Proactive Robot Assistance via Spatio-Temporal Object Modeling

Proactive robot assistance enables a robot to anticipate and provide for a user's needs without being explicitly asked. We formulate proactive assistance as the problem of the robot anticipating temporal patterns of object movements associated with everyday user routines, and proactively assisting the user by placing objects to adapt the environment to their needs. We introduce a generative graph neural network to learn a unified spatio-temporal predictive model of object dynamics from temporal sequences of object arrangements. We additionally contribute the Household Object Movements from Everyday Routines (HOMER) dataset, which tracks household objects associated with human activities of daily living across 50+ days for five simulated households. Our model outperforms the leading baseline in predicting object movement, correctly predicting locations for 11.1% more objects and wrongly predicting locations for 11.5% fewer objects used by the human user

PULSATILE RELEASE OF KETOPROFEN FROM COMPRESSION COATED TABLETS USING EUDRAGIT® POLYMERS

Objective: The objective of the present research work is to develop compression coated tablet of ketoprofen as a pulsatile release system for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.Methods: Core tablets of ketoprofen were prepared using the wet granulation method and evaluated for appearance, hardness, friability, weight variation, thickness, disintegration time and % drug release. Core tablets were coated with Eudragit S100 and Eudragit L100 by compression coating method to achieve desired lag time. The blends of core and coating materials were evaluated for bulk density, tapped density, Hausner's ratio, % Compressibility index and angle of repose. Compression coated tablets were evaluated for appearance, hardness, friability, weight variation, thickness and % drug release.Results: Core tablets, as well as compression coated tablets, showed acceptable Pharmaco technical properties. Optimized core tablets were disintegrated within 15s due to the effectiveness of super disintegrant, sodium starch glycolate. Dissolution studies of compression coated tablets in media with different pH (1.2, 6.8, and 7.4) showed that drug release could be modulated by changing the concentration of EudragitL100 and Eudragit S100. The optimized batch exhibited 80% drug release up to 6 h with a 4 h lag time. Stability study of the optimized formulation indicated no significant change in appearance, physical parameters, drug content and drug release profile at accelerated conditions for two months.Conclusion: compression coated tablet of ketoprofen was successfully developed to achieve burst drug release after specific lag time.Keywords: Chronomodulated drug delivery, Pulsatile release, Compression coated tablets, Lag tim

Development and validation of dissolution method for carvedilol compression-coated tablets

The present study describes the development and validation of a dissolution method for carvedilol compression-coated tablets. Dissolution test was performed using a TDT-06T dissolution apparatus. Based on the physiological conditions of the body, 0.1N hydrochloric acid was used as dissolution medium and release was monitored for 2 hours to verify the immediate release pattern of the drug in acidic pH, followed by pH 6.8 in citric-phosphate buffer for 22 hours, to simulate a sustained release pattern in the intestine. Influences of rotation speed and surfactant concentration in medium were evaluated. Samples were analysed by validated UV visible spectrophotometric method at 286 nm. 1% sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) was found to be optimum for improving carvedilol solubility in pH 6.8 citric-phosphate buffer. Analysis of variance showed no significant difference between the results obtained at 50 and 100 rpm. The discriminating dissolution method was successfully developed for carvedilol compression-coated tablets. The conditions that allowed dissolution determination were USP type I apparatus at 100 rpm, containing 1000 ml of 0.1N HCl for 2 hours, followed by pH 6.8 citric-phosphate buffer with 1% SLS for 22 hours at 37.0 ± 0.5 ºC. Samples were analysed by UV spectrophotometric method and validated as per ICH guidelines.O presente estudo descreve o desenvolvimento e a validação de método de dissolução para comprimidos revestidos de carvedilol. O teste de dissolução foi efetuado utilizando-se o aparelho para dissolução TDT-06T. Com base nas condições fisiológicas do organismo, utilizou-se ácido clorídrico 0,1 N como meio de dissolução e a liberação foi monitorada por 2 horas para se verificar o padrão de liberação imediata do fármaco em condições de pH baixo, seguidas por pH 6,8 em tampão cítrico-fosfato por 22 horas, para simular o padrão de liberação controlada no intestino. Avaliou-se a influência da velocidade de rotação e a concentração de tensoativo no meio. As amostras foram analisadas por método espectrofotométrico UV-visível validado, em 286 nm. O laurilsulfato sódico a 1% (SLS) mostrou-se ótimo para aumentar a solubilidade do carvedilol em pH 6,8 em tampão cítrico-fosfato. A análise da variância não mostrou diferença significativa entre os resultados obtidos a 50 e a 100 rpm. O método da dissolução discriminante foi desenvolvido com sucesso para os comprimidos revestidos de carvedilol. As condições que permitiram a determinação da dissolução foram: aparelho USP tipo I a 100 rpm, contendo 1000 mL de HCL 0,1 N por 2 horas, seguido de pH 6,8 com tampão cítrico-fosfato, com 1% de SLS por 22 horas a 37,0 ± 0,5 ºC. Amostras foram analisadas por método espectrofotométrico e validadas pelas normas ICH

Is Desmin Propensity to Aggregate Part of its Protective Function?

Desmin is the major protein component of the intermediate filaments (IFs) cytoskeleton in muscle cells, including cardiac. The accumulation of cleaved and misfolded desmin is a cellular hallmark of heart failure (HF). These desmin alterations are reversed by therapy, suggesting a causal role for the IFs in the development of HF. Though IFs are known to play a role in the protection from stress, a mechanistic model of how that occurs is currently lacking. On the other hand, the heart is uniquely suited to study the function of the IFs, due to its inherent, cyclic contraction. That is, HF can be used as a model to address how IFs afford protection from mechanical, and possibly redox, stress. In this review we provide a brief summary of the current views on the function of the IFs, focusing on desmin. We also propose a new model according to which the propensity of desmin to aggregate may have been selected during evolution as a way to dissipate excessive mechanical and possibly redox stress. According to this model, though desmin misfolding may afford protection from acute injury, the sustained or excessive accumulation of desmin aggregates could impair proteostasis and contribute to disease

Accommodation, Pattern Glare, and Coloured Overlays

We manipulated the accommodative response using positive and negative lenses to study any association between symptoms of pattern glare and accommodation. Two groups of eighteen young adults were selected from seventy-eight on the basis (i) that their rate of reading increased by 5% or more with an overlay compared to their rate without it, and (ii) that they reported more than 2 symptoms of pattern glare (group 1) or had no such increment in reading speed and reported fewer than 2 symptoms (group 2). Under double-masked conditions participants observed at 0.4 m a pattern of stripes while measurements of accommodation were made using an open field autorefractor with and without positive and negative trial lenses (0.75 D), and with and without a coloured overlay. Pattern glare was also assessed with and without the trial lenses. Without lenses, the mean accommodative response in group 1 was 1.55 D, a lag of 0.95 D ± 0.24 D relative to the demand. The lag decreased by 0.43 D ( p &lt; 0.0001) when the chosen overlay was used, an effect that was not shown in group 2 even when lag increased with negative trial lenses ( p = 0.13). In both groups, pattern glare scores were reduced by the trial lenses, but were unaffected by the sign of the lenses. This suggests that symptoms of pattern glare are not strongly associated with accommodative response. </jats:p

Primary pleuropulmonary synovial sarcoma with brain metastases in a paediatric patient: an unusual presentation

  Primary lung neoplasms are rare in children. The most common primary lung malignancies in children are pleuropulmonary blastoma and carcinoid tumour. Synovial sarcoma (SS) accounts for approximately 1% of all childhood malignancies. In absolute terms, the SS of the lungs and pleura are extremely rare and pose a diagnostic difficulty. Soft tissue sarcomas usually have a high potential for metastases, however, metastasis to the brain is rare, even in widely disseminated disease, and it has been described only in 3 case reports previously. Primary pleuropulmonary SS with brain metastases is even rarer. Here we present a case of an 11-year-old boy who presented with respiratory complaints, viz. fever and cough for 20 days. Initial impression was lung abscess, however, on histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular study, the disorder was diagnosed as synovial sarcoma. After a week from the first consult, the child developed neurological symptoms, viz., an episode of convulsion and gradually worsening power of the lower limb. Computed tomography scan and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy was suggestive of brain metastases. Given the rarity of primary lung neoplasms in children, clinical detection remains a challenge. Delayed diagnoses are common as respiratory symptoms may be attributed to inflammatory or infective processes. Primary pleuropulmonary synovial sarcoma is a rare tumour and it is not known to commonly metastasise to the brain. Though rare, primary pleuropulmonary SS should be considered an important differential among peadiatric primary lung neoplasms due to its potential for curability if detected early, and more aggressive metastatic pattern, e.g. brain metastases making early detection imperative.

Maternal understandings of postnatal depression

Paper one is a systematic literature review of qualitative studies examining postnatal depression in immigrant mothers using a metasynthesis approach. This review involved three phases: a systematic literature search of qualitative studies reporting on postnatal depression among immigrant mothers, critical appraisal of the studies from the literature search, and the metasynthesis of these studies. Fifteen studies met the inclusion, exclusion and quality criteria. The synthesis of the studies demonstrated that immigrant mothers are subjected to two overarching factors of migration and cultural influences that interact and give rise to psychosocial understandings of postnatal depression, healthcare barriers and views of potential remedies lying within the psychosocial domain. Mothers use self-help coping strategies in line with this. Social support appears to play an integral and mediating role for these immigrant mothers removed from their sociocultural context.A grounded theory approach was taken in the second paper to explore illness beliefs in mothers with postnatal depression. Eleven participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule and data was analysed in line with a grounded theory methodology. A theory of illness beliefs in PND was developed encompassing six core categories: 'unmet expectations', 'identifying stressors in their life context', 'conflict over label', 'antidepressants: the lesser of two evils', 'loss of time' and 'uncertain futures.' It was concluded that participants made multiple appraisals of their PND in light of their initial difficulties, following service involvement, their improvements, their consequences and the future. Participants' narratives were conflicting and uncertain with internal struggles evident as mothers were torn between their desire to be good mothers and their perceptions that PND meant that they were not good enough mothers. The final paper is a critical appraisal that outlines my personal journey through a grounded theory methodology in exploring illness beliefs in postnatal depression. This appraisal first discusses why a qualitative design was chosen and more specifically a grounded theory approach. The difficulties attached to using grounded theory are then considered. Finally in keeping with the need for transparency within the methodology, there is a reflective account of the challenges encountered, the knowledge and skills gained throughout the process and how this has been important for my learning and progression towards becoming a qualified Clinical Psychologist.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceLynne MacRaeGBUnited Kingdo

Investigating the Anti-tumorigenic Properties of Synthetic Inhibitors of B7-H3 in Group 3 Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastomas (MB) are devastating brain tumors originating in the cerebellum most commonly in children. There are four distinct subgroups of medulloblastoma: WNT (wingless), SHH (sonic hedgehog), group 3, and group 4. The most malignant tumors possess an aggressive phenotype characterized by c-Myc amplification and deletions to chromosome 17p; they belong to group 3. Prior investigations into the significance of genes on 17p revealed that miR-1253, which is found on locus 17p13.3, is significantly downregulated in medulloblastoma and has important tumor suppressive properties. Amongst its oncogenic targets is B7-H3 (CD276), a highly deregulated oncoprotein that attenuates the immune response to MB tumors. We chose to elucidate the oncogenic properties of B7-H3 in group 3 MB using synthetic inhibitors. After screening 100,000 different compounds for: 1) docking ability, 2) oral bioavailability, 3) potential CNS activity, and 4) number of metabolic side reactions, we selected two N-terminal inhibitors: B7-H3-Ni1 and B7-H3-Ni3. In HDMB03 cells (with c-Myc amplification and i17q), we found an IC50 of 3.7 M for B7-H3-Ni1 and no discernible effect of B7-H3-Ni3. We confirmed CD276 expression inhibition using B7-H3-Ni1 via Western blotting and concurrently noted elevations in cleaved PARP (apoptosis) and reduction in p-Akt (proliferation marker), providing us preliminary insights into the mechanism of inhibition. Notably, a remarkable decline in migration and wound healing and abrogation of colony formation were observed with B7-H3-Ni1. Collectively, our findings substantiate the inhibitory properties of B7-H3-Ni1 in vitro, potentially serving as a therapeutic agent for in vivo group 3 MB tumors.https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/surp2021/1049/thumbnail.jp

The influence of mitochondrial dynamics and function on retinal ganglion cell susceptibility in optic nerve disease

The important roles of mitochondrial function and dysfunction in the process of neurodegeneration are widely acknowledged. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) appear to be a highly vulnerable neuronal cell type in the central nervous system with respect to mitochondrial dysfunction but the actual reasons for this are still incompletely understood. These cells have a unique circumstance where unmyelinated axons must bend nearly 90° to exit the eye and then cross a translaminar pressure gradient before becoming myelinated in the optic nerve. This region, the optic nerve head, contains some of the highest density of mitochondria present in these cells. Glaucoma represents a perfect storm of events occurring at this location, with a combination of changes in the translaminar pressure gradient and reassignment of the metabolic support functions of supporting glia, which appears to apply increased metabolic stress to the RGC axons leading to a failure of axonal transport mechanisms. However, RGCs themselves are also extremely sensitive to genetic mutations, particularly in genes affecting mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial clearance. These mutations, which systemically affect the mitochondria in every cell, often lead to an optic neuropathy as the sole pathologic defect in affected patients. This review summarizes knowledge of mitochondrial structure and function, the known energy demands of neurons in general, and places these in the context of normal and pathological characteristics of mitochondria attributed to RGCs

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF CEDRUS DEODARA: AN OVERVIEW

ABSTRACT Doctrines of Ayurveda have momentous value even in the life of present day human life. These principles are based on the extraordinary observations and experimentations at various levels. Hence one cannot easily deny the observations put forward by the philosophers. According to one of its great preceptors Charaka-the dictum of Ayurveda is to maintain health of healthy people and to alleviate disorders in the diseased persons. The references of medicinal uses of herbs are recorded in Rgveda and Atharvaveda. Nighantus, the well-known compilations-are the very rich sources of herbal drug data ranging from identification,collection to therapeutics uses of the drugs. Since previous two decades there has been an increasing status emphasized on screening of herbs for in order to reduce the risk related to diseases. Cedrus deodara, the common cedar is an important plant belonging to the family Conifereae. C. deodara has been proven to have great pharmacological potential with a great utility and usage as folklore medicine, Heart wood is the most important part used medicinally. This review summarized the plant characteristics with their pharmacological activities