Pulmonary needle embolization in intravenous drug users is rarely reported in the literature. The management of these patients is controversial. We presented a male patient aged 33 years old who ...presented with a broken needle in the left arm after a trial of self-drug injection. During the trial to retrieve the needle, it embolized to the lung. Chest X-ray and CT scan showed the needle in the right lower lobe. We managed the patient conservatively; then, the patient was discharged on antiplatelet therapy. After the 6-month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic with no complication.
The effect of surface type and angle, drop height, and number of impacts on the creep behavior of Lady Rosetta potato cultivar was studied. Instrumented sphere (impact recording device) was used to ...obtain the coefficient of restitution and to calculate the absorbed energy for steel sheet, steel rods, rubber-coated steel rods, and two-layer potato surfaces. The four-element model (Eo, Er, ηo, and ηr) was used to simulate the creep behavior of samples. Results showed that there is significant effects of drop height, surface angle, and number of impact on the creep parameters (P < 0.05). Higher parameters values, i.e. lower incident strain, were associated with steel rods and steel sheet surfaces, dropping tubers from 100 cm, and dropping tubers for 5 and 10 times. Moreover, the two-layer potato surface was found to cause the lowest strain values to the dropped tubers compared to other tested surfaces. Non-linear regression analysis was conducted between the absorbed energy and creep parameters. Low regression performance was obtained for Eo, ηr with determination coefficient (R2) best values falling in the range of 0.40–0.69, while Er and ηo showed fair regression. Results of this study could be used for improving storage facilities of potatoes by accurately estimating the strain affecting stored tubers and consequently the appropriate height such that strain values in the bottom layers do not negatively affect quality and shelf life of potato tubers.
Potato is a major crop around the world with special importance given in developed countries to the French frying, and chipping industries. Quality attributes of potatoes dramatically influence final ...product conditions and consequently affect product marketability. Many research studies have been conducted to investigate the feasibility of measuring quality attributes and external and internal defects of potato tubers using rapid and/or noninvasive methods (spectroscopic, vison, and sonic). An extensive review has been conducted of nondestructive techniques that have been studied for assessing quality attributes of raw potatoes as well as chips and French fries. Such factors included specific gravity, dry matter, water content, carbohydrates, protein, defects, and diseases. In addition, systems for sorting tubers based on various quality characteristics have been discussed in detail. Also, commercial systems are available in the market for sorting and grading tubers based on different quality factors. However, more deep studies are needed to enhance rapid measurement performance and investigate more attributes that are important to growers and industry. The main objectives of this study were to investigate the potential of using spectroscopic as well as hyperspectral systems to evaluate processing-related constituents and parameters of two common potato cultivars, Frito Lay 1879 (FL) and Russet Norkotah (RN), using partial least squares regression (PLSR), and several types of artificial neural network (ANN) along with wavelengths selection techniques being interval partial least squares (IPLS), and genetic algorithm (GA). In addition, classification of tubers based on sugar levels has been conducted using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) functions, k-nearest neighbor (Knn), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA), feed forward artificial neural network (FFNN), and classifier fusion. The first study in the 2008 season was conducted to evaluate five constituents for both FL and RN using NIR transmittance, and VIS/NIR interactance modes as well as VIS/NIR hyperspectral systems for 0.5'' (12.7 mm) sliced samples and whole tubers. Results showed that the interactance mode yielded most of the best PLSR results. For primordium leaf counts, glucose, sucrose, specific gravity, and soluble solids, the optimum prediction models obtained from the interactance mode resulted in R (RPD) values of 0.95 (3.29), 0.90 (2.14), 0.81(1.63), 0.61(1.27), and 0.55(1.18) respectively for FL. For RN, the R(RPD) values were 0.90 (2.19), 0.95 (3.12), 0.63(1.30), 0.59(1.22), and 0.37(1.08) respectively. Slightly lower performance was achieved for whole tubers with optimal R(RPD) values FL in the case of primordium leaf counts, glucose, sucrose, and specific gravity of 0.89(2.22), 0.88(1.78), 0.81(1.64), and 0.37(1.06) respectively. The R(RPD) values for RN were 0.77(1.50), 0.79(1.60), 0.43(1.10), and 0.51(1.08) for primordium leaf counts, glucose, sucrose, and specific gravity. Soluble solids for whole tubers showed weaker correlation than above constituents. Following preliminary results in the 2008 season, more concentration was given to glucose and sucrose as they significantly affect chip and French fry products quality. Also, based on preliminary results, transmittance mode was replaced by NIR reflectance mode. The second study was conducted in the 2009 and 2011 seasons using interactance, reflectance, and hyperspectral systems on the same cultivars and also using 0.5''(12.7 mm) sliced samples and whole tubers. Results of prediction models using PLSR and ANN along with models using IPLS and GA as wavelength selection techniques demonstrated strong correlation for VIS/NIR hyperspectral systems in which only sliced samples were used. For glucose prediction models, R(RPD) values were as high as 0.81(1.70) and 0.97(3.66) for FL and RN and those values for the best sucrose prediction models were 0.58(1.23) and 0.38(1.0) for FL and RN. For VIS/NIR interactance mode, promising results for glucose prediction were shown for FL and RN. FL and RN yielded R(RPD) values of 0.92(2.35) and 0.95(3.02) respectively for sliced samples, and 0.85(1.92) for FL and 0.97(4.16) for RN in the case of whole tubers. Sucrose prediction models resulted in strong correlation with R(RPD) values as high as 0.95(3.29) and 0.78(1.57) for FL and RN for sliced samples, and 0.94(3.01) for FL and 0.94(2.82) for RN in the case of whole tubers. NIR reflectance showed auspicious performance for both cultivars. The best glucose prediction models yielded R(RPD) values for FL and RN as high as 0.96(3.47) and 0.97(4.21) in the case of sliced samples, and 0.82(1.78) and 0.98(4.84) for FL and RN in the case of whole tubers. Sucrose also showed high correlation for sliced samples with R(RPD) values of 0.96(3.89) and 0.97(3.92) for FL and RN, and those values for the whole tubers were 0.96(3.80) and 0.97(3.78) for FL and RN. In general, prediction models based on selected wavelengths showed similar or better performance compared to full wavelengths models, and it is worth stating that GA yielded higher numbers of selected variables (wavelengths) than IPLS; thus, the latter method was preferred as it often produced similar results compared to GA models. Classification of potatoes based on sugar levels associated with the frying process showed encouraging results with the lowest classification error values of FL and RN obtained for glucose being 16% and 13%, for sliced samples, and 18% and 0% for whole tubers. In the case of sucrose models, error values in the case of sliced samples were 23% and 18%, and those values for whole tubers were 26% and 18% for FL and RN respectively. Such classification results for whole tubers demonstrated the feasibility of explaining more variation between samples when the data from interactance and reflectance modes was used, in the listed wavelengths ranges, and consequently applying both modes in an on-line system has the potential to enhance the sorting of tubers based on sugar levels. This research demonstrated the feasibility of hyperspectral imaging systems as well as spectroscopic systems, in reflectance and interactance modes, in rapidly and accurately measuring some important constituents for potato growers and processing industries. Such results, especially for whole tubers, proved that there is a possibility for conducting an on-line sorting system based on sugar levels, or a hand-held device for rapid evaluation of quality either in field or during storage, to maintain potato tubers quality and accurately estimate the suitable time for harvesting or processing.
Inspecting Reinforced Concrete (RC) Bridges is crucial to ensure their safety and perform essential maintenance. The current research introduces the knowledge base for applying deep learning to ...classify and detect RC bridges' five most common defects (cracks, corrosion, efflorescence, spalling, and exposed steel reinforcement). Theimage classification process was carried out using Xception & Vanilla models based on convolutional neural networks (CNN). A comparative study between the two models is presented for multi-class, multi-target image classification.The concrete defect bridge image (CODEBRIM) dataset was used to train and test the models. The outcomes showed the potential application of deep learning models (Xception & Vanilla) for defect classification of concrete bridges and the superiority of the Xception model in defect classification with an accuracy of 94.95%, compared to 85.71% accuracy for the Vanilla model.
The endocannabinoid system is a highly conserved and ubiquitous signalling pathway with broad-ranging effects. Despite critical pathway functions, gene variants have not previously been conclusively ...linked to human disease. We identified nine children from eight families with heterozygous, de novo truncating variants in the last exon of DAGLA with a neuro-ocular phenotype characterized by developmental delay, ataxia and complex oculomotor abnormality. All children displayed paroxysms of nystagmus or eye deviation accompanied by compensatory head posture and worsened incoordination most frequently after waking. RNA sequencing showed clear expression of the truncated transcript and no differences were found between mutant and wild-type DAGLA activity. Immunofluorescence staining of patient-derived fibroblasts and HEK cells expressing the mutant protein showed distinct perinuclear aggregation not detected in control samples. This report establishes truncating variants in the last DAGLA exon as the cause of a unique paediatric syndrome. Because enzymatic activity was preserved, the observed mislocalization of the truncated protein may account for the observed phenotype. Potential mechanisms include DAGLA haploinsufficiency at the plasma membrane or dominant negative effect. To our knowledge, this is the first report directly linking an endocannabinoid system component with human genetic disease and sets the stage for potential future therapeutic avenues.
Abstract
Background
Research is an important element in the improvement of the quality of health services provided to the public. It is documented that globally; medical students apply research in ...their school life. In Hadhramaut University, medical students work on research in groups, and it is an important part of the curriculum. There is a formal assessment of the student’s research, but there is still a gap regarding individual viewpoints and challenges faced. This study aimed to assess perception, attitude, and practice toward research among medical students at Hadhramout University.
Methods
This is a cross-sectional descriptive study which was conducted among medical students. This study was undertaken in Hadhramout University in Al-Mukalla district, Yemen, during the academic year 2016–2017. A self-administered pilot-tested questionnaire was used for data collection to assess perception, attitude, and practice toward the research during the educational year 2016–2017.
Results
A total of 265 completed responses were received. The majority had a low Knowledge score (72%). However, the majority had a positive attitude toward research (90.9%). Eighty-three students reported participation in research work. However, (44.4%) expressed research interest. Many barriers were highlighted by students including a lack of time (78.4%) and a lack of training in statistics (75.9%).
Conclusion
The study identified several barriers for undergraduate medical students to undertake research. It is important that these barriers should be addressed in curriculum development, so that students can retain their motivation to engage effectively in research.
Because they may demonstrate characteristics of the environment where a body has been laying prior to the discovery, flies are insects of forensic interest. We investigated the fly abundance and the ...effect of location in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on fly species diversity that attack decomposing human and animal remains. Using baited traps deployed in each location, we collected 3,697 flies of seven species belonging to three families. Chrysomya albiceps Wiedmann represented 60.86% of the collected flies, whereas Musca domestica L. represented 25.8%; the other species made up < 6% each. To facilitate species identification by DNA barcoding, we sequenced a 710-bp “Folmer region” of cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene for 22 samples from collection sites distributed through entire Saudi Arabia. The COI sequences from Musca albina Wiedmann, Musca lucidula Loew, Musca calleva Walker, Musca sorbens Wiedmann, and Physiphora alceae Preyssler were obtained for the first time. This primary study indicates that even when Folmer primers were widely used in DNA barcoding, the Folmer's region is not adequate when discriminating between Musca species, and sequencing the whole COI or other genes is required for forensic purpose.
Predictors of peritoneal metastasis of gastric origin ElKordy, Mohamed Atef; Soliman, Rady Mansour; ElTohamy, Mahitab Ibrahim ...
Journal of Egyptian National Cancer Institute,
12/2022, Volume:
34, Issue:
1
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Open access
Background
Gastric adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. Despite marked advancements in radiological techniques, peritoneal deposits are still only discovered during ...laparotomies in a significant number of cases. The role of surgery in the management of metastatic gastric cancer is very limited, reducing the value of conducting laparotomies. In addition, conducting laparoscopies for the purposes of properly staging every case of gastric cancer is difficult, especially in healthcare systems with limited resources. It is thus crucial to investigate all possible predictors of peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer, with the aim of reserving the use of laparoscopies to cases known to have high incidences of peritoneal metastasis despite negative radiological results.
Patients and methods
This is a case control study that included all cases of gastric adenocarcinoma that had presented to the National Cancer Institute–Cairo University between January 2018 and December 2019. The ‘cases’ group encompassed all gastric adenocarcinoma patients who were found to have peritoneal metastasis, whilst the ‘control’ group included those patients who were apparently metastasis-free. Comparisons were made between the two groups in terms of demographics, tumor characteristics, and results of laboratory tumor marker investigations.
Results
Patients with peritoneal metastasis were statistically significantly younger than those who had no apparent metastasis (mean ± SD 51.4 ± 12.5 and 56.2 ± 12.6 respectively;
P
= 0.020). Significant associations were found between a finding of peritoneal metastasis and (i) a middle tumor site (
P
= 0.002); (ii) tumor thickening morphology (
P
< 0.001); (iii) undifferentiated histopathology (
P
= 0.040); (iv) tumor grade III (
P
< 0.001); (v) lower lymphocyte counts of < 1.9/ml (
P
= 0.030); and (vi) high levels of CA 19-9 of > 37 units/ml (
P
= 0.032).
Conclusion
Tumor pathological criteria, including tumor site, degree of differentiation, shape, and grading, as well as laboratory findings of low lymphocytic counts and high levels of CA 19-9 appear to be reliable predictors of the presence of peritoneal metastasis from a gastric adenocarcinoma.
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