Sensor Data Fusion Using Mutual Information Algorithm

Traffic flow prediction is one of the congestion avoidance methods in highways. According to previous studies, no comprehensive model has been proposed for traffic flow prediction which can prevent congestion in many different traffic conditions. Using data fusion to reduce prediction error is an interesting idea to solve this problem. In this paper, a new hybrid algorithm based on mutual information for traffic flow prediction will be proposed and compared with various types of previous hybrid algorithms and predictors. The Mutual Information (MI) algorithm is used to calculate the interdependency of data, so we expect this new hybrid algorithm to have high precision in comparison with others. Simulations will be implemented based on real data in MATLAB environment as a performance demonstration of new hybrid algorithm. Due to variety of traffic flow, performance investigations of our new hybrid algorithm will be done in presence of polluted traffic data in different climatic conditions such as rain/snow fall or other traffic conditions like congestions and accidents on the road, indicating robustness of this algorithm to different types of noisy dat

Video analysis of patients with blepharospasm and lower face dystonias

Background: Blepharospasm (BSP) is a focal dystonia. There is a lack of standardization in the length of time necessary to get a measure of BSP severity for rating scales.Objectives: 1) Determine the difference between evaluating the number of eye closures in patients with blepharospasm in 1 vs. 2 min. 2) Characterize the prevalence, phenomenology and concordance of sensory trick in subjects with only blepharospasm compared to those with blepharospasm associated with other dystonias of the head.Methods: Thirty-eight, 2-min-long standardized videos of subjects with BSP without any other dystonias were reviewed (group1). Eye closure rate was measured in 0–60 s vs. 60–120 s. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Spearman correlation coefficient were used to compare the eye closure rate between these two intervals. An additional 68 standardized videos of subjects with blepharospasm associated with dystonia of the head were reviewed (group2). Presence, phenomenology and concordance between what subjects verbally reported as their sensory trick and what they demonstrated was classified for both groups then qualitatively compared.Results/conclusion: Eye closure rates between 0–60 s and 0–120 s were not statistically different. There is no added benefit of counting the number of eye closures in 2 min, compared to 1 min, in patients with BSP. Sensory trick was reported by 57% of subjects with BSP and 80% of subjects who have blepharospasm and other dystonias of the head. With 100% and 97% concordance, patients’ self-reported sensory trick accurately describes the movements that alleviate their dystonic movements

Focal Choroidal Excavation in a Case of Choroidal Osteoma Associated with Choroidal Neovascularization

Purpose: To report a case of choroidal osteoma associated with reactivation of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and development of focal choroidal excavation (FCE). Case Report: A 34-year-old woman with choroidal osteoma complicated by CNV in the right eye for two years presented with deterioration of visual acuity in her right eye. A small retinal hemorrhage accompanied by subretinal fluid (SRF) was seen in the macular area of the right eye. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed that the inner retina was intact, and the outer retinal layers had outward displacement. SRF and a wedge-shaped choroidal depression were also seen. This choroidal excavation was not present on previous OCT images. The integrity of the inner retinal layers was maintained, and an optically clear space was present between the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium. Conclusion: Choroidal osteoma can be complicated by CNV and FCE could occur as a consequence. Again, FCE can lead to CNV development. This cascade can deteriorate vision and sometime lead to permanent visual loss

Evaluation of Xerostomia and salivary flow rate in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Background: One of the most common causes of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto´s Thyroiditis (HT). Early detection of dry mouth is critical in preserving and promoting systemic and oral health. In this study we have assessed, for the first time, salivary function and xerostomia in HT patients who have not been involved with Sjögren´s syndrome. Material and Methods: HT was diagnosed in 40 patients based on clinical findings and positive anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO). Controls, matched by sex, age and body mass index (BMI), and with no history of thyroid disease, were selected. A questionnaire was used for diagnosis of xerostomia. Saliva samples were taken between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., and at least 2 hours after the last intake of food or drink. The flow rate was calculated in milliliters per minute. Results: Xerostomia was significantly higher in patients with HT. Unstimulated salivary flow rate was significantly lower in the HT group. Stimulated salivary flow rate was lower in HT group, but the difference was not significant. Conclusions: The patients with HT experienced xerostomia, and their salivary flow rate was diminished. Spitting the saliva then assessing salivary flow rate based on milliliter per minute is non-invasive, fast, and simple for chair-side diagnosis of dry mouth. Autoimmune diseases can be accompanied by salivary gland dysfunction. This may be due to the effect of cytokines in the autoimmune process or because of thyroid hormone dysfunction

Compassion Fatigue in Clinical Nurses: An Evolutionary Concept Analysis

Background: Despite the agreement regarding the significance of the concept of CF in nursing, it has been unrecognized, and there is no clear definition of compassion fatigue in the context of nursingObjectives: The aim of this study is to inductively develop or formulate a clear and uniformed definition of compassion fatigue in the context of nursing.Patients and Methods: A Concept analysis using Rodger’s approach using a literature-based method and thematic analysis was conducted. Steps of Rodger’s concept analysis encompass identify the concept and associated definition, attributes, antecedents, consequences, surrogate terms, related concepts, and a model case exemplar.Results: attributes, antecedents and consequences of compassion fatigue from literatures is extracted and then a vivid definition is achieved.Conclusions:this analysis demonstrated that the concept of compassion fatigue is comprised of excessive empathy, the symptomatology of secondary traumatic stress, the problematic work environment of burnout and coping mechanism deficit. Keywords: Compassion fatigue, Secondary traumatic stress, nurse, concept analysi

Concept development of compassion fatigue in clinical nurses: Application of Schwartz-Barcott and Kim\u27s hybrid model

Compassion fatigue is not a new concept in nursing; yet, it is not well known and there is no fixed clear definition of the term. The ambiguity surrounding how to define compassion fatigue has challenged its measurement and evaluation. Thus, any attempt to determine attributes of this underdeveloped concept and studying it in a new socio-cultural context requires concept development. The purpose of this study is to clarify the concept of compassion fatigue through concept development and to produce a vivid and tentative definition of this concept in clinical practice. Concept development was conducted using a three-step hybrid concept analysis including theoretical, fieldwork, and final analysis phases according to Schwartz-Barcott and Kim\u27s method. We reviewed and analyzed 48 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Following, the first author conducted 13 interviews with clinical nurses followed by an inductive content analysis. Finally, a comprehensive definition of compassion fatigue in nurses was attained. Compassion fatigue in nurses can be explained as a cumulative and progressive process of absorption of the patient’s pain and suffering formed from the sympathetic and caring interactions with the patients and their families. The physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social, and organizational consequences of compassion fatigue are so extensive that they threaten the existential integrity of the nurse. Context-based variables (culture, family, and community) such as personality features like devotion behaviors and commitment towards the patient, exposure to multiple stressors, organizational challenges, and lack of self-care are factors associated with an increased risk of compassion fatigue. Concept development of compassion fatigue is the first step in the protection of nurses against the destructive consequences of compassion fatigue and to improve quality of care

Pregnancy in the Sickle Cell Disease and Fetomaternal Outcomes in Different Sickle cell Genotypes: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is a major concern among women with the sickle cell disease (SCD), and it is associated with increased adverse outcomes. The aim of the present meta-analysis is to report the fetomaternal outcomes in different sickle cell genotypes.METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, a comprehensive search of databases and search engines such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Cochrane Library, Science Direct and Google Scholar were performed. Any observational studies that had compared at least one outcome such as maternal outcomes, fetal outcomes, and morbidity between two groups of pregnant women with different types of sickle cell genotypes and pregnant women without SCD were evaluated.RESULTS: A total number of 9,827 pregnant women with SCD were examined. The results showed that pregnancy in SCD increased the risk of adverse outcomes for the mothers (including postpartum hemorrhage, prematurity, pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, cesarean section, lower segment cesareansection, maternal death), fetus (including live births, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, APGAR score at 5 min <7, stillbirth, neonatal death, perinatal mortality, acute fetal distress, intrauterine fetal death) and morbidity among the SCD(severe anemia, urinary tract infection, blood transfusion, painful crisis, acute chest syndrome, vaso-occlusive crises).CONCLUSION: According to the results of this meta-analysis, pregnancy in the SCD is associated with an increased risk of maternal outcomes, fetal outcomes, and morbidity among SCD patients with different genotypes. Pregnancy in sickle cell hemoglobinopathies needs careful multidisciplinary management and cautious caring so as to decrease maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality

Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal

Abstract Background: One of the most common causes of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto´s Thyroiditis (HT). Early detection of dry mouth is critical in preserving and promoting systemic and oral health. In this study we have assessed, for the first time, salivary function and xerostomia in HT patients who have not been involved with Sjögren´s syndrome. Material and Methods: HT was diagnosed in 40 patients based on clinical findings and positive anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO). Controls, matched by sex, age and body mass index (BMI), and with no history of thyroid disease, were selected. A questionnaire was used for diagnosis of xerostomia. Saliva samples were taken between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., and at least 2 hours after the last intake of food or drink. The flow rate was calculated in milliliters per minute. Results: Xerostomia was significantly higher in patients with HT. Unstimulated salivary flow rate was significantly lower in the HT group. Stimulated salivary flow rate was lower in HT group, but the difference was not significant. Conclusions: The patients with HT experienced xerostomia, and their salivary flow rate was diminished. Spitting the saliva then assessing salivary flow rate based on milliliter per minute is non-invasive, fast, and simple for chair-side diagnosis of dry mouth. Autoimmune diseases can be accompanied by salivary gland dysfunction. This may be due to the effect of cytokines in the autoimmune process or because of thyroid hormone dysfunctions

Evaluation and Comparison of Choroidal Thickness in Patients with Behçet Disease with versus without Ocular Involvement

Purpose: To assess the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) in patients with Behçet disease (BD) and compare the SFCT in patients with and without ocular BD (OBD) and between patients with active and quiescent phases of the Behçet’s posterior uveitis. Method: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with BD (n = 51) between October 2016 and October 2018. Complete ocular examinations including slit lamp biomicroscopy and fundus examination with dilated pupils were performed for all patients. The SFCT values were compared between patients with and without OBD. Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI–OCT) was done to measure the SFCT, and wide field fundus fluorescein angiography (WF–FAG) was performed to evaluate the ocular involvement and determine the active or quiescent phases of the Behçet’s posterior uveitis. The correlation between the changes of SFCT and the WF-FAG scores was assessed. Results: One hundred and two eyes of 51 patients with BD, aged 29 to 52 years were studied. Of these, 23 patients were male. The mean age ± standard deviation in patients with OBD and patients without ocular involvement was 38.71 ± 7.8 and 36.22 ± 10.59 years (P = 0.259) respectively. The mean SFCT in patients with OBD was significantly greater than in patients without OBD (364.17 ± 93.34 vs 320.43 ± 56.70 μm; P = 0.008). The difference of mean SFCT between the active compared to quiescent phase was not statistically significant when only WF-FAG criteria were considered for activity (368.12 ± 104.591 vs 354.57 ± 58.701 μm, P = 0.579). However, when the disease activity was considered based on both WF-FAG and ocular exam findings, SFCT in the active group was higher than the inactive group (393.04 ± 94.88 vs 351.65 ± 58.63 μm, P = 0.060). This difference did not reach statistical significance, but it was clinically relevant. Conclusion: Choroidal thickness was significantly increased in BD patients with ocular involvement; therefore, EDI-OCT could be a noninvasive test for evaluation of ocular involvement in patients with BD. The increased SFCT was not an indicative of activity in OBD; however, it could predict possible ocular involvement throughout the disease course

Antioxidant and chemopreventive effects of Asperugo procumbens in a rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cancer is the fifth most common malignancy, with 0.25–1 million new cases diagnosed annually worldwide. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant and chemopreventive effects of aqueous extract of Asperugo procumbens L. (AAP) against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats. Methods and Results: The model of hepatocellular carcinoma was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of DEN (200 mg/kg) as an initiator that after two weeks followed by daily oral administration of 2-acetylaminofluorene (30 mg/kg) as a promoter for two weeks. AAP-treated rats were pretreated with the extract intragastrically at three different doses two weeks prior to DEN injection. At the end of the experiment, the marked reduction of serum biomarkers of liver damage and cancer, including alfa-fetoprotein (AFP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) were observed in AAP complemented rats as compared to DEN-treated animals. Besides, the extract exhibited in vivo antioxidant activity that evident by increasing GSH concentration along with lipid peroxidation prevention in the liver tissues of HCC animals. In addition, A. procumbens showed in vitro free radical scavenging activity that determined by 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH) antioxidant assay. The relative weight of liver was also reduced in AAP-treaded rats as a prognostic marker in HCC. Conclusions: Our results obviously confirmed that A. procumbens possesses a chemopreventive effect against primary liver cancer induced by DEN in rats as well as  in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities