Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cortical haemodynamic responses predict individual ability to recognise vocal emotions with uninformative pitch cues but do not distinguish different emotions

We investigated the cortical representation of emotional prosody in normal‐hearing listeners using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and behavioural assessments. Consistent with previous reports, listeners relied most heavily on F0 cues when recognizing emotion cues; performance was relatively poor—and highly variable between listeners—when only intensity and speech‐rate cues were available. Using fNIRS to image cortical activity to speech utterances containing natural and reduced prosodic cues, we found right superior temporal gyrus (STG) to be most sensitive to emotional prosody, but no emotion‐specific cortical activations, suggesting that while fNIRS might be suited to investigating cortical mechanisms supporting speech processing it is less suited to investigating cortical haemodynamic responses to individual vocal emotions. Manipulating emotional speech to render F0 cues less informative, we found the amplitude of the haemodynamic response in right STG to be significantly correlated with listeners' abilities to recognise vocal emotions with uninformative F0 cues. Specifically, listeners more able to assign emotions to speech with degraded F0 cues showed lower haemodynamic responses to these degraded signals. This suggests a potential objective measure of behavioural sensitivity to vocal emotions that might benefit neurodiverse populations less sensitive to emotional prosody or hearing‐impaired listeners, many of whom rely on listening technologies such as hearing aids and cochlear implants—neither of which restore, and often further degrade, the F0 cues essential to parsing emotional prosody conveyed in speech.
Is $A^{-1}$ an infinitesimal generator?

In this paper we study the question whether $A^{-1}$ is the infinitesimal generator of a bounded $C_0$-semigroup if $A$ generates a bounded $C_0$-semigroup. If the semigroup generated by $A$ is analytic and sectorially bounded, then the same holds for the semigroup generated by $A^{-1}$. However, we construct a contraction semigroup with growth bound minus infinity for which $A^{-1}$ does not generate a bounded semigroup. Using this example we construct an infinitesimal generator of a bounded semigroup for which its inverse does not generate a semigroup. Hence we show that the question posed by deLaubenfels in 1988 must be answered negatively. All these examples are on Banach spaces. On a Hilbert space the question whether the inverse of a generator of a bounded semigroup also generates a bounded semigroup still remains open.
Effectiveness of patient education as a stand-alone intervention for patients with chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

Objective Patient education is recommended as an integral component of the therapeutic plan for the management of chronic widespread pain (CWP) and fibromyalgia (FM). The key purpose of patient education is to increase the patient’s competence to manage his or her own health requirements, encouraging self-management and a return to desired everyday activities and lifestyle. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence for the benefits and potential harms associated with the use of patient education as a stand-alone intervention for individuals with CWP and FM through randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Method On 24 November 2021 a systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, American College of Rheumatology, European League Against Rheumatism, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform identified 2069 studies. After full-text screening, five RCT studies were found to be eligible for the qualitative evidence synthesis. Results Patient education as a stand-alone intervention presented an improvement in patients’ global assessment (standardized mean difference 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.13 to 1.46). When comparing patient education with usual care, no intervention, or waiting list, no differences were found for functioning, level of pain, emotional distress in regard to anxiety and depression, or pain cognition. Conclusion This review reveals the need for RCTs investigating patient education as a stand-alone intervention for patients with FM, measuring outcomes such as disease acceptance, health-related quality of life, enhancement of patients’ knowledge of pain, pain coping skills, and evaluation of prioritized learning outcomes.
Prevalence of amoebiasis and associated risk factors among population in Duhok city, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

INTRODUCTION Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is the third major contributor to human mortality and morbidity outside of malaria and schistosomiasis. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence of Entamoeba spp. among outpatients of two teaching hospitals in Duhok city who agreed to participate in the study from April 2021 to March 2022 to assess the impact of associated risk variables on the infection rate. METHODOLOGY Stool specimens were collected from outpatients suffering from diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms in two teaching hospitals: Azadi and Heevi Pediatric in Duhok city, Kurdistan Region- Iraq. The collected stool specimens were examined macroscopically, followed by microscopic examination using the direct wet mount and zinc sulfate flotation methods, respectively. RESULT Infection with Entamoeba species was recorded in 21.68% (562/2592) of the analyzed specimens. Males had a significantly higher infection rate than females (67.43% vs. 32.56%). This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.000). The highest rate was seen in the age group 1-10 years (p < 0.001). Lower levels of education, low incomes, eating unwashed fruits and vegetables, drinking well water, eating frequently outside of homes, not using antidiarrheal medications and living in overcrowded families were risk factors that showed high levels of infection (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The present study concluded that improving living conditions, providing clean water, and promoting health education programs are essential to reduce the rate of this disease among the population.
Management of pulmonary arterial hypertension during pregnancy

ABSTRACT Introduction Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure >20 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance >2 Wood Units (WU) on right-heart catheterization. Pregnancy is generally contraindicated in PAH, it is associated with high maternal mortality. Despite current recommendations, the number of women with PAH wishing to become pregnant is increasing. Specialist care is essential for preconception counseling, and the management of pregnancy and delivery in such patients. Areas covered We cover the physiology of pregnancy, and its effects on the cardiovascular system in PAH. We also discuss optimal management based on available evidence and guidance. Expert opinion Pregnancy should be avoided in most patients with PAH. Counseling on appropriate contraception should be offered routinely. Education of women with childbearing potential is essential and should start at the time of diagnosis of PAH, or the time of transition from pediatric to adult services in patients developing PAH in childhood. Women wishing to become pregnant should receive individualized risk assessment and optimization of PAH therapies via a dedicated specialist pre-pregnancy counseling service, to minimize risk and improve outcomes. Pregnant PAH patients should receive expert multidisciplinary management in a PH center, including close monitoring and early initiation of therapies.
Sparsifying transformations of photoacoustic signals enabling compressed sensing algorithms

Compressed sensing allows performing much fewer measurements than advised by the Shannon sampling theory. This is surprising because it requires the solution of a system of equations with much fewer equations than unknowns. This is possible if one can assume sparsity of the solution, which means that only a few components of the solution are significantly different from zero. An important ingredient for compressed sensing is the restricted isometry property (RIP) of the sensing matrix, which is satisfied for certain types of random measurement ensembles. Then a sparse solution can be found by minimizing the ℓ1-norm. Using standard approaches, photoacoustic imaging generally neither satisfies sparsity of the data nor the RIP. Therefore, no theoretical recovery guarantees could be given. Despite ℓ1- minimization has been used for photoacoustic image reconstruction, only marginal improvements in comparison to classical photoacoustic reconstruction have been observed. We propose the application of a sparsifying temporal transformation to the detected pressure signals, which allows obtaining theoretical recovery guarantees for our compressed sensing scheme. Such a sparsifying transform can be found because spatial and temporal evolution of the pressure wave are not independent, but connected by the wave equation. We give an example of a sparsifying transform and apply our compressed sensing scheme to reconstruct images from simulated data.
Visibility Measurement Using Backscattered Light

Abstract The suitability of backscattered light for the measurement of visibility is discussed on the basis of previous practical and theoretical investigations and of 2½ years' tests in routine meteorological work at the Meteorological Institute of the University of Berlin. Tests have demonstrated that backscatter devices indicate visibility equally as well as other types of visibility meters with an accuracy of about ±20%, provided that no completely abnormal distribution of aerosol particles occurs.
Implementation of a Population-Based Cancer Family History Screening Program for Lynch Syndrome

Objectives Lynch syndrome increases risks for colorectal and other cancers. Though published Lynch syndrome cancer risk-management guidelines are effective for risk-reduction, the condition remains under-recognized. The Cancer Genetics Program at an academic medical center implemented a population-based cancer family history screening program, Detecting Unaffected Individuals with Lynch syndrome, to aid in identification of individuals with Lynch syndrome. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, simple cancer family history screening questionnaires were used to identify those at risk for Lynch syndrome. Program navigators triaged and educated those who screened positive about hereditary cancer, and genetic counseling and testing services, offering genetic counseling if eligible. Genetic counseling was provided primarily via telephone. Genetic counselors performed hereditary cancer risk assessment and offered genetic testing via hereditary cancer panels to those eligible. Remote service delivery models via telephone genetic counseling and at-home saliva testing were used to increase access to medical genetics services. Results This program screened 212,827 individuals, over half of whom were considered underserved, and identified 133 clinically actionable genetic variants associated with hereditary cancer. Of these, 47 (35%) were associated with Lynch syndrome while notably, 70 (53%) were not associated with hereditary colorectal cancer. Of 3,344 patients offered genetic counseling after initial triage, 2,441 (73%) elected to schedule the appointment and 1,775 individuals (73%) completed genetic counseling. Among underserved patients, telephone genetic counseling completion rates were significantly higher than in-person appointment completion rates (P < .05). While remote service delivery improved appointment completion rates, challenges with genetic test completion using at-home saliva sample collection kits were observed, with 242 of 1592 individuals (15%) not completing testing. Conclusion Population-based cancer family history screening and navigation can help identify individuals with hereditary cancer syndromes across diverse patient populations, but logistics of certain downstream service delivery models can impact outcomes.
Representations of parenting autistic children: A critical interpretive synthesis

Abstract Background Many taken-for-granted expectations for parents in Western societies are situated in normative assumptions. Social constructions of ‘good’ parenting may be a poor fit for parents whose children’s development varies from a so-called typical trajectory. Normative assumptions about parenting can have harmful effects for parents of autistic children. Aims/Objectives This paper examines representations of parenting autistic children in contemporary research and considers the potential effects of these representations on these parents’ occupational possibilities. Methods Informed by a critical occupational perspective, a critical interpretive synthesis (CIS) of 27 research articles focussed on parenting autistic children was conducted. Findings Three major discursive threads were identified regarding how parents of autistic children are represented in research: gendered assumptions, caregiving as all-consuming, and disruption of normative expectations of parenting. Conclusions and significance Normative discourses about parenting were (re)produced within this body of research which may perpetuate limitations in the occupational possibilities of parents of autistic children. Critical investigation into contemporary research is necessary to challenge taken for granted expectations for parents of children with autism, to mitigate harmful effects for parents, to inform transformative OT practices and policies, and to promote equitable service provision.
Modulation of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system by phytochemicals: Therapeutic implications in malignancies with an emphasis on brain tumors

Regarding the multimechanistic nature of cancers, current chemo‐ or radiotherapies often fail to eradicate disease pathology, and frequent relapses or resistance to therapies occur. Brain malignancies, particularly glioblastomas, are difficult‐to‐treat cancers due to their highly malignant and multidimensional biology. Unfortunately, patients suffering from malignant tumors often experience poor prognoses and short survival periods. Thus far, significant efforts have been conducted to discover novel and more effective modalities. To that end, modulation of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS) has attracted tremendous interest since it affects the homeostasis of proteins critically engaged in various cell functions, for example, cell metabolism, survival, proliferation, and differentiation. With their safe and multimodal actions, phytochemicals are among the promising therapeutic tools capable of turning the operation of various UPS elements. The present review, along with an updated outline of the role of UPS dysregulation in multiple cancers, provided a detailed discussion on the impact of phytochemicals on the UPS function in malignancies, especially brain tumors.
Genetic basis of ecologically relevant body shape variation among four genera of cichlid fishes

Divergence in body shape is one of the most widespread and repeated patterns of morphological variation in fishes and is associated with habitat specification and swimming mechanics. Such ecological diversification is the first stage of the explosive adaptive radiation of cichlid fishes in the East African Rift Lakes. We use two hybrid crosses of cichlids (Metriaclima sp. × Aulonocara sp. and Labidochromis sp. × Labeotropheus sp., >975 animals total) to determine the genetic basis of body shape diversification that is similar to benthic‐pelagic divergence across fishes. Using a series of both linear and geometric shape measurements, we identified 34 quantitative trait loci (QTL) that underlie various aspects of body shape variation. These QTL are spread throughout the genome, each explaining 3.2–8.6% of phenotypic variation, and are largely modular. Further, QTL are distinct both between these two crosses of Lake Malawi cichlids and compared to previously identified QTL for body shape in fishes such as sticklebacks. We find that body shape is controlled by many genes of small effect. In all, we find that convergent body shape phenotypes commonly observed across fish clades are most likely due to distinct genetic and molecular mechanisms.
Geographical variation in antimicrobial use and multiresistant pathogens in Brazilian intensive care units: a nationwide study.

INTRODUCTION Geographical analyses of antibiotic use identify regions with the highest consumption and help design policies for strategic patient groups. METHODOLOGY We conducted a cross-sectional study based on official data available in July 2022 from Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa). Antibiotics are reported as a defined daily dose (DDD) per 1,000 patient-days, and central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is defined according to Anvisa criteria. We also considered multi-drug resistant (MDR) as the critical pathogens the World Health Organization listed. We measured antimicrobial use and CLABSI trends per ICU bed using the compound annual growth rate (CAGR). RESULTS we evaluated the regional variation in CLABSI by multidrug-resistant pathogens and the antimicrobial use in 1,836 hospital intensive care units (ICUs). In 2020, the leader in use in intensive care units (ICUs) in the North was piperacillin/tazobactam (DDD = 929.7) in the Northeast. Midwest and South were meropenem (DDD = 809.4 and DDD = 688.1, respectively), and Southeast was ceftriaxone (DDD = 751.1). The North has reduced polymyxin use (91.1%), and ciprofloxacin increased (439%) in the South. There was an increase in CLABSI by carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the North region (CAGR = 120.5%). Otherwise, CLABSI by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) increased in all regions except the North (CAGR = -62.2%), while that carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii increased in the Midwest (CAGR = 27.3%). CONCLUSIONS we found heterogeneity in antimicrobial use patterns and CLABSI etiology among Brazilian ICUs. Although Gram-negative bacilli were the primary responsible agent, we observed a notable increase trend of CLABSI by VRE.
Supporting recovery in persons with stress-related disorders: A reflective life world research study of health care professionals in primary health care in Sweden

ABSTRACT Purpose The study aimed to describe primary health care professionals lived experiences of supporting recovery in persons with stress-related disorders. Methods This study was based on a phenomenological approach known as reflective lifeworld research (RLR). Seventeen health care professionals working in primary health care were included in the study. Lifeworld interviews were conducted to collect data. The data were analysed in accordance with the phenomenological RLR principles of openness, flexibility and bridling. Results Health care professionals experienced supporting recovery as a complex process with a need for a tailored approach, regardless of profession. In an alliance, the health care professionals encounter the persons where they are based on their own narratives about their life situation. In an interpersonal platform, the health care professionals use a lingering and flexible approach. Support is provided by encouraging existential reflection and learning as well as guiding the person to consider their own needs. This supports the person’s quest for a sustainable recovery process in his/her life situation. Conclusions We conclude that supporting recovery requires a genuinely person-centred care in which elements of existential care are crucial. Primary health care for persons with stress-related disorders could benefit from the development of additional research and models for such an approach.
Understanding the limitations and application of occupational exposure models in a REACH context

Abstract Exposure modeling plays a significant role for regulatory organizations, companies, and professionals involved in assessing and managing occupational health risks in workplaces. One context in which occupational exposure models are particularly relevant is the REACH Regulation in the European Union (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006). This commentary describes the models for the occupational inhalation exposure assessment of chemicals within the REACH framework, their theoretical background, applications, and limitations, as well as the latest developments and priorities for model improvement. Summing up the debate, despite its relevance and importance in the context of REACH not being in question, occupational exposure modeling needs to be improved in many respects. There is a need to reach a wide consensus on several key issues (e.g., the theoretical background and the reliability of modeling tools), to consolidate and monitor model performance and regulatory acceptance, and to align practices and policies regarding exposure modeling.
Co-production as a resolution to authoritarian attitudes in healthcare

Healthcare services should be provided according to contemporary ethical norms that require patients’ active engagement in all the relevant processes. However, authoritarian attitudes and behaviors in healthcare, one of which is paternalism, put patients in a passive role. But, as Avedis Donabedian emphasizes, patients are co-producers of care, reformers of healthcare, informants, and definers and evaluators of quality. Overlooking these significant functions and merely focusing on physicians’ benevolence due to their medical knowledge and skills in the production of healthcare services would leave the fate of patients in the hands of clinicians and impose physicians’ hegemony on patients and their choices. Nevertheless, the concept of co-production is a practical and effective mechanism to redefine the language used in healthcare by recognizing patients as co-producers and equal partners. The application of co-production in healthcare would improve the therapeutic relationship, decrease ethical violations, and promote the patient’s dignity.