Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recruitment of family caregivers of persons with dementia: Lessons learned from a pilot randomized controlled trial

Family caregivers play an essential role in supporting the health and well-being of older adults with dementia, a population projected to increase rapidly over the coming decades. Enrolling caregivers of people with dementia (PWD) in research studies is vital to generating the evidence necessary to support broader implementation of efficacious intervention programs in real-world care delivery, but a range of challenges impede recruitment and enrollment of sufficiently large and representative sample sizes. In this article, we characterize the challenges and lessons learned from recruiting caregivers of PWD to participate in a pilot randomized control trial. We utilize Bronfenbrenner's ecological model to categorize the challenges into three levels: individual (i.e., understanding caregivers’ time constraints and motivations), community (i.e., reaching underrepresented populations and accessing caregiver support groups) and institutional (i.e., obtaining informed consent and navigating research registries). We found that establishing rapport and maintaining flexibility with participants was crucial for motivating individuals to enroll in our study. Building trust with local communities by collaborating with support group leaders, appointing a co-investigator who is already embedded within a given community, and establishing equitable partnerships with organizations increased recruitment rates. At the institutional level, engaging experts in regulatory affairs and geriatrics may help overcome barriers in obtaining approval from institutional review boards. We also recommend using research registries of individuals who offer their contact information to researchers. The lessons learned from our research—including the challenges and potential solutions to overcome them—may promote more effective and efficient recruitment in future research.
Polish-German preschoolers develop and use heritage Polish differently depending on whether they heard German from birth or not

This study assessed the language proficiency and use of a hitherto under-investigated group, viz., 3.5-year-olds growing up with Polish as a heritage language and German as societal language. All children (N = 28) heard Polish from birth in the home but half the children also heard German from birth (Bilingual First Language Acquisition, BFLA) while the other half added German through preschool (Early Second Language Acquisition, ESLA). All children attended German preschools. Data collection relied on an online survey filled out by 28 mothers and 20 fathers. There were large discrepancies between parental answers to general versus detailed questions regarding language use (choice) amongst parents and children. This has important repercussions for much of questionnaire based bilingualism research. Children were developing productive language as expected but BFLA preschoolers spoke German better or spoke both languages equally well whereas ESLA preschoolers spoke Polish better. Apart from BFLA children’s much longer and daily exposure to German from birth, these BFLA-ESLA differences in relative Polish proficiency may relate to different current patterns of language choice, with (1) Polish less present in parent–child interactions involving BFLA than ESLA preschoolers, and with (2) BFLA but not ESLA preschoolers mostly hearing Polish from just a single parent. The BFLA-ESLA difference thus made a difference to children’s heritage Polish development and use already at age 3.5.
Development and psychometric properties of the Stressors in Breast Cancer Scale

Background A diagnosis of breast cancer generates psychological stress, due not only to treatment and its side effects but also to the impact on different areas of the patient’s daily life. Although there are instruments for measuring psychological stress in the cancer context, there is currently no tool for assessing stressors specific to breast cancer. Aims The aim of this study was to develop the Stressors in Breast Cancer Scale (SBCS). Method A panel of experts evaluated the clarity and relevance of scale items, providing validity evidence based on test content. Psychometric properties of the scale were then analyzed. Results Validity evidence based on the internal structure of the SBCS was obtained through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), following a cross-validation strategy. The CFA supported a second-order factor model with five dimensions: physical appearance and sex strains, health and daily difficulties, interpersonal relationship strains, healthcare strains, and worries and concerns about the future. This structure was invariant across two groups distinguished by time from cancer diagnosis (less than 3 and 3 years or more from diagnosis). Reliability, based on McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, ranged from 0.83 to 0.89 for factor scores, and reached 0.95 for total scores. Validity evidence was also provided by correlations with depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and perceived health and quality of life. Discussion The results support the use of the SBCS for measuring stress as a stimulus in the breast cancer context. Implications for clinical practice and research are discussed.
Cross-equatorial channel flow with zero potential vorticity under the complete Coriolis force

We investigate the cross-equatorial flow of deep ocean currents through a channel along the sea floor using the 1½-layer or equivalent-barotropic shallow water equations. We restrict our attention to flows with zero potential vorticity, motivated by measurements of the deep Atlantic ocean, and focus on the role of the so-called non-traditional components of the Coriolis force due to the locally horizontal component of the Earth's rotation vector. These components are typically neglected in theoretical studies of ocean dynamics. We first obtain steady asymptotic solutions in a straight-walled channel by assuming that the channel half-length is much larger than the intrinsic lengthscale, the equatorial Rossby deformation radius. The leading-order solution describes a current that switches from the western to the eastern side of the channel as it crosses from the southern to the northern hemisphere. Including the non-traditional component of the Coriolis force substantially increases the cross-equatorial transport as long as the flow is everywhere northwards, but substantially decreases the transport if part of the flow retroflects and returns to the southern hemisphere. We compare our steady asymptotic solutions with time-dependent numerical solutions of the non-traditional shallow water equations. We impose the a priori assumption of zero potential vorticity by writing the fluid's absolute angular momentum as the gradient of a scalar potential. The time-average of our numerical solutions converges to our steady asymptotic solutions in the limit of large channel length, with an error of only around 1% even when our asymptotic parameter e is equal to 1. However, our solutions diverge when the layer depth is sufficiently small that portions of the flow become super-critical. The resulting formation of steady shocks prevents the time-dependent solution from approaching the asymptotic solution.
Soluble immune checkpoints as correlates for HIV persistence and T cell function in people with HIV on antiretroviral therapy

Introduction In people with HIV (PWH) both off and on antiretroviral therapy (ART), the expression of immune checkpoint (IC) proteins is elevated on the surface of total and HIV-specific T-cells, indicating T-cell exhaustion. Soluble IC proteins and their ligands can also be detected in plasma, but have not been systematically examined in PWH. Since T-cell exhaustion is associated with HIV persistence on ART, we aimed to determine if soluble IC proteins and their ligands also correlated with the size of the HIV reservoir and HIV-specific T-cell function. Methods We used multiplex bead-based immunoassay to quantify soluble programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3), PD-1 Ligand 1 (PD-L1) and PD-1 Ligand 2 (PD-L2) in plasma from PWH off ART (n=20), on suppressive ART (n=75) and uninfected controls (n=20). We also quantified expression of membrane-bound IC and frequencies of functional T-cells to Gag and Nef peptide stimulation on CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells using flow cytometry. The HIV reservoir was quantified in circulating CD4+ T-cells using qPCR for total and integrated HIV DNA, cell-associated unspliced HIV RNA and 2LTR circles. Results Soluble (s) PD-L2 level was higher in PWH off and on ART compared to uninfected controls. Higher levels of sPD-L2 correlated with lower levels of HIV total DNA and higher frequencies of gag-specific CD8+ T-cells expressing CD107a, IFNγ or TNFα. In contrast, the concentration of sLAG-3 was similar in uninfected individuals and PWH on ART, but was significantly elevated in PWH off ART. Higher levels of sLAG-3 correlated with higher levels of HIV total and integrated DNA, and lower frequency of gag-specific CD4+ T cells expressing CD107a. Similar to sLAG-3, levels of sPD-1 were elevated in PWH off ART and normalized in PWH on ART. sPD-1 was positively correlated with the frequency of gag-specific CD4+ T cells expressing TNF-a and the expression of membrane-bound PD-1 on total CD8+ T-cells in PWH on ART. Discussion Plasma soluble IC proteins and their ligands correlate with markers of the HIV reservoir and HIV-specific T-cell function and should be investigated further in in large population-based studies of the HIV reservoir or cure interventions in PWH on ART.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of cold exposure and cardiovascular disease outcomes

Background Cold exposure has been considered an essential risk factor for the global disease burden, while its role in cardiovascular diseases is still underappreciated. The increase in frequency and duration of extreme cold weather events like cold spells makes it an urgent task to evaluate the effects of ambient cold on different types of cardiovascular disease and to understand the factors contributing to the population's vulnerability. Methods In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane. We included original research that explored the association between cold exposure (low temperature and cold spell) and cardiovascular disease outcomes (mortality and morbidity). We did a random-effects meta-analysis to pool the relative risk (RR) of the association between a 1°C decrease in temperature or cold spells and cardiovascular disease outcomes. Results In total, we included 159 studies in the meta-analysis. As a result, every 1°C decrease in temperature increased cardiovascular disease-related mortality by 1.6% (RR 1.016; [95% CI 1.015–1.018]) and morbidity by 1.2% (RR 1.012; [95% CI 1.010–1.014]). The most pronounced effects of low temperatures were observed in the mortality of coronary heart disease (RR 1.015; [95% CI 1.011–1.019]) and the morbidity of aortic aneurysm and dissection (RR 1.026; [95% CI 1.021–1.031]), while the effects were not significant in hypertensive disease outcomes. Notably, we identified climate zone, country income level and age as crucial influential factors in the impact of ambient cold exposure on cardiovascular disease. Moreover, the impact of cold spells on cardiovascular disease outcomes is significant, which increased mortality by 32.4% (RR 1.324; [95% CI 1.2341.421]) and morbidity by 13.8% (RR 1.138; [95% CI 1.015–1.276]). Conclusion Cold exposure could be a critical risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and the cold effect varies between disease types and climate zones. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42022347247.
The crucial role and mechanism of insulin resistance in metabolic disease

Insulin resistance (IR) plays a crucial role in the development and progression of metabolism-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, tumors, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and provides the basis for a common understanding of these chronic diseases. In this study, we provide a systematic review of the causes, mechanisms, and treatments of IR. The pathogenesis of IR depends on genetics, obesity, age, disease, and drug effects. Mechanistically, any factor leading to abnormalities in the insulin signaling pathway leads to the development of IR in the host, including insulin receptor abnormalities, disturbances in the internal environment (regarding inflammation, hypoxia, lipotoxicity, and immunity), metabolic function of the liver and organelles, and other abnormalities. The available therapeutic strategies for IR are mainly exercise and dietary habit improvement, and chemotherapy based on biguanides and glucagon-like peptide-1, and traditional Chinese medicine treatments (e.g., herbs and acupuncture) can also be helpful. Based on the current understanding of IR mechanisms, there are still some vacancies to follow up and consider, and there is also a need to define more precise biomarkers for different chronic diseases and lifestyle interventions, and to explore natural or synthetic drugs targeting IR treatment. This could enable the treatment of patients with multiple combined metabolic diseases, with the aim of treating the disease holistically to reduce healthcare expenditures and to improve the quality of life of patients to some extent.
A machine learning model for visualization and dynamic clinical prediction of stroke recurrence in acute ischemic stroke patients: A real-world retrospective study

Background and purpose Recurrent stroke accounts for 25–30% of all preventable strokes, and this study was conducted to establish a machine learning-based clinical predictive rice idol for predicting stroke recurrence within 1 year in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods A total of 645 AIS patients at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University were screened, included and followed up for 1 year for comprehensive clinical data. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression (LR) were used to screen the risk factors of stroke recurrence. The data set was randomly divided into training set and test set according to the ratio of 7:3, and the following six prediction models were established by machine algorithm: random forest (RF), Naive Bayes model (NBC), decision tree (DT), extreme gradient boosting (XGB), gradient boosting machine (GBM) and LR. The model with the strongest prediction performance was selected by 10-fold cross-validation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and the models were investigated for interpretability by SHAP. Finally, the models were constructed to be visualized using a web calculator. Results Logistic regression analysis showed that right hemisphere, homocysteine (HCY), C-reactive protein (CRP), and stroke severity (SS) were independent risk factors for the development of stroke recurrence in AIS patients. In 10-fold cross-validation, area under curve (AUC) ranked from 0.777 to 0.959. In ROC curve analysis, AUC ranged from 0.887 to 0.946. RF model has the best ability to predict stroke recurrence, and HCY has the largest contribution to the model. A web-based calculator https://mlmedicine-re-stroke2-re-stroke2-baylee.streamlitapp. com/ has been developed accordingly. Conclusion This study identified four independent risk factors affecting recurrence within 1 year in stroke patients, and the constructed RF-based prediction model had good performance.
Obesity mechanism after hypothalamic damage: Cohort analysis of neuroimaging, psychological, cognitive, and clinical phenotyping data

Objective The hypothalamus regulates energy homeostasis, and its damage results in severe obesity. We aimed to investigate the multifaceted characteristics of hypothalamic obesity. Methods We performed multidimensional analyses of brain structure/function and psychological and behavioral phenotypes in 29 patients with hypothalamic damage (HD) (craniopharyngioma) and 31 controls (non-functional pituitary adenoma). Patients underwent structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging and completed self-reports and cognitive tasks. Results Patients with HD showed significantly higher postoperative weight gain than controls. The HD group also showed significant hypothalamic damage and lower neural activation in the left caudate nucleus in response to food images. The HD group had significantly higher food inattention, lower satiety, and higher restrained eating behavior. Within the HD group, higher restrained eating behavior was significantly associated with lower activation in the bilateral fusiform gyrus. Conclusion These results suggest that hypothalamic damage contributes to weight gain by altering the brain response, attention, satiety, and eating behaviors. The present study proposes novel neuro-psycho-behavioral mechanisms targeted for patients with hypothalamic obesity.
Novel Colorimetric Methods for quantitative estimation of Diacerin from capsule Formulation.

Two simple and sensitive colorimetric methods have been developed for the quantitative estimation of Diacerin from Pharmaceutical Capsule dosage form. Developed methods are based on the formation of chloroform extractable ion pair coloured complex of drug with Orange II (Method A) and Tropoelin (Method B). The complex formed in method A and B showed maximum absorbance at 435. Linearity was obeyed in concentration range of 50-350 μgm/ml and 50-250 μgm/ml of Diacerin for method A and B respectively. The results of analysis were validated statistically and by recovery studies.
MULTIVALUED CONTRACTIONS WITHOUT NORMALITY IN CONE $b$-METRIC SPACES

In this paper we prove fixed point theorem for multivalued mappings without the assumption of normality in cone b-metric spaces. The result not only directly improve some fixed point results in cone metric spaces and b-metric spaces, but also expand and generalize some previous results in cone metric spaces. We also give an example in support of the main result.
Profile of human anti-rabies care and post-exposure prophylaxis in the state of São Paulo

ABSTRACT Background: Rabies is an anthropozoonosis that greatly impacts public health and is transmitted by infected mammals. Aggression by animals is notifiable and may result in anti-rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). This study aimed to characterize anti-rabies PEP notifications in São Paulo state, Brazil. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted using data provided by the SINAN between 2013 and 2017. Results: A total of 572,889 aggressions were recorded during the study period, characterized mostly by dogs (83.5%), single wounds (56.9%), superficial wounds (58.6%), and hands/feet (34.6%). Conclusions: Animal observation was the most frequent recommendation, even in cases of attacks from non-domestic animals.
Understanding and controlling asthma in Latin America: A review of recent research informed by the SCAALA programme

Abstract Asthma is an important health concern in Latin America (LA) where it is associated with variable prevalence and disease burden between countries. High prevalence and morbidity have been observed in some regions, particularly marginalized urban populations. Research over the past 10 years from LA has shown that childhood disease is primarily non‐atopic. The attenuation of atopy may be explained by enhanced immune regulation induced by intense exposures to environmental factors such as childhood infections and poor environmental conditions of the urban poor. Non‐atopic symptoms are associated with environmental and lifestyle factors including poor living conditions, respiratory infections, psychosocial stress, obesity, and a diet of highly processed foods. Ancestry (particularly African) and genetic factors increase asthma risk, and some of these factors may be specific to LA settings. Asthma in LA tends to be poorly controlled and depends on access to health care and medications. There is a need to improve management and access to medication through primary health care. Future research should consider the heterogeneity of asthma to identify relevant endotypes and underlying causes. The outcome of such research will need to focus on implementable strategies relevant to populations living in resource‐poor settings where the disease burden is greatest.
Adaptation and validation of an adult patient classification instrument with emphasis on the family dimension

ABSTRACT Objectives: to adapt and validate an instrument for classifying adult patients that emphasizes the family support network in the demand for nursing care. Methods: methodological study, carried out in three phases: adaptation of an instrument considering the reality of adult patients; content validation with seven experts and assessment of measurement properties (construct validity and internal consistency) with 781 hospitalized patients. Results: in content validation, the indicators reached the values established for the Content Validity Index (0.85-1.00). In the confirmatory factor analysis, the 11 indicators were distributed in three domains and presented average variance extracted and factor loading greater than 0.5. Composite reliability was greater than 0.7. Conclusions: the present study adapted and made available, with evidence of validity and reliability, an instrument for classifying adult patients that considers the family support network in the demand for nursing care.
CCuantuMM: Cycle-Consistent Quantum-Hybrid Matching of Multiple Shapes

Jointly matching multiple, non-rigidly deformed 3D shapes is a challenging, $\mathcal{NP}$-hard problem. A perfect matching is necessarily cycle-consistent: Following the pairwise point correspondences along several shapes must end up at the starting vertex of the original shape. Unfortunately, existing quantum shape-matching methods do not support multiple shapes and even less cycle consistency. This paper addresses the open challenges and introduces the first quantum-hybrid approach for 3D shape multi-matching; in addition, it is also cycle-consistent. Its iterative formulation is admissible to modern adiabatic quantum hardware and scales linearly with the total number of input shapes. Both these characteristics are achieved by reducing the N-shape case to a sequence of three-shape matchings, the derivation of which is our main technical contribution. Thanks to quantum annealing, high-quality solutions with low energy are retrieved for the intermediate $\mathcal{NP}$ - hard objectives. On benchmark datasets, the proposed approach significantly outperforms extensions to multi-shape matching of a previous quantum-hybrid two-shape matching method and is on-par with classical multi-matching methods. Our source code is available at 4dqv.mpiinf. mpg.de/CCuantuMM/.