bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ketamine does not rescue plaque load or gap detection in the 5XFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wright Alexa L. , Weible Aldis P. , Estes Olivia B. , Wehr Michael
Published: February 2025

Ketamine has received growing attention for its effects on neuroplasticity and neuroinflammation, and as a treatment for depression and other mental health disorders. Recent evidence suggests that early sensory and behavioral deficits in Alzheimer's disease could be caused by synaptic disruption that occurs before irreversible neuropathology. This raises the possibility that ketamine could slow down or prevent network disruption and the ensuing sensory and behavioral deficits in Alzheimer's. Here we tested this idea in the 5XFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's, using either an acute single injection of ketamine, or chronic daily injections over 15 weeks. We tested the effects of ketamine on both amyloid plaque load and on a behavioral auditory gap detection task that is an early Alzheimer's biomarker in both mice and humans. We found that ketamine had no effect on plaque load, nor any effect on gap detection, for either acute or chronic dosing. Chronic ketamine facilitated startle responses specifically in 5XFAD mice, but this could simply be related to experience-dependent effects on stress or habituation rather than any rescue effect of ketamine on Alzheimer's-related deficits. We did find robust correlations between gap detection deficits and plaque load in auditory cortex and in the caudal pontine reticular nucleus, demonstrating that the behavioral deficits seen in 5XFAD mice are directly related to amyloid accumulation in these brain regions, and confirming the validity of gap detection as an early biomarker of Alzheimer's. Ketamine, however, had no effect on the strength of these correlations. We conclude that ketamine has no beneficial effect on the development of behavioral gap detection deficits or plaque load in the 5XFAD Alzheimer's mouse model, following either an acute single dose or a chronic daily dose regimen.
Case Report: Unveiling the unexpected: a rare case of adult-type rhabdomyoma in a 9-year-old boy
Authors: Wang Li , Li Shan , Sun Lingling
Published: February 2025

Rhabdomyoma is an exceedingly rare benign soft tissue tumor of skeletal muscle origin, classified into cardiac and extracardiac types based on location. Extracardiac rhabdomyoma further includes adult, genital, and fetal types depending on the degree of differentiation. Most patients are between 40 and 70 years old, with a mean age of 60 years and a male predominance. This case report presents a 9-year-old boy diagnosed with an oropharyngeal tumor, initially presenting with a 6-month history of a foreign body sensation in the throat, presenting as night-time snoring. Postoperative histological examination revealed adult rhabdomyoma, characterized by specific immunohistochemical and histologic traits including cytoplasmic positivity for muscle-specific Actin (MSA), Desmin, Myogenin, and MYOD1, large polygonal skeletal muscle cells and frequent extensive vacuolization. This report highlights the unusual age of presentation for this variant and underscores the need for heightened clinical awareness to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective management of such rare occurrences.
The role of statins in dementia or Alzheimer’s disease incidence: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Du Ye , Yu Zhangjie , Li Chengyi , Zhang Yanxing , Xu Buyun
Published: February 2025

Background

The effect of statins on the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is unclear.

Methods

We systematically searched EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, CENTRAL and ClinicalTrail.gov for cohort studies comparing incidence of new-onset dementia and AD between statin users and non-users. We applied the DerSimonian–Laird random effects method to pool hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

We included forty-two studies comprising 6,325,740 patients. Thirty-five cohort studies involving 6,306,043 participants were pooled and indicated that statin use was associated with a reduced risk of dementia (HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.71–0.88). Similarly, an analysis of 19 studies comprising 1,237,341 participants demonstrated a 29% decrease in the risk of AD among statin users (HR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.60–0.85). In sensitivity analyses, diagnostic criteria for dementia/AD significantly affected the combined risk estimates. In subgroup analyses, compared to studies enrolling participants with a mean/median age over 70 years, those younger than 70 years exhibited greater efficacy of statins in preventing dementia (HR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.56–0.81 vs HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.78–0.95; P = 0.02) and AD (HR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.44–0.50 vs. HR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.71–0.92; P < 0.01). Due to significant heterogeneity in the definitions of statin dosage and exposure duration, pooling the results was abandoned and most studies suggested that higher dosages and longer exposure duration of statins further reduce the risk of dementia and AD.

Conclusion

Statin use is associated with a reduced incidence of dementia and AD, which might be modified by ages.
Discovery of novel and highly potent small molecule inhibitors targeting FLT3-ITD for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia using structure-based virtual screening and biological evaluation
Authors: Shi Kun , Hong Ye , Liu Huajing , Yang Xiaotian , Wang Fengzhen , Zhang Yanming
Published: February 2025

Considering the essential role of FLT3-ITD mutations in the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the research and development of FLT3 inhibitors hold significant therapeutic potential. In this study, we identified a novel, highly potent small molecule inhibitor, FLIN-4, targeting FLT3 through structure-based virtual screening. Notably, FLIN-4 showed exceptional inhibitory effects in kinase activity inhibition assays, exhibiting a potent inhibitory effect against FLT3 (IC50 = 1.07 ± 0.04 nM). This potency was significantly superior to that of the known positive inhibitor Midostaurin, showing approximately 27 times higher inhibitory potency. Molecular dynamics simulations have confirmed the stable interaction between FLIN-4 and FLT3. Furthermore, cytotoxicity assays revealed that FLIN-4 has significant anti-proliferative activity against the AML cell line MV4-11 (IC50 = 1.31 ± 0.06 nM). Overall, these data suggest that FLIN-4, as a potential therapeutic candidate for AML, is valuable for further research and development.
Angel or devil: the dual roles of 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside in the development of liver injury based on integrating pharmacological techniques: a systematic review
Authors: Jiang Jiajie , Wang Qixiu , Wu Qiang , Deng Bobin , Guo Cui , Chen Jie , Zeng Jinhao , Guo Yaoguang , Ma Xiao
Published: February 2025

Background and purpose

2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG) exhibits a dualistic pharmacological profile, acting as both a hepatoprotective and hepatotoxic agent, which is intricately linked to its interaction with multiple signaling pathways and its stereoisomeric forms, namely, cis-SG and trans-SG. The purpose of this study is to evaluate both the hepatoprotective and hepatotoxic effects of TSG and give therapeutic guidance.

Methods

This study performed a systematic search of eight databases to identify preclinical literature up until March 2024. The CAMARADES system evaluated evidence quality and bias. STATA and Python were used for statistical analysis, including dose-effect maps, 3D maps and radar charts to show the dose-time-effect relationship of TSG on hepatoprotection and hepatotoxicity.

Results

After a rigorous screening process, a total of 24 studies encompassing 564 rodents were selected for inclusion in this study. The findings revealed that TSG exhibited bidirectional effects on the levels of ALT and AST, while also regulating the levels of ALT, AST, TNF-α, IL-6, serum TG, serum TC, SOD, MDA, IFN-γ, and apoptosis rate. The histological analysis of liver tissue confirmed the regulatory effects of TSG, and a comprehensive analysis revealed the optimal protective dosage range was 27.27–38.81 mg/kg/d and the optimal toxic dosage range was 51.93–76.07 mg/kg/d. TSG exerts the dual effects on liver injury (LI) through the network of Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1, NF-κB, PPAR, PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT and TGF-β pathways.

Conclusion

TSG could mediate the pathways of oxidation, inflammation, and metabolism to result in hepatoprotection (27.27–38.81 mg/kg/d) and hepatotoxicity (51.93–76.07 mg/kg/d).
Narrative approach to understanding compassion: a mixed methods study in a Polish sample
Authors: Zieba Mariusz , Zatorski Mateusz P. , Wójcik Natalia E.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

This study investigates the relationship between compassion, defined by Gilbert as “a sensitivity to suffering in self and others, with a commitment to try to alleviate and prevent it” and narrative identity. We explored whether individuals with high and low levels of compassion differ in narrative characteristics such as affective tone, agency, and communion themes, as well as the use of redemption or contamination sequences in stressful life event narratives.

Methods

A mixed-method study was conducted with Polish adult participants (N = 63), half of whom had low and the other half high levels of compassion. Participants completed several questionnaires, including the Compassion Action and Engagement Scale. A few weeks later, they participated in individual interviews where they narrated several key life events. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded by an individual blind to the participants' compassion levels and other identifying information. The self-narratives were analyzed for affective tone, agency and communion themes, and redemption and contamination sequences. Differences in these elements between individuals with low and high compassion were analyzed using t-tests.

Results

Our findings indicate that individuals with higher compassion more frequently incorporate themes of agency and communion in their narratives, particularly in stories of failure and the past year's most difficult event. The narrative identity of a highly compassionate person includes more content related to seeing oneself as sensitive to suffering and actively working to reduce or prevent it.

Conclusions

This study highlights how individuals with varying levels of compassion construct narratives about significant life events. Narrative approaches can foster compassionate engagements and actions, potentially improving therapeutic practices and personal development strategies. The results underscore the importance of narrative analysis in understanding compassion and suggest that compassion levels may influence how individuals interpret and narrate their life experiences, offering valuable insights for future research.
Real-world cost-effectiveness of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir as treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Belgian setting with omicron variant
Authors: Marbaix Sophie , Simoens Steven , Clevenbergh Philippe , Van Bleyenbergh Pascal , Liberman Keliane , Dehenau Dimitri
Published: February 2025

Background

Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir is an oral treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease. This antiviral has proven to significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and death compared to no anti-SARS-CoV-2 treatment in this target population. This paper aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir in Belgium using real-world evidence.

Methods

A static decision tree model was developed to capture the health progression of patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Outcomes were expressed in Quality Adjusted-Life Years (QALYs), hospitalizations, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admissions, deaths and Long Covid cases, derived from epidemiological data over the first full year of the Omicron variant’s circulation (2022). Costs were calculated for the year 2023 from the healthcare payer’s perspective. Extensive sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of the cost-effectiveness results.

Results

In a cohort of 1,000 patients, treatment with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir is projected to save 95 QALYs and €82,658 compared to no anti-SARS-CoV-2 treatment over a lifetime horizon. These savings primarily stem from the reduction in hospitalizations among vulnerable patients who typically require a longer recovery time. The analysis also indicates 5 fewer ICU admissions and 8 fewer premature deaths per 1,000 infected patients.

Conclusion

In the context of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection, administering nirmatrelvir-ritonavir to patients at high risk of severe disease improves health outcomes and reduces costs. Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir is 100% likely to be cost-effective at a willingness to pay of €2,000 per QALY.
Optimal control of a Bose-Einstein condensate in an opticallattice: the non-linear and two-dimensional cases
Authors: Dionis E. , Peaudecerf B. , Guérin S. , Guéry-Odelin D. , Sugny D.
Published: February 2025

We numerically study the optimal control of an atomic Bose-Einstein condensate in an optical lattice. We present two generalizations of the gradient-based algorithm, GRAPE, in the non-linear case and for a two-dimensional lattice. We show how to construct such algorithms from Pontryagin’s maximum principle. A wide variety of target states can be achieved with high precision by varying only the laser phases setting the lattice position. We discuss the physical relevance of the different results and the future directions of this work.
Condensed tannin from Caragana korshinskii extraction and protection effects on intestinal barrier function in mice
Authors: Niu Xiaoyu , Qu Wei , Chen Zhiyu , Li Hui , Liu Peinan , Sun Mei , Yang Jing , Xing Yuanyuan , Li Dabiao
Published: February 2025

Caragana korshinskii tannins (CKT) were extracted by response surface methodology and the protection effect of CKT on the jejunal mucosal barrier function of mice was investigated. Firstly, this work presents the extraction, purification and characterization of CKT. The results show that the extraction conditions were as follows: extraction temperature was 52°C, extraction time was 95 min, liquid-solid ratio was 20:1 and acetone volume fraction was 62%. The extraction yield of the CKT was 5.34%. The CKT has a typical polyphenol peak with a molecular weight of 8.662 kDa and is composed of epigallocatechin, catechin, epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, gallocatechin, epicatechin-3-o-gallate and catechin gallate with a molar ratio of 1:8.88:2.65:1.55:1.92:0.49:0.14. Additionally, the CKT showed strong antioxidants capacity in vitro. Secondly, the protection effect of CKT on the growth performance and mucosal barrier function of the mouse jejunum was examined. Totally, sixty KM mice were randomly divided into six treatment groups (n = 10) using a single-factor completely randomized experimental design. The treatment groups were intragastrically administered with 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW of CKT aqueous solution once a day. The gavage volume was set at 0.2 mL per 10 g of body weight, administered daily for 21 days. The results showed that CKT significantly improved growth performance and physiological state of mouse intestine. CKT strengthened the intestinal physical barrier by upregulating the expression of Occludin and ZO-1 and decreasing the levels of serum diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-lactate (D-LA). Regarding biochemical barrier, CKT could upregulate the activity and gene expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and decreasing the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in jejunum tissues. Generally, CKT may be used as a functional feed additive to regulate intestinal mucosal function, thereby enhancing the health of the intestine and host.
Optimizing Apache Spark MLlib: Predictive Performance of Large-Scale Models for Big Data Analytics
Authors: Theodorakopoulos Leonidas , Karras Aristeidis , Krimpas George A.
Published: February 2025

In this study, we analyze the performance of the machine learning operators in Apache Spark MLlib for K-Means, Random Forest Regression, and Word2Vec. We used a multi-node Spark cluster along with collected detailed execution metrics computed from the data of diverse datasets and parameter settings. The data were used to train predictive models that had up to 98% accuracy in forecasting performance. By building actionable predictive models, our research provides a unique treatment for key hyperparameter tuning, scalability, and real-time resource allocation challenges. Specifically, the practical value of traditional models in optimizing Apache Spark MLlib workflows was shown, achieving up to 30% resource savings and a 25% reduction in processing time. These models enable system optimization, reduce the amount of computational overheads, and boost the overall performance of big data applications. Ultimately, this work not only closes significant gaps in predictive performance modeling, but also paves the way for real-time analytics over a distributed environment.
Simulation and Stability Analysis of a Coupled Parachute–Payload System
Authors: Bergeron Keith , Ghoreyshi Mehdi , Jirasek Adam
Published: February 2025

High-fidelity simulations are used to study the stability of a coupled parachute–payload system in different configurations. A 8.53 m ring–slot canopy is attached to two separate International Organization for Standardization (ISO) container payloads representing a Twenty Foot Equivalent (TEU). To minimize risk and as an alternative to a relatively expensive traditional test program, a multi-phase design and evaluation program using computational tools validated for uncoupled parachute system components was completed. The interaction of the payload wake suspended at different locations and orientations below the parachute were investigated to determine stability characteristics for both subsonic and supersonic freestream conditions. The DoD High-Performance Computing Modernization Program CREATETM-AV Kestrel suite was used to perform CFD and fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulations using both delayed detached-eddy simulations (DDES) and implicit Large Eddy Simulations (iLES). After analyzing the subsonic test cases, the simulations were used to predict the coupled system’s response to the supersonic flow field during descent from a high-altitude deployment, with specific focus on the effect of the payload wake on the parachute bow shock. The FSI simulations included structural cable element modeling but did not include aerodynamic modeling of the suspension lines or suspension harness. The simulations accurately captured the turbulent wake of the payload, its coupling to the parachute, and the shock interactions. Findings from these simulations are presented in terms of code validation, system stability, and drag performance during descent.
Multi-Objective Airport Slot Allocation with Demand-Side Fairness Considerations
Authors: Yang Ruoshi , Le Meilong , Wang Qiangzhe
Published: February 2025

Airport slot allocation is a key short-term solution to address airport capacity constraints, and it has long been a focus of research in the field of air traffic management. The existing studies primarily consider constraints such as airport capacity and flight operations, optimizing the slot allocation of arrival and departure flights to maximize the utilization of airport resources. This study proposes an airline fairness index based on a demand-side value system and addresses the problem of flight slot allocation by developing a tri-objective model. The model simultaneously considers the maximum slot deviation, total slot deviation, and airline fairness. Additionally, dynamic capacity constraints using rolling time windows and constraints on slot migration during peak periods are incorporated. The ε-constraint method is employed in conjunction with a large-neighborhood search heuristic to solve a two-stage optimization process, yielding an efficient allocation scheme. The experimental results show that the introduction of rolling capacity constraints effectively resolves the issue of continuous overcapacity that arises when only a fixed capacity is considered. Additionally, the proposed airline fairness index, based on a demand-side value system, can significantly improve fairness during the slot allocation process. By sacrificing at most 16% of the total displacement, it is possible to reduce the unfairness index by nearly 80%.
Breeding Motives and Attitudes Towards Stakeholders: Implications for the Sustainability of Local Croatian Breeds
Authors: Cerjak Marija , Faletar Ivica , Šmit Gabriela , Ivanković Ante
Published: February 2025

Understanding how breeders of local breeds view different social actors can be of great importance to the process of local breed conservation. The same goes for the motives in farming local breeds. However, there is little research that provides insight into these perspectives. The aim of this study was to investigate motives for farming and attitudes of Croatian breeders of two local cattle breeds (Istrian cattle and Buša), two local donkey breeds (Istrian donkey and Littoral Dinaric donkey), and one local horse breed (Croatian Posavina horse) towards consumers, the local population and the regional and national administration. In addition, the influence of motives, attitudes, and the socio-economic characteristics of the breeders on the planned scope of breeding over the next five years was investigated. The study was conducted on a sample of 204 breeders of selected local breeds. The results of the study show that the most important motive for keeping a local breed is the attractiveness (beauty) of the breed followed by its emotional and sentimental value. Around one-third of farmers have a relatively positive attitude towards all stakeholders, with the role of the local population and consumers being viewed most positively. Almost half of the farmers (49%) plan to increase the size of their herd and only 8% plan to reduce it or to stop farming. The planned farming volume over the next five years is significantly influenced by the importance of economic and traditional motives and the change in the number of animals over the last five years. This study represents a valuable contribution to understanding the views of farmers of local breeds towards key societal stakeholders, and the findings can be used in campaigns to promote the keeping of these valuable breeds.
Effects of Selenium Foliar Spraying on Seedling Growth and Stem Sheath Hardness in Fragrant Rice
Authors: Zhuang Jingna , Fang Yilu , Zheng Jinxi , Duan Yan , Liu Xuexue , Mo Zhaowen
Published: February 2025

Previous studies have shown that selenium (Se) can influence rice growth and yield. However, the Se effect on rice lodging remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different Se treatments on seedling growth and stem sheath hardness in fragrant rice. A hydroponic experiment was conducted using two fragrant rice varieties, Yuxiangyouzhan and Xiangyaxiangzhan, as experimental materials. Two forms of selenium fertilizers (amino acid-chelated selenium and sodium selenite) were used. There were five foliar spraying selenium fertilizer treatments (CK: no selenium fertilizer; T1: 4 μmol·L−1 amino acid-chelated selenium; T2: 8 μmol·L−1 amino acid-chelated selenium; T3: 4 μmol·L−1 sodium selenite; and T4: 8 μmol·L−1 sodium selenite), and the effects of the different selenium fertilizer treatments on seedling growth and stem sheath hardness in fragrant rice were studied. Significant Se treatment effects on root fresh weight, seedling dry weight, plant height, stem sheath length, number of leaves, chlorophyll content, stem sheath hardness, peroxidase activity in leaf and stem sheaths, and lignin content in the roots were detected. A significant Se treatment and variety interaction effect on the stem sheath hardness was observed. The different forms/levels of selenium fertilizer affected the seedling growth and the stem sheath hardness differed. The Se treatments improved seedling growth and significantly affected the dry weight, chlorophyll content, stem sheath hardness, and peroxidase activity in leaf and stem sheaths. Compared with the CK treatment, the Se treatments increased the total dry weight of seedlings in Xiangyaxiangzhan and Yuxiangyouzhan by the ranges of 25.43–52.77% and 18.97–30.09%, respectively. The T2–T4 treatments increased the stem sheath hardness values in Xiangyaxiangzhan and Yuxiangyouzhan by the ranges of 21.6–54.7% and 38.3–146.6%, respectively, as compared to the CK treatment. The Se treatments had a promoting effect on physiological indexes such as stem sheath length, lignin content in the stem sheath, and dry matter accumulation in different plant tissues, thereby increasing the total dry weight. The Se treatment had an inhibitory effect on chlorophyll b content and total chlorophyll content, whilst it increased the chlorophyll a content and chlorophyll a/b ratio, which in turn affected the photosynthesis of rice. Therefore, appropriate Se treatments (the application of 8 μmol·L−1 amino acid-chelated selenium, 4 μmol·L−1 sodium selenite, and 8 μmol·L−1 sodium selenite) could improve seedling growth and stem sheath hardness, which was related to the parameter changes, such as the dry weight, photosynthesis pigments, and peroxidase activity. These findings suggest that different Se fertilizers can positively regulate rice resistance to lodging and growth. This study can provide theoretical support for the application of selenium fertilizer.
Analysis of Volatile Profile of Polish Gouda-Type Cheese and Its Analogue
Authors: Borowik Piotr , Polak-Śliwińska Magdalena , Stocki Marcin , Hrynyk Heorhiy , Okorski Adam , Pawłowicz Tomasz , Tarakowski Rafał , Orłowski Andrzej , Oszako Tomasz
Published: February 2025

Gouda-type cheese originated in the Netherlands, but is now produced all over the world. Analogue cheeses are cheese-like products with a lower price level that are based on non-dairy fats and proteins. The market demand for analogue cheese is currently also growing due to customers’ preference for low-fat foods. In this report, samples of Gouda-type cheese and its analogues produced by a dairy cooperative (Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, Poland) were used as the subject of analysis; their volatile profiles were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In addition, measurements were carried out using a low-cost electronic nose based on MOX sensors. The results showed a richer chemical composition of the cheese volatiles compared to the analogue product. The measurements with the electronic nose made it possible to differentiate between the sample categories but also revealed similarities between them. The research demonstrated that both methods could be used for the assessment of the volatile profiles of the products.
Precision Monitoring of Dead Chickens and Floor Eggs with a Robotic Machine Vision Method
Authors: Yang Xiao , Zhang Jinchang , Paneru Bidur , Lin Jiakai , Bist Ramesh Bahadur , Lu Guoyu , Chai Lilong
Published: February 2025

Modern poultry and egg production is facing challenges such as dead chickens and floor eggs in cage-free housing. Precision poultry management strategies are needed to address those challenges. In this study, convolutional neural network (CNN) models and an intelligent bionic quadruped robot were used to detect floor eggs and dead chickens in cage-free housing environments. A dataset comprising 1200 images was used to develop detection models, which were split into training, testing, and validation sets in a 3:1:1 ratio. Five different CNN models were developed based on YOLOv8 and the robot’s 360° panoramic depth perception camera. The final results indicated that YOLOv8m exhibited the highest performance, achieving a precision of 90.59%. The application of the optimal model facilitated the detection of floor eggs in dimly lit areas such as below the feeder area and in corner spaces, as well as the detection of dead chickens within the flock. This research underscores the utility of bionic robotics and convolutional neural networks for poultry management and precision livestock farming.
Study on the Adaptability of 15 Oat Varieties in Different Ecological Regions
Authors: Zhang Guanlu , Chai Jikuan , Zhao Guiqin , Zeng Liang
Published: February 2025

The planting of oat varieties is influenced by factors such as their inherent traits, ecological regional climate, altitude conditions, and resistance differences, resulting in a decrease in both forage yield and quality. It is crucial to carefully select appropriate oat varieties for different ecological regions in order to enhance forage yield and quality, thereby facilitating the advancement of the grass industry. The correlation between the indices and the relationship between the indices and varieties were investigated through rigorous correlation analysis and principal component analysis. By employing gray correlation analysis, the 21 indices were transformed into 15 independent comprehensive indices. Subsequently, based on a comprehensive analysis, oat varieties suitable for cultivation in different ecological regions were identified. In this study, fifteen domestic and foreign oat varieties were cultivated in the semi-arid region of Weiqi Town and the alpine region of Damaying Town in Shandan County throughout 2023. Among the yield traits, Everleaf 126 exhibited a significantly lower plant height while possessing the largest leaf area, the highest number of effective tillers, and achieving the highest hay and seed yields (p < 0.05), which were 13,199 kg/ha and 5136 kg/ha, respectively. The plant height of Longyan No.3 in Damaying Town was significantly higher than that of other varieties. This variety also demonstrated the highest number of effective tillers, along with the greatest hay yield (7783 kg/ha) and seed yield (5033 kg/ha). Among the evaluated quality traits, Everleaf 126 in Weiqi Town exhibited the highest leaf–stem ratio, crude protein content, and crude fat content (p < 0.05). In contrast, Mengshi in Damaying Town had the highest leaf–stem ratio, while Longyan No.3 demonstrated the highest levels of crude protein and crude fat content. Furthermore, Molasses displayed the highest soluble sugar content in both locations (p < 0.05). The resistance of 15 oat varieties to pests and diseases was found to be lower in Weiqi Town compared to Damaying Town. Notably, Everleaf 126 exhibited the highest resistance to powdery mildew, red leaf disease, leaf spot disease, and aphids among the varieties tested in Weiqi Town. In contrast, Longyan No.3 demonstrated superior resistance in Damaying Town. In conclusion, based on a comprehensive analysis of the gray correlation degree, in the semi-arid region, Everleaf 126 exhibited the most superior performance, followed by Molasses and Longyan No.3. In the alpine region, Longyan No.3 demonstrated the highest overall performance, followed closely by Molasses and Mengshi. These varieties exhibit significant potential for promotion as high-yield, high-quality forage oats in semi-arid and alpine environments.
Effect of Fungicide Application in Combination with Different Growth Regulators on Cotton Boll Quality and Yield in the Northwest Inland of China
Authors: Abuduaini Munire , Cheng Hao , Song Xinghu , Wu Gang , Li Xinxin , Tian Yangqing , Zhang Jiahao , Wang Wenqing , Yang Siqi , Meng Ziyi , Zhao Feifei , Wu Honghong , Zhao Qiang
Published: February 2025

Cotton yield can be stabilized by regulating the number and weight of bolls through the application of growth regulators. A field experiment was conducted in Xiaya, Xinjiang, from 2021 to 2023. The primary treatment involved a 40% pyraclostrobin suspension (300 mL/ha) combined with different growth regulators: 14-hydroxylated brassinosteroid (150 mL/ha, M1), 0.1% thidiazuron (150 mL/ha, M2), or 8% diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate (150 g/ha, M3). Clear water (M0) was used as the control treatment. This study examined the interaction between year and treatment and analyzed key factors affecting cotton yield. The results indicated a significant interaction effect between chemical treatments and yield across the years. All treatments led to an increase in yield compared with the control, with notable improvements in the number of bolls per unit area, boll weight, leaf area index, and net photosynthesis rate of cotton leaves. From a spatial perspective, the treatments effectively enhanced the number of bolls in the upper part of the plant. A positive correlation was observed between the number of new bolls and seed cotton yield. Among the treatments, the M2 treatment proved to be the most effective, which substantially increased the number of bolls in the upper part of the plant, as well as the total number of bolls per unit area and boll weight, resulting in a significant yield improvement. These findings can guide the development of chemical regulation strategies for cotton production in the Aksu region of Xinjiang, China, providing a valuable reference for enhancing local cotton yield.
Tracking Particulate Matter Accumulation on Green Roofs: A Study at Warsaw University Library
Authors: Gładysz Katarzyna , Wrochna Mariola , Popek Robert
Published: February 2025

Particulate matter (PM) is a critical component of urban air pollution, with severe implications for human health and environmental ecosystems. This study investigates the capacity of green roofs at the Warsaw University Library to mitigate air pollution by analyzing the retention of PM and associated trace elements (TEs) across eight perennial plant species during spring, summer, and autumn. The results highlight significant interspecies variability and seasonal trends in PM retention, with peak levels observed in summer due to increased foliage density and ambient pollution. Sedum spectabile and Spiraea japonica emerged as the most effective species for PM capture, owing to their wax-rich surfaces and dense foliage, while Betula pendula demonstrated a high retention of TEs like manganese and zinc. Seasonal shifts from surface-bound PM (SPM) to wax-bound PM (WPM) in autumn underline the importance of adaptive plant traits for sustained pollutant capture. These findings underscore the critical role of green roofs in urban air quality management, emphasizing the need for species-specific strategies to maximize year-round phytoremediation efficacy. Expanding the implementation of diverse vegetation on green roofs can significantly enhance their environmental and public health benefits.
Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernioplasty with a Polyether Ether Ketone Anchoring Device in Intact Male Horses Does Not Compromise Testicular Perfusion, Sperm Production or Motility Characteristics
Authors: Vitoria Arantza , Barrachina Laura , Romero Antonio , Fuente Sara , de Blas Ignacio , Gil Lydia , Vázquez Francisco José
Published: February 2025

A new surgical technique using a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) anchoring device for testicle-sparing laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty in stallions was described in 2023 and is known as the PEEK harpoon technique (PHT). In breeding stallions, it is essential that the surgery is effective in preventing inguinal hernia but also that it does not impair the testicular function. This study aims to evaluate whether the PHT may affect testicular function. To achieve that, changes in the testicular blood flow, sperm production and motility characteristics were assessed 28 days after use of the PHT. Standing laparoscopic hernioplasty using the PHT was performed unilaterally in eight healthy (non-previously herniated) experimental intact males. The contralateral inguinal canals and testicles were used as control. Pre- and post-surgery Doppler ultrasonographic evaluations of testicular perfusion were performed serially. Bilateral castration was performed at 28 days post-surgery, and epididymal sperm were obtained from both testicles to analyze seminal characteristics. No significant differences were identified in regard to testicular perfusion and the sperm characteristics of the control and operated testicles, suggesting that the PHT-based hernioplasty would not compromise testicular function. Further studies evaluating effects over a longer period are needed, but our data indicate that the PHT is suitable for testicle-sparing inguinal laparoscopic hernioplasties in breeding stallions with a history or predisposing factors of inguinal herniation.
Micro- and Mesoplastic Consumption Tendency of Exaiptasia diaphana Sea Anemones
Authors: Kaliszewicz Anita , Czyżewska Agata , Karaban Kamil , Olejniczak Izabella , Boniecki Paweł
Published: February 2025

Microplastics are an increasingly common threat to the aquatic environment, and, due to their small size, it is easy for them to spread and enter the seas and oceans. Micro- and mesoplastic particles are often ingested by marine organisms, especially those that have the potential for successful settlement on artificial substrata, including plastic. In laboratory experiments, we tested the tendency of the sea anemone Exaiptasia diaphana to consume plastic fragments and fibers of various sizes and shapes; these organisms are widely distributed in coastal waters, tide pools, and coral reefs. The plastic fragments and fibers were placed either in natural food or covered with a special food in gel form, which allowed them to retain their original shape. Our studies have shown that plastic in the shape of fibers is less readily consumed than in the form of fragments. The E. diaphana anemones with oral discs of diameter 10–12 mm had difficulty consuming long fibers. A total of 67% of the studied animals were unable to consume fibers of 13 mm length, while those of 3 and 7 mm length were consumed by 100% of the sea anemones. We have also established that microplastics taken with food are harmful to these cnidarians: mechanical injury to the body column was caused by the ingested polypropylene microfragments, and we also observed significantly increased mortality. Injuries, combined with the possible toxicological effects of the polymers, may have been the cause of increased mortality of the Exaiptasia diaphana.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Secondary Metabolites in Antibiotic-Induced Dysbiosis: A Narrative Review of Preclinical Studies
Authors: Andrei Corina , Zanfirescu Anca , Ormeneanu Victor-Pierre , Negreș Simona
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Drug-induced dysbiosis, particularly from antibiotics, has emerged as a significant contributor to chronic diseases by disrupting gut microbiota composition and function. Plant-derived secondary metabolites, such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, alkaloids, and saponins, show potential in mitigating antibiotic-induced dysbiosis. This review aims to consolidate evidence from preclinical studies on the therapeutic effects of secondary metabolites in restoring gut microbial balance, emphasizing their mechanisms and efficacy. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies were selected based on specific inclusion criteria, focusing on animal models treated with secondary metabolites for antibiotic-induced dysbiosis. The search terms included “gut microbiota”, “antibiotics”, and “secondary metabolites”. Data extraction focused on microbial alterations, metabolite-specific effects, and mechanisms of action. Relevant findings were systematically analyzed and summarized. Results: Secondary metabolites demonstrated diverse effects in mitigating the impact of dysbiosis by modulating gut microbial composition, reducing inflammation, and supporting host biological markers. Polysaccharides and polyphenols restored the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, increased beneficial taxa such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and suppressed pathogenic bacteria like Escherichia-Shigella. Metabolites such as triterpenoid saponins enhanced gut barrier integrity by upregulating tight junction proteins, while alkaloids reduced inflammation by modulating proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β). These metabolites also improved short-chain fatty acid production, which is crucial for gut and systemic health. While antibiotic-induced dysbiosis was the primary focus, other drug classes (e.g., PPIs, metformin) require further investigation. Conclusions: Plant-derived secondary metabolites show promise in managing antibiotic-induced dysbiosis by restoring microbial balance, reducing inflammation, and improving gut barrier function. Future research should explore their applicability to other types of drug-induced dysbiosis and validate findings in human studies to enhance clinical relevance.
The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Aging and Age-Related Disorders
Authors: Ganesh Bharathi Hassan , Padinjarathil Himabindu , Rajendran Ramya Lakshmi , Ramani Prasanna , Gangadaran Prakash , Ahn Byeong-Cheol
Published: February 2025

A variety of molecular and cellular changes distinguish the multifaceted biological process of aging. Recent studies in this decade have demonstrated the essential role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the aging process. Mitochondrial malfunction and increased oxidative stress are major contributors for the aging process. This review investigates the role of EVs in intercellular communication, tissue regeneration, and inflammation in the context of aging. We also discuss the exosome and its utility to reduce oxidative stress, which is a key part of aging, as well as the possibility of using the exosomes (EVs) as anti-aging drugs. Changes in cargo composition can influence the aging phenotype and impact the functionality of cells and tissues. Additionally, the role of EVs in oxidative stress during the aging process addresses potential treatment strategies and the development of biomarkers for age-associated disorders. The review also highlighted the role of exosomes in providing antioxidant properties, which help reduce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and strengthen cellular defenses against oxidative stress. Additionally, it emphasized the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in age-related pathologies, such as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and immunosenescence, offering insights into targeted interventions for promoting healthy aging. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current body of knowledge regarding the therapeutic effects of EVs on aging, with a particular emphasis on the implications of this emerging field of research and its relationship to oxidative stress.
Time–Space Analysis of Transport Infrastructures: A Pilot Study of Shibuya-Type Crossings for Signalized Intersections in Developing Cities
Authors: Seriani Sebastian , Lopez Ariel , Ogalde Nicolas , Dureo Gerardo , Arredondo Bernardo , Aprigliano Vicente , Peña Alvaro , Fujiyama Taku
Published: February 2025

Cities are growing larger, and congestion is becoming a major issue. Walking is increasingly becoming an important mode of transport in developing cities. One of the reasons for the high death toll is the lack of pedestrian facilities at transport infrastructures such as signalized intersections, where a conflict arises between vehicles turning right and pedestrians crossing at different speeds. This conflict, known as the vehicle–pedestrian conflict (in right-driving jurisdictions), occurs when the green light for vehicles is shared with the green pedestrian light. Additionally, if the intersection is congested due to high pedestrian flow, vehicles will turn right only during the yellow light, trying to find a gap in the pedestrian flow. As a result, delays increase for both pedestrians and vehicles, reducing the intersection’s capacity. To reduce the vehicle–pedestrian conflict, various pedestrian facilities can be implemented, such as Shibuya-type crossings, which include an exclusive pedestrian phase and diagonal crossing. When applying this type of solution, vehicle delays are reduced up to 81% on average, increasing the efficiency and safety of the space used at the intersection. However, pedestrian delays might increase up to 5 times, due to the need to wait for the third exclusive phase for them to cross the intersection in all directions. The method is applied in a case of study in Valparaiso, Chile, and therefore can be expanded in further research to other developing cities in Chile and specifically Latin America.
LightVSR: A Lightweight Video Super-Resolution Model with Multi-Scale Feature Aggregation
Authors: Huang Guanglun , Li Nachuan , Liu Jianming , Zhang Minghe , Zhang Li , Li Jun
Published: February 2025

Video super-resolution aims to generate high-resolution video sequences with realistic details from existing low-resolution video sequences. However, most existing video super-resolution models require substantial computational power and are not suitable for resource-constrained devices such as smartphones and tablets. In this paper, we propose a lightweight video super-resolution (LightVSR) model that employs a novel feature aggregation module to enhance video quality by efficiently reconstructing high-resolution frames from compressed low-resolution inputs. LightVSR integrates several novel mechanisms, including head-tail convolution, cross-layer shortcut connections, and multi-input attention, to enhance computational efficiency while guaranteeing video super-resolution performance. Extensive experiments show that LightVSR achieves a frame rate of 28.57 FPS and a PSNR of 39.25 dB on the UDM10 dataset and 36.91 dB on the Vimeo-90k dataset, validating its efficiency and effectiveness.
Cloud Database Analysis of Instant Messaging Apps on Mobile Devices
Authors: Szabo Roland
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this paper is to present the creation, challenges and difficulties of four utility apps to increase production on Android handheld devices. The motivation of creating the apps and the problems encountered during creation are highlighted. The first app is a fast emoji app for WhatsApp. The motivation for creating such an app is that usually phone users do not like to type too much; with this app, they can communicate with each other just by sending emojis. The second app is a standalone emoji sender app, which does the same thing as the previous app but uses its own database, not the WhatsApp database.