Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Task-induced changes in brain entropy

Entropy indicates irregularity of a dynamic system with higher entropy indicating higher irregularity and more transit states. In the human brain, regional brain entropy (BEN) has been increasingly assessed using resting state fMRI (rsfMRI), while changes of regional BEN during task-based fMRI have been scarcely studied. The purpose of this study is to characterize task-induced regional BEN alterations using the large Human Connectome Project (HCP) data. To control the potential modulation by the block-design, BEN of task-fMRI was calculated from the fMRI images acquired during the task conditions only and then compared to BEN of rsfMRI. Moreover, BEN was separately calculated from the control blocks of the task-fMRI runs and compared to BEN of task conditions. Finally, BEN of control conditions was compared to rsfMRI-derived BEN to test for residual task effects in the control condition. With respect to resting state, task-performance unanimously induced BEN reduction in the peripheral cortical area, including both task-related regions and task non-specific regions, and BEN increase in the centric part of the sensorimotor and perception networks. Task control condition showed large residual task effects. After controlling the task non-specific effects using the control BEN vs task BEN comparison, regional BEN showed task specific effects in target regions.
Assessment of the physical dependence potential of difelikefalin: Randomized placebo‐controlled study in patients receiving hemodialysis

Difelikefalin is a selective kappa opioid receptor agonist approved for treating moderate‐to‐severe pruritus in adults undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Difelikefalin is not a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This study assessed the potential for developing physical dependence on difelikefalin in patients undergoing HD. Eligible patients received open‐label difelikefalin after each dialysis session for 3 weeks before entering a 2‐week double‐blind phase, when they were randomized to either continue difelikefalin or to switch to receiving placebo. Signs of physical withdrawal were assessed using the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS), several patient‐reported scales, and physiological measures. The primary end point was the between‐group difference in mean maximum COWS total scores during the double‐blind phase; the mean difference (placebo − difelikefalin) was compared against a predefined noninferiority limit (+4). Thirty‐five patients (57.1% male; 91.4% Black or African American; median [range] age 58 [28–77] years) were included, of which 30 were randomized (placebo, n = 14; difelikefalin, n = 16). The least squares mean difference in maximum COWS total scores was 0.52 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.56, 1.59). The upper CI limit (1.59) was below +4, indicating that patients who discontinued difelikefalin (placebo group) had similar withdrawal scores to patients who continued difelikefalin. Additional assessments supported the COWS results, showing no meaningful differences between groups in physiological measures or in patient‐reported measures of sleep or physical withdrawal. These results demonstrate that abruptly discontinuing chronic difelikefalin treatment in patients undergoing HD does not produce signs or symptoms of physical withdrawal.
Detection of Chlamydia abortus in aborted chorioallantoises of horses from Western Canada

Chlamydiae are reported to cause abortion in several species, however the association between Chlamydia sp. and equine abortions is poorly understood. A zoonotic transfer event of C. psittaci from aborted equine tissues in Australia has emphasized the need to better understand the prevalence of this pathogen in equine populations. The prevalence of chlamydia in equine abortions in North America has not been investigated thoroughly. We examined 99 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded placental samples submitted between 2009 and 2020 from equine abortions in Western Canada using chlamydia-specific 16S rRNA conventional PCR testing; 26 of 99 submissions tested positive for chlamydial DNA. Most of these submissions (n = 17) had no final diagnosis noted on their original pathology reports. DNA sequencing identified 22 of the 26 cases as C. abortus; 21 of the 22 C. abortus–positive samples were positive on chlamydial immunohistochemistry. These findings contrast with studies in Europe that found a low prevalence of chlamydiae using similar methodology. The high prevalence of the potentially zoonotic C. abortus identified in our study suggests that more substantial biosecurity protocols may be warranted for equine foaling, abortion, and stillbirth in Western Canada to prevent zoonotic transfer of the pathogen.
Convalescent plasma therapy in COVID-19: Unravelling the data using the principles of antibody therapy

ABSTRACT Introduction When the COVID-19 pandemic struck no specific therapies were available and many turned to COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP), a form of antibody therapy. The literature provides mixed evidence for CCP efficacy. Areas covered PubMed was searched using the words COVID-19 and convalescent plasma and individual study designs were evaluated for adherence to the three principles of antibody therapy, i.e. that plasma 1) contain specific antibody; 2) have enough specific antibody to mediate a biological effect; and 3) be administered early in the course of disease. Using this approach, a diverse and seemingly contradictory collection of clinical findings was distilled into a consistent picture whereby CCP was effective when used according to the above principles of antibody therapy. In addition, CCP therapy in immunocompromised patients is useful at any time in the course of disease. Expert opinion CCP is safe and effective when used appropriately. Today, most of humanity has some immunity to SARS-CoV-2 from vaccines and infection, which has lessened the need for CCP in the general population. However, COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients is a major therapeutic challenge, and with the deauthorization of all SARS-CoV-2-spike protein-directed monoclonal antibodies, CCP is the only antibody therapy available for this population.
Usage of primitive wheat (Triticum monococcum and Triticum dicoccum) flour and whole egg in noodle production

The aim of this study was to improve the nutritional value and functional properties of noodles with the utilization of different primitive wheat and also whole egg. For this purpose, flours of two different primitive wheat (Triticum monococcum and Triticum dicoccum) were used in noodle formulation replaced with wheat flour at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% ratio. Physical, chemical, textural, and functional properties of noodles were investigated. Noodle production was carried out with and without whole egg, and the effect of egg on noodle properties was also investigated. Noodle containing Triticum dicoccum showed higher levels of protein, fat, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content compared to Triticum monococcum–containing samples. Whole egg usage significantly (p < 0.05) affected the ash, fat, protein content, antioxidant activity, total yellow pigment, color value (L*, a* and b*), and cooking properties of noodle samples. The increased ratio of primitive wheat flour significantly improved the overall measured chemical properties of the noodles. Sensory analysis showed that primitive wheat had closer sensory scores to each other, and their usage above 50% affected sensory parameters negatively, on the other hand, the use of egg in noodle formulation had a positive effect on all parameters.
Cannabis positivity rates in 17 emergency departments across the United States with varying degrees of marijuana legalization

Abstract Background Many states in the United States have progressed towards legalization of marijuana including decriminalization, medicinal and/or recreational use. We studied the impact of legalization on cannabis-related emergency department visits in states with varying degrees of legalization. Methods Seventeen healthcare institutions in fifteen states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington) participated. Cannabinoid immunoassay results and cannabis-related International Classification of Diseases (ninth and tenth versions) codes were obtained for emergency department visits over a 3- to 8-year period during various stages of legalization: no state laws, decriminalized, medical approval before dispensaries, medical dispensaries available, recreational approval before dispensaries and recreational dispensaries available. Trends and monthly rates of cannabinoid immunoassay and cannabis-related International Classification of Diseases code positivity were determined during these legalization periods. Results For most states, there was a significant increase in both cannabinoid immunoassay and International Classification of Diseases code positivity as legalization progressed; however, positivity rates differed. The availability of dispensaries may impact positivity in states with medical and/or recreational approval. In most states with no laws, there was a significant but smaller increase in cannabinoid immunoassay positivity rates. Conclusions States may experience an increase in cannabis-related emergency department visits with progression toward marijuana legalization. The differences between states, including those in which no impact was seen, are likely multifactorial and include cultural norms, attitudes of local law enforcement, differing patient populations, legalization in surrounding states, availability of dispensaries, various ordering protocols in the emergency department, and the prevalence of non-regulated cannabis products.
Fatty acid amides as potential circulating biomarkers for sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is characterized by a progressive decrease in skeletal muscle mass and function with age. Given that sarcopenia is associated with various metabolic disorders, effective metabolic biomarkers for its early detection are required. We aimed to investigate the metabolic biomarkers related to sarcopenia in elderly men and perform experimental studies using metabolomics.
Husband-wife Relationship, Neonatal Health, Breast Milk Volume and Postpartum Depression: A Prospective Cohort Study

ABSTRACT Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major public health problem that has negative effects on mothers, infants, and society. This study was aimed at investigating the prevalence of PPD and elucidating the delivery factors implicated in PPD so as take more targeted measures for reducing the potential risk factors. A prospective cohort study was conducted. Following the criterion, 151 pregnant women were included in the study. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and the general questionnaire were filled out 2–3 days after delivery. At weeks 2 and 6 postpartum, the EPDS was reassessed either online or via telephone. Also, electronic medical records based on relevant information during the delivery period were collected. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. A high rate of PPD (31.13%) was reported. Univariate correlation analysis showed statistically significant differences in the husband-wife relationship (χ2 = 18.497, p < 0.001), neonatal health (χ2 = 14.710, p < 0.001), and breast milk volume (χ2 = 5.712, p = 0.017) between PPD and normal control groups. Adjusting for other covariates, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that satisfactory conjugal relation could reduce the risk of PPD (OR, 0.053; p = 0.022); Neonatal health problems significantly increase the risk of PPD (OR, 6.497; p = 0.001); Adequate breast milk could alleviate the risk of PPD (OR, 0.351; P = 0.045). Data analysis suggests that marital discord and unhealthy new-born are independent risk factors; nevertheless, sufficient breast milk is a protective factor against PPD. Healthcare workers such as hospital and community doctors and social workers should pay attention to PPD. Furthermore, perinatal emotional support, health education, and EPDS assessment need to be incorporated into maternity care. Screening and personalized psychological counselling should be carried out for high-risk pregnant women with PPD.
Investigations of Humidity Skewness and Variance Profiles in the Convective Boundary Layer and Comparison of the Latter with Large Eddy Simulation Results

Abstract Differential absorption lidar (DIAL) measurements of humidity variance and skewness profiles are presented. A detailed error analysis demonstrates that measurements throughout the convective boundary layer can be performed with an accuracy that is mainly limited by sampling errors due to turbulent statistics. The water vapor variance profiles are compared with results from a large eddy simulation (LES) model to estimate surface and entrainment latent heat fluxes. A promising agreement with surface latent heat fluxes derived by the bulk formula is achieved, but a strong deviation of the variance profiles from the LES results is found in the entrainment zone. Reasons for these discrepancies are discussed. A new approach for the investigation of top–down variance functions using the measured variance profiles is introduced. It is investigated whether the skewness profiles give further information on the turbulent transport of water vapor. This is accomplished by the analysis of the skewness budget e.
Empagliflozin reduces podocyte lipotoxicity in experimental Alport syndrome

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are anti-hyperglycemic agents that prevent glucose reabsorption in proximal tubular cells. SGLT2i improves renal outcomes in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients, indicating it may have beneficial effects beyond glycemic control. Here, we demonstrate that SGLT2i affects energy metabolism and podocyte lipotoxicity in experimental Alport syndrome (AS). In vitro, we found that the SGLT2 protein was expressed in human and mouse podocytes to a similar extent in tubular cells. Newly established immortalized podocytes from Col4a3 knockout mice (AS podocytes) accumulate lipid droplets along with increased apoptosis when compared to wild-type podocytes. Treatment with SGLT2i empagliflozin reduces lipid droplet accumulation and apoptosis in AS podocytes. Empagliflozin inhibits the utilization of glucose/pyruvate as a metabolic substrate in AS podocytes but not in AS tubular cells. In vivo, we demonstrate that empagliflozin reduces albuminuria and prolongs the survival of AS mice. Empagliflozin-treated AS mice show decreased serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels in association with reduced triglyceride and cholesterol ester content in kidney cortices when compared to AS mice. Lipid accumulation in kidney cortices correlates with a decline in renal function. In summary, empagliflozin reduces podocyte lipotoxicity and improves kidney function in experimental AS in association with the energy substrates switch from glucose to fatty acids in podocytes.
Adolescent brain development in girls with Turner syndrome

Turner syndrome (TS) is a common sex chromosome aneuploidy in females associated with various physical, cognitive, and socio‐emotional phenotypes. However, few studies have examined TS‐associated alterations in the development of cortical gray matter volume and the two components that comprise this measure—surface area and thickness. Moreover, the longitudinal direct (i.e., genetic) and indirect (i.e., hormonal) effects of X‐monosomy on the brain are unclear. Brain structure was assessed in 61 girls with TS (11.3 ± 2.8 years) and 55 typically developing girls (10.8 ± 2.3 years) for up to 4 timepoints. Surface‐based analyses of cortical gray matter volume, thickness, and surface area were conducted to examine the direct effects of X‐monosomy present before pubertal onset and indirect hormonal effects of estrogen deficiency/X‐monosomy emerging after pubertal onset. Longitudinal analyses revealed that, whereas typically developing girls exhibited normative declines in gray matter structure during adolescence, this pattern was reduced or inverted in TS. Further, girls with TS demonstrated smaller total surface area and larger average cortical thickness overall. Regionally, the TS group exhibited decreased volume and surface area in the pericalcarine, postcentral, and parietal regions relative to typically developing girls, as well as larger volume in the caudate, amygdala, and temporal lobe regions and increased thickness in parietal and temporal regions. Surface area alterations were predominant by age 8, while maturational differences in thickness emerged by age 10 or later. Taken together, these results suggest the involvement of both direct and indirect effects of X‐chromosome haploinsufficiency on brain development in TS.
A category contingent aftereffect for faces labelled with different religious affiliation is seen 7 days after adaptation

Visual adaptation occurs after a prolonged exposure to a stimulus. The duration of aftereffects differs across stimuli type, and face aftereffects may be especially long lasting. The current study investigates adaptation decay of category contingent opposing aftereffects. Specifically, we tested whether naïve undergraduate participants’ adaptation to photos of faces with explicit religious labels, differed from that of participants who had adapted to the same faces 7 days previously. We also tested whether 7-day old category-contingent opposing aftereffects interfere with the ability to re-adapt to a new condition. In Session 1, undergraduates made attractiveness preference selections before and after adapting to two groups of distorted faces. Participants then returned 7 days later to re-assess the attractiveness of the same faces. Participants were then adapted to the two groups of faces distorted in the opposite direction. Adaptation strength was stronger in Session 1 than in Session 2, although adaptation strength was not related to pre-adaptation selections. Week-old aftereffects interfered with the creation of aftereffects in the opposite direction 7 days later.
Conceptual Change Resulting from Experiential Learning with Business Enterprise Software

conceptualization. Accommodation requires the tangible qualities of apprehension transformed by manipulation of the external world (extension) with both operating on the experiential learning stages of active experimentation and concrete experience. In addition to assimilative and accommodative knowledge, Kolb includes knowledge descriptions originally proposed as thinking styles by Hudson (1966): convergent and divergent knowledge. Convergent knowledge structures a variety of concepts to address a single topic or problem. In the Kolb model, convergent knowledge requires the representation of comprehension transformed by manipulation of the external world (extension) with both operating on the experiential learning stages of abstract conceptualization and active experimentation. It is associated with problems that have demonstrably correct (or optimal) answers. Many mathematics and science problems can be solved by convergent thinking. Divergent knowledge generates different concepts from an initial source (Atherton, 2005). In the Kolb model, divergent knowledge requires the tangible qualities of apprehension transformed by internal reflection (intention) with both operating on the experiential learning stages of concrete experience and reflective observation. It is associated with creative arts and can rarely be classified as “right” or “wrong”. Kolb & Kolb (2005, pp. 11-12) associate the basic knowledge forms of Figure 2.1 and Table 2.2 with learning styles. Figure 2.2 adds learning styles to the knowledge forms of Figure 2-1.
Exploring the Use of Arts-Based Interventions and Research Methods in Families of Seriously Ill Children: A Scoping Review

Family care is essential to pediatric nursing practice, as the entire family is affected by childhood illness. However, little is known about art making for therapeutic purposes and how art is used to better understand families’ experiences. Our purpose was to examine the nature of arts-based interventions and research methods used with, and the experiences of families of children facing life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses, and those families who are bereaved. Academic peer-reviewed sources published between January 1999 and May 2022 were retrieved via four databases using key search terms. Twenty-five articles were analyzed, resulting in three multifaceted categories including Social, Emotional, and Family Health. Critical strengths and limitations were also identified. Art making has been incorporated into interventions and research studies due to its benefits for family well-being. Understanding the potential of art making can inspire nurses to implement such activities to enhance family nursing practice and research.
Implicit Euler Time-Discretization of a Class of Lagrangian Systems with Set-Valued Robust Controller

A class of Lagrangian continuous dynamical systems with set-valued controller and subjected to a perturbation force has been thoroughly studied in [S. Adly, B. Brogliato, B. K. Le, Well-posedness, robustness and stability analysis of a set-valued controller for Lagrangian systems, SIAM J. Control Optim. , 51(2), 1592--1614, 2013]. In this paper, we study the time discretization of these set-valued systems with an implicit Euler scheme. Under some mild conditions, the well-posedness (existence and uniqueness of solutions) of the discrete-time scheme, as well as the convergence of the sequences of discrete positions and velocities in finite steps are assured. Furthermore, the approximate piecewise linear function generated by these discrete sequences is shown to converge to the solution of the continuous time differential inclusion with order $\frac{1}{2}$. Some numerical simulations on a two-degree of freedom example illustrate the theoretical developments.
Une théorie d'Einstein-Dirac en spin maximum 1

Using our spinor approach developed in several papers [5], we construct an unitary Einstein-Dirac theory, first in spin maximum 1. An original feature of this article is that we are working without any tetrapod technics, using simply basic notions and existence conditions for spinor structures on pseudo-riemannian fibre bundles. A coupling gravitation-electromagnetic field is pointed out, in the geometric setting of the tangent bundle over space-time. We obtain generalized Maxwell equations for inductive media in presence of gravitationnal field. Enlarged Einstein-Schrôdinger theory, developed in [5, d] give a particular case of this E. D. theory. E. S. theory is a truncated E. D. theory in spin maximum 1. Exist close relation between torsion-vector and Schrôdinger’s potential and nullity of torsion-vector has a spinor meaning. A last we incorporate the Petiau-Duffin-Kemmer theory in this geometric setting. A following article will concern spin 1/2 and survey possible generalisations. I. PRÉAMBULE En théorie de Dirac on utilise usuellement la « densité » : : oû 03C8 est un spineur, 03C8 le spineur « conjugué », les y" représentent le « tenseur-spineur fondamental », V est la dérivée covariante spinorielle, I l’élément de volume, m un facteur de masse et a une constante. Les spiAnnales de l’Institut Henri Poincaré Section A Vol. XXII, n° 1 1975.
A Mathematical Model of Cancer Under Radiotherapy

The goal of this paper is to suggest a three mathematical model description of the Lotka-Volterra competition model type that could be used in understanding the action of radiation when the cancerous cells, the healthy cells and the cells that are triggered by the immune cells interact with each other. In order to do that, we analyze the model where there is only an interaction between the cancer and the normal cells. We extend the model to include immune response cells. Finally, we examine the effects of radiation therapy according to three different mathematical models.