PSS Model Research Articles

Myeloid-derived growth factor promotes M2 macrophage polarization and attenuates Sjögren's syndrome via suppression of the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis.

Primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that is characterized by the infiltration of immune cells into the salivary glands. The re-establishment of salivary glands (SGs) function in pSS remains a clinical challenge. Myeloid-derived growth factor (MYDGF) has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and tissue-functional restorative abilities. However, its potential to restore SGs function during pSS has not yet been investigated. Nonobese diabetic (NOD)/LtJ mice (pSS model) were intravenously administered with adeno-associated viruses carrying MYDGF at 11 weeks of age. Salivary flow rates were determined before and after treatment. Mice were killed 5 weeks after MYDGF treatment, and submandibular glands were collected for analyses of histological disease scores, inflammatory cell infiltration, PCR determination of genes, and Western blotting of functional proteins. Furthermore, mRNA sequencing and bioinformatics were used to predict the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of MYDGF. Treatment of NOD/LtJ mice with MYDGF alleviated pSS, as indicated by increased salivary flow rate, reduced lymphocyte infiltration, attenuated glandular inflammation, and enhanced AQP5 and NKCC1 expression. The gene expression levels of cytokines and chemokines, including Ccl12, Ccl3, Il1r1, Ccr2, Cx3cr1, Il7, Mmp2, Mmp14, Il1b, and Il7, significantly decreased after treatment with MYDGF, as determined by RNA sequencing. Meanwhile, MYDGF inhibits infiltration of macrophages (Mϕ) in SGs, induces polarization of M2ϕ, and suppresses C-X3C motif ligand 1 (CX3CL1)/C-X3C motif receptor 1 (CX3CR1) axis. Our findings showed that MYDGF could revitalize the SGs function of pSS, inhibit infiltration of Mϕ, and promote M2ϕ polarization via suppression of the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis, which has implications for potential therapy for pSS.

Improvement of primary Sjögren's syndrome salivary gland function by Xinfeng capsule and its effect on EGR1-STAT3 signaling pathway.

The study was aimed to investigate the effects of Xinfeng capsule (XFC) on tissue morphology, and gland function of the salivary gland (SG) in a primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) mouse model. An animal model of pSS was established by inducing SG protein in C57BL/6 mice. SG tissues were collected for tissue sequencing and subsequent experiments to detect the expression of cholinergic receptor muscarinic 3(M3R), early growth response factor 1 (EGR1) and target genes in the SG before and after XFC intervention, with in vitro validation. Downstream targets of the EGR1 gene were predicted and analyzed using data analysis. EGR1 showed high expression and was selected for subsequent experiments. Administration of XFC significantly increased saliva production (P < 0.001) and reduced the extent of lymphatic infiltration observed in SG. Furthermore, the expression of EGR1 was increased in the model group with statistical significance in contrast with the control group but decreased after administration of XFC (P < 0.05). Data analysis predicted the downstream target of EGR1 as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which was validated in SG tissues of mice (P < .05). XFC demonstrated a significant improvement in the salivary secretion function of the SG in pSS mice. EGR1 can serve as a biomarker and therapeutic target for pSS.

CD8+ tissue-resident memory T cells are expanded in primary Sjögren’s disease and can be therapeutically targeted by CD103 blockade

ObjectiveTissue-resident memory cells (Trm) are a subset of T cells residing persistently and long-term within specific tissues that contribute to persistent inflammation and tissue damage. We characterised the phenotype and...

AutoDock and molecular dynamics-based therapeutic potential prediction of flavonoids for primary Sjögren's syndrome

Primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that leads to reduced saliva production, primarily affecting women due to estrogen deficiency. The estrogen receptor α (ERα) plays a crucial role in mediating the expression of the aquaporin 5 (AQP5) gene through the estrogen response element-dependent signaling pathway, making ERα a key drug target for pSS. Several flavonoids have been reported to have the potential to treat pSS. This study aimed to screen and compare flavonoids binding to ERα using AutoDock, providing a basis for treating pSS with flavonoids. The estrogenic potential of six representative flavonoids was examined in this study. Molecular docking revealed that the binding energy of all six flavonoids to ERα was less than −5.6 kcal/mol. Apigenin, naringenin, and daidzein were the top three flavonoids with even lower binding energies of −7.8, −8.09, and −8.59 kcal/mol, respectively. Similar to the positive control estradiol, apigenin, naringenin, and daidzein showed hydrogen bond interactions with GLU353, GLY521, and HIS524 at the active site. The results of luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that apigenin, naringenin, and daidzein significantly enhanced the transcription of estrogen receptor element (ERE) in the PGL3/AQP5 promoter. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations using GROMACS for a time scale of 100 ns revealed relatively stable binding of apigenin-ERα, naringenin-ERα, and daidzein-ERα. Mechanistically, homology modeling indicated that GLU353, GLY521, and HIS524 were the key residues of ERα exerting an estrogenic effect. The therapeutic effect of apigenin on dry mouth in pSS models was further validated. In conclusion, these results indicate the estrogenic and pSS therapeutic potential of apigenin, naringenin, and daidzein.

PRMT5 participates in B cell overactivation in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) through RSAD2-mediated NF-κB signaling.

There are new evidences that protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is widely involved in the progression of various diseases, but its effect is unclear on Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS). The main purpose of this study is to explore the regulatory effect of PRMT5 on pSS and its potential mechanisms. CD40L treated CD19 + B cells to construct a cell model of pSS. CCK-8 assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI kits were used to measure cell proliferation and apoptosis. ELISA assay was used to determine the contents of IL-6 and TNF-α in CD19 + B cells. And commercial kits were used to detect the levels of immunoglobins (IgG, IgM, and IgA) in CD40L-treated CD19 + B cells. And successfully constructed a pSS mouse model. The results revealed an increase in the expression of PRMT5 in CD19 + B cells from patients with pSS. After CD40L treatment, the knockdown of PRMT5 prominently decreased cell viability, the production level of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, and IgA), and the content of IL-10, increased the content of IL-6 and IL-8, and promoted the apoptosis of pSS CD19 + B cells. Mechanistically, PRMT5 negatively regulated the RSAD2 and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Furthermore, overexpression of RSAD2 and p65 significantly rescued the effect of PRMT5 knockdown on proliferation, immunoglobin production and secreting cytokines in CD40L-treated CD19 + B cells. More importantly, inhibition of PRMT5 significantly inhibited the symptoms of pSS mice. Low-expression of PRMT5 through inactivation of RSAD2/NF-κB signalling pathway alleviates the hyperactivity of B cells, which may provide theoretical basis and potential therapeutic targets for clinical treatment of pSS.

Effects of iguratimod on inflammatory factors and apoptosis of submandibular gland epithelial cells in NOD mice

Non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice were taken as primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) model mice to examine the therapeutic impact of iguratimod (IGU) on inflammatory factors levels and apoptosis of submandibular epithelial cells, and provide experimental basis for the treatment of pSS by iguratimod. Twenty-four NOD murine models were divided into the model, high-dose (IGU 30 mg/kg) and low-dose (IGU 10 mg/kg) groups, eight mice per group. The normal control group comprised eight C57B/L mice. From 8 weeks of age, the NOD mice were administered IGU by intragastric gavage administration every day for 8 weeks; their water consumption, saliva secretion, submandibular gland, and spleen indices were measured. The levels of serum inflammatory factor (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17) were evaluated, and Bax, caspase-3, and Bcl-2 levels were detected. The histological alterations in the submandibular glands were discovered. IGU can reduce the water intake of NOD mice (p < 0.01), increase the saliva secretion and the submandibular gland index (p < 0.01); reduce the spleen index and the serum inflammatory factors (p < 0.01); improve the pathological tissue damage and cell apoptosis of the submandibular gland (p < 0.05). IGU can reduce the expression levels of inflammatory mediators in the serum and the extent of lymphocyte infiltration and apoptosis in submandibular gland epithelial cells. It can also regulate apoptosis-related protein expression, thereby improving the secretory function of exocrine glands.

Genomic DNA activates the AIM2 inflammasome and STING pathways to induce inflammation in lacrimal gland myoepithelial cells

PurposePrimary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease that mainly attacks the lacrimal glands causing severe aqueous-deficient dry eye. Clinical evidence indicates the DNA sensing mechanism in the pathogenesis of pSS. The purpose of the present study is to determine the pro-inflammatory effect of self-genomic DNA (gDNA) on myoepithelial cells (MECs), which along with acinar and ductal cells is a major cell type of the lacrimal gland. MethodMECs primary culture was acquired from female C57BL6J mice. Genomic DNA was extracted from the spleen of the same animal. The MECs were challenged with self-gDNA. The cytokine secretion was detected using supernatant by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The activation of inflammasomes was determined using FAM-FLICA. Cryosections of NOD.B10.H2b mouse model of pSS were obtained for immunofluorescence microscopy (IF), with Balb/C as control. ResultTreatment with gDNA activated AIM2 inflammasome assembly and function, leading to secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in MECs. The stimulation of IL-1β secretion by gDNA appeared to be solely at the post-translational level, whereas IL-18 secretion was a combination of increased protein synthesis and post-translational modification. Genomic DNA also induced the activation of STimulators of INterferon Genes (STING), which correlated to the activation of STING in the lacrimal gland from the NOD.B10.H2b mouse. STING activation led to the secretion of IFN-β via Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB). The IFN-β further enhances the secretion of IL-1β. The contractility of MECs was disabled by treatment with gDNA or poly AnT, independent of the level of intracellular [Ca2+]. ConclusionSelf-gDNA induces a proinflammatory response in lacrimal gland MECs by activating both the AIM2 inflammasome and STING and thus may contribute to the pathogenesis of pSS.

How Can We Promote Smartphone Leasing via a Buyback Program?

Leasing is an important sustainable PSS model of recycling smartphones, and they have emerged as a crucial component of retailers’ business evolution in recent times. Using hybrid selling–leasing transformations, retailers not only provide selling services but also leasing services, which not only increases revenue sources but also triggers internal competition. Due to this, retailers are reluctant to promote smartphone leasing. How can we enhance retailers’ motivation to promote smartphone leasing? This paper aims to answer this question by exploring the potential of a manufacturer’s buyback program and analyzing three price decision models: pure selling (S), hybrid selling–leasing without a buyback program (SL), and hybrid selling–leasing with a buyback program (HSL). The results show that (1) when consumers’ acceptance of leasing is moderate, retailers can benefit from hybrid selling–leasing transformation. (2) If the manufacturer chooses to buy back used leasing smartphones from the retailer, it is advisable to set a high buyback price that is at least equal to their residual value. (3) The buyback program can increase consumers’ leasing demand and manufacturer’s profits, as well as decrease the environmental impact of the supply chain system. More importantly, it has the potential to drive retailers to conduct hybrid selling–leasing transformation and can establish a positive correlation between retailers’ profits and consumers’ acceptance of leasing. This means that buyback programs can promote smartphone leasing and can be beneficial for smartphone recycling and urban sustainable development.

CD4+ T-cell-dependent differentiation of CD23+ follicular B cells contributes to the pulmonary pathology in a primary Sjögren's syndrome mouse model.

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects the function of exocrine glands, such as the lacrimal and the salivary glands. Extraglandular lesions and malignant lymphoma also occur during the progressive stage of pSS. We have, herein, focused on the pulmonary lesions of pSS and have aimed clarifying their pathophysiological mechanism by comparing the glandular with the extraglandular lesions observed in a mouse model of pSS. The histopathological analysis of lung tissues obtained from NFS/sld mice that have undergone neonatal thymectomy was performed. Moreover, in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted along with immunological analyses in order to characterize the unique phenotypes of the pulmonary lesions identified in these pSS model mice. Inflammatory lesions with a bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue-like structure were identified in the lungs of pSS model mice. In addition, relative to salivary gland lesions, pulmonary lesions showed increased CD23+ follicular B (FB) cells. In vitro and pulmonary B cells were more readily driven to CD23+ FB cell phenotype than salivary gland B cells in pSS model mice. Furthermore, the CD23+ FB cell differentiation was found to be enhanced in a CD4+ T-cell-dependent manner under a Th2-type condition in the lungs of herein examined pSS model mice. A Th2-type response in the pSS lung may promote the progression of autoimmune lesions through an enhanced abnormal differentiation of B cells.

Immune infiltration analysis reveals immune cell signatures in salivary gland tissue of primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Mouse models are the basis for primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) research. However, the depth of comparisons between mice and humans in salivary gland (SG) immune cells remains limited. The gene expression profiles of SGs from normal subjects and pSS patients were downloaded from the Gene Expression Comprehensive Database. The proportion of infiltrating immune cell subsets was then assessed by cell type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT). An experimental Sjögren's syndrome (ESS) mouse model was successfully constructed using SG protein. Based on mouse SG tissue RNA-Seq data, the seq-ImmuCC model was used to quantitatively analyze the compositional ratios of 10 immune cells in pSS patients and mouse model SG tissues. Computed and obtained 31 human data samples using the CIBERSORT deconvolution method. The immune cell infiltration results showed that, compared to normal human SG tissue, the content of gamma delta T cells was significantly different from naive CD4+ T cells and significantly increased, while the plasma cell content decreased. Principal component analysis indicated differences in immune cell infiltration between pSS patients and normal subjects. Meanwhile, for ESS model mouse data analysis, we found that the proportion of macrophages increased, while the proportion of CD4+ T cells, B cells, and monocytes decreased. Furthermore, we found that the proportion of monocytes was decreased, while the proportion of macrophages was increased in the SG tissues of pSS patients and model mice. The infiltration of CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and B cells also showed some differences. We comprehensively analyzed SG immune infiltration in pSS patients and model mice. We demonstrated conserved and nonconserved aspects of the immune system in mice and humans at the level of immune cells to help explain the primary regulation of immune mechanisms during the development of Sjögren's syndrome.

Servitization in the digital age: A systematic review

With the growth of digitalisation, more forms of innovative activity of companies emerge; it increases the interest of researchers to the relevance of introducing the concept of servitization in business functioning in an online environment. The problem is in a fragmentary nature of the existing studies since no general definition of the phenomenon of “servitization” has been formed yet. The purpose of this study is to perform a systematic review of articles from various databases, to overview the existing approaches to determining the role of servitization in the PSS model and to formulate the authors’ definition of this concept. In this study, we identified a common array of existing articles on servitization (1 659 conceptual, meta-analytical and empirical) from the databases of Scopus, Web of Science and Emerald Insight, which were analysed according to different criteria for inclusion or exclusion from the final pool of articles resulting in 24 papers selected for the detailed analysis. The results include the developed own definition of servitization, as well as the identification of four basic approaches to this concept. The author’s’ contribution to the development of the theory of servitization is strengthening of the focus on the role of servitization in the Production — Service — Solution model. The introduction of the concept of servitization improves the innovative activity of companies presenting their product in the digital environment. Thus, based on further studies of the properties and characteristics of servitization, effective decision-making models for doing business in the digital economy can be formed.

Consumer perception of product-service systems: Depicting sector-specific barriers in the mobility, clothing and tooling sectors

The viability of PSS models has been shown to be frequently jeopardized by low levels of consumer appeal and retention. Using Social Practice Theory (SPT) and the habitual practice approach, this paper posits that barriers to consumer adoption and retention of PSS offers are twofold: 1) generic to the PSS offers—that is, common to all sectors but playing differently from one sector to another and 2) sector-specific. The purpose of the paper is to study how routinization of habitual practices differently affects consumers’ propensity to change their consumption practices and to move towards PSS offers across sectors. To gain in-depth understanding of generic and sector-specific barriers and to distinguish between them, three sectors of PSS are analysed and compared: mobility, clothing and tooling. A quantitative and qualitative mixed methodology was used with consumers in the Brussels Region (Belgium). Two results emerge from the study. First, we confirm the existence of generic barriers to the adoption of PSS offers (e.g., not feeling like a target customer, flawed price representation, fear of unavailability of the product, not wanting to share the use of the product, dislike for subscription, or preference for ownership). Second, just as the relative weight of the barriers differs according to the sectors and there are specific obstacles to certain sectors (e.g., morphology in the clothing industry), we demonstrate that determinants of pleasure and determinants of consumption type (purchase or PSS) differ across cases. In addition, we discuss the fact that the type of payment (pay-per-use or subscription) and the related consumer engagement (requiring a change in established practice or not) have an impact on the perception and adoption of PSS offers by consumers.

Disturbed natural killer cell homeostasis in the salivary gland enhances autoimmune pathology via IFN-γ in a mouse model of primary Sjögren’s syndrome

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), including natural killer (NK) cells, ILC1, ILC2, lymphoid tissue-inducer (LTi) cells, and ILC3 cell, play a key role in various immune responses. Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of exocrine glands, such as the lacrimal and salivary glands (SGs). The role of NK cells among ILCs in the pathogenesis of pSS is still unclear. In this study, the characteristics and subsets of NK cells in the salivary gland (SG) tissue were analyzed using a murine model of pSS. Multiple phenotypes and cytotoxic signature of the SG NK cells in control and pSS model mice were evaluated by flow cytometric analysis. Intracellular expression of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) among T cells and NK cells from the SG tissues was compared by in vitro experiments. In addition, pathological analysis was performed using anti-asialo-GM1 (ASGM1) antibody (Ab)-injected pSS model mice. The number of conventional NK (cNK) cells in the SG of pSS model mice significantly increased compared with that in control mice at 6 weeks of age. The production level of IFN-γ was significantly higher in SG NK cells than in SG T cells. The depletion of NK cells by ASGM1 Ab altered the ratio of tissue resident NK (rNK) cells to cNK cells, which inhibited the injury to SG cells with the recovery of saliva secretion in pSS model mice. The results indicate that SG cNK cells may enhance the autoreactive response in the target organ by upregulating of IFN-γ, whereas SG rNK cells protect target cells against T cell cytotoxicity. Therefore, the activation process and multiple functions of NK cells in the target organ could be helpful to develop potential markers for determining autoimmune disease activity and target molecules for incurable immune disorders.

Melatonin regulates the immune response and improves Sjögren’s syndrome-like symptoms in NOD/Ltj Mice

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects exocrine glands and is characterized by sicca syndrome and systemic manifestation. Mounting evidence indicates that circadian clocks are involved in the onset and progression of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatic arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. However, few studies have reported the expression of clock genes in pSS. There is no ideal therapeutic method for pSS, the management of pSS is mainly palliative, aims to alleviate sicca symptoms. Melatonin is a neuroendocrine hormone mainly secreted by the pineal gland that plays an important role in the maintenance of the circadian rhythm and immunomodulation. Hence, this study aimed to analyse the circadian expression profile of clock genes in pSS, and further evaluate the therapeutic potential of melatonin in pSS. We discovered a distinct clock gene expression profile in the salivary glands of pSS patients and pSS animal model. More importantly, melatonin administration improved the hypofunction of the salivary glands, inhibited inflammatory development, and regulated clock gene expression in animal model of pSS. Our study suggested that the pathogenesis of pSS might correlate with abnormal expression of circadian genes, and that melatonin might be a potential candidate for prevention and treatment of pSS.

Investigation of small signal stability with different PSS models and UPFC-POD in power systems

Düşük frekanslı salınımların sönümlenmesi güç sistemleri kararlılığı açısından önemli bir konudur. Bu salınımlar güç sistemi kararlı kılıcısı (PSS) tarafından sönümlenmektedir. Son yıllarda güç elektroniği tabanlı Esnek AC İletim Sistemi (FACTS) cihazları güç sistemlerinde kararlılığı çalışmalarında verimli bir şekilde kullanılmaktadır. Bu çalışmada farklı PSS modelleri, FACTS cihazlarının en gelişmiş olan Birleştirilmiş Güç Akışı Kontrolü (UPFC) ve Güç Salınım Sönümlemesi (POD) modeli birlikte koordinasyon kontrolünün sağlanması amacıyla kullanılmıştır. Senkron generatörlerde kullanılan PSS modellerinin yanı sıra Otomatik Gerilim Regülatörü (AVR) ve Türbin Yöneticisi (TG) modelleri de kullanılmıştır. 2 alanlı, 4 makinalı güç sisteminde küçük sinyal kararlılığı analizi gerçekleştirilmiştir. Benzetim çalışması için Güç Sistemleri Analizi Programı (PSAT) kullanılmıştır. Yapılan çalışma neticesinde farklı PSS modellerin UPFC-POD ile birlikte kullanılmasında açısal hız, gerilim, aktif ve reaktif güç karşılaştırmaları yapılmış olup, küçük sinyal kararlılığı analizleri yorumlanmıştır.

Labial Gland Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derived Exosomes-Mediated miRNA-125b Attenuates Experimental Sjogren's Syndrome by Targeting PRDM1 and Suppressing Plasma Cells.

The pathogenesis of the prototypical chronic autoimmune disorder primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) has been thought to be B-cell-centric, based on serum autoantibodies, the increased risk of B cell lymphoma, and altered B cell subsets in patients with pSS. Over the last 10 years, therapies targeting B cells have been investigated for pSS; however, current evidence for the efficacy of B cell targeted therapies in pSS is still sparse. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might represent a promising strategy for cell therapy of autoimmune diseases via regulation of immune cells. MSC-released exosomes carry various bioactive molecules and thus have been studied in MSC-based therapy. The newly discovered labial gland MSCs (LGMSCs) have exhibited enhanced performance. Herein, we aimed to determine the effects of LGMSC-derived exosomes (LGMSC-Exos) on the symptoms of a mouse model of pSS and their regulatory effect and mechanism on B cell subsets. In vivo, treatment of the spontaneous mouse model of pSS with LGMSC-Exos resulted in reduced inflammatory infiltration and restored saliva secretion in salivary glands. In vitro, coculture of LGMSC-Exos with peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with pSS markedly reduced the proportions of CD19+CD20-CD27+CD38+ plasma cells among peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Further investigations provided evidence that LGMSC-Exo-derived microRNA-125b affected plasma cells of pSS by directly binding to its target gene, PRDM1 (PR domain zinc finger protein 1, also known as BLIMP1), which might be developed as a target to treat pSS. Overall, these findings provided a possible exploitable therapeutic target in pSS and provide new insights into the potential therapeutic application of exosomes in pSS and other disease mediated by B-cells.

A novel method to realize multicomponent infrared spectroscopy gas logging based on PSO-split peak fitting-SVM

The recent introduction of infrared spectroscopy gas logging technology is of great significance for the timely discovery of oil and gas, the prediction of well kicks, the prevention of blowout and gas invasion, and the comprehensive evaluation of reservoirs. However, the accuracy and stability of the current quantitative analysis methods for gas logging measurement data are limited by the severe overlap of infrared absorption spectra and the difficulty of sample preparation. In this paper, a novel hybrid method based on particle swarm optimization split peak fitting and a support vector machine (PSS) is presented to address this issue. The method uses a single peak that satisfies a specific absorption line to fit the mixed spectrum and classifies and identifies the parameters of a fitted single peak to complete the “mathematical separation” of the overlapping spectrum. The IR spectral data of 761 samples for methane, ethane, propane, n-butane, iso-butene, n-pentane, iso-pentane and carbon dioxide were collected for quantitative analysis experiments. Repeated comparison experiments of different feature extraction methods under the same partial least squares (PLS) regression method show that the PSS model established with fewer samples still has better analytical accuracy and stronger robustness. At the same time, PSS can significantly improve the model accuracy under different regression methods to a similar level, reducing the dependence on regression methods. PSS combined with PLS can simultaneously measure the contents of eight components in a multicomponent mixture, and the predicted average root mean square error is 0.7242% for 60 mixed experimental gas samples and 0.2534% for 3 industrial standard gas samples. The proposed method has a high practical application value for popularizing IR spectroscopy gas logging technology and provides a new concept for the quantitative detection of substances with high molecular similarity.

Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide Ameliorates Sjögren's Syndrome in a Murine Model.

This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Non-obese diabetic mice (the pSS model) are randomly divided into four groups: Low dose LBP (LBP.L, 5mgkg-1 d-1 ), high dose LBP (10mg kg-1 d-1 ), low dose interleukin (IL)-2 (25 000 IU/d), and control (saline water). Drugs were treated for 12 weeks. LBP.L significantly reduces the salivary gland inflammation compared with the control group (histological score p LBP.L vs Control =0.019; foci number: p LBP.L vs Control =0.038). LBP.L also remarkably reduces the effector follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and the CD4+ IL-17A+ helper T (Th17) cells in both spleen and cervical lymph node (cLN) cells. Additionally, the ratios of regulatory T cell (Treg)/Tfh cells and Treg/Th17 cells are substantially increased in mice treated with LBP.L in both spleen and cLNs. LBP also inhibits Th17 and Tfh cells and markedly increases the Treg/Tfh ratio in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. LBP.L inhibits the progression of pSS in mice, associated with modulation of T cell differentiation.

Бізнес-моделі інтернету речей

Бізнес-моделі інтернету речей

Product-Service System business model for printing houses

In the light of intensifying competition, growing customer needs and requirements, and bigger awareness of environmental impact, entrepreneurs are looking for new ways to improve and develop their operations. Currently available business models based on sales and the transfer of ownership rights to products from a manufacturer to the user, which do not include any additional services, do not create a possibility for the customer to fully exploit the products. After some time, machinery sold under such an arrangement ceases to be used and those who bought it have problems with selling the machinery and recovering capital frozen in it.Therefore, seeking new business models seems extremely important as they may improve customer satisfaction and experience with the way products are offered to them and, at the same time, bring a number of benefits to entrepreneurs. One of possible solutions to the above-mentioned issues is the PSS model, which allows selling the accessibility and functions offered by products and their re-use.This publication is an attempt to develop such a model for the printing industry. To this end, questionnaire-based studies were conducted in 80 printing houses from which we learned how printing machines are used and about the needs and problems faced by entrepreneurs.Results of analyses suggest there are deep differences between small, medium-sized, and large printing companies as to the services in which these categories of businesses are interested. Profound analyses conducted for industries to whom PSS design methods are addressed, industrial PSS cases, questionnaire-based studies, statistical analyses, and consultations with experts from different fields helped in developing a new PSS model whose detailed structure, in particular for the printing industry, have never been broadly commented, studied or evidenced so far. This paper is intended to bridge this gap. The approach to the subject is also innovative as it is based on questionnaire-based studies which correctly reflect market reality. Moreover, all services tied to machines have been selected following in-depth statistical analyses and the proposed approach is unusually comprehensive as it covers micro, small, medium-sized, and large enterprises.