Machine learning for cognitive behavioral analysis: datasets, methods, paradigms, and research directions.

Human behaviour reflects cognitive abilities. Human cognition is fundamentally linked to the different experiences or characteristics of consciousness/emotions, such as joy, grief, anger, etc., which assists in effective communication with others. Detection and differentiation between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are paramount in learning to control our emotions and respond more effectively in stressful circumstances. The ability to perceive, analyse, process, interpret, remember, and retrieve information while making judgments to respond correctly is referred to as Cognitive Behavior. After making a significant mark in emotion analysis, deception detection is one of the key areas to connect human behaviour, mainly in the forensic domain. Detection of lies, deception, malicious intent, abnormal behaviour, emotions, stress, etc., have significant roles in advanced stages of behavioral science. Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning (AI/ML) has helped a great deal in pattern recognition, data extraction and analysis, and interpretations. The goal of using AI and ML in behavioral sciences is to infer human behaviour, mainly for mental health or forensic investigations. The presented work provides an extensive review of the research on cognitive behaviour analysis. A parametric study is presented based on different physical characteristics, emotional behaviours, data collection sensing mechanisms, unimodal and multimodal datasets, modelling AI/ML methods, challenges, and future research directions.

Assessment of plaque vulnerability in carotid atherosclerotic plaques using contrast-enhanced ultrasound.

Background: Atherosclerotic carotid plaques are one of the most important causes of stroke. Apart from the severity of stenosis, there are certain plaque characteristics such as neovascularization and, surface ulceration which makes a plaque vulnerable. This study was performed to study the plaque characteristics using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and evaluate their association with presence of ischemic cerebrovascular symptoms in these patients. Methods: This study included patients presenting at a tertiary care center, having carotid plaques causing >60% stenosis. CEUS was performed for assessment of intraplaque neovascularity and plaque surface characteristics. These plaque features were then evaluated for their association with presence of ischemic cerebrovascular symptoms in patients. Results: Sixty plaques were studied in 50 patients. Thirty-two plaques were associated with ischemic cerebrovascular symptoms. On CEUS, intraplaque neovascularization was seen in 38 of the 60 plaques studied (63.3%). There was statistically significant association of intraplaque neovascularity and plaque surface characteristics with presence of ischemic cerebrovascular symptoms. Conclusion: CEUS allows better characterization of plaque surface characteristics and also depicts plaque neovascularization, which helps in determining the plaque vulnerability. It should be used as an adjunct to ultrasound and doppler assessment of carotid plaques.

Pharmaceutical aspects of silver nanoparticles.

Silver nanoparticles are particles in the size ranging between 1 and 100 nm. The two major methods used for synthesis of silver nanoparticle are the physical and chemical methods with the disadvantage that they are expensive and can also have toxicity. Biological method is being used as an expedient alternative, as this approach is environment-friendly and less toxic and it includes plant extracts, microorganism, fungi, etc. The major applications of silver nanoparticles in the medical field include diagnostic applications and therapeutic applications, apart from its antimicrobial activity. Due to their nanotoxicity, AgNPs have a several drawbacks too. This review presents a complete view of the mechanism of action, synthesis, the pharmacokinetics of silver nanoparticles, different formulations of AgNPs used in biomedical applications, infertility management, antibacterial effects, skin damage, burns, cancer treatment, etc. and various applications of silver nanoparticles together with the possible toxicological challenge.

Development and characterization of surface engineered PPI dendrimers for targeted drug delivery.

In this study, we reported folate-conjugated polypropylene imine dendrimers (FA-PPI) as efficient carrier for model anticancer drug, methotrexate (MTX), for pH-sensitive drug release, selective targeting to cancer cells, and anticancer activity. In the in vitro drug release studies this nanoconjugate of MTX showed initial rapid release followed by gradual slow release, and the drug release was found to be pH sensitive with greater release at acidic pH. The ex vivo investigations with human breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7, showed enhanced cytotoxicity of MTX-FA-PPI with significantly enhanced intracellular uptake. The biofate of nanoconjugate was determined in Wistar rat where MTX-FA-PPI showed 37.79-fold increase in the concentration of MTX in liver after 24 h in comparison with free MTX formulation.

Influence of imazethapyr and quizalofop-p-ethyl application on microbial biomass and enzymatic activity in peanut grown soil.

A field experiment was conducted to examine the degradation and impact of two post-emergence herbicides (imazethapyr and quizalofop-p-ethyl) on soil ecosystems at a half recommended rate (HRE), recommended rate (RE), and double recommended rate (DRE) during kharif peanut cultivation. Herbicides were innocuous to soil microbial activity at HRE, however, showed some significant influences at RE and DRE, and exerted temporary toxic effects on microbial biomass carbon and fluorescein diacetate hydrolyzing activity. Dehydrogenase activity also declined for a shorter period except imazethapyr application at DRE. Acid phosphatase activity was inhibited whereas alkaline phosphatase activity fluctuated between promotion and inhibition, but promotion was predominant suggesting a direct role of alkaline soil environment. Soil NH4+ and NO3- nitrogen were increased by the herbicides at initial (after 7 days) and last phases (after 30 days), respectively. After an early period of inhibition, urease activity returned to the control level after 30 days. Dissipation of imazethapyr residues fitted best to bi-exponential order rate kinetics at DRE and RE, whereas it followed first-order rate kinetics at HRE. The residues of quizalofop-p-ethyl were found only up to 1 day after application suggesting its rapid conversion to active acid metabolites. Both the herbicides had transient harmful effects on most of the soil microbiological parameters.

Biomedical Applications of Carbon Nanotubes: A Critical Review.

The convergence of nano and biotechnology is enabling scientific and technical knowledge for improving human well being. Carbon nanotubes have become most fascinating material to be studied and unveil new avenues in the field of nanobiotechnology. The nanometer size and high aspect ratio of the CNTs are the two distinct features, which have contributed to diverse biomedical applications. They have captured the attention as nanoscale materials due to their nanometric structure and remarkable list of superlative and extravagant properties that encouraged their exploitation for promising applications. Significant progress has been made in order to overcome some of the major hurdles towards biomedical application of nanomaterials, especially on issues regarding the aqueous solubility/dispersion and safety of CNTs. Functionalized CNTs have been used in drug targeting, imaging, and in the efficient delivery of gene and nucleic acids. CNTs have also demonstrated great potential in diverse biomedical uses like drug targeting, imaging, cancer treatment, tissue regeneration, diagnostics, biosensing, genetic engineering and so forth. The present review highlights the possible potential of CNTs in diagnostics, imaging and targeted delivery of bioactives and also outlines the future opportunities for biomedical applications.

Development and Characterization of the Paclitaxel loaded Riboflavin and Thiamine Conjugated Carbon Nanotubes for Cancer Treatment.

PURPOSE: In the present investigation, we prepared and evaluated the paclitaxel loaded riboflavin and thiamine conjugated multi walled carbon nanotubes (PTX-Rf-MWCNTs and PTX-Tm-MWCNTs) for targeted delivery to cancer employing MCF-7 cancer cell lines. METHODS: The developed conjugates were characterized using FTIR, NMR spectroscopy, electron microscopy drug loading, release, stability, hemolytic, ex vivo and in vivo studies etc. RESULTS: The percent entrapment efficiency was found to be 87.92 ± 0.48 and 82.75 ± 0.47% of PTX-Tm-MWCNTs, PTX-Rf-MWCNTs, respectively. The percent hemolysis of purified MWCNTs, PTX-MWCNTs, PTX-Tm-MWCNTs and PTX-Rf-MWCNTs was found to be 20.49 ± 0.97, 37.39 ± 0.78, 14.61 ± 0.84 and 11.17 ± 0.77% respectively. The PTX-Tm-MWCNTs and PTX-Rf-MWCNTs showed more cytotoxic effect as compared to PTX and PTX-MWCNTs with PTX-Rf-MWCNTs exhibiting the maximum cytotoxic potential. CONCLUSION: Thus in final outcome, we concluded that the riboflavin and thiamine conjugated MWCNTs shown great promising potential in the treatment of cancer, but more exhaustive data is needed in future.

Dendrimers in anticancer drug delivery: mechanism of interaction of drug and dendrimers.

Dendrimers represents a novel class of macromolecules, which are derived from branches upon branches type structural design. Dendrimers are emerging as promising drug-delivery molecule because of their extraordinary properties including membrane interaction, monodispersity, well-defined size, shape and molecular weight, etc. Drugs interact with dendrimers in three ways; (a) physical encapsulation, (b) electrostatic interactions, and (c) covalent conjugations. Due to compact, globular structure and availability of interior cavity spaces and multiple surface functional groups, drug molecules can be encapsulated both in the interior of the dendrimers (physical encapsulation) as well as attached to the surface functional groups (covalent conjugations).

Kommerell's diverticulum: A rare aortic arch anomaly.

Anomalies of the aortic arch associated with diverticulum are rare. We present a case of incidentally detected right-sided aortic arch with Kommerell's diverticulum and aberrant left subclavian artery.

Enhanced skin delivery of aceclofenac via hydrogel-based solid lipid nanoparticles.

The aim of the present study was to develop solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and formulate a hydrogel for enhanced topical delivery of aceclofenac (ACF). The SLN were prepared by the ultrasonic emulsification method and optimized on the basis of stirring speed and lipid content. The optimized formulation was characterized for particle size (189 ± 9.2 nm), polydispersity index (PDI) (0.162 ± 0.02), zeta potential (-32.51 ± 0.12 mV), entrapment efficiency (86.51 ± 2.46%), surface morphology, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In vivo performance of ACF-loaded SLN hydrogel showed prolonged inhibition of edema, as compared to that observed using plain ACF hydrogel, after 24 h. The results demonstrated that the ACF-SLN formulation for skin targeting could be a promising carrier for topical delivery of ACF.

Simultaneous analysis of herbicides pendimethalin, oxyfluorfen, imazethapyr and quizalofop-p-ethyl by LC-MS/MS and safety evaluation of their harvest time residues in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

This paper reports a simple and rapid method for simultaneous determination of the residues of selected herbicides viz. pendimethalin, oxyfluorfen, imazethapyr and quizalofop-p-ethyl in peanut by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A modified approach of the QuEChERS methodology was used to extract the herbicides from the peanut kernel without any clean-up. The method showed excellent linearity (r(2) > 0.99) with no significant matrix effect. Accuracy of the method in terms of average recoveries of all the four herbicides ranged between 69.4 -94.4 % at spiking levels of 0.05, 0.10 and 0.25 mg kg(-1) with intra-day and inter-day precision RSD (%) between 2.6-16.6 and 8.0-11.3, respectively. Limit of quantification (LOQs) was 5.0 µg kg(-1) for pendimethalin, imazethapyr and quizalofop-p-ethyl and 10.0 µg kg(-1) for oxyfluorfen. The expanded uncertainties were <11 % for determination of these herbicides in peanut. The proposed method was successfully applied for analysis of these herbicide residues in peanut samples harvested from the experimental field and the residues were below the detection level.

Cancer targeting propensity of folate conjugated surface engineered multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

Our main aim in the present investigation was to investigate the cancer targeting potential of docetaxel (DTX) loaded, folic acid (FA) terminated, poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) conjugated, surface engineered multi walled carbon nanotubes (DTX/FA-PEG-MWCNTs) in tumor bearing Balb/c mice. The percent loading efficiency of DTX/FA-PEG-MWCNTs and DTX loaded MWCNTS (DTX/MWCNTs) was calculated to be 93.40±3.82% and 76.30±2.62%, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis suggested that the DTX/FA-PEG-MWCNTs arrested MCF-7 cells' cycle in the G2 phase and was more cytotoxic as compared to DTX/MWCNTs as well as free drug solution. The obtained pharmacokinetic parameters clearly describe the biocompatibility of engineered nanotubes to degree of functionalization and ability for prolonged residence inside the body. DTX/FA-PEG-MWCNTs was found to be significantly more efficient in tumor suppression as compared with plain MWCNTs (non-targeted) as well as drug solution owing to the enhanced drug release from endosomes after internalization. The DTX/FA-PEG-MWCNTs showed highly significant prolonged survival span (40 days) as compared to DTX/MWCNTs (24 days), free DTX (19 days) and control group (12 days). Overall, we can conclude that the DTX/FA-PEG-MWCNTs shows higher cancer targeting propensity vis a vis minimal side effects in tumor bearing Balb/c mice.

Vaccines for visceral leishmaniasis: A review.

Visceral leishmaniasis, which is also known as Kala-Azar, is one of the most severely neglected tropical diseases recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). The threat of this debilitating disease continues due to unavailability of promising drug therapy or human vaccine. An extensive research is undergoing to develop a promising vaccine to prevent this devastating disease. In this review we compiled the findings of recent research with a view to facilitate knowledge on experimental vaccinology for visceral leishmaniasis. Various killed or attenuated parasite based first generation vaccines, second generation vaccines based on antigenic protein or recombinant protein, and third generation vaccines derived from antigen-encoding DNA plasmids including heterologous prime-boost Leishmania vaccine have been examined for control and prevention of visceral leishmaniasis. Vaccines based on recombinant protein and antigen-encoding DNA plasmids have given promising results and few vaccines including Leishmune®, Leishtec, and CaniLeish® have been licensed for canine visceral leishmaniasis. A systematic investigation of these vaccine candidates can lead to development of promising vaccine for human visceral leishmaniasis, most probably in the near future.

Development and characterization of folate anchored Saquinavir entrapped PLGA nanoparticles for anti-tumor activity.

OBJECTIVE: Saquinavir (SQV) is a US-FDA approved HIV protease inhibitor (HPI) for HIV cure. The purpose of the present investigation was to develop and characterize the anticancer potential of the SQV-loaded folic acid (FA) conjugated PEGylated and non-PEGylated poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) (SQV-Fol-PEG-PLGA and SQV-Fol-PLGA) employing PC-3 (human prostate) and MCF-7 (human breast) cancer cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Developed NPs were characterized by IR, NMR, DSC, XRD, size, charge and further tested for drug loading and cellular uptake properties. RESULT: The entrapment efficiency was found to be 56 ± 0.60 and 58 ± 0.80 w/v for SQV-Fol-PEG-PLGA and SQV-PLGA NPs, respectively. The obtained results of SQV-Fol-PEG-PLGA showed enhanced cytotoxicity and cellular uptake and were most preferentially taken up by the cancerous cells via folate receptor-mediated endocytosis (RME) mechanism. At 260 µM concentration, SQV-PLGA NPs and SQV-Fol-PEG-PLGA NPs showed 20%, 20% and 23% cell growth inhibition in PC-3 cells, respectively whereas in MCF-7 cells it was 12%, 15% and 14% cell growth inhibition, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Developed targeted SQV-Fol-PEG-PLGA NPs were superior anticancer potential as compared to non-targeted SQV-PLGA NPs. Thus, these targeted NPs provide another option for anticancer drug delivery scientists.

Surface engineered and ligand anchored nanobioconjugate: an effective therapeutic approach for oral insulin delivery in experimental diabetic rats.

The present study was designed to enhance intestinal absorption of insulin by nanobioconjugate formulated with PEGylation and Concanavalin A based targeted synergistic approach. The attempts were aimed at maximizing bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of insulin by incorporating it in Concanavalin A anchored PEGylated nanoconstructs. The Con A anchored PEGylated PLGA diblock copolymer was synthesized by modified surface functionalization method, and was then characterized by FTIR and 1H NMR spectrum analysis. The nanoparticles from synthesized polymers were prepared and characterized for mean size and distribution by laser diffraction spectroscopy. The physicochemically characterized (by SEM and TEM) formulations were evaluated for optimum particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency 196.3±4.5 nm, 0.15±0.04, -25.6±1.68 and 44.6±3.5% respectively. The insulin encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release were assessed by bicinchoninic protein assay (BCA). The in vitro results corroborated in vivo studies carried out in experimentally created diabetic albino rats. The nano-encapsulated insulin was discovered to meet the requirements by achieving better stability, improved absorption and enhanced oral bioavailability elucidated by in vivo and in vitro bioassays.

Nanostructured lipid carriers based nanogel for meloxicam delivery: mechanistic, in-vivo and stability evaluation.

AIM: Our investigation was aimed to investigate the potential suitability of meloxicam-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (MLX-NLC) gel for topical application. MAIN METHODS: MLX-NLC gel was prepared and in vivo skin penetration ability of the NLC gel was evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy. We studied the effect of MLX-NLC gel on the changes in lipid profile of skin to get an insight into its skin penetration enhancement mechanism. Acetic acid induced writhing test was performed to evaluate the analgesic effect. Drug concentration-time profile of MLX in rat plasma and skin after topical and oral treatment with MLX-NLC gel and oral MLX-solution, respectively, was observed. MLX-NLC gel was subjected to primary skin irritation test, sub-acute dermal toxicity study. Storage stability of MLX-NLC gel was also assessed for 90 days. KEY FINDINGS: NLC gel was effective in permeating Rhodamine 123 to deeper layers of rat skin. Changes in skin lipid prolife were observed in the rat skin on treatment with MLX-NLC gel and the results supported skin lipid extraction as a possible penetration enhancement mechanism. MLX-NLC gel demonstrated sustained pain inhibitory effect. Pharmacokinetics study established that topical application of MLX-NLC gel had the potential to avoid systemic uptake and hence the risk of systemic adverse effects. MLX-NLC gel demonstrated good skin tolerability and biosafety. Excellent physical stability of nanogel was observed at 4 ± 2 °C. SIGNIFICANCE: The study revealed that NLC gel is a promising carrier system for the topical application of MLX without side effects.

One platform comparison of estrone and folic acid anchored surface engineered MWCNTs for doxorubicin delivery.

Our main aim in the present investigation was to assess and compare the in vitro and in vivo cancer targeting propensity of doxorubicin (DOX) loaded folic acid (FA) and estrone (ES) anchored PEGylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) employing tumor bearing Balb/c mice. The DOX was loaded into the developed functionalized MWCNTs after proper characterization using dialysis diffusion method. The in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies were performed on the MCF-7 cell line for assessment of the cancer targeting propensity. Both qualitative and quantitative cell uptake studies indicated the preferential higher uptake of estrone anchored nanotube formulation compared to other formulations and free DOX owing to the overexpression of estrogen receptors (ERs) on human breast MCF-7 cells. Similarly, the pharmacokinetic and increased antitumor activities also confirmed the elevated cancer targeting propensity of the estrone and folic acid anchored MWCNT formulations. The DOX/ES-PEG-MWCNTs has also shown significantly longer survival span (43 days) than free DOX (18 days) and control group (12 days). Present outcomes from the ex vivo and in vivo studies are deemed to be of great scientific value and shall assist targeted drug delivery formulation scientists for selection of the targeting moieties in the treatment of human breast cancer.

Tissue eosinophilia in head and neck squamous neoplasia: an update.

Eosinophils are multifunctional granulocytes that play an imperative role in health and disease. They have also been found to be a crucial component of peri- and intratumoral inflammatory infiltrate. Tumor-associated tissue eosinophilia (TATE) has been observed and described in many tumors, including head and neck neoplasia. The process of eosinophil recruitment and its function in tumors has not been exactly defined yet. Correlation of tissue eosinophilia with prognosis has shown variable results ranging from favourable to unfavourable prognosis or even having no influence on patients outcome. Eosinophils are hypothesized to have tumor defensive as well as tumor promotive function. This dichotomous role of tissue eosinophilia with regard to prognosis has also been noted in head and neck neoplasia and premalignancies. So, the present review attempts to discuss TATE and its possible pros and cons in head and neck neoplasia.

Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition attenuates hypoxic cancer cells induced m2-polarization of macrophages.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), represent a major subpopulation of tumor infiltrating immune cells. These alternatively activated M2-polarized macrophages are well known for their pro-tumor functions. Owing to their established role in potentiating tumor-neovasculogenesis and metastasis, TAMs have emerged as promising target for anti-cancer immunotherapy. One of the key TAMs related phenomenon that is amenable to therapeutic intervention is their phenotype switching into alternatively activated M2-polarized macrophages. Hindering macrophage polarization towards a pro-tumor M2 phenotype, or better still reprogramming the M2 like TAMs towards M1 subtype is being considered a beneficial anti-cancer strategy. Hypoxic tumor milieu has been proposed as one of the most plausible factor governing M2-polarization of macrophages. We recently demonstrated that hypoxic tumor cells imparted a pro­angiogenic M2 skewed phenotype to macrophages. Furthermore, sizeable body of data indicates for participation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in macrophage polarization. Concordantly, inhibition of COX-2 is associated with impaired macrophage polarization. Prompted by this in the current study we decided to explore if inhibition of COX-2 activity via chemical inhibitors may prevent hypoxic cancer cell induced M2-polarization of macrophages. We observed that treatment with Flunixin meglumine, an established preferential inhibitor of COX-2 activity markedly inhibited hypoxic cancer cell induced of M2-polarization of macrophages thereby indicating for usage of COX-2 inhibition as possible anti-cancer treatment modality.