A machine learning and blockchain based secure and cost-effective framework for minor medical consultations.

With the ever-increasing awareness among people regarding their health, visiting a doctor has become quite common. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, home-based consultations are gaining popularity. Nevertheless, the worries over privacy and the lack of willingness to assist patients by the medical professionals in the online consultation process have made current models ineffective. In this paper, we present an advanced protected blockchain-based consultation model for minor medical conditions. Our model not only ensures users' privacy but by incorporating a calculation model, it also offers an opportunity for consulting end-users to voluntarily take part in the consultation process. Our work proposes a smart contract based on machine learning to be implemented for the prediction of a score of a professional who consults based on various prioritized parameters. This is done by using word2vec and TF-IDF weighting to classify the question and cosine similarity scores for detailed orientation analysis. Based on this score, the patient is charged, and simultaneously, the responder is awarded ether. An incentivized method leads to more accessible healthcare while reducing the cost itself.

A Study of Association of Premature Graying of Hair and Osteopenia in North Indian Population.

CONTEXT: Hair graying is one of the signs of human aging and is caused by a progressive loss of pigmentation from growing hair shafts. Studies have shown a correlation of early hair graying with osteopenia, indicating that premature graying could serve as an early marker of osteopenia. AIM: To compare the degree of osteopenia in individuals with premature graying of hair (PGH) compared to ordinary individuals. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: We conducted an observational, case-control study among 132 healthy individuals between 18 and 30 years of age. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Detailed history and examination of PGH was taken. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed using Furuno CM-200 ultrasound bone densitometer. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: SPSS 21 software was used, and the data were summarized in the form of mean ± standard deviation for quantitative values and percentages for qualitative values. Chi-square test, Student's t-test, analysis of variance, and other appropriate tests were applied for comparison, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: PGH was present in 82 (62.1%) cases, whereas osteopenia was present in 56 (42.4%) cases. The mean age of onset of graying of hair among the cases was 20.62 ± 3.74 years. A higher age group of 25-30 years (P = 0.016) and family history of PGH (P < 0.001) were significant risk factors for PGH. The mean BMD of the case group was 0.76 ± 1.00 and the control group was 0.68 ± 1.11, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.649). CONCLUSION: The study concluded that there is no significant association between osteopenia and PGH.

Neonatal Lupus Erythematosus: Varied Clinical Expression of a Spectral Disease.

A preterm, low birth weight (1.45 kg) baby boy, delivered at 32 weeks, was admitted to the neonatal ICU with a low APGAR score assessment of Activity/muscle tone, Pulse/heart rate, Grimace, Appearance, and Respiration. Each criterion is graded from 0 to 2, and a final score is obtained by their sum (0-10). Our patient had a score of 3; poor feeding; failure to thrive; and a red, scaly skin eruption on the face and extremities. Physical examination showed erythematous, crusted lesions over the forehead, cheeks, neck, and arms. His mother had a history of two spontaneous abortions in the previous 2 years and was otherwise asymptomatic. (SKINmed. 2019;17:76-78).

Patch testing in patients with suspected cosmetic dermatitis: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Growing use of cosmetics has led to an increase in the incidence of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to cosmetics. Patch testing helps to confirm allergy to cosmetics and pinpoint the exact offending allergens. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to find the frequency of positive patch test reactions in cases with suspected ACD to cosmetics, and the common allergens responsible for it. METHODS: This is a retrospective record-based study of 58 patients, with suspected ACD to cosmetics, who had undergone patch testing with Indian standard series and Indian cosmetic and fragrance series from January 2013 to December 2015. RESULTS: The majority of patients (60.34%) belonged to the age group of 20-40 years. The most common site of involvement was face (94.8%) followed by neck (22.4%). The most commonly implicated cosmetics in history were soaps (53.4%), and face creams (24.1%). The most common allergens detected on patch testing were cetrimide (20.7%) and thimerosal (15.5%) followed by paraphenylenediamine (6.9%), and fragrance mix (5.2). Positive allergic reactions were obtained in 2.12% of the patches. CONCLUSION: Most common cosmetic products implicated for causing ACD were face creams, soaps, and hair dyes. The principal culprit allergens were cetrimide and thimerosal.

Patch Testing in Patients with Suspected Footwear Dermatitis: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Footwear dermatitis represents a common but often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed condition. Patch testing aids in its confirmation and identification of the offending allergen. AIMS: This study aimed to find the frequency of positive patch test reactions in cases with suspected allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to footwear, as well as the common responsible allergens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective record based study of 37 patients, with suspected ACD to footwear, who underwent patch testing with Indian standard series and Indian footwear series from July 2012 to July 2015. RESULTS: The majority of patients (45.94%) belonged to the age group of 20-40 years. Dorsal aspects of feet (81.08%) and soles (18.92%) were the common sites involved. Patch test was positive in 18.92% patients. The most common causative allergens were hydroquinone monobenzylether (8.11%) and 4-aminoazobenzene (5.41%). CONCLUSION: Common chemicals implicated in ACD were rubber, rubber additives, and dyes. The principal culprit allergens were hydroquinone monobenzylether and 4-aminoazobenzene.

Reappraisal of sexually transmitted infections in children: A hospital-based study from an urban area.

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in children can be acquired either by sexual, or non-sexual route. Sexually transmitted infection (STI) in children reflect the pattern of STI in adult population and the knowledge, attitude and practices of the society. They also serve as an indicator of STI control strategies. AIMS: A retrospective study spanning over a period of 5 years from 2007 to 2011) was undertaken to make a detailed analysis of demographic, behavioral, epidemiological and clinical profile of STD among children (<19 years). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of children attending the STI clinic of Smt. Sucheta Kriplani Hospital from year 2007 to 2011 were studied. Results of Gram's staining, KOH examination, Tzanck smear, culture and serological tests like Venereal Disease Research Laboratory for syphilis and ELISA for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) wherever performed were recorded along with the final diagnosis. RESULTS: The study showed a steady rise in the prevalence of STIs from 1% to 4.9% in the initial 4 years. STIs were more commonly observed in girls (M:F ratio - 1:1.13) and in adolescents >16 years of age. Homosexuality was present in 33.3% of males. History of sexual abuse was given by 4 children. 2 children were seropositive for HIV by ELISA technique. Viral STIs (Cyanea acuminata, molluscum contagiosum, herpes genitalis) were 1.5 times more common than bacterial infections. CONCLUSION: The societal sexual practices have undergone tremendous changes, which is reflected in a steady rise in STIs (predominantly viral), sexual abuse and homosexuality in children. There is an urgent need for strengthening of school health programs aiming at adolescent sexual health.