Applications of Depth Minimization of Decision Trees Containing Hypotheses for Multiple-Value Decision Tables

In this research, we consider decision trees that incorporate standard queries with one feature per query as well as hypotheses consisting of all features' values. These decision trees are used to represent knowledge and are comparable to those investigated in exact learning, in which membership queries and equivalence queries are used. As an application, we look into the issue of creating decision trees for two cases: the sorting of a sequence that contains equal elements and multiple-value decision tables which are modified from UCI Machine Learning Repository. We contrast the efficiency of several forms of optimal (considering the parameter depth) decision trees with hypotheses for the aforementioned applications. We also investigate the efficiency of decision trees built by dynamic programming and by an entropy-based greedy method. We discovered that the greedy algorithm produces very similar results compared to the results of dynamic programming algorithms. Therefore, since the dynamic programming algorithms take a long time, we may readily apply the greedy algorithms.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae-derived outer membrane vesicles package β-lactamases to promote antibiotic resistance

Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhoea. The treatment of gonorrhoea is becoming increasingly challenging, as N. gonorrhoeae has developed resistance to antimicrobial agents routinely used in the clinic. Resistance to penicillin is wide-spread partly due to the acquisition of β-lactamase genes. How N. gonorrhoeae survives an initial exposure to β-lactams before acquiring resistance genes remains to be understood. Here, using a panel of clinical isolates of N. gonorrhoeae we show that the β-lactamase enzyme is packaged into outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) by strains expressing bla_TEM-1B or bla_TEM-106, which protects otherwise susceptible clinical isolates from the β-lactam drug amoxycillin. We characterized the phenotypes of these clinical isolates of N. gonorrhoeae and the time courses over which the cross-protection of the strains is effective. Imaging and biochemical assays suggest that OMVs promote the transfer of proteins and lipids between bacteria. Thus, N. gonorrhoeae strains secret antibiotic degrading enzymes via OMVs enabling survival of otherwise susceptible bacteria.

A Precise Medical Imaging Approach for Brain MRI Image Classification

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an accurate and noninvasive method employed for the diagnosis of various kinds of diseases in medical imaging. Most of the existing systems showed significant performances on small MRI datasets, while their performances decrease against large MRI datasets. Hence, the goal was to design an efficient and robust classification system that sustains a high recognition rate against large MRI dataset. Accordingly, in this study, we have proposed the usage of a novel feature extraction technique that has the ability to extract and select the prominent feature from MRI image. The proposed algorithm selects the best features from the MRI images of various diseases. Further, this approach discriminates various classes based on recursive values such as partial Z-value. The proposed approach only extracts a minor feature set through, respectively, forward and backward recursion models. The most interrelated features are nominated in the forward regression model that depends on the values of partial Z-test, while the minimum interrelated features are diminished from the corresponding feature space under the presence of the backward model. In both cases, the values of Z-test are estimated through the defined labels of the diseases. The proposed model is efficiently looking the localized features, which is one of the benefits of this method. After extracting and selecting the best features, the model is trained by utilizing support vector machine (SVM) to provide the predicted labels to the corresponding MRI images. To show the significance of the proposed model, we utilized a publicly available standard dataset such as Harvard Medical School and Open Access Series of Imaging Studies (OASIS), which contains 24 various brain diseases including normal. The proposed approach achieved the best classification accuracy against existing state-of-the-art systems.

A Bi-criteria Optimization Model for Adjusting the Decision Tree Parameters

Decision trees play a very important role in knowledge representation because of its simplicity and self-explanatory nature. We study the optimization of the parameters of the decision trees to find a shorter as well as more accurate decision tree. Since these two criteria are in conflict, we need to find a decision tree with suitable parameters that can be a trade off between two criteria. Hence, we design two algorithms to build a decision tree with a given threshold of the number of vertices based on the bi-criteria optimization technique. Then, we calculate the local and global misclassification rates for these trees. Our goal is to study the effect of changing the threshold for the bi-criteria optimization of the decision trees. We apply our algorithms to 13 decision tables from UCI Machine Learning Repository and recommend the suitable threshold that can give us more accurate decision trees with a reasonable number of vertices.

Decision Rules Derived from Optimal Decision Trees with Hypotheses

Conventional decision trees use queries each of which is based on one attribute. In this study, we also examine decision trees that handle additional queries based on hypotheses. This kind of query is similar to the equivalence queries considered in exact learning. Earlier, we designed dynamic programming algorithms for the computation of the minimum depth and the minimum number of internal nodes in decision trees that have hypotheses. Modification of these algorithms considered in the present paper permits us to build decision trees with hypotheses that are optimal relative to the depth or relative to the number of the internal nodes. We compare the length and coverage of decision rules extracted from optimal decision trees with hypotheses and decision rules extracted from optimal conventional decision trees to choose the ones that are preferable as a tool for the representation of information. To this end, we conduct computer experiments on various decision tables from the UCI Machine Learning Repository. In addition, we also consider decision tables for randomly generated Boolean functions. The collected results show that the decision rules derived from decision trees with hypotheses in many cases are better than the rules extracted from conventional decision trees.

Impact of Matrix Surface Area on Griseofulvin Release from Extrudates Prepared via Nanoextrusion

We aimed to examine the impact of milling of extrudates prepared via nanoextrusion and the resulting matrix surface area of the particles on griseofulvin (GF, a model poorly soluble drug) release during in vitro dissolution. Wet-milled GF nanosuspensions containing a polymer (Sol: Soluplus^®, Kol: Kolliphor^® P407, or HPC: Hydroxypropyl cellulose) and sodium dodecyl sulfate were mixed with additional polymer and dried in an extruder. The extrudates with 2% and 10% GF loading were milled–sieved into three size fractions. XRPD–SEM results show that nanoextrusion produced GF nanocomposites with Kol/HPC and an amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) with Sol. For 8.9 mg GF dose (non-supersaturating condition), the dissolution rate parameter was higher for extrudates with higher external specific surface area and those with 10% drug loading. It exhibited a monotonic increase with surface area of the ASD, whereas its increase tended to saturate above ~30 × 10⁻³ m²/cm³ for the nanocomposites. In general, the nanocomposites released GF faster than the ASD due to greater wettability and faster erosion imparted by Kol/HPC than by Sol. For 100 mg GF dose, the ASD outperformed the nanocomposites due to supersaturation and only 10% GF ASD with 190 × 10⁻³ m²/cm³ surface area achieved immediate release (80% release within 30 min). Hence, this study suggests that ASD extrudates entail fine milling yielding > ~200 × 10⁻³ m²/cm³ for rapid drug release, whereas only a coarse milling yielding ~30 × 10⁻³ m²/cm³ may enable nanocomposites to release low-dose drugs rapidly.

Entropy-Based Greedy Algorithm for Decision Trees Using Hypotheses

In this paper, we consider decision trees that use both conventional queries based on one attribute each and queries based on hypotheses of values of all attributes. Such decision trees are similar to those studied in exact learning, where membership and equivalence queries are allowed. We present greedy algorithm based on entropy for the construction of the above decision trees and discuss the results of computer experiments on various data sets and randomly generated Boolean functions.

Metabolic Perturbations Caused by the Over-Expression of mcr-1 in Escherichia coli

Rapid dissemination of the plasmid-born polymyxin resistance gene mcr-1 poses a critical medical challenge. MCR-1 expression is tightly controlled and imposes a fitness cost on the bacteria. We used growth studies and metabolomics to examine growth and metabolic changes within E. coli TOP10 at 8 and 24 h in response to different levels of expression of mcr-1. Induction of mcr-1 greatly increased expression at 8 h and markedly reduced bacterial growth; membrane disruption and cell lysis were evident at this time. At 24 h, the expression of mcr-1 dramatically declined with restored growth and membrane integrity, indicating regulation of mcr-1 expression in bacteria to maintain membrane homeostasis. Intermediates of peptide and lipid biosynthesis were the most commonly affected metabolites when mcr-1 was overexpressed in E. coli. Cell wall biosynthesis was dramatically affected with the accumulation of lipids including fatty acids, glycerophospholipids and lysophosphatidylethanolamines, especially at 8 h. In contrast, levels of intermediate metabolites of peptides, amino sugars, carbohydrates and nucleotide metabolism and secondary metabolites significantly decreased. Moreover, the over-expression of mcr-1 resulted in a prolonged reduction in intermediates associated with pentose phosphate pathway and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis. These findings indicate that over-expression of mcr-1 results in global metabolic perturbations that mainly involve disruption to the bacterial membrane, pentose phosphate pathway as well as pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis.

The role of a neonatal hypothermia alert device in promoting weight gain in LBW infants

BACKGROUND

Neonatal hypothermia is a significant risk factor for preterm and low birth weight (LBW) newborns, especially in India. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is one recommended method of thermal control. A wearable device, TempWatch, has been developed to monitor for and detect hypothermia and to promote KMC for preterm and LBW infants.

PURPOSE

This randomized controlled trial was designed to evaluate TempWatch's impact on weight gain, amount of KMC received, and length of hospital stay for LBW infants as compared to standard care.

METHODS

Otherwise healthy LBW infants (with birthweights 1500-2300 g) admitted to a KMC ward of a government hospital in New Delhi, India were randomly allocated to a TempWatch group or a control group and wore the device until their time of discharge. 50 infants were enrolled in each group. All participants received standard-of-care temperature monitoring, and those in the control group were monitored using the hand-touch method. Each group also received sixth-hourly temperature monitoring. Infants' daily weight and the number of hypothermia episodes they experienced per day were recorded, and mothers of infants in both groups completed daily KMC diaries.

RESULTS

The TempWatch group experienced statistically significant weight gain as compared to the control group (0.06 vs. 0.02 kg, p = .024). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in the number of hypothermia events detected, the amount of KMC received.

CONCLUSION

TempWatch promotes statistically significant weight gain for LBW infants as compared to standard care.

Engineered Nanodelivery Systems to Improve DNA Vaccine Technologies

DNA vaccines offer a flexible and versatile platform to treat innumerable diseases due to the ease of manipulating vaccine targets simply by altering the gene sequences encoded in the plasmid DNA delivered. The DNA vaccines elicit potent humoral and cell-mediated responses and provide a promising method for treating rapidly mutating and evasive diseases such as cancer and human immunodeficiency viruses. Although this vaccine technology has been available for decades, there is no DNA vaccine that has been used in bed-side application to date. The main challenge that hinders the progress of DNA vaccines and limits their clinical application is the delivery hurdles to targeted immune cells, which obstructs the stimulation of robust antigen-specific immune responses in humans. In this updated review, we discuss various nanodelivery systems that improve DNA vaccine technologies to enhance the immunological response against target diseases. We also provide possible perspectives on how we can bring this exciting vaccine technology to bedside applications.

A Compact Device for the Integrated Filtration, Drying, and Mechanical Processing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Recent changes in the pharmaceutical sector call for the development of novel manufacturing approaches to reduce costs and improve control over product quality. In this area, the development of compact, plug-and-play devices that fit in a continuous manufacturing system has gained interest in recent years. Most Nutsche filters offer a versatile solution as compact filtration and drying devices. However, conventional drying processes tend to generate a large amount of lumps, usually requiring further mechanical processing of the isolated drug substance before it can be formulated. In this work, we present a compact, automatable filtration device that takes advantage of a unique impeller design and in situ measurements of the drying heat duty to integrate mechanical processing into the drying step. By preventing the formation of dry lumps during drug substance drying, and breaking needle-like crystals through the developed agitation program, the resulting powder can be directly used for tablet formulation. This device, designed to fit in a compact continuous manufacturing module, has the potential to reduce manufacturing costs and footprint, while allowing for the low-shear mechanical processing of heat-sensitive compounds.

M cell targeting engineered biomaterials for effective vaccination

Vaccines are one of the greatest medical interventions of all time and have been successful in controlling and eliminating a myriad of diseases over the past two centuries. Among several vaccination strategies, mucosal vaccines have wide clinical applications and attract considerable interest in research, showing potential as innovative and novel therapeutics. In mucosal vaccination, targeting (microfold) M cells is a frontline prerequisite for inducing effective antigen-specific immunostimulatory effects. In this review, we primarily focus on materials engineered for use as vaccine delivery platforms to target M cells. We also describe potential M cell targeting areas, methods to overcome current challenges and limitations of the field. Furthermore, we present the potential of biomaterials engineering as well as various natural and synthetic delivery technologies to overcome the challenges of M cell targeting, all of which are absent in current literature. Finally, we briefly discuss manufacturing and regulatory processes to bring a robust perspective on the feasibility and potential of this next-generation vaccine technology.

High-efficient mercury removal from environmental water samples using di-thio grafted on magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles

In this work, magnetic di-thio functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DT-MCM-41) were prepared by grafting dithiocarbamate groups within the channels of magnetic mesoporous silica nanocomposites. The functionalized nanoparticles exhibited proper magnetic behavior. They were easily separated from the aqueous solution by applying an external magnetic field. The results indicated that the functionalized nanoparticles had a potential for high-efficient removal of Hg(2+) in environmental samples. The maximum adsorption capacity of the sorbent was 538.9 mg g(-1), and it took about 10 min to achieve the equilibrium adsorption. The resulted adsorption capacity was higher than similar works for adsorption of mercury. It can be due to the presence of di-thio and amine active groups in the structure of sorbent. The special properties of MCM-41 like large surface area and high porosity also provided a facile accessibility of the mercury ions into the ligand sites. The complete removal of mercury ions was attained with dithiocarbamate groups in a wide range of mercury concentrations. The recovery studies were also applied for the river water, seawater, and wastewater samples, and the values were over of 97 %.

Redispersible fast dissolving nanocomposite microparticles of poorly water-soluble drugs

Enhanced recovery/dissolution of two wet media-milled, poorly water-soluble drugs, Griseofulvin (GF) and Azodicarbonamide (AZD), incorporated into nanocomposite microparticles (NCMPs) via fluidized bed drying (FBD) and spray-drying (SD) was investigated. The effects of drying method, drug loading, drug aqueous solubility/wettability as well as synergistic stabilization of the milled suspensions on nanoparticle recovery/dissolution were examined. Drug nanoparticle recovery from FBD and SD produced NCMPs having high drug loadings was evaluated upon gentle redispersion via optical microscopy and laser diffraction. During wet-milling, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) alone stabilized more wettable drug (AZD) nanoparticles with slight aggregation, but could not prevent aggregation of the GF nanoparticles. In contrast, well-dispersed, stable nanosuspensions of both drugs were produced when sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and HPC were combined. The FBD and SD NCMPs without SDS exhibited incomplete nanoparticle recovery, causing slower dissolution for GF, but not for AZD, likely due to higher aqueous solubility/wettability of AZD. For high active loaded NCMPs (FBD ∼50 wt%, SD ∼80 wt%) of either drug, HPC-SDS together owing to their synergistic stabilization led to fast redispersibility/dissolution, corroborated via optical microscopy and particle sizing. These positive attributes can help development of smaller, high drug-loaded dosage forms having enhanced bioavailability and better patient compliance.

Enhanced recovery and dissolution of griseofulvin nanoparticles from surfactant-free nanocomposite microparticles incorporating wet-milled swellable dispersants

Nanocomposite microparticles (NCMPs) incorporating drug nanoparticles and wet-milled swellable dispersant particles were investigated as a surfactant-free drug delivery vehicle with the goal of enhancing the nanoparticle recovery and dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drugs. Superdisintegrants were used as inexpensive, model, swellable dispersant particles by incorporating them into NCMP structure with or without wet-stirred media milling along with the drug. Suspensions of griseofulvin (GF, model drug) along with various dispersants produced by wet-milling were coated onto Pharmatose® to prepare NCMPs in a fluidized bed process. Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC, polymer) alone and with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, surfactant) was used as base-line stabilizer/dispersant during milling. Croscarmellose sodium (CCS, superdisintegrant) and Mannitol were used as additional dispersants to prepare surfactant-free NCMPs. Nanoparticle recovery during redispersion and dissolution of the various GF-laden NCMPs were examined. Suspensions prepared by co-milling GF/HPC/CCS or milling GF/HPC/SDS were stable after 30 h of storage. After drying, due to its extensive swelling capacity, incorporation of wet-milled CCS in the NCMPs caused effective breakage of the NCMP structure and bursting of nanoparticle clusters, ultimately leading to fast recovery of the GF nanoparticles. Optimized wet co-milling and incorporation of CCS in NCMP structure led to superior dispersant performance over incorporation of unmilled CCS or physically mixed unmilled CCS with NCMPs. The enhanced redispersion correlated well with the fast GF dissolution from the NCMPs containing either CCS particles or SDS. Overall, swellable dispersant (CCS) particles, preferably in multimodal size distribution, enable a surfactant-free formulation for fast recovery/dissolution of the GF nanoparticles.

Prevalence and pathological lesion of Trichomonas gallinae in pigeons of Iran

This research was conducted to determine the prevalence and pathological lesion of Trichomonas gallinae in pigeons in the northeast part of Iran. Wet mount preparations from the oral cavity/crop of 418 pigeons (Columba livia) captured from various locations in Khorasan province analyzed for T. gallinae by Giemsa's staining between April 2008 and June 2009. A total of 418 pigeons, 37.32% (n = 156) were infected with T. gallinae. Macroscopically, the oropharynx of infected pigeons has white, caseous lesions or stomatitis. Microscopically, there was moderate congestion with infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells in the lamina propria of pharynx, hyperplasia of mucous cells in epithelia of trachea with infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells, numerous granulomatous foci in the livers with many multinucleated giant cells, tubulointerstitial nephritis with multifocal to diffuse infiltration of mostly mononuclear inflammatory cells in the kidneys. In the present paper we have described for the first time the co-existence of both genotypes of T. gallinae based on pathological lesions in this area.

Faunestic study of ants with emphasis on the health risk of stinging ants in qeshm island, iran

BACKGROUND

Qeshm (26.75N, 55.82E), Iran, is 1500 km² island in the Strait of Hormuz. Qeshm is a free trade zone, acting as an important channel for international commerce, and has been the site of much recent development. There is potential risk of stinging ant attacks for residents and visitors that may occur in the island. The aims of this study were to find out the fauna, dispersion, and some of the biological features of ant species with special attention to those, which can play role on the public health of the island.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we surveyed ants around the island using non-attractive pitfall traps and active collection to evaluate potential threats to humans and other species during 2006-2007. All collected specimens were identified using the morphological ant keys.

RESULTS

ONLY SIX ANT SPECIES WERE FOUND: Pachycondyla sennaarensis (41%), Polyrhachis lacteipennis (23%), Camponotus fellah (16%), Cataglyphis niger (9%), Tapinoma simrothi (7%), and Messor galla (4%).

CONCLUSION

We were surprised not to find any cosmopolitan tramp ants so often associated with commerce and development. Instead, all six species may be native to the Middle Eastern region. The most common species, P. sennaarensis, has a powerful sting and appears to do well around human habitations. This species may prove to be a serious pest on the island.

The first observed complex of 11-crown-3 ether. X-ray crystal structure and NMR study of (benzo-11-crown-3)2·LiNCS

The title complex crystallizes in the monoclinic P21/c space group, with a = 7.7397(8), b = 18.287(2), c = 17.4726(19) Å, β = 94.008(2)°, and Z = 4. The coordination geometry around the lithium cation is pseudooctahedral. The effects of lithium complexation on the 1H and 13C solution NMR spectra are discussed. In the solid-state 13C NMR spectrum at 300 K, very long aliphatic proton spin lattice relaxation times are observed along with broadening of the aliphatic carbon resonances. These results are attributed to the dipolar washout phenomenon, where the presence of a low amplitude motion of the same frequency as the 1H decoupler, leads to less effective removal of the 1H–13C dipolar coupling. At 330 K, there is some sharpening of the aliphatic resonances since there is less interference between the motion and the decoupling frequency.Key words: crown ether analog, lithium complex.