Health and Wellness
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Research that combines aspects of the arts, population health, public health, biomedical, clinical, Indigenous, social and political science has the potential to increase the effectiveness of health care, health promotion and disease prevention in society.
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Item Effects of central vs. peripheral attentional-oculomotor exercise on lexical processing(Sage Publication, 2024-12-18) Kress, Shaylyn; caron, Scott; Neudorf, Josh; Borowsky, Branden; Borowsky, RonPast research from our lab has suggested visual demands in video games serve to exercise attentional-oculomotor (A-O) processing in a manner beneficial to reading. However, testing the effect of video games on reading typically requires long timeframes (e.g., multiweek training or years of accumulated video game experience). The current study manipulated within-experiment peripheral and central demands to evaluate the effects of A-O exercise on task performance. Our study included two tasks: an orthographic lexical decision task (OLDT), designed to optimise orthographic lexical processing, and a novel graphic-based health bar decision task (HBDT). In Experiment 1, the stimuli were presented centrally in one block and peripherally in another block to manipulate A-O exercise. We observed greater improvements in the peripheral-first than the central-first group, particularly for the OLDT. In Experiments 2 and 3, we focused on the OLDT, with the HBDT serving as the A-O exercise task, and observed improvements in both centrally and peripherally trained participants. We additionally observed, through analyses of word and bigram frequency, a double dissociation, whereby increased target word frequency was associated with faster target reaction times and improved error rates, whereas increased foil bigram frequency was associated with slower foil reaction times and worse error rates. Taken together, the experiments demonstrate a mechanism beyond simple task learning that drives reading improvements, and A-O exercise, even if movements are small, appears to play a role in the improvements observed. We suggest future research should further develop this paradigm and examine its utility for reading remediation in dyslexia.Item Towards developing multistrain PEDV vaccines: Integrating basic concepts and SARS-CoV-2 pan-sarbecovirus strategies(Virology, 2025-01) Fragoso-Saavedra, Mario; Liu, QiangPorcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a major pathogen impacting the global pig industry, with outbreaks causing significant financial losses. The genetic variability of PEDV has posed challenges for vaccine development since its identification in the 1970s, a problem that intensified with its global emergence in the 2010s. Since current vaccines provide limited cross-protection against PEDV strains, and the development of multistrain PEDV vaccines remains an underexplored area of research, there is an urgent need for improved vaccine solutions. The rapid development of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines and ongoing pan-sarbecovirus vaccine research, have demonstrated the potential of next-generation vaccine platforms and novel antigen design strategies. These advancements offer valuable insights for the development of multistrain PEDV vaccines. This review summarizes key aspects of PEDV virology and explores multistrain vaccine development considering SARS-CoV-2 vaccine innovations, proposing a framework for developing next-generation PEDV vaccine solutions.Item Sex and psychedelics: A wide-lens look at a burgeoning field(Medical Humanities, 2025-01) Dymock, Alex; Dubus, ZoeIn this article we initiate a conversation between scientific and humanities-oriented studies of sexuality and psychedelics. Drawing on three recent studies which indicate a positive connection between the use of psychedelics and sexual well-being, the article argues that taking account of sexuality as culturally produced, historically contingent and geographically specific would improve the reliability and efficacy of future studies. The need for socially and culturally attuned research grounded in contemporary sexual politics in this area is urgent, as in recent years—despite little reporting of sexuality in clinical research—the psychedelics field has had to grapple with the ethics of the relationship between psychedelic states and sexual interactions in therapeutic spaces and the ‘underground’. There is also scant attention to date paid to the gendered dynamics of sex and sexuality, and how this may impact perceptions of the relationship between psychedelic therapeutic repair versus enhancement. We unpack some of these dilemmas and outline some key concerns and potential priorities for future research into sexuality and psychedelics in a post-#MeToo era.Item Health Sciences and Beyond: An Investigation into Canadian Librarian Participation in Systematic Reviews Across Disciplines(Association of College & Research Libraries, 2025-01) Boden, Catherine; Bolton, Susan; Gerrard, AngieThe aim of this survey was to describe academic librarian roles in systematic reviews (SR) in any discipline, as a follow-up to a previous survey of Canadian academic health sciences librarians. A convenience sample of librarians at Canadian universities who support SRs were invited to complete a survey. Respondents were asked about their roles, training, knowledge, and barriers to providing SR services. Ninety-four librarians responded to the survey. The most common roles were in the literature search; time and training were the most frequently reported barriers. Librarians are supporting reviews in multiple, diverse disciplines, primarily as expert searchers.Item Temporomandibular joint assessment in MRI images using artificial intelligence tools: where are we now? A systematic review(Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, 2025-01) Manek, Mitul; Filipe Bezerra Silva, Diego; de Melo, Daniela Pita; Major, Paul W; Jaremko, Jacob L; T Almeida, FabianaAbstract Objectives To summarize the current evidence on the performance of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc assessment and TMJ internal derangement diagnosis in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. Methods Studies were gathered by searching 5 electronic databases and partial grey literature up to May 27, 2024. Studies in humans using AI algorithms to detect or diagnose internal derangements in MRI images were included. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic of Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) and a proposed checklist for dental AI studies. Results Thirteen studies were included in this systematic review. Most of the studies assessed disc position. One study assessed disc perforation. A high heterogeneity related to the patient selection domain was found between the studies. The studies used a variety of AI approaches and performance metrics with CNN-based models being the most used. A high performance of AI models compared to humans was reported with accuracy ranging from 70% to 99%. Conclusions The integration of AI, particularly deep learning, in TMJ MRI, shows promising results as a diagnostic-assistance tool to segment TMJ structures and classify disc position. Further studies exploring more diverse and multicentre data will improve the validity and generalizability of the models before being implemented in clinical practice.Item Effects of External Pacing Type on the Cross-Education of Motor Skill(Journal of Motor Behavior, 2025-01) Andrushko, Justin W; Zirk, Dakota T; Kurniawan, Aryan R; Renshaw, Doug W; Farthing, Jonathan PCross-education (CE) is a phenomenon whereby motor training of one limb leads to improved performance in the opposite untrained limb. External pacing of a motor task can enhance CE; however, the influence of different pacing methods is poorly understood. This study explored how motor training with auditory (AP) and visual pacing (VP) impacts CE with a visuomotor force target task. Sixty-one participants performed a unimanual motor task. Participants were randomized into a visual (n = 31) or auditory (n = 30) pacing stimuli condition. The primary outcome was cumulative error scores for each hand, before and after visuomotor training. Pacing type did not yield different magnitudes of CE. However, after adjusting for baseline differences, a significant hand (trained vs. untrained) × practice side (dominant or non-dominant) interaction (p = .013, ηp2 = .106) and a group main effect (p = .036, ηp2 = .165) were observed. Visual pacing resulted in greater improvements in task performance compared to auditory pacing regardless of hand or practice side, while training the dominant limb resulting in a greater interlimb asymmetry regardless of pacing stimulus. These findings have implications for applying pacing strategies during rehabilitation from unilateral injury or neurological impairment.Item SV-JIM, detailed pairwise structural variant calling using long-reads and genome assemblies(Methods, 0001) Todd, Clarence; Jin, Lingling; McQuillan, IanThis paper proposes a detailed process for SV calling that permits a data-driven assessment of multiple SV callers that uses both genome assemblies and long-reads. The process is implemented as a software pipeline named Structural Variant − Jaccard Index Measure, or SVJIM, using the Snakemake [20] workflow management system. Like most state-of-the-art SV callers, SV-JIM detects the presence of variations between pairs of genomes, but it streamlines the numerous SV calling stages into a single process for user convenience and evaluates the multiple SV sets produced using the Jaccard index measure to identify those with the highest consistency among the included SV callers. SV-JIM then produces aggregated SV results based on how many callers supported the reported SVs. For validation, SV-JIM was assessed through three case studies on the Homo sapiens genome and two plant genomes – Brassica nigra and Arabidopsis thaliana. Executing SV-JIM identified a significant amount of inter-caller variance which varied by tens of thousands of results on the larger Brassica nigra and Homo sapiens genomes. Further, aggregating the SV sets helped simplify better retention of the less frequently occurring SV types by requiring a level of minimum support rather than from a specific SV caller combination. Finally, these case studies identified a potential for inflated precision reporting that can occur during evaluation. SV-JIM is available publicly under MIT license at https://github.com/USask-BINFO/SV-JIMItem A Critical Comparison of Focused Ethnography and Interpretive Phenomenology in Nursing Research(Global Qualitative Nursing Research, 2024-03) Opara, Uchechi; Petrucka, PammlaChoosing an appropriate qualitative methodology in nursing research is a researcher’s first step before beginning a study. Such a step is critical as the selected qualitative methodology should be congruent with the research questions, study assumptions, data gathering and analysis to promote the utility of such research in enhancing nursing knowledge. In this paper, we compare focused ethnography by Roper and Shapira and interpretive phenomenology by Benner. Though these methodologies are naturalistic and appear similar, both have different methodological underpinnings. The historical, ontological, epistemological, and axiological philosophy guiding each methodology are described. In addition, the methodological underpinnings of both methodologies and a justification for use in nursing research are provided. This paper will assist future researchers who aim to employ these methodologies in nursing research.Item A comparative analysis and evaluation of PEN-3 cultural model and Leininger’s theory(International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 2024-06) Opara, Uchechi; Bassendowski, S; Petrucka, PammlaUsing a theoretical framework in nursing research is vital to promote understanding of a theory, its major concepts, and the relationship between concepts in research. We propose to conduct a study focusing on “Women’s Experiences of Cultural Beliefs and Practices that Influence Their Use of Maternal Health Services in Nigeria.” The PEN-3 cultural model, a non-nursing theory that exhibits the characteristics of mid-range nursing theories, will be used as a theoretical framework. As a nursing research, Leininger’s Culture Care Diversity and Universality Theory also known as Culture Care Theory would have been best suited for the proposed research. However, as a grand theory, the Culture Care Theory has limited applicability in the proposed study due to its abstraction and complexity. A critical analysis and evaluation of both theories were conducted to enhance a deep understanding of the PEN-3 cultural model and the Culture Care Theory in supporting the proposed research. This critical evaluation is vital, especially for potential users of the PEN-3 cultural model, to understand the model’s potential usefulness in guiding nursing research and explaining nursing situations.Item Facilitating and limiting factors of cultural norms influencing use of maternal health services in primary health care facilities in Kogi State, Nigeria; a focused ethnographic research on Igala women(BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2024-08) Opara, Uchechi; Iheanacho, Peace Njideka; Petrucka, PammlaBackground Facilitating factors are potential factors that encourage the uptake of maternal health services, while limiting factors are those potential factors that limit women’s access to maternal health services. Though cultural norms or values are significant factors that influence health-seeking behaviour, there is a limited exploration of the facilitating and limiting factors of these cultural norms and values on the use of maternal health services in primary health care facilities. Aim To understand the facilitating and limiting factors of cultural values and norms that influence the use of maternal health services in primary healthcare facilities. Methods The study was conducted in two primary healthcare facilities (rural and urban) using a focused ethnographic methodology described by Roper and Shapira. The study comprised 189 hours of observation of nine women from the third trimester to deliveries. Using purposive and snowballing techniques, data was collected through 21 in-depth interviews, two focus group discussions comprising 13 women, and field notes. All data was analyzed using the steps described by Roper and Shapira (Ethnography in nursing research, 2000). Results Using the enabler and nurturer constructs of the relationships and the expectations domain of the PEN-3 cultural model, four themes were generated: 1, The attitude of healthcare workers and 2, Factors within primary healthcare facilities, which revealed both facilitating and limiting factors. The remaining themes, 3, The High cost of services, and 4, Contextual issues within communities revealed factors that limit access to facility care. Conclusion Several facilitating and limiting factors of cultural norms and values significantly influence women’s health-seeking behaviours and use of primary health facilities. Further studies are needed on approaches to harness these factors in providing holistic care tailored to communities' cultural needs. Additionally, reinvigoration and strengthening of primary health facilities in Nigeria is critical to promoting comprehensive care that could reduce maternal mortality and enhance maternal health outcomes.Item Visible and invisible cultural patterns influencing women’s use of maternal health services among Igala women in Nigeria: a focused ethnographic study(BMC Public Health, 2025-01) Opara, Uchechi; Iheanacho, Peace Njideka; Petrucka, PammlaBackground Explicit and implicit cultural patterns are critical cultural norms, beliefs, and practices that determine women’s health-seeking behaviour. These cultural patterns could limit women’s use of maternal health services, resulting in maternal health complications. The study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of explicit and implicit cultural patterns, their meanings and how they influence women’s use of maternal health services among Igala women in Nigeria. Methods Roper and Shapira’s (2000) focused ethnography was employed with 43 women aged 18–43 years recruited using the purposive and snowballing technique. The study was conducted with 21 women for one-on-one interviews and two focus group discussions with six women in the rural area and seven women in the urban area. In addition, participant observation of nine women from the third trimester to birth was conducted, yielding 189 h of observation in two primary healthcare facilities in rural and urban areas. Data analysis was conducted using Roper and Shapira’s (2000) method. Result Three themes were generated using the PEN3 cultural model: perceptions, enabler, and nurturers. Subthemes generated under the theme of perception were, Belief in witchcraft, Pregnancy announces itself, I cannot tell people I am in labour, and Unspoken acquiescence to the culture. Under the theme of nurturer, Home birth was found to limit access to maternal health services. The theme of enabler yielded subthemes such as You are not woman enough; I want my placenta and Rising matriarchs. Conclusion Implicit and explicit cultural patterns significantly influence women’s use of maternal health services. Given the complexity of culture and its influence on women’s use of maternal health services, multifaceted strategies tailored to the cultural needs of communities are needed to enhance the realization of Sustainable Development Goal #3:1 in Nigeria.Item A Parallel Process of Staff–Family Distress in Long-Term Care: A Challenge to Collaboration(SAGE Open Nursing, 2024-12) Serrano, Diandra; Sussman, Tamara; Kaasalainen, Sharon; Wickson-Griffiths, Abigail; Thompson, Genevieve; Hunter, Paulette V.; MacIntosh, Health B.; Brazil, KevinIntroduction Supporting persons living with advanced dementia in long-term care (LTC) homes requires strong collaborative partnerships between staff, family members, and residents. Yet, relational tensions—such as differing expectations around care decisions—can inhibit the implementation of collaborative partnerships at this critical point in the trajectory of care. Objective This study aims to explore the emotional experiences of families and staff during shared decision-making processes for individuals with advanced dementia in LTC. Method Guided by interpretative description, this qualitative study investigated the experiences of staff (n = 12) and families (n = 16) collaborating in two Canadian LTC homes. Data was collected through semistructured interviews lasting 45–60 min, which facilitated a detailed exploration of participants’ narratives. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis facilitated by a combination of inductive and deductive approaches. Results Our analysis revealed a complex parallel process of trauma and grief including accumulated distress, isolation, and feelings of devalue that worked together to create distance between staff and families at a time when connection was critical. Our findings further suggested that a lack of time and space for reflection and validation for staff and family, resulted in a cycle whereby staff and families engaged in a push and pull dynamic with each viewing the other as adversaries rather than allies. Conclusion Our findings highlight the critical need for reflexive opportunities in LTC homes to overcome and attend to the emotional barriers that interfere with true collaboration between staff and families. We hope that the proposed cycle serves as a preliminary framework to support staff in navigating difficult conversations and emotions, and fosters reflexive care that enhances, rather than obstructs, connections.Item Cultural and religious structures influencing the use of maternal health services in Nigeria: a focused ethnographic research(Reproductive Health, 2024-12) Opara, Uchechi Clara; Iheanacho, Peace Njideka; Petrucka, PammlaBackground Cultural and religious structures encompass a set pattern of values, beliefs, systems and practices that define a community's behaviour and identity. These structures influence women's health-seeking behaviour and access to maternal health services, predisposing women to preventable maternal health complications. However, most maternal health policies have focused on biomedical strategies, with limited attention to women’s cultural challenges around childbirth. The overall aim of this paper is to provide a thick description and understanding of cultural and religious structures in Nigeria, their meaning and how they influence women’s use of maternal health services. Methods Roper and Shapira’s (2000) focused ethnography comprising 189 h of observation of nine women from the third trimester to deliveries. Using purposive and snowballing techniques, 21 in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions comprising 13 women, were conducted in two Nigerian primary healthcare facilities in rural and urban area of Kogi State. Data was analyzed using the steps described by Roper and Shapira. Results Using the PEN-3 cultural model, nine themes were generated. Positive factor, such as the language of communication, existential factor, such as religion, and negative factors, such as the use of prayer houses and lack of women’s autonomy, were either positive or negative enablers influencing women’s use of maternal health services. Additionally, women's perceptions, such as their dependency on God and reliance on cultural norms were significant factors that influence the use of maternal health services. We also found that the use of herbal medicine was a negative enabler of women’s access to facility care. At the same time, family support was also a positive and a negative nurturer that could influence how women use facility care. Finally, factors such as religion, Ibegwu, and male child syndrome were negative nurturers influencing women’s contraceptive use. Conclusion Cultural and religious structures are significant factors that could promote or limit women’s use of maternal health services. Further studies are needed to understand culturally focused approaches to enhance women’s use of maternal health services in Nigeria.Item Unpacking the Mood States of Children and Youth in Saskatchewan, Canada, in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights from the “See Us, Hear Us 2.0” Study(Children, 2025-01-10) Shakurun, Nahin; Hinz, Tamara; Adeyinka, Daniel Adedayo; Muhajarine, NazeemBackground/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic created a growing need for insights into the mental health of children and youth and their use of coping mechanisms during this period. We assessed mood symptoms and related factors among children and youth in Saskatchewan. We examined if coping abilities mediated the relationship between risk factors and mood states. Methods: “See Us, Hear Us 2.0”, a cross-sectional study of 563 child–parent dyads, provided the data. The dependent variable, current mood state, was measured by the CoRonavIruS health Impact Survey (CRISIS) scale. Independent variables included sociodemographics, behaviors, household conditions, and coping ability. Multiple linear regression and mediation analyses were conducted, ensuring sample representativeness with sampling weights and addressing missing data through multiple imputations. Results: The participants reported mood symptoms (“moderate” to “extreme”) ranging from 23% to 38% on the CRISIS scale. Factors such as older children, hybrid learning, disrupted activities, and increased screen time worsened moods. The ethnic minority groups (BIPOC) living in mid-sized cities/towns experienced more negative moods compared to Whites residing in cities. Coping ability mediated the relationship between extracurricular activities and mood states. Conclusions: Our results underscore the importance of tailored interventions, recognizing the diverse needs of specific age groups, gender identities, and ethnicities and addressing the adverse effects of the pandemic- related disruptions on the mental health and well-being of school children in Saskatchewan. Our study also suggests prioritizing the diverse needs of children and youth during the planning and implementation of mental health services in the province.Item Bioinspired complex cellulose nanorod-architectures: A model for dual-responsive smart carriers(Elsevier, 2024-12-17) Heidari Nia, Marzieh ; Garzia, Livia; Jawhar, Wajih; Wilson, Lee; van de Ven, TheoThe synergy between nanomaterials as solid supports and supramolecular concepts has resulted in nanomaterials with hierarchical structure and enhanced functionality. Herein, we developed and investigated innovative supramolecular functionalities arising from the synergy between organic moieties and the preexisting nanoscale soft material backbones. Based on these complex molecular nano-architectures, a new nanorod carbohydrate polymer carrier was designed with bifunctional hairy nanocellulose (BHNC) to reveal dual-responsive advanced drug delivery (ADD). This carrier scavenges K+-ions within cancer cells, while simultaneously releasing doxorubicin, combining ion homeostasis disruption with targeted drug delivery. The BC ADD system resulted from cross-linking dibenzo-18-crown-6-ether (DB18C6) with BHNC particles. To enhance cellular internalization and facilitate tracking of uptake, the cellulose nanorod carrier was labeled with biotin and fluorescein isothiocyanate, referred to as BCFB. The BHNC serves as the backbone, while the immobilized DB18C6 moieties can capture doxorubicin via complex formation. The BCFB complex molecular nanorod carriers exhibit distinct ADD profiles with pH and K+-responsiveness. They were evaluated as biocompatible carriers for ADD in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, including quantification of nanoparticle uptake and flow cytometry with KHOS cells. These cellulose-based carriers possess unique structure and properties with potential utility as phase transfer catalysts and as adsorbents for diverse waterborne contaminants.Item Effect of modified intravascular laser irradiation of blood in the oral and systemic conditions during dental treatment—A systematic review(Lasers in Medical Science, 2024-12-20) Oliveira, Maria Clara; Filipe Bezerra Silva, Diego; Andrade, Allany; Pita de Melo, Daniela; de Sousa, Ygor Alexandre Beserra; da Silva, Luís Otávio Pereira; Gomes, DalianaThe aim of this study was to investigate the scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of modified-ILIB (intravascular laser irradiation of blood) in the control of systemic conditions and/or oral changes during dental care. This systematic literature review study aimed to answer the question, "Is modified-ILIB an effective adjuvant therapy in the control of systemic conditions and/or oral changes in children and adults during dental treatment?". The protocol for this systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO database under number CRD42023493800. The search was carried out in the PubMed, Web of Science, LILACS, SCOPUS and EMBASE databases on June 10, 2024. Google Scholar was used as a search source for gray literature. Randomized clinical trials were included, without restrictions on language or year of publication. The RoB 2.0 tool was used to assess the risk of bias and GRADE was used to check the quality of the evidence. A total of 750 articles were retrieved and five studies were selected for this review. All studies were in English and were carried out in Brazil. The outcomes were periodontal parameters and glycemic control in patients with periodontitis and type II diabetes, anxiety control in pediatric dentistry, postoperative pain after third molar extraction and improving taste in post-COVID-19 patients. The majority of studies had a low risk of bias, while only one study was considered to have some concerns. The quality of evidence from the studies was considered very low. The current evidence does not overwhelmingly support the effectiveness of modified-ILIB in controlling oral and/or systemic conditions in dentistry.Item Tyrosine Hydroxylase–Positive Nucleus Accumbens Neurons Influence Delay Discounting in a Mouse T-Maze Task(eNeuro, 2024-12) Appings, Ryan; Botterill, Justin J; Zhao, Mudi; Riaz, Sadia; Kanani, Asa; Violi, Francesca; Steininger Jr., Carl Frank David; Ito, Rutsuko; Arruda-Carvalho, MaitheDelay discounting (DD) is a phenomenon where individuals devalue a reward associated with a temporal delay, with the rate of devaluation being representative of impulsive-like behavior. Here, we first sought to develop and validate a mouse DD task to study brain circuits involved in DD decision-making within short developmental time windows, given widespread evidence of developmental regulation of impulse control and risk-taking. We optimized a T-maze DD task for mice that enables training and DD trials within 2 weeks. Mice learned to choose between a large and a small reward located at opposite arms of a T-maze. Once training criteria were met, mice underwent DD whereby the large reward choice was associated with a temporal delay. Task validation showed that adolescent C57BL/6J mice display an increased preference for the small reward upon a temporal delay, confirming increased impulsivity compared with adults. We next used this DD task to explore the neural basis of decision-making. We used tyrosine hydroxylase transgenic mice (TH-Cre) to target TH-positive neurons in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) with Cre-dependent excitatory or inhibitory designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs). Inhibition of transduced neurons in the NAc decreased preference for the small but immediate reward during DD. Inhibition of TH-positive neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) did not affect impulsive choice in this DD task. These results uncover a novel role for NAc TH-positive neurons in DD behavior and expand the repertoire of behavioral tasks available for studying decision-making across the lifespan.Item Cancer Cell’s Achilles Heels: Considerations for Design of Anti-Cancer Drug Combinations(International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024-12) Gahramanov, Valid; Vizeacoumar, Frederick Sagayaraj; Morales, Alain Morejon; Bonham, Keith; Sakharkar, Meena K.; Kumar, Santosh; Vizeacoumar, Franco; Freywald, Andrew; Sherman, MichaelLoss of function screens using shRNA (short hairpin RNA) and CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) are routinely used to identify genes that modulate responses of tumor cells to anti-cancer drugs. Here, by integrating GSEA (Gene Set Enrichment Analysis) and CMAP (Connectivity Map) analyses of multiple published shRNA screens, we identified a core set of pathways that affect responses to multiple drugs with diverse mechanisms of action. This suggests that these pathways represent “weak points” or “Achilles heels”, whose mild disturbance should make cancer cells vulnerable to a variety of treatments. These “weak points” include proteasome, protein synthesis, RNA splicing, RNA synthesis, cell cycle, Akt-mTOR, and tight junction-related pathways. Therefore, inhibitors of these pathways are expected to sensitize cancer cells to a variety of drugs. This hypothesis was tested by analyzing the diversity of drugs that synergize with FDA-approved inhibitors of the proteasome, RNA synthesis, and Akt-mTOR pathways. Indeed, the quantitative evaluation indicates that inhibitors of any of these signaling pathways can synergize with a more diverse set of pharmaceuticals, compared to compounds inhibiting targets distinct from the “weak points” pathways. Our findings described here imply that inhibitors of the “weak points” pathways should be considered as primary candidates in a search for synergistic drug combinations.Item ALF–Score—A novel approach to build a predictive network–based walkability scoring system(PLoS One, 2022) S. Alfosool, Ali M.; Chen, Yuanzhu; Fuller, DanielWalkability is a term that describes various aspects of the built and social environment and has been associated with physical activity and public health. Walkability is subjective and although multiple definitions of walkability exist, there is no single agreed upon definition. Road networks are integral parts of mobility and should be an important part of walkability. However, using the road structure as nodes is not widely discussed in existing methods. Most walkability measures only provide area–based scores with low spatial resolution, have a one–size–fits–all approach, and do not consider individuals opinion. Active Living Feature Score (ALF–Score) is a network–based walkability measure that incorporates road network structures as a core component. It also utilizes user opinion to build a high–confidence ground–truth that is used in our machine learning pipeline to generate models capable of estimating walkability. We found combination of network features with road embedding and points of interest features creates a complimentary feature set enabling us to train our models with an accuracy of over 87% while maintaining a conversion consistency of over 98%. Our proposed approach outperforms existing measures by introducing a novel method to estimate walkability scores that are representative of users opinion with a high spatial resolution, for any point on the road.Item Predicting lying, sitting and walking at different intensities using smartphone accelerometers at three different wear locations: hands, pant pockets, backpack(BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 2022-04) Khataeipour, Seyed Javad; Anaraki, Javad Rahimipour; Bozorgi, Arastoo; Rayner, Machal; Basset, Fabien A; Fuller, DanielObjective This study uses machine learning (ML) to develop methods for estimating activity type/intensity using smartphones, to evaluate the accuracy of these models for classifying activity, and to evaluate differences in accuracy between three different wear locations. Method Forty-eight participants were recruited to complete a series of activities while carrying Samsung phones in three different locations: backpack, right hand and right pocket. They were asked to sit, lie down, walk and run three Metabolic Equivalent Task (METs), five METs and at seven METs. Raw accelerometer data were collected. We used the R, activity counts package, to calculate activity counts and generated new features based on the raw accelerometer data. We evaluated and compared several ML algorithms; Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine, Naïve Bayes, Decision Tree, Linear Discriminant Analysis and k-Nearest Neighbours using the caret package (V.6.0–86). Using the combination of the raw accelerometer data and the computed features leads to high model accuracy. Results Using raw accelerometer data, RF models achieved an accuracy of 92.90% for the right pocket location, 89% for the right hand location and 90.8% for the backpack location. Using activity counts, RF models achieved an accuracy of 51.4% for the right pocket location, 48.5% for the right hand location and 52.1% for the backpack location. Conclusion Our results suggest that using smartphones to measure physical activity is accurate for estimating activity type/intensity and ML methods, such as RF with feature engineering techniques can accurately classify physical activity intensity levels in laboratory settings.