Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Standing Balance and Sagittal Plane Spinal Deformity: Analysis of Spinopelvic and Gravity Line Parameters

Study Design. Prospective study of 131 patients and volunteers recruited for an analysis of spinal alignment and gravity line (GL) assessment by force plate analysis. Objective. To determine relationships between GL, foot position, and spinopelvic landmarks in subjects with varying sagittal alignment. Additionally, the study sought to analyze the role of the pelvis in the maintenance of GL position. Summary of Background Data. Force plate technology permits analysis of foot position and GL in relation to radiographically obtained landmarks. Previous investigation noted fixed GL-heel relationship across a wide age range despite changes in thoracic kyphosis. The pelvis as balance regulator has not been studied in the setting of sagittal spinal deformity. Methods. The 131 subjects were grouped by sagittal vertical axis (SVA) offset from the sacrum: sagittal forward (>2.5 cm), neutral (−2.5 cm ≤ SVA ≤ 2.5 cm), and sagittal backward (SVA <−2.5 cm). Simultaneous spinopelvic radiographs and GL measure were obtained. Offsets between spinopelvic landmarks, heel position, and GL were calculated. Group comparisons were made for all offsets to determine significance. Results. Aside from the offset T9-GL and GL-heels, all other offsets between spinopelvic landmarks and GL revealed significant differences (P < 0.001) across the 3 subject groups. However, with increasing SVA, the GL kept a rather fixed location relative to the feet. A correlation between posterior pelvic shift in relation to the heels with increasing SVA in this study population was confirmed (r = 0.6, P < 0.001). Conclusion. Increasing SVA in standing subjects leads to a posterior pelvic shift in relation to the feet. However, no significant difference in GL-heel offset is noted with increasing SVA. It thus appears that pelvic shift (in relation to the feet) is an important component in maintaining a rather fixed GL-Heels offset even in the setting of variable SVA and trunk inclination.
A comparison of methods to determine maximal accumulated oxygen deficit in running

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (hereafter O2 deficit) estimated from the methods of Whipp et al. (1986), Medbo et al. (1988), and Hill et al. (1998) to determine whether they agree sufficiently to be used interchangeably. Nineteen moderately to highly trained endurance runners first performed an incremental test to exhaustion for the determination of maximal oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O2max) and peak treadmill speed, followed by six randomly ordered constant-speed tests at 95, 100, 105, 110, 110, and 120% of peak treadmill speed. All tests were separated by at least 72 h and were performed within 4 weeks. The method of Whipp produced an O2 deficit estimate that was lower than that derived from the method of Hill or Medbo (bias ± 95% limits of agreement: −29.6 ± 36.6 and −26.1 ± 32.8 ml · kg−1, respectively; P < 0.001). The O2 deficit did not differ between the methods of Hill and Medbo (bias ± 95% limits of agreement: 3.5 ± 41.6 ml · kg−1; n.s.). However, poor correlations (0.21 < r < 0.33; n.s.) together with wide limits of agreement between O2 deficit estimates (70 – 80% of the mean response) clearly question using these methods interchangeably.
In Vitro Study on Interaction Between Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells Through Paracrine Stimulation

Study Design. Coculture of human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using a noncontact system. Objective. To investigate the interaction between NP cells and MSCs through paracrine stimulation. Summary of Background Data. Cell-based therapies have a potential role in the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration. Upregulating the viability of NP cells and differentiating MSCs into NP-like cells are potential alternatives to achieve viable cells. Methods. Culture plates and inserts were used to coculture MSCs and NP cells without direct contact or exchange of cellular components. Cellular proliferation and RNA expression of selected genes were then evaluated after coculture. Results. Coculturing slightly promoted the proliferation of MSCs, and expression of collagen I and Fas-associated death domain protein significantly decreased. MSCs, which initially expressed no collagen II, started to show collagen II expression after coculturing; the expression level was highest when the cells were cultured with a higher number of NP cells. On the converse, proliferation of NP cells significantly rose even after cocultured with a few MSCs. Increasing the number of cocultured MSCs did not further enhance proliferation of NP cells. Expression of aggrecan in the NP cells significantly increased when the cells were cultured with a higher number of MSCs. Conclusion. The results showed a possible mechanism of interaction between MSCs and NP cells mediated by secreted factors. The most significant effect on NP cells was enhancement of cellular proliferation when they were cocultured with even a small number of MSCs. To differentiate MSCs into NP-like cells with heightened collagen II expression, MSCs must be in an environment containing numerous NP cells.
Implicit overcompensation: The influence of negative self-instructions on performance of a self-paced motor task

Abstract According to Wegner's (1994) theory of ironic processes of mental control, self-instructions not to perform in a certain way, together with mental loads, can induce thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that are precisely the opposite of intention. Wegner's theory was tested against the implicit overcompensation hypothesis, which states that movement direction and magnitude are implicitly dictated by self-instruction, irrespective of load, promoting overcompensation of action. Two experiments were conducted using a golf-putting task. In Experiment 1, 48 participants were randomly assigned to one of four load conditions: cognitive, visual, auditory, and self-presentation/incentive. In the experimental trials, participants were instructed to make the putt, but it was emphasized that the putt should not be left short of the target. Following the instructional strategy, putts landed significantly longer than at baseline, irrespective of load. In Experiment 2, 36 participants were divided into one of three groups, without load, in which different instructional sets (control, not putting long, and not putting short) were emphasized. A significant interaction emerged, as participants putted significantly longer or shorter than controls depending on the instructional set given. Overall, our findings support the implicit overcompensation hypothesis. Theoretical and practical considerations are discussed.
Öğretim Üyesi Yetiştirme Programındaki (ÖYP) Araştırma Görevlilerinin ÖYPyi Değerlendirmeleri

Bu arastirma, Ogretim Uyesi Yetistirme Programindaki (OYP) yuksek lisans ve doktora yapan arastirma gorevlilerinin bu programi degerlendirmelerine yoneliktir. Arastirmaya katilanlarin 14u yuksek lisans, altisi doktora asamasindadir. Arastirmaya katilanlarin 10u Marmara Universitesinde, 10u farkli universitelerde egitim almaktadir. Katilimcilar amacli ornekleme ile secilmistir. Arastirma, var olan durumun tespitine yonelik betimsel bir calisma olup nitel arastirmadir. Veri toplama araci olarak, nitel arastirma yontemine uygun acik uclu dokuz soru ve kisisel bilgilere yonelik yedi sorudan olusan bir form kullanilmistir. Katilimci gorusleri temalara gore gruplandirilmis ve icerik analizi yapilmistir. Arastirma sonuclarina gore, katilimcilar sorun olarak; OYP kapsaminda egitim almak uzere gorevlendirilirken senet ve kefaletname imzalamak zorunda olduklarini, YOKun her bir OYP arastirma gorevlisi icin mali kaynak aktarimini geciktirmesini, dil barajinin yuksekligini, gorevlendirme surecinde yuksek lisans ve doktora yaptiklari universite ile geldikleri universite arasinda gel-gitlere mecbur edilmelerini, programin mevzuata uygun yurutulmemesini, ogretim uyelerinin arastirma gorevlilerine tam destek veremediklerini ifade etmislerdir. Ancak katilimcilar, OYPnin kendilerini yetistirme konusunda buyuk bir imkan oldugunu, kendilerine kadro garantisi sagladigini, bolumde calismaya daha once baslayanlarla kendileri arasinda herhangi bir ayrim yapilmadigini ve programdan genis olcude memnun olduklarini belirtmislerdir.
The Use of Traction in the Treatment of Severe Spinal Deformity

Study Design. Multicenter, retrospective, nonrandomized comparison group study of patients with severe scoliosis and kyphosis treated after 1995 with halo-gravity traction and without halo-gravity traction before definitive fusion. Objective. Compare surgical correction of severe spine deformity with preoperative halo traction and without preoperative traction. Summary of Background Data. Prior studies have demonstrated that halo traction is a safe, well-tolerated method of applying gradual, sustained traction to maximize operative correction in patients with severe idiopathic scoliosis (IS) and kyphosis. However, these studies lack a comparison control group and study only a relatively small number of patients with IS. Methods. Fifty-three patients with severe scoliosis or kyphosis were studied using hospital records, standing preoperative, traction, postoperative, and final radiographs. Thirty were treated with traction and 23 were treated without traction. Patients within each group were analyzed based on demographics, diagnosis, perioperative, and radiographic data. In addition, patients were evaluated based on diagnosis, specifically whether patients had adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Results. Within the entire study population, there was no statistically significant difference in main coronal curve correction (62% vs. 59%), operative time, blood loss, and total complication rate (27% vs. 52%). However, the nontraction group underwent vertebral column resection more often (30% vs. 3%, P = 0.015). The traction group had a statistically significant increase in average hospital stay (36 vs. 14 days) (P = 0.011). Analysis of the 23 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis also showed no statistically significant differences in curve correction, blood loss, or complications. Conclusion. Our study shows that patients with halo traction less frequently had a vertebral body resection, but achieved comparable deformity correction.
Evolution of fat oxidation during exercise in obese pubertal boys: Clinical implications

Abstract In this study, we examined fat oxidation rates during exercise in obese pubescent boys. Three groups of pubescent boys (16 pre-pubescent, Tanner's stage I; 16 pubescent, Tanner's stage III; and 14 post-pubescent, Tanner's stage V) performed a graded test on a leg cycle ergometer. The first step of the test was fixed at 30 W and power was gradually increased by 20 W every 3.5 min. Oxygen consumption ([Vdot]O2) and carbon dioxide production ([Vdot]CO2) were determined as the means of measurements during the last 30 s of each step, which allowed us to calculate fat oxidation rates versus exercise intensity. Between 20 and 50% of peak oxygen consumption ([Vdot]O2peak), fat oxidation rate in relative values (mg · min−1 · kg FFM−1) decreased continuously with pubertal development. In the same way, the maximum rate of fat oxidation occurred at a lower percentage of [Vdot]O2peak (pre-pubescent: 49.47 ± 1.62%; pubescent: 47.43 ± 1.26%; post-pubescent: 45.00 ± 0.97%). Our results confirm that puberty is responsible for a decrease in fat free mass capacities to use fat during exercise. The results suggest that post-pubescent obese boys need to practise physical activity at a lower intensity than pre-pubescent boys to enhance lipolysis and diminish adipose tissue and the consequences of obesity.
La aspirina en la prevención primaria del cáncer colorrectal

Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been associated with a reduction in the risk of developing adenomas and colorectal cancer. The available scientific evidence justifies the need for more studies that evaluate the protective effect of aspirin and other NSAIDs as a preventive measure against cancer of the colon; define the minimum efficient dosage; the age at which to begin treatment; the most convenient duration of the latter; and the sub-populations for which the benefits of chemoprophylaxis outweigh possible adverse effects.
Interim analysis of the Stockholm III trial of preoperative radiotherapy regimens for rectal cancer

To address issues regarding the fractionation of radiotherapy (RT) and timing of surgery for rectal cancer, a multicentre trial has randomized patients to preoperative short‐course RT with two different intervals to surgery, or long‐course RT with delayed surgery. The present interim analysis assessed feasibility, compliance and complications after RT and surgery.
Rotavirus y otros virus productores de gastroenteritis aguda en la infancia

La gastroenteritis aguda es una de las enfermedades más comunes y que afecta a los niños de todo el mundo. Los virus se reconocen hoy día como una de las principales causas de esta infección, particularmente en la infancia. Desde que se describiera el virus Norwalk por primera vez como causa de gastroenteritis, se ha ido incrementando progresivamente el número de virus asociados a esta enfermedad. Los rotavirus son la primera causa de diarrea grave en niños menores de 5 años y los astrovirus, calicivirus y adenovirus entéricos son también agentes etiológicos importantes de la enfermedad. Otros virus, como los torovirus, coronavirus, picobirnaviruses, virus Aichi o los bocavirus humanos, también se han implicado en la etiología de la diarrea aguda. La vacunación frente a los rotavirus constituye, hoy día, la mejor estrategia para prevenir los casos graves de diarrea y reducir la mortalidad producida por estos virus. Acute gastroenteritis is one of the most common diseases, affecting children worldwide. Viruses are recognized as a major cause of this disease, particularly in children. Since the Norwalk virus was identified as a cause of gastroenteritis, the number of viral agents associated with diarrheal disease in humans has progressively increased. Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in children under 5 years of age. Human astroviruses, caliciviruses and enteric adenovirus are also important etiologic agents of acute gastroenteritis. Other viruses such as toroviruses, coronaviruses, picobirnaviruses, Aichi virus and human bocavirus are increasingly being identified as causative agents of diarrhea. Vaccination against rotavirus could prevent cases of severe diarrhea and reduce the mortality attributable to this disease.
Haplotypes of heparin‐binding epidermal‐growth‐factor‐like growth factor gene are associated with pre‐eclampsia

Aim: Heparin‐binding epidermal‐growth‐factor‐like growth factor (HBEGF) plays an important role in placentation, including impaired placentation, the primary defect seen in pre‐eclampsia. We carried out a case–control disease‐association study to examine the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the HBEGF gene and haplotypes defined by them with pre‐eclampsia in a Sinhalese population in Sri Lanka.
Parallel assessment of nutrition and activity in athletes: Validation against doubly labelled water, 24-h urea excretion, and indirect calorimetry

Abstract The assessment of nutrition and activity in athletes requires accurate and precise methods. The aim of this study was to validate a protocol for parallel assessment of diet and exercise against doubly labelled water, 24-h urea excretion, and respiratory gas exchange. The participants were 14 male triathletes under normal training conditions. Energy intake and doubly labelled water were weakly associated with each other (r = 0.69, standard error of estimate [SEE] = 304 kcal · day−1). Protein intake was strongly correlated with 24-h urea (r = 0.89) but showed considerable individual variation (SEE = 0.34 g · kg−1 · day−1). Total energy expenditure based on recorded activities was highly correlated with doubly labelled water (r = 0.95, SEE = 195 kcal · day−1) but was proportionally biased. During running and cycling, estimated exercise energy expenditure was highly correlated with gas exchange (running: r = 0.89, SEE = 1.6 kcal · min−1; cycling: r = 0.95, SEE = 1.4 kcal · min−1). High exercise energy expenditure was slightly underestimated during running. For nutrition data, variations appear too large for precise measurements in individual athletes, which is a common problem of dietary assessment methods. Despite the high correlations of total energy expenditure and exercise energy expenditure with reference methods, a correction for systematic errors is necessary for the valid estimation of energetic requirements in individual athletes.
What is associated with race performance in male 100-km ultra-marathoners – anthropometry, training or marathon best time?

Abstract We investigated the associations of anthropometry, training, and pre-race experience with race time in 93 recreational male ultra-marathoners (mean age 44.6 years, s = 10.0; body mass 74.0 kg, s = 9.0; height 1.77 m, s = 0.06; body mass index 23.4 kg · m−2, s = 2.0) in a 100-km ultra-marathon using bivariate and multivariate analysis. In the bivariate analysis, body mass index (r = 0.24), the sum of eight skinfolds (r = 0.55), percent body fat (r = 0.57), weekly running hours (r = −0.29), weekly running kilometres (r = −0.49), running speed during training (r = −0.50), and personal best time in a marathon (r = 0.72) were associated with race time. Results of the multiple regression analysis revealed an independent and negative association of weekly running kilometres and average speed in training with race time, as well as a significant positive association between the sum of eight skinfold thicknesses and race time. There was a significant positive association between 100-km race time and personal best time in a marathon. We conclude that both training and anthropometry were independently associated with race performance. These characteristics remained relevant even when controlling for personal best time in a marathon.
Net efficiency of roller skiing with a diagonal stride

Abstract The aims of this study were: (a) to determine net efficiency during roller skiing with a diagonal stride at various speeds; (b) to assess the development of net efficiency across speeds; and (c) to examine the characteristics of efficiency in diagonal roller skiing. Two-dimensional kinematics and oxygen uptake were determined in eight male collegiate cross-country ski athletes who roller skied with the diagonal stride at various speeds on a level track. Net efficiency was calculated from rates of internal and external work and net energy expenditure. Individual net efficiency ranged from 17.7% to 52.1%. Net efficiency in the entire group of athletes increased with increasing speed, reached a maximum value of 37.3% at 3.68 m · s−1, before slowly decreasing. These findings indicate that roller skiing with the diagonal stride at high speed is a highly efficient movement and that an optimal speed exists at which net efficiency can be maximally enhanced in diagonal roller skiing.
What Is Known About the Cost-Effectiveness of Health Services for Returning Prisoners?

This literature review on the cost-effectiveness of health services for returning prisoners focuses on studies related to screening and treatment for five conditions disproportionately prevalent among returning prisoners: HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, mental illness, and substance abuse. Research suggests that programs addressing all of these conditions are cost-effective. However, there are not enough well-designed studies that include returning prisoners or very similar populations to draw definite conclusions. More research is needed to assess the impacts of such on returning prisoners. Community coalitions are needed to generate financial support and negotiate the allocation of programs across governmental sectors for this population.
Intervertebral Disc Repair Using Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem and Regenerative Cells: Experiments in a Canine Model

Study Design. Therapeutic treatment of intervertebral disc repair using cells. Objective. The goal of the study was to test the hypothesis that repair of a damaged disc is possible using autologous adipose tissue derived stem and regenerative cells (ADRCs). Summary of Background Data. Degradation resulting from either acute or chronic repetitive disc injury leads to disc degeneration. However, if a damaged disc could be repaired in the early stages, before the onslaught of degradation, then the disc degeneration process may be slowed down. Methods. Twelve dogs underwent a partial nucleotomy at 3 lumbar levels (L3–L4, L4–L5, and L5–L6); adjacent levels served as nonoperated controls. The animals (or discs) were allowed to recover from the surgery for 6 weeks. At that time subcutaneous adipose tissue was harvested and ADRCs were isolated. The 3 experimental discs that had undergone a partial nucleotomy were randomized to receive: (1) ADRCs in hyaluronic acid carrier (Cells/HA); (2) HA only; or (3) No Intervention. Assessments of the 3 experimental discs plus the 2 adjacent untouched discs were made using MRI, radiography, histology, and biochemistry. The animals were killed at 6 months and at 12 months. Results. Repair in this study was specifically demonstrated through histology and biochemical analysis. Disc levels receiving ADRCs more closely resembled the healthy controls as evidenced in matrix translucency, compartmentalization of the anulus, and in cell density within the nucleus pulposus. Matrix analysis for Type-II collagen and aggrecan demonstrated evidence of a statistically better regenerative stimulation to the disc provided by ADRCs when compared to either the HA only or no intervention treatments. Conclusion. Autologous adipose tissue derived stem and regenerative cells, as used in this disc injury model, were effective in promoting disc regeneration, as evidenced by disc matrix production and overall disc morphology.
SPECIFIC READING DISABILITY —STREPHOSYMBOLIA

To the Editor: —Having read with much interest the article by Dr. Samuel T. Orton (The Journal, April 7, p. 1095) entitled as above, and finding, throughout, the evidence of careful psychologic study as well as of shrewd clinical insight, I am the more surprised at one or two examples of what, to me at least, appear as instances of faulty logic, medical as well as dialectic. Thus, as to the general assumption that defective readers are generally also mentally defective, we note the following: "Very often the logic of this explanation forms a typical vicious circle. The child is said to be feebleminded because he cannot learn to read, and his inability to learn to read is said to be because he is feebleminded" [italics, mine]. Surely, here is a dialectic straw man—erected quite unintentionally I am willing to believe—which Dr. Orton then upsets. The fallacy or catch is
Autopsy case of sudden maternal death from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

A 31‐year‐old pregnant woman was transferred to the emergency room at 27 weeks of gestation. She had one‐day history of fever and upper abdominal pain. Soon after admission, she underwent cardiopulmonary arrest. Autopsy was performed and multiple microthrombi were seen within the small‐caliber vessels of many organs, but not in the lungs. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the thrombi were rich in von Willebrand factor. We also obtained results which showed severely deficient plasma a disintegrin‐like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) 13 activity and positive ADAMTS13 inhibitor, confirming a diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. As far as we know, in Japan, this is the first autopsy report of sudden maternal death from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. We expect that the routine laboratory application of ADAMTS13 assays for unknown thrombocytopenic patients during pregnancy may help in differential diagnosis at an earlier stage of the disease and facilitate tailor‐made therapeutic intervention.