bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Outcomes and Treatment of Patients Admitted with Heart Failure: A Nationwide Analysis
Authors: Bansal Nahush , Alharbi Abdulmajeed , Qiu Shuhao , Wang Libin
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Heart failure is the leading cause of hospital admission and mortality. Racial disparities have been demonstrated in various cardiovascular disorders; however, the data for in-hospital outcomes, complications, and procedural rates are limited. Methods: Utilizing the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, this retrospective cohort study included adult patients admitted with a principal diagnosis of heart failure. Coding for race and ethnicity in the NIS combines self-reported race and ethnicity provided by the data source into 1 data element (“RACE”). We compared the outcomes between various racial groups, focusing on mortality, the length of stay (LOS), hospital charges, and complications. Differences in the utilization of advanced therapies, including implantable cardiac defibrillators, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), ventricular assist devices (VADs), and heart transplant, were also analyzed. Results: Out of 1,107,860 patients hospitalized with heart failure, 715,345 (64.57%) patients were White, 244,394 (22.06%) patients were Black, and 97,063 (8.31%) patients were Hispanic. Compared to White people, the odds of in-hospital mortality were lower among Black (aOR 0.74; 95% CI 0.68–0.81; p < 0.001) and Hispanic (aOR 0.78; 95% CI 0.69–0.88; p < 0.001) people. Complication rates including cardiogenic shock were found to be significantly lower in Black people (aOR 0.86; 95% CI 0.77–0.96; p < 0.001) and in Hispanic (aOR 0.72; 95% CI 0.63–0.81; p < 0.001) people. The rates of acute respiratory failure were also lower in Black (aOR 0.72; 95% CI 0.69–0.74; p < 0.001) and Hispanic (aOR 0.77; 95% CI 0.73–0.81; p < 0.001) people as opposed to White people. However, Black people were found to have higher rates of acute kidney injury (aOR 1.11; 95% CI 1.07–1.14; p < 0.001) and cardiac arrest (aOR 1.17; 95% CI 1.03–1.34; p = 0.02) compared to White people. Black people were less likely to receive advanced interventions, including cardiac resynchronization therapy (aOR 0.71; 95% CI 0.60–0.83; p < 0001), a ventricular assist device (aOR 0.45; 95% CI 0.34–0.59; p < 0.001), and heart transplants (aOR 0.57; 95% CI 0.42–0.77; p < 0.001), than White people. Hispanic people were found to have lower rates of ventricular assist device (aOR 0.49; 95% CI 0.33–0.72; p < 0.001) use than White people. Conclusions: These findings highlight significant racial disparities in mortality, secondary outcomes, and advanced therapy utilization in heart failure admissions. Further research is needed to identify the root factors for these disparities in order to guide targeted interventions to reduce this racial gap.
The Trail Runners’ Tendon—How Do Weekly Mileage and Elevation Gain Affect Achilles and Patellar Tendon Morphology?
Authors: Rubio-Peirotén Alberto , Cartón-Llorente Antonio , Mugele Hendrik , Jaén-Carrillo Diego
Published: December 2024

Background: Unlike road running, mountain and trail running typically cover longer distances and include uphill and downhill segments that impose unique physiological and mechanical demands on athletes. Objectives: This study aimed to identify morphological differences in the patellar and Achilles tendons between trail and road runners. Moreover, the potential influence of weekly mileage and accumulated positive elevation gain on the morphology of both tendons was obtained. Design: Cross-sectional comparative study. Methods: Thirty-three road runners (11 women, 22 men) and thirty-three trail runners (13 women, 20 men) were recruited and their weekly mileage and elevation gain collected. All participants had a weekly training volume exceeding 20 km. The thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA) of their patellar and Achilles tendons were evaluated using ultrasound. Results: Independent samples t-tests revealed significant differences between groups for the Achilles tendon (p < 0.003) but not for the patellar tendon (p > 0.330). Further, Spearman’s correlation coefficients indicated moderate positive correlations for the thickness and CSA of the Achilles tendon with weekly running volume (0.256 and 0.291, respectively) and with elevation gain (0.332 and 0.334, respectively), suggesting a tendency for the tendon to adapt to greater training loads, enhancing its structural integrity and resilience. Conclusions: Trail runners exhibit larger and thicker Achilles tendons, likely due to increased weekly mileage and elevation gain, highlighting the adaptive response to mechanical overload from uphill running.
Towards Resilient Marine Ecosystems: EcoSensitivity as an Operational Model for Strategic Oil Spill Management
Authors: Kõivupuu Anneliis , Fetissov Mihhail , Aps Robert , Orav-Kotta Helen , Laine Valtteri , Laurila-Pant Mirka , Rätsep Merli , Kotta Jonne
Published: December 2024

Oil spills pose significant threats to marine ecosystems, and while existing tools simulate spill dispersion and predict impacts, they often lack full integration of accident specifics, detailed drift simulations, and thorough impact analyses. This paper presents the EcoSensitivity decision support system, a comprehensive platform designed to improve oil spill responses by integrating immediate and cumulative environmental impact assessments. The EcoSensitivity system addresses these gaps by combining the Accidental Damage and Spill Assessment Model (ADSAM), oil drift modeling, and the PlanWise4Blue (PW4B) application, which enables high-resolution cumulative impact assessments. This unified tool provides decision-makers with rapid, data-driven insights, facilitating a more informed and effective response to oil spills. EcoSensitivity represents a substantial advancement in operational modeling, supporting ecosystem resilience and aiding in strategic planning for marine conservation.
Stress-Related Molecular Biomarkers to Monitor the Effects of Global Changes on Calcifying Reef-Forming Organisms: A Review in the Mediterranean
Authors: Vellani Verdiana , Oliva Matteo , Pretti Carlo , Renzi Monia
Published: December 2024

Molecular biomarkers are valuable tools universally used for early warning monitoring due to their ability to detect stress at subcellular scales, even before visible or lethal changes occur in organisms. Their use is considered a priority, especially for those organisms that will be most affected by the global changes underway, such as sessile benthic organisms in shallow waters. Among them, reef-forming species play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity in temperate aquatic ecosystems. Little information is available on these organisms in the Mediterranean on the use of health status indicators at the level of biochemical responses. This review aims to highlight the need for a more in-depth analysis of the conditions of bioconstructors in a climate change scenario by using stress biomarkers. To achieve this goal, about 140 articles were selected based on a keyword search for a graphical visualization of the state of the art of the literature. Based on this overview, a literature review of selected works in the Mediterranean area was conducted to select both model organisms and molecular biomarkers for future analyses in this field. From the literature review, a gap analysis was produced, focusing on the main stressors related to global change and their effects on bioconstructors. Furthermore, an attempt was made to quantify and clarify the use of the various molecular biomarkers in different contexts. These findings should be considered in an updated protocol for monitoring programs and efforts at the European level, as outlined by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD 2008/56/EC).
Effect of Nonlinear Factors on Typhoon-Induced Storm Surges
Authors: Chen Fanjun , Ding Kaixuan , Sun Zhilin
Published: December 2024

This study employs the Delft3D numerical model to elucidate nonlinear interactions in velocity dynamics across four key marine regions during typhoon-induced storm surges (Typhoon In-fa, No. 2106). To address gaps in understanding how typhoon winds drive storm surges, this study aims to analyze the relative contributions of bottom friction, wind stress, and convective terms to storm surge dynamics, providing insights for predictive modeling and marine hazard mitigation. Introducing a novel metric, the “Flow Velocity Nonlinear Coupling Proportion” (“FVNCP”, abbreviated as “NCP”), this research quantifies the interactive effects of storm surge flow velocity by dissecting the contributions of bottom friction, wind stress, and the convective term. Through decision tree modeling, wind stress emerges as the primary driver of NCP in open sea and sheltered areas, with peak values reaching 1.50 × 10−4 and 2.14 × 10−4 m/s2, respectively. In contrast, the convective term dominates the strait and bypassing regions, exhibiting maximum impacts of 3.21 × 10−4 and 2.94 × 10−4 m/s2, while bottom friction’s influence is consistently minor across all regions. Wind stress contributes the most to NCP in open waters, at an average of 48.28%, while the convective term exerts a comparable 38.85% effect. In confined areas like the strait and bypassing regions, the convective term accounts for 40–44% of the NCP, with wind stress contributing 32–39%. The role of bottom friction is the least among the three factors though its impact intensifies in shallower zones. These findings offer critical insights for advancing predictive models and informing strategies to mitigate typhoon-driven marine hazards.
Hyperspectral Image-Based Identification of Maritime Objects Using Convolutional Neural Networks and Classifier Models
Authors: Seo Dongmin , Lee Daekyeom , Park Sekil , Oh Sangwoo
Published: December 2024

The identification of maritime objects is crucial for ensuring navigational safety, enabling effective environmental monitoring, and facilitating efficient maritime search and rescue operations. Given its ability to provide detailed spectral information, hyperspectral imaging has emerged as a powerful tool for analyzing the physical and chemical properties of target objects. This study proposes a novel maritime object identification framework that integrates hyperspectral imaging with machine learning models. Hyperspectral data from six ports in South Korea were collected using airborne sensors and subsequently processed into spectral statistics and RGB images. The processed data were then analyzed using classifier and convolutional neural network (CNN) models. The results obtained in this study show that CNN models achieved an average test accuracy of 90%, outperforming classifier models, which achieved 83%. Among the CNN models, EfficientNet B0 and Inception V3 demonstrated the best performance, with Inception V3 achieving a category-specific accuracy of 97% when weights were excluded. This study presents a robust and efficient framework for marine surveillance utilizing hyperspectral imaging and machine learning, offering significant potential for advancing marine detection and monitoring technologies.
The Politics of Culture in Journalism: News Media Consumption Across Political and Cultural Public Spheres
Authors: Widholm Andreas , Roosvall Anna
Published: December 2024

Scholarly discussions around the significance of journalism for democracy and the public sphere have traditionally centered on news and political journalism. Consequently, there is a dearth of studies on the role of politics in other journalistic subfields. This paper addresses this research gap by examining the democratic contribution of cultural journalism in Sweden. Drawing on public sphere theory and agonistic democracy theory and utilizing data from a nationwide Swedish survey (N = 1804), social variations in consumption are analyzed, including the types of content that motivate people to consume cultural journalism. Results indicate that age, education, and political preferences are important correlates in relation to high consumption of cultural journalism. Furthermore, the findings indicate that societal debate is a more significant driver of cultural journalism consumption than traditional aesthetic coverage. This underscores the distinctive democratic role of cultural journalism within the media landscape and its particular contribution to the diversity of journalistic content.
Epigenetic Mechanisms of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Breast Cancer and Their Impact on Dietary Intake
Authors: Singh Desh Deepak
Published: December 2024

Addressing the consequences of exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) demands thorough research and elucidation of the mechanism by which EDCs negatively impact women and lead to breast cancer (BC). Endocrine disruptors can affect major pathways through various means, including histone modifications, the erroneous expression of microRNA (miRNA), DNA methylation, and epigenetic modifications. However, it is still uncertain if the epigenetic modifications triggered by EDCs can help predict negative outcomes. Consequently, it is important to understand how different endocrine disrupters or signals interact with epigenetic modifications and regulate signalling mechanisms. This study proposes that the epigenome may be negatively impacted by several EDCs, such as cadmium, arsenic, lead, bisphenol A, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls and parabens, organochlorine, and dioxins. Further, this study also examines the impact of EDCs on lifestyle variables. In breast cancer research, it is essential to consider the potential impacts of EDC exposure and comprehend how EDCs function in tissues.
The Dual-Mandate Debate: What Do Central Banks Really Target?
Authors: Khan Najib
Published: December 2024

Inflation targeting, a monetary policy framework, is criticized for its narrow mandate of safeguarding price stability only and neglecting other equally important macroeconomic variables. This negligence, according to the critics, might have had a role in the unprecedented, real business-cycle fluctuations observed in the past. Hence, they advocate for mandating central banks with equally emphasizing employment and output growth along with inflation. Theoretical claims aside, the literature does not present any empirical evidence on how to determine whether a central bank adheres to a single or a dual mandate. This study is aimed at filling this gap by analyzing the reaction functions of various central banks, including the ones targeting inflation and the ones with no specific targets. Using the panel data from OECD countries, our findings question the prevalent theoretical misunderstanding in the literature: the central banks with no specific targets (the dual-mandate monetary policy regimes) appear to be targeting the rate of inflation only, whereas the central banks that are thought to have a single-mandate seem to be targeting inflation, output growth, and unemployment. These results are significant, both statistically and economically, and question the baseless criticism of the inflation-targeting regime for neglecting employment and output growth.
Qualitative Phytochemical Profiling and In Vitro Antioxidant Potential Evaluation of South African Momordica Balsamina Linn Fruit Pulp
Authors: Matseke Buang , Mapfumari Sipho , Mothibe Mmamosheledi
Published: December 2024

Momordica balsamina Linn is a well-known African traditional herb due to its tremendous medicinal and nutritional properties. It is used worldwide for the treatment of different ailments and diseases. In the present study, the phytochemical and antioxidant activity of South African M. balsamina fruit pulp extracts was evaluated. The fruit pulp extracts were obtained by using the serial exhaustive extraction procedure using the solvents hexane, DCM, acetone, and methanol. The resulting extracts were subjected to different standard colorimetric tests for phytochemical analysis. The presence of compounds with antioxidant activity was determined using dot plot and TLC. The DPPH radical scavenging assay, hydrogen peroxide activity, and reducing power assay, coupled with linear regression, were employed to determine the quantity of antioxidants and their IC50. The results for qualitative phytochemical screening have shown that the fruit pulp contains alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroids. All the extracts revealed the presence of antioxidant activity in both dot plot and TLC. Acetone extracts (0.279 mg/mL) showed the lowest IC50 compared to the standards gallic acid (0.4 mg/mL) and diosgenin (0.42 mg/mL). These findings confirmed that M. balsamina is very rich in phytochemical compounds and has strong antioxidant potential; therefore, it could be a potential source of drugs which in the future may serve the production of synthetically improved therapeutic agents.
Study of Cutting Forces in Drilling of Aluminum Alloy 2024-T351
Authors: Crăciun Răzvan Sebastian , Teodor Virgil Gabriel , Baroiu Nicușor , Păunoiu Viorel , Moroșanu Georgiana-Alexandra
Published: December 2024

Duralumin 2024-T351 is an alloy characterized by a good mechanical strength, relatively high hardness and corrosion resistance frequently used in the aeronautical, automotive, defense etc. industries. In this paper, the variation of axial forces and torques when drilling aluminum alloy 2024-T351 was investigated, analyzing the measured values for different cutting regimes. Experimental data on the forces and moments generated during the drilling process were collected using specialized equipment, and these data were preprocessed and analyzed using MatLab R218a. The experimental plan included 27 combinations of the parameters of the cutting regime (cutting depth, cutting speed, and feed), for which energetic cutting parameters were measured, the axial force and the torsion moment, respectively Based on these data, a neural network was trained, using the Bayesian regularization algorithm, in order to predict the optimal values of the cutting energy parameters. The neural model proved to be efficient, providing predictions with a relative error below 10%, indicating a good agreement between measured and simulated values. In conclusion, neural networks offer an accurate alternative to classical analytical models, being more suitable for materials with complex behavior, such as aluminum alloys.
A Hybrid DWA-MPC Framework for Coordinated Path Planning and Collision Avoidance in Articulated Steering Vehicles
Authors: Chen Xuanwei , Yang Changlin , Hu Huosheng , Gao Yunlong , Zhu Qingyuan , Shao Guifang
Published: December 2024

This paper presents an autonomous collision avoidance method that integrates path planning and control for articulated steering vehicles (ASVs) operating in underground tunnel environments. The confined nature of tunnel spaces, combined with the complex structure of ASVs, increases the risk of collisions due to path-tracking inaccuracies. To address these challenges, we propose a DWA-based obstacle avoidance algorithm specifically tailored for ASVs. The method incorporates a confidence ellipse, derived from the time-varying distribution of tracking errors, into the DWA evaluation function to effectively assess collision risk. Furthermore, the execution accuracy of DWA is improved by integrating a kinematic-based Model Predictive Control. The proposed approach is validated through simulations and field tests, with results demonstrating significant enhancements in collision avoidance and path-tracking accuracy in confined spaces compared to conventional DWA methods.
Analysis of Energy Efficiency in Spur Gear Transmissions: Cycloidal Versus Involute Profiles
Authors: Veciana Joaquim Maria , Salvadó Pau , Català Pau , Jordi Lluïsa
Published: December 2024

The involute profile is used almost exclusively in the manufacturing of spur gears. Nevertheless, in machinery design, the evaluation of environmental factors, such as energy efficiency, has become increasingly important when choosing between feasible solutions. As a result, the study of alternative profiles is gaining interest. The key novelty of this study is the comparative analysis of involute and cycloidal gear profiles with respect to frictional power losses in the tooth contact, as well as their impact on energy efficiency in spur gear transmissions. The coefficient of friction is approximated using two widely applied analytical lubrication models: the elastohydrodynamic and mixed elastohydrodynamic, both of which provide enough accurate values with a reasonable amount of computation burden in comparison with numerical methods. An additional contribution of this study is a sensitivity assessment of the energy efficiency of the cycloidal profile with regard to the auxiliary centrode diameters. This allows for an understanding of the geometrical constraints of this profile, specifically the maximum pressure angle—which is related to the radial loads applied to the shaft—and the tooth height—which is related to the bending moment at the tooth root—and hence, setting the appropriate ones to be equivalent to the involute profile. For the comparative analysis, equivalent profiles are selected based on similar tooth bending moments and radial loads supported by the shaft. After determining the centrode diameters of the cycloidal profile, the efficiency of both gear profiles and their sensitivity to gear size and gear ratio are compared. This study concludes that, for both profiles and friction analytical models, efficiency improves with increasing gear sizes and gear ratios, eventually converging to a constant value. Furthermore, both cycloidal and involute profiles exhibit comparable performance in terms of energy efficiency across both lubrication analytical models.
Reconstruction of Random Structures Based on Generative Adversarial Networks: Statistical Variability of Mechanical and Morphological Properties
Authors: Tashkinov Mikhail , Pirogova Yulia , Kononov Evgeniy , Shalimov Aleksandr , Silberschmidt Vadim V.
Published: December 2024

Generative adversarial neural networks with a variational autoencoder (VAE-GANs) are actively used in the field of materials design. The synthesis of random structures with nonrepeated geometry and predetermined mechanical properties is important for solving various practical problems. Geometric parameters of such artificially generated random structures can vary within certain limits compared to the training dataset, causing unpredicted fluctuations in their resulting mechanical response. This study investigates the statistical variability of mechanical and morphological characteristics of random 3D models reconstructed from 2D images using a VAE-GAN neural network. A combined multitool method employing different mathematical and statistical instruments for comparison of the reconstructed models with their corresponding originals is proposed. It includes the analysis of statistical distributions of elastic properties, morphometric parameters, and stress values. The neural network was trained on two datasets, containing models created based on Gaussian random fields. Statistical fluctuations of the mechanical and morphological parameters of the reconstructed models are analyzed. The deviation of the effective elastic modulus of the reconstructed models from that of the original ones was less than 5.7% on average. The difference between the median values of ligament thickness and distance between ligaments ranged from 3.6 to 6.5% and 2.6 to 5.2%, respectively. The median value of the surface area of the reconstructed geometries was 4.6–8.1% higher compared to the original models. It is thus shown that mechanical properties of the NN-generated structures retain the statistical variability of the corresponding originals, while the variability of the morphology is highly affected by the training set and does not depend on the configuration of the input 2D image.
Effects of Acute Salinity Stress on the Histological and Bacterial Community Structure and Function in Intestine of Stichopus monotuberculatus
Authors: Huang Lianghua , Wang Hui , Pan Chuanyan , Yang Xueming , Deng Guoqing , Meng Yaowen , Yu Yongxiang , Chen Xiuli , Zhong Shengping
Published: December 2024

This study focused on Stichopus monotuberculatus and conducted stress experiments at salinity levels of 20‰ and 40‰. Intestinal histological changes and the structural characteristics of the intestinal flora of S. monotuberculatus under salinity stress were analyzed. The results show that acute salinity stress inflicts varying degrees of damage to the intestinal tissues of S. monotuberculatus. Salinity stress enhances the species diversity of intestinal flora in S. monotuberculatus. Eight phyla of bacteria are detected in the intestine of S. monotuberculatus. Dominant phyla include Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. Furthermore, functional prediction reveals that acute salinity stress can significantly modify the abundance of pathways associated with nutrient and energy metabolism mediated by the intestinal flora of S. monotuberculatus. These results indicate that acute salinity stress induces pathological damage to the intestinal tissues of S. monotuberculatus, compromising the microbial habitat and leading to alterations in the intestinal flora composition. Additionally, S. monotuberculatus can mitigate salinity stress by adjusting the composition of its intestinal flora and the corresponding functional pathways.
Association of Pregnancy Complications with Endometrial or Ovarian or Breast Cancer: A Case Control Study
Authors: Han Lin Cheng , Leung Henry W. C. , Lin Heng-Jun , Leung John Hang , Chan Agnes L. F.
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives: The relationship between pregnancy complications and the risk of gynecological and breast cancer remains inconclusive, with limited research available. This study aimed to determine whether pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), large for gestational age (LGA), or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are associated with the development of endometrial cancer (EC), ovarian cancer (OC), or breast cancer (BC). Materials and Methods: This was a population-based case–control study linked to the National Health Insurance Research Database from 2008 to 2020, using ICD codes to identify parous gynecological cases (n = 6714). The propensity score matching method was used to match control groups (n = 1,153,346). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the association between EC, OC, BC risk and pregnancy complications. Results: In adjusted multivariable logistic regression models, women with a history of preeclampsia did not have a significantly increased risk of endometrial, ovarian, or breast cancer compared to controls. Although women with GDM complications had a significantly increased risk of breast cancer, the increased risk of EC or OC was not significant. The risk of BC in women with a history of IUGR or LGA was not significant, whereas risk statistics for EC or OC in women with a history of IUGR or LGA could not be shown because of the small sample size. Conclusions: GDM is associated with BC risk. Future studies should aim to determine whether there is a causal relationship. Therefore, cancer screening is warranted in women with GDM.
The Association of Plasma Selenium and Selenoprotein P Levels with Depression Severity and Anxiety Symptoms Among Medical Students in Latvia
Authors: Birģele Zanda , Vimba Paula Marija , Ševčenko Anastasija , Šķesters Andrejs , Ancāne Gunta , Valaine Laura
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives: Oxidative stress has been identified as a key process involved in different diseases, particularly depression. Selenium (Se) protects against oxidative stress, one of the pathogenic mechanisms involved in affective disorders. Selenium is incorporated into antioxidant selenoproteins, such as selenoprotein P, which acts as the main selenium-transport protein in plasma and as an extracellular oxidant defense mechanism. This study aimed to determine whether lower selenium and selenoprotein P levels correlate with high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms. Materials and Methods: The research design was a quantitative cross-sectional study among employed fourth-year medical students at Riga Stradins University in Latvia. The respondents were selected using convenience samples. The symptoms of anxiety were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, and the symptoms of depression were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale. Results: A total of 32 respondents participated; 90.6% (n = 29) were female. A significant association was found between selenoprotein P and symptoms of depression (p = 0.006), as well as between selenoprotein P and symptoms of anxiety (p = 0.012). The median selenium level was not significantly lower (p = 0.214) in the study group compared to the control group. Conclusions: There is a statistically significant correlation between selenoprotein P and symptoms of depression and anxiety, and there is a tendency for students with symptoms of depression and anxiety to have lower selenium levels. However, alternative unrecognized oxidative stress mechanisms involved in the development of symptoms of depression and anxiety, involving selenium and selenoprotein P pathways, may exist. Consequently, further research assessing possible alternative pathways and the effect size is required.
Original Personalized Reconstruction Method for Certain Large Tumors of the Lower Lip (Not Including Oral Commissures)
Authors: Grigorescu Ovidiu Dan , Irimie Marius , Roman Nadinne , Miclaus Roxana Steliana , Cîmpeanu Maria-Cristina , Necula Bogdan-Radu , Strempel Christian-Gabriel , Grigorescu Simona , Moga Marius Alexandru , Festila Dana Gabriela
Published: December 2024

Background/Objective: Surgical treatment of extensive tumors of the lower lip generates important defects in its structure and functions. Over time, a multitude of reconstruction options for these defects have been imagined. Unfortunately, the majority involve the use of both local and regional flaps, which either lack labial structure or disorganize the oral commissures as nodal oral function points. We set out to design a new reconstruction method that is not burdened by any of the above disadvantages, starting from the necessity to reconstruct large lower lip defects by exclusively using local and/or regional labial flaps belonging only to the healthy upper lip and the remaining structures of the lower lip after surgical tumor removal. In this way, the tissues involved in lower lip reconstruction will have a 100% labial structure and, supplementarily, the remaining oral commissures will not be damaged. Method: This new reconstruction method is based on the original association of WY-plasty to reduce the size of the large primary defect until it becomes congruent with the Abbe–Sabattini cross-lip flap. Results: Applied in a personalized manner, impressive results were obtained in several patients with lip tumors affecting about one-half of the lower lip length and in whom oncological surgical ablation produced defects in more than two-thirds of it. Conclusions: This new method is characterized by functional oral advantages, and can be applied in a personalized way to only certain categories of patients. Other disadvantages are characteristic and specific of Abbe–Sabattini cross-lip flap plasty.
Impact of Environmental pH on the Structure and Diversity of Oral Microbiota: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Huang Yao , Nambu Takayuki , Takigawa Hiroki , Kawamoto Akiyo , Okinaga Toshinori , Takahashi Kazuya
Published: December 2024

Although in vivo studies have explored the relationship between oral environment and microbial communities, a precise analysis of the effects of environmental pH on oral microbiota remains challenging owing to their complexity and external influences. This study aimed to investigate the effect of environmental pH on the structure and diversity of oral microbiota in vitro. Tongue coating samples from ten participants were cultured anaerobically at six pH levels (5.5–8.0) using adjusted media. After DNA extraction, high-throughput sequencing of the 16s rRNA V3–V4 region was performed. Microbial diversity was analyzed using alpha and beta diversity indices, and differential taxa were identified using linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe). Alpha diversity analysis revealed reduced diversity at pH 5.5 and 8.0. Beta diversity revealed that microbial communities at pH 5.5, 7.5, and 8.0 were separated from those at pH 7.0. LEfSe identified bacterial species that were significantly altered at pH 5.5 and 8.0. Environmental pH significantly influences the diversity and composition of microbial communities, with substantial changes occurring under acidic or alkaline conditions. These findings provide deeper insight into how oral biofilms respond to pH variations, underscoring the critical role of pH in oral microbiota dynamics.
Effects of Combined Application of Biogas Slurry and Chemical Fertilizers on Silage Corn, Soil Nutrients, and Microorganisms
Authors: Yang Wencong , Cheng Yijing , Wu Xia , Zhou Jia , Liu Xiuping
Published: December 2024

In the greenhouse of the Chinese Academy of Sciences located on Huaizhong Road in Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, five fertilization treatment levels were established. These consisted of no fertilization (CK), conventional chemical fertilizer (with 100% chemical fertilizer application), and biogas slurry substitution treatments for chemical fertilizers (replacing 30%, 60%, and 100% of the chemical fertilizer nitrogen with biogas slurry nitrogen). Soil nutrient determination methods and high-throughput sequencing were employed to elucidate the correlative relationship between soil nutrients and microbial community metabolism. The results showed that in contrast to the treatment of solely applying chemical fertilizers, the combined application of biogas slurry could effectively enhance the soil nutrient content during different growth stages and promote the growth of corn plants. Among them, the replacement of 30% of the chemical fertilizer with biogas slurry exhibited the most optimal effect on augmenting soil nutrients and plant nutrient absorption. After the combined application of biogas slurry, the richness of both bacterial and fungal communities was substantially increased, and the diversity of the bacterial flora was also notably enhanced. However, the application of only biogas slurry led to a reduction in the species diversity of soil fungi. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the Chao1 index of bacterial and fungal communities was significantly positively correlated with soil available phosphorus, available potassium, and nitrogen in the form of nitrate and significantly negatively correlated with pH. In summary, the combined application of chemical fertilizer and 30% biogas slurry was most conducive to enhancing the metabolic activity of soil microorganisms and the functional diversity of soil microbial communities, and when a relatively large amount of biogas slurry was used, it could completely substitute the chemical fertilizer.
First Report on the Emergence of Neopestalotiopsis rosae as a Severe Economic Threat to Strawberry Production in Germany
Authors: Schierling Tom E. , Voegele Ralf T. , El-Hasan Abbas
Published: December 2024

Strawberries hold significant economic importance in both German and global agriculture. However, their yield is often adversely affected by fungal diseases. This study describes Neopestalotiopsis rosae as a newly emerging pathogen responsible for leaf blight and fruit rot in strawberries in Germany. Infected plants were observed in Hohenheim, Germany. A combination of morphological and molecular analyses, along with pathogenicity tests, confirmed the identity of N. rosae as the causal agent. Morphological examination of conidia and mycelium revealed key characteristics including the presence of versicolorous median cells, conidial appendages, black spherical conidiomata formation as well as changing colony color and fluffy texture. These properties align with the established descriptions for the species. Molecular analysis, particularly the sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer and β-tubulin regions allowed the precise identification of the pathogen. Artificial inoculation of healthy strawberry plants with conidial suspension derived from the isolated strain resulted in the development of characteristic symptoms, including necrotic leaf spots and water-soaked fruit lesions, similar to those observed on the original infected plants. To our knowledge, this study presents the first documented occurrence of N. rosae in Germany, highlighting its emergence as a significant threat to strawberry production in Europe.
HERVs Endophenotype in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Human Endogenous Retroviruses, Specific Immunoreactivity, and Disease Association in Different Family Members
Authors: Bo Marco , Carta Alessandra , Cipriani Chiara , Cavassa Vanna , Simula Elena Rita , Huyen Nguyen Thi , Phan Giang Thi Hang , Noli Marta , Matteucci Claudia , Sotgiu Stefano , Balestrieri Emanuela , Sechi Leonardo Antonio
Published: December 2024

Increasing evidence indicates that human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are important to human health and are an underexplored component of many diseases. Certain HERV families show unique expression patterns and immune responses in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients compared to healthy controls, suggesting their potential as biomarkers. Despite these interesting findings, the role of HERVs in ASD needs to be further investigated. In this review, we discuss recent advances in genetic research on ASD, with a particular emphasis on the implications of HERVs on neurodevelopment and future genomic initiatives aimed at discovering ASD-related genes through Artificial Intelligence. Given their pro-inflammatory and autoimmune characteristics, the existing literature suggests that HERVs may contribute to the onset or worsening of ASD in individuals with a genetic predisposition. Therefore, we propose that investigating their fundamental properties could not only improve existing therapies but also pave the way for new therapeutic strategies.
Pyrochlore-Supergroup Minerals and Their Relation to Columbite-Group Minerals in Peralkaline to Subaluminous A-Type Rare-Metal Granites with Special Emphasis on the Madeira Pluton, Amazonas, Brazil
Authors: Breiter Karel , Costi Hilton Tulio , Korbelová Zuzana
Published: December 2024

Niobium (Nb) and tantalum (Ta) are quoted as “strategic” or “critical” elements for contemporaneous society. The main sources of Nb and Ta are minerals of the pyrochlore supergroup (PSGM) and the columbite group (CGM) mined from different magmatic lithologies. Textures and chemical compositions of PSGM and CGM often provide key information about the origin of NbTa mineralization. Therefore, we decided to carry out a detailed study of the relations between the PSGM and CGM and their post-magmatic transformations, and the Madeira peralkaline pluton (Brazil) is an ideal object for such a study. Textures of the PSGM and CGM were studied using BSE imaging and SEM mapping, and their chemical compositions were determined using 325 electron microprobe analyses. Pyrochlore from the Madeira granite can be chemically characterized as Na, Ca-poor, U- and Pb-dominant, and Sn- and Zn-enriched; REE are enriched only during alteration. Two stages of alteration are present: (i) introduction of Fe + Mn, with the majority of them consumed by columbitization; (ii) introduction of Si and Fe, and in lesser amounts also Pb and U: Si, Pb, and U incorporated into pyrochlore, iron forming Fe-oxide halos around pyrochlore. During both stages, F and Na decreased. In the case of a (nearly) complete pyrochlore columbitization, U and Th were exsolved to form inclusions of a thorite/coffinite-like phase. In contrast to altered pyrochlores from other localities, pyrochlore from Madeira shows a relatively high occupancy of the A-site. Although Madeira melt was Na-, F-rich, contemporaneous crystallization of cryolite consumed both elements and pyrochlore was, from the beginning, relatively Na-, F-poor.
The Mineral Composition and Grain Distribution of Difflugia Testate Amoebae: Through SEM-BEX Mapping and Software-Based Mineral Identification
Authors: Buckman Jim , Krivtsov Vladimir
Published: December 2024

We tested a scanning electron microscope equipped with the newly developed Unity-BEX detector (SEM-BEX) system to study thirty-nine samples of the testate amoeba Difflugia. This produces fast single-scan backscattered (BSE) and combined elemental X-ray maps of selected areas, resulting in high-resolution data-rich composite colour X-ray and combined BSE maps. Using a suitably user-defined elemental X-ray colour palette, minerals such as orthoclase, albite, quartz and mica were highlighted in blue, purple, magenta and green, respectively. Imaging was faster than comparable standard energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, of high quality, and did not suffer from problems associated with the analysis of rough surfaces by EDX, such as shadowing effects or working distance versus X-ray yield artifacts. In addition, we utilised the AZtecMatch v.6.1 software package to test its utility in identifying the mineral phases present on the Difflugia tests. Significantly, it was able to identify many minerals present but would require some further development due to the small size/thinness of many of the minerals analysed. The latter would also be further improved by the development of a bespoke mineral library based on actual collected X-ray data rather than based simply on stoichiometry. The investigation illustrates that in the case of the current material, minerals are preferentially selected and arranged on the test based upon their mineralogy and size, and likely upon inherent properties such as structural strength/flexibility and specific gravity. As with previous studies, mineral usage is ultimately controlled by source availability and therefore may be of limited taxonomic significance, although of value in areas such as palaeoenvironmental reconstruction.
Geochemistry and Fluid Inclusion of Epithermal Gold-Silver Deposits in Kamchatka, Russia
Authors: Shapovalova Maria , Shaparenko Elena , Tolstykh Nadezhda
Published: December 2024

The work focuses on five epithermal Au-Ag deposits of the Kamchatka volcanogenic belts: Rodnikovoe, Baranyevskoe, Kumroch, Lazurnoe (adularia-sericite type–Ad-Ser) and Maletoyvayam (acid-sulfate type–Ac-Sul). The geochemical characteristics of the deposits were presented based on the results of ICP-OES and fire-assay analysis. The compositions and physicochemical parameters of ore-forming fluids were based on microthermometry, Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. It was shown that all deposits were comparable in terms of temperatures, salinity and the predominance of H2O and CO2 in ore-forming fluids. The deposits were formed at temperatures of 160–308 °C by aqueous fluids with salinities of 0.5–6.8 wt. % (NaCl-eq.). The Maletoyvayam deposit differed from the other ones in significant enrichment in Se, Te, Sb, Bi and As, as well as much higher concentrations of hydrocarbons, nitrogenated and sulfonated compounds (31.4 rel.% in total) in the composition of fluid inclusions. This gave us a reason to assume that organic compounds favourably affected the concentrations of these elements in the mineralising fluid. Kumroch and Lazurnoe were distinguished from Rodnikovoe and Baranyevskoe by high Zn, Pb and Cu contents, where each of them represented a single system combining both Ad-Ser type epithermal gold-silver and copper porphyry mineralisations. The presence of alkanes, esters, ketones, carboxylic acids and aldehydes in different quantities at all deposits were indicators of the combination of biogenic and thermogenic origins of organic compounds. The contents of ore-forming elements in ores were consistent with the specificity of mineral assemblages in the Kamchatka deposits.
RNA Metabolism and the Role of Small RNAs in Regulating Multiple Aspects of RNA Metabolism
Authors: Dawar Pranav , Adhikari Indra , Mandal Swarupa Nanda , Jayee Bhumika
Published: December 2024

RNA metabolism is focused on RNA molecules and encompasses all the crucial processes an RNA molecule may or will undergo throughout its life cycle. It is an essential cellular process that allows all cells to function effectively. The transcriptomic landscape of a cell is shaped by the processes such as RNA biosynthesis, maturation (RNA processing, folding, and modification), intra- and inter-cellular transport, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, modification, catabolic decay, and retrograde signaling, all of which are interconnected and are essential for cellular RNA homeostasis. In eukaryotes, sRNAs, typically 20–31 nucleotides in length, are a class of ncRNAs found to function as nodes in various gene regulatory networks. sRNAs are known to play significant roles in regulating RNA population at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational levels. Along with sRNAs, such as miRNAs, siRNAs, and piRNAs, new categories of ncRNAs, i.e., lncRNAs and circRNAs, also contribute to RNA metabolism regulation in eukaryotes. In plants, various genetic screens have demonstrated that sRNA biogenesis mutants, as well as RNA metabolism pathway mutants, exhibit similar growth and development defects, misregulated primary and secondary metabolism, as well as impaired stress response. In addition, sRNAs are both the “products” and the “regulators” in broad RNA metabolism networks; gene regulatory networks involving sRNAs form autoregulatory loops that affect the expression of both sRNA and the respective target. This review examines the interconnected aspects of RNA metabolism with sRNA regulatory pathways in plants. It also explores the potential conservation of these pathways across different kingdoms, particularly in plants and animals. Additionally, the review highlights how cellular RNA homeostasis directly impacts adaptive responses to environmental changes as well as different developmental aspects in plants.
Trade-Offs in Marine Policy Decisions Through the Lens of Literature
Authors: de Queiroz Joyce Dias Gois Rodrigues , Gutierrez Débora , Calado Helena Maria Gregório Pina
Published: December 2024

The ocean is increasingly affected by the rise in maritime activities. Increased anthropogenic pressures have led to environmental impacts and also intensified competition for space and resources among various socioeconomic sectors. To mitigate these impacts on marine ecosystems and reduce conflicts, management tools and processes such as marine protected areas (MPAs) and maritime spatial planning (MSP) have become more prevalent. Trade-offs are inherent to these, and necessary to meet specific conservation and socioeconomic goals. In response, understanding and managing these trade-offs has become crucial to achieving ocean sustainability. This study performs a bibliometric review to identify the types of trade-offs discussed in the marine literature and examines their operationalization for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. The analysis reveals that trade-offs, particularly those between conservation and development, and the interests of specific stakeholders, are most frequently addressed in the trade-off literature and are typically approached through integrative methods. This comprehensive examination highlights the significance of recognizing and addressing trade-offs to achieve effective marine management and conservation, aligning ecological integrity with socioeconomic interests.