Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Community perceptions on causes of high dizygotic twinning rate in Igbo-Ora, South-west Nigeria: A qualitative study

Background Dizygotic (DZ, non-identical) twinning rates vary widely across different regions in the world. With a DZ twinning rate of 45 per 1000 live births, Igbo-Ora Community in South-west Nigeria has the highest dizygotic (DZ) twinning rate in the world. Although several postulations exist on the causes of high DZ twinning rates in Igbo-Ora, no study has yet been conclusive on a definite causative agent. Objective Using qualitative methods, this study explored the perceptions and beliefs of Igbo-Ora residents about the causes of high DZ twinning rates. Methods Focus group discussion sessions and key informant interviews were organized among fathers and mothers of twins, those without twins, and health care providers. Key informant interviews were also held with persons considered to be custodians of culture who may have knowledge relevant to twinning such as traditional rulers, and traditional birth attendants; as well as health care providers, mothers and fathers of twins, and adult twins. Results The results showed three factors featuring as the leading perceived causes of twinning in the community. These included twinning being an act of God, hereditary, and being due to certain foods consumed in the community. Contrary to reports that the consumption of a species of yam (Dioscorea rotundata) may be responsible for the DZ twinning in this Community; yam was not prioritized by the respondents as associated with twinning. In contrast, participants repeatedly mentioned the consumption of “ilasa” a soup prepared with okra leaves (Abelmoschus esculenta) with water that is obtained from the community, and “amala” a local delicacy produced from cassava (Manihot esculenta) as the most likely dietary factors responsible for twinning in the community. Conclusion Since the same foods are consumed in neighboring communities that have lower rates of twinning, we conjecture that nutritional and other environmental factors may produce epigenetic modifications that influence high DZ twinning rates in Igbo-Ora community. We conclude that more directed scientific studies based on these findings are required to further elucidate the etiology of the high rate of DZ twinning in Igbo-Ora.
Frequency and Risk Factors of Acute Kidney Injury During Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children and Association With Neurocognitive Outcomes

Key Points Question What are the mechanisms, risk factors, and outcomes associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) during pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)? Findings In this cohort study using data from 1359 DKA episodes in a large, multicenter, prospective study of fluid treatment during DKA, AKI occurred in 43% of episodes and was associated with greater acidosis and greater circulatory volume depletion. Children who had AKI were more likely to have subtle cognitive impairment during DKA and lower IQ at longer-term follow-up. Meaning These findings suggest that AKI is frequent in pediatric DKA and there is a pattern of multiorgan dysfunction during childhood DKA with the possibility of common pathophysiologic mechanisms.
Improved Stability Criteria for Time-Varying Delay System Using Second and First Order Polynomials

This article concerns the problem of stability analysis of systems with time-varying delay. Recent developments in this direction involves approximation of a second order polynomial function of time-delay. This article proposes a new Lyapunov-Krasovskii Functional that does not introduce the second-order polynomial and thereby avoid the approximation involved in obtaining the stability criterion. Two stability criterion are presented, one introduces the second-order polynomial and the other one does not. A comparison using numerical examples shows that the avoidance of second-order polynomial formulation leads to improved results.
Distributed Optimization for Uncertain Linear Multi-agent Systems by Integral Control

In this paper, we consider a distributed optimization problem for a group of linear high-order multi-agent systems. All agents are allowed to possess parametric uncertainties that range over an arbitrarily large compact set. The goal is to collectively minimize a sum of local costs in a distributed fashion and finally guarantee an output consensus on this optimal point using only output information of agents. By adding an optimal signal generator to generate the global optimal point, a distributed integral control is constructively given to solve this problem under mild assumptions. The efficacy of this control is verified by a numerical example.
The relationship between plasma clozapine concentration and clinical outcome: a cross‐sectional study

There is no report that statistically evaluates the therapeutic reference (350–600 ng/ml) and adverse drug reaction (ADR) range (>1000 ng/ml) of clozapine (CLZ) recommended by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Neuropsychopharmakologie und Pharmakopsychiatrie (AGNP) consensus guidelines in an isolated and large sampling study.
Viewpoint Estimation for Visual Target Navigation by Leveraging Keypoint Detection

In this paper, we tackle the problem of visual target navigation which is a crucial task for embodied AI. Given a target observation and an initial observation, we extract keypoints using an off-the-shelf keypoint detection model. Then we find sparse keypoint correspondences and estimate the relative camera pose with the PnP algorithm to reach the viewpoint for the target observation. Compared to conventional approaches, our method is faster, and more robust to scene changes and occlusions. We collected a 3D scan dataset in a university building and the proposed method is verified using the dataset.
Formaldehyde Release From Predispersed Tattoo Inks: Analysis Using the Chromotropic Acid Method

Background Allergic contact dermatitis to tattoo ink may last from weeks to years. Formaldehyde is a strong sensitizer that may be present in predispersed tattoo inks. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of formaldehyde in predispersed tattoo inks using the chromotropic acid method. Methods Tattoo inks from 39 companies were evaluated. Inclusion criteria included availability to purchase inks online through US tattoo product wholesalers or individual Web sites. Brands were grouped based on prevalence of use: common, uncommon, or rare. For common brands, 8 colors (primary colors, secondary colors, black, and white) were purchased. For uncommon and rare brands, 5 colors (primary colors, black, and white) were purchased. Each ink was tested with standard chromotropic acid method procedures; concentration of formaldehyde released was quantified using spectrophotometry. Results In total, 127 tattoo inks were purchased and tested. Ninety-three (73%) tested positive for formaldehyde release; 34 (27%) tested negative. Formaldehyde release did not correlate with color or brand. At least 1 ink from all brands (except 1) was positive for formaldehyde release. Conclusion Approximately three-quarters of selected US tattoo inks tested positive for formaldehyde release. Clinicians should be aware of tattoo ink as a potential source of formaldehyde.
Gambling disorder is associated with reduced sensitivity to expected value during risky choice

Abstract Background and aims Individuals with gambling disorder display increased levels of risk-taking, but it is not known if it is associated with an altered subjective valuation of gains and/or losses, perception of their probabilities, or integration of these sources of information into expected value. Methods Participants with gambling disorder (n = 48) were compared with a healthy comparison group (n = 35) on a two-choice lottery task that involved either gains-only or losses-only gambles. On each trial, two lotteries were displayed, showing the associated probability and magnitude of the possible outcome for each. On each trial, participants chose one of the two lotteries, and the outcome was revealed. Results Choice behaviour was highly sensitive to the expected value of the two gambles in both the gain and loss domains. This sensitivity to expected value was attenuated in the group with gambling disorder. The group with gambling disorder used both probability and magnitude information less, and this impairment was greater for probability information. By contrast, they used prior feedback (win vs loss) to inform their next choice, despite the independence of each trial. Within the gambling disorder group, problem gambling severity and trait gambling-related cognitions independently predicted reduced sensitivity to expected value. The majority of observed effects were consistent across both gain and loss domains. Discussion and Conclusions Our results provide a thorough characterization of decision processes in gain and loss domains in gambling disorder, and place these problems in the context of theoretical constructs from behavioural economics.
Psychological Distress and Alzheimer’s Disease Mortality in the United States: Results from the 1997–2014 National Health Interview Survey-National Death Index Record Linkage Study

Objective: This study examines the association between psychological distress and Alzheimer’s disease mortality among US adults aged ≥45. Methods: We analyzed the Kessler 6-item psychological distress scale as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s mortality using the pooled 1997–2014 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)- National Death Index (NDI) database (N = 265,089). Cox regression was used to model mortality as a function of psychological distress and sociodemographic and behavioral covariates. Results: The Alzheimer’s mortality risk was 97% higher (HR = 1.97; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.37, 2.84) in adults with serious psychological distress compared with those without psychological distress, controlling for sociodemographic covariates. The relative mortality risk remained statistically significant (HR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.04, 2.13) after additional adjustment for smoking, alcohol consumption, health status, activity limitation, and body mass index. Discussion: US adults had significantly higher risks of Alzheimer’s disease mortality at higher psychological distress levels. These findings underscore the significance of addressing psychological well-being as a strategy for reducing Alzheimer’s disease mortality.
“It’s because I think too much”: Perspectives and experiences of adults with hypertension engaged in HIV care in northern Tanzania

Background Hypertension, a leading risk for cardiovascular mortality, is an important co-morbidity among people living with HIV (PLHIV). In Tanzania, hypertension prevalence among PLHIV approaches 20 to 30%. However, most patients are unaware of their diagnosis and are not receiving treatment. Understanding the barriers to hypertension care is a critical first step in developing interventions to improve cardiovascular outcomes among PLHIV in Tanzania and similar settings. Methods Between September 1st and November 26th, 2018 thirteen semi structured in-depth interviews were conducted with hypertensive patients engaged in HIV care in two HIV clinics located in government health facilities in northern Tanzania. Interviews were audio-recorded, translated into English, transcribed and thematically coded using NVivo. Data analysis was conducted using applied thematic analysis. Results Participants had a median age of 54 (IQR 41–65) years. Of the 13 participants, eight stated they had used antihypertensive medication previously, but only one participant described current use of antihypertensive therapy. All participants were currently using antiretroviral therapy. The data revealed a range of themes including limited hypertension knowledge. Universally, all participants believed that “thinking too much”, i.e. stress, was the major contributor to hypertension and that by “reducing thoughts”, one may control hypertension. Additional emerging themes included a perceived overlap between hypertension and HIV, delays in hypertension diagnosis and linkage to care, challenges with provider communication and counseling, reluctance towards antihypertensive medication, lack of integration of hypertension and HIV care, and additional structural barriers to hypertension care. Conclusions Participants described multiple, intersecting challenges related to hypertension management. Barriers specific to PLHIV included siloed care, HIV-related stigma, and burden from multiple medical conditions. Multifaceted strategies that seek to address structural barriers, hypertension education, psychosocial stressors and stigma, and that are integrated within HIV care are urgently needed to improve cardiovascular outcomes among PLHIV in sub-Saharan Africa.
Stability analysis for seed yield, its contributing traits and oil content in coriander ( Coriandrum sativum L.)

Twenty genetically different genotypes of coriander were evaluated for their stability with respect to their seed yield, its contributing traits and oil content. Environments differed significantly as revealed by significant mean square due to environment (linear) for all the traits studied. The genotype x environment interactions was found significant for days to flowering, plant height, 1000 seed weight, harvest index and oil content. Whereas non-significant mean square genotype x environment interaction for remaining traits showed linear response of genotypes to varying environments. Both linear and non-linear interactions were significant for plant height, 1000 seed weight, harvest index and oil content, whereas for seed yield only linear component was significant. The genotypes with good yield potential, average plant height and medium maturity were G.Cori-1, RCr-20, UD-262, RCr-446, UD-744, CS-2, RCr-41 and' G.Cori-2 suited for favourable environment, while Patan mandi-1 and UD-447 with regression coefficient (bi) < 1.0 could be suitable for low yielding environment.
HEK293 cell response to static magnetic fields via the radical pair mechanism may explain therapeutic effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields

PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) stimulation has been used for therapeutic purposes for over 50 years including in the treatment of memory loss, depression, alleviation of pain, bone and wound healing, and treatment of certain cancers. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms mediating these effects have remained poorly understood. In particular, because magnetic field pulses will induce electric currents in the stimulated tissue, it is unclear whether the observed effects are due to the magnetic or electric component of the stimulation. Recently, it has been shown that PEMFs stimulate the formation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) in human cell cultures by a mechanism that requires cryptochrome, a putative magnetosensor. Here we show by qPCR analysis of ROS-regulated gene expression that simply removing cell cultures from the Earth’s geomagnetic field by placing them in a Low-Level Field condition induces similar effects on ROS signaling as does exposure of cells to PEMF. This effect can be explained by the so-called Radical Pair mechanism, which provides a quantum physical means by which the rates and product yields (e.g. ROS) of biochemical redox reactions may be modulated by magnetic fields. Since transient cancelling of the Earth’s magnetic field can in principle be achieved by PEMF exposure, we propose that the therapeutic effects of PEMFs may be explained by the ensuing modulation of ROS synthesis. Our results could lead to significant improvements in the design and therapeutic applications of PEMF devices.
Paw preference in wolves (Canis lupus): A preliminary study using manipulative tasks

ABSTRACT Behavioural and brain lateralization is widespread among non-human vertebrates. Motor lateralization has been investigated in the domestic dog, revealing that “pawedness” in this species seems to be sex and task related; however, few if any studies considered this asymmetry in wolves (Canis lupus). The aim of this study was to investigate the paw preference of seven wolves housed at Parco Natura Viva – Italy, during the interaction with food-related (FD) and olfactory (OLF) environmental enrichment devices. Eleven sessions were done (22 session in total) per condition (FD and OLF), and data about enrichment manipulation were collected. Most of the wolves manipulated the enrichment devices using one paw rather than both paws. At the individual level, all subjects were lateralized in paw use, six were right pawed, one was left pawed (the alpha male) regardless of the enrichment condition. The fact that one paw rather than both was frequently involved in manipulation could indicate a practical advantage for each individual in being lateralized in paw use. Despite the small sample size, our results provide interesting insights about lateralization in wolves, deserving further investigations. More studies are needed considering factors such as temperament, social rank and task complexity on canid motor lateralization.
Subtype Diagnosis of Sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease with Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (sCJD) comprises several subtypes as defined by genetic and prion protein characteristics, which are associated with distinct clinical and pathological phenotypes. To date, no clinical test can reliably diagnose the subtype. We established two procedures for the antemortem diagnosis of sCJD subtype using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
A Novel Asymmetric Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine

In this paper, a novel asymmetric interior permanent magnet (AIPM) synchronous machine is proposed. Its asymmetric rotor topology, designated as 1.5-layer permanent magnet (PM) structure, features an asymmetric arrangement of the V-shape PMs and the spoke PMs, together with an asymmetric flux barrier located near the rotor surface in each pole. They are employed to utilize the magnetic-fieldshifting (MFS) effect for torque enhancement by reducing the current angle difference between peak PM and reluctance torque components. Effects of geometric parameters of the 1.5layer rotor design, namely asymmetry and pole arc of V-shape cavity as well as position and dimensions of flux barrier, on maximum torque and air-gap field are investigated. Three machines, i.e. the proposed 1.5-layer AIPM, a 1.5-layer symmetrical rotor topology IPM-I and a conventional single layer V-shape benchmark IPM-II are designed using the same stator, rotor diameters and PM usage by global parametric optimization. Their electromagnetic performance is compared. It confirms that the proposed AIPM has the highest maximum torque. It is also revealed that the torque enhancement is achieved by both 1.5-layer structure and MFS effect.
Balancing Prosocial Effort Across Social Categories: Mental Accounting Heuristics in Helping Decisions

Three studies examine whether individuals might use mental accounting heuristics in helping decisions, budgeting their prosocial effort in similar ways to how money is budgeted. In a hypothetical scenario study (N = 283), participants who imagined that they previously helped someone of a specific social category (e.g., “family,” “colleagues”) were less willing to help someone of that category again. Similarly, when reporting actual instances of day-to-day help in a diary study (N = 443), having helped more than usual in a social category yesterday was associated with less effort and less time spent on helping in the same category today. In contrast, helping more than usual in other social categories did not reduce helping today. Finally, a scenario study (N = 489) suggested that the mental accounting effect in helping decisions may, in part, be explained by perceived utility of help (helping others in the same social category is seen as less rewarding).
Impact of Food Prices on the Welfare of Rural Households in South- Eastern Nigeria

Understanding how food consumers in Nigeria change their food consumption when prices change is not enough without the attendant welfare implications, given that consumers have different cultural backgrounds, socio-economic status, lifestyles, different behaviours and needs. This study assessed the impact of food prices on the welfare of rural households in south-eastern Nigeria. Specifically, the study estimated a complete demand function for commonly consumed food items, estimated the compensated price and income elasticities of demand, and examined the change in welfare of rural household consumers with respect to change in prices of commodities in the study area. A three-stage stratified sampling procedure was used to obtain 682 rural household food consumers. Data collected were analyzed using the Linear Expenditure System (LES) of the point-wise separable Stone-Geary utility function. The results showed that all food commodities are normal, non-Giffen, own-price inelastic and gross complements with weak substitutability, and a corresponding loss in welfare as measured by the compensation variation (CV) and equivalent variation (EV). A counterfactual 10% increase in the price of commodities in the region would lead to welfare loss of between 9.56% and 14.13% of initial food expenditure. Increase in price of food commodities impacts on the subsistence level of household food consumers, particularly on their welfare, in South-eastern Nigeria. Policies should be targeted at reducing such welfare impact and the attendant consequences on households, particularly the low-income earners.
Innate Immunity and Biological Therapies for the Treatment of Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder affecting approximately 3% of the population in the United States. This disease has a female predilection and affects exocrine glands, including lacrimal and salivary glands. Dry eyes and dry mouths are the most common symptoms due to the loss of salivary and lacrimal gland function. Symptoms become more severe in secondary SS, where SS is present along with other autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. It is known that aberrant activation of immune cells plays an important role in disease progression, however, the mechanism for these pathological changes in the immune system remains largely unknown. This review highlights the role of different immune cells in disease development, therapeutic treatments, and future strategies that are available to target various immune cells to cure the disease.