DEDTI versus IEDTI: efficient and predictive models of drug-target interactions

Drug repurposing is an active area of research that aims to decrease the cost and time of drug development. Most of those efforts are primarily concerned with the prediction of drug-target interactions. Many evaluation models, from matrix factorization to more cutting-edge deep neural networks, have come to the scene to identify such relations. Some predictive models are devoted to the prediction's quality, and others are devoted to the efficiency of the predictive models, e.g., embedding generation. In this work, we propose new representations of drugs and targets useful for more prediction and analysis. Using these representations, we propose two inductive, deep network models of IEDTI and DEDTI for drug-target interaction prediction. Both of them use the accumulation of new representations. The IEDTI takes advantage of triplet and maps the input accumulated similarity features into meaningful embedding corresponding vectors. Then, it applies a deep predictive model to each drug-target pair to evaluate their interaction. The DEDTI directly uses the accumulated similarity feature vectors of drugs and targets and applies a predictive model on each pair to identify their interactions. We have done a comprehensive simulation on the DTINet dataset as well as gold standard datasets, and the results show that DEDTI outperforms IEDTI and the state-of-the-art models. In addition, we conduct a docking study on new predicted interactions between two drug-target pairs, and the results confirm acceptable drug-target binding affinity between both predicted pairs.

Characterization and Comparison of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosome Isolation Methods using Culture Supernatant

Exosomes are extracellular endosomal nanoparticles, which are formed under complex processes during the formation of multivesicular bodies. They are also achieved from conditioned media of a variety of cell types, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Exosomes can modulate intracellular physiological actions via signaling molecules on the surface or secretion of components to the extracellular spaces. Furthermore, they are potentially used as crucial agents for cell-free therapy; however, their isolation and characterization can be challenging. In the current study, two methods of exosome isolation have been characterized and compared using a culture media of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, namely ultracentrifugation and a commercial kit; moreover, the efficiency of these two methods was highlighted in this study. Two different isolation methods of exosomes from MSCs were used to compare the efficiency of exosomes. For both isolation methods, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay have been performed. The electron microscopy and DLS indicated the presence of exosomes. Moreover, the kit and ultracentrifugation isolates contained approximately comparable amounts of protein measured by the BCA. Overall, the two isolation methods had similar performances. Although ultracentrifugation is used as a gold standard for exosome isolation, the commercial kit has some advantages and can be applied alternatively according to its cost-effectiveness and time-saving properties.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice among staff associated with Human Papillomavirus Vaccine of young children in Iran

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, practice associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine for Young Children among lecturers and health staffs of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU).

METHOD

This was a cross-sectional study with 220 adults from five different specialties, randomly selected. Data was collected using 45-item questionnaire on knowledge (12- item), attitude (18-item) and practice (15-item) (KAP) about HPV. The demographic questionnaire included information on age, gender, level of education, occupation, and marital status. Content validity was calculated by content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI). Reliability was evaluated using test-retest and by Cronbach's Alpha coefficient, internal consistency was calculated values >0.81 which considered as satisfactory.

RESULTS

The mean age of the studied population was 37.70± 8.07 (23-67) years. Of the 220 participants, 80 (36.4%) were males and 140 (63.6%) were females. In evaluating KAP in the men and women, the mean and standard deviation of knowledge were estimated at good level and one-way ANOVA analysis showed significant differences between women and men (p=0.019). There was no significant difference in men and women related to attitude (p=0.92) and practice (p=0.38).

CONCLUSION

The KAP about HPV among participants was significantly higher at good levels compared to average levels. Women's knowledge was significantly higher than men. Attitude and practice could have been higher because there was consensus to the usage of vaccine among the specialists to prevent HPV.

Mathematical Analysis of a Modified Closed-Form Formula for Design a Uniform Leaky-Wave Antenna With Ultra-Low SLL

Straight long slots have high side-lobes in the far-field amplitude patterns, which reduces their use as high-performance antennas. To reduce these side-lobes, a long slot may be tapered to produce the desired radiation patterns. The theory of control of the aperture distribution to reduce side-lobes has been already reported in some works and well known for already some decades. It is, however, shown in this paper that it may not be good enough to achieve ultra-low side lobes. The theory to analyze and design tapered leaky-wave antennas is described in this paper. Since it is very challenging to achieve a mathematical equation in this regard, some parameters will be calculated using simulation in the first step and the shape of the antenna field is obtained based on these parameters. In the next step, a differential equation is derived for the first step parameters. The solution of this differential equation which is the main motivation of this paper will be expressed in three ways where each part is more accurate than the previous one. According to the measurement results, the structure has a side-lobe level more than −45 dB.

miR-608 rs4919510 C>G polymorphism decreased the risk of breast cancer in an Iranian subpopulation

AIM

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that function as oncogene or tumor suppressors. The single nucleotide polymorphisms in miRNAs potentially can alter miRNA-binding sites on target genes as well as affecting miRNAs expression. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of miR-608 rs4919510 C>G variant on breast cancer (BC) risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This case-control study conducted on 160 women with BC and 192 age-matched healthy women. Genotyping of miR-608 rs4919510 was done using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method.

RESULTS

Our findings showed that GC genotype significantly decreased the risk of BC (odds ratio (OR) = 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28-0.88, p = 0.018) compared to CC genotype. Furthermore the G allele decreased the risk of BC (OR = 0.53, 95%CI 0.30-0.92, p = 0.024). No significant association was found between miR-609 genotypes and clinicopathological characteristics of BC patients (p >0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that miR-608 polymorphism might be associated with decreased risk of BC in an Iranian subpopulation. Further large-scale studies with different ethnicities are needed to verify our findings.

Association study of hsa-mir-603 rs11014002 polymorphism and risk of breast cancer in a sample of Iranian population

Accumulated evidence have proposed that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNAs (miRNAs) are connected to breast cancer (BC) risk. We have done a case-control study with 258 BC patients and 209 control women to examine the potential association of Hsa-mir-603 rs11014002 C>T polymorphisms with BC susceptibility. The polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Our findings showed that the rs11014002 C>T variant was not associated with an increased risk of BC in codominant (OR=0.67, 95%CI=0.42-1.08, P=0.121, CT vs CC; and OR=0.18, 95%CI=0.02-1.67, P=0.170, TT vs CC), dominant (OR=0.64, 95%CI=0.41-1.01, P=0.062, CT+TT vs CC), and recessive (OR=0.20, 95%CI=0.02-1.81, P=0.178, TT vs CC+CT) inheritance models tested. While, the T allele significantly decreased the risk of BC (OR= 0.63; 95% CI =0.41-0.95; P=0.032) compared to C allele. In conclusion, the findings indicated that Mir603 rs11014002 T allele might contribute to decrease the risk of BC in a sample of Iranian population. Further studies with larger sample sizes and different ethnicities are warranted to confirm our findings.

Improved prediction of inhibitor development in previously untreated patients with severe haemophilia A

Treatment of previously untreated patients (PUPs) with severe haemophilia A is complicated by the formation of inhibitors. Prediction of PUPs with high risk is important to allow altering treatment with the intention to reduce the occurrence of inhibitors. An unselected multicentre cohort of 825 PUPs with severe haemophilia A (FVIII<0.01 IU mL(-1) ) was used. Patients were followed until 50 exposure days (EDs) or inhibitor development. All predictors of the existing prediction model including three new potential predictors were studied using multivariable logistic regression. Model performance was quantified [area under the curve (AUC), calibration plot] and internal validation (bootstrapping) was performed. A nomogram for clinical application was developed. Of the 825 patients, 225 (28%) developed inhibitors. The predictors family history of inhibitors, F8 gene mutation and an interaction variable of dose and number of EDs of intensive treatment were independently associated with inhibitor development. Age and reason for first treatment were not associated with inhibitor development. The AUC was 0.69 (95% CI 0.65-0.72) and calibration was good. An improved prediction model for inhibitor development and a nomogram for clinical use were developed in a cohort of 825 PUPs with severe haemophilia A. Clinical applicability was improved by combining dose and duration of intensive treatment, allowing the assessment of the effects of treatment decisions on inhibitor risk and potentially modify treatment.

Anchorage value of surgical titanium screws in orthodontic tooth movement

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical stability and anchorage value of titanium screws in orthodontic tooth movement. Nine patients, who needed maximum anchorage for canine retraction, were selected. Records of 10 patients with similar malocclusions who had received conventional treatment were used as controls. In the maxilla and mandible 27 mini-screws, diameter 2mm and length 9 or 11 mm, were used. At the end of the first stage of orthodontic treatment the first premolar teeth were extracted after taking a lateral cephalometric radiograph. After 1 week, a retraction force of 180 g was applied to the canines. The second cephalometric X-rays were taken and evaluated after the completion of canine retraction (mean duration of 23.2 weeks). Results were analysed using Fisher Exact, Wilcoxon signed ranks and paired t-tests. Displacement of the first molars and screws before and after treatment showed no significant changes in either the vertical or horizontal plane. The first molar movements in the study and control groups were only significant in the antero-posterior plane in both maxilla and mandible. Of the 9 screws in maxilla and 18 screws in mandible, 2 and 3 screws showed clinical failure, respectively. The failed screws were replaced by other screws that withstood the applied force until the end of treatment. In conclusion, titanium screws can be used reliably as a form of anchorage.

Tuned vibration absorber for suppression of rest tremor in Parkinson's disease

A simple approach for the suppression of the tremor associated with Parkinson's disease is presented. The proposed system is a tuned vibration absorber (TVA), which has been very effective in the suppression of vibrations in an experimental model of the human arm with two degrees of freedom. Theoretical and numerical methods were used to study the behaviour of the arm model and to develop an effective tremor reduction approach. Based on these studies, a vibration absorber was designed, tested numerically and fabricated for experimental testing. Experimental investigations indicated that optimum control performance was related to the position of the controller and the excitation frequency. With a distance of 160 mm from the end of forearm, the TVA was found to have the best performance, and, for different tremor frequencies, the vibration of the experimental model was reduced by more than 80%.

Credit programs, patriarchy and men's violence against women in rural Bangladesh

Although violence by men against women in Bangladesh occurs in most cases within the home, in a larger sense it does not originate in the home nor persist only within the home. It is simply one element in a system that subordinates women through social norms that define women's place and guide their conduct. This paper uses ethnographic and structured survey data from a study in rural Bangladesh to explore the relationship between domestic violence against women and their economic and social dependence. It describes some of the common situations in which violence against women occurs in Bangladeshi society, analyzes its larger context, and identifies factors that appear to lessen its incidence in this particular socio-economic setting. The study findings suggest that group-based credit programs can reduce men's violence against women by making women's lives more public. The problem of men's violence against women is deeply rooted, however, and the authors argue that much more extensive interventions will be needed to significantly undermine it.

Credit programs, women's empowerment, and contraceptive use in rural Bangladesh

This article presents findings of research addressing the question of how women's status affects fertility. The effects on contraceptive use of women's participation in rural credit programs and on their status or level of empowerment were examined. A woman's level of empowerment is defined here as a function of her relative physical mobility, economic security, ability to make various purchases on her own, freedom from domination and violence within her family, political and legal awareness, and participation in public protests and political campaigning. The main finding is that participation in both of the credit programs studied, those of Grameen Bank and Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC), is positively associated with women's level of empowerment. A positive effect on contraceptive use is discernible among both participants and nonparticipants in Grameen Bank villages. Participation in BRAC does not appear to affect contraceptive use.