Improving Efficiency of Brain Tumor Classification Models Using Pruning Techniques.

BACKGROUND: This research investigates the impact of pruning on reducing the computational complexity of a five-layered Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) designed for classifying MRI brain tumors. The study focuses on enhancing the efficiency of the model by removing less important weights and neurons through pruning. OBJECTIVE: This research aims to analyze the impact of pruning on the computational complexity of a CNN for MRI brain tumor classification, identifying optimal pruning percentages to balance reduced complexity with acceptable classification performance. METHODS: The proposed CNN model is implemented for the classification of MRI brain tumors. To reduce time complexity, weights and neurons of the trained model are pruned systematically, ranging from 0 to 99 percent. The corresponding accuracies for each pruning percentage are recorded to assess the trade-off between model complexity and classification performance. RESULTS: The analysis reveals that the model's weights can be pruned up to 70 percent while maintaining acceptable accuracy. Similarly, neurons in the model can be pruned up to 10 percent without significantly compromising accuracy. CONCLUSION: This research highlights the successful application of pruning techniques to reduce the computational complexity of a CNN model for MRI brain tumor classification. The findings suggest that judicious pruning of weights and neurons can lead to a significant improvement in inference time without compromising accuracy.

White out hemithorax secondary to salivary gland type of lung cancer with metastasis in liver and bone: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Salivary gland-type lung carcinomas are uncommon neoplasms of the lung, representing less than 1% of all lung tumors. The two most common among them are adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Although they usually have an indolent behavior, adenoid cystic carcinomas can be more aggressive, with 5-year survival as low as 55%. Very few cases are reported in literature. We report a similar rare case of salivary gland type lung carcinoma that presented for the first time with unilateral opacification of left hemithorax. CASE PRESENTATION: A 38-year-old man of North Indian origin, who was a a nonsmoker, presented with complaints of shortness of breath and cough for 1 year, which has increased in the last 2 months and was associated with significant weight loss. A frontal radiograph of the chest and computed tomography of the chest were performed, which showed a mass in the left upper lobe of the lung with its epicenter in the left main bronchus. A bronchoscopic guided biopsy was performed, and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of lung carcinoma of salivary gland type (adenoid cystic carcinoma). There was invasion of major vessels, hence the patient was offered and started on palliative management instead of surgical treatment. In spite of palliative management of two cycles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the patient succumbed to the disease within 2 months from the time of diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Lung carcinoma of the salivary gland type (especially adenoid cystic carcinoma) usually presents at a later stage. The resectability of the tumor depends on the involvement of the surrounding major vessels. Interestingly, these cancers have no association with smoking. The prognosis depends on the extent of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Hence, imaging plays a major role in deciding the further plan of management.

Indole alkaloids from marine resources: Understandings from therapeutic point of view to treat cancers.

Cancer is the leading cause of mortality all over the world. Scientific investigation has demonstrated that disruptions in the process of autophagy are frequently interrelated with the emergence of cancer. Hence, scientists are seeking permanent solutions to counter the deadly disease. Indole alkaloids have been extensively studied and are acknowledged to exhibit several bioactivities. The current state of disease necessitates novel pharmacophores development. In recent decades, indole alkaloids have become increasingly significant in cancer treatment and are also used as adjuvants. A substantial amount of pharmacologically active molecules come from indole alkaloids, which are widely distributed in nature. Indole alkaloids derived from marine organisms show immense potential for therapeutic applications and seem highly effective in cancer treatment. A couple of experiments have been conducted preclinically to investigate the possibility of indole alkaloids in cancer treatment. Marine-derived indole alkaloids possess the ability to exhibit anticancer properties through diverse antiproliferative mechanisms. Certain indole alkaloids, including vincristine and vinblastine, were verified in clinical trials or are presently undergoing clinical assessments for preventing and treating cancer. Indole alkaloids from marine resources hold a significant functionality in identifying new antitumor agents. The current literature highlights recent advancements in indole alkaloids that appear to be anticancer agents and the underlying mechanisms.

Advanced training in laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgical procedures using Genelyn®-embalmed human cadavers: A novel model.

BACKGROUND: Human cadaver is ideal for learning and acquiring new surgical skills. While cadavers preserved using Thiel's embalming method are commonly used for training in laparoscopic surgery, it is a cumbersome technique. We report our experience of using Genelyn®-embalmed cadavers for training in advanced laparoscopic gastrointestinal procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional satisfaction survey corresponding to level 1 of the Kirkpatrick model for training evaluation was performed among 19 participants of advanced laparoscopy surgical skills training workshop, in December 2019, using Genelyn®-embalmed cadavers. Visual, haptic and tactile characteristics of the organs and tissues were assessed along with overall satisfaction of the workshop using Likert scale. RESULTS: Five Genelyn®-embalmed cadavers were used for the workshop. All the 19 participants perceived that the cadavers were odourless and allowed adequate insufflation for laparoscopic procedures. Most of the participants(n=16, 84%) agreed that the appearance and tactile fidelity of the solid organs, luminal structures and tissues in Genelyn®-embalmed cadavers were similar to that of a live patient. There was a strong agreement among participants that the workshop will help improve the laparoscopic skills(median Likert score-4). CONCLUSION: The participants of the surgical skill training workshop felt that the Genelyn®-embalmed cadavers were ideal for use in practicing advanced laparoscopic procedures.

Ambidextrous techniques in cardiac surgery.

Ambidexterity is the state of being equally adept in the use of both the left and right hands. It is advantageous in surgeons, but the degree of ambidexterity found among them varies greatly. It is a very desirable attribute in laparoscopic surgery. It provides the surgeon with additional options for performing critical surgical steps when positioning and space are constrained, as is often the case in cardiac surgery and even more so in minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Mentoring for ambidexterity training can be initiated as early as during medical school.  In this tutorial we demonstrate ambidextrous surgical techniques such as the 'all in one hand' technique of using two forceps in one hand, Gilbert's technique of left internal mammary harvest, and a proximal anastomosis technique in aortocoronary bypass.

Modified carbodissection: A new technique for harvesting the internal mammary artery.

The modified carbodissection technique is a new technique for harvesting the internal mammary artery during coronary artery bypass graft surgery. It is performed using an improvised instrument that consists of an electrocautery device and a carbon dioxide blower/mister. It combines electrocautery dissection and continuous controlled gas blow dissection along with saline irrigation mist. Gas dissection causes vasodilation and maintains the artery in a dilated state during dissection. Saline flow reduces the amount of heat generated at the cautery site and prevents drying and desiccation of the tissues. This technique is safe in terms of reduced thermal injury, and reduced early arterial spasm and myocardial ischemia, and it improves vision during harvest and shortens the duration of the harvesting procedure.

Single cannula versus double cannula tracheostomy tubes in major oral and oropharyngeal resections.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of two types of tracheostomy tubes used in major head and neck surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of prospectively collected data. The post-operative safety and adequacy of a single cannula tracheostomy tube was compared to a double cannula tracheostomy tube in patients undergoing tracheostomy during major oral and oropharyngeal resections. RESULTS: Out of 46 patients with the single cannula tube, 7 (15 per cent) experienced significant obstruction warranting immediate tube removal, while another 9 (20 per cent) needed a change of tube or tube re-insertion for continued airway protection. In contrast, out of 50 patients with the double cannula tube, the corresponding numbers were 0 (p = 0.004) and 1 (2 per cent; p = 0.007) respectively. CONCLUSION: Insertion of a double cannula (instead of a single cannula) tracheostomy tube in the course of major oral and oropharyngeal resections offers better airway protection during the post-operative period.

Tweaking Electrical and Dielectric Properties of Nickel Oxide Nanocrystals by Varying the Surfactant.

The influence of cationic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and neutral polymeric polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) surfactants on electrical and dielectric properties of NiO nanocrystals is investigated. It is demonstrated that, compressive strain of nanocrystals is higher with PVP than that of CTAB. Consequently surfactant type has significant influence on intrinsic defects of nanocrystals. This is attributed to the difference in stabilization of metallic ions against agglomeration that leads to variation in rate of hydrolysis. Particularly, in the case of PVP assisted synthesis, higher stabilization leads to slow nucleation rate with lower defect density. As a result the hopping time of charge carriers decreases which in turn enhances the conductivity of nanocrystals as evidenced from the shifting of dielectric loss peak to higher frequency.

Polyamine metabolism influences antioxidant defense mechanism in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) cultivars with different salinity tolerance.

KEY MESSAGE: Polyamines can regulate the expression of antioxidant enzymes and impart plants tolerance to abiotic stresses. A comparative analysis of polyamines, their biosynthetic enzymes at kinetic and at transcriptional level, and their role in regulating the induction of antioxidant defense enzymes under salt stress condition in two foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) cultivars, namely Prasad, a salt-tolerant, and Lepakshi, a salt-sensitive cultivar was conducted. Salt stress resulted in elevation of free polyamines due to increase in the activity of spermidine synthase and S-adenosyl methionine decarboxylase enzymes in cultivar Prasad compared to cultivar Lepakshi under different levels of NaCl stress. These enzyme activities were further confirmed at the transcript level via qRT-PCR analysis. The cultivar Prasad showed a greater decrease in diamine oxidase and polyamine oxidase activity, which results in the accumulation of polyamine pools over cultivar Lepakshi. Generation of free radicals, such as O 2 (·-) and H2O2, was also analyzed quantitatively. A significant increase in O 2 (·-) and H2O2 in the cultivar Lepakshi compared with cultivar Prasad was recorded in overall pool sizes. Further, histochemical staining showed lesser accumulation of O 2 (·-) and of H2O2 in the leaves of cultivar Prasad than cultivar Lepakshi. Our results also suggest the ability of polyamine oxidation in regulating the induction of antioxidative defense enzymes, which involve in the elimination of toxic levels of O 2 (·-) and H2O2, such as Mn-superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase. The contribution of polyamines in modulating antioxidative defense mechanism in NaCl stress tolerance is discussed.

Detection of HIV drug resistance mutations in pregnant women receiving single dose Nevirapine in south India.

BACKGROUND: Single dose of Nevirapine to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV is the commonest preventive regimen in resource-limited countries. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to detect drug-resistant virus after single dose of Nevirapine (sdNVP) provided to delivering HIV seropositive (HIV+ve) women and to evaluate the time taken for its decay. RESULTS: Of the 36 consenting HIV+ve pregnant women enrolled into the study, the mean hemoglobin and total lymphocyte counts were 10.8 g/dl and 1843 cells/mm 3 , respectively. Mean CD4 counts in 64% of women was 363 cells/mm 3 and mean viral load for 16/36 women was 28,143 copies/ml of plasma. Nevirapine-resistance mutations were detected in 28% of women at delivery; using OLA (Oligonucleotide Ligation Assay). K103N mutations were seen in 19.4% of women while the Y181C mutation was seen in 5%. Both the mutations were detected in 2.7% of women. Sequential blood samples collected at delivery, 7-10 days, 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months and one year postpartum showed that 81% of K103N mutations and 66.7% of Y181C mutations were detected at 6 weeks postpartum . Wild-type virus had replaced the mutants by one year postpartum in all women except one. CONCLUSION: These observations are relevant for future treatment with antiretroviral therapy in these women for their HIV disease.

Study of metallic fibrous nanoparticle aggregate produced using femtosecond laser radiation under ambient conditions.

In this study, we report formation of weblike fibrous nanoparticle aggregate due to irradiation of bulk iron, aluminium and titanium samples using femtosecond laser radiation at MHz pulse repetition frequency in air at atmospheric pressure. Electron microscopy analysis revealed that the nanostructure is formed due to aggregation of polycrystalline nanoparticles of the respective constituent materials. The nanoparticle diameter varies between 5 and 40 nm and they are covered with an oxide layer of a few nanometres thick. X-ray diffraction and micro-Raman analysis revealed metallic and oxide phases in the nanostructure. The formation of a nanoparticle aggregate is explained by nucleation and condensation of vapour in the plasma plume and by phase explosion. Moreover the laser interaction time plays a significant role in the generation of nanostructure from bulk metals. This study provides evidence that femtosecond laser irradiation can be an ambient condition physical method for metallic fibrous nanoparticle aggregate generation.

Synthesis of Nanoscale Tips Using Femtosecond Laser Radiation under Ambient Condition.

We report a unique growth of platelet-shaped nanoscale tips of transparent dielectric using femtosecond laser radiation at MHz pulse repetition rate with nitrogen background gas flow under ambient condition. The tips grew with sharp nanoscale apex while their base and lengths are of the order of few hundred nanometers. In the absence of nitrogen, the irradiation leads to nanofibrous structure formation. The collision between the nitrogen gas atoms and the vapor species slows down plume expansion and lead to an increase of nanoparticles size. This prevents the fibrous structure formation and provides appropriate condition for nanoscale tips growth.

Synthesis of Glass Nanofibers Using Femtosecond Laser Radiation Under Ambient Condition.

We report the unique growth of nanofibers in silica and borosilicate glass using femtosecond laser radiation at 8 MHz repetition rate and a pulse width of 214 fs in air at atmospheric pressure. The nanofibers are grown perpendicular to the substrate surface from the molten material in laser-drilled microvias where they intertwine and bundle up above the surface. The fibers are few tens of nanometers in thickness and up to several millimeters in length. Further, it is found that at some places nanoparticles are attached to the fiber surface along its length. Nanofiber growth is explained by the process of nanojets formed in the molten liquid due to pressure gradient induced from the laser pulses and subsequently drawn into fibers by the intense plasma pressure. The attachment of nanoparticles is due to the condensation of vapor in the plasma.

Peritoneal dialysis in a patient with neurogenic bladder and chronic kidney disease with ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

Long-term dialysis in children with multiple handicaps has become easier with the advent of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (PD). Due to the widespread use of PD and the long survival of patients with spina bifida, an increasing number of patients with spina bifida are on PD. The viability and safety of PD in spina bifida patients with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) have been a matter of concern. Some authors consider the presence of a VPS a relative contraindication for PD, but more recent reports suggest that PD under close monitoring is not contraindicated. We report a 17-year-old girl born with meningomyelocele, hydrocephalus and neurogenic bladder who was maintained on VPS. She reached end-stage renal failure 17 years later and was put on PD based on family and patient preference. She had an uneventful course in the initial 9 months, but later developed fungal peritonitis which was successfully managed with catheter withdrawal and an intravenous antifungal agent (amphotercin 0.75 mg/kg). Simultaneous ventricle-aspirated cerebrospinal fluid was sterile. To our knowledge, this is the first report of fungal infection in such a patient. Although we share the view that PD is not an absolute contraindication in patients with a functioning VPS, its likely complications, especially infectious complications in developing countries, should be kept in mind before initiating PD in such patients.

Reduced mitochondrial coenzyme Q10 levels in HepG2 cells treated with high-dose simvastatin: a possible role in statin-induced hepatotoxicity?

Lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is well achieved by 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins). Statins inhibit the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, a precursor for cholesterol and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). In HepG2 cells, simvastatin decreased mitochondrial CoQ10 levels, and at higher concentrations was associated with a moderately higher degree of cell death, increased DNA oxidative damage and a reduction in ATP synthesis. Supplementation of CoQ10, reduced cell death and DNA oxidative stress, and increased ATP synthesis. It is suggested that CoQ10 deficiency plays an important role in statin-induced hepatopathy, and that CoQ10 supplementation protects HepG2 cells from this complication.

Niacin affects cell adhesion molecules and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in HepG2 cells.

BACKGROUND: Beyond lipid-modifying actions, niacin lowers the risk of atherothrombotic events by lowering prothrombotic factors like fibrinogen. Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) is a potential factor for atherogenesis and thrombosis, increased in acute myocardial infarctions and restenosis after angioplasty. Cell adhesion molecules (CAM) mediate adhesion, recruitment and migration of white blood cells through vascular surfaces, an essential process in atherogenesis. ICAM-1 is a significant predictor of future coronary events. Whether niacin affects ICAM-1 expression is unknown. We studied the effects of niacin on PAI-1 and CAM using HepG2 cells. METHODS: HepG2 cells were cultured in DMEM until 90% confluent. After serum starvation, cells were exposed to DME/F12 containing niacin. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) was added directly to cell media. Cell lysate and conditioned media were collected for measurement of PAI-1 by ELISA. For measurement of ICAM, cells were treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) instead. The effect of niacin on mRNA expression of ICAM-1 was studied using RT-PCR. RESULTS: Niacin reduced the TGF-beta-induced rise by 30% to 55% (p=0.002). The differences in degree of PAI-1 reduction, between different niacin concentrations, were not statistically significant. Niacin reduced TNF-alpha-induced rise in ICAM-1 levels by 66% to 89% (p<0.0001), but did not significantly affect TNF-alpha-induced rise in PECAM-1. Semiquantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that reduced TNF-alpha-induced rise in ICAM-1 mRNA expression significantly by 17% (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with niacin suppressed PAI-1 and ICAM-1 levels in HepG2 cells. Further studies to understand the mechanistic pathways of this suppression, could further explain benefits of niacin in prevention of atherosclerotic disease, and offer therapeutic avenues against the rising burden of atherothrombotic disease.

Methotrexate loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) for effective treatment of carcinoma.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) containing Methotrexate (MTX), an anticancer drug for intravenous administration was formulated and characterized. The SLN dispersions with MTX, stearic acid, and soya lecithin in the ratio of 1:4:1, 1:4:1.5, and 1:4:2, sodium taurodeoxycholate and distilled water were prepared by micro emulsification solidification method. The results show that the prepared MTX-SLN particles (with MTX-Stearic acid-Soya lecithin--1:4:2) have an average size of 270 nm with 51.3% drug entrapment. The in-vitro release was attained up to 15th h. The pharmacokinetic study reveals that the half-life and MRT of SLNs were higher than MTX solution. The life span of EAC (Ehrlich Ascite Carcinoma) bearing mice was increased when treated with MTX-SLNs (Methotrexate nanoparticles). These results clearly indicate that SLNs are a promising sustained release drug targeting system for lipophilic antitumour drugs.

Small threat and contraband detection with TNA-based systems.

The detection of small threats, such as explosives, drugs, and chemical weapons, concealed or encased in surrounding material, is a major concern in areas from security checkpoints to UneXploded Ordnance (UXO) clearance. Techniques such as X-ray and trace detection are often ineffectual in these applications. Thermal neutron analysis (TNA) provides an effective method for detecting concealed threats. This paper shows the effectiveness of Ancore's SPEDS, based on TNA, in detecting concealed liquid threats and differentiating live from inert mortar shells.

Is Posner Schlossman syndrome benign?

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical course of patients with Posner Schlossman syndrome (PSS). DESIGN: Retrospective noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-three eyes of 50 patients. METHODS: The case notes of all patients with PSS seen at the Uveitis Clinic of Singapore National Eye Centre were reviewed for evidence of glaucoma damage and risk factors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual field and optic disc changes consistent with glaucoma. RESULTS: There were 28 men and 22 women, and their mean age at onset was 35 years. Fourteen eyes (26.4%) were diagnosed to have developed glaucoma as a result of repeated attacks of PSS. Patients with 10 years or more of PSS have a 2.8 times higher risk (95% confidence interval 1.19-6.52) of developing glaucoma compared with patients with less than 10 years duration of the disease. Nine eyes (17%) underwent glaucoma filtering surgery with antimetabolites. Their postoperative follow-up ranged from 15 to 50 months (mean, 37 months). Four eyes continued to have episodes of iritis after surgery, and one of these eyes had elevated intraocular pressure during the event. CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of patients with PSS have glaucoma develop over time, and they need to have their optic disc appearance and visual fields carefully monitored.