Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Stable topical application of antimicrobials using plumbing rings in an ex vivo porcine corneal infection model
Microbial keratitis (MK) is a substantial cause of clinical blindness worldwide. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium and is the leading cause of MK. Infection models are vital tools in understanding host-pathogen interactions and the development of novel therapies. As well as ethical and practical advantages, ex vivo infection models enable researchers to study host-pathogen interactions with greater accuracy and physiological relevance compared to traditional cell culture systems. The versatility of porcine corneal ex vivo models have been employed to study various pathogens (for example Staphylococcus aureus and Acanthamoeba) and has enabled innovation of novel MK therapies. Here, we describe an improved porcine corneal ex vivo protocol, which uses plumbing rings and medical adhesive to circumvent several distinct limitations and challenges. The application of a 10 mm plumbing ring to the center of the cornea allows localized inoculation of pathogens of interest, maintaining them at the site of infection, rather than running the risk of “run off” of topically added aqueous solutions. The second important advantage is that topically applied therapeutic agents can be properly maintained on the cornea within the plumbing ring reservoir, allowing more accurate study of antimicrobial effects. In this contextualized protocol, we infected porcine corneas with the P. aeruginosa strain PA103 with topical treatments of moxifloxacin. PA103 colony-forming unit (CFU) quantification, spectrophotometric measurement of corneal opacity, and histological analysis of stromal edema using hematoxylin and eosin staining were employed to assess infection over 48 hours. Moxifloxacin treatment demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in infection and corneal damage. These findings have contributed to the development of an improved and standardized ex vivo infection model for evaluating therapeutic interventions, potentially supporting clinical translation to alleviate the burden of microbial keratitis.
A Letter of Recommendation Regarding Impersonal Personal Statements
Millimetre-scale bioresorbable optoelectronic systems for electrotherapy
Sub-sector, property rights system, and performance of China’s tourism enterprises: DEA and Luenberger approach
This study is designed to delve into the efficiency and total factor productivity (TFP) of tourism enterprises, aiming to uncover the sources of variation in these metrics. To meet this objective, we have employed the data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach and the Luenberger index—making it the inaugural application within the tourism industry—to assess efficiency and TFP. Our findings indicate that the tourism industry boasts high efficiency, with progress in TFP and its component factors. In our quest to identify the determinants of efficiency and TFP, the research has taken into account sub-sectors and the property rights system. It has been revealed that there are notable efficiency disparities among different sub-sectors, while differences in TFP are not significant. When examining the property rights system, we found significant efficiency and TFP differences between state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and non-SOEs. To the best of our knowledge, this research pioneers the application of nonparametric analysis to differentiate the performance disparities in tourism enterprises attributable to the property rights system. Furthermore, we have constructed a decision-making matrix that incorporates an enterprise’s efficiency, TFP, and scale. This matrix allows each enterprise to precisely pinpoint its position, enabling managers to formulate targeted strategies for performance enhancement.
Neonatal Lupus
RUNX2 promotes fibrosis via an alveolar-to-pathological fibroblast transition
Elucidating the impact of Hypericum alpestre extract and L-NAME on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in A549 lung adenocarcinoma and MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells
Plants of the Hypericaceae family have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties, including antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant activities. Among these, Hypericum alpestre (HA) extracts have shown notable cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines, drawing attention to their phenolic compounds as potential anticancer agents. Similarly, N(G)-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, has emerged as a promising candidate in cancer therapy. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of both HA and L-NAME remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the impact of HA and L-NAME on the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer triple-negative cells, with particular emphasis on the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα)/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFα)/matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) pathways. In silico analyses identified compounds within HA extracts with the highest affinity for PI3K/Akt, a finding subsequently confirmed by in vitro experiments. Notably, the combination of HA and L-NAME demonstrated greater efficacy than the combination of HA and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), as evidenced by enhanced apoptotic activity. Both HA alone and in combination with L-NAME inhibited the TNFα/COX-2 and VEGFα/MMP-2 pathways. These results suggest that the therapeutic effects of HA, especially in combination with L-NAME, may be mediated through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. A better understanding of the interaction between HA polyphenols and PI3K/Akt signaling could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies against cancer, including drug-resistant tumors.
Clearance of Driver Mutations in Myelofibrosis
Productivity and stress recollection inaccuracy: Anchoring effects in work-from-home evaluation
Self-reported productivity and satisfaction have become central metrics in evaluating work-from-home (WFH) policies, yet their reliability remains largely unexamined. Despite growing scrutiny of WFH efficacy, assessments continue to rely heavily on subjective evaluations, creating a persistent gap between perceived and objective productivity measures within the working-from-home literature. This study investigates whether retrospective self-reports of productivity during WFH are systematically biased due to recollection inaccuracy, particularly through anchoring biases in memory recall. A two-wave survey data sample consisting of 772 home-workers during the 2020 shift to the home office examines recollection accuracy as well as the underlying mechanism. Using a five-factor productivity scale, within-subject analyses explore consistency within and between multiple waves and evaluate the predictive value of the targeted score compared to the current (inaccurate) score. The signed rank test shows that recollection scores consistently underestimate past scores (one factor: p < .002; four factors: p < 0.0004). The recollected scores are closer to the current score than the targeted score (for all factors: p < .0004) and have a greater magnitude impact on the recollection scores than the targeted score (difference in OLS coefficients ranging from.164 to.606). Exploration of trends additionally suggests that, although the absolute scores are influenced by the current reference point, the relative changes seem consistent over time. These findings highlight the risks of relying on self-reported retrospective productivity measures in shaping WFH policies. The observed biases help contextualize the ongoing discrepancy between optimistic self-reports and more pessimistic objective measures of WFH productivity. Without accounting for recollection biases, assessments of WFH effectiveness may be flawed, potentially leading to suboptimal or counterproductive policy decisions.
Could optical coherence tomography detect monosodium urate crystal deposition at artery walls? An exploratory, phantom-based study
Objective Some reports suggest monosodium urate (MSU) crystals may deposit in artery walls. This exploratory study evaluated the capacity of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect MSU crystals in vessel phantoms. Methods We used 3D-printed blood vessel phantoms made of photosensitive acrylic resins, with varying compliances. 0.1cc volume injections of centrifugated human synovial fluids containing MSU crystals, calcium pyrophosphate crystals or 0.9% saline were performed in four predefined locations in the phantoms. OCT was subsequently performed in a blinded manner by two cardiologists, experts in the technique. Two exploratory definitions for MSU crystal deposits were used, depicting a lesion with high attenuation (#1) or also with a linear morphology (#2). Diagnostic properties of both definitions were studied building 2x2 tables. Results Definition #1 was found by OCT in 3/8 (37.5%) of MSU injections and in 3/16 (18.8%) of controls, what yielded a sensitivity of 37.5%, specificity of 81.3%, positive and predictive values of 50.0% and 72.2% respectively, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of 2 and 0.77. Definition #2 was only seen in 2 cases, both with MSU crystals (8.3%); this definition showed a sensitivity of 25.0%, specificity of 100%, positive and predictive values of 100.0% and 72.7%, a negative likelihood ratio of 0.8, while the positive ratio could not be calculated. Data seemed to be slightly better with Semirigid phantoms. Conclusion This preliminary, preclinical data suggest OCT could detect MSU crystals deposits in vessel walls.
A population spatialization method based on the integration of feature selection and an improved random forest model
Ascertaining the precise and accurate spatial distribution of population is essential in conducting effective urban planning, resource allocation, and emergency rescue planning. The random forest (RF) model is widely used in population spatialization studies. However, the complexity of population distribution characteristics and the limitations of the RF model in processing unbalanced datasets affect population prediction accuracy. To address these issues, a population spatialization model that integrates feature selection with an improved random forest is proposed herein. Firstly, recursive feature elimination using cross validation (RFECV), maximum information coefficient (MIC), and mean decrease accuracy (MDA) methods were utilized to select population distribution feature factors. The random forest was constructed using feature subsets that were selected via different feature selection methods, namely MIC-RF, RFECV-RF and MDA-RF. Subsequently, the feature factors corresponding to the model with the highest accuracy were selected as the optimal feature subsets and used in the model construction as input data. Additionally, considering the imbalanced in population spatial distribution, we used the K-means ++ clustering algorithm to cluster the optimal feature subset, and we used the bootstrap sampling method to extract the same amount of data from each cluster and fuse it with the training subset to build an improved random forest model. Based on this model, a spatial population distribution dataset of the Southern Sichuan Economic Zone at a 500m resolution was generated. Finally, the population dataset generated in this study was compared and validated with the WorldPop dataset. The results showed that utilizing feature selection methods improves model accuracy to varying degrees compared with RF based on all factors, and the MDA-RF had the lowest MAPE of 0.174 and the highest R2 of 0.913 among them. Therefore, feature factors selection using the MDA method was considered the optimal feature subset. Compared with MDA-RF, the prediction accuracy of the improved RF built on the same subset increased by 1.7%, indicating that improving the bootstrap sampling of random forest by using the K-means++ clustering algorithm can enhance model accuracy to some extent. Compared with the WorldPop dataset, the accuracy of the results predicted using the proposed method was enhanced. The MRE and RMSE of the WorldPop dataset were 57.24 and 23174.98, respectively, while the MRE and RMSE of the proposed method were 25.00 and 15776.50, respectively. This implies that the method proposed in this paper could simulate population spatial distribution more accurately.
Investigation of interface characteristics and mechanical performances of Cu/Al plate fabricated by underwater explosive welding method
Cu/Al composite plate was manufactured by underwater explosive welding method. The interface characteristics and mechanical properties of Cu/Al composite plate were evaluated and analyzed through phased array ultrasonic inspection, microstructure, uniaxial tensile test, three-point bending test, tensile shearing test and microhardness test. The results showed that the welding of thin Cu and Al plates is achieved by underwater explosive welding, with a Cu plate thickness of only 0.5 mm. A well bonded interface between Cu and Al plate is obtained, at a detonation velocity of 4 000 m/s, when the distance between Cu foil and Al plate is 0.2 mm. There are wavy fusion zones at the bonding interface of Cu/Al composite plate. No delamination or cracks are found at the bonding interface between Cu and Al during tensile and bending tests, and local cracking only occurs at the necking part in the tensile test due to severe deformation. The tensile strength and minimum tensile shearing strength of Cu/Al composite plate reaches 133 and 72.9 MPa, respectively. The hardness values of fusion zone, Cu and Al at the interface reach 385, 135 and 52 HV, respectively. The increase in hardness of Cu and Al near the interface is mainly caused by severed deformation induced by intense shock pressure.
TENS improves CFL injury rat and regulates the intestinal microbiota
Aim This study revealed the mechanism of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for improving the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) injury rats by regulating the intestinal microbiota. Methods After 1, 2, and 3 weeks of TENS treatment, the improvement of CFL injury rats model and the expressions of IL-1β/NF-κB/IL-17 signaling pathway were measured. Then the intestinal microbiota was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing and its functions related to improve CFL injury rat were analyzed. Results TENS could improved the athletic ability of CFL injury rats and reduced the expressions of IL-1β/NF-κB by regulating the IL-17 signaling pathway. By 16S rDNA sequencing analysis, the TENS treatment improved the intestinal dysbacteriosisof CFL injury rats and decrease pathogenic bacteria Ruminococcus and Dubosiella. The changed intestinal microbiota maybe relative with the ankle injury, whereas the increase in probiotics (Bacteroides and Lactobacillus) was relative with anti-inflammation. Conclusion TENS could down-regulate the expressions of IL-1β/NF-κB to improve CFL injury rat. TENS could change the intestinal microbiota of CFL rats and the changed bacteria whose function related to anti-inflammation could improve CFL rat. The intestinal microbiota could become a potential treatment for CFL injury.
Current status and influencing factors of nurses’ work engagement in Chinese tertiary hospitals: A latent profile analysis
Background Work engagement is a work-related state of mind full of positivity and vigor. Understanding the current status and influencing factors of nurses’ work engagement is essential for improving the quality of nursing services and stabilizing the nursing workforce building. This study aimed to explore the potential categories of nurses’ work engagement and their influencing factors and provide a reference basis for developing targeted interventions to improve their work engagement. Methods From March to April 2024, 1,919 nurses from 12 tertiary hospitals in Sichuan Province, China, were enrolled in the study using convenience sampling. A demographic profile questionnaire, work engagement scale, and professional mission scale were used to investigate them. Latent profile analysis was used to explore the categories of nurses’ work engagement, and unordered multicategorical logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of each category. Results Nurses’ work engagement could be categorized into three potential profiles: low work engagement group (n = 659, 34.3%), medium work engagement group (n = 763, 39.8%), and high work engagement group (n = 497, 25.9%). The unordered multi-categorical logistic regression results showed that marital status, reasons for choosing a nursing specialty, self-rated sleep quality, current work intensity, and sense of professional mission were influential factors affecting the potential profile of work engagement among nurses in tertiary care hospitals. Among them, unmarried nurses were more likely to belong to the low work engagement group; those who chose nursing specialties based on personal interest were more likely to belong to the medium work engagement group; those with medium work intensity were more likely to belong to the high work engagement group; and those with good self-assessed sleep quality and higher scores of sense of professional mission were more likely to belong to the medium and high work engagement groups. Conclusion The potential profiles of nurses’ work engagement in Chinese tertiary hospitals were dominated by the medium and low work engagement groups, with significant heterogeneity. Nursing managers should tailor interventions to enhance nurses’ sense of professional mission according to the characteristics of each type of nurse work engagement, thereby improving work engagement and nursing service quality.
Light wins uphill battle to solve enduring problem in organic synthesis
The existing characteristics, transport patterns, and significance of nanoparticulate pollutants in groundwater surrounding an industrial park
Nanoparticles, increasingly recognized by regulators and the public, have become potential pollutants in various media, including water. Water security, a pressing global issue, is exacerbated by industrialization, with industrial wastewater being a significant contributor to water pollution. This study collected nanoparticles from groundwater samples in residential areas surrounding the Mingzhu Industrial Park in Guangdong Province, China. To understand their characteristics as potential pollutants in wastewater and the information they provide, field emission transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to analyze the composition, elemental content, morphology, and crystal structure of the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles originated from three sources: factories, water pipes, and the natural environment. They aggregate and oxidize during transport, ensuring their stability in water. This study elucidates the characteristics and transport patterns of particulate pollutants in groundwater near industrial parks, a prerequisite for assessing the hazards of nano-pollutants in natural environments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights for future discussions on their ecological impacts and advancements in water detection and treatment technologies.
Influencing factors of HCV testing willingness among men who have sex with men in China: A structural equation modeling analysis
Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a population with greater likelihood of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Early detection of HCV status is beneficial to therapy and prevention of the further transmit of HCV. The testing rate of HCV in MSM is low, so it is important to investigate the factors that influence testing willingness in order to increase the testing rate. Objectives Based on the health belief model (HBM), this study investigated the influencing factors of HCV testing willingness among MSM, and provided a basis for promoting HCV testing among MSM. Methods Non-probability sampling was employed to collect samples, and electronic questionnaires were used to perform cross-sectional surveys on the samples, including socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behavior characteristics, HCV testing willingness and HBM scale. The data was evaluated with a structural equation model (SEM). Results Result of the 857 MSM, 55.7% had ever undergone HCV testing, 90.9% were willing to undergo HCV testing in the future, and 71.7% were anticipated to undergo HCV testing within the next six months. The SEM's findings demonstrated that behavioral intention was positively impacted by self-efficacy (β = 0.482, p < 0.001) and perceived susceptibility (β = 0.312, p < 0.001), while behavioral intention was negatively impacted by perceived barriers (β = -0.254, p < 0.001). Furthermore, behavioral intention was indirectly impacted by perceived benefits (β = 0.309, p < 0.001) and perceived barriers (β = -0.139, p < 0.001), with self-efficacy acting as a mediating factor. Conclusion Self-efficacy, perceived susceptibility, benefits, and barriers predict behavioral intention. These findings can inform the development of methods to increase MSM willingness to identify HCV.
A hierarchical trait and state model for decoding dyadic social interactions
Using an analytic rubric system for the evaluation of anterior ceramic crown preparation performed by preclinical dental students
Background This study aimed to assess the performance of preclinical dental male and female students in performing maxillary anterior all-ceramic preparations using a validated analytic rubric system. Methods An analytical rubric for the assessment of maxillary anterior ceramic preparations was used in a preclinical phase study with two evaluators. The grading was based on a 4-point scale for all steps for crown preparation, and the total score was calculated out of 40 points. Differences in rubric parameter scores between male and female students were analyzed via an independent t test. Other tests, such as the kappa test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, were used to measure the associations among grade point average (GPA), evaluators, and gender participants, with p < 0.050 considered a cutoff point for statistical significance. Results The study revealed that students of both genders demonstrated high performance, with females scoring a mean of 37.70 ± 1.61 (SD) and males scoring a mean of 36.50 ± 2.36 (SD). A significant difference in the average overall score was recorded by both evaluators (p = 0.034). The highest value was for intact gingival margins and surrounding tissues (3.89 ± 0.31 males, 3.92 ± 0.28 females), and the lowest value was for axial wall reduction (3.50 ± 0.36 males, 3.62 ± 0.42 females). Among the different parameters, only the finish line form parameter was significantly different (p = 0.011), as found by evaluator 1. Inter-rater reliability analysis revealed varying levels of agreement between the evaluators. Strong positive correlations were found between several rubric parameters, but students’ GPA had a weak, nonsignificant correlation with their preclinical performance (p = 0.495). Conclusion The analytic rubric revealed minor gender differences in preclinical performance, with female students performing slightly better. The rubric demonstrated varying inter-rater reliability and positive correlations across parameters. However, GPA showed limited correlation with preclinical performance.