Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The associations between paranormal beliefs and sleep variables

Previous studies have found significant associations between paranormal beliefs and sleep variables. However, these have been conducted on a small scale and are limited in the number of sleep variables investigated. This study aims to fill a gap in the literature by investigating paranormal beliefs in relation to a wide range of sleep variables in a large sample. Participants (N = 8853) completed a survey initiated by the BBC Focus Magazine. They reported on their demographics, sleep disturbances and paranormal beliefs. Poorer subjective sleep quality (lower sleep efficiency, longer sleep latency, shorter sleep duration and increased insomnia symptoms) was associated with greater endorsement of belief in: (1) the soul living on after death; (2) the existence of ghosts; (3) demons; (4) an ability for some people to communicate with the dead; (5) near‐death experiences are evidence for life after death; and (6) aliens have visited earth. In addition, episodes of exploding head syndrome and isolated sleep paralysis were associated with the belief that aliens have visited earth. Isolated sleep paralysis was also associated with the belief that near‐death experiences are evidence for life after death. Findings obtained here indicate that there are associations between beliefs in the paranormal and various sleep variables. This information could potentially better equip us to support sleep via psychoeducation. Mechanisms underlying these associations are likely complex, and need to be further explored to fully understand why people sometimes report “things that go bump in the night”.
Social anxiety and academic performance during COVID-19 in schoolchildren

The purpose of the present study was to determine the perception of schoolchildren whether their academic performance improved or worsened during the pandemic, analyzing their social anxiety, gender, use of masks in the classroom, and school year. The total sample was 107 primary school students (25 in the fourth, 40 in the fifth and 42 in the sixth grade), with a mean age of 10.51 years old (SD = 1). The gender were 58 girls and 49 boys, from a school in the province of La Coruña (Spain). The study was based on a quantitative methodology, and the design was cross-sectional, descriptive, observational and correlational. The social anxiety questionnaire (CASO-N24) was used to assess social anxiety, and an ad hoc self-report register was elaborated to evaluate sociodemographic variables. The results indicated that 44.8% of the schoolchildren considered that the pandemic had neither improved nor worsened their academic performance. Although 38.3% considered that high and very high social anxiety increased progressively as the school year progressed, both in boys and girls. Besides, the schoolchildren who presented very low and low social anxiety improved their grades in Physical Education, while those who presented high social anxiety worsened them. In conclusion, having a low social anxiety, lower grades before the pandemic and higher grades after, makes children perceive an improvement in their academic performance during the pandemic.
Muscle architecture and muscle fibre type composition in the forelimb of two African mole‐rat species, Bathyergus suillus and Heterocephalus glaber

The scratch‐digging Cape dune mole‐rat (Bathyergus suillus), and the chisel‐toothed digging naked mole‐rat (Heterocephalus glaber) are African mole‐rats that differ in their digging strategy. The aim of this study was to determine if these behavioural differences are reflected in the muscle architecture and fibre‐type composition of the forelimb muscles. Muscle architecture parameters of 39 forelimb muscles in both species were compared. Furthermore, muscle fibre type composition of 21 forelimb muscles were analysed using multiple staining protocols. In B. suillus, muscles involved with the power stroke of digging (limb retractors and scapula elevators), showed higher muscle mass percentage, force output and shortening capacity compared to those in H. glaber. Additionally, significantly higher percentages of glycolytic fibres were observed in the scapular elevators and digital flexors of B. suillus compared to H. glaber, suggesting that the forelimb muscles involved in digging in B. suillus provide fast, powerful motions for effective burrowing. In contrast, the m. sternohyoideus a head and neck flexor, had significantly more oxidative fibres in H. glaber compared to B. suillus. In addition, significantly greater physiological cross‐sectional area and fascicle length values were seen in the neck flexor, m. sternocleidomastoideus, in H. glaber compared to B. suillus, which indicates a possible adaptation for chisel‐tooth digging. While functional demands may play a significant role in muscle morphology, the phylogenetic differences between the two species may play an additional role which needs further study.
Ambulatory pH-Impedance Findings Confirm That Grade B Esophagitis Provides Objective Diagnosis of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

INTRODUCTION: The Lyon Consensus designates Los Angeles (LA) grade C/D esophagitis or acid exposure time (AET) >6% on impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH) as conclusive for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We aimed to evaluate proportions with objective GERD among symptomatic patients with LA grade A, B, and C esophagitis on endoscopy. METHODS: Demographics, clinical data, endoscopy findings, and objective proton-pump inhibitor response were collected from symptomatic prospectively enrolled patients from 2 referral centers. Off-therapy MII-pH parameters included AET, number of reflux episodes, mean nocturnal baseline impedance, and postreflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave index. Objective GERD evidence was compared between LA grades. RESULTS: Of 155 patients (LA grade A: 74 patients, B: 61 patients, and C: 20 patients), demographics and presentation were similar across LA grades. AET >6% was seen in 1.4%, 52.5%, and 75%, respectively, in LA grades A, B, and C. Using additional MII-pH metrics, an additional 16.2% with LA grade A and 47.5% with LA grade B esophagitis had AET 4%–6% with low mean nocturnal baseline impedance and postreflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave index; there were no additional gains using the number of reflux episodes or symptom-reflux association metrics. Compared with LA grade C (100% conclusive GERD based on endoscopic findings), 100% of LA grade B esophagitis also had objective GERD but only 17.6% with LA grade A esophagitis (P < 0.001 compared with each). Proton-pump inhibitor response was comparable between LA grades B and C (74% and 70%, respectively) but low in LA grade A (39%, P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Grade B esophagitis indicates an objective diagnosis of GERD.
Speckle Contrast in the Diffraction Field of a Weak Random-phase Screen When the Illuminated Region Contains a Few Correlation Areas

An analysis of the speckle contrast in the diffraction field of a weak random phase screen when the illuminated region contains a few correlation areas is carried out. Curved illuminating wavefronts, and the Fresnel and off-axis terms are considered. The limitations of the method are pointed out. Comparison with a gaussian approximation is made. Some previous studies are examined to obtain a more comprehensive view of the problem. Some of the reasons proposed for observed departures of the theory from experimental results are discussed.
Flow Boiling in Horizontal Tubes. Part 1; Development of a Diabatic Two–Phase Flow Pattern Map

An improved two-phase flow pattern map is proposed for evaporation in horizontal tubes. The new map was developed based on flow pattern data for five different refrigerants covering a wide range of mass velocities and vapor qualities. The new map is valid for both adiabatic and diabatic (evaporating) flows and accurately identifies about 96% of the 702 data points. In addition, the new flow pattern map includes the prediciton of the onset of dryout at the top of the tube during evaporation inside horizontal tubes as a function of heat flux and flow parameters.
Cancer statistics, 2023

Each year, the American Cancer Society estimates the numbers of new cancer cases and deaths in the United States and compiles the most recent data on population‐based cancer occurrence and outcomes using incidence data collected by central cancer registries and mortality data collected by the National Center for Health Statistics. In 2023, 1,958,310 new cancer cases and 609,820 cancer deaths are projected to occur in the United States. Cancer incidence increased for prostate cancer by 3% annually from 2014 through 2019 after two decades of decline, translating to an additional 99,000 new cases; otherwise, however, incidence trends were more favorable in men compared to women. For example, lung cancer in women decreased at one half the pace of men (1.1% vs. 2.6% annually) from 2015 through 2019, and breast and uterine corpus cancers continued to increase, as did liver cancer and melanoma, both of which stabilized in men aged 50 years and older and declined in younger men. However, a 65% drop in cervical cancer incidence during 2012 through 2019 among women in their early 20s, the first cohort to receive the human papillomavirus vaccine, foreshadows steep reductions in the burden of human papillomavirus‐associated cancers, the majority of which occur in women. Despite the pandemic, and in contrast with other leading causes of death, the cancer death rate continued to decline from 2019 to 2020 (by 1.5%), contributing to a 33% overall reduction since 1991 and an estimated 3.8 million deaths averted. This progress increasingly reflects advances in treatment, which are particularly evident in the rapid declines in mortality (approximately 2% annually during 2016 through 2020) for leukemia, melanoma, and kidney cancer, despite stable/increasing incidence, and accelerated declines for lung cancer. In summary, although cancer mortality rates continue to decline, future progress may be attenuated by rising incidence for breast, prostate, and uterine corpus cancers, which also happen to have the largest racial disparities in mortality.
Hypersurface Singularities with 2‐Dimensional Critical Locus

Consider an analytic germ f:(Cm, 0)→(C, 0) (m⩾3) whose critical locus is a 2‐dimensional complete intersection with an isolated singularity (icis). We prove that the homotopy type of the Milnor fiber of f is a bouquet of spheres, provided that the extended codimension of the germ f is finite. This result generalizes the cases when the dimension of the critical locus is zero [8], respectively one [12]. Notice that if the critical locus is not an icis, then the Milnor fiber, in general, is not homotopically equivalent to a wedge of spheres. For example, the Milnor fiber of the germ f:(C4, 0)→(C, 0), defined by f(x1, x2, x3, x4) = x1x2x3x4 has the homotopy type of S1×S1×S1. On the other hand, the finiteness of the extended codimension seems to be the right generalization of the isolated singularity condition; see for example [9–12, 17, 18].
A stochastic perturbation method to generate inflow turbulence in large-eddy simulation models: Application to neutrally stratified atmospheric boundary layers

Despite the variety of existing methods, efficient generation of turbulent inflow conditions for large-eddy simulation (LES) models remains a challenging and active research area. Herein, we extend our previous research on the cell perturbation method, which uses a novel stochastic approach based upon finite amplitude perturbations of the potential temperature field applied within a region near the inflow boundaries of the LES domain [Munoz-Esparza et al., “Bridging the transition from mesoscale to microscale turbulence in numerical weather prediction models,” Boundary-Layer Meteorol. , 153, 409–440 (2014)]. The objective was twofold: (i) to identify the governing parameters of the method and their optimum values and (ii) to generalize the results over a broad range of atmospheric large-scale forcing conditions, Ug = 5 − 25 m s−1, where Ug is the geostrophic wind. We identified the perturbation Eckert number, Ec=Ug2/ρcpθpm, to be the parameter governing the flow transition to turbulence in neutrally strat.
Subarcsecond mid-infrared imaging of warm dust in the narrow-line region of NGC 1068

Subarcsecond 8 and 10 μm and diffraction-limited 19 μm imaging of the inner few hundred parsecs of the Seyfert nucleus in NGC 1068 shows the emission to be extended over a region of ∼70×140 pc. In particular, 10.3 μm images with spatial resolutions of 0″. 5 or better reveal that the warm dust is associated with the narrow-line clouds and is probably partially mixed with the photoionized gas. Extinction considerations, however, imply that the bulk of the warm dust is located deeper in neighboring molecular clouds, the exposed surfaces of which form the narrow-line clouds
Vaccination Coverage with Selected Vaccines and Exemption Rates Among Children in Kindergarten — United States, 2021–22 School Year

State and local school vaccination requirements protect students and communities against vaccine-preventable diseases (1). This report summarizes data collected by state and local immunization programs* on vaccination coverage and exemptions to vaccination among children in kindergarten in 49 states† and the District of Columbia and provisional enrollment or grace period status for kindergartners in 27 states§ for the 2021-22 school year. Nationwide, vaccination coverage with 2 doses of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) was 93.5%¶; with the state-required number of diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP) doses was 93.1%**; with poliovirus vaccine (polio) was 93.5%††; and with the state-required number of varicella vaccine doses was 92.8%. §§ Compared with the 2020-21 school year, vaccination coverage decreased 0.4-0.9 percentage points for all vaccines. Although 2.6% of kindergartners had an exemption for at least one vaccine,¶¶ an additional 3.9% who did not have an exemption were not up to date with MMR. Although there has been a nearly complete return to in-person learning after COVID-19 pandemic-associated disruptions, immunization programs continued to report COVID-19-related impacts on vaccination assessment and coverage. Follow-up with undervaccinated students and catch-up campaigns remain important for increasing vaccination coverage to prepandemic levels to protect children and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Stability estimates for hyperbolic inverse problems with local boundary data

The authors obtain stability estimates of recovery of two coefficients of a hyperbolic partial differential equation from all possible measurements implemented at a part of the lateral boundary. These estimates are of logarithmic type in the plane case and of Holder type in the three-dimensional case. As an important auxiliary result they have proved stability estimates in (attenuated) integral geometry with incomplete data.
Spinal Cord Infarction in an Adolescent with Protein S Deficiency: A Case Report and Literature Review

Protein S deficiency causes spinal cord infarction in rare cases. We herein report the first case of severe cervicothoracic cord infarction in an adolescent with protein S deficiency. A 16-year-old boy presented with neck pain, four-limb paralysis, and numbness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed spinal artery infarction in the C4 to Th4 area. Protein S antigen and activity were decreased. The patient was diagnosed with protein S deficiency-associated cervicothoracic cord infarction, which was treated with anticoagulation. Protein S deficiency should be considered as a potential cause of spinal cord infarction in young healthy patients and should be appropriately treated with anticoagulation.
A Collocation Method for the Generalized Airfoil Equation for an Airfoil with a Flap

We are concerned with the numerical solution of the generalized airfoil equation for an airfoil with a flap by means of global algebraic polynomial approximants. This problem has been considered in a recent paper by Monegato and Sloan [SIAM J. Numer. Anal. , 34 (1997), pp. 2288--2305], where the authors proved the stability and convergence of a Galerkin method based on high order polynomials. They also presented very promising numerical results for the corresponding collocation method but left the theoretical results of stability and convergence as an open problem. We have succeeded in proving the stability and convergence properties of this collocation method by slightly modifying it in the neighborhood of the flap. The rate of convergence we have derived for our collocation method is very similar to that of the above Galerkin method.
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Mortality: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Background We investigated whether metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is associated with an elevated risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality using a large-scale health examination cohort. Methods A total of 394,835 subjects in the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study cohort were enrolled from 2002 to 2012. Participants were categorized by the presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and MAFLD as follows: normal subjects; patients with both NAFLD and MAFLD; patients with NAFLD only; and patients with MAFLD only. Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the risk of mortality. Results During a median 5.7 years of follow-up, 20.69% was patients with both NAFLD and MAFLD, 1.51% was patients with NAFLD only, and 4.29% was patients with MAFLD only. All-cause and cardiovascular death was higher in patients with MAFLD than those without MAFLD (P<0.001, respectively). In patients with MAFLD only, the hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause and cardiovascular death was 1.35 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13 to 1.60) and 1.90 (95% CI, 1.26 to 2.88) after adjusting for age, which lost its statistical significance by multivariable adjustments. Compared to patients with less than two components of metabolic dysfunction, patients with more than two components of metabolic dysfunction were a higher risk of cardiovascular death (HR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.25 to 3.38) and only women with more than two components of metabolic dysfunction were a higher risk of all-cause death (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.03). Conclusion MAFLD criteria could identify a high-risk group for all-cause and cardiovascular death.
Peptide-guided lipid nanoparticles deliver mRNA to the neural retina of rodents and nonhuman primates

Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)–based mRNA delivery holds promise for the treatment of inherited retinal degenerations. Currently, LNP-mediated mRNA delivery is restricted to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Müller glia. LNPs must overcome ocular barriers to transfect neuronal cells critical for visual phototransduction, the photoreceptors (PRs). We used a combinatorial M13 bacteriophage–based heptameric peptide phage display library for the mining of peptide ligands that target PRs. We identified the most promising peptide candidates resulting from in vivo biopanning. Dye-conjugated peptides showed rapid localization to the PRs. LNPs decorated with the top-performing peptide ligands delivered mRNA to the PRs, RPE, and Müller glia in mice. This distribution translated to the nonhuman primate eye, wherein robust protein expression was observed in the PRs, Müller glia, and RPE. Overall, we have developed peptide-conjugated LNPs that can enable mRNA delivery to the neural retina, expanding the utility of LNP-mRNA therapies for inherited blindness.
Social isolation as a risk factor for all-cause mortality: Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

Background Although several epidemiological studies have linked social isolation to increased risk of mortality, the magnitude of any effect is unclear, in part because of the use of different measures of social isolation. Objective To examine the association between social isolation and all-cause mortality and investigate whether it differs in various subgroups or populations. Data sources We searched for relevant studies in electronic databases: MEDLINE (1946 to December 31, 2021), EMBASE (1974 to December 31, 2021), and PsycINFO (1806 to December 31, 2021). Selection criteria We included both prospective and retrospective cohort studies that examined the association between social isolation and all-cause mortality among adults. Data collection and analysis Two reviewers screened and extracted data independently. We contacted study authors to obtain missing information whenever possible. Data were pooled using a random effect model to calculate estimates of the effects of social isolation on all-cause mortality. Results Data from studies involving 1.30 million individuals were included. The pooled hazard ratio of social isolation for all-cause mortality was 1.33 (95% confidence interval; 1.26–1.41, heterogeneity: Chi² = 112.51, P < 0.00001, I² = 76%). Conclusion Social isolation is associated with increased risk for all-cause mortality. Registration PROSPERO (CRD42020152351).
Women on diuretics have a higher risk of hospital admission because of hyponatremia than men

Recent studies suggest that women are more susceptible to diuretic‐induced hyponatremia resulting in hospital admission than men. The aim of this study was to confirm whether these sex differences in hyponatremia‐related hospital admissions in diuretic users remain after adjusting for several confounding variables such as age, dose, and concurrent medication.
Role of inhaled antibiotics in the era of highly effective CFTR modulators

Recurrent and chronic bacterial infections are common in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and contribute to lung function decline. Antibiotics are the mainstay in the treatment of exacerbations and chronic bacterial infection in CF. Inhaled antibiotics are effective in treating chronic respiratory bacterial infections and eradicating Pseudomonas aeruginosa from the respiratory tract, with limited systemic adverse effects. In the past decade, highly effective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators have become a new therapy that partially corrects/opens chloride transport in patients with selected CFTR mutations, restoring mucus hydration and improving mucociliary clearance. The recent triple CFTR modulator combination is approved for ∼80–90% of the CF population and significantly reduces pulmonary exacerbations and improves respiratory symptoms and lung function. CFTR modulators have shifted the focus from symptomatic treatment to personalised/precision medicine by targeting genotype-specific CFTR defects. While these are highly effective, they do not fully normalise lung physiology, stop inflammation or resolve chronic lung damage, such as bronchiectasis. The impact of these new drugs on lung health is likely to change the future management of chronic pulmonary infections in people with CF. This article reviews the role of inhaled antibiotics in the era of CFTR modulators. Studies are needed to determine whether discontinuing maintenance therapy is safe in people with cystic fibrosis receiving CFTR modulators. Until then, people with CF are recommended to continue their prescribed medications, including antibiotic therapy. https://bit.ly/3ML3nYw