The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasing rapidly due to the obesity epidemic. In the inflammatory stages of MASLD (NASH), activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) leads to initiation and progression of liver fibrosis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released from all cell types and play an important role in intercellular communication. However, the role of EVs released from hepatocytes in the context of MASLD is largely unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role of EVs derived from both normal and steatotic (free fatty acid-treated) hepatocytes on the phenotype of HSCs via the senescence pathway. Primary rat hepatocytes were treated with free fatty acids (FFAs: oleic acid and palmitic acid). EVs were collected by ultracentrifugation. EVs markers and HSCs activation and senescence markers were assessed by Western blot, qPCR and cytochemistry. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was assessed by fluorescence assay. RNA profiles of EVs were evaluated by sequencing. We found that EVs from hepatocytes treated with FFAs (FFA-EVs) inhibit collagen type 1 and α-smooth muscle actin expression, increase the production of ROS and the expression of senescence markers (IL-6, IL-1β, p21 and senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity) in early activating HSCs via the AKT-mTOR pathway. Sequencing showed differentially enriched RNA species between the EVs groups. In conclusion, EVs from FFA-treated hepatocytes inhibit HSC activation by inducing senescence via the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. Determining the components in EVs that induce HSC senescence may lead to the identification of novel targets for the intervention of MASLD.

Plants with constitutive defense chemicals exist widely in nature. The phenomenon is backed by abundant data from plant chemical ecology. Sufficient data are also available to conclude that plant defenses act as deterrent and repellent to attacking herbivores, particularly deleterious generalist insects. In the wild, generalist species are usually not endemic, meaning they are not restricted to certain plant species in a region. Therefore, our objective is to inspect theoretically whether evolution of chemical defenses in all plant species eradicate an endemic by any generalist species. The objective is addressed by developing deterministic ordinary differential equations under the following conditions: plants without constitutive defenses are susceptible to oviposition by generalist insects while they become defended against generalists by storing chemical defenses. From our models, we explicitly obtain that a generalist-free stable state is only possible if the vast majority of all plant individuals have chemical defenses. In other words, an endemic generalist insect species cannot exist if nearly all plants become chemically defended in nature. The model also allows one to predict the highest possible percentage of undefended plant individuals, which may be considered as free-riders.

In digital forensics, proper evidence management is crucial for police investigations due to its volatility and improper handling technique. However, to present and utilize the captured digital forensic images, which are typically concrete and admissible in court and a trial, is very challenging. In addition, centralized evidence-gathering, classification, and archiving techniques diminish the credibility of digital evidence. To address these issues, this work proposed a blockchain-based classified digital forensic sensitive image management framework. The framework includes a rapidly expanding polygon chain, Interplanetary File System (IPFS), and a deep learning model that performs with more than 98% accuracy. This framework preserves sensitive forensic images in the fully decentralized blockchain. Our system uses metamask wallet-based authentication to guard against unauthorized users. We use IPFS to produce the image hash to encrypt and save the forensic image in the blockchain. A voting method based on smart contracts is suggested for accessing the preserved image. We implemented the framework, which offers promising performances in response time, evidence insertion time, evidence access time, communication overhead, and effective forensic image categorization.

To improve the sea ice initial condition in the Arctic, we assimilate the satellite-derived sea ice concentrations within the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART) system, based on the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF), coupled with the sea ice model in the Community Earth System Model (CESM). The EnKF-based assimilation results show that the Arctic sea ice initial condition is significantly improved by assimilating the satellite-derived sea ice concentration data. However, during the Arctic sea ice freezing season, the assimilation impact tends to be degraded due to the reduction of the ensemble spread within the EnKF-based assimilation system. To counteract the ensemble spread reduction, we apply the randomized-dormant ensemble Kalman filter (RD-EnKF) method in which the model backgrounds are more perturbed by leaving the dormant ensemble members out of the total ensemble members from the analysis update, inflating the ensemble spread. Compared with the assimilation results using the EnKF method, the additional analysis benefits are obtained due to the increment of the ensemble spread derived by applying the RD-EnKF method, in particular, during the Arctic sea ice freezing season.

Radiation proctitis (RP) refers to rectal injury caused by radiation treatment of pelvic and retroperitoneal malignancies, which seriously affects the treatment prognosis and life quality of cancer patients. However, effective medicine for treating RP has not found yet. Ginsenoside Rg3 (GRg3) is a tetracyclic triterpene saponin monomer, which is the main bioactive component of ginseng extract. In this study, we found that GRg3 significantly improved the general condition and histopathological damage on RP rats. In addition, it has been found out that GRg3 decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α) and increased the levels of anti-inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-10). Meanwhile, RT-qPCR and Western blot assays showed that GRg3 significantly inhibited the activation of NF-κB and Caspase-8 signaling pathways. The results suggest that GRg3 may reduce the inflammatory response by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway and improving the balance of inflammation-related factors. GRg3 may also inhibit intestinal cell apoptosis by suppressing the TNF-α/Caspase-8 signaling cascade, thereby reducing radiological rectal injury. Therefore, ginsenoside Rg3 may be a promising therapeutic agent for RP.

A document by Velda Ocasio Ramírez. Click on the document to view its contents.

Microgrids are a development trend and have attracted a lot of attention worldwide. The control system plays a crucial role in implementing these systems and, due to their complexity, artificial intelligence techniques represent some enabling technologies for their future development and success. In this paper, we propose a novel formulation of an economic model predictive control (economic MPC) applied to a microgrid designed for a faculty building with the inclusion of a predictive model to deal with the energy demand disturbance using an artificial neural network (ANN). First, we develop a framework to identify an ANN using historical data registered by a smart three-phase power quality analyzer to provide feedforward power demand predictions. Next, we present an economic MPC formulation that includes the prediction model for the disturbance within the optimization problem to be solved by the MPC strategy. We carried out simulations with different scenarios of energy consumption, available resources and simulation times to highlight the results obtained and analyze the performance of the energy management system. In all cases, we observed the correct operation of the proposed control scheme, complying at all times with the objectives and operational restrictions imposed on the system.

Background: The synchronous occurrence of acute ischemic stroke and acute myocardial infarction is an extremely rare condition. The causes, treatment and mortality rate in these cases is still unclear. Methods: We conducted on the literature review and analyzed, causes, type of myocardial infarction, the culprit cerebral artery, causes, modified ranking scale at discharge, treatment options , mortality rate and cause of mortlity. Results: We identified 96 cases of synchronous occurrence of acute ischemic stroke and acute myocardial infarction with mean age 63.8 ±12.3 years. Male 60 patients (62.5%). The most common risk factors of The synchronous occurrence of acute ischemic stroke and acute myocardial infarction was hypertension 45 (46.8%) followed by diabetes mellitus 26 (27.7%), the most common rhythm abnormality was atrial fibrillation 21 (21.9%), myocardial infarction type the most type was anterior ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (38.5%), The most common culprit artery in brain was left middle cerebral artery (31.2%). The causes were embolic events, Atherosclerotic, Hyper coagulant states and aortic dissection. The modified Rankin Score (mRS) was measured in 74 patients at hospital discharge. During hospitalization 25 (33.8 %) patients died. Conclusion: synchronous occurrence of acute ischemic stroke and acute myocardial infarction prognosis is very poor about one third of patients died during hospitalization time. The most causes of the patient were cardiac causes 18 (75%) such as ventricle tachyarrhythmias, cardiac Tamponade, aortic dissection, ventricle septal rupture, or sudden death Keywords: Acute stroke, myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), mechanical thrombectomy (MTE), modified ranking scale (mRS).

The IRIDE constellation is an ambitious Italian space program that, comprising a series of small satellite subconstellations exploiting a wide range of remote sensing technologies, will support the national authorities in their analysis and monitoring activities, with a focus on the Italian territory mapping. This paper analyses the NIMBUS X-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) IRIDE sub-constellation, exploring potential orbital configurations beyond the more conventional and widespread Dawn-Dusk Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) one. In particular, starting from the mission target, we show that a 49° Mid Inclination Orbit (MIO) in a right-looking StripMap acquisition mode represents a highly effective choice for NIMBUS, as it enhances the systematic coverage of the Italian territory with 6 days of interferometric revisit time and high spatial resolution, thereby facilitating detailed observations of both natural phenomena and anthropic activities. In addition, in terms of Differential Interferometric SAR (DInSAR) performance, we prove that MIO, besides showing no significant limitations for what attains the critical baseline and geometric distortions, allows for the recovery of the North-South deformation component that, conversely, cannot be precisely measured with DInSAR systems operating in SSO. This may lead to future advances in creating 3D deformation maps when considering the synergy between the MIO NIMBUS IRIDE satellites and SSO configurations operating with similar resolutions and wavelengths, as for the COSMO-SkyMed constellation.

Heteronymous inhibition between lower limb muscles is primarily attributed to recurrent inhibitory circuits in humans but could also arise from Golgi tendon organs (GTOs). Distinguishing between recurrent inhibition and mechanical activation of GTOs is challenging because their heteronymous effects are both elicited by stimulation of nerves or a muscle belly above motor threshold. Here, the unique influence of mechanically activated GTOs was examined by comparing the magnitude of heteronymous inhibition from quadriceps (Q) muscle belly stimulation onto ongoing soleus (SOL) EMG at five Q stimulation intensities (1.5-2.5x motor threshold) before and after an acute bout of stimulation-induced Q fatigue. Fatigue was used to decrease Q stimulation evoked force (i.e., decreased GTO activation) despite using the same pre-fatigue stimulation currents (i.e., same antidromic recurrent inhibition input). Thus, a decrease in heteronymous inhibition after Q fatigue and a linear relation between stimulation-evoked torque and inhibition both before and after fatigue would support mechanical activation of GTOs as a source of inhibition. A reduction in evoked torque but no change in inhibition would support recurrent inhibition. After fatigue, Q stimulation-evoked knee torque, heteronymous inhibition magnitude, and inhibition duration were significantly decreased for all stimulation intensities. In addition, heteronymous inhibition magnitude was linearly related to twitch-evoked knee torque before and after fatigue. These findings support mechanical activation of GTOs as a source of heteronymous inhibition along with recurrent inhibition. The unique patterns of heteronymous inhibition before and after fatigue across participants suggest the relative contribution of GTOs and recurrent inhibition may vary across persons.

DNA viruses recognize viral DNA and package it into virions. Specific recognition is needed to distinguish viral DNA from host cell DNA. The λ-like phages are interesting and good models to examine viral DNA packaging, and the Escherichia coli phage λ has been extensively studied. Gifsy-1 is a Salmonella phage largely genetically isolated from coliphage λ due to their different host ranges. In this present work, Gifsy-1’s DNA packaging specificity was studied using a Gifsy-1-λ hybrid phage with the Gifsy-1 recognition elements – the TerS protein’s winged helix-turn-helix DNA binding motif and cosB, the TerS binding site. In vivo packaging studies showed Gifsy-1 packages λ DNA at ⁓50% and λ packages Gifsy-1 DNA at ⁓ 30% efficiency, and thus share the same DNA packaging specificity. N15 is a third phage that shares phage λ’s packaging specificity. Here N15 is shown to package Gifsy-1 DNA. Phage 21 fails to package λ and Gifsy-1 DNAs; the efficiencies are 0.01% and 1%, resp. A known incompatibility between the 21 helix-turn-helix motif and cosB λ is also proposed to account for the inability of 21 to package Gifsy-1 DNA.

This paper addresses several critical aspects of using optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs), focusing on both metrological issues and the enhancement of signal quality. We present a quantitative methodology for OPM measurements standardization and quality evaluation, which is crucial in biomedical applications like magnetoencephalography (MEG). Additionally, we introduce a novel, cost-effective portable active magnetic shielding system – digital adaptive suppression system (DASS) – that represents a significant advancement over traditional analog active shielding. Through comprehensive experimental research, we evaluate first- and third-generation commercial OPMs from QuSpin Inc. in two distinct magnetic environments. Our results demonstrate that the DASS ensures optimal and reliable OPM performance, even in noisy urban settings, surpassing the effectiveness of conventional analog shielding. These findings highlight the need for advanced magnetic shielding solutions to enhance the accuracy and reproducibility of OPM measurements. 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex psychological disorder provoked by distressing experiences, and it remains without highly effective intervention strategies. The exploration of PTSD’s underlying mechanisms is crucial for advancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Current studies primarily explore PTSD through the lens of the CNS, investigating concrete molecular alterations in the cerebral area and neural circuit irregularities. However, the body’s response to external stressors, particularly the changes in cardiovascular function, is often pronounced, evidenced by notable cardiac dysfunction. Consequently, examining PTSD with a focus on cardiac function is vital for the early prevention and targeted management of the disorder. This review undertakes a comprehensive literature analysis to detail the alterations in brain and heart structures and functions associated with PTSD. It also synthesizes potential mechanisms of heart-brain axis interactions relevant to PTSD’s development. Ultimately, by considering cardiac function, this review proposes novel perspectives for PTSD’s prophylaxis and therapy.

This study examined how time and handwashing impact the inferential process related to infectious disease transmission among adults and preschoolers. Thirty-eight Japanese adults aged 18–23 years (8 men; 30 women) and 36 Japanese children aged 5–6 years (15 boys; 21 girls) reported their certainty regarding protagonists’ subsequent infection and whether handwashing affects infection risk across three scenarios (same-time, immediately-after, and next-day). Both age groups perceived a significantly higher likelihood of infection in the same-time condition than in the other conditions. Preschoolers estimated a lower likelihood of infection than adults (η p 2 = .25). Thus, preschoolers inferred infectious disease transmission more optimistically than adults. Amidst infectious disease outbreaks, adults must provide guidance regarding preventive measures, while being mindful of preschooler’s propensity to optimistically speculate about contagion.

Traumatic basal ganglia hematoma (TBGH) represents a rare but significantly consequential subset of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), characterized by intracerebral hemorrhages within the basal ganglia region secondary to trauma. This review examines the epidemiology, clinical presentation, treatment modalities, and molecular mechanisms underlying TBGH, drawing insights from 19 relevant studies encompassing 137 patients. TBGH predominantly affects males, with road traffic accidents being the leading cause of injury. Clinical management varies, with conservative approaches favored in the majority of cases, while surgical intervention is considered for larger hematoma volumes. Prognostic outcomes are influenced by factors such as Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, with low GCS being associated with increased mortality and neurological deficits. Molecular mechanisms implicated in TBGH include disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, leading to hematoma formation and subsequent secondary insults such as perihematomal edema. Ferroptosis, a novel iron-dependent form of programmed cell death, and prokinectins have been implicated in TBGH pathogenesis, offering potential therapeutic targets for future interventions. Early detection of intracranial hematomas through imaging modalities such as CT scans and Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is crucial for prompt intervention. Treatment strategies aim to limit hematoma expansion, reduce intracranial pressure, and minimize secondary injury complications. Future research should focus on refining management protocols tailored to TBGH, with a concerted effort to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms for improved patient outcomes. This review underscores the clinical significance of TBGH within the TBI spectrum and highlights the importance of continued research efforts in advancing our understanding and management of this condition.

Factor XIII Deficiency Presenting with Duodenal Hematoma in a 3-Year-Old Female: A Comprehensive Radiological Assessment

Invasive Fusariosis in a Patient with Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia on Posaconazole ProphylaxisDr. Loai Abdullah1, Dr. Nada Soliman1, Dr. Ehab Adam1, Dr. Awni Alshurafa2, Dr. AbdulRahman Almashdali2,Dr. Mahir Petkar3, Dr. Deena Sideeg Mudawi2, Dr. Mohamed A Yassin2.Internal medicine department, Hamad medical corporation, Doha, QatarHematology department, Hamad medical corporation, Doha, QatarPathology department, Hamad medical corporation, Doha, Qatar

Machine learning (ML) applications are frequently trained to make predictions about human characteristics. In the realm of computer vision, where facial analysis tasks like facial classification and facial recognition use visual data to classify attributes about human identity, predictions are often done without any user input at all. However, these systems are repeatedly wrong. They make errors about classification, they propagate social biases, and they constrain complex human identities—like ethnicity and gender—into simple schemas. Contestability and user input are interesting paths forward when considering how to improve classification by facial analysis. However, there are many tradeoffs—technical and ethical—to consider when attempting to embed contestability in computer vision systems. In this position paper, I describe some of the tensions of user autonomy and efficacy in computer vision tasks that need further attention in HCI, ML, and social computing research.

Accurately estimating snow water equivalent (SWE) is crucial for understanding the impacts of climate change, urbanization, and population growth on water resources. High operational costs of lidar observations limit the frequency and coverage of SWE estimates at high spatial resolutions, leading to significant data gaps. We address this challenge with a transfer learning framework that leverages abundant SWE data from California to enhance predictions in Colorado, where data are scarce. From 2016 to 2019, the disparity in SWE data collection between these states was stark: 94 snowpack maps were recorded in California’s Sierra Nevada versus only 12 in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. We hypothesized that geographic predictors (e.g., elevation and snowfall) would exhibit similar effects on SWE across these landscapes. By conducting an explanatory factor analysis, we validated this hypothesis and refined our transfer learning model, which incorporated data from California to predict SWE in Colorado. When compared with using data from Colorado alone, transfer learning improved the mean R2 value from 0.43 to 0.56, indicating a significant enhancement of over 30% in predictive accuracy. Such advancements underscore the potential of our framework to mitigate lidar data limitations, offering a valuable tool for water resource management amidst changing environmental conditions.

A document by Tao You. Click on the document to view its contents.

Key Clinical MessageHaemophilus influenzae aortic valve endocarditis is a rare, yet important etiology of bacteremia. This case describes an otherwise healthy man with paucity of symptoms suggestive of endocarditis. Although he developed significant aortic insufficiency from a large vegetation, its timely recognition led to swift surgical intervention and a favorable long-term outcome.

IntroductionOsteoid osteoma (OO) is a benign osteoblastic lesion that occurs primarily in young men and accounts for approximately 11% of all benign bone tumors (1). Almost 80% of all “OO” are detected in patients younger than 30 years old. These lesions are generally seen in the shaft of the long bones, especially the femur or tibia, in the lower limb. They are only rarely detected in the flat bones (2-5). “OO” includes a well-defined osteoblastic mass, known as a nidus, which is surrounded by the reactive bone sclerosis zone. Following nidus excision, the sclerosis zone gradually disappears, indicating a secondary, reversible alteration (6). Patients with OOs typically report generalized pain at the site of their benign tumors, and their pain can be more severe and frequent at night. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and salicylates are commonly used to manage the pain (7).It is extremely rare for OO to occur in the scapula, especially the coracoid process (CP), therefore it is not commonly recognized as a differential diagnosis in young people with shoulder pain (8). Various therapeutic approaches have been proposed for treating these lesions, including complete surgical excision and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (9). Nevertheless, it is critical to note that the use of any of these treatment strategies may lead to permanent impairment of the articular cartilage or physics in younger patients (10). Herein, we present the first case of OO of the base of CP, treated successfully with RFA in the literature.

IntroductionThe proximity between the eye and the brain, along with their direct connection, grants the examiner a unique capability to identify ocular pathological conditions with potential cerebral locations (1). Foster Kennedy syndrome is a rare condition that occurs in 1% to 2.5% of intracranial masses, being more frequent in the anterior fossa, especially in the frontal lobe. Its etiology is typically tumoral, with meningiomas being the most common, although cases of tuberculous abscesses have also been documented (2).The second presentation of tuberculosis in the central nervous system (CNS) is Tuberculoma, a tuberculous granuloma present in 10% of cases concurrent with tuberculous meningitis. Clinical manifestations vary depending on the location, with common symptoms including headache, seizures, focal neurological signs, and papilledema (3).Despite tuberculosis being endemic in developing countries and its increasing occurrence in the CNS, there is a scarcity of published cases in this context. In this report, we share a case of Tuberculoma with an atypical presentation of Foster Kennedy syndrome.

A 10-year-old boy with chronic atrial intestinal dysrhythmia and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction;