Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in the treatment of dacryocystitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: This article aimed to discuss the efficacy and safety of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EDCR) versus external dacryocystorhinostomy (EX-DCR) for the treatment of dacryocystitis by meta-analysis. Methods: All randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were collected by searching the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang, from the establishment of the database to June 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software and review manager 5.4 software. In the collected trials, the observation group was treated with EDCR, whereas the control group was treated with EX-DCR. Results: A total of 10 studies involving 969 patients were included in this analysis. There was a similar surgical success rate in the treatment of dacryocystitis between the 2 groups (RR = 1.021, 95% CI [0. 803, 1.297], P = 0. 865). However, compared with the control group, patients in the observation group had a higher total effective rate of treatment (RR = 1. 195, 95% CI [1. 063, 1.343], P = .003), and shorter operative time (WMD = −23.640, 95% CI [−35.533, −11.747], P < .001), and less intraoperative blood loss (WMD = −50.797, 95% CI [−80.339, −21.255], P = .001), shorter length of hospital stays (WMD = −4.570, 95% CI [−5.992, −3.148], P < .001), and lower incidence of adverse events (RR = 0.295, 95% CI [0.173, 0.504], P < .001). Conclusion: EDCR is an effective and safe surgical procedure for the treatment of dacryocystitis and can be used as an alternative to EX-DCR.
Application of PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic acid) for rejuvenation and reproduction of facial cutaneous tissue in aesthetics: A review

Poly-L-lactin acid (PLLA) has been widely used in the field of bio-medicine. In 2004, as an injectable material, PLLA was approved by the FDA to treat AIDS-related facial atrophy. Since then, several injectable stuffs containing PLLA have been approved for marketing in various countries and regions. Recently, PLLA has often been used to treat facial rejuvenation problems like cutaneous depressions and static wrinkles which always induce unsatisfactory facial expression. This review introduces the physicochemical properties, regeneration stimulating mechanism, applications in aesthetics and injectable comorbidity of PLLA.
Clinical responses to vemurafenib in postoperative recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma with esophageal fistula: A case report

Background: While papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) generally exhibits a favorable prognosis post-surgery, the poorly differentiated subtype presents elevated rates of postoperative recurrence. Certain aggressive cases demonstrate invasive behavior, compromising adjacent structures and leading to a poor prognosis. This study delineates a unique case of postoperative PTC recurrence, complicated by esophageal fistula, that showed favorable outcomes following brief Vemurafenib treatment. Patient description: A 64-year-old female patient underwent surgical resection for PTC, subsequently experiencing rapid tumor recurrence and development of an esophageal fistula. Diagnosis: The patient was confirmed to have locally advanced PTC through intraoperative cytopathology. The cancer recurred postoperatively, culminating in the formation of an esophageal fistula. Methods: The patient was administered Vemurafenib at a dosage of 960 mg twice daily following tumor recurrence. Results: A 12-month regimen of targeted Vemurafenib therapy led to a substantial reduction in tumor size. Concurrently, the esophageal fistula underwent complete healing, facilitating successful removal of the gastrostomy tube. The tumor response was classified as stable disease. Conclusion subsections: Vemurafenib demonstrates potential as a targeted therapeutic strategy for recurrent PTC harboring the BRAFV600E mutation. This approach may effectively mitigate tumor dimensions and the associated risk of esophageal and tracheal fistulas.
Inbreeding effects on different lineages of Thrips tabaci (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Abstract Inbreeding can have detrimental effects on reproductive fitness, but the extent of lineage-specific variation in these effects remains poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of brother and sister inbreeding on reproductive fitness in 2 lineages (L1 and T) of T. tabaci. Inbred females from both lineages exhibited a significant reduction in longevity compared with the control group. The L1 lineage experienced a 27% and 43% decrease in longevity in the F2 and F3 generations, respectively, while the T lineage showed a similar trend with a 30% and 44% decrease. The T lineage consistently displayed slightly longer lifespans than the L1 lineage across all generations. Brother and sister inbreeding also led to a decrease in fecundity rates in both lineages. In the F3 generation, the number of eggs laid decreased by 59% compared with the F2 generation. The T lineage consistently exhibited slightly lower fecundity rates compared with the L1 lineage. Egg hatchability rates declined with subsequent inbreeding, with the F3 generation showing lower rates compared with the F2 generation. However, the T lineage did not exhibit a significant difference in inbreeding depression for egg hatchability rates, while the L1 lineage demonstrated a noticeable decrease. Deformities observed in male L1 lineage resulting from inbreeding were consistent with disruptions in normal developmental processes, affecting various body parts such as legs, antennae, and wings. Continued inbreeding increased susceptibility to inbreeding depression in terms of longevity, fecundity, and egg hatchability.
Phospholipase D, a Novel Therapeutic Target Contributes to the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative and Neuroimmune Diseases

Phospholipase D (PLD) is an enzyme that consists of six isoforms (PLD1–PLD6) and has been discovered in different organisms including bacteria, viruses, plants, and mammals. PLD is involved in regulating a wide range of nerve cells' physiological processes, such as cytoskeleton modulation, proliferation/growth, vesicle trafficking, morphogenesis, and development. Simultaneously, PLD, which also plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative and neuroimmune diseases. In this review, family members, characterizations, structure, functions and related signaling pathways, and therapeutic values of PLD was summarized, then five representative diseases including Alzheimer disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), etc. were selected as examples to tell the involvement of PLD in these neurological diseases. Notably, recent advances in the development of tools for studying PLD therapy envisaged novel therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, the limitations of PLD based therapy were also analyzed and discussed. The content of this review provided a thorough and reasonable basis for further studies to exploit the potential of PLD in the treatment of neurodegenerative and neuroimmune diseases.
Suicidal ideation, attempt, and its associated factors among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis study

Background WHO statistics show that someone attempts suicide every three seconds and commits suicide every 40 seconds somewhere in the world. There is a scarcity of aggregate evidence in Ethiopia. The aim of this review was to assess the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation, attempts, and associated factors among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia to fill this gap. Methods We extensively searched the bibliographic databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Web of Science to obtain eligible studies. Further screening for a reference list of articles was also done. The Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet was used to extract data, and Stata 17 was used for analysis. To check heterogeneity, the Higgs I2 and Cochran’s Q tests were employed. Sensitivity and subgroup analysis were implemented. To detect publication bias, Egger’s test and funnel plots were used. Results The pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia was 20.3 with a 95% CI (14, 26.5) and 11.1 with a 95% CI (6.6, 15.5), respectively. Living alone (AOR 4.98; 95% CI: 2.96–8.37), having comorbidity or other opportunistic infection (AOR 4.67; 95% CI: 2.57–8.48), female sex (AOR 2.86; 95% CI: 1.76, 4.62), having WHO clinical stage III of HIV (AOR 3.69; 95% CI: 2.15, 6.32), having WHO clinical stage IV of HIV (AOR 5.43; 95% CI: 2.81, 10.53), having co-morbid depression (AOR 5.25; 95% CI: 4.05, 6.80), having perceived HIV stigma (AOR 2.53; 95% CI: 1.67, 3.84), and having family history of suicidal attempt (AOR 2.79; 95% CI: 1.38, 5.66) were significantly associated with suicidal ideation. Being female (AOR 4.33; 95% CI: 2.36, 7.96), having opportunistic infections (AOR 2.73; 95% CI: 1.69, 4.41), having WHO clinical stage III of HIV (AOR 3.78; 95% CI: 2.04, 7.03), having co-morbid depression (AOR 3.47; 95% CI: 2.38, 5.05), having poor social support (AOR 3.02; 95% CI: 1.78, 5.13), and having WHO clinical stage IV (AOR 7.39; 95% CI: 3.54, 15.41) were significantly associated with suicidal attempts. Conclusion The pooled magnitude of suicidal ideation and attempt was high, and factors like opportunistic infection, WHO clinical stage III of HIV, WHO clinical stage III of HIV, and co-morbid depression were related to both suicidal ideation and attempt. Clinicians should be geared towards this mental health problem in HIV patients during management.
Fish diversity of Colombian Andes‐Amazon streams at the end of conflict is a reference for conservation before increased land use

Abstract Reference conditions are difficult to find in the Anthropocene but essential for effective biodiversity conservation. Aquatic ecosystems in the Andes‐Amazon transition zone of Colombia are now at high risk due to expanded human activities after peace agreements in 2016 ended armed conflict because lands formerly controlled by FARC and other armed groups are now prone to agricultural and urban expansion. Particularly, expanding human land use may reduce fish diversity across the altitudinal gradient, especially in the premontane streams (i.e., <500 m a.s.l.) because lands are more amenable to human use than at greater altitudes. We evaluated fish α‐diversity (measured as species richness, total abundance, and effective species number) and β‐diversity (spatial and temporal) in 12 sites over 8 years bracketing the end of armed conflict. All α‐diversity and β‐diversity analyses were evaluated relative to categorical altitude (< or >500 m) and continuous altitude. Strong differences in fish community structure among sites occurred as a function of altitude. Fish communities exhibit altitudinal biodiversity gradients that are consistent in space and time, and that need to be accounted for conservation and management considerations. Our results provide a reference to identify short‐ and long‐term changes due to impending human land use at a critical moment for the conservation of tropical fish diversity. Similar studies in other areas of the upper Amazon Basin are needed to evaluate effects of subsequent human activities on diversity patterns and our study area to compare to reference conditions reported here.
Bmc Cell Biology Copine A, a Calcium-dependent Membrane-binding Protein, Transiently Localizes to the Plasma Membrane and Intracellular Vacuoles in Dictyostelium

Background: Copines are soluble, calcium-dependent membrane binding proteins found in a variety of organisms. Copines are characterized as having two C2 domains at the N-terminal region followed by an "A domain" at the C-terminal region. The "A domain" is similar in sequence to the von Willebrand A (VWA) domain found in integrins. The presence of C2 domains suggests that copines may be involved in cell signaling and/or membrane trafficking pathways.
Different Objective Image Quality Assessment Techniques

s Quality assessment plays an improle in image analysis.The study highlight wavelet transformation based technique which is basically a time frequency transformation and compares it with traditional methods like PSNR, MSE, SSIM, MSSIM, UQI, NO REF BASED. By applying the wavelet decomposition to the image.The low-freq. components and the high-frequency components of the image are successively obtained . The bases of the wavelet decomposition can be selected from Haar, Daubechies (N=3), and Daubechies (N=5). The original image is reconstructed from the low-freq. and high-freq. components. This procedure is called the inverse wavelet transform. By reconstructing the image only from high frequency component, high frequency image is obtained and this image can be used for edge detection.Daubechies wavelet metric ((DWM) uses the concept of sharpness and zero crossing . Zero crossing provide location of sharp signal variation. Sharpness is defined by the boundaries between zones of different tones or colors.Four bands are extracted from reference and distorted image by employing 2-D Daubechies wavelet decomposition namely: LL, LH, HL, and HH.Sharpness of both reference and distorted can be calculated from energy in wavelet sub bandand then sharpness similarity of both original and distorted image is measured.By calculatingnumber of edge points in original and distorted image edge structural similarity is measured.Zero crossing is found from edge structural similarity.By combining zero crossing and structural similarity DWM is obtained. We performed our experiment on 9 publicly available images on which blurring of different types JPEG compression and JPEG compression with blurring are applied. For
Protected landscapes and agrobiodiversity values

This new series of publications on the values of Protected Landscapes and Seascapes is intended to document and spell out the various environmental, economic, social and cultural values that Category V protected areas can provide. The first volume addresses the topic of agrobiodiversity. Since they are lived-in, working landscapes, Category V protected areas would appear to provide a potential mechanism for conserving agrobiodiversity. Through the use of case studies, this volume seeks to determine the value of Category V protected areas in the conservation of agrobiodiversity, and what lessons can be learnt from experience in this regard.
Surgical quality assessment for the prospective study of oncologic outcomes after laparoscopic modified complete mesocolic excision for nonmetastatic right colon cancer (PIONEER study)

Background: The modified complete mesocolic excision (mCME) procedure for right-sided colon cancer is a tailored approach based on the original complete mesocolic excision (CME) methodology. Limited studies evaluated the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic mCME using objective surgical quality assessments in patients with right colon cancer. The objectives of the PIONEER study were to evaluate oncologic outcomes after laparoscopic mCME and to identify optimal clinically relevant endpoints and values for standardizing laparoscopic right colon cancer surgery based on short-term outcomes of procedures performed by expert laparoscopic surgeons. Materials and methods: This is an ongoing prospective, multi-institutional, single-arm study conducted at five tertiary colorectal cancer centers in South Korea. Study registrants included 250 patients scheduled for laparoscopic mCME with right-sided colon adenocarcinoma (from the appendix to the proximal half of the transverse colon). The primary endpoint was 3-year disease-free survival. Secondary outcomes included 3-year overall survival, incidence of morbidity in the first 4 weeks postoperatively, completeness of mCME, central radicality, and distribution of metastatic lymph nodes. Survival data will be available after the final follow-up date (June 2024). Results: The postoperative complication rate was 12.9%, with a major complication rate of 2.7%. In 87% of patients, central radicality was achieved with dissection at or beyond the level of complete exposure of the superior mesenteric vein. Mesocolic plane resection with an intact mesocolon was achieved in 75.9% of patients, as assessed through photographs. Metastatic lymph node distribution varied by tumor location and extent. Seven optimal clinically relevant endpoints and values were identified based on the analysis of complications in low-risk patients. Conclusions: Laparoscopic mCME for right-sided colon cancer produced favorable short-term postoperative outcomes. The identified optimal clinically relevant endpoints and values can serve as a reference for evaluating surgical performance of this procedure.
Geophysical data collected along the Atlantic Continental Slope and Rise 2014, U.S. Geological Survey Field Activity 2014-011-FA, Cruise MGL1407

In summer 2014, the U.S. Geological Survey conducted a 21-day geophysical program in deep water along the Atlantic continental margin by using R/V Marcus G. Langseth (Field Activity Number 2014-011-FA). The purpose of the seismic program was to collect multichannel seismic reflection and refraction data to determine sediment thickness. These data enable the United States to delineate its Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) along the Atlantic margin. The same data can also be used to understand large submarine landslides and therefore assess their potential tsunami hazard for infrastructure and communities living along the eastern seaboard. Supporting geophysical data were collected as marine magnetic data, gravity data, 3.5-kilohertz shallow seismic reflections, multibeam echo sounder bathymetry, and multibeam backscatter. The survey was conducted from water depths of approximately 1,500 meters to abyssal seafloor depths greater than 5,000 meters. Approximately 2,761 kilometers of multi-channel seismic data was collected along with 30 sonobuoy profiles. This field program had two primary objectives: (1) to collect some of the data necessary to establish the outer limits of the U.S. Continental Shelf, or Extended Continental Shelf, as defined by Article 76 of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea and (2) to study the sudden mass transport of sediments down the continental margin as submarine landslides that pose potential tsunamigenic hazards to the Atlantic and Caribbean coastal communities.
Targeted Coaching to Improve Osteoporosis Therapy Adherence: A Single Arm Variation of the C-STOP Study

Background In this pre-planned variation of the Comparing Strategies Targeting Osteoporosis to Prevent Fractures After an Upper Extremity Fracture (C-STOP) trial, we investigated whether adherence-specific coaching by the case manager (CM) further improved the adherence and persistence rates compared to those seen in the C-STOP trial. Methods We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of community-dwelling adults 50 years or older who suffered an upper-extremity fracture and were not previously treated with osteoporosis medications, to assess whether a well-trained CM can partner with patients to improve adherence to and persistence with oral bisphosphonate intake. The primary outcome was adherence (taking > 80% of prescribed doses) to oral bisphosphonate intake at 12 months after study enrollment. Secondary outcomes included primary adherence to and 12-month persistence with oral bisphosphonate and calcium and vitamin D supplement intake at 12 months. Results The study cohort consisted of 84 participants, of which 30 were prescribed an oral bisphosphonate. Twenty-two (73.3%) started treatment within 3 months. The adherence rate at 12 months was 77.3%. The persistence rate at 12 months was 95.5%. Of those not prescribed an oral bisphosphonate, 62.8% were taking supplemental calcium and 93.0% were taking supplemental vitamin D at 12 months. Depression was a significant predictor of 12-month non-adherence (adjusted odds ratio, 9.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–81.5). Conclusions Adherence-specific coaching by a CM did not further improve the level of medication adherence achieved in the original C-STOP study. Importantly, these results can inform adherence in future intervention studies.
Novel mutation in efflux pump Rv1258c (Tap) gene in drug resistant clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Iran.

INTRODUCTION Tuberculosis (TB) remains a serious public health problem worldwide. Drug-resistant TB is considered a major and growing global threat. Despite the great variety of described mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) resistance genes, the mechanisms of drug resistance are still controversial. Recently, a report on the role of efflux pump genes in drug resistance added to this complexity. Therefore, a thorough understanding of efflux pump genes in drug-resistant TB clinical isolates is needed. METHODOLOGY We performed molecular analysis of the efflux pump gene (Rv1258c) in 33 drug-resistant and 20 drug-sensitive clinical MTB isolates by sequencing the amplicons' targets in both the forward and reverse directions. RESULTS A novel mutation of the Rv1258c gene was identified at G442A (Ala148Thr) in rifampicin mono-resistant clinical strain, as compared to the H37Rv reference strain. In addition, a cytosine nucleotide insertion was found between the positions 580 and 581 (denominated Tap580) in two drug-sensitive strains at identical gene positions. CONCLUSIONS These results indicated the possibility of mutation in the efflux pump genes and the important role of Tap efflux pump genes in drug-resistant MTB isolates. However, further research is required to determine the direct association of these mutations with resistant MTB.
Mobile ground-based measurements of aerosol and trace gases during a prescribed burning experiment in boreal forest in Finland

1) Department of Technology, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, FI-00180 Helsinki, Finland (*corresponding author’s e-mails: liisa.pirjola@metropolia.fi, or liisa.pirjola@helsinki.fi) 2) Department of Physics, FI-00140 University of Helsinki, Finland 3) Hyytiälä Forestry Field Station, University of Helsinki, FI-35500 Korkeakoski, Finland 4) Finnish Meteorological Institute, Atmospheric Composition, FI-00101 Helsinki, Finland
Remote Sensing of Kelp (Laminariales, Ochrophyta): Monitoring Tools and Implications for Wild Harvesting

Abstract Kelps (Laminariales, Ochrophyta) are ecologically and commercially important habitat-forming brown macroalgae, found in coastal ecosystems worldwide. Their presence in the sublittoral fringe makes monitoring kelp forests problematic and consequently they remain relatively understudied. Remote sensing offers new avenues to monitor difficult-to-access biomes, particularly kelp habitats, but previous monitoring efforts have only been tested on an ad hoc basis and a standardized protocol for monitoring kelp requires development. In view of on-going and emerging threats to kelp, there is a need for monitoring to establish detailed baseline information. Wild harvesting of kelp is increasing, illustrated by growing numbers of seaweed and seaweed-containing products. Simultaneously, climate change is causing sea-surface temperatures to rise and influencing kelp distribution and abundance globally. This study reviews the potential for remote sensing in macroalgal studies, with an emphasis on kelp and provides a conceptual framework to support the development of standardized monitoring protocols. Satellite-born sensors and aerial photography have been effective, but these distant sensors cannot operate effectively in turbid temperate waters, and many image surveys do not account for changing tides. Advances are being made in acoustic monitoring, particularly multibeam sound navigation and ranging (SONAR). With some development, there is great potential for a standardized monitoring protocol for kelp, aiding management and conservation efforts.