Quantifying Model Complexity via Functional Decomposition for Better Post-Hoc Interpretability

Post-hoc model-agnostic interpretation methods such as partial dependence plots can be employed to interpret complex machine learning models. While these interpretation methods can be applied regardless of model complexity, they can produce misleading and verbose results if the model is too complex, especially w.r.t. feature interactions. To quantify the complexity of arbitrary machine learning models, we propose model-agnostic complexity measures based on functional decomposition: number of features used, interaction strength and main effect complexity. We show that post-hoc interpretation of models that minimize the three measures is more reliable and compact. Furthermore, we demonstrate the application of these measures in a multi-objective optimization approach which simultaneously minimizes loss and complexity

Narrowing the gap for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the East-Mediterranean/African region: comparison with global HSCT indications and trends.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) activity was evaluated in the African (AFR)/EMRO region and compared to the global activity for the years 2006-2013. Data were obtained from 1570 teams in the 6 WHO continental regions. Of these, 29 (1.85%) of all teams were active in 12 of the 68 AFR/EMRO countries. They reported 2.331 (3.3%) of the worldwide 71.036 HSCT, and a transplant rate of 32.8 (TR; HSCT/10 million inhabitants; worldwide 128.5). This reflects still the lowest regional TR despite an increase of 90% since 2006. HSCT activity in AFR/EMRO countries was characterized by a higher use of allogeneic compared to autologous HSCT, an almost exclusive use of family donors, including haploidentical family donors. These findings contrast with the prevalence of autologous over allogeneic HSCT, and a higher frequency of unrelated HSCT in other parts of the world. Of note, the increase by 200% in HSCT for hemoglobinopathies from 2006 to 2013 (72 per year) in the AFR/EMRO region. This reflects the specific role of HSCT for these disease categories with high prevalence and incidence in the AFR/EMRO region. This report provides information for the competent authorities to foster adequate infrastructure. It urges transplant organization to optimize their cooperation

Update review on five top clinical applications of human amniotic membrane in regenerative medicine

Due to the increasing number of studies performed in the field of regenerative medicine during the last two decades, more analytic studies are still needed to clarify the future prospect of this area of science. The main aim of this research was to review the clinical applications of human Amniotic membrane in the field of regenerative medicine critically. Furthermore, in the light of increasing numbers of available products derived from amniotic membrane, we aimed look in depth to see whether regenerative medicine research strategies have a place in the clinical setting. More specifically, in the present study, we attempted to provide insight on developing the new indication for more research and in the next step, for market leaders companies to expand cost-effectiveness of new derived AM products. 20 companies or distributers have offered some commercial products in this field. Survey on more than 90 clinical trials in last five years showed dermatology (and more specific wound healing), orthopedic, and ophthalmology are heavily biased toward multibillion dollar industry. Moreover, urology and dentistry with fewer numbers of clinical data in comparison with the above-mentioned areas, currently are in the path of translation (especially dentistry). In addition, otolaryngology and oncology with the lowest number showed more potential of research thorough understanding the properties that will help guiding the use of AM-derived products in these two areas in future. More than 50% of clinical studies were done or are developing in USA, which have the biggest share in market products. Subsequently, China, Egypt, India, Iran, and Germany with the ongoing clinical trials in different phases may have more approved products in near future

Limitations in Clinical Translation of Nanoparticle-Based Gene Therapy.

Organic nanoparticle-based (ONP) gene therapy is a potential strategy to cure human cancer. However, there are still many practical barriers before the promising results from in vitro and preclinical studies can be translated to clinical success. We discuss the reasons behind the hesitant uptake by the clinic