Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of motor task complexity on sensorimotor integration: implications for healthy and subclinical populations

3 STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY . 4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS . 6 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS USED . 9 LIST OF FIGURES . 10 INTRODUCTION TO THESIS . 11 HYPOTHESIS AND OBJECTIVES . 15 OVERVIEW . 16 SECTION 1: LITERATURE REVIEW . 17 Introduction to Literature Review . 17 Sensorimotor Integration. 17 Functional Neuroanatomy of Sensorimotor Integration . 18 The Somatosensory System . 19 Dorsal-Column Leminiscal System . 20 Motor Skill Learning and Acquisition . 23 Neural Correlates of Motor Learning . 25 Motor Training Paradigms . 29 Central Nervous System Plasticity . 34 Effects of Repetitive Movement on Plasticity . 35 Overuse Injury and Neck Pain . 36 Experimental Techniques . 38 Evoked Potentials . 38 Somatosensory Evoked Potentials . 38 Clinical use of SEPs . 39 SEP Peak Nomenclature . 40 SEP Peak Neural Generators . 41 Summary . 48 References . 50 7 SECTION 2: PROPOSED RESEARCH . 61 Proposed Research Framework . 62 SECTION 3: MANUSCRIPT 1 . 63 Acknowledgements . 64 Abstract . 65 Introduction . 67 Methods: . 71 Subjects/Participants . 71 Stimulation Parameters . 71 Recording Parameters. 72 Experimental Protocol . 72 Data Analysis . 75 Results . 77 Discussion. 81 References . 87 SECTION 4: MANUSCRIPT 2 . 91 Acknowledgements . 92 Abstract: . 93 Introduction . 95 Methods . 97 Subjects/Participants . 97 Stimulation Parameters . 98 Recording Parameters. 99 Experimental Protocol . 99 Data Analysis . 101 Results . 103 Discussion. 107 References . 112 SECTION 4: THESIS SUMMARY . 117 Overall Summary . 118 References . 121 SECTION 5: APPENDICES . 122 8 APPENDIX 1: Participant Consent Form Study 1 . 123 Appendix 2: Participant Consent Form Study 2 . 126 Appendix 3: Von Korff Chronic Pain Grade Scale . 129
Ausencia de asociación entre la variante S447X del gen de la lipoproteína lipasa y lípidos plasmáticos: Estudio preliminar

Abstract The increase in lipid plasma values is an important cardiovascular risk factor. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) plays an important role in the lipoprotein metabolism and metabolic and genetic factors may influence its levels and functions. The S447X variant of the lipoprotein lipase gene is associated with changes in plasma lipids in different populations. The objective of this research was to analyze the S447X variant of the LPL gene and its relation with plasma lipids of individuals in Zulia state, Venezuela. With this purpose, we studied 75 individuals (34 men and 41 women) between 20 and 60 years of age. Each subject had a medical history which included family history, anthropometric characteristics, nutritional status evaluation and biochemical tests. Genomic DNA was extracted for the molecular study and the polymerase chain reaction was used, followed by enzyme digestion, for restriction fragments length polymorphisms using the Hinf I enzyme. The individuals studied had normal levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and low density lipoproteins (LDL-C) and slightly decreased levels of high density lipoproteins (HDL-C). The genotypic distribution of the LPL gene S447X variant in the studied population was 90.6% for the homozygous genotype SS447 and 9.4% for the heterozygote SX447. The genotype 447XX was not identified. The population was found in Hardy Weinberg genetic equilibrium. No association between the S447X polymorphism of lipoprotein lipase gene and plasma lipids was observed.
The risk of postoperative constipation in liver transplant patients

Aim: This research study was carried out as a descriptive study to determine the risk of postoperative constipation in liver transplant patients. Material and Methods: The study was conducted between September 2018 and November 2018 in the Liver Transplant Clinics of Liver Transplant Institute at İnönü University. The research population was composed of all of the adult patients who underwent surgery in these clinics. The sample of the study consisted of 95 patients who were selected from among these patients by using the non-random sampling method, who were able to communicate and volunteered to participate in the study. The data were collected through the face-to-face interview method using the Patient Information Form and the Constipation Risk Assessment Scale. Counts, percentages, mean scores, standard deviations, Kruskal-Wallis variance analyses, and independent samples t-tests were used to analyze data. Results: TOf the patents participating in the study, 65.3% were found to be in the moderate-risk group in terms of the development of constipation. Total CRAS score was found to be 12.15±3.06 (moderate risk). The risk of constipation was found to be significantly higher in patients who were aged 18–34, male, and high school graduates. Conclusion: More than half of the liver transplant patients who participated in the study were found to be at moderate risk for the development of postoperative constipation.
PHOTOPLETHYSMOGRAPHIC WAVEFORM ANALYSIS DURING LOWER BODY NEGATIVE PRESSURE SIMULATED HYPOVOLEMIA AS A TOOL TO DISTINGUISH REGIONAL DIFFERENCES IN MICROVASCULAR BLOOD FLOW REGULATION.

PHOTOPLETHYSMOGRAPHIC WAVEFORM ANALYSIS DURING LOWER BODY NEGATIVE PRESSURE SIMULATED HYPOVOLEMIA AS A TOOL TO DISTINGUISH REGIONAL DIFFERENCES IN MICROVASCULAR BLOOD FLOW REGULATION. Nicholas J. Galante, Lars J. Grimm, Aymen A. Alian, Nina S. Stachenfeld, Kirk H. Shelley, and David G. Silverman, Department of Anesthesiology, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT The purpose of this investigation was to explore modulation of the photoplethsymographic (PPG) waveform in the setting of simulated hypovolemia as a tool to distinguish regional differences in regulation of the microvasculature. The primary goal was to glean useful physiological and clinical information as it pertains to these regional differences in regulation of microvascular blood flow. This entailed examining the cardiovascular, autonomic nervous, and respiratory systems’ interplay in the functional hemodynamics of regulation of microvascular blood flow to both central (ear, forehead) and peripheral (finger) sites. We monitored ten healthy volunteers (both men and women age 24-37 ) noninvasively with central and peripheral photoplethysmographs and laser Doppler flowmeters during Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP). Waveform amplitude, width, and oscillatory changes were characterized using waveform analysis software (Chart, ADInstruments). Data were analyzed with the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, paired t-tests, and linear regression. Finger PPG amplitude decreased by 34.6 ± 17.6% (p = 0.009) between baseline and the highest tolerated LBNP. In contrast, forehead amplitude changed by only 2.4 ± 16.0% (p=NS). Forehead and finger PPG width decreased by 48.4% and 32.7%, respectively. Linear regression analysis of the forehead and finger PPG
Heat stress in protective clothing. Interactions among physical and physiological factors.

Data from experiments on animals and humans have supported the development of computer models that predict human response to various combinations of the three main heat stress factors work, clothing, and environment. However, recent application of such models shows that the validity of their output is limited in part by the need to represent more faithfully the interactions among the primary heat stress factors and certain physiological variables. Examples of such interactions include the weight and stiffness of protective outfits increasing the metabolic cost of a task, profuse sweating that wets clothing and alters its heat transfer characteristics, task-related movements altering air exchange rates through clothing, individual aerobic capacity affecting thermoregulatory response to a given metabolic load, and sweat retention in clothing raising skin wettedness and possibly inducing sweat suppression. This paper reviews recent research in these areas and identifies certain areas where further data are needed. Language: en
Barriers and enablers to screening and diagnosing depression and diabetes distress in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus; protocol of a qualitative evidence synthesis.

Background: Depression and diabetes distress are common in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). These conditions are independently associated with poorer T2DM outcomes and increased healthcare utilisation and costs. Questions remain regarding the most appropriate ways of initially detecting depression and diabetes distress in this group. Diabetes guidelines recommend depression screening in primary care for people with T2DM but their implementation in practice is suboptimal. As health care professionals influence detection practices, their perceptions and experiences of these guidelines can improve understanding of aspects of the guidelines that work, and those which are more difficult to implement in practice. This study describes the protocol for a qualitative evidence synthesis of primary care health professionals' perceived barriers and enablers to screen for and diagnose depression and diabetes distress in people with T2DM. Methods and analysis: Primary qualitative and mixed method studies will be identified using a systematic search of electronic databases and the CLUSTER (Citations, Lead authors, Unpublished materials, Scholar searches, Theories, Early examples, Related projects) approach. We selected 'best-fit framework synthesis' as the approach to synthesise primary data using the RETREAT (Review question-Epistemology-Time/Timescale-Resources-Expertise-Audience and purpose-Type of Data) framework. Quality appraisal of primary studies and confidence in the overall review findings will be determined using the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) and the GRADE-CERQual (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research), respectively. Discussion: The planned review will provide the first, single point of reference of the available synthesised qualitative evidence on this topic. It will apply recommended approaches to ensure rigor and robustness of study and contribute meaningfully to understanding of how depression and diabetes distress can be initially detected in people with T2DM. This protocol is awaiting processing by the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) [ID number 145483].
Developing a Strategic Group Typology for Home Health Care Agencies

Considering the growing interest in Home Health Care, an important area of examination relates to the strategic decisions made by home health agency leaders. The purpose of this study is to explore the existence of strategic groups in the home health industry using Porter’s generic strategies. A secondary analysis of data on agency resource deployment and scope characteristics were combined with secondary agency market and organizational characteristics. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to examine the existence of strategic groups. The relationship between group membership and organizational and market characteristics was examined using chi-square and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Data from 7,715 home health agencies were explored in this analysis. A four-cluster solution emerged yielding sizes of cluster 1 = 1,682, cluster 2 = 1,731, cluster 3 = 3,763, and cluster 4 = 539. Cluster 1 was classified as the cost leaders with the lowest resource deployment and lowest scope. Cluster 2 was classified as the differentiator group with the highest scope and second highest resource deployment. Cluster 3 was classified as the both cost leader and differentiator group with the second highest scope and second lowest resource deployment. Cluster 4 was classified as the stuck-in-the-middle group with the second lowest scope and highest resource deployment. Using Porter’s generic strategies, the results showed evidence that strategic groups exist in the home health industry. Furthermore, home health agency strategic groups are significantly different based on market characteristics.
FORÇA REAÇÃO DO SOLO DURANTE A MARCHA COM USO DO TÊNIS E SANDÁLIA PLATAFORMA

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a forca reacao do solo durante a marcha em cadencia auto-selecionada, comparando as caracteristicas entre a marcha descalca e com o uso de sandalias de salto plataforma e tenis esportivo. A amostra constituiu-se de 8 mulheres com media de idade de 22,9 (4,1) anos. A forca reacao do solo foi adquirida com uma plataforma de forca da AMTI e analisada no Origin v 6.0. Os resultados demonstraram um aumento do primeiro e do segundo picos verticais de forca com o uso de sandalia em relacao a marcha descalca de 1,09 (0,06) PC para 1,18 (0,07) PC, diminuicao do pico passivo de 0,61 (0,12) PC para 0,40 (0,16) PC e sua taxa de crescimento de 33,64 (16,91) PC/s para 16,19 (4,93) PC/s. A taxa de crescimento do primeiro pico de forca diminuiu, mas nao apresentou diferencas significativas de 7,98 (1,78) PC/s para 7,86 (3,82) PC/s. Essa diminuicao das taxas de crescimento e aumento dos picos de forca com o uso de sandalia sugerem aumento de sobrecarga nas articulacoes dos membros inferiores, resultado principalmente da rigidez do solado e da instabilidade provocada pela elevacao do centro de gravidade, justificando a diminuicao de velocidade verificada. A menor magnitude do primeiro pico da FRS vertical, de 1,14 (0,05) PC, com a utilizacao do tenis demonstra que na comparacao com a sandalia cujo primeiro pico foi de 1,18 (0,07) PC, a rigidez do solado e fator determinante para a magnitude desta variavel. Esses resultados deveriam ser considerados para o desenvolvimento e a producao de sandalias com salto que promovessem maior conforto aos usuarios.
CHRONIC INTERACTION BETWEEN METFORMIN AND MELOXICAM IN MICE

Objective: This study is performed for investigation the chronic interaction between metformin and meloxicam from toxicological view. Methods: Lethal dose 50 after chronic exposure assessed in mice by up and down method. Their interaction analyzed by isobolographic analysis indicated that both medicines exhibited synergism. Assessment of the effects of repeated chronic dosing for 3 months of both medicines also performed on mice. Medicines in question administered orally as therapeutic doses of metformin 14 mg/kg. Body weight (BW) (G1), meloxicam 0.2 mg/kg.BW (G2), and combination of both medicines (G3) while G4 assigned control and dosed DW. Results: Both G1 and G3 showed significant p˂0.05 decrease in blood glucose and serum cholesterol levels. Meloxicam group (G3) showed statistically significant p˂0.05 increase in triglycerides and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), while group of combination showed statistically significant p≤0.05 decrease in both ALT and AST. Blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, and serum creatinine showed statistically significant p˂0.05 increase in group of meloxicam but decrease in G3 and no changes in G1. Histopathological changes included variable lesions in kidney such as swelling and necrosis in renal tubules of metformin group, cortical vacuolar degeneration in renal tubules, and deterioration of most glomeruli in G2, while G3 showed generalized cortical necrosis of renal tubules and interstitial nephritis. Liver lesions included central venous congestion (VC) and perivascular lymphocytic infiltration and marked necrosis in both groups of metformin and meloxicam, while there were severe VC and necrosis of hepatocytes in group of combination. Conclusion: Metformin administration with meloxicam may have beneficial important through preventing many deleterious effects of meloxicam after long-standing administration, but adjusting dosing regimen study might be recommended.
An Overview : Projeria

Summary Progeria is an extremely rare genetic disorder, characterized by rapid ageing, from childhood. In other words, it is normal human ageing, but happening at thrice the speed in children. The classic type of Progeria (there are different forms) is Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS). The earliest symptoms include failure to thrive and a localized scleroderma-like skin condition. As a child ages past infancy, additional conditions become apparent. Limited growth, alopecia, and a distinctive appearance (small face and jaw, pinched nose) are all characteristics of progeria. Most treatment focuses on reducing complications (such as cardiovascular disease) with heart bypass surgery or low-dose aspirin.
The Role of Airway Inflammation in Asthma

Uncontrolled airway inflammation contributes to persistent asthma symptoms and risks of exacerbations and airway remodelling. many asthma patients are non-adherent to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment and have a discordance between subjective symptom perception versus actual control of asthma, i.e. airway inflammation. Objective measurements of airway inflammation, e.g. fENO and sputum cell count quantification can aid clinical management. Nonetheless, there are many limitations in the tests’ availability and interpretation. Hence, these tests are used mainly for difficultto-treat or severe airway diseases. In the 2019 Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) strategy report, short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) monotherapy is no longer recommended in Step 1 and ICS is recommended across all asthma severity to emphasize the importance of controlling airway inflammation. Doctors should discuss and recommend the most appropriate ICS therapy (dosing regimen and inhaler device) that is acceptable to the patient, to promote adherence. Appropriate use of ICS is crucial in achieving the management targets of asthma: maintenance symptom control and prevention of asthma risks.
Distinctive clinical correlates of hazardous drinking

ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to identify clinical correlates of hazardous drinking (HD). The data were derived from the Korean Research for Development of Alcohol Addiction Diagnosis and Assessment System. Variable measurement were personal characteristics, lifetime alcohol use history, Motivational Structure Questionnaire for alcoholics, Alcohol Outcome Expectancies Scale, and Alcohol Dependence Scale. Behavioural, psychiatric, and psychological factors were evaluated by responses to the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale, Jung Self Rating Depression Scale, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11, State Traits Anxiety Inventory, and State Trait Anger Expression Inventory. The valid sample comprised 295 male drinkers, 89 subjects (30.2%) were classified as HD, and 209 (69.8%) were in the non-HD (NHD) group by NIAAA criteria. The results of binary logistic analysis showed that age at the first blackout, coping, and social motives for alcohol use, and non-planning impulsiveness increased the likelihood of HD net of each other’s effects, and the final model explained 29.6% (Negelkerke R2) of the variation in HD.
Poor Sleep Quality Associated With High Risk Of Ventricular Tachycardia After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background Sleep disorders (SDs) are usually associated with an increase in frequency of ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, the relationship between SDs and the prevalence of VT within the first week of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate their associations and potential mechanisms. Methods This structured questionnaire-based cross-sectional study enrolled 303 patients with AMI from a hospital in northern China. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to determine sleep quality of subjects. Heart rate variability (HRV) of patients was investigated by ambulatory electrocardiography recorders. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the plasma levels of catecholamine in a subgroup including 80 patients with AMI. Results After adjusting to basic cardiovascular characteristics, results of multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that the global PSQI score and its main components were positively associated with VT prevalence in inpatients with AMI. There were significantly different HRV parameters interpreted as autonomic nerve activity in two groups of AMI patients with different sleep quality. In addition, we found the influence of sleep quality on plasma concentrations of adrenaline and norepinephrine in AMI patients. Conclusion Sleep status was significantly associated with the initiation of VT within the first week of AMI, probably due to the effect of SDs on sympathetic nerve activity. Amelioration of sleep quality and sympathetic hyperactivity may be prospective strategy to curb arrhythmias after AMI.
Reverse takotsubo cardiomyopathy– life-threatening symptom of an incidental pheochromocytoma: a case report

Abstract Background Cardiogenic shock (CS) due to takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a life-threatening condition. Therapy is challenging because of the ambivalent effects of catecholamines. Catecholamines are required to stabilize blood pressure but might aggravate TTC. Cardiac assist devices could be a suitable solution for conserving catecholamines and the prevention of TTC perpetuation. Case summary We report the case of a male patient with refractory CS and severe respiratory insufficiency as a result of a reverse TTC, which involved both ventricles. Simultaneous circulatory support with an Impella CP® and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was initiated for cardiopulmonary stabilization and catecholamine weaning. A giant, incidental pheochromocytoma was diagnosed as the cause of TTC. After drug treatment and resection of the tumour, biventricular function completely recovered within 7 weeks. Discussion A rare and challenging situation is the coincidence of a nor/epinephrine-secreting tumour, such as a pheochromocytoma, and severe CS complicating TTC. Although percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (pLVAD) are highly complicated and have shown conflicting results in terms of clinical efficacy for CS, its use may prevent the perpetuation of TTC due to reduced catecholamines requirement.
Novel therapeutics for the treatment of asthma

Studies over the last decade have established asthma as a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. A variety of cell types and soluble mediators have been shown to be involved in this process, including IgE, mast cells, eosinophils and T-lymphocytes. T-cells of the Th2 type are thought to play a central role in regulating allergic inflammation primarily through the elaboration of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-9 and IL-13. Expression of these cytokines has been demonstrated in human allergic disease and antagonists of IgE and Th2-derived cytokines have been shown to be efficacious in a wide range of preclinical models of human allergy. This greater understanding of the molecular basis of allergic inflammation has generated novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of asthma and related diseases. This review will outline current therapeutics which target the inflammatory response in asthma and will focus on antagonists of IgE and IL-4 which are currently in advanced stage clinical trials.
Clinico-epidemiological spectrum of melioidosis: a 2-year prospective study in the western coastal region of India

Objective: To determine the geographical epidemiology, clinical presentations and risk factors associated with melioidosis.Methods: A total of 28 confirmed cultures of Burkholderia pseudomallei were isolated and prospectively analysed with respect to clinico-demographic factors.Results: Age groups ranged from neonate to 84 years of age. Five children were less than 12 years of age. There was a male predominance of 71.4%. There was a crude mortality of 25%; all deaths were due to septic shock, 42.8% of which occurred within 48 hours of admission. A strong linear association (p = 0.01) was found between intensity of rainfall and presentation of cases. Proportion of cases and mortality were greater among those with occupational or recreational exposure to soil (75%). Pneumonia (32.1%) was the most frequent primary clinical presentation and diabetes mellitus (64.3%) constituted a major risk factor for both development and death due to melioidosis. Higher occurrence of mortality was noted among patients with c.