Image Processing Methods for Automatic in-vitro Morphology Analysis

The study of male infertility has become a priority for biologists and researchers in the last decades as a consequence of the declining birth rates. This problem has also become a major public health with economic and psychosocial consequences. Analysis of human sperm cells, for instance, is widely used in investigations related to male infertility and assisted conception. Sperm samples are usually analysed by health professionals using microscope devices following a manual process to count and describe their morphology. Nevertheless, this practice is prone to errors and time consuming. This thesis proposes a novel framework based on image processing and machine learning methods to automate the analysis of sperm cells. The proposed method presented an average accuracy performance of 96.4% classify automatically sperm cells in three classes: normal, abnormal and non sperm cell. Performance results have been obtained in challenging conditions: presence of uneven illumination, unwanted noise and blurring caused by the focus drift and occlusion of objects as a result of the overlapping of sperm cells, among others. The object of interest, sperm cells, captured in the images used in this research did not receive any staining or fixation treatment prior to their capture. A novel and robust methodology based on deep neural learning is developed as part of the automatic feature selection prior to the classification. Also, video and image database of sperm samples was produced at the Andrology laboratory of the University of Sheffield as part of this work. The database was used to validate the proposed framework for the segmentation and classification of in-vitro cells

Biotechnology for Sustainability and Social Well Being

This book covers the latest development of bioprocess technology including theoretical, numerical, and experimental approaches in biotechnology as well as green technology that bridge conventional practices and Industry 4.0. Bioprocessing is one of the key factors in several emerging industries of biofuels, used in the production of biogas, bioethanol, and biodiesel; industrial enzymes; waste management through biotechnology; new vaccines; and many more. It is hoped that the novel bioprocess and green biotechnologies presented in this book are useful in assisting the global community in working towards fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations

P14.02 An electronic behaviour diary: Monitoring the effects of advanced obstetric surgical skills training

Objective: Training should lead to improvements in the quality of clinical care delivery. It is essential to follow up participants after a training intervention to monitor changes in behaviour associated with adoption of lessons learned into clinical practice. We introduced an electronic diary to facilitate monitoring whilst minimising effort for participants. Method: An electronic diary was created using a freely available on-line platform. Following a training intervention on advanced obstetric surgical skills, obstetric residents from Kenya were invited to pilot completing the diary after their labour ward shifts. Entries were anonymised. Participants were asked to enumerate the times they utilised specific skills, or to state why they had been unable to do so, using tick box options. Reflections on skills used were entered using free comments. Results: All participants reported changed behaviours, for example, improved surgical knot-tying, safer needle handling, separate closure of uterine incision angles and techniques for delivery of the impacted fetal head. 6 reported conducting vaginal breech birth and 6 performed vacuum-assisted birth. All reported improvements in use of the safe surgical checklist, obtaining consent and respectful maternity care. 7 had participated in newborn resuscitation. Reflections suggested participants experienced improved levels of confidence and satisfaction when implementing new skills. Conclusion: This pilot study has demonstrated the feasibility of monitoring clinical behaviour change following training using an electronic platform. Monitoring the effect of training is essential to prove that training results in improvements to clinical practice. We plan to roll out this intervention following future training interventions

P04.41 Exploring reasons for and outcomes of second stage caesarean section and assisted vaginal birth in selected hospitals in Kenya

Objective: Obstetric vacuum devices for assisted vaginal birth (AVB) can avoid the need for unnecessary second-stage caesarean sections (SSCS), associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Despite emergency obstetric training since 2019, AVB was rarely performed. This study sought to better understand missed opportunities and reasons for non-performance of AVB in Kenya. Method: A mixed-methods design incorporated a review of randomly selected SSCS and AVB case notes, and key informant interviews with healthcare providers, from 8 purposively selected, high-volume hospitals in Kenya. The reviews were carried out by four experienced obstetricians (3 Kenyan, 1 British). The interviews were semi-structured and conducted online and analysed using a thematic approach. Results: Six AVB and 66 SSCS cases were reviewed. Nine percent of SSCS could have been AVB, and 58% reviewers were unable to determine appropriateness due to poor record keeping. Perinatal mortality was 9%, and 11% of infants and 9% of mothers experienced complications following SSCS. Twenty interviews, with obstetricians, midwives and medical officers, explored themes of previous experience, confidence, and adequacy of training relating to AVB. Reasons for non-performance included lack of equipment and staff. Conclusion: Increases in appropriate use of AVB could save the lives of infants and mothers and reduce ongoing morbidity. In order to achieve this, the varied reasons for non-performance of AVB need to be systematically addressed at local, regional and national levels

P14.01 An example of too much too soon? A review of caesarean sections performed in the first stage of labour in Kenya

Objective: Caesarean Section (CS) has potential short and long-term complications and is associated with excess maternal death. Decisions to perform (CS) are frequently made by inexperienced and unsupported non-specialist doctors, sometimes resulting in inappropriate decision-making and surgery. Our study assesses decision-making for CS in the first stage of labour in Kenya. Method: A panel of one UK and six Kenyan expert obstetricians reviewed clinical data extracted from 87 case-notes, that were randomly selected from a series obtained from seven referral hospitals in five Kenyan counties over six months in 2020. Following a preliminary review of the data and email discussion, an online panel was convened to discuss outstanding cases where consensus was yet to be reached. Agreement was reached by the panel in all but 5 cases. Results: In 41.3% cases, CS was considered appropriate, including 8% where CS was performed too late. The decision to delivery interval exceeded 2 h in 58.6% cases, including 16 cases of non-reassuring fetal status. In 10.3% it was considered that due to delay, further reassessment should have occurred. In 9.1% the CS was done too soon. There was insufficient information available to make a full assessment in 21.8% of cases. In 11.5% the CS was inappropriate. Conclusion: This review demonstrates that unnecessary caesarean sections are being performed, while some with appropriate indications are subject to delays. There is need for improved support for decision-making, coupled with improved record-keeping, improved quality of fetal monitoring during labour and more timely surgery when necessary

Training Manual In the frame work of the project: DBT sponsored Three Months National Training in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology for Fisheries Professionals 2015-18

This is a limited edition of the CMFRI Training Manual provided to participants of the “DBT sponsored Three Months National Training in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology for Fisheries Professionals” organized by the Marine Biotechnology Division of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), from 2nd February 2015 - 31st March 2018