Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The symbiotic binary
 ZZ CMi
 : Intranight variability and suggested outbursting nature

1 Institute of Astronomy and National Astronomical Observatory, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 72 Tsarigradsko Shose, 1784 Sofia, Bulgaria e-mail: rkz@astro.bas. bg, kstoyanov@astro.bas. bg 2 Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, IC2, 149 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK 3 Vice Chancellor’s Office, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Private Bag 16, Palapye, Botswana 4 Departamento de F́ısica, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Jaén, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, A3, 23071, Jaén, Spain
The Impact of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes on Oxidative Stress Markers and Catalase Activity

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver disease worldwide. Chronic HCV infections are usually associated with increased oxidative stress in the liver tissue. The intensity of oxidative stress may be a detrimental factor in liver injury and may determine the severity of the disease. The aim of the present case-control study was to determine the level of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), protein oxidative modification (AOPP), and catalase activity in sera of patients infected with HCV, in relation to different HCV genotypes and viral load. Considering the HCV patients with chronic hepatitis C (52) and control subject (50) recruitment, the study was designed as a case–control-type. The HCV RNA isolation, viral load, and HCV genotyping were performed according to the standard protocols. A significant difference compared to control healthy subjects was reported for TBAR (p < 0.001), AOPP (p = 0.001), and catalase activity (p = 0.007). In a gender-based comparison, a significantly higher level of AOPP for females was reported (p < 0.001). As stratified by HCV genotype, the most common was HCV-1 (HCV-1a and HCV 1b), with the overall participation of more than 60%, followed by genotype 3, while the least represented was genotype 2. No significant difference was documented among genotypes in regard to oxidative stress markers, although somewhat higher TBARS level, but not significant, was registered in patients infected with genotype 1b. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the concentration of HCV genome copies and AOPP (r = 0.344; p = 0.012). A high level of HCV viral load was more likely to have a higher TBARS, but still without statistical significance (p = 0.072). In conclusion, the results obtained confirmed an imbalance between the ROS production and antioxidative defense system in HCV-infected patients. Since oxidative stress may have a profound influence on disease progression, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis, our results may meet the aspirations of mandatory introduction of antioxidants as early HCV therapy to counteract ROS consequences.
Early MRI outcomes in participants with a first clinical demyelinating event at risk of multiple sclerosis in the ORACLE-MS study

Background In the Phase 3, 96-week ORACLE-MS study, cladribine tablets 10 mg (3.5 or 5.25 mg/kg cumulative dosage over two years) significantly reduced lesions associated with multiple sclerosis versus placebo in participants following a first clinical demyelinating event (FCDE). Objective To determine the timing of effects of cladribine tablets on lesion activity assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods This post hoc analysis assessed the effect of cladribine tablets versus placebo in ORACLE-MS on secondary MRI endpoints including T1 gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+), new or enlarging T2 lesions, and combined unique active lesions assessed on MRI scans performed at screening and every 3 months thereafter. Results Compared to placebo, cladribine tablets 3.5 mg/kg treatment appeared to lead to a trend of reductions in the mean number of T1 Gd+ lesions by Week 13 (first post-baseline scan: 0.37 vs. 1.00), new or enlarging T2 (0.20 vs. 1.01) and combined unique active (0.29 vs. 1.91) lesions by Week 24. Low lesion counts were maintained with cladribine tablets throughout 96 weeks. Similar results were observed with the 5.25 mg/kg dosage. Conclusion In participants with an FCDE, cladribine tablets appeared to reduce lesion numbers within 13 weeks (time of first evaluation).
mRNA Detection with Fluorescence-base Imaging Techniques for Arthritis Diagnosis

Arthritis is a term used to indicate joint pain that are caused by inflammation of joints or joint disease that occur commonly among older people. People of all ages, sexes and race can and do have arthritis as well. There are different types of arthritis with different causes and treatment methods but the most commonly known are the Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and the Osteoarthritis (OA). The symptoms of arthritis are joint pain, swelling, stiffness and decreased range of motion which could develop over time or appear suddenly. These symptoms may or may not exacerbate over time. As the disease get more severe, it could prevent patients from doing daily activities such as walking up the stairs and experience chronic pain [1].
Real Time Generation of Three Dimensional Patterns for Multiphoton Stimulation

The advent of optogenetics has revolutionized experimental research in the field of Neuroscience and the possibility to selectively stimulate neurons in 3D volumes has opened new routes in the understanding of brain dynamics and functions. The combination of multiphoton excitation and optogenetic methods allows to identify and excite specific neuronal targets by means of the generation of cloud of excitation points. The most widely employed approach to produce the points cloud is through a spatial light modulation (SLM) which works with a refresh rate of tens of Hz. However, the computational time requested to calculate 3D patterns ranges between a few seconds and a few minutes, strongly limiting the overall performance of the system. The maximum speed of SLM can in fact be employed either with high quality patterns embedded into pre-calculated sequences or with low quality patterns for real time update. Here, we propose the implementation of a recently developed compressed sensing Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm on a consumer graphical processor unit allowing the generation of high quality patterns at video rate. This, would in turn dramatically reduce dead times in the experimental sessions, and could enable applications previously impossible, such as the control of neuronal network activity driven by the feedback from single neurons functional signals detected through calcium or voltage imaging or the real time compensation of motion artifacts.
TEXTURAL KINETICS OF SOY FORTIFIED PANEER DURING SALT TREATMENT PROCESS

The process of salt treatment of the SFP was studied in respect to variables temperature of salt solution (TM), time of exposure (TI), concentration of sodium chloride (SC) and concentration of potassium sorbate (PS) in solutions. Effects of these variables were observed as changes in hardness (CHD) and chewiness (CCH) of the SFP sample. Change in hardness of SFP was observed between 4.5 to 47.8 percent where as change in chewiness was between 7.7 to 43.5 percent under different conditions of salt treatment. Hardness of the SFP sample decreases with time during salt treatment process. The decrease in hardness of SFP during salt treatment process follows the zeroth order reaction. Chewiness of paneer gradually increases with the time. The increase was more at higher temperatures. Increase in chewiness of SFP sample follows second order reaction. The reaction rate constants ko (min -1 ) were estimated from the slopes of the plot between the time and hardness /chewiness. Value of the ko at 50 o C, 60 o C, and 70 o C was –14.519, -10.172 and – 9.136 min -1 (for hardness) and 0.0247, 0.0292, 0.0395 min -1 (for chewiness) respectively. Results of study are useful for monitoring the salt treatment process. Careful control over temperature, time and salt concentration helps in producing soy-fortified paneer with minimum changes in its textural parameters.
Neurocircuit differences between memory traces of persistent hypoactivity and freezing following fear conditioning among the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex

We aimed to investigate the persistent trace of one traumatic event on neurocircuit controls in rats. Conditioning was reflected by reductions in rates of ‘freezing’ and ‘other-than-freezing’ motor activities, between which rats could alternate on delivery of pulsed footshocks of intensity 0.5 mA but not 1.0 mA. At the latter intensity, freezing began to suppress motor activity. The conditional responses evident during both the context and tone sessions persisted when the tests were repeated on post-conditioning days 7 and 8. Thus, difficulties with fear extinction/reduction remained. However, persistence was not evident on post-conditioning days 1 and 2. One day after the 1.0 mA pulsed footshock, ibotenate lesions and corresponding sham surgeries were performed in unilateral and bilateral hemispheres of the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, as well as three different disconnections (one unilateral and another contralateral lesions out of three regions, a total of nine groups), and were tested on days 7–8. The drastic restoration of freezing following bilateral amygdala lesions was also evident in animals with three types of disconnection; however, this was not the case for hypoactivity. These results imply that a serious experience can drive different neurocircuits that all involve the amygdala, forming persistent concurrent memories of explicit (e.g., ‘freezing’) or implicit (e.g., ‘other-than-freezing’ motor activity) emotions, which may exhibit mutual interference.
Fractional exhaled nitric oxide as a determinant for the clinical course of asthma: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Background: Precision medicine means linking the right patient to the right management strategy including best possible pharmacological therapy, considering the individual variability of the disease characteristics, type of inflammation, genes, environment, and lifestyle. For heterogenous diseases such as asthma, reliable biomarkers are needed to facilitate the best possible disease control and reduce the risk of side effects. The present review examines fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) as a guide for the management strategy of asthma and predictor of its clinical course. Method: The literature included was identified by searching the PubMed database using specific key words and MeSH terms. Studies were not excluded based on their design alone. The search resulted in 212 hits, of which 35 articles were included in this review. Results: Several studies support a potential role for high FeNO levels as a prognostic biomarker for accelerated lung function decline in adults with newly diagnosed asthma. Furthermore, studies report an association between high FeNO levels and excess decline in FEV1 in adults with long-standing moderate to severe asthma despite optimised therapy, whereas the findings for patients with less severe disease are conflicting. Applying a FeNO-based management algorithm reduces the exacerbation rate in adults with asthma. Similar observations are seen in children, though based on fewer studies. The available studies provide evidence that the level of FeNO may be useful as a predictor of subsequent loss of asthma control in adults, though the evidence is somewhat conflicting in children and young adults. Conclusion: The present review provides evidence of the prognostic value of FeNO as a surrogate biomarker for type 2 inflammation in the airways. FeNO is likely to emerge as an important biomarker in monitoring and tailoring modern asthma treatment, either alone or in combination with other biomarkers.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Quality Across Three Multicenter Clinical Studies of Diabetic Retinopathy

Purpose To explore optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) quality and associated factors in multicenter clinical studies. Methods OCTA scans were obtained from participants with diabetic retinopathy from three DRCR Retina Network clinical studies using the Optovue AngioVue and ZEISS AngioPlex. Macular (3 × 3 mm and 6 × 6 mm) and optic nerve scans were captured. Quality was assessed by the Casey Reading Center. Scans were considered “poor” if the signal strength index (SSI) was less than 55 (AngioVue) or 7 (AngioPlex) or if excess motion, media opacities, beam defocus, incorrect axial position, or other artifacts were present. Results Included were 7539 scans from 787 eyes (461 participants). Sixty-one percent of scans were considered “good” (n = 4630). Of the 3 × 3-mm (n = 2294), 6 × 6-mm (n = 2705), and optic nerve scans (n = 2540), 62%, 63%, and 59%, respectively, were good. Differences in percentage of good scans by machine were not identified (61% of 6216 for the AngioVue and 63% of 1323 for the AngioPlex). The primary reason for poor scans was low SSI for the AngioVue (67%) and excess motion for the AngioPlex (47%). Good scans were associated with younger age (60 ± 12 years vs. 65 ± 11 years; P < 0.001), male gender (64% of males had good scans vs. 57% female; P = 0.007), and better visual acuity (ETDRS letter score 86.5 ± 6.4 [approximate Snellen equivalent 20/20] vs. 81.6 ± 9.7 [approximate Snellen equivalent 20/25]; P < 0.001). Conclusions Scan quality or analysis must be improved for OCTA metrics to be used as outcomes in future research. Translational Relevance Clinicians and researchers should be aware that poor SSI and artifacts are common issues for OCTA images.
The Effect of Femoral Nerve Block and Adductor Canal Block Methods on Patient Satisfaction in Unilateral Knee Arthroplasty: Randomized Non-Inferiority Trial

Introduction: Femoral Nerve Block (FNB) and Adductor Canal Block (ACB) methods, which are regional analgesic techniques, are successfully used in postoperative pain control after total knee arthroplasty. This study aimed to compare adductor canal block method that was preoperatively used and femoral nerve block method in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients who underwent spinal anesthesia in terms of factors effecting patient satisfaction and determine whether these methods were equally effective or not. Methods: A total of 80 patients between the ages of 60 and 75 who were in the American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) physical status of I-III were prospectively included in this randomized study. Patients (n = 40) who received FNB were called Group FNB and patients (n = 40) who received Adductor Canal Block were called Group ACB. Results: Although mean postoperative VAS values were lower in FNB group only in the first hour (p = 0.02) there was no significant difference between the groups in the third, fifth, seventh, ninth, 12th and 24th hours (p≥0.05). Although Bromage scores were lower in FNB group in the first, second, third, fourth and fifth hours there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p≥0.05). When mobilization time, patient satisfaction level, time of first analgesia, intraoperative sedation need, and recovery time of sensorial block were compared no statistically significant difference was found (p≥0.05). Discussion: When ACB and FNB that are used for postoperative analgesia in patients who undergo total knee arthroplasty are compared in terms of factors affecting patient satisfaction it is observed that they result in the same level (non-inferiority) of patient satisfaction. Conclusion: We recommend the routine use of ACB method with FNB in total knee arthroplasty. More studies focusing especially on measuring patient satisfaction are needed.
Effect of resorcinol-based chain extenders chemical structure on the enhanced properties of polyurethane elastomers

Two series of polyurethane elastomers with resorcinol derivatives in the polymer backbone were synthesized by chain extending isocyanate end-capped prepolymers with resorcinol, 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde or 1-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-hexanone-(1). Chain extenders are differentiated from each other by the structure of the side chain attached to the resorcinol rings. Isocyanate-terminated prepolymers were obtained from poly(1,4-butylene adipate) diol and 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate. These polyurethane elastomers were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermo-gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and mechanical measurements. The effects of the chemical structure of resorcinol-derivative chain extenders on the properties of polyurethane elastomers were investigated. A significant increase in maximum stress–strain properties and in thermal stability was observed for the samples with free carbonyl in the side chain of the resorcinol ring. All the polymers showed 5% weight losses above 300 °C and glass transition temperature values in the range of −39 and −23 °C. The aim was to enhance the mechanical properties and thermal behavior by varying the chemical structure of the resorcinol moieties from the hard segment domain, without transform phenolic OH groups in aliphatic OH groups.
Short- to Midterm Clinical and Radiological Outcomes After Matrix-Associated Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation for Chondral Defects in Knees

Background: Matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) has been proven to provide favorable short-term results for chondral defects in knees. However, it remains unclear whether the clinical benefits of MACI persist in the longer term. Purpose: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes, at short- and midterm follow-up, for patients undergoing MACI for focal chondral defects of the knee. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 30 consecutive patients (31 knees) were treated using MACI between October 2010 and March 2018. There were 24 male patients and 6 female patients with an average age of 26 years (range, 12-48 years). The areas of the cartilage defect were consistently >2 cm2. All patients underwent MACI for a focal chondral defect of the femoral condyles or trochlea in the knee. These patients had been evaluated for up to 5 years, with an average follow-up of 44 months (range, 6-60 months) postoperatively. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with T2 mapping were used to assess the outcomes. Results: No patients were lost to follow-up. Mean IKDC scores improved from 58.6 (range, 40.2-80.5) to 79.1 (range, 39.1-94.3) at 12 months and up to 88.4 (range, 83.9-100) at 5 years; mean Lysholm scores improved from 67.3 (range, 46-95) to 90.6 (range, 71-100) at 12 months and up to 95.9 (range, 85-100) at 5 years. The MRI with T2 mapping value of the transplanted area was evaluated for 21 knees, which revealed no differences compared with the normal area at 12 months postoperatively. Conclusion: From the first year onward, the clinical outcome scores and MRI with T2 mapping values showed continuous and marked improvement, suggesting that MACI is a valid option for localized cartilage defects in the knee.
Q‐branes in type IIB supergravity

The notion of Q7‐branes and Q‐instantons is introduced. These are one‐half BPS solutions of the type IIB supergravity theory characterized by a set of three parameters p,q,r such that r^2>4pq. The numbers p,q,r parameterize the electric and magnetic couplings of, respectively, the Q7‐branes and Q‐instantons to a triplet of 8‐forms. The (p,q) 7‐branes and instantons including the D7‐brane and the D‐instanton have r2 = 4pq. Seven‐brane solutions containing Q7‐branes are discussed and the Q‐instanton on‐shell action is computed. The Q7‐branes are either novel bound states of a (p,q) 7‐brane and a (p′,q′) 7‐brane with (p,q) ≠ (p′,q′) or they form an independent new object in the theory.
Transport and Fate of Microbial Pathogens in Agricultural Settings

An understanding of the transport and survival of microbial pathogens (pathogens hereafter) in agricultural settings is needed to assess the risk of pathogen contamination to water and food resources, and to develop control strategies and treatment options. However, many knowledge gaps still remain in predicting the fate and transport of pathogens in runoff water, and then through the shallow vadose zone and groundwater. A number of transport pathways, processes, factors, and mathematical models often are needed to describe pathogen fate in agricultural settings. The level of complexity is dramatically enhanced by soil heterogeneity, as well as by temporal variability in temperature, water inputs, and pathogen sources. There is substantial variability in pathogen migration pathways, leading to changes in the dominant processes that control pathogen transport over different spatial and temporal scales. For example, intense rainfall events can generate runoff and preferential flow that can rapidly transport pathogens. Pathogens that survive for extended periods of time have a greatly enhanced probability of remaining viable when subjected to such rapid-transport events. Conversely, in dry seasons, pathogen transport depends more strongly on retention at diverse environmental surfaces controlled by a multitude of coupled physical, chemical, and microbiological factors. These interactions are incompletely characterized, leading to a lack of consensus on the proper mathematical framework to model pathogen transport even at the column scale. In addition, little is known about how to quantify transport and survival parameters at the scale of agricultural fields or watersheds. This review summarizes current conceptual and quantitative models for pathogen transport and fate in agricultural settings over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. The authors also discuss the benefits that can be realized by improved modeling, and potential treatments to mitigate the risk of waterborne disease transmission.
Kushenin Combined with Adefovir Dipivoxil or Entecavir for Chronic Hepatitis B: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Kushenin (KS) has become a traditional Chinese medicine preparation that plays an important role in treating chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Many clinical studies have discussed its curative effect and safety in combination with adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) or entecavir (ETV) for treating CHB, but there is still a lack of a systematic analysis. Therefore, this study evaluated the efficacy and safety of KS through a meta-analysis to better guide clinical treatment. Seven databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning KS combined with ADV or ETV for treating CHB. The primary outcomes included serum viral indices and adverse events, and the secondary outcomes were liver function indices. The risk of bias of the included RCTs was appraised by Cochrane software. STATA 15.1 and Review Manager 5.3 software were used for the meta-analysis. Thirty-two RCTs recruiting 3343 patients with CHB were collected for this meta-analysis. KS combined with ETV or ADV led to an amelioration of the CHB index to various degrees. In short, the meta-analysis indicated that the combination group, compared to the single group, showed great improvement in HBeAg seroconversion, frequency of undetectable HBV-DNA levels, loss of serum HBeAg, and loss of serum HBsAg. The combination treatment also decreased serum HBV-DNA levels when compared to the levels after the single treatment. However, KS combined with ADV or ETV displayed no remarkable difference in the incidence of adverse events or in serum ALT levels. Current evidence showed that, compared with the use of either drug alone, KS combined with ADV or ETV can improve the clinical efficacy of CHB treatment.