Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-Iβ Intra-Amniotic Infusion Induces TUmor Necrosis Factor-α, Prostaglandin Production, and Preterm COntractions in Pregnant Rhesus Monkeys

Objective: To describe the temporal and quantitative consequences of intra-amniotic interleukin-1β infusion in a nonhuman primate model. Methods: On days 128-138 of gestation (term 167 days), four chronically instrumented rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) underwent serial intra-amniotic infusions of 2, 5, and 10-20 μg recombinant human interleukin-1β. Each infusion was for 2 hours, and subsequent infusions were at least 48 hours later. Amniotic fluid was sampled serially both before and after infusion for interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TFN-α), and prostaglandin (PG) E2 and F2α by specific assays, and uterine activity in each monkey was recorded continuously. Results: Intra-amniotic concentrations of interleukin-1β rose dramatically after infusion. This rise was rapidly followed by the appearance of TNF-α in the amniotic cavities of all animals, with maximal levels reached 5 hours after the initiation of the infusion. Both interleukin-1β and TNF-α were rapidly cleared from the amniotic fluid and returned to baseline levels by 24-48 hours. Increases in PGE2 and F2α paralleled those of the two cytokines but remained elevated for the duration of the experiments. The stimulation of uterine contractility from a pre-infusion level of 200 mmHg · seconds/hour to 6000 mmHg · seconds/hour occurred an average of 6-10 hours after interleukin-1β infusion. These stimulations were transient, usually abating by 22 hours after infusion, and did not result in frank labor. Conclusion: In the rhesus monkey, intra-amniotic infusion of interleukin-1β rapidly induces production of intra-amniotic TNF-α as well as PGE2 and F2α, followed by uterine contractility. Uterine activity diminishes as cytokine levels return to pre-infusion levels, even in the presence of elevated intra-amniotic PG levels. Tumor necrosis factor-α may act synergistically with interleukin-1β in the pathophysiology of cytokine-related preterm labor.
Examining the influence of the parent-initiated and coach-created motivational climates upon athletes' perfectionistic cognitions

Abstract The aims of this study are threefold. First, we investigate the influence of the parent-initiated motivational climate upon elite junior athletes' perfectionistic cognitions. Second, we examine whether the coach-created motivational climate predicts additional variance in elite junior athletes' perfectionistic cognitions beyond the effects associated with the parent-initiated motivational climate. Third, we test the moderating role of athletes' gender and age in the relationship between the parent-initiated and coach-created motivational climates and athletes' perfectionistic cognitions. A total of 190 elite junior athletes (mean age 15.2 years, s = 1.5, range 10–18) completed the Parent-Initiated Motivational Climate Questionnaire-2 (White & Duda, 1993), the Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire-2 (Newton, Duda, & Yin, 2000), and the Perfectionistic Cognitions Inventory (Flett, Hewitt, Blankstein, & Gray, 1998). Regression analyses revealed that mother- and father-initiated worry-conducive climates, the father-initiated success-without-effort climate, and the coach-created performance motivational climate predicted male athletes' perfectionistic cognitions. Female athletes' perfectionistic cognitions were predicted by the mother-initiated worry-conducive climate, father-initiated learning-enjoyment climate, and both dimensions of the coach-created climate. Finally, athletes' gender emerged as a significant moderator of the mother-initiated worry-conducive climate and athletes' perfectionistic cognitions relationship. Findings confirm that the parent-initiated motivational climate is a significant predictor of athletes' perfectionism-related thoughts, and provide initial support for the influence of the coach-created motivation climate over children's perfectionistic cognitions.
Markers of isometric training intensity and reductions in resting blood pressure

Abstract In this study, we examined the correlations between selected markers of isometric training intensity and subsequent reductions in resting blood pressure. Thirteen participants performed a discontinuous incremental isometric exercise test to volitional exhaustion at which point mean torque for the final 2-min stage (2min-torquepeak) and peak heart rate peak (HRpeak) were identified. Also, during 4 weeks of training (3 sessions per week, comprising 4 × 2 min bilateral leg isometric exercise at 95% HRpeak), heart rate (HRtrain), torque (Torquetrain), and changes in EMG amplitude (ΔEMGamp) and frequency (ΔEMGfreq) were determined. The markers of training intensity were: Torquetrain relative to the 2min-torquepeak (%2min-torquepeak), EMG relative to EMGpeak (%EMGpeak), HRtrain ΔEMGamp, ΔEMGfreq, and %MVC. Mean systolic (−4.9 mmHg) and arterial blood pressure (−2.7mmHg) reductions correlated with %2min-torquepeak (r = −0.65, P = 0.02 and r = −0.59, P = 0.03), ΔEMGamp (r = 0.66, P = 0.01 and r = 0.59, P = 0.03), ΔEMGfreq (r = −0.67, P = 0.01 and r = −0.64, P = 0.02), and %EMGpeak (systolic blood pressure only; r = −0.63, P = 0.02). These markers best reflect the association between isometric training intensity and reduction in resting blood pressure observed after bilateral leg isometric exercise training.
Self-reported ability assessment in rock climbing

Abstract Level of ability within rock climbing is generally expressed in terms of a “best ascent”, rated using various grading systems within the sport. The most common method of obtaining this information is via self-report. The aim of this study was to examine the validity of self-reported climbing grades. Twenty-nine competitive rock climbers (17 males, 12 females) were first asked to report their current (defined as within the last 12 months) best on-sight lead ascent grade (Aus/NZ). The participants then climbed a specifically designed indoor route, under on-sight conditions (one attempt, no route practice or preview), to obtain an assessed grade. The route increased in difficulty, and was such that the distance achieved by the climber corresponded to a particular grade. The mean (±standard deviation) self-reported and assessed grade was 22.6 ± 3.4 and 22.0 ± 3.0 (Aus/NZ) respectively. Despite slight over- and underestimations in males and females respectively, there was no statistically significant difference between self-reported and assessed on-sight climbing grades. The results of this study suggest that self-reported climbing grades provide a valid and accurate reflection of climbing ability.
Oral Sessions

Design and Method: Male SHR were implanted with telemetry transmitters to monitor heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). After a 2-week recovery period, vehicle, the renin inhibitor (i) aliskiren 100 mg/kg.day, the handle region peptide (HRP) 1 mg/kg.day or a combination of HRP and aliskiren were infused for 3 weeks using an osmotic minipump. Vehicle-treated WKY rats served as controls. Subsequently, the heart was removed to study coronary function (using the Langendorff model).
Patellar Tendinitis: Evaluation and Arthroscopic Management

Patellar tendinitis is a common athletic injury to the knee. It is clinically defined as an overuse condition that is due to repetitive trauma affecting the patellar tendon and the inferior pole of the patella. Manual clinical evaluation of patellar tendinitis assesses the patient's presence of pain and loss of function in the extremity and includes the utilization of the Bassett sign as a clinical evaluation tool. Symptoms usually subside with rest; however, they may reappear with activity. Plain radiographs are always obtained for the initial evaluation and can be helpful in the planning of operative management, if necessary. When a patient is diagnosed with patellar tendinitis, conservative management is usually sufficient to improve symptoms and allow most athletes as well as other patients to return to normal activities. Conservative treatment usually consists of rest and cryotherapy initially followed by a physical therapy regimen consisting of isokinetic eccentric training along with appropriate warm-up exercises before beginning athletic participation. However, the patient may still have symptoms when engaging in athletic activities, especially those that involve jumping. If these approaches for management are ineffective or the patient does not have the luxury of delaying his or her return to activity, then operative treatment may be considered to restore normal function. Surgery should only be contemplated if an abnormality is present in the patellar tendon upon magnetic resonance imaging. When surgery is deemed necessary, our suggested operative management consists of an arthroscopic approach as compared with the analogous open technique with debridement of the damaged tendon, adjacent patellar bone, and adjacent fat pad. The successful clinical resolution is also highly dependent upon debridement of the “cherry” lesion described by Dr. John Feagin. Postoperative rehabilitation is essential and is identical to the algorithms outlined for conservative management. When utilizing this arthroscopic, surgical technique and postoperative rehabilitation regimen, the time course for return to normal activity usually comprises a return to full sporting activity by 3 postoperative months.
Multimodal Therapy for Vertebral Involvement of Systemic Mastocytosis

Study Design. Case report and clinical discussion. Objective. To describe a rare case of vertebral involvement of systemic mastocytosis and its multimodal therapy. Summary of Background Data. Vertebral fractures in young men are rare events. A thorough diagnostic work-up that unravels the underlying cause of osteoporosis and appropriate therapy are crucial to prevent further fractures. Methods. A 36-year-old man was evaluated for severe back pain and was found to suffer from progressive osteoporosis and multiple vertebral fractures. Bone biopsy analysis revealed tryptase-positive mast cells that were positive for c-KIT, thus confirming the diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis. Results. In addition to zoledronic acid (4 mg per month) and prednisolone (50 mg per day) treatment, the patient underwent kyphoplasty. The procedure was associated with arterial hypotension which was most likely because of pressure-induced mast cell degranulation. Follow-up visits demonstrated stable bone mineral density and tolerable back pain while on zoledronic acid. Conclusion. Systemic mastocytosis is a rare cause of vertebral fractures in young men. Because of the potential risk of pressure-induced release of the allergy mediator histamine, kyphoplasty for vertebral involvement of systemic mastocytosis should be conducted with appropriate precautions.
Safety and efficacy of substituting nedaplatin after carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions in gynecologic malignancies

Aim: Repeated treatment with carboplatin increases the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions. Current managements for carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions involve premedication, desensitization, and replacing agents. However, preventive effects for recurrent reactions by the former two methods are still limited, and substituting non‐platinum agent can attenuate efficacy against platinum‐sensitive diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of substituting nedaplatin, another platinum compound, as a strategy to deal with carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions in gynecologic cancers.
Morphometric and Volumetric Analysis of the Lateral Masses of the Lower Cervical Spine

Study Design. Morphometric and volumetric analysis. Objective. To define the morphometric and volumetric variance of the lateral masses of C5, C6, and C7. Summary of Background Data. Lateral mass screws are routinely placed throughout the subaxial cervical spine but the morphology of the C7 lateral mass is associated with greater difficulty in obtaining adequate purchase. Previous studies have suggested that modified techniques may be associated with better screw purchase in the C7 lateral mass and subsequent avoidance of complications such as foraminal intrusion and C7–T1 facet joint violation. It is necessary to systematically examine the morphometric and volumetric differences among lower cervical lateral masses in order to define the morphologic differences as this has implication with C7 lateral mass instrumentation. Methods. Morphometric and volumetric analysis was performed on computed tomography scans of the of the lateral masses of C5, C6, and C7 in 25 male and 25 female patients in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes. Volumetric analysis was conducted by tracing the lateral mass at progressive 1 mm axial slices and images were linked for complex volume calculation. Results. At all levels and for all measurements, men and women differed significantly (P < 0.05). Between C5 and C6, sagittal height differed in both men and women, whereas axial articular process (AP) diameter differed only in males (9.2 mm at C5 vs. 10.5 mm at C6). C7 differed statistically from C5 and C6 as measurements increased in sagittal height, sagittal diagonal height, coronal height (women only), and axial AP diameter (women only). C7 measurements decreased relative to the other levels in medial-to-lateral measurements in the axial plane (12.8 vs. 11.5 mm in men, 11.4 vs. 10.5 mm in women), sagittal thickness and axial AP diameter only differed in women. Importantly, the angulation of the lower cervical spine decreases by approximately 6° moving toward C7. There was no statistical difference in lateral mass volume between any of the vertebrae. Conclusion. The degree of cervical angulation represents a consistent and significant anatomic relationship in the lower cervical spine and may necessitate a modified surgical approach.
Cement Augmentation of Pedicle Screw Fixation Using Novel Cannulated Cement Insertion Device

Study Design. A biomechanical study with human cadaveric osteopenic lumbar vertebrae evaluating a novel method for cement augmentation of pedicle screw fixation. Objectives. To examine (1) the resistance to toggling and (2) ease of screw removal following cement augmentation of pedicle screw fixation via a novel, cannulated cement delivery device, allowing placement of a standard pedicle screw into a cement-augmented tract. Summary of Background Data. Some recent studies have investigated various cannulated pedicle screws through which polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is injected and found improved fixation in osteopenic spines. However, when necessary because of revision surgery, extraction of screws cemented via a cannulated system is exceedingly difficult. Methods. Novel cannulated screws were fabricated with fenestrations in the distal one-third of the screws. Fresh osteopenic (by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) cadaveric lumbar vertebrae were instrumented with an uncemented pedicle screw in 1 pedicle and the novel cemented screw in the opposite pedicle. Vertebral augmentation was performed by placement of the novel screw and injection of 2.5 mL of PMMA. Before final cement hardening, the novel screw was removed and replaced with a standard pedicle screw. The pedicle screws in 13 vertebral bodies were subjected to 10,000 cycles of cephalocaudal toggling. In another 10 vertebral bodies, we measured the torque required to remove uncemented, cemented screws, and cemented fenestrated screws left in place until hardening. Results. There was 63% less cephalocaudal motion with cemented screws using the new technique versus uncemented screws. Torque required for screw removal was similar for uncemented screws (mean, 358 Nmm) and PMMA-augmented screws via this new technique (mean, 343 Nmm). However, fenestrated screws cemented into place required an average of 4100 Nmm. Conclusion. This novel cement-delivery screw and injection technique provides a significant increase in resistance to pedicle screw motion, allowing placement of a standard screw that can be removed in revision surgery.
Risk Communication During Screening for Genomic Breast Cancer Susceptibility

Screening for genomic predisposition to diseases of adulthood is emerging in standard medical practice. Breast cancer predisposition testing provides a useful example for understanding the potential implications of risk-related screening in practice. Risk is an important and complex psychological construct that is understood differently both between scientific disciplines and between medical and lay persons. The process of establishing thresholds for classifying whether one's risk reaches levels warranting departure from standard preventive strategies is an important predictor of both physician feedback and patient interpretation of their risk. Messages about genomic breast cancer risk arising during the pedigree screening context are conveyed via explicit and implicit modes of communication. Best practices for communicating about genomic risk and the implications for health disparities related to screening for genomic susceptibility remain unknown. More work is urgently needed given the societal forces that are catalyzing population-based screening for genomic predisposition into the routine practice of preventive medicine.
Labial adhesion causing voiding but not sexual problems in a married woman

A married woman of reproductive age had labial adhesion with voiding difficulty. She and her husband had not been bothered by their inability to engage in sexual intercourse for the 10 years of their marriage. Surgical incision and reconstruction disclosed the normal vaginal vestibule and urethral meatus. Six months after surgery, her labium was fully open without recurrence. We must be aware that labial adhesion may occur and be hidden in a woman of reproductive age, even when the patient does not notice any ‘abnormality’ in her genitalia.
Effect of gender and stroke rate on joint power characteristics of the upper extremity during simulated rowing

Abstract Males typically have greater upper body strength than do females, which is likely to impact on the rowing techniques adopted by each sex. The aim of this study was to quantify energy contributions and compare the joint power production of upper extremity joints between the sexes. Seven males and eight females performed 60 s trials at five different stroke rates. External forces were measured at the handle and stretcher, while kinematics were recorded by motion analysis. Joint moments were derived by inverse dynamic calculations, followed by the calculation of joint powers and gross mechanical energy expenditure. Male rowers expended more total external energy per stroke and made a larger percentage contribution of angular shoulder energy to their total external energy expenditure. As stroke rate increased, the contribution from elbow and angular shoulder energy contributions decreased for both males and females. Female rowers decreased their angular shoulder contribution at a slower rate than did males as stroke rate increased. The overall percentage of work done on the stretcher was higher for male rowers, and this difference further increased at higher stroke rates. The results of this study suggest that specific upper body conditioning may be particularly important for female rowers.
Automatic measurement of key ski jumping phases and temporal events with a wearable system

Abstract We propose a new method, based on inertial sensors, to automatically measure at high frequency the durations of the main phases of ski jumping (i.e. take-off release, take-off, and early flight). The kinematics of the ski jumping movement were recorded by four inertial sensors, attached to the thigh and shank of junior athletes, for 40 jumps performed during indoor conditions and 36 jumps in field conditions. An algorithm was designed to detect temporal events from the recorded signals and to estimate the duration of each phase. These durations were evaluated against a reference camera-based motion capture system and by trainers conducting video observations. The precision for the take-off release and take-off durations (indoor <39 ms, outdoor = 27 ms) can be considered technically valid for performance assessment. The errors for early flight duration (indoor = 22 ms, outdoor = 119 ms) were comparable to the trainers' variability and should be interpreted with caution. No significant changes in the error were noted between indoor and outdoor conditions, and individual jumping technique did not influence the error of take-off release and take-off. Therefore, the proposed system can provide valuable information for performance evaluation of ski jumpers during training sessions.
DEGENERATION AND REPAIR OF THE RAT RETINA IN AVITAMINOSIS A

Although night blindness and various other ocular disturbances have for centuries been associated with a dietary deficiency of the body, it is only within recent years, through the work of Fridericia and Holm, 1 Tansley 2 and others, that vitamin A deficiency has been identified as the specific cause of these visual defects. Still more recently the investigations of Wald 3 have revealed that vitamin A is directly concerned with the visual process in that it is the precursor of visual purple as well as a product of its decomposition. It has been shown also, in experimental studies, that adult human subjects (Wald, Jehgers and Arminio, 4 Wald and Steven, 5 Booher, Callison and Hewston 6 and Steven and Wald 7 ) and infants (Lewis and Haig 8 ) kept on a diet low in vitamin A until a certain degree of night blindness was exhibited recovered normal vision with startling rapidity
Empirical Evidence of an Association Between Internal Validity and Effect Size in Randomized Controlled Trials of Low-Back Pain

Study Design. We conducted a methodologic study. Objective. The objective of this study was to assess the validity of the criteria list recommended by the Cochrane Back Review Group Editorial Board by evaluating whether individual items and a total score are associated with effect sizes in randomized controlled trials of back-pain interventions. Summary of Background Data. There is concern that studies of low methodologic quality may exaggerate the effectiveness of treatments for low back pain. We performed this study to examine the association between a common measure of internal validity and the reported magnitude of treatment effects. Methods. We assessed the relationship between the 11 items contained in the Cochrane Back Review Group Internal Validity checklist and effect size in randomized trials of interventions for back pain. Of 267 trials in 15 Cochrane reviews that were eligible for inclusion, 51 were excluded, leaving 216 trials included in the analysis. The scores on the 11 items for each trial were taken from the original review. We extracted effect sizes from each low back pain trial. Results. We found that trials that fulfilled a specific item had smaller effect sizes compared with trials that did not fulfill that item for 10 of the 11 items, and for 6 of the criteria, the absolute difference in effect sizes was 0.10 or greater. The 95% confidence interval of the difference in effect sizes crossed the null value in each case. The number of items fulfilled showed that trials with higher scores consistently reported smaller effect sizes than trials with lower scores. At the thresholds of 5 or 6 items fulfilled, the difference in effect sizes was 0.20 in each case (95% confidence intervals 0.05–0.35 and 0.06–0.34, respectively). Stratified analyses did not support confounding by intervention. Conclusion. We conclude that the 11-item Internal Validity Checklist is associated with effect size in randomized trials of interventions for back pain, and that our data support the use of a sum score of the number of fulfilled items in this list.