Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Validity of Different Velocity-Based Methods and Repetitions-to-Failure Equations for Predicting the 1 Repetition Maximum During 2 Upper-Body Pulling Exercises

Abstract Pérez-Castilla, A, Suzovic, D, Domanovic, A, Fernandes, JFT, and García-Ramos, A. Validity of different velocity-based methods and repetitions-to-failure equations for predicting the 1 repetition maximum during 2 upper-body pulling exercises. J Strength Cond Res 35(7): 1800–1808, 2021—This study aimed to compare the accuracy of different velocity-based methods and repetitions-to-failure equations for predicting the 1 repetition maximum (i.e., maximum load that can be lifted once; 1RM) during 2 upper-body pulling exercises. Twenty-three healthy subjects (twelve men and eleven women) were tested in 2 sessions during the lat pull-down and seated cable row exercises. Each session consisted of an incremental loading test until reaching the 1RM followed by a set of repetitions-to-failure against the 80% 1RM load. The 1RM was estimated from the individual load-velocity relationships modeled through 4 (∼40, 55, 70, and 85% 1RM; multiple-point method) or 2 loads (∼40 and 85% 1RM; 2-point method). Mean velocity was recorded with a linear position transducer and a Smartphone application. Therefore, 4 velocity-based methods were used as a result of combining the 2 devices and the 2 methods. Two repetitions-to-failure equations (Mayhew and Wathen) were also used to predict the 1RM from the load and number of repetitions completed. The absolute differences with respect to the actual 1RM were higher for the repetitions-to-failure equations than velocity-based methods during the seated cable row exercise (p = 0.004), but not for the lat pull-down exercise (p = 0.200). The repetitions-to-failure equations significantly underestimated the actual 1RM (p < 0.05; range: −6.65 to −2.14 kg), whereas no systematic differences were observed for the velocity-based methods (range: −1.75 to 1.65 kg). All predicted 1RMs were highly correlated with the actual 1RM (r ≥ 0.96). The velocity-based methods provide a more accurate estimate of the 1RM than the Mayhew and Wathen repetitions-to-failure equations during the lat pull-down and seated cable row exercises.
First detection of porcine circovirus type 3 in Colombia and the complete genome sequence demonstrates the circulation of PCV3a1 and PCV3a2

Abstract Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) was recently discovered and is a new species of the genus circovirus. Clinically, it is associated with absence of symptoms or with different clinical syndromes. It has been reported in different countries of America, Europe and Asia. Last year, in Colombia, some farms have reported symptoms similar to those caused by PCV2. Samples were taken from two farms located in the centre of the country, and the presence of PCV3 was determined by PCR in two samples, one from a pool of sera and another from mesenteric lymph node. The strains were fully sequenced (GenBank accession numbers MH327784 and MH327785) and classified into subgroups a1 and a2. According to this classification and its analysis, strain a2 is located within the group called “Linker” that may be evolving towards group “b”. In addition to the above, the two Colombian strains were compared with 104 strains reported in the GenBank database. The phylogenetic tree obtained grouped according to the classification of subgroups a1, a2, b1 and b2. It was found that subgroups a1 and a2 were well grouped when comparing whole genomes, but the same was not observed with the strains of group “b”. In the latter, no subgroups were evidenced when comparing complete genomes. It is suggested that a new classification of PCV3 subgroups should be proposed, based on whole genome sequences. This is the first report of PCV3 in Colombia and its complete genome sequence.
Anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation and cognitive decline

Background: It is well known that atrial fibrillation (AF) carried a high risk of cognitive decline, which is independent of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Whether anticoagulation is associated with reduced risk of cognitive decline in participants with AF still remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effect of anticoagulation on the risk of cognitive decline in patients with AF. Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Database for eligible studies published up to January 2018. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for cognitive decline were extracted, and pooled estimations were calculated using the fixed effects model. Subgroup analyses were further performed. Results: Eight relevant articles involved 454,273 patients were ultimately included in this meta-analysis. We found that anticoagulation was associated with reduced risk of cognitive impairment as compared with nonanticoagulation (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.69–0.75, I2 11.5%). This reduction was still significant after adjustment for stroke and TIA (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.69–0.74, I2 0.0%). In the subgroup analyses, the incidence of cognitive decline was significantly decreased in those treated with anticoagulation compared to no treatment (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.69–0.75, I2 0.0%), but the cognitive benefit showed no significant difference between anticoagulant and antiplatelet treatment (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.68–1.50, I2 46.8%). Conclusion: Anticoagulation is associated with cognitive benefit in participants with AF independent of stroke and TIA, but it was not superior to antiplatelet drugs in reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
Overexpression of salt-induced protein (salT) delays leaf senescence in rice

Abstract Senescence, a highly programmed process, largely determines yield and quality of crops. However, knowledge about the onset and progression of leaf senescence in crop plants is still limited. Here, we report that salt-induced protein (salT), a new gene, may be involved in leaf senescence. Overexpressing salT could prolong the duration of leaves with higher concentrations of chlorophyll compared with the wild type. Moreover, overexpression of salT could delay the senescence of rice leaves though the inhibition of senescence associated genes (SAGs). Overall, the characterization of salT suggested that it is a new gene affecting the leaf senescence induced by natural and dark conditions.
Familial recurrence risk with varying amount of family history

The familial recurrence risk is the probability a person will have disease, given a reported family history. When family histories are obtained as simple counts of disease among family members, as often obtained in cancer registries or surveys, we propose methods to estimate recurrence risks based on truncated binomial distributions. By this approach, we are able to obtain unbiased estimates of risk for a person with at least k‐affected relatives, where k can be specified to determine how risk varies with k. We also derive robust variances of the recurrence risk estimate, to account for correlations within families, such as those induced by shared genes or shared environment, without explicitly modeling the factors that cause familial correlations. Furthermore, we illustrate how mixture models can be used to account for a sample composed of low‐ and high‐risk families. Using simulations, we illustrate the properties of the proposed methods. Application of our methods to a family history survey of prostate cancer shows that the recurrence risk for prostate cancer increased from 16%, when there was at least one affected relative, to 52%, when there was at least five affected relatives.
Comparative Effects of Proximal and Distal Small Intestinal Glucose Exposure on Glycemia, Incretin Hormone Secretion, and the Incretin Effect in Health and Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE Cells releasing glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) are distributed predominately in the proximal and distal gut, respectively. Hence, the region of gut exposed to nutrients may influence GIP and GLP-1 secretion and impact on the incretin effect and gastrointestinal-mediated glucose disposal (GIGD). We evaluated glycemic and incretin responses to glucose administered into the proximal or distal small intestine and quantified the corresponding incretin effect and GIGD in health and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Ten healthy subjects and 10 patients with T2DM were each studied on four occasions. On two days, a transnasal catheter was positioned with infusion ports opening 13 cm and 190 cm beyond the pylorus, and 30 g glucose with 3 g 3-O-methylglucose (a marker of glucose absorption) was infused into either site and 0.9% saline into the alternate site over 60 min. Matching intravenous isoglycemic clamp studies were performed on the other two days. Blood glucose, serum 3-O-methylglucose, and plasma hormones were evaluated over 180 min. RESULTS In both groups, blood glucose and serum 3-O-methylglucose concentrations were higher after proximal than distal glucose infusion (all P < 0.001). Plasma GLP-1 increased minimally after proximal, but substantially after distal, glucose infusion, whereas GIP increased promptly after both infusions, with concentrations initially greater, but less sustained, with proximal versus distal infusion (all P < 0.001). Both the incretin effect and GIGD were less with proximal than distal glucose infusion (both P ≤ 0.009). CONCLUSIONS The distal, as opposed to proximal, small intestine is superior in modulating postprandial glucose metabolism in both health and T2DM.
The role of age in treatment‐related adverse events in patients with head and neck cancer: A systematic review

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is often diagnosed in advanced stage and therefore requires aggressive, multimodal treatment. Elderly patients are often excluded from standard therapy regimens purely based on age. This clinical review aims to collect all published data in the literature on treatment modality selection in elderly patients and on age‐related adverse events following treatment of HNSCC. We performed a literature search for articles on the treatment of HNSCC in elderly patients. Most of the articles were retrospective studies with the consequent limitations. It can be concluded that age is not an absolute contraindication for intensive treatment and comorbidity is an important predictor of outcome, but not the only one. Despite the existence of multiple tools for pretreatment evaluation, there are not consistent data on their use.
Trust me, I’m a physician using sales skills: Enhancing physician–patient communication through the personal selling process

Abstract Given the challenges in patient non-adherence and the lack of training in healthcare providers’ communication and in application of bedside manners, this manuscript suggests an innovative approach for physicians working with patients by applying the marketing literature’s seven-step sales process. This article explores ways to apply the sales process to healthcare providers’ interactions with patients. This approach views the healthcare interaction with patients as a sales scenario and is shared by connecting existing marketing literature that delineates specific selling tactics to examples of those tactics in the healthcare environment. Practical examples are provided through the framework for easy implementation.
Adaptation to developmental diet influences the response to selection on age at reproduction in the fruit fly

Experimental evolution (EE) is a powerful tool for addressing how environmental factors influence life-history evolution. While in nature different selection pressures experienced across the lifespan shape life histories, EE studies typically apply selection pressures one at a time. Here we assess the consequences of adaptation to three different developmental diets in combination with classical selection for early or late reproduction in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. We find that the response to each selection pressure is similar to that observed when they are applied independently, but the overall magnitude of the response depends on the selection regime experienced in the other life stage. For example, adaptation to increased age at reproduction increased lifespan across all diets, however, the extent of the increase was dependent on the dietary selection regime. Similarly, adaptation to a lower calorie developmental diet led to faster development and decreased adult weight, but the magnitude of the response was dependent on the age-at-reproduction selection regime. Given that multiple selection pressures are prevalent in nature, our findings suggest that trade-offs should be considered not only among traits within an organism, but also among adaptive responses to different - sometimes conflicting - selection pressures, including across life stages.
Sfp1 links TORC1 and cell growth regulation to the yeast SAGA‐complex component Tra1 in response to polyQ proteotoxicity

Chromatin remodeling regulates gene expression in response to the accumulation of misfolded polyQ proteins associated with Huntington's disease (HD). Tra1 is an essential component of both the SAGA/SLIK and NuA4 transcription co‐activator complexes and is linked to multiple cellular processes, including protein trafficking and signaling pathways associated with misfolded protein stress. Cells with compromised Tra1 activity display phenotypes distinct from deletions encoding components of the SAGA and NuA4 complexes, indicating a potentially unique regulatory role of Tra1 in the cellular response to protein misfolding. Here, we employed a yeast model to define how the expression of toxic polyQ expansion proteins affects Tra1 expression and function. Expression of expanded polyQ proteins mimics deletion of SAGA/NuA4 components and results in growth defects under stress conditions. Moreover, deleting genes encoding SAGA and, to a lesser extent, NuA4 components exacerbates polyQ toxicity. Also, cells carrying a mutant Tra1 allele displayed increased sensitivity to polyQ toxicity. Interestingly, expression of polyQ proteins upregulated the expression of TRA1 and other genes encoding SAGA components, revealing a feedback mechanism aimed at maintaining Tra1 and SAGA functional integrity. Moreover, deleting the TORC1 (Target of Rapamycin) effector SFP1 abolished upregulation of TRA1 upon expression of polyQ proteins. While Sfp1 is known to adjust ribosome biogenesis and cell size in response to stress, we identified a new role for Sfp1 in the control of TRA1 expression, linking TORC1 and cell growth regulation to the SAGA acetyltransferase complex during misfolded protein stress.
Microbubble contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the vascular evaluation after pancreas transplantation: a single-center experience

Background Arterial and venous thrombosis are feared complications of pancreas transplantation (PTx). Microbubble contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a non-invasive imaging technique that can augment diagnostic capabilities of transplant organ perfusion. Purpose To document the state to which CEUS can improve the vascular evaluation of PTx compared to conventional Doppler ultrasound (US) directly after surgery. Material and Methods A total of 129 consecutive PTx in 128 adult patients were eligible for inclusion. The duodenal segment of the graft was anastomosed to the native duodenum. Within 12 h postoperatively, graft circulation was monitored by Doppler US in 116 PTx performed in 116 patients (69 men, 47 women; mean age =41 years). CEUS was performed with a sulfur hexafluoride-containing contrast agent (SonoVue) intravenously if the examiner was not able to confirm normal graft circulation. Image quality was documented by two independent observers on a 4-point scale: 1 = excellent; 2 = minor diagnostic limitations; 3 = major diagnostic limitations; and 4 = non-diagnostic. Results In the early postoperative phase, 79 (68%) of 116 PTx were examined with Doppler US only. Of these, 52 were of excellent quality (grade 1), 22 of good quality (grade 2), and five were of grade 3 or 4 quality. Thirty-seven (32%) examinations were supplemented by CEUS. CEUS significantly improved examination quality compared to Doppler US alone (median visualization score 1.5 vs. 2.5, respectively; P < 0.0001). Conclusion CEUS can significantly improve vascular evaluation of PTx compared to Doppler US alone in the early postoperative phase.
Contextual factors influencing donor recruitment and cord blood collection: perspectives of frontline staff of the Canadian Blood Services' Cord Blood Bank

Umbilical cord blood (CB) is an important source of hematopoietic stem cells that are used to treat blood‐ and immune‐system disorders. Public CB banks aim to build inventories with high‐quality CB units to meet healthcare needs. While research has noted the influence of broader contextual factors on donor recruitment and CB collection processes, to date, no published study has identified the specific contextual factors and challenges to donor recruitment and CB collection. This paper addresses this gap in the literature.
Left ventricular hypertrophy in world class elite athletes is associated with signs of improved cardiac autonomic regulation.

AIM In this study we sought to assess whether in elite athletes the physiological increase in cardiac mass attending severe long-term training leading to athlete's heart is accompanied by an improvement of autonomic performance, as assessed by post exercise vagal indices and a novel unitary Autonomic Nervous System Index for sports (ANSIs). METHODS The study involved 500 elite athletes (23.9 ± 6.4 years) participating in a screening organised by the National Italian Olympic Committee. All subjects underwent a complete medical examination, rest and stand autonomic assessment (heart rate variability) as well as bicycle exercise. ANSIs was also derived as radar plot from rest, stand and heart rate recovery individual proxies of autonomic nervous system regulation. All subjects were grouped into those with left ventricular hypertrophy present (LVH(+)), or not (LVH(-)), according to recognised thresholds. RESULTS We observed that LVH(+) athletes (24.8%) showed a marked increase of post-exercise vagal indices ( p < 0.001) and of ANSIs ( p < 0.001), while no difference was observed for heart-rate variability indices. These changes were contingent upon sport intensity categories. CONCLUSIONS Elite athletes with physiological cardiac hypertrophy (LVH(+)) present a selective profile of indices of autonomic nervous system performance, characterised by increases of markers of vagal recovery and of the novel unitary autonomic index for sports while RR variance and spectral indices seem to be unmodified. Athlete's heart may be characterised by a specific combination of anatomical and neurocardiac remodeling. This approach might furnish potential warning signs differentiating normal training induced physiology from pathological adaptation.
A Longitudinal Analysis of US Adults' Pornography Exposure

Several studies have explored whether pornography exposure is associated with a casual approach to sex. Much of this research, however, has been cross-sectional, has assessed only straightforward exposure–casual sex associations, and has employed convenience samples of adolescents. This study employed nationally representative longitudinal data from the General Social Survey to explore whether casual sex behavior predicted over time change in US adults’ pornography exposure and whether pornography exposure predicted over time change in US adults’ casual sex behavior. Casual sex behavior did not predict over time change in pornography exposure, but pornography exposure did predict over time change in casual sex behavior. To test the prediction of Wright’s acquisition, activation, application model of sexual socialization (3AM) that negative affective states make the application of risky sexual scripts provided by sexual media more likely (Wright, 2011a) the moderating role of unhappiness was explored. In s.
Management of Bouveret's syndrome

Bouveret's syndrome is a rare condition characterized by gastric outlet obstruction caused by gallstone impaction in the stomach or duodenum. Gallstones that are too large to pass through the cystic and common bile ducts (CBD) can result in chronic irritation and inflammation of the gallbladder wall. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Faster Heart Rate Recovery Correlates With High-Intensity Match Activity in Female Field Hockey Players-Training Implications.

Harry, K and Booysen, MJ. Faster heart rate recovery correlates with high-intensity match activity in female field hockey players-training implications. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-The physical match demands of female field hockey are intense and may differ according to playing positions. In addition, conducting sports-specific field tests can assist coaches in determining their players' preparedness for competition. There is limited research regarding the match demands and relevance of field testing at premier league levels. Therefore, the aims were to describe the physical match demands of female premier league (amateur) field hockey, and to determine the relationships between match activity patterns and physical performance tests. Match activity and heart rate data were collected from 32 female participants using the Zephyr BioHarness 3 system. Participants also performed the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery (level 1) (n = 22), repeated sprint ability (n = 21), and the heart rate recovery (n = 16) tests. Moderate to large effect sizes were observed when defenders were compared with midfielders and forwards for time spent (%) in standing/walking and jogging (d = 0.64-1.30) in addition to the playing time (%) spent in the low-to-moderate and very high heart rate zones (d = 0.69-0.85). Heart rate recovery (10 s) correlated with the playing time (%) spent in sprinting (r = 0.73, p = 0.002). Heart rate recovery (60 s) and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test both correlated with the playing time (%) spent in running (r = 0.77, p = 0.0006 and r = 0.54, p = 0.01). The differences in physical match demands between positions emphasize the importance of training specificity at premier league levels. The heart rate recovery test can be used to assess a female field hockey player's capability to perform high-intensity match activity.
Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome: PTCH1 Mutation Profile and Expression of Genes Involved in the Hedgehog Pathway in Argentinian Patients

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCC), mainly caused by PTCH1 gene mutations. Our current study aimed to establish (1) PTCH1 germinal and somatic mutational status, (2) component and Hedgehog (HH) pathway targets gene expression patterns, and (3) profile variations according to the genetic background in BCC and normal surrounding skin (NSS). We collected 23 blood and 20 BCC patient samples and analyzed the PTCH1 gene using bidirectional sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. Quantitative PCR was used to determine the mRNA expression levels of PTCH1, SMO, GLI3, and CCND1 in paired samples of BCC and NSS from 20 patients and four non-NBCCS skin controls (C). Our analyses identified 12 germline and five somatic sequence variants in PTCH1. mRNA levels of PTCH1, SMO, and GLI3 were higher in NSS compared to C samples, reaching maximum values in BCC samples (p < 0.05). NSS with PTCH1 germline mutations had modified SMO, PTCH1, and GLI3 mRNA levels compared to samples without mutation (p < 0.01). Two PTCH1 mutations in BCC led to an increase in PTCH1, SMO, and GLI3, and a decrease in CCND1 mRNA levels (p < 0.01 vs. BCC with germline mutation only). These results indicate that besides PTCH1, other genes are responsible for NBCCS and BCC development in a population exposed to high UV radiation. Additionally, the mutational events caused increased expression of HH-related genes, even in phenotypically normal skin.