Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sliding‐mode control of a boost converter under constant power loading conditions

The cascade connection of two dc-dc switching converters for constant power supply is studied. The source converter is of boost type while the load converter is of buck type. The natural unstable behaviour of the cascade connection for both on and off states of the boost converter is counteracted by a sliding-mode control strategy that combines unstable trajectories to generate a stable one for the regulated boost converter dynamics. Experimental results using an electronic load to emulate a buck converter-based constant power load are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. A similar agreement is later obtained when a buck converter with a dynamic behaviour close to an instantaneous constant power load is employed instead of the electronic load.
Vertebrogenic Pain: A Paradigm Shift in Diagnosis and Treatment of Axial Low Back Pain

*Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Orthopaedics, Stanford University, Redwood City, CA, USA; The University of Texas Dell Medical School, Ascension Texas Spine and Scoliosis, Austin, TX, USA; Department of Orthopaedics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Virginia iSpine Physicians, PC, Richmond, VA, USA
Targeting mitochondria in the regulation of neurodegenerative diseases: A comprehensive review

Mitochondria are one of the essential cellular organelles. Apart from being considered as the powerhouse of the cell, mitochondria have been widely known to regulate redox reaction, inflammation, cell survival, cell death, metabolism, etc., and are implicated in the progression of numerous disease conditions including neurodegenerative diseases. Since brain is an energy‐demanding organ, mitochondria and their functions are important for maintaining normal brain homeostasis. Alterations in mitochondrial gene expression, mutations, and epigenetic modification contribute to inflammation and neurodegeneration. Dysregulation of reactive oxygen species production by mitochondria and aggregation of proteins in neurons leads to alteration in mitochondria functions which further causes neuronal death and progression of neurodegeneration. Pharmacological studies have prioritized mitochondria as a possible drug target in the regulation of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, the present review article has been intended to provide a comprehensive understanding of mitochondrial role in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases mainly Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis followed by possible intervention and future treatment strategies to combat mitochondrial‐mediated neurodegeneration.
Longitudinal evidence on treatment discontinuation, adherence, and loss of hypertension control in four middle-income countries

Managing hypertension is a highly dynamic process, yet current evidence on hypertension control in middle-income countries (MICs) is largely based on cross-sectional data. Using multiple waves of population-based cohort data from four MICs (China, Indonesia, Mexico, and South Africa), we undertook a longitudinal investigation into how individuals with hypertension move through care over time. We classified adults aged 40 years and over (N = 8527) into care stages at both baseline and follow-up waves and estimated the probability of transitioning between stages using Poisson regression models. Over a 5- to 9-year follow-up period, only around 30% of undiagnosed individuals became diagnosed [Mexico, 27% (95% confidence interval: 23%, 31%); China, 30% (26%, 33%); Indonesia, 30% (28%, 32%); and South Africa, 36% (31%, 41%)], and one in four untreated individuals became treated [Indonesia, 11% (10%, 12%); Mexico, 24% (20%, 28%); China, 26% (23%, 29%); and South Africa, 33% (29%, 38%)]. The probability of reaching blood pressure (BP) control was lower [Indonesia, 2% (1%, 2%); China, 9% (7%, 11%); Mexico, 12% (9%, 14%); and South Africa, 24% (20%, 28%)] regardless of treatment status. A substantial proportion of individuals discontinued treatment [Indonesia, 70% (67%, 73%); China, 36% (32%, 40%); Mexico, 34% (29%, 39%); and South Africa, 20% (15%, 25%)], and most individuals lost BP control by follow-up [Indonesia, 92% (89%, 96%); Mexico, 77% (71%, 83%); China, 76% (69%, 83%); and South Africa 45% (36%, 54%)]. Our results highlight that policies solely aimed at improving diagnosis or initiating treatment may not lead to long-term hypertension control improvements in MICs. Description Across four middle-income countries, many individuals diagnosed with hypertension stop treatment and most of them lose blood pressure control over 5 to 9 years. Losing control Middle-income countries (MICs) face a disproportionately high burden of hypertension, as well as considerable population aging. It is therefore critical to understand how individuals move through hypertension care stages. Here, Mauer and colleagues longitudinally assessed how individuals with hypertension move through care by using waves of cohort data from China, Indonesia, Mexico, and South Africa. They found that only about 25% of untreated individuals became treated, whereas most individuals lost blood pressure control over the course of the study, and many discontinued treatment altogether. These findings highlight the challenges faced by MICs in trying to improve hypertension control and suggest that different approaches, beyond improving diagnosis and initiating treatment, are needed.
The potential of volatile organic compound analysis for pathogen detection and disease monitoring in patients with cystic fibrosis

ABSTRACT Introduction Airway infection with pathogens and its associated pulmonary exacerbations (PEX) are the major causes of morbidity and premature death in cystic fibrosis (CF). Preventing or postponing chronic infections requires early diagnosis. However, limitations of conventional microbiology-based methods can hamper identification of exacerbations and specific pathogen detection. Analyzing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath samples may be an interesting tool in this regard, as VOC-biomarkers can characterize specific airway infections in CF. Areas covered We address the current achievements in VOC-analysis and discuss studies assessing VOC-biomarkers and fingerprints, i.e. a combination of multiple VOCs, in breath samples aiming at pathogen and PEX detection in people with CF (pwCF). We aim to provide bases for further research in this interesting field. Expert opinion Overall, VOC-based analysis is a promising tool for diagnosis of infection and inflammation with potential to monitor disease progression in pwCF. Advantages over conventional diagnostic methods, including easy and non-invasive sampling procedures, may help to drive prompt, suitable therapeutic approaches in the future. Our review shall encourage further research, including validation of VOC-based methods. Specifically, longitudinal validation under standardized conditions is of interest in order to ensure repeatability and enable inclusion in CF diagnostic routine.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Kidney Disease and Elevated BP in 2-Year-Old Children Born Extremely Premature

Visual Abstract Background and objectives Extremely low gestational age neonates born <28 weeks gestation are at risk for chronic disease. We sought to describe the prevalence of kidney outcomes by gestational age and determine risk factors for their development. Design, setting, participants, & measurements The Recombinant Erythropoietin for Protection of Infant Renal Disease (REPAIReD) study examined kidney outcomes of extremely low gestational age neonates enrolled in the Preterm Epo NeuroProtection Trial (PENUT) study. Kidney function, urine albumin, and BP were measured at 2-year (24±2 months) corrected gestational age. We compared outcomes across gestational age categories and evaluated associations between kidney-related outcomes and neonatal and maternal characteristics. The primary outcome was eGFR <90 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (CKD); secondary outcomes were spot urine albumin-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g (albuminuria) and either systolic BP or diastolic BP >90th percentile for height, age, and sex. Results A total of 832 survived to 2 years, and 565 (68%) had at least one outcome measured. Overall, 297 (53%) had one abnormal kidney outcome; 61 (18%) had an eGFR <90 ml/min per 1.73 m2, 155 (36%) had albuminuria, 65 (22%) had elevated systolic BP, and 128 (44%) had elevated diastolic BP. Gestational age (odds ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.89 to 0.99), birth weight z-score (odds ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.85 to 0.98), and prenatal steroids (odds ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.08 to 1.39) were associated with an eGFR <90 ml/min per 1.73 m2. An elevated systolic BP was associated with indomethacin use (odds ratio, 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.33) and Black race (odds ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.39); elevated diastolic BP was associated with male sex (odds ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.12 to 1.49), severe AKI (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.48), and indomethacin use (odds ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.33). Conclusions Approximately 18% of extremely low gestational age neonates have CKD, 36% have albuminuria, 22% have an elevated systolic BP, and 44% have an elevated diastolic BP at 2 years of age. Gestational age, birthweight z-score, and prenatal steroids were associated with CKD. Male sex, Black race, indomethacin use, and severe AKI were associated with elevated BP. Podcast This article contains a podcast at https://www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2022_07_19_CJN15011121. mp3
Evaluation of plethysmographic variability index and hemoglobin monitoring in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to determine the interaction of Pleth Variability Index, Perfusion Index (PI) and Peripheral Blood Hemoglobin (SpHb) values during the surgical phases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS After the approval of the Ethics Committee, the patients who experienced laparoscopic cholecystectomy between October 2020 and January 2021 in our hospital were included in the study. We analyzed peripheral blood hemoglobin, pleth variability index, and the perfusion index values of 87 patients who underwent cholecystectomy. We performed the study with Masimo Radical 7 pulse oximeter probe (Masimo Radical 7; Masimo Corp., Irvine, CA, USA) in this present study. RESULTS According to the analysis of our results it has been found that hemoglobin, T5, T6, T7 values were found to be significantly higher than T3, T4, T8 values (p<0.05). The PVI T4 value was the highest within the periods, and it was found to be statistically significantly higher between T5, T6, and T7 values (p<0.05). Close values were detected in PI, T1 and T8 periods. T2 value measured during the period of mechanical ventilator was found to be significantly higher than the in T1, T3, T6 values (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS In this study, we followed the SpHb, SPOC, and ORI values in these steps (T1-T8) and investigated the interaction between them. Knowing the response of monitoring to these conditions is important for the treatments to be performed.
Clinical and laboratory findings following transplantation of allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells in knee osteoarthritis, a brief report

ABSTRACT Background Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) injection has been proposed as an innovative treatment for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Since, allogeneic MSCs can be available as off-the-shelf products, they are preferable in regenerative medicine. Among different sources for MSCs, adipose-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs) appear to be more available. Methods Three patients with KOA were enrolled in this study. A total number of 100 × 106 AD-MSCs was injected intra-articularly, per affected knee. They were followed up for 6 months by the assessment of clinical outcomes, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and serum inflammatory biomarkers. Results The primary outcome of this study was safety and feasibility of allogeneic AD-MSCs injection during the 6 months follow-up. Fortunately, no serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported. Assessment of secondary outcomes of visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and knee osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) indicated improvement in all patients. Comparison between baseline and endpoint findings of MRI demonstrated a slight improvement in two patients. In addition, decrease in serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) indicated the possibility of reduced cartilage degeneration. Moreover, quantification of serum interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels indicated that the host immune system immunomodulated after infusion of AD-MSCs. Conclusion Intra-articular injection of AD-MSCs is safe and could be effective in cartilage regeneration in KOA. Preliminary assessment after six-month follow-up suggests the potential efficacy of this intervention which would need to be confirmed in randomized controlled trials on a larger population. Trial registration This study was registered in the Iranian registry of clinical trials (https://en.irct.ir/trial/46) in 24 April 2018 with identifier IRCT20080728001031N23.
Clay Types Modulate the Toxicity of Low Concentrated Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Toward Springtails in Artificial Test Soils

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO‐NPs) can be applied as an efficient alternative to conventional Cu in agriculture. Negative effects of CuO‐NPs on soil organisms were found, but only in clay‐rich loamy soils. It is hypothesized that clay–NP interactions are the origin of the observed toxic effects. In the present study, artificial Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development soils containing 30% of kaolin or montmorillonite as clay type were spiked with 1–32 mg Cu/kg of uncoated CuO‐NPs or CuCl2. We performed 28‐day reproduction tests with springtails of the species Folsomia candida and recorded the survival, reproduction, dry weight, and Cu content of adults. In a second experiment, molting frequency and the Cu content of exuviae, as well as the biochemical endpoints metallothionein and catalase (CAT) in springtails, were investigated. In the reproduction assay, negative effects on all endpoints were observed, but only in soils containing montmorillonite and mostly for CuO‐NPs. For the biochemical endpoints and Cu content of exuviae, effects were clearly distinct between Cu forms in montmorillonite soil, but a significant reduction compared to the control was only found for CAT activity. Therefore, the reduced CAT activity in CuO‐NP‐montmorillonite soil might be responsible for the observed toxicity, potentially resulting from reactive oxygen species formation overloading the antioxidant system. This process seems to be highly concentration‐dependent, because all endpoints investigated in reproduction and biochemical assays of CuO‐NP‐montmorillonite treatments showed a nonlinear dose–response relationship and were constantly reduced by approximately 40% at a field‐realistic concentration of 3 mg/kg, but not at 32 mg/kg. The results underline that clay–CuO‐NP interactions are crucial for their toxic behavior, especially at low, field‐realistic concentrations, which should be considered for risk assessment of CuO‐NPs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2454–2465. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
fNIRS-based adaptive visuomotor task improves sensorimotor cortical activation

Objective. Investigating how to promote the functional activation of the central sensorimotor system is an important goal in the neurorehabilitation research domain. We aim to validate the effectiveness of facilitating cortical excitability using a closed-loop visuomotor task, in which the task difficulty is adaptively adjusted based on an individual’s sensorimotor cortical activation. Approach. We developed a novel visuomotor task, in which subjects moved a handle of a haptic device along a specific path while exerting a constant force against a virtual surface under visual feedback. The difficulty levels of the task were adapted with the aim of increasing the activation of sensorimotor areas, measured non-invasively by functional near-infrared spectroscopy. The changes in brain activation of the bilateral prefrontal cortex, sensorimotor cortex, and the occipital cortex obtained during the adaptive visuomotor task (adaptive group), were compared to the brain activation pattern elicited by the same duration of task with random difficulties in a control group. Main results. During one intervention session, the adaptive group showed significantly increased activation in the bilateral sensorimotor cortex, also enhanced effective connectivity between the prefrontal and sensorimotor areas compared to the control group. Significance. Our findings demonstrated that the functional near-infrared spectroscopy-based adaptive visuomotor task with high ecological validity can facilitate the neural activity in sensorimotor areas and thus has the potential to improve hand motor functions.
Butyrate to combat obesity and obesity‐associated metabolic disorders: Current status and future implications for therapeutic use

Evidence is increasing that disturbances in the gut microbiome may play a significant role in the etiology of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The short chain fatty acid butyrate, a major end product of the bacterial fermentation of indigestible carbohydrates, is reputed to have anti‐inflammatory properties and positive effects on body weight control and insulin sensitivity. However, whether butyrate has therapeutic potential for the treatment and prevention of obesity and obesity‐related complications remains to be elucidated. Overall, animal studies strongly indicate that butyrate administered via various routes (e.g., orally) positively affects adipose tissue metabolism and functioning, energy and substrate metabolism, systemic and tissue‐specific inflammation, and insulin sensitivity and body weight control. A limited number of human studies demonstrated interindividual differences in clinical effectiveness suggesting that outcomes may depend on the metabolic, microbial, and lifestyle‐related characteristics of the target population. Hence, despite abundant evidence from animal data, support of human data is urgently required for the implementation of evidence‐based oral and gut‐derived butyrate interventions. To increase the efficacy of butyrate‐focused interventions, future research should investigate which factors impact treatment outcomes including baseline gut microbial activity and functionality, thereby optimizing targeted‐interventions and identifying individuals that merit most from such interventions.
Effectiveness, immunogenicity, and safety of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine in women and men aged 27–45 years

ABSTRACT Among women aged 27–45 years, the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (qHPV; HPV6/11/16/18) vaccine was generally well tolerated, efficacious, and immunogenic in the placebo-controlled FUTURE III study (NCT00090220; n = 3253). The qHPV vaccine was also generally well tolerated and highly immunogenic in men aged 27–45 years who participated in the single-cohort mid-adult male (MAM) study (NCT01432574; n = 150). Here, we report results of a long-term follow up (LTFU) extension of FUTURE III with up to 10 years follow-up. To understand the relevance of the mid-adult women LTFU study in the context of mid-adult men vaccination, we report results from post-hoc, cross-study immunogenicity analyses conducted to compare immunogenicity (geometric mean titers; GMTs) at 1-month post-qHPV vaccine dose 3 in women and men aged 27–45 years versus women and men aged 16–26 years from prior efficacy studies. The qHPV vaccine demonstrated durable protection against the combined endpoint of HPV6/11/16/18-related high-grade cervical dysplasia and genital warts up to 10 years (median 8.9) post-dose 3 and sustained HPV6/11/16/18 antibody responses through approximately 10 years in women aged 27–45 years. Efficacy of qHPV vaccine in men aged 27–45 years was inferred based on the cross-study analysis of qHPV vaccine immunogenicity demonstrating non-inferior HPV6/11/16/18 antibody responses in men aged 27–45 years versus 16–26 years. In conclusion, durable effectiveness of the qHPV vaccine was demonstrated in women 27–45 years of age, and vaccine efficacy was inferred in men 27–45 years of age based on the serological results.
The Effectiveness of Intraosseous Basivertebral Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain: An Updated Systematic Review with Single-Arm Meta-analysis

Abstract Objective To provide an estimate of the effectiveness of basivertebral nerve (BVN) radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat vertebrogenic low back pain (LBP). Design Systematic review with single-arm meta-analysis. Population Persons ≥18 years of age with chronic LBP associated with type 1 or 2 Modic changes. Intervention Intraosseous BVN RFA. Comparison Sham, placebo procedure, active standard care treatment, or none. Outcomes The proportion of patients treated with BVN RFA who reported ≥50% pain score improvement on a visual analog scale or numeric rating scale. The main secondary outcome was ≥15-point improvement in Oswestry Disability Index score. Methods Three reviewers independently assessed articles published before December 6, 2021, in MEDLINE and Embase. The Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was used to evaluate the overall quality of evidence. Results Of the 856 unique records screened, 12 publications met the inclusion criteria, representing six unique study populations, with 414 participants allocated to receive BVN RFA. Single-arm meta-analysis showed a success rate of 65% (95% confidence interval [CI] 51–78%) and 64% (95% CI 43–82%) for ≥50% pain relief at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Rates of ≥15-point Oswestry Disability Index score improvement were 75% (95% CI 63–86%) and 75% (95% CI 63–85%) at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Conclusion According to GRADE, there is moderate-quality evidence that BVN RFA effectively reduces pain and disability in most patients with vertebrogenic LBP. Further high-quality studies will likely improve our understanding of the effectiveness of this procedure.
Effectiveness and safety of intracranial events associated with the use of direct oral anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of 92 studies

Observational studies have investigated the effectiveness and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) used in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis assessing the risk of ischaemic stroke, thromboembolism (TE) and intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) associated with the use of DOACs and VKAs.