Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fibrotic-Like Pulmonary Radiographic Patterns Are Not Associated With Adverse Outcomes in COVID-19 Chronic Critical Illness

OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary fibrosis is a feared complication of COVID-19. To characterize the risks and outcomes associated with fibrotic-like radiographic abnormalities in patients with COVID-19–related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and chronic critical illness. DESIGN: Single-center prospective cohort study. SETTING: We examined chest CT scans performed between ICU discharge and 30 days after hospital discharge using established methods to quantify nonfibrotic and fibrotic-like patterns. PATIENTS: Adults hospitalized with COVID-19–related ARDS and chronic critical illness (> 21 d of mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy, and survival to ICU discharge) between March 2020 and May 2020. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We tested associations of fibrotic-like patterns with clinical characteristics and biomarkers, and with time to mechanical ventilator liberation and 6-month survival, controlling for demographics, comorbidities, and COVID-19 therapies. A total of 141 of 616 adults (23%) with COVID-19–related ARDS developed chronic critical illness, and 64 of 141 (46%) had a chest CT a median (interquartile range) 66 days (42–82 d) after intubation. Fifty-five percent had fibrotic-like patterns characterized by reticulations and/or traction bronchiectasis. In adjusted analyses, interleukin-6 level on the day of intubation was associated with fibrotic-like patterns (odds ratio, 4.40 per quartile change; 95% CI, 1.90–10.1 per quartile change). Other inflammatory biomarkers, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, age, tidal volume, driving pressure, and ventilator days were not. Fibrotic-like patterns were not associated with longer time to mechanical ventilator liberation or worse 6-month survival. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of adults with COVID-19–associated chronic critical illness have fibrotic-like patterns that are associated with higher interleukin-6 levels at intubation. Fibrotic-like patterns are not associated with longer time to liberation from mechanical ventilation or worse 6-month survival.
Visual performance and subjective experience 3 months and 12 months after combined implantation of 2 new complementary continuous phase multifocal intraocular lenses

This study provides surgeons with information on the outcomes after a new complementary multifocal IOL combination up to 12 months postoperatively. Purpose: To assess the 3-month and 12-month postoperative visual performance and subjective quality of vision (QoV) after combined implantation of complementary continuous phase multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). Setting: Private practice, United Kingdom. Design: Case series. Methods: The study enrolled 44 patients undergoing phacoemulsification with implantation of an Artis Symbiose Mid in the dominant eye and an Artis Symbiose Plus in the nondominant eye. Refraction, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity, uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA), uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), electronic reading desk, and a QoV questionnaire were evaluated at 3 months and 12 months postoperatively. Results: The mean binocular UDVA was −0.06 ± 0.08 logMAR and −0.07 ± 0.06 logMAR at 3 months and 12 months (P = .097), respectively. The mean binocular UIVA was 0.03 ± 0.13 logMAR and 0.03 ± 0.10 logMAR (P = 1.0), respectively. The mean binocular UNVA was 0.07 ± 0.10 logMAR and 0.07 ± 0.08 logMAR (P = .875), respectively. There was a significant improvement in QoV for both day and night between 3 and 12 months, with a significant reduction in halos at 12 months. Spectacle independence was reported in 93.2% of cases at 12 months. Conclusions: The Artis Symbiose Mid and Plus IOL combined implantation provided an excellent range of uncorrected vision at 3 and 12 months. There was a significant improvement in QoV and less halos at 12 months. This IOL combination provided very high rates of complete spectacle independence.
Influence of three different closure techniques on leakage pressures and leakage location following partial cystectomies in normal dogs

Abstract Background Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most common neoplasia affecting the canine urinary bladder. Partial cystectomy, when used adjuctively with medical management, has been shown to meaningfully extend medial survival time. Surgical stapling devices have a wide variety of uses and advantages over traditional closure methods and, to date, investigation into their use in canine partial cystectomies has not been documented. Objective To determine the influence of three closure techniques on ex vivo leakage pressures and leakage location following canine partial cystectomy. Methods Specimens were assigned to one of three closure techniques: simple continuous appositional closure with 3‐0 suture, closure with a 60 mm gastrointestinal stapler with a 3.5 mm cartridge, and placement of a Cushing suture to augment the stapled closure, with each group containing 12 specimens. Mean initial leakage pressure (ILP), maximum leakage pressure (MLP), and leakage location at the time that ILP was recorded were compared between groups. Results Oversewn stapled constructs leaked at significantly higher ILP (28.5 mmHg) than those in the sutured (17 mmHg) or stapled (22.8 mmHg) group, respectively. MLP was greater in the oversewn stapled construct group compared to other groups. Leakage was detected in 97% partial cystectomies, with leakage occurring from the needle holes in 100% of the sutured closure group, from the staple holes in 100% of the stapled only group, and from the incisional line in 83% and from bladder wall rupture in 8% of the augmented staple closure group. All closure methods withstood normal physiologic cystic pressures. Conclusions Placement of a Cushing suture to augment stapled closures improved the ability of partial cystectomies to sustain higher intravesicular pressures compared with sutured or stapled bladder closures alone. Further in vivo studies are required to determine the clinical significance of these findings and the role of stapling equipment for partial cystectomy, as well as the clinical significance of suture penetration through the urinary bladder mucosa during closure.
Modified lung ultrasound score for bronchopulmonary dysplasia predicts late respiratory outcomes in preterm infants

Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a useful and radiation‐free diagnostic tool for predicting bronchopulmonary dysplasia, which is a risk factor for late respiratory disease. However, data on the relationship of LUS with late respiratory disease was scarce. This study aims to determine whether LUS is associated with late respiratory disease during early childhood.
Attenuation of psilocybin mushroom effects during and after SSRI/SNRI antidepressant use

Background: Psilocybin is being studied for depression, but little is known about how it interacts with common antidepressants. Limited data suggest that psilocybin’s effects may be diminished by serotonergic antidepressants acutely and even after a medication washout period. Aims: To learn the extent to which antidepressants may diminish the effects of psilocybin-containing mushrooms both concurrently and after discontinuation of antidepressants. Methods: Online retrospective survey of individuals with use of psilocybin mushrooms (1) with an antidepressant and/or (2) within 2 years of discontinuing an antidepressant. Participants who took mushrooms with an antidepressant and either took the same dose pre-antidepressant or took the same dose with other people not on antidepressant reported the strength of drug effects relative to their expectation. Participants who took mushrooms following discontinuation of an antidepressant also reported the presence of weakened effects. Results: In reports (n = 611) of taking mushrooms with an antidepressant, probabilities [95% CI] of weaker than expected drug effects were 0.47 [0.41–0.54] (selective serotonergic reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs), 0.55 [0.44–0.67] (serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, SNRIs) and 0.29 [0.2–0.39] (bupropion). Following SSRI/SNRI discontinuation (n = 1,542 reports), the probability of reduced drug effects was not significantly different from the earliest post-discontinuation timepoint (within 1 week) until 3–6 months, probability = 0.3 [0.20–0.46], p = 0.001. A sensitivity analysis found that removing responses involving fluoxetine, which has an especially long half-life, did not significantly alter this result. Conclusions: SSRI/SNRIs appear to weaken psilocybin drug effects relative to a non-serotonergic antidepressant. This dampening effect may last as long as 3 months following antidepressant discontinuation.
Evaluation of the Diagnostic Accuracy of FAPI PET/CT in Oncologic Studies: Systematic Review and Metaanalysis

Visual Abstract Fibroblast-activation protein is a promising target for oncologic molecular imaging. Studies show that fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) radiotracers are accurate diagnostics with favorable tumor-to-background ratios across various cancers. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and metaanalysis to assess the diagnostic performance of FAPI PET/CT in comparison with [18F]FDG PET/CT, the most widely used radiotracer in oncology. Methods: We conducted a systematic search in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, relevant trial registries, and bibliographies. The search consisted of combinations of terms for 3 topics: neoplasia, PET/CT, and FAPI. Two authors independently screened retrieved articles using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and extracted the data. Study quality was assessed using the criteria of QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2). For each study, the sensitivity, specificity, and 95% CIs were calculated to determine diagnostic accuracy for primary, nodal, and metastatic lesions. A random-effects metaanalysis was used for pooling the data, and heterogeneity was assessed (I2 index). Results: Thirty-nine studies (1,259 patients) investigating the use of FAPI PET/CT were included. On a patient-based analysis, pooled sensitivity was 0.99 (95% CI, 0.97–1.0) for the detection of primary lesions. Pooled sensitivity for nodal and distant metastases was 0.91 (95% CI, 0.81–0.96) and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.96–1.0), respectively. On a paired analysis between FAPI and [18F]FDG PET/CT, FAPI had a higher sensitivity in the detection of primary, nodal, and metastatic lesions (all P < 0.001). The differences in sensitivities between FAPI and [18F]FDG were statistically significant. In terms of heterogeneity, analyses on primary lesions were moderately affected, distant metastatic lesions were highly affected, and the nodal metastatic analyses had negligible heterogeneity. Conclusion: The diagnostic performance of FAPI PET/CT is superior to that of [18F]FDG in the detection of primary, nodal, and distant metastases. However, further studies are needed to better evaluate its utility and indication in specific cancer types and clinical settings.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate plant-based omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patient biomarkers and parameters

Abstract Context Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent in 25–30% of British and European populations, representing a potential global public health crisis. Marine omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids offer well-evidenced benefits to NAFLD biomarkers; however, the effect of plant-based n-3 has not been evaluated with a systematic review and meta-analysis. Objective The review aimed to systematically evaluate the effect of plant-based n-3 supplementation on NAFLD surrogate biomarkers and parameters. Data Sources Medline (EBSCO), PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCO), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials published between January 1970 and March 2022 evaluating the impact of plant-based n-3 interventions on diagnosed NAFLD. The review followed the PRISMA checklist and is PROSPERO registered (CRD42021251980). Data Extraction A random-effects model and generic inverse variance methods synthesized quantitative data, followed by a leave-one-out method for sensitivity analysis. We identified 986 articles; after the application of selection criteria, six studies remained with 362 patients with NAFLD. Results The meta-analysis showed that plant-based n-3 fatty acid supplementation significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (mean difference: 8.04 IU/L; 95% confidence interval: 14.70, 1.38; I2 = 48.61%) and plasma/serum triglycerides (44.51 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval: –76.93, –12.08; I2 = 69.93%), alongside body-composition markers in patients with NAFLD (P < 0.05). Conclusion Plant-based n-3 fatty acid supplementation improves ALT enzyme biomarkers, triglycerides, body mass index, waist circumference, and weight loss when combined with lifestyle interventions to increase physical activity and a calorie-controlled diet. Further research is needed to identify the most effective plant-based n-3 sources in larger numbers of patients with NAFLD over longer study durations. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021251980.
A thermodynamic study of shear banding in polymer solutions

Although shear banding is a ubiquitous phenomenon observed in soft materials, the mechanisms that give rise to shear-band formation are not always the same. In this work, we develop a new two-fluid model for semi-dilute entangled polymer solutions using the generalized bracket approach of nonequilibrium thermodynamics. The model is based on the hypothesis that the direct coupling between polymer stress and concentration is the driving mechanism of steady shear-band formation. To obtain smooth banded profiles in the two-fluid framework, a new stress-diffusive term is added to the time evolution equation for the conformation tensor. The advantage of the new model is that the differential velocity is treated as a state variable. This allows a straightforward implementation of the additional boundary conditions arising from the derivative diffusive terms with respect to this new state variable. To capture the overshoot of the shear stress during the start of a simple shear flow, we utilize a nonlinear Giesekus relaxation. Moreover, we include an additional relaxation term that resembles the term used in the Rouse linear entangled polymer model to account for convective constraint release and chain stretch to generate the upturn of the flow curve at large shear rates. Numerical calculations performed for cylindrical Couette flow confirm the independency of the solution from the deformation history and initial conditions. Furthermore, we find that stress-induced migration is the responsible diffusive term for steady-state shear banding. Because of its simplicity, the new model is an ideal candidate for the use in the simulation of more complex flows.
Viral Infections and Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating intestinal disease affecting preterm infants. Studies implicate viral infections in etiopathogenesis. OBJECTIVE To summarize the association of viral infections with NEC by systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES We searched Ovid-Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases in November 2022. STUDY SELECTION We included observational studies that examined the association between viral infections and NEC in newborn infants. DATA EXTRACTION We extracted data regarding the methodology, participant characteristics, and outcome measures. RESULTS We included 29 and 24 studies in the qualitative review and meta-analysis, respectively. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant association between viral infections and NEC (odds ratio [OR], 3.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.99-7.30, 24 studies). The association remained significant after excluding the outliers (OR, 2.89 [1.56-5.36], 22 studies) and studies with poor methodology (OR, 3.33 [1.73-6.43], 22 studies). In subgroup analysis based on participants' birth weight, studies including very low birth weight infants only (OR, 3.62 [1.63-8.03], 8 studies) and non-very low birth weight infants only (OR, 5.28 [1.69-16.54], 6 studies) showed a significant association. In subgroup analysis based on specific viruses, infection with rotavirus (OR, 3.96 [1.12-13.95], 10 studies), cytomegalovirus (OR, 3.50 [1.60-7.65], 5 studies), norovirus (OR, 11.95 [2.05-69.84], 2 studies), and astrovirus (OR, 6.32 [2.49-16.02], 2 studies) was significantly associated with NEC. LIMITATIONS Heterogeneity of the included studies. CONCLUSIONS Viral infection is associated with an increased risk of NEC in newborn infants. We need methodologically sound prospective studies to assess the effect of preventing or treating viral infections on NEC incidence.
Multi-view Shape Modeling from Images: Contributions to Photometric-based Reconstruction using Deformable Meshes

Understanding, analyzing and modeling the 3D world from 2D pictures and videos is probably one of the most exciting and challenging problem of computer vision. In this thesis, we address several geometric and photometric aspects to 3D surface reconstruction from multi-view calibrated images. We first formulate multi-view shape reconstruction as an inverse rendering problem. Using generative models, we formulate the problem as an energy minimization method that leads to the non-linear surface optimization of a deformable mesh. A particular attention is addressed to the computation of the discrete gradient flow, which leads to coherent vertices displacements. We particularly focus on models and energy functionals that depend on visibility and photometry. The same framework can then be equally used to perform multi-view stereo, multi-view shape from shading or multi-view photometric stereo. Then, we propose to exploit different additional information to constraint the problem in the non-Lambertian case, where the appearance of the scene depends on the view-point direction. Segmentation for instance can be used to segment surface regions sharing similar appearance or reflectance. Helmholtz reciprocity can also be applied to reconstruct 3D shapes of objects of any arbitrary reflectance properties. By taking multiple image-light pairs around an object, multi-view Helmholtz stereo can be performed. Using this constraint acquisition scenario and our deformable mesh framework, it is possible to reconstruct high quality 3D models.
When are minimizing controls also minimizing relaxed controls

Relaxation refers to the procedure of enlarging the domain of a variational problem or the search space for the solution of a set of equations, to guarantee the existence of solutions. In optimal control theory relaxation involves replacing the set of permissible velocities in the dynamic constraint by its convex hull. Usually the infimum cost is the same for the original optimal control problem and its relaxation. But it is possible that the relaxed infimum cost is strictly less than the infimum cost. It is important to identify such situations, because then we can no longer study the infimum cost by solving the relaxed problem and evaluating the cost of the relaxed minimizer. Following on from earlier work by Warga, we explore the relation between the existence of an infimum gap and abnormality of necessary conditions (i.e. they are valid with the cost multiplier set to zero). Two kinds of theorems are proved. One asserts that a local minimizer, which is not also a relaxed minimizer, satisfies an abnormal form of the Pontryagin Maximum Principle. The other asserts that a local relaxed minimizer that is not also a minimizer satisfies an abnormal form of the relaxed Pontryagin Maximum Principle.
The relationship between cognitive reserve and outcome after controlling for psychological status and sex following mild traumatic brain injury

ABSTRACT Objective Cognitive reserve is the brain’s ability to optimize performance by differentially recruiting brain networks. It is easily measured and is reportedly associated with post-concussion symptom (PCS) reporting in the post-acute period after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Past studies have not examined whether this relationship exists when the influence of psychological status is removed, despite this factor being strongly associated with symptom reporting. This study investigated whether cognitive reserve predicts PCS reporting or cognitive complaint in the post-acute period after mTBI, independently from psychological status and sex. Method Ninety-four pre-morbidly healthy adults were assessed on three measures of cognitive reserve, as well as measures of post-concussion symptoms, cognitive complaint, and psychological status. Results Bivariate analyses revealed significant relationships between measures of cognitive reserve and both PCS reporting (p < 0.01) and cognitive complaint (<.05). After removing the influence of psychological distress and sex, however, no measure of cognitive reserve significantly predicted any type of symptom reporting. Conclusion These findings indicate that cognitive reserve does not independently predict symptom reporting 9 weeks after mTBI, and clinicians should not incorporate this factor into their decision-making regarding likelihood of ongoing symptom reporting and the consequent need for intervention in the post-acute period after mTBI.
Does choice of bearings influence the survival of cementless total hip arthroplasty in patients aged 20–55 years? Comparison of 21,594 patients reported to the Nordic Arthroplasty Register Association dataset 2005–2017

Background and purpose The bearings with the best survivorship for young patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA) should be identified. We compared hazard ratios (HR) of revision of primary stemmed cementless THAs with metal-on-metal (MoM), ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC), and ceramic-on-highly-crosslinked-polyethylene (CoXLP) with that of metal-on-highly-crosslinked-polyethylene (MoXLP) bearings in patients aged 20–55 years with primary osteoarthritis or childhood hip disorders. Patients and methods From the Nordic Arthroplasty Register Association dataset we included 1,813 MoM, 3,615 CoC, 5,947 CoXLP, and 10,219 MoXLP THA in patients operated on between 2005 and 2017 in a prospective cohort study. We used the Kaplan–Meier estimator for THA survivorship and Cox regression to estimate HR of revision adjusted for confounders (including 95% confidence intervals [CI]). MoXLP was used as reference. HRs were calculated during 3 intervals (0–2, 2–7, and 7–13 years) to meet the assumption of proportional hazards. Results Median follow-up was 5 years for MoXLP, 10 years for MoM, 6 years for CoC, and 4 years for CoXLP. 13-year Kaplan–Meier survival estimates were 95% (CI 94–95) for MoXLP, 82% (CI 80–84) for MoM, 93% (CI 92–95) for CoC, and 93% (CI 92–94) for CoXLP bearings. MoM had higher 2–7 and 7–13 years’ adjusted HRs of revision (3.6, CI 2.3–5.7 and 4.1, CI 1.7–10). MoXLP, CoC, and CoXLP had similar HRs in all 3 periods. The 7–13-year adjusted HRs of revision of CoC and CoXLP were statistically non-significantly higher. Conclusion In young patients, MoXLP for primary cementless THA had higher revision-free survival and lower HR for revision than MoM bearings. Longer follow-up is needed to compare MoXLP, CoC, and CoXLP.