Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dissociable Roles of FEF Neurons in Initiating Saccades

The frontal eye field (FEF) plays a key role in initiating saccades. To explain how single neurons in this region may enable the initiation of saccades, Jeffery Schall proposed the “variable rate model” (Hanes and Schall, 1996) which assumes that the discharge of a neuron must reach a fixed activation threshold for a saccade to be evoked. However, the validity of this model has been questioned as results from later work testing saccades in different behavioral contexts seemed to require the assumption of variable thresholds. Moreover, even when sticking to the original behavioral context, not all types of frontal eye field neurons seemed to behave according to a variable rate model. In an attempt to reconsider the viability of the variable rate model avoiding limitations of previous research, we studied single neurons recorded from the FEF of two rhesus monkeys while they performed a memory-guided saccade task. We evaluated the degree to which each type of FEF neurons complied with the variable rate model by quantifying how precisely their discharge predicted an imminent saccade based on their immediate presaccadic activity. In addition, we asked whether there might be a hierarchical relation between visuomotor and motor neurons with only the latter responsible for the release of saccades and therefore satisfying the assumption of the variable rate model. We show that decoders trained on single motor neurons’ presaccadic activity performed better than decoders trained on visuomotor neurons in predicting an imminent saccade, in line with the assumption of a top position in a putative processing hierarchy. While this position might have suggested significant resilience to perturbation of the visual input to the FEF, we found quite the opposite that motor neurons but not visuomotor neurons were susceptible to perturbation. As a matter of fact, they lost the ability to predict the initiation of a saccade based on their immediate pressacadic discharge rate. Our results support the notion that motor neurons and visuomotor neurons have dissociable functions in information processing for saccades with motor neurons more closely related to saccade initiation, in line with the tenets of the variable rate model. Yet, they also clearly indicate that even these supposedly top layer neurons exhibit an unexpected degree of dependence on afferent input questions the viability of the assumption of a simple processing hierarchy.
Implant supported partial overdenture in esthetic zone (preliminary report)

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the implant-supported removable partial denture in the aesthetic zone with different attachments regarding the patient’s opinion, and health of soft and hard tissue related to the implants. Materials and Methods: Eight subjects missing four/five maxillary anterior teeth were enrolled for this work in two groups according to the attachment used. Each patient had a removable prosthesis with attachment (positioner and ball) on two implants. Visual analog scale (VAS), marginal bone level, gingival index (GI), implant stability, and peri-implant propping depth (PD) were evaluated for all subjects in a scheduled 6 and 12 months follow-up. Results: VAS showed a significant difference indicating better patient acceptance to the implant-supported prosthesis and improved quality of life. No implant failure was recorded, and a mean marginal bone loss was 0.66±0.10 in group A and 0.70 ± 0.09 in group B. No statistically significant difference between groups in all study periods for gingival probing depth (PD) and implant stability. The gingival index (GI) showed a significant difference in ball attachment group B in the 12 months period. Conclusion: Within the limitation of this work, the removable partial overdenture can be used (when indicated) in the anterior region with anticipated success independent of the type of attachments
Possible Functional Roles of Patellamides in the Ascidian-Prochloron Symbiosis

Patellamides are highly bioactive compounds found along with other cyanobactins in the symbiosis between didemnid ascidians and the enigmatic cyanobacterium Prochloron. The biosynthetic pathway of patellamide synthesis is well understood, the relevant operons have been identified in the Prochloron genome and genes involved in patellamide synthesis are among the most highly transcribed cyanobacterial genes in hospite. However, a more detailed study of the in vivo dynamics of patellamides and their function in the ascidian-Prochloron symbiosis is complicated by the fact that Prochloron remains uncultivated despite numerous attempts since its discovery in 1975. A major challenge is to account for the highly dynamic microenvironmental conditions experienced by Prochloron in hospite, where light-dark cycles drive rapid shifts between hyperoxia and anoxia as well as pH variations from pH ~6 to ~10. Recently, work on patellamide analogues has pointed out a range of different catalytic functions of patellamide that could prove essential for the ascidian-Prochloron symbiosis and could be modulated by the strong microenvironmental dynamics. Here, we review fundamental properties of patellamides and their occurrence and dynamics in vitro and in vivo. We discuss possible functions of patellamides in the ascidian-Prochloron symbiosis and identify important knowledge gaps and needs for further experimental studies.
Oral Health Status of Elderly Living in Residential Homes at Damanhour City, Egypt

Background: Oral health is essential to overall health of older adults and their quality of life. Objective: the aim of this study was to assess the oral health status of elderly living in residential homes at Damanhour City, Egypt. Setting: The study was conducted at the available governmental residential home in Damanhour City. Subjects: all available elders age 60 years and above, accepted to participate in the study and residing in the previously mentioned setting. Tools: data was collected using structured interview schedule, Oral Health Assessment Tool and a self-reported Oral Health Assessment Index. Results: The results revealed that the mean age of elders were 69.07 ±6.34 years, females constituted 44.0% and males were 56.0%. Oral health status was perceived as good by 26.2% of the male compared to 15.1% of females. Nearly three-quarters of males and 63.6% of females don't brush their teeth. Subsequently, 59.1% of males suffer from toothache versus 50.0% of females and 88.6% of the studied elders could not afford dental care service. Conclusion: The present study concluded that the majority of elders had poor oral health status because of their lack of access and utilization of dental care services; consequently there is high percentage of dental problems. Recommendations: The study recommended that developing appropriate and effective oro-dental health care programs oriented to this age group is an essential requirement.
Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors against Advanced or Metastatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are relatively rare neoplasms, but their incidence is rising. Despite the recent understanding of and advances in the treatment of NENs, the clinical outcomes of patients with NENs, especially high-grade NENs, are poor. This meta-analysis was conducted to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with advanced or metastatic NENs. In 10 studies with 464 patients, the pooled overall response rate was 15.5% (95% confidence interval, 9.5–24.3%), but the response differed according to the primary tumor site, tumor differentiation, and drug regimen. Poorly differentiated NENs consistently showed a better overall response rate than well-differentiated NENs in multiple sensitivity analyses, suggesting that different expression of immune checkpoints and tumor mutational burden may influence the treatment efficacy of ICIs for advanced or metastatic NENs. The variation in treatment efficacy of ICIs according to tumor differentiation and drug regimen should be considered for patient-tailored management. Abstract We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the treatment efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in advanced/metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched to identify studies that provide data on treatment response and/or survival outcomes of advanced/metastatic NEN patients treated with ICIs. The overall response rate (ORR) was pooled using a random-effects model. Meta-regression was performed to explore factors influencing the ORR. Individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis of survival was performed using stratified Cox regression. Ten studies (464 patients) were included. The overall pooled ORR was 15.5% (95% confidence interval (CI), 9.5–24.3%), and it varied according to the primary site (thoracic, 24.7%; gastro–entero–pancreatic, 9.5%), tumor differentiation (poorly differentiated, 22.7%; well-differentiated, 10.4%), and drug regimen (combination, 25.3%; monotherapy, 10.1%). All these variables significantly influenced the ORR. Tumor differentiation was associated with both overall survival and progression-free survival (hazard ratio of poorly differentiated tumors, 4.2 (95% CI, 2.0–8.7) and 2.6 (95% CI, 1.6–4.4), respectively). Thus, the treatment efficacy of ICIs for advanced/metastatic NENs varied according to primary site, tumor differentiation, and drug regimen. Poorly differentiated NENs showed a better ORR than well-differentiated NENs but had a negative impact on survival.
Efficacy of Stem Cells and Corticotomy on the Rate of Canine Retraction

Purpose:In this study we were aiming to determine and evaluate the efficacy of the stem cells and corticotomy on the rate of canine retraction. Materials and Methods: 22 patients from both genders were selected. The age range of the selected cases was (15-20 years). All patients were examined to fulfill the inclusion criteria. These patients were divided into two groups; control group and intervention group. Split mouth technique was adopted in the intervention group to minimize the variables. In the intervention group one side received piezocorticomy only, while the other side received piezocorticotomy and stem cells. In control group conventional orthodontic canine retraction was carried out. To measure the rate of canine retraction; impression and casts were taken every one month till complete canine retraction. Casts were then digitally scanned and superimposed to digitally measure the rate of canine retraction. Results: Regarding maxilla the results showed no significant difference in the total rate of canine retraction of all comparative groups. Regarding mandible, the difference was significant higher between both stem cell and piezo groups in comparison to the control group. The canine retraction rate was higher in maxilla and mandible with stem cell injection than in the Piezo group of both arches; this difference in maxilla was in the first month of retraction only, but in mandible it was in the first two months. Conclusions: addition of stem cells to piezocorticotomy showed highest canine retraction rate in early months of retraction. Codex : 16/22.01 azhardentj@azhar.edu. eg http://adjg.journals. ekb.eg DOI: 10.21608/adjg.2021. 22651.1216 Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics ( Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics )
Quantitative Elasticity of Flexible Polymer Chains Using Interferometer-Based AFM

We estimate the elasticity of single polymer chains using atomic force microscope (AFM)-based oscillatory experiments. An accurate estimate of elasticity using AFM is limited by assumptions in describing the dynamics of an oscillating cantilever. Here, we use a home-built fiber-interferometry-based detection system that allows a simple and universal point-mass description of cantilever oscillations. By oscillating the cantilever base and detecting changes in cantilever oscillations with an interferometer, we extracted stiffness versus extension profiles for polymers. For polyethylene glycol (PEG) in a good solvent, stiffness–extension data showed significant deviation from conventional force–extension curves (FECs) measured in constant velocity pulling experiments. Furthermore, modeling stiffness data with an entropic worm-like chain (WLC) model yielded a persistence length of (0.5 ± 0.2 nm) compared to anomaly low value (0.12 nm ± 0.01) in conventional pulling experiments. This value also matched well with equilibrium measurements performed using magnetic tweezers. In contrast, polystyrene (PS) in a poor solvent, like water, showed no deviation between the two experiments. However, the stiffness profile for PS in good solvent (8M Urea) showed significant deviation from conventional force–extension curves. We obtained a persistence length of (0.8 ± 0.2 nm) compared to (0.22 nm ± 0.01) in pulling experiments. Our unambiguous measurements using interferometer yield physically acceptable values of persistence length. It validates the WLC model in good solvents but suggests caution for its use in poor solvents.
Software Radio,Cognitive Radio and Ultimate Radio——A Prospect of Wireless Communication

Through a review and outlook of three basic structures of software radio(SR) proposed by the author and the fundamental concept of Cognitive Radio(CR),the paper presents a new framework of CR and its corresponding cognitive cycle based on the principle of electronic reconnaissance.Furthermore,faced with the existing problems of CR,the author puts forward a new concept of SR-Ultimate Radio(UR) based on the theory of blind source separation(BSS). The feasibility of realizing UR is also discussed.
Plasma Flow Control of Cylinders in a Tandem Configuration: Experiment and Large-Eddy Simulation

Flow over a tandem cylinder configuration is investigated experimentally and numerically without and with flow control by plasma actuation at Reynolds number of 22,000. Very good agreement between LES and experimental results is obtained for the baseline flow without control in terms of wake velocity profiles, turbulence intensity, and frequency spectra of pressure fluctuations on the downstream cylinder. The effectiveness of DBD plasma actuators for reducing surface pressure fluctuations, and consequently flow-induced noise, is demonstrated. Through suppression of vortex shedding from the upstream cylinder, the levels of pressure fluctuations on the downstream cylinder are reduced by more than 10 dB. LES with a plasma model correctly predicts the overall control effect, although some discrepancies with experimental data exist due to uncertainties in the plasma model. I. Background and Motivation
Frequency and Associations of Adverse Reactions of COVID-19 Vaccines Reported to Pharmacovigilance Systems in the European Union and the United States

Introduction This study aims to provide a risk assessment of the adverse reactions related to the COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by AstraZeneca, Janssen, Moderna, and Pfizer-BioNTech which have been in use in the European Union and the United States between December 2020 and October 2021. Methods Data from the European Database of Suspected Adverse Drug Reaction (EudraVigilance) and the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) from 2020 to October 2021 are analysed. More than 7.8 million adverse reactions of about 1.6 million persons are included. The adverse reactions are classified with the Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) categories. COVID-19 vaccine exposures and adverse reactions reported between December 2020 and October 2021 are compared to influenza vaccine exposures and adverse reactions reported between 2020 and 2021. The population-level vaccine exposures to COVID-19 and influenza vaccines comprised about 451 million and 437 million exposures, respectively. Absolute and relative risk estimates are calculated by CTC categories and COVID-19 vaccines for the EU and US populations aged 18 years and older. Results A higher risk of reporting serious adverse reactions was observed for the COVID-19 vaccines in comparison to the influenza vaccines. Individuals age 65 and older were associated with a higher frequency of death, hospitalisations, and life-threatening reactions than younger individuals (relative risk estimates between 1.49 99% CI [1.44–1.55] and 8.61 99% CI [8.02–9.23]). Outcome onset of serious adverse reactions occurred within the first 7 days after vaccination in about 77.6–89.1% of cases. The largest absolute risks were observed for allergic, constitutional reactions, dermatological, gastrointestinal, neurological reactions, and localised and non-localised pain. The largest relative risks between COVID-19 vs. influenza vaccines were observed for allergic reactions, arrhythmia, general cardiovascular events, coagulation, haemorrhages, gastrointestinal, ocular, sexual organs reactions, and thrombosis. Conclusion The present study provides an overview of adverse reactions frequently reported to the pharmacovigilance systems following COVID-19 vaccination in the EU and US populations. Despite the limitations of passive reporting systems, these results may inform further clinical research investigating in more detail the pathophysiological mechanisms potentially associated with the COVID-19 vaccines.
Effect of Kegel Exercise on Urinary Incontinence among Institutionalized Elderly in Lattakia, Syria

Urinary incontinence is a prevalent, costly, yet ignored problem among elderly. Kegel exercise is an effective, non-harmful, of very low complication rates, and a very highly successful treatment for urinary incontinence. Objective: To determine the effect of Kegel exercise on urinary incontinence among institutionalized elderly in Lattakia, Syria. Setting: The study was carried out in the three available residential homes for elderly people in Lattakia, Syria. These were Dar Al Raha, Dar Al Mowasat, and Dar Al Ber. Subjects: The study comprised 30 elderly persons with urinary incontinence. They were divided randomly to two equal groups (group -1-: experimental group and group -2-: control group. Elders in group -1performed the Kegel exercise for three months in four sessions per day for fifty contractions (5 seconds for each contraction) followed by fifty resting phases (10 seconds for each one) in each session with a total of 200 contractions per day. Elders in group -2were left to their routine treatment. Tools: Participants were interviewed individually to collect the necessary data using a structured interview sheet and the revised urinary incontinence scale (RUIS) which was repeated after 3 months for both the control group and those who performed Kegel exercise to evaluate its effect on the urinary incontinence status. Results: The Kegel exercise had a positive effect on the urinary incontinence status of elders who practiced it. Four of the 15 (26.7%) elders in group 1 were cured completely and five (35.7%) showed improvement in their symptoms. Among the control group the condition of four elders worsened (26.7%) while for the rest the condition did not change. This improvement was related significantly with age, gender, duration of stay in the home, and incontinence duration. Conclusion: The Kegel exercise improved urinary incontinence status significantly. Recommendations: Early identification of elders with urinary incontinence. Educate and motivate elders with urinary incontinence to perform Kegel exercise regularly in order to improve their condition.
Food supplements to complement brain functioning: the benefits of a combination of magnesium, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E

Diet and nutrition play a fundamental role not only in human body composition and in physiology, but have also relevant effects on mood, mental well-being and cognitive performance. In particular, the preservation of mental well-being through a healthy lifestyle, including a well-balanced diet and, in case, through the intake of specific food supplements, is of particular relevance in the perspective of global human ageing, as the brain is affected significantly by a persistent presence of stress factors. Due to the increasing burden of mental and neurological disorders and to the universality of food as a modifiable risk factor, even limited improvements in nutritional habits may translate to a considerable rise of well-being and mental health in the global population. Moreover, the use of targeted, well-balanced food supplements aiming to support the mental health and well-being will probably represent a relevant tool in future decades, together with an increased awareness of the importance of nutrition, also considering the COVID-19 pandemic and the related stressful events and limitations we are still experiencing at global level. The aim of this review is to summarize the experimental and clinical data reported in the literature concerning the beneficial effects of a subset of micro- and macronutrients contained both in food and in supplements, namely magnesium, folic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and alpha-tocopherol, on a series of disorders, including stress, anxiety, low sleep quality, and low cognitive performance.
Referral Pattern of Patients to Pediatric Neurosciences Department: A Tertiary Care Hospital Study in Bangladesh

Introduction: Referral system is an important part for providing good quality holistic management in child care. A good number of paediatric patients ranging in age from newborn to 18 years old, have been recorded in neurology outpatient and inpatient settings. Several departments might have child patients who need certain specialist care on neurological disorders who are referred by specialists of other disciplines to pediatrics neurology department for specified diagnosis & proper management, since they excel in such cases. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to track how patients from other specialties of paediatrics get referred to the specialists of pediatric neurosciences department. Materials & Methodology: We conducted this prospective study of recruiting 365 children who were referred to Pediatric Neurosciences Department of Dhaka Shishu Hospital by other physicians. Ethical clearance was taken from concerned authority. The data were analyzed using simple proportion, rates and tables and was presented as frequency by using MS-Excel & SPSS version 20.0. Results: From the total 365 patients, the majority of the 288(78.9%) referred patients came from the general paediatrics OPD of various hospitals and private practices. Among the remainder, 49(13.42%) were from paediatric orthopedic OPD, 13(3.56%) from ophthalmology OPD 7(1.91%) from ophthalmology IPD, 7(1.91%) from neurosurgery OPD and 1(0.3%) from neurosurgery IPD. On the other hand, according to frequency of diagnosis, 88(24.11%) Epilepsy, 64(17.53%) Autism spectrum disorder, 41(11.23%) Neuromuscular disease, 39(10.68%) Neurometabolic disorder, 27(7.4%) Cerebral palsy, 30(8.22%) Syndromic child with ID, 27(7.4%) Cerebral palsy, 17(4.66%) Somatoform disorder, 13(3.56%) Constitutional speech delay & finally 2(0.55%) Peripheral neuropathy had been found in this study. Conclusion: The most common cause for referral was to seek advice and management from a special multidisciplinary service.