Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Mental Workload in Individuals with Transtibial and Transfemoral Lower Limb Loss during Dual-Task Walking under Varying Demand

Abstract Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of lower limb loss (LL) on mental workload by assessing neurocognitive measures in individuals with unilateral transtibial (TT) versus those with transfemoral (TF) LL while dual-task walking under varying cognitive demand. Methods: Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded as participants performed a task of varying cognitive demand while being seated or walking (i.e., varying physical demand). Results: The findings revealed both groups of participants (TT LL vs. TF LL) exhibited a similar EEG theta synchrony response as either the cognitive or the physical demand increased. Also, while individuals with TT LL maintained similar performance on the cognitive task during seated and walking conditions, those with TF LL exhibited performance decrements (slower response times) on the cognitive task during the walking in comparison to the seated conditions. Furthermore, those with TF LL neither exhibited regional differences in EEG low-alpha power while walking, nor EEG high-alpha desynchrony as a function of cognitive task difficulty while walking. This lack of alpha modulation coincided with no elevation of theta/alpha ratio power as a function of cognitive task difficulty in the TF LL group. Conclusions: This work suggests that both groups share some common but also different neurocognitive features during dual-task walking. Although all participants were able to recruit neural mechanisms critical for the maintenance of cognitive-motor performance under elevated cognitive or physical demands, the observed differences indicate that walking with a prosthesis, while concurrently performing a cognitive task, imposes additional cognitive demand in individuals with more proximal levels of amputation.
Laboratory testing and imaging in the evaluation of cranial cerebrospinal fluid leaks and encephaloceles.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize the current evidence on the diagnostic evaluation of cranial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and encephaloceles, including laboratory testing and imaging studies. RECENT FINDINGS The most sensitive and specific laboratory tests for CSF leak diagnosis are beta-2-transferrin and beta trace protein assays, the former more commonly used because of availability. Imaging studies used for localization of the leak site include high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and magnetic resonance cisternography (MRC), often used in combination. Intrathecal contrast administration is reserved for complex cases with prior equivocal test results or for patients with multiple skull base defects to localize the leak site. SUMMARY Diagnosis of CSF leaks and encephaloceles is aimed at both confirming the leak and localizing the leak site. Future advancements in testing techniques may shorten the diagnostic process, limit the need for invasive testing, and improve the safety of such testing in indicated cases.
Antileishmanial activity and immunomodulatory effect of secosubamolide, a butanolide isolated from Nectandra oppositifolia (Lauraceae)

Abstract Background: Visceral leishmaniasis is a complex neglected tropical disease caused by Leishmania donovani complex. Its current treatment reveals strong limitations, especially high toxicity. In this context, natural products are important sources of new drug alternatives for VL therapy. Therefore, the antileishmanial and immunomodulatory activity of compounds isolated from Nectandra oppositifolia (Lauraceae) was investigated herein. Methods: The n-hexane extract from twigs of N. oppositifolia were subjected to HPLC/HRESIMS and bioactivity-guided fractionation to afford compounds 1 and 2 which were evaluated in vitro against Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi and NCTC cells. Results: The n-hexane extract displayed activity against L. (L.) infantum chagasi and afforded isolinderanolide E (1) and secosubamolide A (2), which were effective against L. (L.) infantum chagasi promastigotes, with IC50 values of 57.9 and 24.9 µM, respectively. Compound 2 was effective against amastigotes (IC50 = 10.5 µM) and displayed moderate mammalian cytotoxicity (CC50 = 42 µM). The immunomodulatory studies of compound 2 suggested an anti-inflammatory activity, with suppression of IL-6, IL-10, TNF with lack of nitric oxide. Conclusion: This study showed the antileishmanial activity of compounds 1 and 2 isolated from N. oppositifolia. Furthermore, compound 2 demonstrated an antileishmanial activity towards amastigotes associated to an immunomodulatory effect.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of HLD200, a Delayed-Release and Extended-Release Methylphenidate, in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: An Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy Throughout the Day and Across Settings

Objectives: HLD200, a once-daily, evening-dosed, delayed-release and extended-release methylphenidate (DR/ER-MPH), was designed to provide therapeutic effect beginning upon awakening and lasting into the evening. This pivotal, randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial assessed improvements in functional impairment across the day using multiple validated measures tailored for different settings and time of day in children (6–12 years) with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: Following a 6-week, open-label titration of DR/ER-MPH to an optimal dose (20, 40, 60, 80, or 100 mg/day) and dosing time (8:00 PM ±1.5 hours), participants were randomized to treatment-optimized DR/ER-MPH or placebo for 1 week. The primary endpoint was the model-adjusted average of postdose Swanson, Kotkin, Agler, M-Flynn, and Pelham Scale combined scores (SKAMP CS) over a 12-hour laboratory classroom day (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM). The key secondary endpoint was the Parent Rating of Evening and Morning Behavior-Revised, Morning (PREMB-R AM) subscale. Secondary/exploratory measures included the PREMB-R Evening (PREMB-R PM) subscale and Permanent Product Measure of Performance (Attempted [PERMP-A] and Correct [PERMP-C]). Safety endpoints included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Results: After the treatment-optimization phase, the mean optimized dose was 66.2 mg and the most common prescribed dosing time was 8:00 PM. Double-blind DR/ER-MPH treatment significantly improved functional impairment versus placebo in the early morning (PREMB-R AM: p < 0.001), averaged over the classroom day (SKAMP CS: p < 0.001), and in the late afternoon/evening (PREMB-R PM: p = 0.003) in the intent-to-treat population (N = 117). Average PERMP-A (p = 0.006) and PERMP-C (p = 0.009) also indicated improved classroom performance with DR/ER-MPH versus placebo. In the double-blind phase, TEAEs did not differ between DR/ER-MPH and placebo groups and no serious TEAEs or TEAEs leading to discontinuation were reported. Conclusion: DR/ER-MPH was well tolerated and demonstrated significant improvements versus placebo in functional impairment throughout the day across different settings in children with ADHD.
Efficacy and safety of Tramadol as an analgesic in women undergoing vaginoscopic hysteroscopy: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

Abstract Pain or discomfort during the hysteroscopy remains a challenge even after the introduction of small calibre instruments and vaginoscopic techniques. Tramadol, a centrally acting analgesic, is one among the medications used to reduce pain; however, the experience with its use in the vaginoscopic technique is limited. This was a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial conducted to study the effectiveness of oral Tramadol as an analgesic in 100 women undergoing diagnostic vaginoscopic hysteroscopy. Median pain score assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale was lower in the study group compared to the placebo group during the procedure (7 versus 8; p < .001) and immediately after the procedure (6 versus 7; p < .001) Ease of entry, procedure entry time and the adverse effects were similar in both the groups. Administration of oral Tramadol 50 mg, 1 h prior to the procedure may be a safe and effective analgesic in women undergoing diagnostic vaginoscopic hysteroscopy. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Even with the use of newer hysteroscopes with small calibres and vaginoscopic techniques, pain and discomfort to the patient during negotiation through the cervix remain the main challenge to the surgeon. Among the several medications reported to reduce pain during the procedure, Tramadol a centrally acting drug with dual analgesic action, both by the µ opioid receptor agonist action and by the inhibiting uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, can be used. However, studies using oral Tramadol during vaginoscopic hysteroscopy are limited. What do the results of this study add? The median pain score assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale was lower in the study group compared to the placebo group during the procedure (7 versus 8; p < .001) and immediately after the procedure (6 versus 7; p < .001). Ease of entry, procedure entry time and the adverse effects were similar in both the groups. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study suggests that administration of oral Tramadol 50 mg, 1 h prior to the procedure, may be used as a safe and effective analgesic in women undergoing diagnostic vaginoscopic hysteroscopy. Future trial with a larger sample size is required to confirm the tolerability of its use, as the incidence of adverse effects was low in the study.
The Influence of Negros Oriental State University , Bais Campuses I & II on Students ’ Socio-Economic Life and Aspirations

This was a descriptive survey study on the influence of Negros Oriental State University in Campuses I and II, Bais City on students’ socio-economic life and aspirations. Data were gathered from 1,600 respondents using a questionnaire checklist. The findings revealed that the students highly prioritized their aspirations for their future career and academic studies. Likewise, it was also found out that NORSU has moderately influenced the student-respondents in terms of social demand of its curricular programs, delivery of quality instruction, research programs, community extension programs, interdependence among stakeholders and leadership in social transformation. On the other hand, the college to which the students belong was significantly related to the aspirations of the students. However, the family income and family size of the students were not significantly related to the aspirations of students and the university’s extent of influence on their socio-economic life and aspirations. Keywords— Influence, Socio-Economic Life, Aspirations.
Role of NF-κB in Platelet Function

Platelets are megakaryocyte-derived fragments lacking nuclei and prepped to maintain primary hemostasis by initiating blood clots on injured vascular endothelia. Pathologically, platelets undergo the same physiological processes of activation, secretion, and aggregation yet with such pronouncedness that they orchestrate and make headway the progression of atherothrombotic diseases not only through clot formation but also via forcing a pro-inflammatory state. Indeed, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is largely implicated in atherosclerosis and its pathological complication in atherothrombotic diseases due to its transcriptional role in maintaining pro-survival and pro-inflammatory states in vascular and blood cells. On the other hand, we know little on the functions of platelet NF-κB, which seems to function in other non-genomic ways to modulate atherothrombosis. Therein, this review will resemble a rich portfolio for NF-κB in platelets, specifically showing its implications at the levels of platelet survival and function. We will also share the knowledge thus far on the effects of active ingredients on NF-κB in general, as an extrapolative method to highlight the potential therapeutic targeting of NF-κB in coronary diseases. Finally, we will unzip a new horizon on a possible extra-platelet role of platelet NF-κB, which will better expand our knowledge on the etiology and pathophysiology of atherothrombosis.
Wnt11 preserves mitochondrial membrane potential and protects cardiomyocytes against hypoxia through paracrine signaling

We investigated the effect of Wnt11 on mitochondrial membrane integrity in cardiomyocytes (CMs) and the underlying mechanism of Wnt11‐mediated CM protection against hypoxic injury. A rat mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) line that overexpresses Wnt11 (MSCWnt11) and a control cell line transduced with empty vector (MSCNull) were established to determine the cardioprotective role of Wnt11 in response to hypoxia. Mitochondrial membrane integrity in MSCWnt11 cells was assessed using fluorescence assays. The role of paracrine signaling mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (b‐FGF), and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) in protecting CMs against hypoxia were investigated using cocultures of primary CMs from neonatal rats with conditioned medium (CdM) from MSCWnt11. MSCWnt11 cells exposed to hypoxia reduced lactate dehydrogenase release from CMs and increased CM survival under hypoxia. In addition, CMs cocultured with CdM that were exposed to hypoxia showed reduced CM apoptosis and necrosis. There was significantly higher VEGF and IGF‐1 release in the MSCWnt11 group compared with the MSCNull group, and the addition of anti‐VEGF and anti‐IGF‐1 antibodies inhibited secretion. Moreover, mitochondrial membrane integrity was maintained in the MSCWnt11 cell line. In conclusion, overexpression of Wnt11 in MSCs promotes IGF‐1 and VEGF release, thereby protecting CMs against hypoxia.
Spontaneous termination of chaotic spiral wave dynamics in human cardiac ion channel models

Chaotic spiral or scroll wave dynamics can be found in diverse systems. In cardiac dynamics, spiral or scroll waves of electrical excitation determine the dynamics during life-threatening arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation. In numerical studies it was found that chaotic episodes of spiral and scroll waves can be transient, thus they terminate spontaneously. We show in this study that this behavior can also be observed using models which describe the ion channel dynamics of human cardiomyocytes (Bueno-Orovio-Cherry-Fenton model and the Ten Tusscher-Noble-Noble-Panfilov model). For both models we find that the average lifetime of the chaotic transients grows exponentially with the system size. With this behavior, we classify the systems into the group of type-II supertransients. We observe a significant difference of the breakup behavior between the models, which results in a distinct dynamics during the final phase just before the termination. The observation of a (temporally) stable single-spiral state affects the prevailing description of the dynamics of type-II supertransients as being “quasi-stationary” and also the feasibility of predicting the spontaneous termination of the spiral wave dynamics. In the long term, the relation between the breakup behavior of spiral waves and properties of chaotic transients like predictability or average transient lifetime may contribute to an improved understanding and classification of cardiac arrhythmias.
Bifidobacterial Transfer from Mother to Child as Examined by an Animal Model

Bifidobacteria commonly constitute the most abundant group of microorganisms in the healthy infant gut. Their intestinal establishment is believed to be maternally driven, and their acquisition has even been postulated to occur during pregnancy. In the current study, we evaluated bifidobacterial mother-to infant transmission events in a rat model by means of quantitative PCR (qPCR), as well as by Internally Transcribed Spacer (ITS) bifidobacterial profiling. The occurrence of strains supplied by mothers during pregnancy to their corresponding newborns was observed and identified by analysis immediately following C-section delivery. These findings provide intriguing support for the existence of an unknown route to facilitate bifidobacterial transfer during the very early stages of life.
Coronary Inflammation by Computed Tomography Pericoronary Fat Attenuation in MINOCA and Tako‐Tsubo Syndrome

Background The pericoronary fat attenuation index (pFAI) has emerged as a marker of coronary inflammation, which is measurable from standard coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). It compares well with gold‐standard methods for the assessment of coronary inflammation and can predict future cardiovascular events. pFAI could prove invaluable to differentiate an inflammatory from a noninflammatory coronary artery status, helping unravel the mechanisms subtending an event classified as myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) or Tako‐Tsubo syndrome (TTS). Methods and Results Patients admitted with MINOCA and TTS between 2011 and 2018, who had both CCTA and cardiac magnetic resonance during or shortly after the acute phase, were selected and pFAI measured in their CCTA; pFAI was also measured in control subjects who had CCTA for atypical chest pain workup, no obstructive coronary artery disease found in their CCTA, and no cardiac events at 2‐year follow‐up. In the n=106 MINOCA/TTS patients, mean pFAI was −68.37±8.29 versus −78.03±6.20 in the n=106 controls (P<0.0001), and the difference was confirmed also when comparing mean pFAI in each coronary artery between MINOCA/TTS and controls (P<0.0001). Nonobstructive coronary plaques at CCTA, high‐risk plaques in particular, were more frequently found (P<0.01) in the MINOCA/TTS group compared with controls. Conclusions In MINOCA and TTS patients, CCTA is not only able to detect angiographically invisible atherosclerotic plaques, but its diagnostic yield can be expanded using the simple measurement of pFAI to characterize pericoronary fat tissue; in MINOCA/TTS mean pFAI demonstrates higher values compared with controls, a finding that has been associated with coronary artery inflammation.
Acute Myeloid and Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cell Interactions with Endothelial Selectins: Critical Role of PSGL-1, CD44 and CD43

Acute myeloid and lymphoblastic leukemia are poor prognosis hematologic malignancies, which disseminate from the bone marrow into the blood. Blast interactions with selectins expressed by vascular endothelium promote the development of drug resistance and leukostasis. While the role of selectins in initiating leukemia blast adhesion is established, our knowledge of the involved selectin ligands is incomplete. Using various primary acute leukemia cells and U937 monoblasts, we identified here functional selectin ligands expressed by myeloblasts and lymphoblasts by performing biochemical studies, expression inhibition by RNA interference and flow adhesion assays on recombinant selectins or selectin ligands immunoadsorbed from primary blast cells. Results demonstrate that P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) is the major P-selectin ligand on myeloblasts, while it is much less frequently expressed and used by lymphoblasts to interact with endothelial selectins. To roll on E-selectin, myeloblasts use PSGL-1, CD44, and CD43 to various extents and the contribution of these ligands varies strongly among patients. In contrast, the interactions of PSGL-1-deficient lymphoblasts with E-selectin are mainly supported by CD43 and/or CD44. By identifying key selectin ligands expressed by acute leukemia blasts, this study offers novel insight into their involvement in mediating acute leukemia cell adhesion with vascular endothelium and may identify novel therapeutic targets.
ect of a Home-based Exercise Program on Shoulder Pain and Range of Motion in Elite Wheelchair Basketball Players : A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of a 10 week shoulder home based exercise program (SHEP) on shoulder pain (SP) and range of motion (ROM) in a group of elite wheelchair basketball (WB) players. A convenience sample of elite WB players (n = 36, 15 males and 21 females), mean age of 26 years (SD 7.6, range 15–45)) were assigned to either an exercise or a control group, according to the use of the wheelchair during daily activities. The shoulder pain index for wheelchair basketball players (SPI-WB), functional tests and ROM were measured at baseline and after a 10 week intervention. In the analysis of the SPI-WB scores, for the exercise and control groups separately, there were no significant reductions of SPI-WB scores after intervention. Related to the analysis between groups after 10 weeks of intervention, there were no significant differences in changes between the exercise and control groups (Z = 0.840, p > 0.05, r = 0.743). In this regard, there was a significant change after the intervention for shoulder extension ROM (Z = 2.81, p ≤ 0.05, r = 0.249). Shoulder Pain did not increase along the 10 weeks of the SHEP development in WB players who reported SP before the intervention program. However, in those players who started the intervention without SP, as no increase in SP was observed and players were free of injury. An exercise program could be a tool to maintain shoulder health and prevent injuries in elite WB players.
Profiles of psychosocial and clinical functioning in adolescence and risk for later depression and other outcomes

Abstract Background Most studies examining predictors of the onset of depression focus on variable centered regression methods that focus on the effects of multiple predictors. In contrast, person-centered approaches develop profiles of factors and these profiles can be examined as predictors of onset. Here, we developed profiles of adolescent psychosocial and clinical functioning among adolescents without a history of major depression. Methods Data come from a subsample of participants from the Oregon Adolescent Depression Project who completed self-report measures of functioning in adolescence and completed diagnostic and self-report measures at follow-up assessments up to approximately 15 years after baseline. Results We identified four profiles of psychosocial and clinical functioning: Thriving; Average Functioning; Externalizing Vulnerability and Family Stress and Internalizing Vulnerability at the baseline assessment of participants without a history of depression at the initial assessment in mid-adolescence. Classes differed in the likelihood of onset and course of depressive disorders, experience of later anxiety and substance use disorders, and psychosocial functioning in adulthood. Moreover, the predictive utility of these classes was maintained when controlling for multiple other established risk factors for depressive disorders. Conclusions This work highlights the utility of examining multiple factors simultaneously to understand risk for depression.