Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Findings on the Oneiric Activity Changes Across the Pandemic

Purpose COVID-19 pandemic waves have strongly influenced individuals’ behaviors and mental health. Here, we analyzed longitudinal data collected in the Spring 2020 and 2021 from a large Italian sample with the aim of assessing changes in dream features between the first and third wave. Specifically, we evaluated the modifications of pandemic dream activity as a function of the general distress variations over time. Also, we detected the best explanatory variables of nightmare frequency and distress. Materials and Methods Participants previously involved in the web survey during the first wave of the pandemic were asked to complete a new online survey on sleep and dream features available in Spring 2021 (N=728). Subjects decreasing their level of psychological general distress in the third (T3) vs the first (T1) pandemic wave were defined as “Improved” (N=330). In contrast, participants with an unchanged or increased level of general distress were defined as “Not Improved” (N=398). Results Statistical comparisons revealed that dream recall frequency, nightmare frequency, lucid dream frequency, and emotional intensity show a reduction in T3 than T1. Moreover, the Improved group is characterized by lower nightmare rate and nightmare distress than Not Improved people. Our findings confirmed that beyond the trait-like variables (ie, age, sex), specific sleep-related measures are related to nightmare features. In particular, poor sleep hygiene was one of the best determinants of nightmare distress among Not Improved subjects. Conclusion Our findings revealed that people experienced an adaptation to the pandemic during the third wave. We also strengthen the notion that nightmares and their variations over time are strongly related to human well-being, suggesting that specific trait-like and sleep-related factors could modulate the relationship between mental health and nightmare features.
Conditional probability distributions for partially observed Markov chains

Let {~m n ~ 1} be a sequence of independent, identically distributed random variables with E~i==O, O<E~ f==a 2 < 00 and E I~i I< 00. Set So =0, s,= Lt=1 ~i' n~ 1, and denote by N; the number of strictly positive sums among {S1' . , Sn}. Define the random partial sum process Xn(t), 0 ~ t ~ 1, in D[O,1], the space of right continuous functions with left hand limits on [0, 1J, by Xn(t) = SLnn/ant, where [ · ] denotes the integer part of · . For each n ~ 1, let Yn(t) , 0 ~ t ~ 1, be the random process in D[O, 1] which is x, conditioned on the event {Nn = [np]}, p fixed, 0 < p < 1 . It is shown that as It ~ 00, Yn converges weakly to a continuous random process Yin D [0, 1] . The process Y may be identified as the weak limit of conditioned Wiener processes. This extends a previous result of Iglehart (1974) which concerned the case p = 1.
Design and assessment of amblyopia, strabismus, and myopia treatment and vision training using virtual reality

Background Virtual reality is a relatively new intervention that has the potential to be used in the treatment of eye and vision problems. This article reviews the use of virtual reality-related interventions in amblyopia, strabismus, and myopia research. Methods Sources covered in the review included 48 peer-reviewed research published between January 2000 and January 2023 from five electronic databases (ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Web of Science). To prevent any missing relevant articles, the keywords, and terms used in the search included “VR”, “virtual reality”, “amblyopia”, “strabismus,” and “myopia”. Quality assessment and data extraction were performed independently by two authors to form a narrative synthesis to summarize findings from the included research. Results Total number of 48 references were reviewed. There were 31 studies published on amblyopia, 18 on strabismus, and 6 on myopia, with 7 studies overlapping amblyopia and strabismus. In terms of technology, smartphone-based virtual reality headset viewers were utilized more often in amblyopia research, but commercial standalone virtual reality headsets were used more frequently in myopia and strabismus-related research. The software and virtual environment were mostly developed based on vision therapy and dichoptic training paradigms. Conclusion It has been suggested that virtual reality technology offers a potentially effective tool for amblyopia, strabismus, and myopia studies. Nonetheless, a variety of factors, especially the virtual environment and systems employed in the data presented, must be explored before determining whether virtual reality can be effectively applied in clinical settings. This review is significant as the technology in virtual reality software and application design features have been investigated and considered for future reference.
Impact of Infection Patterns on the Outcomes of Patients with Hematological Malignancies in Southwest China: A 10-Year Retrospective Case-Control Study

Background This study aimed to assess the effect of infection patterns on the outcomes of patients with hematological malignancies (HM) and to identify the determinants of in-hospital mortality. Methods A case-control study was retrospectively conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital in Chongqing, Southwest China from 2011 to 2020. Clinical characteristics, microbial findings, and outcomes of HM patients with infections were retrieved from the hospital information system. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was adopted to test the significance of mortality rate. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Log rank test were applied to evaluate and compare the 30-day survival rates of those groups. Binary logistic regression, Cox proportional hazards regression, and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to investigate the determinants of in-hospital mortality. Results Of 1,570 enrolled participants, 43.63% suffered from acute myeloid leukemia, 69.62% received chemotherapy, and 25.73% had hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Microbial infection was documented in 83.38% of participants. Co-infection and septic shock were reported in 32.87% and 5.67% of participants, respectively. Patients with septic shock suffered a significantly lower 30-day survival rate, while those with distinct types of pathogens or co-infections had a comparable 30-day survival rate. The all-cause in-hospital mortality was 7.01% and higher mortality rate was observed in patients with allo-HSCT (7.20%), co-infection (9.88%), and septic shock (33.71%). Cox proportional hazards regression illustrated that elderly age, septic shock, and elevated procalcitonin (PCT) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. A PCT cut-off value of 0.24 ng/mL predicted in-hospital mortality with a sensitivity of 77.45% and a specificity of 59.80% (95% CI = 0.684–0.779, P<0.0001). Conclusion Distinct infectious patterns of HM inpatients were previously unreported in Southwest China. It was the severity of infection, not co-infection, source of infection, or type of causative pathogen that positively related to poor outcome. PCT guided early recognition and treatment of septic shock were advocated.
The impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms in MTHFR and MTRR genes on disease activity and the presence of methotrexate treatment side effects in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Introduction To determine the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MTHFR and MTRR genes on disease activity and the presence of MTX therapy adverse events in Polish children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods SNP genotyping was performed using genomic DNA isolated from peripheral blood samples. Results Patients with MTHFR rs1801133 CT/TT variant had higher values of inflammatory markers, number of joints with active arthritis, and JADAS-71 value at the baseline of MTX treatment. Children with MTRR rs1801394 AG/AA variant presented higher inflammatory marker values at JIA diagnosis. Conclusions MTHFR rs1801133 and MTRR rs1801394 polymorphisms are associated with higher disease activity at the moment of JIA diagnosis.
Three-dimensional echocardiographic left ventricular strain analysis in Fabry disease: correlation with heart failure severity, myocardial scar, and impact on long-term prognosis

Abstract Aims Fabry disease (FD) is a multisystemic lysosomal storage disorder caused by a defect in the alpha-galactosidase A gene that manifests as a phenocopy of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We assessed the echocardiographic 3D left ventricular (LV) strain of patients with FD in relation to heart failure severity using natriuretic peptides, the presence of a cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) late gadolinium enhancement scar, and long-term prognosis. Methods and results 3D echocardiography was feasible in 75/99 patients with FD [aged 47 ± 14 years, 44% males, LV ejection fraction (EF) 65 ± 6% and 51% with hypertrophy or concentric remodelling of the LV]. Long-term prognosis (death, heart failure decompensation, or cardiovascular hospitalization) was assessed over a median follow-up of 3.1 years. A stronger correlation was observed for N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels with 3D LV global longitudinal strain (GLS, r = −0.49, P < 0.0001) than with 3D LV global circumferential strain (GCS, r = −0.38, P < 0.001) or 3D LVEF (r = −0.25, P = 0.036). Individuals with posterolateral scar on CMR had lower posterolateral 3D circumferential strain (CS; P = 0.009). 3D LV-GLS was associated with long-term prognosis [adjusted hazard ratio 0.85 (confidence interval 0.75–0.95), P = 0.004], while 3D LV-GCS and 3D LVEF were not (P = 0.284 and P = 0.324). Conclusion 3D LV-GLS is associated with both heart failure severity measured by natriuretic peptide levels and long-term prognosis. Decreased posterolateral 3D CS reflects typical posterolateral scarring in FD. Where feasible, 3D-strain echocardiography can be used for a comprehensive mechanical assessment of the LV in patients with FD.
Taxonomical, functional, and cytopathological characterization of Bacillus spp. from Lake Magadi, Kenya, against Rhizoctonia solani Kühn in Phaseolus vulgaris L

A decline in common bean production and the ineffectiveness of synthetic chemical products in managing plant pathogens has led to exploiting Kenyan soda lakes as an alternative search for biocontrol agents. This study aimed to identify phylogenetically Bacillus spp. from Lake Magadi and their antagonistic activity against Rhizoctonia solani under in vitro and in vivo conditions. The 16 S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) subunit sequences of six bacterial strains isolated from Lake Magadi showed diversity similar to the Bacillus genus; Bacillus velezensis, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus pumilus. In vitro, antagonism showed varied mycelium inhibition rates of fungi in the coculture method. Enzymatic assays showed the varied ability of isolates to produce phosphatase, pectinase, chitinase, protease, indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), and hydrogen cyanide (HCD). The in vivo assay showed M09 (B. velezensis) with the lowest root mortality and incidence of postemergence wilt. Pre‐emergence wilt incidence was recorded as lowest in M10 (B. subtilis). Isolate M10 had the highest phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL) for defense enzymes, while polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase were recorded as highest in M09. For the phenolic content, M10 recorded the highest phenolic content. In conclusion, Lake Magadi harbors Bacillus spp, which can be used as a potential biocontrol of R. solani.
Favorable recovery profiles and good reliability among youngest unrelated stem cell donors supports lowering the minimum donor registration age

Younger donor age in hematopoietic cell transplantation has been associated with improved overall and disease‐free survival. Safety data on peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) and bone marrow (BM) donation is well established, including in the <18‐year old age group in the related setting. In response, Anthony Nolan became the first stem cell donor registry to lower the minimum age for unrelated donors to 16‐years.
The Association of Tube Weaning and Oral Skill Development in Infants With Tube Dependency: A Prospective Study

Objective: This study was the first of its kind by assessing oral skills development during and after applying the “Graz Model” of tube weaning. Methods: This prospective case series study included data of 67 (35 females, 32 males, treated from March 2018 to April 2019) tube dependent children, who participated in the effective “Graz Model” of tube weaning. Parents filled out the standardized Pediatric Assessment Scale for Severe Feeding Problems (PASSFP) prior to and immediately after completion of the program. Paired sample t tests were conducted to examine pre-to-post changes in the children’s oral skills. Results: The study showed that oral skills increased significantly during tube weaning PASSFP score of 24.76 (standard deviation, SD = 12.38) prior to versus 47.97 (SD = 6.98) after completion of the program. Furthermore, significant changes in their sensory and tactile perception and in their general eating behavior were observed. Children also showed reduced oral aversion symptoms and food pocketing, could enjoy their meals, and increased their food repertoire. Mealtime duration could be decreased, and parents were less anxious about their infants’ intake and less frustrated because of their children’s eating behavior. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated for the first time that tube dependent children can improve their oral skills significantly during and after their participation in the child-led approach of the “Graz model” of tube weaning.
The Functional Self

Abstract. Current research describes a particular component of the self-concept that influences a wide variety of cognitive processes while it depicts a rather basic component of the self-concept. However, this minimal self seems to be anything but simple; in fact, it seems to be highly functional. Based on previous findings on newly formed self-associations, we put the postulated functionality of this minimal self to another test by retesting its protection mechanisms against negative content. In a pilot experiment, we did not find an overall reduction of negative self-assignments against neutral self-assignments. However, the results indicated an initial difference (as hypothesized) between negative and neutral self-assignments, which decreases over the course of the experiment. We put this interactive effect of valence and block to test in our main experiment, which replicated the data pattern of the pilot experiment. In sum, the results indicate a mandatory integration of stimuli into the self-concept and also a reduction of the integration due to negative valence, thereby supporting a robust protection mechanism.
Clinical impact of radiation-induced myocardial damage detected by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and dose-volume histogram parameters of the left ventricle as prognostic factors of cardiac events after chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer

Abstract This prospective study aimed to evaluate whether radiation (RT)-induced myocardial damage by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging could be a predictor of cardiac events after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for esophageal cancer and determine the dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters of the left ventricle (LV) in predicting cardiac events. CMR imaging was performed before and 6 months after CRT in patients receiving definitive CRT. RT-induced myocardial damage was defined as abnormal CMR findings indicating myocardial fibrosis corresponding to an isodose line of ≥30 Gy. The cutoff values of the LV DVH parameters were calculated using the receiver operating characteristic curve based on the presence of RT-induced myocardial damage. The prognostic factors related to cardiac events of Grade 3 or higher were examined. Twenty-three patients were enrolled in the study. RT-induced myocardial damage by late gadolinium enhancement and/or an increase of 100 ms or higher in native T1 post-CRT was detected in 10 of the 23 patients. LV V45 was the best predictive factor for RT-induced myocardial damage with a cutoff value of 2.1% and an area under the curve of 0.75. The median follow-up period was 82.1 months. The 5- and 7-year cumulative incidences of cardiac events of Grade 3 or higher were 14.7 and 22.4%, respectively. RT-induced myocardial damage and LV V45 were significant risk factors (P = 0.015 and P = 0.013, respectively). RT-induced myocardial damage is a significant predictor of cardiac events. LV V45 is associated with RT-induced myocardial damage and subsequent cardiac events.
Advances in fusion of optical imagery and LiDAR point cloud applied to photogrammetry and remote sensing

ABSTRACT Optical imagery and Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) point cloud are two major data sources in the community of photogrammetry and remote sensing. Optical images and LiDAR data have unique characteristics that make them preferable in certain applications. On the other hand, the disadvantage of one type of data source may be compensated by an advantage of the other. Hence, data fusion is a prerequisite to utilising the complementary characteristics of both data sources. Numerous methods haven been proposed to perform the fusion in various applications. This article makes a systematic review of the state-of-the-art fusion methodology used in various applications, such as registration, generation of true orthophotographs, pan-sharpening, classification, recognition of some key targets, three-dimensional reconstruction, change detection and forest inventory. Moreover, the future developing trends are introduced. In the coming few years, we expect that fusion of optical images and LiDAR point cloud will promote the development of both photogrammetry and laser scanning in both industry and scientific research.
Three-dimensional imaging of vascular development in the mouse epididymis

Long considered an accessory tubule of the male reproductive system, the epididymis is proving to be a key determinant of male fertility. In addition to its secretory role in ensuring functional maturation and survival of spermatozoa, the epididymis has a complex immune function. Indeed, it must manage both peripheral tolerance to sperm antigens foreign to the immune system and the protection of spermatozoa as well as the organ itself against pathogens ascending the epididymal tubule. Although our knowledge of the immunobiology of this organ is beginning to accumulate at the molecular and cellular levels, the organization of blood and lymphatic networks of this tissue, important players in the immune response, remains largely unknown. In the present report, we have taken advantage of a VEGFR3:YFP transgenic mouse model. Using high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) imaging and organ clearing coupled with multiplex immunodetections of lymphatic (LYVE1, PDPN, PROX1) and/or blood (PLVAP/Meca32) markers, we provide a simultaneous deep 3D view of the lymphatic and blood epididymal vasculature in the mature adult mouse as well as during postnatal development.
Rigidity and Height Bounds for Certain Post-critically Finite Endomorphisms of ℙN

Abstract The morphism $f\,:\,{{\mathbb{P}}^{N}}\,\to \,{{\mathbb{P}}^{N}}$ is called post-critically finite $\left( \text{PCF} \right)$ if the forward image of the critical locus, under iteration of $f$ , has algebraic support. In the case $N\,=\,1$ , a result of Thurston implies that there are no algebraic families of PCF morphisms, other than a well-understood exceptional class known as the flexible Lattés maps. A related arithmetic result states that the set of PCF morphisms corresponds to a set of bounded height in the moduli space of univariate rational functions. We prove corresponding results for a certain subclass of the regular polynomial endomorphisms of ${{\mathbb{P}}^{N}}$ for any $N$ .
Viral Detection Is Associated With Severe Disease in Children With Suspected Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Objective To evaluate the role of virus detection on disease severity among children presenting to the emergency department (ED) with suspected community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods We performed a single-center prospective study of children presenting to a pediatric ED with signs and symptoms of a lower respiratory tract infection and who had a chest radiograph performed for suspected CAP. We included patients who had virus testing, with results classified as negative for virus, human rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and other viruses. We evaluated the association between virus detection and disease severity using a 4-tiered measure of disease severity based on clinical outcomes, ranging from mild (discharged from the ED) to severe (receipt of positive-pressure ventilation, vasopressors, thoracostomy tube placement, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, intensive care unit admission, diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock, or death) in models adjusted for age, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, radiologist interpretation of the chest radiograph, presence of wheeze, fever, and provision of antibiotics. Results Five hundred seventy-three patients were enrolled in the parent study, of whom viruses were detected in 344 (60%), including 159 (28%) human rhinovirus, 114 (20%) RSV, and 34 (6%) with influenza. In multivariable models, viral infections were associated with increasing disease severity, with the greatest effect noted with RSV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30–4.81) followed by rhinovirus (aOR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.27–3.76). Viral detection was not associated with increased severity among patients with radiographic pneumonia (n = 223; OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 0.87–3.87) but was associated with severity among patients without radiographic pneumonia (n = 141; OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.40–4.59). Conclusions The detection of a virus in the nasopharynx was associated with more severe disease compared with no virus; this finding persisted after adjustment for age, biomarkers, and radiographic findings. Viral testing may assist with risk stratification of patients with lower respiratory tract infections.
Effectiveness of an individualised occupational therapy intervention programme (ABLE) using adaptational strategies on activities of daily living among persons with chronic conditions: A randomised controlled trial (RCT)

Objective Compare the effectiveness of a problem-solving, individualised, home-based occupational therapy intervention (ABLE 2.0), to usual occupational therapy, on activities of daily living (ADL) ability in persons with chronic conditions. Design A single-centre, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial with 10- and 26-week follow-up. Setting A Danish municipality. Subjects Persons with chronic conditions experiencing problems performing ADL tasks (n = 80). Interventions ABLE 2.0 was compared with usual occupational therapy. Main measures Coprimary outcomes were self-reported ADL ability (ADL-Interview Performance) and observed ADL motor ability (Assessment of Motor and Process Skills) at Week 10. Secondary outcomes were self-reported ADL ability (ADL-Interview Performance) and observed ADL motor ability (Assessment of Motor and Process Skills) at Week 26, and perceived satisfaction with ADL ability (ADL-Interview Satisfaction) and observed ADL process ability (Assessment of Motor and Process Skills) at Weeks 10 and 26. Results In total, 78 persons were randomly assigned: 40 to usual occupational therapy and 38 to ABLE 2.0. No statistically significant nor clinically relevant difference between group mean changes in primary outcomes was identified from baseline to Week 10 (ADL-Interview Performance [−0.16; 95% CI: −0.38 to 0.06] and Assessment of Motor and Process Skills ADL motor ability [−0.1; 95% CI: −0.3 to 0.1]). At Week 26, a statistically significant and clinically relevant difference was found in Assessment of Motor and Process Skills ADL motor ability (LS mean change: −0.3; 95% CI: −0.5 to −0.1) between groups. Conclusion ABLE 2.0 was effective in improving observed ADL motor ability at 26 weeks.