FSPBO-DQN: SeGAN based segmentation and Fractional Student Psychology Optimization enabled Deep Q Network for skin cancer detection in IoT applications.

Skin cancer is one of the dangerous types of cancer and the rate of death is increasing due to the lack of knowledge in prevention and the symptoms. It is a common cancer type around the world and it occurs when the skin cells are damaged. Hence, the detection of skin cancer near the beginning is important to prevent the spread of cancer and to increase the survival rate. Recently, image processing and machine learning techniques gained more interest in medical applications. However, early analysis of skin cancer images is very challenging due to factors, like variations in the color illumination, light reflections from the skin surface, and different sizes and shapes of lesions. To detect skin cancer at an early stage and to increase the survival rate, an effective skin cancer detection method is introduced in this study using the proposed Fractional Student Psychology Based Optimization-based Deep Q Network (FSPBO-based DQN) in the wireless network scenario. At first, the nodes simulated in the network area are allowed to capture the healthcare information to make the detection strategy using the proposed method. Then, the routing is performed by the proposed Fractional Student Psychology Based Optimization (FSPBO) algorithm by considering the fitness parameters, like distance, energy, trust, and delay. After the images (healthcare information) are reached the Base Station (BS), the pre-processing, segmentation, and cancer detection processes are carried out to detect the skin lesions. Initially, the image is fed to pre-processing phase, where a Type II Fuzzy System and cuckoo search optimization algorithm (T2FCS) filter is employed to remove the noise of images. Then, the pre-processed images are fed to the segmentation phase, where speech enhancement Generative Adversarial Network (SeGAN) is used to generate the segmented results. Afterward, the Deep Q Network (DQN) detects the skin cancer based on the segmented results, and the training of DQN is made using the proposed FSPBO algorithm, which is designed by integrating the Student Psychology Based Optimization (SPBO) and Fractional Calculus (FC). The proposed method is more robust and reduces computation time and complexity. Moreover, the proposed method achieved higher performance by considering the measures, namely accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity with the values of 92.364%, 93.20%, and 92.63%.

Enhanced chaotic JAYA algorithm for parameter estimation of photovoltaic cell/modules.

Parameters for defining photovoltaic models using measured voltage-current​ characteristics are essential for simulation, control, and evaluation of photovoltaic-based systems. This paper proposes an enhanced chaotic JAYA algorithm to classify the parameters of various photovoltaic models, such as the single-diode and double-diode models, accurately and reliably. The proposed algorithm introduces a self-adaptive weight to regulate the trend to reach the optimal solution and avoid the worst solution in various phases of the search space. The self-adaptive weight capability also allows the proposed technique to reach the best solution at the earliest phase, and later, the local search process starts, which also increase the ability to explore. A three different chaotic process, including sine, logistics and tent map, is proposed to optimize the consistency of each generation's best solution. The proposed algorithm and its variants proposed are used to solve the parameter estimation problem of various PV models. To show the proficiency of the suggested algorithm and its variants, an extensive simulation is carried out using MATLAB/Simulink software. Two statistical tests are conducted and compared with the latest techniques for validating the performance of the suggested algorithm and its variants. Comprehensive analysis and experimental results display that the suggested algorithm can achieve highly competitive efficiency in terms of accuracy and reliability compared to other algorithms in the literature. This research will be backed up with extra online service and guidance for the paper's source code at https://premkumarmanoharan.wixsite.com/mysite.

Rapid and simple method of photobleaching to reduce background autofluorescence in lung tissue sections.

Autofluorescence exhibited by tissues often interferes with immunofluorescence. Using imaging and spectral analysis, we observed remarkable reduction of autofluorescence of formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues irradiated with light prior to incubation with immunofluorescent dyes. The technique of photobleaching offers significant improvement in the quality and specificity of immunofluorescence. This has the potential for better techniques for disease diagnosis.

Correlation of clinical profiles with obstructive sleep apnea and metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition being increasingly recognized and is associated with many diseases. Few data are available for Indian patients and public health hazard of the condition continues to be seriously underestimated in this country. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia (HLP) in a South Indian population with proven OSA. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data accrued in patients undergoing polysomnography (PSG) was undertaken. Two hundred thirty-four patients of either sex in the age of 54 ± 11 years who tested positive for OSA were compared with control group. An apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of >5 in the presence of snoring and daytime somnolence was taken to define sleep apnea. RESULTS: The mean AHI among the study group with OSA was 31.3 ± 18.6 as compared with 1.2 ± 0.5 in the control group. The BMI among patients with OSA was 36 ± 6 as compared with 29 ± 4 in comparison group (p < 0.001). Among the patients with OSA, 31% were having HLP, 59% were diabetics, and 86% were hypertensive. Subjects with PSG-proven OSA had significant levels of day time sleepiness, lack of concentration, changes in mood, morning headache, and dry mouth. Nonrestorative sleep, awakening with choking, nocturnal dyspnea, insomnia with frequent awakenings, nocturia, and diaphoresis were observed in (>80%) patients. A significant difference in the sleep efficiency (16%), sleep onset (14%), and mean saturation (9%) was observed in the study group as compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and HLP in OSA syndrome patients was almost three times more than that of the comparing group.

Hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of selenocystine in experimental liver injury of rats.

The study was evaluated to investigate the efficacy of selenocystine (CysSeSeCys), a well-known organoselenium compound, on the prevention of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced acute hepatic injury in Wistar rats. Forty healthy male Wistar rats were utilized in this study. Acute hepatotoxicity was induced by CCl(4) intoxication in rats. Serum biological analysis, oxidative stress, immune parameters, and gene expression of COX-2 and CYP2E1 were carried out. Pretreatment of CysSeSeCys prior to CCl(4) administration significantly prevented an increase in serum hepatic enzymatic activities. In addition, pretreatment of CysSeSeCys significantly prevented the formation of ROS, MDA, depletion of glutathione, and alteration of antioxidant enzyme activities in the liver of CCl(4)-intoxicated rats. This study also revealed that pretreatment with CysSeSeCys normalized the levels of interleukin 6 and10, IgG, and CD4 cell count. Pretreatment of CysSeSeCys significantly reversed COX-2 inflammatory response and the upregulation of CYP2E1 expression as well. Histopathological changes induced by CCl(4) were also significantly attenuated by CysSeSeCys pretreatment. CysSeSeCys has a potent hepatoprotective effect on CCl(4)-induced liver injury in rats through its antioxidative, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity.

Anti-hemolytic and peroxyl radical scavenging activity of organoselenium compounds: an in vitro study.

Selenium-containing amino acids, selenocystine (CysSeSeCys), methylselenocysteine (MeSeCys), and selenomethionine (SeMet) have been examined for anti-hemolytic and peroxyl radical scavenging ability. Effect of these compounds on membrane lipid peroxidation, release of hemoglobin, and loss of intracellular K(+) ion as a consequence of peroxyl radicals-induced oxidation of human red blood cells were used to evaluate their anti-hemolytic ability. The peroxyl radicals were generated from thermal degradation of 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride. Significant delay (t(eff)) was observed in oxidative damage in the presence of the selenium compounds. From the IC(50) values for the inhibition of hemolysis, lipid peroxidation, and K(+) ion leakage, the relative anti-hemolytic ability of the compounds were found to be in the order of CysSeSeCys > MeSeCys > SeMet. The anti-hemolytic abilities of the compounds, when compared with sodium selenite (Na(2)SeO(3)) under identical experimental conditions, were found to be better than Na(2)SeO(3). Relative rate constants estimated for the reaction of MeSeCys and SeMet with peroxyl radicals by competition kinetics using ABTS(2-) as a reference confirmed that all the compounds are efficient peroxyl radical scavengers. Comparison of the GPx-like activity of these compounds, by NADPH-GSH reductase coupled assay, indicated that CysSeSeCys exhibits the highest activity. Based on these results, it is concluded that among the compounds examined, CysSeSeCys, possessing the ability to reduce peroxyl radicals and hydroperoxides showed efficient anti-hemolytic activity.

Exposure to benzene induces oxidative stress, alters the immune response and expression of p53 in gasoline filling workers.

BACKGROUND: Chronic exposure to benzene can lead to deleterious effects on many biological systems including blood and blood-forming organs. We investigated the adverse effects of benzene among workers occupationally exposed to benzene in India. METHODS: Four hundred twenty-eight gasoline filling workers occupationally exposed to benzene and 78 unexposed individuals were recruited for this study. Benzene concentration was determined by gas chromatography, reactive oxygen species (ROS) by dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) method, malondialdehyde (MDA) by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay (TBARS), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) by RANSOD kit and glutathione (GSH) by 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) reaction, respectively. CD4, CD8, IgG were carried out by using fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS Calibur) and mRNA expression of p53 by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). RESULTS: A significant increase in the concentration of benzene and its byproducts in both blood and urine were found in the workers compared with the controls. The levels of ROS and MDA were significantly elevated, and GSH and total T-SOD were decreased in the workers compared with the controls. A statistically significant decrease in the immunoglobulin levels, CD4T cells, CD4/CD8 ratio was observed in workers (vs. controls), whereas no significant difference was observed in CD8T cells. p53 gene expression was markedly higher in workers than in controls. CONCLUSION: Occupational exposure to benzene causes oxidative stress, immune suppression and increases the expression of tumor-suppressing gene p53 in gasoline filling workers. These bio-functional markers might be useful in screening and surveillance for occupational hazard.

Antibacterial and ulcer healing effects of organoselenium compounds in naproxen induced and Helicobacter pylori infected Wistar rat model.

Aim of the present study was to evaluate in vitro toxicity and in vivo antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, and antioxidant activities of two organoselenium compounds, selenocystine (SeCys) and ebselen (Ebs). The study was conducted in experimentally induced ulcers in rodent model infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). In vitro toxicological studies on normal splenic lymphocytes revealed that SeCys and Ebs were non-toxic to the cells even at 100 µM concentration. Antibacterial activity was observed at 500 µg/mL concentration of either of the compounds against H. pylori. In vivo studies after treatment with SeCys and Ebs (500 µg/kg/day) resulted in significant reduction in ROS production and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in gastric tissue. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of both the compounds were also confirmed by their ability to lower GSH reduction, to induce the expression of antioxidant genes such as GPx-4, and MnSOD and to suppress inflammatory genes namely COX-2, TNF-α and TGF-ß. In addition, the immunomodulatory activity of both the compounds was evident by enhance of the CD4 levels and maintenance of the IgG, IL-6 and IL-10 levels. Persistent treatment (500 µg/kg, for 28 days) with both the compounds showed considerable (p<0.05) ulcer healing property supporting its role in gastro protection. In conclusion, the results of our study suggest that both SeCys and Ebs possess broad spectrum of activities without any potential toxicity.

Relevance of Helicobacter pylori genotypes in gastric pathology and its association with plasma malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels.

Persistent infection with Helicobacter pylori confers an increased risk of peptic ulceration and gastric adenocarcinoma. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species play a crucial role in the progression from normal gastric mucosa to cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the plasma malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels in H. pylori related gastroduodenal diseases and associate their levels with gastric pathology and genotypes of H. pylori. Malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels in plasma samples of 250 subjects were spectrophotometrically determined. Subsequently, genotypic and histopathological assessment was performed in gastric biopsies obtained during endoscopy. The levels of MDA and NO exceeded in subjects infected with genotype-1 of Hp than those with other genotypes suggesting more precise interaction of highly virulent strains of Hp in eliciting severe tissue damage. In conclusion, the study demonstrates close relationship between the plasma malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, gastric histopathology and genotypes of H. pylori.

Anti-unlcer and antimicrobial activities of sodium selenite against Helicobacter pylori: in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Abstract We examined sodium selenite, an inorganic selenium supplement, for its ulcer healing properties and antimicrobial activity against gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined using disk diffusion and flow cytometry. The studies were performed over a concentration range of 1 microg/ml to 500 microg/ml sodium selenite. Mild activity was seen at 10 microg/ml and 50 microg/ml, a moderate response at 100 microg/ml and strong response at 500 microg/ml with a MIC value of 10 microg/ml. The compound was found to be active at low pH without any resistance after 10 passages. Flow cytometry data showed a characteristic shift of the viability peak in comparison with the control, thereby confirming the bactericidal effects of sodium selenite. Sodium selenite administered in Wistar rats, pre-ulcerated with naproxen and infected with H. pylori, showed ulcer healing and anti-H. pylori activity at a concentration range of 10-50 microg/rat; however concentrations of 100 microg/rat and 500 microg/rat were found to be toxic in the in vivo studies. In conclusion, sodium selenite shows both ulcer healing and anti-H. pylori activity at a low concentration (10 microg/rat) without toxicity.

In vitro radioprotection studies of organoselenium compounds: differences between mono- and diselenides.

Organoselenium compounds belonging to the class of monoselenides, such as selenomethionine (SeM) and methylselenocysteine (MSeCys) and diselenides including selenocystine (SeCys) and selenopropionic acid (SePA), were examined for their comparative radioprotective effects using in vitro models. Effects of these compounds on the inhibition of gamma-radiation induced lipid peroxidation in liposomes, protein carbonylation in bovine serum albumin (BSA) and strand breaks in pBR322 plasmid DNA, assessed, respectively, by the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, formation of 2,2'-dinitrophenyl hydrazine (DNPH) carbonyl complex and horizontal gel electrophoresis, were used to compare their radioprotective ability. The IC 50 values for SeCys, SePA, SeM and MSeCys for lipid peroxidation were 27 +/- 1, 33 +/- 2, 200 +/- 8 and 163 +/- 4 microM, respectively, and the values for inhibition of protein carbonylation were >200, 300 +/- 6, 464 +/- 8 and 436 +/- 3 microM, respectively. Inhibition of DNA strand break formation was tested at 200 microM for all the compounds and SePA and SeCys exhibited a protective effect on DNA, while SeM and MSeCys did not lead to any protection. The in vitro cytotoxicity studies in normal and tumor cells revealed that MSeCys and SeM were not cytotoxic to lymphocytes and EL4 tumor cells at the concentrations employed. In contrast, SeCys was toxic, with a higher effect on tumor cells than lymphocytes. Our studies suggest that the non-toxic diselenides like SePA should be explored as protective agents against gamma-irradiation induced damage.

A comparative clinical survey of the prevalence of refractive errors and eye diseases in urban and rural school children.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of refractive error and common ocular diseases in school-aged children in urban and rural populations in and around Hyderabad, India. DESIGN: Population-based, cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 3314 school children, 1789 from urban areas and 1525 from rural areas. METHODS: The examination included visual acuity measurements, retinoscopy and autorefraction under cycloplegia, examination of the anterior segment and external eye, and ocular motility evaluation. RESULTS: In the urban group the prevalence of uncorrected presenting and best-corrected visual impairment (< or = 20/40 in the better eye) was 9.8%, which dropped to 7.1% with presenting vision and was further reduced to 1.1% with best-corrected visual acuity. Uncorrected visual acuity in the rural group was 6.6%, which dropped to 3.3% with presenting vision and was further reduced to 2.5% with best-corrected visual acuity. The prevalence of refractive error was greater (25.2%) in the urban than the rural group (8%). Myopia measured with autorefraction was observed in 51.4% of urban children and 16.7% in rural children. Increased literacy rate, duration of study hours, and older age of the child were found to have contributed more to the prevalence of myopia in the urban group. Hyperopia with autorefraction was found to be 3.3% in the urban and 3.1% in the rural group. Hyperopia was associated with younger age in the study group. Trachoma was the leading cause of ocular morbidity in the rural group (3.5%) compared with the urban group (0.16%). Night blindness was reported in 3.2% of children in the rural group and 0.33% in the urban group. Vitamin A deficiency, low socio-economic status, and poor personal and environmental hygienic practice were found to have a positive correlation with ocular morbidity among rural group children. CONCLUSIONS: Provision of health education, periodic visual screening programs, and primary eye care by trained health care personnel in the elementary schools will prevent the prevalence of refractive errors and common ocular diseases in school children.

Impact of organic solvents and environmental pollutants on the physiological function in petrol filling workers.

Long term exposure to solvents and air pollutants can lead to deleterious effects on respiratory, haematological and thyroid functioning. The aim of this study was to investigate whether chronic exposure to solvents like benzene and pollutants like carbon monoxide in petrol filling workers had adverse effect on blood parameters, thyroid and respiratory functions. The study group consisted of 42 healthy, non-smoker petrol filling workers, aged 20-50 years with work (exposure) duration from 2-15 years while 36 healthy subjects of the same age group served as controls. Physical examination and measurement of pulmonary functions by portable electronic spirometer were performed. Complete blood pictures (CBP) were determined by normal haematology lab procedure and hormones by Chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) light absorption techniques. There was a significant decrease in the lung volumes and capacities; the restrictive pattern was more prevalent in the workers when compared with the control groups. But in the workers exposed for long period (more than 10 years) the restrictive pattern was changed to mixed pattern. A significant increase in haemoglobin (Hb) (>16 mg %) and red blood cells (RBC) (5.4 million cells/mm3) were observed in workers with longer period of exposure when compared with the control subjects (14.483 mg% and 4.83 million cells/mm3 for Hb and RBC respectively). White blood cell count except eosinophils and platelets were significantly lower in workers compared to controls. Marked increase in the tetra iodothyroinine (T4), free thyroxine (T4F) level and significant decrease in thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH), and tri-iodothyronine (T3) were observed between long term exposed and non-exposed groups. Till now researchers focused only on the effect of solvents in workers professionally exposed to solvents without considering the effect of concomittant air pollution. The result obtained from present study indicates that there is a significant toxic effect of solvents and air pollutants on workers exposed for longer duration. Improved detection and prevention technologies are needed to answer environmentally related health questions for petrol filling workers.