Analysis of mobility based COVID-19 epidemic model using Federated Multitask Learning.

Aggregating a massive amount of disease-related data from heterogeneous devices, a distributed learning framework called Federated Learning(FL) is employed. But, FL suffers in distributing the global model, due to the heterogeneity of local data distributions. To overcome this issue, personalized models can be learned by using Federated multitask learning(FMTL). Due to the heterogeneous data from distributed environment, we propose a personalized model learned by federated multitask learning (FMTL) to predict the updated infection rate of COVID-19 in the USA using a mobility-based SEIR model. Furthermore, using a mobility-based SEIR model with an additional constraint we can analyze the availability of beds. We have used the real-time mobility data sets in various states of the USA during the years 2020 and 2021. We have chosen five states for the study and we observe that there exists a correlation among the number of COVID-19 infected cases even though the rate of spread in each case is different. We have considered each US state as a node in the federated learning environment and a linear regression model is built at each node. Our experimental results show that the root-mean-square percentage error for the actual and prediction of COVID-19 cases is low for Colorado state and high for Minnesota state. Using a mobility-based SEIR simulation model, we conclude that it will take at least 400 days to reach extinction when there is no proper vaccination or social distance.

Peri-hilar branching pattern and variations of the renal artery among Indian kidney donors using pre-operative computed tomography angiography: an anatomical study and review.

BACKGROUND: The peri-hilar branching pattern of renal arteries and variations such as accessory renal artery and early branching of the renal artery are important factors to be evaluated preoperatively to minimise potential complications during renal transplantation and renal surgeries. The present study was done to assess the peri hilar branching pattern of the renal artery and its variation among the renal donors in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred ninety eight kidneys from 99 donors were analysed using pre-operative computed tomography renal angiograms prospectively, over 1 year 2 months. RESULTS: Based on the branching pattern of primary and secondary branches of renal arteries, we identified 8 cardinal and 10 minor peri-hilar branching patterns. Type I (duplicated fork) peri-hilar branching pattern was the most frequently found (70.2%) among 198 kidneys, followed by type II (triplicated fork) (19.2%) and type III (ladder) (10.6%). Duplicated fork pattern was common in both the right renal artery (75.7%) and left renal artery (64.6%), respectively. The prevalence of accessory renal artery was 39.4% with hilar artery at 21.2% and polar artery at 18.2%, and the prevalence of early division of renal artery was 20.2%. No significant association was found between gender and laterality in the prevalence of both early division and accessory renal artery (p > 0.05). Early division of renal artery was more frequent in females (28%) whilst accessory renal arteries were more common in males (40.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed a consistent peri-hilar branching pattern with high individual variability among Indian renal donors. The knowledge about the peri-hilar branching pattern as well as renal artery variations conferred by this study would greatly compliment urological surgeons during renal transplant surgeries.

Data on changes in renal calyceal pattern among renal donors using CT angiography.

It is known that the recovery period after laparoscopic surgery is quicker than open surgery. Therefore, it is important to know the variations of the renal calyceal pattern prior to the laparoscopic surgery during renal surgeries. We analyzed the calyceal system in kidney donors using 64-Slice Computed Tomography Angiography. A total 99 healthy kidney donors were included to study the pattern of pelvicalyceal pattern and to classify further into bi-calyceal, tri-calyceal and multi-calyceal. This study found that bi-calyceal pattern is the most common pattern and further this pattern was more in right side in males and left side in females. The numbers of minor calyces were significantly more in right multi-calyceal pattern than left multi-calyceal, tri-calyceal and bi-calyceal patterns. The association of occurrence in these patterns was significant in males with strong association and insignificant in females. A detailed description of intrarenal arterial patternand its relationship with calyceal pattern could give great significance in renal transplantation and also for other urological procedures.

Seaweed Sargassum wightii mediated preparation of zirconia (ZrO2) nanoparticles and their antibacterial activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria.

In the present study, a facile and green combustion method has been optimized for the synthesis of zirconia (ZrO2) nanoparticles using marine brown alga (seaweed), Sargassum wightii (S. wightii). Structural, optical and photoluminescence properties of the prepared ZrO2 nanoparticles were studied using XRD, FTIR, HR-TEM, UV-vis and PL spectroscopy. The average grain size of the nanoparticles calculated from the XRD pattern was around 4.8 nm which exhibits tetragonal structure. TEM results showed that the synthesized nanoparticles were uniformly monodispersed without aggregation. Formation of zirconia nanoparticles were confirmed by FTIR studies. The PL spectra exhibit broad emission peaks at the interface of UV and visible regions which can be assigned to the ionized oxygen vacancy in the material. Antibacterial activity of the synthesized zirconia nanoparticles was studied against gram positive and gram negative bacterial strains using agar well diffusion method. The prepared zirconia nanoparticles show significant antibacterial effect against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi due to their large surface area by their nanosize.

Trichonodosis.

Trichonodosis is characterized by knotted hair on the distal portion of the hair shaft. This may be spontaneous or secondary to mechanical factors like vigorous scratching or combing the hair. We report a case of spontaneous trichonodosis with abnormal scalp and body hair.

Dermatitis artefacta.

Dermatitis artefacta (DA) is a psychocutaneous disorder where the skin lesions are self self-induced to satisfy an unconscious psychological or emotional need. We report a case of DA where we video recorded the patient self-inducing the lesions.

Measurement of entrance skin dose and estimation of organ dose during pediatric chest radiography.

Entrance skin dose (ESD) was measured to calculate the organ doses from the anteroposterior (AP) and posteroanterior (PA) chest x-ray projections for pediatric patients in an Indian hospital. High sensitivity tissue-equivalent thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD, LiF: Mg, Cu, P chips) were used for measuring entrance skin dose. The respective organ doses were calculated using the Monte Carlo method (MCNP 3.1) to simulate the examination set-up and a three-dimensional mathematical phantom for representing an average 5-y-old Indian child. Using this method, conversion coefficients were derived for translating the measured ESD to organ doses. The average measured ESDs for the chest AP and PA projections were 0.305 mGy and 0.171 mGy, respectively. The average calculated organ doses in the AP and the PA projections were 0.196 and 0.086 mSv for the thyroid, 0.167 and 0.045 mSv for the trachea, 0.078 and 0.043 mSv for the lungs, 0.110 and 0.013 mSv for the liver, 0.002 and 0.016 mSv for the bone marrow, 0.024 and 0.002 mSv for the kidneys, and 0.109 and 0.023 mSv for the heart, respectively. The ESD and organ doses can be reduced significantly with the proper radiological technique. According to these results, the chest PA projection should be preferred over the AP projection in pediatric patients. The estimated organ doses for the chest AP and PA projections can be used for the estimation of the associated risk.

Preliminary studies for a new antibiotic from the marine mollusk Melo melo (Lightfoot, 1786).

OBJECTIVE: To search for new bioactive compounds from marine mollusks Melo melo (M. melo). METHODS: Preliminary work for bioactive compound was identified by using disc diffusion methods against human pathogens. Further analyses of compound were done by using TLC, SDS-PAGE. And also estimate the amount of protein in the samples by following Biuret method. RESULTS: In antibacterial activity the maximum diameter of 24 mm zone of inhibition was recorded against Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) strain of the mucus extract and minimum zone of inhibition of 11 mm was observed in Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) strain of body tissue extract. The antifungal activity of the extraction shows maximum activity against Trichophyton mentagarophytes (T. mentagarophytes) (14 mm) and minimum activity was recorded in Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) (11 mm). The extract of mucus, nerve tissue, body tissue and kidney that showed antimicrobial activity was subjected to TLC to determine the presence of the peptides and amide groups, and also subjected to SDS-PAGE to estimate the molecular weight of proteins in a clear band were detected in the gel that represented kidney, body tissue, brain and mucus represent 14, 17, 22, 45 kDa. CONCLUSIONS: The extracts from marine mollusks M. melo is the potential source of producing bioactive compounds against human pathogens and can be used for synthesis of new drugs.

Lasers for vascular lesions: standard guidelines of care.

INTRODUCTION: Lasers are a good therapeutic tool for congenital and acquired vascular lesions. Technological advances in lasers have reduced the adverse effects and increased the efficacy. MACHINES: Among the various lasers used for treating vascular lesions, pulsed dye laser (PDL) has the best efficacy and safety data. The other machines that are widely available are Nd:YAG laser and intense pulse light (IPL). RATIONALE AND SCOPE OF GUIDELINE: Much variation exists in different machines and techniques, and therefore, establishing standard guidelines has limitations. The guidelines recommended here indicate minimum standards of care for lasers on vascular lesions based on current evidence. PHYSICIAN QUALIFICATION: Laser may be administered by a dermatologist, who has received adequate background training in lasers during post-graduation or later at a center that provides education and training in lasers, or in focused workshops, which provide such trainings. He/she should have adequate knowledge of the lesions being treated, machines, parameters, cooling systems, and aftercare. FACILITY: The procedure may be performed in the physician's minor procedure room with adequate laser safety measures. INDICATIONS: PWS, hemangioma, facial telangiectasia, rosacea, spider angioma, pyogenic granuloma, venous lakes, leg veins. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Absolute: Active local infection, photo-aggravated skin diseases, and medical conditions. Relative: Unstable vitiligo, psoriasis, keloid and keloidal tendencies, patient on isotretinoin, patient who is not cooperative or has unrealistic expectation. PATIENT SELECTION: Patient selection should be done after detailed counseling with respect to the course of lesions, different treatment options, possible results, cost, need for multiple treatments, and possible postoperative complications. TREATMENT SESSIONS: The number of treatments per lesion varies from 2 to 12 or more at 6-8 week intervals. All lesions may not clear completely even after multiple sessions in many cases. Hence, a realistic expectation and proper counseling is very important. LASER PARAMETERS: Laser parameters vary with area, type of lesion, skin color, depth of the lesion, and machine used. A test spot may be performed to determine individual specifications. COMPLICATIONS: Pain, edema, purpura, bleeding, scarring, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation, and atrophy changes.

Immunofluorescence of the outer root sheath: an aid to diagnosis in pemphigus.

BACKGROUND: The direct immunofluorescence (DIF) pattern of the outer root sheath (ORS) of the hair follicle in patients with pemphigus resembles that of perilesional skin. We performed DIF on anagen and telogen hair ORS from patients with pemphigus and compared the findings with those of perilesional skin. AIM: To assess the sensitivity of DIF in the ORS of anagen and telogen hair in patients with pemphigus with positive DIF results in perilesional skin. METHODS: In total, 50 patients with active pemphigus and positive DIF findings in perilesional skin were selected for the study. Anagen hair was obtained from the scalp by the same method used for a trichogram, and telogen hair was selected by combing the hair and collecting the loose strands of hair from the comb. The hair type was further confirmed by microscopy. Hair samples were transported in Michel medium and prepared for DIF by mounting on a slide without sectioning. Anagen and telogen hair samples were also collected from 50 controls. RESULTS: Immunological deposits characteristic of pemphigus were found in the ORS of anagen and telogen hairs in all 50 patients, but in none of the 50 controls. Positive DIF findings were seen in scalp hair irrespective of the presence of scalp lesions. Of the 50 patients with pemphigus, 46 were diagnosed with pemphigus vulgaris, 2 with pemphigus vegetans, and 1 each with pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus erythematosus, based on the clinical, histopathological and DIF findings. All the pemphigus variants had positive DIF findings in the ORS. CONCLUSIONS: Using DIF on telogen hair ORS promises to be a useful tool for diagnosis and follow-up in cases of pemphigus.

Antiphospholipid syndrome in dermatology: an update.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, recurrent thrombosis, and fetal loss. Antiphospholipid antibodies are a family of autoantibodies that recognize various combinations of phospholipids, phospholipid-binding proteins, or both. APS can occur in the absence of underlying or associated disease (primary APS) or in combination with other diseases (secondary APS). The exact pathogenic mechanism by which these antibodies cause thrombosis is not known; however, several hypotheses, such as activation of platelet and endothelial cells and interference with the coagulation system, have been proposed. Diagnosis is based on the presence of at least one clinical and laboratory criterion each, according to International Consensus Statement on preliminary classification criteria. However, APS can be diagnosed in individuals even in the absence of some of the classification criteria. Clinical manifestations involve different organs and systems such as the blood vessels, central nervous system, skin, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, heart, and placenta. The unifying mechanism of all these manifestations is thrombosis, either arterial or venous. Skin manifestations are varied and although not included in the diagnostic criteria, may be the presenting feature of this syndrome. Therefore all dermatologists should investigate the possibility of APS when cutaneous findings are related to venous or arterial thrombosis. The risk of thrombosis cannot be predicted, and therefore treatment is not initiated until a thrombotic event occurs. Indefinite anticoagulation is prescribed once a thrombotic event occurs. Prognosis depends on the severity of the clinical manifestations and so, knowledge of the presentation of this disease is important for early detection and prompt treatment to prevent life-threatening consequences of this catastrophic disease process.

Efficacy of ipl in treatment of acne vulgaris : comparison of single- and burst-pulse mode in ipl.

BACKGROUND: Intense pulsed light (IPL) has been used for the treatment of facial acne. Modifications of various parameters allow flexibility in treatment, which include energy fluence, pulse duration, and pulse delay. We compared the efficacy of burst-pulse (multiple pulse) mode with single-pulse mode in treatment of acne. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of the IPL in treatment of facial acne and to compare burst-pulse and single-pulse mode in treatment of acne. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients with facial acne were subjected to monotherapy with IPL. Baseline grading of acne was done with Michelsons acne severity index; however, right and left side of face were scored separately and a total score was also taken. IPL was administered once weekly for four sessions. Right side was subjected to IPL with burst-pulse mode, and left side was subjected to single-pulse mode. Severity score assessed after the end of treatment. Clinical photographs were also obtained for evaluation. RESULTS: All patients revealed a reduction in number of acne for both single- and burst-pulse mode treated sides. The mean total score was 49.4 at baseline and showed 49.19% reduction after four sessions of IPL. Burst-pulse mode treated side showed a better control than that of single-pulse mode. CONCLUSION: IPL as a monotherapy showed beneficial effect in treatment of facial acne. Burst-pulse mode was better than the single-pulse mode in clearing acne.

Immunofluoresence of the outer root sheath in anagen and telogen hair: an aid to diagnosis in pemphigus.

Desmoglein 1 and 3 are distributed in the outer root sheath (ORS) of the hair follicle. Direct immunofluoresence (DIF) pattern of ORS in cases of pemphigus resembles the DIF pattern of the perilesional skin. We performed a DIF of the anagen and telogen hair ORS in a case of pemphigus and correlated it with the DIF findings of perilesional skin. Telogen hair ORS promises to be a useful tool in performing DIF for the purpose of diagnosis and follow-up in cases of pemphigus.

Factor analysis and linear regression model (LRM) of metal speciation and physico-chemical characters of groundwater samples.

An approach is described for viewing the interrelationship between different variables and also tracing the sources of pollution of groundwater of north Chennai (India). The data set of 43 variables which include major ions, minor ions and trace metal speciation (Cu, Pb, Cd and Zn) collected during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons of the year 2000-2001, was subjected to R-mode factor analysis to comprehend the distribution pattern of the said variables. It was found that first factor measures salinity and hardness which explained 19.12% of the total variance (comprised of variables EC, TDS, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, total hardness, Cl- and SO4(2-)) during pre-monsoon, while it was 25.08% during post-monsoon. The second and third factors were attributed to speciation of zinc and copper ions during both pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. Although there were two more factors, loaded with speciation parameters of lead and cadmium, the variance of them were less than 10%. From this study it is seen that sea water intrusion, municipal solid waste disposal are the identified sources of component of pollution. The importance of metal ions is taking a secondary role and the anthropogenic origin-industrial activity, is the reason in the evaluation of pollution status as they come in the second, third, fourth and fifth factors. As the trace metal speciation was grouped in separate factors, linear regression model (LRM) with correlation analysis was applied to check its validity for prediction of speciation and to apply LRM for rapid monitoring of water pollution.

Rhinosporidiosis in man: case reports.

Three cases of rhinosporidiosis with complications, hitherto not reported, are presented. Frog-faced deformity and seizures were observed in one case, excessive bleeding, loss of olfactory sensation and septal perforation were noticed in the second case, while the third one exhibited a disseminated type of the disease. Clinical findings of these cases are discussed.