Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Globalized Model for Mapping Wearable Seismocardiogram Signals to Whole-Body Ballistocardiogram Signals Based on Deep Learning

The ballistocardiography (BCG) signal is a measurement of the vibrations of the center of mass of the body due to the cardiac cycle and can be used for noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring. The seismocardiography (SCG) signals measure the local vibrations of the chest wall due to the cardiac cycle. While BCG is a more well-known modality, it requires the use of a modified bathroom scale or a force plate and cannot be measured in a wearable setting, whereas SCG signals can be measured using wearable accelerometers placed on the sternum. In this paper, we explore the idea of finding a mapping between zero mean and unit $\ell _{2}$-norm SCG and BCG signal segments such that, the BCG signal can be acquired using wearable accelerometers (without retaining amplitude information). We use neural networks to find such a mapping and make use of the recently introduced UNet architecture. We trained our models on 26 healthy subjects and tested them on ten subjects. Our results show that we can estimate the aforementioned segments of the BCG signal with a median Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.71 and a median absolute deviation (MAD) of 0.17. Furthermore, our model can estimate the R-I, R-J and R-K timing intervals with median absolute errors (and MAD) of 10.00 (8.90), 6.00 (5.93), and 8.00 (5.93), respectively. We show that using all three axis of the SCG accelerometer produces the best results, whereas the head-to-foot SCG signal produces the best results when a single SCG axis is used.
Three‐dimensional reconstruction of internal fascicles and microvascular structures of human peripheral nerves

Biofabricated nanostructured and microstructured scaffolds have exhibited great potential for nerve tissue regeneration and functional restoration, and prevascularization and biotransportation within 3D fascicle structures are critical. Unfortunately, an ideal internal fascicle and microvascular model of human peripheral nerves is lacking. In this study, we used microcomputed tomography (microCT) to acquire high‐resolution images of the human sciatic nerve. We propose a novel deep‐learning network technique, called ResNetH3D‐Unet, to segment fascicles and microvascular structures. We reconstructed 3D intraneural fascicles and microvascular topography to quantify the fascicle volume ratio (FVR), microvascular volume ratio (MVR), microvascular to fascicle volume ratio (MFVR), fascicle surface area to volume ratio (FSAVR), and microvascular surface area to volume ratio (MSAVR) of human samples. The frequency distributions of the fascicle diameter, microvascular diameter, and fascicle‐to‐microvasculature distance were analyzed. The obtained microCT analysis and reconstruction provided high‐resolution microstructures of human peripheral nerves. Our proposed ResNetH3D‐Unet method for fascicle and microvasculature segmentation yielded a mean intersection over union (IOU) of 92.1% (approximately 5% higher than the U‐net IOU). The 3D reconstructed model showed that the internal microvasculature runs longitudinally within the internal epineurium and connects to the external vasculature at some points. Analysis of the 3D data indicated a 48.2 ± 3% FVR, 23.7 ± 1.8% MVR, 4.9 ± 0.5% MFVR, 7.26 ± 2.58 mm‐1 FSAVR, and 1.52 ± 0.52 mm‐1 MSAVR. A fascicle diameter of 0.98 mm, microvascular diameter of 0.125 mm, and microvasculature‐to‐fascicle distance of 0.196 mm were most frequent. This study provides fundamental data and structural references for designing bionic scaffolding constructs with 3D microvascular and fascicle distributions.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Four Indian Isolates of Azospirillum brasilense

Azospirillum brasilense is used worldwide as a plant growth-promoting inoculant for agricultural crops. To understand how the genomes of Indian strains of A. brasilense compare with their South American counterparts, we determined the whole-genome sequences of four strains of A. brasilense isolated from the rhizosphere of grasses from India. ABSTRACT Azospirillum brasilense is used worldwide as a plant growth-promoting inoculant for agricultural crops. To understand how the genomes of Indian strains of A. brasilense compare with their South American counterparts, we determined the whole-genome sequences of four strains of A. brasilense isolated from the rhizosphere of grasses from India.
Successful development and clinical translation of a novel anterior lamellar artificial cornea

Blindness due to corneal diseases is a common pathology affecting up to 23 million individuals worldwide. The tissue‐engineered anterior human cornea, which is currently being tested in a Phase I/II clinical trial to treat severe corneal trophic ulcers with preliminary good feasibility and safety results. This bioartificial cornea is based on a nanostructured fibrin–agarose biomaterial containing human allogeneic stromal keratocytes and cornea epithelial cells, mimicking the human native anterior cornea in terms of optical, mechanical, and biological behavior. This product is manufactured as a clinical‐grade tissue engineering product, fulfilling European requirements and regulations. The clinical translation process included several phases: an initial in vitro and in vivo preclinical research plan, including preclinical advice from the Spanish Medicines Agency followed by additional preclinical development, the adaptation of the biofabrication protocols to a good manufacturing practice manufacturing process, including all quality controls required, and the design of an advanced therapy clinical trial. The experimental development and successful translation of advanced therapy medicinal products for clinical application has to overcome many obstacles, especially when undertaken by academia or SMEs. We expect that our experience and research strategy may help future researchers to efficiently transfer their preclinical results into the clinical settings.
Optimizing therapy of bloodstream infection due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Infections due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) are increasing worldwide. Carbapenems are usually regarded as the antibiotics of choice for the treatment of serious ESBL infections. However, because of the alarming emergence or carbapenem resistance, interest in effective alternatives has emerged. The present review summarizes the findings published on the antibiotics currently available for treatment of patients with an ESBL-E bloodstream infection (BSI). RECENT FINDINGS Meropenem and imipenem are the drugs recommended for treatment of ESBL BSIs in critically ill patients, and in infections with high bacterial loads or elevated β-lactam minimum inhibitory concentrations. Ertapenem should be reserved for patients with less severe presentations, and should be used at high doses. In milder presentations or BSIs from low-risk sources, other carbapenem-sparing alternatives could be considered: cephamycins, fluoroquinolones, and particularly a β-lactam/β-lactam inhibitor combination (particularly piperacillin/tazobactam). Optimized dosing of piperacillin/tazobactam is recommended (high doses and extended infusion). There are few data on the use of the promising newly available drugs (e.g. ceftolozane/tazobactam, ceftazidime/avibactam, cefiderocol, and plazomicin), and it seems reasonable to reserve them as last-resort drugs. SUMMARY Carbapenems should be used in patients with serious infections; alternatives could be used individually, particularly for definitive treatment of patients with milder presentations.
Refining Inaccurate Transmitter and Receiver Positions Using Calibration Targets for Target Localization in Multi-Static Passive Radar

Transmitter and receiver position errors have been known to significantly deteriorate target localization accuracy in a multi-static passive radar (MPR) system. This paper explores the use of calibration targets, whose positions are known to the MPR system, to counter the loss in target localization accuracy arising from transmitter/receiver position errors. This paper firstly evaluates the Cramér–Rao lower bound (CRLB) for bistatic range (BR)-based target localization with calibration targets, which analytically indicates the potential of calibration targets in enhancing localization accuracy. After that, this paper proposes a novel closed-form solution, which includes two steps: calibration step and localization step. Firstly, the calibration step is devoted to refine the inaccurate transmitter and receiver locations using the BR measurements from the calibration targets, and then in the calibration step, the target localization can be accurately achieved by using the refined transmitter/receiver positions and the BR measurements from the unknown target. Theoretical analysis and simulation results indicate that the proposed method can attain the CRLB at moderate measurement noise level, and exhibits the superiority of localization accuracy over existing algorithms.
Local Pulse Wave Velocity: Theory, Methods, Advancements, and Clinical Applications

Local pulse wave velocity (PWV) is evolving as one of the important determinants of arterial hemodynamics, localized vessel stiffening associated with several pathologies, and a host of other cardiovascular events. Although PWV was introduced over a century ago, only in recent decades, due to various technological advancements, has emphasis been directed toward its measurement from a single arterial section or from piecewise segments of a target arterial section. This emerging worldwide trend in the exploration of instrumental solutions for local PWV measurement has produced several invasive and noninvasive methods. As of yet, however, a univocal opinion on the ideal measurement method has not emerged. Neither have there been extensive comparative studies on the accuracy of the available methods. Recognizing this reality, makes apparent the need to establish guideline-recommended standards for the measurement methods and reference values, without which clinical application cannot be pursued. This paper enumerates all major local PWV measurement methods while pinpointing their salient methodological considerations and emphasizing the necessity of global standardization. Further, a summary of the advancements in measuring modalities and clinical applications is provided. Additionally, a detailed discussion on the minimally explored concept of incremental local PWV is presented along with suggestions of future research questions.
Two-Step Elution Recovery of Cyanide Platinum Using Functional Metal Organic Resin

A novel functional ion-exchange/adsorption metal organic resin (MOR), TEBAC-HKUST-1, was prepared and characterized. Ethanedithiol was used as the grafting agent to introduce thiol groups onto HKUST-1, and 4-vinylbenzyl chloride was then grafted onto SH-HKUST-1 using thiol groups. Finally, the quaternary ammonium functional group was immobilized onto the carrier by performing a quaternization reaction. The structure and property of TEBAC-HKUST-1 MOR were characterized by TGA, N2 adsorption–desorption, FTIR, SEM, and XRD. TEBAC-HKUST-1 MOR was used to remove metal cyanide complexes from wastewater. The adsorption was rapid, and the metal cyanide complexes including Pt(CN)42−, Co(CN)63−, Cu(CN)32−, and Fe(CN)63− were removed in 30 min. TEBAC-HKUST-1 MOR exhibited a high stability in neutral and weak basic aqueous solutions. Furthermore, Pt(II) could be efficiently recovered through two-step elution. The recovery rate of Pt(II) for five cycles were over 92.0% in the mixture solution containing Pt(CN)42−, Co(CN)63−, Cu(CN)32−, and Fe(CN)63−. The kinetic data were best fitted with the pseudo second-order model. Moreover, the isothermal data were best fitted with the Langmuir model. The thermodynamic results show that the adsorption is a spontaneous and exothermic process. TEBAC-HKUST-1 MOR not only exhibited excellent ability for the rapid removal of metal cyanide complexes, but also provided a new idea for the extraction of noble metals from cyanide-contaminated water.
Surgical Outcomes of Endoscopic Medial Orbital Wall Decompression.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective chart review. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes and complications after endoscopic medial orbital wall decompression. METHOD From November 2016 to July 2017, we retrospectively reviewed 40 eyes of 20 patients who had undergone orbital decompression because of thyroid ophthalmopathy and other causes of proptosis.The eyes were classified into 2 groups: orbits which received only endoscopic medial wall decompression, and orbits which received both endoscopic medial wall decompression and transconjunctival inferior wall decompression. Statistical analysis was performed for all data generated. The preoperative and 3-month postoperative follow-up examinations for all patients were assessed by Hertel ophthalmometry, interpalpebral fissure, marginal reflex distance 1, Goldmann applanation tonometry, diplopia test, and Grave ophthalmopathy specific quality of life survey. RESULTS Endoscopic medial wall decompression was performed in 17 of the total 40 eyes, and endoscopic medial wall decompression and transconjunctival inferior wall decompression was performed in the remaining 23 eyes. Proptosis improved from 20.4 ± 1.16 mm preoperatively to 16.8 ± 1.02 mm postoperatively in the endoscopic medial wall approach group, and from 20.8 ± 1.75 mm preoperatively to 14.8 ± 1.79 mm postoperatively in the endoscopic medial wall and transconjunctival inferior wall approach group. Postoperative complications occurred in 2 patients who displayed periphery diplopia, in the endoscopic medial wall and transconjunctival inferior wall approach group. A survey to assess the level of cosmetic satisfaction was significantly improved in both groups after surgery. CONCLUSION Endoscopic medial wall decompression is an approach that achieves sufficient orbital decompression while minimizing complications.
The association of depression stigma with barriers to seeking mental health care: a cross-sectional analysis

Abstract Background: Stigma is one of several barriers to seeking mental health care. However, few studies have examined how stigma relates to other common barriers (e.g. attitudes about treatment, cost, time). Aims: This study investigated whether depression stigma (internalized or perceived) was related to other treatment-seeking barriers (attitudinal, structural) and whether depression severity influenced the strength of the association. Methods: We used multivariable-adjusted linear regression to model barrier outcomes as a function of internalized and perceived stigma in an undergraduate population (N = 2551). We evaluated potential effect modification by depression severity using likelihood-ratio tests. Results: Internalized stigma displayed a stronger association with overall barriers to care (including perceived need, negative treatment expectations, and structural barriers) than did perceived stigma. Higher internalized stigma predicted a stronger emphasis on each barrier to treatment measured. Sub-components of internalized stigma (e.g. alienation, stereotype endorsement) uniquely predicted a greater emphasis on distinct barriers. Conclusions: Internalized stigma is strongly linked to greater perception of barriers to mental health care. It may be necessary to address stigma and barriers concurrently rather than independently.
Arabidopsis glutathione reductase 2 is indispensable in plastids, while mitochondrial glutathione is safeguarded by additional reduction and transport systems

A highly negative glutathione redox potential (EGSH) is maintained in the cytosol, plastids and mitochondria of plant cells to support fundamental processes, including antioxidant defence, redox regulation and iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis. Out of two glutathione reductase (GR) proteins in Arabidopsis, GR2 is predicted to be dual-targeted to plastids and mitochondria, but its differential roles in these organelles remain unclear. We dissected the role of GR2 in organelle glutathione redox homeostasis and plant development using a combination of genetic complementation and stacked mutants, biochemical activity studies, immunogold labelling and in vivo biosensing. Our data demonstrate that GR2 is dual-targeted to plastids and mitochondria, but embryo lethality of gr2 null mutants is caused specifically in plastids. Whereas lack of mitochondrial GR2 leads to a partially oxidised glutathione pool in the matrix, the ABC transporter ATM3 and the mitochondrial thioredoxin system provide functional backup and maintain plant viability. We identify GR2 as essential in the plastid stroma, where it counters GSSG accumulation and developmental arrest. By contrast a functional triad of GR2, ATM3 and the thioredoxin system in the mitochondria provides resilience to excessive glutathione oxidation.
Comparative proteomic analysis of plant-pathogen interactions in resistant and susceptible poplar ecotypes infected with Botryosphaeria dothidea.

Poplar are important forestry species in China, but the Botryosphaeria dothidea pathogen causes serious economic losses worldwide. To identify candidate B. dothidea resistance proteins and explore the molecular mechanisms involved in poplar-pathogen interactions, proteomic responses of stem samples from resistant and susceptible poplar ecotypes to B. dothidea were investigated using nanoflow liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with label-free quantitative analysis. We identified 588 proteins, divided into 21 biological process categories including 48 oxidoreductases, 72 hydrolytic enzymes, 80 metabolic enzymes, and 29 proteins of unknown function. Differential proteome analysis revealed large differences between resistant P. tomentosa and susceptible P. beijingensis Hsu ecotypes before and after inoculation. Among 102 identified proteins, 22 were highly up-regulated in the resistant genotype but down-regulated in the susceptible genotype. Proteins induced in P. tomentosa in response to B. dothidea are associated with plant defenses including oxidoreductase activity (catalase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, and superoxide dismutase), phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and phenylalanine metabolism (alcohol dehydrogenase), photosynthesis (ATP synthase subunit alpha, ATP synthase gamma chain, photosystem I P700 chlorophyll a apoprotein A2, photosystem II CP47 chlorophyll apoprotein), carbon fixation (pyruvate kinase, triosephosphate isomerase, malic enzyme, phosphoglycerate kinase, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase, and ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase small chain), and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis (fructose-bisphosphate aldolase). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis identified 168 proteins related to metabolic pathways, 41 proteins related to the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids, and 36 proteins related to the biosynthesis of plant hormones, the biosynthesis of alkaloids derived from ornithine, lysine, and nicotinic acid, and photosynthesis in response to B. dothidea. Our findings provide insight into plant-pathogen interactions in resistant and susceptible poplar ecotypes infected with B. dothidea, and could assist the development of novel strategies for fighting poplar canker disease.
Wild boars: A potential source of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection in Japan

The potential role of wild boars as a source of erysipelas infection was investigated. An ELISA test of wild boar serum samples from 41 prefectures in Japan revealed that proportions of the Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae‐positive samples were very high in all the prefectures, and the mean positive rate was 95.6% (1312/1372). Serovars of E. rhusiopathiae isolates from wild boars were similar to those of previously reported swine isolates, and all serovar isolates tested were found to be pathogenic to mice. These results suggest that wild boars in Japan constitute a reservoir of E. rhusiopathiae and may pose risks to other animals.
Impact of obesity on life expectancy among different European countries: secondary analysis of population-level data over the 1975–2012 period

Objective This study assesses the impact of obesity on life expectancy for 26 European national populations and the USA over the 1975–2012 period. Design Secondary analysis of population-level obesity and mortality data. Setting European countries, namely Austria, Belarus, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Russian Federation, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and the UK; and the USA. Participants National populations aged 18–100 years, by sex. Measurements Using data by age and sex, we calculated obesity-attributable mortality by multiplying all-cause mortality (Human Mortality Database) with obesity-attributable mortality fractions (OAMFs). OAMFs were obtained by applying the weighted sum method to obesity prevalence data (non-communicable diseases (NCD) Risk Factor Collaboration) and European relative risks (Dynamic Modeling for Health Impact Assessment (DYNAMO- HIA)). We estimated potential gains in life expectancy (PGLE) at birth by eliminating obesity-attributable mortality from all-cause mortality using associated single-decrement life tables. Results In the 26 European countries in 2012, PGLE due to obesity ranged from 0.86 to 1.67 years among men, and from 0.66 to 1.54 years among women. In all countries, PGLE increased over time, with an average annual increase of 2.68% among men and 1.33% among women. Among women in Denmark, Switzerland, and Central and Eastern European countries, the increase in PGLE levelled off after 1995. Without obesity, the average increase in life expectancy between 1975 and 2012 would have been 0.78 years higher among men and 0.30 years higher among women. Conclusions Obesity was proven to have an impact on both life expectancy levels and trends in Europe. The differences found in this impact between countries and the sexes can be linked to contextual factors, as well as to differences in people’s ability and capacity to adopt healthier lifestyles.