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This review article discusses the most common benign biliary disorders and the various radiological findings on multiple modalities. A broad spectrum of diseases including various congenital disorders, infective and parasitic etiologies, immunological pathologies such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, and immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis are discussed along with obstructive diseases and ischemic cholangitis. The article emphasized the imaging differential diagnosis of the above lesions as well as clinical correlates those that are most relevant to radiologists. The article briefly touched upon management and intervention where relevant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indications for liver transplantation (LT) vary across age groups. We identified predictors of outcomes for teenage LT waitlisted candidates and recipients in the United States from 2008 to 2022. The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients 2008–2022 provided data (clinical, sociodemographic, indications for LT, outcomes) for all teenagers (13–19 years) waitlisted for LT in the United States. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, including primary listing diagnoses, were evaluated and compared by age group (13–16 vs. 17–19 years) among waitlisted teenage candidates. There were 2,813 teenage LT candidates listed between 2008 and 2022. The most common LT indication was acute liver disease (23.5%), followed by biliary atresia or hypoplasia (11.9%), autoimmune hepatitis (11.1%), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (9.7%). In contrast, chronic viral hepatitis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and alcohol-related liver disease (the most common indications in adults) did not exceed 1% each; 2.8% had hepatocellular carcinoma. Excluding the two most recent years, 67.2% of candidates received a transplant; mean time to transplant was 217.0 days (standard deviation 371.6). Independent predictors of receiving a transplant were a more recent calendar year, younger age, higher model for end-stage liver disease score, and an acute liver disease diagnosis (all p <.05). Among the LT group, 3-year survival was 90%, with an improving survival trend. Higher post-transplant mortality was associated with earlier years of transplantation, older age, having Medicaid, being retransplanted, and having hepatocellular carcinoma (adjusted hazard ratios >1, all p <.05). Indications for LT among US teenagers are different from adults or younger children. There is a trend toward improved post-transplant outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to address the critical issue of age deterioration in prestressed concrete (PSC) structures by investigating the strengthening of aged PSC structures using a near-surface mounted (NSM) post-tensioned carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). A total of nine PSC beams, each with a length of 6.5 m, were fabricated for a four-point bending test. Various experimental parameters were taken into account, including the strengthening method, compressive strength of concrete in the PSC beam, and the prestressing force of the PSC beam. The results indicated that the NSM post-tensioned CFRP strengthening system proved more efficient when compared to the NSM non-post-tensioned CFRP strengthening system. The flexural capacity of the NSM post-tensioned CFRP strengthening system, under the deteriorated low-strength PSC beam, increased by up to 30.9% compared to the PSC reference beam. Additionally, the experimental results were compared to a finite-element analysis, and a parametric study was conducted to examine the material properties of the PSC beam. Consequently, the NSM post-tensioned CFRP strengthening system is expected to be an effective solution for addressing the issue of deteriorated low-strength PSC structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article discusses the most common benign biliary disorders and the various radiological findings on multiple modalities. A broad spectrum of diseases including various congenital disorders, infective and parasitic etiologies, immunological pathologies such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, and immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis are discussed along with obstructive diseases and ischemic cholangitis.

Abstract This study aimed to address the critical issue of age deterioration in prestressed concrete (PSC) structures by investigating the strengthening of aged PSC structures using a near-surface mounted (NSM) post-tensioned carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). A total of nine PSC beams, each with a length of 6.5 m, were fabricated for a four-point bending test. Various experimental parameters were taken into account, including the strengthening method, compressive strength of concrete in the PSC beam, and the prestressing force of the PSC beam. The results indicated that the NSM post-tensioned CFRP strengthening system proved more efficient when compared to the NSM non-post-tensioned CFRP strengthening system. The flexural capacity of the NSM post-tensioned CFRP strengthening system, under the deteriorated low-strength PSC beam, increased by up to 30.9% compared to the PSC reference beam. Additionally, the experimental results were compared to a finite-element analysis, and a parametric study was conducted to examine the material properties of the PSC beam. Consequently, the NSM post-tensioned CFRP strengthening system is expected to be an effective solution for addressing the issue of deteriorated low-strength PSC structures.

The current study employs numerical simulations via the SCAPS-1D platform to investigate the performance of solar cells based on perovskite, with RbGeI3 utilized as an absorber material possessing a wide bandgap of 1.31 eV. Through systematic exploration of various parameters including temperature, layer thickness, doping, and defects, the study aims to enhance the efficiency of the solar cells, considering their sensitivity to temperature variations. Results demonstrate that the proposed configuration effectively extends the absorption spectrum into the near-infrared region, with the thickness of the RbGeI3 layer emerging as a critical factor influencing device performance. Analysis reveals that the series resistance peaks at 2 Ω·см2, while the shunt resistance achieves optimal output parameters of up to 103 Ω·см2. Moreover, optimization efforts yield a solar cell exhibiting a power conversion efficiency of 24.62%, fill factor of 82.8%, open circuit voltage of 0.99V, and short circuit current density of 33.20 mA/cm2 at a RbGeI3 thickness of 0.6 um. This comprehensive numerical investigation not only enhances understanding of the intricate factors influencing perovskite solar cells but also suggests promising avenues for future advancements in the field.

Abstract Background Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic liver disease leading to inflammation with scaring and strictures of bile ducts, which can lead to liver cirrhosis. A subtype of PSC characterized by high serum IgG4 (sIgG4) levels has been reported to be associated with poor outcomes, but the exact role and the longitudinal development of sIgG4 levels in PSC progression remains to be clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate if subsequent analysis of sIgG4 levels allows the identification of the PSC phenotype with high sIgG4. Methods sIgG4 values were repeatedly analysed in a well-characterized European PSC cohort of 110 individuals. Biochemical parameters, clinical endpoints, death and liver transplantation were compared between PSC subgroups. Results 12.7% (n = 14) of PSC patients showed increased sIgG4 levels (PSC-IgG4). The values normalized in 57.1% (n = 8; PSC-IgG4norm) during follow-up measurements, whereas the values remained permanently elevated in 42.9% (n = 6; PSC-IgG4const). Serum values of AP and γGT were significantly higher in PSC-IgG4const compared to PSC-IgG4norm at final blood sampling. Furthermore, mean age at PSC diagnosis was markedly lower in PSC-IgG4const compared to PSC-IgG4norm. Conclusions This is the first study analyzing longitudinal development of sIgG4 in PSC. Our data indicate that only sequential determination of sIgG4 levels allow to accurately distinguish between the PSC phenotype with high sIgG4 and PSC with low sIgG4. Graphical abstract

AbstractThe present research examines the utilization of metaheuristic optimization algorithms to enhance the predictive accuracy of the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) machine learning model in predicting the capacity for punching shear of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) reinforced concrete slabs in the absence of shear reinforcement. A database including 610 experimental results is constructed, and the efficiency of twenty metaheuristic algorithms is assessed in optimizing the hyperparameters of the XGBoost model. The enhanced models undergo evaluation and comparison with existing prediction algorithms, showcasing their better accuracy. The study reveals that the DE, MVO, EOA, and VCS algorithms yield the highest precision among the investigated optimization techniques out of which VCS model performed better. Furthermore, the significance of input parameters on the punching shear capacity is analyzed by implementing the Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) method. The findings emphasize the potential of metaheuristic optimization in enhancing the estimating abilities of machine learning models for complex engineering problems and provide valuable insights into the key factors influencing the punching shear strength of concrete slabs reinforced with FRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic liver disease leading to inflammation with scaring and strictures of bile ducts, which can lead to liver cirrhosis. A subtype of PSC characterized by high serum IgG4 (sIgG4) levels has been reported to be associated with poor outcomes, but the exact role and the longitudinal development of sIgG4 levels in PSC progression remains to be clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate if subsequent analysis of sIgG4 levels allows the identification of the PSC phenotype with high sIgG4. Methods: sIgG4 values were repeatedly analysed in a well-characterized European PSC cohort of 110 individuals. Biochemical parameters, clinical endpoints, death and liver transplantation were compared between PSC subgroups. Results: 12.7% (n = 14) of PSC patients showed increased sIgG4 levels (PSC-IgG4). The values normalized in 57.1% (n = 8; PSC-IgG4norm) during follow-up measurements, whereas the values remained permanently elevated in 42.9% (n = 6; PSC-IgG4const). Serum values of AP and γGT were significantly higher in PSC-IgG4const compared to PSC-IgG4norm at final blood sampling. Furthermore, mean age at PSC diagnosis was markedly lower in PSC-IgG4const compared to PSC-IgG4norm. Conclusions: This is the first study analyzing longitudinal development of sIgG4 in PSC. Our data indicate that only sequential determination of sIgG4 levels allow to accurately distinguish between the PSC phenotype with high sIgG4 and PSC with low sIgG4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing unclear biliary strictures is challenging. We analyzed the diagnostic performance of radiology, EUS, and ERCP. All patients referred for EUS and ERCP to assess an unclear biliary stricture were prospectively included. The data from radiology, EUS, ERCP, and tissue sampling were recorded. The diagnostic modalities were analyzed separately and in combination, with a focus on PSC. Between 2013 and 2020, 78 patients were included; 31% had PSC. A cholangioscopy was not performed in this study. The final diagnosis indicated that the biliary stricture was benign in 62% of the patients and malignant in 38%. The differences among the modalities were numerical, not significant. The modalities showed an accuracy between 78 and 83% in all the patients and between 75 and 83% in the patients with PSC. The combination of radiology and EUS showed the highest sensitivity of 94% in all the patients and a sensitivity of 100% in PSC. Tissue sampling showed the highest specificity of 93% in all patients and 89% in PSC. In 22 cases with combined EUS, ERCP, and tissue sampling, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 82%, 70%, and 92%, respectively. Minor differences were observed between the intention-to-diagnose analysis and the per-protocol analysis. Adverse events were recorded in 4% of cases. The combination of EUS and ERCP with tissue sampling seems to be useful and safe for excluding malignancy in unclear biliary strictures. In cases with a reduced suspicion of malignancy, radiology with an EUS may be sufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

У поточному дослідженні використовується чисельне моделювання за допомогою платформи SCAPS-1D для дослідження ефективності сонячних елементів на основі перовскіту з RbGeI3, що використовується як поглинаючий матеріал із широкою забороненою зоною 1,31 еВ. Завдяки систематичному дослідженню різних параметрів, включаючи температуру, товщину шару, легування та дефекти, дослідження спрямоване на підвищення ефективності сонячних елементів, враховуючи їхню чутливість до коливань температури. Результати демонструють, що запропонована конфігурація ефективно розширює спектр поглинання в ближню інфрачервону область, при цьому товщина шару RbGeI3 стає критичним фактором, що впливає на продуктивність пристрою. Аналіз показує, що пік послідовного опору досягає 2 Ωꞏсм², тоді як опір шунта досягає оптимальних вихідних параметрів до 103 Ωꞏсм². Крім того, зусилля з оптимізації призвели до отримання сонячної батареї з ефективністю перетворення потужності 24,62%, коефіцієнтом заповнення 82,8%, напругою холостого ходу 0,99 В і щільністю струму короткого замикання 33,20 мА/см2 при товщині RbGeI3 0,6 мкм. Це комплексне чисельне дослідження не тільки покращує розуміння складних факторів, що впливають на перовскітні сонячні елементи, але також пропонує багатообіцяючі шляхи для майбутніх досягнень у цій галузі. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tail effect is a unique phenomenon in immunotherapy characterized by the prolonged maintenance of therapeutic efficacy. It can be observable even after treatment cessation. Immunotherapy has gradually become a vital regimen for the treatment of advanced lung cancer patients, among which immune-combined therapies based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been applied clinically and demonstrates considerable clinical efficacy. In this case report, the patient was pathologically diagnosed with pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC), a rare and highly aggressive subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) known for its poor prognosis due to high invasiveness and metastatic potential. After developing resistance to chemotherapy, the patient was treated with a combined regimen of sintilimab and anlotinib, leading to initial clinical improvement. Following just three cycles of this regimen, treatment was discontinued, and the patient was discharged. Remarkably, over the subsequent months, the patient exhibited a significant tail effect, evidenced by sustained therapeutic stability, continuous tumor regression, stable low levels of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and further improvement in clinical symptoms. Tail effect is a golden tail of immunotherapy. This case illustrates that the tail effect of immunotherapy can offer substantial survival benefits for patients with unresectable advanced lung cancer who have failed chemotherapy.

Simple Summary: In this study, we aimed to improve the culture system for chicken embryonic-derived pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). These cells have immense potential in various fields, such as growth and development studies, vaccine production, and preserving genetic resources. However, establishing a stable and efficient culture system for chicken PSCs remains a challenge. We investigated the effects of different signaling pathways and feeder layers on the derivation and maintenance of chicken PSCs. Our results show that using STO cells as feeder layers, along with specific signaling pathway inhibitors, allows for the efficient derivation of chicken PSC-like cells. These cells exhibit characteristics of pluripotency and can differentiate into various cell types. This research enhances our understanding of chicken PSC culture conditions and lays the groundwork for their biomedical and biotechnological applications. The utilization of chicken embryonic-derived pluripotent stem cell (PSC) lines is crucial in various fields, including growth and development, vaccine and protein production, and germplasm resource protection. However, the research foundation for chicken PSCs is relatively weak, and there are still challenges in establishing a stable and efficient PSC culture system. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of the FGF2/ERK and WNT/β-catenin signaling pathways, as well as different feeder layers, on the derivation and maintenance of chicken embryonic-derived PSCs. The results of this study demonstrate that the use of STO cells as feeder layers, along with the addition of FGF2, IWR-1, and XAV-939 (FIX), allows for the efficient derivation of chicken PSC-like cells. Under the FIX culture conditions, chicken PSCs express key pluripotency genes, such as POUV, SOX2, and NANOG, as well as specific proteins SSEA-1, C-KIT, and SOX2, indicating their pluripotent nature. Additionally, the embryoid body experiment confirms that these PSC-like cells can differentiate into cells of three germ layers in vitro, highlighting their potential for multilineage differentiation. Furthermore, this study reveals that chicken Eyal–Giladi and Kochav stage X blastodermal cells express genes related to the primed state of PSCs, and the FIX culture system established in this research maintains the expression of these genes in vitro. These findings contribute significantly to the understanding and optimization of chicken PSC culture conditions and provide a foundation for further exploration of the biomedical research and biotechnological applications of chicken PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract of unclear pathogenesis. IBD consists of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). The two most common manifestations of the disorder, both have a chronic course with episodes of acute activity. Their underlying pathogenesis and symptoms, however, are quite distinct. IBD has a multiple factor etiology involving genetics, immunological dysregulation and dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiome. The resulting chronic inflammation of the entire body is the cause of the symptoms and signs of the condition. Extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) occur in 5% to 50% of IBD patients over the course of their lifetime. PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to present the current state of knowledge about the prevalence of extraintestinal manifestations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The available literature in PubMed was reviewed to write the article, using the keywords „inflammatory bowel disease", „Crohn's disease", „ulcerative colitis", „extraintestinal manifestations IBD". CONCLUSION: Extraintestinal manifestations are evidence that IBD is not only confined to the intestine, these may involve many different organs other than the gut and may be more devastating than the IBD. Screening for EIM in these patients and prompt adequate treatment are essential. To adequately manage EIM and improve the quality of life of our patients, appropriate treatment regimens and therapies are required in a multidisciplinary team approach. Due to the lack of available dedicated diagnostic biomarkers for EIM, consideration of concomitant extraintestinal conditions in patients with inflammatory bowel disease might help in the selection and management of them. Clinicians caring for patients with IBD must be aware of these various systemic manifestations, as failure to diagnose and treat them early can result in significant morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Many herbal medicines and their bioactive compounds have shown anti-tumor properties. This study was conducted to examine the effect of psilostachyin C (PSC), a sesquiterpenoid lactone isolated from Artemisia vulgaris L., in the malignant properties of HCC cells. CCK-8, flow cytometry, wound healing, and Transwell assays revealed that 25 μM PSC treatment significantly suppressed proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration, and invasion of two HCC cell lines (Hep 3B and Huh7) while promoting cell apoptosis. Bioinformatics prediction suggests CREB binding protein (CREBBP) as a promising target of PSC. CREBBP activated transcription of GATA zinc finger domain containing 2B (GATAD2B) by binding to its promoter. CREBBP and GATAD2B were highly expressed in clinical HCC tissues and the acquired HCC cell lines, but their expression was reduced by PSC. Either upregulation of CREBBP or GATAD2B restored the malignant properties of HCC cells blocked by PSC. Collectively, this evidence demonstrates that PSC pocessess anti-tumor functions in HCC cells by blocking CREBBP-mediated transcription of GATAD2B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures can result in significant patient radiation exposure. This retrospective multicenter study aimed to assess the influence of procedural complexity and other clinical factors on radiation exposure in ERCP. Methods: Data on kerma-area product (KAP), air-kerma at the reference point (Ka,r), fluoroscopy time, and the number of exposures, and relevant patient, procedure, and operator factors were collected from 2641 ERCP procedures performed at four university hospitals. The influence of procedural complexity, assessed using the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and HOUSE complexity grading scales, on radiation exposure quantities was analyzed within each center. The procedures were categorized into two groups based on ERCP indications: primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and other ERCPs. Results: Both the ASGE and HOUSE complexity grading scales had a significant impact on radiation exposure quantities. Remarkably, there was up to a 50-fold difference in dose quantities observed across the participating centers. For non-PSC ERCP procedures, the median KAP ranged from 0.9 to 64.4 Gy·cm2 among the centers. The individual endoscopist also had a substantial influence on radiation dose. Conclusions: Procedural complexity grading in ERCP significantly affects radiation exposure. Higher procedural complexity is typically associated with increased patient radiation dose. The ASGE complexity grading scale demonstrated greater sensitivity to changes in radiation exposure compared to the HOUSE grading scale. Additionally, significant variations in dose indices, fluoroscopy times, and number of exposures were observed across the participating centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by progressive inflammation and fibrosis of the bile ducts. PSC is a complex disease of largely unknown aetiology that is strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Diagnosis, especially at an early stage, is difficult and to date there is no diagnostic biomarker. The present study aimed to assess the diagnostic potential of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath to detect (early) PSC in an IBD population. Methods: Breath samples were obtained from 16 patients with PSC alone, 47 with PSC and IBD, and 53 with IBD alone during outpatient clinic visits. Breath sampling was performed using the ReCIVA breath sampler and subsequently analysed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Random forest modelling was performed to find discriminatory VOCs and create a predictive model that was tested using an independent test set. Results: The final model to discriminate patients with PSC, with or without IBD, from patients with IBD alone included twenty VOCs and achieved a sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver-operating curve on the test set of 77%, 83%, and 0.84 respectively. Three VOCs (isoprene, 2-octanone and undecane) together correlated significantly with the Amsterdam-Oxford score for PSC disease prognosis. A sensitivity analysis showed stable results across early-stage PSC, including in those with normal alkaline phosphatase levels, as well as further progressed PSC. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that exhaled breath can distinguish PSC cases from IBD and has potential as a non-invasive clinical breath test for (early) PSC. Impact and implications:: Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a complex chronic liver disease, which ultimately results in cirrhosis, liver failure, and death. Detection, especially in early disease stages, can be challenging, and therefore therapy typically starts when there is already some irreversible damage. The current study shows that metabolites in exhaled breath, so called volatile organic compounds, hold promise to non-invasively detect primary sclerosing cholangitis, including at early disease stages.

Background & Aims: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare progressive liver disease associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is usually diagnosed in adults but can also present in children. Data on long-term outcomes of pediatric PSC are limited. Our aim was to study the natural history of pediatric PSC in Sweden. Methods: This is a cohort study, including all children (

IntoductionIdentification of specific metabolome and lipidome profile of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is crucial for diagnosis, targeted personalized therapy, and more accurate risk stratification.MethodsNuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy revealed an altered metabolome and lipidome of 33 patients with PSC [24 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and 9 patients without IBD] compared with 40 age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls (HC) as well as 64 patients with IBD and other extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) but without PSC.ResultsIn particular, higher concentrations of pyruvic acid and several lipoprotein subfractions were measured in PSC in comparison to HC. Of clinical relevance, a specific amino acid and lipid profile was determined in PSC compared with IBD and other EIM.DiscussionThese results have the potential to improve diagnosis by differentiating PSC patients from HC and those with IBD and EIM.

AbstractThe "Integrated Physiology of the Exocrine and Endocrine Compartments in Pancreatic Diseases" Workshop was a 1.5-day scientific conference at the National Institutes of Health (Bethesda, MD) that engaged clinical and basic science investigators interested in diseases of the pancreas. This report summarizes the workshop proceedings. The goal of the workshop was to forge connections and identify gaps in knowledge that could guide future research directions. Presentations were segregated into 6 major themes, including (a) Pancreas Anatomy and Physiology; (b) Diabetes in the Setting of Exocrine Disease; (c) Metabolic Influences on the Exocrine Pancreas; (d) Genetic Drivers of Pancreatic Diseases; (e) Tools for Integrated Pancreatic Analysis; and (f) Implications of Exocrine-Endocrine Crosstalk. For each theme, there were multiple presentations followed by panel discussions on specific topics relevant to each area of research; these are summarized herein. Significantly, the discussions resulted in the identification of research gaps and opportunities for the field to address. In general, it was concluded that as a pancreas research community, we must more thoughtfully integrate our current knowledge of the normal physiology as well as the disease mechanisms that underlie endocrine and exocrine disorders so that there is a better understanding of the interplay between these compartments.

Abstract Background Autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) are increasing and common forms of chronic liver disease (CLD) with different clinical responses and characteristics which can result in cirrhosis. This study aimed to investigate the natural history and characteristics of AILD in an Iranian population. Methods Patients with AILD [Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH), Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) and Overlap Syndrome (OS)] referred to Middle East Liver Diseases (MELD) center, Tehran, Iran, between January 2002 and December 2022 were included in this retrospective cohort study. The main features of natural history (the trends of liver functional tests (LFT), Auto-Antibodies, response to treatment and cirrhotic status) along with demographic data were studied. Results Two hundred sixty-five patients (160 (60.4%) AIH, 37 (14.0%) PBC, 20 (7.5%) PSC, 48 (18.1%) overlap syndrome) with a median follow-up time of 5 years (IQR 4 to 8 years) were included. Baseline laboratory tests revealed that patients with AIH exhibit elevated transaminase levels. However, patients suffering from PBC and PSC displayed increased alkaline phosphatase levels. Conversely, in overlap syndrome patients, both transaminases and alkaline phosphatase were observed at high levels. Autoantibodies represented themselves as important diagnostic markers for the AIH and PBC but not for PSC. The complete response occurred in 112 (70%) of and 28 (58.4%) patients with AIH and overlap syndrome respectively and 21 patients 11 (6.9%) of AIH and 10 (20.8%) of overlap syndrome) were non-responders. Other patients in these two categories were considered as insufficient responders. On the other side, 32 (91.9%) and 8 (40%) of patients with PBC and PSC biochemically responded to Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA). Unpredictably, cirrhosis regression was observed in some AIH and PBC patients. Conclusion Appropriate medication management for AILD patients may leads to regression from cirrhosis and improvement of manifestations; while discontinuation of medication may cause relapses. However, patient suffering from PSC showed limited response to treatment.

The construction industry is increasingly focused on sustainability to reduce environmental impact. Researchers are actively exploring alternative materials to replace clinker-based binders. This study specifically investigates the use of eggshell powder (ESP) as a sustainable substitute in construction. Portland slag cement (PSC) is partially replaced by ESP in concrete production for this purpose. To assess the effectiveness of ESP in enhancing binder properties, the study analyses experimental data for compressive and flexural strength. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) modelling is employed for this analysis to predict material performance. The model undergoes training and testing using input data to ensure accuracy and reliability. The success of the study is demonstrated by high R2 values, with 0,9915 for compressive strength and 0,9921 for flexural strength, indicating that the ANN model closely matches actual material performance. Additionally, error analysis confirms the model's remarkable accuracy in predicting real-world results. Furthermore, the research highlights the exceptional potential of the developed ANN model, which can effectively predict the mechanical properties of construction materials containing ESP.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of intra- and/or extrahepatic bile ducts leading to the formation of multifocal strictures alternated to bile duct dilatations. The diagnosis of the most common subtype of the disease, the large duct PSC, is based on the presence of elevation of cholestatic indices, the association of typical cholangiographic findings assessed by magnetic resonance cholangiography and the exclusion of causes of secondary sclerosing cholangitis. Liver biopsy is not routinely applied for the diagnosis of large duct PSC but is mandatory in the case of suspicion of small duct PSC or overlap with autoimmune hepatitis.

Objectives: Patient safety competencies (PSC) of nursing students are, in particular, critical for quality and safe care. In the study, it was aimed to determine the PSC of nursing students and the factors affecting them. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional, relationship-seeking, and comparative study was conducted between February 1st and May 15th, 2022. The sample of the study consisted of 441 students studying at three universities. The data were collected online using the Sociodemographic Data Form and PSC Self-Evaluation Tool. Results: In institutions where the study was conducted, students rated their level as above moderate in the PSC. Those aged 23 and over, and those who had received education on patient safety in patient care and drug administration were found to have a higher level of PSC. When the scores that all students obtained from the overall scale and its subscales were compared, it was determined that students of University C had statistically higher overall and subscale scores than those in the other two universities. Conclusion: The assessment of PSC and the determination of the influencing variables may shed light on the regulations to be conducted in this regard. Patient safety courses should be included in the nursing curriculum as a compulsory course in two semesters at basic and advanced levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) are increasing and common forms of chronic liver disease (CLD) with different clinical responses and characteristics which can result in cirrhosis. This study aimed to investigate the natural history and characteristics of AILD in an Iranian population. Methods: Patients with AILD [Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH), Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) and Overlap Syndrome (OS)] referred to Middle East Liver Diseases (MELD) center, Tehran, Iran, between January 2002 and December 2022 were included in this retrospective cohort study. The main features of natural history (the trends of liver functional tests (LFT), Auto-Antibodies, response to treatment and cirrhotic status) along with demographic data were studied. Results: Two hundred sixty-five patients (160 (60.4%) AIH, 37 (14.0%) PBC, 20 (7.5%) PSC, 48 (18.1%) overlap syndrome) with a median follow-up time of 5 years (IQR 4 to 8 years) were included. Baseline laboratory tests revealed that patients with AIH exhibit elevated transaminase levels. However, patients suffering from PBC and PSC displayed increased alkaline phosphatase levels. Conversely, in overlap syndrome patients, both transaminases and alkaline phosphatase were observed at high levels. Autoantibodies represented themselves as important diagnostic markers for the AIH and PBC but not for PSC. The complete response occurred in 112 (70%) of and 28 (58.4%) patients with AIH and overlap syndrome respectively and 21 patients 11 (6.9%) of AIH and 10 (20.8%) of overlap syndrome) were non-responders. Other patients in these two categories were considered as insufficient responders. On the other side, 32 (91.9%) and 8 (40%) of patients with PBC and PSC biochemically responded to Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA). Unpredictably, cirrhosis regression was observed in some AIH and PBC patients. Conclusion: Appropriate medication management for AILD patients may leads to regression from cirrhosis and improvement of manifestations; while discontinuation of medication may cause relapses. However, patient suffering from PSC showed limited response to treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) was declared one of the biggest unmet needs in hepatology during International Liver Congress 2016 in Berlin. Since then, not much has changed unfortunately, largely due to the still elusive pathophysiology of the disease. One of the most striking features of PSC is its association with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with the majority of patients with PSC being diagnosed with extensive colitis. This review describes the epidemiology of IBD in PSC, its specific phenotype, complications and potential pathophysiological mechanisms connecting the two diseases. Whether PSC is merely an extra-intestinal manifestation of IBD or if PSC and IBD are two distinct diseases that happen to share a common susceptibility that leads to a dual phenotype is debated. Implications for the management of the two diseases together are also discussed. Overall, this review summarises the available data in PSC-IBD and discusses whether PSC and IBD are one or two disease(s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is controversy regarding the optimal calcineurin inhibitor type after liver transplant(ation) (LT) for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). We compared tacrolimus with cyclosporine in a propensity score-matched intention-to-treat analysis based on registries representing nearly all LTs in Europe and the US. From the European Liver Transplant Registry (ELTR) and Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR), we included adult patients with PSC undergoing a primary LT between 2000-2020. Patients initially treated with cyclosporine were propensity score-matched 1:3 with those initially treated with tacrolimus. The primary outcomes were patient and graft survival rates. The propensity score-matched sample comprised 399 cyclosporine-treated and 1,197 tacrolimus-treated patients with PSC. During a median follow-up of 7.4 years (IQR 2.3-12.8, 12,579.2 person-years), there were 480 deaths and 231 re-LTs. The initial tacrolimus treatment was superior to cyclosporine in terms of patient and graft survival, with 10-year patient survival estimates of 72.8% for tacrolimus and 65.2% for cyclosporine (p <0.001) and 10-year graft survival estimates of 62.4% and 53.8% (p <0.001), respectively. These findings were consistent in the subgroups according to age, sex, registry (ELTR vs. SRTR), time period of LT, MELD score, and diabetes status. The acute rejection rates were similar between groups. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, tacrolimus (hazard ratio 0.72, p <0.001) and mycophenolate use (hazard ratio 0.82, p = 0.03) were associated with a reduced risk of graft loss or death, whereas steroid use was not significant. Tacrolimus is associated with better patient and graft survival rates than cyclosporine and should be the standard calcineurin inhibitor used after LT for patients with PSC. The optimal calcineurin inhibitor to use after liver transplantation in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis has yet to be firmly established. Since randomized trials with long follow-up are unlikely to be performed, multicontinental long-term registry data are essential in informing clinical practices. Our study supports the practice of using tacrolimus instead of cyclosporine in the initial immunosuppressive regimen after liver transplantation for patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. The retrospective registry-based design is a limitation. [Display omitted] • Tacrolimus was associated with superior survival compared to cyclosporine after liver transplantation for PSC. • 10-year patient survival estimates were 73% for tacrolimus and 65% for cyclosporine. • 10-year graft survival estimates were 62% for tacrolimus and 54% for cyclosporine. • Findings were consistent across subgroups by age, sex, registry, time period of LT, MELD score, and diabetes status. • Tacrolimus emerges as the preferred calcineurin inhibitor after liver transplantation for PSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent data suggest that ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy may reduce susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and even improve clinical outcomes when coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) was diagnosed. However, clinical evidence of UDCA's ability to prevent severe forms of COVID‐19 remains limited and contradictory. We evaluated the association between UDCA exposure and the risk of hospitalization for COVID‐19 in a large multicenter population of patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) followed during the pandemic period before vaccination. An exposed/unexposed cohort study and a nested case–control study were performed. The primary endpoint was severe COVID‐19, defined as SARS‐CoV2 infection requiring hospitalization. The secondary endpoint was COVID‐19‐associated intensive care unit (ICU) admission or death. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and their confidence intervals (CI) were determined after controlling for age, gender, comorbidities at risk for COVID‐19, severity of CLD, and prior hospitalizations. A total of 10 147 patients, including 1322 exposed and 8825 not exposed to UDCA, totaling 21 867 person‐years of follow‐up, were included in the cohort analysis, while 88 patients hospitalized for COVID‐19 and 840 matched controls were eligible for the nested case–control analysis. In both analyses, exposure to UDCA was not associated with a significant reduction in the risk of hospitalization for COVID‐19, with aOR (95% confidence interval) values of 0.48 (0.20–1.19) and 0.93 (0.26–3.29), respectively. Furthermore, there was no significant reduction in the risk of ICU admission or death. In this large population of patients with CLD, UDCA exposure was not associated with a reduced risk of severe COVID‐19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction industry is increasingly focused on sustainability to reduce environmental impact. Researchers are actively exploring alternative materials to replace clinker-based binders. This study specifically investigates the use of eggshell powder (ESP) as a sustainable substitute in construction. Portland slag cement (PSC) is partially replaced by ESP in concrete production for this purpose. To assess the effectiveness of ESP in enhancing binder properties, the study analyses experimental data for compressive and flexural strength. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) modelling is employed for this analysis to predict material performance. The model undergoes training and testing using input data to ensure accuracy and reliability. The success of the study is demonstrated by high R2 values, with 0,9915 for compressive strength and 0,9921 for flexural strength, indicating that the ANN model closely matches actual material performance. Additionally, error analysis confirms the model's remarkable accuracy in predicting real-world results. Furthermore, the research highlights the exceptional potential of the developed ANN model, which can effectively predict the mechanical properties of construction materials containing ESP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of intra- and/or extrahepatic bile ducts leading to the formation of multifocal strictures alternated to bile duct dilatations. The diagnosis of the most common subtype of the disease, the large duct PSC, is based on the presence of elevation of cholestatic indices, the association of typical cholangiographic findings assessed by magnetic resonance cholangiography and the exclusion of causes of secondary sclerosing cholangitis. Liver biopsy is not routinely applied for the diagnosis of large duct PSC but is mandatory in the case of suspicion of small duct PSC or overlap with autoimmune hepatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IgG4-related cholangitis (IRC) is the major hepatobiliary manifestation of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), a systemic fibroinflammatory disorder. The pathogenesis of IgG4-RD and IRC is currently viewed as multifactorial, as there is evidence of a genetic predisposition while environmental factors, such as blue-collar work, are major risk factors. Various autoantigens have been described in IgG4-RD, including annexin A11 and laminin 511-E8, proteins which may exert a partially protective function in cholangiocytes by enhancing secretion and barrier function, respectively. For the other recently described autoantigens, galectin-3 and prohibitin 1, a distinct role in cholangiocytes appears less apparent. In relation to these autoantigens, oligoclonal expansions of IgG4+ plasmablasts are present in patients with IRC and disappear upon successful treatment. More recently, specific T-cell subtypes including regulatory T cells, follicular T helper 2 cells, peripheral T helper cells and cytotoxic CD8+ and CD4+ SLAMF7+ T cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of IgG4-RD. The clinical presentation of IRC often mimics other biliary diseases such as primary sclerosing cholangitis or cholangiocarcinoma, which may lead to inappropriate medical and potentially invalidating surgical interventions. As specific biomarkers are lacking, diagnosis is made according to the HISORt criteria comprising histopathology, imaging, serology, other organ manifestations and response to therapy. Treatment of IRC aims to prevent or alleviate organ damage and to improve symptoms and consists of (i) remission induction, (ii) remission maintenance and (iii) long-term management. Glucocorticosteroids are highly effective for remission induction, after which immunomodulators can be introduced for maintenance of remission as glucocorticosteroid-sparing alternatives. Increased insight into the pathogenesis of IRC will lead to improved diagnosis and novel therapeutic strategies in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proportion of the integrated converters using PSC （power synchronization control） in power systems is increasing year by year， but there is a lack of in-depth research on the transient synchronization stability. Therefore， the transient synchronization stability mechanism of integrated grid-forming converters using PSC is analyzed， and measures to improve the transient stability of the converter are proposed. First， the transient stability model of the grid-forming converters with PSC during grid fault is established. Subsequently， based on the phase diagram curve （PDC） method， the destabilization mechanism of the converters and the effect of voltage coupling on the transient synchronous stability are investigated. Moreover， a control strategy to improve the transient synchronous stability by dynamically adjusting the active power command value is proposed based on the effect of voltage coupling. Finally， the electromagnetic transient simulation model of an equivalent system in a city is constructed by using PSCAD/EMTDC， which verifies the correctness of the transient stabilization mechanism of the converter-connected power system and the effectiveness of the stabilization enhancement measures under different fault conditions.

Humans harbour a large quantity of microbes in the intestinal tract and have evolved symbiotic relationships with many of them. However, several specific bacterial pathobionts are associated with liver disease pathogenesis. Although bacteriophages (phages) and eukaryotic viruses (collectively known as "the virome") outnumber bacteria and fungi in the intestine, little is known about the intestinal virome in patients with liver disease. As natural predators of bacteria, phages can precisely edit the bacterial microbiota. Hence, there is interest in using them to target bacterial pathobionts in several diseases, including those of the liver. Herein, we will summarise changes in the faecal virome associated with fatty liver diseases and cirrhosis, and describe the therapeutic potential of phages and potential challenges to their clinical application.

Background and aimsCholangioscopy is useful in establishing a visual diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), but this is harder to achieve in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) because of the stricture-forming nature of the disease. Furthermore, it can be harder to differentiate malignant from benign features of the underlying inflammation. This case series demonstrates the varied features of nonmalignant inflammatory findings in PSC.MethodsA single experienced endoscopist performed cholangioscopy for PSC cases referred for ERCP.ResultsCholangioscopy in these 5 cases without CCA demonstrated the features of acute and chronic inflammation, acute inflammatory mass, dominant stricture, acute cholangitis in a duct with features of chronic inflammation with a large pigmented stone, and fibrostenotic disease. Cholangioscopic maneuvers such as advancement across strictures after balloon dilation, targeted mucosal biopsy, and electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) of impacted stones are demonstrated. The relevant radiographic and histopathologic features of the disease accompany each case description. Regarding long-term prognosis, 1 case of acute inflammatory mass and a case of worsening liver function required a liver transplant evaluation, whereas the other 3 cases remain stable.ConclusionsCholangioscopic features of benign disease in PSC are varied. Knowledge of these features is essential in differentiating between benign and malignant findings. These features, combined with biopsy and cytology evaluation, can help in tailoring management in patients with benign PSC.

Abstract Background Creating a healthy, decent and safe workplace and designing quality jobs are ways to eliminate precarious work in organisations and industries. This review aimed at mapping evidence on how psychosocial safety climate (PSC) influence health, safety and performance of workers. Methods A literature search was conducted in four main databases (PubMed, Scopus, Central and Web of Science) and other online sources like Google Scholar. A reference list of eligible studies was also checked for additional papers. Only full-text peer-reviewed papers published in English were eligible for this review. Results A search in the databases produced 13,711 records, and through a rigorous screening process, 93 papers were included in this review. PSC is found to directly affect job demands, job insecurity, effort-reward imbalance, work-family conflict, job resources, job control and quality leadership. Moreover, PSC directly affects social relations at work, including workplace abuse, violence, discrimination and harassment. Again, PSC has a direct effect on health, safety and performance outcomes because it moderates the impact of excessive job demands on workers’ health and safety. Finally, PSC boosts job resources’ effect on improving workers’ well-being, safety and performance. Conclusion Managers’ efforts directed towards designing quality jobs, prioritising the well-being of workers, and fostering a bottom-up communication through robust organisational policies, practices, and procedures may help create a high organisational PSC that, in turn, promotes a healthy and decent work environment.

Introduction: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, idiopathic disease characterized by persistent and progressive inflammation of the intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic bile ducts. This leads to fibrosis, cholestatic complications, and liver failure. In over 70% of patients, non-specific intestinal inflammations coexist, particularly ulcerative colitis, and sporadically Crohn's disease. Aim: Our study aimed to assess current literature on primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), covering its causes, symptoms, treatment methods, and the connection between PSC and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) co-occurrence. Materials and methods: We conducted a PubMed literature review using keywords like "primary sclerosing cholangitis pathogenesis," "primary sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease," and "primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis.” Results: Our research extensively covered PSC epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment options. Emphasis was placed on the heightened prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases, including ulcerative colitis, among PSC patients. Summary: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a disease causing gradual damage to bile ducts within or outside the liver. Over 70% of patients also experience inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), mainly ulcerative colitis. The exact causes of PSC and its connection to IBD remain unclear. The theories involve hyperactive "intestinal" T cells or the impact of gut microbiome on their growth. Presently, a liver transplant stands as the sole remedy.

INTRODUCTION: The term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract of unclear pathogenesis. IBD consists of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). The two most common manifestations of the disorder, both have a chronic course with episodes of acute activity. Their underlying pathogenesis and symptoms, however, are quite distinct. IBD has a multiple factor etiology involving genetics, immunological dysregulation and dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiome. The resulting chronic inflammation of the entire body is the cause of the symptoms and signs of the condition. Extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) occur in 5% to 50% of IBD patients over the course of their lifetime. PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to present the current state of knowledge about the prevalence of extraintestinal manifestations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The available literature in PubMed was reviewed to write the article, using the keywords ,,inflammatory bowel disease”, ,,Crohn’s disease”, ,, ulcerative colitis”, ,,extraintestinal manifestations IBD”. CONCLUSION: Extraintestinal manifestations are evidence that IBD is not only confined to the intestine, these may involve many different organs other than the gut and may be more devastating than the IBD. Screening for EIM in these patients and prompt adequate treatment are essential. To adequately manage EIM and improve the quality of life of our patients, appropriate treatment regimens and therapies are required in a multidisciplinary team approach. Due to the lack of available dedicated diagnostic biomarkers for EIM, consideration of concomitant extraintestinal conditions in patients with inflammatory bowel disease might help in the selection and management of them. Clinicians caring for patients with IBD must be aware of these various systemic manifestations, as failure to diagnose and treat them early can result in significant morbidity.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive cholestatic liver disease with liver transplantation (LT) as the only curative therapy. Some regions use body-weight-loss as standard-exception criteria for organ allocation but data on the impact of body composition on survival of patients with PSC is scarce. Abdominal MRI of PSC patients were quantitatively analyzed for intramuscular fat fraction (IMFF) as surrogate of myosteatosis. Clinical and laboratory data were retrieved from patient records. Primary outcome was transplant-free survival (TFS). 116 PSC patients were included. Median age was 38 (18–71) years with 74 (64%) male patients. 15 (13%) patients had significant weigh loss. IMFF was significantly associated with survival. Multivariate regression analysis showed IMFF ≥ 15% as independent predictor for TFS (p = 0.032, HR 3.215 CI 1.104–9.366), but not significant weight loss (p = 0.618). IMFF is independently associated with TFS in patients with PSC and may identify patients with more urgent need for LT. NCT03584204. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease often associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly ulcerative colitis (CU), and rarely with Crohn's disease (CD). Various long-term analyses show different rates of cancer and the need for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in patients with isolated PSC and with concomitant IBD, respectively. However, data on the detailed course of PSC with or without IBD are limited. We aimed to analyze the clinical disease course of PSC patients without IBD compared to PSC patients with UC and CD, respectively. A retrospective data analysis of patients with isolated PSC (n = 41) and of patients with concomitant IBD (n = 115) was performed. In detail, PSC disease characteristics including occurrence of dominant stenoses, liver cirrhosis, OLT and malignancy, as well as the temporal course of PSC activity and disease progression, were analyzed. A multivariable Cox regression model and a Fine–Gray competing risk model were further used for the independent risk factor analysis of cirrhosis development and OLT. Patients with isolated PSC were significantly older at first diagnosis than patients with PSC-IBD (39 vs. 28 years, p = 0.02). A detailed analysis of the course of PSC revealed a faster PSC progression after initial diagnosis in isolated PSC patients compared to PSC-IBD including significantly earlier diagnosis of dominant stenoses (29 vs. 74 months, p = 0.021) and faster progression to liver cirrhosis (38 vs. 103 months, p = 0.027). Patients with isolated PSC have a higher risk of developing cirrhosis than patients with PSC-IBD (Gray's test p = 0.03). OLT was more frequently performed in male patients with isolated PSC compared to males with coincident IBD (48% (n = 13) vs. 33% (n = 25), p = 0.003). Colorectal carcinoma was significantly more often diagnosed in patients with PSC-IBD than in isolated PSC (8.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.042). Patients with isolated PSC seem to have a different clinical course of disease than PSC patients with concomitant IBD characterized by a more pro-fibrotic disease course with earlier onset of liver cirrhosis and dominant stenosis but with less malignancy. These data may be interpreted as either a more progressive disease course of isolated PSC or a later diagnosis of the disease at an advanced disease stage. The different clinical courses of PSC and the underlying mechanisms of the gut–liver axis need further attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic waste-derived solar cells (OWSC) are a classification of third-generation photovoltaic cells in which one or more constituents are fabricated from organic waste material. They are an inspirational complement to the conventional third-generation solar cell with the potential of revolutionizing our future approach to solar cell manufacture. This article provides a study and summary of solar cells that fall under the category of OWSC. OWSC own their merit to low cost of manufacturing and environmental friendliness. This review article reveals different organic waste raw materials, preparation-to-assembly methodologies, and novel approaches to solar cell manufacturing. Ideas for the optimization of the performance of OWSC are presented. The assembly configurations and photovoltaic parameters of reported OWSC are compared in detail. An overview of the trends in the research regarding OWSC in the past decade is given. Also, the advantages and disadvantages of the different solar cell technologies are discussed, and possible trends are proposed. Industrial organic waste raw materials such as paper, coal, and plastics are among the least explored and yet most attractive for solar cell fabrication. The power conversion efficiencies for the cited works are mentioned while emphasizing the products and functions of the organic waste raw materials used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously demonstrated that people with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) had reduced gut microbial capacity to produce active vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5'-phosphate [PLP]), which corresponded to lower circulating PLP levels and poor outcomes. Here, we define the extent and biochemical and clinical impact of vitamin B6 deficiency in people with PSC from several centers before and after liver transplantation (LT). We used targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to measure B6 vitamers and B6-related metabolic changes in blood from geographically distinct cross-sectional cohorts totaling 373 people with PSC and 100 healthy controls to expand on our earlier findings. Furthermore, we included a longitudinal PSC cohort (n = 158) sampled prior to and serially after LT, and cohorts of people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) without PSC (n = 51) or with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) (n = 100), as disease controls. We used Cox regression to measure the added value of PLP to predict outcomes before and after LT. In different cohorts, 17-38% of people with PSC had PLP levels below the biochemical definition of a vitamin B6 deficiency. The deficiency was more pronounced in PSC than in IBD without PSC and PBC. Reduced PLP was associated with dysregulation of PLP-dependent pathways. The low B6 status largely persisted after LT. Low PLP independently predicted reduced LT-free survival in both non-transplanted people with PSC and in transplant recipients with recurrent disease. Low vitamin B6 status with associated metabolic dysregulation is a persistent feature of PSC. PLP was a strong prognostic biomarker for LT-free survival both in PSC and recurrent disease. Our findings suggest that vitamin B6 deficiency modifies the disease and provides a rationale for assessing B6 status and testing supplementation. We previously found that people with PSC had reduced gut microbial potential to produce essential nutrients. Across several cohorts, we find that the majority of people with PSC are either vitamin B6 deficient or have a marginal deficiency, which remains prevalent even after liver transplantation. Low vitamin B6 levels strongly associate with reduced liver transplantation-free survival as well as deficits in biochemical pathways dependent on vitamin B6, suggesting that the deficiency has a clinical impact on the disease. The results provide a rationale for measuring vitamin B6 and to investigate whether vitamin B6 supplementation or modification of the gut microbial community can help improve outcomes for people with PSC. [Display omitted] • Vitamin B6 deficiency is common in people with primary sclerosing cholangitis. • Low vitamin B6 impaired PLP-dependent pathways important for health. • Low vitamin B6 was associated with short liver transplantation-free survival. • The addition of vitamin B6 to current risk models improved survival prediction. • After liver transplantation, low B6 persisted and was associated with poor outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]