bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic potential of Curcuma longa against monkeypox: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and computational insights
Authors: Boudou Farouk , Belakredar Amal , Keziz Ahcen , Aissani Linda , Alsaeedi Huda , Cronu David , Bechelany Mikhael , Barhoum Ahmed
Published: January 2025

Background

Monkeypox (Mpox) is a re-emerging zoonotic disease with limited therapeutic options, necessitating the exploration of novel antiviral agents. Curcuma longa (turmeric) is a widely used medicinal plant known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, primarily attributed to its bioactive curcuminoids.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of C. longa aqueous extract (CAE) against monkeypox through phytochemical characterization, biological assays, and computational analyses.

Methodology

Phytochemical analysis, including HPLC, identified key Curcumin, Bisdemethoxycurcumin, Demethoxycurcumin, Tetrahydrocurcumin, Curcuminol, and Ar-curcumene. The DPPH assay and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were employed to assess antioxidant activity. Anti-inflammatory effects were determined by measuring the inhibition of heat-induced protein denaturation. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to evaluate the interactions between curcuminoids and monkeypox virus proteins.

Results

The aqueous extract of C. longa was prepared via decoction, yielding 7.80% ± 0.81% extract with curcumin as the predominant compound (36.33%). The CAE exhibited strong antioxidant activity with a TAC of 36.55 ± 0.01 µg GAE/g d.w., an IC50 of 0.77 ± 0.04 mg/mL in the DPPH assay, andan EC50 of FRAP of 3.46 ± 0.11 mg/mL. Anti-inflammatory analysis showed 78.88 ± 0.53%inhibition for egg albumin and 90.51 ± 0.29%for BSA. Molecular docking identified demethoxycurcumin (DMC) as the most potent compound, with binding affinities of −8.42 kcal/mol (4QVO), −7.61 kcal/mol (8CEQ), and −7.88 kcal/mol (8QRV). MD simulations confirmed the stability of DMC complexes, with the 4QVO-DMC interaction being the most stable, showing RMSD fluctuations within a range of 0.2–0.6 nm, with an average fluctuation of 0.4 nm, and consistent compactness with Rg values remaining between 1.8 and 2.0 nm, with a fluctuation of only 0.2 nm over 100 ns.

Discussion

The results demonstrate the multifunctional therapeutic potential of C. longa, driven by its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The computational findings suggest that curcuminoids, particularly demethoxycurcumin, could serve as promising antiviral agents against monkeypox. These findings pave the way for further preclinical studies to validate the antiviral efficacy of C. longa bioactives and their potential applications in combating viral infections.
Community-based monitoring: shoreline change in Southwest Alaska
Authors: Christian Jessica E. , Buzard Richard M. , Spellman Katie L. , Baldwin Harper L. , Bogardus Reyce C. , Carlson Jeanette , Dunham Gabe , Flensburg Susan , Glenn Roberta J. T. , Overbeck Jacquelyn R. , Maio Chris V.
Published: January 2025

Arctic amplification of climate change has resulted in increased coastal hazards impacts to remote rural coastal communities in Alaska where conducting research can be difficult, requiring alternate methods for measuring change. The pilot program, Stakes for Stakeholders, was initially planned to be funded from 2016–2018. Upon project completion the work has shifted to individual community’s partnering with several agencies to continue the work. This research showcases a successful long-term community-based erosion monitoring program in two rural communities in Southwest Alaska. The resulting outputs from the workflow we developed were (1) locally prioritized data products, such as a hazard assessment report for Chignik Bay and (2) evaluation rubrics used to assess the suitability of future sites and the efficacy of the program. Our model of two-way communication, responsiveness to individual community needs, and attention to efficiency and effectiveness of the program workflow, can serve as a model for universities, for-profit, non-profit, Tribal, city, state, and federal research agencies and communities partnering to respond to global climate change.
Co-creation of Activity Spaces in an amateur dance group: interactional construction of the Teaching Space
Authors: Smart Naomi , Szczepek Reed Beatrice
Published: January 2025

This paper explores the co-construction of ‘Activity Spaces’ within weekly rehearsals of an amateur, mixed-level dance company. Data are taken from field notes, participant observation experience, and video recordings. An earlier analysis identified three canonical spatial divisions that participants co-create during ballet rehearsals: the ‘Dancing Space’, the ‘Teaching Space’, and the ‘Peripheries’. The present study shows that these Activity Spaces are not demarcated physically but are instead entirely co-constructed through participants’ own multi-modal actions within the rehearsals. An important aspect of this co-construction are the participation roles dancer, choreographer, participants not currently dancing. Participants’ contributions to activities are in part negotiated through their turn design and their positioning within and across Activity Spaces. The analysis focuses in on the ‘Teaching Space’, how it is assigned meaning within the group, and how it is reconfigured according to participants’ needs through their mobilisation of multi-modal resources. Of special interest are moments in which a member takes up or relinquishes a teaching/choreographing role. Features given attention include bodily orientations, such as dancers’ positioning of themselves to have visual access to the choreographer; prosodic features, such as choreographers’ use of raised volume relative to surrounding interaction; and verbal contributions from the choreographer and from dancing and currently-not-dancing participants. Data are in English.
Eosinophils: old cells, new directions
Authors: Sanchez Santos Alejandra , Socorro Avila Iovanna , Galvan Fernandez Helena , Cazorla Rivero Sara , Lemes Castellano Angelina , Cabrera Lopez Carlos
Published: January 2025

Eosinophils are polymorphonuclear cells that have progressively gained attention due to their involvement in multiple diseases and, more recently, in various homeostatic processes. Their well-known roles range from asthma and parasitic infections to less prevalent diseases such as eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, and hypereosinophilic syndrome. In recent years, various biological therapies targeting these cells have been developed, altering the course of eosinophilic pathologies. Recent research has demonstrated differences in eosinophil subtypes and their functions. The presence of distinct classes of eosinophils has led to the theory of resident eosinophils (rEos) and inflammatory eosinophils (iEos). Subtype differences are determined by the pattern of protein expression on the cell membrane and the localization of eosinophils. Most of this research has been conducted in murine models, but several studies confirm these findings in peripheral blood and tissue. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of eosinophils, by recent findings that divide this cell line into two distinct populations with different functions and purposes.
Gut dysbiosis is associated with difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ruiz-Limón Patricia , Mena-Vázquez Natalia , Moreno-Indias Isabel , Lisbona-Montañez Jose Manuel , Mucientes Arkaitz , Manrique-Arija Sara , Redondo-Rodriguez Rocío , Cano-García Laura , Tinahones Francisco J. , Fernández-Nebro Antonio
Published: January 2025

Background

Difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis (D2T RA) refers to a subset of patients who fail to achieve adequate disease control after the use of two or more biological or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) with different mechanisms of action, while maintaining active inflammatory disease. This presents a therapeutic challenge and highlights the need to explore contributing factors such as the potential role of the gut microbiota. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the gut microbiota and inflammation in patients with D2T RA in comparison to patients with easy-to-treat RA (E2T RA).

Objective

To analyze the gut microbiota and inflammation in patients with D2T RA.

Methods

We performed an observational study of a prospective cohort between 2007 and 2011 and analyzed the gut microbiota. In 2022, we identified 2 extreme patient phenotypes: (1) D2T RA, which was defined as failure of ≥2 biological or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) (with different mechanisms of action) plus signs of active disease; and (2) easy-to-treat RA (E2T RA), i.e., stable disease managed with a single treatment. The gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing; bioinformatics analysis was performed using QIIME2, and its functionality was inferred through PICRUSt. We recorded data on clinical findings, inflammation, and cytokines. A Cox multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors related to D2T RA.

Results

The study population comprised 39 patients: 13 (33%) with D2T RA and 26 (66%) with E2T RA. The families Lachnospiraceae and Pasteurellaceae, and their genera Coprococcus and Haemophilus were more abundant in E2T RA patients, while the genus Megasphaera was more abundant in D2T RA patients. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio decreased in D2T RA patients. The metabolic profile of the gut microbiota was characterized by differences in Degradation/Utilization/Assimilation pathway and the Biosynthesis pathway. The factors associated with D2T RA were inflammatory activity according to DAS28-ESR (HR, 2.649; p = 0.013), prednisone (HR, 3.794; p = 0.008), and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (HR, 0.288; p = 0.033).

Conclusion

The composition of the gut microbiota of patients with D2T RA differed from that of E2T RA patients, as did the metabolic pathways.
Preexisting hemodialysis and survival outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients: Ulsan, South Korea
Authors: Park Song Yi , Kim Sun Hyu , Choi Byungho
Published: January 2025

Background

Although the incidence of sudden cardiac death is higher in hemodialysis (HD) patients, whether out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival outcomes are poorer in this group remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of HD on survival outcomes among adult nontraumatic OHCA patients and to compare these outcomes between HD and non-HD groups.

Methods

This observational cohort study retrospectively analyzed data from adult nontraumatic OHCA patients in Ulsan, South Korea, from January 2017 through December 2022. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to evaluate whether HD was a risk factor for survival in OHCA patients. Survival was compared between the two groups in unadjusted, balanced groups by propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of the treatment weighting (IPWT).

Results

The study included 2,489 patients (64 HD group and 2,425 non-HD group). Undergoing HD was not significantly associated with any return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval], p-value, 1.648 [0.934–2.907], 0.085), survival to discharge (1.544 [0.734–3.250], 0.252), or neurological outcomes (0.394 [0.017–9.346], 0.564). There were also no significant differences observed in any ROSC (1.648 [0.934–2.907], 0.085), survival to discharge (1.544 [0.734–3.250], 0.252), or favorable neurological outcome (0.394 [0.017–9.346], 0.564) between the two unadjusted groups. The insignificant survival differences were persistently observed in the PSM group and IPWT group.

Conclusion

Although HD may pose a risk factor for cardiac arrest, our study did not find a significant association with survival outcomes in OHCA patients. Additionally, no notable survival difference was observed between HD and non-HD groups. Therefore, resuscitation efforts in HD patients should not be underestimated.
Sex and APOE genotype modulate neuropsychological profile and depression in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Bruno Francesco , Spadafora Patrizia , Veltri Ida , Cuconati Mario L. , Condino Francesca , Cerantonio Annamaria , De Benedittis Selene , Greco Beatrice M. , Di Palma Gemma , Gallo Olivier , Citrigno Luigi , Qualtieri Antonio , Cundari Maurizio , Cavalcanti Francesca
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common form of focal epilepsy, often associated with cognitive impairments, particularly in memory functions, and depression. Sex and APOE ε4 genotype play a crucial role in modulating cognitive outcomes and depression in various neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease. However, the combined effects of APOE genotype and sex on cognitive performance and depression in temporal lobe epilepsy have not been previously investigated.

Objective

This study aims to (i) identify impaired cognitive performance and clinically relevant depression; (ii) explore the interaction between sex and APOE ε4 genotype on cognitive performance and depression in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy.

Methods

We used a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests to assess domains such as learning and memory, attention, executive functions, language, and visuo-spatial constructional skills and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. We also performed APOE genotyping to assess its role in the study. The final sample was composed by fifty-four patients (53.7% female). Cognitive performance and depression were analyzed using normative cut-off scores. To examine the main effects and interactions of sex and APOE ε4 carrier status on neuropsychological test scores and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, we also conducted a two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).

Results

Female APOE ε4 carriers compared to normative cut-offs, exhibited poor performance on multiple test scores, including the MMSE, The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (immediate and delayed recall), The Corsi Block-Tapping Task, The Verbal Fluency Test, The Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices and The Pentagon-copying Test. Males showed impairment only in visuo-spatial short-term memory. ANOVA analysis revealed significant main effects of APOE ε4 status and sex on the MMSE, The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, The Verbal Fluency, The Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices and The Pentagon-copying Test scores. Specifically, female APOE ε4 carriers performed consistently worse than other groups on many tasks. For depression, only an effect of sex emerged. Females scored higher besides APOE genotype.

Conclusions

These findings underscore the importance of considering both sex and APOE genotype when assessing cognitive performance in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. The significant cognitive deficits we observed among females carrying the APOE ε4 allele highlight previously unexplored genetic and sex-related influences on cognition. This has potential implications for personalized therapeutic strategies, emphasizing the need for targeted assessment and intervention.
Severe cutaneous drug toxicity following disitamab vedotin treatment for metastatic gastric cancer: a case report
Authors: Luping Zhao , Zhen Cheng , Piaopiao Li
Published: January 2025

Background

This study reports a case of severe cutaneous toxicity in a patient with metastatic gastric cancer induced by disitamab vedotin, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and management in such treatments.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old female was admitted to hospital complaining of serious rashes following the first cycle of disitamab vedotin regimen for metastatic gastric cancer. The doctor diagnosedtoxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) induced by the drug. The patient received high-dose methylprednisolone due to the side effects. This resulted in a gradual improvement of symptoms.

Conclusion

During the use of disitamab vedotin, patients need to be monitored for severe skin toxicity.
Protective effect and mechanism of Sufentanil on acute lung injury in septic mice
Authors: Hou Hongqiao , Jiang Bowen , Zhu Aiqing , Hou Junjun , Qu Zhe , Liu Ruping , Li Aiqun
Published: January 2025

This study was designed to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of Sufentanil on acute lung injury in septic mice based on network pharmacology and animal experiments, and to provide new ideas for clinical treatment. To this end, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network for common targets was first constructed with Swiss Target Prediction Database, GeneCards Database, Draw Venn Diagram Software, STRING 11.5 Database, Cytoscape 3.10.0 Software and Metascape Database, and then key targets were subject to enrichment analysis by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) to obtain the key targets of Sufentanil for the treatment of pulmonary sepsis, and then verified by animal experiments. A sepsis model was constructed by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in this study, and lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were taken from each group of mice. The morphological changes of lung tissues and apoptosis were observed by HE and TUNEL staining, the content of inflammatory factors in the lung tissues was detected by ELISA, and the expression of proteins, such as p-JAK2 and p-STAT3, was detected in the lung tissues by Western blotting. According to the results of network pharmacology, a total of 40 common targets of were screened out for Sufentanil and pulmonary sepsis, and GO enrichment analysis involved 1,483 biological processes (BPs), 84 cellular components (CCs) and 125 molecular functions (MFs); KEGG enrichment analysis identified 137 signaling pathways with p < 0.05 such as JAK-STAT. According to the results of animal experiments, compared with the control group, mice in the model group had severe lung tissue injury and elevated expression of relevant inflammatory factors in lung tissue. Compared with the model group, CLP + Sufentanil group showed reduced pathomorphologic lesions, lower expression of inflammatory factors and apoptosis level, as well as lower expression of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 proteins in lung tissue. The results of animal experiments were consistent with network pharmacology. In summary, Sufentanil may improve lung injury in septic mice by inhibiting the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway, which provides a basis for research on the mechanism of Sufentanil on pulmonary sepsis and clinical treatment.
Knowledge about diabetes in Malmö prior to initiation of “Cities Changing Diabetes”
Authors: Annersten Gershater Magdalena , Rämgård Margareta , Holmberg Cecilia Nagorny , Grahn Mathias , Zdravkovic Slobodan
Published: January 2025

Aim

To identify existing public knowledge regarding diabetes and diabetes-related services offered to persons living with diabetes in the City of Malmö.

Methods

A literature review of City of Malmö’s website, public statistics, School health documentation, job databases, education programs, local newspaper, Swedish National Diabetes Register, and PubMed was performed in 2020.

Results

We identified political decisions about diabetes nurses in home care, financing a project about diabetes complications, and funding support in schools for designated children. Schools had no registrations of diagnoses. Diabetes was common among pregnant women. The local newspaper discussed children and older people with diabetes asking for increased support. Job listings did not require diabetes-relevant competencies. Curricula for nursing assistants did not mention diabetes. National Diabetes Register reported 16,658 persons in Malmö. Three articles were identified in PubMed.

Conclusion

Public documents in Malmö did not mention diabetes despite being responsible for caring for persons with diabetes.
Workload in the Austrian IT-sector regarding leadership roles
Authors: Gren Maria
Published: January 2025

This paper investigates the impact of workload on leadership roles within the Austrian IT sector, by also paying attention to differences between genders. The research adopted a prospective design, selecting IT professionals, stratified by those with and without personnel responsibility and examined further through the lens of gender. A total of 200 participants completed the survey, where the modified German version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) served as the primary tool, which evaluated dimensions such as demands, influence, interpersonal relations, work interface, and conflicts. The results indicate that individuals with personnel responsibility experience significantly lower scores in the dimensions demands and influence, suggesting challenges in managing qualitative or emotional demands alongside perceived limitations in their scope of action. This trend persisted, albeit less marked, within the dimension work interface, indicating concerns regarding occupational stability (job security) among leading individuals. Gender analysis revealed that male participants reported fewer conflicts compared to females, highlighting discordance regarding experiencing workplace challenges. Discussion revolves around the difficulties faced by individuals with personnel responsibility in managing multifaceted demands of their role and the specific challenges encountered by female leaders. The findings emphasize the necessity of strategies to support leaders on acknowledging gender-specific challenges to enhance occupational health in the IT sector. This study contributes to the understanding of workload dynamics within leadership roles in the IT industry, recommending targeted measures to address the particular stress factors of leaders and highlight the need for gender-specific considerations in organizational support systems.
Bullying roles, moral disengagement, and motivational perceptions among university students
Authors: Siddiqui Sohni , Schultze-Krumbholz Anja , Kamran Muhammad
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Bullying is a significant social problem that affects educational institutions worldwide, including those in Pakistan. This study extends the existing literature by going beyond reporting the prevalence and consequences of bullying in Pakistan. It examines the prevalence of different bully groups among university students (N = 1,034; male = 361; female = 665) and explores the relationships between their characteristics, moral disengagement beliefs, and perceptions about motivations for bullying perpetration.

Methods

The present study used a cross-sectional design. Descriptive analyses, Pearson correlations, one-way ANOVA, and independent t-tests were conducted.

Results

Approximately one-quarter of students identified themselves as victims only, while 14% of students identified themselves as both victims and perpetrators of bullying. Most students reported frustration as the primary motive for engaging in aggressive acts. In addition, students with higher moral disengagement beliefs were more likely to engage in bullying behavior, with the highest correlation observed between moral disengagement and bullying as a means of demonstrating power and superiority. Significant differences in perceived motivations for bullying were also observed between the victim and bully-victim groups. Analyses showed that male students were more likely to be involved in bullying others, while female students showed higher levels of fear of victimization within educational institutions.

Discussion

The results implicate the need for innovations in programs and the inclusion of moral disengagement measures. Identifying the key mechanisms underlying behavioral change away from bullying should be a central focus of anti-bullying prevention and intervention programs.
Prediction of potential drug targets and key inhibitors (ZINC67974679, ZINC67982856, and ZINC05668040) against Rickettsia felis using integrated computational approaches
Authors: Rahman Sudais , Liu Hsien , Shah Mohibuallah , Almutairi Mashal M. , Liaqat Iram , Tanaka Tetsuya , Chen Chien-Chin , Alouffi Abdulaziz , Ali Abid
Published: January 2025

Rickettsia felis, responsible for flea-borne spotted fever, is a rising zoonotic pathogen posing an increasing global threat due to its expanding geographical distribution. The rise in antibiotic-resistant strains of this pathogen underscores the urgent need for new therapeutic interventions. This study employed a comprehensive subtractive proteomics analysis of the R. felis proteome, aiming to identify essential, non-host homologous, and pathogen-specific proteins, which were subsequently evaluated as potential new drug targets. These findings offer valuable insights into the development of therapeutic strategies against rickettsiosis. The analysis revealed 343 proteins that are non-homologous to the host, including 108 essential proteins, 25 unique metabolic pathways, and 11 distinct proteins. Out of these, 10 proteins were druggable in which two associated with virulence, and one related to resistance (succinate dehydrogenase). Through a rigorous screening process and extensive literature review, succinate dehydrogenase emerged as a promising drug target. Protein interaction partners for succinate dehydrogenase were identified using the STRING database. To further assess the functionality of succinate dehydrogenase, structure-based studies were conducted. Approximately 18,000 ZINC compounds were screened, leading to the finding of six potential inhibitors: ZINC67847806, ZINC67982856, ZINC67974679, ZINC67895371, ZINC05668040, and ZINC05670149. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profiling confirmed that most compounds met the preferred pharmacokinetic properties, except for ZINC67895371 and ZINC67847806, which exhibited positive ames test results, and ZINC05670149, ZINC67895371, and ZINC67847806, showed hepatotoxicity. All compounds were found to be non-sensitizing to the skin. Based on these findings, further experimental validation of ZINC67974679, ZINC67982856, and ZINC05668040 is recommended.
Factors Motivating Generation Z in the Workplace: Managerial Challenges and Insights
Authors: Surugiu Camelia , Surugiu Marius-Răzvan , Grădinaru Cătălin , Grigore Ana-Maria
Published: January 2025

The paper aims to identify the powerful forces of Generation Z’s (Gen Z) work motivations, considering four key drivers: recognition, appreciation, well-being, and skills. Four hypotheses were developed, and Gen Z-triggering motivational factors at work were analyzed using a survey approach. Using the collected data, a logistic regression model was constructed to investigate the effects on work motivation. An in-depth interview of managers from different companies was applied to identify Gen Z’s perceptions about the workplace. All four predictors proved to influence work motivation significantly. According to the answers of Gen Z’s members, wage is the primary motivator for them to increase work efficiency, with other financial and non-financial factors being less significant. Gen Z is generally not teamwork-oriented and prefers working alone to demonstrate their abilities and achieve greater efficiency. Gen Z switches jobs frequently and shows low loyalty to organizations, often prioritizing personal preferences over long-term commitment. This study explores Romanian Gen Z-triggering motivational factors and shows the motivators for increasing work efficiency. It provides unique insights into a less teamwork-oriented, low loyalty to organizations segment, filling a literature gap and offering business recommendations for connecting with this generation.
Lunar Power Sources: An Opportunity to Experiment
Authors: Marrone Michele , Pasqualin Luca , Ferro Carlo Giovanni
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a systematic analysis of power generation technologies for a lunar outpost supporting six astronauts. Based on a detailed power budget analysis requiring 65 kWe for life support, scientific equipment, and in situ resource utilization (ISRU), a comparative analysis of solar and nuclear power solutions is conducted. Nuclear fission is identified as the most promising technology based on key criteria, including mass efficiency, reliability, and power density. A parametric study is then conducted to optimize the nuclear reactor design, with particular focus on radiation shielding using lunar regolith and its impact on safety distances. The analysis demonstrates that proper shielding can reduce the required safety distance from over 2.5 km to approximately 90 m while maintaining radiation exposure within acceptable limits. Finally, leveraging insights from existing reactor designs, an optimized configuration is proposed that combines multiple small reactors to meet the unique challenges of lunar power generation while ensuring crew safety and operational redundancy.
A Trajectory Prediction Method for Reentry Glide Vehicles via Adaptive Cost Function
Authors: He Yangchao , Li Jiong , Shao Lei , Zhou Chijun , Bu Xiangwei
Published: January 2025

This paper proposes a trajectory prediction method via the adaptive cost function to address the difficulties in inferring the attack intention and maneuver mode, as well as the accumulation of prediction error during the trajectory prediction of reentry glide vehicles. Firstly, the vehicle guidance task is divided into two distinct categories: conventional guidance and no-fly zone avoidance guidance. A task-matched time-varying parameter prediction model set is then constructed. Secondly, taking into account the maneuverability, guidance intent, and battlefield situation of the vehicle, an adaptive intent cost function adapted to the guidance task is proposed, which avoids the estimation failure problem caused by manually setting cost coefficients in traditional methods. Finally, long-term trajectory prediction of vehicles is achieved using Bayesian theory to infer the attack intent and parametric model with the maximum a posteriori probability. The results of the simulations demonstrate that the proposed prediction method is capable of accurately inferring the vehicle’s attack intention and parameter model, and of effectively reducing the accumulation of prediction errors and the time required for the algorithmic process compared to existing methods.
Dynamic Simulation of Photothermal Environment in Solar Greenhouse Based on COMSOL Multiple Physical Fields
Authors: Liu Huan , Meng Fankun , Yan Zhengnan , Shi Yuliang , Tian Subo , Yang Yanjie , Li Xiaoye
Published: January 2025

Solar greenhouses are essential facilities for agricultural production in northern China, where uneven internal environments pose significant challenges. This study established a numerical model of photothermal conditions in solar greenhouses. Utilizing COMSOL MultiphysicsTM, we established a microclimate model that encompasses the greenhouse exterior and the soil directly below it, without considering the crops. This model coupled multiphysical fields with fluid flow and heat transfer processes. The boundary conditions and initial values of the external environment and soil were derived from meteorological data and an efficient interpolation function method, with the time step updated every 1h. The results demonstrate that the simulated values were in good agreement with the measured values. Our findings reveal the temporal dynamics of radiation and temperature changes, as well as spatial heterogeneity, within solar greenhouses under different winter weather conditions. Additionally, the potential of integrating with other real-time monitoring and control models was discussed. This study provides a theoretical foundation for developing microclimate models and predicting photothermal environments in greenhouses.
Evaluating the Sustainability of Wheat–Maize System with a Long-Term Fertilization Experiment
Authors: Shao Yun , An Jiahui , Wang Xueping , Ma Shouchen , Meng Ye , Gao Yang , Ma Shoutian
Published: January 2025

In light of the issue concerning excessive fertilization that prevails in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, through conducting a 13-year long-term positioning experiment, the sustainability of a wheat and maize double-cropping soil system under different fertilization strategies is evaluated using the triangular area method. The objective is to establish a theoretical basis for the development and implementation of appropriate fertilization practices in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain. In the protracted long-term experiment, chemical fertilizer (F) was taken as the control (CK) and three distinct treatments combining organic and inorganic fertilizers were used: chemical fertilizer with straw mulching (FS), chemical fertilizer with cow dung (FM), and chemical fertilizer with cow dung and straw mulching (FMS). Between 2018 and 2019, a non-fertilization treatment was concurrently incorporated in parallel on the foundation of each existing fertilization treatment. The results indicated that following prolonged fertilization, the soil nutrient content, enzyme activity, and crop yield of each organic fertilizer treatment were significantly greater than those of the chemical fertilizer treatment alone, resulting in a more stable yield. After two years of discontinuation of fertilizer cultivation, the soil fertility indexes of each treatment exhibited a notable decline. However, the rate of decrease in soil fertility indexes for the three organic fertilizer treatments was lower compared to that of the single application of chemical fertilizer treatment, suggesting that long-term allocation of organic + inorganic fertilizers contributes to better preservation of soil fertility. Through an assessment of the soil system’s sustainability under various treatments, it becomes evident that following a two-year cessation of fertilization, the sustainability indexes of the soils subjected to three long-term organic + inorganic fertilizer treatments (1.26, 1.29, and 1.27) exceeded that of the soil treated solely with chemical fertilizer (1.00). These findings provide further evidence supporting the notion that the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers can enhance the soil system’s capacity for sustainable production in wheat–maize farmland within the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain.
A Multi-Year Study of Forchlorfenuron’s Effects on Physical Fruit Quality Parameters in A. chinensis var. chinensis
Authors: Mian Giovanni , Consolini Michele , Cellini Antonio , Strano Andrea , Magoni Tommaso , Mastroleo Marco , Donati Irene , Spinelli Francesco
Published: January 2025

CPPU, N-(2-Chloro-4-pyridyl)-N-phenylurea, is a synthetic cytokinin extensively used to enhance fruit size and overall quality in several crops, including kiwifruit. This study aimed to investigate the effects of three different CPPU application strategies (2.3, 3.0, and 4.6 ppm) and two crop load levels on key fruit quality parameters at harvest, as well as on post-harvest storage performance. Our results demonstrate that two applications of CPPU (4.6 ppm) significantly increased fruit weight, especially under standard crop-load conditions, likely due to more efficient resource allocation. Additionally, fruit firmness improved with two or three CPPU applications, probably because of enhanced cell wall development. Crop load consistently influenced fruit firmness, with lower loads resulting in softer fruits. The soluble solids content was not significantly affected by the two CPPU applications; however, it was notably influenced by crop load, with fruits from the standard crop load showing higher sugar accumulation. A similar trend was observed in fruit dry weight, where CPPU had a greater impact under standard crop loads. Regarding post-harvest performance, CPPU applications showed a limited effect on maintaining fruit firmness during the first five months of storage. Overall, CPPU can be a potential strategy to enhance fruit quality, but its effectiveness depends heavily on field management practices. Therefore, controlling field variables is essential to fully realize the benefits of CPPU and to avoid interference with the plant’s physiological responses.
Digital Diagnostics: The Potential of Large Language Models in Recognizing Symptoms of Common Illnesses
Authors: Gupta Gaurav Kumar , Singh Aditi , Manikandan Sijo Valayakkad , Ehtesham Abul
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Large Language Models (LLMs) in healthcare diagnostics, specifically their ability to analyze symptom-based prompts and provide accurate diagnoses. The study focused on models including GPT-4, GPT-4o, Gemini, o1 Preview, and GPT-3.5, assessing their performance in identifying illnesses based solely on provided symptoms. Symptom-based prompts were curated from reputable medical sources to ensure validity and relevance. Each model was tested under controlled conditions to evaluate their diagnostic accuracy, precision, recall, and decision-making capabilities. Specific scenarios were designed to explore their performance in both general and high-stakes diagnostic tasks. Among the models, GPT-4 achieved the highest diagnostic accuracy, demonstrating strong alignment with medical reasoning. Gemini excelled in high-stakes scenarios requiring precise decision-making. GPT-4o and o1 Preview showed balanced performance, effectively handling real-time diagnostic tasks with a focus on both precision and recall. GPT-3.5, though less advanced, proved dependable for general diagnostic tasks. This study highlights the strengths and limitations of LLMs in healthcare diagnostics. While models such as GPT-4 and Gemini exhibit promise, challenges such as privacy compliance, ethical considerations, and the mitigation of inherent biases must be addressed. The findings suggest pathways for responsibly integrating LLMs into diagnostic processes to enhance healthcare outcomes.
Evaluating AI-Driven Mental Health Solutions: A Hybrid Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach
Authors: Ojo Yewande , Makinde Olasumbo Ayodeji , Babatunde Oluwabukunmi Victor , Babatunde Gbotemi , Okeowo Subomi
Published: January 2025

Background: AI-driven mental health solutions offer transformative potential for improving mental healthcare outcomes, but identifying the most effective approaches remains a challenge. This study addresses this gap by evaluating and prioritizing AI-driven mental health alternatives based on key criteria, including feasibility of implementation, cost-effectiveness, scalability, ethical compliance, user satisfaction, and impact on clinical outcomes. Methods: A fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model, consisting of fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy ARAS, was employed to rank the alternatives, while a hybridization of the two methods was used to address discrepancies between the methods, each emphasizing distinct evaluative aspect. Results: Fuzzy TOPSIS, focusing on closeness to the ideal solution, ranked personalization of care (A5) as the top alternative with a closeness coefficient of 0.50, followed by user engagement (A2) at 0.45. Fuzzy ARAS, which evaluates cumulative performance, also ranked A5 the highest, with an overall performance rating of Si = 0.90 and utility degree Qi = 0.92. Combining both methods provided a balanced assessment, with A5 retaining its top position due to high scores in user satisfaction and clinical outcomes. Conclusions: This result underscores the importance of personalization and engagement in optimizing AI-driven mental health solutions, suggesting that tailored, user-focused approaches are pivotal for maximizing treatment success and user adherence.
Age-Related Changes in Gut Health and Behavioral Biomarkers in a Beagle Dog Population
Authors: Fernández-Pinteño Anna , Pilla Rachel , Suchodolski Jan , Apper Emmanuelle , Torre Celina , Salas-Mani Anna , Manteca Xavier
Published: January 2025

The gut and the gut microbiome communicate with the nervous system through the gut–brain axis via neuroimmune and neuroendocrine mechanisms. Despite existing research, studies exploring this link in aging dogs are limited. This study aims to examine multiple blood and fecal biomarkers of intestinal health, along with various behavioral indicators based on saliva, blood, observations, and activity, in different age populations (junior: <2 y.o.; adult: 2–7 y.o.; senior: >7 y.o.) of thirty-seven Beagle dogs. In our study, Bacteroides were significantly higher in senior dogs. The relative abundance of Faecalibacterium and Blautia showed age-related trends, higher in senior and junior dogs, respectively. Fecal short-chain fatty acid concentration, especially acetate, increased with age, while propionate was higher in junior dogs. For the behavioral indicators we considered, blood thyroxine concentration, playing, exploring, and total activity were higher in junior dogs. The differences observed between the biomarkers of gut health and behavior, particularly those significant for the age correlations, emphasize the importance of considering age-related factors when studying the gut microbiome and behavior. However, further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms and specific pathways involved in the relationship between the studied biomarkers and age.
Simplified Internal Audits of the Welfare Quality Protocol in Dairy Farms: Are They Effective in Improving Welfare Practices?
Authors: Ferreira Maria Francisca , Stilwell Catarina , Stilwell George
Published: January 2025

The Welfair® certificate has become an important part of food chain integrity for animal welfare assessment in several countries, relying on a rigorous audit that verifies compliance with legislation and assesses animal welfare through the Welfare Quality Protocol (WQP). Dairy cattle farmers are encouraged to conduct internal audits beforehand to self-assess the farm’s animal welfare level. Since early 2023, the Welfair® scheme has proposed simplified audits to shorten the time needed for internal audits. Ten measures are selected from the WQP, five of which must always be assessed: body condition, water provision, lameness, integument alterations, and pain management in disbudding. The main objective of this study was to determine whether analyzing the results of these five key indicators helps in identifying welfare problems, ultimately leading to a better final score. To test this, seven Portuguese commercial dairy farms were randomly selected to conduct a simplified internal audit followed by a certification audit. Considering the circumstances of our study, the visits proved essential to promoting better welfare practices, which positively influenced the final classification. However, areas that require improvement (such as the lack of an accurate risk analysis of the simplified audits provided by the Welfair® scheme) were identified and are discussed.
Variability in Morphological Traits and Nutritional Profiles of Adult Eriocheir sinensis in Different Aquacultural Regions
Authors: Feng Wenrong , He Qinghong , Li Jianlin , Zhou Jun , Hua Guoan , Xu Yuanfeng , Jiang Gang , Tang Yongkai
Published: January 2025

Eriocheir sinensis is a species of significant economic importance in China’s aquaculture industry. In order to investigate the variations in morphologic and nutritional profiles of farmed crabs across diverse farming regions, E. sinensis were collected from six aquafarms located in the primary cultivation areas in China. The findings revealed significant variations in specific morphological indices, but these are insufficient for clear regional distinction using PCA. Essential amino acid (EAA) levels varied by tissue and gender, with ovaries from the YY (Yongyan in Anhui province) group showing the highest levels, while the hepatopancreas in females from the JX (Jianxian in Jiangxi province) group had the lowest. The analysis of fatty acid contents revealed that muscles were rich in PUFAs, whereas MUFAs were dominant in the hepatopancreas and gonads. The fatty acid levels were significantly higher in ovaries than in testes, notably in the HZ (Huzhou in Zhejiang province), EZ (Ezhou in Hubei province), YY, and JX groups. Furthermore, the PCA based on proximate composition, amino acids, and fatty acids revealed distinct categorizations of E. sinensis from various regions. In conclusion, these findings highlight significant regional variations in the morphology and nutritional composition of farmed E. sinensis, suggesting the need for tailored aquaculture practices to optimize quality and output.
Bicarbonate Within: A Hidden Modulator of Antibiotic Susceptibility
Authors: Ersoy Selvi C. , Rose Warren E. , Proctor Richard A.
Published: January 2025

Since its standardization, clinical antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) has relied upon a standard medium, Mueller-Hinton Broth/Agar (MHB/A), to determine antibiotic resistance. However, this microbiologic medium bears little resemblance to the host milieu, calling into question the physiological relevance of resistance phenotypes it reveals. Recent studies investigating antimicrobial susceptibility in mammalian cell culture media, a more host-mimicking environment, demonstrate that exposure to host factors significantly alters susceptibility profiles. One such factor is bicarbonate, an abundant ion in the mammalian bloodstream/tissues. Importantly, bicarbonate sensitizes methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to early-generation β-lactams used for the treatment of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). This “NaHCO3-responsive” phenotype is widespread among US MRSA USA300/CC8 bloodstream and skin and soft tissue infection isolates. Translationally, β-lactam therapy has proven effective against NaHCO3-responsive MRSA in both ex vivo simulated endocarditis vegetation (SEV) and in vivo rabbit infective endocarditis (IE) models. Mechanistically, bicarbonate appears to influence mecA expression and PBP2a production/localization, as well as key elements for PBP2a functionality, including the PBP2a chaperone PrsA, components of functional membrane microdomains (FMMs), and wall teichoic acid (WTA) synthesis. The NaHCO3-responsive phenotype highlights the critical role of host factors in shaping antibiotic susceptibility, emphasizing the need to incorporate more physiological conditions into AST protocols.
Oral Antibacterial Drug Prescribing in Primary Care Out-of-Hours Services: A Scoping Review
Authors: Al Hussain Sarah Khalid , Deslandes Rhian , Edwards Deborah , Hodson Karen Louise
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a critical threat to global health. Primary care plays a significant role in this crisis, with oral antibacterial drugs among the most prescribed medications. Antibacterial prescribing rates are often high and complicated in out-of-hours (OOH) services, including weekdays outside regular hours, weekends, and holidays, potentially exacerbating AMR. This review aims to identify the existing literature on oral antibacterial drug prescribing within primary care OOH services. Methods: This review followed established frameworks, adhered to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, and the protocol was registered on Open Science Framework. Seven databases were searched from 2017 to May 2022. Data were summarised, tabulated, and presented narratively to explore themes and patterns that aligned with the review objectives. Results: The search identified 28 studies from nine high-income countries, mainly the UK (n = 6) and Belgium (n = 5). Most were quantitative studies (n = 23). Key areas identified included common oral antibacterial prescriptions, prescribing trends, presentations and conditions managed in OOH services, factors and predictors associated with prescribing, prescribing appropriateness, the impact of interventions on prescribing, prescribing in the context of COVID-19, patient satisfaction and expectations, and the challenges encountered, such as factors influencing prescribing behaviour and decision making, safety netting, and communication. Conclusions: This review highlights key areas around oral antibacterial prescribing in primary care OOH services. Despite the numerous articles identified covering various areas within OOH services, the variability in OOH services approaches across countries and studies complicates the comparison of practice. Further research is needed to better understand practices in these settings.
Something Is Rotten in the State of Redox
Authors: Abdin Ahmad Yaman , Nasim Mohamad Jawad , Jacob Claus
Published: January 2025

Some say that science is an art, a craft, and a passion—and, one may add these days, often also a business [...]