7973 research outputs found
Sort by
Pixel-wise annotation for clear and contaminated regions segmentation in wireless capsule endoscopy images: A multicentre database
No full textWireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is capable of non-invasively visualizing the small intestine, the most complicated segment of the gastrointestinal tract, to detect different types of abnormalities. However, its main drawback is reviewing the vast number of captured images (more than 50,000 frames). The recorded images are only sometimes clear, and different contaminating agents, such as turbid materials and air bubbles, degrade the visualization quality of the WCE images. This condition could cause serious problems such as reducing mucosal view visualization, prolonging recorded video reviewing time, and increasing the risks of missing pathology. On the other hand, accurately quantifying the amount of turbid fluids and bubbles can indicate potential motility malfunction. To assist in developing computer vision-based techniques, we have constructed the first multicentre publicly available clear and contaminated annotated dataset by precisely segmenting 17,593 capsule endoscopy images from three different databases. In contrast to the existing datasets, our dataset has been annotated at the pixel level, discriminating the clear and contaminated regions and subsequently differentiating bubbles and turbid fluids from normal tissue. To create the dataset, we first selected all of the images (2906 frames) in the reduced mucosal view class covering different levels of contamination and randomly selected 12,237 images from the normal class of the copyright-free CC BY 4.0 licensed small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) images from the Kvasir capsule endoscopy database. To mitigate the possible available bias in the mentioned dataset and to increase the sample size, the number of 2077 and 373 images have been stochastically chosen from the SEE-AI project and CECleanliness datasets respectively for the subsequent annotation. Randomly selected images have been annotated with the aid of ImageJ and ITK-SNAP software under the supervision of an expert SBCE reader with extensive experience in gastroenterology and endoscopy. For each image, two binary and tri-colour ground truth (GT) masks have been created in which each pixel has been indexed into two classes (clear and contaminated) and three classes (bubble, turbid fluids, and normal), respectively. To the best of the author's knowledge, there is no implemented clear and contaminated region segmentation on the capsule endoscopy reading software. Curated multicentre dataset can be utilized to implement applicable segmentation algorithms for identification of clear and contaminated regions and discrimination bubbles, as well as turbid fluids from normal tissue in the small intestine. Since the annotated images belong to three different sources, they provide a diverse representation of the clear and contaminated patterns in the WCE images. This diversity is valuable for training the models that are more robust to variations in data characteristics and can generalize well across different subjects and settings. The inclusion of images from three different centres allows for robust cross-validation opportunities, where computer vision-based models can be trained on one centre's annotated images and evaluated on others
An unsuspected extracranial internal carotid pseudoaneurysm following dog bites: a case report and review of literature
No full textBackground: Extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) pseudoaneurysm is a rare condition that can be caused either by penetrating or blunt trauma, including dog bites, which is an uncommon occurrence. Together with the possibility of no symptoms or nonspecific ones such as cervical pain, hematoma, swelling, or mass, considering ICA pseudoaneurysm following a dog attack is of paramount importance to avoid life-threatening complications. Case presentation: We present a rare case of a 17-year-old male with a history of dog bites three months prior, who presented to the emergency department with left-sided neck pain, dizziness, and several episodes of blurred vision and diplopia. On physical examination, a palpable mass measuring approximately 20 × 30 millimeters was identified in the left neck region and multiple superficial lacerations were observed in this area. Laboratory tests yielded normal results. Doppler ultrasound revealed a pseudoaneurysm in the left internal carotid artery. Because the great saphenous veins were insufficient, the patient was successfully treated with synthetic graft patch arterioplasty, and no complications were seen in his one-year follow-up with computed tomography (CT) angiography. Conclusions: This report emphasizes the significance of thorough initial evaluation and imaging in cases of dog attacks, even without apparent significant trauma, to rule out hidden arterial injuries
The effect of prenatal education on health anxiety of primigravid women
No full textBackground and aim: Health anxiety is a mental disorder that characterized by an excessive fear about health and physical symptoms. High anxiety in pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of prenatal education on health anxiety of primigravid women. Methods: The present study was quasi-experimental study. 122 primiparous pregnant women referred to comprehensive health services Shahrekord (A city in the southwest of Iran) clinics in 2019, after receiving consent to participate in the study, randomly divided into two intervention and control groups. The intervention group participated in 8 sessions (1.5-h), once every 2 weeks, from 20 to 37th weeks of gestation. The health anxiety questionnaire was completed on 20th (before the beginning of the courses), 28th and 37th weeks by two groups. Consequences of pregnancy included weight, Apgar score, delivery type, labor time and first breastfeeding time. SPSS version 16 software was used for data analysis. Results: No significant difference was found type of delivery, gestational age, height, weight, head length, Apgar score, duration of hospitalization and first breastfeeding time. The duration of the active and latent phase of labor was significantly lower and the weight of newborn was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group (P < 0.05). At 37th week, the scores of illness concern, negative consequence and total health anxiety in the intervention group decreased by 3.42, 0.93 and 4.36 respectively and in control group increased by 2.82, 0.03 and 2.86. Conclusion: Pregnancy educational courses has positive effects on health anxiety, decrease duration of labor time and increased newborn weight. In order to improve the outcome of pregnancy, educational classes during pregnancy should be considered
The role of DAPK2 as a key regulatory element in various human cancers: a systematic review
No full textCancer is considered the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells into neighboring tissues, a process governed at the molecular level by many different factors, including abnormalities in the protein family’s death-associated kinase (DAPK). DAPK2 is a member of the DAPK protein family, which plays essential roles in several cellular processes. DAPK2 acts as a tumor suppressor, interacting with several proteins, such as TNF, IFN, etc. during apoptosis and autophagy. Expression of DAPK2 causes changes in the structure of the cell, ultimately leading to cell death by apoptosis. In this essay, studies are obtained from Scopus, PubMed, and the Web of Science. According to these investigations, DAPK2 activates autophagy by interacting with AMPK, mTORC1, and p73. Furthermore, DAPK2 induces apoptosis pathway via interacting with the p73 family and JNK. In general, due to the vital role of DAPK2 in cell physiology and its effect on various factors and signaling pathways, it can be a potent target in the treatment of various cancers, including gastric, ovarian, breast, and other prominent cancers
Recent advances in mesoporous silica nanoparticles formulations and drug delivery for wound healing
No full textWound healing is a natural process that can be disrupted by disease. Nanotechnology is a promising platform for the development of new therapeutic agents to accelerate acute and chronic wound healing. Drug delivery by means of nanoparticles as well as wound dressings have emerged as suitable options to improving the healing process. The characteristics of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) make them efficient carriers of pharmaceutical agents alone or in combination with dressings. In order to maximize the effect of a drug and minimize its adverse consequences, it may be possible to include targeted and intelligent release of the drug into the design of MSNs. Its use to facilitate closure of adjacent sides of a cut as a tissue adhesive, local wound healing, controlled drug release and induction of blood coagulation are possible applications of MSNs. This review summarizes research on MSN applications for wound healing. It includes a general overview, wound healing phases, MSN formulation, therapeutic possibilities of MSNs and MSN-based drug delivery systems for wound healing
Burden of disease scenarios by state in the USA, 2022–50: a forecasting analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
No full textBackground: The capacity to anticipate future health issues is important for both policy makers and practitioners in the USA, as such insights can facilitate effective planning, investment, and implementation strategies. Forecasting trends in disease and injury burden is not only crucial for policy makers but also garners substantial interest from the general populace and leads to a better-informed public. Through the integration of new data sources, the refinement of methodologies, and the inclusion of additional causes, we have improved our previous forecasting efforts within the scope of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) to produce forecasts at the state and national levels for the USA under various possible scenarios. Methods: We developed a comprehensive framework for forecasting life expectancy, healthy life expectancy (HALE), cause-specific mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) due to 359 causes of disease and injury burden from 2022 to 2050 for the USA and all 50 states and Washington, DC. Using the GBD 2021 Future Health Scenarios modelling framework, we forecasted drivers of disease, demographic drivers, risk factors, temperature and particulate matter, mortality and years of life lost (YLL), population, and non-fatal burden. In addition to a reference scenario (representing the most probable future trajectory), we explored various future scenarios and their potential impacts over the next several decades on human health. These alternative scenarios comprised four risk elimination scenarios (including safer environment, improved behavioural and metabolic risks, improved childhood nutrition and vaccination, and a combined scenario) and three USA-specific scenarios based on risk exposure or attributable burden in the best-performing US states (improved high adult BMI and high fasting plasma glucose [FPG], improved smoking, and improved drug use [encompassing opioids, cocaine, amphetamine, and others]). Findings: Life expectancy in the USA is projected to increase from 78·3 years (95% uncertainty interval 78·1–78·5) in 2022 to 79·9 years (79·5–80·2) in 2035, and to 80·4 years (79·8–81·0) in 2050 for all sexes combined. This increase is forecasted to be modest compared with that in other countries around the world, resulting in the USA declining in global rank over the 2022–50 forecasted period among the 204 countries and territories in GBD, from 49th to 66th. There is projected to be a decline in female life expectancy in West Virginia between 1990 and 2050, and little change in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Additionally, after 2023, we projected almost no change in female life expectancy in many states, notably in Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Iowa, Maine, and Wisconsin. Female HALE is projected to decline between 1990 and 2050 in 20 states and to remain unchanged in three others. Drug use disorders and low back pain are projected to be the leading Level 3 causes of age-standardised DALYs in 2050. The age-standardised DALY rate due to drug use disorders is projected to increase considerably between 2022 and 2050 (19·5% [6·9–34·1]). Our combined risk elimination scenario shows that the USA could gain 3·8 additional years (3·6–4·0) of life expectancy and 4·1 additional years (3·9–4·3) of HALE in 2050 versus the reference scenario. Using our USA-specific scenarios, we forecasted that the USA could gain 0·4 additional years (0·3–0·6) of life expectancy and 0·6 additional years (0·5–0·8) of HALE in 2050 under the improved drug use scenario relative to the reference scenario. Life expectancy and HALE are likewise projected to be 0·4–0·5 years higher in 2050 under the improved adult BMI and FPG and improved smoking scenarios compared with the reference scenario. However, the increases in these scenarios would not substantially improve the USA's global ranking in 2050 (from 66th of 204 in life expectancy in the reference scenario to 63rd–64th in each of the three USA-specific scenarios), indicating that the USA's best-performing states are still lagging behind other countries in their rank throughout the forecasted period. Regardless, an estimated 12·4 million (11·3–13·5) deaths could be averted between 2022 and 2050 if the USA were to follow the combined scenario trajectory rather than the reference scenario. There would also be 1·4 million (0·7–2·2) fewer deaths over the 28-year forecasted period with improved adult BMI and FPG, 2·1 million (1·3–2·9) fewer deaths with improved exposure to smoking, and 1·2 million (0·9–1·5) fewer deaths with lower rates of drug use deaths. Interpretation: Our findings highlight the alarming trajectory of health challenges in the USA, which, if left unaddressed, could lead to a reversal of the health progress made over the past three decades for some US states and a decline in global health standing for all states. The evidence from our alternative scenarios along with other published studies suggests that through collaborative, evidence-based strategies, there are opportunities to change the trajectory of health outcomes in the USA, such as by investing in scientific innovation, health-care access, preventive health care, risk exposure reduction, and education. Our forecasts clearly show that the time to act is now, as the future of the country's health and wellbeing—as well as its prosperity and leadership position in science and innovation—are at stake. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Co-occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals in various environmental matrices of a chronic petroleum polluted region in Iran; Pollution characterization, and assessment of ecological and human health risks
No full textOil spills from pipeline accidents can result in long-lasting health effect in the people living in a polluted region. In this study, the level of the 16 US EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals (HMs) have been analyzed in environmental matrices of a region with frequent oil pipeline accidents in Iran. The results showed that the mean concentration of ΣPAHs and ΣHMs decreased from the upstream to the downstream and also the levels were higher in the wet season than those in the dry season. The average concentration of HMs in sediments was higher than that in other environments. The 3-ring and 4-ring PAHs were dominant in all of the studied matrices with the average values of 32.61 % and 45.85 %, respectively. The ecological risks of PAHs and HMs were medium and high in all matrices, respectively. In wet season, the total cancer risk (TCR) related to PAHs in agricultural soil was greater than 10−4, whereas it's very close to the threshold for HMs in water. This study offers a reference for assessing the long-term impact of oil spills in contaminated environmental matrices. The results are crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate oil pollution impacts and protect environmental and public healt
Optimizing Microperforated Panel Sound Absorbers Using Response Surface Methodology: Measurement, Modeling, and Performance Evaluation
No full textIntroduction: Microperforated panels (MPPs), often considered as potential replacements for fiber absorbers, have a significant limitation in their absorption bandwidth, particularly around the natural frequency. This study aims to address this challenge by focusing on the optimization and modeling of sound absorption in a manufactured MPP. Material and Methods: The study employed Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Central Composite Design (CCD) approach using Design Expert software to determine the average normal absorption coefficient within the frequency range of 125 to 2500 Hz. Numerical simulations using the Finite Element Method (FEM) were conducted to validate the RSM findings. An MPP absorber was then designed, manufactured, and evaluated for its normal absorption coefficient using an impedance tube. Additionally, a theoretical Equivalent Circuit Model (ECM) was utilized to predict the normal absorption coefficient for the manufactured MPP. Results: The optimization process revealed that setting the hole diameter to 0.3 mm, the percentage of perforation to 2.5, and the air cavity depth behind the panel to 25 mm resulted in maximum absorption within the specified frequency range. Under these optimized conditions, the average absorption coefficient closely aligned with the predictions generated by RSM across numerical, theoretical, and laboratory assessments, demonstrating a 13.8 improvement compared to non-optimized MPPs. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of using RSM to optimize the parameters affecting MPP performance. The substantial correlation between the FEM numerical model, ECM theory model, and impedance tube results positions these models as both cost-effective and reliable alternatives to conventional laboratory methods. The consistency of these models with the experimental outcomes validates their potential for practical applications
Organic manures enhance biomass and improve content, chemical compounds of essential oil and antioxidant capacity of medicinal plants: A review
No full textThe current farming systems strongly depend on chemical fertilizers (CF), which are widely applied to increase crop yield worldwide. However, although CF enhance crop yield in the short term, their excessive and long-term application can have adverse effects on environmental and human health. One of the most important goals of sustainable agriculture is substituting CF with organic manures. Organic manures can be used as a low-cost and safe alternative for CF. They contain essential nutrients for crop growth, improve soil conditions and nutrient availability, increase plant growth, and ultimately enhance yield. The application of organic manures to medicinal plants (MP) is more critical than to other plants, because organic manures not only enhance the growth and productivity of MP but also modify quality of their products. In this review, the effect of different types of organic manures on the biomass, content and chemical compositions of essential oil and antioxidant activity of various MP has been investigated. The included information was gathered from scientific databases such as Science Direct, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. Many of the collected studies showed that organic manures increase biomass and improve the quality of these plants. The findings of this review indicate that broiler litter (BL) and compost (C) are highly recommended as organic manures to promote biomass. Moreover, C, sheep manure, and vermicompost (VC) are suggested as the optimal organic manures for enhancing the essential oil content. Organic manures significantly changed the aroma profile of the essential oils and in many cases, they enhanced major chemical compositions. The usage of VC raised the content of the linalool of studied MP. Most of the organic manures, especially BL, VC, farmyard manure, and poultry manure increased the antioxidant activity of these plants. Hence, the utilization of organic manures can be recommended for productivity enhancement and quality improvement of MP
