Safety Mechanism Research Articles

Beyond Just “Free Time”—Designing Effective and Lasting Slack Time Programs in Organizations

OVERVIEW Employee slack time programs aim to provide workers with pockets of unscheduled time to pursue innovative ideas, yet their efficacy varies greatly across organizations. This qualitative study explores optimal slack time program conditions. Rather than the traditional view of slack time as unstructured “free time,” the study findings reveal slack time outcomes depend on aligning (1) willing and able individuals through self-selection; (2) a supportive organization that provides management buy-in, psychological safety, mentorship, and appropriate evaluation mechanisms; and (3) a process that serves as a guide and includes a workflow, simple forms, and required interactions with peers and management. We propose a framework that integrates these individual, organizational, and process components. PRACTITIONER TAKEAWAYS A successful slack time program requires alignment on the individual, organizational, and process level. To maximize the benefits of slack time in your organization, (1) encourage voluntary participation to attract motivated individuals; (2) foster a culture of psychological safety and managerial support; (3) provide mentorship opportunities for participants; (4) implement evaluation criteria that emphasize behavior and action over unpredictable results; and (5) balance autonomy with flexibility through process. Slack time processes should serve as a guide for both scientists and management. A good slack time process harmonizes freedom and creativity with accountability for both scientists and managers through requiring simple documentation and regular interactions between participants, peers, and management.

Latanoprostene bunod: the first nitric oxide-donating antiglaucoma medication

Glaucoma is a chronic optic neuropathy that causes characteristic visual field defects and is considered one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide. Lowering intraocular pressure is the only proven treatment for glaucoma. Medical therapy is usually the first-line treatment for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic drop 0.024% is a nitric oxide-donating prostaglandin F2α analog. It lowers the intraocular pressure via a dual mechanism of enhancing aqueous humor outflow through both the trabecular meshwork and uveoscleral pathways. Additionally, the nitric oxide component has shown promise in regulating ocular blood flow and promoting the survival of retinal ganglionic cells. Herein, the mechanism of action, efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the latanoprostene bunod and its effects on ocular blood flow are reviewed. Latanoprostene bunod has demonstrated strong efficacy and a favorable safety profile in both clinical trials and real-world studies. Given the promising results of latanoprostene bunod and advancements in drug delivery, topical fixed-combination and sustained-release formulations containing latanoprostene bunod and other agents targeting different intraocular pressure-lowering mechanisms may become available in the future.

A potential therapeutic strategy using a miniature, implantable, wireless nerve stimulation device for treating stress urinary incontinence in rats.

The present study examined the effects of a miniature, implantable, wireless stimulation device for treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in rats. Twenty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups: Group 1 (Control), Group 2 (Sham), and Group 3 (Stimulation). All animals underwent vaginal distension (VD) to mimic postpartum SUI. Groups 2 and 3 were implanted with a stimulator in the pelvic floor muscle, but only Group 3 received continuous stimulation for two weeks. Multiple cystometrograms (CMGs) were performed to determine the leak point pressure (LPP) and maximal bladder capacity (MBC). In the rat model, LPP in Group 1 after VD and after two weeks decreased significantly from baseline (21.1 ± 2.5 and 30.8 ± 5.2 vs. 52.5 ± 6.3 cmH2O, P < 0.001). LPP improved after two weeks compared to after VD (P < 0.01), but did not return to baseline. In Group 2, LPP at baseline, after VD, and after two weeks were 50.8 ± 4.9, 23.1 ± 6.3, and 31.5 ± 6.9 cmH2O, respectively, showing similar changes to Group 1. In Group 3, LPP values were 48.4 ± 4.8, 17.8 ± 3.9, and 48.4 ± 8.5 cmH2O, with significant improvement after two weeks compared to after VD (P < 0.001), returning to baseline. MBC showed no significant differences across conditions. The current study demonstrated the effectiveness of the implantable stimulation device for treating SUI in a rat model. Further studies are needed to determine its long-term safety and action mechanism.

Ferroptosis driven by nanoparticles for tackling glioblastoma

Ferroptosis driven by nanoparticles for tackling glioblastoma

How safe are vulture safe zones in Indian subcontinent: A climate change perspective

Populations of resident vulture species crashed in Indian subcontinent to critically endangered levels. Recovery lay in the creation of vulture safe zones (VSZs), at least for safety from diclofenac −- a primary cause of the crash, in the vulture landscape. Though the diclofenac safety mechanism is in place with selective success, other threats, especially changes in habitat due to climate crisis in VSZs for imperiled resident vultures have not been studied yet. This study delves into the future quality (suitability) and quantity (area expanse) of habitat in VSZs in the Indian sub-continent projected through Maxent habitat modelling. The models created were of high prediction powers (AUC: 0.713 to 0.865; CBI: 0.991 to 0.998). Our results suggested that VSZs, had > 30 % unsuitable habitats at subcontinent level. Current habitats are predicted to undergo change in future. The suitable habitats would be truncated by 1 % to 53 %. The subcontinent’s VSZs were categorized as “No-risk”, “Low-risk”, and “High-risk”. It was implied that concurrently ensured diclofenac-safe VSZs would not remain safe completely in the future on account of habitat dynamics. Therefore, VSZ management should not only concentrate on diclofenac safety, rather proactive habitat manipulation should continue simultaneously. This would provide the vultures continued safety in VSZ and better security against habitat loss due to climate change.

Review on Earthquake Safety Bed Authenticated by GPS

An innovative earthquake safety bed system integrated with GPS technology to enhance personal safety during seismic events. The proposed system utilizes real-time earthquake detection through seismic sensors, triggered an automated response that activates safety mechanisms within the bed. GPS technology is incorporated to track the bed`s location, ensuring precise data for rescue operations and post-events analysis. System aims to minimizes injuries by providing protection features such as automatic shielding, securing the user in place, and activating emergency alerts to near by responders. By combining seismic sensing with GPS based location tracking, the earthquake safety bed offers a proactive solution to reduce harm during earthquakes, offering both immediate protection and aiding post events recovery efforts. Key Words: GPS authentication, emergency response system, protection shields, microcontroller ATmega328p, piezo sensor, safety protection.

CDA Formulations: Potentially the Standard Care of Breast, Lung and Liver Cancers

Breast and lung cancers are very common, which are the top two leading causes of death from cancer. Hepatomas are not as common. But hepatomas are not responding well to therapies currently available. Cancer incidence and mortality keep on increasing ever since these statistics became public records, which are an indication of the failure of the health profession to control cancer. Cancer therapies approved in the past are mostly based on killing of cancer cells which are wrong to solve only a fraction of cancer problems. To effectively solve cancer, we must eliminate all factors contributing to the evolution of cancer. Cancer evolves due to wound unhealing because of the collapse of chemo-surveillance. Wound healing requires the proliferation and the terminal differentiation of progenitor stem cells (PSCs), which are embryonic stem cells to initiate the development of organs and tissues. Methylation enzymes (MEs) play a pivotal role on the regulation of cell replication and differentiation. Because of this pivotal role, MEs are exceptionally subjected to double allosteric regulations, on the individual enzymes by steroid hormone and on the enzyme complex by telomerase and chemo-surveillance. MEs of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) including PSCs are abnormal due to association with telomerase, which are important for the functions of these cells for the development of fetus and wound healing. The build-up of normal stem cells with abnormal MEs is strictly under regulations by contact inhibition, ten-eleven translocator -1 (TET-1) enzyme to direct lineage transitions and chemo-surveillance to destabilize abnormal MEs. When such safety mechanisms fail, clinical symptoms arise. Obviously, the most appropriate solution of diseases due to wound unhealing is to restore safety mechanisms created by the nature. Cell differentiation agent -2 (CDA-2) is our creation of cancer drug to target on abnormal MEs. CDA-2 was approved by the Chinese FDA as an adjuvant to supplement cytotoxic therapy of cancer against breast, non-small cell lung cancers and primary hepatomas in 2004, and as a mono-therapeutic agent for the therapy of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) in 2017. MDSs are diseases attributable entirely to cancer stem cells (CSCs). CDA-2 was the best drug for the therapy of MDSs, and therefore should be considered the standard care of MDSs. Breast, non-small cell lung cancers and primary hepatomas responded well to CDA-2. The therapeutic end point of CDA-2 is the terminal differentiation of cancer cells which cannot make tumor to disappear. Evidently, terminal differentiation of CSCs is the only option to solve CSCs. The solution of CSCs is very critical to the success of cancer therapy. Therefore, CDA formulations are potentially the standard care of breast and lung cancers and primary hepatomas.

Nanoparticles in the battle against Candida auris biofilms: current advances and future prospects.

Candida auris has emerged as a significant global health threat due to its multidrug resistance and ability to form robust biofilms, particularly on medical devices and hospital surfaces. Biofilms protect C. auris from antifungal treatments and the host immune response, making infections persistent and difficult to control. This review explores the potential of nanoparticles to overcome the limitations of traditional antifungal therapies in combating C. auris biofilms. Nanoparticles, with their unique physicochemical properties, offer promising strategies to penetrate biofilm matrices, deliver antifungal agents, and disrupt biofilm structure. Various types of nanoparticles, including metallic, polymeric, lipid-based, and cyclodextrin-based, demonstrate enhanced biofilm penetration and antifungal activity. Their ability to generate reactive oxygen species, disrupt cell adhesion, and release antifungals in a controlled manner makes them ideal candidates for biofilm-targeted therapies. This review presents the current advancements in nanoparticle-based solutions, emphasizing the need for further research into their mechanisms of action, safety, and clinical application. By addressing the challenge of C. auris biofilms specifically, this review provides a critical synthesis of existing knowledge and identifies future directions for developing effective antifungal therapies using nanotechnology.

Bempedoic Acid's Chemistry, Pharmacological Characteristics and Bioanalytical Techniques: An Updated Review

Background: Elevated blood cholesterol has been established as a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Adults with hyperlipidemia have a significantly increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). First-line treatments for hyperlipidemia include statins, which help raise HDL-C levels in cases of severe and familial hypercholesterolemia and decrease LDL-C and TG levels. Numerous adverse effects on muscles have been associated with statins, such as asymptomatic elevations in blood creatine kinase activity and potentially fatal rhabdomyolysis. Non-statin drugs are advised for people whose very high cardiovascular risk or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia make statin therapy insufficient. A novel lipid-lowering medication with a distinct mode of action is bempedoic acid. Elevated blood cholesterol is a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Individuals with hyperlipidemia are at a higher risk for developing cardiovascular diseases. Statins are the primary treatment for hyperlipidemia, raising HDL-C levels and lowering LDL-C and TG levels. However, statins can adversely affect muscles, including muscle-related complications like increased blood creatine kinase activity and rhabdomyolysis. Therefore, nonstatin drugs may be recommended for individuals. Bempedoic acid is a brand-new, first-in-class, oral small molecule that inhibits cholesterol manufacturing like statins, consequently reducing lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) through activating LDL receptors. Methods: This study offers helpful information on how to utilize bempedoic acid to decrease LDLC, as well as recommendations for which individuals could benefit and safety monitoring tips during therapy. A novel family of drugs called bempedoic acid is identified as a prodrug that becomes bempedoyl- CoA in the liver via an enzyme called very longchain consisting of acyl-CoA synthetase 1. Bempedoic acid can control cholesterol metabolism. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels appeared to be dramatically reduced by bempedoic acid, according to clinical investigations. The toleration of bempedoic acid was good. Results: A cardiovascular outcomes trial is now evaluating bempedoic acid to determine its impact on major cardiovascular events in patients with or at high risk for cardiovascular disease and statin intolerance. Conclusion: This review describes the chemistry, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, analytical potential, and safety of bempedoic acid. Bempedoic acid is an effective and often well-tolerated drug used to further reduce LDL-C levels in patients taking the maximum dosage of tolerated statins or to control LDL-C levels in persons who can not take statins. The results of the clear Outcomes research, which is looking into whether bempedoic acid might reduce the frequency of serious cardiovascular events, are expected in 2025.

TET2 regulates early and late transitions in exhausted CD8+ T cell differentiation and limits CAR T cell function.

CD8+ T cell exhaustion hampers control of cancer and chronic infections and limits chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell efficacy. Targeting TET2 in CAR T cells provides therapeutic benefit; however, TET2's role in exhausted T cell (TEX) development is unclear. In chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection, TET2 drove conversion from stem cell-like TEX progenitors toward terminally differentiated and effector (TEFF)-like TEX. TET2 also enforced a terminally differentiated state in the early bifurcation between TEFF and TEX, indicating broad roles for TET2 in acquisition of effector biology. To exploit the therapeutic potential of TET2, we developed clinically actionable TET2-targeted CAR T cells by disrupting TET2 via knock-in of a safety switch alongside CAR knock-in at the TRAC locus. TET2-targeted CAR T cells exhibited restrained terminal exhaustion in vitro and enhanced antitumor responses in vivo. Thus, TET2 regulates fate transitions in TEX differentiation and can be targeted with a safety mechanism in CAR T cells for improved tumor control.

The anticoagulant ability of lumbrokinase and the advantages of different dosage forms

Abstract. As a traditional Chinese medicine, earthworms were found to have an effective thrombolytic effect in which lumbrokinase, an active ingredient, is now usually purified for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. As a highly safe and easy-to-obtain drug, lumbrokinase is often administered in the form of enteric-coated tablets. However, there is still a lack of relevant research on the detailed molecular mechanism of lumbrokinases anticoagulant mechanism, the effectiveness and safety of long-term use, the interaction with other drugs, and the expansion and optimization of clinical applications. This paper analyzes the mechanism of action of lumbrokinase, the influencing factors of external conditions, the method of administration and the research of new drug delivery systems. It provides a reference for future research on the role and application prospects of lumbrokinase in anticoagulation. However, the specific molecular mechanism of action and clinical application issues have not been resolved. Future research can focus on the molecular mechanism of action and the efficiency and safety of clinical use of new drug systems.

Vertically anchored nano-fold hybrid on h-BN surfaces achieves effective smoke suppression, antibacterial, and thermal conductivity in epoxy resin composites

Considering the requirement of environmental and bio-friendliness of flame retardants, there is an urgent need to develop efficient flame retardants based on low-toxicity raw materials. Herein, a nano-fold structure DBN@CoMo-LDH was successfully synthesized by combining layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), through a sacrificial template approach involving ion-exchange interaction at atmospheric pressure. Thanks to the better compatibility and strong interfacial interactions of hybrids in matrix, epoxy resin (EP) composites can exhibit superior flame retardancy and smoke suppression without loss of mechanical properties. The enhancement and mechanism of fire safety of EP composites were investigated through cone calorimetric test, condensed-phase residue analysis, and gas-phase product analysis. Compared to EP, the peak heat release rate (pHRR), peak smoke production rate (pSPR), total smoke production (TSP), carbon monoxide production rate (COP) and carbon dioxide production rate (CO2P) of EP/4DBN@CoMo-LDH were reduced by 37.77 %, 62.96 %, 50.45 %, 45.71 % and 40.98 %, respectively. DBN@CoMo-LDH not only promoted the rapid generation of a dense carbon layer, but also effectively suppressed the release of gas phase products. Furthermore, it demonstrates excellent antimicrobial properties against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Moreover, the unique nano-fold structure can provide a good thermal conduction path in the matrix, improving the thermal conductivity of EP. This study offers a feasible approach for designing high-performance flame retardants, and suggests their potential application in multifunctional EP composites.

Abstract 4136181: Automated Personalized Modulation of the Sympathetic “fight-or-flight” Reflex In Vivo Using Implantable Microdevices for Enhancing Neurocardiac Function and Reducing Mortality Risk.

Background: The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is a critical regulator of cardiovascular function. Whereas acute SNS activation elicits positive inotropy and confers survival advantage, persistent SNS hyperactivity is maladaptive and can lead to arrhythmias, cardiac arrest and heart failure. Hypothesis: Automated optogenetic modulation of the sympathetic stress response in vivo enhances neurocardiac function while avoiding sympathetic hyperactivity-mediated pathological effects. Methods: In normal guinea pigs, we virally transduced excitatory and/or inhibitory channelrhodopsins to the stellate ganglia (SG), the primary sympathetic input to the heart. We studied in situ effects of graded activation of SG opsins (e.g., phasic vs tonic) on cardiac function (e.g., ECG, heart rate) with and without perfusing agents (e.g., β-blockers, antioxidants). In vivo studies used novel implanted µLED devices for wireless body signal streaming (e.g., ECG) and neurophotonic SG opsin modulation closed-loop to dynamic analyses of physiological demand versus ECG-based cardiac risk prediction. Results: Compared to baseline heart rate (218±16 bpm), pulsed activation of inhibitory opsins reduced heart rate by ~25% (156±12; delta=67±14 bpm; p&lt;0.0003; N=5). Pulsed activation of excitatory opsins increased heart rate by ~30% (285±28; delta=65±19 bpm; p&lt;0.0002; N=5). Interestingly, prolonged (&gt;20 min) tonic excitation of the SG caused desensitization, possibly as an intrinsic safety mechanism. Whereas graded SG excitation or inhibition at different LED intensities elicited prompt changes in heart rate, repeated activation of excitatory opsins led to quick desensitization. Our ongoing studies are aimed at understanding how and when SG modulation can enhance cardiac function, trigger intrinsic cardioprotective mechanisms, or cause pathological effects. Conclusion: Automated neurophotonic optogenetic excitation or inhibition of the SG is a robust personalized strategy for modulating cardiovascular function. The ability to rapidly and accurately modulate the sympathetic stress reflex in a graded manner can lead to more timely, effective, and appropriate physiological responses while avoiding undesired pathophysiological responses.

Therapeutic potential and agricultural benefits of curcumin: a comprehensive review of health and sustainability applications

AbstractTurmeric (Curcuma longa L.), the plant from which curcumin is derived, is renowned for its wide range of therapeutic and agricultural benefits. Curcumin, the key bioactive compound, is highly valued for its potent anti-provocative, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, which contribute to its effectiveness in treating various human diseases and improving plant resilience to environmental stresses. The therapeutics potential of curcumin is notable owing its abilities to combat microbes act as an oxidant and reduce inflammation. Its effectiveness in treating a range of human disease such as tumor, cardiac problems, and brain degenerative ailments stems from its ability to modulate various cellular process and signaling pathways. Despite its low bioavailability, innovations in delivery system such as nanoparticles and liposomal formulations, have enhanced its therapeutic efficacy by improving solubility and systemic absorption. In agriculture, curcumin's antimicrobial properties provide a natural alternative to chemical pesticides, offering protection against pathogens and enhancing plant resilience to specific environmental stresses such as drought, salinity, and oxidative stress. Nanotechnology applications have furthered these benefits by facilitating the efficient uptake and distribution of curcumin within plant tissues, promoting growth and stress tolerance. This review also highlights curcumin's nutritional benefits, including its impact on gut health and metabolic syndrome. Synergistic interactions with dietary nutrients can amplify its health benefits, making it a valuable dietary supplement. However, ongoing research is needed to fully understand curcumin's mechanisms of action and long-term safety. Overall, curcumin holds promise as a versatile agent in both medical and agricultural fields, supporting sustainable practices and advancing health outcomes. Future research should focus on optimizing curcumin formulations and translating preclinical findings into clinical successes. Graphical abstract

Trends in Upper Extremity Saw Injuries From 2003 to 2022.

Saws are a common source of upper extremity injury. There have been several commercial and government-mandated safety mechanisms designed to reduce the number of saw injuries. We aim to assess the trends in the incidence and impact of saw-related upper extremity injuries over the last 2 decades. The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database was queried from January 2003 to December 2022 for upper extremity injuries caused by saws. Summary statistics for primary body part injured and diagnosis were calculated. Linear regression was performed to evaluate trends in the number of injuries over time. An estimated 1.38 million injuries (weighted) presenting to emergency departments were reported from January 2003 to December 2022. Patients had a mean age of 50.5 ± 18.1. Digits (82.2%) accounted for most injuries, followed by hands (11.9%). The lower arm (3.4%), wrist (1.66%), shoulder (0.3%), elbow (0.2%), and upper arm (0.2%) accounted for fewer injuries. There was a downtrend in number of saw injuries over the study period (R = 0.83, R2 = 0.69, p < .001). Subgroup analysis showed decreases in number of injuries to fingers (R = -0.82, R2 = 0.67, p < .001) and wrists (R = -0.61, R2 = 0.37, p = .004). The most common diagnoses were lacerations (69.7%), fractures (12.6%), and amputations (9.9%). Upper extremity saw injuries have significantly decreased over the last 20 years. The fingers and hands account for the vast majority of saw injuries, resulting most commonly in lacerations, fractures, and amputations. IV.

Treatment with oclacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, down-regulates and up-regulates CD25 and Foxp3 expression, respectively, in peripheral blood T cells of dogs with atopic dermatitis

BackgroundOclacitinib (OCL), a Janus kinase inhibitor, is a novel immunomodulatory/immunosuppressive agent which is an approved as the first-line treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD) in dogs. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of OCL on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and their selected subsets under clinical conditions, i.e. in dogs suffering from AD, in terms of both safety and immune mechanisms underlying its therapeutic actions. Eight dogs were treated for 28 days with OCL at the recommended dose. Blood samples were taken at day 0, 7, 14 and 28.ResultsThe study showed that the mean percentage and absolute count of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells on the 14th and 28th day of the treatment with OCL did not differ from the corresponding baseline values, i.e. those before the treatment. On the 7th day of the treatment, the mean absolute count of CD4+ T cells and the mean percentage and absolute count of CD8+ T cells were significantly increased. The research found that on the 14th day of the treatment, the mean percentage and absolute count of CD25+CD4+ and CD25+CD8+ T cells were significantly decreased; the reduction in the percentage of CD25+CD4+ T cells persisted on 28th day of the treatment. A two-week treatment with OCL resulted in an increase in the mean percentage of Foxp3+CD4+ T cells, and this effect was sustained at the last time point. The treatment with OCL decreased the eosinophil level but does not affect the absolute counts of basophils, monocytes and neutrophils.ConclusionsThe findings of the study strongly suggest that: (a) in terms of the impact of OCL on the number of PB CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, monthly treatment with the drug should be considered as a relatively safe; (b) the eosinophil-reducing effect and the down-regulation of the AD up-regulated CD25 expression on CD4+ Teff cells may constitute significant elements of the mechanism of action underlying the therapeutic effects of the drug in the treatment of canine AD; (c) the generation of inducible Foxp3-expressing CD4+ regulatory T cells - resulting in the shift of the CD4+ Treg cell (i.e. Foxp3+CD4+)/activated Teff (i.e. CD25+CD4+) cell balance toward an increased proportion of Treg cells - may be considered as additional mechanism involved in producing the immunomodulatory/immunosuppressive properties of OCL.

Safety Concepts for Future Electromechanical Brake Central Control Systems

&lt;div&gt;Electromechanical brakes (EMB) are currently coming into focus in the automotive industry. This trend was confirmed in 2022, when a first automotive supplier [&lt;span&gt;1&lt;/span&gt;] announced the series production of EMB systems. One major driver is safety, especially if EMB systems are implemented with smart actuators that install redundant electronic control units (ECU) and distributed software [&lt;span&gt;1&lt;/span&gt;]. Earlier, the authors have addressed safety mechanisms in EMB actuators [&lt;span&gt;2&lt;/span&gt;]. In this article the authors extend their investigation to address safety mechanisms in future EMB central control systems (CCS). Impact of different brake system topologies (X-, H-, centralized) vis-à-vis potential safety mechanisms within communication buses and ECUs is analyzed.&lt;/div&gt;

Effects of Manual Acupuncture Versus Sham Acupuncture in patients with Post-Stroke Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a prevalent psychiatric complication in stroke patients, severely reducing quality of life and delaying social recovery in stroke survivors. Clinical studies have shown that acupuncture can be used as an alternative approach for PSD. The aim of this study was to examine the safety, efficacy, and electroencephalogram (EEG) mechanism of acupuncture in treating PSD patients. From October 28, 2022 to May 16, 2023, this single-center, single-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. A total of 56 eligible subjects were assigned in a random manner, with an equal distribution between two groups: the manual acupuncture (MA) group and the sham acupuncture (SA) group. The primary outcome was the Hamilton Depression Scale-24 (HAMD-24); the secondary outcomes included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), the Barthel index, EEG power spectrum, and EEG imaginary coherent (iCOH). Compared to the SA group, the MA group exhibited significant improvements in HAMD-24, NIHSS, PSIQ, and Barthel index at week 6. The total improvement rate was 85.71% in the MA group and 28.57% in the SA group. After 6weeks of treatment, the alpha and beta bands power spectrum increased significantly, while the delta and theta bands power spectrum decreased significantly in the MA group compared to the SA group. The iCOH analysis showed that the MA group had significantly higher functional connectivity in the four bands than the SA group. Acupuncture might be regarded as an adjunctive treatment for PSD patients with improvements in their neurological deficits, sleep quality, and depression. Meanwhile, the mechanism of acupuncture in treating PSD patients may be through decreasing the slow wave power spectrum and increasing the fast wave power spectrum, and enhancing brain functional connectivity. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200065112/2022-10-28).

Curcuma-Based Nutritional Supplements and Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Curcuma-based nutritional supplements (CBNS) are natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents that may confer benefits against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). To examine the association between the use of CBNS and the risk of development or progression of AMD. This was a retrospective cohort study with data collection in June of 2024. Data were gathered from the aggregated electronic health records research network, TriNetX (Cambridge, Massachusetts). Patients without AMD were included in the study before propensity score matching (PSM); these included those taking and not taking CBNS. Patients with no history of AMD were stratified by instances of CBNS prescription records. Patients with a history of early nonexudative AMD stratified by instances of CBNS prescription records were also identified. PSM was performed to control for baseline demographics and medical comorbidities. Patients were stratified by whether or not they were taking CBNS using RxNorm (National Library of Medicine) codes. Relative risk (RR) of developing nonexudative AMD, exudative AMD, advanced nonexudative AMD or geographic atrophy (GA), blindness, or requiring intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. A total of 66 804 patients (mean [SD] age, 64.9 [10.1] years; 44 124 female [66.1%]) taking CBNS and 1 809 440 patients (mean [SD] age, 67.0 [9.5] years; 999 534 female [55.2%]) not taking CBNS were included in this study. Among patients without a history of AMD aged 50 years or older, CBNS use was associated with lower rates of developing nonexudative AMD (RR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.21-0.26; P < .001), advanced nonexudative AMD or GA (RR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.07-0.17; P < .001), exudative AMD (RR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.24-0.32; P < .001), blindness (RR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.36-0.59; P < .001), or requiring intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy (RR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.13-0.17; P < .001) when compared with matched patients not taking CBNS. Results were consistent among subsets of patients 60 and 70 years or older, respectively. Among patients with early nonexudative AMD, subsequent instances of CBNS prescription records were associated with lower rates of developing advanced nonexudative AMD or GA (RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.41-0.81; P < .001) when compared with matched patients with early nonexudative AMD without a CBNS prescription record. Results of this cohort study suggest that a reduced risk of developing AMD or progression to later stages of AMD was associated with subsequent use of CBNS. Further investigation to validate these findings, safety, and potential pharmacoprotective mechanisms of CBNS in AMD are suggested.

Experimental measurement and modeling of the internal pressure in cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells under abuse conditions

The internal pressure evolution of cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells under abuse tests is evaluated in this work. The pressure evolution is recorded through a cavity at the center of the inner structure of the cylindrical cell. Understanding pressure buildup due to exothermic reactions aids in designing safety features, such as improved venting mechanisms. The pressure activation for the safety mechanism depends on both the venting cap design and the different abuse test conditions. This study focuses on two important parameters: the state of charge (SOC) and the overheating ramp. The SOC significantly influences the venting pressure activation at the overheating abuse tests. The 18650 cell exhibits a similar venting behavior as the 21700 cell, with pressure safety mechanisms activating sooner for the 18650 cell. The geometric structure of the battery and safety mechanisms significantly influence vent-activation thresholds. After the Current Interruptor Device (CID) breakdown, pressure rises exponentially until venting occurs, due to gas generation from the decomposition of internal components and electrolyte vaporization. With the experimental data for the overheating abuse test, a model that predicts the evolution of the pressure has been developed. For the overcharging abuse test, the pressure evolution has been measured with different current rates (C-rates) to simulate overcharge with standard charging current and fast charging current. However, the internal pressure inside the cell activates the current interrupt device, which avoids overcharging the cell, thus preventing the thermal runaway (TR) from occurring.