Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Co-expression prognostic-related genes signature base on propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia predict prognosis and immunotherapy response in glioblastoma

Abstract Objectives Anesthetic drugs had been reported may impact the bio-behavior of the tumor. Propofol and sevoflurane are common anesthetics in the operation for glioblastoma (GBM). This study aims to establish a co-expression prognostic-related genes signature base on propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia to predict prognosis and immunotherapy response in GBM. Method GPM tissues with different anesthetics gene expression profiles (GSE179004) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Core modules and central genes associated with propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia were identified by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and establish a risk score prognostic model. Immune cell signature analysis in TCGA datasets was predicted via CIBERSORT. At last, serum methylation level of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter was detected in GPM patient in different time during perioperative period. Results The burlywood1 group screened was significantly associated with sevoflurane-treated GBM tissue. 22 independent prognostic differential genes were construct a prognostic-related genes risk score in GBM, and showed good predictive ability. The risk score was strongly correlated with the age of the patients, but not with the sex of the patients. In addition, the differential responses to immunotherapy in high and low risk groups were analyzed, indicating that sevoflurane signature genes were consistent in the classification of gliomas. High-risk patients have high T-cell damage score and are less sensitive to immunotherapy. At last, serum methylation level of MGMT promoter was decreased in GBM patients during propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia. Conclusions Propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia associated impact on the gene expression of GBM, included the methylation level of MGMT promoter. Propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia-based risk score prognostic model, which has good prognostic power and is an independent prognostic factor in GBM patients. Therefore, this model can be used as a new biomarker for judging the prognosis of GBM patients. KEY MESSAGES Propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia-based risk score prognostic model has good prognostic power and is an independent prognostic factor in GBM patients. High Propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia-based risk score GBM patients have high T-cell damage scores and are less sensitive to immunotherapy. Serum methylation level of MGMT promoter decrease during propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia in GBM patients.
Schottky-barrier versus homojunction silicon solar cells: a status report

The present state of silicon Schottky-barrier solar cell (s.b.s.c.) development is reviewed and the relative advantages and disadvantages of this type of cell compared with the competing homojunction cell technology. Recent work on cast silicon substrates is considered, and the conclusion drawn that Schottky-barrier cells are not likely to compete unless a wholly thin-film s.b.s.c. can be developed based on the favourable absorption properties of amorphous silicon. A number of problems requiring solution before s.b.s.c. can compete in terms of reliability and low cost for both thick- and thin-film cells are discussed.
Cross education is modulated by set configuration in knee extension exercise

Objectives: The main aim of this study was to determine the effects of set configuration during five weeks of unilateral knee extension resistance training on untrained knee extensors performance. Methods: Thirty-five subjects were randomly assigned to traditional training (TTG; n=14), rest-redistribution (RRG; n=10) and control group (CON; n=11). TTG and RRG groups trained the dominant knee extensors twice a week with the 10-repetition maximum (RM) load. TTG performed four sets of eight repetitions with three min-rest between sets and RRG 32 repetitions with 17.4 seconds of rest between each one. Before and after interventions, anthropometry, muscle thickness (MT), pennation angle (PA), 1RM, number of repetitions with 10RM pretest load (N10RM), maximum propulsive power (MPP) and maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) were measured. Results: 1RM of the untrained leg increased only in the TTG group (p<0.001, 10.3% compared with Pre-test). 1RM, MPP and N10RM increased in the trained leg in both TTG (p<0.001) and RRG (p<0.001). No changes occurred in MT or PA. Conclusions: These results suggest that, when it is not possible to perform bilateral exercises (e.g., leg injury), traditional set configurations should be recommended to improve maximal voluntary force in the untrained leg.
Silver halide integrated waveguides for sensing applications in the mid-infrared

We report the demonstration of single mode AgClxBr1-x channel waveguides for mid-infrared range. The waveguides were made by the deposition of AgClxBr1-x layers on top of a Ag/Ti/SiO2/Si substrate, followed by photolithographic and lift-off processing. We showed that these waveguides operate in a single mode for the 6-14 μm band. The propagation losses of 20 dB/cm were measured at λ=10.6 μm using the cut-back method. We discuss the possible propagation losses mechanisms and show that the waveguide sidewall roughness is likely the major contributor for these losses. Using this fabrication process we have also realized Y-couplers and splitters. The development of these waveguides is a crucial step towards realizing on-chip AgClxBr1-x mid-infrared integrated optical circuits which will be used for applications such as chemical sensing and spectro-interferometry for planet detection.
Basal ganglia network dynamics and function: Role of direct, indirect and hyper-direct pathways in action selection

ABSTRACT Basal ganglia (BG) are a widely recognized neural basis for action selection, but its decision-making mechanism is still a difficult problem for researchers. Therefore, we constructed a spiking neural network inspired by the BG anatomical data. Simulation experiments were based on the principle of dis-inhibition and our functional hypothesis within the BG: the direct pathway, the indirect pathway, and the hyper-direct pathway of the BG jointly implement the initiation execution and termination of motor programs. Firstly, we studied the dynamic process of action selection with the network, which contained intra-group competition and inter-group competition. Secondly, we focused on the effects of the stimulus intensity and the proportion of excitation and inhibition on the GPi/SNr. The results suggested that inhibition and excitation shape action selection. They also explained why the firing rate of GPi/SNr did not continue to increase in the action-selection experiment. Finally, we discussed the experimental results with the functional hypothesis. Uniquely, this paper summarized the decision-making neural mechanism of action selection based on the direct pathway, the indirect pathway, and the hyper-direct pathway within BG.
Heat-related mortality in U.S. state and private prisons: A case-crossover analysis

Rising temperatures and heatwaves increase mortality. Many of the subpopulations most vulnerable to heat-related mortality are in prisons, facilities that may exacerbate temperature exposures. Yet, there is scare literature on the impacts of heat among incarcerated populations. We analyzed data on mortality in U.S. state and private prisons from 2001–2019 linked to daily maximum temperature data for the months of June, July, and August. Using a case-crossover approach and distributed lag models, we estimated the association of increasing temperatures with total mortality, heart disease-related mortality, and suicides. We also examined the association with extreme heat and heatwaves (days above the 90th percentile for the prison location) and assessed effect modification by personal, facility, and regional characteristics. There were 12,836 deaths during summer months. The majority were male (96%) and housed in a state-operated prison (97%). A 10°F increase was associated with a 5.2% (95% CI: 1.5%, 9.0%) increase in total mortality and a 6.7% (95% CI: -0.6%, 14.0%) increase in heart disease mortality. The association between temperature and suicides was delayed, peaking around lag 3 (exposure at three days prior death). Two- and three-day heatwaves were associated with increased total mortality of 5.5% (95% CI: 0.3%, 10.9%) and 7.4% (95% CI: 1.6%, 13.5%), respectively. The cumulative effect (lags 1–3) of an extreme heat day was associated with a 22.8% (95% CI: 3.3%, 46.0%) increase in suicides. We found the greatest increase in mortality among people ≥ 65 years old, incarcerated less than one year, held in the Northeast region, and in urban or rural counties. These findings suggest that warm temperatures are associated with increased mortality in prisons, yet this vulnerable population’s risk has largely been overlooked.
Vertical and Leg Stiffness Modeling During Running: Effect of Speed and Incline

Abstract A spring mass model is often used to describe human running, allowing to understand the concept of elastic energy storage and restitution. The stiffness of the spring is a key parameter and different methods have been developed to estimate both the vertical and the leg stiffness components. Nevertheless, the validity and the range of application of these models are still debated. The aim of the present study was to compare three methods (i. e., Temporal, Kinetic and Kinematic-Kinetic) of stiffness determination. Twenty-nine healthy participants equipped with reflective markers performed 5-min running bouts at four running speeds and eight inclines on an instrumented treadmill surrounded by a tri-dimensional motion camera system. The three methods provided valid results among the different speeds, but the reference method (i. e., Kinematic-Kinetic) provided higher vertical stiffness and lower leg stiffness than the two other methods (both p<0.001). On inclined terrain, the method using temporal parameters provided non valid outcomes and should not be used. Finally, this study highlights that both the assumption of symmetry between compression and decompression phases or the estimation of the vertical displacement and changes in leg length are the major sources of errors when comparing different speeds or different slopes.
Reinforcing value of food, enriched home environment, and changes in percent overweight in children

The decision to eat is often a choice made in the context of food and non‐food alternatives. However, no research, to the authors' knowledge, has assessed the combination of the motivation to eat, as indexed by the relative reinforcing value of food (RRVFOOD), and the enriched home environment, i.e., access to activities that can serve as alternatives to eating on weight gain.
Efficacy of a Modified Cocktail for Periarticular Local Infiltration Analgesia in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background: Periarticular local infiltration analgesia (LIA) is largely utilized for controlling pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The present work aimed to assess the efficacy of a modified LIA cocktail for patients undergoing TKA. Methods: Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) were added to a conventional LIA cocktail comprising ropivacaine, epinephrine, and dexamethasone. After the safety of this modified cocktail was tested in rats, its efficacy and safety were evaluated in a prospective, double-blinded study including 100 individuals randomized to receive periarticular infiltration of the modified cocktail or a conventional cocktail. The primary outcome was postsurgical use of morphine hydrochloride for rescue analgesia. Secondary outcomes were the time until the first rescue analgesia, postsurgical pain (on a visual analog scale [VAS]), functional recovery (assessed by range of knee motion and ambulation distance), time to discharge, and complication rates. Results: Adding NaHCO3 to the local anesthetics caused some instantaneous precipitation in all cases. Administering the modified cocktail to rats did not obviously damage the injected area of the nerve or surrounding tissues. Administration of the modified cocktail to patients was associated with markedly reduced postsurgical morphine use in the initial 24 hours (4.2 ± 5.0 versus 14.6 ± 8.9 mg, p < 0.001), reduced total morphine use (9.8 ± 8.4 versus 19.6 ± 11.4 mg, p < 0.001), prolonged time to the first rescue analgesia, lower VAS pain scores at rest and during motion at 12 and 24 hours following the operation, better functional recovery on postoperative days 1 and 2, and a shorter hospital stay. The modified and conventional cocktail groups had similar rates of complications. Conclusions: The present modification of a conventional cocktail significantly prolonged analgesia and reduced opioid consumption, which may substantially improve pain control in arthroplasty. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
A review of economic issues for gene‐targeted therapies: Value, affordability, and access

The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences' virtual 2021 conference on gene‐targeted therapies (GTTs) encouraged multidisciplinary dialogue on a wide range of GTT topic areas. Each of three parallel working groups included social scientists and clinical scientists, and the three major sessions included a presentation on economic issues related to their focus area. These experts also coordinated their efforts across the three groups. The economics‐related presentations covered three areas with some overlap: (1) value assessment, uncertainty, and dynamic efficiency; (2) affordability, pricing, and financing; and (3) evidence generation, coverage, and access. This article provides a synopsis of three presentations, some of their key recommendations, and an update on related developments in the past year. The key high‐level findings are that GTTs present unique data and policy challenges, and that existing regulatory, health technology assessment, as well as payment and financing systems will need to adapt. But these adjustments can build on our existing foundation of regulatory and incentive systems for innovation, and much can be done to accelerate progress in GTTs. Given the substantial unmet medical need that exists for these oft‐neglected patients suffering from rare diseases, it would be a tragedy to not leverage these exciting scientific advances in GTTs.
Single vesicle analysis reveals the release of tetraspanin positive extracellular vesicles into circulation with high intensity intermittent exercise

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are released from all cell types and participate in the intercellular exchange of proteins, lipids, metabolites and nucleic acids. Proteomic, flow cytometry and nanoparticle tracking analyses suggest sEVs are released into circulation with exercise. However, interpretation of these data may be influenced by sources of bias introduced by different analytical approaches. Seven healthy participants carried out a high intensity intermittent training (HIIT) cycle protocol consisting of 4 × 30 s at a work‐rate corresponding to 200% of individual max power (watts) interspersed by 4.5 min of active recovery. EDTA‐treated blood was collected before and immediately after the final effort. Platelet‐poor (PPP) and platelet‐free (PFP) plasma was derived by one or two centrifugal spins at 2500 g, respectively (15 min, room temperature). Platelets were counted on an automated haemocytometer. Plasma samples were assessed with the Exoview R100 platform, which immobilises sEVs expressing common tetraspanin markers CD9, CD63, CD81 and CD41a on microfluidic chips and with the aid of fluorescence imaging, counts their abundance at a single sEV resolution, importantly, without a pre‐isolation step. There was a lower number of platelets in the PFP than PPP, which was associated with a lower number of CD9, CD63 and CD41a positive sEVs. HIIT induced an increase in fluorescence counts in CD9, CD63 and CD81 positive sEVs in both PPP and PFP. These data support the concept that sEVs are released into circulation with exercise. Furthermore, platelet‐free plasma is the preferred, representative analyte to study sEV dynamics and phenotype during exercise.
Numerical analysis of a 3D hydrodynamic contact

We study here the numerical analysis of a hydrodynamic contact in a particular configuration: the 3D incompressible viscous flow of a fluid dragged by a smooth plate over a rough surface. The mathematical model takes into account and discretizes the local topography of the rough profile. The simulation outcome will be the 3D velocity and pressure fields of the fluid film within the contact borders. This work is limited to the study of numerical resolution methods working solely in finite differences. The algorithms will be tested by analysing and comparing their results with analytically known flows. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local white matter abnormalities in Parkinson's disease with mild cognitive impairment: Assessed with neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging

Mild cognitive impairment is a nonmotor complication in Parkinson's disease (PD) that have a high risk of developing dementia. White matter is associated with cognitive function in PD and the alterations may occur before the symptoms of the disease. Previous diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies lacked specificity to characterize the concrete contributions of distinct white matter tissue properties. This may lead to inconsistent conclusions about the alteration of white matter microstructure. Here, we used neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) and white matter fiber clustering method to uncover local white matter microstructures in PD with mild cognitive impairment (PD‐MCI). This study included 23 PD‐MCI and 20 PD with normal cognition (PD‐NC) and 21 healthy controls (HC). To probe specific and fine‐grained differences, metrics of NODDI and DTI in white matter fiber clusters were evaluated using along‐tract analysis. Our results showed that PD‐MCI patients had significantly lower neurite density index (NDI) and orientation dispersion index (ODI) in white matter fiber clusters in the prefrontal region. Correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that the diagnostic performance of NODDI‐derived metrics in cingulum bundle (2 clusters) and thalamo‐frontal (2 clusters) were superior to DTI metrics. Our study provides a more specific insight to uncover local white matter abnormalities in PD‐MCI, which benefit understanding the underlying mechanism of cognitive decline in PD and predicting the disease in advance.
In Reference to: Establishing an Endoscopic Chronic Subglottic Stenosis Rabbit Model, Laryngoscope 132:1909, Oct, 2022

I applaud Kadosh and colleagues (Establishing an Endoscopic Chronic Subglottic Stenosis Rabbit Model, Laryngoscope 132:1909, Oct, 2022) for their development of an elegant model for the endoscopic study of subglottic stenosis (SGS). However, I must note that an animal model for SGS, which I reported in 1982, was not cited in their report. In the 1982 study, it was shown that an animal model could be created (dogs) to induce SGS and then utilize various methods of correction applied endoscopically. This model created stenosis retrograde through a tracheotomy site while preserving the integrity of the laryngeal structures (cricoid) in the process. The endoscopic approach to the surgical correction of laryngeal lesions was introduced by Jackson and promoted vigorously by my mentors, Charles Vaughan and Stuart Strong in Boston, in the 1970’s. This was at a time when endoscopic approaches to laryngeal surgery were not popular and the open correction of SGS was promoted. In addition, Kadosh and colleagues state that airway stenosis can be induced by CO2 laser injury as reported by other authors. In 1976 Mihashi, Strong, Vaughan and Jako proved that the proper use of the CO2 laser does not result in tissue injury or scarring. My study and the associated animal model showed that the laser, if properly applied, can be an effective tool for SGS correction. Others have also reported positive results in humans. Like any surgical tool, if used improperly, the laser can cause harm. Authors are encouraged to conduct a thorough search of the literature when reporting a recommended model for study. Maggio offers a thoughtful set of Key Points for authors regarding this need. Statements, ideas, and procedures reported in the medical literature, that may play a key role in patient care, must be thoroughly researched by authors to prevent future critical surgical errors.
Acute kidney injury in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant for patients with lymphoma – KDIGO classification with creatinine and urinary output criteria: a cohort analysis

Abstract Eligibility and indication for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with lymphoma are increasing. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a known complication of HSCT with studies including a miscellaneous of hematological diagnoses and using different definitions of AKI. We aimed to evaluate incidence, risk factors and prognostic impact of AKI post-HSCT in patients with lymphoma submitted to autologous HSCT using the KDIGO classification with both serum creatinine and urinary output criteria. We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study including patients with lymphoma admitted for autologous HSCT. We used survival analysis with competing risks to evaluate cumulative incidence of AKI, AKI risk factors and AKI impact on disease-free survival. We used Cox regression for impact of AKI on overall survival. We used backward stepwise regression to create multivariable models. A total of 115 patients were included. Cumulative incidence of AKI: 63.7% 100 d post-HSCT. First diagnosis criteria: creatinine in 54.8%, urinary output in 41.1% and both in 4.1%. AKI highest stage: 1 in 57.5%, 2 in 17.8% and 3 in 24.7%. Variables independently associated with higher incidence of AKI were: use of nephrotoxic drugs (HR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.07–7.65; p = 0.035), mucositis (HR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.16–3.29; p = 0.012) and shock (HR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.19–5.85; p = 0.017). Moderate to severe AKI was independently associated with lower overall survival (HR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.06–3.94; p = 0.033). No association with relapse nor progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) was found. AKI affects almost two thirds of patients with lymphomas submitted to autologous HSCT. Nephrotoxic drugs, mucositis and shock are important independent AKI risk factors. More than one third of AKI episodes are moderate to severe and these are associated with lower overall survival.