Supply and demand of quranic information in the web environment: a decade of infodemiology study in Iran

This study aimed to investigate the demand for information from Iranian users to the supply of scientific products to Iranian researchers in the field of the Quran during the years 2011-2020. The present study is a descriptive-analytical done by web research and scientometric methods using infodemiology indicators. The population included the keywords of Iranian users’ search in the field of the Qur’an - using Google Trends; and in the scientometrics section, the research conducted by Iranian researchers in the area of the Qur’an - indexed in Islamic world citation databases, web of science, and Scopus during the years 2011-2020. A correlation test was performed to investigate the alignment of users ‘information retrieval behavior and researchers’ scientific products using R software. The number of scientific products of researchers and the index of Iranian users’ search volume in the Google search engine has increased over ten years. The average growth of scientific productions of Iranian researchers in the Quranic studies was 411.40. Spearman correlation coefficient between users’ information-seeking behavior and scientific products of Iranian researchers in the field of Quran in the sections of Web search (P-value = 0.001), YouTube search (P-value = 0.0001) and the sum of parts of Google search engine (P-value = 0.0001) was obtained meaningfully. Many factors affect the increasing scientific production of Iranian researchers in the Quranic fields. Information demand or Internet information retrieval behavior of users in this subject can be one of the most critical factors

PrACTiC: A Predictive Algorithm for Chemoradiotherapy-Induced Cytopenia in Glioblastoma Patients

Background. Chemotherapy-induced cytopenia is the most frequent side effect of chemoradiotherapy in glioblastoma patients which may lead to reduced delivery of treatment. *is study aims to develop a predictive model that is able to forecast the cytopenia induced by temozolomide (TMZ) during concomitant chemoradiotherapy. Methods. Medical records of 128 patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma were evaluated to extract the baseline complete blood test before and during the six weeks of chemoradiotherapy to create a dataset for the development of ML models. Using the constructed dataset, different ML algorithms were trained and tested. Results. Our proposed algorithm achieved accuracies of 85.6%, 88.7%, and 89.3% in predicting thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, and neutropenia, respectively. Conclusions. *e algorithm designed and developed in this study, called PrACTiC, showed promising results in the accurate prediction of thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and lymphopenia induced by TMZ in glioblastoma patients. PrACTiC can provide valuable insight for physicians and help them to make the necessary treatment modifications and prevent the toxicitie

25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Level and Its Correlation with Mean Platelet Volume in Preeclampsia

Background: Preeclampsia is one of the challenging complications of pregnancy, of which little is known about its etiology and pathogenesis. Many studies have shown higher mean platelet volume (MPV) in preeclamptic patients. Vitamin D deficiency is in association with larger-size platelets. Thus, we aimed to determine the correlation of vitamin D with MPV in preeclamptic patients. Methods: This prospective case–control study was conducted in two tertiary hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Overall, 85 preeclamptic pregnant women and 85 normotensive pregnant women were entered between 2017 and 2018. Serum vitamin D concentration (ng/ml) and MPV (femtoliter) were measured for all patients. Results: MPV was significantly higher in the cases compared to controls (10.59±1.08 vs 8.10±0.95, P=0.0001). In addition, serum vitamin D level in the preeclamptic group was significantly lower in compare to the control group (17.79±11.03 vs 30.24±12.49; P=0.0001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, high age of mother (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.01-1.27; P=0.03), low level of serum vitamin D (OR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.87-0.99; P=0.02) and high MPV (OR: 8.83; 95% CI: 4.17-18.67; P=0.0001) were independent predictors of preeclampsia. Moreover, a correlation analysis revealed that vitamin D levels correlated negatively with MPV (r= -0.41, P<0.0001). Conclusion: Low levels of vitamin D in preeclamptic pregnancy are associated with higher platelet activity and thrombosis. In fact, the increment of MPV level might be a potential pathway for adverse outcomes of pregnancy including preeclampsia in the context of vitamin D deficiency.

Assessment of Effective Dose Associated with Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography in Isfahan Province, Iran

Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) has generated a great interest over the past two decades, due to its high diagnostic accuracy and efficacy in the assessment of patients having coronary artery disease. This method is associated with high radiation dose and this has raised serious concerns in the literature. Effective dose (E) is a single parameter meant to reflect the relative risk from exposure to ionizing radiation. Therefore, it is necessary to calculate this parameter to indicate ionizing radiation relative risk. The aim of this study was to calculate the effective dose from 64-slice CTCA in Isfahan. To calculate the effective dose, an ionization chamber and a body phantom with diameter of 32 cm and length of 15 cm were used. CTCA radiation conditions commonly used in two centers were applied for this work. For all scans, computed tomography volume dose index (CTDIv), dose-length product (DLP), and effective dose were obtained using dose-length-product method. The obtained CTDIv, DLP, and effective dose were compared in two centers, and mean, maximum, and minimum values of effective dose for heart coronary CT angiography (CCTA) examinations and calcium score were compared with other studies. The amount of average, maximum, and minimum effective doses for heart CCTA examinations in two centers are 4.65 ± 0.06, 6.0489, and 3.492 mSv, respectively, and for calcium score test are, 1.04 ± 0.04, 2.155, and 0.98 mSv, respectively. CTDIv, DLP, and effective dose values did not show any significant difference in two centers. Although the effective dose of CTCA and calcium score was lower than that of other studies, it is reasonable to reduce the effective dose to the minimum possible value to reduce the risk of cancer associated with ionizing radiation. The results of this study can be used to introduce the effective dose as a local diagnostic reference dose (DRL) for CTCA examinations in Isfahan Province

Effect of Preoperative Play Interventions on Post Surgery Anxiety

"n "nObjective: Many studies have shown that the level of postoperative distress and anxiety in children is associated with the amount of anxiety during the pre operative period. In this study, we compared the effect of pre-operational attending in a playroom and using play activities on the level of anxiety increment after surgery in an intervention and a control group of Iranian children. "n "nMethod: In a clinical trial, 75 children aged 5 to 12 enrolled in the intervention and the control group. The anxiety symptoms were assessed using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, Revised Children&apos;s Manifest Anxiety Scale, and Yale modified Pre operative Anxiety Scale. The mean differences of pre and post operative anxiety scores were calculated and compared using the ANCOVA statistical method. "n "nResults: The two groups had similar demographic characteristics except for age which was higher in the control group. The baseline anxiety score was lower in the intervention compare to the control group and was statistically significant. There was a significant reduction in the trend of anxiety increment after surgery in the intervention group in comparison to the control group. "n "nConclusion: Attending in playrooms and using play activities may reduce the trend of increment in the anxiety level induced by surgical procedures

The effect of main ecological factors on essence yield percent of myrtus communis in different forest sites of Lorestan province

مقدمه: مورد Myrtus communis درختچه همیشه سبزی است که از خانواده Myrtaceae می‌باشد. در نظر گرفتن ویژگی‌های محل رویش و موقعیت گیاه در طبیعت از عمده عواملی است که می‌تواند بر میزان اسانس و مواد موثره گیاه تاثیر زیادی داشته باشد. بحث و نتیجه‌گیری: رویشگاه کرکی کمترین میزان تولید اسانس را در بین رویشگاه های مورد استان لرستان به خود اختصاص داده است. همچنین در مجموع جهت جنوب غربی با جهت‌های شمالی و جنوبی به لحاظ میزان اسانس تفاوت معنی‌داری نشان داد. یافته‌ها: نتایج حاصل از ضریب همبستگی پیرسون، وجود ارتباط مستقیم معنی‌دار بین ارتفاع از سطح دریا و درصد بازده اسانس (358/0r= و049/0p= ) و همچنین ارتباط معکوس بین میزان سدیم خاک و درصد بازده اسانس (405/0r = و 027/0p = ) را نشان داد. بین درصد بازده اسانس در رویشگاه‌های مختلف و همچنین جهات جغرافیایی مختلف اختلاف معنی‌داری مشاهده گردید. مواد و روش‌ها: به منظور بررسی تاثیر عوامل اصلی اکولوژیکی موثر بر میزان اسانس درختچه مورد، ازچندین رویشگاه اصلی مورد دراستان لرستان نمونه برداری به عمل آورده و از هر منطقه 40 گرم برگ خشک اسانس گیری شد و درصد بازده اسانس برگ های مناطق مختلف به دست آمد. علاوه بر آن مولفه های اصلی فیزیوگرافیک هر کدام از رویشگاه ها (شیب، جهت دامنه، ارتفاع از سطح دریا) نیز اندازه گیری شد. از بین عوامل اکولوژیک قابل اندازه گیری نیز عناصر سدیم، پتاسیم، منیزیوم و کلسیم و میزان اسیدیته و شوری خاک مورد اندازه گیری قرار گرفت

Electromagnetic fields and optomechanics in cancer diagnostics and treatment

In this paper, we discuss biological effects of electromagnetic (EM) fields in the context of cancer biology. In particular, we review the nanomechanical properties of microtubules (MTs), the latter being one of the most successful targets for cancer therapy. We propose an investigation on the coupling of electromagnetic radiation to mechanical vibrations of MTs as an important basis for biological and medical applications. In our opinion, optomechanical methods can accurately monitor and control the mechanical properties of isolated MTs in a liquid environment. Consequently, studying nanomechanical properties of MTs may give useful information for future applications to diagnostic and therapeutic technologies involving non-invasive externally applied physical fields. For example, electromagnetic fields or high intensity ultrasound can be used therapeutically avoiding harmful side effects of chemotherapeutic agents or classical radiation therapy

Early Detection of Radiation-Induced Injury and Prediction of Cognitive Deficit by MRS Metabolites in Radiotherapy of Low-Grade Glioma

Purpose. To compare the sensitivity of MRS metabolites and MoCA and ACE-R cognitive tests in the detection of radiation-induced injury in low grade glioma (LGG) patients in early and early delayed postradiation stages. Methods. MRS metabolite ratios of NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr, ACE-R and MoCA cognitive tests, and dosimetric parameters in corpus callosum were analyzed during RT and up to 6-month post-RT for ten LGG patients. Results. Compared to pre RT baseline, a significant decline in both NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr in the corpus callosum was seen at the 4th week of RT, 1, 3, and 6-month post-RT. These declines were detected at least 3 months before the detection of declines in cognitive functions by ACE-R and MoCA tools. Moreover, NAA/Cr alterations at 4th week of RT and 1-month post-RT were significantly negatively correlated with the mean dose received by the corpus callosum, as well as the corpus callosum 40 Gy dose volume, i.e., the volume of the corpus callosum receiving a dose greater than 40 Gy. Conclusion. MRS-based biomarkers may be more sensitive than the state-of-the-art cognitive tests in the prediction of postradiation cognitive impairments. They would be utilized in treatment planning and dose sparing protocols, with a specific focus on the corpus callosum in the radiation therapy of LGG patients

Herbal medicines in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by a novel coronavirus, started in livestock within the markets of Wuhan, China and was consequently spread around the world. The virus has been rapidly spread worldwide due to the outbreak. COVID-19 is the third serious coronavirus outbreak in less than 20 years after Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in 2012. The novel virus has a nucleotide identity closer to that of the SARS coronavirus than that of the MERS coronavirus. Since there is still no vaccine, the main ways to improve personal immunity against this disease are prophylactic care and self-resistance including an increased personal hygiene, a healthy lifestyle, an adequate nutritional intake, a sufficient rest, and wearing medical masks and increasing time spent in well ventilated areas. There is a need for novel antivirals that are highly efficient and economical for the management and control of viral infections when vaccines and standard therapies are absent. Herbal medicines and purified natural products have the potential to offer some measure of resistance as the development of novel antiviral drugs continues. In this review, we evaluated 41 articles related to herbal products which seemed to be effective in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19