Comparison of predictive models for the early diagnosis of diabetes

Objectives: This study develops neural network models to improve the prediction of diabetes using clinical and lifestyle characteristics. Prediction models were developed using a combination of approaches and concepts. Methods: We used memetic algorithms to update weights and to improve prediction accuracy of models. In the first step, the optimum amount for neural network parameters such as momentum rate, transfer function, and error function were obtained through trial and error and based on the results of previous studies. In the second step, optimum parameters were applied to memetic algorithms in order to improve the accuracy of prediction. This preliminary analysis showed that the accuracy of neural networks is 88%. In the third step, the accuracy of neural network models was improved using a memetic algorithm and resulted model was compared with a logistic regression model using a confusion matrix and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results: The memetic algorithm improved the accuracy from 88.0% to 93.2%. We also found that memetic algorithm had a higher accuracy than the model from the genetic algorithm and a regression model. Among models, the regression model has the least accuracy. For the memetic algorithm model the amount of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and ROC are 96.2, 95.3, 93.8, 92.4, and 0.958 respectively. Conclusions: The results of this study provide a basis to design a Decision Support System for risk management and planning of care for individuals at risk of diabetes

Assessing the loading and release of metronidazole from bacterial cellulose film as a pharmaceutical dressing

Background: Bacterial cellulose membrane (BCM) produced by Gluconacetobacter xylinus is an advantageous bacterial product and because of its unique properties could be used as an ideal dressing. The aim of this study was to consider the capability of this biomaterial in the release of Metronidazole. In the case of proving this capability, it provides the basis for the production of a dressing containing this type of antibiotic. Materials and Methods: In this study, BCM was initially synthesized by Gluconacetobacter xylinus. The BCM was loaded by Metronidazole. Then the release process was considered in distilled water and buffer phosphate Saline. The ultra violet spectrophotometry was applied for measuring the concentration of the released drug. Results: The chemical structure of bacterial cellulose was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The release of Metronidazole in distilled water and phosphate buffered Saline was reached to 84.27 and 84.71, respectively. Due to higher release in phosphate buffered Saline media, it seems that the trend of release in vitro provides efficient results. Conclusion: Results of this study provides the basis for future research on supplying an ideal dressing from this microbial product

Geochemical And Mineralogical Studies Of Sedimentary Alluviums - A Case Study In The City Of Omidiyeh In The Southwest Of Iran.

Alluvial fans are cone-shaped deposits that are known to be important deposits of minerals and water resources. An accurate knowledge of alluvial deposits not only provides access to many natural resources, but also prevents various environmental risks, including the transfer of various toxic elements. To date, many methods have been introduced for the investigation of alluvial deposits, but this study presents for the first time geochemical methods that can significantly reduce costs and investigation time in areas associated with alluvial deposits. This study was carried out in the southwest of Iran and near the city of Omidiye on 120 sediment samples from various alluvial conifers. In this study, the samples collected through petrographic and geochemical studies were carefully analyzed, and in addition to determining the major and minor elements in these samples, the primary origin of the sediments, the primary tectonic position of these sediments, and the nature of the constituents were also determined for the first time using geochemical data. In addition to the geochemical investigations, detailed hydrochemical studies were carried out to determine the relationship between the properties of the groundwater and the type of sediments on the surface. These studies can be seen as a model for similar studies around the world

Evaluation of Confounders in Toxoplasmosis Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Assay

Background: The IFA test is one of the most usual methods for detecting anti-Toxoplasma antibod­ies, although it has not any unique standardization. It seems that the microscopic judg­ment of results is an important confounder in IFA test. Therefore, we conducted the present study to clarify the role of microscopic observer, and other confounders on the test.Methods: Eighty sera were collected from patients suspicious to toxoplasmosis for detection IgG anti-T. gondii by this test. Samples were examined against different series of antigens, IgG anti-human conjugates, and observers.Results: There were no significant differences between the two series of antigens and conjugates. For the observers groups the kappa coefficient of the test results in the experts group (0.97, 0.94-1.00) were significantly higher than the less experienced observers (0.77, 0.68-0.87).Conclusion: We recommend the IFA test to be performed only in reference laboratories and by laboratory technicians that have enough experience for this test. Otherwise, we suggest the substitution of this test with other tests like ELISA for the diagnosis and epidemiological studies

Neurofeedback effect on perceptual-motor skills of children with ADHD

Objectives: This study investigates the impact of neurofeedback on perceptual-motor skills of 5 to 12 years old children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Methods: In this clinical study, 40 children between the ages of 5-12 years, who were patients of the Tavanesh Clinic and diagnosed with ADHD, were randomly chosen and divided into two groups of control and test. 20-neurofeedback intervention sessions were performed. The tools utilized in this study included Bruninks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency and Child behavior checklist (CBCL) survey questionnaire. For evaluation after the intervention, Bruninks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency scale for children, along with CBCL questionnaire surveys were asked to fill up by the participants' mothers. Results: After the intervention, the analysis of the scores in all perceptual-motor skills showed significant differences in both groups, but no significant difference was observed in the subtest of strength. The CBCL survey questionnaire revealed that the average scores on attention disorder, aggression, lack of attention and hyperactivity, externalizing and general problems in the test group is significantly less than that of the control group. However, in the confrontational behavior (internalization), there was no statistically significant difference between the test and control groups. There was a correlation between the change of motor skills and change of behavioral patterns in ADHD children. Discussion: Neurofeedback intervention can have positive effects on improving the perceptualmotor skills of children with ADHD

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles catalyzed synthesis of Hantzsch esters and polyhydroquinoline derivatives

1,4-Dihydropyridine and polyhydroquinoline derivatives have been prepared efficiently in a one-pot synthesis via Hantzsch condensation using nanosized titanium dioxide as a heterogeneous catalyst. The present methodology offers several advantages such as excellent yields, short reaction times (30-120 min), environmentally benign, and mild reaction conditions. The catalyst can be readily separated from the reaction products and recovered in excellent purity for direct reuse

Physicochemical traits of seedless barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) fruits stored under refrigeration as affected by heat and calcium chloride treatments

The loss of chemical characteristics and quality of the fresh seedless barberry fruit during storage and qualitative losses of its dried fruit are the most important postharvest challenges in barberry industry and its exports. The fresh harvested fruit samples were dried using an electrical drier at 50°C to 50% moisture content. Thereafter, the effects of hot water alone (65°C for 45 sec), and hot water + 2% calcium chloride were carried out on the quality maintenance and chemicals during the cold storage of seedless barberry. The results showed that the samples treated with calcium chloride stored at 2°C had the highest TSS over time, whereas the titratable acidity of barberry fruits was not significantly affected by postharvest treatments. Hot water alone or in combination with calcium chloride treatment increased redness and chroma values result in better appearance quality than control. In addition, the treatments reduced the variable L* and thereby enhanced fruit lightness. The highest antioxidant content (% 77.92) was observed in hot water treated samples and the lowest (% 54.28) was obtained on control. Also, the highest amount of anthocyanins and antioxidants were obtained from samples treated with hot water. Only calcium chloride treatment had a significant effect on Ca content of the samples. The results revealed that postharvest application of hot water and calcium chloride treatments improved the appearance quality and nutritional values of fresh seedless barberry fruit, as well as extend the cold storage life, likely due to reduced pathogen contamination

Regioselective alkylation reaction of purines under microwave irradiation

The alkylation of purines which is generally carried out after anion formation by treatment with a base and alkyl halide is complicated and in the best cases, mixtures of N-alkylated compounds are obtained. Purine derivatives can be acquired from alkylation at N-7 and N-9. In this work, the reaction conditions have been optimized to obtain the alkylation products of N-9 regioselectively. Different bases have been tried and tetrabutylammonium hydroxide has led to the best results. The reaction depends on the type of base and solvent used and improves considerably when the aid of microwave irradiation is used, which also considerably reduces the reaction time by reducing the formation of secondary products