Control strategies for trunk exoskeletons based on motion intent recognition: A review.

BACKGROUND: Wearable trunk exoskeletons hold immense potential in fields such as healthcare and industry. Previous research has indicated that intention recognition control plays a crucial role in users' daily use of exoskeletons. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to discuss the characteristics of intention recognition control schemes for intelligent trunk exoskeletons under different control objectives over the past decade. METHODS: Considering the relatively late development of active trunk exoskeletons, we selected papers published in the last decade (2013 to 2023) from the Web of Science, PubMed, and IEEE Xplore databases. In total, 50 articles were selected and examined based on four control objectives. RESULTS: In general, we found that researchers focus on trunk exoskeleton devices designed for assistance and motor augmentation, which rely more on body movement signals as a source for intention recognition. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, we identify and discuss several promising research directions that may help to attain a widely accepted control methods, thereby advancing further development of trunk exoskeleton technology.

Identification and comparison of Chlamydia psittaci, Legionella and Mycoplasma pneumonia infection.

INTRODUCTION: Conventional etiological detection and pathogenic antibody methods make it challenging to identify the atypical pathogens among the community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) could rapidly detect all potentially infectious diseases and identifies novel or potential pathogens. METHODS: Eighteen patients diagnosed with atypical CAP were enrolled in this retrospective study, including nine Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia (C. p), four Legionella pneumonia (L. p) and five Mycoplasma pneumonia (M. p). We simultaneously tested bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples for conventional microbiological methods and mNGS, and blood specimens were analysed. We also collected and compared baseline and clinical characteristics and treatment responses. RESULTS: Patients with C. p and L. p had similar symptoms, including fever, cough, headache, dyspnoea, asthenia, shivering and headache, compared with M. p, whose symptoms were slight. C. p and L. p usually showed multiple lobar distributions with pleural effusion. Serologic testing indicated that L. p had higher levels of white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatinine compared with M. p and L. p (p < 0.05). However, patients with C. p had lower levels of albumin (p < 0.05), and M. p had a minimum risk of cardiac volume loads (p < 0.05). CD4/CD8 ratio, lymphocytes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), cell counting of BALF and coagulation had no difference (p < 0.05). Pathogenic IgM assay showed that 4/5 cases were positive for M. p and no positive detection for C. p and L. p infection. We timely adjusted the antibiotics according to the final mNGS results. Eventually, 16/18 patients recovered fully. Conditions of L. p patients were worse than those of C. p patients, and those of M. p patients were the least. CONCLUSION: Early application of mNGS detection increased the atypical pathogenic identification, improved the prognosis and made up for the deficiency of conventional detection methods.

APCS-MLR model: A convenient and fast method for quantitative identification of nitrate pollution sources in groundwater.

Nitrate (NO3-) contamination in groundwater has diverse sources and complicated transformation processes. To effectively control NO3- pollution in groundwater systems, quantitative and accurate identification of NO3- sources is critical. In this work, we applied hydrochemical characteristics and isotope analysis to determine NO3- source apportionment. For the first time, the NO3- source contributions were calculated using hydrochemical indicators combined with multivariate statistical model (PCA-APCS-MLR). The results interpret that chemical fertilizers (58.11%) and natural sources (22.69%) were the primary NO3- sources in the vegetable cultivation area (VCA) which were rather close to the estimation by Bayesian isotope mixing model (SIAR). In particular, the contributions of chemical fertilizers in the VCA differed by only 3.79% between the two methods. Compared with previous approaches e.g. SIAR, the key advantage of the proposed PCA-APCS-MLR model is that it only requires the hydrochemical indicators which can be easily measured. A series of complicated experiments including measurement of isotope data of NO3- in groundwater, monitoring of in-situ pollution source information and calculation of isotopic enrichment factor can be simply avoided. The PCA-APCS-MLR model offers a much more convenient and faster method to determine the contribution rates of NO3- pollution sources in groundwater.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation improves lipid metabolism and endothelial function by providing a beneficial eicosanoid-pattern in patients with acute myocardial infarction: A randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 PUFA) have been reported to have beneficial cardiovascular effects, but its mechanism of protection against acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who are under guideline-based therapy is not fully understood. Here, we used a metabolomic approach to systematically analyze the eicosanoid metabolites induced by ω-3 PUFA supplementation and investigated the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Participants with AMI after successful percutaneous coronary intervention were randomized to 3 months of 2 g daily ω-3 PUFA and guideline-adjusted therapy (n = 30, ω-3 therapy) or guideline-adjusted therapy alone (n = 30, Usual therapy). Functional PUFA-derived eicosanoids in plasma were profiled by metabolomics. Clinical and laboratory tests were obtained before and 3 months after baseline and after the study therapy. RESULTS: By intent-to-treat analysis, the content of 11-HDoHE, 20-HDoHE and 16,17-EDP and that of epoxyeicosatetraenoic acids (EEQs), derived from docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, respectively, were significantly higher with ω-3 group than Usual therapy, whereas that of prostaglandin J2 (PGJ2) and leukotriene B4, derived from arachidonic acid, was significantly decreased. As compared with Usual therapy, ω-3 PUFA therapy significantly reduced levels of triglycerides (-6.3%, P < 0.05), apolipoprotein B (-4.9%, P < 0.05) and lipoprotein(a) (-37.0%, P < 0.05) and increased nitric oxide level (62.2%, P < 0.05). In addition, the levels of these variables were positively correlated with change in 16,17-EDP and EEQs content but negatively with change in PGJ2 content. CONCLUSIONS: ω-3 PUFA supplementation may improve lipid metabolism and endothelial function possibly by affecting eicosanoid metabolic status at a systemic level during convalescent healing after AMI. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn. Unique identifier: ChiCTR1900025859.

Nitrate source apportionment in groundwater using Bayesian isotope mixing model based on nitrogen isotope fractionation.

Accurate identification of nitrate (NO3-) sources is critical to address the issue of groundwater pollution. The nitrogen (N) isotopic enrichment factor (ɛp/s) is an important parameter to explain the N cycle and determine the proportional contribution of NO3- sources. Considering the isotopic fractionation effects in N transformation processes, this study quantitatively analyzed the NO3- sources in groundwater using stable isotopes (δ15N-NO3- and δ18O-NO3-) and the Bayesian isotope mixing model (SIAR). For the first time, the ɛp/s values (0.0‰, -8.7‰, -8.7‰, and 14.7‰) of atmospheric deposition (AD), soil nitrogen (SN), chemical fertilizers (CF), and manure and sewage (M&S) were calculated to determine the NO3- source apportionment in groundwater. It was proved that the isotopic fractionation effect could produce a more accurate NO3- source apportionment. We also found that the NO3- source contributions were closely related to the cropping system. In the vegetable cultivation area, CF (54.32%) and SN (37.75%) were the dominant NO3- source, while in the grain cultivation area, NO3- pollution was largely influenced by SN (33.67%), CF (33.27%), and M&S (30.16%). According to this study, the isotope fractionation is strongly recommended for NO3- source apportionment in groundwater system.

Probucol Protects Against Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury via the Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2)/JNK-Caspase 3 Pathway in Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND Contrast-induced acute kidney injury is an important clinical problem, yet its pathogenic mechanisms are incompletely understood. In this study we explored the potential beneficial effects of probucol as treatment of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in diabetic rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS Rats were divided into 3 groups: i) diabetic control, ii) diabetic with contrast, and iii) probucol treatment groups. Probucol was administered by gavage and the contrast diatrizoate (60%) was injected via femoral vein. After 24 h, the rats were sacrificed and samples were taken to measure biochemical indicators. Pathological damage of renal tubules was evaluated by HE staining. Expression of Bcl-2, Bax, p-ERKs, and p-JNK proteins in the kidneys was examined by Western blotting, whereas expression level of caspase-3 in kidneys was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Compared to the probucol treatment group, the diabetes with contrast group showed higher serum creatinine and lower creatinine clearance. The pathological changes of kidneys in the probucol treatment group were improved compared with the contrast group. Moreover, Western blot analyses revealed that use of contrast agent led to lower p-ERK1/2, higher p-JNK, lower Bcl-2, and higher Bax levels, which were reversed by probucol. Finally, immunohistochemical findings revealed higher caspase-3 after contrast use, which was partially reversed by probucol. CONCLUSIONS Probucol exerts protective effects on contrast-induced acute kidney injury in diabetic rats by inhibition of renal cell apoptosis. This is achieved by reducing mitochondrial caspase-3 expression through increasing and decreasing the expression of the upstream mediators p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK, respectively.

Relation of red blood cell distribution width with CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc score in Chinese patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Higher red cell distribution width (RDW) predicts adverse events in patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, there are limited data regarding the relationship between RDW and thromboembolism risk in the patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to investigate the association between RDW and CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc scores used for the evaluation of thromboembolic risk in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: Our study included 99 patients with AF (68 paroxysmal AF; 31 persistent AF). We calculated CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc risk scores for each patient, and we carefully recorded clinical characteristics as well as laboratory and echocardiographic parameters. According to CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores, we divided the AF patients into 2 groups (low-intermediate risk and high risk group). Subsequently, we compared the aforementioned parameters between the 2 groups, and we evaluated the relationship between RDW and CHADS2/CHA2DS2-VASc score. Finally, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to find independent predictors of high CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc scores. RESULTS: Patients with high CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc scores had older age, higher RDW, and creatinine levels, increased left atrial diameter and lower left ventricular ejection fraction, compared to the low CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc score group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that RDW was an independent predictor for high CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc scores(OR: 2.184 and OR: 5.748; all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: RDW is significantly correlated with CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc score in the patients with AF, while is an independent predictor for high CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc score.

Western medication plus Traditional Chinese Medicine preparations in patients with chronic heart failure: a prospective, single-blind, randomized, controlled, and multicenter clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) of Western medication plus Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) preparations. METHODS: This prospective, single-blind, randomized, controlled, and multicenter clinical trial began on September 17, 2008, and was completed on June 25, 2011. A total of 340 inpatients, aged 40-79 years, with exacerbating CHF from 10 hospitals were enrolled and randomly allocated within 24 h of admission. The trial included three intervention periods. During hospitalization, the control group received western medication for CHF and the treatment group received Danhong injection with Shenfu injection or Shenmai injection. After discharge, all patients were treated with Qiliqiangxin capsules and Buyiqiangxin tablets or a placebo for 6 months. After the 6-month intervention, both groups received only continuous western medication. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The efficacy assessments were as follows: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), Lee's HF score, the 6-minute walking test (6MWT), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ). The safety assessments were as follows: blood and urine routine examination, hepatic and renal function, electrolytes in blood and adverse events. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the treatment group showed a 30.99% reduction in all-cause mortality and an improved survival rate. The treatment group showed greater improvement in 6MWT (P = 0.02) than the control group on discharge, after 12-month follow-up, there was a time-group interaction for MLHFQ (P = 0.03). Incidence rate of adverse events and other relevant safety indexes were not statistically significant between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Western medication plus TCM treatment can increase 6-minute walking distance (improve exercise tolerance) and quality of life with heart failure patients.

Assessment of flavonoids and volatile compounds in tea infusions of water lily flowers and their antioxidant activities.

Water lily, a member of the Nymphaeaceae family, can be made into tea on the basis of outstanding fragrance characteristics and health care functions. In this study, 16 flavonoids were identified and quantified in tea infusions prepared from the petals of 33 water lily cultivars using HPLC-DAD and HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The infusions were analyzed with HS-SPME coupled with GC-MS; 29 volatile compounds were detected, of which nine were found to be scent components. The cultivars were clustered into three clusters characterized according to scent components. The 'Conqueror' and 'Virginia' cultivars had the highest antioxidant activities. The concentrations of polyphenols and flavonoids showed significant positive correlations with antioxidant activity as measured by DPPH, ABTS(+), and FRAP assays. This study is valuable for a fuller understanding of this important tea and can also be used for the development of water lily.

Systematic qualitative and quantitative assessment of fatty acids in the seeds of 60 tree peony (Paeonia section Moutan DC.) cultivars by GC-MS.

Seeds from Paeonia ostii and Paeoniarockii have been recently identified as novel resources of α-linolenic acid (ALA) in China. To assess whether tree peony cultivars can be used as oil resource, fatty acids (FAs) in 60 cultivars were monitored and evaluated in this study. The results indicated that the composition and content of FAs varied dramatically among different cultivars, in which ALA, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid were the dominant. The 60 cultivars were classified into six clusters by hierarchical cluster analysis, and they were quite distinct from each other. Finally, six cultivars with high yield and high quality were screened out, comprising of 'Liuliguanzhu', 'Hongguanyupei', 'LSS-2', 'LSS-1', 'Jingshenhuanfa' and 'LSS-11'. These cultivars were appropriately applied in practical oil production. Overall, tree peony oil with abundant unsaturated fatty acids especially ALA was proved to be a top-grade source for edible oil and nutritional supplements.

Probucol for the prevention of cystatin C-based contrast-induced acute kidney injury following primary or urgent angioplasty: a randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Probucol, a lipid-lowering drug with potent antioxidant properties, may reduce the risk of cystatin C (CyC)-based contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI). The aim of this study was to observe the incidence of CyC-based CIAKI and assess the efficacy of probucol on prevention of CIAKI following primary or urgent coronary angioplasty. METHODS: A total of 204 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were prospectively randomized to a control group (108 patients, 74 male, 65.4 ± 12.5 years) or probucol group (96 patients, 67 male, 65.1 ± 10.5 years) 1000 mg orally before primary or urgent angioplasty and 500 mg twice daily for 3 days following intervention. Serum CyC and serum creatinine (Scr) concentrations were measured before, and on day 1, day 2 and day 3 after coronary intervention. RESULTS: The clinical characteristics of the patients from the two groups were similar. Scr-based CIAKI was developed in 23 patients of the control group (21.3%) and in 4 patients of the probucol group (4.2%) (P<0.001). Furthermore, CyC-based CIAKI occurred in 56 patients of the control group (51.9%) and 28 patients of the probucol group (29.2%) (P<0.001). The CyC increase ≥ 10% after exposure to contrast medium was the best increment cutoff value for the early identification of patients at risk of CIAKI. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that CyC is a reliable marker for early identification and ruling out the patients at the risk of CIAKI. Among the patients with ACS who are undergoing primary or urgent angioplasty, prophylactic treatment with probucol reduces the risk of both Scr and CyC-based CIAKI.

Role of probucol in preventing contrast-induced acute kidney injury after coronary interventional procedure.

Enhanced production and reduced removal of oxygen free radicals may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI). Probucol, a lipid-lowering drug with potent antioxidant properties, has been widely used clinically for the prevention of the progression of atherosclerosis. We performed a prospective, randomized controlled trial to investigate the role of probucol in the prevention of CIAKI in patients undergoing planned coronary angiography (CAG) or intervention. The 205 patients who underwent planned CAG or intervention were randomly assigned to either the probucol group (n = 102; 500 mg orally twice daily) or the control group (n = 103). Renal function was assessed at the time of hospital admission and on days 1, 2, and 3 after the procedure. CIAKI occurred in 23 (11.22%) of the 205 patients. The incidence of CIAKI in the probucol group was slightly lower compared with the control group (7.84% vs 14.56%) but without significant difference (p = 0.13). The postprocedure mean peak of serum creatinine (1.15 +/- 0.49 vs 1.33 +/- 0.78 mg/dl, p = 0.04) and the postprocedure increasing Scr from baseline (0.15 +/- 0.22 vs 0.25 +/- 0.21 mg/dl, p = 0.001) in the probucol group were significantly lower than those in the control group. In conclusion, prophylactic treatment with probucol during the periprocedural stage in patients undergoing coronary angiography or intervention has a preventive role against CIAKI.