Search Results (257,448)

COVID-19 infection in high-risk populations is fatal and has a poor prognosis, necessitating a test to determine the protectiveness of immune response. Antibody testing is necessary to determine the body’s immune response to COVID-19 infection and also vaccination strategies. Among the various methods available, the chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) test is more widely used and accessible to determine antibody levels. This study aimed to determine the protection level of S-RBD SARS-CoV-2 IgG using CLIA compared to the Surrogate Virus Neutralization Test (SVNT). The population of this study comprised all healthcare professionals who experienced S-RBD SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody level examinations. S-RBD SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels were examined using CLIA and SVNT. The cut-off was determined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and area under the curve (AUC) measurements were evaluated. The result showed a strong positive correlation between S-RBD SARS-CoV-2 IgG CLIA and SVNT, with a value of r = 0.933 and p < 0.001. The value ≥ 37.29 BAU/mL was determined as the cut-off based on SVNT 30% inhibition level with sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 96.5%, 90.9%, 96.5%, and 90.9%, respectively. A titer of antibodies greater than or equal to 37.29 BAU/mL with CLIA showed the presence of protective antibodies compared to SVNT. Full article

Optimized use of prophylactic or therapeutic donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) is aimed at improving clinical outcomes in patients with malignant and non-malignant hematological diseases who have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Memory T-lymphocytes (CD45RA−/CD45RO+) play a crucial role in immune reconstitution post-HSCT. The infusion of memory T cells is proven to be safe and effective in improving outcomes due to the enhanced reconstitution of immunity and increased protection against viremia, without exacerbating graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) risks. Studies indicate their persistence and efficacy in combating viral pathogens, suggesting a viable therapeutic avenue for patients. Conversely, using virus-specific T cells for viremia control presents challenges, such as regulatory hurdles, cost, and production time compared to CD45RA-memory T lymphocytes. Additionally, the modulation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) for therapeutic use has become an important area of investigation in GVHD, playing a pivotal role in immune tolerance modulation, potentially mitigating GVHD and reducing pharmacological immunosuppression requirements. Finally, donor T cell-mediated graft-versus-leukemia immune responses hold promise in curbing relapse rates post-HSCT, providing a multifaceted approach to therapeutic intervention in high-risk disease scenarios. This comprehensive review underscores the multifaceted roles of T lymphocytes in HSCT outcomes and identifies avenues for further research and clinical application. Full article

Air pollution has recently gained much attention from the general population. Despite pollution control being an issue in both urban and rural regions, most of the available research has concentrated on urban districts. Hence, investigations into how urban–rural transition affects PM_2.5 are warranted within the framework of urban–rural integration. Using the Yellow River Basin as a case study, this study employed the entropy method and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to uncover the extent of urban–rural transformation. It then used the spatial autocorrelation method to investigate the spatiotemporal features of PM_2.5 and the spatial econometric model to investigate the mechanisms that influence the relationship between urban–rural transformation and PM_2.5. The results are as follows: (1) The level of urban–rural transformation shows an obvious upward trend with time. The development has progressed from asymmetrical north-east and south-west elevations to a more balanced pattern of north-east, middle-east, and west-west elevations. (2) The PM_2.5 concentration increased steadily, then fluctuated, and finally decreased. Notably, the general pattern has not changed much, and it is high in the east and low in the west. (3) Different subsystems of the urban–rural transformation have different impacts on air pollution at different stages. The influence of industrial transformation (IT) on PM_2.5 showed an inverted “N-shaped” curve of negative–negative–changes, and the industrial structure played a leading role in the spatiotemporal evolution of PM_2.5. An inverted “U-shaped” curve forms the left side of the impact of population transition (PT) on PM_2.5. Land transformation (LT) has a “U-shaped” curve for its effect on PM_2.5. This study provides a new perspective on the topic of PM_2.5 and its connection to urban–rural integration, which is crucial to understanding the dynamics of this shift. To achieve the goal of high-quality development, this study supports regional initiatives to reduce PM_2.5 emissions in the Yellow River Basin. Moreover, the results of this study can provide a reference for decision-makers in the world’s densely populated areas that suffer from serious air pollution. Full article

We introduce a high-throughput 3D scanning system designed to accurately measure cattle phenotypes. This scanner employs an array of depth sensors, i.e., time-of-flight (ToF) sensors, each controlled by dedicated embedded devices. The sensors generate high-fidelity 3D point clouds, which are automatically stitched using a point could segmentation approach through deep learning. The deep learner combines raw RGB and depth data to identify correspondences between the multiple 3D point clouds, thus creating a single and accurate mesh that reconstructs the cattle geometry on the fly. In order to evaluate the performance of our system, we implemented a two-fold validation process. Initially, we quantitatively tested the scanner for its ability to determine accurate volume and surface area measurements in a controlled environment featuring known objects. Next, we explored the impact and need for multi-device synchronization when scanning moving targets (cattle). Finally, we performed qualitative and quantitative measurements on cattle. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system is capable of producing high-quality meshes of untamed cattle with accurate volume and surface area measurements for livestock studies. Full article

Smart Transformer (ST)-based Meshed Hybrid AC/DC Microgrids (MHMs) present a promising solution to enhance the efficiency of conventional microgrids (MGs) and facilitate higher integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), simultaneously managing active and reactive power dispatch. However, MHMs face challenges in resource management under uncertainty and control of electronic converters linked to the ST and DERs, complicating the pursuit of optimal system performance. This paper introduces a Data-Driven Distributionally Robust Optimization (DDDRO) approach for day-ahead operation planning in ST-based MHMs, focusing on minimizing network losses, voltage deviations, and operational costs by optimizing the reactive power dispatch of DERs. The approach accounts for uncertainties in photovoltaic generator (PVG) output and demand. The Column-and-Constraint Generation (C&CG) algorithm and the Duality-Free Decomposition (DFD) method are employed. The initial mixed-integer non-linear planning problem is also reformulated into a mixed-integer (MI) Second-Order Cone Programming (SOCP) problem using second-order cone relaxation and a positive octagonal constraint method. Simulation results on a connected MHM system validate the model’s efficacy and performance. The study also highlights the advantages of the meshed MG structure and the positive impact of integrating the ST into MHMs, leveraging the multi-stage converter’s flexibility for optimal energy management under uncertain conditions. Full article

The primary objective of this study was to assess the influence of exercise interventions on cancer-related fatigue (CRF), specifically in breast cancer patients, with the ultimate goal of establishing an optimal exercise prescription for breast cancer patients. A comprehensive search was undertaken across multiple databases, including Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus, covering data published up to 1 September 2023. A meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) along with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI), thereby quantifying the effectiveness of exercise in alleviating CRF in the breast cancer patient population. Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Aerobic exercise (SMD, −0.17, p = 0.02), resistance exercise (SMD, −0.37, p = 0.0009), and combined exercise (SMD, −0.53, p < 0.0001) significantly improved CRF in breast cancer patients. In addition, exercise intervention conducted ≥3 times per week (SMD, −0.47, p = 0.0001) for >60 min per session (SMD, −0.63, p < 0.0001) and ≥180 min per week (SMD, −0.79, p < 0.0001) had greater effects on improving CRF in breast cancer patients, especially middle-aged patients (SMD, −0.42, p < 0.0001). Exercise is an effective approach to improving CRF in breast cancer patients. When devising an exercise program, the primary consideration should be the incorporation of combined exercise as the principal intervention. This entails ensuring that participants engage in the program at least three times weekly, with each session lasting for more than 60 min. The ultimate aim is to achieve a total weekly exercise duration of 180 min by progressively increasing the frequency of exercise sessions. Full article

In this study, a multi-component integrated dissolution evaluation system of Yuanhu Zhitong tablets (YZTs) was established based on in vitro and in vivo correlation (IVIVC). The dissolution tests of five quality markers (Q-markers), including tetrahydropalmatine, α-allocryptopine, protopine, corydaline, and byakangelicin, in YZTs were conducted under different dissolution conditions, and pharmacokinetic studies were performed in beagle dogs to construct a correlation model using numerical deconvolution. The data of the five ingredients were integrated in vitro and in vivo according to the biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS) to establish an IVIVC integrating multiple Q-markers. The dissolution media with the best correlation of components were obtained and validated. The results showed that all five components were classified as BCS I compounds, and α-allocryptopine, byakangelicin, tetrahydropalmatine, and corydaline showed good correlation in the paddle method, 75 rpm, with dissolution media of artificial gastric fluid, acetate buffer, acetate buffer and 0.1 M HCl, respectively. Protopine showed good correlation in the paddle method, 100 rpm, with dissolution media of 0.1 M HCl. The integrated BCS I Q-markers showed the best correlation in the medium of acetate buffer. The multi-component integrated dissolution evaluation system established in this experiment accurately predicted the pharmacokinetic data of YZTs by verifying the media, which can be used for the quality control of YZTs. The present study provides an effective and promising strategy for the dissolution evaluation for traditional Chinese medicine preparations. Full article

Land vehicle gravity anomaly measurement relies heavily on global navigation satellite system (GNSS). However, when gravity measurement is carried out in special environments such as forests, valleys and tunnels, GNSS observation quality will inevitably decline, which directly affects the accuracy of gravity anomaly measurement. From the point of view of the gravity anomaly measurement principle, obtaining accurate elevation information of the test line is the premise to ensure the accuracy of gravity anomaly measurement. Thus, this paper proposes a strapdown land vehicle dynamic gravity anomaly measurement method combining an odometer and a geo-information system. In this method, strapdown inertial navigation errors are suppressed by observing the velocity of the odometer output. Then, the position information obtained by the combined navigation is entered into the geo-information system to obtain the elevation. The results of a single test line show that the external coincidence accuracy of the proposed method is 1.65 mGal, and the accuracy is comparable to the traditional GNSS assisted land vehicle gravimetry method. In addition, compared with the odometer assisted land vehicle gravimetry method, the external coincidence accuracy is increased by 30%. Full article

Abundant genetic variation among the geographical provenances of Juglans mandshurica. The biomass and allometry of 3-year-old J. mandshurica seedlings were studied among 21 Chinese provenances to understand the variations in biomass allocation in depth. Standardized major axis (SMA) regression analysis was used to analyze the allometry relationship between the organs and whole plants or between the organs of plants from different provenances. Pearson correlation analysis determined the correlation of various biomass traits and the geographical and climatic factors of provenances. Significant variations (p < 0.001) in seedling biomass and its distribution were observed among the different provenances. The root, stem, leaf, aboveground, and total biomasses of Hongshi, Ji’an, Fangzheng, and Kuandian provenances were the highest, but their root allocation and root–shoot ratios were all lower. This phenomenon is just the opposite in the Lushuihe provenance. An extremely marked positive correlation (p < 0.001) was detected among the root, stem, leaf, aboveground, and total biomasses, but there were significant negative correlations (p < 0.001) among the biomass allocation ratios (except between root allocation and root–shoot ratios). The organs, aboveground, and total biomasses were mainly positively affected by annual mean precipitation except for leaf biomass. The allometric growth relationship between the organs or between the organs (except roots) and whole plants of J. mandshurica changed remarkably among the provenances (p < 0.05). The organ–biomass allocation in J. mandshurica seedlings conspicuously varied among the different provenances, which was mainly caused by the genetic variations in the seeds. This study provided the basis for the selection of optimal provenances for J. mandshurica seedlings. Full article

Environmental pollution is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to skin and scalp damage. Oral supplementation with a specific blend of four standardized botanical extracts (Rosmarinus officinalis, Lippia citriodora, Olea europaea leaf, and Sophora japonica) has been previously demonstrated to enhance skin health in individuals exposed to high environmental stress. Thus, it might represent a convenient strategy to also improve their scalp health aspect, particularly in subjects with sensitive scalps. To support these effects, a 12-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was performed in 66 women working outdoors in urban areas with high particulate matter (PM) levels and taking 250 mg of the botanical blend daily. Product efficacy was measured as follows: skin antioxidant status (FRAP); skin and scalp moisturization (corneometer), transepidermal water loss (tewameter), and oiliness (sebumeter); skin radiance and colour (spectrophotometer), elasticity and firmness (cutometer) and wrinkle depth (image analysis); and scalp clinical evaluation. Despite constant exposure to increased levels of PM, the tested product positively influenced all monitored parameters compared to both baseline and the placebo-treated group, in as early as 4 weeks. At the end of the study, key improvements included increased skin FRAP (21.9%), moisturization (9.5%), radiance (24.9%) and reduced wrinkle depth (−16.5%), dark spot pigmentation (−26.2%), and skin oiliness (−19.3%). For the scalp, moisturization increased (14.1%), TEWL decreased (−13.8%), and sebum content reduced by 16.2%. Additionally, 71% of subjects with sensitive scalps experienced reduced redness. These findings highlight the extensive benefits of the ingredient, expanding its application beyond conventional skin treatments to also alleviate scalp issues. Full article

Due to the paucity of information on circus management effects on the welfare of horses, this study investigated the plasma concentrations of noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin, known to be indices of mental status, as well as the reactive oxygen metabolites (d-Roms) and the biological antioxidant potential (BAP), likely to denote the oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium of organisms, in horses managed in different Italian circuses. For the study, 56 circus horses of different breeds and ages were enrolled and divided into six groups according to the horses’ management (circus management, groups G1–G5; classic riding management representing the control group, CG). From each horse, blood samples were collected in order to assess the concentration of selected parameters. One-way ANOVA showed no differences (p > 0.05) in serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, d-Roms and BAP values between circus and control horses. No differences related to the breed of the horses enrolled in the study were found in the values of all investigated parameters (p > 0.05). Furthermore, neurotransmitters showed overlapping levels between the different age classes of investigated horses (p > 0.05); contrariwise, the age of the horse displayed a significant effect on BAP values, with the oldest horses (16–21 age class) exhibiting lower BAP values compared to 4–5, 6–10 and 11–15 age classes (p < 0.05), whereas the d-Roms showed similar values in horses of different age classes (p > 0.05). The results gathered in the present study suggest that the mental status of horses under circus management was not compromised; however, better attention and care in the management of older horses is advocated, as they showed a lower biological antioxidant potential than younger horses; thus, they could be more susceptible to oxidative stress. Full article

The Kuye River is the second largest tributary of the middle Yellow River. (1) Background: The Kuye River Basin, a typical erosion area of the Loess Plateau region, faces significant environmental challenges and intense human activities. Balancing environmental sustainability and economic development in this region is urgent. (2) Methods: This study analyses the phenomena, evolutionary processes, driving mechanisms, and future development trends. We assess ecological risks and drivers of land use change using data from 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2022. (3) Results: Farmland, grassland, and construction land are the main land use types, accounting for 85.63% of the total area. Construction land increased by 7.95 times over 22 years, mainly due to the conversion of woodland, grassland, and farmland. The landscape pattern increased in patches from 4713 in 2000 to 6522 in 2022. Patch density decreased from 0.0945 to 0.0771 between 2000 and 2015, then rose to 0.0788 in 2022. Post-2015, increased human intervention and urban development led to significant landscape fragmentation and higher ecological risk, expected to persist until 2030. Geographical detector analysis identified distance from roads, distance from cities, night light, and precipitation as key factors influencing landscape ecological risk. The interaction of anthropogenic disturbance with other factors showed a non-linear increase in risk, with combined factors having a greater impact than individual ones. (4) Conclusions: The Kuye River Basin’s landscape ecological risk is influenced by both natural conditions and human activities. To achieve sustainability, it is essential to protect critical areas, regulate development, and improve the adaptive management of ecological risks through innovative policies, integrated regulations, and technological solutions for ecosystem restoration. These findings provide empirical evidence to support decision-making and underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate ecological risks and promote sustainable development in the Kuye River Basin. Full article

Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes, induced by the deposition of pemphigus IgG, which mainly targets desmogleins 1 and 3 (Dsg1 and 3). This autoantibody causes steric interference between Dsg1 and 3 and the loss of cell adhesion, producing acantholysis. This molecule and its cellular effects are clinically reflected as intraepidermal blistering. Pemphigus vulgaris-IgG (PV-IgG) binding involves p38MAPK-signaling-dependent caspase-3 activation. The present work assessed the in vitro effect of PV-IgG on the adherence of HaCaT cells dependent on caspase-3. PV-IgG induced cell detachment and apoptotic changes, as demonstrated by annexin fluorescent assays. The effect of caspase-3 induced by PV-IgG was suppressed in cells pre-treated with caspase-3-shRNA, and normal IgG (N-IgG) as a control had no relevant effects on the aforementioned parameters. The results demonstrated that shRNA reduces caspase-3 expression, as measured via qRT-PCR and via Western blot and immunofluorescence, and increases cell adhesion. In conclusion, shRNA prevented in vitro cell detachment and the late effects of apoptosis induced by PV-IgG on HaCaT cells, furthering our understanding of the molecular role of caspase-3 cell adhesion dependence in pemphigus disease. Full article

Background. One hundred years have passed since the discovery of insulin, which is one of the most relevant events of the 20th century. This period resulted in extraordinary progress in the development of novel molecules to improve glucose control, simplify the insulin regimen, and ameliorate the quality of life. In late March 2024, the first once-weekly basal analog Icodec was approved for diabetes mellitus, generating high expectations. Our aim was to systematically review and meta-analyze the efficacy and safety of Icodec compared to once-daily insulin analogs in type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods. PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Studies were included for the synthesis according to the following prespecified inclusion criteria: uncontrolled T1D or T2D, age ≥ 18 years, insulin Icodec vs. active comparators (Degludec U100, Glargine U100, Glargine U300, and Detemir), phase 3, multicenter, double-blind or open-label RCTs, and a study duration ≥ 24 weeks. Results. The systematic review included 4347 patients with T1D and T2D inadequately controlled (2172 randomized to Icodec vs. 2175 randomized to once-daily basal analogs). Icodec, compared to once-daily basal analogs, slightly reduced the levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with an estimated treatment difference (ETD) of −0.14% [95%CI −0.25; −0.03], p = 0.01, and I² 68%. Patients randomized to Icodec compared to those on once-daily basal analogs had a greater probability to achieve HbA1c < 7% without clinically relevant or severe hypoglycemic events in 12 weeks from randomization with an estimated risk ratio (ERR) of 1.17, [95%CI 1.01, 1.36], p = 0.03, and I² 66%. We did not find a difference in fasting glucose levels, time in range, and time above range between Icodec and comparators. Icodec, compared to once-daily basal analogs, resulted in a slight but statistically significant weight gain of 0.62 kg [95%CI 0.25; 0.99], p = 0.001, and I² 25%. The frequency of hypoglycemic events (ERR 1.16 [95%CI 0.95; 1.41]), adverse events (ERR 1.04 [95%CI 1.00; 1.08]), injection-site reactions (ERR 1.08 [95%CI 0.62; 1.90]), and the discontinuation of treatments were similar between the two groups. Icodec was found to work better when used in a basal-only than basal-bolus regimen with an ETD in HbA1c of −0.22%, a probability of achieving glucose control of +33%, a probability of achieving glucose control without clinically relevant or severe hypoglycemia of +28%, more time spent in target (+4.55%) and less time spent in hyperglycemia (−5.14%). The risk of clinically relevant or severe hypoglycemic events was significantly higher when background glinides and sulfonylureas were added to basal analogs (ERR 1.42 [95%CI 1.05; 1.93]). Conclusion. Insulin Icodec is substantially non-inferior to once-daily insulin analogs in T2D, either insulin-naïve or insulin-treated. However, Icodec works slightly better than competitors when used in a basal-only rather than basal-bolus regimen. Weight gain and hypoglycemic risk are substantially low but not negligible. Patients’ education, adequate lifestyle and pharmacological interventions, and appropriate therapy adjustments are essential to minimize risks. This systematic review is registered as PROSPERO CRD42024568680. Full article

The effect of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) on the growth, meat quality, carcass characteristics, hematobiochemical profile, and cecal bacteria of broiler chicken was investigated in this research trial. In this study, 192-day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were assigned in a completely randomized design to three groups: control, antibiotic, and MLP. A standard basal diet was given to the control group, while the antibiotic group received 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline, and the MLP group received 100 mg/kg M. oleifera leaf powder supplemented basal diet. Each group was further divided into eight replicates consisting of eight birds each, and the trial ran for 35 days. Among the groups, the MLP-fed broilers achieved the highest final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI). Notably, the FCR for the whole experimental period was lower in the MLP group, indicating a more efficient use of feed for growth. Supplementation of MLP with basal diet significantly increased (p < 0.05) the weight of thighs and drumsticks relative to live weight %, while the spleen and abdominal fat weight (% of live weight) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Adding MLP to the diet improved the meat quality of broilers, as indicated by the highest pH of meat at 45 min and the lowest cooking loss (%) observed in this group. MLP exhibited hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic effects, with the lowest total cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to non-supplemented groups. The hematological profile revealed that the MLP group exhibited the highest RBC count and Hb level, while also showing the lowest H/L ratio. Moringa supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) modulated the cecal bacterial population, reducing pathogenic E. coli and Shigella spp. while increasing beneficial Lactobacillus spp. and the total aerobic plate count (TAPC). In conclusion, Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) can be used as a natural feed supplement for promoting the growth, meat quality, healthy blood, and sound health of broilers. Full article