Deep representation learning: Fundamentals, Perspectives, Applications, and Open Challenges

Machine Learning algorithms have had a profound impact on the field of computer science over the past few decades. These algorithms performance is greatly influenced by the representations that are derived from the data in the learning process. The representations learned in a successful learning process should be concise, discrete, meaningful, and able to be applied across a variety of tasks. A recent effort has been directed toward developing Deep Learning models, which have proven to be particularly effective at capturing high-dimensional, non-linear, and multi-modal characteristics. In this work, we discuss the principles and developments that have been made in the process of learning representations, and converting them into desirable applications. In addition, for each framework or model, the key issues and open challenges, as well as the advantages, are examined

Comparison of the Efficacy of Sofosbuvir and Kaletra on the Outcome of COVID-19. Is Sofosbuvir A Potential Treatment For COVID-19?

Background: The COVID-19 is a family of large enveloped non-segmented positive-sense RNA viruses which was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China with a cluster of unexplained pneumonia. Although various medications have been tried to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no exclusive medication or vaccine so far. In this study, we aimed to focus on the effectiveness of Hydroxychloroquine + Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir) versus Hydroxychloroquine + Sofosbuvir in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 to given the urgent need for an effective drug against SARS-CoV-2 in the current pandemic context. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four eligible patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 symptoms, according to the WHO criteria entered the study. Patients were randomized into two treatment groups. Thirty-two patients received Hydroxicholoroquine (400 mg stat) and Kaletra (400/100 mg q 12 h) as a control group (group A) and the trial group of 22 patients, received Hydroxicholoroquine (200 mg q 12 h) plus Sofosbuvir (400 mg daily) (group B) for a period of 7 to 14 days. Eventually, collected data included demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, clinical symptoms, laboratory data, and mortality were analyzed. Results: There was no significant difference in age, sex, and underlying diseases between the two groups. There was no significant statistical difference between the two groups on the seventh day of treatment in terms of cough relief, leukocyte count, and improvement of lymphopenia however in terms of the time of defervescence of fever, there was a significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be said that our study is one of the first studies in the world to evaluate the effectiveness of sofosbuvir in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. According to our results, although Kaletra was assumed as an effective therapy, its superiority over Sofosbuvir was confined to the earlier effervescence of the 7-day fever and sofosbuvir can be used as an effective treatment, especially in patients with underlying heart disease who are at risk for arrhythmias with Kaletra

The global burden of adolescent and young adult cancer in 2019 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background In estimating the global burden of cancer, adolescents and young adults with cancer are often overlooked, despite being a distinct subgroup with unique epidemiology, clinical care needs, and societal impact. Comprehensive estimates of the global cancer burden in adolescents and young adults (aged 15-39 years) are lacking. To address this gap, we analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, with a focus on the outcome of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), to inform global cancer control measures in adolescents and young adults. Methods Using the GBD 2019 methodology, international mortality data were collected from vital registration systems, verbal autopsies, and population-based cancer registry inputs modelled with mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs). Incidence was computed with mortality estimates and corresponding MIRs. Prevalence estimates were calculated using modelled survival and multiplied by disability weights to obtain years lived with disability (YLDs). Years of life lost (YLLs) were calculated as age-specific cancer deaths multiplied by the standard life expectancy at the age of death. The main outcome was DALYs (the sum of YLLs and YLDs). Estimates were presented globally and by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintiles (countries ranked and divided into five equal SDI groups), and all estimates were presented with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). For this analysis, we used the age range of 15-39 years to define adolescents and young adults. Findings There were 1.19 million (95% UI 1.11-1.28) incident cancer cases and 396 000 (370 000-425 000) deaths due to cancer among people aged 15-39 years worldwide in 2019. The highest age-standardised incidence rates occurred in high SDI (59.6 [54.5-65.7] per 100 000 person-years) and high-middle SDI countries (53.2 [48.8-57.9] per 100 000 person-years), while the highest age-standardised mortality rates were in low-middle SDI (14.2 [12.9-15.6] per 100 000 person-years) and middle SDI (13.6 [12.6-14.8] per 100 000 person-years) countries. In 2019, adolescent and young adult cancers contributed 23.5 million (21.9-25.2) DALYs to the global burden of disease, of which 2.7% (1.9-3.6) came from YLDs and 97.3% (96.4-98.1) from YLLs. Cancer was the fourth leading cause of death and tenth leading cause of DALYs in adolescents and young adults globally. Interpretation Adolescent and young adult cancers contributed substantially to the overall adolescent and young adult disease burden globally in 2019. These results provide new insights into the distribution and magnitude of the adolescent and young adult cancer burden around the world. With notable differences observed across SDI settings, these estimates can inform global and country-level cancer control efforts. Copyright (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.Peer reviewe

The Probable Impact of Soy Isoflavones in Bone Fracture Downturn: A Systematic Review

There is a direct relationship between taking soy isoflavones and higher bone density, but there is a paucity of studies examining the relationship between flavonoid consumption and fracture risk. This study aimed to assess the bone fracture and its relationship to soy product intake by performing a systematic review. Methods: Scopus, PubMed, and Web of science were searched to find studies on the effect of soy isoflavones on bone fracture, without any time and language of publication restrictions. Key words of SoyMilk, soymilk, soybeans, soybean, soy, soya, Isoflavones, Isoflavone, ipriflavone, equol, genistein, daidzein, glycitin, fractures, and broken bone were used. Results: From a total of 1675 articles, 27 studies (cross-sectional studies (n=1), case-control studies (n=1), cohort (n=11), and randomized control trials (n=14)) were identified, and their quality was assessed. Eighteen studies highlighted mainly positive results in preventive influence of soy bone fractures. Two papers reported a positive effect was observed in men with cancer. No significant association was found between soy intake and bone prevention fracture in eight distinct papers. Conclusion: Intake of soy isoflavones can make a significant preventive effect on bone fracture; however, the results of some studies are controversial.  Therefore, it is necessary to survey more studies to identify the relationship between isoflavones and bone fracture

Prevalence of overweight and obesity among Iranian population: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases. Politicians and practitioners should be aware of the dramatic increase in obesity and its subsequent complications to prevent associated health risks. This systematic review aimed to provide better insight into the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Iranian population. Method An evaluation was conducted on all published observational studies from both national (SID, Irandoc, Iranmedex) and international (Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Scopus) sources, which reported the prevalence of overweight/obesity among normal population samples, between January 2012 and December 2021. Result A total of 152 eligible studies were included in this meta-analysis. Of the 152 selected studies, 74 reported the prevalence of overweight/obesity in patients aged ≤ 18 years, and 61 studies in adults. In the rest of the articles (17 studies), the results were reported for a combination of these age groups. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Iran was estimated at 20.1 (95% CI 17.92–22.30) and 13.44 (95% CI 11.76–15.22), respectively. This percentage (95% CI) was 11.71 (10.98–12.46) for overweight and 8.08 (7.02–9.22) for obesity in those aged ≤ 18 years, and 35.26 (32.61–37.99) for overweight and 21.38 (19.61–23.20) for obesity in those aged > 18 years. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity in the entire population was 35.09% (95% CI 31.31–38.98). Conclusion As obesity is on the rise in Iran, we should seek both weight loss strategies and ways to control comorbidities associated with high BMI

Catechin-Induced changes in PODXL, DNMTs, and miRNA expression in Nalm6 cells: an integrated in silico and in vitro approach

Abstract Background This study explored the impact of predicted miRNAs on DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and the PODXL gene in Nalm6 cells, revealing the significance of these miRNAs in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Methods A comprehensive approach was adopted, integrating bioinformatic analyses encompassing protein structure prediction, molecular docking, dynamics, and ADMET profiling, in conjunction with evaluations of gene and miRNA expression patterns. This methodology was employed to elucidate the therapeutic potential of catechin compounds in modulating the activity of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and the PODXL gene. Results The findings from our investigation indicate that catechins possess the capability to inhibit DNMT enzymes. This inhibitory effect is associated with the upregulation of microRNAs miR-200c and miR-548 and a concurrent downregulation of PODXL gene expression. These molecular interactions culminate in an augmented apoptotic response within ALL (Nalm6) cells. Conclusion The study posits that catechins may represent a viable therapeutic avenue for inducing apoptosis in ALL cells. This is achieved through the modulation of epigenetic mechanisms and alterations in gene expression profiles, highlighting the potential of catechins as agents for cancer therapy