Epilepsy and Psychiatric Comorbidities: Drug Selection.

Purpose of review The pharmacological treatment of patients with epilepsy and psychiatric comorbidities may sometimes represent a therapeutic challenge. This review is focused on the pharmacological management of patients with epilepsy and psychiatric problems in terms of rationalization of the antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment and the pharmacological management of the most clinically relevant psychiatric comorbidities, namely mood and anxiety disorders, psychoses, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Recent findings Up to 8% of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy develop treatment-emergent psychiatric adverse events of AED regardless of the mechanism of action of the drug and this is usually related to an underlying predisposition given by the previous psychiatric history and the involvement of mesolimbic structures. Careful history taking, periodic screening for mood and anxiety disorders, low starting doses, and slow titration schedules can reduce the possibility of AED-related problems. A pragmatic checklist for the pharmacological management of patients with epilepsy and psychiatric disorders is presented. Summary patients should be informed of potential behavioral effects of AEDs but no drugs should be excluded a priori. Any psychiatric comorbidity should be addressed in the appropriate setting and full remission and recovery should always represent the first goal of any therapeutic intervention. Neurologists should be aware of the side effects of major psychotropic drug classes in order to fully counsel their patients and other health professionals involved

Implementasi Raspberry Pi untuk Rancang Bangun Sistem Keamanan Pintu Ruang Server dengan Pengenalan Wajah Menggunakan Metode Triangle Face

Minicomputer raspberry pi merupakan sebuah alat yang praktis dalam segi dimensi dan memiliki fungsi yang kompleks untuk berbagai kebutuhan fungsi yang akan digunakan oleh manusia sebagai microcontroller, server sampai dengan pengolahan citra digital. Penelitian dilakukan bertujuan untuk membantu memenuhi kebutuhan sistem keamanan ruang server yang mudah untuk diaplikasikan dan murah dalam segi biaya pembuatan dan perawatan serta berteknologi, mengingat pentingnya keamanan data dan informasi yang tersimpan dalam server sehingga perlu pengamanan dalam mengakses ruang server pada suatu Perusahaan. Dengan memanfaatkan minicomputer raspberry pi sebagai pemroses dan usb webcam sebagai alat pendeteksi wajah yang kemudian akan diproses oleh raspberry pi dengan menggunakan OpenCV untuk menentukan wajah manusia atau bukan, lalu wajah tersebut akan masuk pada proses pengenalan wajah dengan metode triangle face yang memanfaatkan perhitungan jarak antar fitur wajah seperti mata, hidung dan mulut. Setelah wajah dikenali maka raspberry pi akan melakukan perintah pada servo untuk membuka pintu ruang agar dapat diakses oleh admin server pada suatu Perusahaan. Berdasarkan pengujian sistem yang telah dilakukan, ternyata sistem pengenalan wajah menggunakan metode Triangle Face ini memiliki tingkat keakuratan 75%, kesalahan posistif 25% dan kesalahan negatif 0% sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa sistem ini cukup aman untuk diaplikasikan dalam sistem keamanan pintu ruang server

Adaptive Extended Kalman Filter for Orbit Estimation of GEO Satellites

The aim of this paper is to develop Adaptive Extended Kalman Filter (AEKF) algorithm for the precise orbit estimation of GEO satellites (viz., GSAT-10 – Geostationary satellite and IRNSS-1A – Geosynchronous satellite) using two-way CDMA range measurements data from different ranging stations located in India. It brings forward the effectiveness of AEKF algorithm over Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) algorithm. EKF algorithm is adapted by updating process noise covariance (Q), measure of uncertainty in state dynamics during the time interval between measurement updates and measurement noise covariance (R), function of measurement update based on measurement residual. This paper addresses the modeling of all errors in measurement domain and the computation of measurement residual using observed and modeled measurement ranges for all stations. The filter incorporates non-linear model for measurement update, non-linear dynamic model for time update and estimation is carried out at every second. This paper also elaborates the development of indigenous full force propagation model considering all the perturbations during orbit prediction period for GEO Satellites. Adaptation of EKF algorithm in precise orbit estimation is done primarily for making the algorithm more robust by countering the uncertainties in process and measurement noises, resolving the problem of manual tuning of the filter and also by keeping the error covariance (P) consistent with real performance. Adaptation of Q is implemented based on the error in system states with respect to estimated states while Adaptation of R is implemented based on the error in observed measurements with respect to measurements obtained from estimated state vectors (aposteriori measurement expectation). Analysis of the estimated results using the above proposed method is carried out by comparison of Station-wise range residues for both the methods (AEKF and EKF). Consistency of obtained orbit for GEO Satellites are validated using overlapping technique for both AEKF and EKF methods, orbit estimated from these methods are also validated by comparing with batch least squares method and filter behavior is continuously monitored during data gaps by observing error covariance(P) for both the methods. Keywords: Kalman Filtering, Process Noise Covariance, Measurement Noise Covariance, Orbit Estimation, CDM

The Mediational Role of Desire for Cultural Tightness on Concern With COVID-19 and Perceived Self-Control

When ecological threats are more severe or prevalent, societies are more likely to tighten their social norms and punishments. Moreover, when people follow clear and tight rules, they are more prone to regulate their behavior (i.e., self-control) in order to avoid punishment. Therefore, we examined the mediating role of people’s endorsement of cultural tightness (i.e., support and desire) on the relationship between concern with COVID-19 threat and personal self-control. Our hypothesis was tested through a mediation model in two studies with a sample of (N=315, 77.1% females, Mage=23.71) university students (Study 1) and with a heterogeneous sample of (N=239, 65.7% females, Mage=36.55) participants (Study 2). Empirical support for the proposed model was found in both studies. Implications of this research will be discussed. The main implication is related to the possibility that people’s desire for strong norms to cope with the COVID-19 threat could promote greater self-regulated preventive behavior in order to protect their health

Nutrition, bioenergetics, and metabolic syndrome

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global nutrition report shows that whilst part of the world's population starves, the other part suffers from obesity and associated complications. A balanced diet counterparts these extreme conditions with the proper proportion, composition, quantity, and presence of macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds. However, little is known on the way these components exert any influence on our health. These nutrients aiming to feed our bodies, our tissues, and our cells, first need to reach mitochondria, where they are decomposed into CO2 and H2O to obtain energy. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell and mainly responsible for nutrients metabolism, but they are also the main source of oxidative stress and cell death by apoptosis. Unappropriated nutrients may support mitochondrial to become the Trojan horse in the cell. This review aims to provide an approach to the role that some nutrients exert on mitochondria as a major contributor to high prevalent Western conditions including metabolic syndrome (MetS), a constellation of pathologic conditions which promotes type II diabetes and cardiovascular risk. Clinical and experimental data extracted from in vitro animal and cell models further demonstrated in patients, support the idea that a balanced diet, in a healthy lifestyle context, promotes proper bioenergetic and mitochondrial function, becoming the best medicine to prevent the onset and progression of MetS. Any advance in the prevention and management of these prevalent complications help to face these challenging global health problems, by ameliorating the quality of life of patients and reducing the associated sociosanitary burden

Different attachment styles correlate with mood disorders in adults with epilepsy or migraine.

PURPOSE: Interpersonal relationships are viewed as important contexts within which psychopathology emerges and persists or desists. Attachment theory describes the dynamics of long-term relationships between humans especially in families and lifelong friendships. The present study was aimed at investigating attachment styles in adult patients with epilepsy as compared to subjects with migraine and their potential correlates with a history of mood disorders. METHODS: A consecutive sample of 219 adult outpatients with epilepsy (117) or migraine (102) was assessed with the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ). RESULTS: Patients with epilepsy and a lifetime history of mood disorders presented elevated scores for Need for approval (p<0.001) and Preoccupation with relationships (p<0.001). Age correlated with the Relationships as secondary (r=0.322; p<0.001) and Need for approval (r=0.217; p=0.019) subscales while age at onset correlated only with Relationships as secondary (r=0.225; p=0.015). Seizure-free patients presented lower scores for Need for approval (p=0.003). Patients with migraine and a lifetime history of mood disorders presented lower scores in Confidence (p=0.002) and higher scores in Discomfort with closeness (p=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: An anxious-preoccupied attachment correlated with mood disorders in epilepsy while it was an avoidant pattern in migraine. Our results bring further data on the role of psychological variables in mood disorders in epilepsy. Further studies will allow early identification of patients at risk and the development of preventive strategies

Effect of impaction on third molar development and age estimation-A study in a Lebanese population.

BACKGROUND The effect of impaction on third molar development is disputable as the scientific literature is not uniform. In parallel, population-specific studies have been encouraged in dental age estimation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of impaction on third molar formation in a sample of Lebanese individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS The sample consisted of 518 panoramic radiographs of females (n=229) and males (n=289) between 15 and 23.9 years. Mandibular third molars were classified based on their position as non-impacted and impacted (with horizontal, vertical, mesioangular, and distoangular impaction). Dental development was classified according to Demirjian's 8-level staging system. RESULTS Most teeth presented mesioangular impaction (#38=29.7%, #48=33%). Developing third molars were predominantly distributed between stages D and G. The mean age of most developmental stages was higher among impacted teeth, meaning that third molar mineralization could be slower in the presence of impaction. In general, the delayed dental development did not have statistically significant effects (P12 months-suggesting a potential clinical significance (despite the lack of a statistical one). Furthermore, differences changed based on sex and side (#38/#48). CONCLUSION Therefore, dental age estimation from third molars in the selected Lebanese population should preferably be performed in non-impacted third molars whenever available

Antifungal synergic activity of essential olive oil and alcoholic turmeric extracts against isolates from the dried grapes raisins

Fungi are responsible for a wide variety of harm to humans, including food spoilage and infections. Using chemicals to restrict fungal development or infections has negative repercussions, such as human health dangers from the chemical applications and rising antifungal-drug resistance, so this study aimed to use medicinal plants and their extracts as an alternative method to restrict fungal growth. Ten isolates of the genus Aspergillus were identified from the fruits of dried grapes (raisins) of all kinds (Iraqi black raisins, Iranian yellow raisins, and brown raisins) at the species level using three – differential media: Czapek Yeast Extract Agar( CYA), Malt Extract Agar( MEA), and 25% Glycerol nitrate agar (G25N) incubated in 5, 25 and 37 ºC. Aspergillus niger was the most common isolated species. The number of A. niger isolates reached seven from all types of dried grapes, while A. flavus recorded three isolates from black raisins and brown raisins. Aspergillus Flavus Parasiticus Agar (AFPA) was used to detect the ability of A. flavus isolates to produce aflatoxin at 25-30 ºC for one week. Alcoholic extract of turmeric showed a significant inhibitory effect on the colony diameter of both A. flavus and A. niger isolated from the fruit of Iraqi black raisins with an inhibition rate of 86.6% and 68.8 %, respectively, at 4 mg/ ml concentration. The mixture of turmeric and essential olive oil gave a distinct inhibitory effect, reaching a 100% inhibition rate from the lowest to highest concentration for both A. niger and A. flavus

Educational needs of epileptologists regarding psychiatric comorbidities of the epilepsies: a descriptive quantitative survey.

Psychiatric disorders are relatively frequent comorbidities in epilepsy and they have an impact on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. This is a report from the Task Force on Education of the ILAE Commission on Neuropsychiatry based on a survey about educational needs of epileptologists regarding management of the psychiatric comorbidities of epilepsy. The Task Force designed a quantitative questionnaire to survey the self-perceived confidence of child and adult epileptologists and psychiatrists in managing major psychiatric comorbidities of epilepsy to identify: (1) critical areas of improvement from a list of skills that are usually considered necessary for effective management of these conditions, and (2) the preferred educational format for improving these skills. A total of 211 respondents from 36 different countries participated in the survey. Confidence and usefulness scores suggest that responders would most value education and training in the management of specific clinical scenarios. Child neurologists identified major Axis I disorders, such as mood and anxiety disorders, while adult neurologists identified attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disabilities, and autistic spectrum disorder as key areas. Both adult and child neurologists identified screening skills as the priority. Psychiatrists mainly valued specific training in the management of psychiatric complications of epilepsy surgery or psychiatric adverse events of antiepileptic drugs. Sessions during congresses and face-to-face meetings represent the preferred educational format, while e-learning modules and review papers were chosen by a minority of respondents. Results of this survey identify key areas for improvement in managing the psychiatric comorbidities of epilepsy and suggest specific strategies to develop better training for clinicians involved in epilepsy care