bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser Acupuncture for Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials
Authors: Chen Zhonggai , Ma Chiyuan , Xu Langhai , Wu Zhipeng , He Yuzhe , Xu Kai , Moqbel Safwat Adel Abdo , Wu Lidong
Published: November 2019

Objectives. To provide updated evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of laser acupuncture for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods. A literature search in 9 databases was conducted from their inception through February 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) written in English that compared active laser acupuncture with placebo in KOA patients were included. Two authors independently extracted data from these trials. Meta-analysis software was used to analyze the data. Included studies were assessed in terms of the follow-up period, the methodological quality, and appropriateness of their technical features. Results. Of 357 studies, seven RCTs (totaling 395 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The short-term outcomes showed that laser acupuncture offered significant pain relief over placebo when assessed by the 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) pain score (p=0.02), while there was no significant difference between laser acupuncture and placebo based on Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score (p=0.25). For subgroup analysis, laser acupuncture had superiority over placebo in terms of both VAS and WOMAC pain scores in the appropriate technical features subgroup and the excellent methodological quality subgroup. But the effect of laser acupuncture on pain relief was not maintained in terms of either VAS (p=0.19) or WOMAC pain score (p=0.60). The pooled effect showed no significant difference between laser acupuncture and placebo at either time point according to WOMAC function scale, WOMAC stiffness scale, and quality of life outcome. Conclusions. Our findings indicate that laser acupuncture can effectively reduce knee pain for patients with KOA at short term when appropriate technical features are applied, but the effect likely fades away during the subsequent follow-up period.
Metastasis of Renal Cell Carcinoma Causing Significant Facial Asymmetry
Authors: Netto Rafael , de Freitas Filho Silas Antonio Juvencio , Cortezzi Wladimir , Merly Flávio , de Andrade Vitor Marcello , Pires Fábio Ramôa
Published: November 2019

The occurrence of metastatic tumors in the orofacial region is rare and may represent the first clinical manifestation of occult malignant disease. An orofacial lesion diagnosed as a metastatic tumor from a renal cell carcinoma in a 68-year-old man is reported. This metastatic tumor caused significant facial asymmetry involving the parotid gland and mandible regions, and the patient died four months after diagnosis. Here, we discuss the clinical aspects, the diagnostic approach, and the importance of early diagnosis to obtain a better response to treatment and provide longer survival time.
State Estimation Based on Sigma Point Kalman Filter for Suspension System in Presence of Road Excitation Influenced by Velocity of the Car
Authors: Nguyen Van Chi
Published: November 2019

The states of the suspension system including the road excitation depend on the road quality, the velocity of the car, and the sprung mass. Those states play a very important role in the control problem of stability, ride comfort, ride safety, and dynamic wheel load of the suspension systems. The velocities and deflections of the sprung mass and unsprung mass would not be measured fully in the practice. Therefore, it must be estimated by other measured quantities from the system such as acceleration and deflection of sprung mass and unsprung mass. To control the active suspension system, its states need to be estimated accurately and guaranteed the response time. This paper presents the method using the sigma point Kalman filter to estimate the suspension system’s states including the road excitation, the deflections, and the velocities of the sprung mass and unsprung mass. The mathematical model of the suspension system is rewritten for the state estimation problem, and the stochastic load profile is supposed the main noise input. The stochastic characteristic of the road excitation depending on the car’s velocity is taken into account in the model used for suspension system state estimation. The results calculated based on the practical experiment data for specific road profile with some particular velocities of the car show that the suspension system states are estimated quite accurately in comparison with the practice states.
lncRNA SNHG5 Modulates Endometrial Cancer Progression via the miR-25-3p/BTG2 Axis
Authors: Li Shi , Shan Yanan , Li Xiaoya , Zhang Cong , Wei Sisi , Dai Suli , Zhao Riyang , Zhao Xiwa , Zhao Lianmei , Shan Baoen
Published: November 2019

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the most common malignancies of the female genital tract, although the mechanisms of EC initiation and development remain incompletely understood. In this study, we demonstrated that the noncoding RNA SNHG5 can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of EC cells by suppressing the expression of its putative target miR-25-3p. Overexpression of miR-25-3p significantly promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of EC cells. In addition, we showed that miR-25-3p represses the expression of BTG2 by directly binding to the 3′-UTR of BTG2 mRNA. Furthermore, increased miR-25-3p expression and decreased SNHG5 and BTG2 expression were observed in EC tissues, and the expression of SNHG5 was negatively correlated to that of miR-25-3p but positively correlated to that of BTG2. In summary, for the first time, we report that the SNHG5/miR-25-3p/BTG2 axis plays an important role in EC progression and is of great potential clinical significance for EC diagnosis and therapy.
Practical Aspects of Interface Application in CPAP Treatment
Authors: Bachour Adel , Avellan-Hietanen Heidi , Palotie Tuula , Virkkula Paula
Published: November 2019

While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective first-line therapy for sleep apnea, CPAP fails in one third of patients mainly due to poor adherence to the CPAP device and masks. The role of the medical team is to guide the patient in choosing the best mask, thus insuring good CPAP therapy adherence. Once a suitable mask is found, the brand of the mask does not affect patient satisfaction or CPAP adherence. For the majority of patients, nasal masks are by far more suitable than oronasal masks. Orosanal masks are indicated in case of nasal stuffiness or when an air leak manifests through the mouth. Re-evaluation of the efficacy of CPAP therapy is recommended when switching to oronasal masks.
M-Polynomial and Topological Indices of Benzene Ring Embedded in P-Type Surface Network
Authors: Yang Hong , Baig A. Q. , Khalid W. , Farahani Mohammad Reza , Zhang Xiujun
Published: November 2019

The representation of chemical compounds and chemical networks with the M-polynomials is a new idea, and it gives nice and good results of the topological indices. These results are used to correlate the chemical compounds and chemical networks with their chemical properties and bioactivities. In this article, particular attention will be put on the derivation of M-polynomial for the benzene ring embedded in the P-type surface network in 2D. Furthermore, the topological indices based on the degrees are also derived by using the general form of M-polynomial of the benzene ring embedded in the P-type surface network BRm,n. In the end, the graphical representation and comparison of the M-polynomial and the topological indices of the benzene ring embedded in the P-type surface network in 2D are described.
Hepatic Silicone Granulomas Secondary to Ruptured Breast Implants: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Hudacko Rachel , Anand Kapil , Gordon Ronald , John Tina , Catalano Carolyn , Zaldana Francisco , Katz Henry J. , Fyfe Billie , Rustgi Vinod
Published: November 2019

The differential diagnosis of hepatic granulomas is vast and includes infections, drugs, immunologic diseases, foreign material exposure, and neoplasia. Silicone, whether directly injected into tissues or used as a filler in breast implants, is known to cause localized granulomatous reactions. It can also migrate to other anatomic locations resulting in granulomatous inflammation at a distance. We report two cases of unsuspected hepatic silicone granulomas in patients undergoing liver biopsy for isolated elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, both with a history of ruptured breast implants. These cases highlight the need for awareness of hepatic silicone granulomas as an etiology of elevated liver enzymes in patients with a history of surgical interventions utilizing silica, such as cosmetic surgery.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients with Aortic Stenosis Having Coronary Cusp Fusion versus Mixed Cusp Fusion Nonraphe Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Authors: Lei Wen-hua , Liao Yan-biao , Wang Zi-jie , Ou Yuan-weixiang , Tsauo Jiay-yu , Li Yi-jian , Xiong Tian-yuan , Zhao Zhen-gang , Wei Xin , Meng Wei , Feng Yuan , Chen Mao
Published: November 2019

Objectives. We aimed to assess the procedural and clinical results of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for nonraphe bicuspid aortic stenosis (AS) with coronary vs mixed cusp fusion. Background. It remains unclear whether cusp fusion morphology affects TAVR outcomes in patients with nonraphe bicuspid AS. Methods. This retrospective study enrolled consecutive patients with severe symptomatic AS and type-0 bicuspid aortic valve, who underwent TAVR at our institution between 2012 and 2017. TAVR outcomes were defined based on the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 recommendations. Results. Compared to patients with mixed cusp fusion (44/71), those with coronary cusp fusion (27/71) had a larger ellipticity index for the aortic annulus (21.9% ± 9.0% vs 15.6% ± 9.3%, p=0.007) and increased left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (31.1% ± 9.4% vs 26.9% ± 7.5%, p=0.04) but comparable rates of second valve implantation (15.9% vs 14.8%), mild paravalvular leakage (PVL, 38.5% vs 30.2%), permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM, 25.9% vs 15.9%), and 30-day mortality (7.4% vs 6.8%). Use of a first-generation transcatheter heart valve was associated with higher risk for mild PVL (odds ratio (OR) = 4.37; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.14–16.75; p=0.03) but not PPM (OR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.22–2.62; p=0.67), whereas a larger oversizing ratio tended to be associated with a higher PPM rate (OR = 1.49; 95% CI = 0.46–4.86; p=0.51) but lower incidence of mild PVL (OR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.19–1.35; p=0.17). Conclusions. In AS patients with type-0 bicuspid valves, cusp fusion morphology does not affect the procedural or clinical results of TAVR. Use of second-generation transcatheter heart valves may provide more favorable results in such patients. This trial is registered with NCT01683474.
Machine Learning-Based Forecast of Hemorrhagic Stroke Healthcare Service Demand considering Air Pollution
Authors: Chen Jian , Li Hong , Luo Li , Zhang Yangyang , Zhang Fengyi , Chen Fang , Chen Mei
Published: November 2019

This study aimed to forecast the pattern of the demand for hemorrhagic stroke healthcare services based on air quality and machine learning. Hemorrhagic stroke, air quality, and meteorological data for 2016-2017 were obtained from the Longquanyi District of China, and the study included 1932 cases. Six machine learning methods were used to forecast the demand for hemorrhagic stroke healthcare services considering seasonality and a lag effect, and the average area under the curve was as high as 0.7971. Our results indicate that (1) the performance of forecasting during the warm season is significantly better than that in the cold season, (2) considering air pollution would improve the performance of forecasting the demand for hemorrhagic stroke healthcare services using machine learning, (3) the association between the demand for hemorrhagic stroke healthcare services and air pollutants is linear to some extent, and (4) it is feasible to use short-term concentrations of air pollutants to forecast the demand for hemorrhagic stroke healthcare services. This practical forecast model could provide an advance warning regarding the potentially high numbers of hemorrhagic stroke admissions to medical institutions, thus allowing time to implement an appropriate response to the increase in patient volumes.
The 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitor Zileuton Protects Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Remodeling via Activating PPARα
Authors: Wu Qing-Qing , Deng Wei , Xiao Yang , Chen Jiao-Jiao , Liu Chen , Wang Juan , Guo Yankai , Duan Mingxia , Cai Zhulan , Xie Saiyang , Yuan Yuan , Tang Qizhu
Published: November 2019

Zileuton has been demonstrated to be an anti-inflammatory agent due to its well-known ability to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). However, the effects of zileuton on cardiac remodeling are unclear. In this study, the effects of zileuton on pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling were investigated and the possible mechanisms were examined. Aortic banding was performed on mice to induce a cardiac remodeling model, and the mice were then treated with zileuton 1 week after surgery. We also stimulated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes with phenylephrine (PE) and then treated them with zileuton. Our data indicated that zileuton protected mice from pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and oxidative stress. Zileuton also attenuated PE-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, we found that zileuton activated PPARα, but not PPARγ or PPARθ, thus inducing Keap and NRF2 activation. This was confirmed with the PPARα inhibitor GW7647 and NRF2 siRNA, which abolished the protective effects of zileuton on cardiomyocytes. Moreover, PPARα knockdown abolished the anticardiac remodeling effects of zileuton in vivo. Taken together, our data indicate that zileuton protects against pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling by activating PPARα/NRF2 signaling.
Outcomes of Emergency Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Huang Hans , Kovach Christopher P. , Bell Sean , Reisman Mark , Aldea Gabriel , McCabe James M. , Dvir Danny , Don Creighton
Published: November 2019

Objective. To identify outcomes of patients undergoing emergency transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and determine predictors of in-hospital mortality. Background. Emergency TAVR has emerged as a viable treatment strategy for patients with decompensated severe aortic stenosis and/or regurgitation; however, data on patients undergoing emergency TAVR are limited. Methods. All emergency TAVR procedures were identified from a single tertiary academic center between January 2015 and August 2018. Results. 31 patients underwent emergency TAVR due to cardiogenic shock (26 patients), electrical instability with incessant ventricular tachycardia (2 patients), severe refractory angina (2 patients), and decompensated heart failure with hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation (1 patient). Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) was used in 16 (51.6%). MCS initiation occurred immediately prior to TAVR in 10 patients and placed post-TAVR in 6 patients. 6 patients died before hospital discharge (in-hospital mortality 19.4%). 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 61.0% and 55.9%, respectively. Univariate predictors of in-hospital mortality were preprocedural pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) ≤1.8 (66.7% vs. 20.0%, p=0.01), intraprocedural cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (83.3% vs 4.0%, p≤0.001), acute kidney injury post-TAVR (80.0% vs. 4.2%, p≤0.001), initiation of dialysis post-TAVR (60.0% vs. 4.2%, p≤0.001), and MCS initiation post-TAVR (50.0% vs. 12.0%, p=0.03). MCS initiation before TAVR was associated with improved survival compared with post-TAVR initiation. Conclusion. Emergency TAVR in extreme risk patients with acute decompensated heart failure or cardiogenic shock secondary to severe aortic valve disease is associated with high in-hospital mortality rates. Careful patient selection taking into account right heart function, assessed by PAPi, and early utilization of MCS may improve survival following emergency TAVR.
Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Protects Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury through the PTEN/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Wanfen , Chen Cheng , Jing Ran , Liu Tongqiang , Liu Bicheng
Published: November 2019

Although cisplatin (Cis) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent in treatment of various cancers, its adverse effect of nephrotoxicity limits the clinical application. Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is a strategy to induce resistance in a target organ against the oxidative stress and injury by applying transient, brief episodes of ischemia. However, whether RIPC exerts protective effect on Cis-induced renal injury remains unclear. In this study, we showed that RIPC significantly alleviated the renal functional and histopathological damage of Cis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) mice. Furthermore, RIPC substantially reversed the downregulation of miR-144 and upregulation of PTEN in renal tissues of Cis-induced AKI mice and alleviated tubular cell apoptosis via activating PTEN/AKT signaling. In mechanism, we demonstrated that miR-144 directly targets the 3’-UTR of PTEN mRNA, and then the elevation of miR-144 in RIPC activates PTEN/AKT signaling by downregulating PTEN expression to achieve its antiapoptosis effect. Collectively, our results indicate that RIPC may be a potential therapeutic strategy in Cis-induced AKI, and provide insights on the underlying molecular mechanisms of cisplatin’s nephrotoxicity.
Global Robust Exponential Synchronization of Multiple Uncertain Neural Networks Subject to Event‐Triggered Strategy
Authors: Zhang Jin-E , Liu Huan
Published: November 2019

This paper proposes the event‐triggered strategy (ETS) for multiple neural networks (NNs) with parameter uncertainty and time delay. By establishing event‐triggered mechanism and using matrix inequality techniques, several sufficient criteria are obtained to ensure global robust exponential synchronization of coupling NNs. In particular, the coupling matrix need not be the Laplace matrix in this paper. In addition, the lower bounds of sampling time intervals are also found by the established event‐triggered mechanism. Eventually, three numerical examples are offered to illustrate the obtained results.
New Stabilization Results for Semi‐Markov Chaotic Systems with Fuzzy Sampled‐Data Control
Authors: Wu Tao , Cao Jinde , Xiong Lianglin , Zhang Haiyang
Published: November 2019

This paper investigates the problem of stabilization for semi‐Markov chaotic systems with fuzzy sampled‐data controllers, in which the semi‐Markov jump has generally uncertain transition rates. The exponential stability condition is firstly obtained by the following two main techniques: To make full use of the information about the actual sampling pattern, a novel augmented input‐delay‐dependent Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) is firstly introduced. Meanwhile, a new zero‐value equation is established to increase the combinations of component vectors of the resulting vector. The corresponding fuzzy sampled‐data controllers are designed based on the stability condition. Finally, the validity and merits of the developed theories are shown by two numerical examples.
Harmonic Modeling and Experimental Validation of the Converters of DFIG‐Based Wind Generation System
Authors: Shen Yang-Wu , Wang Ding , Deng Xiang-Tian , Li Qing , Zuo Jian
Published: November 2019

The double‐fed induction wind generator‐ (DFIG‐) based wind generation system contains power electronic converters and filter capacitor and inductor, which will bring about high‐frequency harmonics under the influence of controllers. Aiming at this problem, this paper studies the relation between the output current and the harmonic source at grid‐side and rotor‐side converters based on their control features in the DFIG system. Furthermore, the harmonic equivalent models of these two converters are built, and the influence of different factors on harmonic features is explored from four perspectives, i.e., modulation method, altering controller parameters, altering output power, and the unbalance of three‐phase voltage. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed model is verified through the 2 MW DFIG real‐time hardware‐in‐the‐loop test platform by StarSim software and real test data, respectively.
Study on the User Density Identification via Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm in Device‐to‐Device Communication
Authors: Zhang Yao , Deng Zhongliang , Hu Aihua
Published: November 2019

The present study proposes a new algorithm for device‐to‐device (D2D) user density identification in a 5G network based on resource allocation. The method initially established a multiobjective optimization function that calculates system throughput and quality of service (QoS) of D2D users. The optimal resource allocation result of the multiobjective function is obtained via the improved whale optimization algorithm (IWOA). System throughput after resource allocation exhibits a linear relationship with the number of users. Therefore, the D2D user density areas are accurately identified via the throughput value. The simulation result reveals that the accuracy of D2D user density identification reaches 95%.
A Long Short-Term Memory Ensemble Approach for Improving the Outcome Prediction in Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Xia Jing , Pan Su , Zhu Min , Cai Guolong , Yan Molei , Su Qun , Yan Jing , Ning Gangmin
Published: November 2019

In intensive care unit (ICU), it is essential to predict the mortality of patients and mathematical models aid in improving the prognosis accuracy. Recently, recurrent neural network (RNN), especially long short-term memory (LSTM) network, showed advantages in sequential modeling and was promising for clinical prediction. However, ICU data are highly complex due to the diverse patterns of diseases; therefore, instead of single LSTM model, an ensemble algorithm of LSTM (eLSTM) is proposed, utilizing the superiority of the ensemble framework to handle the diversity of clinical data. The eLSTM algorithm was evaluated by the acknowledged database of ICU admissions Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III). The investigation in total of 18415 cases shows that compared with clinical scoring systems SAPS II, SOFA, and APACHE II, random forests classification algorithm, and the single LSTM classifier, the eLSTM model achieved the superior performance with the largest value of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.8451 and the largest area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC) of 0.4862. Furthermore, it offered an early prognosis of ICU patients. The results demonstrate that the eLSTM is capable of dynamically predicting the mortality of patients in complex clinical situations.
Research on Innovative Design and Evaluation of Agricultural Machinery Products
Authors: Wang Jian-wei , Zhang Jian-min
Published: November 2019

In order to meet the user’s increasing demands for integrated quality of agricultural machinery products, a new KE‐TRIZ approach based on Kansei engineering (KE) and theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) was proposed. Designers used semantic difference (SD) method and principal component analysis (PCA) method to quantify and reduce the dimensions of the extracted perceptual vocabulary, which aimed to select the comprehensive variables that represented the user’s needs. TRIZ theory was used in the product emotional intention to elaborate the invention principle of products’ appearance structure and functional technology, and improvement explanation was put forward based on further contradiction analysis. Then, the industrial design theory was combined with the innovation design of agricultural machinery products. In order to explain the reliability of innovative design, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used in objective assessment. Finally, a walking rotary cultivator design was used as a case to check the above methods. The research can effectively adjust the contradiction between rationality and sensibility in products and apply it to the product equipment with function as the main part to design the products of comprehensive quality that conform to the trend of social aesthetics so as to form the brand effect of high added value. The results showed that these methods were effective and feasible for the innovative design of agricultural machinery products.
Nonfragile Integral‐Based Event‐Triggered Control of Uncertain Cyber‐Physical Systems under Cyber‐Attacks
Authors: Yan Shen , Nguang Sing Kiong , Zhang Liruo
Published: November 2019

This article studies the problem of nonfragile integral‐based event‐triggered control for uncertain cyber‐physical systems under cyber‐attacks. An integral‐based event‐triggered scheme is proposed to reduce the data transmissions and save the limited network resources. The triggering condition is related to the mean of system state over a finite time interval instead of instant system state. Random cyber‐attacks in a communication channel are taken into account and described by a stochastic variable subject to Bernoulli distribution. A novel Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional based on Legendre polynomials is constructed, and the Bessel–Legendre inequality technique is employed to handle the integral term induced by the integral‐based event‐triggered scheme. Resorting to these treatments, sufficient conditions are established via a set of linear matrix inequalities to guarantee the asymptotic mean‐square stability of the closed‐loop system. Finally, a numerical example shows that the presented method is effective.
The Connected Detour Numbers of Special Classes of Connected Graphs
Authors: Ali Ahmed M. , Ali Ali A.
Published: November 2019

Simple finite connected graphs G=V,E of p≥2 vertices are considered in this paper. A connected detour set of G is defined as a subset S⊆V such that the induced subgraph GS is connected and every vertex of G lies on a u−v detour for some u,v∈S. The connected detour number cdnG of a graph G is the minimum order of the connected detour sets of G. In this paper, we determined cdnG for three special classes of graphs G, namely, unicyclic graphs, bicyclic graphs, and cog-graphs for Cp, Kp, and Km,n.
Modified Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction Ameliorates Aβ Synaptotoxicity in a Murine Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Liu Yan , Du Ting , Zhang Wenlong , Lu Weiye , Peng Zhichao , Huang Shuqiong , Sun Xiangdong , Zhu Xiaoqin , Chen Chaojun , Qian Linchao , Wen Lei , Xu Pingyi , Zhang Yunlong
Published: November 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease, characterized by cognitive dysfunction; however, the therapeutic strategies are not fully understood. Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Decoction (HLJDD) is a famous traditional Chinese herbal formula that has been widely used clinically to treat dementia. Recently, according to previous study and our clinical practice, we generate a new modification of HLJDD (named modified-HLJDD). In this study, we indicated that modified-HLJDD attenuated learning and memory deficiencies in Aβ1-42 oligomer-induced AD model, and we confirmed the exact metabolites in modified-HLJDD solution, as compared with HLJDD by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Using GC-Q-TOF/MS-based metabolomics, we identified adenosine as the potential significant metabolite, responsible for modified-HLJDD regulating energy metabolism and synaptic plasticity in AD model. We also revealed that the potential underlying mechanism of modified-HLJDD in AD model may involve NMDA receptor-mediated glutamatergic transmission and adenosine/ATPase/AMPK cascade. Moreover, we also indicated the differential gut microbiota which mainly involved Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria at the phylum level upon modified-HLJDD treatment in AD model. Based on the correlation of metabolomic analysis with microbiome analysis, we clarified that Dorea is the most affected microbiota with adenosine upon modified-HLJDD treatment in AD model. Thus, our study suggests that modified-HLJDD may serve as a potential therapeutic drug in treating AD.
GC/MS Analysis of Fatty Acids on Pliek U Oil and Its Pharmacological Study by Molecular Docking to Filaggrin as a Drug Candidate in Atopic Dermatitis Treatment
Authors: Earlia Nanda , Muslem  , Suhendra Rivansyah , Amin Mohamad , Prakoeswa C. R. S. , Khairan  , Idroes Rinaldi
Published: November 2019

Analysis of fatty acid contents and pharmacological properties of Pliek U oil was performed. Fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and pharmacological properties based on its potential on filament-aggregating protein (filaggrin) were studied with bioinformatics approach by the reverse docking technique using palmitic acid as a control compound. Two Pliek U extracts, namely, Pliek U oil (PUO) and ethanolic Pliek U oil extract (EPUOE), were prepared. The GC-MS results revealed that lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid are the predominant fatty acids, with lauric acid being the abundant one in all Pliek U oil extracts. The reverse docking technique results showed that oleic acid had the most stable interaction to filaggrin with the lowest binding affinity (−6.1 kcal/mol). Oleic acid and palmitic acid have one same side binding to filaggrin on amino acid LEU D75. These findings indicated that oleic acid has the best potential to be used as a drug candidate in atopic dermatitis treatment.
Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Li Bing , Cheng Yu , Yu Songyan , Zang Li , Yin Yaqi , Liu Jiejie , Zhang Lin , Mu Yiming
Published: November 2019

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly common among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The two conditions can act synergistically to produce adverse outcomes. However, the therapeutic options for patients with NAFLD and T2DM are currently limited. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) have shown therapeutic potential for diabetes and hepatic disorders such as liver cirrhosis and fulminant hepatic failure. The present study is aimed at investigating the effect of human UC-MSCs on a mouse model of NAFLD and T2DM, characterized by obesity-induced hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, hepatic steatosis, and liver dysfunction. Thirty-week-old male C57BL/6 db/db mice were infused with human UC-MSCs or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) via the tail vein once a week for six weeks. Age-matched male C57BL/6 wild-type db/+ mice were used as controls. Body weight and random blood glucose were measured every week. One week after the sixth infusion, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests and insulin tolerance tests were performed and the blood and liver were harvested for biochemical and histopathological examinations. Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunofluorescence staining, and western blot were performed to monitor the expression of the lipid metabolism- and regulatory pathway-related genes. UC-MSC infusions significantly ameliorated hyperglycaemia, attenuated the elevation of hepatic transaminases, and decreased lipid contents, including triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Moreover, histological lesions in the liver diminished markedly, as evidenced by reduced lipid accumulation and attenuated hepatic steatosis. Mechanistically, UC-MSCs were found to regulate lipid metabolism by increasing the expression of fatty acid oxidation-related genes and inhibiting the expression of lipogenesis-related genes, which were associated with the upregulation of the HNF4α-CES2 pathway. Our results demonstrate that human UC-MSCs can ameliorate NAFLD and reverse metabolic syndrome in db/db mice. Thus, UC-MSCs may serve as a novel therapeutic agent for T2DM patients with NAFLD.
Treatment with Apocynin Limits the Development of Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease in Mice
Authors: Rezende Barbara Maximino , Bernardes Priscila T. T. , Gonçalves William Antonio , de Resende Carolina Braga , Athayde Rayssa Maciel , Ávila Thiago Vinicius , Martins Débora Gonzaga , Castor Marina G. M. , Teixeira Mauro M. , Pinho Vanessa
Published: November 2019

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the most serious complication limiting the clinical utility of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), in which lymphocytes of donors (graft) are activated in response to the host antigen. This disease is associated with increased inflammatory response through the release of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we have evaluated the role of ROS in GVHD pathogenesis by treatment of recipient mice with apocynin (apo), an inhibitor of intracellular translocation of cytosolic components of NADPH oxidase complex. The pharmacological blockade of NADPH oxidase resulted in prolonged survival and reduced GVHD clinical score. This reduction in GVHD was associated with reduced levels of ROS and TBARS in target organs of GVHD in apocynin-treated mice at the onset of the mortality phase. These results correlated with reduced intestinal and liver injuries and decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Mechanistically, pharmacological blockade of the NADPH oxidase was associated with inhibition of recruitment and accumulation of leukocytes in the target organs. Additionally, the chimerism remained unaffected after treatment with apocynin. Our study demonstrates that ROS plays an important role in mediating GVHD, suggesting that strategies aimed at blocking ROS production may be useful as an adjuvant therapy in patients subjected to bone marrow transplantation.
Benign Adrenocortical Tumors and the Detection of Nonadrenal Neoplasia
Authors: Hao Meng , Luque-Fernandez Miguel Angel , Lopez Diana , Cote Kathryn , Newfield Jessica , Connors Molly , Vaidya Anand
Published: November 2019

Context. Patients with adrenocortical tumors have been frequently observed to have nonadrenal neoplasia. Objective. To investigate whether patients with benign adrenocortical tumors have a higher likelihood of having nonadrenal neoplasia detected. Design and Participants. Case-control study of patients with benign adrenocortical tumors (cases; n = 400) and normal adrenal glands (controls; n = 400), who underwent repeated abdominal cross-sectional imaging. Main Outcomes. Primary analyses: association between case-control status and benign abdominal neoplasia detected via cross-sectional imaging. Secondary analyses: association between case-control status and tumors detected via other imaging modalities. Results. The mean interval of abdominal imaging was 4.7 (SD = 3.8) years for cases and 5.9 (4.8) years for controls. Cases were more likely to have detected intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) of the pancreas (8.5% vs. 4.5%, adjusted OR = 2.22, 95% CI (1.11, 4.63)) compared with controls. In secondary analyses, cases were more likely to have detected thyroid nodules (25.5% vs. 17.0%, adjusted OR = 1.77, 95% CI (1.15, 2.74)), hyperparathyroidism or parathyroid adenomas (3.5% vs. 1.3%, adjusted OR = 3.00, 95% CI (1.00, 11.64)), benign breast masses (6.0% vs. 3.3%, adjusted OR = 3.25, 95% CI (1.28, 8.78)), and benign prostatic hyperplasia (20.5% vs. 5.3%, adjusted OR = 3.20, 95% CI (1.14, 10.60)). Using a composite outcome, cases had higher odds of detection of the composite of IPMN, thyroid nodules, parathyroid tumors, benign breast masses, and prostate hyperplasia (adjusted OR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.60, 3.50) when compared with controls. Conclusions. Patients with benign adrenocortical tumors had higher odds of detected pancreatic IPMN, as well as thyroid nodules, parathyroid tumors, benign breast masses, and prostate hyperplasia compared with patients with normal adrenal glands. These associations may have important implications for patient care and healthcare economics, regardless of whether they reflect incidental discoveries due to imaging detection or frequency bias, or a common risk for developing multiple neoplasia.
MIMO-OFDM in a Cooperative Frequency Selective Fading Channel: An Analysis
Authors: Dixit Saurabh , Katiyar Himanshu , Singh Arun Kumar
Published: November 2019

Diversity is an integral technique in the advancement of wireless communications. Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology continues to occupy a pivotal position in the fourth-generation (4G) standards and beyond. With the advent of full-dimension (FD) MIMO and massive MIMO, new paradigms are being targeted in the disruptive technology. Third-generation partnership project (3GPP) has also emphasized the advanced MIMO technology for achieving its vision of International Mobile Telephony (IMT) 2020. However, implementing multiple antennas can be cumbersome due to limiting factors such as size, cost, and hardware limitations. In such a scenario, where implementing many antennas is not feasible, the benefits of diversity can be reaped by employing cooperative communication. Single antenna mobiles can share their mobile stations giving rise to a virtual MIMO system. In this paper, the authors have analyzed the performance of cooperative mobile stations in a frequency selective channel. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), known for its robustness against multipath fading, is the modulation technique employed to circumvent the hazardous effects of intersymbol interference (ISI). MIMO is the key technology for achieving capacity advantage and improving link reliability. The blend of these two cutting edge technologies in a cooperative relay system presents encouraging results and inferences. Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC) is employed at the relay and the receiver to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Decode and forward (DF) protocol is used at the relay node owing to its regenerative nature and adaptability. The closed-form expressions for bit error rate (BER) and outage probability (Pout) are derived and compared with the experimental results. The effect of power decay factor is analyzed and simulation is done for 2 × 2, 2 × 3, and 2 × 4 transmit and receive antennas. The number of antennas at the relay is kept as 2. The analytical results agree with the simulation results.
Laplace Input and Output Perturbation for Differentially Private Principal Components Analysis
Authors: Xu Yahong , Yang Geng , Bai Shuangjie
Published: November 2019

With the widespread application of big data, privacy-preserving data analysis has become a topic of increasing significance. The current research studies mainly focus on privacy-preserving classification and regression. However, principal component analysis (PCA) is also an effective data analysis method which can be used to reduce the data dimensionality, commonly used in data processing, machine learning, and data mining. In order to implement approximate PCA while preserving data privacy, we apply the Laplace mechanism to propose two differential privacy principal component analysis algorithms: Laplace input perturbation (LIP) and Laplace output perturbation (LOP). We evaluate the performance of LIP and LOP in terms of noise magnitude and approximation error theoretically and experimentally. In addition, we explore the variation of performance of the two algorithms with different parameters such as number of samples, target dimension, and privacy parameter. Theoretical and experimental results show that algorithm LIP adds less noise and has lower approximation error than LOP. To verify the effectiveness of algorithm LIP, we compare our LIP with other algorithms. The experimental results show that algorithm LIP can provide strong privacy guarantee and good data utility.
The Combination of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis Inhibits Lung Cancer and Cachexia through Its Immunomodulatory Function
Authors: Wu Tsung-Han , Yeh Kun-Yun , Wang Chen-Hsu , Wang Hang , Li Tsung-Lin , Chan Yi-Lin , Wu Chang-Jer
Published: November 2019

Lung cancer and its related cachexia are the leading cause of cancer death in the world. In this study, we report the inhibitory effect of the combined therapy of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis, on tumor growth and cachexia in tumor-bearing mice. Lewis lung carcinoma cells were inoculated into male C57BL/6 and CAnN.Cg-Foxn1nu nude mice. After tumor inoculation, mice were fed orally by the combination of AM and AS in different doses. In C57BL/6 mice, the combination of AM and AS significantly inhibited the growth of cancer tumor and prevented the loss of body weight and skeletal muscle. It also diminished the formation of free radicals and cytokines, stimulated the differentiation of NK and Tc cells, and rebalanced the ratios of Th/Tc cells, Th1/Th2 cytokines, and M1/M2 tumor-associated macrophages. The herbal combination also downregulated the expression of NFκΒ, STAT3, HIF-1α, and VEGF in tumors. In contrast, the findings were not observed in the nude mice. Therefore, the combination of AM and AS is confirmed to inhibit the progression of lung cancer, cancer cachexia, and cancer inflammation through the immunomodulatory function.
Medical Management of Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome in a Beef Bull
Authors: Smith Joe S. , Zhou Xueying , Merkatoris Paul T. , Klostermann Cassandra A. , Breuer Ryan M.
Published: November 2019

A two and a half-year old Simmental bull was presented to Iowa State University’s Food Animal and Camelid Hospital for anorexia and lethargy of several days. Clostridium perfringens type A was identified via fecal culture and toxin genotyping. Hemorrhagic bowel syndrome (HBS) was diagnosed based on microbiological results along with abdominal ultrasonography, complete blood count, and serum biochemistry. Aggressive multi-modal therapy was employed including intravenously administered fluid therapy, potassium penicillin, lidocaine, flunixin, and pantoprazole among other supportive care. The bull was discharged after 15 days of hospitalization and recovered uneventfully to full function by the next breeding season. Currently all case reports with regard to HBS in beef cattle describe mortality. While the dairy cattle literature demonstrates that HBS has a high mortality rate, and suggests that surgical intervention has a higher prognosis when compared to medical therapy in dairy cattle. Our case would provide support to aggressive medical treatment for HBS in beef cattle.
Relation between Blood Pressure Management and Renal Effects of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors in Diabetic Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuo , Toyoda Masao , Kaneyama Noriko , Hatori Nobuo , Furuki Takayuki , Sakai Hiroyuki , Takihata Masahiro , Umezono Tomoya , Ito Shun , Suzuki Daisuke , Takeda Hiroshi , Kanamori Akira , Degawa Hisakazu , Yamamoto Hareaki , Machimura Hideo , Mokubo Atsuko , Chin Keiichi , Obana Mitsuo , Hishiki Toshimasa , Aoyama Kouta , Nakajima Shinichi , Umezawa Shinichi , Shimura Hidetoshi , Aoyama Togo , Miyakawa Masaaki
Published: November 2019

Aim. The renoprotective effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors is thought to be due, at least in part, to a decrease in blood pressure. The aim of this study was to determine the renal effects of these inhibitors in low blood pressure patients and the dependence of such effect on blood pressure management status. Methods. The subjects of this retrospective study were 740 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease who had been managed at the clinical facilities of the Kanagawa Physicians Association. Data on blood pressure management status and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio were analyzed before and after treatment. Results. Changes in the logarithmic value of urinary albumin-creatinine ratio in 327 patients with blood pressure<130/80 mmHg at the initiation of treatment and in 413 patients with BP above 130/80 mmHg were −0.13±1.05 and −0.24±0.97, respectively. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups by analysis of covariance models after adjustment of the logarithmic value of urinary albumin-creatinine ratio at initiation of treatment. Changes in the logarithmic value of urinary albumin-creatinine ratio in patients with mean blood pressure of <102 mmHg (n=537) and those with ≥102 mmHg (n=203) at the time of the survey were −0.25±1.02 and −0.03±0.97, respectively, and the difference was significant in analysis of covariance models even after adjustment for the logarithmic value of urinary albumin-creatinine ratio at initiation of treatment (p<0.001). Conclusion. Our results confirmed that blood pressure management status after treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors influences the extent of change in urinary albumin-creatinine ratio. Stricter blood pressure management is needed to allow the renoprotective effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors.
Particle Swarm Optimization for Positioning the Coil of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Authors: Li Congsheng , Liu Chang , Yang Lei , He Luyang , Wu Tongning
Published: November 2019

The distribution of the induced electric field (E-field) during transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) depends on the individual anatomical structure of the brain as well as coil positioning. Inappropriate stimulation may degrade the efficacy of TMS or even induce adverse effects. Therefore, optimizing the E-field according to individual anatomy and clinical need has become a research focus. In this paper, particle swarm optimization (PSO) was applied for the first time to the positioning of TMS coils with anatomical head models. We discuss the parameters of the PSO algorithm, which were optimized to achieve a reasonable convergence time suitable for in-time treatment planning. The optimizer improved the distribution of the induced E-field strength at the dedicated cortical region, with a mean value of 48.31% compared with that from the conventional treatment position. The optimization terminated after 4–11 iterations for 13 head models. The applicability and performance of the optimizer for a large population are discussed in terms of cortical complexity. This study could benefit not only clinics but also research on brain modulation.
Association between Age at Menarche and Hypertension among Females in Southern China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhou Wei , Wang Tao , Zhu Lingjuan , Wen Minghua , Hu Lihua , Huang Xiao , You Chunjiao , Li Juxiang , Wu Yanqing , Wu Qinghua , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu
Published: November 2019

Background. Association between age at menarche (AAM) and hypertension remains a controversial topic, and data in China were sparse. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between AAM and hypertension in Chinese female population. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, 5,102 females aged ≥15 years were enrolled. Self-reported AAM was assessed by the questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and AAM. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between hypertension and AAM. Generalized additive model (GAM) and smooth curve fitting (penalized spline method) were conducted to explore the exact shape of curve between them. Results. The overall mean of AAM was 15.5 years. Each additional year of AAM was associated with a 15% higher risk of hypertension (odds ratio (OR) = 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–1.19). Among females with hypertension, there was a significant positive association between AAM and SBP (β = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.29–1.46) and DBP (β = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.47–1.13). A significantly higher risk of hypertension was found in younger subjects (15–44 y: OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.21–1.55; P for interaction = 0.009) compared with those aged between 62 and 97 y.Conclusions. AAM was positively associated with hypertension and blood pressure, especially among females in early adulthood from southern China.