Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over lower limb primary motor cortex on motor learning in healthy individuals

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulatory technique which alters motor functions in healthy humans and in neurological patients. Most studies so far investigated the effects of tDCS on mechanisms underlying improvements in upper limb performance. To investigate the effect of anodal tDCS over the lower limb motor cortex (M1) on lower limb motor learning in healthy volunteers, we conducted a randomized, single‐blind and sham‐controlled study. Thirty‐three (25.81 ± 3.85, 14 female) volunteers were included, and received anodal or sham tDCS over the left M1 (M1‐tDCS); 0.0625 mA/cm2 anodal tDCS was applied for 15 min during performance of a visuo‐motor task (VMT) with the right leg. Motor learning was monitored for performance speed and accuracy based on electromyographic recordings. We also investigated the influence of electrode size and baseline responsivity to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on the stimulation effects. Relative to baseline measures, only M1‐tDCS applied with small electrodes and in volunteers with high baseline sensitivity to TMS significantly improved VMT performance. The computational analysis showed that the small anode was more specific to the targeted leg motor cortex volume when compared to the large anode. We conclude that anodal M1‐tDCS modulates VMT performance in healthy subjects. As these effects critically depend on sensitivity to TMS and electrode size, future studies should investigate the effects of intensified tDCS and/or model‐based different electrode positions in low‐sensitivity TMS individuals.
Achieving Adherence to Evidence-Based Practices

In response to evolving policies and conditions, hospitals have increased health information technology (HIT) adoption and strived to improve hospital–physician integration. While evidence suggests that both HIT and integration confer independent benefits, when combined, they may provide complementary means to achieve high performance or overlap to offset each other’s contribution. We explore this relationship in the context of hospital adherence to evidence-based practices (EBPs). Using the American Hospital Association’s Annual and IT Supplement surveys, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’s Hospital Compare, we estimate the independent relationships and interactions between HIT and hospital–physician integration with respect to EBP adherence. HIT adoption and tight (but not loose) integration are independently associated with greater adherence to EBPs. The interaction between HIT adoption and tight integration is negative, consistent with an offsetting association between HIT adoption and integration in their relationship to EBP adherence. This finding reveals the need to be aware of potential substitutive effects from simultaneous pursuit of multiple approaches to performance improvement.
Non‐invasive brain stimulation of motor cortex induces embodiment when integrated with virtual reality feedback

Previous evidence highlighted the multisensory‐motor origin of embodiment – that is, the experience of having a body and of being in control of it – and the possibility of experimentally manipulating it. For instance, an illusory feeling of embodiment towards a fake hand can be triggered by providing synchronous visuo‐tactile stimulation to the hand of participants and to a fake hand or by asking participants to move their hand and observe a fake hand moving accordingly (rubber hand illusion). Here, we tested whether it is possible to manipulate embodiment not through stimulation of the participant's hand, but by directly tapping into the brain's hand representation via non‐invasive brain stimulation. To this aim, we combined transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), to activate the hand corticospinal representation, with virtual reality (VR), to provide matching (as contrasted to non‐matching) visual feedback, mimicking involuntary hand movements evoked by TMS. We show that the illusory embodiment occurred when TMS pulses were temporally matched with VR feedback, but not when TMS was administered outside primary motor cortex, (over the vertex) or when stimulating motor cortex at a lower intensity (that did not activate peripheral muscles). Behavioural (questionnaires) and neurophysiological (motor‐evoked‐potentials, TMS‐evoked‐movements) measures further indicated that embodiment was not explained by stimulation per se, but depended on the temporal coherence between TMS‐induced activation of hand corticospinal representation and the virtual bodily feedback. This reveals that non‐invasive brain stimulation may replace the application of external tactile hand cues and motor components related to volition, planning and anticipation.
Simultaneously Extracting Multiple Parameters via Fitting One Single Autocorrelation Function Curve in Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy

Near-infrared diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) has recently been employed for noninvasive acquisition of blood flow information in deep tissues. Based on the established correlation diffusion equation, the light intensity autocorrelation function detected by DCS is determined by a blood flow index α<i>DB</i>, tissue absorption coefficient μ<i>a</i><sub>,</sub> reduced scattering coefficient μ<i>s</i><sup>'</sup>, and a coherence factor β. This study is designed to investigate the possibility of extracting multiple parameters such as μ<i>a</i>, μ<i>s</i><sup>'</sup>, β, and α<i>DB</i> through fitting one single autocorrelation function curve and evaluate the performance of different fitting methods. For this purpose, computer simulations, tissue-like phantom experiments, and in vivo tissue measurements were utilized. The results suggest that it is impractical to simultaneously fit α<i>DB</i> and μ<i>a</i> or α<i>DB</i> and μ<i>s</i><sup>'</sup> from one single autocorrelation function curve due to the large crosstalk between these paired parameters. However, simultaneously fitting β and α<i>DB</i> is feasible and generates more accurate estimation with smaller standard deviation compared to the conventional two-step fitting method (i.e., first calculating β and then fitting α<i>DB</i>). The outcomes from this study provide a crucial guidance for DCS data analysis.
Connexin 36 expression is required for electrical coupling between mouse rods and cones

Abstract Rod-cone gap junctions mediate the so-called “secondary rod pathway”, one of three routes that convey rod photoreceptor signals across the retina. Connexin 36 (Cx36) is expressed at these gap junctions, but an unidentified connexin protein also seems to be expressed. Cx36 knockout mice have been used extensively in the quest to dissect the roles in vision of all three pathways, with the assumption, never directly tested, that rod-cone electrical coupling is abolished by deletion of this connexin isoform. We previously showed that when wild type mouse cones couple to rods, their apparent dynamic range is extended toward lower light intensities, with the appearance of large responses to dim flashes (up to several mV) originating in rods. Here we recorded from the cones of Cx36del[LacZ]/del[LacZ] mice and found that dim flashes of the same intensity evoked at most small sub-millivolt responses. Moreover, these residual responses originated in the cones themselves, since: (i) their spectral preference matched that of the recorded cone and not of rods, (ii) their time-to-peak was shorter than in coupled wild type cones, (iii) a pharmacological block of gap junctions did not reduce their amplitude. Taken together, our data show that rod signals are indeed absent in the cones of Cx36 knockout mice. This study is the first direct demonstration that Cx36 is crucial for the assembly of functional rod-cone gap junctional channels, implying that its genetic deletion is a reliable experimental approach to eliminate rod-cone coupling.
The Effects of Impact Loading on the Equine Metacarpophalangeal Joint

THE EFFECTS OF IMPACT LOADING ON THE EQUINE METACARPOPHALANGEAL JOINT Cristin Anne McCarty Advisor: Dr. Jeffrey J. Thomason University of Guelph, 2014 Purpose: To characterize the effect of impact loading on the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint and compare the stresses induced by impact and static loading in the equine third metacarpal (MC3) as a first step to assessing the potential role of impact loading in the context of mechanical injury. Methods: Three analyses were used to characterize impact loading in the equine MCP joint: 1) an ex vivo analysis of vibration attenuation across the joint at a given hoof angle (strike), 2) ex vivo analysis of the contact areas between MC3 and the first phalanx (P1) and proximal sesamoid (PS) bones and 3) finite element (FE) analysis to compare the stress distributions in the distal MC3 of healthy and diseased (osteoarthritic OA) MCP equine joints under impact and static loading. Results: Signal energy reaching MC3 was significant at 6-31% of that at the hoof. A heel-first strike produced the largest peak accelerations and highest frequencies among all strike conditions. Contact area between P1 and MC3 was well-defined and bounded by the sagittal and transverse ridges. The ratio of contact area of P1 to PS was 2.83 (P <.0001). Under FE static loading, the highest average stresses (19.38 MPa) were located in the palmar parasagittal groove in the healthy joint. The highest average stresses under impact (14.1 MPa) were located on the dorsal aspect of the medial condyle in the OA model and were greater than the static loading stresses in both models on the dorsal aspect of MC3. Conclusions: Large accelerations that occur upon impact are attenuated by the equine limb; however still carry considerable energy within the signal that could be damaging to tissue. Contact on MC3 at impact occurs primarily with P1, contrasting with midstance when both P1 and PS are equally involved. MCP FE modeling indicated that an increase in bone stiffness associated with OA may be adaptive under static loading, however increases the stress magnitude under impact loading. Stresses on the distal end of MC3 are comparable to those found during midstance and should be considered in the context of injury.
Study of death to preservation time and its impact on utilisation of donor corneas

To evaluate the impact of death-to-preservation time (DPT) on effective utilisation of donor corneas. In a prospective observational study conducted at our tertiary eye centre, donated corneas received over a 15-month period from November 2011 to January 2013 were evaluated. Donor age, donor refrigeration (done or not), DPT, endothelial cell density (ECD), corneal grading, clinical utilisation and surgical outcome after graft transplantation were noted. To analyse the impact of different DPT on donor cornea transplantation, primary outcome measures (corneal grading and endothelial cell density) and secondary outcome measures (primary graft failure and graft infection) were analysed. A total of 990 corneas were assessed. Primary outcomes showed no significant difference for higher DPT (P > 0.01). ECD, where DPT was >12 h, was better for refrigerated corneas (P < 0.001). Prolonged DPT had no significant effect on primary graft failure (P = 0.131) and graft infection (P = 0.137) in the first month after transplantation. We find that DPT should not be the only criteria to assess the cornea quality; other donor characteristics should be considered equally important. Donor refrigeration should be encouraged in cases where early retrieval is not possible.
Pilot of integrated, colocated neurology in a primary care medical home

RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES Novel health care delivery models are needed to reduce health care use while delivering effective and safe care. We developed a model of a neurologist integrated and colocated in primary care leveraging "curbside," electronic, and traditional consultations. Our objective was to examine the impact on health care resource use of diagnostic testing and referrals for face-to-face neurological consultation and adverse outcomes associated with electronic and curbside consultations. METHODS Consecutive patients from December 1, 2014, to March 13, 2015, were included in the analysis about whom contact was made between a primary care clinician and a colocated neurologist. RESULTS Over 3.5 months of the pilot, 359 unique patients generated 429 consultations (179 curbsides, 68 electronic consultations, and 182 face-to-face visits). The integrated model resulted in avoidance of 78 face-to-face tertiary neurology consultations, 39 brain magnetic resonance imaging, 50 electromyograms, and 53 other advanced imaging studies. Earlier curbside consultation may have prevented unnecessary testing or face-to-face tertiary neurology consultations in 40 (22%) patients. Earlier face-to-face consultation may have avoided expensive testing in 31 (17%) patients. No cases met criteria for an adverse outcome. The number of referrals to tertiary neurology declined by 64%, and the total number of face-to-face visits per month declined by 25%. CONCLUSION Colocated neurology in a primary care medical home offers a promising intervention to deliver high-value care.
Injuries in water polo.

Water polo originated in mid-19th century England and Scotland as an aquatic form of rugby football (1). Players used “pulu,” an inflated, vulcanized rubber ball imported from India, pronounced “polo. ” The game became known as water polo and that name has been used ever since. Water polo first appeared in modern Olympics in Paris in 1900, making it the earliest and longest-running Olympic team competition. It has been traditionally dominated by Europeans – Hungary, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Russia, Greece, and Serbia, but in the last decades the popularity of water polo has been constantly growing in the USA, Australia, Canada, and Asia. The modern game of water polo is a unique combination of swimming, throwing, and martial arts. Physiologically, it is extremely demanding, because it is comprised of intense burst activity of less than 15-second duration, followed by lower intensity intervals of less than 20 seconds. Water polo is becoming more physical than ever (2). This results in a number of typical acute traumatic events such as contusions, lacerations, sprains, dislocations, or fractures (3). On the other hand, vigorous training with numerous repetitions of ball throws, swims, or kicks may result in overuse injuries (4). This review covers, in systematical fashion, the most important acute and overuse injuries in water polo by analyzing four different regions of the body: head, spine, upper extremities, and lower extremities.
Living with uncertainty and hope: A qualitative study exploring parents’ experiences of living with childhood multiple sclerosis

Background There is growing recognition that multiple sclerosis is a possible, albeit uncommon, diagnosis in childhood. However, very little is known about the experiences of families living with childhood multiple sclerosis and this is the first study to explore this in depth. Objective Our objective was to explore the experiences of parents of children with multiple sclerosis. Methods Qualitative in-depth interviews with 31 parents using a grounded theory approach were conducted. Parents were sampled and recruited via health service and voluntary sector organisations in the United Kingdom. Results Parents’ accounts of life with childhood multiple sclerosis were dominated by feelings of uncertainty associated with four sources; diagnostic uncertainty, daily uncertainty, interaction uncertainty and future uncertainty. Parents attempted to manage these uncertainties using specific strategies, which could in turn create further uncertainties about their child’s illness. However, over time, ongoing uncertainty appeared to give parents hope for their child’s future with multiple sclerosis. Conclusion Illness-related uncertainties appear to play a role in generating hope among parents of a child with multiple sclerosis. However, this may lead parents to avoid sources of information and support that threatens their fragile optimism. Professionals need to be sensitive to the role hope plays in supporting parental coping with childhood multiple sclerosis.
On Optimal Coding of Non-Linear Dynamical Systems

We consider the problem of zero-delay coding of a dynamical system over a discrete noiseless channel under three estimation criteria concerned with the low-distortion regime. For these three criteria, formulated stochastically in terms of a probability distribution for the initial state, we characterize the smallest channel capacities above which the estimation objectives can be achieved. The results establish further connections between topological and metric entropies of dynamical systems and information theory.AMS Classification: 93E10, 37A35, 93E99, 94A17, 94A29
Dosimetric benefits of IMRT and VMAT in the treatment of middle thoracic esophageal cancer: is the conformal radiotherapy still an alternative option?

The purpose of this study is to investigate the dosimetric differences among conformal radiotherapy (CRT), intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and volumetric‐modulated radiotherapy (VMAT) in the treatment of middle thoracic esophageal cancer, and determine the most appropriate treatment modality. IMRT and one‐arc VMAT plans were generated for eight middle thoracic esophageal cancer patients treated previous with CRT. The planning target volume (PTV) coverage and protections on organs at risk of three planning schemes were compared. All plans have sufficient PTV coverage and no significant differences were observed, except for the conformity and homogeneity. The lung V5, V10, and V13 in CRT were 47.9% ± 6.1%, 36.5% ± 4.6%, and 33.2% ± 4.2%, respectively, which were greatly increased to 78.2% ± 13.7% (p < 0.01), 80.8% ± 14.9% (p < 0.01), 48.4% ± 8.2% (p = 0.05) in IMRT and 58.6% ± 10.5% (p = 0.03), 67.7% ± 14.0% (p < 0.01), and 53.0% ± 10.1% (p < 0.01) in VMAT, respectively. The lung V20 (p = 0.03) in VMAT and the V30 (p = 0.04) in IMRT were lower than those in CRT. Both IMRT and VMAT achieved a better protection on heart. However, the volumes of the healthy tissue outside of PTV irradiated by a low dose were higher for IMRT and VMAT. IMRT and VMAT also had a higher MU, optimization time, and delivery time compared to CRT. In conclusion, all CRT, IMRT, and VMAT plans are able to meet the prescription and there is no clear distinction on PTV coverage. IMRT and VMAT can only decrease the volume of lung and heart receiving a high dose, but at a cost of delivering low dose to more volume of lung and normal tissues. CRT is still a feasible option for middle thoracic esophageal cancer radiotherapy, especially for the cost‐effective consideration. PACS numbers: 87.53. Kn, 87.55. x 87.55. D 87.55. dk
Combination Therapy for Multi-Target Manipulation of Secondary Brain Injury Mechanisms

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major healthcare problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite advances in understanding and developing preventative and treatment strategies using preclinical animal models, clinical trials to date have failed, and a 'magic bullet’ for effectively treating TBI-induced damage does not exist. Thus, novel pharmacological strategies to effectively manipulate the complex and heterogeneous pathophysiology of secondary injury mechanisms are needed. Given that goal, this paper discusses the relevance and advantages of combination therapies (COMTs) for ‘multi-target manipulation’ of the secondary injury cascade by administering multiple drugs to achieve an optimal therapeutic window of opportunity (e.g., temporally broad window) and compares these regimens to monotherapies that manipulate a single target with a single drug at a given time. Furthermore, we posit that integrated mechanistic multiscale models that combine primary injury biomechanics, secondary injury mechanobiology/neurobiology, physiology, pharmacology and mathematical programming techniques could account for vast differences in the biological space and time scales and help to accelerate drug development, to optimize pharmacological COMT protocols and to improve treatment outcomes.
A spectral clustering approach to speaker diarization

In this paper, we present a spectral clustering approach to explore the possibility of discovering structure from audio data. To apply the Ng-Jordan-Weiss (NJW) spectral clustering algorithm to speaker diarization, we propose some domain specific solutions to the open issues of this algorithm: choice of metric; selection of scaling parameter; estimation of the number of clusters. Then, a postprocessing step ‐ “Cross EM refinement” ‐ is conducted to further improve the performance of spectral learning. In experiments, this approach has performance very similar to the traditional hierarchical clustering on the audio data of Japanese Parliament Panel Discussions, but it runs much faster than the latter. Index Terms: Speaker Diarization, Spectral Clustering, Cross EM refinement, BIC.
Aging and extrapulmonary effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction People with COPD have a decline in functional status, but little is known about the rate of decline and factors that contribute. Of particular concern is the decline in cognitive and functional performance. Decrease in cognitive and functional performance will finally lead to decreased health status, sedentary life style and premature frailty. Aim The aim of this study is to compare functional performance and cognitive status in patients with COPD of different ages and to examine the changes in extrapulmonary effects. Patients and methods This study included 62 patients with COPD risk class D who were divided into two groups (<70 years, N=30 and >70 years, N=32). Patients first completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), which is a 30-point test that assesses different cognitive domains, while isometric knee extension (IKE) was measured using a digital handheld dynamometer, and functional exercise level was assessed using the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) test. Results The patients’ older age (age higher than 70 years) was associated with a significantly lower body mass index (BMI, 27.50 vs 24.24 kg/m2; P=0.020), higher vital capacity parameters, forced vital capacity (FVC, 2.74 vs 2.82 L; P=0.799), FVC (%) (73.00 vs 66.50, P=132), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1, 0.93 vs 1.13 L; P=0.001) and FEV1 (%) (28.50 vs 30.50, P=0.605). In addition, patients at older age presented a significantly reduced physical activity capacity, 6MWD (385.93 vs 320.84 m, P<0.001) and IKE (24.75 vs 22.55 kgf, P=0.005), as well as higher values for inflammatory biomarkers, C-reactive protein (8.77 vs 3.34 mg/L, P=0.022). Moreover, patients at older age presented significantly lower score at the cognitive assessment, MoCA (23.50 vs 20.00, P<0.001). Conclusion Elderly COPD patients have reduced exercise capacity and muscle strength, deteriorated cognitive function and increased inflammatory markers. Furthermore, inflammation markers were significantly correlated with muscle strength, walking distance and cognitive impairment.