Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of the calibration on experimental UV index at a midlatitude site, Granada (Spain)

Abstract. The ultraviolet index (UVI) is the most commonly used variable to inform about the level and potential harmful effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the Earth's surface. This variable is derived from the output signal of UV radiometers applying conversion factors from calibration methods. This paper focused on the influence of the use of two of these methods (called one-step and two-steps methods) on the experimental UVI measured by a YES UVB-1 radiometer located in a midlatitude station, Granada (Spain) for the period 2006–2009. In addition, it also analyzes the deviation from the UVI values obtained when the manufacturer's calibration factors are applied. For this goal, a detailed characterization of the UVB-1 radiometer from the first Spanish calibration campaign of broadband UV radiometers at the "El Arenosillo" INTA station in 2007 was used. In addition, modeled UVI data derived from the LibRadtran/UVSPEC radiative transfer code are compared with the experimental values recorded at Granada for cloud-free conditions. Absolute mean differences between measured and modeled UVI data at Granada were around 5% using the one-step and two-steps calibration methods, indicating an excellent performance of these two techniques for obtaining UVI data from the UVB-1 radiometer. Conversely, the application of the manufacture's calibration factor produced a large overestimation (~14%) of the UVI values, generating unreliable alarming high UVI data in summer. Thus, the number of days with an extreme erythemal risk (UVI higher than 10) increased up to 46% between May and September at Granada. This percentage reduced to a more reliable value of 3% when the conversion factors obtained with the two-steps calibration method are used. These results evidence the need for a sound calibration of the broadband UV instruments in order to obtain reliable measurements.
Effects of a Training Program Involving Body Cooling on Physical and Cognitive Capacities and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Pilot Study

Objective: Two methods using exercise and body cooling could influence the well-being of patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The aim of this study was to determine whether wearing a cooling vest during a physical training program could increase the cognitive and physical capacities and quality of life in PwMS. Methods: Eighteen PwMS (49.6 ± 8 years; Expanded Disability Status Score 5.0 ± 1.0) were randomly assigned to a cooling or control group. PwMS underwent a 7-week physical training program. In the cooling group, PwMS wore a cooling vest during each training session, whereas in the control group, PwMS wore a cotton T-shirt. Before and after the training program, both groups completed the Isaacs Set Test (IST), Trail Making Test A-B (TMT A-B), SEP-59, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory and performed a 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Results: The cooling group showed significantly (p < 0.05) improved performance for IST, TMT A and 6MWT. Their emotional well-being and cognitive functions investigated in SEP-59 were significantly (p < 0.05) improved, and general and physical fatigue significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. Conclusions: This physical training program combined with a cooling strategy could have a significant positive influence on both cognitive and physical performances, perceived fatigue and emotional well-being in heat-sensitive PwMS.
Biotic Interactions in Microbial Communities as Modulators of Biogeochemical Processes: Methanotrophy as a Model System

Microbial interaction is an integral component of microbial ecology studies, yet the role, extent, and relevance of microbial interaction in community functioning remains unclear, particularly in the context of global biogeochemical cycles. While many studies have shed light on the physico-chemical cues affecting specific processes, (micro)biotic controls and interactions potentially steering microbial communities leading to altered functioning are less known. Yet, recent accumulating evidence suggests that the concerted actions of a community can be significantly different from the combined effects of individual microorganisms, giving rise to emergent properties. Here, we exemplify the importance of microbial interaction for ecosystem processes by analysis of a reasonably well-understood microbial guild, namely, aerobic methane-oxidizing bacteria (MOB). We reviewed the literature which provided compelling evidence for the relevance of microbial interaction in modulating methane oxidation. Support for microbial associations within methane-fed communities is sought by a re-analysis of literature data derived from stable isotope probing studies of various complex environmental settings. Putative positive interactions between active MOB and other microbes were assessed by a correlation network-based analysis with datasets covering diverse environments where closely interacting members of a consortium can potentially alter the methane oxidation activity. Although, methanotrophy is used as a model system, the fundamentals of our postulations may be applicable to other microbial guilds mediating other biogeochemical processes.
Lonoctocog alfa (rVIII-SingleChain) for the treatment of haemophilia A

ABSTRACT Introduction: The administration of factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates on-demand or on long-term prophylaxis is the effective and safe standard of care of patients with hemophilia A (HA). Development of neutralizing antibodies against exogenous FVIII and the short half-life of the current available products remain major challenges. There is currently a great interest towards newer FVIII products with the goal of reducing the inhibitor risk and increasing the half-life. Area covered: In this review, the authors describe the efficacy and safety of rVIII-SingleChain (Lonoctocog alfa), the first and only single chain recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) molecule developed for the prevention and treatment of bleeding episodes in HA patients. The pre-clinical and clinical studies of rVIII-SingleChain as well as the results of the AFFINITY trial program in previously treated patients both adults and pediatric are presented and discussed. Expert opinion: The results from PTP studies document the efficacy and safety profile of the rVIII-SingleChain. However, even if rFVIII-SingleChain presents advantageous pharmacokinetic features compared to conventional rFVIII, it should not be considered as an EHL-FVIII while its immunogenicity is currently being studied in PUPs. The slightly better PK profile of rFVIII-SingleChain could however allow a small number of selected patients to be treated with a less intensive regimen.
Helicobacter pylori and mean platelet volume: a relation way before ımmune thrombocytopenia?

OBJECTIVE Helicobacter pylori is associated with chronic immune thrombocytopenia. Eradication of H. pylori has been related with a platelet response and this treatment has been included within management strategies for a certain group of patients. However, in patients with normal platelet counts, the effects of H. pylori infection on platelet count and mean platelet volume as an important platelet index have not been investigated. In this study, we aimed to assess the relation between platelet indices and H. pylori infection in patients with dyspepsia who have otherwise normal platelet counts. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a retrospective manner, 4823 patients with dyspeptic complaints who have underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and a rapid urease test were included. Data of whole blood counts before the procedure were recorded from their files. Patients with normal endoscopic findings or simple gastritis were included. Patients with malignancy, GI bleeding, portal hypertension, liver or kidney disease and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, proton pump inhibitors, cytotoxic medications were excluded. RESULTS Mean platelet count in H. pylori positive and negative patients were 246381± 92225/mm3 and 258135 ± 89912/mm3, respectively (p<0.001). Mean MPV was higher in H. pylori positive group (8.9± 1.3 vs. 8.23 ± 0.94, p<0.001). This difference was observed in both genders. MPV was observed to be higher than 10 fL in 20.5% of HP positive patients while in only 2.8% of H. pylori negative patients (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS In patients with H. pylori infection and normal platelet counts, it may be speculated that an ongoing and compensated platelet destruction-production process may be responsible for the increase in MPV. Likewise, in conditions exclusive for the host or the H. pylori strain, platelet destruction may be enhanced leading to immune thrombocytopenia. As our study is the first study to investigate the effect of H. pylori in patients with normal platelet counts, our findings may give way to further prospective researches.
Segmental phenolization for the treatment of ingrown toenails: technique report, follow up of 146 patients, and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND Ingrown toenail is a common problem causing significant morbidity. Various procedures used for treating this painful condition were discussed in the literature. OBJETCTIVE: Through a prospective study we aimed to evaluate in a long-term follow-up the efficacy of partial nail plate avulsion combined with phenolic chemical matricectomy for the treatment of Ingrown toenails. METHODS We recruited outpatient from January 2006 to December 2009; all treated by phenol matricectomy and assured a regular follow up. RESULTS Consecutive 146 patients with a total of 171 Ingrown toenails were enrolled. There was no significant morbidity and the procedure was tolerated well by all patients. The short-term results were excellent. No severe complications occurred during the 21-month follow-up period. The overall recurrence was 2.7 %. CONCLUSION Phenol cauterization compared with other surgical ablation techniques may be the treatment of choice of Ingrown toenails. It's an effective technique for the treatment of Ingrown toenails accompanied by less morbidity and lower recurrence rates.
Excess Diffuse Light Absorption in Upper Mesophyll Limits CO2 Drawdown and Depresses Photosynthesis1[OPEN]

Excess absorption of diffuse versus direct light in the upper mesophyll of Helianthus annuus sun leaves leads to suboptimal photosynthesis. In agricultural and natural systems, diffuse light can enhance plant primary productivity due to deeper penetration into and greater irradiance of the entire canopy. However, for individual sun-grown leaves from three species, photosynthesis is actually less efficient under diffuse compared with direct light. Despite its potential impact on canopy-level productivity, the mechanism for this leaf-level diffuse light photosynthetic depression effect is unknown. Here, we investigate if the spatial distribution of light absorption relative to electron transport capacity in sun- and shade-grown sunflower (Helianthus annuus) leaves underlies its previously observed diffuse light photosynthetic depression. Using a new one-dimensional porous medium finite element gas-exchange model parameterized with light absorption profiles, we found that weaker penetration of diffuse versus direct light into the mesophyll of sun-grown sunflower leaves led to a more heterogenous saturation of electron transport capacity and lowered its CO2 concentration drawdown capacity in the intercellular airspace and chloroplast stroma. This decoupling of light availability from photosynthetic capacity under diffuse light is sufficient to generate an 11% decline in photosynthesis in sun-grown but not shade-grown leaves, primarily because thin shade-grown leaves similarly distribute diffuse and direct light throughout the mesophyll. Finally, we illustrate how diffuse light photosynthetic depression could overcome enhancement in canopies with low light extinction coefficients and/or leaf area, pointing toward a novel direction for future research.
The role of hypercorrection in the acquisition of L2 phonemic contrasts

This article reports empirical findings from an ongoing investigation into the acquisition of second-language (L2) phonemic contrasts. Specifically, we consider the status and role of the phenomenon of hypercorrection in the various stages through which L2 learners develop and internalize a target language (TL) contrast. We adopt the prevailing view in both sociolinguistics and second language acquisition studies that hypercorrection results from a certain amount of linguistic insecurity on the part of the speaker. Based on 53 Korean speakers’ production of English target phonemes, we conclude that a series of hypercorrection errors may well represent the final stage in the acquisition of a contrast, and further, that in order for hypercorrection to occur, there must be a formal connection between the TL contrast being acquired and the phonological structure of the learner’s native language.
Global Spread of Norovirus GII.17 Kawasaki 308, 2014–2016

Analysis of complete capsid sequences of the emerging norovirus GII.17 Kawasaki 308 from 13 countries demonstrated that they originated from a single haplotype since the initial emergence in China in late 2014. Global spread of a sublineage SL2 was identified. A new sublineage SL3 emerged in China in 2016.
A Conserved DNA Repeat Promotes Selection of a Diverse Repertoire of Trypanosoma brucei Surface Antigens from the Genomic Archive

African trypanosomes are mammalian pathogens that must regularly change their protein coat to survive in the host bloodstream. Chronic trypanosome infections are potentiated by their ability to access a deep genomic repertoire of Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) genes and switch from the expression of one VSG to another. Switching VSG expression is largely based in DNA recombination events that result in chromosome translocations between an acceptor site, which houses the actively transcribed VSG, and a donor gene, drawn from an archive of more than 2,000 silent VSGs. One element implicated in these duplicative gene conversion events is a DNA repeat of approximately 70 bp that is found in long regions within each BES and short iterations proximal to VSGs within the silent archive. Early observations showing that 70-bp repeats can be recombination boundaries during VSG switching led to the prediction that VSG-proximal 70-bp repeats provide recombinatorial homology. Yet, this long held assumption had not been tested and no specific function for the conserved 70-bp repeats had been demonstrated. In the present study, the 70-bp repeats were genetically manipulated under conditions that induce gene conversion. In this manner, we demonstrated that 70-bp repeats promote access to archival VSGs. Synthetic repeat DNA sequences were then employed to identify the length, sequence, and directionality of repeat regions required for this activity. In addition, manipulation of the 70-bp repeats allowed us to observe a link between VSG switching and the cell cycle that had not been appreciated. Together these data provide definitive support for the long-standing hypothesis that 70-bp repeats provide recombinatorial homology during switching. Yet, the fact that silent archival VSGs are selected under these conditions suggests the 70-bp repeats also direct DNA pairing and recombination machinery away from the closest homologs (silent BESs) and toward the rest of the archive.
Noise Overexposure Alters Long-Term Somatosensory-Auditory Processing in the Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus—Possible Basis for Tinnitus-Related Hyperactivity?

The dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) is the first neural site of bimodal auditory-somatosensory integration. Previous studies have shown that stimulation of somatosensory pathways results in immediate suppression or enhancement of subsequent acoustically evoked discharges. In the unimpaired auditory system suppression predominates. However, damage to the auditory input pathway leads to enhancement of excitatory somatosensory inputs to the cochlear nucleus, changing their effects on DCN neurons (Shore et al., 2008; Zeng et al., 2009). Given the well described connection between the somatosensory system and tinnitus in patients we sought to determine whether plastic changes in long-lasting bimodal somatosensory-auditory processing accompany tinnitus. Here we demonstrate for the first time in vivo long-term effects of somatosensory inputs on acoustically evoked discharges of DCN neurons in guinea pigs. The effects of trigeminal nucleus stimulation are compared between normal-hearing animals and animals overexposed with narrow band noise and behaviorally tested for tinnitus. The noise exposure resulted in a temporary threshold shift in auditory brainstem responses but a persistent increase in spontaneous and sound-evoked DCN unit firing rates and increased steepness of rate-level functions. Rate increases were especially prominent in buildup units. The long-term somatosensory enhancement of sound-evoked responses was strengthened while suppressive effects diminished in noise-exposed animals, especially those that developed tinnitus. Damage to the auditory nerve is postulated to trigger compensatory long-term synaptic plasticity of somatosensory inputs that might be an important underlying mechanism for tinnitus generation.
Gestational stress, placental norepinephrine transporter and offspring fertility.

Chronic cold stress produces adrenergic overload that can affect fetal development. The placental norepinephrine transporter (NET) clears norepinephrine (NE) from both maternal circulation and the fetus during gestation. If this system fails, NE clearance can be reduced, leading to high fetal exposure to NE. The main aim of this study was to determine the changes in NET expression during gestation and their relationship with the functional capacity of NET to transport NE under stressful conditions. Additionally, this study correlated these findings with the reproductive capacity of 2nd-generation progeny. Pregnant rats were subjected to chronic cold stress at 4°C for 3 h each day throughout their pregnancies. We found that exposure of pregnant rats to sympathetic stress caused the following effects: increased NE and corticosterone levels throughout pregnancy, decreased capacity of the placenta to clear NE from the fetus to the mother's circulation, altered NET protein levels depending on the sex of the fetus and increased placental and body weights of pups. For the first time, we also described the disrupted fertility of progeny as adults. Increased NE plasma levels during pregnancy under sympathetic stress conditions correlated with decreased NET functionality that provoked changes in the development of progeny and their fertility in adulthood.
The effect of repair protocols on shear bond strength to zirconia and veneering porcelain

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of a new repairing material including zirconia primer to zirconia and veneering porcelain after various surface treatments. A total of 60 specimens (30 zirconia-Zr and 30 feldspathic porcelain-Feld) were prepared and divided into 6 groups (n = 10). Two surface preparations (air abrasion-AA and Erbium Yag (Er-YAG) Laser-Las) were applied to the specimens. Zr and Feld specimens treated with a grinding bur according to manufacturer advice, were used as control (C). Repair material (Cimara Zircon, VOCO, Germany) was applied to the specimens 2 mm in height. The SBS was measured in a universal testing machine at 1 mm/min crosshead speed. The SBS data (MPa) were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD multiple comparison tests (α = 0.05). Significant effects of the material type (p = 0.005) and the surface treatment strategy (p = 0.000) were found. Interaction terms were also significant (p = 0.000). While the Zr-C (68,4 MPa) showed the highest SBS (p < 0.05), Zr-Las (16,4 MPa) had the lowest SBS (p < 0.05). The highest SBS value was obtained when both zirconia and veneering porcelain were treated with a grinding bur without any additional surface treatment.
Elemental Diet and IV‐TPN-Induced Bacterial Translocation Is Associated with Loss of Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function Against Bacteria

ObjectiveThe goal of the current study was to directly assess the role of loss of mucosal barrier function in nutritionaly induced bacterial translocation. BackgroundParenteral and certain elemental enteral diets have been shown to promote bacterial translocation. The mechanisms underlying this observation, especially the question of whether nutritionally induced bacterial translocation is primarliy related to loss of intestinal barrier function, versus an impaired immune system, remain to be fully elucidated. MethodsBacterial translocation was measured In vivo, ileal mucosal membranes were harvested, and their electrophysiologic properties and barrier function were measured ex vivo in the Ussing chamber system 7 days after receiving total parenteral nutrition solution parenterally (IV-TPN) or enterally (elemental diet). Chow-fed rats served as control subjects. ResultsThe incidence of bacterial translocation was significantly increased both to the mesenteic lymph nodes in vivo and across the in vitro Ussing chamber-mounted ileal mucosal membranes of the elemental diet-fed and IV-TPN-fed rats. The magnitude of Escherichia coli and phenol red transmucosal passage in the Ussing chamber was significantly higher in the IV-TPN-fed rats than in the elemental diet-fed or chow-fed animals. The potential differences across the ileal membrane were similar between the three groups at all time points. However, the specific resistances of the ileal membranes of the IV-TPN and elemental diet groups were significantly less than the chow-fed animals, indicating increased membrane permeability. ConclusionsLoss of intestinal barrier function plays a major role in nutritionally induced bacterial translocation and the loss of mucosal barrier function to both E. coli and phenol red appeared greater in the IV-TPN than the elemental diet-fed rats.
Synthesis of a Novel Allyl-Functionalized Deep Eutectic Solvent to Promote Dissolution of Cellulose

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) offer attractive options for the “green” dissolution of cellulose. However, the protic hydroxyl group causes weak dissolving ability of DESs, requiring the substitution of hydroxyl groups in the cation. In this study, a novel allyl-functionalized DES was synthesized and characterized, and its possible effect on improved dissolution of cellulose was investigated. The DES was synthesized by a eutectic mixture of allyl triethyl ammonium chloride ([ATEAm]Cl) and oxalic acid (Oxa) at a molar ratio of 1:1 and a freezing point of 49 °C. The [ATEAm]Cl-Oxa exhibited high polarity (56.40 kcal/mol), dipolarity/polarizability effects (1.10), hydrogen-bond donating acidity (0.41), hydrogen-bond basicity (0.89), and low viscosity (76 cP at 120 °C) owing to the π-π conjugative effect induced by the allyl group. The correlation between temperature and viscosity on the [ATEAm]Cl-Oxa fit the Arrhenius equation well. The [ATEAm]Cl-Oxa showed low pseudo activation energy for viscous flow (44.56 kJ/mol). The improved properties of the [ATEAm]Cl-Oxa noticeably promoted the solubility (6.48 wt.%) of cellulose.