bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired Function of Regulatory T Cells in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Kartika Rona , Wibowo Heri
Published: March 2020

Pathogenesis of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is often associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. This kind of inflammation is characterized by an increased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β. From an immunological point of view, an inflammatory response is always followed by an anti-inflammatory response as negative feedback to avoid excessive tissue damages. Regulatory T cells are a subset of cluster of differentiation (CD)4+ T cells that have the function to maintain peripheral tolerance and suppress immune response. This review would discuss the impaired function of regulatory T cells in type 2 DM. DM is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia due to a defect of insulin secretion or a combination of insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. Chronic low-grade inflammation has been known as a key factor in the development of insulin resistance. Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) action through contact and non-contact inhibition could suppress inflammatory response in innate and adaptive immune systems. In type 2 DM, the proportion and function of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ and CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell decreases due to the reduced number of Treg cells and the Treg cells depletion contributes to metabolic conditions such as insulin resistance. Moreover, Treg cells are more susceptible to apoptosis, the ability of Treg cells to produce anti-inflammatory cytokines such as transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and IL-10 decreases, and there is an imbalance between the proportion of Th1/Th17 cells and Treg cells. This inadequate anti-inflammatory response gives rise to the chronic low-grade inflammatory condition in type 2 DM.Keywords: type 2 diabetes mellitus, inflammation, regulatory T cell
Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activities of Methanolic and Aqueous Leaf Extracts of Carica papaya Grown in Rwanda
Authors: Callixte Cyuzuzo , Baptiste Nsanzimana Jean , Arwati Heny
Published: March 2020

Background: Nowadays, microbial infections remain as the leading cause of infectious diseases and human death worldwide. The use of plant-derived medicines is currently increasing in the treatment of various diseases. Papaya leaves have proteolytic enzymes and phytoconstituents with antimicrobial properties. Rwandan citizens use papaya leaves to treat hair dandruff, wounds and burns.Materials and Methods: Papaya leaves were collected and allowed to dry under the shed at room temperature for 14 days. The powdered plant materials were soaked separately in clean flask and extracted successively using maceration method with water and methanol. Qualitative phytochemical screening was conducted by using specific standard procedures. Antimicrobial activity assays of all the extracts were performed by agar well diffusion method and determined by measuring the zones of inhibition with transparent scale.Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, steroids and phenolic compounds. In this observation, all the extracts exhibit significant inhibitory activity against all test pathogens ranging from 2 mm to 26 mm of diameter. Methanol extracts showed the maximum activity against Candida albicans (inhibition zone: 26±0.11 and activity index: 1.23). Minimum inhibition concentration values ranges between 3.175 mg/mL and 12.5 mg/mL.Conclusion: The results indicate that Carica papaya leaves could be very potent source of antimicrobial agents and secondary metabolites that can be used by pharmaceutical industries to produce medicines.Keywords: Carica papaya, antimicrobial, agar well diffusion, phytochemical screening, zone of inhibition, activity index
The Efficacy of Anti-inflammatory Agents in the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrences
Authors: Nomani Homa , Saei Sara , Johnston Thomas P. , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Mohammadpour Amir Hooshang
Published: March 2020

Several studies have indicated an association between inflammation and the recurrence of
Atrial Fibrillation (AF), especially after ablation, which is a therapeutic option leading to local inflammation.
On the other hand, each AF can lead to another AF, as a general rule. Thus, preventing recurrences
of AF is extremely important for patient outcomes. In this paper, we attempted to review the effect
of medicinal agents with anti-inflammatory properties on the prevention of AF recurrence. There
are several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses on the prevention of AF recurrence
using agents with anti-inflammatory properties, which include steroids, colchicine, statins, and n-3 fatty
acids (n-3 FA). Clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of anti-inflammatory drugs in preventing the recurrence
of AF led to inconsistent results for corticosteroids, statins and n-3 FAs. These results may be related
to the fact that inflammation is not the only factor responsible for triggering recurrences of AF. For
example, the presence of structural, mechanical and electrical remodeling could potentially be the most
important factors that trigger recurrences of AF but these factors have not been addressed in most of the
reported studies. Therefore, future clinical trials are needed to compare the efficacy of anti-inflammatory
drugs in AF patients with, or without other factors. For colchicine, a potent anti-inflammatory drug,
there are limited studies. However, all the studies investigating colchicine in the context of AF were
consistent and promising, especially when colchicine was used on a short-term basis following ablation
in patients with paroxysmal AF. Therefore, colchicine could be a promising candidate for further clinical
studies involving recurrent AF.
Current Insights of Inhibitors of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase in Inflammation
Authors: Awasthi Archana , Raju Mantripragada Bhagavan , Rahman Md. Azizur
Published: March 2020

Background::

Inflammatory process is one of the mechanisms by which our body upholds us from pathogens such as parasites, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms. Inflammatory stimuli activate many intracellular signaling pathways such as nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) pathway and three mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways which are mediated through extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38. The p38 has evolved as an enticing target in treating many persistent inflammatory diseases. Hence, designing novel p38 inhibitors targeting MAPK pathways has acquired significance.

Objective:

Peruse to identify the lead target to discover novel p38MAPK inhibitors with different scaffolds having improved selectivity over the prototype drugs.

Methods:

Structure and the binding sites of p38MAPK were focused. Various scaffolds designed for inhibition and the molecules which have entered the clinical trials are discussed.

Results:

This review aspires to present the available information on the structure and the 3D binding sites of p38MAPK, various scaffolds designed for imidazole, urea, benzamide, azoles, quinoxaline, chromone, ketone as a potent p38MAPK inhibitors and their SAR studies and the molecules which have entered the clinical trials.

Conclusion:

The development of successful selective p38MAPK inhibitors in inflammatory diseases
is in progress despite all challenges. It was speculated that p38MAPK also plays an important role in
treating diseases such as neuroinflammation, arterial inflammation, vascular inflammation, cancer
and so on, which are posing the world with treatment challenges. In this review, clinical trials of
drugs are discussed related to inflammatory and its related diseases. Research is in progress to design
and develop novel p38MAPK inhibitors with minimal side effects.
Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation Analysis of Thymoquinone and Thymol Compounds from Nigella sativa L. that Inhibit Cag A and Vac A Oncoprotein of Helicobacter pylori: Probable Treatment of H. pylori Infections
Authors: Tabassum Heena , Ahmad Iffat Zareen
Published: March 2020

Background:

Helicobacter pylori infection is accountable for most of the peptic ulcer and
intestinal cancers. Due to the uprising resistance towards H. pylori infection through the present and
common proton pump inhibitors regimens, the investigation of novel candidates is the inevitable
issue. Medicinal plants have always been a source of lead compounds for drug discovery. The research
of the related effective enzymes linked with this gram-negative bacterium is critical for the
discovery of novel drug targets.

Objective:

The aim of the study is to identify the best candidate to evaluate the inhibitory effect of
thymoquinone and thymol against H. pylori oncoproteins, Cag A and Vac A in comparison to the
standard drug, metronidazole by using a computational approach.

Materials and Methods:

The targeted oncoproteins, Cag A and Vac A were retrieved from RCSB
PDB. Lipinski’s rule and ADMET toxicity profiling were carried out on the phytoconstituents of the
N. sativa. The two compounds of N. sativa were further analyzed by molecular docking and MD
simulation studies. The reported phytoconstituents, thymoquinone and thymol present in N. sativa
were docked with H. pylori Cag A and Vac A oncoproteins. Structures of ligands were prepared
using ChemDraw Ultra 10 software and then changed into their 3D PDB structures using Molinspiration
followed by energy minimization by using software Discovery Studio client 2.5.

Results:

The docking results revealed the promising inhibitory potential of thymoquinone against
Cag A and Vac A with docking energy of -5.81 kcal/mole and -3.61kcal/mole, respectively. On the
contrary, the inhibitory potential of thymol against Cag A and Vac A in terms of docking energy
was -5.37 kcal/mole and -3.94kcal/mole as compared to the standard drug, metronidazole having
docking energy of -4.87 kcal/mole and -3.20 kcal/mole, respectively. Further, molecular dynamic
simulations were conducted for 5ns for optimization, flexibility prediction, and determination of
folded Cag A and Vac A oncoproteins stability. The Cag A and Vac A oncoproteins-TQ complexes
were found to be quite stable with the root mean square deviation value of 0.2nm.

Conclusion:

The computational approaches suggested that thymoquinone and thymol may play an
effective pharmacological role to treat H. pylori infection. Hence, it could be summarized that the
ligands thymoquinone and thymol bound and interacted well with the proteins Cag A and Vac A as
compared to the ligand MTZ. Our study showed that all lead compounds had good interaction with
Cag A and Vac A proteins and suggested them to be a useful target to inhibit H. pylori infection.
Nutraceutical, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Properties of Pyropia vietnamensis (Tanaka et Pham-Hong Ho) J.E. Sutherl. et Monotilla
Authors: Bhatia Saurabh , Sharma Arun K. , De La Cruz Celia B. Vargas , Chaugule Bhupal , Al-Harrasi Ahmed
Published: March 2020

Background:

Pyropia genus is one of the most nutritionally rich marine algae which
contain various bioactive compounds. Among Indian Pyropia species, Pyropia vietnamensis (P.
vietnamensis), which was earlier known as Porphyra vietnamensis has recently documented with
various reports. The present work is designed to evaluate the radical scavenging, nutraceutical and
microbicidal properties of Pyropia vietnamensis.

Methods:

P. vietnamensis was collected from the coastal region of Maharashtra, namely Harihareshwar.
Dried algal material was extracted with different solvents. Nutritional parameters such
as fatty acids, minerals, dietary fibers, vitamins, lipids, ash content and protein were measured as
per the standard protocol (WHO guidelines). Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric
procedures were used to estimate total phenolic content and total flavonoid content. Free radical
scavenging activity was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide and superoxide
anion (O2¯) assays. Antimicrobial activity was investigated by in vitro microdilution procedure to
estimate minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bacterial concentration, against Gram--
positive bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae,
Escherichia coli, and Proteus vulgaris).

Results:

Nutritional analysis revealed that Pyropia vietnamensis contained a considerable amount
of dietary fiber, protein, carbohydrate, methyl palmitate, magnesium, sulphur and sodium. Total
phenolic content and total flavonoid content of methanolic fractions (913±21.7, 128±11.7) were
more than an aqueous fraction (841±21.2, 3.7±11.1). Aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions showed
significant antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (65.5±1.2 μg/mL, 68.3±1.6
μg/mL), nitric oxide (71.5±3.5 μg/mL, 52.3±1.9 μg/mL), and O2¯ (50.6±1.02 μg/mL,
62.1±1.03μg/mL) free radicals. Aqueous, methanolic and ethyl acetate fractions had the highest total
antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration as 110–490 μg/mL and minimum
bacterial concentration as 248–689 μg/mL against one Gram-positive and three Gram-negative microorganisms.

Conclusion:

Aqueous, ethyl acetate, and methanolic fractions of Pyropia vietnamensis exhibited good antimicrobial spectrum and antioxidant activity. This could be useful in preventing various oxidative stresses and pathogenic microbial strains.
A Comparative Study of 1D Descriptors Supported CoMFA and CoMSIA QSAR Models to Gain Novel Insights into 1,2,4-Triazoles Acting As Antitubercular Agents
Authors: Ray Rajdeep , Shenoy Gautham G. , Kumar T.N.V. Ganesh
Published: March 2020

Background:

Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of deaths due to infectious disease
worldwide. There is an urgent need for developing new drugs due to the rising incidents of
drug resistance. Previously, triazole molecules showing antitubercular activity, were reported. Various
computational tools pave the way for a rational approach to understanding the structural importance
of these compounds in inhibiting the growth of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to develop and compare two different QSAR models based on a
set of previously reported triazole molecules and use the best one for gaining structural insights into
those molecules.

Methods:

In this current study, two separate models were made with CoMFA and CoMSIA descriptors
based on a dataset of triazole molecules showing antitubercular activity. Several one dimensional
(1D) descriptors were added to each of the models and the validation results and contour
data generated from them were compared. The best model was analysed to give a detailed understanding
of the triazole molecules and their role in the antitubercular activity.

Results:

The r2, q2, predicted r2 and SEP (Standard error of prediction) for the CoMFA model were
0.866, 0.573, 0.119 and 0.736 respectively and for the CoMSIA model, the r2, q2, predicted r2 and
SEP were calculated to be 0.998, 0.634, 0.013 and 0.869 respectively. Although both the QSAR
models produced acceptable internal and external validation scores, but the CoMSIA results were
significantly better. The CoMSIA contours also provided a better match than CoMFA with most of
the features of the active compound 30b. Hence, the CoMSIA model was chosen and its contours
were explored for gaining structural insights into the triazole molecules.

Conclusion:

The CoMSIA contours helped us understand the role of several atoms and groups of
the triazole molecules in their biological activity. The possibilities for substitution in the triazole
compounds that would enhance the activity were also analyzed. Thus, this study paves the way for
designing new antitubercular drugs in future.
A Critical Review on Anticancer Mechanisms of Natural Flavonoid Puerarin
Authors: Murahari Manikanta , Singh Vikas , Chaubey Pramila , Suvarna Vasanti
Published: March 2020

Cancer is one of the prominent global causes of death and the foremost worldwide health concern. Despite unprecedented progress in cancer chemoprevention, a vast number of cancers, however, remain an undefeatable challenge for treatment modalities. Immense therapeutic activities of puerarin contribute to its use in various health disorders. In this review, we explored the potential molecular mechanisms and targets of puerarin, proving its potential as a novel anticancer agent, for future cancer therapy and chemoprevention. Several mechanisms account for anticancer activity of puerarin which includes downregulation of NF-kB signalling pathway, mTOR signalling pathway, PI3K and BCl-2 proteins and upregulation of miR-16, caspase proteins, c- Jun N terminal kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. These alterations result in inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and/or induction of apoptosis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in chemotherapy and chemoprevention could aid in the more pronounced exploration of puerarin in effective cancer treatment.
Alpha Tocopherol Loaded in Liposome: Preparation, Optimization, Characterization and Sperm Motility Protection
Authors: Taouzinet Lamia , Fatmi Sofiane , Khellouf Allaeddine , Skiba Mohamed , Iguer-ouada Mokrane
Published: March 2020

Background:

Alpha-tocopherol is a potent antioxidant involved in sperm protection particularly during cryopreservation. However, its poor solubility limits the optimal protection in aqueous solutions.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to enhance the solubility of α-tocopherol by the use of liposomes.

Methods:

The experimental approach consisted to load vitamin E in liposomes prepared by ethanol injection method and the optimization carried out by an experimental design. The optimum solution was characterized by high performance liquid chromatography and scanning electron microscope. Finely, the impact on sperm motility protection was studied by the freezing technic of bovine sperm.

Results:

The optimum solution was obtained when using 10.9 mg/ml of phospholipids, 1.7 mg/ml of cholesterol and 2 mg/ml of vitamin E. The liposome size was 99.86 nm, providing 78.47% of loaded efficiency. The results showed also a significant positive impact on sperm motility after hours of preservation.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the current results showed the interest of liposome preparation as an alternative to enhance vitamin E solubility and to protect spermatozoa during cryopreservation.
Перенос заряда в планарных структурах на основе халькогенидной системы (As-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-Se-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=-)-=SUB=-100-x-=/SUB=-Bi-=SUB=-x-=/SUB=-
Authors: Кастро Р.А. , Ханин С.Д. , Смирнов А.П. , Кононов А.А.
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe results of investigating charge-transfer processes in thin layers of a vitreous system (As_2Se_3)_100 – _ x Bi_ x are presented. A power-law dependence of the conductivity on the frequency and a decrease in the exponent s with increasing temperature are found. Charge transfer is a thermally activated process with two regions in the temperature dependence of the conductivity with the activation energies E _1 = 0.12 ± 0.01 eV and E _2 = 0.23 ± 0.01 eV, respectively. The results are explained in terms of the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model of hopping conductivity in disordered systems. The main microparameters of the system are calculated: the density of localized states ( N ), the hopping length ( R _ω), and the largest height of the potential barrier ( W _ M ).
Осаждение аморфных и микрокристаллических пленок кремния газоструйным плазмохимическим методом
Authors: Щукин В.Г. , Константинов В.О. , Шарафутдинов Р.Г.
Published: March 2020

Using gas-jet plasma-chemical method with gas activation by an electron beam, uniform thin films of amorphous and microcrystalline silicon in the forevacuum pressure range were obtained. Effects of argon carrier gas flow rate, monosilane gas concentration, background pressure in the reaction chamber, the substrate material, and the magnitude of the activating electron beam current on the deposition rate, photosensitivity, and crystallinity of silicon layers were studied. Deposition rate above 1 nm/s was achieved for films of amorphous silicon, and for layers with crystallinity about 60% the deposition rate was exceeded 0.6 nm/s. It is established that the substrate material does not affect the structure of the deposited silicon layers and their deposition rate.
Technologies for Opioid Use Disorder Management: Mobile App Search and Scoping Review
Authors: Nuamah Joseph , Mehta Ranjana , Sasangohar Farzan
Published: March 2020

Background

Advances in technology engender the investigation of technological solutions to opioid use disorder (OUD). However, in comparison to chronic disease management, the application of mobile health (mHealth) to OUD has been limited.

Objective

The overarching aim of our research was to design OUD management technologies that utilize wearable sensors to provide continuous monitoring capabilities. The objectives of this study were to (1) document the currently available opioid-related mHealth apps, (2) review past and existing technology solutions that address OUD, and (3) discuss opportunities for technological withdrawal management solutions.

Methods

We used a two-phase parallel search approach: (1) an app search to determine the availability of opioid-related mHealth apps and (2) a scoping review of relevant literature to identify relevant technologies and mHealth apps used to address OUD.

Results

The app search revealed a steady rise in app development, with most apps being clinician-facing. Most of the apps were designed to aid in opioid dose conversion. Despite the availability of these apps, the scoping review found no study that investigated the efficacy of mHealth apps to address OUD.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight a general gap in technological solutions of OUD management and the potential for mHealth apps and wearable sensors to address OUD.
Developing a Text Messaging Intervention to Reduce Deliberate Self-Harm in Chinese Adolescents: Qualitative Study
Authors: Duan Suqian , Wang Haoran , Wilson Amanda , Qiu Jiexi , Chen Guanmei , He Yuqiong , Wang Yuanyuan , Ou Jianjun , Chen Runsen
Published: March 2020

Background

Deliberate self-harm is common during adolescence and can have detrimental consequences for the well-being of adolescents. Although it is sometimes difficult to engage adolescents in traditional psychotherapies for deliberate self-harm, SMS text messaging has been shown to be promising for cost-effective and low-intensity interventions.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the views of Chinese adolescents with deliberate self-harm about SMS text messaging interventions in order to develop an acceptable and culturally competent intervention for adolescents with deliberate self-harm.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 23 adolescents who had experience with deliberate self-harm. The transcripts of the interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were identified: beneficial perception of receiving messages, short frequency and duration of messages, caring content in messages, and specific times for sending messages. Most of the participants perceived SMS text messaging interventions to be beneficial. The key factors that emerged for the content of the intervention included encouragement and company, feeling like a virtual friend, providing coping strategies, and individualized messages. In addition, the preferred frequency and duration of the SMS text messaging intervention were identified.

Conclusions

Our study will help in the development of a culturally appropriate SMS text messaging intervention for adolescents with deliberate self-harm. It has the potential to decrease deliberate self-harm instances by providing acceptable support for adolescents with deliberate self-harm who may be reluctant to seek face-to-face psychotherapies.
Analyzing Trends of Loneliness Through Large-Scale Analysis of Social Media Postings: Observational Study
Authors: Mazuz Keren , Yom-Tov Elad
Published: March 2020

Background

Loneliness has become a public health problem described as an epidemic, and it has been argued that digital behavior such as social media posting affects loneliness.

Objective

The aim of this study is to expand knowledge of the determinants of loneliness by investigating online postings in a social media forum devoted to loneliness. Specifically, this study aims to analyze the temporal trends in loneliness and their associations with topics of interest, especially with those related to mental health determinants.

Methods

We collected a total of 19,668 postings from 11,054 users in the loneliness forum on Reddit. We asked seven crowdsourced workers to imagine themselves as writing 1 of 236 randomly chosen posts and to answer the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale. After showing that these postings could provide an assessment of loneliness, we built a predictive model for loneliness scores based on the posts’ text and applied it to all collected postings. We then analyzed trends in loneliness postings over time and their correlations with other topics of interest related to mental health determinants.

Results

We found that crowdsourced workers can estimate loneliness (interclass correlation=0.19) and that predictive models are correlated with reported loneliness scores (Pearson r=0.38). Our results show that increases in loneliness are strongly associated with postings to a suicidality-related forum (hazard ratio 1.19) and to forums associated with other detrimental behaviors such as depression and illicit drug use. Clustering demonstrates that people who are lonely come from diverse demographics and from a variety of interests.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that it is possible for unrelated individuals to assess people’s social media postings for loneliness. Moreover, our findings show the multidimensional nature of online loneliness and its correlated behaviors. Our study shows the advantages of studying a hard-to-reach population through social media and suggests new directions for future studies.
Personal Health Information Inference Using Machine Learning on RNA Expression Data from Patients With Cancer: Algorithm Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Kweon Solbi , Lee Jeong Hoon , Lee Younghee , Park Yu Rang
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

As the need for sharing genomic data grows, privacy issues and concerns, such as the ethics surrounding data sharing and disclosure of personal information, are raised.

OBJECTIVE

The main purpose of this study was to verify whether genomic data is sufficient to predict a patient's personal information.

METHODS

RNA expression data and matched patient personal information were collected from 9538 patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas program. Five personal information variables (age, gender, race, cancer type, and cancer stage) were recorded for each patient. Four different machine learning algorithms (support vector machine, decision tree, random forest, and artificial neural network) were used to determine whether a patient's personal information could be accurately predicted from RNA expression data. Performance measurement of the prediction models was based on the accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. We selected five cancer types (breast carcinoma, kidney renal clear cell carcinoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, low-grade glioma, and lung adenocarcinoma) with large samples sizes to verify whether predictive accuracy would differ between them. We also validated the efficacy of our four machine learning models in analyzing normal samples from 593 cancer patients.

RESULTS

In most samples, personal information with high genetic relevance, such as gender and cancer type, could be predicted from RNA expression data alone. The prediction accuracies for gender and cancer type, which were the best models, were 0.93-0.99 and 0.78-0.94, respectively. Other aspects of personal information, such as age, race, and cancer stage, were difficult to predict from RNA expression data, with accuracies ranging from 0.0026-0.29, 0.76-0.96, and 0.45-0.79, respectively. Among the tested machine learning methods, the highest predictive accuracy was obtained using the support vector machine algorithm (mean accuracy 0.77), while the lowest accuracy was obtained using the random forest method (mean accuracy 0.65). Gender and race were predicted more accurately than other variables in the samples. On average, the accuracy of cancer stage prediction ranged between 0.71-0.67, while the age prediction accuracy ranged between 0.18-0.23 for the five cancer types.

CONCLUSIONS

We attempted to predict patient information using RNA expression data. We found that some identifiers could be predicted, but most others could not. This study showed that personal information available from RNA expression data is limited and this information cannot be used to identify specific patients.
Circadian Rhythm Analysis Using Wearable Device Data: Novel Penalized Machine Learning Approach (Preprint)
Authors: Li Xinyue , Kane Michael , Zhang Yunting , Sun Wanqi , Song Yuanjin , Dong Shumei , Lin Qingmin , Zhu Qi , Jiang Fan , Zhao Hongyu
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Wearable devices have been widely used in clinical studies to study daily activity patterns, but the analysis remains a major obstacle for researchers.

OBJECTIVE

This study proposes a novel method to characterize sleep-activity rhythms using actigraphy and further use it to describe early childhood daily rhythm formation and examine its association with physical development.

METHODS

We developed a machine learning–based Penalized Multiband Learning (PML) algorithm to sequentially infer dominant periodicities based on the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm and further characterize daily rhythms. We implemented and applied the algorithm to Actiwatch data collected from a cohort of 262 healthy infants at ages 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, with 159, 101, 111, and 141 participants at each time point, respectively. Autocorrelation analysis and Fisher test in harmonic analysis with Bonferroni correction were applied for comparison with the PML. The association between activity rhythm features and early childhood motor development, assessed using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-Second Edition (PDMS-2), was studied through linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

The PML results showed that 1-day periodicity was most dominant at 6 and 12 months, whereas one-day, one-third–day, and half-day periodicities were most dominant at 18 and 24 months. These periodicities were all significant in the Fisher test, with one-fourth–day periodicity also significant at 12 months. Autocorrelation effectively detected 1-day periodicity but not the other periodicities. At 6 months, PDMS-2 was associated with the assessment seasons. At 12 months, PDMS-2 was associated with the assessment seasons and FFT signals at one-third–day periodicity (P<.001) and half-day periodicity (P=.04), respectively. In particular, the subcategories of stationary, locomotion, and gross motor were associated with the FFT signals at one-third–day periodicity (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed PML algorithm can effectively conduct circadian rhythm analysis using time-series wearable device data. The application of the method effectively characterized sleep-wake rhythm development and identified the association between daily rhythm formation and motor development during early childhood.
The Impact of Visualization Dashboards on Patient Care in the Emergency Room (Preprint)
Authors: Alhabib Doaa , Alumran Arwa , Alrayes Saja
Published: March 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Displaying patients’ data on electronic dashboards in the emergency room provides emergency room employees continuous visual monitoring. With this study, we aimed to measure the effects of displaying data on electronic dashboards on the quality and safety of the patient care provided in the emergency room (ER). We used a cross-sectional study design to compare the results of specific quality and safety indicators before and after the implementation of the dashboards in the ER of the Royal Commission Hospital, Jubail, Saudi Arabia. Our results showed statistically significant improvements on the waiting time for all ER patients, the total length of stay in the ER, and the time from arrival until an electrocardiogram test was performed for patients who came to the ER with symptoms suggesting coronary artery disease. Future studies might be conducted to evaluate the end-users’ utilization and satisfaction of the ER dashboards.
Investigating the Accessibility of Voice Assistants With Impaired Users: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Masina Fabio , Orso Valeria , Pluchino Patrik , Dainese Giulia , Volpato Stefania , Nelini Cristian , Mapelli Daniela , Spagnolli Anna , Gamberini Luciano
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Voice assistants allow users to control appliances and functions of a smart home by simply uttering a few words. Such systems hold the potential to significantly help users with motor and cognitive disabilities who currently depend on their caregiver even for basic needs (eg, opening a door). The research on voice assistants is mainly dedicated to able-bodied users, and studies evaluating the accessibility of such systems are still sparse and fail to account for the participants’ actual motor, linguistic, and cognitive abilities.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work is to investigate whether cognitive and/or linguistic functions could predict user performance in operating an off-the-shelf voice assistant (Google Home).

METHODS

A group of users with disabilities (n=16) was invited to a living laboratory and asked to interact with the system. Besides collecting data on their performance and experience with the system, their cognitive and linguistic skills were assessed using standardized inventories. The identification of predictors (cognitive and/or linguistic) capable of accounting for an efficient interaction with the voice assistant was investigated by performing multiple linear regression models. The best model was identified by adopting a selection strategy based on the Akaike information criterion (AIC).

RESULTS

For users with disabilities, the effectiveness of interacting with a voice assistant is predicted by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Robertson Dysarthria Profile (specifically, the ability to repeat sentences), as the best model shows (AIC=130.11).

CONCLUSIONS

Users with motor, linguistic, and cognitive impairments can effectively interact with voice assistants, given specific levels of residual cognitive and linguistic skills. More specifically, our paper advances practical indicators to predict the level of accessibility of speech-based interactive systems. Finally, accessibility design guidelines are introduced based on the performance results observed in users with disabilities.
Skin Lesion Classification With Deep Convolutional Neural Network: Process Development and Validation (Preprint)
Authors: Ray Arnab , Gupta Aman , Al Amutha
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Skin cancer is the most common cancer and is often ignored by people at an early stage. There are 5.4 million new cases of skin cancer worldwide every year. Deaths due to skin cancer could be prevented by early detection of the mole.

OBJECTIVE

We propose a skin lesion classification system that has the ability to detect such moles at an early stage and is able to easily differentiate between a cancerous and noncancerous mole. Using this system, we would be able to save time and resources for both patients and practitioners.

METHODS

We created a deep convolutional neural network using an Inceptionv3 and DenseNet-201 pretrained model.

RESULTS

We found that using the concepts of fine-tuning and the ensemble learning model yielded superior results. Furthermore, fine-tuning the whole model helped models converge faster compared to fine-tuning only the top layers, giving better accuracy overall.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our research, we conclude that deep learning algorithms are highly suitable for classifying skin cancer images.
The Role of the Global Health Development/Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network and the Eastern Mediterranean Field Epidemiology Training Programs in Preparedness for COVID-19 (Preprint)
Authors: Al Nsour Mohannad , Bashier Haitham , Al Serouri Abulwahed , Malik Elfatih , Khader Yousef , Saeed Khwaja , Ikram Aamer , Abdalla Abdalla Mohammed , Belalia Abdelmounim , Assarag Bouchra , Baig Mirza Amir , Almudarra Sami , Arqoub Kamal , Osman Shahd , Abu-Khader Ilham , Shalabi Dana , Majeed Yasir
Published: March 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the current COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern on January 30, 2020. Countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) have a high vulnerability and variable capacity to respond to outbreaks. Many of these countries addressed the need for increasing capacity in the areas of surveillance and rapid response to public health threats. Moreover, countries addressed the need for communication strategies that direct the public to actions for self- and community protection. This viewpoint article aims to highlight the contribution of the Global Health Development (GHD)/Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) and the EMR’s Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETPs) to prepare for and respond to the current COVID-19 threat. GHD/EMPHNET has the scientific expertise to contribute to elevating the level of country alert and preparedness in the EMR and to provide technical support through health promotion, training and training materials, guidelines, coordination, and communication. The FETPs are currently actively participating in surveillance and screening at the ports of entry, development of communication materials and guidelines, and sharing information to health professionals and the public. However, some countries remain ill-equipped, have poor diagnostic capacity, and are in need of further capacity development in response to public health threats. It is essential that GHD/EMPHNET and FETPs continue building the capacity to respond to COVID-19 and intensify support for preparedness and response to public health emergencies.
The Properties of Thermosensitive Zwitterionic Sulfobetaine NIPAM-co-DMAAPS Polymer and the Hydrogels: The Effects of Monomer Concentration on the Transition Temperature and Its Correlation with the Adsorption Behavior
Authors: Ningrum Eva Oktavia , Purwanto Agus , Rosita Galuh Chynintya , Bagus Asep
Published: March 2020

The properties of N-isopropylacrylamide copolymerized with N,N-dimethyl(acrylamidopropyl)ammonium propane sulfonate [poly(NIPAM-co-DMAAPS)] prepared with various monomer ratios such as transition temperature, molecular structure, viscosity were systematically investigated in water and Zn(NO3)2 solution. Poly(NIPAM-co-DMAAPS) in water and Zn(NO3)2 solution exhibited a phase transition with a lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The higher ratio of NIPAM monomer in poly(NIPAM-co-DMAAPS), the lower the LCST of the polymer. Furthermore, the transition temperature of poly(NIPAM-co-DMAAPS) with a lower NIPAM concentration were not confirmed both in water nor Zn(NO3)2 solution. The more increase the NIPAM concentration used in the preparation, the more increase the polymer viscosity. Moreover, the more increase the adsorption amount of ions onto the gel, the more increase the polymer transmittance as well.
Further Analysis of Burkholderia pseudomallei MF2 and Identification of Putative Dehalogenase Gene by PCR
Authors: Edbeib Mohamed Faraj , Wahab Roswanira Abdul , Huyop Fahrul Zaman , Aksoy Hasan Murat , Kaya Yilmaz
Published: March 2020

Halogenated organic compounds are extensively and widely used as pesticides, herbicides, and antibiotics that contribute to the pollution. This research was aimed to further analyze and characterize a bacterium that has the ability to utilize 2,2-dichloropropionic acid (2,2-DCP) as a model to study dehalogenase enzyme production.  Microscopic observation, biochemical tests and PCR technique were carried out in order to characterize the isolated bacterium. Strain MF2 showed its ability to grow on 10 mM 2,2-DCP liquid minimal medium with doubling time of 13 h with maximum chloride ion released of 19.8 molCl–/mL. The 16S rDNA analysis suggested that strain MF2 belongs to the genus Burkholderia. This was supported by the microscopic observation and biochemical tests. Dehalogenase gene was observed when using only primers dehIfor1 and dehIrev2 derived from group I deh PCR primer sequences, whereas no amplification using dhlB-314-forward and dhlB-637-reverse (group II dehalogenase) and haloacetate dehalogenase (H2-1157-forward and H2-1662-reverse) PCR primer sequences. The results suggested that, possibly, dehalogenase from MF2 was related to group I deh. In conclusion, strain MF2 showed the ability to utilize 2,2-DCP as sole source of carbon and energy. Further analysis revealed the MF2 strain consisted of dehalogenase gene that could be used for degradation of man-made halogenated compounds present in the environment. Using existing dehalogenase PCR primers, it was possible to amplify the dehalogenase genes sequence.
Effect of Reaction Time and Stability Properties of Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized by p-Aminobenzoic Acid and p-Aminosalicylic Acid
Authors: Aji Abdul , Santosa Sri Juari , Kunarti Eko Sri
Published: March 2020

In this work, we determined the influenced of the reaction time at the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by p-aminosalicylic acid and p-aminobenzoic acid as reducing agent. Besides working as a reducing agent, the p-aminobenzoic acid and p-aminosalicylic acid also simultaneously played a role as a capping agent/stabilizing agent. Gold ion was first mixed with the pH adjusted p-aminobenzoic acid and p-aminosalicylic acid. The mixture then heated in boiling water at 86 °C. The formation of AuNPs was indicated by the appearance of red color and analyzed with UV/Vis spectrophotometry to evaluate their surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption in the wavelength range 400–800 nm. The reducing ability of the reducing agents was affected by its structure. Gold nanoparticles that were synthesized with p-aminosalicylic acid were more stable, faster and had a smaller size than its counterpart that is synthesized with p-aminobenzoic acid. The stability test over a periods 5 months showed that AuNPs were relatively stable.
Orange Peel Essential Oil Nanoemulsions Supported by Nanosilver for Antibacterial Application
Authors: Dat Doan Van , Cuong Nguyen Van , Le Pham Hoang Ai , Anh Tran Thi Lan , Viet Pham Tan , Huong Nguyen Thi Lan
Published: March 2020

This study is devoted to the synthesis of King Orange peel essential oil in water nanoemulsions combined with nanosilver by ultrasonic method supported by mechanical stirring for antibacterial application. The samples were characterized by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Dynamic light scattering (DLS) methods. According to the above-experimental results, it was found that the emulsions based on orange essential oil (without nanosilver) and the ones combined with nanosilver have the average particle size from 66.2 nm and 42.9 nm, respectively. The obtained nanoemulsions were also tested to examine their antibacterial ability against Escherichia coli (E. coli) by the disc diffusion method. It has been also found that nanoemulsions based on orange essential oil supported by nanosilver have the superior antibacterial ability, compared with individual components of the materials.
Age is Not Just a Number: Perceptions of Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Transformational Teaching, Student-Professor Engagement in Learning, and Deep Learning in the Graduate Classroom
Authors: Economos, Ed.D. Jennifer , Inserra, Ed.D. Albert
Published: March 2020

Graduate students in higher education need pedagogical strategies that prepare them with knowledge and critical thinking for their careers. Research conducted in this area concluded that teaching students how to integrate knowledge into the real-world continues to be a challenge for educators across various disciplines in higher education. While scholars have studied effective teaching practices for decades, a broad definition has not been determined. Graduate students’ perceptions of professor pedagogical content knowledge, transformational teaching, student deep learning, and age were compared to determine the behaviors that influence deep learning in business and education programs in the United States and internationally. A survey was administered to 137 students. Findings show that non-traditional learners did not feel as strongly about individualized consideration as traditional learners. The findings suggest that graduate students perceive humor, learning struggles, and relatable content differently.
EVALUATION OF RISK FACTORS AFFECTING RECURRENCE AND PROGRESSION AFTER BCG THERAPY IN NON-MUSCLE INVASIVE BLADDER CANCER
Authors: JOSHUA JULIE MARIAM , MATHEWS SANTHOSH M
Published: March 2020

Objective: The study was conducted to evaluate the risk factors associated with recurrence and progression in high-risk non muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients treated with intravesical Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG).

Methods: We retrospectively analysed 101 patients who underwent intravesical BCG for high-risk NMIBC from 2006-2015. Multiple factors such as age, sex, smoking status, prior recurrence rate, high-risk group, tumour size and tumour extent were tested as risk factors for recurrence and progression. We also assessed the probabilities of recurrence and progression after BCG therapy using CUETO (Spanish Urological Club for Oncological Treatment) Scoring model.

Results: Total of 93 males (92.1%) and 8 females (7.9%) were enrolled in our study. Over a median follow up of 24 mo, fifteen patients had a recurrence and six patients had progression after BCG therapy. Both univariate and multivariate analysis shows prior recurrence rate and high-grade tumour as a significant factor for tumour recurrence (p=<0.05). For disease progression, univariate analysis revealed high-grade tumour as the significant factor, whereas multivariate analysis showed prior recurrence rate as the dependent factor (p=<0.05). In our study population, probabilities of recurrence and progression were not comparable with the score described in CUETO.

Conclusion: Intravesical BCG remains as a valuable therapeutic option for high-risk NMIBC. However, our data revealed that patients with high-grade tumour and prior recurrence rate might be considered having the highest risk of recurrence and progression even after the BCG therapy. CUETO scoring system overestimates the rate of recurrence and progression in our population. So, in the future, another scoring model must be developed which should include smoking as one of the risk factors for tumour recurrence and progression.
Нанесение многослойных функциональных тонких пленок методом магнетронного распыления на установке "МАГНА ТМ 150-01К"
Authors: Одиноков В.В. , Караулов Р.А. , Панин В.В. , Шубников А.В.
Published: March 2020

Представлена разработка ОАО "НИИ точного машиностроения" – вакуумная установка "МАГНА ТМ 150-01К", устройство и принцип работы. На ней реализован технологический процесс нанесения многослойных тонких пленок на кремниевые пластины диаметром 100–150 мм магнетронным распылением. Покрытия наносились в едином вакуумном цикле с трех мишеней с загрузкой и выгрузкой пластин из кассеты в кассету в шлюзовой камере, встроенной в чистое помещение. Слои титана и нитрида титана наносились последовательно из одной мишени, слой алюминия наносился из двух алюминиевых мишеней.
ОПТИЧЕСКАЯ МАРШРУТИЗАЦИЯ В ТРАНСПОРТНОЙ СЕТИ IMT-2020/5G
Authors: Богданова Е.
Published: March 2020

Рассматриваются вопросы маршрутизации в транспортной сети IMT-2020/5G, а также программно-аппаратный комплекс оборудования для сегмента Backhaul и требования к нему. С учетом необходимости формирования сквозных соединений в сети 5G предлагается метод построения оптимального маршрута на оптическом уровне с двухпараметрической метрикой и весовыми коэффициентами каждого параметра, которые могут определяться сценарием 5G. В качестве критериев рекомендуются наиболее важные характеристики сети IMT-2020/5G: задержка и оптическое отношение сигнал/шум (OSNR).