Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional Modulation of Corticospinal Excitability with Adaptation of Wrist Movements to Novel Dynamical Environments

Adaptation of reaching movements to a novel dynamic environment is associated with changes in neuronal activity in the primary motor cortex (M1), suggesting that M1 neurons are part of the internal model. Here, we investigated whether such changes in neuronal activity, resulting from motor adaptation, were also accompanied by changes in human corticospinal excitability, which reflects M1 activity at a macroscopic level. Participants moved a cursor on a display using the right wrist joint from the starting position toward one of eight equally spaced peripheral targets. Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) were elicited from the wrist muscles by transcranial magnetic stimulation delivered over the left M1 before and after adaptation to a clockwise velocity-dependent force field. We found that the MEP elicited even during the preparatory period exhibited a directional tuning property, and that the preferred direction shifted clockwise after adaptation to the force field. In a subsequent experiment, participants simultaneously adapted an identical wrist movement to two opposing force fields, each of which was associated with unimanual or bimanual contexts, and the MEP during the preparatory period was flexibly modulated, depending on the context. In contrast, such modulation of the MEP was not observed when participants tried to adapt to two opposing force fields that were each associated with a target color. These results suggest that the internal model formed in the M1 is retrieved flexibly even during the preparatory period, and that the MEP could be a very useful probe for evaluating the formation and retrieval of motor memory.
Radiologic Abnormalities of the Thoraco-Lumbar Spine in Athletes

A radiologic study of the thoraco-lumbar spine was performed in 143 (117 male and 26 female) athletes (wrestlers, gymnasts, soccer players and tennis players), aged 14 to 25 years and 30 male non-athletes, aged 19 to 25 years. Film interpretation was made after mixing the films from all groups and without knowledge of the individual's identity. Various types of radiologic abnormalities occurred in both athletes and non-athletes but were more common among athletes, especially male gymnasts and wrestlers. Abnormalities of the vertebral ring apophysis occurred exclusively in athletes. Combinations of different types of abnormalities were most common in male gymnasts and wrestlers.
App‐based attention training: Incorporating older adults’ feedback to facilitate home‐based use

BACKGROUND Technology-based attention training programs have demonstrated promise in improving cognitive functioning in older adults. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usability and acceptability of a modified version of a mobile attention training application. DESIGN A descriptive, mixed-methods design was used to capture older adults' feedback on the usability and acceptability of the modified attention training application. METHODS A convenience sample of older adults (n = 12) participated in three study visits and a one-week testing period of the modified attention training application in their homes. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all quantitative data, and an iterative content analysis was used to characterise participant responses. RESULTS On average, participants rated the modified attention training application more positively than negatively in terms of usability, interest, enjoyment and satisfaction. The qualitative analyses revealed positive aspects of using the app including working through challenges, perceived benefit and helpfulness of instructions. CONCLUSIONS The modified attention training application was usable by and acceptable to the majority of older adults in our sample who had varying degrees of experience with mobile technology. Future development should specifically consider personal characteristics as well as individual preferences to maximise the potential of the modified attention training application. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This technology may be helpful for providing memory improvement interventions to older persons with cognitive impairment who do not have access to memory clinics.
Design & implementation of energy harvesting system using piezoelectric sensors

Energy harvesting is a process by which energy is originated and taken from external sources such as solar power, thermal energy, wind energy, salinity gradients, and kinetic energy etc. The sampled energy is captured, and stored for small, wireless autonomous devices, like those used in wearable electronics and wireless sensor networks. In this work the piezoelectric material is used for this purpose. There are a number of methods available as the mean of energy harvesting techniques, but the mechanical energy harvesting can be considered to be the most prominent. This technique is based upon piezoelectric components where deformation is produced by different means are directly converted to electrical charge via piezoelectric effect. Then after the electrical energy can be regulated or stored for further use. This work proposes an innovative method using freewheel and reciprocating motion.
Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for myelofibrosis: a report of the Société Française de Greffe de Moelle et de Thérapie Cellulaire (SFGM‐TC)

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative treatment for myelofibrosis. We report an analysis of the Société Française de Greffe de Moelle et de Thérapie Cellulaire (SFGM‐TC) registry including patients with myelofibrosis transplanted between 1997 and 2008. Potential risk factors affecting engraftment, non‐relapse mortality (NRM), overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were analysed. One hundred and forty‐seven patients, aged 20–68 (median 53) years, diagnosed with primary (53%) or secondary myelofibrosis underwent HSCT; 59% of patients were transplanted from a matched sibling donor. The conditioning regimen was myeloablative in 31% of patients. Ninety percent of the patients engrafted. Factors affecting favourably engraftment were splenectomy before HSCT, human leucocyte antigen (HLA) matched sibling donor, peripheral stem cell use as source of stem cells and absence of pre‐transplant thrombocytopenia. Four‐year OS, PFS and NRM survival were 39% (95%confidence interval [CI]: 31–50), 32% (95%CI: 24–43) and 39% (95%CI 30–48), respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that HLA‐identical sibling donor, chronic phase disease and splenectomy in men had favourable impact on OS.
Impact of hypertension on the accuracy of exercise stress myocardial perfusion imaging for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease

AIM To compare the accuracy of exercise stress myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease in patients with and without hypertension. METHODS A symptom limited bicycle exercise stress test in conjunction with 99m technetium sestamibi or tetrofosmin SPECT imaging was performed in 332 patients (mean (SD) age, 57 (10) years; 257 men, 75 women) without previous myocardial infarction who underwent coronary angiography. Of these, 137 (41%) had hypertension. Rest SPECT images were acquired 24 hours after the stress test. An abnormal scan was defined as one with reversible or fixed perfusion defects. RESULTS In hypertensive patients, myocardial perfusion abnormalities were detected in 79 of 102 patients with significant coronary artery disease and in nine of 35 patients without. In normotensive patients, myocardial perfusion abnormalities were detected in 104 of 138 patients with significant coronary artery disease and in 16 of 57 patients without. There were no differences between normotensive and hypertensive patients in sensitivity (77% (95% confidence interval (CI) 69% to 86%)v 75% (95% CI 68% to 83%)), specificity (74% (95% CI 60% to 89%) v 72% (95% CI 60% to 84%)), and accuracy (77% (95% CI 70% to 84%)v 74% (95% CI 68% to 80%)) of exercise SPECT for diagnosing coronary artery disease. The accuracy of SPECT was greater than electrocardiography, both in hypertensive patients (p = 0.005) and in normotensive patients (p = 0.0001). For the detection of coronary artery disease in individual vessels, sensitivity was 58% (95% CI 51% to 65%) v 57% (95% CI 51% to 64%), specificity was 86% (95% CI 82% to 90%)v 85% (95% CI 81% to 89%), and accuracy was 74% (95% CI 70% to 78%) v 74% (95% CI 70% to 78%) in patients with and without hypertension (NS). CONCLUSIONS In the usual clinical setting, the value of exercise myocardial perfusion scintigraphy for diagnosing coronary artery disease is not degraded by the presence of hypertension.
Sensitization for Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand-Induced Apoptosis by the Chemopreventive Agent Resveratrol

Survivin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins that is expressed at high levels in most human cancers and may facilitate evasion from apoptosis and aberrant mitotic progression. Naturally occurring dietary compounds such as resveratrol have gained considerable attention as cancer chemopreventive agents. Here, we discovered a novel function of the chemopreventive agent resveratrol: resveratrol is a potent sensitizer of tumor cells for tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis through p53-independent induction of p21 and p21-mediated cell cycle arrest associated with survivin depletion. Concomitant analysis of cell cycle, survivin expression, and apoptosis revealed that resveratrol-induced G1 arrest was associated with down-regulation of survivin expression and sensitization for TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Accordingly, G1 arrest using the cell cycle inhibitor mimosine or induced by p21 overexpression reduced survivin expression and sensitized cells for TRAIL treatment. Likewise, resveratrol-mediated cell cycle arrest followed by survivin depletion and sensitization for TRAIL was impaired in p21- deficient cells. Also, down-regulation of survivin using survivin antisense oligonucleotides sensitized cells for TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Importantly, resveratrol sensitized various tumor cell lines, but not normal human fibroblasts, for apoptosis induced by death receptor ligation or anticancer drugs. Thus, this combined sensitizer (resveratrol)/inducer (e.g., TRAIL) strategy may be a novel approach to enhance the efficacy of TRAIL-based therapies in a variety of human cancers.
Don d’ovocytes à l’hôpital Cochin et à l’étranger : comparaison des pratiques et impact sur les issues de grossesse

Introduction – Le don d’ovocytes (DO) permet aux femmes ayant une insuffisance ovarienne d’acceder a la maternite. La loi francaise n’autorise pas cette technique apres 43 ans, conduisant les femmes a se tourner vers l’etranger. Notre objectif etait de comparer les differences de pratiques en DO entre l’hopital Cochin et certains centres etrangers, et d’etudier leur impact sur les issues de la grossesse. Methodes – Nous avons etudie 88 femmes ayant eu un DO a Cochin puis ayant accouche dans la maternite de leur choix et 121 femmes ayant eu un DO a l’etranger avant d’accoucher a la maternite Port Royal, entre 2010 et 2013. Nous avons compare les pratiques puis les issues de grossesse en fonction du lieu de prise en charge, et etudie les issues de grossesse en fonction du type de grossesse. Enfin, les facteurs de risque de preeclampsie ont ete analyses. Resultats – Les pratiques differaient en fonction du lieu de prise en charge, surtout pour le nombre d’embryons transferes, l’âge de la donneuse et les grossesses multiples. Les complications etaient elevees dans les deux groupes, surtout en cas de grossesse multiple. Les facteurs associes a la preeclampsie etaient l’origine africaine (ORa=3,2[1,1-9,3]), la primiparite (ORa=12,5[2,4-66,0]), la duree d’infertilite ≤ 2 ans (ORa=36,7[4,0-339,3]), l’âge de la donneuse ≥ 35 ans (ORa=5,0[1,6-16,1]) et la grossesse multiple (ORa=7,3[2,5-21,2]). Conclusion – Les grossesses apres DO sont a haut risque independamment du lieu de prise en charge, l’âge maternel ne semblant pas etre un facteur aggravant. Les complications sont particulierement frequentes en cas de gemellite, justifiant le transfert d’un seul embryon lorsque la donneuse est jeune.
O provérbio: um género marginal(izado)?!

Enquanto o proverbio, numa cultura de tradicao oral, representa tipicamente o tesouro do conhecimento e a coleccao das regras sociais ou juridicas1, na transicao para a cultura escrita e na formulacao cientifica2 dos saberes, esse genero da Literatura Tradicional perde a sua autoridade nos circulos dominantes da sociedade. Ressalve-se, porem, o facto de, ao longo desse processo, haver ciclos de apreciacao e desvalorizacao de proverbios especificos, bem como do proprio genero. Na Idade Media, o proverbio ainda funcionou, em varias regioes da Europa, como regra juridica3. Ate mesmo Erasmus de Roterdao, Martin Lutero e Georgius Agricola
The GABAB receptor agonist AZD9343 inhibits transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations and acid reflux in healthy volunteers: a phase I study

Background Transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) represent an interesting target for the treatment of gastro‐oesophageal reflux. Baclofen reduces TLESRs and reflux episodes, but is not optimal for clinical application because of its central side effects. Therefore, new agents are required.
Cryptococcus gattii VGII in a Plathymenia reticulata hollow in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Little is known about the ecology of agents of cryptococcosis in Mato Grosso, without any data regarding to the sources of both agents in the environment. This study aimed to investigate Cryptococcus gattii and Cryptococcus neoformans associated with decay in tree hollows within the urban area of three different cities of Mato Grosso. Seventy‐two environmental samples collected from 72 living trees in the cities of Cuiabá, Várzea Grande and Chapada dos Guimarães were sampled and analysed. One tree (Plathymenia reticulata, Leguminosae) in the city of Cuiabá yielded 19 colonies identified as C. gattii molecular type VGII. The isolation of C. gattii VGII in the downtown city of Cuiabá is important because it fits in the Northern Macroregion, suggesting expanding and urbanisation of this genotype in different Brazilian cities.
Factors affecting unmet need for contraception among currently married fecund young women in Bangladesh

Abstract Objectives: The aim of our study was to explore the factors associated with unmet need for contraception among currently married fecund women under age 25, in Bangladesh. Methods: This study utilised a cross-sectional data (n = 4982) extracted from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2011. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of unmet need for contraception among currently married fecund young women. Results: The unmet need for contraception was 17% and contraceptive prevalence was 54% in this young group. Total demand for contraception was 71% and the proportion of demand satisfied was 77%. The results suggest that region, place of residence, religion, husband’s desire for children, visits of FP workers, decision-making power on child health care, reading about FP in newspaper/magazine and number of births in three years preceding the survey were significant predictors of unmet need for contraception. Conclusions: The BDHS of 2011 found that unmet need for contraception among currently married, fecund women under 25 years old is higher than the national level, and hence different or more intensive programme initiatives are required for them than for older women. The present study identifies important predictors of unmet need for contraception among fecund married Bangladeshi women under age 25.
Association between intra‐operative incidents and postoperative outcome and resource utilisation

Summary We assessed the predictive value of intra‐operative quality indicators (incidents) with respect to outcome (hospital mortality) and resource utilisation (length of stay in the postanaesthesia care unit and in hospital). Institutional data obtained from reports of a quality system that complies with the ISO 9002 standard were evaluated retrospectively. Incidents occurred in 2009 of 25 091 anaesthetics. Mortality was higher after incidents than after uneventful anaesthetics, but in multivariate analysis the incidents did not contribute to mortality. Length of stay in the postanaesthesia care unit and hospital were longer after incidents (p < 0.001 for both). In multivariate analysis, incidents independently contributed to length of stay in the postanaesthesia care unit among ASA I−III patients (p < 0.05, 0.001 and 0.001, respectively) and to length of hospital stay among ASA II−III patients undergoing scheduled operations (p < 0.05 and < 0.01, respectively). Intra‐operative incidents are associated with increased resource utilisation following surgery.
Rescue of the Pseudo‐Vitamin D Deficiency Rickets Phenotype of CYP27B1‐Deficient Mice by Treatment With 1,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D3: Biochemical, Histomorphometric, and Biomechanical Analyses

The treatment of choice for pseudo‐vitamin D deficiency rickets (PDDR), caused by mutations in the 25‐hydroxyvitamin D‐1α‐hydroxylase (CYP27B1; 1α‐OHase) gene, is replacement therapy with 1,25(OH)2D3. We have previously engineered an animal model of PDDR by targeted inactivation of the 1α‐OHase gene in mice. Replacement therapy was performed in this model. The 1α‐OHase−/− mice and heterozygote controls were treated with 500 pg of 1,25(OH)2D3/g body weight/day for 2 weeks, followed by 100 pg of 1,25(OH)2D3/g body weight/day for an additional 3 weeks before death at 8 weeks of age. Blood biochemistry analysis revealed that the rescue treatment corrected the hypocalcemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism. The daily injections of 1,25(OH)2D3 induced strong expression of CYP24, the 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 24‐hydroxylase gene. Bone histology and histomorphometry confirmed that the rickets and osteomalacia were cured. The rescue regimen also restored the biomechanical properties of the bone tissue within normal parameters. These results show that chronic treatment with the active 1,25(OH)2D3 metabolite is effective to rescue the PDDR phenotype of 1α‐OHase mutant mice.
Can We Select Which Patients With Small Breast Cancers Should Receive Adjuvant Chemotherapy?

ObjectiveTo identify the risk of systemic metastases from T1a and T1b N0 breast cancers in patients treated in an academic center, and to seek factors to identify the patients at greatest risk of such failure. Summary Background DataWith the demonstration that adjuvant chemotherapy reduces the death rate from breast cancer by roughly one quarter across all risk groups, controversy has reigned regarding possible exclusions from therapy. T1a and T1b N0 tumors (1-cm diameter and smaller with negative axillary nodes) have been considered at low risk for metastasis since the report from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center of a 90% survival rate at 10 years. Subsequent reports have suggested an even more favorable prognosis for this group. However, consensus statements advise selecting some of these women for treatment, and many do receive adjuvant chemotherapy. MethodsSequential patients with breast cancer at the Emory Clinic were prospectively staged and followed up for outcome. The records of patients with T1a and T1b N0 tumors were reviewed for exact tumor diameter, grade, receptor status, adjuvant therapy, and outcome. A corrected data set was stripped of patient identifiers and analyzed by Kaplan-Meier methods. Subgroups were formed based on tumor grade (1 vs. 3), adjuvant chemotherapy (use vs. no use), and adjuvant tamoxifen (use vs. no use) and were compared via log-rank tests. ResultsTwo hundred eighty-two women were identified. Two developed metastatic disease and one experienced a local failure after breast-conserving treatment. The estimated disease-free survival rate at 10 years was 98.7%. With only two distant failures and one local failure, there was no significant difference by grade, receptor status, or use of adjuvant chemotherapy or tamoxifen. ConclusionsThe risk of systemic failure from such tumors barely exceeded 1% at 10 years. Unless future studies can identify a subgroup at higher risk, the cognitive changes associated with cytotoxic chemotherapy or the loss of estrogen involved do not appear to have sufficient offsetting benefit to warrant chemotherapy for this group of women.
Behavioral Characteristics and Cardiovascular Disease Risks Associated With Insomnia and Sleep Quality Among Middle‐Aged Women in South Korea

Insomnia is the most common sleep problem in women. Increasing evidence suggests an association between insomnia and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, information is limited on lifestyle and socio-environmental factors associated with sleep problems in women. In this study directed by Social Cognitive Theory, we examined the personal, behavioral, socio-environmental, and CVD risk factors associated with sleep characteristics (insomnia and sleep quality) in middle-aged women using a cross-sectional design. The study instruments included the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and measures of social support and behavioral characteristics. Blood was drawn to assess serum glucose and lipids, and BMI was measured. Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Of 423 middle-aged women, 25% experienced insomnia (ISI ≥ 10) and 41.3% reported poor sleep quality (PSQI ≥ 5). Lesser education (≤middle school), more depressive symptoms, more screen time (≥ 3 hours/day), and severe stress were associated with greater severity of insomnia and/or poorer sleep quality. Total and LDL cholesterol levels were higher in women with insomnia than normal sleepers, whereas the BMI was higher in those who reported poor sleep quality. Because personal, behavioral, and socio-environmental factors were significantly associated with insomnia and poor sleep quality, multifactorial approaches should be considered in developing sleep interventions and reducing cardiovascular risk. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lack of transmission of H5N1 avian–human reassortant influenza viruses in a ferret model

Avian influenza A H5N1 viruses continue to spread globally among birds, resulting in occasional transmission of virus from infected poultry to humans. Probable human-to-human transmission has been documented rarely, but H5N1 viruses have not yet acquired the ability to transmit efficiently among humans, an essential property of a pandemic virus. The pandemics of 1957 and 1968 were caused by avian–human reassortant influenza viruses that had acquired human virus-like receptor binding properties. However, the relative contribution of human internal protein genes or other molecular changes to the efficient transmission of influenza viruses among humans remains poorly understood. Here, we report on a comparative ferret model that parallels the efficient transmission of H3N2 human viruses and the poor transmission of H5N1 avian viruses in humans. In this model, an H3N2 reassortant virus with avian virus internal protein genes exhibited efficient replication but inefficient transmission, whereas H5N1 reassortant viruses with four or six human virus internal protein genes exhibited reduced replication and no transmission. These findings indicate that the human virus H3N2 surface protein genes alone did not confer efficient transmissibility and that acquisition of human virus internal protein genes alone was insufficient for this 1997 H5N1 virus to develop pandemic capabilities, even after serial passages in a mammalian host. These results highlight the complexity of the genetic basis of influenza virus transmissibility and suggest that H5N1 viruses may require further adaptation to acquire this essential pandemic trait.