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Blocking mineralocorticoid signaling with esaxerenone reduces atherosclerosis in hyperglycemic ApoE KO mice without affecting blood pressure and glycolipid metabolism
Abstract Endothelial damage mediated by mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is an important factor in the development of atherosclerosis. Esaxerenone is a highly selective drug that can specifically block MR activity. The aim of this study is to examine whether specific blocking of mineralocorticoid signaling with esaxerenone exerts favorable effects on the progression of atherosclerosis. ApoE KO mice were used as a model of atherosclerosis. In addition to a non-diabetic model, we created a diabetic model using streptozotocin. These were divided into a control group and an esaxerenone group. Esaxerenone-containing diet was provided for 8 weeks starting at 10 weeks of age. Various metabolic markers and abdominal aortic mRNA expression were evaluated, and histological examination of the aortic arch and thoracic aorta was performed. We also used human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) to investigate the possible direct effects of esaxerenone on vascular smooth muscle cells. In diabetic mice, plaque area in the aortic arch was significantly smaller in esaxerenone group compared to control group, although there were no differences in blood pressure, serum lipid levels between the two groups. Inflammation-related genes, macrophage marker, cell adhesion factors and oxidative stress marker were all significantly lower in esaxerenone group. The studies using HASMCs have confirmed that esaxerenone has anti-inflammatory effects on vascular smooth muscle cells. Specific blocking of mineralocorticoid signaling with esaxerenone exerts favorable effects on the progression of atherosclerosis without influencing blood pressure and glycolipid metabolism.
A BiLSTM model enhanced with multi-objective arithmetic optimization for COVID-19 diagnosis from CT images
Zero-shot incremental learning using spatial-frequency feature representations
Optical fibre-based quantum random number generator: stochastic modelling and measurements
Abstract In this work, we present a study of a quantum random number generation system based on a branching path approach with spatial superposition principle, realised using fibre optics. The analysis of the experimental system was supported by the development of a stochastic model of the entropy source, which, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, has not yet been properly described. This resulted in the analytical equations for the probability of possible output quantum states depending on the initial properties of the system. Based on the presented model, the quantum efficiency and the Shannon entropy were calculated and compared with experimentally obtained values, which resulted in full agreement between these data. Additional statistical tests were performed on random numbers obtained theoretically and experimentally to confirm their high degree of randomness and their usability in cryptographic applications. The fact that the developed system is based on fibre optics allows it to operate in stable conditions with a final efficiency at the level of 15%, which provides a random number generation rate of about 8 kb/s. The developed system is used as an input to the quantum key distribution system, which has possible applications in cryptography or military and commercial secure communications.
Enhancing convolutional neural networks in electroencephalogram driver drowsiness detection using human inspired optimizers
Research on detection and location method of safflower filament picking points during the blooming period in unstructured environments
The use of Apple smartwatches to obtain vital signs readings in surgical patients
Thermodynamic modeling hexamethylenetetramine adsorption on sandstone
Optimizing thoracodorsal artery perforator flap outcomes in oncoplastic breast surgery: multidimensional assistive techniques mitigate learning curve and enhance feasibility
Abstract This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and postoperative outcomes of the thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap in oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS), incorporating multidimensional assistive techniques. We retrospectively analyzed 14 breast cancer patients treated with TDAP flap OBS from May 2020 to August 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (first 7 cases) and Group B (last 7 cases). Preoperative perforator localization was performed using color Doppler ultrasound and handheld Doppler, with intraoperative comparisons. Blood perfusion was assessed intraoperatively with indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging and postoperatively with infrared thermal (IRT) imaging. Patient satisfaction was measured using the BREAST-Q scale. Group A had longer operation times (4.05 ± 0.61 h vs. 3.27 ± 0.31 h, P = 0.011) and longer hospitalization (9.14 ± 2.27 days vs. 7.71 ± 1.60 days, P = 0.199). No flap necrosis occurred. Preoperative and intraoperative perforator positions were consistent. ICG imaging showed good flap blood supply; edge trimming improved perfusion in two cases. IRT imaging confirmed good blood perfusion in the first 3 days post-op. BREAST-Q scores for psychological health and sexual satisfaction were lower post-op (P < 0.001), but no significant differences were found in scores for chest physical health, shoulder and back physical health, or breast satisfaction. While TDAP flap surgery involves a learning curve, it is a highly feasible technique for OBS. Multidimensional assistive technologies significantly enhance preoperative perforator localization and intraoperative flap blood perfusion monitoring, thereby improving flap survival rates and patient satisfaction.
Thermal insensitivity of an ENZ-ITO clad, hollow-core micro-ring resonator
Abstract We report on the experimental demonstration of temperature insensitivity in an epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) indium-tin-oxide (ITO) cladded, hollow-core micro-ring resonator. The permittivity of the ITO cladding was engineered to a near zero value at 1550 nm wavelength to support index guiding in the air-ITO waveguide around the C band. The air-ITO ring-resonator structure was designed using numerical simulations to support whispering gallery modes. The hollow-core microresonator structure was fabricated using two-photon lithography to 3D print a sacrificial scaffold. Guided resonator modes were observed by coupling tunable laser light to the ring resonator using a tapered fiber. The demonstrated hollow-core microresonator exhibits athermal behavior and has a temperature dependent wavelength shift of 1 pm/°C.
Comparing discriminatory behavior against AI and humans
Abstract Although discrimination is typically believed to occur from well-defined categories like ethnicity, disability, and sex, studies have found that discrimination persists in minimal conditions lacking such categories. Participants have been found to preferentially allocate resources based on seemingly arbitrary shared characteristics such as dot estimation choices. Here, we use a preregistered experiment ( n = 500) to investigate whether humans discriminate in a similar manner when interacting with artificial intelligence (AI) agents that ostensibly made dot estimations. We hypothesized that because humans harbor prejudice against algorithms relative to other humans (otherwise known as algorithm aversion), the strength of discriminatory behavior may be greater against AI than humans. Surprisingly, we found that participants distributed resources in a similar manner, albeit unequally, to both human and AI agents. Specifically, participants favored the other agent when decisions were aligned. Our findings suggest that discriminatory behavior is less influenced by the recipient’s identity and more shaped by choice congruency.
Autologous glueless simple oral mucosal transplantation for the repair of limbal stem cell deficiency ocular surface in a rabbit model
Endometrial injection of embryo culture supernatant adversely affects assisted reproductive technology outcomes in frozen thawed embryo transfer cycles
The specific contributions of factor H and factor I in controlling fluid phase activation of the alternative complement pathway
Membrane-targeted immunogenic compositions using exosome mimetic approach for vaccine development against SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens
A life cycle assessment approach to minimize environmental impact for sustainable printed sensors
Association of constipation with suicidal ideation among US adults and the partial mediating role of depression
Numerical investigation on different effects of recirculated species on UHC and CO formation during lean homogeneous combustion
Circulatory lipid signature in response to short-term testosterone gel treatment of healthy young females
Abstract The impact of testosterone administration on the circulating lipidome in females remains unexplored, despite its relevance to understanding metabolic disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study addresses this gap by examining the effects of testosterone gel on the plasma lipidome of healthy women over three menstrual cycles. A cohort of 14 women aged 22–37 years with regular cycles was analyzed, with plasma samples collected at baseline, during peak testosterone levels (D45), and post-treatment (D59, D80). Testosterone gel treatment lasted 28 days, administered between day 29 and day 57 of the study. Using a deep-targeted lipidomic approach, 597 lipids were quantified to provide a detailed profile of the lipidome and capture subtle changes in lipid species and their associations with testosterone fluctuations. Extensive profiling revealed a significant decrease in 17 lipid species, especially ether- and ester-linked lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC), at peak testosterone. These lipid reductions were strongly negatively correlated with free and total testosterone, as well as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and positively correlated with SHBG levels. Notably, intra-individual lipid variability was consistently lower than inter-individual variability, indicating a highly personalized lipidome regulation. Despite testosterone-induced changes, overall plasma lipidome alterations were minimal, suggesting mechanisms that maintain lipid homeostasis. This study highlights the complex interplay between testosterone and lipid metabolism in women. The minimal overall lipidome changes and high inter-individual variability point to the need for further research to assess the clinical relevance of these findings, particularly in hyperandrogenic conditions like PCOS. Clinical Trial Registration number: This study was registered on https://www.isrctn.com/ (ISRCTN10122130) on 09/01/2019.