Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Convergent, discriminant, and known groups validity of the Behavioral Assessment Screening Tool (BAST) in chronic traumatic brain injury

The Behavioral Assessment Screening Tool (BAST) measures self-reported neurobehavioral symptoms commonly experienced by adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI). To assess the convergent, discriminant, and known-groups validity of the BAST among community-dwelling adults with chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI), we conducted correlation analyses and tests of group differences with previously validated symptom measures in two samples (n = 111, n = 134). Measures used for comparison were: Patient Health Questionnaire (depression), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (anxiety), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (Executive Dysfunction, Apathy, Disinhibition), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, PROMIS Fatigue, Aggression Questionnaire (anger, hostility, physical and verbal aggression), and Alcohol Use Disorders Test (alcohol misuse). BAST subscales had stronger correlations with measures of similar (|r|=.602-.828, p < .001) and related (|r|>.30, p < .001) constructs and weaker correlations (|r|<.300) with measures of dissimilar/unrelated constructs, supporting hypotheses of convergent and discriminant validity, respectively. Statistically significant group differences (p’s < .001) in BAST subscales were found, with large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 1.2–1.9), for known-groups with moderate-severe depression, moderate-severe anxiety, clinically significant fatigue, problematic disinhibited and frontal-executive behaviors, and alcohol use. Conclusions: Results support the convergent and discriminant validity of the BAST subscales. The BAST was specifically developed as a self-reported measure for remote symptom reporting, supporting its incorporation into mobile health platforms to improve chronic symptom monitoring in community-dwelling adults with TBI. With further validation research, the BAST could be used for early identification of persons with TBI who could benefit from intervention.
The Anopheles coluzzii range extends into Kenya: Detection, insecticide resistance profiles and population genetic structure in relation to conspecific populations in West and Central Africa

Background Anopheles coluzzii is a primary vector of malaria found in West and Central Africa, but its presence has hitherto never been documented in Kenya. A thorough understanding of vector bionomics is important as it enables the implementation of targeted and effective vector control interventions. Malaria vector surveillance efforts in the country have tended to focus on historically known primary vectors. In the current study, we sought to determine the taxonomic status of samples collected from five different malaria epidemiological zones in Kenya as well asdescribe the population genetic structure and insecticide resistance profiles in relation to other An. coluzzi populations. Methods Mosquitoes were sampled as larvae from Busia, Kwale, Turkana, Kirinyaga and Kiambu counties, representing the range of malaria endemicities in Kenya, in 2019 and 2021 and emergent adults analysed using Whole Genome Sequencing data processed in accordance with the Anopheles gambiae 1000 Genomes Project phase 3. Where available, historical samples from the same sites were included for WGS. Results This study reports the detection of Anopheles coluzzii for the first time in Kenya. The species was detected in Turkana County across all three time points sampled and its presence confirmed through taxonomic analysis. Additionally, we found a lack of strong population genetic differentiation between An. coluzzii from Kenya and those from the more northerly regions of West and Central Africa, suggesting they represent a connected extension to the known species range. Mutations associated with target-site resistance to DDT and pyrethroids and metabolic resistance to DDT were found at high frequencies of ~60%. The profile and frequencies of the variants observed were similar to An. coluzzii from West and Central Africa but the ace-1 mutation linked to organophosphate and carbamate resistance present in An. coluzzii from coastal West Africa was absent in Kenya. Conclusions These findings emphasise the need for the incorporation of genomics in comprehensive and routine vector surveillance to inform on the range of malaria vector species, and their insecticide resistance status to inform the choice of effective vector control approaches.
Mesoscale Eddies Modulate Mixed Layer Depth Globally

Mesoscale eddies, energetic vortices covering nearly a third of the ocean surface at any one time, modulate the spatial and temporal evolution of the mixed layer. We present a global analysis of concurrent satellite observations of mesoscale eddies with hydrographic profiles by autonomous Argo floats, revealing rich geographic and seasonal variability in the influence of eddies on mixed layer depth. Anticyclones deepen the mixed layer depth, whereas cyclones thin it, with the magnitude of these eddy‐induced mixed layer depth anomalies being largest in winter. Eddy‐centric composite averages reveal that the largest anomalies occur at the eddy center and decrease with distance from the center. Furthermore, the extent to which eddies modulate mixed layer depth is linearly related to the sea surface height amplitude of the eddies. Finally, large eddy‐mediated mixed layer depth anomalies are more common in anticyclones when compared to cyclones. We present candidate mechanisms for this observed asymmetry.
Predictors of prior HIV testing and acceptance of a community-based HIV test offer among male bar patrons in northern Tanzania

Community-based HIV testing offers an alternative approach to encourage HIV testing among men in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we evaluated a community-based HIV testing strategy targeting male bar patrons in northern Tanzania to assess factors predictive of prior HIV testing and factors predictive of accepting a real-time HIV test offer. Participants completed a detailed survey and were offered HIV testing upon survey completion. Poisson regression was used to identify prevalence ratios for the association between potential predictors and prior HIV testing or real-time testing uptake. Of 359 participants analyzed, the median age was 41 (range 19–82) years, 257 (71.6%) reported a previous HIV test, and 321 (89.4%) accepted the real-time testing offer. Factors associated with previous testing for HIV (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 95% CI) were wealth scores in the upper-middle quartile (1.25, 1.03–1.52) or upper quartile (1.35, 1.12–1.62) and HIV knowledge (1.04, 1.01–1.07). Factors that predicted real-time testing uptake were lower scores on the Gender-Equitable Men scale (0.99, 0.98–0.99), never testing for HIV (1.16, 1.03–1.31), and testing for HIV > 12 months prior (1.18, 1.06–1.31). We show that individual-level factors that influence the testing-seeking behaviors of men are not likely to impact their acceptance of an HIV offer.
Successful treatment of solar lentigines by topical application of stabilized cysteamine: A vehicle‐controlled, double‐blind randomized study

Abstract Background Solar lentigines are common hyperpigmented lesions typically appearing after 50 years of age and associated with negative psychological effects in affected individuals. Topical depigmenting products, such as hydroquinone and even the Kligman's formula, are usually ineffective for treating lentigines. Stabilized cysteamine has been recently shown to be as effective as the modified Kligman's formula for treating melasma. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of a stabilized cysteamine on solar lentigines. Methods A vehicle‐controlled, double‐blind, and randomized study was performed on 30 patients with solar lentigines. Stabilized cysteamine or vehicle control creams were applied on solar lentigines on the dorsum of the hands daily for 12 weeks. Clinical measurements with colorimetry and visual analog scale were performed at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Results Statistically significant results were obtained in the cysteamine group versus the vehicle control group. Stabilized cysteamine provided a 40% reduction in colorimetric values (p < 0.002) versus a 2% reduction in the vehicle group (p < 0.405). Cysteamine also provided a 40% reduction in VAS (p < 0.001) versus a 2% reduction in the vehicle group (p < 0.245). Conclusion Significant improvement of solar lentigines was observed after 12 weeks of application of stabilized cysteamine by all evaluation methods. Stabilized cysteamine represents a highly effective topical treatment for solar lentigines and can be considered as one of the first topical therapies effective on this hyperpigmentary disorder.
Channel Capacity of High Altitude Platform Systems: A case study

This paper presents a model for Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) Land High Altitude Platform channels and analytical evaluation of Discrete-input Continuousoutput Memoryless Channel capacity for High Altitude Platform (HAP)–MIMO systems, where practical transmission environments are considered. Furthermore, for HAP– SingleInput Single-Output (SISO) systems, we propose an adaptive transmission mechanism relying on the transmit power characterized by value at the transmitter side. Achievable channel capacity bounds are established for both idealized and realistic adaptive coding schemes with well-adopted modulation types, namely Phase Shift Keying and Quadrature Amplitude Modulation.
Effect of a Submerged Zone and Carbon Source on Nutrient and Metal Removal for Stormwater by Bioretention Cells

A bioretention system is a low-impact and sustainable treatment facility for treating urban stormwater runoff. To meet or maintain a consistently satisfactory performance, especially in terms of increasing nitrogen removal efficiency, the introduction of a submerged (anoxic) zone (SZ) combined with a module-based carbon source (C) has been recommended. This study investigated the removal of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and heavy metals with a retrofitted bioretention system. A significant (p < 0.05) removal enhancement of N as well as total phosphorus (TP) was observed, in the mesocosms with additions of exogenous carbon as opposed to those without such condition. However, even in the mesocosm with SZ alone (without exogenous C), TP removal showed significant enhancement. With regard to the effects of SZ depth on nutrient removal, the results showed that the removal of both N and P in module with a shallow SZ (200 mm) showed significant enhancement compared to that in module with a deep SZ (300 mm). Removal efficiencies greater than 93% were observed for all three heavy metals tested (Cu, Pb, and Zn) in all mesocosms, even in the bioretention module without an SZ or plants, and it indicated that adsorption by the filtration media itself is probably the most important removal mechanism. Only Cu (but not Pb or Zn) showed significantly enhanced removal in module with an SZ as compared to those without an SZ. Carbon source played a minor role in metal removal as no significant (p > 0.05) improvement was observed in module with C as compared to that without C. Based on these results, the incorporation of SZ with C in stormwater biofilters is recommended.
World Journal of Gastroenterology

We are writing in response to the paper published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology by Zhou et al . The authors identified higher serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G4 levels and age over 55 years as independent risk factors for disease relapse. Despite notable strengths, it is crucial to address potential biases. Firstly, the cohort study included 189 patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) type 1 (with higher IgG4 seropositivity and higher relapse) and 24 with type 2 (with lower IgG4 seropositivity and lower relapse). Consequently, most, if not all, AIP type 2 patients were assigned to the normal group, possibly inflating the association of higher serum IgG4 levels with relapse and potentially exaggerating the association of older age with relapse. Secondly, the authors did not provide sufficient details regarding AIP diagnosis, such as the ratio of definitive vs probable cases and the proportion of biopsies. In cases where histological evidence is unavailable or indeterminate, AIP type 2 may be misdiagnosed as definitive type 1, and type 1 may also be misdiagnosed as probable type 2, particularly in cases with normal or mildly elevated serum IgG4 levels. Lastly, in this retrospective study, approximately one-third of the consecutive patients initially collected were excluded for various reasons. Accordingly, the impact of non-random exclusion on relapse outcomes should be carefully considered. In conclusion, the paper by Zhou et al offers plausible, though not entirely compelling, evidence suggesting a predictive role of elevated serum IgG4 levels and advanced age in AIP relapse. The foundation for future investigations lies in ensuring a reliable diagnosis and accurate disease subtyping, heavily dependent on obtaining histological specimens. In this regard, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy emerges as a pivotal component of the diagnostic process, contributing to mitigating biases in future explorations of the disease.
In vitro modelling of bacterial pneumonia: a comparative analysis of widely applied complex cell culture models

Abstract Bacterial pneumonia greatly contributes to the disease burden and mortality of lower respiratory tract infections among all age groups and risk profiles. Therefore, laboratory modelling of bacterial pneumonia remains important for elucidating the complex host–pathogen interactions and to determine drug efficacy and toxicity. In vitro cell culture enables for the creation of high-throughput, specific disease models in a tightly controlled environment. Advanced human cell culture models specifically, can bridge the research gap between the classical two-dimensional cell models and animal models. This review provides an overview of the current status of the development of complex cellular in vitro models to study bacterial pneumonia infections, with a focus on air–liquid interface models, spheroid, organoid, and lung-on-a-chip models. For the wide scale, comparative literature search, we selected six clinically highly relevant bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus). We reviewed the cell lines that are commonly used, as well as trends and discrepancies in the methodology, ranging from cell infection parameters to assay read-outs. We also highlighted the importance of model validation and data transparency in guiding the research field towards more complex infection models.
Postschool Goal Expectations for Youth With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Using National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012 data, this study explored parent and youth expectations in the areas of postsecondary education, employment, independent living, and financial independence. Compared to youth with other disabilities, youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their parents had much lower expectations for the four postschool goals, and parent expectations were much lower than youth's own expectations. Also, youth's race, along with their daily living skills and functional abilities, were positively associated with parent and youth expectations in several future goal areas. Our discussion highlights implications for improving the transition experiences of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Seasonal variability and synoptic characteristics of dust cases over southwestern Saudi Arabia

The synoptic characteristics and statistical variability of seasonal dust over southwestern Saudi Arabia are studied for the period from 1979 to 2006 using the aerosol index (AI) from the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) satellite, dust observations from surface stations, and meteorological data from the National Center for Environmental Prediction and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) reanalysis data set.
Coliphage-based Microbial Source Tracking in Shellfish Growing Area of South Korea

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Calculated plasma volume status in hemodialysis patients

Abstract Background Plasma volume (PV) calculated from hematocrit and body weight has applications in cardiovascular disease. The current study investigated the validity of the calculated PV for predicting volume overload and its prognostic utility in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Patients and methods Fifty-four HD patients were prospectively enrolled, and their actual PV (aPV) and relative PV status (PVS) were calculated. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) with assessment of and total body water (TBW), intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), and overhydration (OH) and routine blood examinations were performed before dialysis. A second cohort of 164 HD patients was retrospectively enrolled to evaluate the relationship between the calculated PVS and the outcome, with an endpoint of all-cause mortality. Results aPV was significantly associated with TBW, ICW, ECW, OH, and ECW/TBW (all p < 0.001), and most strongly with ECW (r = 0.83). aPV predicted the extent of volume overload with an AUC of 0.770 (p < 0.001), but PVS did not (AUC = 0.617, p = 0.091). Median follow-up time was 53 months, during the course of which 60 (36.58%) patients died. Values for PVS (12.94 ± 10.87% vs. 7.45 ± 5.90%, p = 0.024) and time-averaged PVS (12.83 ± 11.20 vs. 6.78 ± 6.22%, p < 0.001) were significantly increased in patients who died relative to those who survived. A value of time-averaged PVS >8.72% was significantly associated with an increased incidence of all-cause mortality (HR = 2.48, p = 0.0023). Conclusions aPV was most strongly associated with ECW measured using BIA. HD patients with higher time-averaged PVS had a higher rate of all-cause mortality.
Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 reactive CD4+ T cells

The contribution of CD4+ T cells to protective or pathogenic immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection remains unknown. Here, we present large-scale single-cell transcriptomic analysis of viral antigen-reactive CD4+ T cells from 32 COVID-19 patients. In patients with severe disease compared to mild disease, we found increased proportions of cytotoxic follicular helper (TFH) cells and cytotoxic T helper cells (CD4-CTLs) responding to SARS-CoV-2, and reduced proportion of SARS-CoV-2 reactive regulatory T cells. Importantly, the CD4-CTLs were highly enriched for the expression of transcripts encoding chemokines that are involved in the recruitment of myeloid cells and dendritic cells to the sites of viral infection. Polyfunctional T helper (TH)1 cells and TH17 cell subsets were underrepresented in the repertoire of SARS-CoV-2-reactive CD4+ T cells compared to influenza-reactive CD4+ T cells. Together, our analyses provide so far unprecedented insights into the gene expression patterns of SARS-CoV-2 reactive CD4+ T cells in distinct disease severities.
High resolution mobile mesonet observations of RFD surges in the June 9 Basset, Nebraska supercell during Project ANSWERS 2003

There are many unresolved issues regarding tornadogenesis in supercells. One question that has received recent attention in the research community is the role of the rear flank downdraft (RFD) and rear flank downdraft boundary (RFDB) in the tornadogenesis process. Project ANSWERS (Analysis of the NearSurface Wind and Environment Along the Rear Flank of Supercells) 2003 was a field experiment designed to collect near-surface data in order to document the kinematic and thermodynamic environment in the vicinity of the RFDB, and to try to determine the RFD and RFDB’s contribution to low-level mesocyclogenesis, tornadogenesis and tornado maintenance.
A radar‐based study of severe hail outbreaks over the contiguous United States for 2000–2011

A radar‐based hail climatology, with broad coverage and high resolution, is possible using the Next‐Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) Reanalysis through application of the multiradar multisensor (MRMS) algorithm and maximum expected size of hail (MESH). Using 12 years of MESH data, we define a “severe hail outbreak day” and analyse the characteristics and frequency of severe hail and severe hail outbreaks, including an analysis of hail swaths. Thresholds are set to signify severe hail in terms of MESH, and automated quality control measures are implemented. When comparing severe hail days in MESH to reports, we find a linear relationship between MESH and reports. Several case studies are also included to highlight the utility of MESH when studying outbreaks of severe hail, specifically regarding outbreak events that occur in low‐population areas. With the caveat that this is a relatively short‐time period, we find that severe hail days decrease while severe hail outbreak days increase over the period 2000–2011. The increase in outbreaks is happening primarily in the month of June, where the number of severe hail days stays fairly constant over the 12 years. This suggests that the increase in outbreaks is mainly taking place on days when severe hail already occurs. When examining hail swath characteristics, we find that there are a greater number of hail swaths (with a major‐axis‐length [MAL] of at least 15 km) on outbreak versus nonoutbreak days. Additionally, hail swaths with the largest MALs occur on outbreak days.
Predicting the Dominant Patterns of Subseasonal Variability of Wintertime Surface Air Temperature in Extratropical Northern Hemisphere

Skillfully predicting persistent extreme temperature anomalies more than 10 days in advance remains a challenge although it is of great value to the society. Here the two leading modes of subseasonal variability of surface air temperature over the extratropical Northern Hemisphere in boreal winter are identified with pentad (5 days) averaged data. They are well separated geographically, dominating temperature variability in North America and Eurasia, respectively. There exists a two‐pentad lagged correlation between these two modes, implying an intercontinental link of temperature variability. Forecast skill of these two modes is evaluated based on three operational subseasonal prediction models. The results show that useful forecasts of the Eurasian mode (EOF2) can be achieved four pentads in advance, which is more skillful than the North American mode (EOF1). EOF2 is found to benefit from the Madden‐Julian Oscillation signal in the initial condition.