Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Health Information Consumption under COVID-19 Lockdown: An Interview Study of Residents of Hubei Province, China

ABSTRACT Emerging infectious disease (EID) outbreaks such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic create unknown risks, uncertainty, and anxiety around the world. Accurate and timely information can help the public understand the outbreak and manage their lives. Presented here is a study of how residents of Hubei Province, the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in China, use media for information seeking, scanning, and sharing while under lockdown through in-depth interviews. We find that (1) individuals primarily acquire information through information scanning from official governmental sources, (2) information sharing is more frequent with family members through private channels than with one’s extended social networks and the general public through pubic channels mostly due to concerns with censorship, and (3) individuals’ information need and information use change substantially during different stages of the outbreak. These findings provide insights into how individuals in China use different media for information during an unprecedented public health crisis and make sense of the limited and often confusing and contradictory information that is available to them. Such findings can inform future health communication efforts during EID outbreaks.
Visual Quality of 3D Meshes With Diffuse Colors in Virtual Reality: Subjective and Objective Evaluation

Surface meshes associated with diffuse texture or color attributes are becoming popular multimedia contents. They provide a high degree of realism and allow six degrees of freedom (6DoF) interactions in immersive virtual reality environments. Just like other types of multimedia, 3D meshes are subject to a wide range of processing, e.g., simplification and compression, which result in a loss of quality of the final rendered scene. Thus, both subjective studies and objective metrics are needed to understand and predict this visual loss. In this work, we introduce a large dataset of 480 animated meshes with diffuse color information, and associated with perceived quality judgments. The stimuli were generated from 5 source models subjected to geometry and color distortions. Each stimulus was associated with 6 hypothetical rendering trajectories (HRTs): combinations of 3 viewpoints and 2 animations. A total of 11520 quality judgments (24 per stimulus) were acquired in a subjective experiment conducted in virtual reality. The results allowed us to explore the influence of source models, animations and viewpoints on both the quality scores and their confidence intervals. Based on these findings, we propose the first metric for quality assessment of 3D meshes with diffuse colors, which works entirely on the mesh domain. This metric incorporates perceptually-relevant curvature-based and color-based features. We evaluate its performance, as well as a number of Image Quality Metrics (IQMs), on two datasets: ours and a dataset of distorted textured meshes. Our metric demonstrates good results and a better stability than IQMs. Finally, we investigated how the knowledge of the viewpoint (i.e., the visible parts of the 3D model) may improve the results of objective metrics.
A novel method for continuous blood pressure estimation based on a single-channel photoplethysmogram signal

Objective: Currently, continuous blood pressure (BP) measurements are mostly based on multi-sensor combinations and datasets with limited BP ranges. Besides, most BP-related features derive from the photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal. The mechanism of PPG signal formation is not considered. We aimed to design a noninvasive and continuous method for estimation of BP using a single PPG sensor, which takes the mechanism of PPG signal formation into account. Approach: We prepared a dataset containing PPG signals for 294 patients from three public databases for constructing the BP estimation model. The features used in the model consisted of two types: novel features based on a multi-Gaussian model and existing features. The multi-Gaussian model fitted the different components (i.e. the main wave, the dicrotic wave and the tidal wave) of the PPG signal. Ensemble machine learning algorithms were applied to estimate systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). When partitioning the dataset, there was an overlap between the training set and the testing set. Main results: Datasets with a wide-range of SBP and DBP values (SBP ranging from 74 to 229 mmHg and DBP ranging from 26 to 141 mmHg) were used to evaluate our method. The mean and standard deviation of error for SBP and DBP estimations were −0.21 ± 5.21 mmHg and −0.19 ± 3.37 mmHg, respectively. The model performance fully met the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation standard and was grade ‘A’ on the British Hypertension Society standard. Significance: The multi-Gaussian model could be used to estimate BP, and our method was able to track a wide range of BP accurately. In addition our method is based on a single PPG sensor, making it very convenient.
Complementary Inhibitory Weight Profiles Emerge from Plasticity and Allow Flexible Switching of Receptive Fields

Cortical areas comprise multiple types of inhibitory interneurons, with stereotypical connectivity motifs that may follow specific plasticity rules. Yet, their combined effect on postsynaptic dynamics has been largely unexplored. Here, we analyze the response of a single postsynaptic model neuron receiving tuned excitatory connections alongside inhibition from two plastic populations. Synapses from each inhibitory population change according to distinct plasticity rules. We tested different combinations of three rules: Hebbian, anti-Hebbian, and homeostatic scaling. Depending on the inhibitory plasticity rule, synapses become unspecific (flat), anticorrelated to, or correlated with excitatory synapses. Crucially, the neuron's receptive field (i.e., its response to presynaptic stimuli) depends on the modulatory state of inhibition. When both inhibitory populations are active, inhibition balances excitation, resulting in uncorrelated postsynaptic responses regardless of the inhibitory tuning profiles. Modulating the activity of a given inhibitory population produces strong correlations to either preferred or nonpreferred inputs, in line with recent experimental findings that show dramatic context-dependent changes of neurons' receptive fields. We thus confirm that a neuron's receptive field does not follow directly from the weight profiles of its presynaptic afferents. Our results show how plasticity rules in various cell types can interact to shape cortical circuit motifs and their dynamics. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neurons in sensory areas of the cortex are known to respond to specific features of a given input (e.g., specific sound frequencies), but recent experimental studies show that such responses (i.e., their receptive fields) depend on context. Inspired by the cortical connectivity, we built models of excitatory and inhibitory inputs onto a single neuron, to study how receptive fields may change on short and long time scales. We show how various synaptic plasticity rules allow for the emergence of diverse connectivity profiles and, moreover, how their dynamic interaction creates a mechanism by which postsynaptic responses can quickly change. Our work emphasizes multiple roles of inhibition in cortical processing and provides a first mechanistic model for flexible receptive fields.
The Function of LmPrx6 in Diapause Regulation in Locusta migratoria Through the Insulin Signaling Pathway

Simple Summary LmPrx6 of the insulin signaling pathway is significantly associated with diapause induction in Locusta migratoria L. as per our pervious transcriptome data. In the current study, we first cloned and sequenced the gene and demonstrated its similarity to other Prxs using phylogenetic analyses. Later on, we knocked down Prx6 using RNAi and showed that phosphorylation of proteins associated with the insulin signaling pathway and responses to oxidative stress were altered. Knockdown of Prx6 also resulted in a reduced ability to enter diapause, and hence, we are of the opinion that this gene could serve as an effective target for RNAi-based control of L. migratoria L. The study has provided some helpful insights into the diversified roles of Prx6 in locusts and will be of interest to other insect pests for examining the relatively unexplored group of proteins as well. Abstract Peroxiredoxins (Prxs), which scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), are cysteine-dependent peroxide reductases that group into six structurally discernable classes: AhpC-Prx1, BCP-PrxQ, Prx5, Prx6, Tpx, and AhpE. A previous study showed that forkhead box protein O (FOXO) in the insulin signaling pathway (ISP) plays a vital role in regulating locust diapause by phosphorylation, which can be promoted by the high level of ROS. Furthermore, the analysis of transcriptome between diapause and non-diapause phenotypes showed that one of the Prxs, LmPrx6, which belongs to the Prx6 class, was involved. We presumed that LmPrx6 might play a critical role in diapause induction of Locusta migratoria and LmPrx6 may therefore provide a useful target of control methods based on RNA interference (RNAi). To verify our hypothesis, LmPrx6 was initially cloned from L. migratoria to make dsLmPrx6 and four important targets were tested, including protein-tyrosine phosphorylase 1B (LmPTP1B), insulin receptor (LmIR), RAC serine/threonine-protein kinase (LmAKT), and LmFOXO in ISP. When LmPrx6 was knocked down, the diapause rate was significantly reduced. The phosphorylation level of LmPTP1B significantly decreased while the phosphorylation levels of LmIR, LmAKT, and LmFOXO were significantly increased. Moreover, we identified the effect on two categories of genes downstream of LmFOXO, including stress tolerance and storage of energy reserves. Results showed that the mRNA levels of catalase and Mn superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), which enhanced stress tolerance, were significantly downregulated after silencing of LmPrx6. The mRNA levels of glycogen synthase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxy kinase (PEPCK) that influence energy storage were also downregulated after knocking down of LmPrx6. The silencing of LmPrx6 indicates that this regulatory protein may probably be an ideal target for RNAi-based diapause control of L. migratoria.
The Perspectives of Programme Staff and Recipients on the Acceptability and Benefits of the Ward-Based Outreach Teams in a South African Province

The re-engineering of primary health care (PHC) called for the establishment of ward-based outreach teams as a reform strategy to bridge the gap between health facilities and communities. The Nkangala district established ward-based outreach teams in 2012. We used process evaluation to assess the acceptability of the outreach teams from the perspectives of those involved in the implementation as well as the clients who are the recipients of the outreach services in order to describe how the programme benefits the recipients, the staff, and the health system. Data were collected through interviews with multiple data sources. A thematic analysis was done using NVivo 11. The outreach programme is acceptable to the recipients and staff. The acceptability translated into measurable benefits for the recipients and the health system. Health benefits included increased access to services, support for treatment adherence, and linkages to various sector departments for social support. Since the inception of outreach teams, the district has recorded low utilisation of PHC services and improved priority indicators such as immunisation coverage, early antenatal bookings, treatment adherence, TB cure rates, and decreased default rates. The positive effects of the outreach teams on indicators underscore the need to roll the programme out to all sub-districts.
A Genomic Approach to Investigating Ocular Surface Microorganisms: Monitoring Core Microbiota on Eyelid Margin with a Dot hybridization Assay

A sound ocular surface microbiota has been recognized as a part of ocular surface health following a growing body of evidence from next-generation sequencing technique and metagenomic analysis. However, even from the perspective of contemporary precision medicine, it is difficult to directly apply these new technologies to clinical practice. Therefore, we proposed a model based on dot hybridization assay (DHA) to bridge conventional culture with a metagenomic approach in investigating and monitoring ocular surface microbiota. Endophthalmitis, mostly caused by bacterial infection, is the most severe complication of many intraocular surgeries, such as cataract surgery. Hazardous microorganisms hiding and proliferating in the ocular surface microbiota not only increase the risk of endophthalmitis but also jeopardize the effectiveness of the preoperative aseptic procedure and postoperative topical antibiotics. The DHA model enables the simultaneous assessment of bacterial bioburden, detection of target pathogens and microorganisms, and surveillance of methicillin/oxacillin resistance gene mecA in the ocular surface microbiota. This assay revealed heavier bacterial bioburden in men, compatible with a higher risk of endophthalmitis in male patients who underwent cataract surgery. No occurrence of endophthalmitis for these patients was compatible with non-hazardous microorganisms identified by specific dots for target pathogens. Moreover, the mecA dot detected oxacillin-resistant strains, of which culture failed to isolate. Therefore, the DHA model could provide an alternative genomic approach to investigate and monitor ocular surface microorganisms in clinical practice nowadays.
Key competences of outpatient nurses, as perceived by patients attending nurse-led clinics - an integrative review.

AIM The aim of this review was to identify key competences of outpatient nurses, as perceived by patients attending nurse-led clinics. BACKGROUND The increased demand for nurses to manage treatment and care in hospital outpatient clinics requires a better understanding of nurses' competences important to outpatients. DESIGN An integrative review using Whittemore and Knafl's five-stage model. METHODS Relevant studies were located by systematically searching PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus. A group of three researchers assessed the studies found and the quality of the included studies using the CASP tool. Data was extracted and analysed by thematic analyses. The current study was evaluated using PRISMA checklist. RESULTS Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Three key competences emerged: providing access, sharing knowledge, and establishing relationships. The key competences were supported by ten sub-themes that were characterised by nurses' actions and qualities, derived from the included studies. CONCLUSIONS The identified key competences reflected a holistic approach that encompasses knowledge, skills and attitudes, indicating outpatient nurses being able to manage different ways of involving patients, which may lead to the consideration of outpatient consultations as a kind of negotiation, based on a respectful dialogue. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The findings are usable when optimising the performance and quality of the health workforce, including outpatient nurses, as recommended by WHO (World Health Organization, 2016). Furthermore, the identified knowledge emphasizes the need for clinical skills training and academic education, specially targeted outpatient nurses, in order to enable the nurses to become experts in specific practice settings.
Identification and fine‐mapping of RppCML496, a major QTL for resistance to Puccinia polysora in maize

Southern corn rust (SCR), which is caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia polysora Underw, is a prevalent foliar disease in maize. Breeding for resistant cultivars is a desirable way for the efficient control of this disease. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for conferring resistance to SCR, a recombinant inbred population including 138 lines (RILs) derived from the SCR‐resistant line CML496 and susceptible line Lx9801 was evaluated for phenotypic reaction to SCR in three trials in two locations over 2 years. The population was genotyped with the maize 9.4K SNP Genotyping Array marker platform. A total of 3 QTL were mapped on chromosomes 6, 9 and 10, respectively. One major QTL on chromosome 10 (bin 10.00/10.01), RppCML496, was consistently detected across environments, which explained 43–78% of the total phenotypic variation. Using a fine mapping strategy, we delimited RppCML496 to an interval of 128 Kb. Genome mining of this region suggests two candidate genes, and a NBS‐LRR gene is the promising one for RppCML496 against SCR. The tightly linked molecular markers developed in this study can be used for molecular breeding of resistance to SCR in maize.
Therapeutic Exercise and Pain Neurophysiology Education in Female Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Feasibility Study

Background: We compared the effects of therapeutic exercise (TE) combined with pain neurophysiology education (PNE) to those of TE in isolation on pain intensity, general fibromyalgia impact, mechanical pain sensitivity, pain catastrophizing, psychological distress and quality of life in women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Methods: A feasibility study with a 3 month follow-up was designed. Thirty-two patients with FMS were randomly assigned to PNE + TE group (n = 16) or to TE group (n = 16). Both groups received 30 sessions of TE (3 per week), and the PNE + TE group received eight face-to-face educational sessions. The measuring instruments used were the visual analogue scale, a standard pressure algometer, the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Health Assessment Questionnaire. Results: The PNE + TE group showed a statistically significant decrease on pain intensity compared to TE group at short term (p = 0.015). No between-groups differences were found for mechanical pain sensitivity, general fibromyalgia impact, pain catastrophizing, psychological distress or quality of life (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The combination of PNE and TE was more effective than TE for reducing pain intensity in the short-term. No differences were found for psychological distress, pain catastrophizing and quality of life after the intervention or at 3 months of follow-up.
Subjective well-being among male veterans in later life: the enduring effects of early life adversity

Abstract Objectives This study investigated the association between childhood and young adult adversities and later-life subjective well-being among older male veterans. We also explored whether early-life parent–child relationships and later-life social engagement served as moderators and mediators, respectively. Methods Data were from the 2008 to 2012 waves of the Health and Retirement Study for male veterans (N = 2026). Subjective well-being measures included depressive symptoms, self-rated health, and life satisfaction. Linear regression with the Process macro was employed to estimate the relationships. Results Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were positively associated with number of depressive symptoms and negatively related to life satisfaction. Combat exposure, a young adulthood adversity experience, was positively associated with depressive symptoms, but not with self-rated health or life satisfaction. Later-life social engagement mediated the relationship between ACEs and subjective well-being indices. Parent–child relationship quality did not moderate the association between the measures of adversity and any measure of subjective well-being. Discussion Childhood adversity and combat exposure were related to worse later life subjective well-being. Also, later-life social engagement mediated the association of two early life adversity measures and subjective well-being. Future research should examine subjective well-being and early life adversity for female veterans and should employ more detailed information about combat exposure.
Effect of DL-Methionine Supplementation on Tissue and Plasma Antioxidant Status and Concentrations of Oxidation Products of Cholesterol and Phytosterols in Heat-Processed Thigh Muscle of Broilers

Simple Summary The occurrence of oxidative stress is a general problem in high-yielding farm animals. Oxidative stress not only affects animal health, but free radicals generated under oxidative stress conditions can also promote the oxidation of lipids in animal products which are detrimental for the consumer, such as lipid oxidation products. Therefore, prevention of oxidative stress by improving the antioxidant system has high priority in farm animal management. Methionine (Met) is a precursor of glutathione, one of the major antioxidants in the body. Therefore, we investigated the hypothesis that feeding diets with an excess of Met in relation to the requirement for optimum growth improves the antioxidant status by enhancing the formation of glutathione in broilers. We observed that broilers fed diets with an excess of Met had higher concentrations of glutathione in liver and thigh muscle, indicative of an improved antioxidant status, and moreover had lower concentrations of cholesterol oxidation products in heat-processed thigh muscle, in comparison to broilers of the control group. This effect is favorable with respect to animal health and quality of broiler meat. Abstract In this study, the hypothesis that supplementation with methionine (Met) as DL-Met (DLM) in excess of the National Research Council (NRC) recommendations improves the antioxidant system in broilers was investigated. Day-old male Cobb-500 broilers (n = 72) were divided into three groups which were fed a control diet or diets supplemented with two levels of DLM in which the concentrations of Met + Cys exceeded the recommendations of NRC by 15–20% (group DLM 1) or 30–40% (group DLM 2), respectively. The three groups of broilers did not show differences in body weight gains, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. However, broilers of groups DLM 1 and DLM 2 had higher concentrations of glutathione (GSH) in liver and thigh muscle and lower concentrations of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) in heat-processed thigh muscle than broilers of the control group. Concentrations of several oxidation products of phytosterols in heat-processed thigh muscle were also reduced in groups DLM 1 and DLM 2; however, the concentration of total oxidation products of phytosterols was not different between the three groups. The study shows that DLM supplementation improved the antioxidant status due to an increased formation of GSH and reduced the formation of COPs during heat-processing in thigh muscle.