Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Epley Maneuver on Quality of Life of Elderly Patients with Subjective BPPV

I have read with great interest the article titled “Efficacy of Epley Maneuver on Quality of Life of Elderly Patients with Subjective BPPV” in the December 2019 issue of The Journal of International Advanced Otology (15(3): 420-4) by Uzdan Uz et al [1] . However, I do not agree with some of the suggestions included, and some points are unclear. The authors defined their treatment group as patients treated with Epley maneuver bilaterally. I do not agree with this treatment. Balatsouras et al. [2] described the criteria for diagnosis of subjective BPPV as (1) history of repeated brief episodes of vertigo with changes in head position; (2) vertigo provoked by the Dix-Hallpike or the supine roll test; (3) absence of any detectable nystagmus by naked-eye examination during and after the provoking maneuvers; (4) duration of the disease for at least 1 month with no signs of recent im-provement; and (5) absence of evidence of any other vestibular disease. They observed that the vertigo was unilaterally or bilaterally provoked during the Dix-Hallpike test or the supine rolling test, which means involvement of the associated canal. Subsequently, for the treatment, a repositioning maneuver was performed for the relevant channel [2] . Also Jung and Kim [3] explained in their study that the patients were treated using repositioning maneuver appropriate for their type of BPPV and associated canal. I believe that the affected side should be determined with the Dix-Hallpike test (the authors declared that all the patients underwent the bilateral supine roll test to exclude horizontal canal BPPV) and then Epley maneuver should be performed to the affected side. If vertigo could not provoked by the Dix-Hallpike
PP7L is essential for MAIL1-mediated TE silencing and primary root growth.

The two paralogous Arabidopsis genes MAINTENANCE OF MERISTEMS (MAIN) and MAINTENANCE OF MERISTEMS LIKE1 (MAIL1) encode a conserved retrotransposon-related plant mobile domain and are known to be required for silencing of transposable elements (TE) and for primary root development. Loss of function of either MAIN or MAIL1 leads to release of heterochromatic TEs, reduced condensation of pericentromeric heterochromatin, cell death of meristem cells and growth arrest of the primary root soon after germination. Here, we show that they act in one protein complex that also contains the inactive isoform of PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE 7 (PP7), which is named PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE 7-LIKE (PP7L). PP7L was previously shown to be important for chloroplast biogenesis and efficient chloroplast protein synthesis. We show that loss of PP7L function leads to the same root growth phenotype as loss of MAIL1 or MAIN. In addition, pp7l mutants show similar silencing defects. Double mutant analyses confirmed that the three proteins act in the same molecular pathway. The primary root growth arrest, which is associated with cell death of stem cells and their daughter cells, is a consequence of genome instability. Our data demonstrate so far unrecognized functions of an inactive phosphatase isoform in a protein complex that is essential for silencing of heterochromatic elements and for maintenance of genome stability in dividing cells.
Crystal structures of an unmodified bacterial tRNA reveal intrinsic structural flexibility and plasticity as general properties of unbound tRNAs

Ubiquitous across all domains of life, tRNAs constitute an essential component of cellular physiology, carry out an indispensable role in protein synthesis, and have been historically the subject of a wide range of biochemical and biophysical studies as prototypical folded RNA molecules. Although conformational flexibility is a well-established characteristic of tRNA structure, it is typically regarded as an adaptive property exhibited in response to an inducing event, such as the binding of a tRNA synthetase or the accommodation of an aminoacyl-tRNA into the ribosome. In this study, we present crystallographic data of a tRNA molecule to expand on this paradigm by showing that structural flexibility and plasticity are intrinsic properties of tRNAs, apparent even in the absence of other factors. Based on two closely related conformations observed within the same crystal, we posit that unbound tRNAs by themselves are flexible and dynamic molecules. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the formation of the T-loop conformation by the tRNA TΨC stem–loop, a well-characterized and classic RNA structural motif, is possible even in the absence of important interactions observed in fully folded tRNAs.
Quantifying koala locomotion strategies: implications for the evolution of arborealism in marsupials

ABSTRACT The morphology and locomotor performance of a species can determine their inherent fitness within a habitat type. Koalas have an unusual morphology for marsupials, with several key adaptations suggested to increase stability in arboreal environments. We quantified the kinematics of their movement over ground and along narrow arboreal trackways to determine the extent to which their locomotion resembled that of primates, occupying similar niches, or basal marsupials from which they evolved. On the ground, the locomotion of koalas resembled a combination of marsupial behaviours and primate-like mechanics. For example, their fastest strides were bounding type gaits with a top speed of 2.78 m s−1 (mean 1.20 m s−1), resembling marsupials, while the relatively longer stride length was reflective of primate locomotion. Speed was increased using equal modification of stride length and frequency. On narrow substrates, koalas took longer but slower strides (mean 0.42 m s−1), adopting diagonally coupled gaits including both lateral and diagonal sequence gaits, the latter being a strategy distinctive among arboreal primates. The use of diagonally coupled gaits in the arboreal environment is likely only possible because of the unique gripping hand morphology of both the fore and hind feet of koalas. These results suggest that during ground locomotion, they use marsupial-like strategies but alternate to primate-like strategies when moving amongst branches, maximising stability in these environments. The locomotion strategies of koalas provide key insights into an independent evolutionary branch for an arboreal specialist, highlighting how locomotor strategies can convergently evolve between distant lineages. Highlighted Article: Koalas possess a unique morphology for a marsupial; examination of their locomotion is used to determine the extent to which they have converged with other arboreal mammals such as primates.
Thermo-Responsive Polymer Brushes with Side Graft Chains: Relationship Between Molecular Architecture and Underwater Adherence

During the last few decades, wet adhesives have been developed for applications in various fields. Nonetheless, key questions such as the most suitable polymer architecture as well as the most suitable chemical composition remain open. In this article, we investigate the underwater adhesion properties of novel responsive polymer brushes with side graft chain architecture prepared using “grafting through” approach on flat surfaces. The incorporation in the backbone of thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) allowed us to obtain LCST behavior in the final layers. PNIPAm is co-polymerized with poly(methyl ethylene phosphate) (PMEP), a poloyphosphoester. The final materials are characterized studying the surface-grafted polymer as well as the polymer from the bulk solution, and pure PNIPAm brush is used as reference. PNIPAm-g-PMEP copolymers retain the responsive behavior of PNIPAm: when T > LCST, a clear switching of properties is observed. More specifically, all layers above the critical temperature show collapse of the chains, increased hydrophobicity and variation of the surface charge even if no ionizable groups are present. Secondly, effect of adhesion parameters such as debonding rate and contact time is studied. Thirdly, the reversibility of the adhesive properties is confirmed by performing adhesion cycles. Finally, the adhesive properties of the layers are studied below and above the LCST against hydrophilic and hydrophobic substrates.
Is there a pre-retrieval serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) threshold level for prediction of subsequent retrieval outcomes and pregnancy in fresh ICSI cycles?

Abstract Modern ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) cycles’ outcomes are difficult to predict. Whether human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) or luteinizing hormone (LH) serum levels 24 h prior to oocyte retrieval are correlated with retrieval and subsequent cycle results is unclear. An observational historic cohort study of 645 fresh ICSI cycles was conducted. After controlled oocyte stimulation, and 10–12 h after a self-administered trigger, serum levels of hCG (hCG trigger n = 563) and LH (GnRHa trigger n = 82) were measured. Correlations between pre-retrieval hormone levels and cycle results were assessed. No correlation (p > .12) was found between serum pre-retrieval hCG levels or LH levels (in GnRHa-triggered cycles) and total oocytes, M2, M1 + M2 or oocyte maturity rates (OMR) for any of the stimulation protocols. ROC (receiver operator curve) analysis for fertilization rates showed a possible cutoff for LH levels. Pregnancy rates (PR) were higher in rising hCG groups; a cutoff of 117 IU/L was associated with an increase in PR (30.9% to 45.6%) and a moderate sensitivity and specificity (60.6% and 55.0%). However, HCG was not predictive of pregnancy in a logistic regression model. We conclude that preretrieval hCG serum levels are not useful for pre-retrieval estimation of aspiration results but might have a role in prediction of pregnancy.
The lived experience of young Australian adults with type 1 diabetes

ABSTRACT The purpose of the research was to explore the challenges, frustrations and experiences faced by young Australian adults with type 1 diabetes. We focused on the navigation of health behaviours (e.g. eating out, consuming alcohol, physical activity), which impact blood glucose levels, posing particular challenges for people with type 1 diabetes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 young adults with type 1 diabetes, between May and August 2016. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and coded using thematic analysis. Participants reported that the experience of type 1 diabetes made simple things complicated and involved constant vigilance and control. Difficult experiences in social situations were also mentioned; participants felt that their privacy was often threatened, that people voiced misunderstandings about type 1 diabetes, and that members of the public often judge and critique their health behaviours or lifestyle choices. Simple behaviours like eating out with friends, responsible alcohol consumption, and engaging in physical activity pose particular challenges for young people with type 1 diabetes. Public education may reduce stigma and improve health behaviour.
Large Fecal Reservoir of Escherichia coli Sequence Type 131-H30 Subclone Strains that Are Shared within Households and Resemble Clinical ST131-H30 Isolates.

BACKGROUND Emerging antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli represent mainly the nested (fluoroquinolone-resistant [FQR]) H30R and H30Rx subclones within sequence type 131 (ST131). Intestinal colonization and within-household transmission may underlie H30R's emergence. METHODS We screened fecal samples from 741 volunteers (383 veterans, 358 household members [including pets]) for ST131 and FQR E. coli (FQREC) and used molecular profiling to resolve unique strains. Selected strains underwent PCR-based detection of phylogroups, sequence types (STs), H30, H30Rx, and 53 virulence genes (VGs). Within-household strain sharing was compared with household, host, and bacterial characteristics. Fecal isolates were compared with clinical isolates. RESULTS Colonization prevalence was 5.1% for H30R, 8% for ST131 (67% FQREC), and 10% for FQREC (52% ST131). ST131 isolates exhibited more VGs than non-ST131 isolates. Strain sharing (27% of multi-subject households, 18% of corresponding subjects) was associated with the elderly, FQREC, H30R, H30Rx, ST73, and specific VGs. Fecal ST131 and FQREC isolates resembled contemporaneous and historical clinical isolates according to all studied traits. CONCLUSIONS Veterans and their human household members commonly carry and extensively share FQREC, predominantly H30R, thereby likely facilitating the ST131 pandemic. Strain sharing corresponds with multiple bacterial characteristics, including FQ resistance and specific VGs, which may promote intestinal colonization and/or host-to-host transmission.
Multimodal Approach for Emotion Recognition Based on Simulated Flight Experiments

The present work tries to fill part of the gap regarding the pilots’ emotions and their bio-reactions during some flight procedures such as, takeoff, climbing, cruising, descent, initial approach, final approach and landing. A sensing architecture and a set of experiments were developed, associating it to several simulated flights (Nflights=13) using the Microsoft Flight Simulator Steam Edition (FSX-SE). The approach was carried out with eight beginner users on the flight simulator (Npilots=8). It is shown that it is possible to recognize emotions from different pilots in flight, combining their present and previous emotions. The cardiac system based on Heart Rate (HR), Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) and Electroencephalography (EEG), were used to extract emotions, as well as the intensities of emotions detected from the pilot face. We also considered five main emotions: happy, sad, angry, surprise and scared. The emotion recognition is based on Artificial Neural Networks and Deep Learning techniques. The Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) were the main methods used to measure the quality of the regression output models. The tests of the produced output models showed that the lowest recognition errors were reached when all data were considered or when the GSR datasets were omitted from the model training. It also showed that the emotion surprised was the easiest to recognize, having a mean RMSE of 0.13 and mean MAE of 0.01; while the emotion sad was the hardest to recognize, having a mean RMSE of 0.82 and mean MAE of 0.08. When we considered only the higher emotion intensities by time, the most matches accuracies were between 55% and 100%.
Quantitative Analysis of Gas Phase IR Spectra Based on Extreme Learning Machine Regression Model

Advanced chemometric analysis is required for rapid and reliable determination of physical and/or chemical components in complex gas mixtures. Based on infrared (IR) spectroscopic/sensing techniques, we propose an advanced regression model based on the extreme learning machine (ELM) algorithm for quantitative chemometric analysis. The proposed model makes two contributions to the field of advanced chemometrics. First, an ELM-based autoencoder (AE) was developed for reducing the dimensionality of spectral signals and learning important features for regression. Second, the fast regression ability of ELM architecture was directly used for constructing the regression model. In this contribution, nitrogen oxide mixtures (i.e., N2O/NO2/NO) found in vehicle exhaust were selected as a relevant example of a real-world gas mixture. Both simulated data and experimental data acquired using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were analyzed by the proposed chemometrics model. By comparing the numerical results with those obtained using conventional principle components regression (PCR) and partial least square regression (PLSR) models, the proposed model was verified to offer superior robustness and performance in quantitative IR spectral analysis.
Engineered 3D Polymer and Hydrogel Microenvironments for Cell Culture Applications

The realization of biomimetic microenvironments for cell biology applications such as organ-on-chip, in vitro drug screening, and tissue engineering is one of the most fascinating research areas in the field of bioengineering. The continuous evolution of additive manufacturing techniques provides the tools to engineer these architectures at different scales. Moreover, it is now possible to tailor their biomechanical and topological properties while taking inspiration from the characteristics of the extracellular matrix, the three-dimensional scaffold in which cells proliferate, migrate, and differentiate. In such context, there is therefore a continuous quest for synthetic and nature-derived composite materials that must hold biocompatible, biodegradable, bioactive features and also be compatible with the envisioned fabrication strategy. The structure of the current review is intended to provide to both micro-engineers and cell biologists a comparative overview of the characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks of the major 3D printing techniques, the most promising biomaterials candidates, and the trade-offs that must be considered in order to replicate the properties of natural microenvironments.
Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect in the Lungs of Smokers, Nonsmokers, and Electronic Cigarette Users

Background: Nicotine-containing electronic cigarette (e-cig) use has become widespread. However, understanding the biological impact of e-cigs compared with smoking on the lung is needed. There are major gaps in knowledge for chronic effects and for an etiology to recent acute lung toxicity leading to death among vapers. Methods: We conducted bronchoscopies in a cross-sectional study of 73 subjects (42 never-smokers, 15 e-cig users, and 16 smokers). Using bronchoalveolar lavage and brushings, we examined lung inflammation by cell counts, cytokines, genome-wide gene expression, and DNA methylation. Results: There were statistically significant differences among never-smokers, e-cig users, and smokers for inflammatory cell counts and cytokines (FDR q < 0.1). The e-cig users had values intermediate between smokers and never-smokers, with levels for most of the biomarkers more similar to never-smokers. For differential gene expression and DNA methylation, e-cig users also more like never-smokers; many of these genes corresponded to smoking-related pathways, including those for xenobiotic metabolism, aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling, and oxidative stress. Differentially methylated genes were correlated with changes in gene expression, providing evidence for biological effects of the methylation associations. Conclusions: These data indicate that e-cigs are associated with less toxicity than cigarettes for smoking-related pathways. What is unknown may be unique effects for e-cigs not measured herein, and a comparison of smokers completely switching to e-cigs compared with former smokers. Clinical trials for smokers switching to e-cigs who undergo serial bronchoscopy and larger cross-sectional studies of former smokers with and without e-cig use, and for e-cigs who relapse back to smoking, are needed. Impact: These data can be used for product regulation and for informing tobacco users considering or using e-cigs. What is unknown may be unique effects for e-cigs not measured herein, and clinical trials with serial bronchoscopy underway can demonstrate a direct relationship for changes in lung biomarkers.
Nanostructured Cu2O Synthesized via Bipolar Electrochemistry

Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) was synthesized for the first time via an open bipolar electrochemistry (BPE) approach and characterized in parallel with the commercially available material. As compared to the reference, Cu2O formed through a BPE reaction demonstrated a decrease in particle size; an increase in photocurrent; more efficient light scavenging; and structure-correlated changes in the flat band potential and charge carrier concentration. More importantly, as-synthesized oxides were all phase-pure, defect-free, and had an average crystallite size of 20 nm. Ultimately, this study demonstrates the impact of reaction conditions (e.g., applied potential, reaction time) on structure, morphology, surface chemistry, and photo-electrochemical activity of semiconducting oxides, and at the same time, the ability to maintain a green synthetic protocol and potentially create a scalable product. In the proposed BPE synthesis, we introduced a common food supplement (potassium gluconate) as a reducing and complexing agent, and as an electrolyte, allowing us to replace the more harmful reactants that are conventionally used in Cu2O production. In addition, in the BPE process very corrosive reactants, such as hydroxides and metal precursors (required for synthesis of oxides), are generated in situ in stoichiometric quantity, providing an alternative methodology to generate various nanostructured materials in high yields under mild conditions.
Ultrasonography versus bioelectrical impedance analysis: which predicts muscle strength better?

ABSTRACT Background & Aim: Muscle strength seems to be more relevant to the functionality than muscle mass in sarcopenia. Different diagnostic techniques are available for the evaluation of muscle mass. Ultrasonography (USG) seems to have some advantages compared to other techniques especially bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) including being not affected of the results by the factors like extreme body mass indexes (BMI) or hypervolemia. The aim of the study is to determine and compare the muscle strength prediction value of muscle mass measured by using USG or BIA and determine the cut-off values for the Turkish population. Methods: One hundred and thirty six patients admitted to geriatrics outpatient clinic for comprehensive geriatric assessment were included in the study. Body composition was determined by BIA and skeletal muscle mass ındex (SMI) was measured. Thickness of the gastrocnemius muscle was measured via USG. Diagnosis of sarcopenia was made according to the EWSGOP 2 diagnostic criteria. Results: The best cut-off value for gastrocnemius muscle thickness to predict low HGS was ≤13.8 mm (AUC:0.690,p <0.001). SMI was not found to predict low HGS (AUC:0.573,p >0.05). Comparison of AUCs for gastrocnemius muscle thickness and SMI showed that gastrocnemius muscle thickness had higher AUC (p=0.008). For predicting sarcopenia, the best cut-off value of gastrocnemius muscle thickness was found to be ≤12.3 mm in women (AUC: 0.862,p <0.001) and ≤12.3 mm in men (AUC:0.900, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In this study, we found that gastrocnemius thickness measured by USG seems to predict low HGS better than SMI measured by BIA.
The Winning Probability of a Game and the Importance of Points in Tennis Matches

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study builds a stochastic model of a discrete-time Markov chain (DTMC) that fits well with a dataset of professional playing records. Methods: The point-by-point dataset of Men’s single matches played in the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tour from 2011 to 2015 is analyzed. A long-debated assumption on the iid-ness in the point winning probability of the server is statistically tested. A DTMC model is then developed to analyze the dataset further. Results: The statistical test results indicate that the identicality of point winning probabilities is not a valid assumption. For example, the server’s point winning probability from scores 40:0, 30:15, 15:30, and 0:40 are significantly different. On the other hand, the independence is a generally valid assumption except for 40:15 where who won the previous point influences the point winning probability. Game winning probabilities and the importance of each point in winning a game are analyzed using the DTMC model by court surfaces and player groups of the different levels of serve effectiveness. Conclusion: Extensive empirical validation concludes unsealed debates over the stochastic models for tennis. The presented results reveal interesting properties in professional tennis matches.