Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prediction of hospitalization time and independence level with functional outcomes for patients with acute stroke: a retrospective study

ABSTRACT Objectives The objective of this study was to develop predictive models for estimating the length of stay (LOS) with standardized clinical outcome measures (Functional Independence Measure, Trunk Impairment Scale, Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients, Fugl Meyer Assessment Scale, and Functional Ambulation Category) during acute care setting. Methods One hundred sixty-nine patients were included in the retrospective study. Predictors chosen for the LOS included scores of functional outcome measures at admission. We used Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients to calculate correlations among clinical outcome measures and LOS, stepwise multiple regression analysis to develop a predictive model, and receiver operating characteristics curve to analyze the predictive value of explanatory factors obtained from the previous model for discharge Functional Independence Measure score. Results The predictive equation explained 81% of the variance in LOS. The most important predictors were trunk impairment, motor function of the upper extremity, walking ability, and independence level at admission. The receiver operating characteristic curve was obtained with a cut-off score of 13 points for the Trunk Impairment Scale, 47 points for Fugl Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity, and 2 points for Functional Ambulation Category, demonstrating the highest percentage of the accurately predicted ability of independence level at discharge. Discussion The models presented in this study could help clinicians and researchers to predict the LOS and discharge independence level of clinical outcomes for patients with acute stroke enrolled in an acute care setting.
Tracking Consensus of General Nonlinear Multiagent Systems With External Disturbances Under Directed Networks

This paper considers the fully distributed tracking consensus problem for general nonlinear multiagent systems with a leader whose control input is nonzero and bounded. First, a new class of distributed state observer for the leader is proposed without the knowledge of the upper bound of the leader's input. Then, the situations that followers are affected by disturbances with unknown upper bound or disturbances generated by exosystems are investigated. Specifically, two distributed control protocols based on the distributed state observer, neural networks, and adaptive laws are proposed. Finally, simulation examples are provided to illustrate the theoretical results.
Licorice metabolite 18β‐glycyrrhetinic acid activates G protein‐gated inwardly rectifying K+ channels

Licorice (liquorice) is a common food additive and is used in Chinese medicine. Excess licorice intake can induce atrial fibrillation. Patients with atrial fibrillation possess constitutively activated G protein‐gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels. Whether licorice affects GIRK channel activity is unknown. We aimed to clarify the effects of licorice ingredients on GIRK current and the mechanism of action.
Radionuclide Transport in Tuff and Carbonate Fractures from Yucca Flat, Nevada Test Site

In the Yucca Flat basin of the Nevada Test Site (NTS), 747 shaft and tunnel nuclear detonations were conducted primarily within the tuff confining unit (TCU) or the overlying alluvium. The TCU in the Yucca Flat basin is hypothesized to reduce radionuclide migration to the regional carbonate aquifer (lower carbonate aquifer) due to its wide-spread aerial extent and chemical reactivity. However, shortcuts through the TCU by way of fractures may provide a migration path for radionuclides to the lower carbonate aquifer (LCA). It is, therefore, imperative to understand how radionuclides migrate or are retarded in TCU fractures. Furthermore, understanding the migration behavior of radionuclides once they reach the fractured LCA is important for predicting contaminant transport within the regional aquifer. The work presented in this report includes: (1) information on the radionuclide reactive transport through Yucca Flat TCU fractures (likely to be the primary conduit to the LCA), (2) information on the reactive transport of radionuclides through LCA fractures and (3) data needed to calibrate the fracture flow conceptualization of predictive models. The predictive models are used to define the extent of contamination for the Underground Test Area (UGTA) project. Because of the complex nature of reactive transport in fractures, a stepwise approach to identifying mechanisms controlling radionuclide transport was used. In the first set of TCU experiments, radionuclide transport through simple synthetic parallel-plate fractured tuff cores was examined. In the second, naturally fractured TCU cores were used. For the fractured LCA experiments, both parallel-plate and rough-walled fracture transport experiments were conducted to evaluate how fracture topography affects radionuclide transport. Tuff cores were prepared from archived UE-7az and UE-7ba core obtained from the USGS core library, Mercury, Nevada. Carbonate cores were prepared from archived ER-6-1 core, also obtained from the USGS core library, Mercury, Nevada.
Avenanthramide-C Shows Potential to Alleviate Gingival Inflammation and Alveolar Bone Loss in Experimental Periodontitis

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to the gradual destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth including gums, periodontal ligaments, alveolar bone, and root cementum. Recently, interests in alleviating symptoms of periodontitis (PD) using natural compounds is increasing. Avenanthramide-C (Avn-C) is a polyphenol found only in oats. It is known to exhibit various biological properties. To date, the effect of Avn-C on PD pathogenesis has not been confirmed. Therefore, this study aimed to verify the protective effects of Avn-C on periodontal inflammation and subsequent alveolar bone erosion in vitro and in vivo. Upregulated expression of catabolic factors, such as matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), MMP3, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and COX2 induced by lipopolysaccharide and proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), was dramatically decreased by Avn-C treatment in human gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament cells. Moreover, alveolar bone erosion in the ligature-induced PD mouse model was ameliorated by intra-gingival injection of Avn-C. Molecular mechanism studies revealed that the inhibitory effects of Avn-C on the upregulation of catabolic factors were mediated via ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) and NF-κB pathway that was activated by IL-1β or p38 MAPK and JNK signaling that was activated by TNF-α, respectively. Based on this study, we recommend that Avn-C may be a new natural compound that can be applied to PD treatment.
Rhabdomyosarcoma of the genitourinary system in girls - the role of magnetic resonance imagining in diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and follow-up.

OBJECTIVES Rhabdomyosarcoma of the genitourinary system in girls is a rare neoplasm, especially in non-dedicated centers. Our work aimed to sum up and present genitourinary rhabdomyosarcomas in girls from the radiological point of view. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed all girls with genitourinary RMS who underwent treatment at the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw between 2009 and 2022. We evaluated the demographic, clinical, and pathological patient data and imaging studies. RESULTS During the study period, ten patients presented with genitourinary RMS and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The median age at the time of diagnosis was 2.8 years, six patients were younger than three years, and four patients were older than ten years. The most common clinical symptoms were tumor fragments protruding from the vagina/falling out of the vagina and vaginal bleeding or discharge, and the most common original location was the vagina. One hundred percent of patients had the embryonal subtype of RMS, and 100% of cases where molecular tests for PAX3/FOXO1 fusion gen status were performed had negative status. At presentation, the median tumor volume was 114 cm³. Eight patients (80%) were classified as clinical group III according to the IRS Group, and most patients (70%) were in a standard-risk group. All patients received multimodal treatment, including surgery and chemotherapy; 60% received radiotherapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was the primary treatment for all our patients. In six patients (60%) with a measurable tumor mass after a biopsy, a gradual tumor volume reduction was observed after induction chemotherapy (approximately ten weeks of treatment) - all of which had a partial response (PR). All our patients (100%) responded completely to treatment. CONCLUSIONS MRI was performed at every stage of diagnosis and treatment as well as during follow-up. It allowed for staging, monitoring of chemotherapy, and guided surgery.
Biomineralization of Engineered Spider Silk 2 Protein-Based Composite Materials for Bone Tissue 3 Engineering 4

Materials based on biodegradable polyesters such as poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) 20 or poly(butylene terephthalate-co-poly(alkylene glycol) terephthalate) (PBTAT) have potential 21 application as pro-regenerative scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Herein is reported the 22 preparation of films composed of PBT or PBTAT and an engineered spider silk protein, 23 (eADF4(C16)), that displays multiple carboxylic acid moieties capable of binding calcium ions and 24 facilitating their biomineralization with calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate. Human 25 mesenchymal stem cells cultured on films mineralized with calcium phosphate show enhanced 26 levels of alkaline phosphatase activity suggesting that such composites have potential use for bone 27 tissue engineering. 28
Treatment with aripiprazole and N‐acetylcysteine affects anaerobic cysteine metabolism in the hippocampus and reverses schizophrenia‐like behavior in the neurodevelopmental rat model of schizophrenia

Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that the antipsychotic drug aripiprazole and the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine have unique biological properties. The aim of the study was to investigate, in a rat model of schizophrenia, the effects of chronic administration of these drugs on schizophrenia‐like behaviors and anaerobic cysteine metabolism in the hippocampus (HIP). The schizophrenia‐type changes were induced in Sprague–Dawley rats by repeated administration of the glutathione synthesis inhibitor l‐butionine‐(S,R)‐sulfoximine in combination with the dopamine reuptake inhibitor GBR 12909 in the early postnatal period. Adult model rats were chronically treated with aripiprazole (0.3 mg·kg−1, i.p.) or N‐acetylcysteine (30 mg·kg−1, orally), and their effects on schizophrenia‐like behaviors were assessed using the social interaction test and novel object recognition test. In the HIP, the level of anaerobic cysteine metabolites, H2S, and bound sulfane sulfur were determined by a fluorescence method, while the expression of H2S‐synthetizing enzymes: cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS) and mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST) by western blot. Long‐term treatment with aripiprazole or N‐acetylcysteine reversed social and cognitive deficits and reduced the exploratory behaviors. In the HIP of 16‐day‐old model pups, H2S levels and MST protein expression were significantly decreased. In adult model rats, H2S levels remained unchanged, bound sulfane sulfur significantly increased, and the expression of CBS and MST slightly decreased. The studied drugs significantly reduced the level of bound sulfane sulfur and the expression of tested enzymes. The reduction in bound sulfane sulfur level coincided with the attenuation of exploratory behavior, suggesting that modulation of anaerobic cysteine metabolism in the HIP may have therapeutic potential in schizophrenia.
Prevalence and persistence of cost-related medication non-adherence before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among medicare patients at high risk of hospitalization

Objective To study cost-related medication non-adherence (CRN) for a 30-month period before and during the COVID-19 pandemic using a sample of Medicare patients at high risk of hospitalization. Design A novel data set of quarterly surveys of CRN was used to evaluate CRN before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) analyses were conducted to evaluate the adjusted coefficients of change in CRN behaviors controlling for socio-demographic and health characteristics. Participants Six hundred seventy-seven Medicare beneficiaries at high risk of hospitalization who were alive on January 1, 2020 and followed up through quarterly surveys on CRN for 30 months before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Main outcomes and measures Two metrics of prevalence and persistence of CRN and their adjusted coefficients in GEE with binomial family distribution and log link function controlling for socio-demographic and health characteristics. Results A total of 5,990 quarterly surveys were completed by the 677 patients during the 30-month study period. Among the 677 patients, 250 (37%) were men, 591 (87%) were African American, and 288 (42%) were Medicare-Medicaid dual eligible. The unadjusted prevalence of CRN before and during the COVID-19 pandemic was 31.1% and 25.7% respectively (p = 0.02 by Chi-squared test), and persistent CRN rates were 12.1% and 9.7% respectively (p = 0.17 by Chi-squared test). The adjusted odds ratio of CRN prevalence during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic level was 0.75 (p<0.01), and 0.74 (p = 0.03) for persistent CRN in GEE estimations. Conclusion and relevance There are coherent evidence of a reversal of CRN rates during the COVID-19 pandemic among this high-need, high-cost resource utilization Medicare population. Patients’ CRN behaviors may be responsive to exogenous impacts, and the behaviors changed in the same direction with similar magnitude in terms of prevalence (the extensive margin) and persistence (the intensive margin). More research is needed to advance the understanding of the driving forces behind patients’ behavioral changes and to identify factors that may be informative for reducing CRN in the long run.
Alcohol intake and endogenous sex hormones in women: meta-analysis of cohort studies and Mendelian randomization

Background The mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced breast carcinogenesis are not fully understood but may involve hormonal changes. Methods We investigated cross-sectional associations between self-reported alcohol intake and serum or plasma concentrations of oestradiol, oestrone, progesterone (in pre-menopausal women only), testosterone, androstenedione, DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate) and SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) in 45 431 pre-menopausal and 173 476 post-menopausal women. We performed multivariable linear regression separately for UK Biobank, EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) and EHBCCG (Endogenous Hormones and Breast Cancer Collaborative Group), and meta-analysed the results. For testosterone and SHBG, we also conducted two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) and colocalisation using the ADH1B (Alcohol Dehydrogenase 1B) variant (rs1229984). Results Alcohol intake was positively, though weakly, associated with all hormones (except progesterone in pre-menopausal women), with increments in concentrations per 10 g/day increment in alcohol intake ranging from 1.7% for luteal oestradiol to 6.6% for post-menopausal DHEAS. There was an inverse association of alcohol with SHBG in post-menopausal women but a small positive association in pre-menopausal women. MR identified positive associations of alcohol intake with total testosterone (difference per 10 g/day increment: 4.1%; 95% CI: 0.6%, 7.6%) and free testosterone (7.8%; 4.1%, 11.5%), and an inverse association with SHBG (−8.1%; −11.3%, −4.9%). Colocalisation suggested a shared causal locus at ADH1B between alcohol intake and higher free testosterone and lower SHBG (PP4: 0.81 and 0.97 respectively). Conclusions Alcohol intake was associated with small increases in sex hormone concentrations, including bioavailable fractions, which may contribute to its effect on breast cancer risk.
Effect of muscle length in a handgrip task on corticomotor excitability of extrinsic and intrinsic hand muscles under resting and submaximal contraction conditions

The neurophysiological mechanisms underlying muscle force control for different wrist postures still need to be better understood. To further elucidate these mechanisms, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of wrist posture on the corticospinal excitability by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of extrinsic (flexor [FCR] and extensor carpi radialis [ECR]) and intrinsic (flexor pollicis brevis (FPB)) muscles at rest and during a submaximal handgrip strength task. Fourteen subjects (24.06 ± 2.28 years) without neurological or motor disorders were included. We assessed how the wrist posture (neutral: 0°; flexed: +45°; extended: −45°) affects maximal handgrip strength (HGSmax) and the motor evoked potentials (MEP) amplitudes during rest and active muscle contractions. HGSmax was higher at 0° (133%) than at −45° (93.6%; p < 0.001) and +45° (73.9%; p < 0.001). MEP amplitudes were higher for the FCR at +45° (83.6%) than at −45° (45.2%; p = 0.019) and at +45° (156%; p < 0.001) and 0° (146%; p = 0.014) than at −45° (106%) at rest and active condition, respectively. Regarding the ECR, the MEP amplitudes were higher at −45° (113%) than at +45° (60.8%; p < 0.001) and 0° (72.6%; p = 0.008), and at −45° (138%) than +45° (96.7%; p = 0.007) also at rest and active conditions, respectively. In contrast, the FPB did not reveal any difference among wrist postures and conditions. Although extrinsic and intrinsic hand muscles exhibit overlapping cortical representations and partially share the same innervation, they can be modulated differently depending on the biomechanical constraints.
Making the good better: do youth social action initiatives impact the life chances of young people equally and what role can educational establishments play?

This paper examines the concept of cultural habitus and the structures of social, economic and cultural capital that can influence young people’s participation in youth social action initiatives. Existing UK-based evidence suggests that social action projects deliver significant improvements in the skills required for life and work for young people who participate, but that socio-economic disadvantage has a negative influence on both the motivations for participation and the outcomes achieved by young people from these backgrounds. Research suggests that schools and colleges can play a crucial part in helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds to participate. However, it also indicates that those serving the highest proportion of young people from low-income families are the least likely to have a culture of social action. This literature review discusses the contribution educational establishments can make in levelling the playing field.
Comment on 'Estimating incumbency advantage and its variation, as an example of a before-after study'

The incumbency advantage is one of the most widely studied phenomena in political science. In fact, it is one of the few quantities of interest in the field where there is relative agreement not only on its directionality, but also on its relative size. Thus I was somewhat dubious that any significant additions remainder to be made to our understanding; however, Gelman and Huang have in fact made two important contributions.
Perceived parental depression and PTSD in adolescents: mediating roles of attachment insecurity and coping style

ABSTRACT Background: Earthquakes can cause negative psychological states in adolescents and their parents, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Previous cross-sectional studies have shown that adolescents who perceive parental depression after an earthquake are more likely to experience PTSD. However, the mechanism underlying this process remains unclear and previous studies have not examined the association between these factors. Objective: The current study explored the mediating roles of attachment insecurity and coping style in the association between perceived parental depression and PTSD in adolescents after the Jiuzhaigou earthquake. Method: In total, 391 participants completed follow-up questionnaires at 12, 21, and 27 months (T1–T3, respectively) after the Jiuzhaigou earthquake. Results: T1 perceived parental depression was not a direct predictor of T3 PTSD in adolescents. In the full mediation model, T1 perceived parental depression predicted T3 PTSD in adolescents indirectly via T2 attachment insecurities through T2 emotion-focused coping. Conclusion: The findings highlight that attachment insecurity and emotion-focused coping mediated the relationship between perceived parental depression and PTSD in adolescents following an earthquake. To alleviate PTSD in adolescents, efforts should be directed toward reducing perceived parental depressive symptoms and emotion-focused coping, and promoting the formation of secure attachment styles. HIGHLIGHTS Perceived parental depression after an earthquake is associated with subsequent PTSD symptoms in adolescents indirectly. Attachment insecurity and coping styles mediate the relationship between perceived parental depression and PTSD in adolescents. Therapy should focus on adolescents’ emotional processing after an earthquake to help them cope without resorting to emotion-focused coping.
Altered consciousness mediates the effect of hypernatremia, but not hyponatremia, on mortality among patients observed in the ICU

Purpose: Dysnatremias - hypernatremia and hyponatremia - may be associated with mortality through their impact on altered consciousness. We examined the mediating effect of decreased consciousness on the relationship between dysnatremia and mortality. Methods: Among 195,568 critically ill patients in the United States contained in the eICU database, we categorized serum sodium into bands of 5mEq/L. Using causal mediation analysis, we compared bands in the hypernatremia and hyponatremia ranges to a reference band of 135–139mEq/L to determine the proportion of mortality mediated by decreased consciousness as determined by the Glasgow Coma Score (GCS). Results: Both hyponatremia (OR [95%CI] for bands: <120mEq/L: 1.58 [1.26–1.97]; 120-<125mEq/L: 1.92 [1.64–2.25]; 125-<130mEq/L: 1.76 [1.60–1.93]; 130-<135mEq/L: 1.32 [1.24–1.41]) and hypernatremia (OR [95%CI] for bands: 140-<145mEq/L: 1.12 [1.05–1.19]; 145-<150mEq/L: 1.89 [1.70–2.11]; ≥150mEq/L: 1.86 [1.57–2.19]) were significantly associated with increased mortality. GCS mediated the effect of hypernatremia on mortality risk (Proportion mediated [95%CI]: 140–144mEq/L: 0.38 [0.23 to 0.89]; 145–149mEq/L: 0.27 [0.22 to 0.34]; ≥150mEq/L: 0.53 [0.41 to 0.81]) but not hyponatremia (proportion mediated 95%CI upper bound <0.05 for all bands). Conclusion: Decreased consciousness mediates the association between increased mortality and hypernatremia, but not hyponatremia. Further studies are needed to explore neurologic mechanisms and directionality in this relationship.
Les nouvelles configurations de l'espace automobile méditerranéen

Analyzing the multinational firms’ strategies (car and component makers), changes in automotive production and trade in the area, the paper discusses the hypothesis of the emergence of a fuzzy automobile space within the Mediterranean area. The Mediterranean automobile space cannot be described as an autonomous space, but as an intermediary level based on the European automobile system. The impact of the development of the automobile industry in CEEC – especially in Turkey – and on Northern Mediterranean countries, is analysed (Part 1) before studying the recent trends in the South, including the development of relationships within the Mediterranean area (Part 2).