Hybrid manifold smoothing and label propagation technique for Kannada handwritten character recognition.

Handwritten character recognition is one of the classical problems in the field of image classification. Supervised learning techniques using deep learning models are highly effective in their application to handwritten character recognition. However, they require a large dataset of labeled samples to achieve good accuracies. Recent supervised learning techniques for Kannada handwritten character recognition have state of the art accuracy and perform well over a large range of input variations. In this work, a framework is proposed for the Kannada language that incorporates techniques from semi-supervised learning. The framework uses features extracted from a convolutional neural network backbone and uses regularization to improve the trained features and label propagation to classify previously unseen characters. The episodic learning framework is used to validate the framework. Twenty-four classes are used for pre-training, 12 classes are used for testing and 11 classes are used for validation. Fine-tuning is tested using one example per unseen class and five examples per unseen class. Through experimentation the components of the network are implemented in Python using the Pytorch library. It is shown that the accuracy obtained 99.13% make this framework competitive with the currently available supervised learning counterparts, despite the large reduction in the number of labeled samples available for the novel classes.

A Comprehensive Review of Free Radicals, Antioxidants, and Their Relationship with Human Ailments.

The role of free radicals in various human ailments is well established. Still, the researchers continue to emphasize the involvement of free radicals in these disorders. Antioxidants are being used as an effective tool as a defense against disorders caused by free radicals. This review presents brief detail regarding the nature, types, and sources of free radicals that are of pharmacological interest. A summary of the antioxidants, along with possible mechanisms, has also been incorporated. The role of free radicals and antioxidants in various human disease are also presented.

Aphrodisiac Activity of an Aqueous Extract of Wood Ear Mushroom, Auricularia polytricha (Heterobasidiomycetes), in Male Rats.

Auricularia polytricha is a popular mushroom found all over the world. In this study we considered the effect of an aqueous extract of A. polytricha (AEAP) on restoring sexual performance parameters to normal, evaluated by considering observations of sexual behavior. At 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 days, the following parameters of sexual performance were identified before and throughout the observations: mount latency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency, mounting frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculation frequency, and postejaculatory interval. Treatment of rats under stress with AEAP showed promising effects on overcoming stress-induced sexual dysfunction, on sexual performance, and on accessory sexual organs and body weight. Mounting latency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency, and postejaculatory interval parameters were significantly decreased by AEAP, whereas mounting frequency, intromission frequency, and ejaculation frequency were significantly increased by AEAP. These properties were identified in sexually dynamic and indolent male rats. We conclude that AEAP has a potent aphrodisiac activity.

Trouble shooting during bioanalytical estimation of drug and metabolites using lc-ms/ms: a review.

Bioanalysis frequently involves the measurement of very low analyte concentrations in complex and potentially variable matrices. An initial attempt has been made to apply a risk management tool to the bioanalytical method development like selection of spiked plasma volume, selection of internal standard to minimize processing error, selection of medium and extraction procedure, setting of mobile phase and pH, determination of chromatographic conditions etc. and to minimize instrumental error like; ion suppression and matrix effect.

Leaves extract of murraya koenigii linn for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity in animal models.

This work has been done for the investigation of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of methanol extract of dried leaves of Murraya koenigii Linn by oral administration at dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, to healthy animals. Extract was studied for its anti-inflammatory activity by using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in albino rats and the mean increase in paw volume and % inhibition in paw volume were measured plethysmometrically at different time intervals after carrageenan (1% w/v) injection. Extract was also evaluated for analgesic activity using Eddy's hot plate method and formalin induced paw licking method in albino rats. The methanol extract showed significant (P < 0.001) reduction in the carrageenan-induced paw edema and analgesic activity evidenced by increase in the reaction time by eddy's hot plate method and percentage increase in pain in formalin test. The methanol extract showed anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect in dose dependent manner when compared with the control and standard drug, diclofenac sodium (10mg/kg, p.o). These inhibitions were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Thus our investigation suggests a potential benefit of Murraya koenigii in treating conditions associated with inflammatory pain.

Various types and management of breast cancer: an overview.

Now days, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed life-threatening cancer in women and the leading cause of cancer death among women. Since last two decades, researches related to the breast cancer has lead to extraordinary progress in our understanding of the disease, resulting in more efficient and less toxic treatments. Increased public awareness and improved screening have led to earlier diagnosis at stages amenable to complete surgical resection and curative therapies. Consequently, survival rates for breast cancer have improved significantly, particularly in younger women. This article addresses the types, causes, clinical symptoms and various approach both non- drug (such as surgery and radiation) and drug treatment (including chemotherapy, gene therapy etc.) of breast cancer.

Need for harmonization of labeling of medical devices: a review.

Medical device labeling is any information associated with a device targeted to the patient or lay caregiver. It is intended to help assure that the device is used safely and effectively. Medical device labeling is supplied in many formats, for example, as patient brochures, patient leaflets, user manuals, and videotapes. The European commission has discussed a series of agreements with third countries, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Japan and Eastern European countries wishing to join the EU, concerning the mutual acceptance of inspection bodies, proof of conformity in connection with medical devices. Device labeling is exceedingly difficult for manufacturers for many reasons like regulations from government bodies to ensure compliance, increased competent authority surveillance, increased audits and language requirements.

Pharmacognostic evaluation of toona ciliata bark.

Pharmacognostic standardizations of powdered and anatomical sections of the Toona ciliata bark was carried out to determine its macro- and microscopical characters and also some of its quantitative standards. Externally bark are Grey to reddish-brown in colour when it is dry, 200 mm in length, 20 to 60 mm in width and 2 to 3 mm in thickness outer surface brown coloured, strong odour, bitter taste, rough and hard, double quill and curved curvature. The transverse section (T. S.) revealed the presences of periderm, cortex, Sclerides, mednllary rays and phloem fiber. Physico-chemical evaluation includes ash values, extractive values and moisture content. These findings will be useful towards establishing pharmacognostic standards on identification, purity, quality and classification of the plant, which is gaining relevance in plant drug research.