An intelligent spatial stream processing framework for digital forensics amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

In recent times, several strategies to minimize the spread of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been adopted. Some recent technological breakthroughs like the drone-based tracking systems have focused on devising specific dynamical approaches for administering public mobility and providing early detection of symptomatic patients. In this paper, a smart real-time image processing framework converged with a non-contact thermal temperature screening module was implemented. The proposed framework comprised of three modules v i z . , smart temperature screening system, tracking infection footprint, and monitoring social distancing policies. This was accomplished by employing Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) transformation to identify infection hotspots. Further, Haar Cascade and local binary pattern histogram (LBPH) algorithms were used for real-time facial recognition and enforcing social distancing policies. In order to manage the redundant video frames generated at the local computing device, two holistic models, namely, event-triggered video framing (ETVF) and real-time video framing (RTVF) have been deduced, and their respective processing costs were studied for different arrival rates of the video frame. It was observed that the proposed ETVF approach outperforms the performance of RTVF by providing optimal processing costs resulting from the elimination of redundant data frames. Results corresponding to autocorrelation analysis have been presented for the case study of India pertaining to the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, recovered cases, and deaths to obtain an understanding of epidemiological spread of the virus. Further, choropleth analysis was performed for indicating the magnitude of COVID-19 spread corresponding to different regions in India.

Total contact casting versus traditional dressing in diabetic foot ulcers.

This study compared the treatment of total contact casting (TCC) with traditional dressing treatment (TD) in the management of neuropathic diabetic plantar ulcers. Thirty-one patients with plantar ulcers without any gross infection, osteomyelitis or gangrene were randomly assigned to the TCC group (n = 15) or TD group (n = 16). In the experimental group, TCC was applied on the initial visit and subjects were instructed to limit ambulation to one-third of their usual activity. Subjects in the control group (TD) were prescribed dressing changes and were advised against bearing weight on the involved extremity. Ulcers were considered healed if they showed complete skin closure with no drainage. Ulcers were considered not healed if they showed no decrease in size by 6 weeks or if infection developed requiring hospitalization. In the TCC group, 12 of 15 ulcers healed in 48 ± 7 days; in the TD group, 10 of 16 ulcers healed in 58 ± 9 days. Comparatively higher rate of ulcer healing with fewer infections was seen in the TCC group. We conclude TCC is a more effective method than dressing for treating diabetic plantar ulcers reducing the risks of amputation.

Treatment analysis of paediatric femoral neck fractures: a prospective multicenter theraupetic study in Indian scenario.

PURPOSE: Paediatric femur neck fractures are exceedingly rare owing to dense bone surrounded by a strong periosteum; they account for 1 % of paediatric fractures and are usually associated with high energy trauma. METHODS: This was a prospective multicenter therapeutic study on pediatric femoral neck fractures from June 2004 to September 2013 at three centres in Odisha, India. Children with femoral neck fractures (Delbet type 2 and 3) who were operated and completed a minimum one-year follow-up were included. We divided the neck of femur (100 %) into four zones (25 % each), with zone I being highly unstable and zone IV being most stable. Implants for fixation, as suggested by pre-operative zone distribution, were used. RESULTS: Twenty-eight children were studied with mean two- to seven-year follow-up. In 23 children cancellous screws were used. In zone I Smooth Moore's pins that crossed the epiphysis were the implant of choice. Causes were avascular necrosis (14.2 %), nonunion (7.14 %) and one case of implant failure, while coxa vara was encountered in two instances. Functional results (Ratliff's criteria) were good in 82.1 %, fair in 7.1 % and poor in 10.7 % of patients; the mean IOWA hip scores were 96, 94 and 98, respectively. CONCLUSION: Early surgical intervention hastens recovery, rehabilitation and return to school and decreases the risk of developing avascular necrosis. We suggest Smooth Pins fixation in zones I and II (nearer to zone I) and cancellous screw fixation in zones II, III and IV. Decompression of hip joint by capsulotomy releases the tamponade effect and should be performed in all cases of paediatric femoral neck fractures.

Ultrasound monitoring of fracture healing: is this the end of radiography in fracture follow-ups?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of ultrasonography (US) versus radiography (XR) in monitoring fracture healing. DESIGN: Prospective diagnostic follow-up study. SETTING: Department of Orthopaedics, Level II trauma center. PATIENTS: Forty-eight acute closed tibial mid diaphysis fracture (OTA 42-A and B) treated by closed reduction and internal fixation with a reamed statically locked tibial interlocking nail between October 2011 and October 2012. INTERVENTION: Evaluation of fracture healing using both US and XR at 2 week intervals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Ultrasonographic criterion for fracture healing was set as progressive appearance of periosteal callus along with progressive decrease in visibility of nail. Radiographic criterion for fracture union was set as the appearance of bridging callus across all 4 cortices. RESULTS: Thirty-eight of 48 fractures achieved union, 6 developed a delayed union, whereas 4 went onto nonunion. It was observed that using the above-stated criteria, fracture union was diagnosed at an average of 2 weeks earlier with US as compared with XR. Four of the 6 delayed unions and all nonunions declared themselves much earlier on US versus XR. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography can provide valuable early information about union and predict delayed and nonunions at an earlier time interval than standard plain radiographs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic level II. See Instructions for authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Forearm gangrene following distraction injury at elbow in a neonate.

Gangrene of limbs in newborn is extremely rare. A number of aetiological factors may account for such type of situation. We describe herewith a case of gangrene of forearm in newborn following distraction injury to the physis of elbow and vessels of forearm by excessive pull on upper limb during difficult delivery.