Analysis of Residue Probability Density Function and Comparator Offset Error in Pipelined ADCs

This paper presents a new approach to analyze the convergence of residue probability density function (pdf) in pipelined ADCs. Compared to the previous approaches, in the proposed approach, in addition to the analysis of residue pdfs for different input densities, the analysis of the sub-ADC comparator offsets impact on output pdf is possible. Using Fourier analysis, it will be shown that the residue density converges to uniformity. In the half-bit redundant structure, residue pdf concentrates in the center half of the stage full-scale range and 6 dB of extra resolution can be gained. Also, the share of each stage in this resolution improvement is investigated. Examining the sub-ADC threshold offsets impact on residue pdfs, it is observed that with respect to the impact on converter additional resolution, the final stages offset errors are more significant than the first stages offsets

Seizure characterisation using frequency-dependent multivariate dynamics

The characterisation of epileptic seizures assists in the design of targeted pharmaceutical seizure prevention techniques and pre-surgical evaluations. In this paper, we expand on recent use of multivariate techniques to study the crosscorrelation dynamics between electroencephalographic (EEG) channels. The Maximum Overlap Discrete Wavelet Transform (MODWT) is applied in order to separate the EEG channels into their underlying frequencies. The dynamics of the cross-correlation matrix between channels, at each frequency, are then analysed in terms of the eigenspectrum. By examination of the eigenspectrum, we show that it is possible to identify frequency dependent changes in the correlation structure between channels which may be indicative of seizure activity. The technique is applied to EEG epileptiform data and the results indicate that the correlation dynamics vary over time and frequency, with larger correlations between channels at high frequencies. Additionally, a redistribution of wavelet energy is found, with increased fractional energy demonstrating the relative importance of high frequencies during seizures. Dynamical changes also occur in both correlation and energy at lower frequencies during seizures, suggesting that monitoring frequency dependent correlation structure can characterise changes in EEG signals during these. Future work will involve the study of other large eigenvalues and inter-frequency correlations to determine additional seizure characteristics

Treatment Approaches Based on Neuroscientific Data in Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

   Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a severe psychological disorder that can be very disabling. Recent increasing neuroscientific data about OCD has provided important evidence that has started to change our knowledge about treatment. This paper offers an applied perspective of neuroscience on diagnosis and treatment preparation for people with OCD disease. The main aim is to enhance clinician-researcher communication to promote the conversion of developments in neuroscience research into better treatment for patients with OCD. Methods: A PubMed search was performed using the keywords “obsessive-compulsive disorder”, “neuroimaging methods”, “neuroscience”, and “neurological treatment”. The search provided sufficient articles published in peer-reviewed journals from 1995 to 2021. The data were obtained from these various sources and were included in this review. Results: The advancement of neurotherapeutic techniques targeting the cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuit is the subject of a circuit dysregulation system. Also, according to neuroimaging studies, reductions in D2 receptors (about -18%), GABAA receptors (-15%), and cingulate 5-HT1A receptors (-18%) in patients with OCD were reported compared with healthy controls. Conclusion: The result suggests that DA, 5-HT, and GABA have considerable roles in anxiety- and compulsion-related disorders such as OCD. For patients with OCD, these core neuroscience themes collectively guide formulation and clinical preparation

Effects of dry needling on spasticity and motor function in paralympic athletes: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

No study has evaluated the effects of dry needling on Paralympic athletes. Therefore, in this study, we will evaluate the effect of dry needling on lower limb spasticity and motor performance, as well as the range of motion of Paralympic athletes. The study will be a triple-blinded, randomised controlled trial. Twenty-four athletes aged 18–45 in T35–T38 groups of the International Paralympic Committee classification will be included in the study. Twelve participants will receive dry needling of the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles, and 12 will receive placebo treatment with sham needles at similar points. We will assess the spasticity of the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using the Modified Ashworth Scale, evaluate motor function using the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity Scale and measure ankle range of motion (ROM) with a goniometer. Considering our hypothesis, the athletes who will undergo the dry needling are supposed to achieve better improvements in spasticity, ROM and motor performance. This study can provide useful information to help better decide on managing complications in Paralympics and its long-term outcomes, to cover the current lack in the literature

Suivi de relation en temps et en fréquence dans les signaux SEEG épileptiques. Evaluation de deux estimateurs linéaires

Dans cet article, on s'intéresse au suivi de l'évolution en temps et en fréquence de la relation linéaire entre deux signaux non stationnaires (signaux EEG intracérébraux enregistrés chez des patients épileptiques). Un estimateur est proposé, basé sur la mesure du coefficient de corrélation linéaire entre les signaux de sous-bandes, optimisé pour le retard, et comparé à un estimateur de la fonction de cohérence (classiquement utilisé dans l'analyse du signal EEG). Les résultats obtenus sur signaux simulés montrent que l'estimateur proposé permet de réduire le biais, et la variance d'estimation. Sur signaux réels, ils permettent de mettre en évidence une différence, importante sur le plan de la physiopathologie, sur la corrélation des signaux durant l'activité intercritique (en dehors des crises) et durant l'activité critique (pendant les crises)

Baseline results of the first malaria indicator survey in Iran at the health facility level

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Malaria continues to be a global public health challenge, particularly in developing countries. Delivery of prompt and effective diagnosis and treatment of malaria cases, detection of malaria epidemics within one week of onset and control them in less than a month, regular disease monitoring and operational classification of malaria are among the major responsibilities of the national malaria programme. The study was conducted to determine these indicators at the different level of primary health care facilities in malaria-affected provinces of Iran</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In this survey, data was collected from 223 health facilities including health centres, malaria posts, health houses and hospitals as well as the profile of all 5, 836 recorded malaria cases in these facilities during the year preceding the survey. Descriptive statistics (i.e. frequencies, percentages) were used to summarize the results and Chi square test was used to analyse data.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>All but one percent of uncomplicated cases took appropriate and correctly-dosed of anti-malarial drugs in accordance to the national treatment guideline. A larger proportion of patients [85.8%; 95% CI: 84.8 - 86.8] were also given complete treatment including anti-relapse course, in line with national guidelines. About one third [35.0%; 95% CI: 33.6 - 36.4] of uncomplicated malaria cases were treated more than 48 hours after first symptoms onset. Correspondingly, half of severe malaria cases took recommended anti-malarial drugs for severe or complicated disease more than 48 hours of onset of first symptoms. The latter cases had given regular anti-malarial drugs promptly.</p> <p>The majority of malaria epidemics [97%; 95% CI: 90.6 - 100] in study areas were detected within one week of onset, but only half of epidemics were controlled within four weeks of detection. Just half of target districts had at least one health facility/emergency site with adequate supply and equipment stocks. Nevertheless, only one-third of them [33% (95% CI: 0.00 - 67.8)] had updated inventory of malaria foci on quarterly basis.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>To sum up, malaria case management still constitutes a public health problem in Iran. Additionally, data suggest scarcity in management and evaluation of malaria foci, detection and control of malaria epidemics as well as assignment of emergency sites across different regions of the country. Consequently, massive and substantial investments need to be made at the Ministry of Health to coordinate national malaria control programmes towards achieving determined goals and targets.</p

Baseline results of the first malaria indicator survey in Iran at household level

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Malaria is one of the leading causes of sickness and death in the developing world, causing more than a million deaths and around 250 million new cases annually worldwide. The aim of this comprehensive survey was to provide information on malaria indicators at household level in high-risk malaria areas in Iran.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In a cluster randomized cross-sectional survey data were collected from 5,456 households in both rural and urban areas of 20 malaria-affected districts of Iran. All the fieldwork was done by trained interviewers and a validated questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised baseline characteristics of the study population, the knowledge of people about different aspects of malaria (such as clinical symptoms, transmission and prevention) and their practice to prevent illness (such as using mosquito nets, spraying houses). The data were analysed and descriptive statistics (i.e. frequencies, percentages) were used to summarize the results.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The results of this survey showed that 20% (95% CI: 17.36 - 22.24) of households owned at least one mosquito net, whether treated or untreated. Consequently, the use of mosquito nets was considerably low among both children under age five [5.90% (95% CI: 5.14 - 6.66)] and pregnant women [5.70% (95% CI: 3.07 - 8.33)]. Moreover, less than 10% of households reported that the interior walls of their dwelling had been sprayed in the previous year [8.70% (95% CI: 6.09 - 11.31)]. Data also suggest that 63.8% of the participants recognized fever as a sign of malaria, 56.4% reported that mosquito bites cause malaria and about 35% of participants mentioned that the use of mosquito nets could prevent malaria.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Findings from this study indicate that low access to treated nets along with low understanding of the role of nets in malaria prevention are the main barriers to utilization of bed nets. Therefore, the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets should be encouraged through health education on the importance of the use along with increasing access to it.</p

Diabetes mellitus and renal failure: Prevention and management.

Nowadays, diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension are considered as the most common causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In this paper, other than presenting the role of DM in ESRD, glucose metabolism and the management of hyperglycemia in these patients are reviewed. Although in several large studies there was no significant relationship found between tight glycemic control and the survival of ESRD patients, it is recommended that glycemic control be considered as the main therapeutic goal in the treatment of these patients to prevent damage to other organs. Glycemic control is perfect when fasting blood sugar is less than 140 mg/dL, 1-h postprandial blood glucose is less than 200 mg/dL, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is 6-7 in patients with type 1 diabetes and 7-8 in patients with type 2 diabetes. Administration of metformin should be avoided in chronic renal failure (CRF) because of lactic acidosis, the potentially fatal complication of metformin, but glipizide and repaglinide seem to be good choices

An investigation of the phase locking index for measuring of interdependency of cortical source signals recorded in the EEG

The phase locking index (PLI) was introduced to quantify in a statistical sense the phase synchronization of two signals. It has been commonly used to process biosignals. In this article, we investigate the PLI for measuring the interdependency of cortical source signals (CSSs) recorded in the Electroencephalogram (EEG). To this end, we consider simple analytical models for the mapping of simulated CSSs into the EEG. For these models, the PLI is investigated analytically and through numerical simulations. An evaluation is made of the sensitivity of the PLI to the amount of crosstalk between the sources through biological tissues of the head. It is found that the PLI is a useful interdependency measure for CSSs, especially when the amount of crosstalk is small. Another common interdependency measure is the coherence. A direct comparison of both measures has not been made in the literature so far. We assess the performance of the PLI and coherence for estimation and detection purposes based on, respectively, a normalized variance and a novel statistical measure termed contrast. Based on these performance measures, it is found that the PLI is similar or better than the CM in most cases. This result is also confirmed through analysis of EEGs recorded from epileptic patients

Glutamate Induces Mitochondrial Dynamic Imbalance and Autophagy Activation: Preventive Effects of Selenium

Glutamate-induced cytotoxicity is partially mediated by enhanced oxidative stress. The objectives of the present study are to determine the effects of glutamate on mitochondrial membrane potential, oxygen consumption, mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy regulating factors and to explore the protective effects of selenium against glutamate cytotoxicity in murine neuronal HT22 cells. Our results demonstrated that glutamate resulted in cell death in a dose-dependent manner and supplementation of 100 nM sodium selenite prevented the detrimental effects of glutamate on cell survival. The glutamate induced cytotoxicity was associated with mitochondrial hyperpolarization, increased ROS production and enhanced oxygen consumption. Selenium reversed these alterations. Furthermore, glutamate increased the levels of mitochondrial fission protein markers pDrp1 and Fis1 and caused increase in mitochondrial fragmentation. Selenium corrected the glutamate-caused mitochondrial dynamic imbalance and reduced the number of cells with fragmented mitochondria. Finally, glutamate activated autophagy markers Beclin 1 and LC3-II, while selenium prevented the activation. These results suggest that glutamate targets the mitochondria and selenium supplementation within physiological concentration is capable of preventing the detrimental effects of glutamate on the mitochondria. Therefore, adequate selenium supplementation may be an efficient strategy to prevent the detrimental glutamate toxicity and further studies are warranted to define the therapeutic potentials of selenium in animal disease models and in human