bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated Chest X-Ray Diagnosis Report Generation with Cross-Attention Mechanism
Authors: Zhao Jian , Yao Wei , Sun Lei , Shi Lijuan , Kuang Zhejun , Wu Changwu , Han Qiulei
Published: January 2025

In the medical field, it is extremely important to use deep learning technology to automatically generate diagnostic reports for chest X-ray images. This technology provides an effective solution to the challenges faced by the medical field in processing large numbers of chest X-ray images. Especially during large-scale outbreaks of epidemics such as the new COVID-19, rapid and accurate screening and diagnosis of cases become important tasks. This study uses deep learning technology to automatically generate diagnostic reports for chest X-ray images, which significantly reduces the workload of doctors, reduces the risk of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis, and provides technical support for improving public health emergency response capabilities. In this study, we propose an innovative network architecture to address the limitations of traditional image description networks in generating chest X-ray diagnostic reports, especially the large area deviation between abnormal and normal areas, and the lack of effective alignment of the two modalities of image and text. The convolutional block attention module (CBAM) is adopted to effectively alleviate the data bias problem through a sophisticated feature attention mechanism and improve the model’s ability to recognize abnormal image areas. The cross-attention mechanism is adopted to optimize the alignment process between images and texts, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the diagnosis report.
Acute Myotonometric Changes in the Masseter and Upper Trapezius Muscles After Upper Body Quarter Stretching and Coordination Exercises or Chewing
Authors: Magdič Marša , Kalc Miloš , Vogrin Matjaž
Published: January 2025

Pathologies in neck and masticatory muscles affect muscle tone and biomechanical and viscoelastic properties, necessitating precise assessment for treatment. This study evaluated the impact of two guided interventions—relaxing exercises targeting the neck and masticatory muscles (“Exercise”) and heavy chewing using six chewing gums (“Chewing”)—on the masseter and upper trapezius muscles. Twelve participants (aged 19–40 years) underwent myotonometric assessment pre- and post-intervention, measuring tone, stiffness, decrement, relaxation time, and creep. The results showed significant changes in the masseter muscle after exercise, with increased stiffness (14.46%, p < 0.001) and tone (7.03%, p < 0.001) but decreased creep (−9.71%, p < 0.001) and relaxation time (−11.36%, p < 0.001). Conversely, chewing decreased stiffness (−8.82%, p < 0.001) and tone (−5.53%, p < 0.001), while it increased creep (9.68%, p < 0.001) and relaxation time (9.98%, p < 0.001). In the trapezius muscles, tone decreased after both interventions (Exercise: −7.65%, p < 0.001; Chewing: −1.06%, p = 0.003), while relaxation increased (Exercise: 1.78%, p < 0.001; Chewing: 2.82%, p < 0.001). These findings reveal the distinct effects of exercise and chewing on muscle properties, emphasising the complexity of their therapeutic potential and the need for further investigation.
Utilization of Phosphogypsum and Sediment in Subgrade Material for Pavement Construction
Authors: Tomašević Pilipović Dragana , Slijepčević Nataša , Veselić Dunja Rađenović , Šešlija Miloš , Bulatović Vesna , Duduković Nataša
Published: January 2025

(1) Background: The construction industry continuously seeks sustainable alternatives to traditional materials for subgrade material in pavement construction, aiming to mitigate environmental impact while maintaining performance standards. This study investigates the feasibility of incorporating phosphogypsum (PG) and contaminated sediment into subgrade materials, focusing on their physico-chemical and physico-mechanical properties. (2) Methods: The physico-chemical and physico-mechanical properties, performance, and mechanisms of solidified sediment with phosphogypsum (3% and 5% of phosphogypsum in mixture) were studied using long-term leaching tests (ANS 16.1), uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). (3) Results: Based on the pseudo-total metal content (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb), the sediment is classified as third- and fourth-class, indicating it is polluted and requires treatment before disposal in the environment. To assess the long-term behavior of the sediment treated with phosphogypsum (S/S), a semi-dynamic ANS 16.1 leaching test was performed. The results showed that the metals exhibit moderate mobility, with average diffusion coefficients (De) ranging from 10−8 cm2/s for Zn (in both mixtures) to 10−12 cm2/s for Cr (in mixture F-3). The leaching index (LX) values for both mixtures were above 9 for most metals, confirming their suitability for “controlled” use. Granulometric analysis indicated a predominance of fine particles, which enhances the material’s plasticity and mechanical properties. Atterberg consistency tests showed that increasing phosphogypsum content improved both the Liquid Limit and Plastic Index. However, UCS tests indicated that neither the 3% nor 5% phosphogypsum mixtures met the minimum strength requirements for subgrade material. On the other hand, CBR values demonstrated promising performance, with 12.5% for the 3% phosphogypsum mixture and 22.9% for the 5% phosphogypsum mixture. Overall, phosphogypsum positively influenced the strength development of the sediment-PG mixtures, as confirmed by XRF and TGA analyses. (4) Conclusions: Environmental considerations, such as leachability of contaminants, were investigated to ensure the sustainability of the proposed subgrade materials. Leaching tests indicated minimal pollutant release, suggesting the potential for safe utilization of PG and sediment in subgrade material. This study provides valuable insights into the physico-chemical and physico-mechanical properties of pavement mixes incorporating PG and sediment, supporting the feasibility of using these alternative materials in sustainable subgrade material for pavement construction and offering a viable solution to mitigate waste generation while enhancing pavement performance.
Development of a Hybrid Attention Transformer for Daily PM2.5 Predictions in Seoul
Authors: Kim Hyun S. , Han Kyung M. , Yu Jinhyeok , Youn Nara , Choi Taehoo
Published: January 2025

A hybrid attention transformer (HAT) was developed for accurate daily PM2.5 predictions in Seoul. The performance of the HAT was evaluated through a comparative analysis of its predictions against ground-based observations and those from a three-dimensional chemical transport model (3-D CTM). The results demonstrated that the HAT outperformed the 3-D CTM, achieving a 4.60% higher index of agreement (IOA). Additionally, the HAT exhibited 22.09% fewer errors and 82.59% lower bias compared to the 3-D CTM. Diurnal variations in PM2.5 predictions from both models were also analyzed to explore the characteristics of the proposed model further. The HAT predictions closely aligned with observed PM2.5 throughout the day, whereas the 3-D CTM exhibited significant diurnal variability. The importance of the input features was evaluated using the permutation method, which revealed that the previous day’s PM2.5 was the most influential feature. The robustness of the HAT was further validated through a comparison with the long short-term memory (LSTM) model, which showed 18.50% lower errors and 95.91% smaller biases, even during El Niño events. These promising findings highlight the significant potential of the HAT as a cost-effective and highly accurate tool for air quality prediction.
The Metabolism of Creatinine and Its Usefulness to Evaluate Kidney Function and Body Composition in Clinical Practice
Authors: Ávila Marcela , Mora Sánchez Mariana G. , Bernal Amador Alma Sofía , Paniagua Ramón
Published: January 2025

Serum creatinine levels are the most used clinical marker to estimate renal function as the glomerular function rate because it is simple, fast, and inexpensive. However, creatinine has limitations, as its levels can be influenced by factors such as advanced age, physical activity, protein-rich diets, male gender, medications, and ethnicity. Serum cystatin C and its combination with serum creatinine may serve as an alternative since these factors do not affect it. Most creatinine synthesis occurs in the muscles, making it a valuable marker for assessing lean body mass within body composition. This measurement is crucial for evaluating and monitoring nutritional status in patients with chronic kidney disease. This review aimed to discuss the literature on creatinine metabolism, its advantages and disadvantages in assessing renal function, and its utility in measuring lean body mass. The variability in the creatinine generation rate among individuals should be considered when assessing the glomerular function rate.
Efficacy of Fetal Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles in Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Krishnan Illayaraja , Ling Magdalene Tan Mei , Ng Min Hwei , Law Jia Xian , Yusof Mohd Rafizul Mohd , Thangarajah Thavachelvi , Mahmood Zalina , Uda Zahli Nurul Izzati , Rajamanickam Shathiya , Subramani Baskar , Lokanathan Yogeswaran
Published: January 2025

Background/Objective: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by abdominal obesity, increased blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and triglyceride levels, and reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of the Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs)-derived small extracellular vesicles’ (sEVs) preparations in managing MetS. Method: Twenty-four rats were fed with a high-fat and high-fructose diet to induce MetS for 16 weeks and randomized into three groups (n = 8/group): a MetS Control group treated with normal saline, MetS Low Dose (LD) group treated with a LD of sEVs preparations (3 × 109 particle/rat), and MetS High Dose (HD) group treated with a HD of sEVs preparations (9 × 109 particles/rat). The Control Non-Disease (ND) group was given a standard rat diet and autoclaved tap water with normal saline as treatment. Treatments were given via intravenous injection every three weeks for twelve weeks. Rats were assessed every six weeks for physical measurements, FBG, lipid profiles, CRP, leptin, adiponectin, and BP. Necropsy evaluation was performed on the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidney. Results: Significant reductions in FBG, triglycerides, BP, and increased HDL levels were observed in the treated groups compared to the control group. However, significant abdominal circumference (AC) improvement was not observed in the treated groups. Non-significant associations were found between fasting CRP, leptin, and adiponectin levels with MetS rats after treatment. In addition, sEVs preparations improved inflammation and hemorrhage in the lung and mineralisation in the renal of the treated group. Conclusions: Human fetal WJMSCs-derived sEVs preparations improve all the clusters of MetS in rats except AC and could be further explored as a treatment for MetS.
Urinary Proteomic Shifts over Time and Their Associations with eGFR Decline in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Makhammajanov Zhalaliddin , Nurlybayeva Kamila , Artikov Zikrillo , Tarlykov Pavel , Aljofan Mohamad , Bukasov Rostislav , Turebekov Duman , Abidi Syed Hani , Kanbay Mehmet , Gaipov Abduzhappar
Published: January 2025

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition characterized by declining renal function, with limited biomarkers to predict its progression. The early identification of prognostic biomarkers is crucial for improving patient care and therapeutic strategies. This follow-up study investigated urinary proteomics and clinical outcomes in 18 CKD patients (stages 1–3) and 15 healthy controls using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and Mascot-SwissProt for protein identification. The exponentially modified protein abundance index (emPAI) was used for peptide quantification. Regression analyses were used to evaluate relationships between urinary proteins and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), adjusting for proteinuria. At baseline, 171 proteins (median emPAI 86) were identified in CKD patients, and 271 were identified (median emPAI 47) in controls. At follow-up, 285 proteins (median emPAI 44.8) were identified in CKD patients, and 252 were identified (median emPAI 34.2) in controls. FBN1 was positively associated with eGFR, while FETUA showed a significant negative correlation at baseline. At follow-up, VTDB shifted from a negative baseline to a positive association with eGFR over time. CD44 and FBN1 shifted from a positive baseline to a negative association over time. These findings highlight VTDB, FBN1, and CD44 as potential prognostic biomarkers, providing insights into CKD progression and therapeutic targets.
Bariatric Surgery as a Molecular Modulator: The Role of FSHR Polymorphisms in Enhancing eNOS Expression and Reproductive Hormone Dynamics in Women with Severe Obesity
Authors: Voros Charalampos , Mavrogianni Despoina , Bananis Kyriakos , Karakasis Alexios , Papahliou Anthi-Maria , Topalis Vasileios , Varthaliti Antonia , Mantzioros Raphail , Kondili Panagiota , Darlas Menelaos , Sotiropoulou Regina , Athanasiou Diamantis , Mathiopoulos Dimitris , Antsaklis Panagiotis , Loutradis Dimitrios , Daskalakis Georgios
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Severe obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m2) has a severe influence on vascular health and reproduction. This study looks at how bariatric surgery affects endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and reproductive hormone regulation across different follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) polymorphism groups in women with extreme obesity. Methods: Twenty-nine women with extreme obesity had bariatric surgery. Pre- and post-surgery levels of eNOS and reproductive hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and antral follicle count (AFC) were assessed. Patients were divided into three FSHR polymorphism groups (Ser/Ser, Asn/Asn, and Ser/Asn), and results were compared between them. Statistical techniques were used to determine changes and relationships. Results: Bariatric surgery led to substantial increases in eNOS expression across all FSHR polymorphism groups (p < 0.0001), with the Ser/Ser group exhibiting the most variability. Prior to surgery, the Ser/Ser group had substantially higher FSH levels (7.41 ± 0.60 mIU/mL) than the Asn/Asn group (5.20 ± 0.63 mIU/mL, p < 0.001). Following surgery, FSH levels rose in the Ser/Ser group (9.45 ± 0.87 mIU/mL), with significant differences between the Ser/Ser and Ser/Asn groups (mean difference = 0.97, p = 0.019). SHBG levels had a negative connection with eNOS expression after surgery (r = −0.365, p = 0.049). AMH and AFC remained constant throughout polymorphism groups. BMI decreased uniformly, with an average of 15.2 ± 1.8 kg six months after surgery. Conclusions: Bariatric surgery improves vascular health and regulates reproductive hormones, especially in individuals with the Ser/Ser genotype. These findings indicate the possibility of combining genetic testing and bariatric therapies to improve infertility treatment in obese women.
Normothermic Crystalloid Polarizing Cardioplegia Improves Systolic and Diastolic Function in a Porcine Model of Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Santer David , Heber Stefan , Kramer Anne-Margarethe , Radloff Judith , Heissl Katharina , Kiss Attila , Chambers David J. , Hallström Seth , Podesser Bruno K.
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Previously, we showed that blood-based polarizing cardioplegia exerted beneficial cardioprotection during hypothermic ischemia; however, these positive effects of blood-based polarizing cardioplegia were reduced during normothermic ischemia compared to blood-based hyperkalemic (depolarizing) cardioplegia. This study compares crystalloid polarizing cardioplegia to crystalloid depolarizing cardioplegia in a normothermic porcine model of cardiopulmonary bypass; Methods: Twelve pigs were randomized to receive either normothermic polarizing (n = 7) or depolarizing (n = 5) crystalloid cardioplegia. After the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass, normothermic arrest (34 °C, 60 min) was followed by 60 min of on-pump and 90 min of off-pump reperfusion. Myocardial injury (arterial CK-MB), hemodynamic function, and the energy status of the hearts were measured; Results: The arterial release of CK-MB was comparable between groups (p = 0.78) during reperfusion. During 150 min of reperfusion, systolic left ventricular pressure (p = 0.01) and coronary flow (p = 0.009) were increased, and wedge pressure (p = 0.04) was decreased in the polarized group. Further hemodynamic parameters (cardiac output, stroke volume) and high-energy phosphate levels were similar between groups. The requirement for noradrenaline administration during reperfusion was significantly higher (p = 0.013) in the polarized group; Conclusions: Under normothermic conditions and despite a similar increase in levels of cardiac CK-MB, crystalloid polarizing cardioplegia protected systolic and diastolic cardiac function after 60 min of cardiac arrest. These results suggest beneficial effects for polarizing cardioplegia; clinical studies are required to confirm these effects.
Comparison of Radio- and Phototoxicity in Association with an Enhancing Effect of the Photosensitizers Psoralen, Trioxsalen and Ortho-Iodo-Hoechst33258 on FaDu, PC-3, 4T1 and B16-F10 Cells
Authors: Tietze Katja , Brandt Florian , Wetzig Kerstin , Hübinger Lisa , Pretze Marc , Bundschuh Ralph Alexander , Kotzerke Jörg
Published: January 2025

Background: Energy delivered at different wavelengths causes different types of damage to DNA. Methods: PC-3, FaDu, 4T1 and B16-F10 cells were irradiated with different wavelengths of ultraviolet light (UVA/UVC) and ionizing radiation (X-ray). Furthermore, different photosensitizers (ortho-iodo-Hoechst33258/psoralen/trioxsalen) were tested for their amplifying effect. Survival fraction and damage analysis using the γH2A.X assay (double-strand breaks) and the ELISA assay (cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers) were compared. Results: The PC-3 cells were found to be the most sensitive cells to the treatment strategies used. FaDu and PC-3 showed a strong sensitivity to UVA. Analysis of the damage showed that the cell lines exhibited different sensitivities. Conclusions: Thus, an enhancing effect of photosensitizers (PS) in combination with UVA could be demonstrated in some cases. However, this is cell- and dose-dependent.
Transcriptomic Profile Analysis of Brain Tissue in the Absence of Functional TRPM8 Calcium Channel
Authors: Saldes Erick B. , Erdmier Alexandra , Velpula Jai , Koeltzow Timothy E. , Zhu Michael X. , Asuthkar Swapna
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 (TRPM8) is a non-selective, Ca2+-permeable cation channel involved in thermoregulation and other physiological processes, such as basal tear secretion, cell differentiation, and insulin homeostasis. The activation and deactivation of TRPM8 occur through genetic modifications, channel interactions, and signaling cascades. Recent evidence suggests a significant role of TRPM8 in the hypothalamus and amygdala related to pain sensation and sexual behavior. Notably, TRPM8 has been implicated in neuropathic pain, migraines, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. Our laboratory has identified testosterone as a high-affinity ligand of TRPM8. TRPM8 deficiency appears to influence behavioral traits in mice, like increased aggression and deficits in sexual satiety. Here, we aim to explore the pathways altered in brain tissues of TRPM8-deficient mice using the expression and methylation profiles of messenger RNA (mRNA) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). Specifically, we focused on brain regions integral to behavioral and hormonal control, including the olfactory bulb, hypothalamus, amygdala, and insula. Methods: RNA was isolated and purified for microarray analysis collected from male wild-type and TRPM8 knockout mice. Results: We identified various differentially expressed genes tied to multiple signaling pathways. Among them, the androgen–estrogen receptor (AR-ER) pathway, steroidogenesis pathway, sexual reward pathway, and cocaine reward pathway are particularly worth noting. Conclusions: These results should bridge the existing gaps in the knowledge regarding TRPM8 and inform potential targets for future studies to elucidate its role in the behavior changes and pathology of the diseases associated with TRPM8 activity.
Shielding the Gut: Ghrelin and Ferrostatin-1’s Protective Role Against Sepsis-Induced Intestinal Ferroptosis
Authors: Hou Qiliang , Dou Zhimin , Zhu Lei , Li Bin
Published: January 2025

Objective: This study investigates the therapeutic efficacy of ghrelin in alleviating sepsis-induced intestinal damage, focusing on its potential to inhibit ferroptosis and protect intestinal barrier integrity. Methods: This study evaluates the therapeutic efficacy of intraperitoneal ghrelin (80 μg/kg) and Ferrostatin-1 (5 mg/kg) using a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model in C57BL/6 mice to determine their potential in alleviating sepsis-induced intestinal damage. The investigation focuses on the impacts of ghrelin and Ferrostatin-1 on bacterial load, intestinal morphology, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis markers. Our comprehensive methodology encompasses histopathological evaluations, cytokine profiling, oxidative stress assays, and detailed analyses of ferroptosis indicators to thoroughly assess the interventions’ efficacy. Results: Treatment with ghrelin significantly reduced bacterial proliferation, mitigated intestinal damage, and decreased systemic inflammation. Comparable outcomes were observed with Fer-1 treatment. Both interventions restored intestinal barrier functions, modulated inflammatory responses, and attenuated oxidative stress, indicating a suppression of the ferroptosis pathway. Conclusion: Ghrelin exhibits a protective role in sepsis-induced intestinal injury, likely through the inhibition of ferroptosis. This mechanism underscores ghrelin’s therapeutic potential in sepsis management, suggesting avenues for further clinical exploration.
PET CT Imaging with FDG in the Therapeutical Management of Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Diagnosed in a 43-Year-Old Patient: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Molnar Ottó , Mihuțiu Simona , Straciuc Oreste Mihai , Vesa Alexandra , Lazar Liviu
Published: January 2025

Background: Cervical cancer is the most important cancer type found in women throughout the world. Numerous research studies are being performed to investigate the effectiveness of different strategies for the imaging and treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer, which are showing favorable outcomes. Brachytherapy is characterized by the application of very high radiation doses to target tumor cells with the least exposure to normal tissues. Methods: In the present case study, we report a 43-year-old female patient suffering from cervical cancer belonging to urban origin, with no personal pathological history, who presented herself to the gynecology department of the Bihor County Emergency Clinical hospital with vaginal bleeding. The histopathological examination of the cervix showed squamous cell carcinoma. The treatment was performed with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Results: According to the clinical and histopathological examination, a diagnosis of non-keratinizing squamous carcinoma of the uterine cervix at FIGO stage III C1 was established. Radio-chemotherapy was performed, as well as periodic imaging assessments with a CT of the chest, pelvis, and abdomen, without local and distant relapse. FDG PET imaging was performed for the management and follow-up of cervical cancer by retrieving the SUVmax value. Conclusions: The post-therapeutic complications are represented by the vaginal stenosis installed 6 months after the end of the radiotherapeutic treatment.
Non-Drug and Non-Invasive Therapeutic Options in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Șovrea Alina Simona , Boșca Adina Bianca , Dronca Eleonora , Constantin Anne-Marie , Crintea Andreea , Suflețel Rada , Ștefan Roxana Adelina , Ștefan Paul Andrei , Onofrei Mădălin Mihai , Tschall Christoph , Crivii Carmen-Bianca
Published: January 2025

Despite the massive efforts of modern medicine to stop the evolution of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), it affects an increasing number of people, changing individual lives and imposing itself as a burden on families and the health systems. Considering that the vast majority of conventional drug therapies did not lead to the expected results, this review will discuss the newly developing therapies as an alternative in the effort to stop or slow AD. Focused Ultrasound (FUS) and its derived Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) are non-invasive therapeutic approaches. Singly or as an applied technique to change the permeability of the blood–brain–barrier (BBB), FUS and TPS have demonstrated the benefits of use in treating AD in animal and human studies. Adipose-derived stem Cells (ADSCs), gene therapy, and many other alternative methods (diet, sleep pattern, physical exercise, nanoparticle delivery) are also new potential treatments since multimodal approaches represent the modern trend in this disorder research therapies.
Overview of Novel Antipsychotic Drugs: State of the Art, New Mechanisms, and Clinical Aspects of Promising Compounds
Authors: Biso Letizia , Carli Marco , Scarselli Marco , Longoni Biancamaria
Published: January 2025

Antipsychotic medications are a vast class of drugs used for the treatment of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Although numerous compounds have been developed since their introduction in the 1950s, several patients do not adequately respond to current treatments, or they develop adverse reactions that cause treatment discontinuation. Moreover, in the past few decades, discoveries in the pathophysiology of psychotic disorders have opened the way for experimenting with novel compounds that have alternative mechanisms of action, with some of them showing promising results in early trials. The scope of this review was to summarize the novel antipsychotics developed, their current experimental status, and their mechanisms of action. In particular, we analyzed the main classes of investigational antipsychotics, such as monoamine, glutamate, acetylcholine, cannabinoid receptor modulators, enzyme inhibitors, ion channel modulators, and mixed receptor modulators. In addition, the safety profiles and adverse effects of these drugs were carefully evaluated, considering the relevance of these aspects for patients’ drug adherence and quality of life, especially in the long-term treatment. Lastly, we tried to understand which compounds have greater potential to be approved by the principal drug regulatory agencies in the next years and if they could be used for diseases other than psychotic disorders.
Structural Disruption of Cilia and Increased Cytoplasmic Tubulin in Biliary Atresia—An Exploratory Study Focusing on Early Postoperative Prognosis Following Portoenterostomy
Authors: Quelhas Patrícia , Oliveira Rui , Kieling Carlos , Vieira Sandra , dos Santos Jorge
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Biliary atresia (BA) is a progressive hepatobiliary disease in infants, leading to liver failure and the need for transplantation. While its etiopathogenesis remains unclear, recent studies suggest primary cilia (PC) disruption plays a role. This study investigates correlations between PC and cytoplasmic tubulin (TUBA4A) alterations with hypoxia in patients with the isolated form of BA, focusing on native liver survival. Methods: Using qualitative and quantitative digital image analysis of immunofluorescence-stained liver samples, we assessed PC and TUBA4A features correlating these findings with HIF-1α nuclear positivity, clinical–laboratory data, and early native liver survival. Liver samples from fourteen BA patients and six controls with another liver disease were analyzed by digital image analysis, with data evaluated using Spearman’s correlation and independent t-tests. Results: HIF-1α positivity in cholangiocytes was observed in 42.8% of BA patients. While the PC ratio per biliary structure (cilia ratio status, CRs) was similar between BA patients and controls, PC length was decreased in BA patients. Cytoplasmic TUBA4A levels were elevated in BA patients. CRs positively correlated with lower cytoplasmic TUBA4A expression and was higher in patients without HIF-1α nuclear positivity. Reduced cilia length correlated with higher bilirubin levels at portoenterostomy. Predictors of early poor prognosis (death or need for transplantation until 1 year of life) included HIF-1α positivity, elevated direct bilirubin levels, decreased cilia length, PC bending, and increased TUBA4A expression. Conclusions: Reduced PC length, PC bending, and increased intensity of cytoplasmic TUBA4A expression occur in the isolated BA clinical type and negatively impact the early prognosis after post-portoenterostomy. These findings suggest the existence of a disruption in the tubulin transport between cytoplasm and PC. The detrimental effect of HIF-1alpha pathway activation over early native liver survival was confirmed, although independently from PC or cytoplasmic tubulin features.
EMNet: A Novel Few-Shot Image Classification Model with Enhanced Self-Correlation Attention and Multi-Branch Joint Module
Authors: Li Fufang , Zhang Weixiang , Shang Yi
Published: January 2025

In this research, inspired by the principles of biological visual attention mechanisms and swarm intelligence found in nature, we present an Enhanced Self-Correlation Attention and Multi-Branch Joint Module Network (EMNet), a novel model for few-shot image classification. Few-shot image classification aims to address the problem of image classification when data are limited. Traditional models require a large amount of labeled data for training, while few-shot learning trains models using only a small number of samples (just a few samples per class) to recognize new categories. EMNet shows its potential for bio-inspired algorithms in optimizing feature extraction and enhancing generalization capabilities. It features two key modules: Enhanced Self-Correlated Attention (ESCA) and Multi-Branch Joint Module (MBJ Module). EMNet tackles two main challenges in few-shot learning: how to make an effective important feature extraction and enhancement in images, and improving generalization to new categories. The ESCA module boosts the precision in extracting crucial local features, enhancing classification accuracy. The MBJ module focuses on shared features across images, emphasizing similarities within classes and subtle differences between them. This enhances model adaptability and generalization to new categories. Experimental results show that our model performs better than existing models in one-shot and five-shot tasks on mini-ImageNet, CUB-200, and CIFAR-FS datasets, which proves the proposed model to be an efficient end-to-end solution for few-shot image classification. In the five-way one-shot and five-way five-shot experiments on the CUB-200-2011 dataset, EMNet achieved classification accuracies that were 1.27 and 0.54 percentage points higher than those of RENet, respectively. In the five-way one-shot and five-way five-shot experiments on the miniImageNet dataset, EMNet’s classification accuracies were 0.02 and 0.48 percentage points higher than those of RENet, respectively. In the five-way one-shot and five-way five-shot experiments on the CIFAR-FS dataset, EMNet’s classification accuracies were 0.19 and 0.18 percentage points higher than those of RENet.
Human-Inspired Gait and Jumping Motion Generation for Bipedal Robots Using Model Predictive Control
Authors: Xu Zhen , Xie Jianan , Hashimoto Kenji
Published: January 2025

In recent years, humanoid robot technology has been developing rapidly due to the need for robots to collaborate with humans or replace them in various tasks, requiring them to operate in complex human environments and placing high demands on their mobility. Developing humanoid robots with human-like walking and hopping abilities has become a key research focus, as these capabilities enable robots to move and perform tasks more efficiently in diverse and unpredictable environments, with significant applications in daily life, industrial operations, and disaster rescue. Currently, methods based on hybrid zero dynamics and reinforcement learning have been employed to enhance the walking and hopping capabilities of humanoid robots; however, model predictive control (MPC) presents two significant advantages: it can adapt to more complex task requirements and environmental conditions, and it allows for various walking and hopping patterns without extensive training and redesign. The objective of this study is to develop a bipedal robot controller using shooting method-based MPC to achieve human-like walking and hopping abilities, aiming to address the limitations of the existing methods and provide a new approach to enhancing robot mobility.
The Impact of Critical Listening and Critical Reading on Critical Thinking
Authors: Baki Yasemin
Published: January 2025

Critical listening, critical reading, and critical thinking are three closely related cognitive skills that aim to evaluate information with an analytical and questioning approach. Critical listening and critical reading, which are receptive language skills, represent the application of critical thinking in different contexts. Critical thinking, which is a productive language skill, provides a framework for these two receptive language skills and enables the evaluation of the accuracy of information accessed through critical listening and critical reading, analyzing different perspectives and making inferences to reach correct conclusions. These two skills support the development of critical thinking skills and contribute to individuals gaining deeper understanding based on the perspective of knowledge. This study aims to determine the relationships between critical listening, critical reading, and critical thinking, the effects of these variables on each other, and the explanation ratios. The study group of this study was determined through simple random sampling, one of the random sampling methods. The participants consisted of 201 teacher candidates studying in the Department of Turkish Language Teaching at a university in the north of Türkiye. The Critical Listening Scale, Critical Thinking Attitude Scale, Critical Reading Self-Efficacy Perception Scale, and a personal information form were used to collect research data. The data collected in the research were analyzed using structural equation modeling via AMOS 22.0. As a result of the research, it was determined that all hypothesis models established based on the relevant literature were valid. Two of the three hypotheses regarding the theoretical model were supported by the data, and one hypothesis was rejected. Critical listening has a direct high level effect on critical thinking and predicts it at a significant level. Critical listening has a direct high-level effect on critical reading and predicts it at a significant level, while explaining 65% of the total variance related to critical reading. The effect of critical reading on critical thinking is insignificant and does not predict critical thinking at a significant level. In the theoretical model created the effect of critical reading on critical thinking is insignificant, but these two variables explain 85% of the variance related to critical thinking. As a result of the research, it can be said that the main predictor of critical thinking is critical listening, and that critical reading and critical thinking develop depending on the development of critical listening.
Research on the Indoor Thermal Environment of Industrial Architectural Heritage Based on Human Thermal Comfort—A Case Study in Hefei (China) During Winter
Authors: Li Qiguo , Zhang Yao , Wen Chao
Published: January 2025

With the development of China’s social economy and urbanization, there is a significant stock of urban industrial architectural heritage. Considering the increasing demand for urban land and the renewal of idle sites, the reuse of industrial architectural heritage has become an important measure for urban development, while preserving the city’s industrial memory and the authenticity of architectural heritage. This paper conducts a reuse study on the industrial architectural heritage in Hefei based on human thermal comfort. The motor factory welding workshop and the diesel engine factory cylinder casting workshop in Hefei are selected as research objects. By measuring the physical parameters of the indoor thermal environment and the thermal comfort of human bodies before and after the renovation of these two workshops and by conducting data statistics and regression analyses on the measured data and questionnaire data, an actual mean thermal sensation MTS model of human thermal comfort in the indoor space of the industrial architectural heritage before and after reuse is established. This paper compares the neutral temperature, comfortable temperature range, and duration of thermal comfort at different times for the research objects; analyzes the reasons for the differences in the results; and draws conclusions from the comparative analysis, providing a theoretical basis for the practice of comfortable environment transformation of industrial architectural heritage.
Fusion-Based Damage Segmentation for Multimodal Building Façade Images from an End-to-End Perspective
Authors: Wang Pujin , Wang Jiehui , Liu Qiong , Fang Lin , Xiao Jie
Published: January 2025

Multimodal image data have found widespread applications in visual-based building façade damage detection in recent years, offering comprehensive inspection of façade surfaces with the assistance of drones and infrared thermography. However, the comprehensive integration of such complementary data has been hindered by low levels of automation due to the absence of properly developed methods, resulting in high cost and low efficiency. Thus, this paper proposes an automatic end-to-end building façade damage detection method by integrating multimodal image registration, infrared–visible image fusion (IVIF), and damage segmentation. An infrared and visible image dataset consisting of 1761 pairs encompassing 4 main types of façade damage has been constructed for processing and training. A novel infrared–visible image registration method using main orientation assignment for feature point extraction is developed, reaching a high RMSE of 14.35 to align the multimodal images. Then, a deep learning-based infrared–visible image fusion (IVIF) network is trained to preserve damage characteristics between the modalities. For damage detection, a relatively high mean average precision (mAP) result of 85.4% is achieved by comparing four instance segmentation models, affirming the effective utilization of IVIF results.
Machine Learning and Regression Models for Evaluating Ultimate Performance of Cotton Rope-Confined Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Rodsin Kittipoom , Ejaz Ali , Wang Huaping , Saingam Panumas , Joyklad Panuwat , Khaliq Wasim , Hussain Qudeer , Boonmee Chichaya
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the use of cotton ropes (CRs) as a sustainable and cost-effective substitute for synthetic fiber-reinforced polymers for concrete confinement, offering significant environmental benefits such as lower CO2 emissions and reduced energy consumption. The work evaluates the effectiveness of CR strips for confining concrete, including scenarios with recycled concrete aggregates (ReCA). Compressive strength improvements varied among specimens, with Specimen I-3F showing a 140.52% increase and Specimen II-3F achieving a 46.67% improvement. Strip configurations for Type I recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) outperformed full wraps on Type II RAC, exemplified by Specimen I-3S’s 84.51% improvement. Ultimate strain enhancements ranged from 915% to 4490.91%, driven by the significant rupture strain of cotton rope confinement. For Type I RAC, complete wrapping significantly outperformed strip configurations by 56%, 50%, and 32% in ultimate strength improvement for 1, 2, and 3 layers, respectively. The confinement ratio, varying from 0.10 to 0.70, greatly influenced the compressive behavior, with compressive strength normalized by unconfined strength increasing consistently with the confinement ratio. A minimum confinement ratio of roughly 0.40 is required to achieve an increasing second part in the compressive behavior. The initial parabolic branch was modeled using Popovics’ formulation, revealing an elastic modulus approximately 20% lower than ACI 318-19 predictions. The second branch was described using a linear approximation, and nonlinear regression analysis produced expressions for key points on the idealized compressive curve, enhancing model accuracy for CR-confined RAC. The R2 values for the nonlinear regression analysis performed on experimental results were greater than 0.90. This study highlights the effectiveness of neural network expressions to predict the compressive strength of CR-confined concrete. A strength reduction (ratio of full wrap and strip wrap height CRs) factor of 0.67 was proposed and used for strip-wrapped specimens. It was seen that the neural network models also predicted the compressive strength of partially wrapped specimens with reasonable accuracy using the strength reduction factor.
Recycled Aggregate Concrete Incorporating GGBS and Polypropylene Fibers Using RSM and Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Jaglan Anjali , Singh Rati Ram
Published: January 2025

In this study, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and machine learning models were used to predict the mechanical properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) containing ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and polypropylene fibers (PPFs). The investigation focused on compressive strength (CS) and split tensile strength (STS) tests at curing periods of 7, 28, 56, and 90 days, with variations in the percentages of GGBS (0–50%), recycled aggregate (RA) (0–100%), and PPF (0–1%). The RSM model showed high accuracy in predicting both CS and STS, with statistically significant results (p-value < 0.0001). Among the machine learning models, the Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM) exhibited the highest performance, achieving an R2 value of 0.98961 during the training and testing phases for CS prediction. It also demonstrated strong results for STS prediction, with an MSE of 0.02773, MAPE of 2.69775, and R2 value of 0.99404 in the training phase, and an MSE of 0.14141, MAPE of 5.71691, and R2 value of 0.96947 during testing. The Stacked Ensemble Learning model performed similarly to GBM, with an R2 of 0.99251 during training for STS and 0.96619 during testing. However, GBM consistently outperformed the other models in terms of balancing low error rates and high R2 values across both datasets. The Distributed Random Forest model also provided strong performance but slightly higher error rates and lower R2 values than GBM. Overall, both GGBS and PPF significantly enhanced the mechanical properties and workability of the concrete, highlighting the importance of these additives in optimizing concrete performance.
Training for Sustainable and Healthy Building for 2050: New Methodologies for an Integrated and Transnational Education Approach Targeting Skills Development for the Transition Toward ZEB and PEB Buildings
Authors: Koukou Maria K. , Lucas Susana , Justino Julia , Rafael Silviano , Livieratos Antonios D. , Carriço Nelson , Konstantaras John , Vrachopoulos Michail Gr. , Benedetti Anna Chiara , Mazzoli Cecilia , Ferrante Annarita , Abdollah Mohammad Abdollah Fadel , Scoccia Rossano , Famiglietti Jacopo , Bakoń Tomasz , Aleksiejuk-Gawron Joanna
Published: January 2025

The development of existing technologies and the emergence of new technologies aiming at the total decarbonization of the buildings sector by 2050 requires and encourages upskilling and reskilling of existing professionals as well as the development of new subjects from higher education courses to be able to respond to the demands of these challenges. In responding to those challenges, the main objective of the research is to design, implement, and evaluate a novel, integrated, and transnational educational approach aimed at equipping professionals and students in the construction sector with the necessary skills to achieve sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. This study aligns with the European Union’s 2050 decarbonization goals by developing innovative methodologies that address the multidisciplinary challenges of sustainable building design, operation, and renovation. The proposed educational approach was developed in the framework of an Erasmus+ project entitled “Training for Sustainable and Healthy Building for 2050 (BUILD2050)”. Six higher education institutions from five European countries joined forces to create transversal skills in the building sector knowledge for emerging challenges through an integrated training composed of eight training courses for students and professionals of the construction area. In this work, the pedagogical approach used to develop the course contents, curricular development issues, technology, and infrastructure, as well as student support, the results obtained from the evaluation carried out after the pilot training of the eight training courses, and best practices and lessons learned, are presented and discussed. The courses’ learning objectives, the learning material, and the assessment activities were well-accomplished. However, based on the feedback of students and teachers, some improvements for future editions of the courses are required.
Evaluating the Impact of Flexibilities from Heating and Electromobility in Chile’s Carbon Neutrality Pathway
Authors: Kundu Abhishake , Flores Francisco , Vázquez Carlos A. A. Fernández , Godoy Humberto , Quoilin Sylvain , Castaneda Monica , Feijoo Felipe
Published: January 2025

Chile’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 underscores the need for robust decarbonization strategies across various sectors. Despite making progress in integrating renewable energy, sectors like transportation and residential heating, which are heavily reliant on fossil fuels, present significant opportunities for decarbonization. This study develops and evaluates pathways based on Chile’s Long-Term Energy Plan for assessing the effect of flexibilities from the power-to-heat and power-to-transportation sectors. Using EnergyPLAN, we model different scenarios of Chile’s 2050 energy plan that incorporate varying levels of individual heating and electromobility and assess their impacts on excess (surplus) electricity generation, different cost metrics, and renewable energy penetration. Findings indicate that increasing flexibility within the transportation sector through smart charging and vehicle-to-grid technologies can reduce excess generation, enhance grid stability, and lower operational costs. Flexibilities in individual heating, when coupled with more renewable energy capacity, show the potential to decrease reliance on fossil fuels significantly. The evidence of major efficiency gains in Chile’s 2050 energy plan, which is achievable by investing in heating and transportation flexibilities and further augmented by the country’s unique renewable potential, should interest stakeholders. Future work will focus on optimizing these technologies to address Chile’s specific infrastructure and regulatory challenges.