Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cognitive trajectories following onset of psychosis: a meta-analysis

Background Cognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia, associated with poor functional outcomes. The course of cognitive function in the years following illness onset has remained a subject of debate, with a previous analysis finding no worsening, providing support for the neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia. Since then, many more studies have reported on longitudinal cognitive performance in early psychosis, with some indicating deterioration, which does not align with this view. Aims This study aims to quantitatively review the literature on the longitudinal trajectory of cognitive deficits in the years following psychosis onset, in comparison with healthy controls. It is the first to also synthesise longitudinal data on social cognition. Method Electronic databases (‘PubMed’, ‘PsycInfo’ and ‘Scopus’) were searched (to end September 2021). Meta-analyses of 25 longitudinal studies of cognition in early psychosis were conducted (1480 patients, 789 health controls). Unlike previous analyses, randomised controlled trials and those with multiple cognitive testing periods within the first year were excluded to minimise bias (PROSPERO, ID: CRD42021241525). Results Small improvements were observed for global cognition (g = 0.25, 95% CI 0.17–0.33) and individual cognitive domains, but these were comparable with healthy controls and likely an artefact of practice effects. Conclusions There is no evidence of continued cognitive decline or improvement in the early years following psychosis onset, with a need for more studies over longer follow-up periods. Practice effects highlight the importance of including control samples in longitudinal and intervention studies. Further data are needed to evaluate the course of social cognition subdomains.
Assessing Acute Responses to Exercises Performed Within and at the Upper Boundary of Severe Exercise Domain

ABSTRACT Purpose: The highest work-rate that provides maximal oxygen uptake ( ) may be one of the best exercise stimuli to yield both and lactate accumulation. The aim of this study was to analyze physiological and metabolic acute responses of an exercise modality performed at the upper boundary of the severe exercise domain, and compare those responses with exercise modalities applied within the severe exercise domain. Method: Ten trained male cyclists participated in this study. The , corresponding power output (POVO2max), and the highest work-rate that provides the (IHIGH) were determined by constant work-rate exercises. Cyclists performed three high-intensity interval training (HIIT) strategies as follows; HIIT-1: 4–6 × 3-min at 95% of POVO2max with 1:1 (workout/rest ratio); HIIT-2: 16–18 × 1-min at 105% of POVO2max with 1:1; HIIT-3: 4–7 × 1-2-min at the IHIGH with 1:2. Capillary blood samples were analyzed before, immediately after HIIT sessions, and at the first, third, and fifth minutes of recovery periods. Lactate difference between the highest lactate response and resting status was considered as the peak lactate response for each HIIT modality. Results: Time spent at was greater at HIIT-1 and HIIT-3 (272 ± 127 and 208 ± 111 seconds, respectively; p = 0.155; effect size = 0.43) when compared to the HIIT-2 (~26 seconds; p < 0.001), while there was a greater lactate accumulation at HIIT-3 (~16 mmol·L−1) when compared to HIIT-1 and HIIT-2 (12 and 14 mmol·L−1, respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, HIIT-3 performed at IHIGH was successful to provide time spent at with a greater lactate accumulation in a single session.
A Standardized Approach for MRI‐PDFF is Necessary in the Assessment of Diagnostic Performances of the Ultrasound‐Based Hepatic Fat Quantification Tools

The recently developed ultrasound‐based hepatic fat quantification tools have the potential to be implemented in daily practice with wide acceptance due to inherited advantages of ultrasound technology. Researchers intensively focused on this topic and the accumulated evidences that support clinical usefulness of these tools. However, differences in the researcher‐dependent factors of the utilized MRI‐PDFF technique, the recommended reference standard, may hinder the better understanding of the diagnostic performances of these tools. Therefore, a standardized approach for MRI‐PDFF technique, which is established with international consensus may be considered as important.
The relationship of probable clinical anxiety with attitude-behaviour, coping styles and social support in healthy pregnant women during the late period COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract The aim of the study is to investigate the prevalence of state and trait probable clinical anxiety and their relationship with socio-demographic factors, attitude-behaviour, coping styles and social support level in high-risk pregnant women in the late period of COVID-19 pandemic. The pregnant women followed up in the gynaecological outpatient clinic were evaluated during their admissions. About 191 healthy pregnant women were included in the study. Data were collected using the socio-demographic and pregnancy attitude-behaviour data form, STAI (Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), the Coping Styles Scale Brief Form (Brief-COPE) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Our study found that pregnant women had high anxiety levels (STAI-S:37.90 ± 8.88; STAI-T:42.46 ± 7.80) and probable clinical anxiety prevalences (STAI-S:81(42.4%); STAI-T:123(64.4%)) in the late period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The fact that COVID-19 determined the preference of the birth method and the level of knowledge about COVID-19 predicted state probable clinical anxiety. Educational status, concern for COVID-19 transmission to the baby during pregnancy/birth, behavioural disengagement, focussing on and venting emotions predicted trait probable clinical anxiety. Our results have emphasised the factors that should be taken into account and coping styles that may be functional to protect the mental well-being of healthy pregnants. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? The COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to increase the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression of the general population and healthcare workers. There is limited studies about pregnant women. What do the results of this study add? According to our study, we can say that approximately half of the pregnant women in a pandemic need psychiatric evaluation due to probable clinical anxiety. The relationship between anxiety in the pandemic process and birth preference has been shown and coping styles in healthy pregnant women have been investigated for the first time, effective and ineffective coping styles have been shown. In addition, it has been found that the social support of pregnant women is effective in managing the pandemic process. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? According to our current findings, a multidisciplinary approach in which pregnant women are screened with self-report psychiatry tests and appropriate pregnant women are consulted to psychiatry during pandemic processes will make it easier for obstetricians to manage the patient. Especially strengthening effective coping styles and social support will have a great effect in mental rehabilitation. In this respect, further studies on pregnant women are needed.
Outcomes of supra coronary aortic repair technique in patients with acute aortic dissection type A.

BACKGROUND Acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) is a fatal event that requires an emergent surgical operation. Here, we decided to evaluate the outcome of supra coronary aortic repair technique in patients with type A acute aortic dissection for 16 years in Isfahan Chamran hospital that one surgeon performed. METHODS This is a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study performed in 2019 in Isfahan on documents of 54 patients who underwent supra-coronary repair surgery for type A aortic dissection during 2004 to 2019. We collected patient's demographic information, the condition of patient's vital signs at the time of admission to the hospital and before surgery, the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time and other variables. We also collected data regarding patient's mortality and possible surgical complications. RESULTS Evaluation of surgical complications showed that acute renal failure (ARF) was the most common complication (87%) followed by postoperative bleeding in ICU that required surgical operation (18.5%), neurologic complications (13%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (9.3%) and chronic renal failure (CRF) (1.9%). The mortality rate was 14.8% (8 patients). The most frequent reason for mortality was bleeding (50%), major neurologic complications (37.5%), multiple organ failure (25%), cardiac failure (12.5%) and CRF (12.5%). Patients with mortality had significantly higher age compared to other patients (P = 0.03), significantly higher duration of CPB use (P = 0.03), higher frequency of irregular peripheral pulses (P = 0.01), higher frequency of abnormal carotid pulses (P = 0.04), and higher bleeding volume in the ICU (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION Age, disturbed preoperative clinical condition, postoperative bleeding, and organ failure could increase the rates of mortality of AADA.
Circulating anti-nuclear autoantibodies in COVID-19 survivors predict long-COVID symptoms

Background Autoimmunity has been reported in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We investigated whether anti-nuclear/extractable-nuclear antibodies (ANAs/ENAs) were present up to a year after infection, and if they were associated with the development of clinically relevant post-acute sequalae of COVID-19 (PASC) symptoms. Methods A rapid-assessment line immunoassay was used to measure circulating levels of ANAs/ENAs in 106 convalescent COVID-19 patients with varying acute phase severities at 3, 6 and 12 months post-recovery. Patient-reported fatigue, cough and dyspnoea were recorded at each time point. Multivariable logistic regression model and receiver operating curves were used to test the association of autoantibodies with patient-reported outcomes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Results Compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n=22) and those who had other respiratory infections (n=34), patients with COVID-19 had higher detectable ANAs at 3 months post-recovery (p<0.001). The mean number of ANA autoreactivities per individual decreased between 3 and 12 months (from 3.99 to 1.55) with persistent positive titres associated with fatigue, dyspnoea and cough severity. Antibodies to U1-snRNP and anti-SS-B/La were both positively associated with persistent symptoms of fatigue (p<0.028, area under the curve (AUC) 0.86) and dyspnoea (p<0.003, AUC=0.81). Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and C-reactive protein predicted the elevated ANAs at 12 months. TNF-α, D-dimer and interleukin-1β had the strongest association with symptoms at 12 months. Regression analysis showed that TNF-α predicted fatigue (β=4.65, p=0.004) and general symptomaticity (β=2.40, p=0.03) at 12 months. Interpretation Persistently positive ANAs at 12 months post-COVID are associated with persisting symptoms and inflammation (TNF-α) in a subset of COVID-19 survivors. This finding indicates the need for further investigation into the role of autoimmunity in PASC. Circulating antinuclear autoantibodies were detected in COVID-19 patients up to 12 months post-recovery. The presence of these autoantibodies was associated with persisting symptoms and residual inflammation. https://bit.ly/3AduU02
An extended Stokes–Einstein model for condensed ionic water structures with topological complexity

‘What is the structure of water? ’ This has been a perplexing question for a long time and water structure with various phases is a great topic of research interest. Topological complexity generally occurs because hydrophilic ions strongly influence the size and shape of condensed water structures owing to their kosmotropic and chaotropic transitions. In this study, an extended Stokes–Einstein model incorporating Flory–Huggins free energy equation is proposed to describe the constitutive relationship between dynamic diffusion and condensed water structure with a topological complexity. The newly developed model provides a geometrical strategy of end-to-end distance and explores the constitutive relationship between condensed ionic water structures and their dynamic diffusion behaviors. A free-energy function is then formulated to study thermodynamics in electrolyte aqueous solution, in which the condensed ionic water structures undergo topologically complex changes. Finally, effectiveness of the proposed model is verified using both molecular dynamics simulations and experimental results reported in literature.
Polarimetric Radar Signatures of Dendritic Growth Zones within Colorado Winter Storms

AbstractX-band polarimetric radar observations of winter storms in northeastern Colorado on 20–21 February, 9 March, and 9 April 2013 are examined. These observations were taken by the Colorado State University–University of Chicago–Illinois State Water Survey (CSU-CHILL) radar during the Front Range Orographic Storms (FROST) project. The polarimetric radar moments of reflectivity factor at horizontal polarization ZH, differential reflectivity ZDR, and specific differential phase KDP exhibited a range of signatures at different times near the −15°C temperature level favored for dendritic ice crystal growth. In general, KDP was enhanced in these regions with ZDR decreasing and ZH increasing toward the ground, suggestive of aggregation (or riming). The largest ZDR values (~3.5–5.5 dB) were observed during periods of significant low-level upslope flow. Convective features observed when the upslope flow was weaker had the highest KDP (>1.5° km−1) and ZH (>20 dBZ) values. Electromagnetic scattering calculation.
177Lu-PSMA-I&T for Treatment of Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Prognostic Value of Scintigraphic and Clinical Biomarkers

Visual Abstract The aim of this retrospective analysis was to determine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response, PSA progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) in a large cohort of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with 177Lu-PSMA-I&T and to identify clinical and scintigraphic prognostic factors for outcome. Methods: In total, 301 consecutive mCRPC patients were included in this analysis. Prognostic factors included clinical parameters, routine laboratory parameters, and findings on posttreatment scintigraphy. Scintigraphic tumor uptake of 177Lu-PSMA-I&T was compared with salivary gland uptake and classified as high or low. The longest extent of skeletal metastatic disease was measured, and its changes during therapy were used to define scintigraphic progression, response, and stable disease. A PSA response of at least 50%, PSA PFS, and OS were calculated. Results: In total, 1,138 cycles (median, 3 cycles per patient) of 177Lu-PSMA-I&T using a standard activity of 7.4 GBq were applied intravenously every 4–10 wk (median, 6 wk). Overall, 34% (95% CI, 28%–38%) of patients showed a PSA response of at least 50%, and the median PSA PFS and OS of the total patient cohort were 16.0 wk (95% CI, 12.1–19.9) and 13.8 mo (95% CI, 12.4–15.5), respectively. Patients with high scintigraphic tumor uptake showed a higher PSA response rate of at least 50% (45.7% vs. 10.4%; P < 0.0001) and a significantly reduced risk of PSA progression (median event time, 24.9 vs. 9.0 wk; hazard ratio, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.2–0.5; P < 0.0001). In our data, risk of death was not significantly different between patients with high scintigraphic uptake and those with low scintigraphic uptake (median, 14.4 vs. 12.4 mo; hazard ratio, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.6–1.3; P = 0.6). In a multivariable analysis, the following pretherapeutic prognostic factors for OS were identified: alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and PSA levels; prior chemotherapy; and the presence of visceral metastases. Scintigraphic response was a strong prognostic factor for PSA response, PSA PFS, and OS after 1 treatment cycle. Conclusion: This retrospective analysis of a large group of consecutive patients corroborates previous clinical experience for 177Lu-PSMA-I&T in mCRPC and establishes previously proposed prognostic factors. The skeletal tumor extent and its changes were identified as new potential biomarkers to predict the outcome of therapy after the first treatment cycle.
Influence of Specialty Contact Lens Wear on Posterior Corneal Tomography in Keratoconus Subjects

Objective: To evaluate the effect of specialty contact lens (CL) wear on posterior corneal tomography in keratoconus subjects. Methods: Patients with keratoconus who were wearing specialty CL were included in this retrospective cohort study. Tomographic parameters were evaluated with Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam HR) before lens fitting and immediately after removal of CLs worn habitually for a period of several months. Subjects were divided into groups, according to type of lens (corneal, scleral, and hybrid) and keratoconus severity based on Belin/Ambrosio D (BAD-D) score, for further analysis. Results: Thirty-four eyes of 34 subjects diagnosed with keratoconus were included. Mean duration of habitual CL wear was 7.0±0.3 months. For the entire cohort, a small increase in flat keratometric reading at the anterior corneal surface (K1F; P=0.032) and at the posterior surface (K1B; P=0.041) was found. In the corneal CL group (10 eyes; 29.4%), flattening of the anterior corneal curvature was detected (Kmax; P=0.015). An increase in K1B value was seen in the scleral CL group (15 eyes; 44.1%) (P=0.03). Combined topometric indices showed a small but significant difference in the entire cohort (P<0.05) and in the subgroups of corneal CL wear and of moderate keratoconus (BAD-D score≥7). Conclusion: Various types of specialty CLs exert a differential influence on corneal parameters. A small steepening of keratometry at the posterior surface (K1B) was observed in the scleral lens group. Although corneal lens wear flattens the anterior cornea (Kmax), it does not significantly alter the posterior corneal surface.
IPSHIN: Stata module to perform Im-Pesaran-Shin panel unit root test

ipshin estimates the t-test for unit roots in heterogeneous panels developed by Im, Pesaran and Shin (IPS, 1997). It allows for individual effects, time trends, and common time effects. Based on the mean of the individual Dickey-Fuller t-statistics of each unit in the panel, the IPS test assumes that all series are non-stationary under the null hypothesis. Lags of the dependent variable may be introduced to allow for serial correlation in the errors. The exact critical values of the t-bar statistic are given in IPS. After transformation by factors provided in the paper (available for no more than 8 lags on any series), the Psi[t-bar] statistic is distributed standard normal under the null hypothesis of nonstationarity. Users of Stata 11+ should use the official xtunitroot ips command.
A Nonexercise Prediction of Peak Oxygen Uptake for Patients With Cardiovascular Disease

This study developed a nonexercise prediction equation for peak oxygen uptake (Vo2peak) in individuals with cardiovascular disease. The new equation provided a lower mean error between measured and predicted Vo2peak than an equation developed from a healthy cohort highlighting the importance of using a population-specific equation when predicting Vo2peak. Purpose: Nonexercise predictions of peak oxygen uptake (V˙o2peak) are used clinically, yet current equations were developed from cohorts of apparently healthy individuals and may not be applicable to individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Our purpose was to develop a CVD-specific nonexercise prediction equation for V˙o2peak. Methods: Participants were from the Fitness Registry and Importance of Exercise International Database (FRIEND) with a diagnosis of coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), myocardial infarction (MI), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or heart failure (HF) who met maximal effort criteria during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (n = 15 997; 83% male; age 63.1 ± 10.4 yr). The cohort was split into development (n = 12 798) and validation groups (n = 3199). The prediction equation was developed using regression analysis and compared with a previous equation developed on a healthy cohort. Results: Age, sex, height, weight, exercise mode, and CVD diagnosis were all significant predictors of V˙o2peak. The regression equation was: V˙o2peak (mL · kg–1 · min–1) = 16.18 – (0.22 × age [yr]) + (3.63 × sex [male = 1; female = 0]) + (0.14 × height [cm]) – (0.12 × weight [kg]) + (3.62 × mode [treadmill = 1; cycle = 0]) – (2.70 × CABG [yes = 1, no = 0]) – (0.31 × MI [yes = 1, no = 0]) + (0.37 × PCI [yes = 1, no = 0]) – (4.47 × HF [yes = 1, no = 0]). Adjusted R2 = 0.43; SEE = 4.75 mL · kg–1 · min–1. Compared with measured V˙o2peak in the validation group, percent predicted V˙o2peak was 141% for the healthy cohort equation and 100% for the CVD-specific equation. Conclusions: The new equation for individuals with CVD had lower error between measured and predicted V˙o2peak than the healthy cohort equation, suggesting population-specific equations are needed for predicting V˙o2peak; however, errors associated with nonexercise prediction equations suggest V˙o2peak should be directly measured whenever feasible.
Cation Disorder in Ferroelectric Ba4M2Nb10O30 (M = Na, K, and Rb) Tetragonal Tungsten Bronzes

The crystal structure of tetragonal tungsten bronzes, with the general formula A12A24C4B12B28O30, is flexible both from a chemical and structural viewpoint, resulting in a multitude of compositions. The A1 and A2 lattice sites, with different coordination environments, are usually regarded to be occupied by two different cations such as in Ba4Na2Nb10O30 with Na+ and Ba2+ occupying the A1 and A2 sites, respectively. Here, we report on a systematic study of the lattice site occupancy on the A1 and A2 sites in the series Ba4M2Nb10O30 (M = Na, K, and Rb). The three compounds were synthesized by a two-step solid-state method. The site occupancy on the A1 and A2 sites were investigated by a combination of Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction patterns and scanning transmission electron microscopy with simultaneous energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The two methods demonstrated consistent site occupancy of the cations on the A1 and A2 sites, rationalized by the variation in the size of the alkali cations. The cation order–disorder phenomenology in the tungsten bronzes reported is discussed using a thermodynamic model of O’Neill and Navrotsky, originally developed for cation interchange in spinels.
When lightning strikes twice: Perceptions of oncology social workers about working with families with two members in treatment

Families with a parent and child concurrently receiving cancer treatment are not common, but their needs are typically more complex than families with only one member in treatment. They have a heightened sense of loss, vulnerability, and mortality. The study purpose was to: (1) describe quality of life, social support, resiliency, and loss for these families; and (2) describe how healthcare teams can support these families.