Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EEG-based brain–computer interfaces exploiting steady-state somatosensory-evoked potentials: a literature review

A brain–computer interface (BCI) aims to derive commands from the user’s brain activity in order to relay them to an external device. To do so, it can either detect a spontaneous change in the mental state, in the so-called ‘active’ BCIs, or a transient or sustained change in the brain response to an external stimulation, in ‘reactive’ BCIs. In the latter, external stimuli are perceived by the user through a sensory channel, usually sight or hearing. When the stimulation is sustained and periodical, the brain response reaches an oscillatory steady-state that can be detected rather easily. We focus our attention on electroencephalography-based BCIs (EEG-based BCI) in which a periodical signal, either mechanical or electrical, stimulates the user skin. This type of stimulus elicits a steady-state response of the somatosensory system that can be detected in the recorded EEG. The oscillatory and phase-locked voltage component characterising this response is called a steady-state somatosensory-evoked potential (SSSEP). It has been shown that the amplitude of the SSSEP is modulated by specific mental tasks, for instance when the user focuses their attention or not to the somatosensory stimulation, allowing the translation of this variation into a command. Actually, SSSEP-based BCIs may benefit from straightforward analysis techniques of EEG signals, like reactive BCIs, while allowing self-paced interaction, like active BCIs. In this paper, we present a survey of scientific literature related to EEG-based BCI exploiting SSSEP. Firstly, we endeavour to describe the main characteristics of SSSEPs and the calibration techniques that allow the tuning of stimulation in order to maximise their amplitude. Secondly, we present the signal processing and data classification algorithms implemented by authors in order to elaborate commands in their SSSEP-based BCIs, as well as the classification performance that they evaluated on user experiments.
Pea (Pisum sativum L.) peel waste carbon loaded with zirconium: study of kinetics, thermodynamics and mechanism of fluoride adsorption

ABSTRACT Pea peel waste carbon loaded with zirconium is used as an engineered biochar material for adsorption of fluoride from aqueous solution. The prepared adsorbent was characterized and the material degradation kinetics were studied using thermogravimetric analysis. Adsorption kinetics follow both pseudo-second order and intra-particle diffusion model. Optimization of algorithm yielded Freundlich isotherm as the best fitting equation. Increment in solution temperature thermodynamically favors fluoride adsorption. Fluoride adsorption remains unaffected in presence of specific co-ions. Adsorbed fluoride could be successfully leached using 0.001 N NaOH and reusability of the material was tested up to tenth cycle of continuous operation.
Histone deacetylase 1 controls cardiomyocyte proliferation during embryonic heart development and cardiac regeneration in zebrafish

In contrast to mammals, the zebrafish maintains its cardiomyocyte proliferation capacity throughout adulthood. However, neither the molecular mechanisms that orchestrate the proliferation of cardiomyocytes during developmental heart growth nor in the context of regeneration in the adult are sufficiently defined yet. We identified in a forward genetic N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis screen the recessive, embryonic-lethal zebrafish mutant baldrian (bal), which shows severely impaired developmental heart growth due to diminished cardiomyocyte proliferation. By positional cloning, we identified a missense mutation in the zebrafish histone deacetylase 1 (hdac1) gene leading to severe protein instability and the loss of Hdac1 function in vivo. Hdac1 inhibition significantly reduces cardiomyocyte proliferation, indicating a role of Hdac1 during developmental heart growth in zebrafish. To evaluate whether developmental and regenerative Hdac1-associated mechanisms of cardiomyocyte proliferation are conserved, we analyzed regenerative cardiomyocyte proliferation after Hdac1 inhibition at the wound border zone in cryoinjured adult zebrafish hearts and we found that Hdac1 is also essential to orchestrate regenerative cardiomyocyte proliferation in the adult vertebrate heart. In summary, our findings suggest an important and conserved role of Histone deacetylase 1 (Hdac1) in developmental and adult regenerative cardiomyocyte proliferation in the vertebrate heart.
Ultrasound-guided access to the axillary vein for implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The aims of our systematic review were to quantify the expected rate of procedural success, early and late complications during CIED implantation using US-guided puncture of the axillary vein and to perform a meta-analysis of those studies that compared the US technique (intervention) versus conventional techniques (control) in terms of complication rates. MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched for eligible studies. Pooled Odds Ratio (OR) and Pooled Mean Difference (PMD) for each predictor were calculated. The quality of evidence (QOE) was evaluated according to the GRADE guidelines. Thirteen studies were included a total of 2073 patients. The overall success of US-guided venipuncture for CIED implantation was 96.8%. As regards early complications, pneumothorax occurred in 0.19%, arterial puncture in 0.63%, and severe hematoma/bleeding requiring intervention in 1.1%. No cases of hemothorax, brachial plexus, or phrenic nerve injury were reported. As regards late complications, the incidence of pocket infection, venous thromboembolism, and leads dislodgement was respectively 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.2%. In the meta-analysis (five studies), the intervention group (US-guided venipuncture) had a trend versus a lower likelihood of having a pneumothorax (0.19% vs 0.75%, p = 0.21), pocket hematoma (0.8% vs 1.7%, p = 0.32), infection (0.28% vs 1.05%, p = 0.29) than the control group, but this did not reach statistical significance. The overall QOE was low or very low. In conclusions we found that the US-guided axillary venipuncture for CIEDs implantation was associated with a low incidence of early and late complications and a steep learning curve.
AWARENESS OF FOLIC ACID USE AND ITS EFFECTS AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS IN UKRAINE.

OBJECTIVE The aim: To evaluate the awareness of folic acid, its use and effects, general knowledge about neural tube defects among medical students in Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS Materials and methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted by questioning 114 fourth and fifth years' students of the Faculty of Medicine. The questionnaire contained questions about folic acid, its dietary sources, effects and periconceptional uses; spina bifida and its main symptoms. RESULTS Results: Overall, 96.5% of students knew that folic acid was a vitamin and 95.6% were aware of the one natural product which had a high folate level. However, awareness of its amount in different products was insufficient. Overall, 86.8% of surveyed knew that folic acid deficiency during pregnancy caused the congenital malformations. The knowledge of the synthetic folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy was low (67.5% and 53.5% respectively). Only 10 % of women among medical students consumed folic acid regularly. CONCLUSION Conclusions: Despite the high level of general knowledge about folic acid and its effects among medical students in Ukraine, there is a poor awareness of the pre-conception administration of folic acid, and the number of people who regularly take folic acid among the respondents was very low.
Durability of Antibody Levels After Vaccination With mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Individuals With or Without Prior Infection.

Durability of Antibody Levels After Vaccination With mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Individuals With or Without Prior Infection Waning serum antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 have raised questions about long-term immunity. Lower antibody levels to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein are associated with breakthrough infections after vaccination, prompting consideration of booster doses.1,2 Prior infection may enhance protection from vaccination, stimulating inquiry about hybrid immunity.3 Our objective was to examine SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG antibodies in a longitudinal cohort, comparing antibody durability in individuals who received an mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine with or without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection.
P2Y12-dependent modulation of ADP-evoked calcium responses in human monocytes

The Gi-coupled, ADP-activated P2Y12 receptor is well-characterised as playing a key role in platelet activation via crosstalk with P2Y1. A crucial aspect of P2Y12-P2Y1 crosstalk in platelets involves ADP-induced intracellular calcium (Ca2+) mobilisation, however there is limited knowledge on the role of P2Y12 in ADP-evoked Ca2+ responses in other blood cells. Here, we investigate the expression of P2Y12 in human monocytes and the contribution of P2Y12 in THP-1 ADP-evoked Ca2+ responses. RT-PCR analysis showed that all ADP-binding P2Y receptors were expressed in THP-1 monocytes at the mRNA level, with P2Y12 expressed in CD14+ primary monocytes. P2Y12 protein was found to be expressed in THP-1 cells, using immunocytochemistry. ADP-evoked Ca2+ responses in fura-2-loaded THP-1 cells were completely abolished by a sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor, and by a phospholipase C inhibitor, indicating that these Ca2+ responses are mediated through GPCRs. Ca2+ responses induced by ADP were significantly reduced by the P2Y12 inhibitors ticagrelor and PSB-0739 and by the P2Y6 antagonist MRS2578, but not by P2Y1 or P2Y13 inhibitors. Using P2Y6-overexpressing astrocytomas, ticagrelor was found to be selective for P2Y12 over P2Y6 at the concentrations used here, although PSB-0739 was not. ADP-induced Ca2+ responses were significantly decreased in THP-1 cells with siRNA-mediated P2Y12 knockdown. Pertussis toxin-mediated Gi inhibition caused a significant reduction in ADP-induced Ca2+ responses, as did the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Use of the adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ22536 had no effect on sole ADP-evoked Ca2+ responses, but caused significant recovery of Ca2+ responses inhibited by P2Y12 antagonists. The results from this study suggest that Ca2+ responses evoked by ADP in THP-1 cells are dependent on both P2Y12 and P2Y6 activation, with P2Y12 positively modulating Gq-coupled P2Y6-mediated Ca2+ responses via adenylate cyclase inhibition and PI3K activation. Overall, this investigation reveals a new role for P2Y12 in non-platelet Ca2+ responses, and contributes to our understanding of how monocytes function in health and disease.
Time-Trends of U.S. Occupational Noise Standard Violations by OSHA Region and Industry Type 1972 to 2019

Our findings indicate that OSHA should implement regulatory mechanisms to improve regions’ compliance with Noise Standard violation reporting. Researchers should examine whether violation timetrends align with changes in OSHA noise reduction policies in particular regions and/or industry sectors. Both efforts will support OSHA's mission of safeguarding workers from noise hazards. Objective: We examined time-trends in Occupational Noise Standard violations by OSHA region and industry type over 48 years. Methods: Along with descriptive analysis of original data, negative binomial regression and Poisson regression were applied to the analysis of 1972 to 2019 and 1972 to 2012 data, respectively. Results: A small annual decrease in violation units over the periods was revealed. The three analyses produced differing timetrends. The manufacturing industry had more violations, and Region 4 had the most violations. Regarding numbers of units, the 10 regions and 2 industries were jointly significant. Some interaction between regions and industry types appeared in both regressions. Conclusions: OSHA should specify how many regions report noise violations each year to ensure accurate identification of noise-related health risks to American workers. Further time-trend studies are needed for specific regions and industry types.
The Effects of Workplace-Based HIV Self-testing on Uptake of Testing and Linkage to HIV Care or Prevention by Men in Uganda (WISe-Men): Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Trial

Background: HIV testing uptake remains low among men in sub-Saharan Africa. HIV self-testing (HIVST) at the workplace is a novel approach to increase the availability of, and access to, testing among men. However, both access and linkage to posttest services remain a challenge. Objective: The aim of this protocol is to describe a cluster randomized trial (CRT)—Workplace-Based HIV Self-testing Among Men (WISe-Men)—to evaluate the effect of HIVST in workplace settings on the uptake of HIV testing services (HTS) and linkage to treatment and prevention services among men employed in private security services in Uganda. Methods: This is a two-arm CRT involving men employed in private security services in two Ugandan districts. The participants in the intervention clusters will undergo workplace-based HIVST using OraQuick test kits. Those in the control clusters will receive routine HTS at their work premises. In addition to HTS, participants in both the intervention and control arms will undergo other tests and assessments, which include blood pressure assessment, blood glucose and BMI measurement, and rapid diagnostic testing for syphilis. The primary outcome is the uptake of HIV testing. The secondary outcomes include HIV status reporting, linkage into HIV care and confirmatory testing following HIVST, initiation of antiretroviral therapy following a confirmatory HIV test, the uptake of voluntary medical male circumcision, consistent condom use, and the uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis by the most at-risk populations. Results: Participant enrollment commenced in February 2020, and the trial is still recruiting study participants. Follow-up for currently enrolled participants is ongoing. Data collection and analysis is expected to be completed in December 2021. Conclusions: The WISe-Men trial will provide information regarding whether self-testing at worksites increases the uptake of HIV testing as well as the linkage to care and prevention services at male-dominated workplaces in Uganda. Additionally, the findings will help us propose strategies for improving men’s engagement in HTS and ways to improve linkage to further care following a reactive or nonreactive HIVST result. JMIR Res Protoc 2021 | vol. 10 | iss. 11 | e25099 | p. 1 https://www.researchprotocols. org/2021/11/e25099 (page number not for citation purposes) Muwanguzi et al JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
Union Is Strength: Target-Based and Whole-Cell High-Throughput Screens in Antibacterial Discovery

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest global health challenges today. For over 3 decades, antibacterial discovery research and development have been focused on cell-based and target-based high-throughput assays. ABSTRACT Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest global health challenges today. For over 3 decades, antibacterial discovery research and development have been focused on cell-based and target-based high-throughput assays. Target-based screens use diagnostic enzymatic reactions to look for molecules that can bind directly to and inhibit the target. Target-based screens are applied only to proteins that can be successfully expressed and purified and the activity of which can be effectively measured using a biochemical assay. Often the molecules found in these in vitro screens are not active in cells due to poor permeability or efflux. On the other hand, cell-based screens use whole cells and look for growth inhibition. These screens give higher numbers of hits than target-based assays and can simultaneously test many targets of one process or pathway in their physiological context. Both strategies have advantages and disadvantages when used separately. In the past 15 years, our increasing knowledge of bacterial physiology has led to the development of innovative and sophisticated technologies to perform high-throughput screening combining these two strategies and thus minimizing their disadvantages. In this review, we discuss recent examples of high-throughput approaches that used both target-based and whole-cell screening to find new antibacterials, the new insights they have provided, and how this knowledge can be applied to other in vivo-validated targets to develop new antimicrobials.
INVESTIGATION OF STRESS-STRAIN STATE OF "RESTORATION & TOOTH" SYSTEM IN WEDGE-SHAPED DEFECTS BY COMPUTED MODELING METHOD.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this research is to study the influence of size and location of wedge-shaped defects of teeth on stress and strain state of restorative material on the basis of biomechanical analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS Materials and methods: Biomechanical analysis of the stress-strain state was performed on a jaw bone fragment with canine and premolar inclusion. RESULTS Results: Tangential stress increase both in the adhesive layer and in restorative material with depth and width (medial-distal size) of restored wedge-shaped defects of teeth,. The most unfavorable loading on a tooth is a joint action of vertical and horizontal loading in lingual- vestibular or vestibular-lingual direction, depending on localization of the restored wedge-shaped defects of teeth. The formation of retention grooves in wedge-shaped defects of teeth reduces the value of the maximum tangential stress in the adhesive layer of restorative material to 25% and extends the longevity of restorations. CONCLUSION Conclusions: The difference in maximal values of tangential stress increases in adhesive layer of restorative material with or without retention grooves with increasing depth of defect. Thus, it is advisable to form retention grooves in cases of wedge-shaped teeth defects that exceed 1.5 mm. In case of restoration of subgingival wedge-shaped defects of teeth of small height it is recommended to create one retention groove on the gingival or incisal planes of a carious cavity due to significant inconveniences, and sometimes impossibility of formation of traditionally located retention grooves.
Tuning doping and surface functionalization of columnar oxide films for volatile organic compound sensing: experiments and theory

In this work, a new strategy based on the surface functionalization and doping of semiconducting oxides was proposed for tuning device properties. A considerable increase in the gas sensing ability of Fe-doped ZnO (ZnO:Fe) columnar films grown by chemical deposition is achieved via surface decoration with oxidized silver nanoparticles (AgO/Ag NPs) with a diameter of ∼7–10 nm. AgO/Ag-decorated ZnO:Fe (Ag/ZnO:Fe) samples showed an optimal operating temperature of 300 °C with fast recovery of the signal (∼7 s) and ultra-high sensitivity to ethanol vapor versus CH4 and H2 gases. The results presented demonstrate the potential for a significant increase in sensitivity to ethanol vapors by surface decoration with AgO/Ag NPs (density of ∼0.8 × 109 cm−2) while maintaining extremely high selectivity. Quantum mechanical simulations show that the transition metal oxide clusters modify the surface chemistry of the doped zinc oxide ZnO (100) surface to improve ethanol sensing. Using thermodynamic arguments, we have investigated the substitutional Fe doping of the symmetrically different Zn ions exposed at the surface. The most energetically favorable doped surface was decorated with (AgO)m nanoparticles of different sizes (1 ≤ m ≤ 6) which were sited at different relative positions to the Fe atom. The simulated work function explains the reactivity trends of the surface models, while the scanning tunneling microscopy images are in agreement with experimental data when the (AgO)m cluster is placed over the dopant. The interface formed between the substrate and the nanoparticle is essential to enable the ethanol conversion into ethanal, suggesting that dehydrogenation plays a key role in the alcohol detection.
Growth and remodeling in the pulmonary autograft: Computational evaluation using kinematic growth models and constrained mixture theory

Computational investigations of how soft tissues grow and remodel are gaining more and more interest and several growth and remodeling theories have been developed. Roughly, two main groups of theories for soft tissues can be distinguished: kinematic‐based growth theory and theories based on constrained mixture theory. Our goal was to apply these two theories on the same experimental data. Within the experiment, a pulmonary artery was exposed to systemic conditions. The change in diameter was followed‐up over time. A mechanical and microstructural analysis of native pulmonary artery and pulmonary autograft was conducted. Whereas the kinematic‐based growth theory is able to accurately capture the growth of the tissue, it does not account for the mechanobiological processes causing this growth. The constrained mixture theory takes into account the mechanobiological processes including removal, deposition and adaptation of all structural constituents, allowing us to simulate a changing microstructure and mechanical behavior.
Combinational inhibitory action of essential oils and gamma irradiation for controlling Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus growth and their aflatoxins biosynthesis in vitro and in situ conditions

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of certain essential oils (star anise, lemon leaves, marjoram, fennel, and lavender) on the fungal growth of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus and their production of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The degree of suppression of the aflatoxigenic strains’ growth and their production of AFB1 is mainly affected by the kind and the concentration of the tested essential oils (EOs). Star anise essential oil had the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (0.5 and 1.0 μL/mL) against A. flavus and A. parasiticus, respectively, so it was the best among the five different oils. The study of liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry revealed that star anise EO resulted in a 98% reduction in AFB1 without a breakdown of AFB1 products after treatment thus the complete removal of AFB1 was done without any toxic residues. The combination showed a synergistic effect, the combinational treatment between γ-irradiation at a low dose (2 kGy) and star anise EO at concentrate 0.5 μL/g destroyed A. flavus and A. parasiticus inoculated (individually) in sorghum and peanut, respectively throughout the storage period (8 weeks).