Search

BACKGROUND Student mental health is an increasing concern among college student populations. OBJECTIVE To determine if college students could better self-manage their anxiety, stress, and depression symptomology by using automated mHealth to support health coaching for managing mental health. METHODS Students were provided with a mobile health self-management app called mHELP. The intervention group students had on-demand access to interactive mental health management tools on the app and completed weekly self-assessments of anxiety (GAD-7), perceived stress (PSS-10), and depression (PHQ-8) with immediate feedback of self-reported measurements during the first phase (five weeks) of the study. During the second five-week phase, students were additionally provided daily educational material in the form of videos, brochures, and articles related to the self-management of mental health issues. The educational material was developed in collaboration with the university’s Counseling and Psychological Services Department. Weekly self-reported measures of anxiety, perceived stress, and depression were compared in a pre-post analysis for each of the two phases as well as an analysis of variance of the changes in the outcome values for each phase to check for significance (within- and between-group). The control group did not receive or have access to any digital health coaching information from the mHELP app, but they did complete weekly assessments of self-reported measures of anxiety, perceived stress, and depression with immediate feedback on the results. RESULTS A total of 87 participants, 72.4% assigned randomly to the intervention group, completed the study with a mean age of 22.1 years (SD = 4.35, Range: 18-37). No significant improvements in outcomes over time were noted for the intervention group during the first phase of the study; however, during the second phase of the study, significant improvements were noted for anxiety (p = .002, d = .428) and perceived stress (p = .033, d = .306) over time. Over the duration of both phases of the study, the control and intervention groups both showed improvements in mean GAD-7, PSS-10 and PHQ-8 scores. The intervention group exhibited a statistically significant improvement in mean GAD-7 (M = 3.143, SE = 0.638, p < .001, d = .621), PSS-10 (M = 3.476, SE = 0.968, p = .001, d = .452) and PHQ-8 (M = 1.619, SE = 0.648, p = .041, d = .315). The control group only exhibited a statistically significant improvement in their GAD-7 score (M = 3.167, SE = 1.251, p = .019, d = .517). An ANOVA of the differences in improvements between groups did not find a significant effect of the mHELP intervention for GAD-7, PSS-10 or PHQ-8 scores. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that using mHealth to support health coaching may assist in the self-management of anxiety and stress among college students, while a self-measurement routine may also provide benefits for improving anxiety over time, perhaps due to improved self-awareness of mental health conditions.

BACKGROUND With 425 million individuals globally living with diabetes, it is critical to support the self-management of this life-threatening condition. However, adherence and engagement with existing technologies are inadequate and need further research. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to develop an integrated belief model that helps identify the significant constructs in predicting intention to use a diabetes self-management device for the detection of hypoglycemia. METHODS Adults with type 1 diabetes living in the United States were recruited through Qualtrics to take a web-based questionnaire that assessed their preferences for a device that monitors their tremors and alerts them of the onset of hypoglycemia. As part of this questionnaire, a section focused on eliciting their response to behavioral constructs from the Health Belief Model, Technology Acceptance Model, and others. RESULTS A total of 212 eligible participants responded to the Qualtrics survey. Intention to use a device for the self-management of diabetes was well predicted (R2=0.65; F12,199=27.19; Pperceived usefulness (β=.33; Pperceived health threat (β=.55; Pcues to action (β=.17; Presistance to change (β=−.19; PPperceived health threat. CONCLUSIONS For individuals to use such a device, they need to perceive it as useful, perceive diabetes as life-threatening, regularly remember to perform actions to manage their condition, and exhibit less resistance to change. The model predicted the intention to use a diabetes self-management device as well, with several constructs found to be significant. This mental modeling approach can be complemented in future work by field-testing with physical prototype devices and assessing their interaction with the device longitudinally.

BACKGROUND Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide and is steadily increasing. A serious condition associated with diabetes is low glucose levels (hypoglycemia). Monitoring blood glucose is usually performed by invasive methods or intrusive devices, and these devices are currently not available to all patients with diabetes. Hand tremor is a significant symptom of hypoglycemia, as nerves and muscles are powered by blood sugar. However, to our knowledge, no validated tools or algorithms exist to monitor and detect hypoglycemic events via hand tremors. OBJECTIVE In this paper, we propose a noninvasive method to detect hypoglycemic events based on hand tremors using accelerometer data. METHODS We analyzed triaxial accelerometer data from a smart watch recorded from 33 patients with type 1 diabetes for 1 month. Time and frequency domain features were extracted from acceleration signals to explore different machine learning models to classify and differentiate between hypoglycemic and nonhypoglycemic states. RESULTS The mean duration of the hypoglycemic state was 27.31 (SD 5.15) minutes per day for each patient. On average, patients had 1.06 (SD 0.77) hypoglycemic events per day. The ensemble learning model based on random forest, support vector machines, and k-nearest neighbors had the best performance, with a precision of 81.5% and a recall of 78.6%. The results were validated using continuous glucose monitor readings as ground truth. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the proposed approach can be a potential tool to detect hypoglycemia and can serve as a proactive, nonintrusive alert mechanism for hypoglycemic events.

In this paper we revisit the family of algebroid space curves defined by Moh and find an explicit minimal generating set for the defining ideal.

Bresinsky defined a class of monomial curves in A 4 with the property that the minimal number of generators or the first Betti number of the defining ideal is unbounded above. We prove that the same behaviour of unboundedness is true for all the Betti numbers and construct an explicit minimal free resolution for this class. We also propose a general construction of such curves in arbitrary embedding dimension.

BACKGROUND Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels, in people with diabetes can be a serious life-threatening condition, and serious outcomes can be avoided if low levels of blood sugar are proactively detected. Although technologies exist to detect the onset of hypoglycemia, they are invasive or costly or exhibit a high incidence of false alarms. Tremors are commonly reported symptoms of hypoglycemia and may be used to detect hypoglycemic events, yet their onset is not well researched or understood. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to understand diabetic patients’ perceptions of hypoglycemic tremors, as well as their user experiences with technology to manage diabetes, and expectations from a self-management tool to ultimately inform the design of a noninvasive and cost-effective technology that detects tremors associated with hypoglycemia. METHODS A cross-sectional internet panel survey was administered to adult patients with type 1 diabetes using the Qualtrics platform in May 2019. The questions focused on 3 main constructs: (1) perceived experiences of hypoglycemia, (2) experiences and expectations about a diabetes management device and mobile app, and (3) beliefs and attitudes regarding intention to use a diabetes management device. The analysis in this paper focuses on the first two constructs. Nonparametric tests were used to analyze the Likert scale data, with a Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Games-Howell post hoc test as applicable, for subgroup comparisons to highlight differences in perceived frequency, severity, and noticeability of hypoglycemic tremors across age, gender, years living with diabetes, and physical activity. RESULTS Data from 212 respondents (129 [60.8%] females) revealed statistically significant differences in perceived noticeability of tremors by gender, whereby males noticed their tremors more (PP CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the need for cost-efficient and noninvasive continuous monitoring technologies. Although hypoglycemic tremors were perceived to occur frequently, such tremors were not found to be severe compared with other symptoms such as sweating, which was the highest rated symptom in our study. Using a combination of tremor and galvanic skin response sensors may show promise in detecting the onset of hypoglycemic events.

BACKGROUND Advances in technology engender the investigation of technological solutions to opioid use disorder (OUD). However, in comparison to chronic disease management, the application of mobile health (mHealth) to OUD has been limited. OBJECTIVE The overarching aim of our research was to design OUD management technologies that utilize wearable sensors to provide continuous monitoring capabilities. The objectives of this study were to (1) document the currently available opioid-related mHealth apps, (2) review past and existing technology solutions that address OUD, and (3) discuss opportunities for technological withdrawal management solutions. METHODS We used a two-phase parallel search approach: (1) an app search to determine the availability of opioid-related mHealth apps and (2) a scoping review of relevant literature to identify relevant technologies and mHealth apps used to address OUD. RESULTS The app search revealed a steady rise in app development, with most apps being clinician-facing. Most of the apps were designed to aid in opioid dose conversion. Despite the availability of these apps, the scoping review found no study that investigated the efficacy of mHealth apps to address OUD. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight a general gap in technological solutions of OUD management and the potential for mHealth apps and wearable sensors to address OUD.

We introduce the notion of numerical semigroups generated by concatenation of arithmetic sequences and show that this class of numerical semigroups exhibit multiple interesting behaviors.

Bresinsky defined a class of monomial curves in [Formula: see text] with the property that the minimal number of generators or the first Betti number of the defining ideal is unbounded above. We prove that the same behavior of unboundedness is true for all the Betti numbers and construct an explicit minimal free resolution for the defining ideal of this class of curves.

We developed a recombinant form of human annexin VI called annexin VI-601 (M(r) 76,224) with the N-terminal extension of Ala-Gly-Gly-Cys-Gly-His to allow ready attachment of fluorescent or radioactive labels. The protein was produced by expression in E. coli and was purified by calcium-dependent membrane binding, anion-exchange chromatography, and heparin-Sepharose affinity chromatography. The protein could be readily labeled with iodoacetamidofluorescein and with (99m)Tc. The protein bound with high affinity to PS-containing phospholipid vesicles and to erythrocytes with exposed phosphatidylserine. Fluorescent annexin VI-601 readily detected apoptosis of Jurkat cells by flow cytometry at much lower calcium concentrations than those required for equivalent detection by annexin V. In vivo administration of radiolabeled protein showed that blood clearance was much slower than annexin V. In conclusion, annexin VI may have advantages over annexin V in certain situations for both in vitro and in vivo detection of apoptosis and therapeutic targeting of PS due to its lower calcium requirement for membrane binding and its higher molecular weight.

Bacterial glutamine synthetases (GSs) are complex dodecameric oligomers that play a critical role in nitrogen metabolism, converting ammonia and glutamate to glutamine. Recently published reports suggest that GS from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTb) may be a therapeutic target (Harth, G., and Horwitz, M. A. (2003) Infect. Immun. 71, 456-464). In some bacteria, GS is regulated via adenylylation of some or all of the subunits within the aggregate; catalytic activity is inversely proportional to the extent of adenylylation. The adenylylation and deadenylylation of GS are catalyzed by adenylyl transferase (ATase). Here, we demonstrate via electrospray ionization mass spectrometry that GS from pathogenic M. tuberculosis is adenylylated by the Escherichia coli ATase. The adenylyl group can be hydrolyzed by snake venom phosphodiesterase to afford the unmodified enzyme. The site of adenylylation of MTb GS by the E. coli ATase is Tyr-406, as indicated by the lack of adenylylation of the Y406F mutant, and, as expected, is based on amino acid sequence alignments. Using electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy methodology, we found that GS is not adenylylated when obtained directly from MTb cultures that are not supplemented with glutamine. Under these conditions, the highly related but non-pathogenic Mycobacterium bovis BCG yields partially ( approximately 25%) adenylylated enzyme. Upon the addition of glutamine to the cultures, the MTb GS becomes significantly adenylylated ( approximately 30%), whereas the adenylylation of M. bovis BCG GS does not change. Collectively, the results demonstrate that MTb GS is a substrate for E. coli ATase, but only low adenylylation states are accessible. This parallels the low adenylylation states observed for GS from mycobacteria and suggests the intriguing possibility that adenylylation in the pathogenic versus non-pathogenic mycobacteria is differentially regulated.

We report a simple method for extending DNA on atomically flat conductive graphite and gold surfaces employing molecular combing and using either coordinating ions on graphite or self-assembled molecular monolayers on gold. Extended DNA molecules on conductive surfaces can be used as platforms for building nanoscale electronic devices or used for direct electronic sequencing.

Appropriate regulation of mRNA translation is essential for growth and survival and the pathways that regulate mRNA translation have been highly conserved throughout eukaryotic evolution. Translation is controlled by a complex set of mechanisms acting at multiple levels, ranging from global protein synthesis to individual mRNAs. Recently, several mutations that perturb regulation of mRNA translation have also been found to increase longevity in three model organisms: the buddingyeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Many of these translation control factors can be mapped to a single pathway downstream of the nutrient responsive target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase. In this chapter, we will review the data suggesting that mRNA translation is an evolutionarily conserved modifier of longevity and discuss potential mechanisms by which mRNA translation could influence aging and age-associated disease in different species.

Appropriate regulation of mRNA translation is essential for growth and survival and the pathways that regulate mRNA translation have been highly conserved throughout eukaryotic evolution. Translation is controlled by a complex set of mechanisms acting at multiple levels, ranging from global protein synthesis to individual mRNAs. Recently, several mutations that perturb regulation of mRNA translation have also been found to increase longevity in three model organisms: the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Many of these translation control factors can be mapped to a single pathway downstream of the nutrient responsive target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase. In this chapter, we will review the data suggesting that mRNA translation is an evolutionarily conserved modifier of longevity and discuss potential mechanisms by which mRNA translation could influence aging and age-associated disease in different species.

Anti-Aging Several human neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's, are caused by aberrant protein aggregation. These disorders typically develop after the fifth decade of life, suggesting a connection with the aging process. In a number of different species, life span can be extended by dietary restriction and reduced insulin and insulin-like growth factor–1 (IGF-1) signaling. These pathways can also decrease toxic protein aggregation, mechanistically linking aging with proteotoxic diseases. While searching for regulators of proteotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans , Mehta et al. (p. 1196 , published online 16 April) found that reduction of the von Hippel–Lindau tumor suppressor homolog VHL-1 significantly increased life span and enhanced resistance to proteotoxicity. VHL-1 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that negatively regulates the hypoxic response, and animals grown under hypoxic conditions lived longer. This alternative longevity pathway was distinct from both dietary restriction and insulin/IGF-1–like signaling.

We present a nanoscale biomolecule sensor for use in immune system monitoring in astronauts on long space flights in conditions of microgravity. Silicon nanowire based sensors were fabricated in single crystal Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) wafers and have a footprint of approximately 1 μm. The versatile sensing transduction mechanism, through functionalization of the nanowire surface, allows for sensor adaptation to many relevant biomolecular targets. The ability to directly read out sensor data electronically eliminates the need for large optical analysis equipment necessary in traditional biomolecule sensing devices. Despite the fact that the sensors were found to have excellent transistor characteristics and promising results have been previously reported, much work remains in making the sensors behave in a more reliable and reproducible fashion necessary for critical tasks such as health monitoring.

This article reports on the state-of-the-art technologies that sequence DNA using miniaturized devices. The article considers the miniaturization of existing technologies for sequencing DNA and the opportunities for cost reduction that 'on-chip' devices can deliver. The ability to construct nano-scale structures and perform measurements using novel nano-scale effects has provided new opportunities to identify nucleotides directly using physical, and not chemical, methods. The challenges that these technologies need to overcome to provide a US$1000-genome sequencing technology are also presented.

We present the fabrication and characterization of a nano-scale sensor made of amorphous silicon for the label-free, electronic detection of three classes of biologically important molecules: ions, oligonucleotides, and proteins. The sensor structure has an active element which is a 50 nm wide amorphous silicon semicircle and has a total footprint of less than 4 microm2. We demonstrate the functionalization of the sensor with receptor molecules and the electronic detection of three targets: H(+) ions, short single-stranded DNAs, and streptavidin. The sensor is able to reliably distinguish single base-pair mismatches in 12 base long strands of DNA and monitor the introduction and identification of straptavidin in real-time. The versatile sensor structure can be readily functionalized with a wide range of receptor molecules and is suitable for integration with high-speed electronic circuits as a post-process on an integrated circuit chip.

Glutathione (gamma-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine; GSH) is ubiquitous biological tripeptide with multiple functions and possible therapeutic uses. The oxidized disulfide form (GSSG) self-assembles into fibrillar aggregates and gels in organic solvents, but not in solvent mixtures with high water content. Here, the disulfide bond has been replaced with a pyrenyl moiety in order to test the ability of GSH to direct noncovalent self-assembly in H2O, when combined with a hydrophobic driving force for aggregation. The resulting GSH-pyrene forms gels in 95% H2O:5% DMSO. The gamma-glutamyl group is critical for gelation, as it is with GSSG organo-gels, inasmuch as neither S-(pyrenyl)-cysteinyl-glycine nor the iodo-acetamido-pyrene precursor gels under any conditions studied. Circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy indicate that the pyrene moieties cluster within the gels. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy reveal fibrous networks with individual strands of approximately 50-100 nm diameter. Saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR studies demonstrate that water interacts strongly with GSH-borne protons in both solution and gel states, but only the gels include water-pyrenyl interactions with significant residence times.

The thermal denaturation of ribonuclease A has been studied by differential scanning calorimetry in the presence of 4-chlorobutan-1-ol. The thermal transitions were observed to be reversible at pH 5.5 in the presence of low concentration (up to 50 mM) of the alcohol, irreversible in the intermediate (50 mM, © Elsevier

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are heterogeneous complexes of proteins and lipids that mediate cholesterol removal from the body. Our thermal and chemical denaturation studies of mature spherical HDL isolated from human plasma show that, contrary to the widely held assumption, the particle stability has a kinetic rather than thermodynamic origin. Guanidinum hydrochloride (GdmHCl) concentration jumps at 25 degrees C monitored by circular dichroism (CD) at 222 nm reveal two dominant irreversible kinetic phases in HDL denaturation. The slower phase (relaxation time tau(1) approximately 2 x 10(4) seconds) is observed in 1-6 M GdmHCl, and the faster phase (tau(2) approximately 2 x 10(3) seconds) is detected in 3-6 M GdmHCl. Comparison of the free energy barriers associated with these phases, deltaG* = 16-17 kcal mol(-1), with the near-zero apparent thermodynamic stability inferred from the spectroscopic measurements after prolonged incubation in 0-6 M GdmHCl at 22 degrees C indicates the kinetic origin for HDL stabilization. Electron microscopic analysis of HDL incubated in 0-6 M GdmHCl suggests that the slower kinetic phase involves HDL fusion, while the faster phase involves particle rupture and release of the apolar lipid core. Thermal denaturation experiments indicate high enthalpic barriers for the particle rupture that may arise from the transient disruption of lipid and/or protein packing interactions. These results corroborate our earlier analysis of model discoidal HDL and indicate that a kinetic mechanism provides a universal natural strategy for lipoprotein stabilization. Such a mechanism may facilitate structural integrity of the heterogeneous lipoprotein particles, slow their spontaneous interconversions, and thereby modulate lipoprotein lifetime and functions.

Extensive studies have been carried out on thermal unfolding and conformational characterization of cytochrome c in the presence of 4-chlorobutan-1-ol at pH 4.0, 6.0 and 7.0 using micro differential scanning calorimetry, fluorescence, and circular dichroism measurements. Cytochrome c follows a simple two-state reversible thermal unfolding in the presence of low concentration (