Emotion detection from handwriting and drawing samples using an attention-based transformer model

Emotion detection (ED) involves the identification and understanding of an individual's emotional state through various cues such as facial expressions, voice tones, physiological changes, and behavioral patterns. In this context, behavioral analysis is employed to observe actions and behaviors for emotional interpretation. This work specifically employs behavioral metrics like drawing and handwriting to determine a person's emotional state, recognizing these actions as physical functions integrating motor and cognitive processes. The study proposes an attention-based transformer model as an innovative approach to identify emotions from handwriting and drawing samples, thereby advancing the capabilities of ED into the domains of fine motor skills and artistic expression. The initial data obtained provides a set of points that correspond to the handwriting or drawing strokes. Each stroke point is subsequently delivered to the attention-based transformer model, which embeds it into a high-dimensional vector space. The model builds a prediction about the emotional state of the person who generated the sample by integrating the most important components and patterns in the input sequence using self-attentional processes. The proposed approach possesses a distinct advantage in its enhanced capacity to capture long-range correlations compared to conventional recurrent neural networks (RNN). This characteristic makes it particularly well-suited for the precise identification of emotions from samples of handwriting and drawings, signifying a notable advancement in the field of emotion detection. The proposed method produced cutting-edge outcomes of 92.64% on the benchmark dataset known as EMOTHAW (Emotion Recognition via Handwriting and Drawing).

Transvenous endocardial pacing with SelectSecure™ 3830 lead in pediatric patients: case series of two infants and a literature review

BACKGROUND

The SelectSecure™ 3830 lead is an innovative, lumenless, and thin active fixed lead with a nonretractable screw-in tip and a diameter of 4.1 Fr, making it the thinnest pacing lead available. Its high anti-extrusion properties and durability have shown favorable outcomes in cardiac pacing, especially in pediatric patients. The superfine design and easy implantation of the lead have rendered it a preferred choice in children, particularly in cases of congenital heart disease.

CASE PRESENTATION

This case series presents two infant patients who underwent transvenous endocardial pacing using the SelectSecure™ 3830 lead, along with a comprehensive literature review on the topic. The study followed the patients for 5 years and 3 years, respectively, and observed stable pacing parameters, indicating a positive therapeutic outcome and safety. This article discusses the optimal age and body shape for transvenous lead implantation in infants and highlights the advantages and disadvantages of endocardial and epicardial pacing approaches. Although endocardial pacing offers several benefits such as minimal trauma, short hospital stay, and longer battery life, it may not be suitable for intracardiac shunts, and venous occlusion remains a concern. On the other hand, epicardial pacing may be considered for children with challenging endocardial access but comes with higher risk of lead failure and coronary artery compression. This study emphasizes the importance of careful follow-up in pediatric patients with pacing, as lead failure can occur in young patients owing to growth and development, leading to syncope and battery depletion. The article also underscores the significance of selecting the appropriate pacing location to minimize the impact of cardiac function, with right ventricular septal pacing emerging as a preferable option.

CONCLUSIONS

The SelectSecure™ 3830 lead presents a promising solution for transvenous endocardial pacing in pediatric patients with high degree atrioventricular block and bradycardia, ensuring safe and effective pacing as they grow and develop.

Tuberculous Septic Arthritis of the Hip Following the Incision and Drainage of a Groin Abscess: A Case Report

Tuberculosis of the hip is a relatively rare type of septic arthritis that is seldom seen in the developed world today. While pyogenic septic arthritis may present with clear features that help in early diagnosis and treatment, many of these features are absent or overlap significantly with tuberculous arthritis, making the diagnosis a clinical challenge. Here, we present a case of tuberculous septic arthritis seen in our clinic following the surgical incision and drainage of a groin abscess with minimal hip symptoms. We discuss the therapeutic approach for the patient and briefly review other reported cases of tuberculous septic arthritis in the literature.

Analysis of Germin-like protein genes family in Vitis vinifera (VvGLPs) using various in silico approaches

Abstract Germin-like proteins (GLPs) play an important role against various stresses. Vitis vinifera L. genome contains 7 GLPs; many of them are functionally unexplored. However, the computational analysis may provide important new insight into their function. Currently, physicochemical properties, subcellular localization, domain architectures, 3D structures, N-glycosylation & phosphorylation sites, and phylogeney of the VvGLPs were investigated using the latest computational tools. Their functions were predicted using the Search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes/proteins (STRING) and Blast2Go servers. Most of the VvGLPs were extracellular (43%) in nature but also showed periplasmic (29%), plasma membrane (14%), and mitochondrial- or chloroplast-specific (14%) expression. The functional analysis predicted unique enzymatic activities for these proteins including terpene synthase, isoprenoid synthase, lipoxygenase, phosphate permease, receptor kinase, and hydrolases generally mediated by Mn+ cation. VvGLPs showed similarity in the overall structure, shape, and position of the cupin domain. Functionally, VvGLPs control and regulate the production of secondary metabolites to cope with various stresses. Phylogenetically VvGLP1, -3, -4, -5, and VvGLP7 showed greater similarity due to duplication while VvGLP2 and VvGLP6 revealed a distant relationship. Promoter analysis revealed the presence of diverse cis-regulatory elements among which CAAT box, MYB, MYC, unnamed-4 were common to all of them. The analysis will help to utilize VvGLPs and their promoters in future food programs by developing resistant cultivars against various biotic (Erysiphe necator and in Powdery Mildew etc.) and abiotic (Salt, drought, heat, dehydration, etc.) stresses.

Classification of Parkinson's Disease in Patch-Based MRI of Substantia Nigra

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurological disease that mostly shakes and compromises the motor system of the human brain. Patients with PD can face resting tremors, loss of balance, bradykinesia, and rigidity problems. Complex patterns of PD, i.e., with relevance to other neurological diseases and minor changes in brain structure, make the diagnosis of this disease a challenge and cause inaccuracy of about 25% in the diagnostics. The research community utilizes different machine learning techniques for diagnosis using handcrafted features. This paper proposes a computer-aided diagnostic system using a convolutional neural network (CNN) to diagnose PD. CNN is one of the most suitable models to extract and learn the essential features of a problem. The dataset is obtained from Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), which provides different datasets (benchmarks), such as T2-weighted MRI for PD and other healthy controls (HC). The mid slices are collected from each MRI. Further, these slices are registered for alignment. Since the PD can be found in substantia nigra (i.e., the midbrain), the midbrain region of the registered T2-weighted MRI slice is selected using the freehand region of interest technique with a 33 × 33 sized window. Several experiments have been carried out to ensure the validity of the CNN. The standard measures, such as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve, are used to evaluate the proposed system. The evaluation results show that CNN provides better accuracy than machine learning techniques, such as naive Bayes, decision tree, support vector machine, and artificial neural network.

Multidrug-Resistant Shigella sonnei Bacteremia among Persons Experiencing Homelessness, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Increased invasive bloodstream infections caused by multidrug resistant Shigella sonnei were noted in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, during 2021-2023. Whole-genome sequencing revealed clonal transmission of genotype 3.6.1.1.2 (CipR.MSM5) among persons experiencing homelessness. Improvements in identifying Shigella species, expanding treatment options for multidrug resistant infections, and developing public health partnerships are needed.

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

BACKGROUND

Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres.

METHODS

This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low-middle-income countries.

RESULTS

In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of 'single-use' consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low-middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia.

CONCLUSION

This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high- and low-middle-income countries.

Palbociclib plus letrozole as treatment for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative advanced breast cancer for whom letrozole therapy is deemed appropriate: An expanded access study in Australia and India

AIM

Palbociclib was approved in the United States in 2015 to treat estrogen receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer (ABC). This study evaluated outcomes and safety in patients treated with palbociclib in Australia and India with hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/HER2- ABC before palbociclib became commercially available.

METHODS

Postmenopausal women (≥18 years) with HR+/HER2- ABC who were appropriate candidates for letrozole therapy received palbociclib 125 mg once daily for 21 days followed by 7 days off, and letrozole 2.5 mg once daily (continuous). Safety, tumor response, and patient-reported outcomes (Australian cohort) were evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 252 patients received palbociclib plus letrozole (Australia, n = 152; India, n = 100). More patients in the Australian versus Indian cohort had received prior chemotherapy (advanced/metastatic setting: 45.9% vs. 32.0%), endocrine therapy (advanced/metastatic setting: 63.2% vs. 54.3%), and advanced/metastatic therapies (61.8% vs. 31.0%). The most frequently reported all-grade palbociclib-related treatment-emergent adverse events were neutropenia (66.7%), fatigue (35.3%), and stomatitis (26.6%); grade 3/4 neutropenia was reported as palbociclib-related in 62.7% of patients. Febrile neutropenia was reported in six patients (2.4%). Eight patients (3.2%) discontinued because of an adverse event. The objective response rate was 19.4% (95% CI, 14.7%-24.9%) overall and 2.3% in Australian patients with ≥2 lines of prior therapy for metastatic disease. Patient-reported quality of life scores were maintained throughout the study.

CONCLUSIONS

In an expanded access setting in Australia and India, palbociclib plus letrozole was well tolerated in patients with HR+/HER2- ABC, with a safety profile consistent with previous reports.

Electrospun Biomimetic Nanofibrous Scaffolds: A Promising Prospect for Bone Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Skeletal-related disorders such as arthritis, bone cancer, osteosarcoma, and osteoarthritis are among the most common reasons for mortality in humans at present. Nanostructured scaffolds have been discovered to be more efficient for bone regeneration than macro/micro-sized scaffolds because they sufficiently permit cell adhesion, proliferation, and chemical transformation. Nanofibrous scaffolds mimicking artificial extracellular matrices provide a natural environment for tissue regeneration owing to their large surface area, high porosity, and appreciable drug loading capacity. Here, we review recent progress and possible future prospective electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds have demonstrated promising potential in bone tissue regeneration using a variety of nanomaterials. This review focused on the crucial role of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds in biological applications, including drug/growth factor delivery to bone tissue regeneration. Natural and synthetic polymeric nanofibrous scaffolds are extensively inspected to regenerate bone tissue. We focused mainly on the significant impact of nanofibrous composite scaffolds on cell adhesion and function, and different composites of organic/inorganic nanoparticles with nanofiber scaffolds. This analysis provides an overview of nanofibrous scaffold-based bone regeneration strategies; however, the same concepts can be applied to other organ and tissue regeneration tactics.

Coronary Artery Stent Dislodgement and Loss in the Bloodstream: A Case Report and Management Options

Patient: Female, 46-year-old

Final Diagnosis: Coronary artery dissection and stent dislodgement

Symptoms: Chest pain

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: PCI

Specialty: Cardiology

Study of Human Brucellosis among Patients with Pyrexia of Unknown Origin by Antibody Detection

This study was performed to determine the seropositivity of human brucellosis among the patients suffering from pyrexia of unidentified origin. This cross-sectional study was performed at department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from September 2018 to August 2019; among the patients of pyrexia of unknown origin visited inpatient and outpatient facility of department of Medicine and department of Paediatrics, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) in Mymensingh division of Bangladesh. A total of 400 serum samples were screened by Brucella-specific latex agglutination test to determine seropositivity. Seven percent (7.0%) (28/400) serum samples were found to be seropositive for brucellosis by detecting Brucella-specific antibody at a titer ≥1:160. Therefore, Brucella-specific latex agglutination test may be recommended as a screening test for human brucellosis in developing and underdeveloped countries.

Comparison of Biochemical Parameters in Patients with Hepatitis B, C, and Dual Hepatitis B and C in Northwest Pakistan

The leading causes of hepatitis are viral infections, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Millions of people have been infected with these deadly viral infections worldwide, and in Pakistan, every tenth person is infected with these viruses. Different populations respond with different rates to infectious diseases due to host genomic differences. To evaluate and compare the biochemical parameters in different types of hepatitis (Hepatitis B, C, and Co-infection) and different ethnic groups, a total of 200 pre-screened patients were recruited from District Headquarters Teaching Hospital Dera Ismail Khan and Tank. Blood samples (5ml) were taken from patients and were assayed for biochemical parameters, including four liver function tests (LFTs) and two renal function tests (RFTs). In 200 patients, the mean scores of Alanine transaminase (ALT) were 376±335, 315±265, and 478±519 IU/L in HBV, HCV, and co-infected patients, respectively. Moreover, the mean score of ALT was 31±7.2 IU/l in the normal control group. All other biochemical parameters demonstrated elevated levels in co-infection, HBV, and HCV, respectively, except total proteins. The RFTs showed a threshold or upper normal limit (UNL); nonetheless, when compared to normal control subjects, RFTs parameters were high in infected patients, as compared to normal control. Ethnicity wise comparison of parameters indicated that Pushtoon ethnic group indicated a high degree of severity of HBV infection and co-infection, as compared to Saraiki and Rajpoot ethnic groups, while Saraiki ethnic group showed a higher severity of HCV than both of Pushtoon and Rajpoot. Rajpoot ethnic group was least affected than both Pushtoon and Saraiki ethnic groups. Co-infected patients were more severely affected, as compared to HBV and HCV patients. The ethnicity-wise study provided evidence that different ethnic groups showed different degrees of severity. There may be some genetic background involved in hepatitis B and C viral infection due to which all three ethnic groups showed different degrees of severity. In gender-wise comparisons, male patients were more affected than female patients.

Pattern of Tubercular Uveitis in Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Ocular tuberculosis is an extra-pulmonary form of systemic Tuberculosis (TB). It is rarely found concomitant with active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). The aim of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the pattern of tubercular uveitis (TBU) in the patients with active PTB who attended in our Uvea clinic at NIO&H from July 2018 to December 2020. Active PTB patients who had uveitis consistent with TBU and TBU patients who were confirmed as active lung lesion were included in the study. Chest X-ray, TST, IGRA (QuantiFERON-TB Gold Test), RT PCR of aqueous fluid for tubercular bacillus, Gene Xpert TB test of sputum were done to confirm the diagnosis of ocular and primary TB. If the induration is 15 mm of TST was considered patient in this study. Among 33 patients of active PTB, 4 had TBU (12.12%). Among 48 patients of TBU, 5 had active PTB (10.41%). 13 eyes of 9 patients were affected. Mean age at presentation was 41.8 years. There were anterior uveitis in 23.00% eyes, posterior uveitis in 69% eyes and panuveitis in 7.00% eyes. Choroidal granuloma was the most common presentation of posterior uveitis (46.00%). There were more than 4 times chance to develop choroidal granuloma in patients with active PTB than extrapulmonary TB (Χ²=4.53, <0.05), TBU patients with choroidal granuloma should be evaluated meticulously for active PTB and active PTB patients should be evaluated routinely by ophthalmologist for the search of TBU.

Clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest – an insight from multi-centre data

Background

In general, rates of in-hospital cardiac arrest are reportedly 9 to 10 arrests per 1000 admissions, with survival rates of approximately 20–25%. Data regarding clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with COVID-19 who received in-hospital CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) are limited. This information can help guide end-of-life care conversations between families and health care workers based on real-world experience.

Purpose

To observe the outcomes (survival to discharged alive from the hospital) in critically sick COVID-19 patients who experienced in-hospital cardiac arrest.

Methods

This is a multi-centre institutional review board (IRB) approved retrospective study. The RT-PCR confirmed adult COVID-19 patients consecutively admitted from March 1st to April 30, 2020, were included. Data were extracted manually using the hospital's electronic medical record. The final date of follow-up to monitor clinical outcomes was January 2021.

Results

A total of 721 patients were admitted to the hospital. Of these, only 64 (8.87%) patients had “no CPR” orders.Cardiac arrest occurred in 141 (19.5%) patients. The mean duration of beginning of resuscitation was less than a minute and the mean duration of CPR was 19 minutes. The median age was 65 years; 62.4% were male. The most common co-morbidities were hypertension (66%) and diabetes mellitus (56%). The initial rhythm was non-shockable in 93.7% of patients [asystole in 48.4% and Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) in 45.3% of patients]. Only six (4.2%) patients had pulseless ventricular tachycardia and three (2.1%) patients had ventricular fibrillation. A total of eight patients (5.6%) survived and were discharged from the hospital; six (4.25%) had non-shockable and two (0.82%) had shockable initial rhythms. The median age of those who survived was 60 years (Figure 1).

Conclusions

Our study showed that critically sick patients with COVID-19 have a high rate of cardiac arrest and poor outcomes in those who received CPR. A non-shockable initial rhythm indicates that non-cardiac reasons might be playing a major role. These include acute respiratory insufficiency, severe sepsis, or multiorgan failure. These data should inform end-of-life care discussions between providers and patients' families.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Integrated phosphorus nutrient sources improve wheat yield and phosphorus use efficiency under sub humid conditions

Majority of Pakistani soils are deficient in phosphorus. Phosphorus is usually applied in form of synthetic fertilizer. However integrated use of P from synthetic and organic sources can be more profitable and beneficial on sustainable basis. Field trials were conducted at research farm University of Poonch, Rawalakot, AJK, Pakistan for two consecutive years to check the comparative effects of synthetic fertilizer and organic manures applied alone and in combinations on the phosphorus use efficiency (PUE), wheat yield and yield components. Shafaq-06 cultivar of wheat was used as test cultivar. Ten treatments were included: (I) Control (P₀) without application of fertilizer; (II) SSP @ 60 kg/ha (P_60SSP); (III) SSP @ 90 kg/ha (P_90SSP); (IV) SSP @ 120 kg/ha (P_120SSP); (V) PM @60 kg/ha (P_60PM); (VI) PM @90 kg/ha (P_90PM); (VII) PM @120 kg/ha (P_120PM); (VIII) SSP @30 kg/ha + PM @30 kg/ha (P_30SSP+30PM); (IX) SSP @45 kg/ha + PM @45 kg/ha (P_45SSP+45PM); (X) SSP @60 kg/ha + PM @60 kg/ha (P_60SSP+60PM) which were laid out under the Randomized Complete Block Design. Significantly higher values for yield of grain (2397 kg/ha) was recorded with PM + SSP @ 60 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 each. Likewise, FPUE, PIR of wheat and AFPUE was quite higher with combined use of PM and SSP i.e. P_60SSP+60PM treatment. Additionally, increase in PUE, wheat yield and yield components associated with combined treated plot would help to minimize the use of high cost synthetic mineral fertilizers and represents an environmentally and agronomically sound management strategy.

Seropositivity of Human Brucellosis among Patients with Pyrexia of Unknown Origin on Both Risk and Non-Risk Group of Individuals and Molecular Detection by Real-time PCR

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that is one of the important infectious causes of Pyrexia of Unknown Origin (PUO). The objective of the present study was to determine the seropositivity and molecular detection of human brucellosis among the patients with pyrexia of unknown origin on both risk and non-risk group of individuals in greater Mymensingh. A total of 400 blood samples were randomly collected from pyretic patients started from September 2018 to August 2019. Questionnaires were used to collect data on both risk and non-risk group of individuals. All samples were initially screened for anti-Brucella antibodies using the Brucella-specific latex agglutination test. For accurate investigation, seropositive as well as seronegative serum samples were tested by BCSP31 Brucella genus-specific TaqMan real-time PCR. Overall 32(8%) cases were positive out of 400 samples by Brucella-specific latex agglutination test and/or BCSP31 Brucella genus-specific real-time PCR. Brucella-specific latex agglutination test documented 7% (28/400) positivity for brucellosis. 22(5.5%) samples found Brucella genus-specific real-time PCR positive out of 400 samples. Most real-time PCR positive cases were found from sero-positive samples of risk group population (15/32). Sero-negative but real-time PCR positive cases also found only from risk group population (4/32). There were 10 seropositive cases where real-time PCR was negative. In addition to Brucella-specific latex agglutination test as a screening test, Brucella genus-specific real-time PCR was performed for confirmation and also to avoid unjustified costs, drug toxicity, and masking of other potentially dangerous diseases.

P14.27 Exploring end-of-life care in the GlioCova national brain tumour patient cohort

BACKGROUND

Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer deaths in the under-40s. Research on end-of-life care, especially in brain tumour patients is rare, yet important to patients and carers. The GlioCova project holds data on all adult brain tumour patients in England diagnosed between 2013 and 2018. Using this linked data set, we performed preliminary analysis on end-of-life care, focusing on treatment close to death and place of death.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We used data from the English National Cancer Registry and identified all patients with a primary CNS tumour (ICD-10: C70, C71, C72) who were diagnosed between 2013 - 2018. We examined demographics, tumour morphology and grade, primary cause of death, treatment received within the last 3 and 1 month of life, and the location of death. For patients with unclear location of death (‘unknown’, ‘other’, ‘NA’), we looked at their final destination of discharge recorded in their last inpatient admission.

RESULTS

We identified 26,239 brain tumour patients of whom 20,715 had died. 41.7% were female and median age was 68 (IQR=19). Most patients had a malignant neoplasm of brain (98.6%), followed by meninges (0.7%) and spinal cord, cranial nerves and other parts of central nervous system (0.7%). The most common primary cause of death was malignant neoplasm (70%). Of the 10,021(48.4%) patients who received radiotherapy at any time between diagnosis and death, 1,341 (6.5%) received it within the last three months of life and 254 (1.3%) received it within the last month of life. Of the 5,957 (28.8%) patients who received chemotherapy, 1,358 (6.6%) started a chemotherapy regimen 3 months and 200 (0.97%) 1 month before death. 36.0% of all patients died at home, 23.8% at hospital, 14.7% in a hospice and 8.8% in a nursing home. For 16.7% of patients with an unclear location of death, the most common destination of discharge during their last hospital admission was usual place of residence (54.5%), non-NHS run Care Home (13.9%), NHS run Care Home (11.2%).

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first national analysis of end-of-life care in brain tumour patients. Active treatment towards the end of life and in a hospital deaths appear lower in brain tumour patients than in studies of other cancer groups.

PPARγ signaling protects hair follicle stem cells from chemotherapy-induced apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition

BACKGROUND

Permanent chemotherapy-induced alopecia (pCIA), for which preventive interventions remain limited, can manifest with scarring. While the underlying pathomechanisms of pCIA are unclear, depletion of epithelial hair follicle (HF) stem cells (eHFSCs) is likely to play a role.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the hypothesis that eHFSCs undergo pathological epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) besides apoptosis in pCIA, thus explaining the scarring phenotype. Furthermore, we tested whether a PPARγ modulator can prevent pCIA-associated pathomechanisms.

METHODS

Organ-cultured human scalp HFs were treated with the cyclophosphamide metabolite, 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4-HC). Additionally, HFs were pre-treated with the agnostic PPARγ modulator, N-Acetyl-GED-0507-34-Levo (NAGED), which we had previously shown to promote K15 expression and antagonize EMT in eHFSCs.

RESULTS

In accordance with anticipated hair bulb cytotoxicity, dystrophy and catagen induction, 4-HC promoted apoptosis along with increased p53 expression, DNA damage and pathological EMT in keratin 15+ (K15) bulge eHFSCs, as evidenced by decreased E-cadherin expression and the appearance of fibronectin- and vimentin-positive cells in the bulge. Pre-treatment with NAGED protected from 4-HC-induced hair bulb cytotoxicity/dystrophy, and halted apoptosis, p53 up-regulation, and EMT in the bulge, thereby significantly preventing the depletion of K15+ human eHFSCs ex vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

A cyclophosphamide metabolite alone suffices to damage and deplete human scalp eHFSCs by promoting apoptosis, DNA damage, and EMT ex vivo. Therefore, pCIA-therapeutic strategies need to target these pathological processes. Our data introduce the stimulation of PPARγ signaling as a novel intervention strategy for the prevention of pCIA, given the ability of NAGED to prevent chemotherapy-induced eHFSCs damage ex vivo.

Sonodynamic therapy and common head and neck cancers: in vitro and in vivo studies

Carcinogenesis is a complex multi-stage process associated with abnormal oncogenic signals in various signaling pathways. HNSCC (Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma) includes the majority of head and neck cancers (HNC). Also, HNSCC indicates a tumors heterogeneous group that derives from the squamous epithelium of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, oral cavity, and larynx. The main cancer management approach contains chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery separately or in combination. Each therapeutic approach has a limitation that influences cancer therapy procedures. Different treatment manners, stimuli-responsive therapeutic methods can improve on-target responses and reduce side effects. Sonodynamic therapy (ST) shows promising potential as an alternative treatment for cancer in the last few years. There is a hypothesis that shows ST using sonosenitizer in combination with low-intensity ultrasound (LIUS) could be useful in all kinds of cancer without focusing on specific target proteins, molecules, and/or genes. This review study discussed the application of ST for the treatment, ST mechanisms, and also, advances in the treatment of HNCs approaches in the recent decades.

Effect of solvent types on the antioxidant activity and total flavonoids of some Bangladeshi legumes

In this study, an attempt was made to estimate the antioxidant activity of some popular Bangladeshi legumes by employing DPPH radical scavenging assay, total phenolic content (TPC), and ferric reducing antioxidant assay (FRAP). The extraction efficiency and total flavonoid content (TFC) of hyacinth bean (Lablab niger), kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), black gram (Vigna radiate), mung bean (Vigna mungo), and green pea (Pisum sativam) by different solvents were also examined. Extraction was done using 80% acetone, ethanol, and methanol as solvent. The maximum and minimum DPPH scavenging activity was shown by mung bean (27.67±1.53%) and Hyacinth bean (4.33±1.53%), respectively using ethanol as solvent. The highest and lowest FRAP value was recorded 89.60±0.80 μg AAE/mL for green pea and 35.11±1.39 μg AAE/mL for mung bean, respectively with ethanol solvent. For TPC, green pea with ethanol solvent showed the highest value (1045.92±21.30 mg GAE/100 g), and mung bean with ethanol solvent exhibited the lowest value (415.92±1.44 mg GAE/100 g). For TFC, black gram with ethanol solvent exhibited the highest value (342.21±3.05 mg QE/100 g), while mung bean with acetone solvent exhibited the lowest value (77.38±0.80 mg QE/100 g).

Role of beneficial microbes with nitrogen and phosphorous levels on canola productivity

A research was conducted to evaluate the impact of various nitrogen and phosphorus levels along with beneficial microbes to enhance canola productivity. The research was carried out at Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar in winter 2016-2017. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block factorial design. The study was comprised of three factors including nitrogen (60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1), phosphorous (70, 100 and 130 kg ha-1) and beneficial microbes (with and without BM). A control treatment with no N, P and BM was also kept for comparison. Application of beneficial microbes significantly increased pods plant, seed pod, seed filling duration, 1000 seed weight, biological yield and seed yield as compared to control plots. Nitrogen applied at the rate of 180 kg ha-1 increased pods plant-1, seed pod, seed filling duration, seed weight, biological yield and seed yield. Maximum pods plant-1, seed pod, early seed filling, heavier seed weight, biological yield, seed yield, and harvest index were observed in plots treated with 130 kg.ha-1 phosphorous. As comparison, the combine treated plots have more pods plant-1, seeds pod-1, seed filling duration, heaviest seeds, biological yield, seed yield and harvest index as compared to control plots. It is concluded that application of beneficial microbes with N and P at the rate of 180 kg ha-1 and 130 kg ha-1, respectively, increased yield and its attributes for canola.

Effect of boiling and roasting on physicochemical and antioxidant properties of dark red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

The effects of two processing methods (boiling and roasting) on physicochemical qualities of dark red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) were investigated. Changes in total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity due to processing were also analyzed by using Folin–Ciocaltue method and 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, respectively. Analysis of physicochemical properties exhibited substantial variations (p<0.05) in the levels of moisture, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate, gross energy and pH of raw and processed beans. Meanwhile, there was no considerable difference (p<0.05) in the fibre content of fresh and processed beans. Investigation of total phenolic content showed the significant (p<0.05) reduction of phenolic compounds in boiled (5.53±0.74 mg GAE/ g) and roasted (8.15±1.60 mg GAE/g) beans than raw samples (12.55±1.42 mg GAE/g). DPPH radical scavenging activity was also decreased significantly (p<0.05) in boiled and roasted samples with IC50 value of 0.0608±0.0765 mg/mL and 0.0523±0.0026 mg/mL, respectively. In the case of household cooking, keeping boiling water would be advised for the preservation of minerals, vitamins and phenolic compounds. The roasting process may be used to develop high-quality health-promoting dark red kidney bean products.

A systematic review of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) for the treatment of acute cutaneous wounds

BACKGROUND

Stromal vascular fraction (SVF), derived enzymatically or mechanically from adipose tissue, contains a heterogenous population of cells and stroma, including multipotent stem cells. The regenerative capacity of SVF may potentially be adapted for a broad range of clinical applications, including the healing of acute cutaneous wounds.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the available literature on the efficacy and safety of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) for the treatment of acute cutaneous wounds in humans.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature utilizing MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed to identify published clinical trials of autologous adipose-derived SVF or similar ADSC-containing derivatives for patients with acute cutaneous wounds. This was supplemented by searches for ongoing clinical trials through ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform.

RESULTS

872 records were initially retrieved. Application of inclusion and exclusion criteria yielded 10 relevant studies: two completed non-randomized controlled trials and eight ongoing clinical trials. Both completed studies reported a statistically significant benefit in percentage re-epithelialization and time to healing for the SVF treatment arms. Safety information for SVF was not provided. Ongoing clinical trials were assessing outcomes such as safety, patient and observer reported scar appearance, wound healing rate, and wound epithelization.

CONCLUSION

In the context of substantial limitations in the quantity and quality of available evidence, the existing literature suggests that SVF may be a useful treatment for acute cutaneous wounds in humans. More clinical trials with improved outcome measures and safety assessment are needed.

Impact of blanching pretreatment on physicochemical properties, and drying characteristics of cabbage (Brassica oleracea)

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is popular winter vegetables cultivated all over Bangladesh and contains essential nutrients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pre-blanching on the preservation of cabbage by drying. In this research work, cabbage was blanched at 80°C, 90°C, and 100°C temperature for 12, 8, and 2 mins, respectively. Then the samples were dried at 60°C maintaining 60% relative humidity. The moisture and ash content of untreated and treated dried samples was in the range of 16.07±0.04 to 10.80±0.01% and 5.71±0.06 to 3.81±0.02%, respectively. The total phenolic content in cabbage was 74.47±0.63 mg GAE/100g at 100°C blanching temperature for a short time of 2 mins, which was higher compared to 61.91±0.48 mg GAE/100g at 80°C for 12 mins. It was observed that the antioxidant activity and two water-soluble vitamins-ascorbic acid and beta carotene decreased in pre-blanched dried samples in contrast with fresh ones. Blanching at higher water temperature and a short period was found useful for the retention of total phenolic content and greenness of cabbage. Blanching pre-treatments were also found to have better color retention capacity than untreated dried cabbage. A proper combination of drying time and temperature, along with the incorporation of blanching pretreatment, might be useful to preserve cabbage for a long time.

Interference of horse purslane (Trianthema portulacastrum L.) and other weeds affect yield of autumn planted maize (Zea mays L.)

To assess comparative losses of Trianthema portulacastrum (HP) relative to other weeds, the experiment was set during consecutive summer seasons 2018 and 2019 at the Research Farm MNS-University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan. Experiment consisted three replications which were laid out under randomized complete block design. Experiment consisted of ten treatments viz: weeds free (whole season), HP free till 20 Days after emergence (DAE), HP free till 40 DAE, HP free till 60 DAE, all weeds free 20 DAE, all weeds free 40 DAE, all weeds free 60 DAE, weedy check (all weeds), weedy check except HP and weedy check containing only HP. During 2018 in all weeds weedy check, maximum HP relative density (33.33%) was observed while in 2019, plot where weeds were controlled from growing till 20 DAE showed (80%) relative density at 30 DAE. HP maximum frequency (66.67%, 77.78%) and relative frequency (66%, 100%) was recorded at 45 DAE in plots where HP was kept controlled till 20 DAE and all weeds kept controlled till 20 DAE, respectively. Maximum number of grains per cob (738, 700.68), 1000 grain weight (306.66, 271.51 g) and grain yield (6150, 8015 kg hec^-1) were recorded in plots which were kept all weed free till 60 DAE. As the competition period of weeds increased over 40 DAE, it substantially reduced yield of maize. Keeping the plots HP free till 40 DAE in the maize fields with HP as the major dominating weed, likely increase in maize grain yield is up to 30% compared to the fields where HP left un attended throughout the growing season. However, if maize field is infested with a mix of weeds with more than one dominating weeds including HP, compared to weedy situation the whole season, 30% higher grain yield can be obtained if all weeds are kept controlled till 40 DAE. Hence it can be concluded that whether the farmers face heavy HP infestation only or the mix of weeds as dominating weeds, in either case farmer should control weeds within first 40 days in maize field for better grain yield.

Development of a core outcome set for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma trials: identification of core domains and outcomes

BACKGROUND

The lack of uniformity in the outcomes reported in clinical studies of the treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) complicates efforts to compare treatment effectiveness across trials.

OBJECTIVES

To develop a core outcome set (COS), a minimum set of agreed-upon outcomes to be measured in all clinical trials of a given disease or outcome, for the treatment of cSCC.

METHODS

One hundred and nine outcomes were identified via a systematic literature review and interviews with 28 stakeholders. After consolidation of this long list, 55 candidate outcomes were rated by 19 physician and 10 patient stakeholders, in two rounds of Delphi exercises. Outcomes scored 'critically important' (score of 7, 8 or 9) by ≥ 70% of patients and ≥ 70% of physicians were provisionally included. At the consensus meeting, after discussion and voting of 44 international experts and patients, the provisional list was reduced to a final core set, for which consensus was achieved among all meeting participants.

RESULTS

A core set of seven outcomes was finalized at the consensus meeting: (i) serious or persistent adverse events, (ii) patient-reported quality of life, (iii) complete response, (iv) partial response, (v) recurrence-free survival, (vi) progression-free survival and (vii) disease-specific survival.

CONCLUSIONS

In order to increase the comparability of results across trials and to reduce selective reporting bias, cSCC researchers should consider reporting these core outcomes. Further work needs to be performed to identify the measures that should be reported for each of these outcomes.

Survey on Deep Neural Networks in Speech and Vision Systems

This survey presents a review of state-of-the-art deep neural network architectures, algorithms, and systems in vision and speech applications. Recent advances in deep artificial neural network algorithms and architectures have spurred rapid innovation and development of intelligent vision and speech systems. With availability of vast amounts of sensor data and cloud computing for processing and training of deep neural networks, and with increased sophistication in mobile and embedded technology, the next-generation intelligent systems are poised to revolutionize personal and commercial computing. This survey begins by providing background and evolution of some of the most successful deep learning models for intelligent vision and speech systems to date. An overview of large-scale industrial research and development efforts is provided to emphasize future trends and prospects of intelligent vision and speech systems. Robust and efficient intelligent systems demand low-latency and high fidelity in resource-constrained hardware platforms such as mobile devices, robots, and automobiles. Therefore, this survey also provides a summary of key challenges and recent successes in running deep neural networks on hardware-restricted platforms, i.e. within limited memory, battery life, and processing capabilities. Finally, emerging applications of vision and speech across disciplines such as affective computing, intelligent transportation, and precision medicine are discussed. To our knowledge, this paper provides one of the most comprehensive surveys on the latest developments in intelligent vision and speech applications from the perspectives of both software and hardware systems. Many of these emerging technologies using deep neural networks show tremendous promise to revolutionize research and development for future vision and speech systems.

Molecular Detection of Human Brucellosis among Patients with Pyrexia of Unknown Origin

This study describes the molecular detection of human brucellosis among patients with pyrexia of unknown origin. It was a cross-sectional descriptive study and was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Non-probability purposive type of sampling technique was used. Blood samples were collected from 400 pyretic patients from September 2018 to August 2019. BCSP31 Brucella genus-specific TaqMan real-time PCR and SYBR Green real-time PCR were undertaken for molecular detection. Out of 400 samples, 22 (5.5%) samples found BCSP31 Brucella genus-specific real-time PCR positive. The study revealed that a considerable number of brucellosis is present in rural areas among risk as well as non-risk group study population having definite male predominancy, most prone to develop among >40-80 years age group. Brucella genus and species-specific real-time PCR might be performed for confirmation and also to avoid unjustified costs, drug toxicity, and un-masking of other potentially dangerous diseases.

Co-circulation of dengue virus type 3-genotype I and type 2-Cosmopolitan genotype in 2018 outbreak in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dengue virus (DENV) that caused an outbreak in Dhaka, Bangladesh during 2018 was analysed phylogenetically. DENV samples were classified into type 2-Cosmopolitan genotype (54%) and type 3-genotype I (46%), indicating co-circulation of two DENV types and resurgence of type 3 associated with genotype replacement.

An osteopontin-derived peptide inhibits human hair growth at least in part by decreasing fibroblast growth factor-7 production in outer root sheath keratinocytes

BACKGROUND

Given that unwanted hair growth (hirsutism, hypertrichosis) can cause major psychological distress, new pharmacological treatment strategies with safe and effective hair growth inhibitors that do not destroy the hair follicle (HF) and its stem cells need to be developed.

OBJECTIVES

To establish if osteopontin-derived fragments may modulate human hair growth given that human HFs express the multifunctional, immunomodulatory glycoprotein, osteopontin.

METHODS

Our hypothesis was tested ex vivo and in vivo by using a newly generated, toxicologically well-characterized, modified osteopontin-derived peptide (FOL-005), which binds to the HF.

RESULTS

In organ-cultured human HFs and scalp skin, and in human scalp skin xenotransplants onto SCID mice, FOL-005 treatment (60 nmol L^-1 to 3 μmol L^-1 ) significantly promoted premature catagen development without reducing the number of keratin 15-positive HF stem cells or showing signs of drug toxicity. Genome-wide DNA microarray, quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry revealed decreased expression of the hair growth promoter, fibroblast growth factor-7 (FGF7) by FOL-005, while cotreatment of HFs with recombinant FGF7 partially abrogated FOL-005-induced catagen promotion.

CONCLUSIONS

With caveats in mind, our study identifies this osteopontin-derived peptide as an effective, novel inhibitory principle for human hair growth ex vivo and in vivo, which deserves systematic clinical testing in hirsutism and hypertrichosis. What's already known about this topic? The treatment of unwanted hair growth (hypertrichosis, hirsutism) lacks pharmacological intervention, with only few and often unsatisfactory treatments available. Osteopontin is prominently expressed in human HFs and has been reported to be elevated during catagen in the murine hair cycle. What does this study add? We tested the effects on hair growth of a novel, osteopontin-derived fragment (FOL-005) ex vivo and in vivo. In human hair follicles, high-dose FOL-005 significantly reduces hair growth both ex vivo and in vivo. What is the translational message? High-dose FOL-005 may provide a new therapeutic opportunity as a treatment for unwanted hair growth.