Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occupational therapists’ evaluation of the perceived usability and utility of wearable soft robotic exoskeleton gloves for hand function rehabilitation following a stroke

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the perceived usability and utility of using a soft robotic glove to rehabilitate hand function following a stroke. Methods A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used to consult a convenience sample of 14 experienced occupational therapists (OTs) practicing within a specialised stroke rehabilitation program. All OTs participated in one 60-to-90-minute individual consultation during which the attributes of a recently-developed soft robotic glove (ExoGlove) were presented before they could test it on themselves. After this consultation, OTs completed the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire and answered open-ended questions focussing on the usability and utility of soft robotic gloves framed according to the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Results The OTs perceived the glove’s usability as being moderate-to-good on the SUS (median score= 63.75 on a scale of 100). Thematic analysis revealed the importance of specifically considering elements such as ease of use (e.g. simplicity and speed), cost, movement precision, durability, and safety, when developing soft robotic gloves such as the ExoGlove. Conclusions Engagement in a continuous improvement process is essential to maximise the perceived usability and utility of soft robotic gloves, particularly of the ExoGlove, through their final development phase before pilot testing their effects and effectiveness for post-stroke hand rehabilitation. Implications for rehabilitation All occupational therapists anticipate that a soft robotic glove such as the ExoGlove will allow them to increase treatment intensity and best aligns with principles of neuroplasticity. The clinical judgement and guidance of OTs, developed through practice, experience, and knowledge, remain essential to safely and efficiently exercise with a soft robotic glove. Achieving a balance between effort and performance expectancies is essential in developing and improving the functionality of soft robotic gloves, as with each additional functionality comes new challenges that impact its successful transition to a clinical setting.
Characteristic of a Female Recidivist: Qualitative Empirical Analysis (View from Ukraine)

The article provides the characteristic of a female recidivist through a qualitative empirical analysis of socio-demographic, criminal-legal, and criminal-executive features of convicted women serving their sentences in the Chernihiv Correctional Institution No. 44 by conducting an anonymous survey of 123 female recidivists. The characteristic features inherent to female recidivists have been identified and generalized and, on this basis, a typical characteristic of such persons has been worked out based on the analysis of results of the survey of convicted women. This category is mostly represented by middle-aged people from 36 to 48 years. This person has a secondary or secondary special, vocational education, is unmarried, without stable socially useful ties, and the existing family ties have deteriorated after being sentenced to imprisonment, and by occupation she has a predominantly working specialty. She is serving a sentence of imprisonment for a term mainly from 2 to 5 years for middle grave crimes, has 3 to 4 convictions, which indicates her extensive criminal experience.
Interaction of loading and ligament injuries in subtalar joint instability quantified by 3D weightbearing computed tomography

Despite decades of research since its first description, subtalar joint instability remains a diagnostic enigma within the concept of hindfoot instability. This could be attributed to current imaging techniques, which are impeded by two‐dimensional measurements. Therefore, we used weightbearing computed tomography imaging to quantify three‐dimensional displacement associated with subtalar joint instability. Three‐dimensional models were generated in seven paired cadaver specimens to compute talocalcaneal displacement after different patterns of axial load (85 kg) combined with torque in internal and external rotation (10 Nm). Sequential imaging was repeated in the subtalar joint containing intact ligaments to determine reference displacement. Afterward, the interosseus talocalcaneal ligament (ITCL) or calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) was sectioned, then the ITCL with CFL and after the ITCL, CFL with the deltoid ligament (DL). The highest translation could be detected in the dorsal direction and the highest rotation occurred in the internal direction when external torque was applied to the foot without load. These displacements differed significantly from the condition containing intact ligaments, with a mean difference of 1.6 mm (95% CI, 1.3 to 1.9) for dorsal translation and a mean of 12.4° (95% CI, 10.1 to 14.8) for internal rotation. Clinical relevance: Our study provides a novel and noninvasive analysis to quantify subtalar joint instability based on three‐dimensional WBCT imaging. This approach overcomes former studies using trans‐osseous fixation to determine three‐dimensional subtalar joint displacement and implements an imaging device and software modalities that are readily available. Based on our findings, we recommend applying torque in external rotation to the foot to optimize the detection of subtalar joint instability.
Advance Care Planning Among Chinese Americans Through a Web-Based Culturally Tailored Education Program

At any time, a medical crisis could result in an individual too sick to make one's own health care decisions. Advance care planning (ACP) is an important step to ensure that each person receives the medical care desired. Despite its significant importance and proven benefits, the completion rate for advance directive is approximately one-third among the general population in the United States and lower among Chinese Americans. This study explored Chinese Americans' knowledge and attitudes about ACP following completion of a web-based culturally tailored health education program. Ninety-six individuals completed the study between October 1 and December 31, 2020. Prestudy-poststudy outcomes measured included the Advance Directive Knowledge Survey and Advance Directive Attitude Scale administered before and after completion of the education program. Each measure has 9 questions and 16 questions, respectively. Participants' Advance Directive Knowledge Survey scores (pre: mean, 6.04 [SD, 2.28]; post: mean, 8.75 [SD, 0.53]; P < .01) and Advance Directive Attitude Scale scores (pre: mean, 47.31 [SD, 5.69]; post: mean, 53.59 [SD, 4.37]; P < .01) increased significantly following program completion. Findings indicated feasibility for integration of web-based technology and culturally tailored approaches to promote ACP knowledge and attitudes among Chinese Americans.
Ethnic differences in guideline-indicated statin initiation for people with type 2 diabetes in UK primary care, 2006–2019: A cohort study

Background Type 2 diabetes is 2–3 times more prevalent in people of South Asian and African/African Caribbean ethnicity than people of European ethnicity living in the UK. The former 2 groups also experience excess atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) complications of diabetes. We aimed to study ethnic differences in statin initiation, a cornerstone of ASCVD primary prevention, for people with type 2 diabetes. Methods and findings Observational cohort study of UK primary care records, from 1 January 2006 to 30 June 2019. Data were studied from 27,511 (88%) people of European ethnicity, 2,386 (8%) people of South Asian ethnicity, and 1,142 (4%) people of African/African Caribbean ethnicity with incident type 2 diabetes, no previous ASCVD, and statin use indicated by guidelines. Statin initiation rates were contrasted by ethnicity, and the number of ASCVD events that could be prevented by equalising prescribing rates across ethnic groups was estimated. Median time to statin initiation was 79, 109, and 84 days for people of European, South Asian, and African/African Caribbean ethnicity, respectively. People of African/African Caribbean ethnicity were a third less likely to receive guideline-indicated statins than European people (n/N [%]: 605/1,142 [53%] and 18,803/27,511 [68%], respectively; age- and gender-adjusted HR 0.67 [95% CI 0.60 to 0.76], p < 0.001). The HR attenuated marginally in a model adjusting for total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (0.77 [95% CI 0.69 to 0.85], p < 0.001), with no further diminution when deprivation, ASCVD risk factors, comorbidity, polypharmacy, and healthcare usage were accounted for (fully adjusted HR 0.76 [95% CI 0.68, 0.85], p < 0.001). People of South Asian ethnicity were 10% less likely to receive a statin than European people (1,489/2,386 [62%] and 18,803/27,511 [68%], respectively; fully adjusted HR 0.91 [95% CI 0.85 to 0.98], p = 0.008, adjusting for all covariates). We estimated that up to 12,600 ASCVD events could be prevented over the lifetimes of people currently affected by type 2 diabetes in the UK by equalising statin prescribing across ethnic groups. Limitations included incompleteness of recording of routinely collected data. Conclusions In this study we observed that people of African/African Caribbean ethnicity with type 2 diabetes were substantially less likely, and people of South Asian ethnicity marginally less likely, to receive guideline-indicated statins than people of European ethnicity, even after accounting for sociodemographics, healthcare usage, ASCVD risk factors, and comorbidity. Underuse of statins in people of African/African Caribbean or South Asian ethnicity with type 2 diabetes is a missed opportunity to prevent cardiovascular events.
Proteogenomic identification of an immunogenic HLA class I neoantigen in mismatch repair–deficient colorectal cancer tissue

Although CD8+ T cells recognize neoantigens that arise from somatic mutations in cancer, only a small fraction of nonsynonymous mutations give rise to clinically relevant neoantigens. In this study, HLA class I ligandomes of a panel of human colorectal cancer (CRC) and matched normal tissues were analyzed using mass spectrometry–based proteogenomic analysis. Neoantigen presentation was rare; however, the analysis detected a single neoantigen in a mismatch repair–deficient CRC (dMMR-CRC) tissue sample carrying 3967 nonsynonymous mutations, where abundant tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and inflamed gene expression status were observed in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Using the HLA class I ligandome data and gene expression profiles, a set of nonmutated tumor-associated antigen (TAA) candidates was concomitantly identified. Interestingly, CD8+ TILs predominantly recognized the detected neoantigen over the array of TAA candidates. Neoantigen-reactive CD8+ TILs showed PD-1 positivity and exhibited functional and specific responses. Moreover, T cell receptor (TCR) profiling identified the sequence of the neoantigen-reactive TCR clonotype and showed its expansion in the TME. Transduction of the sequenced TCR conferred neoantigen specificity and cytotoxicity to peripheral blood lymphocytes. The proteogenomic approach revealed the antigenic and reactive T cell landscape in dMMR-CRC, demonstrating the presence of an immunogenic neoantigen and its potential therapeutic applications.
Anti-inflammatory effect of Barringtonia angusta methanol extract is mediated by targeting of Src in the NF-κB signalling pathway

Abstract Context Among the plants in the genus Barringtonia (Lecythidaceae) used as traditional medicines to treat arthralgia, chest pain, and haemorrhoids in Indonesia, Barringtonia racemosa L. and Barringtonia acutangula (L.) Gaertn. have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in systemic inflammatory models. Objective The anti-inflammatory activity of Barringtonia angusta Kurz has not been investigated. We prepared a methanol extract of the leaves and stems of B. angusta (Ba-ME) and systemically evaluated its anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. Materials and methods RAW264.7 cells stimulated with LPS or Pam3CSK4 for 24 h were treated with Ba-ME (12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 150 µg/mL), and NO production and mRNA levels of inflammatory genes were evaluated. Luciferase reporter gene assay, western blot analysis, overexpression experiments, and cellular thermal shift assay were conducted to explore the mechanism of Ba-ME. In addition, the anti-gastritis activity of Ba-ME (50 and 100 mg/kg, administered twice per day for two days) was evaluated using an HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis mouse model. Results Ba-ME dose-dependently suppressed NO production [IC50 = 123.33 µg/mL (LPS) and 46.89 µg/mL (Pam3CSK4)] without affecting cell viability. Transcriptional expression of iNOS, IL-1β, COX-2, IL-6, and TNF-α and phosphorylation of Src, IκBα, p50/105, and p65 were inhibited by Ba-ME. The extract specifically targeted the Src protein by binding to its SH2 domain. Moreover, Ba-ME significantly ameliorated inflammatory lesions in the HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis model. Discussion and Conclusions The anti-inflammatory activity of Ba-ME is mediated by targeting of the Src/NF-κB signalling pathway, and B. angusta has potential as an anti-inflammatory drug.
Safety and Efficacy of Medial Plate in First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP-1) is a recognized and effective procedure in advanced osteoarthritis of this joint. Fixation with a dorsal plate and a compression screw has been described as the most stable. Nevertheless, the frequency of revision procedures after MTP-1 arthrodesis has been reported to exceed 10% in some reports. The need for revision surgery is mostly related to the fixation material used and concern both its destabilization and a conflict between the implants and soft tissues. Therefore, there is still scope for developing new stabilization methods for the MTP-1 joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS With the approval of the relevant Bioethics Committee, we conducted a pilot clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of the use of the medial plate in MTP-1 fusion. Twenty patients qualified for treatment due to osteoarthritis of the metatarsophalangeal joint were evaluated. The clinical results of the surgical treatment were assessed at least one year after the surgery. RESULTS The mean AOFAS MTP-IP score increased from 35.29±18.76 to 75.59±12.15. The mean EFAS score in-creased from 9.24±5.73 to 18.35±5.66. Pain level as per a VAS decreased from 6.24±1.48 to 1.59±2.58. A total of 18 patients were satisfied with the procedure, with the remaining 2 patients reporting the result as unsatisfactory. Two revision procedures were performed, both due to migration of the fixation material. CONCLUSIONS 1. The clinical results of MTP-1 arthrodesis with the medial plate are comparable to the results in the litera-ture. 2. It can be concluded that the use of the medial plate in arthrodesis of the MTP-1 joint is safe and effective, and is a va--luable alternative to existing methods.
Luteolin inhibits H2O2-induced cellular senescence via modulation of SIRT1 and p53

Luteolin, a sort of flavonoid, has been reported to be involved in neuroprotective function via suppression of neuroinflammation. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of luteolin against oxidative stress-induced cellular senescence and its molecular mechanism using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cellular senescence model in House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 cells (HEI-OC1). Our results showed that luteolin attenuated senescent phenotypes including alterations of morphology, cell proliferation, senescence-associated β-galactosidase expression, DNA damage, as well as related molecules expression such as p53 and p21 in the oxidant challenged model. Interestingly, we found that luteolin induces expression of sirtuin 1 in dose- and time-dependent manners and it has protective role against H2O2-induced cellular senescence by upregulation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). In contrast, the inhibitory effect of luteolin on cellular senescence under oxidative stress was abolished by silencing of SIRT1. This study indicates that luteolin effectively protects against oxidative stress-induced cellular senescence through p53 and SIRT1. These results suggest that luteolin possesses therapeutic potentials against age-related hearing loss that are induced by oxidative stress.
Stress and anxiety among physicians during the COVID-19 outbreak in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region: An online survey

Background During infectious disease outbreaks, healthcare workers are at high risk of infection, infecting others, and psychological distress. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of stress and anxiety in physicians during the COVID-19 outbreak in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region and assess their associated factors. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan Region, from March 28 to April 15, 2020. An online self-administered survey questionnaire was used to collect data from physicians working in specialized COVID-19 centers and other healthcare facilities. The level of stress was measured based on the 10-items Perceived Stress Scale. The level of anxiety was measured based on the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale. Results A total of 370 participants responded to the perceived stress component of the survey, of whom 57 (15.4%) had low perceived stress, 249 (67.3%) had moderate stress, and 64 (17.3%) had high stress. Being female was significantly associated with having moderate/high stress (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.40 (95% CI 1.31–4.39)). A total of 201 participants responded to the generalized anxiety disorder component of the survey, of whom 19 (9.5%) had no anxiety, 57 (28.4%) had mild anxiety, 79 (39.3%) had moderate anxiety, and 46 (22.9%) had severe anxiety. Working in COVID-19 centers (AOR = 2.23 (95% CI 1.02–4.86)) and being general practitioners (AOR = 4.16 (95% CI 1.14–15.14)) were significantly associated with having moderate/severe anxiety. Conclusion A considerable proportion of physicians experience stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 outbreak in Iraqi Kurdistan region. Generalists and those in special COVID-19 units report the greatest anxiety. There a need to establish mechanisms to reduce the risks of stress and anxiety among physicians. Mental health coping interventions through counseling should be based on COVID-19 protocol guidelines. Interventions should also emphasize physicians’ ability to work safely and efficiently in providing care to the patients.
Mechanistic interactions of uromodulin with the thick ascending limb: perspectives in physiology and hypertension

Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality worldwide. The kidney is a major regulator of blood pressure and electrolyte homeostasis, with monogenic disorders indicating a link between abnormal ion transport and salt-sensitive hypertension. However, the association between salt and hypertension remains controversial. Thus, there is continued interest in deciphering the molecular mechanisms behind these processes. Uromodulin (UMOD) is the most abundant protein in the normal urine and is primarily synthesized by the thick ascending limb epithelial cells of the kidney. Genome-wide association studies have linked common UMOD variants with kidney function, susceptibility to chronic kidney disease and hypertension independent of renal excretory function. This review will discuss and provide predictions on the role of the UMOD protein in renal ion transport and hypertension based on current observational, biochemical, genetic, pharmacological and clinical evidence.
Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy following Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination

ABSTRACT Purpose: To report acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) in two young women two days after receiving Vaxzevria Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination. Methods: Observational case reports. Observation: The first patient was an Italian 22-year-old female with acute onset of paracentral scotoma two days post vaccination. The second patient was an Austrian 28-year-old female who presented with sudden onset paracentral scotoma two days after vaccination. Multimodal retinal imaging was consistent with AMN in both cases. Both patients were on long-term oral contraceptives, had no history of COVID-19 and experienced one-day duration fever the day after the vaccination. Conclusions: Vaccination may represent a possible risk factor for AMN onset in women on oral contraceptives. We encourage ophthalmologists to investigate recent vaccination status when dealing with new onset AMN. Further studies are needed to assess the link between vaccinations and AMN.
Perimitral ventricular tachycardia associated with remote inferior myocardial infarction

Circuits underlying ventricular tachycardias (VTs) accompanying remote inferior myocardial infarction (IMI) are regarded to be located in the scar. Rotation around the mitral annulus (MA) had also been postulated. We tested whether entrainment mapping could confirm whether MA rotation in VTs post‐IMI represented a “driving circuit. ”
Intervention Effect of Research-based Psychological Counseling on Adolescents' Mental Health during the COVID-19 Epidemic.

BACKGROUND This study aims to explore the intervention effect of research-based psychological counseling on adolescents' mental health during the COVID-19 epidemic. SUBJECTS AND METHODS From May to July 2020, 160 young students were selected from 5 middle schools in Shandong Province of China as the participants of this study and were randomly divided into the experiment and control groups with 80 members in each group. The routine in-campus education of health knowledge related to the epidemic was conducted in the control group, while the experiment group received both the routine education and the intervention of psychological counseling in combination with outdoor exercise. RESULTS No significant difference exists between the experiment and control groups (P>0.05) before the intervention, but the scores of the experiment group in anxiety and depression are lower than those of the control group (P<0.05) after the intervention; the PSQI score of the experiment group is significantly lower after the intervention, suggesting that the effect on the experiment group is better than the control group (P<0.05); the scores of the experiment group in psychological resilience and its 5 dimensions are higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS This intervention model has a good intervention effect on adolescents' mental health and psychological resilience. At the same time, this study enlightens the introduction of the research-based psychological counseling model when helping adolescents solve mental health problems and highlights the important role of exercise in improving adolescents' mental health and psychological resilience.