Enhancing Healthcare with EOG: A Novel Approach to Sleep Stage Classification

We introduce an innovative approach to automated sleep stage classification using EOG signals, addressing the discomfort and impracticality associated with EEG data acquisition. In addition, it is important to note that this approach is untapped in the field, highlighting its potential for novel insights and contributions. Our proposed SE-Resnet-Transformer model provides an accurate classification of five distinct sleep stages from raw EOG signal. Extensive validation on publically available databases (SleepEDF-20, SleepEDF-78, and SHHS) reveals noteworthy performance, with macro-F1 scores of 74.72, 70.63, and 69.26, respectively. Our model excels in identifying REM sleep, a crucial aspect of sleep disorder investigations. We also provide insight into the internal mechanisms of our model using techniques such as 1D-GradCAM and t-SNE plots. Our method improves the accessibility of sleep stage classification while decreasing the need for EEG modalities. This development will have promising implications for healthcare and the incorporation of wearable technology into sleep studies, thereby advancing the field's potential for enhanced diagnostics and patient comfort

Quality of life of Chronic Kidney Disease patients attending Nephrology OPD of a tertiary care centre in Western Maharashtra

Introduction: Kidney disease is a global public health problem affecting approximately 750 million people worldwide. Patients of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) face bio-psychological stressors affecting their quality of life (QoL). CKD patients with low QoL have shown considerably high mortality. Assessing QoL can help in planning holistic medical care for these patients and improve disease outcomes. The present study has been conducted with the objective to assess QoL in CKD patients. Objective: To assess QoL of CKD patients attending Nephrology OPD of a tertiary care Government centre in Western Maharashtra. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in Nephrology OPD of a tertiary care hospital in Western Maharashtra. Pre-tested Research and Development Corporation 36-item Health Survey Questionnaire was self- administered to CKD patients and QoL scores were calculated. All patients attending Nephrology OPD were included in the study group from July to Oct 2019. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: The study included 70 patients with moderate to advanced CKD irrespective of status of treatment being received. Diabetes Mellitus was found to be the most common cause of CKD followed by Hypertension. The mean overall QoL score was 38.9+8.2. The mean Mental Component Summary (MCS) score (29.2+7.8, 95%C.I.: 21.4–37.0 was significantly lower than the mean Physical Component Summary (PCS) score (48.5 + 9.5, 95% C.I.: 39.0-58.0, p<0.001). Conclusion: Patients with CKD have lower MCS compared to PCS

Within-species variation of seed traits of dune engineering species across a European climatic gradient

Within-species variation is a key component of biodiversity and linking it to climatic gradients may significantly improve our understanding of ecological processes. High variability can be expected in plant traits, but it is unclear to which extent it varies across populations under different climatic conditions. Here, we investigated seed trait variability and its environmental dependency across a latitudinal gradient of two widely distributed dune-engineering species (Thinopyrum junceum and Calamagrostis arenaria). Seed germination responses against temperature and seed mass were compared within and among six populations exposed to a gradient of temperature and precipitation regimes (Spiekeroog, DE; Bordeaux, FR; Valencia, ES; Cagliari, IT, Rome, IT; Venice, IT). Seed germination showed opposite trends in response to temperature experienced during emergence in both species: with some expectation, in populations exposed to severe winters, seed germination was warm-cued, whereas in populations from warm sites with dry summer, seed germination was cold-cued. In C. arenaria, variability in seed germination responses disappeared once the seed coat was incised. Seed mass from sites with low precipitation was smaller than that from sites with higher precipitation and was better explained by rainfall continentality than by aridity in summer. Within-population variability in seed germination accounted for 5 to 54%, while for seed mass it was lower than 40%. Seed trait variability can be considerable both within- and among-populations even at broad spatial scale. The variability may be hardly predictable since it only partially correlated with the analyzed climatic variables, and with expectation based on the climatic features of the seed site of origin. Considering seed traits variability in the analysis of ecological processes at both within- and among-population levels may help elucidate unclear patterns of species dynamics, thereby contributing to plan adequate measures to counteract biodiversity loss

Fluid mechanics in circulating tumour cells: Role in metastasis and treatment strategies

Cancer patients have a shorter life expectancy because of metastasis, which is the dynamic chain of events that leads to the spread of tumour cells to distant places inside the body. Cancer's development, spread, metastasis, and treatment all involve fluid mechanics in some way. Cancer cells and their associated components take advantage of the body's many fluid systems as a means of dissemination throughout the body and colonisation of distant organs. Cancerous tissues rely on the blood supply for oxygen and nutrition, metastasis to other organs, and medication delivery. Cancer cells' ability to travel from the main tumour, extravasate, and seed metastases can be enhanced by exploiting the flow mechanics of the blood and lymphatic circulatory systems. Cancer cell survival in the circulation and the regulation of organotropic seeding patterns are affected by flow rates, channel size, and shear stress. Therefore, cancer cells not only use these fluids as a mode of transport throughout the body, but also as a fertile ground to seed distant metastases by taking advantage of the fundamental physical forces among these fluids. Metastasis, tumor growth, &amp; nanoparticle-mediated medication delivery is all under the control of multiscale flow-structure interaction processes, whereas an increase in interstitial pressure is caused by the tumour vasculature's irregularity and leakiness. This Review discusses the role that fluids play in metastasis, including the forces and stresses that are utilised by circulating tumour cells &amp; tumour-associated factors. Given the intriguing concerns raised by the role of physiological fluids and their mechanics in the biology of the metastatic cascade, gaining insight into this process may reveal a novel strategy for intercepting cancer cells on their route

Fire Behavior and Modeling of Short RC Columns in Pure Axial Compression: Role of Volume, Configuration, and Spacing of Lateral Reinforcement

This paper studies the role of volume, spacing, and configuration of lateral reinforcement on the axial load resisting capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) columns at elevated temperatures. Short RC columns were tested under combined thermal and compressive loading conditions. Columns with different confinement reinforcement volumes, two different lateral reinforcement configurations, and three different lateral reinforcement spacing values were tested as a part of this study. The test results indicate that lateral reinforcement passing through the core of the column is more effective than rectangular lateral reinforcement placed at the perimeter in improving the fire performance of RC columns. Two different numerical approaches, namely, finite element-based approach in combination with a concrete plasticity model and fiber-based sectional analysis approach along with concrete confinement models available in the literature were used to simulate the axial compression behavior of RC columns at elevated temperatures. It was established that some of the popular confinement models developed for ambient temperature conditions could also be used to model the confinement effect at elevated temperatures. Further, a parametric study was conducted to study the role of lateral reinforcement on a broader set of column parameters. It was established that the confinement effect is generally more pronounced at elevated temperatures than at room temperature. © 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers

Interlinkages Between Digital-Social Entrepreneurship and Technological Capabilities for Sustainable Value Creation

Indian agricultural value chains are marred with a lack of financial inclusion of smallholder farmers, lengthy payout times, poor quality of products, lack of traceability issues, and lack of industrialization in the value chain. Social entrepreneurs have indispensable tools as information and communication technologies are making inroads in rural developing economies. This study studies the impact of technological capabilities on social entrepreneurship for creating sustainable value creation using survey data from 557 respondents associated with farming and allied activities. The results highlight that digital technology capabilities mediate the relationship between social entrepreneurship and sustainable value creation. The findings present essential insights for academia, practitioners, and policymakers to better shape policies and decisions on social entrepreneurship

Serum anti-Müllerian hormone: A potential biomarker for polycystic ovary syndrome

Background & objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by chronic ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovary morphology (PCOM). Although hyperandrogenism is one of the major features of PCOS, it is rarely observed in southeast Asia. Recently, however, there has been growing evidence on association of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) with PCOS. The objective of this study was to investigate the diagnostic potentials of AMH in PCOS individuals. Methods: This case-control study included a total of 131 women with PCOS and 49 healthy controls who were enrolled after the exclusion of secondary causes of PCOS. Serum AMH was measured using an ultra-sensitive AMH ELISA kit in addition to other diagnostic biomarkers. Statistical analyses was carried out using the Student's t test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, Spearman's rank correlation test and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. Results: The median AMH values were 8.5 ng/ml and 2.5 ng/ml in the study group and controls, respectively (P<0.001). The normal cutoff value of 4.1 ng/ml for AMH was derived from ROC curve analysis. With a 4.1 ng/ml cut-off value, high levels of AMH was found in about 84 per cent of PCOS cases. However, no significant difference in AMH level was noted between age groups (<20 vs. ≥20 yr), body mass index (BMI) (<25 vs. ≥25 kg/m[2]) and PCOM types. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for AMH yielded diagnostic range values. In total PCOS cases, AUC was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.88 and 0.96), and in phenotype A PCOS cases, AUC was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.91 and 0.98). The correlation test also showed no association with BMI, the FG score, PCOM, free androgen index, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and luteinizing hormone. However, a weak correlation was observed with testosterone in total PCOS cases and with DHT as well as age in phenotype A PCOS cases. The prediction model for PCOS using multivariable binary logistic regression analysis showed AMH as the best marker. Interpretation & conclusions: The results of this study suggest that AMH can be considered as the most promising biomarker in PCOS women, particularly with phenotype A and phenotype D

Audiometric studies in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction: Hearing defects can cause inconvenience in communication which can have prodigious impact on the psychological, social and emotional functions. The increasing incidence of diabetes and profound effect of hearing loss on quality of life mandates the need to study the possible association between the two. Materials and method: An observational study was conducted including 100 participants such that 50 were non-diabetic (group A) and another 50 were diabetic. The participants of two groups were matched for age and gender. The Random Blood Sugar, HbA1c, Pure Tone Audiometry were assessed. The statistical analysis of data was done using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) 21.0 version, IBM, Chicago. Results: The median age of the participants belonging to group A and B was 39.0 years and 40.0 years respectively. No significant association was observed between the presence or absence of diabetes and hearing loss (Chi-square value- 2.1, df-3, p value&gt;.05). Amongst the patients with diabetes, the HbA1c level was found to have no significant association with the severity of hearing loss (Chi-square value- 9.243, df-4, p value&gt;.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that there is no significant difference in hearing loss amongst the persons with and without diabetes

Intranasal immunization with peptide-based immunogenic complex enhances BCG vaccine efficacy in a murine model of tuberculosis

Prime-boost immunization strategies are required to control the global tuberculosis (TB) pandemic, which claims approximately 3 lives every minute. Here, we have generated an immunogenic complex against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), consisting of promiscuous T cell epitopes (M.tb peptides) and TLR ligands assembled in liposomes. Interestingly, this complex (peptide–TLR agonist–liposomes; PTL) induced significant activation of CD4+ T cells and IFN-γ production in the PBMCs derived from PPD+ healthy individuals as compared with PPD– controls. Furthermore, intranasal delivery of PTL significantly reduced the bacterial burden in the infected mice by inducing M.tb-specific polyfunctional (IFN-γ+IL-17+TNF-α+IL-2+) immune responses and long-lasting central memory responses, thereby reducing the risk of TB recurrence in DOTS-treated infected animals. The transcriptome analysis of peptide-stimulated immune cells unveiled the molecular basis of enhanced protection. Furthermore, PTL immunization significantly boosted the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin–primed (BCG-primed) immune responses against TB. The greatly enhanced efficacy of the BCG-PTL vaccine model in controlling pulmonary TB projects PTL as an adjunct vaccine against TB

Progress of children with severe acute malnutrition in the malnutrition treatment centre rehabilitation program: evidence from a prospective study in Jharkhand, India

Abstract Background In Jharkhand, Malnutrition Treatment Centres (MTCs) have been established to provide care to children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM). The study examined the effects of facility- and community based care provided as part the MTC program on children with severe acute malnutrition. Method A cohort of 150 children were enrolled and interviewed by trained investigators at admission, discharge, and after two months on the completion of the community-based phase of the MTC program. Trained investigators collected data on diet, morbidity, anthropometry, and utilization of health and nutrition services. Results We found no deaths among children attending the MTC program. Recovery was poor, and the majority of children demonstrated poor weight gain, with severe wasting and underweight reported in 52 and 83% of the children respectively at the completion of the community-based phase of the MTC program. The average weight gain in the MTC facility (3.8 ± 5.9 g/kg body weight/d) and after discharge (0.6 ± 2.1 g/kg body weight/d) was below recommended standards. 67% of the children consumed food that met less than 50% of the recommended energy and protein requirement. Children experienced high number of illness episodes after discharge: 68% children had coughs and cold, 40% had fever and 35% had diarrhoea. Multiple morbidities were common: 50% of children had two or more episodes of illness. Caregiver’s exposure to MTC’s health and nutrition education sessions and meetings with frontline workers did not improve feeding practices at home. The take-home ration amount distributed to children through the supplementary food program was inadequate to achieve growth benefits. Conclusions Recovery of children during and after the MTC program was suboptimal. This highlights the need for additional support to strengthen MTC program so that effective care to children can be provided