Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Changes in Playing Time on Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Pain in String Music Students.

BACKGROUND During their training, musicians must develop good work habits that they will carry on throughout their professional career in order to avoid potential chronic health problems, such as musculoskeletal pain. The effect of sudden changes in instrument playing-time on the development of playing-related musculoskeletal pain (PRMP) has not been thoroughly investigated in music students playing bowed string instruments (BSI), even though they are regularly exposed to such changes to perfect their playing skills. OBJECTIVE To explore the association between sudden changes in instrument playing-time and changes in PRMP in BSI players. METHODS A prospective cohort study was completed with BSI students attending a summer music camp offering high-level training. Participants completed a self-administered 23-item questionnaire designed for the study upon arrival at camp (T1) and then 7 days later (T2). RESULTS Ninety-three BSI students (16±4 yrs old) completed the questionnaires, for a 23% response rate. Their playing-time increased by 23±14 hrs between T1 and T2. Complaints in pain frequency (e.g., from never to most of the time) and intensity (19±24 mm on VAS) significantly increased between T1 and T2 and were correlated with an increase in playing-time. CONCLUSION A sudden increase in playing-time, such as that experienced by elite BSI students attending an intensive music camp, was related to an increase in PRMP. However, in this study, changes in pain characteristics were only partly explained by the change in playing-time.
The HOG Pathway Dictates the Short-Term Translational Response after Hyperosmotic Shock

In the global osmoshock translational response in yeast, some gene products were translationally mobilized without transcriptional up-regulation. Conversely, other transcriptionally up-regulated mRNAs were translationally inhibited. Analogous changes occurred on the protein level. These translational responses were strongly dependent on Hog1 and Rck2.
Acute hyperglycemia depresses arteriolar NO formation in skeletal muscle.

In the rat intestinal and cerebral microvasculatures, acute d-glucose hyperglycemia suppresses endothelium-dependent dilation to ACh without affecting endothelium-independent dilation to nitroprusside. This study determined whether acute hyperglycemia suppressed arteriolar wall nitric oxide concentration ([NO]) at rest or during ACh stimulation and inhibited nitroprusside-, ACh- or contraction-induced dilation of rat spinotrapezius arterioles. Vascular responses were measured before and after 1 h of topical 300 mg/100 mld-glucose; arteriolar [NO] was measured with NO-sensitive microelectrodes. Arteriolar dilation to ACh was not significantly altered after superfusion of 300 mg/100 mld-glucose. However, after hyperglycemia, arteriolar [NO] was not increased by ACh, compared with a 300 nM increase attained during normoglycemia. Arteriolar dilation to submaximal nitroprusside and muscle contractions was enhanced by hyperglycemia. These results indicated that in the rat spinotrapezius muscle, acute hyperglycemia suppressed arteriolar NO production while simultaneously augmenting vascular smooth muscle responsiveness to nitroprusside, presumably through cGMP-mediated mechanisms. In effect, this may have allowed ACh- and muscle contraction-induced vasodilation to be maintained during hyperglycemia despite an impaired NO system.
Analytic framework for performance evaluation of multi-antenna WIMAX systems over fading channel

This paper focuses on the uplink of multicell IEEE 802.16-d WiMax systems with OFDM modulation and antenna array at the base stations. We propose an analytical framework to assess the average error probability of all the different transmission modes over space-time dispersive Rayleigh fading channels. The proposed method takes into account the effects of the multilevel modulation, the error correction capability of the concatenated code, the interleaving scheme, the power-angle structure of the inter-cell interference and the array processing at the base station. Simulation results corroborate the proposed analysis for a IEEE 802.16-d cellular system over different propagation scenarios.
A Multicentric T-Cell Lymphoma with a Plasmacytoid Morphology in a Dog

An 8-year-old male (neutered) Labrador with a history of erythematous skin lesions and exercise intolerance for a prolonged period was suddenly found dead. Necropsy findings revealed an infiltrative, focally extensive mass which occupied 25% of the cardiac interventricular septum. Severe endocardiosis was also found on the bicuspid and tricuspid valves. The submandibular lymph nodes and kidneys were bilaterally enlarged, and the pre-hepatic lymph node and spleen were also enlarged. Multiple dermal pustules were present around the mouth and on the ear, and small ulcers were present on the tongue. Histopathological examination detected the presence of neoplastic lymphocytes with a plasmacytoid morphology in these tissues as well as in the tongue and skin lesions. Immunohistochemical (CD3+/CD18+) evaluation was consistent with a T-cell lymphoma, which could be classified as a peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS).
An Optical Biosensing Strategy Based on Selective Light Absorption and Wavelength Filtering from Chromogenic Reaction

To overcome the time and space constraints in disease diagnosis via the biosensing approach, we developed a new signal-transducing strategy that can be applied to colorimetric optical biosensors. Our study is focused on implementation of a signal transduction technology that can directly translate the color intensity signals—that require complicated optical equipment for the analysis—into signals that can be easily counted with the naked eye. Based on the selective light absorption and wavelength-filtering principles, our new optical signaling transducer was built from a common computer monitor and a smartphone. In this signal transducer, the liquid crystal display (LCD) panel of the computer monitor served as a light source and a signal guide generator. In addition, the smartphone was used as an optical receiver and signal display. As a biorecognition layer, a transparent and soft material-based biosensing channel was employed generating blue output via a target-specific bienzymatic chromogenic reaction. Using graphics editor software, we displayed the optical signal guide patterns containing multiple polygons (a triangle, circle, pentagon, heptagon, and 3/4 circle, each associated with a specified color ratio) on the LCD monitor panel. During observation of signal guide patterns displayed on the LCD monitor panel using a smartphone camera via the target analyte-loaded biosensing channel as a color-filtering layer, the number of observed polygons changed according to the concentration of the target analyte via the spectral correlation between absorbance changes in a solution of the biosensing channel and color emission properties of each type of polygon. By simple counting of the changes in the number of polygons registered by the smartphone camera, we could efficiently measure the concentration of a target analyte in a sample without complicated and expensive optical instruments. In a demonstration test on glucose as a model analyte, we could easily measure the concentration of glucose in the range from 0 to 10 mM.
Fibrous and non-fibrous Perlite concretes – experimental and SEM studies

Mechanical properties and microstructural analysis of Expanded Perlite Aggregate (EPA) concretes are presented. Using 10% EPA, the effects of using various types of fibre were investigated. For all specimens, fibrous and non-fibrous, the compressive and the splitting tensile strengths were obtained. Complete stress–strain curves for fibre-reinforced specimens were obtained. A new index for representing the toughness of fibre-reinforced Perlite concretes is introduced. The addition of fibres substantially increased the splitting tensile strength. Steel fibres with “indentations” had the best performance in this regard. Regarding the toughness, specimens with “hooked” steel fibres performed best. SEM photographs revealed that the number, shape and distribution of pores were visibly influenced by the addition of EPAs. The images showed that using steel fibres improved microstructural characteristics of Perlite concrete, in line with the results of macro studies. However, polypropylene fibres degraded the microstructure of concrete, especially at the neighbourhood of fibres.
Thiacloprid‐induced toxicity influenced by nutrients: Evidence from in situ bioassays in experimental ditches

Many studies show that neonicotinoid insecticides cause toxicity to aquatic invertebrates. Some studies report that insecticide toxicity may differ in combination with other agrochemicals under realistic field conditions. To explore such altered toxicity further, we aimed to determine the single and combined effects of environmentally relevant levels of the neonicotinoid thiacloprid and nutrients on different endpoints of 4 aquatic invertebrate species. Animals were exposed to these agrochemicals using a caged experiment within experimental ditches. We observed thiacloprid‐induced toxicity for 2 crustaceans, Daphnia magna and Asellus aquaticus, and for 1 out of 2 tested insect species, Cloeon dipterum. We observed no toxic effects for Chironomus riparius at the time‐weighted average test concentration of 0.51 μg thiacloprid/L. For D. magna, the observed toxicity, expressed as the lowest‐observed‐effect concentration (LOEC), on growth and reproduction was present at thiacloprid concentrations that were 2456‐fold lower than laboratory‐derived LOEC values. This shows that these species, when exposed under natural conditions, may exhibit neonicotinoid‐induced toxic stress. Contrary to the low nutrient treatment, such toxicity was often not observed under nutrient‐enriched conditions. This was likely attributable to the increased primary production that allowed for compensatory feeding. These findings warrant the inclusion of different feeding regimes in laboratory experiments to retrieve the best estimates of neonicotinoid‐induced toxicity in the natural environment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1907–1915. © 2018 SETAC
Physical and electrochemical study of cobalt oxide nano-and microparticles

D. Alburquenque, E. Vargas, J.C. Denardin, J. Escrig, J.F. Marco, J. Ortiz, J.L. Gautier⁎ Dpto. de Química de los Materiales, USACh, Av. L.B. O. ‘Higgins 3363, 9170022 Santiago, Chile Dpto. de Física, USACh and CEDENNA, Av. Ecuador 3493, 9170124 Santiago, Chile Instituto de Química Física “Rocasolano”, CSIC; c/Serrano 119, 28006 Madrid, Spain Dpto. de Metalurgia, USACh, Av. Ecuador 3469, 9170124, Santiago, Chile
Label-Free Electrochemical Immunoassay for C-Reactive Protein

C-reactive protein (CRP) is one of the most expressed proteins in blood during acute phase inflammation, and its minute level increase has also been recognized for the clinical diagnosis of cardio vascular diseases. Unfortunately, the available commercial immunoassays are labour intensive, require large sample volumes, and have practical limitations, such as low stability and high production costs. Hence, we have developed a simple, cost effective, and label-free electrochemical immunoassay for the measurement of CRP in a drop of serum sample using an immunosensor strip made up of a screen printed carbon electrode (SPE) modified with anti-CRP functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The measurement relies on the decrease of the oxidation current of the redox indicator Fe3+/Fe2+, resulting from the immunoreaction between CRP and anti-CRP. Under optimal conditions, the present immunoassay measures CRP in a linear range from 0.4–200 nM (0.047–23.6 µg mL−1), with a detection limit of 0.15 nM (17 ng mL−1, S/N = 3) and sensitivity of 90.7 nA nM−1, in addition to a good reproducibility and storage stability. The analytical applicability of the presented immunoassay is verified by CRP measurements in human blood serum samples. This work provides the basis for a low-priced, safe, and easy-to-use point-of-care immunosensor assay to measure CRP at clinically relevant concentrations.
Effects of eosinophil granule major basic protein on phosphatidylcholine secretion in rat type II pneumocytes.

Eosinophils are involved in inflammatory diseases such as asthma. We previously reported that activated eosinophils increased the phosphatidylcholine (PC) secretion in primary cultures of rat type II pneumocytes. Increased PC secretion was confirmed to be partly mediated by superoxide anions released from activated eosinophils. However, the influence of eosinophil granule proteins on PC secretion is unknown at present. In this study, we determined whether eosinophil major basic protein (MBP) influences PC secretion. MBP dose dependently increased the PC secretion in rat type II pneumocytes without producing any cell damage. The MBP-induced increase in PC secretion was significantly reduced by preadministration of either H-7, a protein kinase inhibitor, or 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane- N, N, N', N'-tetraacetic acid-AM, a chelator of intracellular Ca2+, but not by H-89, a protein kinase inhibitor. Our results suggest that the MBP-induced increase in PC secretion may provide mechanical stability and protect against lung atelectasis.
Early robot-assisted gait retraining in non-ambulatory patients with stroke: a single blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Restoration of walking function is a primary concern of neurorehabilitation with respect to the aspired social and vocational reintegration. To date, the best practice for improving gait early after stroke is still object of debate. On one hand, repetitive task-specific approaches with higher intensities of walking have been observed to result in greater improvements of gait after stroke. Conversely there is some evidence that conventional gait training would be more effective for facilitating walking ability after stroke. AIM To compare the effects of an early treatment protocol of add-on robot-assisted gait training with add-on conventional overground physiotherapy for improving locomotion in non-ambulatory adult stroke patients. DESIGN Single-blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING Neurorehabilitation hospital. POPULATION Seventy-four subacute patients with first-ever ischemic stroke. METHODS The patients were randomized into two groups. The training program consisted of forty, 2-hour sessions (including 45 minutes basic training, 45 minutes add-on training plus rest periods), 5 days a week, for 8 consecutive weeks. Patients allocated to the add-on robot-assisted gait training were treated by means of the Lokomat. Patients allocated to the add-on conventional overground gait training aimed at improving postural control during gait, body weight transfer, stability during the stance phase, free swing phase, adequate heel contact and gait pattern. Primary outcome was the modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile. Secondary outcomes were the Rivermead Motor Index, the Mobility Milestones and the Hochzirl Walking Aids Profile. RESULTS No significant difference was observed between groups with regards to age (P=0.661), time from stroke onset (P=0.413) and the primary outcome (P=0.854) at baseline evaluation. As to the primary outcome, no significant differences were found between groups at the end of the study. As During the 8-week training, within-group comparisons showed significant improvements of mean modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile in both groups (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our results support the hypothesis that an early treatment protocol of robot-assisted gait retraining is not superior to add-on conventional gait training intervention for improving locomotion in non-ambulatory stroke patients. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT This study might help to better understand the role of robot-assisted gait training in early phase stroke rehabilitation.
NO causes perinatal pulmonary vasodilation through K+-channel activation and intracellular Ca2+release.

Evidence suggests that nitric oxide (NO) causes perinatal pulmonary vasodilation through K+-channel activation. We hypothesized that this effect worked through cGMP-dependent kinase-mediated activation of Ca2+-activated K+ channel that requires release of intracellular Ca2+ from a ryanodine-sensitive store. We studied the effects of 1) K+-channel blockade with tetraethylammonium, 4-aminopyridine, a voltage-dependent K+-channel blocker, or glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive K+-channel blocker; 2) cyclic nucleotide-sensitive kinase blockade with either KT-5823, a guanylate-sensitive kinase blocker, or H-89, an adenylate-sensitive kinase blocker; and 3) blockade of intracellular Ca2+ release with ryanodine on NO-induced pulmonary vasodilation in acutely prepared late-gestation fetal lambs. N-nitro-l-arginine, a competitive inhibitor of endothelium-derived NO synthase, was infused into the left pulmonary artery, and tracheotomy was placed. The animals were ventilated with 100% oxygen for 20 min, followed by ventilation with 100% oxygen and inhaled NO at 20 parts/million (ppm) for 20 min. This represents the control period. In separate protocols, the animals received an intrapulmonary infusion of the different blockers and were ventilated as above. Tetraethylammonium ( n = 6 animals) and KT-5823 ( n = 4 animals) attenuated the response, whereas ryanodine ( n = 5 animals) blocked NO-induced perinatal pulmonary vasodilation. 4-Aminopyridine ( n = 5 animals), glibenclamide ( n = 5 animals), and H-89 ( n = 4 animals) did not affect NO-induced pulmonary vasodilation. We conclude that NO causes perinatal pulmonary vasodilation through cGMP-dependent kinase-mediated activation of Ca2+-activated K+ channels and release of Ca2+ from ryanodine-sensitive stores.
Effect of short-term fasting on lipid kinetics in lean and obese women.

We evaluated whole body and regional adipose tissue lipid kinetics and norepinephrine (NE) spillover during brief fasting in six lean [body mass index (BMI) 21 ± 1 kg/m2] and six upper-body obese (UBO; BMI 36 ± 1 kg/m2) women. At 14 h of fasting, abdominal adipose tissue glycerol and free fatty acid (FFA) release rates were lower ( P = 0.07), but whole body glycerol and FFA rates of appearance (Ra) were greater ( P < 0.05) in obese than in lean subjects. At 22 h of fasting, glycerol and FFA Ra increased less in obese (19.8 ± 7.0 and 87.1 ± 30.3 μmol/min, respectively) than in lean (44.2 ± 6.6 and 137.4 ± 30.4 μmol/min, respectively; P < 0.05) women. The percent increase in glycerol Ra correlated closely with the percent decline in plasma insulin in both groups ( r 2 = 0.85; P < 0.05). Whole body NE spillover declined in lean ( P < 0.05) but not obese subjects with continued fasting, whereas regional adipose tissue NE spillover did not change in either group. We conclude that, compared with lean women, in UBO women 1) basal adipose tissue lipolysis is lower, but whole body lipid kinetics is higher because of their greater fat mass; 2) the increase in lipolysis during fasting is blunted because of an attenuated decline in circulating insulin; and 3) downregulation of whole body sympathetic nervous system activity is impaired during fasting.
Crystal Structure of CYP2B6 in Complex with an Efavirenz Analog

The over two dozen CYP2B structures of human, rabbit, and woodrat enzymes solved in the last decade have significantly enhanced our understanding of the structure-function relationships of drug metabolizing enzymes. More recently, an important role has emerged for halogen-π interactions in the CYP2B6 active site in substrate selectivity, explaining in part the preference for halogenated ligands as substrates. The mechanism by which such ligands interact with CYP2B enzymes involves conserved phenylalanine side chains, in particular F108, F115, or F297, in the active site, which form π bonds with halogens. To illustrate such halogen-π interactions using drugs that are major substrates of CYP2B6, we present here a crystal structure of CYP2B6 in complex with an analog of the widely used anti-HIV drug efavirenz, which contains a methyl group in place of the carbonyl oxygen. The chlorine of the efavirenz analog forms a π bond with the aromatic ring of F108, whereas the putative metabolism site on the distal end of the molecule is oriented towards the heme iron. The crystal structure showcases how CYP2B6 accommodates this important drug analog of considerable size in the active site by movement of various side chains without substantially increasing the active site volume. Furthermore, the CYP2B6-efavirenz analog complex provides a useful platform to investigate computationally as well as biophysically the effect of genetic polymorphisms on binding of the widely studied efavirenz.
Effect of progesterone on intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in human myometrial smooth muscle cells.

Although it is well known that progesterone alters uterine contractility and plays an important role in maintenance of pregnancy, the biochemical mechanisms by which progesterone alters uterine contractility in human gestation are less clear. In this investigation we sought to identify progesterone-induced adaptations in human myometrial smooth muscle cells that may alter Ca2+signaling in response to contractile agents. Cells were treated with vehicle or the progesterone analog medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) for 5 days, and intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was quantified after treatment with oxytocin (OX) or endothelin (ET)-1. OX- and ET-1-induced increases in [Ca2+]iwere significantly attenuated in cells pretreated with MPA in a dose-dependent manner. Progesterone receptor antagonists prevented the attenuated Ca2+ transients induced by MPA. ETA and ETB receptor subtypes were expressed in myometrial cells, and treatment with MPA resulted in significant downregulation of ETAand ETB receptor binding. MPA did not alter ionomycin-stimulated increases in [Ca2+]iand had no effect on inositol trisphosphate-dependent or -independent release of Ca2+ from internal Ca2+ stores. We conclude that adaptations of Ca2+ homeostasis in myometrial cells during pregnancy may include progesterone-induced modification of receptor-mediated increases in [Ca2+]i.