Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 testing is punctuated by intermittent positivity and variable rates of cycle-threshold decline

The COVID-19 pandemic is complicated by cases of vaccine-breakthrough, re-infection, and widespread transmission of variants of concern (VOC). Consequently, the need to interpret longitudinal positive SARS-CoV-2 (SCV-2) tests is crucial in guiding clinical decisions regarding infection control precautions and treatment. Although quantitative tests are not routinely used diagnostically, standard diagnostic RT-PCR tests yield Ct values that are inversely correlated with RNA quantity. In this study, we performed a retrospective review of 72,217 SCV-2 PCR positive tests and identified 264 patients with longitudinal positivity prior to vaccination and VOC circulation. Patients with longitudinal positivity fell into two categories: short-term (207, 78%) or prolonged (57, 22%) positivity, defined as <= 28 (range 1-28, median 16) days and >28 (range 29- 152, median 41) days, respectively. In general, Ct values declined over time in both groups; however, 11 short-term positive patients had greater amounts of RNA detected at their terminal test compared to the first positive, and 5 patients had RNA detected at Ct < 35 at least 40 days after initial infection. Oscillating positive and negative results occurred in both groups, although oscillation was seen three times more frequently in prolonged-positive patients. Patients with prolonged positivity had diverse clinical characteristics but were often critically ill and were discharged to high-level care or deceased (22%). Overall, this study demonstrates that caution must be emphasized when interpreting Ct values as a proxy for infectivity, predictor of severity, or a guide for patient care decisions in the absence of additional clinical context.
Predicting the Outcome of Epilepsy Surgery by Covariance Pattern Analysis of Ictal Perfusion SPECT

Visual Abstract Previous studies on the utility of specific perfusion patterns in ictal brain perfusion SPECT for predicting the outcome of temporal lobe epilepsy surgery used qualitative visual pattern classification, semiquantitative region-of-interest analysis, or conventional univariate voxel-based testing, which are limited by intra- and interrater variability or low sensitivity to capture functional interactions among brain regions. The present study performed covariance pattern analysis of ictal perfusion SPECT using the scaled subprofile model for unbiased identification of predictive covariance patterns. Methods: The study retrospectively included 18 responders to temporal lobe epilepsy surgery (Engel I-A at 12 mo follow-up) and 18 nonresponders (≥Engel I-B). Ictal SPECT images were analyzed with the scaled subprofile model masked to group membership for unbiased identification of the 16 covariance patterns explaining the highest proportion of variance in the whole dataset. Individual expression scores of the covariance patterns were evaluated for predicting seizure freedom after temporal lobe surgery by receiver-operating-characteristic analysis. Kaplan–Meier analysis including all available follow-up data (up to 60 mo after surgery) was also performed. Results: Among the 16 covariance patterns only 1 showed a different expression between responders and nonresponders (P = 0.03). This favorable ictal perfusion pattern resembled the typical ictal perfusion pattern in temporomesial epilepsy. The expression score of the pattern provided an area of 0.744 (95% CI, 0.577–0.911, P = 0.004) under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a statistical trend toward longer seizure freedom in patients with positive expression score (P = 0.06). The median estimated seizure-free time was 48 mo in patients with positive expression score versus 6 mo in patients with negative expression score. Conclusion: The expression of the favorable ictal perfusion pattern identified by covariance analysis of ictal brain perfusion SPECT provides independent (from demographic and clinical variables) information for the prediction of seizure freedom after temporal lobe epilepsy surgery. The expression of this pattern is easily computed for new ictal SPECT images and, therefore, might be used to support the decision for or against temporal lobe surgery in clinical patient care.
Global Research on Coronaviruses: Metadata-Based Analysis for Public Health Policies

Background Within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper suggests a data science strategy for analyzing global research on coronaviruses. The application of reproducible research principles founded on text-as-data information, open science, the dissemination of scientific data, and easy access to scientific production may aid public health in the fight against the virus. Objective The primary goal of this paper was to use global research on coronaviruses to identify critical elements that can help inform public health policy decisions. We present a data science framework to assist policy makers in implementing cutting-edge data science techniques for the purpose of developing evidence-based public health policies. Methods We used the EpiBibR (epidemiology-based bibliography for R) package to gain access to coronavirus research documents worldwide (N=121,231) and their associated metadata. To analyze these data, we first employed a theoretical framework to group the findings into three categories: conceptual, intellectual, and social. Second, we mapped the results of our analysis in these three dimensions using machine learning techniques (ie, natural language processing) and social network analysis. Results Our findings, firstly, were methodological in nature. They demonstrated the potential for the proposed data science framework to be applied to public health policies. Additionally, our findings indicated that the United States and China were the primary contributors to global coronavirus research during the study period. They also demonstrated that India and Europe were significant contributors, albeit in a secondary position. University collaborations in this domain were strong between the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, confirming the country-level findings. Conclusions Our findings argue for a data-driven approach to public health policy, particularly when efficient and relevant research is required. Text mining techniques can assist policy makers in calculating evidence-based indices and informing their decision-making process regarding specific actions necessary for effective health responses.
The effect of a multi-week nostalgia intervention on well-being: Mechanisms and moderation.

Nostalgia is a sentimental longing for one's past. We examined the effect of a 6-week, weekly nostalgia intervention on well-being (positive and negative affect, life satisfaction, subjective vitality, and eudaimonic well-being) over time. After 3 weeks, participants who engaged in nostalgic reflection had higher well-being than those who engaged in ordinary reflection. After 6 weeks, and at a 1-month follow-up, the positive effect of nostalgic reflection was reserved for those who were high on dispositional nostalgia (i.e., well-suited to the nostalgia intervention). However, at these time points, nostalgic reflection was associated with lower well-being among those particularly low on dispositional nostalgia. Across time points, nostalgic reflection was beneficial to the degree that it fostered social connectedness, meaning in life, and self-continuity, pointing to mechanisms that drive nostalgia's positive influence on well-being. In summary, weekly nostalgic reflection has temporary well-being benefits for most (out to 3 weeks) and, beyond that, is a matter of fit-beneficial or adverse to those especially high or low on dispositional nostalgia, respectively. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Exploring termination setback in a psychodynamic therapy for panic disorder.

OBJECTIVE Termination in psychodynamic therapy (PDT) is a potentially conflictual and turbulent phase for patients, with a risk for increases in symptoms. However, few studies of PDT have assessed symptoms frequently enough during the treatment to determine whether such setbacks are in fact common in PDT. METHOD In a doubly randomized clinical preference trial, 217 adults, female = 163; M age = 34.8 (12.6), with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia were treated with panic-focused psychodynamic psychotherapy (PFPP) or panic control treatment (PCT), a form of cognitive behavioral therapy. Participants completed the Panic Disorder Severity Scale Self-Report (PDSS-SR) weekly during treatment (Weeks 1-12), and 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment. Using piecewise latent growth curve modeling, we tested the trajectories of change focusing on the termination phase in PFPP. RESULTS Week-to-week improvement on the PDSS-SR stopped (a termination setback [TS]) in PFPP during Weeks 10-12, whereas PCT participants continued to improve. Larger symptom reductions up to Week 10 in PFPP predicted a more severe TS. Less avoidant attachment and less severe interpersonal problems also predicted more severe TS. The TSs tended to last, as evidenced by inferior outcomes, up to the 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence of a TS in PDT. Resurgence of symptoms as termination approached was more common in PFPP than in PCT. Studies involving weekly assessment of primary and comorbid symptoms, as well as qualitative analyses of the patient experiences of the therapeutic process during termination, in different forms of PDT, are warranted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Co-designed healthcare transition interventions for adolescents and young adults with chronic conditions: a scoping review

Abstract Purpose To determine the scope of published literature on healthcare transition (HCT) interventions that have been co-designed with adolescents and young adults with chronic conditions, and to undertake feasibility assessments. Methods Using Scopus, CINAHL, Medline-Ovid, Cochrane and PsycINFO databases, publications that included a HCT intervention to support paediatric to adult healthcare transition were included. Study location, design, population, description of the intervention, co-design methods, feasibility evidenced using Bowen and colleagues’ framework, and outcome measures were extracted for review. Results A total of 21 studies were included, relating to 17 co-designed HCT interventions that ranged across multiple medical specialties. There was no standard HCT intervention; characteristics, format and delivery mode varied. Only three studies reported a detailed description of the co-design method(s) used and none reported on the facilitators or barriers. Among the studies, five of Bowen and colleagues’ eight dimensions of feasibility were measured. Conclusions Despite the co-design process being neither described or evaluated extensively, all co-designed HCT interventions included in this review were considered to be feasible. Nevertheless, HCT interventions varied in their format and delivery method making it difficult to compare between them. Furthermore, interventions were often condition-specific and not representative of the extensive range of chronic conditions. Implications for Rehabilitation Healthcare transition interventions can improve adherence to care, health outcomes, ongoing rehabilitation, and quality of life of adolescents and young adults with chronic conditions. Healthcare transition interventions should maximise long-term functioning and prioritise rehabilitation aimed at enhancing independence and self-management skills, while reducing hospitalisations. The engagement of individuals with lived experience in the co-design of interventions has been strongly advocated as it brings unique knowledge and experience to the research process. Minimal attention has been given to the involvement of adolescents and young adults with chronic conditions in the development of healthcare transition interventions, however, healthcare transition interventions co-designed with adolescents and young adults with chronic conditions are both feasible and acceptable.
In vivo 3-Dimensional Kinematics Study of the Healthy Cervical Spine Based on CBCT Combined with 3D-3D Registration Technology

Cone beam computed tomography combined with 3D-3D registration technique was used to accurately describe the in vivo three-dimensional features of cervical segmental motion for the first time. The measurement results provide necessary biomechanical data support for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical diseases. Study Design. A cervical biomechanical study. Objective. We sought to demonstrate the three-dimensional (3D) intervertebral motion characteristics of the cervical spine in healthy volunteers using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) combined with 3D-3D registration technology. Summary of Background Data. No previous studies have used CBCT combined with 3D-3D registration technology to successfully documented in vivo 3D intervertebral six-degrees-of-freedom (6-DOF) motions of the cervical spine. Methods. Twenty healthy subjects underwent cervical (C1–C7) CBCT scans in seven functional positions. Segmented 3D vertebral body models were established according to the cervical CBCT images. A 3D-to-3D registration was then performed for each vertebral body in the different positions to calculate the 3D segmental motion characteristics in vivo. Results. During flexion–extension, the range-of-motion (ROM) of C1–C2 and C4–C5 was significantly greater than the other segments. The average coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of each segment were between 0.6° and 3.2°. The average coupling translations in all directions were between 0.2 and 2.1 mm. During axial rotation, the ROM of C1–C2 was 65.8 ± 5.9°, which accounted for approximately 70% of all axial rotation. The motion and displacement of C1–C2 coupled lateral bending were 11.4 ± 5.2° and 8.3 ± 1.9 mm, respectively. During lateral bending, the ROM of C3–C4 was significantly greater than C1–C2, C5–C6, and C6–C7. The coupled axial rotation of C1–C2 was 34.4 ± 8.1°, and the coupled lateral translation was 3.8 ± 0.5 mm. The coupled superoinferior and anteroposterior translation of each cervical segment were between 0.1 and 0.6 mm. Conclusion. CBCT combined with 3D-3D registration was used to accurately measure and record the ROMs of lateral bending, axial rotation, and flexion–extension in cervical vertebrae under physiological-load conditions. Our findings may contribute to the diagnosis of cervical spinal disease, the development of new surgical techniques, and the restoration of normal, cervical segmental movement. Level of Evidence: 3
DIET-SNN: A Low-Latency Spiking Neural Network With Direct Input Encoding and Leakage and Threshold Optimization

Bioinspired spiking neural networks (SNNs), operating with asynchronous binary signals (or spikes) distributed over time, can potentially lead to greater computational efficiency on event-driven hardware. The state-of-the-art SNNs suffer from high inference latency, resulting from inefficient input encoding and suboptimal settings of the neuron parameters (firing threshold and membrane leak). We propose DIET-SNN, a low-latency deep spiking network trained with gradient descent to optimize the membrane leak and the firing threshold along with other network parameters (weights). The membrane leak and threshold of each layer are optimized with end-to-end backpropagation to achieve competitive accuracy at reduced latency. The input layer directly processes the analog pixel values of an image without converting it to spike train. The first convolutional layer converts analog inputs into spikes where leaky-integrate-and-fire (LIF) neurons integrate the weighted inputs and generate an output spike when the membrane potential crosses the trained firing threshold. The trained membrane leak selectively attenuates the membrane potential, which increases activation sparsity in the network. The reduced latency combined with high activation sparsity provides massive improvements in computational efficiency. We evaluate DIET-SNN on image classification tasks from CIFAR and ImageNet datasets on VGG and ResNet architectures. We achieve top-1 accuracy of 69% with five timesteps (inference latency) on the ImageNet dataset with $12\times $ less compute energy than an equivalent standard artificial neural network (ANN). In addition, DIET-SNN performs 20– $500\times $ faster inference compared to other state-of-the-art SNN models.
Potential Factors for Poor Reproducibility of In Vitro Hemolysis Testing

In vitro testing of hemolysis is essential for the validation and development of ventricular assist devices. However, as many factors influence hemolysis, such tests’ inter- and intralaboratory reproducibility is poor. In this work, CentriMag blood pumps were used to conduct a hemolysis study according to ASTM F1841 with blood from 23 bovine donors. Complementary blood analysis, including cell count, plasma composition, and viscosity, was performed to identify factors relevant to the variability of hemolysis testing results. Three strategies were tested to improve reproducibility: albumin supplementation, maintaining glucose concentration, and replacement of plasma with plasma-like buffer. Differences in red blood cell stability among donors were responsible for the largest portion of the total variance. Hematocrit varied widely among donors, and its adjustment to a standard value led to the artificial introduction of between-donor differences, especially in viscosity. It seems likely, that a more careful selection of donors with similar characteristics or repeated blood collection from the same donor could improve reproducibility. However, no direct correlations were found between the susceptibility to hemolysis and individual donor or blood characteristics in this study. The addition of albumin and glucose had a negligible effect while washing blood samples with artificial plasma significantly reduced mean hemolysis, although not its variation. The findings contribute to the understanding of variability in hemolysis experiments and give reason to question the common standard operating procedures, such as hemodilution or maintaining glucose concentration. To confirm the factors identified here, additional studies isolating the effects of individual factors are necessary.
Understanding the Regional Transport Contributions of Primary and Secondary PM2.5 Components over Beijing during a Severe Pollution Episodes

ABSTRACT This study applied the CAMx model to study the regional transport of various PM2.5 components in Beijing during a severe pollution episodes. The results revealed that during the episodes, Beijing had the average PM2.5 pollution value of 119 µg m–3. It was 1.58 times of the PM2.5 national air quality standard (75 µg m–3 Level II). The wind speed was low (< 2 m s–1) and relative humidity reached 98%. The anticyclone in Eastern China showed weak local flow fields and southerly winds at the surface and strong temperature inversion under 1000 m, which promote pollution accumulation. The contribution of monthly regional transport to primary PM2.5 components and SO42–, NO3–, and secondary organic aerosol concentrations in Beijing were 29.6%, 41.5%, 58.7%, and 60.6%, respectively. The emissions from Baoding had the greatest effect on the primary components of PM2.5 (6.1%) in Beijing. The emissions from Tianjin had the greatest influence on the secondary components of PM2.5 concentrations. These values indicated that the secondary components of Beijing’s PM2.5 are more easily affected by transboundary transport than are the primary components. The present findings suggest that control strategies for PM2.5 pollution should include coordinated efforts aimed at reducing secondary aerosol precursors (SO2, NOx, and VOCs) from long-range transport and local generation in addition to primary particulate emissions.
“Will You Still Feel Beautiful When You Find Out You Are Different?”: Parents’ Experiences, Reflections, and Appearance-Focused Conversations About Their Child’s Visible Difference

To investigate parents’ reflections and experiences of having a child born with an appearance-altering condition, interviews with 33 parents of children born with rare craniofacial conditions were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: “Managing emotions: A dynamic process,” “Through another lens: External reminders of difference,” and “Awareness of difference: Approaching the child. ” Findings suggest that although parents learned to accept and love their child’s visible difference, external factors such as appearance-altering surgery and other people’s reactions activated difficult emotions in parents. Parents struggled to decipher whether and when to raise appearance-related issues with their child, and how this could be done without distressing the child. Anticipatory guidance that facilitates positive appearance-focused conversations both within and outside the home seems to be needed. Parenting skills could also be strengthened by preparing parents for social reactions to the child’s visible difference, and their child’s changed appearance following surgery.
Extracellular vesicles from adipose tissue‐derived stem cells alleviate osteoporosis through osteoprotegerin and miR‐21‐5p

Abstract Osteoporosis is one of the most common skeletal disorders caused by the imbalance between bone formation and resorption, resulting in quantitative loss of bone tissue. Since stem cell‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are growing attention as novel cell‐free therapeutics that have advantages over parental stem cells, the therapeutic effects of EVs from adipose tissue‐derived stem cells (ASC‐EVs) on osteoporosis pathogenesis were investigated. ASC‐EVs were isolated by a multi‐filtration system based on the tangential flow filtration (TFF) system and characterized using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, flow cytometry, cytokine arrays, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. EVs are rich in growth factors and cytokines related to bone metabolism and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) migration. In particular, osteoprotegerin (OPG), a natural inhibitor of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL), was highly enriched in ASC‐EVs. We found that the intravenous administration of ASC‐EVs attenuated bone loss in osteoporosis mice. Also, ASC‐EVs significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation of macrophages and promoted the migration of bone marrow‐derived MSCs (BM‐MSCs). However, OPG‐depleted ASC‐EVs did not show anti‐osteoclastogenesis effects, demonstrating that OPG is critical for the therapeutic effects of ASC‐EVs. Additionally, small RNA sequencing data were analysed to identify miRNA candidates related to anti‐osteoporosis effects. miR‐21‐5p in ASC‐EVs inhibited osteoclast differentiation through Acvr2a down‐regulation. Also, let‐7b‐5p in ASC‐EVs significantly reduced the expression of genes related to osteoclastogenesis. Finally, ASC‐EVs reached the bone tissue after they were injected intravenously, and they remained longer. OPG, miR‐21‐5p, and let‐7b‐5p in ASC‐EVs inhibit osteoclast differentiation and reduce gene expression related to bone resorption, suggesting that ASC‐EVs are highly promising as cell‐free therapeutic agents for osteoporosis treatment.