Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distinct and shared therapeutic neural mechanisms of mindfulness-based and social support stress reduction groups in adults with autism spectrum disorder

Background: Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) alleviates depression and anxiety in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, underlying therapeutic neural mechanisms and mindfulness-specific effects have yet to be elucidated. Methods: We randomly assigned adults with ASD to MBSR or social support/education (SE). They completed questionnaires that assessed depression, anxiety, mindfulness traits, autistic traits and executive functioning abilities as well as a self-reflection functional MRI task. We used repeated-measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to evaluate behavioural changes. To identify task-specific connectivity changes, we performed a generalized psychophysiological interactions (gPPI) functional connectivity (FC) analysis on regions of interest (ROIs; insula, amygdala, cingulum and prefrontal cortex [PFC]). We used Pearson correlations to explore brain–behaviour relationships. Results: Our final sample included 78 adults with ASD — 39 who received MBSR and 39 who received SE. Mindfulness-based stress reduction uniquely improved executive functioning abilities and increased mindfulness traits, whereas both MBSR and SE groups showed reductions in depression, anxiety and autistic traits. Decreases specific to MBSR in insula–thalamus FC were associated with anxiety reduction and increased mindfulness traits, including the trait “nonjudgment;” MBSR-specific decreases in PFC–posterior cingulate connectivity correlated with improved working memory. Both groups showed decreased amygdala–sensorimotor and medial–lateral PFC connectivity, which corresponded with reduced depression. Limitations: Larger sample sizes and neuropsychological evaluations are needed to replicate and extend these findings. Conclusion: Together, our findings suggest that MBSR and SE are similarly efficacious for depression, anxiety and autistic traits, whereas MBSR produced additional salutary effects related to executive functioning and mindfulness traits. Findings from gPPI identified shared and distinct therapeutic neural mechanisms, implicating the default mode and salience networks. Our results mark an early step toward the development of personalized medicine for psychiatric symptoms in ASD and offer novel neural targets for future neurostimulation research. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04017793.
Educational attainment and trajectories at key stages of schooling for children with amblyopia compared to those without eye conditions: Findings from the Millennium Cohort Study

Background Amblyopia is a neurodevelopmental condition resulting in reduced vision for which whole population child vision screening is undertaken. Cross-sectional studies have established an association between amblyopia and lower academic self-concept, slower reading speed. No difference has been found in educational performance in adolescence whilst there are mixed associations with educational attainment in adults. Educational trajectories and intentions have not been studied previously. We analyse if those treated for amblyopia have different educational performance and trajectories for core subjects during statutory schooling, or subsequent higher education (university) intentions than their peers without eye conditions. Methods and findings Data from the Millennium Cohort Study of children born in the United Kingdom in 2000–01 and followed-up to age 17 years (n = 9989). Using a validated approach drawing on parental self-report on eye conditions and treatment coded by clinical reviewers, participants were grouped into mutually exclusive categories: no eye conditions, strabismus alone, refractive amblyopia, strabismic/mixed (refractive plus strabismic) amblyopia. The outcomes were levels and trajectories of passing English, Maths, Science at ages 7–16 years, passing national exams at age 16, and intentions at ages 14–17 to pursue higher (university) education. Adjusted analyses showed that amblyopia status was not associated with performance in English, Maths, and Science at any key stage, attainment in national exams, or intending to go to university. Similarly, the age-related trajectories of performance in core subjects and higher education intentions did not differ between the groups. There were no significant differences in main reason for having or not having university intentions. Conclusions We found no associations between a history of amblyopia and either adverse performance or age-related attainment trajectories in core subjects during key stages of statutory schooling as well as the absence of an association with intentions for higher education. These results should be reassuring to affected children and young people, and their families, teachers and physicians.
Another advantage of multi-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis that can putatively subdivide enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 strains into clades by maximum a posteriori estimation

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 (O157) strains can be subdivided into clades based on their single-nucleotide polymorphisms, but such analysis using conventional methods requires intense effort by laboratories. Although multi-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA), which can be performed with low laboratory burden, has been used as a molecular epidemiological tool, it has not been evaluated whether MLVA can be used the clade subdivision of O157 strains like it can for that of other pathogenic bacteria. This study aimed to establish a method for subdividing O157 strains into clades using MLVA data. The standardized index of association, ISA, for O157 strains isolated in Chiba prefecture, Japan (Chiba isolates) revealed the presence of unique tandem repeat patterns in each major clade (clades 2, 3, 7, 8, and 12). A likelihood database of tandem repeats for these clades was then constructed using the Chiba isolates, and a formula for maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation was constructed. The ratio of the number of O157 strains putatively subdivided into a clade by MAP estimation from MLVA data relative to the number of O157 strains subdivided using single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis (designated as the concordance ratio [CR]) was calculated using the Chiba isolates and O157 strains isolated in Yamagata prefecture (Yamagata isolates). The CRs for the major Chiba and Yamagata isolate clades, other than clade 2, were 89%–100%. Although the CR for clade 2 Chiba isolates was >95%, that of the Yamagata isolates was only 78.9%. However, these clade 2 CRs were not significantly different from one another, indicating that clade 2 strains can be subdivided correctly by MAP estimation. In conclusion, this study expands the utility of MLVA, previously applied predominantly for molecular epidemiological analysis, into a low-laboratory-burden tool for subdividing O157 strains into phylogenetic groups.
The Bergman Kernel on Hua Domain of the Second Type

In this paper the Bergman kernel function s computed in explicit formula for the Hua domain of the second type. There are two key steps: One is to get the holomorphic automorphism group for the Hua domain such that each element of this group maps the inner points (W 1, W 2, Z 0) onto (W * 1, W * 2, 0); another one is to introduce the notion of semi Reinhardt domain and to compute the complete orthonormal system for the semi Reinhardt domain.
Free radical scavenging activity of gallic acid toward various reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur species: a DFT approach

Abstract Gallic acid is a well-recognized naturally occurring compound possessing antioxidant activities. The free radical scavenging ability of gallic acid for fifty reactive species, such as oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur-containing species, has been studied using the formal hydrogen atom transfer mechanism. The theoretical studies have been conducted in the gas phase and aqueous solution at M05-2X/6-311++G** level using the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The relative damaging potential of all the reactive species has been compared by investigating their hydrogen atom and electron affinity. Furthermore, a comparison of their relative reactivity was made by evaluating several global chemical reactivity descriptors. Additionally, the feasibility of scavenging the species by gallic acid has been studied by computing the redox potentials and equilibrium constants for the overall process in the aqueous solution. Graphical Abstract
Butorphanol, Azaperone, and Medetomidine for Chemical Immobilization in Free-Ranging Shiras (Alces alces shirasi) Moose: Ground and Helicopter Darting in Wyoming, USA

Abstract: We chemically immobilized a free-ranging moose subspecies, Shiras moose (Alces alces shirasi), using a combination of butorphanol (27.3 mg/mL), azaperone (9.1 mg/mL), and medetomidine (10.9 mg/mL). Ground and helicopter darting with fixed doses of 2 mL and 3 mL, respectively, safely immobilized 13 individuals in Wyoming, USA.
Moral injury associated with increased odds of past-year mental health disorders: a Canadian Armed Forces examination

ABSTRACT Background: Potentially morally injurious experiences (PMIEs) are common during military service. However, it is unclear to what extent PMIEs are related to well-established adverse mental health outcomes. Objective: The objective of this study was to use a population-based survey to determine the associations between moral injury endorsement and the presence of past-year mental health disorders in Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel and Veterans. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2018 Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-up Survey (CAFVMHS). With a sample of 2,941 respondents, the weighted survey sample represented 18,120 active duty and 34,380 released CAF personnel. Multiple logistic regressions were used to assess the associations between sociodemographic characteristics (e.g. sex), military factors (e.g. rank), moral injury (using the Moral Injury Events Scale [MIES]) and the presence of specific mental health disorders (major depressive episode, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, PTSD, and suicidality). Results: While adjusting for selected sociodemographic and military factors, the odds of experiencing any past-year mental health disorder were 1.97 times greater (95% CI = 1.94–2.01) for each one-unit increase in total MIES score. Specifically, PTSD had 1.91 times greater odds (95% CI = 1.87–1.96) of being endorsed for every unit increase in MIES total score, while odds of past-year panic disorder or social anxiety were each 1.86 times greater (95% CI = 1.82–1.90) for every unit increase in total MIES score. All findings reported were statistically significant (p < .001). Conclusion: These findings emphasize that PMIEs are robustly associated with the presence of adverse mental health outcomes among Canadian military personnel. The results of this project further underscore the necessity of addressing moral injury alongside other mental health concerns within the CAF. HIGHLIGHTS Potentially morally injurious experiences are common during military service, but it is poorly understood how these experiences are related to other mental health disorders in Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans. Following a series of multiple logistic regressions, the odds of experiencing a past-year mental health disorder were 1.97 (95% CI: = 1.94–2.01) times greater per unit increase in total Moral Injury Events Scale score. This emphasizes the association between morally injurious events and deleterious mental health outcomes in Canadian military personnel, and further highlights the importance of addressing moral injury in this population.
New-onset and flares of psoriasis after COVID-19 infection or vaccination successfully treated with biologics: a case series

Since the worldwide spreading COVID-19 pandemic from early 2020 onwards, several cutaneous manifestations of SARS-CoV2 infection have been described. Similarly, with the start of the global vaccination campaign, reports of new onset or exacerbation of inflammatory dermatoses have been reported. In particular, numerous case reports of psoriasis flares after COVID-19 infection and/or vaccination have recently been published.Our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of anti-interleukin (IL) biologic drugs for the treatment of severe flares of psoriasis following COVID-19 infection or vaccination.Twenty-eight patients with a diagnosis of moderate-to-severe psoriasis following COVID-19 infection or vaccination or patients with a severe flare of previously untreated mild plaque psoriasis, all treated with biologics, were enrolled in this study.After 16 weeks of treatment, the mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index decreased from 13.65 to 0.77, with 16 patients (57.14%) achieving complete skin clearance.In our study, we underline a high-effectiveness profile of different biological drugs in treating psoriasis flares induced by COVID-19 vaccination and/or infection. Our data support the role of biologics in preventing severe flares of psoriasis despite possible concomitant inflammatory triggers, such as infections or vaccines.
Lyapunov's Second Method for Random Dynamical Systems

Abstract The method of Lyapunov functions (Lyapunov's second or direct method) was originally developed for studying the stability of a fixed point of an autonomous or non-autonomous differential equation. It was then extended from fixed points to sets, from differential equations to dynamical systems and to stochastic differential equations. We go one step further and develop Lyapunov's second method for random dynamical systems and random sets, together with matching notions of attraction and stability. As a consequence, Lyapunov functions will also be random. Our test is that the extension be coherent in the sense that it reduces to the deterministic theory in case the noise is absent, and that we can prove that a random set is asymptotically stable if and only if it has a Lyapunov function. Several examples are treated, including the stochastic Lorenz system.
Rapid genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in a dense urban community of Kathmandu Valley using sewage samples

Understanding disease burden and transmission dynamics in resource-limited, low-income countries like Nepal are often challenging due to inadequate surveillance systems. These issues are exacerbated by limited access to diagnostic and research facilities throughout the country. Nepal has one of the highest COVID-19 case rates (915 cases per 100,000 people) in South Asia, with densely-populated Kathmandu experiencing the highest number of cases. Swiftly identifying case clusters (hotspots) and introducing effective intervention programs is crucial to mounting an effective containment strategy. The rapid identification of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants can also provide important information on viral evolution and epidemiology. Genomic-based environmental surveillance can help in the early detection of outbreaks before clinical cases are recognized and identify viral micro-diversity that can be used for designing real-time risk-based interventions. This research aimed to develop a genomic-based environmental surveillance system by detecting and characterizing SARS-CoV-2 in sewage samples of Kathmandu using portable next-generation DNA sequencing devices. Out of 22 sites in the Kathmandu Valley from June to August 2020, sewage samples from 16 (80%) sites had detectable SARS-CoV-2. A heatmap was created to visualize the presence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the community based on viral load intensity and corresponding geospatial data. Further, 47 mutations were observed in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Some detected mutations (n = 9, 22%) were novel at the time of data analysis and yet to be reported in the global database, with one indicating a frameshift deletion in the spike gene. SNP analysis revealed possibility of assessing circulating major/minor variant diversity on environmental samples based on key mutations. Our study demonstrated the feasibility of rapidly obtaining vital information on community transmission and disease dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 using genomic-based environmental surveillance.
Direct‐to‐consumer genetic tests providing health risk information: A systematic review of consequences for consumers and health services

Direct‐to‐consumer genetic tests (DTC‐GT) offer a variety of genetic health risk information. Understanding evidence of impacts is required for effective policy to protect consumers and healthcare services. We undertook a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines, searching five literature databases for articles assessing analytic or clinical validity, or reporting consumer or healthcare professional experience with health risk information derived from DTC‐GT, published between November 2014 and July 2020. We performed a thematic synthesis to identify descriptive and analytical themes. Forty‐three papers met inclusion criteria. Many consumers submit raw DTC‐GT data for third‐party interpretation (TPI). DTC‐GT sometimes report ‘false positive’ or incorrectly interpreted rare variants, or that such information can result from TPI. Consumers have high expectations of DTC‐GT and TPI, and are broadly satisfied, although many do not act on results. A minority of consumers experience adverse psychological impacts. Healthcare consultations can be complex, and professionals have reservations about the validity and utility of DTC‐GT‐derived information. The contrast between consumer and health professional perceptions can result in mutual dissatisfaction with consultations. Health risk information from DTC‐GT and TPI is broadly valued by consumers but presents complex challenges for healthcare services and some consumers.
Particle Dispersion in Turbulent Flow: The effect of particle size distribution†

The measured velocity fluctuation of particles in dispersed twophase flow systems is discussed and an interpretation of particle velocity statistics is given. Besides the turbulent velocity fluctuations resulting from the particle's response to the fluid turbulence, two additional apparent fluctuation components may be distinguished, caused by inertial effects of the particles and by a polydisperse particle phase. Especially for larger particles inertial effects may become important and therefore the particle motion in the flow field is strongly governed by the inlet conditions, namely the instantaneous particle velocity. Therefore, the measured axial particle velocity fluctuation at a given location may be considerably increased as particles from different starting locations with different initial velocities may cross the same measuring point. This dynamic particle behaviour is demonstrated by the numerical simulation of particle trajectories in a given flow field. The results show the importance of including appropriate inlet conditions for the numerical prediction of particulate two-phase flows. Further, in experimental realizations of particulate two-phase flows, the particles usually exhibit a certain size distribution. Owing to the different responses of the different sized particles to both the mean flow field and the turbulence characteristics of the flow, the measured particle velocity fluctuations are higher than in the comparable monodisperse case. Therefore, the particle size distribution was taken into account in the present numerical calculations in order to obtain results which are comparable to the corresponding experiments. In this numerical simulation the particle mean velocity and the rms value of the velocity fluctuation were obtained by averaging over the whole particle size distribution and then compared with the measured values. Calculations are presented for two different shaped particle size distributions with a different mean size and compared with calculations with a monosized particle material and experimental results. Further, the behaviour of the different sized particles in the particle size distribution is discussed by considering the changes in the particle size distribution and the particle velocity distribution throughout the flow field.
Defining dyssynchrony: The ongoing search for cardiac resynchronization therapy “response”

The first trial to demonstrate the benefits of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) was published in 2001. The single-blind crossover study demonstrated significant improvement in quality of life, NYHA class, and 6 minute walk test for patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction less than 35%, NYHA class III, an enlarged left ventricle, and a QRS duration greater than 150 ms.1 CRT represented an exciting advancement in cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) therapy. While implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) had been in use for decades and represented a reliable, life-saving measure to treat fatal ventricular arrhythmias, for the first time, there was a device therapy that could improve quality of life for heart failure patients. The CARE-HF trial went on to demonstrate reduction in hospitalization and mortality in a similar population, and subsequent studies, such as MADIT-CRT suggested that the benefits extended to patients with NYHA class I or II.2,3 This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Oceanographic connectivity explains the intra-specific diversity of mangrove forests at global scales

Significance Among the multiple drivers shaping the intra-specific diversity (i.e., genetic diversity) of mangrove forests, the role of connectivity driven by ocean currents has not been well defined at global scales, despite its potential role in regulating population gene flow. Using biophysical modeling and empirical genetic data, we show that oceanographic connectivity can explain population genetic differentiation in mangroves, regardless of the species, region, and genetic marker, overcoming classical approaches based on geographic distance. Ocean currents can either create barriers that isolate populations and increase differentiation levels or promote long-distance dispersal responsible for first settlements and broadscale biogeographical patterns. These findings are relevant for mangroves’ biogeography and evolution, as well as management strategies considering climate change and genetic biodiversity conservation.
On the nonlinear destabilization of stably stratified shear flow

Abstract A weakly nonlinear analysis of the bifurcation of the stratified Ekman boundary-layer flow near a critical bulk Richardson number is conducted and compared to a similar analysis of a continuously stratified parallel shear flow subject to Kelvin–Helmholtz instability. Previous work based on asymptotic expansions and predicting supercritical bifurcation at Prandtl number $Pr\lt 1$ and subcritical bifurcation at $Pr\gt 1$ for the parallel base flow is confirmed numerically and through fully nonlinear temporal simulations. When applied to the non-parallel Ekman flow, weakly nonlinear analysis and fully nonlinear calculations confirm that the nature of the bifurcation is dominantly controlled by $Pr$ , although a sharp threshold at $Pr= 1$ is not found. In both flows the underlying physical mechanism is that the mean flow adjusts so as to induce a viscous (respectively diffusive) flux of momentum (respectively buoyancy) that balances the vertical flux induced by the developing instability, leading to a weakening of the mean shear and mean stratification. The competition between the former nonlinear feedback, which tends to be stabilizing, and the latter, which is destabilizing and strongly amplified as $Pr$ increases, determines the supercritical or subcritical character of the bifurcation. That essentially the same competition is at play in both the parallel shear flow and the Ekman flow suggests that the underlying mechanism is valid for complex, non-parallel stratified shear flows.