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The American Heart Association recently issued a substantial update to the definition and scoring of cardiovascular health (CVH), now called "Life's Essential 8" (LE8). We aimed to assess the trends in overall and individual LE8 CVH metrics among adolescents in the United States. A total of 6,999 United States adolescents aged 12–19 years from six cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007–2008 to 2017–2018 were included in this study. The individual LE8 metrics included diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep health, body mass index (BMI), blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure (BP). A higher CVH score indicates better CVH health. The mean score of overall CVH significantly increased from 72.8 (95% confidence interval: 71.2–74.3) in 2007–2008 to 77.3 (76.1–78.5) in 2017–2018 in US adolescents (p -trend <.001). From 2007–2008 to 2017–2018, the mean scores increased from 75.5 (72.0–79.1) to 90.0 (88.0–91.9) for nicotine exposure, from 65.2 (61.6–68.8) to 73.3 (69.9–76.8) for sleep health, from 69.9 (67.1–72.8) to 73.0 (69.1–76.9) for blood lipids, and from 94.4 (93.0–95.9) to 96.2 (95.2–97.3) for BP (all p -trend <.05). However, the mean scores for diet, physical activity, and blood glucose did not significantly change (all p -trend >.05), whereas the mean score decreased from 81.4 (78.9-84.0) to 78.6 (76.4–80.8) for BMI (p -trend =.023). In United States adolescents, the overall CVH and four components (nicotine exposure, sleep health, blood lipids, and BP) significantly improved over time, diet, physical activity, and blood glucose remained unchanged, whereas BMI worsened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• What is the primary question addressed by this study? We explored the association between long-term trajectories of late-life loneliness and incident dementia. • What is the main finding of this study? Five distinct loneliness trajectories were found: long-term low, persistently decreasing, persistently increasing, long-term moderate, and long-term high. Compared with long-term low loneliness, persistently increasing, long-term moderate, and long-term high loneliness significantly increases the risk of dementia in older adults. • What is the meaning of the finding? To prevent dementia, we should pay attention to the elderly with long-term loneliness and persistently increasing loneliness, especially the elderly with long-term high loneliness. Some older adults with loneliness might have transient loneliness, followed by full remission, while others might have persistent loneliness. Such different courses might differ in predicting the risk of dementia, but most previous studies assessed short-term loneliness at a single time point, ignoring the long-term changes of loneliness. This study aimed to explore the association between 8-year trajectories of late-life loneliness and incident dementia. Data were from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (waves 2−9). This study included 6,722 older adults measured for loneliness greater than or equal to three times from wave 2 (2004−2005) to wave 6 (2012−2013) and free from dementia in wave 6. Loneliness was assessed using the short 1980 version of the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to explore loneliness trajectories during waves 2−6. Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate the association of loneliness trajectories with incident dementia during waves 6−9. Five distinct loneliness trajectories were identified: long-term low, persistently decreasing, persistently increasing, long-term moderate, and long-term high. Compared with long-term low loneliness, the HRs (95% confidence intervals) for persistently decreasing, persistently increasing, long-term moderate, and long-term high loneliness were 1.29 (0.83−2.00), 1.55 (1.04−2.31), 1.56 (1.03−2.38), and 3.35 (1.89−5.91), respectively. The elderly show distinct patterns of loneliness over time, which cannot be captured by a single assessment of loneliness. The elderly with long-term loneliness and persistently increasing loneliness might be the high-risk group for dementia. Further studies are needed to determine whether reducing loneliness can prevent dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• For the first time found Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) exerted anti-fibrosis and anti-angiogenic effects for alleviating liver fibrosis. • HSYA reduced the release of VEGFA by inactivating PDGFRB signaling pathway, which was partly dependent on inhibiting PDGFRB overexpression. • PDGFRB was the target gene of miR-29a-3p. HSYA repressed the pro-angiogenic effect of activated HSCs through the miR-29a-3p/PDGFRB axis. • HSYA regulated the abnormal proliferation of endothelial cells induced by VEGFA, suggesting an interaction between HSCs and endothelial cells. Liver fibrosis is a prevalent pathological process in chronic liver diseases characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and abnormal angiogenesis. Notably, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary source of ECM. Activated HSCs not only secrete numerous pro-fibrotic cytokines but also are endowed with a pro-angiogenic phenotype to promote pathological angiogenesis. Therefore, targeted modulation of HSCs has emerged as a pivotal strategy for addressing liver fibrosis. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is a homology of medicine and food colourant with good pharmacological activity. However, the precise mechanisms of HSYA against liver fibrosis remain unclear. The objective of this study was to elucidate the impact of HSYA on liver fibrosis and pathological angiogenesis, as well as the underlying mechanisms in vitro and in vivo studies. The efficacy and mechanisms of HSYA on TGF-β1-induced HSCs and VEGFA-induced endothelial cells were investigated by MTT assay, EdU cell proliferation assay, cell scratch assay, Elisa assay, immunofluorescence assay, molecular docking, cell transfection assay, western blot analysis and RT-qPCR analysis. In CCl 4 -induced liver fibrosis mice model, H&E, Masson, and Sirius red staining were used to observe histopathology. Serum transaminase activity and liver biochemical indexes were tested by biochemical kit. Immunohistochemical, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), western blot analysis and RT-qPCR analysis were implemented to determine the mechanism of HSYA in vivo. Herein, our findings confirmed that HSYA inhibited the proliferation, migration and activation of HSCs, as evidenced by a reduction in cell viability, relative migration rate, EdU staining intensity, and pro-fibrotic mRNAs and proteins expression in vitro. Mechanistically, HSYA played an anti-fibrotic and anti-angiogenic role by partially silencing PDGFRB in activated HSCs, thereby disrupting PDGFRB/MEK/ERK signal transduction and inhibiting the expression of HIF-1α, VEGFA and VEGFR2 proteins. Importantly, PDGFRB was a target gene of miR-29a-3p. Treatment with HSYA reversed the down-regulation of miR-29a-3p and antagonized PDGFRB signaling pathway in TGF-β1-induced HSCs transfected with miR-29a-3p inhibitor. Consistent with our in vitro study, HSYA exhibited a good hepatoprotective effect in CCl 4 -induced liver fibrosis mice by reducing serum ALT and AST levels, decreasing the contents of four fibrosis indicators (HA, PIIIP, ColIV and LN) and hydroxyproline, and inhibiting the TGF-β1/TGFBR signaling pathway. In terms of mechanisms, HSYA alleviated pathological angiogenesis in fibrotic liver by deactivating PDGFRB signaling pathway and impairing the positive expression of CD31. Subsequently, FISH results further corroborated HSYA affected the activation of HSCs and angiogenesis achieved by the concurrent upregulation of miR-29a-3p and downregulation of α-SMA and VEGFA. Additionally, treatment with HSYA also forged a link between HSCs and endothelial cells, as supported by inhibiting the aberrant proliferation of endothelial cells. Fundamentally, the current study has illustrated that HSYA ameliorates liver fibrosis by repressing HSCs-mediated pro-fibrotic and pro-angiogenic processes, which is contingent upon the regulatory effect of HSYA on the miR-29a-3p/PDGFRB axis. These findings provide compelling evidence bolstering the potential of HSYA as a therapeutic agent in liver fibrosis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the longitudinal associations of rumination with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). Participants were derived from the Depression Cohort in China study (DCC). Those who completed at least one follow-up visit during the 12 months were included in the analysis. Dimensions of rumination including brooding and reflection were each measured using five items of the Ruminative Responses Scale. Suicidal ideation was assessed using the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation. Suicide attempts were also assessed and all were analyzed with generalized estimating equations. Our final sample included 532 participants aged 18 to 59 years (mean [SD], 26.91 [6.94] years) consisting of 148 (27.8%) males and 384 (72.2%) females. After adjusting for temporal trend and potential confounders, individuals with higher levels of reflection were more likely to report suicidal ideation (AOR =1.11, 95% CI:1.01–1.22). However, no statistically significant association was found between brooding and suicidal ideation (AOR =1.06, 95% CI:0.96–1.17). Conversely, individuals with higher levels of brooding were more likely to report suicide attempts (AOR =1.13, 95% CI:1.02–1.24), while no statistically significant association was observed between reflection and suicide attempts (AOR =0.91, 95% CI:0.82–1.01). Rumination reflects a disturbance in cognitive emotional processing and manifests in different dimensions. Our findings suggest that high levels of reflection and brooding may be associated with a higher likelihood of having suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, respectively. However, it should be interpreted with caution, given that effect sizes are small. • The longitudinal study of MDD individuals supplemented the literature on rumination about suicidal ideation and attempts. • Reflection may be associated with suicidal ideation amongst MDD patients. • Brooding may be associated with suicide attempts amongst MDD patients. • Considered changes in rumination and analyzed with generalized estimating equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depressive symptoms (DS) can increase the risk of stroke, but it is unclear whether long-term DS trajectories are associated with incident stroke. This study aimed to explore the association of long-term DS trajectories with incident stroke.Methods: This prospective cohort study included 11,002 adults aged 50 and older from the Health and Retirement Study during 1994-2018. DS was assessed using the 8-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Stroke was obtained through self-report of doctors' diagnosis. The group-based trajectory model was used to determine DS trajectories from 1994 to 2000. Cox proportional hazard model was applied to explore the correlation of DS trajectories with incident stroke from 2000 to 2018.Results: We identified five distinct 6-year DS trajectories. Compared with the persistent no DS trajectory, the full-adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for the persistent mild, improving, worsening, and persistent high DS trajectories were 1.15 (1.01, 1.30), 1.27 (0.88, 1.84), 1.41 (1.17, 1.71), and 1.61 (1.21, 2.16), respectively. In addition, the persistent mild DS trajectories had the largest population attributable risk percent (PAR%).Limitations: There was a lack of information on stroke subtypes.Conclusions: This study suggests that compared with persistent no DS, persistent mild, worsening, and persistent high DS trajectories increase the risk of stroke in the elderly. Considering that the PAR% of stroke events in the persistent mild DS trajectory is the largest, we should pay attention not only to individuals with DS, but also to those being chronically close to the cut-off value of DS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Micro/nanostructured and macro-pillar arrayed surfaces are fabricated by simple, low-cost methods. • A Leidenfrost point shift from 188 ℃ to 428 ℃ is obtained by micro/nanostructured surface. • A Leidenfrost point over 500 ℃ is obtained by macro-pillar arrayed surface. • High permeability and strong wicking of macro-pillar arrayed surface contribute to Leidenfrost suppression. • Macro-pillar arrays demonstrate a stronger cooling capability in transition boiling. Textured surface has shown great potential in inhibiting Leidenfrost phenomenon for the thermal management of high heat flux devices. Although diverse textured surfaces have been designed to achieve multi-fold increases in Leidenfrost point, the dominant physical mechanism of different surface structures remains elusive. In this study, three aluminum-based surfaces including bare aluminum surface, superhydrophilic micro/nanostructured surface, superhydrophilic macro-pillar arrayed surface are fabricated by simple, low-cost methods. The effects of surface structures with various scales on Leidenfrost point and the dynamic characteristics of water droplets are elucidated. The experimental results indicate that micro/nanostructures cause intermittent liquid-solid contact and trigger more vapor dispersion into micro/nanocavities. A thicker vapor layer generated above micro/nanostructures reduces the vapor pressure that supports the droplet and increases Leidenfrost point from 188 ℃ (for bare aluminum surface) to 428 ℃. A higher Leidenfrost point over 500 ℃ (the maximum heating temperature) is achieved by macro-pillar arrayed surface due to strong capillary wicking and high permeability. Theoretical models that integrate the influence of surface structures on Leidenfrost point are established through balancing vapor pressure with capillary pressure and gravitational pressure. The prediction of present model shows good agreement with the experimental results. Impact and heat transfer regime maps are also provided, where a unique explosive bouncing with a significant reduction in contact time and an extended temperature span of transition boiling are observed on structured surfaces. Furthermore, macrostructures are found to induce a larger and longer liquid-solid contact, thus demonstrating an excellent cooling capability in the transition boiling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been implicated in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Most human genetic studies have focused on ACE insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism and yielded conflicting results. In this work, we evaluated the relationships between cognitive function, serum ACE level, brain white matter (WM) integrity, and ACE I/D polymorphism in 48 patients with aMCI and 36 well matched control subjects from south China. In aMCI patients, D allele frequency was higher (D/I ratio = 0.51:0.49) than that of the control subjects (D/I ratio = 0.43:0.57); however, the difference was not statistically significant ( p > 0.05). The D carriers in aMCI subjects performed significantly poorer on auditory–verbal learning test (AVLT) -delayed recall than the I homozygous group ( p = 0.035). These carriers had higher serum ACE level than the I homozygous carriers of aMCI ( p = 0.037). In the aMCI group, D carriers showed significantly lower fractional anisotropy (FA) values in the left middle frontal gyrus, left anterior cingulate, right gyrus parahippocampalis, right inferior parietal lobule, and bilateral anterior central gyrus than the I homozygotes carriers. However, no significant difference was observed in FA values between I homozygotes and D carriers in the control subjects. The ACE D allele in aMCI patients may increase the risk of cognitive impairment. A high serum ACE level possibly plays an important role in the incidence of aMCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The merits of ABO 3 -type perovskite oxides as catalysts for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) combustion are that the redox capability of transition metal elements in their lattice structure can be well tailored through a facile doping strategy. In particular, La-Sr-Co-Fe-O perovskite-type oxides possess excellent tunable physicochemical properties, making them an ideal platform for promising prospects in VOCs combustion. This work synthesized a series of La 1- x Sr x Co 1- y Fe y O 3 (x = 0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8; y = 0, 0.2, 0.5) perovskites and analyzed their reaction kinetics on toluene combustion. Among all the catalysts, La 0.5 Sr 0.5 Co 0.8 Fe 0.2 O 3-δ (LSCF) showed a remarkable catalytic activity towards the toluene oxidation with T 90 of 270 °C at a weight hourly space velocity (WSHV) of 30000 mL · g−1 · h−1 and apparent activation energy (E a) of 44.76 kJ · mol−1 and obtained the superior stability. Based on the characterizations and analysis of in-situ DRIFTS, the outstanding catalytic activity of LSCF perovskite is mainly induced by the improvement of the redox ability, the enriched generation of oxygen vacancies, and the activation of the lattice oxygen species. The catalytic mechanism of toluene conversion over the LSCF perovskite was revealed to be consistent with Mars-van Krevelen (MVK) models. The knowledge obtained in this study provides helpful guidance for designing efficient heterogeneous catalysts of La-Sr-Co-Fe-O perovskite-type oxides toward efficient catalytic combustion for VOCs elimination. • La 0.5 Sr 0.5 Co 0.8 Fe 0.2 O 3 exhibits splendid catalytic activity in toluene combustion. • Co-doping with strontium and iron enhances redox properties of LSCF perovskite. • In situ DRIFTS testify possible degradation pathways of toluene combustion. • The catalytic mechanism of LSCF in toluene combustion main follows MVK models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reviews the literature on air cargo operations and compares theoretical studies with the practical problems of airlines, freight forwarders, and terminal service providers. In particular, we review studies in which mathematical models were used to identify the essential characteristics of air cargo operations, such as the intrinsic differences from passenger operations, and to explore the service processes in air cargo operations. The typical models used in previous studies are summarized. We then highlight the insightful findings from an industrial interview and present the gaps between previous research and practical realities. We finally discuss the new research opportunities of air cargo operations according to the gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We develop an actionable data-driven approach to a periodic-review dual sourcing inventory management system in the presence of purchase price and demand uncertainties. The two supply sources differ in their lead times and prices due to, e.g., different transportation modes. We adopt robust optimization because the limited historical data is insufficient to construct meaningful distributions to characterize purchase price and demand fluctuations. Specifically, we build a robust rolling-horizon model and, in particular, construct the uncertainty sets from data and business insights. Using a real four-year data set, we show that our approach can yield significant cost savings compared to the other popular methods. Our experiments echo the earlier theoretical finding that a firm may incur a lower cost under a more volatile purchase price process. However, we find that under data-driven decision-making, in comparison with the theoretical results that assume complete distributional information, some interesting results arise. For example, first, considering a longer planning horizon may backfire. Second, some feasible region-reducing business constraints such as limited inventory capacity may lead to unintended benefits. These are consequences of protecting model performance from sampling error and our practically limited forecast ability, as almost always, to characterize uncertainties. Our research therefore calls for prudence in extending theoretical insights to data-driven decision-making scenarios. • Present a robust rolling-horizon model for dual sourcing inventory systems under purchase price and demand uncertainties • Develop a data-driven procedure to construct uncertainty sets and select parameters • A longer planning horizon may backfire under data-driven decision making. • Limited inventory capacity may lead to unexpected benefits under data-driven decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effectively controlling the release behavior of silver bactericide to promote its antibacterial ability is highly important in the fields of chemical, biomedical and biotechnology industry. In this study, ultrasmall Ag clusters were successfully encapsulated into silicalite-1 zeolite through in situ hydrothermal approach, and the key to this success was choosing 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane as ligand to facilitate Ag precursor involved into zeolite initial sol-gel system. The structure of prepared silicalite-1 zeolite encapsulation of Ag clusters (denoted as Ag@Silicalite-1) has been well defined with various characterizations and probe reactions. Benefiting from confinement effect and shape-selectivity of silicalite-1 zeolite, Ag@Silicalite-1 sample showed much better Ag+ controlled release performance than that of sample with Ag nanoparticles impregnated onto silicalite-1 zeolite (denoted as Ag/Silicalite-1). The release behavior of Ag+ in Ag@Silicalite-1 can be well described with ritger-peppas model. Taking killing Escherichia coli as an example, in comparison with Ag/Silicalite-1, Ag@Silicalite-1 sample displayed more efficient and sustainable antibacterial activity for its controlled release character. [Display omitted] • Ultrasmall Ag clusters were successfully in situ encapsulated into silicalite-1 zeolite. • Encapsulated Ag clusters displayed interesting controlled release behavior and well anti-poisoning property. • Silicalite-1 encapsulated Ag clusters showed sustainable and efficient antibacterial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporation of guest organic molecules into zeolites has attracted much more attention for its broad application prospect in the fields of sensing, detection, antibacterial and so on. In this study, indole and its derivatives were successfully incorporated into zeolite beta through in situ encapsulation approach for the first time, which can overcome the drawbacks brought by traditional impregnation method and ion-exchange method. Taking indole as an example, the structure of obtained zeolite beta encapsulation of indole (indole@beta) has been well characterized to confirm the location of indole at zeolite inner channels. Thanking to confinement effect of zeolite, the release of indole from indole@beta complexes showed much slower release rate than that of indole/beta complexes, and along with pH sensitivity and temperature dependence. Such release behavior can be described with ritger-peppas model to obey the Fick's Laws of diffusion. In comparison with indole/beta coating, indole@beta coating exhibited more sustainable and effective antibacterial activity for its controlled release properties. [Display omitted] • Indole and its derivatives were successfully in situ encapsulated into zeolite beta for the first time. • Benefiting from confinement effect, encapsulated indole exhibited well controlled release behavior. • Coating containing encapsulated indole showed more sustainable and effective antibacterial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have documented negative associations between somatic symptoms and remission of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the correlations of specific somatic symptoms with remission remain uncertain. We aimed to explore the associations between specific somatic symptoms and remission focusing on sex differences among patients with MDD. We used data from patients with MDD in the Depression Cohort in China. At baseline, total somatic symptoms were evaluated using the 28-item Somatic Symptoms Inventory and were categorized into pain, autonomic, energy, and central nervous system (CNS) symptoms. To measure remission of MDD, depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 after 3 months of treatment. We ultimately included 634 patients. Compared with quartile 1 of total somatic symptom scores, the full-adjusted ORs (95% CIs) for remission from quartile 2 to quartile 4 were 0.52 (0.30, 0.90), 0.44 (0.23, 0.83), and 0.36 (0.17, 0.75), respectively (P -value for trend = 0.005). The restricted cubic spline showed no non-linear associations between total somatic symptoms with remission (P -value for non-linear = 0.238). Pain, autonomic, and CNS symptoms showed similar results. Sex-stratified analysis showed that total somatic symptoms, pain symptoms, and autonomic symptoms were negatively correlated with remission in females, whereas CNS symptoms were negatively associated with remission in males. Our findings indicate that specific somatic symptoms exert differential effects on remission of MDD. Therapeutic interventions that target pain, autonomic, and CNS symptoms may increase the probability of remission. Furthermore, interventions for somatic symptoms should be tailored by sex, and females deserve more attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent discovery of Leidenfrost droplet trampolining deviates from the traditionally accepted steady-state assumption and updates our understanding of Leidenfrost droplet state. However, the conditions of trampolining and its effect on heat transfer have not been fully understood. To address these issues, this study numerically investigates the dynamic behavior and heat transfer characteristics of Leidenfrost droplets under varying liquid viscosity and droplet size. A regime map for Leidenfrost droplet state with respect to Bond number and Ohnesorge is presented. Particularly, an unreported oscillation regime is discovered between equilibrium regime and trampolining regime. The results indicate that low viscosity and moderate droplet size favor the observation of trampolining. Besides, the oscillating droplet is modeled via a mass-spring-damper system in both equilibrium and oscillation regimes, with damping coefficient, spring constant and oscillation period quantitatively correlated with liquid viscosity and droplet size by simple scaling laws. In the trampolining regime, an intriguing phenomenon is observed as the maximum vapor layer thickness demonstrates two local maxima with increasing droplet size. We also quantitatively unravel that reducing liquid viscosity and increasing droplet size can lead to a thicker vapor layer thickness, thus inhibiting the heat transfer to the droplet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), the branch point enzyme controlling the flow of primary metabolism into second metabolism, converts the L-phenylalanine (L-Phe) to yield cinnamic acid. Based on the sequencing data available from eight transcriptome projects, six PAL genes have been screened out, cloned, and designated as CsPALa - CsPALf. The phylogenetic tree showed that Cs PALs were divided into three subgroups, PALa and PALb, PALc and PALd, and PALe and PALf. All six Cs PALs exhibited indiscriminate cytosolic locations in epidermis cells and mesophyll cells. Then, the expression profiles of six PAL genes were qualitatively investigated and they displayed tissue-/induced-expression specificity in several tissues or under different exogenous treatments. Furthermore, in vitro enzymatic assays showed that all six recombinant proteins were characterized by the strict substrate specificity toward L-Phe, but no activity toward L-Tyr, and they displayed subtle differences in kinetics and enzymatic properties. These results indicate that CsPALs play both distinct and overlapping roles in plant growth and responses to environmental cues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A special issue on "technology-driven logistics and supply chain management for societal impacts" • 14 research studies discussed and categorized under technologies, ESG, and platforms. • A discussion paper is presented based on the studies in the special issues. • Five future directions derived. In recent years, there has been substantial growth in the utilization of technologies within the logistics and transportation industries. This growth has resulted in the emergence of numerous novel and exciting applications, offering researchers valuable opportunities to develop innovative solutions. The field of operations management is well-positioned to contribute significantly to this development and promote socially responsible values. This paper investigates the impact of technology-driven logistics and supply chain management on various aspects of social values, categorized as technologies, platforms, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. Additionally, it provides an introduction to the papers featured in this special issue. Lastly, the paper proposes future research directions to further advance the societal impacts of technologies in logistics and transportation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose an improved filtering algorithm for regular constraint, which demand that the sequence of all assignments for variables can be accepted by a Deterministic Finite Automaton (DFA) or a regular language. Regular constraint is a type of global constraint in Constraint Satisfaction Problems (CSPs) and a natural expression of deterministic patterns in planning and decision making, and it utilizes the properties of DFA to pre-specify the optional paths for multiple variables. Thus, it is sensible to improve the filtering algorithm that enforces Generalized Arc Consistency (GAC) for regular constraint in order to minimize memory and time consumption. With the goal in mind, we encode DFA using bit vectors and then devise a bit operations algorithm to maintain the domain consistency for regular constraint. Lastly, we carry out an experiment to compare to the state-of-the-art filtering algorithm. The experimental results demonstrates that the proposed algorithm significantly improves both memory and time. • The improved filtering algorithm improves efficiency for regular constraints. • Our filtering algorithm uses a large number of bit operations. • The proposed algorithm maintains generalized arc consistency. • The experimental results show that our algorithm provides a significant improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver fibrosis (LF) is an important stage in chronic liver disease development, characterized by hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and excessive extracellular matrix deposition. Phillygenin (PHI), an active component in the traditional Chinese medicine Forsythiae Fructus with a significant anti-inflammatory effect, has been proved to inhibit HSC activation. Macrophages can polarize to pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, participating in LF development. Currently, Forsythiae Fructus and its many components have been proved to inhibit the inflammatory activation of macrophages. However, there is no direct evidence that PHI can regulate macrophage polarization, and the relationship between macrophage polarization and the anti-LF effect of PHI has not been studied. In this study, we found that PHI inhibited the co-expression of CD80 and CD86, and inhibited the mRNA expression and protein secretion of related inflammatory cytokines in RAW264.7 cells. For mechanism, PHI was found to inhibit the JAK1/JAK2-STAT1 and Notch1 signaling pathways. Subsequently, mHSCs were co-cultured with the conditioned media or exosomes from macrophages with different treatments. It was found that the conditioned media and exosomes from PHI-treated macrophages inhibited the expression of MMP2, TIMP1, TGF-β, α-SMA, COL1 and NF-κB in mHSCs. Moreover, through bioinformatic analysis and cell transfection, we confirmed that PHI reduced HSC activation by inhibiting the overexpression of miR-125b-5p in M1 macrophage-derived exosomes and restoring Stard13 expression in mHSCs. On the whole, PHI could inhibit M1 macrophage polarization by suppressing the JAK1/JAK2-STAT1 and Notch1 signaling pathways, and reduce HSC activation by inhibiting macrophage exosomal miR-125b-5p targeting Stard13. The raw data supporting the conclusions of this study are available in the article/Supplementary figures, and can be obtained from the first or corresponding author. [Display omitted] • Phillygenin was proved for the first time to inhibit M1 macrophage polarization. • Phillygenin inhibited HSC activation via macrophage-derived exosomes. • Phillygenin inhibited M1 macrophage exosomal miR-125b-5p targeting Stard13. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cephalotaxus genus is well-known owing to the numerous complex, biologically relevant natural products that can be obtained from its constituent species. The successful identification of various Cephalotaxus alkaloids and natural, structurally diverse cephalotane diterpenoids that exhibit antitumor activities and excellent pharmacological properties has encouraged the discovery of previously undescribed compounds from this genus. The present review summarizes the different strategies for the total synthesis of cephalotane diterpenoids as well as their diverse chemical structures, antitumor activities, structure–activity relationships (SARs), and biosynthetic pathways. [Display omitted] • Novel cephalotane diterpenoids are important active components in Cephalotaxus genus. • The chemical structure classification of cephalotane diterpenoids are summarized. • The total synthesis of some cephalotane diterpenoids are summarized. • The pharmacological effects and structure-activity relationships are introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]