Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rate of loading, but not lower limb kinematics or muscle activity, is moderated by limb and aerial variation when surfers land aerials

ABSTRACT We aimed to determine whether there were any differences in how surfers used their lead and trail limbs when landing two variations of a simulated aerial manoeuvre, and whether technique affected the forces generated at landing. Fifteen competitive surfers (age 20.3 ± 5.6 years, height 178.2 ± 9.16 cm, mass 71.0 ± 10.5 kg) performed a Frontside Air (FA) and Frontside Air Reverse (FAR), while we collected the impact forces, ankle and knee muscle activity, and kinematic data. A principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reduce 41 dependent variables into 10 components. A two-way MANOVA revealed that although there were no limb x aerial variation interactions, surfers generated significantly higher relative loading rates at landing for the trail limb compared to the lead limb (+28.8 BW/s; F (1,303) = 20.660, p < 0.0001, η2 = 0.064). This was likely due to the surfers “slapping” the trail limb down when landing, rather than controlling placement of the limb. Similarly, higher relative loading rates were generated when landing the FA compared to the FAR (+23.6 BW/s; F (1,303) = 31.655, p < 0.0001, η2 = 0.095), due to less time over which the forces could be dissipated. No relationships between aerial variation or limb were found for any of the kinematic or muscle activity data. Practitioners should consider the higher relative loading rates generated by a surfer’s trail limb and when surfers perform a FA when designing dry-land training to improve the aerial performance of surfing athletes.
Whole-Brain Functional Dynamics Track Depressive Symptom Severity.

Depressive symptoms are reported by 20% of the population and are related to altered functional integrity of large-scale brain networks. The link between moment-to-moment brain function and depressive symptomatology, and the implications of these relationships for clinical and community populations alike, remain understudied. The present study examined relationships between functional brain dynamics and subclinical-to-mild depressive symptomatology in a large community sample of adults with and without psychiatric diagnoses. This study used data made available through the Enhanced Nathan Kline Institute-Rockland Sample; 445 participants between 18 and 65 years of age completed a 10-min resting-state functional MRI scan. Coactivation pattern analysis was used to examine the dimensional relationship between depressive symptoms and whole-brain states. Elevated levels of depressive symptoms were associated with increased frequency and dwell time of the default mode network, a brain network associated with self-referential thought, evaluative judgment, and social cognition. Furthermore, increased depressive symptom severity was associated with less frequent occurrences of a hybrid brain network implicated in cognitive control and goal-directed behavior, which may impair the inhibition of negative thinking patterns in depressed individuals. These findings demonstrate how temporally dynamic techniques offer novel insights into time-varying neural processes underlying subclinical and clinically meaningful depressive symptomatology.
Association between TNF-α, Interleukin-18 Polymorphisms and Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Egyptian patients

Objective: To evaluate the association of gene polymorphisms of the SNP of TNF-α gene -238G>A and IL-18 gene-607C>A with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma among Egyptian patients. Methods: One hundred and fifty patients were allocated to this study; eighty patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (Group A), seventy cancer-free HCV age, and sex-matched patients (Group B). We analyzed two Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (TNF-α-238G>A and IL-18-607C>A) by real-time polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). Results: Significant higher risk of HCC was associated with genotype IL-18–607AA (P<0.001), OR: 5(2.188-11.47), allele IL-18 -607⁄A (P=0.001), OR: 2.1(1.32-3.3). A significant association was found between the size of HFL in the HCC group and different genotypes of IL18 genes (P=0.013) where 62.5% of patients with tumor size >5 cm carried the risky (AA) genotype on the other hand the SNP of TNF-α gene -238G>A showed no statistically significant association between the two groups. Conclusion: The SNP -607C>A in the IL18 gene was associated with increased HCC risk in Egyptian patients suggesting its use as a potential diagnostic non-invasive tool that allows to identify a new group of HCC patients at an earlier stage.
Gestational Exposure to Toxicants and Autistic Behaviors using Bayesian Quantile Regression.

Autism Spectrum Disorder, which is characterized by impaired social communication and stereotypic behaviors, affects 1-2% of children. While prenatal exposure to toxicants has been associated with autistic behaviors, most studies have focused on shifts in mean behavior scores. We used Bayesian quantile regression to assess the associations between log2-transformed toxicant concentrations and autistic behaviors across the distribution of behaviors. We used data from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals study, a pan-Canadian cohort (2008-2011). We measured metal, pesticide, polychlorinated biphenyl, phthalate, bisphenol-A, and triclosan concentrations in blood or urine samples collected during the first trimester of pregnancy. Autistic behaviors were assessed in 478 3-4-year-old children using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), where higher scores denote more autistic-like behaviors. Lead, cadmium, and most phthalate metabolites were associated with mild increases in SRS scores at the 90th percentile of the SRS distribution. Manganese and some pesticides were associated with mild decreases in SRS scores at the 90th percentile of the SRS distribution. We identified several monotonic trends where associations increased in magnitude from the bottom to the top of the SRS distribution. These results suggest that Quantile regression can reveal nuanced relationships and should thus be more widely used by epidemiologists.
Determination of lead in roadside soil using anodic-stripping voltammetry

The lead content of soil adjacent to roads in Ankara was determined. For digestion several acids and acid mixtures were tried and aqua regia was found to be the most suitable. The lead salt that may be trapped in the silicate crystal lattice was brought into the solution by keeping the soil in acid overnight. To avoid the possibility of the presence of undissolved lead salts even after digestion, EDTA was added to the digested sample in order to ensure quantitative dissolution of lead. The lead content of this solution was determined by anodic-stripping voltammetry.
Propranolol Therapy in Infantile Hemangioma: It Is Not Just About the Beta

Background: Propranolol, a nonselective β-adrenergic receptor antagonist, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat problematic infantile hemangiomas, but a subset of patients experience treatment complications. Parents wary of long-term use and side effects consult plastic surgeons on surgical options or as a second opinion. Understanding the mechanism(s) of action of propranolol will allow plastic surgeons to better inform parents. Methods: A systemic literature search was performed to query published translational and basic science studies on propranolol effects on infantile hemangiomas and cells derived from these lesions. Results: In experimental studies, propranolol was antiproliferative and cytotoxic against hemangioma endothelial and stem cells and affected infantile hemangioma perivascular cell contractility. Propranolol inhibited migration, network formation, vascular endothelial growth factor A production, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 activation and down-regulated PI3K/AKT and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in hemangioma endothelial cells, but it increased ERK1/2 activity in hemangioma stem cells. At effective clinical doses, measured propranolol plasma concentration is 100 times higher than necessary for complete β-adrenergic receptor blockade, yet was 10 to 100 times less than required to induce hemangioma stem cell death. Conclusions: Propranolol targets multiple cell types in infantile hemangiomas by means of β-adrenergic receptor–dependent and –independent mechanisms. Plasma concentration played a significant role. At clinically relevant doses, incomplete infantile hemangioma suppression may explain the rebound phenomenon and worsening ulceration, and propranolol off target effects may lead to commonly reported adverse effects, such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Propranolol limitations and complications underscore the importance of surgical treatment options in cases of rebound and severe adverse effects. Surgical intervention remains an important treatment choice when parents are hesitant to use propranolol.
Semeadora-adubadora: exigências em função do preparo do solo, da pressão de inflação do pneu e da velocidade

Planter machines, responsible for the correct placing of seeds and fertilizer in the ground, have dosing mechanisms set in motion by the drive wheels, as they rotate in function of the contact with the ground surface. This contact is influenced, among other factors, by tire pressure. The objective of this work was to study the performance of a planter as affected by soil tillage, machine speed and planter tire pressure. The following variables were evaluated: traction force and drawbar pull, fuel consumption, field capacity, wheel skidding, initial stand and longitudinal seed distribution. The greatest force was needed in the no-tillage system, which also demanded the highest power and hourly fuel consumption. The same results were found at the fastest speed. In this system the tire pressure of the planter wheels reduced skidding, improved the initial plant stand.
Economic Distress of Breast Cancer Patients Seeking Treatment at a Tertiary Cancer Center in Mumbai during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cohort Study

Background: Cancer treatment during nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has posed several challenges in the delivery of cancer care and carries tremendous potential sequel of impoverishing the households. This study aims to examine the economic distress faced by breast cancer patients receiving treatment at Tata Memorial Center (TMC) Mumbai, India during the nationwide lockdown initiated in March 2020 following the outbreak of COVID-19. Methods: A total of 138 non-metastatic breast cancer patients who were accrued in this study at TMC before imposing of lockdown, and their treatment was impacted because of the COVID-19 outbreak, were interviewed. Telephonic interviews were conducted using a structured schedule which contained information on household and demographic characteristics of the patients, knowledge about COVID-19, their daily expenditure for treatment, difficulties faced during lockdown and how they met expenditures. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used in the analyses. Results: The average monthly expenditure of cancer patients had increased by 32% during the COVID-19 period while the mean monthly household income was reduced by a quarter. More than two-thirds of the patients had no income during the lockdown. More than half of the patients met their expenditure by borrowing money, 30% of the patients used their savings, 28% got charity and 25% used household income. About 81% of the patients had reported shortage of money, 32% reported shortage of food and 28% reported shortage of medicine. The distress financing was significantly higher among patients receiving treatment in Mumbai compared to those receiving treatment at their native cities (67% vs. 46%), patients under 40 years of age, illiterate, currently married, Muslim and staying at a rented house. Conclusion: The incremental expenditure coupled with reduced or no income due to the closure of economic activities in the country imposed severe financial stress on breast cancer patients.
[Association between periodontitis and Alzheimer disease: a meta analysis].

PURPOSE To evaluate the association between periodontitis and Alzheimer's disease. METHODS Databases of PubMed, Embase, CNKI, VIP and WanFang databases were searched for the relevant observational studies focusing on the association between periodontitis and Alzheimer's disease. The deadline was January 2019. Data quality evaluation and extraction were independently conducted by two authors. Meta analysis was performed using RevMan 5.2 software. RESULTS Four case-control, five cross-sectional and two cohort studies were included. One cohort study and four case-control studies treated periodontitis as the exposure factor, all five cross-sectional studies and the other cohort study treated Alzheimer's disease as the exposure factor. The results of meta analysis showed that patients with periodontitis had a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease (RR=1.22, 95%CI: 1.13-1.33, P<0.00001), and the risk was more higher in patients with severe periodontitis(RR=1.54, 95%CI:1.05-2.26, P=0.03<0.05); but there was no significant difference in the risk of Alzheimer's disease in patients with moderate periodontitis (RR=1.19, 95%CI: 0.98-1.44, P=0.07>0.05). The results of meta-analysis also showed that probing depth in patients with Alzheimer's disease was significantly higher than that of the control group (MD=2.58, 95%CI: 0.17-4.99, P=0.04<0.05), as well as clinical attachment loss (MD=1.27, 95%CI: 0.43-2.10, P=0.003<0.05), plaque index (MD=1.14, 95%CI: 0.85-1.44, P<0.00001) and the percentage of bleeding on probing (MD=21.11%, 95%CI: 18.23%-23.99%, P<0.00001). Furthermore, the number of present teeth in patients with Alzheimer's disease was significantly less than that of the control group (MD=-3.77, 95% CI: -6.89- -0.65, P=0.02<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The current evidence indicates that periodontitis is associated with Alzheimer's disease and patients with periodontitis (especially severe periodontitis) probably have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, and patients with Alzheimer's disease tend to have poorer periodontal health. However, the number of existing studies is limited and more clinical evidences are needed to support the correlation between these two diseases.
Management of Significant Airway Bleeding during Robotic Assisted Bronchoscopy: A Tailored Approach

Robotic assisted bronchoscopy represents a major turning point in bronchoscopic history. The management strategies to address significant airway bleeding in this “robotic era” are not well documented, and further guidance is required. We present a case report that exemplifies our approach and management strategy using a combined and simultaneous flexible/robotic bronchoscopy if this complication is encountered.
Current standards and pitfalls associated with the transfection of primary fibroblast cells

Cultured fibroblast cells, especially dermal cells, are used for various types of scientific research, particularly within the medical field. Desirable features of the cells include their ease of isolation, rapid cellular growth, and high degree of robustness. Currently, fibroblasts are mainly used to obtain pluripotent cells via a reprogramming process. Dermal fibroblasts, are particularly useful for gene therapies used for promoting wound healing or minimizing skin aging. In recent years, fibroblast transfection efficiencies have significantly improved. In order to introduce molecules (most often DNA or RNA) into cells, viral‐based systems (transduction) or non‐viral methods (transfection) that include physical/mechanical processes or lipid reagents may be used. In this article, we describe critical points that should be considered when selecting a method for transfecting fibroblasts. The most effective methods used for the transfection of fibroblasts include both viral‐based and non‐viral nucleofection systems. These methods result in a high level of transgene expression and are superior in terms of transfection efficacy and viability.
Association of Race/Ethnicity and Social Disadvantage With Autism Prevalence in 7 Million School Children in England

Key Points Question What is the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the total English state school population, and what are the social determinants associated with ASD status? Findings In this ASD prevalence cohort study of 7 047 238 pupils, national English prevalence was 1.76%, with marked differences according to racial/ethnic group. The highest prevalence was found in Black pupils (2.11%) and the lowest in Roma/Irish Travelers (0.85%), with important variability across geographic areas. Meaning These results show differences in ASD prevalence estimates across racial/ethnic minority groups in England, which could be attributable to diagnostic biases, possible differences in detection and referral, or differential phenotypic prevalence for racial/ethnic minority groups.
The lateral line system and its innervation in the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica (Teleostei: Elopomorpha: Anguillidae)

The lateral line system and its innervation were examined in the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica. Although the species has seven lateral line canals and 13 superficial neuromast groups, the components are generally similar to those in many other teleosts. The lateral line system of A. japonica is distinctive in having a rostral commissure connecting the left and right supraorbital canals, pouches in the cephalic lateral line canals and superficial neuromasts along the lower lip, and lacking a postotic canal. Four tube‐like elements, two along the supratemporal canal and the other two along the temporal portion of the trunk canal, respectively, are also reported. The functional significance of cephalic lateral line pouches, homologies of the four tube‐like elements, and other distinctive characters are discussed.
Effects of methylphenidate on executive functioning in children and adolescents with ADHD after long‐term use: a randomized, placebo‐controlled discontinuation study

Background Methylphenidate may improve executive functioning in children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, it is unclear if there are still acute effects of methylphenidate on executive functioning after long‐term use. Methods In a randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled discontinuation study, 94 children and adolescents (ages 8–18 years) who used methylphenidate beyond two years were either assigned to seven weeks of continued treatment with 36 or 54 mg of extended‐release methylphenidate or to gradual withdrawal over three weeks to placebo for four weeks. Performance on neuropsychological tasks, measuring working memory, response inhibition, attentional flexibility and psychomotor speed was compared between both groups using mixed models for repeated measures. Additionally, we investigated within the discontinuation group if a deterioration on the investigator‐rated Clinical Global Impressions Improvement scale after withdrawing to placebo was related to a worse performance on the neuropsychological tasks. This study was registered in the Netherlands Trial Register (www. Trialregister.nl) with identifier 5252. Results After withdrawal of methylphenidate, the discontinuation group made more errors on working memory (β = −1.62, SD = 0.56, t = −2.88, p = .01, Cohen’s f2 = .14), independent from reaction time compared to baseline, in contrast to the continuation group. We did not find differences in changes in response inhibition, attentional flexibility and psychomotor speed between the two groups. Also, there were no significant differences in task measures between the participants who deteriorated clinically and those who did not. Conclusions Our study shows that methylphenidate has a beneficial effect on working memory after two years of use. Future studies should explore whether cognitive outcomes may aid clinical decision‐making on the continued use of methylphenidate, given dissociation between cognitive and behavioural effects of stimulant medication.
Description of a novel ultrasound guided peribulbar block in horses: a cadaveric study

Background Standing surgery in horses combining intravenous sedatives, analgesics and local anaesthesia is becoming more popular. Ultrasound guided (USG) peribulbar nerve block (PB) has been described in dogs and humans for facial and ocular surgery, reducing the risk of complications versus retrobulbar nerve block (RB). Objective To describe a technique for USG PB in horse cadavers. Methods Landmarks and PB technique were described in two equine cadaver heads (Phase 1), with computed tomography (CT) imaging confirming contrast location and spread. In Phase 2, ten equine cadaver heads were randomised to two operators naïve to the USG PB, with moderate experience with ultrasonography and conventional “blind” RB. Both techniques were demonstrated once. Subsequently, operators performed five USG PB and five RB each, unassisted. Contrast location and spread were evaluated by CT. Injection site success was defined for USG PB as extraconal contrast, and for RB intraconal contrast. Results Success was 10/10 for USG PB and 0/10 for RB (p < 0.001). Of the RB injections, eight resulted in extraconal contrast and two in the masseter muscle (p = 0.47). Conclusions The USG PB had a high injection site success rate compared with the RB technique; however, we cannot comment on clinical effect. The USG technique was easily learnt, and no potential complications were seen. The USG PB nerve block could have a wide application for use in horses for ocular surgeries (enucleations, eyelid, corneal, cataract surgeries, and ocular analgesia) due to reduced risk of iatrogenic damage. Further clinical studies are needed.
Atmospheric sulfur chemistry and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations over the northeastern Pacific Coast

Correlated measurements of dimethylsulfide (DMS), gas phase dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), methane-sulfonic acid (MSA)(g), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) were conducted in April 1991 at a Pacific coastal site in northern Washington. Measurements of SO2, aerosol methanesulfonate (MSA)(p), and non-sea-salt sulfate (nss-SO4) concentrations were also included. Maximum DMS concentrations between 100 and 240 pptv were observed when the measurement site (480 m above sea level) was embedded in clouds and air from the marine boundary layer was flowing upslope to the site. DMS levels measured in continental air and/or above the mixed layer were typically less than 20 pptv. The sulfur gases DMSO, H2SO4, and MSA(g) were measured in real time on a continuous basis (once every 60–150 s) using selected ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Corresponding concentrations ranged between <0.5–3.2 pptv, 0.001–1.19 pptv, and 0.002–0.19 pptv, respectively. All three sulfur gases showed significant diel variations mostly in phase with each other. Their corresponding lifetimes in the marine atmosphere are estimated to be of the order of a few hours. The results in connection with recent laboratory studies and model calculations suggest that dimethylsulfone (DMSO2) was the dominant end product of DMS oxidation under the present conditions. CCN concentrations measured in marine air ranged roughly between 10–200 cm−3 and 200–400 cm−3 at 0.3% and 0.9% supersaturation, respectively. A statistical analysis using only data obtained in predominantly marine air and during non-fog/non-precipitation periods showed significant correlations between individual sulfur species and between CCN (0.3% ss) and H2SO4, and CCN (0.3% ss) and nss-SO4. The results indirectly support a relationship between DMS and CCN concentrations. However, other observations also suggest that at higher supersaturations (0.9%), compounds less soluble than sulfate may become important in marine CCN formation.