A novel fixed-time stability lemma and its application in the stability analysis of BAM neural networks.

In this paper, we put forward an interesting fixed-time (FXT) stability lemma, which is based on a whole new judging condition, and the minimum upper bound for the stability start time is obtained. In the new FXT stability lemma, the mathematical relation between the upper bound of the stability start time and the system parameters is very simple, and the judgment condition only involves two system parameters. To indicate the usability of the new FXT stability lemma, we utilize it to study the FXT stability of a bidirectional associative memory neural network (BAMNN) with bounded perturbations via sliding mode control.

Predefined-time synchronization of competitive neural networks.

In this paper, the predefined-time synchronization of competitive neural networks (CNNs) is researched based on two different predefined-time stability theorems. In view of the bilayer structure of CNNs, we design two bilayer predefined-time controllers. The first controller utilizes sign function, while the second controller utilizes exponential function and Lyapunov function.

The impact of COVID-19 on sexual behaviors of young women and men: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis.

Background: The worldwide impact of COVID-19 has reached all spheres of human health. Individuals may also experience unique changes in their sexual behaviors during the COVID-19 self-isolation/social distancing period. Studies in many countries have assess the effects of the pandemic on sexual behavior, or quality of sexual life.

The impact of COVID-19 on intestinal flora: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis.

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) sparked global concern for its outbreak and pandemic. It caused severe respiratory tract infections and a significant proportion of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. Several studies have investigated the intestinal flora of COVID-19.

Icariin-induced inhibition of SIRT6/NF-κB triggers redox mediated apoptosis and enhances anti-tumor immunity in triple-negative breast cancer.

Abnormal activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway is closely implicated in triple-negative breast cancer growth, metastasis, and tumor immune escape. In this study, the anti-cancer effects of icariin, a natural flavonol glycoside, toward breast cancer cells and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. This investigation showed that icariin selectively inhibited proliferation and triggered apoptosis in breast cancer cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, but exhibited little cytotoxicity in normal breast cells.

The efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment and the fertility improvement in child-bearing period female with Hashimoto Disease: A randomized controlled study.

Background: Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is highly prevalent among reproductive-aged women and has a substantial negative impact on fertility. Currently, there is no specific treatment for Hashimoto thyroiditis. We hypothesize that acupuncture can halt or delay the progression of HT and improve fertility in child-bearing period female.

The effect of icariin for infertile women with thin endometrium: A protocol for systematic review.

Background: Thin endometrium, defined as <7 mm of the endometrial thickness around ovulation period, had been identified as a negative factor on pregnancy rate of infertile women. It was considered to be the toughest part in treatment of infertility, because there was a lack of significant effect, although many drugs had been already used. Icariin was one of the major bioactive pharmaceutical constituent extracted from the Chinese herb "Ying Yang Huo," in the genus of Epimedium, and some randomized controlled trials reported its application for thin endometrium.

Efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of thin endometrium: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Endometrial thickness has been identified as a prognostic factor for pregnancy rate for patients with female infertility. Thin endometrium is defined as <7 mm on the day of ovulation, or on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) injection in fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, or the day to start progesterone in frozen-thaw embryo transfer cycles, as stated in the guideline of thin endometrium from the Canadin Fertility and Andrology Society and Chinese expert consensus from the Society of Reproductive Medicine, Chinese Medical Association. Many medicines are used for improving the endometrial thickness and embryo implantation rate of the patients with thin endometirum, but thin endometrium remains a major troublesome clinical problem with limited efficacy.

A new fixed-time stability theorem and its application to the fixed-time synchronization of neural networks.

In this paper, we derive a new fixed-time stability theorem based on definite integral, variable substitution and some inequality techniques. The fixed-time stability criterion and the upper bound estimate formula for the settling time are different from those in the existing fixed-time stability theorems. Based on the new fixed-time stability theorem, the fixed-time synchronization of neural networks is investigated by designing feedback controller, and sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the fixed-time synchronization of neural networks.

Associations between angiotensinogen M235T polymorphisms and the risk of diabetic nephropathy: A meta-analysis.

Aims: The aim of the present study was to clarify the potential relationship of angiotensinogen (AGT) M235T polymorphism and diabetic nephropathy (DN) risk.

Methods: Comprehensive electronic search in Pubmed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Embase, the Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) to find original articles about the association between AGT M235T polymorphism and DN risk published before 27 September 2017. Literature quality assessment was performed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Pharmacokinetic Comparison of Scutellarin and Paeoniflorin in Sham-Operated and Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury Rats after Intravenous Administration of Xin-Shao Formula.

Xin-Shao formula is a folk remedy widely used in China to prevent and cure stroke. Cerebral ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury often takes place during the treatment of stroke. Information about the pharmacokinetic behavior of the remedy under cerebral I/R injury conditions is lacking.

Holoprosencephaly presenting as membranous aplasia cutis and diabetes insipidus: report of one case.

Membranous aplasia cutis is characterized by the presence of a cystic-like nodule located at the midline of the scalp, which is surrounded by a ring of long, dark hair, called a 'hair collar' sign; it always contributes to underlying central nervous malformation. Herein, we report a 2-month-old male infant who was admitted to our ward due to diabetes insipidus complicated with hypernatremia. Physical examination revealed the unique 'hair collar' sign, which is a rare presentation of congenital aplasia cutis.