Specialists from Petersburg State Electrotechnical University together with experts from India have created a system based on a trained neural network to help identify monkeypox patients based on photographs.
Georgy Efimenko, a researcher at the Department of Automation and Process Control of Petersburg State Electrotechnical University, said: “Together with colleagues from India, we trained an artificial neural network to determine whether a patient is infected with monkeypox or not based on photographs of affected skin areas. This disease is dangerous.” "Its late diagnosis can lead to serious consequences for the body and society as a whole, and our development will make it possible to quickly detect monkeypox in the early stages, and we only need a smartphone."
The researcher stated that international health organizations recorded a global spread of monkeypox in the years 2022-2023, which is a rare and contagious disease. As a rule, it spreads in remote areas of Central and West Africa, but since the spring of 2022, cases of infection have begun to be recorded in countries far from these regions, so detecting early symptoms of the disease will help reduce its risk and spread.
This model of the neural network provides the opportunity to capture, during the initial examination of the patient, a photograph of the affected area of skin on his smartphone, and then analyzes the image. The developed model also allows the disease to be identified with an accuracy of up to 93.4%. High accuracy and low costs make this diagnostic method particularly useful for primary health care in areas with few doctors and weak technical equipment. The scientists intend to develop the system further, increase its accuracy, develop a comprehensive executable portable electronic application, and test the neural network.
Simple ways to boost immunity and prevent seasonal diseases
Many people are exposed to diseases, such as colds and colds, due to weak immunity in the transitional periods between the seasons of the year. What are the simplest ways to boost immunity throughout the year?
Regarding the topic, the Russian biologist, Sofia Tsvetikova, said: “The immune system in general can be strengthened by modifying the diet and making sure to obtain probiotic supplements or so-called probiotics. These supplements have an effect on the beneficial intestinal bacteria that contribute to strengthening the body’s immunity, but it is necessary Consult a doctor before taking these supplements, and conduct special tests to prescribe the necessary ones.”
She added: “Vegetables, fruits and fermented foods such as sauerkraut, as well as yogurt, have a positive effect on intestinal bacteria, and contribute to supporting the body’s immunity. The immune system can also be supported with foods rich in vitamin C such as citrus fruits and apples, but it is not recommended to eat an excessive amount of citrus fruits.”
Tsvetikova pointed out the importance of many substances and nutrients to support immunity, such as zinc and selenium, which can be obtained in grains, veal, turkey, and garlic, as well as foods rich in vitamin A and E, such as carrots, spinach, and beneficial vegetable oils. She also stressed the importance of walking for 30 to 40 minutes daily. To maintain the health of the heart and blood circulation and support the body’s immune system in general.