bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Amlodipine and Imipramine Efficacy to Treat Galleria mellonella Infection by Biofilm-Producing and Antimicrobial-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Andrade Mariana , Neves Joana , Bento Maria , Marques Joana , Seabra Sofia G. , Silveira Henrique , Rodrigues Liliana , Armada Ana , Viveiros Miguel , Couto Isabel , Costa Sofia Santos
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a growing threat to human health for which alternative therapeutic options are needed. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of amlodipine (AML) and imipramine (IMI) to treat S. aureus infection in the Galleria mellonella larval model by targeting efflux and biofilms, which are relevant contributors to antimicrobial resistance and virulence in S. aureus. Methods: In-house reared G. mellonella were used in virulence assays to determine the infective dose of two S. aureus strains differing in the expression of norA (gene encoding the native NorA efflux pump). Toxicology assays were conducted to determine the drugs’ LD50 for G. mellonella. Drug efficacy assays were performed to evaluate the potential of amlodipine, imipramine and the control drugs ciprofloxacin (CIP) and enalapril (ENA) to clear S. aureus infection in G. mellonella. Results: Survival analysis defined the infective dose as 1 × 107 CFU/larva for both strains. High LD50 values were determined (CIP: >1000 mg/kg; AML: >640 mg/kg; IMI: 1141 mg/kg; ENA: >1280 mg/kg), revealing a high tolerance of G. mellonella to these drugs. AML at 15 mg/kg and IMI at 100 mg/kg increased the larvae survival by 20% (p = 0.04) and 11% (p = 0.11), respectively, also positively affecting health score indexes. In agreement with the literature, ciprofloxacin at >100 mg/kg promoted larvae survival by >73%. Conclusions: Amlodipine and imipramine show mild potential as new therapeutic options for managing S. aureus infections but are promising as new lead molecules. This study also reinforces G. mellonella as a sustainable, reliable model for drug evaluation.
Comprehensive Overview of Antibacterial Drugs and Natural Antibacterial Compounds Found in Food Plants
Authors: Berteina-Raboin Sabine
Published: February 2025

The aim of this review is to list the various natural sources of antimicrobials that are readily available. Indeed, many plant sources are known to have antibiotic properties, although it is not always clear which molecule is responsible for this activity. Many food supplements also have this therapeutic indication. We propose here to take stock of the scientific knowledge attesting or not to these indications for some food sources. An overview of the various antibiotic drugs commercially available will be provided. A structural indication of the natural molecules present in various plants and reported to contribute to their antibiotic power will be given. The plants mentioned in this review, which does not claim to be exhaustive, are referenced for fighting Gram-positive and/or Gram-negative bacteria. It is difficult to attribute activity to just one of these natural molecules, as it is likely to result from synergy within the plant. Similarly, chitosan is mentioned for its fungistatic and bacteriostatic properties. In this case, this polymeric compound derived from the chitin of marine organisms is referenced for its antibiofilm activity. It seems that, in the face of growing antibiotic resistance, it makes sense to keep high-performance synthetic antibiotics on hand to treat the difficult pathologies that require them. On the other hand, for minor infections, the use of better-tolerated natural sources is certainly sufficient. To achieve this, we need to take stock of common plant sources, available as food products or dietary supplements, which are known to be active in this field.
Optimization of Supercritical Fluid Extraction for the Recovery of γ-Oryzanol-Rich Extracts with Improved Bioactivity from Rice Bran
Authors: Baixinho João P. , Cardeira Martim , Bento-Silva Andreia , Partidário Ana Maria Carvalho , Serra Ana Teresa , Bronze Maria do Rosário , Fernández Naiara
Published: February 2025

Rice bran (RB) is a rice processing by-product recognized to be a source of bioactive compounds, including γ-oryzanol and fatty acids, which have interesting bioactivities such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aims to optimize the supercritical fluid extraction process for recovering these high-value compounds from rice bran with improved bioactivity. A Central Composite Face-Centered Design was employed to optimize the extraction process by varying the temperature (40–80 °C) and pressure (200–500 bar). The optimal extraction conditions were identified at 500 bar and 62 °C that led to the extraction of 17.3% mass yield with 784.5 mg of fatty acids and 36.6 mg of γ-oryzanol per gram of extract, striking a balance between extraction yield and bioactive concentrations. When compared with conventional extractions with n-hexane, supercritical fluid extraction showed similar global yield (18.0 vs. 17.3%) and FA concentration (130.14 vs. 135.70 mg/g of RB) but higher selectivity and extraction yield for γ-oryzanol (18.0 vs. 36.4 mg/g extract; 3.3 vs. 6.3 mg/g of RB). Cellular antioxidant activity assays showed that both extracts reduced the quantity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) up to 50% in Caco-2 cells submitted to oxidative stress. Importantly, supercritical fluid extract was more effective in inhibiting colorectal cancer cell growth (EC50 = 0.9 mg/mL vs. 1.15 mg/mL) than the hexane extract, and this effect was more pronounced than that obtained for pure γ-oryzanol in the same concentration range. These findings highlight the potential of supercritical fluid technology to develop rice bran extracts with antioxidant and antiproliferative properties, underlining the promising applications of this technology in the field of natural product extraction.
Investigation of Select Pure Earth Metals as Redox Catalytic Electrodes in Single Compartment Hydrogen Peroxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Alderson Faraz , Appuhamy Raveen , Gadsden Stephen Andrew
Published: February 2025

Hydrogen peroxide is a promising alternative to hydrogen gas for fuel cells, as it can act as the oxidizing and reducing agent and be stored in a stable liquid form, it simplifies the structure of the fuel cell. This study aims to investigate the use of antimony, bismuth, indium, tantalum, silver, dysprosium, erbium, gadolinium, holmium, and terbium as electrodes for the first time in a single-compartment hydrogen peroxide fuel cell. In this study, the procedure for custom electrodes for these metals is documented. The performance of the electrodes was evaluated by measuring the open circuit potential, comparing the cyclic voltammograms and observing the physical reactions of the cell combinations. The results of the study show the catalytic reaction is likely due to the formation of molecular oxide layers on the electrode surface. It was evident that an acidic peroxide electrolyte favors the best catalytic reaction. Tantalum and antimony were found to be the best-performing electrodes in this electrolyte, providing the best stability and performance.
Systematic Review of Discrete Event Simulation in Healthcare and Statistics Distributions
Authors: Vecillas Martin Diego , Berruezo Fernández Christian , Gento Municio Angel M.
Published: February 2025

The healthcare sector, as a complex industrial system, faces significant challenges in delivering quality care amid resource constraints, driving the increased adoption of discrete event simulation (DES) as a tool for enhancing operational efficiency. While DES has proven valuable in healthcare operations, there is limited understanding of the statistical distributions employed in its implementation and its technological evolution. This study conducts an innovative review examining the diffusion of DES in health services, analyzing both the statistical distributions used in medical services simulation and the advancement of DES technologies. Through a comprehensive analysis of 616 publications from 2010 to 2022, we investigated DES utilization patterns and technological evolution and conducted a comparative analysis between pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic periods, evaluating publication trends by country. The results reveal a significant increase in DES publications, an expansion of journals publishing DES-related articles, and notable technological advancements in simulation capabilities, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings demonstrate the growing relevance of DES in healthcare research and its crucial role in process automation and decision-making within the industrial healthcare environment.
The Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Droughts Using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index and Its Impact on Cereal Yields in a Semi-Arid Mediterranean Region
Authors: Elair Chaima , Rkha Chaham Khalid , Karaoui Ismail , Hadri Abdessamad
Published: February 2025

Over the last century, significant climate changes, including more intense droughts and floods, have impacted agriculture and socio-economic development, particularly in rain-dependent regions like Marrakech–Safi (MS) in Morocco. Limited data availability complicates the accurate monitoring and assessment of these natural hazards. This study evaluates the role of satellite data in drought monitoring in the MS region using rain gauge observations from 18 stations, satellite-based precipitation estimates from Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS), and temperatures from the fifth generation of the atmospheric global climate reanalyzed Era5-Land data. The Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) was calculated at various timescales to characterize droughts. Statistical analysis was then performed to assess the correlation between the SPEI and the cereal yields. The results show that CHIRPS effectively monitors droughts, demonstrating strong statistically significant correlations (r ~ 0.9) with the observed data in the plains, the plateaus, Essaouira–Chichaoua Basin, and the coastal zones, along with a good BIAS score and lower root mean square error (RMSE). However, discrepancies were observed in the High Atlas foothills and the mountainous regions. Correlation analysis indicates the significant impact of droughts on agricultural productivity, with strong correlations between the Standardized Yield Residual Series (SYRS) and SPEI-6 in April and SPEI-12 in June (r ~ 0.80). These findings underscore the importance of annual and late-season precipitation for cereal yields. Analysis provides valuable insights for decision-makers in designing adaptation strategies to enhance small-scale farmers’ resilience to current and projected droughts.
Spatial–Temporal Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Urban Built-Up Land Green Use Efficiency in the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration: Analysis of the Central China Rise Policy
Authors: Guo Yanhua , Song Yifan , Li Ke , Wang Tianli , He Yanbing
Published: February 2025

The urban built-up land green use efficiency (UBLGUE) of the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration (CPUA) is greatly affected by the Central China Rise policy. However, studies on how socioeconomic factors affect UBLGUE in underdeveloped urban agglomerations are lacking, and little empirical research has placed particular emphasis on the Central China Rise policy. Based on the statistical data of 2003–2020, this study explores the dynamic spatial–temporal characteristics and determines the influencing mechanism of UBLGUE in the CPUA via the super-SBM–DEA method and panel regression model. The empirical results indicate the following: The average UBLGUE in the prefecture cities of the CPUA presents a significant fluctuating trend from 2003 to 2020. The UBLGUE of the CPUA is characterized by spatial imbalance. Over the period of Central China Rise, the main factors influencing the spatial–temporal differentiation of the UBLGUE in the CPUA are the economic development, industrial structure, environmental regulation intensity, and energy consumption intensity. UBLGUE has strong economic attributes and is positively promoted by economic development. In contrast, the industrial structure, environmental regulation intensity, and energy consumption intensity significantly hinder the UBLGUE. Energy consumption intensity has the strongest negative effect on UBLGUE. Finally, corresponding policy recommendations are proposed to promote UBLGUE based on the conclusions obtained.
Biomonitoring of Potentially Toxic Elements in the Urban Atmosphere of Tehran Metropolis Using the Lichen Anaptychia setifera (Mereschk.) Räsänen
Authors: Abdollahi Sara , Hassanzadeh Nasrin , Sohrabi Mohammad , Loppi Stefano
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the bioaccumulation of PTEs in the 22 districts of the Tehran metropolis using the lichen Anaptychia setifera collected from Kalpoosh unpolluted area in Semnan province and exposed for 4 months in the study area using the lichen transplant technique. The concentrations of eight potentially toxic elements in the lichen were quantified using ICP-OES analysis. PCA was used to detect common sources of PTEs, and distribution maps were produced using QGIS. A statistically significant difference in the toxic elements was observed among the different stations in the Tehran metropolis. The CF index results indicate severe pollution (CF ≥ 3) for all eight studied toxic elements in the atmosphere of the Tehran metropolis. The values of the PLI index in the monitoring stations were calculated in the range of 14–31, confirming very high pollution (PLI ≥ 2.5) in the study area. The results showed a significant accumulation of all investigated toxic elements. Toxic elements such as Fe, Al, and Cr were primarily derived from natural geogenic sources, whereas Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn originated from anthropogenic sources, predominantly vehicular traffic, as depicted by the distribution patterns of these toxic elements, with peaks near sites with heavy traffic. Overall, the entire study area exhibited severe pollution levels.
Optimal Control Problems for Erlang Loss Systems
Authors: Lefebvre Mario
Published: February 2025

An Erlang loss system, which is an M/G/s/s queue, is a model used in various applications. In this paper, a controlled version of the process is defined. The objective is to maximize the expected time until the system is full when the service time is exponentially distributed. The control variable is the service rate. The dynamic programming equation satisfied by the value function F, from which the optimal control follows at once, is derived, and F is found explicitly when s=2 and s=3. The problem of minimising the probability of the system being saturated is also considered.
An S-Hybridization Technique Using Two-Directional Optimization
Authors: Rakočević Vladimir , Petrović Milena J.
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we study a recently established s-hybrid approach for generating gradient descent methods for solving optimization tasks. We present an s-hybrid variant of the accelerated double-direction method. The results obtained based on convergence analysis confirm the first-order consistency of the newly defined method on a set of strictly convex quadratic functions.
Self-Supervised Foundation Model for Template Matching
Authors: Hristov Anton , Dimov Dimo , Nisheva-Pavlova Maria
Published: February 2025

Finding a template location in a query image is a fundamental problem in many computer vision applications, such as localization of known objects, image registration, image matching, and object tracking. Currently available methods fail when insufficient training data are available or big variations in the textures, different modalities, and weak visual features exist in the images, leading to limited applications on real-world tasks. We introduce Self-Supervised Foundation Model for Template Matching (Self-TM), a novel end-to-end approach to self-supervised learning template matching. The idea behind Self-TM is to learn hierarchical features incorporating localization properties from images without any annotations. As going deeper in the convolutional neural network (CNN) layers, their filters begin to react to more complex structures and their receptive fields increase. This leads to loss of localization information in contrast to the early layers. The hierarchical propagation of the last layers back to the first layer results in precise template localization. Due to its zero-shot generalization capabilities on tasks such as image retrieval, dense template matching, and sparse image matching, our pre-trained model can be classified as a foundation one.
A Deep Ensemble Learning Approach Based on a Vision Transformer and Neural Network for Multi-Label Image Classification
Authors: Abulfaraj Anas W. , Binzagr Faisal
Published: February 2025

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have proven to be very effective in image classification due to their status as a powerful feature learning algorithm. Traditional approaches have considered the problem of multiclass classification, where the goal is to classify a set of objects at once. However, co-occurrence can make the discriminative features of the target less salient and may lead to overfitting of the model, resulting in lower performance. To address this, we propose a multi-label classification ensemble model including a Vision Transformer (ViT) and CNN for directly detecting one or multiple objects in an image. First, we improve the MobileNetV2 and DenseNet201 models using extra convolutional layers to strengthen image classification. In detail, three convolution layers are applied in parallel at the end of both models. ViT can learn dependencies among distant positions and local detail, making it an effective tool for multi-label classification. Finally, an ensemble learning algorithm is used to combine the classification predictions of the ViT, the modified MobileNetV2, and DenseNet201 bands for increased image classification accuracy using a voting system. The performance of the proposed model is examined on four benchmark datasets, achieving accuracies of 98.24%, 98.89%, 99.91%, and 96.69% on ASCAL VOC 2007, PASCAL VOC 2012, MS-COCO, and NUS-WIDE 318, respectively, showing that our framework can enhance current state-of-the-art methods.
Therapeutic Management of Ebola Virus: Targeting Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Pathways
Authors: Ndayambaje Martin , Wahnou Hicham , Naya Abdallah , Oudghiri Mounia
Published: February 2025

The Ebola virus (EBOV), a highly lethal pathogen causing hemorrhagic fever, poses a persistent public health threat, with devastating multi-organ complications and high transmission potential through bodily fluids. EBOV’s pathogenesis is marked by severe oxidative stress and immune dysregulation, where increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels foster cellular damage, hinder immune defenses, and facilitate viral replication. Through immune evasion and suppression of cellular stress responses, EBOV affects both innate and adaptive immunity, activating pyroptosis, PANoptosis, necroptosis, and lymphocyte apoptosis, thereby amplifying inflammation and disease severity. Recent research suggests that bioactive molecules, including quercetin, curcumin, eugenol, and p-anisaldehyde, may offer therapeutic potential due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. This review also underscores the potential of conventional treatments, including amiodarone, favipiravir, remdesivir, azithromycin, chloroquine, and nitazoxanide, as therapeutic agents against EBOV, thanks to their antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, although their efficacy varies across experimental models. These natural compounds could enhance immune resilience by scavenging ROS, modulating inflammation, and mitigating immune dysregulation, presenting promising adjunctive strategies to support conventional EBOV therapies.
Integrated Transcriptome and Targeted Metabolome for Resolving Flavonoid Biosynthesis in Figs (Ficus carica Linn.)
Authors: Sun Junting , Yishake Hadir , Wang Ming , Zhang Hao , Yan Jie
Published: February 2025

Figs are an edible and medicinal plant rich in polyphenols and flavonoids with unique pharmacological effects. However, the mechanism of flavonoid synthesis in figs is not clear. In this study, fig fruits of six varieties were collected for RNA sequencing and UPLC-MS data collection. The results showed that a total of 39 differential metabolites were identified by targeted metabolomics, and their contents were determined by UPLC-MS. The clustered heat map analysis showed that most of the differential metabolites were highly accumulated in BRD and FY. A total of 62 flavonoid biosynthesis pathway genes were identified by transcriptome analysis, and FcCHS, FcCHI, FcFLS, FcCYP, and FcDFR were the key genes identified for the accumulation of flavonoids and flavonols in the dark-colored varieties. In addition, a total of 1671 transcription factor genes, mainly MYBs, bHLHs, and AP2/ERFs, were identified. This study will enrich the transcriptomic data of figs and provide some help in resolving the synthesis mechanism of fig flavonoids.
Detection of Possible Resistance Mechanisms in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Kidney Transplant Recipients Based on Whole Genome Sequencing
Authors: Herrera-Espejo Soraya , Rubio Alejandro , Ceballos-Romero Lucía , Pachón Jerónimo , Cordero Elisa , Pérez-Pulido Antonio J. , Pachón-Ibáñez María Eugenia
Published: February 2025

Background: Urinary tract infections are a global health concern, with uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) accounting for 80–90% of cases. Given the rise in antimicrobial resistance, our aim was to elucidate the genetic mechanisms behind low-level resistance to ciprofloxacin and fosfomycin (LLCR and LLFR) in UPEC strains, using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to identify point mutations in chromosomal and plasmid genes. Methods: A cohort UPEC was collected from kidney transplant recipients at the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Spain. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined for ciprofloxacin and fosfomycin to categorize strains into LLCR and LLFR. Twenty strains were selected for WGS, with genome annotations. Point mutations were identified and analyzed using alignment tools, and protein stability changes were predicted. Results: LLCR strains exhibited mutations in key quinolone resistance-determining regions of the gyrA gene, in 83% of cases. The qnrS1 plasmid gene was found in 17% of LLCR strains. LLFR strains showed mutations in the glpT and cyaA genes. Mutations in the uhp gene family were linked to the fosfomycin-resistant phenotype, suggesting a multi-step resistance evolution mechanism. Conclusions: This study highlights the complex interplay between chromosomal and plasmid genes in UPEC’s resistance to ciprofloxacin and fosfomycin. The findings contribute to understanding low-level resistance mechanisms and may guide the development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat multidrug-resistant strains.
Evolutionary Insights into Irisin/FNDC5: Roles in Aging and Disease from Drosophila to Mammals
Authors: Lee Kiwon , Kim Myungjin
Published: February 2025

The Irisin/FNDC5 protein family has emerged as a pivotal link between exercise and the prevention of age-associated diseases. Irisin is highly expressed during exercise from skeletal and cardiac muscle cells, playing a critical role in mediating systemic health benefits through its actions on various tissues. However, Irisin levels decline with age, correlating with a heightened incidence of diseases such as muscle weakness, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegeneration. Notably, the administration of Irisin has shown significant potential in both preventing and treating these conditions. Recently, an Irisin/FNDC5 homolog was identified in an invertebrate Drosophila model, providing valuable insights into its conserved role in exercise physiology. Importantly, Irisin/FNDC5 has been demonstrated to regulate autophagy—a process essential for clearing excessive nutrients, toxic aggregates, and dysfunctional organelles—in both flies and mammals. Dysregulated autophagy is often implicated in age-related diseases, highlighting its relevance to Irisin/FNDC5’s functions. These findings deepen our understanding of Irisin/FNDC5’s roles and its potential as a therapeutic target for mitigating aging-related health decline. Further studies are needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which Irisin regulates autophagy and its broader impact on physiological aging and related diseases.
Development of PowerMag System II for Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells with Improved Purity
Authors: Ho Cheng-Rou , Tsai Hui-Ju , Wang Jin-Ru , Wang Chia-Te , Chiou Chiuan-Chian , Cheng Ju-Chien , Chiang Sum-Fu , Tseng Ching-Ping
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The PowerMag system (PM) is a platform for the isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) by the depletion of CD45+-leukocytes. However, an EpCAM−CD45− cell population is present in large numbers in the cell filtrates collected by PM. This lowers the purity of the CTCs and negatively impacts their molecular characterization. The aims of this study are to characterize the cellular properties of the EpCAM−CD45− cells and to upgrade the system to improve CTC purity. Methods: A real-time RT-PCR assay, Liu’s stain analysis, and Annexin V (AnxV) binding assay were used to define the cellular properties of the EpCAM−CD45− cells. An upgraded system was developed to remove the EpCAM−CD45− cells and improve the CTC purity. Clinical blood samples were used to evaluate the performance of the system. Results: The EpCAM−CD45− cells were defined as apoptotic cells, which displayed apoptotic body-like morphology and elicited AnxV binding activity. AnxV beads developed in-house can effectively bind and remove EpCAM−CD45− cells from the cell filtrates. An improved generation of a CTCs isolation platform, designated as PM II, was developed by integration of AnxV beads into the workflow to remove the apoptotic cells. PM II recovered CTCs with improved CTC purity by effective removal of the background apoptotic cells. The improved performance of PM II allowed for direct profiling of cancer-related gene mutations by next-generation sequencing without cell picking and further purification. Conclusions: PM II holds great promise as a platform for isolating CTCs with improved purity and for exploring its application in cancer diagnosis and monitoring in a clinical setting.
Thyroidectomy and Its Complications: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Gerardi Ignazio , Verro Barbara , Amodei Roberta , Richiusa Pierina , Saraniti Carmelo
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: This study aims to assess the rate of complications in patients who underwent thyroid surgery and were monitored post-operatively to explore potential correlations between various parameters that may aid in clinical decision making. Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent thyroid surgery and were followed up in our Endocrinology Unit. Patients were selected based on strict criteria. The following data were collected: sex; age; type of thyroid disease; pre-operative symptoms due to thyroid pathology; surgical procedures; post-operative complications; histopathological diagnosis; and post-operative blood levels of TSH, PTH, vitamin D, and calcium. Results: Among 340 patients, 25.29% had benign thyroid disease. Total thyroidectomy was performed in 89.4% of cases. Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was found in 32 patients. Hypocalcemia occurred in 14 patients within 24 h post-operatively. Histopathological examination identified incidental parathyroid tissue in 5.88% of thyroidectomy specimens. Post-operative hypoparathyroidism was observed in 26 patients, and vitamin D deficiency in 68 patients. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that thyroid surgery is quite a safe procedure; however, complications may occur. A statistically significant correlation was found between the type of surgery and the risk of vocal fold palsy, without correlation with the type of thyroid disease. A thorough pre-operative evaluation by a multidisciplinary team may help reduce the risk of post-operative complications. Despite the extensive knowledge of thyroid surgery, small refinements may further improve surgical outcomes.
The Diagnostic Utility of Oligoclonal Bands in Multiple Sclerosis: A Time-Course Analysis
Authors: Candeloro Raffaella , Ferri Caterina , Laudisi Michele , Baldi Eleonora , Pugliatti Maura , Castellazzi Massimiliano
Published: February 2025

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Oligoclonal bands (OCBs) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are a hallmark of MS and reflect intrathecal IgG synthesis and inflammation. This study aims to analyze the temporal distribution of IgG OCBs in the CSF of patients with a definitive diagnosis of MS. Methods: This retrospective study included 500 patients with diagnosed MS. Patients were divided into four groups according to diagnostic epochs: Group 1 (Pre-2001 or Pre-McDonald), Group 2 (2001–2010 or McDonald 2001-Polman 2010), Group 3 (2010–2018 or Polman 2010), and Group 4 (Post-2018 or Thompson 2017). Statistical analyses examined temporal and sex differences in OCB positivity rates. Results: OCB positivity was lower in Group 4 (69.2%) compared to Group 1 (85.4%) in the overall population (p = 0.0022). A decrease in OCB positivity was observed in Groups 3 (62.5%) and 4 (71.8%) compared to Group 1 (92.5%) among males (p = 0.0117 and p = 0.0198, respectively) and in Group 4 (68.1%) compared to Group 1 (82.5%) among females (p = 0.0274). Conclusions: The present study provides valuable insights into temporal trends in CSF positivity among patients diagnosed with MS. There was an overall decrease in OCB positivity rates over the years, particularly in the post-2018 period.
Motor Outcome After Posterior Insular Resection for Pediatric Epilepsy
Authors: Baumgartner Michael E. , Tomlinson Samuel B. , Galligan Kathleen , Kennedy Benjamin C.
Published: February 2025

The increasingly widespread use of stereo-EEG in the pre-surgical evaluation has led to greater recognition of the insula as both a source and surgical target for drug-resistant epilepsy. Clinicians have long appreciated the challenges of diagnosing and treating seizures arising from the insula. Insular-onset seizures present with a wide variety of semiologies due to its dense and complex integration with other brain structures, resulting in the insula’s reputation as the “great mimicker.” Surgical access to the insula is guarded by the overlying frontal, temporal, and parietal opercula and requires careful negotiation of the Sylvian fissure, the vascular candelabra of the middle cerebral artery, and protection of crucial white matter structures (e.g., corona radiata). Despite these difficulties, open surgical intervention for insular epilepsy is associated with favorable seizure control rates, surpassing those achieved with less-invasive alternatives (e.g., laser ablation). Technical nuances that minimize the risk of adverse functional outcomes following open insular resection (especially hemiparesis) are of tremendous value to the epilepsy surgeon. Here, we review the literature on hemiparesis secondary to insular resection and detail strategies for achieving safe and thorough resection of the insula, with emphasis placed on the posterior insula. We supplement this review with four illustrative cases in which focal, drug-resistant epilepsy was managed via open insular resection with no resultant permanent hemiparesis. Technical insights accumulated through these cases are highlighted.
Research on the Bending Load-Bearing Capacity of UHPC-NC Prefabricated Hollow Composite Slabs in Cross-Section
Authors: Wang Ruochen , Shi Tianyu , Zhu Yanzhu , Wang Kun
Published: February 2025

This study aims to investigate the bending load-bearing capacity of precast hollow composite slabs composed of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) and Normal Concrete (NC). Through finite element numerical analysis and verification, this study analyzes various key factors influencing the performance of the composite slab, including the wall thickness of the square steel tube, the diameter of transverse reinforcing bars, the thickness of the precast bottom slab, and the strength grade of the concrete. The results indicate that the use of UHPC significantly enhances the bending performance of the composite slab. As the wall thickness of the square steel tube and the strength of UHPC increase, both the yield load and ultimate load capacity of the composite slab show considerable improvement. By conducting an in-depth analysis, this study identifies different stages of the composite slab during the loading process, including the cracking stage, yielding stage, and ultimate stage, thereby providing important foundations for optimizing structural design. Furthermore, a set of bending load-bearing capacity calculation formulas applicable to UHPC-NC precast hollow composite slabs is proposed, offering practical tools and theoretical support for engineering design and analysis. The innovation of this study lies not only in providing a profound understanding of the application of composite materials in architectural design but also in offering feasible solutions to the energy efficiency and safety challenges faced by the construction industry in the future. This research demonstrates the tremendous potential of ultra-high-performance concrete and its combinations in modern architecture, contributing to the sustainable development of construction technology.
Exploring the Role of Team Leisure Sports in Enhancing Occupational Commitment and Sustainability Among Construction Workers: A Focus on Team Cohesion
Authors: Wang Xiaorui , Chen Xiaolong , Zhang Hongfeng , Wong Cora Un In
Published: February 2025

In the context of high turnover rates in the construction industry, team leisure sports activities have been increasingly promoted, with growing attention on their potential impact on the sustainability of construction workers’ occupational commitment. However, there is a lack of systematic research on the mechanism through which team sports promote occupational commitment. This study explores how team leisure sports activities enhance the sustainability of construction workers’ occupational commitment through the mediating effect of team cohesion, integrating perspectives from social psychology and organizational behavior. Data were collected from 509 Chinese construction workers using a structured questionnaire. The results revealed the following: (1) Four dimensions of team sports experience—social interaction quality, emotional engagement, team culture perception, and work pressure relief—positively affected workers’ commitment to sustainability. (2) Team cohesion mediated the relationship between the team sports experience and sustainability. This study provides insights into career sustainability in the construction industry and highlights the importance of team cohesion in enhancing workers’ professional commitment. The findings offer practical implications for optimizing team-building and human resource management strategies, with a focus on retaining employees in the construction industry.
Overall Lifting Construction Control Method for Large-Segment Steel Arch Bridges Based on Unstressed State Control Theory
Authors: Li Zhongpei , Dong Xuetao , Chen Hairong , Chi Liangjun , Zhang Zhicheng
Published: February 2025

The construction method of first splicing the low brackets and then lifting steel arch bridges has become increasingly popular, and its construction control has become a key issue. According to the unstressed state control theory, both the horizontal displacement and rotation angle at the lifted arch segment ends should be approximately 0 during the lifting process. An analytical solution for the position of the lifting points and the tension force in temporary horizontal rods is proposed. The analytical method is verified through a detailed comparison of the analytical results with the finite element model results and the on-site monitoring results. The results show that, for steel arch bridges whose main arch axis is the n-order parabola, the reasonable range of the parameter k is 0.8~0.9 and the specific value is related to the parameter n. The tension force in temporary horizontal rods can be quickly determined. The results meet the requirements of the unstressed state control theory, and the internal forces at the vault and lifting points can be maintained within a reasonable range. This research could be used to effectively control the deformation and stress distributions in the main arch of Shunjiang Bridge during the overall lifting process. The methods proposed provide effective guidance for using the overall lifting method for steel arch bridges.
Regional Color Study of Traditional Village Based on Random Forest Model: Taking the Minjiang River Basin as an Example
Authors: Kong Deyi , Fei Xinhui , Lu Zexuan , Lin Xinyue , Cai Mengqing , Chen Zujian
Published: February 2025

From the color geography perspective, a field investigation was conducted in the Minjiang River Basin, constructing a color index system of traditional villages. In Python, a random forest model was constructed to screen out important color indexes for traditional village color classification and explore its influence mechanism. Among eight color indexes, the important indexes are wall form and building face form, accounting for 30.50% and 19.40%, respectively. Based on this, the basin was divided into four color zones presenting color characteristics and eight color subzones presenting architectural features. The influence mechanism concerns dialect divisions that have shaped traditional villages of different color types, and the interconnection of water systems has promoted the connections among them. The application of traditional village colors in the new urban and rural planning can enhance local characteristics. Integrating the color resources of traditional villages contributes to the regional protection of culture and economic development.
A Comparative Study on the End-Bearing Capacity of Toe-Wing & Spiral Screw Piles in Cohesionless Soil
Authors: Sahil Ahmad Waheed , Uchimura Taro , Malik Adnan Anwar , Kabir Md Raihanul
Published: February 2025

The use of screw piles has grown rapidly, yet their varied configurations and behavior in different soils remain key research areas. This study examines the performance of Toe-wing (Tsubasa) and Spiral screw piles with similar tip areas under similar ground conditions, focusing on how the helix position (Wp) and tip embedment depth (Ed) affect the ultimate pile capacity. In the case of a fixed helix/toe-wing position with increasing pile tip depth, Spiral screw piles exhibited higher load-carrying resistance than toe-wing piles at relative densities of 55%, 80%, and 90% fine sand. Moreover, load-carrying resistance increased as the position of the helix/toe-wing increased (Wp > 0). For a fixed pile tip depth (Ed) and varying helix/toe-wing positions, spiral screw piles showed higher resistance than toe-wing piles when Wp < 90 mm. Moreover, the resistance decreased as the helix moved away (Wp/Dh > 0), and the pile tip acted independently when Wp/Dh > 1.38. Whereas, for toe-wing piles, ultimate pile capacity increased as the toe-wing moved away from the tip up to Wp/Dh = 2.15, then decreased to reflect the independent behavior of the toe-wing and pile tip. Empirical equations are presented to convert installation effort and ultimate capacity from one type to another.
Analysis of the Strength Development, CO2 Emissions, and Optimized Low-Carbon Design of Fly-Ash-Enhanced Composite Concrete
Authors: Yang Bo , Dong Yu , Wang Xiao-Yong
Published: February 2025

Fly ash is commonly used as a partial replacement for cement. Although extensive research has been conducted on mixed design schemes for fly ash concrete, these studies commonly overlook carbonation durability, which may lead to an insufficient service life. This study investigates the strength development and optimal low-carbon design of composite concrete that incorporates fly ash. Initially, a regression analysis was performed to assess the compressive strength of concrete with various fly ash (FA) to FA plus cement (C) mass ratios (FA/(C + FA)), ranging from 0% to 55%, and water-to-binder mass ratios (W/(C + FA)), between 0.30 and 0.50 in the following different stages: early-term (3 and 7 days), mid-term (28 and 56 days), and long-term (90 and 180 days). The correlation coefficient between the predicted and actual strength values was 0.98208. The parameter analysis indicates that, for a given FA/(C + FA) ratio or curing duration, the relative strength of the concrete increases more rapidly with a lower W/(C + FA) ratio. Following this, with the water content held constant at 170 kg/m3, the CO2 emissions of the cementitious materials in the concrete and the CO2 emissions per unit of concrete strength were calculated. As the FA/(C + FA) ratio increased from 0% to 55%, the CO2 emissions per unit of strength decreased. Similarly, reducing the W/(C + FA) ratio from 0.50 to 0.30 also lowers the CO2 emissions per unit of strength. Finally, a genetic algorithm was employed for the optimization of the low-carbon design. As the water content decreases and the concentration of CO2 increases, the critical design strength of the concrete must also increase to meet the requirements for carbonation durability. The fly ash replacement rate in each optimized mix design reached the maximum allowable replacement rate. Compared with considering only the carbon emissions of materials, the optimal mix ratios for each case remain unchanged when accounting for transportation and production processes; only the corresponding carbon emissions differ.
Innovative Approaches to Urban Revitalization: Lessons from the Fort Bema Park and Residential Complex Project in Warsaw
Authors: Sobieraj Janusz , Metelski Dominik
Published: February 2025

The revitalization of Fort Bema in Warsaw’s Bemowo district addresses the urgent need for sustainable urban development in degraded post-military areas. This study aims to explore innovative urban development strategies that effectively integrate historic preservation with modern housing solutions. Using a case study approach, the research employs SWOT analysis and examines public–private partnerships (PPP) to evaluate revitalization strategies. Key findings include an analysis of the factors that contributed to the successful transformation of 148 hectares of land, including the construction of the “Parkowo-Leśne” housing estate with 1637 apartments with a total area of 118,255.97 m2 and volume of 669,982.73 m3. In addition, the Osmańczyka Street Housing Estate was developed on an area of 11.7 hectares, providing over 100,000 m2 of residential space and buildings with a total volume of approximately 548,000 m3. The positive net migration trends observed during this period further confirm the development and attractiveness of the Bemowo district as a desirable residential area. These developments enhance community engagement and urban cohesion. The study concludes that flexible planning methods and stakeholder collaboration are essential to successful urban transformation. It recommends that similar projects adopt these strategies to balance development pressures with heritage conservation, thereby addressing housing shortages while preserving cultural significance.
Dynamic Response and Failure Mechanisms of Micropiles in Accumulation Landslides Under Earthquake
Authors: Li Nan , He Keqiang , Li Jingkun , Wu Ruian , Xu Tianxun , Cao Jinfeng
Published: February 2025

Micropiles are a new type of retaining structure widely used in slope engineering due to their small footprint, low vibration and noise emissions, and simple construction process. This study aims to investigate the dynamic response and failure mechanisms of micropiles used in retaining accumulation landslides under seismic loading through shaking table tests and numerical simulation. The failure process, observed phenomena, and bending moments of micropiles in the test were discussed, and the shear force distribution of micropiles was thoroughly analyzed based on numerical simulation. The findings reveal that the natural frequency of the entire landslide system exhibits a gradual decrease and tends to stabilize under sustained earthquake excitation. The bending moment of micropiles follows an “S” shape, with a larger magnitude at the top and a smaller one at the bottom. Additionally, the shear force distribution exhibits a “W-shaped” pattern. Damage to micropiles mainly includes the flexural shear combination failure at the load-bearing section (which occurs within 1.4–3.6 times the pile diameter above the sliding surface) and the shear failure near the sliding surface. This study provides significant insights into the strengthening mechanisms of micropiles under seismic action and offers valuable guidance for the design of slope support.
A Teaching Experiment in Architectural Design Focused on Efficiency: A Study on the Active and Passive Methods of Site Information Acquisition
Authors: Qiu Zhi , Xie Haihui , Wang Su , Wang Lei , Chen Xiang
Published: February 2025

An important goal in the reform of architectural design education is to instruct students in ways of acquiring relevant site information quickly and efficiently during a design project, and then integrating that information into their architectural designs. This study focuses on a teaching experiment conducted within the “Urban Village Renovation Design” course for third-year undergraduates at Zhejiang University. This study aims to improve teaching efficiency by combining active and passive information acquisition methods during the site information acquisition stage. A teaching experiment on “Urban Village Renovation Design” was conducted with third-year undergraduates at Zhejiang University, comparing two experimental groups based on whether the teacher provides site information reports (i.e., passive information acquisition). The study explores efficient methods for acquiring different types of site information in architectural design teaching and develops a matching framework. It evaluates the impact of active vs. passive methods on students’ cognitive levels, using Bloom’s taxonomy, and quantitatively tests cognitive efficiency differences through the ROI model. Results show that combining both methods yields the highest teaching efficiency, with specific types of information corresponding to effective active or passive acquisition methods. This study explores which research methods can yield beneficial site information more efficiently and clarifies the role of previously overlooked passive information acquisition methods in site cognition, providing theoretical support for the design of teaching plans during the research phase. From a practical standpoint, it is suggested that instructors provide certain site information directly rather than have students acquire it independently, to shorten the research phase of teaching and simultaneously enhance site cognition efficiency.