Deep Neural Networks for Optimal Selection of Features Related to Flu.

In recent times, humans who have been exposed to influenza A viruses (IAV) may not become hostile. Despite the fact that KLRD1 has been discovered as an influenza susceptibility biomarker, it remains to be seen if pre-exposure host gene expression can predict flu symptoms. In this paper, we enable the examination of flu using deep neural networks from input human gene expression datasets with various subtype viruses. This study enables the utilization of these datasets to forecast the spread of flu and can provide the necessary steps to eradicate the flu. The simulation is conducted to test the efficiency of the model in predicting the spread against various input datasets. The results of the simulation show that the proposed method offers a better prediction ability of 2.98% more than other existing methods in finding the spread of flu.

Cytokine profile in elderly patients with sepsis.

CONTEXT: Sepsis is a serious health problem in the elderly with a high degree of mortality. There is very limited data available in elderly subjects regarding the markers for sepsis. Development of good markers will help in overall management and prediction of sepsis. OBJECTIVES: Serial estimation of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-alpha) and their correlation with mortality in sepsis in elderly patients and to determine the influence of gender on cytokine production and mortality in elderly patients with sepsis. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The prospective study was conducted at our tertiary care center from April 2007 to September 2008. Elderly Patients satisfying the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria were included. METHODS AND MATERIAL: TNF-alpha and IL-6 were estimated in 30 elderly patients admitted to our intensive care unit with SIRS and sepsis. The estimations were done on day 1, 3 and 7 of admission. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Student and paired 't' tests, and ANOVA, which were further followed up by post-hoc 't' tests with Bonferroni correction using SPSS. RESULTS: Reducing levels of IL-6 levels from day 1 to 7 was found in the survivor group. TNF-alpha level was significantly low on day 1 in the nonsurvivor female group. CONCLUSIONS: Serial estimation of cytokines in elderly patients with sepsis will help in prediction of mortality. Female gender was an independent predictor of increased morality in critically ill patients with sepsis.

Mass spectrometric characterization of proteins from the SARS virus: a preliminary report.

A new coronavirus has been implicated as the causative agent of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). We have used convalescent sera from several SARS patients to detect proteins in the culture supernatants from cells exposed to lavage another SARS patient. The most prominent protein in the supernatant was identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) as a approximately 46-kDa species. This was found to be a novel nucleocapsid protein that matched almost exactly one predicted by an open reading frame in the recently published nucleotide sequence of the same virus isolate (>96% coverage). A second viral protein corresponding to the predicted approximately 139-kDa spike glycoprotein has also been examined by MALDI-TOF MS (42% coverage). After peptide N-glycosidase F digestion, 12 glycosylation sites in this protein were confirmed. The sugars attached to four of the sites were also identified. These results suggest that the nucleocapsid protein is a major immunogen that may be useful for early diagnostics, and that the spike glycoprotein may present a particularly attractive target for prophylactic intervention in combating SARS.

Interferometric measurement of the modulation transfer function of a spectrometer by using spectral modulations.

We present our results on measurement of the modulation transfer function (MTF) of a given spectrometer by using the sinusoidally modulated spectrum from a Michelson interferometer with white light. We studied the MTF by varying the periodicity of the spectral fringes produced by the interferometer. Experimental data are fitted to a theoretical model to derive the spectral slit width from the measured MTF of the spectrometer.

Stability improvements for an interferometer through study of spectral interference patterns.

Conventional Mach-Zehnder interferometer configuration is modified to enhance its stability from the vibrations. To study the effects of vibrations on the Mach-Zehnder interferometer, we used spectral interference fringes from a broadband nanosecond dye laser source. We observed an improvement in the stability of the interferometer by a factor of 3.

Determination of the instrument function of a grating spectrometer by using white-light interferometry.

We determined the instrument function or the response function of a grating spectrometer with finite slit widths in conditions of partial coherent illumination, by using a spectral-interference technique with white light. A Michelson interferometer of variable path delay is used to produce the spectral-interference fringes of required spacing. By deconvolution of the spectral visibility data for various exit and entrance slit widths, we have determined the exact form and frequency width of the instrument function for the spectrometer as well as the working region of the spectrometer for the least distorted output spectrum.

Seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis types in children with clinical trachoma in New Delhi, India.

Micro-immunofluorescence test with type specific antigens of ocular Chlamydial infection types A-D was used for serotyping the causative C. trachomatis serotypes in 32 inclusion positive school children suffering from trachoma. Single serotype associated infection was seen in six of the patients. The rest of them had antibodies against more than one serotype indicating simultaneous or previous infection by more than one serotype. By geometric mean titre determination, type C appeared to be the most prevalent serotype. However the highest antibody titres in individual cases were most frequently observed for serotype A. The use of geometric mean titre versus highest titre against specific serotype observed in individual cases for population survey is discussed. Isolation of organism for absolute determination of causative serotype from each patient is emphasised.

Ovarian cyst and autonomic dysreflexia.

Autonomic dysreflexia may present itself as a medical emergency in quadriplegics and paraplegics above the T6 level. Common causes are bladder/bowel dysfunction and pressure ulcers. A case study is presented in which an ovarian cyst was the cause of autonomic dysreflexia. Excision of the ovarian cyst stopped recurrence of paroxysmal hypertension and completely alleviated signs and symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia.

Spontaneous dislocation of the radial head in cerebral palsy.

A patient with spastic quadriparetic cerebral palsy and unilateral nontraumatic dislocation of the radial head is presented. The association of radial head dislocation with flexion contracture of the elbow and contracture of the pronators of the forearm is known to occur but is infrequently reported. Early recognition and management of elbow and forearm contractures in cerebral palsy patients is imperative to avoid radial head dislocation, since the outcome of both surgical and rehabilitative management are significantly influenced by its presence. Literature related to this problem and pathokinesiology is discussed.

Diagnosis of hip pain, an anatomic approach.

The authors state that there are many varied causes of hip and thigh pain, the signs and symptoms of which are often misleading and confusing, thus making diagnosis difficult. They present a logical categorized anatomic and neurologic approach toward clinical examination, designed to assure the physician of a correct diagnosis.

Effects of alcohol on bone, muscle and nerve.

The acute and chronic effects of alcohol on bone, muscle and peripheral nerves are not well appreciated. Bone complications include traumatic fractures, osteoporosis and osteonecrosis. In muscle, a sustained bout of heavy drinking may cause rhabdomyolysis, while chronic alcohol abuse may produce proximal myopathy. In peripheral nerves, acute alcohol intoxication may lead to pressure neuropathy and chronic abuse may cause peripheral neuropathy.

Autonomic dysreflexia in the spinal cord-injured. What the physician should know about this medical emergency.

Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially fatal condition occurring in quadriplegics and paraplegics whose spinal cord lesion lies above the greater splanchnic outflow. Prompt recognition of common and less common clinical findings and a search for the causative stimulus are essential. Bladder distention and fecal impaction are the two most likely causes. Should it persist after removal of the stimulus, hypertension requires aggressive drug therapy to control massive sympathetic outflow.

Survey of alcohol and drug misuse in spinal cord injured veterans.

Although the spinal cord injured population is considered by many to be especially vulnerable to alcohol and drug misuse, there is little factual information regarding the prevalence of alcohol and drug misuse among this group. To survey alcohol and drug misuse in a large population of spinal cord injured veterans, a 61-item questionnaire was mailed to 2000 randomly selected members of the Paralyzed Veterans of America organization. Of 1083 questionnaires returned, 992 were usable. The results were analyzed with regard to sociodemographic data, level of injury, type of accident, current medication use and the use of alcohol and recreational drugs. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square tests. The majority of respondents indicated the regular use of alcohol prior to age 21 and before the spinal injury (70.1%). Conversely, the majority who acknowledged the use of recreational drugs reported the use began after the injury (75%). In contrast to the notion that the spinal cord injured individual is at high risk for alcohol and drug misuse, this study indicates alcohol and drug use is far less than in the general population.

Management of the diabetic foot.

Foot disease in diabetics is caused by peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease. Initial evaluation involves repeated physical examinations, including careful inspection for infection, and Doppler analysis of perfusion. A tracing of the ulceration should be obtained so that healing can be monitored. Properly fitting shoes are imperative for prophylactic care. Shoe modification is possible using moldable plastics and metatarsal bars. Patient and family education are also important elements of management.

Postpolio syndrome.

Postpolio weakness, a newly recognized clinical entity, is beginning to appear in patients some 30 years after their initial bout with the disease. Two such cases are presented. The difficulties in establishing an early and correct diagnosis and the emerging complications and uncertainty surrounding the postpolio patient are discussed. Recognition, early diagnosis, close scrutiny and constant vigilance are presented as the only defense, at this time, in combating the emerging latent complications of polio.

Evaluation of Moto-Stand a new vehicle for upright ambulation in paraplegics.

The Moto-Stand is a motorised vehicle to propel paraplegics in the upright position. It safely allows handicapped persons a wide range of working capabilities and extends mobility far beyond the limits of a wheelchair. Twenty adults with spinal lesions were evaluated for using the Moto-Stand. The levels of lesion ranged from C6 to L1. The tetraplegics studied had incomplete lesions and they could get on the Moto-Stand but needed some assistance. All the paraplegics studied were able to use the Moto-Stand independently. The Moto-Stand was found to be superior for kitchen activities, especially when handling hot objects and reaching objects at different levels. As it turns in its own space it offers superior maneuverability in the limited space of a kitchen, workshop or even a trailer home. Subjects with moderate to severe spasticity appear to have difficulty in using the Moto-Stand, It was found to be safe and comfortable by the majority of subjects studied.

Rehabilitation of hip fractures in the elderly.

Hip fractures in the elderly carry a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Most hip fractures require immediate surgical intervention. An intensive period of rehabilitation helps reduce complications. Management of the whole patient--including treatment of any preexisting medical conditions, attention to nutrition and conditioning exercises--is essential for a good outcome. Success depends more on careful follow-up during rehabilitation than on the nature of the surgical repair.

Transcutaneous nerve stimulation in rheumatoid arthritis.

This study of the effects of transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TNS) on 20 wrists of 11 men with rheumatoid arthritis was designd to make an objective assessment of pain and also to evaluate placebo effects. Following determinations of the length of time each wrist could support a small weight before pain began or increased (loading time), a 3-part test was conducted using the same weight in each case. (1) Each wrist was treated by TNS for 15 minutes and then, with the stimulator still on, loading time was determined (TNS-1). (2) With the stimulator working on the same wrist as for TNS-1, the loading time of the opposite wrist was determined (TNS-2). (3) To study placebo effect, loading time was again determined with the same adjustment on the stimulator but with the battery removed (TNS-3). If the loading time doubled or more, the pain relief was considered to be 100%. From the results (70% of the TNS-1 wrists had 50 to 100% pain relief; 10% of the TNS-2 and 15% of the TNS-3 wrists had some improvement), TNS appears to reduce joint pain and to offer a supplement to antiinflammatory drugs.