Antimicrobial and toxicity properties of crystalline potassium tetrachlorocuprate (II) dehydrate

In the current scenario, microbial infections are major concern and they multiply so rapidly throughout the world; also, they cause serious bio illness and can even results in death among humans. Complexes framed by crystalline metal ions have been used as medications, because of a wide range of organic activities against harmful microorganisms. In the present study, greenish blue potassium tetrachlorocuprate (II) dihydrate K2CuCl4.2H2O crystalline precipitates were prepared by solvent evaporation method at ambient temperature. This complex was found in nature as a rare mineral Mitscherlichite. For finding the crystalline parameters of the sample, a Single-crystal XRD analysis was used and the data confirms. K2CuCl4.2H2O crystallizes into a tetragonal structure. The formation of bonds and the presence of functional groups in the complex were determined from Surface morphology studies, the very clear morphology of the complex has smoothing surface, defect-free, small microstructures and stacklike shapes of a well-defined crystalline pattern. Also, addition, optical analysis supports that its possibility in antimicrobial applications. The sample shows comparatively good results in positive control of antibacterial and antifungal activities, namely Gentamicin, Chloramphenicol and Clotrimazole. IC50 and optical density (OD) values were used to determine the cytotoxicity and cell viability, respectively. In vitro cytotoxicity of MTT assay shows in graphical abstract.

A Genetic Algorithm Approach for Semi-Supervised Clustering Algorithm

Introduction:A semi-supervised clustering algorithm is proposed that combines the benefits of supervised and unsupervised learningmethods. The approach allows unlabeled data with no known class to be used to improve classification accuracy [2]. The objectivefunction of an unsupervised technique, e.g. K-means clustering, is modified to minimize both the cluster dispersion of the inputattributes and a measure of cluster impurity based on the class labels. Minimizing the cluster dispersion of the examples is a form ofcapacity control to prevent over fitting [4]. For the output labels, impurity measures from decision tree algorithms such as the Gini indexcan be used. A genetic algorithm optimizes the objective function to produce clusters. Experimental results show that using classinformation improves the generalization ability compared to unsupervised methods based only on the input attributes [6]. Trainingusing information from unlabeled data can improve classification accuracy on that data as well. Genetic Algorithms (GAs) have beenwidely used in optimization problems for their high ability in seeking better and acceptable solutions within limited time. Clusteringensemble has emerged as another flavour of optimal solutions for generating more stable and robust partition from existing clusters [1].GAs has proved a major contribution to find consensus cluster partitions during clustering ensemble. Currently, web videocategorization has been an ever challenging research area with the popularity of the social web. In this paper, we propose a framework forweb video categorization using their textual features, video relations and web support [3]. There are three contributions in this researchwork. First, we expand the traditional Vector Space Model (VSM) in a more generic manner as Semantic VSM (S-VSM) by including thesemantic similarity between the features terms [5]. This new model has improved the clustering quality in terms of compactness (highintra-cluster similarity) and clearness (low inter-cluster similarity). Second, we optimize the clustering ensemble process with the helpof GA using a novel approach of the fitness function. We define a new measure, Pre-Paired Percentage (PPP), to be used as the fitnessfunction during the genetic cycle for optimization of clustering ensemble process [7]. Third, the most important and crucial step of theGA is to define the genetic operators, crossover and mutation. We express these operators by an intelligent mechanism of clusteringensemble. This approach has produced more logical offspring solutions [9]. Above stated all three contributions have shown remarkableresults in their corresponding areas. Experiments on real world social-web data have been performed to validate our new incrementalnovelties [8]

Lingual frenulum and malocclusion: An overlooked tissue or a minor issue.

Context: Tongue-tie (more formally known as ankyloglossia) is a congenital anomaly characterized by an abnormally short lingual frenulum, which may restrict mobility of the tongue tip impairing its ability to fulfill its functions. The clinical significance of ankyloglossia is varied; rarely symptomatic to a host of problems including infant feeding difficulties, speech disorders, malocclusions, and others. Aims: The need of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and severity of tongue-tie and its association with the type of malocclusions in two populations and also to correlate the various malocclusion traits with the grades of tongue-tie. Subjects and Methods: A total of 700 school children in the age group of 9–17 years were examined for the presence of tongue-tie, 350 from regular schools and 350 from special schools. The presence was evaluated, measured, and graded into Grades I–V according to Kotlow’s method. The malocclusion was assessed according to Angle’s classification. Severity of crowding was assessed by Little’s irregularity index in each case. Various other malocclusion traits were visually assessed, in relation to the positions of the teeth. Statistical Analysis Used: Spearman’s rank correlation method was used to test the relationship between type of malocclusions, grades of tongue-tie and severity of crowding. Significance was considered at the (P < 0.05) level. Results: Statistically significant differences were seen between grades of tongue-tie and Angle’s types of malocclusion and Spearman’s correlation between them showed negative correlation. The Spearman’s correlation showed a negative correlation between tongue-tie grades and severity of crowding. Conclusions: As the grade of tongue-tie increased, its association with Classes I and II malocclusion decreased. The lower grades of tongue-tie are associated with increased lower incisor crowding. Shorter, tight frenulums are more associated with maxillary constriction, anterior open bite, and spacing of the lower anteriors.

A study of gender preference, knowledge and attitude regarding prenatal diagnostic techniques act among pregnant women in an urban slum of Bengaluru.

Background: Preference for a son continues to be a prevalent norm even in modern India which is evident from the recent census report. The most alarming aspect is a further fall in child sex ratio (0-6 years) from 927 in 2001 to 914 in 2011. Sex selective abortion is the major factor responsible for this unfavorable trend. The objective was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of pregnant women regarding Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act and gender preference. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in100 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinics of Sulthanpalaya Urban health center, Bangalore. A pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used to get information. Data was analyzed by using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) 16.0. Results: In this study 53% showed preference for a male child. Only 37% were aware about the decline in sex ratio and 59% knew that PNDT act existed and sex determination was legally wrong. Over all 41% had poor knowledge. Whereas 43% had average and 16% had good knowledge and 74% had the right attitude in this study. Good knowledge about PNDT act had significant influence on the attitude of the people (p< 0.05). Conclusion: The falling ratio of girl child is a matter of grave concern. Effective implementation of the PNDT Act in addition to spreading awareness about this act among people is the need of the hour. Moreover, it is necessary to gear efforts against the cultural, economic and religious roots of this social malady by woman empowerment.

A study on the prevalence of refractive errors among school childern of 7-15 years age group in the field practice areas of a medical college in bangalore.

Background: Refractive Error is an avoidable cause of visual impairment. Diagnosis and Treatment of refractive errors is the simplest and most effective forms of eye care. Aims & Objective: To study the prevalence and determinants of uncorrected refractive errors, among school children of 7-15 years. Material and Methods: The study was a cross sectional study of 1378 government school children of 7- 15 years age group in both rural and urban field practice areas of Dr. BR Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore. Students were screened for defective vision with the help of Snellen’s chart and refractionist confirmed the findings. Students with refractive error were provided with spectacles free of cost. Data was analysed to determine the prevalence of refractive errors among the school children. Results: 687 children of urban and 691 children of rural area were examined. 53.6% of the study population were boys and 46.4% were girls. The mean age of the study group was 12.4 years. The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error in urban and rural children was 7.03%. The prevalence of Myopia, Hypermetropia and Astigmatism in children was 4.4%, 1.03%, 1.6% respectively. Children 13 to years 15 attending urban schools were most likely to have uncorrected myopia. Hypermetropia was associated with younger age group and female children. Conclusion: The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error, especially myopia, was higher in older children. Causes of higher prevalence and barriers to refractive error correction services should be identified and addressed. Eye screening of school children is recommended.