Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Approaching person-centered clinical practice: A cluster analysis of older inpatients utilizing the measurements of intrinsic capacity

Background Maintaining the intrinsic capacity (IC) of older inpatients is a novel view in providing person-centered treatments in clinical practice. Uncertainty remains regarding the primary nature of IC among older hospitalized patients. Objectives We aimed to understand the status of IC among older inpatients by a cluster analysis based on IC measurements. Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the geriatric department of Beijing Hospital in China. Older inpatients who were older than 60 years and who underwent comprehensive geriatric assessments were included. The inpatients were classified into subgroups based on 13 measurements of IC according to unsupervised methods (K-means cluster analysis and t-SNE). Subgroup differences were investigated for domains of IC, age, sex, frailty, activities of daily living, and falls. Results A total of 909 inpatients with a mean age of 76.6 years were included. Almost 98% of the inpatients showed IC impairment. Locomotion impairment was the most prevalent problem (91.1%), followed by sensory impairment (61.4%), psychological impairment (57.3%), cognition decline (30.7%), and vitality problem (29.2%). A total of five clusters were obtained by classification: Cluster 1 (56.6% of the participants) showed high IC with fair impairment of locomotion and vision; clusters 2 and 3 (37.8 % of the participants) had additional impairment of sleep in the psychological domain; clusters 4 and 5 (5.6% of the participants) represented a severe loss of all the IC domains; and clusters 1–5 showed a gradual decline in the IC score and were significantly associated with increased age, frailty, decreased activities of daily living, and falls. Significant correlations among the domains were observed; the locomotion domain showed the strongest links to the others in network analysis. Conclusions Great declines in IC and disparities between IC domains were found in older inpatients. IC-based primary assessment and classification enabled us to identify the variation of functional abilities among the older inpatients, which is pivotal for designing integrated treatment or care models in clinical practice.
The Swedish version of the multidimensional inventory for religious/spiritual well-being – Part II: Development of a four-field typology

Background In the field of mental health, religiosity and spirituality have gained particular attention in recent decades. However, only a few studies to date have investigated the effects of different types of religiosity and spirituality. In association with the recent introduction of a Swedish version of the multidimensional inventory of religious/spiritual well-being (MI-RSWB-S), the present study aimed to identify possible types of Religious/Spiritual Well-Being by using cluster analyses and to examine the extracted groups for differences in the sense of coherence (SOC), the Big Five personality factors, and central aspects of religiosity. Additionally, the study design was intended to further contribute to the validation of the MI-RSWB-S. Methods Based on a convenience sample of Swedish students (N = 1,011), initially obtained for the development of the MI-RSWB-S, the study included the MI-RSWB-S, the 13-items sense of coherence scale, the 10-item personality inventory, and the centrality of religiosity scale. For the statistical analysis, cluster analyses and one-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were conducted. Results The cluster analyses yielded the following four groups: Religiosity and spirituality high (n = 124), religiously oriented (n = 200), spiritually oriented (n = 149), and religiosity and spirituality low (n = 538). The groups differed in most aspects of well-being, in the personality dimensions agreeableness and openness to experience, as well as in central aspects of religiosity. In contrast, no differences were found for SOC, extraversion, conscientiousness, and emotional instability. Conclusion Our results suggest that different types of religious/spiritual well-being are associated with mental health and personality dimensions in substantially different ways, thus offering an interesting potential for future research.
Gut microbial DNA and immune checkpoint gene Vsig4/CRIg are key antagonistic players in healthy aging and age-associated development of hypertension and diabetes

Aims Aging is associated with the development of insulin resistance and hypertension which may stem from inflammation induced by accumulation of toxic bacterial DNA crossing the gut barrier. The aim of this study was to identify factors counter-regulating these processes. Taking advantage of the Chromogranin A (CgA) knockout (CgA-KO) mouse as a model for healthy aging, we have identified Vsig4 (V-set and immunoglobulin domain containing 4) as the critical checkpoint gene in offsetting age-associated hypertension and diabetes. Methods and Results The CgA-KO mice display two opposite aging phenotypes: hypertension but heightened insulin sensitivity at young age, whereas the blood pressure normalizes at older age and insulin sensitivity further improves. In comparison, aging WT mice gradually lost glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and developed hypertension. The gut barrier, compromised in aging WT mice, was preserved in CgA KO mice leading to major 35-fold protection against bacterial DNA-induced inflammation. Similarly, RNA sequencing showed increased expression of the Vsig4 gene (which removes bacterial DNA) in the liver of 2-yr-old CgA-KO mice, which may account for the very low accumulation of microbial DNA in the heart. The reversal of hypertension in aging CgA-KO mice likely stems from (i) low accumulation of microbial DNA, (ii) decreased spillover of norepinephrine in the heart and kidneys, and (iii) reduced inflammation. Conclusion We conclude that healthy aging relies on protection from bacterial DNA and the consequent low inflammation afforded by CgA-KO. Vsig4 also plays a crucial role in “healthy aging” by counteracting age-associated insulin resistance and hypertension.
Amniotic membrane transplantation and conjunctival autograft combined with mitomycin C for the management of primary pterygium: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Pterygium is a common ocular surface disease. Recurrence is the greatest concern in the treatment of pterygium. Thus, a standardized and effective treatment modality with minimal risk for complications is needed for the management of pterygium. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate different tissue grafting options, including conjunctival autograft (CAG) with mitomycin C (MMC), CAG alone, and amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT), for the management of primary pterygium. Methods We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for relevant studies. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which CAG + MMC and AMT were compared with surgical excision with CAG alone for the treatment of primary pterygium. The rates of recurrence and adverse events reported in the studies were also evaluated. Risk ratio (RR) was used to represent dichotomous outcomes. The data were pooled using the inverse variance weighting method. The quality of the evidence derived from the analysis was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Results Twelve RCTs (n = 1144) were deemed eligible and included for analysis. Five RCTs had a low risk of bias, five had some concerns, and two had a high risk of bias. Subgroup analysis showed a statistically significant reduction in the rate of pterygium recurrence after CAG + MMC (RR = 0.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02–0.63). This outcome was rated as high-quality evidence according to the GRADE criteria. There were insignificant differences between the rates of recurrence after AMT and CAG (RR = 1.51; 95% CI, 0.63–3.65). However, this result was rated as low-quality evidence. Regarding adverse events, patients treated using AMT showed significantly lower rates of adverse events than those treated using CAG (RR = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.22–0.95). However, this finding was rated as low-quality evidence as well. CAG + MMC showed a safety profile comparable to that of surgical excision with CAG alone (RR = 1.81; 95% CI, 0.40–8.31). This result was also rated as low-quality evidence. Conclusion A single intraoperative topical application of 0.02% MMC during excision of pterygium followed by CAG has significantly shown to decrease the rate of pterygium recurrence to 1.4% with no severe complications.
Specific heat of matter formed in relativistic nuclear collisions

We report the excitation energy dependence of specific heat (${c}_{v}$) of hadronic matter at freeze-out in Au+Au and Cu+Cu collisions at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider energies by analyzing the published data on event-by-event mean transverse momentum ($\ensuremath{\langle}{p}_{T}\ensuremath{\rangle}$) distributions. The $\ensuremath{\langle}{p}_{T}\ensuremath{\rangle}$ distributions in finite ${p}_{T}$ ranges are converted to distributions of effective temperatures, and dynamical fluctuations in temperature are extracted by subtracting widths of the corresponding mixed event distributions. The heat capacity per particle at the kinetic freeze-out surface is presented as a function of collision energy, which shows a sharp rise in ${c}_{v}$ below $\sqrt{{s}_{NN}}=62.4$ GeV. We employ the hadron resonance gas (HRG) model to estimate ${c}_{v}$ at the chemical and kinetic freeze-out surfaces. The experimental results are compared to the HRG and other theoretical model calculations. HRG results show good agreement with data. Model predictions for ${c}_{v}$ at the CERN Large Hadron Collider energy are presented.
IL-32 and IL-34 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major challenge to clinicians due to its unacceptably high mortality and morbidity. The etiology of HCC is multi-faceted, including viral infection, alcoholism and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Dysregulated host immunity contributes to tumorigenesis among these susceptible individuals with pre-existing condition(s). IL-32 and IL-34 are key cytokines driving the development of chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, as well as chronic liver diseases. IL-32 and IL-34 play an important role augmenting the development of HCC, due to their direct influence over host inflammation, however, new roles for these cytokines in HCC are emerging. Here we comprehensively review the latest research for IL-32 and IL-34 in HCC, identifying a subset of potential therapeutic targets for use in precision medicine.
Spatiotemporal characteristics of P-selectin-induced β2 integrin activation of human neutrophils under flow

Activation of integrins is crucial for recruitment of flowing leukocytes to inflammatory or injured vascular sites, but their spatiotemporal characteristics are incompletely understood. We discovered that β2-integrin activation over the entire surface of neutrophils on immobilized P-selectin occurred via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) or non-MAPK signaling with a minute-level timescale in a force-dependent manner. In flow, MAPK signaling required intracellular Ca2+ release to activate integrin within 2 min. Integrin activation via non-MAPK signaling occurred first locally in the vicinity of ligated P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) within sub-seconds, and then over the entire cell surface within 1 min in an extracellular Ca2+ influx-dependent manner. The transition from a local (but rapid) to global (but slow) activation mode was triggered by ligating the freshly activated integrin. Lipid rafts, moesin, actin, and talin were involved in non-MAPK signaling. Fluid loads had a slight effect on local integrin activation with a second-level timescale, but served as enhancers of global integrin activation.
“If it weren’t for COVID-19…”: Counterfactual arguments influence support for climate change policies via cross-domain moral licensing or moral consistency effects

In two studies, we investigated whether counterfactual messages (i.e., “If… then…”) on the economic costs of past public policies influence support for future climate change policies. In Study 1, we tested whether the effect of upward counterfactual messages depended on their referring (or not) to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results showed lower support for a future climate change policy when the past expenses evoked by the upward counterfactual messages were attributed to COVID-19. In Study 2, we combined upward counterfactuals with downward counterfactuals presenting past economic efforts to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic as a moral credit. Results showed that exposure to downward counterfactuals decreased support for climate change policies among participants with low endorsement of anti-COVID-19 measures, whereas it increased support among participants with high endorsement. Discussion focuses on the conditions under which counterfactual communication may activate cross-dimensional moral licensing or moral consistency effects, influencing support for climate change policies.
Hořava-Lifshitz gravity: a status report

This is intended to be a brief introduction and overview of Hořava-Lifshitz gravity. The motivation and all of the various versions of the theory (to date) are presented. The dynamics of the theory are discussed in some detail, with a focus on low energy viability and consistency, as these have been the issues that attracted most of the attention in the literature so far. Other properties of the theory and developments within its framework are also covered, such as: its relation to Einstein-aether theory, cosmology, and future perspectives.
The effect of the perceived social support on mental health of Chinese college soccer players during the COVID-19 lockdown: The chain mediating role of athlete burnout and hopelessness

The isolation and blockade during the COVID-19 pandemic have a great impact on the mental health of Chinese college soccer players. This study aimed to explore the effect of perceived social support on mental health of college soccer players, as well as the mediating role of athlete burnout and hopelessness during the COVID-19 lockdown. Based on a sample of 674 college soccer players from several universities in China, the study used the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ) and Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). The results indicated that: (1) there was a significant positive correlation between perceived social support and mental health of college soccer players; (2) the athlete burnout played a mediating role between perceived social support and mental health of college soccer players; (3) the hopelessness also played a mediating role between perceived social support and mental health of college soccer players; (4) the athlete burnout and hopelessness played a chain mediating role between perceived social support and mental health. These findings could contribute to insight into the mechanisms by which perceived social support affects the mental health of college soccer players and provide important practical guidance for protecting and promoting their mental health.
Immunometabolism in the pathogenesis of vitiligo

Vitiligo is a common depigmenting skin disorder characterized by the selective loss of melanocytes. Autoimmunity, genetic, environmental, and biochemical etiology have been proposed in vitiligo pathogenesis. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of vitiligo development and progression are unclear, particularly for immunometabolism. Sporadic studies have suggested mitochondrial dysfunction, enhanced oxidative stress, and specific defects in other metabolic pathways can promote dysregulation of innate and adaptive immune responses in vitiligo. These abnormalities appear to be driven by genetic and epigenetic factors modulated by stochastic events. In addition, glucose and lipid abnormalities in metabolism have been associated with vitiligo. Specific skin cell populations are also involved in the critical role of dysregulation of metabolic pathways, including melanocytes, keratinocytes, and tissue-resident memory T cells in vitiligo pathogenesis. Novel therapeutic treatments are also raised based on the abnormalities of immunometabolism. This review summarizes the current knowledge on immunometabolism reprogramming in the pathogenesis of vitiligo and novel treatment options.
Revealing seed color variation and their possible association with yield and quality traits in a diversity panel of flax (Linum Usitatissimum L.)

Seed color is a vital quality determinant of flax, significant for consumers’ acceptability, and determines the commercial values of seeds. Also, seed color as a phenotypic marker may be a convenient way to select the plants with desired traits. This study assessed a diversity panel representing 144 flax genotypes from diverse geographical origins for the existence of genetic variability for luminosity (L*) and chromaticity (a* and b*) seed color parameters, seed yield, and quality traits over two years. The genetic variance was significant for seed color parameters, demonstrating the presence of significant genetic variability, which provides a resource to objectively evaluate and select flax genotypes based on seed color according to the market demand. High heritability combined with the high genotypic coefficient of variation observed for seed yield, oil, and protein content suggested a better genetic gain upon selecting these traits. Seed yield, seed quality traits, and phenological traits showed significant negative correlation with L* and b* parameters and positive correlation with a* suggesting that the seeds’ dark background and brown color can serve as marker characters to prescreen early-flowering, high-yielding and oil and protein-rich genotypes. Interestingly 48 brown-seeded genotypes were identified as early-flowering with short height, large seeds, high thousand seed weight, and capsule diameter. In addition, 34 genotypes were characterized by light-colored yellow seeds, large seeds, late-flowering with shorter height, and high branch numbers. Our results highlighted that North America and Australia-belonged genotypes were lighter yellow-seeded than the ones from other continents. Flax genotypes from South America and Asia were high-yielding, while genotypes from North America were low-yielding genotypes. Moreover, darker brown-seeded genotypes have prevailed in the South American continent.
Identification of GOLDEN2-like transcription factor genes in soybeans and their role in regulating plant development and metal ion stresses

The Golden 2-Like (G2-like or GLK) transcription factors are essential for plant growth, development, and many stress responses as well as heavy metal stress. However, G2-like regulatory genes have not been studied in soybean. This study identified the genes for 130 G2-Like candidates’ in the genome of Glycine max (soybean). These GLK genes were located on all 20 chromosomes, and several of them were segmentally duplicated. Most GLK family proteins are highly conserved in Arabidopsis and soybean and were classified into five major groups based on phylogenetic analysis. These GmGLK gene promoters share cis-acting elements involved in plant responses to abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate, auxin signaling, low temperature, and biotic and abiotic stresses. RNA-seq expression data revealed that the GLK genes were classified into 12 major groups and differentially expressed in different tissues or organs. The co-expression network complex revealed that the GmGLK genes encode proteins involved in the interaction of genes related to chlorophyll biosynthesis, circadian rhythms, and flowering regulation. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis confirmed the expression profiles of eight GLK genes in response to cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) stress, with some GLK genes significantly induced by both Cd and Cu stress treatments, implying a functional role in defense responsiveness. Thus, we present a comprehensive perspective of the GLK genes in soybean and emphasize their important role in crop development and metal ion stresses.
Response of GHG emissions to interactions of temperature and drying in the karst wetland of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau

Hydrothermal fluctuation is the major driving factor affecting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in wetlands, but how wetland drying regulates the temperature dependence of GHG emissions remains uncertain. An experimental incubation was carried out to study the interaction effects of temperature (5, 10, 15, 20°C) and moisture (40%, 60%, 100% WHC) on soil GHG emissions in a karst wetland. The results showed that: 1) the cumulative CO2 and N2O emissions and global warming potential (GWP) increased with increasing temperature but decreased with soil drying. 2) There was a decreasing contribution of CO2 and an increasing contribution of N2O to GWP with increasing temperature and moisture. 3) Soil CO2 and N2O emissions and GWP were positively related to urease activity and negatively related to pH, soil organic matter and catalase. Soil CH4 emissions were positively related to soil microbial biomass C and N. The hydrothermal changes, soil properties and their interaction explained 26.86%, 9.46% and 49.61% of the variation in GWP. Our results indicate that hydrothermal fluctuation has a significant effect on total GHG emissions by regulating soil properties.
Bias among managers: Its prevalence across a decade and comparison across occupations

Employees from minoritized and subjugated groups have poorer work experiences and fewer opportunities for advancement than do their peers. Biases among decision makers likely contributes to these patterns. The purposes of this study were to (a) examine the explicit biases and implicit biases among people in management occupations (e.g., chief executives, operations managers, advertising and promotions managers, financial managers, and distributions managers, among others) and (b) compare their biases with people in 22 other occupations. The authors analyzed responses from visitors to the Project Implicit website, including assessments of their racial, gender, disability, and sexual orientation biases from 2012 to 2021. Results indicate that managers expressed moderate levels of explicit and implicit bias across all dimensions. Managers differed from people in other occupations in roughly one-third of the comparisons. The biggest differences came in their implicit biases, with managers expressing more bias than people in other occupations. The study’s originality rests in the scope of the work (the authors analyzed data from over 5 million visitors representing 23 broad occupations); comparison of people in management occupations to those in other work settings; and empirically demonstrating the biases that managers have.