A new design of multimedia big data retrieval enabled by deep feature learning and Adaptive Semantic Similarity Function.

Nowadays, multimedia big data have grown exponentially in diverse applications like social networks, transportation, health, and e-commerce, etc. Accessing preferred data in large-scale datasets needs efficient and sophisticated retrieval approaches. Multimedia big data consists of the most significant features with different types of data. Even though the multimedia supports various data formats with corresponding storage frameworks, similar semantic information is expressed by the multimedia. The overlap of semantic features is most efficient for theory and research related to semantic memory. Correspondingly, in recent years, deep multimodal hashing gets more attention owing to the efficient performance of huge-scale multimedia retrieval applications. On the other hand, the deep multimodal hashing has limited efforts for exploring the complex multilevel semantic structure. The main intention of this proposal is to develop enhanced deep multimedia big data retrieval with the Adaptive Semantic Similarity Function (A-SSF). The proposed model of this research covers several phases "(a) Data collection, (b) deep feature extraction, (c) semantic feature selection and (d) adaptive similarity function for retrieval. The two main processes of multimedia big data retrieval are training and testing. Once after collecting the dataset involved with video, text, images, and audio, the training phase starts. Here, the deep semantic feature extraction is performed by the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), which is again subjected to the semantic feature selection process by the new hybrid algorithm termed Spider Monkey-Deer Hunting Optimization Algorithm (SM-DHOA). The final optimal semantic features are stored in the feature library. During testing, selected semantic features are added to the map-reduce framework in the Hadoop environment for handling the big data, thus ensuring the proper big data distribution. Here, the main contribution termed A-SSF is introduced to compute the correlation between the multimedia semantics of the testing data and training data, thus retrieving the data with minimum similarity. Extensive experiments on benchmark multimodal datasets demonstrate that the proposed method can outperform the state-of-the-art performance for all types of data.

Mental health promotion: a narrative review of emerging trends.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The current review aims to provide an update on the recent work in mental health promotion with a special emphasis on emerging evidence and innovations in the field. RECENT FINDINGS: Studies reviewed across settings like the home, school, workplace, communities, and internet-based platforms, have indicated a growing evidence base for effective mental health promotion strategies that are holistic, multicomponent, and targeted at both, specific vulnerable groups and whole populations. Innovative approaches involving online delivery platforms, sports and exercise, positive psychology and lifestyle interventions, mobilizing community networks, and mental health first aid, are some exciting and upcoming areas for future research. SUMMARY: Mental health promotion interventions are applicable to individuals, groups, and whole populations and can be delivered in many ways, including media and communication technology. They can be applied in low-resource settings by mobilizing existing community resources like opinion leaders, health workers, and peer educators, thereby increasing cost-efficiency, cultural acceptability, and local capacity. There needs to be a greater focus on study designs and variable measures that examine process-factors affecting well being outcomes. Early interventions through intersectorial collaborations may result in improved long-term positive mental health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.

Characterization of the water chemistry, sediment (13)C and (18)O compositions of Kolleru Lake-a Ramsar wetland in Andhra Pradesh, India.

The chemistry of surface water sampled at different locations of the Kolleru Lake in Andhra Pradesh (India) show heterogeneous variability. The concentrations of dissolved sodium and chloride ions, total dissolved solids (TDS) together with high conductivity documented in water samples are indicative of mixing of saline seawater. This interpretation is further corroborated by enriched δ(18)O compositions of the carbonate fraction of the surface sediments collected at the same locations (as that of water) of the lake, and fairly good positive correlations of δ(18)O -Na(+) and δ(18)O-TDS. The saline water intrusion into the lake appears to be resulted due to its near stagnant to dry condition with reduced inflow and outflow. Such dry condition facilitated seawater intrusion into the lake due to several reasons: (i) proximity of lake to the sea (~35 km), (ii) overexploitation of fresh groundwater for agriculture as well as livestock farming, and (iii) incursion of tidal seawater (high sea waves) through Upputeru River, which is directly linked to the sea. We also document highly heterogeneous distribution of certain potentially toxic metal ions like chromium, copper, manganese, and zinc in the lake waters. Indiscriminate disposal of domestic and industrial effluents around the lake appears to be responsible for the presence of potentially toxic heavy metals. Based on these results, we finally suggest some measures for environmental rehabilitation of the lake and its surroundings.

Antilithiatic Activity of phlorotannin rich extract of Sarghassum Wightii on Calcium Oxalate Urolithiais - InVitro and In Vivo Evaluation.

PURPOSE: Urolithiasis is a common urological disorder responsible for serious human affliction and cost to the society with a high recurrence rate. The aim of the present study was to systematically evaluate the phlorotannin rich extract of Sargassum wightii using suitable in vitro and in vivo models to provide scientific evidence for its antilithiatic activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To explore the effect of Sargassum wightii on calcium oxalate crystallization, in vitro assays like crystal nucleation, aggregation and crystal growth were performed. Calcium oxalate urolithiasis was induced in male Sprague dawley rats using a combination of gentamicin and calculi producing diet (5% ammonium oxalate and rat pellet feed). The biochemical parameters like calcium, oxalate, magnesium, phosphate, sodium and potassium were evaluated in urine, serum and kidney homogenates. Histopathological studies were also done to confirm the biochemical findings. RESULTS: The yield of Sargassum wightii extract was found to be 74.5 gm/kg and confirmed by quantitative analysis. In vitro experiments with Sargassum wightii showed concentration dependent inhibition of calcium oxalate nucleation, aggregation and growth supported by SEM analysis. In the in vivo model, Sargassum wightii reduced both calcium and oxalate supersaturation in urine, serum and deposition in the kidney. The biochemical results were supported by histopathological studies. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study suggest that Sargassum wightii has the ability to prevent nucleation, aggregation and growth of calcium oxalate crystals. Sargassum wightii has better preventive effect on calcium oxalate stone formation indicating its strong potential to develop as a therapeutic option to prevent recurrence of urolithiasis.

Antilithiatic Activity of phlorotannin rich extract of Sarghassum Wightii on Calcium Oxalate Urolithiais ­ In Vitro and In VivoEvaluation

Urolithiasis is a common urological disorder responsible for serious human affliction and cost to the society with a high recurrence rate. The aim of the present study was to systematically evaluate the phlorotannin rich extract of Sargassum wightii using suitable in vitro and in vivo models to provide scientific evidence for its antilithiatic activity.

Oral manifestations in gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Many systemic diseases exert their influence on oral health. Among these, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common. In this study, 100 patients who were previously diagnosed with GERD were examined following a 12-hour fast and evaluated in terms of the severity (grade) of the disease as well as any oral, dental, and/or salivary pH changes. Results found 11 patients with tooth erosion. These patients were older, and their average mean duration of GERD was longer in comparison to those without erosion. There was an inverse relationship between salivary pH and the GERD duration and grade of severity. As the GERD grade increased, the severity of tooth erosion increased. Patients with erosion also exhibited oral mucosal changes. Thus severe, long-term GERD was found to be potentially detrimental to oral soft tissues, dental structures, and salivary pH, whereas milder forms of the disease did not necessarily cause dental side effects.

Oral submucous fibrosis in India: Are we progressing??

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) a condition first described in the 1950s in the modern literature still remains elusive of a cure. For many years this condition had been confined to countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc., but now this condition is being reported from Western countries as well. Inspite of intensive research over the years into the etiologic factors of OSMF, a single etiologic factor cannot be pointed out with certainty rather several causative factors have been proposed. Patients suffering with OSMF initially present with a blanched or marble-like pale mucosa, vesiculations, and also intolerance to hot and spicy food. Gradually, the patient may develop fibrous bands in the buccal and labial mucosa which causes a restriction in opening the mouth. The evidence for the various treatment modalities for OSMF is weak hence better documentation of the studies performed with standardized criteria is required. The current review aims to refresh our knowledge regarding OSMF from an Indian perspective and make a few suggestions to fill the lacunae in this field.

Evaluation of aqueous extract of Murraya koenigii in unilateral renal ischemia reperfusion injury in rats.

AIM: The aqueous extract of leaves of Murraya koenigii was studied for its renoprotective potential against unilateral renal ischemia reperfusion (RIR) injury in male Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Healthy adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 8) and were treated with 200 mg/kg., p.o. of aqueous extract of M. koenigii (AEMK) for 30 days to assess both preventive and curative effects of AEMK. Except Group I, RIR was induced to all the groups by clamping the left renal artery using artery clamp for 1 h followed by reperfusion by removing the clamp. Groups II and III underwent RIR at 30(th) day whereas RIR was induced in Groups IV and V at 1(st) day of treatment schedule. Biochemical parameters (serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, serum total protein and serum Na(+)), urinary parameters (urine output, urinary creatinine, urinary urea, urinary total protein, urinary Na(+)), in vivo anti-oxidants, renal myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and histopathology of kidneys were monitored. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Rats were treated with AEMK significantly (P < 0.05) restored the serum and urinary parameters with significant (P < 0.05) improvement in endogenous anti-oxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione and decreased levels of malondialdehyde and renal MPO when compared with the control groups. Histopathological examination also supported the biochemical and urinary tests. CONCLUSIONS: Aqueous extract of M. koenigii possesses both preventive and curative effects against RIR injury.

Giant cemento-ossifying fibroma of the mandible.

Cemento-ossifying fibroma (COF) is classified as a fibro-osseous neoplasm and included among the non-odontogenic tumors derived from the mesenchymal blast cells of the periodontal ligament, with a potential for forming fibrous tissue, cementum and bone, or a combination of such elements. These are slow-growing lesions, and are more frequent in women between the third and fourth decades of life. Case reports of massive expansile COF, measuring more than 10 cm are rarely reported in the literature. We report a case of giant cemento-ossifying fibroma of the mandible in a 34 year old female patient.

Pneumomediastinum after robotic sacrocolpopexy.

BACKGROUND: Pneumomediastinum is a rare but potential complication of laparoscopy that is related to insufflation with carbon dioxide gas and may lead to life-threatening complications. CASE: A 76-year-old woman underwent robotic sacrocolpopexy to repair posthysterectomy prolapse without any apparent intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, she developed shortness of breath and tachycardia and was found to have subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. CONCLUSION: Pelvic surgeons should understand the risks associated with development of pneumomediastinum as well as associated signs and symptoms. In our case, pneumomediastinum likely developed as carbon dioxide tracked from the peritoneum into the mediastinum during prolonged robotic retroperitoneal surgery. Surgeons should have a low threshold to obtain radiographic tests in the early postoperative period, as close monitoring is essential to manage potentially life-threatening complications such as pneumothorax and cardiac arrest.

A clinical evaluation of 5% amlexanox oral paste in the treatment of minor recurrent aphthous ulcers and comparison with the placebo paste: a randomized, vehicle controlled, parallel, single center clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the following study is to determine and secondary objective is to compare the efficacy and safety of 5% amlexanox oral paste in the treatment of recurrent minor aphthous ulcers and also to evaluate the recurrence rate of aphthous ulcers over a period of 1 year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted on 100 patients diagnosed to have recurrent minor aphthous ulcers of which, 50 patients were advised to apply 5% amlexanox oral paste directly on the ulcer 4 times a day for 6 days and the other 50 patients were given placebo paste for the same duration. The baseline parameters were recorded on the first visit which includes ulcer size, pain, erythema and exudation. Efficacy and safety evaluations were made on the 4 th day and 6 th day. In total 30 patients with increased frequency of ulcers were advised to use 5% amlexanox paste for one whole year and the number of ulcers per month was recorded to evaluate any decrease in the recurrence rate. RESULTS: Male patients dominated the study with 73 males and 27 females. The mean age of the total sample was 26.6 years. The amlexanox group showed marked reduction in ulcer size (P < 0.001), significant reduction in the visual analog scale scores of pain (P < 0.001), significant lower scores of erythema and exudation (P < 0.001) when compared to the placebo group on the 6 th day of follow-up. The incidence of recurrence of ulcers was significantly reduced up to the 6 th month, but thereafter recurrence rate slowly increased. CONCLUSIONS: Almost 5% of Amlexanox oral paste is clinically beneficial in reducing the pain, erythema, exudation and size of the ulcer over a period of 6 days. There was no definite conclusion drawn with respect to its effect on the recurrence rate of aphthous ulcers over a period of 1 year.

Parotid lymphoepithelial cysts in human immunodeficiency virus: a review.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with human immunodeficiency virus present with atypical features. Early indicators of human immunodeficiency virus are scarce and hence most affected patients are diagnosed in the later stages of the disease, which is associated with poor prognosis. Salivary gland disease usually develops before acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and is sometimes the first manifestation of human immunodeficiency virus infection. Salivary gland lesions include benign lymphoepithelial cysts of the parotid gland, which are seen in 3-6 per cent of patients. Many of the reported lesions are diagnosed on routine examination. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to highlight the association between parotid gland benign lymphoepithelial cyst and human immunodeficiency virus infection, in order to aid early diagnosis and management of the disease. CONCLUSION: Human immunodeficiency virus testing is recommended for patients with benign lymphoepithelial cysts, as this can often be the first indication of human immunodeficiency virus infection. Benign lymphoepithelial cysts are important diagnostic and prognostic indicators in human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Giant cemento-ossifying fibroma of the mandible: a rare case.

The World Health Organization classifies cemento-ossifying fibroma (COF) as a fibro-osseous neoplasm included among the nonodontogenic tumors derived from the mesenchymal blast cells of the periodontal ligament, with a potential for forming fibrous tissue, cementum and bone, or a combination of such elements. These are slow-growing lesions, and are more frequent in women, between the third and fourth decades of life. Case reports of massive expansile COFs (measuring more than 10 cm) are rarely reported in the literature. This article aims to describe a case of giant cemento-ossifying fibroma with radiographic and 3D CT features in a 34 year old female patient, who came with the complaint of progressive swelling of the face which had started 6 years earlier.

Utility of clinical parameters, cystourethroscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging in the preoperative diagnosis of urethral diverticula.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Our purpose was to assess the accuracy of history and physical, cystourethroscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in preoperative diagnosis of urethral diverticula. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent surgical excision of periurethral masses between 1998 and 2009. Presenting symptoms and examination and cystourethroscopic findings were noted. A single pathologist reviewed all cases and provided the reference standard for the diagnosis of a diverticulum. A single radiologist reviewed all preoperative MRI studies. Sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were determined. RESULTS: Diverticula were diagnosed in 36/60 (60 %) patients. Transurethral fluid expression on palpation and recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) had high PPV. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV, respectively, for cystourethroscopy were 33 %, 100 %, 100 %, and 42 %; for MRI, these were 100 %, 83 %, 92 %, and 100 %. CONCLUSION: These data reinforce the utility of transurethral fluid expression for preoperative evaluation of urethral diverticula. Additionally, MRI is an excellent adjunctive diagnostic tool and may assist in establishing the diagnosis when there is high clinical suspicion of a urethral diverticulum but nonconfirmatory findings on cystourethroscopy.

Prevalence and correlation of oral lesions among tobacco smokers, tobacco chewers, areca nut and alcohol users.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of oral premalignant and malignant lesions is on the rise due to an increased number of people taking in tobacco and alcohol related habits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 1028 patients with tobacco, alcohol and areca nut habits attending our Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology formed the study sample. An interviewer based questionnaire was used to record the habit details. All the patients were then examined clinically for the presence of lesions. Chi square and Fisher exact tests were used to assess the statistical significance of the study parameters. RESULTS: Males had a higher prevalence and comprised 87.9% of the sample. The commonest habit in this study sample was smoking (39.2%) followed by smokeless tobacco use (28.1%). Out of the 1028 patients with habits 40% had no clinically detectable changes in their mucosa. Of the mucosal changes leukoplakia (14%) was the commonest. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided information about the habit trends in the patients visiting this institution. The study may serve as a useful tool in educating the patients about the deleterious effects of oral tobacco, alcohol and betel exposure.

Recovery of the injured external anal sphincter after injection of local or intravenous mesenchymal stem cells.

OBJECTIVES: To understand the endogenous process of wound healing after anal sphincter injury and to determine possible mechanisms by which mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exert their regenerative potential. METHODS: Virginal female rats (n=204) underwent anal sphincter laceration and repair. Thereafter, animals were randomly assigned to control injection, injection with intravenous MSCs, or direct injection of MSCs into the injured sphincter. Twenty uninjured animals served as baseline controls. Sphincters were analyzed for contractile function and parameters of wound healing 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days, and 21 days after injury. RESULTS: Direct injection of MSCs into the injured anal sphincter resulted in improved contractile function 21 days after injury compared with controls. Although expression of both proinflammatory (cyclooxygenase-2 and interleukin-6) and anti-inflammatory (interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α-stimulated gene-6) genes were increased dramatically and transiently after injury, MSCs did not alter this response. In contrast, transforming growth factor (TFG)-ß1 (an important mediator of matrix deposition by mesenchymal cells) and lysyl oxidase (an enzyme important for synthesis of collagen and elastin) expression increased dramatically at earlier time points in the direct MSC injection group compared with controls. Increased expression of TFG-ß1 and lysyl oxidase in directly injected sphincters was associated with increased collagen deposition and engraftment of MSCs in the sphincter. CONCLUSION: In this preclinical animal model, direct, but not intravenous, injection of MSCs into the injured anal sphincter at the time of repair resulted in improved contractile function of the sphincter after injury, increased matrix deposition in the external anal sphincter, and increased expression of TFG-ß1 and lysyl oxidase in the acute phase after injury.

Assessment of effect of ethanolic extract of Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers., Fabaceae, activity on lithium-pilocarpine induced Status epilepticus and oxidative stress in Wistar rats / Avaliação do efeito do extrato etanólico da Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers., Fabaceae, sobre o status epilepticus induzido por lítio-pilocarpina e estresse oxidativo, em ratos Wistar

Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers., Fabaceae, is claimed to be of use in the control and treatment of a variety of epileptic disorders in Indian system of medicine. The present study plans to systematically evaluate T. purpurea and to verify this claim. Status epilepticus was induced in male albino rats of Wistar strain by administration of pilocarpine (30 mg/kg, i.p.) 24 h after lithium chloride (3 mEq/kg, i.p.). Different doses of the extract of T. purpurea were administered orally one hour before the injection of pilocarpine. The severity of status epilepticus was observed and recorded every 15 min till 90 min and thereafter every 30 min till 180 min, using the scoring system. The in vivo lipid peroxidation of rat brain tissue was measured. The in vitro NO free radical scavenging activity of plant extract was assessed. The interaction between plant extract and 2-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) was also observed for in vitro free radical scavenging activity. The severity of status epilepticus was reduced with the administration of ethanolic extract of T. purpurea. Ethanolic extract of the plant exhibited both in vivo and in vitro antioxidant activity. The ethanolic extract of T. purpurea was found to be useful to control lithium-pilocarpine induced status epilepticus in albino rats of Wistar strain.

Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers., Fabaceae, é conhecida pelo seu uso no controle e tratamento de uma variedade de distúrbios epilépticos no sistema indiano de medicina. O presente estudo pretende avaliar de forma sistemática T. purpurea e verificar essa alegação. Status epilepticus foi induzido em ratos albinos machos da linhagem Wistar pela administração de pilocarpina (30 mg/kg, i.p.) 24 h após o cloreto de lítio (3 mEq/kg, i.p.). Diferentes doses do extrato de T. purpurea foram administrados por via oral uma hora antes da injeção de pilocarpina. A gravidade do status epilepticus foi observada e registrada a cada 15 min até 90 min e, posteriormente, a cada 30 min até 180 min, utilizando um sistema de pontuação. A peroxidação lipídica in vivo do tecido cerebral de ratos foi avaliada. A atividade captadora de radicais livres do extrato da planta foi avaliada in vitro. A interação entre o extrato da planta e 2-difenil-2-picril hidrazil (DPPH) também foi observada in vitro para atividade sequestradora de radicais livres. A gravidade do status epilepticus foi reduzida com a administração do extrato etanólico da T. purpurea. Extrato etanólico da planta apresentou, tanto in vivo quanto in vitro atividade antioxidante. O extrato etanólico da T. purpurea parece ser útil no controle de lítio de status epilepticus induzido pela pilocarpina em ratos albinos da linhagem Wistar.

Training of occupational safety and health: knowledge among healthcare professionals in Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION: Awareness of occupational safety and health (OSH) plays an important role in the prevention of occupational injuries and diseases. Following the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) in 1994, various programmes have been implemented by different agencies to increase awareness and knowledge of OSH in the workplace, including among healthcare workers. The objective of this study was to determine the level of OSH awareness and knowledge among healthcare professionals in Malaysia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a 21-item self-administered questionnaire addressing information on demographics, general OSH issues, OSH legislations, occupational hazards in the healthcare setting and personal protective equipment (PPE). RESULTS: The response rate was 93.1 percent (284 healthcare professionals). The overall level of knowledge on OSH was moderate, with a mean score of 62.0 percent. A larger proportion of doctors showed good OSH knowledge compared to other categories of healthcare workers, with administrative staff scoring the poorest marks. Participants were most knowledgeable about PPE, with a mean score of 72.0 percent (95 percent confidence interval [CI] 68.3, 75.6), compared to other sections such as general OSH, legislations and occupational hazards, with mean scores of 58.0 percent (95 percent CI 56.1, 60.1), 57.0 percent (95 percent CI 54.1, 60.8) and 64.0 percent (95 percent CI 61.7, 66.2), respectively. CONCLUSION: Although the OSHA 1994 has existed in Malaysia for more than ten years, awareness of OSH remains relatively poor. This warrants a greater effort to promote OSH knowledge and principles among the professionals.

Complex odontoma.

Odontomas are hamartomatous lesions or malformations composed of mature enamel, dentin, and pulp. They may be compound or complex, depending on the extent of morphodifferentiation or their resemblance to normal teeth. The etiology of odontoma is unknown, although several theories have been proposed. This article describes a case of a large infected complex odontoma in the residual mandibular ridge, resulting in considerable mandibular expansion.

Neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin as a biomarker for acute kidney injury in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following cardiac surgery throughout the world. The paucity of early biomarkers has hampered early therapeutic intervention. Our aim was to evaluate plasma neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels as a predictor of renal injury in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) along with markers of oxidative stress. METHODS: About 30 patients undergoing CABG with CPB were prospectively studied. Blood was collected before bypass, at 4, 12, and 24 hr after CPB initiation, for the analysis of NGAL and oxidative stress markers. RESULTS: Eight of 30 patients (26.6%) developed AKI, while 22 (73.4%) did not, as measured by serum creatinine, after 48-72 hr of surgery. However, plasma NGAL levels at 4 hr were high in patients who developed AKI compared with those who did not (352.97 +/- 49.32 vs. 199.83 +/- 23.28 ng/mL, p = 0.000). There was a significant difference in aortic cross-clamp time (p = 0.000), duration of CPB (p = 0.000), and ventilation duration (p < 0.05) between the two groups. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress, was higher only at 4 hr in the AKI group. No significant differences were observed in the level of antioxidants between the two groups. A significant correlation was found between plasma NGAL at 4 hr and the change in serum creatinine (r = 0.863, p = 0.006) as well as ventilation duration (r = 0.830, p = 0.011). The sensitivity and specificity of plasma NGAL at 4 hr after CPB was optimal at the 229 ng/mL cut-off with an area under the curve of 0.98 for prediction of AKI. CONCLUSION: Measurement of plasma NGAL in patients in the first few hours after CPB is predictive of AKI. Oxidative stress as measured by the level of MDA and antioxidants has no substantial role in the progression of AKI during CABG with CPB.