bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical Model for Concrete Cover Separation in Prestressed Near-Surface-Mounted Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Gong Shuang , Deng Xudong , Song Zegang , Yuan Bo , Dai Lizhao , Peng Hui
Published: February 2025

This study presents a novel method for calculating the stress and bending moment in reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with prestressed near-surface-mounted (NSM) carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), focusing specifically on separation failure at the end concrete cover. By characterizing the geometry of the failure body and integrating it with the concrete tooth model, a comprehensive theoretical framework has been developed. This framework utilizes sectional strain distribution characteristics to establish the bending moment–curvature relationship and the load–deflection curve during loading. Comparisons with experimental data confirm the accuracy and applicability of this analytical model. The results demonstrate that the model is capable of accurately predicting the load–deflection behavior of the strengthened beam. Additionally, this study underscores the substantial impact of the CFRP prestress level on the concrete cover separation failure, showing that optimizing prestress settings can effectively enhance the ductility and bearing capacity of the strengthened beam.
A Manufacturing Industry Perspective on Pandemic-Induced Supply Chain Disruptions
Authors: Qi Baomin , McCauley Emma , Baxter Katherine , Poo Mark Ching-Pong , Lau Yui-yip
Published: February 2025

This study explores the impact of COVID-19-related supply chain disruptions on manufacturing firms, focusing on external risks: demand, environmental, and supply. Our literature review reveals the general lack of comprehensive disruption plans and exposes the vulnerabilities in manufacturing firms with limited research addressing this issue. By adopting an interpretive research philosophy and a qualitative, inductive approach, our research delves into the operational challenges and adaptations implemented in the manufacturing sector during the pandemic through case studies. The findings reveal that COVID-19 significantly increased risks, causing demand surges, logistical disruptions, extended lead times, and labour shortages due to lockdowns, necessitating strategic shifts towards localised and digital supply chains in the manufacturing sector. Our study not only enriches the supply chain literature by detailing the pandemic’s effects and emphasising the need for robust disruption plans for enhanced resilience but also offers new insights into managing supply chain disruptions in crises, highlighting the necessity of strategic adaptations for future crisis preparedness across various industries.
Impact of Mutation Profile on Outcomes of Neoadjuvant Therapy in GIST
Authors: Mohammadi Mahmoud , Roets Evelyne , Bleckman Roos F. , Oosten Astrid W. , Grunhagen Dirk , Desar Ingrid M. E. , Bonenkamp Han , Reyners Anna K. L. , van Etten Boudewijn , Hartgrink Henk , Fiocco Marta , Schrage Yvonne , Steeghs Neeltje , Gelderblom Hans
Published: February 2025

Background: Neoadjuvant imatinib therapy plays a crucial role in the management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), but its impact across various mutational profiles remains uncertain. Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the clinicopathological features and to assess the response and surgical outcomes of neoadjuvant imatinib in GIST patients exhibiting diverse mutational profiles. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study, extracting data from the Dutch GIST Registry, including patients treated with neoadjuvant imatinib. Response rate was the primary outcome, and secondary outcomes were the time on neoadjuvant treatment and resection margins (R0 vs. R1/R2), respectively. Results: Between 2009 and 2021, 326 patients were treated with neoadjuvant imatinib, of which 264 (80.9%) underwent resection. A total of 197 (74.6%) of them had a KIT-exon 11 mutation, 19 (7.3%) had other KIT mutations, 10 (3.8%) had PDGFRA D842 mutations, 21 (6.8%) had other PDGFRA mutations, 2 (0.7%) had NTRK mutation, 1 (0.4%) had an SDH mutation, and 17 (6.4%) had WT GISTs. Patients with KIT-exon 11 mutations demonstrated a higher rate of partial response to imatinib (60.5% vs. 33.3%; p = 0.00). A positive resection margin (R1 or R2) was observed in 14 (21.2%) patients with a non-KIT exon 11 mutations and in 11 (5.5%) patients with a KIT-exon 11 mutation (p = 0.00). Moreover, non-KIT exon 11 mutation patients had a shorter median duration of neoadjuvant therapy (5.3 months, range 0.5–21.0) compared to patients with a KIT exon 11 mutation (8.8 months, range 0.2–31.3; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study highlights the variability in treatment response associated with different GIST mutational profiles. Patients with a KIT-exon-11 mutation tended to respond more favorably to neoadjuvant imatinib in terms of partial response and surgical outcomes.
Uterine Carcinosarcoma—A Retrospective Cohort Analysis from a Tertiary Centre on Epidemiology, Management Approach, Outcomes and Survival Patterns
Authors: Smyth Sarah Louise , Ripullone Katherine , Zouridis Andreas , Pappa Christina , Spain Geraldine , Gkorila Aikaterina , McCulloch Amika , Tupper Phoebe , Bibi Farhat , Sadeghi Negin , Sattar Alisha , Siddiki Shmaila , Addley Susan , Abdalla Mostafa , Ferrari Federico , Damato Stephen , Kehoe Sean , Soleymani majd Hooman
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) refers to a rare high-grade aggressive epithelial non-endometrioid endometrial carcinoma, with tumour cells demonstrating epithelial–mesenchymal metaplastic transition and composed of both carcinomatous epithelial and sarcomatous (homologous or heterologous) components. Methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology, management approach, outcomes and survival patterns of patients with UCS. Seventy-seven cases of UCS treated with primary surgery in a single tertiary centre underwent retrospective cohort analysis across a ten-year period. Observational data on clinicopathological variables and treatment pathways were reviewed and independent risk factors for relapse and mortality were analysed. Results: The 5-year disease-free and overall survival rates were 52.10% and 46.6%, respectively. Cervical stromal involvement was independently related to disease-free survival (HR = 6.26; 95%CI 1.82–21.59; p = 0.004) and overall survival (HR = 3.64; 95%CI 1.42–9.38; p = 0.007), whilst sarcomatous component type was independently related to recurrence only (HR = 3.62; 95%CI 1.38–9.51; p = 0.009) after adjusting for other pathological and treatment variables. No significant difference in recurrence or mortality was found when comparing the performance of pelvic lymph node dissection (p = 0.803 and p = 0.192 respectively) or the administration of adjuvant treatment (p = 0.546 and p = 0.627 respectively). Conclusions: Whilst our data suggests an encouraging similarity in overall survival rates compared with the literature, UCS continues to represent significant treatment challenges—with a paucity of guidelines available. Data regarding molecular analysis was not systemically available in our cohort, the more recent introduction of which (alongside the revision of endometrial cancer staging) will undoubtedly provide UCS patients with improved therapeutic options in the future.
Lipid Metabolism in Breast Cancer: From Basic Research to Clinical Application
Authors: Huang Xiangyu , Liu Bowen , Shen Songjie
Published: February 2025

Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among women globally, with significant links to obesity and lipid metabolism abnormalities. This review examines the role of lipid metabolism in breast cancer progression, highlighting its multifaceted contributions to tumor biology. We discuss key metabolic processes, including fatty acid metabolism, triglyceride metabolism, phospholipid metabolism, and cholesterol metabolism, detailing the reprogramming that occurs in these pathways within breast cancer cells. Alterations in lipid metabolism are emphasized for their roles in supporting energy production, membrane biogenesis, and tumor aggressiveness. Furthermore, we examine how lipid metabolism influences immune responses in the tumor microenvironment, affecting immune cell function and therapeutic efficacy. The potential of lipid metabolism as a target for novel therapeutic strategies is also addressed, with a focus on inhibitors of key metabolic enzymes. By integrating lipid metabolism with breast cancer research, this review underscores the importance of lipid metabolism in understanding breast cancer biology and developing treatment approaches aimed at improving patient outcomes.
Enzymatic Oxidation of Hydroxytyrosol in Deep Eutectic Solvents for Chitosan Functionalization and Preparation of Bioactive Nanogels
Authors: Bellou Myrto G. , Skonta Anastasia , Chatzikonstantinou Alexandra V. , Polydera Angeliki C. , Katapodis Petros , Voutsas Epaminondas , Stamatis Haralambos
Published: February 2025

Biocatalytic processes for the formation of bioactive compounds and biopolymer preparations that can be applied in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics are gaining increasing interest due to their safety and sustainability, relying on environmentally friendly approaches and biocompatible compounds. In this work, we investigate the implementation of various Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) in the laccase-catalyzed oxidation of hydroxytyrosol (HT), aiming to produce its oligomer derivatives such as HT dimer and trimer. The composition of the reaction mixture in which the oligomers’ yield was the highest was 70% v/v Bet:PG (1:4 molar ratio). The oligomers formed were subsequently used for the non-enzymatic grafting of chitosan (CS) and the development of bioactive chitosan-based nanogels (NG). Grafted chitosan nanogels were prepared by ionic gelation using sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) as a cross-linking agent. The functionalized chitosan was characterized using Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, while Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed for nanogel characterization. Compared to unmodified chitosan nanogels, grafted chitosan nanogels exhibited almost ten-fold higher antioxidant activity and approximately 20% greater antibacterial activity.
CdS Quantum Dot Encapsulated in Anatase/Silica Core–Shell Nanostructures: A Synergistic Approach for Efficient Photocatalytic Water Purification
Authors: Alshoaibi Adil , Islam Shumaila , Alamer Kawther
Published: February 2025

A mesoporous anatase/silica core–shell nanostructure (ASCS) was synthesized via a sol–gel method at 90 °C, and then cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdS-QDs) were encapsulated in it, forming CdS-ASCS. The CdS-ASCS was synthesized to enhance the efficiency of heterogeneous nanophotocatalysts. The CdS-ASCS nanoparticles exhibited a core–shell morphology with a particle size of approximately 1.8 nm and a shell thickness of about 8 nm. The uniform distribution of cadmium, sulfur, titanium, and silicon was observed, along with a pore radius of roughly 2.5 nm and a bandgap energy of approximately 3.2 eV. Under ultraviolet irradiation, the CdS-ASCS demonstrated a photocatalytic degradation of 91% for methylene blue (MB) within 240 min, with a rate constant of 0.01 min−1. These findings suggested that CdS-ASCS is a highly effective photocatalyst with promising applications in water purification.
Gliadin-Rich Diet Worsens Immune and Redox Impairments in Prematurely Aging Mice
Authors: Díaz-Del Cerro Estefanía , Garrido Antonio , Cruces Julia , Ceprián Noemí , De la Fuente Mónica
Published: February 2025

Gliadin is one of the most important fractions of gluten, a glycoprotein closely linked to the development of negative effects on physiological functions and the development of gastrointestinal diseases, such as celiac disease (CD). Research suggests that inadequate stress responses and anxiety states may trigger or at least contribute to the development of these pathological conditions. Peritoneal leukocytes from Prematurely Aging Mice (PAM), which are chronologically adult mice with compromised responses to stress and anxiety, exhibit functional changes when exposed in vitro to gliadin peptides, resembling some immune alterations found also in CD patients. This observation prompted us to investigate the effects of a gliadin-rich diet on immune function and redox state in PAM. In this study, adult female PAM were fed either a gluten-enriched diet (PAMD, 120 g/kg) or a standard diet (PAMC) for four weeks. Immune function parameters in peritoneal, splenic, and thymic leukocytes (phagocytosis, chemotaxis, Natural Killer activity, lymphoproliferation) and redox markers (glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced/oxidized glutathione, xanthine oxidase activity, lipid peroxidation) were evaluated. The results showed that PAMD exhibited more impaired immune function, lower antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced glutathione concentrations, as well as higher oxidized glutathione and increased xanthine oxidase activity compared to PAMC. These findings suggest that a gliadin-rich diet worsens immune and redox impairments in PAM, resembling some of the alterations previously described in CD, and indicating the potential of this animal for studying gluten-induced immune dysregulation.
The Role of Erythropoietin in Metabolic Regulation
Authors: Yin Weiqin , Noguchi Constance T.
Published: February 2025

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a key regulator of erythrocyte production, promoting erythroid progenitor cell survival, division, and differentiation in the fetal liver and adult bone marrow. Mice lacking EPO or its receptor (EPOR) die in utero due to severe anemia. Beyond hematopoiesis, EPO influences non-hematopoietic tissues, including glucose and fat metabolism in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and the liver. EPO is used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease clinically and plays a role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and regulating fat mass. EPO enhances lipolysis while inhibiting lipogenic gene expression in white adipose tissue, brown adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and the liver, acting through the EPO-EPOR-RUNX1 axis. The non-erythroid EPOR agonist ARA290 also improves diet-induced obesity and glucose tolerance providing evidence for EPO regulation of fat metabolism independent of EPO stimulated erythropoiesis. Therefore, in addition to the primary role of EPO to stimulate erythropoiesis, EPO contributes significantly to EPOR-dependent whole-body metabolic response.
Evaluating the Association of Sociodemographic, Anthropometric, and Lifestyle Factors with Emotional Eating: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mentzelou Maria , Papadopoulou Sousana K. , Psara Evmorfia , Vorvolakos Theophanis , Jacovides Constantina , Chatziprodromidou Ioanna P. , Lechouritis Eleftherios , Mitsiou Maria , Giaginis Constantinos
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Emotional eating is an eating behavior that is influenced by behaviors, stress, emotions, and individual feelings in relation to eating. For many decades, studies have shown that mental health is the complex outcome of numerous biological, psychological, and social factors, involving contextual factors beyond the individual. Aim: The objective of this study is to evaluate the interconnections between emotional eating and sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics and lifestyle factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 328 adults aged between 18 and 75 years. Relevant questionnaires were utilized to evaluate sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters and types of feeding and the expression of emotional food consumption (The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire). Results: According to the analyses above, negative correlations between the emotional eating score and waist circumference and Body Mass Index (BMI) were noted. Furthermore, men were more likely to eat emotionally than women. According to a univariable regression analysis, it was also shown that there was an inverse relationship with age up to 35.92 years and a positive relationship for age > 35.92 years. In addition, an inverse relationship with a decrease in the emotional eating score was found with a BMI up to <49.32 kg/m2. Conclusion: Our findings have emphasized the importance of performing large, prospective, well-designed, randomized, interventional, clinical trials to generate data indicating improvements in eating behavior. Moreover, in future studies the researchers must indicate which assessment tool for emotional eating they will use.
ESO-DETR: An Improved Real-Time Detection Transformer Model for Enhanced Small Object Detection in UAV Imagery
Authors: Liu Yingfan , He Miao , Hui Bin
Published: February 2025

Object detection is a fundamental capability that enables drones to perform various tasks. However, achieving a suitable equilibrium between performance, efficiency, and lightweight design continues to be a significant challenge for current algorithms. To address this issue, we propose an enhanced small object detection transformer model called ESO-DETR. First, we present a gated single-head attention backbone block, known as the GSHA block, which enhances the extraction of local details. Besides, ESO-DETR utilizes the multiscale multihead self-attention mechanism (MMSA) to efficiently manage complex features within its backbone network. We also introduce a novel and efficient feature fusion pyramid network for enhanced small object detection, termed ESO-FPN. This network integrates large convolutional kernels with dual-domain attention mechanisms. Lastly, we introduce the EMASlideVariFocal loss (ESVF Loss), which dynamically adjusts the weights to improve the model’s focus on more challenging samples. In comparison with the baseline model, ESO-DETR demonstrates enhancements of 3.9% and 4.0% in the mAP50 metric on the VisDrone and HIT-UAV datasets, respectively, while also reducing parameters by 25%. These results highlight the capability of ESO-DETR to improve detection accuracy while maintaining a lightweight and efficient structure.
Parental Mindset and SES: Mitigating Income–Vocabulary Gap in Early Childhood of Emergent Bilinguals
Authors: Luo Huilin , Lai Jialin , Zhao Jing
Published: February 2025

In addition to being influenced by structural factors like socioeconomic background (SES), children’s achievements are also influenced by psychological factors like the parental mindset. Mindsets may thus be a key to tempering the income–vocabulary gap in emerging bilingual children’s L1 and L2 vocabulary. This study compared how SES and the parental mindset connect with parental values on the importance of English, home literacy practices, and children’s Chinese and English vocabulary. We assessed 271 (Mage = 60.78 months) children’s Chinese and English vocabulary, and their parents completed a home literacy environment questionnaire. Path analysis showed that parental growth mindset does not vary with their SES. In addition, parents’ mindsets have a unique contribution to children’s outcomes through parents’ beliefs and the home literacy environment.
Challenges of Misinformation in Online Learning: A Post-Pandemic Perspective
Authors: Tkácová Hedviga
Published: February 2025

This entry examines the critical issue of misinformation within online learning environments following the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on its types, spread, and consequences. It identifies key drivers of misinformation, such as reliance on unverified sources, limited media literacy, and emotional susceptibility during uncertainty. The entry analyses the effects of misinformation on students, educators, and the broader educational ecosystem, including behavioral disorders, reduced motivation, and misinformation-driven public anxiety. To address these challenges, the entry proposes strategies such as enhancing digital literacy, fostering critical thinking, and encouraging social interaction in virtual learning spaces. Ultimately, this work aims to equip educators, policymakers, and stakeholders with insights to develop a resilient, informed, and equitable post-pandemic educational framework.
Determining the Accuracy of Structural Parameters Measured from LiDAR Images in Lowland Oak Forests
Authors: Kolić Jelena , Pernar Renata , Seletković Ante , Ančić Mario
Published: February 2025

Data on forests (e.g., height, diameter at breast height and volume) are increasingly being collected using remote sensing methods, leading to improved forest inventories. At present, a popular method for data collection is the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with LiDAR sensors, which allow for a more detailed assessment of structural parameters in both space and time, facilitating the practical application of more complex forest management systems. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to measure the structural elements of stands (e.g., volume, basal area, tree count, height, diameter at breast height, crown width, and area) from LiDAR images and determine the accuracy of the obtained results. The research was conducted in a 5500 ha area containing some of the most valuable forests in Croatia, namely, lowland oak forests. The results of this study show that there are no statistically significant differences between the diameters and heights measured in the field and those from LiDAR images and, consequently, no difference in the calculated volume. This study also concluded that the use of unmanned aerial vehicles with various sensors can significantly reduce fieldwork while achieving the same accuracy in the results, thus leading to substantial savings in both time and money.
Microbial Shelf Life and Quality Assessment of Broiler Breast Meat: The Role of Cold Storage and Carcass Weight
Authors: Abdullah Abdullah Y. , Al-Nabulsi Anas , Jamama’h Mohammad , Khataybeh Batool , Al-Ghadi Mu’ath
Published: February 2025

Globally, poultry products have been associated with outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cold storage period, carcass weight, and product form on fresh broiler bacteriology and meat quality parameters. A total of 500 one-day-old broiler birds were raised to market age (28–35 days) before slaughtering. The carcasses were classified into two groups: light weight (approximately 1100 ± 50 g) and heavy weight (approximately 1400 ± 50 g). After 4 h of post-chilling aging, 256 carcasses were randomly selected to represent the two categories. Each category of 128 carcasses was randomly distributed into two groups of 64 carcasses. One group was stored as whole carcasses, while the other group was stored as part-cut deboned breast meat at 4 °C for 1, 3, 5, and 7 days of cold storage (16 samples per storage day). Post-chilling temperature, pH, cooking loss, water holding capacity, and shear force were significantly affected by product form and storage period. Water holding capacity and shear force were also affected by carcass weight (p < 0.001). Meat colors (L*, a*, b*, chroma, and hue values) were significantly affected by the storage period. The L* value was only affected by product form and carcass weight (p < 0.01). Crude protein and ether extract were significantly affected by carcass weight and storage period, while ash was only affected by carcass weight. Aerobic plate count, psychrotrophic count, proteolytic count, lipolytic count, and coliform count were significantly increased with storage time. In conclusion, carcass weight had no impact on overall meat quality, but the meat began to deteriorate and showed an increased spoilage rate after five days of cold storage.
Improving Foaming Properties and Quality of Pasteurized Milk Using Antimicrobial Agents from Wild Pediococcus acidilactici
Authors: Awad Sameh , EL-Sayed Abeer I. M. , Amer Dina , Atef Dalia , Ashraf Mona , Kan Jianquan , Du Muying , Elsaadany Khaled
Published: February 2025

Pasteurized milk foam has become a quality issue in some applications, such as cappuccino-style drinks, as it should be stable and high-capacity. The extended shelf life of pasteurized milk is also a challenge. Some factors affect the foam capacity and stability; among them, the increasing amount of free fatty acids in raw milk is critical. The psychrotrophic bacteria can produce a lipase-like enzyme, which is responsible for increasing the level of free fatty acids in raw milk. Therefore, this work aims to utilize the cell-free supernatant of a bacteriocin-producing culture as a natural preservative against psychrotrophic and spore-forming bacteria to enhance the foaming capacity and stability and improve the final product’s quality and shelf life. Milk samples from 15 dairy farms were assessed for free fatty acids, microbiological quality, and foaming capacity. Raw milk was divided into four portions: a control without any additive and cell-free supernatant (CFS) treatments, with CFS added at concentrations of 5, 10, and 15 mL/L in each portion. Raw milk was stored for 5 days before heat treatment at 75 °C/30 s, then cooled at 5 °C. All samples were examined for microbiological, free fatty acid, and foaming properties immediately after heat treatment and during storage up to 14 days. The results of this study reveal that there is a negative impact of free fatty acids on the capacity and stability of foaming. The cell-free supernatant (15 mL/L) of the traditional dairy isolate Pediococcus acidilactici inhibits the psychrotrophic bacteria in raw milk during storage for 5 days, a phenomenon which has a direct impact on reducing the free fatty acids, improving the foaming capacity and stability, as well as reducing the bitterness at the end of the shelf life of pasteurized milk up to 14 days compared to the detection of bitterness after 8 days in the control pasteurized milk. It is concluded that, to produce pasteurized milk with a high foaming capacity and extended shelf life, raw milk with low amounts of free fatty acids should be used and fast pasteurized or treated with a bacteriocin of lactic acid bacteria.
Optimizing Protein Profile, Flavor, Digestibility, and Microstructure: The Impact of Preheating and Reheating in Stir-Fried Chicken
Authors: Akhtar Kumayl Hassan , Gao Ziwu , Zhang Zeyu , Sun Xiangxiang , Yu Yumei , Ma Jiale , Zhang Dequan , Wang Zhenyu
Published: February 2025

Preheating and reheating play key roles in enhancing the nutritional and sensory qualities of stir-fried chicken. Thus, this study investigated the effect of preheating (D1) and reheating (D30) after 30 days of storage on the protein profile, lipid oxidation, flavor, texture, color, sensory properties, protein digestibility, and microstructure of household stir-fried chicken. Four doneness levels of preheating (medium rare (T1 = 62 °C), medium (T2 = 65 °C), medium well (T3 = 68 °C), and well done (T4 = 71 °C) and reheating (72 °C) were selected. Results revealed that preheating and reheating enhanced protein and lipid oxidation, while the unfolding of α-helix improved quality and digestibility. GC-MS identified 59 volatile compounds, including β-phellandrene and 1-octen-3-ol in preheating and anethole and benzaldehyde in reheating. Texture analysis showed decreased hardness, chewiness, and gumminess at T3. Lightness (L*) and redness (a*) were largely unaffected, except for the well done (D1T4, D30T4) doneness level, although yellowness (b*) increased with the increasing doneness levels. Sensory evaluation highlighted improved appearance, tenderness, and overall acceptability, particularly for D30T3. Digestibility enhanced with reheating, reaching up to 80% intestinal digestibility at D30T3. Microstructural analysis unveiled structural deformation, which was most pronounced at T4. Preheating followed by reheating enhanced meat quality attributes, with D30T3 emerging as the optimal doneness level for the industrial production of stir-fried chicken.
Fruit Carbohydrates and Their Impact on the Glycemic Index: A Study of Key Determinants
Authors: Singh Manish Kumar , Han Sunhee , Ju Songhyun , Ranbhise Jyotsna Suresh , Akter Salima , Kim Sung Soo , Kang Insug
Published: February 2025

Background: Fruits are a convenient and natural source of carbohydrates that can rapidly affect blood sugar levels and the glycemic index (GI). The GI plays a crucial role in the management of chronic diseases, including diabetes, obesity, hyperglycemia, and diet-related illnesses. Despite there being several health benefits linked with consuming fruits, it remains unclear which specific components of fruits are the key determinants that significantly influence the GI. Methods: This study retrospectively examined the relationship between different types of carbohydrates and the GI of various fruits to determine their correlation. The fruits’ sugar and fiber contents were identified from available public databases, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), FooDB, PubMed, and published sources. Results: Previously, the GI was determined by the available carbohydrates, which include different types of sugar. In this study, individual hexose sugars, along with the total carbohydrates and dietary fiber, were examined. The results indicated a strong correlation between fructose and the GI, whereas glucose and total glucose did not exhibit such a correlation. The total carbohydrate-to-fiber ratio displayed a stronger correlation (R = 0.57 and p > 0.0001) with the GI compared to glucose alone (R = 0.37; p = 0.01) or the total glucose (R = 0.45; p = 0.0009) with the consideration of fiber, while the scattering of data points around the regression line suggested that factors beyond the total carbohydrate and fiber also contribute to determining the GI. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that individual hexose sugars, especially fructose, significantly influence the GI. These findings suggest that the carbohydrate-to-fiber ratio may offer a more accurate and reliable metric for determining the GI than traditional methods. Further research is warranted to investigate the specific contribution of dietary fiber components, fruit texture, micronutrients, vitamins, genetic predispositions, gut microbiota, and the body’s physiological status to gain a deeper understanding of GI regulation.
Ageing of Red Wine (cv. Negroamaro) in Mediterranean Areas: Impact of Different Barrels and Apulian Traditional Amphorae on Phenolic Indices, Volatile Composition and Sensory Analysis
Authors: Prezioso Ilaria , Corcione Giuseppe , Digiorgio Chiara , Fioschi Gabriele , Paradiso Vito Michele
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the impact of different ageing containers on the volatile composition and quality of Negroamaro wine, a key variety from Apulia, Italy. Seven vessel types were evaluated: traditional Apulian amphorae (ozza), five types of oak barrels (American oak, French oak, European oak, a French + European oak and a multi-wood mix) and glass bottles as the control. The impact of the vessels was evaluated after 6 months of ageing through the characterization of phenolic, volatile and sensory profiles. Amphorae allowed a specific evolution of the wine’s primary aromas, such as fruity and floral notes, while enhancing volatile compounds like furaneol, which contributed to caramel and red fruit nuances, and also 3-methyl-2,4-nonanedione, a key compound related to anise, plum and premature ageing, depending on its concentration. This container also demonstrated effectiveness in stabilizing anthocyanin–tannin complexes, supporting color stabilization. Oak barrels allowed different outcomes to be obtained in terms of color stabilization, volatile profile, aroma and astringency. French oak exhibited the highest phenolic and tannin levels, enhancing anthocyanin stabilization and color intensity. European oak followed closely, while American oak excelled in color stabilization, with tannins less reactive to polymers. Mixed wood barrels showed lower phenolic extraction and the best astringency evolution.
Existence of Solutions for a Hadamard Fractional Boundary Value Problem at Resonance
Authors: Luca Rodica , Tudorache Alexandru
Published: February 2025

We explore the existence of solutions for a Hadamard fractional differential equation, subject to nonlocal boundary conditions, which contain Hadamard fractional derivatives and Riemann–Stieltjes integrals. This problem is a resonant one in the sense that the corresponding homogeneous boundary-value problem has nontrivial solutions. In the proof of the main result, we use the Mawhin continuation theorem.
Longitudinal Relationship Between Activities of Daily Living and Depression in Older Adults Based on Parallel Process Latent Growth Curve Model with Mediation
Authors: Yan Desheng , Li Guangming
Published: February 2025

Objective: The parallel process latent growth curve model (PP-LGCM) was used to examine the longitudinal relationship between activities of daily living (ADL) and depression and further tested whether chronic diseases (CDs) were associated with depression via mediating variable ADL. Methods: A sample of 2014 Chinese older adults aged 60 and over from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) was used. The activities of daily living scale, self-rating depression scale, and chronic diseases scale were used to investigate the ADL, depression, and CD levels of older adults. Following certain statistical analysis steps, we used SPSS 26 and Mplus 8.0 to perform statistical analysis on the data. Results: Firstly, ADL significantly declined in older adults from 2011 to 2018, while depression had a significant rise. Secondly, the intercept of ADL was correlated with the intercept of depression (r = 0.487, p < 0.001), and the slope of ADL was positively correlated with the slope of depression (r = 0.844, p < 0.001). Finally, the intercept of ADL mediated 39% of the association of chronic diseases and the intercept of depression. Conclusions: Our findings showed the trajectories of ADL and depression in older adults and demonstrated that ADL have various associations with depression in longitudinal development. In addition, the effect of chronic diseases on depression is partially mediated by ADL. The ADL play a partial mediating role between chronic diseases and depression in older adults, with an indirect effect of 39%, indicating that ADL are very important. Grasping the mediating mechanism of ADL will help alleviate depression levels in older adults with chronic diseases.
Crosstalk Between Coagulopathy and Inflammation in Obesity-Related Severe COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Talebabadi Nazanin , Mohd Tohit Eusni Rahayu , Abdullah Maha , Zahari Sham Siti Yazmin , Zailan Nur Fatin Zalikha , Amin Nordin Syafinaz , Ismail Irmi Zarina , Gazali Ahmad Mahfuz , Hassan Masriana
Published: February 2025

Obesity is among the most prevalent risk factors in the severe forms of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. COVID-19 patients with obesity often face severe complications that might be associated with overexpression of adiponectin, inflammatory cytokines, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors in visceral fat. The pre-existing subclinical inflammation associated with obesity can also lead to severe inflammatory responses. Elevation of proinflammatory cytokines considerably activates coagulation cascades, including the tissue factor (TF) pathway. The hypercoagulable state in COVID-19 is presented with severe pulmonary complications such as venous thromboembolism (VTE), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and disruption of vascular endothelial cells, which can lead to severe complications and death. The interaction between inflammatory response and coagulation mechanism in COVID-19 patients with obesity warrants a further understanding of prognosis and potential therapeutic approaches. This review discusses the crosstalk between inflammation and coagulopathy in obesity-related severe COVID-19 infection.
The Use of Complementary and Alternative Treatments in Adolescent Obesity: A Narrative Review
Authors: Shrestha Mahesh , Harris Ann , Bailey Teresa , Savant Urvi , Patel Dilip R.
Published: February 2025

Adolescent obesity is a growing global health problem all around the world. We reviewed the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for adolescent obesity, examining improvements in BMI or any metabolic indices of obesity. We performed a PubMed and Scopus search for articles on CAM treatments in adolescents aged 12–17 years, and included all studies with subjects in that age range. Out of 226 PubMed articles and 14 Scopus articles, 28 articles from PubMed and 1 article from Scopus fit our criteria. Most CAM studies that showed some improvement in BMI were acupuncture- or yoga-based. Yoga-based interventions showed a BMI reduction of 1–2 points, which is similar to results achieved in studies based on physical activity and Orlistat, a weak anti-obesity medication; meanwhile, acupuncture-based studies showed a slightly higher BMI reduction of 2–4 points, similar to that achieved with Liraglutide, a GLP-1 agonist that is a good anti-obesity medication. Herbs and supplements showed improvement in metabolic markers of obesity. Stress interventions in mind–body interventions, music skip-rope exercise, and creative drama in physical activity-based interventions also showed improvement in BMI. Although many of the studies reviewed were RCTs, the small sample size of those RCTs is a limiting factor. There may be a role for investigating this topic in larger populations to generate more effective conclusions.
Where Are the Knowledge Gaps in Menopause Across a Population? A National Cross-Sectional Survey in Wales
Authors: Sharp Catherine A. , Dennis Nicola , Hobson Gemma , Hamilton-Kirkwood Marysia , Hughes Karen
Published: February 2025

Background: A knowledge gap exists on population understanding and perspectives of menopause. To better support females, it is important to understand different population groups’ perceived knowledge of and attitudes towards menopause. This study explored perceived knowledge of menopause, awareness of menopausal symptoms, perceived negative impacts of menopause on females’ lives, and attitudes towards menopause. Methods: A national cross-sectional survey (n = 1020) was conducted with residents in Wales aged 16+ years as part of a larger population panel using a multi-method approach (online, telephone, and face-to-face), stratified by NHS health board area, age, sex, deprivation, and ethnicity. Questions on menopause were developed by the research team. Results: Nearly a third (31.1%) of participants reported having low knowledge of menopause, with younger age groups and males reporting the lowest knowledge. Hot flushes were the most recognised menopause symptom (92.2%). The symptom with the greatest gap in awareness between age groups, sexes, and deprivation quintiles was problems with memory or concentration. Most participants perceived menopause to have a large negative impact on females’ mental health (76.1%), working life (69.7%) and physical health (69.6%). Females and 30–49-year-olds were more likely to perceive large negative impacts across all three domains. Most participants (77.8%) agreed that more public discussion is needed on menopause to increase understanding. The greatest support for increasing public discussion was found amongst females and people aged 30–49 years old. Conclusions: At a population level, perceived knowledge of menopause and associated symptoms and perceived impacts on females’ lives varied across socio-demographic groups. While males were less knowledgeable than females, most males perceived negative impacts on females’ lives and agreed with action to improve the menopausal environment. Increasing knowledge in those who experience menopause and in those who support those who experience menopause could help females have a more positive transition process.
Isoliquiritigenin Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice by Activating Brown Adipose Tissue
Authors: Zhao Le , Li Minhao , Zhu Qingjun , Fang Xingqiang , Yang Haili , Zhao Yongju
Published: February 2025

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a critical regulator of non-shivering thermogenesis and energy expenditure, offering significant potential for addressing obesity and associated metabolic disorders. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a natural flavonoid, has shown promising therapeutic effects in lipid metabolism-related diseases. This study aimed to explore the effects of ISL on lipid metabolism and obesity using a high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity model in mice. Mice were subjected to an HFD and treated with ISL via gavage. The results demonstrated that ISL treatment significantly reduced HFD-induced weight gain and upregulated the expression of key thermogenic genes, suggesting enhanced BAT activity and thermogenesis. In vitro experiments using C3H10-T1/2 cells further supported these findings, as ISL treatment markedly increased the expression of UCP1 and PPARGC1a, which are critical regulators of thermogenesis. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying ISL’s effects, we conducted a transcriptomic analysis of BAT from ISL-treated mice. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes were predominantly associated with metabolic processes, including the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and fatty acid degradation. These pathways are integral to energy metabolism and thermogenesis, providing mechanistic insights into ISL’s anti-obesity effects. Additionally, ISL treatment significantly downregulated the expression of NNAT and SGK1, genes implicated in lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis. These findings suggest that ISL modulates BAT function by regulating the expression of these genes, thereby influencing lipid deposition and thermogenic capacity. In summary, this study suggests that ISL treatment has the potential to mitigate HFD-induced obesity by promoting BAT thermogenesis and modulating lipid metabolism. The molecular mechanisms involve the regulation of key metabolic pathways and genes, such as NNAT and SGK1, highlighting ISL’s potential as a therapeutic agent for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Exploring Potential Medications for Alzheimer’s Disease with Psychosis by Integrating Drug Target Information into Deep Learning Models: A Data-Driven Approach
Authors: Miranda Oshin , Jiang Chen , Qi Xiguang , Kofler Julia , Sweet Robert A. , Wang Lirong
Published: February 2025

Approximately 50% of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients develop psychotic symptoms, leading to a subtype known as psychosis in AD (AD + P), which is associated with accelerated cognitive decline compared to AD without psychosis. Currently, no FDA-approved medication specifically addresses AD + P. This study aims to improve psychosis predictions and identify potential therapeutic agents using the DeepBiomarker deep learning model by incorporating drug–target interactions. Electronic health records from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center were analyzed to predict psychosis within three months of AD diagnosis. AD + P patients were classified as those with either a formal psychosis diagnosis or antipsychotic prescriptions post-AD diagnosis. Two approaches were employed as follows: (1) a drug-focused method using individual medications and (2) a target-focused method pooling medications by shared targets. The updated DeepBiomarker model achieved an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) above 0.90 for psychosis prediction. A drug-focused analysis identified gabapentin, amlodipine, levothyroxine, and others as potentially beneficial. A target-focused analysis highlighted significant proteins, including integrins, calcium channels, and tyrosine hydroxylase, confirming several medications linked to these targets. Integrating drug–target information into predictive models improves the identification of medications for AD + P risk reduction, offering a promising strategy for therapeutic development.
Altered Expression Levels of Angiogenic Peptides in the Carotid Body of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Atanasova Dimitrinka Y. , Rashev Pavel I. , Mourdjeva Milena S. , Pupaki Despina V. , Hristova Anita , Dandov Angel D. , Lazarov Nikolai E.
Published: February 2025

The carotid body (CB), the main peripheral arterial chemoreceptor, exhibits considerable structural and neurochemical plasticity in response to pathological conditions such as high blood pressure. Previous studies have shown that morphological alterations in the hypertensive CB are characterized by enlarged parenchyma due to cellular hypertrophy and hyperplasia, and vasodilation. To test whether hypertension can also induce neoangiogenesis and modulate its chemosensory function, we examined the immunohistochemical expression of two angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelin-1 (ET), and their corresponding receptors in the CB of adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), and compared their expression patterns to that of age-matched normotensive Wistar rats (NWR). We found an increased VEGF-A and B, and VEGFR-2 expression in glomus and endothelial cells in the enlarged CB glomeruli of SHRs compared with that in NWR. Conversely, weaker immunoreactivity to VEGFR-1 was detected in cell clusters of the hypertensive CB. The expression of endothelin-converting enzyme 1 and its receptor ETA was higher in a subset of glomus cells in the normotensive CB, while the immunoreactivity to the ETB receptor was enhanced in endothelial cells of CB blood vessels in SHRs. The elevated endothelial expression of VEGF and ET-1 suggests their role as local vascular remodeling factors in the adaptation to hypertension, though their involvement in the cellular rearrangement and modulation of chemosensory function could also be implied.
GCN2-Mediated eIF2α Phosphorylation Is Required for Central Nervous System Remyelination
Authors: Falcón Paulina , Brito Álvaro , Escandón Marcela , Roa Juan Francisco , Martínez Nicolas W. , Tapia-Godoy Ariel , Farfán Pamela , Matus Soledad
Published: February 2025

Under conditions of amino acid deficiency, mammalian cells activate a nutrient-sensing kinase known as general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2). The activation of GCN2 results in the phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α), which can be phosphorylated by three other three integrated stress response (ISR) kinases, reducing overall protein synthesis. GCN2 activation also promotes the translation of specific mRNAs, some of which encode transcription factors that enhance the transcription of genes involved in the synthesis, transport, and metabolism of amino acids to restore cellular homeostasis. The phosphorylation of eIF2α has been shown to protect oligodendrocytes, the cells responsible for producing myelin in the central nervous system during remyelination. Here, we explore the potential role of the kinase GCN2 in the myelination process. We challenged mice deficient in the GCN2-encoding gene with a pharmacological demyelinating stimulus (cuprizone) and evaluated the recovery of myelin as well as ISR activation through the levels of eIF2α phosphorylation. Our findings indicate that GCN2 controls the establishment of myelin by fine-tuning its abundance and morphology in the central nervous system. We also found that GCN2 is essential for remyelination. Surprisingly, we discovered that GCN2 is necessary to maintain eIF2α levels during remyelination.