Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Signal quality and patient experience with wearable devices for epilepsy management

Noninvasive wearable devices have great potential to aid the management of epilepsy, but these devices must have robust signal quality, and patients must be willing to wear them for long periods of time. Automated machine learning classification of wearable biosensor signals requires quantitative measures of signal quality to automatically reject poor‐quality or corrupt data segments. In this study, commercially available wearable sensors were placed on patients with epilepsy undergoing in‐hospital or in‐home electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring, and healthy volunteers. Empatica E4 and Biovotion Everion were used to record accelerometry (ACC), photoplethysmography (PPG), and electrodermal activity (EDA). Byteflies Sensor Dots were used to record ACC and PPG, the Activinsights GENEActiv watch to record ACC, and Epitel Epilog to record EEG data. PPG and EDA signals were recorded for multiple days, then epochs of high‐quality, marginal‐quality, or poor‐quality data were visually identified by reviewers, and reviewer annotations were compared to automated signal quality measures. For ACC, the ratio of spectral power from 0.8 to 5 Hz to broadband power was used to separate good‐quality signals from noise. For EDA, the rate of amplitude change and prevalence of sharp peaks significantly differentiated between good‐quality data and noise. Spectral entropy was used to assess PPG and showed significant differences between good‐, marginal‐, and poor‐quality signals. EEG data were evaluated using methods to identify a spectral noise cutoff frequency. Patients were asked to rate the usability and comfort of each device in several categories. Patients showed a significant preference for the wrist‐worn devices, and the Empatica E4 device was preferred most often. Current wearable devices can provide high‐quality data and are acceptable for routine use, but continued development is needed to improve data quality, consistency, and management, as well as acceptability to patients.
Determining plasmonic hot-carrier energy distributions via single-molecule transport measurements

Taking the temperature of hot carriers Hot carriers are expected to arise in plasmonic nanostructures because of the nonradiative decay of surface plasmons. However, identifying and determining just how “hot” these carriers actually are has been challenging. Reddy et al. devised a technique that looks at the carrier transport through a single molecular junction, which effectively acts as an energy filter, and show that it can be used to determine the distribution of hot carriers in a plasmonic nanostructure (see the Perspective by Martín-Moreno). These hot carriers could be harnessed to enhance the performance of technologies, including plasmon-driven photochemistry, solar energy–harvesting devices, and efficient photodetectors. Science, this issue p. 423; see also p. 375 Single-molecule transport measurements are used to quantify the hot-carrier distributions in plasmonic nanostructures. Hot carriers in plasmonic nanostructures, generated via plasmon decay, play key roles in applications such as photocatalysis and in photodetectors that circumvent bandgap limitations. However, direct experimental quantification of steady-state energy distributions of hot carriers in nanostructures has so far been lacking. We present transport measurements from single-molecule junctions, created by trapping suitably chosen single molecules between an ultrathin gold film supporting surface plasmon polaritons and a scanning probe tip, that can provide quantification of plasmonic hot-carrier distributions. Our results show that Landau damping is the dominant physical mechanism of hot-carrier generation in nanoscale systems with strong confinement. The technique developed in this work will enable quantification of plasmonic hot-carrier distributions in nanophotonic and plasmonic devices.
Hydrogen peroxide is involved in methyl jasmonate-induced senescence of rice leaves

The role of H2O2 in the senescence of detached rice leaves induced by methyl jasmonate (MJ) was investigated. MJ treatment resulted in H2O2 production in detached rice leaves, which was prior to the occurrence of leaf senescence. Dimethylthiourea, a chemical trap of H2O2, was observed to be effective in inhibiting MJ-induced senescence and MJ-increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content in detached rice leaves. Diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) and imidazole (IMD), inhibitors of NADPH oxidase, prevented MJ-induced H2O2 production, suggesting that NADPH oxidase is a H2O2-generating enzyme in MJ-treated detached rice leaves. DPI and IMD also inhibited MJ-promoted senescence and MJ-increased MDA content in detached rice leaves. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors wortmannin (WM) or LY 294002 (LY) inhibited MJ-induced H2O2 production and senescence of detached rice leaves. Exogenous H2O2 reversed the inhibitory effect of WM or LY. In terms of leaf senescence, it was observed that rice seedlings of cultivar Taichung Native 1 (TN1) are jasmonic acid (JA)-sensitive and those of cultivar Tainung 67 (TNG67) are JA-insensitive. On treatment with JA, H2O2 accumulated in the leaves of TN1 seedlings but not in the leaves of TNG67. Evidence was also provided to show that MJ-induced H2O2 production in detached rice leaves is abscisic acid (ABA)-independent. Ethylene action inhibitor, silver thiosulfate, was observed to inhibit MJ- and ABA-induced H2O2 production and senescence of detached rice leaves, suggesting that the action of MJ and ABA is ethylene-dependent.
Tandem Carotid Lesions in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Challenges, and Future Directions

SUMMARY: Approximately 15% of patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy for anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke have a tandem lesion, defined as a severe stenosis or occlusion of the cervical internal carotid artery ipsilateral to its intracranial occlusion. Patients with tandem lesions have worse outcomes than patients with isolated intracranial occlusions, but the optimal management of their carotid lesions during endovascular thrombectomy remains controversial. The main options commonly used in current practice include acute stent placement in the carotid lesion versus thrombectomy alone without definitive revascularization of the carotid artery. While treatment decisions for these patients are often complex and strategies vary according to clinical, anatomic, and technical considerations, only results from randomized trials comparing these approaches are likely to strengthen current recommendations and optimize patient care.
Battarrea phalloides in Macedonia: genetic variability, distribution and ecology

Morphological and molecular analyses of Battarrea phalloides from Macedonia were done. While B. phalloides specimens shown three kind of spore ornamentation, each one related to a clade in the phylogenetic ITS nrDNA tree; all specimens from Macedonia shown spores with anastomosing truncate ridges and very low variability of the ITS nrDNA sequences. The low genetic variability of these specimens, could be because of genetic drift.
Pleistocene climate changes shaped the divergence and demography of Asian populations of the great tit Parus major: evidence from phylogeographic analysis and ecological niche models

Different scales and frequencies of glaciations developed in Europe and Asia during the Pleistocene. Because species responses to climate change are influenced by interactive factors including ecology and local topography, the pattern and tempo of species diversification may vary significantly across regions. The great tit Parus major is a widespread Eurasian passerine with a range that encircles the central Asian desert and high-altitude areas of the Tibetan Plateau. A number of genetic studies have assessed the effect of paleo-climate changes on the distribution of the European population. However, none have comprehensively addressed how paleo-climate change affected the distribution of the great tit in China, an apparent hotspot of P. major subspecific diversity. Here, we describe likely paleo-climatic effects on P. major populations in China based on a combination of phylogeography and ecological niche models (ENMs). We sequenced three mitochondrial DNA markers from 28 populations (213 individuals), and downloaded 112 sequences from outside its Chinese range. As the first step in clarifying the intra-specific relationships among haplotypes, we attempted to clarify the divergence and demography of populations in China. Phylogeographic analysis revealed that P. major is comprised of five highly divergent clades with geographic breaks corresponding to steep mountains and dry deserts. A previously undescribed monophyletic clade with high genetic diversity, stable niches and a long and independent evolutionary history was detected in the mountainous areas of southwest China. The estimated times at which these clades diverged was traced back to the Early-Middle Pleistocene (2.190.61 mya). Contrary to the post-LGM (the Last Glacial Maximum) expansion of European populations, demographic history indicates that Asian populations expanded before the LGM after which they remained relatively stable or grew slowly through the LGM. ENMs support this conclusion and predict a similar distribution in the present and the LGM. Our genetic and ecological results demonstrate that Pleistocene climate changes shaped the divergence and demography of P. major in China.
‘Power plays plus push’: experts’ insights into the development and implementation of active tuberculosis case-finding policies globally, a qualitative study

Objective To explore experts’ views on factors influencing national and global active case-finding (ACF) policy development and implementation, and the use of evidence in these processes. Design This is an exploratory study based on semistructured expert interviews. Framework analysis was applied. Participants The study involved a purposive sample of 39 experts from international, non-governmental and non-profit organisations, funders, government institutions, international societies, think tanks, universities and research institutions worldwide. Results This study highlighted the perceived need among experts for different types of evidence for ACF policy development and implementation, and for stakeholder engagement including researchers and policymakers to foster evidence use. Interviewees stressed the influence of government, donor and non-governmental stakeholders in ACF policy development. Such key stakeholders also influence ACF policy implementation, in addition to available systems and processes in a given health system, and implementers’ motivation and incentives. According to the interviewees, the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for systematic screening face the innate challenge of providing guidance to countries across the broad area of ACF in terms of target groups, settings and screening algorithms. The guidelines could be improved by focusing on what should be done rather than what can be done in ACF, and by providing howto examples. Leadership, integration into health systems and long-term financing are key for ACF to be sustainable. Conclusions We provide new insights into ACF policy processes globally, particularly regarding facilitators for and barriers to ACF policy development, evidence need and use, and donor organisations’ influence. According to expert participants, national and global ACF policy development and implementation can be improved by broadening stakeholder engagement. Meanwhile, using diverse evidence to inform ACF policy development and implementation could mitigate the ‘power plays plus push’ that might otherwise disrupt and mislead these policy processes.
Developmental multi-trajectory of irritability, anxiety, and hyperactivity as psychological markers of heterogeneity in childhood aggression

Abstract Background A growing body of evidence suggests that child aggression is likely to be driven by multiple developmental pathways. However, little is known about the complex interactions between developmental trajectories of child psychological factors (such as anxiety, irritability, and hyperactivity/impulsivity dimensions) and their associations with aggression from childhood to adolescence. Therefore, the current study aimed to identify clusters of individuals with different developmental multi-trajectory, investigate their early risk factors, and describe their longitudinal associations with physical aggression. Method The sample comprised 4898 children derived from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. A parallel process growth mixture model was used to identify developmental multi-trajectory groups at 5, 9 and 15 years old. Associations between multi-trajectory group membership and physical aggression were examined with Generalized Estimating Equations models. Finally, multinomial logistic regression was performed to assess perinatal and early risk factors for multi-trajectory groups. Results Multi-trajectory groups differed in the magnitude of risk for exhibiting physical aggression, compared to typically developing children. The risk for physical aggression was the most prominent in children who were hyperactive/impulsive and irritable [odds ratio (OR) 6.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.44–7.70] and hyperactive/impulsive, irritable, and anxious (OR 7.68; CI 6.62–8.91). Furthermore, maternal cigarette and alcohol use during pregnancy and maternal depression consistently predicted multi-trajectory groups characterized by problematic levels of at least two co-occurrent psychological symptoms. Conclusions Identified combinations of developmental trajectories of psychological characteristics were associated with different magnitude in risk for exhibiting physical aggression. These results may highlight the heterogeneity of developmental trajectories associated with childhood aggression.
Relationship of adverse events to quality of anticoagulation control in atrial fibrillation patients with diabetes: real-world data from the FANTASIIA Registry

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with diabetes (DM) have high risk of cardiovascular events. Purpose To compare clinical characteristics, adverse outcomes and quality of anticoagulation in AF patients regarding DM status. Methods AF patients from FANTASIIA registry were included. Baseline characteristics and comorbidities were recorded. After 2-years follow-up, the association between adverse events and DM was evaluated. Results 1956 patients (mean age 73.8 ± 9.5 years, 56% male) were analyzed; 574 (29.3%) had DM. Diabetic patients had also high prevalence of hypertension (90.6% vs 76.1%; p < .001) or renal disease (21.4% vs 15.9%; p < .001). After median follow-up of 1077 days (IQR 766–1113 days), diabetic patients had high total mortality (16.9%/year vs 11.4%/year; p < .001), cardiovascular mortality (9.1%/year vs 3.9%/year; p < .001) and MACE (12.9%/year vs 6.8%/year; p < .001). DM patients had poor anticoagulation control (time in therapeutic range: 58.52 ± 24.37% vs 62.68 ± 25.31%; p = .002). DM with lower TTR showed higher cardiovascular death and MACE. Multivariate analysis showed an independent association between DM and cardiovascular mortality [HR 1.73 (IC95% 1.07–2.80); p = . 024]. Conclusion AF Diabetic patients have higher comorbidities and poorer TTR than nondiabetic patients. Low TTR was associated with adverse events. The risk of cardiovascular outcomes was higher in DM patients, with independent association between DM and mortality risk.
A novel CRYBB2 mutation causes autosomal dominant cataract: A report from a Chinese family

Purpose This study aimed to examine pathogenic mutation within one Chinese family of five-generations suffering from autosomal dominant cataract. Methods Next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to find the pathogenic variants. Results A rare mutation, c.563G > A, in CRYBB2 gene was found in the proband that showed symptom of non-syndromic congenital autosomal dominant cataract. This mutation had been found in all affected individuals and in one healthy infant, but it did not exist between two individuals who did not develop such disease in that family, as well as in 100 healthy subjects who showed no relation with that family. Cataracts in this family varied with different severity of lens opacities and elongation of axial length. Conclusion One missense mutation c.563G > A is reported in the CRYBB2 gene among one Chinese family suffering from early-onset cataract, and associated novel phenotypes are the elongation of axial length and the types of cataract. Our results expand the spectrum of associated phenotypes of CRYBB2 mutation.
Analysis of bitter orange dietary supplements for natural and synthetic phenethylamines by LC-MS/MS.

Citrus aurantium, commonly known as bitter orange, is a popular dietary supplement ingredient sold worldwide. Bitter orange supplements are sold primarily as weight management and sports performance products and gained popularity after Ephedra products were banned from the US market. Supplements containing synephrine are reported to exhibit adverse cardiovascular effects especially in the presence of caffeine. In this study, an LC-MS/MS method was established to quantify five natural amines (synephrine, octopamine, hordenine, tyramine and N-methyltyramine) and four synthetic amines (phenylephrine, methylsynephrine, etilefrine and isopropyloctopamine) in dietary supplements sold in the US. The method was validated and found to have acceptable performance to accurately measure analytes in complex botanical products. The average recoveries from a blank matrix were between 88 - 125% with an RSD of 0.5 - 7.0%. Fifty-nine products labeled to contain bitter orange peel, extract, or its amines were purchased and their amine content was measured. Several products were found to contain higher amounts of amines than what is expected from a typical bitter orange extract. Out of the 23 products which made label claims for synephrine, only 22% were accurately labeled for their synephrine content. The presence of synthetic amines, methylsynephrine (up to 240 mg/daily serving) and isopropyloctopamine (up to 76 mg/daily serving), whose effects in humans are not known, were detected in six products and one product, respectively. While the use of methylsynephrine and isopropyloctopamine are not permitted in dietary supplements, hordenine, N-methyltyramine and octopamine are currently listed on the FDA's Dietary Supplement Ingredient Advisory List.
Regional genetic variation in turkey oak, Quercus laevis

Quercuslaevis Walt, (turkey oak) is a dominant hardwood tree in the sandhills communities of the coastal plain of the southeastern United States. Estimates of allozyme diversity for this species were typical of oaks (Hes = 0.184) and diversity within eleven sandhills populations was also relatively high (Hep = 0.178). Genetic diversity among populations was low (GST = 0.032), being about one third of the mean for other oak species. We interpret the interpopulation homogeneity as a relict of a previously more continuous distribution of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.)–turkey oak forest that constituted the dominant vegetation of the coastal plain prior to European settlement. Pollen-mediated gene flow among populations may be enhanced through acorn dispersal by blue jays (Cyanocittacristata L.).
Tell me where it is: Selective difficulties in spatial language on the autism spectrum

Proficient use of spatial terms such as under, to the left of or in front of is a central component of daily communication and is important in the development of language and spatial cognition. Here we examine spatial language abilities in intellectually high-functioning individuals with autism spectrum disorder, an area previously overlooked in autism research. Twenty-five high-functioning individuals with ASD and 25 typically developing controls, matched for chronological age and cognitive abilities, completed a novel battery tapping a broad range of spatial language abilities. We report selective difficulties in the production of spatial terms and spatial description recall in high-functioning ASD. Overall verbal abilities did not account for the observed group differences. Crucially, however, the intensity of autism spectrum traits predicted individual performance in both spatial language production and spatial description recall. We discuss the theoretical implications of these findings and explore their significance for both clinical practice and intervention. Lay abstract How we think and talk about space is an essential ability, necessary for understanding the world around us. We recruit spatial thinking every day when finding our way or using tools but also in more advanced tasks, such as reading complex graphs or maps. We do so also in daily communication when we use spatial language, terms such as under, over, to the left of or in front of, and when we give instructions. Spatial terms appear in children’s early vocabularies and continue to develop until late childhood or even early adolescence. Because spatial language develops over many years, some spatial terms are mastered very early, whereas others take longer to acquire. In the current set of studies, we tested how intellectually high-functioning children and adults on the autism spectrum use and understand these early- and late-acquired spatial terms in comparison to typically developing age-matched individuals. We found that children and adults on the autism spectrum experience difficulties with the use of some spatial terms (e.g. near and far or out of and down off) but not with others, which are acquired early (e.g. in and on or over and under). We also found that remembering spatial terms from short stories was more difficult for the individuals on the autism spectrum compared with typically developing individuals. These results reveal difficulties that can profoundly affect everyday communication of children and adults on the autism spectrum but also open new directions of research on language development in autism spectrum disorders.
The moderating role of anxiety sensitivity in terms of fatigue severity and e-cigarette use expectancies

Little is understood about individual difference factors related to e-cigarette expectancies about use. This study examined the interactive effects of fatigue severity and anxiety sensitivity in relation to e-cigarette expectancies among 525 e-cigarette users (51.0% female, Mage = 35.25 years, standard deviation = 10.10). Results indicated a significant interaction between fatigue severity and anxiety sensitivity in terms of positive expectancies (β = 0.57, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval = (0.002, 0.01)), but not for negative expectancies (β = 0.25, p = 0.08, 95% confidence interval = (0, 0.005)) for e-cigarette use. These results support anxiety sensitivity as a moderator in the relation between fatigue severity and positive outcome expectancies for e-cigarette use.