Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coaching Efficacy, Player Perceptions of Coaches’ Leadership Styles, and Team Performance in Premier League Soccer

ABSTRACT The coaching competency research has demonstrated the role of coaching efficacy and coaching behaviors on various athlete outcomes. However, athlete perceptions of these relationships and how they affect performance are less understood. Purpose: This study examined if coaching efficacy is predictive of player perceptions of coaches’ leadership styles, team atmosphere, and team performance in a soccer season. Method: Fifteen male premier league soccer coaches (Mage = 45.27, SD = 6.07) and 226 players (Mage = 25.66, SD = 3.96) from Botswana participated in the study. All participants completed a background information questionnaire. Coaches completed the Coaching Efficacy Scale. Players rated their coaches’ leadership styles using the Revised Leadership Scale for Sports as well as team atmosphere. Team performance was based on position in the league log and player ratings of the teams’ performance. Results: Findings showed that coaches’ self-ratings on technique efficacy predicted player perceptions of the coaches’ use of all six leadership styles. Game strategy efficacy predicted higher team atmosphere and team performance. Motivation efficacy was not significantly associated with player perceptions of the coaches’ use of any of the leadership styles, while character building efficacy was negatively associated with the various leadership styles. Conclusion: Findings provide support to previous research evidence linking higher coaching efficacy, leadership styles, and team outcomes. The study expands the emergent research within the coaching competency literature that examines player perceptions of coaches’ behaviors and leadership styles.
Long-Term Functionality of Transversal Intraneural Electrodes is Improved by Dexamethasone Treatment

Neuroprostheses aimed to restore lost functions after a limb amputation are based on the interaction with the nervous system by means of neural interfaces. Among the different designs, intraneural electrodes implanted in peripheral nerves represent a good strategy to stimulate nerve fibers to send sensory feedback and to record nerve signals to control the prosthetic limb. However, intraneural electrodes, as any device implanted in the body, induce a foreign body reaction (FBR) that results in the tissue encapsulation of the device. The FBR causes a progressive decline of the electrode functionality over time due to the physical separation between the electrode active sites and the axons to the interface. Modulation of the inflammatory response has arisen as a good strategy to reduce the FBR and maintain electrode functionality. In this paper, transversal intraneural multi-channel electrodes (TIMEs) were implanted in the rat sciatic nerve and tested for three months to evaluate stimulation and recording capabilities under chronic administration of dexamethasone. Dexamethasone treatment significantly reduced the threshold for evoking muscle responses during the follow-up compared to saline-treated animals, without affecting the selectivity of stimulation. However, dexamethasone treatment did not improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the recorded neural signals. Dexamethasone treatment allowed to maintain more working active sites along time than saline treatment. Thus, systemic administration of dexamethasone appears as a useful treatment in chronically implanted animals with neural electrodes as it increases the number of functioning contacts of the implanted TIME and reduces the intensity needed to stimulate the nerve.
Breast health, risk factors, and cancer screening among lesbian, bisexual, and queer/questioning women in China

Abstract In this study, we examine the health disparities of sexual minority women by surveying 310 lesbian, bisexual, and queer/questioning women (LBQW) in China about their breast health and cancer screening practices. We found that Chinese LBQW, particularly those identified with a masculine gender role and practice chest binding, are vulnerable to breast cancer given their high rates of behavioral risk factors (e.g., cigarette smoking) and symptoms (e.g., breast lumps) but low rates of self and clinical breast examinations. Salient barrier (stigma) and facilitators (social support availability, self-efficacy, and breast cancer information exposure) of breast cancer screening were also identified.
Statins for Asymptomatic Middle Cerebral Artery Stenosis: The Regression of Cerebral Artery Stenosis Study

Background: The progression of cerebral atherosclerosis increases the risk of stroke and vascular events. Given the known benefits of statins in retarding coronary and carotid atherosclerosis progression, we studied the effects of statins on asymptomatic middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis progression. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effects of simvastatin on the progression of MCA stenosis among stroke-free individuals who had mild to moderately elevated LDL cholesterol (3.0–5.0 mmol/l). Two hundred and twenty-seven subjects were randomized to either placebo (n = 114) or simvastatin 20 mg daily (n = 113). The severity of MCA stenosis at baseline and at the end of the study was graded by MRA into normal, minimal (<10%), mild (10–49%), moderate (50–90%) and severe (>90%). The primary outcome was the change in grading of MCA stenosis over 2 years. Results: At the end of the study, the LDL cholesterol level decreased by 1.43 and 0.12 mmol/l for the active and placebo groups, respectively (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients having stable, progressive and regressive MCA stenosis between the placebo (72, 22 and 6%) and active groups (78.6, 15.5 and 5.8%). The all-cause mortality was significantly lower in the active group (n = 0) relative to the placebo group (n = 7, p = 0.014). Any clinical events were also lower in the active group (n = 5) than in the placebo group (n = 13, p = 0.052). Conclusions: Simvastatin 20 mg daily had no apparent effect upon the evolution of asymptomatic MCA stenosis over 2 years.
Challenges and perceived unmet needs of Chinese migrants affected by cancer: Focus group findings

Abstract Objectives: Chinese migrant cancer survivors and carers face multiple barriers to accessing quality cancer information and support. This study aimed to explore the challenges and unmet needs experienced by the Australian Chinese community affected by cancer, and understand the contexts that hindered optimal care for this community. Methods: Adult cancer survivors and carers, whose native language is Mandarin or Cantonese, were recruited through community cancer support organizations. Bilingual researchers conducted focus groups with participants in either Mandarin or Cantonese. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English and thematically analyzed using qualitative methods. Findings: 62 Chinese-speaking participants (34 cancer survivors and 28 carers) participated in one of the eight focus groups conducted. The three main themes were (1) unmet information and support needs (trust, wellness, and rights); (2) barriers compounding unmet needs (language, health literacy, culture); and (3) participants’ recommendations regarding cancer information and support provision. Seven subthemes of unmet needs were also identified: Trust (e.g., communication barriers, health system barriers, comparison regarding the care received), wellness (e.g., cultural differences produce conflict on views about wellness, need for psychological, community, and spiritual support), and rights (e.g., low awareness of financial and legal assistance, other factors increasing or reducing vulnerability). Conclusions: This study highlights the needs and provides new insights into the impact of language, culture and health literacy barriers on the unmet information and support needs of the Chinese community affected by cancer. The key findings will inform the development of culturally targeted information and support resources for this community.
Pedicle screw insertion in the thoracolumbar spine: comparison of 4 guidance techniques in the intact cadaveric spine.

OBJECT Pedicle screw fixation is a mainstay of thoracolumbar stabilization. Screw insertion using anatomical landmarks and fluoroscopy is common but can be technically challenging and generally involves substantial exposure to ionizing radiation. Computerized navigation has been reported to improve accuracy but is expensive and complex. The authors undertook this study to evaluate these 3 methods in comparison with a fourth technique using standard cervical distractor screws to mark the entry point and trajectory. METHODS Four cadaveric human spines were used for this study. After an initial CT scan, 34 pedicle screws were inserted in each intact spine from T-1 to L-5 using the following 4 screw insertion guidance techniques (1 technique per specimen): use of anatomical landmarks, use of cervical distractor screws and spot fluoroscopy, fluoroscopy-based navigation, and fluoroscopy- and CT-based navigation (using merged imaging data). Postprocedural CT and anatomical dissection were then performed to evaluate screw position for site and degree of breach. RESULTS The cervical distractor screw method had a breach rate of 5.9% versus 29.4%, 32.4%, and 20.6% for use of anatomical landmarks, fluoroscopic navigation, and fluoroscopic-CT navigation, respectively (p < 0.05). There is also a significant association between degree of medial and distal breach and the method of screw insertion (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Cervical distractor screws as pedicle markers offer favorable insertion accuracy and reduction of radiation exposure compared with the other 3 methods used in clinical practice.
Intracardiac Delineation of Septal Conduction in Left Bundle-Branch Block Patterns: Mechanistic Evidence of Left Intrahisian Block Circumvented by His Bundle Pacing

Background: Septal activation in patients with left bundle-branch block (LBBB) patterns has not been described previously. We performed detailed intracardiac mapping of left septal conduction to assess for the presence and level of complete conduction block (CCB) in the His-Purkinje system. Response to His bundle pacing was assessed in patients with and without CCB in the left bundle. Methods: Left septal mapping was performed with a linear multielectrode catheter in consecutive patients with LBBB pattern referred for device implantation (n=38) or substrate mapping (n=47). QRS width, His duration, His-ventricular (HV) intervals, and septal conduction patterns were analyzed. The site of CCB was localized to the level of the left-sided His fibers (left intrahisian) or left bundle branch. Patients with ventricular activation preceded by Purkinje potentials were categorized as having intact Purkinje activation. Results: A total of 88 left septal conduction recordings were analyzed in 85 patients: 72 LBBB block pattern and 16 controls (narrow QRS, n=11; right bundle-branch block, n=5). Among patients with LBB block pattern, CCB within the proximal left conduction system was observed in 64% (n=46) and intact Purkinje activation in the remaining 36% (n=26). Intact Purkinje activation was observed in all controls. The site of block in patients with CCB was at the level of the left His bundle in 72% and in the proximal left bundle branch in 28%. His bundle pacing corrected wide QRS in 54% of all patients with LBBB pattern and 85% of those with CCB (94% left intrahisian, 62% proximal left bundle-branch). No patients with intact Purkinje activation demonstrated correction of QRS with His bundle pacing. CCB showed better predictive value (positive predictive value 85%, negative predictive value 100%, sensitivity 100%) than surface ECG criteria for correction with His bundle pacing. Conclusions: Heterogeneous septal conduction was observed in patients with surface LBBB pattern, ranging from no discrete block to CCB. When block was present, we observed pathology localized within the left-sided His fibers (left intrahisian block), which was most amenable to corrective His bundle pacing by recruitment of latent Purkinje fibers. ECG criteria for LBBB incompletely predicted CCB, and intracardiac data might be useful in refining patient selection for resynchronization therapy.
Improvement of atopic dermatitis with dupilumab occurs equally well across different anatomical regions: data from phase III clinical trials

Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) can affect different parts of the body, and some adults have more localized AD, such as face and neck involvement. Compared with non-exposed areas, such as the trunk, exposed areas such as the face, neck, and hands could be more vulnerable to environmental allergens and irritants and can be more refractory to topical therapies. Local adverse effects of topical therapies are more likely to occur on the face and neck. Additional pathologies, such as contact dermatitis, could complicate the clinical picture and response of exposed areas to treatment. Microbial factors (e.g. Malassezia) in specific regions may also influence AD severity on the face and neck. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Occurrence of Ochratoxin A in breakfast cereals and sweet snacks in Italy: dietary exposure assessment.

INTRODUCTION Ochratoxin A, a toxic fungal secondary metabolite, is well known as a nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, embryotoxic, teratogenic and immunotoxic agent, classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as "possibly carcinogenic to humans". OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to determine the occurrence of ochratoxin A in breakfast cereals and sweet snacks in order to estimate the dietary exposure of the Italian population, considering the widespread use of these products for all ages, and in particular for children and teenagers. METHODS Ochratoxin A was detected by ELISA technique. The calculation of the estimated exposure was performed by a deterministic approach. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The percentages of contaminated samples tested were 8% for breakfast cereals and 51% for sweet snacks with a range of contamination from 0.5 to 2.1 ng/g. The mean estimated daily intake, depending on age categories, ranged from 2.9% to 8.6% of the latest provisional tolerable daily intake recommended by the European Food Safety Authority (17 ng/kg bw/d) calculated on the total diet. Children and teenagers result to be higher in exposure per kg body weight compared to adults. CONCLUSION The estimate of ochratoxin A exposure levels calculated in the study does not represent a great concern for public health because they are not associated with a significant cancer risk.
Correlation of Prostate Cancer CHD1 Status with Response to Androgen Deprivation Therapy: a Pilot Study.

Introduction CHD1 has been identified as a tumor suppressor gene in prostate cancer. Previous studies have shown strong associations between CHD1 deletion, prostate specific antigen [PSA] recurrence, and absence of ERG fusion. In this preliminary study we seek to find whether there is an independent correlation between CHD1 status and response to androgen deprivation therapy[ADT]. Materials and methods We identified 11 patients with prostate cancer who underwent prostatectomy and received at least 7 months of ADT at our institution. They were divided into undetectable [PSA < 0.2 ng/mL; n = 8] and detectable [PSA > 0.2 ng/mL; n = 3] according to their serum PSA nadir after 7 months of ADT. Tissue microarray was generated from their formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded prostatectomy and involved lymph node tissues. Fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH] analysis for CHD1 and immunohistochemical stains for PSA, AR, PTEN, ERG and SPINK1 were performed. Results Our results showed heterogeneity of FISH and immunostains expressions in different foci of tumor. Status of CHD1, ERG, PTEN, or SPINK1 did not correlate with one another or with response to ADT. Conclusions Additional larger studies may be needed to further elucidate trends between these biomarkers and clinical outcomes in prostate cancer patients.
A diet based on high-heat-treated foods promotes risk factors for diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases.

BACKGROUND The modern Western lifestyle is characterized by the consumption of high-heat-treated foods because of their characteristic taste and flavor. However, it has been shown that treating food at high temperatures can generate potentially harmful compounds that promote inflammation and cardiovascular disease in subjects with diabetes. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine whether high-heat-treated foods also pose a risk for healthy subjects. DESIGN A randomized, crossover, diet-controlled intervention trial with 62 volunteers was designed to compare the potential metabolic effects of 2 diets, one that was based on mild steam cooking and another that was based on high-temperature cooking. These 2 diets differed mainly in their contents of Maillard reaction products (MRPs). MRPs were assessed in the diet and in subjects' feces, blood, and urine samples, with N(epsilon)-carboxymethyllysine as an indicator of MRPs. Biological indicators of glucose and lipid metabolism as well as oxidative stress were analyzed in subjects after 1 mo on each diet. RESULTS In comparison with the steamed diet, 1 mo of consuming the high-heat-treated diet induced significantly lower insulin sensitivity and plasma concentrations of long-chain n-3 (omega-3) fatty acids and vitamins C and E [-17% (P < 0.002), -13% (P < 0.0001), and -8% (P < 0.01), respectively]. However, concentrations of plasma cholesterol and triglycerides increased [+5% (P < 0.01) and +9% (P < 0.01), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS A diet that is based on high-heat-treated foods increases markers associated with an enhanced risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in healthy people. Replacing high-heat-treatment techniques by mild cooking techniques may help to positively modulate biomarkers associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases.
Defective States in Micro-Crystalline CsPbBr3 and Their Role on Photoconductivity

Intrinsic defects in CsPbBr3 microcrystalline films have been studied using thermally stimulated current (TSC) technique in a wide temperature range (100–400 K). Below room temperature, TSC emission is composed by a set of several energy levels, in the range 0.11–0.27 eV, suggesting a quasi-continuum distribution of states with almost constant density. Above room temperature, up to 400 K, the temperature range of interest for solar cells, both dark current and photocurrent, are mainly dominated by energy levels in the range 0.40–0.45 eV. Even if measured trap densities are high, in the range 1013–1016 cm−3, the very small capture cross-sections, about 10−26 m2, agree with the high defect tolerance characterizing this material.
Acute Seizure Control Efficacy of Multi-Site Closed-Loop Stimulation in a Temporal Lobe Seizure Model

The closed-loop electrical stimulation is emerging as a promising neural modulation therapy for refractory epilepsy. However, the efficacy of electrical stimulation is less than optimal and the mechanism of seizure control is still unclear. In this paper, we evaluated the acute seizure control efficacy of the multi-site closed-loop stimulation (MSCLS) in a rodent model with a custom designed closed-loop neurostimulator. A total of 18 rats were injected with kainic-acid in CA3 of the left hippocampus to induce acute temporal lobe seizures. Instead of single target stimulation, four target sites in left hemisphere including CA1 and CA3 of the hippocampus, sub-thalamic nucleus, and M1 region of the motor cortex were selected for both recording and stimulation. A low-cost efficient multi-site seizure detection algorithm was implemented in the neurostimulator for MSCLS. With MSCLS treatment, the rats without status-epilepsy (SE) significantly reduced the seizure duration and the number of generalized seizures in each site. When considering the rats developed SE, the MSCLS could also alleviate the seizure severity, but had little effect on the seizure duration and seizure number. In conclusion, although the efficacy of MSCLS was still limited by the stimulation sites, stimulation parameters, and seizure model chosen in this paper, the MSCLS itself would be a promising direction for the refractory seizure treatment.
Comprehensive coronary plaque assessment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Previous studies have assessed the relationship between OSA and coronary artery disease (CAD) using coronary artery calcium score (CAC) measurements. However, limited data are available regarding the association of OSA with non‐calcified plaque burden. We therefore aimed to assess the relationship between CAD severity as assessed by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and OSA. Forty‐one adult subjects (59 ± 9 years, 15 men) underwent a 256‐slice coronary CTA, which was followed by a diagnostic attended cardiorespiratory polygraphy (n = 13) or polysomnography (n = 28). Segment involvement score (SIS), segment stenosis score (SSS) and CAC were used to quantify total CAD burden. Correlation analysis was used to assess potential associations between CAD and OSA. Twenty‐two patients were diagnosed with OSA. SIS and SSS were elevated in OSA (2.90 ± 2.78 versus 1.79 ± 2.39 and 4.91 ± 5.94 versus 1.79 ± 4.54, OSA versus controls, SIS and SSS respectively, both p < 0.01) and correlated with OSA severity as measured by the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI, r = 0.41 and 0.43, p < 0.01) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI, r = 0.45 and 0.46, p < 0.01). However, no significant correlation was observed between CAC and OSA. Compared to CAC, SIS and SSS provide additional information on coronary plaque burden in OSA, which shows a significant association with OSA.
Impact of year of harvest, genotype and cultivation method on bioactives and Pru d 1 allergen content in plums

Abstract The present work studied the effect of the year of harvest, the genotype and the cultivation method on the nutritional quality and the allergen content of three plum cultivars. The common quality parameters and the phytochemical content strongly varied with the year and the cultivar, while the system of cultivation had a minor influence. In particular, ascorbic acid greatly decreased in 2016 compared to 2015, while polyphenols were higher in 2016. The health-promoting compounds, and particularly phenolics, were significantly correlated with the antioxidant capacity. Finally, the allergen content was strongly dependent on the content of flavan-3-ols, suggesting that this class of phenolics is determinant in influencing the allergen content in plums. Results showed that the major factor affecting the quality and the concentration of natural metabolites of plum, in addition to the diversity among genotypes, is the year-to-year variation, whereas the system of cultivation plays a marginal role.