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AimTo evaluate changes in the ocular surface and tear film with age and mutational status in congenital aniridia.Methods45 participants with congenital aniridia (89 eyes) in a prospective, cross-sectional study. Whole-exome sequencing identified the causative mutation. Examinations included slit-lamp biomicroscopy, in vivo confocal microscopy, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, blink rate, Schirmer I test, Oxford Staining Score (OSS), tear film break-up time (TFBUT) and Ocular Protection Index (OPI).ResultsThere were age-dependent increases in OSDI (β=0.34, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.66; p=0.030), blink rate (β=0.18, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.27; p<0.001) and OSS (β=0.05, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.07; p<0.001) and age-dependent reductions in tear production (β=−0.23, 95% CI −0.43 to 0.02; p=0.029) and TFBUT (β=−0.10, 95% CI −0.17 to –0.04; p<0.001). Perturbed OSDI, OSS, blink rate, tear production and TFBUT were noted after the age of ten and OSDI, OSS, blink rate and TFBUT correlated with deficient corneal nerves and limbal stem cell function. OSDI, blink rate, Schirmer, OSS, TFBUT and OPI were not associated with type of PAX6mutation, but OSDI, OSS and blink rate associated with grade of aniridia-associated keratopathy.ConclusionsOcular surface damage and dry eye signs appear in congenital aniridia regardless of mutation, appearing after 10 years of age and progressing thereafter. An early treatment window may exist for therapies to protect the ocular surface homoeostasis and limbal function, to possibly delay keratopathy development and progression.

This study compares two translations of the Gospel of Mark in the Pasaale language, one by a Muslim and another by trained Christian translators. The research aims to assess translation quality by examining key biblical terms, idioms, cultural nuances, and related factors. It highlights the persistent belief within some Christian Bible translation agencies that only Christians should undertake such work without compromise. Allegedly, some agencies even conceal the faith of non-Christian translators, potentially misleading Christian users of the translation. The study, conducted by a non-speaker of Pasaale with the assistance of a trained translator, seeks to determine whether the translator’s faith impacts the quality of their translation when working on scriptures of a different faith. This research contributes to discussions on the interplay between faith and translation quality, particularly in multicultural contexts like Ghana.

Transient molecules in the gastrointestinal tract such as nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide are key signals and mediators of inflammation. Owing to their highly reactive nature and extremely short lifetime in the body, these molecules are difficult to detect. Here we develop a miniaturized device that integrates genetically engineered probiotic biosensors with a custom-designed photodetector and readout chip to track these molecules in the gastrointestinal tract. Leveraging the molecular specificity of living sensors1, we genetically encoded bacteria to respond to inflammation-associated molecules by producing luminescence. Low-power electronic readout circuits2integrated into the device convert the light emitted by the encapsulated bacteria to a wireless signal. We demonstrate in vivo biosensor monitoring in the gastrointestinal tract of small and large animal models and the integration of all components into a sub-1.4 cm3form factor that is compatible with ingestion and capable of supporting wireless communication. With this device, diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease could be diagnosed earlier than is currently possible, and disease progression could be more accurately tracked. The wireless detection of short-lived, disease-associated molecules with our device could also support timely communication between patients and caregivers, as well as remote personalized care.

The concept of a virtual representation of a physical asset can be traced back to the sixties and is currently widely found under the term Digital Twin. Today, increasingly more implementations of this concept in a variety of applications occur, each with individual boundary conditions and views. Aviation and, especially its retrofit, face the need for such representations but also, its very own circumstances. After giving a brief introduction to the world of aviation, its cabin-retrofit and the need for a good virtual representation of aircraft, the history of the concept of Digital Twins is presented. A literature study results in an overview of current definitions, and research domains but also occurring challenges. The results are contrasted with the perspective of aviation's cabin-retrofit and an assessment of the definitions and terminology is given.

Abnormalities in the limbal niche microenvironment have been suggested to be causally involved in aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK), but histological analyses on the limbal structure and composition in AAK are lacking. Here, we investigated morphologic and molecular alterations of the limbal epithelial stem cell niche in human congenital aniridia.

Spinal interneurons coordinate the activity of motoneurons to generate the spatiotemporal patterns of muscle contractions required for vertebrate locomotion. It is controversial to what degree the orderly, gradual recruitment of motoneurons is determined by biophysical differences among them rather than by specific connections from presynaptic interneurons to subsets of motoneurons. To answer this question, we mapped all connections from two types of interneurons onto all motoneurons in a larval zebrafish spinal cord hemisegment, using serial block-face electron microscopy (SBEM). We found specific synaptic connectivity from dorsal but not from ventral excitatory ipsilateral interneurons, with large motoneurons, active only when strong force is required, receiving specific inputs from dorsally located interneurons, active only during fast swims. By contrast, the connectivity between inhibitory commissural interneurons and motoneurons lacks any discernible pattern. The wiring pattern is consistent with a recruitment mechanism that depends to a considerable extent on specific connectivity.

When a frequency domain sensor is under the effect of an input stimulus, there is a frequency shift at its output. One of the most important advantages of such sensors is their converting a physical input parameter into time variations. In consequence, changes of an input stimulus can be quantified very precisely, provided that a proper frequency counter/meter is used. Unfortunately, it is well known in the time-frequency metrology that if a higher accuracy in measurements is needed, a longer time for measuring is required. The principle of rational approximations is a method to measure a signal frequency. One of its main properties is that the time required for measuring decreases when the order of an unknown frequency increases. In particular, this work shows a new measurement technique, which is devoted to measuring the frequency shifts that occur in frequency domain sensors. The presented research result is a modification of the principle of rational approximations. In this work a mathematical analysis is presented, and the theory of this new measurement method is analysed in detail. As a result, a new formalism for frequency measurement is proposed, which improves resolution and reduces the measurement time.

Water scarcity, often accompanied by limited water intake (WI) in livestock, may result in pre-slaughter stress, thereby affecting meat quality. The study evaluated water restriction (WR) levels with or without vitamin C (VC) supplementations on Xhosa goats’ performance, quality and sensory attributes of its meat. Goats (n = 42; mean weight= 15.92±2.12 kg) were distributed into seven treatments groups: without WR (W0, control), WR of 70% (W70) and 50% (W50) of ad libitum WI, WR of 70% (W70+) and 50% (W50+) of ad libitum WI plus 3g VC daily, and WR of 70% (W70++) and 50% (W50++) of ad libitum WI plus 3g VC and extra 5gVC given every eight-day.VC was administered per os. Body weight changes were taken weekly. At the end of the trial (75-d), slaughtering was done following standard procedures. pH24 was measured in the Longissimus lumborum (LTL) muscle between the 12th and 13th ribs, 24 h post-slaughter. Four pieces (2 cm thick) were cut from the carcass’s LTL muscle and assigned for thaw loss, moisture, TBARS, sensory attributes (colour, texture, taste-odour, acceptability), fat and fat-free dry matter determinations. The sensory scores were transformed to achieve normality. Data obtained were analyzed using the GLM of SAS (2003). The dry matter intake and body weight decreased (P ≤ 0.05) in response to WR levels and rose in the vitamin C treated groups. Effect of WR levels and VC supplementation were not significant (P > 0.05) on TBARS, pH24, colour, odour and thaw loss. The meat appearance, moisture and fat content decreased (P ≤ 0.05) with WR levels. This study demonstrates that reduced body weight due to suboptimal WI could be lessened with daily VC supplementation. Also, WR levels and with or without VC, did not impact negatively on the meat quality parameters like oxidative stability of lipids, thaw loss and pH24

Getting fast and accurate information is of paramount importance for most monitoring, data acquisition, and monitoring systems; there are sensors that transform their input into a frequency domain output, this kind of sensors are known as Frequency Domain Sensors (FDS); when the value of the output frequency is measured in a FDS, the value of the sensor’s input (measurand) can be calculated, that is why the frequency measurement in the output of FDS is critical for using such sensors. In this work different kinds of resonant sensors (FDS) are reviewed; also frequency measurement techniques are explored; finally a novel frequency measurement method is proposed and analyzed for resolution improvement in frequency domain sensors.

Fast and accurate information is important for most monitoring, data acquisition, and monitoring systems; sensors are transducers that allow to accomplish such task. In this work different kinds of resonant sensors known as frequency domain sensors are reviewed; also frequency measurement techniques are explored; finally resolution improvement is proposed and analyzed for using frequency domain sensors by mathematical modelling.

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AbstractObjectives: To date, very few studies have analyzed gender differences in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS], as the prevalence of this syndrome is much lower in males than females. The aim of this study was to explore how gender differences affect the experience of pain, physical activity and psychological measures of FMS patients compared to healthy normal controls [HNCs].Methods: Women and men with FMS were recruited for this study. Demographically matching HNCs were recruited for comparison. A pressure algometer was used to measure patients’ pressure pain thresholds [PPTs]. Participants completed the visual analog scale of the McGill Pain Questionnaire, the Modified Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire.Results: Thirty-eight patients with FMS [21 women and 17 men] and 32 HNCs [18 women and 14 men] participated in the study. The PPTs, physical activity and psychological measures showed no significant gender differences between male and female FMS patients [p > 0.05]. Post-hoc analyses showed significant differences in sleep quality and pain intensity between FMS patients and HNCs [p < 0.05]. Regarding physical activity, significant differences were found between men with FMS and healthy men in household activities [p < 0.05]. In women with FMS, sleep quality was negatively correlated with two measures of physical activity [sport and leisure time, p < 0.05]. In men, no significant correlations were found between the measures assessed.Conclusion: These findings suggest that the abnormal nociceptive processing recognized in FMS is similar between genders. As expected, FMS patients rated pain sensations higher on all scales compared to healthy groups. In addition, male and female FMS patients had lower pain thresholds than HNCs. In women with FMS, only sleep quality was significantly correlated with physical activity. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these results.

The use of sensors is a primary need in robotic systems. There are sensors that generate a signal whose frequency depends on input stimulus. The application of such sensors is desirable due to their short response time, accuracy, and resolution. For proper use of these sensors, adequate frequency measurement is required. The principle of rational approximations is a method for frequency estimation that has advantages over other measurement methods. Some of them include not a fixed sampling time, insensitivity to jitter, and accuracy limited by the reference stability. Nevertheless, there are some measurement parameters with a not well-researched effect in measurement process. The objective of this work is to elucidate how the phase of input signals (measurand and reference) affects the frequency measurement process.