Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An EEG/EOG-based hybrid brain-neural computer interaction (BNCI) system to control an exoskeleton for the paralyzed hand

Abstract The loss of hand function can result in severe physical and psychosocial impairment. Thus, compensation of a lost hand function using assistive robotics that can be operated in daily life is very desirable. However, versatile, intuitive, and reliable control of assistive robotics is still an unsolved challenge. Here, we introduce a novel brain/neural-computer interaction (BNCI) system that integrates electroencephalography (EEG) and electrooculography (EOG) to improve control of assistive robotics in daily life environments. To evaluate the applicability and performance of this hybrid approach, five healthy volunteers (HV) (four men, average age 26.5±3.8 years) and a 34-year-old patient with complete finger paralysis due to a brachial plexus injury (BPI) used EEG (condition 1) and EEG/EOG (condition 2) to control grasping motions of a hand exoskeleton. All participants were able to control the BNCI system (BNCI control performance HV: 70.24±16.71%, BPI: 65.93±24.27%), but inclusion of EOG significantly improved performance across all participants (HV: 80.65±11.28, BPI: 76.03±18.32%). This suggests that hybrid BNCI systems can achieve substantially better control over assistive devices, e.g., a hand exoskeleton, than systems using brain signals alone and thus may increase applicability of brain-controlled assistive devices in daily life environments.
Chitosan nanoparticles for ocular delivery of cyclosporine A

Abstract In the present study, cyclosporine A (CsA) was successfully incorporated into cationic chitosan nanoparticles by spray-drying method aiming ocular application. Physicochemical characterisation of particles was performed in detail. Among the particles prepared using three types of chitosan with different molecular weights, particles containing chitosan with medium molecular weight was selected for in vivo studies. Selection was dependent on higher incorporation and encapsulation efficiencies of CsA and also better release characteristic in simulated tear fluid. Sheep were used in in vivo studies. Biological samples were collected at predetermined time intervals and were analysed by enzyme immune assay. CsA could be detected in both aqueous and vitreous humour samples for the duration of 72 h. In vivo release profiles indicated prolonged release of active agent from positively charged chitosan formulations. This may be attributed to enhanced residence time at the corneal and conjunctival surfaces.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms in mild cognitive impairment: An analysis and its impact on caregiving

Background: Neuropsychiatric impairments play a significant role throughout the course of cognitive decline. Many psychological and behavioral symptoms are present in patients of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) similar to that seen in individuals with dementia. Aims and Objectives: To study the relevance of neuropsychiatric symptoms of MCI and the impact it has on caregivers of these patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 90 patients (30 MCI, 30 dementia and 30 controls) above the age of 50 years. The scales used were Hindi–Mental Status Examination, Global deterioration scale and Neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 16 software. Results: 73.33% (22) of the subjects in MCI group, 90% (27) of subjects in dementia group and 53.33% (16) of subjects having normal cognition had neuropsychiatric complaints. 73.33% (22) relatives of subjects in the MCI group, 90% (27) relatives of subjects in dementia group and 46.67% (14) relatives of subjects in the normal group (i.e. control group) experienced some distress. The differences in the mean NPI severity, frequency, distress and total scores of the three groups were statistically significant. Severity and frequency of neuropsychiatric symptoms significantly predicted the caregiver's distress. Conclusions: Neuropsychiatric symptoms increase both in frequency and severity with increasing cognitive decline, and they cause distress both to the patient as well as the caregiver; and hence their early recognition is a must. The NPI appears to be a useful tool in that regard.
Effects of yoga intervention on sleep and quality-of-life in elderly: A randomized controlled trial

Context: Yoga as a life-style practice has demonstrated beneficial effects. The role of yoga in the elderly for such benefits merits investigation. Aims: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of yoga intervention on quality-of-life (QOL) and sleep quality in the elderly living in old age homes. Settings and Design: Single blind controlled study with block randomization of elderly homes. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 subjects from nine elderly homes were randomized in to yoga group (n=62) and waitlist group (n=58). Subjects in the yoga group were given yoga intervention daily for 1 month and weekly until 3 months and were encouraged to practice yoga without supervision until for 6 months. Subjects in waitlist group received no intervention during this period. Subjects were evaluated with World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF for measuring QOL and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for sleep quality in the baseline and after 6 months. Statistical Analysis: Independent t-test and repeated measures analysis of covariance respectively was used to measure the difference in outcome measures between the two groups at baseline and after the study period. Results: Subjects in the yoga group had significantly higher number of years of formal education. Subjects in the yoga group had significant improvement in all the domains of QOL and total sleep quality after controlling for the effect of baseline difference in education between the two groups. Conclusion: Yoga intervention appears to improve the QOL and sleep quality of elderly living in old age homes. There is a need for further studies overcoming the limitations in this study to confirm the benefits of yoga for elderly in QOL and sleep quality.
Formulation of spray congealed microparticles with self-emulsifying ability for enhanced glibenclamide dissolution performance

Abstract Purpose: To develop a novel preparation approach of solid Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System (s-SEDDS) based on spray congealing as potential drug delivery technology for poorly water-soluble drug Glibenclamide (GBD). Methods: Several systems were formulated using suitable excipients, solid at room temperature, with different hydrophilic–lipophilic balance, such as Myverol, Myvatex, Gelucire®50/13 and Gelucire®44/14. Cremophor®EL and Poloxamer 188 were selected as surfactants and PEG 4000 as co-solvent. Results: The screening of the best carrier for s-SEDDS manufacturing revealed that Gelucire®50/13 had greater performance. Then, surfactant–co-solvent systems were developed. Dissolution studies showed that all the formulations promoted the solubilisation performance of the GBD with respect to pure drug; in particular the formulation containing Gelucire®50/13 and PEG 4000 increased the drug solubilisation of five times. These microparticles showed self-dispersibility within 60 min and micelles dimensions around 360 nm. Conclusions: Spray congealing is a promising novel manufacturing technique of solid self-emulsifying systems.
Oil core microcapsules by inverse gelation technique

Abstract A promising technique for oil encapsulation in Ca-alginate capsules by inverse gelation was proposed by Abang et al. This method consists of emulsifying calcium chloride solution in oil and then adding it dropwise in an alginate solution to produce Ca-alginate capsules. Spherical capsules with diameters around 3 mm were produced by this technique, however the production of smaller capsules was not demonstrated. The objective of this study is to propose a new method of oil encapsulation in a Ca-alginate membrane by inverse gelation. The optimisation of the method leads to microcapsules with diameters around 500 μm. In a search of microcapsules with improved diffusion characteristics, the size reduction is an essential factor to broaden the applications in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals areas. This work contributes to a better understanding of the inverse gelation technique and allows the production of microcapsules with a well-defined shell–core structure.
Performance, mood state and selected hormonal parameters during the rowing season in elite male rowers

In this study, we examined possible hormonal and psychological changes in elite male rowers during 24-week preparation period. Eleven elite male rowers were tested on seven occasions over the six month training season. Fasting testosterone, growth hormone, cortisol and creatine kinase activity, and perceived recovery-stress state were evaluated after a resting day. Maximal oxygen consumption was determined before and after the training period. Training was mainly organized as low-intensity prolonged training sessions. Significant increases in VO2max (from 6.2±0.5 to 6.4±0.6 l/min) were observed as a result of training. The overall perceived recovery-stress index did not change during the preparation period. Standardized recovery and stress scores separately changed during the course of training in comparison with pretraining value. When basal hormone concentrations were compared with the first measurement, significant changes in testosterone and cortisol values were
Antioxidant Status, Erythrocyte Membrane Lipid Peroxidation and Osmotic Fragility in Malignant Lymphoma Patients

Abstract We studied erythrocyte and leukocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA) and osmotic fragility and plasma L-ascorbic acid and L-dehydroascorbic acid levels in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Hodgkin's disease (HD) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) before and after treatment. SOD activity was elevated in leukocytes of ALL and HD patients before treatment, and borderlike-significantly elevated in leukocytes of the same patients after treatment in comparison to the control subjects. SOD activity was not changed in NHL patients before or after chemotherapy. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were elevated in the three groups of lymphomas before and after treatment. MDA level and osmotic fragility of red blood cells of patients with lymphomas were increased before and after treatment in comparison to the control group. Plasma L-ascorbic acid concentrations were decreased, whereas L-dehydroascorbic acid concentrations were increased in ALL, HD and NHL patients before and after treatment. There were also significant differences in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes, concentrations of antioxidants, MDA and osmotic fragility in the most of the malignant lymphoma patients. The present data suggest that hematological complications and autoimmune hemolytic anemia might be attributed to the oxidative stress produced by malignant lymphomas.
Minimally required heat doses for various tumour sizes in induction heating cancer therapy determined by computer simulation using experimental data

Purpose: Although induction heating cancer therapy (IHCT) using magnetic nanoparticles can be a promising approach to treatment-less multi-nodular cancers, the objective requirement for successful clinical application has not clearly been elucidated. We intended to define objective heat doses suitable for IHCT, especially focusing on the sizes of liver cancer nodules. Materials and methods: Alternating magnetic fields were applied to three human pancreatic cancer cell lines, the intercellular space of those cell pellets were filled with magnetic nanoparticles, and confirmed the cytotoxic effect of IHCT. Subsequently, the temperatures of liver cancer nodules in IHCT were simulated using a computer software program and the required heat dose for various sized tumours were determined. Results: Heating the cancer cells up to 50°C for 10 min was sufficient for complete cell killing and the heat dose of 1.7 W/gtumour is required for 10 mm tumour. Larger tumours require a smaller heat dose, e.g. 20 mm and 40 mm tumours require 0.7 W/gtumour and 0.6 W/gtumour, respectively, whereas smaller tumours require large amounts of heat, e.g. 5 mm and 1 mm tumours require 5.1 W/gtumour and 105 W/gtumour, respectively. Conclusions: Integrating the presently available technologies, including high-quality magnetic nanoparticles (1000 W/gmaterial) and effective drug delivery systems (1–2 mgmaterial/gtumour), treatment of a 10 mm tumour seems possible. Since treatment of smaller tumours less than 5 mm require substantial heat dose, researchers involved in IHCT should target cancer nodules of 10 mm or more, and develop a heat delivery system providing a minimum of 1.7 W/gtumour.
3D versus 2D steering in patient anatomies: A comparison using hyperthermia treatment planning

Purpose: In this study hyperthermia treatment planning is used to investigate whether the target temperature during hyperthermia treatment can be increased using the 3D AMC-8 instead of the 2D AMC-4 system (AMC: Academic Medical Center). Methods and materials: The heating ability of the AMC-4 and AMC-8 system was analysed for five patients with cervix uteri carcinoma. Dielectric and thermal models were generated, based on a hyperthermia planning computerised tomography (CT), at a resolution of 2.5 × 2.5 × 5.0 mm3. Calculation of the electric fields with the finite-difference time-domain method was followed by SAR- and temperature-based optimisation. The ability to correct for axial shifts of the patient by phase/amplitude steering was investigated for both systems. Finally, it was investigated whether adjusting the ring-to-ring distance of the AMC-8 system can be used for further optimisation. Results: An average increase in T90 of ∼0.5°C (0.2°–0.8°C) was found for the AMC-8 system compared to the AMC-4 system. The gain in T50 and T10 was also 0.5°C on average. The additional power required to achieve this gain was 36% to 71% of the power required for the AMC-4 system. The AMC-8 system has the capability of correcting changes in axial position (−8 cm, +8 cm), contrary to the AMC-4 system. For both systems the axial position should be known within 1–2 cm. Conclusions: Hyperthermia treatment with the AMC-8 system can lead to a clinically relevant increase of the target temperature compared to treatment with the AMC-4 system. The AMC-8 system provides large freedom in the axial positioning of the patient.
Gender-modulated impact of apolipoprotein A5 gene (APOA5) −1131T>C and c.56C>G polymorphisms on lipids, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome in Turkish adults

Abstract Background: Apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) gene polymorphisms are usually associated with plasma triglyceride levels. We evaluated the relationship of the APOA5 −1131T>C and c.56C>G polymorphisms [single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)] with serum lipids, dyslipidemia [low high-density lipoprotein (HDL)/high triglyceride] and the risk for metabolic syndrome (MS) in the Turkish Adult Risk Factor study. Methods: We genotyped SNPs using the Taqman allelic discrimination assays in 1564 Turkish adults (51.4% female, mean age 54.1±11.6 years). MS and dyslipidemia were defined using the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program. Results: For both SNPs, rare allele carriers had significantly higher fasting triglyceride levels in both genders, except the c.56G allele in men. The −1131C allele was associated with lower HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in women. In relation to dyslipidemia, the c.56C>G and haplotype 1 had significant gender-genotype interactions (p<0.05). Otherwise, both SNPs were significantly associated with dyslipidemia after adjustment for risk factors in women. After similar adjustment, non-carriers of the haplotype 1 (odds ratio=4.1, p=0.003) increased the MS risk in women. However, no significant associations emerged between SNPs and HDL-C, dyslipidemia or MS in a similar analysis in men. Conclusions: Excess risk for low HDL-C, dyslipidemia and MS is associated with the rare alleles of the APOA5 SNPs and non-carriers of common haplotype in women. Clin Chem Lab Med 2008;46:778–84.
Resolution of symptoms in neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Although neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) manifests consistently with hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, altered mental state, and autonomic instability, heterogeneity exists in the onset, initial manifestations, course, laboratory findings, response to treatment, and pattern of resolution. Comorbid physical conditions tend to confuse the picture. We report a case of NMS with such a presentation.
Lars Onsager, 27 November - 5 October 1976

One day in 1925 Pieter Debye was sitting in his office at the E.T. H. in Zürich when a visitor from Norway was announced. In came a tall young man, who walked silently across the room, bent over the desk and said solemnly: ‘Professor Debye, your theory of electrolytes is incorrect. ’ Whereupon Debye, after begging the stranger to sit down, and inviting him to discuss his objections, offered him an assistantship for the following year. The young man’s name was Lars Onsager (Murphy & Cohen 1968). Forty-three years later Onsager was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for ‘the discovery of the reciprocal relations bearing his name, which are fundamental for the thermodynamics of irreversible processes’. A group of physicists and chemists at Cornell had written of him: ‘We believe that his work is unique for its penetration, breadth and influence in the development of theoretical and experimental studies of condensed matter. He is surely one of the outstanding physicists of this century. ’
What is the value of B-type natriuretic peptide testing for diagnosis, prognosis or monitoring of critically ill adult patients in intensive care?

Abstract Background: B-natriuretic peptide (BNP) and aminoterminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) are clinically useful for the diagnosis of decompensated heart failure and for prognosis in heart failure and acute coronary syndromes. Clinical use of these biomarkers in critically ill patients being treated in intensive care is not well established. Methods: This is a narrative review of evidence identified searching MEDLINE with the strategy [(BNP OR NT-proBNP) AND (critical illness AND intensive care)]. Seven primary reports and two narrative reviews were retrieved. For completeness, literature from each of the following searches was reviewed: [(BNP OR NT-proBNP) AND (critical illness)] and [(BNP OR NT-proBNP) AND (intensive care)]. Results: Primary literature used BNP and NT-proBNP for diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring. For diagnosis of acute lung injury in unselected intensive care patients and for diagnosis of heart failure in trauma patients, the biomarkers had low sensitivity and are of modest use. BNP and NT-proBNP were found to have a significant ability to prognosticate adverse outcomes in critically ill patients. A single paper examined the use of BNP as a non-invasive replacement for pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, finding little value. The impact of renal insufficiency on the markers was noted as a confounder in most studies. In the secondary searches, some preliminary data suggested a possible role for the natriuretic peptides in exclusion of a cardiac cause for certain conditions among intensive care unit (ICU) patients. However, the general findings were that the performance of BNP and NT-proBNP is unimpressive among ICU patients. Conclusions: Currently, utilization of BNP and NT-proBNP does not appear to provide much useful information or have a substantial role in the care of critically ill patients in intensive care. Clin Chem Lab Med 2008;46:1524–32.
Welcome address: Rheumatic heart disease is a neglected disease of poverty requiring a multisectoral approach for control and eradication.

The Pan African Society of Cardiology (PASCAR) convened the 1st All Africa Workshop on Rheumatic Fever (RF) and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) on 15 16 October 2005 at the Champagne Sports Resort, Drakensberg, South Africa. The purpose of the Workshop was to formulate an action plan for the prevention of RF and RHD in Africa. The gathering was a response to the new guideline on the control of RF and RHD by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2004. The meeting (and this supplement) was made possible by the generous sponsorship of the national Department of Health of South Africa, the Medical Research Council of South Africa, the WHO Regional Office for Africa (WHO-AFRO) and the World Heart Federation, and endorsed by the Heart Foundation of South Africa, the Paediatric Cardiac Society of South Africa, and the South African Heart Association. The other organisations represented at the meeting included the Africa Heart Network, the Nigerian Heart Foundation, and academics from the universities of Alexandria, Cape Town, Ghana, Ibadan, KwaZulu-Natal, Libreville, Limpopo, Nairobi, Pretoria, and Eduardo Mondlane University.
Endovascular management of giant intracranial aneurysms of the posterior circulation.

BACKGROUND Large size, and location in posterior circulation, both individually portend high risk in the endovascular management of intracranial aneurysms. AIM The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcome of endovascular management of giant posterior circulation aneurysms at our centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of 22 consecutive patients with giant posterior circulation aneurysms, who were managed by endovascular techniques between 1997 and 2009. The aneurysms included: Vertebral-6 (27%), basilar or vertebrobasilar - 7 (32%) and nine posterior cerebral artery (PCA) - 9 (41%). RESULTS There were 14 males and eight females with a mean age of 37 years. Treatment modalities included: Parent vessel sacrifice (PVS), coil embolization, flow reversal, stent-assisted coiling, and telescopic stent placement. Angiographic cure or stasis was achieved in 21 (95%) patients and no recurrence was observed in 17 of the 18 patients who had follow-up. Complications occurred in 9 (41%) patients, death in 4 and morbidity in 5 (3 with good eventual outcome). Overall, good clinical outcome was noted in 16 (73%) patients. The majority of the poor outcomes were observed in the management of basilar/vertebrobasilar aneurysms and flow reversal. Parent vessel sacrifice showed the best outcomes with stable results. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that PVS remains the procedure of choice wherever possible and is relatively safe, particularly for giant vertebral and PCA aneurysms. When PVS is not feasible, stent-assisted coiling is a reasonable and safe option and requires follow-up. Management of basilar or vertebrobasilar aneurysms is complicated and still evolving.