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Cooling systems provide a safe thermal environment for the reliable operation of IT equipment in data centers (DCs) while generating significant energy consumption. Therefore, to achieve energy savings in cooling system control under dynamic thermal distribution in DCs, this paper proposes a multi-setpoint cooling control approach based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL). Firstly, a thermal model based on the XGBoost algorithm is constructed to precisely evaluate the thermal distribution in the rack room to guide real-time cooling control. Secondly, a multi-set point cooling control approach based on the deep Q-network algorithm (DQN-MSP) is designed to finely regulate the supply air temperature of each air conditioner by capturing the thermal fluctuations to ensure the dynamic balance of cooling supply and demand. Finally, we adopt the extended CloudSimPy simulation tool and the real workload trace of the PlanetLab system to evaluate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed approach. The simulation results show that the proposed control solution effectively reduces the cooling energy consumption by over 2.4% by raising the average air supply temperature of the air conditioner while satisfying the thermal constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Public health restrictions due to the COVID‐19 (SARS CoV‐2) pandemic have disproportionately affected informal caregivers of people living with long term health conditions. We aimed to explore levels of care burden, loneliness, and social isolation among caregivers of people with enduring physical and brain health conditions in English‐speaking regions worldwide, by investigating outcomes before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: A cross‐sectional anonymous online survey data from 2287 English‐speaking caregivers of people with long term health conditions from four English‐speaking regions (UK, Ireland, USA, New Zealand) included measures of care burden, loneliness, and social isolation, reported before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Analyses were descriptive, followed by an ordinal regression model for predictors of burden. Results: Compared to pre‐pandemic levels, all caregivers experienced a significant increase in burden, loneliness, and isolation. Caregivers of people with both brain health and physical conditions were the most burdened and had the highest levels of loneliness and isolation compared to caregivers of people with either a brain health or physical condition only. The increase in care burden among caregivers of people with brain health challenges was associated with caregiver's gender, moderate and severe emotional loneliness, magnitude and frequency of isolation during the pandemic, and care circumstances (cohabitation with the care recipient, restrictions on the ability to provide care). Conclusions: Health and social care interventions should target caregivers' care circumstances and psychological outcomes, particularly in women, accounting for the significant additional burden of care, loneliness, and isolation resulting from pandemic‐related restrictions. Key points: This study highlights the significant negative impact that COVID‐19‐related restrictions have had on informal caregivers of people with enduring health conditions in four English speaking regions, globally.Heightened levels of burden, loneliness, and social isolation occurred during the pandemic compared to pre‐pandemic in caregivers of people with enduring physical and brain health or physical health conditions.The increase in burden in caregivers of people with brain health conditions was associated with caregiver factors (including gender, emotional loneliness, and increase in social isolation) and pandemic‐related external factors, such as cohabitation with the care recipient and the impact of COVID‐19‐related restrictions on the ability to provide care.These findings have implications for policy development and healthcare interventions to target care circumstances and psychosocial outcomes of informal caregivers and ensure their equitable access to social support, taking into consideration pandemic‐related changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hospital-associated deconditioning (HAD) or post-hospital syndrome is well recognized as reduced functional performance after an acute hospitalization. Recommendations for the management of HAD are still lacking, partly due to a poor understanding of the underlying processes. We aimed to review existing data on risk factors, pathophysiology, measurement tools, and potential interventions.Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic review from bibliographical databases in English, Spanish and French with keywords such as 'post-hospitalization syndrome' or 'deconditioning'. We selected studies that included people aged 60 years or older. Three researchers independently selected articles and assessed their quality.Results: From 4421 articles initially retrieved, we included 94 studies. Most were related to risk factors, trajectories and measures, and focused on the physical aspects of deconditioning. Risk factors for HAD included age, nutritional status, mobility, and pre-admission functional status, but also cognitive impairment and depression. Regarding interventions, almost all studies were devoted to physical rehabilitation and environmental modifications. Only one study focused on cognitive stimulation.Discussion: In the last decade, studies on HAD have mostly focused on the physical domain. However, neurological changes may also play a role in the pathophysiology of HAD. Beyond physical interventions, cognitive rehabilitation and neurological interventions should also be evaluated to improve deconditioning prevention and treatment in the hospital setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Brain health is an important focus for coming decades due to population ageing. Although the term 'brain health' is increasingly used in lay and professional settings, a clear definition of the term is lacking. We conducted an analysis of the concept of brain health to inform policy, practice, and research.Methods: We applied a hybrid concept analysis method involving three stages: (1) a review of the extant literature for definitions of brain health; (2) field work, involving an international survey of 'brain health' researchers and practitioners; and (3) a final analysis, integrating the findings into a working definition and model.Results: Our review of the literature identified 13 articles defining brain health, six of which proposed their own definition. Our survey revealed that the term 'brain health' was used in diverse ways based on different theoretical frameworks. From the review and survey, we extracted attributes, antecedents, and consequences of brain health. These were synthesized into a definition of brain health as a life-long, multidimensional, dynamic state consisting of cognitive, emotional and motor domains underpinned by physiological processes and can be objectively measured and subjectively experienced. It is influenced by eco-biopsychosocial determinants.Conclusion: This working definition of brain health is a foundation for developing policy, practice, research and advocacy. The definition needs to be operationalised through further development of empirical referents, including cross-cultural understanding, adaptation and validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dexmedetomidine (Dex), an adrenergic α2 receptor agonist, is commonly used in deep‐brain stimulation surgery for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, there is evidence that the use of anaesthetics may accelerate the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The effect of Dex on PD remains unclear. Here, we cultured the all‐trans‐retinoicacid (ATRA) differentiated SH‐SY5Y cells in vitro and then treated with MPP+ (1.5mM) with or without Dex (10nM) or Dex combined with Atipamezole (Ati,100nM, adrenergic α2 receptor inhibitor). The ratio of apoptotic cells, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell cycle and apoptotic markers (Cleaved caspase‐3, 9) were analysed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. We found that the levels of apoptotic ratio and cleaved caspase‐3, 9 increased, ROS accumulated, and mitochondrial membrane potential decreased after MPP+treatment, while these changes were partially reversed by Dex. Dex also prevented MPP+ induced cell arrest by increasing G1 phase cells, decreasing S phase cells, and decreasing the expression of cyclinD1 and Cdk4. Moreover the effects of Dex were partially reversed by Ati. These findings reveal that Dex attenuated MPP+‐induced apoptosis of SH‐SY5Y cells by preventing the loss of Δψm, reducing ROS, and regulating the cell cycle. Our findings indicated that Dex is more likely to be a potential drug for the treatment of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Falls are a major health problem in older persons but are still under-diagnosed and challenging to prevent. Current guidelines do not target high-risk populations, especially people living with dementia. In France, people with neurocognitive disorders are mainly referred to memory clinics (MCs).Objective: We aimed to survey the routine practice of physicians working in MCs regarding fall risk assessment.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in France from January to May 2019 among physicians working in MCs, through an anonymous online questionnaire: twenty-seven questions about the physician's background and their practice of fall risk assessment, especially use of clinical and paraclinical tools. We compared the results according to the age and the specialty of the physician.Results: We obtained 171 responses with a majority of women (60%) and geriatricians (78%). All age classes and all French regions were represented. Most of respondents (98.8%) stated that they address gait and/or falls in outpatient clinic and 95.9%in day hospitals. When asked about how they assess fall risk, fall history (83%) and gait examination (68.4%) were the most widely used, while orthostatic hypotension (24%) and clinical standardized tests (25.7%) were less common. Among standardized tests, One-leg Balance, Timed Up and Go Test, and gait speed measurements were the most used. Geriatricians had more complete fall risk assessment than neurologists (e.g., 56%versus 13%for use of standardized tests, p < 0.0001).Conclusion: Almost all physicians addressed the question of fall in MC, but practices are widely heterogeneous. Further investigations are needed to standardize fall risk assessment in MCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural revitalization strategy is an important topic in China. As an important platform for the implementation of the strategy, the preparation of village planning for traditional villages is conducive to coordinating the contradiction between protection and development, and promoting the sustainable development of traditional villages. The traditional villages of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er, Yunnan Province are taken as the research objects. The first-hand data are obtained through interviews and field research, and Actor-Network model is used to analyze the actors' goal and obstacle in preparation of village planning, which better reflects the interests of different actors in village planning process. At the same time, the action path of planning is interpreted through the process of problematisation, interessement, enrolmen, mobislisation and dissidence. In the preparation of village planning for traditional villages, key elements should be paid attention to, such as bridging the cognitive gap, building consensus, setting up participation platform and formulating relevant policy guarantee mechanism, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose and background: Previous studies have suggested that promoting endogenous neurogenesis has great significance for the recovery of cognitive dysfunction caused by cerebral ischemia (CI). Pharmacological inhibition of GABAB receptor can enhance neurogenesis in adult healthy and depressed mice. In the study, we intended to investigate the effects of GABAB receptor antagonists on cognitive function and hippocampal neurogenesis in mice following CI. Methods: Adult mice were subjected to bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) for 20 min to induce CI and treated with CGP52432 (antagonist of GABAB receptor, CGP, 10 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection) starting 24 h after CI. The Morris water maze test was performed to test spatial learning and memory at day 28. Immunofluorescence was applied to detect neurogenesis in the DG region at day 14 and 28. In in vitro experiments, cell proliferation was detected by CCK8 and immunofluorescence, and the expression of cAMP/CREB signaling pathway-related proteins was detected by ELISA assay and Western blot. Results: CGP significantly improved spatial learning and memory disorders caused by CI, and it enhanced the proliferation of neural stem cells (NSCs), the number of immature neurons, and the differentiation from newborn cells to neurons. In vitro experiments further confirmed that CGP dose-dependently enhanced the cell viability of NSCs, and immunofluorescence staining showed that CGP promoted the proliferation of NSCs. In addition, treatment with CGP increased the expression of cAMP, PKA, and pCREB in cultured NSCs. Conclusion: Inhibition of GABAB receptor can effectively promote hippocampal neurogenesis and improve spatial learning and memory in adult mice following CI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-laser entrance hole (LEHs) spherical hohlraum energetic experiments with all 48 laser beams and two laser pulse shapes at the 100 kJ level laser facility were investigated. In this work, the time-resolved radiation temperature measured by multi-angle x-ray diodes agreed well with LARED simulations, and the peak radiation temperature was up to 260 eV with the laser power of 45 TW. Meanwhile, the backscattered laser energy fraction was less than 5% in the majority of shots, which proposed a low level of laser–plasma interaction (LPI) effect in the spherical hohlraum. However, in the shaped pulse shots with capsules, the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) of smaller incident angle lasers was significantly increased to 15%. The measured SRS spectrum and LARED simulations showed that the increase in the LPI effects caused by the ablated CH plasma was around 0.1Nc (Nc is the critical density). In summary, according to the experimental results, the x-ray conversion efficiency of the vacuum spherical hohlraum was 85%–88% in 3 ns square pulses and 89%–93% in 3.6 ns shaped pulses. It was closer to that of the two-LEH cylindrical hohlraum at the Shen-Guang and NIF facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying risk factors for falls can improve outcomes in older patients without cognitive decline. Yet this has not been demonstrated in older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We therefore sought to better identify risk factors for falls in this particular group. The analysis was conducted on the MEMENTO cohort, which is a large, French, prospective cohort. We included older people (>65 years old) with MCI (defined from neuropsychological scores) and a Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score at baseline. Fallers were defined as participants having fallen at least once during the study's 2-year follow-up period. We compared clinical, neuropsychological, and biological data at baseline in fallers vs nonfallers. Additional analyses were performed on the following subgroups: women, men, people aged ≥75 years. Of the 1416 people included in our study, 194 (13.5%) fell at least once. A bivariate analysis showed that fallers were older, predominantly women, less independent in activities of daily living, and more apathetic. Fallers performed less well in executive function, balance, and gait tests. In a multivariable analysis, only age, gender, the number of limitations in instrumental activities of daily living, and living alone were significantly associated with falls. In a multivariable analysis of the subgroup of oldest patients and of the subgroup of men, executive function was significantly worse in fallers than in nonfallers. Our results demonstrate that easily attainable risk factors can be used to identify individuals with MCI with a higher risk of falls and for whom prevention could be beneficial. Future studies are needed to further evaluate the role of mild executive dysfunction in certain subgroups, such as men and oldest patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In their study, Canevelli et al. report that fewer than 50% of the specialized dementia centers regularly use cognitive screening tests or formal neuropsychological testing for the assessment of migrants. Dementia ranks among the top priorities in global public health, given the processes of population aging and demographic transition that have been in place for several decades, and the high prevalence of neurodegenerative and neurovascular disorders among older adults. A recent study investigated the available information relating to international migrants/ethnic minorities in 32 national dementia plans listed on the Alzheimer's Disease International website. [Extracted from the article]

The political boycotts action has been highly valued and studied by social scientists. So the research on political boycotts prediction has important theoretical research value and significance. In order to explore an efficacious method of political boycotts action prediction problem, and enhance the prediction accuracy, a novel immune-inspired political boycotts action prediction paradigm (referred as Aipo) is proposed. Aipo first initialize the pools of antibody cell and memory cells; then through the training of each antigen, antibody cells will evolve; after antibody cells' convergence, the best antibody cell will be selected to update the pool of memory cell; finally the political boycott prediction is accomplished by through memory cells with KNN classification of the test data. The proposed algorithm has the characteristics of non-linearity, and the characteristics of biological immune system, such as clonal selection, immune network and immune memory. The proposed paradigm is evaluated on World Values Survey datasets, and the experimental results show that Aipo is effective and efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dex attenuated MPTP-induced motor dysfunction and SN dopaminergic neuron damage of mice. • Dex alleviates hyperalgesia through reducing the activation of astrocytes in the DHSC. • The effect of Dex partly through the AMPK/mTOR/NF-κB pathway. Pain is a major non-motor symptom that contributes to impaired quality of life in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the mechanisms and treatment of pain in PD have not been well studied. Dexmedetomidine (Dex) is used for analgesia and sedation during deep brain stimulation (DBS) and may reverse the progression of PD. Here, we explored the effect of Dex on Parkinson's pain and the underlying mechanism. C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP, 30 mg/kg) to establish a PD model. Then, the mice were treated with Dex (50 µg/kg) or Compound C (CC, 10 mg/kg, AMPK inhibitor). A motor behavioral test was used to validate the PD model, and a plantar test was conducted to assess mechanical and thermal stimulation thresholds. Immunofluorescence and western blotting were used to analyze the level of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the substantia nigra (SN) and the expression of c-Fos, GFAP, p-AMPK, mTOR, NF-κB, TNFα, and IL-6 in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord (DHSC). We found that mice exhibited motor dysfunction and mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia after MPTP injection, and these changes were partially reversed by Dex. Dex also reduced MPTP-induced astrocyte activation and TNFα and IL-6 expression, increased p-AMPK and reduced mTOR and NF-κB expression in DHSC. Moreover, the effects of Dex were partially reversed by the AMPK inhibitor Compound C. Conclusions: These findings reveal that Dex protects dopaminergic neurons in PD and alleviates pain by reducing the activation of DHSC astrocytes through the AMPK/mTOR/NF-κB pathway. Therefore, Dex may be a potential drug for treating Parkinson's pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In hospital databases, multiple simultaneous spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH-m) account for 0.7-5.6% of all ICHs. Their long-term outcome has never been systematically and prospectively investigated. We aimed at identifying the long-term outcome of patients with ICH-m. Methods: We prospectively recruited consecutive adults with ICH-m and followed them up for at least 4.5 years. We classified patients into the following 3 groups: (i) definite or probable cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), (ii) deep perforating vasculopathy (DPV) and (iii) unknown causes. Results: Of 562 consecutive patients with ICH, 32 had ICH-m (5.7%): 8 (25%) with probable CAA, 5 (16%) with DPV and 19 (59%) with ICH-m of undetermined cause. At the last visit (cumulative follow-up of 39.5 person-year), 27 patients (84%) had died, and 3 of the 5 survivors were independent. Late-onset seizures, recurrent ICH-m (symptomatic or not) and new brain microbleeds were mainly found in patients with probable CAA. Conclusions: ICH-m is a rare but extremely severe expression of ICH. Survivors with CAA are more likely to develop late seizures and new hemorrhagic lesions. Because of low survival rates, large multicenter cohort studies are needed for a better understanding of this rare condition. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel octahedral spherical hohlraum can provide an ideal and practical approach for the next generation of laser systems to support both direct and indirect drive to achieve predictable and reproducible fusion gain via multiple schemes. To demonstrate its advantage in a naturally high symmetry at a cylindrically configured laser facility, it requires to repoint the laser beams to approach as close as possible the ideal octahedral beam configuration with an injection angle (the angle between a beam and the normal direction of its laser entrance hole (LEH)) ranging from 50° to 60°. We report our investigation and experiment on the optimum repointing scheme at the SGIII facility, which uses 32 beams, with 8 beams entering each polar LEH at 49.5° and 55°, and 4 beams entering each equatorial LEH at 61.5° and 62.1°. It contains residual imbalance between the polar and equatorial beams, leading to an asymmetry dominated by the spherical harmonic Y20 mode, which can be remarkably reduced by the stronger backscatters of equatorial beams. Our experiment demonstrated the feasibility of the 32-beam optimum repointing scheme and generation of 175 eV under 86 kJ inside a 2.4-mm-radius octahedral hohlraum with 0.7-mm-radius LEHs, which provided a strong support for the later experiment on proof-of-concept of octahedral spherical hohlraum [Lan et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 127, 245001 (2021)]. 2D simulations on LEH closure agree well with the observations. This work opens a novel way of realization of a quasi-spherical irradiation at a cylindrically configured laser facility without supplementary symmetry control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We review our recent theoretical advances in quantum information and many body physics with cold atoms in various external potential, such as harmonic potential, kagome optical lattice, triangular optical lattice, and honeycomb lattice. The many body physics of cold atom in harmonic potential is investigated in the frame of mean-field Gross-Pitaevskii equation. Then the quantum phase transition and strongly correlated effect of cold atoms in triangular optical lattice, and the interacting Dirac fermions on honeycomb lattice, are investigated by using cluster dynamical mean-field theory and continuous time quantum Monte Carlo method. We also study the quantum spin Hall effect in the kagome optical lattice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durability is of great importance property in the sustainable development of green building materials. In this paper, metakaolin based geopolymer was used as control group and modified geopolymer specimens were prepared by adding different dosages (1–4 wt%) of APTES (3‐Aminopropyltriethoxysilane) to study the effect of silane on basic properties and durability of metakaolin based geopolymer. Meanwhile, microscopic tests were used to reveal the mechanism of geopolymer modified with silane on durability performance. Basic properties and durability experiments included fluidity, consistency, mechanical strength, sulfate wet‐dry cycles, and freeze–thaw cycles. Microscopic experiments included SEM, XRD, N2 adsorption–desorption for characterization. The results showed that 1–2 wt% APTES modified geopolymer specimens improved the fluidity and consistency. However, excessive dosages inhibited fluidity and consistency of specimens. On the other hand, with the increase of APTES contents, mechanical strength under 7th days and 28th days showed a trend of first rise and then fall. Sulfate dry‐wet cycles experiments under 28th days and 56th days indicated that with the increase of APTES dosages, the weight loss of modified geopolymer decreased firstly and then increased compared to the control group, while coefficient of sulfate resistance showed the opposite trend. The 25 times and 50 times freeze–thaw cycles experiments were consistent with the changes of sulfate dry‐wet cycles results. Microscopic experiments were used to characterize the control and modified groups and to reveal the mechanism on basic properties and durability of geopolymer modified with silane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuropathic pain (NPP) is a debilitating clinical condition that presently has few effective treatments. NPP is caused by uncontrolled central oxidative stress and inflammation. Preliminary studies indicate that dexmedetomidine (DEX), an agonist of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor, is beneficial for treating NPP. In this paper, the effects of administering DEX around injured nerves in a chronic constriction injury- (CCI-) induced neuropathic pain mouse model are investigated. According to the results, the perineural DEX significantly reversed the decline in the mechanical threshold and thermal latency in CCI mice (p < 0.001). In the peripherally affected ischiadic nerve, the perineuronal DEX upregulated the expressions of pAMPK, OPA1, and SNPH but not Drp1 or KIF5B. The aforementioned effects of administering DEX can be partially reversed by compound C, a selective and reversible inhibitor of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Furthermore, it was found that perineural DEX significantly inhibited the CCI-induced upregulation of the immediate early gene c-Fos, overexpression of the inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), attenuation of the NADH dehydrogenase complexes I, II, III, and IV, and the repression of ATP, SOD, and GSH in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord (DHSC) (p < 0.01). These findings indicate that perineuronal DEX protected the injured ischiadic nerves and attenuated neuropathic pain via AMPK activation to improve energy supply in the peripheral injured nerves, alleviate the inflammatory factor release, and inhibit oxidative stress in the DHSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID‐19 pandemic has placed enormous strain on health systems around the world, undermining the mental health and wellbeing of healthcare workers. Supporting people with intellectual disabilities may be particularly challenging for workers, as some people with intellectual disabilities may have a limited understanding of the pandemic, and find it challenging to adhere to the restrictions imposed by public health guidelines such as social distancing, lockdowns and change in usual routine and activities. In addition, many people with intellectual disabilities have increased vulnerability to more negative effects of COVID‐19, with significantly higher mortality rates. Although there is emerging research on the mental health of healthcare staff during this time, there has been little specific work on the mental health of staff working with people with intellectual disability, particularly a lack of qualitative research. Methods: The current study employed semi‐structured interviews with 13 healthcare workers (12 women and 1 man) who were working with people with intellectual disability during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The interview data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings: The participants spoke in depth about the challenges of the working environment, the impact of providing care during the pandemic on staff mental health, supporting staff mental health and wellbeing and learning for the future. Conclusions: Systematic efforts are required to protect the mental health of this staff cohort, as well as encouraging resilience and successful coping among staff themselves. Accessible summary: COVID‐19 has changed the working environments of staff who support people with intellectual disability. Staff are feeling a lot of stress about this. Staff worry about giving COVID‐19 to people with intellectual disability or catching COVID‐19 from them. Other staff and managers can help staff to deal with this stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although emerging evidence has revealed that LHPP, a histidine phosphatase protein, suppresses the progression of different cancers, a pan-cancer analysis still remains unavailable. Therefore, we first utilized different bioinformatics tools to explore the tumor inhibitory role of LHPP protein across 33 tumor types based on the TCGA project. Additionally, HGC-27 gastric cancer cells were used to evaluate the biological functions of LHPP after stable transfection with lentiviruses. Consequently, LHPP mRNA and protein expression were down-regulated in the most cancer tissues corresponding to normal tissues. The data showed that patients with higher LHPP performance had a better prognosis of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in brain glioma and renal carcinoma. In addition, we found that enhancement of LHPP expression attenuated the proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. The expression levels of cell-cycle-related and EMT-related molecules, such as CDK4, CyclinD1, Vimentin and Snail, were clearly reduced. Moreover, a genetic alteration analysis showed that the most frequent mutation types in LHPP protein was amplification. The patients without LHPP mutation showed a better tendency of prognosis in UCEC, STAD and COAD. Cancer-associated fibroblast infiltration was also observed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, stomach adenocarcinoma and testicular germ cell tumors. In summary, our pancancer analysis among various tumor types could provide a comprehensive understanding of LHPP biological function in the progression of malignant diseases and promote the development of novel therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The effects on waterproof performance of different silane coupling agents and different silane coupling agents dosages of geopolymer were studied. • The connections between macroscopic and micro-mechanism were revealed. • The SEM, XRD, FTIR and BET experiments were used to evaluate the micro-structure mechanism. Geopolymer is a new green eco-friendly gel material. However, one of the distinguishing features of geopolymer is prone to cause high water absorption and poor waterproof performance, deteriorating properties such as durability. This paper investigated the effect on the waterproof performances of different silane coupling agents (SCAs) and different SCAs dosages (0 wt%–4 wt%) of metakaolin-based geopolymer. The performance was tested from aspects of capillary water absorption, capillary porosity, water resistance, filter loss and water retention volume (WRV), contact angle, wettability, and hydration degree. Meanwhile, the microstructure mechanism was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformation infrared Spectroscope (FT-IR), and BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller). The results showed that an appropriate dosage, whichever SCA was incorporated, would significantly reduce capillary water absorption, capillary porosity, with water resistance, and contact angle being enhanced. The hydration degree showed that incorporating a small dosage of SCAs could boost the early hydration reaction of geopolymer systems, resulting in performance improvement. Under the same SCA dosage, the waterproof performance of KH560 [γ-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)propytrimethoxysilane]-modified geopolymer was better than that of KH550 [γ-ammoniapropyltriethoxysilane]-modified geopolymer. Moreover, the FT-IR and XRD tests revealed that the incorporation of SCAs hardly destroyed the main crystal structure of geopolymer. Besides, the SEM test demonstrated that moderate dosages of SCAs modified geopolymer tightly connected internally than control geopolymer. In addition, the BET test visually identified the reason for the performance improvement. The experiments revealed the hydration mechanism of SCA-modified geopolymer. By enhancing waterproof on geopolymer, the modified geopolymer could effectively improve the deteriorating effects of harmful ions on materials through the process of water transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The burden on care partners, particularly once dementia emerges, is among the greatest of all caregiving groups. This meta-review aimed to (1) synthesis evidence on the self-reported needs of care partners supporting people living with neurodegenerative disorders; (2) compare the needs according to care partner and care recipient characteristics; and (3) determine the face validity of existing care partner needs assessment tools.Methods: We conducted a systematic review of reviews involving a thematic synthesis of care partner needs and differences in needs according to demographic and other characteristics. We then conducted a gap analysis by identifying the themes of needs from existing needs assessment tools specific to dementia and cross-matching them with the needs derived from the thematic synthesis.Results: Drawing on 17 published reviews, the identified range of needs fell into four key themes: (1) knowledge and information, (2) physical, social and emotional support, (3) care partner self-care, and (4) care recipient needs. Needs may differ according to disease trajectory, relationship to the care recipient, and the demographic characteristics of the care partner and recipient. The 'captured needs' range between 8% and 66% across all the included needs assessment tools.Conclusions: Current tools do not fully or adequately capture the self-identified needs of care partners of people living with neurodegenerative disorders. Given the high burden on care partners, which has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 (SARS CoV-2) pandemic, the needs assessment tools should align with the self-reported needs of care partners throughout the caregiving trajectory to better understand unmet needs and target supportive interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purposes: Cerebral microhaemorrhages (CMHs) are associated with cognitive decline in humans. In rodents, CMHs induces cognitive impairment in male mice along with sex-specific cortical and hippocampal changes affecting neural, glial and vascular functions. Statins, have been proposed to prevent cognitive decline. We tested here the action of atorvastatin on CMH-induced cognitive impairment in a murine model of CMH.Experimental Approach: Using a multimodal approach combining behavioural tests, in vivo imaging, biochemistry and molecular biology, the effects of oral administration of atorvastatin on the sex-specific changes induced by a cortical CMH were studied in male and female mice (C57BL/6J) at 6-week post-induction using a collagenase-induced model.Key Results: Atorvastatin caused specific effects according to the sex-specific CMH-induced changes. In males, atorvastatin improved the visuospatial memory, induced a local modulation of microglial response and enhanced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-tropomyosin receptor kinase B (trkB) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in the cortex. In the hippocampus, atorvastatin increased glucose metabolism and modulated astrocytes morphology. In females, atorvastatin did not modulate visuospatial memory despite the increased expression of cortical BDNF and the decrease in the number of hippocampal astrocytes. Atorvastatin also induced a decrease in the expression of cortical oestrogen receptors but did not modify body weight nor serum cholesterol levels in both sexes.Conclusion and Implications: Atorvastatin modulated the sex-specific cognitive impairment induced by the CMH with a pathophysiological impact mainly within the cortical area. It could represent a promising candidate for future sex-stratified clinical trials in patients with CMH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to heterogeneous clinical presentation, difficult differential diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and psychiatric disorders, and evolving clinical criteria, the epidemiology and natural history of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTD) remain elusive. In order to better characterize FTD patients, we relied on the database of a regional memory clinic network with standardized diagnostic procedures and chose AD patients as a comparator. Methods: Patients that were first referred to our network between January 2010 and December 2016 and whose last clinical diagnosis was degenerative or vascular dementia were included. Comparisons were conducted between FTD and AD as well as between the different FTD syndromes, divided into language variants (lvFTD), behavioral variant (bvFTD), and FTD with primarily motor symptoms (mFTD). Cognitive progression was estimated with the yearly decline in Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results: Among the patients that were referred to our network in the 6-year time span, 690 were ultimately diagnosed with FTD and 18,831 with AD. Patients with FTD syndromes represented 2.6% of all-cause dementias. The age-standardized incidence was 2.90 per 100,000 person-year and incidence peaked between 75 and 79 years. Compared to AD, patients with FTD syndromes had a longer referral delay and delay to diagnosis. Patients with FTD syndromes had a higher MMSE score than AD at first referral while their progression was similar. mFTD patients had the shortest survival while survival in bvFTD, lvFTD, and AD did not significantly differ. FTD patients, especially those with the behavioral variant, received more antidepressants, anxiolytics, and antipsychotics than AD patients. Conclusions: FTD syndromes differ with AD in characteristics at baseline, progression rate, and treatment. Despite a broad use of the new diagnostic criteria in an organized memory clinic network, FTD syndromes are longer to diagnose and account for a low proportion of dementia cases, suggesting persistent underdiagnosis. Congruent with recent publications, the late peak of incidence warns against considering FTD as being exclusively a young-onset dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space-resolving flux detection is an important technique for the diagnostic of the radiation field within the hohlraum in inertial confinement fusion, especially for the radiation field diagnostic in the novel spherical hohlraum with octahedral six laser entrance holes (LEHs), where localized measurements are necessary for the discrimination of the radiation flux from different LEHs. A novel space-resolving flux detector (SRFD) is developed at the SG-III laser facility for the radiation flux measurement in the first campaign of the octahedral spherical hohlraum energetics experiment. The principle and configuration of the SRFD system is introduced. The radiation flux from the wall of a gas-filled octahedral spherical hohlraum is measured for the first time by placing the SRFD system at the equatorial position of the SG-III laser facility, aiming at the hohlraum wall through one of the six LEHs. The absolute radiation flux from the re-emission area on the hohlraum wall is measured, and good consistency is found between the experimental data and the calculated data from a three-dimensional view factor analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Determinants of early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) are not well known. In late-onset AD, vascular risk factors (VRFs) are associated with earlier clinical manifestation.Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the putative association between VRFs and EOAD.Methods: We studied participants with dementia meeting criteria for EOAD (recruited into the French CoMAJ prospective cohort study from 1 June 2009 to 28 February 2014) and age-, gender-matched controls (ratio 1:3, drawn randomly from the French MONA-LISA population-based survey between 2005 and 2007). Demographic data, VRFs, comorbidities, treatments, and APOE genotypes were compared in multivariable logistic regression analyses.Results: We studied 102 participants with dementia (mean±standard deviation age: 59.5±3.8; women: 59.8%) and 306 controls. Compared with controls, EOAD participants had spent less time in formal education (9.9±2.9 versus 11.7±3.8 y; p < 0.0001), were less likely to be regular alcohol consumers (p < 0.0001), had a lower body mass index (-2 kg/m2; p < 0.0004), and a lower mean systolic blood pressure (-6.2 mmHg; p = 0.0036). The prevalence of APOE ɛ4 allele was higher in participants with dementia than in controls (50% versus 29.4%; p = 0.0002), as was the prevalence of depression (48% versus 32%; p < 0.001). Similar results were observed in multivariable analysis. Compared with EOAD participants lacking VRFs, EOAD participants with at least one VRF had a higher prevalence of depression (29.6% versus 53.3%, respectively; p = 0.03).Conclusion: The prevalence of VRFs is not elevated in EOAD patients (in contrast to older AD patients). Extensive genetic testing should be considered more frequently in the context of EOAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of X-ray imaging combined with skin stimulation potential-guided percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the Gasserian ganglion for treatment of primary trigeminal neuralgia. Design This is a prospective, randomized study. Sixty patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia were randomly assigned to a study group or control group. In the study group, the patients underwent X-ray imaging combined with skin stimulation potential-guided percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the Gasserian ganglion. The patients in the control group underwent C-arm X-ray-guided puncture through the foramen ovale, and then the puncture needle was microscopically adjusted according to the intensity of the masticatory muscle response and the patients' reactions. Puncture success, postoperative adverse reactions, and short- and middle-term analgesic efficacies were statistically compared between the two surgical approaches. Results The incidence of postoperative side effects was significantly reduced, and immediate and mid-term analgesic efficacy was better in patients in the study group comparing with those in the control group ( P < 0.01). Conclusion Using skin stimulation potential-guided puncture may enable more accurate microscopic adjustment of the targets localization damaged by radiofrequency and significantly enhanced clinical efficacy in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]