Deep learning-enabled technologies for bioimage analysis.

Deep learning (DL) is a subfield of machine learning (ML), which has recently demonstrated its potency to significantly improve the quantification and classification workflows in biomedical and clinical applications. Among the end applications profoundly benefitting from DL, cellular morphology quantification is one of the pioneers. Here, we first briefly explain fundamental concepts in DL and then we review some of the emerging DL-enabled applications in cell morphology quantification in the fields of embryology, point-of-care ovulation testing, as a predictive tool for fetal heart pregnancy, cancer diagnostics via classification of cancer histology images, autosomal polycystic kidney disease, and chronic kidney diseases

Machine learning-enabled multiplexed microfluidic sensors

High-throughput, cost-effective, and portable devices can enhance the performance of point-of-care tests. Such devices are able to acquire images from samples at a high rate in combination with microfluidic chips in point-of-care applications. However, interpreting and analyzing the large amount of acquired data is not only a labor-intensive and time-consuming process, but also prone to the bias of the user and low accuracy. Integrating machine learning (ML) with the image acquisition capability of smartphones as well as increasing computing power could address the need for high-throughput, accurate, and automatized detection, data processing, and quantification of results. Here, ML-supported diagnostic technologies are presented. These technologies include quantification of colorimetric tests, classification of biological samples (cells and sperms), soft sensors, assay type detection, and recognition of the fluid properties. Challenges regarding the implementation of ML methods, including the required number of data points, image acquisition prerequisites, and execution of data-limited experiments are also discussed

Recent technological developments in the diagnosis and treatment of cerebral edema

Latest technological advancements in neurocritical care have translated to improved clinical outcomes and have paved the way for the effective diagnosis and treatment of cerebral edema. Effective management of cerebral edema has the potential to provide a personalized treatment by obtaining the complete pathophysiological information of the patient. The aims of this review are to inform the reader about the research and development in this field in the past decade as well as the materialization of scientific literature through patents. There is a growing interest in multimodal monitoring of the diseased brain as it provides a necessary means to implement effective intervention strategies. Although there is a gradual shift toward the adoption of noninvasive devices for research purposes, their clinical applications are hindered by their inaccuracies. However, the inherent risk of complication and high costs of implementation challenge the status quo. The role of neuroprotectants is explored and the combination of neurodiagnostic and neuroprotective approaches is proposed. Finally, the impacts of the current state of global affairs are discussed and it is predicted that the rising number of traumatic brain injury patents will inevitably translate to improvements in technologies to effectively address cerebral edema

Novel mutations in TLR genes cause hyporesponsiveness to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Toll like receptors (TLR) play the central role in the recognition of pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Mutations in the TLR1, TLR2 and TLR4 genes may change the ability to recognize PAMPs and cause altered responsiveness to the bacterial pathogens.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The study presents association between TLR gene mutations and increased susceptibility to <it>Mycobacterium avium </it>subsp. <it>paratuberculosis </it>(MAP) infection. Novel mutations in TLR genes (TLR1- Ser150Gly and Val220Met; TLR2 – Phe670Leu) were statistically correlated with the hindrance in recognition of MAP legends. This correlation was confirmed subsequently by measuring the expression levels of cytokines (IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 and IFN-γ) in the mutant and wild type moDCs (mocyte derived dendritic cells) after challenge with MAP cell lysate or LPS. Further <it>in silico </it>analysis of the TLR1 and TLR4 ectodomains (ECD) revealed the polymorphic nature of the central ECD and irregularities in the central LRR (leucine rich repeat) motifs.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The most critical positions that may alter the pathogen recognition ability of TLR were: the 9^thamino acid position in LRR motif (TLR1–LRR10) and 4^thresidue downstream to LRR domain (exta-LRR region of TLR4). The study describes novel mutations in the TLRs and presents their association with the MAP infection.</p

From their own perspective - constraints in the Polio Eradication Initiative: perceptions of health workers and managers in a district of Pakistan's Punjab province

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The success of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was remarkable, but four countries - Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nigeria - never interrupted polio transmission. Pakistan reportedly achieved all milestones except interrupting virus transmission. This paper describes the perceptions of health workers and managers regarding constraints in the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) to ultimately provide evidence for designing future interventions.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A qualitative cross-sectional study using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews was conducted in the Nankana Sahib District of Pakistan's Punjab province. Study subjects included staff at all levels in the PEI at district headquarters, in all 4 tehsils (sub-districts) and at 20 randomly selected primary health centers. In total, 4 FGD and 7 interview sessions were conducted and individual session summary notes were prepared and later synthesized, consolidated and subjected to conceptual analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The main constraints identified in the study were the poor condition of the cold chain in all aspects, poor skills and a lack of authority in resource allocation and human resource management, limited advocacy and communication resources, a lack of skills and training among staff at all levels in the PEI/EPI in almost all aspects of the program, a deficiency of public health professionals, poor health services structure, administrative issues (including ineffective means of performance evaluation, bureaucratic and political influences, problems in vaccination areas and field programs, no birth records at health facilities, and poor linkage between different preventive programs), unreliable reporting and poor monitoring and supervision systems, limited use of local data for interventions, and unclear roles and responsibilities after decentralization.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The study highlights various shortcomings and bottlenecks in the PEI, and the barriers identified should be considered in prioritizing future strategies.</p

3D-printed microneedles in biomedical applications

Conventional needle technologies can be advanced with emerging nano- and micro-fabrication methods to fabricate microneedles. Nano-/micro-fabricated microneedles seek to mitigate penetration pain and tissue damage, as well as providing accurately controlled robust channels for administrating bioagents and collecting body fluids. Here, design and 3D printing strategies of microneedles are discussed with emerging applications in biomedical devices and healthcare technologies. 3D printing offers customization, cost-efficiency, a rapid turnaround time between design iterations, and enhanced accessibility. Increasing the printing resolution, the accuracy of the features, and the accessibility of low-cost raw printing materials have empowered 3D printing to be utilized for the fabrication of microneedle platforms. The development of 3D-printed microneedles has enabled the evolution of pain-free controlled release drug delivery systems, devices for extracting fluids from the cutaneous tissue, biosignal acquisition, and point-of-care diagnostic devices in personalized medicine