A STUDY OF DIPHTHERIA CASES AMONG HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS IN AHMEDABAD

Introduction: Even after 20 years of UIP diphtheria is still prevalent showing up and down trends in India. India contributes about 19 to 84% of total burden worldwide and many of time it is unidentified and notified. Present study is aimed to study Diphtheria cases in a tertiary care hospital Ahmedabad from January 2012 to December 2015 Methodology: Total 74 confirm throat swab smear or culture for C Diphtheria positive patients were included in study. Their age, immunisation status, response to treatment in form of throat swab clearance of bacilli, complications and mortality was noted and analysed. Results: 38(51.35%) were from 5-10 years age groups. Inappropriate booster doses and waning immunity in older age is responsible for shifting of age pattern . 9% of cases were fully immunised and had very milder form of disease. 56.65% were unimmunised had more severe form, complications, delayed clearance of throat bacilli and mortality. 90% patients throat swab cleared within 72 hours of starting treatment showing sensitivity of bacilli to slandered treatment. 12(18.9%) patients were expired mostly due to cardiac complications. Conclusion: Thus strengthening of routine immunisation, early identification and timely intervention can definitely overcome the resurgence of disease.

Modification of extraction method for community DNA isolation from salt affected compact wasteland soil samples

To overcome the issue of interferences by salt and compactness in release of bacterial cell required for lysis, method described by Yeates et al. (1998), was optimized for isolation of genomic material (Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid, DNA) from soil microbial community by addition of Al(NH4)SO4. Very low total viable count was observed in the samples tested and hence use of higher amount of soil is required primarily for DNA isolation from wasteland soils. The method proves itself efficient where commercially available bead beating and enzymatic lysis methods could not give isolation of any amount of community genomic DNA due to compact nature and salt concentrations present in soil. • The protocol was found efficient for soil samples with high clay content for microbial community DNA extraction. • Variation in lysis incubation and amount of soil may help with soil samples containing low microbial population. • Addition of Al(NH4)SO4 is crucial step in humic acid removal from extracted DNA samples for soil samples containing high salinity and clay particles

Artificial Intelligence Algorithms in Health Care: Is the Current Food and Drug Administration Regulation Sufficient?

Given the growing use of machine learning (ML) technologies in health care, regulatory bodies face unique challenges in governing their clinical use. Under the regulatory framework of the Food and Drug Administration, approved ML algorithms are practically locked, preventing their adaptation in the ever-changing clinical environment, defeating the unique adaptive trait of ML technology in learning from real-world feedback. At the same time, regulations must enforce a strict level of patient safety to mitigate risk at a systemic level. Given that ML algorithms often support, or at times replace, the role of medical professionals, we have proposed a novel regulatory pathway analogous to the regulation of medical professionals, encompassing the life cycle of an algorithm from inception, development to clinical implementation, and continual clinical adaptation. We then discuss in-depth technical and nontechnical challenges to its implementation and offer potential solutions to unleash the full potential of ML technology in health care while ensuring quality, equity, and safety. References for this article were identified through searches of PubMed with the search terms “Artificial intelligence,” “Machine learning,” and “regulation” from June 25, 2017, until June 25, 2022. Articles were also identified through searches of the reference list of the articles. Only papers published in English were reviewed. The final reference list was generated based on originality and relevance to the broad scope of this paper

Characterization and Evaluation of 5-Fluorouracil-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Prepared via a Temperature-Modulated Solidification Technique

The aim of this research was to advance solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) preparation methodology by preparing glyceryl monostearate (GMS) nanoparticles using a temperature-modulated solidification process. The technique was reproducible and prepared nanoparticles without the need of organic solvents. An anticancer agent, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), was incorporated in the SLNs. The SLNs were characterized by particle size analysis, zeta potential analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), drug encapsulation efficiency, in vitro drug release, and in vitro cell viability studies. Particle size of the SLN dispersion was below 100 nm, and that of redispersed lyophilizates was ~500 nm. DSC and infrared spectroscopy suggested that the degree of crystallinity did not decrease appreciably when compared to GMS. TEM and AFM images showed well-defined spherical to oval particles. The drug encapsulation efficiency was found to be approximately 46%. In vitro drug release studies showed that 80% of the encapsulated drug was released within 1 h. In vitro cell cultures were biocompatible with blank SLNs but demonstrated concentration-dependent changes in cell viability to 5-FU-loaded SLNs. The 5-FU-loaded SLNs can potentially be utilized in an anticancer drug delivery system

Maternally transmitted severe glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is an embryonic lethal

Mouse chimeras from embryonic stem cells in which the X-linked glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) gene had been targeted were crossed with normal females. First-generation (F(1)) G6PD(+/–) heterozygotes born from this cross were essentially normal; analysis of their tissues demonstrated strong selection for cells with the targeted G6PD allele on the inactive X chromosome. When these F(1) G6PD(+/–) females were bred to normal males, only normal G6PD mice were born, because: (i) hemizygous G6PD(–) male embryos died by E10.5 and their development was arrested from E7.5, the time of onset of blood circulation; (ii) heterozygous G6PD(+/–) females showed abnormalities from E8.5, and died by E11.5; and (iii) severe pathological changes were present in the placenta of both G6PD(–) and G6PD(+/–) embryos. Thus, G6PD is not indispensable for early embryo development; however, severe G6PD deficiency in the extraembryonic tissues (consequent on selective inactivation of the normal paternal G6PD allele) impairs the development of the placenta and causes death of the embryo. Most importantly, G6PD is indispensable for survival when the embryo is exposed to oxygen through its blood supply