Evaluating the effects of alternative model structures on dynamic storage simulation in heterogeneous boreal catchments

Estimating dynamic storage as a metric can be used to make an overall assessment of catchment resilience to extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. Because of the complexity of direct empirical measurements, bucket-type hydrological models can be a suitable tool to simulate the catchment storage across a broad range of scales as they require minimal input data. However, these models consist of one or more conceptual structures based on several linear or nonlinear reservoirs and connections between these reservoirs. Therefore, choosing the most appropriate model structure to represent storage-discharge functioning in catchments is difficult. To bridge this gap, this study evaluated the performance of three different HBV model structures on 14 heterogeneous boreal catchments classified into four distinct catchment categories. The results showed that the three-bucket structure performed better in larger catchments with deeper sediment soils. In contrast, a single reservoir structure is sufficient to predict the storage-discharge behavior for a lake-influenced catchment with lower elevation above the stream network. Moreover, our results indicate that while the estimates of mean catchment storage varied between the different model structures, the ranking between the catchments largely agreed for the different structures. Hence, our results suggest that instead of a single model structure, using an ensemble averaging approach would not only better address the structural uncertainty but also facilitate further storage comparison between different catchments. Finally, based on Spearman rank correlation results, we found that catchment size and sediment soil were positively correlated with dynamic storage estimation

Strain Selection and Statistical Optimization of Culture Conditions for 19F Polysaccharide Production from Pneumococcus

Introduction:  Capsular polysaccharides of pneumococci are principle antigenic constituents of vaccines against pneumococci. Enhancing the yield of capsule production decreases costs of these vaccines and increases the vaccine coverage in developing countries. In this study therefore, we aim to optimize the capsule production from serotype 19F pneumococcus in terms of the applied pneumococcal strain and environmental culture conditions.Materials and Methods:  Thirteen serotype 19F Streptococcus pneumoniae strains were screened for the capsule production in modified Hoeprich culture medium using the stains all assay. The optimal ranges of environmental culture conditions for the selected strain were determined using single factor at a time (SFAT) strategy and utilized for the design of experiments based on the response surface methodology (RSM).Results:  S. pneumoniae 82218 showed the highest capsule production, and thus used for further studies. The maximum capsule production (1.364 mg/ml) was attained under optimal conditions (pH 7.26, 35.5 ºC, 30 rpm) predicted by the RSM derived quadratic model. The capsule production under the optimal conditions increased to 1.9 mg/ml using the buffered culture medium. Conclusion:  These results are much higher than those reported for pneumococcal capsule production in published studies [1, 2] and thus can be used to design suitable systems for the serotype 19F capsule production in the vaccine manufacturing process.

ACE1-I/D Polymorphism in Patients With Severe COVID-19

Background: In several studies, insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1) gene is described as a genetic risk factor for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. However, in some studies, this contribution is not confirmed. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the genotypic and allelic frequency of ACE1-D/I in Kurdish patients with severe COVID-19 in Iran. Methods: A total of 95 patients with PCR positive-COVID-19 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leucocytes using the salting out method. All cases were genotyped for ACE1-I/D polymorphism using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Death percentage from COVID-19 after two months’ follow-up was analyzed. Results: Of the 95 patients, 48 were female (50.5%) and 47 were male (49.5%) with a mean age of 61.9±18.7 years. The ID genotype was the most prevalent (52.6%) followed by DD (32.6%) and II (14.7%). The D and I allele frequencies were 58.9%, and 41.1%, respectively. The D allele frequency was higher in patients with SpO2≤90% (P = 0.048). The mortality percentage was 18.9% (8 females and 10 males). The frequency of the DD, ID, and II genotypes in patients who died from COVID-19 was 27.7%, 61,1%, and 11.1%. Conclusions: Our results indicated that the ACE1- D allele can be a genetic risk factor in COVID-19 patients. Further studies on different ethnicities and geographical regions are needed to evaluate this polymorphism in COVID-19 infection

The relationship of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) serum level and peritonitis in patients on peritoneal dialysis

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a predictor of cardiovascular diseases in both normal people and patients on hemodialysis. This study aimed to assess the relationship of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) serum level and peritonitis in patients on peritoneal dialysis. Methods: 113 patients on peritoneal dialysis in Isfahan city, Iran, participated in our study in 2015. Serum albumin and Hs-CRP levels were measured in each patient at three times (baseline, and 6 and 12 month after that) and the patients were followed up for 1 year. All the patients were evaluated for peritonitis in every visit. At the end of the study, two groups of patients on peritoneal dialysis with and without peritonitis were compared. Findings: Among 113 patients, 24 were excluded from the study because of death or kidney transplantation and 89 patients were included in final analysis. The mean Hs-CRP levels in patients with peritonitis were 4.83, 5.79, and 7.42 mg/l at baseline, and 6 and 12 month after it, respectively; these levels were 4.47, 3.19, and 2.69 mg/l in patients without peritonitis, respectively. In addition, the mean albumin levels in patient with peritonitis were 3.38, 3.29 and 3.40 mg/l at baseline, and 6 and 12 month after it, respectively; these values were 3.56, 4.05, and 3.51 mg/l in patients without peritonitis, respectively. Conclusion: Results showed that with increase in Hs-CRP level, the risk of peritonitis increased. Besides, the albumin level decreased among patients with peritonitis in comparison with patients without peritonitis; there was no significant correlation between albumin level and peritonitis. © 2017, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved

Effect of Vitamin D Administration on Glycemic Control in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus and Vitamin D Deficiency

Introduction: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its morbidity and mortality are prominent all over the world. Observational data suggest that vitamin D deficiency is associated with insulin resistance. In this study, we aimed to assess this association. Methods:  This study was a clinical trial consisting of 42 patients with type 2 DM who had vitamin D deficiency. The patients underwent vitamin D replacement with vitamin D pearls (50,000 iu) weekly for 10 weeks. The level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), cholesterol (Chol), triglycerides (TG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), 2 hour post prandial (2HPP), fasting blood sugar (FBS), body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), and 25oHVitD3 were measured before and after the treatment in all patients. Data were analyzed with paired t test. Results:  100% of patients reached acceptable vitamin D level (above 30 mg/dl). No toxicity was reported. Changes in FBS, 2Hpp, HbA1C, Chol, SBP were significant and there was no significant change in LDL, HDL, and DBP. Conclusion:  Screening for vitamin D deficiency and its replacement may have a beneficial effect on type 2 DM management and its associated risk factors. More studies with larger sample size and use of placebo are recommended

Effect of Proton Pump Inhibitor Administration on Glycemic Parameters in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Proton pump inhibitors can influence glucose-insulin homeostasis by elevating plasma gastrin. Considering the few clinical trials and contradictory results of previous studies, we aimed to evaluate the effect of omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, on glucose-insulin homeostasis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and Methods: In this before-after clinical trial, 40 patients with T2DM received omeprazole treatment for 12 weeks. Patients were asked to continue their diet, lifestyle, and physical activity throughout the study period. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma sugar (FBS), insulin level, C-peptide and 2 hours post prandial blood sugar (2hppBS) were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. Homeostatic model assessment of Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and homeostatic model assessment of β-cell dysfunction (HOMA-B) indices were also calculated at baseline and after 12 weeks of omeprazole administration. Results: After 12 weeks of omeprazole administration, there was a clear decrease in the mean HbA1C before (8.11±0.96) and after (7.13±0.68) the treatment (P<0.001). Similarly, a decrease in mean FBS and 2HPPBS before and after treatment was observed, which was statistically significant for FBS (P=0.01) but not for 2HPPBS (P=0.1). There was a clear increase in the level of Insulin (P=0.001) and C-peptide (P=0.003). The mean activity index of HOMA-B before and after receiving omeprazole was 54.41 27.06 and 79.24 45.32, respectively (P=0.007). Also, HOMA-IR index was 5 before, and 6 after receiving omeprazole (P=0.001). Conclusion: Administration of omeprazole, increases insulin levels and decreases the levels of HbA1c, FBS, thus improving glycemic status and can be combined with other drugs used to manage DM, especially in patients with gastrointestinal problems; but more studies are needed

The Effects of 3-Month Rosuvastatin Adjuvant Therapy on Post Thrombotic Syndrome following Deep Vein Thrombosis; a Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Statins are known to have anticoagulation and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Rosuvastatin in reduction of post thrombotic syndrome (PTS) following deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, patients who were diagnosed with DVT of lower extremity were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups: group 1: Warfarin, group 2: Warfarin + Rosuvastatin, group 3: Rivaroxaban, and group 4: Rivaroxaban + Rosuvastatin. The treatments were followed for 3 months and prevalence of PTS (as primary outcome), as well as the changes in serum levels of D-dimer and C reactive protein (CRP), and the extent of thrombosis before and after the intervention (as secondary outcomes) were compared between groups. Results: 182 patients with the mean age of 55.22 ± 4.1 years finished the trial period (51.64% male). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the baseline characteristics. Based on the Brandjes score, 31 (17.03%) patients had PTS at the end of the study. The occurrence of PTS was significantly lower in the groups taking statins (p<0.0001). Although the change in the mean difference of legs circumference before and after intervention, were significant in all groups (p < 0.05), the differences was more prominent in groups 2 and 4 (p < 0.0001). After 3 months of taking medication, decrease of CRP was more prominent in the statin groups (p = 0.001), and most cases with normal CRP were in statin groups. Among the patients with the serum D-dimer level above 10000 ng/mL, patients in the statin groups experienced significantly more reduction in D-dimer levels than the other groups (p<0.001). Conclusion: Rosuvastatin administration in combination with rivaroxaban or warfarin significantly reduces the level of inflammatory factors including CRP and D-dimer, compared to patients receiving anticoagulants alone. Rosuvastatin administration can significantly reduce the incidence of PTS and cause a difference in the size of the lower limbs within 3 months

Astragalus fascicolifolius manna abortifacient risk and effects on sex hormones in BALB/c mice

Background: Astragalus fascicolifolius manna is used to treat different diseases. Because pregnant women tend to use Astragalus. fascicolifolius and Iranian traditional medicine emphasizes the abortifacient potential of this plant, this study aimed to investigate Astragalus fascicolifolius manna abortifacient property and effects on estrogen, progesterone, LH and FSH levels in BALB/c mice. Method: This experimental study was conducted with 70 female BALB/c mice assigned to seven groups: Nonpregnant, untreated; nonpregnant, Astragalus. fascicolifolius extract (400 mg/kg)-treated; pregnant, Astragalus. fascicolifolius extract (400, 800 and 1200 mg/kg)-treated; and two pregnant control groups. On 18 and 19 days of pregnancy, cesarean section performed on mice, resorbed embryos counted; then Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen and progesterone levels were measured by the ELISA. Results: Astragalus. fascicolifolius extract caused a significant increase abortion in mice. The levels of progesterone, FSH and LH were significantly different among the groups such that mean progesterone level was lower and mean LH and FSH levels were higher in the Astragalus. fascicolifolius extract-treated groups than the pregnant, untreated group. Conclusion: This extract has abortifacient properties and this plant can be used cautiously in pregnancy. Decreasing progesterone, increasing FSH and LH feedback in response to decreased progesterone by this extract is one of the potential mechanisms involved in abortion

Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer and Pre-Cancerous Lesions by Artificial Intelligence: A Systematic Review

The likelihood of timely treatment for cervical cancer increases with timely detection of abnormal cervical cells. Automated methods of detecting abnormal cervical cells were established because manual identification requires skilled pathologists and is time consuming and prone to error. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for the prediction, screening, and diagnosis of cervical cancer and pre-cancerous lesions