Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Model predictions of increased knee joint loading in regions of thinner articular cartilage after patellar tendon adhesion

Patellar tendon adhesion is a complication from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction that may affect patellofemoral and tibiofemoral biomechanics. A computational model was used to investigate the changes in knee joint mechanics due to patellar tendon adhesion under normal physiological loading during gait. The calculations showed that patellar tendon adhesion up to the level of the anterior tibial plateau led to patellar infera, increased patellar flexion, and increased anterior tibial translation. These kinematic changes were associated with increased patellar contact force, a distal shift in peak patellar contact pressure, a posterior shift in peak tibial contact pressure, and increased peak tangential contact sliding distance over one gait cycle (i.e., contact slip). Postadhesion, patellar and tibial contact locations corresponded to regions of thinner cartilage. The predicted distal shift in patellar contact was in contrast to other patellar infera studies. Average patellar and tibial cartilage pressure did not change significantly following patellar tendon adhesion; however, peak medial tibial pressure increased. These results suggest that changes in peak tibial cartilage pressure, contact slip, and the migration of contact to regions of thinner cartilage are associated with patellar tendon adhesion and may be responsible for initiating patellofemoral pain and knee joint structural damage observed following ACL reconstruction. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1168–1177, 2011
Survival of Antarctic Cryptoendolithic Fungi in Simulated Martian Conditions On Board the International Space Station.

UNLABELLED Dehydrated Antarctic cryptoendolithic communities and colonies of the rock inhabitant black fungi Cryomyces antarcticus (CCFEE 515) and Cryomyces minteri (CCFEE 5187) were exposed as part of the Lichens and Fungi Experiment (LIFE) for 18 months in the European Space Agency's EXPOSE-E facility to simulated martian conditions aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Upon sample retrieval, survival was proved by testing colony-forming ability, and viability of cells (as integrity of cell membrane) was determined by the propidium monoazide (PMA) assay coupled with quantitative PCR tests. Although less than 10% of the samples exposed to simulated martian conditions were able to proliferate and form colonies, the PMA assay indicated that more than 60% of the cells and rock communities had remained intact after the "Mars exposure. " Furthermore, a high stability of the DNA in the cells was demonstrated. The results contribute to assessing the stability of resistant microorganisms and biosignatures on the surface of Mars, data that are valuable information for further search-for-life experiments on Mars. KEY WORDS Endoliths-Eukaryotes-Extremophilic microorganisms-Mars-Radiation resistance.
Health literacy predicts cardiac knowledge gains in cardiac rehabilitation participants

Objective: Health literacy is increasingly recognised as a potentially important patient characteristic related to patient education efforts. We evaluated whether health literacy would predict gains in knowledge after completion of patient education in cardiac rehabilitation. Method: This was a re-post observational analysis study design based on Summa Health System’s Phase-II cardiac rehabilitation programme in Akron, Ohio, USA. The Medical Term Recognition Test, the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults, and the Newest Vital Sign were administered to 191 patients enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation between May 2010–April 2011. The Cardiac Knowledge Assessment Tool is routinely administered at the beginning and prior to discharge from cardiac rehabilitation. Consent was obtained in order to access patients’ cardiac rehabilitation medical chart for information such as age and education level. Results: Participants were 72% men with a mean of 66.4 years of age, and with an average level of education of 13.7 years. Health literacy was strongly related to cardiac knowledge at both the beginning and end of cardiac rehabilitation (r=0.46, p<0.001; r=0.41, p<0.001). Controlling for cardiac knowledge at the beginning of cardiac rehabilitation, health literacy predicted gains in cardiac knowledge at the end of cardiac rehabilitation (p<0.01). Conclusion: Health literacy can be used to predict gains in knowledge from patient education programming in cardiac rehabilitation. Health literacy screening may help to identify those who may struggle with patient-education portions of cardiac rehabilitation or who may need additional education to reach a desired knowledge level.
Nanostructured DPA‐MPC‐DPA triblock copolymer gel for controlled drug release of ketoprofen and spironolactone

Uncontrolled rapid release of drugs can reduce their therapeutic efficacy and cause undesirable toxicity; however, controlled release from reservoir materials helps overcome this issue. The aims of this study were to determine the release profiles of ketoprofen and spironolactone from a pH‐responsive self‐assembling DPA‐MPC‐DPA triblock copolymer gel and elucidate underlying physiochemical properties.
Intestinal permeability in preterm infants by feeding type: mother's milk versus formula.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Intestinal permeability in preterm infants represents a critical balance between absorption of nutritional agents and protection from dangerous pathogens. This study identified the relationship between feeding type (human milk and formula) and intestinal permeability as measured by lactulose to mannitol ratio in preterm infants in the first postnatal month. STUDY DESIGN Sixty-two preterm (<or=32 weeks of gestation) infants had assessment of feeding type and evaluation with enteral lactulose and mannitol administration and urinary measurement at three time points in the first postnatal month. RESULTS Infants who received the majority of feeding as human milk (>75%) demonstrated significantly lower intestinal permeability when compared to infants receiving minimal or no human milk (<25% or none) at postnatal days 7, 14, and 30 (p = 0.02, 0.02, and 0.047, respectively). When infants receiving any human milk were compared to infants receiving formula only, a significant difference existed at day 7 and day 14 but not for day 30 (p = 0.04, 0.02, and 0.15, respectively). With evaluation over the complete study period, exclusively formula-fed infants demonstrated a 2.8-fold higher composite median lactulose/mannitol ratio when compared with those who received any human milk. Infants who received >75% of enteral feeding as mother's milk demonstrated a 3.8-fold lower composite median ratio when compared to infants receiving <25% or no mother's milk. CONCLUSION Preterm infant intestinal permeability was significantly decreased for those receiving human milk versus formula in a dose-related manner in the first postnatal month.
Melatonin‐enhanced autophagy protects against neural apoptosis via a mitochondrial pathway in early brain injury following a subarachnoid hemorrhage

Melatonin is a strong antioxidant that has beneficial effects against early brain injury (EBI) following a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in rats; protection includes reduced mortality and brain water content. The molecular mechanisms underlying these clinical effects in the SAH model, however, have not been clearly identified. This study was undertaken to determine the influence of melatonin on neural apoptosis and the potential mechanism of these effects in EBI following SAH using the filament perforation model of SAH in male Sprague Dawley rats. Melatonin (150 mg/kg) or vehicle was given via an intraperitoneal injection 2 hr after SAH induction. Brain samples were extracted 24 hr after SAH. The results show that melatonin treatment markedly reduced caspase‐3 activity and the number of TUNEL‐positive cells, while the treatment increased the LC3‐II/LC3‐I, an autophagy marker, which indicated that melatonin‐enhanced autophagy ameliorated apoptotic cell death in rats subjected to SAH. To further identify the mechanism of autophagy protection, we demonstrated that melatonin administration reduced Bax translocation to the mitochondria and the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol. Taken together, this report demonstrates that melatonin improved the neurological outcome in rats by protecting against neural apoptosis after the induction of filament perforation SAH; moreover, the mechanism of these antiapoptosis effects was related to the enhancement of autophagy, which ameliorated cell apoptosis via a mitochondrial pathway.
In vivo bioluminescence imaging of magnetically targeted bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells in skeletal muscle injury model

The purpose of this study is to clarify the kinetics of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in rat skeletal muscle injury model and the contribution of the magnetic cell delivery system to muscle injury repair. A magnetic field generator was used to apply an external magnetic force to the injury site of the tibia anterior muscle, and 1 × 106 MSCs labeled with ferucarbotran–protamine complexes, which were isolated from luciferase transgenic rats, were injected into the injury site. MSCs were injected with and without an external magnetic force (MSC M+ and MSC M− groups, respectively), and phosphate‐buffered saline was injected into injury sites as a control. In vivo bioluminescence imaging was performed immediately after the transplantation and, at 12, 24, and 72 h, and 1 and 4 weeks post‐transplantation. Also, muscle regeneration and function were histologically and electromechanically evaluated. In vivo bioluminescence imaging showed that the photon of the MSC M+ group was significantly higher than that of the MSC M− group throughout the observation period. In addition, muscle regeneration and function in the MSC M+ group was histologically and functionally better than that of the MSC M− group. The results of our study indicated that magnetic cell delivery system may be of use in directing the transplanted MSCs to the injury site to promote skeletal muscle regeneration. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 754–759, 2013
Salutary effects of melatonin combined with treadmill exercise on cartilage damage

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of disability in the adult population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of melatonin with graded dosage on extracellular matrix synthesis and cellular death in response to cartilage damage in vitro and in vivo. TNF‐α reduced the viability of primary cultured chondrocytes and extracellular matrix protein, but melatonin at concentrations of 1 μm and 1 nm restored them. Rats with knee instability induced by intra‐articular collagenase were used for the in vivo study. Joint parameters were significantly augmented in the collagenase injection‐only group but not in the melatonin‐alone or melatonin+exercise groups, as cartilage degeneration progressed. Serum TNF‐α and IL‐6 were upregulated by collagenase injection, which was attenuated by melatonin with and without exercise in the early phase. TGF‐β1 mRNA was either conserved or enhanced by melatonin with and without exercise at the early phase. In particular, melatonin combined with exercise dramatically decreased the expression of not only catabolic mediators but also cellular death markers with lower mineralization. At the advanced phase, prolonged melatonin treatment promoted mineralization through caspase‐3‐mediated chondrocyte apoptosis. However, co‐intervention induced extracellular matrix remodeling through increases in IL‐6, EPAS‐1, and MMP‐13. Reconstructed micro‐CT images showed that collagenase injection induced subchondral bone erosion, formation of parameniscal osteophytes, and reduction of trabecular bone thickness regardless of the intervention, which was minimized by combined intervention. In conclusion, we suggest that melatonin with treadmill exercise may have both preventive and synergistic effects on rescue from cartilage degeneration and is more effective in the initial phase.
Role of integrin‐linked kinase in osteosarcoma progression

Although integrin‐linked kinase (ILK) has been suggested to play a role in the tumorigenesis of a number of human epithelial carcinomas, little is known of its role in musculoskeletal sarcoma. The authors studied ILK expression by immunohistochemistry using osteosarcoma prechemotherapy specimens from 56 patients, and investigated the prognostic implications of the findings obtained. It was found that ILK overexpression was significantly correlated with the presence of distant metastasis (p = 0.008) and that it was an independent prognostic factor for both poor overall survival and poor event‐free survival (p = 0.015 and 0.010, respectively). During a transfection experiment conducted by transfecting osteosarcoma cells with ILK siRNA, VEGF concentrations were measured using an ELISA kit, and then compared with those of untransfected controls to evaluate its angiogenic effects. In addition, apoptotic percentages were measured by Annexin‐V flow cytometry, and invasive properties were evaluated by measuring the numbers of non‐migrating cells in a Boyden chamber. It was found that ILK downregulation significantly decreased angiogenesis, increased apoptosis, and decreased invasiveness of osteosarcoma cells. These results show that ILK is a promising prognostic factor in osteosarcoma and a novel potential therapeutic target for the treatment of osteosarcoma. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1668–1675, 2013
Measuring compliance with surgical antibiotic protocols: an intervention

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to measure compliance with agreed protocols for prophylactic antibiotics for five elective procedures: transurethral resection of the prostate, cholecystectomy, hysterectomy, joint arthroplasty and herniorrhaphy in two teaching hospitals.Design/methodology/approach – Compliance was measured during the pre and post intervention periods by reviewing medical records.Findings – Overall, compliance improved by 18 per cent (95 per cent CI: 12 per cent, 23 per cent) with greater improvements for transurethral resection of the prostate and hysterectomy, increasing by 27 per cent (95 per cent CI: 14 per cent, 40 per cent) and 24 per cent (95 per cent CI: 16 per cent, 32 per cent) respectively. Compliance remained low for cholecystectomy (17 per cent) and hysterectomy (25 per cent). Overall, the proportion of patients not receiving any prophylaxis where its use was indicated, declined by 6 per cent (95 per cent CI: 1 per cent, 11 per cent) from 23 per cent. The use of additiona.
Histone deacetylase inhibitors as potential therapeutic approaches for chordoma: An immunohistochemical and functional analysis

Chordomas are rare malignancies of the axial skeleton. Therapy is mainly restricted to surgery. This study investigates histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors as potential therapeutics for chordomas. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed using the HDAC 1–6 antibodies on 50 chordoma samples (34 primary tumors, 16 recurrences) from 44 patients (27 male, 17 female). Pan‐HDAC‐inhibitors Vorinostat (SAHA), Panobinostat (LBH‐589), and Belinostat (PXD101) were tested for their efficacy in the chordoma cell line MUG‐Chor1 via Western blot, cell cycle analysis, caspase 3/7 activity (MUG‐Chor1, UCh‐1), cleaved caspase‐3, and PARP cleavage. p‐Values below 0.05 were considered significant. IHC was negative for HDAC1, positive for HDAC2 in most (n = 36; 72%), and for HDACs 3–6 in all specimens available (n = 43; 86%). HDAC6 expression was strongest. SAHA and LBH‐589, but not PXD101 caused a significant increase of G2/M phase cells and of cleaved caspase‐3 (p = 0.0003, and p = 0.0014 after 72 h, respectively), and a peak of caspase 3/7 activity. PARP cleavage confirmed apoptosis. The presented chordoma series expressed HDACs 2–6 with strongest expression of HDAC6. SAHA and LBH‐589 significantly increased apoptosis and changed cell cycle distribution in vitro. HDAC‐inhibitors should be further evaluated as therapeutic options for chordoma. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1999–2005, 2013
Autologous solution protects bovine cartilage explants from IL‐1α‐ and TNFα‐induced cartilage degradation

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by deterioration of articular cartilage driven by an imbalance of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. To address the cartilage deterioration observed in OA, an autologous protein solution (APS) has been developed which has been shown to inhibit the production of destructive proteases and inflammatory cytokines from chondrocytes and monocytes, respectively. The purpose of this study was to determine the chondroprotective effect of APS on IL‐1α‐ or TNFα‐challenged bovine articular cartilage explants. Cartilage explants were cultured in the presence or absence of recombinant inflammatory cytokines, IL‐1α and TNFα. Explants under equivalent inflammatory conditions were pretreated with recombinant antagonists IL‐1ra, sTNF‐RI, or APS to measure their inhibition of matrix degradation. Explants were further evaluated with Safranin‐O, Masson's Trichrome, and Hematoxylin and Eosin histological staining. APS was more effective than recombinant antagonists in preventing cartilage matrix degradation and inhibited any measurable IL‐1α‐induced collagen release over a 21‐day culture period. APS treatment reduced the degree of Safranin‐O staining loss when cartilage explants were cultured with IL‐1α or TNFα. Micrographs of APS treated cartilage explants showed an increase in observed cellularity and apparent cell division. APS may have the potential to prevent cartilage loss associated with early OA. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1929–1935, 2013
The styloid process: Morphological variations in South Indian population

Context: The styloid process is a cylindrical bony outgrowth located in front of the stylomastoid foramen and it extends from the temporal bone outward. Elongation of the styloid process may be responsible for the irritation of a number of structures coursing through the parapharyngeal space. The styloid process presents with varied morphology. Aims: This is a study carried out to analyze the prevalence of various morphological patterns of the styloid process in South Indian population. Subjects and Methods: A total of 1200 digital panoramic radiographs were analyzed for the morphological assessment of the styloid process. The types and the pattern of calcification were determined based on the classification proposed by Langlais et al. Statistical Analysis Used: Cross tabulation using SPSS version 16. Results: Among the types of the styloid process, elongated type was the most common type present on both the sides. Among the patterns of calcification, completely calcified was the most common type observed, followed by calcified outline pattern. Conclusions: It is important for the clinicians to be aware of the variations seen in the morphological pattern of the styloid process as panoramic radiograph is a routine screening radiograph. Our study contributes to the literature, adding important information about the diversity of the styloid process in the South Indian population.
The new pattern of drug abuse in China

Purpose of review Drug abuse has resulted in a huge burden on public health and the economy in China. Since the reemergence of drug abuse in China in the 1980s, the number of drug addicts has increased dramatically, especially the proportion of users of synthetic drugs, such as amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS). Further, the proportion of opiate addicts has decreased among the new initiates. This review describes the new pattern of drug abuse and the resultant intervention strategy in China. Recent findings The demographics regarding drug abuse in China point to a trend of younger users, and indicate that Internet and telephone are facilitating drug trafficking. Furthermore, polydrug use is common. Many heroin addicts have used ATS and other synthetic drugs, and some synthetic drug abusers have used opiate drugs too. HIV infection and psychosis comorbidity are primarily associated with drug abuse in China. Summary Although opiate drug use and its associated harm have been controlled effectively in some areas, the synthetic drugs and new designer drugs have complicated the drug abuse scene. A national system of management and intervention for synthetic drugs and associated diseases urgently needs to be established in China.
Developing an eating disorder pathway: a case study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of an eating disorder care pathway for adults with eating disorders, in a northern borough town. It arose out of a need to reduce and address inconsistent access to services and treatment pathways. Design/methodology/approach – The development involved a mapping exercise of current service delivery, a review of the literature on eating disorder care pathways, consultation workshops, the engagement of service users and carers, and the development of draft pathways for patients and carers. Findings – Significant emphasis was on raising awareness, prevention, identification and assessment, treatment and recovery. Two pathways were proposed, one for service users focusing on awareness raising/prevention, identification and assessment, treatment, stabilisation and relapse prevention and one for carers/families focusing on carers being identifiable in their own right to receive support for caring for someone with an eating disorder. Research lim.
Melatonin attenuates neuronal apoptosis through up‐regulation of K+–Cl− cotransporter KCC2 expression following traumatic brain injury in rats

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) initiates a complex cascade of neurochemical and signaling changes that leads to neuronal apoptosis, which contributes to poor outcomes for patients with TBI. The neuron‐specific K+–Cl− cotransporter‐2 (KCC2), the principal Cl− extruder in adult neurons, plays an important role in Cl− homeostasis and neuronal function. This present study was designed to investigate the expression pattern of KCC2 following TBI and to evaluate whether or not melatonin is able to prevent neuronal apoptosis by modulating KCC2 expression in a Sprague Dawley rat controlled cortical impact model of TBI. The time course study showed decreased mRNA and protein expression of KCC2 in the ipsilateral peri‐core parietal cortex after TBI. Double immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that KCC2 is located in the plasma membrane of neurons. In addition, melatonin (10 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally at 5 minutes and repeated at 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after brain trauma, and brain samples were extracted 24 hours after TBI. Compared to the vehicle group, melatonin treatment altered the down‐regulation of KCC2 expression in both mRNA and protein levels after TBI. Also, melatonin treatment increased the protein levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (p‐ERK). Simultaneously, melatonin administration ameliorated cortical neuronal apoptosis, reduced brain edema, and attenuated neurological deficits after TBI. In conclusion, our findings suggested that melatonin restores KCC2 expression, inhibits neuronal apoptosis and attenuates secondary brain injury after TBI, partially through activation of BDNF/ERK pathway.