Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human action recognition in videos

This thesis targets the automatic recognition of human actions in videos. Human action recognition is defined as a requirement to determine what human actions occur in videos. This problem is particularly hard due to enormous variations in visual and motion appearance of people and actions, camera viewpoint changes, moving background, occlusions, noise, and enormous amount of video data. Firstly, we review, evaluate, and compare the most popular and the most prominent state-of-the-art techniques, and we propose our action recognition framework based on local features, which we use throughout this thesis work embedding the novel algorithms. Moreover, we introduce a new dataset (CHU Nice Hospital) with daily self care actions of elder patients in a hospital. Then, we propose two local spatio-temporal descriptors for action recognition in videos. The first descriptor is based on a covariance matrix representation, and it models linear relations between low-level features. The second descriptor is based on a Brownian covariance, and it models all kinds of possible relations between low-level features. Then, we propose three higher-level feature representations to go beyond the limitations of the local feature encoding techniques. The first representation is based on the idea of relative dense trajectories. We propose an object-centric local feature representation of motion trajectories, which allows to use the spatial information by a local feature encoding technique. The second representation encodes relations among local features as pairwise features. The main idea is to capture the appearance relations among features (both visual and motion), and use geometric information to describe how these appearance relations are mutually arranged in the spatio-temporal space. The third representation captures statistics of pairwise co-occurring visual words within multi-scale feature-centric neighbourhoods. The proposed contextual features based representation encodes information about local density of features, local pairwise relations among the features, and spatio-temporal order among features. Finally, we show that the proposed techniques obtain better or similar performance in comparison to the state-of-the-art on various, real, and challenging human action recognition datasets (Weizmann, KTH, URADL, MSR Daily Activity 3D, HMDB51, and CHU Nice Hospital).
Primary cilia TRP channel regulates hippocampal excitability

Significance Primary cilia are antenna-like organelles that represent a frontier of knowledge in neuroscience research. They were first reported by Duncan and Dahl more than 60 years ago, and although they are implicated in neurodevelopmental diseases, our understanding of their function in neurons is limited. In this manuscript, the authors demonstrate that the primary cilium is an excitable organelle richly populated with PKD2L1 ion channels. Using microelectrode electrophysiology and mouse genetics, the authors find that these channels in the cilia contribute to high-frequency action potential firing and their loss of function primarily impacts interneuron excitability. Loss of PKD2L1 expression impairs ciliary maturation in mice, which behaviorally exhibits autism-like features and seizure susceptibility that may have implications to human neuronal ciliopathy conditions.
Functional assessment of the dural lymphatic vessels using dynamic contrast MRI in multiple sclerosis

The discovery of glymphatic function in the human brain has generated interest in waste clearance mechanisms in neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). However, noninvasive in vivo functional assessment is currently lacking. This work studies the feasibility of a novel intravenous dynamic contrast MRI method to assess the dural lymphatics, a purported pathway contributing to glymphatic clearance.
Transcriptional condensates and phase separation: condensing information across scales and mechanisms

ABSTRACT Transcription is the fundamental process of gene expression, which in eukaryotes occurs within the complex physicochemical environment of the nucleus. Decades of research have provided extreme detail in the molecular and functional mechanisms of transcription, but the spatial and genomic organization of transcription remains mysterious. Recent discoveries show that transcriptional components can undergo phase separation and create distinct compartments inside the nucleus, providing new models through which to view the transcription process in eukaryotes. In this review, we focus on transcriptional condensates and their phase separation-like behaviors. We suggest differentiation between physical descriptions of phase separation and the complex and dynamic biomolecular assemblies required for productive gene expression, and we discuss how transcriptional condensates are central to organizing the three-dimensional genome across spatial and temporal scales. Finally, we map approaches for therapeutic manipulation of transcriptional condensates and ask what technical advances are needed to understand transcriptional condensates more completely.
Preferential signal pathways during the perception and imagery of familiar scenes: An effective connectivity study

The perception and imagery of landmarks activate similar content‐dependent brain areas, including occipital and temporo‐medial brain regions. However, how these areas interact during visual perception and imagery of scenes, especially when recollecting their spatial location, remains unknown. Here, we combined functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), resting‐state functional connectivity (rs‐fc), and effective connectivity to assess spontaneous fluctuations and task‐induced modulation of signals among regions entailing scene‐processing, the primary visual area and the hippocampus (HC), responsible for the retrieval of stored information. First, we functionally defined the scene‐selective regions, that is, the occipital place area (OPA), the retrosplenial complex (RSC) and the parahippocampal place area (PPA), by using the face/scene localizer, observing that two portions of the PPA—anterior and posterior PPA—were consistently activated in all subjects. Second, the rs‐fc analysis (n = 77) revealed a connectivity pathway similar to the one described in macaques, showing separate connectivity routes linking the anterior PPA with RSC and HC, and the posterior PPA with OPA. Third, we used dynamic causal modelling to evaluate whether the dynamic couplings among these regions differ between perception and imagery of familiar landmarks during a fMRI task (n = 16). We found a positive effect of HC on RSC during the retrieval of imagined places and an effect of occipital regions on both RSC and pPPA during the perception of scenes. Overall, we propose that under similar functional architecture at rest, different neural interactions take place between regions in the occipito‐temporal higher‐level visual cortex and the HC, subserving scene perception and imagery.
Civil society priorities for global health: concepts and measurement

Abstract The global health agenda—a high stakes process in which problems are defined and compete for the kind of serious attention that promises to help alleviate inequities in the burden of disease—is comprised of priorities set within and among a host of interacting stakeholder arenas. This study informs crucial and unanswered conceptual and measurement questions with respect to civil society priorities in global health. The exploratory two-stage inquiry probes insights from experts based in four world regions and pilots a new measurement approach, analysing nearly 20 000 Tweets straddling the COVID-19 pandemic onset from a set of civil society organizations (CSOs) engaged in global health. Expert informants discerned civil society priorities principally on the basis of observed trends in CSO and social movement action, including advocacy, programme, and monitoring and accountability activities—all of which are widely documented by CSOs active on Twitter. Systematic analysis of a subset of CSO Tweets shows how their attention to COVID-19 soared amidst mostly small shifts in attention to a wide range of other issues between 2019 and 2020, reflecting the impacts of a focusing event and other dynamics. The approach holds promise for advancing measurement of emergent, sustained and evolving civil society priorities in global health.
Multi-manifold learning using locally linear embedding(LLE) nonlinear dimensionality reduction

A variant of the locally linear embedding (LLE) technique is used to learn multiple low-dimensional facial expression manifolds formed by multiple subjects with multiple expressions the algorithm first separates the multivariate expression data distributed on several disjoint manifolds into different groups and then analyzes the intrinsic dimensionality and the low-dimensional manifold representation for each group of data. The simultaneous data grouping and the intrinsic dimension detection are both automatic, with reasonable computational loads. Recognition tests using the on Cohn-Kanade facial expression database show that the algorithm is superior to the original LLE in terms of the multi-manifold subspace learning, increasing the expression recognition rate from 20% to 40%.
“It happens to everyone” vs. “You’re not a real man”: The relationship between intimate communication and men’s sexual difficulties

Abstract Sexual difficulties can have negative intrapersonal and interpersonal consequences on both members of a couple, but little is known about how communication in a relationship relates to men’s experience of sexual difficulties. We explored the associations among components of intimate communication, men’s sexual difficulties, relationship satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction in a sample of men in mixed-gender and same-gender relationships (n = 341). Among all components of intimate communication, sexual communication was most consistently related to indicators of sexual difficulties, relationship satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction. Results generally remained consistent across mixed-gender and same-gender couples, with some exceptions relevant to sexual difficulties.
Iris Localization Algorithm Based on Gray Distribution Features of Eye Images

We propose an iris localization algorithm based on gray distribution features of eye images.In this algorithm,we don't need to find all of the iris boundary points,and we should detect only three points on the iris inner and outer boundaries respectively.Then utilizing three points on the same boundary,we can calculate the circle parameters.We have done a large number of experiments on the CASIA iris image database,and the experimental results demonstrate that the localization results of proposed algorithm are more accurate and rapid than any other classical algorithms,such as Daugman's algorithm and the algorithm of edge-detection operator combining with Hough transform.
Reducing Opioid Use for Chronic Pain With a Group-Based Intervention: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance Opioid use for chronic nonmalignant pain can be harmful. Objective To test whether a multicomponent, group-based, self-management intervention reduced opioid use and improved pain-related disability compared with usual care. Design, Setting, and Participants Multicentered, randomized clinical trial of 608 adults taking strong opioids (buprenorphine, dipipanone, morphine, diamorphine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, methadone, oxycodone, papaveretum, pentazocine, pethidine, tapentadol, and tramadol) to treat chronic nonmalignant pain. The study was conducted in 191 primary care centers in England between May 17, 2017, and January 30, 2019. Final follow-up occurred March 18, 2020. Intervention Participants were randomized 1:1 to either usual care or 3-day-long group sessions that emphasized skill-based learning and education, supplemented by 1-on-1 support delivered by a nurse and lay person for 12 months. Main Outcomes and Measures The 2 primary outcomes were Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Interference Short Form 8a (PROMIS-PI-SF-8a) score (T-score range, 40.7-77; 77 indicates worst pain interference; minimal clinically important difference, 3.5) and the proportion of participants who discontinued opioids at 12 months, measured by self-report. Results Of 608 participants randomized (mean age, 61 years; 362 female [60%]; median daily morphine equivalent dose, 46 mg [IQR, 25 to 79]), 440 (72%) completed 12-month follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference in PROMIS-PI-SF-8a scores between the 2 groups at 12-month follow-up (-4.1 in the intervention and -3.17 in the usual care groups; between-group difference: mean difference, -0.52 [95% CI, -1.94 to 0.89]; P = .15). At 12 months, opioid discontinuation occurred in 65 of 225 participants (29%) in the intervention group and 15 of 208 participants (7%) in the usual care group (odds ratio, 5.55 [95% CI, 2.80 to 10.99]; absolute difference, 21.7% [95% CI, 14.8% to 28.6%]; P < .001). Serious adverse events occurred in 8% (25/305) of the participants in the intervention group and 5% (16/303) of the participants in the usual care group. The most common serious adverse events were gastrointestinal (2% in the intervention group and 0% in the usual care group) and locomotor/musculoskeletal (2% in the intervention group and 1% in the usual care group). Four people (1%) in the intervention group received additional medical care for possible or probable symptoms of opioid withdrawal (shortness of breath, hot flushes, fever and pain, small intestinal bleed, and an overdose suicide attempt). Conclusions and Relevance In people with chronic pain due to nonmalignant causes, compared with usual care, a group-based educational intervention that included group and individual support and skill-based learning significantly reduced patient-reported use of opioids, but had no effect on perceived pain interference with daily life activities. Trial Registration isrctn.org Identifier: ISRCTN49470934.
Erythrocyte Membrane Fatty Acid Composition as a Potential Biomarker for Depression

Abstract Background Major depressive disorders is a chronic and severe psychiatric disorder with poor prognosis and quality of life. Abnormal erythrocyte fatty acid (FA) composition in depressed patients were found in our previous study, but the relationship between erythrocyte membrane FA levels and different severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms remains to be explored. Methods This cross-sectional study included 139 patients with first-diagnosed, drug-naïve depression and 55 healthy controls whose erythrocyte FA composition was analyzed. Patients with depression were divided into severe depression and mild to moderate depression or depression with severe anxiety and mild to moderate anxiety. Then the differences of FA levels among different groups were analyzed. Finally, the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was applied to identify potential biomarkers in distinguishing the severity of depressive symptoms. Results Levels of erythrocyte membrane FAs were elevated among patients with severe depression compared with healthy controls or patients with mild to moderate depression of almost all kinds. While C18:1n9t (elaidic acid), C20:3n6 (eicosatrienoic acid), C20:4n6 (arachidonic acid), C22:5n3 (docosapentaenoic acid), total fatty acids (FAs), and total monounsaturated FAs were elevated in patients with severe anxiety compared with patients with mild to moderate anxiety. Furthermore, the level of arachidonic acid, C22:4n6 (docosatetraenoic acid), elaidic acid, and the combination of all 3 were associated with the severity of depressive symptoms. Conclusions The results suggested that erythrocyte membrane FA levels have the potential to be the biological indicator of clinical characteristics for depression, such as depressive symptoms and anxiety. In the future, more research is needed to explore the causal association between FA metabolism and depression.
Assessment of Pain Treatments in Disorders of Upper Limbs: A Qualitative Study Protocol Based on Patients’ Experiences

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is one of the most common symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and subacromial syndrome (SAS) are the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limbs. By collecting the opinions of patients with CTS and SAS, we aim to identify variables that could be introduced in the follow-up of CMP, and to detect barriers and facilitators of its treatments to improve their acceptance. This qualitative study is being conducted in Lleida, Spain, and explores the experiences and feelings of patients, and their acceptance of the standard of care. It follows the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) through focus groups, addressing issues with rigor and representativeness. By collecting patients’ opinions, we expect to obtain valuable information to complement the set of variables previously used by health professionals in the follow-up of CMP, and to understand treatment barriers and facilitators.
Surgical Site Infection After Polymethyl Methacrylate Pedicle Screw Augmentation in Osteoporotic Spinal Vertebrae: A Series of 537 Cases

Background Retrospective observational study of prospectively collected outcomes. Objective The use of transpedicular screws augmented with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is an alternative for patients with osteoporotic vertebrae. To investigate whether using PMMA-augmented screws in patients undergoing elective instrumented spinal fusion (ISF) is correlated with an increased risk of infection and the long-term survival of these spinal implants after surgical site infection (SSI). Methods We studied 537 consecutive patients who underwent ISF at some point within a 9-year period, involving a total of 2930 PMMA-augmented screws. Patients were classified into groups: (1) those whose infection was cured with irrigation, surgical debridement, and antibiotic treatment; (2) those whose infection was cured by hardware removal or replacement; and (3) those in whom treatment failed. Results Twenty eight of the 537 patients (5.2%) developed SSI after ISF. An SSI developed after primary surgery in 19 patients (4.6%) and after revision surgery in 9 (7.25%). Eleven patients (39.3%) were infected with gram-positive bacteria, 7 (25%) with gram-negative bacteria, and 10 (35.7%) with multiple pathogens. By 2 years after surgery, infection had been cured in 23 patients (82.15%). Although there were no statistically significant differences in infection incidence between preoperative diagnoses (P = 0.178), the need to remove hardware for infection control was almost 80% lower in patients with degenerative disease. All screws were safely explanted while vertebral integrity was maintained. PMMA was not removed, and no recementing was done for new screws. Conclusions The success rate for treatment of deep infection after cemented spinal arthrodesis is high. Infection rate findings and the most commonly found pathogens do not differ between cemented and noncemented fusion. It does not appear that the use of PMMA in cementing vertebrae plays a pivotal role in the development of SSIs. Level of Evidence 4.
Thin‐film transistor mobility limits considerations

The mobility limiting scattering mechanisms for amorphous semiconductors and polar polycrystalline semiconductors are studied in the context of developing new high‐performance thin‐film transistor (TFT) channel layer materials for large‐area electronics. A physics‐based model for carrier transport in an amorphous semiconductor is developed to estimate the mobility limits of amorphous semiconductor TFTs. The model involves band tail state trapping of a diffusive mobility. Simulation reveals a strong dependence on the band tail density of states. This consideration makes it difficult to realize a high‐performance p‐type oxide TFT. A polar crystalline semiconductor may offer a higher mobility but is fundamentally limited by polar optical phonon scattering. Any crystalline TFT channel layer for practical large‐area applications will not be a single crystal but polycrystalline, and therefore, grain size and grain boundary‐dependent scattering will further degrade the transport properties.
Retinal blood flow velocities in infants with retinopathy of prematurity after intravitreal administration of bevacizumab

Background/Objectives Progression of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is associated with increased retinal blood flow velocities. We investigated changes of central retinal arterial and venous blood flow after intravitreal administration of bevacizumab. Subjects/Methods Prospective observational study using serial ultrasound Doppler imaging in preterm infants with bevacizumab-treated ROP. Eyes were examined 1 [0–2] days before injection (median [interquartile range]), and at three time points after injection (1 [1–2] days, 6 [3–8] days, and 17 [9–28] days). Preterm infants with ROP stage 2 displaying spontaneous regression served as controls. Results In 21 eyes of 12 infants with bevacizumab-treated ROP, peak arterial systolic velocity declined from 13.6 [11.0-16.3] cm/s prior to intravitreal bevacizumab to 11.2 [9.4–13.9] cm/s, 10.6 [9.2–13.3] cm/s and 9.3 [8.2–11.0] cm/s at discharge (p = .002). There was also a decline of the arterial velocity time integral (from 3.1 [2.3–3.9] cm to 2.9 [2.4–3.5], 2.7 [2.3–3.2] cm and 2.2 [2.0–2.7], p = .021) and mean velocity in the central retinal vein (from 4.5 [3.6–5.8] cm/s to 3.7 [2.6–4.1] cm/s, 3.5 [3.0–4.3] cm/s, and 3.2 [2.8–4.6] cm/s, p = .012). Arterial end-diastolic velocity and resistance index remained unchanged. Blood flow velocities in bevacizumab-treated eyes examined before injection were significantly higher than those measured in untreated eyes that ultimately showed spontaneous regression of ROP. Sequential examinations in these controls did not reveal any declines of retinal blood flow velocities. Conclusion Increased retinal arterial and venous blood flow velocities in infants with threshold ROP decline following intravitreal bevacizumab injection.
The interplay between viral molecular mimicry and host chromatin dynamics

ABSTRACT Molecular mimicry is a commonly used mechanism by viruses to manipulate host cellular machinery and coordinate their life cycles. While histone mimicry is well studied, viruses also employ other mimicry strategies to affect chromatin dynamics. However, the relationship between viral molecular mimicry and host chromatin regulation is not well understood. This review summarizes recent advances in histone mimicry and explores how viral molecular mimicry influences chromatin dynamics. We also discuss how viral proteins interact with both intact and partially unfolded nucleosomes and compare the distinct mechanisms governing chromatin tethering. Finally, we address the role of viral molecular mimicry in regulating chromatin dynamics. This review provides new insights into viral molecular mimicry and its impact on host chromatin dynamics, paving the way for the development of novel antiviral strategies.
In Vivo Effects of Crataegus pinnatifida Extract for Healthy Longevity

Aging is a complex series of multi-organ processes that occur in various organisms. As such, an in vivo study using an animal model of aging is necessary to define its exact mechanisms and identify anti-aging substances. Using Drosophila as an in vivo model system, we identified Crataegus pinnatifida extract (CPE) as a novel anti-aging substance. Regardless of sex, Drosophila treated with CPE showed a significantly increased lifespan compared to those without CPE. In this study, we also evaluated the involvement of CPE in aging-related biochemical pathways, including TOR, stem cell generation, and antioxidative effects, and found that the representative genes of each pathway were induced by CPE administration. CPE administration did not result in significant differences in fecundity, locomotion, feeding amount, or TAG level. These conclusions suggest that CPE is a good candidate as an anti-aging food substance capable of promoting a healthy lifespan.