bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KADIN GÜREŞÇİLERİN YARALANMA BÖLGELERİNİN VE SEBEPLERİNİN ARAŞTIRILMASI
Authors: Köse Ayşegül , Ertaş Dölek Burcu
Published: September 2024

Bu çalışmanın amacı kadın güreşçilerde yaralanmaların nedenleri, bölgeleri ve tipini, yaralanmaya neden olan faktörlerin sebeplerini ortaya koyarak çözüm önerileri sunmaktır. Çalışmaya Türkiye Güreş Federasyonuna bağlı olan yıldızlar, gençler ve büyükler kategorilerinde yer alan Türkiye şampiyonasına katılmakta olan 152 kadın güreşçiye demografik bilgilerinin yanı sıra yaralanmanın yeri ve türü, yaralanmaya neden olan faktörler gibi sorular sorulmuştur. Anket sonuçlarına göre; kadın güreşçilerde en fazla yaralanma geçirilen bölgeler sırasıyla bacak, ayak-ayak bileği, dirsek-kol, el-el bileği bölgesinde saptandı. Yaralanma nedenlerinde en fazla %17,7 ile aşırı zorlama görülmüştür. Katılımcıların eklem bölgesindeki en fazla yaralanmanın burkulma olduğu, toplam yaralanmada kemik kırığı oranının %7,41 olduğu, en fazla yumuşak doku yaralanmasının sırasıyla diz bölgesi ve ayak bileği bölgesinde olduğu görülmektedir. Sonuç olarak bu çalışmanın kadın güreşçilerde tespit ettiğimiz faktörlerin spor bilimlerine ve ileride yapılacak çalışmalara katkı sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir.
RECREATION AWARENESS AMONG MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS: A GENDER PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Coşkun Güliz , Dilmaç Eminsafa
Published: September 2024

The positive influence of the leisure activity participation on the development of adolescents is emphasized by many researchers. However, participation in leisure activities among Turkish young people are still low. One of the reasons for the lower participation rate is the lack of awareness of recreation and its benefits. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to detect the level of recreation awareness among middle and high school students residing in Sapanca, Turkey, and to investigate gender differences regarding recreation awareness. Quantitative research methods were employed in this study. The data were collected face-to-face from students attending three different schools located in Sapanca. In total, 319 questionnaires were obtained; 33 cases were excluded from the dataset due to normality issues and missing data. The analyses were conducted on 286 cases. The data were analysed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the software tools SPSS 21 and EQS 6.2, employing advanced confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Recreation awareness was measured in three dimensions: fun, achievement, and self-improvement. Results showed that the respondents had above-average scores in recreation awareness. While no difference was found in the 'pleasure-fun' dimension between males and females, females scored significantly higher in the 'social-success' and 'self-improvement' dimensions. In order to increase recreation awareness and participation, especially among male students, middle and high schools should organize seminars and other types of events to promote the benefits of recreational activities. School management should collaborate with local government to design such programs.
SPORCU ÖZ YETERLİLİĞİNİN PSİKOLOJİK SAĞLAMLIK VE HEDEF BAĞLILIĞI ÜZERİNDEKİ YORDAYICI ETKİSİ
Authors: Yılmaz Berk Hakan , Mergan Barış , Aktaş Üstün Neslişah
Published: September 2024

Öz: Bu araştırma sporcu öz yeterliğinin psikolojik sağlamlık ve hedef bağlılığı üzerindeki yordayıcı etkisini incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Çalışma nicel araştırma yöntemlerinden biri olan korelasyonel araştırma modeli benimsenerek tasarlanmıştır. Araştırma kapsamında sporcu öz yeterlik ölçeği, kısa psikolojik sağlamlık ölçeği ile hedef bağlılığı ölçeği veri toplama aracı olarak kullanılmıştır. Araştırma grubunu 168’i erkek ve 128’i kadın olmak üzere toplam 296 sporcu oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada cinsiyet değişkeni ile psikolojik sağlamlık, hedef bağlılığı ve sporcu öz yeterliği arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark tespit edilememiştir. Diğer yandan sporcuların ilgilendikleri spor türü değişkeni ile sporcu öz yeterlik ölçeği alt boyutlarında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark tespit edilmiştir. Sporcu öz yeterliğinin hedef bağlılığı ve psikolojik sağlamlık üzerinde önemli ve anlamlı bir yordayıcı etkisinin olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Effects of blade loading distribution on hub leakage flow of cantilevered stator
Authors:   Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Liu Yaqi , Deng Hefang ,   Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Teng Jinfang ,   Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Zhu Mingmin ,   Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Zhang Songan ,   Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Lu Shaopeng ,   Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Published: September 2024

The hub leakage flow of the cantilevered stator has a significant impact on the axial compressor loss and aerodynamic stability. The formation and development of the hub leakage flow are affected by the blade loading level and distribution, but the internal mechanism of this effect is not fully understood in previous studies. This paper uses a novel experiment facility with a high-speed moving endwall and numerical simulation methods to focus on the influence of a fore-loading and highly-loaded cantilevered cascade on the hub leakage flow and its mechanism, and compared with a typical middleloading controlled diffusion airfoil cascade. The results demonstrate that although the two cascades have different blade loading levels, the radial distribution of the entropy loss coefficient at the condition of moving endwall is almost identical, which is related to the development location and radial extent of the leakage flow in the two cascades. The position of maximum hub leakage flow rate is delayed relative to the position of maximum blade loading, due to the increase of circumferential momentum by the leakage vortex in the passage. The main cause for the entropy loss is the coupling effect between the product of the leakage flow velocity and injected angle and the mainstream velocity. Based on the findings of this paper, for the hub airfoil of the cantilevered stator, the fore-loading airfoil design can achieve higher loading capacity when the outlet entropy loss distribution is similar. This provides a useful idea for the design of cantilevered stator.
Effect of Streamwise Spacing on the Flow and Heat Transfer of Lantern-shaped Pin Fins in a Rectangular Channel
Authors:   Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory of Turbomachinery and Power Equipment, Institute of Turbomachinery,School of Energy & Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Yang Kefeng , Wang Xiangyu ,   Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory of Turbomachinery and Power Equipment, Institute of Turbomachinery,School of Energy & Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Gao Shanghong ,   Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory of Turbomachinery and Power Equipment, Institute of Turbomachinery,School of Energy & Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Feng Zhenping ,   Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory of Turbomachinery and Power Equipment, Institute of Turbomachinery,School of Energy & Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University
Published: September 2024

Understanding the flow and heat transfer characteristics of pin fin arrays, which are widely used as cooling structures for electronic devices and turbine blades, is essential for cooling design. Focusing on the impact of streamwise spacing on the flow and heat transfer of pin fins in a rectangular channel, this study conducts a numerical analysis and compares of the changes in flow field, Nusselt number, and pressure drop for lantern-shaped pin fins with two sphere diameters and four streamwise spacings in the Re range of 3,000 to 30,000. For both types of pin fins with different diameters, reducing the streamwise spacing results in an increase in the turbulent kinetic energy. The lantern-shaped pin fin enhances the turbulent mixing level closer to the endwall as compared to the circular-shaped pin fin. As the streamwise spacing decreases, the area-averaged endwall, pin Nusselt numbers and friction factor increase. The thermal performance index of the circular-shaped pin fin increases with increasing streamwise spacing. At Re=3,000, the thermal performance index of the lantern-shaped pin fin exhibits a trend of initially decreasing and then increasing. It always decreases when 5,000<Re<15,000. When Re>20,000, there is an initially increasing and then decreasing in its trend.
Impact of the working fluid in orc-based waste heat recovery systems for turboshaft engines
Authors:   Delft University of Technology + Technische Universität Braunschweig, Sinopoli Francesco , Carandente Raffaele ,   Leibniz Universität Hannover + Technische Universität Braunschweig, Schulz Yannik ,   Leibniz Universität Hannover + Technische Universität Braunschweig, Krempus Dabo ,   Delft University of Technology, Beltrame Fabio ,   Delft University of Technology, De Servi Carlo Maria ,   Delft University of Technology, Nachtigal Philipp ,   Leibniz Universität Hannover, Mimic Dajan ,   Leibniz Universität Hannover + Technische Universität Braunschweig, Colonna Piero ,   Delft University of Technology, Pini Matteo ,   Delft University of Technology + Technische Universität Braunschweig
Published: September 2024

Waste heat recovery in aircraft engines is a promising solution to enhance their performance and reduce the mission fuel consumption. The combined-cycle turboshaft (CC-Turboshaft) is a concept which features a Brayton cycle with a subsequent organic Rankine-cycle waste heat recovery unit. It is suitable for turbo-electric propulsion as both the organic Rankine-cycle turbine and the turboshaft free power turbine can be connected to electrical generators. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of different working fluids of the organic Rankine-cycle unit on the CC-Turboshaft performance. The results suggest that the impact of the organic Rankine-cycle working fluid on the block fuel consumption is approximately Å}0.6% and Å}0.3% of the aircraft total mass, which are considered negligible. This is due to the design constraints of the heat exchangers, which are arguably the most challenging components for this application. The effect of the working fluid is more evident in the generated power, which varies in the order of +-5%.
Aerothermic performance prediction of a film cooled Nozzle Guide Vane: about RANS anisotropic mesh adaptation applicability
Authors:   Safran Tech, Remigi Alberto , Parente Enza ,   Safran Tech, Alauzet Frederic ,   INRIA, GammaO Project
Published: September 2024

This paper shows the beneficial effect of anisotropic mesh adaptation on aerothermic performance prediction of a complex component: a film cooled Nozzle Guide Vane. Film cooled turbines geometries are very complex and as a result it is almost impossible to mesh them with classical multi-block hexahedral meshing methods. For this reason flexible tetrahedral meshes are preferable. Discretization error (along with geometric error and modeling error) strongly impacts the evaluation of performances, leading to inaccurate results. Furthermore, the simulation process relies heavily on the experience of the engineer and usually it is not automatized. In order to automatize the simulation process, taking advantage of the flexibility of the tetrahedral elements and in order to contain the discretization error, metric-based anisotropic mesh adaptation appears to be a suitable technology. In this work we will focus on the numerical aspects necessary to have an accurate prediction of the aerothermic performances (e.g cooling efficiency) of the Nozzle Guide Vane.
Effect of fly ash and ground waste glass as cement replacement in concrete 3D-Printing for sustainable construction
Authors: Samrani Phebe , Cao Yifang , Fimbres-Weihs Gustavo , Sanjaya Eric , Abbas Ali
Published: September 2024

Concrete 3D printing is a promising manufacturing technology for producing geometrically complex structures efficiently and cost-effectively, by eliminating the need for formwork, reducing labor, and minimizing waste. This method has the potential to lower carbon emissions and resource use. However, it does not mitigate the carbon emissions associated with cement production. Nonetheless, utilizing waste materials in concrete 3D printing may reduce concrete carbon emissions and support recycling. This study investigates the use of two industrial waste materials–fly ash (FA) and ground waste glass (GWG)–as partial substitutes for ordinary Portland Cement (PC) in 3D printable cement paste. The chemical composition, particle size distribution, rheological properties, and flexural strength of the mixtures were analyzed. Results show that specimens containing waste materials achieved strengths comparable to traditional cement mixtures. The flexural strength reduction in 3D printed versus cast specimens varied across mixtures: control (66% reduction), FA20 (35%), FA10-GWG10 (35%), GWG10 (32%), FA10 (11%), and GWG20 (4%). Hence, incorporating waste materials in concrete 3D printing is recommended, as it maintains mechanical integrity while promoting recycling and upcycling of industrial waste.
Analysis of the impact of growing green walls based on the reduction of PM2.5 particles in the resilient central urban fabric
Authors: Borna Mohadese , Yeganeh Mansour
Published: September 2024

The problems of today’s world, particularly climate change and air pollution, require the search for sustainable and green buildings in urban environments and the people who inhabit them. General population and construction industry has emitted pollutants such as carbon dioxide to the atmosphere due to urbanization and rise in vehicles. In addition to that, the products employed in construction express a caliber of polluting the air. Urban facades and the materials used for construction in cities can often have a significant impact on aggravating air pollution. The implementation of green walls on building’s facade and other structures can be considered as the proper substitute to utilizing the stone and cement as those materials minimize the emission of air pollutants and add the better aesthetics to the city environment. The main objectives of this research are to describe and introduce a new method of applying green facades for buildings and structures using plants which have even greater abilities at absorbing pollutants and are simpler in application and management in comparison with other systems of green walls. In the first stage, the known green wall systems and along with suitable plants were introduced and studied through library studies and accordingly the most compatible plants for the studied area, considering the climate of Iran, specially Tehran which is the most polluted city in Iran, were identified. The ENVI-met application was used subsequently to determine the most appropriate model or plant to combat the pollutants in the environment.
3D THM modelling of Finnish spent nuclear fuel repository
Authors: Toprak Erdem , Olivella Sebastia , Pintado Xavier , Niskanen Mika
Published: September 2024

This paper presents modelling of the long-term performance of engineered barrier systems (EBS) in crystalline host rock in terms of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) processes in a specific case, considering also the impact of salinity linked with geochemistry. This study has been used as a supporting document for the safety case in the operating licence application for the Olkiluoto spent nuclear fuel repository in Finland. The disposal design chosen is the KBS-3V (Kärnbränslesäkerhet in Swedish, “nuclear fuel safety”; 3, version number; V, vertical) which consists of placing the canisters in vertical deposition holes surrounded by the EBS. The buffer components consist of compacted blocks of Wyoming-type bentonite surrounded by pillow pellets manufactured with the same material. Bulgarian and/or Italian granular filling (GraFi) materials are the backfilling material in the deposition tunnels. The Barcelona basic model (BBM) was considered for modelling the geomechanical behaviour of compacted buffer blocks and GraFi materials filling the deposition tunnels. The Barcelona expansive model (BExM), which consists of a double structure (macro–micro porosity), was considered for the pellets. A laboratory testing campaign (thermal conductivity, water retention curve, oedometer, and infiltration tests) was carried out in order to calibrate the THM model parameters of the corresponding materials. Model-data uncertainties, challenges in 3D THM modelling, and the methodology followed have been provided in terms of modelling capabilities. We implemented 3D THM simulation of an individual deposition hole (canister, notch/chamfer, and buffer materials) drilled into a deposition tunnel (backfill material) in CODE_BRIGHT as a finite element method (FEM) program. This study presents results related to THM performance of the EBS, such as peak temperature, time required to reach full saturation in buffer and backfill, the evolution of dry densities according to permeabilities, the development of swelling pressure in buffer and backfill, and, consequently, deformations in buffer and backfill domains. A sensitivity analysis plan was followed in order to deal with various factors affecting the long-term THM performance of the EBS. In the sensitivity analysis, buffer and backfill design options (different filling material alternatives), geological conditions (saline water, rock permeability, and heterogeneous rock) and numerical simulation options (different numerical model options, issues related to geometry and meshing) were investigated. The performance targets and design specifications set for the buffer and backfill are also discussed. The paper concludes with a summary how the THM design under a certain configuration (geometry, initial conditions, boundary conditions, and buffer and backfill materials) meets the performance targets set for the buffer, backfill, and host rock.
The heterogeneity of aqueous solutions: the current situation in the context of experiment and theory
Authors: Stepanov German O. , Penkov Nikita V. , Rodionova Natalia N. , Petrova Anastasia O. , Kozachenko Angelina E. , Kovalchuk Alexander L. , Tarasov Sergey A. , Tverdislov Vsevolod A. , Uvarov Alexander V.
Published: September 2024

The advancement of experimental methods has provided new information about the structure and structural fluctuations of water. Despite the appearance of numerous models, which aim to describe a wide range of thermodynamic and electrical characteristics of water, there is a deficit in systemic understanding of structuring in aqueous solutions. A particular challenge is the fact that even pure water is a heterogeneous, multicomponent system composed of molecular and supramolecular structures. The possibility of the existence of such structures and their nature are of fundamental importance for various fields of science. However, great difficulties arise in modeling relatively large supramolecular structures (e.g. extended hydration shells), where the bonds between molecules are characterized by low energy. Generally, such structures may be non-equilibrium but relatively long-lived. Evidently, the short times of water microstructure exchanges do not mean short lifetimes of macrostructures, just as the instability of individual parts does not mean the instability of the entire structure. To explain this paradox, we review the data from experimental and theoretical research. Today, only some of the experimental results on the lifetime of water structures have been confirmed by modeling, so there is not a complete theoretical picture of the structure of water yet. We propose a new hierarchical water macrostructure model to resolve the issue of the stability of water structures. In this model, the structure of water is presented as consisting of many hierarchically related levels (the stratification model). The stratification mechanism is associated with symmetry breaking at the formation of the next level, even with minimal changes in the properties of the previous level. Such a hierarchical relationship can determine the unique physico-chemical properties of water systems and, in the future, provide a complete description of them.
Comparative analysis of artificial intelligence-driven assistance in diverse educational queries: ChatGPT vs. Google Bard
Authors: Al Mashagbeh Mohammad , Dardas Latefa , Alzaben Heba , Alkhayat Amjad
Published: September 2024

Artificial intelligence tools are rapidly growing in education, highlighting the imperative need for a thorough and critical evaluation of their performance. To this aim, this study tests the effectiveness of ChatGPT and Google Bard in answering a range of questions within the engineering and health sectors. True/false, multiple choice questions (MCQs), matching, short answer, essay, and calculation questions are among the question types investigated. Findings showed that ChatGPT 4 surpasses both ChatGPT 3.5 and Google Bard in terms of creative problem-solving and accuracy across various question types. The highest accuracy achieved by ChatGPT 4 was in true/false questions, reaching 97.5%, while its least accurate performance was noted in calculation questions with an accuracy of 82.5%. Prompting both ChatGPT and Google Bard to provide short responses apparently prevented them from hallucinating with unrealistic or nonsensical responses. The majority of the problems for which ChatGPT and Google Bard provided incorrect answers demonstrated a correct problem-solving approach; however, both AI models struggled to accurately perform simple calculations. In MCQs related to health sciences, ChatGPT seemed to have a challenge in discerning the correct answer among several plausible options. While all three tools managed the essay questions competently, avoiding any blatantly incorrect responses (unlike with other question types), some nuanced differences were noticed. ChatGPT 3.5 consistently adhered more closely to the essay prompts, providing straightforward and essential responses, while ChatGPT 4 demonstrated superiority over both models in terms of adaptability. ChatGPT4 fabricated references, creating nonexistent authors and research titles in response to prompts for sources. While utilizing AI in education holds a promise, even the latest and most advanced versions of ChatGPT and Google Bard were not able to accurately answer all questions. There remains a significant need for human cognitive skills and further advancements in AI capabilities.
The protective effect of the intestinal microbiota in type-1 diabetes in NOD mice is limited to a time window in early life
Authors: Fernandez Trigo Nerea , Kalbermatter Cristina , Yilmaz Bahtiyar , Ganal-Vonarburg Stephanie C.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The incidence of type-1 diabetes is on the rise, particularly in developed nations, and predominantly affects the youth. While genetic predisposition plays a substantial role, environmental factors, including alterations in the gut microbiota, are increasingly recognized as significant contributors to the disease.

Methods

In this study, we utilized germ-free non-obese diabetic mice to explore the effects of microbiota colonization during early life on type-1 diabetes susceptibility.

Results

Our findings reveal that microbiota introduction at birth, rather than at weaning, significantly reduces the risk of type-1 diabetes, indicating a crucial window for microbiota-mediated modulation of immune responses. This protective effect was independent of alterations in intestinal barrier function but correlated with testosterone levels in male mice. Additionally, early life colonization modulated T cell subset frequencies, particularly T helper cells and regulatory T cells, in the intestine, potentially shaping type-1 diabetes predisposition.

Discussion

Our findings underscore the pivotal role of early-life microbial interactions in immune regulation and the development of autoimmune diseases.
The association between Metabolic Score for Visceral Fat and depression in overweight or obese individuals: evidence from NHANES
Authors: Liu Heng , Dong Huqiang , Zhou Yu , Jin Mingchu , Hao Haidong , Yuan Yutang , Jia Hongtao
Published: September 2024

Background

Depression is a common mental illness with a high prevalence in overweight or obese individuals. Recent studies suggest that the Metabolic Score for Visceral Fat (METS-VF) is a novel metric for assessing visceral fat levels, potentially linking metabolic disturbances to depression. This study explores the association between METS-VF and depression severity in overweight or obese U.S. adults.

Methods

Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2018 dataset, including 9,415 overweight or obese participants. Depression severity was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). To assess the association between METS-VF and depression, the study methodology included multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analyses, generalized additive model (GAM), and smoothed curve fitting. This study also calculated BMI for the Non-Hispanic Asian population from 2011-2018 and incorporated this data as part of a sensitivity analysis.

Results

Elevated levels of METS-VF in overweight or obese participants were significantly associated with increased PHQ-9 scores and an increased likelihood of depression. Notably, this association remained significant after adjustment for multiple covariates. Smoothed curve-fitting plots showed no nonlinear association between METS-VF and PHQ-9 scores. Subgroup analyses confirmed the robustness of these results across populations, particularly among people under the age of fifty. The sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results in this study.

Conclusion

METS-VF levels were positively associated with depression severity and the likelihood of depression in overweight or obese individuals, with the association being particularly pronounced in people under 50 years of age.
Causal effects of specific gut microbiota on spinal stenosis diseases: a two-sample mendelian randomization study
Authors: Luo Kaihang , Zeng Weizheng , Li Qiushuang , Zhang Yuliang , Liu Shengkai , Liu Xizhe , Liu Shaoyu
Published: September 2024

Background

Although recent observational studies and clinical trials have indicated a strong association between the gut microbiota and spinal stenosis diseases, the causal relationship between them remains unclear.

Methods

Based on large-scale genome-wide association studies, we employed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to analyse the causal relationships between the gut microbiota (GM) and 3 spinal stenosis diseases: adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), lumbar spondylolisthesis (LS), and spinal stenosis (SS). MR analysis was performed using the inverse variance weighting (IVW) method as the primary approach, supplemented by MR‒Egger regression, weighted median, and weighted mode analyses. MR-PRESSO and MR‒Egger regression were employed to assess horizontal pleiotropy. Cochran’s Q test was used to evaluate heterogeneity. Further leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was conducted to ascertain the reliability of the causal relationships.

Results

The IVW method identified 9 gut microbiota taxa (9 genera) that were causally related to AIS, 14 taxa (4 phyla, 2 classes, 2 orders, 1 family, and 5 genera) to LS, and 4 taxa (2 classes, 1 order, and 1 genus) to SS. The Cochrane Q test results did not indicate heterogeneity. Moreover, both the MR‒Egger intercept test and the MR-PRESSO global test demonstrated that our findings were robust against potential horizontal pleiotropy. Furthermore, leave-one-out analysis provided additional evidence supporting the reliability of our identified causal relationships.

Conclusion

Our findings have substantiated the potential causal impact of specific GM taxa on AIS, LS, and SS, thereby offering novel insights into the mechanisms mediated by the gut microbiota in these three diseases and laying the foundation for targeted preventive measures in further research.
Immunomodulatory effects of immune cell-derived extracellular vesicles in melanoma
Authors: Nanru Peng
Published: September 2024

Melanoma, recognized as one of the most immunogenic malignancies in humans, holds paramount significance in the realm of immunotherapy. However, the emergence of drug resistance and the occurrence of adverse drug reactions underscore the pressing need to explore increasingly personalized immunotherapeutic modalities. Extracellular Vesicles (EVs), pivotal derivatives of immune cells, assume pivotal roles by encapsulating proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids within bilayer lipid structures, thereby facilitating targeted delivery to other immune cells. This orchestrated process orchestrates critical functions including antigen presentation, immune modulation, and the induction of apoptosis in tumor cells. A burgeoning body of evidence underscores the vast therapeutic potential of EVs in melanoma treatment. This comprehensive review aims to delineate the roles of EVs derived from immune cells such as dendritic cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, and T cells in the context of melanoma patients, thereby furnishing invaluable insights for the future direction of melanoma immunotherapy.
Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 in keratinocytes plays a key role in reducing inflammation in psoriasis
Authors: Masuda-Kuroki Kana , Alimohammadi Shahrzad , Lowry Samantha , Di Nardo Anna
Published: September 2024

Background

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition where immune cells play a significant role. The importance of the cross-talk between keratinocytes and immune cells in the pathogenesis of psoriasis has recently been reaffirmed. Recent studies have found that several S1PR functional antagonists, other than S1PR2, are effective in improving psoriasis. This study aims to investigate the role of S1PR2 in psoriasis, that has not been investigated before.

Methods

Spatial transcriptomics, RT-qPCR, and flow cytometry were used to map the immune cell landscape and its association with metabolic pathways in an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like inflammation in S1pr2fl/fl K14-Cre mice that could not sense sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in the epidermis through the S1PR2 receptor.

Results

Our analysis suggests that S1PR2 in keratinocytes plays a major role in psoriasis-like inflammation compared to other S1PRs. It acts as a down-regulator, inhibiting the recruitment of Th17 cells into the skin. In IMQ-induced psoriasis skin, both S1pr2-/- and S1pr2fl/fl K14-Cre mice showed higher expressions of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-1β together with higher expressions of MyD88/NF-κB pathway compared to the wild-type mice. Remarkably, in IMQ-treated mice, the deletion of S1pr2 in keratinocytes only resulted in a larger population of Th17 cells in skin-draining lymph nodes. Other S1PR modulators did not improve the worsening of psoriasis-like inflammation caused by S1PR2 deficiency in keratinocytes.

Conclusion

This study reaches two main conclusions: signals from keratinocytes play a central role in creating an immune environment that promotes the development of psoriasis, and stimulating S1PR2, instead of suppressing it, represents a potential therapeutic approach for psoriasis.
New records of odontocete and mysticete predation by orcas in the Humboldt current system, South Pacific Ocean
Authors: García-Cegarra Ana M. , Oña Javier , Arancibia Camilo , Aguilar Luis , Toro Frederick
Published: September 2024

Orcas (Orcinus orca) are the top marine predators of the ocean, targeting multiple taxa including teleost fishes, elasmobranchs, seabirds, sea turtles, pinnipeds, odontocetes and other large cetaceans. According to their foraging strategies, genetics, acoustics, and morphology, orcas differentiate into ecotypes. Despite their cosmopolitan distribution, orcas are poorly studied in areas such as the Humboldt Current System of the Southeast Pacific coast. Since 2018 in northern Chile, presumed Type A orcas have been observed foraging on South American sea lions (Otaria byronia),benefiting from the presence of fishing vessels facilitating their hunt. These orcas were observed also pursuing large mixed groups of dusky (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) and long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis); however, predation on dusky dolphins was not documented. Here, we provide 28 additional sightings of orcas in two upwelling hotspots along northern Chile (15 around the Chañaral, Choros, and Damas Islandsin the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve from 2010–2023 and 13 in the Mejillones Peninsula from 2022–2023) and the first records of orcas effective hunting on dusky dolphins in this area. We present three new observations of orca tooth rake marks on fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) dorsal fins in northern Chile. Furthermore, we observed the same orcas on two occasions foraging on dusky dolphins and sharing dolphin meat among group members. Overall, these observations suggest that orcas in northern Chile forage on marine mammals, especially on dusky dolphins, and the number of such predation events seems to be increasing near the coast.
Bronchial artery embolization combined with left pulmonary resection in the treatment of fibrosing mediastinitis complicated with massive hemoptysis: a case report
Authors: Liu Min , Liu Jixiang , Chen Shi , Gao Xiaoyan , Sun Lu , Li Fajiu , Li Chenghong
Published: September 2024

Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is a rare and benign fibroproliferative disease that presents with the proliferation of extensive, dense fibrous tissue in the mediastinum. Hemoptysis is a common clinical manifestation of FM. Clinically, most patients exhibit mild to moderate hemoptysis. We report a case of FM complicated with life-threatening massive hemoptysis. The patient was successfully rescued through a combination of bronchoscopic balloon closure, bronchial artery embolization (BAE), and surgical interventions. Although FM is frequently benign, vascular involvement can progress to life-threatening massive hemoptysis and must be treated appropriately.
Effect of prophylactic noninvasive oxygen therapy after planned extubation on extubation failure in high-risk patients: a retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study
Authors: Zheng Xiaozhuo , Lu Lixiong , Ma Mengyi , Lei Xiaofeng
Published: September 2024

Background

Extubation failure (EF) is common in the intensive care unit (ICU) and is associated with poor prognosis, especially in high-risk patients. However, the efficacy of prophylactic noninvasive oxygen therapy (NIT), including noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), in reducing EF in high-risk patients remains controversial. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of post-extubation prophylactic NIT on EF in high-risk patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study conducted in the ICU from March 2018 to December 2023. We included adult patients at high risk for reintubation who were mechanically ventilated for over 24 h and successfully passed the spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). Immediately after extubation, patients underwent NIT or conventional oxygenation therapy (COT). The primary outcome was the EF rate within 7 days after extubation.

Results

There were 440 patients in the NIT group and 274 in the COT group. After propensity-score matching, 227 subjects were enrolled in each group. NIT reduced the rate of EF (18.0% vs. 34.3%, p < 0.001) and reintubation (10.5% vs. 18.2% p = 0.003) compared with COT, which was confirmed in propensity-matched cohort (17.6% vs. 32.2%, p < 0.001; 11.5% vs. 19.8%, p = 0.014). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that prophylactic NIT (p = 0.001) and higher ROX index (p = 0.022) were associated with reduced risk of EF. While higher fluid balance (p = 0.013), higher RSBI (p < 0.001), and the occurrence of delirium (p = 0.032) may be the risk factors for EF. Subgroup analysis showed that post-extubation NIT was more effective in elderly patients, and HFNC was non-inferior to NIV in reducing EF. While HFNC had a tendency to reduce the incidence of delirium.

Conclusion

Post-extubation prophylactic NIT is effective in reducing EF in high-risk patients, especially in the elderly patients. HFNC is an alternative treatment to NIV. Fluid balance, RSBI, ROX index, and delirium are associated with the occurrence of EF.
Early warning of Aspergillus contamination in maize by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Qin Yucan , Lv Haoxin , Xiong Yating , Qi Lin , Li Yanfei , Xin Ying , Zhao Yan
Published: September 2024

Introduction

As one of the main grain crops in China, maize is highly susceptible to Aspergillus infection during processing, storage and transportation due to high moisture at harvest, which results in the loss of quality. The aim of this study is to explore the early warning marker molecules when Aspergillus infects maize kernels.

Methods

Firstly, strains MA and MB were isolated from moldy maize and identified by morphological characterization and 18S rRNA gene sequence analysis to be Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) and Aspergillus niger (A. niger). Next, fresh maize was moldy by contaminated with strains MA and MB. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the contamination process of two fungal strains were analyzed by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). A total of 31 VOCs were detected in maize contaminated with strain MA, a total of 32 VOCs were detected in maize contaminated with strain MB, including confirmed monomers and dimers. Finally, heat maps and principal component analysis (PCA) showed that VOCs produced in different growth stages of Aspergillus had great differences. Combined with the results of GC-IMS, total fungal colony counts and fungal spores, it was concluded that the Aspergillus-contaminated maize was in the early stage of mold at 18 h.

Results

Therefore, the characteristic VOCs butan-2-one, ethyl acetate-D, Benzaldehyde, and pentan-2-one produced by maize at 18 h of storage can be used as early mildew biomarkers of Aspergillus infection in maize.

Discussion

This study provided effective marker molecules for the development of an early warning and monitoring system for the degree of maize mildew in granaries.
Insights into structure and activity of a UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerase involved in secondary cell wall polymer biosynthesis in Paenibacillus alvei
Authors: Stefanović Cordula , Legg Max S. G. , Mateyko Nick , Ender Jakob J. , Kuvek Tea , Oostenbrink Chris , Schäffer Christina , Evans Stephen V. , Hager-Mair Fiona F.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

S-layer anchoring in Paenibacillus alvei is enabled by a non-covalent interaction between an S-layer homology domain trimer and a secondary cell wall polymer (SCWP), ensuring the structural integrity of the bacterial cell wall. Within the SCWP repeat, pyruvylated ManNAc serves as the ligand and the UDP-GlcNAc-2-epimerase MnaA supplies UDP-ManNAc to SCWP biosynthesis.

Methods

To better understand SCWP biosynthesis and identify strategies for inhibiting pathogens with comparable cell wall architecture, like Bacillus anthracis, MnaA and rational variants were produced in E. coli and their kinetic constants determined. The effect of UDP-GlcNAc as a predicted allosteric activator and tunicamycin as a potential inhibitor of MnaA was tested in vitro supported by molecular docking experiments. Additionally, wild-type MnaA was crystallized.

Results

We present the crystal structure of unliganded P. alvei MnaA resolved at 2.20 Å. It adopts a GT-B fold consistent with other bacterial non-hydrolyzing UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerases. A comparison of amino acid sequences reveals conservation of putative and known catalytic and allosteric-site residues in MnaA, which was confirmed through analysis of Q42A, Q69A, E135A and H241A MnaA variants. The kinetic parameters KM and kcat of MnaA were determined to be 3.91 mM and 33.44 s-1 for the forward, and 2.41 mM and 6.02 s-1 for the reverse reaction. While allosteric regulation by UDP-GlcNAc has been proposed as a mechanism for enzyme activation, UDP-GlcNAc was not found to be essential for UDP-ManNAc epimerization by P. alvei MnaA. However, the reaction rate doubled upon addition of 5% UDP-GlcNAc. Unexpectedly, the UDP-GlcNAc analog tunicamycin did not inhibit MnaA. Molecular docking experiments comparing tunicamycin binding of P. alvei MnaA and Staphylococcus aureus MnaA, which is inhibited by tunicamycin, revealed different residues exposed to the antibiotic excluding, those at the predicted allosteric site of P. alvei MnaA, corroborating tunicamycin resistance.

Conclusion

The unliganded crystal structure of P. alvei MnaA reveals an open conformation characterized by an accessible cleft between the N- and C-terminal domains. Despite the conservation of residues involved in binding the allosteric activator UDP-GlcNAc, the enzyme is not strictly regulated by the substrate. Unlike S. aureus MnaA, the activity of P. alvei MnaA remains unaffected by tunicamycin.
Case report: New perspectives on gait initiation strategies from a case of full toes amputation in a professional mountain climber
Authors: Storniolo Jorge L. , Farinelli Veronica , Onesti Mattia , Correale Luca , Peyré-Tartaruga Leonardo A. , Esposti Roberto , Cavallari Paolo
Published: September 2024

Introduction

We studied the postural behaviour of a 52-year-old professional mountain climber who underwent bilateral amputation of all five toes after severe frostbite.

Methods

Two tasks were examined: static posturography (SP) and gait initiation (GI), both performed barefoot and with prosthetic shoes. During SP, the participant kept the upright stance for 30 s while an optoelectronic system with reflective markers recorded feet position and body sway, and two force plates measured the Center of Pressure (CoP) displacement and Ground Reaction Force (GRF) of each foot. During GI, the participant stood on the force plates for at least 10 s and then spontaneously started walking, while optoelectronic system was used to monitor heel-off events; wireless EMG probes recorded the anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) in trunk and lower limb muscles.

Results

Compared to shod condition, during barefoot SP the participant showed a reduced anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) extension of the Base of Support (BoS), and the whole-body CoP shifted about 7 mm more anteriorly, approaching the “safer” geometric center of the BoS. Despite this difference, the AP and ML ranges of CoP oscillations were similar in both conditions. In GI, the trunk dorsal muscles showed different APA patterns: when barefoot they were excitatory in the trailing and inhibitory in the leading side while they were bilaterally inhibitory when shod.

Discussion

In parallel to CoP shift toward a “safer” position in SP, in barefoot GI the body rotation toward the trailing side may reveal a more “cautious” approach; this also shows that different postural strategies may be adopted in GI by one and the same individual.
The identification of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease using biofluids, neuroimaging, and artificial intelligence
Authors: Dennis Anthaea-Grace Patricia , Strafella Antonio P.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative movement disorder causing severe disability and cognitive impairment as the disease progresses. It is necessary to develop biomarkers for cognitive decline in PD for earlier detection and prediction of disease progression.

Methods

We reviewed literature which used artificial intelligence-based techniques, which can be more sensitive than other analyses, to determine potential biomarkers for cognitive impairment in PD.

Results

We found that combining biomarker types, including those from neuroimaging and biofluids, resulted in higher accuracy. Focused analysis on each biomarker type revealed that using structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) resulted in accuracy and area under the curve (AUC) values above 80%/0.80, and that beta-amyloid-42 and tau were able to classify PD subjects by cognitive function with accuracy and AUC values above 90%/0.90.

Discussion

We can conclude that applying both blood-based and imaging-based biomarkers may improve diagnostic accuracy and prediction of cognitive impairment in PD.
Appendicitis while on alectinib for non-small cell lung cancer: a tale of two case reports
Authors: Wheatley-Price Paul , Wong Boaz , Shah Hely , Sekhon Harman , Moore Sara
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Aberrant expression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is found in 3%–7% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Alectinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used as first-line treatment targeting ALK-positive tumors. We herein report two cases of appendicitis highlighting it as a rare, possible adverse event of treatment with alectinib.

Case presentation

The first case is a 60-year-old woman with a previous history of stage 1 lobular breast cancer and early-stage lung cancer treated with segmentectomy, subsequently presenting with ALK-positive advanced NSCLC. Treatment with alectinib resulted in partial response, but she developed gastrointestinal symptoms that were assessed with computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealing right lower quadrant stranding without appendiceal visualization. Her symptoms continued despite an antibiotic course with re-imaging concerning for acute appendicitis, which was successfully treated with appendectomy and amoxicillin–clavulanic acid. The second case is a previously healthy 58-year-old man with advanced ALK-positive NSCLC who was started on first-line treatment with alectinib and subsequently diagnosed with asymptomatic acute appendicitis on re-staging CT abdomen. Signs on CT resolved with amoxicillin–clavulanic acid. Definitive treatment was conducted with a delayed elective appendectomy. Both patients remained on alectinib over the courses of appendicitis without interruption.

Conclusion

While appendicitis has not been previously described as an adverse effect of alectinib, its incidence in two patients at our center within several months following the administration of alectinib raises its suspicion as a possible adverse effect.
Malignant primary female genital system lymphoid
Authors: Jia Qiucheng , Tang Huimin , Dong Zhiyong , Chen Wanying , Chen Mengyue , Wei Weiwei , Chen Jiming
Published: September 2024

Lymphoma is a malignant tumour of the lymphatic system with an incidence rate of about 6.6 per 100,000 people. Among the many lymphoma types, the most common is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Lymphomas are common in the gastrointestinal tract, breast, neck, etc., while those in female genital tracts are rare. In this article, we report four cases of primary female genital system lymphoid malignancies diagnosed and treated at our hospital from 2018 to 2023, with a systematic review.
Targeting the ubiquitin-proteasome system: a novel therapeutic strategy for neuroblastoma
Authors: He Yangshen , Wang Jianing , Xiao Tiantian
Published: September 2024

Neuroblastoma (NB) stands as a common and formidable malignant tumor among children, characterized by marked tumor heterogeneity and resistance to conventional treatments. Central to the regulation of protein stability, localization, and function is the process of ubiquitination—a critical protein modification. The therapeutic potential of drugs that target deubiquitination, demonstrated in the treatment of refractory multiple myeloma, warrants investigation in the context of NB. This review endeavors to demystify the intricate biological implications of ubiquitination within NB pathology, synthesize the current landscape of preclinical studies focused on the inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in NB, and assess the viability of this strategy as an innovative therapeutic frontier.