Neural stem cell-derived exosome as a nano-sized carrier for BDNF delivery to a rat model of ischemic stroke

Our previo us study demonstrated the potential therapeutic role of human neural stem cell-derived exosomes(hNSC-Exo)in ischemic stroke.Here,we loaded brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)into exosomes derived from NSCs to construct engineered exosomes(BDNF-hNSC-Exo)and compared their effects with those of hNSC-Exo on ischemic stroke both in vitro and in vivo.In a model of H_(2)O_(2)-induced oxidative stress in NSCs,BDNF-hNSC-Exo markedly enhanced cell survival.In a rat middle cerebral arte ry occlusion model,BDNF-hNSC-Exo not only inhibited the activation of microglia,but also promoted the differentiation of endogenous NSCs into neurons.These results suggest that BDNF can improve the function of NSC-derived exosomes in the treatment of ischemic stro ke.Our research may support the clinical use of other neurotrophic factors for central nervous system diseases.

Augmenting IoT Intrusion Detection System Performance Using Deep Neural Network

Due to their low power consumption and limited computing power,Internet of Things(IoT)devices are difficult to secure.Moreover,the rapid growth of IoT devices in homes increases the risk of cyber-attacks.Intrusion detection systems(IDS)are commonly employed to prevent cyberattacks.These systems detect incoming attacks and instantly notify users to allow for the implementation of appropriate countermeasures.Attempts have been made in the past to detect new attacks using machine learning and deep learning techniques,however,these efforts have been unsuccessful.In this paper,we propose two deep learning models to automatically detect various types of intrusion attacks in IoT networks.Specifically,we experimentally evaluate the use of two Convolutional Neural Networks(CNN)to detect nine distinct types of attacks listed in the NF-UNSW-NB15-v2 dataset.To accomplish this goal,the network stream data were initially converted to twodimensional images,which were then used to train the neural network models.We also propose two baseline models to demonstrate the performance of the proposed models.Generally,both models achieve high accuracy in detecting the majority of these nine attacks.

Acoustic Myography: Its Assessment of Ground Reaction Forces as Measured through Forelimb and Hind Limb of the Horse during Mild Exercise

Background: Fractures in the limbs of racehorses are common, resulting among other factors, as the result of repeated ground reaction forces on bones and joints, leading to catastrophic failure. Aim: To quantify ground impact transmission through the limb bones of un-shod healthy horses using the non-invasive technique of acoustic myography (AMG). Methods: Four sites were selected for AMG measurements at the walk and trot, hoof wall (site 1) and sites 2 - 4, metacarpal 3, carpals and the radius of the left forelimb of two healthy horses. Measurements were on both rubber and concrete. AMG of the equine hind limb suspensory system was made and analyzed (amplitude and timing) for the proximal suspensory ligament (PSL) and the SDFT/DDFT. Results: AMG signal amplitude at site 1 (1.5 ± 0.2 versus 1.1 ± 1.5) was not found to be significantly different at the trot compared to the walk;however, sites 2, 3 and 4 were all significantly different when compared between the two gaits;site 2 P = 0.008;site 3 P = 0.006;site 4 P = 0.005. AMG signals recorded on the rubber surface had smaller amplitude than the equivalent signal and site on the concrete surface. Ground Reaction Force (GRF) transmission in the equine forelimb was 22 m/sec, whilst that of the hind limb suspensory system was 25 m/sec. Conclusion: Findings indicate that GRFs are transmitted proximally along the limb at considerable speeds, that they are dampened by tissues and structures in the limb, and that the GRFs are present and detectable proximal to the fetlock joint.

Acoustic Myography in Assessment of Isokinetic and Isometric Muscle Strength in a Healthy Danish Population

Isokinetic and isometric force measurements involving a dynamometer setup are widely used in training and in muscle assessment. For further understanding of the method, we investigated the activation of key functional muscles during isokinetic and isometric movements. During force measurements in an isokinetic Biodex System 3 ProTM, acoustic myography (AMG) was applied. Ten healthy subjects (5 men/5 women) in each decade from 20 to 69 years of age participated in the study. Measurements were carried out during extension and flexion of the ankle, knee and elbow joints. Muscle fibre use was measured by efficiency (E-score) and fibre recruitment (temporal (T-score) and spatial (S-score) summation). AMG measurements showed good reproducibility, and the recruitment pattern of muscle fibres did not change with gender or age. Overall, a significantly higher E-score (P < 0.05) was found at the lower angular velocities than at the higher ones, indicating a lower level of muscle efficiency at higher velocities. Muscles used for knee movement exhibited higher scores than muscles associated with the ankle and elbow joints, most likely related to the greater degree of force production at this joint compared to the ankle and elbow. The ability to activate and inactivate muscle fibres during periods of isokinetic activity becomes increasingly more difficult as the velocity increases. When assessing training effects in sports or rehabilitation, AMG in parallel with isokinetic measurements adds important additional information by giving a measure of possible improvements in efficiency and fibre use.

Detailed investigation of optimized alkali catalyzed transesterification of Jatropha oil for biodiesel production

The non-edible oils are believed to be one of the major feedstock for the production of biodiesel in future.In the present study,we investigated the production of Jatropha oil methyl esters（JOMEs） via alkali-catalyzed transesterification route.The biophysical characteristics of Jatropha oil were found within the optimal range in accordance with ASTM standards as a substitute diesel fuel.The chemical composition and production yield of as-synthesized biodiesel were confirmed by various analytical techniques such as FT-IR,1H NMR,13 C NMR and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.A high percentage conversion,～96.09%,of fatty acids into esters was achieved under optimized transesterification conditions with 6 ：1 oil to methanol ratio and 0.9 wt% Na OH for 50 min at ～60°C.Moreover,twelve fatty acids methyl esters（FAME） were quantified in the GC/MS analysis and it was interesting to note that the mass fragmentation pattern of saturated,monounsaturated and diunsaturated FAME was comparable with the literature reported values.

Interaction of soil microbial communities and phosphorus fractions under long-term fertilization in paddy soil

Understanding the impact of biological activities on the soil phosphorus(P)distribution under long-term fertilizer application can facilitate better soil P fertility management.Therefore,the primary objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of long-term(since 1981)fertilizer application on the soil P fractions and microbial community and to evaluate correlations between the microbial community structure and P distribution.The following treatments were implemented in a long-term field trial:no fertilization(CK),inorganic N and K(NK),inorganic P and K(PK),inorganic N,P and K(NPK)and manure+NPK(MNPK)fertilization.The study showed that the soil pH,soil organic carbon and total and available N and P concentrations were considerably higher in the MNPK treatment than in the CK treatment.The soil microbial biomass C,N and P concentrations were also significantly higher in the MNPK treatment than in the CK treatment.Among fertilization treatments,theβ-1,4-glucosidase,α-1,4-glucosidase,urease,acid phosphatase and phosphodiesterase activities were the highest in the MNPK treatment.Compared to inorganic fertilization,the MNPK treatment increased the labile soil P fractions and decreased the residual soil P concentration.Continuous fertilization significantly affected the soil microbial composition.The total phospholipid fatty acid(PLFA)concentrations in the NK,PK,NPK and MNPK treatments were 23.3,43.1,48.7 and 87.7%higher,respectively,than in the CK treatment.A significant correlation was observed between the microbial community and soil P fractions.Moreover,the aggregated boosted tree(ABT)model showed that among the various soil biochemical properties,the total PLFA concentration was the factor that most influenced the active P pool,accounting for 35.4%of the relative influence of all soil biochemical properties examined.These findings reveal that combined manure and inorganic fertilizer application is a better approach than applying inorganic fertilizer alone for sustaining long-term P fertility by mediating soil biological activity.

Dynamics of organic carbon and nitrogen in deep soil profile and crop yields under long-term fertilization in wheat-maize cropping system

Soil organic carbon(SOC)and nitrogen(N)are two of the most important indicators for agricultural productivity.The primary objective of this study was to investigate the changes in SOC and N in the deep soil profile(up to 100 cm)and their relationships with crop productivity under the influence of long-term(since 1990)fertilization in the wheat-maize cropping system.Treatments included CK(control),NP(inorganic N and phosphorus(P)fertilizers),NPK(inorganic N,P and potassium fertilizers),NPKM(NPK plus manure),and M(manure).Crop yield and the properties of topsoil were measured yearly from 2001 to 2009.C and N contents were measured at five different depths in 2001 and 2009.The results showed that wheat and maize yields decreased between 2001 and 2009 under the inorganic fertilizer(NP and NPK)treatments.The average yield between 2001 and 2009 under the NP,NPK,NPKM,and M treatments(compared with the CK treatment)increased by 38,115,383,and 381%,respectively,for wheat and 348,891,2738,and 1845%,respectively,for maize.Different long-term fertilization treatments significantly changed coarse free particulate(cf POC),fine free particulate(ff POC),intramicroaggregate particulate(i POC),and mineral-associated(m SOC)organic carbon fractions.In the experimental years of 2001 and 2009,soil fractions occurred in the following order for all treatments:m SOC>cf POC>i POC>ff POC.All fractions were higher under the manure application treatments than under the inorganic fertilization treatments.Compared to the inorganic fertilization treatments,manure input enhanced the stocks of SOC and total N in the surface layer(0–20 cm)but decreased SOC and N in the deep soil layer(80–100 cm).This reveals the efficiency of manure in increasing yield productivity and decreasing risk of vertical loss of nutrients,especially N,compared to inorganic fertilization treatments.The findings provide opportunities for understanding deep soil C and N dynamics,which could help mitigate climate change impact on agricultural production and maintain soil health.

Is Ziarat a Potential Site for Conventional or Unconventional Energy Resources?

A structural interpretation of the Ziarat block in the Balochistan region （a part of the Suleiman Fold and Thrust Belt） has been carried out using seismic and seismological data. Seismic data consists of nine 2.5D pre-stack migrated seismic lines, whereas the seismological data covers the Fault Plane Solution and source parameters. Structural interpretation describes two broad fault sets of fore and back thrusts in the study area that have resulted in the development of pop-up structures, accountable for the structural traps and seismicity pattern in terms of seismic hazard. Seismic interpretation includes time and depth contour maps of the Dungan Formation and Ranikot group, while seismological interpretation includes Fault Plane Solution, that is correlated with a geological and structural map of the area for the interpretation of the nature of the subsurface faults. Principal stresses are also estimated for the Ranikot group and Dungan Formation. In order to calculate anisotropic elastic properties, the parameters of the rock strength of the formations are first determined from seismic data, along with the dominant stresses （vertical, minimum horizontal, and maximum horizontal）. The differential ratio of the maximum and minimum horizontal stresses is obtained to indicate optimal zones for hydraulic fracturing, and to assess the potential for geothermal energy reservoir prospect generation. The stress maps indicate high values towards the deeper part of the horizon, and low towards the shallower part, attributed to the lithological and structural variation in the area. Outcomes of structural interpretation indicate a good correlation of structure and tectonics from both seismological and seismic methods.

Synergic Effect of Reworking for Imperfect Quality Items with the Integration of Multi-Period Delay-in-Payment and Partial Backordering in Global Supply Chains

In intercontinental trade and economics goods are bought from a global supplier.On occasion,the expected lot may include a fraction of defective items.These imperfect items still have worth and can be sold to customers after repair.It is cost-effective and sustainable to rework such items in nearby repair workshops rather than return them.The reworked items can be returned from the workshop to the buyer when shortages are equal to the quantity of imperfect items.In the meantime,the supplier correspondingly deals a multi-period delay-in-payments strategy with purchaser.The entire profit has been maximized with paybacks for interim financing.This study aims to develop a synergic inventory model to get the most profit by making an allowance for reworking,multi-period delay-in-payments policy,and shortages.The findings of the proposed model augment inventory management performance by monitoring cycle time as well as fraction of phase with optimistic inventory for a supply chain.The results demonstrate that profit is smaller if the permitted period given by supplier to buyer is equal to or greater than the cycle time,and profit is greater if the permitted period is smaller than the cycle time.The algebraic method is engaged to make a closed system optimum solution.The mathematical experiment of this study is constructed to provide management insights and tangible practices.

Patients with Shoulder Dysfunction After Mastectomy Can Benefit from Nurse-Assisted Home-Based Range of Motion Exercises

Background:Shoulder dysfunction is very common after mastectomy,and there is also less follow-up for physiotherapy services among patients with mastectomy.Objective:A study was conducted to determine the role of nurse-assisted home-based range of motion(ROM)exercises in patients with shoulder dysfunction after mastectomy.Methods:A pre-and post-interventional study design was used to collect data from 30 post-mastectomy patients.The subjects were selected on a voluntary basis.Informed consent was obtained from post-mastectomy patients who were discharged from different oncology hospitals in Pakistan prior to their inclusion in this study.After obtaining a baseline measurement,the patients were supervised with nurse-assisted ROM exercises at home.The nurse-assisted home-based ROM exercise program was designed for such patients,and the patients were followed-up for up to 1 month.The total duration of the study was 1 year from August 2015 to August 2016.Post-intervention measurement was performed at the patients’home.The difference in terms of pain reduction and ROM improvement at the shoulder joint was recorded using goniometric measurements and the 100 mm visual analogue scale(VAS).Results:The mean age of the 30 subjects was 39.83±5.89.The mean ROM of shoulder flexion before the exercise program was 106.03°,which improved to 133.93°after 1 month of the exercise program.The mean ROM of shoulder abduction before treatment was 94.83°,which improved to 127.13°after 1 month of supervised exercise program.The mean ROM of shoulder rotation before the exercise program was 127.53°,which improved to 152.03°after 1 month of the exercise program.Conclusion:The nurse-assisted home-based shoulder ROM exercise program is effective in terms of improving the range of motion and reducing pain at the shoulder joint in post-mastectomy patients.

Neurological diseases caused by coronavirus infection of the respiratory airways

Infections of the central nervous system(CNS)infections are critical problems for public health.They are caused by several different organisms,including the respiratory coronaviruses(Co Vs).Co Vs usually infect the upper respiratory tract causing the common cold.However,in infants,and in elderly and immunocompromised persons,they can also affect the lower respiratory tract causing pneumonia and various syndromes of respiratory distress.Co Vs also have neuroinvasive capabilities because they can spread from the respiratory tract to the CNS.Once infection begins in the CNS cells,it can cause various CNS problems such as status epilepticus,encephalitis,and long-term neurological disease.This neuroinvasive properties of Co Vs may damage the CNS as a result of misdirected host immune response,which could be associated with autoimmunity in susceptible individuals(virus-induced neuro-immunopathology)or associated with viral replication directly causing damage to the CNS cells(virus-induced neuropathology).In December 2019,a new disease named COVID-19 emerged which is caused by Co Vs.The significant clinical symptoms of COVID-19 are related to the respiratory system,but they can also affect the CNS,causing acute cerebrovascular and intracranial infections.We describe the possible invasion routes of coronavirus in this review article,and look for the most recent findings associated with the neurological complications in the recently published literature.

Evolutional AtHtude Based on Option Prioritization for Conflict Analysis of Urban Transport Planning in Pakistan

This paper constructs a dynamic conflict model that considers Decision Makers'(DMs)evolutional attitude using the option prioritization.The proposed evolutional attitude approach is based on the framework of the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution(GMCR).Compared with the existing state-based preference,the option prioritization is a more convenient and efficient approach to analyze larger models with consideration of the evolutional attitude,which exists broadly in the evolutional conflicts in reallife.This study reveals how the evolutional attitude of a DM succeeds in the overall evolution of conflict.The analysis unfolds that DMs change their attitude(s)consequent upon the changes in DMs and options available to them as conflict evolves from one level to the next.The changes in attitude of DMs during dynamic conflict situation have substantial effects on the equilibrium outcomes of a conflict.The proposed evaluation attitude-based approach is employed to analyze the conflict between the Punjab Government(G)and Heritage Campaigner and the Public(P)in Pakistan that appeared due to the inappropriate design,planning,and construction of an urban transport system project in Lahore,Pakistan.The present study demonstrates the modeling procedure of a two-level evolutional attitude-based conflict analysis.The results of the stability analysis reveal that improper(negative)attitude may result in undesirable and unexpected consequences,such as project temporalities and delays.This research provides a foundation for future research in urban project planning that employs strategic ways to avoid disputes caused by DMs'attitudes.