Veillonella atypica causing retropharyngeal abscess: A rare case presentation

Veillonella species are obligate anaerobes which are part of the human oral, gut and vaginal microbiota. The genus Veillonella consists of 16 characterized species. Very few infections due to Veillonella atypica have been reported till date. Here we present a case of retropharyngeal abscess due to this organism in a 55-year-old lady.

Analysis of mobility based COVID-19 epidemic model using Federated Multitask Learning

Aggregating a massive amount of disease-related data from heterogeneous devices, a distributed learning framework called Federated Learning(FL) is employed. But, FL suffers in distributing the global model, due to the heterogeneity of local data distributions. To overcome this issue, personalized models can be learned by using Federated multitask learning(FMTL). Due to the heterogeneous data from distributed environment, we propose a personalized model learned by federated multitask learning (FMTL) to predict the updated infection rate of COVID-19 in the USA using a mobility-based SEIR model. Furthermore, using a mobility-based SEIR model with an additional constraint we can analyze the availability of beds. We have used the real-time mobility data sets in various states of the USA during the years 2020 and 2021. We have chosen five states for the study and we observe that there exists a correlation among the number of COVID-19 infected cases even though the rate of spread in each case is different. We have considered each US state as a node in the federated learning environment and a linear regression model is built at each node. Our experimental results show that the root-mean-square percentage error for the actual and prediction of COVID-19 cases is low for Colorado state and high for Minnesota state. Using a mobility-based SEIR simulation model, we conclude that it will take at least 400 days to reach extinction when there is no proper vaccination or social distance.

Peri-hilar branching pattern and variations of the renal artery among Indian kidney donors using pre-operative computed tomography angiography: an anatomical study and review

BACKGROUND

The peri-hilar branching pattern of renal arteries and variations such as accessory renal artery and early branching of the renal artery are important factors to be evaluated preoperatively to minimise potential complications during renal transplantation and renal surgeries. The present study was done to assess the peri hilar branching pattern of the renal artery and its variation among the renal donors in India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred ninety eight kidneys from 99 donors were analysed using pre-operative computed tomography renal angiograms prospectively, over 1 year 2 months.

RESULTS

Based on the branching pattern of primary and secondary branches of renal arteries, we identified 8 cardinal and 10 minor peri-hilar branching patterns. Type I (duplicated fork) peri-hilar branching pattern was the most frequently found (70.2%) among 198 kidneys, followed by type II (triplicated fork) (19.2%) and type III (ladder) (10.6%). Duplicated fork pattern was common in both the right renal artery (75.7%) and left renal artery (64.6%), respectively. The prevalence of accessory renal artery was 39.4% with hilar artery at 21.2% and polar artery at 18.2%, and the prevalence of early division of renal artery was 20.2%. No significant association was found between gender and laterality in the prevalence of both early division and accessory renal artery (p > 0.05). Early division of renal artery was more frequent in females (28%) whilst accessory renal arteries were more common in males (40.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed a consistent peri-hilar branching pattern with high individual variability among Indian renal donors. The knowledge about the peri-hilar branching pattern as well as renal artery variations conferred by this study would greatly compliment urological surgeons during renal transplant surgeries.

Data on changes in renal calyceal pattern among renal donors using CT angiography

It is known that the recovery period after laparoscopic surgery is quicker than open surgery. Therefore, it is important to know the variations of the renal calyceal pattern prior to the laparoscopic surgery during renal surgeries. We analyzed the calyceal system in kidney donors using 64-Slice Computed Tomography Angiography. A total 99 healthy kidney donors were included to study the pattern of pelvicalyceal pattern and to classify further into bi-calyceal, tri-calyceal and multi-calyceal. This study found that bi-calyceal pattern is the most common pattern and further this pattern was more in right side in males and left side in females. The numbers of minor calyces were significantly more in right multi-calyceal pattern than left multi-calyceal, tri-calyceal and bi-calyceal patterns. The association of occurrence in these patterns was significant in males with strong association and insignificant in females. A detailed description of intrarenal arterial patternand its relationship with calyceal pattern could give great significance in renal transplantation and also for other urological procedures.

A Cross-sectional study on Metamemory in Primigravid Women of South Indian population

Introduction: Metamemory awareness refers to our feelings or experiences of our own memory. For example, if a person feels certain that he or she will remember later something just learned now, that person is having a metamemory experience. Metamemory is a subarea of metacognitions. Aim: The aim is to assess metamemory in primigravid individuals. Materials and methods: A study was conducted among 120 pregnant female of south Indian population. The participants were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire on metamemory. It includes multifactorial memory questionnaire (MMQ), developed to assess separate dimensions of memory ratings that are applicable to clinical assessment and intervention, includes scales of Contentment, Ability, and Strategy. Results: Association between corresponding subscale scores and gestational period indicates a weak correlation for satisfaction (r = -.09), ability (r = -.12) and strategy (r = -.17). In addition, the MMQ subscales and the total score showed good internal consistency (αs = 0.81-0.89). Conclusion: The results would conclude metamemory components were found to be generally poorer in pregnancy particularly less in third trimester. These impact in pregnant female on quality of life and everyday functioning requires further investigation.

Association between Working Memory and Obesity among Secondary School Children

Introduction: Obesity is not just a term but a threat faced by the younger generation. It affects the vital systems of our body and very importantly impairs the cognitive functions of our brain. Lack of exercise, lethargy, increased usage of electronic gadgets is some of the notable reasons for childhood obesity. This study has been designed to find out how obesity is playing a role in a child’s short term memory skills. Materials and Methods: A Cross sectional epidemiological study was conducted among 125 secondary school children from random urban south Indian population. The students were asked to fill in their general details along with height, weight, hip circumference, waist circumference and asked to play a set of matching games and put in their score to measure working memory. Results: Association between corresponding memory task scores and BMI indicates a strong negative correlation (r = -.008) and (r = -.07). Conclusion: The present results therefore indicate that there is an association between obesity and poorer working memory performance in secondary school children. Therefore to conclude, the extent to which children are physically active is influenced by a multiple and interrelated factors. Addressing physical inactivity and its contribution to childhood overweight obesity requires a broad and holistic approach.

A Rare Case Report of Non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae Bloodstream Infection in an Uncontrolled Diabetic With Peripheral Vascular Disease

Corynebacterium diphtheriae usually causes respiratory diphtheria, which is considered as a disease of toxemia but never bacteremia. Over the last few decades, cutaneous diphtheria has been increasingly reported owing to the emergence of the non-toxigenic strain, which causes locally necrotic and ulcerative lesions. Bacteremia is very rare, but the existing evidence in the literature suggests that the organism can rarely cause invasive infections such as septicemia, endocarditis, and osteoarthritis. Here, we present a rare case of C. diphtheriae causing bloodstream infections in an elderly diabetic with peripheral vascular disease, which was diagnosed incidentally on routine blood culture owing to automated identification systems viz matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) confirmed with conventional methods, and susceptibility was performed using automated VITEK 2 system (BioMérieux, Marcy-l'Étoile, France), which has aided in the timely management.

A correlation between height, obesity and intelligence in South Indian medical students

Introduction and Aim: Human intelligence is a cognitive process and was correlated with several anthropometric parameters. Height is one of the well-known factor that is suspected for a positive correlation with intelligence and their association is studied since many years. Similarly, obesity which has become a major health outcome of today is said to have a negative effect on intelligence. Prevalence of obesity and its co-morbidities are in a great rise in both developed and developing countries. Recent findings show that obesity could impair cognitive performance. This study focuses on the correlation of the parameters such as height and BMI(Body Mass Index) with intelligence for selected samples and underscores the significance of correlation. The objective of our study was to test whether a linear relationship exists between the IQ and the two parameters and their strength of correlation.   Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. Sample consists of 50 students of age group 18-20 of phase I MBBS students and the present study was directed in the Department of Anatomy. Intelligence was measured by Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), a non-verbal reasoning test. Height was measured in metres using stadiometer. Using height and weight values obtained from the sample, Body Mass Index (weight in kg/height in metre squares) was calculated. Mean and Standard Deviation of parameters were assessed and correlation value were calculated.   Results: The data were statistically analysed using correlation and regression. It showed positive correlation between height and intelligence (r=0.268) (p=0.05) and a negative correlation between obesity and intelligence (r= -0.324) (p=0.05).   Conclusion: Therefore, it concludes that height and intelligence were positively correlated, concomitantly obesity and intelligence were negatively correlated mainly due to increase in BMI has a deteriorating effect on intelligence.

Seaweed Sargassum wightii mediated preparation of zirconia (ZrO2) nanoparticles and their antibacterial activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria

In the present study, a facile and green combustion method has been optimized for the synthesis of zirconia (ZrO2) nanoparticles using marine brown alga (seaweed), Sargassum wightii (S. wightii). Structural, optical and photoluminescence properties of the prepared ZrO2 nanoparticles were studied using XRD, FTIR, HR-TEM, UV-vis and PL spectroscopy. The average grain size of the nanoparticles calculated from the XRD pattern was around 4.8 nm which exhibits tetragonal structure. TEM results showed that the synthesized nanoparticles were uniformly monodispersed without aggregation. Formation of zirconia nanoparticles were confirmed by FTIR studies. The PL spectra exhibit broad emission peaks at the interface of UV and visible regions which can be assigned to the ionized oxygen vacancy in the material. Antibacterial activity of the synthesized zirconia nanoparticles was studied against gram positive and gram negative bacterial strains using agar well diffusion method. The prepared zirconia nanoparticles show significant antibacterial effect against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi due to their large surface area by their nanosize.

Morphometric study of renal artery and its variations in level of origin

Background : Knowledge of morphometry and variations of renal artery is of utmost surgical importance. Forcible retraction of vascular pedicle can cause rupture of blood vessel and can lead to fatal hemorrhage. So, the exact measurement of renal artery and its variation in level of origin is important for renal transplantation surgeries, stent surgeries and in cases of renal vascular hypertension. Aim: To determine the length and diameter of main renal artery and to find out the variation in the level of origin. Materials and Methods: In tbis study, CT images of kidneys of 100 males of above 20 years of age were collected from scan center in Chennai. The length of renal artery was measured from the level of origin to the hilum and diameter was measured near the ostium and hilum of kidney. Also the variation in the level of origin of renal artery was observed. Measurements were compared between right and left side. Results: Mean length of main right renal artery was 3.73 ± 1.28cms and diameter near ostium and hilum was 0.63 ± 0.12cm and 0.55 ± 0.12cm respectively. Mean length of main left renal artery was 2.84 ± 1.18cm and diameter near ostium and hilum was 0.65 ± 0.98cm and 0.54 ± 0.11cm respectively. Majority of renal arteries arise at the level of Ll on both side. Conclusion: The most common level of origin of renal artery is at the level of L1 vertebra on both sides. The average length of right renal artery is greater than left renal artery and the diameter of left renal artery is greater than right renal artery.

Trichonodosis

Trichonodosis is characterized by knotted hair on the distal portion of the hair shaft. This may be spontaneous or secondary to mechanical factors like vigorous scratching or combing the hair. We report a case of spontaneous trichonodosis with abnormal scalp and body hair.

Dermatitis artefacta

Dermatitis artefacta (DA) is a psychocutaneous disorder where the skin lesions are self self-induced to satisfy an unconscious psychological or emotional need. We report a case of DA where we video recorded the patient self-inducing the lesions.

Efficacy of ipl in treatment of acne vulgaris : comparison of single- and burst-pulse mode in ipl

Background:

Intense pulsed light (IPL) has been used for the treatment of facial acne. Modifications of various parameters allow flexibility in treatment, which include energy fluence, pulse duration, and pulse delay. We compared the efficacy of burst-pulse (multiple pulse) mode with single-pulse mode in treatment of acne.

Objective:

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of the IPL in treatment of facial acne and to compare burst-pulse and single-pulse mode in treatment of acne.

Materials and Methods:

Ten patients with facial acne were subjected to monotherapy with IPL. Baseline grading of acne was done with Michelsons acne severity index; however, right and left side of face were scored separately and a total score was also taken. IPL was administered once weekly for four sessions. Right side was subjected to IPL with burst-pulse mode, and left side was subjected to single-pulse mode. Severity score assessed after the end of treatment. Clinical photographs were also obtained for evaluation.

Results:

All patients revealed a reduction in number of acne for both single- and burst-pulse mode treated sides. The mean total score was 49.4 at baseline and showed 49.19% reduction after four sessions of IPL. Burst-pulse mode treated side showed a better control than that of single-pulse mode.

Conclusion:

IPL as a monotherapy showed beneficial effect in treatment of facial acne. Burst-pulse mode was better than the single-pulse mode in clearing acne.

Measurement of entrance skin dose and estimation of organ dose during pediatric chest radiography

Entrance skin dose (ESD) was measured to calculate the organ doses from the anteroposterior (AP) and posteroanterior (PA) chest x-ray projections for pediatric patients in an Indian hospital. High sensitivity tissue-equivalent thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD, LiF: Mg, Cu, P chips) were used for measuring entrance skin dose. The respective organ doses were calculated using the Monte Carlo method (MCNP 3.1) to simulate the examination set-up and a three-dimensional mathematical phantom for representing an average 5-y-old Indian child. Using this method, conversion coefficients were derived for translating the measured ESD to organ doses. The average measured ESDs for the chest AP and PA projections were 0.305 mGy and 0.171 mGy, respectively. The average calculated organ doses in the AP and the PA projections were 0.196 and 0.086 mSv for the thyroid, 0.167 and 0.045 mSv for the trachea, 0.078 and 0.043 mSv for the lungs, 0.110 and 0.013 mSv for the liver, 0.002 and 0.016 mSv for the bone marrow, 0.024 and 0.002 mSv for the kidneys, and 0.109 and 0.023 mSv for the heart, respectively. The ESD and organ doses can be reduced significantly with the proper radiological technique. According to these results, the chest PA projection should be preferred over the AP projection in pediatric patients. The estimated organ doses for the chest AP and PA projections can be used for the estimation of the associated risk.

Preliminary studies for a new antibiotic from the marine mollusk Melo melo (Lightfoot, 1786)

OBJECTIVE

To search for new bioactive compounds from marine mollusks Melo melo (M. melo).

METHODS

Preliminary work for bioactive compound was identified by using disc diffusion methods against human pathogens. Further analyses of compound were done by using TLC, SDS-PAGE. And also estimate the amount of protein in the samples by following Biuret method.

RESULTS

In antibacterial activity the maximum diameter of 24 mm zone of inhibition was recorded against Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) strain of the mucus extract and minimum zone of inhibition of 11 mm was observed in Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) strain of body tissue extract. The antifungal activity of the extraction shows maximum activity against Trichophyton mentagarophytes (T. mentagarophytes) (14 mm) and minimum activity was recorded in Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) (11 mm). The extract of mucus, nerve tissue, body tissue and kidney that showed antimicrobial activity was subjected to TLC to determine the presence of the peptides and amide groups, and also subjected to SDS-PAGE to estimate the molecular weight of proteins in a clear band were detected in the gel that represented kidney, body tissue, brain and mucus represent 14, 17, 22, 45 kDa.

CONCLUSIONS

The extracts from marine mollusks M. melo is the potential source of producing bioactive compounds against human pathogens and can be used for synthesis of new drugs.

Immunofluorescence of the outer root sheath: an aid to diagnosis in pemphigus

BACKGROUND

The direct immunofluorescence (DIF) pattern of the outer root sheath (ORS) of the hair follicle in patients with pemphigus resembles that of perilesional skin. We performed DIF on anagen and telogen hair ORS from patients with pemphigus and compared the findings with those of perilesional skin.

AIM

To assess the sensitivity of DIF in the ORS of anagen and telogen hair in patients with pemphigus with positive DIF results in perilesional skin.

METHODS

In total, 50 patients with active pemphigus and positive DIF findings in perilesional skin were selected for the study. Anagen hair was obtained from the scalp by the same method used for a trichogram, and telogen hair was selected by combing the hair and collecting the loose strands of hair from the comb. The hair type was further confirmed by microscopy. Hair samples were transported in Michel medium and prepared for DIF by mounting on a slide without sectioning. Anagen and telogen hair samples were also collected from 50 controls.

RESULTS

Immunological deposits characteristic of pemphigus were found in the ORS of anagen and telogen hairs in all 50 patients, but in none of the 50 controls. Positive DIF findings were seen in scalp hair irrespective of the presence of scalp lesions. Of the 50 patients with pemphigus, 46 were diagnosed with pemphigus vulgaris, 2 with pemphigus vegetans, and 1 each with pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus erythematosus, based on the clinical, histopathological and DIF findings. All the pemphigus variants had positive DIF findings in the ORS.

CONCLUSIONS

Using DIF on telogen hair ORS promises to be a useful tool for diagnosis and follow-up in cases of pemphigus.

Immunofluoresence of the outer root sheath in anagen and telogen hair: an aid to diagnosis in pemphigus

Desmoglein 1 and 3 are distributed in the outer root sheath (ORS) of the hair follicle. Direct immunofluoresence (DIF) pattern of ORS in cases of pemphigus resembles the DIF pattern of the perilesional skin. We performed a DIF of the anagen and telogen hair ORS in a case of pemphigus and correlated it with the DIF findings of perilesional skin. Telogen hair ORS promises to be a useful tool in performing DIF for the purpose of diagnosis and follow-up in cases of pemphigus

Factor analysis and linear regression model (LRM) of metal speciation and physico-chemical characters of groundwater samples

An approach is described for viewing the interrelationship between different variables and also tracing the sources of pollution of groundwater of north Chennai (India). The data set of 43 variables which include major ions, minor ions and trace metal speciation (Cu, Pb, Cd and Zn) collected during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons of the year 2000-2001, was subjected to R-mode factor analysis to comprehend the distribution pattern of the said variables. It was found that first factor measures salinity and hardness which explained 19.12% of the total variance (comprised of variables EC, TDS, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, total hardness, Cl- and SO4(2-)) during pre-monsoon, while it was 25.08% during post-monsoon. The second and third factors were attributed to speciation of zinc and copper ions during both pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. Although there were two more factors, loaded with speciation parameters of lead and cadmium, the variance of them were less than 10%. From this study it is seen that sea water intrusion, municipal solid waste disposal are the identified sources of component of pollution. The importance of metal ions is taking a secondary role and the anthropogenic origin-industrial activity, is the reason in the evaluation of pollution status as they come in the second, third, fourth and fifth factors. As the trace metal speciation was grouped in separate factors, linear regression model (LRM) with correlation analysis was applied to check its validity for prediction of speciation and to apply LRM for rapid monitoring of water pollution.

Rhinosporidiosis in man: case reports

Three cases of rhinosporidiosis with complications, hitherto not reported, are presented. Frog-faced deformity and seizures were observed in one case, excessive bleeding, loss of olfactory sensation and septal perforation were noticed in the second case, while the third one exhibited a disseminated type of the disease. Clinical findings of these cases are discussed.

Human ovulation and plasma oxytocin

Plasma oxytocin (OT) concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) method without extracting plasma in 11 normal menstruating women. Mean plasma OT level began to increase steadily from the 7th day of the menstrual cycle and this level rose up to 20 +/- 5 microU/ml (Mean +/- S.E.) on the 10th day of the cycle. OT level declined to 13 +/- 6 microU/ml on the day of LH peak and continuously declined for another 2 days - then rose. The OT level was higher during the follicular phase than during the luteal phase. In 1 individual OT measured in 2 cycles a year apart showed the highest level of OT coincided with LH and FSH peak and abruptly declined. When there was the highest level of progesterone, the OT level was measurable 1 out of 11 cycles. From this study, we conclude that OT may have a role in human ovulation either synergistically or alone with other ovulatory mechanisms and ovarian estradiol and progesterone control the secretion of OT and also suggests that OT may play some role in the regulation of the luteolysis and the menstrual cycle in women.

Detection of circulating antigen in patients with rhinosporidiosis

A study was undertaken to demonstrate antibodies or antigen in the serum or plasma of 69 patients with rhinosporidiosis. These patients were divided into three groups, depending upon the duration of their illness. In 14 (46.7%) of 30 patients with 1-3 years of infection with R. seeberi, 18 (78.3%) of 23 patients with 4-9 years of infection and 16 (100%) of 16 patients with 10 or more years of infection, apparent rhinosporidial antigen was found in their serum or plasma by counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE). No antibodies could be demonstrated, by immunodiffusion (ID) or by CIE, in the serum or plasma of the 69 patients. CIE was more sensitive for the detection of precipitating antigen than ID.

Cell mediated immune response in human cases of rhinosporidiosis

Leukocyte migration inhibition (LMI) and T lymphocyte counts were used as measures of cell mediated immunity in 37 patients with rhinosporidiosis and 18 healthy individuals. LMI was higher in all the patients than the normal controls, and it was maximal in patients with infection of 3-9 years' duration. When the chronicity of infection exceeded 10 years, there was a fall in LMI response although it was still more than that of the normal controls. The T cell count was significantly low with infection of 1-2 years' duration than in normals, but it rose to normal values in patients with infection that had lasted 3 years or more.

Recurrent rhinosporidiosis in man-case reports

Three cases of rhinosporidiosis with high rate of recurrence are presented. Recurrences in the cases reported here were: 49, 21 and 23 times respectively. These are much higher than that described in the literature so far. The clinico -- epidemiological aspects of the cases are discussed.

Radioimmunoassay of plasma and pituitary oxytocin in pregnant rats during various stages of pregnancy and parturition

Radioimmunoassayable plasma and pituitary oxytocin (ROT) was measured during pregnancy and parturition. The highest mean plasma ROT level was seen in maternal rats on day 20 of pregnancy followed by a non significant decrease on day 21 reaching the basal level just before delivery. Plasma ROT level declined continuously up to the time of delivery of the first pup and then gradually increased until the completion of parturition. The highest maternal mean pituitary ROT level was found on day 21 pregnancy. Just before delivery of the first pup, the mean pituitary ROT level significantly declined by 22%. Pituitary ROT level declined steadily during the delivery of the first five pups. This pattern of reduction was reversed and ROT levels increased between the delivery of the fifth pup and the completion of labor. The increase of maternal pituitary and plasma ROT levels during delivery of the pups suggest that maternal ROT may play a role in normal parturition. Fetal hypothalamic-pituitary ROT does not seem to play any part in parturition.

Plasma oxytocin in initiation of labor

Serial radioimmunoassay measurements of plasma oxytocin (OT) in maternal venous blood have been carried out in 15 patients, during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Fetal plasma OT was also measured in the blood from the umbilical vein and umbilical artery. The results indicate that: (1) during pregnancy, plasma OT is present in maternal blood; (2) the quantity of plasma OT increases with advancing pregnancy; (3) no OT surge occurs around the onset of labor; (4) the plasma OT surge occurs with cervical dilatation and vaginal distention. The data indicate that OT does not play a primary role in the initiation of labor and support the concept that OT most likely contributes to formation of prostaglandins through the uterine contractions OT produces. OT surges, frequently called spikes, have been observed to occur during pregnancy as well as during labor. During the course of labor, OT surges have been encountered in association with rupture of the membranes, vaginal examination, and descent of the vertex, and have occurred almost consistently with maximal cervical and vaginal distention. Such OT surge was suppressed by effective spinal and pelvic regional anesthesia. Therefore, this surge is consistent with the Ferguson reflex described in experimental animals, and it represents the first evidence that the Ferguson reflex, in fact, exists in human beings. Evidence is presented here that an excess of OT in fetal blood over that found in maternal plasma was associated with hypertonic, irregular, tumultuous or prolonged labor and with mild to moderate fetal hypoxia and fetal distress peculiar to abnormal uterine contractions.