Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in muscle size via MRI and ultrasound: Are they equivalent?

We read with great interest the recent study by Franchi et al1 which concluded that changes in muscle thickness measured via ultrasound tracked well with changes in anatomical crosssectional area measured via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). While this is a very important study due to the widespread use of ultrasound in training studies, there may be a slightly more advantageous way to analyze the results. A correlation between the percentage change in muscle thickness and the percentage change in anatomical crosssectional area was computed, yielding a significant correlation (r = .69). This correlation appeared to be primarily driven by four limbs (likely from two individuals) detailing a major limitation with correlational analyses as they can be skewed by outliers and are reliant on sufficient variability in the data. We used a graph digitizer to estimate the values provided in the figure (Figure 4A of Franchi et al1) and computed the exact same correlation (r = .69), which was negated when excluding the four limbs that responded to a much greater extent than the rest (r = .34; P = .236). An alternative analysis exists through equivalency testing to assess whether the two measurements were not too different from one another.2 While a traditional t test examines whether a 95% confidence interval crosses zero when testing the difference between two groups, an equivalency test assesses whether the mean difference and 90% confidence interval lie entirely within the established boundaries (using a 90% confidence interval yields a 0.05 α for significance testing3). These boundaries must be established by the researcher prior to data collection, but a common method is to use half of the minimal difference.2 Importantly, this method allows for the comparison of values within the same individual and is not biased toward outliers, nor is it impacted by the level of variability in the data, as is the case for correlational analyses. Using the data set we obtained from Figure 4A of Franchi et al1 we ran an equivalency trial using 2.3% as the upper and lower boundaries as this corresponds to half of the minimal difference presented for muscle thickness (4.6%/2 = 2.3%). The results are detailed in Figure 1 and illustrate that ultrasound measured muscle thickness and MRI measured anatomical crosssectional area cannot be deemed equivalent. This appears to be primarily driven by the tendency of muscle growth to be greater when using ultrasound measured muscle thickness measurements, and this is evident given the mean difference (−2.1%; 90% confidence interval: −4.0, −0.3). Had there been no mean difference these measures would have been considered equivalent as the 90% confidence interval would lie entirely within the established boundaries (mean: 0; 90% confidence interval: −1.9, 1.8). Therefore, it appears that ultrasound measured muscle thickness and MRI measured crosssectional area track similarly; however, the ultrasound produces higher magnitudes of growth when expressed as a percentage. This may be an important
The Impact of Occupational Therapy Intervention on Adults with Osteoporosis: A Pilot Study

Osteoporosis is a major health concern in the United States today. This study examined the impact of occupational therapy intervention on the health and valued activities of adults with osteoporosis. The experiences of four women involved with occupational therapy was examined using the SF-36 Health Survey, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), the Berg Balance Scale and post intervention interviews. The results suggested that occupational therapy intervention was beneficial for these clients with osteoporosis. Clients appreciated the personalized educational approach which imbedded required exercise and safety precautions into daily occupational activities.
Trends in Alcohol Use among Adolescents from 2000 to 2011: The Role of Socioeconomic Status and Depression

Aims To assess temporal trends of adolescent alcohol use in Finland from 2000 to 2011, according to socio-economic status and depression. Methods Classroom self-administered questionnaires concerning health, health behaviours and school experiences were administered biennially from 2000–2001 to 2010–2011 to nationwide samples of 14- to 16-year-olds (n = 618,084). Alcohol use was measured as the frequencies of drinking and drunkenness. Socioeconomic status was measured using parental education and unemployment. Depression was measured using a Finnish modification of the Beck Depression Inventory. Cross-tabulations and a logistic regression analysis were applied. Results Over the study period, rates of frequent drinking and frequent drunkenness decreased among both boys and girls. Low levels of parental education and unemployment as well as adolescent depression increased the likelihoods of frequent drinking and drunkenness. Unlike the general decreasing trend observed for alcohol use, the likelihoods of frequent drinking and drunkenness increased among adolescents who were depressed and had unemployed parents with low levels of education. The prevalence of frequent drunkenness was 75.8% among the boys in this group during 2008–2011, whereas the corresponding prevalence was 2.3% for boys without depression and with highly educated, employed parents. The corresponding figures for girls were 41.7% and 1.4%, respectively. Conclusions The overall decreasing trend in frequent alcohol use was not observed among socioeconomically deprived adolescents with depression. Thus, alcohol prevention programmes should treat these youth as special targets.
Diffusion‐prepared stimulated‐echo turbo spin echo (DPsti‐TSE): An eddy current‐insensitive sequence for three‐dimensional high‐resolution and undistorted diffusion‐weighted imaging

In this study, we present a new three‐dimensional (3D), diffusion‐prepared turbo spin echo sequence based on a stimulated‐echo read‐out (DPsti‐TSE) enabling high‐resolution and undistorted diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI). A dephasing gradient in the diffusion preparation module and rephasing gradients in the turbo spin echo module create stimulated echoes, which prevent signal loss caused by eddy currents. Near to perfect agreement of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values between DPsti‐TSE and diffusion‐weighted echo planar imaging (DW‐EPI) was demonstrated in both phantom transient signal experiments and phantom imaging experiments. High‐resolution and undistorted DPsti‐TSE was demonstrated in vivo in prostate and carotid vessel wall. 3D whole‐prostate DWI was achieved with four b values in only 6 min. Undistorted ADC maps of the prostate peripheral zone were obtained at low and high imaging resolutions with no change in mean ADC values [(1.60 ± 0.10) × 10−3 versus (1.60 ± 0.02) × 10−3 mm2/s]. High‐resolution 3D DWI of the carotid vessel wall was achieved in 12 min, with consistent ADC values [(1.40 ± 0.23) × 10−3 mm2/s] across different subjects, as well as slice locations through the imaging volume. This study shows that DPsti‐TSE can serve as a robust 3D diffusion‐weighted sequence and is an attractive alternative to the traditional two‐dimensional DW‐EPI approaches.
PARP inhibitor rucaparib induces changes in NAD levels in cells and liver tissues as assessed by MRS

Poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerases (PARPs) are multifunctional proteins which play a role in many cellular processes. Namely, PARP1 and PARP2 have been shown to be involved in DNA repair, and therefore are valid targets in cancer treatment with PARP inhibitors, such as rucaparib, currently in clinical trials. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) was used to study the impact of rucaparib in vitro and ex vivo in liver tissue from mice, via quantitative analysis of nicotinamide adenosine diphosphate (NAD+) spectra, to assess the potential of MRS as a biomarker of the PARP inhibitor response. SW620 (colorectal) and A2780 (ovarian) cancer cell lines, and PARP1 wild‐type (WT) and PARP1 knock‐out (KO) mice, were treated with rucaparib, temozolomide (methylating agent) or a combination of both drugs. 1H‐MRS spectra were obtained from perchloric acid extracts of tumour cells and mouse liver. Both cell lines showed an increase in NAD+ levels following PARP inhibitor treatment in comparison with temozolomide treatment. Liver extracts from PARP1 WT mice showed a significant increase in NAD+ levels after rucaparib treatment compared with untreated mouse liver, and a significant decrease in NAD+ levels in the temozolomide‐treated group. The combination of rucaparib and temozolomide did not prevent the NAD+ depletion caused by temozolomide treatment. The 1H‐MRS results show that NAD+ levels can be used as a biomarker of PARP inhibitor and methylating agent treatments, and suggest that in vivo measurement of NAD+ would be valuable.
A Mechanomyographic Fatigue Threshold Test for Cycling

The purposes of this study were twofold: 1) to derive the mechanomyographic mean power frequency fatigue threshold (MMG MPFFT) for submaximal cycle ergometry; and 2) to compare the power outputs associated to the MMG MPFFT to other neuromuscular and gas exchange fatigue thresholds. 9 adults (5 men and 4 women; mean+/-SD age=23.7+/-3.7 years; body weight=66.3+/-8.2 kg) performed an incremental cycle ergometry test to exhaustion while expired gas samples, electromyographic (EMG), and MMG signals were measured from the vastus lateralis muscle. The non-significant correlations (r=0.17 to 0.66; p>0.05) among the physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWCFT), MMG MPFFT, and gas exchange threshold (GET) suggested that different physiological mechanisms may underlie these 3 fatigue thresholds. A significant correlation (r=0.83) for the MPFFT vs. respiratory compensation point (RCP) suggested that these fatigue thresholds may be mediated by a common physiological mechanism. In addition, the significantly lower mean values found for the PWCFT (mean+/-SD=163+/-43 W), MMG MPFFT (132+/-33 W), and GET (144+/-28 W) than MPFFT (196+/-53 W) and RCP (202+/-41 W) suggested that these gas exchange and neuromuscular fatigue thresholds may demarcate different exercise intensity domains.
Intensification of Stroke Therapy?

Ischemic stroke is a common cause of permanent brain injury. It frequently causes severe disability and can strike at the very essence of an individual, the mind. Any intervention that significantly improves the outcome of patients with acute cerebral ischemia would revolutionize stroke therapy. In this issue of the Journal of Intensive Care Medicine, Wechsler [1 systematically discusses the most recent clinical and preclinical trials of treatment for acute ischemia. The promise of the strategies described is encouraging. However, the article is also
Heart Rate Recovery Time in Exercise Testing of Endurance Horses

Introduction Endurance horses must attain heart rates below a certain limit (usually 64 beats/min) to pass veterinary inspections in endurance rides. The time necessary for heart rate recovery is therefore important in this equestrian discipline. The objective was to determine heart rate (HR) and heart rate recovery time (HRtime) of endurance horses exercised at various velocities. Methods Twelve Arabian endurance horses completed an incremental field exercise test with concurrent ECG-recording. Horses were actively competing at distances of 80–160 km. The exercise protocol defined five intervals with intended velocity range of 11–13 km/h, 15–17 km/h, 18–20 km/h, 21–25 km/h, and >25 km/h, respectively. Each interval was terminated by a halt lasting until HR declined to 64 beats/min. Velocity was determined by a global positioning system, while HR and HRtime were calculated from the ECG. Descriptive statistics was performed. Results Velocity, HR and HRtime (as mean ± SD); Interval 1: 12.4 ± 0.9 km/h, 104 ± 11 beats/min, 50 ± 34 s; Interval 2: 15.9 ± 0.5 km/h, 120 ± 9 beats/min, 128 ± 81 s; Interval 3: 20.0 ± 0.6 km/h, 133 ± 10 beats/min, 202 ± 120 s; Interval 4: 22.9 ± 1.0 km/h, 140 ± 11 beats/min, 264 ± 170 s; and Interval 5: 29.3 ± 3.8 km/h, 171 ± 15 beats/min, 341 ± 187 s. HR showed linear correlation with velocity. HRtime varied between horses especially after greater velocities, with a tendency of being shortest in the best performing horses. Four outliers of HRtime were excluded from horses reluctant to stand still during the halt due to anticipatory excitement. Conclusions Heart rate recovery time shows great individuality and could potentially be used as a performance indicator in endurance horses. Possible fluctuations of HR due to anticipatory excitement during the halt may prolong HRtime and must be accounted for. Ethical Animal Research Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: University of Copenhagen. Competing interests: None.
Filter Performance of N99 and N95 Facepiece Respirators Against Viruses and Ultrafine Particles

Abstract The performance of three filtering facepiece respirators (two models of N99 and one N95) challenged with an inert aerosol (NaCl) and three virus aerosols (enterobacteriophages MS2 and T4 and Bacillus subtilis phage)—all with significant ultrafine components—was examined using a manikin-based protocol with respirators sealed on manikins. Three inhalation flow rates, 30, 85, and 150 l min−1, were tested. The filter penetration and the quality factor were determined. Between-respirator and within-respirator comparisons of penetration values were performed. At the most penetrating particle size (MPPS), >3% of MS2 virions penetrated through filters of both N99 models at an inhalation flow rate of 85 l min−1. Inhalation airflow had a significant effect upon particle penetration through the tested respirator filters. The filter quality factor was found suitable for making relative performance comparisons. The MPPS for challenge aerosols was <0.1 μm in electrical mobility diameter for all tested respirators. Mean particle penetration (by count) was significantly increased when the size fraction of <0.1 μm was included as compared to particles >0.1 μm. The filtration performance of the N95 respirator approached that of the two models of N99 over the range of particle sizes tested (∼0.02 to 0.5 μm). Filter penetration of the tested biological aerosols did not exceed that of inert NaCl aerosol. The results suggest that inert NaCl aerosols may generally be appropriate for modeling filter penetration of similarly sized virions.
Sudden improvement in ventricular repolarization abnormality after a short detraining period in an athlete

Abstract We describe the case of a 17-year-old male soccer player with T-wave inversion in precordial leads in resting electrocardiography, which also disclosed sinus bradycardia, early repolarization, and increased QRS voltage. These findings strongly suggested cardiomyopathy. The patient’s T-wave inversion disappeared during only 2 weeks of detraining, and it re-appeared 2 weeks after resumption of intensive training. This sudden change in electrocardiographic parameters over a short period helped in identifying the adolescent as having athlete’s heart.
In vivo skin moisturizing measurement by high‐resolution 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is rarely used for the exploration of skin, even if studies have validated both feasibility of skin MRI and its interest for anatomical, physiological, and biochemical study of the skin. The purpose of this study is to explore moisturizing of the different skin layers using 3‐T scan.
Statistical modeling of occupational chlorinated solvent exposures for case-control studies using a literature-based database.

OBJECTIVES Occupational exposure assessment for population-based case-control studies is challenging due to the wide variety of industries and occupations encountered by study participants. We developed and evaluated statistical models to estimate the intensity of exposure to three chlorinated solvents-methylene chloride, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and trichloroethylene-using a database of air measurement data and associated exposure determinants. METHODS A measurement database was developed after an extensive review of the published industrial hygiene literature. The database of nearly 3000 measurements or summary measurements included sample size, measurement characteristics (year, duration, and type), and several potential exposure determinants associated with the measurements: mechanism of release (e.g. evaporation), process condition, temperature, usage rate, type of ventilation, location, presence of a confined space, and proximity to the source. The natural log-transformed measurement levels in the exposure database were modeled as a function of the measurement characteristics and exposure determinants using maximum likelihood methods. Assuming a single lognormal distribution of the measurements, an arithmetic mean exposure intensity level was estimated for each unique combination of exposure determinants and decade. RESULTS The proportions of variability in the measurement data explained by the modeled measurement characteristics and exposure determinants were 36, 38, and 54% for methylene chloride, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and trichloroethylene, respectively. Model parameter estimates for the exposure determinants were in the anticipated direction. Exposure intensity estimates were plausible and exhibited internal consistency, but the ability to evaluate validity was limited. CONCLUSIONS These prediction models can be used to estimate chlorinated solvent exposure intensity for jobs reported by population-based case-control study participants that have sufficiently detailed information regarding the exposure determinants.
A proactive management algorithm for self‐healing mobile ad hoc networks

The ability to proactively manage mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) is critical for supporting complex services such as quality of service, security and access control in these networks. This paper focuses on the problem of managing highly dynamic and resource‐constrained MANET environments through the proposal of a novel proactive management algorithm (PMA) for self‐healing MANETs. PMA is based on an effective integration of autonomous, predictive and adaptive distributed management strategies. Proactive management is achieved through the distributed analysis of the current performance of the mobile nodes utilizing an optimistic discrete event simulation method, which is used to predict the mobile nodes' future status, and execution a proactive fault‐tolerant management scheme. PMA takes advantage of distributed parallel processing, flexibility and intelligence of active packets to minimize the management overhead, while adapting to the highly dynamic and resource‐constrained nature of MANETs. The performance of the proposed architecture is validated through analytical performance analysis and comparative simulation with the Active Virtual Network Management Protocol. The simulation results demonstrate that PMA not only significantly reduces management control overhead, but also improves both the performance and the stability of MANETs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality of Life Technologies for People With Dementia

The article presents the results of user research into the quality of life in dementia and outlines priorities for research and development for technologies to enhance the independence and well-being of people with dementia. The article describes prototype music players—1 of 4 technologies currently under development by INDEPENDENT, a government-funded research project in the United Kingdom. The user research indicates that while a person's functional and cognitive deficits are of considerable importance, quality of life encompasses wider contextual issues, such as the physical, social, and technological environment, offering many avenues for technology and design interventions that may facilitate participation in everyday activities.
[Prognostic pulmonary and thoracic findings in patients with unstable injuries of the thoracic spine].

BACKGROUND Instable fractures of the thoracic spine imply a substantial trauma to the chest. The aim of this study was to undertake a systematic analysis of the prognostic impact of CT findings of the chest wall, mediastinum, lungs, and pleural space on the mortality rate. METHOD All multiple injury patients with instable fractures of the thoracic spine and initial CT scans treated in our clinic from April 2004 to May 2007 were eligible. The following variables were evaluated for their prognostic power: injury to the lungs (pneumothorax, effusion, lung contusions/lacerations, atelectasis), mediastinum (vessel dissection/rupture, bleeding, diaphragmatic rupture), chest wall (bruises, soft tissue emphysema, rib fractures), and need for pre-diagnostic tube thoracostomy. The significance level was set to P = 0.05. PATIENTS Of a total of 33 patients (mean age: 43.5 ± 20.1 years [range 14 - 83 years]; 25-male [76 %]), seven patients (21 %) died with women being significantly more affected (P < 0.001). Mortality rate was not influenced by patient age. RESULTS Non-survivors displayed significantly higher median lung contusion score values compared to survivors (4.0 [0 - 12] versus 1.0 [0 - 10]; P = 0.016). The following variables revealed a significant association with the mortality rate: chest wall bruises with soft tissue emphysema > 90 ° of the thoracic circumference (sensitivity [SE]: 43 %, specificity [SP]: 100 %, positive predictive value [PPV]: 100 %, negative predictive value [NPV]: 87 %, overall accuracy [OA]: 88 %; P = 0.006), rib fractures (SE: 71 %, SP: 81 %, PPW: 50 %, NPW: 91 %, OA: 79 %; P = 0.016), mediastinal haematoma (SE: 71 %, SP: 77 %, PPW: 45 %, NPW: 91 %, OA: 76 %; P = 0.027), and bilateral pneumothoraces (SE: 29 %, SP: 100 %, PPW: 100 %, NPW: 84 %, OA: 85 %; P = 0.040). CONCLUSION Multiply injured patients with instable fractures of the thoracic spine display CT findings indicative of non-survival. Image acquisition and interpretation focusing solely on the spine should be avoided to ensure the detection of prognostic injury patterns to the lungs.