Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictors of within-individual variability in cognitive performance in schizophrenia in a South African case-control study.

INTRODUCTION Cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia may be assessed by measuring within-individual variability (WIV) in performance across a range of cognitive tests. Previous studies have found increased WIV in people with schizophrenia, but no studies have been conducted in low to middle income countries where the different sociocultural context may affect WIV. We sought to address this gap by exploring the relationship between WIV and a range of clinical and demographic variables in large study of people with schizophrenia and matched controls in South Africa. METHODS 544 people with schizophrenia and 861 matched controls completed an adapted version of The University of Pennsylvania Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (PennCNB). Demographic and clinical information was collected using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Diagnoses. Across-task WIV for performance speed and accuracy on the PennCNB was calculated. Multi-variate linear regression was used to assess the relationship between WIV and a diagnosis of schizophrenia in the whole sample; and WIV and selected demographic and clinical variables in people with schizophrenia. RESULTS Increased WIV of performance speed across cognitive tests was significantly associated with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. In people with schizophrenia, increased speed WIV was associated with older age, a lower level of education, and a lower score on the global assessment of functioning scale. Increased accuracy WIV was significantly associated with a younger age in people with schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS Measurements of WIV of performance speed can add to the knowledge gained from studies of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia in resource limited settings.
Older adults’ and service providers’ experiences of a settings-based health promotion initiative in English football

Abstract The study was undertaken to explore the experiences of older adults and service providers in a settings-based health promotion initiative in a football club. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 older adults attending an ‘Extra Time Hub’ (ETH) and two staff delivering the initiative. Our reflexive thematic analysis generated six themes. Findings revealed the brand of the sports club attracted some to join the ETH, but through partnerships with local agencies, the initiative was also successful in widening participation beyond older adults with an interest in football. Participants perceived that the ETH was beneficial for their mental health, helped them develop social connections, and promoted positive physical activity experiences. Moreover, the variety of pleasures derived from participation were also discussed. Our findings also illustrate the central role of staff in older adults’ experiences of this form of health promotion. Overall, this study contributes to understandings of settings-based health promotion activities in sports clubs, and also demonstrates the potential for sports clubs to widen engagement with the local community through health promotion for older adults.
Formation and Development of Nocturnal Boundary Layer Clouds over the Southern Great Plains

Abstract The formation and evolution of nocturnal boundary layer clouds over land are studied using a simple well-mixed boundary layer theory. By analyzing the deepening rate of the mixed layer depth based on the turbulent kinetic energy budget of the whole boundary layer, the authors studied how the formation of idealized nocturnal boundary layer clouds is related to the physical processes associated with the land surface and the boundary layer. Preliminary analysis indicates that for a range of surface moisture and heat fluxes, wind shear can be an important factor in triggering the formation of nocturnal stratus. The relative importance of different physical processes responsible for cloud formation can be evaluated by the ratio between the lifting condensation level and a critical level, which is proportional to the Monin-Obukhov length scale. In this study, data collected from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement site in the southern Great Plains are used to examine the results of the theoretical an.
ASSOCIATION OF ORAL MONTELUKAST WITH REDUCED ODDS OF DEVELOPING EXUDATIVE AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the association of oral montelukast, selective antagonism for cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1, with reduced odds of exudative age-related macular degeneration (exAMD) development. Methods: This case–control study was conducted using institutional cohort finder tool, and included 1913 patients with exAMD (ICD: H35.32 and 362.52) and 1913 age- and gender-matched control subjects without exAMD. Subanalysis among 1913 exAMD and 324 nonexudative AMD was also conducted. Results: A total of 47 (2.5%) exAMD cases were identified to have a history of oral montelukast use before exAMD diagnosis, compared with 84 (4.4%) controls. Montelukast usage was significantly associated with reduced odds of exAMD in the multivariable analysis (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.50, 95% confidence interval: 0.31–0.80) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug usage (adjusted OR: 0.69). Caucasian race, history of smoking, and nonexudative macular degeneration in either eye were also found to have a significant relationship with increased odds of exAMD. In the subanalysis, montelukast usage showed significant association with reduced odds of developing exAMD from nonexudative AMD (adjusted OR: 0.53, 95% confidence interval: 0.29–0.97) and the presence of atopic disease (adjusted OR: 0.60). Conclusion: The study results suggested that oral montelukast is linked to reduced odds of exAMD development.
Toxoplasma gondii triggers heterophil extracellular traps via NADPH oxidase, ERK1/2 and P38 signalling pathways, glycolysis and autophagy in chickens

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite with a global distribution. Heterophil extracellular traps (HETs) are a novel innate immune mechanism of chickens against pathogens, but whether T. gondii can induce HETs release in chickens has not been reported. The effects of T. gondii on heterophils viability were assessed by using Cell Counting Kit‐8. T. gondii‐induced HETs were observed and analysed by the immunofluorescence method. T. gondii‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by the DCFH‐DA method. The mechanisms underlying T. gondii‐triggered HETs were investigated by inhibitors and fluorescence microplate reader. T. gondii did not significantly affect heterophils viability at a 1:1 ratio within 1 h. It was demonstrated for the first time that T. gondii could induce HETs release in chicken, and the structure of HETs was comprised of DNA, elastase and citrullinated histone 3 (citH3). T. gondii increased ROS production in a dose‐dependent manner. Inhibitors of NADPH oxidase, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and P38 signalling pathways, glycolysis and autophagy significantly decreased the release of T. gondii‐induced HETs. Taken together, T. gondii can induce HETs release in chickens, and ROS, NADPH oxidase, ERK1/2 and P38 signalling pathways, glycolysis and autophagy participate in the process of HETs release, which provides new insights into the innate immune mechanism of chickens against T. gondii infection.
Predator response to the coloured eyespots and defensive posture of Colombian four‐eyed frogs

Deimatic displays, where sudden changes in prey appearance elicit aversive predator reactions, have been suggested to occur in many taxa. These (often only putative) displays frequently involve different components that may also serve antipredator functions via other mechanisms (e.g., mimicry, warning signalling, body inflation). The Colombian four‐eyed frog, Pleurodema brachyops, has been suggested to gain protection against predation through putative deimatic displays where they inflate and elevate the posterior part of their body revealing eye‐like colour markings. We exposed stationary artificial frogs to wild predators to test whether the two components (eyespot/colour markings, defensive posture) of their putative deimatic display, and their combination, provide protection from predation without the sudden change in appearance. We did not detect any obvious additive effect of defensive posture and eyespots/colour markings on predation risk, but found a marginally significant trend for model frogs in the resting posture to be less attacked when displaying eyespots/colour markings than when they were not, suggesting that the presence of colour markings/eyespots may provide some protection on its own. Additionally, we found that models in a resting posture were overall more frequently attacked on the head than models in a defensive posture, indicating that a defensive posture alone could help redirect predator attacks to non‐vital parts of the body. The trends found in our study suggest that the different components of P. brachyops' coloration may serve different functions during a deimatic display, but further research is needed to elucidate the role of each component when accompanied by sudden prey movement.
Observations by Lidar of Linear Depolarization Ratios for Hydrometeors.

Abstract Measurements by monostatic lidar have been performed in the laboratory and in the field of the linear depolarization ratios for hydrometeors. The depolarization ratios for water drops in the size range 10 to 2000 μ in diameter have been found to be less than 0.03. Similar measurements for ice crystal clouds and precipitation gave relatively high values. Laboratory studies of hydrometeors from young ice clouds of mixed type whose linear dimensions varied from 20–100 μ gave depolarization ratios of 0.38. Atmospheric observations of mixed crystals >350 μ in linear dimension gave depolarization ratios >0.8.
Acute non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction as the first manifestation of Takayasu arteritis in a 16-year-old female patient: a case report and literature review

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is now recognized worldwide and is a disease that mainly affects the aorta and its main branches. TA rarely involves the small or medium-sized vessels. Certain vascular lesions, such as arterial stenosis, occlusion, and aneurysm are common with TA. However, patients with new-onset TA who present with left main trunk acute non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction are extremely rare. We report a 16-year-old female patient with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction due to severe stenosis of the left main coronary artery that was caused by TA. She was eventually diagnosed with TA and underwent successful coronary artery stenting combined with glucocorticoids and folate reductase inhibitor therapy. Over the 1-year follow-up, she experienced two episodes of chest pain and was admitted to the hospital. During the second hospitalization, coronary angiography (CAG) revealed 90% stenosis of the original left main trunk (LM) stent. Following percutaneous coronary angiography (PTCA), drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty was performed. Fortunately, a clear diagnosis of TA was made, and treatment was initiated with an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor inhibitor. Early diagnosis and therapy for TA are emphasized.
A spatio-temporal analysis of marine diatom communities associated with pristine and aged plastics

Abstract Complex microbial communities colonize plastic substrates over time, strongly influencing their fate and potential impacts on marine ecosystems. Among the first colonizers, diatoms play an important role in the development of this ‘plastiphere’. We investigated 936 biofouling samples and the factors influencing diatom communities associated with plastic colonization. These factors included geographic location (up to 800 km apart), duration of substrate submersion (1 to 52 weeks), plastics (5 polymer types) and impact of artificial ageing with UV light. Diatom communities colonizing plastic debris were primarily determined by their geographic location and submersion time, with the strongest changes occurring within two weeks of submersion. Several taxa were identified as early colonizers (e.g. Cylindrotheca, Navicula and Nitzschia spp.) with known strong adhesion capabilities. To a lesser extent, plastic-type and UV-ageing significantly affected community composition, with 14 taxa showing substrate-specificity. This study highlights the role of plastics types-state for colonization in the ocean.
Seasonal and Geographical Variation of Blocking

Abstract We have calculated the seasonal variation of frequency of blocking and its geographical location by examining the grid point values of daily 500 mb geopotential height over the Northern Hemisphere for 15 consecutive years (1963–77). Blocking events are objectively identified by requiring that a large positive anomaly of a specified magnitude persist for seven days or more. The magnitude of the threshold anomaly is assumed to be 200 gpm for winter, 100 gpm for summer, and 150 gpm for fall and spring. It is found that the geographical locations of the maximum frequency, characterized by three distinctly different maxima, remain nearly the same in all the four seasons. These maxima which occur in the Pacific to the west of the Rockies, in the Atlantic to the west of the Alps, and over land to the west of the Ural mountains, coincide with the maxima of the low frequency and total variance. If the persistence criterion is changed to 1–3 days, the geographical distribution of frequency for winter is ve.
Inhibitor D-Timed Petri Nets And Pereormance Analysis Of Communication Protocols

AbstractIt is shown that the behaviour of inhibitor free-choice Petri nets with deterministic firing times can be represented by probabilistic state graphs. For bounded petri nets the corresponding state graphs are finite, and stationary descriptions can thus be obtained by standard techniques used for analysis of Markov chains. An immediate application of such a model is jseri^ormance analysis of systems of asynchronous concurrent processes and, in particular, communicatioii protocols. Places of Petri nets model queues of messages, transitions represent events in communication networks, inhibitor arcs are used to indicate priorities of simultaneous events, and probabilities associated with free-choice classes correspond to relative frequencies of random events. The alternating bit protocol is used as an illustration of analysis.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Liver Transplantation for Alcohol-associated Liver Diseases in the United States

Background. Emerging data suggest disparities exist in liver transplantation (LT) for alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). As the incidence of ALD increases, we aimed to characterize recent trends in ALD LT frequency and outcomes, including racial and ethnic disparities. Methods. Using United Network for Organ Sharing/Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network data (2015 through 2021), we evaluated LT frequency, waitlist mortality, and graft survival among US adults with ALD (alcohol-associated hepatitis [AH] and alcohol-associated cirrhosis [AAC]) stratified by race and ethnicity. We used adjusted competing-risk regression analysis to evaluate waitlist outcomes, Kaplan–Meier analysis to illustrate graft survival, and Cox proportional hazards modeling to identify factors associated with graft survival. Results. There were 1211 AH and 26 526 AAC new LT waitlist additions, with 970 AH and 15 522 AAC LTs performed. Compared with non-Hispanic White patients (NHWs) with AAC, higher hazards of waitlist death were observed for Hispanic (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] = 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-1.32), Asian (SHR = 1.22, 95% CI:1. 01-1.47), and American Indian/Alaskan Native (SHR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.15-1.76) candidates. Similarly, significantly higher graft failures were observed in non-Hispanic Black (HR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.09-1.61) and American Indian/Alaskan Native (HR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.15-2.38) patients with AAC than NHWs. We did not observe differences in waitlist or post-LT outcomes by race or ethnicity in AH, although analyses were limited by small subgroups. Conclusions. Significant racial and ethnic disparities exist for ALD LT frequency and outcomes in the United States. Compared with NHWs, racial and ethnic minorities with AAC experience increased risk of waitlist mortality and graft failure. Efforts are needed to identify determinants for LT disparities in ALD that can inform intervention strategies.
Preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for acute kidney injury after hip fracture surgery: a cohort retrospective study

Abstract Introduction Hip fractures have several adverse effects on patients’ morbidity and mortality. Postoperative Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the complications that have a significant impact on the patient’s overall prognosis. We aimed to identify AKI risk after hip fracture surgery and the preoperative and intraoperative risk factors. Methodology We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary care hospital on adult patients who underwent surgery for hip fractures between January 2015 and August 2021. All clinical data were reviewed. Result A total of 611 patients were included (age = 76.44 ± 9.69 years). 126 (20.6%) of them developed AKI postoperatively. In multilinear logistic regression analysis, factors associated with postoperative AKI included eGFR [odds ratio (OR): 0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.97–0.99 with a p value . 01], spinal anesthesia [OR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.1–2.9 with a p value . 01], and partial hip replacement (PHR) type of surgery [OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.32–0.96 with a p value . 036]. The development of postoperative AKI was the strongest factor that increase mortality of the patients as the (HR = 2.42, CI 95% [1.57–3.74]; p value <.001). Conclusion In this study, we highlight that lower eGFR, and spinal anesthesia were associated with a higher risk of AKI, and PHR surgery has lower odds to develop AKI. Postoperative AKI is associated with a higher mortality rate after hip fracture surgery.
Energy Balance of Farm Labourers

Abstract The present study was conducted to find out the energy cost values of different farm and personal activities using ‘caltrac’ and energy balance of 50 male farm labourers of Agriculture Research Sub Station, Sumerpur, Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner. An interview schedule was developed to collect information about the labourers. Food intake and activity pattern were recorded for three consecutive days by recall method. The daily activity pattern of labourers revealed that they were moderate worker. Energy cost values of farm activities ranged from 21.6 Kcal/15 minutes for removal of seeds from fruits to 51.3 Kcal/15 minutes for bunding. On personal activities energy expenditure ranged from 17.7 Kcal/15 minutes for sitting to 91.4 Kcal/15 minutes for cycling. The mean energy expenditure was 2463 Kcal/day with a mean energy intake of 2085 Kcal/day showing a negative balance of 378 Kcal/day. Energy intake and total energy expenditure was almost same among the labourers of different categories of nutritional status, while energy expenditure on BMR increased significantly with increase in the state of nutritional status by BMI. Findings suggest that labourers will be able to maintain their energy balance and consequently their nutritional status by increasing their energy intake and reducing energy expenditure by the use of labour saving agricultural implements.
Combined anti-S1 and anti-S2 antibodies from hybrid immunity elicit potent cross-variant ADCC against SARS-CoV-2

Antibodies capable of neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 are well studied, but Fc receptor–dependent antibody activities that can also significantly impact the course of infection have not been studied in such depth. Since most SARS-CoV-2 vaccines induce only anti-spike antibodies, here we investigated spike-specific antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Vaccination produced antibodies that weakly induced ADCC; however, antibodies from individuals who were infected prior to vaccination (hybrid immunity) elicited strong anti-spike ADCC. Quantitative and qualitative aspects of humoral immunity contributed to this capability, with infection skewing IgG antibody production toward S2, vaccination skewing toward S1, and hybrid immunity evoking strong responses against both domains. A combination of antibodies targeting both spike domains support strong antibody-dependent NK cell activation, with 3 regions of antibody reactivity outside the receptor-binding domain (RBD) corresponding with potent anti-spike ADCC. Consequently, ADCC induced by hybrid immunity with ancestral antigen was conserved against variants containing neutralization escape mutations in the RBD. Induction of antibodies recognizing a broad range of spike epitopes and eliciting strong and durable ADCC may partially explain why hybrid immunity provides superior protection against infection and disease compared with vaccination alone, and it demonstrates that spike-only subunit vaccines would benefit from strategies that induce combined anti-S1 and anti-S2 antibody responses.
Prediction of GutCheckNEC and Its Relation to Severity of Illness and Measures of Deterioration in Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) risk has been shown to arise from multiple sources and risk awareness may be supported using bedside tools. Purpose: The purpose of this research was to examine the extent to which GutCheckNEC was associated with scores for clinical deterioration, severity of illness, and clinical outcome, and further to examine how scores might improve NEC prediction. Methods: A retrospective, correlational case-control study with infant data from 3 affiliated neonatal intensive care units was conducted. Results: Of 132 infants (44 cases, 88 controls), most were 28 weeks of gestation at birth and less (74%). Median age at NEC onset was 18 days (range: 6-34 days), with two-thirds diagnosed before 21 days. At 68 hours of life, higher GutCheckNEC scores were associated with NEC requiring surgery or resulting in death (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 1.06, P = .036), associations that persisted at 24 hours prior to diagnosis (RRR = 1.05, P = .046), and at the time of diagnosis (RRR = 1.05, P = .022) but showed no associations for medical NEC. GutCheckNEC scores were significantly correlated with pediatric early warning scores (PEWS) (r > 0.30; P < .005) and SNAPPE-II scores (r > 0.44, P < .0001). Increasing numbers of clinical signs and symptoms were positively associated with GutCheckNEC and PEWS at the time of diagnosis (r = 0.19, P = .026; and r = 0.25, P = .005, respectively). Implications for Practice and Research: GutCheckNEC provides structure to streamline assessment and communication about NEC risk. Yet, it is not intended to be diagnostic. Research is needed on how GutCheckNEC impacts timely recognition and treatment.