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Diabetes, nowadays, is a very common disease throughout the world among people of all ages. The higher level of blood sugar in the blood more often leads to Damage to blood vessels in the retina leads to blindness if left untreated or undetected on time. Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) screening programs like retinal fundus image analysis help ophthalmologists deal with some visual impairment problems. Computer-Aided Diagnosis aims to detect the severity of DR as early as possible so that it can be handled before the occurrence of any irreversible vision loss. With the help of many advancements in artificial intelligence techniques, a highly efficient and accurate system can be designed to help medical professionals automatically diagnose DR at an early stage without any special clinical resources. This paper conducts a thorough investigation into several recent frameworks proposed based on machine learning and deep learning networks to classify non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, exudates, hemorrhages, and micro aneurysms. Several promising pre-trained deep learning model to classify DR stages exploited by researchers, and also investigated Transfer learning on pre-trained GoogLeNet and AlexNet, VGG etc. models. It is observed that almost all public and private data sets widely available for research are imbalanced. To alleviate these issues, generative adversarial networks (GANs) and their variants were also used to generate label-preserving data. In this study, the authors also list the recently proposed GAN-based frameworks and their impact on model performance. The paper concludes with the current challenges and future directions in the early and accurate classification of the severity level of DR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation of gaussian/multiple peak gaussian doping in planar 4H-SiC junctionless field effect transistor (JLFET) allows the conceptualization and realization of higher gate controllablity. With the aim of formulating and investigating the underlying device current gating mechanism of gaussian/multiple peak gaussian doping 4H-SiC JLFET with enhanced device performance, we have adopted the exhaustive calibrated 2D TCAD study approach. Our study suggests that by deploying either gaussian or multiple peak gaussian doping improves the ION/IOFF ratio magnificently as compared to the uniformly doped planar 4H-SiC JLFET. Moreover, multiple peak gaussian doping even without the use of P+ pockets improves the switching behaviour as the sub-threshold slope (SS) value reduces. Interestingly, it is observed that just by incorporating the gaussian doping approach the mandate of incorporating P+ pockets to get better volume depletion can be relaxed. Thus the additional fabrication steps to realize the P+ pockets in junctionless structure can be avoided. This results in the lowering of device thermal budget and random dopant fluctuations (RDFs) immune structure. Further, as the reported device demonstrates volume/bulk conduction, it is also expected to be immune towards the interface trapped charges, hence this device realization no more needs additional fabrication steps such as counter doping and annealing to neutralize the semiconductor-oxide traps. Further, device sensitivity analysis in terms of channel length, P+ pockets length, fixed trapped charges at the 4H-SiC-SiO2 interface and temperature variation has also been carried out here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Second messenger signaling controls a surprisingly diverse range of processes in several eukaryotic pathogens. Molecular machinery and pathways involving these messengers thus hold tremendous opportunities for therapeutic interventions. Relative to Ca2+ signaling, the knowledge of a crucial second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP) and its signaling pathway is very scant in the intestinal parasite Entamoeba histolytica. In the current study, mining the available genomic resources, we have for the first time identified the cAMP signal transduction pathway of E. histolytica. Three heptahelical proteins with variable G-protein-coupled receptor domains, heterotrimeric G-proteins (Gα, Gβ, and Gγ subunits), soluble adenylyl cyclase, cyclase-associated protein, and enzyme carbonic anhydrase were identified in its genome. We could also identify several putative candidate genes for cAMP downstream effectors such as protein kinase A, A-kinase anchoring proteins, and exchange protein directly activated by the cAMP pathway. Using specific inhibitors against key identified targets, we could observe changes in the intracellular cAMP levels as well as defect in the rate of phagocytosis of red blood cells by the parasite E. histolytica. We thus strongly believe that characterization of some of these unexplored crucial signaling determinants will provide a paradigm shift in understanding the pathogenicity of this organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural products offer an abundant source of diverse novel scaffolds that inspires development of next generation anti-malarials. With this vision, a library of scaffolds inspired by natural biologically active alkaloids was synthesized from chiral bicyclic lactams with steps/scaffold ratio of 1.7:1. On evaluation of library of scaffolds for their growth inhibitory effect against malaria parasite we found one scaffold with IC50 in low micro molar range. It inhibited parasite growth via disruption of Na+ homeostasis. P-type ATPase, PfATP4 is responsible for maintaining parasite Na+ homeostasis and is a good target for anti-malarials. Molecular docking with our scaffold showed that it fits well in the binding pocket of PfATP4. Moreover, inhibition of Na+-dependent ATPase activity by our potent scaffold suggests that it targets parasite by inhibiting PfATP4, leading to ionic imbalance. However how ionic imbalance attributes to parasite's death is unclear. We show that ionic imbalance caused by scaffold 7 induces autophagy that leads to onset of apoptosis in the parasite evident by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and DNA degradation. Our study provides a novel strategy for drug discovery and an insight into the molecular mechanism of ionic imbalance mediated death in malaria parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bilateral coronoid hyperplasia is an abnormal elongation of the mandibular coronoid process which is rare in occurrence and causes progressive but slow reduction in mouth opening. In case of reduction in zygomatic arch fracture by Gillies temporal approach, the presence of bilateral coronoid hyperplasia can be a possible factor for hindrance and improper reduction. Material and methods: We propose a technical note to overcome this hindrance caused by the coronoid hyperplasia and propose tips and tricks to successful reduction in zygomatic arch. Results: Adequate reduction in the zygomatic arch and pretrauma mouth opening was achieved. Conclusion: Manual repositioning of the mandible during Gillies temporal approach along with ultrasound guidance leads to a satisfactory outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the mental well being of rag pickers of Lucknow City. Rag picking is a severe and worst form of child labour. It is the most unhygienic, dangerous job in scrap collection. The children of poverty stricken classes or slum dwellers are engaged in such activities. They collect waste or broken articles and glass of plastic, tin, iron, from garbage and dirty places of urban areas. The glass, metal, iron pieces may injure their bare feet. Children engaged in rag picking, face various health problems like tetanus and skin diseases. Mental well being describes your mental state-how one feels? And how well one can cope with dayto- day life? As the study is exploratory in nature, survey method was adopted to collect the information from the target population. The main tool in the study was a self prepared interview schedule which consisted of general and specific information of the respondents targeted for the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highly conserved proteins of the 14-3-3 family are universal adaptors known to regulate an enormous range of cellular processes in eukaryotes. However, their biological functions remain largely uncharacterized in pathogenic protists comprising of several 14-3-3 protein isoforms. In this study, we report the role of 14-3-3 in coordinating cytoskeletal dynamics during phagocytosis in a professional phagocytic protist Entamoeba histolytica, the etiological agent of human amebiasis. There are three isoforms of 14-3-3 protein in amoeba and here we have investigated Eh14-3-3 Protein 3 (EhP3). Live and fixed cell imaging studies revealed the presence of this protein throughout the parasite phagocytosis process, with high rate of accumulation at the phagocytic cups and closed phagosomes. Conditional suppression of EhP3 expression caused significant defects in phagocytosis accompanied by extensive diminution of F-actin at the site of cup formation. Downregulated cells also exhibited defective recruitment of an F-actin stabilizing protein, EhCoactosin at the phagocytic cups. In addition, mass spectrometry based analysis further revealed a large group of EhP3-associated proteins, many of these proteins are known to regulate cytoskeletal architecture in E histolytica. The dynamics of these proteins may also be controlled by EhP3. Taken together, our findings strongly suggest that EhP3 is a novel and a key regulatory element of actin dynamics and phagocytosis in E. histolytica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper demonstrates an efficient, green and convenient strategy for the synthesis of densely functionalized biologically important spiroxyindoles. This facile step economic synthetic protocol involves one‐pot three component condensation of functionalized isatins, malononitrile and C−H activated carbonyl compounds in the presence of Caffeinium hydrogen sulfate (CHS) as a green acid catalyst to afford various spiroxyindole derivatives via domino Knoevenagel‐Michael‐cyclization sequence. This environmentally benign protocol provides various advantages viz operational simplicity, excellent yield processing, cost‐effectiveness and short reaction time. High selectivity, broad substrate scope, recyclability of the catalyst and isolation of final products via simple filtration and recrystallization procedure are the prominent features of the presented methodology. An expedient, ecofriendly and step economic strategy for the preparation of a library of densely functionalized spiroxyindoles using CHS as a green and efficient catalyst is demonstrated. The effect of various reaction parameters on reaction efficiency was investigated. The valuable features of the mentioned protocol include excellent yields of required products, shorter reaction times, adaptability towards variety of functional groups and substrates, avoidance of toxic organic solvents, reusability of the catalyst, clean and mild reaction profile and easy product isolation by simple filtration and recrystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A green, water soluble and efficient solid acid catalyst Caffeinium Hydrogen Sulfate (CHS) is prepared by sulfonation of caffeine and characterized by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, FTIR spectroscopy, elemental and thermal analysis. The catalytic application of the prepared catalyst for the selective one‐pot domino Knoevenagel‐Michael synthesis of bis‐cyclohexenones and 1,8‐dioxooctahydroxanthenes is investigated. This report demonstrate the selectivity of CHS to synthesise bis‐cyclohexenone and xanthenes at different temperature conditions. The proposed methodology put forward various advantages such as cost effectiveness, excellent yields of the targeted products, clean and mild reaction profile, negligible waste generation, eliminate the use of harmful organic solvents and corrosive reagents, reusability of the catalytic system and afford pure products without any extraction and purification steps. An eco‐friendly, high yielding and efficient protocol for domino Knoevenagel‐Michael synthesis of bis‐cyclohexenones and 1,8‐dioxooctahydroxanthenes using Caffeinium Hydrogen Sulfate (CHS) as a green solid acid catalyst at different temperature range is reported. The advantages of proposed methodology include high selectivity, practicability, cost effectiveness, broad substrate scope, high yields of desired products, operational simplicity, and reusability of the catalytic system and isolation of products without using extraction and chromatographic techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in social reciprocity and communication and restricted, repetitive patt erns of behaviour. The DSM-5 states that "autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed four times more often in males than in females. The majority of children with autism also have a learning disability (mental retardation) and have average intelligence. With this background, this study was carried out with the objectives to assess category of Autism among children across gender. Methods: A standardized scale "Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism" used to assess category of autism among children. Total 100 children from diff erent NGOs working for special children were selected for the study. In the present study descriptive statistics like frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to analyse. The data and relational statistics like f-test were used to analyse the data. It was found that more than half (55.0%) of the respondents had mild autism, where, 51.1% were boys and 5.0%were girls while (43.0%) respondents had moderate autism in which 42.2% were boys and 5.0% were girls. Very few respondents (2.0%) belonged to sever autism category and all were boys. Results of hypothesis testing revealed that as the p>.05 thus, the null hypothesis was accepted stating that there exists no signifi cant diff erence in category of autism across gender. The present study showed that Autism is much more prevalent in male than female but category of autism is not gender oriented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first 6-8 years of a child's life, known as the early childhood stage. Early childhood stage is important as a foundation for the inculcation of social and personal habits and values. "Social Development is equality of social opportunities." The focus of this paper is on early development of social skill in children with autism. Social reciprocity deficits are a core feature of the autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by impairments in social and communication development, accompanied by stereotyped patt erns of behavior and interest. Children with autism display significant social deficits that negativelyimpact daily functioning and may lead to serious mental health problems. By elementary school, they have significant social relational problems; the majority experience great difficulty initiating and maintaining friendships with same-aged peers. Social skills are important for preparing young people to mature and succeed in their adult roles within the family, workplace, and community. Social skills allow people to succeed not only in their social lives, but also in their academic, personal, and future professional activities. Young children acquire social knowledgeand skills in play. It is within play that they learn to coordinate interpersonal skills such as turn-taking and reciprocity and learn the strategies necessary for collaborative and symbolic pretend play. Through social play, children learn and practice social skills such as asking to enter into peer or play groups and inviting others to play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A concise, green, highly versatile and selective one‐pot synthesis of 2,4,5‐triarylimidazoles and 1,2,4,5‐tetraarylimidazoles is reported in this paper. This methodology involves the condensation of bezil or benzoin with various aldehydes and ammonium acetate or aromatic amines in water : ethanol (4:1) mixture containing zinc‐proline hybrid material (ZnPHM) as catalyst to afford various triaryl and tetraarylimidazoles. The facile and mild protocol eliminates the use of expensive and corrosive reagents, toxic solvents and ensures operational simplicity with easy workup. The prominent features of this protocol are avoidance of harsh reaction conditions, recyclability of the catalyst and excellent yields of the desired products after simple crystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wrestling is a very popular sport the world over and its popularity is rapidly increasing in India. However, due to its arduous nature it is associated with a high incidence of injuries. Out of all the injuries, those to the knee are one of the commonest injuries reported. Objectives: Our aim was to study the pattern of these injuries in the Indian wrestlers. Methods: A prospective study was conducted involving 196 wrestlers who were followed up over a period of 2 years. Their knee injuries were studied by means of a structured questionnaire which they filled up with assistance from their athletic trainers. Results: There were a total of 188 injuries in 121 wrestlers with overall injury rate of 5.13/1,000 athlete exposure. 35 wrestlers sustained 71 knee injuries (71/188; 37.77%). 71.83% injuries were new. More number of injuries occurred in competition (incidence density ratio = 20.7) and in attack position. There was a statistically significant association with age and duration of practice. No association was found between these injuries and style of wrestling, weight and height of wrestlers. Ligament sprains and muscular strains were the commonest injuries. Conclusions: Goal of any such study is to minimize the risk of injury in the young athlete by understanding the factors responsible and development of preventive programs. We hope to do just that with this first study involving Indian wrestlers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria, a leading parasitic killer, is caused by Plasmodium spp. The pathology of the disease starts when Plasmodium merozoites infect erythrocytes to form rings, that matures through a large trophozoite form and develop into schizonts containing multiple merozoites. The number of intra-erythrocytic merozoites is a key-determining factor for multiplication rate of the parasite. Counting of intraerythrocytic merozoites by classical 2-D microscopy method is error prone due to insufficient representation of merozoite in one optical plane of a schizont. Here, we report an alternative 3-D microscopy based automated method for counting of intraerythrocytic merozoites in entire volume of schizont. This method offers a considerable amount of advantages in terms of both, ease and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotenoids represent a diverse group of pigments derived from the common isoprenoid precursors and fulfill a variety of critical functions in plants and animals. Phytoene synthase (PSY), a transferase enzyme that catalyzes the first specific step in carotenoid biosynthesis plays a central role in the regulation of a number of essential functions mediated via carotenoids. PSYs have been deeply investigated in plants, bacteria and algae however in apicomplexans it is poorly studied. In an effort to characterize PSY in apicomplexans especially the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum ( P. falciparum), a detailed bioinformatics analysis is undertaken. We have analysed the Phylogenetic relationship of PSY also referred to as octaprenyl pyrophosphate synthase (OPPS) in P. falciparum with other taxonomic groups. Further, we in silico characterized the secondary and tertiary structures of P. falciparum PSY/OPPS and compared the tertiary structures with crystal structure of Thermotoga maritima ( T. maritima) OPPS. Our results evidenced the resemblance of P. falciparum PSY with the active site of T. maritima OPPS. Interestingly, the comparative structural analysis revealed an unconserved unique loop in P. falciparum OPPS/PSY. Such structural insights might contribute novel accessory functions to the protein thus, offering potential drug targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented work deals with the synthesis and thermal characterization of TiO2 filled Polycarbonate/Polystyrene (PC/PS) blend nanocomposites. Nanoparticles of Titanium-dioxide have been synthesized by simple chemical method. Average grain size of as prepared nanoparticles have been determined by both TEM and XRD. Titanium-dioxide Filled Polycarbonate/Polystyrene blend nanocomposites have been prepared by solution casting method. The XRD pattern and FTIR spectrum confirm the formation of blend nanocomposites. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) has been used to study thermal properties. The DSC thermograms indicate that the glass transition temperature and hence thermal stability of nanocomposites enhances with addition of filler content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Malaria remains the world's most important devastating parasitic disease. Of the five species of Plasmodium known to infect and cause human malaria, Plasmodium falciparum is the most virulent and responsible for majority of the deaths caused by this disease. Mainstream drug therapy targets the asexual blood stage of the malaria parasite, as the disease symptoms are mainly associated with this stage. The prevalence of malaria parasite strains resistance to existing anti-malarial drugs has made the control of malaria even more challenging and hence the development of a new class of drugs is inevitable. Methods Screening against different drug resistant and sensitive strains of P. falciparum was performed for few bicyclic lactam-based motifs, exhibiting a broad spectrum of activity with low toxicity generated via a focussed library obtained from diversity oriented synthesis (DOS). The synthesis and screening was followed by an in vitro assessment of the possible cytotoxic effect of this class of compounds on malaria parasite. Results The central scaffold a chiral bicyclic lactam (A) and (A') which were synthesized from (R)- phenylalaninol, levulinic acid and 3-(2-nitrophenyl) levulinic acid respectively. The DOS library was generated from A and from A', by either direct substitution with onitrobenzylbromide at the carbon α- to the amide functionality or by conversion to fused pyrroloquinolines. Upon screening this diverse library for their anti-malarial activity, a dinitro/diamine substituted bicyclic lactam was found to demonstrate exceptional activity of >85% inhibition at 50 μM concentration across different strains of P. falciparum with no toxicity against mammalian cells. Also, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial functionality and apoptosis was observed in parasite treated with diaminesubstituted bicyclic lactams. Conclusions This study unveils a DOS-mediated exploration of small molecules with novel structural motifs that culminates in identifying a potential lead molecule against malaria. In vitro investigations further reveal their cytocidal effect on malaria parasite growth. It is not the first time that DOS has been used as a strategy to identify therapeutic leads against malaria, but this study establishes the direct implications of DOS in scouting novel motifs with antimalarial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detection of diaphragmatic hernia in the acute setting is problematic and diagnosing diaphragmatic hernia as hydropneumothorax is not an uncommon mistake. We present a series of four such cases diagnosed over a 7-year period, from December 2004 to January 2011 and analyse them for how this mistake can be avoided. In case of all the patients reported by us the initial radiographs were technically compromised because the patient could not be positioned properly. Also they were examined by non-radiologists. We feel that treating surgeons in emergency department tend to overdiagnose pneumothorax as it is a life-threatening condition. We feel that in the appropriate setting suspicion of diaphragmatic hernia should be raised in patients having fractured ribs associated with homogenous opacity, which cannot be differentiated from the diaphragm. Evidence of loculation of hydropneumothorax in the appropriate setting should also raise the possibility of diaphragmatic hernia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hashimoto encephalopathy remains a Rubik's cube for the present generation of clinical research. Myriad presentations have been noted, and observations recorded in few subgroups of patients have gone on only to be trashed by a second group of patients with a completely different clinical profile. Steroids have been traditionally held to be the treatment for this condition, but long-term side effects associated with it limits its use. Although multiple drugs have been tried, yet there exists no data for their long-term efficacy in maintaining remission. No radiological findings have been consistently associated with this condition. We report the use of azathioprine in maintaining long-term remission in one such patient with Hashimoto encephalopathy and the presence of lactate peak in magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the patient, which showed dramatic regression with institution of immunosuppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egress of Plasmodium falciparum merozoites from host erythrocytes is a critical step in multiplication of blood-stage parasites. A cascade of proteolytic events plays a major role in degradation of membranes leading to egress of merozoites. However, the signals that regulate the temporal activation and/or secretion of proteases upon maturation of merozoites in intra-erythrocytic schizonts remain unclear. Here, we have tested the role of intracellular Ca2+ in regulation of egress of P. falciparum merozoites from schizonts. A sharp rise in intracellular Ca2+ just before egress, observed by time-lapse video microscopy, suggested a role for intracellular Ca2+ in this process. Chelation of intracellular Ca2+ with chelators such as BAPTA- AM or inhibition of Ca2+ release from intracellular stores with a phospholipase C ( PLC) inhibitor blocks merozoite egress. Interestingly, chelation of intracellular Ca2+ in schizonts was also found to block the discharge of a key protease PfSUB1 (subtilisin-like protease 1) from exonemes of P. falciparum merozoites to parasitophorous vacuole ( PV). This leads to inhibition of processing of PfSERA5 (serine repeat antigen 5) and a block in parasitophorous vacuolar membrane ( PVM) rupture and merozoite egress. A complete understanding of the steps regulating egress of P. falciparum merozoites may provide novel targets for development of drugs that block egress and limit parasite growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bowel Injuries are uncommonly associated with traumatic abdominal injuries. However, they are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and require operative intervention unlike solid organ injuries. Hence, early diagnosis is of paramount importance. Computed tomographic (CT) scan is a well-established and highly accurate imaging modality for the detection of solid organ injury after blunt abdominal trauma. However, its role in diagnosing hollow viscus injury remains controversial. The aim of our study was to analyze the accuracy of multidetector CT (MDCT) in the diagnosis of bowel injury. Imaging features of surgically proven cases of bowel injury were identified over 8-year period (i.e., from January 2003 to December 2010) and were retrospectively analyzed. There were 32 patients with age range of 3-90 years. There was only one female. Sensitivity of various CT signs specific to bowel injury (i.e., extravasation of contrast and discontinuity of bowel wall) was 15.62, and 28.12%, respectively. While that of signs suggestive of bowel injury were pneumoperitoneum, 62.5%; gas in the vicinity, 40.62%; bowel wall hematoma, 21.87%; bowel wall thickening, 75%; ascites, 78.12%; mesenteric hematoma, 46.87%; and mesenteric stranding, 40.62%. Based on the major and minor signs, a diagnosis of bowel injury could be made in all patients except one. The minor signs showed a higher sensitivity than the major signs. Hence, we recommend that multidetector CT should be used as the modality of choice in case of patients with suspected bowel injury. We also suggest that the minor signs should be given as much importance as the major signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosis of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia due to blunt abdominal trauma requires a high index of suspicion. This study was conducted to assess the accuracy of multidetector computed tomogram (MDCT) in the diagnosis of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. All patients with thoracoabdominal blunt trauma with diaphragmatic hernia diagnosed on radiologic evaluation during a 3-year period (i.e., from June 2004 to June 2007) were analyzed. Nineteen patients with diaphragmatic injuries in 117 patients with blunt thoracoabdominal injury (16.23%) were studied. Age range was 8-60 years (mean 34 years). Male-female ratio was 18:1. Various features seen on CT scan were diaphragmatic discontinuity in 13 (68.42%), thickened diaphragm in 10 (52.63%), 'collar sign' in 8 (42.10%), visceral herniation in 12 (63.15%), dependent viscera sign in 8 (42.10%), and segmental nonrecognition of the diaphragm in 1 patient (5.88%). Two patients presented with delayed rupture. In the rest mean duration between time of injury and performance of CT scan was 44.35 h (range 3-288 h). Fourteen patients underwent operative management. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MDCT scan were 100, 93, and 95%, respectively. Three patients (15.78%) expired. MDCT is a highly accurate modality for detecting traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the relationship of thymic size in vivo in preterm infants with gestational age (GA), birth-weight (BW) and length of the baby. Methods: Two hundred consecutive preterm, appropriate for GA, asymptomatic neonates with GA between 26 and 36 wk and BW between 1000 and 2700 g were examined during the first week following delivery. Neonates of mothers with medical complications were excluded from the study. Thymic size was assessed sonographically and thymic index (Ti) was calculated. Results: The mean gestational age was 32.62 ± 2.32 wk, the mean birth weight was 1850 ± 41 g and the mean length was 42.93 ± 3.09 cm. The number of boys were 109 (54.5%) and the number of girls were 91 (45.5%). The mean Ti in boys (4.11 ± 2.10) was similar to that in girls (4.36 ± 2.05). Thymic index was positively correlated with GA and length and the correlation was not significant with BW and sex of the infant. Conclusions: The sonographic method is a safe and effective technique for measuring the size of the thymus in preterm infants. A normal range of Ti has been established and correlates positively with GA and length and negatively with BW and sex of the preterm infants of the Indian subcontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 35-year-old female with migraine without aura, presented with sudden onset of visual aura along with loss of vision on the left side. Following this she had nausea, vomiting and headache. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) performed at this stage revealed ill-defined lesions hyperintense on Flair images, located in the right temporal and right occipital region. Diffusion weighted images, MR angiogram, T1-weighted and T2-weighted images were normal. She got relief with symptomatic treatment. Twenty days after this attack of migrainous aura she had a similar episode. An MRI scan was performed again. It revealed similar lesions only in the right occipital lobe. Follow-up MRI performed seven weeks later was normal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides a discussion concerning the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma of the diaphragm in a 70-year old man who presented with complaints or moderate chest pain and difficulty in breathing. The findings on chest radiographs, on computed tomogram (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are cited. The differential diagnosis include retroperitoneal tumors, malignant fibrous histiocytoma and pleural tumors. The background of leiomyosarcoma of the diaphragm and the treatment of choice are explained.

Motility and phagocytosis are the two important processes that are intricately linked to survival and virulence potential of the protist parasite Entamoeba histolytica. These processes primarily rely on actin‐dependent pathways, and regulation of these pathways is critical for understanding the pathology of E. histolytica. Generally, phosphoinositides dynamics have not been explored in amoebic actin dynamics and particularly during phagocytosis in E. histolytica. We have explored the roles of PtdIns(4,5)P2 as well as the enzyme that produces this metabolite, EhPIPKI during phagocytosis. Immunofluorescence and live cell images showed enrichment of EhPIPKI in different stages of phagocytosis from initiation till the cups progressed towards closure. However, the enzyme was absent after phagosomes are pinched off from the membrane. Overexpression of a dominant negative mutant revealed a reduction in the formation of phagocytic cups and inhibition in the rate of engulfment of erythrocytes. Moreover, EhPIPKI binds directly to F and G‐actin unlike PIPKs from other organisms. PtdIns(4,5)P2, the product of the enzyme, also followed a similar distribution pattern during phagocytosis as determined by a GFP‐tagged PH‐domain from PLCδ, which specifically binds PtdIns(4,5)P2 in trophozoites. In summary, EhPIPKI regulates initiation of phagocytosis by regulating actin dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which is concerned with otocephaly and prenatal and postnatal imaging findings.

The article presents a case study of a 23-year-old male who brought to the outpatient department because of vague heaviness in his inguinoscrotal region. Information about the physical examination, ultrasonographic examination, and urine examination is discussed. Diagnosis of the patient's condition is also revealed. triorchidism

Seckel syndrome is a rare genetic disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance. It is associated with many CNS anomalies along with involvement of other systems. We present a case of Seckel syndrome with semilobar holoprosencephaly as associated CNS anomaly, which to the best of our knowledge has not been reported earlier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]