Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FATIGUE IN CHILDREN WITH PRONATED FEET AFTER AEROBIC EXERCISES.

BACKGROUND Sports have a strong influence on current society. Foot posture has been postulated as a risk factor for overuse injuries; however, the link between foot posture and injuries is unclear. This study aimed at checking whether children with pronated feet become more fatigued after participating in sports tests than those with normal feet. METHODS One-hundred five children between 10 and 12 years old (10.46 {plus minus} 0.78) participated in the sports tests. These tests were aerobic-type resistance exercises with six stations at which each child remained for 30 sec. The posture of the foot was evaluated via the foot posture index (FPI) and the plantar footprint via the arch index and Clarke's angle before and after aerobic-type resistance exercises. The perceived tiredness was evaluated with the Pictorial Children´s Effort Rating Table (PCERT) questionnaire and whether or not there was pain during or after physical activity. RESULTS The variables used to measure the foot posture and the plantar arch changed more in the group of children with pronated feet, suggesting that the feet undergo pronation more after physical exercise. The neutral feet group obtained an average score of 5.46 {plus minus} 1.89 on the PCERT, while the pronated feet group obtained a score of 7.60 {plus minus} 1.92. CONCLUSIONS The children with pronated feet showed more fatigue and foot pain during and/or after physical exercise than those with neutral feet. The type of foot could be responsible for the lack of enthusiasm of children toward undertaking healthy activities, and this problem might be solved via appropriate orthopedic treatment.
An efficient mixture of deep and machine learning models for COVID-19 diagnosis in chest X-ray images

A newly emerged coronavirus (COVID-19) seriously threatens human life and health worldwide. In coping and fighting against COVID-19, the most critical step is to effectively screen and diagnose infected patients. Among them, chest X-ray imaging technology is a valuable imaging diagnosis method. The use of computer-aided diagnosis to screen X-ray images of COVID-19 cases can provide experts with auxiliary diagnosis suggestions, which can reduce the burden of experts to a certain extent. In this study, we first used conventional transfer learning methods, using five pre-trained deep learning models, which the Xception model showed a relatively ideal effect, and the diagnostic accuracy reached 96.75%. In order to further improve the diagnostic accuracy, we propose an efficient diagnostic method that uses a combination of deep features and machine learning classification. It implements an end-to-end diagnostic model. The proposed method was tested on two datasets and performed exceptionally well on both of them. We first evaluated the model on 1102 chest X-ray images. The experimental results show that the diagnostic accuracy of Xception + SVM is as high as 99.33%. Compared with the baseline Xception model, the diagnostic accuracy is improved by 2.58%. The sensitivity, specificity and AUC of this model reached 99.27%, 99.38% and 99.32%, respectively. To further illustrate the robustness of our method, we also tested our proposed model on another dataset. Finally also achieved good results. Compared with related research, our proposed method has higher classification accuracy and efficient diagnostic performance. Overall, the proposed method substantially advances the current radiology based methodology, it can be very helpful tool for clinical practitioners and radiologists to aid them in diagnosis and follow-up of COVID-19 cases.
Post-Anthesis Water-stressed Barley Maintains Grain Specific Weight Through Altered Grain Composition and Plant Architecture

Specific weight (SW) is a long-established measure used as a malting quality specification in barley, with an increased SW thought to result in a higher malt output. Specific weight is a product of individual grain density as determined by grain composition and structure, and grain packing efficiency in a container as determined by grain dimensions. We investigated the effect of moderate but prolonged post-anthesis water stress on barley plant and grain development using pots of cultivars with a known range of SWs to explore how altering plant growth influence SW. Water stress was expected to influence these grain characteristics through decreased photosynthetic capacity. We demonstrated that SW was maintained under water stress conditions through compensatory mechanisms such as increased tiller mortality which preserved grain physical parameters on the main shoots. However, water stress significantly affected plant development by reducing not only ear number and yield, but also grain filling duration, plant biomass and ear length. Grain composition was also altered, with water-stressed plants having reduced carbon:nitrogen. Therefore, although SW can be conserved under water-stressed conditions, grain composition and plant development are altered, producing smaller harvests with higher grain nitrogen content. This would result in bulks of malting barley having different malt outputs despite having the same SW.
Treatment of Widespread Eosinophilic Cellulitis (Wells’ Syndrome) with Benralizumab

Society for Publication of Acta Dermato-Venereologica Wells’ syndrome, also known as eosinophilic cellulitis, was first described in 1971. It is a rare inflammatory skin disease of unknown pathogenesis and a varying clinical presentation. Most often, the disease presents as erythematous itchy or burning plaques, but bullous, papulonodular, papulovesicular, urticaria-like and fixed drug eruption types have also been described (1). There is a wide variety of treatment options, but no standard guidelines, and treatment can be challenging. We report here a patient with widespread and recurrent eosinophilic cellulitis (EC) (Wells’ syndrome) and severe eosinophilic asthma, in whom treatment with benralizumab was successful.
An Objective Methodology for the Selection of a Device for Continuous Mobility Assessment

Continuous monitoring by wearable technology is ideal for quantifying mobility outcomes in “real-world” conditions. Concurrent factors such as validity, usability, and acceptability of such technology need to be accounted for when choosing a monitoring device. This study proposes a bespoke methodology focused on defining a decision matrix to allow for effective decision making. A weighting system based on responses (n = 69) from a purpose-built questionnaire circulated within the IMI Mobilise-D consortium and its external collaborators was established, accounting for respondents’ background and level of expertise in using wearables in clinical practice. Four domains (concurrent validity, CV; human factors, HF; wearability and usability, WU; and data capture process, CP), associated evaluation criteria, and scores were established through literature research and group discussions. While the CV was perceived as the most relevant domain (37%), the others were also considered highly relevant (WU: 30%, HF: 17%, CP: 16%). Respondents (~90%) preferred a hidden fixation and identified the lower back as an ideal sensor location for mobility outcomes. Overall, this study provides a novel, holistic, objective, as well as a standardized approach accounting for complementary aspects that should be considered by professionals and researchers when selecting a solution for continuous mobility monitoring.
Novel Bionics Assessment of Anorectal Mechanosensory Physiology

Biomechatronics (bionics) is an applied science that creates interdisciplinary bonds between biology and engineering. The lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract is difficult to study but has gained interest in recent decades from a bionics point of view. Ingestible capsules that record physiological variables during GI transit have been developed and used for detailed analysis of colon transit and motility. Recently, a simulated stool named Fecobionics was developed. It has the consistency and shape of normal stool. Fecobionics records a variety of parameters including pressures, bending, and shape changes. It has been used to study defecation patterns in large animals and humans, including patients with symptoms of obstructed defecation and fecal incontinence. Recently, it was applied in a canine colon model where it revealed patterns consistent with shallow waves originating from slow waves generated by the interstitial Cells of Cajal. Novel analysis such as the “rear-front” pressure diagram and quantification of defecation indices has been developed for Fecobionics. GI research has traditionally been based on experimental approaches. Mathematical modeling is a unique way to deal with the complexity. This paper describes the Fecobionics technology, related mechano-physiological modeling analyses, and outlines perspectives for future applications.
The Effects of Polyhexamethylene Biguanide (PHMB) and TLR Agonists Alone or as Polyplex Nanoparticles against Leishmania infantum Promastigotes and Amastigotes

Dogs are the main reservoir for Leishmania infantum, manifesting from a subclinical to a fatal disease. Limited treatments are available, although new antiparasitics and immunomodulators are pursued. Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) has a broad antimicrobial spectrum, including antiparasitic activity. Here, we evaluated the potential for Toll-like receptor agonists (TLRa) and PHMB alone, and as polyplex nanoparticles containing PHMB and TLR4 or TLR9 agonists, to selectively kill L. infantum. Susceptibility of L. infantum promastigotes to PHMB, miltefosine, and allopurinol was performed, and the half-maximum inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were determined. Then, DH-82 cells were infected and treated with PHMB alone or combined with TLR4a (MPLA-SM) or TLR9a (CpG ODNs) and allopurinol alone. The IC50 values of L. infantum promastigotes were PHMB (1.495 µM), miltefosine (9.455 µM), and allopurinol (0.124 µM). After infection, treated DH-82 cells displayed a lower percentage (p = 0.0316), intensity (p = 0.0002), and index of infection (p = 0.0022) when compared to non-treated cells. PHMB induced lower percentage of infection alone (p = 0.043), in combination with TLR9a (p = 0.043), and with TLR4a (p = 0.0213). Supernatants were collected and used to measure TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Increased TNF-α was observed after PHMB plus TLR4a, relative to uninfected and infected untreated macrophages (p = 0.043). PHMB combined with TLR4a shows promise as a potential anti-L. infantum drug combination, as well as inducer of proinflammatory response, as demonstrated by decreased infection and increased TNF-α production.
Effects of body mass index on relationship status, social contact, and socioeconomic position: Mendelian Randomization study in UK Biobank

Objective To assess whether body mass index (BMI) has a causal effect on social and socioeconomic factors, including whether both high and low BMI can be detrimental. Design Mendelian Randomization, using genetic variants for BMI to obtain unconfounded estimates, and non-linear Mendelian Randomization. Setting UK Biobank. Participants 378,244 men and women of European ancestry, mean age 57 (SD 8 years). Main outcome measures Townsend deprivation index, income, age completed full time education, degree level education, job class, employment status, cohabiting relationship status, participation in leisure and social activities, visits from friends and family, and having someone to confide in. Results Higher BMI was causally associated with higher deprivation, lower income, fewer years of education, lower odds of degree-level education and skilled employment. For example, a 1 SD higher genetically-determined BMI (4.8kg/m2 in UK Biobank) was associated with £1,660 less income per annum [95%CI: £950, £2,380]. Non-linear Mendelian Randomization provided evidence that both low BMI (bottom decile, <22kg/m2) and high BMI (top seven deciles, >24.6kg/m2) can increase deprivation and reduce income. In men only, higher BMI was related to lower participation in leisure and social activities. There was no evidence of causal effects of BMI on visits from friends and family or in having someone to confide in. Non-linear Mendelian Randomization analysis showed that low BMI (bottom three deciles, <23.5kg/m2) reduces the odds of cohabiting with a partner or spouse for men, whereas high BMI (top two deciles, >30.7kg/m2) reduces the odds of cohabitation with a partner or spouse for women. Conclusions BMI affects social and socioeconomic outcomes, with both high and low BMI being detrimental for some measures of SEP. This suggests that in addition to health benefits, maintaining healthy ranges of BMI across the population could have benefits both for individuals and society.
Antioxidant Effects of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Inflorescence Extract in Stripped Linseed Oil

The ability of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) inflorescence extract to counteract lipid oxidation was studied in stripped linseed oil. The ethanolic extract was characterized in terms of terpenes (6.00 mg/mL), cannabidiol (4.99% w/w), phenolic compounds (1.80 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/mL), antiradical, and metal ion-chelating activities (50% effective concentration (EC50) of 2.47 mg/mL and 0.39 mg/mL, respectively). The stripped linseed oil, used as control (CO), was mixed with hemp extract (HO) or α-tocopherol (EO) at a ratio of 0.6% (w/w) and stored for 7 days in darkness at 40 °C. Hemp extract reduced the oxidation and lipolysis processes. At the end of the storage, HO showed a significantly higher level of α-linolenic acid (ALA; 26.64 g/100 g), lower peroxide value (PV) (21.19 meq O2/kg oil), and lower hexanal content (7.67 mmol/kg oil) than those found in the control. In contrast, EO showed a marked lipolysis (the free fatty acids increased by 42.57%) and a noticeable oxidation, since the ALA content decreased by 2.10% and a PV of 50 meq O2/kg oil was observed. This study demonstrates that hemp inflorescences can be used as a source of natural antioxidants in vegetable oils and lipid products to retard their oxidation, especially those characterized by a high degree of unsaturation.
Malignant transformation of oral submucous fibrosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the proportion of cases who develop oral carcinomas in patients diagnosed with oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) in reported longitudinal studies. We also aimed to evaluate the demographic and clinicopathological factors contributing to the progression of OSF to cancer. METHODS Individual search strategies were applied for the following bibliographic databases: MEDLINE by PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Grey literature databases until August 30, 2020. Methodological assessment of the risk of bias of the included studies was undertaken using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects (DerSimonian and Liard) method to calculate the pooled proportion of the MT in OSF patients. RESULTS Out of 585 records screened, a total of 9 observational studies were included with a total number of patients of 6,337 cases; of these, 292 OSF cases developed carcinoma. The pooled proportion of the malignant transformation was 4.2% (95% CI: 2.7%-5.6%) with an annual transformation rate of 0.73%. Subgroup analysis revealed that the pooled MT proportion was significantly higher among population-based studies in comparison to hospital-based ones (p < 0.005). Most of the studies showed high risk of bias. In several studies, there was a lack of information about the demographic and clinicopathological characteristics of OSF patients and associated risk indicators; this insufficiency in details hindered the ability to conduct further subgroup analyses. CONCLUSIONS Despite the poorly reported and the limited number of studies, our analysis confirms that close to 4% of patients diagnosed with OSF may develop oral cancer. Cases with OED had higher potential for transformation.
Mechanical-Ventilation Supply and Options for the COVID-19 Pandemic. Leveraging All Available Resources for a Limited Resource in a Crisis

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has exposed critical supply shortages both in the United States and worldwide, including those in intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital bed supply, hospital staff, and mechanical ventilators. Many of those who are critically ill have required days to weeks of supportive invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) as part of their treatment. Previous estimates set the U.S. availability of mechanical ventilators at approximately 62,000 full-featured ventilators, with 98,000 non–full-featured devices (including noninvasive devices). Given the limited availability of this resource both in the United States and in low- and middle-income countries, we provide a framework to approach the shortage of IMV resources. Here we discuss evidence and possibilities to reduce overall IMV needs, discuss strategies to maximize the availability of IMV devices designed for invasive ventilation, discuss the underlying methods in the literature to create and fashion new sources of potential ventilation that are available to hospitals and front-line providers, and discuss the staffing needs necessary to support IMV efforts. The pandemic has already pushed cities like New York and Boston well beyond previous ICU capacity in its first wave. As hot spots continue to develop around the country and the globe, it is evident that issues may arise ahead regarding the efficient and equitable use of resources. This unique challenge may continue to stretch resources and require care beyond previously set capacities and boundaries. The approaches presented here provide a review of the known evidence and strategies for those at the front line who are facing this challenge.
A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study of Self-Reported Adherence and Factors Associated with Analgesic Treatment in People with Chronic Pain

This study aims to shed light on the frequency and associated factors of self-reported adherence to analgesic treatment among chronic pain (CP) patients in the Spanish population. A nationwide cross-sectional study was performed of 1066 Spanish adults, of whom 251 suffered from CP and 168 had been prescribed analgesic treatment. Adherence was assessed using a self-reported direct questionnaire and related factors were collected. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted. Among the 23.5% (95% CI: 21.0–26.2%) of the sample with CP, 66.9% (95% CI: 60.7–72.7%) were taking analgesic treatment prescribed by a doctor, and 81.0% (95% CI: 74.2–86.6%) said they took the treatment as the doctor indicated. However, 17.6% forgot to take the medication, 11% overused them when in great pain, 46.3% stopped the treatment when feeling better and 33.3% when feeling worse, and 7.3% stopped taking them for financial reasons. Higher intensity of pain, polymedication, administration route (injection/patches) and some patient-related factors were associated with self-perceived adherence to treatment. Most Spanish people with CP consider that they are adherent to their analgesic treatment. However, their behavior presents contradictions. It would be advisable for professionals to inform patients about appropriate behavior regarding their therapy recommendations, and to explore potential factors related to non-adherence. This could contribute to improving pain control.
Electrochemical corrosion and electricla resistivity of reinforced recycled aggregate concrete

It is planned to improve the durability of reinforced concrete structures and the total or partial replacement of their components by the use of recyclable materials; as strategies to contribute to the concrete industry sustainability. The electrical resistivity and its relationship with the microstructure and electrochemical corrosion resistance in reinforced concrete manufactured with sustainable characteristics, that is, with recycled aggregates and supplementary cementitious materials; was evaluated in this study. The electrical resistivity in reinforced concretes is closely related to the microstructure of the cementitious matrix, and with the pore structure and distribution. As a consequence of the their components nature, it is assumed that the proposed sustainable concretes present different microstructure and porosity than the conventional concretes; because of this, the electrical and electrochemical response of those systems was analyzed with the help of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique.
Association between Changes in Nutrient Intake and Changes in Muscle Strength and Physical Performance in the SarcoPhAge Cohort

Muscle weakness and physical performance impairment are common geriatric conditions that raise morbidity and mortality. They are known to be affected by nutrition, but only a few longitudinal studies exist. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring the association, over 3 years, between variations of nutrient intakes, as well as, on one side, the variations of handgrip strength, as a surrogate of muscle strength, and on the other side, the physical performance, assessed by gait speed. Participants from the SarcoPhAge study, a Belgian cohort of people aged 65 years and older, were asked to complete a self-administered food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) at the second (T2) and the fifth (T5) year of follow-up. Daily macro- and micronutrient intakes were measured and their changes in consumption over the three years of follow-up were then calculated. The association between changes in nutrients consumption and the variations in muscle parameters were investigated through multiple linear regressions. Out of the 534 participants included in the cohort, 238 had complete data at T2 and T5 (median age of 72.0 years (70.0–78.0 years), 60.9% women). In the cross-sectional analysis, calories, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and vitamins D, A, and K intakes were positively correlated with muscle strength. In the longitudinal analysis, neither the gait speed nor the muscle strength changes were significantly impacted by the variations. Other longitudinal investigations with longer follow-up are required to improve knowledge about these interrelations.
Jealousy Mediates the Link Between Women’s Upward Physical Appearance Comparison and Mate Retention Behavior

Previous research has demonstrated that men’s lower mate value predicts increased perpetration of mate retention, especially with respect to cost inflicting behaviors. It is less clear if lower mate value women, including those who perceive themselves as being less physically attractive than their intrasexual rivals, also perpetrate more mate retention. Moreover, it is presently unclear whether romantic jealousy, which has been proposed to motivate compensatory behavior in response to evidence that a valued mating relationship is threatened, might mediate this link. The present study addressed this gap in knowledge by examining whether women’s overall self-perceived mate value and upward physical appearance comparisons predicted their cost inflicting and benefit provisioning mate retention, as well as whether jealousy mediated these relationships. In a sample of 167 heterosexual undergraduate women, results found self-perceived mate value predicted greater benefit provisioning mate retention, but not romantic jealousy. In contrast, jealousy mediated the relationship between women’s upward physical appearance comparisons and both their cost-inflicting and benefit-provisioning mate retention, supporting the hypothesis that jealousy in the face of unfavorable social comparisons on important mate value traits can promote action aimed at retaining a mate.