bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel uses of complement inhibitors in myasthenia gravis—Two case reports
Authors: Zadeh Sean , Price Hayley , Drews Reed , Bouffard Marc A. , Young Lucy H. , Narayanaswami Pushpa
Published: January 2024

Introduction/Aims

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare, life‐threatening immune‐related adverse effect (irAE) of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment. C5‐complement inhibitors are effective treatments for acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR ab) positive generalized MG. We describe the use of eculizumab/ravulizumab in two patients with MG receiving concomitant pembrolizumab.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of two medical records.

Results

Patient 1: An 80‐year‐old male with recurrent, non‐muscle invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder developed ICI‐induced AChR ab positive MG (ICI‐MG), myositis, and myocarditis 2 weeks after the first dose of pembrolizumab. Myositis responded to corticosteroids. MG responded to eculizumab, followed by ravulizumab. He died of metastatic cancer 8 months later. Patient 2: A 58‐year‐old male had refractory thymoma‐associated AChR ab‐positive MG, which responded to eculizumab. He developed metastatic Merkel cell cancer necessitating pembrolizumab. MG remained stable on eculizumab. He had no irAEs for 22 months, with positron emission tomographic resolution of cancer. He then developed mild, indolent retinal vasculitis, which responded to prednisone. Discontinuation of pembrolizumab for 5 months resulted in cancer recurrence; pembrolizumab was resumed with peri‐infusion pulse prednisone. MG remained stable and he continues eculizumab.

Discussion

In the first patient, eculizumab, followed by ravulizumab, improved ICI‐MG. In the second patient, eculizumab treatment may have had a prophylactic effect on the development of ICI‐induced irAEs. The effect of complement inhibition on cancer outcomes of ICI therapy is unknown. A possible biologic basis for complement inhibitors in reducing irAEs of ICI, especially in the presence of underlying autoimmune disease, merits evaluation.
Nurses' barriers to the pressure ulcer risk assessment scales implementation: A phenomenological study
Authors: Tomas Nestor , Mandume Annalisa M.
Published: January 2024

Aim

The aim of the study was to explore nurses' barriers to the pressure ulcer risk assessment scales implementation.

Design

A qualitative descriptive phenomenological study.

Methods

The research participants comprised of 10 nurses at various medical and surgical departments in a teaching hospital northeast of Namibia. Data were collected between August and September 2022 through in‐depth, semi‐structured face‐to‐face individual interviews and analysed using Colaizzi's 7‐step method.

Results

The interviews with nurses, led to two major themes being discovered: (1) factors hindering the effective prevention of pressure ulcers; (2) suggestions for improvements in the utilization of risk assessment scales. The participants noted that they had inadequate knowledge of the formal risk assessment scales; there were inadequate resources and insufficient staff; there were no policies or guidelines regarding the management of pressure ulcers, all of which influenced their utilization of pressure risk assessment scales. Education and training, the provision of equipment, the hiring of new staff and the formulation of policies/guidelines would thus improve the nurses’ utilization of the scales.

Conclusion

The findings of this study have uncovered three primary factors that have a detrimental impact on the utilization of risk assessment scales by nurses, that is their lack knowledge on pressure ulcer risk assessment scales; a shortage of staff and equipment; and an absence of policies/guidelines. The findings from this study provide valuable implications for guiding quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the standard of care in Namibia and other resource‐limited settings.
Community‐based care needs for adults with class III obesity before and after tertiary weight management: An exploratory study
Authors: Termaat Jillian , Piya Milan K. , McBride Kate A.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Class 3 obesity (severe obesity) is defined by a body mass index ≥40 kg/m2. Tertiary weight‐management programs (WMPs) are hospital‐based multidisciplinary services that aim to support individuals with severe obesity. Severe shortage of WMPs has led to waitlists and pressure on clinicians to discharge patients. Community obesity management often fails to support patients in maintaining weight loss/health gains. This study aimed to explore the needs of patients for community‐based obesity care.

Methods

A qualitative study was undertaken via a tertiary WMP in Sydney, Australia. Semi‐structured interviews/focus groups explored perceptions of purposively sampled patients and their clinicians on the community‐based support needs of people with severe obesity. Data were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then thematically analyzed.

Results

Eleven patients and seven clinicians were interviewed. Four themes were identified: the importance of accountability and motivation to maintain weight‐loss/health gains; limitations within community‐based obesity management for those with severe obesity; perspectives on structured community programs for patients transitioning into/out of tertiary WMPs; and impact of mental health, stigma, and social isolation on engagement with community‐based services.

Conclusions

Community‐based programs are needed to support those awaiting access to tertiary WMPs and to help maintain health gains once discharged. Such programs should address issues of social isolation and integrate with current models of tertiary metabolic and primary health care.
Strength enhancement of a flame‐retardant hybrid composite by incorporating graphene nanoparticles for structural applications
Authors: Thiyagu Chenniappan , NarendraKumar Uttamchand
Published: January 2024

Hybrid composite's flame retardancy properties play a dynamic role in structural applications. When inorganic nanomaterials form organic/inorganic nanocomposites, they exhibit superior flame‐retardant effects. Therefore, the current work investigates the combined effects of halogen‐free fire‐retardant ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and graphene (GR) nanofillers on the mechanical, and fire‐resistant behavior of hybrid composite fabricated using a vacuum bag process. Mechanical study affirmed that the concurrent incorporation of APP and GR hybrid composite improved the hardness, flexural, and tensile properties by 7%, 26%, and 16%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirms that the dispersion of 0.75 wt% GRs improved the mechanical properties by preventing crack propagation and strong binding between fiber‐matrix in the hybrid composite. The vibrational analysis reveals an improved natural frequency (NF) value was obtained with 0.75 wt% GR; further addition of GR increased the damping due to an increase in nanoparticle agglomeration. The combined effect of APP and GR decreased the hybrid composite's water uptake and porosity by 52% and 80%, respectively. The flammability study (Vertical burning) affirmed that the composite's grade score was improved from V‐1 to V‐0. Therefore, the current study emphasizes that this optimized hybrid composite can be utilized in fire‐sensitive structural applications.

Highlights

UL‐94 VB test reveals the flammability of the hybrid composite.

Examine the combined effect of APP and GR in strength and flame‐retardant properties.

GR and APP added sample shows better mechanical and flame resistance properties.

The optimized wt% of GR and APP for better results is 0.75% and 9.25%.

The prepared composite may suitable fire‐sensitive structural applications.
The role of JAK/STAT/SOCS3 signaling in rats with brain damage induced by early alcohol exposure after birth
Authors: Yang Chen , Gui Jianxiong , Huang Dishue , Ding Ran , Liu Jie , Zhao Wenjie , Yang Jing , Han Ziyao , Xie Lingling , Yang Xiaoyue , Pan Yanan , Xie Mingdan , Cheng Li , Song Xiaojie , Jiang Li
Published: January 2024

Early postnatal alcohol exposure can have negative impacts on neonatal rat brain development and function. Our research explored the impacts of alcohol exposure from postnatal day 4 to PD9 on Sprague‒Dawley rat pups. Pups were intragastrically administered with either an alcohol milk solution or a pure milk solution twice daily. On PD10, brains were analyzed via histological and biochemical methods. Alcohol exposure led to growth impairment, behavioral abnormalities, and cognitive deficits. It also reduced microglial numbers in the hippocampus while activating the remaining microglia to secrete IL‐6. In addition, alcohol induced the upregulation of pro‐apoptotic factors and downregulation of the anti‐apoptotic protein BCL‐2 in the hippocampus by activating the JAK/STAT/SOCS3 signaling pathway. Similar effects were observed in vitro when BV‐2 cells were exposed to ethanol and HT‐22 cells were exposed to IL‐6. The drug AG490, a STAT3 inhibitor, mitigated IL‐6‐induced JAK/STAT activation and neuronal apoptosis in HT‐22 cells. Overall, these findings demonstrate that early‐life alcohol exposure triggers an inflammatory microglial response involving the release of IL‐6, which activates JAK/STAT signaling, leading to hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and developmental/cognitive impairments. AG490 may disrupt this inflammatory signaling cascade and cause neuronal damage.
Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles reinforced polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan blend for optical and energy storage applications
Authors: Ramesan M. T. , Sankar S. , Kalladi Ayisha Jemshiya , Labeeba Abdulla A. C. , Bahuleyan B. K.
Published: January 2024

Biopolymer blend nanocomposite films composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS) with varying quantities of hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles were developed using a green solution casting method. The formation of blend nanocomposite was confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible (UV) spectrometer, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Mechanical parameters such as tensile strength, percentage elongation at break, hardness, dielectric constant, and temperature‐dependent alternating current (AC) conductivity were analyzed. The bonding between the nanoparticles and PVA/CS blend was verified by the shift in distinctive peaks of blend in the nanocomposites to a higher wavenumber in the FTIR spectra. The UV spectra demonstrated the difference in absorbance and transmittance of the PVA/CS blend with the reinforcement of HA nanofillers. The bandgaps of the nanocomposites marginally decreased with an increase in nanoparticle loading. The SEM and XRD patterns revealed the ordered arrangement of the blend matrix due to the presence of nanoparticles. The assessment of thermal characteristics obtained from DSC and TGA demonstrated a clear increase in phase transition temperature and thermal stability of nanocomposites. The electrical conductivity measurement indicated a rise in dielectric constant and AC conductivity of blend nanocomposites with the addition of nanoparticles. The temperature‐dependent AC conductivity showed a reduction in activation energy as temperature and nanoparticle loading increased. The tensile strength and surface hardness of the PVA/CS blend nanocomposite increased with the dosage of HA content in the blend matrix.

Highlights

A series of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/chitosan (CS)/hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocomposites were prepared by the green method

Enhanced optical property, thermal stability, and glass transition temperature

Possess excellent dielectric constant and alternating current conductivity

The inclusion of HA increased the mechanical strength of the PVA/CS blend

A potential blend nanocomposite for flexible optoelectronic and charge storage devices.
Deepening class insight through participatory lesson study: An experience with students specializing in school psychology
Authors: Pasmanik Diana , Jorquera Carolina
Published: January 2024

Class phenomena have primary significance for the diagnosis and intervention at both an individual and a whole‐class level for school psychologists. Trying to bring undergraduate psychology students closer to class and teaching, a learning experience based on an adaptation of Lesson Study, a professional development method for teachers, was designed and evaluated with a group of undergraduate psychology students attending two preparatory and consecutive courses for professional performance in educational environments. Students made participants observations of classes they attended, participated in collaborative reflection with their teachers, and issued a report. Meetings were transcribed, conforming, altogether with their written reports 12 texts, analyzed using thematic analysis. Four primary themes were generated concerning benefits, difficulties, perceived learning facilitators and this experience's contribution to professionalization. The results stress a favorable self‐perceived effect in students' comprehension of the class and the teaching, backed up by an internship experience. Additionally, content expressing empathy toward teachers and an increased perceived self‐knowledge as students was reported. Having a previous experience with the method within the first course and a part time internship in the second course, along with the profile of the second course and its emphasis on procedural content, seemed to foster these outcomes.
Experimental investigation of mechanical properties of jute/hemp fibers reinforced hybrid polyester composites
Authors: Islam Md. Zahidul , Sabir Emel Ceyhun , Syduzzaman Md.
Published: January 2024

One of the primary drawbacks associated with natural fiber reinforced composites is their relatively poor mechanical properties. One potential approach to overcome this challenge is to augment the fiber loading, thereby improving the interfacial characteristics and hybridization. In this study, hybrid polyester composite structures reinforced with jute/hemp fibers were fabricated via the hand layup process, with fiber loadings varying between 30%, 50%, and 70% by volume. Fibers were subjected to alkali solutions (NaOH) containing 3% and 5% alkali in advance of the composites' formation. The impact, flexural, and tensile characteristics of hybrid jute/hemp reinforced polyester composites were investigated via laboratory studies. The composite materials that underwent testing with a 50 vol% fiber loading and 3% NaOH exhibited the maximum tensile strength (26.6 MPa), tensile modulus (733.56 MPa), flexural strength (62.7 MPa), and flexural modulus (3.04 GPa).

Highlights

Hybrid polyester composite structures reinforced with jute/hemp fibers were fabricated.

Hand layup method used with various fiber loadings (30%, 50%, and 70% by volume).

Highest mechanical properties were obtained for 3% NaOH treatment and 50% fiber loading.
Structural responses of electrospun PVDF fibers induced by specific stretching and ensuing heating
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhang Congyan , Han Yanna , Lin Jinyou
Published: January 2024

Microstructure of electrospun fibers is often invoked to explain their properties but that is challenging to quantify properly. The electrospun PVDF fibers being rich in the β‐phase crystal due to excellent piezoelectric properties are promising energy‐harvesting materials for wearable and implantable applications. In this work, structural responses of electrospun PVDF fibers were investigated under the conditions of specific stretching at 25°C and ensuing heating from 25 to 170°C at strains of 5%, 10%, 20%, respectively, using the in situ WAXD with a thermos‐mechanical coupled equipment. In this process, the fiber morphology, and the crystal orientation, the crystal structure, the β‐phase content, as well as mechanical property of elctrospun PVDF fibers were studied. It is found that the specific stretching affects the β‐phase crystal more than ensuing heating when the heating temperature is lower than the melting temperature of the fibers. Moreover, after 20% stretching and ensuing heating to 150°C, the tensile strength of electrospun PVDF fibers membrane can rise to 12.8 MPa, which is more than three times that of the pristine fibers, which is attributed to the higher crystal orientation and β‐phase content, along with the alignment of the fibers. Therefore, structural responses of electrospun PVDF fibers induced by specific stretching and ensuing heating are propitious to explain and tailor their properties in practical applications, which also gives potential insights into other fibers.
Review on functionalized pectin films for active food packaging
Authors: Singaram Anantha Janani Vellaisamy , Guruchandran Srisowmeya , Ganesan Nandhini Devi
Published: January 2024

Owing to environmental distresses and growing demands for food safety, biopolymers have found noble applications in food packaging films as they are biodegradable, biocompatible and non‐toxic. Pectin, polysaccharide based biomass was considered a promising substrate in fabricating polymeric films because of its advantages concerning film‐forming ability, low cost, bioactivity, compatibility with other polymers with a distinctive oxygen barrier capacity, which helps in improving shelf life of commodities. Introducing active agents into the packaging films focus to prolong the shelf life and preserve the sensorial quality and safety of packaged foods devoid of contamination. Antimicrobial agents or secondary metabolites derived from plants and fungi are perceived as promising natural bio‐active agents integrated into films to prevent microbial deterioration. Pectin has been greatly utilized in active packaging films incorporated with natural additives such as essential oils, nanoparticles, free fatty acids and phenolic compounds that inhibit/retard the growth of major foodborne pathogens. The above‐mentioned functionalization of pectin films with bio‐active compounds enhanced microbial resistance and contemporarily influenced the mechanical strength and barrier properties of the film. This review is intended to focus on the background of pectin, its source and the utilization of pectin in active packaging films, and the types and method of incorporation of natural compounds. Specific emphasis has been given to the types of bioactive compounds incorporated into pectin films and their impact on the functional properties of the films. This review will benefit researchers in exploring innovative methods of incorporating bioactive compounds into pectin‐based films.
Embracing environmental sustainability consciousness as a catalyst for slow fashion adoption
Authors: Seock Yoo‐Kyoung , Shin Jeongah , Yoon Yein
Published: January 2024

Slow fashion has emerged as a response to the environmental and ethical problems of fast fashion. Despite this trend, actual purchase behavior appears to lag behind. By employing the environmental sustainability consciousness framework and the knowledge‐attitude‐behavior model, this study specifically explores the impact of environmental sustainability consciousness, including knowingness and attitude, on Generation Z and Millennial's slow fashion practices. A total of 1966 responses were analyzed using the partial least square structural equation modeling. The measurement scales were validated through confirmatory factor analysis. The hypothesized relationships were confirmed. The study sheds light on the critical link between environmental consciousness and sustainable consumption practices in fashion, which is of paramount importance given the growing environmental and ethical concerns associated with fast fashion. Furthermore, the current study aims to bridge the gap between knowing/attitude and actual purchase behavior in the context of the emerging slow fashion trend.
Generative agent‐based modeling: an introduction and tutorial
Authors: Ghaffarzadegan Navid , Majumdar Aritra , Williams Ross , Hosseinichimeh Niyousha
Published: January 2024

We discuss the emerging new opportunity for building feedback‐rich computational models of social systems using generative artificial intelligence. Referred to as generative agent‐based models (GABMs), such individual‐level models utilize large language models to represent human decision‐making in social settings. We provide a GABM case in which human behavior can be incorporated into simulation models by coupling a mechanistic model of human interactions with a pre‐trained large language model. This is achieved by introducing a simple GABM of social norm diffusion in an organization. For educational purposes, the model is intentionally kept simple. We examine a wide range of scenarios and the sensitivity of the results to several changes in the prompt. We hope the article and the model serve as a guide for building useful dynamic models of various social systems that include realistic human reasoning and decision‐making. © 2024 System Dynamics Society.
Multi‐ethnic variation in the ties that bind rumination and heart rate variability: Implications for health disparities
Authors: Pourmand Vida , Akinyemi Adebisi A. , Galeana Beatriz Lopez , Watanabe Darcianne K. , Hill LaBarron K. , Wiley Cameron R. , Brosschot Jos F. , Thayer Julian F. , Williams DeWayne P.
Published: January 2024

Higher self‐reported rumination, a common form of trait perseverative cognition, is linked with lower resting heart rate variability (HRV), which indicates poorer cardiac function and greater disease risk. A meta‐analysis and systematic review indicated that in samples with fewer European Americans, the association of rumination with both heart rate and blood pressure was stronger. Thus, trait rumination may be more strongly associated with resting HRV among ethnically minoritized populations. The current study investigated whether differences in the association of self‐reported rumination with resting HRV varied by ethnicity in a sample (N = 513; Mage = 19.41; 226 Women) of self‐identified African Americans (n = 110), Asian Americans (n = 84), and European Americans (n = 319). Participants completed a five‐minute baseline period to assess resting HRV, followed by the Ruminative Responses Scale, which contains three facets of rumination including brooding, depressive, and reflective rumination. On average, Asian Americans reported higher levels of rumination relative to European Americans. African Americans had higher resting HRV than Asian Americans. Adjusting for covariates, higher self‐reported rumination was significantly associated with lower resting HRV in both African and Asian Americans, but not significantly so in European Americans. This finding was consistent for brooding and reflective, but not depressive rumination. Overall, this study lends insight into a psychological mechanism—rumination—that may impact health disparities among ethnically minoritized individuals, contributing to an understanding of how stress gets under the skin among such minoritized populations.
Heterogenization‐Activated Zinc Telluride via Rectifying Interfacial Contact to Afford Synergistic Confinement‐Adsorption‐Catalysis for High‐Performance Lithium−Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Tian Kangdong , Wei Chuanliang , Wang Zhengran , Li Yuan , Xi Baojuan , Xiong Shenglin , Feng Jinkui
Published: January 2024

The notorious shuttle effect and sluggish conversion kinetics of intermediate polysulfides (Li2S4, Li2S6, Li2S8) are severely hindered the large‐scale development of Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Rectifying interface effect has been a solution to regulate the electron distribution of catalysts via interfacial charge exchange. Herein, a ZnTe−ZnO heterojunction encapsulated in nitrogen‐doped hierarchical porous carbon (ZnTe‐O@NC) derived from metal–organic framework is fabricated. Theoretical calculations and experiments prove that the built‐in electric field constructed at ZnTe−ZnO heterojunction via the rectifying interface contact, thus promoting the charge transfer as well as enhancing adsorption and conversion kinetics toward polysulfides, thereby stimulating the catalytic activity of the ZnTe. Meanwhile, the nitrogen‐doped hierarchical porous carbon acts as confinement substrate also enables fast electrons/ions transport, combining with ZnTe−ZnO heterojunction realize a synergistic confinement‐adsorption‐catalysis toward polysulfides. As a result, the Li–S batteries with S/ZnTe‐O@NC electrodes exhibit an impressive rate capability (639.7 mAh g−1 at 3 C) and cycling performance (70% capacity retention at 1 C over 500 cycles). Even with a high sulfur loading, it still delivers a superior electrochemical performance. This work provides a novel perspective on designing highly catalytic materials to achieve synergistic confinement‐adsorption‐catalysis for high‐performance Li−S batteries.
Sn‐Doped Nb2O5Films as Effective Hole‐Selective Passivating Contacts for Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Yu Guoqiang , Liu Can , Wang Tao , Wei Yaju , Liu Wuqi , Fu Wang , Wu Xiaoping , Lin Ping , Xu Lingbo , Cui Can , Yu Xuegong , Wang Peng
Published: January 2024

Carrier‐selective contacts (CSCs) in crystalline silicon (c‐Si) solar cells have attracted great attention due to suppressing contact region recombination and achieving higher conversion efficiency. Among transition metal oxides for CSCs, niobium oxide (Nb2O5) is considered as an attractive candidate for electron‐selective contact due to its excellent passivation properties and small conduction band offsets with c‐Si. Nevertheless, the performance of c‐Si solar cells employing Nb2O5contact layer has not been explored yet. Herein, the carrier selectivity of solution‐processed Nb2O5films is investigated for c‐Si. Interestingly, Nb2O5exhibits high electron‐blocking performance and low contact resistivities with p‐Si. The ultra‐thin SiOxinterlayer formed by UV–O3pretreatment further reduces the contact resistivities and increases minority carrier lifetime due to the improved contact interface. The Sn4+doping improves the work function of Nb2O5to induce larger upward band bending at c‐Si surface, thus enhancing the hole selectivity. As a result, p‐type c‐Si solar cells with solution‐processed Nb2O5hole‐selective contact layer have achieved the highest power conversion efficiency of 18.4%, with a high‐thermal stability superior to the typical hole transport layers. This work first demonstrates the exceptional hole selectivity of Nb2O5, which shows very promising applications in high‐efficiency c‐Si solar cells.
Revisiting complex dynamic systems theory: Empowering language teachers and teaching
Authors: Stelma Juup , Kostoulas Achilleas
Published: January 2024

This article revisits complex dynamic systems theory (CDST) and provides a new synthesis that, the authors argue, may empower language teachers. The particular focus is on the interplay between change and stability in complex dynamic systems, including language teaching and learning. The article identifies four key dynamical properties of complex dynamic systems, which reflect change, stability, and the interplay between these two. The dynamical properties are historicity, adaptiveness, nonlinearity, and emergence. The authors associate these dynamic properties with four recognisable types of activity: normative, contingent, creative, and purposeful teaching and learning. The central argument is that language teaching and learning are interconnected, and language teaching that promotes these four types of teaching and learning activity may also promote opportunities for language learning. The authors conclude with a discussion of how teachers may use this CDST perspective to reflect on three aspects of their professional context—teaching, language, and agency—and how such reflection, followed by action, may promote opportunities for language learning in their contexts.
Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract alleviates inflammation in experimental colitis mice by inhibiting NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Chu Lei , Zhang Shaoru , Wu Weidong , Gong Yuqing , Chen Zhenshi , Wen Yanting , Wang Yong , Wang Lihui
Published: January 2024

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a complex inflammatory disease of colorectum that induces abnormal immune responses and severely affects the quality of life of the patients. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) exerts anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant functions in many inflammatory diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of GSPE in UC using a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced mouse UC model and a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage model. In this study, we found that the GSPE markedly prevented DSS‐induced weight loss and colon length shortening in UC mice. Further investigations showed that GSPE significantly attenuated the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β, and elevated the expression of anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 in the colon tissues and serum of DSS‐induced colitis mice by suppressing NF‐κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, LPS‐induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells was also reversed by GSPE. Taken together, our results confirm that GSPE can ameliorate inflammatory response in experimental colitis via inhibiting NF‐κB signaling pathway. This study advances the research progress on a potentially effective therapeutic strategy for inflammatory bowel diseases.
Suppression of long noncoding RNA SNHG6 alleviates cigarette smoke‐induced lung inflammation by modulating NF‐κB signaling
Authors: Yang Junxia , Yuan Yaping , Wang Linxuan , Deng Guoping , Huang Jiaru , Liu Yuan , Gu Wenchao
Published: January 2024

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a widespread inflammatory disease with a high mortality rate. Long noncoding RNAs play important roles in pulmonary diseases and are potential targets for inflammation intervention.

Methods

The expression of small nucleolar RNA host gene 6 (SNHG6) in mouse lung epithelial cell line MLE12 with or without cigarette smoke extract (CSE) treatment was first detected using quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR. ELISA was used to evaluate the release of inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6). The binding site of miR‐182‐5p with SNHG6 was predicted by using miRanda, which was verified by double luciferase reporter assay.

Results

Here, we revealed that SNHG6 was upregulated in CS‐exposed MLE12 alveolar epithelial cells and lungs from COPD‐model mice. SNHG6 silencing weakened CS‐induced inflammation in MLE12 cells and mouse lungs. Mechanistic investigations revealed that SNHG6 could upregulate IκBα kinase through sponging the microRNA miR‐182‐5p, followed by activated NF‐κB signaling. The suppressive effects of SNHG6 silencing on CS‐induced inflammation were blocked by an miR‐182‐5p inhibitor.

Conclusion

Overall, our findings suggested that SNHG6 regulates CS‐induced inflammation in COPD by activating NF‐κB signaling, thereby offering a novel potential target for COPD treatment.
Melatonin alleviates ischemic stroke by inhibiting ferroptosis through the CYP1B1/ACSL4 pathway
Authors: Sun Yu , Jin Haiyan , He Jia , Lai Jinyu , Lin Hao , Liu Xiangyu
Published: January 2024

This study utilized middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse models and HT‐22 cell oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) models to investigate the therapeutic effects of melatonin on ischemic brain injury. In the experiments, MCAO mice were treated with 5 and 10 mg/kg doses of melatonin, and H‐T22 cells underwent OGD/R treatment and were administered different concentrations of melatonin. The results showed that melatonin significantly reduced ischemic brain area, neural damage, cerebral edema, and neuronal apoptosis in MCAO mice. In the HT‐22 cell model, melatonin also improved cell proliferation ability, reduced apoptosis, and ROS production. Further mechanistic studies found that melatonin exerts protective effects by inhibiting ferroptosis, an iron‐dependent form of regulated cell death, through regulation of the ACSL4/CYP1B1 pathway. In MCAO mice, melatonin decreased lipid peroxidation, ROS production, and ACSL4 protein expression. Overexpression of CYP1B1 increased ACSL4 ubiquitination and degradation, thereby increasing cell tolerance to ferroptosis, reducing ACSL4 protein levels, and decreasing ROS production. CYP1B1 knockdown obtained opposite results. The CYP1B1 metabolite 20‐HETE induces expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase FBXO10 by activating PKC signaling, which promotes ACSL4 degradation. In the OGD/R cell model, inhibition of CYP1B1 expression reversed the therapeutic effects of melatonin. In summary, this study demonstrates that melatonin protects the brain from ischemic injury by inhibiting ferroptosis through regulation of the ACSL4/CYP1B1 pathway, providing evidence for new therapeutic targets for ischemic brain injury.
Obesity and harmful alcohol consumption are predictors for advanced liver disease in the disease management program for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Michel Maurice , Doll Michelle , Albert Nastasia , Morgenstern Marc , Behr Andreas , Maxeiner Stefan , Labenz Christian , Galle Peter R. , Schattenberg Jörn M.
Published: January 2024

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major risk factor for advanced liver disease. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in primary care centers participating in the diabetes disease management program (DMP) in Germany.

Methods

A total of 175 participants with the diagnosis of T2DM were enrolled in two primary care centers. Steatotic liver disease (SLD; hepatic steatosis, ≥275 dB/m), fibrosis (≥8 kPa), and cirrhosis (≥15 kPa) were assessed non‐invasively using vibration‐controlled transient elastography. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify clinical predictors of fibrosis and cirrhosis. The AUDIT questionnaire was used to screen for alcohol consumption, and a score ≥8 was considered harmful alcohol consumption.

Results

The majority of participants were male (62%), and the median age was 66 years (interquartile range 59; 71). The median body mass index was 31.1 kg/m2, with 58.9% of the participants being obese. Harmful alcohol consumption was prevalent in 8.0% and 20.0% of the entire cohort and in those with cirrhosis, respectively. The prevalence of SLD, fibrosis, and cirrhosis was 77.1%, 42.3%, and 12.0%, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, obesity, and harmful alcohol consumption were associated with the highest odds of fibrosis (odds ratio [OR] 5.198, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.269–11.908) and cirrhosis (OR 5.615, 95% CI 1.274–24.756), respectively.

Conclusion

The prevalence of fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients seen in the diabetes DMP in Germany is high. Obesity and harmful alcohol consumption increase the risk of fibrosis and cirrhosis in people with T2DM. Screening for advanced liver disease and associated risk factors within the DMP program may reduce the liver disease burden in this high‐risk population.
Fetal cardiovascular changes during open and fetoscopic in‐utero spina bifida closure
Authors: Backley S. , Bergh E. P. , Garnett J. , Li R. , Maroufy V. , Jain R. , Fletcher S. , Tsao K. , Austin M. , Johnson A. , Papanna R.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Fetoscopic closure of spina bifida using heated and humidified carbon dioxide gas (hhCO2) has been associated with lower maternal morbidity compared with open closure. Fetal cardiovascular changes during these surgical interventions are poorly defined. Our objective was to compare fetal bradycardia (defined as fetal heart rate (FHR) < 110 bpm for 10 min) and changes in umbilical artery (UA) Doppler parameters during open vs fetoscopic closure.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of 22 open and 46 fetoscopic consecutive in‐utero closures conducted between 2019 and 2023. Both cohorts had similar preoperative counseling and clinical management. FHR and UA Doppler velocimetry were obtained systematically during preoperative assessment, every 5 min during the intraoperative period, and during the postoperative assessment. FHR, UA pulsatility index (PI) and UA end‐diastolic flow (EDF) were segmented into hourly periods during surgery, and the lowest values were averaged for analysis. Umbilical vein maximum velocity was measured in the fetoscopic cohort. At each timepoint at which FHR was recorded, maternal heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured.

Results

Fetal bradycardia occurred in 4/22 (18.2%) cases of open closure and 21/46 (45.7%) cases of fetoscopic closure (P = 0.03). FHR decreased gradually in both cohorts after administration of general anesthesia and decreased further during surgery. FHR was significantly lower during hour 2 of surgery in the fetoscopic‐repair cohort compared with the open‐repair cohort. The change in FHR from baseline in the final stage of fetal surgery was significantly more pronounced in the fetoscopic‐repair cohort compared with the open‐repair cohort (mean, −32.4 (95% CI, −35.7 to −29.1) bpm vs −23.5 (95% CI, −28.1 to −18.8) bpm; P = 0.002). Abnormal UA‐EDF (defined as absent or reversed EDF) occurred in 3/22 (13.6%) cases in the open‐repair cohort and 23/46 (50.0%) cases in the fetoscopic‐repair cohort (P = 0.004). There were no differences in UA‐EDF or UA‐PI between closure techniques at the individual stages of assessment.

Conclusions

We observed a decrease in FHR and abnormalities in UA Doppler parameters during both open and fetoscopic spina bifida closure. Fetal bradycardia was more prominent during fetoscopic closure following hhCO2 insufflation, but FHR recovered after cessation of hhCO2. Changes in FHR and UA Doppler parameters during in‐utero spina bifida closure were transient, no cases required emergency delivery and no fetoscopic closure was converted to open closure. These observations should inform algorithms for the perioperative management of fetal bradycardia associated with in‐utero spina bifida closure. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Super‐resolution ultrasound localization microscopy for the non‐invasive imaging of human testicular microcirculation and its differential diagnosis role in male infertility
Authors: Li Maoyao , Chen Lei , Yan Jipeng , Jayasena Channa Nalin , Liu Zhangshun , Li Jia , Li Ao , Zhu Jiang , Wang Ronghui , Li Jianchun , Zhang Chaoxue , Guo Jingyi , Zhao Yuwu , Feng Chao , Tang Mengxing , Zheng Yuanyi
Published: January 2024

Testicular microcirculation is closely related to spermatogenic function and seminiferous tubular function. The diagnosis and monitoring of testicular diseases can be associated with testicular microcirculation; however, there are currently no effective non‐invasive methods for super‐resolution imaging of testicular microcirculation. In this study, we introduced state‐of‐the‐art graph‐based tracking with the Kalman motion model algorithm to non‐invasively image human testicular microcirculation for the first time with a regular frame‐rate clinical ultrasound imaging system (37 Hz). Two distinct testicular vessels with an 81 µm separation were resolved in the testicular vasculature, surpassing all other imaging modalities. In a retrospective study, we performed contrast‐enhanced ultrasound examinations(CEUS) and ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM) processing on the included 76 infertile patients and 15 healthy controls from August 2021 to May 2023 and obtained super‐resolution images of testicular microcirculation with sub‐diffraction resolution. Through the results of one‐way analysis of variance tests and receiver operating characteristic analyses, we found that the ULM‐based parameters hold promise as clinical guidance for differentiating between non‐obstructive and obstructive male infertility. The mean vessel diameter achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.920 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.847–0.994, p < .001) with a cut‐off value of 170.9 µm in oligoasthenospermia, and an AUC of 0.952 (95% CI: 0.875–1.000, p < .001) with a cut‐off value of 169.9 µm in azoospermia patients, respectively, addressing a significant clinical challenge.
IPC‐based robust disturbance accommodating control for load mitigation and speed regulation of wind turbines
Authors: Kipchirchir Edwin , Söffker Dirk
Published: January 2024

Over the past few decades, global demand for renewable energy has been rising steadily. To meet this demand, there has been an exponential growth in size of wind turbines (WTs) to capture more energy from wind. Consequent increase in weight and flexibility of WT components has led to increased structural loading, affecting reliability of these wind energy conversion systems. Spatio‐temporal variation of rotor effective wind field acts as a disturbance to a WT system, hence, necessitating controllers that can cancel this disturbance. Additionally, assumptions made in extracting linear models for controller design lead to modeling errors resulting from changing operating conditions. Previous attempts have proposed robust controllers incorporating wind disturbance models. However, these controllers have been evaluated on smaller WTs, which experience lower structural loading than larger ones. Additionally, a majority these controllers are based on collective pitch control (CPC), hence do not address loading in the blades. To address these challenges, this contribution proposes an independent pitch‐based robust disturbance accommodating controller (IPC‐RDAC) for reducing structural loads and regulating generator speed in utility‐scale WTs. The proposed controller is designed using
‐synthesis approach and is evaluated on the 5 MW National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) reference WT. Its performance is evaluated against a gain‐scheduled proportional integral (GSPI)‐based reference open‐source controller (ROSCO) and a CPC‐based RDAC (CPC‐RDAC) controller, developed previously by the authors. Simulation results for various wind conditions show that the proposed controller offers improved performance in blade and tower load mitigation, as well a generator speed regulation.
Response surface methodology optimization of the effect of pH, contact time, and microbial concentration on chemical oxygen removal potential of vegetable oil industrial effluents
Authors: Onadeji Abiodun , Sani Badruddeen Saulawa , Abubakar Umar Alfa
Published: January 2024

The vegetable oil refinery industry generates highly polluted effluents during oil production, necessitating proper treatment before discharge to prevent environmental hazards. Treating such wastewater has become a major environmental concern in developing countries. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a key parameter in assessing the wastewater's organic pollutant load. High COD levels can lead to reduced dissolved oxygen in water bodies, negatively affecting aquatic life. Various technologies have been employed to treat oily wastewater, but microbial degradation has gained attention due to its potential to remove organic pollutants efficiently. This study aims to optimize the biodegradation treatment process for vegetable oil industrial effluent using response surface methodology (RSM). The wastewater's physicochemical properties were characterized to achieve this, and COD removal was analyzed. Furthermore, RSM was used to investigate the combined effects of pH, contact duration, and microbial concentration on COD removal efficiency. The result showed that the microbial strain used recorded a maximum COD removal of 92%. Furthermore, a quadratic model was developed to predict COD removal based on the experimental variables. From the analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis, the model was found to be significant at p < 0.0004 and accurately predicted COD removal rates within the experimental region, with an R2 value of 90.99% and adjusted R2 value of 82.89%. Contour plots and statistical analysis revealed the importance of contact duration and microbial concentration on COD removal.

Practitioner Points

Response surface methodology (RSM) optimization achieved a significant chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 92% in vegetable oil industrial effluents.

The study's success in optimizing COD removal using RSM highlights the potential for efficient and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment.

Practitioners can benefit from the identified factors (pH, contact time, and microbial concentration) to enhance the operation of treatment systems.

The developed predictive model offers a practical tool for plant operators and engineers to tailor wastewater treatment processes.

This research underscores the importance of sustainable practices in wastewater treatment, emphasizing the role of microbial degradation in addressing organic pollutant loads.
Optimally-Fair Multi-party Exchange Without Trusted Parties
Authors: Maffei Ivo , Roscoe A. W.
Published: January 2024

We present a multi-party exchange protocol that achieves optimal partial fairness even in the presence of a dishonest majority. We demonstrate how this protocol can be applied to any type of multi-party exchange scenario where the network topology is complete. When combined with standard secure multi-party computation techniques, our protocol enables SMPC with partial fairness when a dishonest majority is involved. Fairness optimality is proven in an abstract model which applies to all protocols based on the concept of concealing the point when the secrets are exchanged. Our protocol improves known results via the use of timed-release encryption and commutative blinding.
Perturbative effective field theory expansions for cosmological phase transitions
Authors: Gould Oliver , Tenkanen Tuomas V. I.
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Guided by previous non-perturbative lattice simulations of a two-step electroweak phase transition, we reformulate the perturbative analysis of equilibrium thermodynamics for generic cosmological phase transitions in terms of effective field theory (EFT) expansions. Based on thermal scale hierarchies, we argue that the scale of many interesting phase transitions is in-between the soft and ultrasoft energy scales, which have been the focus of studies utilising high-temperature dimensional reduction. The corresponding EFT expansions provide a handle to control the perturbative expansion, and allow us to avoid spurious infrared divergences, imaginary parts, gauge dependence and renormalisation scale dependence that have plagued previous studies. As a direct application, we present a novel approach to two-step electroweak phase transitions, by constructing separate effective descriptions for two consecutive transitions. Our approach provides simple expressions for effective potentials separately in different phases, a numerically inexpensive method to determine thermodynamics, and significantly improves agreement with the non-perturbative lattice simulations.
Bootstrapping bulk locality. Part I: Sum rules for AdS form factors
Authors: Levine Nat , Paulos Miguel F.
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The problem of constructing local bulk observables from boundary CFT data is of paramount importance in holography. In this work, we begin addressing this question from a modern bootstrap perspective. Our main tool is the boundary operator expansion (BOE), which holds for any QFT in AdS. Following Kabat and Lifschytz, we argue that the BOE is strongly constrained by demanding locality of correlators involving bulk fields. Focusing on ‘AdS form factors’ of one bulk and two boundary insertions, we reformulate these locality constraints as a complete set of sum rules on the BOE data. We show that these sum rules lead to a manifestly local representation of form factors in terms of ‘local blocks’. The sum rules are valid non-perturbatively, but are especially well-adapted for perturbative computations in AdS where they allow us to bootstrap the BOE data in a systematic fashion. Finally, in the flat space limit, we show that the AdS form factor reduces to an ordinary QFT form factor. We provide a phase shift formula for it in terms of the BOE and CFT data. In two dimensions, this formula makes manifest Watson’s equations for integrable form factors under certain extremality assumptions on the CFT. We discuss the eventual modifications of our formalism to account for dressed operators in AdS.