Contrast Enhancement and Brightness Preservation of Radiography Images using Gamma Correction

In this Research paper, the purpose of Image enhancement is to process an image so that result is more suitable than original image for particular application. Digital image enhancement techniques provide a multitude of choices for improving the visual quality of images. Appropriate variety of such techniques is greatly influenced by the imaging modality, undertaking at hand and viewing situation. This paper will provide an overview of underlying concepts, along with algorithms normally used for image enhancement. An image can have low contrast or undesirable quality due to a number of reasons like reduced quality of imaging device, unfavorable external conditions at the time of image preprocessing and many more. Image enhancement is used to improve the usual effects and clarity of image or to make the original image more favorable for computer to process. In proposed method, full image has been divided into two parts in low contrast and high contrast on the basis of their threshold value. We have applied large gamma values only on low contrast image using gamma correction which will be more informative. With the help of merging we get the resultant radiography image. The results will be compared on the basis of histograms, mean, standard deviation, variance and average gradient values and compared with existed gamma correction techniques using matlab

Effectiveness of cefotaxime in preventing surgical site infections in children under 8 years undergoing elective inguinal surgery at the university teaching hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia

ThesisInguinal operations are the most commonly performed surgeries in children. There is a divergent view on use of pre-operative antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent surgical site infections (SSI) after these surgeries. The aim of this study was to detect if the use of cefotaxime had a significant impact on prevention of SSI in children under 8 years undergoing elective inguinal surgery at the University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka. This was a cohort study. A total of 170 patients below 8 years of age undergoing elective inguinal herniotomy, orchidopexy or patent processus vaginalis (PPV) ligation at UTHs were enrolled. 85 of these received pre-operative cefotaxime while 85 did not receive any antibiotics based on surgeons preference. A data collection sheet was used to record pre-operative demographic details. Intraoperative variables and post-operative outcomes. No patient received post-operative antibiotics. Follow up to look for Surgical site infection was done at 2 weeks and 30 days according to Center for Disease Control (CDC) definition of SSI. Out of 170 patients, 11(6.47%) had SSI. Six of the 85 that received surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) had SSI while 5 of the 85 that did not receive SAP had SSI (P=0.551). Deep SSI were seen in 2 patients that did not receive SAP (p=0.155) and grew Staphylococcus aureus in their cultures. Only 1 adverse allergic reaction to preoperative antibiotics was noted. Despite a low risk of adverse reactions, there is no benefit of using pre-operative antibiotics to prevent SSI in children undergoing elective inguinal surgery. Keywords: Surgical site infections, Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis, Inguinal surgery, PPV ligation, Herniotomy, Orchidopex

REVIEW ON MALNUTRITION HEALTH HAZARDS IN PEDIATRIC POPULATION AND ITS AYURVEDA MANAGEMENT

Objectives: The study was designed with the objectives: To study the role of Brimhana therapy in Karshya and to review the clinical research works on Karshya (malnutrition) in the Institute for Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (IPGT and RA), Jamnagar, and reach a final conclusion.Methods: This study was done by compiling the classical Ayurvedic literature, pediatric magazines, and research journals as well as PubMed and MedLine database for the search of the relevant literature. The review has been done from previous years of clinical research work in IPGT and RA, Jamnagar.Discussion: Brumhana and Vrushya Yoga have resulted in obtaining the phenomena of ideal anabolism. Brumhana Yoga has Kapikachhu, Shweta musli, and Shatavari are Brumhana and Vrushya both properties in it, that's why it shows a better result. Basti is better in Vatahara Guna and fruitful in microcirculation that is why it produces a better result.Conclusion: In the present study, it has been concluded that Brumhana is the line of treatment in Karshya (malnutrition) and gives a fruitful result. Ayurvedic medication and procedures are very efficacious to overcome this malnutrition named, a great burden on society. Assimilation has also a very big role for the absorption of Brumhana Yoga, and for this, regulation of Agni is very important. Basti procedure is more efficacious than drug administration. Overall Ayurveda is very efficacious in Karshya

Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus and varicella zoster virus infection in the first two years of life: a cohort study in Bradford, UK.

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) are common herpesviruses frequently acquired in childhood, which establish persistent, latent infection and are likely to impact the developing immune system. Little is known about the epidemiology of CMV and EBV infections in contemporary UK paediatric populations, particularly whether age at infection differs by ethnic group. METHODS: Children enrolled in the Born in Bradford Allergy and Infection Study had a blood sample taken and a questionnaire completed at 12 and 24 months of age. Ordered logistic regression quantified associations between ethnicity and other risk factors and age at CMV/EBV/VZV infection (<12 months, 12-24 months, uninfected at 24 months). RESULTS: Pakistani children (n = 472) were more likely to be infected with CMV and EBV at a younger age than White British children (n = 391) (CMV: adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.47-4.33; EBV: adjusted OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.43-3.26). Conversely, Pakistani children had lower odds of being VZV infected in the second year than White British children (adjusted OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.33-0.97). There was a strong association between increasing birth order and later CMV infection in Pakistani children. CONCLUSIONS: We report large differences in CMV and EBV incidence in the first 2 years between Pakistani and White British children born in Bradford, which cannot be explained by differences in risk factors for infection. Our data will inform the optimum schedule for future CMV and EBV vaccination programmes

Identification of a Novel Link between the Protein Kinase NDR1 and TGFβ Signaling in Epithelial Cells

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) is a secreted polypeptide that plays essential roles in cellular development and homeostasis. Although mechanisms of TGFβ-induced responses have been characterized, our understanding of TGFβ signaling remains incomplete. Here, we uncover a novel function for the protein kinase NDR1 (nuclear Dbf2-related 1) in TGFβ responses. Using an immunopurification approach, we find that NDR1 associates with SnoN, a key component of TGFβ signaling. Knockdown of NDR1 by RNA interference promotes the ability of TGFβ to induce transcription and cell cycle arrest in NMuMG mammary epithelial cells. Conversely, expression of NDR1 represses TGFβ-induced transcription and inhibits the ability of TGFβ to induce cell cycle arrest in NMuMG cells. Mechanistically, we find that NDR1 acts in a kinase-dependent manner to suppress the ability of TGFβ to induce the phosphorylation and consequent nuclear accumulation of Smad2, which is critical for TGFβ-induced transcription and responses. Strikingly, we also find that TGFβ reciprocally regulates NDR1, whereby TGFβ triggers the degradation of NDR1 protein. Collectively, our findings define a novel and intimate link between the protein kinase NDR1 and TGFβ signaling. NDR1 suppresses TGFβ-induced transcription and cell cycle arrest, and counteracting NDR1's negative regulation, TGFβ signaling induces the downregulation of NDR1 protein. These findings advance our understanding of TGFβ signaling, with important implications in development and tumorigenesis

Anchoring genome sequence to chromosomes of the central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) enables reconstruction of ancestral squamate macrochromosomes and identifies sequence content of the Z chromosome

We report here the first genome assembly and annotation of the human-pathogenic fungus Scedosporium aurantiacum, with a predicted 10,525 genes, and 11,661 transcripts. The strain WM 09.24 was isolated from the environment at Circular Quay, Sydney, New South Wales, Australi

Characterisation of infantile cardiomyopathy in Alström Syndrome using ALMS1 Knockout induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocyte model

Alström syndrome (AS) is an inherited rare ciliopathy characterised by multi -organ dysfunction and premature cardiovascular disease. This may manifest as an infantile -onset dilated cardiomyopathy with significant associated mortality. An adult - onset restrictive cardiomyopathy may also feature later in life. Loss of function pathogenic variants in ALMS 1 have been identified in AS patients, leading to a lack of ALMS1 protein. The biological role of ALMS1 is unknown, particularly in a cardiovascular context. To understand the role of ALMS1 in infantile cardiomyopathy, the reduction of ALMS1 protein seen in AS patients was modelled using human induced pluripotent stem cell -derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC -CMs), in which ALMS1 was knocked out. MuscleMotion analysis and calcium optical mapping experiments suggest that ALMS1 knockout (KO) cells have increased contractility, with altered calcium extrusion and impaired calcium handling dynamic s compared to wildtype (WT) counterparts. Seahorse metabolic assays showed ALMS1 knockout iPSC -CMs had increased glycolytic and mitochondrial respiration rates, with ALMS1 knockout cells portraying increased energetic demand and respiratory capacity than WT counterparts. Using senescence associated -galactosidase (SA - gal) staining assay, we identified increased senescence of ALMS1 knockout iPSC -CMs. Overall, this study provides insight s into the molecular mechanisms in AS, particularly the role of ALMS1 in infantile cardiomyopathy in AS, using iPSC -CMs as a ‘disease in a dish’ model to provide insights into multiple aspects of this complex disease

Breastfeeding and the origins of health: Interdisciplinary perspectives and priorities

Breastfeeding and human milk (HM) are critically important to maternal, infant and population health. This paper summarizes the proceedings of a workshop that convened a multidisciplinary panel of researchers to identify key priorities and anticipated breakthroughs in breastfeeding and HM research, discuss perceived barriers and challenges to achieving these breakthroughs and propose a constructive action plan to maximize the impact of future research in this field. Priority research areas identified were as follows: (1) addressing low breastfeeding rates and inequities using mixed methods, community partnerships and implementation science approaches; (2) improving awareness of evidence-based benefits, challenges and complexities of breastfeeding and HM among health practitioners and the public; (3) identifying differential impacts of alternative modes of HM feeding including expressed/pumped milk, donor milk and shared milk; and (4) developing a mechanistic understanding of the health effects of breastfeeding and the contributors to HM composition and variability. Key barriers and challenges included (1) overcoming methodological limitations of epidemiological breastfeeding research and mechanistic HM research; (2) counteracting ‘breastfeeding denialism’ arising from negative personal breastfeeding experiences; (3) distinguishing and aligning research and advocacy efforts; and (4) managing real and perceived conflicts of interest. To advance research on breastfeeding and HM and maximize the reach and impact of this research, larger investments are needed, interdisciplinary collaboration is essential, and the scientific community must engage families and other stakeholders in research planning and knowledge translation

A phase I dose-escalation study to evaluate safety and tolerability of sorafenib combined with sirolimus in patients with advanced solid cancer

Contains fulltext : 87630.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access)BACKGROUND: The combination of sorafenib (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 inhibitor) and sirolimus (mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor) might work synergistically. METHODS: A phase I dose-escalation study with sorafenib twice a day (b.i.d.) and sirolimus once daily (q.d.) was performed to determine the recommended dose of the combination in patients with solid tumours. Secondary objectives were to determine the safety profile and maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of the combination. RESULTS: Dose-limiting toxicities were transaminitis and cutaneous toxicity. The most frequently reported adverse events were elevated transaminases, hypophosphatemia, fatigue, anorexia, diarrhoea, nausea, rash and palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia. Sirolimus did not change the PK of sorafenib; in contrast, sorafenib reduced the AUC(0-96) and C(max) of sirolimus. No objective responses were observed; eight patients showed stable disease for a median of 16.3 weeks (range 8-24). The MTD of the combination was sorafenib 200 mg b.i.d. with sirolimus 1 mg q.d. CONCLUSION: The combination of sorafenib and sirolimus showed enhanced toxicity, which could not be explained by the PK of both drugs. The relative low doses at the MTD, in combination with the PK results, do not warrant further development of this combination