Brain tumor detection and screening using artificial intelligence techniques: Current trends and future perspectives.

A brain tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue located inside the skull. In addition to putting pressure on the healthy parts of the brain, it can lead to significant health problems. Depending on the region of the brain tumor, it can cause a wide range of health issues. As malignant brain tumors grow rapidly, the mortality rate of individuals with this cancer can increase substantially with each passing week. Hence it is vital to detect these tumors early so that preventive measures can be taken at the initial stages. Computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) systems, in coordination with artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, have a vital role in the early detection of this disorder. In this review, we studied 124 research articles published from 2000 to 2022. Here, the challenges faced by CAD systems based on different modalities are highlighted along with the current requirements of this domain and future prospects in this area of research.

Hybrid Conferences in the Post-COVID-19 Era: Time Yet for a Paradigm Shift for Medical Associations.

Since the first COVID-19 lockdown in India was declared, all scientific conferences and related activities have been conducted in online formats (1). The ACS(I) [Association of Cutaneous Surgeons (India)] conducted its Annual National Conference called ACSICON-2021 for over 1150 delegates in mid-2021 in a hybrid mode. ACS(I) was one of the first organizations to embrace the hybrid conferencing strategy in the post-COVID-19 era in India. However, while meeting feedback and testimonials are typically gathered, there is very little public data documenting conference attendees' viewpoints. The goal of this research study was to look at the viewpoints of medical conference attendees (such as physicians and medical professionals) on hybrid conferencing as a future trend, the danger of infectivity and transmissibility of COVID-19 during and after the event, the effectiveness of stringent safety protocols and vaccination in preventing the disease and thereby assess the feasibility of hybrid conference as the most convenient mode of learning interaction in the current COVID-19 era and also Post COVID-19 era. Materials and Methods: The physical attendees were surveyed post-ACSICON 2021 conference online, using a mixed-methods technique. Attendees were given a 16-point questionnaire using Google Forms that covered subjects including the COVID-19 preventive procedure, immunization status, infection rates during and after the conference, and overall satisfaction with the hybrid conference. A total of 231 people were sent the survey questionnaire. Results: Only 0.4% (n = 1) of the participants reported being infected by COVID-19 virus after the conference. 86% (n = 198) of the respondents also felt that all the necessary precautions were taken during the ACSICON 2021conference. Most of the respondents (82%, n = 189) rated the hybrid conference interaction to be more satisfying than an online conference. An overwhelming majority of the respondents (92%, n = 209) found hybrid conferences to be a safer option than regular conference. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic's scope has forced a paradigm change in medical practice and research (1). ACSICON 2021 is an example of how, with careful organization, strict implementation of meticulous preventive procedures, and strict adherence to the COVID-19 protocol, medical conferences may be held without danger of infection and its transmission. Given the pace with which vaccinations are being administered, a new reality in which technology and live networking intersect via hybrid conferences will result in a more engaging and adaptable medical conference experience. In the long run, this can bring about a significant shift in the conduct of scientific meetings to best suit delegates' needs and conveniences.

Evaluation of biomedical waste management practices in public and private sector of health care facilities in India.

Proper management of biomedical waste (BMW) is required to avoid environmental and human health risks. The current study evaluated the BWM practices in public and private health care facilities of Fatehgarh Sahib District in Punjab, India. The study was conducted, using a modified World Health Organization (WHO) tool in 120 health care facilities randomly selected from rural and urban areas. At primary health care level, BMW management guidelines were followed in 67.2% of the public sector and 40.4% of the private sector facilities, whereas in secondary health care sectors both private and public sector follows 100% compliance. Health facilities were graded into different categories according to median score, i.e., scores less than < 2.5 was categorized as red (no credible BMW management system in place), scores between 2.5 to 7.5 as yellow (system present but needs major improvement) and scores > 7.5 as green (good system in place for BMW). It was observed that among primary health care facilities, 85% of the public sector and 64% of private sector facilities falls in the red category, whereas for secondary health care facilities only 8% fall in the red category. Logistic regression helped to identify the major factors that affect the performance of the health care facility, and it shows that regular training on BMW and improved infrastructure can improve the BMW management practices. Further, proper management of BMW requires multi-sectoral coordination, which can be better addressed through policies and by providing periodical training to all stakeholders.

Antimicrobial susceptibility of clinical isolates of Campylobacter jejuni from New South Wales, Australia.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of resistance to commonly used antimicrobials in Campylobacter jejuni isolates from clinical faecal samples in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. METHODS: A total of 117 C. jejuni isolates from human faecal samples from regional and metropolitan NSW were examined for antimicrobial resistance. RESULTS: Of the 117 isolates tested, 15.4% were resistant to ampicillin, 5.1% to tetracycline and 13.7% to ciprofloxacin. Most of the isolates were susceptible to erythromycin, except for three that showed intermediate resistance. Furthermore, 9.4% of isolates were resistant (or intermediate-resistant) to more than one antimicrobial agent. Isolates that were resistant to ampicillin and tetracycline harboured the blaOXA-61 and tet(O) genes, respectively. A mutation in the gyrA gene, resulting in the T86I substitution, was identified in the majority of ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates. CONCLUSION: The data obtained in the current study demonstrate that the majority of C. jejuni isolates evaluated were susceptible to one or more antimicrobials tested. Apart from three isolates that demonstrated intermediate resistance, all of the isolates were susceptible to erythromycin, which is the drug of choice for treating Campylobacter infections.

Prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in diarrhoea samples from patients in New South Wales, Australia.

Campylobacteriosis is a leading cause of bacterial foodborne disease in many industrialized countries including Australia. New South Wales (NSW) is the most populous state in Australia yet the lack of any Campylobacter species surveillance programs has led to a knowledge gap in the importance of these pathogens as causes of diarrhoea. The data collected in this study demonstrated a need for such programs. In this study, 400 human clinical fecal samples were collected from two NSW locations, Western Sydney and Wagga Wagga, and tested for the presence of Campylobacter spp. Patients were clustered by location, age and gender to assess Campylobacter spp. prevalence within these groups between the two regions. The frequency of Campylobacter spp. was higher in males compared to females in the age groups 0-4 and 5-14 years; 6.4% and 1.0%, and 8.2% and none, respectively. A second peak was noted in elderly adults compared with those in younger age groups. Based on the findings of the quantitative PCR analysis it was estimated that the age-adjusted prevalence of Campylobacter spp. associated diarrhoea was 159 cases per 100,000 persons. [Int Microbiol 2016; 19(1):33-37].

Differentiation of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli Using Multiplex-PCR and High Resolution Melt Curve Analysis.

Campylobacter spp. are important causes of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans in developed countries. Among Campylobacter spp. Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) and C. coli are the most common causes of human infection. In this study, a multiplex PCR (mPCR) and high resolution melt (HRM) curve analysis were optimized for simultaneous detection and differentiation of C. jejuni and C. coli isolates. A segment of the hippuricase gene (hipO) of C. jejuni and putative aspartokinase (asp) gene of C. coli were amplified from 26 Campylobacter isolates and amplicons were subjected to HRM curve analysis. The mPCR-HRM was able to differentiate between C. jejuni and C. coli species. All DNA amplicons generated by mPCR were sequenced. Analysis of the nucleotide sequences from each isolate revealed that the HRM curves were correlated with the nucleotide sequences of the amplicons. Minor variation in melting point temperatures of C. coli or C. jejuni isolates was also observed and enabled some intraspecies differentiation between C. coli and/or C. jejuni isolates. The potential of PCR-HRM curve analysis for the detection and speciation of Campylobacter in additional human clinical specimens and chicken swab samples was also confirmed. The sensitivity and specificity of the test were found to be 100% and 92%, respectively. The results indicated that mPCR followed by HRM curve analysis provides a rapid (8 hours) technique for differentiation between C. jejuni and C. coli isolates.

Detection of Campylobacter in human faecal samples in Fiji.

INTRODUCTION: Data on campylobacteriosis in developed countries are well documented; in contrast, few studies on campylobacteriosis have been conducted in developing countries. This study was undertaken to test for Campylobacter in human faecal samples sent to the two major pathology laboratories in Fiji. METHODS: A total of 408 diarrhoeal faecal samples were collected from the two major hospital pathology laboratories in Central Fiji (Suva) and Western Fiji (Lautoka) between December 2012 and February 2013 and from June to July 2013. Samples were analysed for the presence of Campylobacter using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based methods. RESULTS: Campylobacter was detected in 241/408 (59.1%) of samples tested using PCR. Samples from children aged less than five accounted for 21.6% of positive cases. DISCUSSION: Campylobacter was detected in 59.1% of diarrhoeal samples collected from the two main laboratories in Fiji. A high proportion of children under five years with Campylobacter has been reported in other countries and could be due to parents being more likely to seek medical attention. Further studies are required to confirm the species of Campylobacter that are predominantly associated with gastroenteritis in Fiji.

Interaction of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors in formalin-induced nociception in mice.

Studies with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor were conducted to assess their synergistic antinociceptive effect and possible therapeutic advantage. The antinociceptive interaction of rofecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, with aminoguanidine hydrochloride, a selective iNOS inhibitor, was examined in the formalin-induced paw-licking model in mice. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the isobolographic method were used to identify the nature of the antinociceptive interaction. Different doses of rofecoxib (1, 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg) and aminoguanidine hydrochloride (10, 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg) alone were administered orally to adult male albino mice (20-30 g). Only high doses of rofecoxib (10 and 30 mg/kg) and aminoguanidine hydrochloride (100 and 300 mg/kg) showed a statistically significant antinociceptive effect. Combination of a subthreshold dose of rofecoxib (1 mg/kg) with increasing doses of aminoguanidine hydrochloride (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg) resulted in potentiated antinociception (P<0.05). Combined therapy with a subthreshold dose of aminoguanidine hydrochloride (30 mg/kg) with increasing doses of rofecoxib (1, 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg) also resulted in significant antinociception (P<0.05). These results suggest that rofecoxib and aminoguanidine hydrochloride act synergistically in their antinociceptive action in mice. A possible mechanism of interaction is that nitric oxide (NO) stimulates the activity of cyclooxygenase-2 by combining with its heme component. Furthermore, the present results suggest that combination therapy with rofecoxib and aminoguanidine hydrochloride may provide an alternative for the clinical control of pain.