Showing papers by "University of Ottawa published in 2022"
TL;DR: The Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) statement, published in 2013, was created to ensure health economic evaluations are identifiable, interpretable, and useful for decision making as mentioned in this paper .
117 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a novel reinforcement learning (RL)-based control approach that uses a combination of a deep Q-learning (DQL) algorithm and a metaheuristic Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) is employed to initialize the weights and the biases of the Neural Network (NN) involved in DQL in order to avoid the instability.
79 citations
TL;DR: The Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) statement as discussed by the authors was created to ensure health economic evaluations are identifiable, interpretable, and useful for decision making, and was intended as guidance to help authors report accurately which health interventions were being compared and in what context, how the evaluation was undertaken, what the findings were, and other details that may aid readers and reviewers in interpretation and use of the study.
Abstract: Health economic evaluations are comparative analyses of alternative courses of action in terms of their costs and consequences. The Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) statement, published in 2013, was created to ensure health economic evaluations are identifiable, interpretable, and useful for decision making. It was intended as guidance to help authors report accurately which health interventions were being compared and in what context, how the evaluation was undertaken, what the findings were, and other details that may aid readers and reviewers in interpretation and use of the study. The new CHEERS 2022 statement replaces previous CHEERS reporting guidance. It reflects the need for guidance that can be more easily applied to all types of health economic evaluation, new methods and developments in the field, as well as the increased role of stakeholder involvement including patients and the public. It is also broadly applicable to any form of intervention intended to improve the health of individuals or the population, whether simple or complex, and without regard to context (such as health care, public health, education, social care, etc.). This summary article presents the new CHEERS 2022 28-item checklist and recommendations for each item. The CHEERS 2022 statement is primarily intended for researchers reporting economic evaluations for peer-reviewed journals, as well as the peer reviewers and editors assessing them for publication. However, we anticipate familiarity with reporting requirements will be useful for analysts when planning studies. It may also be useful for health technology assessment bodies seeking guidance on reporting, as there is an increasing emphasis on transparency in decision making.
40 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the authors present an overview of several key technologies, significance, demonstration, recent development, and implications of state-of-the-art criteria in terms of spectrum reuse, classification, architecture, physical layer security, and future applications for understanding FSO system among different appealing optical wireless technologies.
34 citations
TL;DR: Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir Efficacy as mentioned in this paper is an orally administered antiviral agent inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 3-chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease enzyme (Mpro), also referred to as nsp5 protease, which renders the protein incapable of processing polyprotein precursors and prevents viral replication.
Abstract: Introduction As of December 2021, 18.2 million have died globally from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and millions more suffer from longer-term consequences (1). Morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 is higher in patients who are immunocompromised, including those with advanced CKD (stages 4 and 5) and those with kidney failure. Even after propensity-score matching for the higher comorbid disease burden, a higher risk for hospitalization (risk ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 1.9) and mortality (risk ratio, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 2.0) in severe CKD was reported (2). Although case fatality rates for patients on dialysis have fallen in recent waves and with vaccination, they remain markedly higher than those in the general population (3). While vaccines for COVID-19, particularly the mRNA vaccines, have reduced the severity and transmissibility of COVID-19, their effectiveness is attenuated in dialysis and transplant populations. Estimates of early antibody response in patients on dialysis were 89% relative to healthy controls, conferring incomplete protection that wanes over time (4). For kidney transplant recipients, antibody response was only 35% with small increments to repeat vaccination (4,5). For newer variants (such as omicron), higher antibody titers are required for viral neutralization, and vaccination alone will not provide sufficient protection against infection and severe outcomes in patients on dialysis and transplant patients (6). Patients with advanced CKD, patients receiving dialysis, and kidney transplant recipients are frequently excluded from clinical trials evaluating new drugs. This phenomenon, coined “renalism,” recurred with COVID-19. A review of trial registries reported that 218 of 484 COVID-19 trials (45%) excluded patients with CKD (7). Studies evaluating nirmatrelvir/ritonavir have similarly excluded patients with advanced CKD, despite the relevance to this population. Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, however, has pharmacology and toxicity data that can provide a basis for its use in advanced CKD (8). Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir Efficacy Nirmatrelvir is an orally administered antiviral agent inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 3-chymotrypsin–like cysteine protease enzyme (Mpro), also referred to as 3C-like protease or nsp5 protease, which renders the protein incapable of processing polyprotein precursors and prevents viral replication. The Evaluation of Protease Inhibition for COVID-19 in High-Risk Patients (EPIC-HR) trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir in nonhospitalized adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 at high risk for progression to severe disease (9). Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir was initiated at a dose of 300 mg of nirmatrelvir plus 100 mg of ritonavir every 12 hours for 5 days within 5 days of symptom onset. The incidence of COVID-19–related hospitalization or death by day 28 was 89% lower in the nirmatrelvir group than in the placebo group. There were 13 deaths, all in the placebo group. On this basis, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is indicated for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 (i.e., for outpatient treatment) in adults with positive SARS-CoV-2 viral testing, and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. Patients with advanced CKD are at such high risk, but were excluded from this trial, and there are theoretical concerns about drug accumulation and safety in these patients. For these reasons, the product monograph states that it is “not recommended” for those with an eGFR of <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Pharmacology of Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir Nirmatrelvir is coadministered with a low dose (100 mg) of ritonavir, which acts as a pharmacokinetic enhancer. Ritonavir is a CYP3A4 inhibitor and enhances nirmatrelvir’s bioavailability, allowing required therapeutic concentrations to be achieved. In preclinical studies, the concentration threshold that correlated with efficacy was 181 nM (292 ng/ml) (8). Hence, the desired dose of nirmatrelvir is that which maintains a trough level above this, and led to the 300-mg dose chosen in the EPIC-HR trial. Nirmatrelvir has a molecular mass of 499.5 D, 35% is approximately excreted by the kidneys, and it is 70% protein bound. Ritonavir is mostly hepatically metabolized and is 99% protein bound. Thus, nirmatrelvir is expected to accumulate with decreasing kidney function. In a phase 2 study (C4671005) of eight patients with serious kidney impairment (eGFR <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2, not on dialysis), the mean concentration at 24 hours was 694.2 ng/ml after a single dose of 100 mg nirmatrelvir (more than two times the required 292 ng/ml). Adverse Effects of Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir From animal data, no adverse effects were observed at 1000 mg/kg per day, which correspond to an exposure approximately eight times higher than the recommended human dose (8). Nirmatrelvir-related adverse events after repeated dosing in monkeys at up to 600 mg/kg per day were limited to emesis, increased fibrinogen, and increased transaminases, which completely reversed within 2 weeks. In the EPIC-HR trial, serious adverse events were lower with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (2%) compared with placebo (7%) (9). Adverse events reported by >1% of the participants were dysgeusia, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, and fever. In the phase 2 study with eGFR <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2, two of eight patients (25%) reported dysgeusia and dry mouth compared with none in the other arms with higher kidney function (8). Overall, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir has a favorable safety profile, with no evidence of dose-dependent toxicity. Rationale for Dosing in Patients with CKD and Those on Dialysis A single dose of 100 mg nirmatrelvir inhibited Mpro enzymatic activity at 24 hours in patients with an eGFR of <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Hemodialysis will clear a clinically insignificant amount of nirmatrelvir, on the basis of what is known about its molecular size, protein binding, and volume of distribution. The safety profile of nirmatrelvir is favorable, with few serious adverse effects, and the animal data are not indicative of dose-dependent toxicity. Nirmatrelvir is currently formulated as a 150-mg tablet and dosed at 300 mg along with 100 mg ritonavir twice a day for patients with normal kidney function, and at 150 mg with 100 mg ritonavir twice a day in those with an eGFR of 30–60 ml/min per 1.73 m2. A dose of 300 mg nirmatrelvir (with 100 mg ritonavir) on day 1, followed by 150 mg nirmatrelvir (with 100 mg ritonavir) administered daily, given after hemodialysis on dialysis days, should provide effective blood concentrations for enzyme inhibition (see Box 1). Minimal drug accumulation is expected on the basis of the short duration of therapy and single-dose pharmacokinetics. A lower dose of 150 mg every 48 hours could be considered for patients weighing <40 kg.Box 1.: Dosing guidance for nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in advanced CKD.Drug interactions are important because ritonavir is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor and an inducer of other cytochrome p450 enzymes. Commonly used drugs in patients with CKD with important drug interactions include statins, calcium channel blockers, and direct-acting oral anticoagulants (see Box 1). These interactions are not always a contraindication to therapy and are mitigated by temporarily suspending or reducing the doses of CYP3A4-metabolized drugs. Support from pharmacists will help identify appropriate, temporary changes in treatments. A small case series using this modified lower dose of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in 15 patients on dialysis who had COVID-19 reported rapid symptom resolution, with no safety signal, and highlighted the need to review drug interactions that were common in this population (P.A. Brown et al., unpublished observations). Rationale for Dosing in Kidney Transplant Recipients In patients with a kidney transplant, drug-drug interactions are an additional concern. The inhibition of drug metabolism due to ritonavir can result in extremely toxic levels (ten-fold higher) of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) and prolonged t1/2. To a lesser extent, levels of mycophenolic acid and sirolimus may also be affected. Even with an eGFR of >30 ml/min per 1.73 m2, CNIs must be held or decreased, and close monitoring of CNI levels is required after therapy is complete to also avoid low CNI levels. The American Society of Transplantation also provided guidance on use of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in kidney transplant recipients with an eGFR of >30 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (see 10). Use in patients with an eGFR of <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2 should be considered cautiously in consultation with experienced teams, including infectious disease and pharmacy. Although not discussed separately here, similar considerations should also apply to patients with CKD due to glomerulonephritis receiving these immunosuppressive drugs. Conclusion The use of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir has been shown to be particularly effective in disarming SARS-CoV-2, especially in high-risk populations. Despite a relative dearth of data for the use and dosing of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in patients with advanced CKD and those with a kidney transplant, these patients are at particularly high risk for COVID-19 morbidity and mortality and should not be excluded from therapy simply because of lack of data. We suggest patients with advanced CKD (eGFR <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2) and those receiving dialysis who contract COVID-19 be offered the low-dose nirmatrelvir/ritonavir regimens. This should be preceded by a discussion between the prescribing physician and the patient about the potential risks and benefits of the treatment, including alternative therapies. Special care must be taken with patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies, especially those with a kidney transplant, because drug-drug interactions can seriously affect the t1/2s of commonly used antirejection strategies. Disclosures C. Argyropoulos reports receiving research funding from Akebia and Alkahest, having consultancy agreements with Baxter, Bayer, Otsuka, and Quanta, and serving in an advisory or leadership role for Baxter Healthcare, Bayer, Health Services Advisory Group, and Quanta. P. Blake reports serving on the editorial board of American Journal of Nephrology, receiving honoraria from Baxter Global, and serving as medical director of Ontario Renal Network (this is a paid role). K.S. Brimble reports serving as provincial lead of Ontario Renal Network. P.A. Brown reports having consultancy agreements with Amgen Canada, AstraZeneca Canada, and Otsuka Canada, receiving honoraria from AstraZeneca Canada and Otsuka Canada, and receiving research funding from Otsuka Canada. Z. Chagla reports serving on a speakers bureau for Gilead and Pfizer, receiving research funding from Gilead and Roche, and having consultancy agreements with Pfizer. S. Hiremath receives research salary support from the Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa; reports serving on the editorial boards of American Journal of Hypertension, American Journal of Kidney Disease, and Canadian Journal of Cardiology; and serving on the board of directors for NephJC (not-for-profit educational entity). D. Juurlink reports receiving payment for lectures and medicolegal opinions regarding the safety and effectiveness of analgesics, including opioids, and serving as a member of Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing (a volunteer organization that seeks to reduce opioid-related harm through more cautious prescribing practices). M. McGuinty reports receiving research funding from VBI. All remaining authors have nothing to disclose. Funding None.
24 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors summarized and discussed the recent progress on vacancy-engineered bismuth-based semiconductors in photocatalysis, including fabrication methods, characterization approaches to detect the vacancies, and functions of vacancy in improving the photocatalytic activity in various applications.
22 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an allyl-rich triazine covalent organic framework (ART-COF) was used as the cathode host material for Li-S batteries.
21 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the effect of ambient air pollution on health outcomes, including hospitalization, mortality, respiratory, and circulatory health outcomes and found that sex-differences in effect of air pollution varied over health outcome, cause, season and time.
20 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the effects of EDCs across vertebrate species, including fish, anurans, birds, and mammals, is presented, and the potential mechanism(s) mediating such multigenerational and transgenerational effects are discussed.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , a review of macrophages' role in the development of atherosclerotic plaque is presented, and new concepts that are challenging our previous views on how macrophage function and our evolving understanding of the contribution of macophages to disease.
Abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for almost half of all deaths related to non-communicable disease worldwide, making it the single largest global cause of mortality. Although the risk factors for coronary artery disease — the most common cause of CVD — are well known and include hypertension, high cholesterol, age, and genetics, CVDs are now recognized as chronic inflammatory conditions. Arterial blockages, known as atherosclerosis, develop due to excess cholesterol accumulating within the arterial wall, creating a perpetually inflammatory state. The normally quiescent intimal layer of the vessel wall becomes laden with inflammatory cells, which alters the surrounding endothelial, smooth muscle, and extracellular matrix components to propagate disease. Macrophages, which can be either tissue resident or monocyte derived, are a key player in atherosclerotic disease progression and regression, and the understanding of their functions and origins continues to evolve with the use of deep phenotyping methodologies. This Review outlines how macrophages interact with each layer of the developing atherosclerotic plaque and discusses new concepts that are challenging our previous views on how macrophages function and our evolving understanding of the contribution of macrophages to disease.
18 citations
TL;DR: This article unravels health inequalities between the Adivasis and non-Adivasi populations in their social context based on a critical review of secondary sources and calls for intersectoral policies and integrated health care services to address systemic inequalities, discrimination, power asymmetries, and consequent poor health outcomes.
Abstract: Despite South Asia's promising social inclusion processes, staggering social and health inequalities leave indigenous populations largely excluded. Marginalization in the South Asian polity, unequal power relations, and poor policy responses deter Adivasi populations' rights and opportunities for health gains and dignity. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is likely to result in a disproportionate share of infections and deaths among the Adivasis, given poor social conditions and exclusions. Poor health of indigenous people, inequalities between indigenous and non-indigenous groups, and failures in enforcing constitutional and legal provisions to reclaim indigenous land and cultural identity herald deeper structural and political fractures. This article unravels health inequalities between the Adivasis and non-Adivasi populations in their social context based on a critical review of secondary sources. We call for intersectoral policies and integrated health care services to address systemic inequalities, discrimination, power asymmetries, and consequent poor health outcomes. The current COVID-19 pandemic should be viewed as a window to pursue real change.
TL;DR: In this article, a scoping review was conducted using seven literature databases to determine the applications of machine learning techniques used for the primary prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the level of support and predictive behavioral responses to a hypothetical NVP ban on non-tobacco flavors among regular adult vapers who only use flavors that would be banned.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors performed a bridge pier collar comparison for the purpose of reducing scour, while introducing a new collar design, referred to as Collar Prototype Number 3, which was designed based on an equilibrium scour hole and provided a method of controlling the horseshoe vortex.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used a large national cohort in Canada to assess the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stroke hospitalizations in association with long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3).
TL;DR: In this article, an efficient heterojunction photocatalyst, g-C3N4/ZnO (CNZn), was successfully produced by coupling graphitic carbon nitride with hierarchical zinc oxide nanoparticles using a facile wet-chemical strategy.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors compared the early and late treatment of full-thickness rotator cuff tears, and found that the early treatment performed better than the late treatment in most cases.
TL;DR: In this paper, the relative importance of geochemically diverse yet relevant Hg(II) species on Hg methylation in paddy soils across a Hg concentration gradient was investigated.
TL;DR: In this paper, a 3D ordered macroporous N-doped trimetal sulfides (3DOM N-Co 0.8Fe 0.1Ni0.1Sx) bifunctional catalyst has been developed.
TL;DR: In this paper , the effect of polycarboxylate ether-based superplasticizer (PES) on the mechanical strength of CPB made with different mix components (tailings, dosages of PES, cement and solids contents, tailings fineness, and water chemistry), and subjected to various curing conditions (stress-free, under stress, constant temperature, and nonisothermal temperatures).
Abstract: The utilization of water-reducing admixtures has become immensely popular in underground mine backfilling operations not only to enhance the workability of cemented paste backfill (CPB, a mine construction material), but also for their ability to enhance the mechanical strength and long-term durability of CPB. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a polycarboxylate ether-based superplasticizer (PES) on the mechanical strength of CPB made with different mix components (tailings, dosages of PES, cement and solids contents, tailings fineness, and water chemistry), and subjected to various curing conditions (stress-free, under stress, constant temperature, and non-isothermal temperatures). An extensive experimental program has been conducted to investigate the uniaxial compressive strength development, hydraulic (positive pore pressure, suction) and microstructural properties of CPB with PES. The results show that including PES in CPB mixtures significantly increases the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) as well as affects the microstructure and hydraulic properties of CPB. This UCS increase depends on the amount of PES added, type and fineness of the tailings, sulphate content, and curing time. After 7 days of curing, the UCS of the CPB increases as the dosage of the PES is increased. The CPB that contain PES and cured under stress exhibit a higher compressive strength after just 3 days of curing as compared to that without PES and cured under similar stress conditions. It is also found that curing CPB under non-isothermal conditions considerably increases the compressive strength and this increase is more significant with the presence of PES. These findings have significant impacts on the short- and long-term performances of CPB structures with PES and their associated economic implications for underground mine backfilling operations.
TL;DR: Li et al. as discussed by the authors designed a cobalt nanoparticles embedded N-doped carbon composite (Co-NC) decorated metallic tin with three-dimensionalally ordered macroporous (3DOM) structure to deal with the shuttle effect and sluggish conversion kinetics of the LiPS.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the nature of the politicization of knowledge and its consequences for conducting research in organizational research, drawing on an illustrative case from a PhD student's work.
Abstract: We examine an underaddressed issue in organizational research, the nature of the politicization of knowledge and its consequences for conducting research. Drawing on an illustrative case from a PhD...
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors proposed to recontextualize epileptogenesis as a process where reduction in cellular heterogeneity, in part, renders neural circuits less resilient to seizure-like transitions.
TL;DR: In this paper, a mixed methods research approach involving the New Zealand tourism and hospitality sector was used to examine whether collaborating with competitors (coopetition) enhances the market orientation and customer satisfaction performance relationship.
29 Apr 2022
TL;DR: Foragers engaged in large-scale communal hunts and constructed shared capital facilities; they made shared investments in improving the local environment; and they participated in warfare, formed enduring alliances, and established trading networks as discussed by the authors .
Abstract: We present evidence that people in small-scale mobile hunter-gatherer societies cooperated in large numbers to produce collective goods. Foragers engaged in large-scale communal hunts and constructed shared capital facilities; they made shared investments in improving the local environment; and they participated in warfare, formed enduring alliances, and established trading networks. Large-scale collective action often played a crucial role in subsistence. The provision of public goods involved the cooperation of many individuals, so each person made only a small contribution. This evidence suggests that large-scale cooperation occurred in the Pleistocene societies that encompass most of human evolutionary history, and therefore it is unlikely that large-scale cooperation in Holocene food producing societies results from an evolved psychology shaped only in small-group interactions. Instead, large-scale human cooperation needs to be explained as an adaptation, likely rooted in distinctive features of human biology, grammatical language, increased cognitive ability, and cumulative cultural adaptation.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used positron emission tomography (PET) of the monoamine oxidase (MAO)-B probe to test the hypothesis that levels of MAO-B, an index of astrocyte levels is decreased in PTSD.
TL;DR: The Ontario COVID-19 OAT Treatment Guidance document was developed to facilitate access to OAT and continuity of care during the pandemic, while supporting physical distancing measures as mentioned in this paper .
TL;DR: In this article, a mouse liver wrappER, a distinct endoplasmic reticulum (ER) compartment with apparent fatty acid-and VLDL-secretion functions, connects peroxisomes and mitochondria.
Abstract: Hepatic lipid homeostasis depends on intracellular pathways that respire fatty acid in peroxisomes and mitochondria, and on systemic pathways that secrete fatty acid into the bloodstream, either free or condensed in very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglycerides. These systemic and intracellular pathways are interdependent, but it is unclear whether and how they integrate into a single cellular circuit. Here, we report that mouse liver wrappER, a distinct endoplasmic reticulum (ER) compartment with apparent fatty acid- and VLDL-secretion functions, connects peroxisomes and mitochondria. Correlative light electron microscopy, quantitative serial section electron tomography and three-dimensional organelle reconstruction analysis show that the number of peroxisome-wrappER-mitochondria complexes changes throughout fasting-to-feeding transitions and doubles when VLDL synthesis stops following acute genetic ablation of Mttp in the liver. Quantitative proteomic analysis of peroxisome-wrappER-mitochondria complex-enriched fractions indicates that the loss of Mttp upregulates global fatty acid β-oxidation, thereby integrating the dynamics of this three-organelle association into hepatic fatty acid flux responses. Therefore, liver lipid homeostasis occurs through the convergence of systemic and intracellular fatty acid-elimination pathways in the peroxisome-wrappER-mitochondria complex.
01 Feb 2022
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors retrospectively analyzed the CBC at admission and discharge in schizophrenia inpatients classified as treatment-responsive, treatment-resistant, and ultra-treatment-resistant and found that persistent inflammation is a biological trait marker of treatment resistance in schizophrenia.
Abstract: Accumulating evidence suggests that the variable response to antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia reflects distinct biological subtypes. The pathophysiology of schizophrenia is associated with alteration in the immune system which can be measured with complete blood count (CBC) markers of systemic inflammation, including the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR). While previous research suggested a decrease in CBC inflammatory markers following treatment, it is unknown if treatment or response to treatment is associated with CBC markers in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Here, we retrospectively analyzed the CBC at admission and discharge in schizophrenia inpatients classified as treatment-responsive, treatment-resistant, and ultra-treatment-resistant. Despite similar NLR at admission, the subtypes manifested different changes in NLR during treatment resulting in significant differences at discharge. Only the treatment-responsive group presented a significant decrease in inflammatory markers after treatment. Additionally, we found that the responsive group had a higher PLR at admission and was the only subgroup to demonstrate a significant reduction following treatment. In sum, our results support the idea that persistent inflammation is a biological trait marker of treatment resistance in schizophrenia.