Total and horizontal distances of the foveal stereotaxic displacement can be prognostic indicators for patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane

IntroductionThis study aimed to examine the foveal stereo deviations in the different ectopic inner foveal layer (EIFL) stages of idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) and assess its predictive utility for the baseline and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).MethodsBased on the calculational combination of foveal displacements in the horizontal and vertical axial optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, the foveal stereotaxic displacement was estimated through the total distance (TD, the distance from the foveal bottom to the inner edge of displaced central foveal) and horizontal distance (HD, projection of the TD in the retinal plane). The preoperative TD, HD, and other OCT- and OCT angiography (OCTA)-related indicators were obtained. The correlations between structural parameters and baseline and postoperative BCVA were evaluated through correlation and multiple linear regression analyses.ResultsIn patients with advanced EIFL stage, there was a significant increase in the HD, TD, baseline log of the minimum angle of resolution unit for BCVA, central macular thickness (CMT), acircularity index, and incidence of microcystic macular edema (MME; p < 0.05). Further, they showed a decreased foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and perimeter (p < 0.001). HD, TD, CMT, MME, FAZ area, and FAZ perimeter were significantly correlated with the baseline and postoperative BCVA (p < 0.05). TD had the highest correlation indexic and was an individual predictor of the baseline and postoperative BCVA. Moreover, FD-300 and MME were individual predictors of postoperative BCVA.DiscussionStereoscopic foveal deviations significantly correlated with the baseline and postoperative visual acuity. TD may be used as an independent prognostic factor for BCVA

The General Ensemble Biogeochemical Modeling System (GEMS) and its Applications to Agricultural Systems in the United States

The General Ensemble Biogeochemical Modeling System (GEMS) (Liu, 2009; Liu et al., 2004c) was developed to integrate well-established ecosystem biogeochemical models with various spatial databases for the simulations of biogeochemical cycles over large areas. Figure 18.1 shows the overall structure of the GEMS. Some of the key components are described below. General Ensemble Biogeochemical Modeling System (GEMS) 310 Multiple Underlying Biogeochemical Models 310 Monte Carlo Simulations 311 Model Inputs: Management Practices and Others 311 Model Outputs 311 Data Assimilation 311 Simulation of Agricultural Practices: EDCM as an Example 312 Net Primary Production (NPP) and Improvements in Crop Genetics and Agronomics 312 Soil Carbon Dynamics 312 Impacts of Soil Erosion and Deposition 313 CH4 and N2O Fluxes 313 Study Areas and Modeling Design 314 Study Areas 314 Nebraska Eddy Flux Tower Sites 314 Regional Applications: Mississippi Valley and Prairie Potholes 315 Modeling Design 315 Results 316 Impacts of Management Practices on SOC at Site Scale 316 Quantification of Regional Carbon Stocks and GHG Fluxes 317 Prairie Pothole Region 317 Mississippi Valley 319 Discussion 32

Evaluating Neighborhood Green-Space Quality Using a Building Blue–Green Index (BBGI) in Nanjing, China

High-quality urban green space (UGS) is an integral part of a livable city. The scientific evaluation of UGS has great value for improving the quality and efficiency of green spaces. In this study, we integrated the water and walking networks into the existing green index model and proposed a new green index: the building blue–green index (BBGI). Using this method, we analyzed the quality of green spaces within 300 m of 2138 buildings located in 13 communities in the Mochou Lake subdistrict in Nanjing, China. The results revealed that the green-space quality of high-rise, low-density buildings was greater than that of low-rise, high-density buildings. In addition, buildings close to water had higher green-space quality, while impervious surfaces reduced green-space quality. Furthermore, the connectivity and orientation of the road network indicated that even if a community was close to large parks and water bodies, there would still be lower green-space quality. This study’s findings highlight the usefulness of evaluation methods for green-space quality that combine blue and green spaces. We also propose feasible measures for improving neighborhood green-space planning and land management

Research and Outlook on Global Energy Interconnection

Currently, the world is confronted with a series of challenges including resource shortage, climate change, environment pollution and energy poverty, which are rooted in the humanity’s deep dependence on and large-scale consumption of fossil energy. To tackle with those challenges is an urgent task for realizing sustainable development. The Global Energy Interconnection (GEI) is a clean energy-dominant, electricity-centered, interconnected and shared modern energy system. It is an important platform for large-scale development, transmission and utilization of clean energy resources at a global level, promoting the global energy transition characterized by cleaning, decarbonization, electrification and networking. The GEI has provided a scientific, novel and systematic solution to implement Agenda 2030 as well as the Paris Agreement. Focusing on the scope of clean transition and sustainable development, this paper has implemented qualitative and quantitative methods based on historic data. The global power demand and supply has been forecasted. Based on global clean energy resources endowments and distribution, a global main clean energy bases layout and generation planning optimization has been proposed. Later in this paper, the global power flow under the GEI scenario and corresponding GEI backbone grid has been explored and proposed. Finally, based on a preliminary investment estimation, the comprehensive benefits of building the GEI have been analyzed

Correction of Deep Overbite by Using a Modified Nance Appliance in an Adult Class II Division 2 Patient with Dehiscence Defect

A modified Nance Appliance (MNA) is introduced as a treatment option for an adult class II division 2 malocclusion (CII/2) patient with deep overbite and dehiscence on the facial root surface of retroclined upper incisors through the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Indications for this modified MNA as well as a brief description of fabrication procedure and biomechanical analysis of the treatment effects are shown in detail. Root control and absolute intrusion without enlarging the bony defect were achieved. The treatment results were satisfying and favorable

Data on tumor progression of c-mos deficiency in murine models of KrasG12D lung and ApcMin colorectal cancer

The c-mos proto-oncogene was one of the first proto-oncogenes to be cloned. Apart from its role in meiosis, many efforts have been made to illuminate the mechanisms by which c-mos might acts as an oncogene. Increased Mos expression was found in most human tumor tissues. However, a detailed role of c-mos in tumor progression remains unknown.In this study, we analyzed online databases to find out the correlation between Mos expression and poor survival rates in human cancer patients. Then, we crossed c-mos knockout mice with ApcMin or KrasG12D mice to generate intestinal cancer model and lung cancer model, respectively. Tumor progression was monitored, and the influence of c-mos deficiency on cancer formation was investigated

Are patients with preoperative synovitis suitable for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty? Magnetic resonance imaging evidence from a retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background The use of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in patients with preoperative synovitis is controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association between synovitis detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and prognosis after UKA. Methods Synovitis was graded using the MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score criteria based on preoperative MRI findings of 132 UKAs performed between June 2020 and August 2021. The Knee Society Knee Score (KS-KS) and the Knee Society Function Score were collected preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. The relationship between synovitis and the changes in the Knee Society score was analyzed using logistic regression. Results Univariate logistic regression showed that patients with higher preoperative synovitis scores (odds ratio (OR) = 1.925, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.482–2.500, P < 0.001) had higher KS-KS changes. After adjusting for confounding variables, synovitis was proven to be an independent factor for KS-KS improvement after UKA in multivariate logistic regression (OR = 1.814, 95% CI: 1.354–2.430, P < 0.001). Before UKA, patients with synovitis had lower pain scores (PS) than patients without synovitis (95% CI: -17.159 – -11.160, t = -9.347, P < 0.001). There was no difference in PS between the two groups after UKA (95% CI: -6.559 – 0.345, t = -1.782, P = 0.077). Conclusions Patients with synovitis can achieve good improvement of pain symptoms, and the efficacy is not inferior to that of non-synovitis patients after UKA