Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cueing Changes in Peak Vertical Ground Reaction Force to Improve Coordination Dynamics in Walking

Abstracts Biofeedback has been effectively implemented to improve the mediation and distribution of joint loads during gait, however, the inability to effectively coordinate lower limb movement by altering loading patterns may increase pathological stress and risk of injury and deleterious joint changes. This study examined the influence cueing an increase or decrease in lower extremity loading has on inter- and intralimb joint coordination during gait, applied herein for 12 persons following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction across three loading conditions (control, high, and low). Visual biofeedback was presented on a screen via a force-measuring treadmill with targeted changes prescribed based on stride-to-stride peak vertical ground reaction forces bilaterally. The pattern and stability of coordination dynamics among each of the ankle, hip and knee joint pairs were assessed via discrete relative phase and cross-recurrence quantification analyses for each condition. High and low loading altered the pattern and stability of intralimb coordination; low loading led to decreased coordination stability (20° greater than control condition) and high loading resulted in a more tightly coupled coordination pattern (higher %CDET). With thoughtful consideration for movement control, biofeedback can be used to target mechanisms leading to long-term deleterious joint adaptations.
Viremia controls Env-specific antibody-secreting cell responses in simian immunodeficiency virus infected macaques pre and post-antiretroviral therapy

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the kinetics of Env (gp140)-specific antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) during acute and early chronic simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, and prior to and postantiretroviral therapy (ART) in rhesus macaques. Design and methods: At week 0, rhesus macaques were inoculated intravenously with SIVmac239 and the viral loads were allowed to develop. Daily ART was initiated at week 5 post infection until week 18, though the animals were monitored until week 28 for the following parameters: enumeration of SIV gp140-specific ASCs by ELISPOT; quantification of viremia and SIV gp140-specific IgG titres through qRT-PCR and ELISA, respectively; estimation of monocytes, follicular helper T cells (Tfh) and memory B cell frequencies using polychromatic flow cytometry. Results: Direct correlations were consistently found between blood SIV gp140-specific ASC responses and viremia or SIV Env-specific IgG titres. In contrast, SIV gp140-specific ASC responses showed inverse correlations with the percentage of total memory B cells in the blood. In lymph nodes, the magnitude of the SIV gp140-specific ASC responses also followed the viral load kinetics. In contrast, the number of SIV gp140-specific ASCs presented did not correlate with frequencies of circulating activated monocyte (CD14+CD16+) or Tfh cells. Conclusion: Blood and/or lymph node viral loads may regulate the onset and magnitude of SIV gp140-specific ASCs during SIV infection and following ART in rhesus macaques.
Epidural Filling with Crystal-colloid Solution for Post Accidental Dural Puncture Headache: A Case Series.

PURPOSE Post dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common anesthetic complication caused by expected spinal puncture or accidental dural puncture during intraspinal anesthesia operation. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze the clinical features and outcomes of parturients with accidental dural punctures (ADP). METHODS (All cesarean sections at the Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children (Chongqing, China) carried out under neuraxial anesthesia from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018 were reviewed and data from 20 parturients with ADP were collected and analyzed. RESULTS Seventeen individuals received crystal-colloid solution fillers and three did not. The median epidural catheter retaining time was 40 hours; the median frequency of epidural filling was three times, with a median total volume of 60 ml. One patient developed tinnitus and three complained of head swelling during filling. The median bed-stay duration was 73 hours, with total intravenous infusion volume of 7.3 L in the first three postoperative days. Two patients complained of slight dizziness and mitigation, and five felt weak. One individual had intermittent headaches and dizziness till the seventh postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS Epidural injection of crystal-colloid solution, combined with hydration, maybe a useful preven-tive strategy for ADP-induced headache after cesarean section.
Generation of propulsive force via vertical undulations in snakes

ABSTRACT Lateral undulation is the most widespread mode of terrestrial vertebrate limbless locomotion, in which posteriorly propagating horizontal waves press against environmental asperities (e.g. grass, rocks) and generate propulsive reaction forces. We hypothesized that snakes can generate propulsion using a similar mechanism of posteriorly propagating vertical waves pressing against suitably oriented environmental asperities. Using an array of horizontally oriented cylinders, one of which was equipped with force sensors, and a motion capture system, we found snakes generated substantial propulsive force and propulsive impulse with minimal contribution from lateral undulation. Additional tests showed that snakes could propel themselves via vertical undulations from a single suitable contact point, and this mechanism was replicated in a robotic model. Vertical undulations can provide snakes with a valuable locomotor tool for taking advantage of vertical asperities in a variety of habitats, potentially in combination with lateral undulation, to fully exploit the 3D structure of the habitat.
High efficacy of a characterized lytic bacteriophage in combination with thyme essential oil against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in chicken products.

Background The emergence and spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the food industry have led to using alternative natural bioagents for controlling S. aureus in food. Aims The current work aimed to isolate and characterize a lytic phage specific to S. aureus and evaluate its efficacy with thyme essential oil for controlling S. aureus growth in chicken fillets. Methods Twenty S. aureus strains previously isolated from ready-to-eat chicken products were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility and used for phage isolation. Results All S. aureus strains were multidrug-resistant (MDR). The isolated phage (vB_SauM_CP9) belonged to the family Myoviridae and maintained its stability at pH (4-9) and temperature (30-70°C). The phage showed lytic activity on ten S. aureus strains and had a burst size (228 PFU/infected cell), latent period (45 min), and rise period (15 min). A combination of S. aureus phage multiplicity of infection (MOI) 10 + thyme oil 1% caused a higher significant reduction in S. aureus growth (87.22%) in artificially inoculated chicken fillets than individual treatment with bacteriophage or thyme essential oil. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first report to evaluate the efficacy of bacteriophage and thyme oil for controlling the growth of MDR S. aureus in chicken products and recommending application of S. aureus phage and thyme oil combination in the food industry to achieve food safety goals and consumer protection as well as mitigate the antimicrobial resistance crisis.
Suspensions magnétiques: la rhéologie et la séparation

Dans ce manuscrit, j'ai brievement decrit mes activites scientifiques depuis la soutenance de ma these de doctorat en physique en fin 2003. J'ai prete une attention particuliere aux recherches axees sur la rheologie et la capture de particules des suspensions magnetiques. Une grande partie de mes recherches a ete focalisee sur l'effet de la forme des particules magnetiques et de l'orientation du champ magnetique sur la contrainte seuil apparaissant dans les suspensions magnetiques suite a l'agregation de ces particules induite par le champ applique. En comparant les microfibres magnetiques aux microspheres magnetiques, il a ete montre que la contrainte seuil des suspensions de fibres etait d'environ trois fois superieure a celle des suspensions de spheres soumises aux memes conditions. Un tel effet de forme a ete explique par (1) une permeabilite magnetique plus elevee des agregats composes de fibres ; (2) une friction solide plus forte entre les fibres. En ce qui concerne l'effet d'orientation du champ, nous avons confirme experimentalement un comportement a seuil important dans le cas ou le champ magnetique est oriente le long de l'ecoulement ou de la vorticite. Un tel effet magnetorheologique " longitudinal " a ete explique par des fluctuations stochastiques des agregats autour de leur orientation d'equilibre; ces fluctuations etant causees par des interactions magnetiques entre agregats. Une autre partie des etudes a ete focalisee sur la separation magnetique des nanoparticules en vue de leur application dans la separation de biomolecules ou l'extraction de micropolluants. On a notamment etudie l'effet de la separation de phase sur la capture de nanoparticules par des collecteurs magnetiques (microspheres aimantees par un champ magnetique externe). Il a ete montre que la separation de phase augmente considerablement l'efficacite de capture et que ce processus est regi par trois nombres sans dimensions : la concentration en nanoparticules, le parametre d'interaction dipolaire et le nombre de Mason qui represente le rapport des forces hydrodynamiques sur les forces magnetiques exercees sur les nanoparticules.
Muscle activation pattern during two-legged hopping in children with and without down syndrome

Abstract This study aimed to characterize muscle activation and its variability during two-legged hopping in children with and without Down syndrome (DS). Seventeen typically developing (TD) children and 15 children with DS were recruited. As only 6 children with DS (4F/2M, 9.95 (1.71) years) completed the test, we used a 2(TD):1(DS) ratio to age- and sex-match 12 TD children. Subjects first hopped at a self-selected free frequency and then three metronome-cued conditions: slow, preferred, and moderate (80%, 100%, and 120% of free frequency, respectively). Across conditions, children with DS exhibited greater pre-activation before landing and greater shape and timing variability in gastrocnemius, vastus lateralis, and biceps femoris than TD children. However, this compensatory strategy limited their ability to change movement speed.
Ginkgetin alleviates high glucose‐evoked mesangial cell oxidative stress injury, inflammation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in an AMPK/mTOR‐mediated autophagy axis

Diabetic nephropathy constitutes the leading cause for end‐stage kidney disease. Ginkgetin is a common natural non‐toxic biflavone and fulfills pleiotropic pharmacological characterizations, such as anti‐inflammation and kidney injury. Nevertheless, its efficacy in diabetic nephropathy remains elusive. Here, ginkgetin exhibited little cytotoxicity in glomerular mesangial cells. Of note, ginkgetin restrained high glucose (HG)‐induced mesangial cell proliferation and oxidative stress by inhibiting ROS and malonaldehyde levels, but enhancing antioxidant SOD activity. Additionally, ginkgetin suppressed HG‐evoked transcript and release of inflammatory cytokine TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6. Concomitantly, the increased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in HG‐treated glomerular mesangial cells was attenuated by ginkgetin via decreasing expression of collagen IV, fibronectin, and laminin. Intriguingly, ginkgetin‐restored HG‐impaired autophagy; whereas blocking autophagy by its inhibitor 3‐MA overturned ginkgetin function against HG‐evoked mesangial cell dysfunction. Mechanistically, ginkgetin‐mediated AMPK/mTOR axis accounted for HG‐impaired autophagy. Importantly, blockage of AMPK signaling reversed ginkgetin‐restored autophagy and its protective efficacy against HG‐induced dysfunction in mesangial cells. Thus, these findings highlight that ginkgetin may attenuate HG‐evoked mesangial cell hyperplasia, oxidative stress, inflammation, and ECM accumulation by activating AMPk/mTOR‐mediated autophagy pathway. Therefore, ginkgetin may alleviate the progression of diabetic nephropathy by regulating glomerular mesangial cell dysfunction, supporting a promising therapeutic agent against diabetic nephropathy.
How Does Nostalgia Conduce to Global Self-Continuity? The Roles of Identity Narrative, Associative Links, and Stability

In five studies (N = 1,074), we examined the relation—both correlational and causal—between nostalgia, a sentimental longing for one’s past, and global self-continuity (GSC), a sense of connection among past, present, and future selves. Furthermore, we addressed mechanisms underlying this relation. We asked, in particular, whether nostalgic individuals might achieve GSC by constructing a narrative to give meaning to life transitions (narrative), connecting to the past (associative links), or believing in a self that is resistant to change (stability). Nostalgia predicted (Studies 1–3) and caused (Studies 4 and 5) GSC. The relation between nostalgia and GSC was consistently mediated by narrative, sporadically mediated by associative links, and unmediated by stability. The robust indirect effect via narrative remained significant when controlling for rumination (Study 3). We discuss theoretical and practical implications.
Elevated F‐EDN correlates with mucosal eosinophil degranulation in patients with IBS—A possible association with microbiota?

Eosinophils have been linked to functional dyspepsia; however, less is known about their role in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study tested the hypothesis of alterations in levels of fecal eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin (F‐EDN) and eosinophil density and degranulation within the colonic mucosa of IBS patients compared with healthy controls (HC). Colonic biopsies were collected from 37 IBS patients and 20 HC and analyzed for eosinophil numbers and local degranulation of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) by histologic procedures. Fecal samples were collected for F‐EDN and microbiota analysis. Differentiated 15HL‐60 cells were used in vitro to investigate the direct effect of live bacteria on eosinophil activation measured by a colorimetric assay with o‐phenylenediamine (OPD) substrate. We observed a higher number of eosinophils and increased extracellular ECP in the mucosa of IBS patients compared with HC. Moreover, F‐EDN levels in IBS samples were elevated compared with HC and positively correlated to extracellular ECP. Metagenomic analysis showed significant correlations between bacterial composition and eosinophil measurements in both HC and IBS patients. In vitro experiments revealed an increased degranulation of 15HL‐60 after stimulation with Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella enterica, and Yersinia enterocolitica. To conclude, we could demonstrate alterations related to eosinophils in IBS, and, for the first time, a positive correlation between F‐EDN levels and degranulated eosinophils in the colonic mucosa of IBS patients. Together our results suggest that eosinophils play a role in the pathophysiology of IBS and the mechanisms might be linked to an altered microbiota.
Pathogenesis of sporadic Alzheimer's disease by deficiency of NMDA receptor subunit GluN3A

The Ca2+ hypothesis for Alzheimer's disease (AD) conceives Ca2+ dyshomeostasis as a common mechanism of AD; the cause of Ca2+ dysregulation, however, is obscure. Meanwhile, hyperactivities of N‐Methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs), the primary mediator of Ca2+ influx, are reported in AD. GluN3A (NR3A) is an NMDAR inhibitory subunit. We hypothesize that GluN3A is critical for sustained Ca2+ homeostasis and its deficiency is pathogenic for AD. Cellular, molecular, and functional changes were examined in adult/aging GluN3A knockout (KO) mice. The GluN3A KO mouse brain displayed age‐dependent moderate but persistent neuronal hyperactivity, elevated intracellular Ca2+, neuroinflammation, impaired synaptic integrity/plasticity, and neuronal loss. GluN3A KO mice developed olfactory dysfunction followed by psychological/cognitive deficits prior to amyloid‐β/tau pathology. Memantine at preclinical stage prevented/attenuated AD syndromes. AD patients’ brains show reduced GluN3A expression. We propose that chronic “degenerative excitotoxicity” leads to sporadic AD, while GluN3A represents a primary pathogenic factor, an early biomarker, and an amyloid‐independent therapeutic target.
Understanding factors associated with continuation of intrauterine device use in Gujarat and Rajasthan, India: a cross-sectional household study

Abstract The Government of India has promoted the expansion of access to and uptake of intrauterine devices (IUDs), during both the interval (IIUD) and postpartum (PPIUD) periods, as part of its Family Planning 2020 initiative. This study, conducted by EngenderHealth as part of the Expanding Access to IUD Services in India project, examines IIUD and PPIUD continuation rates over time and investigates factors associated with IUD continuation. We recruited respondents (N = 5024) through a repeated cross-sectional household study between February and December 2019. We identified respondents using IUD client data from public health facility registers in 20 districts of Gujarat and Rajasthan. We compared continuation rates for IIUD and PPIUD adopters and used regression analyses to measure the association between continuation and demographic, quality of care, and counselling variables. IIUD continuation rates decreased from 85.6% to 78.3% and PPIUD rates decreased from 78.5% to 70.7% between month 3 and month 12. Clients experiencing side effects or other problems were 15 times more likely to discontinue IUD use than clients who did not. Clients who received IUD counselling prior to insertion were more likely to continue than those who did not. IUD continuation increased significantly in cases where both partners jointly selected the method compared to situations where women decided alone. Several sociodemographic factors were associated with continuation. Our study demonstrates the value and benefits of programmes offering IUD services emphasising quality counselling and client-centred care to increase access, uptake, and continuation.
Biodegradation performance and diversity of enriched bacterial consortia capable of degrading high-molecular-weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

ABSTRACT Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are key organic pollutants in the environment that pose threats to the ecosystem and human health. The degradation of high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs by enriched bacterial consortia has been previously studied, while the involved metabolisms and microbial communities are still unclear and warrant further investigations. In this study, five bacterial consortia capable of utilizing different PAHs (naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene) as the sole carbon and energy sources were enriched from PAH-contaminated soil samples. Among the five consortia, consortium TC exhibited the highest pyrene degradation efficiency (91%) after 19 d of incubation. The degradation efficiency was further enhanced up to 99% by supplementing yeast extract. Besides, consortium TC showed tolerances to high concentrations of pyrene (up to 1000 mg/L) and different heavy metal stresses (including Zn2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+). The dominant genus in consortium TC, GS, and PL showing relatively higher degradation efficiency for anthracene and pyrene was Pseudomonas, whereas consortium PG and GD were predominated by genus Achromobacter and class Enterobacteriaceae, respectively. Consortium TC, as a highly efficient HMW PAH-degrading consortium, could be applied for synergistic biodegradation of HMW PAHs and in situ bioremediation of the sites contaminated with both PAHs and heavy metals. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Detection and characterization of Leptospira spp. in dogs diagnosed with kidney and/or liver disease in Selangor, Malaysia

Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals. A wide range of symptoms have been described in humans; the disease in dogs is commonly associated with kidney and/or liver disease. In Malaysia, information about the common serovars infecting dogs is limited. Therefore, we investigated the occurrences of leptospirosis in 124 pet dogs diagnosed with kidney and/or liver disease. Blood, urine, abdominal effusion, and/or kidney and liver were collected from the dogs. Based on microscopic agglutination testing, 53 of 124 (42.7%) dogs were seropositive for leptospiral exposure. Sera were frequently positive to serovars Bataviae (n = 12), Javanica (n = 10), and Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 10). Direct detection using PCR showed that 42 of 124 (33.9%) of the whole blood and 36 of 113 (31.9%) urine samples were positive for pathogenic Leptospira spp. By PCR, 2 of 23 (9.1%) kidney and 2 of 23 (9.1%) liver were positive for pathogenic Leptospira spp. Abdominal effusion from 4 dogs were PCR-positive for pathogenic Leptospira spp. The species detected were L. interrogans, L. borgpetersenii, L. kirschneri, and L. kmetyi by partial 16S rRNA sequencing. We further identified and characterized 11 Leptospira spp. isolates from 8 dogs as serovars Bataviae, Javanica, and Australis. The mortality rate of the Leptospira-infected dogs was high (18 of 53; 34%).
Specialist Networks Influence Clinician Willingness to Treat Individuals with Special Needs

Background: The South Australian Dental Service’s Special Needs Network was established to support oral health professionals working within their statewide government-funded dental service to treat patients with special needs. This study aimed to investigate how a structured network relationship with specialists in special needs dentistry influenced the willingness of dentists to treat this group of patients. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were used to explore the views of specialists and dentists involved in the South Australian Dental Service’s Special Needs Network. Inductive thematic analysis identified emerging themes enabling completion of a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis. Results: Dentists felt that a strength of the Network was a greater sense of collegiality, particularly for those working in rural areas. Although the inability to get immediate advice was seen as a weakness, dentists felt a more structured relationship with specialists improved communication pathways and resulted in more timely care. The aging workforce, systemic barriers in the public dental system, such as productivity pressures and infrastructure, and the lack of support from other health professionals were seen as ongoing barriers and threats. Regardless, dentists identified the use of telehealth and visiting specialists as future opportunities. Specialists felt that the Network was a valuable resource but were skeptical about its effectiveness, feeling that a limitation was the ability of dentists to recognize the complexity of cases. Conclusions: Ongoing support from and communication with specialists in special needs dentistry through a structured network improved the perceived ability and willingness of dentists to treat patients with special needs. Knowledge Transfer Statement: This research suggests that providing support to dentists through a hub-and-spoke network that facilitates additional training, professional interaction, and improved communication with specialists in special needs dentistry may help overcome some of the current barriers to access to care experienced by individuals with special needs, particularly those associated with the willingness and capability of clinicians treat them.