Resolving fibrosis by stimulating HSC-dependent extracellular matrix degradation.

Tissue fibrosis arises from a critical imbalance between the production and breakdown of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Whereas current strategies predominantly focus on curbing ECM production, the possibility of promoting ECM degradation to resolve fibrosis remains largely untapped. The role of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in ECM degradation is an intriguing area for investigation.

Exploration of a Class of Aryl Imidazolyl Ureas As Potent Acid Ceramidase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Fibrotic Diseases.

Acid ceramidase (aCDase) is an essential enzyme in sphingolipid metabolism and has been linked to various pathological conditions, including cancer and fibrosis. In our previous studies, we observed that inhibiting aCDase with B13 () helped alleviate liver fibrosis in mouse models and in ex vivo human precision-cut liver slices. However, B13 () showed limited potency, prompting us to search for more effective aCDase inhibitors.

Optimal energy management of multi-carrier energy system considering uncertainty in renewable generation.

This paper presents a structured approach for the efficient operation of multi-carrier energy systems under the uncertainty of renewable energy sources. As the penetration of wind and solar energy increases, managing the resulting variability becomes critical to maintaining both economic efficiency and operational flexibility. To address this, a two-stage multi objective optimization framework is proposed.

An ensemble-based enhanced short and medium term load forecasting using optimized missing value imputation.

Electricity load forecasting is integral to planning, energy management, and the energy market. Utility companies serve a massive number of customers by supplying electricity. These utility companies require a precise forecast of electricity usage.

A base-dependent reactivity switch in Baylis-Hillman ketones: access to -alkyl benzohydrazides and fluorescent dihydropyrazoles.

A switch in the reactivity of Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) ketones was observed upon interaction with hydrazines in the presence/absence of a base. The addition of NEt brought about an insertion of hydrazine into the MBH ketone skeleton, resulting in the formation of benzohydrazides; whereas in the absence of a base, a concomitant aza-Michael addition/condensation led to the formation of strongly fluorescent dihydropyrazoles, which could be further oxidized to aromatic pyrazoles.

Imaging manifestations in infantile GM1 gangliosidosis: a rare lysosomal storage disorder: a paediatric case report.

Mono-sialo-tetra-hexosylganglioside, also known as infantile GM1 gangliosidosis, is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by a mutation in the GLB1 gene that stops the β-galactosidase enzyme from working. We have discussed a case of infantile GM1 gangliosidosis which presented with abnormal body movements, extensive dermal melanocytosis over back and gluteal region, coarse facial features, and macrocephaly. Radiological features included antero-inferior beaking of second, third, and fourth lumbar vertebrae, bilateral hyperdense thalami on non-contrast CT.

Impact of straight slot impingement jets on heat transfer enhancement of TiO/HO nanofluid flow in a square channel: CFD analysis.

This study presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of heat transfer and pressure drop in a straight slot impingement jet, utilizing [Formula: see text] nanofluid within a square duct. The working fluid comprises [Formula: see text] nanoparticles (diameter d = 25 nm) suspended in water at a volume fraction (ϕ) of 2.5%.

Heart Rate Variability during Nostril-Regulated Yoga Breathing: A Randomized Crossover Study.

Background: Previous studies of nostril-regulated yoga breathing have focused on unilateral breathing with both inspiration and expiration through a specified nostril. However, traditionally described yoga breathing involves inspiration through one nostril and expiration through the other, called (SBP) (right nostril inspiration) and (CBP) (left nostril inspiration). The effects of these practices were investigated here.

A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial to Determine the Effects of Three Nostril-Regulated Breathing Practices on Attention and Mood.

Background: Previous studies on nostril-regulated breathing have contrasting findings attributed to lack of controls or not taking into account baseline nostril patency. This randomized crossover study on the effects of three nostril-regulated yoga breathing practices and two controls on mood states and attention attempted to address these issues.

Materials And Methods: Forty-five participants between 20 and 45 years (group mean age ± SD; 24.

Significance of the Powder Metallurgy Approach and Its Processing Parameters on the Mechanical Behavior of Magnesium-Based Materials.

Magnesium-based materials, which are known for their light weight and exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, hold immense promise in the biomedical, automotive, aerospace, and military sectors. However, their inherent limitations, including low wear resistance and poor mechanical properties, have driven the development of magnesium-based metal matrix composites (Mg-MMCs). The pivotal role of powder metallurgy (PM) in fabricating Mg-MMCs was explored, enhancing their mechanical and corrosion resistance characteristics.

Metabolically Stable Adenylation Inhibitors of Biotin Protein Ligase as Antibacterial Agents.

The antibacterial agent Bio-AMS is metabolized in vivo through hydrolysis of the central acyl-sulfamide linker leading to high clearance and release of a moderately cytotoxic metabolite . Herein, we disclose analogues designed to prevent the metabolism of the central acyl-sulfamide moiety through steric hindrance or attenuation of the acyl-sulfamide electrophilicity. was identified as a metabolically stable analogue with a single-digit nanomolar dissociation constant for biotin protein ligase (BPL) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against and ranging from 0.

Multiobjective distribution system operation with demand response to optimize solar hosting capacity, voltage deviation index and network loss.

In this research, demand response impact on the hosting capacity of solar photovoltaic for distribution system is investigated. The suggested solution model is formulated and presented as a tri-objective optimization that consider maximization of solar PV hosting capacity (HC), minimization of network losses (Loss) and maintaining node voltage deviation (V) within acceptable limits. These crucial objectives are optimized simultaneously as well as individually.

Optimal voltage and frequency control strategy for renewable-dominated deregulated power network.

Maintaining stable voltage and frequency regulation is critical for modern power systems, particularly with the integration of renewable energy sources. This study proposes a coordinated control strategy for voltage and frequency in a deregulated power system comprising six Generation Companies (GENCOs) and six Distribution Companies (DISCOs). The system integrates thermal, diesel, wind, solar photovoltaic (PV), and hydroelectric sources.

Breath Characteristics of Volitional Yoga Breathing and Breath Awareness.

Changes in breathing during pranayama (yoga breathwork) are usually inferred from practice guidelines in traditional texts or contemporary writings. These changes point to understanding the effects of pranayama and indicate applications of pranayama in health. Previously, a pilot study on a single participant suggested that each pranayama changes breathing uniquely.

Pelvicalyceal anatomy and stone related factors as predictors of stone free rate in retrograde intrarenal surgery for lower calyceal stone.

Introduction: The objective of the present study is to evaluate the various pelvi-calyceal anatomy related and stone related parameters and their influence on stone free rate in retrograde intrarenal surgery for lower calyceal stones.

Methods: The retrospective analysis of records of 206 patients who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery for lower calyceal stones from December 2021 and November 2023.The patients were divided into two groups: stone free group and residual stone group.

AEPF: Attention-Enabled Point Fusion for 3D Object Detection.

Current state-of-the-art (SOTA) LiDAR-only detectors perform well for 3D object detection tasks, but point cloud data are typically sparse and lacks semantic information. Detailed semantic information obtained from camera images can be added with existing LiDAR-based detectors to create a robust 3D detection pipeline. With two different data types, a major challenge in developing multi-modal sensor fusion networks is to achieve effective data fusion while managing computational resources.

Vagally Mediated Heart Rate Variability and Mood States in Patients with Chronic Pain Receiving Prolonged Expiration Regulated Breathing: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Reduced vagally mediated heart rate variability (VmHRV) has been reported in patients with chronic pain. In healthy persons, breathing with longer expiration relative to inspiration increases VmHRV at 12 breaths per minute. The present study aimed to determine the immediate effect of breathing with longer expiration relative to inspiration on VmHRV and mood states in patients with chronic pain.

Sustainable Manufacturing of Multifunctional Fluorine-Free Superslippery Flexible Surfaces.

Surface contamination and friction result in significant energy losses with widespread environmental impact. In the present work, we developed fluorine-free super-slippery surfaces employing environmentally friendly and simple biofuel-based flame treatment of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Through a unique combination of processing parameters, highly transparent (>90%) and flexible films were engineered with omniphobic, anti-icing, and ultra-low friction properties.

Assessment of the diagnostic efficacy of radiological and functional evaluation of primary adrenal mass and its' surgical outcomes.

Introduction: Objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic efficacy of the most commonly used radiological evaluation in form of contrast enhanced computed tomography of abdomen with adrenal protocol, basic functional evaluation and surgical outcomes of primary adrenal masses.

Material And Methods: We have retrospectively analysed the institutional records of 108, patients admitted from August 2017 to September 2023, who had underwent surgical intervention for their adrenal mass after thorough evaluation and stabilization.

Results: Flank pain was the most common symptoms in 44 (40.