bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review of Micropulse Laser Trabeculoplasty (MLT) in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) Management: Efficacy, Safety, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Confalonieri Filippo , Casarini Barbara , Papapicco Annalaura , Stiro Fabio , Piscopo Raffaele , D’Andrea Luca , Petrovski Goran , Verdina Tommaso
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Micropulse laser trabeculoplasty (MLT) is gaining attention as a non-invasive treatment option for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), offering an alternative to traditional surgeries and medications. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness, safety, and potential of MLT in glaucoma management. Methods: This review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The strength of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology, following the 2011 Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) recommendations. Results: We identified 79 articles, and after removing duplicates and screening abstracts, 56 articles were eligible for further review. A detailed full-text analysis was conducted on 26 articles, of which 15 met the predefined inclusion criteria. Conclusions: MLT shows promise as a primary or adjunctive treatment for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients. Current evidence supports its efficacy and safety; however, additional long-term studies are needed to confirm its durability and compare its effectiveness with traditional surgical and pharmacological approaches. Standardizing treatment protocols and refining patient selection criteria could enhance MLT’s clinical value and support its broader adoption in glaucoma care.
Beneficial Effect of Fenofibrate in Combination with Silymarin on Parameters of Hereditary Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Disorders in an Animal Model of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Soukop Jan , Kazdová Ludmila , Hüttl Martina , Malínská Hana , Marková Irena , Oliyarnyk Olena , Miklánková Denisa , Gurská Soňa , Rácová Zuzana , Poruba Martin , Večeřa Rostislav
Published: January 2025

Background: Hypertriglyceridemia has serious health risks such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, nephropathy, and others. Fenofibrate is an effective hypolipidemic drug, but its benefits for ameliorating disorders associated with hypertriglyceridemia failed to be proven in clinical trials. Methods: To search for possible causes of this situation and possibilities of their favorable influence, we tested the effect of FF monotherapy and the combination of fenofibrate with silymarin on metabolic disorders in a unique model of hereditary hypertriglyceridemic rats (HHTg). Results: Fenofibrate treatment (100 mg/kg BW/day for four weeks) significantly decreased serum levels of triglyceride, (−77%) and free fatty acids (−29%), the hepatic accumulation of triglycerides, and the expression of genes encoding transcription factors involved in lipid metabolism (Srebf2, Nr1h4. Rxrα, and Slco1a1). In contrast, the hypertriglyceridemia-induced ectopic storage of lipids in muscles, the heart, and kidneys reduced glucose utilization in muscles and was not affected. In addition, fenofibrate reduced the activity of the antioxidant system, including Nrf2 expression (−35%) and increased lipoperoxidation in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in the kidneys and heart. Adding silymarin (micronized form, 600 mg/kg BW/day) to fenofibrate therapy increased the synthesis of glycogen in muscles, (+36%) and reduced hyperinsulinemia (−34%). In the liver, it increased the activity of the antioxidant system, including PON-1 activity and Nrf2 expression, and reduced the formation of lipoperoxides. The beneficial effect of combination therapy on the parameters of oxidative stress and lipoperoxidation was also observed, to a lesser extent, in the heart and kidneys. Conclusions: Our results suggest the potential beneficial use of the combination of FF with SLM in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia-induced metabolic disorders.
A Systematic Literature Review on the Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Transformational Leadership—A Critical Approach
Authors: Korakis Georgios , Poulaki Ioulia
Published: January 2025

The aim of this paper is to fill the identified gap in the literature regarding a holistic approach to the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and transformational leadership (TL). In fact, this paper contributes to the annotation of the literature in this particular field through a selective bibliography, aiming to cover the main contributors to the development of this topic and explore their different views in order to critically approach the pros and cons, producing implications for academia and organizations. A leader who applies the transformational style is able to indirectly or directly influence the efficiency of employees through increased levels of emotional intelligence and developed cognitive skills. The purpose of this paper is to examine the correlation between EI and TL. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted for papers published from 2000 onwards (21st century). Published papers were selected from international scientific journals that have been indexed as Q1 or Q2 (best quartiles) in the SJR database fields of business, management, and accounting. For the initial screening, the Google Scholar database was used to access papers through the following keywords: emotional intelligence, transformational leadership, organizational behavior, management, and organizational development. Furthermore, SLR’s PRISMA flow chart indicated the most suitable papers to be analyzed in the context of this paper. The research yielded 16 published studies confirming the positive relationship between EI and TL and 9 papers questioning it. These papers have been analyzed to open a discussion and draw conclusions. Research on the relationship between transformational leadership and emotional intelligence demonstrate a positive correlation in the majority, while there are some who question it.
The Relationship Between Self-Control and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescent Psychiatric Outpatients: Exploring the Role of Self-Control
Authors: Chen Zhenhua , Xu Jie , Zhang Ronghua , Wang Yuxuan , Shang Ziwei
Published: January 2025

Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant public health concern that threatens the physical and mental health of adolescents. Given its high prevalence among adolescents, understanding the characteristics and contributing factors of NSSI is crucial. This study aimed to characterize NSSI and examine the relationship between self-control and NSSI among adolescent psychiatric outpatients. Method: This study was conducted in a psychiatric department of a hospital in Hubei Province, China, involving 206 adolescent psychiatric outpatients (135 females, 12–18 years old). Assessments included the Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory (OSI), the Self-Control Scale (SCS), and a self-designed sociodemographic questionnaire. Result: In this sample, 77.18% reported a history of NSSI. The prevalence of NSSI was significantly higher in females than in males (χ2 = 19.059, p < 0.01). The NSSI group had significantly lower self-control scores compared to the non-NSSI group (F = 27.458, p < 0.01). In the NSSI group (n = 156), self-control was negatively associated with NSSI frequency and fully mediated by NSSI function. Conclusions: These findings highlight the complete mediating role of NSSI function between self-control and NSSI frequency, offering insights for future prevention and intervention efforts.
Array Coil Design and Experimental Verification for Separation of Tower Grounding Pulsed Eddy Current Excitation and Response Magnetic Field Signals
Authors: Zeng Zhiwu , Guo Zheng , Gan Fan , Zuo Yun , Tian Xu , Wang Xinxun , Lin Zhichi , Zhu Wanyi , Wang Xiaotian , Wang Jingang
Published: January 2025

Transmission line towers play an important role in power transmission, and the assessment of transmission line tower grounding by pulsed eddy current detection technology is conducive to the safe and reliable operation of power transmission. Aiming at the problem that the primary and secondary magnetic fields of the traditional pulsed eddy current transmitting coil structure overlap, resulting in the loss of shallow information, this paper first discusses the loss of shallow information caused by the aliasing of the magnetic field under the non-zero current shutdown effect, and then analyzes the traditional weak magnetic field coupling separation principle, and proposes the array coil structure of this paper based on the magnetic field vector destructive separation principle. Subsequently, the corresponding finite element simulation model was established, and the magnetic field distribution, magnetic field size, induced voltage, and mutual inductance coefficient of the array coil and the traditional center loop structure at the receiving coil were compared in the static field. In the transient field, the response signal of the array coil structure with or without the grounding body and the receiving coil is equidistant was simulated. The simulation results show that, under the same excitation, the vector coil array structure can greatly reduce the mutual inductance coefficient between the excitation and transmitting coils, reduce the influence of the primary magnetic field of the excitation coil on the receiving coil, and avoid the loss of shallow information. Finally, experimental tests were carried out on different tower grounding bodies. The experimental results at different measuring points prove that the array coil structure proposed in this paper can separate well the magnetic field generated by the excitation signal, improve the effective resolution time, avoid the loss of shallow information, and improve the operational stability of power transmission systems.
Grid Connection of a Squirrel-Cage Induction Generator Excited by a Partial Power Converter
Authors: Górski Dominik A. , Dziechciaruk Grzegorz , Iwański Grzegorz
Published: January 2025

This article concerns the connection process of a squirrel-cage induction generator to the grid/microgrid. Typically, the generator is unexcited, and its connection to the grid is made directly via a switch. This connection causes a high inrush current and grid voltage drop, which local consumers notice. This article proposes a robust power system consisting of the squirrel-cage induction generator, a power electronic converter, and a capacitor bank, all connected in parallel. The proposed configuration and a dedicated control system eliminate the inrush current and compensate for the generator’s reactive power during grid-tied operation. The converter controls the generator voltage build-up to adjust the generator voltage to the grid voltage (controlled excitation) and connects the generator to the grid, minimising distortions. Moreover, the system is robust because the failure of the converter does not stop the power generation, unlike a system with a back-to-back converter, where the converter links the generator and the grid. Furthermore, the parallel-connected converter has a significantly reduced power rating because it is only rated for a part of the reactive generator power. The rest of the reactive generator power is delivered by the fixed capacitor bank. The article presents the system configuration, the control method, and laboratory results confirming the system’s effectiveness in maintaining high-quality grid voltage during generator-to-grid connection and high-quality power supplied to the grid.
The Generation Load Aggregator Participates in the Electricity Purchase and Sale Strategy of the Electric Energy–Peak Shaving Market
Authors: Zhang Haonan , Tian Youwen , He Wei , Liang Zhining , Zhang Zihao , Zhang Nannan
Published: January 2025

To facilitate the participation of small- and medium-sized customer-side resources into the electricity market, with the aim of optimizing the allocation of electricity resources, this paper proposes the participation of small- and medium-sized adjustable resources in the electricity market in the form of generation load aggregators. Considering the coupling role of the electric energy market and the peaking auxiliary service market, a joint model of generation load aggregators that participate in the electric energy–peak shaving market is constructed. Comparing the model solution with those of the control group, the peak-to-valley difference of 10.5 MW is much lower than that of the control group, which is 16.54 MW. Compared with the control group, the profit was increased by USD 2.6 thousand, or 6.06%. It can be seen that the model proposed in this paper can reduce the peak and valley pressure as well as the control pressure of the power system from the load side. By participating in the peak shaving market, the transferable loads within the generation load aggregators can give full play to its adjustable characteristics, thereby reducing the cost of electricity consumption and increasing its profit, and providing a certain theoretical basis for the electricity market management to design the rules for adjustable users to enter the electricity market.
Collaborative Optimization of Direct Current Distribution Network Based on Scaled Electric Vehicles Charging and Discharging and Soft Open Points Topology Reconfiguration
Authors: Kang Yongqiang , Lu Gang , Chen Meng , Li Xinglong , Li Shuaibing
Published: January 2025

In order to reduce the impact of the performance degradation of a direct current (DC) distribution network system caused by the access of scaled electric vehicles (EVs), this paper proposes a collaborative optimization method for a DC distribution network based on scaled EVs charging and discharging and soft open points (SOPs) topology reconfiguration. Firstly, based on the normal charging of scaled EVs, the EV discharge power model and the discharge response model were established based on the V2G (vehicle-to-grid) characteristic. Based on the characteristics of SOPs regulating voltage and power distribution, the SOP model and its equivalent model of DC system are established to identify the collaborative optimization of scaled EVs charging and discharging and SOPs topology reconstruction. Secondly, the bi-level model that optimizes multi-objects, including distribution network system loss, total voltage deviation and customer benefits, is established. The upper and lower models use the multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm and simulated annealing algorithm to jointly optimize the optimal EV discharge power and the optimal SOP access configuration simultaneously. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed collaborative optimization method is verified by a modified IEEE 33-node DC system example.
Comprehensive Characterization of the Odor-Active Compounds in Different Processed Varieties of Yunnan White Tea (Camellia sinensis) by GC×GC-O-MS and Chemometrics
Authors: Raza Junaid , Wang Baosong , Duan Yue , Song Huanlu , Raza Ali , Wang Dongfeng
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the aroma characterization of unique white tea varieties from the Lüchun county of Yunnan province, Mainland China. These include shaken, unshaken, steam-cooked, and compressed varieties. The aroma profile of white tea varieties was analyzed using two-dimensional gas chromatography–olfactometry–mass spectrometry (GC×GC-O-MS), electronic nose (e-nose), and descriptive sensory evaluation. A chemometric approach was used to compare sensory scores to instrumental data. A total of 154 volatile compounds were detected in 16 white tea varieties through GC×GC-O-MS. Among these, 133 compounds were successfully identified through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) library, and 21 were listed as unknown. The identified volatile classes include aldehydes, such as hexanal and heptanal, which contribute to the green aroma of white tea, and alcohols like 2-heptanol and 3-hexen-1-ol, which exhibit fresh and floral odor notes. The content and relative odor active values (r-OAVs) of the volatile compounds were calculated. The chemometric data revealed significant variations in volatile contents between shaken and unshaken white tea varieties. The orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model showed strong validity and stability. This study describes the impact of processing conditions on the flavor profile of white tea and provides a solid foundation for monitoring the aroma quality of different processed white tea varieties.
From Traditional Typing to Genomic Precision: Whole-Genome Sequencing of Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Refrigerated Foods in Chile
Authors: Parra-Flores Julio , Daza-Prieto Beatriz , Chavarria Pamela , Troncoso Miriam , Stöger Anna , Figueroa Guillermo , Mancilla-Rojano Jetsi , Cruz-Córdova Ariadnna , Martinovic Aleksandra , Ruppitsch Werner
Published: January 2025

Ready-to-eat (RTE) foods are the most common sources of Listeria monocytogenes transmission. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) enhances the investigation of foodborne outbreaks by enabling the tracking of pathogen sources and the prediction of genetic traits related to virulence, stress, and antimicrobial resistance, which benefit food safety management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of WGS in the typing of 16 L. monocytogenes strains isolated from refrigerated foods in Chile, highlighting its advantages in pathogen identification and the improvement of epidemiological surveillance and food safety. Using cgMLST, a cluster was identified comprising 2 strains with zero allele differences among the 16 strains evaluated. Ninety-four percent of the isolates (15/16) were serotype 1/2b, and 88% of them (14/16) were ST5. All strains shared identical virulence genes related to adhesion (ami, iap, lapB), stress resistance (clpCEP), invasion (aut, iapcwhA, inlAB, lpeA), toxin production (hly), and intracellular regulation (prfA), with only 13 strains exhibiting the bcrBC and qacJ gene, which confer resistance to quaternary ammonium. The pCFSAN010068_01 plasmids were prevalent, and insertion sequences (ISLs) and composite transposons (cns) were detected in 87.5% of the strains. The presence of various antibiotic resistance genes, along with resistance to thermal shocks and disinfectants, may provide L. monocytogenes ST5 strains with enhanced environmental resistance to the hygiene treatments used in the studied food production plant.
Mapping of Agate-like Soil Cover Structures Based on a Multitemporal Soil Line Using Neural Network Filtering of Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Rukhovich Dmitry I. , Koroleva Polina V. , Rukhovich Alexey D. , Komissarov Mikhail A.
Published: January 2025

The present study focuses on analysis of the soil cover structure (SCS, SCSs), which is the most detailed level of soil organization in space. The detail in which complex SCS can be studied is often insufficient, since until now it has not been possible to map it over large areas at scales larger than 1:10,000. To increase the detail in which SCS can be studied, the methods of identifying the bare soil surface (BSS) and averaging its multitemporal spectral characteristics were used, which opens up new possibilities for mapping complex SCS over large areas. New SCSs of leached chernozems (Luvic Chernic Phaeozem) were discovered, which can produce patterns on satellite images similar to sections of Timan agate—agate-like soil cover structures (ASCS, ASCSs). ASCSs are formed on Quaternary sediments of varying thickness from 0.3 to 6 m, underlain by carbonate and red sediments of the Permian period. The ASCS pattern is formed by ring-shaped stripes (rings) of different colors and brightness, which are determined by the carbonate and red-colored inclusions involved in the arable horizon. Eight soil varieties were identified to describe ASCSs during the study. According to the WRB, there are six main soil types, and according to the classification of Russian soils in 1977, there are four types. ASCSs were identified over large areas and soil maps of ASCSs were constructed using multitemporal spectral characteristics of the BSS in the form of multitemporal soil line coefficients. Neural networks were used to identify BSS on big remote sensing data. ASCSs have contrasting soil properties and contrasting fertility (productivity of agricultural crops). ASCS maps can serve as the basis for task maps of precision farming systems. Perhaps ASCSs are unique objects for the area of chernozem distribution, where in one soil profile there are rocks with an age from the first thousand years (Quaternary) to 250 million years (Permian). Chernozems are fertile, studied, mercilessly exploited, but sometimes they are simply beautiful—agate-like.
Effect of Laser Auriculotherapy on Quality of Life, Fatigue, and Anxiety in Women with Advanced Breast Cancer: Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Marcondes Larissa , Ferreira Poliana Martins , Sawada Namie Okino , Chianca Tania Couto Machado , Felix Jorge Vinícius Cestari , Guimarães Paulo Ricardo Bittencourt , Kalinke Luciana Puchalski
Published: January 2025

Objective: To evaluate the effect of laser auriculotherapy on health-related quality of life, cancer-related fatigue, and anxiety in women with advanced breast cancer undergoing palliative chemotherapy. Method: A randomized, parallel, single-blind, single-center clinical trial was conducted in a Brazilian oncology referral hospital. A total of 123 women were randomly divided into groups: 41 in the experimental group (10 weekly laser auriculotherapy sessions), 40 in the sham group (10 weekly sham sessions), and 42 in the control group. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 5th week, and 11th week, using the Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy: Fatigue and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Statistical analyses included Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney, and Friedman tests. Results: The experimental group exhibited the highest mean overall quality of life, with a significant increase (p < 0.000001) between the second and third evaluations and a significant improvement in fatigue between the second and third evaluations (p = 0.00001). Conversely, women in the sham and control groups experienced a decline and worsening in both their quality of life and fatigue. Women in all three groups showed reduction an anxiety. Changes in anxiety in these women were not statistically significant. Conclusions: reduction improvement in health-related quality of life and a reduction in cancer-related fatigue in the experimental group. These results show a positive effect of auriculotherapy on cancer-related fatigue, demonstrating potential for application in clinical practice in women with advanced breast cancer and in palliative chemotherapy. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: RBR-6hxffx4.
Using Brown Algae in the Plant–Soil System: A Sustainable Approach to Improving the Yield and Quality of Agricultural Crops
Authors: Sariñana-Aldaco Oscar , Rivera-Solís Luz Leticia , Benavides-Mendoza Adalberto , Robledo-Olivo Armando , Rodríguez-Jasso Rosa María , González-Morales Susana
Published: January 2025

The growing demand for food production and increasing stress scenarios increase the crucial need for sustainable alternatives to achieve increased crop yield and quality without affecting the environment. The use of brown macroalgae, being a renewable resource, is a promising option with various application options in agricultural systems, mainly in the form of extracts, direct applications, and compost. Brown algae are a source of active biomolecules and minerals that are currently used as agricultural biostimulants, since they increase crop productivity. This type of biostimulants derived from brown algae improve seed germination, increase the accumulation of plant biomass by accelerating cell division and elongation, activating the antioxidant system of plants, making them more resistant to stress, and contributes to the absorption and translocation of nutrients present in the soil. These products are also compatible with other agricultural inputs, such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which makes them ideal for comprehensive applications and maintaining a balance in agroecosystems. This review incorporates fundamental and applied aspects of brown seaweeds that impact yields, biochemical quality, physiology, stress mitigation, and soil properties. Based on the above, the review is divided into different Sections that show the formulation of brown seaweed products; their effect on crop yield, quality, and physiology; their effect on biotic and abiotic stress mitigation; and their impact on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties.
Molecular, Metabolic, and Physiological Responses to Progressive Biotic Stress Caused by Cucumber Mosaic Virus and Turnip Mosaic Virus in Saffron
Authors: Shamshiri Marzieh , Sánchez Conchi , Rico Saleta , Mokhtassi-Bidgoli Ali , Ayyari Mahdi , Rezadoost Hassan , Shams-Bakhsh Masoud
Published: January 2025

The economic value of the saffron stigma is primarily due to three crucial apocarotenoids: crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal, which contribute to its color, flavor, and aroma. These compounds make saffron highly valuable in various industries. Plant viruses like the cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) are significant threats to agricultural crops worldwide, causing economic losses. To elucidate the influence of viral stress on the quality of saffron, morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular indexes were assessed. Under the stress of both viruses, typical viral symptoms appeared. The lowest contents of leaf pigments, flowering performance, petal anthocyanin, greenness, and photosynthesis properties were observed in plants infected with CMV and TuMV. According to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, CMV inoculation led to the highest reduction in crocin and safranal content, while inducing the highest increase in picrocrocin compared to the mock treatment. Gene expression analysis involved in the biosynthesis of crucial secondary metabolites showed a high correlation with the content of each metabolite. CMV inoculation resulted in the lowest expression of CsALDH31l and the highest expression of CsUGT709G1 compared with the mock treatment. Our findings demonstrate the association between virus stress and changes in the metabolism of the saffron medicinal plant.
Exploring the Known and Mapping Future Directions in Biopesticides Research: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Narandžić Tijana , Šarac Veljko , Rodić Vesna , Vukelić Nataša , Lukač-Bulatović Mirjana , Bijelić Sandra , Ljubojević Mirjana
Published: January 2025

Numerous concerns associated with the use of synthetic pesticides have led to important initiatives aimed at ensuring eco-friendly practices in pest and disease control. Third-generation pesticides, biopesticides, have become a key factor in those efforts, capturing the attention of researchers worldwide. To evaluate trends in biopesticide research over the past three decades, a bibliometric analysis was performed on bibliographic data sourced from the Web of Science database. This analysis included metrics such as publication dynamics, types of documents, and assessments of research fields and categories. Co-authorship, citation, and co-occurrence networks were visualized using VOSviewer software to identify collaboration patterns, influential publications, emerging topics, and interdisciplinary connections. A total of 5054 publications on the topic of ‘biopesticide’ were found (1994–2024), nearly half of which were published in the last five years. Out of 136 contributing countries, researchers from the USA, People’s Republic of China, and India produced the most publications, while a total of 19,676 authors contributed to at least one paper throughout the entire examined period. The identification of the most frequently used keywords highlighted significant topics within biopesticide-related publications, from the earliest to the most recent, aiding in our understanding of the developmental trajectory and opportunities for future exploration.
Orchard Management Under Climate Change
Authors: Leonel Sarita , Roberto Sergio Ruffo , da Silva Simone Rodrigues
Published: January 2025

Health-conscious consumers are looking for healthier foods that promote health and well-being [...]
Study on the Effect of Bee Venom and Its Main Component Melittin in Delaying Skin Aging in Mice
Authors: Zhao Huiting , Liu Miaomiao , Chen Longlong , Gong Yu , Ma Weihua , Jiang Yusuo
Published: January 2025

Bee venom (BV) and its main compound melittin (MLT) have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging activities; however, very little research has been conducted on their effects on skin aging. In this study, a mouse skin aging model induced by D-galactose was constructed via subcutaneous injection into the scruff of the neck, and different doses of BV and MLT were used as interventions. The anti-aging effects and mechanisms of BV and MLT were explored by detecting the skin morphology and structure, and anti-aging-related factors and performing non-targeted metabolomics of mice. BV and MLT improved dermal and epidermal thickness, boosted the collagen fiber content, increased hydroxyproline and hyaluronic acid levels, and enhanced transcript-level expression of IL-10, Col1a1, and Col3a1, while decreasing that of IL-1β. Metabolomic analysis showed that BV and MLT regulated the levels of some metabolites (compared to those in the skin aging control). BV effectively alleviated skin aging by regulating the pentose phosphate pathway, and pathways associated with carbon, galactose, and β-alanine metabolism, whereas MLT regulated pathways related to lipid metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, and atherosclerosis. This study highlights the potential applicability of BV and MLT in skin aging treatments and cosmetic products.
Hyaluronan-Mediated Motility Receptor (HMMR) Overexpression Is Correlated with Poor Survival in Patients with B-ALL
Authors: Ramírez-Chiquito Josselen Carina , Villegas-Ruíz Vanessa , Medina-Vera Isabel , Sánchez-Cruz Itzel , Frías-Soria Christian Lizette , Caballero Palacios Marcela Concepción , Antonio-Andrés Gabriela , Rubio-Portillo Alejandra Elizabeth , Velasco-Hidalgo Liliana , Perezpeña-Diazconti Mario , Galván-Diaz Cesar Alejandro , López-Santiago Norma Candelaria , Huerta-Yepez Sara , Juárez-Méndez Sergio
Published: January 2025

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant neoplasm with the highest incidence in the pediatric population. Although the 5-year overall survival is greater than 85%, in emerging countries such as Mexico, the mortality rate is high. In Mexico, B-ALL is the most common type of childhood cancer; different characteristics suggest the presence of the disease; however, the prognosis is dependent on clinical and laboratory features, and no adverse prognostic molecular marker for B-ALL has yet been identified. The present research aimed to identify the prognostic value of HMMR expression in pediatric patients with B-ALL. The differential expression profile of B-ALL cells was determined via in silico analysis, and HMMR expression was subsequently measured via qRT–PCR and immunocytochemistry. The results were statistically analyzed via the ROUT test, Kolmogorov–Smirnov Z test, and Mann–Whitney U test. ROC curves and the Youden index were constructed, and Kaplan–Meier curves were plotted. We found that HMMR expression was increased in B-ALL patients (p < 0.0001). We observed that high expression was related to poor prognosis (p < 0.05). We observed that high expression was related to poor prognosis (p < 0.05). The increase in HMMR expression could be a potential early molecular prognostic marker and/or a new target in childhood B-ALL patients.
Mitochondrial Gene Expression of Three Different Dragonflies Under the Stress of Chlorpyrifos
Authors: Chen Yuxin , Yang Ziwen , Guo Zhiqiang , Zhan Lemei , Storey Kenneth B. , Yu Danna , Zhang Jiayong
Published: January 2025

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is an organophosphate insecticide that is extensively utilized globally due to its effectiveness against over 200 pest species. CPF exhibits its toxicity primarily through the inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme, while mitochondrial damage and dysfunction have also been observed. The present study quantified the transcript levels of mitochondria protein-coding genes (mtPCGs) using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in samples of larvae of three dragonfly species (A. parthenope, E. elegans, and G. confluens) under different levels of CPF stress. By exposing larvae from uncontaminated populations to 0.05 μg/L CPF for 24 h, the transcript levels of seven mtPCGs in A. parthenope were significantly increased (p < 0.05) by 1.89 ± 0.42-fold for COI, 4.30 ± 0.24-fold for COIII, 5.94 ± 0.17-fold for ND1, 4.69 ± 0.56-fold for ND2, 3.44 ± 0.48-fold for ND4, 2.19 ± 0.53-fold for ND4L, and 5.05 ± 0.36-fold for Cytb, respectively. In E. elegans, the transcript levels of ND1, ND2, and ND4 increased by 1.23 ± 0.15, 1.48 ± 0.31, and 1.98 ± 0.25-fold, respectively (p < 0.05). In G. confluens, the transcript levels of COI, COIII, and ND4 increased by 1.56 ± 0.13, 1.50 ± 0.26, and 3.74 ± 0.40-fold, respectively (p < 0.01). It was demonstrated that the transcript levels of different mtPCGs showed significant up-regulation in the three different dragonfly larvae under CPF stress in the absence of mortality. ND4 was significantly increased in all three species, indicating that it is an important target gene. The present study underscores the response of mitochondrial gene expression in larvae of three different species in response to CPF pollutants, indicating that pesticide influences can potentially alter mitochondrial gene expression and potentially act as a method for assessing aquatic ecosystem health.
Hermetia illucens in the Process of Kitchen Waste Biodegradation: The Effect of Different Approaches to Waste Storage on the Microbiological Profile and Nutritional Parameters of the Larvae
Authors: Mašková Zuzana , Medo Juraj , Kolesár Eduard , Tančinová Dana , Ivanišová Eva , Urminská Dana , Hleba Lukáš , Urminská Jana , Mrvová Monika , Barboráková Zuzana
Published: January 2025

This study assessed the bioconversion efficiency of Hermetia illucens larvae (BSFL) fed on food waste stored under different conditions, focusing on the nutritional and microbial quality of the resulting larval biomass. Food waste was prepared as a fresh diet (FD) or naturally contaminated and stored at 20–22 °C (OS-T, opened storage-tempered) or under refrigeration, at 5–8 °C (CS-C, closed storage-cooled). Refrigerated, closed storage (CS-C) led to the highest rates of waste reduction (91.0%) and bioconversion efficiency (30.2%), with larvae exhibiting the highest protein content (36.83%) compared to the FD (35.5%) and OS-T (34.71%) groups. Microbiome analysis revealed that the CS-C condition promoted beneficial yeasts like Pichia and Diutia, which correlated positively with improved protein content and microbial safety. In contrast, OS-T storage supported spoilage fungi (Mucor, Rhizopus) and elevated total aerobic counts (7.28 log CFU/g), indicating higher microbial risks. The observed trends in waste reduction and protein content most probably relate to differences in microbial profiles, as controlled cooling affected microbial dynamics, preserving substrate quality and supporting larval growth. These findings emphasize the importance of refrigerated, closed storage to optimize bioconversion, improve larval nutritional value, and minimize microbiological hazards.
Beyond the Physical: Weight Stigma and the Bariatric Patient Journey
Authors: Mihaileanu Florin Vasile , Fadgyas Stanculete Mihaela , Gherman Claudia , Brata Vlad Dumitru , Padureanu Alexandru Marius , Dita Miruna Oana , Turtoi Daria Claudia , Bottalico Paolo , Incze Victor , Stancu Bogdan
Published: January 2025

Background: Obesity represents a global epidemic associated with significant health risks, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Management strategies have evolved from focusing solely on weight reduction to emphasizing overall health improvements and mitigating associated risks. Methods: This narrative review analyzed the existing peer-reviewed literature across databases such as PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to examine the outcomes of bariatric surgery and its interplay with weight stigma. The review incorporated data from clinical studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, focusing on bariatric surgery and its psychological impact, as well as approaches to mitigate stigma in bariatric care. Results: Bariatric surgery has emerged as the most effective intervention for sustained weight loss and the resolution of obesity-related comorbidities. However, individuals undergoing surgery frequently encounter weight stigma, both pre- and postoperatively, which manifests through discriminatory healthcare interactions, societal biases, and internalized self-criticism. These factors contribute to anxiety, depression, diminished healthcare engagement, and weight regain, ultimately affecting the long-term surgical outcomes. Conclusions: Addressing weight stigma in bariatric care is critical to optimizing outcomes. Interventions such as preoperative counseling, postoperative psychological support, and multidisciplinary care can mitigate the psychological and societal burdens of stigma. This review explores the intricate relationships between obesity, bariatric surgery outcomes, weight stigma, and the health-related quality of life (HRQOL).
Journal of Eye Movement Research: Opening a New Chapter with MDPI
Authors: Groner Rudolf
Published: January 2025

In 1980, together with Dieter Heller, I initiated an interdisciplinary network called the “European Group of Scientists active in Eye Movement Research”, including scientists who use eye movement registration as a research tool, developing models based on oculomotor data obtained from a wide spectrum of phenomena, ranging from the neurophysiological to the perceptual and the cognitive levels [...]
Covering the Israeli–Palestinian Conflict: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Al Jazeera English and BBC’s Online Reporting on the 2023 Gaza War
Authors: El Damanhoury Kareem , Saleh Faisal , Lebovic Madeleine
Published: January 2025

The Hamas surprise attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, and the Israeli military response unleashed a catastrophic episode of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and exacerbated broader tensions in the region. This study compares Al Jazeera English (AJE) and BBC’s coverage of and discourse around key events in the early stages of the 2023 Israel–Gaza War. Using critical discourse analysis as an analytical framework, this study employs mixed methods to compare transitivity, intertextuality, and lexicalization as key discursive features in the two outlets’ coverage of the war. Counter to previous qualitative works, this study quantitatively reveals no variation between AJE and BBC’s use of active voice yet points to key qualitative differences in the discursive treatment of Palestinians and the reporting on death tolls. It further demonstrates drastic differences in the quoting patterns and negative lexicalization of the early phases of the war, with AJE taking a more balanced approach and BBC refraining from emphasizing accusations against Israel of committing “genocide”, “ethnic cleansing”, “terrorism”, and “war crimes”. The study concludes with a discussion of the implications of differential discourses around the Gaza War and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict in international media.
Quantifying and Characterizing Phonetic Reduction in Italian Natural Speech
Authors: Schettino Loredana , Cutugno Francesco
Published: January 2025

The main purpose of this study is to test a method for the analysis of phonetic variation in natural speech. The method takes into account the continuous nature of the speech flow and allows for the investigation of the systematic variation phenomena that occur in the speech net of the cross-word coarticulation phenomena that are expected in connected speech. We will describe some of the most frequent phonetic variation patterns that may be observed in the speech chain seen as a sequence of syllables, in relation to internal syllabic structure and lexical stress. The present study concerns speech data from the Italian section of the NOCANDO corpus. The data consist of about 1000 syllables extracted from monological speech from different speakers. In two different analysis layers, we attempted to align the “phonological” expected form and observed realisation. The results of this attempt led to the definition of syllabic deletion, substitution, or insertion when the alignment fails. The proposed method provides insight into the phonetic variation processes that can systematically occur in natural speech with relation to specific linguistic structures; in particular, unstressed syllables are most likely to undergo variation phenomena, and systematic differences concern the syllabic position of the segmental change, in that the presence of lexical stress prevents vowel deletion or centralization, but allows for onset changes (such as consonant cluster simplification or lenition).
Utilizing Invasive Pterygoplichthys pardalis as a Sustainable Fish Meal Substitute and Euphorbia hirta Extract Supplement: Effects on Growth Performance, Organosomatic Indices, Hematological Profiles, and Serum Biochemistry in Chinese Bullfrogs (Hoplobatrachus chinensis)
Authors: Sookying Sontaya , Srisuttha Phanit , Rodprasert Vipada , Chaodon Chanthima , Phinrub Wikit , Sutthi Nantaporn , Panase Paiboon
Published: January 2025

This research examined the efficacy of substituting commercial fish meal (CFM) with Pterygoplichthys pardalis meal (PPM) in Hoplobatrachus chinensis diets, with and without Euphorbia hirta extract (EHE) supplementation. The study utilized six dietary treatments: a control diet (0% PPM, no EHE) and five experimental diets with varying PPM levels (0%+, 25%+, 50%+, 75%+, and 100%+), each fortified with 300 mg/kg EHE. The experiment spanned 90 days. The analysis revealed that PPM exhibited superior amino acid profiles compared to CFM, both in quality and quantity, while CFM demonstrated higher fatty acid content. The growth metrics showed a significant decline only in the group receiving 100% PPM replacement with EHE supplementation. Most organosomatic indices remained consistent across the treatments, with the exception of intraperitoneal fat, which decreased in all EHE-supplemented groups. Blood parameters, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and hematocrit, along with serum proteins (total protein, globulin, and albumin), displayed an upward trend in all EHE-supplemented groups. The 50%+ and 75%+ PPM replacement groups exhibited significantly elevated serum glucose levels (p < 0.05). Liver enzymes (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase) showed no significant variations among the treatments. The results indicate that PPM can serve as an effective replacement for up to 75% of CFM in H. chinensis feed, without compromising their growth performance. Moreover, supplementing with EHE helps to enhance essential biochemical indices in the body, without adversely affecting liver function. This investigation offers valuable perspectives on the development of sustainable aquaculture feed and the potential application of invasive fish species in aquatic animal nutrition.
Enhanced Friction and Wear Properties of TiN/MoS2 Composite Coating on the Surface of Plasma Nitrided Ti6Al4V Alloy
Authors: Li Hongyu , Le Kai , Wang Ganggang , Ren Zhenghao , Liu Yuzhen , Yang Zhenglong , Zheng Liwei , Xu Shusheng
Published: January 2025

In this study, plasma nitriding and multi-arc ion plating techniques were employed to enhance the load-bearing capacity of the TC4 alloy. The tribological properties were characterized, and the mechanisms were discussed in detail. Subsequently, the tribological properties of the coating enhanced with MoS2 were then evaluated, and the results indicated that the plasma nitriding treatment, which exhibited optimal friction performance, resulted in the formation of a nitrided layer with a thickness of 98 μm on the surface of the TC4 alloy, thereby significantly improving its mechanical properties. Furthermore, the TiN coating samples treated with plasma nitriding demonstrated superior mechanical properties, achieving the highest hardness value (20 GPa), high load-carrying capacity (58 N) and the lowest wear rate (9.16 × 10−6 mm3·N−1·m−1). Moreover, the tribological properties of MoS2 deposited on the surface of the PN-2/TiN sample were significantly enhanced, which can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the excellent load-bearing characteristics of the plasma nitriding treatment and the wear resistance of the TiN layer. This study investigates the factors contributing to the superior tribological performance of the PN-2/TiN sample and the extended friction lifetime of the PN-2/TiN/MoS2 sample. The composite coating provides a new method to improve the anti-friction of soft metals, especially titanium alloys, and is expected to be applied in the aerospace field.
Microstructure and Thermal Cyclic Behavior of FeNiCoAlTaB High-Entropy Alloy
Authors: Tseng Li-Wei , Chen Wei-Cheng , Hsu Yi-Ting , Chen Chih-Hsuan
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the grain morphology, microstructure, magnetic properties and shape memory properties of an Fe41.265Ni28.2Co17Al11Ta2.5B0.04 (at%) high-entropy alloy (HEA) cold-rolled to 98%. The EBSD results show that the texture intensities of the samples annealed at 1300 °C for 0.5 or 1 h are 2.45 and 2.82, respectively. This indicates that both samples were formed without any strong texture. The grain morphology results show that the grain size increased from 356.8 to 504.6 μm when the annealing time was increased from 0.5 to 1 h. The large grain size improved the recoverable strain due to a reduction in the grain constraint. As a result, annealing was carried out at 1300 °C/1 h for the remainder of the study. The hardness decreased at 24 h, then increased again at 48 h; this phenomenon was related to the austenite finish temperature. Thermo-magnetic analysis revealed that the austenite finish temperature increased when the samples were aged at 600 °C for between 12 and 24 h. When the aging time was prolonged to 48 h, the austenite finish temperature value decreased. X-ray diffraction (XRD) demonstrated that the peak of the precipitates emerged and intensified when the aging time was increased from 12 to 24 h at 600 °C. From the three-point bending shape memory test, the samples aged at 600 °C for 12 and 24 h had maximum recoverable strains of 2% and 3.6%, respectively. The stress–temperature slopes of the austenite finish temperature were 10.3 MPa/°C for 12 h and 6 MPa/°C for 24 h, respectively. Higher slope values correspond to lower recoverable strains.