Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous sEMG Recognition of Gestures and Force Levels for Interaction With Prosthetic Hand

The natural interaction between the prosthetic hand and the upper limb amputation patient is important and directly affects the rehabilitation effect and operation ability. Most previous studies only focused on the interaction of gestures but ignored the force levels. This paper proposes a simultaneous recognition method of gestures and forces for interaction with a prosthetic hand. The multitask classification algorithm based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) is designed to improve recognition efficiency and ensure recognition accuracy. The offline experimental results show that the algorithm proposed in this study outperforms other methods in both training speed and accuracy. To prove the effectiveness of the proposed method, a myoelectric prosthetic hand integrated with tactile sensors is developed, and surface electromyography (sEMG) datasets of healthy persons and amputees are built. The online experimental results show that the amputee can control the prosthetic hand to continuously make gestures under different force levels, and the effect of hand coordination on the hand perception of amputees is explored. The results show that gesture classification operation tasks with different force levels based on sEMG signals can be accurately recognized and comfortably interact with prosthetic hands in real time. It improves the amputees’ operation ability and relieves their muscle fatigue.
Implementation of a Health Promotion Practice Using Individually Targeted Lifestyle Interventions in Primary Health Care: Protocol for the “Act in Time” Mixed Methods Process Evaluation Study

Background There is growing evidence that noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) can be attributable to unhealthy lifestyle habits. However, there has been little application of this knowledge in primary health care (PHC). Objective This study aims to evaluate the process and outcomes of a multifaceted implementation strategy for a healthy lifestyle-promoting practice in a PHC setting. This practice is based on national guidelines targeting unhealthy lifestyle habits with a potential risk for NCDs. Methods A pre-post implementation study design with a control group is used in a PHC setting in central Sweden. The Medical Research Council guidelines for process evaluation of complex interventions will be applied. The implementation process and outcomes will be assessed using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods. A strategic sample of up to 6 PHC centers will be included as intervention centers, which will receive a 12-month multifaceted implementation strategy. Up to 6 matched PHC centers will serve as controls. Core components in the implementation strategy are external and internal facilitators in line with the integrated-Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework and the Astrakan change leadership model. Data will be collected at baseline, during the implementation phase, and 4-6 months after the implementation strategy. Questionnaires will be sent to roughly 500 patients in every PHC center and 200 health care professionals (HCPs) before and after implementation. In addition, purposeful sampling will be used for interviews and focus group discussions with managers, HCPs, patient representatives, and internal and external facilitators. Use of data from medical records and activity logs will be an additional data source. Results Recruitment of PHC centers began in March 2021 and ended in Spring 2022. Based on the planned timeline with the 12-month implementation strategy and 4-6-month follow-up, we expect to collect the final data in Summer 2023. Conclusions This study will explain implementation process and outcomes using a multifaceted implementation strategy for a healthy lifestyle-promoting practice in a real-world PHC context. The study is expected to provide new knowledge about the role of facilitators and their contribution to implementation outcomes. These findings can guide policy makers, managers, and PHC staff to integrate health promotion and disease prevention in PHC and provide methodological support to facilitators. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04799860; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04799860 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/37634
Driver drowsiness detection methods using EEG signals: a systematic review

Abstract Electroencephalography (EEG) is a complex signal that may require several years of training, advanced signal processing, and feature extraction methodologies to interpret correctly. Recently, many methods have been used to extract and classify EEG data. This study reviews 62 papers that used EEG signals to detect driver drowsiness, published between January 2018 and 2022. We extract trends and highlight interesting approaches from this large body of literature to inform future research and formulate recommendations. To find relevant papers published in scientific journals, conferences, and electronic preprint repositories, researchers searched major databases covering the domains of science and engineering. For each investigation, many data items about (1) the data, (2) the channels used, (3) the extraction and classification procedure, and (4) the outcomes were extracted. These items were then analyzed one by one to uncover trends. Our analysis reveals that the amount of EEG data used across studies varies. We saw that more than half the studies used simulation driving experimental. About 21% of the studies used support vector machine (SVM), while 19% used convolutional neural networks (CNN). Overall, we can conclude that drowsiness and fatigue impair driving performance, resulting in drivers who are more exposed to risky situations.
Physicians’ Conceptions of the Dying Patient: Scoping Review and Qualitative Content Analysis of the United Kingdom Medical Literature

Most people in high income countries experience dying while receiving healthcare, yet dying has no clear beginning, and contexts influence how dying is conceptualised. This study investigates how UK physicians conceptualise the dying patient. We employed Scoping Study Methodology to obtain medical literature from 2006-2021, and Qualitative Content Analysis to analyse stated and implied meanings of language used, informed by social-materialism. Our findings indicate physicians do not conceive a dichotomous distinction between dying and not dying, but construct conceptions of the dying patient in subjective ways linked to their practice. We argue that the focus of future research should be on exploring practice-based challenges in the workplace to understanding patient dying. Furthermore, pre-Covid-19 literature related dying to chronic illness, but analysis of literature published since the pandemic generated conceptions of dying from acute illness. Researchers should note the ongoing effects of Covid-19 on societal and medical awareness of dying.
The impact of chronic stress on the PFC transcriptome: a bioinformatic meta-analysis of publicly available RNA-sequencing datasets

Abstract The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is one of several brain structures that are sensitive to chronic stress exposure. There have been several studies which have examined the effects on chronic stress, using various protocols such as chronic unpredictable stress and chronic social defeat stress, on the PFC transcriptome. In this report, a bioinformatic meta-analysis of publicly available RNA sequencing datasets (101 samples) from seven chronic stress studies was carried out to identify core PFC transcriptional signatures that underpin behavioral phenotypes including resilience and susceptibility. The results showed 160 differentially expressed genes in chronic stress mice compared to controls with significant enrichment in mechanisms associated with translation and localization of membrane-bound proteins with a putative effect on synaptic plasticity in glutamatergic neurons. Moreover, the meta-analysis revealed no differentially expressed genes in resilient mice but 144 in susceptible mice compared to controls, of which 44 were not identified in the individual studies. Enrichment analysis revealed that susceptibility genes were most affected in oligodendrocytes and linked to mechanisms which mediate biochemical, bidirectional communication between this cell-type and myelinated axons. These results provide new avenues for further research into the neurobiology and treatment of chronic stress-induced disorders.
Characteristics of cow's milk allergy and sensitization in Chinese patients

Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China; State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Beijing 100730, China; National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Beijing 100730, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union
The Association between Metacognitions and Worry: The Mediator Role of Experiential Avoidance Strategies

Abstract Although experiential avoidance is emphasized as an underlying factor for persevering worry, limited empirical attempt exists to integrate this concept with cognitive models explaining pathological worry. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the mediator role of different experiential avoidance strategies in the relationship between metacognitions and worry-related symptoms. The study was conducted with a community sample consisting of 563 volunteer participants (405 females, 158 males) whose ages ranged between 18 and 40 (M = 25.56, SD = 4.72). Online data collection of self-report measures including demographic information form, Metacognitions Questionnaire-30, Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire, and Penn State Worry Questionnaire was applied. The results of the hierarchical regression analysis revealed that experiential avoidance predicted worry beyond metacognition. In addition, particular avoidant strategies, aversion/avoidance, procrastination, distraction, and distress endurance explained the associations between positive and negative metacognitive beliefs and worry. Current findings point to different avoidant strategies that might play a role in the intensification and maintenance of worry and suggest the benefits of incorporating acceptance and commitment-based interventions with metacognitive therapy for better therapeutic outcomes.
Current pharmacotherapeutic strategies for Strongyloidiasis and the complications in its treatment

ABSTRACT Introduction Strongyloidiasis, an infection caused by the soil-transmitted helminth Strongyloides stercoralis, can lead immunocompromised people to a life-threatening syndrome. We highlight here current and emerging pharmacotherapeutic strategies for strongyloidiasis and discuss treatment protocols according to patient cohort. We searched PubMed and Embase for papers published on this topic between 1990 and May 2022. Areas covered Ivermectin is the first-line drug, with an estimated efficacy of about 86% and excellent tolerability. Albendazole has a lower efficacy, with usage advised when ivermectin is not available or not recommended. Moxidectin might be a valid alternative to ivermectin, with the advantage of being a dose-independent formulation. Expert opinion The standard dose of ivermectin is 200 µg/kg single dose orally, but multiple doses might be needed in immunosuppressed patients. In the case of hyperinfection, repeated doses are recommended up to 2 weeks after clearance of larvae from biological fluids, with close monitoring and further dosing based on review. Subcutaneous ivermectin is used where there is impaired intestinal absorption/paralytic ileus. In pregnant or lactating women, studies have not identified increased risk with ivermectin use. However, with limited available data, a risk-benefit assessment should be considered for each case.
Cyanidin chloride protects mice from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-induced pneumonia by targeting Sortase A

ABSTRACT Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been developing rapidly in recent years. It poses a severe peril to global health care, and the new strategies to against the MRSA is urgently needed. Sortase A (SrtA) regulates the anchoring of many surface proteins. Compounds repress Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) cysteine transpeptidase SrtA are considered adequate potent virulence inhibitors. Then, we describe the identification of an effective SrtA inhibitor, cyanidin chloride, a bioflavonoid compound isolated from various plants. It has a reversible inhibitory effect on SrtA activity at an IC50 of 21.91 μg/mL. As a SrtA inhibitor, cyanidin chloride antagonizes SrtA-related virulence phenotypes due to its breadth and specificity, including fibrinogen adhesion, A549 cell invasion, biofilm formation, and surface protein (SpA) anchoring. Subsequently, molecular docking and fluorescence quenching revealed that SrtA and cyanidin chloride had robust mutual affinity. Further mechanistic studies revealed that Arg-197, Gly-167, and Sep-116 were the key-binding sites mediating the interaction between SrtA and cyanidin chloride. Notably, a significant therapeutic effect of cyanidin chloride in vivo was also observed on the mouse pneumonia model induced by MRSA. In conclusion, our study indicates that cyanidin chloride potentially represents a new candidate SrtA inhibitor for S. aureus and potentially be developed as a new antivirulence agent.
Adaptive Stokes-Based Polarization Demultiplexing for Long-Haul Multi-Subcarrier Systems

We experimentally evaluate the performance of the adaptive Stokes polarization demultiplexing (PolDemux) algorithm over a long-haul optical link considering the propagation of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$31\times 192$ </tex-math></inline-formula> Gb/s channels modulated as PM-16QAM multi-subcarrier (MSC) signals. Initially, we consider <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1\times 24$ </tex-math></inline-formula> Gbaud channel under test, and subsequently, we assess the performance of the algorithm on an increasing number of subcarriers (up to <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$12\times 2$ </tex-math></inline-formula> Gbaud) while keeping the same aggregate symbol rate. Taking advantage of the higher robustness of MSC signals toward chromatic dispersion (CD), we demonstrate that the memoryless Stokes-based PolDemux algorithm, originally designed for short reach links, can also be used for low-complexity and modulation transparent polarization demultiplexing in long-haul systems. In addition, we demonstrate that the PolDemux rotation matrix for the MSC signals can be estimated over a restricted group of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$N_{\mathrm {ref}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> subcarriers and seamlessly applied to all <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$N_{\mathrm {sc}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> subcarriers, thereby significantly reducing the overall complexity by a factor of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sim \! \! N_{\mathrm {sc}} N_{\mathrm {sc}} / N_{\mathrm {ref}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>.
Current Sample Preparation Methods and Analytical Techniques for the Determination of Synthetic Antioxidants in Edible Oils.

Synthetic antioxidants play a critical role in the storage and process of edible oil due to that they can retard lipid oxidation, maintain the quality of oils, and prolong the shelf life. However, a series of studies have proved the potential risks of synthetic antioxidants for human health when consumed in excess, and many countries have established the permitted amounts of synthetic antioxidants in oils. Thus, the accurate quantification of synthetic antioxidants in edible oils is necessary, and there have developed various analytical methods involved in chromatographical, electrochemical, and spectroscopic methods. Owing to the complex matrix and the incompatibility between the oil sample and the detection instrument, sample preparation is usually adopted prior to the instrument detection to improve the detection effectiveness. The current review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the recently developed sample preparation methods and analytical techniques applied to determine synthetic antioxidants in edible oils from 2010 to present, with emphasis on the sample preparation methods combined with separation-based analytical techniques such CE and LC with various detectors. The advantages and limitations of some typical analytical methods are discussed and some insights in the future perspectives are also provided in this review. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Efficacy and safety of various oral regimens (three oral doses) and schedules (daily v. monthly) of cholecalciferol in North Indian adults with low vitamin D status: evidence from a randomised controlled trial

Abstract Vitamin D (VD) deficiency (serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration of < 20 ng/ml), in endemic proportions, demands a supplementation strategy with optimal dosing regimens. A randomised parallel-group, active-controlled trial was conducted among apparently healthy, VD-deficient subjects, aged 18–60 years who received 600 μg/d (Group A), 1000 μg/d (Group B), 2000 μg/d (Group C) and 60 000 μg/month (Group D) of oral cholecalciferol. The intervention was carried in two phases (I and II) of 12 weeks each, with same dose, separated by a washout phase of 12 weeks. Serum 25(OH)D, intact parathyroid hormones (iPTH), Ca, phosphorous (PO4), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and spot urine Ca/Cr were measured at baseline, 12, 24 and 36 weeks following the intervention, and adverse events were recorded at each occurrence and at 12, 24 and 36 weeks. A statistically significant time–group interaction was found in serum 25(OH)D concentration (P < 0·05). Serum 25(OH)D concentration increased significantly from baseline to 12 weeks (P < 0·05) in all the groups with no change at 24 weeks but further increase at 36 weeks (P < 0·05). At the end of the study, Group C had maximum increment in serum 25(OH)D concentration, while as Groups C and D (95 %, and 90 %) had higher proportion of subjects VD sufficient than Groups A and B (65 % and 78 %) (P < 0·05). No significant time–dose interactions were observed in serum iPTH, Ca, PO4 and ALP or urine Ca/Cr ratio. Three subjects (two in Group C and one in Group D) developed transient hypercalciuria. Supplementation with daily 2000 μg or monthly 60 000 μg of oral cholecalciferol among adults seems optimal and safe.
Uncovering the Locus of Object-Context-Based Modulations in Depth Processing Using Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Abstract Neural responses of dorsal visual area V7 and lateral occipital complex (LOC) have been shown to correlate with changes in behavioral metrics of depth sensitivity observed as a function of object context, although it is unclear as to whether the behavioral manifestation results from an alteration of early depth-specific responses in V7 or arises as a result of alterations of object-level representations at LOC that subsequently feed back to affect disparity readouts in dorsal cortex. Here, we used online transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to examine the roles of these two areas in giving rise to context–disparity interactions. Stimuli were disparity-defined geometric objects rendered as random-dot stereograms, presented in geometrically plausible and implausible variations. Observers’ sensitivity to depth (depth discrimination) or object identity (plausibility discrimination) was indexed while receiving repetitive TMS at one of the two sites of interest (V7, LOC) along with a control site (Cz). TMS over LOC produced results no different from TMS over baseline Cz (and prior no-TMS behavioral work). That is, depth sensitivity was higher for implausible versus plausible objects. Strikingly, TMS over V7 abolished differences in depth sensitivity for implausible versus plausible objects. V7 serves as a key locus in bringing stereosensitivity changes because of object context, perhaps by reweighing stereoscopic data en route to informing object–motoric interactions.
Multi-Scale Geometric Consistency Guided and Planar Prior Assisted Multi-View Stereo

In this paper, we propose some efficient multi-view stereo methods for accurate and complete depth map estimation. We first present our basic methods with Adaptive Checkerboard sampling and Multi-Hypothesis joint view selection (ACMH <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\&$</tex-math><alternatives><mml:math><mml:mo>&</mml:mo></mml:math><inline-graphic xlink:href="xu-ieq1-3200074.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula> ACMH+). Based on our basic models, we develop two frameworks to deal with the depth estimation of ambiguous regions (especially low-textured areas) from two different perspectives: multi-scale information fusion and planar geometric clue assistance. For the former one, we propose a multi-scale geometric consistency guidance framework (ACMM) to obtain the reliable depth estimates for low-textured areas at coarser scales and guarantee that they can be propagated to finer scales. For the latter one, we propose a planar prior assisted framework (ACMP). We utilize a probabilistic graphical model to contribute a novel multi-view aggregated matching cost. At last, by taking advantage of the above frameworks, we further design a multi-scale geometric consistency guided and planar prior assisted multi-view stereo (ACMMP). This greatly enhances the discrimination of ambiguous regions and helps their depth sensing. Experiments on extensive datasets show our methods achieve state-of-the-art performance, recovering the depth estimation not only in low-textured areas but also in details. Related codes are available at <uri>https://github.com/GhiXu</uri>.
Associations of Polypharmacy With Clinical Parameters, Function, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Psoriatic Arthritis

Objective The aim of this study was to assess predictors of polypharmacy and its effect on health-related quality of life in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods This cross-sectional study was performed between February and December 2019. The number of medications was grouped into minor (2–4) and major (≥5) polypharmacy. Functional status and quality of life were assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire and Short-Form 36, respectively. Clinical and demographic characteristics, physical function, and quality of life of the polypharmacy group were compared. Predictive factors for major polypharmacy were evaluated using a logistic regression analysis. Results The mean age of the 100 patients (70 females and 30 males) with PsA was 48.43 ± 12.94 years. The proportion of patients with major polypharmacy was 19%. The physical function subscale of Short-Form 36 was lower in the major polypharmacy group (p = 0.009). Univariable analysis revealed that sex, body mass index, disease duration, disease activity, psoriasis severity, dactylitis, enthesitis, PsA subtypes, smoking, and Health Assessment Questionnaire were not associated with major polypharmacy (p > 0.10). In the multivariable model, the number of comorbidities (odds ratio, 3.151; 95% confidence interval, 1.828–5.429; p < 0.001) and age ≥60 years (odds ratio, 4.864; 95% confidence interval, 1.159–20.418; p = 0.031) were significantly associated with major polypharmacy. Conclusions The number of comorbid diseases and age ≥60 years were the factors associated with major polypharmacy in patients with PsA. Although physical function was not associated with polypharmacy, patients with major polypharmacy had poorer quality of life.