Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The COVID-19 Citizen Science Study: Protocol for a Longitudinal Digital Health Cohort Study

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed a global public response and innovation in clinical study methods. Objective The COVID-19 Citizen Science study was designed to generate knowledge about participant-reported COVID-19 symptoms, behaviors, and disease occurrence. Methods COVID-19 Citizen Science is a longitudinal cohort study launched on March 26, 2020, on the Eureka Research Platform. This study illustrates important advances in digital clinical studies, including entirely digital study participation, targeted recruitment strategies, electronic consent, recurrent and time-updated assessments, integration with smartphone-based measurements, analytics for recruitment and engagement, connection with partner studies, novel engagement strategies such as participant-proposed questions, and feedback in the form of real-time results to participants. Results As of February 2021, the study has enrolled over 50,000 participants. Study enrollment and participation are ongoing. Over the lifetime of the study, an average of 59% of participants have completed at least one survey in the past 4 weeks. Conclusions Insights about COVID-19 symptoms, behaviors, and disease occurrence can be drawn through digital clinical studies. Continued innovation in digital clinical study methods represents the future of clinical research. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/28169
Forks in the road: Definitions of response, remission, recovery, and other dichotomized outcomes in randomized controlled trials for adolescent depression. A scoping review

Definitions of dichotomous outcome terms, such as “response,” “remission,” and “recovery” are central to the design, interpretation, and clinical application of randomized controlled trials of adolescent depression interventions. Accordingly, this scoping review was conducted to document how these terms have been defined and justified in clinical trials.
Dynamic functional connectivity profile of the salience network across the life span

The insular cortex and anterior cingulate cortex together comprise the salience or midcingulo‐insular network, involved in detecting salient events and initiating control signals to mediate brain network dynamics. The extent to which functional coupling between the salience network and the rest of the brain undergoes changes due to development and aging is at present largely unexplored. Here, we examine dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) of the salience network in a large life span sample (n = 601; 6–85 years old). A sliding‐window analysis and k‐means clustering revealed five states of dFC formed with the salience network, characterized by either widespread asynchrony or different patterns of synchrony between the salience network and other brain regions. We determined the frequency, dwell time, total transitions, and specific state‐to‐state transitions for each state and subject, regressing the metrics with subjects' age to identify life span trends. A dynamic state characterized by low connectivity between the salience network and the rest of the brain had a strong positive quadratic relationship between age and both frequency and dwell time. Additional frequency, dwell time, total transitions, and state‐to‐state transition trends were observed with other salience network states. Our results highlight the metastable dynamics of the salience network and its role in the maturation of brain regions critical for cognition.
Theory of Mind in Somatization and Depression

Abstract Although mentalization is important in somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), it is not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relation between somatic and depressive symptoms with mentalization. A total of 48 patients diagnosed with SSD, 50 patients diagnosed with MDD, and 50 healthy individuals, participated the study. The Montgomery-Asperg Depression Scale, Symptom Checklist-90 Revised, and Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) were applied to the participants. The patients with SSD showed significantly the lowest performance of theory of mind. There was no significant difference between MDD and healthy controls. High somatization score was found to be a predictor for low RMET scores (95% confidence interval, −0.339; p = 0.014). Mentalization deficit seems to be associated with somatization rather than depression.
Sense of coherence, social support and religiosity as resources for medical personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic: A web-based survey among 4324 health care workers within the German Network University Medicine

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in severe detrimental effects on the mental well-being of health care workers (HCW). Consequently, there has been a need to identify health-promoting resources in order to mitigate the psychological impact of the pandemic on HCW. Objective Our objective was to investigate the association of sense of coherence (SOC), social support and religiosity with self-reported mental symptoms and increase of subjective burden during the COVID-19 pandemic in HCW. Methods Our sample comprised 4324 HCW of four professions (physicians, nurses, medical technical assistants (MTA) and pastoral workers) who completed an online survey from 20 April to 5 July 2020. Health-promoting resources were assessed using the Sense of Coherence Scale Short Form (SOC-3), the ENRICHD Social Support Inventory (ESSI) and one item on religiosity derived from the Scale of Transpersonal Trust (TPV). Anxiety and depression symptoms were measured with the PHQ-2 and GAD-2. The increase of subjective burden due to the pandemic was assessed as the retrospective difference between burden during the pandemic and before the pandemic. Results In multiple regressions, higher SOC was strongly associated with fewer anxiety and depression symptoms. Higher social support was also related to less severe mental symptoms, but with a smaller effect size, while religiosity showed minimal to no correlation with anxiety or depression. In professional group analysis, SOC was negatively associated with mental symptoms in all groups, while social support only correlated significantly with mental health outcomes in physicians and MTA. In the total sample and among subgroups, an increase of subjective burden was meaningfully associated only with a weaker SOC. Conclusion Perceived social support and especially higher SOC appeared to be beneficial for mental health of HCW during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the different importance of the resources in the respective occupations requires further research to identify possible reasons.
Underdevelopment of the gut microbiota and bacteria species as non-invasive markers of prediction in children with autism spectrum disorder

Objective The gut microbiota has been suggested to play a role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We postulate that children with ASD harbour an altered developmental profile of the gut microbiota distinct from that of typically developing (TD) children. Here, we aimed to characterise compositional and functional alterations in gut microbiome in association with age in children with ASD and to identify novel faecal bacterial markers for predicting ASD. Design We performed deep metagenomic sequencing in faecal samples of 146 Chinese children (72 ASD and 74 TD children). We compared gut microbial composition and functions between children with ASD and TD children. Candidate bacteria markers were identified and validated by metagenomic analysis. Gut microbiota development in relation to chronological age was assessed using random forest model. Results ASD and chronological age had the most significant and largest impacts on children’s faecal microbiome while diet showed no correlation. Children with ASD had significant alterations in faecal microbiome composition compared with TD children characterised by increased bacterial richness (p=0.021) and altered microbiome composition (p<0.05). Five bacterial species were identified to distinguish gut microbes in ASD and TD children, with areas under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of 82.6% and 76.2% in the discovery cohort and validation cohort, respectively. Multiple neurotransmitter biosynthesis related pathways in the gut microbiome were depleted in children with ASD compared with TD children (p<0.05). Developing dynamics of growth-associated gut bacteria (age-discriminatory species) seen in TD children were lost in children with ASD across the early-life age spectrum. Conclusions Gut microbiome in Chinese children with ASD was altered in composition, ecological network and functionality compared with TD children. We identified novel bacterial markers for prediction of ASD and demonstrated persistent underdevelopment of the gut microbiota in children with ASD which lagged behind their respective age-matched peers.
Multifocality is not associated with worse survival in sporadic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) in patients with hereditary cancer syndromes are typically multifocal. In contrast, sporadic pNETs are usually unifocal and the incidence of multifocal sporadic pNETs is unknown. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of multifocality in sporadic pNETs and any associated effect on recurrence risk and survival.
Men Exhibit Greater Pain Pressure Thresholds and Times to Task Failure but Not Performance Fatigability Following Self-Paced Exercise

The purpose of the current study was to determine if, and to what extent, sex differences in performance fatigability after a sustained, bilateral leg extension, anchored to a moderate rating of perceived exertion (RPE), could be attributed to muscle size, muscular strength, or pain pressure threshold (PPT) in young, healthy adults. Thirty adults (men: n = 15, women: n = 15) volunteered to complete a sustained leg extension task anchored to RPE = 5 (10-point OMNI scale) as well as pretest and posttest maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) trials. The fatigue-induced decline in MVIC force was defined as performance fatigability. We used muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA) to quantify muscle size and a dolorimeter to assess PPT. The sustained task induced fatigue such that both men and women exhibited significant (p < 0.05) decreases in MVIC force from pretest to posttest (M = 113.3, SD =24.2 kg vs. M = 98.3, SD = 23.1 kg and M = 73.1, SD =14.5 kg vs. M = 64.1, SD = 16.2 kg, respectively), with no significant sex differences in performance fatigability (grand M = 12.6, SD =10.6%). Men, however, exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) longer time to task failure (TTF) than women (M = 166.1, SD =83.0 seconds vs. M = 94.6, SD =41.7) as well as greater PPT (M = 5.9, SD = 2.2 kg vs. M = 3.4, SD =1.1 kg). The only significant predictor of performance fatigability was PPT. In conclusion, differences in PPT, at least in part, mediate variations in TTF during self-paced exercise anchored to a specific RPE and resulting in performance fatigability.
Generalized Equations for Predicting Percent Body Fat from Anthropometric Measures Using a Criterion Five-Compartment Model

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. ABSTRACT Introduction Anthropometric-based equations are used to estimate percent body fat (%BF) when laboratory methods are impractical or not available. However, because these equations are often derived from two-compartment models, they are prone to error because of the assumptions regarding fat-free mass composition. The purpose of this study was to develop a new anthropometric-based equation for the prediction of %BF, using a five-compartment (5C) model as the criterion measure. Methods A sample of healthy adults (52.2% female; age, 18 to 69 yr; body mass index, 15.7 to 49.5 kg·m−2) completed hydrostatic weighing, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and bioimpedance spectroscopy measurements for calculation of 5C %BF (%BF5C), as well as skinfolds and circumferences. %BF5C was regressed on anthropometric measures using hierarchical variable selection in a random sample of subjects (n = 279). The resulting equation was cross-validated in the remaining participants (n = 78). New model performance was also compared with several common anthropometric-based equations. Results The new equation [%BFNew = 6.083 + (0.143 × SSnew) − (12.058 × sex) − (0.150 × age) − (0.233 × body mass index) + (0.256 × waist) + (0.162 × sex × age)] explained a significant proportion of variance in %BF5C (R2 = 0.775, SEE = 4.0%). Predictors included sum of skinfolds (SSnew, midaxillary, triceps, and thigh) and waist circumference. The new equation cross-validated well against %BF5C when compared with other existing equations, producing a large intraclass correlation coefficient (0.90), small mean bias and limits of agreement (0.4% ± 8.6%), and small measures of error (SEE = 2.5%). Conclusions %BFNew improved on previous anthropometric-based equations, providing better overall agreement and less error in %BF estimation. The equation described in this study may provide an accurate estimate of %BF5C in healthy adults when measurement is not practical.
The Clinical and Economic Benefit of CMV Matching in Kidney Transplant: A Decision Analysis

Background. The development of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after kidney transplant remains a significant cause of posttransplant morbidity, graft loss, and mortality. Despite appropriate antiviral therapy, recipients without previous CMV exposure can currently be allocated a kidney from a donor with previous CMV infection (D+R–) that carries the greatest risk of posttransplant CMV infection and associated complications. Preferential placement of CMV D– organs in negative recipients (R–) has been shown to reduce the risk of viral infection and associated complications. Methods. To assess the long-term survival and economic benefits of allocation policy reforms, a decision-analytic model was constructed to compare receipt of CMV D– with CMV D+ organ in CMV R– recipients using data from transplant registry, Medicare claims, and pharmaceutical costs. Results. For CMV R– patients, receipt of a CMV D– organ was associated with greater average survival (14.3 versus 12.6 y), superior quality-adjusted life years (12.6 versus 9.8), and lower costs ($529 512 versus $542 963). One-way sensitivity analysis demonstrated a survival advantage for patients waiting as long as 30 mo for a CMV D– kidney. Conclusions. Altering national allocation policy to preferentially offer CMV D– organs to CMV R– recipients could improve survival and lower costs after transplant if appropriately implemented.
Personality traits, workers’ age, and job satisfaction: The moderated effect of conscientiousness

Job satisfaction has gained increasing interest in the world of work and a vast field of research has been stimulated regarding its antecedents. Among these, personality traits have received consistent and significant attention, with a particular emphasis on conscientiousness. To delve deeper and detail these aspects, in the present research, a moderation model was hypothesized, with the aim of investigating the effect of age on the association between conscientiousness (and its subdimensions scrupulousness and perseverance) and job satisfaction. The age-moderated interactions of the other Big Five personality traits were also explored. The study involved 202 Italian workers (92 men, 110 women) with a mean age of 44.82 years (SD = 10.56) who completed the Big Five Questionnaire and the Job Satisfaction Scale. The results showed a positive association between conscientiousness and job satisfaction. This was moderated by age to the extent that it was significant for younger and average-age workers and was less significant for older workers. Similar results were found for the subdomain of perseverance, while the relationship between scrupulousness and job satisfaction was not significant. Furthermore, no age-moderated interaction between the other Big Five personality traits and Job satisfaction were found. Such data supports interactive models that highlight the need to integrate personality traits with other factors in exploring the antecedents of job satisfaction. These findings provide additional elements to an understanding of the factors contributing to workers satisfaction, and could have important applicative implications in a framework for healthy organizations and the well-being movement.
Socialization processes within adolescents’ relationships with parents and peers predicting couples’ intimate partner violence in adulthood: A social learning perspective

Abstract Previous studies have established that individual characteristics such as violent behavior, substance use, and high-risk sexual behavior, as well as negative relationships with parents and friends, are all risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV). In this longitudinal prospective study, we investigated whether violent behavior, substance use, and high-risk sexual behavior in early adulthood (ages 22–23 years) mediated the link between family conflict and coercive relationship talk with friends in adolescence (ages 16–17 years) and dyadic IPV in adulthood (ages 28–30 years). A total of 998 individuals participated in multimethod assessments, including observations of interactions with parents and friends. Data from multiple reporters were used for variables of interest including court records, parental and self-reports of violence, self-reports of high-sexual-risk behaviors and substance use, and self- and romantic partner-reports of IPV. Longitudinal mediation analyses showed that violent behavior during early adulthood mediated the link between coercive relationship talk with friends in adolescence and dyadic IPV in adulthood. No other mediation paths were found and there was no evidence of gender differences. Results are discussed with attention to the interpersonal socialization processes by which IPV emerges relative to individual risk factors.
PlaneFusion: Real-Time Indoor Scene Reconstruction With Planar Prior

Real-time dense SLAM techniques aim to reconstruct the dense three-dimensional geometry of a scene in real time with an RGB or RGB-D sensor. An indoor scene is an important type of working environment for these techniques. The planar prior can be used in this scenario to improve the reconstruction quality, especially for large low-texture regions that commonly occur in an indoor scene. This article fully explores the planar prior in a dense SLAM pipeline. First, we propose a novel plane detection and segmentation method that runs at 200 Hz on a modern graphics processing unit. Our algorithm for constructing global plane constraints is very efficient; hence, we use it in the process of each input frame for the camera pose estimation while maintaining the real-time performance. Second, we propose herein a plane-based map representation that greatly reduces the memory footprint of plane regions while keeping the geometric details on planes. The experiments reveal that our system yields superior reconstruction results with planar information running at more than 30 fps. Aside from speed and storage improvements, our technique also handles the low-texture problem in plane regions.
Profile, Treatment, and Survival of Palliative Cancer Patients in a Middle Income Country’s Cancer Center

Background: Data describing the characteristics, treatment, and survival of oncological patients referred to PCS remains scarce. Aim: To establish the characteristics of oncological patients referred to PCS, including their profile, treatment, and survival within a 7-year period. Design: Retrospective review of medical records. Clinical variables such as treatment and dates were included. Ji2 or Wilcoxon tests were used accordingly; Kaplan-Meier and log rank test were used to estimate survival. Setting/Participants: Consecutive oncological patients diagnosed between 2012 and 2018 sent to PCS were included. Results: We studied 5,631 patients, 58% female and 59% at advanced stage. Median age was 59 years, with 6 years or less of formal education and low monthly income ($152.4 USD). Neoplasms included breast (12%), stomach (12%), colorectal (10%) and cervical cancer (9%). Median referral time was 5.1 months; pain was the main reason for referral. Morphine was the most prescribed opioid with 47%. Median overall survival was 3.1 months. Conclusions: Morphine remains the paradigm of treatment making necessary to emphasize information on its optimal use. Additional measures such as education for cancer prevention and early referral to PCS are vital to improve survival and quality of life.
COVID-19–Related Stressors, Sex Behaviors, and HIV Status Neutral Care Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women in Chicago, USA

Background: COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted vulnerable populations, including Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) and transgender women (BTW). We investigated associations of COVID-19 stressors and sex behaviors with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) among BMSM and BTW. Methods: As part of the Neighborhoods and Networks (N2) study, we conducted virtual interviews during peak COVID-19 infectivity in Chicago among BMSM and BTW (April–July 2020). Survey questions included multilevel COVID-19 stressors, sex behaviors, and current PrEP/ART use and access. Poisson regressions were used to examining relationships between COVID-19 stressors, sex behaviors, and PrEP/ART use/access. Results: Among 222 participants, 31.8% of participants not living with HIV reported current PrEP use and 91.8% of participants living with HIV reported ART use during the pandemic. Most (83.3% and 78.2%, respectively) reported similar or easier PrEP and ART access during the pandemic. Physical stress reaction to COVID-19 [adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 2.1; confidence interval (CI): 1.3 to 3.5] and being in close proximity with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 (aPR = 1.7; CI: 1.1 to 2.8) were associated with current PrEP use. Intimate partner violence (aPR = 2.7; CI: 1.0 to 7.2) and losing health insurance (aPR = 3.5; CI: 1.1 to 10.7) were associated with harder ART access. Travel-related financial burden was associated with harder access in PrEP (aPR = 3.2; CI: 1.0 to 10.1) and ART (aPR = 6.2; CI: 1.6 to 24.3). Conclusions: Multiple COVID-19 stressors were found to interfere with PrEP and ART use and access among BMSM and BTW. Contextually relevant strategies (eg, promoting telehealth and decreasing transportation burden) to address COVID-19 stressors and their sequelae should be considered to minimize disruption in HIV biomedical interventions.