Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EEG-Based BCI Emotion Recognition: A Survey

Affecting computing is an artificial intelligence area of study that recognizes, interprets, processes, and simulates human affects. The user’s emotional states can be sensed through electroencephalography (EEG)-based Brain Computer Interfaces (BCI) devices. Research in emotion recognition using these tools is a rapidly growing field with multiple inter-disciplinary applications. This article performs a survey of the pertinent scientific literature from 2015 to 2020. It presents trends and a comparative analysis of algorithm applications in new implementations from a computer science perspective. Our survey gives an overview of datasets, emotion elicitation methods, feature extraction and selection, classification algorithms, and performance evaluation. Lastly, we provide insights for future developments.
Do Targeted User Fee Exemptions Reach the Ultra-Poor and Increase their Healthcare Utilisation? A Panel Study from Burkina Faso

Background: A component of the performance-based financing intervention implemented in Burkina Faso was to provide free access to healthcare via the distribution of user fee exemption cards to previously identified ultra-poor. This study examines the factors that led to the receipt of user fee exemption cards, and the effect of card possession on the utilisation of healthcare services. Methods: A panel data set of 1652 randomly selected ultra-poor individuals was used. Logistic regression was applied on the end line data to identify factors associated with the receipt of user fee exemption cards. Random-effects modelling was applied to the panel data to determine the effect of the card possession on healthcare service utilisation among those who reported an illness six months before the surveys. Results: Out of the ultra-poor surveyed in 2017, 75.51% received exemption cards. Basic literacy (p = 0.03), living within 5 km from a healthcare centre (p = 0.02) and being resident in Diébougou or Gourcy (p = 0.00) were positively associated with card possession. Card possession did not increase health service utilisation (β = −0.07; 95% CI = −0.45; 0.32; p = 0.73). Conclusion: A better intervention design and implementation is required. Complementing demand-side strategies could guide the ultra-poor in overcoming all barriers to healthcare access.
Regulation of Carbohydrate Metabolism in Fish-XIV. Effects of Acclimation Temperature and Feeding Rate on Carbohydrate-Metabolizing Enzyme Activity and Lipid Content of Common Carp.

Common carp Cyprinus curpio were fed for 40 days with a diet at different temperatures and feeding rates, and the activities of several carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes and the body composition were determined at the end of the experiment. In both cold (17°C)- and warm (27°C)-acclimated fish, activities of hepatopancreatic glucosephosphate isomerase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and glutamic pyruvic transaminase as well as the body lipid content increased with an increase in feeding rate, though glucose-6-phosphatase activity was nearly constant regardless of feed intake. When the fish were fed at the same feeding rates, the activities of all the enzymes tested together with apparent lipid retention were higher in the cold-acclimated fish than in the warm-acclimated fish, suggesting a metabolic compensation forcold temperature by the regulation of enzyme activity in the poikilothermic animal. The results indicate that the acclimation temperature and feeding rate separately or cooperatively affect the carbohydrate-metabolizing enzyme activities and lipid contents in the fish.
Temperature and the biomass of flying midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) in the high Arctic

We tested the hypothesis that habitat temperature is the driving variable determining both the short-term and seasonal patterns of abundance (biomass) of Eying adult non-biting midges (Chironomidae) in the high Arctic. Malaise traps were used to record the Eight activity patterns of adult chironomids during the 1992 and 1993 seasons at two contrasting sites, a polar semi-desert and a tundra heath adjacent to Ny Angstrom lesund, Spitsbergen, Svalbard. The relationship between flight activity, measured as chironomid biomass captured, and macro and microclimatic parameters was examined. Mean and minimum screen temperatures were the best single predictors of chironomid activity. Best subsets regression was used to establish predictive relationships between biomass captured and climatic parameters for each site. Again, macroclimatic temperature variables emerged as the best predictors, together with much smaller contributions from relative humidity and precipitation. The species composition of the chironomid community changed as the summer progressed and the 'average' individual became smaller. However, when cumulative biomass captured per trap was plotted against cumulative day degrees above zero, starting at snow melt, the relationship on both sites in 1992, an average year, was approximately linear or at most slightly curved. This suggested that biomass capture was mainly a function of temperature and time. By contrast, in 1993, the warmest year on record (1961-93), the initial response was again almost linear but later became asymptotic, suggesting that the supply of chironomids available for capture was depleted, despite suitably high temperatures. This contrast between years (100 day degrees) provided an opportune analogue for the likely effects of climate warming on chironomid activity. The implications for the food supply of tundra-breeding birds are discussed in the context of the known emergence patterns of Arctic chironomids
Toxicity, mutagenicity and stability assessment of simply produced electrolyzed water as a wound healing agent in vitro

Over the last decade, electrolyzed water (EW) produced by salt and tap water has gained importance due to its antimicrobial effects. Regarding to chlorine-based compounds, EW also used in post-harvest safety of food processing and sterilization of surfaces. The latest studies suggested that EW might act as wound healing agent due to anti-infective and cell proliferative properties. In this study, we evaluated acute contact cytotoxicity in L929 mice fibroblast cells and wound healing activity of EWs in vitro. In addition, mutagenic activity was evaluated by Ames test with and without metabolic activation by S9 fraction and the stability profile of freshly prepared EWs has been followed up. According to the results, strong acid (StAEW) and mixed EW (MEW) showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity due to possible high HOCl concentration, while slightly acidic and catholyte EW (CEW) were not cytotoxic even applied directly for 30 sec. Further, StAEW and CEW showed a significant increase in L929 cell migration in scratch assay. Likewise, with/ without metabolic activation, neither of EWs had shown mutagenic profile in TA 98 and TA100 strains of Salmonella typhimurium. Follow-up of ORP (oxidation-reduction potential), pH and FCC (free chlorine concentration) showed that temperature and light were important storage conditions to maintain a stable profile particularly for ORP and FCC, which are the most important indicators for biological activity of EW. According to the present findings, it can be suggested that particularly StAEW, may represent a valuable wound healing agent with an achievable, economical and easy production system when stored under proper conditions.
Current progress in cancer immunotherapy based on natural killer cells

One of the most common diseases in the present era is cancer. The common treatment methods used to control cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Despite progress in the treatment of cancers, there still is no definite therapeutic approach. Among the currently proposed strategies, immunotherapy is a new approach that can provide better outcomes compared with existing therapies. Employing natural killer (NK) cells is one of the means of immunotherapy. As innate lymphocytes, NK cells are capable of rapidly responding to cancer cells without being sensitized or restricted to the cognate antigen in advance, as compared to T cells that are tumor antigen‐specific. Latest insights into the biology of NK cells have clarified the underlying molecular mechanisms of NK cell maturation and differentiation, as well as controlling their effector functions through the investigation of the ligands and receptors engaged in recognizing cancer cells by NK cells. Elucidating the fact that NK cells recognize cancer cells could similarly show the mechanism through which cancer cells possibly avoid NK cell‐dependent immune surveillance. Additionally, the expectations for novel immunotherapies by targeting NK cells have increased through the latest clinical outcomes of T–cell‐targeted cancer immunotherapy. For this emerging method, researchers are still attempting to develop protocols for conferring the best proliferation and expansion medium, activation pathways, utilization dosage, transferring methods, as well as reducing possible side effects in cancer therapy. This study reviews the NK cells, their proliferation and expansion methods, and their recent applications in cancer immunotherapy.
Assessment of Rectus Abdominis muscle thickness during isometric trunk and leg lifting exercises using extended field of view (EFOV) ultrasound.

AIM The purpose of the present study was to establish which type of exercise is optimal for Rectus Abdominis (RA) muscle, by measuring thickness and length changes using the extended field of view ultrasonography (EFOV US) during different conditions. The second purpose was to estimate the reliability of EFOV US as a muscle morphology assessment tool. MATERIAL AND METHODS Segmental muscle thickness and length of 11 young healthy adults was assessed during 1) rest and isometric 2) trunk lifting, 3) leg lifting and 4) combined trunk and leg lifting exercises with the use of EFOV US. RESULTS RA muscle thickness was significantly greater during exercises compared to rest (p<0.05). It was also observed that proximal and proximal-middle segments showed significantly less thickness and length compared to distal-middle and distal segments (p<0.05). Even though no differences in thickness were observed between the exercises, leg lifting and combined trunk and leg lifting exercises affected more the distal segment of RA muscle (p<0.05). Moreover, no significant differences in length between exercises was found (p>0.05). Further, EFOV US displayed excellent reliability as the ICC values ranged from 0.82 to 0.97. CONCLUSIONS According to our observations it seems that exercises that induce lifting of the legs might be more effective for the distal parts of RA muscle. EFOV appears to be a reliable diagnostic tool for measuring RA muscle thickness during rest and contracting states.
EFFECT OF PHOTOPERIOD ON THE ADAPTATION OF CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.) TO THE CANADIAN PRAIRIES

Ninety-two chickpea Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs) developed from a cross between ICCV 96029 (desi) and CDC Frontier (kabuli) and the two parents were evaluated for their flowering response under long (16 hours) and short (10 hours) day photoperiods in growth chambers. The difference in the number of days to flower under long vs. short day photoperiods was considered as the photoperiod sensitivity of each line. RILs were also assessed under field conditions for time to flowering, maturity and ascochyta blight reaction and in the greenhouse for ascochyta blight reaction. A wide range of variation was exhibited by the RILs for the time to flowering under short or long day photoperiod, node number of first flower and photoperiod sensitivity under growth chamber conditions, as well as time to flowering and ascochyta blight resistance under field conditions. Ascochyta blight resistance of the RILs under growth chamber and field conditions were positively and significantly (r = 0.21, P ≤ 0.05 to r = 0.33, P ≤ 0.001) correlated. Significant negative correlations were observed among the RILs for days to flowering and ascochyta blight resistance under growth chamber conditions (r = -0.21, P ≤ 0.05 to r = -0.58, P ≤ 0.0001). Photoperiod sensitivity was strongly and positively correlated with the number of days to flowering under short days (r = 0.91, P ≤ 0.0001) and number of nodes to first flowering under short days (r = 0.80, P ≤ 0.0001). Moderate values for broad sense heritability (H2) for days to flowering under growth chamber conditions (0.86 to 0.87) and in the field (0.45 to 0.78), and for photoperiod sensitivity (0.83) were recorded. Relatively low broad sense heritability was detected for ascochyta blight resistance under greenhouse (0.26 to 0.34) and field (0.14 to 0.68) conditions. A genetic linkage map consisting of eight linkage groups (chromosomes) was developed using 349 marker bins. Seven QTLs were identified
Prenatal and neonatal factors for the development of childhood visual impairment in primary and middle school students: a cross-sectional survey in Guangzhou, China

Objectives In this cross-sectional survey, we sought to determine the prevalence of and the influence of prenatal and neonatal factors on childhood visual impairment without correction (VIUC) in a paediatric population from Guangzhou, China. Setting The health survey covered 11 administrative districts in Guangzhou, including 991 schools. Participants All of the primary and middle school students in Guangzhou were invited to complete an online questionnaire with the help of their parents. The results of physical examinations were reported by school medical departments. The results of the questionnaire were collected by the researchers. In total, 253 301 questionnaires were collected. Primary outcome measures The students’ uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was examined by trained optometrists by standard logarithmic visual acuity charts. VIUC was defined by UCVA (of the better eye) (UCVA <6/12) with three levels: light VIUC (UCVA ≥6/18 to <6/12), mild VIUC (UCVA ≥6/60 to <6/18) and severe VIUC (UCVA <6/60). Results A total of 39 768 individuals (15.7%) had VIUC, and the rate was much higher among grade 10 to 12 students (51.4%) than among grade 1 to 6 students (6.71%). The following factors were significantly associated with an increased risk of VIUC: female gender, high birth weight, formula feeding, not having siblings, higher level of parents’ education, parental myopia, much homework time and little outdoor activity. Delivery mode was not associated with the risk of VIUC. Conclusions This study validates known major prenatal/genetic, perinatal and postnatal factors for childhood VIUC. In conclusion, prenatal and perinatal factors can affect the onset of childhood VIUC, but parental myopia and postnatal factors are the main factors.
Influence of tillage and mulching on growth, yield and economics of rainfed yellow sarson (Brassica rapa var glauca) in lateritic acid belt of West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 1988-89 and 1989-90 to study the effect of tillage and mulching on yield and economics of yellow sarson [Brassica rapa (L.) Thell. emend. Metzger var glauca (Roxb.) Schulz. , syn B. campestris L. ssp oleifera (Metzger) Sinsk, var yellow sarSon). The treatments comprising 3 tillage (2, 4 and 6 criss-cross ploughings) and 4 mulch levels (no mulch, soil-dust mulch, green mulch and dry-straw mulch) were laid out on a lateritic sandy-loam (Ultisol) soil. The tillage treatments did not show any significant influence on growth and yield of rainted yellow sarson, but application of mulch material particularly green coral creeper (Antigonon leplopus Hook. &. Am.) or dry straw greatly ineteased the growth and productivity of the crop. Two criss-cross ploughings at sowing with green or straw mulch @ 5 tonnes/ha at 15 days after sowing gave the highest yield (1.13 tonnes/ha) and benefit:cost ratio (1.4S). Soil-dust mulch also increased the yield of yellow sarSon compared with no mulch.
Increased ABCA1 (ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter A1)-Specific Cholesterol Efflux Capacity in Schizophrenia

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Objective: Patients with schizophrenia have increased long-term mortality attributable to cardiovascular disease and commonly demonstrate features of mixed dyslipidemia with low HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). The removal of cholesterol from cells by HDL via specific ATP-binding cholesterol transporters is a major functional property of HDL, and its measurement as cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) can predict cardiovascular risk. Whether HDL function is impaired in patients with schizophrenia is unknown. Approach and Results: We measured basal and ABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter A1)- and ABCG1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter G1)-dependent CEC, comparing patients with schizophrenia with age- and sex-matched healthy controls, and related our findings to nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of lipoprotein subclasses. Total plasma cholesterol and LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) were comparable between healthy controls (n=51) and patients (n=120), but patients with schizophrenia had increased total plasma triglyceride, low HDL-C and apo (apolipoprotein) A-I concentrations. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis indicated a marked (15-fold) increase in large triglyceride-rich lipoprotein particle concentration, increased small dense LDL particles, and fewer large HDL particles. Despite lower HDL-C concentration, basal CEC was 13.7±1.6% higher, ABCA1-specific efflux was 35.9±1.6% higher, and ABCG1 efflux not different, in patients versus controls. In patients with schizophrenia, ABCA1-specific efflux correlated with the abundance of small 7.8 nm HDL particles but not with serum plasminogen or triglyceride levels. Conclusions: Patients with schizophrenia have increased concentrations of atherogenic apoB-containing lipoproteins, decreased concentrations of large HDL particles, but enhanced ABCA1-mediated CEC. In this population, preventative strategies should focus on reducing atherogenic lipoproteins rather than increasing CEC. Graphic Abstract: A graphic abstract is available for this article.
Is There a Role for Cerebral Ultrasonography in Near-Term/Term Neonates Following Assisted Vaginal Delivery? A Prospective, Single-Center Study

Abstract Aim To evaluate the role of cerebral ultrasonography studies (CUSS) in detecting intracerebral and cranial pathologies (hemorrhages, ischemia, skull fractures) in near-term and term neonates following assisted vaginal delivery. Patients and Methods Prospective single-center study (11/2017–11/2018) at the University Children’s Hospital of Saarland, Homburg, Germany including newborns with a gestational age ≥ 36 weeks born by assisted vaginal delivery. In all newborns, a standardized CUSS was performed within the first three days of life prior to discharge. Results 200 neonates (43.0 % female, 57.0 % male; gestational age 39.6 ± 1.3 weeks) were included in this study (birth weight 3345.6 ± 450.6 g, body length 51.7 ± 2.5 cm, head circumference 35.0 ± 1.5 cm). 67 (33.5 %) neonates had minor external injuries of the scalp. 5 children showed clinical neurologic abnormalities: 4 (2.0 %) seizures and 1 facial palsy (0.5 %). In 34 (17.0 %) patients, minor incidental intracranial abnormalities unrelated to mode of delivery were detected on CUSS. No intracerebral, cranial pathologies or skull fractures were seen on routine CUSS. Conclusion Routine CUSS in newborns after assisted vaginal delivery did not yield clinically relevant results in our cohort. Clinical observation and selective CUSS in symptomatic newborns might be more efficient than routine CUSS.
Mycobacteriosis and Infections with Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria in Aquatic Organisms: A Review

The Mycobacteriaceae constitute a family of varied Gram-positive organisms that include a large number of pathogenic bacteria. Among these, non-tuberculous mycobacteria are endemic worldwide and have been associated with infections in a large number of organisms, including humans and other mammals and reptiles, as well as fish. In this review, we summarize the most recent findings regarding this group of pathogens in fish. There, four species are most commonly associated with disease outbreaks: Mycobacterium marinum, the most common of these fish mycobacterial pathogens, Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium gordonae, and Mycobacterium chelonae. These bacteria have a broad host range: they are zoonotic, and infections have been reported in a large number of fish species. The main route of entry of the bacterium into the fish is through the gastrointestinal route, and the disease is associated with ulcerative dermatitis as well as organomegaly and the development of granulomatous lesions in the internal organs. Mycobacteriaceae are slow-growing and fastidious and isolation is difficult and time consuming and diagnostic is mostly performed using serological and molecular tools. Control of the disease is also difficult: there is currently no effective vaccine and infections react poorly to antibiotherapy. For this reason, more research is needed on the subject of these vexing pathogens.
Comparative Effectiveness of the Sodium–Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor Empagliflozin Versus Other Antihyperglycemics on Risk of Major Adverse Kidney Events

OBJECTIVE To examine the comparative effectiveness of the sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) empagliflozin and other non-SGLT2i antihyperglycemics on the risk of major adverse kidney events (MAKE) of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline >50%, end-stage kidney disease, or all-cause mortality. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In a cohort study of 379,033 new users of empagliflozin or other non-SGLT2i antihyperglycemics, predefined variables and covariates identified by a high-dimensional variable selection algorithm were used to build propensity scores. Weighted survival analyses were then applied to estimate the risk of MAKE. RESULTS Compared with other antihyperglycemics, empagliflozin use was associated with 0.99 (95% CI 0.51, 1.55) mL/min/1.73 m2 less annual reduction in eGFR, 0.25 (95% CI 0.16, 0.33) kg/m2 more annual decrease in BMI, and reduced risk of MAKE (hazard ratio [HR] 0.68 [95% CI 0.64, 0.73]). Empagliflozin use was associated with reduced risk of MAKE in eGFR ≥90, ≥60 to <90, ≥45 to <60, and ≥30 to <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 (HR 0.70 [95% CI 0.60, 0.82], 0.66 [0.60, 0.73], 0.78 [0.69, 0.89]), and 0.71 [0.55, 0.92], respectively), in participants without albuminuria, with microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria (HR 0.65 [95% CI 0.57, 0.75], 0.72 [0.66. 0.79], and 0.74 [0.62, 0.88], respectively), and in participants with and without cardiovascular disease (HR 0.67 [95% CI 0.61, 0.74] and 0.76 [0.69, 0.83], respectively). The association was evident in per-protocol analyses, which required continuation of the assigned antihyperglycemic medication (empagliflozin or other antihyperglycemics) during follow-up (HR 0.64 [95% CI 0.60, 0.70]), and in analyses requiring concurrent use of metformin in at least the first 90 days of follow-up (HR 0.63 [0.57–0.69]). CONCLUSIONS Among people with type 2 diabetes, empagliflozin use was associated with eGFR preservation, a greater decline in BMI, and a reduced risk of MAKE compared with other non-SGLT2i antihyperglycemics.