Microwave Imaging (MWI) has emerged as a potential candidate for brain stroke detection due to its low cost, time efficiency and accurate nature when compared to other screening techniques. TinyML is ...a revolutionary technique for utilizing AI in portable and low-powered devices. The need for more compact and concise systems grows by the day in order to provide smart services, particularly in the medical arena. This paper tries to fulfil these requirements by presenting the first-ever portable MWI-based TinyML brain stroke detection system with high accuracy. The head-imaging dataset, utilized here for the training of models, provides open-source data generated by our prototype head imaging system consisting of a low-cost vector network analyzer, single-board computer, rotating motor setup, and a Vivaldi antenna. The Tiny ML model is a compressed-size model of our proposed Deep Learning (DL) framework that obtains an accuracy of 93% on testing data with an F1-score of 0.929 deployed on the single-board computer. The compressed model obtained by pruning or quantization is not only small in size but also retains the above 90% accuracy of the DL model. This work reassures the possibility of successful deployment of Tiny ML- based solutions in microwave imaging systems for medical diagnostic applications in low-resource settings.
This study deals with the Newton-type numerical method to estimating a single root of nonlinear equations. The proposed method is converged quadratically and based on a Newton Raphson Method and ...step-size. Numerical tests demonstration of developed technique with well-known Steffensen Method and Newton Raphson Method. It is experiential from fallouts and comparisons of developed method is that the Second Order Newton-Type Iterated Method is superior than existing second order methods.
In this work, the elastic layered rubber-graphene composite based multi-functional sensor has been fabricated by rubbing-in technology. The effects of temperature, displacement, pressure and humidity ...on the impedance of the multi-functional sensor has been investigated in the frequency range of 0–200 kHz. The impedance of the samples decreased under the effect of uniaxial compressive displacement and under the effect of pressure. The temperature coefficient of the samples was found to be −0.836 and −0.862 %/°C with the increase in temperature from 29 °C to 54 °C, respectively, while the impedance of the samples decreased 1.26 ± 0.01 times with the increase in temperature from 29 °C to 54 °C while, respectively. The humidity dependent cross-sensitivity of the samples was investigated in the relative humidity range of (58–93) %RH and no effect of humidity on the performance of the sensor has been observed. The elastic layered rubber-graphene composite potentially can be used as displacement, frequency, temperature and pressure sensors.
The optimal approach to the surveillance of non-functioning pituitary microadenomas (micro-NFPAs) is not clearly established. Our aim was to generate evidence on the natural history of micro-NFPAs to ...support patient care.
Multi-centre, retrospective, cohort study involving 23 endocrine departments (UK NFPA consortium).
Clinical, imaging, and hormonal data of micro-NFPA cases between January, 1, 2008 and December, 21, 2021 were analysed.
Data for 459 patients were retrieved median age at detection 44 years (IQR 31-57)-152 males/307 females. Four hundred and nineteen patients had more than two magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs) median imaging monitoring 3.5 years (IQR 1.71-6.1). One case developed apoplexy. Cumulative probability of micro-NFPA growth was 7.8% (95% CI, 4.9%-8.1%) and 14.5% (95% CI, 10.2%-18.8%) at 3 and 5 years, respectively, and of reduction 14.1% (95% CI, 10.4%-17.8%) and 21.3% (95% CI, 16.4%-26.2%) at 3 and 5 years, respectively. Median tumour enlargement was 2 mm (IQR 1-3) and 49% of micro-NFPAs that grew became macroadenomas (nearly all >5 mm at detection). Eight (1.9%) patients received surgery (only one had visual compromise with surgery required >3 years after micro-NFPA detection). Sex, age, and size at baseline were not predictors of enlargement/reduction. At the time of detection, 7.2%, 1.7%, and 1.5% patients had secondary hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, and hypoadrenalism, respectively. Two (0.6%) developed hypopituitarism during follow-up (after progression to macroadenoma).
Probability of micro-NFPA growth is low, and the development of new hypopituitarism is rare. Delaying the first follow-up MRI to 3 years and avoiding hormonal re-evaluation in the absence of tumour growth or clinical manifestations is a safe approach for micro-NFPA surveillance.
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, has resulted in a massive global health crisis. Bioactive molecules extracted or synthesized using starting material obtained from marine species, ...including griffithsin, plitidepsin and fingolimod are in clinical trials to evaluate their anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-HIV efficacies. The current review highlights the anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential of marine-derived phytochemicals explored using
,
and
models. The current literature suggests that these molecules have the potential to bind with various key drug targets of SARS-CoV-2. In addition, many of these agents have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potentials and thus could play a role in the attenuation of COVID-19 complications. Overall, these agents may play a role in the management of COVID-19, but further preclinical and clinical studies are still required to establish their role in the mitigation of the current viral pandemic.
A study was conducted at Gomal University, D.I. Khan, Pakistan, during 2018-2020 to explore the optimum sowing date, the most productive quinoa genotype, and appropriate sowing method. Sowing dates ...were 15 October, 30 October, 14 November and 29 November. Two sowing methods (ridge vs. flat sowing) and three farmer varieties (RBDC-I, RBDC-II and RBDC-III) and one approved quinoa line (Q7) were tested in a split split-plot design replicated thrice. Results revealed that quinoa sown on 14 November produced significantly higher panicle length (19.2 cm), 1000-grains weight (2.9 g) and grain yield (2063 kg ha
−1
) compared with other sowing dates. G × SM interaction revealed that RBDC-II sown on ridge produced higher main panicle length (25.4 cm), 1000-grains weight (3.3 g) and grain yield (3171 kg ha
−1
) compared with other G × SM interaction. Ridge sowing had a higher harvest index (44.5%) than flat-line sowing (35.4%). The results suggested that RBDC-II was the most productive quinoa genotype, which produced 69%, 36% and 77% higher yield over RBDC-I, RBDC-III and Q7, respectively. Sowing on 14 November produced 5-11% and 37.5% more yield compared with earlier and later sown quinoa, respectively. Moreover, ridge sowing was superior to flat sowing by producing 50% more yield.
Although the exact mechanism of insulin resistance (IR) has not yet been established, IR is the hallmark characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to examine the ...relationship between plasma ghrelin levels and IR in Saudi subjects with T2DM.
Patients with T2DM (n=107, cases) and non-diabetic apparently healthy subjects (n=101, controls) from Saudi Arabia were included in this study. The biochemical profiles and plasma insulin levels of all subjects were analyzed, and IR was estimated using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. Active ghrelin levels in plasma were measured using the radioimmunoassay technique.
Only 46.7% (50 of 107) of the T2DM subjects had IR, including 26% (28 of 107) with severe IR (HOMA-IR ≥5), while 5.9% (six of 101) of the controls had moderate IR (3 ≤HOMA-IR <5). HOMA-IR values were not associated with age, disease duration, or gender. Importantly, T2DM itself and the co-occurrence of IR with T2DM were significantly associated with low plasma ghrelin levels. However, ghrelin levels were inversely correlated with the HOMA-IR index, body weight, and fasting plasma insulin levels, mainly in the control subjects, which was indicative of the breakdown of metabolic homeostasis in T2DM.
The prevalence of IR was relatively low, and IR may be inversely associated with plasma ghrelin levels among Saudi patients with T2DM.
ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the efficacy of perioperative analgesia with acetaminophen in reducing the occurrence and severity of post-ECT pain. Study Design: Quasi experimental study. Study Place ...and Duration: Tertiary care mental health facility at Rawalpindi, Jun to Nov 2018. Methodology: Patients of all age groups and either gender for whom elective ECT was recommended during the study time period were included in the study. Acetaminophen (1g/100ml) and placebo (100ml) infusions were infused according to randomized sequence during ECT session. Study participants were assessed for presence and severity of pain i.e. headache and/or myalgia, two hours before and after ECT by using visual analog scale (VAS). Results: A sum of 146 study participants were randomized to either receive intervention (Group A) or placebo (Group B), both the groups comprised of 73 participants each. The frequency of post-ECT headache and myalgia in group A, who received acetaminophen infusion, was 8.2% and 2.7% respectively as compared to placebo group B where incidence of post-ECT headache and myalgia was reported to be 24.7% and 10.9% respectively (8.2% vs 24.7%, p 0.013 and 2.7% vs 10.9%, p 0.03 respectively). Univariate analysis showed that participants in group A were 72.6% less likely to develop post-ECT headache (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.11-0.73, p 0.007), and 55% less likely to develop post-ECT myalgia (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21-0.80, p 0.01) than participants in group B. Conclusion: Acetaminophen has been found effective in reducing the incidence and severity of headache and myalgia following electroconvulsive therapy.
Objective: To assess the vaccination status of children at Gilgit Baltistan and the association of various socio-demographic factors with none or partial vaccination among these children.
Study ...Design: Comparative cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pediatrics Combined Military Hospital Gilgit, from Oct 2020 to Mar 2021.
Methodology: Children aged 15 months to 10 years presenting with any condition in the Pediatrics OPD were included in the study. Vaccination status regarding basic vaccines, included in the EPI of study participants was confirmed by vaccination card. Education of father, education of mother, type of family (joint or nuclear) and place of living (rural or urban) was correlated with vaccination status of children included in the study.
Results: Out of 600 children presenting at the Pediatrics OPD, 390 (65%) patients were males, and 210 (35%) patients were females The mean age of the patients was 5.554 ± 3.85 years. 242 (40.3%) patients were vaccinated, 190 (31.7%) were partially vaccinated, while 168 (28%) patients were not vaccinated for basic vaccines included in the EPI. After applying the chi-square test, low education of father and mother, living in joint family and rural living were significantly related to non-vaccination or partial vaccination of children (p-value<0.05).
Conclusion: A large group of children from Gilgit-Baltistan remained non-vaccinated or partially vaccinated even for the basic vaccines included in the EPI program. Children born in joint families, rural areas and parents with a low level of education had more chances of skipping the vaccines.
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