julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Predicting the outcome of psychotherapy for chronic depression by person‐specific symptom networks
2024-09-16

Psychotherapies are efficacious in the treatment of depression, albeit only with a moderate effect size. It is hoped that personalization of treatment can lead to better outcomes. The network theory of psychopathology offers a novel approach suggesting that symptom interactions as displayed in person‐specific symptom networks could guide treatment planning for an individual patient. In a sample of 254 patients with chronic depression treated with either disorder‐specific or non‐specific psychotherapy for 48 weeks, we investigated if person‐specific symptom networks predicted observer‐rated depression severity at the end of treatment and one and two years after treatment termination. Person‐specific symptom networks were constructed based on a time‐varying multilevel vector autoregressive model of patient‐rated symptom data. We used statistical parameters that describe the structure of these person‐specific networks to predict therapy outcome. First, we used symptom centrality measures as predictors. Second, we used a machine learning approach to select parameters that describe the strength of pairwise symptom associations. We found that information on person‐specific symptom networks strongly improved the accuracy of the prediction of observer‐rated depression severity at treatment termination compared to common covariates recorded at baseline. This was also shown for predicting observer‐rated depression severity at one‐ and two‐year follow‐up. Pairwise symptom associations were better predictors than symptom centrality parameters for depression severity at the end of therapy and one year later. Replication and external validation of our findings, methodological developments, and work on possible ways of implementation are needed before person‐specific networks can be reliably used in clinical practice. Nevertheless, our results indicate that the structure of person‐specific symptom networks can provide valuable information for the personalization of treatment for chronic depression.
Cognitive potency and safety of tDCS treatment for major depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
2024-09-16

Background The benefits of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for patients with major depression disorders are well-established, however, there is a notable research gap concerning its comprehensive effects on both depressive symptoms and cognitive functions. Existing research is inconclusive regarding the cognitive enhancement effects of tDCS specifically in MDD patients. The present study aims to fill this knowledge gap by scrutinizing the most updated evidence on the effectiveness of tDCS in anti-depressive treatment and its influence on cognitive function. Methods A systematic review was performed from the first date available in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and additional sources published in English from 1 January 2001 to 31 May 2023. We examined cognitive outcomes from randomized, sham-controlled trials of tDCS treatment for major depression. The evaluation process strictly followed the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool into the literature, and meta-analysis was performed according to the Cochrane System Reviewer's Manual. Results In this quantitative synthesis, we incorporated data from a total of 371 patients across 12 studies. Results showed significant benefits following active tDCS compared to sham for the antidepressant effect [SMD: −0.77 (−1.44, −0.11)]. Furthermore, active relative to sham tDCS treatment was associated with increased performance gains on a measure of verbal memory [SMD: 0.30 (−0.02, 0.62)]. These results did not indicate any cognitive enhancement after active tDCS relative to sham for global cognitive function, whereas there was a noticeable trend toward statistical significance specifically in the effect of verbal memory. Conclusions Our study offers crucial evidence-based medical support for tDCS in antidepressant and dimension-specific cognitive benefits. Further well-designed, large-scale randomized sham-controlled trials are warranted to further validate these findings. Systematic Review Registration https://inplasy.com/ , identifier: INPLASY202360008.
Development and characterization of topical formulation for maintenance therapy containing sorbitan monostearate with and without PEG‐100‐stearate
2024-09-16

Abstract Objective Basic therapy is an integral part of the treatment of chronic skin diseases. However, the formulation of skin products should be analysed with respect to the physical stability and tolerance by the patients before applying them to diseased skin. In particular, the suitability of the formulation for use on damaged skin should be taken into consideration so that no exacerbation of the condition is caused. Methods The following approach investigated two formulations with the emulsifier sorbitan monostearate and one with the addition of polyethylene glycol 100 stearyl ether. The characterization included rheology, macroscopic and microscopic cream analysis compared to marketed products for basic therapy. Pyranine staining of stratum corneum (SC) and trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements were performed with ex vivo porcine SC to asses skin barrier function. Results The rheological characterization showed a gel‐like, viscoelastic behaviour of the formulations and a viscosity in the same order of magnitude as the marketed products. Staining with pyranine revealed that skin damage caused by sodium lauryl sulfate was compensated by treatment with the developed formulations. Following the same trend, TEWL results clearly showed decreasing values, which evidence improved skin barrier function. Conclusion In conclusion, the developed sorbitan monostearate formulations can potentially improve deficient skin barrier function as a part of basic therapy of skin diseases and act as a superior alternative to market products comprising a minimum of well‐chosen ingredients.
Clinicopathological characteristics of low‐dose methotrexate‐induced epidermal dysmaturation: A study of 22 patients
2024-09-16

Summary Background and Objective Erosions of the skin and mucous membranes with epidermal dysmaturation are a known side effect of cytostatic chemotherapy regimens and can also be observed during low‐dose methotrexate (MTX) therapy. The study aimed to delineate the clinical and histopathological alterations. Patients and Methods A database search of the archive for dermatopathology was conducted, identifying 22 patients who developed epidermal dysmaturation on low‐dose MTX. Clinical and laboratory changes, along with an array of histologic parameters were analyzed and statistically evaluated using SPSS. Results Patients were predominantly female with a mean age of 69.1 years. The main indications were psoriasis vulgaris and rheumatoid arthritis. Clinically, patients mostly presented erosive plaques at the injection site, on mucosal surfaces, and disseminated lesions. Most patients showed normal laboratory values. Histopathologically, key findings included enlarged keratinocytes with pale cytoplasm and enlarged nuclei with prominent nucleoli, along with the degeneration of the basal layer. Consistent observations in the dermal compartment included infiltration of neutrophilic granulocytes, lymphocytes, and histiocytes. Conclusions This study proposes clinicopathological criteria for the diagnosis of MTX‐associated skin toxicity, aiming to increase awareness among clinicians and pathologists for early diagnosis. Early recognition can prevent potentially life‐threatening progression.
COVID-19’s Impact on Athletes: Reduced Cardiorespiratory Fitness after a SARS-CoV-2 Infection
2024-09-16

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to identify potential changes in cardiorespiratory fitness among athletes who had previously been infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Methods In this prospective observational multicenter hybrid study (CoSmo-S), cardiopulmonary exercise testing on treadmills or bicycle ergometers involving 2314 athletes (39.6% female) was conducted. German federal squad members (59.6%) and non-squad athletes were included in the study. A total of 1170 (37.2% female) subjects were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 via polymerase chain reaction from which we had pre–SARS-CoV-2 infection examinations available for 289 subjects. Mixed-effect models were employed to analyze, among others, the following dependent variables: power output at individual anaerobic threshold (PO IAT ·kg −1 ), maximal power output (PO max ·kg −1 ), measured V̇O 2max ·kg −1 , heart rate at individual anaerobic threshold (HR IAT ), and maximal heart rate (HR max ). Results A SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with a decrease in PO IAT ·kg −1 (−0.123 W·kg −1 , P &lt; 0.001), PO max ·kg −1 (−0.099 W·kg −1 , P = 0.002), and measured V̇O 2max ·kg −1 (−1.70 mL·min −1 ·kg −1 , P = 0.050), and an increase in HR IAT (2.50 bpm, P = 0.008) and HR max (2.59 bpm, P &lt; 0.001) within the first 60 d after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Using the pandemic onset in Germany as a longitudinal reference point, the healthy control group showed no change over time in these variables and an increase in PO max (+0.126 W·kg −1 , P = 0.039) during the first 60 d after the reference point. Subgroup analyses showed that both squad members and endurance athletes experienced greater decreases in cardiorespiratory fitness compared with non-squad members respectively athletes from explosive power sports. Conclusions A SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a decline in cardiorespiratory fitness in athletes for approximately 60 d. Potential factors contributing to this outcome seem to be cardiopulmonary and vascular alterations in consequence of SARS-CoV-2. A minor effect on cardiorespiratory fitness has training interruption due to acute symptoms and/or quarantine.
„Sempre s’è visto, e vede“
2024-09-16

Abstract Against the background of epistemic change in the early modern period, the article examines the literary staging of experience in the epic works of Moderata Fonte ( Tredici canti del Floridoro , 1581), Margherita Sarrocchi ( La Scanderbeide , 1623) and Lucrezia Marinella ( L’Enrico, ovvero Bisanzio acquistato , 1635). With cross-references to Fonte’s and Marinella’s treatises on gender theory, the analysis of exemplary passages shows that the three women authors exploit the evidential quality of the agonistic scenes in their epic poems in order to rebalance the relationship between experience and habit in the context of gender issues. By doing so, they use evidentia (gr. enárgeia ) in its entire spectrum as a rhetorical, epistemological, visual and also legally connoted dispositive.
The potential role of purinergic signaling in cancer therapy: perspectives on anti-CD73 strategies for prostate cancer
2024-09-17

Purines and pyrimidines are signaling molecules in the tumor microenvironment that affect cancer immunity. The purinergic signaling pathways have been shown to play an important role in the development and progression of cancer. CD39 and CD73 are ectonucleotidases responsible for breaking down ATP or ADP into adenosine, which regulates immunosuppression in various types of cancer. These enzymes have been studied as a potential therapeutic target in immunotherapy, and recent research suggests a correlation between ectonucleotidases and clinical outcomes in cancer.Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in men, after non-melanoma skin tumors, and is the second leading cause of death in men in the world. Despite having long survival periods, patients often receive excessive or insufficient treatment. Within this complex landscape, the adenosine/CD73 pathway plays a crucial role. Therefore, this review aims to highlight new findings on the potential role of purinergic signaling in cancer treatment and emphasizes the importance of anti-CD73 as a pharmacological strategy for prostate cancer therapy.
Charge variant analysis of monoclonal antibodies by CZE‐MS using a successive multiple ionic‐polymer layer coating based on diethylaminoethyl‐dextran
2024-09-17

Abstract The characterization of the impurities of pharmaceutical monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is crucial for their function and safety. Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) is one of the most efficient tools to separate charge variants of mAbs; however, peak characterization remains difficult, since the hereby used background electrolytes (BGEs) are not compatible with electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). Here, a method that allows the separation of intact mAb charge variants is presented using CZE‐ESI‐MS, combining a cationic capillary coating and an acidic BGE. Therefore, a successive multiple ionic‐polymer layer coating was developed based on diethylaminoethyl‐dextran–poly(sodium styrene sulfonate). This coating leads to a relatively low reversed electroosmotic flow (EOF) with an absolute mobility slightly higher than that of antibodies, enabling the separation of variants with slightly different mobilities. The potential of the coating is demonstrated using USP mAb003, where it was possible to separate C‐terminal lysine variants from the main form, as well as several acidic variants and monoglycosylated mAb forms. The presented CZE‐MS method can be applied to separate charge variants of a range of other antibodies such as infliximab, NISTmAB (Reference Material from the National Institute of Standards and Technology), adalimumab, and trastuzumab, demonstrating the general applicability for the separation of proteoforms of mAbs.
Impairment of affective and cognitive empathy in high functioning autism is mediated by alterations in emotional reactivity
2024-09-17

Abstract Empathy impairments are considered a key aspect of autism-spectrum disorders (ASD). Previous research consistently shows reduced cognitive empathy, but findings on affective empathy vary, possibly due to experimental design variations (e.g., stimulus modality, social distance) and individual psychological factors (e.g., perceptual abilities, emotional reactivity). This study aims to clarify deficits in affective and cognitive empathy in ASD by addressing these contributing factors. Empathy was examined in 34 autistic individuals and 33 typically developed controls (TDCs) through the Textual Empathy Test (TET). The TET was developed to assess emotional responses when imagining oneself (emotional reactivity) as compared to a target person (friend, stranger) in emotional situations presented via short verbal descriptions. Participants rated emotional states of the target person (cognitive empathy) as well as their own emotional responses when imagining the target person in that situation (affective empathy). Ratings were interpreted relative to normative mean values through standardized regression coefficients. Results showed that high-functioning autism was associated with lower cognitive and affective empathy irrespective of social distance as well as with decreased emotional reactivity compared to controls. Moreover, emotional reactivity mediated the impact of ASD on both empathic components. In summary, altered emotional reactivity may underlie impaired empathy in autistic individuals.
Genetic Risk Factors in Isolated Dystonia Escape Genome‐Wide Association Studies
2024-09-17

Abstract Background Despite considerable heritability, previous smaller genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) have not identified any robust genetic risk factors for isolated dystonia. Objective The objective of this study was to perform a large‐scale GWAS in a well‐characterized, multicenter sample of &gt;6000 individuals to identify genetic risk factors for isolated dystonia. Methods Array‐based GWASs were performed on autosomes for 4303 dystonia participants and 2362 healthy control subjects of European ancestry with subgroup analysis based on age at onset, affected body regions, and a newly developed clinical score. Another 736 individuals were used for validation. Results This GWAS identified no common genome‐wide significant loci that could be replicated despite sufficient power to detect meaningful effects. Power analyses imply that the effects of individual variants are likely very small. Conclusions Moderate single‐nucleotide polymorphism–based heritability indicates that common variants do not contribute to isolated dystonia in this cohort. Sequence‐based GWASs (eg, by whole‐genome sequencing) might help to better understand the genetic basis. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Associations between a multifaceted personality and academic performance in secondary school
2024-09-17

Whereas meta-analytic evidence has accumulated about the important role personality characteristics such as the Big Five traits play for academic performance in secondary school, less is known about the specific behavioral and emotional repertoire that drives these associations. A closer look at the facet-level of Big Five traits can provide this knowledge helping to better understand why students differ in their success at school. We therefore studied associations between Big Five facets and academic performance (grades and standardized test scores in German and mathematics) in three independent secondary student samples (Study 1 N = 3866, Study 2 N = 2290, and Study 3 N = 366), using regression analytic, structural equation modeling, and meta-analytic procedures to test facet-level associations and incremental associations above traits. We found facet-differential associations with academic performance indicators, particularly for facets of conscientiousness, openness, and extraversion. Evidence for incremental effects of facets beyond traits was weak. Self-discipline (conscientiousness) was the only facet that consistently showed incremental effects across Samples 1 and 2. The results can stimulate research and practice to identify the underlying mechanisms that drive these associations and also highlight the specific emotional and behavioral repertoire that should be supported to help students to succeed in school.
Foveal neural adaptation to optically induced contrast reduction
2024-09-17

Contrast processing is suggested to interact with eye growth and myopia development. A novel contrast-reducing myopia control lens design decreases image contrast and was shown to slow myopia progression. Limited insights exist regarding neural visual processing following adaptation to image contrast reduction. This study investigated foveal neural contrast sensitivity in 29 young adults following a 30-minute adaptation to scattering using a Bangerter occlusion foil 0.8, +0.5-diopter defocus, and a clear lens control condition. Neural contrast sensitivity at its peak sensitivity of 6 cycles per degree was assessed before and after adaptation to the lens conditions, employing a unique interferometric system. Pre-adaptation measurements were averaged from six replicates and post-adaptation measurements by the first and last three of six replicates. The change in neural contrast sensitivity was largest for scattering across the first and last three post-adaptation measurements (+0.05 ± 0.01 logCS and +0.04 ± 0.01 logCS, respectively) compared with control and defocus (all +0.03 ± 0.01 logCS). For scattering, the observed increase of neural contrast sensitivity within the first three measurements differed significantly from the pre-adaptation baseline (p = 0.04) and was significantly higher compared with the control condition (p = 0.04). The sensitivity increases in the control and defocus conditions were not significant (all p > 0.05). As the adaptation effect diminished, no significant differences were found from baseline or between the conditions in the last three measurements (all p > 0.05). When post-adaptation neural contrast sensitivities were clustered into 25-second sequences, a significant effect was observed between the conditions, with only a significant relevant effect between control and scattering at 25 seconds (p = 0.04) and no further significant effects (all p > 0.05). The alteration in neural contrast sensitivity at peak sensitivity was most pronounced following adaptation to the scattering condition compared with defocus and control, suggesting that induced scattering might be considered for myopia control.
Extracting Tuscan phonetic correspondences from dialect pronunciations automatically
2024-09-17

Abstract We present a novel approach to identifying individual pairs of phonetic correspondences in a dataset of dialect pronunciations. This continues work identifying shibboleths (i.e., characteristic features of a given dialect), a category that has interested dialectology and that dialectometrical research has examined mostly in the form of categorical data or entire phonetic transcriptions. This article reaches into segmental sequences (phonetic transcriptions) to identify individual phonetic correspondences. We follow earlier work in examining how distinctive and how representative a given phonetic correspondence is for a selected group of varieties. We proceed from string alignments, and innovate in characterizing the important notions via information theory. Despite minor problems, the method improves on the generality of competing approaches and can be shown to be useful in detecting characteristic phonetic correspondences in Tuscan varieties. We argue that this facilitates deeper investigation into the relation between aggregating approaches to dialectology and approaches proceeding from features.
Shell biomechanics suggests an aquatic palaeoecology at the dawn of turtle evolution
2024-09-18

Abstract The turtle shell is a remarkable structure that has intrigued not only evolutionary biologists but also engineering and material scientists because of its multi-scale complexity and various functions. Although protection is its most apparent role, the carapace and plastron are also related to many physiological functions and their shape influences hydrodynamics and self-righting ability. As such, analysing the functional morphology of the shell could help understanding the ecology of Triassic stem-turtles, which will contribute to the century-long debate on the evolutionary origins of turtles. Here, we used 3D imaging techniques to digitize the shells of two of the earliest stem-turtle taxa, Proganochelys and Proterochersis , and submitted their models to biomechanical and shape analyses. We analysed the strength performance under five predation scenarios and tested the function of two morphological traits found in stem-turtles, the epiplastral processes and an attached pelvic girdle. The latter, also present in the crown-lineage of side-necked turtles, has been suggested to increase load-bearing capacity of the shell or to improve swimming in pleurodires. Our results do not confirm the shell-strengthening hypothesis and, together with the results of our shape analyses, suggest that at least one of the first stem-turtles ( Proterochersis ) was an aquatic animal.