Neuro-Fuzzy Computing System with the Capacity of Implementation on Memristor-Crossbar and Optimization-Free Hardware Training

In this paper, first we present a new explanation for the relation between logical circuits and artificial neural networks, logical circuits and fuzzy logic, and artificial neural networks and fuzzy inference systems. Then, based on these results, we propose a new neuro-fuzzy computing system which can effectively be implemented on the memristor-crossbar structure. One important feature of the proposed system is that its hardware can directly be trained using the Hebbian learning rule and without the need to any optimization. The system also has a very good capability to deal with huge number of input-out training data without facing problems like overtraining.Comment: 16 pages, 11 images, submitted to IEEE Trans. on Fuzzy system

Quantitative determination of formaldehyde by spectrophotometry utilizing multivariate Curve resolution alternating least squares

Formaldehyde is a vastly used material in industry. Nowadays, it is proven that formaldehyde is toxic and carcinogenic. Thus providing a reliable method for its quantitative determination is very important. This study proposes a UV-Vis spectrophotometric based method for determination of formaldehyde. The method is based on reaction between the analyte and Fluoral P. Spectral changes during the time were mathematically analyzed using a chemometrics technique, called "multivariate curve resolution alternating least squares" (MCR-ALS). Data processing by this chemometrics technique enhanced the reliability of the UV-Vis spectrophotometry for quantitative analysis of formaldehyde in real samples. KEY WORDS: Formaldehyde, Fluoral P, UV-Visible, Multivariate curve resolution alternating least squares; Quantitative analysis Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2012, 26(2), 299-304.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v26i2.1

Reviews of the effectiveness of religious, spiritual and mental therapy on stress reduction, anxiety and depression in women with addicted spouse in Ilam city

For downloading the full-text of this article please click here.Background and Objectives: Addiction and drug abuse as a social problem disrupt the social ability to retain the order and organization, thus the normal social life is impaired which causes structural changes in the economic, social, political and cultural systems of a society . The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of religious, spiritual and mental therapy on  stress reduction, anxiety and depression in women with addicted spouse in Ilam city.Materials and Methods: This research was experimental study with pre, post test and control groups and follow-up period. Research population included 45 women with addicted wife who were selected by convenience sampling. Hamilton and Beck test were used to evaluate stress and depression, respectively.Results: Results of ANOVA revealed a significant difference in the level of stress and depression (p<0/001) between the experimental and control groups.Conclusion: The results revealed behavior therapy based on religion has a significant effect on reduction of the amount of stress and depression in women with addicted spouse. As regards to the role of religion and Spirituality in the process of recovery, addressing the concept of spirituality is essential stress reduction and depression.Keywords:  Mental health, Spiritual-religious efficacy, Stress, AnxietyFor downloading the full-text of this article please click here

An Illustrative Case of Subcutaneous Panniculitis-Like T-Cell Lymphoma

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a very rare form of skin lymphoma that is localized primarily to the subcutaneous adipose tissue without palpable involvement of the lymph nodes. Diagnosis of SPTCL is a challenge, especially during its early phases when symptoms mimic other, more common conditions, such as benign panniculitis, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and cellulitis. Clinical and systemic features are nonspecific and can include fever, chills, and weight loss. Further complicating diagnosis is the high number of false negatives provided by biopsy. Here we present a case of SPTCL that illustrates the full course of the disease, from presentation and multiple misdiagnoses to correct disease recognition and successful treatment. A review of the challenges of diagnosis is provided with recommendations for more accurate and timely recognition of SPTCL

Corynebacterium propinquum

Nondiphtheria Corynebacterium species are often dismissed as culture contaminants, but they have recently become increasingly recognized as pathologic organisms. We present the case of a 48-year-old male patient on chronic prednisone therapy for rheumatoid arthritis with a history of mitral valve replacement with prosthetic valve. He presented with fever, dizziness, dyspnea on exertion, intermittent chest pain, and palpitations. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed two medium-sized densities along the inner aspect of the sewing ring and one larger density along the atrial surface of the sewing ring consistent with vegetation. Two separate blood cultures grew Corynebacterium propinquum, which were sensitive to ceftriaxone but highly resistant to vancomycin and daptomycin. The patient completed a course of ceftriaxone and repeat TEE study and after 6 weeks demonstrated near complete resolution of the vegetation. To our knowledge, this case represents the first in the literature of Corynebacterium propinquum causing prosthetic valve endocarditis. The ability of these organisms to cause deep-seated systemic infections should be recognized, especially in immune-compromised patients

Coexistent Pseudogout and Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare

Pseudogout is a crystal-induced arthropathy characterized by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals in synovial fluid, menisci, or articular cartilage. Although not very common, this entity can be seen in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Septic arthritis due to Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI) is a rare entity that can affect immunocompromised patients such as those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or those who are on immunosuppressive drugs. Here, we describe a 51-year-old female who presented with fever, right knee pain, swelling, warmth, and decreased range of motion for several days. The initial assessment was consistent with pseudogout, with negative bacterial and fungal cultures. However, due to high white blood cell (WBC) count in the synovial fluid analysis, she was empirically started on intravenous (IV) vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam and discharged on IV vancomycin and cefepime, while acid-fast bacilli (AFB) culture was still in process. Seventeen days later, AFB culture grew Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI), and she was readmitted for relevant management. This case illustrates that septic arthritis due to MAI should be considered in the differential diagnosis of septic arthritis in immunocompromised patients

Voltammetric Determination of Homocysteine Using Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Paste Electrode in the Presence of Chlorpromazine as a Mediator

We propose chlorpromazine (CHP) as a new mediator for the rapid, sensitive, and highly selective voltammetric determination of homocysteine (Hcy) using multiwall carbon nanotube paste electrode (MWCNTPE). The experimental results showed that the carbon nanotube paste electrode has a highly electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of Hcy in the presence of CHP as a mediator. Cyclic voltammetry, double potential step chronoamperometry, and square wave voltammetry (SWV) are used to investigate the suitability of CHP at the surface of MWCNTPE as a mediator for the electrocatalytic oxidation of Hcy in aqueous solutions. The kinetic parameters of the system, including electron transfer coefficient, and catalytic rate constant were also determined using the electrochemical approaches. In addition, SWV was used for quantitative analysis. SWV showed wide linear dynamic range (0.1–210.0 μM Hcy) with a detection limit of 0.08 μM Hcy. Finally, this method was also examined as a selective, simple, and precise electrochemical sensor for the determination of Hcy in real samples

Clinical and laboratory features of 496 cases of biopsy-proven lupus nephritis; a study at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease that can involve various organs. Renal involvement has been seen in about 60% of SLE patients, while the most common presentation of lupus nephritis (LN) is proteinuria. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the clinical and laboratory features of LN patients, confirmed by kidney biopsy and compare these among different classes of LN. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on clinical and laboratory data of patients with LN from 2001 to 2016. All patients diagnosed with definite LN by biopsy and electron microscopy (EM) were included in this study. Results: A total number of 496 patients were enrolled. The mean age of all patients was 28.32 ±11.41 years; 82.4% (409) were females. The biopsies were classified into LN classes II, III, IV, V, and VI, whose frequencies were 98 (20.6%), 93 (19.5%), 225(47.3%), 46 (9.7%), and 14 (2.9%), respectively. Tubular atrophy (P < 0.001) and interstitial fibrosis (P < 0.001) were found to be significantly associated with classes of LN. Additionally, 72.7% (8) and 48.2% (92) of patients in classes VI and IV of LN had blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels more than the normal range (P < 0.001). Regarding serum creatinine levels, 81.8% (9) and 42.9% (81) of patients in classes VI and IV of LN had high levels (P < 0.001). Moreover, nephrotic syndrome (NS) was reported in 47.5% (47) of patients with class IV of LN followed by 38.8% (36) in class III. Besides, edema was significantly more dominant in classes IV (74.3%, 133) and VI (75%) of LN patients (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis were more commonly seen in LN class IV followed by class IV. Edema, hypertension, and proteinuria are common presentations in class IV. Complete assessment of renal biopsy is still helpful for the definite classification of L

The association between metformin administration and non-Hodgkin lymphoma; a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort and case-control studies

Introduction: Metformin, a blood sugar-lowering agent, has the potential to be an anti-cancer agent. However, its role in lymphoma remains uncertain. Objectives: This study sought to examine the correlation between the utilization of metformin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma through the application of a systematic review and meta-analysis methodology. Materials and Methods: This investigation was carried out in the form of a methodical examination and meta-analysis in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and the Google Scholar search engine were thoroughly explored without any temporal limitations until September 20, 2023. The data was analyzed utilizing the STATA 14 software, and the level of significance for the tests was established at P<0.05. Results: The results, obtained by combining six observational studies (five cohort studies and one case-control study) with a total sample size of 2 330 787 individuals, showed that the odds ratio (OR) for the association between metformin use and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in all studies was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.78, 1.07). In cohort studies, the OR was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.74, 1.11), and in the case-control study, it was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.79, 1.10). None of these relationships were statistically significant. The odds ratio between metformin uses and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic leukemia was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.71, 1.21), and the odds ratio between metformin use and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was 1.06 (95% CI: 0.61, 1.83), both of which were not statistically significant. Conclusion: This investigation’s findings indicated no statistically noteworthy correlation exists between the utilization of metformin and the probability of contracting non-Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic leukemia, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Registration: This study was conducted following the PRISMA checklist. Its protocol was registered on the PROSPERO (CRD42023469100) and Research Registry (UIN: reviewregistry1721) websites

Predictors of Death in the Liver Transplantation Adult Candidates: An Artificial Neural Networks and Support Vector Machine Hybrid-Based Cohort Study

Background: Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) is currently used for liver transplantation (LT) allocation, however, it is not a sufficient criterion. Objective: This current study aims to perform a hybrid neural network analysis of different data, make a decision tree and finally design a decision support system for improving LT prioritization.Material and Methods: In this cohort follow-up-based study, baseline characteristics of 1947 adult patients, who were candidates for LT in Shiraz Organ Transplant Center, Iran, were assessed and followed for two years and those who died before LT due to the end-stage liver disease were considered as dead cases, while others considered as alive cases. A well-organized checklist was filled for each patient. Analysis of the data was performed using artificial neural networks (ANN) and support vector machines (SVM). Finally, a decision tree was illustrated and a user friendly decision support system was designed to assist physicians in LT prioritization. Results: Between all MELD types, MELD-Na was a stronger determinant of LT candidates’ survival. Both ANN and SVM showed that besides MELD-Na, age and ALP (alkaline phosphatase) are the most important factors, resulting in death in LT candidates. It was cleared that MELD-Na <23, age <53 and ALP <257 IU/L were the best predictors of survival in LT candidates. An applicable decision support system was designed in this study using the above three factors.  Conclusion: Therefore, Meld-Na, age and ALP should be used for LT allocation. The presented decision support system in this study will be helpful in LT prioritization by LT allocators