Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Problems with Centrality Measures in Psychopathology Symptom Networks: Why Network Psychometrics Cannot Escape Psychometric Theory

Abstract Understanding patterns of symptom co-occurrence is one of the most difficult challenges in psychopathology research. Do symptoms co-occur because of a latent factor, or might they directly and causally influence one another? Motivated by such questions, there has been a surge of interest in network analyses that emphasize the putatively direct role symptoms play in influencing each other. In this critical paper, we highlight conceptual and statistical problems with using centrality measures in cross-sectional networks. In particular, common network analyses assume that there are no unmodeled latent variables that confound symptom co-occurrence. The traditions of clinical taxonomy and test development in psychometric theory, however, greatly increase the possibility that latent variables exist in symptom data. In simulations that include latent variables, we demonstrate that closeness and betweenness are vulnerable to spurious covariance among symptoms that connect subgraphs (e.g., diagnoses). We further show that strength is redundant with factor loading in several cases. Finally, if a symptom reflects multiple latent causes, centrality metrics reflect a weighted combination, undermining their interpretability in empirical data. Our results suggest that it is essential for network psychometric approaches to examine the evidence for latent variables prior to analyzing or interpreting patterns at the symptom level. Failing to do so risks identifying spurious relationships or failing to detect causally important effects. Altogether, we argue that centrality measures do not provide solid ground for understanding the structure of psychopathology when latent confounding exists.
How to Advance Research, Education and Training in the Study of Rare Diseases.

Multiple challenges are faced by patients, clinicians, and researchers in accessing and providing care for rare diseases. Rare diseases, defined as a reported prevalence of <200,000 people in the United States and a prevalence of ≤1 in 2000 people in Europe, can involve any organ system. The majority of the >7000 recognized rare disorders, impacting around 9% of reports on rare diseases to highlight knowledge of these disorders to practitioners and students.
Endovascular Thrombectomy for Distal Occlusion Using a Semi-Deployed Stentriever: Report of 2 Cases and Technical Note

Distal intracranial occlusions can sometimes cause significant neurological deficits. Endovascular thrombectomy in these vessels may improve outcome but carry a higher risk of haemorrhagic complications due to the small calibre and tortuosity of the target vessel. We report two cases of isolated M2/3 artery occlusion causing dense hemiplegia that was successfully treated with stent retrieval thrombectomy. A “semi-deployment technique” of a 3 mm stentriever was employed at the M2/3 bifurcation of the middle cerebral artery. Partial stent unsheathing allowed adequate clot engagement while avoiding excessive tension by the stent metal struts along the tortuous course of a distal vessel. Complete revascularization was achieved after first-pass of the stent retriever without complication, resulting in good clinical outcome in both cases. The described semi-deployment technique reduces the radial and tractional force exerted by the stentreiver on small branches, and may reduce the risk of vessel laceration or dissection in distal vessel thrombectomy.
Synthesis and cytotoxicity of the conjugates of diterpenoid isosteviol and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine

Abstract A series of conjugates of diterpenoid isosteviol (16-oxo-ent-beyeran-19-oic acid) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine was synthesised and their cytotoxicity against several human cancer cell lines (M-Hela, MCF-7, Hep G2, Panc-1, PC-3), as well as normal human cell lines (WI-38, Chang liver) was assayed. Most of the conjugates were found to be cytotoxic against the mentioned cancer cell lines in the range of IC50 values 13–89 µM. Two lead compounds 14a and 14b showed selective cytotoxicity against M-Hela (IC50 13 and 14 µM) that was two times as high as the cytotoxicity of the anti-cancer drug Tamoxifen in control (IC50 28 µM). It was found that cytotoxic activity of the lead compounds against M-Hela cells is due to induction of apoptosis.
Long-Term Radiotherapy-Induced Cardiac Complications: A Case Report

Patient: Male, 48 Final Diagnosis: Late cardiac complications postradiotherapy Symptoms: Chest pain • dyspnea • syncope Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in cardiology Specialty: Cardiology Objective: Unusual or unexpected effect of treatment Background: Tumor disease has improved survival due to therapeutic advances and early diagnosis. However, anti-neoplastic treatment involves generating harmful side effects in the body, both in the short-term and in the long-term. One of the most important side effects is cardiovascular disease after radiotherapy, which in addition to being influenced by classic cardiovascular risk factors, can be also be influenced by anti-neoplastic therapy, and represents the main cause of death after a second cancer. We present a case that synthesizes the most relevant and determining aspects of radiotherapy-induced heart disease. Case Report: We present the case of a 48-year-old male with a personal history of mediastinal Hodgkin lymphoma who was treated with local radiotherapy 20 years ago, and who was admitted to hospital due to dyspnea and oppressive chest pain with efforts. He was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, and a coronary angiography confirmed the existence of coronary disease. Two years before, he had been admitted to hospital due to syncope and a pacemaker had been implanted. This patient experienced several cardiovascular complications that could be attributed to the radiotherapy treatment received in his past. Conclusions: Radiotherapy shows multiple cardiological complications, especially when applied at the thoracic level. This fact is very relevant, and this report can help determine the aspects of radiotherapy-induced heart disease affecting the mortality and morbidity of these patients.
A novel ECG‐based algorithm to determine right ventricular lead placement in permanent pacemaker patients (RVpace study)

Fluoroscopy guidance alone is not sufficient for the accurate localization of the pacing lead (PL) in the right ventricle (RV) during implantation of the cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED). The aim of this study was to create a surface electrocardiogram (ECG) algorithm based on paced QRS (pQRS) morphology to accurately localize PL position in the RV.
Automatic segmentation of arterial tree from 3D computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) scans

Abstract Pulmonary embolism (PE) and other pulmonary vascular diseases, have been found associated with the changes in arterial morphology. To detect arterial changes, we propose a novel, fully automatic method that can extract pulmonary arterial tree in computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) images. The approach is based on the fuzzy connectedness framework, combined with 3D vessel enhancement and Harris Corner detection to achieve accurate segmentation. The effectiveness and robustness of the method is validated in clinical datasets consisting of 10 CT angiography scans (6 without PE and 4 with PE). The performance of our method is compared with manual classification and machine learning method based on random forest. Our method achieves a mean accuracy of 92% when compared to manual reference, which is higher than the 89% accuracy achieved by machine learning. This performance of the segmentation for pulmonary arteries may provide a basis for the CAD application of PE.
Oncological outcomes of lobar resection, segmentectomy and wedge resection for T1a non-small cell lung carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE The optimal treatment of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains subject to debate. Lobar resection is considered the standard of care, but sublobar resections are a lung parenchymal sparing treatment offering promising results. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare oncologic outcomes of lobar resections and parenchymal sparing resections for T1a NSCLC. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Knowledge Search and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for studies reporting oncological outcomes following lobar or parenchymal sparing resections. Two researchers independently identified studies and extracted data. Oncological outcomes were compared for each surgical modality using the Mantel-Haenszel method and outcomes were pooled for each modality using the inverse variance method. RESULTS A total of 11195 studies were identified and 28 articles were included. For pT1a tumours, there was no difference in 5-year OS when lobar resection (n = 15003) was compared to parenchymal sparing resection (n = 1224), with a RR of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.84-1.01). Five-year overall survival and disease-free survival after segmentectomy yielded equal survival compared to lobar resection in directly comparing studies and point estimates of non-comparative studies. In most comparisons, wedge resection showed comparable results to lobar resections and segmentectomy. Subanalysis of intentional parenchymal sparing surgery showed favourable results. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that parenchymal sparing surgery yields equivocal survival compared to lobar surgery for stage T1a NSCLC. However, a drawback in implementing parenchymal sparing resection for lobectomy-tolerable patients is the risk of nodal upstaging.
Deep Model Compression and Inference Speedup of Sum–Product Networks on Tensor Trains

Sum–product networks (SPNs) constitute an emerging class of neural networks with clear probabilistic semantics and superior inference speed over other graphical models. This brief reveals an important connection between SPNs and tensor trains (TTs), leading to a new canonical form which we call tensor SPNs (tSPNs). Specifically, we demonstrate the intimate relationship between a valid SPN and a TT. For the first time, through mapping an SPN onto a tSPN and employing specially customized optimization techniques, we demonstrate improvements up to a factor of 100 on both model compression and inference speedup for various data sets with negligible loss in accuracy.
Towards a Switchable AR/VR Near-eye Display with Accommodation-Vergence and Eyeglass Prescription Support

In this paper, we present our novel design for switchable AR/VR near-eye displays which can help solve the vergence-accommodation-conflict issue. The principal idea is to time-multiplex virtual imagery and real-world imagery and use a tunable lens to adjust focus for the virtual display and the see-through scene separately. With this novel design, prescription eyeglasses for near- and far-sighted users become unnecessary. This is achieved by integrating the wearer's corrective optical prescription into the tunable lens for both virtual display and see-through environment. We built a prototype based on the design, comprised of micro-display, optical systems, a tunable lens, and active shutters. The experimental results confirm that the proposed near-eye display design can switch between AR and VR and can provide correct accommodation for both.
Serum d‐ and l‐lactate, pyruvate and glucose levels in individuals with at‐risk mental state and correlations with clinical symptoms

Little information exists on the peripheral metabolite levels in individuals with at‐risk mental state who meet the criteria for a high‐risk state of psychosis. Here, we aimed to investigate serum levels of glucose, pyruvate and d‐ and l‐lactate, which may act as a signalling molecule for learning and memory in neuronal cells.
A prolonged QTc‐interval at the emergency department: Should we always be prepared for the worst?

QTc‐interval prolongation is associated with ventricular arrhythmias and mortality in a general population. Bazett's correction formula (QTcB) is routinely used despite its overcorrection at high heart rates. Recently, we proposed a patient‐specific QT correcting algorithm (QTcA) resulting in improved rate correction and predictive value in a general population. We hypothesize risk stratification at the Emergency Department (ED) could be improved using QTcA.
How We Do It: Administration Guide for Intralesional Immunotherapy With Talimogene Laherparepvec (T-VEC) for Advanced Melanoma.

Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is the first oncolytic virus therapy approved for treatment of advanced melanoma. T-VEC is an attenuated herpes simplex virus, Type 1 (HSV-1) modified by insertion of human granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and deletion of infected cell protein 34.5 and 47 (ICP34.5, ICP47) genes. Oncolytic virus therapy is based on the observation that many viruses exhibit a natural tropism for cancer cells and virally infected cancer cells may stimulate the immune system to generate an antitumor response. The randomized, open-label Phase III clinical trial OPTiM found that T-VEC had a higher durable response rate than GM-CSF (16.3% vs 2.1%, p < .001). Overall response rate was also higher in the T-VEC arm (26.4% vs 5.7%). Median overall survival was 23.3 months with T-VEC and 18.9 months with GM-CSF. These findings led to FDA approval in 2015 of T-VEC in the treatment of unresectable cutaneous, subcutaneous, and nodal melanoma recurrent after initial surgery. T-VEC has demonstrated an excellent safety profile and rare serious adverse events. Here, we provide instructions on handling, precautions, and administration of T-VEC to optimize therapy performance. Patient Selection
Understanding T cell signaling using membrane reconstitution

T cells are central players of our immune system, as their functions range from killing tumorous and virus‐infected cells to orchestrating the entire immune response. In order for T cells to divide and execute their functions, they must be activated by antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) through a cell‐cell junction. Extracellular interactions between receptors on T cells and their ligands on APCs trigger signaling cascades comprised of protein‐protein interactions, enzymatic reactions, and spatial reorganization events, to either stimulate or repress T cell activation. Plasma membrane is the major platform for T cell signaling. Recruitment of cytosolic proteins to membrane‐bound receptors is a common critical step in many signaling pathways. Membranes decrease the dimensionality of protein‐protein interactions to enable weak yet biologically important interactions. Membrane resident proteins can phase separate into micro‐islands that promote signaling by enriching or excluding signal regulators. Moreover, some membrane lipids can either mediate or regulate cell signaling by interacting with signaling proteins. While it is critical to investigate T cell signaling in a cellular environment, the large number of signaling pathways involved and potential crosstalk have made it difficult to obtain precise, quantitative information on T cell signaling. Reconstitution of purified proteins to model membranes provides a complementary avenue for T cell signaling research. Here, I review recent progress in studying T cell signaling using membrane reconstitution approaches.
Loss of βPix Causes Defects in Early Embryonic Development, and Cell Spreading and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-Induced Chemotaxis in Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts

βPix is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the Rho family small GTPases, Rac1 and Cdc42. It is known to regulate focal adhesion dynamics and cell migration. However, the in vivo role of βPix is currently not well understood. Here, we report the production and characterization of βPix-KO mice. Loss of βPix results in embryonic lethality accompanied by abnormal developmental features, such as incomplete neural tube closure, impaired axial rotation, and failure of allantois-chorion fusion. We also generated βPix-KO mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) to examine βPix function in mouse fibroblasts. βPix-KO MEFs exhibit decreased Rac1 activity, and defects in cell spreading and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced ruffle formation and chemotaxis. The average size of focal adhesions is increased in βPix-KO MEFs. Interestingly, βPix-KO MEFs showed increased motility in random migration and rapid wound healing with elevated levels of MLC2 phosphorylation. Taken together, our data demonstrate that βPix plays essential roles in early embryonic development, cell spreading, and cell migration in fibroblasts.
Hydroxyl radical formation in aqueous reactions (pH 3-8) of iron (II) with hydrogen peroxide: The ph

Kinetics studies of the indirect photooxidation of trace hydroxyl radical ( . OH) probes in aqueous solutions were used to evaluate the nature and formation efficiency of the transient oxidants that are generated when hydrogen peroxide reacts with Fe(II) that is produced from photoreduction of Fe(III) (λ=436 nm)
Delayed Graft Function in Simultaneous Liver Kidney Transplantation

Background. Delayed graft function (DGF) is associated with inferior posttransplant outcomes in kidney transplantation. Given these adverse outcomes, we sought to determine the incidence, unique risk factors, and posttransplant outcomes for simultaneous liver kidney (SLK) transplant recipients developing DGF. Methods. We studied 6214 adult SLK recipients from March 2002 to February 2017 using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. We determined associations between risk factors and DGF using Poisson multivariate regression and between DGF and graft failure and mortality using Cox proportional hazard analysis. Results. The overall rate of DGF was 21.8%. Risk factors for DGF in the hepatitis C virus (HCV)-negative recipient population included pretransplant dialysis (adjusted incident rate ratio [aIRR] 3.26, P = 0.004), donor body mass index (aIRR 1.25 per 5 kg/m2, P = 0.01), and transplantation with a donation after circulatory death (aIRR 5.38, P = 0.001) or imported donor organ (regional share aIRR 1.69, P = 0.03; national share aIRR 4.82, P < 0.001). DGF was associated with a 2.6-fold increase in kidney graft failure (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.63, P < 0.001), 1.6-fold increase in liver graft failure (aHR 1.62, P < 0.001), and 1.6-fold increase in mortality (aHR 1.62, P < 0.001). Conclusions. In HCV-negative SLK recipients, recipient pretransplant dialysis and components of kidney graft quality comprise significant risk factors for DGF. Regardless of HCV status, DGF is associated with inferior posttransplant outcomes. Understanding these risk factors during clinical decision-making may improve prevention of DGF and may represent an opportunity to improve posttransplant outcomes.
Correlation of Fiber-Type Composition and Sprint Performance in Youth Soccer Players.

Metaxas, T, Mandroukas, A, Michailidis, Y, Koutlianos, N, Christoulas, K, and Ekblom, B. Correlation of fiber-type composition and sprint performance in youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between muscle fiber type and sprint performance in elite young soccer players of different age groups of the same team. Twenty-eight young players participated in this study (group U15, n = 8; group U13, n = 9; and group U11, n = 11). Anthropometric assessments, acceleration (10 m), and Bangsbo modified sprint test (30 m) were performed. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis, and after that, fiber-type composition was determined by immunohistochemistry. No significant correlations were found between the sprint test and muscle fiber distribution for the groups U13 and U11 (p > 0.05). Also, no correlations were found between cross-sectional areas in the types of fibers with the sprint test in all groups (p > 0.05). A positive correlation was found between type I fibers and the performance in the acceleration test (10 m) (r = 0.77, p < 0.05) was found only in group U15 and a negative correlation between type IIA fibers and the performance in the acceleration test (10 m) (r = -0.89, p < 0.05). The correlations were observed only in group U15, which may indicate that the duration and the intensity of the soccer systematic training can affect the plasticity of the muscle fibers. Specific soccer training in youth is one of the factors that can affect fiber-type plasticity. The specific training programs and status of U15 are more intensive, and the exercises are oriented more to improve physical fitness.
P granules protect RNA interference genes from silencing by piRNAs

P granules are perinuclear condensates in C. elegans germ cells proposed to serve as hubs for self/non-self RNA discrimination by Argonautes. We report that a mutant (meg-3 meg-4) that does not assemble P granules in primordial germ cells loses competence for RNA-interference over several generations and accumulates silencing small RNAs against hundreds of endogenous genes, including the RNA-interference genes rde-11 and sid-1. In wild-type, rde-11 and sid-1 transcripts are heavily targeted by piRNAs, accumulate in P granules, but maintain expression. In the primordial germ cells of meg-3 meg-4 mutants, rde-11 and sid-1 transcripts disperse in the cytoplasm with the small RNA biogenesis machinery, become hyper-targeted by secondary sRNAs, and are eventually silenced. Silencing requires the PIWI-class Argonaute PRG-1 and the nuclear Argonaute HRDE-1 that maintains trans-generational silencing of piRNA targets. These observations support a “safe harbor” model for P granules in protecting germline transcripts from piRNA-initiated silencing.
Monitoreo de la Actividad Física a Partir de un Modelo Basado en Redes Neuronales, con Dispositivo "Wearable"

The smart devices used for health and physical activities monitoring are elements with high presence in the market of wearables. This work presents an estimaton method for walking speed based on a multilayer artificial neural netwok, which has been trained to obtain the ratio between this speed and the frequency of the arms motion, characteristics of each person. In spite of using only 3 input variables (hight weight and gender), errors than less than 10% were obtained for the mentioned ratio. In addition, the estimation algorith has been incorporated into a low cost, wrist weareable device, ehich uses a inertial measurement unit (IMU) to measure the angular velocity of one arm. These IMUs are not common for these type of devices, but can be used to obtain more accurate speed measures than those obtained by meas of GPS units. Thus, the system can be used to record the physical activity with higher accuracy.Keywords: Artificial neural network, walking speed measurement, health monitoring, IMU, GPS.