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Developing an Intelligent System for Diagnosis of COVID-19 Based on Artificial Neural Network
No full textAn outbreak of atypical pneumonia termed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide since the beginning of 2020. It poses a significant threat to the global health and the economy. Physicians face ambiguity in their decision-making for COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment. In this respect, designing an intelligent system for early diagnosis of the disease is critical for mitigating virus spread and resource optimization. This study aimed to establish an artificial neural network (ANNs)-based clinical model to diagnose COVID-19. The retrospective dataset used in this study consisted of 400 COVID-19 case records (250 positives vs. 150 negatives) and 18 columns for the diagnostic features. The backpropagation technique was used to train a neural network. After designing multiple neural network configurations, the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity values were calculated to measure the model performance. The two nested loops architecture of 9-10-15-2 (10 and 15 neurons used in layer one and layer two, respectively) with the ROC of 98.2, sensitivity of 96.4, specificity of 90.6, and accuracy of 94 were introduced as the best configuration model for COVID-19 diagnosis. ANN is valuable as a decision-support tool for clinicians to improve the COVID-19 diagnosis. It is promising to implement the ANN model to improve the accuracy and speed of the COVID-19 diagnosis for timely screening, treatment, and careful monitoring. Further studies are warranted for verifying and improving the current ANN model. © 2022 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved
Therapeutic Effects of Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. and Vitis vinifera L. Combination Cream on Wound Healing in Second-Degree Burn Model in Rats: Quantification of Compounds and VEGF & TGFβ Gene Expression
No full textFinding more efficient agents with fewer side effects for the treatment of burns has been a concern for researchers. The current study aims to assess Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. and Vitis vinifera L. extract combination (AVEC) effects on wound healing in rats compared with silver sulfadiazine (SSD). Identification of individual polyphenols of the plant extracts was performed by HPLC. The animals were randomly divided into twelve groups. Standard second-degree burn wounds were induced on the back. Groups were treated with Aloe vera (A.V) and Vitis vinifera (V.V) creams at concentrations of 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 with ED50 values of 1.5 ± 0.02 and 1.4 ± 0.08 , respectively. The other group was treated with an AVEC cream (1.5). The samples of burned skin tissue were collected from the rats for histopathological examination. To evaluate the expression of VEGF and TGFβ1, the real time-PCR method was used. Kaempferol was only detected in Aloe. This study revealed that AVEC cream exhibits significant wound healing activity. VEGF and TGFβ1 had a significant increase in the AVEC. Based on our findings, AVEC cream can be a therapy of choice for burn injuries. Copyright © 2022 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Hypo-and Hyperphosphatemia at Admission as Independent Factors in the Mortality of COVID-19 Patients: Findings from a Retrospective Cohort Study
No full textBackground: Electrolyte imbalances are common in COVID-19 infection and are associated with poor outcomes in hospitalized patients. Objectives: This study examined whether serum phosphate imbalances at admission are associated with mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods: In this registry-based single-center retrospective cohort study, 1349 inpatients with COVID-19 were included from March 2020 to March 2021 in an academic hospital in Ilam (southwest Iran). The Cox proportional hazard (PH) regression model was ap-plied to the data set of COVID-19. Results: The in-hospital median survival time for patients with low, normal, and high serum phosphate levels was 14, 25, and 8 days, respectively. In a multivariate model, adjusted for the other variables, patients with hypophosphatemia (adjusted hazard ratio HR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.15-5.58; P = 0.02) and hyperphosphatemia (adjusted HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.00-3.14; P = 0.05) had an increased mortality hazard compared with those who had normal levels of serum phosphate. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate a strong effect of hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphatemia with increased in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients. Intensive medical care and more attention must be paid to COVID-19 patients with serum phosphate imbalances at admission. © 2022, International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism
Evaluation of annual staff doses and radiation shielding efficiencies of thyroid shield and lead apron during preparation and administration of 131 I, 81 Kr, and 99m Tc-Labeled radiopharmaceuticals
No full textNuclear medicine technicians would receive unavoidable exposures during the preparation and administration of radiopharmaceuticals. Based on the staff dose monitoring, the dose reduction efficiencies of the radiation protection shields and the need to implement additional strategies to reduce the staff doses could be evaluated. In this study, medical staff doses during the preparation and administration of Tc-99 m, I-131, and Kr-81 radiopharmaceuticals were evaluated. The dose reduction efficiencies of the lead apron and thyroid shield were also investigated. GR-207 thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) chips were used for quantifying the medical staff doses. The occupational dose magnitudes were determined in five organs at risk including eye lens, thyroid, fingers, chest, and gonads. TLDs were located under and over the protective shields for evaluating the dose reduction efficiencies of the lead apron and thyroid shield. The occupational doses were normalized to the activities used in the working shifts. During preparation and injection of Tc-99 m radiopharmaceutical, the average annual doses were higher in the chest (4.49 mGy) and eye lenses (4 mGy). For I-131 radiopharmaceutical, the average annual doses of the point-finger (15.8 mGy) and eye lenses (1.23 mGy) were significantly higher than other organs. During the preparation and administration of Kr-81, the average annual doses of the point-finger (0.65 mGy) and chest (0.44 mGy) were higher. The significant dose reductions were achieved using the lead apron and thyroid shield. The radiation protection shields and minimum contact with the radioactive sources, including patients, are recommended to reduce the staff doses. © 2021 Journal of Medical Signals & Sensors Published by Wolters Kluwer-Medknow
Enhanced biological hydrogen production through the separation of volatile fatty acids and ammonia based on microbial bipolar electrodialysis during thermal dark fermentation
No full textBiological hydrogen (H2) is a clean fuel which can be produced by dark fermentation of food waste (FW). Some inhibitors including volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and ammonia can influence on H2 production rate. In the present work, a bio-electrochemical system, Thermal Dark Fermentation - Microbial Bipolar Electrodialysis (TDF-MBED) process, was used to separate VFAs and ammonia during FW fermentation, and thereby enhancing H2 production. From the three configurations employed, that novel design which consisted of two Anion Exchange Membranes (AEM), one on the anode side and another on the cathode side of working chamber (WC) had better results. The cumulative H2 increased from 2879 to 3511 mL L−1 as well as H2 production yield increased from 51 to 63.15 mL mg−1 compared to control, while at the same time, 50 mL H2 was produced in the cathode chamber. The VFAs concentration raised up to 507 mg L−1 in the separation chamber after 24 h. Although the VFAs production in TDF-MBED increased up to 2314 mg L−1 compared to 714 mg L−1 in the control, pH value remained above 5.15 (0.65 higher) during 24 h. In the configuration that contains two AEM, alkalinity and ammonia remained higher than other configurations, which are favorable for H2 production. Moreover, when cation exchange membrane (CEM) was used, the ammonia separation became higher and its concentration in fermenter decreased sharply from 1372 to 952 mg L−1 during 10–24 h. The TDF-MBED is a promising bio-electrochemical and sustainable approach for enhancing simultaneous H2 and VFAs production during TDF of FW. © 2021 Elsevier Lt
Iranian Native Medicinal Plants Affecting Staphylococcus aureus as Septic Pathogens: An updated Review
No full textStaphylococcus aureus is the second leading pathogenic cause of nosocomial infections and plays an important role in the development of food poisoning and purulent, systemic and nosocomial infections. This bacterium is responsible for infections such as abscess, food poisoning, third grade burns, traumatic ulcers, surgical incisions, bed sores or atrophic ulcers. Long-term use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multi-drug resistant strains in infectious diseases. Due to increased resistance of bacteria to chemical drugs and the few side effects of medicinal plants, medicinal plants have nowadays attracted much more attention of researchers. In this regard, studies have been done on the effectiveness of medicinal plants against infectious agents such as S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Therefore, in this review study, native Iranian herbs that are effective on S. aureus were reported. In this review study, search terms including Staphylococcus aureus, herbs, extracts and essential oils were used to retrieve articles indexed in databases such as the Institute for Scientific Information, PubMed, Scopus, Scientific Information Database, Magiran, and Google Scholar. Garlic, pomegranate, Anethum graveolens, coriander, eucalyptus, Lawsonia inermis, Descurainia sophia, Figworts, artemisia, etc. are some of the most important anti herbs
Frequency of underlying diseases, symptoms and mortality rate of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is known to be affected by underlying diseases of the respiratory system. In this meta-analysis, the keywords of COVID-19, underlying diseases, symptoms, and mortality were searched in national and international databases to obtain the related studies. The inclusion criteria were as follows: interventional, clinical, descriptive and cross-sectional, and studies focusing on COVID-19. This study was conducted based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses protocol. Eighteen studies were selected to be finally analyzed. The mean percentage of mortality was 14 (I-2 = 98.9, P< 0.001). The most common symptoms were fever (91, I-2 = 88.5, P< 0.001) and cough (71, I-2= 84.5, P< 0.001), and the most frequent underlying diseases were hypertension (41, I-2 = 98.9, P<0.001), diabetes mellitus (18, I-2 = 88.7, P< 0.001) and cardiovascular disease (11, I-2 = 87.7, P< 0.001). Findings of present study suggest that individuals with underlying diseases have a higher rate of mortality following COVID-19 infection. Copyright (C) 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved
Evaluation the Healing Potential of Oleuropein on Second-Degree Burn Wounds in a Rat Model
No full textBackground: Skin burn is one of the most common complications throughout the world. Olive derivatives have been used for the treatment of skin lesions in Iran. Oleuropein is one of the main constituents of olive leaves. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the healing effects of oleuropein cream on second-degree burns wounds in a rat model. Methods: This experimental study was performed on 72 male Wistar rats. Superficial second-degree burns were induced in the hairless back of the animals. Then, they were randomly divided into six equal groups. The burnt area in the first group was covered twice a day with normal saline, in the second group with eucerin, in the third group with 1 silver sulfadiazine and in the fourthsixth groups, oleuropein cream was applied topically. To evaluate the efficacy of treatment, four rats in each group were euthanized on days 4, 9, and 14, and their skin was processed for wound contraction, glutathione (GSH) level, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, hydroxyproline (HP) content, inflammatory factors (transforming growth factor beta TGF-beta and interleukin 6 IL-6), and histological examination. Results: In comparison with untreated control rats, the daily application of 5% oleuropein cream significantly increased wound contraction, HP content, and GSH level over time. Moreover, it caused a significant reduction in inflammatory factors and MDA level. Histological examination confirmed the results. Conclusions: This study indicated that oleuropein has therapeutic value in treating burn wounds and thus supports its traditional use
Neuraminidase Inhibitors During Pregnancy and Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis
No full textNeuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) are commonly used to treat influenza and are also considered the potential treatment for COVID-19. The association of using NAIs during pregnancy with the risk of adverse birth defects has been investigated repeatedly by epidemiological studies; however, results are largely inconsistent. We herein performed this meta-analysis to investigate the true association of NAIs with adverse birth defects, including preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), and small for gestational age (SGA). A systematic search was performed through PubMed, Scopus, and Embase to indentify all pertinent studies; The ORs with their corresponding 95 CIs were extracted or calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran Q test and the I-2 statistic. A random-effect model was used for this meta-analysis due to existing heterogeneity. Overall, eight studies were included in our analysis, meta-analysis using a random-effect model showed that NAIs during pregnancy reduced the risk of LBW (OR=0.78, 95 CI=0.66-0.91) and SGA (OR=0.76, 95 CI=0.670.86) but is not associated with PTB (OR=1.01, 95 CI=0.87-1.16). Results of the present study suggested that NAIs during pregnancy are safe and may reduce the risk of LBW and SGA. However, further studies from different ethnic populations are warranted to confirm our results
Comparison of microscopic and endoscopic resection of third-ventricular colloid cysts: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textBACKGROUND AND AIM: Colloid cysts are uncommon benign lesions. There is a lack of consensus regarding the preferred surgical strategy for colloid cyst resection; the technique with the optimal rates of remission, recurrence, mortality, and complications is debatable. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To determine surgical outcomes, we performed a systematic review of the published literature on Colloid cysts. Eligible studies (n = 63) with a prospective or retrospective evaluation of endoscopic or microscopic resection of third ventricle colloid cysts were included, which contained data describing extents of resection, seizures, meningitis, and tumor recurrence. A total of 3143 patients (1741 microscopically and 1402 endoscopically operated) were included in the final analysis. RESULTS: According to the results of the meta-analysis, there was a higher rate of gross total resection (GTR) (98.15 versus 91.29, p = 0.00), need for shunting (4.75 versus 1.46, p = 0.04), postoperative complications (20.68 versus 10.42, P = 0.03), mean operating time (194.18 versus 113.04 min), and duration of hospitalization (7.85 versus 4.69 days) for microscopic resection compared with endoscopic resection. While endoscopic resection is associated with a higher rate of cyst recurrence (1.78 versus 0.00, P = 0.00), there was no difference in reoperation rate (0.49 for endoscopic versus 0.09 for microscopic resection). CONCLUSION: Microsurgical resection of third ventricle colloid cysts was associated with a higher rate of GTR and a lower rate of recurrence, while there was a lower rate of postoperative complications, duration of surgery, and shorter hospitalization period in the endoscopic group