Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of home-based virtual reality on vestibular rehabilitation outcomes: a systematic review

Abstract Background: A 2015 systematic review evaluated the efficacy of utilizing virtual reality in vestibular rehabilitation programs. However, the biggest limitation with most of the included virtual reality systems was the associated cost of the equipment. In addition, home-based exercises are the preferred method of vestibular rehabilitation treatments. Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of home-based virtual reality systems on vestibular rehabilitation outcomes. Methods: The following databases were examined: CINAHL Complete, ProQuest Medical Database, and PubMed. The following search terms were utilized: ‘video OR computer’ AND ‘vestibular’ AND ‘home’. The evidence level for all of the included articles was evaluated using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence and the methodological rigor for all of the included articles was evaluated using a 10-item tool created by Medlicott and Harris. Results: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven articles were selected for inclusion in this systematic review. This systematic review found that home-based virtual reality interventions were able to effectively achieve the primary objectives of vestibular rehabilitation and that the use of these interventions was equally as effective as the use of a traditional vestibular rehabilitation program. In addition, it may be most beneficial to combine virtual reality with traditional vestibular rehabilitation. Conclusions: Clinicians should consider using a combination of virtual reality and traditional vestibular rehabilitation when treating individuals who have been diagnosed with a vestibular dysfunction.
Developing and validating a prognostic nomogram for ovarian clear cell carcinoma patients: A retrospective comparison of lymph node staging schemes with competing risk analysis

Purpose Lymph node (LN) involvement is a key factor in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) although, there several indicators can be used to define prognosis. This study examines the prognostic performances of each indicator for OCCC patients by comparing the number of lymph nodes examined (TNLE), the number of positive lymph nodes (PLN), lymph node ratio (LNR), and log odds of metastatic lymph nodes (LODDS). Methods 1,300 OCCC patients who underwent lymphadenectomy between 2004 and 2015 were extracted from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Primary outcomes were Overall Survival (OS) and the cumulative incidence of Cancer-Specific Survival (CSS). Kaplan–Meier’s and Fine-Gray’s tests were implemented to assess OS and CSS rates. After conducting multivariate analysis, nomograms using OS and CSS were constructed based upon an improved LN system. Each nomograms’ performance was assessed using Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and the C-index which were compared to traditional cancer staging systems. Results Multivariate Cox’s regression analysis was used to assess prognostic factors for OS, including age, T stage, M stage, SEER stage, and LODDS. To account for the CSS endpoint, a proportional subdistribution hazard model was implemented which suggested that the T stage, M stage, SEER stage, and LNR are all significant. This enabled us to develop a LODDS-based nomogram for OS and a LNR-based nomogram for CSS. C-indexes for both the OS and CSS nomograms were higher than the traditional American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), 8th edition, staging system. Area Under the Curve (AUC) values for predicting 3- and 5-year OS and CSS between nomograms also highlighted an improvement upon the AJCC staging system. Calibration curves also performed with consistency, which was verified using a validation cohort. Conclusions LODDS and LNR may be better predictors than N stage, TNLE, and PLNs. For OCCC patients, both the LODDS-based and LNR-based nomograms performed better than the AJCC staging system at predicting OS and CSS. However, further large sample, real-world studies are necessary to validate the assertion.
Immediate effect of kinesio taping on pain and grip strength in individuals with lateral epicondylitis

Background: Lateral epicondylitis (LE) of elbow, involves tendinitis of the extensor carpi radialis brevis(ECRB). LE is characterised by superficial or deep macroscopic and microscopic tears at the tendinous origin of ECRB. Rigid taping has been proved effective in alleviating pain, improving muscle function and restoring functional movement patterns. Kinesiology taping (KT) has roughly the same thickness as the epidermis and can be stretched between 30% and 40% of its resting length longitudinally. Since KT is more user friendly and it support functions by maintaining active range of motion and without the circulation being repressed as compared to rigid taping, there is a need to study the effect of KT on grip strength and pain in subjects with LE. Aims and Objectives: 1. To report the pain pressure threshold of subjects in experimental and control groups before and after application of KT. 2. To determine the grip strength of subjects in experimental and control groups before and after treatment using KT. 3. To compare the values of pain pressure threshold and grip strength between experimental and control groups. Materials and Methods: Subjects satisfying the inclusion criteria were taken for the study by convenience sampling. The subjects of both groups were then assessed for pain and grip strength prior to the application of tape using a pain-pressure algometer and hand-held dynamometer respectively. Subjects in the experimental group were then applied with KT using muscle and space correction technique and the control group received sham taping. The outcomes were then re-assessed immediately after taping. Results: From the results obtained it was seen that there was a statistically significant difference (P Conclusion: The findings of the study indicates that, there is a significant improvement in pain pressure threshold and grip strength after the immediate application of KT in the experimental group as compared to the control group.
Vieillir en bonne santé : revue des interventions efficaces

Cet article présente de façon synthétique l’état des connaissances scientifiques sur les interventions validées et pro‐ metteuses favori‐ sant le vieillisse‐ ment en bonne santé. Il s’agit d ’un résumé détaillé d’une synthèse de littérature réalisée à partir des plus récentes synthèses de littérature et à l’aide d’une démarche méthodologique systématique1. Cette synthèse de littérature s’est ainsi appuyée sur 32 documents de synthèse (5 synthèses Cochrane, 4 rap‐ ports de santé publique et 23 articles de synthèses) qui ont été analysés. Elle a permis d’identifier dix types d’inter‐ ventions validées et/ou prometteuses, favorisant le vieillissement en bonne santé chez les personnes âgées de 55 ans et plus, autonomes et vivant à domicile, dont six s’inscrivent dans une démarche de prévention universelle, trois dans le cadre d’une prévention ciblée et, enfin, une intervention s’appliquant aussi bien en prévention universelle qu’en prévention ciblée2.
Identifying prognosis and metastasis-associated genes associated with Ewing sarcoma by weighted gene co-expression network analysis

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a highly malignant pediatric tumor with a low survival rate and a high rate of metastasis. However, there have been limited reports on the exploration of new biomarkers of ES. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify the potential hub genes associated with overall vital survival (OVS) and metastasis in ES. Traditional methods for identifying differentially expressed genes lack the in-depth information of mechanistic studies. In this study, a weighted co-expression network for ES was constructed through weighted gene co-expression network analysis to identify co-expression modules associated with clinical phenotypes. The hub genes in the metastasis- and OVS-related co-expression modules were extracted, and the association between the hub genes and patient OVS was verified in another independent Gene Expression Omnibus dataset. Functional annotations and protein-protein interaction analysis of co-expression modules were also used to understand the potential regulatory mechanisms. The results of the functional enrichment analysis revealed that the OVS-associated module was mainly enriched in the cell cycle and immune response, and the metastasis-associated module was enriched in metabolism. A total of four genes (proteasome subunit α4, L1 cell adhesion molecule, serine/threonine kinase receptor-associated protein and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4) in the OVS-related module and two genes (calcium voltage-gated channel auxiliary subunit γ2 and γ-aminobutyric acid type B receptor subunit 2) in the metastasis-related module were selected as hub genes. Further research on the hub genes identified in the present study may contribute to the understanding of the mechanism of ES metastasis and progression.
Nurse Practitioners Use of Clinical Decision Support Tools in Heart Failure

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a progressive disorder which results in poor patient outcomes for those affected. Although there are evidence-based medications to alter the progression and improve outcomes, provider adherence to these medications has been suboptimal. Clinical decision support tools (CDS) within the electronic medical record are effective tools in medical management. Objective: The primary objective was to evaluate the use of CDS to nurse practitioners (NPs) adherence of guideline-directed medical therapy in HF patients in the outpatient setting. The secondary objective was to assess the NPs perception of facilitators and barriers that may affect the use of CDS. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed to extract HF measures and preventative care processes documented during an 18-month period by two NPs at two local primary care clinics in Southeast U.S. Descriptive analysis of the chart data was performed to compare the results of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) National performance quality indicators. Additional data was obtained from questionnaires that assess NPs perceptions and factors that affect the use of CDS. Results: Collectively, the NPs performance fell below CMS results. However, one NP exceeded CMS indicators in all areas except blood pressure control. Although the NPs had some knowledge of CDS, CDS was not used with each patient contact. The satisfaction of CDS among the NPs was mixed. Conclusion: CDS use was not verified as a driving factor to the low-performance results as the use of CDS among the NPs was low. Initiation or adjustment of HF therapy by the NPs could not be verified within this QIP. Provider education of GDMT and CDS is key to NURSE PRACTITIONER USE 3 improving HF outcomes. Further research using preand post-intervention analysis is warranted. NURSE PRACTITIONER USE 4
Genomic analysis and biochemical profiling of an unaxenic strain of Synechococcus sp. isolated from the Peruvian Amazon Basin region

Cyanobacteria are diverse photosynthetic microorganisms able to produce a myriad of bioactive chemicals. To make possible the rational exploitation of these microorganisms, it is fundamental to know their metabolic capabilities and to have genomic resources. In this context, the main objective of this research was to determine the genome features and the biochemical profile of Synechococcus sp. UCP002. The cyanobacterium was isolated from the Peruvian Amazon Basin region and cultured in BG-11 medium. Growth parameters, genome features, and the biochemical profile of the cyanobacterium were determined using standardized methods. Synechococcus sp. UCP002 had a specific growth rate of 0.086 ± 0.008 μ and a doubling time of 8.08 ± 0.78 h. The complete genome of Synechococcus sp. UCP002 had a size of ∼3.53 Mb with a high coverage (∼200x), and its quality parameters were acceptable (completeness = 99.29%, complete and single-copy genes = 97.5%, and contamination = 0.35%). Additionally, the cyanobacterium had six plasmids ranging from 24 to 200 kbp. The annotated genome revealed ∼3,422 genes, ∼ 3,374 protein-coding genes (with ∼41.31% hypothetical protein-coding genes), two CRISPR Cas systems, and 61 non-coding RNAs. Both the genome and plasmids had the genes for prokaryotic defense systems. Additionally, the genome had genes coding the transcription factors of the metalloregulator ArsR/SmtB family, involved in sensing heavy metal pollution. The biochemical profile showed primary nutrients, essential amino acids, some essential fatty acids, pigments (e.g., all-trans-β-carotene, chlorophyll a, and phycocyanin), and phenolic compounds. In conclusion, Synechococcus sp. UCP002 shows biotechnological potential to produce human and animal nutrients and raw materials for biofuels and could be a new source of genes for synthetic biological applications.
Cross-Media Retrieval for Music by Analyzing Changes of Mood with Delta Function for Detecting Impressive Behaviours

This paper proposes a system that retrieves music by accepting a sequence of images as a query representing a change of sentiments in music. The system offers a query model that utilizes image files as a media for describing users’ emotional demands for continuous changes of mood in music. This query model offers two types of delta functions, corresponding to music and images. Each delta function measures continuous changes in the corresponding sequential media. Applying the delta functions to the media data generates the values representing changes of moods. Each delta value is normalized distance in the corresponding metric space, thus, comparison of delta values extracted from heterogeneous media data makes it possible to calculate the cross-media relevance score. As a prototype implementation, we have developed a Web-based crossmedia retrieval engine that provides an integrated user interface (UI) to create music queries by novices who may submit only rough and simple information. Keywords-Cross Media Retrieval; Multimedia Database; User Interface; Mood Analysis;
Systematic errors in the perception of rhythm

One hypothesis for why humans enjoy musical rhythms relates to their prediction of when each beat should occur. The ability to predict the timing of an event is important from an evolutionary perspective. Therefore, our brains have evolved internal mechanisms for processing the progression of time. However, due to inherent noise in neural signals, this prediction is not always accurate. Theoretical considerations of optimal estimates suggest the occurrence of certain systematic errors made by the brain when estimating the timing of beats in rhythms. Here, we tested psychophysically whether these systematic errors exist and if so, how they depend on stimulus parameters. Our experimental data revealed two main types of systematic errors. First, observers perceived the time of the last beat of a rhythmic pattern as happening earlier than actual when the inter-beat interval was short. Second, the perceived time of the last beat was later than the actual when the inter-beat interval was long. The magnitude of these systematic errors fell as the number of beats increased. However, with many beats, the errors due to long inter-beat intervals became more apparent. We propose a Bayesian model for these systematic errors. The model fits these data well, allowing us to offer possible explanations for how these errors occurred. For instance, neural processes possibly contributing to the errors include noisy and temporally asymmetric impulse responses, priors preferring certain time intervals, and better-early-than-late loss functions. We finish this article with brief discussions of both the implications of systematic errors for the appreciation of rhythm and the possible compensation by the brain’s motor system during a musical performance.
Characterization of pregnancy outcome of women with an offspring with inborn errors of metabolism: A population-based study

Introduction: Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are scarce, and their diagnosis is often made after birth. This has led to the perception that most fetuses affected by these disorders do not become clinically apparent during pregnancy. Our aim was to determine the obstetrical characteristics of women with an offspring affected by IEM. Methods: This population-based retrospective cohort study included all women who delivered at the Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC) from 1988 to 2017 who met the inclusion criteria. Mothers who had an offspring with IEM were included in the study group, and those who had offsprings without IEM comprised the comparison group. Results: A total of 388,813 pregnancies were included in the study, and 184 of them were complicated by a fetus with IEM. The number of Bedouin women was higher in the IEM-affected infant group than in the comparison group (90.8% vs. 53.3%, p < 0.001); women who had a fetus with IEM had a higher rate of polyhydramnios (7.1% vs. 3.2%, p = 0.005), HELLP syndrome (3.3% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.014), and preterm birth (20.7% vs. 10.1%, p < 0.001); neonates with IEM had lower mean birth weight (p < 0.001), lower Apgar scores at 1′ and 5′ minutes (p < 0.001), and a higher rate of fetal growth restriction (FGR) (p < 0.001), postpartum death <28 days (p < 0.001), and neonatal death (p < 0.001) than those in the comparison group. Pregnancies with IEM fetuses were independently associated with preterm birth (OR 2.00; CI 1.4–3), polyhydramnios (OR 2.08; CI 1.17–3.71), and FGR (OR 2.24; CI 1.2–4.19). Each family of metabolic diseases is independently associated with specific pregnancy complications (i.e., mitochondrial diseases are associated with HELLP syndrome (OR 5.6; CI 1.8–17), and lysosomal storage disease are associated with nonimmune hydrops fetalis (OR 26.4; CI 3.39–206). Conclusion: This study reports for the first time, an independent association of IEM with specific complications of pregnancy. This observation has clinical implications, as the identification of specific pregnancy complications in a population at risk for IEM can assist in the prenatal diagnosis of an affected fetus.
Management of Choroidal Neovascularization Associated with Optic Disc Melanocytoma with Intravitreal Aflibercept: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Purpose To report a rare case of melanocytoma associated choroidal neovascularization (CNV) treated with intravitreal aflibercept. Methods We reviewed the literature for the previous reports and different methods of treatment. Results Optic disc melanocytoma has been considered as a benign melanocytic tumor that rarely affects vision. There is evidence in the literature of association between choroidal neovascular membrane and disc melanocytoma. Conclusions In conclusion, our article provides a review of literature of such a rare association in which the ophthalmologists must be aware of its occurrence and possible ways of management.
The effect of high-dietary K+ (HK) on Kir4.1/Kir5.1 and ROMK in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) is not affected by gender and Cl− content of the diet

Basolateral potassium channels in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) are composed of inwardly-rectifying potassium channel 4.1 (Kir4.1) and Kir5.1. Kir4.1 interacts with Kir5.1 to form a 40 pS K+ channel which is the only type K+ channel expressed in the basolateral membrane of the DCT. Moreover, Kir4.1/Kir5.1 heterotetramer plays a key role in determining the expression and activity of thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransport (NCC). In addition to Kir4.1/Kir5.1, Kir1.1 (ROMK) is expressed in the apical membrane of the late DCT (DCT2) and plays a key role in mediating epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC)-dependent K+ excretion. High dietary-K+-intake (HK) stimulates ROMK and inhibits Kir4.1/Kir5.1 in the DCT. Inhibition of Kir4.1/Kir5.1 is essential for HK-induced suppression of NCC whereas the stimulation of ROMK is important for increasing ENaC-dependent K+ excretion during HK. We have now used the patch-clamp-technique to examine whether gender and Cl− content of K+-diet affect HK-induced inhibition of basolateral Kir4.1/Kir5.1 and HK-induced stimulation of ROMK. Single-channel-recording shows that basolateral 40 pS K+ channel (Kir4.1/Kir5.1) activity of the DCT defined by NPo was 1.34 (1% KCl, normal K, NK), 0.95 (5% KCl) and 1.03 (5% K+-citrate) in male mice while it was 1.47, 1.02 and 1.05 in female mice. The whole-cell recording shows that Kir4.1/Kir5.1-mediated-K+ current of the early-DCT (DCT1) was 1,170 pA (NK), 725 pA (5% KCl) and 700 pA (5% K+-citrate) in male mice whereas it was 1,125 pA, 674 pA and 700 pA in female mice. Moreover, K+-currents (IK) reversal potential of DCT (an index of membrane potential) was -63 mV (NK), −49 mV (5% KCl) and −49 mV (5% K-citrate) in the male mice whereas it was -63 mV, −50 mV and −50 mV in female mice. Finally, TPNQ-sensitive whole-cell ROMK-currents in the DCT2 /initial-connecting tubule (CNT) were 910 pA (NK), 1,520 pA (5% KCl) and 1,540 pA (5% K+−citrate) in male mice whereas the ROMK-mediated K+ currents were 1,005 pA, 1,590 pA and 1,570 pA in female mice. We conclude that the effect of HK intake on Kir4.1/Kir5.1 of the DCT and ROMK of DCT2/CNT is similar between male and female mice. Also, Cl− content in HK diets has no effect on HK-induced inhibition of Kir4.1/Kir5.1 of the DCT and HK-induced stimulation of ROMK in DCT2/CNT.
On the Design of 2×2 Element Fractal Antenna Array using Dragonfly Optimization

Present-day wireless communication requires high performance antenna systems having conformal shape, aerodynamic profile, compact size, uncomplicated design and simple manufacturability. Moreover, such systems should be lighter in weight as well as cost effective too. In case of fixedsatellite communication as well as maritime radio-navigation, the situation becomes even more demanding in respect of these requirements. However, to meet these requirements, printed micro-strip patch technology is used frequently in these days for the fabrication of such high performance antenna systems. However, printed microstrip antennas usually suffer from the drawbacks of having lower gain and/or lower bandwidth as well as return loss. In order to address these issues, the present paper reports on the design of a small-sized 2×2 Element Sierpinski Carpet Fractal Antenna Array using swarm-inspired Dragonfly Optimization. Proposed antenna array operates efficiently at 5.6 GHz, 7.4 GHz and 10.7 GHz with an achievement of 202MHz, 470MHz, and 883MHz bandwidths respectively for the specified spectrum bands. In order to bring about substantial improvement in the performance of the designed antenna array, Dragonfly Optimization is executed in combination with Polynomial Curve-fitting method for optimizing three different geometrical dimensions of unit antenna element in the proposed system. The results of present study are quite promising.