Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Deep Learning-Based White Blood Cell Classification Through a Free and Accessible Application(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alluwaim, Yaseer; Campbell, NeillBackground Microscopy of peripheral blood smears (PBS) continues to play a fundamental role in hematology diagnostics, offering detailed morphological insights that complement automated blood counts. Examination of a stained blood film by a trained technician is among the most frequently performed tests in clinical hematology laboratories. Nevertheless, manual smear analysis is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to considerable variability between observers. These challenges have spurred interest in automated, deep learning-based approaches to enhance efficiency and consistency in blood cell assessment. Methods We designed a convolutional neural network (CNN) using a ResNet-50 backbone, applying standard transfer-learning techniques for white blood cell (WBC) classification. The model was trained on a publicly available dataset of approximately 4,000 annotated peripheral smear images representing eight WBC types. The image processing workflow included automated nucleus detection, normalization, and extensive augmentation (rotation, scaling, etc.) to improve model generalization. Training was performed with the PyTorch Lightning framework for efficient development. Application The final model was integrated into a lightweight web application and deployed on Hugging Face Spaces, allowing accessible browser-based inference. The application provides an easy-to-use interface to upload images, which are then automatically cropped and analyzed in real-time. This open and free tool is intended to provide immediate classification results. It is also a useful tool for laboratory technologists without requiring specialized hardware or software. Results Testing on an independent set revealed that the ResNet-50 network reached 98.67% overall accuracy. Performance was consistently high across all eight WBC categories. Precision, recall, and specificity closely matched the overall accuracy, indicating well-balanced classification. However, for the assessment of real-world generalization, the model was tested on an external heterogeneous dataset from different sources. It performed with 86.33% accuracy, reflecting strong performance outside of its main training data. The confusion matrix showed negligible misclassifications. This suggested consistent distinction between leukocyte types. Conclusion This study indicates that a lightweight AI tool can support peripheral smear analysis by offering rapid and consistent WBC identification via a web interface. Such a system may reduce laboratory workload and observer variability, particularly in resource-limited or remote settings where expert microscopists are scarce, and serve as a practical training aid for personnel learning cell morphology. Limitations include reliance on a single dataset, which may not encompass all staining or imaging variations, and evaluation performed offline. Future work will aim to expand dataset diversity, enable real-time integration with digital microscopes, and conduct clinical validation to broaden applicability and adoption. Application link: https://huggingface.co/spaces/xDyas/wbc-classifier15 0Item Restricted Understanding the mechanisms of the regulation of platelet function by thiol isomerase enzymes(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-10-31) Aldaghmi, Abdulrahman; Gibbins, JonathanBackground: Human platelets contain a number of thiol isomerases that are released to the cell surface upon platelet activation, such as protein disulphide isomerase (PDI), and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteins (ERp5, ERp57, and ERp72). Previous findings indicate that these enzymes play a role in regulating integrin αIIbβ3, the adhesion receptor that mediates platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, and the similarity in their inhibitory effects suggests functional overlaps. However, thiol isomerases are believed to facilitate disulphide exchange among themselves in mammalian cells. This suggests a potential cooperative interaction between these enzymes to regulate platelet function. Aims: The main aims of this research were to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the actions of thiol isomerases during platelet activation and explore potential interactions among these enzymes. The investigation aimed to identify common and distinctive substrates associated with PDI, ERp5, ERp57, and ERp72, and detect functional interactions among these enzymes. To understand more completely the associations between these enzymes, the study aimed to identify and characterise additional thiol isomerases in platelets that interact with these enzymes in other human cell types. To understand how these interactions affect platelet function, the investigation aimed to test the effects of novel broad- spectrum inhibitors on both platelet function and thiol isomerase interactions with potential substrates. Results: Experimental investigations of thiol isomerase interactions revealed inter-thiol complexes during platelet stimulation. The characterisation of platelet thiol isomerases revealed ERp18, a novel family member. Interactions among PDI, ERp5, ERp57, and ERp72 were detected and were particularly seen during platelet activation. Proteomics experiments revealed potential substrates and/or binding partners of these enzymes, which included key players in integrin inside-out signalling, such as the target receptor integrin αIIbβ3, thioredoxin, and heat shock proteins. In experiments to explore the collective function effects of thiol isomerases in the control of platelet function, the effects of the newly identified pan-thiol isomerase inhibitor were explored. Benserazide was demonstrated to inhibit the enzymatic activity of PDI, ERp5, ERp57, and ERp72, along with its capacity to inhibit various platelet functions. In proteomics studies, benserazide was shown to block the interactions between thiol isomerases and their substrates. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence that thiol isomerase enzymes participate in common and distinct protein complexes to regulate platelet function. The broad inhibition observed, resembling single inhibition of these enzymes, further supports the notion that platelet thiol isomerases collaborate to elicit their function roles upon their translocation to the cell surface. Lastly, benserazide, a well-tolerated drug with established therapeutic uses, holds promise as a potential fast-track option for developing a new anti-thrombotic therapy.33 0