Hasil untuk "Other systems of medicine"

Yifan Wang, Tara Hashemian, Tengfei Bian et al.

Introduction: Our recent studies revealed the potential of AB-free kava as a novel therapeutic candidate against tobacco use disorder while the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. The cerebellum region in the brain has been reported to be involved in tobacco withdrawal. The cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) activation via phosphorylation has also been reported to contribute to substance abuse, including tobacco use disorder. Our early pre-clinical work revealed the potential of AB-free kava to suppress tobacco smoke-induced CREB activation in lung tissues. Methods: In this study, we investigated the impact of tobacco smoke exposure on the levels of phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB) in the mouse cerebellum and evaluated the effects of AB-free kava. Results: Four different regimens of tobacco smoke exposure consistently increased the levels of p-CREB in the cerebellum. AB-free kava effectively suppressed tobacco smoke-induced increase in p-CREB to levels comparable to mice without tobacco smoke exposure. Conclusions: Our data provide preliminary evidence that CREB activation in the cerebellum is a potential mechanism involved in tobacco use disorder and the protective potential of AB-free kava.

Andrés Holgado-Sánchez, Holger Billhardt, Alberto Fernández et al.

Agreement Technologies refer to open computer systems in which autonomous software agents interact with one another, typically on behalf of humans, in order to come to mutually acceptable agreements. With the advance of AI systems in recent years, it has become apparent that such agreements, in order to be acceptable to the involved parties, must remain aligned with ethical principles and moral values. However, this is notoriously difficult to ensure, especially as different human users (and their software agents) may hold different value systems, i.e. they may differently weigh the importance of individual moral values. Furthermore, it is often hard to specify the precise meaning of a value in a particular context in a computational manner. Methods to estimate value systems based on human-engineered specifications, e.g. based on value surveys, are limited in scale due to the need for intense human moderation. In this article, we propose a novel method to automatically \emph{learn} value systems from observations and human demonstrations. In particular, we propose a formal model of the \emph{value system learning} problem, its instantiation to sequential decision-making domains based on multi-objective Markov decision processes, as well as tailored preference-based and inverse reinforcement learning algorithms to infer value grounding functions and value systems. The approach is illustrated and evaluated by two simulated use cases.

Neta Spiro, Katie Rose M. Sanfilippo, Caitlin Shaughnessy et al.

Abstract Background The first 1001 days of life are a critical time in children’s development and can be challenging for parents and caregivers. Some families in the United Kingdom (UK) are not getting the support they need. Research indicates that musical care – the role of music in supporting any aspect of people’s developmental or health needs – can support families during, what we term, the beginning of life: pregnancy to two years of age. Musical care activities can take place in health and community settings and include music making, music listening, and music therapy. We must describe and understand the patterns of use of musical care activities during the beginning of life in the UK to capitalise on the potential of musical care to support families. Methods This article explores, from parents’ and musical care providers’ perspectives, (1) participation and provision of musical care activities, (2) descriptions and experiences of musical care activities, and (3) motivations for, deterrents from, and perceived outcomes of participation in musical care activities. Data from two co-developed cross-sectional surveys for parents/caregivers (N = 578) and providers (N = 50) was analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results Most parent/caregivers had participated in at least one musical care activity (83%). The most attended activity was play and development groups for babies that involve some music. Following our thematic analysis, personal preference, experiential and practical factors, recommendation by healthcare providers, and expectation of benefit were identified as motivators while deterrents included challenges in resources and logistics, and lack of inclusivity and diversity. Parents/caregivers perceived both positive and negative outcomes of attending musical care activities. Most providers had not had specific training and for many this work was not their primary income source. Conclusions There is a wide range of musical care activities during the beginning of life in the UK. Reasons for attending them range from those specific to music and its care potential to seeing them as leisure activities. The findings have implications for the flexibility and role that musical care activities can play during the beginning of life and call for investigation into how musical care activities may be integrated into care.

Garnik Kocharyan

The article examines whether hypersexuality should be regarded as norm or pathology. It is emphasized that despite the fact that the presence of such a phenomenon as pathological hypersexuality cannot be denied some authors speak against its and sexual addiction inclusion into classification systems due to the following circumstances: (1) allegedly now there is an insufficient number of verified actual data for establishing diagnostic criteria in order to identify this behaviour as a mental disorder, and allegedly studies have not revealed yet whether such pathological symptoms, which are consistent with these marks, as anxiety and the problem with control of impulses are really connected with excessive sexual behaviour; (2) consideration of people with hypersexuality as having mental pathology allegedly just reflects cultural dislike for an unusual sexual behaviour, while labelling of sexual drives as “extreme” simply stigmatize those people who do not meet norms of their culture or norms of a group of persons of the same age; (3) compulsive sexual behaviour was qualified as abnormal by “moralists from medicine” who act as “civil inspectors” and enforce their orthodox views; (4) the oftener psychologists and lawyers declare some or other forms of behaviour uncontrolled compulsions the fewer people are held liable for their actions, even if these actions  harm other people; (5) the opinion is expressed that there are no clear differences between normal and pathological levels of sexual desires and behaviour.The author believes that hypersexuality can be both physiological and pathological. Sometimes in certain cases it is really difficult to distinguish whether one should designate hypersexuality as norm or pathology. The article informs that instead of “Excessive sexual drive” (ICD-10, code F52.7) ICD-11 introduced code 6C72 “Compulsive sexual behaviour disorder”. Its characteristic is given. However, it is reported that there are currently several conceptualizations of pathological hypersexuality: obsessive-compulsive, addictive, caused by impairment of impulse control, as well as the model, which was determined by the author and connected with persistent genital arousal disorder and restless genital syndrome. In the author’s opinion, each of the above mentioned conceptualizations (models) of pathological hypersexuality is useful in certain cases because better than others it characterizes the state of the definite patient. These models can “interlace/intersect” in the same patient, and their manifestations can replace one another in the dynamics of the course of hypersexuality. The author believes that attempts to deny the presence of pathological hypersexuality misinterpret the reality, are unscientific and not consistent with numerous clinical observations.

Elvie Zulka Kautzia Rachmawati, Mikhael Yosia

Polysomnography (PSG) remains the gold standard for evaluating sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and related conditions, yet its clinical potential is often limited by overreliance on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and similar summary metrics. This narrative review offers a structured, physiology-informed approach to PSG interpretation that integrates sleep architecture, arousal burden, respiratory event morphology, oxygenation patterns, and CO2 trends. Recognizing phenotypic patterns-such as REM-related and positional OSA-through sleep stage and positional stratification is essential for directing targeted therapy. We outline common interpretive pitfalls, including automated scoring errors, overlooked signal artifacts, and the first night effect, emphasizing the need for careful manual review and clinical correlation. In pediatric and syndromic populations, age-adjusted interpretation is critical for detecting subtle respiratory disturbances that can impact neurodevelopment or behavior. A practical stepwise framework is provided to guide interpretation, streamline clinical workflows, and reduce diagnostic error. PSG findings are also contextualized within broader systemic outcomes, such as their links to hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and cognitive decline. Ultimately, PSG should be viewed not as a static diagnostic report, but as a cornerstone of personalized sleep medicine-informing mechanism-based, outcome-oriented interventions tailored to individual patients.

Dianxin Cui, Cheng Zhang, Lili Zhang et al.

Abstract Herbal medicine exhibits a broad spectrum of potent anti-cancer properties, including the enhancement of tumor immune responses, reversal of multidrug resistance, regulation of autophagy and ferroptosis, as well as anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-metastatic effects. This review systematically explores recent advances (primarily documented since 2019) in research on key anti-cancer compounds derived from herbal medicine, such as apigenin, artemisinin, berberine, curcumin, emodin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), ginsenosides, icariin, resveratrol, silibinin, triptolide, and ursolic acid (UA). These studies were sourced from scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and Clinical Trials. The review focuses on the significant role that these natural products play in modern oncology, exploring their efficacy, mechanisms of action, and the challenges and prospects of integrating them into conventional cancer therapies. Furthermore, it highlights cutting-edge approaches in cancer research, such as the utilization of gut microbiota, omics technologies, synthetic derivatives, and advanced drug delivery systems (DDS). This review underscores the potential of these natural products to advance the development of novel anti-cancer treatments and support contemporary medicine. Additionally, recent multi-omics findings reveal how these compounds reshape transcriptional and metabolic networks, further broadening their therapeutic scope. Many natural products exhibit synergy with first-line chemotherapies or targeted therapies, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing side effects. Advanced nano-formulations and antibody–drug conjugates have also substantially improved their bioavailability, making them promising candidates for future translational research.

Maarten van der Hulst, Rodrigo A. González, Koen Classens et al.

Physically interpretable models are essential for next-generation industrial systems, as these representations enable effective control, support design validation, and provide a foundation for monitoring strategies. The aim of this paper is to develop a system identification framework for estimating modal models of complex multivariable mechanical systems from frequency response data. To achieve this, a two-step structured identification algorithm is presented, where an additive model is first estimated using a refined instrumental variable method and subsequently projected onto a modal form. The developed identification method provides accurate, physically-relevant, minimal-order models, for both generally-damped and proportionally damped modal systems. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through experimental validation on a prototype wafer-stage system, which features a large number of spatially distributed actuators and sensors and exhibits complex flexible dynamics.

Harsh Abhinandan, Aditya Dhanraj, Aryan Katoch et al.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones have witnessed a spectacular surge in applications for military, commercial, and civilian purposes. However, their potential for flight is always limited by the finite power budget of their onboard power supplies. The limited flight time problem has led to intensive research into new sources of power and innovative charging strategies to enable protracted, autonomous flight. This paper gives a comparative summary of the current state-of-the-art in UAV power and refuelling technology. The paper begins with an analysis of the variety of energy sources, from classical batteries to fuel cells and hybrid systems, based on their relative advantages and disadvantages in energy density, weight, and safety. Subsequently, the review explores a spectrum of replenishment options, from simple manual battery swapping to sophisticated high-tech automatic docking stations and smart contact-based charging pads. Most of the review is dedicated to the newer technology of wireless power transfer, which involves near-field (inductive, capacitive) and far-field (laser, microwave) technology. The article also delves into the most important power electronic converter topologies, battery management systems, and control approaches that form the core of these charging systems. Finally, it recapitulates the most significant challenges in technical, economic, and social aspects for promising avenues of future research. The comprehensive review is a valuable guide for researchers, engineers, and policymakers striving to enhance UAV operational performance.

Hong-Loan Tran, Kuei-Hung Lai, Hsun-Shuo Chang et al.

Abstract Background Indigofera suffruticosa Mill. is used as a folk medicine for treating patients with leukemia, however very little is known regarding the molecular mechanism of its anti-leukemic activity and the chemical profile of the active extract. The present study aimed to reveal the molecular effect of I. suffruticosa aerial parts extract (ISAE) on leukemia cells and its chemical constituents. Methods Cytotoxicity of ISAE were determined by resazurin viability assay, multitox – Glo multiplex cytotoxicity assay, and Annexin V staining assay. Cell cycle profiles were revealed by propidium iodide staining assay. The effects of ISAE on G2/M arrest signaling and DNA damage were evaluated by Western blot assay and phospho-H2A.X staining assay. The chemical profile of ISAE were determined by tandem mass spectroscopy and molecular networking approach. Results We showed that the acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line Jurkat cell was more responsive to ISAE treatment than other leukemia cell lines. In contrast, ISAE did not induce cytotoxic effects in normal fibroblast cells. Cell cycle analysis revealed that ISAE triggered G2/M arrest in Jurkat cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. Elevation of annexin V-stained cells and caspase 3/7 activity suggested ISAE-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, ISAE alone could increase the phosphorylation of CDK1 at Y15 and activate the ATR/CHK1/Wee1/CDC25C signaling pathway. However, the addition of caffeine, a widely used ATR inhibitor to ISAE, reduced the phosphorylation of ATR, CHK1, and CDK1, as well as G2/M arrest in Jurkat cells. Moreover, increased phospho-H2A.X stained cells indicated the involvement of DNA damage in the anti-leukemic effect of ISAE. Finally, qualitative analysis using UPLC-tandem mass spectroscopy and molecular networking revealed that tryptanthrin was the most abundant organoheterocyclic metabolite in ISAE. At equivalent concentrations to ISAE, tryptanthrin induced G2/M arrest of Jurkat cells, which can be prevented by caffeine. Conclusions ISAE causes G2/M arrest via activating ATR/CHK1/CDK1 pathway and tryptanthrin is one of the active components of ISAE. Our findings provide subtle support to the traditional use of I. suffruitcosa in leukemia management in folk medicine.

Eny Kusrini, Ria Yolanda Arundina, Anwar Usman et al.

Lignin has useful and significant properties such as stiffness, resistance to UV radiation, antioxidant, antimicrobial, high thermal stability, and high carbon content. Due to these properties, lignin can be used for several applications including wood adhesive, carbon-based material, and can be developed as a functional material composite. Isolation and utilization of lignin from lignocellulosic biomass offers significant opportunities in various now and future industrial applications mainly for development advanced materials. In this study, isolation and characterization of lignin from oil palm shells (OPS) was conducted. Lignin was isolated from OPS using the precipitation method with sulfuric acid and coagulation using polyaluminum chloride (PAC). The isolated lignin was identified using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on the FTIR analysis, lignin was successfully separated from cellulose. The crystallite size of isolated lignin is the smallest (25.37 nm) as compared to commercial alkaline lignin (28.49 nm) and OPS (25.99 nm). The isolated lignin is amorphous with crystallinity of 6.43 % and its morphology is a spherical. Overall, this study shows that the isolation method using sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and PAC is not only effective in separating lignin from OPS, but also minimizes the environmental impacts, thus certainly making it a promising choice for more environmentally friendly industrial applications.

Gautam Kumar, Ashwini Ratnoo

This article considers the problem of conflict-free distribution of point-sized agents on a circular periphery encompassing all agents. The two key elements of the proposed policy include the construction of a set of convex layers (nested convex polygons) using the initial positions of the agents, and a novel search space region for each of the agents. The search space for an agent on a convex layer is defined as the region enclosed between the lines passing through the agent's position and normal to its supporting edges. Guaranteeing collision-free paths, a goal assignment policy designates a unique goal position within the search space of an agent at the initial time itself, requiring no further computation thereafter. In contrast to the existing literature, this work presents a one-shot, collision-free solution to the circular distribution problem by utilizing only the initial positions of the agents. Illustrative examples and extensive Monte-Carlo studies considering various practical attributes demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Andrea Martin, Luca Furieri

The increasing reliance on numerical methods for controlling dynamical systems and training machine learning models underscores the need to devise algorithms that dependably and efficiently navigate complex optimization landscapes. Classical gradient descent methods offer strong theoretical guarantees for convex problems; however, they demand meticulous hyperparameter tuning for non-convex ones. The emerging paradigm of learning to optimize (L2O) automates the discovery of algorithms with optimized performance leveraging learning models and data - yet, it lacks a theoretical framework to analyze convergence of the learned algorithms. In this paper, we fill this gap by harnessing nonlinear system theory. Specifically, we propose an unconstrained parametrization of all convergent algorithms for smooth non-convex objective functions. Notably, our framework is directly compatible with automatic differentiation tools, ensuring convergence by design while learning to optimize.

Tunhou Zhang, Dehua Cheng, Yuchen He et al.

The increasing popularity of deep learning models has created new opportunities for developing AI-based recommender systems. Designing recommender systems using deep neural networks requires careful architecture design, and further optimization demands extensive co-design efforts on jointly optimizing model architecture and hardware. Design automation, such as Automated Machine Learning (AutoML), is necessary to fully exploit the potential of recommender model design, including model choices and model-hardware co-design strategies. We introduce a novel paradigm that utilizes weight sharing to explore abundant solution spaces. Our paradigm creates a large supernet to search for optimal architectures and co-design strategies to address the challenges of data multi-modality and heterogeneity in the recommendation domain. From a model perspective, the supernet includes a variety of operators, dense connectivity, and dimension search options. From a co-design perspective, it encompasses versatile Processing-In-Memory (PIM) configurations to produce hardware-efficient models. Our solution space's scale, heterogeneity, and complexity pose several challenges, which we address by proposing various techniques for training and evaluating the supernet. Our crafted models show promising results on three Click-Through Rates (CTR) prediction benchmarks, outperforming both manually designed and AutoML-crafted models with state-of-the-art performance when focusing solely on architecture search. From a co-design perspective, we achieve 2x FLOPs efficiency, 1.8x energy efficiency, and 1.5x performance improvements in recommender models.

seyed Mohammad Hosseindokht, SamanehAlsadat Saeedinia

Global stability of the systems has always been vital of importance; however, this concept has not yet been sufficiently developed for the nonlinear systems. This paper extends the Jacobian matrix so that this method be able to seek the criteria to ensure global stability for a special class of nonlinear systems. In this regard, we propose a new analysis method that utilizes the Jacobian matrix concept, integrating with the characteristics of the negative eigenvalues to analyze the global stability of the nonlinear systems with only one equilibrium point. Also, the positive eigenvalue to analyze the global instability of the nonlinear systems with only one equilibrium point. Some theorems such as Hartman-Grobman and Popov criteria can prove this claim. To this end, several examples and a benchmark systems have been intended to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed method. Results indicate the high potential of the proposed approach in order to develop the global stability analysis. The nonlinear compressor model, categorized in this extensive class, is also investigated as a well-known industrial system besides other several examples. The outcomes demonstrate that extended Jacobian stability analysis can ensure global stability for this class of nonlinear systems under some spatial conditions, discussed in this paper.

Adrien Banse, Zheming Wang, Raphaël M. Jungers

We present a data-driven framework based on Lyapunov theory to provide stability guarantees for a family of hybrid systems. In particular, we are interested in the asymptotic stability of switching linear systems whose switching sequence is constrained by labeled graphs, namely constrained switching linear systems. In order to do so, we provide chance-constrained bounds on stability guarantees, that can be obtained from a finite number of noisy observations. We first present a method providing stability guarantees from sampled trajectories in the hybrid state-space of the system. We then study the harder situation where one only observes the continuous part of the hybrid states. We show that in this case, one may still obtain formal chance-constrained stability guarantees. For this latter result we provide a new upper bound of general interest, also for model-based stability analysis

Daniel Hert, Tomas Baca, Pavel Petracek et al.

This paper presents a modular autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platform called the Multi-robot Systems (MRS) Drone that can be used in a large range of indoor and outdoor applications. The MRS Drone features unique modularity with respect to changes in actuators, frames, and sensory configuration. As the name suggests, the platform is specially tailored for deployment within a MRS group. The MRS Drone contributes to the state-of-the-art of UAV platforms by allowing smooth real-world deployment of multiple aerial robots, as well as by outperforming other platforms with its modularity. For real-world multi-robot deployment in various applications, the platform is easy to both assemble and modify. Moreover, it is accompanied by a realistic simulator to enable safe pre-flight testing and a smooth transition to complex real-world experiments. In this manuscript, we present mechanical and electrical designs, software architecture, and technical specifications to build a fully autonomous multi UAV system. Finally, we demonstrate the full capabilities and the unique modularity of the MRS Drone in various real-world applications that required a diverse range of platform configurations.

Abbas Mardani, Maryam Maleki, Nasrin Hanifi et al.

Objective: Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, patients still suffer from the various physical and psychological complications of cancer. The aim of this research was to integrate and synthesize relevant scientific evidence about the effect of lavender on cancer complications. Methods: A systematic review of the international literature was undertaken. The search process encompassed four databases of PubMed [including MEDLINE], Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane library without time and language limits. All types of interventional studies examining the effects of lavender on cancer complications were included in data analysis and research synthesis. Relevant data were obtained from eligible studies after quality appraisal using appropriate methodological tools. Given that meta-analysis could not performed, the review findings were synthesized narratively. Results: Thirteen studies were included in this review with a total of 838 patients. Nine studies used a randomized controlled trial design and the majority of them were conducted on patients with multiple types of cancer. Lavender was often used as inhalation aromatherapy. In the majority of the included studies, lavender was significantly effective in the reduction of anxiety and pain, and improved sleep quality and vital signs. Conclusions: This review provides scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of lavender in mitigating cancer complications. Healthcare providers are suggested to use lavender in patient care along with other healthcare interventions to relieve cancer complications.

Hadiza Muhammad Maiturare, Mudassir Aliyu Magaji, Muhammad Kabiru Dallatu et al.

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity globally. Patients living with T2D are best managed with anti-diabetic agents concurrently with a lifestyle adjustment. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been implicated in multiple pathways associated with obesity and diabetes, which makes it a target for drug discovery. 56DHK is naturally found in the rhizomes of Alpinia mutica. The anti-diabetic effects of 56DHK and its molecular mechanism have not been elucidated. Aim: This research investigates the anti-diabetic properties of 56DHK and its roles in modulating AMPK signaling in a Drosophila model of diabetes. Methods: Adult flies were fed with a high-sucrose diet and subsequently fed with a normal diet supplemented with varying concentrations of 56DHK (50, 100, and 200 µg/g). In the end, the flies were analysed for haemolymph levels of carbohydrates, triglycerides (TAG), and antioxidants status. Expressions of AMPK, insulin receptor substrate (IRS), Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) were further analysed using qRT-PCR. Results: Dietary exposure to 56DHK decreased glucose, trehalose, TAG, glycogen, and T-AOC levels, most prominently at 100 and 200 µg/g as compared to that of metformin. Also, increased catalase activity at 100 and 200 µg/g as compared to that of metformin. Expression levels of AMPK and IRS were upregulated, while ACC and PEPCK were downregulated after 56DHK treatment. Conclusion: Findings from both biochemical and gene expression analysis suggest 56DHK ameliorate hyperglycaemia in a Drosophila model of diabetes. The overall data suggested that 56DHK could serve as a promising lead for the development of an effective anti-diabetic agent.

Shabana Amanda Ali, Shabana Amanda Ali, Shabana Amanda Ali et al.

Ben Lukubye, Clement Olusoji Ajayi, Rapheal Wangalwa et al.

Abstract Introduction Symphonia globulifera and Allophylus abyssinicus are used in the management of skin rashes and sores, cough, malaria, digestive diseases, stomach ache, wounds and helminthic infections among others in Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Cameroon. This study aimed at determining the phytochemical profile and antimicrobial activity of these two plants. Methods The stem bark and leaves of both plants were collected from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and air-dried under shade at room temperature. Cold maceration, decoction and infusion with methanol, water and ethyl acetate as solvents were used in phytochemical extraction. Preliminary qualitative screening and thin layer chromatography were used for phytochemical profiling. Antimicrobial activity was analysed by agar well diffusion assay, broth macro-dilution assay and fractional inhibition concentration index (FICI). Results The leaves and stem bark of both plants have a diverse set of phytochemical compounds of variable polarity including, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, quinones and anthraquinones among others. Generally, methanol and water extracts of S. globulifera and A. abyssinicus had in-vitro bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa but weak fungistatic activity against Candida albicans. Allophylus abyssinicus leaf water and S. globulifera leaf methanol extract combination had a synergistic activity (ΣFICI = 0.37) against S. aureus. Similarly, A. abyssinicus stem bark water extract and A. abyssinicus leaf water extract combination had an additive effect (ΣFICI = 1) against P. aeruginosa. Conclusion The leaves and stem bark crude extracts of S. globulifera and A. abyssinicus possess a wide range of bioactive phytochemical compounds but have weak antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans.