Loading Capacity Research Articles

Experiment and Analysis of a Hybrid Composite Post-tension Plate Girder

Steel plate girders have been employed as structural bridge parts since the 19th century. They are typically made up of built-up sections in the shape of I-beams. Web and flange plates withstand shear force and bending moment, respectively. However, plate girders are vulnerable to shear buckling. Shear buckling resistance is increased by adding reinforced vertical stiffeners and, in some cases, longitudinal stiffeners. Nevertheless, these stiffeners are sometimes not enough to prevent extreme shear buckling and only delay the shear buckling of slender web panels. This study investigated a hybrid composite post-tension (HCPt) plate girder by experiment and finite element (FE) analysis. The structural performance of the HCPt plate girder was tested using three specimens: a double-web plate girder, an in-fill concrete double-web plate girder and an in-fill concrete double-web plate girder with prestress. Results showed that the steel web filled with concrete presented preferable strength and behaviour to the hollow steel web because of the concrete in-fill. It had high load capacity, strength and ductility. The concrete in-fill prevented the steel web plate from buckling, and beams generally failed in a ductile manner. Applying prestressing techniques reduced deflection under external loads, increased the load-carrying capacity and enhanced its flexural behaviour by 126% compared to the double web plate girder. The failure mode was changed from web shear buckling in a double web girder to bending in a hybrid composite plate girder, with an improvement of web shear buckling by 88%. The FE analysis result showed excellent consistency with the experimental result.

A Compressive Load Bearing Analysis of 3D-Printed Circular Elements

Large-scale construction 3D printing is a promising platform technology that can be leveraged to fabricate structural elements such as columns, piers, pipes, and culverts. In this study, the axial compression and split tensile performance of 3D-printed steel-fiber-reinforced circular elements fabricated with different configurations (hollow, hybrid, mold-cast, and fully 3D-printed) is evaluated. This study further investigates the performance of multi-material circular hybrid elements (3D-printed shells with different backfilled core materials) in an attempt to assess their suitability as a new construction paradigm. The experimental results revealed that the fully 3D-printed steel-fiber-reinforced circular elements exhibited a higher load capacity (up to 36%) and a distinct crack pattern compared to the other configurations. The void ratio of circular elements has varying effects on its axial load capacity depending on the printing material and significantly influences its splitting tensile load capacity. Furthermore, the compatibility between the 3D-printed shell and the cast-in-place core is identified as an influential factor in the structural performance of the hybrid elements. The results suggest a promising construction approach where low-cement material can be utilized as infill material for a cost-effective 3D-printed permanent formwork, offering a viable solution for specific infrastructure development applications.

Copper-loaded Milk-Protein Derived Microgel Preserves Cardiac Metabolic Homeostasis After Myocardial Infarction.

Myocardial Infarction (MI) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Metabolic modulation is a promising therapeutic approach to prevent adverse remodeling after MI. However, whether material-derived cues can treat MI through metabolic regulation is mainly unexplored. Herein, a Cu2+ loaded casein microgel (CuCMG) aiming to rescue the pathological intramyocardial metabolism for MI amelioration is developed. Cu2+ is an important ion factor involved in metabolic pathways, and intracardiac copper drain is observed after MI. It is thus speculated that intramyocardial supplementation of Cu2+ can rescue myocardial metabolism. Casein, a milk-derived protein, is screened out as Cu2+ carrier through molecular-docking based on Cu2+ loading capacity and accessibility. CuCMGs notably attenuate MI-induced cardiac dysfunction and maladaptive remodeling, accompanied by increased angiogenesis. The results from unbiased transcriptome profiling and oxidative phosphorylation analyses support the hypothesis that CuCMG prominently rescued the metabolic homeostasis of myocardium after MI. These findings enhance the understanding of the design and application of metabolic-modulating biomaterials for ischemic cardiomyopathy therapy.

Ultrasonic Preparation of Nano-CaCO3 Templates and Hollow Mesoporous SiO2 Nanoparticles for Voriconazole Loading

CaCO3 nanoparticles (nano-CaCO3) as nano-templates were prepared using CaCl2 and Na2CO3 solutions under controlled sonication (19.5 kHz). Using the same ultrasonic device, subsequently, hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) were obtained by the hard template of nano-CaCO3. HMSNs were selected as carriers for the antifungal drug voriconazole (VOR) loading to overcome poor water solubility. Three-dimensional CaCO3 nanosheets HMSNs were obtained under gentle sonication. Three-dimensional CaCO3 nanosheets of 24.5 nm (hydrodynamic diameter) were obtained under 17.6 W for 3 min. HMSNs were synthesized by double-template method with nano-CaCO3 as the hard template. Transmission electron microscopy measurements showed that the prepared HMSNs possess hollow structures with particle size between 110 and 120 nm. Nitrogen physisorption at -196 °C revealed that the HMSNs had high surface area (401.57 m2/g), high pore volume (0.11 cm3/g), and uniform pore size (2.22 nm) that facilitated the effective encapsulation of VOR in the HMSNs. The loading capacity of VOR (wt%) on the HMSNs was 7.96%, and the total VOR release amount of VOR-HMSNs material was 71.40% at 480 min. The kinetic model confirmed that the release mechanism of HMSNs nanoparticles followed Fickian diffusion at pH = 7.4 and 37 °C. Moreover, the cumulative VOR release at 42 °C (86.05%) was higher than that at 37 °C (71.40%). The cumulative release amount of VOR from the VOR-HMSNs material was 92.37% at pH = 5.8 at the same temperature. Both nano-CaCO3 templates and HMSNs were prepared by sonication at 19.5 kHz. The as-prepared HMSNs can effectively encapsulate VOR and released drug by Fickian diffusion.Graphical Nano-CaCO3 Templates and Hollow Mesoporous SiO2 Nanoparticles

A flexible glucose biosensor modified by reduced-swelling and conductive zwitterionic hydrogel enzyme membrane.

This paper reports a flexible glucose biosensor which is modified by a reduced-swelling and conductive zwitterionic hydrogel enzyme membrane that contains two forms of chemical cross-links. One chemical cross-linking is induced by thermal initiators and forms the basal network of the hydrogel. Another cross-linking is achieved by the coordination interactions between the multivalent metal ion Al3+ and anionic group -COO- of zwitterionic poly-carboxy betaine (pCBMA), which significantly increase the cross-linking density of the zwitterionic hydrogel, improving the reduced-swelling property and reducing the pore size. The better reduced-swelling property and reduced diameters of pores within the zwitterionic hydrogel make less glucose oxidase (GOx) leakage, thus significantly improving the enzyme membrane's service life. By introducing the Al3+ and Cl-, the conductivity of the zwitterionic hydrogel is enhanced approximately 10.4-fold. According to the enhanced conductivity, the reduced-swelling property, and the high GOx loading capacity of the zwitterionic hydrogel, the sensitivity of the biosensor with GOx/pCBMA-Al3+ is significantly improved by 5 times and has a long service life. Finally, the proposed GOx/pCBMA-Al3+ biosensor was applied in non-invasive blood glucose detection on the human body, verifying the capability in practice.

Strain Behavior of Short Concrete Columns Reinforced with GFRP Spirals

This paper presents a comprehensive study focused on evaluating the strain generated within short concrete columns reinforced with glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars and spirals under concentric compressive axial loads. This research was motivated by the lack of sufficient data in the literature regarding strain in such columns. Five full-scale RC columns were cast and tested, comprising four strengthened with GFRP reinforcement and one reference column reinforced with steel bars and spirals. This study thoroughly examined the influence of various test parameters, such as the reinforcement type, longitudinal reinforcement ratio, and spacing of spiral reinforcement, on the strain in concrete, GFRP bars, and spirals. The experimental results showed that GFRP–RC columns exhibited similar strain behavior to steel–RC columns up to 85% of their peak loads. The study also highlighted that the bearing capacity of the columns increased by up to 25% with optimized reinforcement ratios and spiral spacing, while the failure mode transitioned from a ductile to a more brittle nature as the reinforcement ratio increased. Additionally, it is preferable to limit the compressive strain in GFRP bars to less than 20% of their ultimate tensile strain and the strain in GFRP spirals to less than 12% of their ultimate strain to ensure the safe and reliable use of these materials in RC columns. This research also considers the prediction of the axial load capacities using established design standards permitting the use of FRP bars in compressive members, namely ACI 440.11-22, CSA-S806-12, and JSCE-97, and underscores their limitations in accurately predicting GFRP–RC columns’ failure capacities. This study proposes an equation to enhance the prediction accuracy for GFRP–RC columns, considering the contributions of concrete, spiral confinement, and the axial stiffness of longitudinal GFRP bars. This equation addresses the shortcomings of existing design standards and provides a more accurate assessment of the axial load capacities for GFRP–RC columns. The proposed equation outperformed numerous other equations suggested by various researchers when employed to estimate the strength of 42 columns gathered from the literature.

An experimental study of cold-formed steel connections with screwed clip angle under tension and shear loads

This paper aims to investigate the performance of typical cold-formed steel (CFS) beam-to-beam connections between floor bearers and floor joists through a series of full-scale experiments. The investigated connections consisted of a lipped channel (floor joist), an unlipped channel (floor bearer), a thin-walled clip angle (connector), and a self-drilling screw (fastener). In this study, customised T-shaped and H-shaped CFS connection specimens were tested to examine the performance under tension and shear loads, respectively. Two sizes of self-drilling screws, 10 G and 14 G, were used with the selected load bearing clip angle. The fabricated connection specimens were subjected to displacement-controlled tension and shear loads. The experiments uncovered the ultimate connection strengths, load-displacement relationships, and failure mechanisms of the designed CFS connections under the applied loads. Moreover, the experimental tensile and shear strengths of the connections were compared with the strengths predicted by the standard design equations. It was found that the screw pullout on the anchored leg of the clip angle was the main mode of failure under the tensile load. On the other hand, two different failure modes—fracturing of 10 G screws or shear buckling of the cantilevered leg of the clip angle with 14 G screws—were observed in the H-shaped specimen under the applied shear load. Among the designed connection specimens, the maximum tensile load capacity was 30.86 kN and the maximum shear load capacity 88.15 kN. The standard design calculations predicted screw pullout failure under tension, while the shear bucking failure mode of the clip angle under shear load was overlooked.

Magnetic-guided nanocarriers for ionizing/non-ionizing radiation synergistic treatment against triple-negative breast cancer

BackgroundTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer with the worst prognosis. Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the core modalities for the disease; however, the ionizing radiation of RT has severe side effects. The consistent development direction of RT is to achieve better therapeutic effect with lower radiation dose. Studies have demonstrated that synergistic effects can be achieved by combining RT with non-ionizing radiation therapies such as light and magnetic therapy, thereby achieving the goal of dose reduction and efficacy enhancement.MethodsIn this study, we applied FeCo NPs with magneto thermal function and phototherapeutic agent IR-780 to construct an ionizing and non-ionizing radiation synergistic nanoparticle (INS NPs). INS NPs are first subjected to morphology, size, colloidal stability, loading capacity, and photothermal conversion tests. Subsequently, the cell inhibitory and cellular internalization were evaluated using cell lines in vitro. Following comprehensive assessment of the NPs’ in vivo biocompatibility, tumor-bearing mouse model was established to evaluate their distribution, targeted delivery, and anti-tumor effects in vivo.ResultsINS NPs have a saturation magnetization exceeding 72 emu/g, a hydrodynamic particle size of approximately 40 nm, a negatively charged surface, and good colloidal stability and encapsulation properties. INS NPs maintain the spectral characteristics of IR-780 at 808 nm. Under laser irradiation, the maximum temperature was 92 °C, INS NPs also achieved the effective heat temperature in vivo. Both in vivo and in vitro tests have proven that INS NPs have good biocompatibility. INS NPs remained effective for more than a week after one injection in vivo, and can also be guided and accumulated in tumors through permanent magnets. Later, the results exhibited that under low-dose RT and laser irradiation, the combined intervention group showed significant synergetic effects, and the ROS production rate was much higher than that of the RT and phototherapy-treated groups. In the mice model, 60% of the tumors were completely eradicated.ConclusionsINS NPs effectively overcome many shortcomings of RT for TNBC and provide experimental basis for the development of novel clinical treatment methods for TNBC.

A sustainable study of competitive industrial performance amidst environmental quality: New insight from novel Fourier Perspective

This paper uses the novel Fourier Augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag within the load capacity curve framework to investigate the effects of economic growth, trade openness, renewable energy consumption, and competitive industrial performance on environmental sustainability. The results of the empirical analysis provide evidence that the load capacity curve is valid in Turkiye. Moreover, while trade openness jeopardizes environmental sustainability, renewable energy consumption and industrial competitiveness increase environmental quality. Policymakers should focus intensively on policies that can achieve SDG 9 and industrialization activities. It is essential to give privileges, especially to companies operating in the industrial sector, regarding the transition to renewable energy. Energy efficiency policies that will accelerate the transition to clean energy sources are also an alternative to escape from fossil energy immediately. Environmental factors should be considered when importing intermediate goods used in industry, and these policies should be guaranteed by law as soon as possible.

Machine-learning networks to predict the ultimate axial load and displacement capacity of 3D printed concrete walls with different section geometries

This paper presents details on the machine learning (ML) models for predicting the ultimate axial load capacity and ultimate displacement capacity of 3D printed concrete (3DPC) walls. The large database required for training and testing procedures of ML models is generated using a validated finite element (FE) model, verified using experimental specimens from the literature. Then, a wide range of physical and mechanical properties is selected to form a large database of 3DPC walls. To this end, 61800 3DPC walls with five different cross-sections and with various geometries were analyzed. The ultimate axial load capacity and ultimate displacement capacity of each wall are determined using explicit dynamic analysis. In conclusion, ML algorithms provide accurate predictions with coefficient of determination values of 0.95 and above. It should be noted that the prediction of the maximum axial load capacities was better than that of the ultimate displacement capacities.

Determination of the Duration of Installation Using a Digital Model of the Technological Cycle of a Tower Crane

Satement of the problem. The initial information for the development of working organizational and technological documentation is the quantitative values established by the project (for example, the duration and load capacity of a tower crane). Recommendations on the choice of the leading machine of the technological process of installation of precast concrete structures (adj. B STO NOSTROY 2.7.211-2016) do not provide for an assessment of the change in the duration of the technological cycle depending on the height of the installation horizon. Such an omission inevitably leads to an increase in the duration of construction and installation work. In this paper, it is assumed that the construction of a digital model of the technological cycle of a tower crane for the installation of each reinforced concrete structure will provide a higher reliability of calculating the duration of work, and with the help of such a model, it is possible to determine the requirements for the lifting/lowering speed of a tower crane. Results. The requirements for the initial data that are necessary to build a digital model of the technological cycle of a tower crane during the installation of precast concrete are formed. An analytical dependence and its graphical interpretation are obtained to determine the duration of the technological cycle depen-ding on the height of the installation horizon. The comparison of the duration value set by the calendar schedule and obtained as a result of summing the durations of each technological cycle of the tower crane is carried out. Conclusions. In the recommendations for choosing a tower crane for the installation of reinforced concrete structures, it is necessary to add characteristics that describe the high-speed mode of movement of the building structure. The influence of the speed modes of the tower crane on the duration set by the project should be assessed using a digital moth of the technological cycle of the tower crane. The assessment of compliance with the speed modes of the tower crane should be carried out based on a comparison of the estimated duration of the work set by the project and the sum of the durations of each technological cycle of the tower crane obtained as a result of the use of a digital model.

Bismuth Sulfide Nanoflowers Facilitated miR339 Delivery to Overcome Stemness and Radioresistance through Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 8 in Esophageal Cancer.

Despite the superior efficacy of radiotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), radioresistance by cancer stem cells (CSCs) leads to recurrence, metastasis, and treatment failure. Therefore, it is necessary to develop CSC-based therapies to enhance radiotherapy. miR-339-5p (miR339) is involved in stem cell division and DNA damage checkpoint signaling pathways based on ESCC cohort. miR339 inhibited ESCC cell stemness and enhanced radiation-induced DNA damage by targeting USP8, suggesting that it acts as a potential CSC regulator and radiosensitizer. Considering the limited circulating periods and poor tumor-targeting ability of miRNA, a multifunctional nanoplatform based on bismuth sulfide nanoflower (Bi@PP) is developed to efficiently deliver miR339 and improve radioresistance. Intriguingly, Bi@PP encapsulates more miR339 owing to their flower-shaped structure, delivering more than 1000-fold miR339 into cells, superior to free miR339 alone. Besides being used as a carrier, Bi@PP is advantageous for dynamically monitoring the distribution of delivered miR339 in vivo while simultaneously inhibiting tumor growth. Additionally, Bi@PP/miR339 can significantly enhance radiotherapy efficacy in patient-derived xenograft models. This multifunctional platform, incorporating higher miRNA loading capacity, pH responsiveness, hypoxia relief, and CT imaging, provides another method to promote radiosensitivity and optimize ESCC treatment.

Targeted redox-responsive peptide for arterial chemoembolization therapy of orthotropic hepatocellular carcinoma.

Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE) is the first choice for the treatment of advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, TACE suffers from a lack of specificity and rapid drug release. Herein, a targeted redox-responsive peptide (TRRP) was synthesized and used as a carrier of doxorubicin (DOX) to enhance the efficacy of TACE through tumor cells targeting and controlled drug release. TRRP has a high loading capacity of DOX and a sensitive drug release behavior at high glutathione (GSH) concentration. Moreover, TRRP could bind to the transferrin receptor on the surface of tumor cells, which enhanced the efficacy of TACE and reduced side effects of TACE. TACE with TRRP@DOX dispersed in lipiodol shows an enhanced therapeutic outcome compared to the treatment with DOX + lipiodol emulsion in orthotopic rat HCC models. TRRP has a high loading capacity of DOX and a sensitive drug release behavior at GSH concentration. Moreover, TRRP could bind to the transferrin receptor on the surface of tumor cells, which enhanced the efficacy of TACE and reduced side effects of TACE. TACE with TRRP@DOX dispersed in lipiodol shows an enhanced therapeutic outcome compared to the treatment with DOX + lipiodol emulsion in orthotopic rat HCC models. This study demonstrated that TRRP was a promising therapeutic agent for enhancing TACE therapy for HCC treatment.

ROS-responsive charge reversal mesoporous silica nanoparticles as promising drug delivery system for neovascular retinal diseases

Intravitreal injection of biodegradable implant drug carriers shows promise in reducing the injection frequency for neovascular retinal diseases. However, current intravitreal ocular devices have limitations in adjusting drug release rates for individual patients, thereby affecting treatment effectiveness. Accordingly, we developed mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) featuring a surface that reverse its charge in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) for efficient delivery of humanin peptide (HN) to retinal epithelial cells (ARPE-19). The MSN core, designed with a pore size of 2.8 nm, ensures a high HN loading capacity 64.4% (w/w). We fine-tuned the external surface of the MSNs by incorporating 20% Acetyl-L-arginine (Ar) to create a partial positive charge, while 80% conjugated thioketal (TK) methoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG) act as ROS gatekeeper. Ex vivo experiments using bovine eyes revealed the immobilization of Ar-MSNs-TK-PEG (mean zeta potential: 2 mV) in the negatively charged vitreous. However, oxidative stress reversed the surface charge to −25 mV by mPEG loss, facilitating the diffusion of the nanoparticles impeded with HN. In vitro studies showed that ARPE-19 cells effectively internalize HN-loaded Ar-MSNs-TK, subsequently releasing the peptide, which offered protection against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis, as evidenced by reduced TUNEL and caspase3 activation. The inhibition of retinal neovascularization was further validated in an in vivo oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model.

Unveiling the role of natural resources, energy transition and environmental policy stringency for sustainable environmental development: Evidence from BRIC +1

This study investigates the impacts of economic growth, energy transition, mineral market, traditional energy, environmental policy stringency, and load capacity factor on natural resource and sustainable environment management in BRIC +1 countries from 1993 to 2020. The CS-ARDL model is adopted to demonstrate the nexus between the abovementioned constructs. Empirical findings suggest that the mineral market and energy transition positively impact environmental sustainability. Additionally, environmental policy stringency and effective management of natural resources are equally important for developing a sustainable environment in BRIC +1 countries. Overall, there is a significant association between all the examined variables, and they are all equally important in facilitating environmental sustainability in the BRIC +1 countries. The empirical outcomes of the present study help policymakers establish ecological sustainability and guide them toward sustainable development.

Treatment of endometriosis with mifepristone mediated by nanostructured lipid carriers.

Mifepristone, a progesterone receptor antagonist, was initially used to terminate early pregnancy. As scientific research advanced, it emerged to be effective in the treatment of various tumors and tumor-like conditions such as endometriosis. Despite the therapeutic potential of mifepristone, its therapeutic effect is still far from ideal because the drug is difficult to dissolve and to accumulate in the target tissue sites. To address this issue, mifepristone-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (Mif-NLC) were prepared by a simple solvent diffusion method and their anti-endometriosis performance and mechanisms were initially investigated. By optimizing the preparation protocol, we obtained uniform and spheroidal Mif-NLC with an average particle size of 280nm. The encapsulation rate and drug loading capacity were 64.67% ± 0.15% and 2.7% ± 0.014%, respectively, as measured by UV spectrophotometry. The in vitro release kinetics indicated that mifepristone was released from NLC in a sustained-release manner. Compared with free mifepristone, Mif-NLC exhibited enhanced cellular uptake and inhibition of invasion activity in primary mesenchymal cells of endometriosis. A certain reduction in the size of endometriotic cysts was observed in animals compared to controls. The induction of autophagy via Mif-NLC may serve as the molecular mechanism underlying this effect. Furthermore, observation of uterine structures showed negligible toxic effects. This suggested that mifepristone encapsulated in NLC can improve its bioavailability and anti-endometriosis efficacy, which provided a new strategy for the treatment of endometriosis.

Shear buckling behaviour of sinusoidal corrugated web girders with stiffened circular openings

The mechanical properties and failure behaviours of three different specimens of sinusoidal corrugated web girders with stiffened circular openings were investigated experimentally and numerically. The experimental outcomes showed similarities in the mechanical properties and failure model of the specimens, despite differences in the geometric dimensions. The numerical simulations further confirmed the buckling as well as post-buckling behaviours of the experimental results. The influence of initial geometric imperfections on the shear buckling load of the corrugated web girders was quantified and neglecting geometric imperfections led to an overestimation of the actual shear load capacity, emphasizing the importance of considering imperfections in the design of structural components. The investigation results showed that the shear load capacities of the girders were significantly affected by the thickness of the opening stiffeners, and that the presence of openings reduced the load carrying capacity and the overall stiffness of the beams, whereas the existence of opening stiffeners increased both the ultimate load bearing capacity and the global stiffness. However, the strengthening effect of the opening stiffener becomes less pronounced beyond a specific thickness. Besides, a comparison between hand calculations and numerical simulations show that the recently developed calculation method provided a more reliable prediction of the shear buckling resistance of corrugated web with stiffened openings. This investigation provides valuable guidance on the shear buckling behaviour of sinusoidal corrugated web girders with circular opening stiffeners, thus benefiting the design and analysis of steel structural components with sinusoidal corrugated web.

Decoding cargo bikes’ potential to be a sustainable last-mile delivery mode: an operations management perspective

ABSTRACT Cargo bikes are considered as a low-cost and flexible last-mile solution for the transport of goods. However, there are few studies that identify and contextualise the factors underpinning their sustainable operations and potential to effectively work as the last leg of a green, efficient, and societally beneficial supply chain. The authors addressed this gap by systematically collecting and thematically analysing 49 articles published between 2017 and 2023. The findings demonstrate that cargo bikes can utilise their potential as a sustainable last-mile delivery mode if: (a) their operations are optimised (from parking to routing and from traffic management to load capacity planning); (b) their social sustainability performance is enhanced (e.g. safety, security, fatigue of workforce); and (c) the cities hosting them invest in bike-friendly infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, land use approaches and mobility hubs. This paper offers cargo bike insights that can assist relevant stakeholders to enhance their efficiency and overall adoption.

Intersecting Blood Cytokines With Cholesterol Parameters to Profile Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.

The study investigated the relationship between serum proinflammatory cytokine levels, cholesterol metabolism, and clinical outcome in cancer patients undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Peripheral blood was collected before therapy from ICI-treated advanced cancer patients. We retrospectively assessed plasma total cholesterol (TC), ABCA1- and ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux (CE), passive diffusion (PD), cholesterol loading capacity (CLC), and serum IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α. The association between blood cholesterol parameters and inflammatory cytokines and their effect on overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and clinical benefit (CB) from ICIs were statistically assessed. Among 70 consecutively enrolled patients (nonsmall cell lung cancer: 94%; renal cell carcinoma: 6%), TC, CLC, and cholesterol PD resulted significantly higher in IL-6low and IL-10low cases (P<0.05), whereas ABCA1-mediated CE was increased in IL-10high patients (P=0.018). Uni- and multivariable analysis revealed meaningfully longer OS and PFS in IL-6low (HR 2.13 and 2.97, respectively) and IL-10low (HR 3.17 and 2.62) groups. At univariate analysis all cholesterol-related indices significantly correlated with OS and PFS, whereas at multivariate only high PD was validated as a protection factor (OS, HR 0.75; PFS, HR 0.84). Finally, uni- and multivariable showed a statistically significant inverse association of CB with ABCG1-CE (OR 0.62), as with IL-6 (OR 0.13) and IL-10 (OR 0.10). In-depth characterization of the interplay between blood cholesterol metabolism and immune-inflammatory cytokines might provide novel insights into the complex relationship among cancer, inflammation, lipids profile, and response to immunotherapy.

Towards the vision of going green: The role of different energy research and development investments, urbanization and income in load capacity factor

Environmental sustainability, one of the agendas of the 21st century, is an essential step in the transition to a low-carbon economy in developing countries. The motivation of this study is to investigate the impact of fossil energy research and development investments on environmental quality within the framework of the load capacity curve hypothesis, and urbanization is also added to the model to avoid omitted variable bias. To this end, the Augmented ARDL analysis examines the relationship between economic growth and ecological well-being in Turkiye from 1986 to 2022. The results from the empirical analysis support the accuracy of the load capacity curve hypothesis. Furthermore, it is observed that renewable energy research and development investments, which are the main component of the study, improve environmental quality.On the other hand, it has been found that research and development investments in fossil fuels and urbanization reduce the load capacity factor. Based on the study’s findings, the Turkish government should allocate more research and development budget to transition to a low-carbon economy. Considering Turkiye’s intense fossil resource consumption, the government should plan research and development budget arrangements supported by law regarding energy efficiency.