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STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, repeated-measures. OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between sagittal plane trunk posture and patellofemoral joint (PFJ) stress, and to determine whether modifying sagittal plane trunk posture influences PFJ stress during running. BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain is the most common injury among runners and is thought to be the result of elevated PFJ stress. While sagittal plane trunk posture has been shown to influence tibiofemoral joint mechanics, no study has examined the influence of trunk posture on PFJ kinetics. METHODS: Twenty-four asymptomatic recreational runners (12 women, 12 men) ran overground at a speed of 3.4 m/s under 3 trunk-posture conditions: self-selected, flexed, and extended. Trunk and knee kinematics, ground reaction forces, and electromyographic signals from selected lower extremity muscles were obtained. A previously described PFJ biomechanical model was used to quantify PFJ stress. RESULTS: The mean ± SD trunk flexion angles under the self-selected, flexed, and extended running conditions were 7.3° ± 3.6°, 14.1° ± 4.8°, and 4.0° ± 3.9°, respectively. A significant inverse relationship was observed between mean trunk flexion angle and peak PFJ stress during the self-selected condition (r = -0.60, P = ,002). Peak PFJ stress was significantly lower in the flexed condition (mean ± SD, 20.2 ± 3.4 MPa; Pc.001) and significantly higher in the extended condition (23.1 ± 3.4 MPa; P<.001) compared to the self-selected condition (21.5 ± 3.2 MPa). CONCLUSION: Sagittal plane trunk posture has a significant influence on PFJ kinetics during running. Incorporation of a forward trunk lean may be an effective strategy to reduce PFJ stress during running. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical application of complex molecular classifiers as diagnostic or prognostic tools has been limited by the time and cost needed to apply them to patients. Using an existing 50-gene expression signature known to separate two molecular subtypes of the pediatric cancer rhabdomyosarcoma, we show that an exhaustive iterative search algorithm can distill this complex classifier down to two or three features with equal discrimination. We validated the two-gene signatures using three separate and distinct datasets, including one that uses degraded RNA extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded material. Finally, to show the generalizability of our algorithm, we applied it to a lung cancer dataset to find minimal gene signatures that can distinguish survival. Our approach can easily be generalized and coupled to existing technical platforms to facilitate the discovery of simplified signatures that are ready for routine clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cystic fibrosis (CF), the most frequent mutant variant of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), F508del-CFTR protein, is misfolded and retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We previously showed that the unfolded protein response (UPR) may be triggered in CF. Since prolonged UPR activation leads to apoptosis via the calcium-calpain-caspase-12-caspase-3 cascade and because apoptosis is altered in CF, our aim was to compare the ER stress-induced apoptosis pathway between wild type (Wt) and F508del-CFTR expressing cells. Here we show that the calcium-calpain-caspase-12-caspase-3 cascade is altered in F508del-CFTR expressing cells. We propose that this alteration is involved in the altered apoptosis triggering observed in CF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the applicability to fold family recognition on the penetration of oxygen gas and proton burial depth in proteins. Solubility of oxygen gas in the internal matrix of the rubredoxins; Differences in measurement of fluidity between mesophile and hyperthermophile; Recognition of structural homology for proteins.

A novel low-profile ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna suitable for mobile-phone applications as an internal antenna is presented. The proposed antenna mainly comprises a planar metal-plate monopole folded into a low-profile structure and a matching tuning portion for achieving a very wide operating bandwidth (about 1.89–10.14 GHz in this study). With the very wide bandwidth obtained, the proposed antenna can easily cover the UMTS (1920–2170 MHz) band for mobile communications and the 2.4-GHz (2400–2484 MHz) and 5.2/5.8-GHz (5150–5350/5725–5875 MHz) bands for WLAN communications. Characteristics of the proposed UWB antenna applied to a UMTS/WLAN mobile phone are presented. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 43: 7–9, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20358 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a broadband coplanar waveguide (CPW)fed inductive slot antenna is presented. It consists of a conventional CPW inductive slot antenna and a CPW inductively coupled slot antenna in the feeding network. The experimental results provide the characteristic of excellent enhancement of impedance bandwidth (VSWR < 2). The impedance bandwidth of this broadband antenna can reach about 4.5 GHz (2.35-6.85 GHz). Details of the antenna design and experimental results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel planar monopole, printed on both sides of a dielectric substrate, which can be concealed within the housing of a folder-type mobile phone as an internal antenna. The proposed internal planar monopole antenna occupies a small area of 10 × 40 mm2, and is capable of operating in the GSM/DCS/PCS bands. Good radiation characteristics for frequencies across the operating bands are also obtained. Details of the proposed antenna design and the obtained experimental results are presented. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 39: 106–108, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11140 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel planar monopole antenna capable of multi-frequency operation at about 900, 1800, and 2450 MHz is presented. The monopole antenna occupies a small area of 6.5 × 50 mm2, and is easy to construct with low cost by printing on an FR4 substrate. The monopole antenna can be mounted perpendicularly to the system circuit board of a communication device so that a low profile to the system ground plane will result. In addition, the obtained impedance bandwidths of the proposed antenna at about 900, 1800, and 2450 MHz can cover the GSM (890–960 MHz), DCS (1710–1880 MHz), PCS (1850–1990 MHz), and WLAN (2400–2484 MHz) bands. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 36: 350–352, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10761 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundObjective monitoring of self-directed physical activity (PA) is a common approach used in both fitness and health settings to promote exercise behavior, but adherence has been poor. Newer mobile health (mHealth) technologies could be a cost-effective approach to broadening accessibility and providing support for PA behavior change; yet, the optimal method of delivery of such interventions is still unclear. ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of an mHealth exercise intervention delivered in combination with objective monitoring in 3 ways: health education emails, asynchronous exercise videos, or synchronous videoconference exercise classes. MethodsPhysically inactive (

An abstract of the article "Where are the most informative neurons?" by Ching-Ling Teng and William B. Levy is presented.

In order to study the seawater stress corrosion resistance and corrosion mechanism of a new type of high manganese steel used in marine engineering，the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) sensitivity of high manganese steel and 9Ni steel in 3.5 %NaCl solution was tested by slow strain rate tension (SSRT).The microstructure，electrochemical behavior，SSRT performance，fracture morphology features and crack propagation law of the samples were compared and studied.Results showed that the elongation，reduction of fracture surface area and energy absorbed during fracture of the two steels in corrosive medium were all lower than those in air medium.The strain energy density ratio of high manganese steel deviated further from 1，and the comprehensive stress corrosion index (ISSRT) was also larger，showing higher SCC sensitivity.Moreover，the fracture morphology of all the samples in air exhibited the characteristics of dimple micropore ductile fracture.In solution，the SSRT fracture morphology of 9Ni steel presented typical ductile-brittle mixed fracture characteristics，while that of high manganese steel presented obvious transgranular quasi cleavage brittle fracture characteristics.Besides，the pretensile deformation sample of high manganese steel had higher corrosion current density and more negative corrosion potential.Mn had a strong grain boundary segregation effect，which was easy to cause transgranular SCC.In general，the SCC mechanism of high manganese steel could be attributed to the combined action of hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) and anodic dissolution (AD).

Background: The biomechanics of the trunk and lower limbs during walking and running gait are frequently assessed in individuals with low back pain (LBP). Despite substantial research, it is still unclear whether consistent and generalizable changes in walking or running gait occur in association with LBP. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify whether there are differences in biomechanics during walking and running gait in individuals with acute and persistent LBP compared with back-healthy controls. Methods: A search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO in June 2019 and was repeated in December 2020. Studies were included if they reported biomechanical characteristics of individuals with and without LBP during steady-state or perturbed walking and running. Biomechanical data included spatiotemporal, kinematic, kinetic, and electromyography variables. The reporting quality and potential for bias of each study was assessed. Data were pooled where possible to compare the standardized mean differences (SMD) between back pain and back-healthy control groups. Results: Ninety-seven studies were included and reviewed. Two studies investigated acute pain and the rest investigated persistent pain. Nine studies investigated running gait. Of the studies, 20% had high reporting quality/low risk of bias. In comparison with back-healthy controls, individuals with persistent LBP walked slower (SMD = –0.59, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): –0.77 to –0.42)) and with shorter stride length (SMD = –0.38, 95%CI: –0.60 to –0.16). There were no differences in the amplitude of motion in the thoracic or lumbar spine, pelvis, or hips in individuals with LBP. During walking, coordination of motion between the thorax and the lumbar spine/pelvis was significantly more in-phase in the persistent LBP groups (SMD = –0.60, 95%CI: –0.90 to –0.30), and individuals with persistent LBP exhibited greater amplitude of activation in the paraspinal muscles (SMD = 0.52, 95%CI: 0.23–0.80). There were no consistent differences in running biomechanics between groups. Conclusion: There is moderate-to-strong evidence that individuals with persistent LBP demonstrate differences in walking gait compared to back-healthy controls.

Abstract. Background:. Previously, we developed a novel Coronary Artery Tree description and Lesion EvaluaTion (CatLet©) angiographic scoring system, which was capable of accounting for the variability in the coronary anatomy and assisting in the risk-stratification of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Our preliminary study revealed that the CatLet score better predicted clinical outcomes for AMI patients than the Synergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery score. However, the reproducibility of the CatLet score in both inter- and intra-observer remains to be evaluated. Methods:. A total of 30 consecutive AMI patients, admitted in September of 2015, were independently assessed by two experienced interventional cardiologists to evaluate the inter-observer reproducibility of the CatLet score. Another set of 49 consecutive AMI patients, admitted between September and October in 2014, were assessed by one of the two interventional cardiologists on two occasions 3 months apart to evaluate the intra-observer reproducibility of the CatLet score. The weighted kappa was used to express the degree of agreement. Results:. The weighted kappa values (95% confidence interval) for the intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of the CatLet Score were 0.82 (0.59–1.00, Z = 7.23, P 22). Regarding the adverse characteristics pertinent to lesions and dominance parameters, the kappa values for the inter-observer variability were 0.80 (0.56–1.00, Z = 6.47, P

An active miniature inverted-repeat transposable element (MITE), MCLas-A, was previously identified from ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ known to be associated with citrus Huanglongbing (HLB, yellow shoot disease). To explore the recent transposition status of MCLas-A, 389 ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ strains collected from nine regions in China were amplified using a specific primer set and three representative ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ strains were analyzed by next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach. PCR and genomic analysis showed that the entire MCLas-A was only present in 1.80% (7/389) and the jumping-out type of the MITE was predominant (81.23%) in samples tested, suggesting high frequency transposition occurred in ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ strains recently collected from China. Biological roles of transposition of the active MITE remain to be determined.

Abstract Background Possible interaction between Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) and body mass index (BMI) was investigated with regard to the risk of first incident acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods Cross-sectional study of 1522 cases with initial AMI and 1691 controls without coronary artery disease (CAD) were retrospectively analyzed using logistic regression model. Subjects were categorized based on Lp(a) and BMI and compared with regard to occurrence of AMI by calculating odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A potential interaction between Lp(a) and BMI was evaluated by the measures of effect modification on both additive (Relative excess risk due to interaction, RERI) and multiplicative scales. Results Compared with reference group (BMI

Objective: This study on the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and coexistence of non-diabetic renal disease (NDRD) in a cohort of 255 non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients aims to determine the value of performing renal biopsies in these patients and elucidate the factors which could affect their progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods: Among 255 NIDDM patients, 93 had DN alone, 69 had NDRD alone, and the remaining 93 had DN plus NDRD (mixed group). The indications for renal biopsy were based on clinical suspicion of superimposed NDRD, including heavy or rapidly increasing proteinuria, renal impairment even though diabetes is of relatively short duration, rapidly declining renal function, and presence of hematuria with dysmorphic red blood cells suggesting presence of glomerulonephritis. Results: The following were predictors of ESRD: high systolic BP at biopsy, longer duration of diabetes, heavy proteinuria, and presence of diabetic retinopathy. Comparing patients in the NDRD group with the DN group and the mixed group, the NDRD group had lower serum creatinine and higher eGFR with lower urinary proteinuria and higher serum albumin at presentation and on follow-up. Kimmelstiel-Wilson nodules were associated with a poorer prognosis leading to a higher occurrence of ESRD among patients with DN. Conclusion: Renal biopsy is of value in indicating the prognosis of NIDDM patients with DN based on the diabetic lesions. For NIDDM patients with atypical course and suspicion of associated NDRD, a renal biopsy would enable us to diagnose the underlying NDRD and offer appropriate therapy. Most nephrologists would consider renal biopsy for an NIDDM patient based on clinical indications like atypical clinical course and suspicion of an associated NDRD, but they would not perform a routine renal biopsy like for a CKD patient, unless it is for a research indication.

Dietary restriction (DR; sometimes called calorie restriction) has profound beneficial effects on physiological, psychological, and behavioral outcomes in animals and in humans. We have explored the molecular mechanism of DR-induced memory enhancement and demonstrate that dietary tryptophan-a precursor amino acid for serotonin biosynthesis in the brain-and serotonin receptor 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 6 (HTR6) are crucial in mediating this process. We show that HTR6 inactivation diminishes DR-induced neurological alterations, including reduced dendritic complexity, increased spine density, and enhanced long-term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampal neurons. Moreover, we find that HTR6-mediated mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling is involved in DR-induced memory improvement. Our results suggest that the HTR6-mediated mTORC1 pathway may function as a nutrient sensor in hippocampal neurons to couple memory performance to dietary intake.

Lactic acid bacteria that exist in the urinogenital system play an important role in maintaining the health of the host. Here, we report the finished and annotated genome of a Lactococcus strain that was isolated from the vaginas of healthy women and shows probiotic properties, including nisin A production and adhesion to vaginal epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To estimate the rate of hospitalized eye trauma in Taiwan and investigate the role between principal and secondary diagnoses of such trauma.Nationwide fixed cohort study of 1,000,000 beneficiaries from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Database was used and 4819 patients who were hospitalized for eye trauma during 1996-2010 were analyzed.During 1996-2010, the incidence rates of hospitalized eye trauma (per 100 000 person-years) were 35.0 (95% confidence interval (CI), 34.0 to 36.0) for total diagnosis, 9.8 (95% CI, 9.3 to 10.3) for a principal diagnosis, and 25.3 (95% CI, 24.4 to 26.1) for a secondary diagnosis. The sex risk ratio was 3.1 for a principal diagnosis and 2.1 for a secondary diagnosis. The main causes of eye trauma were traffic accident, work accident, assault (among males

User satisfaction is afforded considerable importance as an outcome measurement in evidence-based healthcare and the client-centered approach. Several studies have investigated user satisfaction with orthoses. Few studies have investigated user satisfaction with orthoses in Taiwan. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the user satisfaction with orthotic devices and service using the Taiwanese version of Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 280 subjects who had used orthoses and received services. The results showed that the mean satisfaction score was 3.74 for the devices and 3.56 for service. Concerning the participants, 69.1% and 59.6% were quite satisfied or very satisfied with their devices and service, respectively. The satisfaction score of orthotic service was lower than that of the devices. Regarding demographic characteristics, participants living in different areas differed only in service score (p = 0.002). The participants living in eastern area and offshore islands were the least satisfied with the orthotic service. For clinical characteristics, there was a significant difference in satisfaction scores among severity of disability (all p = 0.015), types of orthoses (all p = 0.001), and duration of usage (all p = 0.001). The participants with mild disability, wearing the pressure garment and using the orthosis for less than one year, were the most satisfied with their orthotic devices and service. There is a need for improved orthotic devices and services, especially with respect to the comfort of the devices and the provision of subsidy funding.

The effects and the relationship between soaking rice seed of exogenous glucose, fructose and nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on the seed germination under salt stress were investigated. The results showed that employment of exogenous fructose, glucose and NO donor SNP could significantly promote the germination index and the early germination rate of rice seed under salt stress. Also, SNP pretreatment enhanced endogenous glucose and fructose contents. Effects of exogenous glucose and fructose combined with different concentrations of SNP on the rice seed germination and seedling growth under salt stress were surveyed. The results also showed that there existing positive effect of application of glucose plus SNP on the rice seed germination in comparison with existing a few negative effects of fructose plus SNP pretreatment. Additionally, the alleviation of inhibition of early rice seedling growth under salt stress by SNP could be modulated by glucose and fructose pretreatment, also the effect of glucose was stronger.