A Brain Controlled Command-Line Interface to Enhance the Accessibility of Severe Motor Disabled People to Personnel Computer.

There are many applications controlled by the brain signals to bridge the gap in the digital divide between the disabled and the non-disabled people. The deployment of novel assistive technologies using brain-computer interface (BCI) will go a long way toward achieving this lofty goal, especially after the successes demonstrated by these technologies in the daily life of people with severe disabilities. This paper contributes in this direction by proposing an integrated framework to control the operating system functionalities using Electroencephalography signals. Different signal processing algorithms were applied to remove artifacts, extract features, and classify trials. The proposed approach includes different classification algorithms dedicated to detecting the P300 responses efficiently. The predicted commands passed through a socket to the API system, permitting the control of the operating system functionalities. The proposed system outperformed those obtained by the winners of the BCI competition and reached an accuracy average of 94.5% according to the offline approach. The framework was evaluated according to the online process and achieved an excellent accuracy attaining 97% for some users but not less than 90% for others. The suggested framework enhances the information accessibility for people with severe disabilities and helps them perform their daily tasks efficiently. It permits the interaction between the user and personal computers through the brain signals without any muscular efforts.

Effect of intravenous scopolamine before stapling, on postoperative nausea and vomiting in sleeve gastrectomy patients: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication of general anesthesia that is further potentiated in an obese patient undergoing a bariatric procedure. Literature shows trials of myriad of drugs used alone or in combination, as a prophylaxis for this cohort of patients with varied benefits. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of intravenous scopolamine prior to stapling in obese patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy. METHODOLOGY: A prospective randomized controlled trial of consecutive patients with BMI > 35 kg/m2, undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) was performed after approval of the hospital's ethical committee, explanation of trial to the patients and obtaining a consent. Patients were randomized into two groups; patients receiving intravenous scopolamine just before firing first stapler (Group 1) and patients receiving placebo (Group 2). Primary outcome parameter was PONV. The secondary outcome parameters were use of rescue antiemetic and time to oral intake. RESULTS: In our study, out of 100 cases of patients undergoing LSG, 50 received scopolamine before stapling and 50 were assigned to the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of PONV. The group receiving scopolamine had lesser use of rescue antiemetic but no difference in time to oral intake. CONCLUSION: We concluded that incidence of PONV in obese patients undergoing LSG is not affected by scopolamine. Further trials are needed to validate the results.

School performance and long-term outcomes of very preterm children conceived via in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of in vitro fertilization (IVF) on school performance and long-term outcomes in very preterm children aged 8-16 years. METHODS: Seventy-nine children born after IVF were compared with 79 randomly selected matched controls born after spontaneous conception (SC). Information was obtained from parents via a questionnaire administered through telephone interviews looking into school performance, including preschool education, repeated grades, extra lessons, special education needs, and learning difficulties; long-term status, including incidence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism; and family profile. Gross motor function was assessed against the gross motor function classification system based on information given by the subjects' families. RESULTS: Mothers of IVF children were more likely to have a high educational level than mothers of SC children. Moreover, a greater proportion of IVF children had received preschool education than SC children. After adjusting for potential confounders, there was no difference in the school performance or long-term outcomes between IVF and SC children. CONCLUSION: In our study, the school performance and long-term outcomes of very preterm children born after IVF and of their spontaneously conceived peers were comparable. This information can help provide guidance to families and educators.

In vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity, possible alteration of apoptotic regulatory proteins, and antibacterial activity of synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles.

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) were synthesized using a urea-based thermal decomposition technique, and characterized using different techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the phase purity and crystalline structure of CuO-NPs. The size of CuO-NPs was investigated using XRD and was confirmed via dynamic light scattering analysis. CuO-NPs showed an average diameter of ∼20nm. The possible cytotoxicity of CuO-NPs was evaluated in HT-29 and SW620 cancer cell lines. The median inhibitory concentration of CuO-NPs in HT-29 and SW-620 cells was 4.99 and 3.75µg/mL, respectively. The underlying mechanism responsible for apoptosis in colon cancer cells after CuO-NP exposure has not been well understood. In this study, we investigated the possible mechanisms of induction of apoptosis via analysis of the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins in HT-29 human colon cancer cells after CuO-NP exposure. Western blot assay showed downregulation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL protein expression after CuO-NP exposure. Our findings may aid in the understanding of the potential mechanisms responsible for induction of apoptosis owing to inhibition of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL protein expression. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity assay showed that the synthesized CuO-NPs did not exert significant inhibitory effects against different gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in vitro.

Targeting MUC1-C inhibits the AKT-S6K1-elF4A pathway regulating TIGAR translation in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is third most common malignancy and is the second most common cause of cancer-related death. The MUC1 heterodimeric protein is aberrantly overexpressed in colorectal cancer and has been linked to poor outcomes in this disease. Here, we investigate the effects of the MUC1-C subunit inhibitor (GO-203), which disrupts MUC1-C homo-oligomerization, on human colorectal cancer cells. METHODS: TIGAR mRNA level was determined using qRT-PCR. Western blotting was used to measure TIGAR protein level and AKT-mTOR-S6K1 pathways. Reactive oxygen species and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. Effect of MUC1-C peptide, GO-203 was studied on colorectal xenograft tumors. Immunohistochemistry was utilized for TIGAR staining. RESULTS: Treatment of MUC1-overexpressing SKCO-1 and Colo-205 colon cancer cells with GO-203 was associated with downregulation of the TP53-inducible glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) protein. TIGAR promotes the shunting of glycolytic intermediates into the pentose phosphate pathway and thus is of importance for maintaining redox balance. We show that GO-203-induced suppression of TIGAR is mediated by inhibition of AKT and the downstream mTOR pathway. The results also demonstrate that targeting MUC1-C blocks eIF4A cap-dependent translation of TIGAR. In concert with these results, GO-203-induced suppression of TIGAR was associated with decreases in GSH levels. GO-203 treatment also resulted in increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Consistent with these results, GO-203 inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells in vitro and as xenografts in nude mice. Inhibition of MUC1-C also downregulated TIGAR expression in xenograft tissues. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that MUC1-C is a potential target for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer patients who overexpress MUC1-C may be candidates for treatment with the MUC1-C inhibitor alone or in combination therapy with other agents.

Assessment of implementability of an adapted clinical practice guideline for surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis at a tertiary care university hospital.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Surgical site infections are the most common healthcare-associated infections. Appropriate surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP), which is an integral part of surgical site infection SSI prevention, is one of the major preventable risks to surgical patient safety. Several clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for SAP have been published. The aim of this study was to adapt a CPG for SAP and to assess its implementability. METHODS: The methodology was based on two validated tools for CPGs, namely, the ADAPTE and the Guideline Implementability Appraisal (GLIA). RESULTS: The ADAPTE CPG adaptation process methodology was utilized to produce an adapted CPG for SAP based on the American Society of Health System Pharmacists 2013 CPG. The finalized CPG was then assessed to identify any possible intrinsic barriers for implementation. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the ADAPTE tool is a practical and successful tool for production of CPGs. The GLIA tool is useful for assessing and preparing the finalized adapted CPG for the transition from the production stage to the implementation stage. GLIA could be added to the ADAPTE process either as a final step or to check the draft of the CPG before finalization.

Clinicopathological Features and Predictive Factors for Colorectal Cancer Outcome in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most frequent cancer and a leading cause of cancer death in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). To date, no nationwide screening programs have been adopted. This prospective, longitudinal study investigated factors influencing the outcome of CRC in Saudi patients. METHODS: Patients completed a CRC awareness questionnaire. Colonoscopy, CT/MRI, histopathology of tumor biopsies, and KRAS and BRAF testing were performed. Patients were treated according to their stage. All patients were followed until the end of the study and 3- and 5-year survival was assessed. RESULTS: Sixty percent of study patients with sporadic CRC presented with significantly advanced disease (stages III and IV) with or without metastases at entry. Patients showed low levels of awareness of the risk factors and signs of CRC. Patients presented at a median age of 50 years. Family history of CRC and ulcerative colitis were positive in 11 and 6% of patients, respectively. Stage III/IV tumors with distant metastases at enrollment, right-sided tumors, mucinous tumors, lymphovascular invasion, and KRAS (51%) or BRAF (28%) mutations predicted poor prognosis and survival. CONCLUSION: CRC in KSA is usually diagnosed at advanced stages with metastases and KRAS/BRAF, and is associated with poor prognosis and short survival. Nationwide awareness campaigns and screening programs for CRC are critical for prevention, early detection and adequate management of CRC.

Single-incision laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a report of 33 cases in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has gained worldwide acceptance as a minimally invasive technique in colorectal procedures since its introduction in 2008. However, case series on its feasibility and safety in Saudi Arabia are lacking. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the operative results and clinical outcome of single-port laparoscopic procedures in colorectal surgeries. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: This study was conducted at King Khalid university Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Demographic and clinical data, including pathology, and intraoperative and postoperative outcomes, were prospectively collected in patients undergoing SILS. This study was conducted during the period from January 2010 and October 2014. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing SILS colectomies. RESULTS: Thirty-three (33) patients underwent SILS. The mean (SD) age was 51 years (18.2 years), and the average body mass index was 26.6 (6.9) kg/m2. Patients were primarily diagnosed with cancer (n=20/33, 61%), inflammatory bowel disease (n=12/33, 36%) and diverticulitis (n=1/33, 3%). Procedures included anterior resection (n=9/33, 27%), ileocecal resection (n=8/33 24%), hemicolectomy (n=7/33, 21%), extended right hemicolectomy (n=5/33, 15%) and total colectomy (n=4/33, 12%). The mean SD operative time was 212 minutes (76.4 minutes). The mean SD size of the extraction incision was 4.2 (1.7) cm. Six percent of the cases were converted to open (n=2/33), and 9% required placement of an extra port (n=3/33). Four (12%) patients had intraoperative complications, and 30% experienced postoperative complications. The average length of hospital stay was 6.4 (4.3) days. COCNLUSIONS: SILS is technically feasible and safe for patients undergoing colorectal surgery with no unusual complications. However, comparative studies are necessary to validate the potential benefits of SILS over conventional colorectal laparoscopic surgery. LIMITATIONS: The study lacked a comparison to conventional open procedures. Additionally, some evaluation criteria were not considered, including cosmesis, pain control, patient satisfaction and cost effectiveness.

Differential expression of mucins in Middle Eastern patients with colorectal cancer.

Mucin overexpression has been implicated in the tumorigenesis and progression of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). However, data obtained on the prognostic importance of mucin expression in CRC is inconsistent. Due to lack of data on mucin expression and the increase in CRC incidence in Saudi Arabia, the aim of the present study was to analyze the mucin expression profile in patients with CRC in this ethnic group. The present study consisted of 22 patients that underwent surgery for CRC. Histopathological and immunohistochemical staining was performed on CRC tumor and adjacent normal tissues. A tissue microarray was prepared from the tumor and normal adjacent samples to investigate the mucin expression profile using immunohistochemistry. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded human colorectal cancer tissues were immunostained with mucin 1 (MUC1), mucin 2 (MUC2) and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) antibodies. Associations between mucin expression and histopathological variables were evaluated. The present study indicated that MUC1 was highly expressed in early (stage I and II; P=0.0016) and late (stage III and IV; P<0.0001) stage CRC tissues compared to normal adjacent tissues. However, MUC2 expression was observed to be downregulated in early and late stage CRC tissues compared to normal and adjacent tissues. Furthermore, serum MUC1 levels were observed to be increased in early and late stage CRC. The present findings indicate that MUC1 expression was significantly higher in early and late stage CRC tissues and MUC2 was downregulated in CRC tissues compared with normal adjacent tissues, and serum MUC1 protein was significantly higher in CRC patients compared to control serum. In conclusion, during colorectal tumorigenesis the pattern of MUC1 and MUC2 expression is altered in Saudi Arabian patients with CRC compared with normal. A higher expression of MUC1 may be used as an independent biomarker in various stages of CRC tumors, which would aid in the early detection of CRC.

Development of certain new 2-substituted-quinazolin-4-yl-aminobenzenesulfonamide as potential antitumor agents.

Carbonic anhydrases (CA I, II, IX and XII) are known to be highly expressed in various human malignancies. CA IX is overexpressed in colorectal cancer specifically in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. Inhibition of CA activity by small molecular CA inhibitor like sulphonamides, sulphonamide derivative (SU.D2) or HIF1a inhibitor Chetomin leads to inhibition of tumorigenesis. Eighteen new quinazolin-4-sulfonamide derivatives were prepared and characterized by means of IR, NMR and mass spectra. Certain selected derivatives were tested for their ability to inhibit four isoforms of the metalloemzyme CA, namely, CA I, CA II, CA IX and CA XII. Compound 3c was found to be highly effective in inhibiting the cancer cell proliferation. 3c decreased cell viability of human HT-29 cells in dose and time dependent manner and with IC50 of 5.45 µM. Moreover, it was tested on metastatic colon cancer cell SW-620 where it was found to be equally effective on human SW-620 cells. This novel compound inhibited the CA IX and CA XII protein expression in HT-29 cells without affecting CA I and CA II expression. These findings indicate that 3c inhibits cellular proliferation in two human colon cancer cells by specifically targeting the CA IX and CA XII expression.

In vitro evaluation of anticancer and antibacterial activities of cobalt oxide nanoparticles.

Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4-NPs) were synthesized using simple urea-based thermal decomposition method. Phase purity and particle size of as-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized through X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy. Through XRD morphology of the Co3O4-NPs was found to be variable in size with range of 36 nm. In our present study, we explored the potential cytotoxic and antibacterial effects of Co3O4-NPs in human colorectal types of cancerous cells (HT29 and SW620) and also nine Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Co3O4-NPs showed promising anticancer activity against HT29 and SW620 cells with IC50 value of 2.26 and 394.5 µg/mL, respectively. However, no significant effect of Co3O4-NPs was observed against bacterial strains. Furthermore, a detailed study has been carried out to investigate the possible mechanism of cell death in HT29 cancer cell line through the analysis of expression level of anti-apoptotic Bcl2 and BclxL markers. Western blot analysis results suggested significant role of Co3O4-NPs exposure in cell death due to apoptosis.

Five-year outcomes of preoperative chemoradiation for rectal carcinoma in Saudi population: single-institutional experience.

OBJECTIVES: Preoperative chemoradiation (CRT) followed by surgery is the standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). The outcomes of preoperative CRT in Saudi patients with LARC have not been widely studied. The study reports long-term outcomes after preoperative CRT followed by curative surgery in Saudi patients with LARC. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: A retrospective, single-institutional study performed in the tertiary care oncology center in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 154 out of 204 patients with LARC were treated with preoperative CRT and followed by surgery at the oncology center between September 2005 and November 2012. Data regarding the response rates, toxicity profile, locoregional control (LRC), distant metastasis control (DMC), overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were analyzed. RESULTS: The median age of the study population was 56.6 years (range: 26-89). Predominant clinical stages were IIA (70 patients; 45.4%) and IIIB (49 patients; 31.8%). Majority of patients (79.8%) underwent a complete total mesorectal excision (TME). Complete pathological response (ypT0N0) was seen in 26 patients (16.8%). At 5 years, locoregional recurrence (LR) was reported in 12 patients (7.8%), and distant metastases were noted in 33 patients (21.4%). The 5-year cumulative LRC, DMC, OS, and DFS rates were 91%, 71.3%, 78%, and 64.8%, respectively. Stage, nodal status, circumferential margins, ypT0N0, and adjuvant chemotherapy were found to be important prognostic factors for DFS. CONCLUSION: The results of preoperative CRT followed by surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy in Saudi population are comparable with international data.

Correlation of pretreatment hemoglobin and platelet counts with clinicopathological features in colorectal cancer in Saudi population.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In Saudi Arabia, colorectal cancers (CRCs) are registered as the second most common cancers. However, no data has been reported about correlation of the severity of the anemia and pretreatment platelets level with clinicopathological features of CRCs. We aimed to evaluate the association between pretreatment hemoglobin and platelets level and the clinicopathological features of CRC patients in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2005 and November 2011, One hundred and fifty-four confirmed CRC patients underwent thorough physical examination, blood investigations, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), and computed tomography (CT) for staging before surgery. Findings of physical assessment, EUS, CT, and pathological specimens were correlated with pretreatment hemoglobin and platelets levels the Pearson-Kendall tau correlative coefficients. RESULTS: The mean age of cohort was 56.6 years (range: 26-89). Left-sided CRC were predominant (97 patients; 63%). Mean size of primary tumor was 6 cms (1-18) SD ± 3.55. Mean values of hemoglobin, red blood cells, hematocrit, white blood cells, and platelets were 11.9 SD ± 2.3, 35.5 SD ± 5.7, 4.43 × 10 6 /mL SD ± 0.6, 7.67 10 6 /mL SD ± 2.44, and 343 × 10 3 /mL SD ± 164.4, respectively. Pretreatment hemoglobin was inversely correlated with primary tumor size (R: 0.71, R2: 1.55, P = 0.0001) and nodal status (R: 0.02, R2: 0.05, P = 0.01). Right-sided CRC had significantly low pretreatment hemoglobin levels ( P = 0.001). Interestingly, pretreatment thrombocytosis was seen only in right-sided CRC (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Pretreatment anemia and thrombocytosis were found mainly in right-sided CRCs and advanced primary and nodal stages. Pretreatment hemoglobin and thrombocytosis can be considered as useful prognostic markers in CRC patients.

Ultrasound gel-nerve contact: an experimental animal histologic study.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound (US) regional nerve block requires the use of gel applied over the skin. With subsequent needle insertion, some of the gel may adhere either on the shaft or within the needle lumen and may be carried to the perineural structures or intraneurally. We performed this experimental animal study to investigate the effects of US gel contact on the nerve histologic structure. METHODS: Nine male beagle dogs were studied. Dogs 1 to 3 were the control group and dogs 4 to 9 were the study group. Bilateral posterior tibial nerves were dissected and exposed for the control group. Nerve specimens were obtained for histologic examination immediately for the first dog, at 24 hours for the second dog, and at 48 hours for the third dog followed by wound closure. For the study group, bilateral posterior tibial nerves were exposed, and 2 mL US gel was applied locally directly on the nerve, followed by wound closure. Nerve specimens were excised at 24 hours from one side and at 48 hours from the other side. Nerve specimens were examined by a neuropathologist for evidence of nerve inflammation. RESULTS: The control nerve specimens showed no significant pathology. Nerve specimens of the study group at the end of 24 hours of gel-nerve contact showed mild focal perineural inflammatory changes with clusters of polymorph leukocytes. At 48 hours, perineural moderate inflammatory changes with clusters of lymphocytes and macrophages were demonstrated in 2 animals. Long-term neurologic deficit in the form of limping was observed for all dogs. CONCLUSION: Histologic features after perineural exposure to US gel are rather nonspecific and likely of no clinical significance. However, further studies are needed to determine the effect of US gel injection on intraneural tissues.

Gallstone ileus: a forgotten rare cause of intestinal obstruction.

Gallstone ileus is an uncommon complication of cholelithiasis, with a high morbidity and mortality rate - usually related to the delayed diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. Diagnosing gallstone ileus needs a high index of suspicion. A case of a gallstone ileus is reported. The clinical presentation, radiological features, intraoperative findings, operative procedure and literature review are presented.