Applications of Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Technologies During COVID-19: A Review.

Many countries have enacted a quick response to the unexpected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by using existing technologies. For example, robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital technology have been deployed in hospitals and public areas for maintaining social distancing, reducing person-to-person contact, enabling rapid diagnosis, tracking virus spread, and providing sanitation. In this study, 163 news articles and scientific reports on COVID-19-related technology adoption were screened, shortlisted, categorized by application scenario, and reviewed for functionality. Technologies related to robots, artificial intelligence, and digital technology were selected from the pool of candidates, yielding a total of 50 applications for review. Each case was analyzed for its engineering characteristics and potential impact on the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, challenges and future directions regarding the response to this pandemic and future pandemics were summarized and discussed.

Weight loss improves biomarkers endothelial function and systemic inflammation in obese postmenopausal Saudi women.

BACKGROUND: Although postmenopausal associated disorders are important public health problems worldwide, to date limited studies evaluated the endothelial function and systemic inflammation response to weight loss in obese postmenopausal women. OBJECTIVE: This study was done to evaluate the endothelial function and systemic inflammation response to weight loss in obese postmenopausal Saudi women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty postmenopausal obese Saudi women (mean age 52.64±6.13 year) participated in two groups: Group (A) received aerobic exercise on treadmill and diet whereas, group (B) received no intervention. Markers of inflammation and endothelial function were measured before and after 3 months at the end of the study. RESULTS: The values of body mass index(BMI), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), inter-cellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity (PAI-1:Ac) were significantly decreased in group (A), while changes were not significant in group (B). Also, there were significant differences between mean levels of the investigated parameters in group (A) and group (B) after treatment. CONCLUSION: Weight loss ameliorates inflammatory cytokines and markers of endothelial function in obese postmenopausal Saudi women.

Impact of weight reduction program on serum alanine aminotransferase activity and immunologic response in obese hepatitis B patients.

BACKGROUND: Globally, chronic B viral hepatitis (HBV) is a major health problem. Obesity is a common problem among patients with HBV. Several studies have reported that obesity is an important risk factor that alters immune system response in individuals with no underlying cause of liver disease. However, there is a strong association between BMI and the human immune system among HBV patients. OBJECTIVE: This study was to examine the correlation between body mass index, serum alanine aminotransferase activity (ALT) and immunologic response in obese hepatitis B patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred fifty male patients with chronic hepatitis B virus, their age ranged from 30 to 45 (38.64 ± 7.12) years and their BMI ranged from 30-35 kg/m(2). All Subjects were included in two groups: The first group received weight reduction program in the form of treadmill aerobic exercises in addition to diet control whereas the second group received no therapeutic intervention. Parameters of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), CD3, CD4 and CD8 were quantified; Leukocyte, differential counts and body mass index (BMI) were measured before and after 3 months at the end of the study. RESULTS: There was a 24.7%, 36.8%, 30.8%, 40.7%, 28.6%, 25.9%, 33.3% and 14.3 % reduction in mean values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), white blood cells, total neutrophil count, monocytes, CD3, CD4 , CD8 and BMI respectively in group (A) at the end of the study. In addition, there were significant differences between mean levels of the investigated parameters in groups. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, weight loss modulates serum alanine aminotransferase and immune system parameters of patients with hepatitis B virus infection.

Impact of mild versus moderate intensity aerobic walking exercise training on markers of bone metabolism and hand grip strength in moderate hemophilic A patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with hemophilia A have low bone density than healthy controls. It is now widely recognized that physical activity and sports are beneficial for patients with hemophilia. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of mild and moderate intensity treadmill walking exercises on markers of bone metabolism and hand grip strength in male patients with moderate hemophilia A. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty male patients with moderate hemophilia, and age range from 25 to 45 years. The subjects were randomly assigned into 2 equal groups; the first group (A) received moderate intensity aerobic exercise training. The second group (B) received mild intensity aerobic exercise training. RESULTS: There was a 32.1% and 24.8% increase in mean values of serum calcium and hand grip strength respectively and 22.7 % reduction in mean values of parathyroid hormone in moderate exercise training group (A). While there was a 15.1 % and 15 % increase in mean values of Serum Calcium and Hand grip strength respectively and 10.3 % reduction in mean values of parathyroid hormone in mild exercise training group(B). The mean values of serum calcium and hand grip strength were significantly increased, while the mean values of parathyroid hormone were significantly decreased in both groups . There were significant differences between mean levels of the investigated parameters in group (A) and group (B) after treatment. CONCLUSION: Moderate intensity aerobic exercise training on treadmill is appropriate to improve markers of bone metabolism and hand grip strength in male patients with hemophilia A.