Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Celiac Disease in Uzbek Children: Insights into Disease Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics in Symptomatic Pediatric Patients

Background: A few studies on pediatric Celiac Disease (CD) are available from Central Asia. Recent immunogenetic research has highlighted that the HLA-DQ2/8 genetic predisposition to CD as well as the dietary intake of gluten in this geographical area, are comparable to other regions of the world where CD prevalence is known to be 1% or higher. Methods: This is a prospective and cross-sectional study investigating the prevalence and clinical characteristics of CD in symptomatic children referred to the pediatric gastroenterology department of a tertiary hospital in Uzbekistan from 1 September 2021, until 31 July 2022. In addition to collecting the relevant information related to clinical manifestations and laboratory analyses from the clinical files, a specific survey was also administered to patients’ guardians. Serological, histopathological, and immunogenetic parameters specific to CD, fecal zonulin, and pancreatic elastases were assessed in CD patients. Results: The study population consisted of 206 children. Overall, almost all of them (n = 192; 93.2%) were referred because of gastrointestinal manifestations, which were associated with extra-gastrointestinal manifestations in most cases (n = 153; 74.3%); a minority (n = 14; 6.8%) was mainly referred due short stature and/or growth failure only. Among all of these study participants, CD was diagnosed in 11 children (5.3%). Notably, although diarrhea was similarly reported in CD and non-CD patients, watery diarrhea (type 7 according to the Bristol stool scale) was much more frequently and significantly observed in the former group. All of these CD patients showed anti-tTG IgA 10 times higher than the upper normal limit, except one child with lower serum levels of total IgA; however, all of them received a diagnostic confirmation by histopathological analysis due to the lack of EMA testing in the country. Notably, most CD children (82%) showed a Marsh III histological grading. Around half patients (54.5%) showed zonulin values above the reference range, whereas none showed insufficient levels of pancreatic elastase. However, no correlation or association between zonulin and clinical, laboratory, histopathological, and immunogenetic parameters was found. Conclusions: This study may further suggest a relevant prevalence of CD in Uzbek children, based on this partial picture emerging from symptomatic patients only. Additionally, we highlighted the prevalence of typical CD forms with watery diarrhea, which should strongly support a full diagnostic work-up for CD in the local clinical setting. The high levels of anti-tTG IgA and high Marsh grade might also lead us to speculate a significant diagnostic delay despite the classical clinical expression of CD.
pH Quantification in Human Dermal Interstitial Fluid Using Ultra-Thin SOI Silicon Nanowire ISFETs and a High-Sensitivity Constant-Current Approach

In this paper, we propose a novel approach to utilize silicon nanowires as high-sensitivity pH sensors. Our approach works based on fixing the current bias of silicon nanowires Ion Sensitive Field Effect Transistors (ISFETs) and monitor the resulting drain voltage as the sensing signal. By fine tuning the injected current levels, we can optimize the sensing conditions according to different sensor requirements. This method proves to be highly suitable for real-time and continuous measurements of biomarkers in human biofluids. To validate our approach, we conducted experiments, with real human sera samples to simulate the composition of human interstitial fluid (ISF), using both the conventional top-gate approach and the optimized constant current method. We successfully demonstrated pH sensing within the physiopathological range of 6.5 to 8, achieving an exceptional level of accuracy in this complex matrix. Specifically, we obtained a maximum error as low as 0.92% (equivalent to 0.07 pH unit) using the constant-current method at the optimal current levels (1.71% for top-gate). Moreover, by utilizing different pools of human sera with varying total protein content, we demonstrated that the protein content among patients does not impact the sensors’ performance in pH sensing. Furthermore, we tested real-human ISF samples collected from volunteers. The obtained accuracy in this scenario was also outstanding, with an error as low as 0.015 pH unit using the constant-current method and 0.178 pH unit in traditional top-gate configuration.
Effects of pipe flow and bedrock groundwater on runoff generation in a steep headwater catchment in Ashiu, central Japan

It has been suggested that pipe flow and bedrock groundwater play important roles in storm runoff generation. We examined the effects of pipe flow on storm runoff generation and the roles of bedrock groundwater in rainfall‐runoff phenomena in a steep headwater catchment in central Japan. Measurements of pore water pressures, pipe flow, and streamflow showed that when the total rainfall amount was <30 mm, the runoff process could be explained by Darcy's law using the saturated hydraulic conductivity values core samples. When the total rainfall was >70 mm, the dominant runoff process shifted to pipe flow. Temperature measurements indicated four key points: (1) During base flow conditions (streamflow <0.1 mm h−1), bedrock groundwater dominated streamflow; (2) during storm flow conditions (streamflow >0.2 mm h−1) the source of pipe flow was the same as the streamflow; (3) the transient groundwater at the upper hillslope was commonly dominated by the preevent soil water; and (4) only after the large storms with wet antecedent conditions, was water emerging from the bedrock and mixing with preevent soil water in the transient saturated area at the upper hillslope. Both the hydrometric and temperature measurements indicated that once pipe flow occurs, the contributing area of streamflow extended to upper hillslope, and the transient groundwater at the upper hillslope was delivered to the stream via preferential flow paths, shortcutting the normal mixing process through the soil matrix.
II cycle compressibility from satellite measurements

Knowledge of ground compressibility in unloading/reloading conditions is of paramount importance in several geomechanical processes, but its estimate is often affected by large uncertainties, especially for deep rocks. Satellite measurements of the land motion can help improve this information. The present study investigates the ground response due to underground gas storage activities as revealed by satellite interferometric measurements in three gas fields of the Po river basin, Italy. The ground proves to behave elastically, moving upwards and downwards in response to gas injection and extraction, respectively. The accurate calibration of a detailed geomechanical, transversely isotropic, finite-element model allows for an indirect estimate of the vertical ground compressibility in unloading/reloading conditions, which proves consistent with the results already available from the same basin. Assuming a hypo-plastic constitutive model for the compressibility in virgin loading conditions, the ratio betwee.
Dependence of the OH concentration on solar UV

OH and the major parameters determining its concentration were measured during a field campaign in August 1994 at Mankmoos, a rural, relatively unpolluted site in northeastern Germany. The measured OH concentrations were previously shown to depend mainly on the intensity of solar UV and on the mixing ratio of NO2. In this paper we develop a simple parameterization of the dependence on solar UV and on NO2. The photolysis of O3 to O1D, of NO2 to NO, and of HCHO to HCO and H, all contribute significantly to the total dependence of OH on solar UV. We demonstrate that the photolysis frequency of O3, JO1D, is a suitable measure for that dependence which is slightly less than linear. The highly nonlinear dependence of OH on NOx is approximated by a Pade function. The parameterization provides a tool for a future quantitative intercomparison of the measured and modeled dependences of OH on UV and NO2. It also allows the removal of the variation in the measured OH induced by the dependences on the variables, UV and NO2, and thus enables a search for dependences on other, less influential parameters.
Climate change and ocean acidification impacts on lower trophic levels and the export of organic carbon to the deep ocean

Most future projections forecast significant and ongoing climate change during the 21st century, but with the severity of impacts dependent on efforts to restrain or reorganise human activity to limit carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions. A major sink for atmospheric CO 2 , and a key source of biological resources, the World Ocean is widely anticipated to undergo profound physical and – via ocean acidification – chemical changes as direct and indirect results of these emissions. Given strong biophysical coupling, the marine biota is also expected to experience strong changes in response to this anthropogenic forcing. Here we examine the large-scale response of ocean biogeochemistry to climate and acidification impacts during the 21st century for Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 2.6 and 8.5 using an intermediate complexity global ecosystem model, MEDUSA-2.0. The primary impact of future change lies in stratification-led declines in the availability of key nutrients in surface waters, which in turn leads to a global decrease (1990s vs. 2090s) in ocean productivity (−6.3%). This impact has knock-on consequences for the abundance of the low trophic level biogeochemical actors modelled by MEDUSA-2.0 (−5.8%), and these would be expected to similarly impact higher trophic level elements such as fisheries. Related impacts are found in the flux of organic material to seafloor communities (−40.7% at 1000 m), and in the volume of ocean suboxic zones (+12.5%). A sensitivity analysis removing an acidification feedback on calcification finds that change in this process significantly impacts benthic communities, suggesting that a~better understanding of the OA-sensitivity of calcifying organisms, and their role in ballasting sinking organic carbon, may significantly improve forecasting of these ecosystems. For all processes, there is geographical variability in change – for instance, productivity declines −21% in the Atlantic and increases +59% in the Arctic – and changes are much more pronounced under RCP 8.5 than the RCP 2.6 scenario.
Recent forecast skill for the El Niño/Southern Oscillation

We outline a relationship between three slowly varying characteristics of the coupled ocean‐atmosphere system in the tropical Pacific: (i) quasi‐periodicity, (ii) extended predictability, and (iii) approximate low dimensionality. The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) and Niño‐3 sea surface temperatures characterize climatic variations in the tropical Pacific; these two time series are usually anticorrelated. This low‐dimensional characterization suggests that much of the system's seasonal‐to‐interannual predictability depends on the regular behavior of the two scalar time series under consideration. The predictive skill of two idealized models is studied, showing the strong connection between regularity and predictability. El‐Niño/Southern‐Oscillation (ENSO) predictability is then assessed for current forecast models. When the periodic component of the ENSO signal is strong, it results in higher forecast skill. This skill decreases when the anti‐correlation between SOI and Niño‐3 temperature anomalies is lost, as it has been in the first half of this decade.
Extracorporeal life support as a bridge to lung transplantation: a narrative review

Background and Objective The utilization of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) as a bridge to lung transplantation (LTx) has rapidly expanded over recent years in highly urgent patients even though the reported outcomes in current literature are still divergent. The aim of our narrative review was to provide a comprehensive picture on the peri and post-operative outcomes of patients bridged to LTx with this device from the most updated literature in the field. Methods The literature about ECLS bridge to LTx was searched on PubMed using a formal strategy. We focused our research on studies published between 2015 and 2022 and in English language. Abstracts, case reports, conference presentations, editorials, expert opinions and review articles were excluded. Key Content and Findings ECLS has emerged as a valid tool to bridge critically ill patients to LTx. Some issues, like the selection of candidates and the post-operative outcomes, are still matter of debate in the current reported series. We analyzed 14 papers published in the last seven years and with at least 20 patients to provide an updated overview on this topic. We found that, in highly experienced centers, ECLS can be used as a good strategy to allow critically ill patients to remain eligible to LTx with satisfying post-operative outcomes. Conclusions Specific scores and algorithms should be implemented to improve the selection process of candidates who could benefit more from ECLS as a bridge to LTx. Ambulatory/awake ECLS strategies should be always preferred to enroll patients in active rehabilitation programs awaiting LTx, improving short and long-term outcomes and increasing the success of LTx.
The long-term impact of COVID-19 pneumonia on pulmonary function and exercise capacity

Background The sequelae of post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been widely reported. However, the time point of the follow-up time in the previous studies varied ranging from 3–24 months and the interval time of the follow-up time was too long (6 or 12 months). Thus, a shorter interval time during recovery for assessment of the sequelae of post COVID-19 on lung function and exercise capacity is still required. Therefore, this study aims to explore the long-term impact of COVID-19 pneumonia on pulmonary function and exercise capacity. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted on post COVID-19 pneumonia at the Lung Health Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand between May 2021 and April 2022. Spirometry, impulse oscillometry (IOS), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were assessed at 1-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month post-hospital discharge when compared to healthy controls. The six-minute walk test (6-MWT) was also assessed. Results Thirty-eight post COVID-19 pneumonia with ages 41.1±14.8 years (52.6% male) and twenty-five healthy controls were enrolled. The %predicted of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) were significantly lower in post COVID-19 pneumonia compared to healthy controls at month 1 and month 9. The improvement of %predicted FVC and FEV1 was observed in post COVID-19 pneumonia. The six-minute walk distance (6-MWD) was significantly lower in post COVID-19 pneumonia compared to healthy controls in all visits, while the 6-MWD improved overtime in post COVID-19 pneumonia. Conclusions The long term sequelae of post COVID-19 pneumonia on lung function and exercise capacity were observed. Pulmonary function tests and six-minutes walk test are useful tools for detection of long term sequelae of post COVID-19 pneumonia.
Present and past influence of the Iceland Plume on sedimentation

Abstract The Cenozoic development of the North Atlantic province has been dramatically influenced by the behaviour of the Iceland Plume, whose striking dominance is manifest by long-wavelength free-air gravity anomalies and by oceanic bathymetric anomalies. Here, we use these anomalies to estimate the amplitude and wavelength of present-day dynamic uplift associated with this plume. Maximum dynamic support in the North Atlantic is 1.5–2 km at Iceland itself. Most of Greenland is currently experiencing dynamic support of 0.5–1 km, whereas the NW European shelf is generally supported by <0.5 km. The proto-Iceland Plume had an equally dramatic effect on the Early Cenozoic palaeogeography of the North Atlantic margins, as we illustrate with a study of plume-related uplift, denudation and sedimentation on the continental shelf encompassing Britain and Ireland. We infer that during Paleocene time a hot subvertical sheet of asthenosphere welled up beneath an axis running from the Faroes through the Irish Sea towards Lundy, generating a welt of magmatic underplating of the crust which is known to exist beneath this axis. Transient and permanent uplift associated with this magmatic injection caused regional denudation, and consequently large amounts of clastic sediment have been shed into surrounding basins during Cenozoic time. Mass balance calculations indicate agreement between the volume of denuded material and the volume of Cenozoic sediments deposited offshore in the northern North Sea Basin and the Rockall Trough. The volume of material denuded from Britain and Ireland is probably insufficient to account for the sediment in the Faroe-Shetland Basin and an excess of sediment has been supplied to the Porcupine Basin. We emphasize the value of combining observations from both oceanic and continental realms to elucidate the evolution of the Iceland Plume through space and time.
Clinical value of hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet indexes in predicting lymph node metastasis and recurrence of endometrial cancer: a retrospective study

Objective To study the clinical importance of hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) indexes in predicting lymph node metastasis and recurrence of endometrial cancer. Methods From July 2016 to July 2020, 158 patients suffering from endometrial cancer who visited the gynecology department of General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from were collected. Employing the X-Tiles program, the ideal HALP cut-off value was established, and the patients were separated into low and high HALP groups. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to determine the relationship between HALP score and lymph node metastasis and recurrence of endometrial cancer. Results The optimal cut-off value of HALP score was established to be 22.2 using X-Tiles software, and the patients were separated into high HALP group (HALP score > 22.2, with 43 cases) and low HALP group (HALP score ≤ 22.2, 115 cases). Endometrial cancer patients’ HALP scores were strongly connected with differentiation, the degree of myometrial invasion, and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05), although not with age, menopausal status, or stage (P > 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the HALP score (OR = 2.087) was the influencing factor for lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The ROC curve suggested that the AUC of HALP score in predicting lymph node metastasis was 0.871, which had high diagnostic value. When compared to patients without recurrence, HALP scores of patients with recurrence were considerably lower (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HALP score (OR = 2.216) was the influencing factor for the occurrence of lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The ROC curve suggested that the AUC of HALP score in predicting relapse was 0.855, with high diagnostic value. Conclusion The HALP score shows good predictive performance in predicting lymph node metastasis and recurrence of endometrial cancer, and has high clinical value, which helps in improving the accuracy and effectiveness of clinical diagnosis and prognosis research.
In vitro effect of anodization of titanium abutments on their tensile bond strength to implant-supported lithium disilicate all-ceramic crowns

Background: The retention of cement-retained implant-supported restorations can be affected by surface treatments such as anodizing. This study aimed to assess the effect of the anodization of titanium abutments on their tensile bond strength to implant-supported lithium disilicate (LDS) all-ceramic crowns. Materials and Methods: This in vitro, experimental study was conducted on 26 straight abutments in two groups of anodization and control. In the anodization group, seven flat 9 V batteries connected in series were used to generate 64 V energy. A glass container was filled with 250 mL of distilled water, and 1 g of trisodium phosphate was added to it to create an electrolyte solution. The anode was then disconnected and the abutment was rinsed with acetone and deionized water. The surface roughness of abutments was measured by a profilometer. The abutments were scanned by a laboratory scanner, and maxillary central incisor monolithic crowns were fabricated by inLab SW18 software. The crowns were seated on the abutments and temporarily cemented with TempBond. They were then incubated in artificial saliva and subjected to 5000 thermal cycles. The tensile bond strength of crowns was then measured. Data were analyzed by the Student's t-test and Mann–Whitney U-tests (α =0.05). Results: The mean bond strength was significantly higher in anodized abutments (P = 0.003). The surface roughness of anodized abutments was slightly, but not significantly, higher than that of the control group (P > 0.05). The frequency of adhesive failure was almost twice higher in anodized abutments. Conclusion: Anodization of titanium abutments significantly improved their tensile bond strength to implant-supported LDS all-ceramic crowns.
Are Temperature and Precipitation Extremes Increasing over the U.S. High Plains?

: Large-scale environmental, social, and economic impacts of recent weather and climate extremes are raising questions about whether the frequency and intensity of these extremes have been increasing. Here, the authors evaluate trends in climate extremes during the past half century using the U.S. High Plains as a case study. A total of eight different extreme indices and the standardized precipitation index (SPI) were evaluated using daily maximum and minimum temperature and precipitation data from 207 stations and 0.25 8 gridded data. The 1958–2010 time period was selected to exclude the 1950s and 2011 droughts. Results show general consistency between the station data and gridded data. The annual extreme temperature range (ETR) decreased signiﬁcantly ( p , 0.05) in ; 54% of the High Plains, with a spatial mean rate of 2 0.7 8 C decade 2 1 . Decreases in ETR result primarily from increases in annual lowest temperature in ; 63% of the stations at a mean rate of ; 0.9 8 C decade 2 1 , whereas increases in annual highest temperature were much less. Approximately 43% of the stations showed increasing warm nights ( T min 90) with a spatial mean rate of 0.5% decade 2 1 . Precipitation intensity generally did not vary signiﬁcantly in most grid cells and stations. Signiﬁcant decreasing trends in consecutive dry days (CDD) were restricted to 21% of the stations in the northern High Plains with a spatial mean of 2 0.8 days decade 2 1 . Areas experiencing severe dry periods (1-month SPI , 2 1.5) decreased over time from 8% to 4%. The number of dry months (SPI , 0) in each year also decreased. In summary, the ETR is decreasing and low temperatures are increasing. Precipitation extremes are generally not changing in the High Plains; however, high natural climatic variability in this semiarid region makes it difﬁcult to assess climate extremes.