Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of traditional Chinese mind–body exercises on older adults with cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To determine the effectiveness of traditional Chinese mind–body exercises in improving cognition, memory, and executive function in older adults with cognitive impairment. Data sources Relevant English and Chinese language studies published until September 14th, 2022 were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, WAN FANG DATA, VIP Information, CNKI, and SinoMed databases. Review methods Randomized controlled trials assessing traditional Chinese mind–body exercises (Tai Chi, Baduanjin, Qigong, Mind–Body Therapies, and Yijinjing) in older adults with cognitive impairment were included. Two researchers independently identified eligible studies and extracted data. A risk-of-bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Results This study included 15 randomized controlled trials (1,127 participants) from China, Thailand and American. Most studies had a high risk of bias in the blinding of participants and researchers, one study had a high risk of bias in the random sequence generation and two studies had a high risk of bias in the incomplete outcome data. Compared with conventional therapy alone, traditional Chinese mind–body exercises significantly improved global cognitive function (p < 0.00001), and Baduanjin could improve the global cognitive function (p < 0.00001), memory function (p < 0.0001), and executive function (p < 0.0001) outcomes after treatment, and significantly improved some dimensional scores on the auditory verbal learning test after treatment (p = 0.04). Conclusion Compared with conventional therapy, traditional Chinese mind–body exercises (Tai Chi, Baduanjin, and Qigong) significantly improved global cognitive function, and Baduanjin could improve global cognitive function, memory function, and executive function in older adults with cognitive impairment. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/PROSPERO/#searchadvanced, CRD42022327563.
Rhodopsin-associated retinal dystrophy: Disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies

Rhodopsin is a light-sensitive G protein-coupled receptor that initiates the phototransduction cascade in rod photoreceptors. Mutations in the rhodopsin-encoding gene RHO are the leading cause of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP). To date, more than 200 mutations have been identified in RHO. The high allelic heterogeneity of RHO mutations suggests complicated pathogenic mechanisms. Here, we discuss representative RHO mutations as examples to briefly summarize the mechanisms underlying rhodopsin-related retinal dystrophy, which include but are not limited to endoplasmic reticulum stress and calcium ion dysregulation resulting from protein misfolding, mistrafficking, and malfunction. Based on recent advances in our understanding of disease mechanisms, various treatment methods, including adaptation, whole-eye electrical stimulation, and small molecular compounds, have been developed. Additionally, innovative therapeutic treatment strategies, such as antisense oligonucleotide therapy, gene therapy, optogenetic therapy, and stem cell therapy, have achieved promising outcomes in preclinical disease models of rhodopsin mutations. Successful translation of these treatment strategies may effectively ameliorate, prevent or rescue vision loss related to rhodopsin mutations.
Combined systemic immune-inflammatory index and prognostic nutritional index predict outcomes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients receiving platinum-doublet chemotherapy

Background Systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) could evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis in different tumors. However, no studies investigated the SII-PNI score to predict outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with platinum-doublet chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the SII-PNI score in predicting outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with platinum-doublet chemotherapy. Materials and methods Our study retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 124 patients with advanced NSCLC receiving platinum-doublet chemotherapy. The SII and PNI were calculated based on peripheral blood cell counts and serum albumin, and the optimal cut-off values were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC). All patients were divided into three groups according to the SII-PNI score. The association between the SII-PNI score and the clinicopathological characteristics of the patients was examined. The Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models were used to assess progression-free survival (PFS)and overall survival (OS). Results There was no significant correlation between SII, PNI at baseline and chemotherapy response in patients with advanced NSCLC (p>0.05). However, after receiving 4 cycles of platinum-doublet chemotherapy, the SII of the SD group (p=0.0369) and PD group (p=0.0286) was significantly higher than that of the PR group. At the same time, the PNI of the SD group (p=0.0112) and the PD group (p=0.0007) was significantly lower than that of the PR group. The PFS of patients with SII-PNI scores of 0, 1, and 2 were 12.0, 7.0, and 5.0 months, and the OS of patients with SII-PNI scores of 0, 1, and 2 were 34.0, 17.0, and 10.5 months, respectively. There was statistical significance among the three groups (all p <0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that the chemotherapy response of progressive disease (PD) (HR, 3.508; 95% CI, 1.546-7.960; p=0.003) and SII-PNI score of 2 (HR, 4.732; 95% CI, 2.561-8.743; p < 0.001) were independently associated with a shorter OS. The uses of targeted drugs (HR, 0.543; 95% CI, 0.329-0.898; p=0.017) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (HR, 0.218; 95% CI, 0.081-0.584; p=0.002) were protective factors for OS in patients with NSCLC. Conclusion Compared with baseline parameters, the correlation between SII, PNI after 4 cycles of chemotherapy and the chemotherapy effect was more significant. The SII-PNI score after 4 cycles of chemotherapy is an effective prognostic biomarker for advanced NSCLC patients treated with platinum-doublet chemotherapy. Patients with a higher SII-PNI score had a worse prognosis.
Insight into the genomes of dominant yeast symbionts of European spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus

Spruce bark beetle Ips typographus can trigger outbreaks on spruce that results in significant losses in the forest industry. It has been suggested that symbiotic microorganisms inhabiting the gut of bark beetles facilitate the colonization of plant tissues as they play a role in the detoxification of plant secondary metabolites, degrade plant cell wall and ameliorate beetle’s nutrition. In this study, we sequenced and functionally annotated the genomes of five yeasts Kuraishia molischiana, Cryptococcus sp. , Nakazawaea ambrosiae, Ogataea ramenticola, and Wickerhamomyces bisporus isolated from the gut of Ips typographus. Genome analysis identified 5314, 7050, 5722, 5502, and 5784 protein coding genes from K. molischiana, Cryptococcus sp. , N. ambrosiae, O. ramenticola, and W. bisporus, respectively. Protein-coding sequences were classified into biological processes, cellular and molecular function based on gene ontology terms enrichment. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation was used to predict gene functions. All analyzed yeast genomes contain full pathways for the synthesis of essential amino acids and vitamin B6, which have nutritional importance to beetle. Furthermore, their genomes contain diverse gene families related to the detoxification processes. The prevalent superfamilies are aldo-keto reductase, ATP-binding cassette and the major facilitator transporters. The phylogenetic relationships of detoxification-related enzymes aldo-keto reductase, and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, and ATP-binding cassette are presented. Genome annotations also revealed presence of genes active in lignocellulose degradation. In vitro analyses did not confirm enzymatic endolytic degradation of lignocellulose; however, all species can utilize and pectin and produce a large spectrum of exolytic enzymes attacking cellulose, chitin, and lipids.
Citizens’ perception of the role of urban nature-based solutions and green infrastructures towards climate change in Italy

Climate change in recent years is shaping society’s habits and life in large cities, then it will be necessary to plan and design nature-based urban solutions to meet different interests and needs. To enable this approach between cities, urban green spaces and climate change, sustainable and resilient urban growth models are needed, planned with the contribution of citizens as priority stakeholders. Citizens perceive and attribute value to Green Infrastructures (GIs), albeit in relation to different socio-economic and environmental variables, the assessment of which has only recently been addressed in specific research. This research analysed citizens’ perceptions of GIs in combating the effects of the climate change. In particular, it revealed the degree of awareness of climate change, the value attributed to GIs and, finally, the willingness to pay to contribute to the maintenance of GIs in the city. The survey was carried out in the city of Catania (Italy), through the administration of questionnaires to a sample of residents (n = 500). The results show that the citizens involved perceive GIs as strategic elements of the quality of urban life, although they are not always aware of their positive impact on climate change. Interest in the co-management of GIs was higher in the case of crowdfunding. An integrated two-step methodological scheme was applied (divided in two phases, univariate and multivariate statistical analysis), which proved effective in analysing the different needs perceived by citizens. This approach could become a useful tool for planning GIs, especially in the current context in which cities are facing challenges related to climate change and changing societal needs. Understanding citizens’ views will be strategic in directing public investments towards GIs that can improve the quality of life in the urban ecosystem.
Machine learning for the prediction of all-cause mortality in patients with sepsis-associated acute kidney injury during hospitalization

Background Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (S-AKI) is considered to be associated with high morbidity and mortality, a commonly accepted model to predict mortality is urged consequently. This study used a machine learning model to identify vital variables associated with mortality in S-AKI patients in the hospital and predict the risk of death in the hospital. We hope that this model can help identify high-risk patients early and reasonably allocate medical resources in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods A total of 16,154 S-AKI patients from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database were examined as the training set (80%) and the validation set (20%). Variables (129 in total) were collected, including basic patient information, diagnosis, clinical data, and medication records. We developed and validated machine learning models using 11 different algorithms and selected the one that performed the best. Afterward, recursive feature elimination was used to select key variables. Different indicators were used to compare the prediction performance of each model. The SHapley Additive exPlanations package was applied to interpret the best machine learning model in a web tool for clinicians to use. Finally, we collected clinical data of S-AKI patients from two hospitals for external validation. Results In this study, 15 critical variables were finally selected, namely, urine output, maximum blood urea nitrogen, rate of injection of norepinephrine, maximum anion gap, maximum creatinine, maximum red blood cell volume distribution width, minimum international normalized ratio, maximum heart rate, maximum temperature, maximum respiratory rate, minimum fraction of inspired O2, minimum creatinine, minimum Glasgow Coma Scale, and diagnosis of diabetes and stroke. The categorical boosting algorithm model presented significantly better predictive performance [receiver operating characteristic (ROC): 0.83] than other models [accuracy (ACC): 75%, Youden index: 50%, sensitivity: 75%, specificity: 75%, F1 score: 0.56, positive predictive value (PPV): 44%, and negative predictive value (NPV): 92%]. External validation data from two hospitals in China were also well validated (ROC: 0.75). Conclusions After selecting 15 crucial variables, a machine learning-based model for predicting the mortality of S-AKI patients was successfully established and the CatBoost model demonstrated best predictive performance.
Increased paternal corticosterone exposure preconception shifts offspring social behaviours and expression of urinary pheromones

Studies have shown that paternal stress prior to conception can influence the innate behaviours of their offspring. The evolutionary impacts of such intergenerational effects are therefore of considerable interest. Our group previously showed that glucocorticoid treatment of adult male mouse breeders prior to conception leads to increased anxiety-related behaviours in male offspring. Here, we aimed to understand the transgenerational effects of paternal stress exposure on the social behaviour of progeny and its potential influence on reproductive success. We assessed social parameters including social reward, male attractiveness and social dominance, in the offspring (F1) and grand-offspring (F2). We report that paternal corticosterone-treatment was associated with increased display of subordination towards other male mice. Those mice were unexpectedly more attractive to female mice while expressing reduced levels of the key rodent pheromone Darcin, contrary to its conventional purpose. We investigated the epigenetic regulation of major urinary protein (Mup) expression by performing the first Oxford Nanopore direct methylation of sperm DNA in a mouse model of stress, but found no differences in Mup genes that could be attributed to corticosterone-treatment. Furthermore, no overt differences of the prefrontal cortex transcriptome were found in F1 offspring, implying that peripheral mechanisms are likely contributing to the phenotypic differences. Interestingly, no phenotypic differences were observed in the F2 grand-offspring. Overall, our findings highlight the potential of moderate paternal stress to affect intergenerational (mal)adaptive responses, informing future studies of adaptiveness in rodents, humans and other species.
Spectral Analysis of the Acoustic Propagator in a Multistratified Domain

Abstract The aim of this paper is to study the acoustic propagatorHin a perturbed multistratified domain Ω with the conjugate operator method.Hdenotes the self-adjoint operator −∇c(x)∇ inL2(Ω) with a Dirichlet condition at the boundary ∂Ω. Herecdenotes the propagation velocity depending on the nature of the stratification of Ω. We shall give some spectral properties ofHand we establish the limiting absorption principle in an optimal scale of Besov spaces.
Growth of Cloud Droplets by Condensation: A Problem in Computational Stability

Abstract This article deals with the computational stability of numerical techniques for solving the equations governing droplet growth by condensation. A numerical analysis leads to the derivation of a simple stability criterion for determining a permissible time step in the integration of these equations. The time step is inversely proportional to the product of the total number of droplets and their mean radius. This criterion is generally valid except near the activation stage where a less simple one applies. The practical importance of these criteria for the feasibility of running complex simulation experiments is emphasized.
High quality refractory Josephson tunnel junctions utilizing thin aluminum layers

Preparation of high quality all‐refractory Josephson tunnel junctions based on Nb/Al‐oxide‐Nb and Nb/Al‐oxide‐Al/Nb structures is reported. Critical currents up to 1300 A/cm2 and Vm values up to 35 mV were obtained. The specific capacitance of these junctions is 0.06±0.02 pF/μm2. Junctions were fabricated using standard photolithography and a new plasma etching process coupled with anodization of Nb.
Limite semi-classique de l'équation de Schrödinger non linéaire en temps petit

On etudie la limite semi-classique de l'equation de Schrodinger non lineaire pour des donnees initiales a la regularite Sobolev, avant l'apparition de chocs sur le systeme limite, et en particulier la pertinence de la methode WKB
Critical Torque for Kink Formation in Double-Stranded DNA

We measure the bending energy of double-stranded DNA in the nonlinear (sharply bent) regime. The measurements are obtained from the melting curves of stressed DNA ring molecules. The nonlinear elastic behavior is captured by a single parameter: the critical torquec at which the molecule develops a kink. In this regime, the elastic energy is linear in the kink angle. This phenomenology is the same as for the previously reported case of nicked DNA. For the sequences examined, we findc ¼ 31 pNnm. This critical torque corresponds to a characteristic energy scale ð�= 2Þ� c ¼ 12 kTroom relevant for molecular biology processes associated with DNA bending.
Correlated incompressible and compressible boundary layers

The boundary-layer equations for a compressible fluid are transformed into those for an incompressible fluid, assuming that the boundary is thermally insulating, that the viscosity is proportional to the absolute temperature, and that the Prandtl number is unity. Various results in the theory of incompressible boundary layers are then taken over into the compressible theory. In particular, the existence of ‘similar’ solutions is proved, and Howarth’s method for retarded flows is applied to determine the point of separation for a uniformly retarded main stream velocity. A comparison with an exact solution is used to show that this method gives a closer approximation than does Pohlhausen’s.
How Notifications Affect Engagement With a Behavior Change App: Results From a Micro-Randomized Trial

Background Drink Less is a behavior change app to help higher-risk drinkers in the United Kingdom reduce their alcohol consumption. The app includes a daily notification asking users to “Please complete your drinks and mood diary,” yet we did not understand the causal effect of the notification on engagement nor how to improve this component of Drink Less. We developed a new bank of 30 new messages to increase users’ reflective motivation to engage with Drink Less. This study aimed to determine how standard and new notifications affect engagement. Objective Our objective was to estimate the causal effect of the notification on near-term engagement, to explore whether this effect changed over time, and to create an evidence base to further inform the optimization of the notification policy. Methods We conducted a micro-randomized trial (MRT) with 2 additional parallel arms. Inclusion criteria were Drink Less users who consented to participate in the trial, self-reported a baseline Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score of ≥8, resided in the United Kingdom, were aged ≥18 years, and reported interest in drinking less alcohol. Our MRT randomized 350 new users to test whether receiving a notification, compared with receiving no notification, increased the probability of opening the app in the subsequent hour, over the first 30 days since downloading Drink Less. Each day at 8 PM, users were randomized with a 30% probability of receiving the standard message, a 30% probability of receiving a new message, or a 40% probability of receiving no message. We additionally explored time to disengagement, with the allocation of 60% of eligible users randomized to the MRT (n=350) and 40% of eligible users randomized in equal number to the 2 parallel arms, either receiving the no notification policy (n=98) or the standard notification policy (n=121). Ancillary analyses explored effect moderation by recent states of habituation and engagement. Results Receiving a notification, compared with not receiving a notification, increased the probability of opening the app in the next hour by 3.5-fold (95% CI 2.91-4.25). Both types of messages were similarly effective. The effect of the notification did not change significantly over time. A user being in a state of already engaged lowered the new notification effect by 0.80 (95% CI 0.55-1.16), although not significantly. Across the 3 arms, time to disengagement was not significantly different. Conclusions We found a strong near-term effect of engagement on the notification, but no overall difference in time to disengagement between users receiving the standard fixed notification, no notification at all, or the random sequence of notifications within the MRT. The strong near-term effect of the notification presents an opportunity to target notifications to increase “in-the-moment” engagement. Further optimization is required to improve the long-term engagement. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/18690
Assessing the Mental Health Status and Sleep Quality among House Officers in Peshawar

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the mental health status and quality of sleep among house officers in Peshawar and to determine the correlation between their mental health status and quality of sleep.METHODOLOGY This was a cross-sectional study, conducted on house officers of four tertiary care hospitals in Peshawar. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire using convenience sampling technique. Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scale was used for assessing the sleep quality and Warwick Edinburgh mental wellbeing scale (WEMWBS) was used for assessing the mental health status of the respondents.RESULTSAmong the 276 house officers, the mean mental health score was 48.13±9.17, and mean sleep quality score was 6.39±3.27. In comparison, female House officers had poor mental health status (female: 45.72±9.32, male: 49.83±8.70, p<0.05) and sleep quality (female: 6.91±3.77, male: 6.03±2.82, p<0.05. The hospital status showed no significant association between sleep quality (p value: 0.778) and mental health score (p value: 0.573). Furthermore, quality of sleep had a positive correlation with mental health status of house officers (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONMental health status and quality of sleep among house officers was poor. Female house officers had a poor mental well-being and a poor sleep quality compared to male house officers. There was no significant difference between the mental health status and quality of sleep, of house officers working in public hospitals and those working in private hospitals. House officers having a poor sleep quality also had a poor mental health status showing a positive correlation between the two