Improving cervical cancer classification in PAP smear images with enhanced segmentation and deep progressive learning-based techniques.

OBJECTIVE: Cervical cancer, a prevalent and deadly disease among women, comes second only to breast cancer, with over 700 daily deaths. The Pap smear test is a widely utilized screening method for detecting cervical cancer in its early stages. However, this manual screening process is prone to a high rate of false-positive outcomes because of human errors. Researchers are using machine learning and deep learning in computer-aided diagnostic tools to address this issue. These tools automatically analyze and sort cervical cytology and colposcopy images, improving the precision of identifying various stages of cervical cancer. METHODOLOGY: This article uses state-of-the-art deep learning methods, such as ResNet-50 for categorizing cervical cancer cells to assist medical professionals. The method includes three key steps: preprocessing, segmentation using k-means clustering, and classifying cancer cells. The model is assessed based on performance metrics viz; precision, accuracy, kappa score, precision, sensitivity, and specificity. In the end, the high success rate shows that the ResNet50 model is a valuable tool for timely detection of cervical cancer. OUTPUTS: In conclusion, the infected cervical region is pinpointed using spatial K-means clustering and preprocessing operations. This sequence of actions is followed by a progressive learning technique. The Progressive Learning technique then proceeded through several stages: Stage 1 with 64 × 64 images, Stage 2 with 224 × 224 images, Stage 3 with 512 × 512 images, and the final Stage 4 with 1024 × 1024 images. The outcomes show that the suggested model is effective for analyzing Pap smear tests, achieving 97.4% accuracy and approx. 98% kappa score.

Gender Determination Using Index and Ring Finger Linear Measurements in North Indian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: In the fields of medico-legal matters and bio-archaeological settings, gender evaluation plays a pivotal role in the initial stages of human identification. Approximately half of the population at risk is excluded when gender is determined, making it the most essential factor for identification. When it comes to medico-legal matters and bio-archaeological settings, gender evaluation is a crucial initial step in human identification. Traditional gender determination procedures, such as skull and pelvic analysis, may be hindered by fragmentary human remains that have been degraded by various forms of inhumation or physical assaults. AIM: To investigate sexual dimorphism, this study examined the ratio of index finger length to ring finger length. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The lengths of the index and ring fingers were measured and the ratios between them were calculated for both hands separately. Applications of IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 16.0 (Released 2007; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) included Student's t-test and Levene's test. RESULTS: According to the study, women's index finger-to-ring finger length ratios were much longer than men's. The ratio of index finger to ring finger length was significantly different between the sexes on both sides of the hand (p<0.001). In terms of the right hand, the threshold value was 0.9666 for men and 0.9952 for females, while in terms of the left hand, the values were 0.9638 and 0.9920, respectively. CONCLUSION: With an advancing front in this arena on gender determination, the use of digits has become an additional source of support to physical anthropologists for bio-archaeological surveys and to forensic experts for use in medico-legal investigations for fragmentary remains received during investigatory trials.

Prevalência de distúrbios musculoesqueléticos relacionados ao trabalho em mulheres agricultoras / Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in women cultivators

INTRODUÇÃO: O distúrbio musculoesquelético é um dos principais agravos à saúde dos trabalhadores agrícolas. As mulheres rurais fazem contribuições essenciais para o desenvolvimento agrícola, atividades domésticas e buscam múltiplas estratégias de subsistência. Os estudos sobre distúrbios musculoesqueléticos relacionados ao trabalho (DORT) em cultivadoras são limitados. OBJETIVOS: Verificar a prevalência de distúrbios musculoesqueléticos relacionados ao trabalho em cultivadoras de Ambala, Haryana, Índia. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: 200 cultivadoras com idades entre 20-50 anos, com capacidade de ler e entender Hindi e com experiência de cultivo de mais de dois anos, foram recrutadas por amostragem não probabilística para este estudo transversal. A versão em hindi Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire foi usada para estudar a prevalência de DORT em cultivadoras. As características demográficas foram apresentadas como média ± desvio padrão. A prevalência de distúrbios osteomusculares relacionados ao trabalho foi apresentada como frequência e porcentagem. Intervalo de confiança também foi relatado. RESULTADOS: A prevalência anual de distúrbios musculoesqueléticos em cultivadoras foi maior na região lombar (57,0%) seguida pela articulação do joelho (30,5%), ombro (16,5%), punho / mão (9,5%), pescoço (9,0%), cotovelo (6,5%), tornozelo / pé (2,5%), coxas / pelve (2,5%) e parte superior das costas (2,0%). CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de WRMSDs em cultivadoras de Ambala, Haryana, Índia é alta. Lombar, joelho e ombro foram as regiões mais afetadas nessa população.

INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal disorder is one of the major health hazards among agricultural workers. Rural women contribute to agricultural development and household activities and pursue multiple livelihood strategies. Female cultivators' studies on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are limited. OBJECTIVES: To verify the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in female cultivators from Ambala, Haryana, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 200 female cultivators aged 20-50 years with the ability to read and understand Hindi and having cultivation experience of more than two-year were recruited by non-probabilistic sampling for this cross-sectional study. Hindi version of the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to study the prevalence of WRMSDs in female cultivators. Demographic characteristics were presented as mean ± standard deviation. Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was presented as frequency and percentage. A confidence interval was also reported. RESULTS: The yearly prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder in the female cultivators was highest in low back region (57.0%) followed by knee joint (30.5%), shoulder joint (16.5%), wrist/hand (9.5%), neck (9.0%), elbow (6.5%), ankle/foot (2.5%), thighs/pelvis (2.5%) and upper back (2.0%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of WRMSDs in female cultivators of Ambala, Haryana, India, is high. Low back, knee and shoulder were the most affected regions among this population.

Outbreak COVID-19 in Medical Image Processing Using Deep Learning: A State-of-the-Art Review.

From the month of December-19, the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) triggered several deaths and overstated every aspect of individual health. COVID-19 has been designated as a pandemic by World Health Organization. The circumstances placed serious trouble on every country worldwide, particularly with health arrangements and time-consuming responses. The increase in the positive cases of COVID-19 globally spread every day. The quantity of accessible diagnosing kits is restricted because of complications in detecting the existence of the illness. Fast and correct diagnosis of COVID-19 is a timely requirement for the prevention and controlling of the pandemic through suitable isolation and medicinal treatment. The significance of the present work is to discuss the outline of the deep learning techniques with medical imaging such as outburst prediction, virus transmitted indications, detection and treatment aspects, vaccine availability with remedy research. Abundant image resources of medical imaging as X-rays, Computed Tomography Scans, Magnetic Resonance imaging, formulate deep learning high-quality methods to fight against the pandemic COVID-19. The review presents a comprehensive idea of deep learning and its related applications in healthcare received over the past decade. At the last, some issues and confrontations to control the health crisis and outbreaks have been introduced. The progress in technology has contributed to developing individual's lives. The problems faced by the radiologists during medical imaging techniques and deep learning approaches for diagnosing the COVID-19 infections have been also discussed.

Assessment of validity and reliability of Kvaal's method for age estimation among a population sample - A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The present research was carried out with an aim to estimate and correlate chronological age and estimated age by Kvaal's Method in North Indian population using digital panoramic radiography. Further, the study was an attempt to evaluate the reliability of Kvaal's method for age estimation and to arrive at a population-specific regression equation. MATERIALS AND METHOD: One hundred digital orthopantomograms of participants aged between 20 and 70 years of age were selected. The evaluation of 6 teeth according to Kvaal's method was carried out using measure tool of Sidexis Software (provided by the manufacturer). Correlation coefficient was carried out between chronological age and estimated age and further regression analysis was carried out for obtaining a population specific regression equation. RESULTS: It was observed that coefficient of determination (R2) is highest (0.223) for mandibular canine which indicates that age can be better estimated with this particular tooth. CONCLUSION: It was observed that large variations between the chronological and estimated age were not found. Also, Kvaal's formula proved accurate for estimating age using all the six selected teeth. Thus, it was concluded that mandibular canine would be the better tooth for age estimation, followed by maxillary second premolar and maxillary three teeth taken together.

A Review of Denoising Medical Images Using Machine Learning Approaches.

BACKGROUND: This paper attempts to identify suitable Machine Learning (ML) approach for image denoising of radiology based medical application. The Identification of ML approach is based on (i) Review of ML approach for denoising (ii) Review of suitable Medical Denoising approach. DISCUSSION: The review focuses on six application of radiology: Medical Ultrasound (US) for fetus development, US Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) and detection for breast, skin lesions, brain tumor MRI diagnosis, X-Ray for chest analysis, Breast cancer using MRI imaging. This survey identifies the ML approach with better accuracy for medical diagnosis by radiologists. The image denoising approaches further includes basic filtering techniques, wavelet medical denoising, curvelet and optimization techniques. In most of the applications, the machine learning performance is better than the conventional image denoising techniques. For fast and computational results the radiologists are using the machine learning methods on MRI, US, X-Ray and Skin lesion images. The characteristics and contributions of different ML approaches are considered in this paper. CONCLUSION: The problem faced by the researchers during image denoising techniques and machine learning applications for clinical settings have also been discussed.

Evaluation of Collagen in Leukoplakia, Oral Submucous Fibrosis and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas Using Polarizing Microscopy and Immunohistochemistry

Objectives: Picrosirius red and MMP are capable of degrading extracellular matrix proteins, expressed in lesions such as squamous cell carcinomas. The present study was undertaken with an aim to analyze and compare changes in collagen using Picrosirius red staining under polarizing microscopy and immunohistochemical staining using anti MMP-13 in samples of oral leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Materials and Methods: A total of 70 slides were prepared and divided into 3 groups. Group I comprised 10 slides of normal gingival tissue, Group II 40 slides of potentially malignant disorders and Group III 20 slides of well differentiated oral squamous cell carcinoma. Half the slides for each group were stained with Picrosirius red stain and the remainder with antibodies to MMP-13. Rerults: In Group II, MMP-13 connective tissue expression was greater in OSMF as compared to leukoplakia. Group III showed elevated expression among 70% of cases. Picrosirius red staining in Group II cases, showed higher staining Yellow-Orange andGreen-Yellow mature fibers in OSMF than leukoplakia cases while in Group III, 50% OSCC cases showed Green-yellow stained immature thin fibers. Conclusion: In future, therapeutic measures targeted against MMP-13 may inhibit collagenolysis to some extent and delay spread of tumors. An easy and reliable method to determine the state of the stroma in such cases may be Picrosirius red staining with polarizing microscopy.

Primary oral tuberculosis on the tongue mimicking squamous cell carcinoma.

Tuberculosis is chronic granulomatous disease with rare oral manifestations. But if so are overlooked by most of the health care professionals. Clinically, most of the times, a tuberculous ulcer may mimic an ulcer of malignant origin and may be misdiagnosed. So, keeping in mind the etiology and the nature of the ulcer, it should be differentially diagnosed and a histopathological examination should only confirm the final diagnosis of the ulcer.

ZACD: A Retrograde Panoramic Analysis among Indian Population with New System of Classification.

INTRODUCTION: Zygomatic Air Cell Defect (ZACD) has been considered as a normal radiographic variant with a spare knowledge. This should be judged before any surgical procedure of the temporal region as lack of which can lead to infections of cranium and may other complications. AIM: The present study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of ZACD and to propose a classification for the same using digital panoramic radiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 6825 digital panoramic radiographs were evaluated retrospectively of subjects aged between 4-90 years from both genders. The radiographs were evaluated by 4 (four) oral radiologists and the ZACD was recorded only when the decision was indisputable. RESULTS: Out of 6825 digital panoramic radiographs evaluated ZACD was noticed in 133 subjects with an overall prevalence of 1.94%. A male predilection was noted in the present study with the maximum prevalence during the second, third and fourth decade of life and as the age increases its prevalence decreases. Most commonly it was found to be unilateral and the unilocular presentation being more common. CONCLUSION: Most of the finding of the present study is in acceptance with those conducted previously, but some of the finding contradicts those in the previous ones. It can be because of low sample size of the previous studies. Moreover this study gives a new system to classify these defects to help diagnose the nature of the defect.

Role of forensic odontology in the Indian Armed Forces: An unexplored arena.

Forensic odontology (FO) is a branch of forensic medicine that in the interest of justice deals with proper handling and examination of dental evidence. Teeth can survive in most conditions encountered at death and during decomposition, even when the body is exposed to extreme forces and/or temperatures. FO is being practiced worldwide since 1775, after which it has not only become an integral part of the judicial system of the developed countries but also been adopted by the armed forces and investigative agencies of these countries. In India, the awareness of FO is gaining pace since the last decade after the establishment of various organizations and the Dental Council of India making it a part of the curriculum. However, its identity as an individual endeavour is still to be established. Awareness and applicability of FO in the Indian Defense Forces would be of great help for better and accurate record keeping of the dedicated and vigilant warriors of our army. These records will be of great help for easy recognition of our army men at the time of calamities, wars, and other difficulties. It would also be useful in the identification of terrorists who enter our country and travel easily in disguise.

Determination of normal range for fasting salivary glucose in Type 1 diabetics.

BACKGROUND: The most commonly employed investigative procedure for monitoring glucose levels is blood investigation, which is invasive and gives discomfort to the patient. The purpose of the study was to validate a noninvasive, easy, and reliable method for predicting glucose levels in Type 1 diabetics and to validate a regression equation for converting the known values of salivary glucose to blood glucose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 200 volunteers consisting of 100 Type 1 diabetics and 100 healthy controls were included, and their fasting blood and salivary glucose levels were assessed, using a semi-auto analyzer. RESULTS: On analysis of the data, statistically significant positive results were obtained (P < 0.05) when the blood and salivary glucose levels were considered among the study group participants, control group participants, and both study and control group participants. A cut-off value for salivary glucose (11.60 mg%) was defined, above which a person may be considered as diabetic. Also, the regression equation was obtained which could be used for the conversion of known value of salivary glucose to blood glucose and vice versa. CONCLUSION: The present study successfully demonstrated the role of saliva as a noninvasive and reliable marker for the prediction of glucose levels in Type 1 diabetics who show elevated blood glucose levels.

The study of inheritance analysis and evaluation of lip prints in individuals.

CONTEXT: Identification of an individual is a pre-requisite for certification of death and for personal, social, and legal reasons. The study of lip prints (cheiloscopy) was thought as a method for identification of a person. It is safe to assume that cheiloscopy, in its present stage of development, has become a means of criminalistic identification dealing with lip prints. AIM: The first aim of the study was to evaluate the visible lip patterns in Rajasthan population in relation to the gender and to ascertain the existence of hereditary pattern followed among parents and offsprings. The second aim was to compare visible and latent lip print patterns on non-biological materials like tracing paper, microscopic glass slides and stainless steel tumblers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The lip prints of 300 subjects including 25 families were obtained using lipstick. Out of these 300 individuals, 60 were selected for latent lip prints. In order to prevent any intra- and inter-observer variability single observer carried out all the observations. The lip prints were analyzed using magnifying lens and were classified using the criteria given by Suzuki and Tsuchihashi. The determination of the pattern in each segment of the lip was based on the numerical superiority of properties of the lines on the fragment. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: After recording all the values for various parameters, data obtained were statistically analyzed with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version-13 using independent t-test. For all the tests, a P value of 0.05 or less was considered. RESULTS: In the present study, most predominant pattern in the entire study population among upper and lower lips considering both males and females was type III lip pattern. Hereditary resemblance was observed between parents and offsprings in 37.66%. The latent lip prints were better visualized on microscopic glass slide when compared to stainless steel tumblers. CONCLUSION: Lip prints have a good potential for use in criminal investigations. They have been used only occasionally despite their frequent occurrence at crime scenes. A place for cheiloscopy is recommended within the scope of forensic odontology, along with other means of forensic identification.

Estimation of age based on tooth cementum annulations: A comparative study using light, polarized, and phase contrast microscopy.

CONTEXT: The identification of living or deceased persons using unique traits and characteristics of the teeth and jaws is a cornerstone of forensic science. Teeth have been used to estimate age both in the young and old, as well as in the living and dead. Gradual structural changes in teeth throughout life are the basis for age estimation. Tooth cementum annulation (TCA) is a microscopic method for the determination of an individual's age based on the analysis of incremental lines of cementum. AIM: To compare ages estimated using incremental lines of cementum as visualized by bright field microscopy, polarized microscopy, and phase contrast microscopy with the actual age of subject and to determine accuracy and feasibility of the method used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cementum annulations of 60 permanent teeth were analyzed after longitudinal ground sections were made in the mesiodistal plane. The incremental lines were counted manually using a light, polarized and phase contrast microscopy. Ages were estimated and then compared with the actual age of individual. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Student's t-test, the Pearson product-moment corre (PPMCC) and regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: PPMCC value r = 0.347, 0.542 and 0.989 were obtained using light, polarized and phase contrast microscopy methods respectively. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that incremental lines of cementum were most clearly visible under a phase contrast microscope, followed by a polarized microscope, and then a light microscope when used for age estimation.

Atypical CT Findings in Plexiform Ameloblastoma.

Ameloblastoma is an uncommon epithelial odontogenic neoplasm that is nonmineralized, locally aggressive, and, in most cases, benign. Most ameloblastomas develop in the molar-ramus region of the mandible with 70% of them arising in the molar-ramus area. Radiologically they are unilocular or multilocular radiolucency with a honeycomb or soap bubble appearance. The radiographic appearance of ameloblastoma can vary according to the type of tumor. CT is usually helpful in determining the contours of the lesion, its contents, and its extension into soft and hard tissues. Through this case we would bring to light some of the unusual CT findings which include the destruction of the surrounding structures by the lesion which appeared to be normal routine lesion when viewed clinically.

Comparison of hard tissue interrelationships at the cervical region of teeth based on tooth type and gender difference.

CONTEXT: Cementoenamel junction (CEJ) represents the anatomic limit between the crown and root surface. With advancing age and continuous eruption, this area becomes exposed in the oral media. Consequently, CEJ will be subjected to the action of various physical and chemical factors that might alter its morphology, with the cementum being affected in most cases. AIM: To identify the frequency of hard tissue interrelationships present at the CEJ in relation to different genders, positions and aspects of tooth using a light microscope. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cervical regions of 80 permanent teeth (40 male and 40 female), extracted for orthodontic or periodontal reasons, were analyzed after longitudinal ground sections were made in the mesio-distal plane. The CEJ of the prepared sections was then studied and their frequencies were categorized as: cementum overlapping enamel, enamel overlapping cementum, edge-to-edge relationship and the presence of gap junctions. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi-square test performed using SPSS 15 software. RESULTS: Edge-to-edge contact of the cementum and enamel was most frequent, followed by gap junction and cementum overlapping the enamel, respectively. Chi-square test revealed no statistically significant differences with respect to the gender and tooth aspect, whereas the result was significant when the position of the tooth was studied. CONCLUSION: The observations of the study indicate a considerable morphological diversity in the anatomical pattern of CEJ. It can be concluded that the region should be protected against dentinal sensitivity, erosion, abrasion, abfraction and resorption, as it is more prone to cervical pathologies.

Histopathological insight of complex odontoma associated with a dentigerous cyst.

Odontomas and dentigerous cysts are common findings for practicing dental professionals. However, simultaneous occurrence of pathologies like odontoma and dentigerous cyst are uncommon and their diagnosis based on the radiographic appearance alone is a challenge to overcome. They together are a potential for complications like attaining large size, root resorption, destruction of the jaw bones and sometimes neoplastic changes like ameloblastoma. This paper presents a case of complex odontoma associated with dentigerous cyst in relation to a retained deciduous tooth in the maxillary anterior region and confirming its diagnosis histopathologically.