Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A 20-year experience with cryopreserved allografts as the valve replacement of choice in aortic root reconstruction for destructive endocarditis with abscess formation

Abstract OBJECTIVES The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the early- and long-term outcomes following the use of cryopreserved allografts in aortic valve endocarditis with peri-annular abscess formation. METHODS From 2001 to 2021, 110 consecutive patients with active infective endocarditis and peri-annular abscess, underwent a cryopreserved allograft root replacement. In 100 patients (91%), the operation was performed <48 h after admission due to refractory heart failure and or septic shock. In 95 patients (86.4%), a redo operation was performed due to a prosthetic valve endocarditis. Preoperatively, 12 patients were dialysis-dependent and 30 patients suffered from a recent stroke. RESULTS The 30-day mortality was 18% (20 patients). Freedom from reintervention was 98.3% (standard deviation: 1.7) at 1 year and 83.3% (standard deviation: 8.5) at 10 years. Four patients required a redo operation. Three patients did develop re-endocarditis. Freedom from re-endocarditis was 95% after 17 years of follow-up. Preoperative dialysis dependency (odds ratio: 22.75, 95% confidence interval: 4.79–108.14, P < 0.001), ejection fraction under 30% (odds ratio: 17.91, 95% confidence interval: 3.27–98.01, P < 0.001) and stroke within 14 days prior to operation (odds ratio: 5.21, 95% confidence interval: 1.28–21.2, P = 0.021) were incremental factors associated with the 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS In aortic root endocarditis with abscesses formation, cryopreserved allografts exhibit excellent clinical performance with a low rate of reinfection and reintervention, which make its use as valve replacement a very desirable option. Dialysis dependency, ejection fraction under 30% and recent stroke have the highest impact on the 30-day mortality.
Neuroimaging of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and its relation to Parkinson's disease

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia characterized by polysomnography‐confirmed REM sleep without atonia and dream‐enacting behaviors. This disorder is considered a prodromal syndrome of alpha‐synucleinopathies like Parkinson's disease (PD), where it affects more than 50% of PD patients. The underlying pathology of RBD has been generally understood to involve the pontine nuclei within the brainstem. However, the complete pathophysiology beyond the brainstem remains unclear as does its relationship with PD pathology. Therefore, this review aims to survey the neuroimaging literature involving PET, SPECT, and MR imaging techniques to provide an updated understanding of the neuro‐chemical, structural, and functional changes in both RBD and PD patients comorbid with RBD. This review found neuroimaging evidence that indicate alterations to the dopaminergic and cholinergic system, blood perfusion, and glucose metabolism in both RBD patients and PD patients with RBD. Beyond the brainstem, structural and functional changes were found to involve the nigrostriatal system, limbic system, and the cortex—suggesting that RBD is a multi‐systemic neurodegenerative process. Future investigations are encouraged to follow RBD patients longitudinally using multimodal imaging techniques to enhance our understanding of this parasomnia disorder. Uncovering which individuals are most likely to develop an alpha‐synuclein disorder in the prodromal phase will improve patient outcomes and potentially aid in the development of novel treatments for patients affected by RBD.
Solvent selection criteria for temperature-resilient lithium–sulfur batteries

Significance High-energy density of rechargeable energy storage systems capable of stable cycling at both extremely low (< −30°C) and high (> 45°C) temperature conditions are highly desired but intrinsically difficult to design. Here we present solvent-based design criteria using a monodentate ether solvent as the model for all-climate temperature working pouch cells. These results will promote the future practical application of low-cost lithium metal batteries with a high theoretical capacity and earth-abundant electrode materials (e.g., sulfur and sulfurized polyacrylonitrile).
Self-esteem predicts positive affect directly and self-efficacy indirectly: a 10-year longitudinal study

ABSTRACT Self-esteem (a positive attitude toward oneself) and self-efficacy (confidence in one's ability to perform actions that lead to desired outcomes) are predictors of affective well-being. However, there is a lack of longitudinal research on their relative importance in predicting positive and negative affect. This study sought to examine the relative strength of these 2 variables in predicting affective well-being. Data from the German Aging Survey (DEAS), collected in 4 waves between 2008 and 2017, were used. The random-intercept cross-lagged panel model was used for data analysis. Within-person results showed that self-esteem and self-efficacy did not predict future levels of negative affect. Self-esteem, but not self-efficacy, was found to be a predictor of future levels of positive affect. In addition, positive affect predicted future self-efficacy. A longitudinal mediation model showed that self-esteem predicted future self-efficacy via positive affect. Thus, self-esteem contributes directly to future levels of positive affect and indirectly to future levels of self-efficacy.
Therapeutic deep brain stimulation disrupts movement-related subthalamic nucleus activity in parkinsonian mice

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) relieves many motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), but its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. Since its advent, three major theories have been proposed: (1) DBS inhibits the STN and basal ganglia output; (2) DBS antidromically activates motor cortex; and (3) DBS disrupts firing dynamics within the STN. Previously, stimulation-related electrical artifacts limited mechanistic investigations using electrophysiology. We used electrical artifact-free GCaMP fiber photometry to investigate activity in basal ganglia nuclei during STN DBS in parkinsonian mice. To test whether the observed changes in activity were sufficient to relieve motor symptoms, we then combined electrophysiological recording with targeted optical DBS protocols. Our findings suggest that STN DBS exerts its therapeutic effect through the disruption of movement-related STN activity, rather than inhibition or antidromic activation. These results provide insight into optimizing PD treatments and establish an approach for investigating DBS in other neuropsychiatric conditions.
Emulator-Based Optimization of a Semi-Active Hip Exoskeleton Concept: Sweeping Impedance Across Walking Speeds

Objective: Semi-active exoskeletons combining lightweight, low powered actuators and passive-elastic elements are a promising approach to portable robotic assistance during locomotion. Here, we introduce a novel semi-active hip exoskeleton concept and evaluate human walking performance across a range of parameters using a tethered robotic testbed. Methods: We emulated semi-active hip exoskeleton (exo) assistance by applying a virtual torsional spring with a fixed rotational stiffness and an equilibrium angle established in terminal swing phase (i.e., via pre-tension into stance). We performed a 2-D sweep of spring stiffness x equilibrium position parameters (30 combinations) across walking speed (1.0, 1.3, and 1.6 m/s) and measured metabolic rate to identify device parameters for optimal metabolic benefit. Results: At each speed, optimal exoskeleton spring settings provided a ∼10% metabolic benefit compared to zero-impedance (ZI). Higher walking speeds required higher exoskeleton stiffness and lower equilibrium angle for maximal metabolic benefit. Optimal parameters tuned to each individual (user-dependent) provided significantly larger metabolic benefit than the average-best settings (user-independent) at all speeds except the fastest (p = 0.021, p = 0.001, and p = 0.098 at 1.0, 1.3, and 1.6 m/s, respectively). We found significant correlation between changes in user's muscle activity and changes in metabolic rate due to exoskeleton assistance, especially for muscles crossing the hip joint. Conclusion: A semi-active hip exoskeleton with spring-parameters personalized to each user could provide metabolic benefit across functional walking speeds. Minimizing muscle activity local to the exoskeleton is a promising approach for tuning assistance on-line on a user-dependent basis.
Evidence of bovine immunodeficiency virus: A molecular survey in water buffalo populations of Iran

Abstract Background Bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) is a member of the Retroviridae family causing a progressive lifelong infection in cattle and buffaloes. Objective Despite the worldwide distribution of the virus, the studies concerning the prevalence of BIV in buffalo populations have not been conducted in Iran as yet. Methods The BIV proviral DNA was surveyed in 120 whole blood samples of water buffaloes in southwestern Iran. Nested PCR was employed to amplify a 298‐bp fragment of the pol gene. The BIV Pol sequence was detected in 9.1% of the samples. Among PCR‐positive samples, two amplified fragments were confirmed by nucleotide sequencing. Results and conclusions The studied sequences were completely identical to each other and had more than 98%–99% nucleotide homology to R‐29 and HXB3 sequences previously deposited in GenBank. Some point mutations that caused coding substitutions were observed in the studied isolates, compared to other strains. A phylogenetic tree was generated based on the BIV Pol nucleotide sequences reported from other countries. All the BIV strains originated from a unique main cluster and then separated from each other over time. This is the first report on the molecular detection of BIV infections in water buffalo populations in Iran. The wide distribution of BIV in different countries including Iran indicates the importance of the infection as it relates to animal health. Although buffaloes show greater resistance to diseases, they should be considered a health risk to cattle. Furthermore, BIV has negative effects on buffalo milk production and can predispose them to secondary infections. Hence, the findings of this study can advance our understanding of the occurrence of BIV infection in Iran, which can play an important role in the distribution of the disease worldwide.
Reproductive life histories: can incremental dentine isotope analysis identify pubertal growth, pregnancy and lactation?

Abstract Background There are few reliable osteological indicators to detect parity or infer puberty in skeletal remains. Nitrogen (δ15N) and stable carbon (δ13C) isotope ratios in human tissues can be affected by metabolically unbalanced states engendered by pregnancy or rapid growth, offering potential biomarkers. Aim This pilot study explores the potential of incremental dentine-collagen isotope ratio analysis to identify puberty and gestation. Subjects and methods Incremental dentine δ15N and δ13C profiles were produced by analysing third molars extracted as part of dental treatment of 10 individuals living in Sudan. Demographic and anthropometric data at the time of tooth extraction was available. Medical histories were unknown. Results Isotopic signatures potentially related to pubertal growth, with an average δ15N reduction of 0.78 ± 0.29‰, are indicated. Six isotopic signals suggestive of pregnancy, with an average δ15N decrease of 0.48 ± 0.22‰, are also observed. The timing, speed and amplitude of post-partum δ15N patterns seemingly infer infant feeding practices and maternal nutritional status. Conclusion This pilot study highlights the potential of incremental dentine isotope analysis for the reconstruction of early reproductive histories in skeletal remains. However, controlled studies with a larger human cohort are needed to validate these findings, establish isotopic signals linked to puberty and lactation, and improve chronology accuracy.
Rehabilitation robotics after stroke: a bibliometric literature review

ABSTRACT Introduction Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in developed countries. Due to population aging, the number of people requiring rehabilitation after stroke is going to rise in the coming decades. Robot-mediated neurorehabilitation has the potential to improve clinical outcomes of rehabilitation treatments. A statistical analysis of the literature aims to focus on the main trend of this topic. Areas covered A bibliometric survey on post-stroke robotic rehabilitation was performed through a database collection of scientific publications in the field of rehabilitation robotics. By covering the last 20 years, 17,429 sources were collected. Relevant patterns and statistics concerning the main research areas were analyzed. Leading journals and conferences which publish and disseminate knowledge in the field were identified. A detailed nomenclature study was carried out. The time trends of the research field were captured. Opinions and predictions of future trends that are expected to shape the near future of the field were discussed. Expert opinion Data analysis reveals the continuous expansion of the research field over the last two decades, which is expected to rise considerably in near future. More attention will be paid to the lower limbs rehabilitation and disease/design specific applications in early-stage patients.
The relationship of trauma-related guilt with PTSD symptoms in adult trauma survivors: a meta-analysis

Abstract Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe condition that is associated with trauma-related guilt. We aimed at providing a comprehensive quantitative systematic review on the relationship between trauma-related guilt and adult PTSD. Database searches in Medline, PsycINFO, PTSDpubs and Web of Knowledge resulted in the inclusion of 163 eligible studies with a total of 35 020 trauma survivors. The studies reported on 157 cross-sectional and 19 longitudinal data points. Overall, we included 135 studies not included in previous meta-analyses. Random-effect models yielded a moderate cross-sectional correlation (r = 0.38, 95% CI 0.35–0.42, p < 0.001, I2 = 90.3%) and a small to moderate predictive correlation (r = 0.21, 95% CI 0.13–0.29, p < 0.001, I2 = 66.7%). The association appeared to be stable over time and was robust to sensitivity analyses. All symptom clusters significantly correlated with guilt. No effects were found for military v. civilian populations or clinical v. non-clinical samples. Effects were smaller for high-quality studies and larger for instruments based on DSM-5. Further significant moderators were type of guilt measure and trauma type. The largest association was found among participants reporting war-related trauma (r = 0.44, 95% CI 0.36–0.51) and the smallest among survivors of motor-vehicle accidents (r = 0.18, 95% CI 0.02–0.33). The results underpin the role of trauma-related guilt in the onset and maintenance of PTSD symptoms, which have important clinical implications. Future studies should further explore the change interactions of guilt and PTSD symptoms.
Exercise mode influences post‐exercise glucose sensitivity and insulin clearance in young, healthy males and females in a sex‐dependent manner: A randomized control trial

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk is lower in females than males. It has been reported that females have greater pancreatic 𝛽‐cell function than males, which may at least in part contribute to the T2D risk in females. 𝛽‐cell function is influenced by exercise training; however, previous trials comparing 𝛽‐cell function between the sexes have not included participants matched for training status. Furthermore, the acute effects of different modes of exercise on 𝛽‐cell function, and whether sex inherently influences these effects, are largely unexamined. Males and females (12/sex) completed a 120‐min oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at rest (CON) and following acute bouts of high‐intensity interval exercise (HIIE), moderate intensity continuous (MIC) exercise, and low‐load high‐repetition (LLHR) resistance exercise to assess whether sex inherently influences baseline and/or post‐exercise pancreatic function in the absence of pathology. We found no sex differences in basal pancreatic 𝛽‐cell function. Females had greater basal insulin clearance following MIC exercise compared to males (p = 0.01) and males tended to have a higher potentiation ratio following HIIE (p = 0.07). Females also had lower glucose sensitivity following MIC exercise compared to HIIE (p = 0.007) and LLHR (p = 0.003). Insulin clearance during the OGTT was greater following HIIE as compared with CON and MIC exercise (p = 0.02). 2‐H oral glucose insulin sensitivity was greater following LLHR compared to CON (p = 0.01). Acute bouts of different modes of exercise do not differentially influence 𝛽‐cell function but do influence insulin clearance and insulin sensitivity. Therefore, sex and exercise mode interact to differentially influence insulin clearance and glucose sensitivity.
Industrializing AI-powered drug discovery: lessons learned from the Patrimony computing platform

ABSTRACT Introduction As a mid-size international pharmaceutical company, we initiated 4 years ago the launch of a dedicated high-throughput computing platform supporting drug discovery. The platform named ‘Patrimony’ was built up on the initial predicate to capitalize on our proprietary data while leveraging public data sources in order to foster a Computational Precision Medicine approach with the power of artificial intelligence. Areas covered Specifically, Patrimony is designed to identify novel therapeutic target candidates. With several successful use cases in immuno-inflammatory diseases, and current ongoing extension to applications to oncology and neurology, we document how this industrial computational platform has had a transformational impact on our R&D, making it more competitive, as well time and cost effective through a model-based educated selection of therapeutic targets and drug candidates. Expert opinion We report our achievements, but also our challenges in implementing data access and governance processes, building up hardware and user interfaces, and acculturing scientists to use predictive models to inform decisions.
Predicting Mate Poaching Experiences from Personality Traits Using a Dyadic Analysis

ABSTRACT Mate poaching is “behavior intended to attract someone who is already in a romantic relationship. ” We investigated actor and partner effects of the five-factor personality traits and the dark triad traits on several mate poaching experiences. We used actor-partner interdependence modeling with data secured from both members of 187 heterosexual married, cohabiting and dating couples from Croatia. In a round-robin design, each participant rated their own and their partner’s personality traits, and their own poaching experiences. The results showed that men’s lower agreeableness had the most consistent relationship with poaching experiences in both men (actor effects) and women (partner effects). The role of other personality traits from the five-factor model was limited to specific aspects of poaching. Regarding the dark triad traits, men’s psychopathy and Machiavellianism were the most consistently related to poaching experiences in both men and women, whereas narcissism did not demonstrate a consistent actor or partner effect on poaching. The results showed that men’s poaching is associated with their own personality traits, whereas women’s poaching with their own and their partner’s personality traits. We interpret the results in the context of life history theory and mate switching hypothesis.
Induction of endothelial barrier dysfunction by serum factors in rats subjected to traumatic brain injury and hemorrhagic shock

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been associated with the development of indirect acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, the causative relationship between TBI and lung injury remains unclear. To explore potential mechanisms linking TBI with the development of ARDS, we characterized the effects of serum factors released following TBI and hemorrhagic shock (HS) in a rat model on the pulmonary endothelial cell (EC) barrier dysfunction, a key feature of ARDS. We found that serum samples from animals exposed to both controlled cortical impact (CCI) and HS, but not from sham‐operated rats induced significant barrier dysfunction in human pulmonary artery EC monolayers at 2 days post injury. Thrombin inhibitor and thrombin receptor antagonist attenuated the acute phase of the serum‐induced trans‐endothelial resistance (TER) decline caused by CCI‐HS serum, but not in later time points. However, both the early and late phases of CCI‐HS‐induced EC permeability were inhibited by heparin. The barrier disruptive effects of CCI‐HS serum were also prevented by serum preincubation with heparin‐sepharose. Pulmonary EC treated for 3 h with serum from CCI‐HS rats demonstrated a significant decline in expression of EC junctional protein, VE‐Cadherin, and disassembly of peripheral EC adherens junction complexes monitored by immunostaining with VE‐cadherin antibody. These results suggest that exposure to CCI‐HS causes early and late‐phase barrier disruptive effects in vascular endothelium. While thrombin‐PAR1 signaling has been identified as a mechanism of acute EC permeability increase by CCI‐HS serum, the factor(s) defining long‐term EC barrier disruption in CCI‐HS model remains to be determined.
Effect of behavioural practice targeted at the motor action selection network after stroke

Motor action selection engages a network of frontal and parietal brain regions. After stroke, individuals activate a similar network, however, activation is higher, especially in the contralesional hemisphere. The current study examined the effect of practice on action selection performance and brain activation after stroke. Sixteen individuals with chronic stroke (Upper Extremity Fugl–Meyer motor score range: 18–61) moved a joystick with the more‐impaired hand in two conditions: Select (externally cued choice; move right or left based on an abstract rule) and Execute (simple response; move same direction every trial). On Day 1, reaction time (RT) was longer in Select compared to Execute, which corresponded to increased activation primarily in regions in the contralesional action selection network including dorsal premotor, supplementary motor, anterior cingulate and parietal cortices. After 4 days of practice, behavioural performance improved (decreased RT), and only contralesional parietal cortex significantly increased during Select. Higher brain activation on Day 1 in the bilateral action selection network, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and contralesional sensory cortex predicted better performance on Day 4. Overall, practice led to improved action selection performance and reduced brain activation. Systematic changes in practice conditions may allow the targeting of specific components of the motor network during rehabilitation after stroke.