Fundamentals and Characteristics of an Expert System

This paper introduces the fundamentals and the basic characteristics of an expert system. The hierarchical process of developing expert system is presented in this paper as well as a characteristic of an expert system is also presented in this paper. In this paper we have just summarized the work done in the field of Intelligent Agent and tried to sum up through this introductory paper in the form of a general surve

Understanding when and how children learn

Human beings are born curious and explorative by nature. Like little scientists, children, even infants, conduct experiments in their attempt to explore and construct knowledge. For example, the one- year-old who keeps throwing everything within her reach, is learning about which objects make a sound while falling and which don’t; what happens when she throws it from different heights. Children constantly act on their surroundings to learn how the world work

Rare Case of Hydatid Cyst of Spleen

It is extremely uncommon to have primary hydatid disease of the spleen, and much more uncommon to produce pancreatitis as a consequence. Splenic hydatid cysts are typically secondary, meaning they develop after surgery involving hydatidosis in other areas or as a result of the cysts spreading spontaneously. Here, we describe a case of a primary isolated hydatid cyst in the spleen that was managed with traditional surgery

Investigation on the Involvement of Phytoconstituents in Endocrine Disorder: A Review

The endocrine system consists of various glands responsible for secreting hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, reproduction, and other physiological processes. Disruptions in this system, termed endocrine disorders, are linked to numerous health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndromes. Moreover, the significance of factors such as life stage, gender and dietary habits in influencing health risks associated with endocrine disruption cannot be overstated. Synthetic medications for these conditions often have adverse side effects like hypoglycemia and heart complications, highlighting the need for alternative treatments. Herbal and natural remedies have shown promise in managing these disorders due to their lower toxicity and minimal side effects. Phytochemicals and poly-herbal therapies are emerging as effective strategies for addressing endocrine and metabolic disorders, influencing molecular targets like AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) and nuclear factor erythroid-2- related factor (Nrf2). Specific disorders such as diabetes, Addison’s disease and hyperthyroidism are characterized by hormone imbalances, with molecular mechanisms involving insulin resistance, cortisol dysregulation, and thyroid dysfunction. Additionally, the role of factors such as life stage, gender, and dietary habits in modulating endocrine disruption-associated health risks is crucial. Natural products, including flavonoids, catechins, resveratrol, and terpenes, are being explored for their therapeutic potential in regulating hormone levels and improving metabolic health. Keywords: AMPK, Cardiovascular diseases, Diabetes, Endocrine system, Metabolic disorders

A review on thimerosal: an irreplaceable element of long-term immunisation strategy in low income countries

Thimerosal, an organic-mercury (Hg) compound containing 49.55% Hg by weight, is added to vaccines as a preservative permitting formulation of multi-dose vaccine vials. Being a derivative of ethylmercury, it has been linked with autism as a possible risk factor based on the assumption that exposure to ethylmercury would have similar neurotoxic effects as another mercurial compound, methylmercury. In 1999, AAP issued a joint statement emphasising the removal of thimerosal from vaccines. Subsequently, several studies have been conducted; those showing positive association between thimerosal exposure and autism have been recognised to be fraught with methodological flaws. On the other hand, many well controlled studies have failed to find any such causal relation and there are others that have clearly demonstrated a much favourable kinetic profile of ethylmercury as compared to methylmercury. Owing to the lack of data, AAP retired its original statement in 2002. Recently, thimerosal has been exempted from regulation by Minamata Convention on Mercury resulting in the continued use of low cost thimerosal containing vaccines in low income countries which cannot afford to run their immunisation program using single dose thimerosal free vaccines, that comparatively cost much higher, as is the case in high income countries. Some bodies view this as a discrimination on the basis of wealth of a nation and have opposed this decision. This review presents various studies regarding the causal association between thimerosal containing vaccines and autism. The current evidence fails to support any such association. Hence this review supports the exemption of thimerosal from regulation and also justifies its use in LICs for uninterrupted vaccination of the most vulnerable population

Individual Sociodemographic and Oral Health Related Behavioural Variables Influencing Periodontal Treatment Needs in Adults: A Cross Sectional Study.

Introduction: Oral disease is a major health concern which is highly prevalent in low socioeconomic sectors and developing countries. In depth knowledge of importance of oral hygiene and its effect on overall systemic health has become the need of hour.  This study focuses on need of dental awareness and its correlation with treatment needs. Objectives: 1.To evaluate the impact of socio-demographic variables on periodontal treatment needs. 2. To evaluate the impact of socio-economic status on periodontal treatment needs. 3. To evaluate the impact of oral health behavioral factors on periodontal treatment needs. 4. To evaluate the correlation of with periodontal risk assessment model with treatment needs. Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out on the patients from out patient department ITS Dental college Greater Noida with an informed consent. 300 Subjects were evaluated for a period of 9 months based on AAP classification 2017. A Questionnaire was distributed to evaluate the dental awareness amongst the patients. The modified Kuppuswamy’s index is used to measure the socio economic scale in urban and rural areas. Parameters such as calculus index, pocket probing depth, cpitn index were evaluated and compared with kuppuswamys index. ANOVA, Chi-Square test, Fischers Exact test is used to compare the demographic variables and oral health behaviour. Results: Results have shown that income occupation and education has a high impact on oral health and its treatment needs. A significantly better Oral hygiene was seen to be in individuals with higher income and good socioeconomic background. Conclusions: The study clearly highlights the fact that lack of awareness and knowledge of periodontal problems and their associated effect on overall health has a direct correlation with negligence of patients towards periodontal treatment.&nbsp

Role of cervicovaginal β-hCG in prediction of preterm delivery: a prospective observational study

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) factsheet revealed that 15 million babies are born too early every year and almost 1 million children die each year due to complications of preterm birth. The objective of this study was to determine whether cervicovaginal β-hCG level can be used as predictor of preterm delivery in asymptomatic high-risk pregnant women at 24-34 weeks gestation age.Methods: This was prospective observational study. Total 134 asymptomatic pregnant women were taken for study who had at least one risk factor for preterm delivery at 24-34 weeks gestation age. Cervicovaginal secretion was collected and β-hCG level was measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay.Results: Out of 134 cases, 42.5% had preterm delivery and 57.5% had term delivery. Mean cervicovaginal β-hCG level (mIU/ml) in preterm delivery group was 39.38±19.66 and term delivery group was 21.86±11.18. Cervicovaginal β-hCG level was significantly higher in preterm group compare to term group demonstrating significant association of raised β-hCG with preterm group (p value <0.001). ROC curve analysis was done to find out best cut off value of cervicovaginal β-hCG for prediction of preterm delivery and optimal cut off value was 36.45 mIU/ml. The optimal cut off value for cervicovaginal β-hCG (36.45 mIU/ml) gave sensitivity 71.9%, specificity 81.8%, positive predictive value 74.5%, negative predictive value 79.7% and diagnostic accuracy of 77.6% for prediction of preterm delivery.Conclusions: Cervicovaginal β-hCG can be used as sensitive and specific biomarker of prediction of preterm delivery in asymptomatic high-risk women

Diagnostic aid in Ayurveda - Nadi Pariksha

Nadi Pariksha is the ancient art and science of detecting the existing status of a person’s body, mind, soul and spirit. It is used as diagnostic, prognostic tool and determine the Prakruti (body constitution), Vikruti, status of Dosha in each organ and effect on Dhatus, Manas and Sukshma Sharir. It is a noninvasive science that helps to reach root cause of disease and not just the symptoms. There are very few ancient texts which have been completely dedicated to the above topic. Concept of Nadi Pariksha found in various ancient Ayurved Samhitas like, Bhavprakash, Sharangdhar Samhita, Yogratnakara, Nadi Pariksha by Ravansamhita, Nadivigyan by Kanad. Pulse diagnosis was initially identified in the books of Sharangdhar Samhita in the 13th century highlighting the correlation between Nadi and Tridosha. Later, in the 16th century it was again mentioned in ‘Bhavprakash’ scripted by Shri Bhav Mishrji. However, Nadi Pariksha gained its significance during the 17th century in Yogratnakara through 48 shlokas, detailing the science of Nadi. The examinations of Nadi Pariksha (Pulse examination) are evidence of many diseases as per Yogratnakara. In Charaka and Sushruta Samhita information about Nadi is not found separately. Nadi Parikshan requires expertise who has long experience and skill of reading the pulses for any disease diagnosis. They were popular diagnostic tools in the past but nowadays not specifically used, so there is need to re-establish their results so that they can be used in future. Several problems that remain undiagnosed even with the aid of sophisticated diagnostic tests can be accurately judged by examining the pulse

Prospective Study Of Obstetric And Perinatal Outcomes In Severe Preeclampsia With Altered Biochemical And Haematological Parameters Amongst Pregnant Women

Hypertensive diseases during pregnancy includes gestational hypertension (without proteinuria), preeclampsia (with proteinuria), and eclampsia (preeclampsia with convulsions). Pregnancy termination reverses the clinical manifestations of the disease, suggesting that trophoblastic invasion plays a central role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. A recent study revealed that excessive placental secretion of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 may contribute to endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, and proteinuria in preeclampsia.2 In a multicenter study, approximately 30% of HDP cases were due to chronic hypertension, while 70% were due to gestational hypertension/preeclampsia.3 For the conceptus, the most common consequences associated with hypertensive diseases are the restriction of intra-uterine growth, low birth weight, prematurity, stillbirth and intrauterine death.4,5 Predicting the onset of these complications could aid in timely interventions such as increased surveillance, treatment of symptoms, transfer to higher care facility and delivery when necessary, which could reduce morbidity and mortality from the HDPs.6 The most common immediate maternal complications are eclampsia, oligohydramnios, accidental hemorrhages, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome. Remote complications include residual hypertension, recurrent preeclampsia, and chronic renal failure7. Many hematological changes are seen in association with HDP, thrombocytopenia being the most common8,9. Changes are also seen in peripheral smear, coagulation profile, and liver enzymes. In such cases, definitive therapy can be initiated to prevent maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. From the standpoint of prevention, preeclampsia has remained a challenge for obstetricians. Various strategies have been proposed to reduce the perinatal effects of preeclampsia. This can be achieved by early diagnosis of preeclampsia simply via assessment of blood coagulation profile10,11 , complete blood count, urine examination, and liver function tests performed to identify platelet abnormalities, red cell abnormality, and to detect progression to HELLP syndrome. Thus, the present study is an attempt to analyse maternal and perinatal outcome in severe preeclampsia with altered biochemical and hematological parameters and to find the usefulness of these tests as predictors of maternal outcome. It will aid clinicians in early detection, monitoring, and management of cases with HDPs, especially severe preeclampsia

Summative Approach for Slum Adolescents

Background: Urban slums in India are neglected communities as far as public health facilities are concerned. There is no health infrastructure since these slums are largely illegal and unauthorized. This community has poor awareness of health schemes and other social security benefits provided by the government. No initiatives have been taken to provide vocational training to empower this economically weaker and neglected section of the society.Objectives: To generate health awareness among the slum adolescents on various issues related to health, especially menstrual hygiene, personal hygiene, household methods of water purification as well as safe disposal of waste and also make them economically independent.Methodology: A summer workshop was conducted for a period of one week by MBBS students in the urban slums of Bhangel, during the summer vacations time of school going children. Two groups of slum adolescents were recognized. One group had younger adolescents and the other had older adolescents who acted as guides for the younger group. Health awareness sessions were conducted for these children everyday on community relevant health topics like personal hygiene, menstrual hygiene, water purification techniques, etc., along with teaching them some vocational skills like first aid box making, mehendi application, lipstick making, making of dust bins, etc. They were also taught marketing and selling skills. Both these groups were asked to identify another group of young adolescents and teach them what they learnt in the workshop, under observation of the medical students.Results: On comparing the pre and post workshop assessment, the results were very encouraging.Conclusion: Marked improvement was observed in the knowledge levels related to health issues and vocational independence could be promoted. However, there is a need to explore the possibility of replicating the same at a larger scale