Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Statistical analysis of Epileptic activities based on Histogram and Wavelet-Spectral entropy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder which is identified by successive unexpected seizures. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is the electrical signal of brain which contains valuable information about its normal or epileptic activity. In this work EEG and its frequency sub-bands have been analysed to detect epileptic seizures. A discrete wavelet transform (DWT) has been applied to decompose the EEG into its sub-bands. Applying histogram and Spectral entropy approaches to the EEG sub-bands, normal and abnormal states of brain can be distinguished with more than 99% probability.
Differential olivocochlear projections from lateral versus medial zones of the superior olivary complex

An anterograde tracer (35S‐methionine) was injected unilaterally in the superior olivary complex (SOC) at regions previously demonstrated by retrograde labeling to contain olivocochlear (OC) cell bodies. Quantitative analysis of cochlear autoradiographs from these cats demonstrates that there are two OC systems. The lateral OC system has cell bodies lateral to the medial superior olivary nucleus (MSO) and projects to the inner hair cell (IHC) region bilaterally (mostly ipsilaterally). The medial OC system has cell bodies medial, ventral, and anterior to the MSO and projects to the outer hair cell (OHC) region bilaterally (mostly contralaterally). A single medial OC neuron innervates many small patches of OHCs with substantial gaps between the patches. Medial OC neurons also appear to project to the IHC region to a small extent. A review of the literature with the medial‐lateral division of OC efferents in mind reveals many differences between these two systems. In particular, lateral OC axons are unmyelinated and innervate the dendrites of radial afferent fibers under IHCs, whereas medial OC axons are myelinated and directly innervate OHCs. Although both systems appear to be cholinergic, the lateral OC system also shows met‐enkephalin‐like immunoreactivity. The synapses of the medial OC system are formed in development before those of the lateral OC system and they degenerate more slowly after the OC axons are cut. The many differences between these two OC systems suggest that they are functionally separate systems.
Assigning alleles to different loci in amplifications of duplicated loci

Duplicated loci, for example those associated with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes, often have similar DNA sequences that can be coamplified with a pair of primers. This results in genotyping difficulties and inaccurate analyses. Here, we present a method to assign alleles to different loci in amplifications of duplicated loci. This method simultaneously considers several factors that may each affect correct allele assignment. These are the sharing of identical alleles among loci, null alleles, copy number variation, negative amplification, heterozygote excess or heterozygote deficiency, and linkage disequilibrium. The possible multilocus genotypes are extracted from the alleles for each individual and weighted to estimate the allele frequencies. The likelihood of an allele configuration is calculated and is optimized with a heuristic algorithm. Monte‐Carlo simulations and three empirical MHC data sets are used as examples to evaluate the efficacy of our method under different conditions. Our new software, mhc‐typer V1.1, is freely available at https://github.com/huangkang1987/mhc-typer.
Technical Guidance for Clinicians Interested in Partnering With Engineers in Mobile Health Development and Evaluation

The explosion of mobile health (mHealth) interventions has prompted significant investment and exploration that has extended past industry into academia. Although research in this space is emerging, it focuses on the clinical and population level impact across different populations. To realize the full potential of mHealth, an intimate understanding of how mHealth is being used by patients and potential differences in usage between various demographic groups must also be prioritized. In this viewpoint, we use our experiences in building an mHealth intervention that incorporates an iOS app, Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure cuff, and Apple Watch to share knowledge on (1) how user interaction data can be tracked in the context of health care privacy laws, (2) what is required for effective, nuanced communication between clinicians and engineers to design mHealth interventions that are patient-centered and have high clinical impact, and (3) how to handle and set up a process to handle user interaction data efficiently.
BCG Promotes Cord Blood Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cell Maturation with Nuclear Rel-B Up-regulation and Cytosolic IκB α and β Degradation

Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is given to millions of neonates in developing countries as a vaccine against Mycobacterium tuberculosis; however, little is known about the initiation of response in neonatal dendritic cells (DCs) to BCG. To address this issue, the interaction of BCG with human cord blood monocyte-derived DCs was studied. We showed that BCG could promote cord blood monocyte-derived DC maturation by up-regulation of CD80, CD83, CD86, CD40, and MHC class II molecules and down-regulation of mannose receptor. BCG was able to induce similar levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-10 but no bioactive IL-12p70 production from cord blood DCs as from adult blood DCs. Functionally BCG-treated cord blood DCs had higher ability to induce mixed lymphocyte reaction than non-BCG-treated cord blood DCs. Both non-BCG-treated and BCG-treated cord blood DCs efficiently induced a high level of IL-10, medium level of interferon-γ, but little IL-4 production by cord blood naïve CD4+ T cells. Heat shock protein 65, a key component of BCG, had no effect on cord blood DC maturation in terms of CD86, MHC class II, and mannose receptor up-regulation. During the BCGinduced maturation process of cord blood DCs, nuclear transcription factor Rel-B was up-regulated and cytosolic Rel-B downregulated with cytosolic IκB α and β degradation. These results suggest that BCG can promote cord blood monocyte-derived DC maturation, and that the mechanism is through the up-regulation of nuclear Rel-B secondary to the degradation of cytosolic IκB α and β. (Pediatr Res 54: 105-112, 2003)
CTDquerier: a bioconductor R package for Comparative Toxicogenomics DatabaseTM data extraction, visualization and enrichment of environmental and toxicological studies

Abstract Summary Biomedical studies currently include a large volume of genomic and environmental factors for studying the etiology of human diseases. R/Bioconductor projects provide several tools for performing enrichment analysis at gene-pathway level, allowing researchers to develop novel hypotheses. However, there is a need to perform similar analyses at the chemicals-genes or chemicals-diseases levels to provide complementary knowledge of the causal path between chemicals and diseases. While the Comparative Toxicogenomics DatabaseTM (CTD) provides information about these relationships, there is no software for integrating it into R/Bioconductor analysis pipelines. CTDquerier helps users to easily download CTD data and integrate it in the R/Bioconductor framework. The package also contains functions for visualizing CTD data and performing enrichment analyses. We illustrate how to use the package with a real data analysis of asthma-related genes. CTDquerier is a flexible and easy-to-use Bioconductor package that provides novel hypothesis about the relationships between chemicals and diseases. Availability and implementation CTDquerier R package is available through Bioconductor and its development version at https://github.com/isglobal-brge/CTDquerier. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Development of a conditional localization approach to control apicoplast protein trafficking in malaria parasites

Secretory proteins are of particular importance to apicomplexan parasites and comprise over 15% of the genomes of the human pathogens that cause diseases like malaria, toxoplasmosis and babesiosis as well as other diseases of agricultural significance. Here, we developed an approach that allows us to control the trafficking destination of secretory proteins in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Based on the unique structural requirements of apicoplast transit peptides, we designed three conditional localization domains (CLD1, 2 and 3) that can be used to control protein trafficking via the addition of a cell permeant ligand. Studies comparing the trafficking dynamics of each CLD show that CLD2 has the most optimal trafficking efficiency. To validate this system, we tested whether CLD2 could conditionally localize a biotin ligase called holocarboxylase synthetase 1 (HCS1) without interfering with the function of the enzyme. In a parasite line expressing CLD2‐HCS1, we were able to control protein biotinylation in the apicoplast in a ligand‐dependent manner, demonstrating the full functionality of the CLD tool. We have developed and validated a novel molecular tool that may be used in future studies to help elucidate the function of secretory proteins in malaria parasites.
Calcium ion in skeletal muscle: its crucial role for muscle function, plasticity, and disease.

Mammalian skeletal muscle shows an enormous variability in its functional features such as rate of force production, resistance to fatigue, and energy metabolism, with a wide spectrum from slow aerobic to fast anaerobic physiology. In addition, skeletal muscle exhibits high plasticity that is based on the potential of the muscle fibers to undergo changes of their cytoarchitecture and composition of specific muscle protein isoforms. Adaptive changes of the muscle fibers occur in response to a variety of stimuli such as, e.g., growth and differentition factors, hormones, nerve signals, or exercise. Additionally, the muscle fibers are arranged in compartments that often function as largely independent muscular subunits. All muscle fibers use Ca(2+) as their main regulatory and signaling molecule. Therefore, contractile properties of muscle fibers are dependent on the variable expression of proteins involved in Ca(2+) signaling and handling. Molecular diversity of the main proteins in the Ca(2+) signaling apparatus (the calcium cycle) largely determines the contraction and relaxation properties of a muscle fiber. The Ca(2+) signaling apparatus includes 1) the ryanodine receptor that is the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release channel, 2) the troponin protein complex that mediates the Ca(2+) effect to the myofibrillar structures leading to contraction, 3) the Ca(2+) pump responsible for Ca(2+) reuptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and 4) calsequestrin, the Ca(2+) storage protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. In addition, a multitude of Ca(2+)-binding proteins is present in muscle tissue including parvalbumin, calmodulin, S100 proteins, annexins, sorcin, myosin light chains, beta-actinin, calcineurin, and calpain. These Ca(2+)-binding proteins may either exert an important role in Ca(2+)-triggered muscle contraction under certain conditions or modulate other muscle activities such as protein metabolism, differentiation, and growth. Recently, several Ca(2+) signaling and handling molecules have been shown to be altered in muscle diseases. Functional alterations of Ca(2+) handling seem to be responsible for the pathophysiological conditions seen in dystrophinopathies, Brody's disease, and malignant hyperthermia. These also underline the importance of the affected molecules for correct muscle performance.
Adsorption of Rhodamine B dye from aqueous solution onto acid treated banana peel: Response surface methodology, kinetics and isotherm studies

The adsorption of rhodamine B (RhB) using acid modified banana peels has been examined. Chemical characteristics of the adsorbents were observed in order to determine active functional groups. The major functional groups on the surface were OH, C = O, C = C and C-O-C. Interactions between operational parameters were studied using the central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM). The predictions of the model output indicated that operational factors influenced responses at a confidence level of 95% (P<0.05). The optimum conditions for adsorption were pH 2 at a 0.2 g/L dose within 60 minutes of contact time. Isotherm studies were carried out using the optimized process variables. The data revealed that RhB adsorption fitted the Langmuir isotherm equation while the reduction of COD followed the Freundlich isotherm. Kinetic experiments fitted the pseudo second order model for RhB removal and COD reduction. The adsorption mechanism was not the only rate controlling step. Diffusion through the boundary layer described the pattern of adsorption.
Environment, lifestyle, and Parkinson's disease: Implications for prevention in the next decade

There is evidence from observational studies for a role of a number of environmental exposures and lifestyle habits in modulating the risk for Parkinson's disease. Environmental and lifestyle associations, if causal, represent opportunities for Parkinson's disease prevention or disease modification at individual and population levels. In the past decade, additional evidence has been published that improves causal inference and/or enhances our understanding of the complexity of these associations. A number of gene–environment interactions have been elucidated, and our understanding of the roles of physical activity, pesticide and other chemical exposures, dietary habits, emotional stress, head injury, and smoking has been refined. In the next decade, better techniques will help us to close the gaps in our knowledge, including taking into account Parkinson's disease heterogeneity and gene and risk factor interactions in observational studies. To do this, larger datasets, global consortia, genomewide environment interaction studies, prospective studies throughout the lifespan, and improvements in the methodology of clinical trials of physical activity will be key. Despite the caveats of observational studies, a number of low‐risk and potentially high‐yield recommendations for lifestyle modification could be made to minimize the individual and societal burdens of Parkinson's disease, including dietary modifications, increasing physical activity, and head injury avoidance. Furthermore, a reduction in pesticide use could have a major impact on global health related to and beyond Parkinson's disease. Given the increasing prevalence of this disorder, formulating and promoting these recommendations should be a high priority. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
What Are We Doing For Injuries? The Burden And Level Of Preparedness For Mass Emergencies In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province Of Pakistan.

BACKGROUND Injuries are one of the highly prevalent public health problems of Pakistan but still we are unable to develop a mechanism for its quantification and management. To understand the reasons of not doing so we need detailed discussion among the leaders of different stakeholders working in area of injuries. In this study, a focus group discussion (FGD) of provincial health leaders was conducted to explore challenges and gaps and identify opportunities for quantification and management of injuries in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). METHODS This was a descriptive qualitative study conducted in Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan. Study participants were policy makers, academia, senior level health mangers and representatives from international organizations. Purposive sampling was applied to select respondents for FGD from relevant areas to capture diversity of opinions among participants. The data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically through open-coding process. RESULTS One FGD was conducted in this study with a total of 11 participants. The study participants identified a number of challenges and gaps regarding quantification of injuries' burden in KP province of Pakistan and preparedness of existing health system to cope with mass emergencies. The discussion yielded four areas of detailed discussion which are; developing a surveillance system for injuries, capacity of District Health Information System, existing level of preparedness at provincial and district level and suggestions for improvement of existing situation with plans for capacity improvement. CONCLUSIONS In countries like Pakistan routine health information system is the better option for quantification of injuries' burden, but needs review of existing indicators and sheer commitment from field level to higher authorities with due consideration of technology assimilation. A multipronged approach is required for preparedness including; trainings on emergency medicine and skills, incentives for staff to fill vacant posts, well equipped ambulances and provision of other supplies on regular basis.
Histomonosis in poultry: previous and current strategies for prevention and therapy*

ABSTRACT Histomonosis is a parasitic disease of poultry with worldwide prevalence. The disease can cause morbidity and mortality in chicken and turkey flocks entailing severe economic losses. In the first half of the last century, there was a high demand to control histomonosis as the turkey industry was severely affected by the disease. Consequently, numerous chemical compounds were tested for their efficacy against Histomonas meleagridis with varying outcomes, that are summarized and specified in this review. At the same time, preliminary attempts to protect birds with cultured histomonads indicated the possibility of vaccination. Several years ago antihistomonal drugs were banned in countries with tight regulations on pharmaceuticals in order to comply with the demand of consumer protection. As a consequence, outbreaks of histomonosis in poultry flocks increased and the disease became endemic again. New approaches to prevent and treat histomonosis are, therefore, needed and recently performed studies focused on various areas to combat the disease, from alternative chemotherapeutic substances to plant-derived compounds until vaccination, altogether reviewed here. Considering existing regulations and the overall outcome of experimental studies, it can be concluded that vaccination is very promising, despite the fact that various challenges need to be addressed until the first ever developed vaccine based upon live flagellates in human or bird medicine can be marketed.
Air pollution and emergency hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases in Valencia, Spain

STUDY OBJECTIVE To estimate the short-term association between air pollution levels and emergency hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases in Valencia, within 1994–1996 period. DESIGN Daily levels of air pollution and emergency admissions for cardiovascular diseases were related to using an ecological time series design. The number of admissions was obtained from the hospital records database. Selected groups of causes were all cardiovascular diseases, heart admissions, and admissions for cerebrovascular diseases. The number of admissions for digestive diseases was used as control. Pollutants were black smoke, sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3). Magnitude of association was estimated by Poisson autoregresive regression. Estimations were calculated according the hottest (May to October) and the coldest (November to April) periods. SETTING City of Valencia, Spain, about 750 000 inhabitants. PARTICIPANTS People being admitted to the two major hospitals in the city, with a catchment area of nearly 400 000 inhabitants. MAIN RESULTS For the whole period, a significant association for SO2-24 h was found so a rise in its levels of 10 μg/m3 was associated with an increment of 3% (95%CI 0.4 to 5.7%) in the expected number of cardiovascular admissions. A significant association for black smoke, SO2-24 h, SO2-1 h, and CO-1 h was found in the hottest semester. All these associations were verified with a lag of two days. The estimates of the associations for particles, SO2, and CO were affected by the inclusion of the other pollutants in their models. NO2 was independently associated with cerebrovascular admissions. There were no significant associations between air pollution and admissions for digestive diseases. CONCLUSIONS Current levels of air pollution and emergency cardiovascular admissions are significantly related in Valencia.
A Laboratory Word Memory Test Analogue Differentiates Intentional Feigning from True Responding Using the P300 Event-Related Potential

Symptom exaggeration and feigned cognitive impairment occur commonly in forensic and medicolegal evaluations. As a result, methods to detect feigned cognitive impairment are an indispensable component of neuropsychological assessments. This study reports the results of two neurophysiological experiments using a forced-choice recognition task built from the stimuli of the Word Memory Test and Medical Symptom Validity Test as well as a new linguistically informed stimulus set. Participant volunteers were instructed either to do their best or to feign cognitive impairment consistent with a mild traumatic brain injury while their brain activity was monitored using event-related potentials (ERP). Experiment 1 varied instructions across individuals, whereas Experiment 2 varied instructions within individuals. The target brain component was a positive deflection indicating stimulus recognition that occurs approximately 300 ms after exposure to a stimulus (i.e., the P300). Multimodal comparison (P300 amplitude to behavioral accuracy) allowed the detection of feigned cognitive impairment. Results indicate that, for correct responses, P300s were equivalent for the simulated malingering and good effort conditions. However, for incorrect responses, feigned impairment produced reliable but significantly reduced P300 amplitudes. Although the P300 is an automatic index of recognition—even when knowledge is hidden—its amplitude appears capable of modulation by feigning strategies. Implications of this finding are discussed for research and clinical applications.
Recent advances in status epilepticus.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review discusses advances in the understanding of the mechanisms of status epilepticus and its current treatment approaches. Many of these have been topics at the 5th London-Innsbruck Colloquium on status epilepticus 2015. RECENT FINDINGS A new definition and classification of status epilepticus was proposed, which is expected to improve treatment and stimulate research. A better understanding of the failure of seizure suppressing mechanisms and the initiation of self-sustaining seizures begins to translate into the clinical arena. Drugs, such as allopregnanolone, cannabinoids, sec-butylpropylacetamide and valnoctamide, may better target these seizure-perpetuating mechanisms. The concept of combinatorial treatments has further developed, but yet trials in humans are lacking. A new prognostic outcome-score and electroencephalography-criteria for nonconvulsive status epilepticus are ready for clinical use. Alternative routes, such as intranasal or buccal, have been explored in a number of trials suggesting that intramuscular midazolam is at least as effective as intravenous lorazepam and buccal or intranasal midazolam is at least as effective as rectal diazepam. SUMMARY Despite progress in basic science, translation into the clinical field remains difficult. There is hope, that the two large phase III studies in the established and refractory status that started recruitment in 2015 will better inform the clinicians in this emergency situation.