PurposeMedical technology for minimally invasive surgery has undergone a paradigm shift with the introduction of robot-assisted surgery. However, it is very difficult to track the position of the ...surgical tools in a surgical scene, so it is crucial to accurately detect and identify surgical tools. This task can be aided by deep learning-based semantic segmentation of surgical video frames. Furthermore, due to the limited working and viewing areas of these surgical instruments, there is a higher chance of complications from tissue injuries (e.g., tissue scars and tears). ApproachWith the aid of digital inpainting algorithms, we present an application that uses image segmentation to remove surgical instruments from laparoscopic/endoscopic video. We employ a modified U-Net architecture (U-NetPlus) to segment the surgical instruments. It consists of a redesigned decoder and a pre-trained VGG11 or VGG16 encoder. The decoder was modified by substituting an up-sampling operation based on nearest-neighbor interpolation for the transposed convolution operation. Furthermore, these interpolation weights do not need to be learned to perform upsampling, which eliminates the artifacts generated by the transposed convolution. In addition, we use a very fast and adaptable data augmentation technique to further enhance performance. The instrument segmentation mask is filled in (i.e., inpainted) by the tool removal algorithms using the previously acquired tool segmentation masks and either previous instrument-containing frames or instrument-free reference frames. ResultsWe have shown the effectiveness of the proposed surgical tool segmentation/removal algorithms on a robotic instrument dataset from the MICCAI 2015 and 2017 EndoVis Challenge. We report a 90.20% DICE for binary segmentation, a 76.26% DICE for instrument part segmentation, and a 46.07% DICE for instrument type (i.e., all instruments) segmentation on the MICCAI 2017 challenge dataset using our U-NetPlus architecture, outperforming the results of earlier techniques used and tested on these data. In addition, we demonstrated the successful execution of the tool removal algorithm from surgical tool-free videos that contained moving surgical tools that were generated artificially. ConclusionsOur application successfully separates and eliminates the surgical tool to reveal a view of the background tissue that was otherwise hidden by the tool, producing results that are visually similar to the actual data.
The aim of this study is to investigate and optimize the performance of a promising biopolymer, poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) which can potentially replace non-biodegradable synthetic ...polymers derived from toxic petroleum products. Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) biofilms were prepared using solvent casting method, and its thermal properties were determined using thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. Also, the durability and biodegradability of these films were studied by keeping the samples in water and Alabama soil conditions for various lengths of time. Our results showed that the thermal and moisture resistance of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) biopolymer can be enhanced significantly with the addition of low halloysite nanotubes concentrations. Also, the biodegradation process of the poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) films was faster with the addition of halloysite nanotubes attributed to the accelerated microbial microorganism reaction in the soil. This study led to cognize that the PHBV biopolymers added with halloysite nanotubes can be successfully used for various biomedical, industrial and structural applications, and then decompose at a desired faster rate afterward.
H9N2 avian influenza viruses are continuously monitored by the World Health Organization because they are endemic; they continually reassort with H5N1, H7N9 and H10N8 viruses; and they periodically ...cause human infections. We characterized H9N2 influenza viruses carrying internal genes from highly pathogenic H7N3 viruses, which were isolated from chickens or quail from live-bird markets in Bangladesh between 2010 and 2013. All of the H9N2 viruses used in this study carried mammalian host-specific mutations. We studied their replication kinetics in normal human bronchoepithelial cells and swine tracheal and lung explants, which exhibit many features of the mammalian airway epithelium and serve as a mammalian host model. All H9N2 viruses replicated to moderate-to-high titers in the normal human bronchoepithelial cells and swine lung explants, but replication was limited in the swine tracheal explants. In Balb/c mice, the H9N2 viruses were nonlethal, replicated to moderately high titers and the infection was confined to the lungs. In the ferret model of human influenza infection and transmission, H9N2 viruses possessing the Q226L substitution in hemagglutinin replicated well without clinical signs and spread via direct contact but not by aerosol. None of the H9N2 viruses tested were resistant to the neuraminidase inhibitors. Our study shows that the Bangladeshi H9N2 viruses have the potential to infect humans and highlights the importance of monitoring and characterizing this influenza subtype to better understand the potential risk these viruses pose to humans.
Pomelo (Citrus maxima), the largest citrus fruit, provides a variety of nutrients that have several health benefits, including antioxidant and antidiabetic functions. Antioxidants help combat ...oxidative stress by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reducing cellular damage. On the other hand, antidiabetic properties involve mechanisms such as enhancing insulin secretion, improving insulin sensitivity, inhibiting carbohydrate digestion and absorption, and regulating glucose metabolism. However, there is a lack of data on the comparative analysis of the physicochemical composition, bioactive properties, and antidiabetic effects of pomelo fruits grown in Bangladesh. To address this issue, the most common and popular high-yielding five cultivars of pomelo fruits grown in Bangladesh including LOCAL, BARI-2 (BARI: Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Batabi Lebu-2), BARI-3, BARI-4, and BARI-6 were evaluated concerning proximate, minerals, and physicochemical properties with their antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. Research has revealed that all pomelo varieties contained a significant amount of proximate compositions and major minerals (Ca, Mg, K, Na, and Fe). The highest juice yield (75.37 ± 0.33 %), vitamin C content (79.56 ± 2.26 mg/100 mL of fresh juice), and carotenoid content (919.33 ± 0.62 μM β-Carotene Equivalent/g DM) were found in BARI-3 pomelo fruit and adhered to the sequence (p < 0.05): BARI-3 > LOCAL > BARI-4 > BARI-6 > BARI-2; BARI-3 > LOCAL > BARI-2 > BARI-4 > BARI-6, and BARI-3 > BARI-2 > BARI-6 > LOCAL > BARI-4, respectively. The anthocyanin content and inhibitory activity of α-glucosidase were found to be at their peak in the BARI-2 pomelo variety and the values were 50.65 ± 2.27 μg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalents/100 g DM and 85.57 ± 0.00 μM acarbose equivalents/g DM, respectively. BARI-3 pomelo variety showed highest DPPH antioxidant capacity (170.47 ± 0.01 μM Trolox equivalents/g DM), while the BARI-6 pomelo variety exhibited the highest total phenolic content (6712.30 ± 1.84 μg gallic acid equivalents/g DM), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power activity (183.16 ± 0.01 μM Fe(II) equivalents/g DM). Therefore, this study explores the nutritional value and bioactivity of five popular pomelo varieties in Bangladesh, offering valuable insights for utilizing high-value citrus resources and understanding their health-promoting functions.
•Five pomelo varieties were analyzed for nutritional content and phytochemicals.•Pomelo pulp was rich in minerals and phytochemicals, making it ideal for functional food.•All pomelo varieties exhibited significant antioxidant and antidiabetic activities.•The evaluated parameters were varied with the pomelo varieties studied.
Cigarettes containing nicotine (Nic) are a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. We reported that Nic delivered via injections or e-cigarette vapor led to hepatic ...steatosis in mice fed with a high-fat diet. High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is the main sweetener in sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in the US. Increased consumption of SSBs with HFCS is associated with increased risks of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Nicotinamide riboside (NR) increases mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD
) and protects mice against hepatic steatosis. This study evaluated if Nic plus Coca-Cola
(Coke) with HFCS can cause hepatic steatosis and that can be protected by NR.
C57BL/6J mice received twice daily intraperitoneal (IP) injections of Nic or saline and were given Coke (HFCS), or Coke with sugar, and NR supplementation for 10 weeks.
Our results show that Nic+Coke caused increased caloric intake and induced hepatic steatosis, and the addition of NR prevented these changes. Western blot analysis showed lipogenesis markers were activated (increased cleavage of the sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 SREBP1c and reduction of phospho-Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase p-ACC) in the Nic+Coke compared to the Sal+Water group. The hepatic detrimental effects of Nic+Coke were mediated by decreased NAD
signaling, increased oxidative stress, and mitochondrial damage. NR reduced oxidative stress and prevented mitochondrial damage by restoring protein levels of Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1) signaling.
We conclude that Nic+Coke has an additive effect on producing hepatic steatosis, and NR is protective. This study suggests concern for the development of NAFLD in subjects who consume nicotine and drink SSBs with HFCS.
Protein-based ultrafine fibrous scaffolds can mimic the native extracellular matrices (ECMs) with regard to the morphology and chemical composition but suffer from poor mechanical and wet stability. ...As a result, cells cannot get a true three-dimensional (3D) environment as they find in native ECMs. In this study, an epoxide, ethylene glycol diglycidylether (EGDE), with high reactivity to active hydrogen is introduced to gelatin solution, serving as an effective cross-linker. The gelatin/EGDE 3D-ultrafine (∼500 nm in diameter) fibrous composite scaffolds are made by an ultralow-concentration phase separation technique (ULCPS). The effects of the polymer content and modification conditions on the morphology and wet stability of the constructs are investigated. It is revealed that ultrafine fibers with 3D random orientation could be formed at low concentrations (0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 wt %, respectively). The wet stability of the constructs could be effectively improved by introducing EGDE into the gelatin system. The shrinkage is reduced to merely 2.14% after the modification at 120 °C for 2 h and could be maintained for up to 3 days. In order to improve the compression properties, the same technique is utilized with the presence of a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) spacer fabric to produce a bicomponent scaffold. The mechanical property and cell viability of the bicomponent scaffolds are investigated, and it is found that cells could enter deep inside and orient themselves randomly at the central area of the bicomponent scaffold. The modification and design approach presented in this study has the potential to provide various protein-based ultrafine fibrous biomaterials for a variety of biomedical applications.
Banana pseudo-stem, often considered as an underutilized plant part was explored as a potential reinforced material to develop an eco-friendly biofilm for food packaging applications. In this study, ...Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was extracted from banana pseudo-stem by alkali and acid hydrolysis treatment. The extracted MCC was used as a reinforced material in different concentrated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix alone as well as both PVA and Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) matrix to develop biofilm by solvent casting method. The synthesized MCC powder was characterized by scanning electron microscope to ensure its microcrystalline structure and to observe surface morphology. The biofilms composed of MCC, PVA, and CMC were assessed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mechanical properties, water content, solubility, swelling degree, moisture barrier property (Water Vapor Permeability - WVP), and light barrier property (Light Transmission and Transparency). The FTIR analysis showed the rich bonding between the materials of the biofilms. The film incorporating a combination of PVA, CMC, and MCC (S6) exhibited the highest tensile strength at 26.67 ± 0.152 MPa, making it particularly noteworthy for applications in food packaging. MCC incorporation increased the tensile strength. The WVP content of the films was observed low among the MCC-induced films which is parallel to other findings. The lowest WVP content was showed by 1% concentrated PVA with MCC (S4) (0.223 ± 0.020 10−9 g/Pahm). The WVP content of S6 film was also considerably low. MCC-incorporated films also acted as a good UV barrier. Transmittance of the MCC induced films at UV range were observed on average 38% (S2), 36% (S4) and 6% (S6) which were almost 6% lower than the control films. The S6 film demonstrated the lowest swelling capacity (1.42%) and water content, indicating a significantly low solubility of the film. The film formulated with mixing of PVA, CMC and MCC (S6) was ahead in terms of food packaging characteristics than other films. Also, the outcomes of this study point out that MCC can be a great natural resource for packaging applications and in that regard, banana pseudo-stem proves to be an excellent source for waste utilization.
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•Banana pseudo-stem explored to extract Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC).•A novel film composition PVA + CMC + MCC was studied for eco-friendly biofilm.•Biofilms analyzed for FTIR, mechanical and barrier properties.•The developed film stands out with highest tensile strength (26.67 MPa).•MCC inclusion improves intermolecular bonding, reducing water vapor permeability.
Highly pathogenic H5N1 and low pathogenic H9N2 influenza viruses are endemic to poultry markets in Bangladesh and have cocirculated since 2008. H9N2 influenza viruses circulated constantly in the ...poultry markets, whereas highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses occurred sporadically, with peaks of activity in cooler months. Thirty highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza viruses isolated from poultry were characterized by antigenic, molecular, and phylogenetic analyses. Highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza viruses from clades 2.2.2 and 2.3.2.1 were isolated from live bird markets only. Phylogenetic analysis of the 30 H5N1 isolates revealed multiple introductions of H5N1 influenza viruses in Bangladesh. There was no reassortment between the local H9N2 influenza viruses and H5N1 genotype, despite their prolonged cocirculation. However, we detected two reassortant H5N1 viruses, carrying the M gene from the Chinese H9N2 lineage, which briefly circulated in the Bangladesh poultry markets and then disappeared. On the other hand, interclade reassortment occurred within H5N1 lineages and played a role in the genesis of the currently dominant H5N1 viruses in Bangladesh. Few 'human-like' mutations in H5N1 may account for the limited number of human cases. Antigenically, clade 2.3.2.1 H5N1 viruses in Bangladesh have evolved since their introduction and are currently mainly homogenous, and show evidence of recent antigenic drift. Although reassortants containing H9N2 genes were detected in live poultry markets in Bangladesh, these reassortants failed to supplant the dominant H5N1 lineage.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous androgen-excess disorder. Data comparing the PCOS phenotypes in Bangladesh are scarce.
The objective of this study was to find out the distribution ...of Rotterdam classified PCOS phenotypes and to compare the phenotypes concerning clinical, anthropometric, metabolic, and hormonal parameters.
In this cross-sectional study, 370 PCOS cases in the age group of 20-45 years diagnosed by the Rotterdam consensus criteria were recruited from the endocrinology outpatient departments of several tertiary hospitals of Bangladesh. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was diagnosed using the International Diabetes Federation criteria.
The prevalence of phenotypes A, B, C, and D were 59.2%, 14.1%, 11.9%, and 14.9%, respectively. More than one-third (34.6%) of the women had pre-hypertension (pre-HTN)/hypertension (HTN), 34.1% had abnormal glucose intolerance (AGT), 93.0% had dyslipidemia, and 57.0% had MetS. The hyperandrogenic phenotypes (A, B, and C) had higher prevalence of pre-HTN/HTN, AGT, dyslipidemia, and MetS compared to the normoandrogenic phenotype D, though the differences were statistically insignificant. The clinical and biochemical markers of hyperandrogenism (Ferriman-Gallwey score, hirsutism, acne, and serum testosterone levels) did not differ among the hyperandrogenic phenotypes. The serum prolactin level was highest in phenotype C. No differences were observed in most other clinical, anthropometric, metabolic, and hormonal parameters among the four phenotypes.
Phenotype A is the most prevalent phenotype of PCOS in our setting. The prevalence of MetS was considerably high. Most of the clinical, anthropometric, and metabolic parameters were similar across the four PCOS phenotypes in this study.
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