Artificial Image Tampering Distorts Spatial Distribution of Texture Landmarks and Quality Characteristics

Advances in AI based computer vision has led to a significant growth in synthetic image generation and artificial image tampering with serious implications for unethical exploitations that undermine person identification and could make render AI predictions less explainable.Morphing, Deepfake and other artificial generation of face photographs undermine the reliability of face biometrics authentication using different electronic ID documents.Morphed face photographs on e-passports can fool automated border control systems and human guards.This paper extends our previous work on using the persistent homology (PH) of texture landmarks to detect morphing attacks.We demonstrate that artificial image tampering distorts the spatial distribution of texture landmarks (i.e. their PH) as well as that of a set of image quality characteristics.We shall demonstrate that the tamper caused distortion of these two slim feature vectors provide significant potentials for building explainable (Handcrafted) tamper detectors with low error rates and suitable for implementation on constrained devices.Comment: 6 pages, 7 figures, 3 table

Acquired CNS Demyelinating Syndrome in Children Referred to Shiraz Pediatric Neurology Ward

How to Cite This Article: Inaloo S, Haghbin S, Moradi M, Dashti H, Safari N. Acquired CNS Demyelinating Syndrome in Children Referred to Shiraz Pediatric Neurology Ward. Iran J Child Neurol. 2014 Spring; 8(2):18-23.ObjectiveIncidence of CNS acquired demyelinating syndrome (ADS), especially multiple sclerosis (MS) in children, appears to be on the rise worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence, clinical presentation, neuroimagingfeatures, and prognosis of different types of ADS in Iranian children.Materials & MethodsDuring the period 2002-2012, all the patients (aged 1-18 years) with ADS, such as MS, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), optic neurotic (ON), Devic disease, and transverse myelitis (TM), referred to the pediatric neurology ward, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, were includedin this study. Demographic data, clinical signs and symptoms, past and family history, preclinical findings, clinical course, and outcome were obtained.ResultsWe identified 88 patients with ADS in our center. The most prevalent disease was MS with 36.5% (n=32), followed by AEDM 26.1% (n=31), ON 17% (n=13), TM 15.9% (n=14), and Devic disease 4.5% (n=4). MS, ON, TM were morecommon among females while ADEM was more common in males. Children with ADEM were significantly younger than those with other types of ADS.Family history was positive in 10% of patients with MS.Previous history of recent infection was considerably seen in cases with ADEM.Clinical presentation and prognosis in this study was in accordance with those in previous studies on children.ConclusionIn this study, the most common type of ADS was MS, which was more common in female and older age cases. ADEM was more common in male and younger children. ADEM and ON had the best and Devic disease had the worst prognosis.References1. Longer-Gould A, Zhaug JL, Chung J, Yeung Y, Wanbant E, Yao J. Incidence of acquired CNS demyelinating syndrome in a multiethnic cohort of children. Neurology 2011;27(12):1143-8.2. Banwell B, Kennedy J, Sandovnick D, Arnold DL, Magalhaes S, Wambera K. Incidence of acquired demyelination of the CNS in Canadian children. Neurology 2009;72(3):232-9.3. Canellas AR, Gols AR, Izquierdo J.R, Subirana MT, Gairin XM. Idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating disease of central nervous system. Neuroradiology 2007;49(5):393-409.4. Renoux C, Vukusic S, Mikaeloff Y. Natural history of multiple sclerosis with childhood onset. N Engl Med 2007;356(25):2603-13.5. Krupp LB, Banwell B, Tenembaum S; International Pediatric MS Study Group. Consensus definition proposed for pediatric multiple sclerosis and related disorders. Neurology 2007;68(16 Suppl 2):S7-12.6. Ebers GC. Environmental factors and multiple sclerosis. Lancet Neurol 2008;77(3):268-77.7. Banwell B, Ghezzi A, Bar-OrA, Mikaeloff Y, Tordieu M. Multiple sclerosis in children, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic strategies and future directions. Lancet Neurol 2007;6(10):887-902.8. Absound M, Lim MJ, Chorg Wk, Goede CGs Foster K, Counny R. Pediatric acquired demyelinating syndromes: incidence, clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features. Mult Scler 2012;19(1):76-86.9. Banwell B, Krupp L, Kennedy J. Clinical features and viral serology in children with multiple sclerosis: a multinational observation study. Lancet Neurology 2007;6(9):773-81.10. Jin Y, Depedro-Cusesta J, Söderströ, M. Stawiarz L, Link H. Seasonal pattern in optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis. A meta-analysis. J Neurol Sci 2000;1(181):56-64.11. Ghobai M, Omrani H, Rosta ئzadeh M. Epidemiology of multiple sclerosis. Tehran Univ Med J 2008;65:74-7.12. Etemadifar M, Hosseini A, Khodabanehlou R, Maghzi AH. Childhood-onset multiple sclerosis: report of 82 patients from Esfahan, Iran. Arch Iranian Med 2007;10(2):152-6.13. Ruggior M, Polizzi A, Pervon L, Grimoldi LM. Multiple sclerosis in children under 6 years of age. Neurology 1999;53(3):478-4.14. Handefield FA. Characteristic of childhood multiple sclerosis. Int MS J 1995;3:91-8.15. Selcen D, Anlar B, Renda Y. Multiple sclerosis in children. Report of 16 cases. Eur Neurol 1996;36(2):79-84.16. Inaloo S, Yavari MJ, Sabori S. Multiple sclerosis in children: A review of clinical and paraclinical features in 26 cases. Iran J Child Neruol 2008;2(4):41-6.17. Hynson JL, Kornberg AJ, Coleman LT, Shield L, Harvey AS, Kean MJ. Clinical and Neuroradiologic feature of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in children. Neurology 2001;56(13):8-12.18. Murthy KSN, Faden HS, Cohen ME, Bakshi R. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in children. Pediatric 2002;110(2):1-8.19. Collard RC, Koehler RP, Mattson DH. Frequency and significance of antinuclear antibodies in multiple sclerosis. Neurology 1997;49(3):857-61.20. Barned S, Goodman AD, Mattson AD. Frequency of antinuclear antibodies in multiple sclerosis. Neurology 1995;45(2):384-5.21. Sri-Udomkajorn S, Pongwatcharaporn K. Clinical feature and outcome of childhood optic neuritis at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health. J Med Assoc Thai 2011;94(Suppl 3):S189-94.22. Absoud M, Cummins C, Desai N, Gika A, McSweeney N, Munot P, et al. Childhood optic neuritis clinical features and outcome. Arch Dis Child 2011;96(9):860-2.23. Thomas T, Branson HM, Verhey LH, Shroff M, Stephens D, Magallhaes S, et al. The demographic, clinical, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of transverse myelitis in children. J Child Neurol 2012;27(1):11-2

A microgrid formation-based restoration model for resilient distribution systems using distributed energy resources and demand response programs

In recent years, resilience enhancement of electricity distribution systems has attracted much attention due to the significant rise in high-impact rare (HR) natural event outages. The performance of the post-event restoration after an HR event is an effective measure for a resilient distribution network. In this paper, a multi-objective restoration model is presented for improving the resilience of an electricity distribution network. In the first objective function, the load shedding in the restoration process is minimized. As the second objective function, the restoration cost is minimized which contradicts the first objective function. Microgrid (MG) formation, distributed energy resources (DERs), and demand response (DR) programs are employed to create the necessary flexibility in distribution network restoration. In the proposed model, DERs include fossil-fueled generators, renewable wind-based and PV units, and energy storage system while demand response programs include transferable, curtailable, and shiftable loads. The proposed multi-objective model is solved using ɛ-constraint method and the optimal solution is selected using the fuzzy satisfying method. Finally, the proposed model was successfully examined on 37-bus and 118-bus distribution networks. Numerical results verified the efficacy of the proposed method as well.© 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).fi=vertaisarvioitu|en=peerReviewed

Serologic evidence of pertussis infection in vaccinated Iranian children

Background: It seems that the incidence of pertussis-like illnesses is considerably increasing despite the wide coverage of immunization with the whole cell pertussis vaccine. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of pertussis in vaccinated children by measuring anti-pertussis antibodies. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, blood samples were taken from vaccinated children aged 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, and 72 months. Anti-pertussis IgG and IgA were measured by ELISA. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: 725 children were enrolled in the study. Geometric mean titers for IgG that showed a slight decease after 2 months of age and increased distinctly in children aged 72 months. The frequency of the individuals whose IgG was above the determined cut-off (derived from mean+2SD) was observed in 1 of the 2, 4, and 6-month-old infants, 6 of the 12 and 18-month-olds and 12 of the 6-year -old children. Positive IgA titers were detected in 5, 9, 6, 23, 11, and 8 of children aged 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, and 72 months, respectively. Conclusion: Since a considerable percentage of children had high levels of anti-pertussis IgG antibodies (≥2 SD), positive anti-pertussis IgA, and most importantly an increased level of anti-pertussis IgG geometric mean titer at 6 years of age, further investigations regarding the protection provided by the presently used pertussis vaccine seems necessary

CLOCK 3111 T/C SNP Interacts with Emotional Eating Behavior for Weight-Loss in a Mediterranean Population

Objective: The goals of this research was (1) to analyze the role of emotional eating behavior on weight-loss progression during a 30-week weight-loss program in 1,272 individuals from a large Mediterranean population and (2) to test for interaction between CLOCK 3111 T/C SNP and emotional eating behavior on the effectiveness of the weight-loss program. Design and Methods: A total of 1,272 overweight and obese participants (BMI: 31±5 kg/m2), aged 20 to 65 years, attending outpatient weight-loss clinics were recruited for this analysis. Emotional eating behavior was assessed by the Emotional Eating Questionnaire (EEQ), a questionnaire validated for overweight and obese Spanish subjects. Anthropometric measures, dietary intake and weight-loss progression were assessed and analyzed throughout the 30-week program. Multivariate analysis and linear regression models were performed to test for gene-environment interaction. Results: Weight-loss progression during the 30-week program differed significantly according to the degree of emotional eating behavior. Participants classified as 'very emotional eaters' experienced more irregular (P = 0.007) weight-loss, with a lower rate of weight decline (−0.002 vs. −0.003, P = 11), lost significantly less weight than those C carriers with a low emotional score (<11) (P = 0.005). Conclusions: Emotional eating behavior associates with weight-loss pattern, progression and total weight-loss. Additionally, CLOCK 3111 T/C SNP interacts with emotional eating behavior to modulate total weight loss. These results suggest that the assessment of this locus and emotional eating behavior could improve the development of effective, long-tern weight-management interventions

Nutritional Biomarkers, Gene-Diet Interaction, and Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

10.1155/2016/8610501Journal of Diabetes Research2016861050

Genome-wide meta-analysis of macronutrient intake of 91,114 European ancestry participants from the cohorts for heart and aging research in genomic epidemiology consortium

Macronutrient intake, the proportion of calories consumed from carbohydrate, fat, and protein, is an important risk factor for metabolic diseases with significant familial aggregation. Previous studies have identified two genetic loci for macronutrient intake, but incomplete coverage of genetic variation and modest sample sizes have hindered the discovery of additional loci. Here, we expanded the genetic landscape of macronutrient intake, identifying 12 suggestively significant loci (P \u3c 1 × 10-6) associated with intake of any macronutrient in 91,114 European ancestry participants. Four loci replicated and reached genome-wide significance in a combined meta-analysis including 123,659 European descent participants, unraveling two novel loci; a common variant in RARB locus for carbohydrate intake and a rare variant in DRAM1 locus for protein intake, and corroborating earlier FGF21 and FTO findings. In additional analysis of 144,770 participants from the UK Biobank, all identified associations from the two-stage analysis were confirmed except for DRAM1. Identified loci might have implications in brain and adipose tissue biology and have clinical impact in obesity-related phenotypes. Our findings provide new insight into biological functions related to macronutrient intake

Molecular characteristics and zoonotic potential of enteric protists in domestic dogs and cats in Egypt

Introduction: Domestic dogs and cats can be a source of human infection by a wide diversity of zoonotic pathogens including parasites. Genotyping and subtyping tools are useful in assessing the true public health relevance of canine and feline infections by these pathogens. This study investigated the occurrence, genetic diversity, and zoonotic potential of common diarrhea-causing enteric protist parasites in household dogs and cats in Egypt, a country where this information is particularly scarce. Methods: In this prospective, cross-sectional study a total of 352 individual fecal samples were collected from dogs (n = 218) and cats (n = 134) in three Egyptian governorates (Dakahlia, Gharbeya, and Giza) during July-December 2021. Detection and identification of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Blastocystis sp. were carried out by PCR and Sanger sequencing. Basic epidemiological variables (geographical origin, sex, age, and breed) were examined for association with occurrence of infection by enteric protists. Results and discussion: The overall prevalence rates of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis were 1.8% (95% CI: 0.5-4.6) and 38.5% (95% CI: 32.0-45.3), respectively, in dogs, and 6.0% (95% CI: 2.6-11.4) and 32.1% (95% CI: 24.3-40.7), respectively, in cats. All canine and feline fecal samples analyzed tested negative for E. bieneusi and Blastocystis sp. Dogs from Giza governorate and cats from Dakahlia governorate were at higher risk of infection by Cryptosporidium spp. (p = 0.0006) and G. duodenalis (p = 0.00001), respectively. Sequence analyses identified host-adapted Cryptosporidium canis (n = 4, one of them belonging to novel subtype XXe2) and G. duodenalis assemblages C (n = 1) and D (n = 3) in dogs. In cats the zoonotic C. parvum (n = 5) was more prevalent than host-adapted C. felis (n = 1). Household dogs had a limited (but not negligible) role as source of human giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis, but the unexpected high frequency of zoonotic C. parvum in domestic cats might be a public health concern. This is the first molecular-based description of Cryptosporidium spp. infections in cats in the African continent to date. Molecular epidemiological data provided here can assist health authorities and policy makers in designing and implementing effective campaigns to minimize the transmission of enteric protists in Egypt.This study was partially funded by the Health Institute Carlos III (ISCIII), Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness under project PI19CIII/00029. This study was supported by Researchers Supporting Project number (RSPD2023R655), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaS