Cow key point detection in indoor housing conditions with a deep learning model.

Lameness in dairy cattle is a costly and highly prevalent problem that affects all aspects of sustainable dairy production, including animal welfare. Automation of gait assessment would allow monitoring of locomotion in which the cows' walking patterns can be evaluated frequently and with limited labor. With the right interpretation algorithms, this could result in more timely detection of locomotion problems. This in turn would facilitate timely intervention and early treatment, which is crucial to reduce the effect of abnormal behavior and pain on animal welfare. Gait features of dairy cows can potentially be derived from key points that locate crucial anatomical points on a cow's body. The aim of this study is 2-fold: (1) to demonstrate automation of the detection of dairy cows' key points in a practical indoor setting with natural occlusions from gates and races, and (2) to propose the necessary steps to postprocess these key points to make them suitable for subsequent gait feature calculations. Both the automated detection of key points as well as the postprocessing of them are crucial prerequisites for camera-based automated locomotion monitoring in a real farm environment. Side-view video footage of 34 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows, captured when exiting the milking parlor, were used for model development. From these videos, 758 samples of 2 successive frames were extracted. A previously developed deep learning model called T-LEAP was trained to detect 17 key points on cows in our indoor farm environment with natural occlusions. To this end, the dataset of 758 samples was randomly split into a train (n = 22 cows; no. of samples = 388), validation (n = 7 cows; no. of samples = 108), and test dataset (n = 15 cows; no. of samples = 262). The performance of T-LEAP to automatically assign key points in our indoor situation was assessed using the average percentage of correctly detected key points using a threshold of 0.2 of the head length (PCKh0.2). The model's performance on the test set achieved a good result with PCKh0.2: 89% on all 17 key points together. Detecting key points on the back (n = 3 key points) of the cow had the poorest performance PCKh0.2: 59%. In addition to the indoor performance of the model, a more detailed study of the detection performance was conducted to formulate postprocessing steps necessary to use these key points for gait feature calculations and subsequent automated locomotion monitoring. This detailed study included the evaluation of the detection performance in multiple directions. This study revealed that the performance of the key points on a cows' back were the poorest in the horizontal direction. Based on this more in-depth study, we recommend the implementation of the outlined postprocessing techniques to address the following issues: (1) correcting camera distortion, (2) rectifying erroneous key point detection, and (3) establishing the necessary procedures for translating hoof key points into gait features.

Depression Identification Using EEG Signals via a Hybrid of LSTM and Spiking Neural Networks.

Depression severity can be classified into distinct phases based on the Beck depression inventory (BDI) test scores, a subjective questionnaire. However, quantitative assessment of depression may be attained through the examination and categorization of electroencephalography (EEG) signals. Spiking neural networks (SNNs), as the third generation of neural networks, incorporate biologically realistic algorithms, making them ideal for mimicking internal brain activities while processing EEG signals. This study introduces a novel framework that for the first time, combines an SNN architecture and a long short-term memory (LSTM) structure to model the brain's underlying structures during different stages of depression and effectively classify individual depression levels using raw EEG signals. By employing a brain-inspired SNN model, our research provides fresh perspectives and advances knowledge of the neurological mechanisms underlying different levels of depression. The methodology employed in this study includes the utilization of the synaptic time dependent plasticity (STDP) learning rule within a 3-dimensional brain-template structured SNN model. Furthermore, it encompasses the tasks of classifying and predicting individual outcomes, visually representing the structural alterations in the brain linked to the anticipated outcomes, and offering interpretations of the findings. Notably, our method achieves exceptional accuracy in classification, with average rates of 98% and 96% for eyes-closed and eyes-open states, respectively. These results significantly outperform state-of-the-art deep learning methods.

CT-based radiomics to distinguish progressive from stable neuroendocrine liver metastases treated with somatostatin analogues: an explorative study.

BACKGROUND: Accurate response evaluation in patients with neuroendocrine liver metastases (NELM) remains a challenge. Radiomics has shown promising results regarding response assessment. PURPOSE: To differentiate progressive (PD) from stable disease (SD) with radiomics in patients with NELM undergoing somatostatin analogue (SSA) treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 46 patients with histologically confirmed gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NET) with ≥1 NELM and ≥2 computed tomography (CT) scans were included. Response was assessed with Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST1.1). Hepatic target lesions were manually delineated and analyzed with radiomics. Radiomics features were extracted from each NELM on both arterial-phase (AP) and portal-venous-phase (PVP) CT. Multiple instance learning with regularized logistic regression via LASSO penalization (with threefold cross-validation) was used to classify response. Three models were computed: (i) AP model; (ii) PVP model; and (iii) AP + PVP model for a lesion-based and patient-based outcome. Next, clinical features were added to each model. RESULTS: In total, 19 (40%) patients had PD. Median follow-up was 13 months (range 1-50 months). Radiomics models could not accurately classify response (area under the curve 0.44-0.60). Adding clinical variables to the radiomics models did not significantly improve the performance of any model. CONCLUSION: Radiomics features were not able to accurately classify response of NELM on surveillance CT scans during SSA treatment.

Predicting local tumour progression after ablation for colorectal liver metastases: CT-based radiomics of the ablation zone.

PURPOSE: To assess whether CT-based radiomics of the ablation zone (AZ) can predict local tumour progression (LTP) after thermal ablation for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-two patients with 127 CRLM were included. Radiomics features (with different filters) were extracted from the AZ and a 10 mm periablational rim (PAR)on portal-venous-phase CT up to 8 weeks after ablation. Multivariable stepwise Cox regression analyses were used to predict LTP based on clinical and radiomics features. Performance (concordance [c]-statistics) of the different models was compared and performance in an 'independent' dataset was approximated with bootstrapped leave-one-out-cross-validation (LOOCV). RESULTS: Thirty-three lesions (26 %) developed LTP. Median follow-up was 21 months (range 6-115). The combined model, a combination of clinical and radiomics features, included chemotherapy (HR 0.50, p = 0.024), cT-stage (HR 10.13, p = 0.016), lesion size (HR 1.11, p = <0.001), AZ_Skewness (HR 1.58, p = 0.016), AZ_Uniformity (HR 0.45, p = 0.002), PAR_Mean (HR 0.52, p = 0.008), PAR_Skewness (HR 1.67, p = 0.019) and PAR_Uniformity (HR 3.35, p < 0.001) as relevant predictors for LTP. The predictive performance of the combined model (after LOOCV) yielded a c-statistic of 0.78 (95 %CI 0.65-0.87), compared to the clinical or radiomics models only (c-statistic 0.74 (95 %CI 0.58-0.84) and 0.65 (95 %CI 0.52-0.83), respectively). CONCLUSION: Combining radiomics features with clinical features yielded a better performing prediction of LTP than radiomics only. CT-based radiomics of the AZ and PAR may have potential to aid in the prediction of LTP during follow-up in patients with CRLM.

Electro-pneumatic pumps for soft robotics.

Soft robotics has applications in myriad fields from assistive wearables to autonomous exploration. Now, the portability and the performance of many devices are limited by their associated pneumatic energy source, requiring either large, heavy pressure vessels or noisy, inefficient air pumps. Here, we present a lightweight, flexible, electro-pneumatic pump (EPP), which can silently control volume and pressure, enabling portable, local energy provision for soft robots, overcoming the limitations of existing pneumatic power sources. The EPP is actuated using dielectric fluid-amplified electrostatic zipping, and the device presented here can exert pressures up to 2.34 kilopascals and deliver volumetric flow rates up to 161 milliliters per minute and under 0.5 watts of power, despite only having a thickness of 1.1 millimeters and weight of 5.3 grams. An EPP was able to drive a typical soft robotic actuator to achieve a maximum contraction change of 32.40% and actuation velocity of 54.43% per second. We highlight the versatility of this technology by presenting three EPP-driven embodiments: an antagonistic mechanism, an arm-flexing wearable robotic device, and a continuous-pumping system. This work shows the wide applicability of the EPP to enable advanced wearable assistive devices and lightweight, mobile, multifunctional robots.

The effect of the ginger on the apoptosis of hippochampal cells according to the expression of BAX and Cyclin D1 genes and histological characteristics of brain in streptozotocin male diabetic rats.

Diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder in humans with multiple complications including nervous system damages. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of ginger extract on apoptosis of the neurons of hippocampus, via evaluation of BAX and Cyclin D1 and also histological analysis, in male diabetic rats. In this experimental study, 60 Wistar rats (220 ± 30gr) were conducted in 5 groups as follow: diabetic group treated with saline (group 1), normal group treated with saline (group 2), diabetic group treated with ginger (group 3), diabetic group treated with ginger-insulin (group 4), diabetic group treated with insulin (group 5). STZ (60 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally used to induce the diabetes. Expression levels of BAX and Cyclin D1 were examined using Real-Time PCR technique and the normality of neurons was evaluated using H&E staining method. The results showed that blood glucose level significantly decreased in group 4 when compared to group 1. In molecular analysis, there was no significant difference between groups regarding the expression of BAX gens, while, the expression of Cyclin D1 were significantly decreased in group 4 compared with group 1. Histological analysis revealed that pathological symptoms were lower in group 4 than the other diabetic groups. The results of present study showed that the ginger in addition to lowering blood sugar level, changes the expression of Cyclin D1 gene and histological characteristics in a positive manner. This means that the ginger may protects neurons of the hippocampus from apoptosis in diabetic patients.

Different ideas associated renal malformation and laminin α5 expression caused by maternal nicotine exposures.

The number of smokers is increasing specially in pregnant mothers and millions of children with health problems are born from the smoker mothers. Nicotine as a toxic substance crosses from placenta and accumulates in the developing organs of fetus. In this study, the effects of maternal nicotine exposure on expression levels of kidney laminin α5 in newborn mice were examined. Timed pregnant mice were injected subcutaneously with nicotine at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day from day 7 of gestation to the last day of the pregnancy (Group 1) and from day 7 until the two weeks of postnatal (Group 2). Sham control groups were injected with saline. After the last injection, all the newborn mice were anesthetized; their kidneys were removed and prepared for analysis of mRNA and protein expression of laminin α5 using Real-Time PCR and immunohistochemical techniques, respectively. Our results showed that mRNA levels of kidney laminin α5 in newborn mice were increased in group 1 when compared to sham control group and also group 2. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the protein levels of laminin α5 in the glomerulus have significantly increased in group 1 when compared to group 2. In the proximal convoluted tubules, the parameter had a high significant increase in group 1 in comparison to control and also group 2. According to the results, it seems that maternal nicotine exposure may induce abnormal laminin α5 expression which may cause defects in kidney function during life time.

DNA Methylation and microRNA patterns are in association with the expression of BRCA1 in ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is the sixth most prevalent cancer in women and is considered the most lethal gynecological malignancy. It can be inherited as a familial disease but also has a strong spontaneous occurrence. Although the disease is associated with genome instability brought on by genetics and environmental factors there is evidence that mutations in the gene encoding for the breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein (BRCA1) or its down-regulation are involved in its development. Down-regulation of BRCA1 expression by hypermethylation of its promoter may account for some cases of ovarian cancer but this does not explain the cause of the majority of the disease. This review explores the role of BRCA1 promoter hypermethylation and micro-RNAs (miRNA) involved in the regulation of BRCA1 and their role in ovarian cancer development as well as some of the exciting discoveries which could lead to targeting miRNA with a view to restoring BRCA1 expression in diseased tissues.

Self sufficient wireless transmitter powered by foot-pumped urine operating wearable MFC.

The first self-sufficient system, powered by a wearable energy generator based on microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology is introduced. MFCs made from compliant material were developed in the frame of a pair of socks, which was fed by urine via a manual gaiting pump. The simple and single loop cardiovascular fish circulatory system was used as the inspiration for the design of the manual pump. A wireless programmable communication module, engineered to operate within the range of the generated electricity, was employed, which opens a new avenue for research in the utilisation of waste products for powering portable as well as wearable electronics.

Immunomodulatory efficacy of ethanol extract of propolis on tumor-bearing mice with disseminated candidiasis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at investigating the effect of propolis on immunosurveillance by measuring the levels of serum interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ in tumor-bearing mice with disseminated candidiasis. METHODS: The ethanol extract of propolis was selected for this study. Balb/C female mice were infected with Candida albicans (C. albicans) and inoculated with spontaneous mouse mammary tumor (SMMT). The serum levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1(TIMP-1) were assessed by enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mice were treated daily with propolis solution (100mg/kg, 0.1 mL, orally) for 3 days before IV challenge with C. albicans and SC challenge with SMMT and continued for 10 days. The rates of survival and tumor growth of understudy mice were investigated as well. The levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-17 cytokines in culture supernatants were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: The mean tumor size was significantly increased in tumor-bearing mice infected with C. albicans (16.98 ± 0.49 mm(2)) as compared to other mice groups (P<0.05). The results showed a significant decline of IL-4 and IL-10 levels after propolis administration to tumor-bearing mice infected with C. albicans (53.41 pg/mL, 156.81 pg/mL and 63.45 pg/mL) (P < 0.05). The increment of TNF-α (433.85 pg/mL) and IFN-γ (120.43 pg/mL) levels were also observed. CONCLUSION: Data revealed that propolis has remarkable immunomodulatory effect, which provides a scientific validation for the popular use of this natural substance, and further investigation will help to understand propolis usefulness during immunosuppressive conditions.

[Preventive crisis management in general outpatient palliative care - prospectively cross-sectional study of General Practitioners in Eastern Bavaria]. / Vorbeugendes Krisenmanagement in der allgemeinen ambulanten Palliativversorgung. Prospektive Querschnittstudie bei Hausärzten in Ostbayern.

BACKGROUND: General out-patient palliative care (GOPC) must be integrated into the care of patients with life-limiting diseases. Aim of the study was to evaluate experiences of general practitioners concerning advance directives and palliative emergency sheets. METHODS: A self-provided survey was mailed to all general practitioners in Regensburg (cross-sectional study). Main outcome measures included responses regarding a palliative emergency sheet (PES) and a palliative emergency plan (PEP). The investigation period was four months. The analysis was performed using defined criteria (e. g. professional experience concerning palliative care patients, patients treated in nursing homes, patients with dementia). RESULTS: Sixty-nine questionnaires from 259 were analysed (response rate 27 %). 86 % of respondents named practical experience in the care of palliative patients, 46 % named theoretical knowledge in this field. 41 % and 40 % consider creating an advance directive for their practical work as important/very important (p = 0.004 concerning the treatment of more than five palliative care patients per three months). 52 % and 49 % regard a PES or a PEP to be relevant (PES median: 6.5, SD ± 2.7; PEP median: 6.5 SD ± 2.9; inter-group analysis p < 0.05). 94 % of respondents name the general practitioner to be suitable for creating an advance directive. CONCLUSION: In Germany, GOPC in end-of-life care is very important. This study shows that advance directives were declared as an important instrument for patients? autonomy. The sense of PES and PEP to ensure patients? autonomy, especially for acute emergency medical palliative care, must be better recognized. However, the increase in acceptance in the GOPC for such instruments must be disclosed. Further studies to investigate this problem are necessary.

Teratogenic effects of HESA-A, a natural anticancer product from Iran, in mice.

HESA-A is a natural product containing herbal and marine animal substances, which has been patented in Iran. It has shown antioxidant, cytotoxic and anticancer effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the teratogenic effects of HESA-A in mice. HESA-A (50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) was administered orally to pregnant mice on days 6 to 14 of gestation. Mouse reproductive developmental toxicity study was performed according to the ICH guideline. Embryos from the treated dam were sectioned and studied for external morphological abnormalities and skeletal malformations. HESA-A at two doses (400 and 800 mg/kg) slowed weight gain of pregnant mice. These two doses of HESA-A led to reduction in uterus weight (17% and 20% for the 400 and 800 mg/kg doses, respectively), increase in post-implantation resorption (150% and 200%, respectively), reduction in fetus weight (22% and 32%, respectively) and crown-lump length (15% and 19%, respectively). HESA-A at 400 and 800 mg/kg doses caused mild external and skeletal malformation significantly higher than the normal saline group. However, higher doses caused embryo malformations such as short limbs, spinal abnormalities, dermal cysts, microphtalmia and cleft palate. According to this study, only higher doses of HESA-A, which are 20 to 40 times higher than the usual therapeutic doses based on body surface conversion, may cause embryonic toxicity. This provides a reasonable safety margin for the use of HESA-A in pregnancy. Mechanisms of these abnormalities are not clear and need to be determined.

[Cancer pain therapy in palliative care patients: knowledge of prehospital emergency physicians in training. Prospective questionnaire-based investigation]. / Kenntnisse angehender Notfallmediziner über die Tumorschmerztherapie bei Palliativpatienten. Prospektive fragebogenbasierte Untersuchung.

BACKGROUND: Cancer diseases are often associated with acute and chronic pain. Therefore, cancer pain is a symptom frequently reported by palliative care patients with cancer diseases. Prehospital emergency physicians may be confronted with exacerbation of pain in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of prehospital emergency physicians in training concerning cancer pain therapy. METHODS: A total of 471 prehospital emergency physicians received a questionnaire (period of time: 2007-2009). The questionnaire was prepared for the study ("mixed methods design"). Twenty-four questions concerning cancer pain therapy (response options: scaling, open) were designed. The evaluation was done descriptively according to professional experience, field name and experience in treating patients with cancer as well. RESULTS: A total of 469 participants completed the questionnaire (response rate 99%). On average, 10.8 (SD +5.7, range 2-24) questions were answered correctly. Resident physicians answered statistically significantly more questions correctly than consultants (p=0.02). Only physicians working in internal medicine achieved statistically significantly better results than other disciplines (e.g., surgery; p=0.01). Physicians with professional experience of less than 5 years answered statistically significantly more questions correctly (p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study verify that emergency physicians in training have insufficient knowledge of pain therapy and end-of-life decisions. The data of this investigation suggest that more attention should be paid to education on pain therapy and end-of-life care in medical curricula. Prehospital emergency physicians may thus be better prepared to provide quality care for palliative patients.

Sirenomelia (mermaid syndrome): an infant from parents who used a special form of snuff.

We report the first case of a fetus with sirenomelia or mermaid syndrome, whose Afghanian parents were heavy user of a special form of snuff. The case was diagnosed as a mermaid syndrome but some of the features were common to both symmelia dipus and symmelia apus, for example, the single lower extremity had the normal femur, tibia and fibula, but the single foot was rotated medially. The digestive tube ended to a massive closed saclike structure and the anus was absence. The external genital organs were rudiment and the normal testes were undescended. Aorta was divided to branches, such that the external iliac arteries were very small in comparison to the internal iliac arteries. Inferior Vena cava was placed on to the left side of the aorta and unlike the majority of reported mermaid syndrome, the bladder was present. So, the researchers believe that the present case is a rare variant of the mermaid syndrome.

Clinical evaluation of Graves ophthalmopathy in north-east Islamic Republic of Iran.

This study evaluated the prevalence and severity of ophthalmic manifestations in all Graves disease patients (n = 68) presenting to endocrine clinics at Mashad University of Medical Sciences between December 2002 and September 2005. The mean age of patients was 38.0 (SD 14.0) years, range 15 to 71 years. The most common complaints were foreign body sensation (54.0%) and puffy eyelids (48.4%). The most common apparent abnormality was lid retraction in 64.2% of patients (bilateral in 95.3% of cases). The patients had a mean modified Werner's NO SPECS classification score of 3.00 (SD 1.46). The score was significantly higher in males than females [3.58 (SD 1.44) versus 2.63 (SD 1.35)] and was positively correlated with age.

Clinical evaluation of Graves ophthalmopathy in north-east Islamic Republic of Iran

This study evaluated the prevalence and severity of ophthalmic manifestations in all Graves disease patients [n = 68] presenting to endocrine clinics at Mashad University of Medical Sciences between December 2002 and September 2005. The mean age of patients was 38.0 [SD 14.0] years, range 15 to 71 years. The most common complaints were foreign body sensation [54.0%] and puffy eyelids [48.4%]. The most common apparent abnormality was lid retraction in 64.2% of patients [bilateral in 95.3% of cases]. The patients had a mean modified Werner's NO SPECS classification score of 3.00 [SD 1.46]. The score was significantly higher in males than females [3.58 [SD 1.44] versus 2.63 [SD 1.35]] and was positively correlated with age

Isolation and identification of atrazine-degrading bacteria from corn field soil in Fars province of Iran.

In this study several agricultural fields with a long history of atrazine application in Fars province of Iran have been explored for their potential of atrazine biodegradation. After several subculturing for a period of 300 days acclimation, leads to an enhancement of atrazine biodegradation rate. A successful enrichment culture with a high capability for atrazine degradation was obtained (88%). A combination of enrichment culture technique, in a basal salt medium containing atrazine and carbon sources under nitrogen limitation and plating on indicator atrazine agar, have permitted the isolation of bacterial consortium with high capability of using atrazine as a nitrogen source. Seven gram-negative and one gram-positive bacterial strain, which were able to use this herbicide as a sole source of nitrogen, were isolated from Darehasalouie Kavar corn field soil. Based on physiological, biochemical and nutritional characteristics, the isolated bacteria were identified as Pseudomonas alcaligenes, Acidovorax sp., Pseudomonas putida, Ralstonia eutrophus, Pseudomonas syiringe, Erwinia tracheiphila, Entrobacter agglomerans and Micrococcus varians. Therefore, the bacterial consortium in liquid culture containing carbon sources and atrazine as a sole source of nitrogen, degrade added atrazine more than 80%.

Late onset anastomotic pseudoaneurysm of renal allograft artery: case report, diagnosis, and treatment.

A large, late onset, extrarenal pseudoaneurysm at the anastomotic site of the renal allograft artery is reported herein. The patient was a 25-year-old woman who presented 2 months after a normal vaginal delivery. She had received a renal allograft 6 years before admission without any renal compliants after transplantation. She presented with lower abdominal pain and an elevated creatinine level. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a pseudoaneurysm at the anastomotic site; surgical treatment was performed via a venous patch angioplasty. She has been followed postoperatively for 18 months with normal kidney function and without any other renal or vascular problems.

An experimental investigation of hypervigilance for threat in children and adolescents with post-traumatic stress disorder.

BACKGROUND: The present study examined biases in visual attention for emotional material in children and adolescents with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and healthy controls. METHODS: The participants carried out an attentional deployment task in which probe detection latency data were used to determine the distribution of visual attention for threat-related and depression-related material. RESULTS: The results showed that children and adolescents with PTSD, relative to controls, selectively allocated processing resources towards socially threatening stimuli and away from depression-related stimuli. This attentional avoidance of depression-related information in the PTSD participants declined with age. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study are interpreted as a consolidation and extension of previous research on attentional bias and emotional disorder in younger participants.

Lack of attentional bias for emotional information in clinically depressed children and adolescents on the dot probe task.

The present study utilised a cognitive paradigm to investigate attentional biases in clinically depressed children and adolescents. Two groups of children and adolescents--clinically depressed (N = 19) and normal controls (N = 26)--were asked to complete a computerised version of the attentional dot probe paradigm similar to that used by MacLeod, Mathews, and Tata (1986). Results provided no support for an attentional bias, either toward depression-related words or threat words, in the depressed group. This finding is discussed in the context of cognitive theories of anxiety and depression.