Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in Size and Interpretation of Parameter Estimates in Within-Person Models in the Presence of Time-Invariant and Time-Varying Covariates

For several decades, cross-lagged panel models (CLPM) have been the dominant statistical model in relationship research for investigating reciprocal associations between two (or more) constructs over time. However, recent methodological research has questioned the frequent usage of the CLPM because, amongst other things, the model commingles within-person associations with between-person associations, while most developmental research questions pertain to within-person processes. Furthermore, the model presumes that there are no third variables that confound the relationships between the longitudinally assessed variables. Therefore, the usage of alternative models such as the Random-Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model (RI-CLPM) or the Latent Curve Model with Structured Residuals (LCM-SR) has been suggested. These models separate between-person from within-person variation and they also control for time constant covariates. However, there might also be third variables that are not stable but rather change across time and that can confound the relationships between the variables studied in these models. In the present article, we explain the differences between the two types of confounders and investigate how they affect the parameter estimates of within-person models such as the RI-CLPM and the LCM-SR.
Alternation of Neuronal Feature Selectivity Induced by Paired Optogenetic-Mechanical Stimulation in the Barrel Cortex

Paired stimulation has been applied to modulate neuronal functions in the primary somatosensory cortex but its utility in the alternation of tuning function, such as direction tuning for whisker stimuli, remains unclear. In the present study, we attempted to manipulate feature preferences in barrel cortical neurons using repetitive paired whisker deflection combined with optogenetic stimulation and to obtain optimal parameters that can induce neuroplasticity. We found no significant response changes across stimulus parameters, such as onset asynchronies and paired directions. Only when paired stimulation was applied in the nonpreferred direction of the principal whisker of a neuron, were the neuron’s responses enhanced in that direction. Importantly, this effect was only observed when the optogenetic stimulus preceded the mechanical stimulus. Our findings indicate that repetitive paired optogenetic-mechanical stimulation can induce in vivo neuroplasticity of feature selectivity in limited situations.
Follow-Ups on Persistent Symptoms and Pulmonary Function Among Post-Acute COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: As the number of recovering COVID-19 patients increases worldwide, the persistence of symptoms and signs through the post-acute phase indicates an urgent need for prolonged follow-up care. To explore existing data about post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, this meta-analysis assesses the prevalence of persistent manifestations in multiple systems and abnormalities in lung function, as well as their related risks in patients with various severities. Methods: Articles about discharged COVID-19 patients (published from January 1, 2020 to February 23, 2021) were obtained by searching four databases. Cohort studies with follow-up periods >1 month post-discharge or >2 months post-admission were included. Results: A total of 4,478 COVID-19 patients from 16 cohort studies were included in this meta-analysis. Fatigue or weakness (47%) were the most prevalent physical effects of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, while psychosocial (28%) symptoms were the most common manifestations among several systems. Abnormalities in lung function of recovering patients, i.e., DLCO <80% (47%, 95% CI: 32–61%) persisted for long periods. Severe patients were more likely to present joint pain (OR 1.84, 95% CI: 1.11–3.04) and decreased lung functions compared with non-severe patients, with pooled ORs for abnormal TLC, FEV1, FVC, and DLCO of 3.05 (95% CI: 1.88–4.96), 2.72 (95% CI: 1.31–5.63), 2.52 (95% CI: 1.28–4.98), and 1.82 (95% CI: 1.32–2.50), respectively. Conclusions: Our research indicates that patients recovering from COVID-19 manifest long-term, multi-system symptoms, and the adverse effects on psychosocial health and lung functions were the most extensive and persistent. These findings together may facilitate much needed in-depth study of clinical treatments for long-term, post-acute phase symptoms that affect a great number of recovering COVID-19 patients.
Estimation of Emotional Arousal Changes of a Group of Individuals During Movie Screening Using Steady-State Visual-Evoked Potential

Neurocinematics is an emerging discipline in neuroscience, which aims to provide new filmmaking techniques by analyzing the brain activities of a group of audiences. Several neurocinematics studies attempted to track temporal changes in mental states during movie screening; however, it is still needed to develop efficient and robust electroencephalography (EEG) features for tracking brain states precisely over a long period. This study proposes a novel method for estimating emotional arousal changes in a group of individuals during movie screening by employing steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP), which is a widely used EEG response elicited by the presentation of periodic visual stimuli. Previous studies have reported that the emotional arousal of each individual modulates the strength of SSVEP responses. Based on this phenomenon, movie clips were superimposed on a background, eliciting an SSVEP response with a specific frequency. Two emotionally arousing movie clips were presented to six healthy male participants, while EEG signals were recorded from the occipital channels. We then investigated whether the movie scenes that elicited higher SSVEP responses coincided well with those rated as the most impressive scenes by 37 viewers in a separate experimental session. Our results showed that the SSVEP response averaged across six participants could accurately predict the overall impressiveness of each movie, evaluated with a much larger group of individuals.
Fast Optical Investigation of Cardiac Electrophysiology by Parallel Detection in Multiwell Plates

Current techniques for fast characterization of cardiac electrophysiology employ optical technologies to control and monitor action potential features of single cells or cellular monolayers placed in multiwell plates. High-speed investigation capacities are commonly achieved by serially analyzing well after well employing fully automated fluorescence microscopes. Here, we describe an alternative cost-effective optical approach (MULTIPLE) that exploits high-power LED arrays to globally illuminate a culture plate and an sCMOS sensor for parallel detection of the fluorescence coming from multiple wells. MULTIPLE combines optical detection of action potentials using a red-shifted voltage-sensitive fluorescent dye (di-4-ANBDQPQ) with optical stimulation, employing optogenetic actuators, to ensure excitation of cardiomyocytes at constant rates. MULTIPLE was first characterized in terms of interwell uniformity of the illumination intensity and optical detection performance. Then, it was applied for probing action potential features in HL-1 cells (i.e., mouse atrial myocyte-like cells) stably expressing the blue light-activatable cation channel CheRiff. Under proper stimulation conditions, we were able to accurately measure action potential dynamics across a 24-well plate with variability across the whole plate of the order of 10%. The capability of MULTIPLE to detect action potential changes across a 24-well plate was demonstrated employing the selective Kv11.1 channel blocker (E-4031), in a dose titration experiment. Finally, action potential recordings were performed in spontaneous beating human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes following pharmacological manipulation of their beating frequency. We believe that the simplicity of the presented optical scheme represents a valid complement to sophisticated and expensive state-of-the-art optical systems for high-throughput cardiac electrophysiological investigations.
Selective Myeloid Depletion of Galectin-3 Offers Protection Against Acute and Chronic Lung Injury

Rationale: Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is an immune regulator and an important driver of fibrosis in chronic lung injury, however, its role in acute lung injury (ALI) remains unknown. Previous work has shown that global deletion of galectin-3 reduces collagen deposition in a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model (MacKinnon et al., Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., 2012, 185, 537–46). An inhaled Gal-3 inhibitor, GB0139, is undergoing Phase II clinical development for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This work aims to elucidate the role of Gal-3 in the myeloid and mesenchymal compartment on the development of acute and chronic lung injury. Methods: LgalS3 fl/fl mice were generated and crossed with mice expressing the myeloid (LysM) and mesenchymal (Pdgfrb) cre drivers to yield LysM-cre +/- /LgalS3 fl/fl and Pdgfrb-cre +/- /LgalS3 fl/fl mice. The response to acute (bleomycin or LPS) or chronic (bleomycin) lung injury was compared to globally deficient Gal-3 −/− mice. Results: Myeloid depletion of Gal-3 led to a significant reduction in Gal-3 expression in alveolar macrophages and neutrophils and a reduction in neutrophil recruitment into the interstitium but not into the alveolar space. The reduction in interstitial neutrophils corelated with decreased levels of pulmonary inflammation following acute bleomycin and LPS administration. In addition, myeloid deletion decreased Gal-3 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and reduced lung fibrosis induced by chronic bleomycin. In contrast, no differences in BAL Gal-3 levels or fibrosis were observed in Pdgfrb-cre +/- /LgalS3 fl/fl mice. Conclusions: Myeloid cell derived Galectin-3 drives acute and chronic lung inflammation and supports direct targeting of galectin-3 as an attractive new therapy for lung inflammation.
Sex Differences in Attitudes Toward Casual Sex: Using STI Contraction Likelihoods to Assess Evolved Mating Strategies

Previous work shows that males are more likely to pursue casual sex if given the opportunity, compared to females, on average. One component of this strategy is risk-taking, and males have been shown to take more risks than females in a variety of contexts. Here, we investigate the extent to which sex differences exist considering casual sexual encounters involving sexually transmitted infections (STIs) using a hypothetical sexual scenario which attempts to circumvent several factors that may contribute to a female’s hesitancy to engage in casual sex encounters. Two hundred and forty-six college students rated their willingness to engage in a satisfying casual sexual encounter with someone judged to be personable as a function of sex, varying STI contraction likelihoods, several STI types, and two levels of hypothetical partner attractiveness. We also assess how individual levels of sociosexuality (as measured by the SOI-R) impact findings. Our findings show that males report higher likelihoods of sexual engagement compared to females in general. This trend continued for lower likelihoods of STI contraction in all four STI types (Cold, Chlamydia, Herpes, HIV), with larger effects shown in the high attractiveness partner condition. For higher STI contraction likelihoods and more severe STI types, along with lower partner attractiveness levels, sex differences shrank. Factoring in participant SOI-R scores attenuated the effects somewhat, although it failed to alter findings substantially with predicted sex differences continuing to exist. These results offer further insight into evolved sex differences in human mating systems and provide an additional framework to test sexual risk-taking among males and females.
Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support: Pathophysiology of Pediatric Hemostasis and Available Options

Pediatric mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is considered a strategy for heart failure management as a bridge to recovery and transplantation or as a destination therapy. The final outcome is significantly impacted by the number of complications that may occur during MCS. Children on ventricular assist devices (VADs) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are at high risk for bleeding and thrombotic complications that are managed through anticoagulation. The first detailed guideline in pediatric VADs (Edmonton Anticoagulation and Platelet Inhibition Protocol) was based on conventional antithrombotic drugs, such as unfractionated heparin (UFH) and warfarin. UFH is the first-line anticoagulant in pediatric MCS, although its profile is not considered optimal in pediatric setting. The broad variation in heparin doses among children is associated with frequent occurrence of cerebrovascular accidents, bleeding, and thrombocytopenia. Direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) have been utilized as alternative strategies to heparin. Since 2018, bivalirudin has become the chosen anticoagulant in the long-term therapy of patients undergoing MCS implantation, according to the most recent protocols shared in North America. This article provides a review of the non-traditional anticoagulation strategies utilized in pediatric MCS, focusing on pharmacodynamics, indications, doses, and monitoring aspects of bivalirudin. Moreover, it exposes the efforts and the collaborations among different specialized centers, which are committed to an ongoing learning in order to minimize major complications in this special pediatric population. Further prospective trials regarding DTIs in a pediatric MCS setting are necessary and in specific well-designed randomized control trials between UFH and bivalirudin. To conclude, based on the reported literature, the clinical use of the bivalirudin in pediatric MCS seems to be a value added in controlling and maybe reducing thromboembolic complications. Further research is necessary to confirm all the results provided by this literature review.
Melatonin Alleviates Renal Injury in Mouse Model of Sepsis

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine; MLT) has been shown to have a renal-protective effect against kidney injury. However, the mechanisms underlying the protective role of MLT in sepsis-induced renal injury are yet to be revealed. In this study, MLT alleviated renal dysfunction with the increase of BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and SCR (serum creatinine) and reduction of fibrosis in the CLP (cecal ligation puncture) model. RNA-seq analysis showed that MLT repressed the oxidant stress in response to kidney injury. Our in vitro study showed that MLT suppresses LPS-induced accumulation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) production via SOD2 downregulation and Nox4 upregulation in HK-2 cells. Furthermore, we found that MLT alleviated the inflammatory response, with the mRNA-level reduction of Il-1α, Il-1β, Mcp-1, and Tgf-β1. Taken together, in evaluating the therapeutic effect of MLT on sepsis-induced acute kidney injury, the results showed that MLT alleviated renal damage by regulating the production of ROS.
Reduced Systolic Function and Not Genetic Variants Determine Outcome in Pediatric and Adult Left Ventricular Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy

Background: Left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC CMP) is a genetic cardiomyopathy. Genotype-phenotype correlation and clinical outcome of genetic variants in pediatric and adult LVNC CMP patients are still unclear. Methods: The retrospective multicenter study was conducted in unrelated index patients with LVNC CMP, diagnosed between the years 1987 and 2017, and all available family members. All index patients underwent next-generation sequencing for genetic variants in 174 target genes using the Illumina TruSight Cardio Sequencing Panel. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) included mechanical circulatory support, heart transplantation, survivor of cardiac death, and/or all-cause death as combined endpoint. Results: Study population included 149 LVNC CMP patients with a median age of 27.8 (9.2–44.8) years at diagnosis; 58% of them were symptomatic, 18% suffered from non-sustained and sustained arrhythmias, and 17% had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implanted. 55/137 patients (40%) were ≤ 18 years at diagnosis. A total of 134 variants were identified in 87/113 (77%) index patients. 93 variants were classified as variant of unknown significance (VUS), 24 as likely pathogenic and 15 as pathogenic. The genetic yield of (likely) pathogenic variants was 35/113 (31%) index patients. Variants occurred most frequently in MYH7 (n=19), TTN (n = 10) and MYBPC3 (n = 8). Altogether, sarcomere gene variants constituted 42.5% (n = 57) of all variants. The presence or absence of (likely) pathogenic variants or variants in specific genes did not allow risk stratification for MACE. Reduced left ventricular (LV) systolic function and increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) were risk factors for event-free survival in the Kaplan-Meier analysis. Through multivariate analysis we identified reduced LV systolic function as the main risk factor for MACE. Patients with reduced LV systolic function were at a 4.6-fold higher risk for MACE. Conclusions: Genetic variants did not predict the risk of developing a MACE, neither in the pediatric nor in the adult cohort. Multivariate analysis emphasized reduced LV systolic function as the main independent factor that is elevating the risk for MACE. Genetic screening is useful for cascade screening to identify family members at risk for developing LVNC CMP.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervenes Ventricular Remodeling Following Acute Myocardial Infarction: Evidence From 40 Random Controlled Trials With 3,659 Subjects

Objectives: We intend to conduct a meta-analysis on the systematic evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of ventricular remodeling following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Our findings may provide certain references for the clinical treatment of ventricular remodeling. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang Data, CQVIP, and CBM before 20 July 2020. Data were analyzed using a random/fixed-effect model. Primary outcomes included the effectiveness and TCM syndrome score (TCMSS). Secondary outcomes included 1) echocardiography data, including the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi), left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVi), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), interventricular septum thickness (IVST), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), E/A, stroke volume (SV), and wall motion score (WMS); 2) serum indicators, including the B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and C-reactive protein (CRP) or high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP); (3) major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and other adverse events Results: Forty RCTs involving 3,659 subjects were recruited. Our findings proved that a combination of TCM or TCM preparations with conventional Western medicine for preventing and reversing ventricular remodeling at post-AMI could remarkably enhance the total effectiveness and reduced TCMSS. Moreover, myocardial functions (LVEF, E/A, and SV), ventricular remodeling (LVEDVi, LVESVi, LVEDV, LVESV, LVEDD, LVESD, LVPWT, and WMS), serum levels of BNP and CRP, and MACE were significantly improved by the combination of TCM or TCM preparations with conventional Western medicine. Nevertheless, IVST and the incidence of other adverse events were comparable between control and experimental groups Conclusion: The combination of TCM or TCM preparations and conventional Western medicine can alleviate the process of ventricular remodeling, enhance cardiac function, and reduce the incidence of MACE in AMI patients.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Emotional Inhibition Scale in a Chinese Cancer Sample

The Emotional Inhibition Scale (EIS) is a brief measure based on a four-factor model with documented validity in a mood disorder sample that may be useful for assessing emotional inhibition in patient populations, such as individuals with cancer. The present study adapted the EIS to Chinese conditions and examined the psychometric characteristics of the EIS in patients with cancer. The recruited participants comprised a sample of 100 patients (sample 1) and a sample of 202 patients (sample 2) with cancer. The two samples (sample 1 and sample 2) with cancer completed surveys including the EIS. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 was completed by the two sample groups to assess criterion validity. Statistical analyses included internal consistency (sample 1), exploratory factor analyses (EFAs; sample 1), and confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs; sample 2). The results showed that EFA and CFA confirmed the four-factor solution proposed by the original authors (verbal inhibition, self-control, disguise of feelings, and timidity). The internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the EIS were satisfactory. In conclusion, the EIS demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity for assessing emotional inhibition in Chinese-speaking patients with cancer and may be a useful measure for assessing the level of emotional inhibition and the effect of emotional disclosure interventions.
How Does It Feel to Be Online? Psychotherapists’ Self-Perceptions in Telepsychotherapy Sessions During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy

Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic and consequent extreme restrictions imposed by governments across the world forced psychotherapists to abruptly change their working modality. The first aim of the current study was to assess psychotherapists’ self-perceptions (i.e., affective and cognitive perceptions about their self and their self in relation to clients) when providing telepsychotherapy during the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. The second aim was to explore the associations between psychotherapists’ self-perceptions, characteristics, and clinical practices. Method: An online survey was administered to 281 Italian licensed psychotherapists (Mage=45.15; SD=10.2; 83.6% female) between April 5 and May 10, 2020. The survey comprised ad-hoc questions that were designed to collect sociodemographic details and information related to working practices. Moreover, a semantic differential (SD) scale was developed to assess psychotherapists’ self-perceptions, and a factor analysis was performed from the SD items. Results: The SD scale showed an overall trend of positive psychotherapist self-perception during telepsychotherapy, despite reports of greater fatigue and directive and talkative behavior during sessions. Four SD factors accounted for 45% of the variance: “Affective Availability,” “Attitude Predisposition,” “Well-being,” and “Interventionism. ” Scores on the first three factors were indicative of psychotherapists’ Positive vs. Negative self-perception. A comparison of the Positive and Negative attitudinal profiles using the chi-squared test with Yates’s correction and a Monte Carlo simulation found that psychotherapists with a Positive profile reported greater satisfaction with the telematic modality and were more likely to perceive that their clients were able to maintain privacy during sessions. Conclusion: The results suggest that Italian psychotherapists have been able to promptly adapt to the imposed telematic modality during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they may have attempted to compensate for their physical distance from clients by intervening more during sessions. These findings may support psychotherapists who are currently practicing and inform future practitioners who are considering the use of telematic treatment as a routine component of psychotherapeutic care.