A Hybrid Multi-Feature Semantic Similarity Based Online Social Recommendation System Using CNN

Modern organizations are keen to work towards their customer needs. To achieve this, analyzing their activities and identifying their interest in any entity becomes important. Every user has been identified as the most important factor in point of organization, and they never give up even a single user. Several approaches have been discussed earlier, which use artificial intelligence to mine the users and their interest in the problem. However, the deep learning algorithms are identified as most efficient in identifying the user interest but suffer to achieve higher performance. Towards this issue, an efficient multi-feature semantic similarity-based online social recommendation system has been proposed. The method uses Convolution Neural Network (CNN) to train and predict user interest in any topic. Each layer has been identified as a single interest, and neurons of the layers are initialized with huge data set. The neuron estimates the Multi-Feature Semantic Similarity (MFSS) towards each interest of the user. Finally, the method identifies the single interest for the user by ranking each interest to produce recommendations to the user. The proposed algorithm improves the performance of recommendation generation with less false ratio.

Periodontal heath in first trimester of pregnancy and birth weight outcomes

Introduction

The oral microbiome is influenced by numerous immediate environmental factors including pH, anaerobic conditions, nutrition, and hormone levels. During pregnancy, due to the associated hormonal changes, periodontal tissues show an enhanced inflammatory response to plaque microbiome. This is mediated by female sex hormones that are drastically altered in pregnancy. This study was undertaken to estimate the association of birth weight and the influence of the oral periodontal health in pregnant women in Chennai, South India and correlate the same with education and body mass index (BMI).

Methods

This was a controlled, minimal interventional, prospective, observational study to identify the relationship of gingival health in the first trimester of pregnancy and on birth weight. Potential participants were referred by health-care providers. Pregnant women (≥18 years and ≤25 years) in the first trimester were enrolled for this study.

Results

: Of the 165 pregnant women, 121 pregnant women formed the study group.

Conclusion

It was found that low birth weight could be a consequence of several modifiable and non-modifiable factors. This study shows the association of oral health of the mother in the first trimester with low birth weight. The findings of this study need to be confirmed with a large-scale, multi-centric study accounting for all known confounders. Till such a study is performed, the need for optimal oral health of an expectant mother cannot be discounted and there is no absolute harm in having good oral hygiene.

Procuring Plant Services for Ecological and Human Well Being

Ecosystem services offered by two native tree species viz. Azadirachta indica, Morinda tinctoria, and four exotic species viz. Tamarindus indica, Prosopis juliflora, Leucaena leucocephala, and Ipomoea carnea in the Mathippanur village of Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, India were assessed to augment their valuable ecosystem services and to get the management strategy for sustainable use. The selected plant species provide economic benefit through their products, regulating soil health, sequestering carbon, and supporting nests of animals. However, they cause discomfort to the associated vegetation and human beings. Both native and exotic species play a crucial role in the ecosystem and the removal of exotic species will lead to disturbance in the ecosystem resilience. For sustainable management, mixed plantations of tree species can be raised in barren and fallow lands. The plantations will aid in monetary support to the local inhabitants, people’s participation in resource management and conservation, and effective use of land and tree services.

Bio-Fabrication of Human Amniotic Membrane Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and the Wet/Dry HAM Dressing Membrane for Wound Healing

The preparation of unique wet and dry wound dressing products derived from unprocessed human amniotic membrane (UP-HAM) is described. The UP-HAM was decellularized, and the constituent proteins were cross-linked and stabilized before being trimmed and packed in sterile Nucril-coated laminated aluminium foil pouches with isopropyl alcohol to manufacture processed wet human amniotic membrane (PW-HAM). The dry type of PD-HAM was prepared by decellularizing the membrane, UV irradiating it, lyophilizing/freeze-drying it, sterilizing it, and storing it at room temperature. The UP-HAM consists of a translucent yellowish mass of flexible membranes with an average thickness of 42 μm. PW-HAM wound dressings that had been processed, decellularized, and dehydrated had a thinner average thickness of 30 μm and lacked nuclear-cellular structures. Following successful decellularization, discrete bundle of fibrous components in the stromal spongy layers, microvilli and reticular ridges were still evident on the surface of the processed HAM, possibly representing the location of the cells that had been removed by the decellularization process. Both wet and dry HAM wound dressings are durable, portable, have a shelf life of 3–5 years, and are available all year. A slice of HAM dressing costs 1.0 US$/cm². Automation and large-scale HAM membrane preparation, as well as storage and transportation of the dressings, can all help to establish advanced technologies, improve the efficiency of membrane production, and reduce costs. Successful treatment of wounds to the cornea of the eye was achieved with the application of the HAM wound dressings. The HAM protein analysis revealed 360 μg proteins per gram of tissue, divided into three main fractions with MWs of 100 kDa, 70 kDa, and 14 kDa, as well as seven minor proteins, with the 14 kDa protein displaying antibacterial properties against human pathogenic bacteria. A wide range of antibacterial activity was observed after treatment with 75 μg/ml zinc oxide nanoparticles derived from human amniotic membrane proteins (HAMP-ZnO NP), including dose-dependent biofilm inhibition and inhibition of Gram-positive (S. aureus, S. mutans, E. faecalis, and L. fusiformis) and Gram-negative bacteria (S. sonnei, P. aeruginosa, P. vulgaris, and C. freundii).

Liquid Based Cytology versus Conventional Cytology for Evaluation of Cervical PAP Smear

The cervix is the narrow inferior segment of the uterus which projects into the vaginal vault.  Conventional cervical cytology is a simple, cost effective method that has been in use for more than 50 years and is still a highly effective cervical cancer screening procedure. Liquid-based, thin-layer preparation of cervical cytology specimens was a subsequent modification in technique. The present study was split-sample study was to compare Thin Prep Liquid-based Cytology with Conventional Pap Smear, relying on a laboratory with long term experience of the former. In our study most of the Conventional preparations showed cell overlapping, inflammatory cells, blood and mucus that obscure the epithelial cell  morphology  which  was much reduced in Liquid based preparations.

Biomass yielding potential of naturally regenerated Prosopis juliflora tree stands at three varied ecosystems in southern districts of Tamil Nadu, India

Fuel energy demand is of great concern in recent times due to the depletion of fossil fuel resources. Biomass serves as widely available primary renewable energy source. Hence, a study was performed to assess the above-ground biomass yielding capability of fuel wood tree Prosopis juliflora in three varied ecosystems viz., coastal, fallow land and riparian ecosystems in southern districts of Tamil Nadu. The results showed that the biomass production potential and above-ground net primary productivity of P. juliflora depend on the age of the tree stands and the nature of ecosystem. A higher biomass yield was observed for P. juliflora trees with 5 to 10 years old when compared to less than 5 years of their age. Among the three ecosystems, the maximum biomass production was recorded in riparian ecosystem. The stands with less than 5-year-old P. juliflora trees gave 1.40 t/ha, and 5- to 10-year-old tree stands produced 27.69 t/ha in riparian ecosystem. Above-ground net primary productivity of both the age groups was high in fallow land ecosystem. In riparian ecosystem, the wood showed high density and low sulphur content than the other two ecosystems. Hence, P. juliflora biomass can serve as an environmentally and economically feasible fuel as well as their utilization proffers an effective means to control its invasiveness.

The determination of cobalt(II) at DME using catalytic hydrogen current technique in various water samples, agricultural materials and pharmaceuticals

Two novel and facile ligands ammonium piperidine dithiocarbamate (Amm Pip-DTC) and ammonium morpholine dithiocarbamate (Amm Mor-DTC) were synthesized for the development of rapid and cost effective catalytic hydrogen current technique to analyze cobalt(II) in the presence of NH(4)Cl-NH(4)OH at pH 7.8 and 8.4 with Amm Pip-DTC and Amm Mor-DTC. These ligands produce catalytic hydrogen currents with Co(II) at peak potentials -1.24 V and -1.44 V vs. SCE respectively. Quantitative experimental conditions are developed by studying effect of pH, supporting electrolyte (NH(4)Cl), ligand and metal ion concentrations and effect of adverse ions on peak height to improve the sensitivity, selectivity and detection limits of the catalytic hydrogen current technique and compared it in terms of Student's t test and variance ratio f test with differential pulse polarographic (DPP) method. The developed technique was applied for the analysis of cobalt(II) in various water samples, agricultural materials and pharmaceuticals and the results obtained are in good agreement with the DPP data.

A rare case of pulmonary nocardiasis in an AIDS patient

Nocardia infections are rare among normal individuals. Mostly they occur in immuno-compromised individuals. Here, we report a case of pulmonary nocardiosis in a person who was diagnosed as having pulmonary tuberculosis and was treated with anti-tuberculous treatment for 6 months. But the sputum smear was positive even after a complete course of treatment. The patient was seropositive to HIV-1 antibodies.

Trichophyton violaceum: a rare isolate in 18-day-old neonate

Trichophyton violaceum, a less common and geographically restricted infection is reported in a 18-day-old neonate. The diagnosis was made by potassium hydroxide of skin scraping examination and confirmed by culture. The patient was treated successfully with miconazole nitrate application. A large family with crowded living was considered the main predisposing factor.

Diagnostic role of stool culture & toxin detection in antibiotic associated diarrhoea due to Clostridium difficile in children

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Mere diagnosis of Clostridium difficile by culture does not help in the diagnosis of antibiotic associated diarrhoeae (AAD) due to C. difficile. Detection of toxins A and B form the mainstay in the diagnosis of AAD due to C. difficile. This study was undertaken to find out the role of stool culture and toxin detection in the diagnosis of AAD due to C. difficile. As there are very few documented reports from India about AAD due to C. difficile in children in the age group of 5-12 yr, this age group was selected.

METHODS

Faecal samples were collected from 250 hospitalized children in the age group of 5-12 yr who developed diarrhoea on receiving antibiotics for different medical problems for more than five days duration. Also faecal samples of 250 age and sex matched controls were collected. Culture for C. difficile was done on cycloserine cefoxitin fructose egg yolk agar (CCFA) and colonies were identified by standard laboratory techniques. ELISA for toxins A and B detection and tissue culture on HeLa cells for toxin B detection were also done.

RESULTS

Overall positivity was 18 per cent in this study group compared to the controls (P<0.001). Maximum positive cases were in 5-8 yr age group (84.4%). Severe diarrhoea, liquid stool with mucus and blood, faecal leucocytes >5/high power field, altered flora and presence of Gram-positive bacilli with oval subterminal spores on Gram stain were sensitive predictors for diagnosis of AAD due to C. difficile. Amongst positive cases, 68.9 per cent responded to discontinuation of antibiotics and 31.1 per cent to metronidazole therapy.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

C. difficile was an important pathogen responsible for antibiotic associated diarrhoea (AAD) in children of 5-12 yr age group. Conservative use of antibiotics would be beneficial to decrease the incidence of AAD.

Electrochemical Study of Potassium Isobutyl Xanthate at a Mercury Electrode

Polarographic studies of potassium isobutyl xanthate at a mercury electrode reveal that the product of an anodic reaction is strongly adsorbed at the mercury surface, as indicated by a prewave. The adsorbed film greatly affects the characteristics of the anodic wave of xanthate in an aqeous medium. The current of total wave is proportional to the concentration of xanthate from 0.32 to 1.6 mM.

Vibrionaceae from cases of acute diarrhoea and their antimicrobial sensitivity pattern - a five year prospective study

Over a five year period, stool samples were screened for Vibrionaceae from cases of acute diarrhoea, to study their isolation rate and their antimicrobial sensitivity pattern. All the isolates were identified by standard laboratory techniques. A total of 323 species belonging to Vibrionaceae were isolated from 4492 stool samples tested over five year period (1996-2000), giving a positivity rate of 7.2%. Maximum isolation was during the months of May to August (62.5%). Out of 323 isolates, Vibrio spp. comprised 252 and 93.3% of them were Vibrio cholerae O1 biotype El Tor. Aeromonas spp. were isolated from 71 samples and 64.8% of them were A. hydrophila. V. cholerae showed 86.8% sensitivity to amikacin followed by 73.8% to cefotaxime. Tetracycline sensitivity was only 39.6%. Aeromonas spp. also showed maximum sensitivity to amikacin (70.4%). Isolation of Vibrio spp. have increased over the years, whereas Aeromonas spp. have decreased. Amikacin sensitivity has remained within 70-80% over the years, cefotaxime sensitivity has increased and tetracycline sensitivity has decreased.

Helicobacter pylori in duodenal ulcer disease and its eradication

Antral biopsy specimens were processed for Helicobacter pylori by Gram staining, rapid urease test (RUT) and culture from 25 patients with symptoms of duodenal ulcer, amongst whom the positivity rate was 84%. Follow up of 16 patients after appropriate therapy showed complete regression of the disease in 87.5% of cases whereas in 12.5% of cases a decrease in the extent of duodenal ulceration was noted.

Aeromonas species isolated from cases of acute gastroenteritis

A total of 67 Aeromonas strains were isolated as the sole bacterial pathogen from 1485 patients with acute gastroenteritis. A. hydrophila (64.2%) was the predominant isolate followed by A. sobria (28.4%) and A.caviae (7.4%). Majority of the isolates were sensitive to gentamicin, nalidixic acid but were resistant to ampicillin. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of resistant strains of Aeromonas to ampicillin ranged from 80-1280 microg/mL.

Regional odontodysplasia (Ghost teeth). A case report

Regional odontodysplasia is a rare development anomaly affecting the teeth with an unknown etiology. This dental abnormality involves the hard tissues of the teeth that are derived from both epithelial (enamel) and mesenchymal (dentine & cementum) components of the tooth forming apparatus. Teeth in a region or quadrant of maxilla or mandible are affected to the extent that they exhibit short roots, wide open apical foramen and large pulp chamber, the thinness and poor mineralisation qualities of th enamel and dentine layers have given rise to a faint radiolucent image, hence the term "Ghost teeth". Both the permanent teeth and the deciduous teeth are affected. Females are more commonly affected than males. There is a maxillary predominance (2.5:1) with a predilection for the anterior teeth. Eruption of the affected teeth is delayed or does not occur. Because of the poor quality of the affected teeth, they cannot be rehabilitated for functional use therefore the treatment of choice is extraction with prosthetic replacement. However, necrosis and facial cellulitis appear to be a complication if these teeth are retained. A unique case of regional odontodysplasia affecting the entire right quadrant of mandible is reported here.

Salmonella enteritidis meningitis - a case report

A male infant admitted with pyogenic meningitis with protein energy malnutrition developed fatal infection due to Salmonella enteritidis. The same organism was isolated from CSF and blood cultures.

Anaerobic bacteraemia: a review of 17 cases

Of 93 blood cultures received with a suspicion of anaerobic bacteraemia over a period of two years, only 17 (18.3%) showed anaerobic growth. Twelve grew anaerobes alone while five had a polymicrobial flora. Seven of these patients (4.3%) had pre-existing heart disease while others had history of prior surgery, diabetes mellitus or urinary tract infection. Oropharynx was the commonest portal of entry, followed by gastrointestinal tract. The anaerobes isolated were anaerobic streptococci, Bacteroides fragilis group and Bilophila and Eubacterium species. Fifteen patients developed major complications such as congestive cardiac failure, systemic embolisation, and perforative peritonitis. The mortality rate among the cases with anaerobic bacteraemia was 23.5% in this study.

C-reactive protein and buffy coat smear in early diagnosis of childhood septicemia

Out of 200 cases of septicemia in children (age group 0-14 years), 111 had positive C-Reactive Protein (CRP > 12 mg/l) and 84 were buffy coat smear positive. Blood culture was positive in 98 cases, with predominant organism being Klebsiella pneumoniae, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. CRP test showed 100% sensitivity and 87.3% specificity, while buffy coat smear showed 76.5% sensitivity and 91.2% specificity. As blood culture reports are not available before 48-72 hours, combination of CRP test and buffy coat smear examination will be very helpful in early diagnosis of childhood septicemia.

Serogroup prevalence of Shigellae in Bombay

Prevalence of Shigellae serotypes in Bombay was studied from June 1988 to May 1991. A total of 2758 faecal specimens were collected from paediatric patients (< 12 yrs) with acute gastroenteritis. A total of 90 Shigella were isolated giving the isolation rate of 3.2%. Shigella flexneri was the predominant serogroup (73.3%) followed by Shigella dysenteriae (16.6%). All the isolates were sensitive to nalidixic acid. Eighty percent of the Shigellae were multidrug resistant. Present data were compared with the study carried out during the period of 1983-87 from the same institute. A change in the serogroup prevalence was noted wherein Shigella flexneri dominated over Shigella dysenteriae since 1985. Increase in resistance to ampicillin and cotrimoxazole was seen in Shigella flexneri strains as compared to previous years.

Aeromonas spp. and their association with human diarrheal disease

Between January 1988 and December 1989 Aeromonas species were isolated from 45 (1.8%) of 2,480 patients with acute gastroenteritis. No other bacterial enteric pathogens were found in any of these 45 patients. Of the 45 Aeromonas isolates, 35 strains (77.8%) were Aeromonas hydrophila, 7 (15.5%) were Aeromonas sobria, and 3 (6.7%) were Aeromonas caviae. Most of the patients were under 5 years of age. No bacterial enteric pathogens, including Aeromonas species, were isolated from 512 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Examination of the Aeromonas isolates for exotoxin production (enterotoxin and hemolysin) indicated that all strains, irrespective of species, were enterotoxin positive (rabbit ileal loop model) and hemolysin positive (rabbit erythrocyte model). These results suggest that Aeromonas species are potential enteric pathogens in our geographical region.

A study of V. cholerae strains isolated in Bombay

Of 935 faecal samples studied over a period of one year, V. cholerae 01 was isolated from 102 samples (10.9%). All the strains were found to be E1 Tor Ogawa. The strains belonging to the phage types 2 and 4 were encountered in our study, type 2 being the highest (76.5%). The sensitivity pattern of all strains to the commonly used antibiotics was determined. Strains sensitive to gentamicin (92.2%), nalidixic acid (85.3%), kanamycin (83.3%), cotrimoxazole (80.4%) and chloramphenicol (75.5%) were observed. Out of the total, 36.3%, 29.4% and 28.4% of V. cholerae strains were found to be resistant to ampicillin, streptomycin and tetracycline respectively. V. cholerae was isolated throughout the year indicating the endemicity of cholera in Bombay.