Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spanish Validation for Olfactory Function Testing Using the Sniffin’ Sticks Olfactory Test: Threshold, Discrimination, and Identification

The assessment of olfactory function is becoming increasingly relevant, especially in cases of cognitive decline (i.e., neurodegenerative diseases), where olfactory alterations may be relevant as potential early biomarkers. The Sniffin’ Sticks Olfactory Test, developed in Germany and validated in several countries, is an objective measure of olfactory performance. This study aims to validate this test in a Spanish sample. This study included 209 healthy normosmic volunteers (154 females and 55 males) aged between 20 to 79 years (mean age = 50.11 ± 15.18 years) as the normative sample. From this group, 22 participants were retested in order to obtain test–retest reliability evidence. Odor familiarity for descriptors in the olfactory identification test was also studied on an independent healthy sample (n = 69), and required cultural modifications were applied. Results indicate that men and women, as well as smokers and non-smokers, performed equally in every test. However, significant differences were found between age groups in every score. The general trend is that olfactory function progressively decreases as a function of age, the elderly group (+60 years) being the one with the lowest scores. In conclusion, this normative data, in addition to the test’s cultural modifications, allows the Sniffin’ Sticks Olfactory Test to be administered on a Spanish population.
The Effects of Load Magnitude and Carry Position on Lumbopelvic-Hip Complex and Scapular Stabilizer Muscle Activation During Unilateral Dumbbell Carries.

Bordelon, NM, Wasserberger, KW, Cassidy, MM, and Oliver, GD. The effects of load magnitude and carry position on lumbopelvic-hip complex and scapular stabilizer muscle activation during unilateral dumbbell carries. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-The primary aims of the study were to (a) quantify the effect of load magnitude on lumbopelvic-hip complex (LPHC) and scapular muscle activation and (b) quantify the effect of different carry positions on bilateral glutei medii (GM) and external oblique (EO) activation during unilateral dumbbell carries. Eighteen resistance-trained individuals (22.6 ± 2.6 years) completed 3 trials of 3 carry positions (overhead, front-racked, and suitcase) with 3 load conditions (light, moderate, and heavy) across a twelve-meter distance with the dumbbell held on the subject's dominant side. Electromyographic data were collected on the dominant upper (UT) and lower trapezius (LT), latissimus dorsi (LD), and serratus anterior (SA) as well as bilateral GM and EO. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed a significant load by muscle interaction [F(14, 81.931) = 15.474; p < 0.001; = 0.477]. Follow-up pairwise comparisons revealed increased muscle activation with increased load across most muscles. There was also a significant muscle by position interaction for bilateral GM and EO [GM: F(1.157, 19.662) = 20.240; p < 0.001; = 0.544] [EO: F(1.302, 22.129) = 25.620; p < 0.001; = 0.601]. Post-hoc analysis revealed bilateral differences in muscle activation for the GM in the suitcase position and for the EO in the overhead and suitcase position, where the nondominant side showed significantly greater activation (all p < 0.039). These findings suggest unilateral carries may be used to target LPHC and scapular muscle activation; however, load and carry position should be considered because variations affect muscle activation.
Effective Side Effect Machines for Decoding

The development of general edit metric decoders is a challenging problem, especially with the inclusion of additional biological restrictions that can occur when using error correcting codes in biological applications. Side effect machines (SEMs), an extension of finite state machines, can provide efficient decoding algorithms for such edit metric codes.Several codes of varying lengths are used to study the effectiveness of evolutionary programming (EP) as a general approach for finding SEMs for edit metric decoding. Direct and fuzzy classification methods are compared while also changing some of the EP settings to observe how decoding accuracy is affected. Regardless of code length, the best results are found using the fuzzy classification methods. For codes of length 10, a maximum accuracy of up to 99.4% is achieved for distance 1 whereas distance 2 and 3 achieve up to 97.1% and 85.9%, respectively. The accuracy suffers for longer codes, as the maximum accuracies achieved by codes of length 14 were 92.4%, 85.7% and 69.2% for distance 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Additionally, the SEMs are examined for potential bloat by comparing the number of reachable states against the total number of states. Bloat is seen more in larger machines than it is in smaller machines. Furthermore, the results are analyzed to find potential trends and relationships among the parameters, with the most consistent trend being that, when allowed, the longer codes generally show a propensity for larger machines.
Individual Differences in the Relationship Between Pain Fear, Avoidance, and Pain Severity in a Chronic Abdominal Pain Sample and the Moderating Effect of Child Age.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Most studies examining the components of the fear-avoidance model have examined processes at the group level. The current study used ecological momentary assessments to: (a) investigate the group and intraindividual relationships between pain fear, avoidance, and pain severity, (b) identify any heterogeneity between these relationships, and (c) explore the role of moderators to explain such heterogeneity. METHODS Seventy-one pediatric patients with chronic abdominal pain (M = 13.34 years, standard deviation = 2.67 years) reported pain fear, avoidance, and pain severity four times per day over 14 days. RESULTS Results indicated significant individual differences in the relationship between pain fear and pain avoidance predicting pain severity. Child age helped explain the heterogeneity in the relationships between pain avoidance and pain severity such that older children had a stronger and more positive relationship between these variables. The random effect between pain fear and pain severity also indicated a moderator trend of child age such that older children were likely to have a stronger and more positive relationship. CONCLUSIONS The present study extends the fear-avoidance model by highlighting the importance of identifying potential individual differences when examining pain fear, avoidance, and pain severity. Furthermore, the current study suggests that child development should be considered in the model. However, future randomized control designs are necessary to explore the causal relationships between pain fear and avoidance on pain severity and potential developmental differences.
Effect of diacutaneous fibrolysis on the muscular properties of gastrocnemius muscle

Diacutaneous fibrolysis is a noninvasive technique that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders such as shoulder pain, lateral epicondylalgia, patellofemoral pain syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome. However, while diacutaneous fibrolysis is applied to soft tissue, its effects on muscular properties are unknown. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of diacutaneous fibrolysis on muscle properties as measured by tensiomyography and myotonometry in asymptomatic subjects. An analytical descriptive study was performed. A single session of diacutaneous fibrolysis on the gastrocnemius muscle was applied to one limb (treated limb group) and the other limb was the control (control limb group). Subjects were assessed with tensiomyography and myotonometry before treatment (T0), after treatment (T1) and 30 minutes later (T2). The primary outcomes were tensiomyography and myotonometry variables. The treated limb group showed a statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in tensiomyography parameters. A decrease in rigidity and increase in relaxation was also observed on myotonometry at T1, with some of the effects being maintained at T2. Rigidity and relaxation at T1 were statistically significant between groups (p<0.05). A single session of diacutaneous fibrolysis to the gastrocnemius muscle of asymptomatic subjects produced immediate changes in muscle properties. These changes were maintained 30 minutes after the application of the technique.
Identification of regulatory T cell molecules associated with severity of multiple sclerosis

Background: Regulatory CD4+ T cells (Tregs) exhibit functional alterations in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a key regulator of Treg development and function. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine whether the expression of functionally relevant TGF-β-regulated molecules is altered in Tregs from patients with MS. Methods: Expression of nine Treg markers was analyzed by multi-color flow cytometry in CD4+ T cells and Treg subpopulations of 31 untreated MS patients and age- and sex-matched healthy donors (HDs). Correlations between Treg marker expression and clinical variables were sought. Results: Expression of the transcription factor Helios, which defines thymic-derived Tregs, was decreased in this Treg subpopulation. The frequency of peripherally generated Tregs was increased in patients with MS, particularly in patients with progressive MS. Low frequencies of thymic-derived Tregs were associated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesion-burden and a high relapse rate. Four surface markers associated with TGF-β signaling (ABCA1, BTLA, DNAM-1, and GARP) were differentially expressed on Tregs from patients with MS and HDs. Expression levels of CD73, CD103, ABCA1, and PAR2 showed strong correlations with disease severity. Conclusion: We have identified novel markers abnormally expressed on Tregs from patients with MS that could detect patients with severe disease.
A QoS-Demand-Aware Computing Resource Management Scheme in Cloud-RAN

This article focuses on computing resource allocation in Cloud Radio Access Networks. A game-based optimization algorithm was developed to distribute the computing resources among BaseBand Units (BBUs) in a BBU-pool whereby resources utilization is maximized. The model allocates computing resources on-demand, based on the instantaneous requests of BBUs, using a game-theory bargaining approach. In the case that the available resources are not sufficient to fulfil all instantiation requests, BBUs are prioritized to ensure the adequate Quality of Service, low-priority ones being always guaranteed a minimum computing resource to avoid them to crash. The performance of the proposed model is observed over time, concerning resource usage, BBU fulfilment level and efficiency. Simulations in a group of cells with a mixture of heterogeneous services in tidal traffic conditions show that resources allocated to BBUs are consistent with the priority of ongoing services and in line with real-time demand. Results also show that improving the average fulfilment level from 98% to 100% requires doubling the available resources at the cost of the average resources usage being cut in half.
Increased Concentration of Molybdenum in Sown Wheat Seed Decreases Grain Yield Responses to Applied Molybdenum Fertilizer in Naturally Acidic Sandplain Soils

ABSTRACT Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the major crop in southwestern Australia where 75% of the 18 million hectares comprise sandy duplex and deep sandy soils, including uniform yellow sandplain soils. Some of the sandplain soils in the lower rainfall (< 350 mm annual average) eastern region are naturally very acidic (soil pH, as measured in 1:5 soil:0.01 M calcium chloride, 3.7–4.5) in soil horizons explored by wheat roots so molybdenum (Mo) deficiency and aluminium (Al) toxicity adversely affects grain production of wheat. Liming is not an economic option to ameliorate Mo deficiency and Al toxicity in these soils because uneconomical large amounts are required. However, despite Al toxicity, applying Mo fertilizer produces profitable grain yield. The fertilizer also increases Mo concentration in grain, and if this grain was used to sow the next crop, it may reduce the amount of Mo fertilizer required by the subsequent crop. To test this hypothesis we grew wheat in an experiment on naturally acidic sandplain soil (pH 4.5) when either 0 or 160 g/ha fertilizer Mo was applied. The grain harvested at the end of the growing season had Mo concentrations of 0.07 mg/kg when no Mo was applied (low Mo seed) and 0.27 mg/kg when Mo was applied (high Mo seed). In two further field experiments on naturally acidic sandplain soil (pH 4.3 and 4.4) we sowed low and high Mo seed of the same size (36.4 ± 0.2 mg per seed) when 4 rates of Mo fertilizer (0, 35, 70, and 140 g/ha Mo) was applied to soil. Grain yield responses to the Mo fertilizer were 59% for low Mo seed and 55 g/ha fertilizer Mo was required to produce 90% of the maximum grain yield. Corresponding values for high Mo seed were 15% response and 15 g/ha fertilizer Mo. Rather than sowing wheat seed harvested from acidic soils to sow wheat crops on the acidic sandplain soils, we instead recommend seed harvested from alkaline soils with larger concentrations of Mo in the seed be used reducing the rate of fertilizer Mo required for that crop. The concentration of Mo in the youngest emerged leaf blades (YEB) that was related to 90% of the maximum grain yield (critical prognostic tissue test value for grain production) was about 0.08–0.09 mg/kg at tillering (Gs24) and at emergence of wheat heads (Gs59).
Burkholderia gladioli CGB10: A Novel Strain Biocontrolling the Sugarcane Smut Disease

In this study, we isolated an endophytic Burkholderia gladioli strain, named CGB10, from sugarcane leaves. B. gladioli CGB10 displayed strong inhibitory activity against filamentous growth of fungal pathogens, one of which is Sporisorium scitamineum that causes sugarcane smut, a major disease affecting the quality and production of sugarcane in tropical and subtropical regions. CGB10 could effectively suppress sugarcane smut under field conditions, without itself causing any obvious damage or disease, thus underscoring a great potential as a biocontrol agent (BCA) for the management of sugarcane smut. A toxoflavin biosynthesis and transport gene cluster potentially responsible for such antifungal activity was identified in the CGB10 genome. Additionally, a quorum-sensing gene cluster was identified too and compared with two close Burkholderia species, thus supporting an overall connection to the regulation of toxoflavin synthesis therein. Overall, this work describes the in vitro and field Sporisorium scitamineum biocontrol by a new B. gladioli strain, and reports genes and molecular mechanisms potentially involved.
Improving the Management of Patients with Hearing Loss by the Implementation of an NGS Panel in Clinical Practice

A cohort of 128 patients from 118 families diagnosed with non-syndromic or syndromic hearing loss (HL) underwent an exhaustive clinical evaluation. Molecular analysis was performed using targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) with a custom panel that included 59 genes associated with non-syndromic HL or syndromic HL. Variants were prioritized according to the minimum allele frequency and classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. Variant(s) responsible for the disease were detected in a 40% of families including autosomal recessive (AR), autosomal dominant (AD) and X-linked patterns of inheritance. We identified pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in 26 different genes, 15 with AR inheritance pattern, 9 with AD and 2 that are X-linked. Fourteen of the found variants are novel. This study highlights the clinical utility of targeted NGS for sensorineural hearing loss. The optimal panel for HL must be designed according to the spectrum of the most represented genes in a given population and the laboratory capabilities considering the pressure on healthcare.
Comparative Analysis of 300 GHz and 79 GHz Radar Performance in Fire Environments

This paper presents an experimental comparative study of the propagation of microwave signals in the frequency ranges of 300 GHz and 79 GHz through fire. The operation of Low Terahertz imaging radar was investigated in various real scenarios, including fire with strong flame, dense smoke, and water vapor. The ability of Low Terahertz radar to ensure visibility of objects in fire environments was proven. In all scenarios, radar signal absorption was measured and in the case of steam was compared with theoretical calculations; the results are in good agreement. The analysis of the experimental results allows us to conclude that there are good prospects for Low Terahertz radar in the field of firefighting equipment for vision and navigation.
Impact of Gender on Doctor-Patient Communication and Emotion: Exploratory Analysis

Doctor-patient communication is one of the essential precursors of patient-centered care. The quality of this communication is influenced by several factors, including providers' communication style and the use of existing technologies. In our previous studies, we measured the impact of health information technology on doctor-patient communication. In this study, we used sentiment analysis to understand the impact of doctor-patient gender dyads on verbal communication. The findings showed a noticeable difference in the communication pattern between the same (concordance) and opposite gender dyads (discordance). The findings of this study also indicate that male doctors tend to talk more and in detail with their patients ($p= 0.01$ for gender concordance; $p=0.01$ during gender discordance) than female doctors did with their patients ($p=0.33$ for gender concordance; $p=0.41$ during gender discordance), irrespective of doctor-patient gender dyads. No significant differences were observed in doctor-patient sentiments and emotions. However, we observed more trust in gender concordance (20.9% & 17.6% of the time). In contrast, gender discordance resulted in more sadness (15.5% & 19.8% of the time), anticipation (17.3%), and joy (16.1% of the time). In conclusion, our study indicates that gender influences doctor-patient verbal communication. Further research with larger sample size is required to thoroughly understand the role of gender in overall healthcare communication.
Double vision in Parkinson's Disease: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION The prevalence of diplopia in Parkinson's disease (PD) ranges from 10% to 30%. Diplopia is usually limited to specific situations such as reading and looking around, however, it can also be constant. The aim of this review, supplemented by two case studies, was to summarise current knowledge on the frequency, possible causes, differential diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment approaches to double vision in PD patients. METHODOLOGY An electronic search (PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science) to identify studies regarding diplopia in PD patients was performed in May 2020. The following search terms were used: Parkinson's Disease and diplopia. RESULTS Five articles are included in this literature review. In the literature, the number of included patients with PD who presented with symptoms of diplopia varied from a single case report to 88 patients. Diplopia was usually intermittent and binocular. The most commonly reported type of diplopia was single object diplopia, and the second most common was complete diplopia. Risk factors contributing to developing diplopia were: older age, disease duration, disease severity, cognitive decline, presence of visual hallucinations, and higher levodopa equivalent dose. Results also showed that diplopia had a significant impact on quality of life. Possible comorbidities of diplopia include myasthenia gravis and vascular disease. CONCLUSION Diplopia is relatively common in PD, but still understudied. The research shows that it has a clear impact on health-related quality of life and patient safety. The acute onset of diplopia should always result in tests to exclude other diseases. Tailored interventions should be developed, leading to improved patient safety, quality of life, and quality of care.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Halogenated E-Stilbenols as Promising Antiaging Agents

The increased risk of illness and disability is related to the age inevitable biological changes. Oxidative stress is a proposed mechanism for many age-related diseases. The crucial importance of polyphenol pharmacophore for aging process is largely described thanks to its effects on concentrations of reactive oxygen species. Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene, RSV) plays a critical role in slowing the aging process but has a poor bioavailabity after oral intake. In this present work, a series of RSV derivatives was designed, synthesized, and evaluated as potential antioxidant agents. These derivatives contain substituents with different electronic and steric properties in different positions of aromatic rings. This kind of substituents affects the activity and the bioavailability of these compounds compared with RSV used as reference compound. Studies of Log P values demonstrated that the introduction of halogens gives the optimum lipophilicity to be considered promising active agents. Among them, compound 6 showed the higher antioxidant activity than RSV. The presence of trifluoromethyl group together with a chlorine atom increased the antioxidant activity compared to RSV.
Relationship Between Emotional Labor and Perceived Health Status among Service and Sales Workers: Findings from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2009.

OBJECTIVES This study examined the relationship between emotional labor and general health status in a nationally representative sample of South Korean service and sales workers. METHODS Data were obtained from the 2007-2009 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 1,907 subjects were included in the analysis. Multiple logistic regression was performed to determine the relationship between emotional labor and perceived health status (PHS). RESULTS The adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of poor PHS was 1.869 (1.464-2.391) among high emotional labor group, compared with the low emotional labor group as the reference. Perceived stress accounted for 35.57% of the variance in the relationship between high emotional labor and poor PHS. CONCLUSIONS Emotional labor was associated with increased risk of poor PHS.
Impact of Ambiguity Statistics on Information Retrieval for Conventional and Novel SAR Modes

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is an all-weather imaging tool with several applications in the field of Earth observation. In recent years, novel SAR modes have been developed, where either the pulse repetition interval (PRI) or the transmitted waveform or phase is continuously varied, leading to smeared ambiguities. Ambiguities with the same total energy but different statistical distributions are likely to have different influences on the retrieval of information from SAR images. This paper analyzes the ambiguity statistics and addresses their impact on selected applications for conventional and novel SAR modes through simple models and simulations based on TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X data. The reported results show that an understanding of the ambiguity statistics and of the impact of their smearing on product performance is fundamental to select the SAR operation mode within the design of future SAR systems.