Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Poly-L-Lactic Acid for Gluteal Augmentation found to be Safe and Effective in Retrospective Clinical Review of 60 Patients.

BACKGROUND Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a well-established biostimulator that induces neocollagenesis, allowing for volume loss correction. Although PLLA is FDA approved to treat mid-to-lower facial wrinkling, it has grown increasingly popular as a nonsurgical, minimally invasive procedure for soft-tissue volume augmentation of other extremities. However, research detailing PLLA buttock injections is still lacking. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of PLLA for buttock augmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS A clinical retrospective review of 60 patients (ages 23-54 years) were followed for 2 years by 2 investigators. Patients underwent 1 to 3 treatments, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, and received 2 to 12 vials per session (based on the patient budget). Pretreatment and post-treatment photographs were assessed by the primary and secondary investigator in blinded and double-blinded surveys, respectively. The Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale was used to quantify improvements in volume, skin texture, and cellulite dimpling. RESULTS Poly-L-lactic acid allows for visible volume amplification, improved skin texture, and softened cellulite dimpling in the buttocks when at least 20 vials are used. CONCLUSION Poly-L-lactic acid is safe and effective for overall aesthetic enhancement of the buttocks if used in adequate quantity (minimum 20 vials) for all women, independent of age or the number of sessions.
The Elastic Share of Inelastic Stress–Strain Paths of Woven Fabrics

Manifold variations of the mechanical behavior of structural woven fabrics appear in the first load cycles. Nevertheless, invariable states, i.e., mechanically saturated states, can be approached by multiple monotonous load cycle biaxial tests. In a state acceptably close to the ideal saturated state, the stress–strain paths reveal the elastic share of the initially inelastic stress–strain paths of woven fabrics. In this paper, the mechanical saturation behavior of two types of PTFE-coated woven glass fiber fabrics is examined and compared to the recently reported saturation behavior of a PVC-coated polyester fabric. With the help of the saturation test data, an extrapolation function is developed that facilitates an estimation of late cycle stiffness behavior based on measured early cycle behavior. Furthermore, the considerable impact of late cycle properties on structural analyses is shown exemplarily in the numerical simulation of a prestressed fabric structure by comparing results achieved from late and early load cycle stiffness parameters.
The Effect of Noise Exposure on the Vestibular Systems of Dental Technicians

Background: Noise exposure is the primary cause of acquired hearing loss in several occupational settings, including dental laboratories and clinics. However, the impact of noise exposure on the vestibular system is not as well researched. Purpose: To investigate the nature of vestibular damage caused by working in dental laboratories and clinics with high levels of noise exposure due to loud dental equipment. Research Design: A descriptive, case study design was used to evaluate the vestibular function of dental technicians. Study Sample: Out of 30 dental technicians, 5 males who had been working for several years in dental settings were selected based on their reports of severe symptoms of imbalance. Data Collection: Audiologic evaluations were conducted in the vestibular unit of the Doctor Tarek Khrais Center in Amman, Jordan, for one year. Each subject underwent several hearing tests, which included otoscopic examination, pure tone audiometry (PTA), impedance measurements, and speech testing. Assessment of vestibular function was then conducted using a diagnostic test battery which included electrocochleography, ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMP), cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP), positional testing using the Thomas Richard-Vitton (TRV) chair, and standing stability testing. Results: All test subjects experienced some form of vestibular impairment, including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), endolymphatic hydrops (Meniere disease), or a combination of both. Three out of five cases displayed little or no hearing loss, indicating that vestibular function is more at risk than hearing acuity to continuous noise exposure in dental settings. Conclusions: Exposure to loud noise in dental laboratories severely impacts the functioning of the vestibular system of the inner ear more than the cochlea. The main clinical implication of this study is that regular vestibular assessments are a necessity for dental technicians.
Contralateral Effects of Eccentric Exercise and DOMS of the Plantar Flexors: Evidence of Central Involvement

ABSTRACT Purpose: Peripheral and central factors play important roles in the reduction of motor performance following damaging eccentric exercise and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Following this regime, contralateral limbs could also be affected; however, the factors involved remain inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to distinguish the peripheral and central factors following eccentric contraction and DOMS of the plantar flexors in treated and contralateral homologous limbs. Methods: Ten males (BMI = 25.08 ± 1.69kgm−2; age = 28.70 ± 4.24 years) were randomly assigned to experimental (DOM) or control (CON) groups. The DOM group performed a damaging eccentric exercise, while the CON group rested. Plasma creatine kinase (CK), pain rating scale (PRS), muscle stiffness, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), and neural voluntary activation (VA) were measured before, after 10 min, and after 24, 48, and 72 hr on treated and contralateral limbs. Results: Following exercise, CK increased until after 48 hr, while PRS increased until after 72 hr compared to the CON group. Importantly, MVC was reduced at all time points, with the greatest reduction observed after 24 hr (−16%), while VA was affected until after 48 hr, with the greatest reduction at after 10 min (−7%). Interestingly, a “cross-over effect” was observed in contralateral limbs when PRS, MVC, and VA were negatively affected following the same pattern (time line) as treated limbs (−13% peak MVC reduction; −3.5% peak VA reduction). Conclusion: These findings suggest a substantial central contribution to the reduction in force immediately following eccentric exercise and to a lesser extent during the latter part of DOMS in both treated and contralateral limbs.
Transmembrane BAX Inhibitor-1 Motif Containing Protein 5 (TMBIM5) Sustains Mitochondrial Structure, Shape, and Function by Impacting the Mitochondrial Protein Synthesis Machinery

The Transmembrane Bax Inhibitor-1 motif (TMBIM)-containing protein family is evolutionarily conserved and has been implicated in cell death susceptibility. The only member with a mitochondrial localization is TMBIM5 (also known as GHITM or MICS1), which affects cristae organization and associates with the Parkinson’s disease-associated protein CHCHD2 in the inner mitochondrial membrane. We here used CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout HAP1 cells to shed further light on the function of TMBIM5 in physiology and cell death susceptibility. We found that compared to wild type, TMBIM5-knockout cells were smaller and had a slower proliferation rate. In these cells, mitochondria were more fragmented with a vacuolar cristae structure. In addition, the mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced and respiration was attenuated, leading to a reduced mitochondrial ATP generation. TMBIM5 did not associate with Mic10 and Mic60, which are proteins of the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS), nor did TMBIM5 knockout affect their expression levels. TMBIM5-knockout cells were more sensitive to apoptosis elicited by staurosporine and BH3 mimetic inhibitors of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL. An unbiased proteomic comparison identified a dramatic downregulation of proteins involved in the mitochondrial protein synthesis machinery in TMBIM5-knockout cells. We conclude that TMBIM5 is important to maintain the mitochondrial structure and function possibly through the control of mitochondrial biogenesis.
Comparative Analysis of Habitat Selection, Nest Site and Nest Success by Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla Cedrorum) and Eastern Kingbirds (Tyrannus Tyrannus)

-We compared nest success, habitat use and nest site selection of cedar waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) and eastern kingbirds (Tyrannus tyrannus) breeding in the same locations over a 3-yr period to determine if nest success differed between species, or with habitat or nest sites. Nest success was lower in waxwings in all 3 yr (3-yr average: 18% vs. 55%). Both species preferred hawthorns (Crataegus) as nest trees, but in neither species was nest success higher when nests were placed in hawthorns. Nest success did, however, vary with habitat structure: successful kingbirds nests were usually located in the most open habitat (i.e., lowest canopy cover and surrounded by the fewest trees), whereas failed waxwing nests were located in habitats with the densest vegetation. Habitats of failed kingbird and successful waxwing nests were intermediate and similar. Nest sites were very similar, except that waxwing nests were much more concealed in the nest tree's vegetation. However, neither cover nor other nest site variables differed between failed and successful nests within either species. A discriminant function analysis that used mainly habitat variables correctly classified 68% of failed waxwing and 64% of successful kingbird nests, but less than 50% of failed kingbird and successful waxwing nests. Thus, kingbirds and waxwings overlap extensively in habitat use and nest sites, but kingbirds prefer more open habitats, presumably because it allows them to detect predators and defend their nests. Waxwings prefer habitats with denser vegetation, presumably because they rely upon inconspicuous behavior to avoid nest predators. Failed kingbird nests were in waxwing-like habitats, suggesting a link between nest sites, habitats and parental behavior. We believe that the characteristic aggressive nest defense of kingbirds was the major reason for their higher nesting success.
Quality of Life of Cancer Patients Treated with Chemotherapy

Background: Life-quality tests are the basis for assessing the condition of oncological patients. They allow for obtaining valuable information from the patients regarding not only the symptoms of disease and adverse effects of the treatment but also assessment of the psychological, social and spiritual aspects. Taking into account assessment of the quality of life made by the patient in the course of disease has a positive effect on the well-being of patients, their families and their caregivers as well as on satisfaction with the interdisciplinary and holistic oncological care. Methods: A population-based, multi-area cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with cancer in the study in order to assess their life quality. The method used in the study was a clinical interview. Quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D-5L Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Karnofsky Performance Status, our own symptom checklist, Edmonton Symptom Assessment and Visual Analogue Scale. Results: In the subjective assessment of fitness, after using the Karnofsky fitness index, it was shown that 28% (95% CI (confidence interval): 27–30) of patients declared the ability to perform normal physical activity. In the assessment the profile, quality of life and psychometric properties of EQ-5D-5L, it was shown that patients had the most severe problems in terms of self-care (81%, 95% CI: 76–89) and feeling anxious and depressed (63%, 95% CI: 60–68). Conclusions: Cancer undoubtedly has a negative impact on the quality of life of patients, which is related to the disease process itself, the treatment used and the duration of the disease.
Cytotoxic and Senolytic Effects of Methadone in Combination with Temozolomide in Glioblastoma Cells

Methadone is an analgesic drug used for pain treatment and heroin substitution. Recently, methadone has been proposed to be useful also for cancer therapy, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most severe form of brain cancer, because experiments on cultured glioma cells treated with doxorubicin showed promising results. Doxorubicin, however, is not used first-line in GBM therapy. Therefore, we analyzed the cytotoxic effect of methadone alone and in combination with temozolomide, a DNA-alkylating drug that is first-line used in GBM treatment, utilizing GBM-derived cell lines and a human fibroblast cell line. We show that methadone is cytotoxic on its own, inducing apoptosis and necrosis, which was observed at a concentration above 20 µg/mL. Methadone was similar toxic in isogenic MGMT expressing and non-expressing cells, and in LN229 glioblastoma and VH10T human fibroblasts. The apoptosis-inducing activity of methadone is not bound on the opioid receptor (OR), since naloxone, a competitive inhibitor of OR, did not attenuate methadone-induced apoptosis/necrosis. Administrating methadone and temozolomide together, temozolomide had no impact on methadone-induced apoptosis (which occurred 3 days after treatment), while temozolomide-induced apoptosis (which occurred 5 days after treatment) was unaffected at low (non-toxic) methadone concentration (5 µg/mL), and at high (toxic) methadone concentration (20 µg/mL) the cytotoxic effects of methadone and temozolomide were additive. Methadone is not genotoxic, as revealed by comet and γH2AX assay, and did not ameliorate the genotoxic effect of temozolomide. Further, methadone did not induce cellular senescence and had no effect on temozolomide-induced senescence. Although methadone was toxic on senescent cells, it cannot be considered a senolytic drug since cytotoxicity was not specific for senescent cells. Finally, we show that methadone had no impact on the MGMT promoter methylation. Overall, the data show that methadone on glioblastoma cells in vitro is cytotoxic and induces apoptosis/necrosis at doses that are above the level that can be achieved in vivo. It is not genotoxic, and does not ameliorate the cell killing or the senescence-inducing effect of temozolomide (no synergistic effect), indicating it has no impact on temozolomide-induced signaling pathways. The data do not support the notion that concomitant methadone treatment supports temozolomide-based chemotherapy.
Interactions between Egg Storage Duration and Breeder Age on Selected Egg Quality, Hatching Results, and Chicken Quality

Simple Summary Egg storage duration and breeder age are two important factors influencing productivity and profitability of hatcheries. These factors probably interact with each other to influence egg quality, apparent fertility, hatchability, and hatchling quality. The aim of this study was to investigate interactions between egg storage duration and broiler breeder age on these parameters. It was demonstrated that eggs from young breeders were the most resistant to storage duration increase in relationship to early and middle embryonic mortality than eggs from older breeders. However, the opposite was found for hatchling quality, where yolk free body mass, which increased from young to old breeders after five days of storage, increased only from middle to old breeders after prolonged storage (19 days). The intestine percentage decreased also after long storage in younger breeders, but in older breeders no significant effect of egg storage duration was found. Abstract Egg storage duration and breeder age are probably interacting to influence egg quality, hatchability, and hatchling quality. To evaluate this interaction, the impact of breeder age (31, 42, 66 weeks) and storage duration (2, 5, 12, 19 days) was investigated on broiler breeder eggs (Arbor Acres). Thick albumen diameter and pH increased, and yolk dry matter decreased between 2 and 19 days of storage. With the increase of breeder age from 31 to 66 weeks, albumen height, percentage and dry matter and shell percentage decreased and the egg weight and yolk percentage, dry matter and diameter increased. Prolonged egg storage increased the yolk pH in all breeder ages, but earlier and steeper in the oldest breeders. Prolonged egg storage resulted in a lower hatchability of set and fertile eggs due to a higher percentage of embryonic mortality. Early mortality increased earlier and steeper with prolonged egg storage in the oldest compared to younger breeders. Between 5 and 19 days of storage, yolk free body mass, liver and proventriculus + gizzard percentages decreased, as well as hatchling length and yolk efficiency (yolk absorption per initial yolk weight). The latter effects were most pronounced in the younger than in the older breeders. Therefore, eggs are preferably stored shorter than 7 d, but if long storage (≥12 days) cannot be avoided, we recommend to store eggs of older breeders when egg quality and hatchability are most important. In case hatchling quality is most important, it would be better to store eggs of younger breeders (31 weeks) for a prolonged period.
Influence of altitude on cerebral and splanchnic oxygen saturation in critically ill children during air ambulance transport

Objective The aim of the current study was to investigate how cerebral and splanchnic oxygen saturation (rSO2-C and rSO2-A) in critically ill children transported in air ambulance was affected by flight with cabin pressurization corresponding to ≥ 5000 feet. A second aim was to investigate any differences between cyanotic and non-cyanotic children in relation to cerebral and splanchnic oxygen saturation during flight ≥ 5000 feet. The variability of the cerebral and splanchnic Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) sensors was evaluated. Design NIRS was used to measure rSO2-C and rSO2-A during transport of critically ill children in air ambulance. rSO2 data was collected and stored by the NIRS monitor and extracted and analyzed off-line after the transport. Prior to evaluation of the NIRS signals all zero and floor-effect values were removed. Setting The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. Patients In total, 44 critically ill children scheduled for inter-hospital transport by a specialized pediatric transport team were included in the study between January 2014 and January 2019 (convenience sampling). Intervention No interventions were conducted. Measurements All study patients were monitored with a cerebral NIRS-sensor placed over the forehead and an abdominal NIRS-sensor placed in the infra-umbilical area for cerebral and splanchnic regional oxygen saturation monitoring, rSO2-C and rSO2-A, respectively. Main results Complete rSO2-C and rSO2-A data was obtained in 39 patients. Median age was 12 days. Cyanotic congenital heart malformations were present in 9 patients (23%). In 22 patients (56%) rSO2-C decreased at altitude ≥ 5000 feet and in 24 patients (61%) rSO2-A decreased at altitude ≥ 5000 feet compared to baseline (p<0.0001). In 25 patients (64%) the rSO2-C/rSO2-A ratio was greater at altitude ≥ 5000 feet than at baseline. A ratio ≥ 1 was seen in 77% of patients at altitude ≥ 5000 feet compared to in 67% of patients at baseline. Conclusion Both cerebral and splanchnic oxygen saturation decreased at altitude ≥ 5000 feet compared to baseline. In most patients, both cyanotic and non-cyanotic, cerebral oxygen saturation was preserved more than splanchnic oxygen saturation.
“Spirituality is everybody’s business”: an exploration of the impact of spiritual care training upon the perceptions and practice of rehabilitation professionals

Abstract Purpose This study explored the impact of a brief spiritual care training program upon the perceptions and self-reported practice of rehabilitation professionals working in traumatic injury. Methodology and methods A qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews were held with staff from a rehabilitation hospital in Sydney, Australia, between six and eight weeks after participation in spiritual care training. A thematic analysis was conducted. Results Of the 41 rehabilitation professionals who attended the training (1 h online, 1.5 h face to face), 16 agreed to be interviewed. The majority worked in spinal cord injury and were female. Half reported holding a Christian affiliation. One overarching theme and six sub-themes were identified from the qualitative data. The overarching theme was “spirituality is everybody’s business”. The six sub-themes were: (i) increased awareness of the nature of spirituality, (ii) realisation of the importance of spirituality to clients, (iii) a desire to keep spirituality on the radar, (iv) identifying barriers to providing spiritual care (v) incorporating spirituality into practice, and, (vi) recognising spirituality as personally meaningful. Conclusions A brief spiritual care training program can impact positively upon perceptions and practice of rehabilitation professionals. Ongoing training is needed to ensure that staff retain what was learnt. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Brief spiritual care training can impact positively upon rehabilitation professionals’ perceptions of spirituality and lead to practice change in the delivery of spiritual care across many clinical disciplines. The stories of patients and family members are powerful staff education tools in spiritual care training. Client spirituality is an under recognised resource that staff can draw upon in supporting and enhancing the rehabilitation process.
Role and therapeutic potential of liquid–liquid phase separation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Abstract Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a late-onset neurodegenerative disease selectively affecting motor neurons, leading to progressive paralysis. Although most cases are sporadic, ∼10% are familial. Similar proteins are found in aggregates in sporadic and familial ALS, and over the last decade, research has been focused on the underlying nature of this common pathology. Notably, TDP-43 inclusions are found in almost all ALS patients, while FUS inclusions have been reported in some familial ALS patients. Both TDP-43 and FUS possess ‘low-complexity domains’ (LCDs) and are considered as ‘intrinsically disordered proteins’, which form liquid droplets in vitro due to the weak interactions caused by the LCDs. Dysfunctional ‘liquid–liquid phase separation’ (LLPS) emerged as a new mechanism linking ALS-related proteins to pathogenesis. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on ALS-related gene products associated with a proteinopathy and discuss their status as LLPS proteins. In addition, we highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting LLPS for treating ALS.
A Sporadic and Lethal Lassa Fever Case in Forest Guinea, 2019

Lassa fever is a rodent-borne disease caused by Lassa virus (LASV). It causes fever, dizziness, vertigo, fatigue, coughing, diarrhea, internal bleeding and facial edema. The disease has been known in Guinea since 1960 but only anectodical acute cases have been reported to date. In January 2019, a 35-year-old man, a wood merchant from Kissidougou, Forest Guinea, presented himself at several health centers with persistent fever, frequent vomiting and joint pain. He was repeatedly treated for severe malaria, and died three weeks later in Mamou regional hospital. Differential diagnosis identified LASV as the cause of death. No secondary cases were reported. The complete LASV genome was obtained using next-generation sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis showed that this strain, namely the Kissidougou strain, belongs to the clade IV circulating in Guinea and Sierra Leone, and is thought to have emerged some 150 years ago. Due to the similarity of symptoms with malaria, Lassa fever is still a disease that is difficult to recognize and that may remain undiagnosed in health centers in Guinea.