A QUADRATIC PROGRAMMING MODEL FOR OBTAINING WEAK FUZZY SOLUTION TO FUZZY LINEAR SYSTEMS

Real life applications arising in various fields of engineering and science (e.g. electrical, civil, economics, dietary, etc.) can be modelled using a system of linear equations. In such models, it may happen that the values of the parameters are not known or they cannot be stated precisely and that only their estimation due to experimental data or experts knowledge is available. In such a situation it is convenient to represent such parameters by fuzzy numbers. In this paper we propose an efficient optimization model for obtaining a weak fuzzy solution to fuzzy linear systems (FLS). We solve some examples and we show that this method is always efficient

Effect of fentanyl versus buprenorphine on the pupil size in phacoemulsification cataract surgery

Background: Despite several recent innovations in phacoemulsification surgery, importance of pupil diameter in this surgery is becoming more evident. Purpose: To compare the effect of opioid agonist (fentanyl) versus opioid agonist–antagonist (buprenorphine) on pupil diameter in cataract surgery and to choose the best opioid in high-risk phacoemulsification surgery. Methods: In this randomized double-blinded clinical trial, 60 patients who were candidates for elective phacoemulsification surgery were randomly divided into two equal groups: experimental (buprenorphine, 0.3 μg/kg) and control (fentanyl, 1 μg/kg). Pupil diameter was measured preinjection and at several times postinjection. Blood pressure was recorded at several intervals, as well as shivering, nausea and vomiting, and recovery time. Results: Mean (SD) recovery time was significantly less in the control group (19.46±5.43) than in the experimental group (33.23±10.75) (P<0.0001). The constriction effect (ie, pupillary diameter in mm) was significantly lower in the experimental group (0.53±0.45) than in the control group (1.06±0.52) (P=0.0001). The percentages of constriction effect in experimentaland control groups were 7.68% and 15.07%, respectively. The eye was two times more constricted in the control group in comparison with the experimental group after induction of anesthesia. Conclusion: Buprenorphine is a better solution to decrease pupil constriction in comparison with fentanylinhigh-risk phacoemulsification surgery

Effects of Intravenous Fluid Therapy on Clinical and Biochemical Parameters of Trauma Patients

Introduction: The administration of crystalloid fluids is considered as the first line treatment in management of trauma patients. Infusion of intravenous fluids leads to various changes in hemodynamic, metabolic and coagulation profiles of these patients. The present study attempted to survey some of these changes in patients with mild severity trauma following normal saline infusion. Methods: This study comprised 84 trauma patients with injury of mild severity in Shahid Rajaei Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, during 2010-2011. The coagulation and metabolic values of each patient were measured before and one and six hours after infusion of one liter normal saline. Then, the values of mentioned parameters on one and six hours after infusion were compared with baseline measures using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: Eighty four patients included in the present study (76% male). Hemoglobin (Hb) (df: 2; F=32.7; p&lt;0.001), hematocrit (Hct) (df: 2; F=30.7; p&lt;0.001), white blood cells (WBC) (df: 2; F=10.6; p&lt;0.001), and platelet count (df: 2; F=4.5; p=0.01) showed the decreasing pattern following infusion of one liter of normal saline. Coagulation markers were not affected during the time of study (p&gt;0.05). The values of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) showed statistically significant decreasing pattern (df: 2; F=5.6; p=0.007). Pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) (df: 2; F=6.4; p=0.002), bicarbonate (HCO3) (df: 2; F=7.0; p=0.001), and base excess (BE) (df: 2; F=3.3; p=0.04) values showed a significant deteriorating changes following hydration therapy. Conclusion: It seems that, the infusion of one liter normal saline during one hour will cause a statistically significant decrease in Hb, Hct, WBC, platelet, BUN, BE, HCO3, and PCO2 in trauma patients with mild severity of injury and stable condition. The changes in, coagulation profiles, pH, PvO2, and electrolytes were not statistically remarkable.

Silk-Based Biopolymers Promise Extensive Biomedical Applications in Tissue Engineering, Drug Delivery, and BioMEMS

As an FDA-approved biopolymer, silk has been contemplated for a wide range of applications based on its unique merits, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and piezoelectricity. As silk, in both crystalline structure and amorphous state, exhibits unique physical, mechanical, and biological properties (promoting cell migration, differentiation, growth, and protein-surface interaction), it is fruitful to understand its potential applications. Sensors, actuators, and drug delivery systems are the best in case. As such, the current effort first introduces silk fibroin (SF) and delineates its characteristics. It then explores the extensive use of this biomaterial in tissue engineering approaches, in addition to its biosensor and electro-active wearable bioelectronic application. To this end, the SF application in cardiovascular, skin, cartilage, and drug delivery systems for cancer therapy and wound healing was studied precisely. Compositing any type of other variables to induce a specific application or improve any SF barriers, namely its hydrophobicity, poor electrical conductivity, or tuning its mechanical properties, especially in tissue engineering applications, has also been discussed wherever it is deemed informative.</p

Introducing novel and comprehensive models for predicting recurrence in breast cancer using the group LASSO approach: are estimates of early and late recurrence different?

BACKGROUND: In here, we constructed personalized models for predicting breast cancer (BC) recurrence according to timing of recurrence (as early and late recurrence). METHODS: An efficient algorithm called group LASSO was used for simultaneous variable selection and risk factor prediction in a logistic regression model. RESULTS: For recurrence  5 years, stage 2 cancer (OR 1.67, 95% CI = 1.31-2.14) and radiotherapy+mastectomy (OR 2.45, 95% CI = 1.81-3.32) were significant predictors; furthermore, relative to mastectomy without radiotherapy (as reference for comparison), quadranectomy without radiotherapy had a noticeably higher odds ratio compared to quadranectomy with radiotherapy for recurrence > 5 years (OR 7.62, 95% CI = 1.52-38.15 vs. OR 1.75, 95% CI = 1.32-2.32). Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the model were 71%, 78.8%, and 55.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: For the first time, we constructed models for estimating recurrence based on timing of recurrence which are among the most applicable models with excellent accuracy (> 80%)

COVID‑19 associated rhino‑orbito‑cerebral mucormycosis, risk factors and outcome predictors; a multicentric study

Background Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, an increase in mucormycosis cases has been observed in many countries, including Iran. However, the role of covid-19 and associated risk factors have not been thoroughly investigated. Objective This study is designed to identify epidemiologic characteristics, risk factors, and outcome predictors of Covid-19-Associated Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis (C-ROCM). Methods Data of pathology proven Covid Associated ROCM cases were retrospectively obtained from 7 tertiary care centers throughout Iran from February 20, 2021, to July 22, 2021. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using binary logistic regression to assess the effects of various factors on the outcome. Results A total of 132 patients with C-ROCM were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 61.6 ± 13.9 (60.6% male). In 12 patients (9.1%), both eyes were involved. Diabetes was the mostcommon comorbidity (94.7%). The mortality rate was 9.1%, higher in males (12.5%) than females (3.8%). Severe vision impairment was seen in 58 patients (43.9%). Main factors that had a negative impact on the outcome in the univariate analysis include older age (P < 0.001), higher steroid dosage (P < 0.001), higher HbA1c level (P < 0.001), Covid-19 severity (P < 0.001), and brain involvement (P < 0.001). However, in the multivariate analysis, the effects of age (P = 0.062), steroid dosage (P = 0.226), and Covid- 19 intensity (P = 0.084) decreased, and the difference was no longer statistically significant. CRAO was a predictor of mortality in the univariate analysis (P = 0.008, OR = 4.50), but in the multivariate analysis, this effect decreased and was no longer significant (P = 0.125). Conclusion The risk of C-ROCM and its complications may increase in patients with more severe Covid-19, steroid over-prescription, ICU admission due to Covid-19, and poor glycemic control during and after Covid-19 treatment

Cold Hardiness and Supercooling Capacity in the Overwintering Larvae of the Codling Moth, Cydia pomonella

The codling moth, Cydia pomonella L. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a worldwide apple pest, is classified as a freeze-intolerant organism and one of the most cold-tolerant pests. The objectives of this study were to examine the supercooling point of overwintering and non-diapausing larvae of C. pomonella as an index of its cold hardiness, and to assess larval mortality following 24 h exposure to extreme low temperatures ranging from -5 to -25°C. The mean (±SE) supercooling point for feeding larvae (third through fifth instars) was -12.4 ± 1.1°C. The mean supercooling point for cocooned, non-diapausing larvae (i.e., non-feeding stages) decreased as the days that the arvae were cocooned increased and changed between -15.1 ± 1.2°C for one to two day cocooned arvae and -19.2 ± 1.8°C for less than five day cocooned larvae. The mean (±SE) supercooling point for other non-feeding stages containing pupae and overwintering larvae were -19.9 ± 1.0°C and -20.2 ± 0.2°C, respectively. Mean supercooling points of C. pomonella larvae were significantly lower during the winter months than the summer months, and sex had no effect on the supercooling point of C. pomonella larvae. The mortality of larvae increased significantly after individuals were exposed to temperatures below the mean supercooling point of the population. The supercooling point was a good predictor of cold hardiness

Introducing novel and comprehensive models for predicting recurrence in breast cancer using the group LASSO approach: are estimates of early and late recurrence different?

Abstract Background In here, we constructed personalized models for predicting breast cancer (BC) recurrence according to timing of recurrence (as early and late recurrence). Methods An efficient algorithm called group LASSO was used for simultaneous variable selection and risk factor prediction in a logistic regression model. Results For recurrence  5 years, stage 2 cancer (OR 1.67, 95% CI = 1.31–2.14) and radiotherapy+mastectomy (OR 2.45, 95% CI = 1.81–3.32) were significant predictors; furthermore, relative to mastectomy without radiotherapy (as reference for comparison), quadranectomy without radiotherapy had a noticeably higher odds ratio compared to quadranectomy with radiotherapy for recurrence > 5 years (OR 7.62, 95% CI = 1.52–38.15 vs. OR 1.75, 95% CI = 1.32–2.32). Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the model were 71%, 78.8%, and 55.8%, respectively. Conclusion For the first time, we constructed models for estimating recurrence based on timing of recurrence which are among the most applicable models with excellent accuracy (> 80%)

Effects of Community-Based Newborn Care Intervention on Neonate Health Status in a District of Tehran (Iran)

Objective: To identify the effects of community-based interventions on the Neonatal Health Index in one district of Tehran-Iran. Materials and methods: A community and healthcare center-based study was carried out from January 2011 through September 2014. The population of the study included newborns from mothers residing in the 4th district of Tehran, Iran. Demographic data of mothers and infants were recorded in questionnaires before and after intervention. Interventions were implemented in hospitals, participants' homes, and health centers. The primary outcomes were comparison of mean birth weight, weight gain during the first 3-7 days, first week visit rate, hospitalization rate between the before and after intervention groups. Results: The populations in the before and after intervention groups were 274 and 250, respectively. A significant difference was seen between the gestational ages (P value = 0.007) of the two groups. Mean birth height in the first group was 50.35 ± 3.48 and in the second group was 55 ± 5.32 cm (P value = 0.04). Neonatal complications in the second group were 6.9% lower than in the first group (P value = 0.048). In the first group 41 neonates (15%) were hospitalized in the NICU while in the second group 12 cases (4.8%) were hospitalized (P value = 0.018). Seven cases (2.6%) in the first group and one case (0.4%) in the second group were resuscitated (P value = 0.0001). Conclusion: The results of implementing community-based newborn care strategies witnessed at the first week postnatal visit included improvements inneonatal gestational growth, management of neonates with potentially serious illnesses, diagnosis of warning signs and neonatal care practices