Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nigerian physiotherapists’ knowledge, current practice and perceptions of their role for promoting physical activity: A cross-sectional survey

Background Nigeria has the highest rates of physical inactivity in Africa. As physical inactivity is a leading global risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCD), physical activity promotion is a strategy for their mitigation. Physiotherapists are already ideally situated to undertake this role and can assist in the reversal of NCD. Gaining insight into how physiotherapists in Nigeria perceive their role in relation to physical activity promotion is needed to ensure this undertaking will be effective. This national survey aimed to investigate Nigerian physiotherapists’ knowledge and current practice for promoting physical activity across Nigeria and perceptions of their role related to this. Methods Following ethical approval, a cross-sectional, online questionnaire survey design was employed to investigate the aim. 330 qualified physiotherapists, working across Nigeria were recruited. Internal consistency of the survey was examined using Cronbach’s alpha. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse closed questions. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse open-ended questions. Chi-square inferential statistic was used to investigate the association between variables with alpha interpreted at a level of 0.05. Results The internal consistency of the questionnaire survey was good overall (Cronbach Alpha α = 0.71). 330 physiotherapists participated. 99.4% agreed that discussing the benefits of a physically active lifestyle with patients is part of their role. However, over 60% did not feel confident in suggesting specific physical activity programs for their patients. 59.7% were aware of one or more physical activity guideline. However, only 49.1% were incorporating it into their practice. 85.5% felt that developing a physical activity guideline specifically for Nigeria would promote physical activity. 63.3% of respondents did not use any resource in promoting physical activity. An association was found between the physiotherapist’s awareness of physical activity guidelines and male sex (χ2 = 8.95, df = 2, p = 0.01). Conclusion Whilst most physiotherapists had a positive perception of their role in promoting physical activity, translating this into practice would seem to be challenging. A systems approach to physical activity health promotion is recommended with the need for a commitment by the Nigerian Government to the development and implementation of national guidelines. Incorporating more training in physiotherapy education could foster more confidence in the delivery of these guidelines. Greater use of resources and working with community organisations could help to optimise physical activity uptake in Nigeria.
Energy conservation in distributed heterogeneous computing environments using economic resource allocation mechanisms

Energy conservation in distributed heterogeneous computing environments using economic resource allocation mechanisms by Timothy Michael Lynar This thesis examines the question: can economic resource allocation mechanisms be used in distributed computing environments to reduce energy consumption whilst maintaining execution speed? This thesis investigates the use of several resource allocation mechanisms that take account of the power consumption and processing capacity of each available computing node within a distributed heterogeneous computing environment. Different economic resource allocation mechanisms have different attributes and allocate resources differently. The resource allocation mechanisms are evaluated to examine their effect on the time and energy required to process a workload of the sort that might be expected in a distributed computing system. Initial examination of the resource allocation mechanisms was conducted through the execution of artificial workloads on a simulated cluster. To further this research, a real cluster and grid environment was created from obsolete computers. An examination was undertaken of the use of obsolete computers in distributed computing environments and how the use of such systems may assist to mitigate electronic waste. The examination of resource allocation was continued on a cluster, and then on an institutional grid. The simulation model was then calibrated to the cluster and grid, which was then used to simulate the execution of real published grid workloads under each of the resource allocation mechanisms. The resource allocation mechanisms under consideration were found to have different characteristics that resulted in them being suited for different types of workload. It was also found that the choice of a resource allocation mechanism that takes account of the power consumption and performance of individual resources can make a significant difference, through leveraging the heterogeneous nature of resources, to the total system energy consumed and time taken in computing a workload.
Diagnosis and clinical management of Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome: current and emerging techniques

ABSTRACT Introduction Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome (WAS) serves as the prototype of how variants in a gene, which encodes a protein central to actin cytoskeletal homeostasis can manifest clinically in a variety of ways including infection, atopy, autoimmunity, inflammation, bleeding, neutropenia, non-malignant lymphoproliferation, and malignancy. Despite the discovery of the WAS gene almost 30 years ago, our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying WAS continues to unfold. Areas covered This review will provide an overview of the approach to the diagnosis of WAS as well as the management of its associated complications. Advances in the use of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and gene therapy as well as the associated challenges unique to WAS will be discussed. Expert opinion Basic research, combined with clinical research focusing on longitudinal analysis of WAS patients, will help clarify determinants that influence WAS pathogenesis as well as clinical complications and outcomes. Advances in curative approaches including the use of alternative donor HSCT for WAS continue to evolve. Gene therapy employing safer and more effective protocols ensuring full correction of WAS will provide life-saving benefit to WAS patients who are unable to undergo HSCT.
Integrating Engineering for Developing Communities into Engineering Education A Case Study

The present investigation is a case study of a first year design course with a survey and follow-up interviews to assess the experiences of students while in the classroom and during a follow-up trip to Peru to install the design. This mixed-methods study investigated the use of environmental engineering design for developing communities as the project topic in a first-year design course and specifically focused on the developmental effects on students who traveled to Peru to implement their design in a rural community. Data collected during an end-of-course survey and qualitative data garnered from interviews with three students who traveled to implement the design indicated that most students in the course gained an understanding of the concept of engineering for developing communities and found the topic more interesting than those offered in other course sections. Students who traveled gained deeper insight into both the topic and the challenges involved with working in developing communities. Students from both groups (travelers and non-travelers) noted an interest in pursuing future opportunities to work in developing communities, most likely through volunteer opportunities. Overall, results indicated that the course topic provided an effective context for learning about the design process, introducing unique aspects of engineering for developing communities, and motivating students to explore this topic further.
Microcavitation dynamics in viscoelastic tissue during histotripsy process

Monitoring bubble cavitations and bubble dynamics are essential in enhancing non-invasive ultrasonic ablation methods like histotripsy that mechanically fractionates tissue into acellular debris using microcavitation. Histotripsy can totally fractionate tissue into a liquid-appearing homogenate with no cellular features with enough pulses. In this paper, we present the analysis of the dynamics of cavitation bubbles in a viscoelastic medium subjected to a histotripsy pulse using different fidelities in depicting compressibility and viscoelasticity effects. The mathematical formulation is described based on the Keller–Miksis equation in two models for cavitation bubbles in viscoelastic tissue through histotripsy process; the first model is in neo-Hookean, and the second is in quadratic law Kelvin–Voigt model. The governing model is solved analytically based on the modified Plesset–Zwick method. Analysis of the results reveals that the parameters of Young modulus, viscosity effects and stiffening parameter reduce the growth of cavitation microbubbles through the histotripsy process. The cavitation bubble growth increases when the gel concentration decreases during the histotripsy process.
In vivo glia‐to‐neuron conversion: pitfalls and solutions

Neuron loss and disruption of neural circuits are associated with many neurological conditions. A key question is how to rebuild neural circuits for functional improvements. In vivo glia‐to‐neuron (GtN) conversion emerges as a potential solution for regeneration‐based therapeutics. This approach takes advantage of the regenerative ability of resident glial cells to produce new neurons through cell fate reprogramming. Significant progress has been made over the years in this emerging field. However, inappropriate analysis often leads to misleading conclusions that create confusion and hype. In this perspective, we point out the most salient pitfalls associated with some recent studies and provide solutions to prevent them in the future. The goal is to foster healthy development of this promising field and lay a solid cellular foundation for future regeneration‐based medicine.
Delayed Rupture of an Anterior Communicating Artery Pseudoaneurysm Caused by Distal Occlusion Thrombectomy Using a Stent Retriever: A Case Report and Mechanism of Injury

We report a case of delayed rupture of an anterior communicating artery (Acom) pseudoaneurysm following mechanical thrombectomy (MT) of a distal artery occlusion using a stent retriever. An elderly patient with right hemiparesis showed left proximal internal cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery occlusions. During MT, a fragmented thrombus moved to the anterior cerebral artery (ACA). A stent retriever was deployed to the occluded ACA, and the Acom and proximal ACA segment were significantly straightened. Additionally, we attempted a blind exchange mini-pinning (BEMP) technique, but a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) occurred. Bleeding was almost entirely absorbed 9 days after the procedure, but the SAH recurred at 20 days, and computed tomography angiography revealed a new pseudoaneurysm formation in the Acom. We suggest that the proposed mechanism of pseudoaneurysm formation was likely due to the dislocation and avulsion of the Acom perforators when the ipsilateral ACA was pushed and pulled during MT.
Geographic Variability, Time Trends and Association of Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Surgical Outcomes for Elderly United States Men with Prostate Cancer: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare Analysis

Purpose: Our goal was to assess patterns of adoption and population-level outcomes of prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and association with surgical outcomes across a sample of U.S. elderly. Materials and Methods: This population-based retrospective study used Surveillance Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked data from 2003–2016 to identify men receiving prostatectomy for prostate cancer. We characterized the proportion of men receiving preoperative MRI in each year and in each hospital referral region (HRR). A 2-stage instrumental variable analysis was performed to assess the association of preoperative MRI with margin status, surgical complications and further cancer-directed therapies. Results: A total of 19,369 men received prostatectomy in 72 HRRs; the mean age was 70.2 years (SD 3.2). The proportion of men receiving a preoperative MRI increased from 2.9% to 28.2% over the study period and ranged from 0.0% to 28.8% in the different HRRs. In our instrumental variable analysis, preoperative MRI was associated with lower odds of positive surgical margin (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72–0.97, p=0.01) lower odds of blood transfusions at 30 and 90 days (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.38–0.83, p=0.003 and OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.41–0.84, p=0.004) but higher odds of further treatments (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.32–1.70, p <0.001). Conclusions: Given that a minority of men receive presurgical MRIs with marked geographic variability, the association of MRI with lower odds of positive surgical margin suggests that efforts to support the dissemination of prostate MRI may improve surgical outcomes—but may come with a tendency for more resource-intensive cancer care overall.
Efficacy of intravenous combined immunosuppression with plasmapheresis in adult patients with refractory primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) treatment is based on immunosuppressive therapies. Since refractory disease is common, alternative methods are emerging. One of these methods is plasmapheresis with intravenous cyclosporine and corticosteroids, and it could be an option in post‐transplant recurrent FSGS. We retrospectively investigated the efficacy of this combined treatment in adult patients with refractory primary FSGS.
MELUDIA – Online music training for cochlear implant users

Background Music enjoyment is of importance for many cochlear implant (CI) users, and the interest in music training is high. But many CI users report that it is a challenge to find suitable training resources and that they stall because they don’t know how to practice. Meludia is an online music training program that provides structured and guided music training for musically experienced and inexperienced children and adults. Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the suitability of the Meludia music training software for CI recipients based on two research questions: (1) are the easiest exercises available easy enough for CI users, and (2) are there any gaps when progressing through levels and stars with increasing difficulty? Methods Thirty-eight adult MED-EL CI users completed fourteen exercises involving 5 different musical dimensions of the online music training program. Results Our results show that the easiest exercises available in Meludia are easy enough for CI users to be able to use this training resource independent of age, indication, duration of CI use or musical background. Conclusion With Meludia we assessed and found a suitable and comprehensive training tool that allows CI recipients to work on individual goals regardless of their present abilities.
Normal Values for Myocardial Work Indices Derived From Pressure-Strain Loop Analyses: From the CCHS

Background: Pressure-strain loop analyses is a noninvasive technique capable of evaluating myocardial work. Reference values are needed to benchmark these myocardial work indices for clinical practice. Methods: Healthy participants from a general population study were used to establish reference values for global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), and global work efficiency (GWE) measured by pressure-strain loop analyses. The relation to age and sex was examined. We furthermore examined the proportion of abnormal work indices according to low, intermediate, and high cardiovascular risk by the Framingham risk score. Results: The healthy sample consisted of 1827 participants (median age, 45 years; 39% men). Lower reference values were GWI, 1576 mm Hg%; GCW, 1708 mm Hg%; and GWE, 93.0% and upper reference value for GWW was 159 mm Hg%. Women exhibited significantly higher GWI, GCW, and GWW and lower GWE. Sex significantly modified the association between all indices and age (P for interaction: 0.001 for GWI, 0.009 for GCW, 0.003 for GWW, and 0.009 for GWE). For men, only GCW increased with age, whereas the other indices did not change with age. For women, GCW increased linearly with increasing age, whereas GWI, GWW, and GWE changed in a curvilinear fashion with age such that GWI increased in younger participants, GWW increased in elderly, and GWE declined concordantly. Abnormalities in myocardial work indices became more frequent with increasing Framingham risk score category (abnormal GWI: 2% versus 4% versus 5%, P=0.001; abnormal GCW: 2% versus 3% versus 4%, P=0.006; abnormal GWW: 3% versus 6% versus 11%, P<0.001; abnormal GWE: 3% versus 4% versus 11%, P<0.001). Conclusions: Myocardial work indices differ between sexes and change with age in a sex-dependent manner. Accordingly, we established age- and sex-specific reference values from a general population sample. Abnormal work indices become more frequent with higher clinical risk. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials. gov; Unique identifier: NCT02993172.
20th Century Puerto Rico and Later-Life Health: The Association Between Multigenerational Education and Chronic Conditions in Island-Dwelling Older Adults

Objectives: Previous research on the association between education and older adult health in the U.S. has not included Puerto Rico. We investigated the effects of multigenerational educational attainment and chronic conditions among older Puerto Ricans residing on the archipelago’s main island. Methods: Data were from the longitudinal Puerto Rican Elderly Health Conditions Project. Generalized Poisson regression models were used to examine if multigenerational educational attainment was associated with chronic disease. Results: Findings show that parental educational attainment was associated with fewer chronic conditions among females at baseline but not at follow-up, suggesting that the effects of parental education on health over time are less pronounced. For males, educational attainment across the three generations was not significantly associated with chronic disease at baseline or follow-up. Discussion: Multigenerational education is an important determinant of older adult health that continues to be relevant in Puerto Rico and the Latin American and Hispanic-Caribbean region.
Effects of heterogeneous SPS measures on agricultural growth: Evidence from China

In order to explore the sustainable growth of Chinese agriculture, this paper assesses how the heterogeneous SPS measures affect China’s growth margins and quality upgrading in the agricultural sector. We estimate improved gravity-model that exploit the cross-country differences in SPS measures over the period from 2000 to 2014. Our findings show that the heterogeneous SPS measures restrict the intensive margin and extensive margin, but significantly promote the product quality-even with no significant effect on price index. Conditional on quality upgrading, the heterogeneous SPS measures decrease the extent of quality upgrading. On one hand, because of cross-country differences in SPS standards, standards from developed countries have less effective trade effect on China’s agri-products export quality upgrading; On the other hand, because of cross-firm differences in the ability to deal with SPS standards, the laggards in China have the higher probability to switch to lower entrance barrier countries. Therefore, it is possible for China to trap in the low-quality agricultural growth in the long term.
Tendon microstructural disruption promotes tendon‐derived stem cells to express chondrogenic genes by activating endoplasmic reticulum stress

The erroneous differentiation of tendon‐derived stem cells (TDSCs) into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts is believed to play an important role in the development of tendinopathy. However, the regulatory mechanisms of TDSC differentiation remain unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the contribution and mechanism of the tendon microstructural disruption to the differentiation of TDSCs. Bovine Achilles tendons were sliced. The tendon slices were stretched with different tensile strains to mimic the tendon structure alteration at various scales. The TDSCs were cultured on the tendon slices. The differentiation of TDSCs and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the TDSCs were investigated with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunostaining and western blot. The effect of ER stress inhibition on chondrogenic differentiation of the TDSCs was further investigated. The structural alteration did not affect the viability of TDSCs. However, the structural alteration of tendon slices with 6.4% strain promoted TDSCs to express the chondrogenic genes. ER stress‐related markers, ATF‐4 and PERK, were also upregulated. With the inhibition of ER stress, the expression of ATF‐4 and the chondrogenic gene SOX9 of TDSCs were inhibited. The study indicated that tendon microdamage could induce the chondrogenic differentiation of TDSCs through triggering ER stress to activate ATF‐4 and SOX9 subsequently.
From the Field to the Patient: A Rural Food Recovery–Based Produce Rx Program

Poor nutrition is a major risk factor for chronic diseases, and emerging produce prescription (PRx) programs are a growing approach to addressing gaps in diet quality to promote health. This article describes a food recovery–based PRx framework called Farm to Clinic (F2C). The F2C program includes a partnership between the North Carolina Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NCAFCC), Society of Saint Andrews (SoSA), and a local food bank. Patients (n = 4,691) were rural, uninsured, and received care at one of three NCAFCC clinics in Eastern North Carolina. Student volunteers gathered gleaned and/or salvaged produce and delivered it to clinics and/or patients directly. Successes of the current model include complementing chronic disease management and health promotion in a cost-effective way that also assists with reducing food waste. In addition, the patients who participate in the program are connected with produce at their primary care clinic and do not have to drive to an additional community site for produce. Some challenges have included consistency with gleaning; therefore, the program has switched to primarily salvaged produce. Areas for expansion and improvement on the F2C model are also outlined and include incorporating a more prioritized eligibility criteria, provision of additional complimentary resources such as nutrition education and culinary support, as well as improved formal evaluation (e.g., use of food and clinical impact). Finally, the F2C model utilizes community partners that have been established nationwide which allows for replication of a framework in other geographic areas.
PTEN as a target in melanoma

PTEN is a well-known tumour suppressor protein that is frequently found to be mutated, inactivated or deleted in a wide range of different cancers. Its tumour suppressive properties result predominantly from its inhibitory effects on the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway. In melanoma, numerous different PTEN mutations have been identified in both melanoma cell lines and melanoma tissue. A number of different molecules can act on PTEN to either promote its suppression of melanoma, while other molecules may antagonise PTEN to inhibit its mechanism of action against melanoma. This review will discuss how the interactions of PTEN with other molecules may have a positive or negative impact on melanoma pathogenesis, giving rise to the potential for PTEN-targeted therapies against melanoma.