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Nanofibers are a type of nanomaterial with a diameter ranging from ten to a few hundred nanometers with a high surface-to-volume ratio and porosity. They can build a network of high-porosity material with excellent connectivity within the pores, making them a preferred option for numerous applications. This review explores nanofibers from the synthesis techniques to fabricate nanofibers, with an emphasis on the technological applications of nanofibers like water and air filtration, photovoltaics, batteries and fuel cells, gas sensing, photocatalysis, and biomedical applications like wound dressing and drug delivery. The nanofiber production market has an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% and should reach around 26 million US $ in 2026. The limitations and potential opportunities for large-scale applications of nano-fibrous membranes are also discussed. We expect this review could provide enriched information to better understand Electrospun Polymer Nanofiber Technology and recent advances in this field. © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.
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Background: Easy availability, low cost, and low radiation exposure make chest radiography an ideal modality for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) detection. Objective(s): In this study, we propose the use of an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to automatically detect abnormalities associated with COVID-19 on chest radiographs. We aimed to evaluate the performance of the algorithm against the interpretation of radiologists to assess its utility as a COVID-19 triage tool. Material(s) and Method(s): The study was conducted in collaboration with Kaushalya Medical Trust Foundation Hospital, Thane, Maharashtra, between July and August 2020. We used a collection of public and private datasets to train our AI models. Specificity and sensitivity measures were used to assess the performance of the AI algorithm by comparing AI and radiology predictions using the result of the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction as reference. We also compared the existing open-source AI algorithms with our method using our private dataset to ascertain the reliability of our algorithm. Result(s): We evaluated 611 scans for semantic and non-semantic features. Our algorithm showed a sensitivity of 77.7% and a specificity of 75.4%. Our AI algorithm performed better than the radiologists who showed a sensitivity of 75.9% and specificity of 75.4%. The open-source model on the same dataset showed a large disparity in performance measures with a specificity of 46.5% and sensitivity of 91.8%, thus confirming the reliability of our approach. Conclusion(s): Our AI algorithm can aid radiologists in confirming the findings of COVID-19 pneumonia on chest radiography and identifying additional abnormalities and can be used as an assistive and complementary first-line COVID-19 triage tool.Copyright © Cancer Research, Statistics, and Treatment.
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Radiotherapy-induced secondary malignancy is a well-known occurrence. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have undergone serial computed tomography (CT) imaging, and concerns have been raised regarding radiation-induced malignancies due to frequent scanning. Accordingly, various low and ultra-low-dose CT (LDCT) thorax protocols have been developed to reduce the dose of radiation. Major governing bodies worldwide have established guidelines regarding the indications for CT scans and chest X-rays during the pandemic. We, therefore, aimed to provide facts about the effects of radiation (both diagnostic and therapeutic). Through this article, we intend to break the myths and 'mithya' (misbeliefs) regarding diagnostic radiation and its association with cancer in this COVID-19 era. For this review, we performed a search in Google using specific keywords pertaining to imaging during COVID-19 and radiation risk. We also included the names of various global governing bodies in the Google search. We included only full text articles and guidelines from authentic websites. From this review, we conclude that if we follow the recommendations of various global governing bodies and use CT scan only in cases of moderate to severe COVID-related symptoms, adhere to the principle of 'as low as reasonably achievable' for radiation protection, and use LDCT scan protocols, we can significantly reduce the mean effective radiation dose delivered and the estimated cancer risk.Copyright © 2023 Cancer Research, Statistics, and Treatment. All rights reserved.
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Health care is undergoing major transformation with a shift from fee-for-service care to fee-for-value. Although there have been substantial advances in anesthesia care, perioperative complications and mortality after surgery remain a key concern. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical and procedural practices further highlights the urgency and need for an expanded role of perioperative medicine to impact system improvement. The surgical experience is frequently the first touchpoint to reengage the patient in their own health care. Some of the key interventions that are being effectively instituted by the anesthesiologists include proactive engagement in preoperative optimization of patient's health;personalization and standardization of care delivery by segmenting patients based on their complexity and risk;and implementation of best practices that are data-driven and evidence-based and provide structure that allow patients to return to their optimal state of functional, cognitive, and psychological health. Through collaborative relationships with other perioperative stakeholders, anesthesiologists can consolidate their role as clinical leaders driving value-based care and healthcare transformation in the best interests of our patients. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Introduction: The clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infection in children with cancer have been variable worldwide. Therefore, we aimed to collect data from all regions in India through a national collaborative study and identify factors that cause mortality directly related to COVID-19 infection. Method(s): Data was collected prospectively on children across India on cancer therapy and diagnosed with COVID-19 infections from 47 centers from April 2020 to October 2021. Information was recorded on the demographics, the number of children that required intervention, and the outcome of the infection. In addition, we analyzed the impact of the delta variant in 2021. Result(s): A total of 659 children were studied, of whom 64% were male and 36% were female. The data from the eastern region was sparse, and this was a collection bias. COVID-19 infection was predominantly seen in children less than five years. The delta variant had a higher impact in the southern region, and this was statistically significant. Of the 659 children, 30 children died (4.5%), however only 7 of the deaths were directly attributed to COVID-19 infection (1%). Conclusion(s): The study reports the largest nationally representative cohort of children with cancer and COVID-19 to date in India. We identified demographic and clinical factors associated with increased all-cause mortality in patients with cancer. Complete characterization of the cohort has provided further insights into the effects of COVID-19 on cancer outcomes. The low mortality allows us to recommend that specific cancer treatments be continued without delays in therapy.Copyright © 2022
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The year 2020 was the most challenging period due to the havoc caused by the outbreak of novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Scientists and researchers all around the world have endeav-ored every possible approach to find solutions in context to therapeutics and vaccines to control the spread of this life-threatening virus. The acceleration instigated by the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 and its mutated strains has leveraged the use of numerous platform technologies for the development of vaccines against this unfathomable disease. Vaccines could play an important role in miti-gating the effects of COVID-19 and reducing the ongoing health crisis. Various innovative plat-forms like proteins, nucleic acids, viruses, and viral vectors have been exploited to fabricate vaccines depicting almost 90% of efficacy like BNT162b2, AZD1222, Ad5-nCoV, etc. Some of these vaccines are multipotent and have shown potent activity against newly emerged malicious strains of SARS-CoV-2 like B.1.351 and B.1.1.7. In this review article, we have gathered key findings from various sources of recently popularized vaccine candidates, which will provide an overview of potential vaccine candidates against this virus and will help the researchers to investi-gate possible ways to annihilate this menace and design new moieties.Copyright © 2022 Bentham Science Publishers.
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With an increasing rate of cancers in almost all age groups and advanced screening techniques leading to an early diagnosis and longer longevity of patients with cancers, it is of utmost importance that radiologists assigned with cancer imaging should be prepared to deal with specific expected and unexpected circumstances that may arise during the lifetime of these patients. Tailored integration of preventive and curative interventions with current health plans and global escalation of efforts for timely diagnosis of cancers will pave the path for a cancer-free world. The commonly encountered circumstances in the current era, complicating cancer imaging, include coronavirus disease 2019 infection, pregnancy and lactation, immunocompromised states, bone marrow transplant, and screening of cancers in the relevant population. In this article, we discuss the imaging recommendations pertaining to cancer screening and diagnosis in the aforementioned clinical circumstances.Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.
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COVID-19 has been no less than a nightmare for the world. No community or person was left unaffected. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be seen in different sections of society, but this impact has not been uniform for all. The current pandemic has amplified the inequalities that were somehow already deep-rooted across the globe. For a country like India too, where inequalities had been acting as impediments for individuals and communities, preventing them from playing pivotal roles in social, economic, and political life, the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic has widened these inequalities. The present paper studied the disparities in India, amplified during COVID-19, considering some important sectors like health and education that played a crucial role in building the country's social infrastructure. Also, other variables like income, GDP, poverty, unemployment, and gender inequality have also been taken into consideration to understand the intertwined and magnified impact of the coronavirus pandemic on widening the socio-economic gap. This paper found that in India and many parts of the world, efforts to move towards self-reliance is the right approach, as the same would help us reduce inequalities by creating employment and incomes. © 2022, Associated Management Consultants Pvt. Ltd.. All rights reserved.
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Background: Extra-nodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Few cases of Ocular adnexal T-cell lymphoma presenting as pre-septal cellulitis/orbital cellulitis has been reported in the literature. However, Extra Nodal NK/T cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma presenting as orbital cellulitis and also with multisystem involvement in the paediatric age group is a rare presentation and not reported earlier. Method(s): 13 years old male presented to us with weakness of left side with left facial palsy for 2.5 months and right eye severe proptosis and vision loss for 2 months. Initially, He was diagnosed with Orbital cellulitis and treated for the same from elsewhere. PET-CT showed FDG avid metabolic active largest soft tissue mass in left lung upper lobe encasing first rib, large active soft tissue mass in the periorbital area, right nasal cavity, right lobe of the thyroid, right kidney, pancreas head, scrotal area, multiple bony lesions. Further biopsy from rib mass revealed NK- T cell lymphoma. He was diagnosed with a rare case of NK/ T cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma with multisystem involvement. Initially, he responded to SMILE regimen of chemotherapy, but he developed white fluffy vitreous opacities in the left eye after 3 cycles, and before vitreous biopsy, he contracted COVID 19 infection. During COVID treatment he has received IV antibiotics and steroids. After recovery from covid illness, his vitreous opacities got disappeared suggestive of possible endophthalmitis rather than intraocular lymphoma. Later within two weeks, he succumbed to the disease. Result(s): Died with disease Conclusion(s): Our case highlights that ocular adnexal lymphoma can be a possible masquerade in cases of refractory lid swelling with erythema and induration and can present as orbital cellulitis with multisystem involvement. Copyright © 2022
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Aim: Purpose of the present research was to assess the co-relation between covid-19 and periodontal disease. Methodology: A case-control study was conducted amongst 150 participants. Patients who had positive real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection were included in the case group (n = 79), and patients with negative results were included in the control group (n = 71). The periodontal examination involved recording the plaque scores, calculus scores, tooth mobility, gingival bleeding, probing depth, recession, and clinical attachment level (CAL). Result(s): Logistic regression analysis showed significant associations of mean plaque scores >= 1 (odds ratio (OR), 7.01;95% confidence interval (CI), 1.83 to 26.94), gingivitis (OR, 17.65;95% CI, 5.95 to 52.37), mean CAL >= 2 mm (OR, 8.46;95% CI, 3.47 to 20.63), and severe periodontitis (OR, 11.75;95% CI, 3.89 to 35.49) with COVID-19;these findings were more prevalent in the case group. Conclusion(s): Based on the above mentioned observations, it can be concluded that there is an association between periodontitis severity and COVID-19. Gingival bleeding and dental plaque accumulation are also more frequent among COVID-19 patients. Hence, it is essential to maintain periodontal health and good oral hygiene as an important measure for COVID-19 prevention and management. Copyright © 2022 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.
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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unprecedented labour market disruption, triggering the most severe global labour market crisis on record. The speed and depth of the crisis rendered labour force survey data unable to provide timely information. The ILO nowcasting model was designed to track the disruption in the world of work caused by the pandemic. This required: 1) filling data gaps, 2) increasing the timeliness of available data, and 3) focusing on an indicator that captured well the pandemic disruption: hours worked. The estimates obtained from the ILO nowcasting model have become the backbone of the empirical strategy behind the ILO Monitor on the World of Work publication series. The latest estimates corroborate that the pandemic induced very large declines in hours worked at an unprecedented speed. Furthermore, the recovery process has stalled, driven by a stagnant recovery in developing economies. The country-level input data and estimates of the ILO nowcasting model allow for complementary analysis, which was published in the ILO Monitor. The topics included the effects of COVID-19 testing and tracing, fiscal stimulus, and vaccination on labour market outcomes. © 2022 - The authors.
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Preliminary data depicts a much greater prevalence and high case-fatality rate in advanced age males as compared to age-matched women with severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 infections with high morbidity, mortality, high referral, and admission to intensive care unit with severe sequelae. However, the literature search revealed both for and against studies in this context. Thus, at present, in light of the mixed studies, it cannot be established whether low testosterone levels in aging hypogonadal males create a permissive environment for severe response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and can it increase the morbidity or mortality, or on the contrary if the virus inhibits androgen formation. Hence, it is highly warranted to establish the said hypothesis by conducting large statistically powered clinical studies in future. Further, it is highly indicated that impact of sex hormones and gender on the incidence and case fatality of the disease and hormones as a treatment according to sex and gender for COVID requires further scientific research by the research community before it is actually recommended to mitigate the COVID-19 disease course among elderly men and women at large. © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.
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SESSION TITLE: Late Breaking Procedures Posters SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 01:30 pm - 02:30 pm PURPOSE: The Galaxy SystemTM (Noah Medical, San Carlos, CA) is a novel robotic endoluminal platform using electromagnetic navigation combined with integrated tomosynthesis technology and augmented fluoroscopy. It provides intraprocedural imaging to correct CT-to-body divergence and novel confirmation of tool-in-lesion. The primary aim of this study was to assess the tool-in-lesion accuracy of the robotic bronchoscope with integrated digital tomosynthesis and augmented fluoroscopy. METHOD(S): Over four separate days, four operators (the authors) conducted the experiment using four pigs. Each physician performed between 4 and 6 nodule biopsies for 20 lung nodule biopsies. A porcine model (S. s. domesticus) was utilized. Each pig was anesthetized with volatile gas and underwent tracheostomy with an 8.5 endotracheal tube and bilateral chest tube thoracostomy. Anesthesia was monitored by a veterinarian with invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Under CT fluoroscopic guidance, simulated lung nodules were created by percutaneous injection of a gelatinous agar solution containing purple dye and radiopaque material into the lung periphery. A CT was then performed for pre-procedure planning. Using Galaxy's "Tool in Lesion TOMO+" with augmented fluoroscopy, the physician navigated to the lung nodules and a tool (needle) was placed into the lesion. Tool in lesion was defined by the needle in or tangential to the lesion determined by CBCT. Center strike was defined as the needle in the middle third in three orthogonal angles (axial, sagittal, and coronal) on CBCT. RESULT(S): Lung nodules' average size was 16.3+/-0.97 mm and were predominantly in the lower lobes (65%). Only 15% (3/20) had a bronchus sign and the average distance to the pleura was 6.88+/-5.5 mm. All four operators successfully navigated to all (100%) of the lesions in an average of 3 minutes and 39 seconds. The median number of tomosynthesis sweeps was 3 and augmented fluoroscopy was utilized in most cases (17/20 or 85%). Tool in lesion after final tomography sweep was 100% (20/20). Biopsy yielding purple pigmentation on microscopic or gross examination was also 100% (20/20). Center strike rate was 60%. CONCLUSION(S): The Galaxy SystemTM demonstrated successful digital tomography confirmed tool in lesion success in 100% (20/20) of lesions as confirmed by CBCT. Successful biopsy was achieved in 100% of lesions as confirmed by intralesional pigment acquisition. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The combination of robotic navigation, catheter maneuverability and real-time correction for CT body divergence capitalizes on the strengths of all three technologies to improve diagnosis. Additional clinical trials are warranted to see if high success rates can be reproduced in patients. DISCLOSURES: Consultant relationship with Medtronic ILS Please note: $20001 - $100000 by Krish Bhadra, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Veractye Please note: $1-$1000 by Krish Bhadra, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Bodyvision Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Krish Bhadra, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Merit Endotek Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Krish Bhadra, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Boston Scientific Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Krish Bhadra, value=Consulting fee Human Factor Testing relationship with Auris Surgical Robotics Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Krish Bhadra, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Intuitive Surgical Robotics Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Krish Bhadra, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Biodesix Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Krish Bhadra, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Noah Medical Please note: 5/2020 Added 06/01/2022 by Krish Bhadra, value=Consulting fee Speaker relationship with Body Vision Please note: 2015 - present Added 05/29/2022 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Ownership interest Consultant relationship with Magnisity Please note: 2021 - present Added 05/29/2022 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Ownership interest Consultant relationship with Auris (J&J Ethicon) Please note: 2014-present Added 05/29/2022 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Honoraria Consultant relationship with Boston Scientific Please note: 2008 - present Added 05/29/2022 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Medtronic Please note: 2010-2019 Added 05/29/2022 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Broncus Please note: 2017-2021 Added 05/29/2022 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with PulmonX Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Consulting fee Removed 06/08/2022 by Douglas Hogarth Consultant relationship with Spiration Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Consulting fee Removed 06/08/2022 by Douglas Hogarth Consultant relationship with Eolo Please note: $20001 - $100000 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Ownership interest Removed 06/08/2022 by Douglas Hogarth Consultant relationship with Noah Please note: 2019 - present Added 06/08/2022 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Ownership interest Consultant relationship with Noah Please note: 2019 - present Added 06/08/2022 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Medtronic Corporation Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Amit Mahajan, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Boston Scientific Corporation Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Amit Mahajan, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Pulmonx Corporation Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Amit Mahajan, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Ambu USA Please note: $1-$1000 by Amit Mahajan, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Circulogene Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Amit Mahajan, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Medtronic/Covidien Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Otis Rickman, value=Consulting fee Copyright © 2022 American College of Chest Physicians
ABSTRACT
Objective: We characterized the effect of a 12-week community-based boxing exercise program on motor and non-motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease (PWP). Background: Non-motor symptoms, including depression and apathy, are common in Parkinson's disease (PD), with significant impact on quality of life and independence. Apathy, in particular, can be difficult to treat with pharmacotherapeutics. Design/Methods: This was a prospective observational study. PWP underwent a 12-week designed community-based boxing program. The following assessments were performed by a movement disorders neurologist at baseline and after completion of the program: MDS-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (MDS-UPDRS III) modified version (since this was performed virtually due to COVID-19 pandemic), MDS Non-Motor Rating Scale (MDS-NMS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Lilli Apathy Rating Scale (LARS), Parkinson's Disease Questionaire-39 (PDQ-39), and Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living scale (SE-ADL). Pre- and post-assessments were compared using paired T-test;only participants who completed the program and both assessments were analyzed. Results: Twenty-four PWP enrolled in the boxing program, out of which 14 agreed to be a part of the study and completed assessments. All participants were ambulatory and functionally independent at baseline. MDS-NMS (p=0.003), HDRS (p=0.04), and MDS-UPDRS III modified (p=0.0003) improved significantly after the intervention. LARS (p=0.25), PDQ-39 (p=0.07), and SE-ADL (p= 0.16) did not change. Anecdotally, participants reported an improvement in motivation. Conclusions: PWP who participated in a community-based boxing program had improvements in motor exam, non-motor symptoms, and depression. Using a larger sample size, future studies should assess the impact of such an intervention on apathy.
ABSTRACT
The evolution of digitization and technology has increased the amount of data shared online, inevitably leading to the spread of false information. The issue has skyrocketed as COVID-19 spread across the globe and carried with it a sea-full of fake news. Recent technological advances, such as automatic text generators, have exacerbated the problem by interpolating synthetic text into the fake news. Current fake news detection approaches do not take into account the validity of synthetic news (machine-generated news), thus classifying all machine-generated material as fake. In this paper, the first-ever synthetic news classification model using CT-BERT is implemented, and a framework is proposed that not only distinguishes between human-authored and machine-generated text, but also considers the veracity of text to detect fake news. Moreover, a novel COVID-19 based synthetically generated dataset has been introduced by fusing synthetic text generated by GPT-2 and Grover model. Further, whether the GPT-2 and Grover models are vulnerable to adversarial attacks or not has been investigated. An accuracy of 98.2% and 92.4% respectively in the fake news classification of human-authored and machine-generated text have been achieved. © 2022 IEEE.