24 research outputs found
Designing formal semantics of geo-information for disaster response - PhD Research Proposal
No full textGIS TechnologyOTB Research Institute for the Built Environmen
Biomechanical signals and the C-type natriuretic peptide counteract catabolic activities induced by IL-1? in chondrocyte/agarose constructs
No full textIntroduction: The present study examined the effect of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on the anabolic and catabolic activities in chondrocyte/agarose constructs subjected to dynamic compression. Methods: Constructs were cultured under free-swelling conditions or subjected to dynamic compression with low (0.1 to 100 pM) or high concentrations (1 to 1,000 nM) of CNP, interleukin-1? (IL-1?), and/or KT-5823 (inhibits cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase II (PKGII)). Anabolic and catabolic activities were assessed as follows: nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release, and [3H]-thymidine and 35SO4 incorporation were quantified by using biochemical assays. Gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), aggrecan, and collagen type II were assessed with real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Two-way ANOVA and the post hoc Bonferroni-corrected t tests were used to examine data. Results: CNP reduced NO and PGE2 release and partially restored [3H]-thymidine and 35SO4 incorporation in constructs cultured with IL-1?. The response was dependent on the concentration of CNP, such that 100 pM increased [3H]-thymidine incorporation (P < 0.001). This is in contrast to 35SO4 incorporation, which was enhanced with 100 or 1000 nM CNP in the presence and absence of IL-1? (P < 0.001). Stimulation by both dynamic compression and CNP and/or the PKGII inhibitor further reduced NO and PGE2 release and restored [3H]-thymidine and 35SO4 incorporation. In the presence and absence of IL-1?, the magnitude of stimulation for [3H]-thymidine and 35SO4 incorporation by dynamic compression was dependent on the concentration of CNP and the response was inhibited with the PKGII inhibitor. In addition, stimulation by CNP and/or dynamic compression reduced IL-1?-induced iNOS and COX-2 expression and restored aggrecan and collagen type II expression. The catabolic response was not further influenced with the PKGII inhibitor in IL-1?-treated constructs. Conclusions: Treatment with CNP and dynamic compression increased anabolic activities and blocked catabolic effects induced by IL-1?. The anabolic response was PKGII mediated and raises important questions about the molecular mechanisms of CNP with mechanical signals in cartilage. Therapeutic agents like CNP could be administered in conjunction with controlled exercise therapy to slow the OA disease progression and to repair damaged cartilage. The findings from this research provide the potential for developing novel agents to slow the pathophysiologic mechanisms and to treat OA in the young and old. <br/
Explanation People and Their Family Care Explanation of Them
No full textObjectives: Elder abuse (Doing or not done a single or repeated act That bothers or to cause harm to an elderly) is one of the social health problems in modern societies to rise and has a prominent role in prevention education The objective of this study was to investigate elderly abuse in Persian literature.
Methods & Materials: This study identified themes related to elder abuse in Persian literature and the educational structure were developed developed In this regard, poems of poets and authors of Persian literature Using the software for Dorj book including 178 of 101 literary Persian poet and author is known and ganjur Site including large number of poets and In cases where there was no electronic versions of books were read line by line And using a library of content analysis, subjects were studied
Results: The study defined types of elder abuse and elder abuse causes of elder abuse and how to prevent abuse of the elderly that each expression is detailed in the text
Conclusion: The results of the rich Persian literature could result in abuse of elderly has been considered from two aspects 1- denounced the abuse of older 2- culture of reverence and respect for the elderly in order to prevent abuse of the elderl
Rapidly progressive osteoarthritis (RPOA) in companion animals treated with bedinvetmab (Librela™): an expected pathophysiological phenomenon or a cause for concern?
No full textSemantic annotation of existing geo-datasets: A case study of disaster response in Netherlands
No full textUse of relevant geo-information is one of the important issues for performing different tasks and processes in disaster response phase. In order to save time and cost, services could be employed for integrating and extracting relevant up-to-date geo-information. For this purpose, semantics of geo-information should be explicitly defined. This paper presents our initial results in applying an approach for semantic annotation of existing geo-datasets. In this research the process of injecting semantic descriptions into geodatasets (information integration) is called semantic annotation. A web system architecture is presented and the process of semantic annotation is presented by using the Meta Annotation approach. The approach is elaborated by providing an example in disaster response which utilizes geo-datasets in CityGML format and further two languages of semantic web technology: RDF and Notation3.OTB ResearchApplied Science
Birth Prevalence of Neural Tube Defects in Iran: A Systematic Review
No full textContext: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are one of the most common birth defects with a high rate of mortality. Several studies have shown the reduction of the rate of NTD due to preconceptional usage and flour fortification with folic acid.
Objectives: The aim of this systematic literature review was to assess the appropriate information about the prevalence of Neural Tube Defects among the Iranian population, geographic areas of Iran.
Data Sources: We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and data banks in Iran, such as the scientific information database (SID), Magiran, and Barekat knowledge network system from January 1969 to February 2017. The following keywords were used to search all fields in the above databases (“Neural Tube Defects” OR “NTD” AND “Iran”).
Study Selection: NTDs were classified as given by Moore to include anencephaly, spina bifida, encephalocele, iniencephaly, and craniorachischisis. Primary outcomes of interest for estimating the prevalences were the total number of births (including live and stillbirths if available separately) and the total number of NTD affected births (including live and stillbirths if available separately).
Data Extraction: Data extracted from selected studies, included: first author, study design, city, sample size, duration of studies, and the prevalence of NTDs and subtypes of neural tube defects.
Results: A total of 429 studies were initially identified in the databases. After excluding duplicate studies, 244 articles were retrieved and reviewed based on their titles and abstracts; 221 articles were excluded. Twenty-three articles were selected for a more detailed review. There were some publications of the same study, data were extracted from the most complete and up-to-date publication. Four articles were added by reference searching and one forthcoming article was added. Finally, 21 articles have been included in the study.
Conclusions: The surveillance of NTD in Iran is currently limited due to the fact that provinces have established systems to report national and local NTD prevalence. However, when data are available, reported NTD prevalence, which varies by geographic region from 1.01 to 8.29 per 1000 live births, is in some areas of Iran
Collagen supplementation and regenerative health: advances in biomarker detection and smart material integration
No full textCollagen, the most abundant structural protein in the human body, plays a key role in skin integrity, tissue repair, and extracellular matrix organization. With increasing consumer and clinical interest, collagen supplementation has expanded rapidly, yet scientific evidence supporting its efficacy in anti-aging and regenerative applications remains inconsistent. This review critically evaluates current evidence on oral collagen supplementation, integrating insights from over 60 clinical studies assessing its effects on skin aging, musculoskeletal health, and hair disorders. Emerging data suggest that hydrolyzed collagen peptides may improve skin elasticity, joint function, and recovery after exercise, particularly when co-supplemented with vitamin C, silica, or resveratrol. Beyond supplementation, recent advances in biosensing and material science have enabled novel approaches to collagen detection and targeted delivery. Electrochemical, optical, and molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based biosensors facilitate real-time monitoring of collagen biomarkers such as CTX-I, MMPs, and hydroxyproline, supporting precision assessment of collagen metabolism. In parallel, collagen-based hydrogels, nanoparticles, and electroresponsive scaffolds have shown promise as biocompatible carriers for controlled drug release and regenerative therapy. Collectively, these developments outline a translational framework connecting collagen supplementation, detection, and delivery. Continued integration of biosensing and smart material technologies may enhance clinical monitoring and therapeutic efficacy, advancing collagen-based interventions toward precision dermatology and regenerative medicine.Collagen, the most abundant structural protein in the human body, plays a key role in skin integrity, tissue repair, and extracellular matrix organization. With increasing consumer and clinical interest, collagen supplementation has expanded rapidly, yet scientific evidence supporting its efficacy in anti-aging and regenerative applications remains inconsistent. This review critically evaluates current evidence on oral collagen supplementation, integrating insights from over 60 clinical studies assessing its effects on skin aging, musculoskeletal health, and hair disorders. Emerging data suggest that hydrolyzed collagen peptides may improve skin elasticity, joint function, and recovery after exercise, particularly when co-supplemented with vitamin C, silica, or resveratrol. Beyond supplementation, recent advances in biosensing and material science have enabled novel approaches to collagen detection and targeted delivery. Electrochemical, optical, and molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based biosensors facilitate real-time monitoring of collagen biomarkers such as CTX-I, MMPs, and hydroxyproline, supporting precision assessment of collagen metabolism. In parallel, collagen-based hydrogels, nanoparticles, and electroresponsive scaffolds have shown promise as biocompatible carriers for controlled drug release and regenerative therapy. Collectively, these developments outline a translational framework connecting collagen supplementation, detection, and delivery. Continued integration of biosensing and smart material technologies may enhance clinical monitoring and therapeutic efficacy, advancing collagen-based interventions toward precision dermatology and regenerative medicine
Soil moisture content estimation using water absorption bands
No full textSoil moisture content (SMC) is a crucial component in various environmental studies. Although many models have been proposed for SMC estimation, developing new models for accurate estimation of SMC is still an interesting subject. This study aimed to develop new models for SMC estimation using the water absorption bands in the spectral signatures of three different soil types: loam, silty loam, and sandy loam. Based on the three absorption bands (i.e., 1400, 1900, and 2200 nm) and regression analyses, six approaches were considered. These scenarios were generally based on the reflectance value and its logarithm, as well as the difference between the wet and dry reflectance values for the absorption bands. Finally, 24 models were developed for SMC estimation from the three different soil types, as well as the entire soil samples. The most accurate SMC, as indicated by the lowest root mean squared error (RMSE) and the highest correlation coefficient (r), was obtained from the model developed using the logarithm of the average values reflectance in the three water absorption bands for sandy loam (RMSE = 0.31 g/kg, r = 0.99). Overall, using the spectrometry data derived in the lab, the results of the proposed models were promising and demonstrate great potential for SMC estimation using spectral data collected by satellites in the future studies.The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
Multifaceted imaging strategies for clinical trials of knee osteoarthritis-a tightly interlinked value and precision chain
No full textAbstract
Osteoarthritis is a debilitating, whole-organ disease that involves all osteoarticular tissues. No effective treatments have yet been approved by the regulatory agencies for modifying the natural history of this disease and its structural progression. In this whitepaper, we will summarize concepts of “multi-faceted” (multi-contrast) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with a focus on its application in osteoarthritis clinical trials. The process described here encompasses a tightly interlinked value and precision chain, where all elements must be aligned seamlessly for the trial to succeed. The procedure should begin with careful patient characterization and selection, potentially aided by (multifaceted) imaging, so that the disease (sub-) types in these potential participant will match the mechanism of action (MOA) of the medical investigational product (i.e., the drug studied). This should be followed by a comprehensive yet efficient MRI acquisition protocol, employing sequences with various contrasts that permit the characterization of imaging-based joint pathologies and evaluation of the drug’s MOA. Suitable image analysis tools must be employed, ideally adhering to regulatory compliance standards. Multiple validated endpoints can be derived from the various (multifaceted) contrasts, to be potentially combined to multi-component or composite endpoints, based on stringent a-priori rules. In conclusion, a robust value and precision chain needs to be fully functional for a disease-modifying osteoarthritis trial to be successful. Participant selection must be mindful of the drug’s MOA, and a well-aligned and custom-tailored “multifaceted” image acquisition protocol, suitable image analysis tools, and meaningful endpoints should be in place, which should match the specific image contrasts.Abstract
Osteoarthritis is a debilitating, whole-organ disease that involves all osteoarticular tissues. No effective treatments have yet been approved by the regulatory agencies for modifying the natural history of this disease and its structural progression. In this whitepaper, we will summarize concepts of “multi-faceted” (multi-contrast) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with a focus on its application in osteoarthritis clinical trials. The process described here encompasses a tightly interlinked value and precision chain, where all elements must be aligned seamlessly for the trial to succeed. The procedure should begin with careful patient characterization and selection, potentially aided by (multifaceted) imaging, so that the disease (sub-) types in these potential participant will match the mechanism of action (MOA) of the medical investigational product (i.e., the drug studied). This should be followed by a comprehensive yet efficient MRI acquisition protocol, employing sequences with various contrasts that permit the characterization of imaging-based joint pathologies and evaluation of the drug’s MOA. Suitable image analysis tools must be employed, ideally adhering to regulatory compliance standards. Multiple validated endpoints can be derived from the various (multifaceted) contrasts, to be potentially combined to multi-component or composite endpoints, based on stringent a-priori rules. In conclusion, a robust value and precision chain needs to be fully functional for a disease-modifying osteoarthritis trial to be successful. Participant selection must be mindful of the drug’s MOA, and a well-aligned and custom-tailored “multifaceted” image acquisition protocol, suitable image analysis tools, and meaningful endpoints should be in place, which should match the specific image contrasts
Multi-classifier prediction of knee osteoarthritis progression from incomplete imbalanced longitudinal data
No full textConventional inclusion criteria used in osteoarthritis clinical trials are not very effective in selecting patients who would benefit from a therapy being tested. Typically majority of selected patients show no or limited disease progression during a trial period. As a consequence, the effect of the tested treatment cannot be observed, and the efforts and resources invested in running the trial are not rewarded. This could be avoided, if selection criteria were more predictive of the future disease progression. In this article, we formulated the patient selection problem as a multi-class classification task, with classes based on clinically relevant measures of progression (over a time scale typical for clinical trials). Using data from two long-term knee osteoarthritis studies OAI and CHECK, we tested multiple algorithms and learning process configurations (including multi-classifier approaches, cost-sensitive learning, and feature selection), to identify the best performing machine learning models. We examined the behaviour of the best models, with respect to prediction errors and the impact of used features, to confirm their clinical relevance. We found that the model-based selection outperforms the conventional inclusion criteria, reducing by 20–25% the number of patients who show no progression. This result might lead to more efficient clinical trials.Biomaterials & Tissue Biomechanic
