Horse Herd Optimization with Gate Recurrent Unit for an Automatic Classification of Different Facial Skin Disease

The human body's largest organ is the skin which covers the entire body. The facial skin is one area of the body that needs careful handling. It can cause several facial skin diseases like acne, eczema, moles, melanoma, rosacea, and many other fungal infections. Diagnosing these diseases has been difficult due to challenges like the high cost of medical equipment and the lack of medical competence. However, various existing systems are utilized to detect the type of facial skin disease, but those approaches are time-consuming and inaccurate to detect the disease at early stages. To address various issues, a deep learning-based gate recurrent unit (GRU) has been developed. Non-linear diffusion is used to acquire and pre-process raw pictures, adaptive histogram equalization (AHE) and high boost filtering (HBF). The image noise is removed by using non-linear diffusion. The contrast of the image is maximized using AHE. The image's edges are sharpened by using HBF. After pre-processing, textural and colour features are extracted by applying a grey level run-length matrix (GLRM) and chromatic co-occurrence local binary pattern (CCoLBP). Then, appropriate features are selected using horse herd optimization (HOA). Finally, selected features are classified using GRU to identify the types of facial skin disease. The proposed model is investigated using the Kaggle database that consists of different face skin disease images such as rosacea, eczema, basal cell carcinoma, acnitic keratosis, and acne. Further, the acquired dataset is split into training and testing. Considering the investigation's findings, the proposed method yields 98.2% accuracy, 1.8% error, 97.1% precision, and 95.5% f1-score. In comparison to other current techniques, the proposed technique performs better. The created model is, therefore, the best choice for classifying the various facial skin conditions.

Tuning the physiochemical properties of polycaprolactone-hydroxyapatite composite films by gamma irradiation for biomedical applications

Physiochemical properties of polycaprolactone-hydroxyapatite (PCL-HAp) composites were investigated in the pristine and after irradiation of γ rays (25, 50, 75, and 100 kGy). PCL-HAp composites were synthesized by solvent evaporation and characterized using spectroscopic methods as well as biological assays. The surface roughness (RMS) of the irradiated composite film (at 75 kGy) was 80 times higher than that of the pristine. Irradiation tailors the contact angle of the films from 77° to 90° (at 100 kGy). A decrease in particle size (at 100 kGy) of HAp nanorods in PCL-HAp composites film was observed. The XRD peak of PCL was slightly shifted from 21.2° to 21.7° (at 100 kGy) with the decrease in crystallite size. The peak intensity of the PCL and HAp altered on irradiation that was confirmed by FTIR and Raman analysis. Further, the bandgap of the irradiated film was lowered by 13 % (at 25 kGy). The luminescence intensity decreased due to the non-radiative process induced by the irradiation defects. All the samples possess hemocompatibility percentage of <10 % as per ASTM standards. At 75 kGy, fibroblast cell proliferation was higher than the pristine and other doses. The gamma-irradiated PCL-HAp composite films are potential candidates for tissue engineering applications.

Disposable biosensors based on metal nanoparticles

The coronavirus disease2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the need for disposable biosensors that can detect viruses in infected patients quickly due to fast response and also at a low cost.The present review provides an overview of the applications of disposable biosensors based on metal nanoparticles in enzymatic and non-enzymatic sensors with special reference to glucose and H₂O₂, immunosensors as well as genosensors (DNA biosensors in which the recognized event consists of the hybridization reaction)for point-of-care diagnostics. The disposable biosensors for COVID19 have also been discussed.

Preparation and Studies of Electrodeposited CuSe Thin Films

Cathodic electrodeposition in the presence of sodium dodecyl-sulphate in aqueous solution was used to prepare CuSe thin film deposited on titanium substrates. The effect of deposition potential, concentration<br />and deposition time were studied to determine the optimum condition for the electrodeposition process. The films were characterized by X-ray diffractrometry. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study<br />the morphology of the deposits. The photoresponse of the films prepared was analysed using linear sweep voltammetry in the presence of sodium thiosulphate.

Dental prosthetic status and prosthetic needs of the institutionalized elderly living in geriatric homes in Hyderabad: a pilot study

INTRODUCTION

To promote oral health among the elderly, we need to know their prosthetic status and prosthetic need. Hence, a survey of prosthetic status and need of elderly inmates of geriatric homes in Hyderabad was done.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was undertaken, and 174 subjects aged 60 years and above were examined of which 103 were male and 71 were female (59.2% males and 40.8% females). The oral examination of the study subjects was carried out using basic oral health surveys, WHO 1997 criteria.

RESULTS

Majority of the subjects, 73 (70.8%) males and 53 (74.6%) females had no prosthesis. Only 4.6% had complete dentures and 21.1% had removable partial dentures and 10.9% had single/multiple bridges. Need for any prosthesis was (83.5%) male and 63 (88.7%) female subjects and nearly 82. 8% subjects required one-unit prosthesis.

CONCLUSION

Dental prosthetic status of people living in geriatric homes is very poor and there is high unmet need for prosthetic care existed among the institutionalized elderly surveyed.

Production of Alkaline Protease by a New Aspergillus flavus Isolate under Solid-Substrate Fermentation Conditions for Use as a Depilation Agent

The production of alkaline protease by an Aspergillus flavus strain isolated in our laboratory by solid-substrate fermentation for use as a depilation agent and the influence of various factors on enzyme production are reported. The optimum conditions for maximum production were a growth temperature of 32 degrees C, 63% substrate moisture, and a growth period of 48 h. Enrichment with corn steep liquor or Casitone increased productivity. Scaling-up experiments indicated that flask-scale results could be reproduced at 1 and 30 kg of substrate. The enzyme preparation exhibited maximum activity at both pH 7.5 and pH 9.5. The use of this enzyme as a depilation agent was confirmed by experiments in a tannery.

Simultaneous RP-HPLC estimation of cefpodoxime proxetil and clavulanic acid in tablets

A new, simple, precise, rapid and accurate RP-HPLC method has been developed for the simultaneous estimation of cefpodoxime proxetil and clavulanic acid from pharmaceutical dosage forms. The method was carried out on a Zorbax Eclipse XDB 5 μ C 18 (150×4.6 mm) column with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile:50 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (pH 3.0, 70:30 v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. Detection was carried out at 228 nm. Aspirin was used as an internal standard. The retention time of clavulanic acid, cefpodoxime proxetil and aspirin was 4.43, 6.44 and 5.6 min, respectively. The developed method was validated in terms of accuracy, precision, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification and solution stability. The proposed method can be used for the estimation of these drugs in combined dosage forms.

Genotype phenotype correlation in Wilson's disease within families--a report on four south Indian families

AIM

To study the genotype phenotype correlation in Wilson's disease (WD) patients within families.

METHODS

We report four unrelated families from South India with nine members affected with WD. Phenotype was classified as per international consensus phenotypic classification of WD. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and 21 exons of ATP7B gene and flanking introns were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR products were screened for mutations and the aberrant products noted on screening were sequenced.

RESULTS

Four separate ATP7B mutations were found in the four families. ATP7B mutations were identical amongst affected members within each family. Three families had homozygous mutations of ATP7B gene while one family had compound heterozygous mutation, of which only one mutation was identified. We noted concordance between ATP7B gene mutation and Wilson's disease phenotype amongst members within each family. The age of onset of symptoms or of detection of asymptomatic disease, baseline serum ceruloplasmin and baseline urinary copper levels were also similar in affected members of each family. Minor differences in phenotype and baseline serum ceruloplasmin level were noted in one family.

CONCLUSION

We report concordance between ATP7B mutation and WD phenotype within each family with > 1 member affected with WD. Homozygous ATP7B mutation was present in 3 of the 4 families studied. Our report supports allelic dominance as a determinant of WD phenotype. However, in one family with compound heterozygous mutation, there was a similar WD phenotype which suggests that there may be other factors determining the phenotype.

ATP7B mutations in families in a predominantly Southern Indian cohort of Wilson's disease patients

OBJECTIVE

To analyze ATP7B mutations in Wilson's disease (WD) patients from the Indian subcontinent and to correlate these with WD phenotype.

METHODS

We studied 27 WD patients from 25 unrelated families. Twenty-two families were from three southern Indian states - Tamil Nadu andhra Pradesh and Kerala. We applied conformation- sensitive gel electrophoresis (CSGE) to screen for the mutations in patients and their families. PCR products exhibiting aberrant patterns in CSGE were subjected to direct DNA sequencing. As siblings affected by WD within a family share identical ATP7B genotype, we compared WD phenotype among affected siblings within families.

RESULTS

ATP7B mutations were detected in 22 of the 25 probands -13 were homozygotes and 9 were compound heterozygotes. Eleven novel mutations were detected. Only two common mutations were found: G3182A in 4 (16%) and C813A in 3 (12%) probands. 'Hot spots' for ATP7B mutations were exons 18 and 13. Lack of common dominant mutations prevented correlation of individual ATP7B mutations with WD phenotype. Symptomatic WD in a live sibling was not found in any family. In 8 families, a sibling died of presumed WD - in 6 of these, WD phenotype was identical to that in the proband.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe the spectrum of ATP7B mutations including 11 novel mutations in Indian WD patients and document lack of a single dominant mutation. Identical WD phenotype among siblings in only 6 of 8 families with >1 child affected by WD suggests that factors other than ATP7B mutations influence WD phenotype.

Unusual presentation of a retroperitoneal lymphangioma

A 3 year old child presented with hemorrhagic ascites of short duration. Based on clinical manifestation and investigations a differential diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis, pancreatic ascites or malignant ascites was considered. Laparotomy revealed a huge retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma confirmed by histopathology. The unusual presentation of retroperitoneal tumours as pseudoascites is discussed.

Portal biliopathy

A young male with portal venous thrombosis presented with obstructive jaundice, due to common bile duct stricture secondary to portal biliopathy.

Hypereosinophilic syndrome

Hypereosinophilic syndrome is a leukoproliferative disease characterised by sustained overproduction of eosinophils. The three diagnostic criteria for this disorder are (1) Eosinophilia of greater than 1500 cells/ml, persisting for longer than 6 months, (2) lack of another diagnosis to explain the eosinophilia and (3) signs and symptoms of organ involvement. We report a 15-year-old boy who was diagnosed as Hypereosinophilic syndrome based on these criteria.

Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A and hepatitis E virus in urban school children in Chennai

With similar feco-oral mode of transmission of Hepatitis A and E viruses, and improving levels of personal hygiene among higher socioeconomic population, periodic surveillance on HAV/HEV exposure pattern may be of immense public health value. One such attempt was made in Tamilnadu, India by analysing the presence of antibodies to HAV and HEV in 185 healthy children of 6 months to 12 years of age. While anti HAV positivity was 96.9% by 12 years of age, anti HEV positivity fluctuated between 5.3-16.7%. The study suggests the necessity for developing a vaccine for HEV to prevent the frequent occurrence of HEV outbreaks in India, since natural HEV exposure does not bestow significant protection as observed in HAV.

Comparison of polyethylene glycol versus combination of magnesium sulphate and bisacodyl for colon preparation

Colon preparation using polyethylene glycol (PEGLEC) and combination of bisacodyl and magnesium sulphate was compared in 74 patients. Type of preparation did not influence patient discomfort. The quality of preparation was excellent with PEGLEC in 63.6% as compared to 41.6% with combination preparation. The completion rates were similar in both groups. Good preparation was linked with shorter procedure duration (p = 0.001) and greater depth of examination. No major side effects were noted with both preparations. To conclude, polyethylene glycol is recommended for screening of right colon while combination of bisacodyl and magnesium sulphate is a good and cheap preparation modality to screen the left colon.

Clinical and viral marker pattern of acute sporadic hepatitis in children in Madras, South India

One hundred and twenty-seven children who presented with features of acute hepatitis during the period February 1995 to January 1996 were studied. Specific aetiologic agents were identified in 89 per cent. Of these, 67.7 per cent were due to a single virus, whereas 21.3 per cent were due to two or more hepatitis viruses. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) was the sole infecting agent in 38.6 per cent of cases, hepatitis B virus (HBV) in 13.4 per cent of cases, and hepatitis E virus (HEV) in 15.7 per cent of cases. Mixed infections were due to HAV and HBV co-infection (7.1 per cent), HAV and HEV (13.4 per cent), and the combination of HAV, HBV, and HEV (0.8 per cent). In 11 per cent, none of the markers (HAV to HEV) were identified. Acute sporadic hepatitis in children can occur due to a single hepatitis virus type or, at times, due to co-infection with a combination of two enterally transmitted viruses or enteral and parenterally transmitted viruses. Improving personal hygiene and active immunization are essential in the prevention of these viral illnesses. This study was done in a referral centre and hence we report a higher morbidity (13.4 per cent) and mortality (12.6 per cent) rate in all groups of infection. Hence, apart from the viruses, factors such as the age of the child, nutritional status, and treatment taken prior to hospitalization should be taken into consideration to predict the prognosis in a given child.

Role of pinaverium bromide in south Indian patients with irritable bowel syndrome

The effect of pinaverium bromide in controlling gastrointestinal symptoms in 61 patients with irritable bowel syndrome was studied, as an open trial. Individually, there was significant relief in abdominal discomfort/pain as well as in bowel symptoms in most of the patients. Abdominal pain was reduced in 49%, stool consistency improved in 74%, straining and urgency decreased in 71% and mucus decreased in 64%. Tolerance to the drug administered was good and side-effects reported were few.

Is vegetarianism a precipitating factor for gallstones in cirrhotics?

AIM

To study the association of factors such as alcohol, smoking and vegetarianism with presence of gallstones amongst cirrhotics.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data on alcoholism, smoking and vegetarianism was collected from the case records of 669 cirrhotics with (76) or without gallstones (593) retrospectively. Relative risk for the factors was computed individually and in combination controlling for the effects of alcoholism and smoking on vegetarianism.

RESULTS

Alcoholism and smoking were of low relative risk [R.R-1.27 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.96), and 1.02 (95% CI 0.65 to 1.61) respectively] while vegetarianism was associated with high risk for gallstone formation in cirrhotics [R.R 2.74 (95% CI 1.65-4.53)]. Vegetarian men had a relative risk of 3.02 (95% CI 1.75-5.22) irrespective of their alcoholic status. If women were alcoholic the relative risk increased to 7.03 (95% CI 3.26-15.12). Controlling for effects of gender and alcoholism, vegetarian cirrhotics had a 3 times greater risk for gallstone formation [Mantel Haenszel Relative Risk 3.18 (95% CI MHRR 1.82-5.56)].

CONCLUSIONS

Cirrhotic, vegetarian women in South India have a much higher risk for gallstones, if they are alcoholic. Alcoholic men who are vegetarians are at a greater risk for gallstone disease.

Does Crohn's disease need differentiation from tuberculosis?

Crohn's disease (CD) and tuberculosis (TB) of the gastrointestinal tract pose major diagnostic problems for clinicians where these conditions coexist. Clinically and radiologically, the diseases are similar. In the West, TB is considered in the differential diagnosis of all suspected cases of CD, particularly among Asian migrants. Earlier age of presentation, perianal disease and enteric fistulae favour a diagnosis of CD. Aphthoid ulceration, pseudopolyps and filiform mucosa at endoscopy are suggestive of CD and a negative tuberculin test us useful. The final diagnosis depends largely on histopathology and the presence or absence of acid fast bacilli. Tuberculosis is more common in developing countries and intestinal TB frequently coexists with pulmonary tuberculosis. TB is known to affect all age groups and fistulous communication, although uncommon, does occur. In addition to radiology and endoscopy, laparotomy may be required to establish the diagnosis. In developing countries, CD is uncommon and remains largely a diagnosis of exclusion. A trial of anti-tuberculosis therapy may often be prescribed before definitely diagnosing CD. The development of molecular biology techniques had led to a revival of interest in mycobacteria as a possible aetiological agent in CD. DNA from Mycobacterium paratuberculosis and Mycobacterium kansaii have both been identified in CD cases but the significance of this finding has not been established. However, in the near future polymerase chain reaction will become increasingly useful in differentiating CD from intestinal TB because it allows the amplification and identification of very small quantities of mycobacterium DNA.

Oesophageal manometry in noncardiac chest pain

Chest pain of oesophageal origin is an important differential diagnosis in patients with cardiac chest pain. A preliminary survey of 40 patients with noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) revealed oesophageal motility disorder in 47.5%; achalasia cardia being the most frequent disease (47.3%). 15.8% of these patients with motility disorder had features of progressive systemic sclerosis and another 15.8% had non specific oesophageal motility disorder (variants). Compared to barium swallow, oesophageal manometry was found to be superior in the diagnosis of oesophageal motility disorder.

Comparative study of the clinical profiles of alcoholic chronic pancreatitis and tropical chronic pancreatitis in Tamil Nadu, south India

In a comparative study of tropical chronic pancreatitis (TCP) and alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (ACP) occurring in the same population, we analyzed the clinical profile of 50 patients of ACP seen over the past 3 years at our centers and compared this with the profile of our TCP patients. A majority (75%) of patients in both groups belonged to Tamil Nadu and 90% had never consumed cassava. Whereas TCP occurred in young subjects of both sexes, ACP patients were all males and presented at an older age. The frequency of pain, diabetes, and pancreatic calcification was similar in the two groups. Patients in both groups were lean, but signs of severe malnutrition were rare. Prediabetic patients had normal body mass index. There were striking differences in radiological appearance of pancreatic calculi in TCP and ACP. Malignancy of the pancreas was present in three patients with TCP. Benign bile duct stenosis was seen in three patients with ACP but not in TCP. Compared to ACP seen in the West, our ACP patients had a shorter duration of symptoms in spite of having advanced disease. TCP and ACP have distinct clinical profiles and it is possible that some environmental factors may hasten the progress of ACP in the tropics.

Radiological appearance of pancreatic calculi in tropical versus alcoholic chronic pancreatitis

Tropical and alcoholic forms of chronic pancreatitis differ in their clinical, aetiological and epidemiological features. We compared the radiological appearances of pancreatic calculi seen on plain roentgenogram of the abdomen of 89 patients with tropical calcific pancreatitis (TCP) and 32 patients with alcoholic calcific pancreatitis (ACP) seen in Madras, Southern India. While TCP was characterized by the frequent occurrence of large, discrete, dense calculi, patients with ACP had typically small, speckled calculi with irregular, hazy margins. The calculi in TCP resembled those described for hereditary pancreatitis. This is the first report comparing the radiological appearances of TCP and ACP patients seen at the same centre.

Faecal chymotrypsin assay in tropical and alcoholic chronic pancreatitis

Faecal chymotrypsin (FCT) levels were estimated in a group of patients with tropical chronic pancreatitis (TCP) and compared with patients with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (ACP), 'gastrointestinal' controls and 'healthy' subjects. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency as assessed by low faecal chymotrypsin levels (less than 5.8 mu/g) were present in 85.7 per cent of TPC and 84.6 per cent of ACP patients. Mean FCT levels as well as the distribution of FCT values were similar in TCP and ACP patients and significantly lower than the two control groups (P less than 0.001). There was also no difference with respect to mean FCT levels between subgroups of TCP patients with and without diabetes and those with and without calcification. Faecal chymotrypsin assay is a simple test for diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis in gastroenterological centres in tropical countries.

Fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes and obesity

Fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes (FCPD) is a form of diabetes secondary to chronic pancreatitis that is found in tropical countries. Most patients with FCPD are lean and many are frankly undernourished. Four patients with FCPD who were obese are reported in this paper and this is the first report of obesity in FCPD patients.

Exocrine pancreatic function in tropical fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes

Exocrine pancreatic function was studied by fecal chymotrypsin test in three groups of diabetic patients seen in southern India. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, as shown by low fecal chymotrypsin levels, was seen in 87.5% of patients with fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes (FCPD), in 23.5% of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients, and in 4.5% of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients. There was no correlation between fecal chymotrypsin levels and serum amylase, serum lipase, age, body mass index, duration of diabetes, fasting plasma glucose, or glycosylated hemoglobin levels. The fecal chymotrypsin test is a useful additional investigation for the diagnosis of FCPD found in tropical countries.

Effects of immobilization of a limb on the maturation of a peripheral nerve in kittens

Right or left hindlimbs of kittens were immobilized in a plaster cast, in the resting position. Three groups of animals belonged to the same age group, one to older, and another to younger. Kittens in the same age group were subjected to progressively increasing periods of immobilization, the older group to a shorter and the younger to the longest period. By virtue of this arrangement, it was found that the demonstrated changes in the peripheral nerve, which included a decrease in the myelinated nerve fibre population and a reduction in the mean nerve fibre diameter, have been proportionate among the animals in the same age group, more pronounced in younger, and less so in older ones, indicating that in younger animals longer periods of immobilization lead to a greater degree of harmful effects, although it was also evident that younger animals attempt to adapt to such adverse conditions.

Movements at the carpometacarpal and metacarpophalangeal joints of the hand and their effect on the dimensions of the articular ends of the metacarpal bones

A detailed study was undertaken to quantify the range of various movements at the carpometacarpal and metacarpophalangeal joints of the hand in cadavers and compare the values so obtained with those in the living, measured with the help of skiagrams. Longitudinal sections of hand were also prepared to bring out the nature of articulations at the carpometacarpal joints. Based on the data available, metacarpal mobility formulae of 1 greater than 5 greater than 4 greater than 2 greater than 3 for the carpometacarpal, and 5 greater than 4 greater than 3 greater than 2 greater than 1 and 5 greater than 2 greater than 4 greater than 3 greater than 1 for metacarpophalangeal joints are being proposed with the hope that these formulae will find their application in the clinical practice to assess the extent of functional damage to these joints as well as to evaluate the rate of progress or deterioration, in course of time. As an extension of our earlier study (Batmanabane, 1982), osteometric analysis of the metacarpus was also carried out and it is confirmed that it is the mobility which determines the osteometric features of the articular ends of these miniature long bones.

Identification of human second, third, and fourth metatarsal bones

The lateral side of the base of the second (SMT), third (TMT), and fourth (FMT) metatarsal bones displays constant and distinct grooves. The groove on SMT starts just above the middle of the lateral surface of the base and runs toward the shaft forming an angle of 85-111 degrees with the base. TMT has a groove starting at about the middle of the lateral surface forming an angle of 57-72 degrees with the base, while the groove on FMT runs upward more acutely, starting from the lower end of the surface, forming an angle of 37-54 degrees with the base. The presence of these grooves and the usefulness of their characteristics in distinguishing between these metatarsals, especially in forensic medicine, is discussed.

Effects of varying periods of immobilization of a limb on the morphology of a peripheral nerve

Immobilization of a hind limb of the cat in the resting position was found to result in morphological changes in the nerve supplying the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. A reduction in the diameter of the larger myelinated fibres (greater than 12 micrometers) concomitant with a reduction in the mean fibre diameter of the nerve were observed. This reduction in the mean fibre diameter of the nerve was found to be directly proportional to the period of immobilization. Prolonged immobilization beyond 8 weeks, resulted in the splitting of the myelin lamellae, formation of myelin rings and figures in some of the larger axons in addition to an abundant increase in collagen. These structural changes indicate a definite neural involvement in the disuse atrophy of the muscle as a result of immobilization extending for a period of 8 weeks and above.

Alterations in the morphology of the neuromuscular junctions following experimental immobilization in cats

Immobilization of the hindlimbs in cats, in the neutral position, by applying a plaster cast for 4 weeks, led to paler and larger neuromuscular junctions. Beyond 8 weeks, this procedure caused elaborately branched-out and paler junctions which were significantly larger in their diameters than those of the contralateral control limbs.