Background: Cytokines have long been viewed as a sign of hope due to their immunomodulatory and therapeutic characteristics. Developing simple, economical and readily scaled technologies to simplify their manufacturing is a critical challenge.Method: In this study we have used a customized medium to automatically induce the expression of the IL-29 in E. coli expression system from the T7 promoter, allowing for higher yields as compared to the traditional technique of IPTG induction. Similarly, one-step purification method is employed to make the fermentation process cost-effective, along with enhancing its efficiency.Results: From 1 L batches of IPTG-induced and autoinduced media, the harvested biomass was 11.8 g and 13.4 g, respectively and their corresponding IBs were 3.8 g and 4.8 g. Total protein purified from 1 L batch was 132 mg, at a concentration of 13 mg/mL, with an indicated high purity of 97%. IL-29 significantly decrease the metabolic activity of HepG2 cells. Specifically, 50% of the cells died at a concentration of 0.156 μg/mL, while 80% of the cells died at a concentration of 5 μg/mL.Conclusion: This study presents an economical solution for producing and purifying IL-29 in E. coli, resulting in higher yields of biomass and IBs than expensive traditional method. The purified protein was highly pure and had immunomodulatory effects on HepG2 cells. These findings have important implications for developing simplified and scalable technologies for cytokine production with therapeutic potential.Keywords: Escherichia coli; Cytokines; Interleukins; Interferons; Protein purification
The blood samples were collected from the 20 numbers for 10 samples of fowls namely Gallus domesticus and Gallus gallus domesticus and 10 samples of ducks namely Anas platyrhynchos and Anser cygnoides. The blood samples of ducks were collected from Thongwa environs and the samples of fowls were collected from Theinphyu market. Yangon Region. The study period was from June 2015 to Dec 2016. Stained blood smears using wedge smear technique and Leishman stain was prepared. Blood cells were examined by X 1000. Cells types were identified based on well shape and mean size, nucleus shape and mean size in diameter and staining properties. The morphological and cytochemical features of erythrocytes and leucocytes thrombocytes of studied species were compared and discussed.
Emerging evidence acknowledge the view that Aquaporin’s (AQP’s) water channels are the controller of transcellular water flow in the Gastro intestines (GI), relating with their expressions in most intestinal tissues. And diverse physiological and pathophysiological processes. Owing to peculiar role of AQP’s in the GI, Changes in their distribution play important role in etiopathogenesis of diarrhoea, as they have direct involvement in the normal dehydration of faecal contents. Intensive studies on animal and cell model suggested inflammation and regulatory pathways such as cAMP/PKA/CREB affects activities of AQP’s gene expression, and the current information on regulatory pathways and directed mechanistic research are hypothesized to work out new approach for these clinical implications. Researchers are aimed on developing AQP modulators, blockers and inhibitors for therapeutic needs, and better understanding the role of intestinal AQP’s in inter individual susceptibility to diarrhoea diseases. Here we found that, α-ketoglutarate (AKG), nisin, genistein, anti-diarrheal Chinese medicine: Rhubarb tannin extract, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), neutrophil elastase inhibitor sivelestat and deletion of AQP4 help in clinical management of intestinal diarrhoea in different models of diarrhoea. It is there fore effective at reducing symptoms, possibly specific targets for AQP’s modulation. This review seeks to compile scientific evidence on changes in the abundance and modulation of AQP water channels that occur in different models of diarrheoa, marking a potential novel therapeutic target.
The increase of population life expectancy and of patient mobility makes necessary the development of new reliable and trust models for health provision within a patient-centric approach. For this reason, many proposals have been carried out to make the current healthcare systems able to collect and analyze the great amount of patient clinical data produced by the health organizations in an interoperable way and according to shared processes. However, despite the ability of collecting such clinical data, approaches aimed at assuring that these data are produced strictly following quality processes still lack. This work presents a permissioned blockchain architecture designed to assure integrity of data and processes related to Electronic Health Records coherent with the Italian Interoperability Infrastructure. The proposed architecture is compliant with both the Italian Regulation on Electronic Health Record and the European Regulation on privacy. A proof-of-concept prototype implemented on the top of Hyperledger Fabric framework validates the feasibility of the proposed architecture against two relevant use cases, showing that the application of blockchain technology to the healthcare sector could provide important benefits in terms of process and data integrity and quality. Keywords—electronic health record; blockchain; patient-centric architecture
In recent years, the global population of the elderly has increased, and one of the challenges faced by this population is the increased vulnerability to falls. Two approaches to alleviate this problem are determining actions that cause these falls and preventing falls using the detection results. A temporary change in walking (i.e., stumbling and staggering) is a typical cause of a fall. However, existing studies do not focus on a temporary change in walking; they only distinguish between walking or other activities and recognize walking speed. In this paper, we propose a method to detect the change in walking using change point detection (i.e., anomaly detection for time series data) and a classification method for the multiple types of change. Moreover, we assume four cases classified using available data, and we propose the parameter setting of the proposed method for each case to be applied in diverse scenarios. During the evaluation, four anomalous walking videos (where, anomaly represents a temporary change) are used. Thus, the accuracy of the anomaly detection of the proposed method is up to 93.5%, and the four types of detected anomalous walking are classified into three clusters in 89.1% of cases based on each characteristic. Keywords–Walking recognition; Classification; Anomaly detection; Human activity recognition.
The Healthcare sector, like all other sectors of our society, is strongly impacted by digital transformations and must tackle huge problems (especially of costs), hoping digital devices help to solve them. We propose to consider it through new uses of Interactive Devices in the scope of Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for the improvement of Human Computer Interactions, principally through Telemedicine Platforms in France. First of all, we define our scientific position and the methodology used. Secondly, we present the use of data in telemedicine with data processing and some cases analysis of AI applications in telemedicine. We then analyze the effects of the combination of the two technologies. Furthermore, we consider the impacts of the Covid pandemic with new types of remote interactions, especially for the elderly. We discuss the main challenges of this digital transformation with the risk of a "solutionist" and "technocentric" approach, sometimes forgetting that health is above all based on a human dimension and human interactions. We also outline the question of territories and the integration of telemedicine in the healthcare system. Finally, we give a conclusion focusing on the main challenges undertaken as well as providing some perspectives, integrating lessons of the Covid pandemic. More globally we outline the importance of the digital transformation of the French Healthcare System with new types of human computer interactions both for the resilience of the healthcare organizations, improving care and cure with territorial dimensions, with the new challenges of the Covid pandemic.
This paper introduces a Sensory Substitution Device (SSD) prototype, which aims to support conversation situations. The purpose of the SSD is to convert facial expressions into emotions based on the seven basic emotions according to Paul Ekman and the Facial Action Coding System. The paper describes a study by which vibration and temperature stimuli have been compared and a suitable feedback method for the SSD prototype was selected. As a result of the study, vibration stimuli were selected for the feedback of the SSD, as these were recognized more reliably, more quickly and were perceived as less distracting on average by most of the subjects. The SSD prototype was further developed on the basis of the results. The work in progress of the SSD prototype design is described in detail. Keywords-Non-verbal communication; Basic Emotions; Vibrotactile Interface; Visually impaired; Vision Substitution; Sensory Substitution Device; FACS.
Occupational stress can cause health problems, productivity loss or absenteeism. Resilience interventions that help employees positively adapt to adversity can help prevent the negative consequences of occupational stress. Due to advances in sensor technology and smartphone applications, relatively unobtrusive self-monitoring of resilience-related outcomes is possible. With models that can recognize intra-individual changes in these outcomes and relate them to causal factors within the employee's context, an automated resilience intervention that gives personalized, just-in-time feedback can be developed. This paper presents the conceptual framework and methods behind the WearMe project, which aims to develop such models. A cyclical conceptual framework based on existing theories of stress and resilience is presented as the basis for the WearMe project. The operationalization of the concepts and the daily measurement cycle are described, including the use of wearable sensor technology (e.g., sleep tracking and heart rate variability measurements) and Ecological Momentary Assessment (mobile app). Analyses target the development of within-subject (n=1) and between-subjects models and include repeated measures correlation, multilevel modelling, time series analysis and Bayesian network statistics. Future work will focus on further developing these models and eventually explore the effectiveness of the envisioned personalized resilience system.
In the presented work, edible species of xylotrophic macromycetes spread in Azerbaijan were investigated by the species composition, frequency of occurrence, and by the amount of fruit produced in nature. The results showed that in Azerbaijan 9 species of edible xylotrophic macromycetes are common. During sampling was used from the method of the route and from the result of analysis of samples taken became clear that in Azerbaijan The frequency of occurrence of mushroom species with a one year life is between 0.000021-0.76 units/ha. According to the mathematical calculations were determined that the minimum amount of fruit body produced by mushrooms recorded in studies in Azerbaijan during the year varies between 0,0025 -98,8 t(approximately 217 t).
- Our group developed a system for practicing breath sounds auscultation using KINECT. This system solves several problems associated with past simulation education models. The system is inexpensive, and simply operated. We evaluated the process of learning breath sounds auscultation with a nurse and a nursing student. In this paper, we introduce practical exercises, using the KINECT system. We also report the student’s evaluation of the system. We additionally completed an auscultation test using an existing breathing sound file and breathing sound data obtained using the KINECT system, and compared the results. We obtained responses from 78 students. All students replied that they were interested in the KINECT system, and 83.3% of students were able to distinguish an accessory murmur from normal breath sounds. In all, 97.4% of students reported feeling motivated to learn using the KINECT system. The result of the examination to identify a kind of the respiratory sound using the apparatus which we developed did not have a result and the change using existing sound data. The KINECT system was useful for learning breath sounds. Use of the system was interesting to the students because of the simulated patient interaction, similar to those encountered in “real life” clinical settings. Using the realistic KINETIC system, the nursing students were able to develop the skills necessary to distinguish breath sounds. Additionally, the system was motivating for nursing students.
This paper presents early stage research on the development of an immersive, multisensory room for people living with dementia. Dementia is considered to be a public health priority on a global level. Our research addresses the challenge of meeting individual needs in dementia care, particularly in relation to social and emotional wellbeing. We draw upon findings from 52 interviews with users, including people with mild cognitive impairment, professional caregivers, and informal caregivers. These interviews were conducted to explore initial responses towards a personalised multisensory room called SENSE-GARDEN. Thematic analysis resulted in six themes: benefits for all, focus on the individual, past and present, emotional stimulation, shared experiences, and challenges to consider. This paper provides important theoretical considerations for the role of technology in not only the SENSE-GARDEN intervention, but in preserving the identities of people with dementia and providing opportunities for connection with others. Future work in this area should adopt an interdisciplinary approach to using technology in dementia care. Keywords-dementia; virtual environments; immersive technology; human computer interaction; interpersonal relationships
This article expands the presentation made at SENSORDEVICES 2018. The author makes available to the public one year of wrist actimetry in real life, stored at one second epochs. The technical details of the system used (Motionwatch8) are described and they show why quantitative methodologies applied to actigraphy are tied to the system used for data acquisition. A first evaluation of that data calls for new ways for actimetry analysis and actigraphy display. Most of the values recorded are equal to zero and therefore the information they provide is a main target for actigraphy analysis. It is explained the difference of the quantity of zeros epochs when one second and one minute epochs are used. Series analysis and percent of zeros parameters are proposed and exemplified. In particular, the analysis of series is a new area of studies for actigraphy because it changes the meaning of the data recorded. The daily pattern of series is constant along the year and the importance of long zero-series is underlined: that small percent of lengths is not distributed randomly. The analysis of series also suggested the idea that the couples of series, not the single series, could be functionally similar and a actigraphy "pulse" analysis could be worthwhile to further evaluate. The percent of zeros parameter is applied to long and short time intervals and it could be a complementary tool for wake-sleep studies. The research described in this article is a ground breaking type of work that creates new questions more than providing answers, but it already offers new insights on actigraphy data.
The purpose of the present work was dedicated to the study of toxigenic fungi by species composition, by the dominant species of fungal biota and their frequency of occurrence which involved in the formation of mycobiota of materials of some plants used for feed, nutritional and medical uses in Azerbaijan. In research, from the analysis taken from plants become clear that in the formation of their mycobiota in generally involved 85 species of fungi and 76,5% of them have toxicity. It became clear that fungi such as Aspergillus flavus Link, A.ochraeus K. Wilh., Cladosporium herbarium(Pers.) Link, Fusarium moniliforma J. Sheld., F.oxysporumSchltdl., Penicillium citrinum Thom andP.cyclopium Westling are the dominant species of the mycobiota of all studied plant materials. The obtained results can be useful as base data in the preparation of the principles of mycology safety in the use of plant materials for food, nutrition, and medical purposes.
The purpose of the presented work was dedicated to the study of factors that affect the productivity of tomato plants, and its elimination. It has become clear that there are opportunities available to raise the germination of seeds obtained from different types of tomatoes and for this purpose is convenient to use both chemicals and substances obtained from some fungi. Thus, due to the effects of all the materials used for the processing of seed increases both the germinate ability of the seeds, and the overall productivity of the plant. The quantitative indicator of these processes is expressed by 6,9% in the increase of germinating ability of seed and 15,0% in the increase of overall productivity. As a result of the research, was shown that the culture liquid of the fungus Trichoderma koningii more effective.
Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation (strain: GV2260 harbouring osmotin gene in a binary vector pGV2260 under the transcription control of CaMV 35S promoter and Nos terminator) was restored to develop productive salt tolerant transgenic rice varieties in a well adaptive high yielding indica rice background of var. Ananda. Out of 705 calli transformed, 426 survived (60.44%) on kanamycin (50 mg/l) supplemented MS medium, which could regenerate 78 plantlets of which 56 survived from 29 independent transformation events. Molecular analyses showed 23 PCR positive, 9 Southern positive and 6 plants positive to both PCR and Southern hybridization. Southern hybridization with radio-labeled osmotin probe showed transgene integration in 2-6 loci in 6 representative transgenic plants. Seed germination test involving seeds at T1 generation on MS medium containing 50mg/l kanamycin showed 3:1 ratio for majority of the lines albeit with a few exception, might be due to small sample size or epistatic interactions. Tolerance test to excess salt was conducted invivoon artificially stimulated NaCl stress under hydroponics involving Hoagland solution showed progenies of T46-1 were most tolerant to excess NaCl followed by the progenies of T2-6, which were planted on soil in cement pots in the Transgenic Rearing Facility (Category II, DBT approved) till maturity and harvested seeds were kept plant wise for subsequent generation advancement of most productive lines with desirable salt tolerance for cultivation enmasseunder saline soil for enhanced productivity under constrained soil at sustainable-scale in Andaman Islands and elsewhere.
Narrow minded skeptics in the twenty first century deny the existence of climate change and the resultant risks threatening the welfare of cities through the destruction of properties, displacement and environmental degradation. The global climate change concern is now more important than ever in the sub Saharan African region of West Africa where the vulnerabilities remain obvious. Accordingly, in the last several years, the lower West African region continues to be an epicenter of inclement weather hazards. For that, there exists mounting evidence of risks based on recurrent challenges triggered by surge in extreme climate parameters in the savannahs, the tropical moist areas and the coastal landscapes in Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Senegal. In these areas of the West Africa region, climate change parameters such as droughts, flooding, storm surge, and elevated temperature and greenhouse gas emissions continue to threaten the surrounding ecology. Just as climate hazards have captured the attention of various scholars in other areas, very little has been done to study the area despite its vulnerability to sea level rise, torrential rainfalls, coastal inundation and storm surge. In all these, the projected climate change trends point to continual dispersion of elevated temperature and evidence of harsh weather conditions all through the region. With the gravity of the hazards now obvious, this research fills that void in the literature, by analyzing climate change parameters threatening the study area with the use of mix scale methods of GIS, secondary data, and descriptive statistics with focus on the trends, factors, impacts and efforts of the institutions. Taking a cue from the analysis, the results show the prevalence of climate change risks and impacts in the form of flooding hazards, droughts, greenhouse gas emission, sea level rise, pollution, environmental degradation and displacement of citizens. With the impacts attributed to socio-economic and physical elements, the GIS mapping reveals a gradual spreading of climate change hazards under different scales to various areas across the region from Nigeria to Senegal. To remedy the issue, the paper proffers some suggestions such as the need for adaptation, the design of efficient planning and policy in the region.
European Commission (H2O (Human to Objects) project funded by the European Union under the CATRENE program)
