L. Bertran, C. Aguilar, T. Auguet and C. Richart, “Unraveling the Lack of Correlation between RBP4 and MASLD: Insights from Gene Expression and Serum Level Analysis,” Trans. Appl. Sci. Eng. Technol., vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 1-6, 2025.

Although previous evidence supports the involvement of retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), there are conflicting reports. Our aim was to evaluate the role of RBP4 in MASLD among a homogeneous cohort of women with morbid obesity (MO). We recruited 180 women with MO, including 40 with normal liver (NL), 40 with simple steatosis (SS), and 100 with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Serum levels of RBP4 were analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RBP4 hepatic mRNA expression was evaluated by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In this sense, we did not report significant differences in RBP4 circulating levels between hepatic histological groups. However, analyzing RBP4 hepatic mRNA expression, we observed decreased expression of RBP4 in MASH subjects compared to those with NL or SS. To conclude, in a homogeneous and sizeable cohort of women with MO and MASLD, our findings limit, contrary to previous proposals, the key role of RBP4 in relation to MASLD and MASH pathogenesis. Therefore, new studies are necessary in other study groups to validate the absence of this correlation.

A. Srivatsa, Kavya A.P., F. Fareesha, Lekhana G., Gowthami V. and Chandanashree Y.K., “Prototype for Stress-Based Viral Fever Prediction,” Trans. Appl. Sci. Eng. Technol., vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 1-12, 2025.

This paper presents the development of a prototype device for predicting viral fever by monitoring stress levels through cortisol detection. Research indicates a negative correlation between the immune system’s strength and prolonged high stress levels. As stress increases, the immune system weakens, making individuals more susceptible to viral fevers and infections. The primary goal of this study is to design a device that tracks stress levels by measuring cortisol, a neuroendocrine hormone released during stress. Our approach utilizes a synthetic form of cortisol to construct the prototype, employing infrared (IR) sensing technology with IR LEDs and photodiodes to detect cortisol levels. This innovative device aims to provide an early warning system for viral infections by continuously monitoring and analyzing stress-induced hormonal changes.