Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of wide-pulse neuromuscular electrical stimulation frequency and superimposed tendon vibration on occurrence and magnitude of extra torque.

Low-frequency and high-frequency wide-pulse neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can generate extra-torque (ET) via afferent pathways. Superimposing tendon vibration (TV) to NMES can increase the activation of these afferent pathways and favour ET generation. Knowledge of the characteristics of ET is essential to implement these stimulation paradigms in clinical practice. Thus, we aimed at investigating the effects of frequency and TV superimposition on the occurrence and magnitude of ET in response to wide-pulse NMES. NMES-induced isometric plantar flexion torque was recorded in 30 healthy individuals who performed five NMES protocols: wide-pulse low-frequency (1 ms; 20 Hz; WPLF) and wide-pulse high-frequency (1 ms; 100 Hz; WPHF) without and with superimposed TV (1 mm; 100 Hz) and conventional NMES (50 µs; 20 Hz; reference protocol). Each NMES protocol began with an adjustment of NMES intensity in order to reach 10% of maximal voluntary contraction then consisted of three 20-s trains interspersed by 90 s of rest. The ET occurrence was similar for WPLF and WPHF (p=0.822). In the responders, the ET magnitude was greater for WPHF than WPLF (p<0.001). There was no effect of superimposed TV on ET characteristics. This study reported an effect of NMES frequency on ET magnitude, whereas TV superimposition did not affect this parameter. In the context of our experimental design decisions, the present findings question the clinical use of wide-pulse NMES and its combination with superimposed TV. Yet, further research is needed in order to maximize force production through the occurrence and magnitude of ET.
Caregiving Stress and Self-Rated Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Resourcefulness

Abstract Family caregivers faced unprecedented circumstances and experienced increased levels of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Resourcefulness can minimize the effect of stress on health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between caregiving stress during the pandemic, resourcefulness, and self-rated health and assess the mediating effect of resourcefulness. A convenience sample of 70 family caregivers of adults with chronic and/or disabling conditions was recruited using social media groups and professional networking platforms. Data were collected using an online survey and analyzed using linear regression. Mediation analysis was conducted using the PROCESS macro. Higher levels of caregiving stress during the pandemic and lower levels of resourcefulness were associated with worse self-rated health, while controlling for age, employment status, and weekly caregiving hours. Resourcefulness mediated the relationship between caregiving stress and self-rated health. Our findings highlight the importance of assessing the psychological impact of the pandemic on family caregivers’ outcomes. Resourcefulness skills can be targeted to improve the health and well-being of family caregivers during and beyond the pandemic.
Effect of sperm selection methods on ICSI outcomes in patients with oligoteratzoospermia.

OBJECTIVE Sperm selection without - or with a low level of - protamine deficiency and DNA fragmentation is a remarkable indicator to increase the success rate of ICSI outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare sperm selection methods in the elimination of sperm with protamine deficiency and DNA fragmentation and their effects on ICSI Outcomes in oligoteratzoospermia patients. METHODS Semen samples were obtained from oligoteratozoospermia patients undergoing ICSI. Sperm selection was conducted using Zona Pellucida (ZP) binding, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) binding, and conventional PVP methods. SCD assay and CMA3 staining were used for the detection of sperm protamine deficiency and DNA fragmentation. Good quality of the embryo, blastocyst formation, chemical, and clinical pregnancy rates among studied groups was evaluated and compared. RESULTS Our results indicated the percentage of sperm DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency were lower significantly in the HA- and ZP-bound sperm. Although no significant differences were observed in the fertilization rate among studied methods, good quality of cleavage embryo rates were increased using ZP and HA methods versus the conventional PVP method. However, there were no significant differences in cleavage and embryo quality between the HA compared to the ZP method. Blastocyst formation, chemical and clinical pregnancy rates increased in the HA method. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the HA method for sperm selection due to high sensitivity in selecting sperm with a low level of DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency is a very useful method to increase the success rate of ICSI outcomes in oligoteratozoospermia patients.
Perception of Racial and Intersectional Discrimination in the Workplace Is High Among Black Orthopaedic Surgeons: Results of a Survey of 274 Black Orthopaedic Surgeons in Practice

Introduction: There are approximately 573 practicing Black orthopaedic surgeons in the United States, which represents 1.9% overall. The purpose of this study was to describe this underrepresented cohort within the field of orthopaedic surgery and to report their perception of occupational opportunity and workplace discrimination. Methods: An anonymous survey was administered to 455 practicing orthopaedic surgeons who self-identify as Black. The 38-question electronic survey requested demographic and practice information and solicited perspectives on race and racial discrimination in current orthopaedic practices and general views regarding occupational opportunity and discrimination. Results: The survey was completed by 274 Black orthopaedic surgeons (60%). Over 97% of respondents believe that Black orthopaedic surgeons in the United States face workplace discrimination. Most Black orthopaedic surgeons (94%) agreed that racial discrimination in the workplace is a problem but less than 20% agreed that the leaders of national orthopaedic organizations are trying sincerely to end it. Black female orthopaedic surgeons reported lower occupational opportunity and higher discrimination than Black male orthopaedic surgeons across all survey items. Discussion: This study is the first to report on the workplace environment and the extent of discrimination experienced by Black surgeons, specifically Black orthopaedic surgeons in the United States. Most respondents, particularly female respondents, agreed that racial discrimination and diminished occupational opportunity are pervasive in the workplace and reported experiencing various racial microaggressions in practice.
Raman spectroscopy accurately differentiates mucosal healing from non-healing and biochemical changes following biological therapy in inflammatory bowel disease

Background Mucosal healing (MH) is a key treatment target in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is defined in endoscopic terms by the newly published PICaSSO score. Raman Spectroscopy (RS) is based on the scattering of inelastic light giving spectra that are highly specific for individual molecules. We aimed to establish spectral changes before and after treatment and whether Raman Spectroscopy is able to accurately differentiate between inflammation and MH. Methods Biopsies were taken for ex vivo RS analysis alongside biopsies for histological analysis from IBD patients undergoing optical diagnosis endoscopic assessment. We compared pre- vs. post-biological treatment in IBD patients and healthy controls and active vs. MH in UC and CD. For spectral analysis, we used supervised self-organising maps for separation and classification. Results A total of 23 patients (14 IBD, 9 HC) were recruited for comparison of pre- vs. post-biologic treatment and 74 IBD patients were included for the assessment of MH in IBD, giving 9700 Raman Spectra. Spectral differences were seen between pre- and post-treatment which were observed comparing MH vs. active inflammation. Reductions in intensity at 1003cm-1 and 1252cm-1 when a reduction in inflammation was seen post-treatment and when MH was present. MH was associated with an increase in intensity at 1304cm-1. The trained neural network differentiated MH from active inflammation with a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy in UC of 96.29% (sd 0.94), 95.03% (sd 1.52), 94.89% (sd 1.59), 96.33 (sd 0.97) and 95.65 (sd 0.99) and 96.19% (sd 1.46), 88% (sd 4.20), 86.60% (sd 5.39), 96.55% (sd 1.32) and 91.6% (sd 2.75) in CD respectively. Conclusion We demonstrated RS can demonstrate biochemical changes following treatment of IBD and accurately differentiates MH from active inflammation in IBD and might be a future tool to personalise therapeutic management in IBD.
Thermal Behavior, Stability, and Decomposition Mechanism of Poly(N-vinylimidazole)

Homo- and copolymers of N-vinylimidazole belong to a rapidly emerging class of polymeric materials. Because of the fact that these materials can be utilized in several high-temperature processes and applications, such as catalysis, fuel cells, polymeric ionic liquids (PIL), precursors for new materials by thermolysis, etc., and because fundamental details on the thermal behavior of such polymers are lacking, systematic investigations have been carried out to reveal the stability and the mechanism of thermal decomposition of poly(N-vinylimidazole) (PVIm) by using a variety of techniques, such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), thermogravimetry–mass spectrometry (TG-MS), and pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The investigated PVIm was obtained by free radical polymerization initiated by AIBN in benzene at 70 °C. By the unique combination of the applied methods to investigate the thermal decomposition mechanism of PVIm, it was found that the thermal dec.
Relationship between chronotype and consumption of stimulants

ABSTRACT Consumption of some stimulants may lead to health problems. The aim of the study was to identify a potential correlation between extreme chronotypes and the tendency to use various stimulants. The preferred time of consumption was also checked, both on working and nonworking days. The study was conducted in January 2020 using the CAWI method. 306 people took part in the survey. To determine the chronotype of the surveyed people, the polish version of MEQ questionnaire (Morningness – Eveningness Questionnaire) was used. Because 178 respondents were intermediate types, 128 people participated in the second part of the study, including 68 owls and 60 larks. Activity preferences during the day of respondents were checked and compared with data about the quantity and frequency of using stimulants like coffee, energy drinks, alcohol and cigarettes. Chi-square test was used for testing relationships. The time periods for taking stimulants differed between groups and were associated with activity during the day. It has been shown that people with evening chronotype use more energy drinks (p = .009), alcohol drinks (p = .013) and cigarettes or e-cigarettes (p = .021), especially in the group of respondents aged ≥30. Social jet lag was statistically higher in the group of owls and larks; however, consumption of stimulants depended on age and chronotype, not social jet lag. People with the morning chronotype are less likely to use stimulants. Owls showed a greater and more frequent use of energy drinks, alcohol and cigarettes, especially those older than 30 years. Assessing eveningness among people aged more than 30 may be helpful in characterizing an overall risk profile.
Effects of hypertension on the outcomes of COVID-19: a multicentre retrospective cohort study

Abstract Objectives: Hypertension is thought to be a contributor to mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 patients; however, limited clinical data on the outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with hypertension are available. Methods: This study was designed to confirm whether hypertension affects the outcomes of COVID-19. Results: A total of 983 patients with COVID-19 (female, 48%; male, 52%) were enrolled. Significantly higher odds of 60-day mortality (p = .017) were observed in the hypertensive group. In the hypertensive group, even after adjustment in multivariate analysis, the subgroup of patients 70 years old and older had higher 28-day mortality and total 60-day mortality rates than the other age subgroups (bothp < .05). A total of 297 (89%) COVID-19 patients with hypertension survived, and 35 (11%) died. In addition, compared with hypertensive patients who survived COVID-19, non-survivors had more pre-existing conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and stroke, higher blood pressure on admission, more severe inflammation, and more liver and kidney damage. Conclusion: Hypertension does not affect the outcome of COVID-19, which is different than the conclusions drawn in other studies. However, the 28-day mortality and total 60-day mortality rates of hypertensive patients (age ≥ 70) with COVID-19 were significantly elevated, and compared with the group of survivors, non-surviving COVID-19 patients with hypertension were older, had more basic diseases and had a more severe clinical condition.
Auditory Temporal Processing in Dancers

While many studies have examined the auditory abilities of musicians, this study uniquely asks whether dance training, a similar yet understudied type of early-life training, also benefits auditory abilities. We focused this investigation on temporal resolution, given the importance of subtle temporal cues in synchronizing movement. We found that, compared to untrained controls, novice adult dancers who have trained continuously since childhood had enhanced temporal resolution, measured with a gap detection task. In an analysis involving current and former dancers, total years of training was a significant predictor of temporal resolution thresholds. The association between dance experience and improved auditory skills has implications for current theories of experience-dependent auditory plasticity and the design of sound-based educational and rehabilitation activities.
The Spectrum of Antibiotic Prescribing During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Literature Review

Objectives: Over the last decades, there has been a significant increase in antimicrobial prescribing and consumption associated with the development of patients' adverse events and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to the point of becoming a global priority. This study aims at evaluating antibiotic prescribing during COVID-19 pandemic from November 2019 to December 2020. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted primarily through the NCBI database, using PRISMA guidelines to identify relevant literature for the period between November 1, 2019 and December 19, 2020, using the keywords: COVID-19 OR SARS-Cov-2 AND antibiotics restricted to the English language excluding nonclinical articles. Five hundred twenty-seven titles were identified; all articles fulfilling the study criteria were included, 133 through the NCBI, and 8 through Google Scholar with a combined total of 141 studies. The patient's spectrum included all ages from neonates to elderly with all associated comorbidities, including immune suppression. Results: Of 28,093 patients included in the combined studies, 58.7% received antibiotics (16,490/28,093), ranging from 1.3% to 100% coverage. Antibiotics coverage was less in children (57%) than in adults with comorbidities (75%). Broad-spectrum antibiotics were prescribed presumptively without pathogen identifications, which might contribute to adverse outcomes. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant and wide range of antibiotic prescribing in patients affected by the disease, particularly in adults with underlying comorbidities, despite the paucity of evidence of associated bacterial infections. The current practice might increase patients' immediate and long-term risks of adverse events, susceptibility to secondary infections as well as aggravating AMR.
Pediatric pulmonology 2021 year in review: Asthma

Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children, affecting an estimated 6.1 million children in the United States. SARS‐CoV2 had a significant impact on asthma exacerbations and healthcare utilization of patients with asthma in 2021. Additionally, studies in 2021 influenced the field of asthma with improvements in diagnostic testing and monitoring, treatment of severe exacerbations, social determinants of health, and evaluation of medical costs. This article is part of our 2021 “Year in Review” series, in which we summarize publications in major pulmonary topics, in the context of selected literature from other journals relevant to our discipline.
Does the Effect of Stereotypes in Older People Depend Upon Task Intensity?

This study examined the effect of negative and positive stereotypes on the strength produced by older adults at different perceived effort intensities, reflecting different levels of task difficulty. Fifty older women were randomly assigned to a positive stereotype, a negative stereotype, or a control condition. Before (T1) and after (T2) the stereotype manipulation, they were asked to perform a voluntary isometric contraction at a level of muscular effort that corresponded to four perceived effort intensities (“easy,” “moderate,” hard” and “very hard”). Results showed that participants attained greater strength during the easy and hard tasks after exposure to both positive and negative stereotypes. At the moderate and very hard intensities, stereotype induction did not significantly change the strength from the baseline performance. While these results are not fully in line with the stereotype threat theory, they provide evidence that task difficulty could modulate the effect of aging stereotypes during physical tasks.
Patient-Derived Xenograft Engraftment and Breast Cancer Outcomes in a Prospective Neoadjuvant Study (BEAUTY)

Purpose: Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) are a research tool for studying cancer biology and drug response phenotypes. While engraftment rates are higher for tumors with more aggressive characteristics, it is uncertain whether engraftment is prognostic for cancer recurrence. Patients and Methods: In a prospective study of patients with breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with taxane ± trastuzumab followed by anthracycline-based chemotherapy, we report the association between breast cancer events and PDX engraftment using tumors derived from treatment naïve (pre-NAC biopsies from 113 patients) and treatment resistant (post-NAC at surgery from 34 patients). Gray test was used to assess whether the cumulative incidence of a breast cancer event differs with respect to either pre-NAC PDX engraftment or post-NAC PDX engraftment. Results: With a median follow-up of 5.7 years, the cumulative incidence of breast cancer relapse did not differ significantly according to pre-NAC PDX engraftment (5-year rate: 13.6% vs. 13.4%; P = 0.89). However, the incidence of a breast event was greater for patients with post-NAC PDX engraftment (5-year rate: 50.0% vs. 19.6%), but this did not achieve significance (P = 0.11). Conclusions: In treatment-naïve breast cancer receiving standard NAC, PDX engraftment was not prognostic for breast cancer recurrence. Further study is needed to establish whether PDX engraftment in the treatment-resistant setting is prognostic for cancer recurrence.
Tissue‐resident regulatory T cells accumulate at human barrier lymphoid organs

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a critical role in immune regulation and peripheral tolerance. While different types of Tregs have been identified in both mice and humans, much of our understanding about how these cells maintain immune homeostasis is derived from animal models. In this study, we examined two distinct human lymphoid organs to understand how repeated exposure to infections at the mucosal surface influences the phenotype and tissue localization of Tregs. We show that while Tregs in both tonsils and spleen express a tissue‐resident phenotype, they accumulate in greater numbers in tonsils. Tonsillar‐resident Tregs exhibit a highly suppressive phenotype with significantly increased expression of CD39, ICOS and CTLA‐4 compared with their counterparts in circulation or in the spleen. Functionally, resident Tregs are able effectively to suppress T cell proliferation. We further demonstrate that tonsillar‐resident Tregs share key features of T follicular helper cells. Spatial analysis reveals that the vast majority of resident Tregs are localized at the border of the T‐zone and B cell follicle, as well as within the lymphocyte pockets enriched with resident memory T cells. Together our findings suggest that resident Tregs are strategically co‐localized to maintain immune homeostasis at sites of recurrent inflammation.
Calibration improves observer reliability in detecting periapical pathology on panoramic radiographs

Abstract Objective To determine whether calibration improves observer reliability when assessing DMFT-score, root-filled teeth and periapical lesions on panoramic radiographs. Material and methods A sample of 100 panoramic radiographs was selected from a cohort of myocardial infarction patients (n = 797) and matched controls (n = 796). The following variables were assessed: DMFT-score, remaining teeth, root-filled teeth and periapical lesions. Two specialists, an endodontist and a radiologist, served as reference examiners and undertook two separate assessments. Disagreement cases were jointly assessed and the final results were used as the reference standard. Three observers undertook three separate assessments, the first without prior training, the second after calibration against the reference standard and the third with the sample concealed in the complete material. Statistical analysis was made with Wilcoxon Signed rank test and Sign test. Agreement was calculated as Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) (95% CI) and Weighted Kappa (κ) (95% CI). Results Periapical lesions disclosed high inter-observer variability for the reference examiners and diverged significantly between the observers and the reference standard. For the reference examiners, inter-observer agreement was κ = 0.53. The observers, in their first assessments had κ values ranging from 0.22 to 0.60 in relation to the reference standard. Following calibration, the κ values increased, ranging from 0.59 to 0.80. For the third assessment, the κ values ranged from 0.54 to 0.75. DMFT-score, remaining teeth and root-filled teeth disclosed high reliability throughout all assessments (ICC = 0.88-0.98 and κ = 0.98–0.99). Conclusions DMFT-score, remaining teeth and root-filled teeth can be reliably assessed on panoramic radiographs. Calibration against a reference standard improves observer reliability in the detection of periapical lesions.