Brain-wide functional connectivity of face patch neurons during rest.

The brain is a highly organized, dynamic system whose network architecture is often assessed through resting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) functional connectivity. The functional interactions between brain areas, including those observed during rest, are assumed to stem from the collective influence of action potentials carried by long-range neural projections. However, the contribution of individual neurons to brain-wide functional connectivity has not been systematically assessed. Here we developed a method to concurrently measure and compare the spiking activity of local neurons with fMRI signals measured across the brain during rest. We recorded spontaneous activity from neural populations in cortical face patches in the macaque during fMRI scanning sessions. Individual cells exhibited prominent, bilateral coupling with fMRI fluctuations in a restricted set of cortical areas inside and outside the face patch network, partially matching the pattern of known anatomical projections. Within each face patch population, a subset of neurons was positively coupled with the face patch network and another was negatively coupled. The same cells showed inverse correlations with distinct subcortical structures, most notably the lateral geniculate nucleus and brainstem neuromodulatory centers. Corresponding connectivity maps derived from fMRI seeds and local field potentials differed from the single unit maps, particularly in subcortical areas. Together, the results demonstrate that the spiking fluctuations of neurons are selectively coupled with discrete brain regions, with the coupling governed in part by anatomical network connections and in part by indirect neuromodulatory pathways.

The impact of statin treatment duration on the risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus and recurrent vascular events in ischemic stroke patients: a linked data analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Although statin therapy reduces cardiovascular events, statin use is associated with the risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM). Using a linked dataset, we evaluated the effect of statin treatment on vascular outcomes and NODM development in patients with ischemic stroke. METHODS: From the dataset, we identified 20,250 patients with acute ischemic stroke who had neither a prior history of DM nor a previous history of statin use before the index stroke. Patients were divided into statin users and non-users. The outcomes were NODM and vascular outcomes, including recurrent ischemic stroke and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). RESULTS: Of the 20,250 patients, 13,706 (67.7%) received statin treatment after the index stroke. For the risk of NODM, a time-response relationship was observed between the use of statins and NODM; a longer post-stroke follow-up duration substantially increased the risk of NODM. Among those with ischemic stroke exceeding 3 years, statin users had an approximately 1.7-fold greater risk of NODM than statin non-users. Statin therapy significantly reduced the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke by 54% (HR 0.46, 95% CI, 0.43-0.50, P < 0.001) across all stroke subtypes. CONCLUSION: Statin therapy following ischemic stroke increased the occurrence of NODM in patients over a period of 3 years. Despite the increased risk of NODM, statin therapy shows a beneficial effect in reducing major cardiovascular events such as recurrent ischemic stroke and AMI in patients with ischemic stroke.

Consideration of the diameter of superficial temporal arteries related to filler injections in the temporal region.

BACKGROUND: The concavity of the temple due to adipose tissue atrophy from aging accentuates the zygomatic arch and lateral orbital rim, leading to an aged appearance. The use of hyaluronic acid filler in the temporal region has gained popularity due to its procedural simplicity and consistent outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of administering hyaluronic acid filler in the temporal region concerning the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery, which is at risk of injury. METHODS: Empirical observations were conducted on the internal diameter of the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery, a critical anatomical site for potential injury. RESULTS: A significant proportion of the artery segments exhibited an internal diameter below 1 mm. Given that the outer diameter of an 18-gauge cannula is 1.27 mm, this method can be considered a relatively secure approach for enhancing the temporal region. CONCLUSION: The use of an 18-gauge cannula for hyaluronic acid filler administration in the temporal region appears to be a safe and effective method, with the potential risk to the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery being minimal.

How to determine the focus of emergent medical care in healthcare policy: Proposal of treatable death.

INTRODUCTION: The global provision of essential healthcare stands as a critical concern. Consequently, healthcare policies play a pivotal role in determining the allocation of resources. However, the optimal indicators for prioritizing such policies remain uncertain. This study proposes that employing the concept of treatable mortality in a stepwise manner could serve as a viable approach to setting healthcare policy priorities. Furthermore, it aims to demonstrate this concept through the application of real-world data. METHODS: A model was developed to assess treatable mortality at a national level focusing on severe emergency conditions. We established stepwise targets, encompassing short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals to reduce mortality rates and enhance healthcare efficiency. The short-term target consists of directing attention to regions exhibiting in-hospital mortality rates surpassing the national average within a specific disease category and reducing them to the national average. The mid-term objective entails decreasing the in-hospital mortality rate of the specific disease group to match that of the region with the lowest rate nationwide. As for long-term target, it aligns the in-hospital mortality rate with that of OECD countries possessing average or lowest rates. The model was applied using data from South Korea's National Emergency Department Information System, specifically analyzing acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, and sepsis. RESULTS: Reaching the short-term target resulted in the treatable deaths for AMI numbered 191, for stroke 249, and for sepsis 546. Meeting the mid-term target led to treatable deaths for AMI at 749, for stroke at 958, and for sepsis at 1552. Finally, achieving the long-term target yielded the treatable deaths for AMI at 2606, for stroke at 1642, and for sepsis at 2619. Consequently, a reallocation of more healthcare resources to sepsis over AMI or stroke is recommended. CONCLUSIONS: This study proposes the utilization of treatable mortality as a metric for establishing healthcare policies. The stepwise approach provides valuable insights for policymaking at various levels. Despite limitations, the model offers a foundation for resource allocation and international mortality rate comparisons, aiming for achievable rates worldwide.

Diesel Particulate Matter Permeation into Normal Human Skin and Intervention Using a Topical Ceramide Formulation.

INTRODUCTION: Diesel particulate matter (DPM) emitted from diesel engines is a major source of air pollutants. DPM is composed of elemental carbon, which adsorbs organic compounds including toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The skin, as well as airways, is directly exposed to DPM, and association of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis flares, and premature skin aging with air pollutant levels has been documented. In skin, the permeation of DPM and DPM-adsorbed compounds is primarily blocked by the epidermal permeability barrier deployed in the stratum corneum. Depending upon the integrity of this barrier, certain amounts of DPM and DPM-adsorbed compounds can permeate into the skin. However, this permeation into human skin has not been completely elucidated. METHODS: We assessed the permeation of PAHs (adsorbed to DPM) into skin using ex vivo normal (barrier-competent) organ-cultured human skin after application of DPM. Two major PAHs, 2-methylnaphthalene and triphenylene, and a carcinogenic PAH, benzo(a)pyrene, all found in DPM, were measured in the epidermis and dermis using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. In addition, we investigated whether a topical formulation can attenuate the permeation of DPM into skin. RESULTS: 2-Methylnaphthalene, triphenylene, and benzo(a)pyrene were recovered from the epidermis. Although these PAHs were also detected in the dermis after DPM application, these PAH levels were significantly lower than those found in the epidermis. We also demonstrated that a topical formulation that has the ability to form more uniform membrane structures can significantly suppress the permeation of PAHs adsorbed to DPM into the skin. CONCLUSION: Toxic compounds adsorbed by DPM can permeate even barrier-competent skin. Hence, barrier-compromised skin, such as in atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and xerosis, is even more vulnerable to air pollutants. A properly formulated topical mixture that forms certain membrane structures on the skin surface can effectively prevent permeation of exogenous substances, including DPM, into skin.

Efficacy of plant-derived dietary supplements in improving overall menopausal symptoms in women: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

This updated systematic review and meta-analysis aims to confirm the effectiveness of plant-based supplements in improving overall menopausal symptoms and vasomotor symptoms. A systematic review of the literature was conducted by searching the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases up to June 2022. Randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials that evaluated the effects of dietary supplements on menopausal symptoms were included. Outcome measures included daily hot flash frequency, Kupperman's index, Menopause Rating Scale, and Greene Climacteric Scale. Pooled data were analyzed using a fixed-effects model and expressed as a weighted mean difference with a 95% confidence interval for continuous outcomes. For qualitative assessment, 67 studies were selected. For quantitative assessment, 54 reports were obtained from 61 studies. The study participants were peri- or postmenopausal women aged 38-85, most of whom experienced hot flashes as a menopausal symptom. The investigational products included 28 soy-derived, 6 red clover-derived, and 28 other plant-derived supplements. Qualitative assessment revealed that approximately 76% of the studies were generally of fair or good quality, whereas 24% were of low quality. Meta-analysis results indicated significant improvements in all questionnaire scores, including hot flash frequency, in the dietary supplement group compared with the placebo group. Comprehensive evaluation using different questionnaire tools showed that the various plant-derived dietary supplements can significantly alleviate menopausal symptoms. However, further rigorous studies are needed to determine the association of plant-derived dietary supplements with menopausal health because of the general suboptimal quality and heterogeneous nature of current evidence.

The Epidermal Environment's Influence on the Dermal Environment in Response to External Stress.

INTRODUCTION: The outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, is directly exposed to external stress (e.g., irradiation, allergens, and chemicals). Changes in epidermal conditions/environment in response to this stress could also influence conditions of the dermis, located directly beneath the epidermis. Yet, whether/how any epidermal environment changes in response to external stress affect dermal functions has not been completely clarified. METHODS: We employed ultraviolet irradiation B (UVB) (which hardly reaches the dermis) as a model of external stress. Human keratinocytes and human dermal fibroblasts were treated with UVB and conditioned medium of keratinocytes exposed to UVB (UVB-keratinocyte-M), respectively. We assessed (1) inflammatory cytokines and lipid mediators in keratinocytes; (2) matrix metalloprotease (MMP) levels and collagen degradation in fibroblasts; (3) ex vivo organ-cultured human skin was treated with UVB. MMP levels and collagen degradation were examined; (4) test whether the mixture of agent (agent cocktail) consisting of dihydroceramide, niacin amide, resveratrol, glucosyl hesperidin, and phytosterol ester that has been shown to improve skin barrier integrity can mitigate influence of UVB in skin; and (5) a pilot one-arm human clinical test to assess efficacy of formulation containing agent cocktail on stratum corneum hydration, skin elasticity, and wrinkle index. RESULTS: Inflammatory-cytokine and -lipid mediator production were increased in cultured keratinocytes treated with UVB, while matrix MMP-1, -3, and -9 production and collagen degradation were increased in fibroblasts incubated with UVB-keratinocyte-M. mRNA expression of COL1A1 (that codes type 1 collagen) levels was decreased in fibroblasts incubated with UVB-keratinocyte-M. The study using ex vivo organ-cultured human skin showed both MMP-1 and MMP-9 expression were increased in both epidermis and dermis and increased dermal collagen degradation following UVB irradiation. Increased MMP production and collagen degradation were attenuated by application of an agent cocktail. Finally, a pilot clinical study demonstrated that the formulation containing our agent cocktail likely has the ability to improve skin hydration, increase skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. CONCLUSION: Epidermal changes in epidermal environment and conditions in response to external stress affect dermal conditions, and these negative effects of external stress on various skin layers can be pharmacologically mitigated.

Multiple Antiplatelet Therapy in Ischemic Stroke Already on Antiplatelet Agents Based on the Linked Big Data for Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Optimal antiplatelet strategy for patients with ischemic stroke who were already on single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different antiplatelet regimens on vascular and safety outcomes at 1 year after non-cardioembolic stroke in patients previously on SAPT. METHODS: We identified 9,284 patients with acute non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke that occurred on SAPT using linked data. Patients were categorized into three groups according to antiplatelet strategy at discharge: 1) SAPT; 2) dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT); and 3) triple antiplatelet therapy (TAPT). One-year outcomes included recurrent ischemic stroke, composite outcomes (recurrent ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, intracerebral hemorrhage, and death), and major bleeding. RESULTS: Of 9,284 patients, 5,565 (59.9%) maintained SAPT, 3,638 (39.2%) were treated with DAPT, and 81 (0.9%) were treated with TAPT. Multiple antiplatelet therapy did not reduce the risks of 1-year recurrent stroke (DAPT, hazard ratio [HR], 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92-1.27, P = 0.339; TAPT, HR, 0.71, 95% CI, 0.27-1.91, P = 0.500) and 1-year composite outcome (DAPT, HR, 1.09, 95% CI, 0.68-1.97, P = 0.592; TAPT, HR, 1.46, 95% CI, 0.68-1.97, P = 0.592). However, the TAPT groups showed an increased risk of major bleeding complications (DAPT, HR, 1.23, 95% CI, 0.89-1.71, P = 0.208; TAPT, HR, 4.65, 95% CI, 2.01-10.74, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Additional use of antiplatelet agents in patients with non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke who were already on SAPT did not reduce the 1-year incidence of vascular outcomes, although it increased the risk of bleeding complications.

Poncirus trifoliata Aqueous Extract Protects Cardiomyocytes against Doxorubicin-Induced Toxicity through Upregulation of NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase Quinone Acceptor Oxidoreductase 1.

Doxorubicin (DOX), an anthracycline-based chemotherapeutic agent, is widely used to treat various types of cancer; however, prolonged treatment induces cardiomyotoxicity. Although studies have been performed to overcome DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DICT), no effective method is currently available. This study investigated the effects and potential mechanisms of Poncirus trifoliata aqueous extract (PTA) in DICT. Changes in cell survival were assessed in H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. The C57BL/6 mice were treated with DOX to induce DICT in vivo, and alterations in electrophysiological characteristics, serum biomarkers, and histological features were examined. The PTA treatment inhibited DOX-induced decrease in H9c2 cell viability but did not affect the MDA-MB-231 cell viability. Additionally, the PTA restored the abnormal heart rate, R-R interval, QT interval, and ST segment and inhibited the decrease in serum cardiac and hepatic toxicity indicators in the DICT model. Moreover, the PTA administration protected against myocardial fibrosis and apoptosis in the heart tissue of mice with DICT. PTA treatment restored DOX-induced decrease in the expression of NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone acceptor oxidoreductase 1 in a PTA concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, the PTA inhibitory effect on DICT is attributable to its antioxidant properties, suggesting the potential of PTA as a phytotherapeutic agent for DICT.

Dynamic change of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage after endovascular recanalization therapy.

OBJECTIVES: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a known marker of systemic inflammation. Recent studies demonstrated its applicability as a marker of poor prognosis for stroke patients. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between dynamic changes in the NLR and sICH in patients with successful recanalization following ERT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 128 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent successful ERT between January 2013 and November 2019. We evaluated the NLR pre-ERT (at admission) and post-ERT (at 24-36 h after ERT). The symptomatic ICH and miserable outcomes at 3 months after ERT were analyzed as outcomes. sICH was defined as type-2 parenchymal hematoma with neurological deterioration (defined as National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score ≥4). Moreover, a modified Rankin Scale score of 5-6 at 3 months was considered a miserable outcome. RESULTS: Among the included patients, sICH occurred in 12 (9.4%). The sICH group had significantly higher post-ERT NLR (P < 0.001) and ∆NLR (calculated as the difference between pre-ERT NLR and post-ERT NLR) (P = 0.004). In the multivariate analysis, the post-ERT NLR was independently associated with sICH (odds ratio [OR], 1.166; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.041-1.306; P = 0.008) and miserable outcome at 3 months (OR, 1.101; 95% CI, 1.002-1.210; P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that temporal elevation of the NLR is associated with sICH events after successful ERT in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The temporal variation in NLR may help to identify high-risk patients with sICH after ERT.

Impact of Sex on the Association between Flexibility and Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults.

Background and Objectives: Flexibility is one of the most important physical fitness parameters in the geriatric population. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is a measure of systemic arterial stiffness. However, data on the association between flexibility and arterial stiffness in the older adult population are limited. Therefore, we aim to investigate this association by using the sit-and-reach test (SRT) and measuring baPWV. Materials and Methods: We reviewed data from the 2014-2015 Korean Institute of Sports Science Fitness Standards Project. Individuals older than 65 years with SRT and baPWV data were included. A generalized linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between flexibility and arterial stiffness. Multiple relevant confounding factors were adjusted. Results: A total of 615 individuals were included in the analysis. The mean age of the male and female participants was 71.44 ± 4.42 and 70.64 ± 4.13 years, respectively. The mean SRT result was 6.58 ± 9.97 and 18.04 ± 7.48 cm, respectively. After multivariable adjustment among the male participants, the higher SRT result tertiles were inversely associated with baPWV (ß (95% confidence interval): 3.11-11.00 cm, -74.45 (-140.93, -8.55); ≥11.01 cm, -108.17 (-177.65, -38.70)) in comparison with the lowest tertile. The female participants did not show any significant correlation between the SRT result and baPWV. Conclusions: Our results suggest an inverse association between trunk flexibility and systemic arterial stiffness, expressed as the SRT result and baPWV, respectively, in older Korean men but no association in older Korean women. Sex differences might influence the association between flexibility and arterial stiffness in the older adult population.

Anti-obesity effects of medicinal plants from Asian countries and related molecular mechanisms: a review.

Medicinal plants have been used as an alternative medicine for obesity prevention, and Asian countries, which are major habitats of various medicinal plant species, have traditionally used these medicines for centuries. Obesity is a global health problem caused by excessive fat accumulation linked to abnormal lipid metabolism, such as adipogenesis, lipogenesis, and lipolysis. Accordingly, the effects of medicinal plants on obesity-related mechanisms and biomarkers have been evaluated in various experimental studies. For example, adipogenesis and lipogenesis are regulated by several transcription factors, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha, and fatty acid synthase. Moreover, activation of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase pathway is accompanied by promotion of lipolysis. However, few reports have consolidated studies of the effects of various Asian medicinal plants on obesity and related mechanisms. Therefore, in this review, we examined the associations of medicinal plants originating from Asian countries with obesity and discussed the related mechanisms and biomarkers from in vitro and in vivo studies.

Prognostic implication of elevated cardiac troponin I in patients visiting emergency department without diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: Elevated cardiac troponin is not uncommon in patients visiting emergency department (ED) even without coronary artery disease, but its prognostic implication is not well understood in such patients. METHODS: In this retrospective single-center registry, we investigated clinical outcome of patients visiting ED without documented coronary artery disease. Patients were categorized according to the maximal value of Siemens ADVIA Centaur TnI-Ultra assay (TnI) within 24 h after visit. Primary endpoint was 180-day all-cause death that included cardiac and non-cardiac death. RESULTS: A total of 35,205 patients with median age 61 years and male gender 54.7% were included. Below the lowest level of detection (LOD) (≤0.006 ng/mL), between LOD and assay-specific <99th percentile (0.007-0.039 ng/mL), below median of ≥99th percentile (0.040-0.149 ng/mL), and above median of ≥99th percentile (≥0.150 ng/mL) TnI were found in 18,502 (52.6%), 11,338 (32.2%), 3,029 (8.6%), and 2,336 (6.6%) patients. In the 180-day follow-up period, 4,341 (12.3%) all-cause death including 694 (2.0%) cardiovascular death and 3,647 (10.4%) non-cardiovascular death developed. The risks of all-cause, cardiovascular, and non-cardiovascular death increased across higher TnI strata (hazard ratio [HR]=1.3 to 2.4; 2.0 to 9.3; 1.3 to 1.7; p<0.001, all). Analyses of multivariate models showed consistent results. CONCLUSIONS: In patients visiting ED, elevated TnI was associated with higher risk of 180-day cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular death. Patients with elevated TnI may need additional evaluation or careful follow-up even without primary diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

The elderly living in single-person households in South Korea: a latent profile analysis of self-esteem, life satisfaction, and depression.

OBJECTIVES: Elderly living alone in South Korea report higher rates of psychological distress compared to the population at large. Using a person-centered approach, the aim of the present study was to identify the latent profiles of South Korean elderly living alone based on self-esteem, life satisfaction, and depression. METHOD: Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted based on data of 1545 older age individuals living alone. In addition, we examined significant factors that differentiate the observed profiles using multinomial logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: We identified five profiles: "extremely depressed (n = 44, 2.9%)," "severely depressed (n = 169, 10.9%)," "mildly depressed (n = 529, 34.2%)," "low life satisfaction (n = 128, 8.3%)," and "positive adaptation (n = 675, 43.7%)." In addition, results of multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that males (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.02-2.81), and elderly with lower income (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.81-0.91), lower level of physical health (OR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.33-0.57), and lower social relationship satisfaction (OR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.18-0.35) were more likely to fall in the "low life satisfaction" rather than the "positive adaptation" profile. In addition, being female (OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.30-0.79), of older age (OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01-.1.07), and higher income (OR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.08-1.20) were related to classification in the "mildly depressed" rather than the "low life satisfaction" profile. The "severely depressed" group was differentiated by older age (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01-1.08), lower level of physical health (OR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.34-0.71), and lower satisfaction with social relationship (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.38-0.76). CONCLUSION: The results highlight the need for welfare policies that secure income and physical health in elderly living alone to enhance their quality of life. Furthermore, interventions that aim to maintain social networks are tantamount in order to prevent isolation in the elderly living alone.

Are loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators safe during chest compression? A simulation study.

BACKGROUND: The application of appropriate personal protective equipment for respiratory protection to health care workers is a cornerstone for providing safe healthcare in emergency departments. We investigated the protective effect and usefulness of loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) during chest compression. METHODS: This was a single-center simulation study performed from May 2019 to July 2019 in a tertiary hospital. We measured the concentrations of ambient aerosol and particles inside the loose-fitting PAPR during chest compression, and this ratio was set as the simulated workplace protecting factor (SWPF). According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health regulations, the assigned protection factor (APF) of loose-fitting PAPRs is 25. Thus, the loose-fitting PAPRs were assumed to have a protective effect when the SWPF were ≥ 250 (APF × 10). We measured the SWPF of PAPR in real time during chest compression and also investigated the problems encountered during its use. RESULTS: Ninety-one participants (median age 29 [interquartile range (IQR): 26-32] years; 74% female) completed the simulation. None of the participants failed with SWPF below 250 during three sessions of chest compression. The median (IQR) values of SWPF at three cycles were 17,063 (10,145-26,373), 15,683 (9477-32,394), and 16,960 (7695-27,279). There was no disconnection of equipment or mechanical failures during chest compression. In addition, most participants (83%) replied that they rarely or never experienced difficulty in verbal communication and felt that the loose-fitting PAPR was comfortable. CONCLUSIONS: The loose-fitting PAPRs provided sufficient respiratory protection without disturbances during chest compression.

Water Nitrate Remote Monitoring System with Self-Diagnostic Function for Ion-Selective Electrodes.

The detection of nitrate pollutants is a widely used strategy for protecting water sources. Although ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) have been considered for the determination of ion concentrations in water, the accuracy of ISE technology decreases owing to the signal drift and decreasing sensitivity over time. The objectives of the present study were: (1) to develop an online water monitoring system mainly consisting of an Arduino board-based Internet-of-Things (IoT) device and nitrate ISEs; and (2) to propose a self-diagnostic function for monitoring and reporting the condition of the ISEs. The developed system communicates with the cloud server by using the message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT) protocol and provides monitoring information through the developed cloud-based webpage. In addition, the online monitoring system provides information on the electrode status, which is determined based on a self-diagnostic index (SDI, with a range of 0-100) of the electrode drift and sensitivity. The diagnostic method for monitoring and reporting the electrode status was validated in a one-month-long laboratory test followed by a field test in a stream near an agricultural facility. Moreover, a self-diagnostic index (SDI) was applied in the final field experiments with an accuracy of 0.77.

A Systematic Review on Recent Trends, Challenges, Privacy and Security Issues of Underwater Internet of Things.

Owing to the hasty growth of communication technologies in the Underwater Internet of Things (UIoT), many researchers and industries focus on enhancing the existing technologies of UIoT systems for developing numerous applications such as oceanography, diver networks monitoring, deep-sea exploration and early warning systems. In a constrained UIoT environment, communication media such as acoustic, infrared (IR), visible light, radiofrequency (RF) and magnet induction (MI) are generally used to transmit information via digitally linked underwater devices. However, each medium has its technical limitations: for example, the acoustic medium has challenges such as narrow-channel bandwidth, low data rate, high cost, etc., and optical medium has challenges such as high absorption, scattering, long-distance data transmission, etc. Moreover, the malicious node can steal the underwater data by employing blackhole attacks, routing attacks, Sybil attacks, etc. Furthermore, due to heavyweight, the existing privacy and security mechanism of the terrestrial internet of things (IoT) cannot be applied directly to UIoT environment. Hence, this paper aims to provide a systematic review of recent trends, applications, communication technologies, challenges, security threats and privacy issues of UIoT system. Additionally, this paper highlights the methods of preventing the technical challenges and security attacks of the UIoT environment. Finally, this systematic review contributes much to the profit of researchers to analyze and improve the performance of services in UIoT applications.

Effect of Extract and Synthesized Derivatives of Isolated Compound from Symplocos chinensis f. Pilosa Ohwi on Neuropathic Pain in Mice.

Neuropathic pain is described as the "most terrible of all tortures that a nerve wound may inflict." The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the antinociceptive effect of Symplocos chinensis f. pilosa Ohwi water extract (SCW) and synthesized derivatives of the isolated compound. The antinociceptive effect was tested using the acetic acid-induced writhing and 5% formalin tests. Antinociceptive effects on neuropathic pain were evaluated using the von Frey test with chronic constriction injury (CCI) and surgical nerve injury (SNI) models and tail-flick test with a vincristine-induced pain model. An Ames test was also conducted. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) was isolated and derivatives were synthesized with various acid groups. Among the plant water extracts, SCW showed significantly effective activity. Additionally, SCW presented antinociceptive effects in the neuropathic pain models. The SCW water fraction resulted in fewer writhes than the other fractions, and isolated 5-HMF was identified as an effective compound. Because 5-HMF revealed a positive response in the Ames test, derivatives were synthesized. Among the synthesized derivations, 5-succinoxymethylfurfural (5-SMF) showed the best effect in the neuropathic pain model. Our data suggest that SCW and the synthesized compound, 5-SMF, possess effective antinociceptive activity against neuropathic pain.

Studying the visual brain in its natural rhythm.

How the brain fluidly orchestrates visual behavior is a central question in cognitive neuroscience. Researchers studying neural responses in humans and nonhuman primates have mapped out visual response profiles and cognitive modulation in a large number of brain areas, most often using pared down stimuli and highly controlled behavioral paradigms. The historical emphasis on reductionism has placed most studies at one pole of an inherent trade-off between strictly controlled experimental variables and open designs that monitor the brain during its natural modes of operation. This bias toward simplified experiments has strongly shaped the field of visual neuroscience, with little guarantee that the principles and concepts established within that framework will apply more generally. In recent years, a growing number of studies have begun to relax strict experimental control with the aim of understanding how the brain responds under more naturalistic conditions. In this article, we survey research that has explicitly embraced the complexity and rhythm of natural vision. We focus on those studies most pertinent to understanding high-level visual specializations in brains of humans and nonhuman primates. We conclude that representationalist concepts borne from conventional visual experiments fall short in their ability to capture the real-life visual operations undertaken by the brain. More naturalistic approaches, though fraught with experimental and analytic challenges, provide fertile ground for neuroscientists seeking new inroads to investigate how the brain supports core aspects of our daily visual experience.

Blood pressure variability and hemorrhagic transformation in patients with successful recanalization after endovascular recanalization therapy: A retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Although blood pressure (BP) variability has been regarded as a risk factor for hemorrhagic transformation (HTF) after intravenous thrombolysis, its effect on HTF after endovascular recanalization therapy (ERT) remains to be elucidated. We aimed to study the relationship between BP variability and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) after successful recanalization with ERT. METHODS: A total of 211 patients with acute ischemic stroke and successful recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b or 3) after ERT were included between January 2013 and May 2017. The BP data following ERT was obtained over the first 24 hours using parameters including mean, maximum, minimum, difference between maximum and minimum, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, successive variations, and time rate (TR) of BP variation for systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP. sICH was defined as parenchymal hemorrhage type 2 with neurological deterioration of 4 points of more on the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. RESULTS: Among the included patients, 20 (9.5%) developed sICH after successful ERT. The parameters linked with BP fluctuation over time were significantly related to sICH. After adjusting for confounders, the TR of SBP (per 0.1 mmHg/min increase) variation was independently associated with sICH (odds ratio = 1.71, 95% confidence interval = 1.013-2.886). INTERPRETATION: Time-related BP variability in the first 24 hours following successful ERT was more correlated with sICH than other absolute BP levels. This suggests that maintaining a stable BP may be an important factor in preventing sICH after successful ERT. Ann Neurol 2019;85:574-581.