Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metabolic changes detected in vivo by 1H MRS in the MPTP‐intoxicated mouse

We used in vivo proton (1H) Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) to measure the levels of the main excitatory amino acid, glutamate (Glu) and also glutamine (Gln) and GABA in the striatum and cerebral cortex in the MPTP‐intoxicated mouse, a model of dopaminergic denervation, before and after dopamine (DA) replacement. The study was performed at 9.4T on control mice (n = 8) and MPTP‐intoxicated mice (n = 8). In vivo spectra were acquired in a voxel (8 µL) centered in the striatum, and in the cortex (4.6 µL). Three days after basal MRS acquisitions new spectra were acquired in the striatum and cortex, after levodopa (200 mg.kg−1). Glu, Gln and GABA concentrations obtained in the basal state were significantly increased in the striatum of MPTP‐lesioned mice (Glu: 20.2 ± 0.8 vs 11.4 ± 0.9 mM, p < 0.001; Gln: 5.4 ± 1.6 vs 2.0 ± 0.6 mM, p < 0.05; GABA: 3.6 ± 0.8 vs 1.6 ± 0.2 mM, p < 0.05). Levodopa lowered metabolites concentrations in the striatum of MPTP‐lesioned mice (Glu: 20.2 ± 0.8 vs 11.2 ± 0.4 mM (+ Ldopa), p < 0.001; Gln: 5.4 ± 1.6 vs 1.6 ± 0.4 mM (+ Ldopa), p < 0.05; GABA: 3.6 ± 0.8 vs 1.7 ± 0.4 mM (+ Ldopa), p < 0.01). Metabolite levels in the striatum of MPTP‐intoxicated mice + levodopa were not significantly different from those in the striatum of controls. No change was found in the cortex after DA denervation and after DA replacement between the two animals groups. These results strongly support a predominant change in striatal Glu synaptic activity in the cortico‐striatal pathway. Acute levodopa administration reverses the increase of metabolites in the striatum. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Steady‐state diffusion‐weighted imaging: theory, acquisition and analysis

Steady‐state diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) has long been recognized to offer potential benefits over conventional spin‐echo methods. This family of pulse sequences is highly efficient and compatible with three‐dimensional acquisitions, which could enable high‐resolution, low‐distortion images. However, the same properties that lead to its efficiency make steady‐state imaging highly susceptible to motion and create a complicated signal with dependence on T1, T2 and flip angle. Recent developments in gradient hardware, motion‐mitigation techniques and signal analysis offer potential solutions to these problems, reviving interest in steady‐state DWI. This review offers a description of steady‐state DWI signal formation and provides an overview of the current methods for steady‐state DWI acquisition and analysis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advances in the Treatment of Metastatic Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer With Chemotherapy and Targeted Agents

The treatment of non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is constantly evolving. Recent advances in both the front-line and relapsed/refractory setting have improved patient outcome, whereas in the past, best supportive care was considered the only viable option for patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC. Improvements in chemotherapeutic regimens and the development of novel targeted agents have resulted in incremental improvements in overall patient survival. The antiangiogenic agent bevacizumab has recently yielded a clinically significant improvement in response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival for patients with previously untreated nonsquamous recurrent or advanced (stage IIIB/IV) metastatic NSCLC. In the second- and third-line settings, docetaxel, pemetrexed, and inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor, such as erlotinib, have contributed to increased overall time to progression and overall survival. Ongoing clinical trials are currently focusing on generating further improvements in patient outcome by combining novel targeted agents and redefining patient selection criteria to enrich the population that will ultimately receive the optimal therapy for maximal benefit.
Isokinetic rotator muscles fatigue in glenohumeral joint instability before and after Latarjet surgery A pilot prospective study

We aimed to analyze the changes in isokinetic internal (IR) and external (ER) rotator muscles fatigue (a) in patients with non‐operated recurrent anterior instability, and (b) before and after shoulder surgical stabilization with the Bristow–Latarjet procedure. Thirty‐seven patients with non‐operated unilateral recurrent anterior post‐traumatic instability (NG) were compared with 12 healthy subjects [control group (CG)]. Twenty patients with operated recurrent anterior instability group (OG) underwent isokinetic evaluation before and 3, 6, and 21 months after Bristow–Latarjet surgery. IR and ER muscles strength was evaluated with Con‐Trex® dynamometer, with subjects seated and at a 45° shoulder abduction angle in scapular plane. IR and ER muscle fatigue was determined after 10 concentric repetitions at 180°·s−1 through the fatigue index, the percent decrease in performance (DP), and the slope of peak torque decrease. There were no differences in rotator muscles fatigue between NG and CG. In OG, 3 months post‐surgery, IR DP of operated shoulder was significantly (P < 0.001) higher than presurgery and 6 and 21 months post‐surgery. Rotator muscles fatigability was not associated with recurrent anterior instability. After surgical stabilization, there was a significantly higher IR fatigability in the operated shoulder 3 months post‐surgery, followed by recovery evidenced 6 months post‐surgery and long‐term maintenance over 21 months.
Pattern of Family Planning Methods used by Antenatal Patients in Owo,Nigeria.

This study aimed at assessing the pattern of family planning methods used by antenatal patients at Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. The study was conducted between December,2007 and February,2008 at the antenatal clinic of the hospital. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethical committee of the hospital prior to commencement of this study. One hundred pregnant women selected by simple random sampling participated in this study. Informed consent was obtained from each of the respondents. Information obtained from the respondents with the aid of the study instrument (questionnaire) included their bio-data, use of birth control measures prior to conception, methods used and their perceived barriers to family planning. Majority of the respondents(57%) practiced family planning. The commonest method used was condom;35(61.4%). Religion significantly affected the practice of family planning with a p value of 0.041. The main barriers to the practice of family planning were mainly fear of side effects (50.5%) and husband's opposition(17.2%). The reasons for getting pregnant were desire to have more children (79%), and failure of family planning (21%). Over half of the respondents practiced family planning. Condom was the commonest method of family planning used. Religion significantly affected the practice of family planning. Fear of side effects was the main identified barrier to family planning. There is need to make family planning services more readily available for ease of accessibility. Keywords : Family planning, practice, women, Nigeria Nigerian Hospital Practice Vol. 2 (2) 2008: pp. 33-36
Three‐dimensional T1 mapping of the mouse heart using variable flip angle steady‐state MR imaging

Cardiac MR T1 mapping is a promising quantitative imaging tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of cardiomyopathy. Here, we present a new preclinical cardiac MRI method enabling three‐dimensional T1 mapping of the mouse heart. The method is based on a variable flip angle analysis of steady‐state MR imaging data. A retrospectively triggered three‐dimensional FLASH (fast low‐angle shot) sequence (3D IntraGate) enables a constant repetition time and maintains steady‐state conditions. 3D T1 mapping of the complete mouse heart could be achieved in 20 min. High‐quality, bright‐blood T1 maps were obtained with homogeneous T1 values (1764 ± 172 ms) throughout the myocardium. The repeatability coefficient of R1 (1/T1) in a specific region of the mouse heart was between 0.14 and 0.20 s−1, depending on the number of flip angles. The feasibility for detecting regional differences in ΔR1 was shown with pre‐ and post‐contrast T1 mapping in mice with surgically induced myocardial infarction, for which ΔR1 values up to 0.83 s−1 were found in the infarct zone. The sequence was also investigated in black‐blood mode, which, interestingly, showed a strong decrease in the apparent mean T1 of healthy myocardium (905 ± 110 ms). This study shows that 3D T1 mapping in the mouse heart is feasible and can be used to monitor regional changes in myocardial T1, particularly in relation to pathology and in contrast‐enhanced experiments to estimate local concentrations of (targeted) contrast agent. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dimensionality of the Knee Numeric‐Entity Evaluation Score (KNEES‐ACL): A condition‐specific questionnaire

The benefit of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has been questioned based on patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs). Valid interpretation of such results requires confirmation of the psychometric properties of the PROM. Rasch analysis is the gold standard for validation of PROMs, yet PROMs used for ACL reconstruction have not been validated using Rasch analysis. We used Rasch analysis to investigate the psychometric properties of the Knee Numeric‐Entity Evaluation Score (KNEES‐ACL), a newly developed PROM for patients treated for ACL deficiency. Two‐hundred forty‐two patients pre‐ and post‐ACL reconstruction completed the pilot PROM. Rasch models were used to assess the psychometric properties (e.g., unidimensionality, local response dependency, and differential item functioning). Forty‐one items distributed across seven unidimensional constructs measuring impairment, functional limitations, and psychosocial consequences were confirmed to fit Rasch models. Fourteen items were removed because of statistical lack of fit and inadequate face validity. Local response dependency and differential item functioning were identified and adjusted. The KNEES‐ACL is the first Rasch‐validated condition‐specific PROM constructed for patients with ACL deficiency and patients with ACL reconstruction. Thus, this instrument can be used for within‐ and between‐group comparisons.
Origins of Singlet Fission in Solid Pentacene from an ab initio Green's Function Approach.

We develop a new first-principles approach to predict and understand rates of singlet fission with an ab initio Green's-function formalism based on many-body perturbation theory. Starting with singlet and triplet excitons computed from a GW plus Bethe-Salpeter equation approach, we calculate the exciton-biexciton coupling to lowest order in the Coulomb interaction, assuming a final state consisting of two noninteracting spin-correlated triplets with finite center-of-mass momentum. For crystalline pentacene, symmetries dictate that the only purely Coulombic fission decay process from a bright singlet state requires a final state consisting of two inequivalent nearly degenerate triplets of nonzero, equal and opposite, center-of-mass momenta. For such a process, we predict a singlet lifetime of 30-70 fs, in very good agreement with experimental data, indicating that this process can dominate singlet fission in crystalline pentacene. Our approach is general and provides a framework for predicting and understanding multiexciton interactions in solids.
Coronary Circulation in the Normal and the Pathologic Heart

The chief purpose of the authors of this book is to record their extensive studies of the arterial and venous coronary vasculature. The authors made casts of the coronary vessels by injecting the plastic substances "Geon Latex 576" and "Neoprene 842A" into the coronary arteries and veins and then corroded the soft tissues with acid. Both normal and diseased hearts were examined. Thus the study has to do with the coronary vasculature rather than the coronary circulation as the title of the book states. As with most previous anatomical studies of the coronary vasculature, this one has to do chiefly with large branches of the coronary arteries and veins and their anastomoses. The use of casts is excellent for this purpose, but the superimposition of vessels obscures the pattern of the small vasculature within the myocardium and precludes its detailed study. The book contains a wealth of information about the
High‐ and moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise and excess post‐exercise oxygen consumption in men with metabolic syndrome

Physical activity is central in prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome. High‐intensity aerobic exercise can induce larger energy expenditure per unit of time compared with moderate‐intensity exercise. Furthermore, it may induce larger energy expenditure at post‐exercise recovery. The aim of this study is to compare the excess post‐exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) in three different aerobic exercise sessions in men with metabolic syndrome. Seven men (age: 56.7 ± 10.8) with metabolic syndrome participated in this crossover study. The sessions consisted of one aerobic interval (1‐AIT), four aerobic intervals (4‐AIT), and 47‐min continuous moderate exercise (CME) on separate days, with at least 48 h between each test day. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured pre‐exercise and used as baseline value. EPOC was measured until baseline metabolic rate was re‐established. An increase in O2 uptake lasting for 70.4 ± 24.8 min (4‐AIT), 35.9 ± 17.3 min (1‐AIT), and 45.6 ± 17.3 min (CME) was observed. EPOC were 2.9 ± 1.7 L O2 (4‐AIT), 1.3 ± 1.1 L O2 (1‐AIT), and 1.4 ± 1.1 L O2 (CME). There were significant differences (P < 0.001) between 4‐AIT, CME, and 1‐AIT. Total EPOC was highest after 4‐AIT. These data suggest that exercise intensity has a significant positive effect on EPOC in men with metabolic syndrome.
Prediction of correlates of daily physical activity in Spanish children aged 8–9 years

The aims of the study were (a) to examine the associations between the daily physical activity (PA) of 8‐ to 9‐year‐old children and their parents, and (b) to examine what effect the child's daily PA has on its cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), body mass index (BMI), and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). The sample consisted of 1021 persons [351 children (8.73 ± 0.69 years in age) and 670 parents]. Pedometers were used to evaluate PA in parents and their children over the course of 4 days (Thursday–Sunday), with the instructions on how to wear the pedometers for 24 h a day. Also evaluated were height, weight, BMI, CRF (via the maximal multistage 20‐m shuttle run test), and HRQoL (via the EQ‐5D‐Y questionnaire). Associations between these variables were studied using path model techniques. The father's PA predicts his child's daily PA. This in turn predicts the child's lower BMI, CRF, and perceived quality of life. The findings suggest that the role model of a physically active father positively influences the child's PA habits, and hence that the family environment can have an important part to play in promoting health.
Does Aerobic Exercise Increase 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Among Workers With High Occupational Physical Activity?—A RCT

OBJECTIVE High occupational physical activity (OPA) increases cardiovascular risk and aerobic exercise has been recommended for reducing this risk. This paper investigates the effects of an aerobic exercise intervention on 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) among cleaners with high OPA. METHODS Hundred and sixteen cleaners between 18 and 65 years were randomized. During the 4‐month intervention period, the aerobic exercise group (AE) (n = 57) performed worksite aerobic exercise (2 × 30 minutes/week), while the reference group (REF) (n = 59) attended lectures. Between‐group differences in 4‐month ABP changes were evaluated by intention‐to‐treat analysis using a repeated‐measure 2 × 2 multiadjusted mixed‐models design. RESULTS Relative to REF, 24‐hour ABP significantly increased in AE: systolic 3.6 mm Hg (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6‐5.7) and diastolic 2.3 mm Hg (95% CI 0.9‐3.8). Cleaners with high aerobic workload exhibited particularly high 24‐hour ABP increases: systolic 6.0 mm Hg (95% CI 2.4‐9.6), and diastolic 3.8 mm Hg (95% CI 1.3‐6.4). CONCLUSION Aerobic exercise increased 24‐hour ABP among cleaners. This adverse effect raises questions about the safety and intended benefits of aerobic exercise, especially among workers with high OPA and a demanding aerobic workload. http://www.controlled‐trials.com/ISRCTN86682076. Unique identifier ISRCTN86682076. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial Number ISRCTN86682076.
Maternal Outcomes Associated with Planned Vaginal Versus Planned Primary Cesarean Delivery

We compared maternal morbidity between planned vaginal and planned cesarean delivery. A university hospital's database was queried for delivery outcomes. Between 1995 and 2005, 26,356 deliveries occurred. Subjects were divided into two groups: planned vaginal and planned cesarean delivery. This was based on intent to deliver vaginally or by cesarean, despite actual route of delivery. Planned vaginal delivery included successful vaginal delivery and labored cesarean delivery intended for vaginal delivery. Planned cesarean delivery included unlabored and labored cesarean delivery and vaginal delivery intended for cesarean. Chart abstraction confirmed the delivery plan. Primary outcomes were chorioamnionitis, postpartum hemorrhage, and transfusion. Secondary outcomes were also measured. A subanalysis compared actual vaginal delivery, labored cesarean delivery, and unlabored cesarean delivery. There were 3868 planned vaginal deliveries and 180 planned cesarean deliveries. Planned cesarean delivery had less chorioamnionitis (2.2% versus 17.2%), postpartum hemorrhage (1.1% versus 6.0%), uterine atony (0.6% versus 6.4%), and prolonged rupture of membranes (2.2% versus 17.5%) but a longer hospital stay (3.2 versus 2.6 days). There were no differences in transfusion rates. For healthy primiparous women, planned cesarean delivery decreases certain morbidities. Labored cesarean delivery had increased risks compared with both vaginal delivery and unlabored cesarean delivery.
Tendon overload results in alterations in cell shape and increased markers of inflammation and matrix degradation

Tendon injury is thought to involve both damage accumulation within the matrix and an accompanying cell response. While several studies have characterized cell and matrix response in chronically injured tendons, few have assessed the initial response of tendon to overload‐induced damage. In this study, we assessed cell response to cyclic loading. Fascicle bundles from the equine superficial digital flexor tendon were exposed to cyclic loading in vitro, designed to mimic a bout of high‐intensity exercise. Changes in cell morphology and protein‐level alterations in markers of matrix inflammation and degradation were investigated. Loading resulted in matrix damage, which was accompanied by cells becoming rounder. The inflammatory markers cyclooxygenase‐2 and interleukin‐6 were increased in loaded samples, as were matrix metalloproteinase‐13 and the collagen degradation marker C1,2C. These results indicate upregulation of inflammatory and degradative pathways in response to overload‐induced in vitro, which may be initiated by alterations in cell strain environment because of localized matrix damage. This provides important information regarding the initiation of tendinopathy, suggesting that inflammation may play an important role in the initial cell response to tendon damage. Full understanding of the early tenocyte response to matrix damage is critical in order to develop effective treatments for tendinopathy.
Equivalence of double and single wave vector diffusion contrast at low diffusion weighting

Multiple pulsed field gradient diffusion sequences have received renewed interest in recent years as a potentially new type of MRI contrast. This attention is largely a result of the ability to measure pore sizes using low‐amplitude diffusion gradients, and to distinguish between macroscopically isotropic systems of anisotropic pores and systems of isotropic pores. In this article, it is shown that, under many circumstances, the same type of information can be obtained by combining two or more standard single pulse diffusion‐weighted experiments acquired at different diffusion times. Similarly, information from multiple pulsed field gradient diffusion can be reconstructed from several single pulsed diffusion experiments. This possibility is rooted in the information contained in the time dependence of the diffusion tensor, which provides a complete description of the diffusion‐weighted MR signal at low gradient amplitudes. The new information arising at the fourth order in the cumulant expansion is discussed. The coupling of the wave vectors at long mixing times is found to be controlled by the variance of the single pore mean displacement tensor. In particular, a discussion is given concerning the way in which the sensitivity of the fourth‐order term to the pore shape anisotropy is modulated by pore orientation anisotropy and vanishes in coherently oriented homogeneous ensembles. For macroscopically isotropic systems, a new index of pore shape anisotropy is proposed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution ZTE imaging of human teeth

MRI with zero echo time (ZTE) is achieved by 3D radial centre‐out encoding and hard‐pulse RF excitation while the projection gradient is already on. Targeting short‐T2 samples, the efficient, robust and silent ZTE approach was implemented for high‐bandwidth high‐resolution imaging requiring particularly rapid transmit‐receive switching and algebraic image reconstruction. The ZTE technique was applied to image extracted human teeth at 11.7T field strength, yielding detailed depictions with very good delineation of the mineralised dentine and enamel layers. ZTE results are compared with UTE (ultra‐short echo time) MRI and micro‐computed tomography (μCT), revealing significant differences in SNR and CNR yields. Compared to μCT, ZTE MRI appears to be less susceptible to artefacts caused by dental fillings and to offer superior sensitivity for the detection of early demineralisation and caries lesions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of the effective connectivity of resting state networks in Alzheimer's disease: a functional MRI study combining independent components analysis and multivariate Granger causality analysis

Recent neuroimaging studies have shown that the cognitive and memory decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is coupled with abnormal functions of focal brain regions and disrupted functional connectivity between distinct brain regions, as well as losses in small‐world attributes. However, the causal interactions among the spatially isolated, but functionally related, resting state networks (RSNs) are still largely unexplored. In this study, we first identified eight RSNs by independent components analysis from resting state functional MRI data of 18 patients with AD and 18 age‐matched healthy subjects. We then performed a multivariate Granger causality analysis (mGCA) to evaluate the effective connectivity among the RSNs. We found that patients with AD exhibited decreased causal interactions among the RSNs in both intensity and quantity relative to normal controls. Results from mGCA indicated that the causal interactions involving the default mode network and auditory network were weaker in patients with AD, whereas stronger causal connectivity emerged in relation to the memory network and executive control network. Our findings suggest that the default mode network plays a less important role in patients with AD. Increased causal connectivity of the memory network and self‐referential network may elucidate the dysfunctional and compensatory processes in the brain networks of patients with AD. These preliminary findings may provide a new pathway towards the determination of the neurophysiological mechanisms of AD. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.