Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unmet needs and depression among spousal caregivers: the mediating role of marital satisfaction

Abstract Objectives Previous research has identified that unmet needs are associated with adverse mental health outcomes in older adults. However, the unmet needs of older adults’ spousal caregivers are unknown. The present study examined the association between unmet needs and depression among spousal caregivers, and whether marital satisfaction mediated this association. Methods We included 1,856 participants who provided care to their spouses with difficulties in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey. Unmet needs of spousal caregivers were assessed as the total number of ADL/IADL tasks with which respondents had unmet needs. Path models were conducted to evaluate the associations between unmet needs, marital satisfaction, and depression. Subgroup analyses by sex were conducted to examine the sex differences regarding the associations. Results Spousal caregivers with more unmet ADL/IADL needs reported higher levels of depression (p < 0.001). Additionally, for wife caregivers, unmet ADL/IADL needs were associated with lower marital satisfaction, and lower marital satisfaction was associated with higher degrees of depression, indicating that marital satisfaction partially mediated the association between unmet needs and depression (p < 0.01). However, marital satisfaction did not mediate the association between unmet needs and depression among husband caregivers. Conclusions The mediating effect of marital satisfaction on the association between unmet needs and depression only existed in wife caregivers. Social services should be provided to meet the needs of caregivers with ADL/IADL difficulties, and interventions should be implemented to promote the marital satisfaction of wife caregivers.
Modulating fast skeletal muscle contraction protects skeletal muscle in animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal muscle disease caused by absence of the protein dystrophin, which acts as a structural link between the basal lamina and contractile machinery to stabilize muscle membranes in response to mechanical stress. In DMD, mechanical stress leads to exaggerated membrane injury and fiber breakdown, with fast fibers being the most susceptible to damage. A major contributor to this injury is muscle contraction, controlled by the motor protein myosin. However, how muscle contraction and fast muscle fiber damage contribute to the pathophysiology of DMD has not been well characterized. We explored the role of fast skeletal muscle contraction in DMD with a potentially novel, selective, orally active inhibitor of fast skeletal muscle myosin, EDG-5506. Surprisingly, even modest decreases of contraction (<15%) were sufficient to protect skeletal muscles in dystrophic mdx mice from stress injury. Longer-term treatment also decreased muscle fibrosis in key disease-implicated tissues. Importantly, therapeutic levels of myosin inhibition with EDG-5506 did not detrimentally affect strength or coordination. Finally, in dystrophic dogs, EDG-5506 reversibly reduced circulating muscle injury biomarkers and increased habitual activity. This unexpected biology may represent an important alternative treatment strategy for Duchenne and related myopathies.
The arterial anatomy of the posterior duodenum ‐ A computed tomography angiography analysis with implications for abdominal surgery

The main objective of the present study was to clarify the anatomical characteristics of the GDA. In order to fulfill this objective, novel classification systems of both the origin and branching pattern of the said vessel were created. Being aware of the variable anatomy of the GDA is of great importance when performing hepatopancreaticobilliary procedures. The results of 75 consecutive patients who underwent abdomen computed tomography angiography (CTA) were analyzed. A total of 74 GDA were analyzed. Of these, 42 were from women (56.8%) and 32 were from men (43.2%). The most common direction of origin of the GDA was inferior (n = 38; 51.4%). The origin variation of each GDA was deeply analyzed. Initially, eight types of origin variations were evaluated, of which types 1–3 constituted 83.8%. Furthermore, analogously, branching pattern types were also established. Initially, 11 branching variations were evaluated, of which types 1–3 constituted 87.8%. The GDA is subject to numerous variations, both in the origin and in the branching pattern of the vessel. In order to clarify the anatomical characteristics of this vessel, novel classifications of the origin and branching patterns were made, presenting the most frequent patterns. Our results may be of great use for surgeons performing hepatopancreaticobilliary surgeries, such as the Whipple procedure or vascular reconstructions after cholangiocarcinoma resections. Being aware of the anatomical variations of relevant structures associated with a surgical procedure may help reduce potential intraoperative and/or postoperative complications.
Antimicrobial agents in small animal dermatology for treating staphylococcal infections.

Abstract Antibiotic recommendations for treating skin infections have been published many times in the past 30 years. Prior to 2000, the recommendations focused on the use of β-lactam antibiotics, such as cephalosporins, amoxicillin-clavulanate, or β-lactamase stable penicillins. These agents are still recommended, and used, for wild-type methicillin-susceptible strains of Staphylococcus spp. However, since the mid-2000s there has been an increase in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp (MRSP). The increase among S pseudintermedius in animals coincided with the increase in methicillin-resistant S aureus that was observed in people near the same time. This increase led veterinarians to reevaluate their approach to treating skin infections, particularly in dogs. Prior antibiotic exposure and hospitalization are identified as risk factors for MRSP. Topical treatments are more often used to treat these infections. Culture and susceptibility testing is performed more often, especially in refractory cases, to identify MRSP. If resistant strains are identified, veterinarians may have to rely on antibiotics that were previously used uncommonly for skin infections, such as chloramphenicol, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, and human-label antibiotics such as rifampin and linezolid. These drugs carry risks and uncertainties that must be considered before they are routinely prescribed. This article will discuss these concerns and provide veterinarians guidance on the treatment of these skin infections.
Biogenic silica accumulation in picoeukaryotes: Novel players in the marine silica cycle

Abstract It is well known that the biological control of oceanic silica cycling is dominated by diatoms, with sponges and radiolarians playing additional roles. Recent studies have revealed that some smaller marine organisms (e.g. the picocyanobacterium Synechococcus) also take up silicic acid (dissolved silica, dSi) and accumulate silica, despite not exhibiting silicon dependent cellular structures. Here, we show biogenic silica (bSi) accumulation in five strains of picoeukaryotes (<2–3 μm), including three novel isolates from the Baltic Sea, and two marine species (Ostreococcus tauri and Micromonas commoda), in cultures grown with added dSi (100 μM). Average bSi accumulation in these novel biosilicifiers was between 30 and 92 amol Si cell−1. Growth rate and cell size of the picoeukaryotes were not affected by dSi addition. Still, the purpose of bSi accumulation in these smaller eukaryotic organisms lacking silicon dependent structures remains unclear. In line with the increasing recognition of picoeukaryotes in biogeochemical cycling, our findings suggest that they can also play a significant role in silica cycling.
Vibration Control by Optimal Trajectory under Restriction of Jerk Value

For vibration control of a flexible structure under high-speed motion, motion control using velocity trajectory is often used. One of the techniques used to determine optimal motion trajectory, which suppresses the residual vibration most quickly when stopping the motion, is an approach using linear programming. In this paper, this approach is extended to restrict the relative displacement and the jerk value during the motion, and to minimize vibration magnitude over some defined time interval. The proposed method improves robustness against higher-order vibration modes and nonlinearity ignored in structural modeling such as rattles and system changes. The validity of these improvements is demonstrated by simulation experiment.
RNA Polymerase II transcription independent of TBP in murine embryonic stem cells

Transcription by RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) is initiated by the hierarchical assembly of the pre-initiation complex onto promoter DNA. Decades of research have shown that the TATA-box binding protein (TBP) is essential for Pol II loading and initiation. Here, we report instead that acute depletion of TBP in mouse embryonic stem cells has no global effect on ongoing Pol II transcription. In contrast, acute TBP depletion severely impairs RNA Polymerase III initiation. Furthermore, Pol II transcriptional induction occurs normally upon TBP depletion. This TBP-independent transcription mechanism is not due to a functional redundancy with the TBP paralog TRF2, though TRF2 also binds to promoters of transcribed genes. Rather, we show that the TFIID complex can form and, despite having reduced TAF4 and TFIIA binding when TBP is depleted, the Pol II machinery is sufficiently robust in sustaining TBP-independent transcription.
Grain-size effects in ferroelectric switching

Abstract We present a model of ferroelectric switching which describes domain growth in crystals composed of a large number of relatively small grains. If the grain boundaries stop or significantly affect domain wall motion then the observed switching transients will deviate from those predicted by the infinite grain model of Ishibashi and Takagi. The model assumes a constant nucleation rate throughout the switching process and constant domain wall velocity. At a characteristic time dependent only on the size of the grains and the domain wall velocity the switching current transient changes from its early-time infinite-grain behavior to an exponential decay. The results are compared with Monte Carlo simulations of switching in the two-dimensional Ising model.
Attosecond timescale analysis of the dynamics of two-photon double ionization of helium

We consider the two-photon double ionization (DI) of helium and analyze electron dynamics on the attosecond timescale. We first re-examine the interaction of helium with an ultrashort XUV pulse and study how the electronic correlations affect the electron angular and energy distributions in the direct, sequential and transient regimes of frequency and time duration. We then consider pump–probe processes with the aim of extracting indirect information on the pump pulse. In addition, our calculations show clear evidence for the existence under certain conditions of direct two-color DI processes.
How do group workers respond to suicidal behavior? Experiences and perceptions of suicidal female adolescents residing in secure residential youth care in the Netherlands

Background Adolescent suicidal behavior, including non-suicidal self-injury, is increasingly prevalent in Secure Residential Youth Care (SRYC) in the Netherlands. Group workers play a vital role in the well-being and functioning of adolescents in SRYC as they interact with adolescents on a daily basis. However, we have little understanding of how adolescents perceive group workers’ responses to suicidal behavior and we lack knowledge about the impact of these responses on adolescents and the group climate. Aim The aim of this study is to explore (a) how adolescents value group workers responses towards suicidal behavior and (b) the impact of these responses on adolescents, as well as (c) on the group climate. The results can be used to develop care-policy to improve care for suicidal adolescents in SYRC. Method Eleven suicidal female adolescents residing in SRYC were interviewed. All adolescents had previously displayed suicidal behavior, including non-suicidal self-injury. Interviews were analyzed using grounded theory. Conclusion This study presents the perceptions of suicidal female adolescents residing in SRYC about group workers’ responses on suicidal behavior. Adolescents prefer group workers who react responsive to suicidal behavior. Responsive care, trust and connectedness help adolescents disclose their suicidal thoughts. Participants criticize group workers who are non-responsive as being distant, and their relationship with these group workers lacked trust, communication, a sense of connection, or personal depth. All adolescents underline the devastating impact of involuntary seclusion, and stress the importance of being able to disclose without fear of coercive consequences. Findings indicate that non-responsive reactions contribute to an increase in suicidal distress as well as a closed group climate.
Remotely Supervised Weight Loss and Exercise Training to Improve Rheumatoid Arthritis Cardiovascular Risk: Rationale and Design of the Supervised Weight Loss Plus Exercise Training‐Rheumatoid Arthritis Trial

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remain at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. RA CVD results from a combination of traditional risk factors and RA‐related systemic inflammation. One hypothetical means of improving overall RA CVD risk is through reduction of excess body weight and increased physical activity. Together, weight loss and physical activity can improve traditional cardiometabolic health through fat mass loss, while also improving skeletal muscle health. Additionally, disease‐related CVD risk may improve as both fat mass loss and exercise reduce systemic inflammation. To explore this hypothesis, 26 older persons with RA and overweight/obesity will be randomized to 16 weeks of a usual care control arm or to a remotely Supervised Weight Loss Plus Exercise Training (SWET) program. A caloric restriction diet (targeting 7% weight loss) will occur via a dietitian‐led intervention, with weekly weigh‐ins and group support sessions. Exercise training will consist of both aerobic training (150 minutes/week moderate‐to‐vigorous exercise) and resistance training (twice weekly). The SWET remote program will be delivered via a combination of video conference, the study YouTube channel, and study mobile applications. The primary cardiometabolic outcome is the metabolic syndrome Z score, calculated from blood pressure, waist circumference, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose. RA‐specific CVD risk will be assessed with measures of systemic inflammation, disease activity, patient‐reported outcomes, and immune cell function. The SWET‐RA trial will be the first to assess whether a remotely supervised, combined lifestyle intervention improves cardiometabolic health in an at‐risk population of older individuals with RA and overweight/obesity.
Multichannel Sensorimotor Integration with a Dexterous Artificial Hand

Abstract Background People use their hands to perform sophisticated tasks like playing a musical instrument by integrating manifold and diverse sensations of touch with motor control strategies. In contrast, prosthetic hands lack the capacity for multichannel haptic feedback and multitasking functionality remains rudimentary. There is a dearth of research exploring the potential of upper limb absent (ULA) people to integrate multiple channels of haptic feedback into dexterous prosthetic hand control strategies. Methods In this paper, we designed a novel experimental paradigm for three ULA people and nine additional subjects to investigate their ability to integrate two simultaneously activated channels of context-specific haptic feedback into their dexterous artificial hand control strategies. Artificial neural networks (ANN) were designed for pattern recognition of the array of efferent electromyogram signals that controlled the dexterous artificial hand. ANNs were also used to classify the directions that objects were sliding across two tactile sensor arrays on the index (I) and little (L) fingertips of the robotic hand. The direction of sliding contact at each robotic fingertip was encoded by different stimulation frequencies of wearable vibrotactile actuators for haptic feedback. The subjects were tasked with implementing different control strategies with each finger simultaneously depending upon the perceived directions of sliding contact. This required the 12 subjects to concurrently control individual fingers of the artificial hand by successfully interpreting two channels of simultaneously activated context-specific haptic feedback. Results Subjects were able to accomplish this complex feat of multichannel sensorimotor integration with an overall accuracy of 95.53% ± 0.23%. While there was no statistically significant difference in the classification accuracy between ULA people and the other subjects, the ULA people required more time to correctly respond to the simultaneous haptic feedback slip signals, suggesting a higher cognitive load required by the ULA people. Conclusion ULA people can integrate multiple channels of simultaneously activated and nuanced haptic feedback with their control of individual fingers of an artificial hand. These findings provide a step toward empowering amputees to multitask with dexterous prosthetic hands, which remains an ongoing challenge.
Comparison of clinical manifestations in mpox patients living with HIV versus without HIV: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Currently, many cases of mpox patients living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been reported. Immunocompromised mpox patients, including those living with HIV are noted for an increased risk for severe symptoms; however, existing studies did not focus on the statistical comparison of mpox outcomes associated with HIV. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate and compare the clinical manifestations of mpox in people living with HIV (PLWH) and people without HIV. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched up to March 7, 2023. A random effects model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence along with the 95% confidence intervals (CI), and the odds ratio and its corresponding 95% CIs were calculated to elucidate the significance of each clinical feature for mpox patients with and without HIV. In this study, we included 99 published papers with 2413 patients with mpox (median age, 35.5 years; PLWH n = 1151) from 27 countries across six continents. The odds ratio of the mpox outcomes with PLWH in comparison to patients without HIV was found to be significant for skin rash (1.24, 95% CI: 1.01–1.53), proctitis (2.03, 95% CI: 1.36–3.04), cough (0.57, 95% CI: 0.33–0.98), and diarrhea (3.85, 95% CI: 1.24–11.98). The odds ratio of mpox patients with HIV for historical infections of syphilis was 2.14 (95% CI: 1.38–3.32), compared with those without HIV. This is the first international and comprehensive study that performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to statistically measure mpox manifestations according to HIV status. As clinical features related to mucosal contact were characteristically pronounced in PLWH, our systematic review provides insight that the primary invasion site of infection strongly relates to the outcomes of mpox.
Cardio‐hepatic syndrome in patients undergoing mitral valve transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair

The impact of the cardio‐hepatic syndrome (CHS) on outcomes in patients undergoing mitral valve transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (M‐TEER) for relevant mitral regurgitation (MR) is unknown. The objectives of this study were three‐fold: (i) to characterize the pattern of hepatic impairment, (ii) to investigate the prognostic value of CHS, and (iii) to evaluate the changes in hepatic function after M‐TEER.
Gambling and COVID-19: Swedish national gambling data from a state-owned gambling sports and casino operator

Abstract Background and aims The lockdown of sports and gambling venues during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused a fear of increased gambling on other online gambling types, with a risk for transfer to more addictive gambling than otherwise. This study aimed to estimate changes in gambling activity during COVID-19-affected periods among all gamblers at a Swedish state-owned gambling operator and to analyse observable sex differences. Methods This study included gambling tracking data from the Swedish state-owned gambling operator Svenska Spel Sports & Casino (sports betting, online bingo, casino and poker). All individuals (n = 616,245) who gambled at least once from February 10 to July 19, 2020, were included. The study period was divided into four periods according to their expected level of COVID-19 impact on gambling opportunities: one pre-COVID period and three COVID-affected periods (sports cancellation, emerging return of sports, substantial return of sports). Results Sports betting experienced an apparent decrease, followed by a gradual normalization and an end level substantially below prepandemic levels. For online bingo, gambling levels increased upon sports interruption and then decreased with the return to normality in sports events but remained higher than baseline levels. We observed a similar trend for online poker during the interruption of sports, but with a lower level than baseline levels when sports events normalized. We noticed a trend favouring online casinos during the sports interruption period regarding gambling intensity but not wagering levels. Discussion and conclusions Dramatic changes in the content of the gambling market may divert some gamblers to other gambling types, but maintained effects could not be demonstrated.
A fundamental decomposition of type-2 fuzzy sets

Type-2 fuzzy sets let us model and minimize the effects of uncertainties in rule-base fuzzy logic systems; however, they are difficult to understand for a variety of reasons which we enunciate. We strive to overcome the difficulties by: (1) establishing a small set of terms that let us easily communicate about type-2 fuzzy sets and also let us define such sets very precisely, and (2) presenting a new representation for type-2 fuzzy sets. This new representation can be used to derive formulas for union, intersection and complement of type-2 fuzzy sets without having to use the extension principle.
The Adaptive Spectral Element Method and Comparisons with More Traditional Formulations for Ocean Modeling

Abstract Triangular spectral elements offer high accuracy in complex geometries, but solving the related matrix problem can be cumbersome and time consuming. In restricted applications, recent developments have led to a family of discontinuous Galerkin formulations in which each element of the mesh leads to a local matrix problem. The main restriction is that all the fluid equations must be prognostic and solved explicitly in time. Such is the case for a hydrostatic ocean with a free surface and a Boussinesq approximation. Furthermore, there is a strong need for variable resolution in ocean modeling since the width of synoptic eddies and strong western currents such as the Gulf Stream are nearly two orders of magnitude smaller than the typical width of an ocean. Triangular elements also offer high flexibility for the adaptive problem. Some applications for shallow water test case problems are shown with comparisons to a traditional finite-difference model and to a finite-element coastal ocean model. These.