrated the high accessibility and reactivity of the vinyl groups with an ~85% conversion of the functional groups for the bromination of both particle types, a ~60% conversion of the functional groups for the hydroboration of surface-rough particles and a 90% conversion of the functional groups for the hydroboration of mesoporous particles. We determined that the mesoporous vinyl silica nanoparticles, while having a surface area that lies between the non-porous and surface-rough vinyl silica nanoparticles, provide the greatest accessibility to the vinyl groups for boronation and allow for the incorporating of up to 3.1 × 106 B atoms per particle, making the resulting materials attractive for boron neutron capture therapy.
Spatial and Temporal Variation in Methane Concentrations, Fluxes, and Sources in Lakes in Arctic Alaska

Climate warming may lead to a positive feedback of increased emissions of CH4 from sediments beneath Arctic lakes, but the contribution of these lakes to the global CH4 budget is poorly quantified. Here we present results of a study of CH4 concentrations and sources from a series of 50 lakes in Arctic Alaska across an 80,000 km2 spatial gradient and a 2 year time period. We measured dissolved CH4 concentrations and stable isotopes of CH4 in lakes in the North Slope of Alaska in August 2014 and 2015 and April 2015 (under ice). Stable isotopes indicated that biogenic CH4 dominated versus thermogenic sources, with both acetate fermentation and carbonate reduction sources. Dissolved CH4 was about 100 times higher under the ice than during the summer, indicating that the spring ice off period is a large source of atmospheric CH4. Open‐water dissolved CH4 concentrations had a negative relationship with latitude in both years of our study, although CH4 fluxes were consistent among a subset of lakes measured along a ~150 km north to south transect in both years (14 lakes in 2014 and 12 in 2015). Dissolved CH4 concentrations and fluxes were significantly higher in August 2015 versus August 2014, concurrent with a 3°C higher mean water temperature in 2015 versus 2014. Much longer‐term monitoring is needed, however, to conclude that CH4 emissions from Arctic lakes mirror observed warming trends. This study provides valuable baseline data and can inform methods for future studies investigating carbon cycle‐climate change feedbacks in Alaskan Arctic lakes.
An innovative sand dune restoration project from Malta

Sand dunes arguably qualify as the most endangered natural habitats in the Maltese Islands due to the small size of the dunes, the low proportion of sandy shores (just 2.4% of the entire islands‟ coastline), the intense human impact, and the lack of public awareness and information about these ecosystems. Out of 32 areas known to have harboured some sort of natural sand dune flora, only five localities now support dunes with a relatively intact characteristic dune vegetation. One of these, the dune at White Tower Bay was earmarked for a dune restoration project since this is the bestpreserved sand dune system on the island of Malta. Main threats to the White Tower Bay dune include illegal camping activities and parking especially during summer, trampling by humans and off-road vehicles, illconceived afforestation schemes, cultivation in the dune‟s catchment area, and huts that abut on the dune. These threats operate even though the White Tower Bay sand dune is scheduled as an Area of Ecological Importance and a Site of Scientific Importance. Restoration of the White Tower Bay sand dune is being jointly undertaken by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) and the NGO Nature Trust (Malta), as part of MEPA‟s Environmental Initiative In Partnership Programme. Restoration includes both short-term (temporary) and long-term (permanent) measures. Emergency measures included the installation of metal bollards joined by metal chains around the dune‟s landwards border to prevent vehicular access to the dune from the road skirting it, as well as the installation of educational signs explaining the importance of the dune and the scope behind the restoration works. Due to consultation with stakeholders and their involvement from the onset, it was ensured that conflicts were minimized. The permanent restoration measures will be completed within the next few years. These include the gradual relocation of the huts, closure of the road surrounding the dune, the manual removal of alien flora, and the planting of Ammophila littoralis (marram grass) – a stabilising pioneer species of foredunes that is now extinct from the Maltese Islands – along the seaward margins of the dune. In addition, the complete removal of seagrass wrack from the beach will be discouraged. Special emphasis will
Therapeutic Potential of Fungal Terpenes and Terpenoids: Application in Skin Diseases

Terpenes and their derivatives comprise a diverse group of natural compounds with versatile medicinal properties. This article elucidates the general characteristics of fungal terpenes and terpenoids, encompassing their structure and biogenesis. The focal point of this work involves a comprehensive overview of these compounds, highlighting their therapeutic properties, mechanisms of action, and potential applications in treating specific skin conditions. Numerous isolated terpenes and terpenoids have demonstrated noteworthy anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects, rivalling or surpassing the efficacy of currently employed treatments for inflammation or skin infections. Due to their well-documented antioxidant and anti-cancer attributes, these compounds exhibit promise in both preventing and treating skin cancer. Terpenes and terpenoids sourced from fungi display the capability to inhibit tyrosinase, suggesting potential applications in addressing skin pigmentation disorders and cancers linked to melanogenesis dysfunctions. This paper further disseminates the findings of clinical and in vivo research on fungal terpenes and terpenoids conducted thus far.
Case Report: Is Intravenous Immunoglobulin Important when Used Together with Pulse Steroid! Complete recovery within 1 Month of Pediatric Patient Diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis

BACKGROUND: Pediatric acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is a potentially devastating condition with variable outcomes and presents significant demands on health and social care resources. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient in the present study was a 9-year-old boy, unknown to have chronic diseases. He was presented to Maternity and Children Hospital, Tabuk, with a history of acute progressive onset of unsteady gait and imbalance with pictures of encephalopathy. “Change level of consciousness” for >1 week, preceded by fever and upper respiratory tract infection symptoms. Physical findings were very suggestive and consistent with ATM. Diagnosis was confirmed by blood investigations, lumbar puncture analysis, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain, and spine. The analysis of lumbar puncture (cerebrospinal fluid) showed high white blood cells count and high protein level “more than 500. ” The findings of MRI brain and spine were consistent with TM. The treatment was done initially with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) by a dose of 2 g/kg divided over 2–4 days; followed by a dose of IV pulse steroid, 30 mg/kg/dose of methylprednisolone once a day for 3 days, with close monitor. The patient had a full physical and radiological recovery within less than one month. In conclusion, IVIG showed a significant role in the management of ATM together with steroid. CONCLUSION: IVIG showed a significant role in the management of ATM and could be used as a supportive treatment together with IV pulse steroid. IVIG showed a good efficacy with no serious complications.
The drought of 2010 in the context of historical droughts in the Amazon region

The year 2010 featured a widespread drought in the Amazon rain forest, which was more severe than the “once‐in‐a‐century” drought of 2005. Water levels of major Amazon tributaries fell drastically to unprecedented low values, and isolated the floodplain population whose transportation depends upon on local streams which completely dried up. The drought of 2010 in Amazonia started in early austral summer during El Niño and then was intensified as a consequence of the warming of the tropical North Atlantic. An observed tendency for an increase in dry and very dry events, particularly in southern Amazonia during the dry season, is concomitant with an increase in the length of the dry season. Our results suggest that it is by means of a longer dry season that warming in the tropical North Atlantic affects the hydrology of the Amazon Rivers at the end of the recession period (austral spring). This process is, sometimes, further aggravated by deficient rainfall in the previous wet season.
Assessing the Microbial Quality of Shrimp (Xiphonaeus kroyeri) and Mussels (Perna perna) Illegally Sold in the Vitória Region, Brazil, and Investigating the Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolates

The consumption of seafood is crucial for food security, but poor hygiene along the food production chain can result in low microbiological quality, posing significant risks for public health and seafood quality. Thus, this study aimed to assess the microbiological quality and antimicrobial sensitivity of E. coli from 69 samples of illegally marketed shrimp and mussels in the Vitória Region, Brazil. These foods exhibited poor microbiological quality due to high counts of mesophilic, psychrotrophic, and enterobacteria microorganisms. While this issue is widespread in this area, shrimp samples displayed higher microbial counts compared to mussels, and fresh mussels had elevated counts of enterobacteria compared to frozen ones. Among the 10 E. coli isolates, none carried the genes blaCTX-M-1, blaCTX-M-2, blaCTX-M-3, blaCTX-M-15, mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-4, and tet, associated with antibiotic resistance. Phenotypical resistance to tetracycline and fosfomycin was not observed in any isolate, while only 20% demonstrated resistance to ciprofloxacin. Regarding ampicillin and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, 60% of isolates were resistant, 10% showed intermediate susceptibility, and 30% were sensitive. One isolate was considered simultaneously resistant to β-lactams and quinolones, and none were conserved as ESBL producers. These findings highlight the inherent risks to local public health that arise from consuming improperly prepared seafood in this area.
Reevaluation of surface rupture parameters and faulting segmentation of the 2001 Kunlunshan earthquake (Mw7.8), northern Tibetan Plateau, China

The 14 November 2001, M w = 7.8 Kunlunshan earthquake ruptured the westernmost part of the Kunlun Fault, northern Tibetan Plateau. The main segment affected by this event was the Kusaihu segment. Field investigations allowed us to constrain the length, the width, and the coseismic horizontal displacement distribution of the Kunlunshan earthquake rupture zone. The mapped surface rupture zone starts from 90.257°E in the west and ends at 94.795°E in the east with a total length of 426 km. It consists of three main sections, the western strike-slip section, the transtensional section, and the eastern strike-slip section. The rupture zone is oriented N100° ± 10°E on average. The distribution of the coseismic horizontal displacements is characterized by multiple peaks departing clearly from a general bell-shaped distribution. Reassessment of the maximum coseismic horizontal left-lateral displacement yields a value of 7.6 ± 0.4 m at the site (35.767°N, 93.323°E) consistent with independent measurements derived from interferometric synthetic aperture radar and seismology. From this site the horizontal displacement decreases unevenly to both the west and east. Coseismic vertical (reverse) displacement is also noted at the eastern end of the rupture but it remains much smaller than the horizontal component. The width of the rupture zone varies from site to site from several meters to few kilometers. The maximum width measured reaches 8 km along the Yuxi Feng subsection where a large number of shaking related cracks were well developed.
RESULTS OF INDOOR RADON MEASUREMENTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA: – A REVIEW –

Radon and its short lived decay products accumulated in indoor environment are the main source of public exposure to natural radiations. The health effects as well as a great number of natural and artificial factors affecting the radon accumulation in indoor environments are some of the motives for the scientific interest in radon issue. Following this global trend, many studies of indoor radon in the Balkan region, including the Republic of Macedonia have been conducted in the last decade. This paper is an overview of the published papers regarding indoor radon concentration measurements with nuclear track detectors in the Republic of Macedonia. It gives basic information about the spatial and temporal variability of indoor radon over the territory of the country, following by a description of the some factors which affect its variations. This review attempts: to organize available indoor radon results in order to show clear picture of the so far conducted surveys; to highlight the need for continuation of more extensive radon investigation in workplaces; to motivate the building professionals to create as much as possible mitigation methods for indoor radon reduction, to motivate the health professionals for epidemiological studies etc.
Predators of the sea urchin Diadema mexicanum (Diadematoida: Diadematidae) at the Eastern Tropical Pacific coral reefs

Introduction: The coral reefs of Isla del Coco National Park are some of the most pristine ecosystems on Earth. The sea urchin Diadema mexicanum (Diadematoida: Diadematidae) is a common inhabitant with a pivotal role in the ecology of this unique ecosystem. Objective: In this study, we identified the predominant predators of D. mexicanum and estimated the predatory consumption rates. We also determined predation rates at different sea urchin sizes and at sites with contrasting refuge availability. Methods: We use field video recording observations and tethering experiments. Results: The balistid Sufflamen verres and the labrid Bodianus diplotaenia were identified as predators of small and medium size D. mexicanum; the labrids Thalassoma grammaticum and B. diplotaenia (juvenile) and the tetraodontid Arothron meleagris were attempted predators; and Canthigaster punctatissima and Holacanthus passer were scavengers. Larger sea urchins (> 30 mm) were also preyed upon during the tethering experiments. Furthermore, a clear effect of the site on survival of the different sea urchins’ sizes was noted. No difference in the sea urchin predator biomass was found among sites, which highlights the importance of site complexity on survival. At high and medium complexity sites, large individuals had better survival, while at the low complexity site, there was almost no differences in survival rates among the three size classes. Our results also show that a high abundance of these predatory fishes, above 0.04 ind m-2, guarantees a low sea urchin density. Below this threshold, a higher variability in sea urchin density is observed Despite not being registered with the video recordings, lobsters were observed once preying upon a large sea urchin individual. Conclusions: This study identifies a keystone fish guild with high predation rate for Diadema in the National Park, which suggests that protective actions have positively benefited predatory fish and lobster populations.
Patient listening on social media for patient-focused drug development: a synthesis of considerations from patients, industry and regulators

Patients, life science industry and regulatory authorities are united in their goal to reduce the disease burden of patients by closing remaining unmet needs. Patients have, however, not always been systematically and consistently involved in the drug development process. Recognizing this gap, regulatory bodies worldwide have initiated patient-focused drug development (PFDD) initiatives to foster a more systematic involvement of patients in the drug development process and to ensure that outcomes measured in clinical trials are truly relevant to patients and represent significant improvements to their quality of life. As a source of real-world evidence (RWE), social media has been consistently shown to capture the first-hand, spontaneous and unfiltered disease and treatment experience of patients and is acknowledged as a valid method for generating patient experience data by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While social media listening (SML) methods are increasingly applied to many diseases and use cases, a significant piece of uncertainty remains on how evidence derived from social media can be used in the drug development process and how it can impact regulatory decision making, including legal and ethical aspects. In this policy paper, we review the perspectives of three key stakeholder groups on the role of SML in drug development, namely patients, life science companies and regulators. We also carry out a systematic review of current practices and use cases for SML and, in particular, highlight benefits and drawbacks for the use of SML as a way to identify unmet needs of patients. While we find that the stakeholders are strongly aligned regarding the potential of social media for PFDD, we identify key areas in which regulatory guidance is needed to reduce uncertainty regarding the impact of SML as a source of patient experience data that has impact on regulatory decision making.