Disparity Map Algorithm Based on Edge Preserving Filter for Stereo Video Processing

This paper proposes a new local-based stereo matching algorithm for stereo video processing. Fundamentally, the Sum of Absolute Differences (SAD) algorithm produces an accurate results on the stereo video processing for the textured regions. However, this algorithm sensitives to low texture and radiometric distortions (i.e., contrast or brightness). To overcome these problems, the proposed algorithm utilizes edgepreserving filter which is known as Bilateral Filter (BF). The BF algorithm reduces noise and sharpen the images. Additionally, BF works fine on the low or plain texture areas. The proposed algorithm produces an accurate results and performs much better compared to some established algorithms on the standard benchmarking results of the Middlebury and KITTI dataset

Anti-Cripto Mab inhibit tumour growth and overcome MDR in a human leukaemia MDR cell line by inhibition of Akt and activation of JNK/SAPK and bad death pathways

Doxorubicin (DOX) selection of CCRF-CEM leukaemia cell line resulted in multidrug resistance (MDR) CEM/A7R cell line, which overexpresses MDR, 1 coded P-glycoprotein (Pgp). Here, we report for the first time that oncoprotein Cripto, a founding member of epidermal growth factor-Cripto-FRL, 1-Criptic family is overexpressed in the CEM/A7R cells, and anti-Cripto monoclonal antibodies (Mab) inhibited CEM/A7R cell growth both in vitro and in an established xenograft tumour in severe combined immunodeficiency mice. Cripto Mab synergistically enhanced sensitivity of the MDR cells to Pgp substrates epirubicin (EPI), daunorubicin (DAU) and non-Pgp substrates nucleoside analogue cytosine arabinoside (AraC). In particular, the combination of anti-Cripto Mab at less than 50% of inhibition concentrations with noncytotoxic concentrations of EPI or DAU inhibited more than 90% of CEM/A7R cell growth. Cripto Mab slightly inhibited Pgp expression, and had little effect on Pgp function, indicating that a mechanism independent of Pgp was involved in overcoming MDR. We demonstrated that anti-Cripto Mab-induced CEM/A7R cell apoptosis, which was associated with an enhanced activity of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase and inhibition of Akt phosphorylation, resulting in an activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway as evidenced by dephosphorylation of Bad at Ser136, Bcl-2 at Ser70 and a cleaved caspase-9

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18–49, 50–69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population

Nurses' perceptions of aids and obstacles to the provision of optimal end of life care in ICU

Contains fulltext : 172380.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of two novel CuBr(diamine)2·H2OBr complexes: Solvatochromism, crystal structure, physicochemical, hirshfeld surface thermal, DNA/binding, antitumor and antibacterial activities

Two new hydrated monocationic Cu(II) complexes with 1,3-propylenediamine and 1,2-ethylenediamine of general formula CuBr(N-N)2·H2OBr were prepared. The complexes were identified by means of several spectroscopic tools (Uv-visible, IR and MS), thermally (TG/DTA) and CHN-elemental analysis. The three dimensional structure for complex A and B was provide by X-ray diffraction studies and showed the Cu(II) ion as 4 + 1 + 1 coordinated, four nitrogen atoms of the diamine ligands, one bromide ion and one H2O semi-coordinated to the Cu(II) center, a typical trans effect is clearly observed in the two complexes. The molecular crystal structures are linked via several H-bonds like N_H…Br and N_H…O. Additionally, intra-molecular H-bonds of kind C_H…Br is observed; these interactions lead to crystal structure three dimensional architecture packing. Hirshfeld surfaces (HSA) analysis was served to figure out the inter-contacts and fingerprints atoms percentage. DNA-binding, antitumor and antibacterial effectiveness of the desired complexes were evaluated