Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cingulum stimulation enhances positive affect and anxiolysis to facilitate awake craniotomy

BACKGROUND. Awake neurosurgery requires patients to converse and respond to visual or verbal prompts to identify and protect brain tissue supporting essential functions such as language, primary sensory modalities, and motor function. These procedures can be poorly tolerated because of patient anxiety, yet acute anxiolytic medications typically cause sedation and impair cortical function. METHODS. In this study, direct electrical stimulation of the left dorsal anterior cingulum bundle was discovered to reliably evoke positive affect and anxiolysis without sedation in a patient with epilepsy undergoing research testing during standard inpatient intracranial electrode monitoring. These effects were quantified using subjective and objective behavioral measures, and stimulation was found to evoke robust changes in local and distant neural activity. RESULTS. The index patient ultimately required an awake craniotomy procedure to confirm safe resection margins in the treatment of her epilepsy. During the procedure, cingulum bundle stimulation enhanced positive affect and reduced the patient’s anxiety to the point that intravenous anesthetic/anxiolytic medications were discontinued and cognitive testing was completed. Behavioral responses were subsequently replicated in 2 patients with anatomically similar electrode placements localized to an approximately 1-cm span along the anterior dorsal cingulum bundle above genu of the corpus callosum. CONCLUSIONS. The current study demonstrates a robust anxiolytic response to cingulum bundle stimulation in 3 patients with epilepsy. TRIAL REGISTRATION. The current study was not affiliated with any formal clinical trial. FUNDING. This project was supported by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the NIH.
Cascaded-Microrings Biosensors Fabricated on a Polymer Platform

Polymer-based single-microring biosensors usually have a small free spectral range (FSR) that hampers the tracing of the spectrum shifting in the measurement. A cascade of two microring resonators based on the Vernier effect, is applied in this article in order to make up for this defect. A small FSR difference between the reference microring and the sensing microring is designed, in order to superpose the periodic envelope signal onto the constituent peaks, which makes it possible to continuously track the spectrum of the sensor. The optical polymer material, Ormocore, which has a large transparent window, is used in the fabrication. The biosensor is fabricated by using an UV-based soft imprint technique, which is considered to be cost-effective and suitable for mass production. By optimizing the volume ratio of Ormocore and the maT thinner, the device can be fabricated almost without a residual layer. The device works at a wavelength of 840 nm, where water absorption loss is much lower than at the infrared wavelengths. A two-step fitting method, including single-peak fitting and whole-envelope fitting, is applied in order to trace the spectral shift accurately. Finally, the two-cascaded-microrings biosensor is characterized, and the obtained FSR is 4.6 nm, which is 16 times larger than the FSR of the single microring biosensor demonstrated in our previous work. Moreover, the sensitivity can also be amplified by 16-fold, thanks to the Vernier effect.
Obesity genetics and cardiometabolic health: Potential for risk prediction

The increasing burden of obesity worldwide and its effect on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is an opportunity for evaluation of preventive approaches. Both obesity and CVD have a genetic background and polymorphisms within genes which enhance expression of variant proteins that influence CVD in obesity. Genome‐based prediction may therefore be a feasible strategy, but the identification of genetically driven risk factors for CVD manifesting as clinically recognized phenotypes is a major challenge. Clusters of such risk factors include hyperglycaemia, hypertension, ectopic liver fat, and inflammation. All involve multiple genetic pathways having complex interactions with variable environmental influences. The factors that make significant contributions to CVD risk include altered carbohydrate homeostasis, ectopic deposition of fat in muscle and liver, and inflammation, with contributions from the gut microbiome. A futuristic model depends on harnessing the predictive power of plausible genetic variants, phenotype reversibility, and effective therapeutic choices based on genotype–phenotype interactions. Inverting disease phenotypes into ideal cardiovascular health metrics could improve genetic and epigenetic assessment, and form the basis of a future model for risk detection and early intervention.
Facile fabrication of 2D hetero core-satellites patterned Ag nanoparticle arrays with tunable plasmonic bands for SERS detection

A core-satellites metal nanostructure with high local electromagnetic (EM) intensity and density has shown great potential in ultrasensitive detection technologies, but complexity and uncontrollability of fabrication is a major obstacle for further application. Here, only by controlling the deposited Ag thickness, we facilely achieved 2D hetero core-satellites patterned Ag nanoparticle (NP) arrays for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection. The Ag nanoparticles were assembled by electron beam evaporation of Ag onto the anodized patterned aluminum template (APAlT) at a temperature above 0.24 times the melting point of Ag. The plasmonic bands can be continuously tuned from the visible to near-infrared region. The SERS enhancement factor (EF) and relative standard deviation (RSD) of as-prepared SERS active substrates for R6G molecules reached 107 and about 5%, respectively, and a SERS detection limit down to 10−9 M was obtained. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations revealed that the high SERS activity originates mainly from the local electromagnetic (EM) enhancement in the gaps between the core and satellites. The simple and controllable fabrication strategy and superior SERS performance make the 2D hetero core-satellites patterned Ag NPs arrays promising candidates for SERS-based sensor applications and provide a new approach for developing an inexpensive, efficient, and mass-produced SERS active substrate.
The Effects of Trimetazidine on QT-interval Prolongation and Cardiac Hypertrophy in Diabetic Rats

Background Trimetazidine (TMZ) is an anti-ischemic drug. In spite of its protective effects on cardiovascular system, there is no scientific study on the usefulness of TMZ treatment for prolonged QT interval and cardiac hypertrophy induced by diabetes. Objectives To evaluate the effects of TMZ on QT interval prolongation and cardiac hypertrophy in the diabetic rats. Methods Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g) were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 8) by simple random sampling method. Control (C), diabetic (D), and diabetic administrated with TMZ at 10 mg/kg (T10). TMZ was administrated for 8 weeks. The echocardiogram was recorded before isolating the hearts and transfer to a Langendorff apparatus. Hemodynamic parameters, QT and corrected QT interval (QTc) intervals, heart rate and antioxidant enzymes were measured. The hypertrophy index was calculated. The results were evaluated by one-way ANOVA and paired t-test using SPSS (version 16) and p < 0.05 was regarded as significant. Results The diabetic rats significantly indicated increased hypertrophy, QT and QTc intervals and decreased Left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), rate pressure product (RPP), Max dp/dt, and min dp/dt (±dp/dt max), heart rate, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase in the heart. Treatment with TMZ in the diabetic animals was significantly improved these parameters in comparison to the untreated diabetic group. Conclusions TMZ improves QTc interval prolongation and cardiac hypertrophy in diabetes.
Uso de sistemas de control de versiones para aplicar estrategias de evaluación por pares en contextos tecnológicos[Using Version Control Systems to apply peer review techniques in engineering education]

Different studies have shown that a very positive factor to improve students learning is that they were the center of teaching and learning processes and also to be an active part in them. In this sense, the application of peer review techniques is a very popular approach. However, in engineering education and special in technical degrees the activities to assess consist of the use of very specific tools and languages. This makes peer evaluation more complex in this context than in others. It requires that both teachers and students use different tools and platforms to complete the evaluation. In order to solve this, the present work aims to apply a version control system to facilitate manage different results versions and also to interact with reviewers in the peer review process. In this specific work, the authors present a case study with 46 students that employ a version control system to apply peer review. Results show that students that use properly the tool have better performance.
Association of blood leukocyte DNA methylation at LINE-1 and growth-related candidate genes with pubertal onset and progression

ABSTRACT Puberty is a developmentally plastic phase. Variations in pubertal tempo have implications for the risk of later adult diseases. Influences on pubertal tempo have been widely discussed, but the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear. Epigenetic modifications are known to regulate development processes; they could play an important role in affecting pubertal outcomes. We conducted a population-based analysis to investigate the association of peripubertal blood DNA methylation at LINE-1 and growth-related candidate genes with pubertal onset and progression in healthy adolescents. The analytic sample included 114 males and 129 females aged 10 to 18 years. DNA methylation at growth-related candidate loci IGF2, H19, HSD11B2, as well as LINE-1 repetitive elements were quantified. Cox survival and ordinal regression models were used to examine sex- and locus-specific associations of epigenetic markers with pubertal development using physician-assessed Tanner stages and self-reported menarche, adjusted for covariates. Among boys, DNA methylation at H19 was associated with later pubarche. HSD11B2 methylation was associated with earlier onset of pubic hair and genitalia development and slower pubertal progression. IGF2 was associated with later onset of genital development. Among girls, LINE-1 methylation was associated with later onset of breast development. For each percent increase of methylation at H19, there was 5% increased odds in the earlier onset of breast development. DNA methylation of IGF2 was associated with earlier onset of pubic hair. DNA methylation at genes known to influence early-life growth may also influence pubertal outcomes.
Canakinumab for the treatment of hyperimmunoglobulin D syndrome

ABSTRACT Introduction: Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency (MKD) is a rare monogenic autoinflammatory disorder (AID) with autosomal recessive inheritance caused by mutations in the MVK gene. It includes hyperimmunoglobulinemia D syndrome (HIDS) and mevalonic aciduria (a severe form). Patients have recurrent inflammatory attacks with high fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, arthralgia, rash, pharyngitis, aphtosis and constitutional complaints. Heightened understanding of molecular mechanisms in monogenic autoinflammatory disorders has provided tools for targeted treatment. HIDS is an extrinsic inflammasomopathy and is responsive to anti-IL-1 therapies, such as the recombinant IL-1-receptor antagonist anakinra, the monoclonal antibody against IL-1b canakinumab (CAN), and the recombinant IL-1R fusion protein rilonacept. Areas covered: CAN is a human monoclonal anti-IL-1β antibody that binds with high affinity and neutralizes the activity of IL-1 β. Both observational registries and some case reports have seemed promising in the efficacy of CAN in the HIDS treatment. Two clinical trials have corroborated CAN as an effective and safe drug. Expert commentary: CAN is effective and safe for the treatment of HIDS patients. Some data suggest these patients may need higher dosage or shorter dosing interval than other AIDs, to achieve and maintain complete clinical and laboratory response. Reported adverse events were mild, most often non-complicated infections.
Illicit tobacco trade in Georgia: prevalence and perceptions.

BACKGROUND In lower-income and middle-income countries, limited research exists on illicit tobacco trade and its responsiveness to taxation. Tobacco taxes are critical in reducing tobacco consumption, thereby improving public health. However, the tobacco industry claims that tax increases will increase illicit tobacco trade. Therefore, research evidence on the size of the illicit cigarette market is needed in Georgia and other low-income and middle-income countries to inform tobacco tax policies. METHODS In 2017, a household survey using stratified multistage sampling was conducted in Georgia with 2997 smokers, to assess illicit tobacco consumption. Smokers were asked to show available cigarette packs to the surveyors. These were examined for tax stamps and health warnings which allowed for an assessment of illegal cigarette consumption in Georgia. FINDINGS The packs shown to surveyors suggest illicit cigarette trade is low (1.5%), although with regional differences, as illicit cigarette packs were present in 6% of the households in Zugdidi. Most illicit cigarettes were purchased at kiosks or informal outlets. This estimate might be conservative, as 28% of respondents did not show any packs to the surveyors. CONCLUSIONS Despite recent tobacco tax increases, illicit cigarette trade in Georgia seems to be negligible. The market is more vulnerable to illicit cigarette trade close to the border with Abkhazia (near Zugdidi). Tighter control or ban of tobacco sales at kiosks and informal outlets may reduce illicit cigarette trade. Further investigation is planned to better understand why a large proportion of survey participants said they had no pack available at home.
Blood Loss and Shock

Ed Niels Secher, James Pawelczyk, John Ludbrook Edward Arnold, £50, pp 187 ISBN 0-340-56021-5 I began reading this book while travelling to Sarajevo. The chapters are short, concise, and easily read in the many stops and starts that punctuate an attempt to enter this still beleagured city. The book is written to be read over again, and the sequence of chapters and useful re-explanation and development of concepts make it easy to sweep through it several times and linger on those aspects of most interest or difficulty. The chapter by Kirkman and Little I found particularly stimulating, and I recommend it …
Designing combinatorial exchanges for the reallocation of resource rights

Significance Overfishing is a prime environmental concern. Catch share systems have been shown to be effective tools to combat overfishing. But flawed initial allocations and the subsequent need for reallocation of catch shares often create challenging policy problems. Market-based solutions have attracted interest but the complex institutional and political constraints necessitate market forms to avoid undesirable outcomes. The combinatorial exchange we designed and implemented is a market design for the reallocation of catch shares. The design was adopted because it addressed stakeholders’ key requirements: fair pricing, avoiding fragmented share portfolios, and mitigating distortions from the introduction of catch shares via cost-effective and market-based subsidies. We describe the design and implementation of a combinatorial exchange for trading catch shares in New South Wales, Australia. The exchange ended a decades-long political debate by providing a market-based response to a major policy problem faced by fisheries worldwide: the reallocation of catch shares in cap-and-trade programs designed to prevent overfishing. The exchange was conducted over the Internet to lower participation costs and allowed for all-or-nothing orders to avoid fragmented share portfolios. A subsidy was distributed endogenously to facilitate the transfer of shares from inactive to active fishers. Finally, prices were linear and anonymous to ensure that sellers of identical packages received the same payments. These features were crucial to mitigate economic distortions from introducing catch shares and to gain broad acceptance of the program. However, they led to computationally challenging allocation and pricing problems. The exchange operated from May to July 2017 and effectively reallocated shares from inactive fishers to those who needed them most: 86% of active fishers’ bids were matched and their share deficits were reduced by 95% in high-priority share classes. Similar reallocation problems arise in fisheries with catch-share systems worldwide as well as in other cap-and-trade systems for resource rights, e.g., water and pollution rights. The implemented exchange illustrates how computational optimization and market design can provide policy tools, able to solve complex policy problems considered intractable only a few years ago.
Analysis of Predictors of Unmet HIV-related Support Services and Barriers to Needs among HIV-infected Individuals in Georgia

Taylor Guffey (Under the direction of Dr. Introduction: Behavioral and medical interventions such as syringe exchange and anti-retroviral therapy have been successful in reducing the incidence and transmission of HIV and improving the longevity and quality of life of people with HIV/AIDS. However, there are an estimated 1.1 million people living with HIV in the United States and only about 37% are retained in some form of HIV care. People living with HIV often have multiple comorbidities and other challenges that often require specialty care. Methods: We used data from the Medical Monitoring Project to assess HIV-related supportive service needs among people living with HIV in Georgia to understand whether there is an unmet need in this sample (n = 417). Descriptive tables and Chi-square tests were used to assess differences in types of HIV-related services needed and actually utilized by Blacks and Non-blacks. Bivariate and Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess correlates of having at least one unmet need. Results: The cross-section was a probability-based sample of people living with HIV/AIDS in Georgia. Blacks were more likely to need Preventative Education and Mental Health counseling than Non-blacks. Despite no significant difference in the need of ART Adherence Support between Blacks and Non-blacks, Blacks significantly had more unmet ART Adherence Support needs when compared to Non-blacks (p = 0.0097). Bivariate analysis showed those with a high school education and those who have experience homelessness were more likely to have unmet service needs (OR = 1.75 95% CI = 1.06 – 1.89) and (OR = 2.97 95% CI = 1.22 – 7.23) respectively. A multivariable logistic model correcting for potential confounding showed those who have experienced homelessness were more likely to have unmet service needs (OR = 2.49 95% CI = 1.02 – 6.11). The most cited reasons for not receiving a service need were Financial Barriers and Lack of Information. Discussion: Marginalized groups exhibit greater need for supportive services and within these groups, a disparate proportion exhibit unmet needs compared to others. This analysis provides a programmatic framework to initiate better-focused efforts for subgroups who exhibit more unmet needs. _______________________________________ Date Acknowledgements I would like to thank the faculty and staff of Georgia State University's School of Public Health for endless hours of mentoring and guidance. I thank Dr. Richard Rothenberg and Dr. Natalie Crawford for their continual support and wisdom so that I could complete this project. I …
An augmented reality sign-reading assistant for users with reduced vision

People typically rely heavily on visual information when finding their way to unfamiliar locations. For individuals with reduced vision, there are a variety of navigational tools available to assist with this task if needed. However, for wayfinding in unfamiliar indoor environments the applicability of existing tools is limited. One potential approach to assist with this task is to enhance visual information about the location and content of existing signage in the environment. With this aim, we developed a prototype software application, which runs on a consumer head-mounted augmented reality (AR) device, to assist visually impaired users with sign-reading. The sign-reading assistant identifies real-world text (e.g., signs and room numbers) on command, highlights the text location, converts it to high contrast AR lettering, and optionally reads the content aloud via text-to-speech. We assessed the usability of this application in a behavioral experiment. Participants with simulated visual impairment were asked to locate a particular office within a hallway, either with or without AR assistance (referred to as the AR group and control group, respectively). Subjective assessments indicated that participants in the AR group found the application helpful for this task, and an analysis of walking paths indicated that these participants took more direct routes compared to the control group. However, participants in the AR group also walked more slowly and took more time to complete the task than the control group. The results point to several specific future goals for usability and system performance in AR-based assistive tools.