bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uygur Türklerinin Giyim-Kuşam Kültüründe Öne Çıkan Semboller
Authors: SERBEST Kamile
Published: March 2023

Toplumların tarihi, kültürel birikimleri ve yaşadığı coğrafya, dinî inançları vb. giyim-kuşamın mahiyetini belirlediği gibi kökenleri konusunda da bilgi verir. Ayrıca giyim-kuşam, ait olduğu toplulukla ilgili pek çok bilgi sunabilir. Örneğin, aynı toplum yapısı içerisinde bireylerin taktığı başlık, giydiği kıyafetin rengi de onların toplumsal statüsü hakkında bizlere ipuçları sunar. Çünkü giyim-kuşam kültürü, ortaya çıktığı toplumun izlerini taşıyan, o toplumda anlam kazanan kültürel kodları ve sembolleri yansıtmakta olup kuşaklar arası aktarımlarla geçmişten günümüze kadar gelmiştir. Bu kodlar ve semboller; renk, kumaş, kıyafet, kıyafetin parçaları, boyu vs. olduğu gibi bunlarda yer alan geleneksel motifler de olabilmektedir. Bu motifler ve ardındaki semboller, kültürel kimliğin ortaya konmasında da önemli bir yere sahiptir.
Türk boyları, farklı coğrafyalarda yaşamış/yaşamakta olsalar da köklü bir ortak geçmişe, kültürel bir birikime sahiptir. Türk boyları arasında Uygur Türklerinin de geçmişten günümüze Türk kültürünün aktarılmasında önemli bir yeri vardır. Türk kültürü içerisinde zengin bir kültürel mirasa sahip olan Uygur Türkleri, giyim-kuşam kültürü açısından da dikkat çekmektedir. Çalışmada Uygur Türklerinin giyim-kuşam kültürü ve bu kültür içerisinde ön plana çıkan semboller/göstergeler, Barthes’in gösterge bilimsel çözümleme yöntemine göre ele alınmıştır. Tespit edilen sembollerin giyim-kuşamdaki işlevleri, görsel ve anlamsal kodları tespit edilmeye çalışılmıştır.
Literature Review: Environmental Risk Factors of Leptospirosis in Indonesia
Authors: Rachmawati Ike , Adi Mateus Sakundarno , Nurjazuli Nurjazuli
Published: March 2023

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease which becomes a health problem in several regions in Indonesia. In 2020, there were 1,170 cases of Leptospirosis with a CFR of 9.1% spread across 8 Provinces. This study aims to determine the environmental factors that influence the incidence of leptospirosis in Indonesia. The method applied here was literature review through the Google Scholar, Pubmed and GARUDA databases which examined the environmental factors of leptospirosis in Indonesia. This was a case control study with cross sectional design with a range of published journal publications from 2016–2022. The number of samples in this study were 11 articles. The results of the study indicated that there were several environmental risk factors for the incidence of leptospirosis in Indonesia, namely the presence of standing water around the house, the poor maintained condition of ditches, the existence of trash bins that did not meet the requirements, the distance between the house and the open drain and the presence of rats inside and outside the house, and 7 articles found the presence of rats as the most dominant influential factor. Communities in leptospirosis endemic areas are expected to be more concerned with the condition of the surrounding environment and always maintain the cleanliness of their houses to prevent rats breeding as a medium for the spread of leptospirosis.
Relationship between Waste Management and the Level of Fly Density at Kadompe Restaurants in Luwuk City
Authors: Kanan Maria , Balebu Dwi Wahyu , Dwicahya Bambang , Mamitoho Reflin
Published: March 2023

The existence of waste can have an impact on public health because it becomes a means and source of transmission of various disease agents. The indirect effect of waste on health can be due to vector-borne disease agents that multiply in the waste. Buried waste can be used by flies as a breeding ground. This study aims to analyze the relationship between waste management and the level of fly density at Kadompe Restaurants in Luwuk City. This was an analytic survey with a cross-sectional design, namely by analyzing the relationship between waste management and the level of fly density at Kadompe Restaurants. The study population was all Kadompe Restaurants located on Maahas Coast in Luwuk City, Central Sulawesi Province as many as 33 restaurants. The study samples involved 26 restaurants which were selected using purposive sampling based on certain consideration, namely restaurants that were still active. The instrument for measuring Fly Density was a fly grill by referring to the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia No. 50 of 2017. Data on waste management included sorting, container, transportation that were collected by direct observation at the Food Stall based on the observation sheet provided in accordance with Law no. 18 of 2008 concerning Waste Management. Data were analyzed using chi-square test with α ≤ 0.05. The results of the study statistically showed the values regarding waste sorting (p=0.382; RP= 1.071; 95% CI=0.936-1.227), waste container (p=0.713; RP=1.045; 95% CI=0.958-1.141), and waste transportation (p=0.234; RP=0.909; 95% CI=0.754-1.096). Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that there was no relationship between waste sorting, container and transportation with the level of fly density at Kadompe Restaurants in Luwuk City. The Agency for the Environment (DLH) should be able to transport waste every day from Kadompe Restaurants located on Maahas coast in Luwuk City.
Rejuvenating the [1, 2, 3]-triazolo [1,5-a]quinoxalin-4(5H)-one scaffold: Synthesis and derivatization in a sustainable guise and preliminary antimicrobial evaluation
Authors: Pelliccia Sveva , Alfano Antonella Ilenia , Gomes Da Assunção Beatriz Ramos , Turco Luigia , Lembo Francesca , Summa Vincenzo , Buommino Elisabetta , Brindisi Margherita
Published: March 2023

The [1,2,3]-triazolo [1,5-a] quinoxalin-4(5H)-one scaffold and its analogues triazole-fused heterocyclic compounds are relevant structural templates in both natural and synthetic biologically active compounds. However, their medicinal chemistry applications are often limited due to the lack of synthetic protocols combining straightforward generation of the central core while also allowing extensive decoration activity for drug discovery purposes. Herein, we report a “refreshed” synthesis of the [1,2,3]-triazolo [1,5-a]quinoxalin-4(5H)-one core, encompassing the use of eco-compatible catalysts and reaction conditions. We have also performed a sustainable and extensive derivatization campaign at both the endocyclic amide nitrogen and the ester functionality, comprehensively exploring the reaction scope and overcoming some of the previously reported difficulties in introducing functional groups on this structural template. Finally, we unveiled a preliminary biological investigation for the newly generated chemical entities. Our assessment of the compounds on different bacterial species (two S. aureus strains, three P. aeruginosa strains, K. pneumonia), and two fungal C. albicans strains, as well as the evaluation of their activity on S. epidermidis biofilm formation, foster further optimization for the retrieved hit compounds 9, 14, and 20.
Slowed gastrointestinal transit is associated with an altered caecal microbiota in an aged rat model
Authors: Parkar Nabil , Dalziel Julie E. , Spencer Nick J. , Janssen Patrick , McNabb Warren C. , Young Wayne
Published: March 2023

Gastrointestinal (GI) motility is largely dependent upon activity within the enteric nervous system (ENS) and is an important part of the digestive process. Dysfunction of the ENS can impair GI motility as is seen in the case of constipation where gut transit time is prolonged. Animal models mimicking symptoms of constipation have been developed by way of pharmacological manipulations. Studies have reported an association between altered GI motility and gut microbial population. Little is known about the changes in gut microbiota profile resulting specifically from pharmacologically induced slowed GI motility in rats. Moreover, the relationship between gut microbiota and altered intestinal motility is based on studies using faecal samples, which are easier to obtain but do not accurately reflect the intestinal microbiome. The aim of this study was to examine how delayed GI transit due to opioid receptor agonism in the ENS modifies caecal microbiota composition. Differences in caecal microbial composition of loperamide-treated or control male Sprague Dawley rats were determined by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The results revealed that significant differences were observed at both genus and family level between treatment groups. Bacteroides were relatively abundant in the loperamide-induced slowed GI transit group, compared to controls. Richness and diversity of the bacterial communities was significantly lower in the loperamide-treated group compared to the control group. Understanding the link between specific microbial species and varying transit times is crucial to design interventions targeting the microbiome and to treat intestinal motility disorders.
Addressing climate-related human mobility through NDCs and NAPs: State of play, good practices, and the ways forward
Authors: Mombauer Dennis , Link Ann-Christine , van der Geest Kees
Published: March 2023

Climate change is altering human mobility patterns across the globe, particularly in climate-vulnerable developing countries. With increasing recognition of the complex interlinkages between climate change and human mobility, governments and subnational authorities have begun to address this nexus in planning and policy processes, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). To better understand how human mobility is integrated into NDCs and NAPs, we analyzed 171 NDCs and 40 NAPs, and conducted 20 semi-structured interviews and 16 workshops and webinars. We find that human mobility is increasingly featured in NDCs, but only few countries propose concrete interventions to address adverse effects or promote adaptive aspects of human mobility. The study also finds that many countries primarily focus on mobility as a risk, challenge, or problem while some have incorporated positive aspects of mobility (e.g., migration as an adaptation strategy). Through six concise case studies, the paper focuses on good practices from specific NDCs and NAPs that can enhance the integration of human mobility in a range of priority policy sectors for adaptation and loss and damage. To move forward, interviewees and workshop participants emphasized the need for adequate finance, institutional capacities, and data to strengthen the integration of human mobility into NDCs and NAPs. There is a need to identify and better understand potential policy interventions at the local, national, and global level, and to assess their impact and map potential synergies.
Amylo-AFFECT-QOL, a self-reported questionnaire to assess health-related quality of life and to determine the prognosis in cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Kharoubi Mounira , Bézard Mélanie , Broussier Amaury , Galat Arnault , Gounot Romain , Poullot Elsa , Molinier-Frenkel Valérie , Fanen Pascale , Funalot Benoit , Itti Emmanuel , Lemonnier François , Sing Chadha Gagan Deep , Guendouz Soulef , Mallet Sophie , Zaroui Amira , Audard Vincent , Audureau Etienne , Le Corvoisier Philippe , Hittinger Luc , Planté Bordeneuve Violaine , Lefaucheur Jean-Pascal , Amiot Aurélien , Bequignon Emilie , Bartier Sophie , Leroy Vincent , Teiger Emmanuel , Oghina Silvia , Damy Thibaud
Published: March 2023

Background and aims

Self-reported questionnaires are useful for estimating the health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), impact of interventions, and prognosis. To our knowledge, no HR-QoL questionnaire has been developed for cardiac amyloidosis (CA). This study aimed to validate Amylo-AFFECT-QOL questionnaire to assess HR-QoL and its prognostic value in CA.

Methods

A self-reported questionnaire, “Amylo-AFFECT” had been designed and validated for CA symptoms evaluation and screening by physicians. It was adapted here to assess HR-QoL (Amylo-AFFECT-QOL) and its prognostic value in CA. To validate the theoretical model, internal consistency and convergent validity were assessed, particularly correlations between Amylo-AFFECT-QOL and the HR-QoL Minnesota Living Heart Failure (MLHF) questionnaire.

Results

Amylo-AFFECT-QOL was completed by 515 patients, 425 of whom (82.5%) had CA. Wild-type and hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRwt and ATTRv) and immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis (AL) were diagnosed in 47.8, 14.7, and 18.8% of cases, respectively. The best HR-QoL evaluation was obtained with five dimensions: “Heart failure,” “Vascular dysautonomia,” “Neuropathy,” “Ear, gastrointestinal, and urinary dysautonomia,” and “Skin or mucosal involvement.” The global Amylo-AFFECT-QOL and MLHF scores showed significant positive correlations (rs = 0.72, p < 0.05). Patients with a final diagnosis of CA had a global Amylo-AFFECT-QOL score significantly higher than the control group composed by patients with other diagnoses (22.2 ± 13.6 vs. 16.2 ± 13.8, respectively, p-value < 0.01). According to the Amylo-AFFECT-QOL global results, ATTRv patients’ QoL was more affected than AL patients’ QoL or ATTRwt patients’ QoL. Patients with a higher HR-QoL score had a greater risk of death or heart transplant after 1 year of follow-up (log-rank < 0.01).

Conclusion

Amylo-AFFECT-QOL demonstrates good psychometric properties and is useful for quantifying HR-QoL and estimating CA prognosis. Its use may help to improve overall management of patients with CA.
Early cretaceous bimodal volcanic rocks in Wuga Co area, central tibet: The first identification of direct products derived from slab sinking in the Bangong-Nujiang suture zone
Authors: Chen Wei , Liu Zhibo , Wang Nan , Wang Genhou , Zheng Ming , Han Ning , Hu Yiling , Yan Xukun
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The Bangong-Nujiang Suture Zone (BNSZ) in central Tibet is a remnant of the Bangong-Nujiang Ocean that records its entire Wilson Cycle. The model of divergent double-sided subduction (DDS) is crucial for elucidating the evolution of tectonomagmatic activity on both sides of the BNSZ and for understanding why no high-pressure metamorphic rocks occur in the BNSZ. However, the DDS geodynamics remain poorly constrained. In particular, there is a lack of reports on magmatic rocks directly associated with slab sinking in the DDS terminal stage.

Methods: This study presents new geochronological, geochemical, and isotopic data for the Early Cretaceous bimodal volcanic rocks around the Wuga Co area.

Results: The bimodal volcanic rocks are divided into the Wuga Co rhyolites (SiO2 = 77.0–79.0 wt%) and the Wuga Co basaltic andesites (SiO2 = 53.9–55.5 wt%). The isotopic values of the Wuga Co basaltic andesites with low (87Sr/86Sr)i values (+0.7040 to +0.7044) and high εNd(t) values (+3.8 to +4.1) lie among three endmembers (the BNO sediments in accretionary wedge, depleted mantle and the BNO slab).

Discussion: These values indicate the partial melting of a mantle peridotite that interacted with the subducted slab and sediment in the accretionary wedge, which was caused by the sinking of the Bangong-Nujiang oceanic slab. The Wuga Co rhyolites (108 Ma) have low (87Sr/86Sr)i values (+0.703 to +0.706), high εNd(t) values (+2.25 to +2.49), and high εHf(t) values (+5.6 to +10.0). These values indicate that the rhyolite formed by partial melting of juvenile basaltic crust. This study also collected Hf isotope data from both sides of the BNSZ to constrain its evolution. Our results show that the εHf(t) values of magma on both sides of the BNSZ were elevated simultaneously at 130 Ma, which may be caused by the Bangong-Nujiang oceanic slab rupture. Based on these new data, we propose that the Bangong-Nujiang oceanic slab ruptured from the two overlying terranes at approximately 130 Ma and subsequently sank into the mantle at approximately 108 Ma.
Research on borehole repair model and working parameters optimization of self-propelled rotary excavator
Authors: Wang Mian , Guo Pengyu , Dong Wenxin , Yang Fan
Published: March 2023

The collapse or plugging of gas extraction borehole can result in partial or complete failure of the extraction function, affecting the efficiency of gas extraction and increasing project costs. The integrated friction coefficient k indicates the resistance of the borehole repair system per unit length. The current repairing methods are mainly self-propelled and rotary drilling technology, which ignores the influence of drilling angle and return water flow on integrated friction coefficient k. In this paper, wellbore repair model based on Newton’s variable mass law is established. The relationship between repair length and hydraulic parameters, wellbore parameters and pipeline parameters is derived. The system resistance test experiment is carried out to clarify the influence of well length, angle, backwater and movement speed on the integrated friction coefficient k. Main conclusions are as follows: the integral friction coefficient k is the key parameter of the repair model, the system resistance increases linearly with the increase of drilling repair distance. Backwater exerts backward thrust on the front end of the drill bit and the high-pressure hose, resulting in an increase in the integrated friction coefficient k, the increase of drilling angle and jet pressure can lead to the increase of backwater flow and the increase of integral friction coefficient k. The improved repair model can more accurately predict the maximum repair distance of self-propelled and rotary drill bits. At the repair distance of 104.7 m, the error between the repair value and the experimental value is 5.7 m, which verifies the feasibility of the application of drilling repair in self-propelled and rotary drilling technology.
Investigation of risk factors associated with impaired glucose regulation: Using the momentum equation to assess the impact of risk factors on community residents
Authors: Guo Mengqian , Wang Zhen , Wang Shumei , Wang Jinju , Jiang Qiang
Published: March 2023

Objective

To identify risk factors for impaired glucose regulation (IGR) and assess their impact on community residents, this study used a questionnaire to conduct cross-sectional surveys and analysis.

Methods

Overall, 774 residents of an urban community in northern China (Jian city) participated in this study. Trained investigators conducted surveys using questionnaires. Based on their medical history, respondents were divided into three glucose status groups as follows: normal (NGT), IGR, and diabetes mellitus (DM). Statistical analysis of survey data was performed using SPSS v. 22.0.

Results

Age, hypertension, family history of diabetes (FHD), dyslipidemia, obesity, and cardiovascular and cerebral disease (CVD) were positively correlated with IGR in men and women. IGR was negatively correlated with a sedentary lifestyle in men and positively correlated with being overweight in women. The number of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) risk factors per subject was positively correlated with age in the NGT group. Glucose status deteriorated with increasing age and the number of risk factors. FHD was the strongest risk factor in both men and women.

Conclusions

Prevention of IGR includes weight control, physical activity, and prevention of hypertension and dyslipidemia, especially in subjects with FHD.
Increase in precipitation and fractional vegetation cover promote synergy of ecosystem services in China’s arid regions—Northern sand-stabilization belt
Authors: Wei Changwen , Su Kai , Jiang Xuebing , You Yongfa , Zhou Xiangbei , Yu Zhu , Chen Zhongchao , Liao Zhihong , Zhang Yiming , Wang Luying
Published: March 2023

Research on synergies and trade-offs between ecosystem services (ES) contributes to a better understanding of the linkages between ecosystem functions. Relevant research mainly focuses on mountain areas, while research in arid areas is obviously insufficient. In this research, we use the northern sand-stabilization belt (NSB) as an example to explore how the synergies and trade-offs between different ES vary with the gradient of precipitation and fractional vegetation cover (FVC) over the period 2000-2020. Based on five simulated ecosystem services (habitat provision, sand-stabilization service, water conservation service, soil conservation service and carbon sequestration service), the Pearson correlation coefficient method was used to analyze the various characteristics of the trade-offs and synergies among the different ES pairs along the FVC and precipitation gradients. Results showed that: Synergies between most paired ES increased significantly with increasing precipitation and FVC. However, ES have different sensitivities to environmental change, FVC promotes bit more synergy of ES pairs than precipitation. The study also found that land use/land cover may be an important driving factor for trade-offs and synergies between paired ES. The findings demonstrate that increased precipitation and FVC promote synergy of ecosystem services in arid regions of China. In the future, it can be investigated whether anthropogenic increase in FVC in arid regions can significantly contribute to the synergy of ES. In the meantime, this study could improve our understanding of arid and semi-arid (or macro-regional) ecosystems and contribute to the development of ecosystem management and conservation measures in NSB.
Ostracodal evolution during the Permian–Triassic transition at the Youping section of the Nanpanjiang Basin
Authors: Ji Xia , Huang Yunfei , Sun Xin , Qiu Xincheng , Yang Hao , Tong Jinnan , Yi Xuefei , Tian Li
Published: March 2023

The Permian–Triassic mass extinction has been considered the largest bio-crisis of the Phanerozoic, with more than 90% of marine species extinct. Previous studies showed that ostracods suffered various extinction patterns in different localities and were relatively enriched in the lowermost Triassic shallow marine microbialites. Multiple hypotheses have been put forward to explore the reasons for this phenomenon. Abundant ostracod fossils were collected from the microbialite-bearing Youping section in the Nanpanjiang Basin. 45 species in 22 genera from Wujiaping Formation increased dramatically to 104 species in 33 genera from the microbialites of basal Luolou Formation. However, Ostracods from the Youping section suffered severe extinction during the second phase of the Permian–Triassic crisis, i.e., the earliest Triassic mass extinction (ETME), rather than the first phase, i.e., the latest Permian mass extinction (LPEM). In addition, the Sørenson coefficient has been used to examine the similarity of faunal associations among different sections of the Permian–Triassic transitional beds. There was no significant differences for ostracods between microbialites and non-microbialites sections based on similarity analysis. Thus, we proposed that “Shallow marine refuge” hypothesis could explain the high diversity and high abundance of ostracods of the Permian–Triassic transitional beds. Besides, ostracods showed remarkable geographical differentiation at both regional and global scales during the Permian–Triassic transitional beds and were presumably controlled by geographical isolation.
Alternative splicing derived invertebrate variable lymphocyte receptor displays diversity and specificity in immune system of crab Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: Xu Yuanfeng , Yang Yanan , Zheng Jinbin , Cui Zhaoxia
Published: March 2023

Variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs) play vital roles in adaptive immune system of agnathan vertebrate. In the present study, we first discover a novel VLR gene, VLR2, from an invertebrate, the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. VLR2 has ten different isoforms formed via alternative splicing, which is different from that in agnathan vertebrate with the assembly of LRR modules. The longest isoform, VLR2-L, responds to Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus challenge specifically, while shows no response to Gram-negative bacteria Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge, confirmed by recombinant expression and bacterial binding experiments. Interestingly, VLR2s with short LRRs regions (VLR2-S8 and VLR2-S9) tend to bind to Gram-negative bacteria rather than Gram-positive bacteria. Antibacterial activity assay proves six isoforms of VLR2 have pluralistic antibacterial effects on bacteria which were never reported in invertebrate. These results suggest that the diversity and specificity of VLR2 resulted from alternative splicing and the length of the LRRs region. This pathogen-binding receptor diversity will lay the foundation for the study of immune priming. Furthermore, studying the immune function of VLR2 will provide a new insight into the disease control strategy of crustacean culture.
Emerging of a new CD3+CD31HCD184+ tang cell phenothype in Sjögren’s syndrome induced by microencapsulated human umbilical cord matrix-derived multipotent stromal cells
Authors: Montanucci Pia , Bistoni Onelia , Antonucci Matteo , Pescara Teresa , Greco Alessia , Basta Giuseppe , Bartoloni Elena , Gerli Roberto , Calafiore Riccardo
Published: March 2023

Background

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease hallmarked by infiltration and destruction of exocrine glands. Currently, there is no therapy that warrants full recovery of the affected tissues. Umbilical cord-derived multipotent stromal cells, microincapsulated in an endotoxin-free alginate gel (CpS-hUCMS), were shown to modulate the inflammatory activity of PBMCs in SS patients in vitro, through release of soluble factors (TGFβ1, IDO1, IL6, PGE2, VEGF). These observations led us to set up the present study, aimed at defining the in vitro effects of CpS-hUCMS on pro- and anti-inflammatory lymphocyte subsets involved in the pathogenesis of SS.

Methods and results

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) upon collection from SS patients and matched healthy donors, were placed in co-culture with CpS-hUCMS for five days. Cellular proliferation and T- (Tang, Treg) and B- (Breg, CD19+) lymphocyte subsets were studied by flow cytometry, while Multiplex, Real-Time PCR, and Western Blotting techniques were employed for the analysis of transcriptome and secretome. IFNγ pre-treated hUCMS were assessed with a viability assay and Western Blotting analysis before co-culture. After five days co-culture, CpS-hUCMS induced multiple effects on PBMCs, with special regard to decrease of lymphocyte proliferation, increase of regulatory B cells and induction of an angiogenic T cell population with high expression of the surface marker CD31, that had never been described before in the literature.

Conclusion

We preliminarily showed that CpS-hUCMS can influence multiple pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways that are deranged in SS. In particular, Breg raised and a new Tang phenothype CD3+CD31HCD184+ emerged. These results may considerably expand our knowledge on multipotent stromal cell properties and may open new therapeutic avenues for the management of this disease, by designing ad hoc clinical studies.
A longitudinal analysis of humoral, T cellular response and influencing factors in a cohort of healthcare workers: Implications for personalized SARS-CoV-2 vaccination strategies
Authors: Sabetta Eleonora , Noviello Maddalena , Sciorati Clara , Viganò Marco , De Lorenzo Rebecca , Beretta Valeria , Valtolina Veronica , Di Resta Chiara , Banfi Giuseppe , Ferrari Davide , Locatelli Massimo , Ciceri Fabio , Bonini Chiara , Rovere-Querini Patrizia , Tomaiuolo Rossella
Published: March 2023

Introduction

SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccinations elicit both virus-specific humoral and T-cell responses, but a complex interplay of different influencing factors, such as natural immunity, gender, and age, guarantees host protection. The present study aims to assess the immune dynamics of humoral, T-cell response, and influencing factors to stratify individual immunization status up to 10 months after Comirnaty-vaccine administration.

Methods

To this aim, we longitudinally evaluated the magnitude and kinetics of both humoral and T-cell responses by serological tests and enzyme-linked immunospot assay at 5 time points. Furthermore, we compared the course over time of the two branches of adaptive immunity to establish an eventual correlation between adaptive responses. Lastly, we evaluated putative influencing factors collected by an anonymized survey administered to all participants through multiparametric analysis. Among 984 healthcare workers evaluated for humoral immunity, 107 individuals were further analyzed to describe SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell responses. Participants were divided into 4 age groups: <40 and ≥40 years for men, <48 and ≥48 years for women. Furthermore, results were segregated according to SARS-CoV-2-specific serostatus at baseline.

Results

The disaggregated evaluation of humoral responses highlighted antibody levels decreased in older subjects. The humoral responses were higher in females than in males (p=0.002) and previously virus-exposed subjects compared to naïve subjects (p<0.001). The vaccination induced a robust SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cell response at early time points in seronegative subjects compared to baseline levels (p<0.0001). However, a contraction was observed 6 months after vaccination in this group (p<0.01). On the other hand, the pre-existing specific T-cell response detected in natural seropositive individuals was longer-lasting than the response of the seronegative subjects, decreasing only 10 months after vaccination. Our data suggest that T-cell reactiveness is poorly impacted by sex and age. Of note, SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell response was not correlated to the humoral response at any time point.

Discussion

These findings suggest prospects for rescheduling vaccination strategies by considering individual immunization status, personal characteristics, and the appropriate laboratory tests to portray immunity against SARS-CoV-2 accurately. Deepening our knowledge about T and B cell dynamics might optimize the decision-making process in vaccination campaigns, tailoring it to each specific immune response.
Association between the overall burden of comorbidity and Ct values among the older patients with Omicron infection: Mediated by inflammation
Authors: Wang Meixia , Mi Hongfei , Li Na , Shi Qingfeng , Sun Wei , He Tingjuan , Lin Jiabing , Jin Wenting , Gao Xiaodong , Hu Bijie , Su Chenghao , Pan Jue
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To investigate the associations between the overall burden of comorbidity, inflammatory indicators in plasma and Ct values among the elderly with COVID-19.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study. The results of each nucleic acid test of during hospitalization were obtained. Linear regression models assessed the associations between the overall burden of comorbidity, inflammatory indicators in plasma and Ct values among the elderly. A causal mediation analysis was performed to assess the mediation effects of inflammatory indicators on the association between the overall burden of comorbidity and Ct values.

Results

A total of 767 COVID-19 patients aged ≥ 60 years were included between April 2022 and May 2022. Patients with a high burden of comorbidity had significantly lower Ct values of the ORF gene than subjects with a low burden of comorbidity (median, 24.81 VS 26.58, P < 0.05). Linear regression models showed that a high burden of comorbidity was significantly associated with higher inflammatory responses, including white blood cell count, neutrophil count and C-reactive protein. Also, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein and the overall burden of comorbidity assessed by age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index were independent risk factors for the Ct values. A mediation analysis detected the mediation effect of white blood cells on the association between the burden of comorbidity and Ct values, with the indirect effect estimates of 0.381 (95% CI: 0.166, 0.632, P < 0.001). Similarly, the indirect effect of C-reactive protein was -0.307 (95% CI: -0.645, -0.064, P = 0.034). White blood cells and C-reactive protein significantly mediated the relationship between the burden of comorbidity and Ct values by 29.56% and 18.13% of the total effect size, respectively.

Conclusions

Inflammation mediated the association between the overall burden of comorbidity and Ct values among elderly with COVID-19, which suggests that combined immunomodulatory therapies could reduce the Ct values for such patients with a high burden of comorbidity.
Role of stem cell derivatives in inflammatory diseases
Authors: Yang Yuxi , Peng Yiqiu , Li Yingying , Shi Tingjuan , Luan Yingyi , Yin Chenghong
Published: March 2023

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are pluripotent stem cells of mesodermal origin with the ability of self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation, which have all the common characteristics of stem cells and the ability to differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts, neuron-like cells and other cells. Stem cell derivatives are extracellular vesicles(EVs) released from mesenchymal stem cells that are involved in the process of body’s immune response, antigen presentation, cell differentiation, and anti-inflammatory. EVs are further divided into ectosomes and exosomes are widely used in degenerative diseases, cancer, and inflammatory diseases due to their parental cell characteristics. However, most diseases are closely related to inflammation, and exosomes can mitigate the damage caused by inflammation in terms of suppressing the inflammatory response, anti-apoptosis and promoting tissue repair. Stem cell-derived exosomes have become an emerging modality for cell-free therapy because of their high safety and ease of preservation and transportation through intercellular communication. In this review, we highlight the characteristics and functions of MSCs-derived exosomes and discuss the regulatory mechanisms of MSCs-derived exosomes in inflammatory diseases and their potential applications in clinical diagnosis and therapy.
A seasonal climatology of the upper ocean pycnocline
Authors: Sérazin Guillaume , Tréguier Anne Marie , de Boyer Montégut Clément
Published: March 2023

Climatologies of the mixed layer depth (MLD) have been provided using several definitions based on temperature/density thresholds or hybrid approaches. The upper ocean pycnocline (UOP) that sits below the mixed layer base remains poorly characterized, though this transition layer is an ubiquitous feature of the ocean surface layer. Available hydrographic profiles provide near-global coverage of the world’s ocean and are used to build a seasonal climatology of UOP properties – intensity, depth, thickness – to characterize the spatial and seasonal variations of upper ocean stratification. The largest stratification values O(10−3s−2) are found in the intertropical band, where seasonal variations of the UOP are also very small. The deepest (> 200 m) and least stratified O(10−6s−2) UOPs are found in winter along the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) and at high latitudes of the North Atlantic. The UOP thickness has a median value of 23 m with limited seasonal and spatial variations; only a few regions have UOP thicknesses exceeding 35 m. The UOP properties allow the characterization of the upper ocean restratification that generally occurs in early spring and is generally associated with large variability. Depending on the region, this restratification may happen gradually as around the Rockall plateau or abruptly as in the Kuroshio Extension. The UOP is also likely to merge intermittently with the permanent pycnocline in winter. The upper edge of the UOP is eventually close to MLD estimates, except in a few notable regions such as in the Pacific Warm Pool where barrier layers are important, and during wintertime at high latitudes of the North Pacific.
On the importance of the atmospheric coupling to the small-scale ocean in the modulation of latent heat flux
Authors: Fernández Pablo , Speich Sabrina , Borgnino Matteo , Meroni Agostino N. , Desbiolles Fabien , Pasquero Claudia
Published: March 2023

In this study, ocean and atmosphere satellite observations, an atmospheric reanalysis and a set of regional numerical simulations of the lower atmosphere are used to assess the coupling between the sea-surface temperature (SST) and the marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL) as well as the latent heat flux (LHF) sensitivity to SST in the north-west tropical Atlantic Ocean. The results suggest that the SST-MABL coupling depends on the spatial scale of interest. At scales larger than the ocean mesoscale (larger than 150 km), negative correlations are observed between near-surface wind speed (U10m) and SST and positive correlations between near-surface specific humidity (q2m) and SST. However, when smaller scales (1 – 150 km, i.e., encompassing the ocean mesoscale and a portion of the submesoscale) are considered, U10m-SST correlate inversely and the q2m-SST relation significantly differs from what is expected using the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. This is interpreted in terms of an active ocean modifying the near-surface atmospheric state, driving convection, mixing and entrainment of air from the free troposphere into the MABL. The estimated values of the ocean-atmosphere coupling at the ocean small-scale are then used to develop a linear and SST-based downscaling method aiming to include and further investigate the impact of these fine-scale SST features into an available low-resolution latent heat flux (LHF) data set. The results show that they induce a significant increase of LHF (30% to 40% per °C of SST). We identify two mechanisms causing such a large increase of LHF: (1) the thermodynamic contribution that only includes the increase in LHF with larger SSTs associated with the Clausius-Clapeyron dependence of saturating water vapor pressure on SST and (2) the dynamical contribution related to the change in vertical stratification of the MABL as a consequence of SST anomalies. Using different downscaling setups, we conclude that largest contribution comes from the dynamic mode (28% against 5% for the thermodynamic mode). To validate our approach and results, we have implemented a set of high-resolution WRF numerical simulations forced by high-resolution satellite SST that we have analyzed in terms of LHF using the same algorithm. The LHF estimate biases are reduced by a factor of 2 when the downscaling is applied, providing confidence in our results.
Mechanical characteristics of MHD of the non-Newtonian magnetohydrodynamic Maxwell fluid flow past a bi-directional convectively heated surface with mass flux conditions
Authors: Algehyne Ebrahem A. , Lone Showkat Ahmad , Raizah Zehba , Eldin Sayed M. , Saeed Anwar , Galal Ahmed M.
Published: March 2023

In engineering and manufacturing industries, stretching flow phenomena have numerous real-world implementations. Real-world applications related to stretched flow models are metalworking, crystal growth processes, cooling of fibers, and plastics sheets. Therefore, in this work, the mechanical characteristics of the magnetohydrodynamics of the non-Newtonian Maxwell nanofluid flow through a bi-directional linearly stretching surface are explored. Brownian motion, thermophoresis, and chemical reaction impacts are considered in this analysis. Additionally, thermal convective and mass flux conditions are taken into consideration. The mathematical framework of the existing problem is constructed on highly non-linear partial differential equations (PDEs). Suitable similarity transformations are used for the conversion of partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The flow problem is tackled with the homotopy analysis method, which is capable of solving higher-order non-linear differential equations. Different flow profiles against various flow parameters are discussed physically. Heat and mass transference mechanisms for distinct flow factors are analyzed in a tabular form. The outcomes showed that both primary and secondary velocities are the declining functions of magnetic and Maxwell fluid parameters. The heat transfer rate rises with the cumulative values of the Brownian motion and thermal Biot number. In addition, the mass transfer rate decreases with the rising Schmidt number, Brownian motion parameter, and chemical reaction parameter, while it increases with the augmenting thermophoresis parameter. It has been highlighted that streamlines in the current work for Maxwell and Newtonian models are in fact different from one another.
Fatigue failure mechanism analysis of 1Cr17Ni2 stainless steel blades ground by an abrasive belt
Authors: Zhang Mei , Li Long , Wang Dongzhu , Yang Xinshun
Published: March 2023

Fatigue failure, as the main failure form of aero-engine blades, has a direct impact on the reliability and service life of aviation equipment. In order to improve the service performance of machined blades, it is necessary to understand the failure process and failure mechanism of blades and then optimize the grinding process. This paper takes abrasive belt grinding of an 1Cr17Ni2 stainless steel blade as the research object and analyzes the fatigue failure mechanism by characterizing the surface morphology, cross-sectional microstructure, and cross-sectional characteristics of the fatigue failure blade. The results show that cracks are prone to propagate in carbon-rich areas with poor mechanical properties inside the material, and the accumulation of large-size carbon-rich areas leads to continuous cracks easily and accelerates crack growth. The grinding process promotes the migration and consumption of surface carbon elements and forms a carbon consumption layer on the surface of the material, which can inhibit the initiation of fatigue cracks. The point-like pits on the ground surface have an adverse effect on the fatigue life and play a role in the initiation of fatigue crack enhancement. The direction of material research and development to homogenize the structure of the material and the direction of anti-fatigue grinding to increase the thickness of the carbon consumption layer on the ground surface and avoid the damage of micro-pits are proposed. The research has important guiding significance for anti-fatigue machining of key components.
Is there variation between hospitals within each region in postoperative mortality for lung cancer surgery in France? A nationwide study from 2013 to 2020
Authors: Bernard Alain , Cottenet Jonathan , Pages Pierre-Benoit , Quantin Catherine
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The practice of thoracic surgery for lung cancer is subject to authorization in France. We evaluated the performance of hospitals using 30-day post-operative mortality as a quality indicator, estimating its distribution within each region and measuring its variability between regions.

Material and methods

All data for patients who underwent pulmonary resection for lung cancer in France (2013–2020) were collected from the national hospital administrative database. Thirty-day mortality was defined as any patient who died in hospital (including transferred patients) within the first 30 days after the operation and those who died later during the initial hospitalization. The Standardized Mortality ratio (SMR) was the smoothed, adjusted, hospital-specific mortality rate divided by the expected mortality. To describe the variation in hospital mortality between hospitals in each region, we used different commonly used indicators of variation such as coefficients of variation (CV), interquartile interval or range (IQR), extreme ratio, and systematic component of variance (SCV).

Results

In 2013–2020, 87,232 patients underwent lung resection for cancer in France. The number of deaths was 2,537, a rate of 2.91%. The median SMR of 199 hospitals was 0.99 with an IQR of 0.86 to 1.18 and a CV of 0.25. Among the regions that had the most hospitals performing lung resections for cancer, the extreme ratio was >2, which means that the maximum value is twice as high as the minimum value. The SCV between hospitals was >10 for two of these regions, which is considered indicative of very high variation. For the other regions (with few hospitals performing lung resections for cancer), the variation between hospitals was lower. Globally, the variability between regions concerning the SMR was moderate, 6% of the variance was due to differences across regions. On the contrary, the hospital volume was significantly related to the SMR (p = 0.003) with a negative linear trend, whatever the region.

Conclusion

This work shows significant differences in the practices of the various hospitals within regions. However, overall, the variability in the 30-day mortality rate between regions was moderate. Our findings raises questions regarding the regionalization of major surgical procedures in France.
The efficacy of topical prostaglandin analogs for hair loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Shangxuan , Hao Zhuolun , Qi Wenli , Wang Zhenxing , Zhou Muran , Guo Nengqiang
Published: March 2023

Background

Prostaglandin analogs have been found to have more versatile uses: treatment of open-angle glaucoma, high intraocular pressure, vitiligo, and other treatments. And prostaglandin analogs have been found to have an important role in the hair growth cycle. However, prostaglandin analogs have not been sufficiently studied for hair (including hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows) regeneration. In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis of topical prostaglandin analogs on hair loss was performed.

Objective

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to determine the efficacy and safety of topical prostaglandin analogs for treating hair loss.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases comprehensively. Data were pooled using Review Manager 5.4.1, and subgroup analyses were performed if necessary.

Results

There were six randomized controlled trials included in this meta-analysis. All studies compared prostaglandin analogs with placebo, and one trial consisted of two sets of data. The results showed that prostaglandin analogs could significantly improve the hair length and density (p < 0.001). As far as adverse events are concerned, there was no significant difference between the experimental group and the control group.

Conclusion

In patients with hair loss, the topical prostaglandin analogs have better therapeutic efficacy and safety than placebo. However, the best dose and frequency of experimental treatment require further studies.