Artificial neural network and medicine.

The introduction of human brain functions such as perception and cognition into the computer has been made possible by the use of Artificial Neural Network (ANN). ANN are computer models inspired by the structure and behavior of neurons. Like the brain, ANN can recognize patterns, manage data and most significantly, learn. This learning ability, not seen in other computer models simulating human intelligence, constantly improves its functional accuracy as it keeps on performing. Experience is as important for an ANN as it is for man. It is being increasingly used to supplement and even (may be) replace experts, in medicine. However, there is still scope for improvement in some areas. Its ability to classify and interpret various forms of medical data comes as a helping hand to clinical decision making in both diagnosis and treatment. Treatment planning in medicine, radiotherapy, rehabilitation, etc. is being done using ANN. Morbidity and mortality prediction by ANN in different medical situations can be very helpful for hospital management. ANN has a promising future in fundamental research, medical education and surgical robotics.

Biological characteristics of the peptides a and β isolated from bovine seminal plasma.

The bull seminal plasma peptides a and β have been examined for their biological properties. While both the peptides were able to inhibit the human chorionic gonadotropin-dependent uterine response in the mouse, a alone exhibits the property of suppressing post-castrational rise in gonadotropin in appropriate animal models. This suggests that the peptide β must be acting directly on the ovary to suppress estrogen production and, consequently, the uterine weight increase. Such a possibility was confirmed when a and β were examined by the coupled bioassay which is capable of discriminating between pituitary feedback factors and those acting directly on the gonad. In a test system designed to examine chronic effects, both a and β showed evidence of acting directly on the ovary to inhibit human menopausal gonadotropin-induced estrogen production. Such a direct action could not be correlated with the relative potencies of these peptides when examined for their follicle stimulating hormone-receptor binding inhibitor and lutinizing hormonereceptor binding inhibitor activities.

Juvenile T waves (a study of 100 normal subjects).

"Juvenile pattern" of T wave inversion in the precordial leads of electrocardiogram was studied in 100 normal healthy Indians of 0 to 70 years of age in both sexes. Incidence of such pattern was observed in 25 subjects upto 19 years of age. Persons of weight/height ratio less than 30% had higher incidence of juvenile T waves. Maximum incidence (48%) of juvenile T waves was observed in the annual income group of Rs. 15000/-. Exercise ECC showed slight flattening of the inverted T waves in V1 to V3 leads in eight subjects only.