Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Self-Management Support for Elderly People Post-Stroke: A Systematic Review

A systematic review was undertaken to determine the efficacy of self-management interventions for people with stroke over the age of 65 in relation to psychosocial outcomes. PubMed, Embase, and PsycInfo were searched for randomized controlled clinical trials. Studies were eligible if the included people with stroke had a mean age ≥65 years in both the intervention and control group. Data on psychosocial measurements were extracted and an assessment of methodological quality was undertaken. Due to heterogeneity across the studies, the results were synthesized narratively. Eleven studies were identified. They included different self-management interventions in terms of theoretical rationales, delivery, and content. Seven psychosocial outcomes were identified: i) self-management, ii) self-efficacy, iii) quality of life, iv) depression, v) activities of daily living, vi) active lifestyle, and vii) other measures. Self-management interventions for people with stroke over the age of 65 may be beneficial for self-management, self-efficacy, quality of life, activity of daily living, and other psychosocial outcomes. However, low study quality and heterogeneity of interventions, as well as variation in time of follow-up and outcome measures, limit the possibility of making robust conclusions.
APOE ε4 allele accelerates age-related multi-cognitive decline and white matter damage in non-demented elderly

Advanced age and apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele are both associated with increased risk of the Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the extent of the joint contribution of APOE ε4 allele and age on the brain white matter integrity, cognition and their relationship are unclear. We assessed the age-related variation differences of major cognitions in 846 non-demented elderly, and brain major white matter tracts in an MRI sub-cohort of 111 individuals between ε4 carriers and noncarriers. We found that: (i) carriers showed a steeper age-related decline after age 50 in general mental status, attention, language, and executive function and performed worse than noncarriers at almost all ages; (ii) main effect of age on anterior fibers, but main effect of APOE ε4 on posterior fibers, and the interactive effect of them existed on anterior and posterior fibers; (iii) carriers showed an accelerated age-related integrity reduction of these fibers compared to noncarriers who had a slight decrease but not significant; and (iv) significant associations of the higher white matter integrity with better multi-cognitive performance in old ε4 carriers. Overall, combining APOE status with age may be useful in assessing possible mechanisms of disease development in AD.
Multiple sclerosis lesions in motor tracts from brain to cervical cord: spatial distribution and correlation with disability.

Despite important efforts to solve the clinico-radiological paradox, correlation between lesion load and physical disability in patients with multiple sclerosis remains modest. One hypothesis could be that lesion location in corticospinal tracts plays a key role in explaining motor impairment. In this study, we describe the distribution of lesions along the corticospinal tracts from the cortex to the cervical spinal cord in patients with various disease phenotypes and disability status. We also assess the link between lesion load and location within corticospinal tracts, and disability at baseline and 2-year follow-up. We retrospectively included 290 patients (22 clinically isolated syndrome, 198 relapsing remitting, 39 secondary progressive, 31 primary progressive multiple sclerosis) from eight sites. Lesions were segmented on both brain (T2-FLAIR or T2-weighted) and cervical (axial T2- or T2*-weighted) MRI scans. Data were processed using an automated and publicly available pipeline. Brain, brainstem and spinal cord portions of the corticospinal tracts were identified using probabilistic atlases to measure the lesion volume fraction. Lesion frequency maps were produced for each phenotype and disability scores assessed with Expanded Disability Status Scale score and pyramidal functional system score. Results show that lesions were not homogeneously distributed along the corticospinal tracts, with the highest lesion frequency in the corona radiata and between C2 and C4 vertebral levels. The lesion volume fraction in the corticospinal tracts was higher in secondary and primary progressive patients (mean = 3.6 ± 2.7% and 2.9 ± 2.4%), compared to relapsing-remitting patients (1.6 ± 2.1%, both P < 0.0001). Voxel-wise analyses confirmed that lesion frequency was higher in progressive compared to relapsing-remitting patients, with significant bilateral clusters in the spinal cord corticospinal tracts (P < 0.01). The baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale score was associated with lesion volume fraction within the brain (r = 0.31, P < 0.0001), brainstem (r = 0.45, P < 0.0001) and spinal cord (r = 0.57, P < 0.0001) corticospinal tracts. The spinal cord corticospinal tracts lesion volume fraction remained the strongest factor in the multiple linear regression model, independently from cord atrophy. Baseline spinal cord corticospinal tracts lesion volume fraction was also associated with disability progression at 2-year follow-up (P = 0.003). Our results suggest a cumulative effect of lesions within the corticospinal tracts along the brain, brainstem and spinal cord portions to explain physical disability in multiple sclerosis patients, with a predominant impact of intramedullary lesions.
Advanced Machine Learning in Prediction of Second Primary Cancer in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranked third among most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide. The onset of second primary cancer (SPC) is an important indicator in treating CRC. We tried to use the advanced machine learning method in order to find the factors of SPC. Patients with CRC from three medical centers were identified from cancer registries in Taiwan. The classifier of A Library for Support Vector Machines (LIBSVM) and Reduced Error Pruning Tree (REPTree) were applied to analyze the relationship of clinical features with category by constructing the optimized model of every classified issue. Machine learning can be used to rank the factor affecting the secondary primary malignancy. In the clinical practice, physician should be of aware the possibility of cancer recurrence and routine checkups for early second primary malignancy detection is recommended. The accuracy rate of the may need more big data. The machine learning method is feasible in detecting/predicting potential second primary cancer in the future.
Associations between changes in gait parameters, balance, and walking capacity during the first 3 months after stroke: a prospective observational study

ABSTRACT Background Independent ambulation is a common rehabilitation goal after stroke, requiring adequate balance and efficiency of gait. Spatiotemporal gait parameters are expected to improve in the first 3 months and their association with balance and efficiency of gait may provide useful insights into the recovery of safe and independent mobility. Objective Examine the associations between changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters, balance, and walking capacity during the first 3 months after stroke. Methods This prospective observational study included participants diagnosed with stroke. Within the first 2 weeks after stroke onset and again 3 months (±2 weeks) later, gait was assessed using a GAITRite mat at self-selected gait speed, balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and walking capacity using the 6-minute walk test (6 MWT). Changes in gait parameters, balance, and walking capacity were assessed using paired sample t-tests, and linear regression analyses were used to assess associations between changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters, BBS, and 6MWT. Results Seventy-nine participants (mean (SD) age 75.4 (8.5) years; 44 men) were included. Gait parameters, balance, and walking capacity all improved during follow-up. The bivariate regression analyses showed associations between improvements in all gait parameters, except walk ratio, with improvement in balance, and in all gait parameters with improvement in walking capacity. Only gait speed was associated with balance (13.8 points, 95% CI 0.5, 27.8, p = .0042) and walking capacity (256 m, 95% CI 173,340, p < .001) in the multivariate analyses. Conclusion Improved spatiotemporal gait parameters were associated with improved balance and walking capacity within the first 3 months after stroke.
Murine Glucocorticoid Receptors Orchestrate B Cell Migration Selectively between Bone Marrow and Blood

Key Points Glucocorticoid binding to glucocorticoid receptors in B cells upregulates CXCR4. Glucocorticoids control diurnal exchange of B cells between blood and bone marrow. B cellGRKO mice exhibit impaired IgG response to T-independent (Type II) Ag. Glucocorticoids promote CXCR4 expression by T cells, monocytes, macrophages, and eosinophils, but it is not known if glucocorticoids regulate CXCR4 in B cells. Considering the important contributions of CXCR4 to B cell development and function, we investigated the glucocorticoid/CXCR4 axis in mice. We demonstrate that glucocorticoids upregulate CXCR4 mRNA and protein in mouse B cells. Using a novel strain of mice lacking glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) specifically in B cells, we show that reduced CXCR4 expression associated with GR deficiency results in impaired homing of mature B cells to bone marrow, whereas migration to other lymphoid tissues is independent of B cell GRs. The exchange of mature B cells between blood and bone marrow is sensitive to small, physiologic changes in glucocorticoid activity, as evidenced by the lack of circadian rhythmicity in GR-deficient B cell counts normally associated with diurnal patterns of glucocorticoid secretion. B cellGRKO mice mounted normal humoral responses to immunizations with T-dependent and T-independent (Type 1) Ags, but Ab responses to a multivalent T-independent (Type 2) Ag were impaired, a surprise finding considering the immunosuppressive properties commonly attributed to glucocorticoids. We propose that endogenous glucocorticoids regulate a dynamic mode of B cell migration specialized for rapid exchange between bone marrow and blood, perhaps as a means to optimize humoral immunity during diurnal periods of activity.
The same, but different: Preserved distractor suppression in old age is implemented through an age‐specific reactive ventral fronto‐parietal network

Abstract Previous studies have shown age‐related impairments in the ability to suppress salient distractors. One possibility is that this is mediated by age‐related impairments in the recruitment of the left intraparietal sulcus (Left IPS), which has been shown to mediate the suppression of salient distractors in healthy, young participants. Alternatively, this effect may be due to a shift in engagement from proactive control to reactive control, possibly to compensate for age‐related impairments in proactive control. Another possibility is that this is due to changes in the functional specificity of brain regions that mediate salience suppression, expressed in changes in spontaneous connectivity of these regions. We assessed these possibilities by having participants engage in a proactive distractor suppression task while in an fMRI scanner. Although we did not find any age‐related differences in behavior, the young (N = 15) and older (N = 15) cohorts engaged qualitatively distinctive brain networks to complete the task. Younger participants engaged the predicted proactive control network, including the Left IPS. On the other hand, older participants simultaneously engaged both a proactive and a reactive network, but this was not a consequence of reduced network specificity as resting state functional connectivity was largely comparable in both age groups. Furthermore, improved behavioral performance for older adults was associated with increased resting state functional connectivity between these two networks. Overall, the results of this study suggest that age‐related differences in the recruitment of a left lateralized ventral fronto‐parietal network likely reflect the specific recruitment of reactive control mechanisms for distractor inhibition.
Insilico structural analysis of parasporin 2 protein sequences of non-toxic bacillus thuringiensis

The unusual and remarkable property of parasporin 2 of non-insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis is specifically recognizing and selectively targeting human leukemic cell lines. The 37-kDa inactive nascent protein is proteolytically cleaved to the 30-kDa active form that loses both the N-terminal and the C-terminal segments. Accumulated cytological and biochemical observations on parasporin-2 imply that the protein is a pore-forming toxin. To confirm the hypothesis, insilico analysis was performed using homology modeling. The resulting model of parasporin 2 protein is unusually elongated and mainly comprises long β-strands aligned with its long axis. It is similar to aerolysin-type β-pore-forming toxins, which strongly reinforce the pore-forming hypothesis. The molecule can be divided into three domains. Domain 1, comprising a small β-sheet sandwiched by short α-helices, is probably the target-binding module. Two other domains are both β-sandwiches and thought to be involved in oligomerization and pore formation. Domain 2 has a putative channel-forming β-hairpin characteristic of aerolysin-type toxins. The surface of the protein has an extensive track of exposed side chains of serine and threonine residues. The track might orient the molecule on the cell membrane when domain 1 binds to the target until oligomerization and pore formation are initiated. The β-hairpin has such a tight structure that it seems unlikely to reform as postulated in a recent model of pore formation developed for aerolysin-type toxins. Parasporin 2 (Accession no: BAD35170) protein sequence analysis indicated two different domains namely, aerolysin toxin and clostridium toxin domain based on different database searches (CDD and Pfam). It showed a close similarity with the available PDB template (PDB id: 2ZTB) of parasporin which has cytocidal activity against MOLT-4, HL60 and Jurkat cell lines. Based on the PSI Blast analysis, 3D structures of the domains were predicted by using Swiss model server. Accuracy of the prediction of 3D structure of different domains of parasporin protein was further validated by Ramachandran plot and PROCHECK (G-value). The structure is dominated by β-strands (67%, S1-12), most of which are remarkably extensive, running all or most of the longer axis of the molecule. This study helped to elucidate the 3D structure of parasporin 2 (Acc. No. BAD35170) which might enable to probe further its specific mechanism of action. Though the similarity is observed in the domain architecture, there is variation in the regions of the domains even among the same group of parasporin 2. Docking of this model structure and experimental structure with specific receptors of the cancer cells will facilitate to explore mechanism of parasporin 2 action and also provide information about its evolutionary relationship with toxic Cry proteins.
[Personalized brain revascularization: computer modeling of the reconstruction zone for carotid endarterectomy].

OBJECTIVE To develop a technique of computer modeling of hemodynamics before conventional CEE. MATERIAL AND METHODS Classical CEE is performed according to conventional patch technique. Duplex parameters of stenosis and blood flow velocity in the carotid arteries were analyzed by using of a linear transducer 7-7.5 MG (Acuson 128XP scanner, Acuson, USA). Multispiral computed tomography with angiography and subsequent processing of data using the Clear canvas software were performed to visualize the main geometric characteristics of the carotid arteries and features of atherosclerotic plaque. RESULTS Blood flow hemodynamics is essential in the occurrence of postoperative restenosis. Therefore, computer simulation of blood flow using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) methods based on particular patient's data makes it possible to assess localization of zones with high risk of restenosis. CFD approach implies construction of blood flow parameters at absolutely every point of the vessel considering geometric shape of the vessel and flow characteristics at the entrance and exit from the vessel. Pressure curves at the inlet and outlet are constructed using blood flow velocity curves. Pressure curves are subsequently used in the CFD model. The result of blood flow CFD modeling is non-stationary three-dimensional fields of pressure and velocity in the investigated area. Visual analysis of blood flow dynamics in these fields makes it possible to judge possible problem areas along the blood flow and on the inner wall of the vessel. DISCUSSION Patch technique of classical CEE is characterized by great risk of parietal thrombosis and hyperproliferation of neointima that explains more frequent development of restenosis. Computer modeling is valuable to consider some important technical aspects in implementation of various surgical techniques for carotid artery reconstruction. CONCLUSION This result demonstrates an importance of achieving the optimal ratio of the diameter of common, internal and external carotid arteries. Modification of patch based on computer simulation is required for these purposes.
On the nature and the structure of the calcareous corpuscles in Taenia saginata

There is histochemical evidence for the presence of calcium, glycogen, simple proteins and alkaline phosphatase in the calcareous corpuscles occurring in the parenchyma of Taenia saginata. A distinct Feulgen-positive reaction is seen in most of these corpuscles. The material yielding this positive reaction is apparently derived from the nucleus of certain mesenchymal cells from which these corpuscles supposedly originate. In some corpuscles, which are probably at the early stage of formation, the nucleus of such a mesenchymal cell is clearly seen adhering to the surface of the corpuscle. The identity of the nucleus of such cells is apparently lost in the fully formed corpuscle. Each corpuscle has a concentric appearance and is probably formed in successive layers.
Kinetics of fat and protein secretion in dairy cattle, sheep, goats and buffaloes

Riassunto Cinetiche di secrezione di grasso e di proteine in vacche, pecore, capre e bufali – I dati derivanti da 3 controlli funzionali (iniziale, intermedio e finale) di vacche Frisone e Pezzate Rosse, di pecore Sarde e Valle del Belice, di capre Sarde e Saanen e di bufale hanno mostrato un buon adattamento al modello y=axb in cui y è la produzione giornaliera di grasso o di proteine (in g), x è la produzione giornaliera di latte (in kg) e a,b sono dei parametri dei quali solo il primo é stato significativamente influenzato dalla specie e, entro ciascuna specie, dalla razza.
Intravenous Ethanol Administration and Operant Self-Administration Alters Extracellular Norepinephrine Concentration in the Mesocorticolimbic Systems of Male Long Evans Rats.

BACKGROUND Norepinephrine has been suggested to regulate ethanol-related behaviors, but little is known about the effects of ethanol on norepinephrine release in mesocortical and mesolimbic brain areas that are targets of ethanol actions. METHODS We used in vivo microdialysis to examine the effects of ethanol on extracellular norepinephrine concentrations in mesocorticolimbic brain regions of male Long Evans rats. We determined effects of intravenous infusion of saline or ethanol in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and the basal forebrain. We also measured dialysate norepinephrine concentrations during operant self-administration of ethanol in the mPFC. RESULTS Intravenous infusion (1 or 0.25 mL/min) of 1.0 g/kg ethanol stimulated an increase in dialysate norepinephrine in mPFC and in basal forebrain. In the basal forebrain an infusion of 0.5 g/kg ethanol did not stimulate dialysate norepinephrine concentrations. In both regions saline infusions did not increase dialysate norepinephrine concentrations. In the behavioral experiment, one week of experience with operant self-administration of sweetened ethanol resulted in an apparent reduction in basal dialysate norepinephrine concentrations in the mPFC relative to the sucrose control. Dialysate norepinephrine increased during the transfer from home cage to the operant chamber in all groups. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that acute ethanol stimulates both the locus coeruleus (which projects to the mPFC) and the nucleus tractus solitarius (which projects to the basal forebrain) noradrenergic neurons. Additionally, limited ethanol self-administration experience alters dialysate norepinephrine in the mPFC in a manner consistent with a decrease in tonic norepinephrine release. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms by which ethanol exerts these variable effects.
Investigation of the importance of rock chemistry for saxicolous lichen communities of the New Idria serpentinite mass, San Benito County, California, USA

Abstract Although several lichen inventories exist for European ultramafic sites, only four surveys of serpentine lichens for North America have been published to date. Of those, only one has been conducted in California. We conducted a survey of saxicolous lichens from ultramafic rocks (including nephrite, partially serpentinized peridotite, and serpentinite) and non-ultramafic rocks (including silica-carbonate, shale, and sandstone) at the New Idria serpentinite mass, San Benito County, California. X-ray Fluorescence Analysis of the rocks from which the lichens were collected revealed significant elemental differences between the ultramafic and non-ultramafic rocks for 26 of the 32 major and trace elements analyzed. We identified a total of 119 species of lichenized and lichenicolous fungi; 60 species were restricted to ultramafic substrata, 19 to silica-carbonate, and 15 to shale and sandstone. Only 4 species were shared in common. A permutational multivariate analysis of variance (perMANOVA) test revealed significant differences in lichen assemblages between ultramafic and non-ultramafic rocks at the species level but not at the generic level, with species richness (alpha-diversity) significantly greater at the ultramafic sites. We suggest that, although differences in geochemistry clearly influence the lichen community composition, other factors, especially substratum age and the physical characteristics of the rock, are of equal, if not greater, importance. Of all the species collected, six, Buellia aethalea, B. ocellata, Caloplaca oblongula, Rhizocarpon saurinum, Thelocarpon laureri, and Trapelia obtegens, are reported new to California, along with an apparently previously undescribed Solenopsora sp. The rest of the species encountered are relatively frequent in the lichen flora of southern and central California, except Aspicilia praecrenata, a rare California endemic that we collected on both ultramafic and non-ultramafic rocks.