Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Hand Gesture Recognition Using Surface Electromyography and Machine Learning: A Systematic Literature Review

Today, daily life is composed of many computing systems, therefore interacting with them in a natural way makes the communication process more comfortable. Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) has been developed to overcome the communication barriers between humans and computers. One form of HCI is Hand Gesture Recognition (HGR), which predicts the class and the instant of execution of a given movement of the hand. One possible input for these models is surface electromyography (EMG), which records the electrical activity of skeletal muscles. EMG signals contain information about the intention of movement generated by the human brain. This systematic literature review analyses the state-of-the-art of real-time hand gesture recognition models using EMG data and machine learning. We selected and assessed 65 primary studies following the Kitchenham methodology. Based on a common structure of machine learning-based systems, we analyzed the structure of the proposed models and standardized concepts in regard to the types of models, data acquisition, segmentation, preprocessing, feature extraction, classification, postprocessing, real-time processing, types of gestures, and evaluation metrics. Finally, we also identified trends and gaps that could open new directions of work for future research in the area of gesture recognition using EMG.
Particulate Air Pollution, Clock Gene Methylation, and Stroke: Effects on Stroke Severity and Disability

Circadian rhythm disturbances have been consistently associated with the development of several diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). A central clock in the brain maintains the daily rhythm in accordance with the external environment. At the molecular level, the clock is maintained by “clock genes”, the regulation of which is mainly due to DNA methylation, a molecular mechanism of gene expression regulation, able to react to and be reprogrammed by environmental exposure such as exposure to particulate matter (PM). In 55 patients with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke, we showed that PM2.5 exposure experienced before the event influenced clock genes methylation (i.e., circadian locomotor output cycles protein kaput CLOCK, period 2 PER2, cryprochrome 1 CRY1, Neuronal PAS Domain Protein 2 NPAS2), possibly modulating the patient prognosis after the event, as cryptochrome 1 CRY1 and period 1 PER1 methylation levels were associated with the Rankin score. Moreover, if PM2.5 annual average was low, CRY1/CRY2 methylation levels were positively associated with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, whereas they were negatively associated if PM2.5 exposure was high. Whether epigenetic changes in clock genes need to be considered as a prognostic marker of stroke or rather a causal agent in stroke development remains to be determined. Further studies are needed to determine the role of clock gene methylation in regulating the response to and recovery after a stroke event.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Two Wild Bell's Turtles (Myuchelys bellii)

Abstract: Squamous cell carcinomas in Testudines are rarely reported. Most cases in the literature describe these tumors in captive animals. We report spontaneously arising squamous cell carcinomas affecting the plastron of two wild Bell's turtles (Myuchelys bellii) from the Macdonald River in New South Wales, Australia.
Getting the most out of arthropod biodiversity surveys: a comparison of survey techniques and taxonomic groups.

Due to the high costs and large numbers involved with surveys of terrestrial arthropods, biodiversity surveys of this group typically rely on a select group of taxa sampled using a single technique. These surrogate taxa are often selected on the basis of case of identification and survey, but there is limited empirical evidence to show how well the diversity of these groups relates to the total number of arthropod morphospecics within a particular region. We surveyed terrestrial arthropods at 14 vegetation remnants within the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, in south-western New South Wales (Australia) by pitfall trapping, beating, sweeping and fogging. Our aim was to determine whether there were any taxa and a single sampling technique that best represented the total number of morphospecies in all assemblages at all sites, in order to provide the most efficient survey methods for future monitoring. Taxa included in the analysis were Araneae, Diptera. Coleoptera. Hemiptera and Hymenoptera (excluding Formicidae). No taxa collected using pitfall trapping were significantly correlated with the overall number of morphospecies. However. Coleoptera and Hemiptera from sweep samples were significantly, albeit weakly, correlated with the overall number of morphospecies collected using all sampling methods.
Incomplete Freund’s adjuvant reduces arginase and enhances Th1 dominance, TLR signaling and CD40 ligand expression in the vaccine site microenvironment

Background Immunogenicity of cancer vaccines is impacted by adjuvants and schedule, but systematic assessments of their effects have not been performed. Montanide ISA-51, an incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (IFA), is used in many vaccine trials, but concerns have been raised about negative effects in murine studies. We found in humans that IFA enhances systemic immune responses and that repeat vaccination at one site (same site vaccination (SSV)) creates tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in the vaccine site microenvironment (VSME). We hypothesized that vaccination with peptides+IFA+pICLC or SSV×3 with peptides in IFA would create an immunogenic milieu locally at the VSME, with activated dendritic cells (DC), TLS-associated chemokines and a Th1-dominant VSME. Methods Biopsies of the VSME were obtained from participants on two clinical trials who were immunized with multiple melanoma peptides (MELITAC 12.1) in adjuvants comprising IFA and/or the TLR3-agonist pICLC. Biopsies were obtained either a week after one vaccine or a week after SSV×3. Controls included normal skin and skin injected with IFA without peptides. Gene expression analysis was performed by RNAseq. Results VSME samples were evaluated from 27 patients. One vaccine with peptides in pICLC+IFA enhanced expression of CD80, CD83, CD86 (p<0.01), CD40 and CD40L (p<0.0001) over normal skin; these effects were significantly enhanced for SSV with peptides+IFA. Vaccines containing pICLC increased expression of TBX21 (T-bet) but did not decrease GATA3 over normal skin, whereas SSV with peptides in IFA dramatically enhanced TBX21 and decreased GATA3, with high expression of IFNγ and STAT1. SSV with peptides in IFA also reduced arginase-1 (ARG1) expression and enhanced expression of TLR adapter molecules TICAM-1 (TRIF) and MYD88. Furthermore, SSV with IFA and peptides also enhanced expression of chemokines associated with TLS formation. Conclusions These findings suggest that SSV with peptides in IFA enhances CD40L expression by CD4 T cells, supports a Th1 microenvironment, with accumulation of activated and mature DC. Increased expression of TLR adaptor proteins after SSV with peptides in IFA might implicate effects of the skin microbiome. Reduced ARG1 may reflect diminished suppressive myeloid activity in the VSME. Trial registration number (NCT00705640, NCT01585350).
Effective treatment of severe COVID-19 patients with tocilizumab

Significance In patients with coronavirus disease 2019, a large number of T lymphocytes and mononuclear macrophages are activated, producing cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), which bind to the IL-6 receptor on the target cells, causing the cytokine storm and severe inflammatory responses in lungs and other tissues and organs. Tocilizumab, as a recombinant humanized anti-human IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody, can bind to the IL-6 receptor with high affinity, thus preventing IL-6 itself from binding to its receptor, rendering it incapable of immune damage to target cells, and alleviating the inflammatory responses. After analyzing the immune characteristics of patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), we have identified that pathogenic T cells and inflammatory monocytes with large amount of interleukin 6 secreting may incite the inflammatory storm, which may potentially be curbed through monoclonal antibody that targets the IL-6 pathways. Here, we aimed to assess the efficacy of tocilizumab in severe patients with COVID-19 and seek a therapeutic strategy. The patients diagnosed as severe or critical COVID-19 in The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (Anhui Provincial Hospital) and Anhui Fuyang Second People’s Hospital were given tocilizumab in addition to routine therapy between 5 and 14 February 2020. The changes of clinical manifestations, computerized tomography (CT) scan image, and laboratory examinations were retrospectively analyzed. Fever returned to normal on the first day, and other symptoms improved remarkably within a few days. Within 5 d after tocilizumab, 15 of the 20 patients (75.0%) had lowered their oxygen intake, and 1 patient needed no oxygen therapy. CT scans manifested that the lung lesion opacity absorbed in 19 patients (90.5%). The percentage of lymphocytes in peripheral blood, which decreased in 85.0% of patients (17/20) before treatment (mean, 15.52 ± 8.89%), returned to normal in 52.6% of patients (10/19) on the fifth day after treatment. Abnormally elevated C-reactive protein decreased significantly in 84.2% of patients (16/19). No obvious adverse reactions were observed. All patients have been discharged on average 15.1 d after giving tocilizumab. Preliminary data show that tocilizumab, which improved the clinical outcome immediately in severe and critical COVID-19 patients, is an effective treatment to reduce mortality.
Proteolytic activity of Vibrio harveyi YeaZ is related with resuscitation on the viable but non‐culturable state

The YeaZ protein of Vibrio harveyi was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. The purified recombinant protein YeaZ exhibited the protease activity. The proteolytic activities with azocasein as substrate were 39 130 U mg−1. The mutation of the amino acid in active sites such as Asp88, Ser185 and Trp169 was performed. The enzyme activities of the purified mutant proteins with Asp88‐Ala, Ser185‐Leu and Trp169‐Glu were decreased to 24·28, 35·27 and 41·66%, respectively. The mutant protein with two amino acid residues (Asp88‐Ala/Ser185‐Leu) lost the protease activity completely. Addition of the purified recombinant YeaZ increased resuscitation of the viable but non‐culturable state (VBNC) cells to culturable state, and the culturable cell count increased from 1·35 × 102 to 3·10 × 106 CFU per ml. While addition of the mutant YeaZ without protease activities did not show obvious promoting effect on resuscitation of VBNC cells. Moreover, the purified YeaZ also showed lower muralytic activity, and the activities of proteins with single amino acids mutation (Thr71 and Asp112) were reduced from 7·05 to 4·75 and 2·50 U mg−1, the resuscitation‐promoting effect on VBNC cells was not affected by these mutant proteins. These results implied that resuscitation‐promoting effect of YeaZ on VBNC cell was partly related to its protease activities, but not with the muralytic activity.
Revisiting the Neuroblastoma Cell-Based Assay (CBA-N2a) for the Improved Detection of Marine Toxins Active on Voltage Gated Sodium Channels (VGSCs)

The neuroblastoma cell-based assay (CBA-N2a) is widely used for the detection of marine biotoxins in seafood products, yet a consensus protocol is still lacking. In this study, six key parameters of CBA-N2a were revisited: cell seeding densities, cell layer viability after 26 h growth, MTT incubation time, Ouabain and Veratridine treatment and solvent and matrix effects. A step-by-step protocol was defined identifying five viability controls for the validation of CBA-N2a results. Specific detection of two voltage gated sodium channel activators, pacific ciguatoxin (P-CTX3C) and brevetoxin (PbTx3) and two inhibitors, saxitoxin (STX) and decarbamoylsaxitoxin (dc-STX) was achieved, with EC50 values of 1.7 ± 0.35 pg/mL, 5.8 ± 0.9 ng/mL, 3 ± 0.5 ng/mL and 15.8 ± 3 ng/mL, respectively. When applied to the detection of ciguatoxin (CTX)-like toxicity in fish samples, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values were 0.031 ± 0.008 and 0.064 ± 0.016 ng P-CTX3C eq/g of flesh, respectively. Intra and inter-assays comparisons of viability controls, LOD, LOQ and toxicity in fish samples gave coefficients of variation (CVs) ranging from 3% to 29%. This improved test adaptable to either high throughput screening or composite toxicity estimation is a useful starting point for a standardization of the CBA-N2a in the field of marine toxin detection.
EZH2 deficient T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia is sensitized to CHK1 inhibition through enhanced replication stress.

Loss-of-function mutations of EZH2, the enzymatic component of PRC2, have been associated with poor outcome and chemotherapy resistance in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Using isogenic T-ALL cells, with and without CRISPR/Cas9-induced EZH2-inactivating mutations, we performed a cell-based synthetic lethal drug screen. EZH2 deficient cells exhibited increased sensitivity to structurally diverse inhibitors of CHK1, an interaction that could be validated genetically. Furthermore, small molecule inhibition of CHK1 had efficacy in delaying tumor progression in isogenic EZH2 deficient, but not EZH2 wild-type T-ALL cells in vivo, as well as in a primary cell model of PRC2 mutant ALL. Mechanistically, EZH2 deficiency resulted in a gene expression signature of immature T-ALL cells, marked transcriptional upregulation of MYCN, increased replication stress, and enhanced dependency on CHK1 for cell survival. Lastly, we demonstrate this phenotype is mediated through de-repression of a distal PRC2-regulated MYCN enhancer. In conclusion, we highlight a novel and clinically exploitable pathway in high-risk EZH2 mutated T-ALL.
The role of weight perceptions and their impact on health and well‐being: A multiple mediation model

The present study analyses the role of weight distortion and weight self‐criticism in explaining the relationship between actual weight and perceived health, well‐being, body satisfaction and emotional eating. Eight hundred and six individuals were selected from a national study on nutrition. They were divided into two groups according to self‐reported dieting. A questionnaire measuring the outcome variables was implemented. Weight distortion and self‐criticism were calculated using actual, estimated and desired BMI. A multiple mediation model was estimated using structural equation modelling. A valid model was obtained in which weight self‐criticism is a partial mediator of the relationship between weight and body satisfaction and a full mediator of the relationship between weight and emotional eating for the non‐dieter group. For the dieter group, full mediation of weight self‐criticism is observed in the relationships between weight and health, well‐being and body satisfaction. For weight distortion, no mediation effect is found in either group. The results highlight the importance of weight perceptions in understanding the influence of body weight on several aspects of health and well‐being. The type of weight perception is also relevant. A critical attitude towards weight is more determinant than the distortion in weight appraisal.
Metabolism of triacylglycerols in Rhodococcus species: insights from physiology and molecular genetics

Rhodococcus bacteria possess the ability to accumulate variable amounts of triacylglycerols (TAG) during growth on diverse carbon sources. The evolution seems to have selected these microorganisms as specialists in the accumulation of TAG among bacteria, since their biochemistry is efficiently designed for the biosynthesis and mobilization of these lipids. Detailed research of rhodococcal TAG metabolism started only a few years ago; thus, the fundamental understanding of this process and its regulation remains to be clarified. However, some interesting advances in the basic knowledge on TAG metabolism in rhodococci have been made. Most studies have focused on the physiology of TAG biosynthesis and mobilization in rhodococci. Only recently, some advances in molecular biology and genetics on TAG metabolism occurred as a result of the increasing available genomic information and the development of new genetic tools for rhodococci. These studies have been focused principally on some enzymes of TAG biosynthesis, such as the wax esters/diacylglycerolacyltransferases (WS/DGAT) and TAG granule-associated proteins. In this context, the most relevant achievements of basic research in the field have been summarized in this review article.
Optimal ventilator settings after return of spontaneous circulation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To describe current practice, recent advances in knowledge and future directions for research related to the post return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) ventilatory management of cardiac arrest patients. RECENT FINDINGS Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a major public health problem with an estimated incidence of approximately one per 1000 persons per year. A priority of intensive care management of resuscitated OHCA patients is to reduce secondary reperfusion injury. Most OHCA patients are mechanically ventilated. Most of these require mechanical ventilation as they are unconscious and for oxygen (O2) management and carbon dioxide (CO2) control. Low levels of O2 and CO2 following OHCA is associated with poor outcome. Recently, very high fraction of inspired oxygen has been associated with poor outcomes and elevated CO2 levels have been associated with improved neurological outcomes. Moreover, it is increasingly being appreciated that the ventilator may be a tool to adjust physiological parameters to enhance the chances of favourable outcomes. Finally, ventilator settings themselves and the adoption of protective ventilation strategies may affect lung-brain interactions and are being explored as other avenues for therapeutic benefit. SUMMARY Current evidence supports the targeting of normal arterial O2 and CO2 tensions during mechanical ventilation following ROSC after cardiac arrest. Use of protective lung strategies during mechanical ventilation in resuscitated cardiac arrest patients is advocated. The potential therapeutic benefits of conservative O2 therapy, mild hypercapnia and the optimal ventilator settings to use post-ROSC period will be confirmed or refuted in clinical trials.
Structural analysis of the reducing‐end xylose‐releasing exo‐oligoxylanase Rex8A from Paenibacillus barcinonensis BP‐23 deciphers its molecular specificity

Reducing‐end xylose‐releasing exo‐oligoxylanases (Rex) are GH8 enzymes that depolymerize xylooligosaccharides complementing xylan degradation by endoxylanases in an exo manner. We have studied Paenibacillus barcinonensis Rex8A and showed the release of xylose from xylooligomers decorated with methylglucuronic acid (UXOS) or with arabinose (AXOS). This gives the enzyme a distinctive trait among known Rex, which show activity only on linear xylooligosaccharides. The structure of the enzyme has been solved by X‐ray crystallography showing a (α/α)6 folding common to GH8 enzymes. Analysis of inactived Rex8A‐E70A complexed with xylotetraose revealed the existence of at least four binding subsites in Rex8A, with the oligosaccharide occupying subsites −3 to +1. The enzyme shows an extended Leu320‐His321‐Pro322 loop, common to other Rex, which blocks the binding of longer substrates to positive subsites further than +1 and seems responsible for the lack or diminished activity of Rex enzymes on xylan. Mutants with smaller residues in this loop failed to increase Rex8A activity on the polymer. Analysis of the complexes with AXOS showed the accommodation of arabinose at subsite −2, which cannot be allocated at subsite −1. Arabinose substitutions at the xylose O2 or O3 are accommodated by hydrophobic interaction and seem tolerated rather than recognized by Rex8A. A strained binding of the branch is facilitated by the lack of direct polar interactions of the xylose occupying this subsite, its water‐mediated links allowing some conformational flexibility of the sugar. The plasticity of Rex8A is a notable property of the enzyme for its application in xylan deconstruction and upgrading.
The influence of DNA methylation on gene expression involved in the etiology and treatment of psychiatric disorders

Electroconvulsive stimulation (ECS) remains one of the most effective treatments of major depression. However, the underlying molecular changes still remain to be elucidated. Since ECS causes rapid and significant changes in gene expression we have looked at epigenetic regulation of two important immediate early genes that are both induced after ECS: c-Fos and Arc. We examined Arc and c-Fos protein expression and found Arc present over 4 h, in contrast to c-Fos presence lasting only 1 h. Both genes had returned to baseline expression at 24 h post-ECS. Histone H4 acetylation (H4Ac) is one of the important epigenetic marks associated with gene activation. We show increased H4Ac at the c-Fos promoter at 1 h post-ECS. Surprisingly, we also observed a significant increase in DNA methylation of the Arc gene promoter at 24 h post-ECS. DNA methylation, which is responsible for gene silencing, is a rather stable covalent modification. This suggests that Arc expression has been repressed and may consequently remain inhibited for a prolonged period post-ECS. Arc plays a critical role in the maintenance phase of long-term potentiation (LTP) and consolidation of memory in the rat brain. Thus, this study is one of the first to demonstrate DNA methylation as a regulator of ECS-induced gene expression and it provides a molecular link to the memory deficits observed after ECS. © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Both Duration and Pack-years of Tobacco Smoking Should be Used for Clinical Practice and Research.

Both Duration and Pack-Years of Tobacco Smoking Should Be Used for Clinical Practice and Research Roy A. Pleasants, M. Patricia Rivera, Stephen L. Tilley, and Surya P. Bhatt* Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; North Carolina Thoracic Society, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
Legume Consumption Patterns in US Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014 and Beans, Lentils, Peas (BLP) 2017 Survey

Given the emerging health benefits of regular legume consumption, we hypothesized that the historically low legume consumption levels in US adults increased. We evaluated legume consumption patterns in US adults using cross-sectional data from the 2011–2012 and 2013–2014-year cycles of National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) and a 2017 cross-sectional, online survey of Oregon families named “Beans, Lentils, Peas (BLP) Survey”. We also compared legume consumption patterns between consumers below US dietary recommendations for mature legumes (<37.5 g/day, marginal), below levels showing nutritional and disease-prevention benefits (37.5–87.49 g/day, recommended); and levels demonstrating nutritional and disease prevention benefits (≥87.5 g/day; beneficial). In NHANES, legume consumption remained low in US adults and declined from 2011 to 2014 (mature legumes: 12.8 to 8.3%; dry beans: 10.0 to 6.5%). In BLP, less than 5% consumed legumes daily; approximately one-third did not consume legumes during the last month. Marginal mature-legume consumers ate a limited variety of legumes (dry beans and green legumes on a weekly to monthly basis). Beneficial amount consumers ate mature legumes daily or every other day and included chickpeas, lentils and dry peas to their legume mix. Our data suggest that legume consumption declined in US adults, warranting improved communication about the benefits of regular legume consumption.