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This study endeavors to enhance the safety of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) by synthesizing a polyamide acid (PAA)/Al2O3 composite spinning solution using 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether (ODA) and pyromellitic anhydride (PMDA) as monomers, and nano‐Al2O3 as a thermal conductivity filler. Subsequently, the PAA/Al2O3 fiber membrane is fabricated via electrostatic spinning, followed by gradient heating imidization to produce a polyimide (PI)/Al2O3 composite membrane. This membrane is then dipped into a boron nitride (BM) slurry to ultimately yield an organic–inorganic PI/Al2O3/BM composite separator with superior flame‐retardant and thermal conductivity properties. The thermal stability, flame retardancy, electrolyte wettability, mechanical integrity, and cycle rate performance of the composite membranes are rigorously evaluated. The results demonstrate that the PI/5% Al2O3/BM composite membrane exhibits the most favorable overall performance, with no shrinkage observed at 200°C and no significant changes after sustained ignition for 10 s. The incorporation of the thermal conductivity Al2O3 filler significantly enhances the heat transfer properties of the composite separator. The room temperature ionic conductivity reaches 2.786 mS cm−1 after electrolyte absorption, and the initial discharge capacity of the assembled battery is 156.28 mAhg−1. Following 100 charge/discharge cycles at 0.2C, the capacity retention rate is 97.7%, and at a discharge rate of 5C, the capacity retention rate is 74.9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/purpose: The paper presents the multi-criteria Fuzzy DIBR-Fuzzy DIBR II-EWAA-BM-DEXi-Fuzzy LMAW model for choosing a location for crossing water obstacles by fording in a defense operation. After the identification of the criteria by experts in this field, the mentioned model was applied and the optimal point was determined. In order to test the consistency of the results and the validity of the model, experts were consulted again, and the sensitivity analysis and the comparative analysis were performed. Methods: The Fuzzy DIBR and Fuzzy DIBR II methods were used to determine the weighting coefficients of the identified criteria, while the aggregation of the expert opinions and the obtained values was performed using the EWAA and BM operators. To select the optimal location, the Fuzzy LMAW method was applied, while the linguistic descriptors were determined using the DEXi decision support system. Results: The proposed methodology made it possible to identify all the criteria that determine the choice of a location and the choice of the optimal point for crossing a water obstacle in a defense operation. The testing of the model by experts, the analysis of the sensitivity of the output results to changes in the weights of the criteria and the comparison of the obtained results with the results of other methods indicated the fact that the model is valid and that it gives consistent results. Conclusion: It was concluded that the multi-criteria model provides the necessary help to decision makers in conditions of imprecise and unspecified information and that it is applicable in real situations. Also, the proposed model takes into consideration all the aspects that must be considered when making such a complex decision and helps less experienced officers in the decision-making process, reducing the possibility of errors, which can result in human casualties. Finally, directions for further research in the field of overcoming water obstacles and multicriteria decision making are suggested.

Election declarations constitute the clear, systematic and official basic documents of the promises of political parties, which are indispensable institutions of democracy, to the society in elections. As of the first quarter of the 21st century, the two strongest parties that are candidates to gain political power and determine public policies in Turkey are the AK Party and the CHP. The starting point of this study was to analyze to what extent the two parties focused on the environment in the context of the UN sustainable development goals covering the periods 2001-2015 and 2015-2030. The study is a temporal and comparative examination of the period in which the AK Party was in power in Turkish political life. The relevant data were created through the MAXQDA data program by applying classification and coding processes. All codings were based on the UN development goals regarding environmental sustainability covering the period 2001-2030. The relevant codings were distributed within the environmental issues classified under a total of seven categories. These categories are; "nature and natural resources", "environmental management and cities", "energy and industry", "pollution and waste management", "water management", "climate" and "biodiversity". The findings obtained in the study showed that both parties reflected environmental sustainability, which they basically accepted as an understanding in their party programs, in their election manifestos. At this point, the convergence in terms of promise and emphasis has become significantly evident, especially in the headings of "nature and natural resources", "energy and industry" and "environmental management and cities". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/purpose: The paper presents the multi-criteria Fuzzy DIBRFuzzy DIBR II-EWAA-BM-DEXi-Fuzzy LMAW model for choosing a location for crossing water obstacles by fording in a defense operation. After the identification of the criteria by experts in this field, the mentioned model was applied and the optimal point was determined. In order to test the consistency of the results and the validity of the model, experts were consulted again, and the sensitivity analysis and the comparative analysis were performed. Methods: The Fuzzy DIBR and Fuzzy DIBR II methods were used to determine the weighting coefficients of the identified criteria, while the aggregation of the expert opinions and the obtained values was performed using the EWAA and BM operators. To select the optimal location, the Fuzzy LMAW method was applied, while the linguistic descriptors were determined using the DEXi decision support system. Results: The proposed methodology made it possible to identify all the criteria that determine the choice of a location and the choice of the optimal point for crossing a water obstacle in a defense operation. The testing of the model by experts, the analysis of the sensitivity of the output results to changes in the weights of the criteria and the comparison of the obtained results with the results of other methods indicated the fact that the model is valid and that it gives consistent results. Conclusion: It was concluded that the multi-criteria model provides the necessary help to decision makers in conditions of imprecise and unspecified information and that it is applicable in real situations. Also, the proposed model takes into consideration all the aspects that must be considered when making such a complex decision and helps less experienced officers in the decision-making process, reducing the possibility of errors, which can result in human casualties. Finally, directions for further research in the field of overcoming water obstacles and multicriteria decision making are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work investigates the impact of different welding processes i.e., Shield metal arc welding (SMAW), Gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and Flux core arc welding (FCAW) technique on the fracture toughness of API X60 pipeline steel. Utilizing Charpy V-notch (CVN) testing, the impact toughness of the base metal (BM), heat-affected zone (HAZ), and weld zone (WZ) was measured across a range of temperatures from -196°C to 20°C. The analysis reveals that different welding methods and the heat input associated with each significantly affect the fracture properties of the steel. The SMAW process shows the most considerable decrease in energy absorption in the HAZ, especially at lower temperatures, indicating a significant impact on the material's toughness. Conversely, GMAW demonstrates the lowest reduction and the highest increase in toughness in the HAZ and WZ, respectively, making it a superior method in maintaining material integrity during welding. The FCAW method exhibited a moderate and variable behavior in toughness changes, suggesting its intermediate effectiveness. The study further identifies that the chemical composition of the welding electrodes, particularly those containing nickel has a crucial part in enhancing the toughness of the welded zones. Additionally, it underscores the importance of understanding the microstructural changes induced by varying heat inputs, which directly influence the fracture behavior and lifespan of pipeline steels under low-temperature conditions. These findings are essential for improving welding practices and material selection in an ensuring safer, and economical transportation solutions for hydrocarbons over long distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Simple Summary: Although primary bone cancer makes up only 1% of worldwide cancer cases diagnosed annually, the bone is the most common site of metastasis for tumours of the breast, prostate and lung. Once a tumour has metastasised to the bone, treatment is predominantly palliative. Though metastasis is the main cause of mortality in cancer patients, the mechanisms of metastases are not well understood. It is known that cells released from the primary tumour into the circulation (Circulating Tumour Cells, CTCs) may play a role in causing disease spread. This review summarises the technologies used to isolate and count CTCs, and the studies investigating the role of CTC numbers and CTC cell surface protein expression in the prediction of cancer metastasis to the bone. Bone is the most common organ for the development of metastases in many primary tumours, including those of the breast, prostate and lung. In most cases, bone metastasis is incurable, and treatment is predominantly palliative. Much research has focused on the role of Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) in the mechanism of metastasis to the bone, and methods have been developed to isolate and count CTCs from peripheral blood. Several methods are currently being used in the study of CTCs, but only one, the CellSearchTM system has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for clinical use. This review summarises the advantages and disadvantages, and outlines which clinical studies have used these methods. Studies have found that CTC numbers are predictive of bone metastasis in breast, prostate and lung cancer. Further work is required to incorporate information on CTCs into current staging systems to guide treatment in the prevention of tumour progression into bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is based on the use of a natural material in the adsorption process to remove organic pollutants. The objective is to assess its effectiveness in adsorbing the organic pollutant MB from an aqueous solution, while operating in an open system. The DP bioadsorbent was characterized using FTIR and SEM. To determine their effect on adsorption efficiency, a number of variables were examined, including contact time, concentration of pollutant MB, adsorbent mass, pH, temperature, and adsorbent particle size. The effect of these variables on adsorption efficiency shows that a removal rate of 92.66% is achieved under optimum conditions, including a contact time of 35 minutes, a concentration of pollutant MB of 22.5 mg·l-1, an adsorbent mass (mDP) of 1.1 g·l-1 and a solution pH of 5.6. In addition, a progressive decrease in adsorption efficiency is observed with increasing temperature and adsorbent mass. On the other hand, this efficiency increases with increasing a concentration of pollutant MB. Three popular models, the Freundlich, Langmuir, and Dubin-Radushkevich models, have been used to examine the adsorption isotherms of the MB dye on DP. With a correlation factor of 0.98, it was discovered that MB adsorption monitored by the Freundlich isotherm. The Langmuir and Dubinin-Radushkevich models, however, do not adequately describe the data. The kinetic results were studied using the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-secondorder equations, and show that MB dye adsorption on DP (adsorbent) follows the pseudo-second-order model. Also estimated were thermodynamic parameters such as (ΔH°), (ΔS°), (ΔG°), enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy respectively to anticipate the character of adsorption. The results indicate that the adsorption process of MB on the bioadsorbent is exothermic. The results derived from the ΔG° values lead to the conclusion that the adsorption of MB occurs spontaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of bone metastasis (BM) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is low and the prognosis is poor. There is no clear conclusion on the risk factors affecting the survival of CRC patients with BM. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that may affect the prognosis of CRC patients with BM. The clinical and pathological data of CRC patients with BM were retrospectively analyzed. The overall survival after BM diagnosis was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and Log-rank test, and a multivariable cox regression model was used to identify the prognostic factors of overall survival. This study included 178 CRC patients with BM, of whom 151 had left-sided CRC and 27 had right-sided colon cancer. 1124 CRC patients with BM from the SEER database were included to perform a sensitivity analysis of the primary outcome. Multivariate analysis showed that the N staging, site of BM, and primary tumor sidedness (PTS) were independent prognostic factors for CRC with BM. Among them, right-sided colon cancer patients with BM had a poorer prognosis. Sensitivity analyses showed that PTS was an independent prognostic factor in CRC patients with BM. Primary tumor sidedness and N stage may be potential prognostic markers for BM of CRC. The prognosis of N0 stage CRC with BM is better, while the prognosis of right-sided colon cancer is poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diverse populations of tissue-resident and transitory T cells present in the skin share a common functional need to enter, traverse, and interact with their environment. These processes are largely dependent on the regulated expression of adhesion molecules, such as selectins and integrins, which mediate bidirectional interactions between immune cells and skin stroma. Dysregulation and engagement of adhesion pathways contribute to ectopic T-cell activity in tissues, leading to the initiation and/or exacerbation of chronic inflammation. In this paper, we review how the molecular interactions supported by adhesion pathways contribute to T-cell dynamics and function in the skin. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning T-cell adhesion in inflammatory skin disorders will facilitate the development of novel tissue-specific therapeutic strategies.

The present study was conducted to analyze the impact of acid functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube (AF-SWCNT)-mediated effects on erythrocytes surface markers CD47 and CD147, as well as potential causes for the erythropoiesis modulation after treatment. The repeated administration of AF-SWCNTs (10 µg intravenously on alternate days) induced significant expression levels of CD47 and CD147 on peripheral blood erythrocytes. Various erythroid progenitor cells in spleen and BM were examined using flow cytometer by staining with anti-glycophorin (Ter119) and anti-transferrin (CD71) receptor monoclonal antibodies. The impact of AF-SWCNTs on the induction of ROS and apoptosis in erythroid cells was measured in Ter119/CD71-positive cells. The AF-SWCNT administration leads to a significant raise in ROS level in erythroid cells. A significant increment in the apoptosis in bone marrow derived erythroid cells was seen after AF-SWCNTs treatment. The spleen shows a reverse response, and the proportion of apoptotic cells was lesser than in control. The levels of expression of antioxidant genes SOD1, SOD2, catalase, GPX1, and FOXO3 were significantly increased in erythroid cells in the spleen as well as in bone marrow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury is associated with increased risk of heart failure and mortality. This study demonstrates that acute kidney injury induces remote cardiac dysfunction, damage, injury, and fibrosis via a galectin-3 (Gal-3) dependent pathway. Gal-3 originates from bone marrow-derived immune cells. Cardiac damage could be prevented by blocking this pathway.

Acute kidney injury is associated with increased risk of heart failure and mortality. This study demonstrates that acute kidney injury induces remote cardiac dysfunction, damage, injury, and fibrosis via a galectin-3 (Gal-3) dependent pathway. Gal-3 originates from bone marrow-derived immune cells. Cardiac damage could be prevented by blocking this pathway.

Background: Current guidelines recommend a body mass index (BMI) of 16 kg/m2 as the minimum threshold for lung transplantation, despite mixed evidence on outcomes in underweight patients. The current study aimed to describe survival outcomes of underweight patients who underwent lung transplantation at a single center. Methods: This retrospective observational study included adult lung transplant recipients who underwent transplantation for the first time between March 2010 and March 2022 at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center and excluded patients with obesity. We defined an underweight status as a BMI

Copyright of Journal of Social Sciences Research / Sosyal Bilimler Arastirmalari Dergisi is the property of ODU Journal of Social Sciences Research 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.)

In this work, CH4 isothermal adsorption measurements were carried out on 64 coal samples collected from western Guizhou Province of China, and the coalbed methane (CBM) desorption processes were quantitatively analyzed. The results show that the Langmuir volume and the Langmuir pressure are controlled by coalification, and tend to increase as the vitrinite reflectance changes from 0.98% to 4.3%. Based on a division method of CBM desorption stages, the CBM desorption process were divided into four stages (inefficient, slow, fast and sensitive desorption stages) by three key pressure nodes (the initial, turning and sensitive pressures). The fast and sensitive desorption stages with high desorption efficiency are the key for achieving high gas production. A theoretical chart of the critical desorption pressure (Pcd) and its relationship with different pressure nodes was established. The higher-rank coals have the higher initial, turning and sensitive pressures, with larger difference between pressure nodes. Most CBM wells only undergo partial desorption stages due to the differences in Pcd caused by the present-gas content. Under the same gas content conditions, the higher the coal rank, the less desorption stages that CBM needs to go through. During coalbed methane co-production from multiple coal seams within vertically superposed pressure systems, the reservoir pressure, the Pcd, the initial working liquid level (WLL) height, and coal depth are key factors for evaluating whether coal seams can produce CBM simultaneously. It must be ensured that each production layer enters at least the fast desorption stage prior to that the WLL was lower than the depth of each layer. Only on this basis can all layers achieve the maximum gas production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neoliberal recommendations of the Washington Consensus were taken into account in the Political Constitution of 1991, however, in reality they had repercussions in the increase of the external public debt since the political and social conflict, as well as the backwardness of the national industry and dependence on coffee yields impeded long-term economic growth, increasing public spending and the need to resort to external credits [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence exist that most small ventures fail at developing a successful business model (BM) to enhance their technological capability. Besides, the studies that were undertaken in low-income countries also have no capacity to demonstrate the processes in the articulation of a BM that failed to consider the opportunities of technology entrepreneurship. Therefore, this study analyzes the linkage between technology entrepreneurship and the BM toward small venture growth. To achieve this, data were collected using a questionnaire from 335 small manufacturing enterprises selected from Addis Ababa. The result indicates that BM influences venture's growth indirectly through technology entrepreneurship. To the small businesses facing the problems of resource scarcity and poor strategy development, designing appropriate BM is an opportunity and can be used as an input to the adoption of technology entrepreneurship. Besides, by capturing values from combining the factors of production and technology entrepreneurship, the BM organizes and orchestrates the incumbent assets and other resources that make enterprises grow more than their counterparts. As a result, small enterprises should try to exploit existing technological opportunities by developing technology-oriented BM and integrating with technology entrepreneurship.

Simple Summary: The bone marrow (BM) microenvironment regulates normal hematopoiesis and exerts variable activity in various inflammatory, toxic, autoimmune, or neoplastic diseases and conditions. Most importantly, it has a major role in the pathogenesis of BM failure syndromes and particularly of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), in which it is dynamically implicated in the early phase of their pathogenesis, as well as in their course and evolution. This review presents a concise overview of the literature, highlighting the impact of the immune component of the BM microenvironment during normal hematopoiesis, in chronic inflammatory states, and in low- and high-risk MDS, laying the ground for further research on the cellular and biochemical immune parameters that participate in early stages of MDS pathogenesis and in disease evolution. The BM, the major hematopoietic organ in humans, consists of a pleiomorphic environment of cellular, extracellular, and bioactive compounds with continuous and complex interactions between them, leading to the formation of mature blood cells found in the peripheral circulation. Systemic and local inflammation in the BM elicit stress hematopoiesis and drive hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) out of their quiescent state, as part of a protective pathophysiologic process. However, sustained chronic inflammation impairs HSC function, favors mutagenesis, and predisposes the development of hematologic malignancies, such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Apart from intrinsic cellular mechanisms, various extrinsic factors of the BM immune microenvironment (IME) emerge as potential determinants of disease initiation and evolution. In MDS, the IME is reprogrammed, initially to prevent the development, but ultimately to support and provide a survival advantage to the dysplastic clone. Specific cellular elements, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are recruited to support and enhance clonal expansion. The immune-mediated inhibition of normal hematopoiesis contributes to peripheral cytopenias of MDS patients, while immunosuppression in late-stage MDS enables immune evasion and disease progression towards acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this review, we aim to elucidate the role of the mediators of immune response in the initial pathogenesis of MDS and the evolution of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone metastatic (BM) prostate cancer (PCa) belongs to the most lethal form of PCa, and therapeutic options are limited. Molecular profiling of metastases contributes to the understanding of mechanisms defining the bone metastatic niche. Our aim was to explore the transcriptional profile of PCa BM and to identify genes that drive progression. Paraffin-embedded tissues of 28 primary PCa and 30 BM were submitted to RNA extraction and analyzed by RNA sequencing using the Nanostring nCounter gene expression platform. A total of 770 cancer-related genes were measured using the Nanostring™ PanCancer progression panel. Gene Ontology (GO), KEGG, Reactome, STRING, Metascape, PANTHER, and Pubmed were used for data integration and gene annotation. We identified 116 differentially expressed genes (DEG) in BM compared to primaries. The most significant DEGs include CD36, FOXC2, CHAD, SPP1, MMPs, IBSP, and PTX3, which are more highly expressed in BM, and ACTG2, MYH11, CNN1, FGF2, SPOCK3, and CHRDL1, which have a lower expression. DEGs functionally relate to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteoglycans, ECM-receptors, cell-substrate adhesion, cell motility as well as receptor tyrosine kinase signaling and response to growth factors. Data integration and gene annotation of 116 DEGs were used to build a gene platform which we termed "Manually Annotated and Curated Nanostring-data Platform". In summary, our results highlight the significance of certain genes in PCa BM to which essential pro-metastatic functions could be ascribed. Data from this study provide a comprehensive platform of genes that are related to PCa BM and provide evidence for further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper has investigated the impediments of progress of 'Make In India (MII)' programs through literature review, market survey and statistically measured the trueness of findings. Design/Methodology: Three major Make-In-India projects, namely Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV), Tactical Communication System (TCS), Battlefield Management System (BMS) have been taken as case study. Literature survey on the progress of major MII programs, were classified and categorised under several themes. The factors responsible for impediments in progress were identified. Hypothesis were formulated around these salient factors so arrived, and then administered to a test population of relevant MSMEs in defence electronics. The responses received on Likert scale were analysed using statistical techniques (z-test method). The hypotheses were tested for their acceptance/ rejection and inference drawn. Research Method: Business Problem: Make in India in Defence Electronics has not reached the expected success level. Research Problem: Study the published literature on Make in India in Defence Electronics to identify and analyse the impeding factors using statistical methods. Research Objective: Identify and analyse the factors from published literature affecting Make in India in Defence Electronics to reach its desired success level and substantiate the findings through primary research methods. Research Questions: A set of research questions were formulated and served to 51 persons from the target MSME industry segment to respond in a Likert Scale. The uncorrelated stratified random sample responses were quantitatively analysed for their acceptance/ rejection. Statistical Method: Z-test was applied to test our hypothesis-based test statistic with an acceptance threshold or confidence level of 95% (1-α) i.e. significance level (α) of 5%. Findings: The reasons for unsatisfactory progress of Make in India initiative, is assessed to be: (a) Complex and tardy bureaucratic procedures (b) Lack of funds/ budget (c) Bureaucracy and Red-Tapism. Originality/ Value: There are over 200 publications on the subject. Most of them give isolated expert views and opinions. This study gathered views of a wide range of stake holders across policy makers, industry stalwarts, research agencies, government officials, investors etc., through a stratified random market survey and analysis to highlight some of the salient impediments to MII initiatives. The results are expected to be of interest to the global defence majors, the Indian lead participants, the members of the eco-system and enthusiast defence analysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & aimsToll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling is activated through 2 adaptor proteins: MyD88 and TIR-domain containing adaptor-inducing interferon-β (TRIF). TLR4 and MyD88 are crucial in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. However, the role of TRIF in TLR4-mediated NASH and fibrosis has been elusive. This study investigated the differential roles of TRIF in hepatic steatosis and inflammation/fibrosis.MethodsA choline-deficient amino acid defined (CDAA) diet was used for the mouse NASH model. On this diet, the mice develop hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. TLR4 wild-type and TLR4-/- bone marrow chimeric mice and TRIF-/- mice were fed CDAA or a control diet for 22 weeks. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis were examined.ResultsIn the CDAA diet-induced NASH, the mice with wild-type bone marrow had higher alanine aminotransferase and hepatic tumor necrosis factor levels than the mice with TLR4-/- bone marrow. The nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score showed that both wild-type and TLR4-/- bone marrow chimeras had reduced hepatic steatosis, and that both types of chimeras had similar levels of inflammation and hepatocyte ballooning to whole-body wild-type mice. Notably, wild-type recipients showed more liver fibrosis than TLR4-/- recipients. Although TRIF-/- mice showed reduced hepatic steatosis, these mice showed more liver injury, inflammation, and fibrosis than wild-type mice. TRIF-/- stellate cells and hepatocytes produced more C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) and C-C motif chemokine ligand than wild-type cells in response to lipopolysaccharide. Consistently, TRIF-/- mice showed increased CXCL1 and CCL3 expression along with neutrophil and macrophage infiltration, which promotes liver inflammation and injury.ConclusionsIn TLR4-mediated NASH, different liver cells have distinct roles in hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. TRIF promotes hepatic steatosis but it inhibits injury, inflammation, and fibrosis.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive malignancy with a high propensity for brain metastases (BM). Limited-stage SCLC (LS-SCLC) can be effectively treated with chemoradiotherapy and prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) to enhance patient outcomes. The aim of the present study was to assess the risk factors and prognostic significance of brain metastases (BM) in patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) who attained complete remission (CR) or partial remission (PR) following combined chemoradiotherapy and subsequent prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI). Data for 290 patients diagnosed with LS-SCLC and treated at Chengde Central Hospital and Hebei Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (Chengde, China), who achieved CR or PR and underwent PCI between 2015 and 2023, were retrospectively analyzed. BM rates and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, whilst differences were assessed using the log-rank test. Risk factors affecting BM and OS were assessed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. The overall incidence of BM after PCI was 16.6% (48/290), with annual rates of 1.4, 6.6 and 12.8% at 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified an initial tumor size of >5 cm [hazard ratio (HR)=15.031; 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.610–40.270; P<0.001] as a significant independent risk factor for BM following PCI. The median OS was 28.8 months and the 5-year OS rate was 27.9%. The median OS for patients with and without BM at 27.55 and 32.5 months, respectively, and the corresponding 5-year OS rates were 8.3 and 31.8%, respectively (P=0.001). Median OS rates for stages I, II and III were 61.15, 48.5 and 28.4 months, respectively, with 5-year OS rates of 62.5, 47.1 and 21.6%, respectively (P<0.001). Further multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that BM (HR=1.934; 95% CI: 1.358–2.764; P<0.001) and clinical stage (HR=1.741; 95% CI: 1.102–2.750; P=0.018; P=0.022) were significant independent risk factors associated with patient OS. In conclusion, a tumor size of >5 cm is a significant risk factor for BM following PCI in patients with LS-SCLS achieving CR or PR through radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Furthermore, BM and clinical staging independently influence OS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Akademik Hassasiyetler is the property of Huzeyfe Suleyman Arslan 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.)

The adoption of artificial intelligence applications in higher education plays an important role in the improvement of the quality of education and learning practices and overcomes many educational' issues. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors influencing learning performance by using artificial intelligence in the educational process. The research model has been developed based on dual factor concept through examining "enablers" and "inhibitors" factors of artificial intelligence adoption in higher education toward improving the Learning Performance. The research model has been built based on a combination of the following theories, constructivism, TAM3, UTAUT, BM, status quo bias theory. The hypothesized model is validated empirically via a questionnaire including 57-item based on 5-point Likert scales completed by 383 respondents (random sampled). Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the proposed model by analyzing the confirmatory factor and path effects across the AMOS software. The results demonstrate that the indicators of model fitness showed good fit. As for the results of the hypothesis test, it is clear that the results of the analysis show that the interaction and the engagement of learning have a significant effect on the collaboration for learning and thus have a significant effect on the learning performance. Perceived enjoyment, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use have a significant effect on using artificial intelligence. Facilitating conditions have no significant impact on using artificial intelligence. Consciousness has a positive effect on use while perceived risks and resistance do not significantly affect use and learning performance. The use of artificial intelligence has a positive and significant effect on learning performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patients with sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) have various structural and functional abnormalities of the upper airway during sleep which may get reflected on their pulmonary function tests. The aim of the study was to find the correlation between the spirometric indices and snoring, grades of apnea–hypoapnea index (AHI), and STOPBANG. There is scarcity of literature showing correlation of STOP BANG with spirometric variables. Material and Methods: Patient with SRBD fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. The pretest probability sleep score STOPBANG and polysomnography (PSG) were calculated for all the patients. Spirometric indices like forced expiratory volume in one sec (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), postbronchodilator ratio FEVI/FVC (PBDR), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were studied. Their association with snoring, different grades of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and STOPBANG were evaluated using statistical analysis. Results: A total of 70 patients were enrolled. Abnormalities of spirometric indices were found to be common in patients with SRBD but their association with snoring, grades of OSA, and STOPBANG were not statistically significant. There is no statistically significant correlation between body mass index (BMI) and grades of AHI. Conclusion: This study found no statistically significant correlation between spirometric parameters and STOPBANG and degree of AHI. Primary care physicians should be aware that obstructive lung disease does coexist with the sleep disordered breathing but as per this study, their statistically significant association needs further validation.

Brain metastasis (BM), a devastating complication of advanced malignancy, has a high incidence in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As novel systemic treatment drugs and improved, more sensitive imaging investigations are performed, more patients will be diagnosed with BM. However, the main treatment methods face a high risk of complications at present. Therefore, based on immunotherapy of tumor immune microenvironment has been proposed. The development of NSCLC and its BM is closely related to the tumor microenvironment, the surrounding microenvironment where tumor cells live. In the event of BM, the metastatic tumor microenvironment in BM is composed of extracellular matrix, tissue-resident cells that change with tumor colonization and blood-derived immune cells. Immune-related cells and chemicals in the NSCLC brain metastasis microenvironment are targeted by BM immunotherapy, with immune checkpoint inhibition therapy being the most important. Blocking cancer immunosuppression by targeting immune checkpoints provides a suitable strategy for immunotherapy in patients with advanced cancers. In the past few years, several therapeutic advances in immunotherapy have changed the outlook for the treatment of BM from NSCLC. According to emerging evidence, immunotherapy plays an essential role in treating BM, with a more significant safety profile than others. This article discusses recent advances in the biology of BM from NSCLC, reviews novel mechanisms in diverse tumor metastatic stages, and emphasizes the role of the tumor immune microenvironment in metastasis. In addition, clinical advances in immunotherapy for this disease are mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Brain metastasis (BM), a devastating complication of advanced malignancy, has a high incidence in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As novel systemic treatment drugs and improved, more sensitive imaging investigations are performed, more patients will be diagnosed with BM. However, the main treatment methods face a high risk of complications at present. Therefore, based on immunotherapy of tumor immune microenvironment has been proposed. The development of NSCLC and its BM is closely related to the tumor microenvironment, the surrounding microenvironment where tumor cells live. In the event of BM, the metastatic tumor microenvironment in BM is composed of extracellular matrix, tissue-resident cells that change with tumor colonization and blood-derived immune cells. Immune-related cells and chemicals in the NSCLC brain metastasis microenvironment are targeted by BM immunotherapy, with immune checkpoint inhibition therapy being the most important. Blocking cancer immunosuppression by targeting immune checkpoints provides a suitable strategy for immunotherapy in patients with advanced cancers. In the past few years, several therapeutic advances in immunotherapy have changed the outlook for the treatment of BM from NSCLC. According to emerging evidence, immunotherapy plays an essential role in treating BM, with a more significant safety profile than others. This article discusses recent advances in the biology of BM from NSCLC, reviews novel mechanisms in diverse tumor metastatic stages, and emphasizes the role of the tumor immune microenvironment in metastasis. In addition, clinical advances in immunotherapy for this disease are mentioned.

Purpose: To characterize the risk factors for brain metastasis (BM) at presentation and analyze the prognostic factors for patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Patients and Methods: Patients were recruited from the SEER database between 2010 and 2016. They were divided into two groups according to BM status. The incidence trends of SCLC and its BM were analyzed by joinpoint software. The risk factors for BM in SCLC were identified by binary logistic regression models. The prognostic factors for SCLC patients with BM were identified by Cox proportional hazard models. Results: The incidence of SCLC and its BM significantly decreased after 2010. Totally 11,093 patients were collected, including 1717 (15.5%) patients with BM and 9376 (84.5%) patients without BM. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age, male and higher T stage were independent risk factors for BM in SCLC patients at presentation. SCLC patients with BM showed inferior survival to those without BM. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, increasing age, large tumor size, and higher N stage were risk factors for poor prognosis, while other race, surgery, adjuvant radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were protective factors for SCLC patients with BM. A nomogram was developed for prognosis evaluation of such patients. Conclusion: Age, male and higher T stage were risk factors for BM in SCLC patients at presentation. Increasing age, large tumor size, and advanced N stage may predict poor survival for SCLC patients with BM. Multidisciplinary therapies may provide clinical benefits. This study will help identify patients with higher BM risk and hopefully improve their clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) remains an essential modality of treatment for brain metastases (BMs) derived from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and anti-PD-1 therapy has demonstrated intracranial responses in these patients. We aimed to evaluate if the combination of the two treatments could yield additive efficacy. Methods: A retrospective review of our institution's database was carried out to identify NSCLC patients with BMs who had been treated with anti-PD1 therapy and/or WBRT between 2015 and 2020. Patient characteristics, main outcomes, including progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and factors affecting these outcomes were analyzed. SPSS 24 was used for statistical analysis. Appropriate statistical tests were employed according to the type of data. Results: Overall, 21 NSCLC BM patients were identified that had received WBRT. Of these, ten had been additionally treated with anti-PD1 therapy within 30 days of WBRT initiation. Median PFS was 3 (95% CI 0.8– 5.1) months with WBRT alone versus 11 (95% CI 6.3– 15.6) months with combined treatment. Risk of disease progression was 71% lower with the combined approach (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.11– 0.80; p=0.016). A trend toward improved OS was also observed with the combined approach (HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.08– 1.12; p=0.107). Concurrent treatment (p=0.028) and male sex (p=0.052) were associated with improved PFS, while OS was associated only with age (p=0.02). Conclusion: Concurrent WBRT and anti-PD1 therapy may delay progression and improve survival in BM patients with confirmed EGFR- and ALK-negative NSCLC histology. Prospective studies are warranted to validate and elucidate on the additive effect of the two modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eye is regarded as an immune privileged site. Since the presence of a vasculature would impair vision, the vasculature of the eye is located outside of the central light path. As a result, many regions of the eye evolved mechanisms to deliver immune cells to sites of dysgenesis, injury, or in response to the many age-related pathologies. While the purpose of these immune responses is reparative or protective, cytokines released by immune cells compromise visual acuity by inducing inflammation and fibrosis. The response to traumatic or pathological injury is distinct in different regions of the eye. Age-related diseases impact both the anterior and posterior segment and lead to reduced quality of life and blindness. Here we focus attention on the role that inflammation and fibrosis play in the progression of age-related pathologies of the cornea and the lens as well as in glaucoma, the formation of epiretinal membranes, and in proliferative vitreoretinopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peaceful solution of the Kashmir Dispute occupies an important place in its relations of Turkey with India subject to the rule of law as enshrined in the United Nations Charter. The territorial dispute on Kashmir as a matter of fact is a dispute on the interpretation of the Indian Independence Act of 1947, originating from Article 73 of the United Nations` Charter. If the past United Nations Security Council's resolutions on Kashmir are proven to be adopted as binding under Chapter VII, the peaceful solution of the Kashmir dispute can be achievable. The United Nations Security Council resolutions on Kashmir are open ended. The subsequent development of international law in regard to decolonization, made the principle of self-determination on the interpretation of Article 73 of the United Nations Charter to be accepted as a peremptory norm with the relevant decisions of the International Court of Justice. Following the development of international law on self-determination as a peremptory norm, the United Nations Security Council resolutions on Kashmir have automatically moved from Chapter VI to Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular understanding of the pathophysiological changes elicited by diabetes in platelets may help in further elucidating the involvement of this pseudo-cell in the increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and thrombosis in diabetic subjects. We aimed to investigate the differential characteristics of platelets from diabetic patients and nondiabetic controls to unveil the molecular mechanisms behind the increased platelet reactivity in diabetes. We compared platelets from diabetic and control subjects by 2 dimensional-electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry. Changes in selected differential proteins were validated by immunoprecipitation assays and western blot. Platelet aggregation was measured by light transmittance aggregometry induced by collagen and ADP, and dynamic coagulation analysis of whole blood was measured by thromboelastometry. We observed significant differences in proteins related to platelet aggregation, cell migration, and cell homeostasis. Subjects with diabetes showed higher platelet aggregation and thrombogenicity and higher contents of the stress-related protein complex HSPA8/Hsp90/CSK2α than nondiabetic subjects. Changes in the chaperones HSPA8 and Hsp90, and in CSK2α protein contents correlated with changes in platelet aggregation and blood coagulation activity. In conclusion, the complex HSPA8/Hsp90/CSK2α is involved in diabetes-related platelet hyperreactivity. The role of the HSPA8/Hsp90/CSK2α complex may become a molecular target for the development of future preventive and therapeutic strategies for platelet dysfunction associated with diabetes and its complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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