bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of cervical cancer development through early detection of HPV using novelty molecular applications
Authors: León-Ordóñez Kerly , Abad-Sojos Sofía
Published: July 2019

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the predominant cause of cervical cancer worldwide. The infections with HPVs 16 and 18 have a high oncogenic risk for cancer development. Besides, the genes E6 and E7 encode viral oncoproteins associated with infection. New molecular techniques for HPV detection, show important advantages such as high sensitivity, recognition capacity, reliability, among others. These techniques allow the standardization of new protocols associated with the detection in a variety of substances and samples. The stretch relationship between the virus and the disease open a new field to study early detection of the HPV infection. Additionally, less concentration of the sample is needed. Considering the significance of the detection, the present paper explains five novelty molecular applications for the prevention cervical cancer and early detection of HPV such as RNA in situ Hybridization for the detection of HPV E6/E7, genosensors, electrochemical DNA biosensor, PCR-based urine assay and a semen assay for detection of HPV. All the methods related to DNA samples could be used for both genders, there are more acceptable and easy to collect.
Therapeutic angiogenesis as a treatment for Coronary Artery Occlusions
Authors: Alcivar Sebastian , Hermenejildo Jonathan
Published: July 2019

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death in the world. The inflammation or accumulation of a substance in arteries generates the formation of atherosclerosis, stenosis, coronary artery disease, coronary thrombosis, and occlusion. The present study offers some solutions under investigation for the mentioned pathologies. Traditionally this condition is treated mainly by a percutaneous coronary intervention, bypass, or by specific medications.
In the present review, based on original articles, the more suitable treatments were chosen. These angiogenic treatments show the best assessments on coronary artery occlusions. All these treatments focus on the generation of new blood vessels from the already existing vasculature.
Sickle Cell Anemia: A review on the most severe form of Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Belén Paredes María , Sulen María Eugenia
Published: July 2019

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of hereditary disorders caused by a single point mutation in the β-globin gene. This mutation results in the formation of a mutated hemoglobin S (HbS) and the consequent sickle phenotype of erythrocytes. SCD is common in regions of malaria endemicity. However, changes in population dynamics enabled the movement of the mutated gene to other areas such as North America and Europe. Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is the most severe form of SCD and affects millions of people around the globe. The clinical manifestations of SCA arise primarily from the polymerization of deoxygenated hemoglobin S (deoxyHbS) leading to vascular occlusion and hemolytic anemia. Clinical complications of the disease are derived from deoxyHbS polymerization, but there are several therapeutic strategies to reduce the severity of the symptoms. Gene therapy has arisen as a new therapeutic approach aimed to cure rather than to treat the symptomatology of SCA by targeting the altered β-globin gene for gene correction.
Gene therapy in liver diseases focus on Adeno-Associate Virus Vector (AAV) and Virus-Like Particles (VLPS)
Authors: Quinga Mayra V. , Quiroz Lizbeth X.
Published: July 2019

The liver has a critical role in several genetic inherited and acquired disorders. Over the years, the development of several therapies to treat liver diseases resulted in several successful treatment outcomes for liver disorders. However, its use has been severely hampering by many undesirable side effects and methodological restrictions. Currently, there are several advances for the treatment of hepatic diseases with genetic therapy, which address several problems. Research on recent new treatments has focused on the development of specific gene editing approaches that use novel genetic tools, as well as the efficient distribution systems of these tools in the liver. This paper will provide an overview of current and emerging therapeutic strategies such as Adeno-associated Virus Vectors (AAV), new serotypes of AVV for gene therapy and Virus-like particles (VLPs)
Genetically Engineered Probiotics and Therapies Applications
Authors: Stephanie Maldonado C. , Santiago Jijón V.
Published: July 2019

The idea of using probiotics for health benefits in the human body is still biased since there is skepticism and since it is quite a new field of research. However, recent experiments are trying to debate that given the naturality of their consumption and the successful results from in vitro tests in combination with other therapies. Food scientists are eager to take advantage of the known beneficial properties of probiotics by using engineering technologies in order to enhance them. Using CRISPR systems present in lactobacilli aids in strain identification, while offering information on phylogeny and ecological interactions. Also, the use of genetic engineering tools could also allow the use of plasmid vaccines to prevent antibiotic resistance and the development of synthetic probiotics as microbial treatments.
Gene Therapy: An Outstanding Technique For Diseases
Authors: Sarmiento Nayade , Tinoco Selena
Published: July 2019

Nearly three decades ago, the first clinical trial based on gene therapy revolutionized the scientific field by demonstrating that it was possible to genetically modify harmful or defective cells and therapeutically improve patient conditions. Since then, this technique has been implemented for the study and treatment of different diseases, many of them fatal, with the hope of achieving a "cure". Several genetic editing tools have been developed and continue to be studied to improve the effectiveness of gene therapy, in addition to a more exhaustive analysis for choosing the type of vector, which is the main cause of adverse effects. In this review, we present characteristics of the gene therapy mechanism along with the types of vectors that are used in this procedure, followed by the most important applications in the medical field and briefly we describe some limitations and prospects to study in the future.
Prostate Cancer: Treatments and Diagnosis
Authors: Angulo Robert , Herrera Bryan , Ibarra Keila
Published: July 2019

Prostate cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the prostate. Prostate tumors were responsible for nearly six thousand deaths in Spain in 2016 as the symptoms are very silent and appear like advanced cancer or when this cancer has proliferated to other organs and senses. Therefore, there are 4 characteristic stages of this type of cancer that are classified according to their extension in the body. To make the diagnosis of this type of disease there are methods that in many cases show to be effective and in others not depending on the stage in which you are. Therefore, the number of treatments against prostate cancer has been increasing over the years from medications that help prevent tumor proliferation to strong surgeries. These treatments are not a solution to fight cancer, they simply have the function of maintaining cancer and its proliferation in order to generate a suitable lifestyle for patients for a time. Currently, several investigations have focused on combating prostate cancer through clinical trials that promise to generate favorable and acceptable solutions for patients.
The importance of mycorrhiza in agroforestry systems for the stability of ecosystems in semi-arid zones and simple quantification of soil fungi - A study at the Mollesnejta research center for Andean Agroforestry in the valley of Cochabamba, Bolivia
Authors: Ungar Benjamin , Vögerl Jakob , Medrano Mercado Nora , Stadler-Kaulich Noemi
Published: July 2019

Soil erosion and poor production conditions in developing countries are a major problem for local primary care. It is therefore even more important to ensure a functioning and stable ecosystem from which agricultural plants profit, too. Trees have found a brilliant way to gather enough nutrients for their survival. They enter a symbiosis with special types of fungi, the so-called mycorrhiza. This leads to more resistance of the crops, especially against drought. There is a method that can be used with the simplest means to prove that mycorrhizae are found in tree roots and thus assure improvement of soil fertility.
Determination of Aflatoxin M1 concentration in volunteers from rural and urban areas of Cochabamba-Bolivia
Authors: Condori Vincenti Andrea , Torrico Torrico Stefania , Alba Medrano Tania , Nina Guaravia Yesica , Medrano-Mercado Nora , Phuong Huynh Thu
Published: July 2019

Aflatoxins are produced by toxigenic strains of Aspergillus fungi and include the subtypes: B1, B2, G1, and G2. Once ingested, aflatoxin is metabolized to aflatoxin M1 found in the urine. Because of the importance of aflatoxins on human health, we analyzed 550 urine samples collected from farmers and city volunteers from Cochabamba. The level of aflatoxin M1 was determined using the Helica Aflatoxin M1 ELISA Kit specific for urine. 216 volunteer farmers had an aflatoxin M1 range of 0.02-1.21 ng/ml, while 334 urine city volunteers had a range of 0.03-1.27 ng/ml, indicating a risk for exposure to aflatoxin contamination for both populations.
Relationship between Charge Transfer Diffusion Coefficients and Doping Level for electro generated thin PEDOT films on ITO
Authors: Palma-Cando Alex , Frontana-Uribe Bernardo A. , Varela-Guerrero Victor
Published: July 2019

Thin films of poly-3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene (PEDOT) were electrodeposited on transparent electrodes of indium tin oxide (ITO) using potentiostatic regime. These films had thicknesses ranging from 15 nm to 60 nm and were studied using UV-vis absorption and chronoamperometric techniques in monomer-free tetrabutylammonium perchlorate/acetonitrile solutions. The charge transfer diffusion coefficient (D) of the films were calculated using Cottrell model for a wide range of potential steps from −1.60 to 1.60 V vs. Ag°/AgNO3. For p-doped films, the highest diffusion coefficients were obtained when a potential of 0.70 V was applied. Moreover, a direct relationship between film thickness and their diffusion coefficients was found for thin PEDOT films showing D values up to 1.4 × 10−9 cm2 s−1 for 60 nm thickness films. These values are remarkably higher than the D of 1.8 × 10−11 cm2 s−1 obtained for spin-coated PEDOT: PSS films of similar thickness.
Synthesis of new C75 derivatives, Fatty Acid Synthase inhibitors with cytotoxic properties
Authors: Makowski Kamil , Ariza Javier , Garcia Jordi , Herrero Laura , López Marta , Montesdeoca Nicolás
Published: July 2019

The fatty-acid synthase (FAS) is the key enzyme that executes de novo fatty acid synthesis and is overexpressed in some human cancer tissues. C75 is a synthetic FAS inhibitor, which produces the death of cancer cells. In this work, we synthesized three derivatives of C75, two homologs with 1 and 2 carbons more in the beta position of the lactone and the other one with a change in the elongation of the aliphatic chain in gamma position from 8 to 15 carbons. The results from FAS inhibition and cytotoxic properties suggest that the performed changes in the derivatives decrease their activity.
Predicting Dropouts From an Electronic Health Platform for Lifestyle Interventions: Analysis of Methods and Predictors
Authors: Pedersen Daniel Hansen , Mansourvar Marjan , Sortsø Camilla , Schmidt Thomas
Published: July 2019

Background

The increasing prevalence and economic impact of chronic diseases challenge health care systems globally. Digital solutions can potentially improve efficiency and quality of care, but these initiatives struggle with nonusage attrition. Machine learning methods have been proven to predict dropouts in other settings but lack implementation in health care.

Objective

This study aimed to gain insight into the causes of attrition for patients in an electronic health (eHealth) intervention for chronic lifestyle diseases and evaluate if attrition can be predicted and consequently prevented. We aimed to build predictive models that can identify patients in a digital lifestyle intervention at high risk of dropout by analyzing several predictor variables applied in different models and to further assess the possibilities and impact of implementing such models into an eHealth platform.

Methods

Data from 2684 patients using an eHealth platform were iteratively analyzed using logistic regression, decision trees, and random forest models. The dataset was split into a 79.99% (2147/2684) training and cross-validation set and a 20.0% (537/2684) holdout test set. Trends in activity patterns were analyzed to assess engagement over time. Development and implementation were performed iteratively with health coaches.

Results

Patients in the test dataset were classified as dropouts with an 89% precision using a random forest model and 11 predictor variables. The most significant predictors were the provider of the intervention, 2 weeks inactivity, and the number of advices received from the health coach. Engagement in the platform dropped significantly leading up to the time of dropout.

Conclusions

Dropouts from eHealth lifestyle interventions can be predicted using various data mining methods. This can support health coaches in preventing attrition by receiving proactive warnings. The best performing predictive model was found to be the random forest.
Rapid Creation of an Online Discussion Space (r/nipah) During a Serious Disease Outbreak: Observational Study
Authors: Cole Jennifer , Ezziane Saphia , Watkins Chris
Published: July 2019

Background

During health emergencies, the people within affected communities ask many questions at a time when professional medics and health agencies are overstretched and struggling to cope. Our previous research has shown that, during the 2014-2015 West Africa Ebola crisis, volunteer-moderated online discussion forums were able to provide peer-to-peer reliable, trustworthy, and well-managed information. We speculated that with the right mix of epistemic and experiential knowledge, such a discussion forum could be set up rapidly during a future serious disease outbreak.

Objective

The aim of this study was to set up a peer-to-peer health information exchange forum within the shortest time possible after the emergence of a real outbreak of a serious infectious disease. An outbreak of Nipah virus in Kerala, India, in May 2018 provided the opportunity to test our theories.

Methods

We initiated a Nipah virus discussion forum on the platform Reddit, recruiting volunteer moderators from within the existing Reddit community. This facilitated posts and comments to the forum from genuine Reddit users. We gathered and analyzed data on the number of posts, comments, page views, and subscribers during the period of May 24 to June 23, 2018, by using the data analysis tools embedded in the Reddit platform.

Results

We were able to set up a functioning health information exchange platform by May 24, 2018, within two weeks of the index case and one week of the official World Health Organization verification of a Nipah virus outbreak. Over the following five weeks, the forum received a steady flow of traffic including posts (36) and comments (21) submitted, page views (840), and subscribers (33). On the busiest day, 368 page views were recorded. The forum provided information in the languages spoken in the outbreak region as well as in English on how the virus spreads, symptoms of the disease, and how to take measures to avoid contracting it. Information on government helpline numbers and frequently asked questions was also provided to the community at risk.

Conclusions

The delivery of a fully functional discussion forum within a short space of time during an actual health emergency demonstrates that our suggestion is fully practical. Our theory that Reddit could provide a suitable platform to host such a forum was upheld. This offers great potential for public health communication during future serious disease outbreaks.
A Mobile Phone App Featuring Cue Exposure Therapy As Aftercare for Alcohol Use Disorders: An Investigator-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mellentin Angelina Isabella , Nielsen Bent , Nielsen Anette Søgaard , Yu Fei , Mejldal Anna , Nielsen Dorthe Grüner , Stenager Elsebeth
Published: July 2019

Background

Cue exposure therapy (CET) is a psychological approach developed to prepare individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) for confronting alcohol and associated stimuli in real life. CET has shown promise when treating AUD in group sessions, but it is unknown whether progressing from group sessions to using a mobile phone app is an effective delivery pathway.

Objective

The objectives of this study were to investigate (1) whether CET as aftercare would increase the effectiveness of primary treatment with cognitive behavior therapy, and (2) whether CET delivered through a mobile phone app would be similarly effective to CET via group sessions.

Methods

A total of 164 individuals with AUD were randomized to one of three groups: CET as group aftercare (CET group), CET as fully automated mobile phone app aftercare (CET app), or aftercare as usual. Study outcomes were assessed face-to-face at preaftercare, postaftercare, and again at 6 months after aftercare treatment. Generalized mixed models were used to compare the trajectories of the groups over time on drinking, cravings, and use of urge-specific coping skills (USCS).

Results

In all, 153 of 164 individuals (93%) completed assessments both at posttreatment and 6-month follow-up assessments. No differences in the trajectories of predicted means were found between the experimental groups (CET group and app) compared with aftercare as usual on drinking and craving outcomes over time. Both CET group (predicted mean difference 5.99, SE 2.59, z=2.31, P=.02) and the CET app (predicted mean difference 4.90, SE 2.26, z=2.31, P=.02) showed increased use of USCS compared to aftercare as usual at posttreatment, but this effect was reduced at the 6-month follow-up. No differences were detected between the two experimental CET groups on any outcomes.

Conclusions

CET with USCS delivered as aftercare either via group sessions or a mobile phone app did not increase the effectiveness of primary treatment. This suggests that CET with USCS may not be an effective psychological approach for the aftercare of individuals treated for AUD.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02298751; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02298751
The #MeToo Movement in the United States: Text Analysis of Early Twitter Conversations
Authors: Modrek Sepideh , Chakalov Bozhidar
Published: July 2019

Background

The #MeToo movement sparked an international debate on the sexual harassment, abuse, and assault and has taken many directions since its inception in October of 2017. Much of the early conversation took place on public social media sites such as Twitter, where the hashtag movement began.

Objective

The aim of this study is to document, characterize, and quantify early public discourse and conversation of the #MeToo movement from Twitter data in the United States. We focus on posts with public first-person revelations of sexual assault/abuse and early life experiences of such events.

Methods

We purchased full tweets and associated metadata from the Twitter Premium application programming interface between October 14 and 21, 2017 (ie, the first week of the movement). We examined the content of novel English language tweets with the phrase “MeToo” from within the United States (N=11,935). We used machine learning methods, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, and support vector machine models to summarize and classify the content of individual tweets with revelations of sexual assault and abuse and early life experiences of sexual assault and abuse.

Results

We found that the most predictive words created a vivid archetype of the revelations of sexual assault and abuse. We then estimated that in the first week of the movement, 11% of novel English language tweets with the words “MeToo” revealed details about the poster’s experience of sexual assault or abuse and 5.8% revealed early life experiences of such events. We examined the demographic composition of posters of sexual assault and abuse and found that white women aged 25-50 years were overrepresented in terms of their representation on Twitter. Furthermore, we found that the mass sharing of personal experiences of sexual assault and abuse had a large reach, where 6 to 34 million Twitter users may have seen such first-person revelations from someone they followed in the first week of the movement.

Conclusions

These data illustrate that revelations shared went beyond acknowledgement of having experienced sexual harassment and often included vivid and traumatic descriptions of early life experiences of assault and abuse. These findings and methods underscore the value of content analysis, supported by novel machine learning methods, to improve our understanding of how widespread the revelations were, which likely amplified the spread and saliency of the #MeToo movement.
Improving the Health of Individuals With Cerebral Palsy: Protocol for the Multidisciplinary Research Program MOVING ON WITH CP
Authors: Alriksson-Schmidt Ann , Jarl Johan , Rodby-Bousquet Elisabet , Lundkvist Josenby Annika , Westbom Lena , Himmelmann Kate , Stadskleiv Kristine , Ödman Pia , Svensson Ingrid , Antfolk Christian , Malesevic Nebojsa , Jeglinsky Ira , Saha Sanjib , Hägglund Gunnar
Published: July 2019

Background

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common early onset disabilities globally. The causative brain damage in CP is nonprogressive, yet secondary conditions develop and worsen over time. Individuals with CP in Sweden and most of the Nordic countries are systematically followed in the national registry and follow-up program entitled the Cerebral Palsy Follow-Up Program (CPUP). CPUP has improved certain aspects of health care for individuals with CP and strengthened collaboration among professionals. However, there are still issues to resolve regarding health care for this specific population.

Objective

The overall objectives of the research program MOVING ON WITH CP are to (1) improve the health care processes and delivery models; (2) develop, implement, and evaluate real-life solutions for Swedish health care provision; and (3) evaluate existing health care and social insurance benefit programs and processes in the context of CP.

Methods

MOVING ON WITH CP comprises 9 projects within 3 themes. Evaluation of Existing Health Care (Theme A) consists of registry studies where data from CPUP will be merged with national official health databases, complemented by survey and interview data. In Equality in Health Care and Social Insurance (Theme B), mixed methods studies and registry studies will be complemented with focus group interviews to inform the development of new processes to apply for benefits. In New Solutions and Processes in Health Care Provision (Theme C), an eHealth (electronic health) procedure will be developed and tested to facilitate access to specialized health care, and equipment that improves the assessment of movement activity in individuals with CP will be developed.

Results

The individual projects are currently being planned and will begin shortly. Feedback from users has been integrated. Ethics board approvals have been obtained.

Conclusions

In this 6-year multidisciplinary program, professionals from the fields of medicine, social sciences, health sciences, and engineering, in collaboration with individuals with CP and their families, will evaluate existing health care, create conditions for a more equal health care, and develop new technologies to improve the health care management of people with CP.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/13883
Pulse Rate Variability in Emergency Physicians During Shifts: Pilot Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Peters Gregory Andrew , Wong Matthew L , Joseph Joshua W , Sanchez Leon D
Published: July 2019

Background

The high prevalence of physician burnout, particularly in emergency medicine, has garnered national attention in recent years. Objective means of measuring stress while at work can facilitate research into stress reduction interventions, and wearable photoplethysmography (PPG) technology has been proposed as a potential solution. However, the use of low-burden wearable biosensors to study training and clinical practice among emergency physicians (EP) remains untested.

Objective

This pilot study aimed to (1) determine the feasibility of recording on-shift photoplethysmographic data from EP, (2) assess the quality of these data, and (3) calculate standard pulse rate variability (PRV) metrics from the acquired dataset and examine patterns in these variables over the course of an academic year.

Methods

A total of 21 EP wore PPG biosensors on their wrists during clinical work in the emergency department during a 9-hour shift. Recordings were collected during the first quarter of the academic year, then again during the fourth quarter of the same year for comparison. The overall rate of usable data collection per time was computed. Standard pulse rate (PR) and PRV metrics from these two time points were calculated and entered into Student t tests.

Results

More than 400 hours of data were entered into these analyses. Interpretable data were captured during 8.54% of the total recording time overall. In the fourth quarter of the academic year compared with the first quarter, there was no significant difference in median PR (75.8 vs 76.8; P=.57), mean R-R interval (0.81 vs 0.80; P=.32), SD of R-R interval (0.11 vs 0.11; P=.93), root mean square of successive difference of R-R interval (0.81 vs 0.80; P=.96), low-frequency power (3.5×103 vs 3.4×103; P=.79), high-frequency power (8.5×103 vs 8.3×103; P=.91), or low-frequency to high-frequency ratio (0.42 vs 0.41; P=.43), respectively. Power estimates for each of these tests exceeded .90. A secondary analysis of the resident-only subgroup similarly showed no significant differences over time, despite power estimates greater than .80.

Conclusions

Although the use of PPG biosensors to record real-time physiological data from EP while providing clinical care seems operationally feasible, this study fails to support the notion that such an approach can efficiently provide reliable estimates of metrics of interest. No significant differences in PR or PRV metrics were found at the end of the year compared with the beginning. Although these methods may offer useful applications to other domains, it may currently have limited utility in the contexts of physician training and wellness.
Family Separation and the Impact of Digital Technology on the Mental Health of Refugee Families in the United States: Qualitative Study
Authors: Shah Sayyed Fawad Ali , Hess Julia Meredith , Goodkind Jessica R
Published: July 2019

Background

Conflicts around the world have resulted in a record high number of refugees. Family separation is a critical factor that impacts refugee mental health. Thus, it is important to explore refugees’ ability to maintain contact with family members across the globe and the ways in which they attempt to do so. It is increasingly common for refugees to use information and communication technologies (ICTs), which include mobile phones, the internet, and social media sites, such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Skype, and Viber, for these purposes.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore refugees’ perceptions of the impact of communication through ICTs on their mental health, the exercise of agency by refugees within the context of ICT use, especially their communication with their families, and logistical issues that affect their access to ICTs in the United States.

Methods

We used a constructivist grounded theory approach to analyze in-depth interviews of 290 adult refugee participants from different countries, who were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of a community-based mental health intervention.

Results

Analyses showed that communication through ICTs had differing impacts on the mental health of refugee participants. ICTs, as channels of communication between separated families, were a major source of emotional and mental well-being for a large number of refugee participants. However, for some participants, the communication process with separated family members through digital technology was mentally and emotionally difficult. The participants also discussed ways in which they hide adversities from their families through selective use of different ICTs. Several participants noted logistical and financial barriers to communicating with their families through ICTs.

Conclusions

These findings are important in elucidating aspects of refugee agency and environmental constraints that need to be further explicated in theories related to ICT use as well as in providing insight for researchers and practitioners involved in efforts related to migration and mental health.
Public Views on Models for Accessing Genomic and Health Data for Research: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Jones Kerina H , Daniels Helen , Squires Emma , Ford David V
Published: July 2019

Background

The literature abounds with increasing numbers of research studies using genomic data in combination with health data (eg, health records and phenotypic and lifestyle data), with great potential for large-scale research and precision medicine. However, concerns have been raised about social acceptability and risks posed for individuals and their kin. Although there has been public engagement on various aspects of this topic, there is a lack of information about public views on data access models.

Objective

This study aimed to address the lack of information on the social acceptability of access models for reusing genomic data collected for research in conjunction with health data. Models considered were open web-based access, released externally to researchers, and access within a data safe haven.

Methods

Views were ascertained using a series of 8 public workshops (N=116). The workshops included an explanation of benefits and risks in using genomic data with health data, a facilitated discussion, and an exit questionnaire. The resulting quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and the qualitative data were analyzed for emerging themes.

Results

Respondents placed a high value on the reuse of genomic data but raised concerns including data misuse, information governance, and discrimination. They showed a preference for giving consent and use of data within a safe haven over external release or open access. Perceived risks with open access included data being used by unscrupulous parties, with external release included data security, and with safe havens included the need for robust safeguards.

Conclusions

This is the first known study exploring public views of access models for reusing anonymized genomic and health data in research. It indicated that people are generally amenable but prefer data safe havens because of perceived sensitivities. We recommend that public views be incorporated into guidance on models for the reuse of genomic and health data.
Validity of the Polar M430 Activity Monitor in Free-Living Conditions: Validation Study
Authors: Henriksen André , Grimsgaard Sameline , Horsch Alexander , Hartvigsen Gunnar , Hopstock Laila
Published: July 2019

Background

Accelerometers, often in conjunction with heart rate sensors, are extensively used to track physical activity (PA) in research. Research-grade instruments are often expensive and have limited battery capacity, limited storage, and high participant burden. Consumer-based activity trackers are equipped with similar technology and designed for long-term wear, and can therefore potentially be used in research.

Objective

We aimed to assess the criterion validity of the Polar M430 sport watch, compared with 2 research-grade instruments (ActiGraph and Actiheart), worn on 4 different locations using 1- and 3-axis accelerometers.

Methods

A total of 50 participants wore 2 ActiGraphs (wrist and hip), 2 Actihearts (upper and lower chest position), and 1 Polar M430 sport watch for 1 full day. We compared reported time (minutes) spent in sedentary behavior and in light, moderate, vigorous, and moderate to vigorous PA, step counts, activity energy expenditure, and total energy expenditure between devices. We used Pearson correlations, intraclass correlations, mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs), and Bland-Altman plots to assess criterion validity.

Results

Pearson correlations between the Polar M430 and all research-grade instruments were moderate or stronger for vigorous PA (r range .59-.76), moderate to vigorous PA (r range .51-.75), steps (r range .85-.87), total energy expenditure (r range .88-.94), and activity energy expenditure (r range .74-.79). Bland-Altman plots showed higher agreement for higher intensities of PA. MAPE was high for most outcomes. Only total energy expenditure measured by the hip-worn ActiGraph and both Actiheart positions had acceptable or close to acceptable errors with MAPEs of 6.94% (ActiGraph, 3 axes), 8.26% (ActiGraph, 1 axis), 14.54% (Actiheart, upper position), and 14.37% (Actiheart, lower position). The wrist-worn ActiGraph had a MAPE of 15.94% for measuring steps. All other outcomes had a MAPE of 22% or higher. For most outcomes, the Polar M430 was most strongly correlated with the hip-worn triaxial ActiGraph, with a moderate or strong Pearson correlation for sedentary behavior (r=.52) and for light (r=.7), moderate (r=.57), vigorous (r=.76), and moderate to vigorous (r=.75) PA. In addition, correlations were strong or very strong for activity energy expenditure (r=.75), steps (r=.85), and total energy expenditure (r=.91).

Conclusions

The Polar M430 can potentially be used as an addition to established research-grade instruments to collect some PA variables over a prolonged period. However, due to the high MAPE of most outcomes, only total energy expenditure can be trusted to provide close to valid results. Depending on the variable, the Polar M430 over- or underreported most metrics, and may therefore be better suited to report changes in PA over time for some outcomes, rather than as an accurate instrument for PA status in a population.
User Experience of 7 Mobile Electroencephalography Devices: Comparative Study
Authors: Radüntz Thea , Meffert Beate
Published: July 2019

Background

Registration of brain activity has become increasingly popular and offers a way to identify the mental state of the user, prevent inappropriate workload, and control other devices by means of brain-computer interfaces. However, electroencephalography (EEG) is often related to user acceptance issues regarding the measuring technique. Meanwhile, emerging mobile EEG technology offers the possibility of gel-free signal acquisition and wireless signal transmission. Nonetheless, user experience research about the new devices is lacking.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate user experience aspects of emerging mobile EEG devices and, in particular, to investigate wearing comfort and issues related to emotional design.

Methods

We considered 7 mobile EEG devices and compared them for their wearing comfort, type of electrodes, visual appearance, and subjects’ preference for daily use. A total of 24 subjects participated in our study and tested every device independently of the others. The devices were selected in a randomized order and worn on consecutive day sessions of 60-min duration. At the end of each session, subjects rated the devices by means of questionnaires.

Results

Results indicated a highly significant change in maximal possible wearing duration among the EEG devices (χ26=40.2, n=24; P<.001). Regarding the visual perception of devices’ headset design, results indicated a significant change in the subjects’ ratings (χ26=78.7, n=24; P<.001). Results of the subjects’ ratings regarding the practicability of the devices indicated highly significant differences among the EEG devices (χ26=83.2, n=24; P<.001). Ranking order and posthoc tests offered more insight and indicated that pin electrodes had the lowest wearing comfort, in particular, when coupled with a rigid, heavy headset. Finally, multiple linear regression for each device separately revealed that users were not willing to accept less comfort for a more attractive headset design.

Conclusions

The study offers a differentiated look at emerging mobile and gel-free EEG technology and the relation between user experience aspects and device preference. Our research could be seen as a precondition for the development of usable applications with wearables and contributes to consumer health informatics and health-enabling technologies. Furthermore, our results provided guidance for the technological development direction of new EEG devices related to the aspects of emotional design.
Safety and Efficacy of Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate (Amitose DGA) to Prevent Hand-Foot Skin Reaction in Patients With Renal Cell Carcinoma Receiving Sunitinib Therapy: Protocol for a Phase I/II, Uncontrolled, Single-Arm, Open-Label Trial
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Ioroi Takeshi , Harada Kenichi , Nishiyama Satoshi , Nishigori Chikako , Yano Ikuko
Published: July 2019

Background

Hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) is a serious side effect induced by multiple-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). HFSR can cause treatment interruption or decreased dosing. HFSR also markedly decreases quality of life and is associated with the therapeutic efficacy of multiple-TKIs. Therefore, the management and prevention of HFSR is an important issue; however, an effective method for its prevention has not been established. Specific ascorbic acid derivatives can reverse multiple-TKI-induced keratinocyte growth and pathological changes in vitro.

Objective

This study was designed to evaluate the safety of bis-glyceryl ascorbate (Amitose DGA), a novel, hydrosoluble, and moisturizing ascorbic acid derivative, in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) receiving sunitinib therapy. This study was also designed to evaluate Amitose DGA’s preventive efficacy for sunitinib-induced HFSR.

Methods

This is a Phase I/II, single-center, uncontrolled, single-arm, open-label trial. We will recruit a total of 30 patients with RCC receiving sunitinib therapy, with a 2-week-on and 1-week-off schedule. The participants will apply Amitose DGA-containing cream over both palmar and plantar surfaces within two treatment cycles (ie, 6 weeks) of sunitinib in combination with a general moisturizing agent, in addition to standard-of-care processes. Safety assessments will include dermatological abnormalities, clinical laboratory tests, and incidence of adverse events. Efficacy assessments will include development of HFSR and therapeutic outcomes associated with sunitinib.

Results

Recruitment to the study began in August 2017 and is ongoing in Japan. To date, 21 subjects have been recruited. Study completion is expected in 2021.

Conclusions

This is the first clinical study of Amitose DGA-containing cream in patients with RCC who are receiving sunitinib therapy. The single-center, single-arm, open-label design was selected to maximize subject exposure and increase the likelihood of achieving our study endpoints. The results will provide valuable and preliminary evidence of the effects of Amitose DGA-containing cream on HFSR.

Trial Registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000027209; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr /ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000031174

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/14636
Assessment of the Ecological Situation of Polluted Territories
Authors: Yannikov I. M. , Telegina M. V. , Shabardin M. V.
Published: July 2019

В статье описан процесс обработки результатов мониторинга загрязненных территорий с применением геоинформационных систем. В связи с тем что полученные в ходе многолетних наблюдений на территориях бывших объектов по уничтожению химического оружия данные не дают целостной характеристики экологического состояния территории, процесс их обработки трудоемок, требует повышенного набора знаний эксперта и больших временных затрат, предлагается методика оценки остроты экологических ситуаций путем разработки экологических карт. Работа ведется при помощи геоинформационной системы MapInfo.В статье подробно описаны этапы процесса разработки и тестирования методики оценки остроты экологических ситуаций, представлены разработанные контекстные диаграммы, пример карты распространения загрязняющих веществ. Результатом являются созданные наборы карт экологических проблем территорий зон влияния бывших объектов по уничтожению химического оружия. Для каждой экологической ситуации на выходе имеются по три карты: карта с обозначением загрязняющих веществ, карта экологической ситуации в баллах и карта, обозначающая класс экологической ситуации.Проведенное на реальных и смоделированных данных тестирование подтвердило работоспособность методики.Данная автоматизированная методика учитывает химические вещества и их показатели, определяет ареал распространения загрязнений, позволяет оценить ситуацию в балльной системе, определять класс экологической ситуации, а также дополнять базу данных новыми данными экологического мониторинга.
Estimate of the Cooling Time of Inertia Object by Using Micro-Cap Computer Program
Authors: Kulikov V. A. , Syaktereva V. V. , Vavilov A. Yu. , Syakterev V. N.
Published: July 2019

В статье рассматривается оценка времени остывании инерционного объекта в постановке, относящейся к судебной медицине. Предложена электротепловая модель шара, который, в свою очередь, моделирует биологический объект в посмертном периоде. Приводится методика оптимизации электротепловой модели и методика оценки времени остывания шара. Для этого применяется компьютерная программа Micro-Cap, а моделью шара является электрическая схема, составленная из сопротивлений и конденсаторов, которая называется электротепловой моделью. Адекватность электротепловой модели показана путем сравнения результатов моделирования переходных процессов в схеме с точным аналитическим решением, опубликованным в литературе. Показано, что необходимая степень адекватности модели достигается при использовании при оптимизации элемента, моделирующего граничные условия третьего рода, двух экспериментальных точек на температурном тренде объекта исследования.Проведены исследования влияния разрешающей способности термометра, применяемого при проведении судебно-медицинской экспертизы, на эффективность оптимизации, выполняемой программой Micrо-Cap. Показано, что разрешающая способность при термометровании не должна быть хуже 0,01 К. При этом предполагается, что предложенный метод проведения экспертизы объекта с применением электротепловой модели и компьютерной программы Micro-Cap будет эффективен на протяжении первых суток после начала его остывания.
Hypothesis of Neuron Activation According to the Laws of Symmetry
Authors: Maiorov K. N. , Lozhkin A. G.
Published: July 2019

В статье рассматриваются основные функции активации в современных нейронных сетях и их недостатки. Сделан вывод, что все они обладают одним недостатком, который заключается в невозможности интерпретировать полученные сигналы, это просто нормализованные значения взвешенной суммы синапсов. Рассмотрена таблица симметрий (автоморфизмов) и их роль в семиотическом анализе и лингвистике. Лингвистика содержит универсалии, которые даже при поверхностном анализе являются симметриями. Следовательно, семиотический анализ является математическим методом, так же как лингвистика представляет собой точную науку, подчиняющуюся законам теории множеств и универсальной алгебры. Сделано предположение о возможности использования прагматического анализа и механизма симметрий в нейронных сетях. Предложен новый подход, который включает в себя группировку нейронов в скрытом слое по виду симметрии (автоморфизма) и использовании трехфазовой функций активации для каждой группы, характеризующих проявление свойств автоморфизма данной группы. Каждая группа нейронов обладает собственной памятью для хранения частых сигналов, генерирующих в дальнейшем символьные цепочки. На начальном этапе взяты две группы симметрий – переставная и зеркальная. Предлагаемый подход может сделать нейронные сети более доступными для понимания ввиду интерпретируемости сигналов.
And the Axioms of Measurement
Authors: Ponomareva O. V.
Published: July 2019

Рассмотрены вопросы теории измерения теоретико-вероятностных характеристик случайных дискретных сигналов. Показано, что теория дискретных статистических измерений является основой методов и алгоритмов цифровой обработки на конечных интервалах случайных дискретных информационных сигналов. Теория статистических измерений теоретико-вероятностных характеристик случайных дискретных информационных сигналов, являясь прикладным научным направлением, имеет в своем составе как математическую, так и измерительную часть. Подчеркивается, что в научно-практической литературе вопросы содержания и соотношения между собой этих частей теории дискретных статистических измерений излагаются не вполне корректно, часто неполно и довольно сбивчиво. В работе исследованы вопросы содержания и соотношения между собой этих частей теории статистических измерений теоретико-вероятностных характеристик случайных дискретных информационных сигналов. Рассмотрены два взаимосвязанных, но не подменяющих друг друга направления в обработке стационарных случайных дискретных информационных сигналов: гармонический корреляционный анализ. Показано, что даже при выборе исследователем корреляционного подхода обработку стационарных СДИС эффективнее проводить в спектральной области с последующим переходом в корреляционную область. Рассмотрены вопросы оценивания теоретико-вероятностных характеристик случайных дискретных информационных сигналов и аксиом их измерения на конечных интервалах.
Methodology of Functional Design of Processes of the Product Lifecycle Management System
Authors: Slashchev E. S. , Osetrov V. G. , Malikova D. M.
Published: July 2019

В статье рассматривается методология функционального проектирования процессов системы управления жизненным циклом изделия для производственных предприятий на примере автоматизированного рабочего места конструктора. Проводится анализ рабочего места конструктора путем иерархической методологии функционального моделирования IDEF0 с целью его последующей автоматизации. В качестве входных данных используются предварительные результаты технико-экономического обоснования, научно-исследовательской и опытно-конструкторской работы, а также патентных исследований и экспертная система контроля (технический, экономический, плановый и нормоконтроль). В качестве информационного обеспечения функциональной модели рабочего места конструктора является единая система конструкторской документации. На выходе функциональной модели автоматизированного рабочего места конструктора – документация для конструкторско-технологической подготовки производства. В основной части статьи приводится метод автоматизации узлов конструкторской подготовки производства с целью создания модели программного обеспечения для автоматизированного рабочего места с возможность добавления количественных показателей. Целью данной статьи является дополнить методологию функционального проектирования производственных систем на примере автоматизированного рабочего места конструктора путем постепенного построения иерархии с последующим машинным обучением. Представленная методология функционального проектирования имеет свойство к расширению и дополнению новыми качественными и количественными показателями.