bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perfil de susceptibilidad bacteriana en infección del tracto urinario en población infantil de Cali – Colombia
Authors: Bastidas Cuellar María Luisa , Paredes Fernández Antonio José , Gómez Urrego José Fernando , Valencia Caicedo Alfonso María , Rojas Hernández Juan Pablo
Published: November 2019

Objetivo: Caracterizar la susceptibilidad bacteriana en la infección urinaria adquirida en la comunidad de la población pediátrica atendida en una institución de Cali-Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo, retrospectivo, en niños de 1 mes a 18 años de edad, que consultaron a la Fundación Clínica Infantil Club Noel con una impresión diagnóstica de primer episodio de Infección del Tracto Urinario (ITU) confirmado por urocultivo y que cumple los criterios de inclusión establecidos. Durante el período comprendido entre el 1 de enero a 31 de diciembre de 2015. Resultados: Se evaluaron un total de 196 urocultivos positivos. La ITU de la comunidad en varones, es más frecuente en los menores de 1 año de edad, en comparación con las niñas donde se presenta principalmente entre 1 a 5 años. El microorganismo más comúnmente identificado fue E. coli, seguido de Proteus spp. y finalmente Klebsiella pneumoniae. Los patrones de resistencia fueron: penicilinasa de bajo techo en el 9.1%, Betalactamasa de Espectro Ampliado (BLEA) en el 60.2%, Betalactamasa AmpC en 10,2% y Betalactamasa de Espectro Extendido (BLEE) en 7,1% de los aislamientos. Conclusiones: Se concluye que la primera ITU en niños se presenta con mayor frecuencia en el primer año de vida, mientras que en niñas ese primer episodio ocurre dentro de los primeros 5 años. Respecto a los patrones de resistencia, el patrón AmpC y BLEE se encuentra en el 17.3%, en la población de estudio. La resistencia persiste alta a antibióticos de uso habitual como ampicilina, cefalotina y Trimetoprim- Sulfametoxazol (TMP-SMX).
A cross sectional study of sociodemographic profile, disability and family burden in patients with obsessive compulsive disorder
Authors: Meena Rajmal , Khinchi Mithlesh , Meena Omesh K.
Published: November 2019

Background: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by the presence of obsessions (intrusive and unwanted repetitive thoughts, urges, or impulses that often lead to a marked increase in anxiety or distress) and/ or compulsions (repeated behaviours or mental acts that are done in response to obsessions). OCD patients report general impairment in their functioning and family burden. They also suffer from disability in several areas of daily life.Methods: This study has a cross-sectional design, and author included total 200 consecutive selected OCD patients diagnosed according to International Classification of Disease (ICD)-10.Results: Most of respondent included in this study were married male (74%), belonged to Hindu religion and urban background (68%) with mean age of 33 year (SD=9.91), 88% subjects were found to be employed in this study, educated middle standard and above. In this study, maximum disability was noted in domains of work (mean score 1.10) and communication and understanding (mean score 0.70), the impairment in interpersonal activity was lesser (mean score 0.34). The domain in which the maximum burden was found among family members is disruption of routine/ family activities overall (52%).Conclusions: The study aimed at assessing the burden in families and disability in subjects having OCD. Subjects were of either sex having age 16 and above. All subjects were assessed using following structured clinical instruments, Yale-brown symptom check list, Yale-brown obsessive-compulsive symptom severity scale, family burden interview, and Indian disability evaluation and assessment scale.
Clinical response to chemotherapy in non-small cell lung carcinoma patients
Authors: Narukurthi Ravi Kiran , Krishna Nallamothu Murali , Mounika Jetty , Chandra T. Jaya
Published: November 2019

Background: Lung carcinoma is the most common. With this, a study was conducted to assess the clinical profile of Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and also to evaluate the response to chemotherapy in various stages of NSCLC.Methods: It was a prospective study. All the clinically confirmed cases with NSCLC were taken into consideration. Clinical staging was done, diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological findings. Treatment was given depending on the stage of carcinoma. Patients were evaluated before each cycle of chemotherapy for any progression of disease. Pathological response was evaluated after completion of 6 cycles of chemotherapy. Chi square test was used to find the statistical significance; p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Total 153 patients admitted to oncology wing were taken to the study, with mean age 59.07±10.618 years, 2.6 male female ratio. In this 73% were in stage III and the remaining in stage IV NSCLC. Majority (56.10%) of the study subjects in stage III NSCLC showed partial response, Majority (68%) of the subjects in stage IV NSCLC showed partial response; the difference was Statistically significant (p<0.05).Conclusions: NSCLS is common in older people with male dominance due to habits.
Ultrasound of abdomen in acute viral hepatitis and its role as a prognostic marker
Authors: Beniwal Rajveer S. , Rao Akhilesh , Pimpalwar Yayati , Teli Prabhakar
Published: November 2019

Background: To assess the extent of Ultrasound (USS) abdomen findings in acute viral hepatitis and further assess the role of USS as a prognostic marker.Methods: From May 2013 to September 2016, a total of 220 patients of acute Enterogenic viral hepatitis were studied by routine USS within first seven days of onset of symptoms, followed by routine USS between 10 to 15 days and follow up scan after 12 weeks. Only patients with acute Enterogenic viral hepatitis (Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E) were included. All patients with chronic liver disease and other form of acute hepatitis i.e. Hepatitis B, C and D were excluded from the study.Results: Among 220 patients of acute viral hepatitis routine USS findings including hepatomegaly, bright liver and thickened GB wall and periportal adenopathy were in isolation or in combination up to varying degrees. The commonest routine USS finding in acute phase was thickened GB wall (80%). 14 patients exhibited triad of enlarged Portal Vein (PV), Splenomegaly and Ascites. These 14 patients had prolonged stay in hospital and 11 patients had deranged liver function tests at 12 wks. interval and three patients developed hepatic encephalopathy including one patient who went into fulminant hepatic failure. Out of the patients who did not exhibit this triad 72 patients still had deranged LFT at 12 weeks and maximum of these patients had a combination of USS markers at presentation.Conclusions: USS has very little if any role in the diagnosis of acute viral hepatitis. It can however play an important role as a prognostic marker during the acute phase where it can detect enlarged portal vein, splenomegaly and ascites. This triad of USS findings is suggestive of transient portal hypertension likely due to hepatic congestion. Also, other USS markers if seen in combination at presentation can reliably predict a poorer prognosis
Alterations of serum high sensitive C reactive protein and lipid levels in newly diagnosed myocardial infarction subjects
Authors: Aparna R. R. , Rajeswari D. Raja , Ramalingam K. , Kumar R. Viswa , Balakrishna D.
Published: November 2019

Background: Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) is one of the major causes of mortality in the world. Atherosclerosis leading to AMI is the most common and severe clinical manifestation observed. Dyslipidemia is one of main traditional risk factor for MI, but in more than 50% of CHD events dyslipidemia was absent.  Atherosclerosis is considered as both a chronic inflammatory condition and a disorder of lipid metabolism. The present study was aimed to estimate the levels of serum lipids (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol) and hs-CRP an inflammatory marker in newly diagnosed AMI cases and to find out any correlation between these two.Methods: The study was conducted on 50 newly diagnosed myocardial infarction cases, admitted in Cardiology Department Narayana Medical College, Nellore. Both the sexes were included. Fifty age and sex matched healthy individuals were selected as controls. Lipid levels are estimated by end point colorimetric assay (HUMANSTAR kit) and hs-CRP was estimated by immunofluorescence technique (Boditechkit).Results: Significant raised levels of hs-CRP (p value <0.0001) and low HDL cholesterol (p value =0.0085) levels among the cases was noticed. A significant positive correlation was observed between LDL cholesterol and hsCRP (r=0.109, p=0.040). A non-significant positive correlation between hsCRP and HDL cholesterol  (r=0.291, p=0.453) was observed.Conclusions: The results of the study implicate the role of inflammatory component in causing atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease rather than dyslipidaemias alone to be attributed for atherogenesis. Concomitantly HDL cholesterol levels were found to be low in cases that results from the inflammatory component in atherogenesis.
Percutaneous nephrostomy, feasibility of mid and anterior axillary line approach and its complications: an experience
Authors: Sundaram Senthilnathan , Balasubramanian Jayamurugan , Narayanasami Mohan Babu , Vanga Rajitha
Published: November 2019

Background: Nephrostomy performed as an emergency procedure to drain the obstructed calyceal system is a lifesaving procedure. Posterolateral approach is usually done to access the avascular plane of Brodel to avoid hemorrhage. This study evaluates the feasibility and complications in percutaneous nephrostomies placed at mid and anterior axillary line entry sites as it was found to be easier approach.Methods: A prospective study with 126 percutaneous nephrostomies performed with Ultrasound guidance, using single puncture technique and 8.5F pigtail catheter.  The complications rates were analyzed according to WHO guidelines. Results: The technical success rate was 98.4%. Three hemorrhagic complications (2.38%) were recorded without any major interventions. Increased incidence (11.9%) of transient hematuria was observed with five cases (3.9%) of infection at entry site. One case (0.79%) of peritoneal breech recorded with no significant intraperitoneal collection. Conclusions: Placement of Percutaneous Nephrostomy tube at mid or the anterior axillary line appears to be a feasible and easy approach, as its complications rates are within acceptable limits with an advantage of increased patient comfort.
Paracetamol induced bullous fixed drug eruptions
Authors: Kakode Kalyani Pai , Kakode Varun Pai
Published: November 2019

Paracetamol is a commonly used antipyretic and analgesic with a weak anti-inflammatory action with a good safety profile in children and adults. This has resulted in its over prescription and large over the counter sale. Thus, adverse drug reactions due to paracetamol may be easily overlooked resulting in delay in diagnosis. Author present a case report of a 12 year old boy with bullous fixed drug eruptions due to paracetamol while he tolerated NSAIDS well. This highlights the need of adverse drug reaction monitoring and reporting, for early detection and prompt treatment of drug related morbidity and the cautious use of even the most commonly used drugs.
A brief analysis of food practices and food taboos on women health in Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Konduru Delliswararao , Kundargi Rajesh Gururaj
Published: November 2019

Background: The cultural beliefs, food taboos play a key role on women and child health in India. Those food practices and taboos directly impact on women and children health. Moreover, these are one of the causes for malnutrition in women and child; sometimes it also leads to death.Methods: The methodology of this study is qualitative study. The primary data collected in Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam districts of Andhra Pradesh, through in-depth-interviews with the help of semi structured interview guides. The selection of the informants is based on simple random selection.Results: All informants are women and they all are home makers only. They not do participant any income generation activities. Seventy five percentages (75%) of the informants are lives in below poverty line, and twenty five percentages (25%) of women are in above poverty line.Conclusions: The cultural beliefs and practices play a role in the distribution of nutrition messages to the community. Those beliefs are affecting to the pregnant women and on their infants. It’s also affects to the community. Many of these beliefs and practices have been passed down for generations.
Community diagnosis by conducting family health survey in the field practice area of a medical college
Authors: Patel Mizba Basheer , Maheen Moniza , Shaikh Fawwad M. , Chandrasekhar A.
Published: November 2019

Background: In a developing country like India, with limited resources health needs of individuals and community are enormously increasing. Health related problems may be addressed amicably by community diagnosis. Assessment and prioritization of health issues followed by formulation of action plans with strategies and their implementation can be effectively achieved, by using family health surveys.Methods: Using family health survey 500 families, constituting 2640 individuals were studied. Their health status and socio-demographic details were taken. Households and families were selected randomly. Data entry and analysis was done by appropriate use of statistical tools.Results: Study showed 52.27% males and 47.73% females. Majority (51.5%) belonged to 16-45 years followed by 6-15 years of age (25%). Among 9.09% of the under-five, fully immunized were 90.4% and partially immunized were 9.6%. 6.06% were above 60 years. Nuclear families were 68%. Majority (36%) of the families belonged to socio-economic class II (modified B.G. Prasad classification). 10.6% were illiterate and 11.3% were below seven years of age. Overcrowding was present in 24% of the families. Common morbidities were hypertension (32.2%), diabetes (26.9%), respiratory diseases (19.2%) eye problems (6.2%) and skin diseases (3.8%). Geriatric problems were present in one out of four individuals.Conclusions: Family health survey can be used as an educational tool for undergraduate medical students to understand common morbidities and determinants of diseases in the community. Family health surveys are important for a community as necessary intervention can be done for illnesses and health-related problems.
Profile of tuberculosis cases attending a directly observed treatment short-course centre in North Kerala
Authors: Lakshmanan Manju Thandayan , Kumaran Jayasree Anandabhavan , Kumar Varsha S. , Suresh Shwetha
Published: November 2019

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a worldwide public health problem. India has the highest TB burden in the world. India accounted for a quarter of global incident TB cases, 24% of multi drug resistance (MDR) TB cases and highest TB mortality rate in 2017. Thus it is important to understand the profile of TB patients. The objective of the study was to assess the profile of TB cases attending a directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) center in North Kerala.Methods: A retrospective record based, descriptive study was done in the DOTS center of Government Medical College Kannur, in North Kerala, to assess the profile of TB patients who attended the centre from January 2015 to July 2018. Details of 548 patients were collected from the record maintained at DOTS center. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and analysed using Epi info7 software.Results: The age group of 21-60 years was most affected. 68.53% of the patients were males. 45.62% of patients had extra-pulmonary TB (EPTB). Among the pulmonary TB patients, 74.27% tested positive for acid fast bacilli. Among cases of EPTB, most common type was TB lymphadenitis (40.8%) followed by tuberculous pleural effusion (22.4%). 87.59% of TB patients were started on category I treatment under DOTS.Conclusions: In our study, affected population was mostly males and those in productive age group. This is the group that has maximum chances of exposure to TB patients. 45.62% patients had EPTB. Total number of cases is on the rise each year, with maximum cases in 2018.
Maternal anemia and low birth weight in a community development block of Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Biswas Puspendu , Samsuzzaman M. , Chakraborty Amitava , Das Dilip Kumar
Published: November 2019

Background: Being both highly prevalent public health problems in India, anemia in pregnancy (AIP) is hypothesized as a potential risk factor for low birth weight (LBW) baby as pregnancy outcome. In this context, this study was conducted among pregnant mothers registered in last 2 years under Bhatar block of Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal. Objectives of this study were to assess the relationship of LBW babies with maternal anemia in antenatal period and also with background characteristics and pregnancy related factors.Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted among postnatal mothers who were registered during their pregnancy in sub-centers of this block during a reference period from April’15th - March’17th. The study subjects were identified from the records of each sub-centre and further categorized into two groups: Exposed (anemic) - Hb <11 gm% in any antenatal visits and Non-exposed(non-anemic) - Hb ≥11 gm% in all antenatal visits. Sample size of 988 for each group was calculated. From each sub-centre’s antenatal record 26 subjects for each group were selected by simple random sampling. Data collected with predesigned pretested schedule and data analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS 20. Logistic regression was performed to establish association.Results: Overall incidence of LBW was 8.1%; in anemic, non-anemic group incidence were 10.5%, 5.7% respectively. AIP had relative risk 1.85 (1.36-2.54) over LBW. On multivariable logistic regression, LBW was significantly associated with AIP (2.11, 1.51-2.95), multi-parity (0.63, 0.44-0.9), inadequate ANC visits (2.7, 1.75-4.15) and female gender (1.64, 1.19-2.27).Conclusions: Anemia in pregnancy significantly increases risks of LBW which also strongly associated with female new-born, primi-parity, and incomplete ANC visits.
Morbidity profile and use of personal protective equipment amongst traffic police of Mumbai
Authors: Sabale Rupali V. , Tripathi Saurabh N. , Velhal Gajanan D.
Published: November 2019

Background: Traffic police play a very significant role in controlling traffic system. The job of traffic police personnel is a tough job, which has a direct influence on their life. The aim of the present study was to assess prevalence of morbidities, use of personal protective equipment viz., mask, oxygen therapy and pressure stocking amongst Mumbai traffic police and study association of some job related factors with their present health profile.Methods: Record based study was conducted by analyzing 1959 health record forms filled by the traffic police of Mumbai. Frequency, percentages, Chi-square test and unpaired t test were calculated.Results: The mean age of traffic police was 46.87±7.95 years. The duration of years in traffic branch ranged from 6 months to 18 years. Prevalence of stress, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, eye, skin, and ear morbidities were 26%, 20.9%, 14.2%, 10.2%, 3.6%, 3.3% respectively. In traffic police officers, prevalence of hypertension (28.3% v/s 19.8%), diabetes mellitus (23.6% v/s 12.8%), ear morbidities (5.5% v/s 2.9%) and stress (31.1% v/s 25.3%) were significantly high as compared to traffic policemen (p value <0.05). There was significant association of prevalence of respiratory morbidities, ear morbidities with current work placement (p value <0.05). There was significant relation of duration in police service and stress, eye morbidities, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and respiratory morbidities. Proportion of traffic police using mask, oxygen therapy and pressure stockings were 60.2%, 21.5% and 15.8% respectively.Conclusions: Morbidities amongst traffic police is high. Use of personal protective equipment is very low. Worksite Prevention Program should be planned to reduce health problems amongst traffic police.
Prevalence of anaemia and its associated factors among the pregnant women receiving antenatal care in a maternity hospital, Bengaluru
Authors: Balakrishna Ananya M. , S. Padmanabha Usha Rani , Maheswaran Rajappa
Published: November 2019

Background: Anaemia affects 1.62 billion people globally which corresponds to 24.8% of the population and the prevalence of anaemia in pregnant women is 56 million. In India 16% of maternal deaths are attributed to anaemia with prevalence of 50.3%. Hence, this study was done to assess the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among the pregnant women attending the maternity hospital.Methods: A hospital based cross section study was done among pregnant women receiving antenatal care over a period of 2 months. Based on the prevalence rate of anaemia; 39.6%, the estimated sample size was 368. Haemoglobin was estimated by cyanmethaemoglobin method. All pregnant women who voluntarily agreed to participate were selected by systematic sampling method.Results: Majority of subjects were in the age group of 15 to 24 years, 60.6%. Nearly 90% were Hindus, 83.2% were homemakers and 62% belonged to nuclear family. The prevalence of anaemia was 56% in which 46.6% had mild anaemia, 51.9% had moderate and 1.5% were severely anaemic. Univariate analysis showed religion, occupation, gestational age and history of abortion being associated with anaemia. In multivariate analysis women in first trimester of pregnancy and history of abortion were significant factors for anaemia.Conclusions: In developing nations like India anaemia is a major public health problem contributing to maternal and infant mortality and morbidities; henceforth there is a need for an effective intervention in the form of health education modules to the community and nutritional counseling for women in the reproductive age group about the importance of Iron supplementation during antenatal period.
Perception of tuberculosis among diabetics attending health training centres of a medical college hospital, Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu
Authors: Felicia J. Princy , D. Thirunaaukarasu , William Roseline F. , Jennifer H. Gladius
Published: November 2019

Background: Diabetes mellitus, chronic non communicable disease triples the risk of developing tuberculosis by decreasing the immunity status. The prevalence of tuberculosis is higher in people with diabetes than in the general population, and diabetes is common co morbidity among people with tuberculosis. Health seeking behaviour of a patient depends up on their awareness of disease. The objective of this study was to determine the perception of tuberculosis among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending urban and rural health training centers.Methods: A facility based, comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among diabetics attending urban and rural training centres of a medical college hospital, Kancheepuram district. Sample size was estimated as 140. A semi structured questionnaire was used to interview the participants. Data was analysed using SPSS software 16v.Results: Among 140 participants, 70 were from rural setting and remaining of them from urban setting. The perception score was good among 31.4% of diabetics in urban and 8.6% among rural setting. The educational status, socio economic status and family history of tuberculosis were significantly associated with good perception score.Conclusions: The perception score was better in urban diabetes compared with rural diabetes patients. Health education measures will improve the health seeking behaviour.
Assessing and testing the reliability of mini self-care practices questionnaire among type 2 diabetic patients attending rural health training centre, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Authors: Selvaraj Preethi , Boopathirajan Ramkumar
Published: November 2019

Background: India is the diabetic capital of the world with nearly 31.7 million people suffering from the disease in 2000 which is projected to become 79.4 million in the year 2030. The incidence of diabetes in India is around 8.8%. This study aims at developing a mini questionnaire to quickly assess the self-care practices among the diabetic patients attending rural health training centre and also to educate the diabetic patients about self-care practices and dietary pattern they need to follow.Methods: The study design is a community based cross-sectional study. All diabetic patients who visited rural health training centre attached to a private medical college aged 40 years and above in the period of June to July 2019 were included in our study. Institutional ethical clearance was taken before commencing the study. Construction of mini self-care practices questionnaire (MSCPQ) comprised of two phases. Trained medical students collected the data by interview method using semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaire.Results: The reliability of the MSCPQ using Cronbach’s alpha came to be 0.82 and the intra class correlation coefficient was 0.81; 95% CI (0.763-0.853) (p=<0.001). Around sixty six percent are having their health check-up regularly. Most (43%) of the study participants check their blood sugars monthly.Conclusions: Even though there are various factors contributing in facilitating self-care activities in patients living with diabetes, the role of health care physicians in educating about self-care practices are indispensable.
Organising a medical camp in a community: are there lessons to be learned?
Authors: R. Ruban , Rai S. Bina
Published: November 2019

Part of curriculum requirements for year 3 medical students at AIMST University is to organise a medical camp at end of their community medicine posting. The purpose was two-fold: to orientate medical students towards health needs of the people at primary care level and to bring health awareness to communities that have less access to basic health care services. Annually, seven such camps are held. Our aim was to assess the lessons learned by medical students in this activity and we based our findings from a camp held on January 2018 in village PB. This is a descriptive review. Once the location is selected, the rest is by the medical students - format of camp, flow, type of services offered, medications, invitations, alternate programmes, consultations and referral with assistance from faculty. A stipend of RM 500.00 is provided to cover expenses. A post-mortem is held finally to review feedback, lessons learned and to compile a report. Total of 154 people registered at this camp. We involved the students with an aerobic session. We engaged the village leaders in the opening ceremony. We worked with the local health department to assist in the programmes. Lessons learned were planning, teamwork, empathy, self-efficacy, compromise, leadership quality and resourcefulness. Funding was insufficient, and we sourced through well-wishers and supportive local doctors. Medical camps benefit students, community and the institution the students are from. Community involvement and intersectoral collaboration is essential for best benefits.
Comparative analysis of segmentation algorithms for the allocation of microcalcifications on mammograms
Authors:   Murom Institute (branch) Federal state budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education", Podgornova Yuliya ,   Vladimir State University named after Alexader Grigoryevich and Nickolay Grigoryevich Stoletovs",   , Orlovskaya street, 23, Murom, Russia, 602264, Sadykov Sultan ,   Murom Institute (branch) Federal state budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education" Vladimir State University named after Alexader Grigoryevich and Nickolay Grigoryevich Stoletovs", Orlovskaya street, 23, Murom, Russia, 602264
Published: November 2019

Breast cancer is the most common disease of the current century in the female population of the world. The main task of the research of most scientists is the detection of this pathology at an early stage (the tumor size is less than 7 mm) when a woman can still be helped. An indicator of this disease is the presence of small-point microcalcifications, located in groups within or in the immediate circle of the tumor. Microcalcification is a small-point character at cancer, reminding grains of sand of irregular shape which sizes are from 100 to 600 microns. The probability of breast cancer increases with the increase in the number of microcalcifications per unit area. So, the probability of cancer is 80% if more than 15 microcalcifications on 1 sq. cm. The microcalcifications are often the only sign of breast cancer, therefore, their detection even in the absence of a tumor node could be a harbinger to cancer. Image segmentation is one way to identify microcalcifications. The conducted research allowed us to choose the optimal segmentation algorithms of mammograms to highlight areas of microcalcifications for further analysis of their groups, sizes, and so on.
Development of a Method of Terahertz Intelligent Video Surveillance Based on the Semantic Fusion of Terahertz and 3D Video Images
Authors:   Kotel’nikov Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics of RAS, Mokhovaya 11-7, Moscow, Russia, 125009, Morozov Alexei , Sushkova Olga ,   Kotel’nikov Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics of RAS, Mokhovaya 11-7, Moscow, Russia, 125009, Kershner Ivan ,   Kotel’nikov Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics of RAS, Mokhovaya 11-7, Moscow, Russia, 125009, Polupanov Alexander ,   Kotel’nikov Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics of RAS, Mokhovaya 11-7, Moscow, Russia, 125009
Published: November 2019

The terahertz video surveillance opens up new unique opportunities in the field of security in public places, as it allows to detect and thus to prevent usage of hidden weapons and other dangerous items. Although the first generation of terahertz video surveillance systems has already been created and is available on the security systems market, it has not yet found wide application. The main reason for this is in that the existing methods for analyzing terahertz images are not capable of providing hidden and fully-automatic recognition of weapons and other dangerous objects and can only be used under the control of a specially trained operator. As a result, the terahertz video surveillance appears to be more expensive and less efficient in comparison with the standard approach based on the organizing security perimeters and manual inspection of the visitors. In the paper, the problem of the development of a method of automatic analysis of the terahertz video images is considered. As a basis for this method, it is proposed to use the semantic fusion of video images obtained using different physical principles, the idea of which is in that the semantic content of one video image is used to control the processing and analysis of another video image. For example, the information about 3D coordinates of the body, arms, and legs of a person can be used for analysis and proper interpretation of color areas observed on a terahertz video image. Special means of the object-oriented logic programming are developed for the implementation of the semantic fusion of the video data, including special built-in classes of the Actor Prolog logic language for acquisition, processing, and analysis of video data in the visible, infrared, and terahertz ranges as well as 3D video data.
Early diagnosis of a developing biosystem using acousto-optic imaging
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1, Moscow, Russia, 119991, Burlakov Aleksandr , Machikhin Alexander ,   Scientific and Technological Center of Unique Instrumentation RAS, Butlerova street, 15, Moscow, Russia, 117342, Khokhlov Demid ,   Scientific and Technological Center of Unique Instrumentation RAS, Butlerova street, 15, Moscow, Russia, 117342, Kuzmin Viktor ,   Russian Technological University (MIREA), Vernadsky Avenue, 78, Moscow, Russia, 119454, Gadzaov Aleksei ,   Russian Technological University (MIREA), Vernadsky Avenue, 78, Moscow, Russia, 119454, Tytik Dmitrii ,   Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry RAS, Leninsky Avenue, 31, Moscow, Russia, 119071, Busev Sergei ,   Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry RAS, Leninsky Avenue, 31, Moscow, Russia, 119071, Kasatkin Vadim ,   Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry RAS, Leninsky Avenue, 31, Moscow, Russia, 119071, Sleptsova Lyudmila ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1, Moscow, Russia, 119991
Published: November 2019

Studying the embryo development at an early stage is considered. For this, hyperspectral imaging using an acousto-optical microscope-based system is proposed. Acousto-optic visualization of the early developmental stages of the loach Misgurnus fossilis embryo showed a regular change in the spectral characteristics of different image areas corresponding to the tissues and body fluids, depending on the functional state of the embryo. We show that there is a discrete set of maxima in the optical absorption spectrum with a distance of 20 nm and 30 nm between them. Value 20 nm corresponds to the normal development of biological tissue. The appearance of the value 30 nm between the maxima of neighboring optical absorption bands indicates the development of pathological processes in the biosystem. Such deviations from the norm are characteristic of germinal tissues, and they are absent in the perivitelline fluid. Thus, we demonstrated that for the early diagnosis of the physiological state of a developing biosystem, special attention should be paid to optical absorption spectra.
Double stochastic wave models of multidimensional random fields
Authors:   Department of Applied Mathematics and Informatics, Ulyanovsk State Technical University, Ulyanovsk, Russia, Krasheninnikov Victor , Subbotin Aleksey
Published: November 2019

The paper deals with the development of mathematical models of random fields to describe and simulate images. In the wave model, a random field is the result of the influence of perturbations (waves) that occur at random times in random places and have random shapes. This model allows representing and simulate isotropic and anisotropic images (and their temporal sequences) defined on arbitrary areas of multidimensional space, as well as on any surfaces. The problems of correlation analysis and synthesis can be relatively easily solved. However, this model allows representing only homogeneous fields. In this paper, we consider «double stochastic» wave models, when the first wave random field (control field) sets the parameters of the second (controlled field). As a result, the controlled field becomes nonuniform, since its parameters vary randomly. We also consider options when two fields mutually influence each other. These models allow us to represent and simulate multidimensional inhomogeneous images (and their temporal sequences), as well as systems of such images with mutual correlations.
Applying doubly stochastic filters to evaluate the dynamics of object sizes on satellite image sequences
Authors:   Ulyanovsk State Technical University, ul. Severny Venets, 32, Ulyanovsk, Russia, 432027, Dementev Vitalii , Kondratev Dmitrii ,   Ulyanovsk State Technical University, ul. Severny Venets, 32, Ulyanovsk, Russia, 432027
Published: November 2019

One of the important tasks facing the regional authorities is to monitor the condition of roads and power lines. In the Ulyanovsk region more than 8 thousand km of power lines and more than 9 thousand km of roads (including rural). A significant part of these facilities is located outside the settlements in places with medium and low availability. In many such places there is a problem of uncontrolled forest overgrowth. This work is devoted to solving the problem of automated satellite monitoring of such areas. For this purpose, it is proposed to use a modified convolutional neural network that processes time sequences of multispectral satellite images and allows to allocate territories occupied by forest and undergrowth with high accuracy. This approach allows us to assess the dynamics of overgrowth of the territory and perform the appropriate forecast with sufficient accuracy for practice.
Proposing a Gaming Language Analysis Procedure to Reveal Video Game Ideology through Ludic Linguistics
Authors: Purnomo SF Luthfie Arguby , Khristianto Khristianto
Published: November 2019

This study proposes a procedural analysis on the implementation of ludic linguistics to analyze gaming language with wordplays, the core of focus in ludic linguistics, as the point of departure. To formulate the procedural analysis, theories of language play by Crystal ideology of influence and ludonarrative model by Aarseth, wordplay in gaming context by Paul, intended meaning level by Stiles, wordplay transmission by Winter-Froemel, game interface types by Stonehouse and indexical storytelling by Fernández-Vara were applied as the theoretical foundation. To provide a vivid application of the proposed procedural analysis, wordplays appearing on game assets from Konami’s Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater were taken as examples of analysis. The five steps procedure is able to show how wordplays in gaming context are designed as mechanical cues to help gamers complete the games and as narrative cues to help them comprehend the story. Further, this proposed procedure is able to indicate that the mechanical and narrative cues have particular ideology of influence, which affects gamers in reacting and responding to particular problems presented by the games. The result of this study discloses future research on the roles of wordplays in gaming context, signifying the importance of ludic linguistics as a bridge between language studies and game studies. Keywords: Wordplay; Gaming Language; Ludic Linguistics; Game Dtudies; Metal Gear Solid
Carotenoid-membrane interactions in liposomes: effect of dipolar, monopolar, and nonpolar carotenoids.
Authors: Wisniewska Anna , Widomska Justyna , Subczynski Witold K
Published: November 2019

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin-labeling methods were used to study the effects of carotenoids on the physical properties of saturated phosphatidylcholine (PC) membranes to evaluate the contribution of the terminal hydroxyl groups of xanthophyll molecules to the carotenoid-membrane interaction. Effects of the dipolar, terminally dihydroxylated carotenoid lutein on membrane phase transition, fluidity, order, and polarity were compared with those of monopolar (beta-cryptoxanthin) and nonpolar (beta-carotene) carotenoids. These effects were monitored at the membrane center as a function of the amount of the carotenoid added to the sample and as a function of temperature for fluid-phase membranes. PC membranes with different thickness (from 12 to 22 carbons in alkyl chains) were used. Carotenoids shifted to lower temperatures and broadened the main phase transition of PC membranes. They decreased the membrane fluidity and increased the order of alkyl chains. Carotenoids also increased the hydrophobicity of the membrane interior. These effects were the strongest for lutein, significantly weaker for beta-cryptoxanthin, and negligible for beta-carotene. They decreased with the increase of the membrane thickness. Presented results suggest that anchoring of carotenoid molecules at the opposite membrane surfaces by polar hydroxyl groups is significant in enhancing their effects on membrane properties. This manuscript also shows the ability of EPR spin-labeling methods to monitor different membrane properties that can be applied in biotechnological studies with the use of liposomes.
On the possibility that H1 histone interaction with DNA occurs through phosphates connecting lysine and arginine side chain groups.
Authors: Piscopo Marina , De Petrocellis Luciano , Conte Mariachiara , Pulcrano Giovanna , Geraci Giuseppe
Published: November 2019

Gel filtration and velocity of sedimentation analyses on native and on lysine- and arginine-modified forms of the annelid worm Chaetopterus variopedatus sperm H1 histone indicate that anion-mediated lysine-arginine interactions play a relevant role in the stabilization of the oligomeric states of the molecule. CD spectroscopy shows that phosphate anions are at least an order of magnitude more efficient than chloride as negatively charged groups connecting H1 lysines and arginines. Acetylation of lysines, although not altering grossly the H1 properties, causes a tenfold decrease of the structuring efficiency of phosphates. This suggests that DNA phosphates may be sandwiched between lysine and arginine groups of H1 histone when this molecule binds to chromatin, constituting a relevant parameter for the reciprocal stabilization of the protein and of the chromatin higher order structures.
Curcumin induces cell death without oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation in quiescent and proliferating human CD8+ cells.
Authors: Magalska Adriana , Brzezinska Agnieszka , Bielak-Zmijewska Anna , Piwocka Katarzyna , Mosieniak Grazyna , Sikora Ewa
Published: November 2019

Cytotoxic CD8+ cells play an important role in determining host response to tumor, thus chemotherapy is potentially dangerous as it may lead to T cells depletion. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the propensity of quiescent and proliferating human CD8+ cells to undergo cell death upon treatment with curcumin, a natural dye in Phase I of clinical trials as a prospective chemopreventive agent.
We treated human quiescent or proliferating CD8+ cells with 50 microM curcumin or irradiated them with UVC. Cell death symptoms such as decreased cell viability, chromatin condensation, activation of caspase-3 and specific DFF40/CAD endonuclease and oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation were analyzed using MTT test, microscopic observation, Western blotting and flow cytometry.
Curcumin decreased cell viability, activated caspase-3 and decreased the level of DFF45/ICAD, the inhibitor of the DFF40/CAD endonuclease. However, this did not lead to oligonucleosomal DNA degradation. In contrast, UVC-irradiated proliferating, but not quiescent CD8+ cells revealed molecular and morphological changes characteristic for apoptosis, including oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation. Curcumin can induce cell death in normal human lymphocytes both quiescent and proliferating, without oligonucleosomal DNA degradation which is considered as a main hallmark of apoptotic cell death. Taking into account the role of CD8+ cells in tumor response, their depletion during chemotherapy could be particularly undesirable.
An evaluation of mean platelet volume, sedimentation, and crp in brucellosis patients
Authors: PARLAK Emine , ALAY Handan , KESMEZ CAN Fatma , PARLAK Mehmet , KOŞAN Zahide
Published: November 2019

Aim: Brucellosis is an important infectious disease in
Turkey and our region. Mean platelet volume(MPV) is a marker of platelet
function, production, and activation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate
the relation between epidemiological characteristics of brucellosis patients
and MPV and other inflammatory markers.Material
and Methods: Brucellosis
patients hospitalized for monitoring at the Infectious Diseases Clinic in
2007-2015 were included in the study. One hundred patients with positive tube
agglutination tests and/or with bone marrow culture growth, and 100 controls group
without diagnosis of brucellosis were enrolled. Patients’ MPV, sedimentation,
and CRP values were compared with those of the controls. Results: Men constituted 64% of the patients were men, and the
mean age of the patient group was 37.33±16.88
years. The control group consisted of 62% men, with a mean age of 40.35±15.46.
There was no statistically significant difference between patients and controls
in terms of age or sex. CRP, MPV, and sedimentation were significantly higher
in patients with brucellosis than in the controls. 

Conclusion:
MPV is novel, low cost, easily applied marker. It may
be of greater value when assessed together with other inflammatory markers. Our
findings suggest that MPV values may be a useful inflammation marker and
prognostic factor in brucellosis patients.
Akciğerin büyük hücreli nöroendokrin karsinomundaki cerrahi sonuçlarımız
Authors: YANIK Fazlı , KARAMUSTAFAOĞLU Yekta Altemur , YORUK Yener
Published: November 2019

Giriş/Amaç: Akciğerin büyük hücreli
nöroendokrin karsinomları (BHNK) yüksek dereceli nadir  tümörlerdir ve küçük hücreli akciğer kanserine
benzer klinik ve biyolojik özellikler taşırlar. Bu çalışmada histopatolojik
tanısı akciğerin BHNK’u olan olgulardaki cerrahi sonuçlarımızı, prognozu ve
sağkalımı irdeledik.

Materyal-Metod:
Haziran 2012-Haziran
2018 tarihleri arasında rezeksiyon yapılan ve patolojik tanıları BHNK olarak
raporlanan biri kadın, 11’i erkek, ortalama yaşları 61,4±7,5(48-74 yaş) olan 12
olgu retrospektif olarak değerlendirildi. Prognoz, yaş, cins, sigara içme
hikayesi, tümör çapı, tanı tedavi modaliteleri, cerrahi sonuçlar ve sağkalım
hastane kayıtlarından analiz edildi.

Bulgular:
Sekiz olguda tümör
sağ hemitoraks yerleşimli iken, dört olguda sol hemitoraks yerleşimliydi. 11
olguda mediastinoskopi ve anatomik akciğer rezeksiyonu ile mediastinal lenf
nodu diseksiyonu uygulandı. T1 evreli bir olgu ise bilgisayarlı toraks
tomografisinde mediastende patolojik lenf nodu olmadığı için, mediastinoskopi
yapılmadan, video yardımlı lobektomi ve mediastinal lenf nodu diseksiyonu
uygulandı. Olguların yedisi (%58) takipler sırasında metastaz veya tümör progresyonu
nedeniyle kaybedildi. Ortalama tümör çapı, ortalama sağ-kalım süresi,
hastalıksız sağ-kalım süresi ve ortalama hastanede kalış süresi sırasıyla;
4,4±2,1 cm (dağılım 1-8 cm), 17,9±19,04 ay (dağılım 2-72 ay), 15,08±19,6 ay (
dağılım 1-72 ay ) ve 6,4±3,6 gün (4-12 gün) olarak hesaplandı. Postoperatif
mortalite görülmedi. İki(%16) olguda komplikasyon (atelektazi ve yara yeri
enfeksiyonu) görüldü.

Sonuç:
Tedavi ve sağ-kalım
açısından küçük hücreli akciğer kanserine benzer özellikler taşısa da, tedavi
stratejisinde tam olarak bir fikir birliğinin sağlanamamıştır. Günümüzde küratif
anatomik rezeksiyonlar ve beraberinde eklenecek onkolojik tedaviler uzun dönem
sağ-kalım için tek şans gibi gözükmektedir. Ancak bu nadir görülen tümörlerle
ilgili daha geniş vaka serilerini içeren çalışmalara ihtiyaç vardır.
Of Grim Witches and Showy Lady-Devils: Wealthy Women in Literature and Film
Authors: Schuchter Veronika
Published: November 2019

Imagining super rich women in the real and fictional world has long been a struggle. Those few depictions that do exist are scattered across time periods and literary genres, reflecting the legal restrictions that, at different points in time, would not allow women to accumulate assets independent of the patriarchal forces in their lives. The scarcity of extremely wealthy women in literature and film is confirmed by Forbes magazine’s list of the fifteen richest fictional characters that features forty different fictional men and only nine women, with never more than two female characters nominated in a single year.

This article explores the depiction of three exceptionally wealthy women: Cruella de Vil in The Hundred and One Dalmatians (1956) by Dodie Smith, Miss Havisham in Great Expectations (1861) by Charles Dickens, and the figure of the stepmother in various adaptations of “Cinderella.” I demonstrate how the protagonists’ wealth allows them to manipulate others and disconnect themselves from patriarchal and societal expectations. Further, I argue that these affluent antagonists are “rogued” by their respective narratives, highlighting their perceived anti-feminine and emasculating behaviour resulting in a mode of narration that greedily gazes at and shames their appearances and supposed unattractiveness. While this genealogy of rich rogues reiterates the narrow scope of imagining wealthy women on the page and on the screen, there are moments in the narratives that disrupt stereotypical depictions of these wealthy characters who defy the labels imposed on them.