Interactive Visualization Applications in Population Health and Health Services Research: Systematic Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Simple visualizations in health research data, such as scatter plots, heat maps, and bar charts, typically present relationships between 2 variables. Interactive visualization methods allow for multiple related facets such as numerous risk factors to be studied simultaneously, leading to data insights through exploring trends and patterns from complex big health care data. The technique presents a powerful tool that can be used in combination with statistical analysis for knowledge discovery, hypothesis generation and testing, and decision support. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this scoping review is to describe and summarize the evidence of interactive visualization applications, methods, and tools being used in population health and health services research (HSR) and their subdomains in the last 15 years, from January 1, 2005, to March 30, 2019. Our secondary objective is to describe the use cases, metrics, frameworks used, settings, target audience, goals, and co-design of applications. METHODS: We adapted standard scoping review guidelines with a peer-reviewed search strategy: 2 independent researchers at each stage of screening and abstraction, with a third independent researcher to arbitrate conflicts and validate findings. A comprehensive abstraction platform was built to capture the data from diverse bodies of literature, primarily from the computer science and health care sectors. After screening 11,310 articles, we present findings from 56 applications from interrelated areas of population health and HSR, as well as their subdomains such as epidemiologic surveillance, health resource planning, access, and use and costs among diverse clinical and demographic populations. RESULTS: In this companion review to our earlier systematic synthesis of the literature on visual analytics applications, we present findings in 6 major themes of interactive visualization applications developed for 8 major problem categories. We found a wide application of interactive visualization methods, the major ones being epidemiologic surveillance for infectious disease, resource planning, health service monitoring and quality, and studying medication use patterns. The data sources included mostly secondary administrative and electronic medical record data. In addition, at least two-thirds of the applications involved participatory co-design approaches while introducing a distinct category, embedded research, within co-design initiatives. These applications were in response to an identified need for data-driven insights into knowledge generation and decision support. We further discuss the opportunities stemming from the use of interactive visualization methods in studying global health; inequities, including social determinants of health; and other related areas. We also allude to the challenges in the uptake of these methods. CONCLUSIONS: Visualization in health has strong historical roots, with an upward trend in the use of these methods in population health and HSR. Such applications are being fast used by academic and health care agencies for knowledge discovery, hypotheses generation, and decision support. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/14019.

Fluorescent and Phosphorescent Nitrogen-Containing Heterocycles and Crown Ethers: Biological and Pharmaceutical Applications.

Fluorescent molecules absorb photons of specific wavelengths and emit a longer wavelength photon within nanoseconds. Recently, fluorescent materials have been widely used in the life and material sciences. Fluorescently labelled heterocyclic compounds are useful in bioanalytical applications, including in vivo imaging, high throughput screening, diagnostics, and light-emitting diodes. These compounds have various therapeutic properties, including antifungal, antitumor, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities. Different neutral fluorescent markers containing nitrogen heterocycles (quinolones, azafluoranthenes, pyrazoloquinolines, etc.) have several electrochemical, biological, and nonlinear optic applications. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which destroys tumors and keeps normal tissues safe, works in the presence of molecular oxygen with light and a photosensitizing drugs (dye) to obtain a therapeutic effect. These compounds can potentially be effective templates for producing devices used in biological research. Blending crown compounds with fluorescent residues to create sensors has been frequently investigated. Florescent heterocyclic compounds (crown ether) increase metal solubility in non-aqueous fluids, broadening the application window. Fluorescent supramolecular polymers have widespread use in fluorescent materials, fluorescence probing, data storage, bio-imaging, drug administration, reproduction, biocatalysis, and cancer treatment. The employment of fluorophores, including organic chromophores and crown ethers, which have high selectivity, sensitivity, and stability constants, opens up new avenues for research. Fluorescent organic compounds are gaining importance in the biological world daily because of their diverse functionality with remarkable structural features and positive properties in the fields of medicine, photochemistry, and spectroscopy.

Prospective randomized study comparing outcome of myocardial protection with Del-Nido Cardioplegia versus Saint Thomas Cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgical patients.

Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of Del-Nido cardioplegia as myocardial protective agent with Saint Thomas cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgical patients. Methods: This prospective randomized study was conducted in cardiac surgery department of Bahawal Victoria hospital Bahawalpur, from October 2020 to March 2021. Eighty adult patients who underwent primary Isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or isolated Valve surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass were randomly divided into Del Nido (DN, n=40) and Saint Thomas (ST, n=40) groups. Data regarding operative and post-operative variables such as cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and aortic cross clamp (AXC) times, inotropic requirements, resumption of sinus rhythm, need for electrical defibrillation, post-operative CKMB, blood requirement and ICU stay were noted. Results: CPB and AXC times were statistically insignificantly different. Resumption of Sinus rhythm was seen significantly in more patients of DN group (95%) than in ST group (72.5%) [p-value 0.05]. Less patients of DN group (5%) were candidates of electrical defibrillation than ST group (17.5%) [p-value <0.001). Post- operative CKMB values were significantly lower in DN group as compared to ST group (30.5±22.6 IU vs 50.5±50.28 IU, p value.008). Blood transfusion was significantly lower in DN group; 50% versus 80% in ST group (p-value 0.005). Ventilation time was significantly less in DN group than ST group (165.95±48.09 minutes versus 165.95±48.09 minutes respectively, p-value 0.03). While ICU stay was also less in DN group; 5.2±0.8 days versus 6.05±1.6 days in ST group (p-value 0.003). Conclusion: Del-Nido cardioplegia is a reliable and better myocardial protective agent than Saint Thomas cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgical procedures.

A novel pregnene analogs: synthesis, cytotoxicity on prostate cancer of PC-3 and LNCPa-AI cells and in silico molecular docking study.

New pregnene analogs of N-hydroxamic acid 6, imino-propane hydrazides 7 and 8 as well as the aryl amides 9-11, oxadiazole, pyrazole and sulfinyl analogs 13-15, via the hydrazide analog 5 of methyl ((5-pregnen-3ß,17ß-diol-15α-yl)thio)propanoate (4) were synthesized. The in vitro cytotoxic activities of selected synthesized steroids against two human prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3, and LNCaP-AI) were evaluated by MTT assay. Compound 10 was the most active cytotoxic agent among these steroids against PC-3 and LNCaP-AI cell lines with inhibition of 96.2%, and 93.6% at concentration levels of 10.0 µM and 91.8%, and of 79.8% at concentration of 1.0 µM, respectively. Molecular docking study of 10 showed a hydrogen bonding with the amino acid Asn705 residue of the receptor 1E3G, together with hydrophobic interactions. Therefore, compound 10 can be considered as a promising anticancer agent due to its potent cytotoxic activity.

Surgical outcome of repair of aortic valve prolapse and regurgitation associated with ventricular septal defect.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcome of repair of aortic valve disease associated with various types of ventricular septal defect. METHODS: In a retrospective observational study design, data of seventy-two patients of ventricular septal defect (VSD) associated with aortic valve prolapse (AVP) and aortic regurgitation (AR) who was operated in Punjab Institute of cardiology from May 2016 to April 2020 was collected. Depending on presence of AR, all patients were divided in four groups. Group-I (VSD and AVP but no AR) had fifteen patients. Only VSD was closed in this group. Group-II (VSD and Mild AR) had forty patients, only VSD was closed in this group as well. Group-III (VSD and Moderate AR) had ten patients, VSD closure and aortic valve repair was done. Group-IV (VSD and severe AR) had seven patients. Aortic valve was repaired in five patients and replaced (AVR) in two patients along with VSD closure. Associated anomalies were addressed as well. RESULTS: Group-I: Twelve out of fifteen patients (80%) showed no post-operative AR. While two patients (13.3%) showed Trace AR. Single patient (6.6%) showed mild AR. There results were unchanged after mean follow up of 36 months. Group-II: Eight out of forty patients (20%) had no AR, while eight (20%) had trace AR. Twenty-three (57.5%) patients had mild AR. Single (2.5%) patient had moderate AR. After follow up of 24 months the patient with moderate AR progressed to severe AR. We are planning to do Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) in this case. Rest of cases showed no progression of disease. Group-III: Two out of ten patients (20%) had no AR, four (40%) had trace AR, while four (40%) had mild AR. Mean follow up was 42 months (2.5 years). Neither trace nor mild AR progressed to severe or moderate AR. Group-IV: Among seven patients, five underwent repair while two had AVR. Out of five patients who underwent aortic valve repair, four patients (57.1%) were declared mild AR, while severe AR was converted to moderate AR in single patient (14.28%). Mean follow up was 18 months. The moderate AR patient has progressed to severe AR for last six months and we are planning to do AVR in this patient. Postoperative echo of patients with AVR showed adequately functioning aortic valve with AVPG mean 10 mmHg and 15 mm Hg respectively, with no residual AR. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic regurgitation associated with VSD is a congenital lesion with continuously active aortic valve disease resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis, effective treatment and meticulous follow up decelerate and in most cases arrest the disease process.

Docking analysis for identification of lead compound and 3d pharmacophore generation against gsk-3ß involved in bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric illness that strikes between mania and depression, caused by both genetic and environmental factors. It is the sixth leading cause of disability worldwide and 3% of the global population suffers from this disorder. Focusing on the drugs used for psychotherapy and their associated side effects, there is a need to design and develop new anti-bipolar drugs with lesser side effects and improved efficacy. Molecular docking and pharmacophore modeling were performed to identify lead and the construction of pharmacophore triangle. One compound demonstrated best docking results that fit appropriately in the pocket of protein. In this study, an efficient compound for GSK-3B involved in bipolar disorder was identified through docking analysis. Distances were calculated among pharmacophore features like Aromatic Ring, Hydrophobic, HBD and HBA. Pharmacophore triangle was designed for three different classes that are Aromatic, HBD and HBA. This pharmacophore modeling can be useful for designing of novel drugs because this 3D pharmacophore showed best merging properties.

Study on structural insight of the analysis of negative effects of opioids analgesics in naltrexone with TLR4 Mutations.

Chronic pain has been defined as the persistence that remained for more than three months. The extent of previous time duration with the normal time of natural healing phase becomes poor and results in reduced life quality and morbidity. Opioids are well recognized therapy for pain management and the clinical prescriptions based on opioids have been defined with increasing implicating behavior among patients suffering with chronic pain. The association between the pain and immunity has long been established since the involvement of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) in sickness that is considered with the induced hyperalgesia. In the context of pharmacodynamics Toll like receptors (TLRs) are involved in the negative effects of opioids as analgesics. The soluble factors released by immune cells as well as from the disruptive cells bind to TLRs. This binding leads the pre and post-synaptic ends on endothelial and microglial cells that exhibit the activation of complex inhibitory and excitatory process at the synapses site. In TLRs, TLR4 is mostly reported that is strongly associated in specifically in areas of T cells and macrophages. The current study is designed to investigate the structural insights of the opioids and TLR4 interactions by using computational approach in the aspect of recognizing the chemical combinatorial factors that are involved in the pain management. This study targets that how opioids interact with TLR4 and the process of chemical interaction that leads to negative effects of opioids at neuroimmune interface as well as to investigate the extent of particular naltrexone that mediates with the negative effects of opioids.

Surgical repair of congenital coronary artery fistula: A case report.

Coronary artery fistula is an exceedingly uncommon congenital disorder characterized by fistulous communication of a coronary artery with asystemic or pulmonary vessel or a heart chamber. Small fistulas are asymptomatic and benign while large fistulas present in a variety of ways like heart failure, arrhythmias or endocarditis. We report here a rare case of eight years old girl who presented to us with history of shortness of breath and palpitation. Her echocardiography revealed a moderately large right coronary artery fistula that was opening into right ventricle. Angiography later confirmed its presence. We surgically closed it with a pericardial patch on cardiopulmonary bypass. The girl showed uneventful recovery and her postoperative echocardiography revealed no residual fistula. She was discharged on 5th postoperative day and her follow up was also unremarkable.

Doubly committed Subarterial Ventricular Septal defect repair: An experience of 51 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To review the surgical outcome of doubly committed subarterial (DCSA) ventricular septal defect repair. METHOD: Data of 51 patients of doubly committed sub arterial Ventricular septal defect from January 2012 to June 2017 that were referred to Chaudhary Pervaiz Elahi institute of Cardiology Multan was retrospectively reviewed using electronic database. All patients were operated by first author. In our study, we segregated patients into four main groups depending on presence or absence of aortic structural defect and degree of aortic valve regurgitation. Group-A comprised of nineteen (37%) patients who neither had aortic structural nor functional abnormality while Group-B had six (11.7%) patients, having aortic valve cusp prolapse without aortic regurgitation. Group-C and Group-D consists of seventeen (33.3%) and nine (17.6%) patients respectively depending upon degree of aortic regurgitation. Furthermore, six (11.7%) patients among these 51 had associated defects as well. RESULTS: Group-A patients had no aortic valve regurgitation post operatively and at follow up of 22.6 months (1.8 years) as well. In Group-B, aortic valve was not addressed and aortic regurgitation was also not present post operatively or on follow up of 33.6 months (2.8 years). Similarly, in Group-C aortic valve was not addressed, these patients also did not show progression of disease on regular follow up of 18 months (1.5 year). While, in Group-D, eight patients underwent aortic valve repair and one patient had aortic valve replacement. Aortic regurgitation improved significantly in all patients of this group and remained unchanged on follow up of 22.7 months (1.8 years). CONCLUSION: Early closure of doubly committed subarterial ventricular septal defect with appropriate management of aortic valve disease can halt the process of disease progression.

Clinical outcomes of intermittent antegrade warm versus cold blood cardioplegia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical outcome in patients undergoing conventional coronary artery bypass graft surgery who received intermittent antegrade warm blood cardioplegia or intermittent antegrade cold blood cardioplegia for myocardial protection. METHODS: The observational, prospective non-randomised analytical comparative study was conducted at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore, and Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi Institute of Cardiology, Multan, from September 2012 to October 2013, and comprised patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. They were divided into two groups, with Group I having those who received intermittent antegrade warm blood cardioplegia, and Group II having those who received intermittent antegrade cold blood cardioplegia. SPSS 16 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the 215 patients, 94(44%) were in Group I, and 121(56%) in Group II. Total surgical time in Group II was 119.26±22.24 minutes compared to 105.73±31.34 in Group I (p >0.0001). Spontaneous resumption of sinus rhythm and peri-operative myocardial infarction was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). There were 21(17.4%) patients in Group II to whom peri-operative myocardial infarction occurred compared to 9(9.6%) in Group I (p=0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent antegrade warm blood cardioplegia showed better myocardial protection in early postoperative period compared to intermittent antegrade cold blood cardioplegia.

New Compounds Derived from Nitrophenol Synthesis, Structural investigation and anticorrision Properties.

A new azo compound [2-((4-hydroxy-3-(E)-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)diazenyl)benzaldeyde and the azo schiff derivative [2-((4-hydroxy-3-((E)-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)diazenyl)benzylidene)amino)-4-nitrophenol (Azo-S) has been synthesized. 13C-NMR, 1H-NMR, FT-IR, Mass apectroscopy and Uv-Visibl analysis was used to characterized new compounds. The new synthesized compound Azo-S was utilized to inhibit mild steel (MS) corrosion at little concentrations (0.001-0.006) M. Weight loss measurements studies in 1 M HCl and at 298 K  showed that Azo-S has a good corrosion inhibition efficiency, 75%  at 0.002 M of inhibitors.It was found that adsorption methods follow Lanngmuir isotherm with ΔG values around -23.8 kJ/mol, this confirms that a stable protective film is formed for the mild steel spontaneously during physical adsorption.

De novo generation of dual-target ligands for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 using deep learning, virtual screening, and molecular dynamic simulations.

De novo generation of molecules with the necessary features offers a promising opportunity for artificial intelligence, such as deep generative approaches. However, creating novel compounds having biological activities toward two distinct targets continues to be a very challenging task. In this study, we develop a unique computational framework for the de novo synthesis of bioactive compounds directed at two predetermined therapeutic targets. This framework is referred to as the dual-target ligand generative network. Our approach uses a stochastic policy to explore chemical spaces called a sequence-based simple molecular input line entry system (SMILES) generator. The steps in the high-level workflow would be to gather and prepare the training data for both targets' molecules, build a neural network model and train it to make molecules, create new molecules using generative AI, and then virtually screen the newly validated molecules against the SARS-CoV-2 PLpro and 3CLpro drug targets. Results shows that novel molecules generated have higher binding affinity with both targets than the conventional drug i.e. Remdesivir being used for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The context and limitations of female sterilization services in Pakistan.

INTRODUCTION: Female sterilization has long been the most popular method of family planning (FP) in Pakistan, and yet most public health experts feel it contributes little to controlling family size or to population welfare. We used Pakistan Demographic Health Survey (PDHS) data to understand the role female sterilization plays in the overall context of FP in Pakistan. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of data from the PDHS 1990-1 and 2006-7 to study factors that lead to sterilization and trends in the use of the procedure. In addition, census data were multiplied by proportions from PDHS data to estimate the number of women availing sterilization services. RESULTS: Around 1.9 million women in Pakistan are currently sterilized--up from 0.55 million in 1990-1, and around 173,867 undergo the procedure, annually. Women usually receive sterilization after 30 years of age (mean = 39) and after six children. The probability of sterilization increases with age, family size, and urban residence, and is unaffected by poverty, province of residence, or the woman or her husband's education. Most sterilizationis conducted in public sector facilities. CONCLUSIONS: Sterilization in Pakistan may be common, but occurs too late to have any significant effect on family size or benefit public health. Future avenues to make this option more useful to women and society would be to improve the repertoire and access and quality of FP services that are available, and to address governance issues that limit the performance and utility of government facilities.

Rapidly Progressing Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in a Pediatric Patient With COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus that is known to have a predilection for complications associated with the respiratory system. Although COVID-19 has a wide spectrum of manifestations, the pathophysiology of severe illness remains poorly understood but is thought to be associated with fulminant cytokine release. While severe complications secondary to COVID-19 in the pediatric population are considered rare, they do happen. Children with and without comorbidities have required intensive care unit admissions for respiratory distress and, more notably, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). While MIS-C is associated with hematologic complications, such as thrombocytopenia and coagulopathies, it is not associated with blood hemolysis. In this report, we describe a case of a 23-month-old previously healthy female, who presented with lethargy and positive COVID-19 PCR status. This case illustrates the rapid and fatal sequela caused by autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) from COVID-19. It stresses the importance of thorough workup and management of AIHA secondary to COVID-19 illness. Currently, there is limited understanding of AIHA from COVID-19 illness in children. Our aim is to describe this rare complication of COVID-19 illness in pediatric patients and discuss the best practices to manage it.

Deep Learning-Based Automatic Duckweed Counting Using StarDist and Its Application on Measuring Growth Inhibition Potential of Rare Earth Elements as Contaminants of Emerging Concerns.

In recent years, there have been efforts to utilize surface water as a power source, material, and food. However, these efforts are impeded due to the vast amounts of contaminants and emerging contaminants introduced by anthropogenic activities. Herbicides such as Glyphosate and Glufosinate are commonly known to contaminate surface water through agricultural industries. In contrast, some emerging contaminants, such as rare earth elements, have started to enter the surface water from the production and waste of electronic products. Duckweeds are angiosperms from the Lemnaceae family and have been used for toxicity tests in aquatic environments, mainly those from the genus Lemna, and have been approved by OECD. In this study, we used duckweed from the genus Wolffia, which is smaller and considered a good indicator of metal pollutants in the aquatic environment. The growth rate of duckweed is the most common endpoint in observing pollutant toxicity. In order to observe and mark the fronds automatically, we used StarDist, a machine learning-based tool. StarDist is available as a plugin in ImageJ, simplifying and assisting the counting process. Python also helps arrange, manage, and calculate the inhibition percentage after duckweeds are exposed to contaminants. The toxicity test results showed Dysprosium to be the most toxic, with an IC50 value of 14.6 ppm, and Samarium as the least toxic, with an IC50 value of 279.4 ppm. In summary, we can provide a workflow for automatic frond counting using StarDist integrated with ImageJ and Python to simplify the detection, counting, data management, and calculation process.

Fabrication and in vitro evaluation of chitosan-gelatin based aceclofenac loaded scaffold.

Scaffold development is a nascent field in drug development. The scaffolds mimic the innate microenvironment of the body. The goal of this study was to formulate a biocompatible and biodegradable scaffold, loaded with an analgesic drug, aceclofenac (Ace). The bioscaffold is aimed to have optimum mechanical strength and rheology, with drug released in a sustained manner. It was prepared via chemical cross-linking method: a chitosan (CS) solution was prepared and loaded with Ace; gelatin (GEL) was added and the mixture was cross-linked to get a hydrogel. 20 formulations were prepared to optimize different parameters including the stirring speed, drug injection rate and crosslinker volume. The optimal formulation was selected based on the viscosity, drug solubility, homogeneity, porosity and swelling index. A very high porosity and swelling index were attained. In vitro release data showed sustained drug delivery, with effective release at physiological and slightly acidic pH. SEM analysis revealed a homogeneous microstructure with highly interconnected pores within an extended polymer matrix. FT-IR spectra confirmed the absence of polymer-drug interactions, XRD provided evidences for efficient drug entrapment within the scaffold. Rheological analysis corroborated the scaffold injectability. Mathematical models were applied to in-vitro data, and the best fit was attained with Korsmeyer-Peppas.

Nonlinear Optical Properties of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Colloids Prepared by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Distilled Water.

The nonlinear optical properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) in distilled water were measured using a femtosecond laser and the Z-scan technique. The ZnONPs colloids were created by the ablation of zinc bulk in distilled water with a 532 nm Nd: YAG laser. Transmission electron microscopy, an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer, and atomic absorption spectrophotometry were used to determine the size, shape, absorption spectra, and concentration of the ZnONPs colloids. The nonlinear absorption coefficient and nonlinear refractive index were measured at different excitation wavelengths and intensities. The nonlinear absorption coefficient of the ZnONPs colloids was found to be positive, caused by reverse saturable absorption, whereas the nonlinear refractive index was found to be negative due to self-defocusing in the ZnONPs. Both laser parameters, such as excitation wavelength and input intensity, and nanoparticle features, such as concentration and size, were found to influence the nonlinear optical properties of the ZnONPs.

In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Medicinal Plant Rumex Nervosus Against Selected Oral Pathogens.

Background: Rumex nervosus is a plant found and used in Saudi Arabia as traditional herbal medicine. Various types of plant extracts with inherent synergistic properties are being used against oral diseases. Thus, in the present study, the anti-microbial activity of Rumex nervosus extracts was studied against six common oral pathogenic bacterial strains and a pathogenic fungus. Materials and Method: Plants of R. nervosus were collected and air-dried, and extracts from various plant parts were obtained. Six clinical isolates of bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, S. salivarius, S. sanguis, E. faecalis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus), and one pathogenic Candida (C. albicans) were obtained. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of R. nervosus was determined using the Kirby-Bauer agar disc diffusion method. Zones of inhibition were recorded after 48 h of incubation. Data collected were analyzed. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Methanol extract from leaves were highly effective against S. aureus, with a mean inhibition zone of 33 mm, followed by a 28-mm zone of inhibition using an extract from roots and a minimum inhibition zone using an extract from stems. Zones of inhibition using methanol extract from roots were effective against S. mutans, S. sanguinis, E. faecalis, and L. acidophilus, with mean inhibition zones being 19, 17, 33, and 31 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The study has provided insight into a new potential herbal anti-microbial agent that may benefit dental care.

Automated Cardiac Chamber Size and Cardiac Physiology Measurement in Water Fleas by U-Net and Mask RCNN Convolutional Networks.

Water fleas are an important lower invertebrate model that are usually used for ecotoxicity studies. Contrary to mammals, the heart of a water flea has a single chamber, which is relatively big in size and with fast-beating properties. Previous cardiac chamber volume measurement methods are primarily based on ImageJ manual counting at systolic and diastolic phases which suffer from low efficiency, high variation, and tedious operation. This study provides an automated and robust pipeline for cardiac chamber size estimation by a deep learning approach. Image segmentation analysis was performed using U-Net and Mask RCNN convolutional networks on several different species of water fleas such as Moina sp., Daphnia magna, and Daphnia pulex. The results show that Mask RCNN performs better than U-Net at the segmentation of water fleas' heart chamber in every parameter tested. The predictive model generated by Mask RCNN was further analyzed with the Cv2.fitEllipse function in OpenCV to perform a cardiac physiology assessment of Daphnia magna after challenging with the herbicide of Roundup. Significant increase in normalized stroke volume, cardiac output, and the shortening fraction was observed after Roundup exposure which suggests the possibility of heart chamber alteration after roundup exposure. Overall, the predictive Mask RCNN model established in this study provides a convenient and robust approach for cardiac chamber size and cardiac physiology measurement in water fleas for the first time. This innovative tool can offer many benefits to other research using water fleas for ecotoxicity studies.

OpenBloodFlow: A User-Friendly OpenCV-Based Software Package for Blood Flow Velocity and Blood Cell Count Measurement for Fish Embryos.

The transparent appearance of fish embryos provides an excellent assessment feature for observing cardiovascular function in vivo. Previously, methods to conduct vascular function assessment were based on measuring blood-flow velocity using third-party software. In this study, we reported a simple software, free of costs and skills, called OpenBloodFlow, which can measure blood flow velocity and count blood cells in fish embryos for the first time. First, videos captured by high-speed CCD were processed for better image stabilization and contrast. Next, the optical flow of moving objects was extracted from the non-moving background in a frame-by-frame manner. Finally, blood flow velocity was calculated by the Gunner Farneback algorithm in Python. Data validation with zebrafish and medaka embryos in OpenBloodFlow was consistent with our previously published ImageJ-based method. We demonstrated consistent blood flow alterations by either OpenBloodFlow or ImageJ in the dorsal aorta of zebrafish embryos when exposed to either phenylhydrazine or ractopamine. In addition, we validated that OpenBloodFlow was able to conduct precise blood cell counting. In this study, we provide an easy and fully automatic programming for blood flow velocity calculation and blood cell counting that is useful for toxicology and pharmacology studies in fish.