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This review article focuses on the potential of cobalt oxide composites with conducting polymers, particularly polypyrrole (PPy) and polyaniline (PANI), as advanced electrode materials for supercapacitors, batteries, and supercapatteries. Cobalt oxide, known for its high theoretical capacitance, is limited by poor conductivity and structural degradation during cycling. However, the integration of PPy and PANI has been proven to enhance the electrochemical performance through improved conductivity, increased pseudocapacitive effects, and enhanced structural integrity. This synergistic combination facilitates efficient charge transport and ion diffusion, resulting in improved cycling stability and energy storage capacity. Despite significant progress in synthesis techniques and composite design, challenges such as maintaining structural stability during prolonged cycling and scalability for mass production remain. This review highlights the synthesis methods, latest advancements, and electrochemical performance in cobalt oxide/PPy and cobalt oxide/PANI composites, emphasizing their potential to contribute to the development of next-generation energy storage devices. Further exploration into their application, especially in battery systems, is necessary to fully harness their capabilities and meet the increasing demands of energy storage technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyano-functionalized graphitic nanoplatelets (CyGNs) are synthesized by means of a mechanochemical reaction between graphite and acrylonitrile. The resulting CyGNs exhibit excellent mechanical properties and are highly dispersible in various solvents (i.e., THF). Due to their chemical compatibility (specifically, cyano functional groups), the CyGNs serve effectively as a reinforcing filler for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin. Consequently, compared to pure ABS, CyGN&ABS-X demonstrates improved mechanical properties and better thermal stability. Notably, the CyGN&ABS-1 specimen exhibits significant enhancements in the tensile strength (26 ± 1 MPa), Young's modulus (992 ± 71 MPa), and tensile toughness (22 ± 3 MPa), representing increases of approximately 130.6%, 19.2%, and 59.6%, respectively, over pure ABS. This underscores the ability of a mechanochemical reaction to directly modify the functional groups of graphitic nanoplatelets (GnPs) as fillers, facilitating their strong compatibility with a variety of polymers, including copolymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) are emerging as promising next-generation batteries for electric vehicles owing to their high energy densities and safety features. However, challenges such as inadequate material percolation and low cathode utilization often hinder their potential. This paper presents a core–shell approach to optimize the cathode active material (CAM) utilization. The resultant CAM composite showed high ionic conductivity, a highly dense microstructure with <10% porosity, and minimal stack pressure changes during electrochemical cycling. The maximum CAM utilization was achieved while effectively mitigating electrochemo-mechanical side reactions by applying a uniformly coated Li6PS5Cl solid electrolyte layer (≈500 nm) and a LiNbO3 buffer layer (≈10 nm) onto LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 particles (LPSCl@LNO@NMC). The engineered LPSCl@LNO@NMC composites, which incorporated a 5 wt% LPSCl coating on LNO@NMC powders, exhibited a dense microstructure that enhanced the mechanical stability at the cathode. Sulfide-based solid electrolyte (SSE)/SSE contact provided better ionic pathways within the composite and increased CAM utilization. Thus, an enhanced reversible capacity (197 mA h g−1) and exceptional high-rate cycling performance (86.3% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 2C) were observed. These findings pave the way for the advancement and commercialization of high-performance ASSLBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocular strabismus, a common condition in the present generation is an absolute risk factor for amblyopia and blinding premorbid visual loss. Despite the availability of new optometry tools with eye-tracking data, the issues persist in attaining accuracy and reliability in diagnosing strabismus. These two concerns are specifically accommodated in this study by the proposed novel approach that involves CNNs with eye-tracking datasets from subjects. The presented work aims to improve the accuracy of diagnostics in ophthalmology utilizing the integration of the further proposed algorithms into an automatic strabismus detection system. For this purpose, the proposed FedCNN model combines the CNN with eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and uses the Gaze deviation (GaDe) images to capture dynamic eye movements. This method tries to make the feature extraction as accurate as possible in its best working state to enhance the diagnosis precision. The model proves to be accurate, reaching 95.2%, which is even more prominent because of the more or less detailed connection layer of the CNN, which is used for the selection of features designated for such tasks of strabismus recognition. The presented method has the potential of shifting the approach to diagnosing diseases of the eyes in more or less half of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mpox is an infectious and contagious zoonotic disease caused by the mpox virus (MPXV), which belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus. Since 2022, MPXV has posed a significant threat to global public health. The emergence of thousands of cases across the Western Hemisphere prompted the World Health Organization to declare an emergency. The extensive coevolutionary history of poxviruses with humans has enabled these viruses to develop sophisticated mechanisms to counter the human immune system. Specifically, MPXV employs unique immune evasion strategies against a wide range of immunological elements, presenting a considerable challenge for treatment, especially following the discontinuation of routine smallpox vaccination among the general population. In this review, we start by discussing the entry of the mpox virus and the onset of early infection, followed by an introduction to the mechanisms by which the mpox virus can evade the innate and adaptive immune responses. Two caspase-1 inhibitory proteins and a PKR escape-related protein have been identified as phylogenomic hubs involved in modulating the immune environment during the MPXV infection. With respect to adaptive immunity, mpox viruses exhibit unique and exceptional T-cell inhibition capabilities, thereby comprehensively remodeling the host immune environment. The viral envelope also poses challenges for the neutralizing effects of antibodies and the complement system. The unique immune evasion mechanisms employed by MPXV make novel multi-epitope and nucleic acid-based vaccines highly promising research directions worth investigating. Finally, we briefly discuss the impact of MPXV infection on immunosuppressed patients and the current status of MPXV vaccine development. This review may provide valuable information for the development of new immunological treatments for mpox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid whose numerous regulatory functions have been identified in animal organisms. More and more research indicate that in plants, this molecule is also involved in controlling basic growth and development processes. As recent studies have shown, GABA plays an essential role in triggering plant resistance to unfavorable environmental factors, which is particularly important in the era of changing climate. The main sources of GABA in plant cells are glutamic acid, converted in the GABA shunt pathway, and polyamines subjected to oxidative degradation. The action of GABA is often related to the activity of other messengers, including phytohormones, polyamines, NO, H2O2, or melatonin. GABA can function as an upstream or downstream element in the signaling pathways of other regulators, acting synergistically or antagonistically with them to control cellular processes. Understanding the role of GABA and its interactions with other signaling molecules may be important for developing crop varieties with characteristics that enable adaptation to a changing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of cloud-, edge-, and Internet of Things (IoT)-based applications that produce sensitive and personal data has rapidly increased in recent years. The IoT is a new model that integrates physical objects and the Internet and has become one of the principal technological evolutions of computing. Cloud computing is a paradigm for centralized computing that gathers resources in one place and makes them available to consumers via the Internet. Despite the vast array of resources that cloud computing offers, real-time mobile applications might not find it acceptable because it is typically located far from users. However, in applications where low latency and high dependability are required, edge computing—which disperses resources to the network edge—is becoming more and more popular. Though it has less processing power than traditional cloud computing, edge computing offers resources in a decentralized way that can react to customers' needs more quickly. There has been a sharp increase in attackers stealing data from these applications since the data is so sensitive. Thus, a powerful Intrusion Detection System (IDS) that can identify intruders is required. IDS are essential for the cybersecurity of the IoT, cloud, and edge architectures. Investigators have mostly embraced the use of deep learning algorithms as a means of protecting the IoT environment. However, these techniques have some issues with computational complexity, long processing times, and poor precision. Feature selection approaches can be utilized to overcome these problems. Optimization methods, including bio-inspired algorithms, are applied as feature selection approaches to enhance the classification accuracy of IDS systems. Based on the cited sources, it appears that no study has looked into these difficulties in depth. This research thoroughly analyzes the current literature on intrusion detection and using nature-inspired algorithms to safeguard IoT and cloud/edge settings. This article examines pertinent analyses and surveys on the aforementioned subjects, dangers, and outlooks. It also examines many frequently used algorithms in the development of IDSs used in IoT security. The findings demonstrate their efficiency in addressing IoT and cloud/edge ecosystem security issues. Moreover, it has been shown that the methods put out in the literature might improve IDS security and dependability in terms of precision and execution speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formaldehyde (HCHO), which is one of the common pollutants in indoor environment and industrial processes, can cause adverse effects on human health. The thermal catalytic oxidation technology is regarded as the most promising approach due to its easy handling and environmental friendliness. This article reviews the current status of the catalytic oxidation of HCHO over noble metal and transition metal oxide catalysts. The general feature and the reaction mechanism of the catalytic oxidation of HCHO are summarized first. Based on the discussion of the reaction mechanism, the influence of some factors (catalyst preparation process, catalyst support, promoter and morphology) on the activity of the catalyst have been addressed. The structure of the catalysts has been elucidated and correlated with the reaction mechanism as well as the catalytic performance. Finally, the perspectives for the catalytic oxidation of HCHO in future research are presented. Hopefully, this review can shed light on the design of more active catalysts for HCHO oxidation to realize their practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious disease epidemics have played a crucial role in shaping public health responses, particularly in global health crises. This study emerges as part of the efforts to prepare effective responses to potential future pandemics, leveraging lessons learned during the COVID-19 crisis. The research uses an adapted compartmental epidemiological model and a synthetic multi-agent community to investigate how social variables influence epidemic forecasts in socioeconomically vulnerable regions. Focusing on the simulation of epidemic dynamics in the socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhood of Ilha Joana Bezerra in Recife, this study examines the impacts of social distancing strategies and other control measures, such as face masks and moderate social isolation. Through the adapted SEPAI3R3O model, which includes compartments for pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic states, this study provides a detailed analysis of disease dynamics in contexts characterised by high social vulnerability. The results underscore the importance of public health policies adapted to socio-economic factors, emphasising the need for continuous preparedness to manage future epidemic threats in vulnerable communities effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of modern scientific literature on the electric double layer capacitors based on the recharging of the electric double layer is presented. The electric double layer capacitors are used in pulse technology devices, as electric energy storage devices, for starter firing, for the recuperating of the braking energy of internal combustion engines, for smoothing peak loads in electric networks, and in various portable devices. The electric double layer capacitors are subdivided into the power electric double layer capacitors and the energy ones. The power (pulse) electric double layer capacitors have a high specific power (up to hundreds of kW/kg), whereas the energy electric double layer capacitors have a high specific energy (~25 W h/kg and higher). Compared to batteries, the power electric double layer capacitors have a much higher power density and better cyclability—up to hundreds of thousands and millions of cycles. Publications on the electric double layer capacitors' self-discharge are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gastrointestinal microbiota are important for human health. Dietary intake may modulate the composition and metabolic function of the gut microbiome. We examined how the breakdown of prebiotic dietary fibers by the gut microbiome affects mucin secretion by intestinal epithelial cells. Metagenomic analyses of in vitro gut microbiome consortia revealed taxonomic profiles and genetic diversity of carbohydrate-active enzymes that digest polysaccharides. Two independent consortia exhibited different abilities to produce acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid via the fermentation of polysaccharides derived from dietary fibers of grains and mushrooms. Although acetic acid generally had the highest concentration, the ratios of butyric acid and propionic acid to acetic acid varied depending on the polysaccharide source. These short-chain fatty acids affected morphological differentiation and mucin secretion in HT-29 human intestinal epithelial cells. These results suggest that prebiotic dietary fibers can be digested and metabolized by the gut microbiome to short-chain fatty acids, which can affect gut epithelial cells both directly and indirectly via the modulation of the gut microbiota and their enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since polymyxin B has a restricted therapeutic range and increased danger of both neurological damage and kidney damage, it is no longer the first choice for treating emerging gram-negative bacteria with multiple antibiotic resistance. The optimal dose schedule for patients with renal impairment regarding polymyxin B, it is provided as a chemically active formulation and primarily removed via methods other than kidney, is still up for debate. Similar to colistin, polymyxin-B effectively combats gram-negative aerobic bacterium that is resistant to several drugs such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli that produces carbapenemase, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. As a result, polymyxins cause cell apoptosis by inducing pan-caspase activation through many routes in a manner that is dependent on time and concentration. One of the most frequent and undesirable side effects of polymyxins is the development of AKI. A great deal of pharmacokinetic studies that have been published to far concur that creatinine clearance affects polymyxin B clearance; nevertheless, there is ongoing debate on the extent of this influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a uniqueness theorem obtained by using direct calculation. This theorem is applicable to stability problems of functional equations whose solutions are monomial or generalized polynomial mappings of degree n. The advantage of this uniqueness theorem is that it simplifies the proof by eliminating the need to repeatedly and cumbersomely prove uniqueness in stability studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthetic peptide of lumican C-terminal 13 amino acids with the cysteine replaced by an alanine, hereafter referred to as lumikine (LumC13C-A: YEALRVANEVTLN), binds to TGFβ type I receptor/activin-like kinase5 (TBR1/ALK5) in the activated TGFβ receptor complex to promote corneal epithelial wound healing. The present study aimed to identify the minimum essential amino acid epitope necessary to exert the effects of lumikine via ALK5 and to determine the role of the Y (tyrosine) residue for promoting corneal epithelium wound healing. This study also aimed to determine the signaling pathway(s) triggered by lumican–ALK5 binding. For such, adult Lum knockout (Lum−/−) mice (~8–12 weeks old) were subjected to corneal epithelium debridement using an Agerbrush®. The injured eyes were treated with 10 µL eye drops containing 0.3 µM synthetic peptides designed based on the C-terminal region of lumican for 5–6 h. To unveil the downstream signaling pathways involved, inhibitors of the Alk5 and EGFR signaling pathways were co-administered or not. Corneas isolated from the experimental mice were subjected to whole-mount staining and imaged under a ZEISS Observer to determine the distance of epithelium migration. The expression of EGFR ligands was determined following a scratch assay with HTCE (human telomerase-immortalized cornea epithelial cells) in the presence or not of lumikine. Results indicated that shorter LumC-terminal peptides containing EVTLN and substitution of Y with F in lumikine abolishes its capability to promote epithelium migration indicating that Y and EVTLN are essential but insufficient for Lum activity. Lumikine activity is blocked by inhibitors of Alk5, EGFR, and MAPK signaling pathways, while EGF activity is only suppressed by EGFR and MAPK inhibitors. qRT-PCR of scratched HTCE cells cultures treated with lumikine showed upregulated expression of several EGFR ligands including epiregulin (EREG). Treatment with anti-EREG antibodies abolished the effects of lumikine in corneal epithelium debridement healing. The observations suggest that Lum/lumikine binds Alk5 and promotes the noncanonical Smad-independent TGFβ/TBRs signaling pathways during the healing of corneal epithelium debridement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human angiostrongyliasis, caused by consuming the larva stage of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is an infectious disease involving the central nervous system (CNS) and ophthalmic system. Current treatment of angiostrongyliasis involves albendazole accompanied by analgesics and corticosteroids. However, long-term use of corticosteroids may lead to significant adverse effects. In the current study, we screened through different potentially effective flavonoid compounds and identified quercetin as an effective anti-inflammatory agent in an angiostrongyliasis mouse model. Our results identified that quercetin may reverse the neurological defects in mice with angiostrongyliasis. The brain pathology and inflammatory status were also improved by albendazole-quercetin co-therapy. Further analysis showed that albendazole-quercetin co-therapy had a better therapeutic effect than albendazole or quercetin monotherapy. This therapeutic effect was achieved by inhibiting the brain inflammasome activation and apoptosis. Albendazole-quercetin co-therapy also leads to the inhibition of brain IL-5, possibly leading to improved pathology. Our results here proved that quercetin may serve as a potential adjuvant drug in treating human angiostrongyliasis. Author summary: Human infection following accidental consumption of Angiostrongylus cantonensis can cause eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. Albendazole is the drug of choice for treatment, followed by continuous use of analgesics and corticosteroids, which may have safety concerns. On the other hand, flavonoids are derived from natural plants and have been shown to improve cognitive function by inhibiting the central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. However, the effect of flavonoids combined with albendazole in treating angiostrongyliasis is still unclear. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of flavonoids in combination with albendazole for A. cantonensis infection. Our results found that quercetin exhibited the most significant therapeutic effect with albendazole, by which the combined regimen improved the brain histopathology and recovered the mice's neurological functions. This combined therapy also reduces inflammasome activation, pyroptosis, apoptosis, and immune imbalance in the infected mouse brains. Our current study indicated that quercetin possessed the potential as an anti-inflammatory drug and may be helpful in the treatment of A. cantonensis-induced meningoencephalitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer, are essential for generating genetically edited monkeys. Despite their importance, ARTs face challenges in recipient selection in terms of time and the number of animals required. The potential of superovulated monkeys, commonly used as oocyte donors, to serve as surrogate mothers, remains underexplored. The study aimed to compare the efficacy of superovulated and uterine-embryo synchronized recipients of embryo transfer in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). Methods: This study involved 23 cynomolgus monkeys divided into two groups-12 superovulated recipients and 11 synchronized recipients. The evaluation criteria included measuring endometrial thickness on the day of embryo transfer and calculating pregnancy and implantation rates to compare outcomes between groups. Results: The study found no statistically significant differences in endometrial thickness (superovulated: 4.48 ± 1.36 mm, synchronized: 5.15 ± 1.58 mm), pregnancy rates (superovulated: 30.8%, synchronized: 41.7%), and implantation rates (superovulated: 14.3%, synchronized: 21.9%) between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The observations indicate that superovulated recipients are as effective as synchronized recipients for embryo transfer in cynomolgus monkeys. This suggests that superovulated recipients can serve as viable options, offering an efficient and practical approach to facilitate the generation of gene-edited models in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Next-generation energy storage systems rely heavily on the capability of fast charging as they allow electronic devices to be charged within a remarkably brief period. The practical applications of fastcharging technology are severely hindered by unsatisfactory electrochemical performance, e.g., low specific capacity, low areal capacity, low coulombic efficiency, and very limited life span, resulting in a fast-discharging process. This comprehensive review provides a concise overview of the obstacles faced and thereby the recent advancements made in the realm of fast-charging all-solid-state lithium batteries. Firstly, it explains the inherent challenges of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) and conventional ASSLB design that impede fast-charging capabilities. Based on these challenges, the specifications and strategies for optimizing the SSEs, electrodes, and electrode/SSE interfaces are discussed to achieve the fast-charging phenomenon in ASSLBs. To give readers a better understanding of ASSLBs under fast-charging capabilities, a comprehensive conclusion and novel points of view are included in the prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Telehealth has emerged as a vital alternative to traditional healthcare delivery, particularly for rural and underserved populations. While efforts to enhance telehealth accessibility have primarily focused on technological solutions, the effectiveness of its telehealth and the role of physician training in bridging racial and ethnic disparities in telehealth usage remains underexplored. This study evaluates the impact of a trained-physician-delivered, age-friendly telehealth model on healthcare accessibility and outcomes. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 214 older patients (60+) at an urban primary care facility in Nevada, USA. Patients received telehealth services from either trained or non-trained physicians, with the trained group utilizing a 4M-based telehealth model focusing on Medication, Mentation, Mobility, and What Matters. Results: Findings revealed lower exposure to both general and 4M-based telehealth among Hispanic and Asian patients compared to their white counterparts. Telehealth usage did not significantly reduce hospital or emergency department visits overall. However, certain types of 4M-based telehealth, such as What Matters and Medications, reduced hospital and ED visits. Implications: The development and implementation of telehealth education curricula for healthcare providers could make telehealth more accessible to minority patients, potentially reducing unnecessary emergency department visits and addressing disparities in telehealth access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Progress in Modern Biomedicine is the property of Publishing House of Progress in Modern Biomedicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Microvascular angina (MVA) is the most common cause of cardiac ischemic chest pain in patients without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and lacks of effective treatment means. Medicine food homology (MFH) involves substances with both nutritional and medicinal qualities that have the potential to improve MVA symptoms as medicines, dietary supplements. However, research on MFH formula (MFHF) for MVA is not available. The study aims to generate a core MFHF for MVA through data mining and offer scientific backing for the utilization of edible medications in the prevention and alleviation of MVA. 11 databases were utilized to construct a database of MFH drugs, and the MFHF was generated through frequency analysis, association rule analysis, and clustering analysis. The composition of the formula is Codonopsis Radix, Astragali Radix, Platycodonis Radix, Persicae Semen, Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, and Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus. Through network pharmacology and molecular docking, we identified five major active components of MFHF: Adenosine, Nonanoic Acid, Lauric Acid, Caprylic Acid, and Enanthic Acid, along with nine core targets (NFKB1, ALB, AKT1, ACTB, TNF, IL6, ESR1, CASP3, and PTGS) for the improvement of MVA. These 5 active components have various biological activities, such as reducing oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, analgesia effect, inhibiting platelet aggregation, vasodilatation, vascular endothelial protection, and cardio-protection. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that MFHF mainly acted on the response to xenobiotic stimulus, integrative component of the plasma membrane, RNA polymerase II transcription factor activity, ligand-activated sequence-specific DNA binding, pathways in cancer, lipid and atherosclerosis, human cytomegalovirus infection, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, which are the main pathogenesis of MVA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum dots (QDs) are widely used in optoelectronics owing to their fascinating luminescent properties, high stability, and structural characteristics, especially in electroluminescent light-emitting diodes (EL-LEDs). In this review, we introduce the structures, fabrication methods, and optical properties of QDs, including traditional QDs (TQDs), perovskite QDs (PQDs), and carbon dots (CDs). In addition, an overview of recent research and development of QDs used in EL-LEDs is provided. The performance enhancement of EL-LEDs via the synthesis of precisely controlled TQDs and PQDs, ligand engineering, and device architecture optimization as well as possible solutions for CDs used as emissive layer materials in LEDs are also discussed. Finally, we reflect on the challenges and opportunities of current QD research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the emergence of various inorganic solid electrolyte materials with high Li-ion conductivities, the advancement of electrodes for all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) to achieve commercial-level electrochemical performance and longevity remains limited. In this study, we developed a high-performance cell through the control of shear stress and stereology-assisted quantitative microstructure analysis suitable for optimizing both cathode microstructure and interfacial resistance. Two distinct processes, uniaxial and roll pressing, were employed to assess differences in powder packing and microstructure control based on the packing technique. The roll-to-uniaxial pressed cell (RUPC) demonstrated a reduction in cathode porosity by 3.02% compared to the free-to-uniaxial pressed cell (FUPC). The initial performance of the RUPC was 162.69 mAh g−1 at 0.1C-rate, which is a 26.77% increase over the FUPC. Additionally, the interfacial area-specific resistance of the cathode active material and electrolyte in the RUPC decreased by 33.64%, from 442.92 to 149.00 Ω cm2. These results validate the effectiveness of shear stress during processing in enhancing powder packing and creating a more intimate interface. Image analysis-based microstructure characterization of the cathode composites revealed that the RUPCs after cycling exhibited a 0.44% lower porosity and a 1.67% higher electron connectivity, and 9.24% lower limited reaction interface compared to the FUPCs. The proposed cell, developed through optimized process conditions derived from comprehensive cell performance assessments and stereology-assisted microstructural quantification insights, successfully endured 520 cycles under pressurized operating conditions, with a degradation rate of 6.87% per 100 cycles from the initial discharge. Overall, our findings serve as a valuable reference for future research endeavors focusing on refining process control and conducting microstructural analyses of ASSB electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen species (reactive SON species) are an important topic of research in redox biology. The roles of reactive SON species in monitoring physiological conditions have emerged as a research topic in recent years owing to their "double-edged sword" behaviour, i.e., constructive role in cellular signaling to destructive role in mutagenesis. In this case, due to their good physicochemical properties (photostability, high molar extinction coefficient, quantum yield, etc.), rhodamine-based sensory probes have been extensively applied for the detection of reactive SON species. Therefore, in the present review, the importance and detrimental effects of reactive SON species on human health are briefly discussed. Additionally, a detailed background of rhodamine-based sensory receptors is presented to obtain a clear perspective for designing rhodamine-based chromo-fluorogenic probes for the recognition of reactive species. Along with this, an in-depth discussion on sensing principles, detection thresholds, linear dynamic range of detection, and biological applications is presented in each section on the detection of reactive species using rhodamine-based probes explored in the last decade (2013-present) for the conceptual understanding of probe design. Subsequently, we have summarized the advancements in the present research together with insights into the current research status from a structural viewpoint. Finally, the difficulties and challenges associated with the present research strategies are also discussed to improve the current research strategies, highlighting the urgent need to develop new probes in the direction of "sensing and monitoring of a reactive species via rhodamine-based sensory probe point of care testing" (SMART) strategy for advanced healthcare applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetically lean and obese individuals have distinct intestinal microbiota and function. However, the underlying mechanisms of the microbiome heterogeneity and its regulation on epithelial function such as intestinal stem cell (ISC) fate remain unclear. Employing pigs of genetically distinct breeds (obese Meishan and lean Yorkshire), this study reveals transcriptome‐wide variations in microbial ecology of the jejunum, characterized by enrichment of active Lactobacillus species, notably the predominant Lactobacillus amylovorus (L. amylovorus), and lactate metabolism network in obese breeds. The L. amylovorus‐dominant heterogeneity is paralleled with epithelial functionality difference as reflected by highly expressed GPR81, more proliferative ISCs and activated Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Experiments using in‐house developed porcine jejunal organoids prove that live L. amylovorus and its metabolite lactate promote intestinal organoid growth. Mechanistically, L. amylovorus and lactate activate Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in a GPR81‐dependent manner to promote ISC‐mediated epithelial proliferation. However, heat‐killed L. amylovorus fail to cause these changes. These findings uncover a previously underrepresented role of L. amylovorus in regulating jejunal stem cells via Lactobacillus‐lactate‐GPR81 axis, a key mechanism bridging breed‐driven intestinal microbiome heterogeneity with ISC fate. Thus, results from this study provide new insights into the role of gut microbiome and stem cell interactions in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report explored cases of scabies balanitis involving the glans penis in five men. All the patients complained of genital itching with an associated rash on the penis. Examination revealed an erythematous papular rash on the glans penis in three of the men, while two of them had an erythematous, firm, nodular rash on the glans penis. Scabies balanitis was diagnosed in all cases. The treatment included topical benzyl benzoate (25%) and antihistamines. The lesions resolved after a single application of benzyl benzoate in all cases, except for one patient who had repeated applications of benzyl benzoate (25%) before symptom resolution. The main predisposing factors were unprotected heterosexual intercourse and poor hygiene practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass customization poses one of the primary challenges for manufacturing firms seeking to maintain competitiveness by satisfying diverse and ever-changing demands. The purpose of this study is to present a mechanism illustrating how internal cross-functional integration promotes mass customization by leveraging external supply chain partners and emphasizing the contingent role of product characteristics. Using 223 samples collected from multi-sources of manufacturing firms worldwide, regression and bootstrap analyses are applied to test the proposed moderated mediation research model. Our findings reveal that a firm's capability of cross-functional integration plays an important role in directly promoting its mass customization performance and indirectly doing so through supply chain alignment. Moreover, our findings underscore that this indirect mechanism is more pronounced when products are designed to be highly modular. Based on our findings, manufacturing firms can enhance mass customization more efficiently and effectively by integrating internal cross-functional collaboration and product modularization, thereby fostering alignment within the external supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the concept of endocrine disruptors first appeared almost 30 years ago, the relatively recent involvement of these substances in the etiology of metabolic pathologies (obesity, diabetes, hepatic steatosis, etc.) has given rise to the concept of Metabolic Disrupting Chemicals (MDCs). Organs such as the liver and adipose tissue have been well studied in the context of metabolic disruption by these substances. The intestine, however, has been relatively unexplored despite its close link with these organs. In vivo models are useful for the study of the effects of MDCs in the intestine and, in addition, allow investigations into interactions with the rest of the organism. In the latter respect, the zebrafish is an animal model which is used increasingly for the characterization of endocrine disruptors and its use as a model for assessing effects on the intestine will, no doubt, expand. This review aims to highlight the importance of the intestine in metabolism and present the zebrafish as a relevant alternative model for investigating the effect of pollutants in the intestine by focusing, in particular, on cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A), one of the major molecular players in endogenous and MDCs metabolism in the gut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is about the examination of existence as well as uniqueness of solutions, Bielecki–Hyers–Ulam stability and Bielecki–Hyers–Ulam–Rassias stability of non–linear impulsive fractional Hammerstein integro–delay dynamic system and non–linear impulsive fractional mixed integro–dynamic system, in the context of time scales domain. The Banach contraction principle and Picard operator are the main tools that are applied to verify the existence along with uniqueness of solutions for both models. Also, Bielecki–Ulam’s type stability is obtained by utilizing Grönwall’s inequality on time scale. To overcome the hurdles in achieving desired outcomes, some assumptions are provided. At the end, the results are demonstrated with the help of examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper establishes a robust stability criterion in the radially symmetric heat equation that admits heat sources belonging to a set of bounded functions. The robust stability criterion is determined by extending a definition of stability under constant-acting perturbations that was originally established for systems of ordinary differential equations. It is assumed that heat sources admit a Fourier series representation whose coefficients are bounded and piecewise continuous functions. The robust stability criterion obtained is useful to conclude that the solution of the heat equation, as well as its first partial derivatives with respect to the radial axis and with respect to time, are bounded by a constant whose value is initially established. The results obtained are illustrated numerically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct reduction of iron (DRI) technology in fluidized beds has been identified as a promising approach due to its environmental benefits over other methods. Nevertheless, the process of iron particle sintering in the DRI approach poses a significant obstacle to its advancement. The present work investigated the phenomenon of agglomeration in fine iron particles across various temperatures and with multiple sintering force models of different intensities of solid bridge force. The study utilized a simple but comprehensive and cost-effective CFD model developed using the Eularian–Eularian two-fluid model. The model was explicitly incorporated with user-defined subroutines for the solid phase, while the gas phase was modeled with AVL Fire advance simulation software. The solid bridge force between solid particles was modeled as the inter-particle cohesive force. The model was validated with the experimental results and results from another CFD-DEM model for the same experiment. High temperatures with increased sintering forces were observed to have the most impact on the iron particle agglomeration, while the gas's superficial velocity had a minimal effect on it. The predictions of this model closely align with the CFD-DEM model results, providing sufficient reliability to implement this model on a large scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Na-ion batteries (SIBs) are a promising replacement for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for low-cost and large-scale energy storage systems in the forthcoming years after additional in-depth examination and investigation. A significant part of the development of innovative anode materials and their in-depth understanding has come through simulations. Ab initio simulations based on density functional theory (DFT) have been proven to be a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective way to design new anode materials for SIBs. As a result of the identification of graphene, researchers and scientists were influenced to create new two-dimensional (2D) materials. On account of their distinctive physical and chemical properties, the broad expanse of surface, innovative electronic features, and charging ability of 2D materials attract much attention. Many of these characteristics are significant prerequisites for using anodes in batteries. Herein, based on recent research progress, we have reviewed the structures and electrochemical properties of 2D materials as anode for Na-ion batteries from a theoretical perspective. The effective methodologies for high-performance anode materials are provided based on the substantial literature and theoretical studies. Added to that, we have also explored the various techniques such as heterostructure, doping, defect- and strain-engineering of 2D materials for the improvement of the performance of these materials as anodes for SIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) inhibitors have the potential of modulating central processes in protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism, which can have relevant physiological consequences in aging and age‐related diseases. Here, we show that hepatic phospho‐active ACLY correlates with overweight and Model for End‐stage Liver Disease score in humans. Wild‐type mice treated chronically with the ACLY inhibitor potassium hydroxycitrate exhibited delayed early mortality. In AML12 hepatocyte cultures, the ACLY inhibitors potassium hydroxycitrate, SB‐204990, and bempedoic acid fostered lipid accumulation, which was also observed in the liver of healthy‐fed mice treated with potassium hydroxycitrate. Analysis of soleus tissue indicated that potassium hydroxycitrate produced the modulation of wound healing processes. In vivo, potassium hydroxycitrate modulated locomotor function toward increased wire hang performance and reduced rotarod performance in healthy‐fed mice, and improved locomotion in mice exposed to cardiotoxin‐induced muscle atrophy. Our findings implicate ACLY and ACLY inhibitors in different aspects of aging and muscle regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Islam, religious directives regarding death are derived from the Quran and Islamic tradition, but there is a variety of death rituals and practices, lived by Muslims across contexts and geographies. This narrative study explored the dynamics of death and bereavement resulting from COVID-19 death among religious Muslims in Israel. Narrative interviews were conducted with 32 religious Muslims ages 73–85. Findings suggest several absent death rituals in COVID-19 deaths (i.e., the physical and spiritual purification of the body, the shrouding of the body, the funeral, and the will). Theoretically, this study linked death from COVID-19 with patient-centered care, highlighting disenfranchised grief due to the clash of health authority guidelines with religious death practices. Methodologically, this narrative study voices the perspectives of elder religious Muslims in Israel. Practically, this study suggests ways to implement the cultural perspective in COVID-19 deaths and enable a healthy bereavement process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores a symmetric configuration approach in anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis, focusing on overcoming adaptability challenges in dynamic conditions. Here, a rapid and mild synthesis technique for fabricating fibrous membrane‐type catalyst electrodes is developed. Our method leverages the contrasting oxidation states between the sulfur‐doped NiFe(OH)2 shell and the metallic Ni core, as revealed by electron energy loss spectroscopy. Theoretical evaluations confirm that the S–NiFe(OH)2 active sites optimize free energy for alkaline water electrolysis intermediates. This technique bypasses traditional energy‐intensive processes, achieving superior bifunctional activity beyond current benchmarks. The symmetric AEM water electrolyzer demonstrates a current density of 2 A cm−2 at 1.78 V at 60°C in 1 M KOH electrolyte and also sustains ampere‐scale water electrolysis below 2.0 V for 140 h even in ambient conditions. These results highlight the system's operational flexibility and structural stability, marking a significant advancement in AEM water electrolysis technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most advanced hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts show high activity under alkaline conditions. However, the performance deteriorates at a natural and acidic pH, which is often problematic in practical applications. Herein, a rhenium (Re) sulfide–transition‐metal dichalcogenide heterojunction catalyst with Re‐rich vacancies (NiS2‐ReS2‐V) has been constructed. The optimized catalyst shows extraordinary electrocatalytic HER performance over a wide range of pH, with ultralow overpotentials of 42, 85, and 122 mV under alkaline, acidic, and neutral conditions, respectively. Moreover, the two‐electrode system with NiS2‐ReS2‐V1 as the cathode provides a voltage of 1.73 V at 500 mA cm−2, superior to industrial systems. Besides, the open‐circuit voltage of a single Zn–H2O cell with NiS2‐ReS2‐V1 as the cathode can reach an impressive 90.9% of the theoretical value, with a maximum power density of up to 31.6 mW cm−2. Moreover, it shows remarkable stability, with sustained discharge for approximately 120 h at 10 mA cm−2, significantly outperforming commercial Pt/C catalysts under the same conditions in all aspects. A series of systematic characterizations and theoretical calculations demonstrate that Re vacancies on the heterojunction interface would generate a stronger built‐in electric field, which profoundly affects surface charge distribution and subsequently enhances HER performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quest for efficient green hydrogen production through Alkaline Water Electrolysis (AWE) is a critical aspect of the clean energy transition. The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media is central to this process, with the performance of electrocatalysts being a determining factor for overall efficiency. Theoretical studies using energy-based descriptors are essential for designing high-performance alkaline HER electrocatalysts. This review summarizes various descriptors, including water adsorption energy, water dissociation barrier, and Gibbs free energy changes of hydrogen and hydroxyl adsorption. Examples of how to apply these descriptors to identify the active site of materials and better design high-performance alkaline HER electrocatalysts are provided, highlighting the previously underappreciated role of hydroxyl adsorption-free energy changes. As research progresses, integrating these descriptors with experimental data will be paramount in advancing AWE technology for sustainable hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Chondrogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) is highly promising for cartilage repair. The specific mechanism, however, still needs to be explicated., Materials and Methods: In this study, we isolated hDPSCs and transfected cells with lentiviruses containing an over-expression, knock-down, or negative control of miR-20a-5p. Three-D pellet cultures of hDPSCs were used for the chondrogenic induction. Following the pellet culture period, chondrogenesis was assessed by histological and immunohistochemical analysis and expression of chondrogenic-related genes. Dual-luciferase report assay was performed to determine potential targeted genes of miR-20a-5p, and the phosphorylation levels of P65 and IκBα were explored. Animal experiments were performed to determine the effect of miR-20a-5p on cartilage regeneration., Results: miR-20a-5p was showed to repress the expression of SMAD6 to inhibit the chondrogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. Accordingly, the knock-down of miR-20a-5p promoted cartilage regeneration in the osteochondral defects of rats. Mechanically, it is indicated that NF-κB signaling is the potential down-stream network of miR-20a-5p/Smad6 crosstalk during chondrogenic differentiation., Conclusions: miR-20a-5p could target SMAD6 to activate NF-κB signaling pathway, and thus inhibit chondrogenesis of hDPSCs, which provided promising therapeutic target for cartilage defects clinically., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

In the present paper by applying the series method we prove the Hyers–Ulam stability of the homogeneous hypergeometric differential equation in a subclass of analytic functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we investigate the Ulam-Hyers-Rassias stability for some quasilinear partial differential equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]