Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Computerized General Neuropsychological INPH Test revealed improvement in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus after shunt surgery.

OBJECTIVEThe Computerized General Neuropsychological INPH Test (CoGNIT) provides the clinician and the researcher with standardized and accessible cognitive assessments in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH). CoGNIT includes tests of memory, executive functions, attention, manual dexterity, and psychomotor speed. Investigations of the validity and reliability of CoGNIT have been published previously. The aim of this study was to evaluate CoGNIT's sensitivity to cognitive change after shunt surgery in patients with INPH.METHODSForty-one patients with INPH (median Mini-Mental State Examination score 26) were given CoGNIT preoperatively and at a postoperative follow-up 4 months after shunt surgery. Scores were compared to those of 44 healthy elderly control volunteers. CoGNIT was administered by either a nurse or an occupational therapist.RESULTSImprovement after shunt surgery was seen in all cognitive domains: memory (10-word list test, p < 0.01); executive functions (Stroop incongruent color and word test, p < 0.01); attention (2-choice reaction test, p < 0.01); psychomotor speed (Stroop congruent color and word test, p < 0.01); and manual dexterity (4-finger tapping, p < 0.01). No improvement was seen in the Mini-Mental State Examination score. Preoperative INPH test scores were significantly impaired compared to healthy control subjects (p < 0.001 for all tests). CONCLUSIONSIn this study the feasibility for CoGNIT to detect a preoperative impairment and postoperative improvement in INPH was demonstrated. CoGNIT has the potential to become a valuable tool in clinical and research work.Clinical trial registration no.: NCT01618500 (clinicaltrials.gov).
Effect of Pro-kin visual feedback balance training system on gait stability in patients with cerebral small vessel disease

Abstract Due to the indistinct nature of symptoms for Cerebral Small Vessel Disease (CSVD), diagnosis is often missed. With significant deterioration of movement disorder, risk of falls increases dramatically. Comparison study was conducted to explore the association between balance function and gait instability, and the treatment effectiveness of visual feedback balance training on the gait disorder in CSVD patients. Fifty-six patients with CSVD were studied. They were randomly divided into observation and control groups, and were given conventional gait rehabilitation training, including single-leg weight, shift of the center of gravity, step and hip extension training, stepping up and down on stairs with the affected leg, standing up with hip extension and support of the leg, lateral walking, and in situ walking. Training was performed twice a day for 20 minutes each for 4 consecutive weeks. In addition, the observation group received balance training using Pro-Kin visual feedback balance training system. Both groups were evaluated prior and post-treatment using the Tinetti Scale and the Pro-Kin Visual Feedback Balance Training System. For the Tinetti Scale, lower score indicates more serious gait balance dysfunction. For the Pro-Kin, greater length means poorer balance function. Larger area means poorer balance function. Smaller value of the 2 parameters indicates better balance function. After training, the trajectory lengths and areas of orbital motions were significantly decreased (P < .05). However greater decrease was seen in the observation group (P < .01). The trajectory length and area for both groups were less when the eyes open than closed (P < .01). The Tinetti scores for balance and gait functions of both groups improved significantly (P < .05). However, the observation group showed even greater results than the control group (P < .01). Results from Person test showed there was a significant correlation between balance and gait functions. Combination of visual feedback balance training with conventional rehabilitation treatment could gain a greater result than conventional rehabilitation alone. It indicates that balance training may serve as an additional method for gait stability training for CSVD patients.
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 α phosphorylation as a therapeutic target in diabetes

Regulation of mRNA translation is of vital importance for a cell to adapt to environmental changes. To serve this purpose, intricate mechanisms controlling mRNA translation have evolved, of which the eukaryotic initiation factors eIF2 and eIF4 represent essential regulatory nodes for both stress sensing and signal transduction. Stress sensing by eIF2 α subunit (eIF2α) kinases, translation regulation by eIF2α subunit phosphorylation and subsequent dephosphorylation constitute a core molecular switch for stress adaptation and rapid metabolic regulation. It is not surprising; therefore, that dysfunction of such a pathway is implicated in human disease, especially metabolic syndrome and diabetes. In theory, therapeutic intervention to target the eIF2α phosphorylation pathway provides a promising therapeutic solution to tackle this debilitating syndrome. Careful evaluation of such therapies is crucially needed considering the central role of eIF2α pathway in cellular function for every organ.
Is there a genetic basis to the different morphological subtypes of bicuspid aortic valve?

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is one of the most common congenital heart defects leading to a significant global financial health burden as a result of its complications (1). BAV can lead to premature aortic valve disease in the form of aortic valve stenosis or regurgitation requiring multitude of interventions on aortic valve, including transcatheter interventions or surgical valve replacement. BAV disease is a continuum of disease process that not only affects the aortic valve but also extends to the thoracic aorta leading to dilatation with risk of aortic aneurysm and dissection. Even though the impacts of BAV are far and wide spread and despite decades of research and investigation, we still lack a clear understanding of the genetic and molecular pathophysiology of BAV (2).
Glutamine Metabolism in Macrophages: A Novel Target for Obesity/Type 2 Diabetes

ABSTRACT Obesity is a nutritional disorder resulting from a chronic imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. This disease is characterized by inflammation in multiple cell types, including macrophages. M1 macrophage responses are correlated with the progression of obesity or diabetes; therefore, strategies that induce repolarization of macrophages from an M1 to an M2 phenotype may be promising for the prevention of obesity- or diabetes-associated pathology. Glutamine (the most abundant amino acid in the plasma of humans and many other mammals including rats) is effective in inducing polarization of M2 macrophages through the glutamine–UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pathway and α-ketoglutarate produced via glutaminolysis, whereas succinate synthesized via glutamine-dependent anerplerosis or the γ-aminobutyric acid shunt promotes polarization of M1 macrophages. Interestingly, patients with obesity or diabetes show altered glutamine metabolism, including decreases in glutamine and α-ketoglutarate concentrations in serum but increases in succinate concentrations. Thus, manipulation of macrophage polarization through glutamine metabolism may provide a potential target for prevention of obesity- or diabetes-associated pathology.
Association between prognosis and SEMA4D/Plexin-B1 expression in various malignancies

Introduction: SEMA4D and its high affinity receptor Plexin-B1 showed a promising prognosis prediction for carcinoma patients in recent studies, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic role of them in various malignancies. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI from inception till July 2017. Eligible studies were identified by different reviewers. Hazard ratios (HRs)/related ratios (RRs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted to investigate the relevance between malignancies prognosis and SEMA4D/Plexin-B1. Results: Around 2638 patients from 14 studies were included in this meta-analysis. High expression of SEMA4D was significantly associated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival/progression-free survival/recurrence-free survival (DFS/PFS/RFS) in tumors (respectively, HRos = 2.05, 95%CI: 1.68–2.50, P < .001; HRdfs/pfs/rfs = 1.59, 95%CI = 1.27–1.98, P < .001). However, the relationship between SEMA4D expression and prognosis of breast cancer patients was failed to find (HR = 0.76, 95%CI = 0.32–1.82, P = .539). Plexin-B1 level showed a significant positive correlation both with OS and DFS of Caucasian breast cancer patients (respectively, HRos = 0.56, 95%CI: 0.39–0.79, P = .001; HRdfs = 0.68, 95%CI = 0.51–0.90, P = .008) Conclusions: SEMA4D could be a prospective biomarker for prognostic prediction of various malignancies except breast cancer. For Caucasian breast cancer patients, SEMA4D's high affinity receptor Plexin-B1 showed a significant positive correlation with survival.
An Examination of Parental Permissiveness of Alcohol Use and Monitoring, and Their Association with Emerging Adult Drinking Outcomes Across College

BACKGROUND Studies have shown that parents have a significant influence on emerging adult college students' drinking during the first year of college. Limited research has been conducted to address the question of whether parenting later in college continues to matter in a similar manner. The current study utilized a prospective design to identify associations between parental permissiveness toward alcohol use and monitoring behaviors and student drinking outcomes during the first and fourth years of college. METHODS Participants (N = 1,429) at 3 large public universities completed surveys during the fall semesters of their first (T1) and fourth years (T2) (84.3% retention). The study employed a saturated autoregressive cross-lag model to examine associations between parental permissiveness of college student alcohol use, parental monitoring, student drinking, and consequences at T1 and T2, controlling for peer norms, sex, and campus. RESULTS Examination of the association between parenting and student drinking outcomes revealed: (i) parental permissiveness was positively associated with drinking at T1 and again at T2; (ii) parental permissiveness had indirect effects on consequences via the effects on drinking at both times. Specifically, a 1-unit increase in parental permissiveness at T1 resulted in students experiencing 4 to 5 more consequences as a result of their drinking; (iii) parental permissiveness was not directly associated with monitoring at T1 or T2; and (iv) parental monitoring was significantly associated with drinking at T1 but not T2. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide evidence for the continued importance of parenting in the fourth year of college and parents expressing low permissiveness toward student drinking may be beneficial to reducing risky drinking even as students turn 21.
Polydopamine-based surface modification of paclitaxel nanoparticles for osteosarcoma targeted therapy

In order to achieve the purpose of targeting treatment of osteosarcoma, we developed novel paclitaxel (PTX) nanoparticles (Nps) coated with polydopamine (PDA) and grafted by alendronate (ALN) as ligand. Dopamine can be easily polymerized on various surfaces to form a thin PDA film in alkaline environment, which provided a versatile platform to perform secondary reactions for compounds without functional groups. The targeting Nps had a mean particle size of 290.6 ± 2.2 nm and a zeta potential of −13.4 ± 2.7. It was stable in phosphate buffer saline (PBS, pH 7.4), 5% glucose, plasma and displayed sustained drug release behavior. In vitro assay demonstrated the targeting Nps had stronger cytotoxicity against K7M2 wt osteosarcoma cells than the non-targeting Nps. Furthermore, in vivo distribution study indicated they could accumulate much more in tumor than non-targeting Nps. This is consistent with the in vivo antitumor study, targeting Nps achieved a better therapeutic effect than Taxol (8 mg kg−1, i.v.) (71.85% versus 66.53%) and prominently decreased the side effects of PTX. In general, the PTX-PDA-ALN-Nps may offer a feasible and effective strategy for osteosarcoma targeted therapy.
Effects of magnesium supplementation on carotid intima–media thickness and metabolic profiles in diabetic haemodialysis patients: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of Mg administration on carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT), glycaemic control and markers of cardio-metabolic risk in diabetic haemodialysis (HD) patients. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in fifty-four diabetic HD patients. Participants were randomly divided into two groups to take either 250 mg/d Mg as magnesium oxide (n 27) or placebo (n 27) for 24 weeks. Mg supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in mean (P<0·001) and maximum levels of left CIMT (P=0·02) and mean levels of right CIMT (P=0·004) compared with the placebo. In addition, taking Mg supplements significantly reduced serum insulin levels (β=–9·42 pmol/l; 95% CI –14·94, –3·90; P=0·001), homoeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (β=–0·56; 95 % CI –0·89, –0·24; P=0·001) and HbA1c (β=–0·74 %; 95 % CI –1·10, –0·39; P<0·001) and significantly increased the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (β=0·008; 95 % CI 0·002, 0·01; P=0·002) compared with the placebo. In addition, Mg administration led to a significant reduction in serum total cholesterol (β=–0·30 mmol/l; 95% CI –0·56, –0·04; P=0·02), LDL-cholesterol (β=–0·29 mmol/l; 95% CI –0·52, –0·05; P=0·01), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (P<0·001) and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) (P=0·04) and a significant rise in plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels (P<0·001) compared with the placebo. Overall, we found that taking Mg for 24 weeks by diabetic HD patients significantly improved mean and maximum levels of left and mean levels of right CIMT, insulin metabolism, HbA1c, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, hs-CRP, TAC and MDA levels.
Effect of progressive muscle relaxation with analgesic on anxiety status and pain in surgical patients.

INTRODUCTION: surgery is a stressful experience for patients and most surgical patients have some degree of anxiety. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a relaxation technique in addition to narcotic analgesic on health promotion in surgical patients. METHODS: in this clinical trial, 70 patients who were candidates for elective upper and lower gastrointestinal system surgery were selected. They were randomly divided into two groups: case (morphine 0.15 mg/kg daily in divided doses and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR)) and control (morphine 0.15 mg/kg daily in divided doses). The intervention group (case group) performed PMR from 6 hours before surgery until 24 hours after surgery. Vital signs and anxiety were evaluated in the two groups after surgery. Data were analysed by t-test, analysis of variance, and chi-square test. RESULTS: a statistically significant difference was seen in vital signs, pain and anxiety between the two groups. However, there was also a significant difference between them in terms of economic status and insurance coverage, which could have had an effect on stress and anxiety. CONCLUSION: PMR could increase the pain threshold, stress and anxiety tolerance and adaptation level in surgical patients. Therefore, using this technique could be an appropriate way to reduce analgesic drug consumption.
ERF‐related craniosynostosis: The phenotypic and developmental profile of a new craniosynostosis syndrome

Mutations in the ERF gene, coding for ETS2 repressor factor, a member of the ETS family of transcription factors cause a recently recognized syndromic form of craniosynostosis (CRS4) with facial dysmorphism, Chiari‐1 malformation, speech and language delay, and learning difficulties and/or behavioral problems. The overall prevalence of ERF mutations in patients with syndromic craniosynostosis is around 2%, and 0.7% in clinically nonsyndromic craniosynostosis. Here, we present findings from 16 unrelated probands with ERF‐related craniosynostosis, with additional data from 20 family members sharing the mutations. Most of the probands exhibited multisutural (including pan‐) synostosis but a pattern involving the sagittal and lambdoid sutures (Mercedes‐Benz pattern) predominated. Importantly the craniosynostosis was often postnatal in onset, insidious and progressive with subtle effects on head morphology resulting in a median age at presentation of 42 months among the probands and, in some instances, permanent visual impairment due to unsuspected raised intracranial pressure (ICP). Facial dysmorphism (exhibited by all of the probands and many of the affected relatives) took the form of orbital hypertelorism, mild exorbitism and malar hypoplasia resembling Crouzon syndrome but, importantly, a Class I occlusal relationship. Speech delay, poor gross and/or fine motor control, hyperactivity and poor concentration were common. Cranial vault surgery for raised ICP and/or Chiari‐1 malformation was expected when multisutural synostosis was observed. Variable expressivity and nonpenetrance among genetically affected relatives was encountered. These observations form the most complete phenotypic and developmental profile of this recently identified craniosynostosis syndrome yet described and have important implications for surgical intervention and follow‐up.
Higher urate in LRRK2 mutation carriers resistant to Parkinson disease

LRRK2 mutations, the most common genetic cause of Parkinson disease (PD), display incomplete penetrance, indicating the importance of other genetic and environmental influences on disease pathogenesis in LRRK2 mutation carriers. The present study investigates whether urate, an antioxidant, Nrf2 activator, and inverse risk factor for idiopathic PD, is one such candidate biomarker of PD risk modulation in pathogenic LRRK2 mutation carriers.
Mechanism of trace acetamiprid-caused reproductive disorders in silkworm, Bombyx mori.

BACKGROUND Neonicotinoid insecticides are widely used in the prevention and control of pests in agriculture and forestry, but they can also affect the development of nontarget economic insects. In order to determine the effects of trace acetamiprid on the development of reproductive system of silkworm, we studied the gonad development and endogenous hormone metabolism in silkworms exposed to trace acetamiprid. RESULT The silkworm showed mild poisoning symptoms after being exposed to trace acetamiprid (0.01 mg L-1 ). After 96 h of acetamiprid exposure, the body weight of silkworm was decreased by 7.67% and the ovary and fallopian tube were abnormally developed. The egg production in adults was decreased by 197 ± 29, and the egg weight was decreased by 0.52 ± 0.01 mg. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that the relative expression levels of ovarian development-related genes Vg, Ovo, Otu, Sxl-S and Sxl-L were downregulated by 0.71, 0.77, 0.47, 0.67 and 0.88-fold, respectively. The transcriptional expression of ecdysone metabolism-related gene (EcR) in the ovary was downregulated by 0.46-fold while the expression of juvenile hormone-related gene (JHBP2) was upregulated by 1.36-fold. In hemolymph of acetamiprid exposed larvae, the content of ecdysone was reduced whereas the content of juvenile hormone was increased. CONCLUSION Trace acetamiprid may cause reproductive dysfunction in silkworms through regulating the metabolism of endogenous hormones. Our study provides a reference for elucidating the mechanism of acetamiprid-induced reproductive disorders in insects. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
Syntax in Action Has Priority over Movement Selection in Piano Playing: An ERP Study

Complex human behavior is hierarchically organized. Whether or not syntax plays a role in this organization is currently under debate. The present ERP study uses piano performance to isolate syntactic operations in action planning and to demonstrate their priority over nonsyntactic levels of movement selection. Expert pianists were asked to execute chord progressions on a mute keyboard by copying the posture of a performing model hand shown in sequences of photos. We manipulated the final chord of each sequence in terms of Syntax (congruent/incongruent keys) and Manner (conventional/unconventional fingering), as well as the strength of its predictability by varying the length of the Context (five-chord/two-chord progressions). The production of syntactically incongruent compared to congruent chords showed a response delay that was larger in the long compared to the short context. This behavioral effect was accompanied by a centroparietal negativity in the long but not in the short context, suggesting that a syntax-based motor plan was prepared ahead. Conversely, the execution of the unconventional manner was not delayed as a function of Context and elicited an opposite electrophysiological pattern (a posterior positivity). The current data support the hypothesis that motor plans operate at the level of musical syntax and are incrementally translated to lower levels of movement selection.
Treatment of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) frequently coexist, and each complicates the course and treatment of the other. Recent population-based studies have demonstrated that the 2 conditions together increase the risk of stroke, heart failure hospitalization, and all-cause mortality, especially soon after the clinical onset of AF. Guideline-directed pharmacological therapy for HFrEF is important; however, although there are various treatment modalities for AF, there is no clear consensus on how best to treat AF with concomitant HFrEF. This in-depth review discusses the available data for the treatment of AF in the setting of HFrEF, focuses on areas where more investigation is necessary, examines the clinical implications of randomized and observational clinical trials, and presents suggestions for individualized treatment strategies for specific patient groups.
Influence of timing protocols and distance covered on the outcomes of the 10-meter walk test

ABSTRACT Background: The 10-meter walk test (10MWT) is commonly used to reflect a walking speed, health status, and functional ability of many individuals. However, the test is currently applied using various timing protocols and distance covered that may affect data interpretation with a standard value, and comparisons among the studies. Objective: This study investigated the influence of timing protocols and distance covered on the outcomes of the 10MWT in 78 participants who walked at various speeds, including healthy adults (n = 33), healthy elderly (n = 29), and clinical samples with impaired walking ability (walked slower than 0.8 m/s, n = 16). Methods: The participants were timed while they walked (1) over a 10-meter walkway using static and flying starts; and (2) over 4 and 10 meters using a flying start. The comparisons for outcomes of the timing protocols (static and flying starts), and distance covered (4 and 10 meters) for each group of participants was executed using the dependent samples t-test. Results: A walking speed using a static start was slower than that using a flying start approximately 0.05–0.11 m/s for each group (p < 0.001). On the contrary, the outcomes of a flying start over 4 and 10 meters showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings clearly confirmed the influence of timing protocols on the outcomes of the 10MWT in individuals with various walking speeds, and a flying start over 4 meters in the middle of a 10-meter walkway can be applied as an alternative protocol of the 10MWT when area limits.