One of the main immune-mediated diseases that lead to avoidable blindness is non-infectious uveitis. Glucocorticoids are the first-line therapy choice for noninfectious uveitis;however, biologics are also showing prom...One of the main immune-mediated diseases that lead to avoidable blindness is non-infectious uveitis. Glucocorticoids are the first-line therapy choice for noninfectious uveitis;however, biologics are also showing promise in the management of this condition. The description of glucocorticoid and biologic usage in non-infectious uveitis is the main topic of this paper.展开更多
Background: The increasing use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) both on prescription and over the counter raises a major global health concern because of the risks associated with their use if no prop...Background: The increasing use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) both on prescription and over the counter raises a major global health concern because of the risks associated with their use if no proper guidance is given by the health care provider. This study assessed the roles of community pharmacists in screening and disseminating information about the risks associated with NSAID use in Zambia. Methodology: This was a national cross-sectional study in which a structured self-administered questionnaire was administered to 245 registered community pharmacists in Zambia. Stata/BE, version 15.1 (Stata Corporation, College Station, Texas, USA) and multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with information dissemination about ADRs of NS-NSAIDs. Results: 231 of the 245 distributed questionnaires were returned giving a response rate of 94.3%. All (100%) participating community pharmacists claimed to have practiced dispensing NSAIDs. However, only 26 (11.0%) and 71 (30.8%) regularly screened for risk factor of selective COX-2 NSAIDS (SC2-NSAIDS) and non-selective NSAIDS (NS-NSAIDs) respectively. Information dissemination on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of SC2-NSAIDS was regularly provided by only 22 (9.5%) of pharmacists while that of NS-NSAIDs was regularly provided by 49 (21.2%). In the multivariate logistic regression model, being the owner of a pharmacy (AOR: 5.4, CI: 1.84 - 16.4) was significantly associated with information dissemination about ADRs of NS-NSAIDs while an hour increase in the working hours per day (AOR: 0.9, CI: 0.64 - 0.95) was associated with less likelihood of information dissemination. Conclusion: Pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Zambia did not regularly screen and disseminate information about the risks associated with NSAID use. Therefore, pharmacists should be able to screen and monitor patients at risk and be aware of the majority of risk factors while dispensing NSAIDs to minimize the associated complications.展开更多
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic, nonspecific intestinal inflammatory disorders characterized by localized and systemic inflammation. The use of biologic agents in the treatment of IBD patients i...Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic, nonspecific intestinal inflammatory disorders characterized by localized and systemic inflammation. The use of biologic agents in the treatment of IBD patients is widespread, and the occurrence of primary non-responsiveness during treatment is also significant. This review briefly summarizes the possible reasons for primary non-responsiveness in IBD patients, as well as predictive markers and current strategies to address it, providing a theoretical reference for early identification and management of IBD patients who do not respond to treatment.展开更多
Background: Fractures of humeral shaft in adults are common injuries. Humeral shafts non-union either from late presentation after initial treatment by traditional bone setters or failed non-operative orthodox care is...Background: Fractures of humeral shaft in adults are common injuries. Humeral shafts non-union either from late presentation after initial treatment by traditional bone setters or failed non-operative orthodox care is a major problem in this part of the world. This non-union is a major treatment challenge with increased cost of care and morbidity in this part of the world. Humeral shaft non-union can be treated with locked intra-medullary nailing (LIMN) or dynamic compression plating (DCP). Study on comparison of these methods of fixation in this part of the world is scarce in literature search, hence the reason for this study. Objective: The objectives of this study are: (1) to compare early clinical outcome following fixation of humeral shaft fracture nonunion with DCP versus LIMN;(2) to compare the time of radiologic fracture union of DCP with LIMN;(3) to compare complications following fixation of humeral shaft fracture nonunion with DCP versus LIMN. Patients and Methods: This was a randomized control study done for 2 years in which fifty adult patients with humeral shaft non-union were recruited. The patients were grouped into 2 (P = DCP & N = LIMN). Forty five of the patients completed the follow up periods of the study and then analyzed. The P group had ORIF with DCP while the N group had ORIF with LIMN. Both groups had grafting with cancellous bones. Each patient was followed up for a period of 6 months at the time which radiographic union is expected. Any patient without clinical and/or radiographic evidence of union after six months of surgery was diagnosed as having recurrent non-union. The data generated was analyzed using SPSS Version 23. The results were presented in charts and tables. The paired t-test was used while considering p value Result: Forty five patients completed follow up. There was a male preponderance (4:1), right humerus predominated (3:2). Motor vehicular accidents were the commonest cause of the fractures (62%). Most non-union fractures occurred at the level of the middle 3<sup>rd</sup> of the humeral shaft (60%). Failed TBS treatment was the commonest indication for the osteosynthesis (71%). More patients had plating (53%) compared to 47% who had LIMN. Most patients (93.4%) had union between 3 to 6 months irrespective of fixation type with no significant statistical difference between the union rate of DCP and LIMN (p value 0.06) with similar functional outcome and complication rates irrespective of the type of fixation. Conclusion: This study showed that the success rates in term of fracture union, outcome functional grades and complication rates were not directly dependent on the types of the fixation: plating or locked intra-medullary nailing.展开更多
Objective: Investigate the efficacy and safety of Yao Medicine in the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma, and explore the best therapeutic measure for clinical benefit. Methods: From July 2020 to July...Objective: Investigate the efficacy and safety of Yao Medicine in the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma, and explore the best therapeutic measure for clinical benefit. Methods: From July 2020 to July 2022, 84 patients with advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma were selected and randomly divided into the Observation Group and control group, and the control group was treated with routine Western medicine, with 42 cases in each group. The activity of daily living (ADL) was assessed before and after treatment, meanwhile, the self-rating depression scale (SDS) and self-rating anxiety SAS (SAS) were used to assess the improvement of a bad mood, and quality of life SF-36 was used to assess the quality of life, to judge the efficacy and safety. Results: The effective rate of observation group was 91.67%. The effective rate of the control group was 76.19%. The effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P 0.05). There were no significant differences in the scores of SDS, SAS and quality of life between the two groups before treatment (P > 0.05), and after treatment, the scores of SDS, SAS and quality of life in the two groups were compared with those in the control group (P > 0.05), the scores of VAS, SDS and SAS decreased significantly, while ESCV, angle of straight leg elevation, ADL, physiological score, emotional score, social score and health status score increased significantly, the difference was statistically significant (P 0.05). Conclusion: Yao Medicine can improve the psychosomatic symptoms of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma better, with better efficacy and higher safety.展开更多
Actin, a highly conserved protein, plays a dominant role in Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Late diagnosis and the aggressive nature of NSCLC pose a significant threat. Studying the clinic pathological properties ...Actin, a highly conserved protein, plays a dominant role in Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Late diagnosis and the aggressive nature of NSCLC pose a significant threat. Studying the clinic pathological properties of NSCLC proteins is a potential alternative for developing treatment strategies. Towards this, 35 downregulated actin cytoskeletal proteins on NSCLC prognosis and treatment were studied by examining their protein-protein interactions, gene ontology enrichment terms, and signaling pathways. Using PubMed, various proteins in NSCLC were identified. The protein-protein interactions and functional associations of these proteins were examined using the STRING database. The focal adhesion signaling pathway was selected from all available KEGG and Wiki pathways because of its role in regulating gene expression, facilitating cell movement and reproduction, and significantly impacting NSCLC. The protein-protein interaction network of the 35 downregulated actin cytoskeleton proteins revealed that ACTG1, ACTR2, ACTR3, ANXA2, ARPC4, FLNA, TLN1, CALD1, MYL6, MYH9, MYH10, TPM1, TPM3, TPM4, PFN1, IQGAP1, MSN, and ZXY exhibited the highest number of interactions. Whereas HSPB1, CTNNA1, KRT17, KRT7, FLNB, SEPT2, and TUBA1B displayed medium interactions, while UTRN, TUBA1B, and DUSP23 had relatively fewer interactions. It was discovered that focal adhesions are critical in connecting membrane receptors with the actin cytoskeleton. In addition, protein kinases, phosphatases, and adapter proteins were identified as key signaling molecules in this process, greatly influencing cell shape, motility, and gene expression. Our analysis shows that the focal adhesion pathway plays a crucial role in NSCLC and is essential for developing effective treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.展开更多
To improve the accuracy of predicting non-invasive blood glucose concentration in the near-infrared spectrum, we utilized the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm to optimize hyperparameters for the Multi-Kerne...To improve the accuracy of predicting non-invasive blood glucose concentration in the near-infrared spectrum, we utilized the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm to optimize hyperparameters for the Multi-Kernel Learning Support Vector Machine (MKL-SVR). With these optimized hyperparameters, we established a non-invasive blood glucose regression model, referred to as the PSO-MKL-SVR model. Subsequently, we conducted a comparative analysis between the PSO-MKL-SVR model and the PSO-SVR model. In a dataset comprising ten volunteers, the PSO-MKL-SVR model exhibited significant precision improvements, including a 16.03% reduction in Mean Square Error and a 0.29% increase in the Squared Correlation Coefficient. Moreover, there was a 0.14% higher probability of the Clark’s Error Grid Analysis falling within Zone A. Additionally, the PSO-MKL-SVR model demonstrated a faster operational speed compared to the PSO-SVR model.展开更多
This research considered the effect of non-natural aging on the microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of as-cast aluminum 6063 alloys. The samples were developed through a sand casting process and ...This research considered the effect of non-natural aging on the microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of as-cast aluminum 6063 alloys. The samples were developed through a sand casting process and machined into tensile and impact test samples before carrying out solution heat treatment at 550?C (0.83 T<sub>m</sub>) on two parts of the samples while retaining one part as the control. The two parts were further divided into sets denoted A and B and were aged at 180?C (0.27 T<sub>m</sub>) and 160?C (0.24 T<sub>m</sub>), respectively, for 12 hours. The results showed that sample A has the optimal yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of 192 and 206 MPa, respectively. Likewise, the sample gave the highest impact strength value of about 9.63 J/mm<sup>2</sup>. The observed results were supported by the optical micrograph, which revealed that the sample has evenly dispersed precipitates in its microstructure. This is deemed responsible for the observed increase in strength of the sample.展开更多
Darcy’s law is widely used to describe the flow in porous media in which there is a linear relationship between fluid velocity and pressure gradient. However, it has been found that for high numbers of Reynolds this ...Darcy’s law is widely used to describe the flow in porous media in which there is a linear relationship between fluid velocity and pressure gradient. However, it has been found that for high numbers of Reynolds this law ceases to be valid. In this work, the Ergun equation is employed to consider the non-linearity of air velocity with the pressure gradient in casting sands. The contribution of non-linearity to the total flow in terms of a variable defined as a non-Darcy flow fraction is numerically quantified. In addition, the influence of the shape factor of the sand grains on the non-linear flow fraction is analyzed. It is found that for values of the Reynolds number less or equal than 1, the contribution of non-linearity for spherical particles is around 1.15%.展开更多
Here we report a rare case of mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs). A 51-year-old lady with no known family history of malignancies developed this rare type of malignancy without any active gastr...Here we report a rare case of mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs). A 51-year-old lady with no known family history of malignancies developed this rare type of malignancy without any active gastrointestinal symptoms. However, during a routine health check, physicians noticed a raised Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) level and the patient subsequently was referred to the surgical department for further management. A colonoscopy and CECT abdomen were done and she was electively admitted for a left hemicolectomy operation for a splenic flexure tumour. The histopathological report revealed the tumour is a case of mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs) [moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine tumour grade 3]. TNM (8th edition, 2016): pT3, pN2 (20/21), pMX. Both resection margins were clear from malignant cells. Colorectal MiNENs, constitute a rare group of gastrointestinal tumours composed of both neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine components. Given their non-diagnostic macroscopic features, specific histological features and lack of disease awareness which are responsible for the underestimated incidence and conflicting data. In this case, a multidisciplinary team approach is important in managing patients with this malignancy to achieve the best outcome.展开更多
The delayed S-shaped software reliability growth model (SRGM) is one of the non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) models which have been proposed for software reliability assessment. The model is distinctive because ...The delayed S-shaped software reliability growth model (SRGM) is one of the non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) models which have been proposed for software reliability assessment. The model is distinctive because it has a mean value function that reflects the delay in failure reporting: there is a delay between failure detection and reporting time. The model captures error detection, isolation, and removal processes, thus is appropriate for software reliability analysis. Predictive analysis in software testing is useful in modifying, debugging, and determining when to terminate software development testing processes. However, Bayesian predictive analyses on the delayed S-shaped model have not been extensively explored. This paper uses the delayed S-shaped SRGM to address four issues in one-sample prediction associated with the software development testing process. Bayesian approach based on non-informative priors was used to derive explicit solutions for the four issues, and the developed methodologies were illustrated using real data.展开更多
The existence of several non-symmetric balanced incomplete block designs (BIBDs) is still unknown. This is because the non-existence property for non-symmetric BIBDs is still not known and also the existing constructi...The existence of several non-symmetric balanced incomplete block designs (BIBDs) is still unknown. This is because the non-existence property for non-symmetric BIBDs is still not known and also the existing construction methods have not been able to construct these designs despite their design parameters satisfying the necessary conditions for the existence of BIBD. The study aimed to bridge this gap by introducing a new class of non-symmetric BIBDs. The proposed class of BIBDs is constructed through the combination of disjoint symmetric BIBDs. The study was able to determine that the total number of disjoint symmetric BIBDs (n) with parameters (v = b, r = k, λ) that can be obtained from an un-reduced BIBD with parameters (v, k) is given by n = r - λ. When the n symmetric disjoint BIBDs are combined, then a new class of symmetric BIBDs is formed with parameters v<sup>*</sup><sup> </sup>= v, b<sup>*</sup><sup> </sup>= nb, r<sup>*</sup><sup> </sup>= nr, k<sup>*</sup><sup> </sup>= k, λ<sup>*</sup><sup> </sup>= λ, where 2≤ n ≤ r - λ. The study established that the non-existence property of this class of BIBD was that when is not a perfect square then v should be even and when v<sup>*</sup><sup> </sup>is odd then the equation should not have a solution in integers x, y, z which are not all simultaneously zero. In conclusion, the study showed that this construction technique can be used to construct some non-symmetric BIBDs. However, one must first construct the disjoint symmetric BIBDs before one can construct the non-symmetric BIBD. Thus, the disjoint symmetric BIBDs must exist first before the non-symmetric BIBDs exist.展开更多
The existence of mild solutions for non-autonomous evolution equations with nonlocal conditions in Banach space is studied in this article. We obtained the existence of at least one mild solution to the evolution equa...The existence of mild solutions for non-autonomous evolution equations with nonlocal conditions in Banach space is studied in this article. We obtained the existence of at least one mild solution to the evolution equations by using Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem as well as the theory of the evolution family. The interest of this paper is that any assumptions are not imposed on the nonlocal terms and Green’s functions and a new alternative method is applied to prove the existence of mild solutions. The results obtained in this paper may improve some related conclusions on this topic. An example is given as an application of the results.展开更多
In this paper, we define some new sets of non-elementary functions in a group of solutions x(t) that are sine and cosine to the upper limit of integration in a non-elementary integral that can be arbitrary. We are usi...In this paper, we define some new sets of non-elementary functions in a group of solutions x(t) that are sine and cosine to the upper limit of integration in a non-elementary integral that can be arbitrary. We are using Abel’s methods, described by Armitage and Eberlein. The key is to start with a non-elementary integral function, differentiating and inverting, and then define a set of three functions that belong together. Differentiating these functions twice gives second-order nonlinear ODEs that have the defined set of functions as solutions. We will study some of the second-order nonlinear ODEs, especially those that exhibit limit cycles. Using the methods described in this paper, it is possible to define many other sets of non-elementary functions that are giving solutions to some second-order nonlinear autonomous ODEs.展开更多
In this paper, we define some non-elementary amplitude functions that are giving solutions to some well-known second-order nonlinear ODEs and the Lorenz equations, but not the chaos case. We are giving the solutions a...In this paper, we define some non-elementary amplitude functions that are giving solutions to some well-known second-order nonlinear ODEs and the Lorenz equations, but not the chaos case. We are giving the solutions a name, a symbol and putting them into a group of functions and into the context of other functions. These solutions are equal to the amplitude, or upper limit of integration in a non-elementary integral that can be arbitrary. In order to define solutions to some short second-order nonlinear ODEs, we will make an extension to the general amplitude function. The only disadvantage is that the first derivative to these solutions contains an integral that disappear at the second derivation. We will also do a second extension: the two-integral amplitude function. With this extension we have the solution to a system of ODEs having a very strange behavior. Using the extended amplitude functions, we can define solutions to many short second-order nonlinear ODEs.展开更多
An uncertainty analysis method is proposed for the assessment of the residual strength of a casing subjected to wear and non-uniform load in a deep well.The influence of casing residual stress,out-of-roundness and non...An uncertainty analysis method is proposed for the assessment of the residual strength of a casing subjected to wear and non-uniform load in a deep well.The influence of casing residual stress,out-of-roundness and non-uniform load is considered.The distribution of multi-source parameters related to the residual anti extrusion strength and residual anti internal pressure strength of the casing after wear are determined using the probability theory.Considering the technical casing of X101 well in Xinjiang Oilfield as an example,it is shown that the randomness of casing wear depth,formation elastic modulus and formation Poisson’s ratio are the main factors that affect the uncertainty of residual strength.The wider the confidence interval is,the greater the uncertainty range is.Compared with the calculations resulting from the proposed uncertainty analysis method,the residual strength obtained by means of traditional single value calculation method is either larger or smaller,which leads to the conclusion that the residual strength should be considered in terms of a range of probabilities rather than a single value.展开更多
Objective:To compare the biological characteristics and stability of the chronic non-bacterial prostatitis(CNP)model in rats induced by the depot combined with estrogen induction method and the autoimmune response ind...Objective:To compare the biological characteristics and stability of the chronic non-bacterial prostatitis(CNP)model in rats induced by the depot combined with estrogen induction method and the autoimmune response induction method.Methods:The CNP rat model was prepared using the depot combined with 17β-estradiol induction method in the depot hormone group and three concentrations of prostate protein homogenate at 40 mg/mL,20 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL in the autoimmune group,respectively.The degree of prostate tissue damage was evaluated by pathology(HE staining),and the immunoturbidimetric method was used to evaluate the contents of immunoglobulins IgA,IgM and IgG.ELISA was used to evaluate interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-10(IL-10),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and high-sensitivity-C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),and electrochemiluminescence was used to evaluate the expression level of testosterone(T),and the two model methods were compared.Results:Compared with the sham-operated group,the body mass of rats in both models was significantly lower in the depot hormone group and autoimmune group before extraction(P<0.01,P<0.01),and histopathology of the prostate in both models showed destruction of glandular structure and a significant increase in inflammatory cells.Compared with the depot hormone group and the autoimmune group,the histopathological changes and inflammatory pathological scores of prostate and the contents of immune indexes IgA,IgM and IgG were significantly different in the depot hormone group(P<0.05,P<0.05,P<0.05),and the levels of IL-1β,IL-10,TNF-α,hs-CRP and T were significantly changed in the autoimmune group(P<0.01).The comparison between the high,medium and low dose groups of the autoimmune group,in which the pathological changes in the medium dose of the autoimmune group were slightly better than the other two groups between the groups,but the changes in IL-1β,IL-10,TNF-α,hs-CRP,and T in the low dose of the autoimmune group were the most significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:The pathological tissues of the chronic non-bacterial prostatitis model established by the depot combined with estrogen induction method and the autoimmune response induction method both showed significant changes,and the comprehensive indexes indicated that the depot combined with estrogen induction method was a more appropriate modeling choice.展开更多
As a result of the obesity epidemic,Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)and its complications have increased among millions of people.Consequently,a group of experts recommended changing the term NAFLD to an inclus...As a result of the obesity epidemic,Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)and its complications have increased among millions of people.Consequently,a group of experts recommended changing the term NAFLD to an inclusive terminology more reflective of the underlying pathogenesis;metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD).This new term of MAFLD has its own disease epidemiology and clinical outcomes prompting efforts in studying its differences from NAFLD.This article discusses the rationale behind the nomenclature change,the main differences,and its clinical implications.展开更多
Medical Image Fusion is the synthesizing technology for fusing multi-modal medical information using mathematical procedures to generate better visual on the image content and high-quality image output.Medical image f...Medical Image Fusion is the synthesizing technology for fusing multi-modal medical information using mathematical procedures to generate better visual on the image content and high-quality image output.Medical image fusion represents an indispensible role infixing major solutions for the complicated medical predicaments,while the recent research results have an enhanced affinity towards the preservation of medical image details,leaving color distortion and halo artifacts to remain unaddressed.This paper proposes a novel method of fusing Computer Tomography(CT)and Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI)using a hybrid model of Non Sub-sampled Contourlet Transform(NSCT)and Joint Sparse Representation(JSR).This model gratifies the need for precise integration of medical images of different modalities,which is an essential requirement in the diagnosing process towards clinical activities and treating the patients accordingly.In the proposed model,the medical image is decomposed using NSCT which is an efficient shift variant decomposition transformation method.JSR is exercised to extricate the common features of the medical image for the fusion process.The performance analysis of the proposed system proves that the proposed image fusion technique for medical image fusion is more efficient,provides better results,and a high level of distinctness by integrating the advantages of complementary images.The comparative analysis proves that the proposed technique exhibits better-quality than the existing medical image fusion practices.展开更多
文摘One of the main immune-mediated diseases that lead to avoidable blindness is non-infectious uveitis. Glucocorticoids are the first-line therapy choice for noninfectious uveitis;however, biologics are also showing promise in the management of this condition. The description of glucocorticoid and biologic usage in non-infectious uveitis is the main topic of this paper.
文摘Background: The increasing use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) both on prescription and over the counter raises a major global health concern because of the risks associated with their use if no proper guidance is given by the health care provider. This study assessed the roles of community pharmacists in screening and disseminating information about the risks associated with NSAID use in Zambia. Methodology: This was a national cross-sectional study in which a structured self-administered questionnaire was administered to 245 registered community pharmacists in Zambia. Stata/BE, version 15.1 (Stata Corporation, College Station, Texas, USA) and multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with information dissemination about ADRs of NS-NSAIDs. Results: 231 of the 245 distributed questionnaires were returned giving a response rate of 94.3%. All (100%) participating community pharmacists claimed to have practiced dispensing NSAIDs. However, only 26 (11.0%) and 71 (30.8%) regularly screened for risk factor of selective COX-2 NSAIDS (SC2-NSAIDS) and non-selective NSAIDS (NS-NSAIDs) respectively. Information dissemination on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of SC2-NSAIDS was regularly provided by only 22 (9.5%) of pharmacists while that of NS-NSAIDs was regularly provided by 49 (21.2%). In the multivariate logistic regression model, being the owner of a pharmacy (AOR: 5.4, CI: 1.84 - 16.4) was significantly associated with information dissemination about ADRs of NS-NSAIDs while an hour increase in the working hours per day (AOR: 0.9, CI: 0.64 - 0.95) was associated with less likelihood of information dissemination. Conclusion: Pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Zambia did not regularly screen and disseminate information about the risks associated with NSAID use. Therefore, pharmacists should be able to screen and monitor patients at risk and be aware of the majority of risk factors while dispensing NSAIDs to minimize the associated complications.
文摘Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic, nonspecific intestinal inflammatory disorders characterized by localized and systemic inflammation. The use of biologic agents in the treatment of IBD patients is widespread, and the occurrence of primary non-responsiveness during treatment is also significant. This review briefly summarizes the possible reasons for primary non-responsiveness in IBD patients, as well as predictive markers and current strategies to address it, providing a theoretical reference for early identification and management of IBD patients who do not respond to treatment.
文摘Background: Fractures of humeral shaft in adults are common injuries. Humeral shafts non-union either from late presentation after initial treatment by traditional bone setters or failed non-operative orthodox care is a major problem in this part of the world. This non-union is a major treatment challenge with increased cost of care and morbidity in this part of the world. Humeral shaft non-union can be treated with locked intra-medullary nailing (LIMN) or dynamic compression plating (DCP). Study on comparison of these methods of fixation in this part of the world is scarce in literature search, hence the reason for this study. Objective: The objectives of this study are: (1) to compare early clinical outcome following fixation of humeral shaft fracture nonunion with DCP versus LIMN;(2) to compare the time of radiologic fracture union of DCP with LIMN;(3) to compare complications following fixation of humeral shaft fracture nonunion with DCP versus LIMN. Patients and Methods: This was a randomized control study done for 2 years in which fifty adult patients with humeral shaft non-union were recruited. The patients were grouped into 2 (P = DCP & N = LIMN). Forty five of the patients completed the follow up periods of the study and then analyzed. The P group had ORIF with DCP while the N group had ORIF with LIMN. Both groups had grafting with cancellous bones. Each patient was followed up for a period of 6 months at the time which radiographic union is expected. Any patient without clinical and/or radiographic evidence of union after six months of surgery was diagnosed as having recurrent non-union. The data generated was analyzed using SPSS Version 23. The results were presented in charts and tables. The paired t-test was used while considering p value Result: Forty five patients completed follow up. There was a male preponderance (4:1), right humerus predominated (3:2). Motor vehicular accidents were the commonest cause of the fractures (62%). Most non-union fractures occurred at the level of the middle 3<sup>rd</sup> of the humeral shaft (60%). Failed TBS treatment was the commonest indication for the osteosynthesis (71%). More patients had plating (53%) compared to 47% who had LIMN. Most patients (93.4%) had union between 3 to 6 months irrespective of fixation type with no significant statistical difference between the union rate of DCP and LIMN (p value 0.06) with similar functional outcome and complication rates irrespective of the type of fixation. Conclusion: This study showed that the success rates in term of fracture union, outcome functional grades and complication rates were not directly dependent on the types of the fixation: plating or locked intra-medullary nailing.
文摘Objective: Investigate the efficacy and safety of Yao Medicine in the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma, and explore the best therapeutic measure for clinical benefit. Methods: From July 2020 to July 2022, 84 patients with advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma were selected and randomly divided into the Observation Group and control group, and the control group was treated with routine Western medicine, with 42 cases in each group. The activity of daily living (ADL) was assessed before and after treatment, meanwhile, the self-rating depression scale (SDS) and self-rating anxiety SAS (SAS) were used to assess the improvement of a bad mood, and quality of life SF-36 was used to assess the quality of life, to judge the efficacy and safety. Results: The effective rate of observation group was 91.67%. The effective rate of the control group was 76.19%. The effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P 0.05). There were no significant differences in the scores of SDS, SAS and quality of life between the two groups before treatment (P > 0.05), and after treatment, the scores of SDS, SAS and quality of life in the two groups were compared with those in the control group (P > 0.05), the scores of VAS, SDS and SAS decreased significantly, while ESCV, angle of straight leg elevation, ADL, physiological score, emotional score, social score and health status score increased significantly, the difference was statistically significant (P 0.05). Conclusion: Yao Medicine can improve the psychosomatic symptoms of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma better, with better efficacy and higher safety.
文摘Actin, a highly conserved protein, plays a dominant role in Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Late diagnosis and the aggressive nature of NSCLC pose a significant threat. Studying the clinic pathological properties of NSCLC proteins is a potential alternative for developing treatment strategies. Towards this, 35 downregulated actin cytoskeletal proteins on NSCLC prognosis and treatment were studied by examining their protein-protein interactions, gene ontology enrichment terms, and signaling pathways. Using PubMed, various proteins in NSCLC were identified. The protein-protein interactions and functional associations of these proteins were examined using the STRING database. The focal adhesion signaling pathway was selected from all available KEGG and Wiki pathways because of its role in regulating gene expression, facilitating cell movement and reproduction, and significantly impacting NSCLC. The protein-protein interaction network of the 35 downregulated actin cytoskeleton proteins revealed that ACTG1, ACTR2, ACTR3, ANXA2, ARPC4, FLNA, TLN1, CALD1, MYL6, MYH9, MYH10, TPM1, TPM3, TPM4, PFN1, IQGAP1, MSN, and ZXY exhibited the highest number of interactions. Whereas HSPB1, CTNNA1, KRT17, KRT7, FLNB, SEPT2, and TUBA1B displayed medium interactions, while UTRN, TUBA1B, and DUSP23 had relatively fewer interactions. It was discovered that focal adhesions are critical in connecting membrane receptors with the actin cytoskeleton. In addition, protein kinases, phosphatases, and adapter proteins were identified as key signaling molecules in this process, greatly influencing cell shape, motility, and gene expression. Our analysis shows that the focal adhesion pathway plays a crucial role in NSCLC and is essential for developing effective treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.
文摘To improve the accuracy of predicting non-invasive blood glucose concentration in the near-infrared spectrum, we utilized the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm to optimize hyperparameters for the Multi-Kernel Learning Support Vector Machine (MKL-SVR). With these optimized hyperparameters, we established a non-invasive blood glucose regression model, referred to as the PSO-MKL-SVR model. Subsequently, we conducted a comparative analysis between the PSO-MKL-SVR model and the PSO-SVR model. In a dataset comprising ten volunteers, the PSO-MKL-SVR model exhibited significant precision improvements, including a 16.03% reduction in Mean Square Error and a 0.29% increase in the Squared Correlation Coefficient. Moreover, there was a 0.14% higher probability of the Clark’s Error Grid Analysis falling within Zone A. Additionally, the PSO-MKL-SVR model demonstrated a faster operational speed compared to the PSO-SVR model.
文摘This research considered the effect of non-natural aging on the microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of as-cast aluminum 6063 alloys. The samples were developed through a sand casting process and machined into tensile and impact test samples before carrying out solution heat treatment at 550?C (0.83 T<sub>m</sub>) on two parts of the samples while retaining one part as the control. The two parts were further divided into sets denoted A and B and were aged at 180?C (0.27 T<sub>m</sub>) and 160?C (0.24 T<sub>m</sub>), respectively, for 12 hours. The results showed that sample A has the optimal yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of 192 and 206 MPa, respectively. Likewise, the sample gave the highest impact strength value of about 9.63 J/mm<sup>2</sup>. The observed results were supported by the optical micrograph, which revealed that the sample has evenly dispersed precipitates in its microstructure. This is deemed responsible for the observed increase in strength of the sample.
文摘Darcy’s law is widely used to describe the flow in porous media in which there is a linear relationship between fluid velocity and pressure gradient. However, it has been found that for high numbers of Reynolds this law ceases to be valid. In this work, the Ergun equation is employed to consider the non-linearity of air velocity with the pressure gradient in casting sands. The contribution of non-linearity to the total flow in terms of a variable defined as a non-Darcy flow fraction is numerically quantified. In addition, the influence of the shape factor of the sand grains on the non-linear flow fraction is analyzed. It is found that for values of the Reynolds number less or equal than 1, the contribution of non-linearity for spherical particles is around 1.15%.
文摘Here we report a rare case of mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs). A 51-year-old lady with no known family history of malignancies developed this rare type of malignancy without any active gastrointestinal symptoms. However, during a routine health check, physicians noticed a raised Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) level and the patient subsequently was referred to the surgical department for further management. A colonoscopy and CECT abdomen were done and she was electively admitted for a left hemicolectomy operation for a splenic flexure tumour. The histopathological report revealed the tumour is a case of mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs) [moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine tumour grade 3]. TNM (8th edition, 2016): pT3, pN2 (20/21), pMX. Both resection margins were clear from malignant cells. Colorectal MiNENs, constitute a rare group of gastrointestinal tumours composed of both neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine components. Given their non-diagnostic macroscopic features, specific histological features and lack of disease awareness which are responsible for the underestimated incidence and conflicting data. In this case, a multidisciplinary team approach is important in managing patients with this malignancy to achieve the best outcome.
文摘The delayed S-shaped software reliability growth model (SRGM) is one of the non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) models which have been proposed for software reliability assessment. The model is distinctive because it has a mean value function that reflects the delay in failure reporting: there is a delay between failure detection and reporting time. The model captures error detection, isolation, and removal processes, thus is appropriate for software reliability analysis. Predictive analysis in software testing is useful in modifying, debugging, and determining when to terminate software development testing processes. However, Bayesian predictive analyses on the delayed S-shaped model have not been extensively explored. This paper uses the delayed S-shaped SRGM to address four issues in one-sample prediction associated with the software development testing process. Bayesian approach based on non-informative priors was used to derive explicit solutions for the four issues, and the developed methodologies were illustrated using real data.
文摘The existence of several non-symmetric balanced incomplete block designs (BIBDs) is still unknown. This is because the non-existence property for non-symmetric BIBDs is still not known and also the existing construction methods have not been able to construct these designs despite their design parameters satisfying the necessary conditions for the existence of BIBD. The study aimed to bridge this gap by introducing a new class of non-symmetric BIBDs. The proposed class of BIBDs is constructed through the combination of disjoint symmetric BIBDs. The study was able to determine that the total number of disjoint symmetric BIBDs (n) with parameters (v = b, r = k, λ) that can be obtained from an un-reduced BIBD with parameters (v, k) is given by n = r - λ. When the n symmetric disjoint BIBDs are combined, then a new class of symmetric BIBDs is formed with parameters v<sup>*</sup><sup> </sup>= v, b<sup>*</sup><sup> </sup>= nb, r<sup>*</sup><sup> </sup>= nr, k<sup>*</sup><sup> </sup>= k, λ<sup>*</sup><sup> </sup>= λ, where 2≤ n ≤ r - λ. The study established that the non-existence property of this class of BIBD was that when is not a perfect square then v should be even and when v<sup>*</sup><sup> </sup>is odd then the equation should not have a solution in integers x, y, z which are not all simultaneously zero. In conclusion, the study showed that this construction technique can be used to construct some non-symmetric BIBDs. However, one must first construct the disjoint symmetric BIBDs before one can construct the non-symmetric BIBD. Thus, the disjoint symmetric BIBDs must exist first before the non-symmetric BIBDs exist.
文摘The existence of mild solutions for non-autonomous evolution equations with nonlocal conditions in Banach space is studied in this article. We obtained the existence of at least one mild solution to the evolution equations by using Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem as well as the theory of the evolution family. The interest of this paper is that any assumptions are not imposed on the nonlocal terms and Green’s functions and a new alternative method is applied to prove the existence of mild solutions. The results obtained in this paper may improve some related conclusions on this topic. An example is given as an application of the results.
文摘In this paper, we define some new sets of non-elementary functions in a group of solutions x(t) that are sine and cosine to the upper limit of integration in a non-elementary integral that can be arbitrary. We are using Abel’s methods, described by Armitage and Eberlein. The key is to start with a non-elementary integral function, differentiating and inverting, and then define a set of three functions that belong together. Differentiating these functions twice gives second-order nonlinear ODEs that have the defined set of functions as solutions. We will study some of the second-order nonlinear ODEs, especially those that exhibit limit cycles. Using the methods described in this paper, it is possible to define many other sets of non-elementary functions that are giving solutions to some second-order nonlinear autonomous ODEs.
文摘In this paper, we define some non-elementary amplitude functions that are giving solutions to some well-known second-order nonlinear ODEs and the Lorenz equations, but not the chaos case. We are giving the solutions a name, a symbol and putting them into a group of functions and into the context of other functions. These solutions are equal to the amplitude, or upper limit of integration in a non-elementary integral that can be arbitrary. In order to define solutions to some short second-order nonlinear ODEs, we will make an extension to the general amplitude function. The only disadvantage is that the first derivative to these solutions contains an integral that disappear at the second derivation. We will also do a second extension: the two-integral amplitude function. With this extension we have the solution to a system of ODEs having a very strange behavior. Using the extended amplitude functions, we can define solutions to many short second-order nonlinear ODEs.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China[51804061,51974052,51774063]the Academician Led Special Project of Chongqing Science and Technology Commission[cstc2017zdcy-yszxX0009]+1 种基金the Chongqing Research Program of Basic Research and Frontier Technology[cstc2019jcyj-msxmX0199,cstc2018jcyjAX0417]the Chongqing Education Committee foundation[KJQN201901544,KJZD-K201801501].
文摘An uncertainty analysis method is proposed for the assessment of the residual strength of a casing subjected to wear and non-uniform load in a deep well.The influence of casing residual stress,out-of-roundness and non-uniform load is considered.The distribution of multi-source parameters related to the residual anti extrusion strength and residual anti internal pressure strength of the casing after wear are determined using the probability theory.Considering the technical casing of X101 well in Xinjiang Oilfield as an example,it is shown that the randomness of casing wear depth,formation elastic modulus and formation Poisson’s ratio are the main factors that affect the uncertainty of residual strength.The wider the confidence interval is,the greater the uncertainty range is.Compared with the calculations resulting from the proposed uncertainty analysis method,the residual strength obtained by means of traditional single value calculation method is either larger or smaller,which leads to the conclusion that the residual strength should be considered in terms of a range of probabilities rather than a single value.
基金National Natural Science Foundation Project(82104881)Major Scientific and Technological Innovation Project of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences(CI2021A02205)。
文摘Objective:To compare the biological characteristics and stability of the chronic non-bacterial prostatitis(CNP)model in rats induced by the depot combined with estrogen induction method and the autoimmune response induction method.Methods:The CNP rat model was prepared using the depot combined with 17β-estradiol induction method in the depot hormone group and three concentrations of prostate protein homogenate at 40 mg/mL,20 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL in the autoimmune group,respectively.The degree of prostate tissue damage was evaluated by pathology(HE staining),and the immunoturbidimetric method was used to evaluate the contents of immunoglobulins IgA,IgM and IgG.ELISA was used to evaluate interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-10(IL-10),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and high-sensitivity-C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),and electrochemiluminescence was used to evaluate the expression level of testosterone(T),and the two model methods were compared.Results:Compared with the sham-operated group,the body mass of rats in both models was significantly lower in the depot hormone group and autoimmune group before extraction(P<0.01,P<0.01),and histopathology of the prostate in both models showed destruction of glandular structure and a significant increase in inflammatory cells.Compared with the depot hormone group and the autoimmune group,the histopathological changes and inflammatory pathological scores of prostate and the contents of immune indexes IgA,IgM and IgG were significantly different in the depot hormone group(P<0.05,P<0.05,P<0.05),and the levels of IL-1β,IL-10,TNF-α,hs-CRP and T were significantly changed in the autoimmune group(P<0.01).The comparison between the high,medium and low dose groups of the autoimmune group,in which the pathological changes in the medium dose of the autoimmune group were slightly better than the other two groups between the groups,but the changes in IL-1β,IL-10,TNF-α,hs-CRP,and T in the low dose of the autoimmune group were the most significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:The pathological tissues of the chronic non-bacterial prostatitis model established by the depot combined with estrogen induction method and the autoimmune response induction method both showed significant changes,and the comprehensive indexes indicated that the depot combined with estrogen induction method was a more appropriate modeling choice.
文摘As a result of the obesity epidemic,Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)and its complications have increased among millions of people.Consequently,a group of experts recommended changing the term NAFLD to an inclusive terminology more reflective of the underlying pathogenesis;metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD).This new term of MAFLD has its own disease epidemiology and clinical outcomes prompting efforts in studying its differences from NAFLD.This article discusses the rationale behind the nomenclature change,the main differences,and its clinical implications.
文摘Medical Image Fusion is the synthesizing technology for fusing multi-modal medical information using mathematical procedures to generate better visual on the image content and high-quality image output.Medical image fusion represents an indispensible role infixing major solutions for the complicated medical predicaments,while the recent research results have an enhanced affinity towards the preservation of medical image details,leaving color distortion and halo artifacts to remain unaddressed.This paper proposes a novel method of fusing Computer Tomography(CT)and Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI)using a hybrid model of Non Sub-sampled Contourlet Transform(NSCT)and Joint Sparse Representation(JSR).This model gratifies the need for precise integration of medical images of different modalities,which is an essential requirement in the diagnosing process towards clinical activities and treating the patients accordingly.In the proposed model,the medical image is decomposed using NSCT which is an efficient shift variant decomposition transformation method.JSR is exercised to extricate the common features of the medical image for the fusion process.The performance analysis of the proposed system proves that the proposed image fusion technique for medical image fusion is more efficient,provides better results,and a high level of distinctness by integrating the advantages of complementary images.The comparative analysis proves that the proposed technique exhibits better-quality than the existing medical image fusion practices.
