MyMedR

Fulltext Vision-Based Traffic Sign Detection and Recognition Systems: Current Trends and Challenges

Wali SB, Abdullah MA, Hannan MA, Hussain A, Samad SA, Ker PJ, et al.

Sensors (Basel), 2019 May 06;19(9).

PMID: 31064098 DOI: 10.3390/s19092093

The automatic traffic sign detection and recognition (TSDR) system is very important research in the development of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Investigations on vision-based TSDR have received substantial interest in the research community, which is mainly motivated by three factors, which are detection, tracking and classification. During the last decade, a substantial number of techniques have been reported for TSDR. This paper provides a comprehensive survey on traffic sign detection, tracking and classification. The details of algorithms, methods and their specifications on detection, tracking and classification are investigated and summarized in the tables along with the corresponding key references. A comparative study on each section has been provided to evaluate the TSDR data, performance metrics and their availability. Current issues and challenges of the existing technologies are illustrated with brief suggestions and a discussion on the progress of driver assistance system research in the future. This review will hopefully lead to increasing efforts towards the development of future vision-based TSDR system.

Multi-constituent synergism is responsible for anti-inflammatory effect of Azadirachta indica leaf extract

Umar MI, Asmawi MZ, Sadikun A, Abdul Majid AM, Atangwho IJ, Khadeer Ahamed MB, et al.

Pharm Biol, 2014 Nov;52(11):1411-22.

PMID: 25026347 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2014.895017

Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceaes) leaves have been used traditionally to treat swelling and rheumatism in Indian cultures.

Fulltext Association of ultra-processed food intake with risk of inflammatory bowel disease: prospective cohort study

Narula N, Wong ECL, Dehghan M, Mente A, Rangarajan S, Lanas F, et al.

BMJ, 2021 07 14;374:n1554.

PMID: 34261638 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n1554

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relation between intake of ultra-processed food and risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: 21 low, middle, and high income countries across seven geographical regions (Europe and North America, South America, Africa, Middle East, south Asia, South East Asia, and China).

PARTICIPANTS: 116 087 adults aged 35-70 years with at least one cycle of follow-up and complete baseline food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) data (country specific validated FFQs were used to document baseline dietary intake). Participants were followed prospectively at least every three years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome was development of IBD, including Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Associations between ultra-processed food intake and risk of IBD were assessed using Cox proportional hazard multivariable models. Results are presented as hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS: Participants were enrolled in the study between 2003 and 2016. During the median follow-up of 9.7 years (interquartile range 8.9-11.2 years), 467 participants developed incident IBD (90 with Crohn's disease and 377 with ulcerative colitis). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, higher intake of ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of incident IBD (hazard ratio 1.82, 95% confidence interval 1.22 to 2.72 for ≥5 servings/day and 1.67, 1.18 to 2.37 for 1-4 servings/day compared with <1 serving/day, P=0.006 for trend). Different subgroups of ultra-processed food, including soft drinks, refined sweetened foods, salty snacks, and processed meat, each were associated with higher hazard ratios for IBD. Results were consistent for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis with low heterogeneity. Intakes of white meat, red meat, dairy, starch, and fruit, vegetables, and legumes were not associated with incident IBD.

CONCLUSIONS: Higher intake of ultra-processed food was positively associated with risk of IBD. Further studies are needed to identify the contributory factors within ultra-processed foods.

STUDY REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03225586.

Fulltext Results of the COVID-19 mental health international for the health professionals (COMET-HP) study: depression, suicidal tendencies and conspiracism

N Fountoulakis K, N Karakatsoulis G, Abraham S, Adorjan K, Ahmed HU, Alarcón RD, et al.

Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol, 2023 Sep;58(9):1387-1410.

PMID: 36867224 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02438-8

INTRODUCTION: The current study aimed to investigate the rates of anxiety, clinical depression, and suicidality and their changes in health professionals during the COVID-19 outbreak.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data came from the larger COMET-G study. The study sample includes 12,792 health professionals from 40 countries (62.40% women aged 39.76 ± 11.70; 36.81% men aged 35.91 ± 11.00 and 0.78% non-binary gender aged 35.15 ± 13.03). Distress and clinical depression were identified with the use of a previously developed cut-off and algorithm, respectively.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were calculated. Chi-square tests, multiple forward stepwise linear regression analyses, and Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested relations among variables.

RESULTS: Clinical depression was detected in 13.16% with male doctors and 'non-binary genders' having the lowest rates (7.89 and 5.88% respectively) and 'non-binary gender' nurses and administrative staff had the highest (37.50%); distress was present in 15.19%. A significant percentage reported a deterioration in mental state, family dynamics, and everyday lifestyle. Persons with a history of mental disorders had higher rates of current depression (24.64% vs. 9.62%; p

Genetic structure of the dengue vector Aedes albopictus (Skuse) from different developed settlements in Penang Island, Malaysia based on microsatellite markers

Muhammad NAF, Kassim NFA, Ab Majid AH, Wajidi MFF, Jamsari AFJ, Dieng H, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2018 Dec 01;35(4):1049-1063.

PMID: 33601852

The medically important mosquito, Aedes albopictus is native to Asia and has become a major health concern in most Asian countries including Malaysia. Being recognized as a dengue vector, a clearer understanding of how mosquito populations are geographically connected, may therefore represent a profound yet significant understanding of control strategies. There are no documented reports on the genetic structure of Ae. albopictus populations from different developed settlements inferred from microsatellite DNA markers in Malaysia, particularly in Penang Island (Northern Peninsular Malaysia). Here, we assessed the molecular population genetics of Ae. albopictus in terms of their allelic variation, genetic diversity and population structure. A total of 42 mosquitoes were sampled from Jelutong, Batu Maung and Balik Pulau which represented urban, suburban and rural areas in Penang Island respectively and analysed for polymorphism at six microsatellite loci. All of the microsatellite markers were successfully amplified and were polymorphic, showing low genetic structure among geographic populations (FST= 0.0362). It is supported with admixture individuals observed in STRUCTURE and FCA and this suggests that high gene flow has been experienced between populations. These findings implicate passive dispersal through human-aided transportation; as a factor shaping the genetic structure of Ae. albopictus populations in Penang Island.

In vitro Study of SPIONs-C595 as Molecular Imaging Probe for Specific Breast Cancer (MCF-7) Cells Detection

Moradi Khaniabadi P, Shahbazi-Gahrouei D, Malik Shah Abdul Majid A, Suhaimi Jaafar M, Moradi Khaniabadi B, Shahbazi-Gahrouei S

Iran Biomed J, 2017 11;21(6):360-8.

PMID: 28601058

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an essential role in molecular imaging by delivering the contrast agent into targeted cancer cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the C595 monoclonal antibody-conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs-C595) for the detection of breast cancer cell (MCF-7).

Methods: The conjugation of monoclonal antibody and nanoparticles was confirmed using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and photon correlation spectroscopy. The selectivity of the nanoprobe for breast cancer cells (MCF-7) was obtained by Prussian blue, atomic emission spectroscopy, and
MRI relaxometry.

Results: The in vitro MRI showed that T2 relaxation time will be reduced 76% when using T2-weighed magnetic resonance images compared to the control group (untreated cells) at the dose of 200 μg
Fe/ml, as the optimum dose. In addition, the results showed the high uptake of nanoprobe into MCF-7
cancer cells.

Conclusion: The SPIONs-C595 nanoprobe has potential for the detection of specific breast cancer.

Thymolipoma

Majid AA

Aust N Z J Surg, 1992 Jan;62(1):74-6.

PMID: 1731742

Although the diagnosis of thymolipoma has improved with the introduction of computerized tomography (CT), variations in CT appearance are still being described; this paper describes a case which resembled a lipoma. The CT features of thymolipoma are discussed with special reference to the differential diagnosis. Surgical excision should be considered for patients who are found to exhibit a fatty intrathoracic mass on CT.

Pain control after thoracotomy. An extrapleural tunnel to provide a continuous bupivacaine infusion for intercostal nerve blockade

Majid AA, Hamzah H

Chest, 1992 Apr;101(4):981-4.

PMID: 1555472

This study was undertaken to determine whether an infusion of local anesthetic (LA) delivered through an extrapleural tunnel could provide satisfactory control of pain in the postthoracotomy period. Twelve patients undergoing thoracotomy were studied. A T-shaped tunnel was created by elevating the parietal pleura at the posteromedial end of the thoracotomy wound. An irrigation catheter was then inserted and an infusion of bupivacaine commenced, initially at 5 mg/kg/24 h and subsequently at 3 mg/kg/24 h. Pain was well controlled in eight patients and satisfactory in four patients. The latter required one dose of opiate analgesia each in the 48-h postoperative period. We conclude that an infusion of bupivacaine into the extrapleural space is an effective means of control of pain after thoracotomy.

Diagnosis and management of purulent pericarditis. Experience with pericardiectomy

Majid AA, Omar A

J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., 1991 Sep;102(3):413-7.

PMID: 1881180

Twelve cases of purulent pericarditis seen over 6 years are described. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common causative organism (six patients), and a respiratory infection was the most common preceding illness. The chest radiograph and echocardiogram were useful pointers to the diagnosis, but the electrocardiogram was not reliable. Antibiotics, surgical drainage, and pericardiectomy were used in all 12 cases. There was one death (8.3%), which occurred in a patient who was seen late. A review of the literature dealing with the diagnosis and management of this condition is presented. The importance of early diagnosis before a significant degree of cardiac tamponade occurs is noted. Although there is general agreement that surgical drainage is mandatory, the approach, methods of drainage, and extent of pericardial resection have been the subject of some discussion, and at least seven techniques are available. We conclude that pericardiectomy has a definite place in the management of purulent pericarditis.

J-shaped catheter for endobronchial aspiration of right upper lobe bronchus during rigid bronchoscopy in pediatric patients

Majid AA

Chest, 1991 Sep;100(3):862.

PMID: 1889289

A J-shaped suction catheter was tailored to facilitate aspiration of the right upper lobe bronchus during rigid bronchoscopy in pediatric patients. This suction catheter was used successfully in three patients.

Surgical resection of pulmonary cryptococcomas in the presence of cryptococcal meningitis

Majid AA

J R Coll Surg Edinb, 1989 Dec;34(6):332-3.

PMID: 2628570

Successful surgical management of a case of pulmonary and pericardial melioidosis

Majid AA

Aust N Z J Surg, 1990 Feb;60(2):139-41.

PMID: 2327916

A 35 year old diabetic presented with features of septicaemia and developed cardiac tamponade. He was found to have pulmonary, acute septicaemic and pericardial melioidosis. Some initial improvement was achieved with medical therapy but only with surgical intervention was a successful outcome achieved.

Granulomatous pulmonary zygomycosis in a patient without underlying illness. Computed tomographic appearances and treatment by pneumonectomy

Majid AA, Yii NW

Chest, 1991 Aug;100(2):560-1.

PMID: 1864139

Pulmonary zygomycosis rarely occurs in the absence of underlying disease. We report a patient with granulomatous pulmonary zygomycosis without underlying disease who presented with a pulmonary mass. We present the computed tomographic findings that we believe have not been described previously. We also report the successful treatment by pneumonectomy.

Simultaneous bypass grafting of the superior vena cava and intrathoracic biopsy in fulminant superior vena caval syndrome

Majid AA

J R Coll Surg Edinb, 1991 Dec;36(6):406-8.

PMID: 1774712

Computed tomography as an aid to diagnosis of early pulmonary actinomycosis

Majid AA, Rathakrishnan V, Alhady SF

J R Soc Med, 1991 Nov;84(11):686-7.

PMID: 1744882

Double orifice mitral valve: a case report and review of management

Majid AA

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino), 1991 Nov-Dec;32(6):837-9.

PMID: 1836465

This paper reports a case of double orifice mitral valve which was treated conservatively. A new scheme of classification of this entity linked to the accepted lines of surgical treatment is introduced.

Closure of the patent ductus arteriosus with a Ligaclip through a minithoracotomy

Majid AA

Chest, 1993 May;103(5):1512-4.

PMID: 8486035 DOI: 10.1378/chest.103.5.1512

This article describes a technique which allows the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) to be closed through a minithoracotomy. It combines a simple method of inducing atelectasis with Ligaclip closure of the PDA through a subaxillary incision. It was used successfully in 11 children and adolescents.

Fulltext Hunter-Gatherer Olfaction Is Special

Majid A, Kruspe N

Curr Biol, 2018 02 05;28(3):409-413.e2.

PMID: 29358070 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.12.014

People struggle to name odors [1-4]. This has been attributed to a diminution of olfaction in trade-off to vision [5-10]. This presumption has been challenged recently by data from the hunter-gatherer Jahai who, unlike English speakers, find odors as easy to name as colors [4]. Is the superior olfactory performance among the Jahai because of their ecology (tropical rainforest), their language family (Aslian), or because of their subsistence (they are hunter-gatherers)? We provide novel evidence from the hunter-gatherer Semaq Beri and the non-hunter-gatherer (swidden-horticulturalist) Semelai that subsistence is the critical factor. Semaq Beri and Semelai speakers-who speak closely related languages and live in the tropical rainforest of the Malay Peninsula-took part in a controlled odor- and color-naming experiment. The swidden-horticulturalist Semelai found odors much more difficult to name than colors, replicating the typical Western finding. But for the hunter-gatherer Semaq Beri odor naming was as easy as color naming, suggesting that hunter-gatherer olfactory cognition is special.

Fulltext Olfactory language and abstraction across cultures

Majid A, Burenhult N, Stensmyr M, de Valk J, Hansson BS

Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci, 2018 08 05;373(1752).

PMID: 29915007 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0139

Olfaction presents a particularly interesting arena to explore abstraction in language. Like other abstract domains, such as time, odours can be difficult to conceptualize. An odour cannot be seen or held, it can be difficult to locate in space, and for most people odours are difficult to verbalize. On the other hand, odours give rise to primary sensory experiences. Every time we inhale we are using olfaction to make sense of our environment. We present new experimental data from 30 Jahai hunter-gatherers from the Malay Peninsula and 30 matched Dutch participants from the Netherlands in an odour naming experiment. Participants smelled monomolecular odorants and named odours while reaction times, odour descriptors and facial expressions were measured. We show that while Dutch speakers relied on concrete descriptors, i.e. they referred to odour sources (e.g. smells like lemon), the Jahai used abstract vocabulary to name the same odours (e.g. musty). Despite this differential linguistic categorization, analysis of facial expressions showed that the two groups, nevertheless, had the same initial emotional reactions to odours. Critically, these cross-cultural data present a challenge for how to think about abstraction in language.This article is part of the theme issue 'Varieties of abstract concepts: development, use and representation in the brain'.

Fulltext Differential coding of perception in the world's languages

Majid A, Roberts SG, Cilissen L, Emmorey K, Nicodemus B, O'Grady L, et al.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2018 Nov 06;115(45):11369-11376.

PMID: 30397135 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1720419115

Is there a universal hierarchy of the senses, such that some senses (e.g., vision) are more accessible to consciousness and linguistic description than others (e.g., smell)? The long-standing presumption in Western thought has been that vision and audition are more objective than the other senses, serving as the basis of knowledge and understanding, whereas touch, taste, and smell are crude and of little value. This predicts that humans ought to be better at communicating about sight and hearing than the other senses, and decades of work based on English and related languages certainly suggests this is true. However, how well does this reflect the diversity of languages and communities worldwide? To test whether there is a universal hierarchy of the senses, stimuli from the five basic senses were used to elicit descriptions in 20 diverse languages, including 3 unrelated sign languages. We found that languages differ fundamentally in which sensory domains they linguistically code systematically, and how they do so. The tendency for better coding in some domains can be explained in part by cultural preoccupations. Although languages seem free to elaborate specific sensory domains, some general tendencies emerge: for example, with some exceptions, smell is poorly coded. The surprise is that, despite the gradual phylogenetic accumulation of the senses, and the imbalances in the neural tissue dedicated to them, no single hierarchy of the senses imposes itself upon language.

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