Binary Wavelet Transform Based Histogram Feature for Content Based Image Retrieval

In this paper a new visual feature, binary wavelet transform based histogram (BWTH) is proposed for content based image retrieval. BWTH is facilitated with the color as well as texture properties. BWTH exhibits the advantages of binary wavelet transform and histogram. The performance of CBIR system with proposed feature is observed on Corel 1000 (DB1) and Corel 2450 (DB2) natural image database in color as well as gray space. The results analysis of DB1 database illustrates the better average precision and average recall of proposed method in RGB space (73.82%, 44.29%) compared to color histogram (70.85%, 42.16%), auto correlogram (66.15%, 39.52%) and discrete wavelet transform (60.83%, 38.25%). In case of gray space also performance of proposed method (66.69%, 40.77%) is better compared to auto correlogram (57.20%, 35.31%), discrete wavelet transform (52.70%, 32.98%) and wavelet correlogram (64.3%, 38.0%). It is verified that in case of DB2 database also average precision, average recall and average retrieval rate of proposed method are significantly better

The external quality assessment scheme in coagulation: five years’ experience as a participating laboratory

Background:The attainment of quality services in a laboratory requires a comprehensive quality assurance programme which includes both internal and external quality control. External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS) programmes are accepted around the world as invaluable tools by laboratories to assess the performance of their testing systems. Results are objectively compared to other laboratories, using the same methodologies for every parameter. The goal of this study was to review EQAS results from time to time in an effort to improve the performance of the laboratory.Methods: Observational study done at Pramukhswami medical college, Shree Krishna hospital, Karamsad from January 2009 to December 2013. In the present study we have evaluated our EQAS test result of the past five years, from 2009 to 2013. We receive two samples in duplicate in lyophilised form, which are stored at 2-8°C in the refrigerator. The samples are reconstituted with 1 ml of distilled water at the time of procedure. The samples are received quarterly in a year. The test results of all the samples are analysed and documented.Results: Satisfactory results were obtained in all the cycles except four times. Discrepancy was observed in Prothrombin time INR (International Standardized Ratio). Root cause analysis was performed and necessary action taken.Conclusion:This participation in EQAS over the last five years has helped us significantly to improve our laboratory services in terms of performance evaluation, patient care and overall quality of laboratory practices.

Ferns: heavy metal guzzlers can replace expensive methods of controlling pollution

Now Indian ecotype of brake fern found in Kerala has been found to exhibit similar properties. A team of researchers from National Environmental Engineering Institute (NEERI) found that the fern could also help remove chromium from the soil and water. The study published in March 25 issue of Current Science says this particular ecotype of brake fern is found only in India. For most of the developing countries, including India, brake fern plantation could help in reducing the expenditure required on mitigating heavy metal pollution using modern technologies

CITRONELLOL: A POTENTIAL ANTIOXIDANT AND ALDOSE REDUCTASE INHIBITOR FROM CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS

Objective: The present study deals with identification of bioactive component from the distillate of Cymbopogon citratus plant and to evaluate its aldose reductase inhibitory and antioxidant activity.Methods: The aldose reductase enzyme was semi purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation from chicken eye lens. Differential solvent extraction of Cymbopogon citratus was carried out and by using HPLC, HPTLC and Gas chromatography active component responsible for aldose reductase inhibition was identified. The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test was carried by induction of diabetes to the male Wistar rats with streptozotocin. The sorbitol content was measured by sorbitol dehydrogenase enzyme. The antioxidant activity was studied using DPPH and FRAP methods. Results: Differential solvent extraction of the distillate revealed presence of aldose reductase inhibitory activity in the petroleum ether extract of the plant. Citronellol was identified as bioactive component by HPLC, HPTLC and gas chromatography. Citronellol demonstrated 90.4% inhibition of aldose reductase with an IC50 value of 19.6 ±0.8 µg/ ml as against 92.3 % inhibition by the standard drug epalrestat with an IC50 value 9.8 ±0.43 µg/ ml. It demonstrated better lowering of sorbitol (44%) than epalrestat (28%) in the eye lens studies as compared to the diabetic control. Kinetic studies using Lineweaver Burk Plot revealed citronellol to be a mixed type of inhibitor. Docking studies revealed the binding of citronellol at a site similar to epalrestat.Conclusion: Citronellol from C. citratus is found to possess potent aldose reductase inhibitory activity with mixed type of enzyme inhibition and a very good antioxidant potential. Â

Epidermal inclusion cyst of breast diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology: a retrospective study

Background: Epidermal inclusion cyst (EIC) is a rare benign condition of breast. Patient presents with palpable breast lump and needs to be differentiated from other breast lesions. This study included cases of epidermal inclusion cyst of breast (EICB) diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and their correlation with histopathological findings.Methods: Study was conducted in a retrospective manner over a period of 2 years.  8 Patients who presented with breast lump and were cytologically diagnosed as EIC were included in the study. Cytological features were suggestive of EIC or infective EICB. Histopathological confirmation was done. Female: Male ratio in the study was 7:1 with an age range of 35 to 54 years. Radiological investigations favoured benign lesions in 5 cases and tubercular collection in one case.Results: FNAC was performed and May-Grunwald-Giemsa stained smears showed numerous anucleate squames and mature squamous epithelial cells in a clean or inflammatory background. Diagnosis of EICB or infective EICB was made on cytology. Diagnosis was confirmed histologically in 6 cases.Conclusions: Asymptomatic lesions do not require biopsy and treatment. Follow-up is sufficient if typical clinical and radiological findings are there. But in symptomatic cases, excision should be done followed by histopathological confirmation to rule out malignant lesion. Diagnosis should be made on FNA whenever associated with characteristic pultaceous aspirate and cytological findings.

Expression of the ARPC4 subunit of human Arp2/3 severely affects mycobacterium tuberculosis growth and suppresses immunogenic response in murine macrophages

Background: The search for molecules against Mycobacterium tuberculosis is urgent. The mechanisms facilitating the intra-macrophage survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are as yet not entirely understood. However, there is evidence showing the involvement of host cell cytoskeleton in every step of establishment and persistence of mycobacterial infection. Methodology/Principal Findings: Here we show that expression of ARPC4, a subunit of the Actin related protein 2/3 (Arp2/3) protein complex, severely affects the pathogen’s growth. TEM studies display shedding of the mycobacterial outer-coat. Furthermore, in infected macrophages, mycobacteria expressing ARPC4 were cleared off at a much faster rate, and were unable to mount a pro-inflammatory cytokine response. The translocation of ARPC4-expressing mycobacteria to the lysosome of the infected macrophage was also impaired. Additionally, the ARPC4 subunit was shown to interact with Rv1626, an essential secretory mycobacterial protein. Real-time PCR analysis showed that upon expression of ARPC4 in mycobacteria, Rv1626 expression is downregulated as much as six-fold. Rv1626 was found to also interact with mammalian cytoskeleton protein, Arp2/3, and enhance the rate of actin polymerization. Conclusions/Significance: With crystal structures for Rv1626 and ARPC4 subunit already known, our finding lays out the effect of a novel molecule on mycobacteria, and represents a viable starting point for developing potent peptidomimetics

The durability of long-lasting insecticidal nets distributed to the households between 2009 and 2013 in Nepal

Background: Understanding and improving the durability of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in the field are critical for planning future implementation strategies including behavioral change for care and maintenance. LLIN distribution at high coverage is considered to be one of the adjunctive transmission reduction strategies in Nepal’s Malaria Strategic Plan 2014–2025. The main objective of this study was to assess the durability through assessment of community usage, physical integrity, residual bio-efficacy, and chemical retention in LLINs: Interceptor®, Yorkool®, and PermaNet ®2.0 which were used in Nepal during 2009 through 2013. Methods: Assessments were conducted on random samples (n = 440) of LLINs from the eleven districts representing four ecological zones: Terai plain region (Kailali and Kanchanpur districts), outer Terai fluvial ecosystem (Surkhet, Dang, and Rupandhei districts), inner Terai forest ecosystem (Mahhothari, Dhanusa, and Illam districts), and Hills and river valley (Kavrepalanchock and Sindhupalchok districts). For each LLIN, fabric integrity in terms of proportionate hole index (pHI) and residual bio-efficacy were assessed. However, for chemical retention, a representative sample of 44 nets (15 Yorkool®, 10 Permanet®2.0, and 19 Interceptor®) was evaluated. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics stratified by LLINs brand, districts, and duration of exposure. Results: On average, duration of use of LLINs was shortest for the Yorkool® samples, followed by PermaNet® 2.0 and Interceptor® with median ages of 8.9 (IQR = 0.4), 23.8 (IQR = 3.2), and 50.1 (IQR = 3.2) months, respectively. Over 80% of field distributed Yorkool® and PermaNet® 2.0 nets were in good condition (pHI< 25) compared to Interceptor® (66%). Bio-efficacy analysis showed that average mortality rates of Interceptor and Yorkool were below World Health Organization (WHO) optimal effectiveness of ≥ 80% compared to 2-year-old PermaNet 2.0 which attained 80%. Chemical retention analysis was consistent with bio-efficacy results. Conclusion: This study shows that distribution of LLINs is effective for malaria control; however, serviceable life of LLINs should be considered in terms of waning residual bio-efficacy that warrants replacement. As an adjunctive malaria control tool, National Malaria Control Program of Nepal can benefit by renewing the distribution of LLINs in an appropriate time frame in addition to utilizing durable and effective LLINs

Field assessment of the operating procedures of a semi-quantitative G6PD Biosensor to improve repeatability of routine testing

In remote communities, diagnosis of G6PD deficiency is challenging. We assessed the impact of modified test procedures and delayed testing for the point-of-care diagnostic STANDARD G6PD (SDBiosensor, RoK), and evaluated recommended cut-offs. We tested capillary blood from fingerpricks (Standard Method) and a microtainer (BD, USA; Method 1), venous blood from a vacutainer (BD, USA; Method 2), varied sample application methods (Methods 3), and used micropipettes rather than the test’s single-use pipette (Method 4). Repeatability was assessed by comparing median differences between paired measurements. All methods were tested 20 times under laboratory conditions on three volunteers. The Standard Method and the method with best repeatability were tested in Indonesia and Nepal. In Indonesia 60 participants were tested in duplicate by both methods, in Nepal 120 participants were tested in duplicate by either method. The adjusted male median (AMM) of the Biosensor Standard Method readings was defined as 100% activity. In Indonesia, the difference between paired readings of the Standard and modified methods was compared to assess the impact of delayed testing. In the pilot study repeatability didn’t differ significantly (p = 0.381); Method 3 showed lowest variability. One Nepalese participant had <30% activity, one Indonesian and 10 Nepalese participants had intermediate activity (≥30% to <70% activity). Repeatability didn’t differ significantly in Indonesia (Standard: 0.2U/gHb [IQR: 0.1–0.4]; Method 3: 0.3U/gHb [IQR: 0.1–0.5]; p = 0.425) or Nepal (Standard: 0.4U/gHb [IQR: 0.2–0.6]; Method 3: 0.3U/gHb [IQR: 0.1–0.6]; p = 0.330). Median G6PD measurements by Method 3 were 0.4U/gHb (IQR: -0.2 to 0.7, p = 0.005) higher after a 5-hour delay compared to the Standard Method. The definition of 100% activity by the Standard Method matched the manufacturer-recommended cut-off for 70% activity. We couldn’t improve repeatability. Delays of up to 5 hours didn’t result in a clinically relevant difference in measured G6PD activity. The manufacturer’s recommended cut-off for intermediate deficiency is conservative

Options for Active Case Detection of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Endemic Districts of India, Nepal and Bangladesh, Comparing Yield, Feasibility and Costs

For the elimination of any infectious disease (i.e., reduction of the burden of a serious public health problem to a minor problem which can be managed by the general health services) the right mix of public health tools has to be identified for the early detection and successful treatment of new cases as well as effective vector control (in the case of vector borne diseases) at affordable costs. The paper provides a powerful example of evidence building for cost-effective early case detection in the visceral leishmaniasis elimination initiative of Bangladesh, India and Nepal. It compares the camp approach (mobile teams testing in chronic fever camps for spleen enlargement and rapid diagnostic tests) with the index case approach (screening for new cases in the neighbourhood of reported visceral leishmaniasis patients) and the incentive based approach (where basic health workers receive an allowance for detecting a new case) using subsequent house-to-house screening for the identification of the real number of un-detected cases. By applying a mix of different study methods and an itinerate research process to identify the most effective, feasible and affordable case detection method, under different environmental conditions, recommendations could be developed which help governments in shaping their visceral leishmaniasis elimination strategy

Global, regional, and national disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for 359 diseases and injuries and healthy life expectancy (HALE) for 195 countries and territories, 1990-2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017.

How long one lives, how many years of life are spent in good and poor health, and how the population's state of health and leading causes of disability change over time all have implications for policy, planning, and provision of services. We comparatively assessed the patterns and trends of healthy life expectancy (HALE), which quantifies the number of years of life expected to be lived in good health, and the complementary measure of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), a composite measure of disease burden capturing both premature mortality and prevalence and severity of ill health, for 359 diseases and injuries for 195 countries and territories over the past 28 years. Methods We used data for age-specific mortality rates, years of life lost (YLLs) due to premature mortality, and years lived with disability (YLDs) from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2017 to calculate HALE and DALYs from 1990 to 2017. We calculated HALE using age-specific mortality rates and YLDs per capita for each location, age, sex, and year. We calculated DALYs for 359 causes as the sum of YLLs and YLDs. We assessed how observed HALE and DALYs differed by country and sex from expected trends based on Socio-demographic Index (SDI). We also analysed HALE by decomposing years of life gained into years spent in good health and in poor health, between 1990 and 2017, and extra years lived by females compared with males. Findings Globally, from 1990 to 2017, life expectancy at birth increased by 7·4 years (95% uncertainty interval 7·1-7·8), from 65·6 years (65·3-65·8) in 1990 to 73·0 years (72·7-73·3) in 2017. The increase in years of life varied from 5·1 years (5·0-5·3) in high SDI countries to 12·0 years (11·3-12·8) in low SDI countries. Of the additional years of life expected at birth, 26·3% (20·1-33·1) were expected to be spent in poor health in high SDI countries compared with 11·7% (8·8-15·1) in low-middle SDI countries. HALE at birth increased by 6·3 years (5·9-6·7), from 57·0 years (54·6-59·1) in 1990 to 63·3 years (60·5-65·7) in 2017. The increase varied from 3·8 years (3·4-4·1) in high SDI countries to 10·5 years (9·8-11·2) in low SDI countries. Even larger variations in HALE than these were observed between countries, ranging from 1·0 year (0·4-1·7) in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (62·4 years [59·9-64·7] in 1990 to 63·5 years [60·9-65·8] in 2017) to 23·7 years (21·9-25·6) in Eritrea (30·7 years [28·9-32·2] in 1990 to 54·4 years [51·5-57·1] in 2017). In most countries, the increase in HALE was smaller than the increase in overall life expectancy, indicating more years lived in poor health. In 180 of 195 countries and territories, females were expected to live longer than males in 2017, with extra years lived varying from 1·4 years (0·6-2·3) in Algeria to 11·9 years (10·9-12·9) in Ukraine. Of the extra years gained, the proportion spent in poor health varied largely across countries, with less than 20% of additional years spent in poor health in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, and Slovakia, whereas in Bahrain all the extra years were spent in poor health. In 2017, the highest estimate of HALE at birth was in Singapore for both females (75·8 years [72·4-78·7]) and males (72·6 years [69·8-75·0]) and the lowest estimates were in Central African Republic (47·0 years [43·7-50·2] for females and 42·8 years [40·1-45·6] for males). Globally, in 2017, the five leading causes of DALYs were neonatal disorders, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, lower respiratory infections, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Between 1990 and 2017, age-standardised DALY rates decreased by 41·3% (38·8-43·5) for communicable diseases and by 49·8% (47·9-51·6) for neonatal disorders. For non-communicable diseases, global DALYs increased by 40·1% (36·8-43·0), although age-standardised DALY rates decreased by 18·1% (16·0-20·2)