bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of acute central hypovolemia on cerebral hemodynamics: does sex matter?
Authors: Rosenberg Alexander J. , Kay Victoria L. , Anderson Garen K. , Luu My-Loan , Barnes Haley J. , Sprick Justin D. , Alvarado Hannah B. , Rickards Caroline A.
Published: April 2021

Tolerance and cerebral blood velocity responses to simulated hemorrhage (elicited by lower body negative pressure) were similar between male and female subjects. Interestingly, the change in etCO2 from baseline was greater in males compared to females at presyncope, suggesting potential sex differences in cerebral vascular sensitivity to CO2 during simulated hemorrhage. These findings may facilitate development of individualized therapeutic interventions to improve survival from hemorrhagic injuries in both men and women.
Modeling individual differences in cardiovascular response to gravitational stress using a sensitivity analysis
Authors: Whittle Richard S. , Diaz-Artiles Ana
Published: April 2021

Computational modeling is used to predict cardiovascular responses to altered gravitational environments. However, considerable variation between subjects and model complexity makes accurate parameter assignment for individuals challenging. This computational effort studies sensitivity in cardiovascular model outcomes due to varying parameters across a normal physiological range. This allows determination of which parameters have the largest influence on outcomes, i.e., which parameters must be most carefully selected to give accurate predictions of individual responses.
Slight power output manipulations around the maximal lactate steady state have a similar impact on fatigue in females and males
Authors: Azevedo Rafael de Almeida , Forot Jonas , Iannetta Danilo , MacInnis Martin J. , Millet Guillaume Y. , Murias Juan M.
Published: April 2021

It is unknown whether minimum changes in power output (PO) below and above the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) affect neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) development in females and males. The present data showed that a decrease or increase of 10 W in PO in relation to MLSS elicited lower and greater impairments in contractile function, respectively. Even though females had less of an overall decline in NMF than males, similar exercise intensity-dependent response occurred independently of sex.
Exercise-induced fluid shifts are distinct to exercise mode and intensity: a comparison of blood flow-restricted and free-flow resistance exercise
Authors: Haddock Bryan , Hansen Sofie K. , Lindberg Ulrich , Nielsen Jakob Lindberg , Frandsen Ulrik , Aagaard Per , Larsson Henrik B. W. , Suetta Charlotte
Published: April 2021

Using muscle functional MRI (mfMRI), this study was able to differentiate the acute physiological responses following three established hypertrophic resistance exercise strategies. Low-load exercise protocols performed to failure, with or without blood flow restriction, resulted in larger changes in R2 (i.e. greater T2-shifts) with a slow rate of return to baseline indicative of myocellular fluid shifts. These data were cross evaluated with interleaved measures of macrovascular blood flow, water diffusion, muscle cross sectional area (i.e. acute macroscopic muscle swelling), and intracellular water fraction measured using MRI.
Motor unit firing rates during constant isometric contraction: establishing and comparing an age-related pattern among muscles
Authors: Kirk Eric A. , Christie Anita D. , Knight Christopher A. , Rice Charles L.
Published: April 2021

The mean frequency of motor unit firing rates were compared systematically among several muscles and between young and older adults from new and published data sets. Firing rates among muscles were lower and more similar during voluntary isometric contraction in older than younger adults. Firing rate responses from voluntary contraction intensity were muscle dependent and more dissimilar among muscles in the older than young adults.
The Effect of Ultraviolet Wavelength on Corrosion Behavior of 7075 Aluminum Alloy in the Marine Atmospheric Environment
Authors: Cui Yanyu , Gao Yuning , Qin Yongxiang , Shi Xiaoyu
Published: April 2021

The influence of ultraviolet rays on the corrosion behavior of 7075 aluminum alloy in the marine atmosphere was studied by salt spray corrosion test. Electrochemical methods and surface analysis techniques were used to analyze and compare the corrosion laws of 7075 aluminum alloy in the marine atmosphere under ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths of 0 nm, 185 nm, 254 nm, and 365 nm. The results showed that ultraviolet light irradiation could promote the corrosion of 7075 aluminum alloy. Oxygen was prone to chemical reactions to form oxygen atoms after being irradiated by ultraviolet rays, and oxygen atoms recombined with oxygen to form ozone in the marine atmosphere. The 7075 aluminum alloy in the marine atmosphere accelerated corrosion due to the increasing ozone content. Although there were passivation films with different degrees of protection on the surface of aluminum alloy under ultraviolet irradiation, the surface of 7075 aluminum alloy in the marine atmosphere failed to form a stable passivation film after pitting, and the corrosion rate was the fastest when the ultraviolet wavelength was 185 nm.
Application of Blockchain for Internet of Things: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Duan Ruijun , Guo Li
Published: April 2021

As a disruptive emerging technology, the Internet of things (IoT) has rapidly developed, but its privacy risks and security vulnerabilities are still key challenges. The decentralized and distributed architecture of blockchain has the potential to satisfy IoT privacy and security requirements. This gives birth to the new domain of blockchain for IoT (BIoT). BIoT will cause significant transformations across several industries, paving the way for new business models. Based on the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) and Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) databases in Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection, this study aims to explore the research trends and cooperation in the field of BIoT using the bibliometric method. The results indicate that the publications in this field have increased significantly from 2016 to 2020, with China and the USA being the most productive and influential countries. Keyword co-occurrence analysis shows that the most important research topics are as follows: security issues, core technologies, application dimensions, and transaction processes. Text mining analysis indicates that future research directions for BloT will focus more on both computing paradigms and key applications. This study will provide researchers with a greater understanding on the state of the art of BIoT and will serve as a reference for researchers engaging in this field to identify their own future research directions.
Controlled Continuous∗-K-g-Frames for HilbertC∗-Modules
Authors: Touri Abdeslam , Labrigui Hatim , Rossafi Mohamed , Kabbaj Samir
Published: April 2021

Frame theory has a great revolution for recent years. This theory has been extended from Hilbert spaces to HilbertC∗-modules. In this paper, we define and study the new concept of controlled continuous∗-K-g-frames for HilbertC∗-modules and we establish some properties.
Trajectory Tracking Control in Real‐Time of Dual‐Motor‐Driven Driverless Racing Car Based on Optimal Control Theory and Fuzzy Logic Method
Authors: Li Gang , Zhang Sucai , Liu Lei , Zhang Xubin , Yin Yuming
Published: April 2021

To improve the accuracy and timeliness of the trajectory tracking control of the driverless racing car during the race, this paper proposes a track tracking control method that integrates the rear wheel differential drive and the front wheel active steering based on optimal control theory and fuzzy logic method. The model of the lateral track tracking error of the racing car is established. The model is linearized and discretized, and the quadratic optimal steering control problem is constructed. Taking advantage of the differential drive of dual‐motor‐driven racing car, the dual motors differential drive fuzzy controller is designed and integrated driving with active steering control. Simulation analysis and actual car verification show that this integrated control method can ensure that the car tracks different race tracks well and improve the track tracking control accuracy by nearly 30%.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 in Children in Northern Iran
Authors: Shahbaznejad Leila , Rouhanizadeh Hamed , Navaeifar Mohammad Reza , Hosseinzadeh Fatemeh , Movahedi Faeze Sadat , Rezai Mohammad Sadegh
Published: April 2021

Objective. Since December 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been spread rapidly all over the world, infecting all age groups with this novel virus. In this manuscript, we report characteristics of children with COVID-19 in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. Method. From 12 February to 28 July 2020, medical records of 100 children diagnosed with COVID-19 admitted to the hospitals of Mazandaran province were collected. Patients’ age, gender, clinical symptoms, and signs, in addition to therapeutic management and outcomes, were reported. Results. 57 (57%) boys and 43 girls with the mean age of

104.63
±
79.14

months were evaluated. 20 patients (20%) were transferred to the PICU (pediatric intensive care unit), and 13 children experienced a severe form of the disease, pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS). The mean duration of hospitalization was

5.3
±
4.7

days. Fever (81%), respiratory (79%), gastrointestinal (47%), and neurologic complaints (29%) were experienced by the patients in addition to skin rash (14%). Sixty-two patients needed supplemental oxygen, and 6 of them underwent endotracheal intubation. Leukopenia was reported in 7, anemia in 24, and thrombocytopenia in 12 patients. 4 patients with underlying diseases including chronic renal failure, Down syndrome with cerebral palsy, and morbid obesity died. Conclusion. COVID-19 can cause symptoms in children in two stages. In the first week, upper and lower respiratory symptoms can occur which has lower severity and prevalence compared to adults. But after 2-3 weeks following infection, symptoms of MIS-C or multisystem involvement can occur and COVID-19 should be considered. The most common indication for admission is fever, rash, and respiratory problems.
Global Existence and Extinction Singularity for a Fast Diffusive Polytropic Filtration Equation with Variable Coefficient
Authors: Liu Dengming , Liu Changyu
Published: April 2021

In this article, we deal with an inhomogeneous fast diffusive polytropic filtration equation. By using the energy estimate approach, Hardy–Littlewood–Sobolev inequality, and a series of ordinary differential inequalities, we prove the global existence result and obtain the conditions on the occurrence of the extinction phenomenon of the weak solution.
Qindan Capsule Attenuates Myocardial Hypertrophy and Fibrosis in Pressure Overload-Induced Mice Involving mTOR and TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Pathway Inhibition
Authors: Bai Wenwu , Ren Min , Cheng Wen , Lu Xiaoting , Liu Deshan , Wang Bo
Published: April 2021

Qindan capsule (QC), a traditional Chinese medicine compound, has been used to treat hypertension in the clinic for over 30 years. It is still not known about the effects of QC on pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling. Hence, this study aims to investigate the effects of QC on pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and heart failure in mice and to determine the possible mechanisms. Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery was used to induce cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were treated with QC or losartan for 8 weeks after TAC surgery. Cardiac function indexes were evaluated with transthoracic echocardiography. Cardiac pathology was detected using HE and Masson’s trichrome staining. Cardiomyocyte ultrastructure was detected using transmission electron microscopy. Hypertrophy-related fetal gene expression was investigated using real-time RT-PCR. The expression of 8-OHdG and the concentration of MDA and Ang-II were assessed by immunohistochemistry stain and ELISA assay, respectively. The total and phosphorylated protein levels of mTOR, p70S6K, 4EBP1, Smad2, and Smad3 and the expression of TGF-β1 and collagen I were measured using western blot. The results showed that low- and high-dose QC improved pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and dysfunction. QC inhibited ANP, BNP, and β-MHC mRNA expression in failing hearts. QC improved myocardial ultrastructure after TAC surgery. Furthermore, QC downregulated the expression of 8-OHdG and the concentration of MDA, 15-F2t-IsoP, and Ang-II in heart tissues after TAC surgery. We also found that QC inhibited the phosphorylation of mTOR, p70S6K, and 4EBP1 and the expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, and collagen I in pressure overload-induced failing hearts. These data indicate that QC has direct benefic effects on pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and dysfunction. The protective effects of QC involve prevention of increased oxidative stress injury and Ang-II levels and inhibition of mTOR and TGF-β1/Smad pathways in failing hearts.
Short-Term Power Prediction of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) System Based on Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Kabilan R. , Chandran V. , Yogapriya J. , Karthick Alagar , Gandhi Priyesh P. , Mohanavel V. , Rahim Robbi , Manoharan S.
Published: April 2021

One of the biggest challenges is towards ensuring large-scale integration of photovoltaic systems into buildings. This work is aimed at presenting a building integrated photovoltaic system power prediction concerning the building’s various orientations based on the machine learning data science tools. The proposed prediction methodology comprises a data quality stage, machine learning algorithm, weather clustering assessment, and an accuracy assessment. The results showed that the application of linear regression coefficients to the forecast outputs of the developed photovoltaic power generation neural network improved the PV power generation’s forecast output. The final model resulted from accurate forecasts, exhibiting a root mean square error of 4.42% in NN, 16.86% in QSVM, and 8.76% in TREE. The results are presented with the building facade and roof application such as flat roof, south façade, east façade, and west façade.
Clone Chaotic Parallel Evolutionary Algorithm for Low-Energy Clustering in High-Density Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Yang Rui , Xu Mengying , Zhou Jie
Published: April 2021

Because the sensors are constrained in energy capabilities, low-energy clustering has become a challenging problem in high-density wireless sensor networks (HDWSNs). Usually, sensor nodes tend to be tiny devices along with constrained clustering abilities. To have a low communication energy consumption, a low-energy clustering scheme should be designed properly. In this work, a new cloned chaotic parallel evolution algorithm (CCPEA) is proposed, and a low-energy clustering model is established to lower the communication energy consumption of HDWSNs. By introducing CCPEA into the low-energy clustering, an objective function is designed for evaluating the communication energy consumption. For this problem, we define a clone operator to minimize the communication energy consumption of HDWSNs, use the chaotic operator to randomly generate the initial population to expand the search range to avoid local optimization, and find the parallel operator to speed up the convergence speed. In the experiment, the effect of CCPEA is compared to heuristic approaches of particle swarm optimization (PSO) and simulated annealing (SA) for the HDWSNs with different numbers of sensors. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the presented CCPEA method achieves a lower communication energy consumption and faster convergence speed than PSO and SA.
Rapid Whole Genome Sequencing of Serotype K1 Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae from an Undocumented Chinese Migrant
Authors: Macleod C. K. , Khokhar F. A. , Warne B. , Wick R. , Butcher R. , Cassimon B. , Hayden P. , Holt K. , Török M. E.
Published: April 2021

Background. Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae causes severe disseminated infections, typically with hepatic and central nervous system involvement including endophthalmitis. Case Presentation. We report a fatal case of an undocumented Chinese migrant in her 60s who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain, lethargy, and headache over the preceding two weeks. She had a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus on admission. Computed tomography scan of the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis showed bilateral pneumonia with liver abscesses. The patient was treated with empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics before K. pneumoniae was isolated from cerebrospinal fluid and blood cultures. The isolate was further characterised as a ST23 (ST: sequence type), serotype K1 hypervirulent strain using Nanopore sequencing. Despite admission to the intensive care unit, the patient died within 48 hrs of admission. Conclusions. This case demonstrates the need for increased awareness of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae, even in countries where it occurs infrequently. Novel, rapid, sequencing technologies can support diagnosis in unusual presentations.
A Survey of Industrial Internet of Things Platforms for Establishing Centralized Data-Acquisition Middleware: Categorization, Experiment, and Challenges
Authors: Ok Jin-Sung , Kwon Soon-Do , Heo Cheol-Eun , Suh Young-Kyoon
Published: April 2021

The development of industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), big data, and artificial intelligence technologies is leading to a major change in the production system. The change is being propagated into the wave of transforming the existing system with a vertical structure into the corresponding horizontal platform or middleware. Accordingly, the way of acquiring IIoT data from an individual system is being altered to the way of being increasingly centralized through an integrated middleware of a scalable server or through a large platform. That said, middleware-based IIoT data acquisition must consider multiple factors, such as infrastructure (e.g., operation environment and network), protocol heterogeneity, interoperability (e.g., links with legacy systems), real-time, and security. This manuscript explains these five aspects in detail and provides a taxonomy of eighteen state-of-the-art IIoT data-acquisition middleware systems based on these aspects. To validate one of these aspects (network), we present our evaluation results at a real production site where IIoT data-acquisition loss rates are compared between wireless (long-term evolution) and wired networks. As a result, the wired communication can be more suitable for centralized IIoT data-acquisition middleware than wireless networks. Finally, we discuss several challenges in establishing the best IIoT data-acquisition middleware in a centralized way.
Reinforcement Learning Guided by Double Replay Memory
Authors: Han Jiseong , Jo Kichun , Lim Wontaek , Lee Yonghak , Ko Kyoungmin , Sim Eunseon , Cho JunSang , Kim SungHwan
Published: April 2021

Experience replay memory in reinforcement learning enables agents to remember and reuse past experiences. Most of the reinforcement models are subject to single experience replay memory to operate agents. In this article, we propose a framework that accommodates doubly used experience replay memory, exploiting both important transitions and new transitions simultaneously. In numerical studies, the deep Q‐networks (DQN) equipped with double experience replay memory are examined under various scenarios. A self‐driving car requires an automated agent to figure out when to adequately change lanes on the real‐time basis. To this end, we apply our proposed agent to the simulation of urban mobility (SUMO) experiments. Besides, we also verify its applicability to reinforcement learning whose action space is discrete (e.g., computer game environments). Taken all together, we conclude that the proposed framework outperforms priorly known reinforcement learning models in the virtue of double experience replay memory.
Effects of Biostabilization on Engineering Properties of Geomaterials
Authors: Li Shengting , Luo Chenyi , Yang Yi , Yang Lvzhen , Wu Lijian , Huang Tuo , Wang Zhuangji
Published: April 2021

Biostabilization is a newly proposed method to improve the strength and durability of geomaterials, and it can serve as an alternative to chemical and mechanical stabilization. The objectives of this study are to perform biostabilization treatments for selected roadway construction geomaterials and to evaluate the biostabilization effects on engineering properties of the geomaterials. Three types of geomaterials were selected, and two of them were compacted soil from unpaved road surface. Bacillus pasteurii, the biostabilization bacterium, was used to induce mineral precipitates within the geomaterial pore spaces, where the biostabilization effects were performed. Two types of liquid incubation media, containing NH4Cl or (NH4)2 SO4, were applied for bacteria culturing. Unconfined compression, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements were conducted to evaluate the biostabilization results. From unconfined compression, sample strength performance was improved by the biostabilization treatments; the benefits of biostabilization were pronounced by a relatively long culturing time and an oven‐dry procedure; the liquid culturing medium containing NH4Cl performed better than the medium containing (NH4)2 SO4. After biostabilization, SEM photographs provided direct evidence for the precipitates induced by bacteria within the geomaterial pore space. The precipitates either connected the adjoined particles or partially covered the particle surface, which increased the surface roughness. EDS and XRD results indicated that calcite, dolomite, and albite were the major precipitates produced during biostabilization treatments. In conclusion, biostabilization ameliorated the microstructures of the geomaterials and improved their strength. Future research topics should include the applications of biostabilization for in situ road construction.
Toxicological Characterization of Ten Medicinal Plants of the Beninese Flora Used in the Traditional Treatment of Diarrheal Diseases
Authors: Dougnon Tamègnon Victorien , Hounsa Edna , Agbodjento Eric , Koudokpon Hornel , Legba Boris , Fabiyi Kafayath , Afaton Anny , Sintondji Kévin , Akpode Benoît , Klotoé Jean Robert , Tchobo Fidèle , Bankole Honoré , Dougnon Tossou Jacques
Published: April 2021

The use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine is a common practice in developing countries. However, this unregulated or poorly rational use may present a dose-dependent risk of toxicity to humans. This study aimed to explore the phytochemical and toxicological characteristics of ten (10) plant species used in the traditional treatment of infectious diarrhea in Benin. The acute toxicity of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Khaya senegalensis, Daniellia oliveri, Rauvolfia vomitoria, Vernonia amygdalina, Manihot esculenta, Ocimum gratissimum, Senna italica, Diospyros mespiliformis, Pterocarpus erinaceus, and Anacardium occidentale was evaluated following the OECD 423 protocol at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg. This safety test was complemented by a larval cytotoxicity test. Hematological and biochemical examinations, as well as a histological study of the liver and kidneys, were performed. Larval cytotoxicity was assessed by the sensitivity of Artemia salina larvae to different concentrations of the plant extracts studied. Testing for chemical compounds was performed on the basis of differential staining and precipitation reactions. The mean lethal concentration (LC50) was determined by the probit method. The qualitative phytochemical screening of the plants studied revealed the presence of catechic tannins, gallic tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins and sterol-terpenes, alkaloids, saponosides, and reducing compounds. This composition varied according to the plants studied. Acute toxicity data indicated that there was no mortality and no structural and functional alterations of the liver and kidneys of treated animals. Larval cytotoxicity data suggest that the plants studied are not cytotoxic (LC50 ≥ 0.1 mg/mL). These observations reflect the safety of these plants and justify their use in traditional medicine in the treatment of many diseases including diarrheal diseases.
Pyroptosis: A New Frontier in Kidney Diseases
Authors: Zhang Ke-jia , Wu Qi , Jiang Shi-min , Ding Lei , Liu Chao-xia , Xu Ming , Wang Ying , Zhou Yao , Li Li
Published: April 2021

Pyroptosis is a pattern of programmed cell death that significantly differs from apoptosis and autophagy in terms of cell morphology and function. The process of pyroptosis is characterized predominantly by the formation of gasdermin protein family‐mediated membrane perforation, cell collapse, and the release of inflammatory factors, including IL‐1β and IL‐18. In recent years, with the rise of pyroptosis research, scholars have devoted time to study the mechanism of pyroptosis in kidney‐related diseases. Pyroptosis is probably involved in kidney diseases through two pathways: the caspase‐1‐mediated canonical pathway and the caspase‐4/5/11‐mediated noncanonical pathway. In addition, some scholars have identified targets for the treatment of kidney‐related diseases from the viewpoint of pyroptosis and developed corresponding medicines, which may become a recommendation for prognosis, targeted treatment, and clinical diagnosis of kidney diseases. This paper focuses on the up‐to‐date advances in the field of pyroptosis, especially on the key pathogenic role of pyroptosis in the development and progression of kidney diseases. It presents a more in‐depth understanding of the pathogenesis of kidney diseases and introduces novel therapeutic targets for the prevention and clinical treatment of kidney diseases.
Synthesis and Biological Screening of New 4‐Hydroxycoumarin Derivatives and Their Palladium(II) Complexes
Authors: Avdović Edina H. , Petrović Isidora P. , Stevanović Milena J. , Saso Luciano , Dimitrić Marković Jasmina M. , Filipović Nenad D. , Živić Miroslav Ž. , Cvetić Antić Tijana N. , Žižić Milan V. , Todorović Nataša V. , Vukić Milena , Trifunović Srećko R. , Marković Zoran S.
Published: April 2021

Two newly synthesized 4‐hydroxycoumarin bidentate ligands (L1 and L2) and their palladium(II) complexes (C1 and C2) were screened for their biological activities, in vitro and in vivo. Structures of new compounds were established based on elemental analysis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and IR spectroscopic techniques. The obtained compounds were tested for their antioxidative and cytotoxic activities and results pointed to selective antiradical activity of palladium(II) complexes towards •OH and -•OOH radicals and anti‐ABTS (2,2 ′‐Azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) cation radical) activity comparable to that of ascorbate. Results indicated the effect of C1 and C2 on the enzymatic activity of the antioxidative defense system. In vitro cytotoxicity assay performed on different carcinoma cell lines (HCT166, A375, and MIA PaCa‐2), and one healthy fibroblast cell line (MRC‐5) showed a cytotoxic effect of both C1 and C2, expressed as a decrease in carcinoma cells’ viability, mostly by induction of apoptosis. In vivo toxicity tests performed on zebrafish embryos indicated different effects of C1 and C2, ranging from adverse developmental effect to no toxicity, depending on tested concentration. According to docking studies, both complexes (C1 and C2) showed better inhibitory activity in comparison to other palladium(II) complexes.
Binahong (Anredera cordifolia (Tenore) Steen.) Leaf Extract Modulates Fatty Acids and Amino Acids to Lower Blood Glucose in High-Fat Diet-Induced Diabetes Mellitus Rats
Authors: Dwitiyanti Dwitiyanti , Harahap Yahdiana , Elya Berna , Bahtiar Anton
Published: April 2021

Patients with diabetes are 1.6 times more likely to use complementary alternative medicine than nondiabetic patients. Previous studies have shown that Anredera cordifolia (Tenore) Steen. (A. cordifolia) leaf extract has the capacity to lower blood glucose, but the actual mechanisms are unclear. Therefore, in this study, we explored the effect of A. cordifolia leaf extract on the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids. Six-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six experimental groups (n = 5 per group). Two groups were fed with a regular diet or a high-fat diet (HFD) for six weeks. The regular diet and HFD groups were administered with 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose as a vehicle, and HFD rats were also fed with a suspension of glibenclamide (0.51 mg/kg body weight (BW)) or A. cordifolia leaf extract (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg BW). During the whole treatment, BW and food intake were recorded weekly. The rats were euthanized seven weeks after treatment. Blood glucose was evaluated by spectrophotometry, while fatty acids and amino acids were evaluated using a gas chromatography/flame ionization detector (GC/FID). All doses of A. cordifolia administration reduced blood glucose significantly, and 50 mg/kg BW was most effective in lowering blood glucose, similar to the effects of glibenclamide. A. cordifolia leaf extract affected the levels of medium-chain fatty acids, especially at 50 mg/kg BW. In contrast, glibenclamide affected long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) to lower blood glucose. Based on the analysis conducted, we conclude that administration of A. cordifolia leaf extract can decrease blood glucose levels by regulating fatty acid metabolism and that a dose of 50 mg/kg BW in rats was the optimal dose.
Secrecy‐Oriented Optimization of Sparse Code Multiple Access for Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer in 6G Aerial Access Networks
Authors: Zhang Jingmin , Yue Xiaokui , Li Xuan , Zhang Haofei , Ni Tao , Lin Wensheng
Published: April 2021

This article focuses on the simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) systems, which provide both the power supply and the communications for Internet‐of‐Things (IoT) devices in the sixth‐generation (6G) network. Due to the extremely stringent requirements on reliability, speed, and security in the 6G network, aerial access networks (AANs) are deployed to extend the coverage of wireless communications and guarantee robustness. Moreover, sparse code multiple access (SCMA) is implemented on the SWIPT system to further promote the spectrum efficiency. To improve the speed and security of SWIPT systems in 6G AANs, we have developed an optimization algorithm of SCMA to maximize the secrecy sum rate (SSR). Specifically, a power‐splitting (PS) strategy is applied by each user to coordinate its energy harvesting and information decoding. Hence, the SSR maximization problems in the SCMA system are formulated in terms of the PS and resource allocation, under the constraints on the minimum rates and minimum harvested energy of individual users. Then, a successive convex approximation method is introduced to transform the nonconvex problems to the convex ones, which are then solved by an iterative algorithm. In addition, we investigate the SSR performance of the SCMA system supported by our optimization methods, when the impacts from different perspectives are considered. Our studies and simulation results show that the SCMA system supported by our proposed optimization algorithms significantly outperforms the legacy system with uniform power allocation and fixed PS.
Source Localization of EEG Brainwaves Activities via Mother Wavelets Families for SWT Decomposition
Authors: Frikha Tarek , Abdennour Najmeddine , Chaabane Faten , Ghorbel Oussama , Ayedi Rami , Shahin Osama R. , Cheikhrouhou Omar
Published: April 2021

A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a system used to communicate with an external world through the brain activity. The brain activity is measured by electroencephalography (EEG) signal and then processed by a BCI system. EEG source reconstruction could be a way to improve the accuracy of EEG classification in EEG based brain-computer interface (BCI). The source localization of the human brain activities can be an important resource for the recognition of the cognitive state, medical disorders, and a better understanding of the brain in general. In this study, we have compared 51 mother wavelets taken from 7 different wavelet families, which are applied to a Stationary Wavelet Transform (SWT) decomposition of an EEG signal. This process includes Haar, Symlets, Daubechies, Coiflets, Discrete Meyer, Biorthogonal, and reverse Biorthogonal wavelet families in extracting five different brainwave subbands for source localization. For this process, we used the Independent Component Analysis (ICA) for feature extraction followed by the Boundary Element Model (BEM) and the Equivalent Current Dipole (ECD) for the forward and inverse problem solutions. The evaluation results in investigating the optimal mother wavelet for source localization eventually identified the sym20 mother wavelet as the best choice followed by bior6.8 and coif5.
Systematic Study on Expression of Vocal Music and Science of Human Body Noise Based on Wireless Sensor Node
Authors: Xu Yifei
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we use a wireless sensor node to investigate the relationship between vocal art composition and human body noise. For the vocal music, the suggested predictor created a wireless sensor node convergence link model and the HART graph routing model is used to systematically design the human noise science. The wireless sensor node optimizes the acquisition of information on vocal art and analyzes the acoustic signal characteristics. The optimally balanced scheduling model has been used to scientifically and distributedly regulate vocal art performance and human body noise. The proposed model enhances the signal detection ability and raises the performance level of vocal art, music art, and human body noise signal. The results of the simulation demonstrate that the proposed model enhances the signal acquisition capability of vocal music and the analysis of human noise. It has a powerful ability to generate vocal signal characteristics and a stronger ability to handle interference with noise.
Enhanced LINC01061 Levels as a Serum Biomarker in Gastric Cancer and Promotion of Malignant Transformation
Authors: Liang Wei , Xia Bin , Yan Meina , Zhai Guanghua , Li Meifen
Published: April 2021

Background: The genomic copy number of LINC01061 is amplified in papillary thyroid cancer. However, its role in gastric cancer is not clear. Materials and Methods: Tissues and serum of GC patients were collected to detect the expression of LINC01061 by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). ShRNA were applied to knock down the expression of LINC01061. Growth curves and colony formation experiments were applied to evaluate cell growth. Cell migration was assessed by transwell migration experiments. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was examined by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Results: The expression of LINC01061 was upregulated in tissues and serum of GC patients and it was associated with the clinicopathological features and survival time. Functional study indicated that cell growth and migration were suppressed after LINC01061 knockdown. Cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis occurred when LINC01061 expression was inhibited. EMT was also impaired combined with a decrease in β-catenin expression after LINC01061 knockdown. Conclusions: Our data indicate that LINC01061 is a novel biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of GC. LINC01061 promoted progression of GC through cell cycle regulation and EMT.
Prognosis Comparisons of Laparoscopy versus Open Surgery for Rectal Cancer Patients after Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Niu Jin-Wei , Ning Wu , Liu Zhi-Ze , Pei Dong-Po , Meng Fan-Qiang , Zhou Lei
Published: April 2021

Aim: We aimed to compare the oncological outcomes of laparoscopy and open resection for patients with rectal cancer following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT). Methods: We searched the publications that compared the efficacy of laparoscopic surgery and open thoracotomy in treatment outcomes of rectal cancer after NCRT. All trials analyzed the summary hazard ratios of the endpoints of interest, including survival and individual postoperative complications. Results: Totally, 10 trials met our inclusion criteria. The pooled analysis of 3-year disease-free survival (OR 1.39, 95% CI 0.93–2.06; p = 0.11) and 3-year overall survival (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.70–1.45; p = 0.97) showed that laparoscopic surgery did not achieve beneficial effects compared with open thoracotomy. The pooled result of duration of surgery indicated that laparoscopic surgery was associated with a trend for longer surgery time (SMD 27.53, 95% CI 1.34–53.72; p = 0.04), shorter hospital stay (SMD –1.64, 95% CI –2.70 to –0.58; p = 0.002), more postoperative complications (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.60–0.99; p = 0.04), and decreased blood loss (SMD –49.87, 95% CI –80.61 to –19.14; p = 0.001). However, the number of removed lymph nodes, positive circumferential resection margin, as well as complications after surgery showed significant differences between the 2 groups. Conclusions: We focused on current evidence and reviewed the studies indicating that similar oncological outcomes were associated with laparoscopic surgery following NCRT for patients with locally advanced lower rectal cancer in comparison with open surgery.
Protective Effects of GYY4137 on Renal Ischaemia/Reperfusion Injury through Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Defence
Authors: Zhao Hongmei , Qiu Yun , Wu Yichen , Sun Hong , Gao Sumin
Published: April 2021

Introduction/Aims: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is considered to be the third most important endogenous gasotransmitter in organisms. GYY4137 is a long-acting donor for H2S, a gas transmitter that has been shown to prevent multi-organ damage in animal studies. We previously reported the effect of GYY4137 on cardiac ischaemia reperfusion injury (IRI) in diabetic mice. However, the role and mechanism of GYY4137 in renal IRI are poorly understood. The aims of this study were to determine whether GYY4137 can effectively alleviate the injury induced by renal ischaemia reperfusion and to explore its possible mechanism. Methods: Mice received right nephrectomy and clipping of the left renal pedicle for 45 min. GYY4137 was administered by intraperitoneal injection for 2 consecutive days before the operation. The model of hypoxia/reoxygenation injury was established in HK-2 cells, which were pre-treated with or without GYY4137. Renal histology, function, apoptosis, and oxidative stress were measured. Western blot was used to measure the target ­protein after renal IRI. Results: The results indicated that GYY4137 had a clear protective effect on renal IRI as reflected by the attenuation of renal dysfunction, renal tubule injury, and apoptosis. Moreover, GYY4137 remarkably reduced renal IRI-induced oxidative stress. GYY4137 significantly elevated the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the expression of antioxidant enzymes regulated by Nrf2, including SOD, HO-1, and NQO-1. Conclusions: GYY4137 alleviates ischaemia reperfusion-induced renal injury through activating the antioxidant effect mediated by Nrf2 signalling.
Augmentation of Psychotherapy with Neurobiological Methods: Current State and Future Directions
Authors: Hertenstein Elisabeth , Trinca Ersilia , Schneider Carlotta L. , Wunderlin Marina , Fehér Kristoffer , Riemann Dieter , Nissen Christoph
Published: April 2021

Background: Psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are first-line treatments for mental disorders. Despite recent improvements, only approximately 50% of the patients reach sustained remission, indicating a need for novel developments. The main concept put forward in this systematic review and hypothesis article is the targeted co-administration of defined neurobiological interventions and specific psychotherapeutic techniques. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search for randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of augmented psychotherapy to psychotherapy alone. Results: Thirty-five trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The majority (29 trials) used augmentation strategies such as D-cycloserine, yohimbine, or sleep to enhance the effects of exposure therapy for anxiety disorders. Fewer studies investigated noninvasive brain stimulation with the aim of improving cognitive control, psychedelic compounds with the aim of enhancing existentially oriented psychotherapy, and oxytocin to improve social communication during psychotherapy. Results demonstrate small augmentation effects for the enhancement of exposure therapy – however, some of the studies found negative results. Other methods are less thoroughly researched, and results are mixed. Conclusions: This approach provides an open matrix for further research and has the potential to systematically guide future studies.
The Importance of a Detailed Geriatric Functional Assessment of Older Patients with Cancer
Authors: Baumann Christina , Baumann Raban , Wedding Ulrich
Published: April 2021

Background: For older patients with cancer, maintaining or regaining their ability to care of themselves is of major interest. Which tools are appropriate to measure this? Different tools to assess functional status (FS) are established in geriatric and oncological care, but they have been compared poorly in the past. Patients and Methods: Within a prospective cohort trial, we included 483 patients: 198 older patients with cancer, 156 younger patients with cancer, and 129 older patients with benign disease. FS was assessed as Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS), activities of daily living (ADL), and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Results were compared for their differences in identifying patients as functionally compromised. Summary: The relative frequency of cancer patients with limitations in ECOG-PS, ADL, and IADL, respectively, increased from 25.7, 13.5, and 17.9% in those <60 years of age to 50.0, 47.1, and 66.7% in those ≥80 years. Results in older patients with cancer were comparable to older patients with benign disease. In older patients with cancer, 20.7 and 21.6% with a good ECOG-PS had limitations in ADL and IADL, respectively; of those without limitations in ADL and IADL, 34.7 and 26.0%, respectively, had a poor ECOG-PS. Treatment approach (curative vs. palliative) was found to be significantly associated with functional limitations. Key Messages: Geriatric and oncological measure of FS report differences in functional impairment. Geriatric functional measures are more sensitive to age-related changes and should be included as patient-reported outcomes in clinical trials and care.
Current Approaches and Future Directions for the Treatment of mTORopathies
Authors: Karalis Vasiliki , Bateup Helen S.
Published: April 2021

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a kinase at the center of an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway that orchestrates cell growth and metabolism. mTOR responds to an array of intra- and extracellular stimuli and in turn controls multiple cellular anabolic and catabolic processes. Aberrant mTOR activity is associated with numerous diseases, with particularly profound impact on the nervous system. mTOR is found in two protein complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and 2 (mTORC2), which are governed by different upstream regulators and have distinct cellular actions. Mutations in genes encoding for mTOR regulators result in a collection of neurodevelopmental disorders known as mTORopathies. While these disorders can affect multiple organs, neuropsychiatric conditions such as epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autism spectrum disorder have a major impact on quality of life. The neuropsychiatric aspects of mTORopathies have been particularly challenging to treat in a clinical setting. Current therapeutic approaches center on rapamycin and its analogs, drugs that are administered systemically to inhibit mTOR activity. While these drugs show some clinical efficacy, adverse side effects, incomplete suppression of mTOR targets, and lack of specificity for mTORC1 or mTORC2 may limit their utility. An increased understanding of the neurobiology of mTOR and the underlying molecular, cellular, and circuit mechanisms of mTOR-related disorders will facilitate the development of improved therapeutics. Animal models of mTORopathies have helped unravel the consequences of mTOR pathway mutations in specific brain cell types and developmental stages, revealing an array of disease-related phenotypes. In this review, we discuss current progress and potential future directions for the therapeutic treatment of mTORopathies with a focus on findings from genetic mouse models.
Young Adults with Mild Asthma in a High-Risk Occupation: Incidence and Risk Factors for Exacerbation
Authors: Shapiro Michael , Zubkov Konstantin , Rosman Yossi , Landau Regev
Published: April 2021

Background: The effects of high-risk environment on young adults with mild asthma were never fully tested in practice, as most high-risk occupations do not welcome them. This study examines the effect of combat training on asthma worsening in the Israeli Defense Forces. Methods: Persons with asthma in remission and mild intermittent asthma who underwent combat training between 2014 and 2017 were compared in terms of disease worsening to their counterparts performing clerical duties during a follow-up of 8 months. Among combat trainees, exposure to known triggers for asthma exacerbation and health status on enlistment were assessed as risk factors for asthma exacerbation. Results: Asthma worsening among persons with asthma in remission was twice as common among those who are undergoing training compared to persons performing clerical duties. This difference was smaller among mild intermittent asthmatics. For both asthma severities, rates of asthma exacerbation requiring emergency room treatment were several times higher among the training group. Among individuals undergoing training, mild intermittent asthma was a significant risk factor for asthma worsening compared to asthma in remission (OR 1.99 [1.44–2.75]) while age (OR 0.67 [0.53–0.85]) and immigration to Israel (OR 0.55 [0.31–0.95]) were significant protective factors. Interpretation: Young adults with mild asthma are at significant risk for severe exacerbations when exposed to high-risk environment even among individuals who have long been symptom free. No single risk factor was found to have an independent effect suggesting a synergistic mechanism that is harder to mitigate.