Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of a smartphone virtual reality game to support the radiation therapy of children and adolescents in proton centers

Introduction For most patients, cancer therapy with radiation is a new experience coming with many unknown challenges. This can be stressful, particularly for children and adolescents. With the aim of reducing this stress and anxiety, a virtual-reality (VR) game, which can be used by patients prior to treatment, was developed and evaluated in a proton therapy center. Methods The specifications were derived from literature and from interviews with medical staff and patients. The gantry including the sound of its moving components and the sound of the interlock and safety system were identified as the main features relevant for preparation of a radiation course. Potential implementation difficulties were identified in a literature study and regarded in the design. Within the VR game, patients could interact with modeled equipment of the treatment room and hear the reportedly stress-inducing sounds in a stress-free environment prior to the treatment. The VR game was evaluated in a second series of interviews with patients. Results and Discussion This exploratory study demonstrated the specification, implementation and safe application of a VR game dedicated to young proton therapy patients. Initial anecdotal evidence suggested that the VR gaming experience was well received and found to be helpful when preparing young patients for radiation therapy.
Large‐scale sampling of beetle communities in Laos shows that conversion of natural forests into plantations leads to a decline in family richness and abundance

Abstract Rapid economic development can pose a threat to the biodiversity of tropical countries. In Laos, this is manifested by the conversion of natural forests into plantations, even though this area is one of the biodiversity hotspots of Southeast Asia. Beetle communities can be good indicators of the impact of anthropogenic pressure on natural ecosystems. In this study, we analyzed for the first time a large‐scale inventory of Coleoptera to assess the ecological and anthropogenic drivers of beetle communities in Laos. We examined beetle communities (described at the family level) across the country, located in distinct habitat types, in order to understand the impact of the conversion of natural forest into plantations. We found that beetle abundance had declined in plantations compared to natural forests. At the same time, we observed fewer beetle families in plantations overall, but at the scale of sampling sites there was no difference in local richness compared to natural forests, suggesting a homogenization of beetle communities in anthropogenic habitats. Although results are certainly sensitive to our coarse classification of beetle specimens into families, the negative impact of the conversion of natural tropical forests into agriculture area can still be clearly demonstrated. Our findings highlight that it is possible to make use of unstructured large‐scale inventories to explore how beetle communities responds to landscape changes induced by human activities. We suggest that sampling beetle communities can be used as an ecological indicator to monitor anthropogenic impacts on tropical ecosystems.
Impact of averaging fNIRS regional coherence data when monitoring people with long term post-concussion symptoms

Abstract. Significance Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), with its measure of delta hemoglobin concentration, has shown promise as a monitoring tool for the functional assessment of neurological disorders and brain injury. Analysis of fNIRS data often involves averaging data from several channel pairs in a region. Although this greatly reduces the processing time, it is uncertain how it affects the ability to detect changes post injury. Aim We aimed to determine how averaging data within regions impacts the ability to differentiate between post-concussion and healthy controls. Approach We compared interhemispheric coherence data from 16 channel pairs across the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during a task and a rest period. We compared the statistical power for differentiating groups that was obtained when undertaking no averaging, vs. averaging data from 2, 4, or 8 source detector pairs. Results Coherence was significantly reduced in the concussion group compared with controls when no averaging was undertaken. Averaging all 8 channel pairs before undertaking the coherence analysis resulted in no group differences. Conclusions Averaging between fiber pairs may eliminate the ability to detect group differences. It is proposed that even adjacent fiber pairs may have unique information, so averaging must be done with caution when monitoring brain disorders or injury.
Psychometric Evidence of the Arabic Version of Nomophobia Questionnaire Among Physical Education Students

Purpose Nomophobia refers to a psychological state in which individuals experience anxiety or fear at the thought of being disconnected from their mobile phone. The Nomophobia Questionnaire was developed to assess dimensions of nomophobia among native English-speaking populations. The purpose of this study was to adapt and validate the Nomophobia Questionnaire in the Tunisian context based on Western Arabic dialects. Methods This cross-sectional design using a non-probability sampling method was conducted from September 05 to October 06, 2022. A total of 644 participants, with an average age of 21.04 ± 1.59 years, completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and an Arabic version of the Nomophobia Questionnaire. Participants were divided into two groups to perform exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The first group consisted of 200 students (56% female and 44% male with an average age of 21.10 ± 1.64), with 33% (n = 66) freshmen, 41.5% second-year students (n = 83) and 25.5% (n = 51) of third-year students. The second group was collected one month later in the same establishment and was composed of 444 students (52% men and 48% female with an average age of 21.01 ± 1.57). Results The results of the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis showed that the 20 items and the second order four-factor structure should be retained. Confirmatory factor analysis of the Arabic version of the NMP-Q gave the following statistics: χ2/df= 1.47; Fit Index = 0.997; Adjusted goodness-of-fit index = 0.996; Tucker-Lewis index = 1.003; Comparative Fit Index = 1; Root mean square error of approximation = 0.000 (90% CI 0–0) and standardized mean residual = 0.030, indicating good model fit. McDonald’s ω internal consistency indexes for the four factors, namely giving up convenience, not being able to access information, not being able to communicate, and losing connectedness were 0.821, 0.841, 0.851, and 0.897, respectively. These values demonstrated good scale consistency. Conclusion The Arabic Version of the Nomophobia questionnaire has been found to be a reliable and valid psychometric tool, and can be effectively used to measure nomophobia in countries where western Arabic dialects are spoken.
Inter‐annual variation in amphibian larval interspecies interactions

Abstract The outcomes of species interactions can vary by life stage, year, and surrounding environmental conditions. Amphibian species are expected to compete most strongly during their tadpole stage when they exist in the highest densities. Changes in arrival timing, surrounding aquatic communities, and yearly conditions could all affect the outcome of larval competition. In Long Point, Ontario, the Fowler's toad (Anaxyrus fowleri) is at the northern edge of its range and overlaps with the more common American toad (Anaxyrus americanus). Both species breed in ponds that encounter high inter‐annual variation. To determine whether these species compete strongly, and if this effect was replicated across multiple years, we raised both species as tadpoles together and, apart, in mesocosms in 2018 and 2021. We measured survivorship to, weight at, and time to metamorphosis for both species in both years. We determined that the presence of American toad tadpoles consistently had a detrimental effect on Fowler's toad tadpoles, even though this effect presented itself differently across years. Our study suggests that competitive exclusion by American toads could be occurring at the edge of the Fowler's toad's range. This study further demonstrates the importance of studying communities across multiple years to understand the full scope of species interactions.
Association between baseline C‑reactive protein level and survival outcomes for cancer patients treated with immunotherapy: A meta‑analysis

The prognostic impact of baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with cancer receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is unclear. The present meta-analysis aimed to review the prognostic value of baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) levels for patients with cancer receiving immunotherapy. Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, Chinese Literature Biomedical Database and Weipu Database, were used to identify cohort studies on the relationship between the baseline CRP levels and ICI survival outcomes from inception to November 2020. Literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation of studies were independently performed by two reviewers. Subsequently, a meta-analysis was performed using STATA 14.0. A total of 13 cohort studies comprising 2,387 patients with cancer were included in the present meta-analysis. The results indicated that high baseline CRP levels (serum CRP measured within 2 weeks before ICI treatment) were associated with low overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rate among patients treated with ICIs. The subgroup analysis based on cancer type showed that high baseline CRP levels were associated with poor survival outcomes of multiple types of cancer, such as non-small cell lung cancer (6/13; 46.2%), melanoma (2/13; 15.4%), renal cell (3/13; 23.0%) and urothelial carcinoma (2/13; 15.4%). Similar results were observed in subgroup analysis based on the CRP cut-off value of 10 mg/l. In addition, a higher mortality risk was reported in patients with cancer and CRP ≥10 mg/l (hazard ratio, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.70-4.48; P<0.001). Compared with patients with low baseline CRP levels, increased baseline CRP levels were associated with low OS and PFS rate in patients with cancer receiving ICIs. Furthermore, CRP ≥10 mg/l indicated a worse prognosis. Therefore, baseline CRP levels may serve as a marker for the prognosis of patients with certain types of solid tumor treated with ICIs. Due to the limited quality and quantity of included studies, more prospective well-designed studies are required to verify the present findings.
Development of Machine Learning Models for Predicting Osteoporosis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus—A Preliminary Study

Purpose Diagnosing osteoporosis in T2DM based on bone mineral density (BMD) remains challenging. We sought to develop prediction models employing machine learning algorithms for use as screening instruments for osteoporosis in T2DM patients. Patients and Methods Data were collected from 433 participants and analyzed using nine categorical machine learning algorithms to select features based on demographic and clinical variables. Multiple classification models were compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, the average precision (AP), precision, F1 score, precision-recall curves, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA) to determine the best model. In addition, 5-fold cross-validation was utilized to optimize the model, followed by an evaluation of feature significance using Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). Using latent class analysis (LCA), distinct subpopulations were identified by constructing several discrete clusters. Results In this study, nine feature variables were identified to construct predictive models for osteoporosis in individuals with T2DM. The machine learning algorithms achieved an AP range of 0.444–1.000. The XGBoost model was selected as the final prediction model with an AUROC of 0.940 in the training set, 0.772 in the validation set for 5-fold cross-validation, and 0.872 in the test set. Using SHAP methodology, 25(OH)D was identified as the most important risk factor. Additionally, a 3-Class model was constructed using LCA, which categorized individuals into high, medium, and low-risk groups. Conclusion Our study developed a predictive model with high accuracy and clinical validity for predicting osteoporosis in type 2 diabetes patients. We also identified three subpopulations with varying osteoporosis risk using clustering. However, limited sample size warrants cautious interpretation of results, and validation in larger cohorts is needed.
Mapping fundamental life elements in papillary thyroid carcinoma tissue

Well-differentiated papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) are the most common type of thyroid cancer. Thyroid function depends on the presence of certain trace elements necessary for both the synthesis and the metabolism of thyroid hormones. We conducted an observational translational study on formalin fixed paraffin embedded thyroid tissue slices collected from five patients who underwent surgical resection of thyroid gland after thyroid cancer diagnosis. A synchrotron-based XRF set up was used to map the distribution of oxygen, sodium, aluminum, selenium and magnesium in PTC sections. These experiments were performed at the TwinMic beamline (Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste, Trieste, Italy). Our results show that Mg levels in PTC tissues are significantly higher than in the control ones. The results seem to provide highly valuable information suggesting that Mg may play a role in the development and metabolic process of PTC.
Implementation of a group-based lifestyle intervention programme (Healthy Heart) in general practices in The Netherlands: a mixed-methods study.

AIM To analyse the reach, adoption and implementation of the HH-programme. DESIGN & SETTING A mixed-methods study conducted in a general practice setting in the Netherlands. METHOD Quantitative data were collected from the Healthy Heart Study (HH-study), a non-randomised cluster stepped-wedge trial to assess the effect of the HH-programme on patients at high risk of developing CVDs, at practice level. Qualitative data were obtained through focus groups. RESULTS Out of 73 approached general practices, 55 implemented the HH-programme. A total of 1082 patients participated in the HH-study, of whom 64 patients were referred to the HH-programme. Several barriers for participation were identified, such as time-investment, lack of risk perception and being confident in changing lifestyle on their own. Important barriers for healthcare providers to refer a patient were time-investment, lack of information to sufficiently inform patients and prejudices regarding which patients the programme was suitable for. CONCLUSION This study offers insights from a patient and healthcare provider perspective regarding barriers and facilitators for implementation of the group-based lifestyle intervention programme. The identified barriers and facilitators and the suggested improvements, can be used by others who wish to implement a similar programme.
Dynamic Rod Constructs as the Preventive Strategy against Adjacent Segment Disease in Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Disorders: A Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study.

Objectives Adjacent segment degeneration (ASDe) and adjacent segment disease (ASDi) are potential long-term complications after lumbar fusion with rigid instrumentation. Dynamic fixation techniques (Topping-off) adjacent to the fused segments have been developed to curtail the risk of ASDe and ASDi. The current study sought to investigate whether the addition of dynamic rod constructs (DRC) in patients with preoperative degeneration in the adjacent disc was effective in reducing the risk of ASDi. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data of 207 patients with degenerative lumbar disorders (DLD) from January 2012 to January 2019, who underwent posterior transpedicular lumbar fusion (without Topping-off, NoT/O), and posterior dynamic instrumentation with DRC. Clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and lumbar radiographs one, three, and 12 months postoperatively and annually. ASDe was defined as disc height collapse > 20% and disc wedging > 5. Patients with confirmed ASDe and aggravation of ODI > 20 or VAS score > 5 at final follow-up were diagnosed as ASDi. The Kaplan-Meier hazard method was used to estimate the cumulative probability of ASDi within 63 months of surgery. Results Over three years of follow-up, 65 patients in the NoT/O (59.6%) and 52 cases (53.1%) in the DRC groups met the diagnostic criteria for ASDe. Furthermore, 27 (24.8%) patients in the NoT/O group showed ASDi during the follow-up, compared to 14 (14.3%) cases in the DRC group (P=0.059). Revision surgery was performed on 19 individuals in the NoT/O and 8 cases in the DRC groups (P=0.048). The Cox regression model identified a significantly decreased risk of ASDi if DRC was used (Hazard ratio: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.13-0.6). Conclusion Dynamic fixation adjacent to the fused segment is an effective strategy for preventing ASDi in carefully selected individuals with preoperative degenerative changes at the adjacent level.
Physical Exercise and Serum BDNF Levels: Accounting for the Val66Met Polymorphism in Older Adults

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, which can be measured in blood serum, has been found to increase with aerobic exercise. The link between BDNF level, physical exercise, and genetic status (Val66Met polymorphism) has not been well researched in older adults. Objective: To investigate the possible link between BDNF expression, acute aerobic exercise, and the Val66Met polymorphism in older adults. Method: Twenty-three healthy older adults participated in one session of acute aerobic exercise. Their serum BDNF levels were measured both at baseline and post exercise. Saliva samples were collected to identify each individual’s genetic status. Results: At baseline, the individuals’ mean serum BDNF level was 16.03 ng/mL (Val66Val = 15.89 ng/mL; Val66Met = 16.34 ng/mL); post exercise, the individuals’ mean serum BDNF level was 16.81 ng/mL (Val66Val = 16.14 ng/mL; Val66Met = 18.34 ng/mL). Conclusion: One session of acute aerobic exercise significantly increased the individuals’ mean serum BDNF level. Males had higher BDNF levels than females. There was a significant interaction between gender and BDNF expression post exercise and a significant between-group effect of gender. The Val66Met carriers had a more positive response to the acute aerobic exercise compared with the Val66Val carriers, although without a significant difference between the two groups.
A comprehensive study of catch-’em-all measures for evaluating consumer attitudes regarding product features

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of rating scale design on the results produced by different designs. The main instigator of this thesis was the result of past research, which demonstrated an apparent bias in the results, which was potentially the result of the applied rating scale system. Therefore, two different rating scale systems were compared, the first being a replication of the rating scale system from the previous research (a combination of two seperate rating scales) and the second being a specifically designed potential improvement over the first. Additionally, the second scale was augmented with a mechanism called Choice- Matching, that aims to induce (more) truthful responses from participants, forming a third and final variant. To test whether the first variant is an improvement over the other and whether Choice- Matching augmentation proves to be an improvement, several different statistical and visual measures where applied, including the Shapiro-Wilk test on normality, Q-Q plots, histograms, kernel density plots, resampling, Pearson’s Chi-Squared test on Goodness of Fit and the independent samples test on proportions. Consequentially, the second rating scale was found to be an improvement over the first. The Choice-Matching augmented scale was burdened with a high drop-off rating, resulting in a significantly lower sample size of finished respondents, compared to the other two variants. Additionally, the drop-off was found to be selective, leading to a significant sample selection bias and a base of respondents that is not representative of the potential consumer base. Therefore, the second rating scale system, unaugmented by the Choice-Matching mechanism, was found to be the preferred variant among the three that were evaluated in this study.
Detection of squeezed light with glass-integrated technology embedded into a homodyne detector setup

We design and demonstrate a homodyne detection scheme based on a glass-integrated optical device (GID) operating in the quantum regime, that is, able to detect genuine nonclassical features. Our device is entirely fabricated by femtosecond laser micromachining. The GID incorporates on the same chip a balanced waveguide beamsplitter and a thermo-optic phase shifter, allowing us to record homodyne traces at different phases and to perform reliable quantum state tomography. In particular, we show that the GID allows for the detection of nonclassical features of continuous-variable quantum states, such as squeezed states.
Using School Choice to Connect to Mathematics Learning in a Statistics and Probability Course for K-8 Pre-service Teachers

This pilot qualitative study explored K-8 pre-service teachers (PSTs)’ learning experience in a Statistics and Probability course and their ability to make connections between mathematics and their everyday lives when given opportunities to investigate mathematics through a social issue. Data from student surveys, assessments, and written reflections will be reported, analyzed, and discussed. The researchers also describe approaches and reflect upon experiences for PSTs while studying school choice voucher programs.
Brazilian Adults’ Hope and Spirituality in Preoperative Heart Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Given the incipience of domestic studies on hope and spirituality in cardiology, this study evaluated adult cardiac patients’ hope in the preoperative period of cardiac surgery and its potential association with spirituality. Methods This is a cross-sectional study carried out at a university hospital in the State of São Paulo (Brazil). A total of 70 patients answered the Herth Hope Scale and a sociodemographic questionnaire before undergoing surgical procedure between January and October 2018. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and the Mann-Whitney U test. The R-3.4. 1 software and SAS System for Windows 9.2 were also used. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Patients had a high prevalence of modifiable risk factors. Having a religion (37.53±4.57) and practicing it (38.79±4.25), regardless of its denomination and time dedicated to that religion, was associated with hope (P<0.01) in the immediate preoperative period of cardiac surgery. However, hope did not exhibit a significant correlation with factors such as age (P=0.09) and time dedicated to religious practice (P=0.07). Conclusion Regardless of the religious strand and time dedicated to religious practices as an expression of spirituality, hope was associated with the participants’ religion and religiosity. Considering the importance of this construct on the processes of health and disease, the whole health team should consider in their praxis a setting of conditions to make the patient’s spirituality process feasible during hospitalization.