ahmedabdelwahed/Medical_papers_title_and_abstract_NLP_dataset huggingface dataset:
Disc-Aware Ensemble Network for Glaucoma Screening From Fundus Image

Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease that leads to irreversible vision loss. Most of the existing automatic screening methods first segment the main structure and subsequently calculate the clinical measurement for the detection and screening of glaucoma. However, these measurement-based methods rely heavily on the segmentation accuracy and ignore various visual features. In this paper, we introduce a deep learning technique to gain additional image-relevant information and screen glaucoma from the fundus image directly. Specifically, a novel discaware ensemble network for automatic glaucoma screening is proposed, which integrates the deep hierarchical context of the global fundus image and the local optic disc region. Four deep streams on different levels and modules are, respectively, considered as global image stream, segmentation-guided network, local disc region stream, and disc polar transformation stream. Finally, the output probabilities of different streams are fused as the final screening result. The experiments on two glaucoma data sets (SCES and new SINDI data sets) show that our method outperforms other state-of-the-art algorithms.
Comparative evaluation of the antifungal efficacy of sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine, and silver nanoparticles against Candida albicans

Candida albicans is a microorganism that causes root canal infections. However, it cannot be eliminated with conventional irrigation solutions. Recently, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have become popular for their superior antimicrobial effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antifungal effect of AgNPs to C. albicans comparing with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX). Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reduction method. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration of AgNPs against C. albicans strain were determined according to microdilution method reported by Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute. C. albicans biofilm layer was formed on the dentin blocks for 10 days. The biofilm structure was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed with one way analysis of variance analysis and group comparisons were performed with Tukey test. AgNPs showed the highest antifungal effect among the groups. 5.25% NaOCl showed the lowest antifungal effect among the groups. While the 2% CHX solution had a statistically lower antifungal effect than AgNPs, it was found to have a higher effect than NaOCl (p < .016). Nanoparticles present a wide research field as an alternative irrigation solution in root canal treatment. The antifungal effect of AgNPs against C. albicans was confirmed in this study. Further in vivo studies should evaluate the conditions of use and long-term prognosis of AgNPs.
Precise endoballoon positioning for High-Risk sternal re-entry in an ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm with patent coronary grafts

Redo cardiac surgery can present a unique set of challenges even to the experienced surgeon. Although outcomes have steadily improved in the modern era; if an intraoperative adverse event occurs, there is a 5% incidence of mortality and 19% incidence of myocardial infarction, stroke or death. Overall, the modern incidence of mortality at reoperation varies but be segregated into low and higher risk cohorts depending on the planning computed tomography imaging and risk to substernal structures on re-entry. Patients with ascending aortic or root pseudoaneurysms represent a particularly difficult subset of high-risk patients requiring reoperative cardiac surgery due to the danger of exsanguination and air embolization. The gold standard for management of such cases remains the use of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) to achieve safe re-entry in such cases however this can result in unpredictable DHCA duration depending on the degree of pericardial adhesions. We report a case of aortic pseudoaneurysm in a patient with patent coronary grafts managed using an endoballoon precisely positioned relative to the proximal anastomoses resulting in a safe surgical re-entry and shorter DHCA time.
Does plantar skin abrasion affect cutaneous mechanosensation?

In humans, plantar cutaneous mechanoreceptors provide critical input signals for postural control during walking and running. Because these receptors are located within the dermis, the mechanical properties of the overlying epidermis likely affect the transmission of external stimuli. Epidermal layers are highly adaptable and can form hard and thick protective calluses, but their effects on plantar sensitivity are currently disputed. Some research has shown no effect of epidermal properties on sensitivity to vibrations, whereas other research suggests that vibration and touch sensitivity diminishes with a thicker and harder epidermis. To address this conflict, we conducted an intervention study where 26 participants underwent a callus abrasion while an age-matched control group (n = 16) received no treatment. Skin hardness and thickness as well as vibration perception thresholds and touch sensitivity thresholds were collected before and after the intervention. The Callus abrasion significantly decreased skin properties. The intervention group exhibited no change in vibration sensitivity but had significantly better touch sensitivity. We argue that touch sensitivity was impeded by calluses because hard skin disperses the monofilament's standardized pressure used to stimulate the mechanoreceptors over a larger area, decreasing indentation depth and therefore stimulus intensity. However, vibration sensitivity was unaffected because the vibrating probe was adjusted to reach specific indentation depths, and thus stimulus intensity was not affected by skin properties. Since objects underfoot necessarily indent plantar skin during weight-bearing, calluses should not affect mechanosensation during standing, walking, or running.
Parallel graph traversal for FPGA

This paper presents a multi-channel memory based architecture for parallel processing of large-scale graph traversal for field-programmable gate array (FPGA). By designing a multi-channel memory subsystem with two DRAM modules and two SRAM chips and developing an optimized pipelining structure for the processing elements, we achieve superior performance to that of a state-of-the-art highly optimized BFS implementations using the same type of FPGA.
State-of-the-art performance in text-independent speaker verification through open-source software

This paper illustrates an evolution in state-of-the-art speaker verification by highlighting the contribution from newly developed techniques. Starting from a baseline system based on Gaussian mixture models that reached state-of-the-art performances during the NIST'04 SRE, final systems with new intersession compensation techniques show a relative gain of around 50%. This work highlights that a key element in recent improvements is still the classical maximum a posteriori (MAP) adaptation, while the latest compensation methods have a crucial impact on overall performances. Nuisance attribute projection (NAP) and factor analysis (FA) are examined and shown to provide significant improvements. For FA, a new symmetrical scoring (SFA) approach is proposed. We also show further improvement with an original combination between a support vector machine and SFA. This work is undertaken through the open-source ALIZE toolkit.
Removal of Penicillin G from aqueous medium by PPI@SBA-15/ZIF-8 super adsorbent: Adsorption isotherm, thermodynamic, and kinetic studies

In the present paper, synthesis of SBA-15 nanoparticles was carried out from tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) precursor using the sol-gel process. After being combined with Poly propylene imine, and ZIF-8 they were employed for the removal of Penicillin G. The synthesized combination morphology was assessed using nitrogen adsorption and desorption (BET), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The parameters affecting Penicillin G removal, including pH, amount of adsorbent, time of contact, temperature, and concentration, were optimized, and the optimum levels of the mentioned variables were reported to be pH = 3, 0.03 g, 90 min, 25 °C, and 100 ppm, respectively. In addition, application of Freundlich, Langmuir, Dubinin-Radushkevhch, and Tempkin models and pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order adsorption synthetic equations aimed at determining the type of adsorbent isotherm. The results showed that the best fitting of Langmuir (R2 = 0.9944, qm = 400 mg/g) for adsorption isotherm and pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.9905) for kinetics studies. Furthermore, data of Gibbs free energy and enthalpy demonstrated an exothermic and spontaneous process in the research.
Minimal Solvers for Rectifying From Radially-Distorted Conjugate Translations

This paper introduces minimal solvers that jointly solve for radial lens undistortion and affine-rectification using local features extracted from the image of coplanar translated and reflected scene texture, which is common in man-made environments. The proposed solvers accommodate different types of local features and sampling strategies, and three of the proposed variants require just one feature correspondence. State-of-the-art techniques from algebraic geometry are used to simplify the formulation of the solvers. The generated solvers are stable, small and fast. Synthetic and real-image experiments show that the proposed solvers have superior robustness to noise compared to the state of the art. The solvers are integrated with an automated system for rectifying imaged scene planes from coplanar repeated texture. Accurate rectifications on challenging imagery taken with narrow to wide field-of-view lenses demonstrate the applicability of the proposed solvers.
Unilateral absence of pulmonary artery with absent pulmonary valve in tetralogy of Fallot

The incidence of absent pulmonary valve (APV) in tetralogy of Fallot is 2.4 to 6.3%. About 1-3% of the patients with tetralogy of Fallot will have unilateral absence of pulmonary artery (UAPA). However, coexistence of APV with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and UAPA is extremely rare. This rare subset can present in two forms. In one group, the main pulmonary artery continues as either left or right pulmonary artery (UAPA) and there is true absence of contralateral pulmonary artery. The second group is termed as unilateral anomalous origin of pulmonary artery (UAOPA), in which the contralateral lung is supplied either by patent ductus arteriosus or a collateral from the aorta. There are a limited number of these cases in the literature. We present a rare case of TOF with APV and UAPA managed using a different surgical technique. Also, we have done contemporary literature review.
The User Experience of an Immersive and Interactive Wall Exergame in Older Adults

Exergames are promising options for modulating the effects of aging on physical and cognitive functions. A new-generation immersive and interactive wall exergame (I2WE) has emerged in recent years, offering users freedom of movement as well as greater and varied interactions with other players, the environment, and the system than traditional games (e.g., Wii™, Kinect). These features could improve the user experience (UX) and thus the engagement and benefits of the intervention for older people. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this kind of exergame could be an effective tool for multidomain training for the elderly. An exploratory study was conducted with 38 healthy older adults who tested a single exergame session to evaluate the UX and the perceived enjoyment, as well as the session's workload and intensity. The results show that I2WE generates moderate-to-high physical intensity, following recommendations for older people, while the perceived exertion is lower. Moreover, it creates a positive UX that correlates with high perceived enjoyment while producing a suitable session's workload. I2WE appears to be an effective tool to promote physical activity while concurrently stimulating cognition in older adults. The intrinsic characteristics (i.e., immersion, combined physical and cognitive activity, interactions, complex motor skills, playfulness, and variety of collective games) give this new type of exergame a promising future. Future studies should be conducted to investigate the effects of an I2WE program on the physical and cognitive functions of older adults.
UK Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation trial - time to differentiate "non-inferiority" from "equivalence"?

The UK Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (UK-TAVI) trial has compared transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients above the age of 70 years with moderate operative risk. The primary outcome was 1-year all-cause mortality. This was a non-inferiority trial that concluded that TAVI in this cohort was non-inferior to SAVR. This appraisal reports the main findings of the study and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the trial.
Addressing the value of art in cartographic communication

Contemporary methods for depicting the earth and its cultural and natural attributes use graphic and non-graphic formats, maps and map-related artefacts, for visualizing geography and building virtual landscapes and environments. The discipline area of cartography, traditionally, has applied art (design), science and technology to map making to design and realise these products. Prior to the mid-1950s, cartographic artefacts were built under the theoretical and practical 'umbrella' of this partnership of art, science and technology. However, since then, the theory and methodology associated with visualizing geography has focused on Science and Technology, and away from Art. This 'move' away from art was accelerated by: (1) computing, computers and complete automated systems; and (2) the 'quest' to gain 'scientific legitimacy' by using scientific visualization as a lodestone for gauging the 'quality' of theories and applications. Science and Technology has been embraced by cartography as a means to ensure that what is presented is scientifically 'correct' products are considered to 'work' if they are scientifically 'elegant', 'technologically' buildable' and 'deliverable' using contemporary communication systems. But, it is argued, science or technology, need not always take on primary roles, and there now is a need to address the role that design should take to facilitate the further development of contemporary cartography, especially in the areas where new media has been applied to facilitate the building of geographical visualization tools. This paper will address how, by incorporating art elements into the design criteria of geographical visualization artefacts, 'different' visualization tools might be provided using all three elements of cartography: art, science and technology. (C) 2010 International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Inc. (ISPRS). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Art and craft material use patterns by pre-school and elementary school children at home and school: a year long survey for refining exposure assessments

BACKGROUND: Use frequency and times are critical parameters for estimating realistic chemical exposures associated with the use of consumer products. Very limited information is available in the published literature for children's use patterns of art and craft materials at home and school.OBJECTIVE: Conduct a year-long survey of art materials use at home and school by pre-school and elementary school children, teachers, and parents which can be used to refine chemical exposure assessments for these consumer products.METHODS: Parent and teacher online surveys were conducted on the daily use of markers and monthly use of fifteen additional art and craft materials.RESULTS: Daily marker use by elementary children was widespread at home and school (65% and 80%, respectively). On average, pre-school and elementary students used markers for 27 min per day, more than double daily home use. Adults used markers for longer durations relative to their children/students with teachers reporting the highest average daily usage time. School use of general art materials exceeded home use for both age groups, with elementary children using art materials more frequently than their pre-school counterparts. Examples of how these data can be used to refine exposure estimates are provided.SIGNIFICANCE: Accurate art material usage data contributes to refined estimates of chemical exposure for these consumer products.
Source segregation of food waste in office areas: Factors affecting waste generation rates and quality

Existing legislation mandates that the amount of waste being recycled should be increased. Among others, in its Resource Strategy Plan, the Danish Government decided that at least 60% of food waste generated by the service sector, including in office areas, should be source-sorted and collected separately by 2018. To assess the achievability of these targets, source-sorted food waste and residual waste from office areas was collected and weighed on a daily basis during 133 working days. Waste composition analyses were conducted every week to investigate the efficiency of the source-sorting campaign and the purity of the source-sorted food waste. The moisture content of source-sorted food waste and residual waste fractions, and potential methane production from source-sorted food waste, was also investigated. Food waste generation equated to 23 ± 5 kg/employee/year, of which 20 ± 5 kg/employee/year was source-sorted, with a considerably high purity of 99%. Residual waste amounted to 10 ± 5 kg/employee/year and consisted mainly of paper (29 ± 13%), plastic (23 ± 9%) and missorted food waste (24 ± 16%). The moisture content of source-sorted food waste was significantly higher (8%) than missorted food waste, and the methane potential of source-sorted food waste was 463 ± 42 mL CH4/g VS. These results show that food waste in office areas offers promising potential for relatively easily collectable and pure source-sorted food waste, suggesting that recycling targets for food waste could be achieved with reasonable logistical ease in office areas.
Predicting the evolution trajectory of population-driven connectional brain templates using recurrent multigraph neural networks

The mapping of the time-dependent evolution of the human brain connectivity using longitudinal and multimodal neuroimaging datasets provides insights into the development of neurological disorders and the way they alter the brain morphology, structure and function over time. Recently, the connectional brain template (CBT) was introduced as a compact representation integrating a population of brain multigraphs, where two brain regions can have multiple connections, into a single graph. Given a population of brain multigraphs observed at a baseline timepoint t1, we aim to learn how to predict the evolution of the population CBT at follow-up timepoints t>t1. Such model will allow us to foresee the evolution of the connectivity patterns of healthy and disordered individuals at the population level. Here we present recurrent multigraph integrator network (ReMI-Net⋆) to forecast population templates at consecutive timepoints from a given single timepoint. In particular, we unprecedentedly design a graph neural network architecture to model the changes in the brain multigraph and identify the biomarkers that differentiate between the typical and atypical populations. Addressing such issues is of paramount importance in diagnosing neurodegenerative disorders at early stages and promoting new clinical studies based on the pinned-down biomarker brain regions or connectivities. In this paper, we demonstrate the design and use of the ReMI-Net⋆ model, which learns both the multigraph node level and time level dependencies concurrently. Thanks to its novel graph convolutional design and normalization layers, ReMI-Net⋆ predicts well-centered, discriminative, and topologically sound connectional templates over time. Additionally, the results show that our model outperforms all benchmarks and state-of-the-art methods by comparing and discovering the atypical connectivity alterations over time. Our ReMI-Net⋆ code is available on GitHub at https://github.com/basiralab/ReMI-Net-Star.
3,4,5-Trimethoxycinnamic acid, one of the constituents of Polygalae Radix exerts anti-seizure effects by modulating GABAAergic systems in mice

Polygalae Radix is an important medicinal plant that is widely used in most of Africa. 3,4,5-Trimethoxycinnamic acid (TMCA) is one of the constituents of Polygalae Radix. Until now, the mechanisms involved in the anti-seizure property of TMCA are still unclear. We examined the anti-seizure effect of TMCA. TMCA administered at doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg and evaluated anti-seizure effects by maximal electroshock (MES) and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) models in mice. TMCA administered at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg significantly reduced the incidence of MES-induced tonic hindlimb extension (THE). TMCA significantly delayed the onset of myoclonic jerks (MJ), and decreased the seizure severity and mortality compared with the vehicle-treated animals in PTZ seizure model. TMCA 10 and 20 mg/kg treated groups also did not determined generalized clonic seizures (GCS). Pretreatment with a GABAA/benzodiazepine (BZ) receptor antagonist flumazenil blocked the anti-seizure effects of TMCA. These data support the further investigation of TMCA as a GABAA/BZ receptor agonist for anti-seizure therapy.
Discrimination of EMG Signals Using a Neuromorphic Implementation of a Spiking Neural Network

An accurate description of muscular activity plays an important role in the clinical diagnosis and rehabilitation research. The electromyography (EMG) is the most used technique to make accurate descriptions of muscular activity. The EMG is associated with the electrical changes generated by the activity of the motor neurons. Typically, to decode the muscular activation during different movements, a large number of individual motor neurons are monitored simultaneously, producing large amounts of data to be transferred and processed by the computing devices. In this paper, we follow an alternative approach that can be deployed locally on the sensor side. We propose a neuromorphic implementation of a spiking neural network (SNN) to extract spatio-temporal information of EMG signals locally and classify hand gestures with very low power consumption. We present experimental results on the input data stream using a mixed-signal analog/digital neuromorphic processor. We performed a thorough investigation on the performance of the SNN implemented on the chip, by: first, calculating PCA on the activity of the silicon neurons at the input and the hidden layers to show how the network helps in separating the samples of different classes; second, performing classification of the data using state-of-the-art SVM and logistic regression methods and a hardware-friendly spike-based read-out. The traditional algorithm achieved a classification rate of $\text{84}\%$ and $\text{81}\%$, respectively, and the spiking learning method achieved $\text{74}\%$. The power consumption of the SNN is $\text{0.05 mW}$, showing the potential of this approach for ultra-low power processing.