Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The utility of wearable headband electroencephalography and pulse photoplethysmography to assess cortical hyperarousal in individuals with stress-related mental disorders

Study Objectives: Several stress-related mental disorders are characterized by disturbed sleep, but objective sleep biomarkers are not routinely examined in psychiatric patients. We examined the use of wearable-based sleep biomarkers in a psychiatric sample with headband electroencephalography (EEG) including pulse photoplethysmography (PPG), with an additional focus on microstructural elements as especially the shift from low to high frequencies appears relevant for several stress-related mental disorders (cortical hyperarousal). Methods: We acquired 483 nights and could analyze 372 nights of sufficient quality from 83 healthy participants and those with a confirmed stress-related mental disorder (anxiety-affective spectrum). We analyzed the data with respect to macrostructural and microstructural characteristics according to the newly described spectral slope fitting over the whole frequency spectrum. Results: The headbands were accepted well by patients and the data quality was sufficient for most nights. The macrostructural analyses revealed trends for significance regarding sleep continuity but not sleep depth variables. The spectral analyses yielded no between-group differences except for a group x age interaction, with the normal age-related decline in the low versus high frequency power ratio flattening in the patient group. PPG analyses showed that the mean heart rate was higher in the patient group in pre-sleep epochs, a difference that reduced during sleep and dissipated at wakefulness. Conclusions: Wearable devices that record EEG and/or PPG could be used over multiple nights to assess relevant markers such as sleep fragmentation, cortical hyperarousal, and sympathetic drive throughout the sleep-wake cycle in patients with stress-related mental disorders.
Association between child marriage and intimate partner violence. A comparative analysis of Uganda Demographic Health Surveys 2011 and 2016

The incidence of child marriage (CM) and intimate partner violence (IPV) are high in Uganda. The study sought to assess the association between child marriage and IPV across two waves of the Ugandan Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS). The evidence is important to inform policy implementation strategies aimed at curbing child marriages and IPV. We analyzed data from UDHS 2011 and 2016. The analysis was restricted to women who have ever cohabited. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the association between child marriage and IPV. Following the 2011 and 2016 UDHS findings, child marriage was 54.7% in 2011 and 47.4% in 2016. Child marriage among the current adolescents increased from 9.4% in 2011 to 14.2% in 2016. According to UDHS 2011, 40.0% and 39.0% experienced physical and sexual violence respectively. In 2011 and 2016, 23.1% and 17.4% experienced both physical and sexual violence. There are higher odds of physical violence among child marriages compared to adult marriages in 2011 and 2016 (AOR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.12-1.84 in 2011 and AOR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.12-1.42). A wealthy or educated woman has lower odds (AOR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.41-0.91 and AOR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.25-0.66) to experience both physical violence and sexual violence than a poor or uneducated one. Alcohol is the most common cause of IPV. A woman married to an husband who consumes alcohol has higher odds of experiencing physical, sexual or both physical and sexual violence as compared to someone whose husband did not consume alcohol (AOR = 2.23; 95% CI:1.61-3.09 in 2011 and AOR = 2.42; 95% CI: 2.15-2.73 in 2016) Intimate Partner Violence is associated with child marriage, level of education, wealth quintile, residence, and partners alcohol consumption. Much emphasis needs to be directed to cultural, as well as social economic factors but more specifically on the contribution of women emancipation/empowerment to prevent IPV.
Treatment of Ventriculitis and Meningitis After Neurosurgery Caused by Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE): A Challenging Topic

Abstract Post-neurosurgical infection is a common complication of neurosurgery, and serious infection can threaten the life of patients. In recent years, the increase in multidrug-resistant bacteria, especially carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), has proved fatal to patients. Although there are a few cases of CRE meningitis and few clinical trials have been carried out, it has attracted increasing attention with the increasing probability of its occurrence, especially considering that there are few successful cases. An increasing number of studies are also looking for the risk factors and clinical symptoms of CRE intracranial infection. In terms of treatment, some new antibiotics are gradually being used in the clinic, but due to the complicated drug-resistant mechanism of CRE and the obstruction of the blood‒brain barrier (BBB), the therapeutic effect is still very poor. In addition, obstructive hydrocephalus and brain abscess caused by CRE meningitis are still important causes of patient death and are also difficult to treat.
Impact of climate change on vector- and rodent-borne infectious diseases

Background Endemic and imported vector- and rodent-borne infectious agents can be linked to high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, vector- and rodent-borne human diseases and the effects of climate change are important public health issues. Methods For this review, the relevant literature was identified and evaluated according to the thematic aspects and supplemented with an analysis of surveillance data for Germany. Results Factors such as increasing temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and human behaviour may influence the epidemiology of vector- and rodent-borne infectious diseases in Germany. Conclusions The effects of climatic changes on the spread of vector- and rodent-borne infectious diseases need to be further studied in detail and considered in the context of climate adaptation measures.
Exercise Self-Efficacy and Fatigue as Predictors of Adherence to Home-Based Exercise Among Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Background Adherence to home-based exercise programs can be improved by determining the factors associated with exercise adoption and maintenance in patients with multiple sclerosis. However, the factors that influence adherence to home-based exercise have been poorly studied among patients with multiple sclerosis in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to examine predictors of adherence to home-based exercise programs among patients with multiple sclerosis in Saudi Arabia. Methods This was a cross-sectional observational study. A total of forty individuals (mean age = 38.65 ± 8.16 years) diagnosed with multiple sclerosis participated in the study. Outcome measures were self-reported exercise adherence, the Arabic version of exercise self-efficacy, the Arabic version of patient-determined disease steps, and the Arabic version of the fatigue severity scale. All outcome measures were assessed at baseline, except for self-reported adherence to exercise, which was measured after 2 weeks. Results Our results showed that the adherence to home-based exercise programs was significantly positively correlated with exercise self-efficacy and negatively correlated with fatigue and disability. Exercise self-efficacy (β = 0.62, p < 0.01) and fatigue (β = −0.24, p = 0.04) were significant predictors of adherence to home-based exercise programs. Conclusion These findings suggest that exercise self-efficacy and fatigue should be considered by physical therapists when designing a tailored exercise program for patients with multiple sclerosis. This may facilitate greater adherence to the home-based exercise programs and improve functional outcomes.
Omarigliptin Protects the Integrity of the Blood–Brain Barrier After Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Mice

Purpose Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a fatal disease without effective treatment. The damage of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a key cause of brain edema and herniation after ICH. Omarigliptin (also known as MK3102) is a potent antidiabetic that inhibits dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP4); the latter has the ability to bind and degrade matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The present study aims to investigate the protective effects of omarigliptin against the destruction of BBB following ICH in mice. Methods and Materials Collagenase VII was used to induce ICH in C57BL/6 mice. MK3102 (7 mg/kg/day) was administered after ICH. The modified neurological severity scores (mNSS) were carried out to assess neurological functions. Nissl staining was applied to evaluate neuronal loss. Brain water content, Evans blue extravasation, Western blots, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to study the protective effects of BBB with MK3102 at 3 days after ICH. Results MK3102 reduced DPP4 expression and decreased hematoma formation and neurobehavioral deficits of ICH mice. This was correspondent with lowered activation of microglia/macrophages and infiltration of neutrophils after ICH. Importantly, MK3102 protected the integrity of the BBB after ICH, associated with decreased expression of MMP-9, and preservation of the tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin on endothelial cells through putative degradation of MMP-9, and inhibition of the expression of CX43 on astrocytes. Conclusion Omarigliptin protects the integrity of the BBB in mice after ICH injury.
The Mechanisms of How Narcissistic Duality Traits Influence on College Student’s Organizational Citizenship Behavior from an Impression Management Perspective

Purpose Although plenty of studies have examined the antecedents of organizational citizenship behavior, empirical studies exploring the role of individual narcissism in relation to college students’ organizational citizenship behavior are relatively scarce. Drawing on the dual theory of narcissism and the conservation of resources theory, this study aimed to explore the relationship between narcissistic duality traits (narcissistic admiration and narcissistic rivalry) and organizational citizenship behavior of college students, and to further examine the mediating role of impression management motivation (assertive impression management motivation and defensive impression management motivation) and the moderating roles of teamwork, interpersonal relationships, and optimism. Methods We used the questionnaire method with a sample of undergraduate and graduate students from several universities in Hubei, China. The data sample for analysis consists of 583 college students. Results (1) Narcissistic admiration had a significant and positive effect on college students’ organizational citizenship behavior, while the effect of narcissistic rivalry was significant and negative; (2) assertive impression management motivation mediated the relationship between narcissistic admiration and college student’s organizational citizenship behavior, and defensive impression management motivation mediated the relationship between narcissistic rivalry and college student’ s organizational citizenship behavior; and (3) teamwork, interpersonal relationships, and optimism positively moderated the relationship between narcissistic admiration and assertive impression management motivation, and these variables positively moderated the indirect effects of assertive narcissism on college student’s organizational citizenship behavior through assertive impression management motivation. Conclusion We found that college students with narcissistic admiration engaged in more organizational citizenship behaviors than those with narcissistic rivalry. In addition, narcissistic admiration had a positive effect on organizational citizenship behavior through assertive impression management motivation, and narcissistic rivalry had a negative effect on organizational citizenship behavior through defensive impression management motivation. Finally, teamwork, interpersonal relationships, and optimism significantly and positively mediated the relationship between narcissistic admiration and assertive impression management motivation, and the indirect effect of narcissistic admiration on organizational citizenship behavior through assertive impression management motivation. However, the direct effects of teamwork, interpersonal relationships, and optimism on the relationship between narcissistic rivalry and defensive impression management motivation, and the indirect effect of narcissistic rivalry on organizational citizenship behavior through defensive impression management motivation were not significant.
Epidemiology, Trends, Utilization Disparities, and Outcomes of Catheter Ablation and Its Association With Coronary Vasospasm Amongst Patients With Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Nationwide Burden of Last Decade

Background: Catheter ablation (CA) is an important curative treatment for non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), however, nationwide data on its utilization and disparities is limited. Coronary vasospasm is a rare, life-threatening, peri-operative complication of CA with limited literature in Caucasians. Methods: We performed a retrospective study on adult hospitalizations in the USA from 2007 to 2017 by obtaining the data from National Inpatient Sample. The primary endpoints of our study were to identify the utilization rate of CA, disparities in utilization, and study the outcomes associated with CA. The secondary endpoints of the study were to identify the incidence of coronary vasospasm amongst patients who underwent CA, evaluate their association, and identify the predictors of coronary vasospasm. Results: From 35,906,946 patients with NVAF, 343641 (0.96%) underwent CA. Its utilization decreased from 1% in 2007 to 0.71% in 2017. Patients who underwent CA, compared to those without CA, fared better in terms of hospital length of stay, mortality rate, disability rate, and discharge to the non-home facility. Patients in the 50-75 years age group, Native Americans, those with private insurance, and median household income of 76-100th percentile were associated with higher odds of CA utilization. Urban teaching hospitals and large-bedded hospitals performed more ablations, while the Mid-West region fared lower than the South, the West, and the Northeast. The prevalence of coronary vasospasm was higher amongst CA in comparison without CA, however, in regression analysis, no significant association was demonstrated between CA and coronary vasospasm. Conclusion: CA is an important treatment modality that is associated with improved clinical outcomes. Identification of factors associated with lower utilization of CA and its disparities will help to mitigate the burden associated with NVAF.
Risk, Resilience, and the Two-Track Model of Dementia Grief Among Spouses of People Living With Cognitive Decline

Pre-death grief in the context of dementia caregiving is a significant risk factor for depression, burden, anxiety, and adjustment difficulties. The Two-Track Model of Dementia Grief (TTM-DG) provides a bifocal perspective addressing the nature of the emotional attachment to a loved one living with cognitive impairment, along with a medico-psychiatric perspective associated with stress, trauma, and change in life. The aims of the present study were to empirically validate the components of the model as to identify salutary and risk factors for maladaptive grief responses. Participants were 62 spouses of people living with cognitive impairment, and a control group of 32 spouses. All completed a battery of self-report questionnaires. Structural Equation Modeling yielded six variables consistent with the TTM-DG: partner’s behavioral disorders; caregiver’s burden; social support; physical health; attachment anxiety; and dementia grief as an outcome measure. Additional findings addressed participants at risk for grief difficulties. The findings provide empirical support for the utility of the TTM-DG in the identification of risk factors associated with maladaptive responses and pre-death grief following a spousal cognitive decline. The TTM-DG can assist in the formulation of evidence-based evaluations and interventions to assist spouses caring for their loved ones living with dementia.
Comparative Efficacy of Four Stain Removal Methods for Bleach-Shade Composite Resins after Immersion in Staining Solutions: An In Vitro Study

Introduction Bleach-shade composite resins were recently introduced to the market due to the high demand of patients for whiter teeth. This study sought to compare four stain removal methods for bleach-shade composite resins. Materials and Methods Seventy-two discs were fabricated from each of the Filtek Z350 XT and Gradia XBW composite resins and immersed in coffee or sour cherry juice staining solutions. Each group was then divided into four subgroups to assess the efficacy of four stain removal methods (finishing with soft-lex disk “brush with pumice” bleaching with carbamide peroxide 16%, bleaching with hydrogen peroxide 40%). The color of each specimen was measured by Easyshade spectrophotometer, and data were analyzed using SPSS 25 statistical package for social sciences. Results The home-bleaching technique was more effective than the office-bleaching and pumice for the removal of sour cherry juice stain (ΔE = 1.93) and coffee stain (ΔE = 3.32) from Gradia composite discs, almost returning the baseline original color. The Sof-Lex discs were more effective than the pumice for the removal of sour cherry juice stain (ΔE = 4.11) and coffee stain (ΔE = 4.93) from Z350 composite discs but not return the baseline original color. Conclusions Filtek Z350 had more discoloration than Gradia Direct. The different materials and solutions reacted differently to the four stain removal methods. In GCJ group after all stain removal methods, ΔE reduced to a clinically acceptable level.
Association of Homocysteine with Acute Stroke and Its Subtypes in the Chinese Population

Purpose Homocysteine (Hcy) is recognized as a risk factor for stroke. Our study examined the relationship between plasma Hcy levels and stroke, along with its subtypes, among Chinese patients who experienced an acute stroke episode. Patients and Methods We retrospectively enrolled patients with acute stroke and age- and sex-matched healthy controls admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University from October 2021 to September 2022. Ischemic stroke subtypes were classified using the modified TOAST criteria. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to probe the associations of plasma Hcy levels with total stroke, ischemic stroke and its subtypes, and hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH), and the correlation between plasma Hcy levels and the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Results The mean age of the total group was 63 years, with women representing 30.6% (246 individuals). Elevated Hcy levels were significantly associated with total stroke (OR 1.054, 95% CI: 1.038–1.070), HICH (OR 1.040, 95% CI: 1.020–1.060), ischemic stroke (OR 1.049, 95% CI: 1.034–1.065), and the TOAST subtypes of ischemic stroke in large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) (OR 1.044, 95% CI: 1.028–1.062) and small-artery occlusion (SAO) (OR 1.035, 95% CI: 1.018–1.052), but not with cardioembolic (CE) stroke. Moreover, only in the case of SAO stroke were the Hcy levels positively correlated with the NIHSS score (B=0.030, 95% CI: 0.003–0.056, P=0.030). Conclusion Plasma Hcy levels were found to be positively correlated with the risk of stroke, particularly in the context of LAA, SAO stroke, and HICH. Additionally, Hcy levels demonstrated a positive correlation with stroke severity in patients presenting with SAO stroke. These findings suggest potential clinical implications in stroke prevention, particularly for ischemic stroke (LAA, SAO subtypes) and HICH by employing homocysteine-lowering therapies. Future investigations are warranted to fully elucidate these associations.
CHARACTERIZATION OF CONTINUOUS SELECTIONS FOR METRIC PROJECTIONS IN C(X)

In 1969, Lazar, Morris and Wulbert gave a necessary condition of OCC(X) whose metric projection P_G has s continuous selection. In this paper, we show that the necessary condition mentioned above is also sufficient for the existence of continuous selections for P_G. As abonus, we prove that P_G has a continuous selection if and only if P_G is almost lower semicontinuity.
A metabarcoding protocol targeting two DNA regions to analyze root‐associated fungal communities in ferns and lycophytes

Abstract Premise Detailed studies of the fungi associated with lycophytes and ferns provide crucial insights into the early evolution of land plants. However, most investigations to date have assessed fern–fungus interactions based only on visual root inspection. In the present research, we establish and evaluate a metabarcoding protocol to analyze the fungal communities associated with fern and lycophyte roots. Methods We used two primer pairs focused on the ITS rRNA region to screen the general fungal communities, and the 18S rRNA to target Glomeromycota fungi (i.e., arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi). To test these approaches, we collected and processed roots from 12 phylogenetically distant fern and lycophyte species. Results We found marked compositional differences between the ITS and 18S data sets. While the ITS data set demonstrated the dominance of orders Glomerales (phylum Glomeromycota), Pleosporales, and Helotiales (both in phylum Ascomycota), the 18S data set revealed the greatest diversity of Glomeromycota. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination suggested an important geographical effect in sample similarities. Discussion The ITS‐based approach is a reliable and effective method to analyze the fungal communities associated with fern and lycophyte roots. The 18S approach is more appropriate for studies focused on the detailed screening of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.
Electroacupuncture improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction by regulating the mobilization and migration of endogenous stem cells

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the role and mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) in the regulation of chemokines in endogenous stem cell mobilization and myocardial regeneration after myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: An MI model was constructed in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. After 4 weeks of treatment, echocardiography was used to detect changes in cardiac function, and Masson’s trichrome staining was used to detect collagen deposition. In addition, immunofluorescence staining was applied to examine von Willebrand factor (vWF)-positive vessels, the expression of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and proliferation marker Ki67, and the number of c-kit-positive, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4)-positive, and Sca-1-positive endogenous stem cells in the infarcted area. In addition, the expression of stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 and stem cell factor (SCF) was detected. Results: EA increased the ejection fraction after MI, reduced collagen deposition and cellular apoptosis, and increased the number of blood vessels compared with an untreated model group. EA significantly promoted cellular proliferation, except for myocardial cells, and significantly increased the number of c-kit-, CXCR4- and Sca-1-positive stem cells. Moreover, the expression of SDF-1 and SCF in myocardial tissue in the EA group was significantly higher than that in the (untreated) MI group. Conclusions: EA appears to promote angiogenesis and reduce collagen deposition, thus improving the cardiac function of rats with MI. The underlying mechanism of action may involve endogenous stem cell mobilization mediated by SDF-1/CXCR4 and SCF/c-kit.