Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Valve hemodynamic performance and myocardial strain after implantation of a third-generation, balloon-expandable, transcatheter aortic valve.

BACKGROUND Left ventricular (LV) mechanics are impaired in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS); however, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) may positively affect LV mechanics. Assessed herein is the performance of the SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve (THV) and the effect of TAVI on LV function recovery, as assessed by global longitudinal strain (GLS). METHODS A subset of patients from the SOURCE 3 registry (n = 276) from 16 European centers received SAPIEN 3 balloon-expandable THV. Echocardiography was performed at baseline, post-procedure, and at 1 year, including assessment of GLS using standard two-dimensional images, and was analyzed in a core laboratory Paired analyses between baseline and discharge, baseline and at 1 year were conducted. RESULTS Hemodynamic parameters were improved after TAVI and sustained to 1 year. At 1 year, the rate of moderate to severe paravalvular leaks (PVL), and moderate to severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitations were 1.8%, 1.7%, and 8.0%, respectively. The discharge GLS (-15.6 ± 5.1; p = 0.004; n = 149) improved significantly from baseline (-15.1 ± 4.8) following TAVI. This improvement was sustained at 1 year compared with baseline (-17.0 ± 4.6, p < 0.001; n = 100). Conversely, LV ejection fraction (LVEF) did not significantly change following TAVI (p = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS Following TAVI with a third-generation THV, valve performances were good at 1 year with low PVL rate. The LV mechanics improved immediately after the procedure and were maintained at 1 year. These findings demonstrate the benefit of TAVI on LV mechanics, and suggests that GLS may be superior to LVEF in assessing this benefit. Clinicaltrial.gov number: NCT02698956.
Modulation of myelin formation by combined high affinity with extracellular matrix structure of electrospun silk fibroin nanoscaffolds

Abstract Remyelination is a major therapeutic goal in peripheral nerve regeneration, serving to restore function of demyelinated axons and provide neuroprotection. In order to apply myelin biogenesis strategies to peripheral nerve defects, the tissue engineered substitutes might be amenable to the promotion of this repair process. Electrospun nanofibers are considered as promising scaffolds for tissue engineering due to extracellular matrix mimicking factor and enhanced electrostatic interaction resulting in a controllable 3 D nanofibrous membrane. In order to explore the role of electrospun silk fibroin (SF) membrane in myelination, co-culture of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and Schwann cells (SCs) in vitro was established and observed. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe DRG adhesion to the membranes, the electrospinning SF membrane is more favorable to the adhesion of DRG. The immunofluorescence staining of MAG and NF showed considerable amount of myelin were formed, and the myelin was tightly wrapped around the axons of the neurons, which was confirmed under the scanning electron microscope observation. Real-time quantitative PCR technique was used to determine the gene expression level of DRG neurons cultured at different time points. The results showed that the mRNA levels of N-cadherin, laminin, fibronectin were higher than those in the control group. Our results showed that the electrospun SF nanofibers can provide topographical and chemical cues that mimic (to a certain extent) the extracellular matrix.
Guideline for the management of chronic asthma in children--2009 update.

OBJECTIVE To revise the guideline for the diagnosis and management of chronic asthma in children in view of the following considerations: the existing South African Childhood Asthma Working Group (SACAWG) guideline was produced 10 years ago; diagnosis of asthma in young children remains a challenge; evidence-based treatment is the new paradigm; new treatment approaches to achieving and maintaining control; therapeutic roles of several medications have evolved; more studies and data on treatment in young children; new medications and formulations; a change of emphasis in assessing asthma control to guide treatment changes. The main aim of the guideline is to promote a better standard of treatment based on understanding of the pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of asthma, and encouraging uniformity in asthma management. EVIDENCE A detailed literature review by a working group of clinicians from relevant disciplines. The strategies recommended are classified according to the evidence category in Appendix B, and denoted as Evidence A, B, C and D. RECOMMENDATIONS These include an appropriate diagnostic approach, environmental control measures, treatment options, definition of asthma control, and strategies to achieve control. ENDORSEMENT The guideline document was endorsed by the South African Thoracic Society (SATS), the National Asthma Education Programme (NAEP), the South African Paediatric Association (SAPA) and the South African Academy of Family Practice.
Downregulation of microRNA‐92b‐3p suppresses proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer SGC‐7901 cells by targeting Homeobox D10

To investigate the effect and mechanism of microRNA‐92b‐3p (miR‐92b‐3p) targeting Homeobox D10 (HOXD10) on proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer, we detected the expression of miR‐92b‐3p and HOXD10 in SGC‐7901 cells. The effects of miR‐92b‐3p or HOXD10 on proliferation, migration, invasion, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2/9 expression in SGC‐7901 cells were measured by the Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, Transwell assay, and Western blot, respectively. The results showed that miR‐92b‐3p expression was increased, and HOXD10 expression was decreased in SGC‐7901 cells, compared with human normal gastric epithelial cells GES‐1. Functional experiments demonstrated that cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and expression of MMP‐2/9 in SGC‐7901 cells were significantly inhibited by miR‐92b‐3p silencing and HOXD10 overexpression. Moreover, HOXD10 was a potential target gene of miR‐92b‐3p as evidenced by the TargetScan software and double luciferase reporter assay. In the rescue experiment, knockdown of HOXD10, accompanied by higher expression of MMP‐2/9, could significantly eliminate the inhibitory effects of miR‐92b‐3p silencing on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In conclusion, miR‐92b‐3p is highly expressed in gastric cancer SGC‐7901 cells, and interfering with its expression might inhibit SGC‐7901 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via downregulating MMP‐2/9 expression and targeting HOXD10.
Transcriptional activity of the zinc finger protein NGFI-A is influenced by its interaction with a cellular factor

NGFI-A is an immediate-early gene that encodes a transcription factor whose DNA-binding domain is composed of three zinc fingers. To define the domains responsible for its transcriptional activity, a mutational analysis was conducted with an NGFI-A molecule in which the zinc fingers were replaced by the GAL4 DNA-binding domain. In a cotransfection assay, four activation domains were found within NGFI-A. Three of the activation domains are similar to those characterized previously: one contains a large number of acidic residues, another is enriched in proline and glutamine residues, and another has some sequence homology to a domain found in Krox-20. The fourth bears no resemblance to previously described activation domains. NGFI-A also contains an inhibitory domain whose removal resulted in a 15-fold increase in NGFI-A activity. This increase in activity occurred in all mammalian cell types tested but not in Drosophila S2 cells. Competition experiments in which increasing amounts of the inhibitory domain were cotransfected along with NGFI-A demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in NGFI-A activity. A point mutation within the inhibitory domain of the competitor (I293F) abolished this property. When the analogous mutation was introduced into native NGFI-A, a 17-fold increase in activity was observed. The inhibitory effect therefore appears to be the result of an interaction between this domain and a titratable cellular factor which is weakened by this mutation. Downmodulation of transcription factor activity through interaction with a cellular factor has been observed in several other systems, including the regulation of transcription factor E2F by retinoblastoma protein, and in studies of c-Jun.
Quality of life of family carers of persons with young-onset compared to late-onset dementia

Abstract Objectives: To compare quality of life (QOL) of family carers of persons with young- (YOD) to late-onset dementia (LOD). Methods: This was a cross-sectional comparison of 88 carers of persons with YOD and 100 carers of persons with LOD. The Quality of Life – Alzheimer’s Disease questionnaire (QOL–AD) was used to measure QOL of both carers and persons with dementia. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) for carers and the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia for persons with dementia. Care burden was measured by the Relatives’ Stress Scale. Activities of Daily Living (ADL) of the persons with dementia were assessed using the total score from the Lawton & Brody Instrumental-ADL scale and the Physical Self-Maintenance Scale. Multiple linear regression models with interactions between covariates and group (YOD versus LOD) were estimated. Results: The QOL–AD scores of YOD-carers were significantly poorer compared to LOD-carers (mean difference 2.5 (95% CI 0.7; 4.3), p = 0.006). Poorer QOL of carers was associated with more depressive symptoms (mean QOL-AD change −0.5 (−0.6; −0.3), p < 0.001), but with no difference between the two groups. In contrast to LOD, QOL of carers of people with YOD was also significantly associated with symptom duration (p = 0.002), depressive symptoms of the persons with dementia (p = 0.030), ADL (p = 0.001), and carer burden (p = 0.002). Conclusion: YOD-carers reported significantly poorer QOL compared to LOD-carers. QOL was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in carers of both groups.
Nonwoven membranes for tissue engineering: an overview of cartilage, epithelium, and bone regeneration

Abstract Scaffold-type biomaterials are crucial for application in tissue engineering. Among them, the use of a nonwoven scaffold has grown in recent years and has been widely investigated for the regeneration of different types of tissues. Several polymers, whether they are synthetic, biopolymers or both, have been used to produce a scaffold that can mimic the natural tissue to which it will be applied to. The scaffolds used in tissue engineering must be biocompatible and allow cell adhesion and proliferation to be applied in tissue engineering. In addition, the scaffolds should maintain the mechanical properties and architecture of the desired tissue. Nonwoven fabrics have produced good results and are more extensively applied for the regeneration of cartilage, epithelial and bone tissues. Recent advances in tissue engineering have shown promising results, however, no ideal material or standardization parameters and characteristics of the materials were obtained. The present review provides an overview of the application of nonwoven scaffolds, including the main results obtained regarding the properties of the biomaterials and their applications in vitro and in vivo, focusing on the cartilaginous, the epithelium, and bone tissue regeneration.
Inhibition of myeloid differentiation 1 specifically in colon with antisense oligonucleotide exacerbates dextran sodium sulfate‐induced colitis

Myeloid differentiation 1 (MD‐1), also known as lymphocyte antigen 86 (Ly86), is a soluble protein homologous to MD‐2 and forms a complex with radioprotective 105 (RP105). RP105/MD‐1 complex negatively regulates toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling and is involved in several immune disorders. However, the precise role of MD‐1 in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) remains poorly understood. To further investigate the involvement of MD‐1 in IBD, we inhibited MD‐1 in colon with antisense oligonucleotide (AS‐ODN) and assessed the effect of MD‐1 inhibition on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis. We discovered that MD‐1 protein expression was remarkably decreased in both patients with ulcerative colitis and mice with DSS‐induced colitis. For the first time, we showed that oral administration of MD‐1 AS‐ODN to mice significantly suppressed the MD‐1 protein levels in colon rather than systemic tissues. Subsequently, we found that MD‐1 AS‐ODN treated mice were more susceptible to DSS‐induced colitis based on loss of body weight, colon length, histological scores, and disease activity index. MD‐1 inhibition also significantly enhanced inflammatory cytokines production such as IL‐6 and IL‐1β in colons. Finally, mice treated with MD‐1 AS‐ODN exhibited increased messenger RNA levels of TLR4 and MyD88 after DSS exposure and showed enhanced nuclear factor (NF)‐κB activation compared with the control. Taken together, specifically suppression of MD‐1 in colon tissues with AS‐ODN exacerbates DSS‐induced experimental colitis in mice, which is possibly related to activation of TLR4/NF‐κB signaling.
Virtual Evaluation of the Accuracy of Fit and Trueness in Maxillary Poly(etheretherketone) Removable Partial Denture Frameworks Fabricated by Direct and Indirect CAD/CAM Techniques.

PURPOSE To compare the accuracy of fit and trueness of maxillary poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK) removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks fabricated by direct and indirect computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS A definitive maxillary class I master epoxy model was duplicated to create a stone cast. The cast was scanned, and an RPD was designed. Standard tessellation language (STL) data were used to fabricate 20 identical RPD frameworks using two CAD/CAM techniques: direct milling of PEEK and indirect additive manufacturing (resin printing combined with PEEK thermopressing using the lost-wax technique). All the frameworks for each technique (n = 10) and the reference cast were scanned. To assess the accuracy of fit, a color map was constructed using metrology software, and the misfit (distance between each framework and the reference cast) was measured at 25 standardized points. To assess the overall trueness, each framework STL file was superimposed over the original design's STL file, and the average deviation was recorded in microns. Data were statistically analyzed using t-test. RESULTS Color mapping showed distinct pressure areas in the anterior and posterior straps of the major connector in the indirect technique, while a more uniform distribution of the color map was observed in the direct technique. A significant difference was found between the two techniques regarding the overall accuracy of fit. Compared with the indirect technique, the milled frameworks showed significantly better overall trueness (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Although a significant difference in the overall fit accuracy was noted between both techniques, the fit was an acceptable clinical fit. The fabrication method affects the fit in the anterior and posterior strap areas. The frameworks of the direct technique revealed better overall trueness values compared with the indirect technique.
Predicting gene expression using DNA methylation in three human populations

Background DNA methylation, an important epigenetic mark, is well known for its regulatory role in gene expression, especially the negative correlation in the promoter region. However, its correlation with gene expression across genome at human population level has not been well studied. In particular, it is unclear if genome-wide DNA methylation profile of an individual can predict her/his gene expression profile. Previous studies were mostly limited to association analyses between single CpG site methylation and gene expression. It is not known whether DNA methylation of a gene has enough prediction power to serve as a surrogate for gene expression in existing human study cohorts with DNA samples other than RNA samples. Results We examined DNA methylation in the gene region for predicting gene expression across individuals in non-cancer tissues of three human population datasets, adipose tissue of the Multiple Tissue Human Expression Resource Projects (MuTHER), peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) from Asthma and normal control study participates, and lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) from healthy individuals. Three prediction models were investigated, single linear regression, multiple linear regression, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalized regression. Our results showed that LASSO regression has superior performance among these methods. However, the prediction power is generally low and varies across datasets. Only 30 and 42 genes were found to have cross-validation R2 greater than 0.3 in the PBMC and Adipose datasets, respectively. A substantially larger number of genes (258) were identified in the LCL dataset, which was generated from a more homogeneous cell line sample source. We also demonstrated that it gives better prediction power not to exclude any CpG probe due to cross hybridization or SNP effect. Conclusion In our three population analyses DNA methylation of CpG sites at gene region have limited prediction power for gene expression across individuals with linear regression models. The prediction power potentially varies depending on tissue, cell type, and data sources. In our analyses, the combination of LASSO regression and all probes not excluding any probe on the methylation array provides the best prediction for gene expression.
Smartphone-based visual feedback trunk control training for gait ability in stroke patients: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND The gait ability of stroke patients is highly related with trunk control. Studies that addressed the effects of trunk control training using visual feedback on gait parameters of stroke patients are lacking. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of smartphone-based visual feedback trunk control training for improvement of trunk control and spatio-temporal gait parameter in stroke patients. METHODS Twenty-four stroke patients participated in this study. Participants were randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups. Both groups completed conventional rehabilitation over 4 weeks. The experimental group additionally received smartphone-based visual feedback trunk control training for 4 weeks. The primary outcome of this study was evaluated by trunk impairment scale and spatio-temporal gait parameters. RESULTS The trunk impairment scale in the experimental group was significantly improved compared to the control group (P< 0.05). The spatio-temporal gait parameters are significantly more different in the experimental group than in the control group (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Additional smartphone-based visual feedback trunk control training may improve trunk control and spatio-temporal gait parameter in chronic stroke patients.
Remote sensing products validation activity and observation network in China

Well design and coordinated implementation of validation activity is necessary to evaluate the accuracy of remote sensing product. However, validation is not a straightforward task and remain many challenges. A generally recognized difficult issue is the inconsistence between sparse observations and remote sensing pixels, strong spatial and temporal variations of surface variables, and the intrinsic heterogeneity of land surfaces. Thus, to develop, design and conduct reasonable validation schemes and activities to acquire ground truth at pixel scale over heterogeneous land surfaces is urgently needed. This contains, from the perspective of measurement, integrating various ground observations collected at multi-scale, in order to validate different types of RSPs from site to network, especially for those land surface variables with strong spatial-temporal variations. To this end, a dedicated validation initiative has been launched in China since 2011. The main scientific objectives and research contents are to develop mathematical approaches for spatial sampling optimization to acquire the ground truth at pixel scale over heterogeneous land surfaces, to form a series of recognized and practicable technical specifications to guide validation of various RSPs, and to establish a prototype of national validation network for long term operation. Specific validation activities, such as HiWATER, were conducted from site to network, through multi-scale observations collected from multi-platform and multi-source sensors, to experimentally examine those proposed methodologies and guidelines. Following the experience of these validation exercises, we are coordinating a Chinese validation network to use standardized and recognized technical specifications in implementing future validation attempts, aiming to extend validation exercises from point scale to regional scale and to national scale across different zones.
Non-pharmacologic approaches for hidradenitis suppurativa – a systematic review

Abstract Importance: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition presenting with painful nodules and sinus tracts primarily in intertriginous regions. The persistent nature of HS and challenges in symptom management lead many patients to seek non-pharmacologic approaches due to the paucity and limited efficacy of conventional HS therapeutic options. Objective: To evaluate the existing evidence for non-pharmacologic modalities in treatment of HS. Findings: Discussed in this review are non-pharmacologic modalities with evidence of efficacy in HS treatment, including weight loss, vitamin B12, vitamin D and zinc supplementation, and dietary avoidance of brewer’s yeast. Limitations of the available data on non-pharmacologic therapies in HS include the predominance of pilot and single-armed studies, as well as heterogeneity in study design, subject disease severity, concomitant treatment and comorbid conditions. Conclusions and relevance: HS patients are becoming increasingly interested in the use of non-pharmacologic approaches to augment conventional treatments. Strength of evidence for non-pharmacologic therapies in HS is limited by small study size and lack of randomized controlled trials. Future large-scale investigations should be pursued to better establish efficacy and dosing regimens for the use of non-pharmacologic treatments in HS.
Outcomes following physical therapy incorporating hippotherapy on neuromotor function and bladder control in children with Down syndrome: A case series

Abstract Aims: The objective of this case series was to document gross motor function, gait parameter, and bladder control outcomes following physical therapy incorporating hippotherapy in children with Down syndrome (DS). Methods: Four children between three and five years of age received eight-weekly physical therapy sessions incorporating hippotherapy. Outcome measures included the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), parental perception of function during every day activities, spatiotemporal parameters of gait and bladder control. Results: Total change scores on the GMFM-88 exceeded the standardized response mean in all four children, while scores on Dimension E improved in two children. From the mothers’ perspectives, all children showed at least some improvement in walking, running, and jumping; sitting, kneeling, and standing; symmetry and comfort; balance; coordination and social interactions and there were inconsistent changes in bladder control. Only one child demonstrated changes greater than 20% in any of the gait parameters. Conclusions: Physical therapy incorporating hippotherapy may be a potential treatment to assist in improving gross motor function in children with DS, but eight sessions may not be long enough to show major improvements in gait parameters or bladder control. Further research in the form of larger controlled trials is warranted to provide more support for the intervention in those with DS.