Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reversible inactivation of the basolateral amygdala, but not the dorsolateral caudate putamen, attenuates consolidation of cocaine‐cue associative learning in a reinstatement model of drug‐seeking

Previous research has shown that the basolateral amygdala (BLA) mediates stimulus‐reward learning, including drug‐cue associations, whereas the dorsolateral caudate putamen (dlCPu) primarily mediates stimulus‐response (habit) learning. Recent evidence has indicated that the dlCPu may be critical in cocaine‐seeking following extended self‐administration, but it remains unknown whether the dlCPu plays a role in the early formation of drug‐cue associations. The current study used a model of Pavlovian learning to compare the roles of the BLA and dlCPu in the consolidation of cocaine‐cue associations that maintain cocaine‐seeking during cue‐induced reinstatement. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats self‐administered cocaine (0.2 mg/50 μL infusion, i.v.) in the absence of cues for 6 days (2 h/day). Immediately following a single 1‐h classical conditioning session in which passive cocaine infusions were paired with a light/tone cue, animals received bilateral infusions of the GABA receptor agonists, baclofen/muscimol (1.0/0.1 mm), or vehicle into the BLA or dlCPu. Following additional cocaine self‐administration (5 days) and subsequent extinction (no cocaine or cues, 7 days), the ability of the previously cocaine‐paired cues to reinstate cocaine‐seeking was assessed. Inactivation of the BLA, but not the dlCPu, immediately following the classical conditioning session impaired the consolidation of cocaine‐cue associations as seen by decreased cue‐induced reinstatement. These results extend previous findings that the BLA mediates the consolidation of learned associations that drive cocaine‐seeking during subsequent reinstatement and indicate that the dlCPu does not play a role during initial stimulus‐drug associative learning.
Cement Augmentation of Refractory Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: Survivorship Analysis

Study Design. Retrospective cohort. Objective. To compare survivorship after cement augmentation of refractory osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) with traditional inpatient pain management and bracing. Summary of Background Data. OVCFs can cause debilitating pain and functional decline necessitating prolonged bed rest and high-dose narcotics. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are cement augmentation procedures used to control pain and restore function in patients with OVCF's that are refractory to conservative treatment. Early mobilization is associated with improved survival after other fractures in elderly patients. Methods. A university hospital database was used to identify all participants treated with primary diagnosis of OVCF between 1993 and 2006. Chart review and imaging studies were used to confirm demographics, comorbidities, diagnosis, and treatment. Survival time was determined using hospital data, national death indices and patient follow-up. Exact Fisher tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and proportional hazards regression models with Kaplan-Meier plots compared patients treated with cement augmentation with controls treated with inpatient pain management and bracing. Patients with high-energy trauma, tumors or age more than 60 years were excluded. Results. Within the past 12 years, 46 patients treated with cement augmentation and 129 matched controls met inclusion criteria. They did not differ with respect to age, sex, and comorbidities. A significant survival advantage was found after cement augmentation compared with controls (P < 0.001; log rank), regardless of comorbidities, age, or the number of fractures diagnosed at the start date (P = 0.565). Controlling simultaneously for covariates, the estimated hazard ratio associated with cementation was 0.10 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.02–0.43; P = 0.002) for year 1, 0.15 (95% CI = 0.02–1.12; P = 0.064) for year 2, and 0.95 (95% CI = 0.32–2.79; P = 0.919) for subsequent follow-up. The number of OVCFs at the start time of treatment did not affect survival benefit of cementation (P = 0.44). Conclusion. Cement augmentation of refractory OVCF improves survival for up to 2 years when compared with conservative pain management with bed rest, narcotics, and extension bracing, regardless of age, sex, and number of fractures or comorbidities. Therefore, aggressive management should be considered for refractory OVCFs with intractable back pain.
Performing under pressure: Exploring the psychological state underlying clutch performance in sport

ABSTRACT Clutch performance is improved performance under pressure. However, little research has examined the psychological state experienced by athletes in these situations. Therefore, this study qualitatively examined the subjective experience underlying clutch performance across a range of sports (e.g., team, individual) and standards (Olympic to recreational athletes). Sixteen athletes (Mage = 27.08 years; SD = 6.48) took part in in-depth, semi-structured interviews primarily after an exceptional performance (M = 4.38 days later; SD = 3.14). Data were analysed inductively and thematically. Clutch states involved 12 characteristics, including heightened and deliberate concentration, intense effort, and heightened awareness, which distinguished the experience of clutch from other optimal psychological states such as flow. Other characteristics, such as perceptions of control, were also reported and supported previous experimental research on clutch. These findings present in-depth qualitative insights into the psychological state underlying clutch performance, and are discussed in relation to the existing literature on optimal psychological states in sport.
Glutamate transporter EAAT4 in Purkinje cells controls intersynaptic diffusion of climbing fiber transmitter mediating inhibition of GABA release from interneurons

Neurotransmitters diffuse out of the synaptic cleft and act on adjacent synapses to exert concerted control of the synaptic strength within neural pathways that converge on single target neurons. The excitatory transmitter released from climbing fibers (CFs), presumably glutamate, is shown to inhibit γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) release at basket cell (BC)–Purkinje cell (PC) synapses in the rat cerebellar cortex through its extrasynaptic diffusion and activation of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors on BC axon terminals. This study aimed at examining how the CF transmitter‐diffusion‐mediated presynaptic inhibition is controlled by glutamate transporters. Pharmacological blockade of the PC‐selective neuronal transporter EAAT4 markedly enhanced CF‐induced inhibition of GABAergic transmission. Tetanic CF‐stimulation elicited long‐term potentiation of glutamate transporters in PCs, and thereby attenuated the CF‐induced inhibition. Combined use of electrophysiology and immunohistochemistry revealed a significant inverse relationship between the level of EAAT4 expression and the inhibitory action of CF‐stimulation on the GABA release at different cerebellar lobules – the CF‐induced inhibition was profound in lobule III, where the EAAT4 expression level was low, whereas it was minimal in lobule X, where EAAT4 was abundant. The findings clearly demonstrate that the neuronal glutamate transporter EAAT4 in PCs plays a critical role in the extrasynaptic diffusion of CF transmitter – it appears not only to retrogradely determine the degree of CF‐mediated inhibition of GABAergic inputs to the PC by controlling the glutamate concentration for intersynaptic diffusion, but also regulate synaptic information processing in the cerebellar cortex depending on its differential regional distribution as well as use‐dependent plasticity of uptake efficacy.
The physical characteristics of match-play in English schoolboy and academy rugby union

ABSTRACT The aim was to compare the physical characteristics of under-18 academy and schoolboy rugby union competition by position (forwards and backs). Using a microsensor unit, match characteristics were recorded in 66 players. Locomotor characteristics were assessed by maximum sprint speed (MSS) and total, walking, jogging, striding and sprinting distances. The slow component (<2 m · s−1) of PlayerLoadTM (PLslow), which is the accumulated accelerations from the three axes of movement, was analysed as a measure of low-speed activity (e.g., rucking). A linear mixed-model was assessed with magnitude-based inferences. Academy forwards and backs almost certainly and very likely covered greater total distance than school forwards and backs. Academy players from both positions were also very likely to cover greater jogging distances. Academy backs were very likely to accumulate greater PLslow and the academy forwards a likely greater sprinting distance than school players in their respective positions. The MSS, total, walking and sprinting distances were greater in backs (likely-almost certainly), while forwards accumulated greater PLslow (almost certainly) and jogging distance (very likely). The results suggest that academy-standard rugby better prepares players to progress to senior competition compared to schoolboy rugby.
Normal Patterns of Sagittal Alignment of the Spine in Young Adults Radiological Analysis in a Korean Population

Study Design. Radiological analysis and classification of normal patterns of sagittal alignment of the spine. Objective. To classify the patterns of sagittal alignment of the spine in young asymptomatic adults and analyze the differences in the various spinal and pelvic parameters according to these patterns. Summary of Background Data. Previous studies reported that the overall sagittal pattern and balance were more important than the normative values. There are few studies on white populations, classifying the normal patterns of sagittal curvature, and no studies on Asian populations. Methods. Whole spine, standing lateral radiographs of 86 Korean volunteers were taken. The pelvic and spinal parameters (total thoracic kyphosis, horizontal thoracic level, thoracolumbar junctional angle (TLJA), total lumbar lordosis, lower lumbar lordosis, horizontal lumbar level (HLL), lumbar inclination, pelvic tilt, sacral slope (SS), pelvic incidence, spinal balance, spinopelvic balance, and sacropelvic balance) were measured and the correlations of all parameters were analyzed. The volunteers were classified in to three types according to their HLL. The data were analyzed statistically to determine the differences in the parameters and balance between the three types. Results. The HLL showed a significant correlation with the lumbar inclination, junctional level, TLJA, spinal balance, spinopelvic balance, and SS on analyzing the correlation of the parameters. As HLL moved caudally, the TLJA and lumbar inclination increased, whereas the lower lumbar lordosis, pelvic incidence, and SS decreased and spinal balance became more negative. There were no significant differences in total thoracic kyphosis and sacropelvic balance between the three types. Conclusion. The patterns of sagittal alignment could be classified into three types showing that the spinal balance becomes more negative, the lumbar inclination and TLJA increase, the SS and pelvic incidence decrease, and lumbar lordotic curves becomes shorter as the patterns of sagittal curvature move toward type 3. This classification in young adults should be considered individually as a reference for surgeons aiming to restore the lumbar lordosis and sagittal alignment in degenerative lumbar fusion surgery.
Growth, functional capacities and motivation for achievement and competitiveness in youth basketball: an interdisciplinary approach

ABSTRACT The interaction of multiple influences on the path to sport success is not yet fully understood by sport scientists. In this study, we examined variation in body size, functional capacities and motivation for achievement, competitiveness and deliberate practice of youth basketball players associated with differences in biological maturity status, chronological age and years of training experience. Reflecting the importance of interactive effects, we examined the relationships between the psychological variables and functional capacities. Fifty-eight male basketball players aged 9.5 to 15.5 years were considered. Variables included chronological age, estimated age at peak height velocity, stature, body mass and sitting height by anthropometry; the Work and Family Orientation and Deliberate Practice Motivation Questionnaires were also used. Finally, the Line Drill test and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) tests were used as functional capacities indicators for basketball. Variance components models derived from series of multilevel linear regression models revealed a substantial variation by maturity status for body size, functional capacities indicators, mastery and will to excel. The influence of estimated maturity status on mastery and will to excel was independent of age and years of experience. In contrast, no relationships were observed between psychological variables and functional capacities indicators. We conclude that growth-related changes are relevant to understanding players´ motivations for achievement, competitiveness and deliberate practice. This should be of interest to those involved in the selection and development of youth basketball players.
Factors associated with using research evidence in national sport organisations

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore factors associated with the use of research evidence in Canadian National Sport Organisations (NSOs). Data were collected via individual semi-structured interviews with 21 representatives from Canadian NSOs. A qualitative description approach was used. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to an inductive-to-deductive thematic analysis. A research implementation framework (Rycroft-Malone, 2004) was used to organise inductively derived themes into the higher-order categories of evidence (use of evidence, disconnection between research and practice), context (lack of capacity, organisational structure), and facilitation (personal connections with researchers and sport scientists, formal meetings with stakeholders). Overall, NSO representatives did not have a clear understanding of evidence and lacked capacity to access and translate research. However, some context factors, along with internal and external facilitators, were in place and could be used to enhance research implementation.
Delay activity in avian prefrontal cortex – sample code or reward code?

In the current study, we examined whether delay activity in the avian equivalent of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) represents a neural correlate of a to‐be‐remembered sample stimulus or an upcoming reward. Birds were trained on a directed forgetting paradigm in which sample stimuli (red and white) were either followed by a cue to remember (high‐frequency tone) or a cue to forget (low‐frequency tone). The task also incorporated a differential outcomes procedure in which a correct response on the memory test following a red (remember) sample was rewarded with food, but correct responses on the memory test following the white (remember) sample were not. If delay activity represents a sample code, then it should be seen on both red‐remember and white‐remember trials. On the other hand, if delay activity represents a reward code, then delay activity should be seen only on red‐remember trials, but not white‐remember trials. Our findings suggest that activity in the avian PFC represents the outcome associated with each sample (reward or no reward) rather than memory for the sample itself.
Sleep slow wave changes during the middle years of life

Slow waves (SW; < 4 Hz and > 75 μV) during non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in humans are characterized by hyperpolarization [surface electroencephalogram (EEG) SW negative phase], during which cortical neurons are silent, and depolarization (surface EEG positive phase), during which the cortical neurons fire intensively. We assessed the effects of age, sex and topography on the dynamics of SW characteristics in a large population (n = 87) of healthy young (23.3 ± 2.4 years) and middle‐aged (51.9 ± 4.6 years) volunteers. Older subjects showed lower SW density and amplitude than young subjects. Age‐related lower SW density in men was especially marked in prefrontal/frontal brain areas, where they originate more frequently. Older subjects also showed longer SW positive and negative phase durations. These last results indicate that, in young subjects, cortical neurons would synchronously enter the SW hyperpolarization and depolarization phases, whereas this process would take longer in older subjects, leading to lower slope and longer SW positive and negative phases. Importantly, after controlling for SW amplitude, middle‐aged subjects still showed lower slope than young subjects in prefrontal, frontal, parietal and occipital derivations. Age‐related effects on SW density, frequency and positive phase duration were more prominent at the beginning of the night, when homeostatic sleep pressure is at its highest. Age‐related SW changes may be associated with changes in synaptic density and white matter integrity and may underlie greater sleep fragmentation and difficulty in recuperating and maintaining sleep under challenges in older subjects.
Common biology of craving across legal and illegal drugs – a quantitative meta‐analysis of cue‐reactivity brain response

The present quantitative meta‐analysis set out to test whether cue‐reactivity responses in humans differ across drugs of abuse and whether these responses constitute the biological basis of drug craving as a core psychopathology of addiction. By means of activation likelihood estimation, we investigated the concurrence of brain regions activated by cue‐induced craving paradigms across studies on nicotine, alcohol and cocaine addicts. Furthermore, we analysed the concurrence of brain regions positively correlated with self‐reported craving in nicotine and alcohol studies. We found direct overlap between nicotine, alcohol and cocaine cue reactivity in the ventral striatum. In addition, regions of close proximity were observed in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC; nicotine and cocaine) and amygdala (alcohol, nicotine and cocaine). Brain regions of concurrence in drug cue‐reactivity paradigms that overlapped with brain regions of concurrence in self‐reported craving correlations were found in the ACC, ventral striatum and right pallidum (for alcohol). This first quantitative meta‐analysis on drug cue reactivity identifies brain regions underlying nicotine, alcohol and cocaine dependency, i.e. the ventral striatum. The ACC, right pallidum and ventral striatum were related to drug cue reactivity as well as self‐reported craving, suggesting that this set of brain regions constitutes the core circuit of drug craving in nicotine and alcohol addiction.
Actual competence, rather than perceived competence, is a better predictor of physical activity in children aged 6-9 years

ABSTRACT There is a limited understanding about the relative importance of perceived and actual competence on emergent physical activity levels in children and whether there is a difference in their development and strength between boys and girls. This study used a single-cohort, multiple age group design to monitor physical activity, actual motor competence (AMC) and perceived competence (PC) on four occasions over 18 months in 6-to 9-year-old boys and girls (N = 201). Physical activity was measured by 7-day daily step counts (pedometer) and activity diary. AMC was assessed by mastery of skill criteria for 4 motor skills; run, overhand throw, standing broad jump, and line walk. PC was measured with the Self Description Questionnaire-I. Linear Mixed Model analysis revealed that AMC, Gender and School significantly impacted physical activity levels longitudinally in these children. AMC made a greater contribution (9-30%) to physical activity levels than PC (0-5%), and at an earlier age in boys (7 years) than girls (9 years). The need to acknowledge these developing distinctions in considering emergent physical activity levels has important implications for childhood learning environments and physical activity interventions.
Modulation of dendritic synaptic processing in the lateral superior olive by hyperpolarization‐activated currents

We have previously shown that mice lateral superior olive (LSO) neurons exhibit a large hyperpolarization‐activated current (Ih), and that hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic‐nucleotide‐gated type 1 channels are present in both the soma and dendrites of these cells. Here we show that the dendritic Ih in LSO neurons modulates the integration of multiple synaptic inputs. We tested the LSO neuron’s ability to integrate synaptic inputs by evoking excitatory post‐synaptic potentials (EPSPs) in conjunction with brief depolarizing current pulses (to simulate a second excitatory input) at different time delays. We compared LSO neurons with the native Ih present in both the soma and dendrites (control) with LSO neurons without Ih (blocked with ZD7288) and with LSO neurons with Ih only present peri‐somatically (ZD7288+ computer‐simulated Ih using a dynamic clamp). LSO neurons without Ih had a wider time window for firing in response to inputs with short time separations. Simulated somatic Ih (dynamic clamp) could not reverse this effect. Blocking Ih also increased the summation of EPSPs elicited at both proximal and distal dendritic regions, and dramatically altered the integration of EPSPs and inhibitory post‐synaptic potentials. The addition of simulated peri‐somatic Ih could not abolish a ZD7288‐induced increase of responsiveness to widely separated excitatory inputs. Using a compartmental LSO model, we show that dendritic Ih can reduce EPSP integration by locally decreasing the input resistance. Our results suggest a significant role for dendritic Ih in LSO neurons, where the activation/deactivation of Ih can alter the LSO response to synaptic inputs.
The Efficacies of 2 Ceramic Bone Graft Extenders for Promoting Spinal Fusion in a Rabbit Bone Paucity Model

Study Design. Prospective, randomized, controlled animal study. Objective. To determine the efficacies of 2 ceramic composite bone graft extenders for promoting spinal fusion. Summary of Background Data. Although autogenous bone is still considered the “gold standard” graft material for fusion procedures, its use is associated with a number of limitations. Synthetic ceramic composites represent a class of osteoconductive materials that may be employed as supplements or even alternatives to autograft. In this study, we compared the fusion rates generated by 2 ceramic composite bone graft extenders (MasterGraft and Mozaik Strips) with that obtained with autograft in a rabbit bone paucity model. Methods. Thirty-two New Zealand white rabbits undergoing noninstrumented posterolateral lumbar fusion were randomized to 1 of the following 4 groups: 100% autograft, 50% autograft, 50% autograft with Mozaik Strip, and 50% autograft with MasterGraft Strip. The rabbits were followed postoperatively for 8 weeks at which time the spinal segments were explanted and assessed for the presence of a solid fusion. Results. The arthrodesis rates by manual palpation of the 100% and 50% autograft controls were 75% (6 of 8 animals) and 12.5% (1 of 8), respectively (P < 0.01). In the 50% autograft/Mozaik and 50% autograft/MasterGraft groups, 3/8 and 1/8 of the rabbits were determined to have fused successfully, respectively (P = 0.569). However, there were no significant differences between the fusion rate of the 50% autograft cohort and those exhibited by the Mozaik or MasterGraft animals (P = 0.569 and 1.00, respectively). Conclusion. This study provides further evidence that the quantity of autograft may influence the process of spinal fusion such that the arthrodesis rate was significantly lower when less bone was implanted. Neither of the ceramic composite scaffolds seemed to enhance the fusion response compared to an equivalent amount of autograft alone, suggesting that these substances may need to be combined with other osteogenic materials to optimize bone production.