Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The repeated bout effect influences lower-extremity biomechanics during a 30-min downhill run

ABSTRACT The repeated bout effect in eccentric-biased exercises is a well-known phenomenon, wherein a second bout of exercise results in attenuated strength loss and soreness compared to the first bout. We sought to determine if the repeated bout effect influences changes in lower-extremity biomechanics over the course of a 30-min downhill run. Eleven male participants completed two bouts of 30-min downhill running (DR1 and DR2) at 2.8 m.s−1 and −11.3° on an instrumented treadmill. Three-dimensional kinematics and ground reaction forces were recorded and used to quantify changes in spatiotemporal parameters, external work, leg stiffness, and lower extremity joint-quasi-stiffness throughout the 30-min run. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and perceived quadriceps pain were assessed before-after, and throughout the run, respectively. DR2 resulted in attenuated loss of MVIC (P = 0.004), and perceived quadriceps pain (P < 0.001) compared to DR1. In general, participants ran with an increased duty factor towards the end of each running bout; however, increases in duty factor during DR2 (+5.4%) were less than during DR1 (+8.8%, P < 0.035). Significant reductions in leg stiffness (−11.7%, P = 0.002) and joint quasi-stiffness (up to −25.4%, all P < 0.001) were observed during DR1 but not during DR2. Furthermore, DR2 was associated with less energy absorption and energy generation than DR1 (P < 0.004). To summarize, the repeated bout effect significantly influenced lower-extremity biomechanics over the course of a downhill run. Although the mechanism(s) underlying these observations remain(s) speculative, strength loss and/or perceived muscle pain are likely to play a key role. Highlights A 30-min downhill running bout increased contact time and reduced flight time transitioning to an increased duty factor. Lower-extremity stiffness also decreased and mechanical energy absorption increased over the course of the first 30-min downhill running bout. When the same bout of 30-min downhill running was performed three weeks later, the observed changes to lower extremity biomechanics were significantly attenuated. The findings from this study demonstrated, for this first time, a repeated bout effect for lower extremity biomechanics associated with downhill running.
Serum inflammatory marker levels in serous macular detachment secondary to diabetic macular edema

Purpose To evaluate the serum inflammatory marker levels in serous macular detachment (SMD) secondary to diabetic macular edema (DME). Material and Methods Patients with DME were divided into two groups according to the presence of SMD. Group 1 consisted of 40 patients with SMD, Group 2 consisted of 40 patients without SMD, and Group 3 consisted of 40 healthy subjects. Neutrophil and mean platelet volume (MPV) were obtained from blood samples. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and the systemic immune inflammation index (SII) were calculated. In Group 1 and 2 sub-group analysis was done according to grade of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and the results were analyzed in these subgroups. Results The neutrophils, MPV, NLR, and SII levels were significantly higher in Group 1 (p = 0.000, p = 0.004, p = 0.000, p = 0.001, respectively). In subgroup analysis; the neutrophils, NLR, and SII levels were significantly higher in patients with proliferative DR (p = 0.044, p = 0.046, p = 0.046, respectively) and the SII levels were significantly higher in patients with severe nonproliferative DR in Group 1 (p = 0.039). The mean CMT values were 548.8 ± 138.3 µm in Group 1 and 420.1 ± 112.7 µm in Group 2. The CMT values were significantly higher in Group 1 (p: 0.000). However, there was no significant correlation between the CMT values and the systemic inflamatuar markers levels (p>0.05) in both of the groups. Conclusions NLR and SII levels were significantly higher in DME with SMD, especially in advanced cases. Elevated serum inflammatory markers might be associated with a higher incidence of SMD.
Comparison of procedure times and collection efficiencies using integrated and multistep nonintegrated procedures for extracorporeal photopheresis

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a blood‐based therapeutic procedure increasingly used for modulation of immune dysregulation in various underlying disease settings. The aim of this study was to compare the procedure times and blood collection efficiencies between the two approaches currently utilized in European centers: the integrated versus the multistep nonintegrated procedures.
Addressing childhood obesity in Queensland: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker perspectives and practices

Abstract Issue Addressed Obesity disproportionately impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children compared to non‐Indigenous children. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers (AHWs) in Queensland support the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. However, little is known about their perspectives and practices on addressing childhood obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate AHW perspectives and clinical practice behaviours with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families. Methods In a cross‐sectional mixed‐methods approach, a purpose‐developed online survey (25 items) was distributed to the AHW workforce in Queensland (~100 AHWs). The survey explored [1] role characteristics, [2] current attitudes and beliefs about childhood obesity, [3] barriers to discussing weight management, [4] clinical practice behaviours and [5] demographic characteristics. Eight AHWs responding to the survey also participated in semi‐structured telephone interviews to discuss their survey responses. Results Fifty‐five AHWs responded and 45 completed the survey. While the majority of respondents (91%) agreed that addressing childhood obesity was an important part of their role, fewer (67%) agreed that obesity was an issue in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Over half (55%) found it difficult to discuss overweight and obesity with children and families and only 22.5% reported measuring height and weight often. Key themes included a willingness to address childhood obesity, with experience and training being key enablers to discussing the issue. There was a perceived lack of culturally appropriate programs to support AHWs working with families. Conclusions AHWs report a willingness to address childhood obesity within their roles, however many find it difficult to raise the issue with families, with even fewer routinely undertaking obesity assessment practices. So what? These findings could inform training initiatives for AHWs to optimise screening, identification, referral, and treatment of childhood obesity in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Cost-effectiveness of the 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for high-risk adults in Switzerland

ABSTRACT Background Vaccination against pneumococcal disease (PD) has shown a favorable cost-effectivenessprofile for many national immunization programs. While vaccination efforts have concentrated on children, many adults with underlying illnesses face elevated risks of PD and death. A 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (V114) is currently available offering protection against 15 different serotypes and can be used in adults. Research design and methods We examined the cost-effectiveness of V114 vaccination in high-risk adults, aged 18+, in Switzerland. To this end, a Markov model was constructed estimating the lifetime direct medical costs and clinical effectiveness of V114 vaccination on invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and non-bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia (NBPP). Results Considering 60% vaccine uptake and direct effects of vaccination, in total 760 IPD and 4,396 NBPP in- and outpatient cases could be prevented. Vaccinating high-risk adults with V114 led to CHF 37.4 million additional vaccination costs but saved CHF 14.4 million of medical treatment costs. V114 vaccination produced a gain of 2,095 QALYs and 6,320 LYs compared with no vaccination, leading to incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of CHF 17,866/QALY and CHF 15,616/QALY gained from a health care payer and societal perspective, respectively. Conclusions This evidence justifies the implementation of V114 vaccination among high-risk adults in Switzerland.
Single‐cell RNA sequencing reveals the cell types heterogenicity of human discoid lateral meniscus cells

Discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) is more prone to injury than a normally shaped meniscus. No study has compared the gene expression and cell heterogeneity between discoid and normal menisci. We aimed to identify specific cell clusters and their marker genes in discoid meniscus, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the treatment and etiology of DLM. ScRNA‐seq was used in DLM and osteoarthritis lateral meniscus (OAM) cells to identify cell subsets and their gene signatures. Pseudo‐time analysis and immunohistochemical staining were used to investigate the temporal and spatial distribution of DLM‐specific clusters. ScRNA‐seq identified nine clusters originating from DLM and OAM, composed of seven empirically defined populations and two novel populations specific to DLM, namely, the prehypertrophic chondrocyte 2 (PreHTC‐2) and regulatory chondrocyte (RegC‐2) populations. Single‐cell trajectory showed that RegC‐2 and PreHTC‐2 were mainly distributed in a specific cell fate, with the PreHTC‐2 marker gene HAPLN1 highly expressed at the end of this fate. Immunohistochemical staining showed that HAPLN1 + cells were mainly distributed in the white zone of DLM. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) variants were expressed in DLM and OAM, with MMP2 highly expressed in OAM‐dominant cell clusters, while MMP3 was highly expressed in DLM‐dominant cell clusters. We concluded that two novel cell clusters including PreHTC‐2 were identified using single‐cell sequencing, which were mainly distributed in the white areas of DLM. Differentiated MMP expression in the trajectory may be a possible mechanism of DLM formation.
Testing the specificity of links between anxiety and performance within mathematics and spatial reasoning

Anxiety within the domains of math and spatial reasoning have consistently been shown to predict performance within those domains. However, little work has focused on how specific these associations are. Across two studies, we systematically tested the degree of specificity in relations between anxiety and performance within math and spatial reasoning. Results consistently showed that anxiety within a cognitive domain predicted performance in that domain even when controlling for other forms of anxiety, providing evidence that cognition‐specific anxieties are valuable for understanding cognition‐specific performance. We also found that general trait anxiety did not explain a significant portion the anxiety–performance link in either math or spatial reasoning, suggesting that these anxiety–performance associations are not due to the propensity to feel anxious generally. Interestingly, while spatial anxiety did not explain any of the anxiety–performance association in math, math anxiety did explain a significant portion of the anxiety–performance link in spatial reasoning. These results suggest that, while links between anxiety and performance cannot be reduced to a single underlying general anxiety construct, there may nevertheless be overlap between domain anxieties. We end by calling for a more detailed examination of the unique and shared mechanisms linking anxiety and performance across disparate cognitive domains.
Remembering past challenges to feel better today: Role of neural dedifferentiation and autobiographical integration in late-life reappraisal

ABSTRACT Socioemotional theories suggest that surviving a lifetime of life experiences enhances older adult emotional resilience, yet the role of past emotional challenges in current models of emotion regulation is overlooked. In this paper, we propose how integration of memories and hippocampal dedifferentiation may together benefit the reappraisal of novel stressors across the lifespan. First, we review mood benefits of generating positive narratives, and more integrated memories of adverse life events with age. Second, we review neural mechanisms of narrative integration and meaning-making. We propose a framework in which narrative integration and neural dedifferentiation of hippocampal memory representations may facilitate late-life reappraisal via shared positive meaning-making in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). While current evidence supporting this model is limited, we conclude by discussing future directions for testing its components in multivariate neuroimaging studies, and briefly review clinical implications of the proposed model.
Single‐cell RNA sequencing of motoneurons identifies regulators of synaptic wiring in Drosophila embryos

The correct wiring of neuronal circuits is one of the most complex processes in development, since axons form highly specific connections out of a vast number of possibilities. Circuit structure is genetically determined in vertebrates and invertebrates, but the mechanisms guiding each axon to precisely innervate a unique pre‐specified target cell are poorly understood. We investigated Drosophila embryonic motoneurons using single‐cell genomics, imaging, and genetics. We show that a cell‐specific combination of homeodomain transcription factors and downstream immunoglobulin domain proteins is expressed in individual cells and plays an important role in determining cell‐specific connections between differentiated motoneurons and target muscles. We provide genetic evidence for a functional role of five homeodomain transcription factors and four immunoglobulins in the neuromuscular wiring. Knockdown and ectopic expression of these homeodomain transcription factors induces cell‐specific synaptic wiring defects that are partly phenocopied by genetic modulations of their immunoglobulin targets. Taken together, our data suggest that homeodomain transcription factor and immunoglobulin molecule expression could be directly linked and function as a crucial determinant of neuronal circuit structure.
Linking Rural Road Environment, Speed, and Safety Factors with a ‘Two-Stage’ Model: A Feasibility Study

Speed on two-lane rural roads is a critical safety issue. In this regards various research perspectives have been adopted, including speed models (relating speed to design consistency factors) and safety models (which estimate safety using exposure data and design consistency variables). Unfortunately both approaches have often been carried out separately, and influences on speed choice have been limited only to geometrical variables. In contrast safety models are often expanded with wide array of exposure and risk factors. The study aims to investigate the issue of speed and safety from a different perspective, using so called ‘two-stage’ model which estimates speed (using more explanatory variables) and further applies it in a simple safety performance function. This approach can be superior to the traditional approach as it preserves model parsimony while capturing the most important safety effects. The specific objective of the study is to prove feasibility of a ‘two-stage’ model in linking environment, speed and safety factors on a sample of Czech rural roads. To this end, data collection was carried out on approx. 100 km (60 mi) of two-lane rural roads in the Czech Republic, using speed data from instrumented vehicle, manually collected road environment data, as well as crash and exposure data retrieved from national databases. Both models are developed, described and compared to the literature. It is concluded that approach is feasible, in spite of several current limitations. Planned further improvements and future practical applications are also listed.
Effect of an Extract from the Egyptian Sea Cucumber, Bohadschia marmorata, on Methotrexate-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Male Mice

Background: The sea cucumber, Bohadschia marmorata, is a marine echinoderm consumed and used as a medication. Extract of this species displays a broad spectrum of bioactivity, such as antifungal, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and cytotoxic properties. This investigation explored sea cucumber extract for hepatorenal protection against the toxicity of methotrexate (MTX). Methods: Four groups of mice were divided into G1: control, G2: MTX treated, G3: B. marmorata extract-treated daily for 14 days, and G4: B. marmorata extract and MTX treated. Results and Conclusions: Biochemical analysis and histopathological examination of liver tissue showed that administration of MTX increased serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lowered levels of serum albumin, total protein, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH). Administration of B. marmorata extract to MTX- injected mice significantly reversed the increase in serum levels of liver enzymes and induced a significant elevation in serum albumin and total protein levels. SOD, CAT, and GSH levels returned to nearly normal levels. Histopathological examination indicated fewer signs of toxicity in liver and kidney tissues of mice treated with both extract and MTX compared to MTX treatment alone. An extract of B. marmorata will protect mice from hepatorenal toxicity induced by MTX.
Efficacy of platelet rich plasma on pancreatic injury induced by renal ischemia reperfusion in adult male rats

ABSTRACT Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury is the main cause of acute renal failure. Acute pancreatitis is one of the fatal remote lesions that occurs in patients with renal I-R injury. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a hopeful aiding therapy for tissue injuries. Forty adult rats were utilized in this study, ten for PRP preparation and thirty were divided into three groups; Control: subdivided into three equal subgroups, I-R group: exposed to bilateral renal pedicles clamping and I-R+ PRP group: were experienced identical procedures as I-R group then subcutaneously (S.C) injected with 0.5 ml PRP two times weekly for three weeks. Blood samples were taken for detection of serum urea and creatinine, blood glucose level and serum amylase. The pancreas was dissected and prepared for histopathological examination by light and electron microscope. Statistical analysis of all collected results was performed. Our biochemical results revealed deleterious effects of renal I-R on the pancreas as evidenced by a highly significant increase in serum amylase and blood glucose level. In I-R group, histopathological examination revealed wide septa and congested blood vessels, acinar cells showed disrupted rough endoplasmic reticulum and few secretory granules. Some islet cells showed pyknotic nuclei and vacuolated cytoplasm. PRP treated group showed nearly normal structure in the form of numerous acinar cells’ granules, extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Most of Beta cells had euchromatic nuclei and numerous secretory granules. Accordingly, PRP treatment reduced the pancreatic biochemical and histopathological alterations caused by renal I-R injury and so considered a promising therapy for pancreatic damage.
Heart rate as a proxy for estimating oxygen consumption rates in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta)

ABSTRACT Heart rates of air-breathing diving animals can change on a short time scale due to the diving response during submergence. Heart rate is used frequently as a proxy for indirectly estimating metabolic rates on a fine time scale. However, most studies to date have been conducted on endothermic diving animals, and the relationships between metabolic rates and heart rates in ectothermic diving animals have not been well studied. Sea turtles are unique model organisms of diving ectotherms because they spend most of their life in the ocean and perform deep and/or long dives. In this study, we examined the relationship between heart rates and metabolic rates in captive loggerhead turtles, Caretta caretta, to estimate oxygen consumption rates during each dive based on heart rates. The oxygen consumption rates (V̇O2: mlO2 min−1 kg−1) and average heart rates (fH: beats min−1) were measured simultaneously in indoor tanks at water temperatures of 15–25°C. Our results showed that oxygen consumption rate was affected by heart rate and water temperature in loggerhead turtles. Based on the collected data, we formulated the model equation as V̇O2=0.0124fH+0.0047Tw - 0.0791. The equation can be used for estimating fine-scaled field metabolic rates in free-ranging loggerhead turtles. The results of this study will contribute to future comparative studies of the physiological states of ectothermic diving animals.
The longitudinal course of emotional and cognitive factors of fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer patients and their partners

Although fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) has been conceptualized as a multidimensional construct with emotional and cognitive components, little work has distinguished or assessed both components. Further, most existing research has not included intimate partners of cancer patients, although they also experience FCR. This study aimed to (1) determine whether FCR is better conceptualized as a singular or multidimensional construct at the within‐person level over time and (2) model the corresponding trajectories in patients and their partners.
Individual differences in meditation interventions: A meta‐analytic study

Objectives Meditation interventions typically show small to moderate effects on health and well‐being, but we know little about how these effects vary across individuals. This meta‐analytic study investigates the relationship between baseline participant characteristics and the outcomes of meditation. Methods A systematic search yielded 51 eligible studies with 7782 participants. A combination of subgroup analyses and meta‐regression based on the random‐effects model were used. Results We found that a higher baseline level of psychopathology or depression was associated with deterioration in mental health after a meditation intervention. On the other hand, participants with higher scores on interpersonal variables, motivation, medical conditions, and mindfulness showed higher levels of positive meditation outcomes. Higher well‐being and stress were simultaneously associated with moderate increases in negative and positive meditation outcomes. Participant demographics, psychological traits, self‐concept, and length of meditation practice did not significantly influence the response to meditation. Conclusions Overall, we found that meditation interventions affect participants differently, and identified some of the individual characteristics that should be considered when using meditation interventions.