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The primary objective of this study is to investigate the detection and diagnosis of plant diseases using Deep Learning and Digital Image Processing. Previous research has primarily focused on single plant disease scenarios using publicly available datasets, often overlooking the image preprocessing phase. In this study, we propose a model that works with 10 different plants and utilizes approximately 50,000 images for training and testing. We classified 36 distinct classes into healthy or infected types based on disease labels. To enhance the accuracy of disease detection, we recommend employing image processing techniques and considering multiple plant scenarios. We utilized a dual-layer Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for the publicly available dataset and supplemented it with real-time images captured from various farms in Village Rancharda Near Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India (PIN: 38255). Our research introduces several novel elements in the preprocessing steps. We employed HSV segmentation, flood fills segmentation, and a proposed deep learning model for image segmentation. Additionally, we standardized the resolution of all images to ensure uniformity. These preprocessing techniques refine the image data required for accurate classification and enhance the visibility of diseased portions. For image processing, we employed a sliding window mean average deviation technique and stacked the processed images onto the original image, resulting in six-channel images. Our proposed model demonstrates improved performance on the validation data, achieving an accuracy of up to 97.95%. Furthermore, we transformed this model into a TFLite model, which can be easily integrated into client applications without the need for a server. In our case, we implemented the model on an Android platform. These findings indicate the potential of our proposed model to significantly enhance the detection and diagnosis of plant diseases in real-world scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Sejal. Thakkar, Paragkumar. Chavda, Kedar. Mehta Background: Primary care physicians play a crucial role in managing patients with common skin disorders who form around one-third of outpatient attendees. Aim: [...]

Hair loss in children is an important cosmetic concern, especially in adolescents where body image matters. Trichotillomania manifests through patchy hair loss which reflects underlying psychiatric conditions. It is a challenge for the dermatologist, who are first contact physicians, to deal with such cases who are secretly struggling with their inner turmoil. Hence, they must be well versed to deal with such patients. The current review aims to facilitate the dermatologist to handle them effectively. We performed PubMed and Google Scholar searches of English literature using the terms "Trichotillomania", "Trichotillosis," "Trichotillomania in Children," "Trichotillomania in pediatrics," "Trichotillomania in adolescents," "Hair pulling disorder," "Obsessive-Compulsive disorders AND Dermatology," "Psychodermatology," and "Psychocutaneous disorders." The selected publications were reviewed for additional resources. Thorough psychological evaluation of the patient along with the cutaneous examination will help the dermatologists in establishing the diagnosis. Dermatologists should be empowered regarding the need of mental health referral and should be able to convey the same to the patient/family members empathetically. They can offer habit reversal therapy, mainstay treatment, as well as pharmacotherapy as and when needed after adequate training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Sejal. Thakkar, Tejas. Patel, Roshni. Vahora, Prakash. Bhabhor, Raksha. Patel Background: The epidemiological data based on intensive monitoring studies are limited for the cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs) in [...]

Background: The pharmacovigilance is imperative in defining safety profile of the drug. As cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are very common, dermatologists’ contribution to pharmacovigilance program of India (PvPI) is important. This study was conducted to know dermatologists’ perception about ADRs; their awareness and participation inPvPI. Material and Methods: A Prospective, cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst dermatologists, approaching via Whatsapp or during academic meetings. Pre-validated questionnaire including their demographic details, perception of risk of allergic reactions, awareness of PvPI and ADRs reporting was utilized. Data analysis was done with Microsoft Excel and Graph Pad prism software. Results: Out of 73 dermatologists, 44 responded the survey (Coverage rate 60%).Highest and lowest risk amongst antimicrobials for ADRs was perceived for sulphonamides and cephalosporins respectively. Amongst non-antimicrobials, it was Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and local anaesthetics respectively. Awareness about PvPI was seen in 94% and 38% of dermatologists working in an institute and in a private set up respectively. Amongst them, 78% and 18% had ever reported ADRs to PvPI. Conclusions: Sulphonamides and NSAIDs were perceived to have higher risk of ADRs. Limited number of dermatologists have contributed to national ADR database amongst the ones who are aware of PvPI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Sejal. Thakkar, Sangita. Patel Introduction: Early diagnosis and early adequate drug treatment is very important aspect to reduce the load in cases of leprosy. So, correct labeling of paucibacillary [...]

Erythema ab igne is a characteristic reticular telangiectatic and pigmented dermatosis, resulting from repeated or prolonged exposure to heat or infrared radiation insufficient to cause burns. Occupational history has played a pivotal role in dermatological diagnosis, and its importance cannot be overstated. It could lead to the provisional or final diagnosis in many instances. Over the course of time, the site and cause of erythema ab igne has evolved. From commonly being found on knees shins and palms due to tapnas (a practice in Indian villages to sit in front of fire); the disease is now observed on other sites such as on thighs and trunk after the discovery of heating pads and laptops. In this particular case, a 26-year-old male presented with erythematous to light brown patches on his right arm. The site of presentation was quite unusual, thus making occupational history the key to diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Sejal. Thakkar, Yogesh. Marfatia Ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia and cleft palate/lip syndrome (EEC) is a rare autosomal dominant syndrome with varied presentation and is actually a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome [...]

Background: Methotrexate, in low dose, has been widely used therapy in psoriasis patients. It has a good safety profile if used with proper monitoring. It helps to achieve quick remission and delays relapse. This study was done to evaluate safety and efficacy of methotrexate in terms of adverse drug reaction as well as relapse and remission. This was an observational prospective study performed in dermatology department of a tertiary care government hospital. Methodology: : Total 43 patients with psoriasis were given methotrexate and were evaluated for remission, relapse and adverse drug reactions. Statistical analysis used: MedCalc stastical software was used to evaluate the data. Results: Out of 43 patients, 42 patients achieved remission within 2-24 weeks. (Median - 4 weeks) 28 patients out of 33 showed relapse within the span of 2-24 weeks; while five patients did not show the signs of relapse till six months after stoppage of MTX. Minor adverse reactions were seen in 21% of patients amongst which, only two cases with hepatitis needed withdrawal of methotrexate. Conclusion : Methotrexate is still a near to gold standard therapy for psoriasis. It induces quick remission and delays relapse significantly. Methotrexate, if given with proper monitoring, will have significantly low risk of adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidemiological data is limited for cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs) in India. Most of the Indian studies have small sample size and are of limited duration. Aims: The aim of this study is to analyze CADRs with reference to the causative drugs and their clinical characteristics in Indian population. Materials and Methods: As per selection criteria, electronic databases were searched for publications describing CADRs from January-1995 to April-2013 by two independent investigators. Data of the causative drugs and clinical characteristics were extracted and summarized by absolute numbers, percentages, ranges, and means as presented by the authors. The subgroup analysis of causative drugs was performed for causality assessment, severe or nonsevere reactions and occurrence of common CADRs. Studies showing "definite" and "probable" categories of causality analysis were labeled as "definite and probable causality (DPC) studies". The other included studies were labeled as "non-DPC studies". Results: Of 8337 retrieved references, 18 prospective studies were selected for analysis. The pooled incidence was 9.22/1000 total among outpatient and inpatient cases. Commonly observed reactions were maculopapular rash (32.39%), fixed drug eruptions (FDEs) (20.13%), urticaria (17.49%) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) (6.84%). The major causative drug groups were antimicrobials (45.46%), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (20.87%) and anti-epileptic drugs (14.57%). Commonly implicated drugs were sulfa (13.32%), β-lactams (8.96%) and carbamazepine (6.65%). High frequency of CADRs is observed with anti-epileptic drugs in DPC studies only. Carbamazepine, phenytoin and fluoroquinolones had higher severe to nonsevere cutaneous reaction ratio than other drugs. Antimicrobials were the main causative drugs for maculopapular rash, FDEs and SJS/TEN, and NSAIDs for the urticaria. The mortality for overall CADRs, SJS/TEN, and exfoliative dermatitis were 1.71%, 16.39%, and 3.57%, respectively. "Definitely preventable", "probably preventable" and "not preventable" categories CADRs were 15.64%, 63.14%, and 34.64%, respectively. Conclusion: Antimicrobials, NSAIDs and antiepileptic are common causative agents of CADRs in India. Antiepileptic agents show high rates of severe cutaneous reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study compares the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of vaginal discharge syndrome. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the gynaecology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Gujarat, India. Material and Methods: Total of 180 females diagnosed as vaginal discharge or cervicitis based on syndromic approach and were recruited for the study. Their clinical profile was noted and they were investigated for bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, candidiasis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia infection. Results: Lower abdominal pain (35%) followed by burning micturition (23.9%) were the common associated complaints. Bacterial vaginosis was the most common clinical diagnosis, while trichomoniasis was least common. Upon laboratory investigation, 35.6% of cases of vaginal discharge and 12% of cases of cervicitis tested positive. Percentage of cases confirmed by laboratory investigation was 50, 27.8 and 41.7 for bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis and candidiasis respectively. Conclusion: Among all the females diagnosed as vaginal discharge syndrome, a very small percentage actually turned out to be positive upon laboratory testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common of the endocrine disorders. Mucocutaneous manifestations of diabetes mellitus are many and vary from trivial to life-threatening. Sometimes, mucocutaneous disorders may herald the onset of diabetes. Aims: To study the pattern of mucocutaneous manifestations in diabetics and role of it in diagnosing diabetes mellitus and its complications. Settings and Design: It was a longitudinal observational study of patients having diabetes with skin complaints attending skin outdoor department or admitted in wards for any reason in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: Total 300 patients were included in the study. Detailed history, clinical examination, and relevant investigations were done to diagnose the mucocutaneous disorders, diabetes, and diabetic complications. Statistical Analysis Used: The data was analyzed by using Epi info software. Results: Demographic profile shown majority of cases (78.66%) in more than 40 years of age with almost equal male and female preponderance. Mucocutaneous manifestations as presenting feature of diabetes were observed in 21.67% cases. Infections were most common in 119 (39.66%) cases, followed by acanthosis nigricans in 46 (15.33%) cases. Various associated complications like hypertension, retinopathy, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, and diabetic ketoacidosis were observed in 160 (53.3%). Conclusions: Skin is the mirror, which reflects internal diseases; this aptly applies to skin and diabetes mellitus. Through awareness about cutaneous manifestations of DM, dermatologist can not only take credit for detecting DM but also facilitate early diagnosis of systemic complications of DM. This is immensely beneficial to patients in long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Live attenuated Shigella vaccines have shown promise in inducing protective immune responses in human clinical trials and as carriers of heterologous antigens from other mucosal pathogens. In the past, construction of Shigella vaccine strains relied on classical allelic exchange systems to genetically engineer the bacterial genome. These systems require extensive in vitro engineering of long homologous sequences to create recombinant replication-defective plasmids or phage. Alternatively, the λ red recombination system from bacteriophage facilitates recombination with as little as 40 bp of homologous DNA. The process, referred to as recombineering, typically uses an inducible λ red operon on a temperature-sensitive plasmid and optimal transformation conditions to integrate linear antibiotic resistance cassettes flanked by homologous sequences into a bacterial genome. Recent advances in recombineering have enabled modification of genomic DNA from bacterial pathogens including Salmonella, Yersinia, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, or enterohemorrhagic E. coli and Shigella. These advances in recombineering have been used to systematically delete virulence-associated genes from Shigella, creating a number of isogenic strains from multiple Shigella serotypes. These strains have been characterized for attenuation using both in vivo and in vitro assays. Based on this data, prototypic Shigella vaccine strains containing multiple deletions in virulence-associated genes have been generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goltz syndrome is a rare multisystem disorder with cutaneous, ocular, dental and skeletal abnormalities. Other mesoectodermal abnormalities are also present. Its hallmark is thinning of the dermis resulting subcutaneous fat herniation. The present case is a 5 year old girl having linear skin atrophy with fat herniation, skeletal abnormalities in the form of polysyndactyly, facial asymmetry, squint with coloboma iris, deformed pinna, abnormal dentition, umbilical hernia along with osteopathia striata of long bones which is consistent with Goltz syndrome. We are presenting this case due to its rarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Live attenuated Shigella vaccines have shown promise in inducing protective immune responses in human clinical trials and as carriers of heterologous antigens from other mucosal pathogens. In the past, construction of Shigella vaccine strains relied on classical allelic exchange systems to genetically engineer the bacterial genome. These systems require extensive in vitro engineering of long homologous sequences to create recombinant replication-defective plasmids or phage. Alternatively, the lambda red recombination system from bacteriophage facilitates recombination with as little as 40 bp of homologous DNA. The process, referred to as recombineering, typically uses an inducible lambda red operon on a temperature-sensitive plasmid and optimal transformation conditions to integrate linear antibiotic resistance cassettes flanked by homologous sequences into a bacterial genome. Recent advances in recombineering have enabled modification of genomic DNA from bacterial pathogens including Salmonella, Yersinia, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, or enterohemorrhagic E. coli and Shigella. These advances in recombineering have been used to systematically delete virulence-associated genes from Shigella, creating a number of isogenic strains from multiple Shigella serotypes. These strains have been characterized for attenuation using both in vivo and in vitro assays. Based on this data, prototypic Shigella vaccine strains containing multiple deletions in virulence-associated genes have been generated.