Mr. Arman Abroumand Gholami

Objective(s): Pruritus is a significant and debilitating skin issue among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). This study aimed to compare the effects of slow-stroke back massage (SSBM) and acupressure on pruritus in HD patients. Methods: In this clinical trial, 50 patients experiencing pruritus were randomly assigned to two intervention groups. The interventions were conducted three times a week over a four-week period. Acupressure was applied at the SP10 and LI11 points, while SSBM was administered for 10 minutes following HD sessions. Data were collected using laboratory parameters before and one week after the interventions. Results: Both acupressure and SSBM resulted in significant changes in CRP and blood phosphorus levels. However, no significant changes were observed in serum potassium levels. Additionally, there were no notable differences between the groups concerning the measured laboratory parameters. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that SSBM and acupressure may be effective components of a comprehensive strategy for managing pruritus in HD patients.

Impairments in memory and cognition are significant secondary effects of spinal cord injury (SCI) affecting the brain. This study aimed to investigate the impact of implanting a polycaprolactone/functionalized multiwall carbon nanotube (PCL/f-MWCNT) scaffold combined with liposomal ellagic acid (EA@lip) on neurological recovery and brain deficits following SCI. The scaffolds were synthesized by electrospinning of composite fibers followed by EA@lip. Twenty-four female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=6): Ctrl-group (laminectomy without SCI), Ctrl+ group (SCI), PCL/CNT group (implantation of PCL/f-MWCNT scaffold), and PCL/CNT/EA group (implantation of PCL/f-MWCNT/EA@lip scaffold). The injury model involved dorsal hemisection at the T9 level. Behavioral assessments were conducted to evaluate the neurobehavioral performance of the animals. After four weeks, the mRNA levels of amyloid beta precursor protein (APP), cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (CNP), glutamate ionotropic receptor kainate type subunit 2 (GRIK2), and syntaxin-binding protein 1 (Munc 18-1) in the brain were analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The results revealed that EA@lip had the desired size, zeta potential, and lipid concentration. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that f-MWCNTs were well-aligned along nanofibers. Ultimate tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young's modulus of the composite scaffold were obtained at 3.37 MPA, 61%, and 15 MPa, respectively. Also, UV-Vis spectroscopy demonstrated 70% of ellagic acid r​e​l​e​a​s​e

The utilization of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models is increasingly prevalent for analyzing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. This comprehensive review aims to assess the diagnostic and prognostic accuracy of ANN/CNN applications in CBCT imaging highlighting their potential to enhance recognition of the morphology of root canals and accurate diagnosis of periapical lesions. An extensive literature review was conducted using major electronic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, and Scopus. The search encompassed publications from 2010 to the present and employed targeted keywords such as "ANN," "machine learning," "deep learning," "endodontics," "CBCT," "CNN," and "deep learning models. 30 articles met the stringent inclusion criteria for this review. The analysis revealed a substantial focus on key areas within endodontics, including detecting and diagnosing periapical pathologies and assessing root canal morphologies. Recent studies emphasize the growing importance of enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of endodontic diagnostics through ANN/CNN-integrated CBCT applications. The findings of this review underscore the critical role of ANN/CNN-enhanced CBCT imaging in improving diagnostic precision and prognostic evaluations in recognition of the morphology of root canals and accurate diagnosis of periapical lesions. The integration of ANN with CBCT represents a transformative leap in endodontic care, facilitating more efficient workflows and standardized diagnostic practices w​h​i​l