A robust classification of acute lymphocytic leukemia-based microscopic images with supervised Hilbert-Huang transform.

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant condition characterized by the development of blast cells in the bone marrow and their quick dissemination into the bloodstream. It primarily affects children and individuals over the age of 60. Manual blood testing, which has been around for a long time, may be slow. The likelihood of recognizing ALL in its early stages was increased by automating the diagnosis. This research developed an improved criterion for classifying ALL microscopic images into two categories: normal images and blast images. First, to save processing time, innovative image preprocessing techniques were employed to gather data for data augmentation, enhancement, and conversion. The K-means clustering technique was also utilized to effectively segment the relevant nuclei from the background. Furthermore, the most salient features were extracted using an empirical mode decomposition (EMD) based on the Hilbert-Huang transform. MATLAB functions such as principal component analysis, gray level co-occurrence matrix, local binary pattern, shape features, discrete cosine transform, discrete Fourier transform, discrete wavelet transform, and independent component analysis have been used and compared with EMD. The Bayesian regularization (BR) method has been implemented in the neural networks (NNs) classifier. Along with NNs, other classifiers such as support vector machine, K-nearest neighbors, random forest, naive Bayes, logistic regression, and decision tree have been used, evaluated, and contrasted with NNs. According to experimental findings, the ALL-IDB2 (Image Database 2) dataset's NNs-based-EMD model classified objects with an accuracy of 98.7%, sensitivity of 99.3%, and specificity of 98.1%. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Implement a robust method for classifying normal and blast ALL images in the state of the art using the combination of the BR algorithm and the neural networks classifier. Perform robust data processing via data augmentation and conversion from RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) image LAB (Luminosity, A: color space, B: color space) image. Extract the nuclei correctly from the background image using k-means clustering. Extract the most salient features from the segmented images using EMD in the state of the art of HHT.

Engineering of Multifunctional Nanocomposite Membranes for Wastewater Treatment: Oil/Water Separation and Dye Degradation.

Multifunctional membrane technology has gained tremendous attention in wastewater treatment, including oil/water separation and photocatalytic activity. In the present study, a multifunctional composite nanofiber membrane is capable of removing dyes and separating oil from wastewater, as well as having antibacterial activity. The composite nanofiber membrane is composed of cellulose acetate (CA) filled with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in a polymer matrix and dipped into a solution of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs). Membrane characterization was performed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and water contact angle (WCA) studies were utilized to evaluate the introduced membranes. Results showed that membranes have adequate wettability for the separation process and antibacterial activity, which is beneficial for water disinfection from living organisms. A remarkable result of the membranes' analysis was that methylene blue (MB) dye removal occurred through the photocatalysis process with an efficiency of ~20%. Additionally, it exhibits a high separation efficiency of 45% for removing oil from a mixture of oil-water and water flux of 20.7 L.m-2 h-1 after 1 h. The developed membranes have multifunctional properties and are expected to provide numerous merits for treating complex wastewater.

Predicting Recurrence of Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: Current Techniques and Future Trends.

Bladder cancer (BC) is the 10th most common cancer globally and has a high mortality rate if not detected early and treated promptly. Non-muscle-invasive BC (NMIBC) is a subclassification of BC associated with high rates of recurrence and progression. Current tools for predicting recurrence and progression on NMIBC use scoring systems based on clinical and histopathological markers. These exclude other potentially useful biomarkers which could provide a more accurate personalized risk assessment. Future trends are likely to use artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the prediction of recurrence in patients with NMIBC and decrease the use of standard clinical protocols such as cystoscopy and cytology. Here, we provide a comprehensive survey of the most recent studies from the last decade (N = 70 studies), focused on the prediction of patient outcomes in NMIBC, particularly recurrence, using biomarkers such as radiomics, histopathology, clinical, and genomics. The value of individual and combined biomarkers is discussed in detail with the goal of identifying future trends that will lead to the personalized management of NMIBC.

A Huge Chondrosarcoma of the Nasal Septum.

Chondrosarcoma of the nasal septum is a rare malignancy. Its early diagnosis is difficult because of its non-specific sinonasal complaints. We report a case report of a 72-year-old woman who presented with progressive nasal obstruction and anosmia. Nasal endoscopy showed a nasal mass obstructing both nasal cavities, which was not separable from the nasal septum. Endoscopic biopsy confirmed chondrosarcoma. The tumour was operated on with complete margins by an endoscopic approach. The clinical presentation of the disease, diagnosis and treatment of this case, and a review of the literature are discussed.

Hyperammonemia in lung transplant patients and its management: a review.

Objective: To synthesize the evidence for incidence, pathophysiology, etiology, and protocol-based management of hyperammonemia in lung transplant patients. Background: Elevated ammonia levels are toxic to the brain, and hyperammonemia results in a potentially fatal complication for lung transplant recipients. The hallmark of this condition is ammonia production being way out of proportion to the degree of liver derangement. While there are many hypotheses, the cause remains obscure. Methods: A retrospective review of patients with hyperammonemia following lung transplantation was done to understand the pathophysiology, various treatment modalities, and its impact on patient mortality and morbidity. Studies in the English literature were identified through an electronic database search from PubMed/MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov until June 2020. No restriction of dates were used, and the search was up until June 2020. Discussion: Mortality among patients with hyperammonemia following lung transplantation is high. Multi-modal treatment approaches include avoiding nephrotoxic drugs, use of bowel decontamination, nitrogen scavengers, branched-chain amino acids, adjustment of immunosuppression, antibiotics like fluoroquinolones or azithromycin, and renal replacement therapy. However, there remains a scarcity of preoperative screening protocol for patients at risk of hyperammonemia as well evidence-based post-operative management guidelines. Intermittent hemodialysis, compared to continuous venovenous hemodialysis, provides better patient outcomes. Conclusion: Early detection of patients at risk by appropriate screening, along with maintaining a high degree of suspicion for hyperammonemia and multi-modal treatment approach, is the key to successful patient outcomes. Further prospective observational studies would facilitate development of protocol-based treatment of this potentially fatal condition.

Rapamycin golden jubilee and still the miraculous drug: a potent immunosuppressant, antitumor, rejuvenative agent, and potential contributor in COVID-19 treatment.

Although celebrating its golden jubilee, rapamycin's importance keeps increasing by the day. Starting as a promising antifungal agent, then as a potent immunosuppressant, strong anticancer drug, and now rapamycin is attracting serious attention as a rejuvenative agent and a possible contributor in treating this era pandemic, COVID-19. Due to its diverse biological activities and promising medical applications, we aimed in this review to put rapamycin under the spot and highlight its discovery, famous microbial producers, reported biological activities, chemical structure, famous analogues, and biosynthesis. Moreover, discuss some rapamycin production approaches including solid-state fermentation, and stressing out producing strain. On the other hand, describe its action mechanism and trials to use it in treatment of COVID-19. Additionally, we highlighted some of the side effects accompanying its use, and describe some approaches reported to minimize these undesired effects. Finally, we report the current status of rapamycin and its analogues in global market, and discuss future prospects of this potent drug.

Scoring of brain magnetic resonance imaging and neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with congenital heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Advances in surgical techniques to tackle critical congenital heart diseases (CHD) have enhanced the survival rates and life expectancy of children born with heart disease. Studies to better acknowledge their neurodevelopmental trajectory have paramount implications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to examine the nature of brain MRI findings in infants born with critical congenital heart diseases needing intervention in the first 6 months of life, with the help of an MRI scoring system and correlation with long term neurodevelopmental outcomes. METHODS: Brain MRI scans of eligible infants were extracted from database, reexamined to categorize, and score them into three main functional areas: cognitive/grey matter, motor/white matter, and visual. The scoring system also included stage of myelination and presence of punctate hemorrhages. The correlation of individual and total MRI scores with neurodevelopmental assessment using Bayley Scales for Infant and Toddler Development- version 3 (BSID III) were examined via logistic regression models while controlling for confounding variables. RESULT: Median (IQR) MRI score was 6 (4-7) with grey matter score of 2 (1-4). Initial BSID III scores were 80 ± 15, 80 ± 18, and 81 ± 19 for cognitive, motor and language components, respectively. The MRI cognitive score had direct correlation with respiratory index prior to surgery (cc = 0.47, p = 0.03) and cross-clamping time (cc = 0.65, p = 0.001). It displayed a significant inverse correlation with language scores for BSID III at 9 months (R = -0.42, p = 0.04) which lost significance in subsequent visits. CONCLUSION: This pilot study proved the feasibility of correlating structural brain abnormalities in MRI with later brain developmental deficits in infants with CHD. We envision establishing a standardized MRI scoring system to be performed on a large multi-center cohort that would help better predict and measure brain injury in infants with CHDs.

Different surgical procedures for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects around the ankle.

INTRODUCTION: Management of soft tissue defects around the ankle is a difficult and challenging situation for all reconstructive surgeons. A microsurgical free flaps coverage can solve this problematic situation especially with large defects that is not available in all trauma centers. Moreover, long operating time and suitable operative demands are considered obstacles. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Eighty five patients having soft tissue defects around ankle were included in this study. They underwent various reconstructions in our specialized hand and reconstructive microsurgery unit from 2015 to 2019. Fifty two were males and thirty three patients were females. Road traffic accident was the main cause of injury in 66 patients followed by implant exposure in 15 patients and chronic osteomyelitis in 4 patients. Distally based superficial sural artery flap was used to reconstruct the defects in 21 cases, free flap was used in 32 cases, Rotational local flap was used in 8 cases, contralateral distally based superficial sural artery flap was used in 2 cases, full or partial skin flaps were used in 10 cases and Propeller flap was used in 12cases. RESULTS: All flaps survived except for one modified sural flap with 98% success rate and average follow up of 48 months. All patients were satisfied with the functional capacity of operated limbs. Average time of bone healing postoperative was 3 months with gradual return to original work with acceptable degrees for cosmotic appearance of the limbs. CONCLUSION: Many treatment options are available to cover defects around the ankle. Propeller and rotational flaps are fast and easy but cover small defects, distally-based modified sural artery flap is an excellent reliable flap. Microsurgical free flaps provide good contour, color, texture and cover large defects but require microsurgery facilities to execute.

Winning the Battle after Three Years of Suffering: A Case of a Refractory Pyoderma Gangrenosum Treatment Challenge.

Pyoderma gangrenosum is an uncommon inflammatory disorder characterized by neutrophilic infiltration of the skin. It can present as skin papules or pustules that progress into painful ulcers. 30-40% of the cases are associated with other systemic diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and proliferative hematological disorders. Uniquely, this condition has been associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The rarity of this disorder poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We present a case of a 55-year-old female with a history of SLE and chronic right leg ulcer, presented with increased pain from the ulcer associated with a mild flare of her cutaneous lupus; examination revealed circumferential skin ulcer measuring about 25 cm extending around the right leg above the ankle with prominent fibrinous material and surrounding erythema. Blood work showed elevated WBC with neutrophilic predominance. Serology revealed a positive ANA, elevated RNP, smith, and SSA/Ro antibodies with normal anti-CCP level. Skin biopsy was taken, and it showed a diffuse neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltrate consistent with the diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum. The patient was then treated with topical and systemic steroids and sequentially with dapsone, methotrexate, mycophenolate, and cyclosporine for over a two-year period but failed to show any improvement. Therefore, a trial of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy was attempted and produced a dramatic response after two-month infusions characterized by shrinking in the size of the ulcer and resolving pain. We believe that refractory PG poses a therapeutic challenge, and despite a lack of specific guidelines, IVIG can be attempted if initial suppressive treatment fails to show signs of improvement.

Management of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) by combinatorial approach using alpha-1-adrenergic antagonists and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors.

Currently, the main available treatments for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) are alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists (ARAs), 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-αRI), anticholinergics, and Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Recent studies support the combined therapy approach using ARAs with 5-αRI for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in BPH patients at risk of clinical progression. We aimed to review BPH management in select group of randomized controlled trials by combination therapy with ARAs and 5-αRIs compared to monotherapy with either drug with respect to the safety and efficacy. A total of 6 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving comparison of combination therapy with monotherapy using ARAs and 5-αRIs were retrieved from PubMed Central and reviewed for international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), post-residual urinary flow rate (PUF), and clinical progression. The results significantly favour the treatment group that received the combination therapy in comparison with the groups receiving monotherapy. However, outcome with regard to prostate volume showed insignificant improvement when the combination therapy is compared with 5- αRIs alone, rather than ARAs. In conclusion, combination therapy using ARAs and 5-αRI is better than monotherapy in the patients of BPH. Fixed dose combination (FDC), a type of combination, is also cost-effective and its side-effects profile resembles to that of monotherapy.

A Rare and Fatal Case of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Associated with Sarcoidosis.

BACKGROUND Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by a classic pathologic feature of non-caseating granulomas involving any organ system. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a catastrophic cytokine surge characterized by dysregulation of the macrophage response, which can be rapidly fatal. Recognition of HLH has been increasing over the past decade. HLH can present with features of sepsis that can make the diagnosis challenging and requires high clinical suspicion. CASE REPORT We report a case of a 48-year-old African American male with a past medical history of sarcoidosis infiltrating the lymph nodes, liver, and bone marrow with initial presentation of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss of 100 pounds over 8 months. Sepsis was suspected, but the patient clinically deteriorated with vancomycin and cefepime. Fevers, bone marrow biopsy, anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated ferritin, and elevated soluble receptor interleukin 2 confirmed HLH. The patient was treated with etoposide and dexamethasone with poor response and died from cardiac arrest. CONCLUSIONS Sarcoidosis associated with HLH is an extremely rare phenomenon with only 10 cases reported in the literature. Early clinical suspicion can be challenging as this condition is a sepsis-mimicker. To reduce mortality, prompt initiation of therapy is a key determinant in patients who are clinically deteriorating despite treatment for sepsis.

Nanoparticle Uptake in a Spontaneous and Immunocompetent Woodchuck Liver Cancer Model.

There is a tremendous focus on the application of nanomaterials for the treatment of cancer. Nonprimate models are conventionally used to assess the biomedical utility of nanomaterials. However, these animals often lack an intact immunological background, and the tumors in these animals do not develop spontaneously. We introduce a preclinical woodchuck hepatitis virus-induced liver cancer model as a platform for nanoparticle (NP)-based in vivo experiments. Liver cancer development in these out-bred animals occurs as a result of persistent viral infection, mimicking human hepatitis B virus-induced HCC development. We highlight how this model addresses key gaps associated with other commonly used tumor models. We employed this model to (1) track organ biodistribution of gold NPs after intravenous administration, (2) examine their subcellular localization in the liver, (3) determine clearance kinetics, and (4) characterize the identity of hepatic macrophages that take up NPs using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). We found that the liver and spleen were the primary sites of NP accumulation. Subcellular analyses revealed accumulation of NPs in the lysosomes of CD14+ cells. Through RNA-seq, we uncovered that immunosuppressive macrophages within the woodchuck liver are the major cell type that take up injected NPs. The woodchuck-HCC model has the potential to be an invaluable tool to examine NP-based immune modifiers that promote host anti-tumor immunity.

Myco-engineered gold nanoparticles from Jahnula aquatica coated with ampicillin/amoxicillin and their antibacterial and anticancer activity against cancer cells.

INTRODUCTION: Antibiotics play an important role in medical treatments. However, the multidrug resistance (MDR) bacteria impairs their functionality. Therefore, drug delivery represents the solution for this problem. Many techniques and methods are used in drug delivery, however nanoparticles conjugated drug is one of the most effective and promising techniques. The current work investigates a one-step method of extracellular biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and their biocompatibility in antibiotic delivery, where the synthesized AuNPs were loaded with Ampicillin/Amoxicillin. RESULTS: Both ampicillin and amoxicillin antibiotics are successfully conjugated with the Au NPs surface (the potential efficiency), especially, at the smaller particle size. Where, the Au NPs with particle size of 8 m size reveals a promising activity against cancer cells with 48 µg/mL inhibitory concentration (IC50) after 24 h of their exposure to HeLa cells, and induction of apoptosis was also noticed on HeLa treated cells. CONCLUSIONS: The bio-synthesised Au NPs using Jahnula. aquatica fungi show a promising nanocarrier biocompatibility drug delivery system in cancer clinical treatments, in particular for antibiotics delivery antibiotics in pharmaceutical applications with large-scale commercial production. To the best of our knowledge, freshwater fungi have never been exploited for AuNPs synthesis.

Isolated right atrial rupture from blunt trauma: a case report with systematic review of a lethal injury.

BACKGROUND: Isolated right atrial rupture (IRAR) from blunt chest trauma is rare. There are no physical exam findings and non-invasive testing specific to the condition, which result in diagnostic delays and poor outcomes. We present a case of IRAR along with a systematic review of similar cases in the literature. CASE REPORT: A 23-year-old male presented following a motor vehicle accident (MVA). He was bradycardic and hypotensive during transportation; and required intubation. There were contusions along the right chest wall with clear breath sounds, and no jugular venous distension, muffled heart sounds. Hemodynamic status progressively worsened, ultimately leading to his death. However, no external sources of bleeding or evidence of cardiac tamponade was found. METHODS: A search of PubMed, Ovid, and the Cochrane Library using: (Blunt OR Blunt trauma) AND (Laceration OR Rupture OR Tear) AND (Right Atrium OR Right Atrial). Articles were included if they were original articles describing cases of IRAR. RESULTS: Forty-five reports comprising seventy-five (n = 75) cases of IRAR. CONCLUSION: IRAR most commonly occurs following MVAs as the result of blunt chest trauma. Rupture occurs at four distinct sites and is most commonly at the right atrial appendage. IRAR is a diagnostic challenge and requires a high index of suspicion, as patients' hemodynamics can rapidly deteriorate. The presentations vary depending on multiple factors including rupture size, pericardial integrity, and concomitant injuries. Cardiac tamponade may have a protective effect by prompting the search for a bleeding source. A pericardial window can be diagnostic and therapeutic in IRAR. Outcomes are favourable with timely recognition and prompt surgical intervention.

Left Atrial Myxoma Embolization Presenting as Acute Limb Ischemia: An Unusual Presentation.

Cardiac myxomas are rare with reported incidences of less than 0.03%. Cardiac myxomas are most commonly observed in the left atrium. Their clinical manifestations vary and most are non-specific to the diagnosis. The most common extra-cardiac manifestations are thrombo-embolic infarcts from tumor embolization. A previously healthy 55-year-old man presented with findings suggestive of acute arterial limb ischemia. Following surgical treatment of his acute presentation, a left atrial mass was found on echocardiography suggesting that the embolization was secondary to a cardiac myxoma. The patient was discharged without complication. Embolic myxoma should be included in the differential in younger, previously healthy patients presenting with acute arterial limb ischemia without obvious cause. Our patient's dramatic presentation with a single acute event, however, prompted immediate treatment and resulted in a functional recovery with minimal complications.

Too Hot for Your Pocket! Burns From E-Cigarette Lithium Battery Explosions: A Case Series.

The use of electronic cigarettes (ECs) has been on the rise with increased number of battery explosions causing burns. This study is a retrospective review of patients who presented with burns caused by EC explosions.Here, we present a case series of eight patients sustaining burns from EC explosions, within a year, to elucidate the pattern of such burns and to provide a treatment guideline.All of them were males. Five patients had partial-thickness burns and three had full-thickness burns. TBSA ranged from 4 to 16% (burns to lower extremity [n = 7], hand [n =3], scrotum/penis [n =2], chest [n = 1]). None had inhalation injuries. Two patients (29%) required skin grafting. EC explosion is predominantly attributed to its lithium-ion battery. Several types of injuries can occur, including chemical and thermal burns, inhalation injuries, metal poisoning, etc. There are currently no specific guidelines on the management of burns due to lithium-ion battery exposure. Herein, we recommend the following: Initial assessment of injuries should accompany the Advanced Trauma Life Support guidelines; serum levels of lithium, cobalt, and manganese should be checked and elevated levels should be monitored; patients should be monitored for signs of metal toxicity; wound should be extensively debrided and irrigated to remove any residual materials; and litmus test should be performed to check for alkali pH prior to irrigation with water or other aqueous solutions.

Acute Appendicitis in Young Children: A Persistent Diagnostic Challenge for Clinicians.

Acute appendicitis is a grave and life-threatening condition in children, accounting for one to two cases per 10,000 in children less than four years' old. Prompt diagnosis and management are imperative to prevent serious complications, such as abscess formation, perforation, bowel obstruction, peritonitis, and sepsis. In young children, however, the diagnosis of this condition is challenging. The delayed utilization of imaging may further delay the diagnosis due to concerns of exposure to ionizing radiation. Even with a prompt diagnosis, controversy persists regarding medical versus operative management in these young patients. We report a case of a 21-month-old female who presented with fever, non-bilious, non-bloody emesis, and decreased tolerance for liquids and solids. The initial physical exam and imaging were suggestive of non-obstructive bowel distention. The patient was admitted to the pediatric floor. Overnight, the patient's condition deteriorated severely and became septic. Repeat imaging revealed a 9-cm appendicular mass and a ruptured appendix. Antibiotic coverage was then broadened and the patient was transferred to the critical care unit for more intensive management. The patient's septic condition improved over the upcoming few days and the parents elected to perform an elective appendectomy following resolution of the condition. Atypical presentations are common in this population. The difficulty in obtaining a reliable history and physical examination findings makes the diagnosis even more challenging. Moreover, concerns with radiation exposure may delay the diagnosis and increase the risk of perforation and peritonitis. Thus, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for acute appendicitis, particularly in young children, as this condition is commonly missed on initial presentation.

Cocaine-induced Type-A Aortic Dissection Extending to the Common Iliac Arteries.

Aortic dissection is a rare and fatal complication of cocaine-induced hypertension. The injury mechanism is through shear stress that penetrates the intimal vessel layer, allowing blood flow to separate intimal and medial layers. Due to its scarcity and the paucity of related literature, our knowledge of this condition is limited. We present a rare case of a cocaine-induced aortic dissection, which extended continuously from the aortic root to the common iliacs, along with a literature review of similar cases. A 48-year-old male with recent cocaine use presented with left-sided chest-pain, which radiated to the back with nausea, diaphoresis, and shortness of breath. The patient was hypotensive. The initial radiographs and computed tomography were negative. The cardiac enzymes were elevated and the patient was admitted to rule out acute coronary syndrome. Next day echocardiogram and computed tomography revealed a Type-A aortic dissection continuously extending from the aortic root to the left common iliac artery. The patient was immediately transferred for surgery. Postoperatively, he developed acute kidney injury and shock liver. The patient status continued to deteriorate and he expired on postoperative day four. This case demonstrates the importance of prompt and thorough diagnostic evaluation, despite subjective history and initially negative imaging that might point towards other conditions. Unlike the previous cases, our case failed to identify the positive history of cocaine until nearly 24 hours into the patient's hospital course, suggesting a need for close monitoring in these patients and a possible need for repeat imaging.​​​​​​​.