Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Medial prefrontal cortical activation modulates the impact of controllable and uncontrollable stressor exposure on a social exploration test of anxiety in the rat

The presence of behavioral control over a stressor can blunt many of the effects of the stressor. We have recently reported that uncontrollable stress (inescapable electric tailshock, IS) reduces later social exploration of a juvenile whereas controllable stress (escapable shock, ES) does not. Activation of the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is crucial to blunting the effects of IS on later escape behavior (learned helplessness). The goal of the current study was to test the role of the vmPFC in modulating the effects of stressor controllability on anxiety in the social exploration test. Thus, adult male rats were implanted with cannula guides for drug microinjection into the vmPFC. In Experiment 1, temporary inactivation of the vmPFC with the GABAA agonist muscimol before exposure to ES prevented the protective effects of stress control, leading to reduced social exploration. In Experiment 2, excitation of the vmPFC prior to IS with the GABA-activated Cl( − ) channel antagonist picrotoxin mimicked the stress resistance produced by control and prevented IS-induced reduction in social exploration. These results are consistent with prior work and identify the vmPFC as a critical component of the neural circuitry mediating the effects of stressor control on later behaviors. The relationship between the vmPFC, dorsal raphé nucleus, and other structures mediating stress-induced anxiety are discussed.
Expression of SP7, RUNX1, DLX5, and CTNNB1 in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Cultured on Xenogeneic Bone Substitute as Compared With Machined Titanium

Purpose:The aim of this research was to investigate the gene expression profile of 4 transcription factors in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) cultured with a xenogeneic bone substitute and a support of machined titanium. Material and Methods:In vitro studies were performed on hMSC cells, which grew in contact with cortical porcine bone and machined titanium disks for 10 days. RNA quantification for genes DLX5, CTNNB1, RUNX1, and SP7 was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. For cells supported by titanium, immunocytochemistry of osteocalcin (OC) was also performed. Results:In the osteoblast-induced cells (OIC), DLX5, CTNNB1, and RUNX1 were significantly upregulated (+2.38-, +3.51-, and +7.08-fold, respectively), whereas SP7 was downregulated (−26.32-fold). None of the genes seemed to be upregulated or downregulated by the corticocancellous porcine bone. In cells grown on titanium support, DLX5 and RUNX1 were respectively upregulated (+3.12-fold) and downregulated (−2.14-fold). For titanium support, the presence of both catenin beta-1 and OC was verified. Conclusion:The 2 genes RUNX1 and SP7 resulted differently expressed in cells cultured on metallic supports if compared with the expression recorded for OIC. An induction of the osteogenic phenotype was observed when cells were cultured on machined titanium, but not on xenogeneic material.
Early impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on insurance among young adults with cancer: Analysis of the dependent insurance provision

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) included provisions to extend dependent health care coverage up to the age of 26 years in 2010. The authors examined the early impact of the ACA (before the implementation of insurance exchanges in 2014) on insurance rates in young adults with cancer, a historically underinsured group.
Surface Characterization and In Vivo Evaluation of Dual Acid-Etched and Grit-Blasted/Acid-Etched Implants in Sheep

Purpose:Dual acid-etching is widely used to modify dental implant topography and enhance early bone healing. This study evaluated the histomorphometric, biomechanical, and histological bone response to acid-etched (AA) in comparison with grit-blasted/acid-etched (GB) and machined control (C) implants within sites of relatively low-bone remodeling rates. Materials and Methods:Implant surface topography was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and optical interferometry (IFM). Six adult male sheep (n = 6) received 72 Ti-6Al-4V implants (n = 24 per surface) in both ilium (n = 12 per bone bilaterally). The implants remained for 3 and 6 weeks in vivo. The histomorphometric parameters bone-implant contact (BIC) and bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO) were evaluated. Biomechanical analysis consisted of torque-to-interface failure. Results:IFM analysis showed the highest average surface roughness for GB and the highest density of summits and developed surface area percentage (P < 0.01) for AA. No difference was observed in BAFO for all groups in 3 and 6 weeks. Increased BIC and torque resistance were observed for AA implants at both time points after implantation. Conclusions:Overall, improved bone-to-implant response was observed for the AA implant surface.
Comparing 2 Cone Beam Computed Tomography Devices for the Transfer Accuracy of a Laboratory-Based Guided Surgery System In Vitro

Purpose:Using surgical templates for guided placement increases accuracy and decreases patient's discomfort, therefore optimizing the functional, aesthetic, and prosthetic outcomes. Cone Beam computed tomography (CBCT) devices differ in their resolution and geometric accuracies and have been recently demonstrated to influence the measurements of guided surgery. The study aim is to investigate the potential influence of CBCT device selection on the transfer accuracy of guided surgery. Materials and Methods:Thirty-two Straumann implants placed in 8 acrylic models were implanted using digital planning and guided surgery. Preoperative and postoperative CBCT scans of 2 different devices (AccuiTomo 170, Morita and NewTom 5G; QR Verona) were made. Post-op implant position was compared with the digital planning and linear and angular deviations at the implant tip and base were compared between both devices. Results:Mean linear and angular deviations were (0.53 mm/0.96 degree) and (0.66 mm/1.04 degree) for the Newtom and AccuiTomo, respectively. The differences were statistically insignificant (P = 0.615). Conclusion:In our sample, CBCT device selection did not influence the transfer accuracy of guided surgery. More research is needed to evaluate the accuracy of other systems.
Influence of insurance status on survival of adults with glioblastoma multiforme: A population‐based study

To the authors' knowledge, the impact of insurance status on the survival time of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has not been fully understood. The objective of the current study was to clarify the association between insurance status and survival of patients with GBM by analyzing population‐based data.
Framework : Towards a Biological Definition of Alzheimer ’ s Disease 1 2 draft 9-19-17 3 4 5

17 In 2011 the National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer’s Association (NIA-AA) created 18 separate diagnostic recommendations for the preclinical, mild cognitive impairment, and 19 dementia stages of Alzheimers disease. Scientific progress in the interim led to an initiative by 20 the NIA-AA to update and unify the 2011 guidelines. This unifying update is labeled a “research 21 framework”, because its intended use is for observational and interventional research, not routine 22 clinical care. In the NIA AA research framework Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is defined by its 23 underlying pathologic processes which can be documented by post-mortem examination or in 24 vivo by biomarkers. The diagnosis is not based on the clinical consequences of the disease (i.e. 25 symptoms/signs) in this research framework which shifts the diagnosis of AD in living people 26 from a syndromal to a biological construct. The research framework focuses on the diagnosis of 27 AD with biomarkers in living persons. Biomarkers are grouped into those of β-amyloid 28 deposition, pathologic tau, and neurodegeneration. Two cognitive staging schemes are described: 29 a scheme employing 3 traditional syndromal categories and a 6 stage numeric scheme. We 30 envision that defining AD as a biological construct will enable a more accurate characterization 31 DRAFT – AS of September 19, 2017 DO NOT REPRODUCE and understanding of the sequence of events that lead to cognitive impairment as well as the 32 multi factorial etiology of dementia. This approach also will enable a more precise approach to 33 interventional trials where specific pathways can be targeted in the disease process and in the 34 appropriate people. Importantly, the validity of this construct should be determined in more 35 diverse populations. 36
Theatre: An innovative teaching tool integrated into core undergraduate medical curriculum

Background: Ed's Story: The Dragon Chronicles is a verbatim play based on the journal of a 16-year-old with advanced cancer and transcripts from 25 interviews conducted after his death with his family, friends and health care team. After cross-country performances directed at health professionals and the general public, a viewing was incorporated into core undergraduate medical curriculum at our institution. We collected and compared responses of trainees who viewed the play voluntarily in extra-curricular settings and those who viewed a mandatory curriculum performance. Methods: Trainees completed confidential, online surveys within one year of viewing. A total of 46 trainees from five Canadian medical schools completed surveys after voluntary extra-curricular viewings (60.9% female, 39.1% male, mean age 26.2 ± 3.2 years). Of 84 eligible second-year medical students, 60 students completed surveys after mandatory curricular viewing (68.3% female, 31.7% male, mean age 26.0 ± 2.9 years, response rate 71.4%). Results: In both cohorts, a majority of trainees agreed that the play was a good learning experience (84.8%, 93.3%), should be experienced by all medical students (75.5%, 84.5%) and taught lessons they will use in their careers (71.1%, 84.7%). Trainees highlighted the play's realism, the insight gained into patient experiences and that they preferred the play to other teaching modalities. A greater percentage of trainees in the mandatory curriculum cohort agreed that a viewing should be incorporated into medical curriculum (86.7% vs. 45.3%, χ2 = 20.3, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Medical trainees responded positively to this verbatim play in both extra-curricular and curricular settings.
One-dimensional statistical parametric mapping in Python

Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) is a topological methodology for detecting field changes in smooth n-dimensional continua. Many classes of biomechanical data are smooth and contained within discrete bounds and as such are well suited to SPM analyses. The current paper accompanies release of ‘SPM1D’, a free and open-source Python package for conducting SPM analyses on a set of registered 1D curves. Three example applications are presented: (i) kinematics, (ii) ground reaction forces and (iii) contact pressure distribution in probabilistic finite element modelling. In addition to offering a high-level interface to a variety of common statistical tests like t tests, regression and ANOVA, SPM1D also emphasises fundamental concepts of SPM theory through stand-alone example scripts. Source code and documentation are available at: www.tpataky. net/spm1d/.
Spring ligament reconstruction in posterior tibial tendon insufficiency

Posterior tibial tendon insufficiency is characterized by the attenuation or degeneration of the dynamic and static supports of the foot and ankle. Flatfoot deformities have been divided into four different stages. Stage IIb deformity, a severe flexible flatfoot, is characterized by talonavicular uncoverage greater than or equal to 30%. The spring ligament complex provides the main static support of the medial longitudinal arch. At this stage of deformity, it is usually degenerated or attenuated and may even have a full-thickness tear. Bony procedures alone may not be sufficient to bring the forefoot out of abduction, leaving the foot susceptible to failure or recurrent collapse. Surgical treatment for this stage is controversial. Arthrodeses or osteotomies alone can severely limit motion or be inadequate to correct the deformity. A reconstruction of the spring ligament has been suggested to restore the static support of the foot. To date, there is a paucity of current literature on reconstruction of the spring ligament, but advancements are being made.
Posterior fossa syndrome: Review of the behavioral and emotional aspects in pediatric cancer patients

Medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood, occurs in the posterior fossa, the part of the intracranial cavity that contains the brainstem and the cerebellum. The cerebellum is involved in many complex aspects of human behavior and function, and when it is disrupted or insulted, this can lead to significant sequelae in children with posterior fossa tumors. A constellation of impairing and distressing symptoms, including mutism, ataxia/hypotonia, and emotional lability, develops in approximately 25% of children after the surgical resection of posterior fossa tumors. These symptoms may impede treatment and frequently require intervention in order for children to be able to participate in their care. The eventual recovery of speech occurs for most, but with slowly improving dysarthria over many months. Behavioral changes and emotional lability also occur. This phenomenon has been classified differently by different investigators over the past 35 years. For the purposes of this article, the term posterior fossa syndrome is used to refer to the neuropsychiatric and behavioral features that compose this condition. The current review summarizes the development of the clinical understanding of this phenomenon with a focus on near‐ and long‐term psychosocial and psychiatric implications. Also, clinical examples of the presentation, management, and lasting implications of this syndrome are provided. This review is intended to be a resource for clinicians who treat affected children. Cancer 2017;123:551–559. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
A mathematical model for describing the metastasis of cancer in bone tissue

Metastasis is the rapid proliferation of cancer cells (secondary tumour) at a specific place, generally leading to death. This occurs at anatomical parts providing the necessary environment for vascularity, oxygen and food to hide their actions and trigger the rapid growth of cancer. Prostate and breast cancers, for example, use bone marrow for their proliferation. Bone-supporting cancer cells thus adapt to the environment, mimicking the behaviour of genetic and molecular bone cells. Evidence of this has been given in Cecchini et al. (2005, EAU Update Ser. 3:214–226), providing arguments such as how cancer cell growth is so active during bone reabsorption. This paper simulates metastasis activation in bone marrow. A mathematical model has been developed involving the activation of molecules from bone tissue cells, which are necessary for cancer to proliferate. Here, we simulate two forms of secondary tumour growth depending on the type of metastasis: osteosclerosis and osteolysis.
Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation: Anatomical and Electrical Properties of the Intraspinal Structures Relevant to Spinal Cord Stimulation and Clinical Correlations

Epidural spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has gained a secure place in the armamentarium of the surgeon treating chronic pain conditions (1, 2) . The complexity of the intraspinal structures and their different susceptibility to electrical signals, however, has made it difficult to characterize the effects of the stimulation, Some important recent work has helped shed light on the electrical properties of the intraspinal structures and on the electrical field potentials generated with epidural spinal cord stimulation. This work, initially pioneered by Sin and Coburn, has successfully been expanded and perfected by Holsheimer and Strujik at the University of Twente, The Netherlands ( 3–8 ). The Dutch scientists developed a computerized volume conductor model of the spinal cord to represent in extreme detail the electrical properties of all the intraspinal structures, including the dorsal column and dorsal root fibers. The model can simulate the effects of epidural stimulation with different electrode geometries and configurations (8) . The data generated from the model were then validated by comparing them to a large number of data collected by the author in implanted subjects ( 9–12 ). The author also conducted a detailed analysis of the clinical properties of the activation of the intraspinal structures at various electrode positions in the spine (13, 14) .
Effect of Different Abutments and Connections in Deformation Crestal Bone

Statement of Problem:The use of Morse taper connections is increasing, but little is known about the biomechanical use of abutments and their use in fixed prostheses. Purpose:This study evaluated the transmission of load on the bone implant–supported dentures, varying the type of prosthetic connection and abutment. Material and Methods:Using 4 polyurethane models, 3 implants were inserted into each block, establishing the following groups: (a) external hexagon and Micro-Unit abutments; (b) external hexagon and UCLA abutment; (c) Morse taper and Micro-Unit abutments; and (d) Morse taper and UCLA abutments. The prosthetic structures were cast, and in a universal testing machine, load was applied midway between the implants, with cantilever intervals of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mm. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney, Friedman, and Kruskal-Wallis tests (P < 0.05). Results:Regarding the prosthetic connection, there was no difference in the use of hexagonal or Morse taper, but the use of Micro-Unit abutment showed lower deformation values than UCLA for the 2 connections. Conclusions:The use of intermediate abutments affects the distribution of masticatory loads: the greater the length of the cantilever, the greater the surface deformation of the bone around the distal implant.
Quantifying the mechanical properties of human skin to optimise future microneedle device design

Microneedle devices are a promising minimally invasive means of delivering drugs/vaccines across or into the skin. However, there is currently a diversity of microneedle designs and application methods that have, primarily, been intuitively developed by the research community. To enable the rational design of optimised microneedle devices, a greater understanding of human skin biomechanics under small deformations is required. This study aims to develop a representative stratified model of human skin, informed by in vivo data. A multilayer finite element model incorporating the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis was established. This was correlated with a series of in-vivo indentation measurements, and the Ogden material coefficients were optimised using a material parameter extraction algorithm. The finite element simulation was subsequently used to model microneedle application to human skin before penetration and was validated by comparing these predictions with the in-vivo measurements. Our model has provided an excellent tool to predict micron-scale human skin deformation in vivo and is currently being used to inform optimised microneedle designs.
CFD analysis of the human airways under impedance-based boundary conditions: application to healthy, diseased and stented trachea

A computational fluid dynamics model of a healthy, a stenotic and a post-operatory stented human trachea was developed to study the respiration under physiological boundary conditions. For this, outflow pressure waveforms were computed from patient-specific spirometries by means of a method that allows to compute the peripheral impedance of the truncated bronchial generation, modelling the lungs as fractal networks. Intratracheal flow pattern was analysed under different scenarios. First, results obtained using different outflow conditions were compared for the healthy trachea in order to assess the importance of using impedance-based conditions. The resulted intratracheal pressures were affected by the different boundary conditions, while the resulted velocity field was unaffected. Impedance conditions were finally applied to the diseased and the stented trachea. The proposed impedance method represents an attractive tool to compute physiological pressure conditions that are not possible to extract in vivo. This method can be applied to healthy, pre- and post-operatory tracheas showing the possibility of predicting, through numerical simulation, the flow and the pressure field before and after surgery.
A method for the field assessment of rolling resistance properties of manual wheelchairs

This article presents an examination and validation of a method to measure the field deceleration of a manual wheelchair (MWC) and to calculate the rolling resistances properties of the front and rear wheels. This method was based on the measurements of the MWC deceleration for various load settings from a 3D accelerometer. A mechanical model of MWC deceleration was developed which allowed computing the rolling resistance factors of front and rear wheels on a tested surface. Four deceleration sets were conducted on two paths on the same ground to test the repeatability. Two other deceleration sets were conducted using different load settings to compute the rolling resistance parameters (RPs). The theoretical decelerations of three load settings were computed and compared with the measured decelerations. The results showed good repeatability (variations of measures represented 6–11% of the nominal values) and no statistical difference between the path results. The rolling RPs were computed and their confidence intervals were assessed. For the last three sets, no significant difference was found between the theoretical and measured decelerations. This method can determine the specific rolling resistance properties of the wheels of a MWC, and be employed to establish a catalogue of the rolling resistance properties of wheels on various surfaces.
Mechanical energy and power flow analysis of wheelchair use with different camber settings

It has been suggested that minimisation of energy cost is one of the primary determinants of wheelchair designs. Wheel camber is one important parameter related to wheelchair design and its angle may affect usability during manual propulsion. However, there is little available literature addressing the effect of wheel camber on the mechanical energy or power flow involved in manual wheelchair propulsion. Twelve normal subjects (mean age, 22.3 years; SD, 1.6 years) participated in this study. A video-tracking system and an instrumented wheel were used to collect 3D kinematic and kinetic data. Wheel camber of 0° and 15° was chosen to examine the difference between mechanical power and power flow of the upper extremity during manual wheelchair propulsion. The work calculated from power flow and the discrepancy between the mechanical work and power flow work of upper extremity had significantly greater values with increased camber. The upper arm had a larger active muscle power compared with that in the forearm and hand segments. While propelling the increased camber, the magnitude of both the proximal and distal joint power and proximal muscle power was increased in all three segments. While the propelling wheel with camber not only needs a greater energy cost but also there is greater energy loss.