bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive Analytics for Telecom Customer Churn: Enhancing Retention Strategies in the US Market
Authors: Mohaimin MD Rashed , Das Bimol Chandra , Akter Rabeya , Anonna Farhana Rahman , Hasanuzzaman Muhammad , Chowdhury Bivash Ranjan , Alam Shah
Published: January 2025

The telecommunications industry in America has been characterized by exponential technological advancements and escalated competition, leading to heightened client expectations. Consequently, client retention has emerged as a crucial metric for telecom companies, directly influencing profitability and market share. The chief objective goal of this study was to build strong predictive models that could correctly identify at-risk customers in the US telecom market. This research paper aimed to use machine learning algorithms and advanced data analytics to uncover patterns and trends in customer dissatisfaction or intent to churn. This study centered particularly on the American telecom market, examining relevant client data drawn from various sources, entailing billing records, client service interactions, and usage patterns. The dataset for the current study was retrieved from proven and verified sources. This dataset provided intensive insight into customer behavior in terms of churning in the telecom industry. It contained highly elaborate information on customer demographics, service usage, and several indicators that are substantial for the analysis of customer retention and churn. The dataset was designed for the exploration of factors that influence customer churn and retention. The given dataset provided a very good basis for building predictive models aimed at finding customers who are at risk and understanding the dynamics of customer turnover. Among the different models that can be used are Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machines, and Random Forests, among others, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The Random Forest algorithm attained the highest accuracy, indicating exceptional performance in effectively identifying both churn and non-churn instances.
PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs) AT SCHOOLS: ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES
Authors: Huang Kuo-Hung , Chen Ming-Chung , Cheng Ching-Ching , Takagi Yumiko
Published: January 2025

The articles in this theme issue collectively emphasize the intersection of education, sustainability, and community engagement. They underline the importance of innovative teaching practices, emotional intelligence, and sustainable facility design in achieving broader societal goals. Promoting SDGs at schools represents a complex yet rewarding endeavor. While significant achievements in quality education, gender equity, and early childhood development are evident, challenges such as resource inequalities, digital divides, and cultural barriers persist. Educators and policymakers can advance the dual goals of sustainability and social equity by integrating innovative practices, fostering emotional intelligence, addressing systemic issues, and strengthening community ties.
Neurophysiological and Cognitive Changes Induced by the Acute Head-Down Tilt
Authors: Sharma Monika , Gaur Savita , Pawar Harsh , Yadav Neha , Thondala Bhanuteja , Kumar Sanjeev , Kishore Krishna , Ray Koushik , Panjwani Usha
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION: In space, under weightlessness conditions, human brain activity is changed due to the shifting of body fluid and blood toward the cephalic region. This shifting leads to changes in cerebral hemodynamics and, consequently, neurophysiological function, which impacts mental functions like cognition and decision-making capabilities of space travelers. The present study reports the effect of acute exposure to simulated microgravity on cognitive functions and event-related potentials.

METHODS: There were 18 healthy human subjects who participated in a 1-h 6° head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest to simulate physiological conditions during microgravity. Subjects were instructed to perform event-related potential tasks and cognitive tasks with a simulator sickness questionnaire to evaluate their performance, attention, and alertness during weightlessness, at baseline, after microgravity exposure, and after a recovery of 30 min.

RESULTS: A significant change was found in the latency of P300 as compared to the baseline. The amplitude of the P300 wave was changed during HDT. The mean reaction time of contingent negative variation increased significantly as compared to the baseline. A significant increase in choice reaction time was observed during HDT vs. baseline. The values recovered partially after 30 min of exposure.

DISCUSSION: It was concluded that simulated microgravity impacts mental functions as evidenced by alterations in choice reaction time and event-related potential latencies and reaction time. The study has applied value for understanding neurophysiological responses and optimization of cognitive performance in space conditions.

Sharma M, Gaur S, Pawar H, Yadav N, Thondala B, Kumar S, Kishore K, Ray K, Panjwani U. Neurophysiological and cognitive changes induced by the acute head-down tilt. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(1):45–52.
Cognitive and Emotional Impacts of Face Pareidolia Application Among Pilot Students
Authors: Akdeniz Gülsüm , Yilmaz Halil Eren , Geza Husi
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION: Metaphoric signs, which refer to a resemblance to something absent, are, like pareidolia, strong cognitive tools that help us understand abstract concepts by relating them to concrete, sensory experiences, and these have not been studied in student pilots. Evaluating the characteristics of students in aviation, including sensory experiences such as stress, decision-making, and pattern recognition, is important for safe flight. This study aims to investigate the cognitive and emotional impacts of face pareidolia among pilot students by using the digital Pareidolia Test (PT).

METHODS: Subjects were 86 students from the Professional Pilot B.Sc. Program. PT includes 10 face and 10 pareidolia images. The number of European Aviation Safety Agency flight and simulator training hours, stress levels, and perceiving emotion in the pareidolia and face images were assessed using a self-report questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to test normality, and the Chi-squared test was used to analyze differences.

RESULTS: Results indicated significant differences in perceiving emotion in facial images based on stress levels from flight training from faculty courses (N = 42/86, 49.9%), and perceiving faces in pareidolia images related to flight simulator training hours. Perceiving emotions in pareidolia images varied significantly based on the number of European Aviation Safety Agency tests, but perceiving faces on pareidolia images did not show significant differences.

DISCUSSION: We claim that incorporating pareidolia in aviation training enhances pilots’ pattern recognition abilities, facilitating more accurate decision-making. The research recommends using the new digital PT in professions that require attention, such as pilots, to evaluate these parameters.

Akdeniz G, Yilmaz HE, Geza H. Cognitive and emotional impacts of face pareidolia application among pilot students. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(1):18–22.
Medical Consequences After a Fume Event in Commercial Airline Crews
Authors: Klerlein Michel , Dubiez Lena
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION: Many questions are still being asked about the actual health effects of exposure to a fume event for airline crewmembers. To shed new light on this controversy about so-called aerotoxic syndrome, we undertook a large-scale epidemiological study.

METHODS: We present a retrospective cohort study involving 14,953 crewmembers, including 2577 exposed to a fume event and 12,376 matched controls to estimate the hazard ratio of a subsequent sickness.

RESULTS: Prevalence of diseases that could be related to the fume event based on “possible” or “probable” level and date of occurrence after the fume event was for exposed (controls): neurological 2.9% (2.9%), psychiatric 2.5% (2.4%), vegetative 1.8% (1.5%), irritative 5.1% (4.5%), and functional 2.8% (3.2%). Differences were not significant. Incidences of having any related disease are estimated at 1552 per 100,000 person-years for exposed and 1497 per 100,000 person-years for controls, with a nonsignificant hazard ratio of 1.04 (0.86–1.25) in the Cox model. A subset of 2577 matched pairs exposed/control allowing specific statistical tests for paired data confirmed the lack of difference between exposed and controls: matched-pair risk ratio for any fume event related disease was 1.07 (0.85–1.34).

DISCUSSION: Our results clearly show that fume events are not associated with significant clinical consequences for cabin and cockpit crew. This work does not support the proposal of an “aerotoxic syndrome” in association with exposure to fume events.

Klerlein M, Dubiez L. Medical consequences after a fume event in commercial airline crews. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(1):12–17.
The Feeling of Fatigue Scale for Brazilian Fighter Pilots
Authors: Ferreira Diogo Milioli , Morisco de Sá Paula , Ferreira Daniela Bittencourt
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION: Fighter pilots are a population particularly vulnerable to developing mental fatigue, which puts the safety of military operations at risk. Although there is no gold standard tool for its assessment, Yoshitake’s Feeling of Fatigue Scale (FFS) appears promising for application to fighter pilots as it has already been validated for Brazilian commercial airline pilots. The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the FFS in Brazilian fighter pilots.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, carried out between March–August 2023, with 58 fighter pilots operating F-5M and JAS 39E aircraft. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the FFS, and the Samn-Perelli Scale were applied in two moments with a maximum interval of 7 d between them. The reliability/reproducibility and agreement of the instrument were evaluated using Cronbach’s α, Cohen’s κ test (for categorical variables), and the intraclass correlation coefficient for numerical variables in the test-retest. Criterion validation was carried out using the Samn-Perelli Scale. Data were also analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences statistical software, version 25.0.

RESULTS: The instrument presents good reliability, being suitable for evaluating the domains of drowsiness [a = 0.840, F = 6.241, confidence interval (CI): 0.576–0.827], concentration (a = 0.907, F = 10.739, CI: 0.726–0.894) and physical discomfort (a = 0.747, F = 3.948, CI: 0.385–0.730). The criterion validity analysis showed that the FFS is valid and accurate for assessing mental fatigue in Brazilian fighter pilots.

DISCUSSION: The psychometric properties of the FFS are suitable for assessing mental fatigue in this population.

Milioli Ferreira D, Morisco de Sá P, Bittencourt Ferreira D. The Feeling of Fatigue Scale for Brazilian fighter pilots. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(1):39–44.
Causal inference methods in gambling research
Authors: James Richard J. E. , Kim Hyungseo , Hitcham Lucy , Tunney Richard J.
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this project was to review and utilise methods from other disciplines in the social sciences in order to be able make stronger causal claims using crosssectional gambling data such as gambling prevalence studies. We focused on the question of whether there is a causal relationship between specific gambling products and individual gambling harms, specifically problem gambling. There has been an existing literature that has looked at this issue, but fails to control for selection biases on engagement with specific gambling behaviours. We reviewed and used three approaches: propensity score matching, coarsened exact matching, and sample selection modelling to account for this limitation. Then, we applied them to examine the relationship between 8 types of gambling activity (online betting, offline betting, pools, scratchcards, lotteries, pools, offline bingo, and slot machines/FOBTs) on problem gambling in 9 British gambling prevalence surveys:
the Health Survey for England in 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2016; the Scottish Health Survey in 2012, 2015, and 2016, and the British Gambling Prevalence Study in 2007 and 2010. The results showed most gambling activities were, unsurprisingly, associated with an increased risk of addictive behaviour. However, there was a clear gradient of risk. For some gambling activities (i.e., online gambling, slots), the effect sizes were substantially higher than others (i.e., lotteries). The modelling also highlighted covariates that exert strong effects on both the IV and DV of interest at the same time, such as age. The findings of this project thus highlight the importance of controlling for selection mechanisms that influence both engagement and outcomes of interest. There are some activities (e.g., bingo, pools) where these substantially affect relationships between engagement and harms. Nonetheless, there is clear evidence of associations between certain types of gambling product and indicators of harm when these are controlled for.
U.S. Public Opinion and Government Regulation of Foreign Social Media Apps: A “Hidden Consensus” About What to Ban?
Authors: Zeng Ka , Raess Damian , Musgrave Paul
Published: January 2025

How do concerns about foreign social media app’s geopolitical and economic threats and impact on the domestic political economy influence individual support for government decisions to ban such apps? We address this question through a conjoint analysis conducted in November 2024 (N =1,494). Our findings indicate that geopolitical concerns dominate the respondents’ calculations. Apps that pose low risks to U.S. military/intelligence or corporate interests, provide strong data privacy protection, or are privately owned are less likely to be targeted for bans. Political economy concerns about reciprocal access or employment opportunities are also important determinants. App-specific features mattered, but to a lesser extent. Sub-group analysis reveals a remarkable lack of heterogeneity. Our results point to a surprisingly strong “hidden consensus” about what to ban—with TikTok-like features arousing opposition among the American public—suggesting that the trajectories of the liberal international economic order and the digital world order mirror each other.
Historical Milestones in the Development of Endocrinology in Russia: on the 100th Anniversary of the State Scientific Center "NMIC of Endocrinology" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Part 1)
Authors:   SSC RF Federal State Budgetary Institution "National Medical Research Center of Endocrinology" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, Uzhanov Alexander E.
Published: January 2025

The history of Saransk House of Science and Technology of the Russian
Union of Scientific and Engineering Public Associations — from historical
roots to the present day — is covered. The structure of SDNiT is presented,
which is a large educational, consulting and information institution with
a wide range of services and activities. It tells about the programs implemented by SDNiT in the field of occupational safety, fire, industrial, environmental, energy and road safety; conferences, seminars, round tables
and competitions, the most important among which are “Engineer of the
Year” and “Hope of Russia”. Emphasis was made on educational projects,
which have become bright pages in the modern biography of SDNiT. It was
noted that themain objectives of SDNiT are further expansion of activities
related to participation in the development of human resources potential
of the Republic of Mordovia, introduction of advanced forms of work and
integration into the research and innovation infrastructure of the republic.
Book Review "Great Infections which Change Destiny of Nations"
Authors:   Russian Research Institute of Economics, Politics and Law in Science and Technology (RIEPL), Moscow, Russia, Fadeeva Irina M.
Published: January 2025

A review of the book "Great infections which change destiny of nations"
(Sergiev VP, Pashkov KA. Great infections which change destiny of nations. Moscow: Poligraph Vector, 2024. 376 pp.: ill.).
High-dose ascorbic acid synergizes with anti-PD1 therapy in non-small cell lung cancer in vitro and in vivo models
Authors: Kim Hak Su , Kwon Seung-hyun , Choi Ok Kyung , Lim Taekyu
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs) targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) confer significant survival benefits to patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, there remains a substantial unmet need to identify therapeutic approaches to overcome resistance and provide benefits to these patients. High-dose ascorbic acid (AA) acts synergistically with many standard anticancer treatments. However, little is known about the effect of high-dose AA on improving the efficacy of anti-PD1 inhibitors in NSCLC. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of high-dose AA on anti-PD1 immunotherapy in NSCLC.

Methods

The combined effects of high-dose AA and anti-PD1 were investigated using a coculture model of H460 cells and CD8+ T cells and an LLC1 lung cancer syngeneic mouse model. To investigate the molecular mechanism, tumor tissues from mice were analyzed by comprehensive proteomic profiling using nano-LC-ESI-MS/MS.

Results

Pretreatment with a high dose of AA led to enhanced the sensitivity to the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells derived from healthy donor for H460 cells. Additionally, the combination of anti-PD1 and high-dose AA significantly increased CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity in H460 cells. The combination of anti-PD1 and high-dose AA showed dramatic antitumor effects in a syngeneic mouse model of lung cancer by significantly reducing tumor growth and increasing CD8+ T cell-dependent cytotoxicity and macrophage activity. Comprehensive protein analysis confirmed that high-dose AA in anti-PD1-treated tumor tissues enhanced the antitumor effects by regulating various immune-related mechanisms, including the B cell and T cell receptor signaling pathways, Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis, and natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

Discussion

Our results suggest that high-dose AA may be a promising adjuvant to potentiate the efficacy of anti-PD1 immunotherapy.
Toxin-antitoxin genes are differentially expressed in Escherichia coli relA and spoT mutans cultured under nitrogen, fatty acid, or carbon starvation conditions
Authors: Maciąg-Dorszyńska Monika , Olszewski Paweł , Karczewska Monika , Boss Lidia
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The stringent response is one of the fundamental mechanisms that control and modulate bacterial adaptation to stress conditions, such as nutrient limitation. The accumulation of stringent response effectors, (p)ppGpp, causes differential expression of approximately 500 genes, including genes of bacterial endogenous toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems. However, the exact link between (p)ppGpp and toxin-antitoxin systems’ activation, as well as toxin-antitoxin role in stress adaptation remains disputed.

Methods

In this study, we performed a complex analysis of changes (RNA-Seq) in the toxin-antitoxin operons’ transcription in response to nitrogen, fatty acid, or carbon starvation, in bacteria with different abilities of (p)ppGpp accumulation.

Results and discussion

Although we observed that in some cases (p)ppGpp accumulation appears to be crucial for transcriptional activation of TA genes (e.g., ghoST, ryeA), our data indicates that the general pattern of chromosomally encoded TA gene expression in E. coli differs depending on the nutrient distribution in the environment, regardless of the alarmone accumulation.
Hybrid electroconvulsive therapy in an adolescent with major depressive disorder: a case report
Authors: Zhang Jing-ya , Li Jia , Wang Nan , Xie Xin-hui , Zeng Lun
Published: January 2025

The incidence of depression is increasing in adolescents, who are at a stage of education and therefore more concerned about their cognitive changes. We tried to preserve the rapid relief of depressive symptoms in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) while causing less cognitive impairment, thus designing the hybrid-ECT (HECT), a modified ECT therapy. Here, we report a case study of a 14-year-old male student with major depressive disorder (MDD) suffering from severe suicidality and significant impairment in social functioning who achieved effective antidepressant effects with HECT and improved cognitive function. HECT showed safety and effectiveness in adolescent MDD patient.
Implementation and improvement of policies for building healthy cities in China
Authors: Wang Quansheng , Han Guoqing , Huang Lansong
Published: January 2025

Background and purpose

With the promotion of the World Health Organization, China has also launched a healthy city construction campaign. However, healthy city construction needs to formulate a series of policies. How can the current healthy city policy in China be further improved to provide a policy basis for healthy city construction?

Materials and methods

Collected here are policy texts from the Central People’s Government and local government of the People’s Republic of China on healthy cities from 2009 to 2023. This paper adopts the policy tool analysis method to design a two-dimensional analysis framework of the “policy tool-construction domain.” There are three types of policy tools: demand-oriented, supply-oriented, and environmental-oriented. The field of healthy city construction is based on five fields defined by WHO: healthy population, health service, healthy environment, healthy culture, and healthy society. The policy text was coded and analyzed by Nvivo software.

Results

According to the coding analysis of policy texts, among the three types of policy tools, supply-oriented policies account for 60.5%, environmental policies account for 29.1%, and demand-oriented policies account for 10.4%. In the five areas of healthy city construction, healthy environment accounted for 23.7%, healthy society accounted for 12.3%, health services accounted for 39.1%, healthy population accounted for 13%, and health culture accounted for 11.9%. From the two-dimensional perspective of policy tools and the field of healthy city construction, the five fields of healthy city construction have different emphases on the application of three different types of policy tools.

Conclusion

Currently, the supply-oriented policy, the demand-oriented policy, and the environmental policy tools are used comprehensively in healthy city construction in China. The proportion of supply-oriented policy is high, which emphasizes the government’s intervention and neglects the participation of individuals and social organizations. The use of policy tools is not balanced in the five different areas of healthy city construction, which to some extent limits the effect of policy implementation and strengthens the overall effect of the healthy city construction policy.
A New Dual Steering System in a Compact Tractor
Authors: Massarotti Giorgio Paolo , Filippini German , Alviach Gustavo Raush , Gamez-Montero Pedro Javier , Macia Esteban Codina
Published: January 2025

To achieve optimal controllability in a dual steering tractor (a four-wheel, iso-diametric tractor equipped with a dual-hydraulic steering system), this study proposes a coordinated approach that combines experimental testing (using a special agricultural tractor) with numerical analysis of the entire vehicle, developed in Bond Graph-3D. For certain crops, a dual steering vehicle is used to meet the needs of professionals who require easy maneuverability in narrow spaces and/or reduced steering time. This study aims to explore the reasons behind the need for dual steering tractors, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of these two different configurations and ultimately focusing on the combined benefits of both. Based on an extensive review of the literature and drawing from previous studies, this paper analyzes aspects such as the variation in noise levels (or comfort level) experienced at the steering wheel when switching from Ackermann steering to a dual steering system. After outlining the theoretical methodology used to describe the model, both experimental and numerical analyses of a vineyard tractor in operation are presented. The goal of this work is to provide guidance on design methods and, through the Bond Graph-3D model, suggest the best control algorithms to minimize steering noise and enhance driving comfort. This research aims to pave the way for future control strategies in electrohydraulic steering systems.
Rapeseed Supports Hairy Vetch in Intercropping, Enhancing Root and Stem Morphology, Nitrogen Metabolism, Photosynthesis, and Forage Yield
Authors: Ji Jianli , Wang Zongkai , Gao Pan , Tan Xiaoqiang , Wang Xianling , Kuai Jie , Wang Jing , Xu Zhenghua , Wang Bo , Zhou Guangsheng , Zhao Jie
Published: January 2025

The global shortage of high-quality forage has significantly constrained the development of animal husbandry. Leveraging the complementary effects of forage rapeseed and hairy vetch intercropping can enhance forage yield and quality; however, the underlying mechanisms of overyielding in forage rapeseed–hairy vetch intercropping systems remain unclear. Over two years of field experiments, three cropping systems—rapeseed sole cropping, hairy vetch sole cropping, and rapeseed–hairy vetch intercropping—were investigated to assess the effects of intercropping on root and stem morphology, canopy light distribution, leaf photosynthetic physiology, and nitrogen metabolism. Our results demonstrated that intercropping increased forage biomass and crude protein yield by 14.3–20.0% and 30.7–92.8%, respectively, compared to sole cropping. Intercropping significantly enhanced root biomass, increasing lateral root biomass by 81% compared to rapeseed sole cropping. It also improved stem anatomical traits, including the cortex area (58.8–80.7%), cortex thickness (25.1–38.3%), number of vascular bundles (18.0–37.3%), vascular bundle length (17.8–18.4%), vascular bundle perimeter (6.7–18.7%), vascular bundle area (34.6–63.9%), and stem breaking strength (25.7–76.6%). Additionally, intercropping optimized vertical canopy light interception, reduced the activity of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POD, SOD) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and enhanced the activities of glutamine synthetase and nitrate reductase, stomatal traits, and photosynthetic rates in the leaves of both crops. Structural equation modeling revealed that, in the intercropping system, improved population lodging resistance directly promoted nitrogen metabolism and leaf photosynthetic rates, ultimately increasing population biomass. In summary, rapeseed–hairy vetch intercropping improved canopy light distribution, strengthened rapeseed stem anatomy and root penetration, and enhanced population lodging resistance, leaf photosynthetic physiology, and nitrogen metabolism, thereby boosting forage biomass and quality. The supportive role of rapeseed in the intercropping system elucidates the overyielding mechanisms of rapeseed–hairy vetch intercropping, offering a theoretical framework for optimizing forage production systems worldwide.
Smart Agricultural Pest Detection Using I-YOLOv10-SC: An Improved Object Detection Framework
Authors: Yuan Wenxia , Lan Lingfang , Xu Jiayi , Sun Tingting , Wang Xinghua , Wang Qiaomei , Hu Jingnan , Wang Baijuan
Published: January 2025

Aiming at the problems of insufficient detection accuracy and high false detection rates of traditional pest detection models in the face of small targets and incomplete targets, this study proposes an improved target detection network, I-YOLOv10-SC. The network leverages Space-to-Depth Convolution to enhance its capability in detecting small insect targets. The Convolutional Block Attention Module is employed to improve feature representation and attention focus. Additionally, Shape Weights and Scale Adjustment Factors are introduced to optimize the loss function. The experimental results show that compared with the original YOLOv10, the model generated by the improved algorithm improves the accuracy by 5.88 percentage points, the recall rate by 6.67 percentage points, the balance score by 6.27 percentage points, the mAP value by 4.26 percentage points, the bounding box loss by 18.75%, the classification loss by 27.27%, and the feature point loss by 8%. The model oscillation has also been significantly improved. The enhanced I-YOLOv10-SC network effectively addresses the challenges of detecting small and incomplete insect targets in tea plantations, offering high precision and recall rates, thus providing a solid technical foundation for intelligent pest monitoring and precise prevention in smart tea gardens.
Agronomic Performance of Irrigated and Rainfed Arabica Coffee Cultivars in the Cerrado Mineiro Region
Authors: Voltolini Giovani Belutti , Carvalho Gladyston Rodrigues , Andrade Vinícius Teixeira , Ferreira André Dominghetti , Raposo Francislei Vitti , Carvalho João Paulo Felicori , Vilela Diego Junior Martins , da Silva Cleidson Alves , Costa Jéfferson de Oliveira , Abreu Guilherme Barbosa , Abrahão Juliana Costa de Rezende , Botelho César Elias , Nadaleti Denis Henrique Silva , Malta Marcelo Ribeiro , Silva Vânia Aparecida , Salgado Sônia Maria de Lima , de Faria Reginério Soares , de Oliveira Antônio Carlos Baião , Pereira Antônio Alves
Published: January 2025

Coffee genetic improvement programs have been evolving very quickly, with frequent launches of new cultivars. The adoption of these new genetic materials by rural producers requires knowledge of agronomic performance in different production systems. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of irrigated and rainfed Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.) cultivars in the Cerrado Mineiro region. Evaluations were conducted in experimental fields across 22 farms of Arabica coffee producers, and 11 used an irrigated production system and 11 used a rainfed system. Twelve cultivars were evaluated as follows: Catuaí Vermelho IAC 144, Bourbon Amarelo IAC J10, Topázio MG 1190, MGS Epamig 1194, Catiguá MG2, MGS Catiguá 3, MGS Ametista, Pau Brasil MG1, MGS Paraíso 2, MGS Aranãs, Sarchimor MG 8840, and IAC 125 RN. Based on grain yield, processing yield, seed density, grain size, and cup quality, agronomic performance evaluations were conducted annually for the 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 harvests. The results showed that the grain yield was higher in the irrigated system compared to the rainfed system. In irrigated fields, the average increases in grain yield were 38%. Irrigation improved the performance of the cultivars in terms of processing yield, although it reduced cup quality. MGS Paraíso 2 cultivar showed the best productive performance, with an average of over four harvests of 52 and 42 bags ha−1 (1 bag = 60 kg) in irrigated and rainfed systems, respectively. The cultivars least responsive to irrigation were IAC 125 RN, MGS Catiguá 3, MGS Ametista, and MGS Paraíso 2, with grain yield increases of 24%, 26%, 27%, and 28%, respectively. The most responsive cultivars were MGS EPAMIG 1194, Sarchimor MG 8840, and Pau Brasil MG1, with grain yield increases of 33%, 35%, and 39%, respectively. The agronomic performance results of coffee cultivars in irrigated and rainfed production systems will allow rural producers to adopt cultivars that are more suitable for the Cerrado Mineiro region.
Stress and Strain: Differentiating the Responses to High and Moderate Heat Loads and Subsequent Recovery in Grain-Fed Feedlot Steers—Metabolic Hormones
Authors: Wijffels Gene , Sullivan Megan L. , Stockwell Sally , Briscoe Suzie , Pearson Roger , Anderson Stephen T. , Li Yutao , de Melo Costa Cintia C. , McCulloch Russell , Gaughan John B.
Published: January 2025

The extent of endocrine changes in response to various levels of heat stress and subsequent recovery is not well understood. Two cohorts of 12 Black Angus steers were housed in climate-controlled rooms (CCR) and subjected to three thermal periods: PreChallenge (5 d), Challenge (7 d) and Recovery (5 d). PreChallenge and Recovery provided thermoneutral conditions. The Challenge simulated a strong heatwave. Finally, the steers were maintained in outdoor pens for 38 d. Rumen temperature (RumT), respiration rate (RR) and panting score (PS) were intensively measured in the CCR. Dry matter intake (DMI) was determined daily. The steers were bled most days, and a rectal temperature (RecT) was taken also. Plasma concentrations of TSH, prolactin, T3, T4, insulin, leptin and adiponectin were determined. During the Challenge, RumT, RecT, RR and PS rose; DMI was reduced. Plasma T3, T4 and adiponectin levels fell also. In Recovery, RumT, RecT, RR and PS fell below the PreChallenge mean. DMI partially recovered. T4 and adiponectin levels remained suppressed alongside lowered insulin. There were linear relationships between T3 concentration and THI, and T3 and T4 levels and DMI only. We highlight comparisons with previously reported metabolic hormone responses of grain-fed Black Angus steers to a moderate-heat-load challenge.
(−)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate and Quercetin Inhibit Quiescin Sulfhydryl Oxidase 1 Secretion from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Yang Lumin , Fang Yuying , He Yufeng , Zhang Jinsong
Published: January 2025

Liver cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. The first-line therapeutic drug sorafenib offers only a moderate improvement in patients’ conditions. Therefore, an approach to enhancing its therapeutic efficacy is urgently needed. It has been revealed that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells with heightened intracellular quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase 1 (QSOX1) exhibit increased sensitivity to sorafenib. QSOX1 is a secreted disulfide catalyst, and it is widely recognized that extracellular QSOX1 promotes the growth, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells through its participation in the establishment of extracellular matrix. Inhibiting QSOX1 secretion can increase intracellular QSOX1 and decrease extracellular QSOX1. Such an approach would sensitize HCC cells to sorafenib but remains to be established. Since (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been demonstrated to be an effective inhibitor of α-fetal protein secretion from HCC cells, we screened QSOX1 secretion inhibition using polyphenolic compounds. We examined eight dietary polyphenols (EGCG, quercetin, fisetin, myricetin, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, resveratrol, and theaflavin) and found that EGCG and quercetin effectively inhibited QSOX1 secretion from human HCC cells (HepG2 or Huh7), resulting in high intracellular QSOX1 and low extracellular QSOX1. The combination of EGCG or quercetin, both of which change the cellular distribution of QSOX1, with sorafenib, which has no influence on the cellular distribution of QSOX1, exhibited multiple synergistic effects against the HCC cells, including the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of invasion and metastasis. In conclusion, our current results suggest that dietary EGCG and quercetin have the potential to be developed as adjuvants to sorafenib in the treatment of HCC by modulating the cellular distribution of QSOX1.
Impact of Retention Agents on Functional Properties of Recycled Paper in Sustainable Manufacturing
Authors: Małachowska Edyta
Published: January 2025

The proper dosing and optimization of retention additives are necessary to ensure the desired benefits without compromising other aspects of the paper manufacturing process. In this study, the effects of a cationic polyelectrolyte based on acrylamide and a cationic derivative of acrylic acid on the different properties of paper containing recycled fibers were investigated. The structural and tensile properties were examined through various analyses to determine the optimal dosage of the retention additive. The results obtained indicate that while the retention agent can enhance papermaking efficiency by improving retention, drainage, and sheet formation, it also negatively impacts the tensile strength and surface smoothness of the recycled paper. This complexity highlights the importance of a balanced approach in optimizing retention aid dosages. Determining the optimum dosage of such an agent requires multiple trials and analyses with varying dosages. This review aims to offer a background for engineers seeking to enhance the competitiveness and reduce production costs of their paper products, as well as for researchers striving to surpass the existing standards and achieve innovative outcomes.
Biomarker Investigation Using Multiple Brain Measures from MRI Through Explainable Artificial Intelligence in Alzheimer’s Disease Classification
Authors: Coluzzi Davide , Bordin Valentina , Rivolta Massimo W. , Fortel Igor , Zhan Liang , Leow Alex , Baselli Giuseppe
Published: January 2025

As the leading cause of dementia worldwide, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) has prompted significant interest in developing Deep Learning (DL) approaches for its classification. However, it currently remains unclear whether these models rely on established biological indicators. This work compares a novel DL model using structural connectivity (namely, BC-GCN-SE adapted from functional connectivity tasks) with an established model using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans (namely, ResNet18). Unlike most studies primarily focusing on performance, our work places explainability at the forefront. Specifically, we define a novel Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) metric, based on gradient-weighted class activation mapping. Its aim is quantitatively measuring how effectively these models fare against established AD biomarkers in their decision-making. The XAI assessment was conducted across 132 brain parcels. Results were compared to AD-relevant regions to measure adherence to domain knowledge. Then, differences in explainability patterns between the two models were assessed to explore the insights offered by each piece of data (i.e., MRI vs. connectivity). Classification performance was satisfactory in terms of both the median true positive (ResNet18: 0.817, BC-GCN-SE: 0.703) and true negative rates (ResNet18: 0.816; BC-GCN-SE: 0.738). Statistical tests (p < 0.05) and ranking of the 15% most relevant parcels revealed the involvement of target areas: the medial temporal lobe for ResNet18 and the default mode network for BC-GCN-SE. Additionally, our findings suggest that different imaging modalities provide complementary information to DL models. This lays the foundation for bioengineering advancements in developing more comprehensive and trustworthy DL models, potentially enhancing their applicability as diagnostic support tools for neurodegenerative diseases.
Vibrio cholerae Gut Colonization of Zebrafish Larvae Induces a Dampened Sensorimotor Response
Authors: Cubillejo Isabella , Theis Kevin R. , Panzer Jonathan , Luo Xixia , Banerjee Shreya , Thummel Ryan , Withey Jeffrey H.
Published: January 2025

Background: Cholera is a diarrheal disease prevalent in populations without access to clean water. Cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae, which colonizes the upper small intestine in humans once ingested. A growing number of studies suggest that the gut microbiome composition modulates animal behavior. Zebrafish are an established cholera model that can maintain a complex, mature gut microbiome during infection. Larval zebrafish, which have immature gut microbiomes, provide the advantage of high-throughput analyses for established behavioral models. Methods: We identified the effects of V. cholerae O1 El Tor C6706 colonization at 5 days post-fertilization (dpf) on larval zebrafish behavior by tracking startle responses at 10 dpf. We also characterized the larval gut microbiome using 16S rRNA sequencing. V. cholerae-infected or uninfected control groups were exposed to either an alternating light/dark stimuli or a single-tap stimulus, and average distance and velocity were tracked. Results: While there was no significant difference in the light/dark trial, we report a significant decrease in distance moved for C6706-colonized larvae during the single-tap trial. Conclusion: This suggests that early V. cholerae colonization of the larval gut microbiome has a dampening effect on sensorimotor function, supporting the idea of a link between the gut microbiome and behavior.
Application of PS2M Aptamer as Receptor Layer for Electrochemical Detection of Lead Ions
Authors: Zaras Izabela , Kujawa Olga , Olszewski Marcin , Jarczewska Marta
Published: January 2025

Since lead can cause severe effects on living organisms’ health and life, the regular monitoring of Pb levels in water and soil is of particular significance. Recently, it was shown that lead ions can also be detected using affinity-based biosensors, namely, using aptamers as recognition elements. In most cases, thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) was utilized; however, there are more examples of DNA aptamers which could also serve that purpose. Herein, we present studies on the electrochemical detection of lead ions using PS2M aptamer, which contains several guanine nucleotides, as the receptor element. Firstly, the method of aptamer-based layer fabrication was optimized along with the choice of a redox active indicator, which was a source of current signal. The experiments revealed the possibility of lead ion detection from 50 to 600 nM, which covers the range below and above the maximum accepted limit stated by US EPA (72 nM). Moreover, the sensing layer exhibited high selectivity towards lead ions and was successfully applied both for the analysis of tap water spiked with Pb2+ ions and as a miniaturized sensor. Finally, stability and regeneration studies on the aptamer-based receptor layer were executed to confirm the utility of the elaborated tool.
Enhanced Interleukin 6 Trans-Signaling Modulates Disease Process in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mouse Models
Authors: Milligan Carol , Cowley Dale O. , Stewart William , Curry Alyson M. , Forbes Elizabeth , Rector Brian , Hastie Annette , Liu Liang , Hawkins Gregory A.
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Charcot first described ALS in 1869, but the specific mechanisms that mediate the disease pathology are still not clear. Intense research efforts have provided insight into unique neuroanatomical regions, specific neuronal populations and genetic associations for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases; however, the experimental results also suggest a convergence of these events to common toxic pathways. We propose that common toxic pathways can be therapeutically targeted, and this intervention will be effective in slowing progression and improving patient quality of life. Here, we focus on understanding the role of IL6 trans-signaling in ALS disease processes. Methods: We leveraged unique mouse models of IL6 trans-signaling that we developed that recapitulate the production of active sIL6R in a genotypic and quantitative fashion observed in humans. Given that the SOD1 transgenic mouse is one of the most highly studied and characterized models of ALS, we bred SOD1G93A mice with IL6R trans-signaling mice to determine how enhanced trans-signaling influenced symptom onset and pathological processes, including neuromuscular junction (NMJ) denervation, glial activation and motoneuron (MN) survival. Results: The results indicate that in animals with enhanced trans-signaling, symptom onset and pathological processes were accelerated, suggesting a role in disease modification. Administration of an IL6R functional blocking antibody failed to alter accelerated symptom onset and disease progression. Conclusions: Future work to investigate the site-specific influence of enhanced IL6 trans-signaling and the tissue-specific bioavailability of potential therapeutics will be necessary to identify targets for precise therapeutic interventions that may limit disease progression in the 60% of ALS patients who inherit the common Il6R Asp358Ala variant.
Activation of Genes by Nuclear Receptor/Specificity Protein (Sp) Interactions in Cancer
Authors: Safe Stephen , Farkas Evan , Hailemariam Amanuel E. , Oany Arafat Rahman , Sivaram Gargi , Tsui Wai Ning Tiffany
Published: January 2025

The human nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily consists of 48 genes that are ligand-activated transcription factors that play a key role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and in pathophysiology. NRs are important drug targets for both cancer and non-cancer endpoints as ligands for these receptors can act as agonists, antagonists or inverse agonists to modulate gene expression. With two exceptions, the classical mechanism of action of NRs involves their interactions as monomers, dimers or heterodimers with their cognate response elements (cis-elements) in target gene promoters. Several studies showed that a number of NR-regulated genes did not directly bind their corresponding cis-elements and promoter analysis identified that NR-responsive gene promoters contained GC-rich sequences that bind specificity protein 1 (Sp1), Sp3 and Sp4 transcription factors (TFs). This review is focused on identifying an important sub-set of Sp-regulated genes that are indirectly coregulated through interactions with NRs. Subsequent studies showed that many NRs directly bind Sp1 (or Sp3 and Sp4), the NR/Sp complexes bind GC-rich sites to regulate gene expression and the NR acts as a ligand-modulated nuclear cofactor. In addition, several reports show that NR-responsive genes contain cis-elements that bind both Sp TFs and NRs, and mutation of either cis-element results in loss of NR-responsive (inducible and/or basal). Regulation of these genes involves interactions between DNA-bound Sp TFs with proximal or distal DNA-bound NRs, and, in some cases, other nuclear cofactors are required for gene expression. Thus, many NR-responsive genes are regulated by NR/Sp complexes, and these genes can be targeted by ligands that target NRs and also by drugs that induce degradation of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4.
Deciphering the Blood–Brain Barrier Paradox in Brain Metastasis Development and Therapy
Authors: Peters Jens Jeshu , Teng Chubei , Peng Kang , Li Xuejun
Published: January 2025

Gatekeeper or accomplice? That is the paradoxical role of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in developing brain metastasis (BM). BM occurs when cancerous cells from primary cancer elsewhere in the body gain the ability to metastasize and invade the brain parenchyma despite the formidable defense of the BBB. These metastatic cells manipulate the BBB’s components, changing them from gatekeepers of the brain to accomplices that aid in their progression into the brain tissue. This dual role of the BBB—as both a protective system and a potential facilitator of metastatic cells—highlights its complexity. Even with metastasis therapy such as chemotherapy, BM usually recurs due to the BBB limiting the crossing of drugs via the efflux transporters; therefore, treatment efficacy is limited. The pathophysiology is also complex, and our understanding of the paradoxical interplay between the BBB components and metastatic cells still needs to be improved. However, advancements in clinical research are helping to bridge the knowledge gap, which is essential for developing effective metastasis therapy. By targeting the BBB neurovascular unit components such as the polarization of microglia, astrocytes, and pericytes, or by utilizing technological tools like focused ultrasound to transiently disrupt the BBB and therapeutic nanoparticles to improve drug delivery efficiency to BM tissue, we can better address this pathology. This narrative review delves into the latest literature to analyze the paradoxical role of the BBB components in the manifestation of BM and explores potential therapeutic avenues targeting the BBB–tumor cell interaction.