julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Impact of peripheral thyroid hormone balance on liver fat: insights from the NutriAct trial
2024-07-25

Abstract Objective Hypothyroidism has been proposed as a potential contributor to steatotic liver disease (SLD), but existing data shows conflicting results in euthyroid subjects. Therefore, we investigated the association between thyroid function and intrahepatic lipids (IHLs) during a 36-month randomized controlled trial evaluating a diet known to reduce liver fat. Design 502 eligible subjects (aged 50–80 years, ≥1 risk factor for unhealthy aging) were randomly assigned to either follow a diet rich in unsaturated fatty acids, plant protein, and fiber (intervention group, IG), or dietary recommendations of the German Nutrition Society (control group, CG). Methods Serum levels of thyroid hormones (THs) as well as IHLs, defined via magnetic resonance spectroscopy, were measured within an euthyroid subgroup without significant alcohol consumption at baseline (n = 332) and after 12 months (n = 243). A ratio of T3/T4 was used to assess whole-body deiodinase activity. Estimates of glucose and lipid metabolism were analyzed. Results Only fT3 and T3/T4 ratios showed a significant positive correlation with IHL at baseline. We observed a significant decline in fT3, T3, fT3/fT4 ratio, and T3/T4 ratio in CG and IG after 12 months without significant differences between groups. TSH, fT4, and T4 remained stable. A larger improvement of IHL during dietary intervention was seen in those subjects with a lower decline in T3 concentrations. Conclusions Altered TH balance indicates a possible compensatory upregulation of whole-body TH activity in subjects with increased liver fat. This might be also relevant during the improvement of hepatic steatosis.
Development and Characterization of Biodegradable Polyurethane-Urea-Based Hydrogels for the Prevention of Postoperative Peritoneal Adhesions
2024-07-25

Postoperative peritoneal adhesions occur after more than 60% of abdominal surgeries and can cause severe long-term side effects, such as chronic pain, infertility, and intestinal obstructions. However, currently available products for adhesion prophylaxis often lack efficiency or are too heavy to handle. Hydrogels are promising materials to be used for adhesion prevention as they show good mechanical stability and biocompatibility. Herein, we present a novel two-component sprayable, biodegradable, fast-curing, and shape-adaptive polyurethane urea (PUU) hydrogel system and the establishment of a full characterization approach to investigate its suitability for adhesion prophylaxis according to predefined chemical, mechanical, and biological criteria. We demonstrate that this PUU hydrogel system exhibits a fast-curing behavior, is resilient toward mechanical forces, is biocompatible, and reveals a degradation behavior within a desired time frame to reliably avoid the formation of adhesions. In addition, the PUU hydrogel system functions as an effective barrier for invading cells <i>in vitro</i>. Overall, we propose a guideline for the development and <i>in vitro</i> characterization of synthetic hydrogels for application in minimally invasive adhesion prophylaxis.
Non-linear media in weakly curved spacetime: optical solitons and probe pulses for gravimetry
2024-07-25

Abstract That light propagating in a gravitational field gets frequency-shifted is one of the basic consequences of any metric theory of gravity rooted in the equivalence principle. At the same time, also a time dependent material’s refractive index can frequency-shift light propagating in it. The mathematical analogy between the two effects is such that the latter has been used to study the optical analogue of a black-hole spacetime. Here, we combine these two effects by showing that light propagation in non-linear media in the presence of a moving refractive index perturbation can lead to a gravity-dependent blueshift. We find that the predicted blueshift surpasses the gravitational redshift even if the medium is considered to be perfectly stiff. In realistic scenarios, by far the strongest frequency shift arises due to the deformation of the dielectric medium and the corresponding photoelastic change of refractive index. This has the potential to facilitate optical sensing of small gravity gradients.
The importance of cultural understanding and practical solutions during the handover of a psychotherapy and psychotraumatology program in Northern Iraq into local hands
2024-07-25

In post war regions, especially in low-income countries, the health care systems often require immediate support. For example, after the terror of the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in 2014, many internally displaced persons took refuge in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Those displaced by war have had to face the reality that psychotherapy did not exist as a service in the Kurdish health system. Many projects and Non-Government-Organizations (NGOs) that work in post-conflict regions focus on short term and quick response and/or basic psychological services. The implementation of the “Institute for Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology” (IPP) at the University of Dohuk, follows a long-term approach. The 3-year-program teaches students to become professional psychotherapists, with respect to evidence-based and culturally adapted methods of psychotherapy. To achieve sustainability, the project is working towards handing over the teaching and organizational responsibilities into local hands. This article highlights the chances and challenges during this transition, as well as the importance of cultural understanding and realistic, practical solutions. An honest reflection on existing cultural challenges, e.g. inflexible hierarchical structures or an “old-fashioned” religious view of homosexuality, can then lead to practical solutions. These include winning over local authorities by including them in the process, culturally adapting to customs with the help of educated locals, demonstrating non-authoritarian forms of leadership, and explicitly promoting newly graduated young lecturers into positions of authority.
Motivation and success factors in radiological research in Germany – results of a survey by the Methodology and Research Working Group of the German Radiological Society
2024-07-25

Abstract Investigation of motivation and identification of success factors in radiology research in Germany. Using a German online survey (54 questions, period: 3.5 months), demographic aspects, intrinsic and extrinsic success characteristics, as well as personal and organizational success factors were surveyed based on a career success model. The survey results were reported descriptively. The correlations between success factors and success characteristics were examined using linear, binary-logistic, and multinomial regression models. 176 people (164 academically active, 10 not academically active) answered the survey. Most participants (80%, 139/174) worked at a university hospital. 32% had privatdozent or professor as their highest academic title (56/173). The researchers' main motivation was intrinsic interest in research (55%, 89/163), followed by a desire to increase their own career opportunities (25%, 41/163). The following were identified as factors for intrinsic success: i) support from department management (estimate=β=0.26, p&lt;0.001), ii) good work-life balance (β=0.37, p&lt;0.001), and iii) the willingness to pursue science even after reaching the career goal (β=0.16, p&lt;0.016). Relevant factors for extrinsic scientific success were mentoring, protected research time, and activities in professional societies. Researchers in German radiology are mainly intrinsically motivated. Factors known from the literature that determine intrinsic and extrinsic scientific success were confirmed in this study. Knowledge of these factors allows targeted systematic support and could thus increase scientific success in German radiology.
Participatory Development of Evidence-Based Patient Narrative Videos for Patients with Eating Disorders: A Methodological Approach and Pilot Data
2024-07-25

<title>Abstract</title> Background Patient narratives can best be defined as personal stories of persons previously or currently affected by a physical or mental health disorder. The collaborative development and implementation of such narratives reflects a participatory approach between researchers, patients, and members of the public towards the development of new interventions. Patient narratives can foster feelings of support and belonging, as well as increase hope and motivation towards recovery. Aims of this pilot study were (a) the collaborative development of a series of evidence-based patient narrative videos about eating disorders, (b) their evaluation with a group of healthy participants, and (c) to provide a reproducible documentation of this methodological approach. Method A multi-stage participatory process was used including a) a systematic review, b) focus groups with affected persons, c) the participatory narrative development, and d) a pilot study with healthy participants. A former and currently recovered patient was recruited as a lived experience representative, while a psychotherapist provided the same information from a professional perspective. Control group videos featured the lived experience representative discussing a somatic condition unrelated to eating disorders (i.e., torn knee ligament). Two videos were created for each perspective with varying degrees of emotionality of the content. Healthy participants were recruited to view and assess the videos for their authenticity, empathy, and usefulness. Results Nineteen female participants were recruited for the pilot study. All videos received positive ratings, however, participants rated videos in which the lived experience representative discussed her eating disorder as significantly more authentic than the control group videos, as well as significantly more empathic, useful, and better overall than the psychotherapist and control group videos. Participants further indicated a clear preference for videos with higher emotionality, regardless of which perspective or disorder was being presented. Discussion The use of patient narratives for eating disorders is a relatively new methodological approach. This paper provides one example of how evidence-based patient narratives can be constructed. The patient narratives created in this study received positive feedback from healthy participants and are currently being tested in a 4-arm randomised controlled pilot study with patients affected by eating disorders.
Cortico-subcortical dynamics in primate working memory
2024-07-25

Working memory is essential for cognition, facilitating the temporary maintenance and manipulation of information to produce goal-directed behavior. While both cortical and subcortical structures are involved, their precise roles and interactions are not fully understood. To investigate this, we simultaneously recorded neural activity from the frontal and parietal cortex, higher-order thalamic nuclei, and core basal ganglia structures during color and spatial working memory tasks in non-human primates. We found widespread yet differential encoding of color and spatial information, marked by area-specific temporal dynamics and modulation according to task demands. Both cortical and subcortical information increased towards working memory-dependent actions, suggesting a task-specific reloading of information. Directed interactions between cortical and subcortical regions were extensive and reciprocal, with dominant directions of information flow, especially from frontoparietal areas. These interactions were dynamically modulated and partially task specific. Our findings provide comprehensive insights into the large-scale circuit dynamics underlying primate working memory and suggest that flexible goal-directed behavior relies on the selective processing of task-relevant memory information within information-specific cortico-subcortical networks.
ESD Ideas: Near real-time preliminary detection of carbon dioxide source and sink areas using a Laplacian filter
2024-07-25

Abstract. The constant rise in atmospheric CO2 concentrations is warming the planet and causing climate change. Here, we detect ecosystem areas with weighty changes in the CO2 concentration using digital filtration, similar to image processing techniques, to identify terrestrial CO2 sources and sinks. This approach may improve CO2 monitoring capabilities and enable near real-time detection of CO2 sources and sinks.
The fable of state self-control
2024-07-26

Trait self-control is highly valued, often equated with moral righteousness and associated with numerous positive life outcomes. This paper challenges the conventional conflation of trait self-control and state self-control. We suggest that while trait self-control is consistently linked to success, state self-control is not the causal mechanism driving these benefits. Trait self-control, sometimes also referred to as conscientiousness, grit, and the ability to delay gratification, predicts better health, wealth, and academic achievement. Conventional wisdom has it that people high in trait self-control reap all these benefits because they engage in more state self-control, defined as the momentary act of resolving conflict between goals and fleeting desires. Despite its intuitive appeal, there are problems with extolling state self-control because of our love for trait self-control. First, empirical evidence suggests that individuals high in trait self-control do not engage in more state self-control but engage it less. Second, changes to state self-control do not reliably and sustainably improve people's outcomes, as least in the long-term. And third, despite the possibility of dramatic improvements in trait self-control, these improvements are often short lived, with people returning to their baseline trait level over longer time horizons. The roots of this problem are numerous: Imprecise and inaccurate naming of our constructs that lead to construct drift and contamination; ignoring the numerous other facets of conscientiousness like orderliness or industriousness; and not appreciating that traits are sometimes not reducible to states. We suggest that the celebrated benefits of trait self-control arise from mechanisms beyond state self-control and highlight the need for a broader conceptualization of self-control in psychological research and practical interventions.
Built Environment Effect on Metro Ridership in Metropolitan Area of Valparaíso, Chile, under Different Influence Area Approaches
2024-07-26

The growing relevance of promoting a transition of urban mobility toward more sustainable modes of transport is leading to efforts to understand the effects of the built environment on the use of railway systems. In this direction, there are challenges regarding the creation of coherence between the locations of metro stations and their surroundings, which has been explored extensively in the academic community. This process is called Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). Within the context of Latin America, this study seeks to assess the influence of the built environment on the metro ridership in the metropolitan area of Valparaíso, Chile, testing two approaches of influence area definition, one of which is a fixed distance from the stations, and the other is based on the origin and destination survey of the study area. The analysis is based on Ordinary Least Squares regression (OLS) to identify the factors from the built environment, which affects the metro’s ridership. Results show that the models based on the area of influence defined through the use of the origin and destination survey explain the metro ridership better. Moreover, this study reveals that the metro system in Greater Valparaíso was not planned in harmony with urban development. The models demonstrate an inverse effect of the built environment on ridership, contrasting with the expected outcomes of a metro station designed following a Transit-Oriented Development approach.
A Macrocyclic Hybrid PET/MRI Probe for Quantitative Perfusion Imaging In Vivo
2024-07-26

Abstract Perfusion dynamics play a vital role in delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to tissues while removing metabolic waste products. Imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) use contrast agents to visualize perfusion and clearance patterns; however, each technique has specific limitations. Hybrid PET/MRI combines the quantitative power and sensitivity of PET with the high functional and anatomical detail of MRI and holds great promise for precision in molecular imaging. However, the development of dual PET/MRI probes has been hampered by challenging synthesis and radiolabeling. Here, we present a novel PET/MRI probe, [ 18 F][Gd( FL 1 )], which exhibits excellent stability comparable to macrocyclic MRI contrast agents used in clinical practice. The unique molecular design of [ 18 F][Gd( FL 1 )] allows selective and expeditious radiolabeling of the gadolinium chelate in the final synthetic step. Leveraging the strengths of MRI and PET signals, the probe enables quantitative in vivo mapping of perfusion and excretion dynamics through an innovative voxel‐based analysis. The diagnostic capabilities of [ 18 F][Gd( FL 1 )] were demonstrated in a pilot study on healthy mice, successfully detecting early cases of unilateral renal dysfunction, a condition that is typically challenging to diagnose. This study introduces a new approach for PET/MRI and emphasizes a streamlined probe design for practical synthesis and improved diagnostic accuracy.
nf-core/airrflow: An adaptive immune receptor repertoire analysis workflow employing the Immcantation framework
2024-07-26

Adaptive Immune Receptor Repertoire sequencing (AIRR-seq) is a valuable experimental tool to study the immune state in health and following immune challenges such as infectious diseases, (auto)immune diseases, and cancer. Several tools have been developed to reconstruct B cell and T cell receptor sequences from AIRR-seq data and infer B and T cell clonal relationships. However, currently available tools offer limited parallelization across samples, scalability or portability to high-performance computing infrastructures. To address this need, we developed nf-core/airrflow, an end-to-end bulk and single-cell AIRR-seq processing workflow which integrates the Immcantation Framework following BCR and TCR sequencing data analysis best practices. The Immcantation Framework is a comprehensive toolset, which allows the processing of bulk and single-cell AIRR-seq data from raw read processing to clonal inference. nf-core/airrflow is written in Nextflow and is part of the nf-core project, which collects community contributed and curated Nextflow workflows for a wide variety of analysis tasks. We assessed the performance of nf-core/airrflow on simulated sequencing data with sequencing errors and show example results with real datasets. To demonstrate the applicability of nf-core/airrflow to the high-throughput processing of large AIRR-seq datasets, we validated and extended previously reported findings of convergent antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 by analyzing 97 COVID-19 infected individuals and 99 healthy controls, including a mixture of bulk and single-cell sequencing datasets. Using this dataset, we extended the convergence findings to 20 additional subjects, highlighting the applicability of nf-core/airrflow to validate findings in small in-house cohorts with reanalysis of large publicly available AIRR datasets.
Risk factors for nonidiopathic and idiopathic facial nerve palsies: findings of a retrospective study
2024-07-26

Abstract Background Idiopathic (IF) and nonidiopathic facial (NIF) nerve palsies are the most common forms of peripheral facial nerve palsies. Various risk factors for IF palsies, such as weather, have been explored, but such associations are sparse for NIF palsies, and it remains unclear whether certain diagnostic procedures, such as contrast agent-enhanced cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI), are helpful in the differential diagnosis of NIF vs. IF. Methods In this retrospective, monocentric study over a five-year period, the medical reports of 343 patients with peripheral facial nerve palsy were analysed based on aetiology, sociodemographic factors, cardiovascular risk factors, consultation time, diagnostic procedures such as cMRI, and laboratory results. We also investigated whether weather conditions and German Google Trends data were associated with the occurrence of NIF. To assess the importance of doctors’ clinical opinions, the documented anamneses and clinical examination reports were presented and rated in a blinded fashion by five neurology residents to assess the likelihood of NIF. Results A total of 254 patients (74%) had IF, and 89 patients (26%) had NIF. The most common aetiology among the NIF patients was the varicella zoster virus (VZV, 45%). Among the factors analysed, efflorescence (odds ratio (OR) 17.3) and rater agreement (OR 5.3) had the highest associations with NIF. The day of consultation (Friday, OR 3.6) and the cMRI findings of contrast enhancement of the facial nerve (OR 2.3) were also risk factors associated with NIF. In contrast, the local weather, Google Trends data, and cardiovascular risk factors were not associated with NIF. Conclusion The findings of this retrospective study highlight the importance of patient history and careful inspections to identify skin lesions for the differential diagnosis of acute facial nerve palsy. Special caution is advised for hospital physicians during the tick season, as a surge in NIF cases can lead to a concomitant increase in IF cases, making it challenging to choose adequate diagnostic methods.
Can Delta Radiomics Improve the Prediction of Best Overall Response, Progression-Free Survival, and Overall Survival of Melanoma Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors?
2024-07-26

Background: The prevalence of metastatic melanoma is increasing, necessitating the identification of patients who do not benefit from immunotherapy. This study aimed to develop a radiomic biomarker based on the segmentation of all metastases at baseline and the first follow-up CT for the endpoints best overall response (BOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS), encompassing various immunotherapies. Additionally, this study investigated whether reducing the number of segmented metastases per patient affects predictive capacity. Methods: The total tumour load, excluding cerebral metastases, from 146 baseline and 146 first follow-up CTs of melanoma patients treated with first-line immunotherapy was volumetrically segmented. Twenty-one random forest models were trained and compared for the endpoints BOR; PFS at 6, 9, and 12 months; and OS at 6, 9, and 12 months, using as input either only clinical parameters, whole-tumour-load delta radiomics plus clinical parameters, or delta radiomics from the largest ten metastases plus clinical parameters. Results: The whole-tumour-load delta radiomics model performed best for BOR (AUC 0.81); PFS at 6, 9, and 12 months (AUC 0.82, 0.80, and 0.77); and OS at 6 months (AUC 0.74). The model using delta radiomics from the largest ten metastases performed best for OS at 9 and 12 months (AUC 0.71 and 0.75). Although the radiomic models were numerically superior to the clinical model, statistical significance was not reached. Conclusions: The findings indicate that delta radiomics may offer additional value for predicting BOR, PFS, and OS in metastatic melanoma patients undergoing first-line immunotherapy. Despite its complexity, volumetric whole-tumour-load segmentation could be advantageous.