Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Postmarketing Follow-Up of a Digital Home Exercise Program for Back, Hip, and Knee Pain: Retrospective Observational Study With a Time-Series and Matched-Pair Analysis

Background Musculoskeletal conditions are the main drivers of global disease burden and cause significant direct and indirect health care costs. Digital health applications improve the availability of and access to adequate care. The German health care system established a pathway for the approval of “Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen” (DiGAs; Digital Health Applications) as collectively funded medical services through the “Digitale-Versorgung-Gesetz” (Digital Health Care Act) in 2019. Objective This article presents real-world prescription data collected through the smartphone-based home exercise program “Vivira,” a fully approved DiGA, regarding its effect on self-reported pain intensity and physical inability in patients with unspecific and degenerative pain in the back, hip, and knee. Methods This study included 3629 patients (71.8% [2607/3629] female; mean age 47 years, SD 14.2 years). The primary outcome was the self-reported pain score, which was assessed with a verbal numerical rating scale. The secondary outcomes were self-reported function scores. To analyze the primary outcome, we used a 2-sided Skillings-Mack test. For function scores, a time analysis was not feasible; therefore, we calculated matched pairs using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results Our results showed significant reductions in self-reported pain intensity after 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks in the Skillings-Mack test (T3628=5308; P<.001). The changes were within the range of a clinically relevant improvement. Function scores showed a generally positive yet more variable response across the pain areas (back, hip, and knee). Conclusions This study presents postmarketing observational data from one of the first DiGAs for unspecific and degenerative musculoskeletal pain. We noted significant improvements in self-reported pain intensity throughout the observation period of 12 weeks, which reached clinical relevance. Additionally, we identified a complex response pattern of the function scores assessed. Lastly, we highlighted the challenges of relevant attrition at follow-up and the potential opportunities for evaluating digital health applications. Although our findings do not have confirmatory power, they illustrate the potential benefits of digital health applications to improve the availability of and access to medical care. Trial Registration German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00024051; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00024051
An adaptive nonlinear output feedback controller using dynamic bounding with an aircraft control application

An adaptive output feedback control scheme is developed for a class of nonlinear systems with uncertain nonlinearities, which are bounded by both static and dynamic functions of the system output, and with actuator failures whose failure time instants, patterns and values are unknown, as motivated from an aircraft flight control application. An adaptive backstepping control law using dynamic bounding is constructed to deal with unknown actuator failures as well as system parameter and dynamics uncertainties to guarantee desired system performance. Complete stability and performance analysis and illustrative simulation results of an application to aircraft flight control are presented. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forgiving lark, resentful owl: Self-control mediates the relationship between chronotype and forgiveness

ABSTRACT Considerable evidence shows that nocturnal chronotypes have increased odds of mental health problems, poor academic performance, and impairment in executive functions. Although the cognitive and health costs of evening-oriented preference are well-documented in the literature, little is known about its interpersonal costs. In this article, we propose that people with a preference for an evening chronotype show a lower tendency to forgive following an interpersonal offense because of their lower self-control ability. Three studies using independent samples and complementary measures reveal that morning-evening preference plays a role in the emergence of forgiveness, which provides support for our theoretical perspective. In Study 1, we found that evening-type students were less forgiving when responding to a transgression than morning-type students. Employing a longer measure of forgiveness and a more representative population, Study 2 replicated our initial findings and supported our hypothesis regarding the mediating role of self-control. To circumvent methodological issues associated with self-report data, Study 3 used a behavioral measure of forgiveness and revealed that chronotype can also predict actual forgiving behavior in a laboratory setting. Together, these findings suggest that diurnal preference towards eveningness not only imposes threats on people’s health, but can also incur interpersonal costs.
A workers’ health surveillance online training programme for occupational physicians

Abstract Background To support occupational physicians (OPs) in the implementation of workers’ health surveillance (WHS), a training programme was developed. Aims (i) To evaluate the effects of a WHS training programme for OPs on knowledge, self-efficacy and skills to implement WHS. (ii) To evaluate to what extent a WHS training programme is acceptable and feasible for implementation in practice. Methods A single-blinded randomized controlled trial with waiting-list control group was used. The WHS training programme consisted of an e-learning and a 4.5-h online training session. OPs completed a knowledge test (0–8), self-efficacy questionnaires on knowledge and skills (6–60), and vignette assignments (0–16) to measure skills. OPs completed the questionnaires, either before and after the WHS training programme (intervention group), or before the training programme (control group) while receiving the training programme after the waiting period. All OPs completed questionnaires about the training’s acceptability, and feasibility for implementation in practice. ANCOVA and Poisson regression analyses were conducted. Results The self-efficacy score (M = 44.1 versus M = 37.2) (P < 0.001) and skills score (M = 9.6 versus M = 8.3) (P < 0.05) of OPs in the training group (N = 16) were higher than the control group (N = 23). No effect was found on knowledge. Evaluation of acceptability and feasibility showed that 21 (58%) OPs were very satisfied with the training part on initiating WHS, and 29 (85%) would recommend the WHS training programme to colleagues. Conclusions This WHS training programme has a positive effect on self-efficacy and skills of OPs to implement WHS, and may be acceptable and feasible to implement in practice.
The generation of adaptive law structures for globally convergent adaptive observers

Observing the state of an unknown linear system by means of a parametrized representation of the standard Luenberger observer with an additional adaptive loop (adaptive observer) is considered. A general technique on how to construct suitable adaptive laws for this additional loop is presented and it is proven that these adaptive laws always result in global and arbitrarily fast convergence of the adaptive process. Because the adaptive laws can assume a variety of different structures, both structural and parametric degrees of freedom in the adaptive law (rather than the so far available parametric degrees alone) are obtained, which can be used in a future optimization of the adaptive observer performance.
Cholestasis impairs gut microbiota development and bile salt hydrolase activity in preterm neonates

ABSTRACT Cholestasis refers to impaired bile flow from the liver to the intestine. In neonates, cholestasis causes poor growth and may progress to liver failure and death. Normal bile flow requires an intact liver-gut-microbiome axis, whereby liver-derived primary bile acids are transformed into secondary bile acids. Microbial bile salt hydrolase (BSH) enzymes are responsible for the first step, deconjugating glycine- and taurine-conjugated primary bile acids. Cholestatic neonates often are treated with the potent choleretic bile acid ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), although interactions between UDCA, gut microbes, and other bile acids are poorly understood. To gain insight into how the liver-gut-microbiome axis develops in extreme prematurity and how cholestasis alters this maturation, we conducted a nested case-control study collecting 124 stool samples longitudinally from 24 preterm infants born at mean 27.2 ± 1.8 weeks gestation and 946 ± 249.6 g, half of whom developed physiologic cholestasis. Samples were analyzed by whole metagenomic sequencing, in vitro BSH enzyme activity assays optimized for low biomass fecal samples, and quantitative mass spectrometry to measure the bile acid metabolome. In extremely preterm neonates, acquisition of the secondary bile acid biosynthesis pathway and BSH genes carried by Clostridium perfringens are the most prominent features of early microbiome development. Cholestasis interrupts this developmental pattern. BSH gene abundance and enzyme activity are profoundly reduced in cholestatic neonates, resulting in decreased quantities of unconjugated bile acids. UDCA restores total fecal bile acid levels in cholestatic neonates, but this is due to a 522-fold increase in fecal UDCA. A majority of bile acids in early development are atypical positional and stereo-isomers of bile acids. We report novel associations linking isomeric bile acids and BSH activity to neonatal growth trajectories. These data highlight deconjugation of bile acids as a key microbial function that is acquired in early neonatal development and impaired by cholestasis.
Nanomechanical properties of pure and doped Ta2O5 and the effect of microwave irradiation

The nanomechanical properties of pure and doped Ta2O5 films (100 nm) on Si, and the effect of short time (10 s) microwave irradiation are studied by nanoindentation testing. The local mechanical parameters as determined by the force measuring ability of atomic force microscopy are compared with the data from both the Oliver–Pharr nanoindentation technique and the continuous stiffness measurements. The impact of the dopant type (Hf and Al) on the surface morphology, elastic modulus and hardness of the films is determined. The results reveal an increase in elastic modulus and hardness after the doping. The irradiation produces a little lower values of mechanical parameters. The results are discussed in juxtaposition with the established previously strong effect of irradiation on the electrical properties of Ta2O5-based stacks. From device perspective point of view Hf-doped Ta2O5 is noteworthy for micro-electro-mechanical system applications.
Association between venous thromboembolism rates and different prophylactic anticoagulation regimens in patients undergoing free flap reconstruction of the head and neck region

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication after free tissue transfer to the head and neck (H&N). However, an optimal antithrombotic prophylaxis protocol is not defined in the literature. Enoxaparin 30 mg twice daily (BID) and heparin 5000 IU three times daily (TID) are among the most commonly used regimens for chemoprophylaxis. However, no studies compare these two agents in the H&N population.
Magnetic domain wall dynamics in a permalloy nanowire

Experimental results of domain wall propagation velocity as a function of applied field in a 200-nm-wide permalloy nanostructure are presented. The structure was fabricated by focused-ion beam milling and designed to separate the domain wall nucleation from propagation. The measured velocities are very high, up to 1500 m/s at 49 Oe and the field dependence of the velocity is interpreted in terms of thermally activated wall motion through a series of pinning sites and a wall geometry that changes as a function of field.
Cusp Type Anomalies in Variable Frequency Ionospheric Records

Anomalous cusps which frequently appear at the high frequency end of ionosonde records of the F2. region are explained as the result of modification of the ion distribution during the passage of typical travelling disturbances. They indicate the presence, not of vertical stratification but of horizontal gradients of ionization causing oblique reflection. It is suggested that other anomalous cusps are of similar origin.
A theoretical study of a cutting air plasma torch

A theoretical three-dimensional axisymmetric model of the complex flow and plasma properties of cutting plasma torches have been developed. For cutting metallic plates, plasma torches must produce a narrow supersonic plasma jet with enough energy and momentum densities to melt, vaporize, and remove the metal from the impingement region. Our model allows us to study the details of the flow and to make predictions on arc voltage, heat transfer to the workpiece, force, and pressure exerted by the plasma jet on the material at the cutting zone. A good agreement is found between the model results and the available experimental data.
B Lineage Cells and IgE in Allergic Rhinitis and CRSwNP and the Role of Omalizumab Treatment

Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are two prevalent nasal diseases where both type 2 inflammation and immunoglobulin E (IgE) may play important roles. Although they can exist independently or comorbidly, subtle but important differences exist in immunopathogenesis. Objective To summarize current knowledge of pathophysiological roles of B lineage cells and IgE in AR and CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Methods Searched PubMed database, reviewed AR and CRSwNP-related literature, and discussed disease diagnosis, comorbidity, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment. Similarities and differences in B-cell biology and IgE are compared in the 2 conditions. Results Both AR and CRSwNP have evidence for pathological type 2 inflammation, B-cell activation and differentiation, and IgE production. However, distinctions exist in the clinical and serological profiles at diagnosis, as well as treatments utilized. B-cell activation in AR may more frequently be regulated in the germinal center of lymphoid follicles, whereas CRSwNP may occur via extrafollicular pathways although controversies remain in these initial activating events. Oligoclonal and antigen-specific IgE maybe predominate in AR, but polyclonal and antigen-nonspecific IgE may predominate in CRSwNP. Omalizumab has been shown efficacious in treating both AR and CRSwNP in multiple clinical trials but is the only Food and Drug Administration-approved anti-IgE biologic to treat CRSwNP or allergic asthma. Staphylococcus aureus frequently colonizes the nasal airway and has the ability to activate type two responses including B-cell responses although the extent to which it modulates AR and CRSwNP disease severity is being investigated. Conclusion This review highlights current knowledge of the roles of B cells and IgE in the pathogenesis of AR and CRSwNP and a small comparison between the 2 diseases. More systemic studies should be done to elevate the understanding of these diseases and their treatment.
Upper limits to the CO J = 1-0 emission around Vega-like stars - Gas depletion of the circumstellar ring around Epsilon Eridani

We searched for 12 CO J=1-0 emission toward six Vega-like stars but could find no evidence for emission. A typical 3 σ upper limit is about T A * =100 mK within a 15″ beam and a 1 km s −1 velocity resolution. If the circumstellar material has the same composition as the molecular cloud, much stronger CO emission is expected for E Eri, α Lyr, and α PsA. Except for e Eri, CO photodissociation by the stellar UV radiation might be able to explain the CO depletion, whereas the CO emission should have been detected for e Eri as long as the gas-to-dust ratio remains 100
Domestic Violence in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Synthesis of Systematic Reviews

The current systematic meta-review aimed to map out, characterize, analyze, and synthesize the overarching findings of systematic reviews on domestic violence (DV) in the context of COVID-19. Specifically, a systematic meta-review was conducted with three main objectives: (1) to identify what types and aspects of DV during COVID-19 have been reviewed systematically to date (research trends), (2) to synthesize the findings from recent systematic reviews of the theoretical and empirical literature (main findings), and (3) to discuss what systematic reviewers have proposed about implications for policy and practice as well as for future primary research (implications). We identified, appraised, and synthesized the evidence contained in systematic reviews by means of a so-called systematic meta-review. In all, 15 systematic reviews were found to be eligible for inclusion in the current review. Thematic codes were applied to each finding or implication in accordance with a set of predetermined categories informed by the DV literature. The findings of this review provide clear insight into current knowledge of prevalence, incidence, and contributing factors, which could help to develop evidence-informed DV prevention and intervention strategies during COVID-19 and future extreme events. This systematic meta-review does offer a first comprehensive overview of the research landscape on this subject. It allows scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to recognize initial patterns in DV during COVID-19, identify overlooked areas that need to be investigated and understood further, and adjust research methods that will lead to more robust studies.
Histone deacetylase inhibitors as a potential new treatment for psoriatic disease and other inflammatory conditions

Abstract Collectively known as psoriatic disease, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are immune-mediated inflammatory diseases in which patients present with cutaneous and musculoskeletal inflammation. Affecting roughly 2–3% of the world’s total population, there remains unmet therapeutic needs in both psoriasis and PsA despite the availability of current immunomodulatory treatments. As a result, patients with psoriatic disease often experience reduced quality of life. Recently, a class of small molecules, commonly investigated as anti-cancer agents, called histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, have been proposed as a new promising anti-inflammatory treatment for immune- and inflammatory-related diseases. In inflammatory diseases, current evidence is derived from studies on diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and while there are some reports studying psoriasis, data on PsA patients are not yet available. In this review, we provide a brief overview of psoriatic disease, psoriasis, and PsA, as well as HDACs, and discuss the rationale behind the potential use of HDAC inhibitors in the management of persistent inflammation to suggest its possible use in psoriatic disease.
Not all #complaints are equally contagious: an Instagram experiment

Abstract Instagram has been perceived as the least appropriate platform to express negativity online, yet the number of posts tagged under #complain, #complaint, #complaints, and #complaining are increasing. We conducted a controlled web-based experiment to examine the extent to which exposure to other’s quotes of complaints contributed to increased similarity in emotions for the audience (i.e., digital emotion contagion). Participants (n = 591 Instagram users in Indonesia; 82.23% females; Mage = 28.06, SD = 6.39) were randomly assigned to exposure of complaint quotes containing seven basic emotions. We found that exposure to three of the five complaint quotes (i.e., anger, disgust, and sadness) induced similar emotions in the participants while the two other complaint quotes (i.e., fear and anxiety) induced overlapping emotions, but a non-complaint quote (i.e., desire and satisfaction) induced alternative emotions. Taken together, digital emotion contagion was likely produced by exposure to complaint quotes, while exposure to non-complaint quotes induced different, possibly complementary-like, emotions. Although these findings should be considered as a snapshot of the complex emotional dynamics online, it highlights that exposure to simple Instagram quotes has the potential to go beyond mere contagion.
Construction of Meta-Thinking Educational Program Based on Mental-Brain Simulation (MTMBS) and Evaluating its Effectiveness on Executive Functions, Emotion Regulation, and Impulsivity in Children With ADHD: A Resting-State Functional MRI Study

Objective: The aim of present research was to make a Meta-Thinking educational program based on mental-brain simulation and to evaluate its effectiveness on executive functions, emotion regulation and impulsivity in children with ADHD. Methods: The research method was Embedded Design: Embedded Experimental Model. The research sample included 32 children with ADHD who were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. The intervention was implemented for eight sessions of 1.5 hr for the experimental group, and fMRI images were taken from them, while the control group didn’t receive any treatment. Finally, using semi-structured interviews, coherent information was collected from the parents of the experimental group about the changes made. Data were analyzed with SPSS-24, MAXQDA, fMRIprep, and FSL software. Results: The Meta-Thinking Educational Program had effect on performance of ADHD children and suppressed brain regions related to DMN. Conclusion: The Implementation of this educational program plays a vital role in improving psychological problems of children with ADHD.
Simplified calculation of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis rate: Accuracy of a recently developed estimating equation

Recently, we validated a simple method for estimating peritoneal dialysis (PD) peritonitis rate. Despite good agreement between estimates and gold-standard measurements in two large dialysis registries, the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) was hesitant to recommend adoption of the estimating equation. Their perception is that inaccuracies, as small as they are, might still be detrimental to clinical decision-making. In this study, we apply new analyses to the original validation data sets. We quantify agreement using standards from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). We also identify a subset of centres with poorest performance of the estimating equation and qualitatively assess the potential for compromised clinical decision-making associated with its use. Inter-assay % coefficient of variation between estimates and measurements was 4.2% in the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry and 4.6% in Le Registre de Dialyse Péritonéale de Langue Française, easily meeting ISO requirements. Mandel’s h values and Grubb’s tests confirmed more outlying estimates compared to the measurements, while Mandel’s k values and Cochran’s C tests showed that identical precision by the two methods. Misclassification of centres as being above versus below the ISPD standard of 0.4 episodes/patient-year occurred only with rates close to the threshold, affecting approximately 3% of patient-years. In the 26 (out of 268) centres with poorest performance of the estimating equation, examination of the time series of their annual PD peritonitis rate estimates/measurements showed that using estimates would not detrimental to clinical decision-making. In conclusion, the estimating equation is sufficiently accurate for routine clinical use.