Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Duration Selectivity in Right Parietal Cortex Reflects the Subjective Experience of Time

The perception of duration in the subsecond range has been hypothesized to be mediated by the population response of duration-sensitive units, each tuned to a preferred duration. One line of support for this hypothesis comes from neuroimaging studies showing that cortical regions, such as in parietal cortex exhibit duration tuning. It remains unclear whether this representation is based on the physical duration of the sensory input or the subjective duration, a question that is important given that our perception of the passage of time is often not veridical, but rather, biased by various contextual factors. Here we used fMRI to examine the neural correlates of subjective time perception in human participants. To manipulate perceived duration while holding physical duration constant, we used an adaptation method, in which, before judging the duration of a test stimulus, the participants were exposed to a train of adapting stimuli of a fixed duration. Behaviorally, this procedure produced a pronounced negative aftereffect: A short adaptor biased participants to judge stimuli as longer and a long adaptor-biased participants to judge stimuli as shorter. Duration tuning modulation, manifest as an attenuated BOLD response to stimuli similar in duration to the adaptor, was only observed in the right supramarginal gyrus (SMG) of the parietal lobe and middle occipital gyrus, bilaterally. Across individuals, the magnitude of the behavioral aftereffect was positively correlated with the magnitude of duration tuning modulation in SMG. These results indicate that duration-tuned neural populations in right SMG reflect the subjective experience of time. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The subjective sense of time is a fundamental dimension of sensory experience. To investigate the neural basis of subjective time, we conducted an fMRI study, using an adaptation procedure that allowed us to manipulate perceived duration while holding physical duration constant. Regions within the occipital cortex and right parietal lobe showed duration tuning that was modulated when the test stimuli were similar in duration to the adaptor. Moreover, the magnitude of the distortion in perceived duration was correlated with the degree of duration tuning modulation in the parietal region. These results provide strong physiological evidence that the population coding of time in the right parietal cortex reflects our subjective experience of time.
Distinct genetic patterns of shared and unique genes across four neurodevelopmental disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), developmental disorders (DD) and epileptic encephalopathy (EE), have a strong clinical comorbidity, which indicates a common genetic etiology across various disorders. However, the underlying genetic mechanisms of comorbidity and specificity remain unknown across neurodevelopmental disorders. Based on de novo mutations, we compared systematically the functional characteristics between shared and unique genes under these disorders, as well as the spatiotemporal trajectory of development in brain and common molecular pathways of all shared genes. We observed that shared genes present more constrained against functional rare genetic variation, and harbor more pathogenic rare variants than do unique genes in each disorder. Furthermore, 71 shared genes formed two clusters related to synaptic transmission, transcription regulation and chromatin regulator. Particularly, we also found that two core genes STXBP1 and SCN2A, that were shared by the four neurodevelopmental disorders showed prominent pleiotropy. Our findings shed light on the shared and specific patterns across neurodevelopmental disorders and will enable us to further comprehend the etiology and provide valuable information for the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Predictive value of P-selectin and endothelin-1 for vascular restenosis after interventional procedures for peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is caused by the building up of plaques in the arteries that carry blood to the lower limbs. The present study aimed to assess the predictive value of the plasma levels of P-selectin (Ps) or endothelin-1 (ET-1) regarding the occurrence of vascular restenosis after endovascular therapy for PAD. Patients with or without vascular restenosis confirmed by computed tomography angiography after endovascular therapy between March and December 2015 (n=20 per group) were enrolled. The serum levels of Ps and ET-1 prior to the operation and at 1 h, as well as 1, 2 and 3 weeks after the operation were compared between the two groups. At 1 h after the operation, the serum levels of Ps and ET-1 were significantly increased as compared with the pre-operative levels (P<0.05). The serum levels of Ps and ET-1 at 1 h, as well as 1, 2 and 3 weeks after the operation in the restenosis group were significantly higher as compared with those in the non-stenosis group (P<0.05). However, for the non-stenosis group, the serum levels of Ps and ET-1 at 1, 2 and 3 weeks after the operation did not significantly differ from the pre-operative levels (P>0.05). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the serum ET-1 levels at 1 h after the operation for predicting post-operative restenosis in PAD patients with a cut-off of 0.1089 pg/ml were 85 and 85%, respectively. In conclusion, the serum levels of Ps and ET-1 have a high predictive value for post-operative vascular restenosis after endovascular therapy for PAD patients.
Dynamic co‐culture metabolic models reveal the fermentation dynamics, metabolic capacities and interplays of cheese starter cultures

In this study, we have investigated the cheese starter culture as a microbial community through a question: can the metabolic behaviour of a co‐culture be explained by the characterized individual organism that constituted the co‐culture? To address this question, the dairy‐origin lactic acid bacteria Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus and Leuconostoc mesenteroides, commonly used in cheese starter cultures, were grown in pure and four different co‐cultures. We used a dynamic metabolic modelling approach based on the integration of the genome‐scale metabolic networks of the involved organisms to simulate the co‐cultures. The strain‐specific kinetic parameters of dynamic models were estimated using the pure culture experiments and they were subsequently applied to co‐culture models. Biomass, carbon source, lactic acid and most of the amino acid concentration profiles simulated by the co‐culture models fit closely to the experimental results and the co‐culture models explained the mechanisms behind the dynamic microbial abundance. We then applied the co‐culture models to estimate further information on the co‐cultures that could not be obtained by the experimental method used. This includes estimation of the profile of various metabolites in the co‐culture medium such as flavour compounds produced and the individual organism level metabolic exchange flux profiles, which revealed the potential metabolic interactions between organisms in the co‐cultures.
Prejudice Reduction: Progress and Challenges.

The past decade has seen rapid growth in research that evaluates methods for reducing prejudice. This essay reviews 418 experiments reported in 309 manuscripts from 2007 to 2019 to assess which approaches work best and why. Our quantitative assessment uses meta-analysis to estimate average effects. Our qualitative assessment calls attention to landmark studies that are noteworthy for sustained interventions, imaginative measurement, and transparency. However, 76% of all studies evaluate light touch interventions, the long-term impact of which remains unclear. The modal intervention uses mentalizing as a salve for prejudice. Although these studies report optimistic conclusions, we identify troubling indications of publication bias that may exaggerate effects. Furthermore, landmark studies often find limited effects, which suggests the need for further theoretical innovation or synergies with other kinds of psychological or structural interventions. We conclude that much research effort is theoretically and empirically ill-suited to provide actionable, evidence-based recommendations for reducing prejudice. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Psychology, Volume 72 is January 4, 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews. org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
The Prevalence of Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the prevalence of technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) within the adolescent and adult population regarding victimization and perpetration. In addition to the primary aim, associated health outcomes with TFSV were discussed through a qualitative lens. Specific forms of TFSV that were examined include distribution of, production of, and threats to distribute sexual material involving another individual without that person’s consent via images or videos; 425 articles from MEDLINE, PsycArticles, PsycINFO, Criminal Justice Abstracts, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, and Google Scholar were screened. Nineteen articles (comprising 20 independent samples) reporting prevalence rates of TFSV on 32,247 participants were included in this random-effects meta-analysis. Pooled prevalence of victimization results revealed that 8.8% of people have had their image or video-based sexts shared without consent, 7.2% have been threatened with sext distribution, and 17.6% have had their image taken without permission. Regarding perpetration, 12% have shared sexts beyond the intended recipient, 2.7% have threatened to share sexts, and 8.9% have nonconsensually taken an image. Moderator variables included publication year, mean participant age, proportion of female participants, and study setting, with meta-regression analyses revealing no significant predictors. Finally, a qualitative analysis of nine articles (n = 3,990) was conducted to assess mental health associations with TFSV victimization, revealing significant mental health impacts, including anxiety, depression, and poor coping, for victims.
Posture during the use of electronic devices in people with chronic neck pain: A 3D motion analysis project.

BACKGROUND Non-neutral postures during computerised device use coupled with increased usage may increase the risk of neck pain. Greater knowledge of postures that individuals with neck pain adopt during computerised device use is warranted. OBJECTIVE To evaluate neck and upper limb posture while using a tablet, laptop and desktop computer (sitting and standing) in individuals with chronic neck pain. METHODS Differences in three-dimensional kinematic variables were assessed during four conditions: tablet, laptop, desktop computer (sitting and standing) in 22 individuals with chronic neck pain >3 months. Differences between kinematic variables were determined using one-way repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc tests. RESULTS Compared to the desktop (sitting), tablet and laptop use resulted in increased neck flexion (mean difference tablet - 14.42°, 95% CI - 19.88, - 8.96, P < 0.001; laptop -7.19°, -12.08, -2.31, P = .020); upper trunk flexion (tablet -14.89°, -20.22, -9.56, P < 0.001; laptop -5.56, -10.02, -1.09, P = .009) and tablet bilateral shoulder elevation (left 11.01 mm, 2.01, 20.04, P < .016; right 13.08 mm, 3.09, 23.11, P < .006). CONCLUSIONS Tablet and laptop use resulted in greater neck flexion, bilateral shoulder elevation and upper trunk flexion compared to a standard desktop computer, suggesting individuals with chronic neck pain should be mindful of their posture when using these smaller devices. Future research should explore how differences in posture may influence neck pain.
Evaluation of Anti-Colitis Effect of KM1608 and Biodistribution of Dehydrocostus Lactone in Mice Using Bioimaging Analysis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing disorder modulated by numerous factors. Recent failures of drugs targeting single factors suggest that multitargeting drugs could be useful for the treatment of IBD. Natural medicines may be an alternative option for the treatment of IBD, owing to the complex nature of the disease. However, most natural medicines have poor in vitro and in vivo translational potential because of inadequate pharmacokinetic study. KM1608, a mixture of the medicinal plants Aucklandia lappa, Terminalia chebula, and Zingiber officinale, was examined for its anti-colitis effects and biodistribution using bioimaging. Dehydrocostus lactone, as a marker compound, was analyzed to assess the biodistribution of KM1608. KM1608 significantly attenuated the disease activity of dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice and suppressed inflammatory mediators such as myeloperoxidase, proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), and the Th2-type cytokine IL-4 in the colon. Optical fluorescence imaging revealed that KM1608 was distributed in the intestinal area as a target organ. Collectively, our findings suggest that KM1608 is a potential therapeutic formulation for IBD.
Reliability, validity, and diagnostic accuracy of Parkinson's Disease-Cognitive Rating Scale in Iranian patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease

Abstract Purpose To investigate the reliability and validity of Parkinson’s Disease-Cognitive Rating Scale (PD-CRS) in Iranian patients with idiopathic PD. Methods One hundred and eighty patients with PD and 60 age-, gender-, and educational level-matched healthy individuals participated in this study. Inter-rater and test–retest reliability of the Persian version of PD-CRS was investigated in 80 patients with PD. To evaluate the construct validity of the PD-CRS, its correlation with the Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's disease-Cognition (SCOPA-Cog), Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Clock Drawing Test, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale-Section I, and Quick Dementia Rating System was assessed. To assess the diagnostic accuracy of the PD-CRS, patients with PD were classified as groups with normal cognitive function, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia using the Clinical Dementia Rating. Results Test–retest and inter-rater reliability (ICC > 0.90), as well as internal consistency (α = 0.94) of the Persian version of PD-CRS, were excellent. A high positive correlation was found between the PD-CRS and SCOPA-Cog. A cut-off point of ≤79 (sensitivity 98.15% and specificity 98.04%) and ≤62 (sensitivity 100%, and specificity 100%) on the PD-CRS total score was obtained for detecting MCI and dementia in PD patients, respectively. Conclusions The results of this study showed that the Persian version of PD-CRS is a reliable and valid measure with high sensitivity and specificity to identify MCI and dementia in patients with PD. Implications for rehabilitation The PD-CRS has an excellent test–retest and inter-rater reliability and validity in Iranian patients with PD. The PD-CRS has high sensitivity and specificity for discriminating between different levels of cognitive impairment (i.e. no cognitive impairment, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia) in Iranian patients with PD.
COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions and the Use of Technology for Pediatric Palliative Care in the Acute Care Setting

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused health care facilities to restrict visitors for patients in all care settings. Most pediatric care facilities have restricted visitation to one parent at a time, unfortunately even if the child is in critical condition or is terminally ill. These situations have necessitated the use of technology such as the Zoom platform to have difficult conversations concerning complex medical decision-making and goals of care. In cases where the child is deemed at immediate end of life, many facilities will allow both parents to be at the bedside, but no other family or friends that may be integral support to the parents or child. These situations have compelled the use of FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype technology to facilitate real-time support at end of life for these young patients and their caregivers. This article presents a case where technologies such as these were utilized to assist a family in goals-of-care discussions and at end of life for an infant in the intensive care unit at a large urban pediatric care facility during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The characteristics of vHIT gain and PR score in peripheral vestibular disorders

Abstract Background Clinical application of vHIT is limited due to a lack of interpretation of vHIT gain and saccades. Objectives This research focuses on comparing common vertigo diseases on vHIT gain and saccade divergence(PR score). Material and Methods We retrospectively reviewed 165 patients who have one definite diagnosis, good data quality, and can be read by MATLAB software. All patients were grouped into unilateral vestibular dysfunction (UVD), Meniere's disease (MD), vestibular migraine (VM), Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (RHS), bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH), benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and acoustic neuroma (AN). PR score was calculated by an open-source software HitCal. Results The saccade detection rate is higher than the abnormal vHIT gain on UVD, MD, VM, RHS, BVH and BPPV. PR score combined with vHIT gain could separate the affected side in UVD and RHS. In the MD group, both vHIT gain and PR score have inconspicuous performance. We also found that different compensation levels and hearing loss status affect results. Conclusions and Significance vHIT gain combined with PR score enables a proper distinction among common vertigo diseases. PR score is more sensitive than the gain value on evaluating the physiological situation, vestibular compensation and disease progression.
“Epigenome-wide methylation profile of chronic kidney disease-derived arterial DNA uncovers novel pathways in disease-associated cardiovascular pathology.”

ABSTRACT Chronic kidney disease (CKD) related cardiovascular disease (CVD) is characterized by vascular remodelling with well-established structural and functional changes in the vascular wall such as arterial stiffness, matrix deposition, and calcification. These phenotypic changes resemble pathology seen in ageing, and are likely to be mediated by sustained alterations in gene expression, which may be caused by epigenetic changes such as tissue-specific DNA methylation. We aimed to investigate tissue specific changes in DNA methylation that occur in CKD-related CVD. Genome-wide DNA methylation changes were examined in bisulphite converted genomic DNA isolated from the vascular media of CKD and healthy arteries. Methylation-specific PCR was used to validate the array data, and the association between DNA methylation and gene and protein expression was examined. The DNA methylation age was compared to the chronological age in both cases and controls. Three hundred and nineteen differentially methylated regions (DMR) were identified spread across the genome. Pathway analysis revealed that DMRs associated with genes were involved in embryonic and vascular development, and signalling pathways such as TGFβ and FGF. Expression of top differentially methylated gene HOXA5 showed a significant negative correlation with DNA methylation. Interestingly, DNA methylation age and chronological age were highly correlated, but there was no evidence of accelerated age-related DNA methylation in the arteries of CKD patients. In conclusion, we demonstrated that differential DNA methylation in the arterial tissue of CKD patients represents a potential mediator of arterial pathology and may be used to uncover novel pathways in the genesis of CKD-associated complications.
Evaluation of dynamic lung changes during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by quantitative computed tomography

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to trace the dynamic lung changes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using computed tomography (CT) images by a quantitative method. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 28 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 145 CT scans are collected. The lesions are detected automatically and the parameters including lesion volume (LeV/mL), lesion percentage to lung volume (LeV%), mean lesion density (MLeD/HU), low attenuation area lower than – 400HU (LAA-400%), and lesion weight (LM/mL*HU) are computed for quantification. The dynamic changes of lungs are traced from the day of initial symptoms to the day of discharge. The lesion distribution among the five lobes and the dynamic changes in each lobe are also analyzed. RESULTS: LeV%, MLeD, and LM reach peaks on days 9, 6 and 8, followed by a decrease trend in the next two weeks. LAA-400% (mostly the ground glass opacity) declines to the lowest on days 4–5, and then increases. The lesion is mostly seen in the bilateral lower lobes, followed by the left upper lobe, right upper lobe and right middle lobe (p < 0.05). The right middle lobe is the earliest one (on days 6–7), while the right lower lobe is the latest one (on days 9–10) that reaches to peak among the five lobes. CONCLUSIONS: Severity of COVID-19 increases from the day of initial symptoms, reaches to the peak around on day 8, and then decreases. Lesion is more commonly seen in the bilateral lower lobes.