Sign Language Recognition using Machine Learning

Deaf and dumb people communicate with others and within their own groups by using sign language. Beginning with the acquisition of sign gestures, computer recognition of sign language continues until text or speech is produced. There are two types of sign gestures: static and dynamic. Both gesture recognition systems, though static gesture recognition is easier to use than dynamic gesture recognition, are crucial to the human race. In this survey, the steps for sign language recognition are detailed. Examined are the data collection, preprocessing, transformation, feature extraction, classification, and outcomes. There were also some recommendations for furthering this field of study

Routine screening of antenatal population for thyroid disorders-mandatory

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is commonly seen in pregnant women causing adverse maternal and fetal effects. Routine screening of antenatal population for the same will be helpful for successful pregnancy outcomes. The objective of this study is to detect and treat antenatal women with Thyroid dysfunction to avoid deleterious maternal/ fetal effects.Methods: The present study is a hospital based prospective study conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Narayana Medical College and Hospital(NMCH), Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India. 1000 pregnant women were randomly recruited into this study. Apart from routine antenatal investigations, Thyroid function tests (TFT) - Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), freeT4 (fT4) and Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO Ab) are done for all the recruited women at the first visit of antenatal booking and individual Thyroid tests are repeated as required.Results: Following the TFT the study population is classified into pregnancies with euthyroidism‚ subclinical/ overt hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The prevalence of Thyroid disorders in present study was 12.7% of which hypothyroidism noted in 10.3% (subclinical 6.9% and overt 3.4%) while hyperthyroidism seen in 2.4% (subclinical 1.8% and overt 0.6%). The various pregnancy complications, labour and neonatal outcomes have been analyzed.Conclusions: Thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy affects the health of the mother as well as the baby. Screening for Thyroid dysfunction should be performed as part of the routine antenatal work-up for successful pregnancy outcomes

Successful outcome of a triplet pregnancy following laparoscopic myomectomy for infertility: a unique case report

Infertility is a burning problem affecting 10-15% of the couples globally. The female factors contribute to about 40- 45% among which uterine factor is up to 10%. Presence of uterine myomas also significantly contribute to infertility. A conservative surgical approach like myomectomy is indicated for women in reproductive age both for psychological reasons as well as to preserve their reproductive potential. In recent years laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) has become the procedure of choice. Pregnancy outcome after myomectomy is a more significant concern especially with regard to the obstetric calamity of sudden uterine rupture due to the presence of an operative scar. The intensity of such complication will be considerably high when a triplet pregnancy occurs with a LM scar in the upper uterine segment with history of uterine cavity being opened during the myomectomy surgery. Managing such a case will be a difficult task to the attending clinician posing many unexpected clinical dilemmas. We are reporting a unique case of triplet pregnancy occurred following a LM resulting in successful maternal and fetal outcome. During the course of this pregnancy apart from considerable maternal distress due to uterine over distension many clinical problems like cervical insufficiency, pre eclampsia, polyhydraminos, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and last but not the least severe postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) have been encountered and could be managed efficiently. An elective Caesarean section was performed at 33+4 weeks gestation delivering live triplets. Mother and all the three babies discharged from the hospital in good condition

Evaluation for substitution of stem bark with small branches of Myrica esculenta for medicinal use – A comparative phytochemical study

AbstractBackgroundOver exploitation of many traditional medicinal plants like Myrica esculenta has become a threat and in the near future, many medicinal plants may be unavailable for use of industry.ObjectivePresent study outlines the concept of plant part substitution. Stem bark and small branches of M. esculenta are compared on the basis of physicochemical analysis, phytochemical analysis, total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) to evaluate the possibilities of using small branches in place of stem bark.Material and methodsPhysicochemical parameters and preliminary phytochemical screening were carried out using standard methods. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were estimated spectrophotometrically using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride method, respectively. CAMAG HPTLC system equipped with semi-automatic applicator was used for HPTLC profiling. n-Hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of stem bark and small branches were developed in suitable mobile phase using standard procedures and visualized in UV 254 and 366 nm and in white light after derivatization within anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid reagent.ResultsPhytochemical analysis and HPTLC profile of different extracts showed the presence of almost similar phytochemicals in both stem bark and small branches.ConclusionSimilarities in phytochemical analysis and HPTLC profile of various extracts suggests that small branches may be used in place of stem bark. The study provides the base for further study to use small branches as a substitute of stem bark of M. esculenta

Renal Cysts in an Immigrant Patient: An Atypical Presentation of Echinococcosis

Introduction: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an infection caused by the Echinococcus tapeworm that results in the creation of cysts within a range of visceral organs. Ninety percent of these cysts are in the liver or lungs. In the United States, cases are quite rare and most are found in immigrants from endemic countries. Patients with CE may remain asymptomatic for years. If left undiagnosed and untreated, mortality from CE is estimated to be 90% by ten years. In this case, we discuss a patient who presented to the emergency department with genitourinary complaints and was diagnosed with CE of primary renal involvement, a rare anatomic location. Case Description: A previously healthy 34-year-old female presented to the emergency department with dysuria, suprapubic pain, myalgias and fever of one day duration. The patient had immigrated from Yemen 6 years prior. On presentation, she was febrile to 38.8C and tachycardic to 133. Complete blood count and lactic acid were within normal limits and urinalysis was not consistent with a urinary tract infection. Ultrasound revealed a mass on the right kidney and computerized tomography (CT) showed a subcapsular right renal cystic mass with septations as well as a secondary liver lesion. Further imaging by magnetic resonance confirmed the subscapular multi-cystic mass along the right kidney measuring 7 x 5.2 x 6.1 cm consistent with CE stage III and a 1.7 cm cystic lesion in the right hepatic lobe also consistent with CE. Serum IgG for echinococcus was positive. The patient was diagnosed with echinococcal disease and was initiated on albendazole 200mg BID for 3-4 months with future plans for surgical intervention. Discussion: Echinococcal disease is a parasitic infection with the majority of cases originating in the Middle East, South and Central America and sub-Saharan Africa. The clinical presentation of Echinococcus infection is largely dependent on the location and size of the cysts. Small cysts may be asymptomatic whereas larger cysts may cause mass effect or may present with toxic appearance with rupture. Some cysts present with symptoms up to several decades after initial infection or remain asymptomatic indefinitely. The most common sites of involvement are the liver (approximately 66%) followed by the lungs (25%). Less commonly reported sites include the brain, kidneys, muscle, bone and heart. Our patient’s primary renal cyst was large enough to cause mass effect, leading to dysuria and suprapubic pain. Generally, diagnosis of echinococcal disease is made with both imaging and serology. With regards to imaging, ultrasonography is 90-95% sensitive for CE and CT is only moderately better with 95-100% sensitivity; however, CT is superior to ultrasonography for evaluation of extrahepatic cysts. MRI offers no major advantage over CT. When considering serology, antibody detection has greater sensitivity than antigen detection. Our patient tested positive for echinococcal IgG. IgE and IgM were not pursued as IgG has better sensitivity. Management of these cysts are based on the WHO classification criteria and typically use a combination of observation, albendazole, PAIR (percutaneous puncture, aspiration, injection, re-aspiration) and surgery. Our patient’s renal cyst was classified as WHO stage III, for which the recommended treatment is albendazole followed by either PAIR or surgery. Conclusion: Although CE is uncommon in the United States, careful attention should be paid in individuals who have immigrated from endemic countries. While the liver and lungs are most commonly involved, cysts can be found in any organ and symptoms are often specific to the affected system. The best imaging modality for extrahepatic cysts in particular is by CT. The majority of these patients should be started on albendazole initially with definitive treatment often requiring evaluation by several subspecialists including Infectious Disease, Interventional Radiology and Surgery.https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/merf2020caserpt/1123/thumbnail.jp

Clinical Application of MR Spectroscopy in Identifying Biochemical Composition of the Intracranial Pathologies

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides useful information regarding metabolic composition in the tissues, and advanced spectroscopic methods are used to quantify markers of tumor membrane turnover and proliferation (e.g., choline (Cho)), energy homoeostasis (e.g., creatine (Cr)), intact glioneuronal structures (e.g., N-acetylaspartate (NAA)), and necrosis (e.g., lactate (Lac) or lipids). Results are usually expressed as metabolite ratios rather than absolute metabolite concentrations. Because glial tumors have some specific metabolic characteristics that differ according to the grade of tumor, there is a potential for MR spectroscopy to increase the sensitivity of routinely used diagnostic imaging. MRS also has many diagnostic applications in neurosciences to support the diagnosis in conditions like demyelination, infections, and dementia and in postradiotherapy cases. Biochemical changes in the metabolism of tumor cells related to malignant transformation are reflected in changes of particular metabolite concentration in the tumor tissue. Our prospective study aimed to analyze the usefulness of proton MR spectroscopy in grading of glioma and to correlate various metabolite ratios like choline/creatine, choline/N-acetylaspartate, N-acetylaspartate/creatine, and lactate/creatine with the histopathological grades of glioma

The hemostatic activity of Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen latex associated with fibrinogenolytic activity

Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen (Sapotaceae), is widely used in traditional medicine for various ailments like, diarrhea, pulmonary diseases, piles, ulcers and to treat wounds. The present study evaluates the role of M. zapota latex in hemostasis. The processed latex named as M. zapota natant latex (MzNL), has proteins at the concentration of 8 mg/ml and showed protein bands in Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The proteolytic activity of MzNL was evaluated using casein in comparison with trypsin. The phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) inhibited the protease activity indicating the possible presence of serine protease. The effect of temperature, pH and metal ions on proteolytic activity was evaluated. MzNL exhibited fibrinogenolytic activity by hydrolysing A? and B? subunits of fibrinogen. However, ? subunit remained resistant for hydrolysis. MzNL hydrolyzed all the subunits of collagen type I and IV at the concentration of 8 µg and 25 µg in 20 µl each respectively. MzNL showed procoagulant activity and is devoid of hemolytic activity. Fibrinogenolytic activity and procoagulant nature of MzNL suggests its possible role in blood coagulation that in turn restores hemostasis

The JCMT Transient Survey: An Extraordinary Submillimetre Flare in the T Tauri Binary System JW 566

The binary T Tauri system JW 566 in the Orion Molecular Cloud underwent an energetic, short-lived flare observed at submillimetre wavelengths by the SCUBA-2 instrument on 26 November 2016 (UT). The emission faded by nearly 50% during the 31 minute integration. The simultaneous source fluxes averaged over the observation are 500 +/- 107 mJy/beam at 450 microns and 466 +/- 47 mJy/beam at 850 microns. The 850 micron flux corresponds to a radio luminosity of $L_{\nu}=8\times10^{19}$ erg/s/Hz, approximately one order of magnitude brighter (in terms of $\nu L_{\nu}$) than that of a flare of the young star GMR-A, detected in Orion in 2003 at 3mm. The event may be the most luminous known flare associated with a young stellar object and is also the first coronal flare discovered at sub-mm wavelengths. The spectral index between 450 microns and 850 microns of $\alpha = 0.11$ is broadly consistent with non-thermal emission. The brightness temperature was in excess of $6\times10^{4}$ K. We interpret this event to be a magnetic reconnection that energised charged particles to emit gyrosynchrotron/synchrotron radiation.Comment: Accepted in ApJ. 16 pages (single column), 6 figure

The JCMT Transient Survey: An Extraordinary Submillimeter Flare in the T Tauri Binary System JW 566

© 2019 The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.The binary T Tauri system JW 566 in the Orion Molecular Cloud underwent an energetic, short-lived flare observed at submillimetre wavelengths by the SCUBA-2 instrument on 26 November 2016 (UT). The emission faded by nearly 50% during the 31 minute integration. The simultaneous source fluxes averaged over the observation are 500 +/- 107 mJy/beam at 450 microns and 466 +/- 47 mJy/beam at 850 microns. The 850 micron flux corresponds to a radio luminosity of $L_{\nu}=8\times10^{19}$ erg/s/Hz, approximately one order of magnitude brighter (in terms of $\nu L_{\nu}$) than that of a flare of the young star GMR-A, detected in Orion in 2003 at 3mm. The event may be the most luminous known flare associated with a young stellar object and is also the first coronal flare discovered at sub-mm wavelengths. The spectral index between 450 microns and 850 microns of $\alpha = 0.11$ is broadly consistent with non-thermal emission. The brightness temperature was in excess of $6\times10^{4}$ K. We interpret this event to be a magnetic reconnection that energised charged particles to emit gyrosynchrotron/synchrotron radiation.Peer reviewedFinal Published versio