Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Associations of the Force-velocity Profile with Isometric Strength and Neuromuscular Factors

Abstract We aimed to explore relationships between the force-velocity (FV) profile and the isometric muscle torque performance during a knee extension task. The FV profile (force-intercept [F0], velocity-intercept [V0], maximum power [Pmax], and FV slope) during the countermovement jump (CMJ) exercise and isometric maximum voluntary torque (MVIC) and explosive voluntary torque production were assessed in 43 participants. Electromyography (EMG) was recorded during the isometric assessments and resting muscle architecture measurements were also performed (quadriceps thickness, vastus lateralis pennation angle and fascicle length). Pearson’s correlation coefficients were computed to assess bivariate relationships between the FV profile, isometric torque, EMG activation and muscle architecture. F0 predictions from neuromuscular measurements were assessed through multiple linear regression. Associations of F0 and Pmax with isometric torque increased from explosive to MVIC torque (r≥0.47; P<0.05). Significant associations were found between muscle architecture and F0 and Pmax (r≥0.69; P<0.05), while V0 and FV slope were unrelated (r≤0.27; P>0.05). Quadriceps thickness and VL pennation angle explained ~62% of F0 variance. In conclusion, the knee extensors maximal isometric strength and their morphological architecture are strongly related to F0 estimated from a CMJ FV profile test.
In Vivo Expansion of Regulatory T Cells with IL-2/IL-2 Antibody Complex Protects against Transient Ischemic Stroke

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are known to protect against ischemic stroke. However, the low frequency of Tregs restricts their clinical utility. This study investigated whether expanding the number of Tregs in vivo with the IL-2/IL-2 antibody complex (IL-2/IL-2Ab) could improve stroke outcomes and further elaborated the mechanisms of protection in male mice. C57BL/6 mice received IL-2/IL-2Ab or isotype IgG (IsoAb) intraperitoneally for 3 d before (pretreatment) or starting 2 h after (posttreatment) 60 min middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). IL-2/IL-2Ab selectively increased the number of Tregs in the blood, spleen, and lymph nodes. The IL-2/IL-2Ab treatment significantly reduced infarct volume, inhibited neuroinflammation, and improved sensorimotor functions, as manifested by rotarod test and foot fault test, compared with IsoAb-treated stroke mice. Treg depletion was then achieved by diphtheria toxin (DT) injection into transgenic mice expressing the DT receptor under the control of the Foxp3 promoter (DTR mice). The depletion of Tregs completely eliminated IL-2/IL-2Ab-afforded neuroprotection. Interestingly, adoptive transfer of Tregs collected from IL-2/IL-2Ab-treated mice demonstrated more potent neuroprotection than an equal number of Tregs prepared from IsoAb-treated mice, suggesting that IL-2/IL-2Ab not only elevated Treg numbers, but also boosted their functions. Mechanistically, IL-2/IL-2Ab promoted the expression of CD39 and CD73 in expanded Tregs. CD73 deficiency diminished the protective effect of IL-2/IL-2Ab-stimulated Tregs in stroke mice. The results show that IL-2/IL-2Ab expands Tregs in vivo and boosts their immunomodulatory function. The activation of CD39/CD73 signaling in Tregs may participate as a potential mechanism underlying IL-2/IL-2Ab-afforded neuroprotection against ischemic brain injury. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are known to protect against ischemic stroke. However, the low frequency of Tregs restricts their clinical utility. This study reported that systemic administration of the IL-2/IL-2 antibody complex (IL-2/IL-2Ab) robustly and selectively expanded the number of Tregs after stroke. IL-2/IL-2Ab pretreatment or posttreatment significantly improved stroke outcomes in a rodent model of ischemic stroke. We further discovered that IL-2/IL-2Ab not only elevated Treg numbers, but also boosted their functions and enhanced the expression of CD39 and CD73. Using CD73-deficient mice, we confirmed the importance of CD73 in the protective effect of IL-2/IL-2Ab-stimulated Tregs in stroke mice. These results shed light on IL-2/IL-2Ab as a clinically feasible immune therapy to boost endogenous Treg responses and ameliorate ischemic brain injury.
Association of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α(TNF-α) -308G>A and -238G>A Polymorphisms with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Risk: A Meta-Analysis

Background Multiple studies have been carried out examining the association of tumor necrosis factor-α gene (TNF-α) promoter region polymorphisms with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) risk. However, the results remain con- troversial and incomplete. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association of the TNF-α -308G>A and -238G>A polymorphisms with RPL risk. Materials and Methods In this meta-analysis, a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Knowledge and EM- BASE was performed to identify relevant studies published until December 1, 2017. The associations were assessed by odds ratio (OR) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Results A total of 29 case-control studies, comprising 20 studies on TNF-α -308G>A (3,461 cases and 3,895 con- trols) and nine studies on TNF-α -238G>A (2,589 cases and 2,664 controls), were included in the meta-analysis. Over- all, we found TNF-α -308G>A to be associated with an increase in RPL risk under the homozygote (OR=1.716, 95% CI: 1.210-2.433, P=0.002) and the recessive (OR=1.554, 95% CI: 1.100-2.196, P=0.012) models. TNF-α -238G>A was also significantly associated with increased risk of RPL under the allele model (OR=1.554, 95% CI: 1.100-2.196, P=0.012). Stratified analysis revealed a more significant association between the TNF-α -308G>A polymorphism and increased RPL risk in Asians under the homozygote (OR=2.190, 95% CI: 1.465-3.274, P≤0.001), the dominant (OR=1.642, 95% CI: 1.269-2.125, P≤0.001) and the recessive (OR=1.456, 95% CI: 1.039-2.040, P=0.029) models, but not in Caucasians. A non-significant association was, however, identified between TNF-α -238G>A and RPL risk based on ethnicity. Moreover, TNF-α -308G>A and -238G>A polymorphisms were significantly associated with in- creased risk of RPL in high quality studies and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) subgroups. Conclusion The present meta-analysis demonstrates that TNF-α -308G>A and -238G>A polymorphisms are associ- ated with an increased risk of RPL.
The impact of obesity and bariatric surgery on circulating and tissue biomarkers of endometrial cancer risk

Obesity is the strongest risk factor for endometrial cancer (EC). To inform targeted screening and prevention strategies, we assessed the impact of obesity and subsequent bariatric surgery‐induced weight loss on endometrial morphology and molecular pathways implicated in endometrial carcinogenesis. Blood and endometrial tissue were obtained from women with class III–IV obesity (body mass index ≥40 and ≥50 kg/m2, respectively) immediately prior to gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, and at two and 12 months’ follow up. The endometrium underwent pathological examination and immunohistochemistry was used to quantify proliferation (Ki‐67), oncogenic signaling (PTEN, pAKT, pERK) and hormone receptor (ER, PR) expression status. Circulating biomarkers of insulin resistance, reproductive function and inflammation were also measured at each time point. Seventy‐two women underwent bariatric surgery. At 12 months, the mean change in total and excess body weight was −32.7 and −62.8%, respectively. Baseline endometrial biopsies revealed neoplastic change in 10 women (14%): four had EC, six had atypical hyperplasia (AH). After bariatric surgery, most cases of AH resolved (5/6) without intervention (3/6) or with intrauterine progestin (2/6). Biomarkers of endometrial proliferation (Ki‐67), oncogenic signaling (pAKT) and hormone receptor status (ER, PR) were significantly reduced, with restoration of glandular PTEN expression, at 2 and 12 months. There were reductions in circulating biomarkers of insulin resistance (HbA1c, HOMA‐IR) and inflammation (hsCRP, IL‐6), and increases in reproductive biomarkers (LH, FSH, SHBG). We found an unexpectedly high prevalence of occult neoplastic changes in the endometrium of women undergoing bariatric surgery. Their spontaneous reversal and accompanying down‐regulation of PI3K‐AKT–mTOR signaling with weight loss may have implications for screening, prevention and treatment of this disease.
Reduced Autobiographical Memory Specificity Among Maltreated Preschoolers: The Indirect Effect of Neglect Through Maternal Reminiscing.

Maternal reminiscing and preschoolers' (M = 5.00 years, SD = 1.11) autobiographical memory specificity (AMS) were examined among abusive (n = 24), neglecting (n = 78), emotionally maltreating (n = 32), and demographically similar nonmaltreating families (n = 74). Neglect was negatively associated with child AMS and the quantity of maternal elaborations. In a moderated mediation model, neglect was negatively associated with the quantity of maternal elaborations, which was positively associated with AMS when mothers reminisced in a coherent and sensitive manner (i.e., affective quality). In the context of high maternal affective quality, maternal elaborative quantity accounted for reduced AMS among neglected preschoolers. The findings extend observations of reduced AMS to neglected preschoolers and inform theoretical models of autobiographical memory development.
Nilotinib induction of melanogenesis via reactive oxygen species‐dependent JNK activation in B16F0 mouse melanoma cells

Nilotinib (AMN), a second‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor, induces apoptosis in various cancer cells, and our recent study showed that AMN effectively reduced the viability of human ovarian cancer cells via mitochondrion‐dependent apoptosis. The effect of AMN in the melanogenesis of melanoma cells is still unclear. In the present study, we found that the addition of AMN but not imatinib (STI) significantly increased the darkness of B16F0 melanoma cells, and the absorptive value increased with the concentration of AMN. A decrease in the viability of B16F0 cells by AMN was detected in a concentration‐dependent manner, accompanied by increased DNA ladders, hypodiploid cells and cleavage of the caspase‐3 protein. An in vitro tyrosinase (TYR) activity assay showed that increased TYR activity by AMN was detected in a concentration‐dependent manner; however, induction of TYR activity by STI at a concentration of 40 μmol/L was observed. Increased intracellular peroxide by AMN was detected in B16F0 cells, and application of the antioxidant, N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), significantly reduced AMN‐induced peroxide production which also reduced the darkness of B16F0 cells. Additionally, AMN induced c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) protein phosphorylation in B16F0 cells, which was inhibited by the addition of NAC. AMN‐induced melanogenesis of B16F0 cells was significantly inhibited by the addition of NAC and the JNK inhibitor, SP600125 (SP). Data of Western blotting showed that increased protein levels of melanogenesis‐related enzymes of tyrosinase‐related protein‐1 (TRP1), TRP2 and TYR were observed in AMN‐treated B16F0 cells which were inhibited by the addition of NAC and SP. Evidence is provided supporting AMN effectively inducing the melanogenesis of B16F0 melanoma cells via reactive oxygen species‐dependent JNK activation.
Parental Factors in Pediatric Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders: A Cross-sectional Cohort Study

Objectives: Parental factors are suggested to play a role in pediatric irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional abdominal pain—not otherwise specified (FAP-NOS) and may influence treatment. Since studies on parental factors mainly focus on mothers, this study aims to compare physical health, psychological distress, personality dimensions, and parenting behavior of both parents of children with IBS or FAP-NOS to parents of controls. Methods: Parents of 91 children with IBS or FAP-NOS were included in this explorative cross-sectional cohort study. Parents of 74 age-matched healthy children were used as controls. Questionnaires were used to measure demographics, physical health, psychological distress and symptoms, personality dimensions, and child-rearing practices. Results: A total of 59 mothers and 52 fathers of 61 children with IBS/FAP-NOS (response rate 61.0%) and 56 mothers and 49 fathers of 59 controls completed the study (response rate 70.9%). Mothers of children with IBS/FAP-NOS reported more physical problems. Psychological distress and symptoms, personality dimensions, and child-rearing practices did not differ between mothers of both groups. Fathers of children with IBS/FAP-NOS had significantly lower scores on the child-rearing practice subscale of ignoring of unwanted behavior. In the IBS/FAP-NOS group, fathers were more depressed and less agreeable than mothers. No differences on all assessed outcomes were found between parents of children with IBS and children with FAP-NOS. Conclusions: Mothers of children with IBS/FAP-NOS and healthy peers differ with respect to physical health. Fathers in both groups differ with respect to child-rearing style. Clinicians should be aware of these differences when treating children with these disorders.
The antidepressant drug, sertraline, hinders bone healing and osseointegration in rats’ tibiae

AIM Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are one of the most common antidepressant drugs. SSRI use is associated with increased risk of bone fracture and titanium implant failure. The aim of this in vivo study was to investigate the effect of SSRIs on osseointegration and bone healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS On a total of 24 Sprague-Dawley rats, a custom-made titanium implant was placed in the left tibia, while a unicortical defect was created in the right tibia. Rats were assigned randomly into two groups and received a daily dose of either sertraline (5 mg/kg) or saline. After two weeks, they were euthanized and bone healing and osseointegration were assessed by micro-CT and histology. RESULTS Bone formation in bone defects was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in sertraline-treated rats (BV/TV = 20.67 ± 11.98%) compared to the controls (BV/TV = 37.87 ± 9.56%). Furthermore, the percentage of osseointegration was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in sertraline-treated rats (34.40 ± 7.17%) compared to the controls (54.37 ± 8.58%). CONCLUSION Sertraline hinders bone healing and implant osseointegration.
Comparison of transcatheter closure, mini-invasive closure, and open-heart surgical repair for treatment of perimembranous ventricular septal defects in children

Objective: Our study was aimed to comprehensively compare the relative efficacy, safety, and the cost of transcatheter closure, mini-invasive closure, and open-heart surgical repair to treat perimembranous ventricular septal defects (pmVSDs) in children using network meta-analysis method. Methods: Five databases were systematically searched including Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, EMBASE.com, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from the starting date of each database to February 2017. Tools for assessing the risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I) were used to evaluate the risk of bias in observational studies and Cochrane Handbook version 5.1. 0 was used for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data were analyzed using R-3.4. 0 software and Review Manager 5.2. Results: Three RCTs and 24 observational studies were included in our study. Network meta-analysis result demonstrated that transcatheter closure was the most effective treatment in terms of operative time [standardized mean difference (SMD) = −2.02, 95% confidence interval (CI): −3.92 to −0.12], major complications [odds ratio (OR) = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.30–0.91], ICU stay (SMD = −1.11, 95% CI = −2.13 to −0.08), and hospital stay (SMD = −1.81, 95% CI = −2.24 to −1.39). However, open-heart surgical repair showed a higher success rate of the procedure than transcatheter closure (OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.17–0.77). Statistical analysis result demonstrated that transcatheter closure had the best potential to lessen major complications, ICU stay, hospital stay, operative time, and significant residual shunt. Conclusions: Transcatheter closure has more benefit than mini-invasive closure and open-heart surgical repair to treat pmVSDs.
District Level Analysis of Routine Immunization in Haryana State: Implications for Mission Indradhanush under Universal Immunization Programme

Background: The immunization coverage in India is far away from satisfactory with full immunization coverage being only 62% at national level. Targeting the intensive efforts to poor performing areas and addressing the determinants of nonimmunization and dropouts offers a quick solution. In this paper, we assess the inter-district variations in Haryana state, and the association of social determinants with partial and no immunization. Methodology: This analysis is based on data collected as part of a large household survey undertaken in the state of Haryana to measure the extent of Universal Health Coverage. A multistage stratified random sampling design was used to select primary sampling units (i.e., subcenters), villages, and households. A total of 11,594 mothers with a child between 12 and 23 months were interviewed on receipt of immunization services. Determinants of nonimmunization and partial immunization were assessed using multiple logistic regression. Results: About 21% of children aged 12–23 months were partially immunized, while 4.3% children aged 12–23 months had received “no immunization. ” While the coverage of full immunization was 74.7% at the state level, it varied from 95% in best performing district to 38% in poorest performing district. Odds of a partially immunized child were significantly higher in urban area (odds ratio [OR] = 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1–1.38), among Muslim household (OR = 3.52; 95% CI = 3.03–4.11), children of illiterate parents (OR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.22–2.05), and poorest quintile (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.36–1.89). Conclusions: Wide interdistrict variations call for a need to consider changes in resource allocation and strengthening of the government initiatives to improve routine immunization in these districts.
Congenital myasthenic syndromes in adult neurology clinic

Objective To investigate the diagnostic challenges of congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) in adult neuromuscular practice. Methods We searched the Mayo Clinic database for patients with CMS diagnosed in adulthood in the neuromuscular clinic between 2000 and 2016. Clinical, laboratory, and electrodiagnostic data were reviewed. Results We identified 34 patients with CMS, 30 of whom had a molecular diagnosis (14 DOK7, 6 RAPSN, 2 LRP4, 2 COLQ, 2 slow-channel syndrome, 1 primary acetylcholine receptor deficiency, 1 AGRN, 1 GFPT1, and 1 SCN4A). Ophthalmoparesis was often mild and present in 13 patients. Predominant limb-girdle weakness occurred in 19 patients. Two patients had only ptosis. Age at onset ranged from birth to 39 years (median 5 years). The median time from onset to diagnosis was 26 years (range 4–56 years). Thirteen patients had affected family members. Fatigable weakness was present when examined. Creatine kinase was elevated in 4 of 23 patients (range 1.2–4.2 times the upper limit of normal). Repetitive nerve stimulation revealed a decrement in 30 patients. Thirty-two patients were previously misdiagnosed with seronegative myasthenia gravis (n = 16), muscle diseases (n = 15), weakness of undetermined cause (n = 8), and others (n = 4). Fifteen patients received immunotherapy or thymectomy without benefits. Fourteen of the 25 patients receiving pyridostigmine did not improve or worsen. Conclusion Misdiagnosis occurred in 94% of the adult patients with CMS and causes a median diagnostic delay of nearly 3 decades from symptom onset. Seronegative myasthenia gravis and muscle diseases were the 2 most common misdiagnoses, which led to treatment delay and unnecessary exposure to immunotherapy, thymectomy, or muscle biopsy.
Detection, assessment and management of eating disorders; how involved are GPs?

Abstract Objectives: To determine the extent to which general practitioners are currently active in the screening, assessment, diagnosis and management of eating disorders. To identify current deficits in service delivery for eating disordered patients, as identified by general practitioners. Method: A postal questionnaire was circulated to 360 general practitioners within the greater Dublin area and North Eastern Health Service Executive. Results: Response rate was 25%. Respondents had lower case-loads of eating disordered patients than would be expected given the epidemiology of anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Most do not routinely screen for eating disorders, even in at-risk populations and are unaware of the current evidence-based data for guidance. GPs do not feel confident at managing eating disorders within the primary care setting and see their chief role as that of referral to psychiatric services. Treatment outcomes are typically poor. Concern was expressed at the lack of access to specialist treatment in the public sector. Specific deficits in service provision were highlighted including delays in assessment, lack of services appropriate to the adolescent population, poor service transition, and poor availability of psychotherapy at primary care level. Conclusions: Eating disorders are currently underdiagnosed in the primary care setting. Use of simple screening tools might aid detection of pathological eating patterns, particularly in at-risk groups. General practitioners feel under-equipped to manage these complex disorders, given that the resources required to provide high quality care are not widely available. Better integration of primary and secondary services, coupled with training for GPs in the area of screening, assessment and diagnosis, may lead to earlier intervention and improved outcomes.
Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness-A Systematic Review of the Literature for the Balance Specialist.

OBJECTIVE To present a systematic review of the current data on persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD), a useful and relatively new diagnosis for a disorder that has previously been known by many different names. In addition, to discuss diagnostic criteria and management strategies for this condition with the otologist in mind. DATA SOURCES CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, PubMed, Google Scholar. REVIEW METHOD The phrase "persistent postural-perceptual dizziness" and its acronym "PPPD" were used. RESULTS From 318 articles, 15 were selected for full analysis with respect to PPPD. Most were case-control studies, with one consensus paper from the Bárány Society available. Overall, the pathophysiology of PPPD remains relatively poorly understood, but is likely to be a maladaptive state to a variety of insults, including vestibular dysfunction and not a structural or psychiatric one. Cognitive behavioral therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) all seem to have a role in its management. CONCLUSIONS PPPD is useful as a diagnosis for those treating dizziness as it helps to define a conglomeration of symptoms that can seem otherwise vague and allows for more structured management plans in those suffering from it.