Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Caustic esophageal stricture from diagnosis untill cure

Background: The diagnosis of esophageal stricture after caustic ingestion is based on clinical symptoms of dysphagia, regurgitation and chocking that is evident initially in the acute stage. These symptoms may ameliorate by time or proceed to evident stricture due to fibrosis. This will need either dye esophagogram or Esophagoscopy which is better to be done not before the lapse of at least 6 weeks from injury. Esophageal dilatation using wire-guided dilators is the cornerstone of treatment. The frequency of dilatation is based on recurrence of dysphagia and in multiple strictures, repeated sessions with multi-level injection of steroids and graded dilatation is needed. Failure of dilatation or occurrence of complications may necessitate esophageal replacement and usually we prefer the transverse colon based on the left colic vessels in retrosternal position to treat the condition. We aimed to review the management of caustic esophageal strictures based on what is known and adding our experience in this aspect. Methods: We reviewed the articles discussing management of caustic esophageal strictures in the last twenty years. We added our experience of more than forty years managing an average of thirty new cases every year. Results: Management of caustic esophageal strictures has changed in the last years. Advanced endoscopic techniques of dilatation reduced the need for esophageal replacement. Conclusions: Caustic esophageal strictures could be managed successfully with advanced techniques of endoscopic dilatation. Keywords: Caustic stricture; esophageal dilatation; esophagoscopy; esophageal replacement
Larger plants promote a greater diversity of symbiotic nitrogen‐fixing soil bacteria associated with an Australian endemic legume

A major goal in microbial ecology is to understand the factors that structure bacterial communities across space and time. For microbes that are plant symbionts, community assembly processes can lead to either a positive or negative relationship between plant size or age and soil microbe diversity. Here, we evaluated the extent to which such relationships exist within a single legume species (Acacia acuminata) and their naturally occurring symbiotic nitrogen‐fixing bacteria (rhizobia). We quantified the diversity of rhizobia that associate with A. acuminata trees of variable size spanning a large environmental gradient in southwest Australia (72 trees in 24 sites spread across ~300,000 km2), using metabarcoding. We modelled rhizobia diversity using 16S exact genetic variants, in a binomial multivariate statistical framework that controlled for climate and local soil characteristics. We identified two major phylogenetic clades of rhizobia that associate with A. acuminata. Soil sampled at the base of larger Acacia trees contained a higher richness of rhizobia genetic variants. Each major clade responds differently to environmental factors (climate and soil characteristics), but the positive association between tree size and rhizobia genetic diversity was mainly driven by responses from one of the two clades. Overall tree size explained more variation than any other factor, resulting in a ~3‐fold increase in total richness and clade diversity from the smallest to the largest trees. Synthesis. Previous studies have shown that plant host species is important in structuring microbial soil communities in the rhizosphere. Our results show that host size or age within a single plant species can also structure diversity of at least one group of soil microbes. A positive relationship between plant host size and rhizobia diversity suggests that hosts may modify the niche space of their surrounding soil (niche construction hypothesis) enabling a higher richness of microbial taxa. That different rhizobial groups responded differently to host size and other ecological factors suggests that rhizobia is not an ecologically uniform group, and that entirely neutral explanations for our results are unlikely. Host plants may be analogous to “islands,” where larger plant hosts may accumulate diversity over time, through migration opportunities.
Brexit and the dependence structure among the G7 bank equity markets

The UK referendum in June 2016 on leaving the European Union had a negative impact on banking stocks across the major financial markets. This has left with a question dealing with the effect of UK banking institutions on the systemic risk on a global scale. This paper aims at investigating the changes in the dependence structure between the UK bank equity returns and its counterparts in the G7 economies. The methodology used is based on the GJR-GARCH volatility spillover model that accounts for asymmetry and leverage, and copula for the time-varying correlation structure among G7 banks. Taking the data on bank equity return indices for G7 economies, the results indicate the symmetric dependence structure between the UK and Italian banks and the asymmetric dependence between the UK and the rest of G7 banks. This is due to the simultaneous decline in bank shares prices across the Union. Such results are important constituents for cross-country portfolio diversification.
Increased Blood Flow and Oxidative Metabolism in the Human Brain by Transcranial Laser Stimulation

The non-invasive delivery of laser light to the brain, termed transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), has been shown to stimulate vascular and metabolic function in the rodent brain. Given the large number of neurological disorders marked by impaired blood flow and metabolism, it is important to objectively evaluate the reported effects in humans. To date, however, neurophysiological evidence of tPBM effects in the human brain is scarce. Here we combined tPBM with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) by recording the blood-oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD) signal before, during, and after application of tPBM to the right forehead of 20 healthy participants. We found both acute and outlasting BOLD increases as high as 31% in regions of the prefrontal cortex within 30 mm of the site of light incidence. The observed effect was consistent with rapid inflow of blood to the stimulated brain region, coupled with an increase in oxidative metabolism. Our findings underscore the therapeutic potential of tPBM in the human brain.
Sources of Resistance for Two-spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae) in Scarlet (Solanum aethiopicum L.) and Gboma (S. macrocarpon L.) Eggplant Germplasms

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, is a serious global pest of eggplants and other vegetables in the tropics and subtropics. The scarlet (Solanum aethiopicum L.) and gboma (Solanum macrocarpon L.) are two cultivated eggplants indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, 120 accessions of S. aethiopicum and five accessions of S. macrocarpon from the World Vegetable Center’s genebank collection were evaluated for spider mite resistance based on leaf damage scores and trichome types and densities. The highest levels of resistance were detected in S. macrocarpon accessions VI050393 and VI050444. In addition, two accessions of S. aethiopicum, VI042749 and VI042753, were moderately resistant. All other S. aethiopicum accessions were susceptible or highly susceptible. Spider mite resistance was significantly associated with the presence of type VII glandular trichome, but nonglandular stellate trichomes were not associated with resistance. The resistant S. macrocarpon accessions can be directly used as resistant cultivars or in prebreeding programs aimed at breeding resistant lines of the most commonly cultivated eggplant (S. melogena).
Processing sentences with sentential and prefixal negation: an event-related potential study

ABSTRACT This study is concerned with the integration of negation in relation to two models of the processing of negation: (i) the two-step model (Lüdtke et al., 2008), according to which negation involves two representations where negation is ignored in the first representation, and (ii) the pragmatic view (Nieuwland & Kuperberg, 2008), which posits that negation can be integrated without delay if it is used in a natural context. The processing of two negated forms (not authorised and unauthorised) and an affirmative form (authorised) was studied in complex congruent and incongruent contexts. Incongruities in affirmative sentences elicited a biphasic N400–P600. In both types of negated sentences, ERP patterns associated with higher processing difficulties (anterior and central negativities) were observed. The results did not support one or the other model, suggesting that the processing of negation cannot be fully captured by either of them.
Assessing the Effects of Accounting Methods for Carbon Storage in Harvested Wood Products on the National Carbon Budget of Lithuania

Forests and the forest-based sector play important roles in mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration and storage in living biomass and soil. In Europe, the forest sector is the only sector that positively affects atmospheric carbon balance. After the forest harvest, a large share of carbon is removed together with the wood. This wood carbon might be stored for centuries if in the form of long-lived wood products. In 2011, the United Nations decided that countries should account for and report carbon balance not only in forests but also in harvested wood products (HWP), followed by very general guidelines on methods for carbon accounting in HWP. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) proposed three methodological levels called tiers for estimating carbon stock and its changes in HWP. The first reporting period revealed that countries applied different carbon accounting methods (tiers), therefore comparing the carbon budgets of HWP and the effect of climate change mitigation among different countries is difficult. In order to test the differences between carbon accounting methods proposed by the IPCC guidelines, we applied two carbon accounting methods and used different data sources in the case of Lithuania. The methods applied were the IPCC Tier 2 method (data on HWP from statistics or the literature, default half-life values, and default HWP categories) and material flow analysis, which is compatible with the IPCC Tier 3 method (material flow data on HWP, country-specific half-life values, and country-specific HWP categories). Depending on the availability of historical data from different sources for the purpose of this study, three study periods were defined: 1992–2015 Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database (FAOSTAT) data, 1960–1991 data from the literature, and 1940–1991 data from national statistics. The study findings show that carbon stock in HWP significantly differed when different data sources and methods were applied. The highest carbon stock in HWP (19.5 Mt) at the end of the study period was observed when FAOSTAT data from 1992–2015 were used and the Tier 3 method was applied. The lowest carbon stock in HWP (11.2 Mt) at the end of the study period was observed when data from national statistics from 1940–1991 were used and the Tier 2 method was applied. The carbon inflow into the pool of HWP in all cases was estimated to be 40% higher when material flow analysis was applied compared to the IPCC default (Tier 2) method. These findings suggest that in general it is more reasonable to apply the Tier 3 method for carbon accounting of HWP in Lithuania.
Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolism

The formation of a thrombus in a vein leads to a narrowing of its lumen and a reduction in blood flow, which results in the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE). It manifests itself in most cases, including pain, swelling and redness of the affected limb. Data published in 2007 indicate that in 6 European Union countries as many as 370,000 deaths per year are a consequence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is 75% a consequence of hospitalization. [2] [11] The causes of blood clots are found in the factors of the so-called Virchow triad. The main risk factors for venous thromboembolism as well as its complications of pulmonary embolism include thrombophilia, advanced age, previous VTE, immobilization of trauma or surgery. In the diagnosis of VTE, the determination of D-dimer level plays a key role.
Dawnside Auroral Polarization Streams

Although the postmidnight‐to‐dawn sector of the auroral ionosphere contains interesting dynamic phenomena that may significantly impact the magnetosphere‐ionosphere‐thermosphere system, it has been much less studied than the dusk‐to‐premidnight sector. We discuss a dynamic phenomenon in the postmidnight‐to‐dawn sector of the auroral oval, eastward fast flows mainly within the expanse of the Region 1 current (its part equatorward of the polar cap). These flows peak and have a steep speed gradient (increase from low to high latitude) near the interface between the Region 1 and Region 2 currents. Because such flows correspond to an electric field that most likely comes from enhanced Region 2 currents and an associated spatial conductivity gradient, their generation mechanism is analogous to that of a subauroral polarization stream. Therefore, we refer to such an eastward flow as a dawnside auroral polarization stream (DAPS). We show several examples of the presence and absence of DAPS under different geomagnetic activity levels. A DAPS' electric field can heat the ionosphere (and thus the thermosphere), change the convection pattern of the magnetosphere‐ionosphere system, and modify the drift path of magnetospheric particles. Because a DAPS' flow peak maps to a major site of magnetic‐kinetic energy conversion in the magnetosphere (the transition region between dipole and stretched field), it may be important for the conversion. A DAPS' steep flow gradient is also potentially important; it may lead to instabilities, such as that responsible for auroral Omega bands. Given its potential importance, knowledge of DAPS is fundamental for understanding the magnetosphere‐ionosphere‐thermosphere system.
Notch2 signaling regulates Id4 and cell cycle genes to maintain neural stem cell quiescence in the adult hippocampus

Neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) can be quiescent or proliferative, but how they are maintained is largely unknown. With age DG NSCs become increasingly dormant, which impinges on neuron generation. We addressed how NSC activity is controlled and found that Notch2 promotes quiescence by regulating their transition to the activated state. Notch2-ablation induces cell cycle genes and markers of active NSCs. Conversely, quiescent NSC-associated genes, including Id4, are down regulated after Notch2 deletion. We found that Notch2 binds the Id4 promoter and positively regulates transcription. Similar to Notch2, Id4 overexpression promotes DG NSC quiescence and Id4 knockdown rescues proliferation, even when Notch2 signaling is activated. We show that Notch2 regulates age-dependent DG NSC dormancy and Notch2 inhibition rejuvenates neurogenesis in the DG of aged mice. Our data indicate that a Notch2-Id4 axis promotes adult DG NSC quiescence and dormancy.
A CONSTRUÇÃO DE ESTRATÉGIAS METODOLÓGICAS COM/PARA AS JUVENTUDES: UMA REFLEXÃO SOBRE O TRABALHO DE PROFESSORAS E PROFESSORES NO ENSINO MÉDIO

Objetiva este artigo discutir a construcao de estrategias metodologicas com/para as juventudes, relacionando-as com alguns desafios da docencia no Ensino Medio. Para alcancar tal objetivo aproximou-se de leituras sobre as tematicas, bem como de dados oficiais – Censo Escolar/INEP e PNAD/IBGE. Com esses subsidios discutiu-se o recente direito das juventudes quanto ao acesso ao Ensino Medio e as complexidades e especificidades que contornam o cotidiano do trabalho das professoras/professores para, posteriormente, argumentar os dois lados desse desafio: as estrategias metodologicas para as juventudes versus intranquilidades que caracterizam as docencias brasileiras. Das analises estruturadas, destaca-se a necessidade real de estrategias metodologicas que sejam dialogicas as experiencias juvenis, mas que, ao mesmo tempo, encontra uma significativa barreira a sua materializacao: as condicoes desiguais de contratacao das/dos docentes.
Minimum longevity estimates for some Neotropical landbirds of southeastern Peru

ABSTRACT Relatively little is known about the longevity of free-living landbirds, especially in the tropics. We used mark-recapture data for birds originally banded in 2005 and 2006, and later recaptured between 2011 and 2016, to estimate minimum longevity for 20 species from southeastern Peru. The oldest recorded longevity was 10 years, 6 months for a Black-billed Treehunter (Thripadectes melanorhynchus). Another notable record was for a Russet-crowned Warbler (Myiothlypis coronata; 9 years, 2 months). Our estimated minimum longevity records generally reflect the findings of other researchers, indicating that tropical birds are often markedly site faithful and long-lived.
On the Hunt for Noble Savages: Romance Tourism and Ageing Femininities

Casual sexual encounters are closely wedded to leisure travel, and have received a lot of attention in both theoretical and empirical work. However, the relationship between romance tourism and female ageing remains largely under-researched. This article offers critical insights into the interplay of the successful ageing and sexual relationships abroad of older women travellers. It shows that romance tourism has both positive and negative implications for women’s physical and psychological health and wellbeing. Although exotic escapes help reconnect women with their youthful selves, enhancing a sense of self-confidence and challenging the narrative of decline, casual sex may also generate conflicting feelings once the travel romance is over. This article also encourages the rethinking of the complexities of ageing femininities, sexual activity and health risk in ‘silver’ romance tourism today. Additionally, it argues that the sexual health guidelines and information campaigns should adopt a more multifaceted approach to sexual expressions, and encourage alternative views towards sex and sexuality in later life, in order to not create a rather oppressive ideology among older women.
The Karpatian (late early Miocene) flora of the Mecsek area

A rich macroflora has been collected from Karpatian (late early Miocene) layers of the Mecsek Mts during recent decades. The bulk of the fossil assemblage consists of leaves and also fruits of angiosperms. Among the more than a hundred taxa, several endemic species were described: Leguminocarpum mecsekense Andreánszky, Ailanthus mecsekensis Hably, Nyssa gyoergyi sp. nov., Nyssa gergoei sp. nov., Nyssa sp. 1, Clematis csabae sp. nov., Gordonia sp. and Carpolithes gergoei Hably et Erdei sp. nov. Many taxa were last recorded in the Carpathian Basin, e.g. Cedrelospermum, Ziziphus. Other taxa appeared in this flora, e.g. Quercus kubinyii, Podocarpium podocarpum, Liquidambar europaea and Populus populina, and later became dominant in the middle Miocene (Sarmatian) floras or even in the late Miocene (Pannonian) floras. Four main vegetation types were determined. The most significant types are subxerophytic vegetation showing high diversity, swamp vegetation, riparian vegetation, and a vegetation type growing in habitats with higher rainfall. Thermophilous flora elements are dominant in the assemblage, although “arctotertiary” species also appear. The floristic character of the flora supports the results of an earlier quantitative climate analysis of the Magyaregregy flora, according to which mean annual temperature was 15.6–16.6°C and coldest-month and warmest-month temperatures were 5–6.2°C and 24.7–27.9°C, respectively. Generally the assemblage presented in this paper extends those climatological findings to the late early Miocene.
Electrooxidation of Ferrocene in Nano-emulsion

Nano-emulsion, a kinetically stable system of nanosized oil droplets in water has been numerously used as a medium for biological and medicinal processes. It is also used as a solubilizing medium for compounds or molecules that are insoluble or poorly soluble in aqueous medium in addition to its use as a penetration enhancer in dermatological processes. Ferrocene, a metallocene that is known to be quite insoluble in aqueous medium is liberally soluble in the prepared oil-in-water nano-emulsion. In this medium, ferrocene undergoes a quasi-reversible reaction process and its relevant electrochemical kinetic parameters such as the heterogeneous rate constant, ko, the formal redox potential, E, the half-wave potential, E, the electron transfer coefficient, α, and its diffusion coefficient, D, are determined in this medium. These important electrochemical parameters including the observed current function have been used to formulate a plausible mechanism for the oxidation of ferrocene in the formulated nano-emulsion.
Effects of Changes in Biopolymer Composition on Moisture in Acetylated Wood

To investigate the effects of changes in biopolymer composition on moisture in acetylated poplar wood (Populus euramericana Cv.), the acetylation of control wood was compared to the acetylation of wood with reduced hemicellulose or lignin content (about 9% reduction of total specimen dry weight in both cases). Time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry of water-saturated wood gave spin–spin relaxation times (T2) of water populations, while deuteration in a sorption balance was used to characterize the hydroxyl accessibility of the wood cell walls. As expected, the acetylation of pyridine-swelled wood reduced hydroxyl accessibility and made the cell wall less accessible to water, resulting in a reduction of cell wall moisture content by about 24% compared with control wood. Hemicellulose loss per se increased the spin–spin relaxation time of cell wall water, while delignification had the opposite effect. The combined effect of hemicellulose removal and acetylation caused more than a 30% decrease of cell wall moisture content when compared with control wood. The acetylated and partially delignified wood cell walls contained higher cell wall moisture content than acetylated wood. An approximate theoretical calculation of hydroxyl accessibility for acetylated wood was in the low range, but it agreed rather well with the measured accessibility, while acetylated and partially hemicellulose-depleted and partially delignified wood for unknown reasons resulted in substantially lower hydroxyl accessibilities than the theoretical estimate.