Study of stereopsis using a depth sensation detection platform equipped with computer vision technology (DALE3D) / Estudio de estereopsis mediante una plataforma de detección de sensaciones de profundidad equipada con tecnología de visión por ordenador (DALE3D)

Background and objectives: The invention described herein is a prototype based on computer vision technology that measures depth perception and is intended for the early examination of stereopsis. Materials and methods: The prototype (software and hardware) is a depth perception measurement system that consists on: (a) a screen showing stereoscopic models with a guide point that the subject must point to; (b) a camera capturing the distance between the screen and the subject's finger; and (c) a unit for recording, processing and storing the captured measurements. For test validation, the reproducibility and reliability of the platform were calculated by comparing results with standard stereoscopic tests. A demographic study of depth perception by subgroup analysis is shown. Subjective comparison of the different tests was carried out by means of a satisfaction survey. Results: We included 94 subjects, 25 children and 69 adults, with a mean age of 34.2 ± 18.9 years; 36.2 % were men and 63.8 % were women. The DALE3D platform obtained good repeatability with an interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between 0.94 and 0.87, and coefficient of variation (CV) between 0.1 and 0.26. Threshold determining optimal and suboptimal results was calculated for Randot and DALE3D test. Spearman's correlation coefficient, between thresholds was not statistically significant (p value > 0.05). The test was considered more visually appealing and easier to use by the participants (90 % maximum score). Conclusions: The DALE3D platform is a potentially useful tool for measuring depth perception with optimal reproducibility rates. Its innovative design makes it a more intuitive tool for children than current stereoscopic tests. Nevertheless, further studies will be needed to assess whether the depth perception measured by the DALE3D platform is a sufficiently reliable parameter to assess stereopsis.(AU)

Accuracy of intraocular lens calculation formulas based on swept-source OCT biometer in cataract patients with phakic intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: To research the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formulas and investigate the effect of anterior chamber depth (ACD) and lens thickness (LT) measured by swept-source optical coherence tomography biometer (IOLMaster 700) in patients with posterior chamber phakic IOL (PC-pIOL). METHODS: Retrospective case series. The IOLMaster 700 biometer was used to measure axial length (AL) and anterior segment parameters. The traditional formulas (SRK/T, Holladay 1 and Haigis) with or without Wang-Koch (WK) AL adjustment, and new-generation formulas (Barret Universal II [BUII], Emmetropia Verifying Optical [EVO] v2.0, Kane, Pearl-DGS) were utilized in IOL power calculation. RESULTS: This study enrolled 24 eyes of 24 patients undergoing combined PC-pIOL removal and cataract surgery at Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China. The median absolute prediction error in ascending order was EVO 2.0 (0.33), Kane (0.35), SRK/T-WKmodified (0.42), Holladay 1-WKmodified (0.44), Haigis-WKC1 (0.46), Pearl-DGS (0.47), BUII (0.58), Haigis (0.75), SRK/T (0.79), and Holladay 1 (1.32). The root-mean-square absolute error in ascending order was Haigis-WKC1 (0.591), Holladay 1-WKmodified (0.622), SRK/T-WKmodified (0.623), EVO (0.673), Kane (0.678), Pearl-DGS (0.753), BUII (0.863), Haigis (1.061), SRK/T (1.188), and Holladay 1 (1.513). A detailed analysis of ACD and LT measurement error revealed negligible impact on refractive outcomes in BUII and EVO 2.0 when these parameters were incorporated or omitted in the formula calculation. CONCLUSION: The Kane, EVO 2.0, and traditional formulas with WK AL adjustment displayed high prediction accuracy. Furthermore, the ACD and LT measurement error does not exert a significant influence on the accuracy of IOL power calculation formulas in highly myopic eyes implanted with PC-pIOL.

Simultaneous sampling of both cingulate gyri using a single interhemispheric depth electrode: A technical note.

Background: Simultaneous sampling of the cingulate gyri through a single depth electrode inserted underneath the falx cerebri is clinically useful in certain cases of drug-resistant epilepsy. However, the frequency at which each region of the cingulate gyri - namely, anterior, middle, and posterior - can be simultaneously sampled with a single electrode remains uncertain. Methods: We assessed the anatomical relationship between the falx cerebri and the cingulate gyrus in 50 adults and children. Subsequently, we determined whether an arbitrary line, denoted as A (representing a 5 mm gap between the falx cerebri and corpus callosum necessary for depth electrode insertion), fell within the anterior, middle, or posterior cingulate gyrus. Results: The shape of the falx cerebri and its intersection point with the corpus callosum varied substantially across individuals, with a significant difference between children and adults (P = 0.02). The A line was located in the middle cingulate gyrus in 18 children (72%), while 3 (12%) and 4 (16%) had it located in the posterior and anterior cingulate gyrus, respectively. Among adults, 15 individuals (60%) had the A line in the middle cingulate gyrus, 10 (40%) in the posterior cingulate gyrus, and none in the anterior cingulate gyrus. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility of simultaneous sampling of both the anterior and middle cingulate gyri in adults and children. Moreover, it represents the first investigation to document the wide interindividual variability in the morphology of the falx cerebri and its association with the cingulate gyrus.

Role of Computed Tomography in Prediction of Depth of Invasion and Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Oral Cancer.

Objectives: The primary aim is to determine the accuracy of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in evaluation of depth of invasion (DOI) and detection of cervical node metastasis. We also analysed the relation between radiographic DOI (rDOI) and cervical lymph node metastasis. Materials and Methods: We have retrospectively reviewed 201 oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients. The rDOI was compared with histological DOI. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and negative (NPV) and positive (PPV) predictive values were evaluated for CT scan in predicting nodal metastasis. The relation between rDOI and lymph node metastasis was analysed using ROC curve. Results: rDOI correlated significantly with histologic DOI for oral tongue, buccal mucosa, gingiva, and mucosal lip SCC (P < 0.05) and for tumours with rDOI > 5 mm. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy rate of CT scan were found to be 84.71%, 50.86%, 55.81%, 81.94% and 65.17%, respectively. Tumours with rDOI > 16 mm had significant (P < 0.001) chance of having neck node metastasis. Conclusion: CT-derived DOI correlates significantly with pathological DOI although both are not similar. CT scan can predict nodal metastasis in fairly accurate manner using the four radiographic criteria used in this study. Radiographic depth of invasion can be used as predictor of cervical node metastasis.

Comparative study of demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft and its combination with platelet-rich fibrin in the treatment of intrabony defects: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The clinical and radiographic efficacy of bone grafts and biomaterials, such as platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), for reconstructing lost periodontal structures has been well documented. However, there is limited data regarding the presence of demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) in an environment with abundant growth factors provided by platelet concentrates. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the clinical and radiographic effectiveness of DFDBA with PRF versus DFDBA alone in the treatment of intrabony defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four intrabony defects in contralateral sites were randomly assigned to either the DFDBA group or the DFDBA combined with PRF group. Clinical parameters, including the plaque index (PI), the gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), relative attachment level (RAL), and radiographic bone fill (RBF), were measured at baseline, and at 6 and 9 months. Paired and unpaired t-tests were used for intraand intergroup comparisons. RESULTS: Both the PI and the GI showed statistically significant improvements from baseline to 9 months. However, the intergroup comparisons did not reveal any significant differences (p < 0.05) between the groups with regard to clinical and radiographic measurements from baseline to 9 months. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet-rich fibrin in combination with DFDBA did not show any additional benefit in terms of reconstructive output in the treatment of intrabony defects compared to the use of DFDBA alone.

Implementing heuristic-based multiscale depth-wise separable adaptive temporal convolutional network for ambient air quality prediction using real time data.

In many emerging nations, rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to heightened levels of air pollution. This sudden rise in air pollution, which affects global sustainability and human health, has become a significant concern for citizens and governments. While most current methods for predicting air quality rely on shallow models and often yield unsatisfactory results, our study explores a deep architectural model for forecasting air quality. We employ a sophisticated deep learning structure to develop an advanced system for ambient air quality prediction. We utilize three publicly available databases and real-world data to obtain accurate air quality measurements. These four datasets undergo a data cleaning to yield a consolidated, cleaned dataset. Subsequently, the Fused Eurasian Oystercatcher-Pathfinder Algorithm (FEO-PFA)-a dual optimization method combining the Eurasian Oystercatcher Optimizer (EOO) and Pathfinder Algorithm (PFA)-is applied. This method aids in selecting weighted features, optimizing weights, and choosing the most relevant attributes for optimal results. These optimal features are then incorporated into the Multiscale Depth-wise Separable Adaptive Temporal Convolutional Network (MDS-ATCN) for the ambient Air Quality Prediction (AQP) process. The variables within MDS-ATCN are further refined using the proposed FEO-PFA to enhance predictive accuracy. An empirical analysis is performed to compare the efficacy of our proposed model with traditional methods, underscoring the superior effectiveness of our approach. The average cost function is reduced to 5.5%, the MAE to 28%, and the RMSE to 14% by the suggested method, according to the performance research conducted with regard to all datasets.

Superconductivity of Co-Doped CaKFe4As4 Investigated via Point-Contact Spectroscopy and London Penetration Depth Measurements.

The iron-based superconductors (IBSs) of the recently discovered 1144 class, unlike many other IBSs, display superconductivity in their stoichiometric form and are intrinsically hole doped. The effects of chemical substitutions with electron donors are thus particularly interesting to investigate. Here, we study the effect of Co substitution in the Fe site of CaKFe4As4 single crystals on the critical temperature, on the energy gaps, and on the superfluid density by using transport, point-contact Andreev-reflection spectroscopy (PCARS), and London penetration depth measurements. The pristine compound (Tc≃36 K) shows two isotropic gaps whose amplitudes (Δ1 = 1.4-3.9 meV and Δ2 = 5.2-8.5 meV) are perfectly compatible with those reported in the literature. Upon Co doping (up to ≈7% Co), Tc decreases down to ≃20 K, the spin-vortex-crystal order appears, and the low-temperature superfluid density is gradually suppressed. PCARS and London penetration depth measurements perfectly agree in demonstrating that the nodeless multigap structure is robust upon Co doping, while the gap amplitudes decrease as a function of Tc in a linear way with almost constant values of the gap ratios 2Δi/kBTc.

Long-Acting Injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Perceptions and Preferences Among Transgender and Nonbinary Young Adults in the United States.

Long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention (LAI-PrEP) was approved for use in the United States in 2021, yet little is known about perceptions of LAI-PrEP among transgender and nonbinary young adults, a group that faces substantial barriers to HIV prevention. We investigated US transgender and nonbinary young adults' perceptions of and attitudes toward LAI-PrEP and how perceived advantages and disadvantages of LAI-PrEP related to the PrEP continuum of care. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 31 transgender and nonbinary young adults who reported oral PrEP use or were PrEP-eligible. We analyzed responses using both a deductive RADaR approach, to identify LAI-PrEP perceptions relevant to the PrEP continuum of care, and an inductive thematic analysis to explore key themes. In this study, all PrEP-experienced and most PrEP-naïve participants indicated an interest in LAI-PrEP, citing advantages over daily oral medication (e.g., fewer adherence challenges). Three key themes emerged: (1) Some participants linked perceived advantages of LAI-PrEP to experiences with gender-affirming care (e.g., familiarity with needles via hormone use). (2) Participants weighed trade-offs and contextual factors that influenced their LAI-PrEP preferences (e.g., interest contingent on whether location for receiving injection was geographically accessible). (3) Participants envisaged alternative delivery methods that could enhance LAI-PrEP acceptability and uptake (e.g., home injection). HIV prevention programs should incorporate the insights of transgender and nonbinary young adults to ensure that emerging HIV prevention technologies are accessible and responsive to the needs and concerns of people of all gender modalities.

Stereopsis Following Implantation of Presbyopia-Correcting Intraocular Lenses: A Narrative Review.

Recent advancements in cataract surgery have broadened its scope from mere vision restoration to include correction of refractive errors and presbyopia. This evolution has introduced multifocal and extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) intraocular lenses (IOLs), allowing enhanced vision across multiple distances. However, the influence of these advanced IOLs on stereopsis remains controversial. Factors influencing stereopsis after surgery include visual acuity, interocular differences, residual astigmatism, and the type of IOL, etc. Binocular vision integration and neuroadaptation further affect stereopsis, especially in cases of presbyopia-correcting IOLs. It is widely acknowledged that bilateral implantation of presbyopia-correcting IOLs yield superior stereopsis compared to unilateral implantation. However, there remains no consensus on whether binocular implantation of multifocal or monofocal IOLs provides superior stereopsis. Most studies suggest no significant difference in stereopsis between these two types of implants. Among different types of multifocal IOLs, refractive multifocal IOLs may offer better stereopsis than diffractive multifocal IOLs when implanted bilaterally. Emerging EDOF and hybrid multifocal-EDOF IOLs also demonstrate promising postoperative stereopsis. Additionally, a mix-and-match strategy with different types of IOLs implanted in each eye may result in interocular differences in visual acuity at certain distances, potentially affecting stereopsis. Nevertheless, with appropriate selection, most patients can achieve satisfactory postoperative stereopsis. This review synthesizes current literature on the effects of presbyopia-correcting IOLs on postoperative stereopsis recovery following cataract surgery. Studies on stereopsis outcomes with different IOLs have yielded mixed results, urging further investigation for optimized surgical strategies and patient outcomes.

Impact of anthropometric factors on chest compression depth during CPR provided by children aged 11-14 in a community-wide study.

Objective: To assess the depth of chest compressions (CC) provided by schoolchildren and their relation with providers's anthropometric characteristics. Methods: We organized 1-hour hands-on training sessions for 11-14y.o. in volunteering schools. After training, willing subjects performed 2 min of recorded continuous CCs by means of Laerdal Resusci Anne® with CPRMeter2®, with visual feedback. Compression pace was given by metronome; instructors supervised the correct body position. Collected data included age, sex, as well as measured body weight and height. Results: We analyzed records from N = 702 children (mean age: 12.76 ± 1.02 years, 379 (51.63%) boys) out of 761 participating in the study. Their mean median compression depth (MCD) was 46.70 ± 7.74 mm, which was below minimal effective CC depth advised by current guidelines (50 mm). This corresponded to low mean fraction of CCs ≥ 50 mm (CCF ≥ 50 mm, 42.86 ± 33.67%), and only 42.88% of children achieving at least 50% of compressions ≥ 50 mm. Boys had significantly higher mean MCD and CCF ≥ 50 mm than girls (MCD: 49.34 ± 7.05 mm vs 45.97 ± 8.07 mm, p < 0.0001; CCF ≥ 50 mm: 50.23 ± 32.90% vs 40.40 ± 34.97%, p < 0.0001). Age differentiated children who achieved at least 50% of compressions ≥50 mm from those who did not with AUC of 0.69 (for cut-off of 12.1 years: 85% sensitivity, 41% specificity), whereas weight offered an improved prediction (AUC 0.74; for cut-off 44.8 kg: 77.4% sensitivity, 61.1% specificity). Conclusions: Sex, age and anthropometric factors are significant CC quality factors. Children with higher body weight are more likely to deliver CCF50%≥50 mm. Among the studied population, children ≥12 years old provided more effective chest compressions.

Acute Surgical Site Complications in Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty: Impact of Local Subcutaneous Tissue Depth and Body Mass Index.

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is an imperfect measure of patients' adiposity and operative risk. Radiographic and direct subcutaneous measurements have been utilized in attempts to more accurately characterize the risk of postoperative complications, including surgical site infection. This study aims to evaluate whether direct tissue depth measurement is a more accurate predictor of skin complication following direct anterior total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent elective THA between April 30, 2020, and January 31, 2023, was performed. Baseline demographics, antibiotics, anticoagulation, and intraoperatively measured tissue depths at proximal, middle, and distal portions of the incision were recorded. Patient follow-up was reviewed to assess the development of skin complication in the acute postoperative period. Results: Data were collected from 280 patients who underwent THA via direct anterior approach by a single surgeon. The mean age was 66.0 years, and 52.1% were female. A total of 18/280 (6.4%) patients developed an abrasion (5/18) or superficial surgical site infection (13/18) within the first 60 days postoperatively. Patients who developed skin complications had a significantly higher BMI (33.7 kg/m2 vs 29.9 kg/m2; P = .0021). Patients with a BMI >30 kg/m2 had more than 5 times increased odds of developing a superficial skin complication in the acute 60-day postoperative period compared to those with a BMI <30 kg/m2 (Odds ratio = 5.318, P = .0059). None of the measured tissue depths, nor their average together, were shown to be significant predictors of skin complications. Conclusions: This study showed that BMI is a significant predictor of acute skin complications in direct anterior THA patients. No other significant predictors were found to be associated with increased risk, including proximal, middle, and distal tissue depths.

Depth of intact vascular plexus - visualized with optical coherence tomography - correlates to burn depth in thoracic thermic injuries in children.

Objectives: Deep thermal injuries are among the most serious injuries in childhood, often resulting in scarring and functional impairment. However, accurate assessment of burn depth by clinical judgment is challenging. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides structural images of the skin and can detect blood flow within the papillary plexus. In this study, we determined the depth of the capillary network in healthy and thermally injured skin and compared it with clinical assessment. Methods: In 25 children between 7 months and 15 years of age (mean age 3.5 years (SD±4.14)) with thermal injuries of the ventral thoracic wall, we determined the depth of the capillary network using OCT. Measurements were performed on healthy skin and at the center of the thermal injury (16 grade IIa, 9 grade IIb). Comparisons were made between healthy skin and thermal injury. Results: The capillary network of the papillary plexus in healthy skin was detected at 0.33 mm (SD±0.06) from the surface. In grade IIb injuries, the depth of the capillary network was 0.36 mm (SD±0.06) and in grade IIa injuries 0.23 mm (SD±0.04) (Mann-Whitney U test: p<0.001). The overall prediction accuracy is 84 %. Conclusions: OCT can reliably detect and differentiate the depth of the capillary network in both healthy and burned skin. In clinical IIa wounds, the capillary network appears more superficial due to the loss of the epidermis, but it is still present in the upper layer, indicating a good prognosis for spontaneous healing. In clinical grade IIb wounds, the papillary plexus was visualized deeper, which is a sign of impaired blood flow.

Prediction of nodal disease in oral squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue: histopathological risk assessment with the focus on depth of invasion.

OBJECTIVE: Cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) is one of the most relevant influencing factors for the oncological outcome of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Several studies showed that the tumors depth of invasion (DOI) influences the risk for CLNM, however varying across the oral subsites. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of DOI and other risk factors in OSCC of the tongue in relation to the occurrence of occult CLNM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, n = 139 patients with primary OSCC of the tongue, treated by complete surgical resection (R0) with curative intention between 2013 and 2021, were included. For data analysis, epidemiologic data as well as preoperative tumor staging, surgical therapy including neck management, histopathological tumor data and follow-up were considered. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine association between histopathological risk factors and the occurrence of occult CLNM. RESULTS: The rate of occult cervical metastasis was 19.4%. T-staging, cervical nodal disease (pN+) and lymphatic invasion were significantly associated with reduced OS and RFS. While DOI had no relevant influence on the OS and RFS (p = 0.88 and p = 0.91 respectively), there was significant correlation between DOI and the occurrence of occult CLNM (OR: 1.17, 95%CI: 1.05-1.30; p < 0.01). The optimal cutoff in predicting occult CLNM was 6 mm (Sensitivity: 84.2%, Specificity: 73.5%, AUC: 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: The DOI is a helpful risk parameter to predict the occurrence of occult nodal disease in OSCC of the tongue. Given the critical decision cutoff between 2 and 4 mm DOI for performing elective neck dissection in the current guidelines, our data suggests that in these cases, surgical de-escalation could be feasible with close follow-up. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study highlights the relevance of DOI as a risk parameter in the prediction of CLNM with the aim to specify the individual patient risk and to deescalate surgical therapy in order to decrease comorbidities while improving the oncological prognosis.

Intelligent toy tracking trajectory design based on mobile cloud terminal deployment and depth-first search algorithm.

The popularization of intelligent toys enriches the lives of the general public. To provide the public with a better toy experience, we propose the intelligent toy tracking method by the mobile cloud terminal deployment and depth-first search algorithm. Firstly, we construct a toy detection model via Transformer, which realizes the positioning of toys in the image through the refined region adaptive boundary representation. Then, using these detected continuous frames, we improve the toy tracking based on a depth-first search. Long-short-term memory (LSTM) constructs the continuous frame tracking structure, and the depth-first search mechanism is embedded to realize the accurate tracking of multiple targets in continuous frames. Finally, to realize the terminal marginalization of the proposed method, this chapter proposes a lightweight model deployment method based on mobile cloud terminals to realize the maintenance of the optimal machine state of intelligent toys. The experiment proves that our proposed target method can reach the world-leading level and obtain the mAP value of 0.858. Our tracking method can also perform excellently with a MOTA value of 0.916.

Intensification mechanisms and moisture dynamics of super cyclonic storm 'Amphan' over the bay of Bengal: Implications for aerosol re-distribution.

The present research investigates the dynamics and underlying causes contributing to the exceptional intensity of Super Cyclonic Storm (SuCS) Amphan (16th to 21st May 2020) over the Bay of Bengal (BoB), as well as its impact on aerosol redistribution along the four cities of eastern coast and north-eastern India. Notably, the SuCS was formed during the first phase of the COVID-19 lockdown in India, giving it a unique aspect of study and analysis. Our analysis based on 30 years of climatology data from Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2) reanalysis reveals 'positive' monthly anomalous winds (0.8 to 1.6 m/s) prevailed over the central BoB for May 2020. The present study further found the evolution of 'barrier layer thickness'(BLT) leading up to landfall, noting a thickening trend from 8 to 3 days before landfall, contributing to maintaining warmer sea surface temperatures near the coast. Additionally, utilizing European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), reanalysis version-5 (ERA-5) data, a mean positive sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly of 0.8 to 1 °C was observed 'before' cyclone period (10-15 May 2020) near the cyclogenesis point. A detailed examination of Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) vertical cross-section plots during the cyclone's intensification stage reveals the presence of high-altitude clouds composed primarily of ice crystals. The aerosol optical Depth (AOD) distribution obtained from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) 'Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES)' mission data was also analysed, revealing that the cyclone redistributed aerosols over the Bengal basin region (mainly over 'Kolkata') and three other nearby cities along the track of the cyclone (i.e., Bhubaneswar (Odisha) Agartala (Tripura) and Shillong (Meghalaya) respectively). Further, analysis also indicates that the cyclone transported Sea-salt PM2.5 aerosols from the ocean, dispersing them in the landfall region.

Amino acid-sulphur decomposition in agricultural soil profile along a long-term recultivation chronosequence.

The significance of sulphur (S) availability for crop yield and quality is highlighted under the global S deficiency scenario. However, little is known about the temporal trend in belowground organic S mineralisation when restoring land to productive agricultural systems, particularly for the deeper soil parts. Therefore, we investigated the decomposition of 35S-labelled methionine in surface (0-30 cm) and subsurface soil (30-60 cm and 60-90 cm) over a 48-year recultivation chronosequence (sampled after1, 8, 14, 24 and 48 years). Soil total sulphur (TS) significantly (p < 0.05) increased in surface soil but not in subsurface soils after 48 years of recultivation. Overall, the immobilisation of 35S-methionine (35S-MB) in subsurface soils relative to year 1 significantly decreased over the chronosequence but did not change in the surface samples. The 35S-MB values in subsurface soils were positively corrected with soil carbon (C) stoichiometry (Pearson correlation, p < 0.05), suggesting the immobilisation of methionine was likely constrained by microbial C demand in deep soil. Compared to year 1, 35S-SO42- released from 35S-methionine significantly declined throughout the older (≥ 8 years) soil profiles. Significant (p < 0.05) changes in the organic 35S partition (35S immobilisation and 35S released as sulphate) were observed in year 8 after the soil was recultivated with N-fixing alfalfa or fertilisers. Whereas, after that (≥ 14 years), soil organic S partition remained affected when conventional tillage and agricultural crops dominated this site. Indicating that the effect of recultivation on organic S decomposition depends on the manner of recultivation management. Our study contributes to an improved understanding of amino acid S and organic S mineralisation under severe anthropogenic disturbance.

Transcriptomic responses and evolutionary insights of deep-sea and shallow-water mussels under high hydrostatic pressure condition.

Marine mussels inhabit a wide range of ocean depths, necessitating unique adaptations to cope with varying hydrostatic pressures. This study investigates the transcriptomic responses and evolutionary adaptations of the deep-sea mussel Gigantidas platifrons and the shallow-water mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis to high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) conditions. By exposing atmospheric pressure (AP) acclimated G. platifrons and M. galloprovincialis to HHP, we aim to simulate extreme environmental challenges and assess their adaptive mechanisms. Through comparative transcriptomic analysis, we identified both conserved and species-specific mechanisms of adaptation, with a notable change in gene expression associated with immune system, substance transport, protein ubiquitination, apoptosis, lipid metabolism and antioxidant processes in both species. G. platifrons demonstrated an augmented lipid metabolism, whereas M. galloprovincialis exhibited a dampened immune function. Additionally, the expressed pattern of deep-sea mussel G. platifrons were more consistent than shallow-water mussel M. galloprovincialis under hydrostatic pressures changed conditions which corresponding the long-term living stable deep-sea environment. Moreover, evolutionary analysis pinpointed positively selected genes in G. platifrons that are linked to transmembrane transporters, DNA repair and replication, apoptosis, ubiquitination which are important to cell structural integrity, substances transport, and cellular growth regulation. This indicates a specialized adaptation strategy in G. platifrons to cope with the persistent HHP conditions of the deep sea. These results offer significant insights into the molecular underpinnings of mussel adaptation to varied hydrostatic conditions and enhance our comprehension of the evolutionary forces driving their depth-specific adaptations.

Effect of Ablation Depth on the Endothelial Status of Eyes of Myopic Patients Undergoing Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy: A Retrospective Study in Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to correlate ablation depth on corneal endothelial cell (EC) indices following transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TPRK) in Saudi myopic patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of myopic eyes treated with TPRK. The changes in EC density and other indices were noted one week (W1) and 12 weeks (W12) after TPRK, which was the primary outcome. The laser ablation depth (AD) was correlated to the EC indices. The preoperative factors were also correlated to the outcomes using regression analysis to review predictors of change in the EC density. RESULTS: We had 120 eyes of 60 myopic patients operated on for TPRK. The mean of maximum AD (Adm) and central AD (ADc) were 110.3±23.7 µ and 108.8±24.4 µ, respectively. The median change in EC count at W1 and W12 were -9.5 (interquartile range (IQR) -33.0, 17.0) and -3.0 (IQR -29.3, 13.3), respectively. The ADm was negatively correlated to a change in EC density at W1 (Wilcoxon (Z) =-2.7, P = 0.006) and at W12 (Z = -3.74, P <0.001). ADm (Kruskal-Wallis (K-W) test (P) = 0.167), ADc (K-W P = 0.08), central corneal thickness (K-W P = 0.65), and use of mitomycin-C (K-W P = 0.357) were not significant predictors of the change in EC density at W1. None of the variables significantly influenced the change in EC density at W12. CONCLUSIONS: The corneal ablation depth for TPRK is correlated to changes in EC density at W1 and W12 after TPRK.

Evaluation of radiation dose to the lens in interventional cardiology physicians before and after dose limit regulation changes.

In response to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), which lowered the lens equivalent dose limit, Japan lowered the lens dose limit from 150 mSv/year to 100 mSv/5 years and 50 mSv/year, with this new rule taking effect on April 1, 2021. DOSIRIS® is a dosimeter that can accurately measure lens dose. Herein, we investigated lens dose in interventional cardiology physicians one year before and after the reduction of the lens dose limit using a neck dosimeter and lens dosimeter measurements. With an increase in the number of cases, both personal dose equivalent at 0.07 mm [Hp(0.07), neck dosimeter] and personal dose equivalent at 3 mm depth [Hp(3), lens dosimeter] increased for most of the physicians. The Hp(3) of the lens considering the shielding effect of the Pb glasses using lens dosimeter exceeded 20 mSv/year for two of the 14 physicians. Protection from radiation dose will become even more important in the future, as these two physicians may experience radiation dose exceeding 100 mSv/5 years. The average dose per procedure increased, but not significantly. There was a strong correlation between the neck dosimeter and lens dosimeter scores, although there was no significant change before and after the lens dose limit was lowered. This correlation was particularly strong for physicians who primarily treated patients. As such, it is possible to infer accurate lens doses from neck doses in physicians who primarily perform diagnostics. However, it is desirable to use a dosimeter that can directly measure Hp(3) because of the high lens dose.

Response of soil moisture to rainfall following deep soil drying in China's hilly loess lands.

Deep soil drying is a physical soil phenomenon that has become increasingly characteristic to artificial afforestation on China's Loess Plateau. Current research is largely short of conclusive reports on soil moisture recovery following deep soil drying in afforested lands. In this study, a 10-m deep underground column was constructed at Pengyang Experimental Station in Ningxia. The CS650-CR1000 automatic soil moisture monitoring system and BLJW-4 small meteorological observation stations were used to respectively monitor soil moisture and meteorological conditions in the study area for the period 2014-2019. The local rainfall was classified and the characteristics of soil infiltration analyzed at both monthly and annual scales. The results showed that: i) Deep soil moisture recovery in the semi-arid Loess Plateau region depended mainly on 25-49.9 mm and >50 mm types of rainfall; together accounting for 35.44 % of the precipitation. ii) Deep soil moisture replenishment occurred mainly for the period from April to October. While this accounted for 30.13 % of the precipitation, evaporation loss accounted for 69.87 % of it. With increasing monthly rainfall (Pm), the variation in monthly infiltration depth (Zm) was quadratic in shape - where Zm = -0.0094 Pm2 + 3.7702 Pm (R2 = 0.9577). iii) At the annual scale, deep soil moisture replenishment was mainly driven by year-on-year infiltration water accumulation. This is because a single year precipitation infiltration was not enough to replenish deep soil moisture. The cumulative infiltration depth for 2014-2019 was 180, 260, 400, 700, 1000 > 1000 cm. It suggested that soil water infiltration and deep dry soil recovery occurred at different times under rainfed conditions in the semi-arid loess hills in China. This is key for in-depth studies of the hydrological process in dry soil regions.