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To evaluate the steady-state availability of heterogeneous edge computing-enabled wireless sensor networks (HECWSNs) with malware infections, we first propose a Stackelberg attack-defence game to predict the optimal strategies of malware and intrusion detection systems (IDSs) deployed in heterogeneous sensor nodes (HSNs). Next, we present a new malware infection model—heterogeneous susceptible-threatened-active-recovered-dead (HSTARD) based on epidemic theory. Then, considering the heterogeneity of sink sensor nodes and common sensor nodes and the malware attack correlation, we derive the state transition probability matrix of an HSN based on a semi-Markov process (SMP), as well as the steady-state availability of an HSN. Furthermore, based on a data flow analysis of HSNs, we deduce the steady-state availability of HECWSNs with various topologies, including the star topology, cluster topology, and mesh topology. Finally, numerical analyses illustrate the influence of the IDS parameters on the optimal infection probability of malware and reveal the effect of multiple factors on the steady-state availability of HSNs, including the initial infection rate, the infection change rate, and the malware attack correlation. In addition, we present data analyses of the steady-state availability of HECWSNs with various topologies, including the star topology, cluster topology, and mesh topology, which provide a theoretical basis for the design, deployment, and maintenance of high-availability HECWSNs.

Objective. It has been increasingly appreciated that G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) mediates both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory response of estrogen. It is also involved in some rapid vascular effects of aldosterone in a mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) independent manner. However, whether GPER1 mediates aldosterone-induced inflammation response in endothelial cells and its relationship with MR are yet undetermined and therefore require further explanation. Method. Based on the hypothesis that GPER1 plays a role in the aldosterone-related vascular inflammation, the present study utilized a model of human umbilical vein endothelial cells transfected with MR siRNA and induced for inflammatory response with increasing concentration of aldosterone. Results. It was discovered that induction of aldosterone had no effect on the expression of GPER1 but promoted the expression of MR. Suppression of MR did not influence GPER1 expression, and GPER1 was capable of mediating part of aldosterone-induced endothelial inflammatory response. This effect may involve phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) pathway signaling. Conclusion. These findings not only demonstrated the role of GPER1 in aldosterone-induced vascular inflammation but also suggested an alternative for pharmaceutical treatment of hyperaldosteronism considering the unsatisfying effect on cardiovascular risks with MR antagonists.

Objectives: To compare the effect of surgical or medical treatment on the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and all-cause mortality in patients with established primary aldosteronism (PA). Methods: We searched PUBMED, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library for the meta-analysis. We included patients who were diagnosed with PA following guideline-supported protocols and received surgery or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA)-based medical treatment, and age-sex matched patients with treated essential hypertension (EH). Primary endpoints were CVD incidence and all-cause mortality. Results: Compared with EH, patients with treated PA had a higher risk of CVD [odds ratio (OR) 1.79; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39–2.31]. This elevated risk was only observed in patients with medically treated PA [OR 2.11; 95%CI 1.88–2.38] but not in those with surgically treated PA. The risk of all-cause mortality was significantly lower in patients with treated PA [OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.77–0.95] compared to EH. The reduced risk was only observed in patients with surgically treated PA [OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.34–0.66], but not in those with medically treated PA. Conclusions: Patients with medically treated PA have a higher risk of CVD compared to patients with EH. Surgical treatment of PA reduces the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality in patients with PA.

Pattern of fat distribution is a major determinant for metabolic homeostasis. As a depot of energy, the storage of triglycerides in adipose tissue contributes to the normal fat distribution. Decreased capacity of fat storage in adipose tissue may result in ectopic fat deposition in nonadipose tissues such as liver, pancreas, and kidney. As a critical biomarker of metabolic complications, chronic low-grade inflammation may have the ability to affect the process of lipid accumulation and further lead to the disorder of fat distribution. In this review, we have collected the evidence linking inflammation with ectopic fat deposition to get a better understanding of the underlying mechanism, which may provide us with novel therapeutic strategies for metabolic disorders.

Objective: The accuracy of aldosterone/direct renin concentration ratio (ADRR) as a screening test in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) varies widely across the studies. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the accuracy of ADRR. Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library published between April 1971–February 2016. Studies focusing on the accuracy of ADRR for PA screening were included. Two authors independently extracted information regarding patient characteristics, antihypertensives status, true positives, true negatives, false positives, and false negatives. The random-effects model was used for statistical analysis. Heterogeneity was explored by subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Results: Nine studies involving 974 patients were included. The overall sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve, and diagnostic odds ratio of ADRR were 0.89 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84–0.93), 0.96 (95% CI 0.95–0.98), 0.985 and 324 respectively, with substantial heterogeneity. Meta-regression showed that antihypertensive status affects the ADRR and may account for the heterogeneity ( p=0.03). Subgroup analysis of patients who discontinued the antihypertensives revealed a sensitivity of 0.99 (95% CI, 0.95–1.00) and a specificity of 0.98 (95% CI, 0.96–0.99). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the efficacy of ADRR as a screening test for PA. However, as antihypertensive drugs can interfere with the interpretation of ADRR, it is recommended to interrupt therapy or at least replace with analogues that do not significantly affect the ADRR value.