Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of lower limb controlled surface functional electrical stimulation in SCI — Review of evidence

Central nervous system (CNS) is composed of the brain and the spinal cord. Any impairment in the functionality of these parts can cause serious disabilities such as movement impairment and urinary incontinence. Spinal cord injury (SCI) and stroke are two conditions affected by injury of the CNS. This article presents a systematic review of the efficiencies as well as the inefficiencies of the Surface-Functional Electrical Stimulation (S-FES) that benefits from closed loop and control strategies to be engaged in rehabilitative interventions for paraplegic SCI patients. This study resulted in nine papers for review. To evaluate the evidence, the feasibility, fatigue resistance, safety and tracking error factors of each reported study were considered. From this study, it was concluded that the integration of control system into S-FES can promote rehabilitation process while minimize or control counterproductive elements such as fatigue and spasm as well as monitoring the activity for better safety measures during the S-FES intervention.
An Occupational Perspective of Childhood Poverty

While living in poverty is known to have important health consequences for children, its impact on their occupations is not as well understood. This article brings together international and New Zealand (NZ) national policy documents and evidence from research to examine the effect of poverty on children's occupations and the potential contribution of occupational therapists to this important public health issue. Child poverty can be framed as occupationally unjust and can lead to occupational deprivation for these children. The authors suggest that occupational therapists, with their belief in achieving equitable health outcomes through meaningful occupation, can work in a transdisciplinary way to help children living in a state of poverty.
Sialic Acid 9-O-Acetylation on Murine Erythroleukemia Cells Affects Complement Activation, Binding to I-type Lectins, and Tissue Homing*

O-Acetylation of the 9-hydroxyl group of sialic acids has been suggested to modify various recognition phenomena involving these molecules, but direct proof has been lacking in most situations. In the accompanying paper (Shi, W.-X., Chammas, R., and Varki, A. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 31517-31525), we report that the extent of 9-O-acetylation of cell surface sialic acids on murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells can be modified by various manipulations, including differentiation, nocodazole treatment, and 9-O-acetyl esterase treatment. We have used this system to explore the putative roles of 9-O-acetylation in modulating alternative pathway complement activation, I-type lectin binding, and tissue homing. MEL cells are shown to be sensitive to lysis in vitro by the alternative pathway of human complement. Induced differentiation of the MEL cells causes resistance to lysis, and this correlates directly with extent of decrease in 9-O-acetylation. A similar resistance to alternative pathway lysis can be obtained by selective enzymatic removal of 9-O-acetyl groups from sialic acids. Conversely, the increase in cell surface 9-O-acetylation caused by nocodazole treatment correlates with increased sensitivity to alternative pathway lysis. Thus, a 9-O-acetyl group added to the side chain of cell surface sialic acids may abrogate its normal function in restricting alternative pathway activation. Indeed, the binding of human complement factor H, a negative regulator of the alternative pathway, is shown to be blocked by O-acetylation of the sialic acids on MEL cells. MEL cells are also shown to have cell surface ligands for the I-type lectins sialoadhesin and CD22. Sialoadhesin (but not CD22) binding is selectively enhanced by differentiation-induced loss of cell surface 9-O-acetylation and by direct enzymatic removal of the ester groups. Thus, some sialoadhesin ligands are masked by 9-O-acetylation, presumably because the side chain is required for recognition. Since sialoadhesin is expressed on some macrophages in vivo, we reasoned that tissue homing of MEL cells might be affected by O-acetylation. Indeed, enzymatic removal of cell surface 9-O-acetyl groups alters the tissue distribution of intravenously injected cells. In particular, de-O-acetylation caused significant increase in homing to the liver and spleen. These data demonstrate that cell surface 9-O-acetylation can affect a variety of biological recognition phenomena and provide a system for further exploration of the specific molecular mechanisms involved.
Pulmonary targeting of sustained release formulation of budesonide in neonatal rats

Systemic corticosteroids are widely used for the treatment/prevention of chronic lung disease (CLD) in premature infants. The use of the inhalation route for delivering corticosteroids has been widely recognized, however so far pre-term babies continue to be treated with oral glucocorticoids, such as dexamethasone. We hypothesize that the pulmonary administration of sustained release formulations of inhaled corticosteroids to pre-term infants will result in a higher benefit/risk ratio as compared to traditional inhalation therapy. To achieve a slow release formulation budesonide particles were coated with a very thin film of polylactic acid using a pulse laser ablation technique. Coated material was characterized with respect to the dissolution behavior and particle size. Ex vivo receptor binding studies were performed to monitor the cumulative lung, liver and brain receptor occupancies after adminstration in neonatal (10–11 days old) rats after intratracheal instillation of either uncoated budesonide or poly (l-lactic acid) (PLA) coated budesonide. The mean dissolution timed for the uncoated and the polymer coated formulations were 1.2 ± 0.5 and 4.7 ± 0.1 h, respectively (p < 0.05). No significant differences in the respirable fraction were found between coated and uncoated formulation (p>0.05). The average receptor occupancies in the lung, liver and brain after administration of uncoated budesonide were 58.4 ± 12.9, 56.4 ± 6.8 and 38.3 ± 6.7%, respectively. However, after administration of PLA coated budesonide, the average AUC estimates in the lung, liver and brain were 75.8 ± 3.7%, 46.6 ± 14.5 and 29 ± 7, respectively. The results from our study suggest sustained receptor occupancy in the lungs of neonatal rats after administration of PLA coated budesonide results in lower systemic exposure (as indicated by low liver receptor occupancy). The data strongly underscore the urgent need to develop sustained release pulmonary-targeted delivery systems of corticosteroids for the treatment of CLD in pre-term infants. The administration of inhaled corticosteroids using targeted drug-delivery systems will potentially result in higher local effects and a reduction in systemic exposure.
Cell Lineages and Fate Maps in Tunicates: Conservation and Modification

Comparison of features of the cell lineages and fate maps of early embryos between related species is useful in inferring developmental mechanisms and amenable to evolutionary considerations. We present cleavage patterns, cell lineage trees, and fate maps of ascidian and appendicularian embryos side by side to facilitate comparison. This revealed a number of significant differences in cleavage patterns and cell lineage trees, whereas the fate maps were found to be conserved. This fate map similarity can be extended to vertebrates, thus representing the fate map characteristics of chordates. Cleavage patterns and cell lineages may have been modified during evolution without any drastic changes in fate maps. Selective pressures that constrain developmental mechanisms at early embryonic stages might not be so strong as long as embryos are still able to generate a chordate-type fate map. Aquatic chordates share similar fate maps and morphogenetic movements during gastrulation and neurulation, eventually developing into tadpole-shaped larvae. As swimming by tail beats, and not by cilia, is advantageous, selective pressure may maintain the basic elements of the tadpole shape. We also discuss the evolutionary origin of the vertebrate neural crest and the embryonic origin of the appendicularian heart to illustrate the usefulness of cell lineage data. From an evolutionary standpoint, cell lineages behave like other characteristics such as morphology or protein sequences. Both novel and primitive features are present in extant organisms, and it is of interest to identify the relative degree of evolutionary conservation as well as the level at which homology is inferred.
Vocal fold proteoglycans and their influence on biomechanics

Objective/Hypothesis: To examine the interstitial proteins of the vocal fold and their influence on the biomechanical properties of that tissue. Study Design: Anatomic study of the lamina propria of human cadaveric vocal folds combined with some viscosity testing. Methods: Identification of proteoglycans is performed with histochemical staining. Quantitative analysis is performed using an image analysis system. A rheometer is used for viscosity testing. Three‐dimensional rendering program is used for the computer images. Results: Proteoglycans play an important role in tissue biomechanics. Hyaluronic acid is a key molecule that affects viscosity. Discussion: The proteoglycans of the lamina propria have important biological and biomechanical effects. The role of hyaluronic acid in determining tissue viscosity is emphasized. Viscosity, its effect on phonatory threshold pressure and energy expended due to phonation is discussed. Conclusion: Proteoglycans, particularly hyaluronic acid, play important roles in determining biomechanical properties of tissue oscillation. Future research will likely make these proteins of important therapeutic interest.
Access Barriers to Mental Health Services for Older Adults from Diverse Populations: Perspectives of Leaders in Mental Health and Aging

This project is based on the results of telephone surveys with 52 local, state, and national informed respondents including policymakers, county leaders, planners, and advocates in mental health and aging with a particular focus on the states of California and Florida. This article addresses challenges to access to mental health services for diverse older adults including barriers related to race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, location, age, gender, immigrant status, language, sexual orientation, and diagnosis. The article also highlights broad themes that emerged including (1) the importance of outreach and transportation tailored to diverse elders, and (2) recruitment of diverse staff and training related to diversity. The article concludes with policy and practice recommendations to reduce these disparities in access to mental health services for diverse populations of older adults.
The Effect of Bone Quality on Pedicle Screw Loading in Axial Instability: A Synthetic Model

Study Design. In this biomechanical analysis of pedicle screw bending moments, custom-fabricated vertebral analogues were loaded in axial compression to produce sagittal bending forces. Moments were measured directly from internally instrumented pedicle screws. Objectives. To establish the role of cancellous vertebral modulus on pedicle screw bending moments within the vertebral body and the vertebral pedicle. Summary of Background Data. Pedicle screws are often used to manage axial instability of the spine. Clinical studies report a high incidence of screw bending failure, resulting in kyphosis and pain in some patients. Factors predisposing to bending failure are not well understood, although recent studies have shown that vertebral morphometry is important. Methods. Axially canullated 7.0-mm pedicle screws, internally instrumented with paired strain gauges, were inserted into analogue vertebrae of uniform dimension. Cancellous modulus was varied from 25-100 MPa. Screws were rigidly mounted to a vertical testing frame, and axial loads were applied to the superior vertebral endplate, producing sagittal bending moments. Moments were recorded from gauges applied in the intrapedicular and intravertebral portions of the screw. Mean moments were compared using a Student's t test, with significance defined as P < 0.05. Results. Cancellous modulus did not affect bending moments experienced in either the intrapedicular or intravertebral portions of the pedicle screws. Gauge accuracy was excellent, and with no gauge drift. Conclusions. Although small changes in pedicle morphometry can alter screw bending moments significantly, changes in cancellous modulus had no measurable impact on bending moments at these same loads. Bone density is likely to play a limited role in screw bending failure.
Role of the mononuclear phagocyte as an antigen-presenting cell for human gamma delta T cells activated by live Mycobacterium tuberculosis

gamma delta T cells, both human and murine, have been found to be highly responsive to mycobacterial antigens. However, the role and function of gamma delta T cells in the immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis remain largely unknown. In earlier studies, we demonstrated that monocytes infected with live M. tuberculosis were particularly effective inducers of human peripheral blood gamma delta T cells. The present studies were performed to further characterize the interaction between human mononuclear phagocytes, gamma delta T cells, and live M. tuberculosis, in comparison with CD4+ T cells. First, we found that resting gamma delta T cells expanded in vitro by live M. tuberculosis were specific for M. tuberculosis, and that heat killing and washing the mycobacteria removed the antigen(s) for gamma delta T cells. In contrast, the heat-killed mycobacteria retained significant antigenicity for CD4+ T cells. Second, live M. tuberculosis-expanded gamma delta T cells from healthy tuberculin-positive donors did not respond significantly to the antigens in M. tuberculosis culture filtrate, including the 65- and 71-kDa mycobacterial heat shock proteins. Third, the activation of gamma delta T cells by live mycobacteria was dependent on antigen-presenting cells, and mononuclear phagocytes were found to be very efficient antigen-presenting cells both for resting peripheral blood gamma delta T cells and for activated expanded gamma delta T cells. The mononuclear phagocyte carried the necessary costimulatory factors necessary for gamma delta T-cell proliferation. Fourth, the antigen repertoire and HLA requirements for CD4+ memory T cells and those for gamma delta T cells appear to be quite distinct from each other. CD4+ T cells recognized both soluble protein antigens and whole organisms in a class II major histocompatibility complex-restricted manner, whereas gamma delta T cells appeared to recognize only constituents associated with the whole organism and were not restricted by class I or class II major histocompatibility complex molecules. Finally, the assay system described to expand and purify responding CD4+ and gamma delta T cells after stimulation with live M. tuberculosis represented a simple approach to the direct comparison of these two T-cell populations in the interaction with mononuclear phagocytes infected with M. tuberculosis. Such studies provide insight not only into the relative roles of human CD4+ and gamma delta T cells in the human immune response to intracellular bacterial pathogens such as M. tuberculosis but also into the basic biologic role of human gamma delta T cells in antimicrobial immunity.
Venous air embolism: Clinical and experimental considerations

ObjectiveTo examine the existing literature concerning venous air embolism. Causes, patho-physiology, and management are emphasized. Data SourcesThe literature that was reviewed was retrieved from the MEDLINE System under the headings “venous air embolism,” “air embolism,” “therapy of air embolism,” “etiology of venous air embolism,” and “pathophysiology of venous air embolism” for the years 1970 to 1991. A manual search, derived from the references of these papers, was performed to obtain relevant citations for the years preceding 1970. Study SelectionExperimental (animal) data, case reports, case series, and clinical investigations are included. ConclusionsVenous air embolism is an infrequent complication of invasive diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers. The cardiovascular, pulmonary, and central nervous systems may all be affected, with severity ranging from no symptoms to immediate cardiovascular collapse. Therapeutic interventions include mechanical measures, such as positioning, withdrawal of air from the right atrium, and measures aimed at reducing bubble size. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy holds some promise in accomplishing the latter, but randomized, controlled trials demonstrating efficacy have yet to be performed. (Crit Care Med 1992; 20:1169–1177)
Efficacy and Safety of Fibrinogen Concentrate in Surgical Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the efficacy and safety of fibrinogen concentrate (FC) in surgical patients. DESIGN Meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies (RCTs). SETTING Perioperative. PARTICIPANTS Adult and pediatric surgical patients. INTERVENTIONS A search of PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Transfusion Evidence Library, Google Scholar, and the proceedings from major international anesthesiology meetings up to February 1, 2016 for RCTs that compared FC with placebo or other comparators. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Pooled risk ratios and mean differences (MDs) were computed with either fixed-effects or random-effects models. The study included 14 RCTs comprising 1,035 patients; the majority of patients underwent cardiac surgery. All-cause mortality was lower in the fibrinogen group (4/432 [0.9%] v 15/430 [3.5%]; risk ratio 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09-0.78; p = 0.02; heterogeneity statistic (l2) = 0%). The use of FC was associated with reduced bleeding (MD -127 mL; 95% CI -207 to -47; p = 0.002; I2= 54%) and a lower number of red blood cells units transfused versus comparator (MD -0.9; 95% CI -1.3 to -0.5; p<0.001; I2 = 42%). There were no differences in the rates of thrombotic events and myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS In surgical patients, FC was associated with reduced bleeding and a lower number of red blood cell units transfused, and it also might reduce mortality. However, none of the analyzed trials was powered for estimation of survival and adverse events with FC use. Half of the included studies were of high or moderate risk of bias. The evidence primarily came from cardiac surgery settings.
Computerized Physician Order Entry System Unexpected Increased Mortality After Implementation of a Commercially Sold

ABSTRACT. Objective. In response to the landmark1999 report by the Institute of Medicine and safety initi-atives promoted by the Leapfrog Group, our institutionimplemented a commercially sold computerized physi-cian order entry (CPOE) system in an effort to reducemedical errors and mortality. We sought to test the hy-pothesis that CPOE implementation results in reducedmortality among children who are transported for spe-cialized care. Methods. Demographic, clinical, and mortality datawere collected of all children who were admitted viainterfacility transport to our regional, academic, tertiary-care level children’s hospital during an 18-month period.A commercially sold CPOE program that operated withinthe framework of a general, medical-surgical clinical ap-plication platform was rapidly implemented hospital-wide over 6 days during this period. Retrospective anal-yses of pre-CPOE and post-CPOE implementation timeperiods (13 months before and 5 months after CPOEimplementation) were subsequently performed.
Cognitive and Behavioral Characterization of the Potocki-Lupski Syndrome (Duplication 17p11.2)

Objective: To describe the cognitive and behavioral phenotypic features of the Potocki-Lupski syndrome (duplication 17p11.2), a recently recognized syndrome with multiple congenital anomalies and developmental delays. Method: Fifteen subjects were enrolled in an extensive multidisciplinary clinical protocol. Cognitive and behavior evaluations included a parent-report medical and psychological history form, intellectual assessment and assessments of adaptive behavior, executive functioning, and maladaptive behavior and emotions. Eight of the families completed an Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Generic. Results: The majority of patients (13 of 15) presented with intellectual disability. Moreover, the majority of patients also had moderate to severe behavioral difficulties, including atypicality, withdrawal, anxiety, and inattention. Many patients characterized also presented with autistic symptom pictures, some of whom (10 of 15) met diagnostic criteria for an autistic spectrum disorder, namely autistic disorder or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. Conclusion: This work expands on the behavioral phenotype of duplication 17p11.2 (Potocki-Lupski syndrome). Further phenotypic analysis will aid in clinical diagnosis, counseling, and management of this newly characterized microduplication syndrome. The association between this syndrome and autistic spectrum disorder may contribute to further understanding the etiology of the pervasive developmental disorders
The Activity Evaluation Model and Sustainable Interactive Management Strategies of Online User Innovation Community

With the development of social network, online user innovation communities (OUICs) become an important source where many companies gather valuable information for innovation development of their products or services. Activity is an important measure of whether an OUIC is developing normally. Therefore, it is crucial to understand what factors affect the activity of an OUIC, and how to increase it, so as to gain more insights from customers. So far, there has been scarce studies that examined activity in OUICs. To this end, first, we propose an evaluation model to assess activity of OUICs, and then we take two smartphone online communities as an example, namely Xiaomi community and Samsung community, to calculate and compare their activities. The result shows that the activity in Xiaomi community is higher than Samsung community during a certain period of time. Second, it is suggested that companies can improve activity of OUICs through increasing interaction in communities. We make an attempt to explore the factors that impact interaction in OUICs by conducting a questionnaire survey to OUIC users. It is found that environmental factors, information factors, personal factors, and trust factors mostly have a significant effect on interaction of OUICs. Finally, we put forward specific management strategies for improving the interaction of OUICs, according to our research findings.
Perceived direction of gravity and the body-axis during static whole body roll-tilt in healthy subjects

Abstract Objective: We used the subjective visual vertical (SVV) and two different subjective visual body axis (SVBA) methods to quantify roll-tilt perception under gravity, and investigated the characteristics of these methods during static roll-tilt. In addition, we independently developed a compact device to facilitate evaluation of SVBA in different gravitational environments. Methods: Ten male volunteers participated in this study. We created a roll-tilt environment using a flight simulator in a dark room. The cockpit of the simulator was tilted leftward or rightward (−30°, −20°, −10°, 0°, 10°, 20° and 30°) in each randomly ordered trial. We quantified roll-tilt perception such that the experiment was conducted under 21 different conditions per participant. Results: We found no significant differences among the SVV error and the two types of SVBA error. Conclusions: The SVV and the SVBA methods may be useful for evaluating subjective roll-tilt perception.