bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, Awareness, and Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Students of Biomedical Faculties: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Špiljak Bruno , Šimunović Luka , Miličević Ana Marija , Granić Marko , Bergman Lana , Peršec Jasminka
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on physical, mental, and social aspects of life worldwide. This study aimed to explore and compare differences in knowledge, awareness, behavior, and the psychological impact of the pandemic among students of biomedical faculties at the University of Zagreb. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 27 November 2020 and 19 January 2021 involving 518 students from the School of Dental Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. An anonymous online questionnaire was distributed, assessing participants’ knowledge about SARS-CoV-2, information sources, attitudes, and psychological responses. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and appropriate statistical tests. Results: The median knowledge score was 61.54%, with senior and female students demonstrating significantly more knowledge (p < 0.001 and p = 0.044, respectively). Students who consulted the scientific literature and official websites had higher knowledge levels (p < 0.001). Most participants used media and social networks for pandemic information, while scientific sources were underutilized. Psychological impacts were evident, with 46.3% expressing fear about the future and 25% reporting anxiety if they were to be infected. Additionally, those who engaged with the scientific literature were more likely to accept vaccination and showed lower levels of COVID-19 stigma. A majority (64.5%) believed that the media exaggerated the pandemic’s risks. Conclusions: Biomedical students demonstrated moderate knowledge about COVID-19, with a clear link between scientific literacy and more informed, less stigmatizing attitudes. This study underscores the importance of reliable information sources in shaping public health awareness and highlights the need for further education on COVID-19 symptoms and preventive measures.
Optimal Positioning of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Base Stations Using Mixed-Integer Linear Programming
Authors: Veeraswamy Premkumar Gowtham Raj , Van Scoy Bryan
Published: January 2025

In wireless communications, traditional base stations act as the backbone for providing network connectivity to users. These base stations, however, require significant resources to construct and are therefore not suitable for remote areas and disaster scenarios. This challenge makes them unfit for deployment in remote areas or in disaster scenarios where fast network establishment is necessary. To address these challenges, cellular base stations installed on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can be an alternative solution. UAVs provide quick deployment capability and can adapt to changing environmental situations, making them ideal for dynamic network scenarios. In this paper, we address the critical issue of UAV positioning to maximize the total user coverage, which can be formulated as a mixed-integer linear program. Given the complexity of larger-scale scenarios related to the number of users, we suggest a two-step method. First, we group users into clusters, and then we optimize the UAV positions with respect to these clusters. This approach introduces a trade-off between computational time efficiency and optimality, which can be tuned by adjusting the number of clusters. By varying the number of clusters, we balance computation time with the optimality of the UAV locations, allowing flexible deployment in diverse scenarios.
Optimizing the Aerodynamic Performance of a Duct–Rotor System for Drones: A Comprehensive Study on the Coupled Parameters
Authors: Wei Wei , Wei Shiyi , Ke Zhifang , Guo Meng , Shu Yongjie , Meng Qingkai , Jia Leilei , Zhang Maofeng , Han Shurui
Published: January 2025

The integrated ducted structure significantly enhances the aerodynamic performance of the duct–rotor system, reducing noise and enhancing rotor safety. However, in the duct–rotor system, the coupled parameters of the rotor and the duct are crucial to its aerodynamic characteristics. This study employs a Computational Fluid Dynamics numerical analysis to investigate the aerodynamic performance of the duct–rotor, focusing on coupled parameters related to the rotor blade’s relative position and tip gap. Additionally, our research delves into the fundamental mechanisms of key coupled parameters, such as the blade tip gap, elucidating their role in optimizing the duct–rotor’s aerodynamics. The results emphasize the critical role of the tip gap in influencing the aerodynamic performance of the duct–rotor. Notably, when the tip gap exceeds 3.0% of the duct’s radius, the aerodynamic advantage provided by the duct is insufficient to offset the loss in the rotor’s performance. As the tip gap exceeds 7.0% of the duct’s radius, the aerodynamic deterioration caused by the duct gradually stabilizes. Furthermore, the influence of rotor blade position on aerodynamic performance is relatively minor. However, placing the rotor at the duct exit position proves advantageous for improving the aerodynamic distribution characteristics of the system.
TCP Congestion Control Algorithm Using Queueing Theory-Based Optimality Equation
Authors: Ngwenya Dumisa Wellington , Hlophe Mduduzi Comfort , Maharaj Bodhaswar T.
Published: January 2025

Internet congestion control focuses on balancing effective network utilization with the avoidance of congestion. When bottleneck bandwidth and network buffer capacities are exceeded, congestion typically manifests as packet loss. Additionally, when packets remain in buffers for too long, a queueing delay occurs. Most existing congestion control algorithms aim to solve this as a constraint satisfaction problem, where constraints are defined by bandwidth or queueing delay limits. However, these approaches often emphasize finding feasible solutions over optimal ones, which often lead to under-utilization of available bandwidth. To address this limitation, this article leverages Little’s Law to derive a closed-form optimality equation for congestion control. This optimality equation serves as the foundation for developing a new algorithm, TCP QtColFair, designed to optimize the sending rate. TCP QtColFair is evaluated against two widely deployed congestion control algorithms: TCP CUBIC, which utilizes a cubic window growth function to enhance performance in high-bandwidth, long-distance networks and TCP BBR (Bottleneck Bandwidth and Round-trip propagation time), developed by Google to optimize data transmission by estimating the network’s bottleneck bandwidth and round-trip time. In terms of avoiding queueing delays and minimizing packet loss, TCP QtColFair outperforms TCP CUBIC and matches TCP BBR’s performance when network buffers are large. For effective network utilization, TCP QtColFair outperforms both TCP BBR and TCP CUBIC. TCP QtColFair achieves an effective utilization of approximately 96%, compared to just above 94% for TCP BBR and around 93% for TCP CUBIC.
Enhancing YOLOv8n with Multiple Attention and MRV Module for Efficient Deep-Sea Pipeline Target Detection
Authors: Quan Jiaxin , Zhao Zhouyang , Li Wenqing , Cao Yongyao , Wu Jingjin
Published: January 2025

Deep-sea pipeline target detection is a critical component in enhancing the efficiency of ocean resource exploitation. Traditional methods for underwater pipeline detection encounter numerous challenges, such as low brightness, high blur, and interference, which are further amplified in the deep-sea environment, and these shortcomings are further magnified in deep-sea environments. To address these issues, this paper introduces an enhanced YOLOv8n model (MRVS-YOLOv8n) aimed at improving detection performance. First, Squeeze-and-Excitation (SE) Attention is employed to augment the capabilities of the backbone network. Subsequently, we propose a novel neck network module, termed the MRV module, which replaces the C2f module and fully leverages contextual information to enhance global detection performance. Additionally, Shuffle Attention is incorporated, and the detection head is expanded to increase the model’s diversity in detections. Finally, we adopt the WIoUv3 loss function as a replacement for the CIoU loss function to bolster the model’s robustness against spatial transformations and scale variations. The results from model comparisons and ablation experiments validate the superiority of our improved model on test sets; specifically. The proposed MRVS-YOLOv8n framework demonstrates a remarkable mean Average Precision (mAP) of 98.7% and an improvement of 6.4% over the base model, underscoring its efficacy in addressing complex underwater scenarios. This advancement not only reduces resource wastage but also enhances deep-sea pipeline management practices—providing a novel solution within this field.
A Review on the Thermal Modeling Method for Molten Salt Receivers of Concentrating Solar Power Tower Plants
Authors: Li Xinyi , Bai Fengwu
Published: January 2025

Concentrating solar power (CSP) tower plants using molten salt as the heat transfer fluid are currently the predominant technology used globally, and have experienced rapid development in recent years. The molten salt receiver, as the core piece of equipment for converting solar energy into thermal energy, directly determines the system efficiency, while its safety affects the plant’s operating hours. This paper reviews the details and operational status of commercial-scale CSP tower plants worldwide as of the end of 2023. It systematically summarizes the typical thermal models for mainstream tubular molten salt receivers by reviewing 37 models, including 11 three-dimensional (3D) numerical models, 8 two-dimensional (2D) semi-empirical models, and 18 one-dimensional (1D) semi-empirical models. By comparing and analyzing the key features of each model, the study concludes that detailed 3D numerical models are effective for monitoring overheating during operation, 2D semi-empirical models enable the rapid evaluation of receiver configurations, and 1D semi-empirical models support transient mass flow calculations and annual power generation estimations. Additionally, the paper outlines the current applications of receiver thermal models in system integration, particularly in combining CSP tower systems with other energy systems.
Thermodynamic Assessment of Different Feedstocks Gasification Using Supercritical Water and CO2 for Hydrogen and Methane Production
Authors: Caraballo Luis David García , dos Santos Junior Julles Mitoura , Zelioli Icaro Augusto Maccari , Castillo Santiago York , Bayer Juan F. Perez , Mariano Adriano Pinto
Published: January 2025

The supercritical water gasification (SCWG) and carbon dioxide gasification of agro-industrial and urban waste residues—Coffee Husk, Eucalyptus Biochar, Energy Sugarcane, and Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF)—were studied using TeS® v.2 software, which employs a non-stoichiometric thermodynamic model to minimize Gibbs free energy and predict equilibrium compositions. The effects of temperature (873.15–1273.15 K), pressure (220–260 bar), biomass feed (18–69%), and gasifying agents on hydrogen and methane formation were analyzed. Higher temperatures and biomass feed percentages favored hydrogen production, while lower temperatures increased methane formation. At 1273.15 K, RDF showed the highest hydrogen yield in SCWG, rising from 0.43 to 1.42 mol, followed by Energy Sugarcane (0.39 to 1.23 mol), Coffee Husk (0.34 to 0.74 mol), and Eucalyptus Biochar (0.33 to 0.62 mol). In CO2 gasification, hydrogen yields were lower but followed a similar trend. At 873.15 K, RDF also exhibited the highest methane increase in SCWG, from 0.14 to 0.91 mol, followed by Energy Sugarcane (0.12 to 0.65 mol), Coffee Husk (0.11 to 0.36 mol), and Eucalyptus Biochar (0.11 to 0.29 mol). Methane formation in CO2 gasification was significantly lower, with RDF increasing from 0.0035 to 0.35 mol, followed by Energy Sugarcane (0.0024 to 0.24 mol), Coffee Husk (0.0002 to 0.058 mol), and Eucalyptus Biochar (0.0002 to 0.028 mol). On the other hand, a slight increase in hydrogen formation was observed as pressure decreased, while the opposite effect was observed for methane formation, with a small increase in its production as pressure increased. The impact of pressure change on the equilibrium compositions was not as significant as the effect observed by varying temperature; this behavior was observed in both gasification processes studied. Additionally, the behavior of the H2/CO molar ratio for each biomass in the studied gasification processes was analyzed to assess the potential uses of the produced syngas. It was observed that the SCWG resulted in significantly higher H2/CO molar ratios compared to CO2 gasification.
Adaptive Degenerate Space-Based Method for Pollutant Source Term Estimation Using a Backward Lagrangian Stochastic Model
Authors: Buchman Omri , Fattal Eyal
Published: January 2025

A major challenge in accidental or unregulated releases is the ability to identify the pollutant source, especially if the location is in a large industrial area. Usually in such cases, only a few sensors provide non-zero signal. A crucial issue is therefore the ability to use a small number of sensors in order to identify the source location and rate of emission. The general problem of characterizing source parameters based on real-time sensors is known to be a difficult task. As with many inverse problems, one of the main obstacles for an accurate estimation is the non-uniqueness of the solution, induced by the lack of sufficient information. In this study, an efficient method is proposed that aims to provide a quantitative estimation of the source of hazardous gases or breathable aerosols. The proposed solution is composed of two parts. First, the physics of the atmospheric dispersion is utilized by a well-established Lagrangian stochastic model propagated backward in time. Then, a new algorithm is formulated for the prediction of the spacial expected uncertainty reduction gained by the optimal placement of an additional sensor. These two parts together are used to construct an adaptive decision support system for the dynamical deployment of detectors, allowing for an efficient characterization of the emitting source. This method has been tested for several scenarios and is shown to significantly reduce the uncertainty that stems from the insufficient information.
Citric Acid Improves Egg White Protein Foaming Characteristics and Meringue 3D Printing Performance
Authors: Zhang Huajiang , Hua Shihui , Liu Mengzhuo , Chuang Rui , Gao Xin , Li Hanyu , Xia Ning , Xiao Chaogeng
Published: January 2025

Meringue has limited the use of meringue for personalization because of its thermally unstable system. Citric acid (CA) enhancement of egg white protein (EWP) foaming properties is proposed for the preparation of 3D-printed meringues. The results showed that CA increased the viscosity, exposure of hydrophobic groups (79.8% increase), and free sulfhydryl content (from 5 µmol/g to 34.8 µmol/g) of the EWP, thereby increasing the foaminess (from 50% to 178.2%). CA treatment increased the rates of adsorption, stretching, and orientation of EWP at the air–water interface to form multiple layers, resulting in a delay in foam thinning. The secondary structure of CA-treated EWP remained intact, and the exposure of amino acid residues in the tertiary structure increased with the expansion of the hydrophobic region. CA-treated EWP-prepared protein creams had a suitable viscosity (from 233.4 Pa·s to 1007 Pa·s at 0.1 s−1), shear thinning, structural restorability, and elasticity, which ensured good fidelity of their printed samples. Experiments involving 3D printing of CA-treated EWP showed that CA could significantly enhance the 3D printing fidelity of EWP. Our study could provide new ideas for the development of customizable 3D-printed foam food products.
Comparative Study of Crucial Properties of Packaging Based on Polylactide and Selected Essential Oils
Authors: Olewnik-Kruszkowska Ewa , Vishwakarma Astha , Wrona Magdalena , Bertella Anis , Rudawska Anna , Gierszewska Magdalena , Schmidt Beata
Published: January 2025

In order to establish the differences in packaging containing various essential oils, polylactide (PLA)-based polymeric films incorporating poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), clove (C), grapefruit (G), rosemary (R), and tea tree (T) essential oils were obtained and subsequently analyzed. In addition to examining structure and morphology, the polymer films underwent analyses that are particularly important with regard to contact with food. Mechanical and antioxidant properties, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), and analysis of barrier properties against ultraviolet (UV) radiation, as well as the migration of ingredients into food simulants such as 10% v/v solutions of ethanol, 3% w/v acetic acid solution, and isooctane, were among the critical studies conducted. A comparison of the properties of the obtained materials allowed us to establish that the incorporation of essential oils significantly increases elongation at break and enhances UV barrier properties. In the case of materials containing clove oil and tea tree oil, a reduction in WVTR of about 1 g/m2/h was observed. The migration of the ingredients present in the films filled with clove oil, grapefruit oil, and tea tree oil into the acetic acid solution did not exceed 10 mg/kg, which is an acceptable value according to the European Union restrictions. Taking into account all of the studied properties, it should be stressed that the most promising packaging material is the film filled with clove oil.
Fractional Electrodamage in A549 Human Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Martines-Arano Hilario , Arano-Martinez Jose Alberto , Mosso-Pani Manuel Alejandro , Valdivia-Flores Alejandra , Trejo-Valdez Martin , García-Pérez Blanca Estela , Torres-Torres Carlos
Published: January 2025

Fractional electrodamage in A549 human lung cancer cells was analyzed by introducing a non-integer order parameter to model the influence of electrical stimulation on cellular behavior. Numerical simulations were conducted to evaluate the conversion of electrical energy to heat within A549 cancer cells, emphasizing the electrocapacitive effects and electrical conductivity in modulating dielectric properties. Using the Riemann–Liouville fractional calculus framework, experimental results were accurately fitted, demonstrating the non-integer nature of electrodamage processes. The study identified a strong dependency of electrical behavior on frequency, revealing a critical role of fractional dynamics in the dielectric breakdown and susceptibility of A549 cells to voltage changes. These findings advance our understanding of cellular responses to electrical fields and provide insights into applications in cancer diagnostics, monitoring, and potential therapeutic treatments.
The Impact of Health Literacy on Consumer Knowledge of Mask and Hand Sanitizer Use in Post-Pandemic Korea
Authors: Ko Youngill , Lee Seung-Mi
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic increased people’s reliance on masks and hand sanitizers, highlighting the critical role of health literacy (HL) in effectively using these preventive measures. This study aimed to assess how HL influences consumers’ comprehension of product labels for masks and hand sanitizers in post-pandemic Korea. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in September 2023 among 500 Korean adults aged 20–69. The participants completed a questionnaire measuring HL and their knowledge of mask and hand sanitizer labels using the Korean Health Literacy Assessment Tool. The respondents were classified into high- and low-literacy groups, and statistical analyses (chi-squared tests, t-tests, and logistic regression analyses) were employed to compare label comprehension between the groups. Results: High HL was observed in 31.6% of participants, demonstrating significantly better label-reading habits, including greater recognition of quasi-drug designations, usage instructions, and safety precautions (p < 0.001). The logistic regression analysis revealed that high-HL participants were more likely to correctly identify mask-related information (OR 2.56, 95% CI: 1.69–3.89) and demonstrate hand sanitizer-related knowledge (OR 5.39, 95% CI: 3.31–8.77) than their counterparts. Demographic factors such as age, gender, or education showed no significant associations with label comprehension. Conclusions: Higher HL is strongly associated with better comprehension of mask and hand sanitizer labels, underscoring its importance in public health communication. Enhancing HL is essential in promoting the safe use of preventive products during health emergencies. Public health initiatives should prioritize improving health literacy to ensure more effective communication and safer practices during future health crises.
Morphological, Physiological and Biochemical Changes in the Grape Variety “Hotan Red” Caused by the Occurrence of Stress Under the Influence of Saline–Alkaline Growing Conditions
Authors: Song Yan , Li Ruxue , Zhou Long , Jiang Lili , Wang Xiong
Published: January 2025

The native Hotan Red grape germplasm from Xinjiang has strong saline–alkali tolerance. To clarify the physiological mechanisms of Hotan Red grapes in response to saline–alkali stress, Hotan Red hydroponic seedlings were used as the research material in this study and were subjected to the combined saline–alkali stress treatments of 0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 mmol·L−1. After the 15th day of stress, plant height, shoot thickness, saline–alkali injury index, photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, osmoregulatory substance content, oxidation products and antioxidant enzymes of Hotan Red were determined. The results showed that the growth of plant height and shoot thickness of Hotan Red was inhibited, chlorophyll content decreased and the salinity damage index increased with increasing saline–alkali stress. Saline–alkali stress resulted in a non-stomatal limitation of photosynthesis in Hotan Red, which was manifested by a decrease in net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance, and an increase in the concentration of intercellular carbon dioxide, in which the net photosynthetic rate reached a minimum value of 3.56 μmol·m−2·s−1 under 120 mmol·L−1 saline–alkali stress; the actual photochemical efficiency of PSII in the light and maximal quantum yield of PSⅡ decreased, with minimum values of 0.16 and 0.60, respectively. Accumulation of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, proline, soluble sugars and soluble proteins, and enhancement of superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase activities were observed in Hotan Red under saline–alkali stress. Partial least squares path model analysis showed that photosynthesis was the main driver of saline–alkali injury in Hotan Red, followed by oxidation products and antioxidant enzymes, with osmoregulators playing an indirect role. This study revealed the physiological mechanism by which Hotan Red tolerates saline–alkali stress, providing a basis for further research into the mechanism of saline–alkali tolerance in grapes.
Investigation of Atraphaxis virgata, an Unexplored Medicinal Plant Rich in Flavonoids, as a Functional Material
Authors: Shin Soeun , Kim Seunghee , Lee Jeongho , Son Hyerim , Paik Jin-Hyub , Gemejiyeva Nadezhda Gennadievna , Karzhaubekova Zhanat Zhumabekovna , Lee Taek , Yoo Hah Young
Published: January 2025

Plants of the genus Atraphaxis have been widely used as traditional herbal medicines and are just beginning to be recognized for their pharmacological activities by scientific validation. In particular, Atraphaxis virgata (Regel) Krasn. has not reported even fundamental data, such as antioxidant activity and phytochemical properties, which requires investigation for its medical application. In this study, phytochemical compounds of A. virgata extracts were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and their antioxidant activity was evaluated. As a result, A. virgata extracts were analyzed using HPLC and found to contain hesperidin 13.18 mg/g-extract, rutin 4.49 mg/g-extract, catechin 3.23 mg/g-extract, gallic acid 2.93 mg/g-extract, epicatechin-3-gallate 1.28 mg/g-extract, kaempferol 0.26 mg/g-extract, and luteolin 0.09 mg/g-extract. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis detected nine compounds (e.g., lup-20(29)-en-3-one and decane) in the extracts, which were reported to have various biological activities. The ABTS IC50, DPPH IC50, and FRAP values of A. virgata extracts were determined to be 126.57 ± 0.24 μg/mL, 42.17 ± 1.14 μg/mL, and 122.59 ± 8.79 mmol/L, respectively. This study is the first to report the antioxidant activity of A. virgata, suggesting its potential as a functional food or medicinal material.
Polarization and Forward Scattering Effects in Low Energy Positron Collisions with H2
Authors: Tenfen Wagner , Glória Josiney de Souza , Saab Sarah Esther da Silva , Popovicz Seidel Eliton , Arretche Felipe
Published: January 2025

Positron physical-chemistry has been one important focus of scientific investigation of the last decades, however their low energy scattering by atoms and molecules still offers many questions to be answered, as the low angle scattering effects on the measured cross sections and how the degree of target polarization manifest in the comparison between theoretical and experimental results. In this work, we investigate low energy positron collisions by H2 molecules, with particular attention to the convergence of the polarization contribution on the scattering potential. The interaction between positron and molecule was represented by a model potential conceived from the composition of a free electron gas correlation term with an asymptotic polarization potential, obtained from perturbation theory. In particular, we investigated how polarization effects beyond the second order perturbation affect the scattering observables. Our results show that the model which includes up to the quadrupole polarization contribution presents better agreement to the recent experimental data when corrected for forward scattering effects, since they were measured from a transmission beam technique. The angular distributions were also examined through the comparison between our results to the folded differential cross sections measurements available in the literature. We propose a simple correction scheme to the experimental folded differential cross sections for energies below 1 eV which then, as we argue, favorably compares to the quadrupole polarization model. Finally, the comparison between our phase shifts and scattering lengths with recent full many body ab initio results that explicitly include virtual positronium effects suggests that these are intrisically included in the adopted model correlation potential.
The Development of Drawdown Dolines and Subsidence Dolines with the Comparison of Their Bedrock Resistivities—A Case Study
Authors: Veress Márton
Published: January 2025

The effect of the epikarst on the development of drawdown dolines and subsidence dolines is described. For this, the resistivity values of the bedrock determined by Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) measurements were used. The higher resistivities below drawdown dolines are explained by the deeper position of the piezometric surface, while the low resistivity values below subsidence dolines can be traced back to the more elevated position of the piezometric surface. Resistivities increasing towards the centre of drawdown dolines refer to cavity heterogeneity increasing towards the centre and increasing vertical percolation rate, while decreasing resistivity values indicate an increasing degree of cavity fill above the piezometric level. At their asymmetrical variety, the bedrock of their opposite slope is of asymmetric resistivity, which is explained by the different elevations of the piezometric surface and the latter by different infiltration that took place on slopes with different inclinations. The same resistivity values of the doline with a flat floor indicate the homogeneous cavity formation of the epikarst. This latter results in homogeneous vertical infiltration, which favours horizontal dissolution. The piezometric surface is not deflecting below the subsidence dolines because resistivity differences are small between the bedrock below the doline and the bedrock of its environment. Below subsidence doline, above the piezometric surface, cavities develop (the resistivity is higher relative to the resistivity of the environment), and then the cavities become filled by suffosion (therefore, the resistivity below the doline is lower relative to its environment). The passage below the doline develops into a shaft as a result of its concentrated water supply and the epikarst is separated into parts.
Etiological Insights and the Role of Individual Factors in Infectious Spondylodiscitis
Authors: Vulpe Diana Elena , Nedelea Dana-Georgiana , Dragosloveanu Serban , Sandulescu Oana , Scheau Cristian
Published: January 2025

Objectives: Spondylodiscitis can be caused by various microorganisms and has shown a continuous rise in incidence and mortality. The purpose of our study was to analyze the demographic and laboratory data, as well as comorbidities of patients that were surgically treated for spondylodiscitis in our hospital. The causative pathogens involved in the etiology of spinal infections were also assessed. Methods: The study included 92 patients who underwent clinical, radiological, and microbiological analyses including bacterial isolation. According to their culture results, patients were divided into three groups: negative results (n = 29), positive results with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb.) (n = 26), and positive results with other pathological agents (n = 37). Results: Patients with M. tb. had a significantly lower body mass index (p = 0.022) and were significantly younger (p = 0.024) than the others. The analysis of the complete blood work showed significant differences between the groups regarding fibrinogen levels (p = 0.023), C-reactive protein (p = 0.009), and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (p = 0.042). Results also showed significant differences (p = 0.023) for patients with diabetes mellitus who were more prone to a tuberculosis etiology for their spondylodiscitis compared with patients without the disease. Conclusions: These findings have important implications for adopting individualized treatment strategies underlining the need for identification of patients at high risk for specific causative pathogens.
A Cross-Sectional, Descriptive Qualitative Study of Information Counselling During Tuberculosis Treatment in South Africa: Awareness of XDR-TB Patients on Ototoxic Effects
Authors: Arendse Skyla Maria , Khoza-Shangase Katijah
Published: January 2025

Ototoxicity is a significant adverse effect associated with second-line anti-tuberculosis (TB) medications, particularly in treating extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB). This study investigated the awareness of ototoxic effects among adults with XDR-TB undergoing treatment in South Africa, specifically exploring the role of information counselling on ototoxic symptoms, the timing of counselling, the content covered, and the management pathways available. This cross-sectional, descriptive qualitative study was conducted at Brooklyn Chest Hospital in the Western Cape. Ten adults with XDR-TB were purposively sampled and participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data were thematically analyzed and the results revealed variability in information counselling on ototoxicity, with only 30% of participants receiving comprehensive counselling that specifically addressed ototoxic symptoms. The timing of counselling was inconsistent: while 70% of participants received some information before treatment, the remainder received counselling only after treatment initiation, which may have impacted early symptom recognition. Participants’ awareness of ototoxic symptoms was generally limited, with most identifying hearing loss but few recognizing other symptoms such as tinnitus or dizziness. Furthermore, only 20% of participants were provided with clear referral pathways for symptom management. These findings highlight a gap in the depth, timing, and specificity of information counselling on ototoxic effects for XDR-TB in this context. Several interventions can be implemented to address this gap.
Mitochondrial Genome Insights into Evolution and Gene Regulation in Phragmites australis
Authors: Cui Jipeng , Yang Qianhui , Zhang Jiyue , Ju Chuanli , Cui Suxia
Published: January 2025

As a globally distributed perennial Gramineae, Phragmites australis can adapt to harsh ecological environments and has significant economic and environmental values. Here, we performed a complete assembly and annotation of the mitogenome of P. australis using genomic data from the PacBio and BGI platforms. The P. australis mitogenome is a multibranched structure of 501,134 bp, divided into two circular chromosomes of 325,493 bp and 175,641 bp, respectively. A sequence-simplified succinate dehydrogenase 4 gene was identified in this mitogenome, which is often translocated to the nuclear genome in the mitogenomes of gramineous species. We also identified tissue-specific mitochondrial differentially expressed genes using RNAseq data, providing new insights into understanding energy allocation and gene regulatory strategies in the long-term adaptive evolution of P. australis mitochondria. In addition, we studied the mitogenome features of P. australis in more detail, including repetitive sequences, gene Ka/Ks analyses, codon preferences, intracellular gene transfer, RNA editing, and multispecies phylogenetic analyses. Our results provide an essential molecular resource for understanding the genetic characterisation of the mitogenome of P. australis and provide a research basis for population genetics and species evolution in Arundiaceae.
RETRACTED: Xu et al. Simplicial Complex-Enhanced Manifold Embedding of Spatiotemporal Data for Structural Health Monitoring. Infrastructures 2023, 8, 46
Authors: Xu Nan , Zhang Zhiming , Liu Yongming
Published: January 2025

The journal retracts the article, “Simplicial Complex-Enhanced Manifold Embedding of Spatiotemporal Data for Structural Health Monitoring” [...]
Reactions of 1-Alkyl-3-phenylbenzimidazolium Salts with Ag2O: The Formation of a Ring-Opening Formamide Derivative and a Ag Complex with an N-heterocyclic Carbene Ligand
Authors: Sakaguchi Satoshi , Higashino Takashi , Tasaki Yudai , Ichihara Ryo , Yajima Tatsuo
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the reactions of 1-alkyl-3-phenylbenzimidazolium salts with Ag2O. It was found that the selectivity of the reaction products was influenced by the N-alkyl substituent on the azolium ring. For example, treating 1-methyl-3-phenylbenzimidazolium iodide (2) with Ag2O for 24 h produced the ring-opening formamide derivative N-[2-(phenylamino)phenyl]-N-methylformamide (2b) in an 85% yield. In contrast, the reaction of 1-benzyl-3-phenylbenzimidazolium chloride (3) with Ag2O under the same conditions yielded the corresponding N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)–Ag complex (1-benzyl-3-phenylbenzimidazol-2-ylidene) silver(I) chloride (3a) in an 86% yield. Furthermore, the corresponding monodentate NHC–Au complex 2c could be synthesized by allowing 2 to react with AuCl(SMe2) in the presence of Ag2O.
Thermal Development, Mortality, and Fertility of an Apulian Strain of Drosophila suzukii at Different Temperatures
Authors: Baser Nuray , Rossini Luca , Anfora Gianfranco , Temel Kürşat Mustafa , Gualano Stefania , Garone Emanuele , Santoro Franco
Published: January 2025

This study explored the thermal response of Drosophila suzukii, an injurious insect pest present in many countries worldwide, at different controlled conditions. This species is responsible for several economic losses in soft fruit cultivations, develops on ripening fruits, and has the capability to quickly adapt to new territories and climates, closing multiple generations per year. Given its high invasive potential and the increasing need for low-impact control strategies, an in-depth exploration of the biology of this species and of the stage thermal response is fundamental. Specimens of an Italian strain from Apulia were reared in growth chambers at different constant temperatures (6, 9, 13, 18, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32 and 33 °C). The life cycle of each specimen was individually tracked from the egg to the death of the adults, considering the larval stages distinction as well. Besides development and mortality, egg production over temperature has been recorded. The dataset was first analysed according to life tables studies; then, we also estimated the biological parameters of the most common equations describing development, mortality, and fertility involved in physiologically-based model applications. The results confirmed and extended the information on the thermal response already present in the literature, but with reference to a population adapted to warmer climates. The species successfully developed from egg to adult at 13–29 °C, while between 6–9 and 29–33 °C the development was limited to L2/L3 stages. Optimal temperatures are around 26–28 °C, depending on the life stage. This study provides one of the complete overviews of the thermal response of D. suzukii, which is available in the current literature, and opens the door to more accurate modelling frameworks.
Thermal Melanism in Pachnoda iskuulka (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae)
Authors: Bogusch Petr , Petřík Oto , Hlaváček Antonín , Šebesta Ondřej , Šípek Petr
Published: January 2025

Thermal polymorphism, usually represented by thermal melanism (darker coloration in cooler habitats), is a well-known phenomenon in animals. In Cetoniinae, several species in captivity tend to become darker after several generations of breeding, which is probably caused by a lower temperature than is typical for their native habitats. Pachnoda iskuulka is a beetle species occurring in Somaliland. This species is easy to breed in captivity, and it is colorful and variable in the proportions of yellow, red, and black coloration. We kept this species from the first instar larva to the adult stage at three different temperatures. Elytra and pronotum of the adults were photographed, and proportions of the three main colors were measured. The proportion of black coloration significantly increased with size and decreased with temperature, while the proportion of yellow color increased. This species is certainly thermally polymorphic, which can be an adaptation for activation even at lower temperatures. The possible mimicry with beetles of the genus Hycleus is discussed. It is the first confirmation of thermal polymorphism in Cetoniinae and one of a few in Coleoptera.
Induction Radiochemotherapy for Esophageal Cancer: Long-Term Outcomes from a Single-Center Study
Authors: Strzelec Bartłomiej , Chmielewski Piotr Paweł , Taboła Renata
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The management of esophageal cancer (EC) remains a significant clinical challenge, particularly in optimizing therapeutic strategies for different stages and subgroups. This study assessed the impact of preoperative radiochemotherapy (CRT) on clinical staging and identified subgroups for whom definitive CRT (dCRT) may provide a favorable alternative to surgery. Methods: Sixty-one patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma were enrolled. Pre-treatment staging included computed tomography, gastroscopy with biopsy, and comprehensive laboratory evaluations. Patients received preoperative CRT following the CROSS or dCRT protocols based on tumor stage. Surgical approaches included staged esophagectomy or single-stage Ivor Lewis procedures. Four patients declined surgery and were treated with dCRT. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated using pTNM classification. Follow-up included imaging and endoscopic surveillance. Statistical analyses assessed changes in staging and factors influencing treatment outcomes. Results: CRT significantly reduced T stage across the entire cohort (p = 0.0002), with complete pathological response (pT0N0M0) observed in 54.5% of patients following induction CRT (p = 0.0001). Male patients demonstrated a significant reduction in T stage (p = 0.0008), while a similar trend in females was not significant (p = 0.068). Among patients declining surgery, dCRT demonstrated acceptable oncologic control over a mean follow-up of 4 ± 0.79 years. Conclusions: Preoperative CRT effectively downstages EC and achieves high rates of response, especially in male patients. Therefore, dCRT may be a viable alternative in selected patients, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment strategies to optimize outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of refining multimodal approaches in EC care.
Analysis of Body Composition and Levels of Antimicrobial Peptides in Patients with Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Fijałkowska Marta , Antoszewski Bogusław , Koziej Mateusz
Published: January 2025

Background: Excessive body fatness is the basis of many diseases, especially civilization-related ones. The aim of this study is to analyze the body composition and serum levels of selected antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), in comparison to healthy controls (HCs), and investigate whether any specific parameter significantly increases the risk of BCC development. Methods: The body composition and measurements of serum levels of cathelicidin and human-beta-defensin-2 were analyzed in a group of 100 subjects (50 patients with BCC and 50 HCs). Results: There were statistically significant differences between the visceral fat rating (BCC 11.7 vs. control 10.1), cathelicidin (BCC 1022.6 vs. control 428.4), defensin-2 (BCC 1.2 vs. control 0.4), age (BCC 68.7 vs. control 62.4), and the visceral fat/muscle ratio (BCC 0.24 vs. control 0.21). Conclusions: It seems that excessive fat, especially visceral fat, may pose a risk of developing skin cancer. Therefore, it should be taken into account when caring for patients and they should be made aware that losing body weight may be important not only in reducing the risk of hypertension or diabetes but also cancer diseases. There are numerous well-known risk factors for developing skin cancer, but few are modifiable. Among these modifiable factors is the patient’s weight and body composition, so improvaing lifestyle is crucial in the prevention of skin cancers.
The Effect of COVID-19 on Neonatal Outcomes in a Community Hospital
Authors: Martinez-Baladejo Maria , Kerego Yemesrach , Walker Allison R. , Ohnona Ashley , Scartelli Christina , Stoltzfus Clarke , Graul Ashley , Jacobetz Dianne , Ng-Pellegrino Anna
Published: January 2025

Background: Despite considerable research on pregnancy outcomes affected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, the consequences for infants exposed to the virus in utero remain unclear. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, encompassing 392 mother–infant pairs delivered between April 2020 and July 2021 at a community hospital network in northeastern Pennsylvania, USA. Of these, 198 mothers had a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy, while 194 did not. Infant outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: Pregnant women with a SARS-CoV-2 infection during their gestation exhibited higher rates of obesity (p = 0.04) with higher body mass indices (BMI) (p = 0.01), were more likely to be of Hispanic ethnicity (p = 0.01), and had a history of chronic hypertension (p = 0.05), as well as higher occurrences of postpartum depression (p = 0.01), gestational diabetes (p = 0.05), cesarean section (CS) rates (p< 0.001), and preeclampsia (p = 0.04). Among the infants reviewed, there was no statistical significance difference in developmental milestones at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of age between infants of parturients who tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and infants of parturients without a positive COVID-19 test result. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in developmental outcomes, as measured by Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) scores at 9 months (p = 0.76) and at 18 months (p = 0.89). Conclusions: This study corroborates the adverse impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnant women, characterized by increased maternal comorbidities and adverse birth outcomes. No significant disparities in neonatal developmental milestones or growth outcomes were observed at birth; first office visit, or at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of age.
Effect of Early Postoperative Physical Therapy and Educational Program on Wound Recurrence in Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Imaoka Shinsuke , Kudou Genki , Shigefuji Hikaru , Koujina Shion , Matsuki Kotaro , Terou Taisuke , Minata Shohei
Published: January 2025

Objective: This study aimed to examine the impact of early postoperative physical therapy combined with an educational program on wound recurrence and quality of life in patients with foot ulcers. Methods: Forty-eight postoperative patients with diabetic foot ulcers were randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which received both physical therapy and an educational program (n = 25), or a control group, which received physical therapy only (n = 23). Each intervention was initiated on the day after surgery in both groups. The intervention group participated in physical therapy sessions, followed by a 15 min disease education program conducted five times per week. The primary endpoint was the rate of wound recurrence six months after hospital discharge. Secondary endpoints included ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, knee extension strength, gait functional independence measure scores, problem areas in diabetes scores, and EuroQol-5 dimensions-5 levels scores. Results: The intervention group demonstrated a significantly lower rate of wound recurrence within six months after discharge (10.5%) compared with the control group (27.7%). Conclusions: The combined use of early postoperative physical therapy and educational programs was an effective intervention strategy, contributing to reduced wound recurrence rates in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.