Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of community-based palliative care programme components: a systematic review

Abstract Background There is evidence that community-based palliative care programmes can improve patient outcomes and caregiver experiences cost-effectively. However, little is known about which specific components within these programmes contribute to improving the outcomes. Aim To systematically review research that evaluates the effectiveness of community-based palliative care components. Design A systematic mixed studies review synthesising quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods study findings using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PROSPERO: ID # CRD42022302305. Data sources Four databases were searched in August 2021 (CINAHL, Web of Science, ProQuest Federated and PubMed including MEDLINE) and a close review of included article references. Inclusion criteria required articles to evaluate a single, specific component of a community-based palliative care programme either within an individual programme or across several programmes. Results Overall, a total of 1,674 articles were identified, with 57 meeting the inclusion criteria. Of the included studies, 21 were qualitative, 25 were quantitative and 11 had mixed methods. Outcome measures consistently examined included patient/caregiver satisfaction, hospital utilisation and home deaths. The components of standardised sessions (interdisciplinary meetings about patients), volunteer engagement and early intervention contributed to the success of community-based palliative care programmes. Conclusions Certain components of community-based palliative care programmes are effective. Such components should be implemented and tested more in low- and middle-income countries and key and vulnerable populations such as lower-income and marginalised racial or ethnic groups. In addition, more research is needed on the cost-effectiveness of individual programme components.
Exploring Gender Disparities in the Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Atherosclerotic Cranial Stenosis

Background Atherosclerotic cranial stenosis (ACS) is a significant contributor to vascular events, including ischemic strokes. While early clinical studies suggested a divergence in the distribution of intracranial and extracranial stenosis between genders, recent evidence has highlighted the complexity of these disparities. Therefore, this study aims to investigate gender differences in the prevalence and clinical characteristics of atherosclerotic cranial stenosis in patients admitted with stroke. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital located in the Southern Region of Saudi Arabia between June 2022 and December 2022. It included patients of all age groups who had been diagnosed with an ischemic stroke during the study period. Data were collected from electronic health records and medical archives, and data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 26, IBM Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results In our study, 201 stroke patients were analyzed, with 161 (80.09%) identified as having atherosclerotic stenosis. Of these, 57.8% were male, and 42.2% were female. Gender disparities were evident, with higher stenosis prevalence in males (46.27% vs. 33.83% in females). Significant gender differences were observed in dyslipidemia (p = 0.013), metabolic syndrome (p = 0.019), and smoking habits (p < 0.001). Males exhibited higher rates of extracranial stenosis (p = 0.012) and combined stenosis (p = 0.009) compared to females; however, females exhibited higher rates of intracranial stenosis (p = 0.013). Further analyses revealed significant associations in dyslipidemia (adjusted odd ratio (AOR): 0.245, p = 0.004), metabolic syndrome (AOR: 5.159, p = 0.006), obesity (AOR: 8.085, p = 0.016), smoking habits (AOR: 0.002, p < 0.001), and intracranial stenosis (AOR: 5.667, p = 0.005) within the female cohort. Conversely, age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and extracranial stenosis did not show statistically significant associations in females (p > 0.05). Conclusion We observed a substantial presence of atherosclerotic cranial stenosis, with males showing higher rates, and identified significant gender-related variations in dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and smoking habits as important factors. This highlights the necessity of tailoring ACS assessment and treatment by considering gender-specific risk factors and clinical characteristics for improved patient care and stroke management.
Phosphorus nutrition strategies in a Symbiodiniacean species: Implications in coral‐alga symbiosis facing increasing phosphorus deficiency in future warmer oceans

Coral reefs thrive in the oligotrophic ocean and rely on symbiotic algae to acquire nutrients. Global warming is projected to intensify surface ocean nutrient deficiency and anthropogenic discharge of wastes with high nitrogen (N): phosphorus (P) ratios can exacerbate P nutrient limitation. However, our understanding on how symbiotic algae cope with P deficiency is limited. Here, we investigated the responses of a coral symbiotic species of Symbiodiniaceae, Cladocopium goreaui, to P‐limitation by examining its physiological performance and transcriptomic profile. Under P stress, C. goreaui exhibited decreases in algal growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and cellular P content but enhancement in carbon fixation, N assimilation, N:P ratio, and energy metabolism, with downregulated expression of carbohydrate exporter genes. Besides, C. goreaui showed flexible mechanisms of utilizing different dissolved organic phosphorus to relieve P deficiency. When provided glycerol phosphate, C. goreaui hydrolyzed it extracellularly to produce phosphate for uptake. When grown on phytate, in contrast, C. goreaui upregulated the endocytosis pathway while no dissolved inorganic phosphorus was released into the medium, suggesting that phytate was transported into the cell, potentially via the endocytosis pathway. This study sheds light on the survival strategies of C. goreaui and potential weakening of its role as an organic carbon supplier in P‐limited environments, underscoring the importance of more systematic investigation on future projections of such effects.
Two New Antibacterial Iridoids from Patrinia rupestris

二新 iridoids (1 和 2 ) 从 Patrinia rupestris (棺罩) 的根被孤立法。 他们的结构被分光镜的方法阐明。 分别地对 Eschecichia 关口 i 和葡萄球菌 aureus 加重 1 和 2 展出强壮的抗菌活性。
Presence of key cholinergic enzymes in human spermatozoa and seminal fluid

Abstract Little is known about the non-neuronal spermic cholinergic system, which may regulate sperm motility and the acrosome reaction initiation process. We investigated the presence of the key acetylcholine (ACh)-biosynthesizing enzyme, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), and the acetylcholine-degrading enzymes, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and two ACh-receptors in human spermatozoa and seminal plasma. Fresh ejaculates were used for intra- and extracellular flow cytometric analysis of ChAT, AChE, BChE, and alpha-7-nicotinic and M1-muscarinic ACh-receptors in sperm. For determining the source of soluble enzymes, frozen seminal samples (n = 74) were selected on two bases: (1) from vasectomized (n = 37) and non-vasectomized (n = 37) subjects and (2) based on levels of alpha-glucosidase, fructose, or zinc to define sample subgroups with high or low fluid contribution from the epididymis and seminal vesicle, and prostate, respectively. Flow cytometric analyses revealed that ChAT was expressed intracellularly in essentially all spermatozoa. ChAT was also present in a readily membrane-detachable form at the extracellular membrane of at least 18% of the spermatozoa. These were also highly positive for intra- and extracellular BChE (>83%) and M1 (>84%) and α7 (>59%) ACh-receptors. Intriguingly, the sperm was negative for AChE. Analyses of seminal plasma revealed that spermatozoa and epididymides were major sources of soluble ChAT and BChE, whereas soluble AChE most likely originated from epididymides and seminal vesicles. Prostate had relatively minor contribution to the pool of the soluble enzymes in the seminal fluid. In conclusion, human spermatozoa exhibited a cholinergic phenotype and were one of the major sources of soluble ChAT and BChE in ejaculate. We also provide the first evidence for ChAT as an extracellularly membrane-anchored protein.
Studying zebrafish nervous system structure and function in health and disease with electron microscopy

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a well‐established model for studying the nervous system. Findings in zebrafish often inform studies on human diseases of the nervous system and provide crucial insight into disease mechanisms. The functions of the nervous system often rely on communication between neurons. Signal transduction is achieved via release of signaling molecules in the form of neuropeptides or neurotransmitters at synapses. Snapshots of membrane dynamics of these processes are imaged by electron microscopy. Electron microscopy can reveal ultrastructure and thus synaptic processes. This is crucial both for mapping synaptic connections and for investigating synaptic functions. In addition, via volumetric electron microscopy, the overall architecture of the nervous system becomes accessible, where structure can inform function. Electron microscopy is thus of particular value for studying the nervous system. However, today a plethora of electron microscopy techniques and protocols exist. Which technique is most suitable highly depends on the research question and scope as well as on the type of tissue that is examined. This review gives an overview of the electron microcopy techniques used on the zebrafish nervous system. It aims to give researchers a guide on which techniques are suitable for their specific questions and capabilities as well as an overview of the capabilities of electron microscopy in neurobiological research in the zebrafish model.
Exploring the efficacy and safety of a novel standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract (Witholytin®) in adults experiencing high stress and fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background: Stress is a state of homeostasis in the body being challenged, resulting in a systemic response. It has become more prevalent in recent years and affects mental and physical health. Aims: Evaluate the effects of ashwagandha on stress, fatigue, and sex hormones in overweight or mildly obese men and women with self-reported stress and fatigue. Methods: Two-arm, parallel-group, 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on overweight or mildly obese men and women aged 40–75 years, supplementing with 200 mg of an ashwagandha root extract (Witholytin®) twice daily. Results/Outcomes: Supplementation with ashwagandha was associated with a significant reduction in stress levels based on the Perceived Stress Scale (primary outcome); however, the improvements were not significantly different to the placebo group (p = 0.867). Based on the Chalder Fatigue Scale, there was a statistically significant reduction in fatigue symptoms in the ashwagandha group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.016), and participants taking ashwagandha also experienced a significant increase in heart rate variability (p = 0.003). However, there were no significant between-group differences in other self-report outcome measures. In the men taking ashwagandha, there was a significant increase in the blood concentrations of free testosterone (p = 0.048) and luteinizing hormone (p = 0.002) compared to the placebo group. Conclusions/Interpretation: The results of this study suggest that in overweight middle-to-older age adults experiencing high stress and fatigue, compared to the placebo, ashwagandha did not have a significantly greater impact on perceived stress levels. However, based on secondary outcome measures, it may have anti-fatigue effects. This may be via its impact on the autonomic nervous system. However, further research is required to expand on these current findings.
Optimization of breeding program design through stochastic simulation with kernel regression

Abstract In recent years, breeding programs have increased significantly in size and complexity, with various highly interdependent parameters and many contrasting breeding goals. As a result, resource allocation in these programs has become more complex, and deriving an optimal breeding strategy has become increasingly challenging. To address this, a common practice is to reduce the optimization problem to a set of scenarios that differ only in a few parameters and can therefore be analyzed in detail. The goal of this article is to provide a framework for the numerical optimization of breeding programs that goes beyond the simple comparison of scenarios. For this, we first determine the space of potential breeding programs only limited by basic constraints like the budget and housing capacities. Subsequently, the goal is to identify the optimal breeding program by finding the parametrization that maximizes the target function by combining different breeding goals. To assess the value of the target function for a parametrization, we propose using stochastic simulations and the subsequent use of a kernel regression method to cope with the stochasticity of simulation outcomes. This procedure is performed iteratively to narrow down the most promising areas of the search space and perform more and more simulations in these areas of interest. In a simplified example applied to a dairy cattle program, our proposed framework has shown its ability to identify an optimal breeding strategy that aligns with a target function aiming at genetic gain and genetic diversity conservation limited by budget constraints.
Working Memory Training in Norwegian Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) Show Minimal Evidence of Near and No Far Transfer Effects

ABSTRACT In children with cerebral palsy (CP), learning disabilities are well documented, and impairments in executive functions, such as attention, inhibition, shifting and working memory, represent significant burdens on patients, their families and the society. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Cogmed RM working memory training could improve working memory in children with CP and investigate whether increased working memory capacity would generalize to other cognitive functions. Twenty-eight children completed the training and the results were compared to a waitlist control group (n = 32). The results yielded three main findings. First, children with CP improved with practice on trained working memory tasks. Second, the intervention group showed minimal near transfer effects to non-trained working memory tasks. Third, no effects on cognitive and behavioral far transfer measures were found.
Structural variations in crocodile lizard populations provide novel insights into genomic variations in endangered animals

Population‐scale genome resequencing of endangered animals may contribute to gaining an understanding of how genomes vary as population sizes become smaller, as well as the functional implications of such variation. In this study, we analysed structural variations and gene presence and absence variations in the genomes of population of the endangered crocodile lizards. We found that the frequencies of some genes showed significant differences between crocodile lizards in different regions, indicating the influence of environmental selection, as well as potential contributions from demography and isolation, in shaping gene presence and absence variations. The haplotype diversity of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes was also found to differ among crocodile lizards inhabiting different regions. These findings indicate that well‐designed interbreeding of crocodile lizards from different regions may facilitate the exchange of genes between different lizard populations and increase the haplotype diversity of MHC genes, which may be beneficial for the survival of these lizards. Our findings in this study, based on differences in gene structural variation, provide new insights into genomic variation and may contribute to the conservation of endangered animals.
Estrogen receptor alpha‐mediated mitochondrial damage in intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells leading to the pathogenesis of primary biliary cholangitis

This study investigated the effects of estrogen and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) on the pathogenesis of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in human intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells (HiBECs). The researchers measured serum levels of ERα, oxidative stress indicators, and cytokines in PBC patients and healthy controls. They examined the expression of ERα, pyruvate dehydrogenase complex E2‐component (PDC‐E2), and apoptosis‐related proteins in the small bile ducts. In vitro experiments with HiBECs showed that estrogen had a dual effect on cell viability, increasing it at low concentrations but reducing it at higher concentrations. ERα activation led to mitochondrial damage, apoptosis, and upregulation of ERα and PDC‐E2 expression. These findings suggest that the high expression of ERα in the bile ducts contributes to mitochondrial damage, inflammation, and apoptosis in PBC. The study highlights ERα as a potential target for understanding and treating estrogen‐mediated PBC pathogenesis.
Double-negative neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Most patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) test positive for aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-IgG) or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies (MOG-IgG). Those who are negative are termed double-negative (DN) NMOSD and may constitute a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. DN NMOSD is a syndrome rather than a single disease, ranging from a (postinfectious) monophasic illness to a more chronic syndrome that can be indistinguishable from AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD or develop into other mimics such as multiple sclerosis. Thus, underlying disease mechanisms are likely to be heterogeneous. This topical review aims to (1) reappraise antibody-negative NMOSD definition as it has changed over time with the development of the AQP4 and MOG-IgG assays; (2) outline clinical characteristics and the pathophysiological nature of this rare entity by contrasting its differences and similarities with antibody-positive NMOSD; (3) summarize laboratory characteristics and magnetic resonance imaging findings of DN NMOSD; and (4) discuss the current treatment for DN NMOSD.
How to Fine-tune the Model: Unified Model Shift and Model Bias Policy Optimization

Designing and deriving effective model-based reinforcement learning (MBRL) algorithms with a performance improvement guarantee is challenging, mainly attributed to the high coupling between model learning and policy optimization. Many prior methods that rely on return discrepancy to guide model learning ignore the impacts of model shift, which can lead to performance deterioration due to excessive model updates. Other methods use performance difference bound to explicitly consider model shift. However, these methods rely on a fixed threshold to constrain model shift, resulting in a heavy dependence on the threshold and a lack of adaptability during the training process. In this paper, we theoretically derive an optimization objective that can unify model shift and model bias and then formulate a fine-tuning process. This process adaptively adjusts the model updates to get a performance improvement guarantee while avoiding model overfitting. Based on these, we develop a straightforward algorithm USB-PO (Unified model Shift and model Bias Policy Optimization). Empirical results show that USB-PO achieves state-of-the-art performance on several challenging benchmark tasks.
Classification of equivariantly $\mathcal{O}_2$-stable amenable actions on nuclear $\mathrm{C}^\ast$-algebras

Given a second-countable, locally compact group $G$, we consider amenable $G$-actions on separable, stable, nuclear $\mathrm{C}^\ast$-algebras that are isometrically shift-absorbing and tensorially absorb the trivial action on the Cuntz algebra $\mathcal{O}_2$. We show that such actions are classified up to cocycle conjugacy by the induced $G$-action on the primitive ideal space. In the special case when $G$ is exact, we prove a unital version of our classification theorem. For compact groups, we obtain a classification up to conjugacy.
A Phenomenon Resembling Early Superhumps in a New SU UMa-type Dwarf Nova with a 2 hr Orbital Period

We investigate K2BS5, an optical transient that we identified in Campaign 13 of the Kepler/K2 archives by the K2 Background Survey, and classify it as a new SU UMa-type dwarf nova. Using the light curve generated from Keplers long-cadence observation mode, we analyze the dwarf nova during quiescence and superoutburst. Following 20 days of quiescence at the start of the observation, the system entered a superoutburst lasting 12 days, after which it experienced at least one rebrightening. K2BS5 clearly meets the criteria for an SU UMa star, but at the peak of the superoutburst, it also shows double-wave oscillations consistent with the spectroscopic orbital period, a phenomenon that closely resembles early superhumps in WZ Sge stars. While we do not classify K2BS5 as a WZ Sge system, we discuss how this phenomenon could complicate efforts to use the suspected detection of early superhumps to distinguish SU UMa-type dwarf novae from the recently recognized class of long-orbital-period WZ Sge systems.
A Study on Incorporating Whisper for Robust Speech Assessment

This research introduces an enhanced version of the multi-objective speech assessment model, called MOSA-Net+, by leveraging the acoustic features from large pre-trained weakly supervised models, namely Whisper, to create embedding features. The first part of this study investigates the correlation between the embedding features of Whisper and two self-supervised learning (SSL) models with subjective quality and intelligibility scores. The second part evaluates the effectiveness of Whisper in deploying a more robust speech assessment model. Third, the possibility of combining representations from Whisper and SSL models while deploying MOSA-Net+ is analyzed. The experimental results reveal that Whisper's embedding features correlate more strongly with subjective quality and intelligibility than other SSL's embedding features, contributing to more accurate prediction performance achieved by MOSA-Net+. Moreover, combining the embedding features from Whisper and SSL models only leads to marginal improvement. As compared to MOSA-Net and other SSL-based speech assessment models, MOSA-Net+ yields notable improvements in estimating subjective quality and intelligibility scores across all evaluation metrics. We further tested MOSA-Net+ on Track 3 of the VoiceMOS Challenge 2023 and obtained the top-ranked performance.
$\mathrm{E}(2)$-Equivariant Graph Planning for Navigation

Learning for robot navigation presents a critical and challenging task. The scarcity and costliness of real-world datasets necessitate efficient learning approaches. In this letter, we exploit Euclidean symmetry in planning for 2D navigation, which originates from Euclidean transformations between reference frames and enables parameter sharing. To address the challenges of unstructured environments, we formulate the navigation problem as planning on a geometric graph and develop an equivariant message passing network to perform value iteration. Furthermore, to handle multi-camera input, we propose a learnable equivariant layer to lift features to a desired space. We conduct comprehensive evaluations across five diverse tasks encompassing structured and unstructured environments, along with maps of known and unknown, given point goals or semantic goals. Our experiments confirm the substantial benefits on training efficiency, stability, and generalization.