Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mobile App for Monitoring 3-Month Postoperative Functional Outcome After Hip Fracture: Usability Study

Background As a result of an aging population, there has been an increasing incidence of hip fractures worldwide. In the Netherlands, in order to improve the quality of care for elderly patients with hip fractures, the multidisciplinary Centre for Geriatric Traumatology was established in 2008 at the Department of Trauma Surgery at Ziekenhuisgroep Twente hospital (located in Almelo and Hengelo in the Netherlands). Objective Though the Dutch Hip Fracture audit is used to monitor the quality of care for patients with fractures of the hip, only 30.7% of patients complete registration in the 3-month follow-up period. Mobile apps offer an opportunity for improvement in this area. The aim of this study was to investigate the usability and acceptance of a mobile app for gathering indicators of quality of care in a 3-month follow-up period after postoperative treatment of hip fracture. Methods From July 2017 to December 2017, patients who underwent surgical treatment for hip fracture were recruited. Patients and caregivers, who were collectively considered the participant cohort, were asked to download the app and answer a questionnaire. Participants were divided into two groups—those who downloaded the app and those who did not download the app. A telephone interview that was based upon the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology was conducted with a subset of participants from each group (1:1 ratio). This study was designated as not being subject to the Dutch Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act according to the appropriate medical research ethics committees. Results Of the patients and caregivers who participated, 26.4% (29/110) downloaded the app, whereas 73.6% (81/110) did not. Telephone interviews with the subset of participants (n=24 per group) revealed that 54.0% (13/24) of the group of participants who did not download the app had forgotten the study. Among the group who downloaded the app, 95.8% (23/24) had the intention of completing the questionnaire, but only 4.2% (1/24) did so. The reasons for not completing the questionnaire included technical problems, cognitive disorders, or patient dependency on caregivers. Most participants in the group who downloaded the app self-reported a high level of expertise in using a smartphone (22/24, 91.7%), and sufficient facilitating conditions for using a smartphone were self-reported in both groups (downloaded the app: 23/24, 95.8%; did not download the app: 21/24, 87.5%), suggesting that these factors were not barriers to completion. Conclusions Despite self-reported intention to use the app, smartphone expertise, and sufficient facilitating conditions for smartphone use, implementation of the mobile app was infeasible for daily practice. This was due to a combination of technical problems, factors related to the implementation process, and the population of interest having cognitive disorders or a dependency on caregivers for mobile technology.
Omentin-1 promotes mitochondrial biogenesis via PGC1α-AMPK pathway in chondrocytes

Abstract Objective Omentin-1 is a newly discovered metabolic regulatory adipokine. Studies have shown that omentin-1 possesses pleiotropic effects in different types of cells. This study aims to investigate the regulation by omentin-1 on mitochondrial biogenesis in chondrocytes. Methodology C-28/I2 chondrocytes were treated with omentin-1 (150 and 300 ng/ml) for 24 h. The expression of mitochondrial regulators, markers and the DNA copy was assessed. The mitochondrial morphology was observed by electron microscopy. The mitochondrial respiratory rate and ATP production in chondrocytes were measured by cell lysates. Results Omentin-1 treatment up-regulated PGC-1α, NRF-1 and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) in cultured chondrocytes, indicating that omentin-1 could be involved in the regulation of mitochondrial function. Omentin-1 promoted mtDNA/nDNA and four mitochondrial genes (Tomm20, Tomm40, Timm9 and Atp5c1), mRNA transcripts as well as two mitochondrial protein expressions (SDHB and MTCO1). At a cellular level, omentin-1 enhanced the mitochondrial respiratory rate and ATP production. Mechanistically, we proved that omentin-1 increased AMPKα activation, and the blockage of AMPKα by its inhibitor compound C abolished the inductive effect of omentin-1 on PGC1α expression and mtDNA/nDNA ratio, indicating that the effect of omentin-1 is dependent on AMPKα activation. Conclusion Omentin-1 is a positive regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis in chondrocytes, and its action is dependent on the AMPK-PGC1α pathway. This study, therefore, implies that omentin-1 has the potential to remedy chondrocyte damage in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis.
Emotion Recognition in Immersive Virtual Reality: From Statistics to Affective Computing

Emotions play a critical role in our daily lives, so the understanding and recognition of emotional responses is crucial for human research. Affective computing research has mostly used non-immersive two-dimensional (2D) images or videos to elicit emotional states. However, immersive virtual reality, which allows researchers to simulate environments in controlled laboratory conditions with high levels of sense of presence and interactivity, is becoming more popular in emotion research. Moreover, its synergy with implicit measurements and machine-learning techniques has the potential to impact transversely in many research areas, opening new opportunities for the scientific community. This paper presents a systematic review of the emotion recognition research undertaken with physiological and behavioural measures using head-mounted displays as elicitation devices. The results highlight the evolution of the field, give a clear perspective using aggregated analysis, reveal the current open issues and provide guidelines for future research.
Coping and Social Adjustment in Pediatric Oncology: From Diagnosis to 12 Months.

OBJECTIVE Children diagnosed with cancer experience stress associated with their diagnosis and treatment and are at heightened risk for problems in social adjustment. This study investigated the association between coping with cancer-related stress and problems in social adjustment across the first year after a pediatric cancer diagnosis. METHODS Mothers of children (ages 5-17 years) with cancer (N = 312) were recruited from two children's hospitals. Mother's reported on their child's social adjustment and coping near diagnosis (T1) and 12 months (T2). RESULTS Primary, secondary control, and disengagement coping were significantly associated with concurrent social adjustment at 12 months. The bivariate associations between baseline primary and secondary control coping and social problems 12 months later were no longer significant in a multivariate regression model. CONCLUSIONS These findings inform our understanding of the association between coping with cancer-related stress and social adjustment of children diagnosed with cancer. Interventions teaching primary and secondary control coping strategies for cancer-related stressors may offer some benefit to concurrent youth social adjustment. Further research is needed on how best to support social adjustment in this population over time.
Deformable registration and region-of-interest image reconstruction in sparse repeat CT scanning.

BACKGROUND Repeat CT scanning is ubiquitous in many clinical situations, e.g. to follow disease progression, to evaluate treatment efficacy, and to monitor interventional CT procedures. However, it incurs in cumulative radiation to the patient which can be significantly reduced by using a region of interest (ROI) and the existing baseline scan. OBJECTIVE To obtain a high-quality reconstruction of a ROI with a significantly reduced X-ray radiation dosage that accounts for deformations. METHODS We present a new method for deformable registration and image reconstruction inside an ROI in repeat CT scans with a highly reduced X-ray radiation dose based on sparse scanning. Our method uses the existing baseline scan data, a user-defined ROI, and a new sparse repeat scan to compute a high-quality repeat scan ROI image with a significantly reduced radiation dose. Our method first performs rigid registration between the densely scanned baseline and the sparsely scanned repeat CT scans followed by deformable registration with a low-order parametric model, both in 3D Radon space and without reconstructing the repeat scan image. It then reconstructs the repeat scan ROI without computing the entire repeat scan image. RESULTS Our experimental results on clinical lung and liver CT scans yield a mean × 14 computation speedup and a × 7.6-12.5 radiation dose reduction, with a minor image quality loss of 0.0157 in the NRMSE metric. CONCLUSION Our method is considerably faster than existing methods, thereby enabling intraoperative online repeat scanning that it is accurate and accounts for position, deformation, and structure changes at a fraction of the radiation dose required by existing methods.
Activation of β‐catenin by TGF‐β1 promotes ligament‐fibroblastic differentiation and inhibits cementoblastic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells

TGF‐β and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathways are known to be essential for the development of periodontal tissue. In this study, we examined the crosstalk between TGF‐β and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in ligament‐fibroblastic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs). TGF‐β1 treatment significantly increased the expression of ligament‐fibroblastic markers, but such expression was preventing by treatment with SB431542, a TGF‐β type I receptor inhibitor. As well as phosphorylation of Smad3, TGF‐β1 increased β‐catenin activation. The depletion of β‐catenin reduced the expression of ligament‐fibroblastic markers, suggesting that β‐catenin is essential for ligament differentiation. The effect of TGF‐β1 on β‐catenin activation did not seem to be much correlated with Wnt stimuli, but endogenous DKK1 was suppressed by TGF‐β1, indicating that β‐catenin activation could be increased much more by TGF‐β1. In addition to DKK1 suppression, Smad3 phosphorylation by TGF‐β1 facilitated the nuclear translocation of cytoplasmic β‐catenin. In contrast to ligament‐fibroblastic differentiation, inhibition of TGF‐β1 signaling was needed for cementoblastic differentiation of hPDLCs. BMP7 treatment accompanied by inhibition of TGF‐β1 signaling had a synergistic effect on cementoblastic differentiation. In conclusion, β‐catenin activation by TGF‐β1 caused ligament‐fibroblastic differentiation of hPDLCs, and the presence of TGF‐β1 stimuli basically determined whether hPDLCs are differentiated into ligament progenitor or cementoblasts.
Medicare Utilization and Reimbursement for Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: A National Analysis From 2012-2017.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study OBJECTIVE. : This study seeks to identify recent trends in utilization and reimbursements of these procedures between 2012-7, a period which experienced a change in national guideline recommendations for these procedures. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Minimally-invasive vertebral augmentation procedures, including vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, have been typically reserved for fractures associated with refractory pain, deformity, or progressive neurological symptoms. However, controversy exists regarding the safety and effectiveness of these procedures, in particular vertebroplasty. METHODS Annual Medicare claims and payments to surgeons were aggregated at the county level to assess regional trends. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression models were used to evaluate trends in procedure volume, utilization rates, and reimbursement rates, and to examine associations between county-specific variables and outcome variables. RESULTS A total of 24,316 vertebroplasties and 138,778 kyphoplasties were performed in the Medicare population between 2012-17. Annual vertebroplasty volume fell by 48.0% from 5,744 procedures in 2012 to 2,987 in 2017, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -12.3%. Annual kyphoplasty volume also declined by 12.7% (CAGR -2.7%), from 24,986 in 2012 to 21,681 in 2017. Surgeon reimbursements for vertebral augmentation procedures increased by a weighted average of 93.7% (inflation-adjusted increase of 78.2%) between 2012 and 2017, which was primarily driven by a dramatic 113.3% (inflation-adjusted increase of 96.2%) increase in mean reimbursements for kyphoplasty procedures from an average of $895 to $1,764, between 2012 and 2017, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This large national Medicare database study found that vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedure volume and utilization of both procedures have declined significantly. While average reimbursements to surgeons for vertebroplasties have significantly declined, payments for kyphoplasty procedures have risen significantly. Although vertebroplasty volume has significantly decreased, it is still being performed and being reimbursed for, in spite of its controversial role in its treatment of vertebral fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
Visual classification of running economy by distance running coaches

Abstract Objectives: This study assessed the ability of coaches to rank-order distance runners on running economy (RE) through visual assessment. Methods: Running economy was measured in five trained recreational distance runners at a speed of 3.57 m·s−1, with a minimum VO2 difference of 2-mL.kg−1.min−1 between adjacent runners. Following measurement of RE, participants were filmed from the front, side, and rear while running on a treadmill. Endurance coaches from high school to international level (N = 121) viewed each video and ranked the runners on a scale from 1 (most economical) to 5 (least economical). Coaches also completed a demographic questionnaire and listed running style biomechanical observations they used in determining each ranking. A cumulative odds ordinal logistic regression with proportional odds was run to determine the effect of coaching level, years of coaching experience, years of training experience, competition level, certification status, and education level, on the ability of distance running coaching to accurately rank RE among a group of runners. Results: No coaching characteristic was a significant predictor of ranking accuracy, χ 2 = 3.566, p = . 735. Conclusions: Visual assessment of effort, based on RE, is a difficult task, even for the trained eye and could be related to difficulty in understanding the interaction effect of various RE factors or the translation of scientific-based knowledge to the field of play. Practically, coaches should be cautious when recommending biomechanical adjustments without considering the interconnected factors related to such changes.
Combining kinase inhibitors for optimally co‐targeting cancer and drug escape by exploitation of drug target promiscuities

Cancers resist targeted therapeutics by drug‐escape signaling. Multitarget drugs co‐targeting cancer and drug‐escape mediators (DEMs) are clinically advantageous. DEM coverage may be expanded by drug combinations. This work evaluated to what extent the kinase DEMs (KDEMs) can be optimally co‐targeted by drug combinations based on target promiscuities of individual drugs. We focused on 41 approved and 28 clinical trial small molecule kinase inhibitor drugs with available experimental kinome and clinical pharmacokinetic data. From the kinome inhibitory profiles of these drugs, drug combinations were assembled for optimally co‐targeting an established cancer target (EGFR, HER2, ABL1, or MEK1) and 9–16 target‐associated KDEMs at comparable potency levels as that against the cancer target. Each set of two‐, three‐, and four‐drug combinations co‐target 36–71%, 44–89%, 50–88%, and 27–55% KDEMs of EGFR, HER2, ABL1, and MEK1, respectively, compared with the 36, 33, 38, and 18% KDEMs maximally co‐targeted by an existing drug or drug combination approved or clinically tested for the respective cancer. Some co‐targeted KDEMs are not covered by any existing drug or drug combination. Our work suggested that novel drug combinations may be constructed for optimally co‐targeting cancer and drug escape by the exploitation of drug target promiscuities.
"A cadaveric study of the buccal fat pad: implications for closure of palatal fistulae and donor site morbidity."

INTRODUCTION For the cleft surgeon, palatal fistulae after cleft palate repair remain a difficult problem with a paucity of local tissue options to aid closure. Small clinical series have described the use of the buccal fat pad flap (BFPF) to repair palatal fistulae; however, there is no literature detailing the anatomical coverage of the flap. This study delineates the anatomy of the BFPF to guide surgeons in patient selection and examines the residual buccal fat after flap harvest to provide new information as to possible effects on the donor site. METHODS BFPFs were raised in 30 hemi-cadavers. The reach of the flap across the midline, anteriorly and posteriorly was recorded. In 18 hemi-cadavers the entire BFP was then exposed to determine the effects of flap harvest on movement and volume of the residual fat. RESULTS All BFPFs provided coverage from the soft palate to the posterior 1/3 of the hard palate and all cross the midline. Approximately ¾ flaps would cover the mid-hard palate. The flap comprises 36% of the total BFP on average and a series of retaining ligaments was identified that may prevent over-resection. CONCLUSION The BFPF is a useful tool for coverage of fistulae in the soft palate to the posterior 1/3 of the hard palate. In most cases it will also reach the middle 1/3, however, it is not suitable for more anterior defects. On average 2/3 of the BFP remains within the cheek after flap harvest which may protect against unwanted alteration in aesthetics.
Cloning and nucleotide sequence analysis of xylose reductase (XR) gene from thermotolerant methylotrophic yeast Ogataea siamensis N22

The xylose reductase (XR) gene from thermotolerant methylotrophic yeast isolated in Thailand, Ogataea siamensis N22, was isolated using specific primers designed from the conserved regions of various yeast XR genes. A partial XR gene of O. siamensis N22, was obtained as a 516 bp PCR product and the deduced amino acid sequence showed 74% identity to aldose reductase gene of Candida boidinii and and 67% identity to xylose reductase gene of Kluyveromyces lactis and Pichia guilliermondii . The 1-3 kb fragments of digested genomic DNA of O. siamensis N22 was cloned and transformed into Escherichia coli . The recombinant plasmid containing the partial nucleotide sequence of XR gene was obtained using PCR screening. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the partial O. siamensis N22 XR gene revealed 678 bp encoding 226 amino acids which showed 72% identity to aldose reductase from Candida boidinii and 69% identity to xylose reductase from Pichia guilliermondii . This is the first report on xylose reductase gene of O. siamensis N22.
Topological difference between target and flankers alleviates crowding effect

In the crowding effect, object recognition in the periphery deteriorates when other items flank the target, especially if they share similarities. Here, we report that the similarity defined by topological property (differences in number of holes) influences the crowding effect. Orientation discrimination tasks suggested that the crowding effect was weaker with a topological different (TD) flanker than a topological equivalent (TE) flanker and an existing inward-outward anisotropy phenomenon. In another experiment, both an outer and an inner flanker were used to constitute four different conditions. The performance of an outer TD flanker and an inner TE flanker was superior to that of an outer TE flanker and an inner TD flanker, even though the items of the stimuli were the same. Different stimuli were used to control for local features. To eliminate the possible explanation of confusability, we selected pairs of letters with matched confusability, but one pair was TD and another was TE. The letter identification performance was better for the TD condition. Lastly, we investigated the digit identification under four conditions with varied spacing. Regardless of different spacing, the crowding effect was reduced by a topological different flanker. The results collectively suggest that topological property plays a role in the perceptual grouping, which modulates the crowding effect.
Systematic review of frameworks used to conceptualise health pathways of individuals diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases

The treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is managed inadequately globally. Theoretically informed frameworks have the potential to account for the multiple elements which constitute the CVD patient pathway, and capture their inter-relationships and processes of change. However, a review and critique of such frameworks is currently lacking. This systematic review aims to identify and critically assess frameworks of access to and utilisation of care which capture the pathways of patients diagnosed with one or more CVDs. The specific objectives are to (1) review how existing frameworks have been used and adapted to capture CVD patient pathways and (2) draw on elements of Strong Structuration Theory to critically appraise them, in terms of their ability to capture the dynamics of the patient journey and the factors that influence it. Five bibliographic databases were searched in January 2019. We included qualitative and quantitative studies containing frameworks used to capture the patient pathway of individuals with CVD, encompassing symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and long-term management. Data on patient behaviour and structural factors were interpreted according to elements of Strong Structuration Theory to assess frameworks on their ability to capture a holistic patient journey. The search yielded 15 articles. The majority were quantitative and all focused on management of CVDs, primarily hypertension. Commonly used frameworks included the common-sense self-regulation model, transtheoretical model and theory of planned behaviour. A critique drawing on elements of Strong Structuration Theory revealed these frameworks narrowly focused on patient attributes (patient beliefs/attitudes) and resulting patient action, but neglected external structures that interacted with these to produce particular outcomes, which results in an individualistic and linear view of the patient pathway. We suggest that a framework informed by Strong Structuration Theory is sufficiently flexible to examine the patient pathway, while avoiding a strict linear view facilitated by other frameworks.