Emerging artificial intelligence-aided diagnosis and management methods for ischemic strokes and vascular occlusions: A comprehensive review.

Large-vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke is a promising field for the use of AI, especially machine learning (ML) because optimal results are highly dependent on timely diagnosis, communication, and treatment. In order to better understand the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) in relation to LVO strokes, its efficacy, and potential future applications, we searched relevant literature to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the topic. The databases PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were extensively searched for this review. Studies were then screened using title and abstract criteria and duplicate studies were excluded. By using pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria, it was decided whether or not to include full-text papers in the final analysis. The studies were analyzed, and the relevant information was retrieved. In recognizing LVO on computed tomography, ML approaches were very accurate. There is a shortage of AI applications for thrombectomy patient selection, despite the fact that certain research accurately evaluates individual patient eligibility for endovascular therapy. Machine learning algorithms may reasonably predict clinical and angiographic outcomes as well as associated factors. AI has shown promise in the diagnosis and treatment of people who have just suffered a stroke. However, the usefulness of AI in management and forecasting remains restricted, necessitating more studies into machine learning applications that can guide decision making in the future.

Molecular epidemiology of Burkholderia mallei isolates from India (2015-2016): New SNP markers for strain tracing.

Glanders, caused by a bacterium called B. mallei, is primarily an infectious horse and human disease. Although its incidence is rare in developed countries, it is nonetheless prevalent in several geographical areas of the world. There is a lack of cost-effective, rapid and specific molecular typing tools for epidemiological tracing of glanders cases. We previously reported an SNP-based typing method that categorizes global B. mallei strains into three lineages (L1 to L3), as well as additional branches, sub-branches and groups. However, further discrimination of the Indian and Pakistani isolates within the L2B2sB2 sub-branch was not possible due to the lack of sufficient epidemiological markers. In this study, 10 B. mallei strains isolated from four states in India during 2015-2016 were whole genome sequenced; SNP analysis further confirmed their position in the L2B2sB2 branch. To better track the strains, four new markers targeting Indian or Pakistani strains, and specifically targeting sub-groups within the Indian strains, were identified. The new SNP markers were tested and validated on the 10 Indian isolates included in this study as well as on 6 contemporary B. mallei Pakistani strains. These rapid and discriminating typing tools will contribute to the epidemiological monitoring of B. mallei infections, particularly in South Asia and the Middle East, endemic regions of the disease.

Case Study of a Rare Genetic Disorder: Congenital Insensitivity to Pain With Anhidrosis.

A rare autosomal recessive disorder, congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis, is characterised by the congenital lack of pain sensation. Other characteristic symptoms include no sweating, recurrent episodes of hyperpyrexia, retardation of mental abilities and self-mutilating behaviour. Herein, we present a case of a one-year-old male child who initially presented with self-bites on the tongue and then multiple fractures with no report of pain or crying, which initially indicated carelessness of parents. Based on further in-depth assessment indicating a family history of similar weak bones and no pain, the paediatric team conducted investigations along with genetic tests. The child was diagnosed with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis. Another sibling born later also had the same disorder. Both the children developed eczema, which was difficult to cure due to constant scratching by children as they did not feel any pain. Follow-up studies indicated a slight difficulty in learning abilities and delay in the achievement of milestones. This case report indicates the need for rigorous investigations in such cases to understand the aetiology and appropriate counselling of parents for the utmost care of the child.

Is There a Role of Cupping Therapy in the Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Primary Care Setting?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a clinical syndrome, which causes significant morbidity. It is currently managed conservatively with splinting or steroidal injections. Where conservative management is unsatisfactory, surgical decompression is carried out. Because of dangerous complications of surgical procedures and increasing economical burden of CTS condition, safe, traditional, cost effective conservative adjunct option is being evaluated in this review article. Cupping therapy is an ancient but increasingly popular therapy for a variety of pathologies. Studies over the last decade have indicated potential therapeutic value of cupping therapy for the management of CTS. Whilst there is some biomedical rationale supporting the usage of cupping therapy in CTS the evidence is not sufficient to support the inclusion of cupping therapy in management of carpal tunnel syndrome in formal pathways. High quality trials with increased participant numbers, development of blinded study options and a regulatory body for cupping therapy are required so that cupping therapy can be established as a potent therapeutic option for CTS. The review was conducted to examine the efficacy of cupping therapy in management of CTS.

Development of a microsphere-based immunoassay for the serological detection of glanders in equids.

Burkholderia mallei is the etiologic agent of glanders, an infectious disease of solipeds, with renewed scientific interest due to its increasing incidence in different parts of the world. More rapid, sensitive and specific assays are required by laboratories for confirmatory testing of this disease. A microsphere-based immunoassay consisting of beads coated with B. mallei recombinant proteins (BimA, GroEL, Hcp1, and TssB) has been developed for the serological diagnosis of glanders. The proteins' performance was compared with the OIE reference complement fixation test (CFT) and an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) on a large panel of sera comprised of uninfected horses (n=198) and clinically confirmed cases of glanders from India and Pakistan (n=99). Using Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis and adjusting the cutoff levels, Hcp1 (Se=100%, Sp=99.5%) and GroEL (Se= 97%, Sp=99.5%) antigens exhibited the best specificity and sensitivity. Neither Hcp1 and GroEL proteins, nor iELISA reacted with doubtful and positive CFT samples from glanders free countries which further confirmed the false positive reactions seen in CFT.

High-resolution melting PCR analysis for rapid genotyping of Burkholderia mallei.

Burkholderia (B.) mallei is the causative agent of glanders. A previous work conducted on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) extracted from the whole genome sequences of 45 B. mallei isolates identified 3 lineages for this species. In this study, we designed a high-resolution melting (HRM) method for the screening of 15 phylogenetically informative SNPs within the genome of B. mallei that subtype the species into 3 lineages and 12 branches/sub-branches/groups. The present results demonstrate that SNP-based genotyping represent an interesting approach for the molecular epidemiology analysis of B. mallei.

Association of BCL-2 with oxidative stress and total antioxidant status in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

B-Cell Lymphoma protein-2 (BCL-2) is one of the most studied proteins with substantial regulatory potential for both apoptosis and autophagy. BCL-2 confer chemoresistance through influencing cancer pathophysiology. Serum level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) predicts increased anaerobic glycolysis and is associated with metabolic modulation in cancer cells. In the present research, the interplay of BCL-2, total oxidative status (TOS) and LDH was investigated in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The studied parameters, BCL-2 protein (p less than 0.001), TOS (p less than 0.001) and LDH (p less than 0.001) were significantly elevated in the ALL group compared to the normal group (N-group). However, the total antioxidant status (TAS) was reduced significantly (p less than 0.01) in ALL patients. In the ALL group, the TOS had significant negative correlation with TAS (p less than 0.01). Furthermore, non-significant positive correlations were found between BCL-2 and LDH, BCL-2 and TAS and LDH and TAS (each with; p>0.05). However, a negative non-significant correlation was observed between BCL-2 and TOS and LDH and TOS (each with; p>0.05).

In vitro antioxidant potential of selected aphrodisiac medicinal plants.

The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of six selected aphrodisiac medicinal plants. Useful parts of the selected medicinal plants were collected and extracted in methanolic solvent. The antioxidant activity of selected plant extract was determined through different antioxidant assays, namely DPPH radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing antioxidant assay. Moreover, antioxidant compounds, like total phenolics and total flavonoids contents, were also determined. Results showed that Mucuna pruriens seed extract displayed high contents of phenolic compounds with total phenolic content of 683.15±4.28 mg GAE/g dry plant material while the least phenolic content was observed in Asparagus racemosus (195.5±3.02 mg GAE/g dry plant material). Highest total flavonoids content was found in Anacyclus pyrethrum roots (156.58±4.01 µg CE/g) and the least content was found in Asparagus racemosus roots. Among the studied plant extracts, the highest radical scavenging activity was shown by Mucuna pruriens seed extract (82.05±0.55%) and the least percent scavenging activity was observed in Tribulus terrestris extract (36.40±2.01%). Vitamin C was used as positive control for antioxidant assays showing 93.54±0.9% radical scavenging activity. The plant extract also exhibited a strong reducing potential against free radicals. Therefore, the present study concluded that all the studied medicinal plants possess varying concentrations of secondary active metabolites responsible for the antioxidant properties of the tested plant extracts.

Isolation, characterization, virulence and immunogenicity testing of field isolates of Pasteurella multocida, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus agalactiae in laboratory settings.

The present study was designed to investigate isolation, characterization, virulence and immunogenicity testing of field isolates of Pasteurella multocida, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus agalactiae in rabbits and mice. Isolates of P. multocida, S. aureus and Str. agalactiae recovered from field cases of Hemorragic septicemia and mastitis were scrutinized for virulence/pathogenicity and immunogenicity. Mouse LD50 of P. multocida showed that P. multocida isolate No.1 was more virulent than isolates No. 2 and 3. Virulence of isolate No.1S. aureus and Str. agalactiae revealed that 100, 80% rabbits died within 18h of inoculation. Seven-digit numerical profiles of these 4 isolates with API® Staph test strips isolates, No.1 (6736153) showed good identification (S. aureus id=90.3%). Indirect ELISA-based serum antibody titers to P. multocida isolate No.1, S. aureus No.1, Str. agalactiae, isolate No.1 elicited high antibody titers 1.9, 1.23, 1.12 respectively. CONCLUSION: All the pathogens of Isolate No. 1 (P. multocida, S. aureus Str. agalactiae), were high antibody than others isolates.

Sero-epidemiology of equine toxoplasmosis using a latex agglutination test in the three metropolises of Punjab, Pakistan.

Toxoplasmosis is a serious threat for livestock in addition to being of zoonotic significance. In this study, serodiagnosis of equine toxoplasmosis was conducted in a randomly selected population from the 3 metropolises of Punjab, Pakistan. To this end, 272 draught equines were screened using a commercial latex agglutination assay kit. Association of probable risk factors of equine toxoplasmosis was also documented. A total of 91 (33.5%) equines were found sero-positive for Toxoplama (T.) gondii having antibody titers ranging between 1:32 to 1:612. The highest rates of seropositive cases were observed in donkeys (58.7%) followed by mules (28.6%) and horses (23.5%). Age, sex and species of draught equines were found not to be statistically (p>0.05) associated with the distribution of T. gondii antibodies. The results of the study provided a baseline data for the exposure of equine population in this area. In addition, it is recommended that the contiguous population of domestic ruminants and possible reservoirs such as feral cats should be screened in order to explore the potential risk for the human population in Pakistan.

Experiences of stigma among hepatitis B and C patients in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan.

Hepatitis B and C are chronic diseases with mental and social impacts which can result in poor quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the experiences of stigma in a sample of hepatitis B- and C-positive patients in Pakistan. In a cross-sectional study, 140 inpatients and outpatients from 3 tertiary-care hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi answered a semi-structured questionnaire about stigma experienced from relatives, friends, spouse and health-care providers, and about work/financial problems. The majority of patients (75%) said they had had to change their lifestyle, and significantly more were males than females. Stigma was marked in terms of disease transmission, with 66% of patients fearing that they could transmit the infection to others; 19% said that family members avoided sharing towels, soap and eating and drinking utensils. Marital relationships were affected for 51% of married patients who had told their spouse. Patients' comments showed a sense of family and societal discrimination resulting in feelings of disappointment and isolation.

Diffused idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis in a fighting Bulldog: a case report.

This case report illustrates the presence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) in a fighting Bulldog. The dog was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Agriculture Faisalabad Pakistan, with the presenting complaint of slowly progressing staggering gait, inability to stand on hind limbs and muscle stiffness in lumbo-sacral region. Hematological, sero-biochemical and clinical examination were insignificant except presence of extensive new bone formation in the radiograph on the ventral of last 4 consecutive body lumbar vertebras (L4-L8) in lumbar region, running parallel to nuchal ligament. Diagnosis of DISH was made on the basis of clinical signs and radiographical examination which were suggestive of DISH. This report documents the first case of DISH in fighting Bulldog in Pakistan.

High prevalence of West Nile virus in equines from the two provinces of Pakistan.

This study describes the first large-scale serosurvey on West Nile virus (WNV) conducted in the equine population in Pakistan. Sera were collected from 449 equids from two provinces of Pakistan during 2012-2013. Equine serum samples were screened using a commercial ELISA kit detecting antibodies against WNV and related flaviviruses. ELISA-positive samples were further investigated using virus-specific microneutralization tests (MNTs) to identify infections with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), WNV and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). Anti-WNV antibodies were detected in 292 samples by ELISA (seroprevalence 65.0%) and WNV infections were confirmed in 249 animals by MNT. However, there was no animal found infected by JEV or TBEV. The detection of WNV-seropositive equines in Pakistan strongly suggests a widespread circulation of WNV in Pakistan.

Effect of incubation temperature on the diagnostic sensitivity of the glanders complement fixation test.

The complement fixation test (CFT) is the only serological test prescribed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) for the diagnosis of glanders in international trading of equids. However, false-positive reactions have caused financial losses to the animal owners in the past, and false-negative tests have resulted in the introduction of glanders into healthy equine populations in previously glanders-free areas. Both warm (incubation at 37°C for 1 h) and cold (overnight incubation at 4°C) procedures are recommended by the OIE for serodiagnosis of glanders. In a comparison of the sensitivity and specificity of the two techniques, using the United States Department of Agriculture antigen, warm CFT was found to be significantly less sensitive (56.8%; p < 0.0005) than the cold CFT (83.6%). Cold CFT thus increases the detection rate of glanders but a lower diagnostic specificity has to be accepted. The immunoblot was used as the gold standard.

Experiences of stigma among hepatitis B and C patients in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan

Hepatitis B and C are chronic diseases with mental and social impacts which can result in poor quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the experiences of stigma in a sample of hepatitis B- and C-positive patients in Pakistan. In a cross-sectional study, 140 inpatients and outpatients from 3 tertiary-care hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi answered a semi-structured questionnaire about stigma experienced from relatives, friends, spouse and health-care providers, and about work/financial problems. The majority of patients [75%] said they had had to change their lifestyle, and significantly more were males than females.Stigma was marked in terms of disease transmission, with 66% of patients fearing that they could transmit the infection to others; 19% said that family members avoided sharing towels, soap and eating and drinking utensils. Marital relationships were affected for 51% of married patients who had told their spouse. Patients' comments showed a sense of family and societal discrimination resulting in feelings of disappointment and isolation

L'hépatite B et C sont des maladies chroniques qui ont des répercussions mentales et sociales susceptibles d'entraîner une mauvaise qualité de vie. L'objectif de la présente étude était des dégager les expériences de stigmatisation au sein d'un échantillon de patients positifs pour l'hépatite B et C au Pakistan. Dans une étude transversale, 140 patients hospitalisés ou consultant dans les services de soins externes de trois hôpitaux de soins tertiaires à Islamabad et Rawalpindi ont répondu à un questionnaire semi-structuré portant sur la stigmatisation infligée par les parents,les amis, le conjoint et les prestataires de soins de santé,et sur les problèmes professionnels/financiers. La majorité des patients [75 %] ont déclaré qu'ils avaient dû changer de mode de vie et la proportion d'hommes était supérieure à celle des femmes. La stigmatisation était marquée pour la transmission de la maladie, avec 66 % des patients craignant de transmettre l'infection à d'autres personnes ; 19 % ont indiqué que les membres de leur famille évitaient de partager les serviettes de toilette,le savon, la vaisselle et les couverts. Les relations conjugales étaient affectées chez 51 % des patients mariés qui avaient informé leur conjoint. Les commentaires des patients font état d'une certaine discrimination familiale et sociale à l'origine de sentiments de désarroi et d'isolement

Glanders in animals: a review on epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and countermeasures.

Glanders or farcy, caused by Burkholderia mallei, is an infectious and zoonotic disease of solipeds. Horses, donkeys and mules are the only known natural reservoir of B. mallei. Although glanders has been eradicated from most countries, it has regained the status of a re-emerging disease because of the numerous recent outbreaks. Pre-symptomatic or carrier animals are the potential source of infection for the healthy equine population and play a crucial role in the spreading of the infectious agent. Glanders is characterized by ulcerating nodular lesions of the skin and mucous membrane. Generalized symptoms include fever, malaise, depression, cough, anorexia and weight loss. Burkholderia mallei can invade its host through mucous membranes, gastrointestinal tract and the integument. Its virulence mechanisms and pathogenesis are not yet completely understood. A major problem when using serological tests for diagnosing glanders is the occurrence of false-positive and false-negative results leading to difficulties in international trade with equids and to the spread of glanders to disease-free regions. Moreover, poor tests critically result in poor control of disease. These tests are not only incapable of discriminating between B. mallei and B. pseudomallei antibodies, they are also unable to differentiate between malleinized and naturally infected animals. Combined use of both serological and molecular detection methods increases the detection rate of glanders. Countermeasures against glanders include early detection of disease in susceptible animals, stringent quarantine measures, testing and safe destruction of infected carcasses, adequate compensation to the animal owners, disinfection of infected premises and awareness about glanders and the zoonotic implications through veterinary extension services. An account of the clinical picture and successful experimental therapy of spontaneous equine glanders is also given.

Comparative evaluation of three commercially available complement fixation test antigens for the diagnosis of glanders.

The sensitivity and specificity of three commercially available complement fixation test (CFT) antigens from c.c.pro (c.c.pro), Central Veterinary Institute of Wageningen UR (CIDC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) were comparatively evaluated by testing 410 sera collected from glanders-endemic and non-endemic areas (200 true-negative randomly collected sera and 210 sera collected from experimentally immunised animals (12 rabbits, 19 horses), clinically positive (135) and culture-positive (44) horses, donkeys and mules). Immunoblotting (IB) was used as the gold standard test. Highest sensitivity was shown for the CIDC antigen (100 per cent) followed by the c.c.pro antigen (99.39 per cent). However, the USDA antigen showed substantially less (p<0.05) sensitivity (62.19 per cent). Highest specificity was found for the USDA antigen (100 per cent) followed by the CIDC (97.5 per cent) and c.c.pro antigen (96.5 per cent). Positive and negative predictive values (assumed glanders prevalence of <0.1 per cent) for each antigen were calculated to be 95.88 and 99.48 (c.c.pro), 97.04 and 100 (CIDC), 100 and 76.33 per cent (USDA), respectively. Almost perfect agreement (0.96) was found between CFT using either c.c.pro or CIDC and IB.

Trypanosoma evansi infections in Himalayan black bears (Selenarctos thibetanus).

The Asiatic or Himalayan black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus) is an endangered species. In South Asian countries, captive tamed Himalayan bears are commonly used by roving bear-charmers to entertain the people in rural and urban areas. In captivity, this species confronts several psychophysical traumas and communicable diseases, which are prevalent in other domestic species. The present report describes four cases of Trypanosoma evansi infection in live Himalayan charming bears, which originated from the Faisalabad and Jhang districts of Pakistan. The condition was characterized by pyrexia, accelerated pulse, tachypnea, depression, anemic mucous membranes, and ataxia (n = 3). Microscopic examination of peripheral blood films revealed moderate (n = 2) or high (n = 2) numbers of T. evansi. All four bears were treated twice at 3-day intervals with suramin sodium by using almost twice the dosage recommended for common domestic animals (10 mg/kg). The treated bears were found aparasitemic on repeat blood testing on days 5, 7, and 10 post-treatment. No adverse effects were noted and all four cases recovered in 3-7 days after completion of the second round of treatment. One bear died 8 days after the second treatment (day 11). This is the first report of T. evansi in bears.