Supporting Analysts by Dynamic Extraction and Classification of Requirements-Related Knowledge

© 2019 IEEE. In many software development projects, analysts are required to deal with systems' requirements from unfamiliar domains. Familiarity with the domain is necessary in order to get full leverage from interaction with stakeholders and for extracting relevant information from the existing project documents. Accurate and timely extraction and classification of requirements knowledge support analysts in this challenging scenario. Our approach is to mine real-time interaction records and project documents for the relevant phrasal units about the requirements related topics being discussed during elicitation. We propose to use both generative and discriminating methods. To extract the relevant terms, we leverage the flexibility and power of Weighted Finite State Transducers (WFSTs) in dynamic modelling of natural language processing tasks. We used an extended version of Support Vector Machines (SVMs) with variable-sized feature vectors to efficiently and dynamically extract and classify requirements-related knowledge from the existing documents. To evaluate the performance of our approach intuitively and quantitatively, we used edit distance and precision/recall metrics. We show in three case studies that the snippets extracted by our method are intuitively relevant and reasonably accurate. Furthermore, we found that statistical and linguistic parameters such as smoothing methods, and words contiguity and order features can impact the performance of both extraction and classification tasks

Articulation features, phonological awareness, and language skills in children with speech sound disorders

Background and purpose: Speech sound disorders are the most common speech disorders in children which are associated with other problems and can lead to social problems, attention deficit and academic skills challenges. The aim of this study was to investigate articulation characteristics, phonological awareness and language skills in children with speech sound disorders. Materials and methods: In a descriptive analytical study 24 children with speech sound disorder and 16 normal children were participated. The patients were selected from speech therapy clinics and the controls were chosen from nurseries based on convenience sampling. Speech production, oromotor and language skills were assessed by P-DEAP, TOLD-P3 and Phonological Awareness Test, respectively. Data was analyzed in SPSS ver. 20 using independent-samples t-test. Results: There were significant differences between the two groups in phonological awareness skills (except blending phonemes (P= 0.2)), syntax (P=0.002), semantic (P=0.009), spoken language (P=0.003), listening (P=0.002), organizing (P=0.004), and speaking (P=0.02). Conclusion: Children with speech sound disorders had atypical errors demonstrating weaker performance in language skills such as syntax, semantic, and phonological awareness compared to normal children. According to this study despite evaluating speech production it is necessary to assess language skills and phonological awareness in children with speech sound disorders. © 2016, AMazandaran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Prevalence of Cannabis Lifetime Use in Iranian High School and College Students: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analyses,and Meta-Regression

Cannabis is the most widely used substance in the world. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of cannabis lifetime use (CLU) in high school and college students of Iran and also to determine factors related to changes in prevalence. A systematic review of literature on cannabis use in Iran was conducted according to MOOSE guideline. Domestic scientific databases, PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar, relevant reference lists, and relevant journals were searched up to April, 2014. Prevalences were calculated using the variance stabilizing double arcsine transformation and confidence intervals (CIs) estimated using the Wilson method. Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran's Q statistic and I-2 index and causes of heterogeneity were evaluated using meta-regression model. In electronic database search, 4,000 citations were retrieved, producing a total of 33 studies. CLU was reported with a random effects pooled prevalence of 4.0 (95 CI = 3.0 to 5.0). In subgroups of high school and college students, prevalences were 5.0 (95 CI = 3.0 to -7.0) and 2.0 (95 CI = 2.0 to -3.0), respectively. Meta-regression model indicated that prevalence is higher in college students (beta = 0.089, p < .001), male gender (beta = 0.017, p < .001), and is lower in studies with sampling versus census studies (beta = -0.096, p < .001). This study reported that prevalence of CLU in Iranian students are lower than industrialized countries. In addition, gender, level of education, and methods of sampling are highly associated with changes in the prevalence of CLU across provinces

The effect of fresh frozen plasma in severe closed head injury

Objective: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality. Coagulopathy, commonly occurring after severe TBI, is associated with poor outcome and secondary complications, especially delayed traumatic intracerebral hematoma (DTICH). In this study we evaluated the effect of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) on the reduction in the incidence of DTICH in severe closed head injury victims. Methods: This study was carried out as a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Ninety patients were entered in two parallel groups taking either FFP or normal saline (N/S). Patients' selection criteria for both groups were: severe closed head injury (Glasgow coma scale �8), no mass lesion required evacuation and no history of coagulopathy. The clinical findings, laboratory data, computed tomography (CT) scans and Glasgow outcome scale after 1 month were assessed and compared in two groups. Results: Out of 90 patients, 44 received FFP and 46 received N/S. The development of new intracerebral hematoma in follow-up CT scans were more common in the FFP group than the N/S group (p = 0.012). Both groups showed similar frequency of poor outcome (p = 0.343). The mortality was significantly more common in the FFP group than in the N/S group (63 versus 35, p = 0.006). Conclusion: The result of this study revealed that early empirical infusion of FFP in patients with severe head injury may lead to adverse effects, such as an increase in the frequency of DTICH and an increase in the mortality. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Effects of ultrasound irradiation on the release profile of 5-fluorouracil from magnetic polylactic co-glycolic acid nanocapsules

Background: Drug nano-carriers are one of the most important tools for targeted cancer therapy so that undesired side effects of chemotherapy drugs are minimized. In this area, the use of ultrasound can be helpful in controlling drug release from nanoparticles to achieve higher treatment efficiency. Objective: Here, we studies the effects of ultrasound irradiation on the release profile of 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) loaded magnetic poly lactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanocapsules. Methods: 5-Fu loaded magnetic PLGA nanocapsules were synthesized by multiple emulsification method. Particle size was measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The pattern of drug release was assessed with and without 3 MHz ultrasound waves at intensities of 0.3, 0.5 and 1 w/ cm2 for exposure time of 5 and 10 min in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Results: The size of nanoparticles was about 70 nm. Electron microscope images revealed the spherical shape of nanoparticles. The results demonstrated that the intensity and exposure time of ultrasound irradiation have significant effects on the profile of drug release from nanoparticles. Conclusion: It may be concluded that the application of ultrasound to control the release profile of drug loaded nanocapsules would be a promising method to develop a controlled drug delivery strategy in cancer therapy. © 2016 Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Human closed and open apex premolar teeth express different toll-like receptor

Background: The innate immune activation which promotes inflammation responses in the dental pulp tissue leads to the progression of dentin caries. Accordingly, toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key molecules of the innate immune system that identify pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) on microorganisms and may have a critical role in a dental injury. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the expression of TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4 in the human dental pulp of opened and closed apex teeth. Methods: Human dental pulps were derived from the healthy opened and closed apex premolar, in which extraction was indicated for orthodontic reasons. The extraction of RNA was performed and the gene expression determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The result from real-time PCR was confirmed using western blot analysis. Results: Real-time PCR data analysis showed that the expression TLR2 and TLR4 were significantly increased in closed apex premolar teeth compared to open apex teeth, whereas TLR3 expression was not significantly different in these two groups (p <.05). Conclusion: The results of the present study suggested increased expression of TLR2 and TLR4 by the maturation of the apex, which may be due to the presence of microorganisms in the normal or destructed dental pulp tissue. Thus, identifying the expression of TLRs molecules in dental pulp tissue helps to develop a deeper knowledge of the immune responses in the oral cavity. © 2020 The Authors. Molecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LL

Investigating the mechanisms behind extensive death in human cancer cells following nanoparticle assisted photo-thermo-radiotherapy

We have recently reported the synthesis and characterization of gold-coated iron oxide nanoparticle and demonstrated such a nanoparticle (Au@Fe2O3 NP) was able to significantly enhance the lethal effects of photo-thermo-radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanisms behind such an enhancement by investigating the changes induced in cancer cell viability, proliferation, and morphology as well as monitoring the alteration of some genes which play important role in the process of cell death. Using MTT assay and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the KB cells viability and morphology were assessed after treating with various combinations of NPs, photothermal therapy (PTT), and radiotherapy (RT). Clonogenic assay was used to assess the proliferation ability of treated KB cells. Nanoparticle internalization into the cells was investigated by TEM and inductively coupled plasma (ICP). During the treatment procedures, temperature changes were monitored using an IR-camera. Furthermore, the changes occurred in Bax, BCL2 and HSP70 genes expression level were measured using real-time PCR. The results showed that combination of NP, PTT, and RT caused more cell death compared to PTT or RT alone. Following such a combination therapy, massive cell injury was detected. We also observed an extensive increase in Bax/Bcl2 ratio and HSP70 expression for the KB cells treated by combination therapy procedure. Our results showed that massive cell injury and apoptosis induction are the main reasons of extensive cell death observed in cancer cells when a nanoparticle assisted photo-thermo-radiotherapy procedure is applied. © 2019 Elsevier B.V

In vitro cytotoxicity of folate-silica-gold nanorods on mouse acute lymphoblastic leukemia and spermatogonial cells

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro cytotoxicity of gold nanorods (GNRs) on the viability of spermatogonial cells (SSCs) and mouse acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells (EL4s). Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, SSCs were isolated from the neonate mice, following enzymatic digestion and differential plating. GNRs were synthesized, then modified by silica and finally conjugated with folic acid to form F-Si-GNRs. Different doses of F-Si-GNRs (25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 140 μM) were used on SSCs and EL4s. MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) proliferation assay was performed to examine the GNRs toxicity. Flow cytometry was used to confirm the identity of the EL4s and SSCs. Also, the identity and functionality of SSCs were determined by the expression of specific spermatogonial genes and transplantation into recipient testes. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry using an annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) kit. Results: Flow cytometry showed that SSCs and EL4s were positive for Plzf and H-2kb, respectively. The viability percentage of SSCs and EL4s that were treated with 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 140 μM of F-Si-GNRs was 65.33 ± 3.51, 60 ± 3.6, 51.33 ± 3.51, 49 ± 3, 30.66 ± 2.08 and 16.33 ± 2.51 for SSCs and 57.66 ± 0.57, 54.66 ± 1.5, 39.66 ± 1.52, 12.33 ± 2.51, 10 ± 1 and 5.66 ± 1.15 for EL4s respectively. The results of the MTT assay indicated that 100 μM is the optimal dose to reach the highest and lowest level of cell death in EL4s and in SSCs, respectively. Conclusion: Cell death increased with increasing concentrations of F-Si-GNRs. Following utilization of F-Si-GNRs, there was a significant difference in the extent of apoptosis between cancer cells and SSCs. © 2019 Royan Institute (ACECR). All rights reserved

Multifunctional Theranostic Graphene Oxide Nanoflakes as MR Imaging Agents with Enhanced Photothermal and Radiosensitizing Properties

The integration of multiple therapeutic and diagnostic functions into a single nanoplatform for image-guided cancer therapy has been an emerging trend in nanomedicine. We show here that multifunctional theranostic nanostructures consisting of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) scaffolded within graphene oxide nanoflakes (GO-SPIO-Au NFs) can be used for dual photo/radiotherapy by virtue of the near-infrared (NIR) absorbance of GO for photothermal therapy (PTT) and the Z element radiosensitization of AuNPs for enhanced radiation therapy (RT). At the same time, this nanoplatform can also be detected by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging because of the presence of SPIO NPs. Using a mouse carcinoma model, GO-SPIO-Au NF-mediated combined PTT/RT exhibited a 1.85-fold and 1.44-fold higher therapeutic efficacy compared to either NF-mediated PTT or RT alone, respectively, resulting in a complete eradication of tumors. As a sensitive multifunctional theranostic platform, GO-SPIO-Au NFs appear to be a promising nanomaterial for enhanced cancer imaging and therapy. © 2021 American Chemical Society

Metaphors in Nanomedicine: The Case of Targeted Drug Delivery

International audienceThe promises of nanotechnology have been framed by a variety of metaphors, that not only channel the attention of the public, orient the questions asked by researchers, and convey epistemic choices closely linked to ethical preferences. In particular, the image of the 'therapeutic missile' commonly used to present targeted drug delivery devices emphasizes precision, control, surveillance and efficiency. Such values are highly praised in the current context of crisis of pharmaceutical innovation where military metaphors foster a general mobilization of resources from multiple fields of cutting-edge research. The missile metaphor, reminiscent of Paul Ehrlich's 'magic bullet', has framed the problem in simple terms: how to deliver the right dose in the right place at the right moment? Chemists, physicists and engineers who design multi-functional devices operating in vitro can think in such terms, as long as the devices are not actually operating through the messy environment of the body. A close look at what has been done and what remains to be done suggests that the metaphor of the "therapeutic missile" is neither sufficient, nor even necessary. Recent developments in nanomedicine suggest that therapeutic efficacy cannot be obtained without negotiating with the biological milieu and taking advantage of what it affords. An 'oïkological' approach seems more appropriate, more heuristic and more promising than the popular missile. It is based on the view of organism as an oikos that has to be carefully managed. The dispositions of nanocapsules have to be coupled with the affordances of the environment. As it requires dealing with nanoparticles as relational entities (defined by their potential for interactions) rather than as stable substances (defined by intrinsic properties) this metaphor eventually might well change research priorities in nanotechnology in general