Potential Monitoring Tool Research Articles

Non-Destructive, Non-Invasive Noise Measurements for Metallic Lithium Anodes for Lithium Ion Batteries

Electrochemical Noise measurements have been in the spotlight of electrochemical analysis for measurements on stochastic modes of corrosion since the days of Dawson (Hladky and Dawson Corrosion Science 21(4), (1981),317-322). More recently, electrochemical noise measurements for fuel cells and batteries came up as non-invasive and non-perturbing testing methods that can be used for research(Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 165 (11) A2557-A2562 (2018)) and a potential real-time monitoring tool (Denisov et.al. Fuel Cells 17,(2017),225-237).Metallic lithium anodes are currently commercially employed for non-rechargeable batteries (e.g LiSOCl2 or LiMnO2). The main hurdle along the way of implementation in rechargeable batteries is the dendrite formation during the charging process (Cheng, et.al. Chem. Rev. 2017, 117, 10403−10473). The formation of dendrites during charging can lead to catastrophic failure of the batteries including thermal runaway. Though studies on avoiding such failures through either modifying the surface of the electrode and/or the kinetics of deposition are underway, however, as indicated by the review: “more smartly designed in situ or operando techniques are urgently needed to track the process in a working cell”.We have been working on battery noise measurements for the past number of years (Turkish Journal of Chemistry, 42, (2018), 859-868). We have recently shown that the noise of primary Li/MnO2 batteries increase to measurable levels upon suffering a short circuit (Journal of the Electrochemical Society 165(11),(2018),A2557-A2562) and that this is due to the uneven discharge of the metallic lithium anode(Journal of the Electrochemical Society, submitted).In this contribution, we are going to be reporting electrochemical noise as a truly operando method to study dendrite formation. As the measurement requires no modification to the cell (i.e. no windows in the case or the current collectors, no geometry change, not a half cell) and no perturbation in the applied current or the voltage, it is the ultimate non-invasive and non-perturbing method that has the potential to be used as not only a research tool, but also a real-time implementable sensor that can be commercially deployed.As shown in the figure below, using a metallic lithium anode, the noise after a charging attempt with a high current does show an increased noise level due to the uneven formation of dendrites. Figure 1

Non-invasive biomonitoring of mercury in birds near thermal power plants: lessons from Maharashtra, India.

Thermal power plants (TPPs) have emerged as a major source of air, water, and soil pollution because of the presence of many toxic metals. The presence of mercury (Hg) in fly ash has proven to be toxic in nature because of its tendency to get bioaccumulated and biomagnified in the food chain. The aim of the present study was to understand the presence of toxic Hg in the feathers of wetland birds undertaking the study around a TPP located in Nagpur, India. Local wetland birds especially cattle egrets, heron, and Moorhen were commonly observed dwelling close to fly ash ponds for various purposes (roosting, breeding, feeding, etc.). Samples of fly ash, soil, water, plants, and bird feather were collected, cleaned, and processed for Hg analysis. A mercury analyzer was used to assess the concentration of toxic levels of Hg in samples. Our results reflect leaching of Hg in soil and uptake by plant samples, whereas in water, ash, and bird feather samples concentrations of Hg were fairly below the prescribed limits (World Health Organization). A non-invasive method for understanding the mercury concentration in wetland birds has been established as a potential important monitoring tool to track the fate of toxic metal Hg in the food chain. In summary, our results indicate fairly low Hg levels in feather samples projecting non-invasive biomonitoring as a promising strategy. The study also suggests that a comprehensive monitoring action plan in place for Hg and other toxic metals in the food chain that comes from TPP will be efficient to avoid any pitfalls. Graphical abstract.

Ship Detection Based on Information Theory and Segmentation from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Images

Ship detection is a procedure which asserts in fields such as ocean and sea management, vessel detection, marine superintendence, and rein, and also can be applied to exclude extralegal actions. Remote sensing can be utilized as a potential tool for zonular and universal monitoring to attain the forenamed goals. Among the radar images, the precious datum from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is playing a serious duty in remote sensing. Howsoever, vessel detecting in heterogeneous and strong clutter is still a question in this regard. The letter points to a ship detection scheme for SAR images exploiting a segmentation-based morphological operation using entropy. In the presented scheme, the morphological operations are adopted to intercept the background and foreground in the satellite images. The method was implemented and tested on the homogenous, heterogeneous and strong clutter SAR images and the results are promising and showing that the proposed method can improve the vessel detection from homogenous and heterogeneous and strong clutter satellite images.

Grassland Wildfires in the Southern Great Plains: Monitoring Ecological Impacts and Recovery

Devastating wildfires in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas in 2016 and 2017 resulted in significant social, economic, and environmental losses, with the agricultural sector among those severely affected. Several satellite-based indices were evaluated as potential monitoring tools for post-wildfire ecological recovery and management of grasslands. All indices evaluated provided useful information and indicated rapid vegetation recovery from wildfire. The Leaf Water Stress Index (LSWI) and Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) showed a distinct response to the wildfire events, and differentiated between burned and unburned areas throughout the post-wildfire growing seasons better than the Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI) and Enhanced Vegetative Index (EVI). In particular, the LSWI may provide a useful tool for mapping the footprint of wildfire, with potential utility for organizations that provide post-fire recovery resources. The GPP, which estimates the biomass productivity of vegetation, can provide information to livestock operators to guide the re-stocking of cattle in the aftermath of wildfire. In sum, satellite-based proxies can provide timely information both to characterize a wildfire’s footprint and to guide post-fire grazing management in a manner that balances short term needs for forage with long-term productivity and ecological function.

Longitudinal Study of CPK-MB and Echocardiographic Measures of Myocardial Dysfunction in Pediatric Sepsis: Are Patients with Shock Different from Those without?

ABSTRACTBackgroundSepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction has implications on outcome. For lack of echocardiography in resource-limited settings, myocardial biomarkers may be an alternative monitoring tool.ObjectiveThis study was planned to explore the longitudinal behavior of creatine phosphokinase-MB (CPK-MB) in children with sepsis with and without shock, and its correlation with clinical and echocardiographic parameters over the first 10 days.DesignProspective observational study.SettingTertiary care hospital in a lower-middle-income economy of South Asia.PatientsChildren (3 months to 12 years) with nonshock sepsis (NSS) (n = 40) and septic shock survivors (SSSs) (n = 40) after optimal resuscitation. Patients with catecholamine refractory shock, preexisting heart disease, and cardiorespiratory event within the past 1 month were excluded from the study.Measurements and main resultsPediatric logistic organ dysfunction (PeLOD) score, vasoactive inotrope score (VIS), CPK-MB, and echocardiographic measures of myocardial function were recorded on days 1, 3, 7, and 10. Echocardiography was repeated at 1 month. Both groups were similar at baseline. The SSSs had higher CPK-MB (180 vs 53 IU/L; p < 0.001) and PeLOD score (2 ± 0.4 vs 11.7 ± 5.1, p < 0.001) on day 1 compared to the NSS children. More than half of the SSS and none of the NSS patients had myocardial dysfunction. Reduction in CPK-MB over 10 days correlated well with improvement in PeLOD (p < 0.01), VIS (p = 0.04), and echocardiographic measures of myocardial dysfunction (p < 0.05) among SSSs. At 1 month follow-up, all had normal echocardiography.ConclusionThe SSSs had markedly elevated CPK-MB, and its fall paralleled the improvement in clinical status and myocardial dysfunctions. The CPK-MB could be a potential monitoring tool for septic cardiomyopathy in resource-limited settings.How to cite this articleBaranwal AK, Deepthi G, Rohit MK, Jayashree M, Angurana SK, Kumar-M P. Longitudinal Study of CPK-MB and Echocardiographic Measures of Myocardial Dysfunction in Pediatric Sepsis: Are Patients with Shock Different from Those without? Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(2):109–115.

Sea urchin coelomocytes cultured on nanoporous aluminium oxide as a potential tool for marine environmental monitoring

Oceans and seas are of paramount importance to the health of planet Earth and human kind. Marine ecosystems should be defended against attack of polluting agents by continuous monitoring; the means of such monitoring should be as green as possible, i.e. based on sensors manufactured by biocompatible and easily disposable raw materials. In this study, we lay the basis for the future development of biosensors of marine environment based on sea urchin cells cultured on nanoporous aluminium oxide. These cells are promising as in previous works they demonstrated high response to stressors, and the proposed substrates have low costs since fabricated by inexpensive anodization process from consumer quality aluminium foils. Coelomocytes of the Mediterranean sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus were cultured on the nanoporous alumina for up to 5 days in vitro. Then, a biochemical characterization was carried out, checking the cholinergic system pathway by means of serotonin autofluorescence induced by aldehyde exposure and by expression and functionality of neuroactive molecules, such as acetylcholinesterase and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Both living cell quality and system biochemistry were not affected after the culture, and both electrical modulation and non-self-reactivity were maintained. These findings suggest the possibility of using the sea urchin immune cells cultured on nanoporous alumina as tools for monitoring the marine water quality, based on their electrical response.

NERACA AIR SITU CIKARET DAN SITU KABANTENAN DI KABUPATEN BOGOR MENGGUNAKAN PEMODELAN HIDROLOGI SWAT

Bogor regency which is located in the middle of the Ciliwung basin centered in Cibinong city is experiencing rapid urban development. However, with the rapid urban development, most of these small lakes in either disappear or in degraded conditions. In this area presently still maintain 95 urban small lakes or locally known as ‘situ’. Situ has multifunction such as water retention for flood mitigation, irrigation for urban agriculture, fisheries, water sport activities, and ecotourism. The objective of this study was to analyze the water balance of situ. The model was calibrated and validated on the Kampung Kelapa river gauge with manual calibration. The Soil Water Assesment Tool (SWAT) is a hydrological model designed to predict the impact of land use and management on water, sediment and agricultural chemical yields in watersheds, The model was applied to Situ Kabantenan and Cikaret for modeling of the hydrological water balance. The SWAT model simulation was done for the periods of 2008–2015 while it used land use information in 2014. The Calibration was done in 2014 and the validation in 2013, the R2 and Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) of the calibration were 0,58 and 0,55 respectively and the validations were 0,54 and 0,49 respectively. The monthly average of volume of Situ Kabantenan and Situ Cikaret from the simulation were 136,955 m3 and 508,907 m3, respectively. The annual inflow of Situ Cikaret was 24,693,822 m3/year and outflow was 25,177,593 m3/year, precipitation was 648,520 m3/year, evaporation was 166,543 m3/year, delta storage 1,794 m3/year, respectively. The average inflow discharge of Situ Cikaret (2008–2015) were 0.78 m3/s and outflow discharge was 0.80 m3/s. The water balance results showed that both sites were in good condition since they have never passed the emergency spillway, but their function needs to be optimized as a flood controller in the Ciliwung Watershed. This study also showed that the SWAT model can be utilized as a potential monitoring tool, especially for small urban lakes as water reservoirs.

Variation of some antioxidant biomarkers in Cameroonian patients treated with first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs

M. tuberculosis infection and its treatment are responsible of an oxidative stress response that contribute to the antioxidant/prooxidant imbalance. The analysis of antioxidant biomarkers appears as a potential monitoring tool of the treatment response. The objective of this work was to study the evolution of enzymatic antioxidant biomarkers under the effect of the 1st line antituberculosis therapy. A cohort study, conducted at Jamot Hospital of Yaounde, took place from February to October 2018. After obtaining an informed consent, clinical parameters were collected and the catalase and SOD activities were assayed in the blood samples from Tuberculosis (TB) patients before treatment (T1), at the end of the 2 nd month (T2) and at the 5 th month of treatment (T3). There were 50 men and 25 women (mean age: 34 + 13 years). Tuberculosis was mainly pulmonary (85.3%) with 16% of HIV-TB co-infected patients and 28% smokers. Catalase activity varied significantly (T1=3588 + 244.8 IU; T2= 2541 + 590.7 IU; T3= 3049 + 204.4 IU) with the lowest threshold at T2 (p < 0.0001) and SOD activity increased from T1 (0.041 + 0.021 IU) to T3 (0.062 + 0.040 IU) (p= 0.0112). There was no influence of disease-related factors (site, duration of signs, microscopy, HIV and smoking status) on both catalase and SOD activities. In the study population, catalase and SOD varied significantly between the pre-treatment and the 5th month of treatment phase. However, the profile of evolution of these 2 biomarkers was different. Therefore the evaluation of catalase and SOD could represent additional relevant parameters in the monitoring of the treatment response. © 2019 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved Keywords: Tuberculosis, HIV, treatment, antioxidant/prooxidant balance, catalase, superoxide dismutase, biomarkers

Ecotoxicological responses of a reef calcifier exposed to copper, acidification and warming: A multiple biomarker approach

Multiple global and local stressors threat coral reefs worldwide, and symbiont-bearing foraminifera are bioindicators of reef health. The aim of this study was to investigate single and combined effects of copper (Cu) and climate change related stressors (ocean acidification and warming) on a symbiont-bearing foraminifer by means of an integrated biomarker analysis. Using a mesocosm approach, Amphistegina gibbosa were exposed for 25 days to acidification, warming and/or Cu contamination on a full orthogonal design (two levels each factor). Cu was the main factor increasing bleaching and respiration rates. Warming was the main cause of mortality and reduced growth. Calcification related enzymes were inhibited in response to Cu exposure and, in general, the inhibition was stronger under climate change. Multiple biological endpoints responded to realistic exposure scenarios in different ways, but evidenced general stress posed by climate change combined with Cu. These biological responses drove the high values found for the ‘stress index’ IBR (Integrated Biomarker Response) – indicating general organismal health impairment under the multiple stressor scenario. Our results provide insights for coral reef management by detecting potential monitoring tools. The ecotoxicological responses indicated that Cu reduces the tolerance of foraminifera to climate change (acidification + warming). Once the endpoints analysed have a high ecological relevance, and that responses were evaluated on a classical reef bioindicator species, these results highlight the high risk of climate change and metal pollution co-exposure to coral reefs. Integrated responses allowed a better effects comprehension and are pointed as a promising tool to monitor pollution effects on a changing ocean.

Convolutional Neural Networks for Spectroscopic Analysis in Retinal Oximetry

Retinal oximetry is a non-invasive technique to investigate the hemodynamics, vasculature and health of the eye. Current techniques for retinal oximetry have been plagued by quantitatively inconsistent measurements and this has greatly limited their adoption in clinical environments. To become clinically relevant oximetry measurements must become reliable and reproducible across studies and locations. To this end, we have developed a convolutional neural network algorithm for multi-wavelength oximetry, showing a greatly improved calculation performance in comparison to previously reported techniques. The algorithm is calibration free, performs sensing of the four main hemoglobin conformations with no prior knowledge of their characteristic absorption spectra and, due to the convolution-based calculation, is invariable to spectral shifting. We show, herein, the dramatic performance improvements in using this algorithm to deduce effective oxygenation (SO2), as well as the added functionality to accurately measure fractional oxygenation ({{bf{SO}}}_{{bf{2}}}^{{boldsymbol{f}}{boldsymbol{r}}}). Furthermore, this report compares, for the first time, the relative performance of several previously reported multi-wavelength oximetry algorithms in the face of controlled spectral variations. The improved ability of the algorithm to accurately and independently measure hemoglobin concentrations offers a high potential tool for disease diagnosis and monitoring when applied to retinal spectroscopy.

A Prototype of a Portable Gas Analyzer for Exhaled Acetone Detection

The paper presents the development of a portable gas analyzer prototype for exhaled acetone detection, employing an application-suited gas sensor array and 3D printing technology. The device provides the functionality to monitor exhaled acetone levels, which could be used as a potential tool for non-invasive diabetes monitoring. The relationship between exhaled acetone concentrations and glucose in blood is confirmed in the literature, including research carried out by the authors. The design process is presented including a general consideration for the sensor array construction, which is the core for sensing gases, as well as requirements for the measurement chamber it is to be placed in. Moreover, the mechanical design of the 3D-printed housing is discussed to ensure the ergonomics of use as a hand-held device while keeping the hardware integrity. Also, the processing hardware is discussed to provide sufficient computing power to handle the stand-alone operation while being energy efficient, enabling long battery-powered operation. Finally, calibration and measurement, as well as the analyzer operation, are shown, validating the proposed class of exhaled acetone-detection capable meters.

Association between serum biomarkers and postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery.

In cardiac surgery, patients face an increased risk of developing postoperative delirium (POD) that is associated with poor outcomes. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) have shown some promising results as potential tools for POD risk stratification, diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis. Prospective single-centre study enrolled 44 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and/or valve procedures using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The patients were assessed and monitored preoperatively, during surgery, and in the early postoperative period. The blood levels of NSE and GFAP were measured before and after surgery. The early POD was assessed by CAM-ICU criteria and patients were assigned to the POD group (with POD) or to the NPOD group (without POD) retrospectively. The incidence of POD was 18.2%. After surgery, NSE significantly increased in the whole sample (p = 0.002). Comparing between groups, NSE significantly increased in the POD group after surgery (p = 0.042). ΔGFAP (before/after operation) for the whole sample was statistically significant (p = 0.022). There was a significant correlation between ΔGFAP and the lowest MAP during surgery in the POD group (p = 0.033). Our study demonstrated that NSE and GFAP are associated with early POD. An increase in NSE level during the perioperative period may be associated with subclinical neuronal damage. Serum GFAP levels show the damage of glial cells. Further studies are needed to find the factors influencing the individual limits of optimal MAP during surgery.

Evaluation of a fluorescence and infrared backscatter sensor to monitor acid induced coagulation of skim milk

Abstract A prototype sensor that employs both ultraviolet excited fluorescence and infrared light backscatter was evaluated as an in-line process analytical technology (PAT) tool to monitor acid induced coagulation kinetics of skim milk. Coagulation experiments were carried out at 32 °C using three concentrations of glucono-delta-lactone (GDL). Measurement of storage modulus (G′) of acidified skim milk gel was used as a reference rheological method to monitor the coagulation kinetics. Prediction models were developed to predict the times required for acidified skim milk coagulum to reach selected G′ values (0.5 Pa, 1 Pa, 5 Pa, 10 Pa and 15 Pa) using time parameters extracted from the ultraviolet excited fluorescence and infrared light backscatter profiles. A strong correlation was observed between the predicted times developed using time parameters extracted from the prototype sensor profiles and the measured G′ times extracted from the rheometer (R2 = 0.97, standard error of prediction = 2.8 min). This study concluded that the prototype fluorescence and infrared backscatter sensor investigated combined with the developed rheological prediction model can be used as a potential PAT tool for in-line monitoring of coagulation kinetics in the manufacture of acid induced milk gels. Industrial relevance The prototype fluorescence and infrared backscatter sensor investigated in this study combined with the developed rheological prediction model can be employed to monitor and control coagulation kinetics in a wide range of dairy processing applications including fresh cheese varieties and yoghurt manufacture.

A Polyamidoamine Dendrimer-Based Electrochemical Immunosensor for Label-Free Determination of Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule- Expressing Cancer Cells.

A new electrochemical immunosensor for cancer cell detection based on a specific interaction between the metastasis-related antigen of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) on the cell membrane and its monoclonal antibody (Anti-EpCAM) immobilized on a gold electrode has been developed. The amino-terminated polyamidoamine dendrimer (G6 PAMAM) was first covalently attached to the 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)-functionalized gold electrode to obtain a thin film, and then completely carboxylated by succinic anhydride (SA). Next, the Anti-EpCAM was covalently bound with the G6 PAMAM to obtain a stable recognition layer. In the presence of the EpCAM expressing hepatocellular carcinomas cell line of HepG2, the specific immune recognition (Anti-EpCAM/EpCAM) led to an obvious change of the electron transfer ability. The properties of the layer-by-layer assembly process was examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The final determination of HepG2 cells was performed in the presence of the reversible [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− redox couple using impedance technique. Based on the advantages of PAMAM nanomaterial and immune reaction, a linear response to HepG2 cells ranging from 1 × 104 to 1 × 106 cells mL−1 with a calculated detection limit of 2.1 × 103 cells mL−1 was obtained. We expect this method can provide a potential tool for cancer cell monitoring and protein expression analysis.

Trends and Perspectives in Immunosensors for Determination of Currently-Used Pesticides: The Case of Glyphosate, Organophosphates, and Neonicotinoids.

Pesticides, due to their intensive use and their peculiar chemical features, can persist in the environment and enter the trophic chain, thus representing an environmental risk for the ecosystems and human health. Although there are several robust and reliable standard analytical techniques for their monitoring, the high frequency of contamination caused by pesticides requires methods for massive monitoring campaigns that are capable of rapidly detecting these compounds in many samples of different origin. Immunosensors represent a potential tool for simple, rapid, and sensitive monitoring of pesticides. Antibodies coupled to electrochemical or optical transducers have resulted in effective detection devices. In this review, the new trends in immunosensor development and the application of immunosensors for the detection of pesticides of environmental concern—such as glyphosate, organophosphates, and neonicotinoids—are described.

Detection of somatic mutations in ctDNA derived from adenocarcinoma patients - EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor monitoring preliminary study.

Aim of the studyThe main purpose of this study was to assess detection of mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a tool for EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) monitoring therapy.Material and methodsThe study was conducted using 20 samples from 7 adenocarcinoma patients treated with TKIs. Blood samples for ctDNA analysis were collected in 2015–2016. ctDNA was isolated using the QIAamp Circulating Nucleic Acid Kit (Qiagen) and analyzed using the ctEGFR Mutation Detection Kit (EntroGen).ResultsThe most common exon 19 deletion and p.Leu858Arg mutation in exon 21 of the EGFR gene were detected. We observed a correlation between stabilization of patient condition and the lack of p.Thr790Met mutation detection in ctEGFR during TKI treatment (2 out of 7 patients). We also observed a correlation between progression of the disease and p.Thr790Met mutation detection in ctEGFR (3 out of 7 cases). We did not detect ctDNA p.Thr790Metp in two patients in whom progression occurred shortly thereafter. Last but not least, we noticed that good organization during plasma collection and transportation (average time of 6 minutes and 30 seconds) allows to use K2EDTA tubes.ConclusionsWhen tissue is limited or insufficient, analysis of the ctEGFR mutational status can be considered as an alternative tool for qualifying patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for TKI therapy, also as a potential monitoring tool. The plasma p.Thr790Met-negative result needs to be verified for the presence of p.Thr790Met-positive tumor tissue.

Raman spectroscopy as a potential tool for label free therapeutic drug monitoring in human serum: the case of busulfan and methotrexate.

A methodology is proposed, based on Raman spectroscopy coupled with multivariate analysis, to determine the Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantification (LOQ) for therapeutic drug monitoring in human serum, using the examples of Busulfan, a cell cycle non-specific alkylating antineoplastic agent, and, Methotrexate, a chemotherapeutic agent and immune system suppressant. In this study, ultrafiltration is employed to fractionate spiked human pooled serum to efficiently recover the drug in the filtrate prior to performing Raman analysis. The drug concentration ranges were chosen to encompass the recommended therapeutic ranges and toxic levels in patients. Raman spectra were collected from the filtrates in the liquid form, using an inverted backscattering microscopic geometry, using 532 nm as source. Finally, prediction models were built by using Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) and LOD and LOQ were calculated directly from the linear prediction models. The LOD calculated for Busulfan is 0.0002 ± 0.0001 mg mL-1, 30-40 times lower than the level of toxicity, enabling the application of this method in target dose adjustment of Busulfan for patients undergoing, for example, bone marrow transplantation. The LOD and LOQ calculated for Methotrexate are 7.8 ± 5 μM and 26 ± 5 μM, respectively, potentially enabling high dose monitoring. The promising results obtained from this study suggest the potential of Raman spectroscopy for therapeutic drug monitoring of drugs in bodily fluids.

Plasma circulating tumor DNA as a potential tool for disease monitoring in head and neck cancer.

BackgroundRecommendations for perioperative therapy in head and neck cancer are not explicit and recurrence occurs frequently. Circulating tumor DNA is an emerging cancer biomarker, but has not been extensively explored for detection of recurrence in head and neck cancer.MethodsPatients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were recruited into the study protocol. Tumors were sequenced to identify patient‐specific mutations. Mutations were then identified in plasma circulating tumor DNA from pre‐treatment blood samples and longitudinally during standard follow‐up. Circulating tumor DNA status during follow‐up was correlated to disease recurrence.ResultsSamples were taken from eight patients. Tumor mutations were verified in seven patients. Baseline circulating tumor DNA was positive in six patients. Recurrence occurred in four patients, two of whom had detectable circulating tumor DNA prior to recurrence.ConclusionCirculating tumor DNA is a potential tool for disease and recurrence monitoring following curative therapy in head and neck cancer, allowing for better prognostication, and/or modification of treatment strategies.

Forest Cover Change Analysis Using Remote Sensing Techniques in Madhupur Sal Forest of Bangladesh

Deforestation, degradation, damages, transformation and over exploitation of forests are the common problem in different parts of the world. Timely monitoring and assessment of forest resources may help to address and identify the above mentioned problems and thus proper guidance may be given the forest resources manager for rational planning and management of forests. Apart from the conventional methods of forest monitoring, remote sensing with its unique capability of synoptic viewing, real time and repetitive nature offers a potential tool for monitoring and evaluation of forest resources and hence remote sensing technology has been successfully used in various studies like forest inventory, monitoring of forest cover changes and forest damage assessment. In the present research forest cover change analysis in ‘Madhupur Sal Forest’ located in central part of Bangladesh has been investigated using satellite remote sensing data and spatial analysis. Transformation of ‘Sal forest’ to other landuse has been studied using the Landsat MSS (Multi Spectral Scanner) data of 1973 and Landsat 8 OLI (Operational Land Imager) data of 2015. Driving forces behind the transformation of ‘Sal forest’ has also been investigated through GPS (Global Positioning System) based ground verification and interview with the people living in the locality.J. Environ. Sci. &amp; Natural Resources, 10(2): 73-78 2017

ON THE ESTIMATION OF POLARIMETRIC PARAMETERS FOR OIL SLICK FEATURE DETECTION FROM HYBRID POL AND DERIVED PSEUDO QUAD POL SAR DATA

Abstract. Oil spills in oceans have a significant long term effect on the marine ecosystem and are of prime concern for maritime economy. In order to locate and estimate the oil spread area and for quantitative damage assessment, it is required to continually monitor the affected area on the sea and its surroundings and space based remote sensing makes this technically viable. Synthetic Aperture Radar SAR with its high sensitivity to target dielectric constant, look angle and polarization-dependent target backscatter has become a potential tool for oil-spill observation and maritime monitoring. From conventional single-channel SAR (single-pol, HH or VV) to multi-channel SAR – (Dual/Quad-polarization) and more recently compact polarimetric (Hybrid/Slant Linear) SAR systems have been widely used for oil-spill detection in the seas. Various polarimetric features have been proposed to classify oil spills using full, dual and compact polarimetric SAR. RISAT-1 is a C-band SAR with Circular Transmit and Linear Receive (CTLR) hybrid polarimetric imaging capability.This study is aimed at the polarimetric processing of RISAT-1 hybrid pol single look complex (SLC) data for derivation of the decisive polarimetric parameters which can be used to identify oil spills in oceans and their discrimination from look-alike signatures. In order to understand ocean–oil spill signatures from full-quad pol SAR, pseudo-quad pol covariance matrix is constructed from RISAT-1 hybrid pol using polarimetric scattering models .Then polarimetric processing is carried out over pseudo-quad pol data for oil slick detection. In-house developed software is used for carrying out the above oil-spill study.