CLINICAL COMPARISON OF TYMPANIC MEMBRANE PERFORATION CLOSURE WITH TRICHLOROACETIC ACID AND APAMARGA KSHARA (ACHYRANTHES ASPERA LINN. ALKALINE EXTRACT)

Tympanic membrane perforations are broadly pathological and traumatic in origin. The fibrosed rim of perforation and medially migrated epithelial layer of the perforated membrane offers a cauterization opportunity which conspicuously breaks the epithelial barrier, dissolves necrosed tissue over growth and enhances neo membrane formation. Trichloroacetic acid chemical cautery and patching is used from decades in order to reconstitute the tympanic membrane integrity with a successful rate hovering around 85-92% in various clinical studies. Nowhere in the classical Ayurveda texts or in the modern literature Apamarga Kshara (Achyranthes aspera Linn. alkaline extract) paste cauterization is used for re-epithelialization of the tympanic membrane although its tissue generative properties and antimicrobial traits are quite well documented. 34 tympanic membrane perforation patients after ramifying them into two groups were selected for the present clinical study which intends to compare the effectiveness of tympanic membrane perforation closure by application of trichloroacetic acid vis-a-vis application of Achyranthes aspera alkaline extract on the margins of the perforation. Achyranthes aspera alkaline extract for the current clinical trial as a trial drug has its proven tissue regeneration and vasoproliferative properties which is an indispensible prerequisite in any attempt to restore the integrity of a perforated tympanic membrane, also its antimicrobial and vasoproliferative capacity also compliments the selection of Achyranthes aspera alkaline extract. This cauterization with Apamarga Kshara was found to be quite effective as the results were encouraging and can successfully be advocated as an Ayurvedic cauterization substitute for the resurfacing of the ruptured tympanic membrane.

Cytogenetic and Clinical Assessment of a Family with Treacher Collins Syndrome

Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by craniofacial deformities. It is the most common type of mandibulofacial dysostosis (MFD). The objective of this study is to do cytogenetic analysis of a TCS family. Physical examination and all available medical records were reviewed. 50 GTG-banded metaphases were analysed to detect any structural or numerical chromosomal abnormality. Downward slanting of palpebral fissures, hypoplasia of zygomatic arch complex, and hypoplasia of mandible were present in all. Cytogenetic findings show interstitial deletion in chromosomes 5(q32-q33) and 3(q23–q25). We report four members of three generations of a family having TCS in a unique way that the deletion has been found in 3q and 5q which has not been reported. Mosaicism of deletion on 5q was detected in all affected members whereas 3q deletion was found only in one member (II.2). This finding may represent a more severe manifestation of the TCS. Thus the evaluation and counselling of the TCS patients should be undertaken with caution

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Findings in COVID-19 Associated Encephalitis

We conducted this study to investigate the scope of the MRI neuroimaging manifestations in COVID-19-associated encephalitis. From January 2020 to September 2021, patients with clinical diagnosis of COVID-19-associated encephalitis, as well as concomitant abnormal imaging findings on brain MRI, were included. Two board-certified neuro-radiologists reviewed these selected brain MR images, and further discerned the abnormal imaging findings. 39 patients with the clinical diagnosis of encephalitis as well as abnormal MRI findings were included. Most (87%) of these patients were managed in ICU, and 79% had to be intubated-ventilated. 15 (38%) patients died from the disease, while the rest were discharged from the hospital. On MRI, FLAIR hyperintensities in the insular cortex were the most common finding, seen in 38% of the patients. Micro-hemorrhages on the SWI images were equally common, also seen in 38% patients. FLAIR hyperintensities in the medial temporal lobes were seen in 30%, while FLAIR hyperintensities in the posterior fossa were evident in 20%. FLAIR hyperintensities in basal ganglia and thalami were seen in 15%. Confluent FLAIR hyperintensities in deep and periventricular white matter, not explained by microvascular angiopathy, were detected in 7% of cases. Cortical-based FLAIR hyperintensities in 7%, and FLAIR hyperintensity in the splenium of the corpus callosum in 7% of patients. Finally, isolated FLAIR hyperintensity around the third ventricle was noted in 2% of patients

Healthcare based financial decision making system using artificial intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is providing immense areas to work with and areas like Deep Learning and Machine Learning is taking over many research areas nowadays. The analysis and prediction of time series with machine and deep learning techniques are providing very promising results in the field of healthcare. The future values can be predicted with the help of time series. Therefore, the prediction of time series in healthcare based financial management provides organization with the useful information that supports in decision making. In this paper, the time series prediction on healthcare financial data is done by implementing Long Short Term Memory approach of Neural Networks for prediction of output for the time series data to predict business capabilities. Temporal characteristics of healthcare financial data are analyzed for time series forecasting. From the results, it is evident that this model is highly feasible to analyze the data with high precision and accuracy

Mustadi Yapana Basti (medicated enema) in the management of oligozoospermia: A case series

Infertility is a global issue of concern in the modern era, affecting 8%–12% of couples globally. Although the etiology of infertility is varied and difficult to determine, a good proportion of cases can be attributed to male. The most common cause of male infertility is oligozoospermia. Oligozoospermia is a decrease in sperm concentration below 15 million sperm/ml in semen ejaculate. Shukra Kshaya is a similar clinical condition mentioned in Ayurveda in which the Shukra Dhatu is diminished both qualitatively and quantitatively. Ayurveda has specified many therapeutic interventions and practices, including the Panchakarma procedure, Basti Karma, for the strengthening of Shukra Dhatu as well as the management of Shukra-Dusht. Mustadi Yapana Basti (MYB) was chosen for this study because of its significant Vatahara, Rasayana, and Vajikarana characteristics. A total of 05 patients who were diagnosed with oligozoospermia were managed with MYB for 15 consecutive days without any internal medications. The Shukra Kshaya assessment questionnaire was used in conjunction with objective parameters to determine the improvement. Data were collected twice before and after therapy. After the treatment, all five participants exhibited significant improvement in sperm count from a mean of 10.4–55. In this case series, all the patients demonstrated clinical improvement in symptoms of Shukra kshaya as well as in associated laboratory parameters. Basti treatment significantly improved all symptoms of Shukra Kshaya, as well as semen parameters (sperm count, sperm active motility, and semen volume) and serum testosterone. The reported cases demonstrate that MYB is a therapeutic option for the comprehensive care of men with a diagnosis of oligozoospermia