19 research outputs found
Synthesis of nickel ferrite nanoparticles as an efficient magnetic sorbent for removal of an azo-dye: Response surface methodology and neural network modeling
In this research, nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles (NFNs) are prepared through coprecipitation method, and applied for adsorption removal of a model organic pollutant, methyl orange (MO). The characterization of the prepared NFNs was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Optimization and modeling of the removal of MO applying NFNs were performed via central composite design (CCD) and the influential parameters including nano-sorbent amount, dye initial concentration, contact time and pH were considered as input variables for CCD. A dye removal percentage of 99 % was achieved under the optimum condition established for MO removal that was in agreeing with the predicted value. Additionally, multi-layer artificial neural network (ML-ANN) was applied to acquire a predictive model of MO removal. The isothermal investigation of MO adsorption was performed by developing Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin models, and results showed that experimental data were best fit in Freundlich model. Based on the adsorption kinetics studies, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model was the best model to describe the adsorption mechanism of MO onto NFNs
The effects of concurrent treatment of silymarin and lactulose on memory changes in cirrhotic male rats
Introduction: Chronic liver disease frequently accompanied by hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Changes in the permeability of the blood-brain barrier in HE, make an easier entrance of ammonia among other substances to the brain, which leads to neurotransmitter disturbances. Lactulose (LAC), causes better defecation and makes ammonia outreach of blood. Silymarin (SM) is a known standard drug for liver illnesses. The purpose of this research was to determine the results of LAC and SM combined treatment, on the changes in memory of cirrhotic male rats. Methods: The cirrhotic model established by treatment with thioacetamide (TAA) for 18 weeks. Cirrhotic rats randomized to four groups (nâ= 7): TAA group (received drinking water), LAC group (2 g/kg/d LAC in drinking water), SM group (50 mg/kg/d SM by food), SM+ LAC group (similar combined doses of both compounds) for 8 weeks. The control group received drinking water. The behavior examined by wire hanging (WH), passive avoidance (PA), and open field (OF) tests. Results: Our findings showed that treatment with SM+LAC effectively increased PA latency, compared with the control group. The results showed that the administration of LAC and SM+LAC affected the number of lines crossed, the total distance moved and velocity in the OF tests. Conclusion: SM and LAC have anti-inflammatory effects that are memory changing. It may be due to their useful effects. These results indicated that SM+LAC restored memory disturbance and irritated mood in the cirrhotic rats. Comparable neuroprotection was never previously informed. Such outcomes are extremely promising and indicate the further study of SM+LAC
Evaluation of Diagnostic Value of Procalcitonin as a Marker of Neonatal Bacterial Infections
Objective: This study tried to assess sensitivity, specificity,
positive and negative predictive value of procalcitonin for diagnosis
of neonatal bacterial infections. Methods: This prospective cross
sectional study was carried out during an 18-month period in NICU and
neonatal wards of Besat Hospital in Hamedan province, Iran. 39
symptomatic infants with clinical and laboratory findings in favor of
bacterial infection with a positive blood, CSF, and/or supra pubic
urine culture entered the study; 32 newborns without any bacterial
infection served as control group. Quantitative procalcitonin level
â„0.5 ng/ml was accepted as pathological. Finally sensitivity,
specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were
calculated for procalcitonin test. Findings: 20 blood cultures, 17
urine cultures and 8 CSF cultures were positive. Sensitivity,
specificity, PPV and NPV for procalcitonin test was 76.9%, 100%, 100%
and 78% respectively. Diagnostic value of procalcitonin test in
accordance with blood culture for mentioned items was 85%, 100%, 100%
and 91.4% respectively. Its diagnostic value according to urine culture
was: sensitivity 70.6%, specificity 100%, PPV 100% and NPV 86.4%, and
according to CSF culture was: sensitivity 75%, specificity 100%, PPV
100% and NPV 94.1% respectively. Conclusion: The results show that the
procalcitonin test has high sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for
diagnosis of neonatal infections
Does conventional phototherapy have any effect on platelet count in full term neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia?
Antibiotic sensitivity pattern of common bacterial pathogens in NICU and neonatal ward in Hamedan province of Iran
Effect of Low versus Moderate Dose of Clofibrate on Serum Bilirubin in Healthy Term Neonates with Indirect Hyperbilirubinemia
A Fuzzy-SOM Method for Fraud Detection in Power Distribution Networks with High Penetration of Roof-Top Grid-Connected PV
This study proposes a fuzzy self-organized neural networks (SOM) model for detecting fraud by domestic customers, the major cause of non-technical losses in power distribution networks. Using a bottom-up approach, normal behavior patterns of household loads with and without photovoltaic (PV) sources are determined as normal behavior. Customers suspected of energy theft are distinguished by calculating the anomaly index of each subscriber. The bottom-up method used is validated using measurement data of a real network. The performance of the algorithm in detecting fraud in old electromagnetic meters is evaluated and verified. Types of energy theft methods are introduced in smart meters. The proposed algorithm is tested and evaluated to detect fraud in smart meters also
Influence of Chronic Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Learning, and Memory in Healthy and Diabetic Middle-Aged Rats
Detection of Helicobacter pylori in Oral Lesions
Background and aims. Helicobacter pylori is a microaerophilic gram-negative spiral organism. It is recognized as the
etiologic factor for peptic ulcers, gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric lymphoma. Recently, it has been isolated from dental
plaque and the dorsum of the tongue. This study was designed to assess the association between H. pylori and oral lesions
such as ulcerative/inflammatory lesions, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and primary lymphoma.
Materials and methods. A total of 228 biopsies diagnosed as oral ulcerative/inflammatory lesions, oral squamous cell
carcinoma (OSCC) and oral primary lymphoma were selected from the archives of the Pathology Department. Thirty-two
samples that were diagnosed as being without any pathological changes were selected as the control group. All the paraffin
blocks were cut for hematoxylin and eosin staining to confirm the diagnoses and then the samples were prepared for immunohistochemistry
staining. Data were collected and analyzed.
Results. Chi-squared test showed significant differences between the frequency of H. pylori positivity in normal tissue and
the lesions were examined (P=0.000). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the lesions examined
(P=0.042). Chi-squared test showed significant differences between H. pylori positivity and different tissue types except
inside the muscle layer as follows: in epithelium and in lamina propria (P=0.000), inside the blood vessels (P=0.003),
inside the salivary gland duct (P=0.036), and muscle layer (P=0.122).
Conclusion. There might be a relation between the presence of H. pylori and oral lesions. Therefore, early detection and
eradication of H. pylori in high-risk patients are suggested