Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cholecystectomy and risk of liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 million individuals

Background: There is still a lack of knowledge on the association between cholecystectomy and liver disease. This study was conducted to summarize the available evidence on the association of cholecystectomy with liver disease and quantify the magnitude of the risk of liver disease after cholecystectomy. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched systematically from database inception to January 2023 to identify eligible studies that evaluated the association between cholecystectomy and the risk of liver disease. Meta-analysis was conducted to obtain a summary odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random-effects model. Results: We identified 20 studies with a total of 27 320 709 individuals and 282 670 liver disease cases. Cholecystectomy was associated with an increased risk of liver disease (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.34–1.98). In particular, cholecystectomy was found to be significantly associated with a 54% increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.18–2.01), a 173% increased risk of cirrhosis (OR: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.81–4.12), and a 46% increased risk of primary liver cancer (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.18–1.82). Conclusions: There is an association between cholecystectomy and the risk of liver disease. Our results suggest that strict surgical indications should be implemented to reduce unnecessary cholecystectomy. Additionally, the routine assessment of liver disease is necessary for patients with a history of cholecystectomy. More prospective large-sample studies are required for better estimates of the risk.
Mitofusin 2 sustains the axonal mitochondrial network to support presynaptic Ca2+ homeostasis and the synaptic vesicle cycle in rat hippocampal axons

Mitochondria exert powerful control over cellular physiology, contributing to ion homeostasis, energy production, and metabolite biosynthesis. The trafficking and function of these organelles are particularly important in neurons, with impaired mitochondrial function or altered morphology observed in every neurodegenerative disorder studied. While mitochondrial biosynthetic products play a crucial role in maintaining cellular function, their resulting byproducts can have negative consequences. Thus, organelle quality control (QC) mechanisms that maintain mitochondrial function are imperative to restrict destructive signaling cascades in the cell. Axons are particularly sensitive to damage, and there is little consensus regarding the mechanisms that mediate mitochondrial QC in this compartment. Here, we first investigated the unstressed behavior of mitochondria in rat hippocampal neurons of mixed sex, focusing on mitochondrial trafficking and fusion to better understand potential QC mechanisms. We observed size and redox asymmetry of mitochondrial traffic in axons, suggesting an active QC mechanism in this compartment. We also document biochemical complementation upon the fusion and fission of axonal mitochondria. Eliminating fusion by knocking down the neuronal mitochondrial fusion protein mitofusin 2 (MFN2) reduced the rates of axonal mitochondrial trafficking and fusion, decreased the levels of synaptic vesicle (SV) proteins, inhibited exocytosis, and impaired SV recruitment from the reserve pool during extended stimulation. MFN2 knockdown also resulted in presynaptic Ca2+ dyshomeostasis. Remarkably, upon MFN2 knockdown, presynaptic mitochondria sequestered Ca2+ more efficiently, effectively limiting presynaptic Ca2+ transients during stimulation. These results support an active mitochondrial trafficking and fusion-related QC process that supports presynaptic Ca2+ handling and the SV cycle. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Decreased or altered mitochondrial function is observed in many disease states. All neurodegenerative diseases co-present with some sort of mitochondrial abnormality. Therefore, identifying quality control mechanisms that sustain the mitochondrial network in neurons, and particularly in axons, is of significant interest. The response of axonal mitochondria to acutely applied toxins or injury has been studied in detail. Although informative, the response of neurons to these insults might not be physiologically relevant, so it is crucial to also study the basal behavior of axonal mitochondria. Here, we use fluorescent biosensors to investigate the mitochondrial network in neurons and examine the role of mitofusin 2 in maintaining the axonal mitochondrial network and in supporting the synaptic vesicle cycle.
When is the Chow Test UMP

Abstract The Chow test compares regressions developed from two samples from possibly different populations. Its use has traditionally been recommended only when the number of observations in one of the samples does not exceed the number of predictor variables. It is shown that when that condition is not satisfied, the test remains uniformly most powerful (UMP) among a certain class of tests against an important class of alternatives.
General transformation for block diagonalization of weakly coupled linear systems composed of N-subsystems

A transformation is introduced for exact decomposition (block-diagonalization) of linear weakly coupled systems composed of N subsystems. This transformation can also be used for block diagonalization of block-diagonally dominant matrices and, under certain assumptions, it can be applied for block diagonalization of nearly completely decomposable Markov chains. A twelfth-order real-world power system example is included to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Fermi-level depinning for low-barrier Schottky source/drain transistors

By imposing an ultrathin insulator between low-work function metals and silicon, the Schottky barrier of the junction can be substantially reduced, decreasing junction resistance. With this approach, low-Schottky-barrier metal source/drain (S/D) transistors with Mg and Yb as S/D metals are demonstrated.
Mass flow rate measurements in a microchannel, from hydrodynamic to near free molecular regimes

Helium mass flow rates in a microchannel were measured, for a wide Knudsen-number range, in isothermal steady conditions. The flow Knudsen numbers, considered here, cover the range from continuum slip regime to the near free molecular regime. We used a single-channel system involved in an experimental platform more powerful than those previously used. The experimental errors and uncertainties were accurately investigated and estimated. In the continuum slip regime, it was found that the first-order approach is pertinent for Knudsen number between 0.03 and 0.3. Moreover, the slip coefficient was deduced by comparing the experiments with the theoretical first-order slip continuum approach. For Knudsen number between 0.03 and 0.7, a polynomial second-power form is proposed for the mass flow rate expression. Otherwise, the experimental results on the mass flow rate were compared with theoretical values calculated from kinetic approaches over the 0.03–50 Knudsen number range, and an overall agreement appears through the comparison. It was also found, when the Knudsen number increased, that the wall influence on measurement occurred first through the accommodation process in the transition regime followed by the wall influence through the aspect ratio in the free molecular regime.
Brain iron acquisition: An overview of homeostatic regulation and disease dysregulation

Brain iron homeostasis is crucial for neurological health, with pathological fluctuations in brain iron levels associated with a variety of neurological disorders. Low levels are connected to cognitive impairment and restless legs syndrome, while high levels are connected to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Given the detrimental effects unrestricted iron can have, regulated entry into the brain via transferrin and H‐ferritin is critical. Endothelial cells of the blood–brain barrier are the site of iron transport regulation. The movement of iron through endothelial cells into the brain can be divided into three distinct processes: uptake, transcytosis, and release. Each process possesses external and internal influences on the regulation at each stage. This review discusses the mechanisms of iron uptake, transcytosis, and release at the blood–brain barrier, as well as the elements that contribute to regulation. Additionally, we explore the dysregulation of brain iron in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and restless legs syndrome.
Air cavity-based Fabry–Perot interferometer sensor fabricated using a sawing technique for refractive index measurement

Abstract. We have demonstrated a refractive index sensor based on a fiber optic Fabry–Perot (FP) interferometer with an open air cavity fabricated using a one-step mechanical sawing technique. The sensor head consists of a short FP cavity near the fiber patch cord tip, which was assembled by joining a ceramic ferrule and a single-mode fiber together. Owing to the open air cavity in the sensor head, various liquid samples with different refractive index can fill in-line air cavity, which makes the device usable as a refractometer. Moreover, due to the sensor head encircled with the robust ceramic ferrule, the device is attractive for sensing measurement in harsh environments. The sensor was tested in different refractive index solutions. The experimental result shows that the attenuation peak wavelength of the sensor is shifted toward a shorter wavelength with increasing refractive index, and the refractive index sensitivity is ∼92.5 nm/refractive index unit (RIU) and 73.75 dB/RIU. The proposed sensor can be used as an in-line refractometer for many potential applications in the sensing field.
Pan-cancer analysis reveals the associations between MMP13 high expression and carcinogenesis and its value as a serum diagnostic marker

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP13) is a member of the endopeptidase matrix metalloproteinase family, which is involved in many normal physiological processes and even tumorigenesis. However, its co-carcinogenic signature in different cancers is not fully understood. Methods: In this study, we first analyzed the expression of MMP13 in pan-cancer and its association with prognosis, immune infiltration, and cancer-related signaling pathways through integrated bioinformatics. Furthermore, western blotting (WB) was used to verify the expression of MMP13 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors in cancer tissues. Finally, the value of MMP13 as a serum diagnostic marker was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: MMP13 expression is frequently upregulated in multiple cancers that always indicate an adverse prognosis. MMP13 undergoes comprehensive genetic alterations and promoter methylation reduction in various tumors. Additionally, immune correlation analysis showed that MMP13 expression was significantly associated with TMB, MSI, and tumor immune infiltration. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that MMP13 upregulation was correlated with activation of the EMT signaling pathway, which was verified by WB in lung adenocarcinoma tissues. Most importantly, ELISA results showed that serum MMP13 levels could be used for the diagnosis of multiple tumors, including BRCA, HNSC, LUAD, and LUSC, with the area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.8494, 0.9259, 0.7144, and 0.8575, respectively. Conclusions: MMP13 is often overexpressed across cancers and predicts poor prognosis, with the potential as a therapeutic target. Furthermore, the up-regulation of its expression can be effectively reflected in the serum protein level, thus serving as a valuable diagnostic marker.
Long noncoding RNA NONHSAG045500 regulates serotonin transporter to ameliorate depressive-like behavior via the cAMP–PKA–CREB signaling pathway in a model of perinatal depression

Abstract Objective Perinatal depression (PND) is the most common complication of childbirth and negatively affects the mother. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) NONHSAG045500 inhibits the expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) transporter (i.e. serotonin transporter [SERT]) and produces an antidepressant effect. This study aimed to identify a link between the lncRNA NONHSAG045500 and the pathogenesis of PND. Methods Female C57BL/6 J mice were divided into normal control group (control group, n = 15), chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) model group (PND group, n = 15), lncRNA NONHSAG045500-overexpressed group (LNC group, sublingual intravenous injection of NONHSAG045500 overexpression cells for 7 days, n = 15), and escitalopram treatment group (i.e. the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor [SSRI] group, with escitalopram administered from the 10th day after pregnancy to the 10th day after delivery, n = 15). Control group mice were conceived normally, whereas, in the other groups, a CUS model was established before mice were conceived. Depressive-like behaviour was assessed via sucrose preference, forced swimming, and open-field tests. The expression levels of 5-HT, SERT, and cAMP–PKA–CREB pathway-related proteins in the prefrontal cortex were detected on the 10th day after delivery. Results Mice in the PND group exhibited significant depressive-like behaviours compared with those in the control group, indicating that the PND model was successfully established. The expression of lncRNA NONHSAG045500 was markedly decreased in the PND group compared with that in the control group. After treatment, both LNC and SSRI groups showed a significant improvement in depression-like behaviour, and the expression of 5-HT in the prefrontal cortex was increased in these groups compared with that in the PND group. In addition, the LNC group displayed lower expression of SERT and higher expression of cAMP, PKA, and CREB when in comparison to PND group. Conclusion NONHSAG045500 mediates the development of PND mainly by activating the cAMP–PKA–CREB pathway, increasing the level of 5-HT, and decreasing the expression of SERT.
Assessing the Impact of Persistent HIV Infection on Innate Lymphoid Cells Using In Vitro Models

Abstract Pathogens that persist in their host induce immune dysfunctions even in the absence of detectable replication. To better understand the phenotypic and functional changes that persistent infections induce in sentinel innate immune cells, we developed human PBMC-based HIV models of persistent infection. Autologous nonactivated PBMCs were cocultured with chronically infected, acutely infected, or uninfected cells and were then analyzed by unsupervised high-dimensional flow cytometry. Using this approach, we identified prevalent patterns of innate immune dysfunctions associated with persistent HIV infections that at least in part mirror immune dysfunctions observed in patients. In one or more models of chronic infection, bystander CD16+ NK cells expressing markers of activation, such as CD94, CD45RO, CD62L, CD69, CD25, and immune checkpoints PD1, Tim3, TIGIT, NKG2A and Lag3, were significantly reduced. Conversely, helper ILC subsets expressing PDL1/PDL2 were significantly enriched in chronic infection compared with either uninfected or acute infection, suggesting that chronic HIV-1 infection was associated with an inhibitory environment for bystander ILC and NK subsets. The cell-based models of persistent infection that we describe here provide versatile tools to explore the molecular mechanisms of these immune dysfunctions and unveil the contribution of innate immunity in sustaining pathogen persistence.
Shared frailty model for recurrent event data with multiple causes

The topic of heterogeneity in the analysis of recurrent event data has received considerable attention recent times. Frailty models are widely employed in such situations as they allow us to model the heterogeneity through common random effect. In this paper, we introduce a shared frailty model for gap time distributions of recurrent events with multiple causes. The parameters of the model are estimated using EM algorithm. An extensive simulation study is used to assess the performance of the method. Finally, we apply the proposed model to a real-life data.
Impact of piflufolastat F‐18 PSMA PET imaging on clinical decision‐making in prostate cancer across disease states: A retrospective review

Piflufolastat F‐18 (18F‐DCFPyL) prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is approved by the US food and drug administration for initial staging of high‐risk prostate cancer, biochemical recurrence (BCR), and restaging of metastatic prostate cancer. Here, we sought to assess how its integration into clinical care may have impacted the management of patients.
THE FIRST OBSERVATION OF A RAPIDLY ROTATING CORONAL MASS EJECTION IN THE MIDDLE CORONA

In this Letter, we present the first direct detection of a rotating coronal mass ejection (CME) in the middle corona (5–15 R☉). The CME rotation rate is 60° day–1, which is the highest rate reported yet. The Earth-directed event was observed by the STEREO/SECCHI and SOHO/LASCO instruments. We are able to derive the three-dimensional morphology and orientation of the CME flux rope by applying a forward-fitting model to simultaneous observations from three vantage points (SECCHI-A, -B, LASCO). Surprisingly, we find that even such rapidly rotating CME does not result in significant projection effects (variable angular width) in any single coronagraph view. This finding may explain the prevalent view of constant angular width for CMEs above 5 R☉ and the lack of detections of rotating CMEs in the past. Finally, the CME is a “stealth” CME with very weak low corona signatures as viewed from Earth. It originated from a quiet-Sun neutral line. We tentatively attribute the fast rotation to a possible disconnection of one of the CME footpoints early in the eruption. We discuss the implications of such rotations to space weather prediction.
Some Non-Quasigeostrophic Effects in Linear Baroclinic Waves

Abstract Non-quasigeostrophic effects in unstable baroclinic waves, defined as differences between solutions in primitive equation and quasigeostrophic models due to terms in the governing equations that are neglected in the quasigeostrophic model, are examined. It is determined that these non-quasigeostrophic effects produce significant asymmetries in a baroclinic wave, as compared to the symmetry that would be expected if that wave were governed by the quasigeostrophic equations, even when the Rossby number is relatively small. These asymmetries result in significant differences in some of the eddy fluxes in a primitive equation model as compared to a quasigeostrophic model. This was found to be especially true for u′v&prime, where even the sign was different in certain regions.
Penalized Estimation in High-Dimensional Data Analysis

__Abstract__ A common task in statistical practice is the estimation of unknown parameters from available data. When proposing a model one could rely on unbiased estimators, meaning that the expected value of an estimator equals the true parameter being estimated. Historically, the absence of bias is often considered an attractive property of an estimator, because it allows intuitive interpretation of the results. However, a fixation on bias reduction increases the variance, which deteriorates the predictive performance of a model. It also occurs that the data do not provide enough information to produce well-behaved unbiased estimates. In these so called ill-conditioned problems, unbiased estimators will over-fit the data, or will be impossible to obtain. This work focusses on ill-conditioned problems in high-dimensional data analysis. Typical examples of high-dimensional data are signals and spectra in analytical chemistry, image data in computer vision ormicroarray data in biology. In all chapters penalized estimators, or often called shrinkage estimators, are used to obtain estimates. This means that the usual loss function is augmented with some type of penalty function that constrains or shrinks the coefficients in the model. The concept of ill-posedness is further introduced in the next section. A short introduction into penalized estimation is given in section 1.2. Section 1.3 provides a chapter by chapter introduction to the different topics within this thesis. In addition it provides some more details concerning the data and its technological aspects, not treated in the particular chapters.
Challenges and management of childhood noninfectious chronic uveitis

ABSTRACT Introduction Childhood uveitis is a sight-threatening condition, because if not properly recognized and treated can lead to several ocular complications and blindness. It represents a real challenge not only from an etiologic/diagnostic point of view, but also for management and therapy Areas covered In this review we will discuss the main etiologies, the diagnostic approach, risk factors associated to childhood noninfectious uveitis (cNIU), and the difficulties in eye examination in childhood. Moreover, we will discuss the treatment of cNIU in terms of therapeutic choice, timing of initiation, and withdrawal. Expert opinion Identification of specific diagnosis is mandatory to prevent severe complications, thus a thorough differential diagnosis is essential. Pediatric eye examination may be extremely challenging due to the scarce collaboration, but novel techniques and biomarkers will help in identifying low grade of inflammation, eventually modifying long-term outcomes. Once identified the appropriate diagnosis, recognition of children who may benefit of a systemic treatment is crucial. What, When, and how long are the key questions to address in this field. Current evidence and future results of ongoing clinical trials will help in driving treatment. A proper ocular screening, not only in the context of systemic disease, should be discussed by experts.
Applying observer based FDI techniques to detect faults in dynamic and bounded stochastic distributions

This paper presents novel approach on applying the standard observer based fault detection technique to the change detection of the output probability density functions for dynamic stochastic systems. For such systems, the control inputs of the system appear as a set of variables in the probability density functions of the system output, and these variables affect the shape of the probability density function of the system output. Using the B-splines approximation theory, the measured probability density functions of the system output are represented by a set of weights which are functions of the control inputs to the system. This leads to a unique expression of the dynamic characteristics of the output probability density functions for the system. Using this expression, it has been shown that standard observer based fault detection technique can be used to detect any unexpected changes caused by the additive type of fault in the dynamic part of the system. In specific, two observers are constructed for the fault detection purposes, where the first observer is based on the linear weighted integration of the output probability density functions whilst the second observer uses the non-linear residual signal generated from the integration of the output probability density functions. In both cases, the convergence of the observers have been proved under certain conditions when there is no fault in the system. An applicability study to the detection of unexpected changes of particle size (i.e. flocculation size) in paper-making is included to demonstrate the use of the proposed algorithm and desired results have been obtained.