bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Gut Microbiota According to Disease Severity in a Lupus Mouse Model
Authors: Han Eui-Jeong , Ahn Ji-Seon , Choi Yu-Jin , Kim Da-Hye , Chung Hea-Jong
Published: January 2025

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifaceted autoimmune disease driven by immune dysregulation. This study investigated the relationship between gut microbiota and lupus severity using the MRL/lpr lupus mouse model. Mice were grouped based on total immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgG2a levels, and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), allowing for the comparison of gut microbiota profiles across different disease severities. Interestingly, severe lupus mice exhibited significant reductions in Ruminiclostridium cellulolyticum, Lactobacillus johnsonii, and Kineothrix alysoides, while Clostridium saudiense, Pseudoflavonifractor phocaeensis, and Intestinimonas butyriciproducens were enriched. These microbial shifts correlated with elevated IgG, IgG2a, and ACR levels, indicating that changes in the gut microbiome may directly influence key immunological markers associated with lupus severity. The depletion of beneficial species and the enrichment of potentially pathogenic bacteria appear to contribute to immune activation and disease progression. This study suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a critical role in exacerbating lupus by modulating immune responses, reinforcing the link between microbial composition and lupus pathogenesis. Our findings provide the first evidence identifying these distinct gut microbial species as potential contributors to lupus severity, highlighting their role as key factors in disease progression.
Discourse Analysis of International Scientific Organizations in the 2022 Russia–Ukraine Conflict: A Natural Language Processing Approach
Authors: Lu Jiayue , Chen Xiaoli , Wang Xuezhao
Published: January 2025

The scientific community has not stayed outside the Russia–Ukraine conflict. This study analyzes the attitudes and roles of international scientific organizations in the conflict, based on 923 official statements, through a combination of discourse analysis and Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, including sentiment analysis and topic modeling. The findings reveal that 527 organizations issued statements, with 47% explicitly “supporting Ukraine and condemning Russia”, and 13% maintaining a neutral stance. These statements reflect diverse concerns, including the conflict’s immediate humanitarian impact, disruption to scientific collaboration, and broader political and social implications. This research contributes to understanding how international scientific organizations navigate conflict contexts by systematically uncovering their attitudes, focus areas, and actions. Through a thematic analysis, the study demonstrates how these organizations articulate their positions, advocate for specific measures, and leverage their influence to address issues such as economic support, scientific collaboration, and healthcare assistance. By identifying these behaviors, the study clarifies the strategic roles scientific organizations play in shaping discourse and mediating international relations, offering key insights into their impact during geopolitical crises.
A Comprehensive Survey on the Requirements, Applications, and Future Challenges for Access Control Models in IoT: The State of the Art
Authors: Ahsan Mohammad Shamim , Pathan Al-Sakib Khan
Published: January 2025

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a technologyof connecting billions of devices with heterogeneous types and capabilities. Even though it is an attractive environment that could change the way we interact with the devices, the real-life and large-scale implementation of it is greatly impeded by the potential security risks that it is susceptible to. While the potential of IoT is significant, the security challenges it faces are equally formidable. IoT security can be addressed from different angles, but one of the key issues is the access control model because among the many challenges, access control is a pivotal concern that determines the overall security of IoT systems. This eventually determines which device is given access to the IoT systems and which is denied access. In this work, we conduct a systematic and thorough survey on the state-of-the-art access control models in IoT. This study includes more than 100 related articles, including 77 best-quartile journal papers. We cover conventional as well as advanced access control models, taking the crucial period of various studies in this particular area. In addition, a number of critical questions are answered and key works are summarized. Furthermore, we identify significant gaps in existing models and propose new considerations and prospects for future developments. Since no existing survey explores both conventional and sophisticated access control models with essential challenges, trends and application domains analysis, and requirements analysis, our study significantly contributes to the literature, especially in the IoT security field.
Key Factors of Adherence in Cardiological Follow-Up of Adults with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Ehmann Anna-Lena , Schütte Emily , Semmler Janina , Berger Felix , Bauer Ulrike M. M. , Schmitt Katharina , Pfitzer Constanze , Helm Paul C.
Published: January 2025

Approximately 50% of adults with congenital heart defects (ACHD) lack specialised CHD care, increasing the risk of preventable complications and mortality. While there is evidence that psychological factors significantly influence adherence, predictors of attending cardiological routine examinations in ACHD remain understudied. This is the first German study to examine psychological and sociodemographic predictors of adherence in ACHD using the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation as a framework. A total of N = 1136 participants from the National Register for Congenital Heart Defects were analysed. Sociodemographic and psychological factors (illness perception, illness identity, emotion regulation and psychological distress) were recorded as predictors of the subjective importance of regular cardiological check-ups and the actual utilisation frequency. The results indicate that of the sociodemographic factors, only age is relevant for the subjective importance, while net income influences the actual utilisation of cardiological examinations. In contrast, several psychological aspects of illness perception, such as perceived treatment benefit, and illness identity play a role for both adherence measures, as do depressive symptoms for the frequency of examinations. Our results highlight the importance of addressing psychological factors and providing clear information about the benefits of cardiological care to improve adherence in ACHD and thereby reduce secondary diseases.
Expiration-Triggered Sinus Arrhythmia Predicts Mortality Risk in the General Elderly Population
Authors: Dirschinger Ralf Josef , Müller Alexander , Steger Alexander , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Barthel Petra , Schmidt Georg , Sinnecker Daniel
Published: January 2025

Reduced respiratory sinus arrhythmia, quantified as expiration-triggered sinus arrhythmia (ETA) from simultaneous electrocardiogram and respiration recordings, is a strong long-term mortality predictor in myocardial infarction survivors. Here, we investigated whether ETA also predicts mortality risk in the general elderly population. ETA was quantified from 30-min electrocardiogram and respiration recordings in 1788 general population subjects aged ≥60 years, who were then followed for a median of 4.0 years (median age 72 years, 58% female). Four-year all-cause mortality was 4.6%. Abnormal ETA using a predefined cutoff (≤0.19 ms) was associated with a 4-year mortality of 6.9%, compared to 3.7% in the remaining participants (p = 0.0022). ETA remained a significant mortality predictor in multivariable Cox analysis, also considering a modified Framingham score incorporating sex, age, smoking, cholesterol, blood pressure, antihypertensive medication, family history, diabetes and clinical atherosclerosis (multivariable hazard ratio 1.81; 95% confidence interval 1.17–2.81; p = 0.008). Combined risk prediction by ETA (using an optimized cutoff of ≤0.86 ms) and the Framingham score stratified patients into a low-risk (both parameters normal), an intermediate-risk (one parameter abnormal) and a high-risk group (both parameters abnormal), with 4-year mortality rates of 1.9%, 4.4% and 10.1%, respectively. We conclude that in elderly general population subjects, ETA is a mortality risk predictor that complements classical clinical risk stratification.
RBM20 p.Arg636Cys: A Pathogenic Variant Identified in a Family with Several Cases of Unexpected Sudden Deaths
Authors: Lorca Rebeca , Alén Alberto , Salgado María , Misiego-Margareto Rosario , Dolado-Cuello Javier , Gómez Juan , Alonso Vanesa , Coto Eliecer , Avanzas Pablo , Martínez-Hernández Antonia , Suárez Mier María Paz
Published: January 2025

Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) can be an inherited condition related to premature sudden cardiac death (SCD). Pathogenic variants in some genes, like LMNA, SCN5A, FLNC or RBM20, have been linked to an increased risk of SCD. Although genetic study can help to stratify the arrhythmic risk, there are no specific guidelines for RBM20 carriers’ management. We aimed to evaluate the genetic profile and clinical features of all DCM patients with pathogenic variants in RBM20.Methods: We identified all carriers of pathogenic variants in RBM20 in a single national center that specializes in inherited cardiac conditions. Forensic and molecular autopsies provided crucial information. Results: We identified a large family with inherited DCM due to RBM20 p.Arg636Cy and several SCDs. The proband was a 37-year-old male who suffered an unexpected SCD despite presenting a mild DCM phenotype with normal left ventricular ejection fraction. Family screening identified four other carriers, who were asymptomatic, but presented concealed mild DCM phenotypes. Family history revealed that six other relatives (two of them obligate carriers) had also suffered sudden deaths at young ages. Conclusions: We present an informative family with DCM, due to RBM20 p.Arg636Cys, and high rates of SCD, even in members with mild DCM phenotypes. ICD implantation to prevent SCD should be carefully evaluated in all RBM20 p.Arg636Cys carriers. Moreover, the frequent development of AF and HF progression requires specific awareness.
A Novel Virtual Planned-Orthodontic-Surgical Approach for Proportional Condylectomy in Condylar Hyperplasia
Authors: Perrotta Stefania , Carraturo Emanuele , D’Antò Vincenzo , Ludwig Björn , Bocchino Tecla , Vaira Luigi Angelo , De Riu Giacomo , Valletta Rosa , Piombino Pasquale
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Condylectomy is a delicate and intricate procedure commonly employed in the management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, osteochondromas, condylar hyperplasia, hemimandibular hyperplasia, and other pathologies affecting the condylar region. The advent of surgical cutting guides has introduced a new dimension to condylectomy procedures as they enable surgeons to plan and execute precise cuts with a heightened level of accuracy. In the literature already exists cases of cutting guide-based condylectomy, but they only depend on the mere mirroring procedure in virtual planning, which has accuracy limitations because it does not consider asymmetry of peri-condylar structures at the level of the ramus, body, and mandibular angle. Methods: CAD-CAM orthodontic preparation through the NEMOFAB Software was performed to correct the canting of the occlusal plane, following the “orthodontic first” technique. The same software was used for VSP of the surgical cutting guide to perform the condylectomy, basing not to the mere mirroring of the opposite side but considering the whole condylar-TMJ-glenoid fossa structure. Results: At 6 months follow-up, the patient showed good occlusion and an almost totally recovered lower third symmetry as median-upper and lower interincisive lines coincide with each other and with the chin median. A good occlusal and masticatory outcome was obtained. The joint structure was preserved with remodeling of the glenoid cavity caused by the presence of the joint disc, which was preserved during surgery. Conclusions: The goal of this study is to propose a method of therapeutic management of condylar hyperplasia that benefits from accurate pre-operative orthodontic treatment (orthodontics first) to maximize the results of proportional condylectomy, reducing post-operative orthodontic care as well as any need for any adjuvant orthognathic surgery. A new virtual surgical planning method is also proposed for creating a cutting guide that not only takes advantage of the mirroring technique to accurately calculate the amount of condyle to be cut but also considers the entire condyle–TMJ complex to perform a condylectomy that is more precise.
Assessment of Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers for Predicting of Patients with Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Karaduman Abdullah Burak , Ilgın Sinem , Aykaç Özlem , Yeşilkaya Mehmetcan , Levent Serkan , Özdemir Atilla Özcan , Girgin Gozde
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis is usually detected by physicians in patients, coincidentally, during an ultrasound examination of the neck. Therefore, measurable biomarkers in blood are needed to define the presence and severity of atherosclerotic plaque in patients to identify and manage it. We hypothesized that biomarkers that indicate pathways related to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis could be used to identify the presence and severity of atherosclerotic plaque. For this purpose, the levels of participants’ inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers were determined. Kynurenine/tryptophan and neopterin levels were measured as relatively new biomarkers of inflammation in this study. Methods: Our study included 57 patients diagnosed with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis and 28 healthy volunteers. Blood kynurenine and tryptophan levels were measured with LCMS/MS. Blood catalase, total superoxide dismutase (t-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde, and neopterin levels were measured using the ELISA assay method. Result: The kynurenine/tryptophan ratio reflecting IDO activity was higher in patients than in healthy volunteers. Decreased tryptophan levels and increased kynurenine and neopterin levels were observed in patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy. In patients, catalase, t-SOD, and malondialdehyde levels were higher, while GPx activity was lower. These differences were found to be more significant in patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy. Conclusions: Increased kynurenine/tryptophan ratio and neopterin levels in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis were associated with the inflammatory status of the patients. Oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers can be considered effective diagnostic and severity indicators for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis.
Impact of a Concurrent Respiratory Virus Infection on the Clinical Presentation and Response to Initial Treatment of Kawasaki Disease: A Single-Center Observational Study
Authors: Koyanagi Taichi , Nakagawa Ryuichi , Okada Mari , Yokoyama Haruna , Amano Saori , Shimoyama Teruyoshi , Udagawa Tomohiro , Suzuki Natsuko , Hosokawa Susumu , Nagasawa Masayuki
Published: January 2025

Background: The impact of respiratory viral infections associated with Kawasaki Disease (KD) cases on KD’s clinical presentation and initial response to treatment has not been clearly determined. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate respiratory viral infections using FilmArray Respiratory Panel (FARP) testing and analyze the effect of the concurrent presence of pathogens on clinical presentations of KD. Methods: Between January 2021 and June 2023, we conducted a retrospective, single-center observational study of 105 Japanese children with KD. KD was diagnosed and treated according to RAISE study guidelines, and the cases’ clinical information was assessed. FARP testing was performed in 71 out of 105 KD cases with fever and/or respiratory symptoms. Results: In 38 (53.5%) out of 71 cases, at least one virus was detected. The FARP-positive cases tended to have a higher frequency of Kobayashi scores (K-scores) ≥ 5 than the negative cases (42.1% vs. 21.2%), and lower initial treatment failure (7.89% vs. 21.2%). The most common virus detected was rhino/enterovirus (RV/EV: 27 cases), followed by seven cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RV/EV-positive KD cases did not differ significantly in their clinical data or the frequency of K-scores ≥ 5, and RSV-positive cases showed significantly elevated liver enzyme (AST:59 U/L (43.5–150.5) vs. 35 U/L (27–41), ALT:40 U/L (28.5–244.5) vs. 18 U/L (14–27)) and CRP levels (12 mg/dL (7.3–14.2) vs. 6.5 mg/dL (4.1–8.5)), and an increased frequency of K-scores ≥ 5 (71.4% vs. 21.2%) compared to FARP-negative cases. KD cases that were also RSV-positive or RV/EV-positive showed favorable responses to initial treatments. Conclusions: Concurrent respiratory virus infection could affect the clinical manifestation and initial treatment response of KD.
Optimizing Deep Learning Models for Climate-Related Natural Disaster Detection from UAV Images and Remote Sensing Data
Authors: VanExel Kim , Sherchan Samendra , Liu Siyan
Published: January 2025

This research study utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to detect natural disasters from aerial images. Flooding and desertification were two natural disasters taken into consideration. The Climate Change Dataset was created by compiling various open-access data sources. This dataset contains 6334 aerial images from UAV (unmanned aerial vehicles) images and satellite images. The Climate Change Dataset was then used to train Deep Learning (DL) models to identify natural disasters. Four different Machine Learning (ML) models were used: convolutional neural network (CNN), DenseNet201, VGG16, and ResNet50. These ML models were trained on our Climate Change Dataset so that their performance could be compared. DenseNet201 was chosen for optimization. All four ML models performed well. DenseNet201 and ResNet50 achieved the highest testing accuracies of 99.37% and 99.21%, respectively. This research project demonstrates the potential of AI to address environmental challenges, such as climate change-related natural disasters. This study’s approach is novel by creating a new dataset, optimizing an ML model, cross-validating, and presenting desertification as one of our natural disasters for DL detection. Three categories were used (Flooded, Desert, Neither). Our study relates to AI for Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability. Drone emergency response would be a practical application for our research project.
Sensitivity to Filler–Gap Dependency Violations in the L1 vs. L2: Evidence from Speeded Judgement Tasks
Authors: Trifonova Aleksandra , Felser Claudia
Published: January 2025

We carried out four timed judgement experiments investigating whether bilingual speakers differ in their sensitivity to different kinds of filler–gap dependency violation in L1 German and L2 English. Using a within-subjects design and parallel experimental designs for both languages, we manipulated either the availability of a gap (“filled-gap paradigm”) or the semantic congruency between the filler and its licensing verb. We examined whether participants exhibited consistent judgement patterns for syntactic (i.e., filled wh-gaps) and semantic (i.e., implausible wh-fillers) violations within and across their languages. Our results showed that participants’ sensitivity to filled gaps correlated positively with their sensitivity to a filler’s semantic fit in their L1 but not in their L2, and that participants’ sensitivity to semantic fit was positively correlated in their two languages whilst their sensitivity to gap availability was not. Further analyses of the L2 data showed that participants’ sensitivity to semantic fit but not to filled gaps increased with L2 proficiency. Our findings are in line with earlier findings indicating reduced sensitivity to structural gaps even at advanced L2 proficiency levels. They also highlight the need for L2 processing research to look beyond group-level performance and consider bilinguals’ sensitivity to different types of linguistic constraints at the individual level.
Structure and Mixed Proton–Electronic Conductivity in Pr and Nb-Substituted La5.4MoO12−δ Ceramics
Authors: Sánchez-Caballero Abraham , Porras-Vázquez José M. , dos Santos-Gómez Lucía , Zamudio-García Javier , Infantes-Molina Antonia , Canales-Vázquez Jesús , Losilla Enrique R. , Marrero-López David
Published: January 2025

Lanthanide molybdates are materials known for their mixed proton–ionic conductivity. This study investigates the effects of Pr content and Nb-doping on the crystal structure and electrical properties of the La5.4−xPrxMo1−yNbyO12−δ (x = 0, 1.35, 2.7, 4.05, 5.4; y = 0, 0.1) series. The research focuses on two primary objectives: (i) enhancing the electronic conductivity through the use of Pr4+/Pr3+ redox pairs and (ii) increasing the ionic conductivity through Nb5+ aliovalent doping. The materials were thoroughly characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), and complex impedance spectroscopy. The average crystal structure of the materials depended significantly on the Pr content. In general, compositions with a higher Pr content crystallize in a cubic fluorite-type structure, whereas those with a lower Pr content stabilize a rhombohedral polymorph. However, detailed TEM studies reveal a more complex local crystal structure characterized by nanodomains and incommensurate modulations. The highest conductivity values were observed in a N2 atmosphere for compositions with an elevated Pr content, with values of 0.17 and 204.4 mS cm−1 for x = 0 and x = 5.4, respectively, at 700 °C, which is attributed to electronic conduction mediated by the Pr4+/Pr3+ redox pair, as confirmed by XPS. These findings highlight the potential of tailored doping strategies to optimize the conducting properties of lanthanide molybdates for specific high-temperature electrochemical applications.
Automatic Handling of C0-G0 Continuous Rational Bézier Elements Produced from T-Splines Through Bézier Extraction
Authors: Provatidis Christopher , Dimitriou Ioannis
Published: January 2025

This paper shows that at a certain time-point in the analysis procedure, the accuracy of T-spline based isogeometric analysis (IGA) may be substantially improved by increasing the multiplicity of the inner knots up to the polynomial degree. This task can be performed by considering the Bézier extraction operator matrix elementwise, and thus an increased number of updated control points are easily received in the geometrical and computational models. Nevertheless, after the determination of the unique control points, the Bézier elements near the T-junctions may not be well shaped, and thus minor automatic interventions are required to ensure full (i.e., C0 and G0) compatibility. The improved IGA-based solution may be used as a reference to determine the a posteriori error estimations in the T-spline elements of the domain, and thus may be a useful tool for IGA adaptation. The methodology is shown in BVPs dominated by Laplace–Poisson equations in rectangular and curvilinear domains, while eigenvalues and eigenvectors were extracted in a rectangular acoustic cavity.
Bidirectional Feedback Mechanism in Group Decision-Making: A Quantum Probability Theory Model Based on Interference Effects
Authors: Cai Mei , Heng Yilong
Published: January 2025

Feedback in group decision-making (GDM) is an effective procedure for eliminating preference inconsistencies among experts. As the core of GDM, feedback controls the progress and cost of the process. However, the current feedback model seldom considers interference effects caused by the interaction among experts. In addition, the stubbornness of experts to change preferences through interaction is different. This study proposes a bidirectional feedback model that considers interference effects. The model integrating quantum probability theory (QPT) into a feedback mechanism has greater flexibility and is more conducive to revealing modern cognitive psychology. First, experts were classified into concordant and stubborn discordant groups according to their personality parameters. Bidirectional feedback was proposed for a stubborn discordant group to improve the efficiency of feedback process and reduce the consensus-reaching cost. QPT was then used to describe the probability of experts modifying their preferences during the game process. Combining the interference value determined by the quantum probability with the feedback mechanism, a bidirectional feedback model driven by a minimum feedback control parameter is proposed to ensure that a certain consensus level can be achieved with minimal adjustment. The proposed feedback mechanism considers interference effects produced by experts in the interaction and can capture the feelings of conflict and compromise.
A Control Method for Thermal Structural Tests of Hypersonic Missile Aerodynamic Heating
Authors: Lu Chao , Zhang Guangming , Lv Xiaodong
Published: January 2025

This paper presents an intelligent proportional-derivative adaptive global nonsingular fast-terminal sliding-mode control (IPDAGNFTSMC) for tracking temperature trajectories of a hypersonic missile in thermal structural tests. Firstly, the numerical analyses on a hypersonic missile’s aerodynamic heating are based on three different external flow fields via the finite element calculation, which provides the data basis for the thermal structural test of hypersonic vehicles; secondly, due to temperature trajectory differences of a hypersonic missile and the thermal inertia and nonlinear characteristics of quartz lamps in thermal structural test, IPDAGNFTSMC is proposed, consisting of three components: (i) the mathematical model of the thermal structural test is established and further replaced via an intelligent proportional-derivative with a nonlinear extended state observer (NESO) for online unknown disturbances observation; (ii) compared with the traditional sliding-mode control method, the AGNFTSMC method eliminates the reaching phase and the initial control state is trapped on the sliding-mode surface. Therefore, it can alleviate chattering phenomenon, accelerate the convergence rate of the sliding mode, and ensure that there is no singular problem in the entire control process; (iii) the adaptive law is designed to effectively solve problems of convergence stagnation and chattering phenomenon. The Lyapunov stability theory is used to prove the stability of the proposed IPDAGNFTSMC-NESO. Finally, the advantages of the designed control method are verified by experimental simulation and comparison.
Blood Catalase, Superoxide Dismutase, and Glutathione Peroxidase Activities in Alcohol- and Opioid-Addicted Patients
Authors: Asatiani Nino , Sapojnikova Nelly , Kartvelishvili Tamar , Asanishvili Lali , Sichinava Nestan , Chikovani Zaza
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives: Multiple evaluations of oxidative stress in individuals with substance use disorder show elevated levels compared to non-substance-abusing individuals. Information concerning antioxidant defense mechanisms in relation to alcohol and opioid dependence is variable and sometimes contradictory. The objective of the present investigation was to identify and compare several antioxidants in plasma during distinct phases of alcohol and opioid dependency (intoxication and withdrawal). Materials and Methods: This case study focuses on individuals with opioid and alcohol addiction. We recruited 80 participants (males aged 40 ± 10 years) and equally divided them into two categories: those with alcohol addiction and those with opioid addiction. A control group consisted of 20 healthy adults (males aged 35 ± 10 years). The spectrophotometric methods were used to quantify catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in plasma. Antioxidant values were analyzed between groups using pairwise Mann–Whitney tests. Results: During withdrawal from alcohol and opioids, catalase activity tends to decrease compared to intoxication. The overall activity of superoxide dismutase exhibited an increase during alcohol intoxication and withdrawal and a reduction during opioid withdrawal compared to the intoxication phase. Both alcohol and opioids reduced plasma GPx activity in withdrawal cases, although the extent of this decrease varied considerably. Conclusions: The study confirms the valuable impact of addiction on the organism’s oxidative stress and reveals various behaviors of antioxidant defense enzymes during intoxication and withdrawal phases.
Gut Microbes as the Major Drivers of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Our Microbes Are Our Fortune!
Authors: Taneja Veena
Published: January 2025

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with an unknown etiology. While certain genes provide strong susceptibility factors, the role of environmental factors is becoming increasingly recognized. Among genetic factors, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, encoded within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), have been linked to predisposition to RA, while among environmental factors, smoking, infections and diet are the major contributors. Genetic and environmental factors impact microbial composition in the host. Based on the dysbiosis observed in the gut and lung microbiome, a mucosal origin of RA has been suggested. However, proving whether genes or microbes provide a stronger risk factor has been difficult. Studies from RA patients and various mouse models, specifically humanized mice expressing HLA class II genes, have been instrumental in defining the role of environmental factors such as smoking and endogenous small intestinal microbes in modulating arthritis severity. The consensus based on most studies support an interaction between host genetic and environmental factors in the onset and severity of disease. However, until now, no microbial markers for disease prognosis or treatment efficacy have been available. Here, the role of gut microbes as markers of disease severity, and the potential for using endogenous commensals for modulating immune responses to suppress inflammation in the context of genetic factors, are discussed.
Optimization of the Matrix in a Transverse-Field High-Gradient Magnetic Separator for an Improved Ilmenite Separation
Authors: Liu Jianguo , Dai Huixin , Yu Lili , Wang Chenghang , Feng Jiaying , Li Peilun , Xu Shaohua
Published: January 2025

Transverse-field high-gradient magnetic separators (HGMSs) are an important complement to longitudinal-field HGMSs in mineral processing due to their several advantages. However, the processing capacity of the transverse-field HGMS is smaller than that of the longitudinal-field HGMS. Consequently, research on the optimization of the matrix box for improving the processing capacity is essential. This work investigates the optimization of the matrix box for the SSS® HGMS to enhance the ilmenite separation efficiency and processing capacity. The results show that the matrix’s influence on separation performance is primarily influenced by the diameter of the rod matrix, the filling ratio, the depth of the matrix in the direction of slurry flow, and the ore unloading efficiency. Ilmenite pre-concentration tests are carried out using a test sample ore from Panzhihua, China. Pilot-scale validation research is carried out. The test results indicate that the depth of the matrix box should not be considerably thick, as an excessive number of layers increases the capture zone, but simultaneously reduces the unloading efficiency. The depth of the matrix box should neither be considerably thick nor particularly thin, as this would result in low processing capacity. Meanwhile, the segmented multi-layer matrix box should be used to balance the capturing and unloading performance. Finally, an optimal double-layer matrix ring is applied to the industrial transverse-field HGMS, and its inner and outer rings are equipped with matrix boxes with ϕ3 mm and ϕ2 mm rods, respectively, which improves its pre-concentrate efficiency and processing capacity. The concentrate indexes of the transverse-field HGMS is achieved with a TiO2 grade of 18.01% and a recovery of 87.28%, which is better than the separation indexes of the longitudinal-field HGMS.
Microwave Thermal Treatment on Enhanced Cemented Tailings Backfill: An Experimental Study
Authors: Cui Xiaolong , Zhou Keping , Pan Zheng
Published: January 2025

Cemented tailings backfill (CTB), composed of tailings, binder, and water, is widely used for filling underground goaves in mining operations. Unmanaged tailings can occupy extensive land and pose significant environmental risks. Microwave technology offers a promising approach to enhance the utilization of tailings, reducing dependency on natural resources. However, limited research on microwave heating parameters has impeded its broader adoption. This study uses the orthogonal experimental method to study the influence of various factors on the strength of the CTB and to determine the impact capacity of each factor. Additionally, this study conducted a visual analysis of the microwave heating time (MHT), microwave delay time (MDT), cement-tailings ratio, slurry concentration and microwave power (MP) to verify the experimental results. The results show that microwave heating can enhance or diminish the mechanical properties of CTB samples at different curing ages, depending on the specific microwave parameter settings. Research indicates that microwave technology can be effectively applied to mine backfill materials to improve their early strength and the modulus of elasticity.
Mechanochemistry to Form Substituted Imidazoles, Imidazolium Salts and NHC–Gold Complexes with Fluorine-Containing Groups
Authors: Salis Chloé , Mohammedi Sabrina , Turazza Lucia , Blandin Yuna , Garnier Maritie , Hemmert Catherine , Baltas Michel , Gornitzka Heinz
Published: January 2025

Synthesis of organometallic compounds has had an enormous impact on medicine. In this context, gold complexes are gaining much interest since the discovery of the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin. On the other hand, in the last two decades, the mechanochemical synthetic approaches have been developed considerably demonstrating that they could also be a powerful tool enabling environmentally benign and sustainable synthesis of metal complexes. The present work focuses on mechanochemical synthesis of precursors and gold–NHC complexes of type NHCAuCl and [AubisNHC]+. The mechanochemical approach has been studied to afford four substituted imidazoles, eight imidazolium salts and six NHCAuCl and one [AubisNHC]+. Substituted imidazoles were obtained with yields varying between 29–99%. Five imidazolium salts bearing aliphatic carbon atoms were obtained, with yields from 46–81%. It is important to notice that the reaction can follow the aging process giving rise to imidazolium salts in very good yields. Concerning the gold(I) complexes, for the first time, six mono NHC complexes of type NHCAuCl have been synthesized, five of them with yields varying between 41–83%. Finally, compound 19 [AubisNHC]+ has been obtained not only by transmetallation, but most gratifyingly through direct metalation in 73% yield.
Ultrasonic Activation of Au Nanoclusters/TiO2: Tuning Hydroxyl Radical Production Through Frequency and Nanocluster Size
Authors: Tsurunishi Takaaki , Furui Yuzuki , Kawasaki Hideya
Published: January 2025

This study explores the sonocatalytic activity of gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) combined with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, forming Au NCs/TiO2 composites. The hybrid material significantly enhances hydroxyl radical (•OH) generation under ultrasonic conditions, attributed to high-energy cavitation bubbles formed during ultrasonication. The effects of frequency (200, 430, and 950 kHz) and power were systematically evaluated on Au144/TiO2 composites, identifying 430 kHz as optimal for •OH production due to its efficient cavitation energy. Au144 NCs function as electron traps, reducing electron–hole recombination in ultrasonically activated TiO2, thereby improving charge separation and enhancing •OH generation. Size-dependent effects were also studied, showing an efficiency trend of Au144 > Au25 > plasmonic Au nanoparticles > bare TiO2. These findings highlight the importance of ultrasonication frequency and Au NC size in optimizing sonocatalytic performance in the Au NCs/TiO2 composites, providing valuable insights for designing advanced sonocatalysts with applications in chemical synthesis, environmental remediation, and biomedical fields.
CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Therapy: Non-Viral Delivery and Stimuli-Responsive Nanoformulations
Authors: Lee Hyunwoo , Rho Won-Yeop , Kim Yoon-Hee , Chang Hyejin , Jun Bong-Hyun
Published: January 2025

The CRISPR-Cas9 technology, one of the groundbreaking genome editing methods for addressing genetic disorders, has emerged as a powerful, precise, and efficient tool. However, its clinical translation remains hindered by challenges in delivery efficiency and targeting specificity. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the structural features, advantages, and potential applications of various non-viral and stimuli-responsive systems, examining recent progress to emphasize the potential to address these limitations and advance CRISPR-Cas9 therapeutics. We describe how recent reports emphasize that nonviral vectors, including lipid-based nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles, polymeric nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, and mesoporous silica nanoparticles, can offer diverse advantages to enhance stability, cellular uptake, and biocompatibility, based on their structures and physio-chemical stability. We also summarize recent progress on stimuli-responsive nanoformulations, a type of non-viral vector, to introduce precision and control in CRISPR-Cas9 delivery. Stimuli-responsive nanoformulations are designed to respond to pH, redox states, and external triggers, facilitate controlled and targeted delivery, and minimize off-target effects. The insights in our review suggest future challenges for clinical applications of gene therapy technologies and highlight the potential of delivery systems to enhance CRISPR-Cas9’s clinical efficacy, positioning them as pivotal tools for future gene-editing therapies.
Chemical Composition of Essential Oil from Apium graveolens L. and Its Biological Activities Against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae)
Authors: Wanna Ruchuon , Bunphan Darika , Kunlanit Benjapon , Khaengkhan Phirayot , Khaengkhan Parinda , Bozdoğan Hakan
Published: January 2025

The use of essential oils from certain herbal plants offers a promising alternative to synthetic insecticides for controlling the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), a major pest that causes significant damage to stored grains. Essential oils, particularly from aromatic herbs in the Apiaceae family, are widely used in medicinal, cosmetic, and food industries and provided insecticidal properties to mitigate the environmental and health hazards associated with synthetic insecticides. This research aimed to investigate the insecticidal and repellent effects of Apium graveolens L. (celery) seed essential oil against S. zeamais. Chemical analysis of the commercially produced essential oil from A. graveolens seeds was conducted using a gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer (GC-MS), and the biological activity of the essential oil was determined by ingestion, contact, fumigation, and repellent tests. The analysis identified D-limonene (64.21%) and α-humulene (17.46%) as primary components of the oil. Toxicity assays revealed an observable contact toxicity, with higher concentrations and prolonged exposure increasing its effectiveness. The contact toxicity assays reported an LC50 of 19.83 nL/adult after 72 h. Additionally, the essential oil displayed repellent effects, effectively deterring weevils at concentrations above 16 µL/L air, but its feeding deterrence was weak. The essential oil’s strong insecticidal and repellent properties, which were concentration- and time-dependent, highlighted its potential as a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides for integrated pest management.
Entropy Generation Modeling in Dynamic Local Thermal Non-Equilibrium Systems Using Neural Networks
Authors: Ahmed Sameh E. , Raizha Z. A. S. , Morsy Zeinab , Alsubaie Fatma , Alshehry Nouf
Published: January 2025

The study of entropy generation in thermal non-equilibrium (TNE) states has significant implications for optimizing thermal management systems and understanding heat transfer mechanisms in permeable media. This study investigates the entropy properties in a thermal non-equilibrium (TNE) state within double-lid-driven enclosures filled with a permeable medium. Unlike the temperature equilibrium state, the entropy approach is described by two equations: one for the irreversibility of the mixture phase and one for the irreversibility of the medium phase. High mixed convection is considered due to the motion of the non-facing edges (left-side and upper edges). Four cases based on the direction of motion are examined: Case 1, where the left-side and top edges move in the negative and positive directions of the Y- and X-axes, respectively; Case 2, where the upper and left-side edges move in the negative and positive directions of the X- and Y-axes, respectively; and Cases 3 and 4, where the edges move in the positive and negative directions of the respective axes. Heat generation within the flow domain is considered for both the suspension and medium phases. The governing system is solved numerically using finite volume techniques with the SIMPLER algorithm. The obtained data are used to predict key quantities, such as the heat transfer rate, under the influence of major factors using an effective artificial neural network (ANN) analysis. The main findings show that the solid phase entropy is higher in Case 3 compared to the other cases. Additionally, Case 2 results in a minimum solid phase Nusselt coefficient at the center of the active boundary.
Extended Material Recovery from Municipal Solid Waste Incinerator Bottom Ash Using Magnetic, Eddy Current, and Density Separations
Authors: Adhiwiguna Ida Bagus Gede Sumbranang , Ramalingam Keshalinni , Becker Karl-Heinz , Khoury Alexander , Warnecke Ragnar , Deike Rüdiger
Published: January 2025

This research introduces an extended processing method for increasing the possibility of valorizing processed IBA (pr.IBA), which is currently only used as a construction material in landfill sites, considering its immense potential in valuable metal and mineral concentrations. Following a selective milling process, an extended material recovery sequence involving a magnetic, eddy current, and density separation sequence is developed. Based on the observations and outcomes explored in the present study, a substantially reliable and practical industrial approach is designed and tested to generate a cleaner mineral fraction and complementarily collect valuable metals from pr.IBA. Specifically, four enhanced valuable product streams can be anticipated, output mineral, high-magnetic, low-magnetic, and non-ferrous, which can be further utilized as alternative materials for cement clinker and concrete production coupled with iron, copper, and aluminum recovery in a conventional recycling operation. Therefore, in addition to introducing an additional perspective and moving one step closer to closing the waste management loop, this proposed method offers the opportunity to save primary materials and reduce carbon emissions by providing valuable alternative secondary resources.
Until We All Attain the Mature Man: Mapping the Metaphors for Maturity in Ephesians Within Paul’s Greco-Roman Context
Authors: Goodrich John K.
Published: January 2025

One of the central metaphorical themes of Ephesians is maturity, expressed most memorably in 4:13. In this verse, the goal of the church is portrayed as the attainment of the “mature man” (εἰς ἄνδρα τέλειον), the state of completion to which Christ’s corporate body is growing until it reaches “the measure of the stature of the fullness” of its head. Despite the clear origin of Paul’s metaphor in the realm of human development, minimal discussion has centered on how Paul’s contemporaries employed the phrase “mature man” (τέλειος ἀνήρ) in relation to other developmental milestones along the commonly conceived life course in Greco-Roman antiquity, and what implications this might have for understanding where in the maturation process Paul would have plotted his implied readers. This investigation explores these contextual matters and then uses the results to cast light on related developmental imagery in the surrounding passages of Ephesians, including not only the human growth terminology in 4:12–16 but also the pedagogical rhetoric in 4:20–21, the allusion to the Roman toga virilis ceremony in 4:22–24, and the military analogy in 6:10–18. Collectively, this metaphorical imagery helps to identify the church’s current stature as that befitting of a young man who has recently come of age and located within the liminal phase of early male adulthood. Explicating the fullness of the maturity metaphor in Ephesians helps to illuminate the thematic coherency of the letter as well as how Paul sought to make his realized eschatology intelligible to his ancient readers.
When the Rūḥ Meets Its Creator: The Qurʾān, Gender, and Visual Culture in Contemporary Iranian Female Sufism
Authors: Hentschel Yunus Valerian
Published: January 2025

This article delves into two Iranian Sufi women’s approaches to the Qurʾān, gender, and visual culture: (1) Parvāneh Hadāvand, a Sufi leader in Tehran, uses visual means to enhance the spiritual–aesthetic–emotional experiences of her students. She challenges gender norms within male-dominated spaces by reinterpreting visual-material objects and asserting her authority as a woman Sufi guide. (2) Mītrā Asadī, a Sufi teacher in Shiraz, problematizes the overall visual culture of gender roles by arguing that, through the spiritual transformation of the human being’s genderless essence (Arabic rūḥ; Persian jān), categories of gender become ephemeral and irrelevant. These two case studies are examined in terms of how these Sufi women utilize aesthetic experience, visual aspects, and visual-material culture in their Sufi practices and teachings. Further, it is investigated how these practices shape Hadāvand’s and Asadī’s gender performativities.