AI Levels Research Articles

AI-enabled investment advice: Will users buy it?

The objective of this paper is to develop and empirically validate a conceptual model that explains individuals' behavioral intention to accept AI-based recommendations as a function of attitude toward AI, trust, perceived accuracy and uncertainty level. The conceptual model was tested through a between-participants experiment using a simulated AI-enabled investment recommendation system. A total of 368 participants were randomly and evenly assigned to one of the two experimental conditions, one depicting low-uncertainty investment recommendation involving blue-chip stocks while the other depicting high-uncertainty investment recommendation involving penny stocks. Results show that attitude toward AI was positively associated with behavioral intention to accept AI-based recommendations, trust in AI, and perceived accuracy of AI. Furthermore, uncertainty level moderated how attitude, trust and perceived accuracy varied with behavioral intention to accept AI-based recommendations. When uncertainty was low, a favorable attitude toward AI seemed sufficient to promote reliance on automation. However, when uncertainty was high, a favorable attitude toward AI was a necessary but no longer sufficient condition for AI acceptance. Thus, the paper contributes to the human-AI interaction literature by not only shedding light on the underlying psychological mechanism of how users decide to accept AI-enabled advice but also adding to the scholarly understanding of AI recommendation systems in tasks that call for intuition in high involvement services.

Positive Association between Autoantibodies Against Oxidized LDL and HDL-C: A Novel Mechanism for HDL Cardioprotection?

In the atherosclerotic plaque microenvironment, oxidized phospholipids expressed in the oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) surface bind to scavenger receptors of macrophages eliciting foam cell formation and plaque progression. Auto-antibodies against oxLDL (oxLDL-Ab) interact with oxidative epitopes leading to the formation of immune complexes that are unable to interact with macrophage receptors, thus abrogating atherogenesis. Release of oxLDL-Ab by B cells involves interleukin 5 and Th2 response, which in turn are potentiated by HDL. Thereby, we hypothesized that individuals with higher levels of HDL-C may plausibly display elevated titers of oxLDL-Ab. To evaluate the relationship between HDL-C and oxLDL-Ab levels. Asymptomatic individuals (n = 193) were grouped according to their HDL-C concentration to one of three categories: low (< 68 mg/dL), intermediate (68 to 80 mg/dL) or high (> 80 mg/dL). P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Our analysis included 193 individuals (mean age: 47 years; male: 26.3%). Compared to individuals in the lowest HDL-C tertile, those in the highest tertile were older (36 versus 53 years; p = 0.001) and less frequently male (42.6% versus 20.9%; p = 0.001). Mean values of oxLDL-Ab increased as the HDL-C group escalated (0.31, 0.33 and 0.43 units, respectively; p = 0.001 for trend). Simple linear regression found a significant, positive relationship between the independent variable, HDL-C, and the dependent variable, oxLDL-Ab (R = 0.293; p = 0.009). This relation remained significant (R = 0.30; p = 0.044), after adjustment by covariates. Apolipoprotein AI levels were also related to oxLDL-Ab in both simple and adjusted linear regression models. HDL-C and oxLDL-Ab are independently related.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the action of gut microbiota and nutrology in celiac disease: state of the art

Introduction: Celiac disease (CD) is one of the most common disorders related to diet, with a global prevalence of about 1%. The aggravations caused by CD promote an imbalance in the gut microbiota (GM). However, it is not yet known specifically how the gut microbiota plays a role in the pathogeny of this disease, and whether microbiota dysbiosis would be the cause or consequence of CD. Objective: The present study aimed to correlate the main results of the action of the gut microbiota and functional nutrition for the treatment of celiac disease. Methods: This study followed the rules of PRISMA. The research was carried out from June 2021 to 2022 and developed at Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Ovid. The quality of the evidence was classified according to the GRADE. The Cochrane instrument was adopted to assess the risk of bias of included studies. For data analysis, Minitab 18® statistical program was used. A common descriptive statistical analysis was performed. The One-Way test (ANOVA) was applied, adopting the α level lower than 0.05 with a statistically significant difference for the 95% CI. Results: The present study found thirteen (13) important clinical studies, of which 12 were Randomized Controlled Studies (RCTs) and one (1) Cross-Sectional Observational study of the total of 113 studies evaluated, showing a high quality of scientific evidence in the studies addressed, with a level of scientific evidence AI. Also, the analyzed studies showed high homogeneity in the results (high association=&gt;50%) to studies with larger sample sizes (greater precision), presenting 98.65%. The present study showed that certain diets/probiotics can promote the improvement of GM as well as DC, especially in patients on a gluten-free diet (GFD). Therefore, patients who follow a GFD may be prone to nutritional deficiencies. Conclusion: According to the results, although some studies have a small sample size, the main randomized clinical studies showed that the modulation of nutrients/probiotics and the gut microbiota improve the inflammatory process of celiac disease, especially in patients with a gluten-free diet.

Smoking and apolipoprotein levels: A meta-analysis of published data

BackgroundApolipoproteins are major components of lipoproteins such as high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and very-low-density lipoprotein and are considered nontraditional markers in the risk assessment for cardiovascular disease. The goal of this review was to quantify the effects of smoking and smoking cessation on serum levels of apolipoproteins AI, AII, and B and the ratio of apolipoproteins B and AI. MethodsPubMed and Scopus were searched up to June 2021 to identify publications that reported the levels of apolipoproteins AI, AII, and B and the apolipoprotein B/AI ratio in smokers and nonsmokers as well as articles reporting the effect of smoking cessation on the same endpoints. Meta-analyses were performed when a sufficient number (n ≥ 3) of articles evaluating the same outcome were available. ResultsForty-nine studies had assessed apolipoprotein levels in smokers and nonsmokers. The meta-analyses comparing the levels of apolipoproteins AI and AII showed decreased levels in smokers relative to nonsmokers. On the other hand, the apolipoprotein B levels and apolipoprotein B/AI ratio were increased in smokers relative to nonsmokers. Insufficient publications were available on which to perform meta-analyses on the effects of smoking cessation on apolipoprotein levels. ConclusionsSmoking is associated with reduced levels of apolipoproteins AI and AII (in line with reduced levels of HLD-cholesterol) and increased apolipoprotein B levels and apolipoprotein B/AI ratio, thereby confirming the negative impact of smoking on lipid metabolism, which contributes to increased cardiovascular risk. More data are needed to elucidate the effects of smoking cessation on these cardiovascular risk endpoints.

Attitudes of medical workers in China toward artificial intelligence in ophthalmology: a comparative survey

BackgroundIn the development of artificial intelligence in ophthalmology, the ophthalmic AI-related recognition issues are prominent, but there is a lack of research into people’s familiarity with and their attitudes toward ophthalmic AI. This survey aims to assess medical workers’ and other professional technicians’ familiarity with, attitudes toward, and concerns about AI in ophthalmology.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study design study. An electronic questionnaire was designed through the app Questionnaire Star, and was sent to respondents through WeChat, China’s version of Facebook or WhatsApp. The participation was voluntary and anonymous. The questionnaire consisted of four parts, namely the respondents’ background, their basic understanding of AI, their attitudes toward AI, and their concerns about AI. A total of 562 respondents were counted, with 562 valid questionnaires returned. The results of the questionnaires are displayed in an Excel 2003 form.ResultsThere were 291 medical workers and 271 other professional technicians completed the questionnaire. About 1/3 of the respondents understood AI and ophthalmic AI. The percentages of people who understood ophthalmic AI among medical workers and other professional technicians were about 42.6 % and 15.6 %, respectively. About 66.0 % of the respondents thought that AI in ophthalmology would partly replace doctors, about 59.07 % having a relatively high acceptance level of ophthalmic AI. Meanwhile, among those with AI in ophthalmology application experiences (30.6 %), above 70 % of respondents held a full acceptance attitude toward AI in ophthalmology. The respondents expressed medical ethics concerns about AI in ophthalmology. And among the respondents who understood AI in ophthalmology, almost all the people said that there was a need to increase the study of medical ethics issues in the ophthalmic AI field.ConclusionsThe survey results revealed that the medical workers had a higher understanding level of AI in ophthalmology than other professional technicians, making it necessary to popularize ophthalmic AI education among other professional technicians. Most of the respondents did not have any experience in ophthalmic AI but generally had a relatively high acceptance level of AI in ophthalmology, and there was a need to strengthen research into medical ethics issues.

Estrogenic and Antioxidant Activities of Pterocarpus soyauxii (Fabaceae) Heartwood Aqueous Extract in Bilateral Oophorectomized Wistar Rat.

Phytoestrogens are used to ease postmenopausal symptoms, a property probably due to estrogenic and antioxidant effects. Pterocarpus soyauxii (P. soyauxii) is empirically used in Cameroon to treat among others primary and secondary amenorrhea. The aim of this study is to evaluate estrogenic and antioxidant activities of P. soyauxii heartwood aqueous extract in bilateral oophorectomized Wistar rats. Firstly, a characterization of the extract was carried out. For that, flavonoids, phenols, and tannins levels in P. soyauxii extract were evaluated by colorimetric assays and UHPLC-MS analysis was realized. In vitro antioxidant analysis of P. soyauxii was conducted using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Secondly, 2 sets of pharmacologic tests were carried out. The results revealed that P. soyauxii aqueous extract contains, respectively, 229.42 ± 3.62 mg EAG/g, 63.42 ± 2.16 mg EQ/g, and 27.88 ± 0.23 mg ETA/g of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. UHPLC-MS enabled identifying seven components including mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, cembrene, 3′,5′-dimethoxy-4-stilbenol, and linoleic acid. DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays revealed that P. soyauxii extract possessed a high antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 730.20 µg/mL, 892.90 µg/mL, and 765.75 mEAG/g of extract, respectively. In the uterotrophic assay, P. soyauxii extract induced significant increase of fresh uterine weight, uterine and vaginal epithelial size, and mammary glands differentiation compared to Ovx control. In the postmenopausal model, compared to the sham control, vagina and uterine dystrophies were observed in Ovx rats treated with distilled water. P. soyauxii aqueous extract expressed estrogenic-like effects on vagina and did not affect uterine epithelial height compared with vehicle groups. On the back of these vaginotrophic effects, the extract displayed antiatherogenic properties by reducing (p < 0.001) AI and LDL cholesterol level as compared to Ovx control group. The extract at 200 mg/kg significantly prevented the increase of MDA (p < 0.01) level and decreased nitrites (p < 0.001) and GSH (p < 0.01) levels compared to Ovx rats. These beneficial effects are related at least in part to the presence of compound such as mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, 3′,5′-dimethoxy-4-stilbenol, and linoleic acid. Overall, P. soyauxii aqueous extract exhibits estrogenic and antioxidant effects which can inhibit postmenopausal symptoms by providing vaginal stratification, improving lipid profile and insulin sensitivity, and reducing oxidative stress without side effects on the endometrium and mammary gland in 84-day Ovx rats.

B-PO04-107 INCIDENCE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF CARINAL ABLATION IN PULMONARY VEIN ISOLATION

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the intervenous carinae may be needed for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF), possibly due to epicardial connections. We sought to evaluate incidence and characteristics of carinal RFA needed to achieve PVI. A retrospective analysis of 200 AF RFA cases at the Ohio State University Hospital using CARTO 3 (Biosense Webster, Inc.[BSW]), a contact force catheter, real-time lesion quality assessment tool (Ablation Index [AI]) was performed using case data stored on cloud-based storage (CARTONET™, BSW). Each lesion was automatically annotated and regionally assigned to one of the 10 left atrial (LA) anatomical segments (anterior, posterior, inferior, roof, and carina on each side). A total of 22013 lesions were analyzed, including 1302 right and 671 left carinal lesions. PVI was achieved in all 200 patients (50% paroxysmal [PAF] and 50% persistent AF [PersAF]). Carinal RFA was performed only if PVI was not initially achieved after wide area circumferential ablation (WACA) of the PV antra. Ipsilateral only carinal RFA was required in 65 (32.5%) right and 32 (16%) left WACA’s respectively, while 48 (24%) required bilateral carinal RFA and no carinal RFA was required in 55 (27.5%). The right carina required significantly more RFA’s than the left carina (6.5 ± 8.3 vs. 3.4 ± 5.8 [p< 0.001]). There was no difference between the right and left carinae in the contact force (14.2 ± 5.6 g vs 12.5 ± 5.4 g), power (32.2 ± 7.8 W vs. 32.3 ± 7.1 W) or AI (336.8 ±57.4 vs. 327.1 ± 63.1). PersAF required significantly more carinal RFA lesions than PAF (12.3 ± 10.1 vs. 7.45 ± 11.3 [p=0.002]). In 134 patients with carinal RFA and complete AI data, the anterior LA, posterior LA, and the carinae received significantly different levels of AI (429.1 ± 84.8 vs 315.1 ± 48.7 vs. 222.2 ± 79.9 respectively [p< 0.001)]. Carinal RFA was frequently needed for PVI. More RFA in the carinae were needed in right than left PVs consistent with known prevalence of epicardial connections. Interestingly, more carinal RFA was needed in PersAF than PAF. The mean AI in the carinae was significantly lower than AI in anterior and posterior LA. These data may allow more efficient planning of lesion delivery.

Serum apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio in relation to intervertebral disk herniation: a cross-sectional frequency-matched case\u2013control study

Study designThis was a cross-sectional frequency-matched case–control study.Background and aimThe serum lipid profile of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] level and apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio (Apo B/Apo A1) ratio were found to be more representative for serum lipid level and were recognized as the independent risk factors for various diseases. Although the blood levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were found to be associated with symptomatic intervertebral disk herniation (IDH), no studies to date have evaluated the association of Apo AI, Apo B, Lp(a), and Apo B/Apo AI levels with symptomatic IDH. This study aimed to assess the link between blood lipid levels and symptomatic IDH.MethodThe study included 1839 Chinese patients. Of these, 918 patients were diagnosed with IDH and enrolled in the experimental group. A control group of 921 patients underwent a physical examination during the same period. The serum lipid levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, Lp(a), Apo B, and Apo B/Apo AI were examined and analyzed. The control group comprised randomly selected patients who met the baseline levels of the aforementioned lipid molecules.ResultsPatients with IDH exhibited significantly higher TC, TG, LDL, Apo B, and Lp(a) levels than controls. The percentage of high TC, high TG, high LDL, high Apo B, and high Lp(a) were obviously higher in the IDH group than in the control group. However, hyperlipidemia had no relationship with the degenerated segment of the IDH (P = 0.201). The odds ratio (OR) for the incidence of IDH with elevated levels of LDL-C, TC, TG, Lp(a), Apo B, and Apo B/Apo AI was 1.583, 1.74, 1.62, 1.58, 1.49, and 1.39, respectively. The correlation analysis revealed the correlation between elevated LDL-C, TC, TG, Apo B, Lp(a), and incidence of IDH was significant (R2LDL = 0.017; R2TC = 0.004; R2TG = 0.015; R2Apo B = 0.004; R2Lp(a) = 0.021) (P < 0.05).ConclusionThis study suggested that elevated levels of serum TC, TG, LDL, Apo B, Lp(a), and Apo B/Apo AI were associated with a higher risk of IDH. This study provided useful information to identify a population that might be at risk of developing IDH based on elevated lipid levels.

Chronic Hemolysis, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Contribute to Dysfunctional HDL in Sickle Cell Disease

IntroductionHypocholesterolemia was observed in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients according to various reports in the literature. It was previously linked to anemia and inflammation by others and to oxidative stress by our group. In this study we investigated the relationship between cholesterol metabolism, hemolysis, inflammation and oxidative stress in SCD.MethodsThe study consisted of pediatric SCD patients (N=34) and healthy controls (N=19). Patients were crisis-free and did not receive transfusion for the last 3 months.Hemolysis was assessed with the measurement of haptoglobin (Hpg), bilirubin and LDH. Hemin values were accepted as a representation of oxidative stress; while serum amyloid A (SAA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were measured to determine the level of inflammation.Hemin, SAA and MPO levels were measured by commercial kits while all other parameters including the lipid panel and liver function tests were measured by autoanalyzers in the clinical chemistry lab. Statistical analyses were performed with IBM SPSS v23.0. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Mersin University.ResultsMean age of the patients and controls were 13.71±3.79 and 13.47±3.49 years respectively. Patient and control groups were similar in terms of age and sex. All values are given as patients vs. controls and mean±SD.Among the values representing hemolysis, statistically significant differences between groups were found for Hpg (3.84±16.18 mg/dL vs. 69.98±37.66 mg/dL, p<0.001), total and direct bilirubin (1.93±1.17 mg/dL vs. 0.27±0.14 mg/dL and 0.40±0.21 mg/dL vs. 0.06±0.04 mg/dL, p<0.001), and LDH (540.29±217.32 U/L vs. 202.79±49.46 U/L, p<0.001).Hemin levels, as an index of oxidative stress, were significantly higher in the patient group (9.52±8.75 mg/L vs. 0.27±0.01 mg/L, p<0.001).SAA and MPO levels which were accepted to determine the level of chronic inflammation were both significantly higher in the patient group (1.19±0.60 mg/L vs. 0.68±0.52 mg/L, p=0.013 and 76.53±31.03 μg/L vs. 44.56±8.29 μg/L, p=0.001; respectively).In the lipid panel, significant differences between groups were found in total cholesterol (116.97±17.22 mg/dL vs. 169.84±33.70 mg/dL, p<0.001), HDL (28.31±5.21 mg/dL vs. 50.95±12.95 mg/dL, p<0.001), LDL (70.80±11.96 mg/dL vs. 99.89±22.95 mg/dL, p<0.001), and apolipoprotein AI (149.61±54.88 mg/dL vs. 199.32±33.48 mg/dL, p=0.001); whereas no difference was found in apolipoprotein B (77.65±25.52 mg/dL vs. 81.57±13.96 mg/dL, p=0.541) levels.ConclusionPediatric SCD patients in this study had hypocholesterolemia reflected by low LDL and HDL levels. Apolipoprotein AI levels were also lower in patients suggesting either low production or increased catabolism of the HDL particle.The drastic decrease in Hpg levels and the increase in bilirubin and LDH values show the overwhelming chronic hemolysis in SCD. Hpg protects vascular endothelium by binding to hemoglobin. Hpg was also shown to protect Apo AI from oxidative damage. However, the consumption of Hpg in our patients may possibly render Apo AI open to the damaging effects of free radicals formed during hemolysis.Hemin is produced by the oxidation of free heme to the ferric state. Increased hemin levels in SCD patients, compared to the almost-undetectable levels in controls, may cause oxidative damage to plasma proteins and lipids as well as activating neutrophils with its oxidative effect. Apolipoproteins and lipids in the structure of HDL and LDL particles are targets for oxidative damage.The increase in SAA and MPO levels indicate the chronic inflammation in SCD. SAA is an important acute phase protein secreted by the liver during inflammation. It translocates Apo AI by incorporating into HDL and slows down reverse cholesterol transport by inhibiting cholesterol incorporation into HDL. A previous study reports SAA as a marker of crisis in SCD. Increased MPO release by the leukocytes was shown to oxidize Apo AI and disrupt its function in patients with cardiovascular disease. Therefore, increased MPO levels in our patients may contribute to the oxidative damage on the Apo AI of the HDL particle.Thus, the cumulative effect of chronic hemolysis, oxidative stress and inflammation in SCD may result with a pathological structural alteration in HDL and contribute to HDL dysfunction. The slowing down of reverse cholesterol transport may be an important cause of hypocholesterolemia in SCD. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Elevated Levels of Apolipoprotein CIII Increase the Risk of Postprandial Hypertriglyceridemia.

BackgroundTo investigate possible mechanisms of postprandial hypertriglyceridemia (PPT), we analyzed serum lipid and apolipoprotein (Apo) AI, B, CII and CIII levels before and after a high-fat meal.MethodsThe study has been registered with the China Clinical Trial Registry (registration number:ChiCTR1800019514; URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx). We recruited 143 volunteers with normal fasting triglyceride (TG) levels. All subjects consumed a high-fat test meal. Venous blood samples were obtained during fasting and at 2, 4, and 6 hours after the high-fat meal. PPT was defined as TG ≥2.5 mmol/L any time after the meal. Subjects were divided into two groups according to the high-fat meal test results: postprandial normal triglyceride (PNT) and PPT. We compared the fasting and postprandial lipid and ApoAI, ApoB, ApoCII and ApoCIII levels between the two groups.ResultsSignificant differences were found between the groups in fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), TG, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), TG-rich lipoprotein remnants (TRLRs), ApoB, ApoCIII, ApoAI/ApoB and ApoCII/ApoCIII. The insulin, HOMA-IR, TG, TC, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, TRLRs, ApoB, ApoCIII and ApoCII/ApoCIII values were higher in the PPT group, while the ApoAI/ApoB ratio was higher in the PNT group. The postprandial TG level peaked in the PNT group 2 hours after the meal but was significantly higher in the PPT group and peaked at 4 hours. TRLRs gradually increased within 6 hours after the high-fat meal in both groups. The area under the curve (AUC) of TG and TRLRs and the AUC increment were higher in the PPT group (P < 0.001). ApoCIII peaked in the PNT group 2 hours after the meal and gradually decreased. ApoCIII gradually increased in the PPT group within 6 hours after the meal, exhibiting a greater AUC increment (P < 0.001). Fasting ApoCIII was positively correlated with age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, TC, TG, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, TRLRs, and ApoB (P<0.05). ApoCIII was an independent risk factor of PPT after adjustment for BMI, waist circumference, TC, LDL-C, and ApoB (P < 0.001, OR=1.188).ConclusionsElevated ApoCIII levels may cause PPT.

Effect of moxibustion at "Zusanli"(ST36) and "Shenshu"(BL23) on miR-155-mediated TLR4/NF-κB signaling involving amelioration of synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis rats

To explore the effect of moxibustion at "Zusanli"(ST36) and "Shenshu"(BL23) on synovitis, and expressions of miR-155, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), interlukine（IL-1） receptor-associated kinase (IRAK1), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF)-α and IL-6 mRNA and protein of synovial membrane in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rats, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of RA. A total of 48 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control, model, moxibustion and antagonist groups (n=12 rats in each group). The RA model was replicated by placing the rats in a wind, cold and wet environment and injection of Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA, 0.5 mL) into the right hindlimb foot plantar. Moxibustion was applied to bilateral ST36 and BL23 for 30 min, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Rats of the antagonist group was treated by injection of TLR4 antagonist (TAK-242, 1 mg/mL, 0.1 mg/kg) via tail vein, once per day for consecutive 21 d. The joint swelling degree (JSD) and arthritis index (AI, red swelling scale) were determined, and the expression levels of various indicators of miR-155, and TLR4, myeloid MyD88, IRAK1, TRAF6, NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA and protein were assayed by quantitative real time-PCR and Western blot, separately. Compared with the normal control group, the JSD and AI, and the expression levels of synovial miR-155, TLR4, MyD88, IRAK1, TRAF6, NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA and protein were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the increased levels of JSD and AI, and the expression levels of synovial miR-155, TLR4, MyD88, IRAK1, TRAF6, NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA and protein were notably down-regulated in both moxibustion and antagonist groups (P<0.01). The effects of moxibustion were evidently superior to the antagonist in down-regulating the abovementioned indexes (P<0.01), except TLR4 mRNA and protein. Moxibustion at ST36 and BL23 can reduce the synovitis of RA rats, which is related to its effects in suppressing the expressions of miR-155, TLR4, MyD88, IRAK1, TRAF6, NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA and protein (i.e., inhibition of miR-155/TLR4/NF-κB signaling).

Intracoronary monocyte expression pattern and HDL subfractions after non-ST elevation myocardial infarction

AimsCoronary artery disease (CAD) is described as a range of clinical conditions including myocardial infarction (MI) and unstable angina. Lipid and apolipoprotein profiles together with the study of cholesterol deposit and efflux serve to identify novel pre and post infarct scenarios for the treatment of these patients. In (non-ST elevation myocardial infarction) NSTEMI patients, we analysed both systemic and intracoronary serum ability to accept cholesterol as well as cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) of monocytes in terms of expression of genes involved in the reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Methods and resultsWhile HDL-C quantity was similar between systemic and coronary arterial blood, in 21 NSTEMI patients we observed a significant reduction of the preβ-HDL fraction and the levels of Apolipoproteins AI, AII, B and E in coronary versus systemic serum. These data are complemented with the observed reduction of CEC. On the contrary, compared to systemic arterial monocytes, in coronary microenvironment of NSTEMI patients after myocardial infarction, the monocytes exhibited a higher mRNA expression of nuclear receptor LXRα and its targets ABCA1 and APOE, which drive cholesterol efflux capacity. ConclusionIn this cross-sectional study we observe that in the immediate post infarction period, there is a spontaneous bona fide ligand-induced activation of the LXR driven cholesterol efflux capacity of intracoronary monocytes to overcome the reduced serum ability to accept cholesterol and to inhibit the post-infarction pro-inflammatory local microenvironment.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate as a key player of insulin secretion induced by high-density lipoprotein treatment.

Beta cell failure is one of the most important features of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). High‐density lipoprotein (HDL) has been proposed to improve β‐cell function. However, the mechanisms involved in this process are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) in the impact of HDL treatment on insulin secretion by pancreatic β‐cells and to determine its mechanisms. Primary cultures of β‐cells isolated from rat were treated with or without HDL in the presence or absence of S1P pathway inhibitors and insulin secretion response was analyzed. The S1P content of HDL (HDL‐S1P) isolated from T2DM patients was analyzed and correlated to the HDL‐induced insulin secretion. The expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis of the insulin was also evaluated. HDL as well as S1P treatment enhanced glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). In HDL isolated from T2DM patients, while HDL‐S1P was strongly correlated to its pro‐secretory capacity (r = 0.633, p = 0.005), HDL‐cholesterol and apolipoprotein AI levels were not. HDL‐induced GSIS was blocked by the S1P1/3 antagonist but not by the S1P2 antagonist, and was also accompanied by increased intracellular S1P in β‐cells. We also observed that HDL improved GSIS without significant changes in expression levels of insulin biosynthesis genes. Our present study highlights the importance HDL‐S1P in GSIS in T2DM patients and demonstrates that HDL induces insulin secretion by a process involving both intra‐ and extra‐cellular sources of S1P independently of an effect on insulin biosynthesis genes.

Return on time investment: Writing resources

Return on time investment: Writing resources

AI Caravan Moves On. Does It Need Copyright Incentives?

The Article aims to ascertain whether there is a genuine demand for granting copyright incentives with respect to AI-results.At first, the Article analyses whether AI-assisted and AI-generated objects are subject to copyright protection and, drawing onthe anthropocentric nature of copyright, answers in the negative. This conclusion does not apply when AI remains merely a tool in thehands of a human author.Then the Article evaluates arguments for and against the change of copyright law to provide AI with copyright incentives. Giventhe current level of AI, the Article finds granting copyright incentives and, consequently, protection to AI-assisted and AI-generatedobjects as premature and unjustified, at least now.The Article shifts the discussion on incentives from copyright to sui generis right. Such regime is expected to encourage deve -lopment of the AI industry as well as disincentivize unfair practices.

Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Pemafibrate Therapy for Hypertriglyceridemia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Introduction: Pemafibrate is a potent selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) modulator that may be safer than conventional PPARα agonists in the treatment of dyslipidemia. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of low-dose pemafibrate (0.1 mg/day) therapy for hypertriglyceridemia in 31 patients with type 2 diabetes and high triglyceride (TG) levels at the Manda Memorial Hospital. Methods: TG, remnant lipoprotein cholesterol (RLP-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein (Apo) AI, Apo AII, Apo B, Apo CII, Apo CIII, and Apo E levels were evaluated. Liver, kidney, and muscle toxicity tests were also performed. Pemafibrate (0.1 mg) was administered once daily. Results: This treatment significantly decreased TG, RLP-C, Apo CII, Apo CIII, and Apo E levels while significantly increasing HDL-C, Apo AI, and Apo AII levels. No significant changes were observed in LDL-C and Apo B levels. There were no significant liver-, kidney-, or muscle-related adverse events. Conclusions: The results of this study show that low-dose pemafibrate administration improves the lipid profile in Japanese patients with hypertriglyceridemia and type 2 diabetes.

Lipid and cardiac profile assessment following the co-administration of Cisplatin and methanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea in adult Wistar rats: an experimental study

Introduction. There is a need for continual evaluation of the effective use of plant-based medicine as combination therapies as more therapeutic potentials are being associated with phytomedicine. The changes in the lipid and cardiac profile of adult Wistar rats following the co-administration of Cisplatin and methanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea (MEPO) were investigated.Methods. Twenty-four (24) rats with an average weight of 154 kg were randomly divided into six (6) groups (A-F). Group A was given no treatment and served as the normal control group. Group B received only a cisplatin injection and served as the cisplatin control group. Group C and D were given 400mg/kg and 800 mg/kg MEPO six hours after cisplatin injection. Group E and F were administered 400mg/kg and 800 mg/kg MEPO 6 hours before cisplatin injection. All cisplatin injections were single-dose intraperitoneal injection (2 ml/kg) and MEPO administration lasted for 7 days. Animals were euthanized under diethyl ether anesthesia at the end of the experiment and blood collected for serum lipid profile investigations. Some cardiac and lipid parameters were estimated from standard formulae.Results. There was a significant increase in the serum levels of TG and TC (p=0.01 and p &lt; 0.001) and some estimated parameters – LDL, VLDL, CRR, HDL-LDL and TG-HDL (p&lt;0.001, p=0.049, p&lt;0.001, p&lt;0.001 and p=0.001 respectively) while HTR was significantly decreased (p&lt;0.001) due to cisplatin treatment. HDL and AI levels were unchanged by cisplatin treatment. MEPO significantly reversed (p&lt;0.05) the cisplatin-induced changes in the serum lipid parameters (TG and TC) and estimated parameters (VLDL, CRR and TG-HDL) across all MEPO-treated groups.Conclusion. MEPO shows evidence of attenuating cisplatin-induced hyperlipidemia and cardiac risk.

Research on the application of artificial intelligence technology in the field of urban security

Artificial intelligence is one of the core factors that determine the future development of the security field. As one of the main means to maintain public security in modern society, security technology is of great significance to ensure the harmonious and stable development of society. In order to strengthen the application of artificial intelligence in the field of security and improve the automation and intelligence level of security technology, it is necessary to continuously study the application scheme of artificial intelligence in the field of security so that the security products can continuously meet the new needs brought by social development. In view of this, this paper mainly discusses the application of artificial intelligence technology in the field of security. First of all, the development level and stage of AI in the field of security are described. Secondly, the types of AI technology applied in the field of security are introduced. Thirdly, the practical application of AI in the field of security is summarized. Finally, it discusses the development prospect and trend of smart security in smart city construction.

Stable Plasma Sample Storage in Acetonitrile for Angiotensin and Aldosterone Analysis.

Angiotensin I, II (AI, AII) and aldosterone are unstable in plasma specimens at room temperature, making it difficult for collect samples for remote regions in centralized and collaborative studies. Here we introduce a stable storage method which do not require cold conditions.. Acetonitrile was added to the plasma to 60%, and then the supernatants were kept at 4°C and room temperature for 0, 1, 2, 3, 10 and 30 days. AI, AII and aldosterone were extracted and analyzed by chemiluminescence immunoassays. AI, AII and aldosterone were well retained in the supernatant under this method. The intra- and inter-day CVs of this method were all below 10%. The levels of AI, AII and aldosterone by this method remained stable for 30 days at room temperature. Addition of 60% acetonitrile in the plasma provides a stable storage method for clinical AI, AII and aldosterone.

Injury risk curves in far-side lateral motor vehicle crashes by AIS level, body region and injury code

Objective The objective of this study was to develop injury risk curves as a function of change in vehicle velocity for occupants in far-side lateral motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) by AIS level, body region, and specific AIS codes that commonly occur in this crash mode. Methods The National Automotive Sampling System-Crashworthiness Data System (NASS-CDS) years 2000–2015 database was queried, resulting in 4,495 non-weighted far-side crashes. For each case, occupant age, sex, and the following metadata were collected: vehicle model year, vehicle body type, lateral delta-v, normalized PDOF, multiple impacts, belt use, seat position, object contacted, striking vehicle body type, maximum crush extent and side airbag deployment. Multivariable logistic regression was used to develop risk curves for AIS 2+ through 5+ injuries, AIS 2+ injuries by body region (head, thorax, lower extremity), and for each of the 10 most frequent far-side AIS 2+ injuries. Significant covariates were determined by backwards elimination (p < 0.05). The full dataset and a subsampled dataset of only cases with side airbag deployment were used to develop risk curves. Results For AIS 2+ through 5+ injury, greater delta-V was associated with greater injury risk (OR’s: 2.48–3.66 per 11.9 kph increase) and belt use was associated with lower risk (OR’s: 0.04–0.36 compared to unbelted). Multiple impacts were significant predictors of increased AIS 3+, 4+ and 5+ injury risk (OR’s: 2.56, 2.27 and 2.83 compared to single impact). For AIS 2+ body region injuries, lateral delta-V and maximum CDC extent were positively associated with increased head, thorax and lower extremity injury risk while belt use was associated with lower risk. Increased lateral delta-v, unbelted status, and greater maximum CDC extent frequently increased injury risk for the most common far-side injuries. Side airbag deployment was not a significant covariate for the injury risk models. Conclusions The resulting risk models expand upon previous literature gaps to provide a more comprehensive view of contributors to injury risk for occupants in far-side MVCs. This study yields risk curves based on the latest available NASS-CDS data.