Emotion recognition for human-computer interaction using high-level descriptors.

Recent research has focused extensively on employing Deep Learning (DL) techniques, particularly Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), for Speech Emotion Recognition (SER). This study addresses the burgeoning interest in leveraging DL for SER, specifically focusing on Punjabi language speakers. The paper presents a novel approach to constructing and preprocessing a labeled speech corpus using diverse social media sources. By utilizing spectrograms as the primary feature representation, the proposed algorithm effectively learns discriminative patterns for emotion recognition. The method is evaluated on a custom dataset derived from various Punjabi media sources, including films and web series. Results demonstrate that the proposed approach achieves an accuracy of 69%, surpassing traditional methods like decision trees, Naïve Bayes, and random forests, which achieved accuracies of 49%, 52%, and 61% respectively. Thus, the proposed method improves accuracy in recognizing emotions from Punjabi speech signals.

An indigenously developed tele-ICU model to treat severe cases of envenomation in remote regions in India.

In cases of severe envenomation due to snakebites, patients require antivenom, intensive care management, including respiratory support, haemodynamic monitoring and renal replacement therapy. Early recognition and treatment of complications such as acute kidney injury, rhabdomyolysis and coagulopathy are important to improve outcomes.Tele-ICU models can play a critical role in providing access to critical care expertise and nuanced support to remote healthcare facilities that may not have the necessary resources or expertise to manage complex cases of envenomation. With the help of telemedicine technology, remote intensivists can provide timely guidance on diagnosis and ongoing management, improving the quality of care and outcomes for patients. We discuss two patients in resource-constrained regions of India with severe envenomation who were managed with tele-ICU support.

Acute bilateral central serous chorioretinopathy in a young male after the first dose of Oxford/AstraZeneca AZD1222 (Covishield) vaccine.

We case of acute bilateral central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) after receiving the first dose of Covishield vaccine in a young, otherwise healthy male with no associated risk factors.

Natural language processing: state of the art, current trends and challenges.

Natural language processing (NLP) has recently gained much attention for representing and analyzing human language computationally. It has spread its applications in various fields such as machine translation, email spam detection, information extraction, summarization, medical, and question answering etc. In this paper, we first distinguish four phases by discussing different levels of NLP and components of Natural Language Generation followed by presenting the history and evolution of NLP. We then discuss in detail the state of the art presenting the various applications of NLP, current trends, and challenges. Finally, we present a discussion on some available datasets, models, and evaluation metrics in NLP.

A Review on the Neuroprotective Effect of Berberine against Chemotherapy- induced Cognitive Impairment.

Chemobrain is one of the major side effects of chemotherapy; despite increased research, the mechanisms underlying chemotherapy-induced cognitive changes remain unknown. Several possibly important candidate mechanisms have been identified and will be studied further in the future. Chemobrain is characterized by memory loss, cognitive impairment, difficulty in language, concentration, acceleration, and learning. The major characteristic of chemobrain is oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, immune dysregulation, hormonal alteration, white matter abnormalities, and DNA damage. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from various berberine species. BBR is a small chemical that easily passes the blood-brain barrier (BBB), making it useful for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Many studies on the pharmacology of BBR have been reported in the past. Furthermore, several clinical and experimental research indicates that BBR has a variety of pharmacological effects. So, in this review, we explore the pathogenesis of chemobrain and the neuroprotective potential of BBR against chemobrain. We also introduced the therapeutic role of BBR in various neurodegenerative and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, mental depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and also some stroke.

Quercetin ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in adult zebrafish.

BACKGROUND: Quercetin is a natural flavonoid that is known to have numerous pharmacological activities such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects against various neurological disorders. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent endotoxin, reported causing several neurological disorders. AIM: The present study was designed to investigate the possibility that quercetin ameliorates LPS induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in adult zebrafish. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Zebrafish (weighing 470-530 mg) were treated with a single injection of LPS (1 mg/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p.) followed by post-treatment with quercetin (50 and 100 mg/kg; i.p.) for 7 days. After sacrificing brain was harvested and subjected for biochemical, molecular, and histological analyses. RESULTS: Results revealed post-treatment with quercetin was able to ameliorate the behavioral abnormalities as in novel tank diving test- time spent in the top zone (TSTZ), and the number of entries in the top zone was significantly (p < 0.01) more as compared to time spent in the bottom zone (TSBZ). In the light-dark chamber test- time spent in the light zone (TSLZ), and the number of entries in the light zone were significantly (p < 0.01) more as compared to time spent in the dark compartment (TSDC). Additionally, results of histopathology (H & E stain) studies showed less disruption in neuronal cells as compared to the LPS treated group. Moreover, the results of the molecular analysis revealed that quercetin treatment significantly (p < 0.01) decrease TNF-α and IL-1ß levels as compared to LPS treated animals. Further, results of the biochemical analysis reveal that quercetin significantly (p < 0.01) reduces the level of LPO, nitrite, AChEs and increases anti-oxidant GSH. CONCLUSION: Quercetin treatment helps to prevent oxidative damage and neuroinflammation in LPS treated adult zebrafish.

Lipopolysaccharide induced altered signaling pathways in various neurological disorders.

Neuroinflammation is defined as an inflammatory response within the brain or spinal cord, whereas the brain's innate immune system is triggered by various inflammatory challenges such as injury, infection, exposure to toxin (LPS) and ageing, which result in cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a main structural component of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria, widely used systematically to stimulate the immune system and to generate profound physiological and behavioural changes. It consists of three parts: lipid A, a core oligosaccharide and an O side chain. It is reported by several scientists that, besides the systemic alteration, LPS also induces neurodegeneration by promoting neuroinflammation upon binding with the stimulation of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) receptors present on glial cells. The mammalian Toll-like receptor (TLR) family consists of 13 membranes and TLR was discovered as a crucial pattern recognition receptor (PPR) involved in the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Future studies will show that damage/danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are recognised by the involvement of PPRs, generated by the host itself. The stimulation of TLR4 by lipopolysaccharide phosphorylates two signalling pathways, namely the MyD88-dependent pathway and the MyD88-independent pathway. This activation subsequently triggers the release of various pro-inflammatory cytokines that are necessary to activate innate immune responses, and then promotes neuroinflammation. In this review, we critically demonstrated the epidemiology of neuroinflammation, types of TLRs, the molecular mechanism of TLR4 and management of neuroinflammation.

Sub-ppb mercury detection in real environmental samples with an improved rhodamine-based detection system.

A new procedure is described for the determination of Hg2+ ions in water samples. A Rhodamine based fluorescent sensor was synthesized and the experimental conditions were specifically optimized for application to environmental samples, which requires low detection limits and high selectivity in competitive experiments with realistic concentrations of other metal ions. Incorporation of a Rhodamine-6G fluorophore to a previously described sensor and optimization of the buffer system (detection with acetic acid at pH 5.25) enabled significant enhancement of the sensitivity (detection limit = 0.27 µg L-1) and selectivity. The optimized procedure using high-throughput microplates has been applied to tap and river waters with good results.

Physical activity levels among the adults of Majha region of Punjab, India: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To construct a physical activity profile of the adult population of the Majha region of the Indian Punjab. METHODS: The study included a total of 1130 adult participants aged 18 to 64 years comprising both genders, from rural, urban, and different sociodemographic backgrounds from the four districts of the Majha region of Punjab. The WHO's STEPwise approach to Surveillance instrument for noncommunicable diseases was used to collect data for the selected variables such as physical activity levels, demographic characteristics, behavioral parameters (daily screen time, fruit intake/week, and vegetable intake/week), physical characteristics and self-reported history of cardiovascular diseases, raised blood pressure, diabetes, and raised cholesterol. The likelihood of physical inactivity was predicted based on independent variables using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 56.81% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 53.9-59.7) of participants were not sufficiently active as per WHO's moderate- to vigorous-intensity recommendations. Obesity and overweight were observed among 40.2% of the participants. Mean minutes/day of smartphone screen time was 86.11 (CI: 79.48-92.71). Mean fruit (4.69 CI: 4.42-4.95) and vegetable (15.35 CI: 15.08-15.62) weekly consumption was lower than the WHO's recommendations. Work status, residence, annual household income, smartphone screen time, history of raised blood pressure, history of diabetes, and history of raised cholesterol were significant predictors of insufficient physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found a high prevalence of physical inactivity. Being a government employee, being an urban resident, having a middle-level annual household income, high smartphone screen time and having a history of raised blood pressure, diabetes, and raised cholesterol were all significant predictors of physical inactivity.

COVID-19-Induced Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in an Obese 24-Year-Old Type I Diabetic.

BACKGROUND In early 2020, severe acute respiratory syndrome-corona virus 2 caused an outbreak of a viral pneumonia that rapidly progressed to a global pandemic. Most cases presented with mild respiratory symptoms and required only supportive care with instructions to self-quarantine at home. Others had more severe symptoms that became complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and required hospitalization. CASE REPORT In this report, we present the case of a young patient in New York City who presented to our hospital with coronavirus disease 2019-induced diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) that progressed to ARDS and subsequent death. The patient was managed for DKA on presentation with insulin protocol and acidosis management. However, it became evident that he had underlying respiratory complications, which later presented as ARDS requiring mechanical ventilation and antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS We recommend that clinicians be aware of this potentially fatal complication in all patients with pre-existing diabetes. Simultaneously, a low threshold for intubation should be advocated for patients with concurrent COVID-19 and type I diabetes mellitus since the potential for poor clinical outcomes from respiratory demise may be lessened by early respiratory intervention.

What are we missing? Three cases of severe COVID-19 pneumonia with negative testing.

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected health care systems globally. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction is currently the preferred method of detecting COVID-19; however, sensitivity of this test remains questionable. Incidental transmission and potential harm to infected individuals are some consequences of the failure to identify high-risk patients. We report three cases of symptomatic patients that required intensive care management with labs and imaging consistent with COVID-19 with initial false-negative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction testing. Improper sampling, viral load, and manufacturer variances of tests all contribute to reduced sensitivity. A clinical diagnosis should supplant such cases.

It's complicated: A case report on a COVID-19-positive HIV patient presenting with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury.

The SARS-Cov-2/COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 has had a devastating impact on health systems around the world. While viral pneumonia remains the most common complication, reports are surfacing of cases with neurological, cardiac, and renal involvement. Even less is known about the implications in special high-risk populations. In this report, we discuss a unique case of an HIV-positive patient in New York City who presented with a 2-week history of worsening fatigue, cough, dyspnea, and myalgias and was found to have COVID-19 pneumonia and acute kidney injury. He was managed for severe uremic metabolic acidosis and electrolyte abnormalities with emergent hemodialysis and supportive therapy with subsequent improvement. Direct involvement of SARS-CoV-2 and pneumonia-induced rhabdomyolysis were identified as the precipitating factors of his acute kidney injury. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of acute kidney injury, SARS-CoV-2 renal tropism, and the impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy on COVID-19 pneumonia are discussed. We highlight the importance of clinician awareness of this potentially fatal complication of COVID-19 pneumonia, particularly in the HIV-positive population as early recognition and management can have favorable outcomes.

Prevalence of Vertebral Fractures in CTPA's in Adults Aged 75 and Older and Their Association with Subsequent Fractures and Mortality.

Identifying vertebral fractures is prudent in the management of osteoporosis and the current literature suggests that less than one-third of incidental vertebral fractures are reported. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of reported and unreported vertebral fractures in computerized tomography pulmonary angiograms (CTPA) and their relevance to clinical outcomes. All acutely unwell patients aged 75 or older who underwent CTPAs were reviewed retrospectively. 179 CTPAs were reviewed to identify any unreported vertebral fractures. A total of 161 were included for further analysis. Of which, 14.3% (23/161) were reported to have a vertebral fracture, however, only 8.7% (14/161) of reports used the correct terminology of 'fracture'. On subsequent review, an additional 19.3% (31/161) were noted to have vertebral fractures. Therefore, the overall prevalence of vertebral fractures was 33.5% (54/161). A total of 22.2% (12/54) of patients with a vertebral fracture on CTPA sustained a new fragility fracture during the follow-up period (4.5 years). In comparison, a significantly lower 10.3% (11/107) of patients without a vertebral fracture developed a subsequent fragility fracture during the same period (p = 0.04). Overall mortality during the follow-up period was significantly higher for patients with vertebral fractures (68.5%, 37/54) as compared to those without (45.8%, 49/107, p = 0.006). Vertebral fractures within the elderly population are underreported on CTPAs. The significance of detecting incidental vertebral fractures is clear given the increased rates of subsequent fractures and mortality. Radiologists and physicians alike must be made aware of the importance of identifying and treating incidental, vertebral fragility fractures.

More than Just Pneumonia: Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Two Middle-Aged Patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Although severe pneumonia and respiratory compromise have remained the predominant complications of coronavirus disease 19, we are now learning this virus is much more varied in its presentation. In particular, there are increasingly reported cases of thromboembolic events occurring in infected patients. Case Report. In this report, we present two patients, both under the age of 40 with known risk factors for venous thromboembolism, who presented with respiratory distress. Both patients were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and pulmonary embolism requiring management with anticoagulation. Both patients were discharged after a short course in the hospital. CONCLUSION: The discussion of a hypercoagulable state induced by coronavirus disease 19 has been well documented; however, the exact mechanisms remain unknown. We suspect that a prothrombotic inflammatory response provoked by coronavirus disease could be the culprit, acting as an additive effect on middle-aged patients with known risk factors for venous thromboembolism. We recommend clinicians closely monitor those with known risk factors for pulmonary embolism.

COVID-19: The Case of Three Patients with the Same Diagnosis but Different Clinical and Laboratory Features.

SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus that causes COVID-19, which has been responsible for the pandemic that was declared in early 2020. Its pathological effect is majorly in the respiratory tract, but its full pathogenicity remains a mystery. Symptoms associated with COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Some patients develop other symptoms like diarrhea. However, it is possible for other organs to be affected including the central nervous system, liver, and blood cells. The purpose of this case series is to unravel other factors associated with this disease, so we report three cases of COVID-19 that were hospitalized during the pandemic.

A 30-year-old male with COVID-19 presenting with seizures and leukoencephalopathy.

First reported in Wuhan, China, Novel Coronavirus Disease-19 rapidly spread causing an outbreak of viral pneumonia and became a pandemic in early 2020. It was later discovered to be caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, a novel coronavirus. Although the vast majority of cases have primarily involved the respiratory system, some serious cases have started to emerge with central and peripheral nervous system complications. We present the case of a 30-year-old morbidly obese male who initially presented to the emergency department with seizures, altered mental status, and COVID-19 pneumonia. After a 21-day hospital course including 14 days of intensive care unit management, he was stabilized and discharged to a rehabilitation facility. He returned 1 day later with worsening respiratory distress and was found to have acute pulmonary embolism requiring placement of an inferior vena cava filter. After an additional 6 days in the hospital, he was discharged back to the outpatient facility. He returned for a third time with altered mental status, visual and auditory hallucinations, and confabulation. This report provides critical information in revealing a peculiar neurological sequela of COVID-19 induced leukoencephalopathy and its disease course. We hope to shed light on this sequence of events by providing possible mechanisms to aid clinicians in the identification and management of this complication.

Statistical inference based on generalized Lindley record values.

This paper addresses the problems of frequentist and Bayesian estimation for the unknown parameters of generalized Lindley distribution based on lower record values. We first derive the exact explicit expressions for the single and product moments of lower record values, and then use these results to compute the means, variances and covariance between two lower record values. We next obtain the maximum likelihood estimators and associated asymptotic confidence intervals. Furthermore, we obtain Bayes estimators under the assumption of gamma priors on both the shape and the scale parameters of the generalized Lindley distribution, and associated the highest posterior density interval estimates. The Bayesian estimation is studied with respect to both symmetric (squared error) and asymmetric (linear-exponential (LINEX)) loss functions. Finally, we compute Bayesian predictive estimates and predictive interval estimates for the future record values. To illustrate the findings, one real data set is analyzed, and Monte Carlo simulations are performed to compare the performances of the proposed methods of estimation and prediction.

The protective effect of the TSPO ligands 2,4-Di-Cl-MGV-1, CB86, and CB204 against LPS-induced M1 pro-inflammatory activation of microglia.

We have shown previously, that the 18 â€‹kDa translocator protein (TSPO) synthetic ligands quinazoline derivatives (2-Cl-MGV-1 and MGV-1) can inhibit activation of in BV-2 microglial cells. In the present study we assessed the impact of novel TSPO ligands on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced microglial activation as expressed by release of pro-inflammatory molecules, including cytokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1ß, interferon- γ (IFN-γ)] nitric oxide (NO), CD8, and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2). The TSPO ligands 2,4-Di-Cl-MGV-1, CB86, and CB204 counteracted with the LPS-induced microglial activation. Exposure to LPS along with the TSPO ligand 2,4-Di-Cl-MGV-1 (25 â€‹µM) reduced significantly the release of NO by 24-, IL-6 by 14-, IL-ß by 14-, IFN- γ by 6-, and TNF-α by 29-folds, respectively. In contrast to the anti-neuroinflammatory effect of the TSPO ligands, the effect of diclofenac sodium (DS; 25 â€‹µM) did not reach statistical significance. No alterations in IL-10 and IL-13 were detected (M2 anti-inflammatory pathway) during the inhibition of M1 pro-inflammatory pathway.

Pd-Catalyzed Selective Remote Ring Opening of Polysubstituted Cyclopropanols.

The distant functionalization of ω-ene cyclopropanols is induced by a Pd-catalyzed Heck reaction triggering a "metal-walk" and selective ring-opening of the three-membered ring. This approach provides a new class of acyclic aldehydes possessing concomitantly a stereodefined double bond and a quaternary carbon stereocenter α to the carbonyl group.