Text Categorization of Documents using K-Means and K-Means++ Clustering Algorithm

Text categorization is the technique used for sorting a set of documents into categories from a predefined set. Text categorization is useful in better management and retrieval of the text documents and also makes document retrieval as a simple task. Clustering is an unsupervised learning technique aimed at grouping a set of objects into clusters. Text document Clustering means clustering of related text documents into groups based upon their content. Various clustering algorithms are available for text categorization. This paper presents categorization of the text documents using two clustering algorithms namely K-means and K-means++ and a comparison is carried out to find which algorithm is best for categorizing text documents. This project also introduces pre-processing phase, which in turn includes tokenization, stop-words removal and stemming. It also involves Tf-Idf calculation. In addition, the impact of the three distance/similarity measures (Cosine Similarity, Jaccard coefficient, Euclidean distance) on the results of both clustering algorithms(K-means and K-means++) are evaluated. The dataset considered for evaluation consists of 600 text documents of three different categories- Festivals, Sports and Tourism in India. Our observation shows that for categorizing the text documents using K-Means++ clustering algorithm with Cosine Similarity measure gives better result as compared to K-means. For K-Means++ algorithm using Cosine Similarity measure purity of the cluster obtained is 0.8216

SELF-MICROEMULSIFYING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

ABSTRACTOral route is the most convenient route of drug administration in many diseases and till today it is the first way investigated in the development ofnew dosage forms. The major problem in oral drug formulations is low and erratic bioavailability, which mainly results from poor aqueous solubility,thereby pretense problems in their formulation. More than 40% of potential drug products suffer from poor water solubility. For the therapeuticdelivery of lipophilic active moieties (biopharmaceutical classification system Class II drugs), lipid-based formulations are inviting increasingattention. Currently, a number of technologies are available to deal with the poor solubility, dissolution rate, and bioavailability of insoluble drugs.One of the promising techniques is self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS). SMEDDS have gained exposure for their ability to increasesolubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. SMEDDS, which are isotropic mixtures of oils, surfactants, solvents, and co-solvents/surfactantscan be used for the design of formulations to improve the oral absorption of highly lipophilic drug compounds. Conventional SMEDDS are mostlyprepared in a liquid form, which can have some disadvantages. SMEDDS can be orally administered in soft or hard gelatin capsules and form finerelatively stable oil-in-water emulsions. Solid-SMEDDS are prepared by solidification of liquid/semisolid self-micron emulsifying ingredients intopowders, have gained popularity. This article gives a complete overview of SMEDDS, but special attention has been paid to formulation, design,evaluation, and little emphasis on application of SMEDDS.Keywords: Self-microemulsifying drug delivery system, Surfactant, Oil, Co-surfactant, Bioavailability, Lipophilic, Biopharmaceutical classificationsystem Class II drugs

A study of high-risk factors in ante-natal women at a tertiary care centre

Background: High-risk pregnancy refers to any condition in pregnancy that increases risk for morbidity or mortality in mother, fetus and neonate. Globally, nearly 5,29,000 women die due to pregnancy related complications. In India, 20-30% of the pregnant patients contribute to high risk group. This study was conducted to determine different high-risk factors prevalent in antenatal women in Haryana. Objective of this study was to find out prevalence of different high-risk factors in antenatal women.Methods: Data of all antenatal high-risk patients attending OPD during one year was taken from hospital record registers. Maternal characteristics such as age, gravida/parity, gestational age, and gestational age at the time of first visit were noted. High risk factors identified were noted.Results: The records of total 10073 antenatal women were analyzed, 1283 were included in the high-risk group. Most prevalent high-risk factors found were previous cesarean section (31.04%), anaemia (31.02%), malpresentation (12.93%) and thyroid disorders (13.09%).Conclusions: Antenatal surveillance for the high-risk factors complicating pregnancy may prevent or treat most of the complications. Authors should develop strategies for early screening of high-risk pregnancy cases to prevent maternal and perinatal mortality and to improve the maternal and perinatal outcome

PCR-based identification and strain typing of Pichia anomala using the ribosomal intergenic spacer region IGS1

Frequent outbreaks of Pichia anomala fungaemia in paediatric patients have warranted the development of a rapid identification system for this organism. This study describes a specific PCR-based method targeting the rRNA gene intergenic spacer region 1 (IGS1) for rapid identification of Pichia anomala isolates and characterization at the strain level. These methods of species identification and strain typing were used on 106 isolates of Pichia anomala (77 from a previously described outbreak and 29 isolated post-outbreak from the same hospital). Using conventional morphological and biochemical methods, 11 strains isolated during the outbreak were misidentified as P. anomala. BLAST analysis of sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of rRNA genes confirmed that they were Pichia guilliermondii (eight isolates) and Debaryomyces hansenii (three isolates). Strain typing of Pichia anomala isolates confirmed the previous finding of a point-source outbreak. The results suggest that IGS sequences and their polymorphisms could be exploited for similar typing methods in other organisms

DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ORO-DISPERSIBLE TABLETS OF METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE USING CAJANUS CAJAN STARCH AS A NATURAL SUPERDISINTEGRANT

Objective: The aim of the research work was to explore the use of Cajanus cajan (Pigeon pea) polysaccharide as a superdisintegrant. The novel superdisintegrant has been evaluated for its action by incorporating it into orodispersible tablets of Metformin Hydrochloride. Methods: Cajanus cajan starch was extracted from its seeds and superdisintegrant was developed by microwave modification of the extract. Various characterization tests such as gelatinization temperature, water absorption index, pH, and viscosity were used to identify the microwave-modified polysaccharide. The orodispersible tablets were made using a direct compression process employing varying concentrations of modified Cajanus cajan starch. Prepared tablets were tested for several pre and post-compression parameters and compared with a well-established synthetic superdisintegrant, sodium starch glycolate. The stability studies were conducted on an optimized formulation. Results: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study showed that the drug had no interactions with the microwave-modified Cajanus cajan starch. SEM confirmed that Cajanus cajan starch granules exhibited intact granular structure in oval shapes and smooth surfaces. After microwave modification, the Cajanus cajan starch component lost its granular structure, which further led to the generation of surface pores and internal channels, causing overall swelling responsible for superdisintegrant activity. The optimized formulation (ODF5) containing 15 % modified Cajanus cajan starch performed better in terms of wetting time (22.21 s), disintegration time (53.3 s), and in vitro drug release (92%), as compared to formulation prepared by synthetic superdisintegrant (ODF1). Conclusion: The present investigation concluded that modified Cajanus cajan starch has good potential as a superdisintegrant for formulating oro-dispersible tablets. Furthermore, modified Cajanus cajan starch is inexpensive, non-toxic and compatible in comparison with available synthetic superdisintegrants

Primary pleuropulmonary synovial sarcoma with brain metastases in a paediatric patient: an unusual presentation

  Primary lung neoplasms are rare in children. The most common primary lung malignancies in children are pleuropulmonary blastoma and carcinoid tumour. Synovial sarcoma (SS) accounts for approximately 1% of all childhood malignancies. In absolute terms, the SS of the lungs and pleura are extremely rare and pose a diagnostic difficulty. Soft tissue sarcomas usually have a high potential for metastases, however, metastasis to the brain is rare, even in widely disseminated disease, and it has been described only in 3 case reports previously. Primary pleuropulmonary SS with brain metastases is even rarer. Here we present a case of an 11-year-old boy who presented with respiratory complaints, viz. fever and cough for 20 days. Initial impression was lung abscess, however, on histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular study, the disorder was diagnosed as synovial sarcoma. After a week from the first consult, the child developed neurological symptoms, viz., an episode of convulsion and gradually worsening power of the lower limb. Computed tomography scan and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy was suggestive of brain metastases. Given the rarity of primary lung neoplasms in children, clinical detection remains a challenge. Delayed diagnoses are common as respiratory symptoms may be attributed to inflammatory or infective processes. Primary pleuropulmonary synovial sarcoma is a rare tumour and it is not known to commonly metastasise to the brain. Though rare, primary pleuropulmonary SS should be considered an important differential among peadiatric primary lung neoplasms due to its potential for curability if detected early, and more aggressive metastatic pattern, e.g. brain metastases making early detection imperative.

Manejo de la sedación y la analgesia en unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales españolas

[Abstract] Introduction. Pain management and sedation is a priority in neonatal intensive care units. A study was designed with the aim of determining current clinical practice as regards sedation and analgesia in neonatal intensive care units in Spain, as well as to identify factors associated with the use of sedative and analgesic drugs. Methods. A multicenter, observational, longitudinal and prospective study. Results. Thirty neonatal units participated and included 468 neonates. Of these, 198 (42.3%) received sedatives or analgesics. A total of 19 different drugs were used during the study period, and the most used was fentanyl. Only fentanyl, midazolam, morphine and paracetamol were used in at least 20% of the neonates who received sedatives and/or analgesics. In infusions, 14 different drug prescriptions were used, with the most frequent being fentanyl and the combination of fentanyl and midazolam. The variables associated with receiving sedation and/or analgesia were, to have required invasive ventilation (p 3 (p = .023; OR = 2.26), the existence of pain evaluation guidelines in the unit (p < .001; OR = 3.82), and a pain leader (p = .034; OR = 2.35). Conclusions. Almost half of the neonates admitted to intensive care units receive sedatives or analgesics. There is significant variation between Spanish neonatal units as regards sedation and analgesia prescribing. Our results provide evidence on the “state of the art”, and could serve as the basis of preparing clinical practice guidelines at a national level.[Resumen] Introducción. El manejo del dolor y la sedación es una prioridad de los cuidados intensivos neonatales. Se diseñó un estudio con el objetivo de determinar la práctica clínica actual en relación con la sedación y la analgesia en unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales en España e identificar factores asociados al uso de fármacos sedantes o analgésicos. Métodos. Estudio multicéntrico, observacional, longitudinal y prospectivo. Resultados. Participaron 30 unidades neonatales y se reclutó a 468 neonatos. De estos, 198 (42.3%) recibieron medicación sedante o analgésica. En total, se usaron durante el período de estudio 19 fármacos distintos, de los cuales el más utilizado fue el fentanilo. Solo fentanilo, midazolam, morfina y paracetamol se usaron al menos en un 20% de los neonatos que recibieron sedación y/o analgesia. Se usaron 14 pautas distintas de fármacos en perfusión, siendo las más frecuentes la infusión de fentanilo y la combinación de fentanilo y midazolam. Las variables asociadas a recibir sedación y/o analgesia fueron el haber precisado ventilación invasiva (p = 3 (p = 0.023; OR = 2.26), la existencia en la unidad de guías de evaluación del dolor (p < 0.001; OR = 3.82) y de un líder de dolor (p = 0.034; OR = 2.35). Conclusiones. Casi la mitad de los neonatos ingresados en cuidados intensivos recibe medicación sedante y/o analgésica. Existe una importante variabilidad entre las unidades neonatales españolas en relación con las pautas de sedación y analgesia. Nuestros resultados permiten conocer el “estado del arte” y pueden servir de base para la elaboración de guías de práctica clínica a nivel nacional

Clinical assessment of pain in spanish neonatal intensive care units

[Resumen] Introducción. Las escalas clínicas son hoy en día el mejor método para evaluar el dolor en el neonato, dada la imposibilidad de autorreporte en este grupo de edad. Se diseñó un estudio con el objetivo de determinar las prácticas actuales en relación con la valoración clínica del dolor en España y los factores asociados al uso de escalas clínicas. Métodos. El estudio es de tipo observacional, longitudinal y prospectivo. Participaron 30 unidades y se reclutó a 468 neonatos. Resultados. Solo 13 unidades (43,3%) disponían de protocolos de valoración del dolor. Se evaluó el dolor con una escala en 78 neonatos (16,7%, IC del 95%, 13,1-20,1) y el número medio de valoraciones del dolor por paciente y día de estancia fue de 2,3±4,8, con una mediana de 0,75. Del total de 7.189 días-paciente estudiados, 654 (9,1%) conllevaron al menos una valoración del dolor. Veinte unidades (66,7%) no realizaron evaluación del dolor con una escala clínica en ningún paciente. Entre las que sí lo hicieron, se observó una gran variabilidad en el porcentaje de pacientes en los que se evaluó el dolor y en las escalas utilizadas. La escala CRIES (C-Crying; R-Requires increased oxygen administration; I-Increased vital signs; E-Expression; S-Sleeplessness) fue la que se usó en más unidades. En el análisis multivariante solo la ventilación mecánica invasiva se asoció a recibir valoración del dolor con una escala (OR 1,46, p=0,042). Discusión. La mayoría de los neonatos ingresados en cuidados intensivos en España no recibe una valoración del dolor. Muchas unidades todavía no utilizan rutinariamente las escalas clínicas y entre las que las utilizan existe una gran variabilidad. Estos resultados pueden servir de base para la elaboración de guías nacionales al respecto del dolor en el neonato.[Abstract] Introduction. Clinical scales are currently the best method to assess pain in the neonate, given the impossibility of self-report in this age group. A study is designed with the aim of determining the current practices as regards the clinical assessment of pain in Spanish Neonatal Units and the factors associated with the use of clinical scales. Methods. A prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted. A total of 30 Units participated and 468 neonates were included. Results. Only 13 Units (43.3%) had pain assessment protocols. Pain was evaluated with a scale in 78 neonates (16.7%, 95% CI; 13.1-20.1) and the mean number of pain assessments per patient and per day was 2.3 (Standard Deviation; 4.8), with a median of 0.75. Of the total number of 7,189 patient-days studied, there was at least one pain assessment in 654 (9.1%). No pain assessment was performed with a clinical scale on any patient in 20 (66.7%) Units. Among those that did, a wide variation was observed in the percentage of patients in whom pain was assessed, as well as in the scales used. The CRIES (C-Crying; R-Requires increased oxygen administration; I-Increased vital signs; E-Expression; S-Sleeplessness) scale was that used in most Units. In the multivariate analysis, only invasive mechanical ventilation was associated with receiving a pain assessment with a scale (OR 1.46, P=.042). Discussion. The majority of neonates admitted into Intensive Care in Spain do not receive a pain assessment. Many units still do not routinely use clinical scales, and there is a wide variation between those that do use them. These results could serve as a basis for preparing national guidelines as regards pain in the neonate

Helminth infections among long-term residents and settled immigrants in Qatar in the decade from 2005 to 2014: temporal trends and varying prevalence among subjects from different regional origins

Background: Travel and migration from developing regions, where tropical diseases are common, to more developed industrialised nations can contribute to the introduction and subsequent spread of infections. With its rapidly expanding economy, Qatar has attracted vast numbers of immigrant workers in the last two decades, often from countries with poor socio-economic levels. Many used to arrive with patent intestinal parasitic infections. Methods: We analysed the prevalence of helminth infections in a dataset of 29,286 records of subjects referred for stool examination at the Hamad Medical Corporation over the course of a decade (2005 to 2014, inclusive). Results: Overall prevalence of combined helminth infections was low (1.86 %) but there were significant temporal trends, age and sex effects and those arising from the region of origin of the subjects. The most common helminths were hookworms (overall prevalence 1.22 %), which accounted for 70.1 % of cases, and therefore patterns for combined helminth infections were largely driven by hookworms. In both cases, and also in Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides, prevalence peaked in 2008, since when prevalence has been steadily falling. Helminth infections were largely concentrated among subjects from five Asian countries (Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan), and there was a highly biased prevalence in favour of male subjects in all cases. Prevalence of all three nematodes peaked in age class 7 (mean age 25.5 years, range = 20–29) and there were significant interactions between region of origin, sex of subjects and prevalence of hookworms. Conclusion: These results offer optimism that prevalence will continue to decline in the years ahead, especially if control is targeted at those most at risk of carrying infections.Qatar National Research Fund (QRNF) at Qatar Foundation for supporting this study through the National Priorities Research Program (NPRP) (Project No. NPRP 4-1283-3-327)

Genetic and environment effects on structural neuroimaging endophenotype for bipolar disorder: a novel molecular approach

We investigated gene–environment effects on structural brain endophenotype in bipolar disorder (BD) using a novel method of combining polygenic risk scores with epigenetic signatures since traditional methods of examining the family history and trauma effects have significant limitations. The study enrolled 119 subjects, including 55 BD spectrum (BDS) subjects diagnosed with BD or major depressive disorder (MDD) with subthreshold BD symptoms and 64 non-BDS subjects comprising 32 MDD subjects without BD symptoms and 32 healthy subjects. The blood samples underwent genome-wide genotyping and methylation quantification. We derived polygenic risk score (PRS) and methylation profile score (MPS) as weighted summations of risk single nucleotide polymorphisms and methylation probes, respectively, which were considered as molecular measures of genetic and environmental risks for BD. Linear regression was used to relate PRS, MPS, and their interaction to 44 brain structure measures quantified from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on 47 BDS subjects, and the results were compared with those based on family history and childhood trauma. After multiplicity corrections using false discovery rate (FDR), MPS was found to be negatively associated with the volume of the medial geniculate thalamus (FDR = 0.059, partial R2 = 0.208). Family history, trauma scale, and PRS were not associated with any brain measures. PRS and MPS show significant interactions on whole putamen (FDR = 0.09, partial R2 = 0.337). No significant gene–environment interactions were identified for the family history and trauma scale. PRS and MPS generally explained greater proportions of variances of the brain measures (range of partial R2 = [0.008, 0.337]) than the clinical risk factors (range = [0.004, 0.228])