Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An isokinetic eccentric programme for the management of chronic lateral epicondylar tendinopathy

Background: Lateral epicondylitis represents a frequent overuse injury. In spite of many conservative treatment procedures, prolonged symptoms and relapse are frequently observed. Objective: To compare the outcome of patients performing an isokinetic eccentric training with that of age-, gender-, activity-matched patients receiving a non-strengthening classical rehabilitation. Methods: Ninety-two patients with unilateral chronic lateral epicondylar tendinopathy (mean duration of symptoms 8±3 months) were assigned either to a control group (n = 46) or to an eccentrically trained group (n = 46). The control group underwent a passive standardised rehabilitation programme that excluded strengthening exercises. In addition to this programme, the trained group also performed eccentric exercises based on the repetitive lengthening of the active musculo-tendinous unit. The latter exercises started with submaximal contraction intensity and slow speed movement. Modalities were progressively intensified (increase in intensity contraction and speed movement) over a long priod of treatment. Programme effectiveness was assessed through pain score evaluation, a disability questionnaire, muscle strength measurement and ultrasonographic examination. Results: Compared to the non-strengthening control group, the following observations were made in the eccentrically trained group: (1) a significantly more marked reduction of pain intensity, mainly after one month of treatment; (2) an absence of strength deficit on the involved side through bilateral comparison for the forearm supinator and wrist extensor muscles; (3) an improvement of the tendon image as demonstrated by decreasing thickness and a recovered homogenous tendon structure; and (4) a more marked improvement in disability status during occupational, spare time and sports activities. Conclusion: These results highlight the relevance of implementing isokinetic adapted eccentric training in the management of chronic lateral epicondylar tendinopathy.
Histology and Ultrastructure of the Developing Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon in Rabbits

This study was designed to investigate the developmental changes in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of the white New Zealand rabbit, from 5 to 7 days pre‐natal to 112 days post‐natal (PN), at histological and ultrastructural levels. The tendons changed from being highly cellular with 13079 ± 2538 cell/mm2 and little directional organization to a longitudinally oriented, predominantly connective tissue structure with relatively few, mature tenocytes (2384 ± 365 cell/mm2). Fibrillogenesis was seen in isolated vacuoles of fibroblast cytoplasm during fetal life as well as after birth, but less frequently with increasing age. At the ultrastructural level, there was a progressive increase in the mean diameter of collagen fibrils with age throughout the population, until PN day 28. A bimodal distribution of collagen fibril size was first observed on PN day 56 while at day 112, the fibrils were fully differentiated and showed a multimodal size distribution. The development of elastic fibres preceded that of collagen fibres and accompanied progressively more marked sinusoidal crimping in collagen fibres on PN days 7 and 14. The tendons of older animals became less tightly crimped. The cells of the epi‐ and endotenon were less mature and relatively undifferentiated compared with the cells in the body of the tendon of the same age, which might explain their ability to initiate healing of tendon injuries in older animals. In conclusion, extensive changes were observed in tendons during growth and maturation, with diameters of collagen fibrils, tissue orientation and cellularity being the parameters affected, probably due largely to increased physical activity.
Insulin binding and vesicular ingestion in capillary endothelium

Capillary endothelium can actively regulate vascular permeability of various serum proteins. Hormones such as insulin must interact with this capillary barrier in order to reach their respective target tissues. We have studied the binding and subsequent internalization of 125I‐insulin in both native (freshly isolated) and primary cultured capillary endothelium derived from rat epididymal fat pads. Insulin association with the endothelium, internalization and degradation differed between freshly isolated and primary cultured capillaries. Specific binding in freshly isolated and cultured capillaries was temperature dependent, and was competitively inhibited in the presence of unlabelled insulin. Primary cultures of capillaries grown to confluence did not exhibit specific binding of insulin. Despite the lack of specific receptors for insulin, cultured cells vesicularly internalized insulin. Greater than 50% of the total associated insulin was not degraded by cultured endothelium. Morphological examinations using ferritin labelled insulin localized insulin associated to the capillary endothelial cell membrane and sequestered within pinocytotic vesicles. Incubation of freshly isolated capillaries with insulin stimulated the fluid phase endocytosis of 14C‐sucrose; however, insulin had no effect on fluid phase endocytosis in cultured capillaries. These results indicate that capillary endothelium, isolated from rat epididymal fat, exhibit specific receptors for insulin. Binding of insulin to the capillary membrane is followed by internalization into cytoplasmic vesicles and partial degradation.
Randomized controlled open-label trial of vitamin E-bonded polysulfone dialyzer and erythropoiesis-stimulating agent response.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES A 1-year multicenter prospective randomized controlled study was conducted on the effects of vitamin E-bonded polysulfone dialyzers on erythropoiesis-stimulating agent response in hemodialysis patients. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Major inclusion criteria were use of high-flux polysulfone dialyzers with 50-70 ml/min β2-microglobulin clearance over 3 months, transferrin saturation over 20%, same erythropoiesis-stimulating agent for over 3 months, and hemoglobin at 10-12 g/dl. Hemodialysis patients were placed in four interventional groups: two hemoglobin ranges (10.0-10.9 or 11.0-11.9 g/dl) and two dialyzers. Patients were randomly assigned by central registration to a vitamin E-bonded polysulfone dialyzers or polysulfone control group. Primary end point was relative erythropoiesis resistance index at baseline between groups at 12 months. Erythropoiesis resistance index was defined as total weekly erythropoiesis-stimulating agent dose divided by hemoglobin. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in age or sex. There was no significant difference in relative erythropoiesis resistance index between vitamin E-bonded polysulfone dialyzers and control groups at 12 months (vitamin E-bonded polysulfone dialyzers: 1.1, control: 1.3). The vitamin E-bonded polysulfone dialyzers group showed better relative erythropoiesis resistance index than the control group at 11.0-11.9 g/dl hemoglobin (vitamin E-bonded polysulfone dialyzers: 1.0, control: 1.4 at 12 months, significant difference) but no difference at 10.0-10.9 g/dl hemoglobin. CONCLUSIONS The overall relative erythropoiesis resistance index showed no difference between the vitamin E-bonded polysulfone dialyzers and control groups, although the change in relative erythropoiesis resistance index differed according to hemoglobin level.
Inhibition of intermediate‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channel and cytoprotective properties of 4‐piperidinomethyl‐2‐isopropyl‐5‐methylphenol

The ionic mechanisms and cytoprotective activities of 4‐piperidinomethyl‐2‐isopropyl‐5‐methylphenol (THPI), an analogue of thymol, were investigated in HL‐60 granulocytes and in human erythrocytes, respectively. THPI inhibited K+ outward current (IK) in a concentration‐dependent manner in HL‐60 leukocytes, with an IC50 value of 4 μM. Neither iberiotoxin (200 nM) nor paxilline (1 μM) suppressed the amplitude of IK, whereas clotrimazole (5 μM) significantly inhibited it. In the inside‐out configuration of single channel recordings, application of THPI (5 μM) into the bath medium did not alter the single‐channel conductance of intermediate‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (IKCa) channels (i.e KCa3.1 channels), but it suppressed the channel activity significantly. THPI‐induced inhibition of IKCa channels was reversed by a further application of 1‐ethyl‐2‐benzimidazolinone (10μM). THPI‐induced reduction in IKCa‐channel activity in these cells was primarily due to a decrease in mean open time. These results provide direct evidence that THPI is capable of suppressing the activity of IKCa channels in HL‐60 cells. The antioxidant action of THPI also revealed a beneficial cytoprotective effect against mitomycin C‐mediated haemolytic effect in human erythrocytes. The results of this study suggest that blockade of IKCa channels and the membrane‐protecting activity of THPI would combine to have beneficial effects in lessening the severity of haemolytic crisis and reducing anaemia in sickle cell disease.
Time‐dependent deformation of some direct compression excipients *

Three techniques were used to compare the time‐dependent deformation of microfine cellulose (Elcema G250), anhydrous lactose, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (Emcompress), modified starch (Sta‐Rx 1500) and sodium chloride. (1) In stress‐relaxation experiments using a reciprocating tablet machine, none of the materials behaved as a Maxwell body in contrast to recent published work (David & Augsburger, 1977). Possible reasons for this disagreement are discussed. (2) Heckel plots showed that increasing the time for which a material was under compression (contact times of 0·17 and 10 s) had no effect on dicalcium phosphate compacts but increased the consolidation of other materials in the rank order sodium chloride < lactose < cellulose < starch. (3) Deformation tests on preformed compacts were carried out in diametral compression by loading compacts to 75% of their breaking force at four different strain rates between 0·05 and 6·5 mm min−1. The deformation of Sta‐Rx compacts was time‐dependent. Sodium chloride compacts exhibited brittle behaviour in the diametral compression test and in the 10 s contact time experiment. This was apparently due to work‐hardening, following the extensive plastic deformation of crystals during compaction as indicated by the stress relaxation results.
Novel resistin promoter polymorphisms: association with serum resistin level in Japanese obese individuals.

OBJECTIVES Resistin, an adipocyte-secreted cytokine recently discovered in mice, has been proposed as a link between obesity and diabetes. We analyzed resistin gene polymorphisms and examined their association with serum resistin level and obesity phenotypes in humans. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Sixty young, obese, non-diabetic subjects taking no medication were studied. DNA sequencing and genotyping of identified single nucleotide polymorphisms were performed. Associations between polymorphisms and serum resistin level, BMI, body composition, fat distribution, and several indices of insulin sensitivity were examined. Moreover, single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region were examined for their influence on resistin gene transcriptional activity using luciferase reporter vectors. RESULTS Ten non-coding single nucleotide polymorphisms were found. The -638G>A, -420C>G, and -358G>A polymorphisms in the promoter region showed marked linkage disequilibrium with each other, and were associated with serum resistin level; however, there was no association between these polymorphisms and parameters related to adiposity or insulin resistance. The results of luciferase assay revealed that -638G>A together with the -420C>G polymorphism influenced resistin gene transcriptional activity. CONCLUSION We found that variability in the serum resistin level might be related to polymorphic variants of the promoter region of the gene.
Transgenic Expression of CTLA-4 Controls Lymphoproliferation in IL-2-Deficient Mice1

IL-2-deficient mice develop a lymphoproliferative and autoimmune disease characterized by autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AHA) and inflammatory bowel disease. We have previously reported that IL-2 is necessary for optimal up-regulation of CTLA-4, an inducible negative regulator of T cell activation. In this study, we have tested the hypothesis that reduced expression of CTLA-4 in IL-2-deficient T cells contributes to the pathogenesis of disease in IL-2-deficient mice. Expression of CTLA-4 as a transgene completely prevented lymphoaccumulation and AHA in IL-2-deficient mice. The normalization of T cell numbers was due to inhibition of expansion of conventional CD4+CD25− T cells rather than to rescue of the numbers or function of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells, suggesting that CTLA-4 expression on conventional T cells plays a role in maintaining normal T cell homeostasis. In addition, the inhibitory effect of the CTLA-4 transgene on T cell expansion was at least in part independent of CD28 expression. Our results suggest that deficient CTLA-4 expression on conventional T cells contributes to the pathophysiology of the lymphoproliferative disease and AHA in IL-2-deficient mice. Thus, restoring CTLA-4 expression in T cells may be an attractive strategy to control clinical autoimmune diseases in which CTLA-4 expression is reduced.
The epidemiology of eating disorder behaviors: an Australian community-based survey.

OBJECTIVE The study aims were to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of respective eating disorder behaviors (DSM-IV criteria) in a representative community-based sample. METHOD Data were obtained from 3,001 interviews of a randomly selected sample of 4,200 individuals' (age > 15 years) households in South Australia. RESULTS Ninety-six (3.2%) of respondents had regular current episodes of binge eating, 48 (1.6%) regularly fasted or used strict dieting, 24 (0.8%) purged. An estimated 8 (0.3%) had bulimia nervosa and 30 (1%) had binge eating disorder. Binge eating and dieting were most common in people who were in their early to mid thirties. Dieting and purging, but not regular binge eating, were more common in women than in men. Purging was most common in the 35-44 year age range. The only behavior significantly associated with (increased) weight was binge eating. Unmarried subjects were less likely to diet than married subjects. No significant differences in rates of these behaviors were found for household income. DISCUSSION Problematic eating disorder behaviors in older women and in men were more common than expected and merit further clinical and research attention.
BackUp: Development and evaluation of a smart-phone application for coping with suicidal crises

Background Suicide is a major public health issue and has large impact on the lives of many people. Innovative technologies such as smartphones could create new possibilities for suicide prevention, such as helping to overcome the barriers and stigma on help seeking in case of suicidal ideation. Due to their omnipresence, smartphone apps can offer suicide prevention tools very fast, they are easily-accessible, low-threshold and can help overcome some of the help-seeking barriers suicidal people experience. This article describes the development, testing and implementation of a mobile application for coping with suicidal crisis: BackUp. Methods Based on the analysis of literature and existing suicide prevention apps several tools were identified as relevant to include in a suicide prevention app. The selected tools (a safety planning tool, a hope box, a coping cards module, and a module to reach out) are evidence based in a face to face context, and could be easily transferred into a mobile app. The testing of existing apps and the literature also revealed important guidelines for the technical development of the application. Results BackUp was developed and tested by an expert panel (n = 9) and a panel of end users (n = 21). Both groups rated BackUp as valuable for suicide prevention. Suicidal ideation of the end user group was measured using the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation before and after testing BackUp, and showed a small but non-significant decrease. The majority of the testers used BackUp several times. All tools were evaluated as rather or very useable in times of suicidal crisis. Conclusion BackUp was positively evaluated and indicates that self-help tools can have a positive impact on suicidal ideation. Apps in particular create opportunities in approaching people that are not reached by traditional interventions; on the other hand they can contribute to suicide prevention in addition to regular care. However, more research is needed on the impact and effect of suicide prevention apps.
Evolutionary Multitasking for Multiobjective Continuous Optimization: Benchmark Problems, Performance Metrics and Baseline Results

In this report, we suggest nine test problems for multi-task multi-objective optimization (MTMOO), each of which consists of two multiobjective optimization tasks that need to be solved simultaneously. The relationship between tasks varies between different test problems, which would be helpful to have a comprehensive evaluation of the MO-MFO algorithms. It is expected that the proposed test problems will germinate progress the field of the MTMOO research.
The Docking Technique for Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction

Background Current techniques of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction vary with respect to methods of fixation on the femur and the patella. This article presents the outcomes of a surgical technique for reconstruction of the MPFL that uses a soft tissue graft with interference screw fixation on the femur and a docking technique for fixation on the patella. Hypothesis Patients with patellar instability who are treated with the docking technique for MPFL reconstruction will have improvements in knee symptoms and function, with a high percentage achieving good to excellent results at early follow-up. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Twenty consecutive patients with patellar instability underwent reconstruction of the MPFL. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by physical and radiographic examination and subjectively with the IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee), Tegner, Kujala, and Lysholm questionnaires. Nineteen patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively. Results The average follow-up was 31 months (range, 24–39). No recurrent episodes of dislocation or subluxation were reported. A firm endpoint to lateral patellar translation was noted in all patients at most recent follow-up. The IKDC subjective knee evaluation score improved from 42 preoperatively to 82 postoperatively (P < .001); Kujala, from 50 to 88 (P < .001); Lysholm, from 50 to 89 (P < .001); and Tegner, from 3.6 to 5.6 (P < .001). Conclusion The docking technique for MPFL reconstruction is an effective surgical procedure for the treatment of patellar instability.
Lower extremity muscle activation and alignment during the soccer instep and side-foot kicks.

STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. OBJECTIVES To quantify phase duration and lower extremity muscle activation and alignment during the most common types of soccer kick-the instep kick and side-foot kick. A second purpose was to test the hypotheses that different patterns of lower extremity muscle activation occur between the 2 types of kicks and between the kicking limb compared to the support limb. BACKGROUND Soccer players are at risk for lower extremity injury, especially at the knee. Kicking the soccer ball is an essential, common, and distinctive part of a soccer player's activity that plays a role in soccer player injury. Regaining the ability to kick is also essential for soccer athletes to return to play after injury. METHODS Thirteen male soccer players underwent video motion analysis and electromyography (EMG) of 7 muscles in both the kicking and supporting lower extremity (iliacus, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, hamstrings, gastrocnemius) and 2 additional muscles in the kicking limb only (hip adductors, tibialis anterior). Five instep and 5 side-foot kicks were recorded for each player. Analysis-of-variance models were used to compare EMG activity between type of kicks and between the kicking and nonkicking lower extremity. RESULTS Five phases of kicking were identified: (1) preparation, (2) backswing, (3) limb cocking, (4) acceleration, and (5) follow-through. Comparing the kicking limb between the 2 types of kick, significant interaction effects were identified for the hamstrings (P = .02) and the tibialis anterior (P<.01). Greater activation of the kicking limb iliacus (P<.01), gastrocnemius (P<.01), vastus medialis (P = .016), and hip adductors (P<.01) occurred during the instep kick. Significant differences were seen between the kicking limb and the support limb for all muscles during both types of kick. CONCLUSIONS Certain lower extremity muscle groups face different demands during the soccer instep kick compared to the soccer side-foot kick. Similarly, the support limb muscles face different demands than the kicking limb during both kicks. Better definition of lower extremity function during kicking provides a basis for improved insight into soccer player performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.
How to Define a Positive Circumferential Resection Margin in T3 Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagus

A positive circumferential resection margin (CRM+) is associated with poor survival after esophagectomy for cancer. The Royal College of Pathologists (RCP) defines a CRM+ when tumor is found <1 mm of the lateral margin whereas the College of American Pathologists (CAP) defines CRM+ when tumor cells are located at the lateral margin. This study evaluates the clinical prognostic significance of CRM+ on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients who underwent esophagectomy for T3 esophageal adenocarcinoma. Analysis included 132 patients. CRM+ was found in 26 cases (19.7%) corresponding to CAP criteria versus 89 cases (67.4%) corresponding to RCP criteria. Median OS using RCP criteria was 16.4 (95%CI, 8.5-24.2) months for CRM+ patients versus 21.0 (95%CI 16.3-25.6) months in CRM– patients (P=0.144). With CAP criteria, median OS in CRM+ and CRM– patients was 9.4 (95%CI, 7.6-11.2) months versus 21.6 (95%CI, 18.9-24.3) months, respectively (P=0.000). Median DFS using RCP criteria was 18.0 (95%CI, 11.5-24.6) months for CRM– patients versus 11.0 (95%CI, 8.1-14.0) months for CRM+ patients (P=0.257). Applying the CAP criteria, median DFS in CRM– and CRM+ patients was 16.3 (95%CI, 10.6-22.0) months versus 7.0 (95%CI, 6.3-7.8) months, respectively (P=0.000). Effects of a CRM+ according to CAP criteria remained significant after multivariate testing [OS: hazard ratio (HR), 2.43; 95%CI, 1.52-3.90; DFS: HR, 2.09; 95%CI, 1.32-3.30]. Only with the CAP criteria, CRM+ is an independent prognostic factor for survival and recurrence in patients with T3 adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. The circumferential margin should only be considered positive (ie, R1) if the tumor is found at the inked lateral margin of resection in accordance with the CAP criteria.