bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor-Associated Macrophage (TAM)-Related Cytokines, sCD163, CCL2, and CCL4, as Novel Biomarkers for Overall Survival and Time to Treatment in Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia: Emphasis on Asymptomatic WM
Authors: Gkiokas Alexandros , Papadatou-Gigante Mavra , Gkioka Annita Ioanna , Koudouna Aspasia , Tryfou Thomai M. , Alexandropoulos Alexandros , Bartzi Vassiliki , Kafasi Nikolitsa , Kyrtsonis Marie-Christine
Published: February 2025

Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia (WM) is a heterogeneous disease, and the majority of patients tend to have a long course. Nevertheless, it is imperative to detect patients who have a high risk of progression and who benefit from closer follow-up. Many recent studies have displayed the CD163-positive tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) contribution in the pathogenesis of various hematological neoplasms and solid tumors. Soluble CD163 (sCD163) can be measured in serum, along with other TAM-chemoattractant cytokines, such as CCL2 and CCL4, and their levels are used to determine macrophage activation. In the current study, we investigated the correlation between sCD163, CCL2, and CCL4, with parameters of WM progression and survival. Out of a total of 204 WM patients, serum sCD163, CCL2, and CCL4 were measured in 75, 64, and 65 patients’ frozen sera at diagnosis, along with 30 healthy individuals (HIs) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We achieved to demonstrate that shorter Time to Treatment (TTT) was observed in 2 years and 7 years intervals in all patients with a ratio of CD163/CCL4 above median (p = 0.003 and p = 0.024, respectively) and decreased TTT was observed in all asymptomatic WM (AWM) patients with values of CCL4 above the median (p = 0.018). Moreover, significantly decreased overall survival (OS) (p = 0.033) was observed in all WM patients with CCL2 values above the median. Our results indicate that sCD163, CCL2, and CCL4 could be utilized as prognostic markers in WM.
Distributed Peer-to-Peer Optimization Based on Robust Reinforcement Learning with Demand Response: A Review
Authors: Martínez Andrés , Arévalo Paul
Published: February 2025

The increasing adoption of renewable energy resources and the growing need for efficient and adaptable energy management have emphasized the importance of innovative solutions for energy sharing and storage. This study aims to analyze the application of advanced optimization techniques in decentralized energy systems, focusing on strategies that improve energy distribution, adaptability, and reliability. This research employs a comprehensive review methodology, examining reinforcement learning approaches, demand response mechanisms, and the integration of battery energy storage systems to enhance the flexibility and scalability of P2P energy markets. The main findings highlight significant advancements in robust decision-making frameworks, the management of energy storage systems, and real-time optimization for decentralized trading. Additionally, this study identifies key technical and regulatory challenges, such as computational complexity, market uncertainty, and the lack of standardized legal frameworks, while proposing pathways to address them through intelligent energy management and collaborative solutions. The originality of this work lies in its structured analysis of emerging energy trading models, providing valuable insights into the future design of decentralized energy systems that are efficient, sustainable, and resilient.
Two-Dimensional Metal–Organic Framework Nanostructures and Their Composites in Chemical Warfare Agent Detoxification: A Review
Authors: Tao Cheng-an , Zhao Shiyin , Li Yujiao , Wang Jianfang
Published: February 2025

This review summarizes the application of two-dimensional metal–organic framework (2D MOF) nanostructures and their composites in the detoxification of chemical warfare agents (CWAs). Two-dimensional MOFs, characterized by their high specific surface area, abundant active sites, and structural tunability, exhibit promising catalytic performance in CWA detoxification. Various preparation methods, including top–down exfoliation and bottom–up assembly, are discussed for the synthesis of 2D MOF nanosheets. The catalytic performance of 2D MOFs and their composites in detoxifying CWAs is evaluated, highlighting their advantages in terms of reaction kinetics and ease of recycling. Additionally, the advances and challenges in this field are discussed, aiming to promote further research into and development of 2D MOF-based materials for CWA detoxification.
Less Could Be More: Rethinking the Unexpected Deterioration of Variceal Bleeding After Endoscopic Occlusion of Gastroesophageal Varices
Authors: Pang Ke , He Kun , Min Yiyang , Wang Zhiwei , Wu Dong
Published: February 2025

Ectopic varices account for 5% of variceal bleeding cases but carry high mortality due to their concealed nature and diagnostic challenges. A 46-year-old man with hepatitis C cirrhosis and prior gastroesophageal variceal bleeding presented with fatigue and dark red stools. Initial gastroscopy revealed moderate gastric–oesophageal varices without active bleeding, treated with preventive sclerotherapy and cyanoacrylate injection. Persistent bleeding and a worsening condition led to his transfer to our hospital. Clinical evaluation suggested lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Imaging and colonoscopy confirmed ascending colon ectopic varices with recent thrombotic bleeding, while a repeated gastroscopy showed evidence of prior therapeutic interventions for gastric–oesophageal varices, which were stable. A titanium clip was placed for temporary hemostasis, but further vascular embolization was halted due to extensive variceal involvement and risk of bowel necrosis. A multidisciplinary team recommended a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, although the patient declined. This case underscores the importance of identifying the primary bleeding source to prevent exacerbation caused by unnecessary interventions. A stepwise diagnostic approach is put forward, highlighting that multidisciplinary care is crucial, with personalized, minimally invasive strategies to manage fragile vascular anatomy. Early detection and increased awareness of ectopic varices can facilitate timely and appropriate therapeutic interventions, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.
Artificial Intelligence in Science and Mathematics Assessment for Students with Disabilities: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Clark Amy K. , Hirt Ashley , Whitcomb David , Thompson W. Jake , Wine Marjorie , Karvonen Meagan
Published: February 2025

Emerging developments in artificial intelligence present significant opportunities to enhance equity and access to science and mathematics assessment content for students with disabilities. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies may have the potential to support test developers in creating more inclusive assessments that better measure what students know and can do. But they must also consider the potential accessibility challenges or introduction of construct-irrelevant variance posed by these technologies. The purpose of this article is to provide a conceptual overview of the issues to be considered when creating and implementing large-scale science and mathematics assessments for students with disabilities. We discuss how AI has been utilized in large-scale assessments to date and describe the opportunities and potential pitfalls in the stages of the process: assessment design, development, administration, scoring, reporting, and data use. This article concludes with proposed priorities for research that will advance the responsible practice of AI in large-scale assessment that is inclusive, fair, and valid for students with disabilities. This article contributes to the growing body of information on AI applications for assessment by identifying the roles that AI can play in science and mathematics assessment practices and demonstrating how AI can inform approaches to equitable science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning.
SDD-LawLLM: Advancing Intelligent Legal Systems Through Synthetic Data-Driven Fine-Tuning of Large Language Models
Authors: Ma Hanjie , Lu Yuhang , Xiao Zhengdong , Feng Jie , Zhang Haixiang , Yu Jian
Published: February 2025

The extensive use of large language models (LLMs) across various natural language processing tasks has markedly elevated the intelligence of legal systems. Despite their exceptional performance in terms of accuracy, these systems still struggle with explainability. To tackle this challenge, we propose an approach to boost the question-answering abilities of LLMs through data synthesis, focusing on Qwen-7B. By incorporating Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) techniques, we enhance the system’s transparency and reliability by introducing detailed reasoning processes (CoT Prompts). Our experimental results indicate that our trained LLMs exhibit significant improvements in both answer accuracy and explainability, especially in objective evaluation tasks. Additionally, subjective assessments reveal that the model’s responses are not only precise but also highly understandable, thus boosting user confidence in the system. Overall, our research offers valuable insights and technical advancements for the development of intelligent legal question-answering systems, with significant theoretical and practical implications.
Global Trends in Wood Heritage Research: A Bibliometric and Scientometric Analysis
Authors: Melo Júnior João Carlos Ferreira de , Vicario Margherita , Macchioni Nicola
Published: February 2025

The cultural use of wood, historically grounded in the understanding of ancient artefacts, has garnered increasing interest from researchers, as it enables the exploration of relationships between biodiversity, ancestral knowledge, and the cultural materiality of distinct human societies. The main objective of this article is to provide an overview and identify the main global trends in studies on the cultural use of wood. The article analyses documents from the Web of Science Core Collection from 1976 to 2024, highlighting the characteristics of scientific production, collaboration networks, keywords, and high-impact literature through bibliometric and scientometric methods. The choice was made for WoS as it is one of the largest databases in the world with complete scientific articles, considering the year with the oldest publication on the topic. The results reveal a growing academic interest in wooden heritage, with notable contributions from Italy, China, France, Spain, and England. With their remarkable cultural expression in wood, Latin countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina hold significant potential in this field. Areas such as wood chemistry and materials science are predominant, underscoring the need for collaboration with researchers, such as plant anatomists, who can integrate botanical and forestry information on culturally significant species and better contribute to global wooden heritage preservation efforts. This study can contribute to the circulation and integration of researchers interested in the topic and encourage the advancement of underexplored but culturally essential subjects.
A Forest Fire Prediction Framework Based on Multiple Machine Learning Models
Authors: Wang Chen , Liu Hanze , Xu Yiqing , Zhang Fuquan
Published: February 2025

Fire risk prediction is of great importance for fire prevention. Fire risk maps are an effective tool to quantify regional fire risk. Most existing studies on forest fire risk maps mainly use a single machine learning model, but different models have varying degrees of feature extraction in the same spatial environment, leading to inconsistencies in prediction accuracy. To address this issue, this study proposes a novel integrated machine learning framework that systematically evaluates multiple models and combines their outputs through a weighted ensemble approach, thereby enhancing prediction robustness. During the feature selection stage, factors including socio-economic, climate, terrain, remote sensing data, and human factors were considered. Unlike previous studies that mainly use a single model, eight models were evaluated and compared using performance metrics. Three models were weighted based on Mean Squared Error (MSE) values, and cross-validation results showed an improvement in model performance. The integrated model achieved an accuracy of 0.8602, an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.772, and superior sensitivity (0.9234), outperforming individual models. Finally, the weighted framework was applied to generate a fire risk map. Compared with prior studies, this multi-model ensemble approach not only improves predictive accuracy but also provides a scalable and adaptable framework for fire risk mapping, and provides valuable insights to address future fire sustainability issues.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Research on the Sources and Formation Processes of Forest Soil Organic Matter Under Climate Change
Authors: Shen Zhentao , Yue Kai , Peng Yan , Zhang Hui , Li Cuihuan , Li Yan
Published: February 2025

Forest soil organic matter (SOM) is a critical component of forest ecosystems and plays a vital role in the global carbon (C) cycle. Global climate change profoundly affects forest SOM dynamics, particularly its sources and formation processes, which are crucial initial stages of the forest soil C cycle. Therefore, understanding these processes and the impacts of climate change is essential for developing effective forest management strategies and climate policies. In this study, VOSviewer 1.6.18 was used to conduct a bibliometric analysis of research published from 1975 to 2024, retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection database, focusing on the sources and formation processes of forest SOM under climate change. The analysis covers annual publication trends, author co-occurrence networks, publication distributions by country and region, keyword clustering, and evolving keyword trends, integrating both quantitative results and a literature review to provide an understanding of the research progress in the field. The results highlight continuous growth in research publications, which can be categorized into four stages: initial emergence, sustained exploration, rapid development, and deep expansion. A solid theoretical foundation and good research strength have been established, driven by prominent academic groups led by researchers such as Jari Liski, as well as leading countries, including the United States and China. The research progress is divided into four topics: the sources of forest SOM; the formation processes of forest SOM; the impacts of climate change; and measurement methods and model-based analysis techniques, which mainly elaborate upon plant-, microbial-, and soil fauna-derived aspects. Research hotspots have evolved from basic C and nitrogen (N) cycles to in-depth studies involving microbial mechanisms and multiparameter climate change interactive effects. This study provides an overview of the research progress and hotspots in the field, offering basic knowledge and theoretical support for potential future research and climate change mitigation strategies.
Federated Deep Learning for Scalable and Privacy-Preserving Distributed Denial-of-Service Attack Detection in Internet of Things Networks
Authors: Alshdadi Abdulrahman A. , Almazroi Abdulwahab Ali , Ayub Nasir , Lytras Miltiadis D. , Alsolami Eesa , Alsubaei Faisal S. , Alharbey Riad
Published: February 2025

Industry-wide IoT networks have altered operations and increased vulnerabilities, notably DDoS attacks. IoT systems are decentralised. Therefore, these attacks flood networks with malicious traffic, creating interruptions, financial losses, and availability issues. We need scalable, privacy-preserving, and resource-efficient IoT intrusion detection algorithms to solve this essential problem. This paper presents a Federated-Learning (FL) framework using ResVGG-SwinNet, a hybrid deep-learning architecture, for multi-label DDoS attack detection. ResNet improves feature extraction, VGGNet optimises feature refining, and Swin-Transformer captures contextual dependencies, making the model sensitive to complicated attack patterns across varied network circumstances. Using the FL framework, decentralised training protects data privacy and scales and adapts across diverse IoT contexts. New preprocessing methods like Dynamic Proportional Class Adjustment (DPCA) and Dual Adaptive Selector (DAS) for feature optimisation improve system efficiency and accuracy. The model performed well on CIC-DDoS2019, UNSW-NB15, and IoT23 datasets, with 99.0% accuracy, 2.5% false alert rate, and 99.3% AUC. With a 93.0% optimisation efficiency score, the system balances computational needs with robust detection. With advanced deep-learning models, FL provides a scalable, safe, and effective DDoS detection solution that overcomes significant shortcomings in current systems. The framework protects IoT networks from growing cyber threats and provides a complete approach for current IoT-driven ecosystems.
Advanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants Using Green Tea-Based ZnO Nanomaterials Under Simulated Solar Irradiation in Agri-Food Wastewater
Authors: Bognár Szabolcs , Jovanović Dušica , Despotović Vesna , Jakšić Sandra , Panić Sanja , Milanović Marija , Finčur Nina , Putnik Predrag , Šojić Merkulov Daniela
Published: February 2025

The increasing presence of various organics poses significant threats to aquatic ecosystems and living organisms. Conventional water treatment methods are often insufficient, necessitating the development of powerful and sustainable alternatives. This study addresses this challenge by exploring the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using green tea leaves extract—an eco-friendly approach—for the sunlight-activated removal of organics in agri-food wastewater. The research examined different conditions for the removal of clomazone (CLO), tembotrione (TEM), ciprofloxacin (CIP), and zearalenone (ZEA). Nitrate-derived ZnO synthesized in a water medium (N-gZnOw) exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity, removing 98.2, 95.8, 96.2, and 96.6% of CLO, TEM, CIP, and ZEA. Characterization techniques (XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, zeta potential measurements, UV–visible spectroscopy) confirmed the synthesis of N-gZnOw, with an average particle size of 14.9 nm, an isoelectric point of 9.9, and a band gap energy of 2.92 eV. Photocatalytic experiments identified 0.5 mg/cm3 as an optimal catalyst loading, while a higher initial pollutant concentration reduced degradation efficiency. LC-ESI-MS/MS measurements confirmed the efficient pollutant degradation and the formation of degradation intermediates. Hence, this study demonstrates that green tea extract-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles offer a promising, sustainable solution for removing herbicides, pharmaceuticals, and mycotoxins from wastewater, paving the way for eco-friendly water purification technologies.
The Influence of DMSO on PVA/PVDF Hydrogel Properties: From Materials to Sensors Applications
Authors: D’Altri Giada , Giovagnoli Angelica , Di Matteo Valentina , Yeasmin Lamyea , Scurti Stefano , Gualandi Isacco , Cassani Maria Cristina , Panzavolta Silvia , Rea Mariangela , Caretti Daniele , Ballarin Barbara
Published: February 2025

This research study aims to explore the synergistic effects of incorporating polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels to enhance their suitability for triboelectric sensors applications. The preparation process employs a method of freezing/thawing conducted in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), followed by solvent replacement with water. This approach effectively preserves PVDF in its α phase, eliminating piezoelectric effects and enhancing the hydrogels’ mechanical properties. The use of DMSO contributes to reduced pore size, while incorporating PVDF significantly improves the three-dimensional network structure of the hydrogels, resulting in enhanced thermal and chemical resistance. Thorough characterization of the resulting PVA/PVDF composite hydrogels, prepared with varying ratios of PVA to PVDF (10:0, 8:2, and 5:5), was conducted by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), rheology, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Notably, the composite hydrogels were tested in pressure sensors and human voice sensors, demonstrating their capability to recognize different patterns associated with various letters. The incorporation of PVDF significantly enhanced the signal-to-noise ratio in PVA/PVDF-based sensors compared with those made solely from PVA, highlighting a notable improvement in voice detection. The enhancements were quantified as 56% for “a”, 35% for “r”, and 47% for “m”.
The Use of Azimuthal Variation in ScS–S Differential Travel Times to Investigate Possible Anisotropy in the Lowermost Mantle Beneath the Philippines
Authors: Tanaka Satoru
Published: February 2025

We collected approximately 500 ScS–S differential travel times passing beneath the Philippines with various azimuths to discuss whether there were azimuthal variations in the ScS–S time residuals. By correcting for mantle heterogeneity using a three-dimensional (3D) mantle velocity model, we found a large variance reduction in the ScS–S residuals. In addition, the strong negative correlation between the S and ScS–S time residuals was greatly reduced, while the positive correlation between the ScS and ScS–S time residuals moderately improved, indicating that the corrected ScS–S residuals are manifestations of the lower half of the lower mantle structure. Next, we corrected for the local-scale heterogeneity in the lower mantle by subtracting the bin-averaged ScS–S residuals, and we experimented with fitting the trigonometric functions in terms of the propagation azimuth θ to the ScS–S residuals, suggesting that a 2θ variation is significant. If we accept the hypothesis of azimuthal anisotropy in the lowermost mantle, the fastest direction of the S-wave velocity was east-southeast–west-northwest (N97.5° E– N82.5° W), and the amplitude of the azimuthal anisotropy was approximately 1.4% anisotropy if we assume a D″ thickness of 300 km.
Determining Gold Thickness in Multilayer Samples by Measuring the Intensity Ratio of the Au-Lα/Fe-Kα X-Ray
Authors: Buccolieri Giovanni , Cesareo Roberto , Castellano Alfredo , Serra Antonio , Paladini Fabio , Buccolieri Alessandro
Published: February 2025

Multilayer samples are used in a wide range of sectors for their functionality. In the field of cultural heritage, multilayer samples are also common, as in the case of gilded or silvered alloys in the pigment layers in paintings. The X-ray ratios Lα/Lβ, Kα/Kβ, or K/L for an element or for different elements in a multilayer sample depend on the chemical composition and thickness of the superimposed layers and on the chemical composition and thickness of the layer in which the element is situated. Gold decorations of paintings on wood represent examples of multilayered structures and, for this reason, it is important to be able to determine the thickness of the gold layer. In the present paper, gold coatings of several paintings on gilded wood, by Italian artist Taddeo Gaddi (1300–1366 AD), were examined using portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) in order to calculate the thickness of the gold layer on ochre by measuring the intensity ratio of the Au-Lα/Fe-Kα X-ray. The experimental results obtained showed that the gold leaves used by the artist have a thickness of approximately 0.3 to 0.4 µm; this also demonstrates the artist’s remarkable ability in creating the gilding.
Transcriptome and Physiological Characterization Reveal the Effects of Exogenous MeJA on Turnips Under Salt Stress
Authors: Ma Chenyang , Tao Zhe , Yang Xingling , Xiao Ruiqing , Jia Kai
Published: February 2025

Salt stress severely affects the growth of turnips (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa), leading to a decline in quality and a reduction in yield. Methyl jasmonate is an endogenous plant hormone that plays a role in regulating plant responses to salt stress. However, its role and mechanism in regulating the response of turnip salt stress remain unclear. Herein, exogenous 100 μM MeJA was applied to four-leaf turnip seedlings subjected to 100 mM NaCl stress to investigate the changes in growth parameters, plant physiology, gene expression, and hormone accumulation after treatment for 3, 5, and 7 days. The results indicated that exogenous spraying of MeJA restricted the growth of turnip seedlings, but enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), while reducing the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Additionally, RNA-seq data showed that exogenous MeJA significantly up-regulates the expression of genes associated with resistance to abiotic stress, specifically those involved in sulfur metabolism, phytohormone signaling, glutathione metabolism, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. This up-regulation improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes in vivo, facilitated the scavenging of accumulated reactive oxygen species, and strengthened the plant’s defense mechanisms. In summary, exogenous application of MeJA inhibited the growth of turnip seedlings, but enhanced the plant’s physiological responses to salt stress.
Morphological Profile and Seed Yield Ability of Polignano and Tiggiano Carrot Landraces: Steps Toward Registration as Conservation Varieties
Authors: Accogli Rita Annunziata , Cazzato Eugenio , Bellomo Dalila , Santamaria Pietro , Renna Massimiliano
Published: February 2025

Several Apulian (Southern Italy) vegetable landraces are considered at risk of genetic erosion, constituting an issue for the loss of important genetic traits. ‘Tiggiano’ and ‘Polignano’ carrots are two Apulian landraces, noteworthy for their historical, cultural, and agricultural significance. In this research, both the morphological traits and seed yield ability of these landraces were evaluated, aiming to potentially register them for seed commercialization as a tool of valorization. The data of morphological traits according to the ‘International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants’ guideline evidenced a clear distinction between the two landraces. However, the great variability observed in certain characters represents an obstacle to their registration in the national variety register, except for the Conservation Varieties one. ‘Polignano’ and ‘Tiggiano’ carrots showed an average seed yield of about 63 and 106 g/plant, equating to about 1258 and 2116 kg/ha. Average seed germination rates were 79.7 and 85.8%, respectively, for ‘Polignano’ and ‘Tiggiano’ carrots. In conclusion, registering these local varieties as Conservation Varieties could enhance their appreciation, encourage sustainable cultivation, and help mitigate genetic erosion while boosting their economic and cultural value.
Cultural Validation of the Fear-of-Intimacy Scale for the Portuguese Population: Exploring Its Relationship with Sociosexual Orientation
Authors: Leite Ângela , Azevedo Ângela
Published: February 2025

Objective: This study aims to adapt the Fear-of-Intimacy Scale for the Portuguese population and examine its association with sociosexual orientation, as measured by the Sociosexual Orientation Inventory, highlighting the relevance of this association as a public health issue. Methods: The Fear-of-Intimacy Scale was validated through confirmatory factor analyses. A multigroup analysis, employing confirmatory factor analysis, was conducted to evaluate the consistency of the Fear-of-Intimacy Scale across individuals in and out of romantic relationships. The reliability of the model was assessed using various indicators, including Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega, composite reliability, the average variance extracted (AVE), and the square root of the AVE. Results: The results indicated robust psychometric properties for the Fear-of-Intimacy Scale, with a well-fitting model identified. Configural, metric, and scalar invariance related to being in a romantic relationship or not were established; however, error variance invariance was not achieved. Although most dimensions of the two instruments displayed positive and significant relationships, the correlation values were generally modest. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of understanding the relationship between fear of intimacy and sociosexual orientation within the Portuguese context as a significant public health issue. Adapting the Fear-of-Intimacy Scale enables culturally sensitive research and supports clinical interventions aimed at improving relational and psychological well-being, thereby addressing broader public health challenges.
Spatial Network Analysis of CO2 Emissions in Major Cities in China: Regional Structures and Influencing Factors
Authors: Zhao Yue , Feng Yuning , Du Mingyi , Fraedrich Klaus , Shen Zehao
Published: February 2025

China’s rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to significant and imbalanced CO2 emissions, putting pressure on achieving sustainable development goals. This study analyzed the CO2 emissions of 31 major cities in China from different sectors (total, power, industry, and transport) from 2019 to 2022. This study constructs a city-scale CO2 emission correlation model to achieve nationwide and urban fine-scale research on CO2 emission spatial networks from different sectors. This study revealed the following: (i) there is an increasing correlation among regions in China, and collaborative governance is crucial; (ii) there are differences in the structure, characteristics, and roles of CO2 emission networks from different sectors; (iii) China’s CO2 emission network is mainly concentrated in the northern and eastern regions, which play an important role in emission reduction; and (iv) the impact factors have different effects on CO2 emissions from different sectors, and we should actively contribute to promoting emission reduction. Correctly understanding the spatial characteristics and influencing factors of CO2 emissions can help us formulate targeted and efficient emission reduction policies.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of (6S,9R)-Vomifoliol from Gaultheria procumbens L.: In Vitro and Ex Vivo Study in Human Immune Cell Models
Authors: Michel Piotr , Wajs-Bonikowska Anna , Magiera Anna , Wosiak Agnieszka , Balcerczak Ewa , Czerwińska Monika Ewa , Olszewska Monika Anna
Published: February 2025

(6S,9R)-vomifoliol (VO) is a natural norisoprenoid of the megastigmane type derived from Gaultheria procumbens, an aromatic, evergreen shrub whose leaves, fruits, and aerial parts are used in traditional phytotherapy to treat oxidative stress and inflammation-related disorders. The plant is known as a rich source of essential oil and polyphenols. However, the levels of other constituents of G. procumbens, including VO, have yet to be explored. There is also a knowledge gap in the pharmacological potential of VO in the context of inflammation. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the accumulation of VO in leaves, stems, and fruits of G. procumbens and to determine its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in non-cellular in vitro and cell-based models of human immune cells ex vivo. The GC-FID-MS (gas chromatography coupled with flame ionisation detector and mass spectrometer) analysis revealed the leaves as the richest source of VO (0.36 mg/g dw of the plant material) compared to other G. procumbens organs. In non-cellular activity tests, VO showed comparable to positive control anti-inflammatory activity against lipoxygenase, with significantly weaker impact on hyaluronidase and cyclooxygenase-2, and no effect on cyclooxygenase-1 isozyme. VO at 5–75 μM revealed a significant and dose-dependent ability to reduce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, downregulate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-6, and IL-1β] and tissue-remodelling enzymes (elastase-2, metalloproteinase-9), and up-regulate the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (fMLP)-stimulated human neutrophils and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) ex vivo. Furthermore, a significant reduction in IL-6, lipoxygenase (LOX), nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells 1 (NF-κB1), and NF-κB2 gene expression in LPS-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes was demonstrated by real-time PCR. The cellular safety of VO at 5–75 μM was confirmed by flow cytometry, with the viability of neutrophils and PBMCs after incubation with VO at 93.8–98.4%. The results encourage further studies of VO as a promising non-cytotoxic natural anti-inflammatory agent and support the use of leaves of G. procumbens in the adjuvant treatment of oxidative stress and inflammation-related diseases of affluence.
Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. Bark Extracts Alleviate MCAO/Reperfusion-Induced Neurological Dysfunction by Suppressing Microglial Inflammation in the Gray Matter
Authors: Pan Jiarong , Chai Xuejun , Li Cixia , Wu Yongji , Ma Yue , Wang Songlin , Xue Yuhuan , Zhao Yongkang , Chen Shulin , Zhu Xiaoyan , Zhao Shanting
Published: February 2025

Ischemic stroke ranks as the second leading cause of global mortality. The limited time for effective thrombolytic treatment has prompted the exploration of alternative prevention approaches. Eucommia ulmoides (E. ulmoides) Oliv. bark has shown multiple pharmacological effects, including neuroprotection, anti-inflammation and autophagy modulation. This study aims to elucidate the neuroprotective effects of water extract of E. ulmoides (WEU) supplementation in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model and to further explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Seven bioactive compounds in WEU—aucubin, chlorogenic acid, geniposidic acid, quercetin, protocatechuic acid, betulin and pinoresinol diglucoside—were identified using HPLC-MS. Our results showed that WEU supplementation significantly decreased infarct volume and ameliorated neurological dysfunction in mice following MCAO/reperfusion (MCAO/R) injury. Furthermore, the administration of WEU significantly attenuated microglia activation induced by cortical ischemia in mice and inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Importantly, in contrast with the vehicle group, the protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), phospho-p38 (p-p38) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were reduced in the WEU group. Therefore, this present study provides evidence that E. ulmoides improves neurological behaviors by suppressing neuroinflammation and inhibiting the activation of the TLR4/ p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathways in mice after ischemia, which indicates that E.ulmoides is a promising candidate for alleviating gray matter ischemic change.
Unraveling the Ancient Introgression History of Xanthoceras (Sapindaceae): Insights from Phylogenomic Analysis
Authors: He Jian , Li Mingyang , Wu Huanyu , Cheng Jin , Xie Lei
Published: February 2025

Ancient introgression is an infrequent evolutionary process often associated with conflicts between nuclear and organellar phylogenies. Determining whether such conflicts arise from introgression, incomplete lineage sorting (ILS), or other processes is essential to understanding plant diversification. Previous studies have reported phylogenetic discordance in the placement of Xanthoceras, but its causes remain unclear. Here, we analyzed transcriptome data from 41 Sapindaceae samples to reconstruct phylogenies and investigate this discordance. While nuclear phylogenies consistently placed Xanthoceras as sister to subfam. Hippocastanoideae, plastid data positioned it as the earliest-diverging lineage within Sapindaceae. Our coalescent simulations suggest that this cyto-nuclear discordance is unlikely to be explained by ILS alone. HyDe and PhyloNet analyses provided strong evidence that Xanthoceras experienced ancient introgression, incorporating approximately 16% of its genetic material from ancestral subfam. Sapindoideae lineages. Morphological traits further support this evolutionary history, reflecting characteristics of both contributing subfamilies. Likely occurring during the Paleogene, this introgression represents a rare instance of cross-subfamily gene flow shaping the evolutionary trajectory of a major plant lineage. Our findings clarify the evolutionary history of Xanthoceras and underscore the role of ancient introgression in driving phylogenetic conflicts, offering a rare example of introgression-driven diversification in angiosperms.
Investigating Polyhydroxyalkanoate Synthesis for Insights into Drug Resistance in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Xie Qingbiao , Lao Guangshu , Fang Yukai , Gao Xue , Tan Zheng , Miao Weiguo , Jin Pengfei
Published: February 2025

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), synthesized by Xanthomonas to endure adverse conditions, are primarily regulated by the critical genes phaC and phaZ. Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), a common polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), has been implicated in metabolism, pathogenicity, and various physiological processes in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). In this study, we investigated the effects of HN-2 using n-butanol extract (HN-2 n-butanol extract) derived from Bacillus velezensis on Xoo. The results showed that HN-2 n-butanol extract could induce PHB accumulation in Xoo, potentially via surfactin. Moreover, examination of drug resistance, pathogenicity, and morphological characteristics of Xoo revealed PHB played a significant role in the drug resistance, pathogenicity, membrane integrity, and growth rate of Xoo strains following the deletion of phaZ and phaC. The ∆phaZ strain was the most significant, with a growth rate reduced to 58.19% of the PXO99A at 36 h and an inhibition zone 57.46% larger than that of PXO99A by HN-2 n-butanol extract. Transmission electron microscopy further revealed blank spots in Xoo after treatment, with the fewest spots observed in ∆phaZ, indicating its impaired ability to repair and maintain membrane integrity. These findings offer valuable insights that could serve as a foundation for elucidating the mechanisms of drug resistance and future research on preventing Xoo-induced diseases.
Daily Prey Consumption and Functional Response of Orius insidiosus: Implications for Biological Control of Scirtothrips dorsalis in Strawberries
Authors: Adhikary Lovely , Smith Hugh Adam , Lahiri Sriyanka
Published: February 2025

Strawberry is an important specialty crop grown in Florida. Recently, chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), have become a significant threat to Florida strawberry production. Pesticide applications are not always recommended because of the development of insecticidal resistance. Biological control can be a viable control option for this pest. However, the management of S. dorsalis using predatory bug Orius insidiosus Say (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) has never been explored in strawberries. Therefore, this study’s aim was to evaluate the predation efficacy of O. insidiosus through daily consumption rate and the functional response while preying on S. dorsalis. The results suggest that adult O. insidiosus has a significantly higher daily consumption rate than fifth-instar nymphs when feeding on both life stages of S. dorsalis. A Type II functional response was expressed by O. insidiosus when feeding on larval and adult S. dorsalis, indicating that the predation rate can increase with the prey density before it reaches a saturation point. The attack rates (a) and prey handling time (Th) were also computed on second-instar larvae and adult S. dorsalis, respectively. The results indicate that O. insidiosus can be used as an augmentation biocontrol agent for S. dorsalis management in strawberries.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Gender-Affirming Chest Masculinization: What Have We Learned About Patient Satisfaction and Psychological Well-Being?
Authors: Kwartin Samuel , Skorochod Ron , Shapira Liran , Wolf Yoram
Published: February 2025

Background: Gender-affirming surgery has become an integral part of the gender transition process that transgender and gender-diverse individuals undergo. Although ample literature exists on the short-term outcomes of gender-affirming surgery, very little is known about the long-term implications the surgery has on the psychological well-being of the patients. The purpose was to understand the long-term impact that gender-affirming surgery has on transgender and gender-diverse individuals and gain insight on potential contributors to improved psychological well-being and satisfaction. Methods: All patients who were operated on by a single surgeon during a 20-year period were invited to the clinic for a follow-up appointment. The patients were physically examined, their scars were graded, and NAC sensation was evaluated. BUT (A and B) and BREAST-Q questionnaires were filled out by them and evaluated by the research staff. Results: Satisfaction with pre-operative information provided to the patient was associated with satisfaction with the final appearance of the chest (R = 0.717, p < 0.001), the surgical outcome (R = 0.481, p = 0.037), psychosocial well-being at follow up (R = 0.489, p = 0.034), satisfaction with the surgeon (R = 0.486, p = 0.035), satisfaction with the medical team (R = 0.62, p = 0.005) and satisfaction with the office staff (R = 0.65, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Pre-operative communication between the medical staff and the patients improves the psychological outcomes and satisfaction of the patients over the years.
Mind the Gap: Recurrence of Sex-Related Differences in Patients with Acute Atrial Fibrillation in the Emergency Department—A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gupta Sophie , Lutnik Martin , Cacioppo Filippo , Oppenauer Julia , Lindmayr Teresa , Schütz Nikola , Tumnitz Elvis , Domanovits Hans , Schwameis Michael , Niederdöckl Jan
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: In recent years, awareness of sex disparities in atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) has grown, resulting in significant advancements in sex-specific treatment strategies. As these treatment approaches continue to evolve, it is essential to remain attentive to sex-related issues to ensure equitable care for all patients, a point first emphasised by the 2016 AF guidelines. Our objective was the long-term evaluation of sex-specific treatment standards for acute AF/AFL. Methods: This cohort study included cases of acute AF/AFL treated in the emergency department of the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, between 2012 and 2022. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to analyse time-to-event data. The effect of sex on the time to restoration of sinus rhythm was assessed using the log-rank test for unadjusted models and the likelihood ratio test for adjusted models. The groups were categorised based on cases occurring before and after 2016. Results: A total of 3661 cases (55.7% male) were analysed. Before 2016, sinus rhythm was achieved in 70.8% of males and 71.2% of females; after 2016, these rates were 71.8% and 68.6%, respectively. The adjusted model showed a significant effect of sex on the time to restoration of sinus rhythm after 2016 (p = 0.013) but not before (p = 0.865). A subgroup analysis indicated similar results for pharmacologic rhythm control (p = 0.035 vs. p = 0.193). A sensitivity analysis confirmed robustness, with similar effects in both models. The success rate of pharmacological cardioversion was lower in women than in men but was used more frequently in women after 2016. Conclusions: The re-emergence of a sex gap in success rates and time to restoration of sinus rhythm in emergency treatment for acute AF/AFL is concerning and necessitates a re-evaluation of treatment protocols, improved decision-making processes, and further research to ensure equitable, effective, and safe emergency care for all patients.
Identification and Characterization of Three Epichloë Endophytes Isolated from Wild Barley in China
Authors: Wang Zhengfeng , Zhao Feng , Bao Qijun , Liu Xiaoning , Guo Cheng
Published: February 2025

Epichloë endophytes have been found in cool-season grasses and can produce alkaloids that are toxic to vertebrates and insects. Due to their beneficial effects, Epichloë can provide plants with resistance to some abiotic and biotic stresses. The biological and physiological characteristics of the endophytic strains XJE1, XJE2, and XJE3 isolated from wild barley were measured across a range of pH, salt concentrations, and growth values. The phylogenetic position of the Epichloë isolates was examined using the tefA and actG genes. The optimal pH values for mycelial growth of XJE1, XJE2, and XJE3 were 7–8, 6–7, and 8–9, respectively. The isolates grew significantly better at 0.3 mol/L NaCl than at 0.5 mol/L and 0.1 mol/L NaCl. Based on the conidiophore and conidia morphology, growth characteristics, and phylogenetic relationships, the endophyte isolated from wild barley is likely Epichloë bromicola. These isolates exhibited differences in mating types and alkaloid biosynthesis genes. Screening for salt tolerance and alkaloid biosynthetic genes in endophytic strains will provide new insights into useful traits to breed into new forage germplasms.
Numerical Analysis of Incinerator Refractory Brick with Coupled Parameters Based on Thermodynamic Theory
Authors: Mou Yu , Han Sisi , Zhang Yanrong , Wu Kai , Shen Xinrui
Published: February 2025

The selection of refractory bricks significantly impacts the operational performance of brick structures in high-temperature environments. In this study, a coupled thermal stress model of a refractory brick structure was established and validated by means of thermal expansion experiments. This paper innovatively combined the brick number, brick thickness, and brick material to investigate their influence on brick structural performance. The results indicated that the influence of the brick number on the temperature was less significant than that of brick thickness. However, the brick number had a greater effect on vertical displacement and principal compressive stress than brick thickness, with the maximum differences being 342.3% and 28.9%. Compared to brick thickness, brick material had a more significant effect on vertical displacement and principal compressive stress, with the maximum differences being 77.1% and 67.4%. Additionally, the influence of brick material properties on vertical displacement and principal compressive stress was greater than that of the brick number, with the maximum differences being 77.6% and 65%. Therefore, when selecting refractory bricks, it is advisable to consider the brick material first, the brick number second, and the brick thickness last. This study offers theoretical guidance for refractory brick structure design and material selection in high-temperature applications.