Advancing Open Science

Inflammation plays a crucial role in defending the body against harmful stimuli and maintaining physiological balance; however, when it becomes chronic, it contributes to the pathogenesis of several long-term diseases, including autoimmune conditions, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders, and various cancers. Although conventional anti-inflammatory drugs provide symptomatic relief, their long-term use is often associated with adverse side effects. This limitation has shifted scientific attention toward naturally occurring bioactive molecules with potent, safer anti-inflammatory activity. Dietary incorporation of phytopharmaceuticals, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, and fatty acids, has been shown to regulate immune and oxidative mechanisms and to modulate key inflammatory signaling cascades, including the NF-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and JAK/STAT pathways. These agents also influence cytokine secretion, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and antioxidant defense mechanisms involving the Nrf2/HO-1 axis. The current review emphasizes the relevance of major natural plant products in therapy, like quercetin and rutin, resveratrol, glycyrrhizin, lycopene, and indole-3-carbinol. Moreover, recent progress in anti-inflammatory research has focused on novel resolution-based strategies that extend beyond inflammation and oxidative stress suppression. In addition, the review discusses innovations including nanoformulation-assisted targeted delivery, specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators such as resolvins and protectins, and microbiota-oriented therapeutic approaches. Additionally, the review highlights the integration of personalized medicine supported by multi-omics technologies to enhance treatment precision and clinical outcomes. By synthesizing findings from preclinical studies and clinical investigations, this work emphasizes the synergistic therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds from natural sources and resolution-enhancing techniques in restoring immune homeostasis and effectively mitigating chronic inflammation.

This study investigates the microstructural evolution of the CoCrFeNi system after incorporating Gallium (Ga) at varying concentrations (0, 15, and 20 at.%). The systems were synthesized by Vacuum Arc Melting (VAM) and characterized through X-ray Diffraction diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM/EDS). Findings showed that the CoCrFeNi medium medium-entropy alloy stabilizes in a single-phase Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) structure. Upon the addition of 15 at.% Ga a dendritic morphology with a transition towards a duplex FCC + BCC microstructure was induced, a trend which was further solified in the equiatomic FeCoNiCrGa system. In this case the proportion of the Ga-rich BCC phase was increased from 18–22% to 31–34% for the Ga15 and Ga20 systems respectively. A combined approach of Electrochemical Frequency Modulation (EFM), Cyclic Potentiodynamic Polarization (CPP), and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was selected for studying the electrochemical corrosion behavior of the produced systems. EFM results indicated a progressive deterioration of corrosion resistance when increasing Ga concentration (Icorr: 4.142, 5.619 and 10.01 μA/cm², and Rp: 12,035, 10,736 and 7254 Ω for the Ga0, Ga15 and Ga20 alloys respectively). Surface inhomogeneity, rapid passivation, and diffusion-controlled processes caused deviations from the ideal causality factors’ values. CPP measurements revealed increasing corrosion current densities with Ga addition within the Tafel region (2.81 × 10⁻⁷, 3.72 × 10⁻⁷ and 5.11 × 10⁻⁷A/cm² for the Ga0, Ga15 and Ga20 alloys respectively). All alloys showed positive hysteresis loops and an absence of repassivation, indicating susceptibility to pitting corrosion. Nevertheless, detailed analysis of the forward polarization region highlighted a more complex aspect. Reverse polarization scans confirmed stable pit growth in all alloys, with the absence of a repassivation tendency. EIS tests, performed after the completion of CPP measurements, further clarified the corrosion mechanisms. Equivalent circuit modeling revealed that although Ga-containing alloys exhibited relatively improved film characteristics in the forward polarization stage, the charge transfer resistance (Rct) was highest for the CoCrFeNi alloy, followed by Ga15 and Ga20 (22,620, 11,380, 10,060 Ω respectively). The overall impedance ranking (Ga0 > Ga15 > Ga20, i.e., 27,139 > 20,279.5 > 16,341 ohms respectively) showed that, despite microstructural and entropic effects enhancing certain passivation aspects, the reduced Cr content highly impacted long-term corrosion resistance. This holistic electrochemical approach showcases the complex interactions between compositional alterations, phase structure, grain refinement, passive film chemistry, and diffusion trends in establishing the corrosion performance of Ga-modified CoCrFeNi HEAs.

This paper addresses the operational challenges introduced by the growing share of intermittent renewable energy sources in islanded microgrids. Traditional unit commitment (UC) methods struggle to manage the continuous variations in demand and renewable generation effectively because dispatch setpoints remain fixed between scheduling intervals. To overcome these limitations, a dynamic voltage and frequency controller (DVFC) is proposed. The DVFC uses adaptive critic control and approximate dynamic programming to update mid-level control actions based on measured microgrid states, technical constraints, and look-ahead utility functions. The proposed method is applied to short-term UC, ensuring frequency and voltage regulation while maintaining microgrid stability. Simulation results on the modified CIGRE test system demonstrate that the DVFC reduces frequency deviations by up to 40–50% and voltage deviations by 60–65% compared to conventional UC. In addition, the method lowers operating costs by up to 6% and extends the effective battery lifecycle by nearly twofold by reducing stress and cycling. These results confirm that the DVFC significantly outperforms conventional UC algorithms in both technical performance and economic efficiency.

Objectives: Curcumin possesses well-documented anticancer activity; however, its clinical translation is hindered by poor aqueous solubility and limited bioavailability. The present study aimed to engineer pH-dependent bovine serum albumin (BSA)–based nanocarriers for curcumin delivery and to evaluate their physicochemical characteristics, controlled release behavior under gastrointestinal pH conditions, and in vitro anticancer efficacy against the human colon cancer cell line Colo-205. Methods: Curcumin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (Cu-BSA-NPs) were fabricated using a desolvation technique followed by chemical crosslinking. Particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (PDI) were assessed by dynamic light scattering. Morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while structural and thermal properties were evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Drug loading capacity and entrapment efficiency were quantified spectrophotometrically. In vitro drug release was investigated using a gastrointestinal pH-transition model (pH 1.2, 6.8, and 7.4). Cytotoxic activity was assessed using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay on Colo-205 cells. Results: The engineered Cu-BSA-NPs exhibited particle sizes ranging from 96.7 ± 10.5 to 126.4 ± 35.8 nm, with PDI values between 0.289 and 0.581 and zeta potentials from −18.2 ± 1.01 to −34 ± 1.0 mV, indicating nanoscale dimensions and moderate colloidal stability. SEM analysis revealed spherical nanoparticles with smooth surfaces and uniform morphology. Entrapment efficiency ranged from 6.59 ± 1.11% to 52.98 ± 0.65%, while drug loading efficiency varied between 1.308 ± 0.206% and 16.744 ± 0.266%. In vitro release studies demonstrated minimal drug release under acidic (pH 1.2) and near-neutral (pH 6.8) conditions, followed by significantly enhanced release at pH 7.4, confirming pH-dependent behavior of the albumin matrix. Cytotoxicity studies showed significant antiproliferative activity against Colo-205 human colon cancer cells. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate successful engineering of albumin-based nanocarriers capable of modulating curcumin release under physiologically relevant pH conditions and enhancing in vitro anticancer activity. Although limited to in vitro evaluation, this study highlights the potential of protein-based nanoplatforms as adaptable delivery systems for colon cancer therapy. Further in vivo investigations are warranted to validate their translational and therapeutic potential.

Background: Intrauterine adhesions, a leading cause of female infertility, frequently recur in 30–62.5% of patients despite hysteroscopic adhesiolysis and adjuvant therapies. Current intrauterine barriers, including injectable hydrogels, often lack sufficient bioactivity and tissue retention, failing to address the underlying pathological inflammation and oxidative stress driving abnormal fibrosis. Methods: Herein, we tailored a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive, mussel-inspired adhesive injectable hydrogel (OHA-CP@TA) to intelligently modulate the inflammatory niche and promote normal endometrial regeneration. OHA-CP@TA was fabricated through Schiff base bonds between oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA) and phenylboronic acid-modified carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS-PBA), and boronate ester bonds between CMCS-PBA and tannic acid (TA). Results: OHA-CP@TA exhibited good mechanical strength, injectability, self-healing, and shear-thinning properties, and importantly, robust and stable adhesion to uterine tissue, overcoming endometrial mucus clearance. It also showed favorable in vivo uterine cavity retention for at least 7 days that covered the critical endometrial repair period. Within the postoperative inflammatory milieu, OHA-CP@TA intelligently released TA in a ROS-dependent manner, which effectively scavenged various ROS and significantly alleviated inflammation, and promoted M1 macrophage polarization into M2 phenotype. This targeted ROS scavenging and immunoregulation inhibited endometrium fibrosis progression, evidenced by downregulation of α-SMA and Col-1, and actively promoted endometrial repair and regeneration, demonstrated by enhanced angiogenesis, increased endometrial thickness, and restoration of glandular numbers. Furthermore, OHA-CP@TA exhibited good biocompatibility, in vivo biodegradability and safety. Conclusions: Therefore, OHA-CP@TA represents a promising, clinically translatable strategy for overcoming the limitations of current IUA management.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly embedded in managerial decision-making, yet innovation research has not fully explained how AI-enabled decision environments condition the influence of CEO traits on innovation strategy and outcomes. This conceptual paper examines CEO self-monitoring—leaders’ tendency to adapt behavior to social cues, manage impressions, and respond to external evaluation—as a trait that shapes innovation in AI-enabled decision environments. The problem addressed is that existing research often treats CEO traits, innovation, and AI-enabled decision-making separately, leaving underdeveloped how AI amplifies the leadership conditions under which innovation strategies and outcomes vary. Drawing on upper-echelons theory, self-monitoring research, the ability–motivation–opportunity framework, and the AI-enabled decision-making literature, we develop propositions explaining how AI-enabled decision environments condition the relationship between CEO self-monitoring and innovation-strategy volatility, innovation-strategy alignment, innovation-outcome quality, and innovation-outcome variability. The framework suggests that high self-monitoring CEOs may recalibrate innovation priorities more frequently while keeping innovation activity closer to recognizable industry norms. It further proposes that self-monitoring may improve innovation-outcome quality by mobilizing employees toward visible, high-potential initiatives, but it may also widen innovation-outcome variability through high-visibility, high-uncertainty innovation bets. AI-enabled decision environments are theorized to amplify these relationships by increasing algorithmic visibility, feedback velocity, and signal density. This paper concludes that AI should be understood not as an autonomous engine of innovation performance but as a contextual amplifier of leadership-driven innovation variance.

Background/Objectives: Nutritional intake plays an important role in modulating lead absorption and toxicity. In addition to micronutrient status, emerging evidence suggests that body fat distribution may influence heavy metal toxicokinetics, yet this aspect remains poorly explored in occupational settings. This study aimed to investigate the associations of dietary intake of zinc, calcium, vitamin D, and protein, as well as anthropometric indicators, with blood lead levels (BLLs) among lead-exposed male workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 144 male workers from five areas with varying degrees of environmental lead contamination in Java, Indonesia. Nutrient intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQ-FFQ). Anthropometric measurements included body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). BLLs were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of elevated BLLs. Results: The median BLL was 6.8 µg/dL (Q1–Q3: 4.75–13.08), and 32% of participants had BLLs above 10 µg/dL. BLLs differed significantly across exposure areas (p < 0.001). In bivariate analysis, WHtR, protein intake, zinc intake, and vitamin D intake were significantly associated with BLLs. Workers with higher WHtR had a greater proportion of elevated BLLs (p = 0.023), whereas BMI was not associated. In multivariate analysis, low zinc intake (p = 0.031) and low vitamin D intake (p = 0.021) remained significant predictors of high blood lead levels. Conclusions: Environmental exposure remains the main determinant of BLLs, while low intake of zinc and vitamin D increases the risk of high blood lead levels. Central adiposity, reflected by WHtR, may represent a potential anthropometric marker of lead burden, suggesting a potential role of body fat distribution in lead toxicokinetics that warrants further investigation.

Background: Long COVID, or post-COVID-19 condition (PCC), affects around 36% of individuals following SARS-CoV-2 infection, manifesting as persistent fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and dysautonomia among its hallmark features. Affecting an estimated 400 million individuals globally, it imposes an annual economic burden exceeding $1 trillion, yet no pharmacological therapy has demonstrated consistent efficacy in adequately powered randomized controlled trials. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has emerged as a candidate intervention targeting the autonomic dysfunction and neuroinflammation responsible for PCC pathophysiology. Methods: We conducted a PRISMA 2020-compliant systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD420261287286) searching PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases from inception to January 2026 for studies evaluating any form of VNS in adults with Long COVID. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool, the JADAD scale, and the PEDro scale. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE framework. Narrative synthesis followed SWiM guidelines. Results: Five studies (n = 154 participants) (three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two single-arm studies) met inclusion criteria. Three of five studies (60%) were rated high overall risk of bias; only two RCTs achieved “some concerns.” The only adequately double-blinded RCT found no significant between-group differences across all outcomes. Paradoxically, in the best-powered RCT (Percin et al.), sham stimulation produced significantly greater fatigue improvement than active taVNS, despite active taVNS producing significant HRV increases consistent with cardiac autonomic modulation. All efficacy outcomes were rated “very low” certainty (GRADE); safety was rated “low” certainty. Conclusions: Currently available evidence supporting the use of taVNS for Long COVID remains limited, and the absence of reliable target engagement markers in the included studies constrains confidence in this approach. Nonetheless, the physiological rationale remains sound, and the favorable safety profile across all included studies supports the feasibility of future investigation. However, given that positive findings were confined to inadequately controlled studies, enthusiasm for further research should be directed first toward mechanistic clarification and rigorous dose-finding work. Large-scale, double-blind, sham-controlled trials incorporating validated markers of vagal engagement are required before taVNS can be firmly recommended for COVID-19 sequelae management.