Artificial intelligence-based framework to identify the abnormalities in the COVID-19 disease and other common respiratory diseases from digital stethoscope data using deep CNN.

The utilization of lung sounds to diagnose lung diseases using respiratory sound features has significantly increased in the past few years. The Digital Stethoscope data has been examined extensively by medical researchers and technical scientists to diagnose the symptoms of respiratory diseases. Artificial intelligence-based approaches are applied in the real universe to distinguish respiratory disease signs from human pulmonary auscultation sounds. The Deep CNN model is implemented with combined multi-feature channels (Modified MFCC, Log Mel, and Soft Mel) to obtain the sound parameters from lung-based Digital Stethoscope data. The model analysis is observed with max-pooling and without max-pool operations using multi-feature channels on respiratory digital stethoscope data. In addition, COVID-19 sound data and enriched data, which are recently acquired data to enhance model performance using a combination of L2 regularization to overcome the risk of overfitting because of less respiratory sound data, are included in the work. The suggested DCNN with Max-Pooling on the improved dataset demonstrates cutting-edge performance employing a multi-feature channels spectrogram. The model has been developed with different convolutional filter sizes (1×12, 1×24, 1×36, 1×48, and 1×60) that helped to test the proposed neural network. According to the experimental findings, the suggested DCNN architecture with a max-pooling function performs better to identify respiratory disease symptoms than DCNN without max-pooling. In order to demonstrate the model's effectiveness in categorization, it is trained and tested with the DCNN model that extract several modalities of respiratory sound data.

Outcomes and Challenges in the Programmatic Implementation of Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy among Household Contacts of Pulmonary TB Patients: A Mixed-Methods Study from a Rural District of Karnataka, India.

The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) of India is implementing tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) for all household contacts (HHCs) of pulmonary tuberculosis patients (index patients) aged <5 years and those HHCs aged >5 years with TB infection (TBI). We conducted an explanatory mixed-methods study among index patients registered in the Kolar district, Karnataka during April-December 2022, to assess the TPT cascade and explore the early implementation challenges for TPT provision. Of the 301 index patients, contact tracing home visits were made in 247 (82.1%) instances; a major challenge was index patients' resistance to home visits fearing stigma, especially among those receiving care from the private sector. Of the 838 HHCs, 765 (91.3%) were screened for TB; the challenges included a lack of clarity on HHC definition and the non-availability of HHCs during house visits. Only 400 (57.8%) of the 692 eligible HHCs underwent an IGRA test for TBI; the challenges included a shortage of IGRA testing logistics and the perceived low risk among HHCs. As HHCs were unaware of their IGRA results, a number of HHCs actually eligible for TPT could not be determined. Among the 83 HHCs advised of the TPT, 81 (98%) initiated treatment, of whom 63 (77%) completed treatment. Though TPT initiation and completion rates are appreciable, the NTEP needs to urgently address the challenges in contact identification and IGRA testing.

Investigation of anticorrosive behaviour of novel tert-butyl 4-[(4-methyl phenyl) carbonyl] piperazine-1-carboxylate for carbon steel in 1M HCl.

The main focus of current research is on the synthesis and anticorrosive activity of novel heterocyclic compounds tert-butyl 4-[(4-methyl phenyl) carbonyl] piperazine-1-carboxylate [TBMPCPC]. Electrochemical, quantum chemical, and surface characterization studies at elevated temperatures (303-333 K) for carbon steel in 1M HCl solution studied this molecule's corrosion inhibition property. It is observed from the results of electrochemical studies that the TBMPCPC may be able to effectively protect the steel plate surface with an inhibition efficiency of 91.5 % at 25 ppm in corrosive media. The corrosion inhibition depends on concentration, as concentration also increases inhibition efficiency due to the strong and spontaneous adsorption on the metal's surface. The Tafel polarization measurements concluded that the inhibitor works as a mixed form to protect the carbon steel in the bulk solution from corrosion. The adsorption of the TBMPCPC onto the metal surface was in reliable with the isothermal model of the Langmuir adsorption. The scanning electron microscopy clearly showed that the inhibitor was substantially deposited on the metal surface, indicating substantial inhibition. The surface morphology of carbon steel in the absence and existence of an inhibitor in 1 M HCl is also studied using the Atomic Force Microscopic method.

Modification of large area Cu2O/CuO photocathode with CuS non-noble catalyst for improved photocurrent and stability.

In this work, a three-layered heterostructure Cu2O/CuO/CuS was obtained through a low-cost and large-area fabrication route comprising electrodeposition, thermal oxidation, and reactive annealing in a sulfur atmosphere. Morphological, microstructural, and compositional analysis (AFM, SEM, XRD, EDS, XPS) were carried out to highlight the surface modification of cuprous oxide film after oxidation and subsequent sulfurization. Impedance, voltammetric, and amperometric photoelectrochemical tests were performed on Cu2O, Cu2O/CuO, and Cu2O/CuO/CuS photocathodes in a sodium sulfate solution (pH 5), under 100 mW cm-2 AM 1.5 G illumination. A progressive improvement in terms of photocurrent and stability was observed after oxidation and sulfurization treatments, reaching a maximum of - 1.38 mA cm-2 at 0 V versus RHE for the CuS-modified Cu2O/CuO electrode, corresponding to a ~ 30% improvement. The feasibility of the proposed method was demonstrated through the fabrication of a large area photoelectrode of 10 cm2, showing no significant differences in characteristics if compared to a small area photoelectrode of 1 cm2.

Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion using bone cement-augmented pedicle screws for lumbar spondylolisthesis in patients with osteoporosis. Case series and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Instrumentation in patients with osteoporosis is challenging. Bone cement-augmented fenestrated pedicle screw fixation is a new procedure for fixation in the osteoporotic bone; and, applying minimally invasive techniques to the above is a challenging and novel concept. AIMS: To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of minimally invasive spine surgery transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) in patients with spondylolisthesis and poor bone quality, performed with rigid instrumentation using bone cement [poly(methylmethacrylate)]-augmented fenestrated pedicle screws. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective, observational, single-center study. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Wilcoxon nonparametric test for paired samples with a level of significance of 0.05. METHODS: A clinical series of 25 patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and osteoporosis who underwent minimally invasive TLIF with bone cement-augmented pedicle screws were included in the study. Clinical outcome and the function were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Perioperative, postoperative, and long-term complications were monitored with a mean follow-up of 18 months. RESULTS: A total of 25 (20 female and 5 male) patients were included in the study with an average age of 61.05 years. The major symptom was low back pain with radiating pain to lower limbs. The average T-score was -3.0. All the patients were followed clinically and radiologically. There was a statistically significant improvement in the VAS scores and ODI scores postoperatively. No events of cement extravasation, radiological loosening, or pulling out of screws were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Fenestrated pedicle screw fixation with bone cement augmentation in patients with osteoporosis is a well-established alternative to increase the pullout strength of screws placed in the osteoporotic bone. Applying the concept of minimally invasive surgery to this procedure makes it a more complete solution for instrumentation in osteoporotic spine. Our series is the largest in literature on spondylolisthesis and confirms the feasibility and safety of this procedure in treating spondylolisthesis in the aging population.

Segmental polymethylmethacrylate-augmented fenestrated pedicle screw fixation for lumbar spondylolisthesis in patients with osteoporosis - A case series and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Instrumentation in patients with osteoporosis is challenging. Bone cement-augmented fenestrated pedicle screw fixation is a new procedure for fixation in osteoporotic bone. Very few studies related to this procedure are published in literature. AIMS: To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-augmented fenestrated pedicle screw fixation in patients with spondylolisthesis having significant osteoporosis. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a prospective, observational, single centre study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All the patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and osteoporosis with symptomatic neural compression, managed surgically with PMMA-augmented fenestrated pedicle screws, were included in the study. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by means of Oswestry disability index (ODI), visual analog score (VAS); and, radiologically by plain radiography and computed tomography. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Wilcoxon nonparametric test for paired samples with a level of significance of 0.05 was performed. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients of spondylolisthesis with osteoporosis (average T score of -3.0) were included in the study. The average age at presentation was 56.5 years. Females predominated with a female:male ratio of 3.16:1.Most of the patients had spondylolisthesis at the L4/L5 level followed by the L5/SI level. All the patients underwent spinal fusion with instrumentation and bone cement (PMMA)-augmentation through fenestrated cannulated pedicle screws. Preoperative and postoperative functional assessment done with VAS and ODI showed statistically significant improvement. All the patients had an evidence of bone fusion at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Fenestrated pedicle screw fixation with bone cement-augmentation in patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and osteoporosis provided effective and lasting screw purchase.

Disulfiram-induced seizures with convulsions in a young male patient: A case study.

Disulfiram is the aversive therapeutic agent which has been used to treat alcohol dependence more than 50 years. It causes the complications like neurological toxicity, postural hypotension, circulatory collapse, mental confusion, etc. The aim of our study was to report a rare case of disulfiram-induced seizures in a patient of alcohol dependence syndrome. This case study is about a 35-year-old male patient who had one episode of seizures during treatment with disulfiram.

Synthesis and detailed spectroscopic characterization of various hydroxy-functionalized fluorescent chalcones: A combined experimental and theoretical study.

Four different bright yellow to orange hydroxy-substituted chalcones (i.e., 2',4-di-hydroxy (1), 2',3',4-trihydroxy (2), 2',3',4'-trihydroxy (3), and 2'-hydroxy-4-methoxy (4) chalcones) were synthesized and characterized by LC-MS, FT-IR, FT-Raman, and fluorescence spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. UV-visible absorption spectroscopy was also used. The experimental (theoretical) bandgaps of 1, 2, 3, and 4 are 2.89 (2.90), 2.93 (2.95), 3.04 (3.09), and 3.01 (2.91) eV, respectively. The hydroxy-substituted chalcones exhibited strong dual emissions as a consequence of the locally excited states followed by internal charge transfer processes. The molecular structures, lowest energy transitions, vibrational frequencies, and spectroscopic information were calculated using density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory methods at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) theoretical level. The experimental and theoretical data were compared and the relationship between them was briefly discussed.

Spectroscopic characterization, antioxidant and antitumour studies of novel bromo substituted thiosemicarbazone and its copper(II), nickel(II) and palladium(II) complexes.

A new, slightly distorted octahedral complex of copper(II), square planar complexes of nickel(II) and palladium(II) with 2,4'-dibromoacetophenone thiosemicarbazone (DBAPTSC) are synthesized. The ligand and the complexes are characterized by FT-IR, FT-Raman, powder X-ray diffraction studies. The IR and Raman data are correlated for the presence of the functional groups which specifically helped in the confirmation of the compounds. In addition, the free ligand is unambiguously characterized by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy while the copper(II) complex is characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). The g values for the same are found to be 2.246 (g1), 2.012 (g2) and 2.005 (g3) which suggested rhombic distortions. The HOMO-LUMO band gap calculations for these compounds are found to be in between 0.5 and 4.0 eV and these compounds are identified as semiconducting materials. The synthesized ligand and its copper(II), nickel(II) and palladium(II) complexes are subjected to antitumour activity against the HepG2 human hepatoblastoma cell lines. Among all the compounds, nickel(II) complex is found to exert better antitumour activity with 57.6% of cytotoxicity.

5-Hy-droxy-2-nitro-benzaldehyde thio-semicarbazone (HNBATSC).

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C8H8N4O3S, consists of two independent mol-ecules. Each mol-ecule is approximately planar with dihedral angles of 8.71 (3) and 1.50 (2)° between the aromatic ring and the thio-semicarbazide moiety while the NO2 group makes dihedral angles of 29.27 (3) and 17.78 (3)° with the benzene ring. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by N-H⋯S, O-H⋯O and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming two-dimensional networks parallel to (100).

Halo-substituted thiosemicarbazones and their copper(II), nickel(II) complexes: detailed spectroscopic characterization and study of antitumour activity against HepG2 human hepatoblastoma cells.

Copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes of two different halogen substituted thiosemicarbazone ligands were synthesized. The ligands 3,4-difluoroacetophenone thiosemicarbazone (1) and 2-bromo-4'-chloroacetophenone thiosemicarbazone (2) were characterized and confirmed spectroscopically by FT-IR, FT-Raman, UV-vis and fluorescence spectral analysis, while the respective copper(II) complexes [Cu(C9H9N3F2S)2Cl2] (1a), [Cu(C9H9N3ClBrS)2Cl2] (2a) and nickel(II) complexes [Ni(C9H9N3F2S)2] (1b), [Ni(C9H9N3ClBrS)2] (2b) were characterized by FT-IR, UV-vis and electron paramagnetic spectroscopy (EPR). The EPR spectra of the Cu(II) complexes provided the rhombic octahedral and axial symmetry of the complexes 1a and 2a respectively. For the complex 1a, the g values calculated as g1=2.1228, g2=2.0706 and g3=2.001 between 2900 and 3300 G. While for the complex 2a, a set of two resonance absorptions were observed. The synthesized compounds were tested for antitumor activity and showed that the ability to kill liver cancer cells significantly. Out of all the synthesized compounds, copper(II) complexes 1a and 2a showed high cytotoxic effect on liver cancer cells with 67.51% and 42.77% of cytotoxicity respectively at 100 µM.

Novel experimental model of non-infectious pharyngitis in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Currently, there is a paucity of scientific literature and reports related to screening models for non-infectious type of pharyngitis. In this context, we made a sincere attempt to establish a novel animal model for screening drugs against non-infectious pharyngitis in rats. We have considered the use of pyridine, croton oil and their combination for inducing non-infectious pharyngitis in rats. METHODS: Various concentrations of pyridine were applied topically to the pharyngeal region of rats and the extent of inflammation was assessed by Evans Blue (EB) dye exudation test, evaluating the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines and histopathology. Dexamethasone and diclofenac were used as reference standards. RESULTS: Upon pyridine application (2.5%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 40% and 80% in saline), dose-dependent increase in EB dye extravasation was observed (increased vascular permeability). In addition, the levels of TNF-α (P<0.01) and IL-6 (P<0.01) were significantly increased compared to control. Furthermore, the histopathology of pharyngeal tissue showed hypertrophy of submucosal glands, severe inflammation of the pharynx characterised by presence of mononuclear cells, neutrophils along with haemorrhages and congestion; however, normal control animals showed normal cytoarchitecture of pharynx. Indeed, dexamethasone (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg, i.v.) and diclofenac (1, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, i.v.) showed dose-dependent protection against pyridine-induced pharyngitis. Further, the possible mechanism of pyridine-induced pharyngitis is thought to be primarily mediated through phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that pyridine-induced pharyngitis is a simple and versatile novel animal model for screening the drugs against non-infectious pharyngitis in rats.

Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of 3,4-difluoroacetophenone-thiosemicarbazone and its palladium(II) complex: evaluation of antimicrobial and antitumour activity.

A new cis-palladium(II)diaqua(3,4-difluoroacetophenonethiosemicarbazone complex (Pd(II) complex) is synthesized using 3,4-difluoroacetophenonethiosemicarbazone(L). The L and its Pd(II) complex are characterized and confirmed by elemental analyses, electrochemical analyses, FT-IR, FT-Raman, UV-Vis, HRMS and LC-MS techniques. Ligand L is further characterized by (1)H, (13)C and (19)F NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structure of L is unambiguously characterized by single X-ray crystallography. The ligand (L) belongs to monoclinic system with P2(1)/C space group and the unit cell parameters are a(Å)=9.1144(7), b(Å)=13.7928(7), c(Å)=8.4174(5), α(°)=90, ß(°)=100.715, γ(°)=90 and volume V(A(3))=1039.73(11). The Raman bands observed for the L and its Pd(II) complex are in good agreement with the FT-IR spectral data. The Pd(II) complex is found to be highly efficient in inhibiting the growth of human pathogens like Salmonella typhimurium and Klebsiella pneumonia with MIC value 10.0µg/mL whose inhibition zones are almost comparable with the standard antibiotic. The synthesized compounds have shown antiproliferative activity against the human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB231 by intermitting the regular pathway of ribonucleotidereductase.

Liquid-supported dentures: a soft option-a case report.

Liquid-supported denture technique allows continued adaptation of denture to the mucosa both at resting and functional state. A complete denture prosthesis is unacceptable if it violates the foundation on which it rests. In this case, a technique for fabrication of a complete denture prosthesis that eliminates the disadvantages of tissue conditioners and soft liners (i.e., poor bond strength to acrylic, candidal colonization, etc.) and preserves the remaining tissues is described. Liquid-supported denture can be a permanent solution to some patients with problematic conditions like diabetes, xerostomia, atrophied ridge, and so forth.

Complete denture with pharyngeal bulb prosthesis.

Velopharyngeal dysfunction is the inability of the soft palate to affect complete seal with the posterior or lateral pharyngeal walls. Rehabilitation of these patients with palatal defects is challenging for both surgical and prosthetic fields of dentistry. The development of sophisticated surgical techniques and procedures has greatly enhanced the rehabilitation of congenital or acquired palatal defects. However, some of these patients may present oral or systemic factors contraindicating surgical intervention. In addition, since total elimination of these defects surgically has not yet become a reality, there exists a patient population for whom non-surgical rehabilitation must be approached with the help of prosthesis and such prosthesis must restore the basic functions of mastication, deglutition and speech production. Here a non-surgical approach of rehabilitation of such defect is presented in the form of a case report of pharyngeal bulb prosthesis given for a patient with a soft palate defect.

Hesperidin ameliorates immobilization-stress-induced behavioral and biochemical alterations and mitochondrial dysfunction in mice by modulating nitrergic pathway.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the protective effect of hesperidin against immobilization-stress-induced alterations in biochemical, behavioral, and mitochondrial functions in mice. In many instances neuroscientists have reported that acute immobilization stress for 6 h resulted in anxiety and impaired locomotor activity due to excess oxidative-nitrergic stress, depletion of antioxidant defense mechanisms, and mitochondrial dysfunction in animals. In the present study, 6 h of acute immobilization stress had significantly altered the behavioral (anxiety and memory) and biochemical parameters coupled with mitochondrial dysfunction in Swiss albino mice. Fourteen days of pretreatment with Hesperidin (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly and dose-dependently inhibited the behavioral and biochemical alterations and mitochondrial dysfunction caused by acute immobilization stress. Furthermore, pre-treatment of l-arginine (50 mg/kg, i.p.), a nitric oxide precursor, reversed the protective effect of Hesperidin (50 and 100 mg/kg) (P < 0.05). In contrast, pretreatment of l-NAME (5 mg/kg, i.p.), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, potentiated the protective effect of Hesperidin (P < 0.05). These results suggest the possible involvement of nitrergic pathway in the protective effect Hesperidin against immobilization-stress-induced behavioral, biochemical, and mitochondrial dysfunction in mice.

N (1)-(4-Methyl-phen-yl)piperidine-1,4-dicarboxamide.

In the title compound, C14H19N3O2, the heterocycle adopts a (1)C4 conformation with the N atom being one of the flap atoms. In the crystal, classical N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds and C-H⋯O contacts connect the mol-ecules into a three-dimensional network.

Synthesis, spectral characterization and biological activities of Mn(II) and Co(II) complexes with benzyloxybenzaldehyde-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazone.

Mn(II) and Co(II) complexes of benzyloxybenzaldehyde-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazone have been synthesized and characterized by the investigations of electronic and EPR spectra and X-ray diffraction. Based on the spectral studies, an octahedral geometry is assigned for the Mn(II) and Co(II) complexes. X-ray powder diffraction studies reveal that Mn(II) and Co(II) complexes have triclinic crystal lattices. The unit cell parameters of the Mn(II) complex are a=11.0469 Å, b=6.2096 Å, c=7.4145 Å, α=90.646°, ß=95.127°, γ=104.776°, V=489.7 Å(3) and those of Co(II) complex are a=9.3236 Å, b=10.2410 Å, c=7.8326 Å, α=90.694°, ß=99.694°, γ=100.476°, V=724.2 Å(3). When the free ligand and its metal complexes are subjected to antibacterial activity, the metal complexes are proved to be more active than the ligand. However with regard to in vitro antioxidant activity, the ligand exhibits greater antioxidant activity than its metal(II) complexes.

Modulating effect of Leptadenia reticulata (Retz) Wight & arn against chromate (VI)-induced immunosuppression and oxidative stress on mouse splenic lymphocytes and bone marrow derived macrophages.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Leptadenia reticulata (Retz) Wight & arn is mentioned in the ancient ayurvedic literature as an immune booster and rejuvenator. AIMS OF THE STUDY: To investigate, the effects of different forms of the extract of Leptadenia reticulata [Aqueous extract (JAE), Padavashesha kashaya (JPK) and Tarpana kashaya (JTK)] to alleviate the experimental immunosuppression induced by the immunotoxicant chromate (VI) in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standard cell proliferation and cytotoxicity assays like MTT assay, trypan blue dye exclusion test, neutral red dye uptake test, NBT reduction test, determination of percentage cell survival and estimation of markers of oxidative stress were performed in the study. The study was conducted on primary cultures of mouse splenic lymphocytes and bone marrow derived macrophages. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with all the three forms of the extract used in the study offered protection against chromate (VI)-induced immunosuppression and the overall protective effect was found to be superior in the case of the aqueous extract of Leptadenia reticulata (JAE). These results confirm that Leptadenia reticulata acts as a modulator and alleviates the immunosuppressive conditions induced by chromate (VI).

Preparation and physico-chemical evaluation of kshiramandura.

Mandura (Iron rust) is known by names lohkitta, malayas, ayomala, meaning waste of iron. Among different formulations prescribed for Parinamashoola (Peptic ulcer), in Ayurvedic classics Kshiramandura (Preparation of Iron rust in Milk) is one. Ancient authorities have given similar recipes of Mandura and these medicines are being successfully administered in the management of Peptic ulcer. In Parinamashoola (Peptic ulcer), Acharya Chakradatta mentioned Kshiramandura, as a formulation prepared by taking 384gms of Mandura Bhasma (Incinerated Iron rust), 3 Kg 73 gm of cow's urine and 768gms of cow's milk, boiled and administered in a dose of 500mg. To establish Physical and Chemical factors present in Mandura before and after purification and incineration, the preparation ofKshira mandura was attempted by adopting Quantitative and Qualitative methods. The drugwas identified by the qualities as described in the classics, viz., unctuous, heavy, hard and black in color and absence of hollow space. Mandura was heated in burning charcoal (600-800° c) and dipped in 5 liters of Cow's urine. This process was repeated 7 times, till the Mandura broke. This purified Mandura was then powdered and triturated with decoction ofTerminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica and Emblica officinalis (Triphala kashaya). Thereafter pellets were prepared and dried. The pellets were then sealed in crucibles and heated 30 times in a special type of furnace with temperature of 1000°c (Gajaputa method) to incinerate Mandura and prepare its ash (Bhasma). Cow's urine and milk were added to this Mandura Bhasma and Kshiramandura was prepared. When analyzed it showed 68.3 5% Ferric oxide, 0.66%MgCO(3) and 1.32% CaCO(3).