Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling leaf senescence of deciduous tree species in Europe

Autumnal leaf senescence signals the end of photosynthetic activities in temperate deciduous trees and consequently exerts a strong control on various ecological processes. Predicting leaf senescence dates (LSD) with high accuracy is thus a prerequisite for better understanding the climate–ecosystem interactions. However, modeling LSD at large spatial and temporal scales is challenging. In this study, first, we used 19972 site‐year records (848 sites and four deciduous tree species) from the PAN European Phenology network to calibrate and evaluate six leaf senescence models during the period 1980–2013. Second, we extended the spatial analysis by repeating the procedure across Europe using satellite‐derived end of growing season and a forest map. Overall, we found that models that considered photoperiod and temperature interactions outperformed models using simple temperature or photoperiod thresholds for Betula pendula, Fagus sylvatica and Quercus robur. On the contrary, no model displayed reasonable predictions for Aesculus hippocastanum. This inter‐model comparison indicates that, contrary to expectation, photoperiod does not significantly modulate the accumulation of cooling degree days (CDD). On the other hand, considering the carryover effect of leaf unfolding date could promote the models’ predictability. The CDD models generally matched the observed LSD at species level and its interannual variation, but were limited in explaining the inter‐site variations, indicating that other environmental cues need to be considered in future model development. The discrepancies remaining between model simulations and observations highlight the need of manipulation studies to elucidate the mechanisms behind the leaf senescence process and to make current models more realistic.
Patients’ Use of Social Media for Diabetes Self-Care: Systematic Review

Background Patient engagement with diabetes self-care is critical to reducing morbidity and mortality. Social media is one form of digital health that is available for diabetes self-care, although its use for peer-to-peer communication has not been systematically described, and its potential to support patient self-care is unclear. Objective The primary aim of this systematic review was to describe the use of social media among patients (peer-to-peer) to manage diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The secondary aim was to assess patients’ clinical outcomes, behavioral outcomes, quality of life, and self-efficacy resulting from peer-to-peer social media use. Methods We conducted a literature search in the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO (January 2008 through April 2019). The inclusion criteria were quantitative studies that included peer-to-peer use of social media for self-care of diabetes mellitus (with all subtypes) and CVD, including stroke. Results After an initial yield of 3066 citations, we selected 91 articles for a full-text review and identified 7 papers that met our inclusion criteria. Of these, 4 studies focused on type 1 diabetes, 1 study included both type 1 and 2 diabetes, and 2 studies included multiple chronic conditions (eg, CVD, diabetes, depression, etc). Our search did not yield any individual studies on CVD alone. Among the selected papers, 2 studies used commercial platforms (Facebook and I Seek You), 3 studies used discussion forums developed specifically for each study, and 2 surveyed patients through different platforms or blogs. There was significant heterogeneity in the study designs, methodologies, and outcomes applied, but all studies showed favorable results on either primary or secondary outcomes. The quality of studies was highly variable. Conclusions The future landscape of social media use for patient self-care is promising. However, current use is nascent. Our extensive search yielded only 7 studies, all of which included diabetes, indicating the most interest and demand for peer-to-peer interaction on diabetes self-care. Future research is needed to establish efficacy and safety in recommending social media use among peers for diabetes self-care and other conditions.
Electrochemistry of Inorganic OCT-PbS/HDA and OCT-PbS Photosensitizers Thermalized from Bis(N-diisopropyl-N-octyldithiocarbamato) Pb(II) Molecular Precursors

Inorganic nanocrystal solar cells have been tagged as the next generation of synthesizers that have the potential to break new ground in photovoltaic cells. This synthetic route offers a safe, easy and cost-effective method of achieving the desired material. The present work investigates the synthesis of inorganic PbS sensitizers through a molecular precursor route and their impact on improving the conversion efficiency in photovoltaic cells. PbS photosensitizers were deposited on TiO2 by direct deposition, and their structure, morphologies and electrocatalytic properties were examined. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms PbS nanocrystal structure and the atomic force microscopy (AFM) displays the crystalline phase of uniform size and distribution of PbS, indicating compact surface nanoparticles. The electrocatalytic activity by lead sulfide, using N-di-isopropyl-N-octyldithiocarbamato (OCT) without hexadecylamine (HDA) capping (OCT-PbS) was very low in HI-30 electrolyte, due to its overpotential, while lead sulfide with OCT and HDA-capped (OCT-PbS/HDA) sensitizer exhibited significant electrocatalytic activity with moderate current peaks due to a considerable amount of reversibility. The OCT-PbS sensitizer exhibited a strong resistance interaction with the electrolyte, indicating very poor catalytic activity compared to the OCT-PbS/HDA sensitizer. The values of the open-circuit voltage (VOC) were ~0.52 V, with a fill factor of 0.33 for OCT-PbS/HDA. The better conversion efficiency displayed by OCT-PbS/HDA is due to its nanoporous nature which improves the device performance and stability.
Neutrophil extracellular traps in COVID-19.

In severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), viral pneumonia progresses to respiratory failure. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are extracellular webs of chromatin, microbicidal proteins, and oxidant enzymes that are released by neutrophils to contain infections. However, when not properly regulated, NETs have potential to propagate inflammation and microvascular thrombosis - including in the lungs of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. While elevated levels of blood neutrophils predict worse outcomes in COVID-19, the role of NETs has not been investigated. We now report that sera from patients with COVID-19 (n = 50 patients, n = 84 samples) have elevated levels of cell-free DNA, myeloperoxidase(MPO)-DNA, and citrullinated histone H3 (Cit-H3); the latter two are highly specific markers of NETs. Highlighting the potential clinical relevance of these findings, cell-free DNA strongly correlated with acute phase reactants including C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and lactate dehydrogenase, as well as absolute neutrophil count. MPO-DNA associated with both cell-free DNA and absolute neutrophil count, while Cit-H3 correlated with platelet levels. Importantly, both cell-free DNA and MPO-DNA were higher in hospitalized patients receiving mechanical ventilation as compared with hospitalized patients breathing room air. Finally, sera from individuals with COVID-19 triggered NET release from control neutrophils in vitro. In summary, these data reveal high levels of NETs in many patients with COVID-19, where they may contribute to cytokine release and respiratory failure. Future studies should investigate the predictive power of circulating NETs in longitudinal cohorts, and determine the extent to which NETs may be novel therapeutic targets in severe COVID-19.
Oospore populations of Peronospora viciae : quantification, germinability and survival

Peronospora viciae causes downy mildew on pea, field and broad bean. Two pathogens can be distinguished, P. viciae f.sp. pisi on pea (Pisum sativum) and P. viciae f. sp. fabae on field and broad bean (Vicia faba). These pathogens form resting spores, called oospores, in their host plant tissue. The oospores infest the soil after decomposition of the surrounding plant tissue and are the means by which the pathogens survive in the absence of host plants. In the present thesis aspects of the population biology of the oospores were investigated. Numbers of oospores were determined by extraction from plant tissue or soil. A vital stain test and a germination assay were used to assess viability and germinability of oospore populations. Monoconidial isolates of the two pathogens were able to produce oospores in monoculture and thus both pathogens are homothallic. P. viciae f.sp. pisi had a minimum temperature of about 10°C for oospore production and P. viciae f.sp. fabae below 5°C Dry-stored oospores of P. viciae f.sp. pisi germinated in water and appeared independent of an exogenous chemical stimulus for germination. Germinability of these oospores increased with oospore age up to a certain point and was related to their infectivity in a bioassay. Dry-stored oospores of P. viciae f.sp. fabae did neither germinate in water nor did they infect seedlings in a bioassay. After incorporation in field soil, oospore populations of both pathogens declined rapidly, and small, probably non-random, proportions of the original oospore populations survived for more than a year. The ability of oospores of P. viciae f.sp. pisi to germinate in water declined rapidly after incorporation in soil. Low percentages of oospores extracted from soil germinated in water, but relatively high disease incidences were obtained after inoculation of pea seeds with these oospores which suggested that soilexposed oospores become dependent on a chemical stimulus for germination. Oospores of P. viciae f.sp. fabae were infective after incubation in field soil for two years.
Reducing the Singlet−Triplet Energy Gap by End‐Group π−π Stacking Toward High‐Efficiency Organic Photovoltaics

To improve the power conversion efficiencies for organic solar cells, it is necessary to enhance light absorption and reduce energy loss simultaneously. Both the lowest singlet (S1) and triplet (T1) excited states need to energertically approach the charge‐transfer state to reduce the energy loss in exciton dissociation and by triplet recombination. Meanwhile, the S1 energy needs to be decreased to broaden light absorption. Therefore, it is imperative to reduce the singlet−triplet energy gap (ΔEST), particularly for the narrow‐bandgap materials that determine the device T1 energy. Although maximizing intramolecular push−pull effect can drastically decrease ΔEST, it inevitably results in weak oscillator strength and light absorption. Herein, large oscillator strength (≈3) and a moderate ΔEST (0.4−0.5 eV) are found for state‐of‐the‐art A−D−A small‐molecule acceptors (ITIC, IT‐4F, and Y6) owing to modest push−pull effect. Importantly, end‐group π−π stacking commonly in the films can substantially decrease the S1 energy by nearly 0.1 eV, but the T1 energy is hardly changed. The obtained reduction of ΔEST is crucial to effectively suppress triplet recombination and acquire small exciton dissociation driving force. Thus, end‐group π−π stacking is an effective way to achieve both small energy loss and efficient light absorption for high‐efficiency organic photovoltaics.
Severe Fatigue is Highly Prevalent in Patients with IPF or Sarcoidosis

In patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) next to dyspnea, fatigue is expected to be the most prevalent symptom. Surprisingly, the prevalence of severe fatigue has been scarcely studied in ILD patients and limited information on its associated factors is available. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of severe fatigue in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) or pulmonary sarcoidosis and to identify the relationship between fatigue, patient characteristics, and clinical parameters. In this cross-sectional study, fatigue (checklist individual strength-fatigue (CIS-Fat)), demographics, lung function, dyspnea (modified-Medical Research Council (mMRC)), sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), anxiety/depression (hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS-A/HADS-D)), catastrophizing (fatigue catastrophizing scale (FCS)), functional activity impairment (respiratory illness quality-of-life (QoL-RIQ-Activity)), and health status (EuroQol five-dimensional descriptive system (EQ-5D-5L)) were assessed in outpatients with ILD. Mean CIS-Fat scores were 34.1 (SD ± 11.2) in 59 IPF patients and 40.0 (12.3) in 58 sarcoidosis patients. Severe fatigue (SD ± ≥36 points) was present in IPF patients (47.5%) and sarcoidosis (69%). In IPF, CIS-Fat correlated strongly (ρ > 0.5; p < 0.01) with FCS, QoL-RIQ-Activity, and EQ-5D-5L-Health and moderately (0.3 < ρ < 0.5; p < 0.01) with EQ-5D-5L-Index, mMRC, and HADS-D. In sarcoidosis, CIS-Fat correlated strongly with EQ-5D-5L-Health, QoL-RIQ-Activity, EQ-5D-5L-Index, HADS-D, and mMRC and moderately with FCS and hospitalization <12 months. Severe fatigue is highly prevalent in ILD patients and is associated with dyspnea, depression, catastrophizing, functional activity impairments, and QoL.
Determination, Modeling and Evaluation of Kinetics of 223Ra Sorption on Hydroxyapatite and Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles

Sorption kinetics of radium on hydroxyapatite and titanium dioxide nanomaterials were studied. The main aim of the current study was to determine the rate-controlling process and the corresponding kinetic model, due to the application of studied nanomaterials as α-emitters’ carriers, and to assess the sorption properties of both materials from the radiopharmaceutical point of view by time regulated sorption experiments on the nanoparticles. Radium-223 was investigated as radionuclide used in targeted alpha particle therapy as an in vivo generator. It was found that the controlling process of the 223Ra sorption kinetics was the diffusion in a reacted layer. Therefore, parameters like particle size, their specific surface area, contact time and temperature played important role. Moreover, the composition of liquid phase, such as pH, the concentration of 223Ra, ionic strength, the presence of complexation ligands, etc., had to be considered. Experiments were conducted under free air conditions and at pH 8 for hydroxyapatite and pH 6 for titanium dioxide in Britton–Robinson buffer. Initial 223Ra concentration was in the range from 10−11 to 10−12 mol/L. It was found that sorption kinetics was very fast (more than 90% in the first hour) in the case of both nanomaterials, so they can be directly used for efficient radium sorption.
STRESS INDUCED FACTOR 2 Regulates Arabidopsis Stomatal Immunity through Phosphorylation of the Anion Channel SLAC1

SIF2 is critical for Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) resistance to bacteria by regulating stomatal immunity, belongs to the FLS2/BAK1 immunity receptor complex, and phosphorylates the anion channel SLAC1. Upon recognition of microbes, pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) activate pattern-triggered immunity. FLAGELLIN SENSING2 (FLS2) and BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE1-ASSOCIATED KINASE1 (BAK1) form a typical PRR complex that senses bacteria. Here, we report that the kinase activity of the malectin-like receptor-like kinase STRESS INDUCED FACTOR 2 (SIF2) is critical for Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) resistance to bacteria by regulating stomatal immunity. SIF2 physically associates with the FLS2-BAK1 PRR complex and interacts with and phosphorylates the guard cell SLOW ANION CHANNEL1 (SLAC1), which is necessary for abscisic acid (ABA)-mediated stomatal closure. SIF2 is also required for the activation of ABA-induced S-type anion currents in Arabidopsis protoplasts, and SIF2 is sufficient to activate SLAC1 anion channels in Xenopus oocytes. SIF2-mediated activation of SLAC1 depends on specific phosphorylation of Ser 65. This work reveals that SIF2 functions between the FLS2-BAK1 initial immunity receptor complex and the final actuator SLAC1 in stomatal immunity.
Access to Dental Care and Depressive Illness: Results from the Korea National Health Nutrition Examination Survey

Background and Objectives: Recent evidence suggests that oral health is associated with various systemic diseases including psychiatric illnesses. This study examined the association between depression and access to dental care in Korean adults. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional evaluation was performed using data from the Sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014. The general characteristics of the participants, the current depression status, and issues with access to dental care were collected to evaluate the factors for not being able to make dental visits according to care needs. Results: The study population comprised a total of 5976 participants who were 19 years of age and older and represented 40.7 million Koreans. A multivariable logistic regression analysis with weighted observations revealed that participants with current depressive illness were about two times more likely to express that they could not make dental visits in spite of their perceived care needs (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.097; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.046–4.203). The reasons for not making dental visits included financial problems, perceived importance of the dental problem, and fear of visiting dental professionals. Conclusions: Korean adults with current depressive illness were less likely to make dental visits when they had dental care needs. To improve dental health accessibility for patients with depressive illness, coordinated efforts can be considered involving multidisciplinary health care professionals.
Evaluation of Oxytetracycline Metabolites Cross-Reactivity with Oxytetracycline Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Antibiotics have been successfully used for the control of several plant diseases for many years. Recently, streptomycin and oxytetracycline have been approved for the treatment of Huanglongbing (HLB) in Florida. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is the most commonly used assay for the detection of these antibiotics because it is quick, simple, and can be used to analyze many samples at the same time. However, ELISA can react with the metabolites of the parent compound and its structurally related compounds. In this study, we investigated the cross-reactivity of the oxytetracycline ACCEL ELISA kitTM with three of oxytetracycline metabolites (4-epi-oxytetracycline, α-apo-oxytetracycline, and β-apo-oxytetracycline). The α-apo-oxytetracycline and β-apo-oxytetracycline metabolite did not show any cross-reactivity in the linear range (1.5–50 ng mL−1) of the assay. Whereas 4-epi-oxytetracycline showed high cross-reactivity, and its response was similar to oxytetracycline. Our results indicated that the oxytetracycline ELISA kits estimate the level of oxytetracycline as well as its main metabolite, 4-epi-oxytetracycline.
Toward 2D Magnets in the (MnBi2Te4)(Bi2Te3)n Bulk Crystal

2D magnets and their engineered magnetic heterostructures are intriguing materials for both fundamental physics and application prospects. On the basis of the recently discovered intrinsic magnetic topological insulators (MnBi2Te4)(Bi2Te3)n, here, a new type of magnet, in which the magnetic layers are separated by a large number of non‐magnetic layers and become magnetically independent, is proposed. This magnet is named as a single‐layer magnet, regarding the vanishing interlayer exchange coupling. Theoretical calculations and magnetization measurements indicate that, the decoupling of the magnetic layers starts to emerge from n = 2 and 3, as revealed by a unique slow‐relaxation behavior below a ferromagnetic‐type transition at Tc = 12–14 K. Magnetization data analysis shows that the proposed new magnetic states have a strong uniaxial anisotropy along the c‐axis, forming an Ising‐type magnetic structure, where Tc is the ordering temperature for each magnetic layer. The characteristic slow relaxation, which exists only along the c‐axis but is absent along the ab plane, can be ascribed to interlayer coherent spin rotation and/or intralayer domain wall movement. The present results will stimulate further theoretical and experimental investigations for the prototypical magnetic structures, and their combination with the topological surface states may lead to exotic physical properties.
AMIC—Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis Technique in Patellar Cartilage Defects Treatment: A Retrospective Study with a Mid-Term Follow-Up

Background: Knee cartilage defects can be retrieved in 60% of patients undergoing knee arthroscopy, especially in the patellofemoral joint. Different techniques have been proposed to treat patellar defects, although most of them are associated with short-term results. In this study Autologous Matrix Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC), combining subchondral microfractures with a collagen membrane (type I and III collagen), was used in the treatment of isolated patellar cartilage defects. Methods: Twenty-four patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Subjective-International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS), and Kujala score were collected at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, whereas the Tegner Activity Level Scale was determined preoperatively and at final follow-up (final-FU). The same postoperative management and rehabilitation protocol was adopted for all the patients. Results: Fourteen patients met the inclusion–exclusion criteria and were evaluated at a mean final-FU of 68.2 months (range 25.4–111.2). At 12 months, Kujala, IKDC, and VAS scores significantly increased in comparison to the preoperative assessment, whereas no statistically significant differences were reported between 12 months and final follow-up. Conclusion: This study demonstrated very good results throughout the follow-up, also in sports patients. The AMIC technique, together with an adequate rehabilitation protocol, can be considered as a reliable one-step alternative for the treatment of large isolated patellar cartilage defects.
Contribution of Macrophages and T Cells in Skeletal Metastasis

Bone is a common site for metastases with a local microenvironment that is highly conducive for tumor establishment and growth. The bone marrow is replete with myeloid and lymphoid linage cells that provide a fertile niche for metastatic cancer cells promoting their survival and growth. Here, we discuss the role of macrophages and T cells in pro- and anti-tumoral mechanisms, their interaction to support cancer cell growth, and their contribution to the development of skeletal metastases. Importantly, immunotherapeutic strategies targeting macrophages and T cells in cancer are also discussed in this review as they represent a great promise for patients suffering from incurable bone metastases.