Multi-classification approach for lung nodule detection and classification with proposed texture feature in X-ray images.

Lung cancer is a widespread type of cancer around the world. It is, moreover, a lethal type of tumor. Nevertheless, analysis signifies that earlier recognition of lung cancer considerably develops the possibilities of survival. By deploying X-rays and Computed Tomography (CT) scans, radiologists could identify hazardous nodules at an earlier period. However, when more citizens adopt these diagnoses, the workload rises for radiologists. Computer Assisted Diagnosis (CAD)-based detection systems can identify these nodules automatically and could assist radiologists in reducing their workloads. However, they result in lower sensitivity and a higher count of false positives. The proposed work introduces a new approach for Lung Nodule (LN) detection. At first, Histogram Equalization (HE) is done during pre-processing. As the next step, improved Balanced Iterative Reducing and Clustering using Hierarchies (BIRCH) based segmentation is done. Then, the characteristics, including "Gray Level Run-Length Matrix (GLRM), Gray Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM), and the proposed Local Vector Pattern (LVP)," are retrieved. These features are then categorized utilizing an optimized Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and itdetectsnodule or non-nodule images. Subsequently, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) is deployed to categorize nodule types (benign, malignant, or normal). The CNN weights are fine-tuned by the Chaotic Population-based Beetle Swarm Algorithm (CP-BSA). Finally, the superiority of the proposed approach is confirmed across various measures. The developed approach has exhibited a high precision value of 0.9575 for the best case scenario, and high sensitivity value of 0.9646 for the mean case scenario. The superiority of the proposed approach is confirmed across various measures.

Role of Topical Ethanol in the Treatment of Pythium insidiosum Keratitis-A Proof of Concept.

PURPOSE: To study the efficacy and safety profile of topical absolute ethanol in the treatment of Pythium insidiosum keratitis. METHOD: Microbiological, clinical, and histopathological assessments were performed to study the effects of absolute ethanol on P. insidiosum keratitis. In addition, infrared spectroscopy was performed to assess the corneal penetration of ethanol. RESULTS: Microbiological tests revealed that ethanol inhibited the growth of P. insidiosum at concentrations even as low as 20% as compared to Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus, where minimal growth was noted. However, at 40%, 60%, 80%, and 99.9% of ethanol, complete inhibition of growth was noted for all organisms. Histopathology of the absolute ethanol-treated cadaveric cornea showed the compaction of collagen and no stromal necrosis. Infrared spectroscopy revealed secondary structural changes in collagen in the ethanol-treated cadaveric corneas as compared to controls. Clinically, 1 case with a recurrence of P. insidiosum after therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty resolved with the topical application of absolute ethanol, and the other case, where corneal scraping had grown Pythium within 24 hours, failed to grow the organism from the corneal button which was treated with absolute alcohol preoperatively. After therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty, there was no recurrence, and the graft epithelized well. CONCLUSIONS: Ethanol can be considered an option for treating P. insidiosum keratitis; however, the exact dose and strength of ethanol which will be most effective needs further work.

Assessment of plastic debris in remote islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago, India.

An attempt was made in during August 2018 to study the plastic debris present in beach sediments at the remote islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago, India. The maximum number of plastic debris was noticed in the North and Middle Andaman Island sector and the Nicobar Island sector. White, irregular shaped polyethylene and polypropylene debris were the predominant plastic varieties found in the study area. The plastic litters disposed in the marine environment could be carried away by currents, which then circulate around the island and finally reach the coastal areas of the Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago. The plastic litter was contributed from tourist, shipping activities and improper handling of solid wastes.

Selenium levels in whole blood - The borderline low analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Selenium is a very important micronutrient. Food is the major source for selenium uptake and the average blood levels is seen to be highly affected by dietary habits as selenium levels in food naturally depend on the kind of soil they are grown upon and in processed foods its levels depend on fortification. Deficiency of this vital nutriment needs to be assessed to understand deficiency prevalence. DESIGN AND METHODS: A total number of 529,461 subjects were tested for their blood selenium levels. The study cohort consisted of 284,189 males and 245,272 females respectively. Average blood selenium levels have been analyzed across both the genders using the analytical platform of Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry. RESULTS: For borderline low analysis of selenium, values of

Therapeutic impact of rHuEPO on abnormal platelet APP, BACE 1, presenilin 1, ADAM 10 and Aß expressions in chronic kidney disease patients with cognitive dysfunction like Alzheimer's disease: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive dysfunction is reported to be a major cause of morbidity in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The senile plaques (SPs) in the brain are one of the most pathophysiological characteristics of cognitive dysfunction and its major constituent amyloid ß (Aß) released from amyloid precursor protein (APP) by ß (BACE1) and γ (presenilin 1) secretases . Platelets contain more than 95% of the circulating APP and implicate as a candidate biomarker for cognitive decline. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) is a standard therapy for anemia in CKD and also acts as a neuroprotective agent. The aim of the study is to determine the impact of rHuEPO therapy on platelet APP processing in CKD with Cognitive Dysfunction. METHODS: A total of 60 subjects comprising of 30 CKD without cognitive dysfunction and 30 CKD with cognitive dysfunction based on neuropsychological assessment. APP, BACE1, Presenilin 1, ADAM 10 (α secretase) and Aß expressions in platelets were determined by western blotting and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in platelet rich plasma (PRP) was done by spectrophotometrically. The parameters were statistically compared with Alzheimer's disease (AD), Normocytic normochromic anemic and healthy subjects. RESULTS: Significantly (p < 0.05) decreased APP, ADAM 10 while increased BACE1, Presenilin 1, Aß and LPO were observed in CKD with cognitive dysfunction like AD subjects compared to other groups. The parameters were reassessed in CKD with cognitive dysfunction subjects after rHuEPO (100 IU/ kg, weekly twice, 6 months) therapy. All the parameters were retrieved significantly (p < 0.05) along with improved neuropsychological tests scoring after rHuEPO therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that rHuEPO is an effective neuroprotective agent in the context of CKD associated cognitive dysfunction and proved its clinical usefulness.

Tongue-lip adhesion in Pierre Robin sequence

Patients with Pierre Robin sequence exhibit varying degrees of airway obstruction and feeding difficulty. In some patients, airway obstruction may be profound, warranting surgical intervention to maintain a patent airway. The purpose of this article is to highlight the advantages of the tongue-lip adhesion procedure for the management of airway obstruction in such patients compared to the currently available options.

Retinoblastoma presenting as orbital cellulitis: report of four cases with a review of the literature.

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical and histopathological features of retinoblastoma presenting as orbital cellulitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of case records and review of the histopathology of four patients with retinoblastoma presenting as orbital cellulitis.RES U LTS On histopathological examination, all eyes showed anterior segment involvement with extensive necrosis. One case had a well-differentiated tumor and one showed extraocular extension of the tumor. CONCLUSION: Advanced necrotic retinoblastoma with anterior segment involvement may often present as orbital cellulitis.