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European countries policy responses against SARS-Cov-2 in the context of vaccinations
Abstract Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are essential tools for containing or mitigating the spread of a novel virus until vaccination becomes available. Given their well-known side effects, NPIs should be employed only as long as necessary and largely replaced by population immunity through vaccination. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, countries adopted various strategies for implementing NPIs and administering vaccinations. While differences in NPIs and vaccination strategies among countries have been descriptively illustrated, they have not yet been quantified. This study aims to quantitatively analyze the differences in NPIs across 10 European countries immediately after vaccinations became available.
Numerical and experimental analysis of muzzle brake thermo-mechanical load
Disparities in disease burden of congenital heart disease among 150,488 individuals in Western China
Ready-made bodily sensations
Abstract Embodiment plays an important role in art engagement, yet it is unclear how expectations shape bodily sensations, especially when interacting with ready-made art. In this study, we investigated how expectations and the nature of images of everyday objects affect bodily sensations. We tested if bodily sensations changed depending on (1) whether the participants were told that everyday objects were from a Museum, Commercial or Mixed context and (2) the nature of the images, counterbalancing whether they were of ready-made art or not. To measure bodily sensations, we asked participants to self-report their feelings of activity getting stronger (activations) or weaker (deactivations) in their body by clicking on body silhouettes after viewing the images, a methodology called bodily sensation mapping (BSM). We found that bodily activity in the Chest and Upper Limbs areas was influenced by expectations induced by context only. At the same time, Head and Abdomen activations and Chest, Lower and Upper Libs deactivations were solely impacted by the image type. Our innovative Open Science approach to BSMs image analysis revealed how both context and image type were influenced by the activity type, contributing and enriching the ongoing debate regarding the uniqueness of art experiences and aesthetic cognition.
DPP4-inhibition reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production by alpha-beta and gamma-delta T cells in vitro and in the biliary atresia mouse model
Abstract Etiology and pathogenesis of biliary atresia (BA) remain elusive. Evidence points to a T cell mediated autoimmune response contributing to the disease by driving the ongoing hepatic inflammation. CD26, also known as dipeptidylpeptidase 4 (DPP4), is an immunoregulatory protein also expressed on T-lymphocytes. We aimed to investigate the potential of pharmacological DPP4 inhibition on cytokine production of T cells and potential therapeutic benefits in experimental BA. We analyzed the expression and regulation of CD26/DPP4 on αβ and γδ T cells in mice suffering from rotavirus-induced BA. Enzymatic DPP4 activity in murine and human serum was examined. In cell cultures, lymphocytes were incubated with the DPP4-inhibitor Sitagliptin to study the effects of DPP4 inhibition on cytokine production. Clinical effects were assessed by intraperitoneal Sitagliptin injection of mice suffering from BA. Analyses included flow cytometry, qPCR, serum analysis and histological examinations. In mice suffering from BA, CD26/DPP4 was strongly expressed and upregulated on αβ and to an even greater extent on γδ T cells compared to healthy controls. DPP4-inhibition led to a dose-dependent suppression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17 and IFN-γ produced by Th1, Th17 and γδ T cells. Therapeutic administration of Sitagliptin in experimental BA led to reduced serum levels of GOT and Bilirubin as well as decreased hepatic infiltration with F4/80+ macrophages but had no effect on overall survival. In humans, serum DPP4-activity was upregulated in infants suffering from BA compared to healthy children. To our knowledge, this is the first time an upregulation of CD26 expression has been demonstrated for γδ T cells in the setting of an autoimmune inflammatory response. Mechanistically, we could demonstrate that DPP4/CD26 is upregulated on T cells in experimental BA and that pharmacological inhibition decreased their pro-inflammatory potential. However, this translated to only mild clinical benefits in the mouse model. Thus, although the protein appears to play a role in BA, further research is needed to elucidate the potential to serve as a therapeutic target.
Deep learning for survival prediction in triple-negative breast cancer: development and validation in real-world cohorts
An ensemble strategy for piRNA identification through hybrid moment-based feature modeling
Signal mining and risk analysis of tisotumab vedotin adverse events based on the FAERS database
The nature of phantom dark energy and its relation to time crystals
To select the optimal immunohistochemical staining method for pigmented melanoma
The psychometric network of individual flourishing across nationally representative samples from 22 countries
Abstract To effectively promote human flourishing, it is important to understand how the different dimensions of flourishing might be related to one another in different sociocultural contexts. Applying a systems perspective to flourishing, this study uses nationally representative survey cross-sectional data from 22 geographically and culturally diverse countries included in the Global Flourishing Study (N = 202,898) to explore the interrelatedness of the components of individual flourishing captured by the Secure Flourish Measure. A meta-analytic gaussian network aggregation (MAGNA) model was applied to investigate similarities and differences among the interrelations of individual flourishing components across countries. Results revealed a network of mostly positive interrelations among the 12 components, although there was substantial heterogeneity in the strength of associations, especially between life satisfaction, happiness, and mental health. Understanding cross-country differences in light of socio-contextual peculiarities will be crucial for informing the development of targeted interventions to promote flourishing.
Atorvastatin exhibits anticancer effects by inhibiting YAP/TAZ activity in mesenchymal-like non-small cell lung cancer
Abstract Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for most lung cancer diagnoses. Statins preferentially inhibit the proliferation of mesenchymal- over epithelial-like cells in various types of cancer, including NSCLCs. However, the mechanisms underlying the differential statin sensitivity of mesenchymal and epithelial cancer cells remain unknown. Statins inhibit YAP/TAZ, effectors of the Hippo pathway, via depletion of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate. Here, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying statin sensitivity in mesenchymal cancer. We explored the anticancer effects of atorvastatin and its association with YAP/TAZ activity in NSCLC cell lines with different epithelial-mesenchymal phenotypes. Atorvastatin significantly reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of mesenchymal-like cells, while showing negligible effect on epithelial-like cells. Atorvastatin also inhibited YAP/TAZ nuclear localization and downstream gene expression in mesenchymal cells but did not affect epithelial cells. Small interfering (si) RNA-mediated inhibition of both YAP and TAZ reduced the proliferation of all NSCLC cell lines tested, regardless of phenotype, indicating that sensitivity to YAP/TAZ inhibition and statins differ. In summary, our results suggest that inhibited YAP/TAZ nuclear localization by statins differs between epithelial and mesenchymal NSCLC cell lines, resulting in differential statin sensitivity.
Surface texture dependency of photocatalytic behavior of facile synthesized mesoporous ZnS-ZnO heterostructure under LED illumination
Sulfasalazine induces ferroptosis in osteosarcomas by regulating Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling axis
Callerya Atropurpurea shells derived nitrogen doped carbon quantum dots of electrodes for symmetrical and asymmetrical supercapacitors
Abstract Callerya Atropurpurea shells were utilized as activated carbon precursors in a one-stage activation process at 700 °C using H2SO4, NaOH and KOH as activating agents. Herein, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were produced via self-doping using urea as a nitrogen source. The structural, functional, and morphological properties of the doped active materials were examined using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The elemental composition was conducted using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and surface sensitivity was determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. The surface properties showed that the nitrogen-doped CQDs produced good crystallinity with an abundance of nitrogen heteroatoms attached to the surface, facilitating the conductivity of the devices. The electrodes of NCQDs-1, NCQDs-2 and NCQDs-3 were prepared and used for the fabrication of asymmetric and symmetric supercapacitor electrodes. The NCQDs-3 electrode used in the asymmetric and symmetrical devices showed a higher specific capacitance of 22 F/g at a current density of 0.5 A/g. Also, the NCQDs-3 electrode achieved the highest coulombic efficiency of 98% and a capacitive retention of 99% even after 1000 GCD cycles.
Liposomal ellagic acid enhances the regenerative potential of ADMSC-laden nanofibrous PCL scaffolds in a rat model of spinal cord injury
Abstract Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to myelin breakdown and extensive neuronal loss around the injury site due to increased oxidative stress. This study aims to develop a comprehensive platform incorporating scaffolds, therapeutic agents, and stem cells to restore structures and pathways in SCI. Scaffolds were created through the electrospinning of a PCL/functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (f-MWCNTs) composite, which was then coated with liposomal ellagic acid (EA@lip) and seeded with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs). The optimal drug concentration was determined by conducting MTT and DPPH assays through three different time points. After assessing the biocompatibility and anti-inflammatory properties of the scaffolds for ADMSCs, the implant was tested in a rat model of dorsal hemisection. The female Wistar rats were divided into six groups ( n = 10): Sham, SCI, SCI + PCL/f-MWCNTs (PCs), SCI + scaffolds + EA@lip (PC/N), SCI + scaffolds + ADMSCs (PC/C), and SCI + scaffolds + EA@lip + ADMSCs (PC/N/C). In the second week, biochemical analyses were conducted to evaluate oxidative stress in the animals’ blood. Throughout the study, the motor function of the animals was monitored. After six weeks, the rats were subjected to real-time PCR and histological analysis, utilizing Cresyl Violet/Luxol Fast Blue staining and evaluating the expression of the genes COX2, GPX1, MBP, and Slc17a6/7. Liposomal encapsulation efficiency was measured to be 33%. The results revealed that EA@lip had the desired size, zeta potential, and lipid concentration. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that f-MWCNTs were well-aligned along nanofibers. EA@lip dramatically enhanced the hydrophilicity of the scaffolds. The MTT assay, DAPI staining, and FE-SEM images confirmed the successful implantation, proliferation, adhesion, and survival of ADMSCs on the liposome-coated scaffold. Additionally, in vitro oxidative stress tests indicated that this platform exhibited superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects for ADMSCs. Histological assessments revealed that the hybrid platform facilitated the regeneration of myelin and neurons, correlating with improved blood levels of oxidative markers. Furthermore, real-time PCR results demonstrated a decrease in COX2 expression and an increase in GPX1, MBP, and Slc17a6/7 expression due to the platform. The findings suggest that the combination of ADMSCs with EA@lip-coated PCL/f-MWCNT scaffolds hold significant promise for applications in spinal cord regeneration.