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Data Mining is used in extracting valuable information in large volumes of data using exploration and analysis. With an enormous amount of data stored in databases and data warehouses requires powerful tools for analysis and discovery of frequent patterns and association rules. In data mining, Association Rule Mining (ARM) is one of the important areas of research, and requires more attention to explore rigorously because it is an prominent part of Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD). This paper present an empirical study on various algorithms for generating frequent patterns and association rules. To identifying, analyzing and understanding of the frequent patterns and related association rules from immense database, an strong tool is needed. It is observed that there is a strong need of an efficient algorithm who overcome the drawbacks of the existing algorithms. It is also found that the multiobjective association rules are more appropriate.

The major objective of information security is to prevent valuable resources of an organization like hardware, software, and financial resources, tangible and intangible assets. By selecting suitable methods and policies of security, an organization is able to attain its security objectives. Artificial intelligence technology works very well in controlling and managing activities, where humans lack behind thus the application of AI in networking has improved performance and security. This paper has given a review of the work being done in information security and the role of Artificial Intelligence in it. It also discusses recent developments in information hiding technique being the current trend for security of information. At the end, best possible gaps will be discussed for future work.

The study of temperature regulation of human body will help to better understand the physiology and functioning of every biological system. Skin is the largest organ of the integumentory system playing an important role to maintain the body core temperature (Tb) at 37°C. Any disturbance in the temperature regulation may cause lots of abnormality in the body. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of temperature variations of tissues of human peripheral region during wound healing process after plastic surgery. An attempt has been made to study temperature variations of normal region (region before surgery) as well as abnormal region (region after surgery) of human peripheral region after the plastic surgery at different atmospheric temperatures and rates of evaporation for an undressed wound by extending finite domain to infinite using infinite element method (IEM). The two-dimensional peripheral region (skin and subcutaneous tissues) consists of finite triangular elements of very small size and the infinitely long rectangular elements. The appropriate shape functions are used for the elements. Physiological parameters like thermal conductivity, rate of metabolism, blood mass flow rate, latent heat, rate of evaporation etc. are used along with the proper initial and boundary conditions. The temperature variations are noted for tissue of donor site (normal region) as well as tissues after surgery (abnormal region). The information obtained from this model can be of great use for biomedical scientists for application in treatment of various diseases as well as helpful to develop protocols for medical purpose.

Keeping in view the complications and the case fatality associated with dengue virus, several serologic tests have been developed. However, the major drawback of these serologic tests is the need for a venous blood sample obtained by invasive venipuncture. As a noninvasive alternative, saliva provides a body fluid that contains antibodies of diagnostic importance. Hence, the detection of DEN-specific IgM and IgG antibodies in serum and saliva from 80 patients was compared. Salivary IgM antibodies were detected in 100% of the serum IgM-positive samples and in 30% of the serum samples that were negative for IgM antibodies. Salivary IgG antibodies were detected in 93.3% of the serum samples that were positive for anti-dengue IgG antibodies and in none of the serum IgG-negative cases. None of the specimens from the healthy controls showed the presence of IgM or IgG antibodies. The detection of both IgG and IgM antibodies in saliva correlated well with the serum IgG and IgM detection by the ELISA test (r = 0.6322 and r = 0.4227). Detection of salivary IgM antibodies by ELISA showed 100% sensitivity, 70% specificity, 90.9% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value. The detection of IgG in saliva proved to be a promising tool as the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were found out to be 93.3%, 100%, 100%, and 83.3%, respectively. Thus, from this study we conclude that the detection of DEN-specific salivary IgG and IgM antibodies are useful markers for dengue infection.

Wo steht die urbane Fernerkundung heute? Ist sie bereits ein integraler Teil einer neuen, multidisziplinaren urbanen Geographie? Wie muss es in der Mitte des zweiten Jahrzehnts des 21. Jahrhunderts mit der urbanen Fernerkundung weitergehen? Reicht es aus, immer neuere und bessere Satelliten und Sensoren zu bauen oder brauchen wir ein anderes Verstandnis von raumlichen Informationen aus dem All? Renommierte Experten aus der methodischen sowie angewandten Fernerkundung sowie aus den Themenfeldern Geomatik, Stadtgeographie, Wirtschaftswissenschaften und Soziologie diskutieren Entwicklungen, Herausforderungen, Erwartungen und Visionen aus ihren fachlichen und personlichen Blickwinkeln heraus. Diese Perspektivenwechsel formulieren indirekt eine Zukunftsagenda fur die Fernerkundung in einem stadtgeographischen Kontext.

The differential diagnosis of highly vascular, intramural lesions of the myometrium Includes arteriovenous malformation, gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, hemangiomata, sarcoma, and interstitial pregnancy. We present an unusual case in which a patient with irregular uterine hemorrhage in the presence of increasing serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) levels exhibited transvaginal sonographic and color Doppler imaging findings considered consistent with an interstitial pregnancy. After laparoscopy and curettage yielded normal findings but with the continuously rising serum β-hCG levels and the concern for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, the patient underwent vaginal hysterectomy. Histopathologic findings confirmed choriocarcinoma.

Background :New emerging pathogens and associated antimicrobial resistance mechanisms have been observed in the respiratory tract of patients suffering from pyogenic infection in the last decade. Prevalence rate of metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, Carbamapenase producing enterobacteriaceae, is growing, apart from prevalent ESBL positive E.coli & Klebsiella pneumoniae. Methods :In this study, 250 respiratory samples (Sputum) of were collected during a 24 months period. Microbiological cultures and antimicrobial susceptibility tests of the most frequently isolated bacteria were performed by standard disk diffusion method as per CLSI guidelines. Results : Out of 250 spu- tum samples, 142 pathogenic bacteria were isolated and characterized. Among the bacteria, Streptococcus pneumonia, Staphy- lococcus aureus (both MSSA & MRSA) & P. aeruginosa (Both MBL producing & Non MBL producing) showed highest prevalence. Conclusions : The detection of MBL-producing P. aeruginosa and MRSA in patients confirms that antimicrobial resistance patterns should be always kept under surveillance. Moreover hygiene regulations in pulmonary clinics should prevent a further spread of resistant bacterial strains.

Background: Several researchers have reported that mobile phone uses are increasing among adolescents. Better understanding of cellphone and media usage by adolescents would help health care providers in guiding more responsible use of cellphone by teenagers. Aim of the study was to study the level and pattern of mobile phone usages among adolescent girls of Bhopal city, Madhya Pradesh.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescent girls between 14 to 19 years of age studying in schools of Bhopal city. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire contains items related to demographic variables, cellular phone usage and patterns.Results: All the study subjects were using smart phones. Facebook was the most commonly surfed website. Maximum adolescent girls were using smartphones for 2-4 hours in a day. Seventy-eight (69.03%) study subjects preferred text messaging service for awareness about reproductive and sexual health.Conclusions: The cellphone usage can also be exploited to promote awareness about reproductive health among adolescents.

Osteoarticular tuberculosis is the fourth leading type of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The disease has a progressive course and the diagnosis is often made in the later stages of bone destruction. We describe a case of a foot ulcer caused by drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a patient with known diabetes where the diagnosis was not suspected initially. Although tuberculous foot ulcers are rare, they should be included in the differential diagnosis of unknown foot ulcers. A greater awareness of this rare clinical entity may help in commencing specific evidence-based therapy quickly and preventing undue morbidity and mortality.

Kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) signaling plays a critical role in the regulation of reproduction. We investigated the role of kisspeptin-stimulated KISS1R internalization, recycling, and degradation in the modulation of KISS1R signaling. Kisspeptin stimulation of Chinese hamster ovary or GT1–7 cells expressing KISS1R resulted in a biphasic increase in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), with a rapid acute increase followed by a more sustained second phase. In contrast, stimulation of the TRH receptor, another Gq/11-coupled receptor, resulted in a much smaller second-phase [Ca2+]i response. The KISS1R-mediated second-phase [Ca2+]i response was abolished by removal of kisspeptin from cell culture medium. Notably, the second-phase [Ca2+]i response was also inhibited by dynasore, brefeldin A, and phenylarsine oxide, which inhibit receptor internalization and recycling, suggesting that KISS1R trafficking contributes to the sustained [Ca2+]i response. We further demonstrated that KISS1R undergoes dynamic ligand-dependent and -independent recycling. We next investigated the fate of the internalized kisspeptin-KISS1R complex. Most internalized kisspeptin was released extracellularly in degraded form within 1 hour, suggesting rapid processing of the internalized kisspeptin-KISS1R complex. Using a biotinylation assay, we demonstrated that degradation of cell surface KISS1R was much slower than that of the internalized ligand, suggesting dissociated processing of the internalized kisspeptin-KISS1R complex. Taken together, our results suggest that the sustained calcium response to kisspeptin is dependent on the continued presence of extracellular ligand and is the result of dynamic KISS1R trafficking.

SUMMARY The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne Alphavirus, which causes epidemics of fever, rash and polyarthralgia in Africa and Asia. First isolated in 1953 in Tanzania, CHIKV has caused numerous well-documented outbreaks and epidemics in both Africa and South-East Asia. The epidemic of Chikungunya fever that affected the population of La Reunion at Christmas in 2005 will be remembered as the most serious public health crises in the island's history. A widely circulating mutant CHIKV is a possible explanation for the epidemiological pattern of the disease in this region. In this review, we have tried to give the latest information about the present outbreak and have tried to analyse the possible reasons for the same.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an important and common cause of mortality and morbidity in immunocompromised patients such as those with HIV/AIDS, transplant recipients on immunosuppressive therapy, and malignant hematological disease. After primary infection with CMV the virus becomes latent in multiple organs and can later be reactivated during severe dysregulation of the immune system. A large population carry dormant virus and are thus at risk for reactivation. However, reactivation of CMV has been reported in "non-immunosuppressed patients" such as severe trauma, sepsis, shock, burns, cirrhosis and other critically ill patients lying in the intensive care units. Therefore, the intensivists are increasingly facing a dilemma of identifying such patients to treat and there is a debate if there is a scientific justification for prophylaxis in such immunocompetent patients.

Rapid diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is crucial as the disease outcome depends on the stage at which the treatment is initiated. The reliability of the available tests has not been established; thus, the present study was conducted to evaluate the conventional diagnostic tests as compared to the newer methods. Cerebrospinal fluid was collected from 100 children, and analyzed for various biochemical and cytological tests. The samples were subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen (Z-N) staining, Lowenstein-Jensen (L-J) culture, BACTEC culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Twenty-two patients could be identified as definitive TBM based on the demonstration of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by BACTEC culture and PCR. Of these 22 cases, Z-N staining was positive in only two and L-J culture in six cases. Both the BACTEC culture and PCR had 100% agreement in the diagnosis of TBM. However, BACTEC culture could be a better diagnostic test as drug sensitivity can also be performed by this method.

Objective: The co-infection of Hepatitis B and C viruses with HIV accelerates disease progression and also has an effect on the management of patients infected with HIV. The prevalence of HIV co-infection with hepatitis viruses varies widely. This study is planned to evaluate the prevalence of HIV co-infection with Hepatitis B and C viruses in North India. Materials and Methods: A total of 1178 patients enrolled in the ART center were retrospectively analyzed for the presence of HBV and HCV on the basis of the presence of HBsAg and anti-HCV markers. Results: In patients infected with HIV, the prevalence of co-infection with HBV was 9.9% (117/1178), the prevalence of co-infection with HCV was 6.3% (74/1178) and the prevalence co-infection with both HBV and HCV was ~1% (12/1178). Discussion: The prevalence rate of HBV and HCV are increasing in patients infected with HIV. Having acquired the knowledge about the importance of such a co-infection, it is essential that all the patients infected with HIV be screened for HBV and HCV co-infection.

Mutations in the gene MPZ, encoding myelin protein zero (MPZ), cause inherited neuropathies collectively called Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1B (CMT1B). Based on the age of onset, clinical and pathological features, most MPZ mutations are separable into two groups: one causing a severe, early-onset, demyelinating neuropathy and a second, causing a late-onset neuropathy with prominent axonal loss. To investigate potential pathomechanisms underlying the two phenotypes, we transiently transfected HeLa cells with two late-onset (T95M, H10P) and two early-onset (H52R, S22_W28 deletion) mutations and analyzed their effects on intracellular protein trafficking, glycosylation, cell viability and intercellular adhesion. We found that the two late-onset mutations were both transported to the cell membrane and moderately reduced MPZ-mediated intercellular adhesion. The two early-onset mutations caused two distinct abnormalities. H52R was correctly glycosylated and trafficked to the plasma membrane, but strongly affected intercellular adhesion. When co-expressed with wild-type MPZ (wtMPZ), a functional dominant negative effect was observed. Alternatively, S22_W28 deletion was retained within the cytoplasm and reduced both adhesion caused by wtMPZ and cellular viability. Since the same trafficking patterns were observed in transfected murine Schwann cells, they are not an artifact of heterologous cell expression. Our results suggest that at least some late-onset mutations cause a partial loss of function in the transfected cells, whereas multiple abnormal gain of function pathways can result in early-onset neuropathy. Further characterization of these pathways will lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of CMT1B and a rational basis for treating these debilitating inherited neuropathies.

The genitourinary tract is the most common site for extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Penile TB is extremely rare comprising less than 1 % of all genital TB cases in males. It most commonly presents either as a superficial ulcer on the glans or around the corona. Diagnosis of penile TB is often difficult because it can mimic numerous other diseases. The association of TB with AIDS, and the increasing incidence of multiple drug resistance has further compounded the problem. The case described herein involves a patient with multidrug-resistant smear-positive penile TB that was undiagnosed initially due to the lack of clinical suspicion of TB, and once diagnosed failed to respond to first line antitubercular drugs because of multiple drug resistance.

Background: The spectrum of causes leading to maternal morbidity and mortality may be well reflected in the clinical profile of obstetric patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). An audit of these patients may help in devising intervention strategies and implementing preventive measures. This is expected to contribute to the ongoing concerted multipronged efforts towards reducing maternal mortality as a step towards the millennium development goals. The aim was to study the clinical and demographic profile of antenatal and postpartum women requiring admission to the ICU, the interventions required in these women and the final outcome. The overall goal is to identify the contributing factors towards maternal morbidity and mortality. Methods: A retrospective analysis of hospital records of all antenatal, post-abortal and postpartum women admitted to the ICU at People’s hospital, Bhopal over a period of 3 years (June 2011 to May 2014). Results: A total of 157 records were identified and analyzed: 22 (14%) antenatal, seven (4%) post-abortion, 114 (73%) postpartum, and 14(9%) post-laparotomy women. The mean age was 25 years (Range 18-38 years; SD 4.49), two thirds being from rural areas. Majority (78%) had no earlier visit. The gestational age at admission to ICU ranged from 6-43 weeks (Mean 31 weeks; SD 9.06). One third (24%) of patients had severe anemia, 18 patients needed ventilation, 25 required inotropic support, 4 required dialysis and 17 underwent surgical intervention. Blood or blood component therapy was needed in 60% cases with total blood units transfused being 225. The average duration of stay in intensive care unit was 79 hours. Analyzing as organ-system dysfunctions: Cardiovascular dysfunction (22%), hematological (20%), hepatic (16%), neurological (11%), septicemia (11%), renal (9%). There were 19 maternal deaths. Conclusions: Maternal anemia and consequences still contribute significantly to maternal morbidity. Non-utilization of antenatal care services especially in rural area compounds the problem. Multidisciplinary care is essential in intensive care setting.

Present study was conducted to analyze bacterial contaminants /pathogens in Khoa samples sold in Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh. Total Fifty samples of Khoa were brought from different localities of Chambal region at random and processed. Bacterial colony counts were also performed. Staphylococcus species and Streptococcus species were the predominant isolates. The viable counts obtained ranged from 1.3sX10(4) to 2.1sX10(6) CFU/g. Contamination of Khoa by pathogenic bacteria could be an important factor of gastrointestinal infections including food poisoning and food borne illness. Adequate consumer protection can be achieved by measuring the microbiological data of product.

The major causes of chronic liver disease (CLD) are infection with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) either alone or together. The clinical course of the disease varies in cases ofcoinfection with HCV and HBV as compared to single infection. The present study was carried out to determine the occurrence of coinfection of HCV with HBV in CLD patients and to look for the presence of suppressive effect of the two viruses on each other. The severity of liver disease was also assessed and correlated with biochemical profiles. Sera from 150 patients of CLD were tested serologically for the presence of HBsAg, IgG anti HBc and anti-HCV antibodies. HBV DNA and HCV RNA were also detected by amplifying surface region and 5' noncoding-core region respectively by polymerase chain reaction. Forty-seven (31.3%) cases showed the presence of HBsAg or anti IgG-HBc or HBV DNA either alone or together (Group A). Thirty-nine (26%) cases were found to be positive for HCV by detecting either anti-HCV antibodies or HCV RNA (Group B). Coinfection ofHCV with HBV (Group C) could be detected in twenty-four (16%) cases, of these twenty-one cases (87.5%) were positive both for HCV RNA and IgG anti-HBc without the presence of HBV DNA whereas in none of the cases could HBV DNA be detected in the absence of HCV RNA. Forty (26.6%) cases had neither HCV or HBV related CLD. Amongst, the biochemical parameters, the liver function test profiles were altered and found to be statistically significantly in HCV positive cases (Group B) when compared to the negative ones while in case of HBV (Group A) and coinfected (Group C) cases none of the parameters was statistically significant when compared with non-HBV and non-coinfected cases respectively. Thus, coinfection of HCV with HBV is seen in a substantial number of CLD cases. It is also revealed from the present study that HCV infection has a suppressive effect on the replication of HBV as seen by the loss of replicative markers like HBV DNA.

Rubella is a major cause of birth defects among the TORCH group of agents causing congenital anomalies. Almost all the symptomatic infected infants have long-term neurological sequelaemany asymptomatic infants also develop deafness or psychomotor retardation later in life. In India need for rubella preventioncontrol is being recognized. Before formulating any kind of rubella vaccination policies, data on the burden of disease is important. Hence the prevalence of rubella in children and their transmission was evaluated. Paired sera of 146 babies with suspected intra uterine infection and their mothers from lower socioeconomic strata was tested for IgM antibodies by commercially available Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kits. Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) was confirmed in babies presenting with rubella compatible defects with positive IgM antibodies against rubella. It was seen that out of 146-paired samples evaluated, 15-paired samples (10.27%) were positive for IgM antibodies. The transmission rate of rubella virus from mother to child when the mother was infected was around 55.55% according to this study. CRS prevalence of 10.27% among symptomatic infants is significant as a large majority of rubella infection remains undetected and hence the actual burden of the disease may be higher. Since the disease is preventable by an effective vaccination, strategies for rubella immunization should be developed and enhanced.

Proteolipid protein (PLP1) and its alternatively spliced isoform, DM20, are the major myelin proteins in the CNS, but are also expressed in the PNS. The proteins have an identical sequence except for 35 amino acids in PLP1 (the PLP1-specific domain) not present in DM20. Mutations of PLP1/DM20 cause Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease (PMD), a leukodystrophy, and in some instances, a peripheral neuropathy. To identify which mutations cause neuropathy, we have evaluated a cohort of patients with PMD and PLP1 mutations for the presence of neuropathy. As shown previously, all patients with PLP1 null mutations had peripheral neuropathy. We also identified 4 new PLP1 point mutations that cause both PMD and peripheral neuropathy, three of which truncate PLP1 expression within the PLP1-specific domain, but do not alter DM20. The fourth, a splicing mutation, alters both PLP1 and DM20, and is probably a null mutation. Six PLP1 point mutations predicted to produce proteins with an intact PLP1-specific domain do not cause peripheral neuropathy. Sixty-one individuals with PLP1 duplications also had normal peripheral nerve function. These data demonstrate that expression of PLP1 but not DMSO is necessary to prevent neuropathy, and suggest that the 35 amino acid PLP1-specific domain plays an important role in normal peripheral nerve function.

Background: Species specific diagnosis of mycobacterial infection is crucial because treatment of infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) differs from that of non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) species. The species identification used to be cumbersome and non-reproducible a decade ago. Objectives: Recently, some commercial tests have been made available to differentiate the MTB and NTM growths in culture media. Sensitivity and specificity of these tests was evaluated. Materials and methods: In this double blind study 572 clinical samples were cultured in an automated BACTEC-MGIT-960 system. A total of 147 (25.7%) samples were MGIT culture positive. These cultures were subjected to an in-house m-PCR (which amplifies hsp-65, esat-6 and ITS region for MAC), two commercial immune-chromatographic tests (ICTs) and phenotypic tests. Results: Of the 147 MGIT positive cultures, m-PCR was able to correctly identify MTB in 123 cultures and NTM in 24 which included 3 MAC isolates. m-PCR showed 100% agreement with two gold standard methods-the nitrate reductase assay and PNB tests-in correctly identifying MTB. Commercial strips were able to correctly identify MTB in 120 (97.5%) of 123 cultures, while 3 (2.5%) isolates were falsely identified as NTM. However, none of the growth negative spent medium gave false positive results in any of the tests. None of the commercial strips misidentified any of the 24 NTM as MTB; hence, specificity of these strips was 100%. Of the 2 IC test systems, both SD Bioline and BD TBc strip tests missed 2.5% of MTB isolates and misidentified these as NTM. Conclusion: The in-house m-PCR was found to be the most accurate and efficient tool for identifying the MTB, MAC and other NTMs.

Adnexal mass in postmenopausal woman is a diagnostic challenge. Due to the age, concern for malignancy is always there. At times however, despite the usual investigations, diagnosis remains elusive till histopathology report is at hand. To add to the enigma, ovarian masses in postmenopausal woman may remain silent till quite large and even among those which are symptomatic a predictable presentation may not be there. A careful clinical examination with a high degree of suspicion of clinical variants is thus recommended while dealing with ovarian tumors in postmenopausal women.

Missense mutations in myelin protein zero (MPZ), an important molecule for myelin compaction, cause inherited neuropathies collectively referred to as CMT1B. Depending on the mutation, phenotypes can be severe, or mild. To determine genotype-phenotype correlations in CMT1B we evaluated patients from 11 different families seen in our clinic and 80 reported cases from the literature with respect to (1) how the mutation affected amino acids known to be critical for homotypic MPZ interactions; (2) whether the mutation affected the charge or hydrophobicity of an amino acid; (3) whether the mutation was likely to affect the secondary or tertiary structure of the MPZ, or (4) whether it affected evolutionarily conserved amino acids. We found that mutations that added a charged residue to the extracellular domain, introduced a cysteine or altered a conserved amino acid, caused a severe neuropathy. Mutation of an amino acid critical for cis or trans homotypic adhesion, however, had no obvious consequences on disease severity. We conclude that mutations which significantly disrupt the secondary or tertiary structure of MPZ are likely to cause severe, early onset neuropathies, whereas mutations which do not cause milder disease. Studies on how mutations disrupt protein trafficking and adhesion are underway.

Background: Basic infection control measures in any healthcare setup can reduce the rates of healthcare-associated infections. A study to assess the knowledge and practice of 400 healthcare personnel regarding hospital infection control practices was performed. Materials and Methods: A structured questionnaire was distributed to the study group and collected the same day. Knowledge and practices of 329 nurses and 71 doctors regarding hand hygiene, SPs, hospital environmental cleaning and needle stick injury were collected and analyzed. Results: The study group had suboptimal knowledge regarding the SPs (55.3%) and risks associated with NSI (31.8%). The implementation of SPs was biased towards the HIV positive status of the patient. Only 57% of the doctors and nurses followed the maximal barrier precautions before a CVC insertion. Discussion: The lack of knowledge and practices regarding basic infection control protocols should be improved by way of educational intervention, in the form of formal training of the doctors and nurses and reinforcement of the same.

Objectives: Urinary tract infection (UTI) as a result of Candida spp. is becoming increasingly common in hospitalized setting. Clinicians face dilemma in differentiating colonization from true infection and whether to treat candiduria or not. The objective of the present study was to look into the significance of candiduria in catheterized patients admitted in the ICUs and perform microbiological characterization of yeasts to guide treatment protocols. Materials and Methods: One hundred consecutive isolates of Candida spp. from the urine sample of 70 catheterized patients admitted in the ICU were collected and stocked for further characterization. A proforma was maintained containing demographic and clinical details. Blood cultures were obtained from all these 70 patients and processed. Species identification of yeasts was done on VITEK. Results: Candiduria was more common at extremes of age. The mean duration of catheter days was 11.1 ± 6 days. Other associated risk factors such as diabetes mellitus and antibiotic usage were seen in 38% and 100% of our study group. Concomitant candidemia was seen in 4.3% of cases. Non-albicans Candida spp. (71.4%) emerged as the predominant pathogen causing nosocomial UTI. Conclusion: The present study reiterates the presence of candiduria in catheterized patients, especially in the presence of diabetes and antibiotic usage. Non-albicans Candida spp. are replacing Candida albicans as the predominant pathogen for nosocomial UTI. Hence, we believe that surveillance for nosocomial candiduria should be carried out in hospitalized patients.

Background: The presence of anti-HBc IgG in the absence of HBsAg is usually indicative of a past self-limiting HBV infection. But it is frequently associated with co-infection with HCV which can worsen the existing status of chronic liver disease (CLD). Objectives: The present study was planned to evaluate the significance of isolated HBc IgG positivity in patients of CLD and look for the presence of HCV co-infection in such patients. Methods: Clinical profiles and biochemical tests were done for all the 77 CLD cases included in the study. Blood samples were taken from these patients and tested by the commercially available EIA for the presence of HBsAg, anti-HBc IgG, anti-HBs and anti-HCV. HBV DNA was detected by amplifying the surface region in all the cases. Results: Isolated anti-HBc IgG positivity defined as the presence of anti-HBc IgG in absence of any other serological markers of HBV infection was detected in 28 patients . Out of 64 patients positive for anti-HBc IgG 36 had the markers of HBV, either HBsAg, HBV DNA or anti-HBs alone or in combination. There was a significant association between isolated anti-HBc IgG positivity and HCV co-infection. Conclusion: Anti-HBc IgG should be tested in all patients with CLD as it is frequently the only marker of HBV infection in such patients and they should be monitored closely as such patients can develop CLD. Presence of co-infection with HCV should be actively searched for in such patients.

Background.Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that affects hundreds of millions of people across the world. However, the incidence in developed countries has decreased over the past decades causing physicians to become unfamiliar with its unspecific symptoms. Pregnant individuals are especially difficult because many symptoms of active TB can mimic normal physiological changes of pregnancy. We present a case report of a 26-year-old multiparous woman, G4P3003, at 38-week gestation with a history of positive PPD who emigrated from Ghana 6 years ago. She came to the hospital with an initial complaint of suprapubic pain, pressure, and possible leakage of amniotic fluid for the past week. Patient also complained of a productive cough for the past 3 to 4 months with a decrease in vision occurring with the start of pregnancy. Visual acuity was worse than 20/200 in both eyes. Definitive diagnosis of active TB was delayed due to patient refusal of chest X-ray. Fortunately, delay in diagnosis was minimized since patient delivered within 24 hours of admission. Active TB was confirmed with intraocular dissemination. Patient had optic atrophy OS (left eye) and papillitis, choroiditis, and uveitis OD (right eye) due to TB infiltration. Fetus was asymptomatic and anti-TB therapy was started for both patients.

Sugar fatty acid esters are practical importance and have a variety of applications that include surfactants and as an emulsifying agent. In this study, we report glucose stearate synthesis using lipase-Fe3O4 nanoparticles catalyst. The influence of various reaction factors, such as silica gel concentration, molar ratio of sugar/acid, reaction temperature and speed of agitation on esterification by immobilized enzyme was analyzed. The glucose stearate esterification degree of 87.2 % was obtained under the optimized condition: 1:2 molar ratio of glucose/stearic acid, 2 % (w/v) of silica gel at 120 rpm and 40 °C. Glucose esters were characterized according to their surfactant activity like emulsification index, oil displacement activity and antimicrobial activity. The results indicated glucose stearate acts as biosurfactant, with emulsification index of 66 % in mustard oil and oil displacement activity of 19.64 cm2.

Objective: To screen for the presence of mixed infection with rotavirus. Methods: The present study included 140 children aged less than 2 years with acute diarrhea. Fecal samples of all these patients were analyzed for the presence of astroviral antigen by enzyme immunoassay. Also 40 rotavirus positive fecal samples were screened for the presence of astrovirus. Results: In vase of acute diarrhea in children the prevalence of astrovirus was around 34% (48/140). It was seen that even in rotavirus positive cases astrovirus co infection was 25%. Conclusions: Astrovirus is a growing problem which is often underrecognised. With the rotavirus vaccine licensure being imminent astrovirus will emerge out as the single most important cause of viral diarrhea