Estimation of Yoga Postures Using Machine Learning Techniques.

Yoga is a traditional Indian way of keeping the mind and body fit, through physical postures (asanas), voluntarily regulated breathing (pranayama), meditation, and relaxation techniques. The recent pandemic has seen a huge surge in numbers of yoga practitioners, many practicing without proper guidance. This study was proposed to ease the work of such practitioners by implementing deep learning-based methods, which can estimate the correct pose performed by a practitioner. The study implemented this approach using four different deep learning architectures: EpipolarPose, OpenPose, PoseNet, and MediaPipe. These architectures were separately trained using the images obtained from S-VYASA Deemed to be University. This database had images for five commonly practiced yoga postures: tree pose, triangle pose, half-moon pose, mountain pose, and warrior pose. The use of this authentic database for training paved the way for the deployment of this model in real-time applications. The study also compared the estimation accuracy of all architectures and concluded that the MediaPipe architecture provides the best estimation accuracy.

Smart Yoga Instructor for Guiding and Correcting Yoga Postures in Real Time.

In recent days, Yoga is gaining more prominence and people all over the world have started to practice it. Performing Yoga with proper postures is beneficial. Hence, an instructor is required to monitor the correctness of Yoga postures. However, at times, it is difficult to have an instructor. This study aims to provide a system that will act as a personal Yoga instructor and practitioners can practice Yoga in their comfort zone. The device is interactive and provides audio guidance to perform different Yoga asanas. It makes the use of a camera to capture the picture of the person performing Yoga in a particular position. This captured pose is compared with the benchmark postures. A pretrained deep learning model is used for the classification of different Yoga postures using a standard dataset. Based on the comparison, the practitioner's posture will be corrected using a voice message to move the body parts in a certain direction. As the device performs all the operations in real-time, it has a quick response time of a few seconds. Currently, this work aids the practitioners in performing five Asanas, namely, Ardha Chandrasana/Half-moon pose, Tadasana/Mountain pose, Trikonasana/Triangular pose, Veerabhadrasana/Warrior pose, and Vrikshasana/Tree pose.

A Novel Modified-Vista Technique With Connective Tissue Graft in the Treatment of Gingival Recession: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing esthetic demands from patients have required that clinicians sharpen their skills and adopt newer and more novel techniques to satisfy these demands. In periodontal therapy, periodontal plastic surgery poses a substantial challenge to the clinician, both because it is technique sensitive and also because it includes a wide array of procedures and their variations. Conventional plastic procedures have provided satisfactory results in the treatment of gingival recession but there is, presently, a greater need for more advanced procedures that cause less surgical morbidity as also provide improved results. Minimally invasive surgery has been harnessed in periodontics for this purpose and has been extensively used in multiple indications, including root coverage. Modified-Vestibular Incision Supra-periosteal Tunnel Access (M-VISTA) applies the principles of minimally invasive surgery to provide satisfactory results in root coverage. CASE PRESENTATION: A 28-year-old male patient presented with multiple Miller Class I/II buccal recession defects and associated high labial frenum on right maxillary anterior teeth. M-VISTA technique allowed coronal repositioning of gingival margin, which was then stabilized by orthodontics bracket assisted suturing technique. The V-shaped incision in the region of the frenal attachment allowed for conducting both the M-VISTA and frenectomy techniques simultaneously. Connective tissue graft was inserted in the supra-periosteal tunnel and vertical incision was sutured. Complete root coverage was achieved and maintained at 9 months with excellent esthetic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The use of connective tissue graft along with M-VISTA technique allows the clinician to successfully treat multiple recession defects.

Novel Surgical Approach for Root Coverage Using Coronally Advanced Flap in Conjunction With Transposition of Periosteal Pedicle Graft.

INTRODUCTION: Gingival recession is a complex phenomenon with multifactorial etiology. It is defined as the apical migration of the soft tissue margin beyond the cemento-enamel junction, thereby exposing the root surface. It results in the destruction of both soft and hard tissues. CASE PRESENTATION: Three patients with buccal gingival recession defects underwent surgical treatment consisting of transposition of a periosteal pedicle in conjunction with the coronally advanced flap (CAF) technique. As the cambium layer of the periosteum has greater osteoblastic potential than the fibrous layer, this study considered juxtaposing of the cambium layer directly onto the denuded root surface. A 9-month review demonstrated satisfactory: root coverage; gain in clinical attachment, reduction in probing depth; and increase in width of keratinized gingiva with a good color match and minimal scarring. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of the study, this CAF technique, in conjunction with the cambium layer of periosteum, showed a significant amount of root coverage.

Synthetic and Biological Aspects of Thiadiazoles and their Condensed Derivatives: An Overview.

The three heteroatoms containing five membered heterocycles such as thiadiazoles have been extensively studied due to their important pharmacological activities. The thiadiazole nucleus is an important class of compounds for new drug development. The chemical and biological behavior and synthesis of thiadiazole derivatives have gained much importance in last few decades. This review article provides up to date information about exploration of new methods, developments, synthetic strategies, and their diverse pharmaceutical activities.

Effect of summer pruning and CPPU on yield and quality of kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa).

A field experiment was conducted on bearing vines of kiwifruit cv. Abbott to find the effect of CPPU (N-(2- chloro-4-pyridyl)-N-phenylurea) and summer pruning on fruit yield, fruit size and quality. CPPU greatly stimulated fruit growth indicating that it can be a powerful tool for improving kiwifruit cropping. Application of CPPU at 10 ppm concentration was done by dipping the fruits for 10 sec in the aqueous solution of compound at petal fall and 30 days after petal fall. CPPU applied fruits increased size by 20-70 g over control. Summer pruning along with CPPU application proved to be more effective in obtaining fruits of high grades with increased fruit weight (95.37 g fruit(-1)) and high quality. Summer pruning, when done by pinching 1/5th at Petal Fall stage + CPPU dipping (10 ml(-1)) and pinching 1/5th continued till harvest, at one month interval resulted in increased fruit yield (54.80 kg vine(-1)), high TSS (17.60 Brix), high total sugar (9.85%), advanced ripening by one week and reduced flesh firmness.

Regional differences in the fescue toxicosis response of Bos taurus cattle.

Cattle of the same breed from different regions of the USA may have altered responses to heat stress and fescue toxicosis. Angus steers from Missouri (MO ANG, n = 10, 513.6 ± 13.6 kg BW) and Oklahoma (OK ANG, n = 10, 552.8 ± 12.0 kg BW) were fed a diet containing either endophyte-infected (E+, 30 µg ergovaline/kg BW/day) or endophyte-uninfected (E-, 0 µg ergovaline/kg BW/day) tall fescue seed for 23 days. Diet treatment began on day 2. Animals were maintained at thermoneutrality (TN, 19-22 °C, days 1-8) and then exposed to heat stress (HS, cycling 26-36 °C, days 9-22). On day 23, ambient temperature was returned to TN and used as a recovery day. Feed intake (FI) was measured daily, with rectal and skin temperatures determined six times daily. Feed intake reduction from pretreatment levels was greater (P < 0.01) for E + (13.9 ± 0.9 versus 11.9 ± 0.3 kg/day) compared to E - (12.6 ± 0.9 versus 12.4 ± 0.3 kg/day) steers over the entire TN period, regardless of Angus group. During HS, E + cattle had reduced FI (P < 0.02; 6.9 ± 0.2 versus 8.4 ± 0.2 kg/day) compared to E - animals, independent of region of origin. A greater decrease in FI (P < 0.01) was observed for OK (12.1 ± 0.3 versus 6.2 ± 0.2 kg/day) compared to MO ANG (12.2 ± 0.3 versus 7.9 ± 0.2 kg/day) when ambient temperature was increased from TN to HS. On day 13 and days 15-22, OK ANG (E+) had reduced FI (P < 0.01, -2.21 kg) compared to OK ANG (E-), while there was no effect on MO ANG. From day 12 to day 22 of HS, daily minimum temperatures for ear, rump, and tail skin were less for E + (P < 0.05) when compared with E-treated steers, signifying peripheral vasoconstriction in E + animals. This was supported by reduced shoulder and lower tail temperatures (P < 0.01) for E + compared to E-treated OK ANG on the recovery day. In summary, regional differences in the response to fescue toxicosis exist, with peripheral vasomotor effects becoming most evident when animals are subjected to rapid changes in their environment.

A comparative evaluation of bovine-derived xenograft (Bio-Oss Collagen) and type I collagen membrane (Bio-Gide) with bovine-derived xenograft (Bio-Oss Collagen) and fibrin fibronectin sealing system (TISSEEL) in the treatment of intrabony defects: A clinico-radiographic study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of bovine-derived xenograft (Bio-Oss Collagen) and Type I collagen membrane (Bio-Gide) with bovine-derived xenograft (Bio-Oss Collagen) and fibrin fibronectin sealing system (TISSEEL) in the treatment of periodontal infrabony defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen healthy patients in the age range of 20 to 60 years, showing bilateral or contralateral infrabony defects were selected. The defects were assigned randomly to Site A (bovine-derived xenograft [Bio-Oss Collagen] with bioresorbable Type I collagen membrane [Bio-Gide]) and Site B (fibrin fibronectin sealing system [TISSEEL] with bovine-derived xenograft [Bio-Oss Collagen]). The radiographic parameters were recorded at baseline, 6 months, and 9 months postoperatively. RESULTS: All fourteen patients returned for recall at regular intervals till the completion of the study. Both the experimental groups showed clinically and radiographically statistically significant reduction in probing pocket depth and gain in clinical attachment level. CONCLUSION: Both groups showed potential for enhancing the periodontal regeneration with no statistically significant between the two groups; however, on comparison the Bio-Oss Collagen and TISSEEL group were slightly better.

Fatal missed case of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis co-infected with parvovirus B19 and Epstein-Barr virus in an infant: test hyperferritinaemia early.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) triggered by Parvovirus B19 and Epstein-Barr virus co-infection is rare and unknown in infants. A 2-month-old male infant with fever, rash, bicytopenia and hepato-splenomegaly died owing to diagnostic dilemmas. Hence simply testing for hyperferritinaemia and hypertriglyceridemia/hypofibrinogenemia could diagnose HLH early while robust treatment be life-saving.

Acute oxalate nephropathy due to 'Averrhoa bilimbi' fruit juice ingestion.

Irumban puli (Averrhoa bilimbi) is commonly used as a traditional remedy in the state of Kerala. Freshly made concentrated juice has a very high oxalic acid content and consumption carries a high risk of developing acute renal failure (ARF) by deposition of calcium oxalate crystals in renal tubules. Acute oxalate nephropathy (AON) due to secondary oxalosis after consumption of Irumban puli juice is uncommon. AON due to A. bilimbi has not been reported before. We present a series of ten patients from five hospitals in the State of Kerala who developed ARF after intake of I. puli fruit juice. Seven patients needed hemodialysis whereas the other three improved with conservative management.

Evaluation of relative efficacy of ß-tricalcium phosphate with and without type I resorbable collagen membrane in periodontal infrabony defects: a clinical and radiographic study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To compare clinically and radiographically, the regenerative potential of a ß-tricalcium phosphate bone graft, Cerasorb(®) with and without a bioresorbable type I collagen membrane, BioMend Extend™, in treating periodontal infrabony osseous defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 sites from 10 patients showing bilateral infrabony defects were selected and selected sites were randomly divided into experimental site A (Cerasorb(®)) and experimental site B (Cerasorb(®) and BioMend Extend™) by using split mouth design. The clinical parameters like plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level and gingival recession were recorded at baseline, 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 9 months. Radiographic evaluation (Linear CADIA) at 6 and 9 months; and intrasurgical measurements at baseline and 9 months were carried out to evaluate the defect fill, change in alveolar crest height and defect resolution. RESULTS: Significant reduction in all clinical parameters was observed in both the groups. On comparison no statistical significance was observed between the two groups. Radiographically, in site A there was significant defect fill of 78.4 and 97.2% at 6 and 9 months respectively. Whereas in site B reduction was 78.4 and 97.2% at 6 and 9 months respectively. After surgical re-entry, there was significant defect fill of 89.2 and 74% in both groups. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: Individually both the graft and membrane have shown promising results in the management of periodontal intrabony defects. But the added benefit by combining Cerasorb(®) with BioMend Extend™ was not observed statistically in both clinical radiographic findings.

Detecting reflux: does ureteric jet Doppler waveform have a role?

BACKGROUND: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) has a prevalence of 30-40 % post-febrile urinary tract infection (UTI). If not detected early and treated, renal scarring, hypertension, and renal failure may occur. Micturating cystourethrography (MCU) is an invasive procedure associated with radiation exposure. Hence, this study aimed at evaluating the utility of ureteric jet Doppler waveform (UJDW) as a screening tool in detecting VUR, and at assessing the feasibility of performing it in children aged 2-4 years. METHODS: Any child 2-18 years old who needed an MCU was included. Exclusion criteria were active UTI, indwelling catheter, and inability to drink the required amount of fluid. The UJDW was performed prior to the MCU. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-two ureteric units were analyzed. Sensitivity and specificity of UJDW in detecting VUR was 80.3 and 87.9 %. Twenty-three children (45 ureteric units), aged 2-4 years were compared with 73 children (137 ureteric units), aged 5-18 years. Sensitivity and specificity of UJDW in detecting VUR in 2-4 years was 77.3 and 91.3 %, respectively; while in children ≥5 years, it was 81.8 and 87.1 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: UJDW has a uniformly high specificity regardless of age or etiological groups, making it a good tool for follow-up. UJDW is a feasible technique, even in children aged 2-4 years.

NPHS2 mutations in Indian children with sporadic early steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome.

We examined the frequency and spectrum of podocin NPHS2 mutations in Indian children with sporadic steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). Of 25 children screened, only one (4%) had a pathogenic mutation resulting in a stop codon. The allele and genotype frequencies of the four known single nucleotide polymorphisms detected in the cohort were similar to that of controls. This finding emphasizes the need to screen for mutations in other genes involved in the pathogenesis of SRNS.

Use of oscillometric devices for the measurement of blood pressure-comparison with the gold standard.

The study was done to validate the use of automated devices (Datascope Duo) as a screening tool for measuring blood pressure. A cross sectional study was conducted in school children from urban slums of Bangalore. Blood pressure was recorded according to standard guidelines using a mercury sphygmomanometer and an automated device (Datascope Duo). The readings obtained using the two instruments were compared. One thousand four hundred eighty nine school children, both males and females, aged 5-16 y were included in the study. Readings with the Datascope Duo varied significantly when compared to the gold standard. The blood pressure measurements using Datascope Duo cannot be recommended as an accurate substitute for manual readings.

QSAR of adenosine receptor antagonists: Exploring physicochemical requirements for binding of pyrazolo[4,3-e]-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine derivatives with human adenosine A(3) receptor subtype.

Human adenosine A(3) receptor (A(3) AR) binding affinity of pyrazolotriazolopyrimidine derivatives (n=116) has been subjected to QSAR analyses using three-dimensional (shape, spatial, electronic, and molecular field) along with thermodynamic descriptors to explore the physicochemical requirements for the binding. QSAR models have been validated internally [using leave-one-out cross-validation method] and externally [using test set molecules] to ensure the predictive capacity of the models. The models suggest that shape of the substituent at N(8) position of the pyrazole ring should be optimum. Furthermore, lipophilic substituents having electronegative atoms at NH(2) group of C(5) position of the pyrimidine ring with distributed negative charge over the surface may enhance the binding affinity. Again, the carbamoylation of the NH(2) group at C(5) position of pyrimidine ring is an essential factor for binding with A(3) receptor. The QSAR models were used for the design and development of some novel thienopyrimidines which were predicted to have good affinity towards A(3) AR.

Synthesis, anti-inflammatory evaluation and docking studies of some new fluorinated fused quinazolines.

A series of novel 8/10-trifluoromethyl-substituted-imidazo[1,2-c] quinazolines have been synthesized and evaluated in vivo (rat paw edema) for their anti-inflammatory activity and in silico (docking studies) to recognize the hypothetical binding motif of the title compounds with the cyclooxygenase isoenzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) employing GOLD (CCDC, 4.0.1 version) software. The compounds, 9b and 10b, were found to have good anti-inflammatory activity [around 80% of the standard: indomethacin]. The binding mode of the title compounds has been proposed based on the docking studies.

Evaluating sago as a functional ingredient in dietetic mango ice cream.

A low fat mango ice cream (2.4% milk fat) was prepared in a mechanized 'ice and salt' type freezer using powdered sago at 2.5% as a natural bulking agent along with sodium alginate at 0.025% as adjunct. The low fat mango ice cream was compared with control mango ice cream having 10% milk fat and 0.15% sodium alginate as stabilizer. Both control as well as experimental ice creams contained 20% mango pulp solids. To impart richness to low fat mango ice cream, flavour enhancers like Cream Plus and Butter Buds were used at levels of 0.2% and 0.05%, respectively. The dietetic low fat ice creams compared well in sensory colour and appearance, flavour, body and texture, and melting quality to that of control ice cream. Incorporation of 2.5% powdered sago and 0.2% Cream Plus as flavour adjunct is recommended in the manufacture of 'low-fat' mango ice cream. The energy values for control and dietetic mango ice cream was 202.8 and 142.9 kcal/100 g, respectively, which represents about 30% reduction in calorie. The cost of ice cream per liter was Rs 39.9, Rs 37.6 and Rs 49.7 for experimental ice creams containing Cream Plus and Butter Bud, and control, respectively.