bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bridging the gap: attitudes and practices toward complementary and alternative medicine among oncology patients and healthcare professionals in Croatia
Authors: Armano Ljerka , Vasiljev Vanja , Rukavina Tomislav , Juraga Denis , Racz Aleksandar , Tešić Vanja
Published: January 2025

The prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among oncology patients ranges from 30 to 80%, particularly higher in the United States compared to Europe. However, limited research exists on the attitudes of healthcare professionals and oncology patients toward CAM, especially within Western evidence-based medical settings. This study aims to address this gap by assessing CAM use prevalence among healthcare professionals and oncology patients and analyzing their cognitive, affective, and behavioral attitudes. Additionally, it explores the influence of sociodemographic factors and personal experiences on these attitudes. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between November 2022 and May 2023 at University Hospital Center Sisters of Mercy, Zagreb, Croatia. The study included 832 participants: 411 oncology patients and 421 healthcare professionals (100 physicians, 321 nurses/technicians). Data were collected using modified versions of the Health Belief Questionnaire (CHBQ) and Integrative Medicine Attitude Questionnaire (IMAQ). Statistical analysis included descriptive methods and tests such as Chi-square, Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA, and post hoc Tukey tests. The results showed that 55.6% of oncology patients and 32.2% of healthcare workers had used CAM at least once. Oncology patients were more likely to use CAM than healthcare professionals, and among healthcare professionals, nurses/technicians used CAM more frequently than physicians. Significant differences in attitudes were observed based on sociodemographic factors. Positive attitudes were more common among women, older adults, individuals with lower education levels, nurses/technicians, those with longer work experience, non-oncology healthcare workers, believers, and those with lower incomes. Marital status and place of residence showed no significant effect. This study highlights a gap between cancer patients’ frequent, unsupervised CAM use and healthcare providers’ often skeptical attitudes, particularly among physicians. The findings underscore the need for targeted education for healthcare professionals, development of CAM management guidelines in oncology, and fostering open dialogue between patients and providers to optimize outcomes. Longitudinal research is recommended to explore CAM’s impact on clinical outcomes.
Trace amine-associated receptors (TAARs)2-9 knockout mice exhibit reduced wakefulness and disrupted REM sleep
Authors: Park Sunmee , Heu Jasmine , Scheldrup Gavin , Tisdale Ryan K. , Sun Yu , Haire Meghan , Ma Shun-Chieh , Hoener Marius C. , Kilduff Thomas S.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the role of TAAR2-9 in sleep/wake regulation, given TAAR1's known involvement in modulating neurotransmitter release and sleep patterns.

Methods

Male TAAR2-9 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were compared using baseline sleep/wake patterns, responses to sleep deprivation, effects of TAAR1 agonists, and dopaminergic markers. EEG recordings and tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry were used for analysis.

Results

KO mice exhibited lower delta and theta power and higher gamma power, with fragmented sleep characterized by 16% more NREM sleep during the dark phase and 23% more REM sleep during the light phase compared to WT mice. High doses of the TAAR1 agonist RO5256390 increased wakefulness and reduced NREM sleep, while both RO5256390 and the partial agonist RO5263397 suppressed REM sleep in KO mice. Elevated tyrosine hydroxylase levels in the ventral tegmental area suggested dopaminergic involvement in these altered sleep patterns.

Discussion

TAAR2-9 modulates sleep/wake states and interacts with TAAR1. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting TAARs 2-9 in sleep-related neuropsychiatric disorders. Further research is needed to elucidate their roles.
COVID-19 vaccination: challenges in the pediatric population
Authors: Azoicai Alice Nicoleta , Miron Ingrith , Lupu Ancuta , Alexoae Monica Mihaela , Starcea Iuliana Magdalena , Alecsa Mirabela , Lupu Vasile Valeriu , Danielescu Ciprian , Nedelcu Alin Horatiu , Salaru Delia Lidia , Dragan Felicia , Ioniuc Ileana
Published: January 2025

Vaccination is considered to be one of the most effective means of protecting individuals and populations from the risks associated with exposure to various pathogens. The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), affected people of all ages worldwide. In response, several pharmaceutical companies rapidly leveraged their resources to develop vaccines within a very short period of time, leading to the introduction of new, improved, and combination vaccines for community-wide immunization. This review aims to provide a summary of the available literature on the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in the pediatric population ranging from 0 to 18 years. An analysis of recent published studies reveals that the majority of clinical trials have reported a sustained immune response following COVID-19 vaccination in children across various age groups worldwide. The majority of the authors highlighted the effectiveness and safety of immunization schedules in children and adolescents. The population-level efficacy of this vaccination remains to be determined, provided that the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Long-term side effects must still be monitored to enable the development of safer and more effective vaccines for future pandemics.
Association between fluoride exposure and the risk of serum CK and CK-MB elevation in adults: a cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Wu Junhua , Qin Ming , Gao Yue , Liu Yang , Liu Xiaona , Jiang Yuting , Yang Yanmei , Gao Yanhui
Published: January 2025

Background

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between urinary fluoride concentration and myocardial disease.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in three villages in Wenshui County, Shanxi Province. A total of 737 villagers were included in this analysis. Urinary fluoride was detected using a fluoride-ion selective electrode. Myocardial enzymes were detected using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Myocardial ischemia and arrhythmia were diagnosed using 12-lead electrocardiogram.

Results

The median level of urinary fluoride concentration was 1.32 mg/L. Urinary fluoride was associated with serum creatine kinase (CK) elevation (odds ratio [OR] = 1.39 [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.09–1.78) and CK isoenzyme (CK-MB) elevation (OR = 1.49 [95% CI: 1.12–1.97]). Stratified analysis revealed that urinary fluoride concentration was associated with CK elevation in villagers under the age of 60 years (OR = 1.80 [95% CI: 1.26–2.59]). This study found that there was a positive association between urinary fluoride concentration and the risk of CK-MB elevation in participants under the age of 60 years(OR = 2.18 [95% CI: 1.39–3.42]), those who were of female gender (OR = 1.53 [95% CI: 1.07–2.19]), those who were overweight/obese (OR = 1.96 [95% CI: 1.28–2.99]), those who had central obesity (OR = 1.59 [95% CI: 1.12–2.25]), consumed alcohol (OR = 1.49 [95% CI: 1.09–2.05]), and smoked (OR = 1.50 [95% CI: 1.10–2.04]).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that fluoride exposure is associated with the risk of serum CK and CK-MB elevation; however, it is not associated with myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α-HBD), or serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Further investigations are needed to substantiate our findings and explore the potential underlying mechanisms.
Exploring the impact of telemedicine in chronic patients from diverse socioeconomic contexts: systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Li Yuzhe , Shi Qifang , Yang Jing , Ran Li
Published: January 2025

Background

Telemedicine has a positive impact on improving health literacy and disease management ability of chronic disease patients and reducing the medical burden. However, telemedicine still has many problems in chronic disease management. We should actively solve the problems and maximize the functions of telemedicine.

Objective

To explore the application and improvement of telemedicine in chronic disease self-management to provide important insights from functional module analysis for stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to promote the development of telemedicine in chronic disease management.

Design

We conducted a systematic review and qualitative synthesis of five English databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus, as well as three Chinese databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang and VIP database. Databases were searched from inception until November 12, 2024.

Methods

This review is reported in accordance with guidelines for Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ). Two reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment using the Joanna Briggs Institute's key assessment tools for qualitative research. Thematic analysis was used for data synthesis.

Results

A total of 35 studies were included, and the contents were refined and summarized into 8 new subthemes. Then, four themes were synthesized: Reminder and supervisor, Access to knowledge, Transition in medical treatment mode, and Emotional support platform.

Conclusion

By improving information quality, developing diverse functions, and constructing multidisciplinary coordination mechanisms to meet the needs of patients with chronic diseases, improve the medical service system, maximize the function of telemedicine, and enhance the stickiness of patients to use telemedicine.
Molecular network analysis for detecting HIV transmission clusters: insights and implications
Authors: Liu Yangyang , Hua Lichun , Wu Wenqian , Ge You , Li Wei , Wei Pingmin
Published: January 2025

Objective

In order to improve knowledge of HIV transmission dynamics and guide preventive and control strategies, this work uses molecular cluster analysis to objectively detect clusters of HIV genetic sequence similarity.

Methods

89 HIV-positive couples provided blood samples, and plasma was separated for pol region gene sequence amplification. Furthermore, analyzed HIV-1 pol fragment sequences from Nanjing patients between 2015 and 2019. HYPHY and Cytoscape were used to generate and illustrate molecular networks.

Results

In this investigation of 89 double-positive pairs, it was discovered that the pairwise gene distance approach properly detected 82.02% of positive couples at an ideal gene distance of 0.014 substitution/loci. With an accuracy of 86.25%, the optimal parameter for the phylogenetic tree and gene distance approach was 90 + 0.045 substitution/loci. A molecular network was built for the Nanjing samples (2015–2019) using the optimum threshold of the previous technique. This network had 487 sequences with one misconnected cluster. There were 565 sequences in the network created by the latter approach that were not incorrectly connected.

Conclusion

For HIV research, molecular cluster analysis provides novel insights. It helps with preventive and control methods by objectively identifying clusters with comparable genetic sequences, which enhances our knowledge of HIV transmission. Further developments will increase its importance for HIV/AIDS research and worldwide prevention.
Hospital solid waste management strategies to prevent healthcare-associated infections from occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens and improve occupational safety
Authors: Ibáñez-Cruz Augusto Jorge Antonio , Vergara-Florián Alejandra Micaela Elena , Algoner William C.
Published: January 2025

Improving occupational safety and public health is crucial to reducing nosocomial infections in healthcare workers due to the ongoing deficiencies in solid waste management in private clinics. For this reason, it is necessary to implement appropriate solid waste management practices to mitigate risks for clinical staff, patients, and the environment. This research focused on reducing the risk of nosocomial infections in healthcare workers exposed to bloodborne pathogens. It was carried out at the private clinic and concentrated on properly managing hospital solid waste, with special attention to occupational health and safety. 400 health workers were trained online during six sessions, addressing biosafety, conditioning, segregation, storage, collection, and transportation of solid waste. The amount of waste produced in kilograms daily was 232.76 bio-contaminated, 11.23 special, and 218.58 joint. Bio-contaminated waste included patient care, bags with human blood and blood products, surgical and anatomicalpathological waste, sharps and biological objects, pharmaceuticals, and hazardous and radioactive chemicals. Proper solid waste management, supported by adequate training, contributed to a significant decrease in the incidence of nosocomial infections: two cases were reported in August and one in September, and there was no incidence of cases from October to December. The estimation of the method used for solid waste disposal showed an acceptable degree in the stages of conditioning, segregation, primary storage, internal transport within the clinic, and central storage. In addition, the occupational health and safety of the personnel at the private clinic was improved.
Inhibition of miMOMP-induced SASP to combat age-related disease
Authors: Liao Xiaoli , Guo Zhennan , He Mouhai , Zhang Yichun
Published: January 2025

Cellular senescence, first described in 1961, was initially observed in normal human fibroblasts that ceased proliferating after a finite number of divisions in culture. This process is triggered by various stimuli, including oxidative stress, chromatin modifications and oncogene activation, characterized by irreversible cell-cycle arrest, resistance to apoptosis and the induction of a complex senescent associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Over the past decade, emerging evidence has linked cellular senescence to the aging process and a wide range of chronic age-related diseases. Consequently, research focused on targeting senescence to alleviate or delay age-related disease, referred to as senotherapy, has been conducted rapidly. Therefore, elucidating the mechanisms of cellular senescence is essential for providing practical strategies aimed at addressing this condition.
Exploring drivers and prevention strategies for sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women in Kicukiro, Rwanda
Authors: Kawonga Wongani Patricia , Livingstone Sam M. , Ndaimani Augustine , Sibomana Jean Pierre , Waka Tsion Yohannes , Mhlanga Maxwell , Mclellan Andrew
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Sexual violence against adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) is a pervasive issue globally, with particularly high prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. This study explores the drivers and prevention strategies for sexual violence among AGYW in Kicukiro, Rwanda.

Methods

A descriptive exploratory design guided by the socioecological model and feminist standpoint theory was employed. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 AGYW participating in a mentorship program and 5 male community members. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key drivers and potential prevention strategies.

Results

Four themes emerged: (1) empowering mentorship programs, (2) tiered drivers of sexual violence, (3) optimizing violence-mitigating resources, and (4) interference with judicial processes. Key drivers of sexual violence included substance use, transactional sexual relationships, inadequate family protection, entrenched gender stereotypes, and limited legal literacy.

Conclusion

Findings underscore the need for multifaceted interventions that address systemic and cultural barriers, strengthen legal frameworks, and expand community-based programs. Addressing sexual violence requires a holistic approach, integrating empowerment initiatives, robust community engagement, and legal reforms to create safer environments for AGYW. The mentorship program's success suggests scalability across other settings.
The effects of adolescents' sleep duration on life satisfaction: utilizing the autoregressive cross-lagged (ARCL) model
Authors: Jung Eun Jin
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Sleep duration in youth is a key factor that significantly influences mental health. However, there have been limited studies examining the direct impact of adolescents' sleep on life satisfaction. This study aims to analyze the effects of adolescents' sleep duration on their life satisfaction.

Methods

For this purpose, data from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS) conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute (NYPI) were utilized, specifically focusing on the 4th-grade panel data (N = 2,378; 52.4% male; 47.6% female). Analysis revealed a rapid decline in youth sleep duration upon entering junior high school. Consequently, the data were categorized into two periods for analysis: Year I (4th grade) to Year IV (7th grade), and Year IV (7th grade) to Year VII (10th grade).

Results

Using the autoregressive cross-lagged (ARCL) model, it was found that sleep duration during Years IV-VII significantly influenced life satisfaction over time. An increase in sleep duration led to a subsequent increase in life satisfaction over time with statistical significance. Specifically, sleep duration during 7th grade exhibited a significant static influence on life satisfaction at 8th grade (β = 0.025, p < 0.03), while sleep duration during 8th grade statically affected life satisfaction during 9th grade (β = 0.026, p < 0.03). Moreover, sleep duration at 9th grade had a static influence on life satisfaction during 10th grade, with statistical significance (β = 0.027, p < 0.03).

Discussion

Based on the findings of this study, implications and suggestions for future research were discussed. It is essential to create an environment that promotes adequate sleep for adolescents, even after they enter junior high school.
Cultural revitalization for tourism development from an Indigenous perspective: the case of Ta Oi people, A Luoi District, Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thu-Suong Thi , Phan Diem-Huong Thi , Doan Diem-Hang Le , Chau Minh-Ngoc Thi , Doan Thanh-Thuy Thi (Jessica)
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Preserving and revitalizing culture to ensure authenticity for tourism development is a critical concern, especially as modern societal changes have eroded numerous traditional cultural values. Most local tourism development efforts primarily focus on meeting tourists' demands, often overlooking the perspectives of local communities who practice these unique cultures. This study, grounded in constructivist grounded theory, emphasizes the importance of conducting research from the local perspective to maintain authenticity in cultural preservation and to balance the interests of local people, tourists, and stakeholders.

Methods

The qualitative research method employed included fieldwork and focus group discussions conducted in A Luoi district, Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. Fieldwork and participation observations allow to capture information about the research area as well as the experiences and behaviors of the local community. Furthermore, focus groups were conducted with 20 Ta Oi people, divided into two groups: the elderly (aged over 50) and the young people, to gather thorough and various information from their perspective on the meaning and the revitalization of local culture. The data were analyzed thematically.

Results

The findings reveal that the Ta Oi people have revitalized four key cultural practices through tourism, including Dzeng weaving, traditional landscapes and architecture, traditional cuisine, and traditional art performances, rituals, and beliefs. In addition, cultural revitalization is also mentioned through people's perception of the authority's role and the adjustment of cultural activities toward tourism development. These practices have been adapted to fit the modern context, demonstrating that cultural revitalization is not about restoring traditions in a static form but rather reconstructing them to meet evolving societal and economic demands.

Discussion

The research illustrates the adaptability and creativity of local people in preserving and revitalizing traditional culture, along with their enthusiasm and willingness to take action. Cultural preservation is not a top-down process; instead, it is co-created by the Indigenous community itself, shaped by differing viewpoints between elder and younger generations. This ensures that while cultural traditions may evolve, they are still rooted in the values and identity of the Indigenous people, rendering the cultural revival process both sustainable and meaningful in the context of tourism. The research findings serve as a crucial foundation for guiding local government policies on cultural preservation and tourism development.
Forming a national community of practice of food system planning initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Zougris Konstantinos , Miles Albie F. , Benjamin Rose , Geismar Ella
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This paper is designed to identify key factors informing the process of developing a United States-based national community of practice of state and regional food system planning efforts aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Methods

Grounded in an extensive literature review, we employed an exploratory sequential mixed methods design to assess the needs, functions, challenges, and likelihood for participation in a national community of practice aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Data drawn by a series of semi-structured interviews with 25 leading experts, complemented by a set of self-administered online surveys of 35 practitioners of food planning efforts across the nation.

Results

Our integrative findings revealed overwhelmingly interest and need for the development of a national community of practice aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The findings further indicate that in the process of developing a national community of practice, the principles and functions of shared governance, mutual trust and collective fundraising are essential to supporting credible and coordinated activities that promote equity, reinforce capacity building, promote research on food system measurements, and strengthen advocacy for systemic transformation aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Finally, our study revealed a rampant interest in collaboration and knowledge sharing in various stages of the formation of a national community of practice. The majority of the participants appear to be familiar, yet only a small fraction of their organizations appear to be formally aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Discussion

Our integrative findings emerge with Wenger’s conceptual framework offering a suitable theoretical grounding in the process of developing a community of practice in food systems planning. The implication of this study denotes the importance of collaboration among academic research institutions, legislators and FPEs within the community that can spur adaptation, innovation, and integration in food system planning, policy, implementation, and monitoring. Coordination in pooling resources and aligning efforts can lead to more efficient use and allocation of funds, ensuring that investments are directed toward the most impactful practices aligned with state and regional food system initiatives and planning efforts.
Sensory characterization of the Ethiopian germplasm of Coffea arabica L. conserved in the Colombian Coffee Collection
Authors: Arias-Suárez Juan Carlos , López-Monsalve Luisa Fernanda , Medina-Rivera Rubén Darío , Flórez-Ramos Claudia Patricia
Published: January 2025

The sensory quality of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) has become increasingly important and is considered the best way to increase the competitiveness and profitability of the sector. Given the narrow genetic base cultivated, the use of its genetic resources conserved in germplasm banks is particularly relevant, especially for germplasm collected in Ethiopia, the country from which coffee originated and the center of its diversity of profiles. However, the potential benefits of using these resources is unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the sensory quality of the Ethiopian germplasm conserved in the Colombian Coffee Collection (CCC) to determine its variability and potential for use. The sensory qualities of drinks from 378 accessions of CCC were characterized. The results showed that 34% of the accessions evaluated presented sensory descriptors different from those of the traditional varieties. For the Global Impression attribute, the highest scores were associated with citrus, spice and floral notes. Additionally, prospecting rather than the area of origin of the germplasm influenced its sensory diversity, possibly due to the established objectives of the collection. The conserved germplasm exhibited important sensory variability, which is linked to rare descriptors in traditional varieties. Characterization activities of genetic resources, such as those conducted in this study, add value and serve as an initial step toward their application in breeding. The results obtained allow the selection of genotypes with distinct sensory profiles, which can be incorporated into genetic improvement programs aimed at developing future varieties with these attributes.
Midline vs. lateral flank approach for spaying nutrias (Myocastor coypus)
Authors: Di Ianni Francesco , Pelizzone Igor , Gavezzoli Martina , Fumeo Martina , Vetere Alessandro
Published: January 2025

The nutria (Myocastor coypus), an invasive semi-aquatic rodent in Europe introduced for the fur and meat industry at the beginning of the 20th century, has rapidly become a significant ecological and economic concern. In Italy, the damage caused by nutrias to crops, wetlands, and drainage systems has prompted the development of containment plans. However, these efforts, while effective in the short term, are challenged by rapid recolonization and local resistance. One emerging approach for controlling nutria populations is sterilization. This study compared two surgical techniques for ovariectomy in 60 free-ranging nutrias: 30 animals underwent the flank approach (FA), and 30 underwent the ventral midline approach (VMA). The animals were randomly assigned to one of the two groups and monitored for anesthesia duration, surgery time, recovery, and return to feeding. Results indicated that the FA group exhibited significantly shorter surgical and recovery times than the VMA group, with a positive correlation between body weight and surgery duration only in the VMA group. Additionally, a higher percentage of animals in the FA group resumed feeding within 12 h, suggesting better post-operative recovery. The FA technique thus demonstrated advantages over the VMA, reducing the risk of intraoperative complications and shortening recovery times. These findings suggest that the FA technique may be more suitable for reproductive control of nutria as part of invasive wildlife management strategies.
Dietary Fe-Gly supplementation attenuates enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-induced inflammation response and intestinal barrier dysfunction in piglets
Authors: Gao Qing , Zhang Yilong , Wu Yabin , Gu Dianchao , Chen Junzhou , Yin Conghui , Wu Hao , Zhu Dan , Chen Daiwen , Wu Aimin
Published: January 2025

Iron in the animal gut that is not utilized by the host can be directly utilized by microorganisms, particularly harmful ones. Organic iron (such as Fe-Gly) has high digestive and absorption efficiency in the body. It is currently unclear whether it can reduce the utilization of iron by ETEC, thereby mitigating the harm caused by ETEC infections. This experiment mainly studies the effects of adding Fe-Gly to the diet on the growth performance, iron nutritional status, and intestinal morphology of weaned piglets infected with ETEC. The study found that adding 50 mg of Fe-Gly to the diet significantly increased ADFI and ADG by 30.6 and 35.3%, respectively (p < 0.05), and alleviated the issues of diarrhea and reduced growth performance caused by ETEC infection. The diarrhea rate decreased by 40% (from 31.25 to 18.75%). In addition to protecting the health of piglets, adding Fe-Gly can also increase the TIBC level in piglet serum (p < 0.05), enhancing their ability to bind and transport iron. From the gene expression results and tissue section results, adding Fe-Gly can also alleviate the damage to the jejunum caused by ETEC challenge to some extent (p < 0.05). In conclusion, adding 50 mg of Fe-Gly can meet the daily needs of piglets, improve iron utilization efficiency, and reduce the residual iron in the intestines. This decreases the iron available for pathogenic microorganisms in the gut, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of intestinal pathogens and ensuring the intestinal health of piglets.
γδ T Cells’ Role in Donor-Specific Antibody Generation: Insights From Transplant Recipients and Experimental Models
Authors: Charmetant Xavier , Rigault Guillaume , Chen Chien-Chia , Kaminski Hannah , Visentin Jonathan , Taton Benjamin , Marseres Gabriel , Mathias Virginie , Koenig Alice , Barba Thomas , Merville Pierre , Graff-Dubois Stéphanie , Morelon Emmanuel , Déchanet-Merville Julie , Dubois Valérie , Duong van Huyen Jean-Paul , Couzi Lionel , Thaunat Olivier
Published: January 2025

The generation of donor-specific antibodies (DSA) requires that alloreactive B cells receive help from follicular helper T (TFH) cells. Recent works have suggested that γδ T cells could contribute to T cell-dependent humoral responses, leading us to investigate their role in DSA generation. Analysis of a cohort of 331 kidney transplant recipients found no relation between the number of circulating γδ T cells and the risk to develop DSA. Coculture models demonstrated that activated γδ T cells were unable to promote the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells, ruling out that they can be “surrogate” TFH. In line with this, γδ T cells preferentially localized outside the B cell follicles, in the T cell area of lymph nodes, suggesting that they could instead act as “antigen-presenting cell” (APC) to prime αβ TFH. This hypothesis was proven wrong since γδ T cells failed to acquire APC functions in vitro. These findings were validated in vivo by the demonstration that following transplantation with an allogeneic Balb/c (H2d) heart, wild-type and TCRδKO C57BL/6 (H2b) mice developed similar DSA responses, whereas TCRαKO recipients did not develop DSA. We concluded that the generation of DSA is unfazed by the absence of γδ T cells.
A Symmetrical RRPRR Robust Coupling for Crossed Axes Transmission
Authors: Ciocirlan Toma-Marian , Alaci Stelian , Ciornei Florina-Carmen , Romanu Ionut-Cristian , Doroftei Ioan
Published: January 2025

A new coupling solution for transmitting the rotation motion between two shafts with crossed axes is proposed. Based on structural considerations, a planar (P) pair is introduced into the structure of the mechanism, presenting the advantage of reduced costs due to the constructive and manufacturing simplicity and to high reliability. The proposed mechanism is of the RRPRR type, and the structural symmetry simplifies substantially the construction of the mechanism. The constructive parameters of the mechanism are the angle and distance between the driving and driven shaft and also the length of the common normal between the axes of driving and driven revolute (R) pairs, and the axes of the revolute pairs of the coupling chain, respectively. Due to the presence of the planar pair, the Hartenberg–Denavit method of homogenous operators is not applicable. The kinematic analysis for a specified motion of the driving element requires two stages: finding the relative motions from the revolute pairs and the motions from the planar pair. The RRPRR transmission is analysed for geometrical asymmetrical and symmetrical cases; the latter is more convenient and the design principles are presented. Concerning the dimensional optimization, it is found to be a methodology for ensuring that the transmission ratio of the mechanism can be maintained within a stipulated range. Based on the kinematical calculus and geometrical optimization, the mechanism was designed and manufactured.
Influence of the Plant Training System on Yield and Nut Traits of European Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) Cultivar Nocchione
Authors: Pacchiarelli Alberto , Silvestri Cristian , Muganu Massimo , Cristofori Valerio
Published: January 2025

The European hazelnut is a temperate nut crop, often managed as a multi-stemmed shrub due to its natural aptitude to produce several suckers at the base of the stump, depending on variety. Traditional hazelnut-growing regions such as Italy, Turkey, and Spain typically adopt this architecture, while other hazelnut-producing countries such as the USA, France, and Chile increasingly use single-trunk systems to facilitate orchard management. Multi-stemmed plants allow gradual renewal through sucker selection but may lead to excessively dense canopies, reducing the effectiveness of pest and disease control, increasing biennial bearing, and lowering nut yields in vigorous cultivars. In order to drive the ongoing enlargement of hazelnut cultivation, attempts in designing high-density (HD), and more occasionally super-high-density (SHD), hazelnut orchards are on-going, although these are poorly explored in terms of suitable plant training systems, such that, sometimes, multi-stemmed plant shapes are used; otherwise, single-trunk solutions are adopted. In order to explore new hazelnut planting and training solutions focused on sustainable intensification, a trial was established in 2019 in central Italy to evaluate the eligibility of three training systems (treatment A: regular four-stemmed shrub; treatment B: single-trunk sapling; treatment C: traditional multi-stemmed shrub), applied on unpruned three-year-old plants of the hazelnut cultivar Nocchione, planted in the HD approach (740 plant ha−1). Over five growing seasons (2019–2023), measurements included pruned wood removed, yield, vigor, yield efficiency, nut and kernel traits, and incidence of the main commercial defects. In general, treatment A outperformed other plant-shaping systems, maintaining high yield levels particularly in the two last growing seasons, and showing a mean kernel/nut ratio of 37.7 and a low incidence of defects. Treatment B achieved the highest yield efficiency in 2023 but had lower overall yields. Treatment A demonstrated the most balanced performance, combining high nut quality and stable production, making it the most promising plant training system for HD hazelnut orchards with planting densities above 700 plants per hectare. Future research will assess the long-term adaptability of this plant training system under varying environmental and management conditions.
In Silico Analysis of Temperature-Induced Structural, Stability, and Flexibility Modulations in Camel Cytochrome c
Authors: Alkhatabi Heba A. , Alhashmi Mohammad , Alkhatabi Hind Ali , Altayb Hisham N.
Published: January 2025

Cytochrome c is a critical protein in energy metabolism, and its structural adaptations to different temperatures play a key role in enabling species like the wild Bactrian camel (Camelus ferus) and the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius) to thrive in their respective cold and hot environments. This study investigates the structural, thermodynamic, and dynamic properties of cytochrome c at different temperatures. Thermal Titration Molecular Dynamics (TTMD) simulations, which involve analyzing protein behaviour across a range of temperatures, were carried out using GROMACS, with each simulation running for 100 nanoseconds, at 245 K, 280 K, 303 K, 308 K, and 320 K, to evaluate stability and flexibility. Structural alterations were indicated by an increase in root mean square deviations (RMSDs) to 0.4 nm at 320 K, as opposed to lower RMSD values (0.1–0.2 nm) at 245 K and 280 K. Root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) analyses revealed modest flexibility at 245 K and 280 K (0.1–0.2 nm) but considerable flexibility (0.3–0.4 nm) at 303 K and 320 K. Principal component analysis (PCA) found that the formational space was constrained at lower temperatures but expanded at higher temperatures. Entropy peaked at 280 K (13,816 J/mol) and then fell substantially at 320 K (451.765 J/mol), indicating diminished stability. These findings highlight cytochrome c adaptations for cold stability in Camelus ferus and thermal resilience in Camelus dromedarius, showing evolutionary strategies for harsh conditions.
Prediction of the Water-Bearing Properties of Weathered Bedrock Aquifers Based on Kernel Density Estimator–Bayes Discriminant
Authors: Hou Enke , Hou Jingyi , Ma Liang , He Tao , Zhang Qi , Gao Lijun , Gao Liang
Published: January 2025

The weathered bedrock aquifer in the Jurassic coalfield of northern Shaanxi Province is a direct water-bearing aquifer, and accurately predicting its water-bearing properties is essential for preventing and controlling water hazards in mining operations. Traditional Bayes discriminant methods have limitations in predicting water-bearing properties, particularly because not all primary factors influencing water-bearing properties meet the criteria for multivariate normal distribution. In this paper, the southern flank of the Ningtiaota Minefield is taken as an example, with the weathered bedrock aquifer as the research object. Six main controlling factors are selected: weathered bedrock thickness, core recovery rate, degree of weathering, lithological combination, elevation of the weathered bedrock surface, and sand-to-base ratio. A kernel density estimator–Bayes (KDE–Bayes) discriminant method for predicting water-bearing properties is presented. The kernel density estimation was carried out on the three main controlling factors that do not conform to a normal distribution—weathered bedrock thickness, core recovery rate, and sand-to-base ratio—and, in conjunction with other primary factors, a KDE–Bayes model was constructed for predicting the water-bearing properties in the southern flank of the Ningtiaota Minefield, based on which a detailed prediction of the water-bearing properties of the south flank of the Ningtiaota Minefield was conducted. By analyzing the actual dewatering data from the S1231 working face and past water inrush (or outburst) incidents, the feasibility and accuracy of this prediction method are demonstrated, providing valuable insights for predicting the water-bearing properties of weathered bedrock aquifers in the Ningtiaota Coal Mine and similar mining conditions.
Football Net: Leveraging the Structure of Truncated Icosahedron in Convolutional Neural Network Design
Authors: Zhu Zhijian , Wang Qinghui
Published: January 2025

Deep neural networks often suffer from the degradation of fine-grained features during feature transmission. To mitigate this issue, we propose an innovative CNN architecture, Football Net, which is designed to enhance feature propagation. By introducing Asymmetric Skip Connections, Football Net effectively captures and preserves fine-grained details. Another significant challenge in deep neural networks is achieving robustness. Football Net addresses this challenge by incorporating a novel misaligned feature merging mechanism and a new homogeneous ensemble learning strategy. The experimental results indicate that this improved ensemble strategy significantly reduces both bias and variance, thereby enhancing overall classification performance. We conducted extensive experiments on the CIFAR-10, ImageNet-100, and ImageNet-1k datasets. The results demonstrate the competitiveness of Football Net in image classification tasks, achieving accuracy comparable to state-of-the-art models such as ResNet, U-Net, and U-Net++ while also improving robustness.
Statistical Modeling of NaCl and FeSO4 Pretreatment Effect on Refractory Copper Ore Leaching
Authors: Castillo Jonathan , Saldana Manuel , Toro Norman , Mura Mauricio , Castillo Ignacio , Guzmán Alexis , Gálvez Edelmira , Sepúlveda Rossana
Published: January 2025

Black copper oxides, a significant copper resource, present challenges in leaching due to their refractory nature and complex mineralogical composition. This study investigates the sulfation dynamics of the reductive leaching process of black copper ores with the purpose of increasing the copper leaching, focusing on the influences of time and the addition of NaCl and FeSO4 on sulfation behavior. Experiments were designed to replicate industrial conditions using oxidized minerals from the Codelco Salvador hydrometallurgy plant. Multivariate nonlinear regression models and response surface methodology were employed to analyze sulfation behavior. The findings demonstrate that analytical acid consumption (AAC) exerts a consistently positive and statistically significant effect on sulfation across the sampled domain, while NaCl and FeSO₄ also influence the process. However, variations in their levels showed limited impact. Time was significant only within the 24–48 h range. The optimized model predicted maximum sulfation at 60 h with 60% AAC, 90 g NaCl, and 42 g FeSO₄, with strong alignment between the observed and predicted values. These insights emphasize the importance of pretreatment methods, including sulfuric acid curing and NaCl addition, in improving leaching efficiency.
Predictive Equations for Modeling Shear Behavior in RC Columns with Non-Seismic Details for Enhanced Seismic Performance Assessment
Authors: Hwang Won Jun , Kim Sung Jig
Published: January 2025

Accurate modeling of the hysteretic behavior of reinforced concrete columns with non-seismic detailing is crucial for assessing the seismic performance of reinforced concrete structures. While shear spring models are commonly used to capture nonlinear shear deformation in shear-critical reinforced concrete columns, determining appropriate parameters for these models remains challenging and often relies on expert judgment. This study proposes predictive equations for shear spring parameters that can be integrated into fiber-section elements to enhance the accuracy of modeling reinforced concrete columns. Specifically, empirical equations are developed for the nonlinear modeling parameters of the Pinching4 model implemented in OpenSees. Experimental data of flexural–shear and shear-critical reinforced concrete columns are used to calibrate the modeling parameters for predicting strength, stiffness, pinching, and cyclic degradation behavior. The predictive equations, derived through regression analysis, are validated against experimental data and demonstrated relatively high accuracy in capturing the shear behavior. To evaluate the impact of the shear behavior of reinforced concrete columns on the seismic fragility of non-conforming reinforced concrete frames, two types of numerical models are established with and without the Pinching4 material using the proposed predictive equations. Analytical results indicate that neglecting the appropriate shear behavior of reinforced concrete columns could lead to an overestimation of the seismic performance of non-conforming reinforced concrete frames.
Influence of Boundary Conditions on the Three-Dimensional Temperature Field of a Box Girder in the Natural Environment: A Case Study
Authors: Yan Bin , Fu Hexin , Su Haiting , Hou Benguang
Published: January 2025

The inhomogeneous distribution of temperature in bridges causes stresses and strains inside the structure, thus affecting the safety and durability of bridges. Therefore, the study of temperature action in bridge structures is crucial; boundary conditions of the temperature field are critical to study them. In this study, the calculation method of the boundary conditions for the three-dimensional temperature field of box girders in the natural environment is investigated by taking box girders as the object, which integrates the solar radiation, environmental radiation, structural shading effect, and convective heat transfer between the inner and outer surfaces of box girders. The effects of the atmospheric transparency coefficient and concrete short-wave absorptivity on the temperature field distribution of box girders were also investigated. It is shown that the calculation results obtained by the method in this study are in good agreement with the measured results, and the method can effectively simulate the three-dimensional temperature field of the box girder. The atmospheric transparency coefficient and the short-wave absorptivity of concrete have a significant effect on the temperature field distribution of box girders, and materials with lower short-wave absorptivity can be used in the design of box girders to reduce the structural temperature.
A Small Implantable Compact Antenna for Wireless Telemetry Applied to Wireless Body Area Networks
Authors: Gan Zongsheng , Wang Dan , Liu Lu , Fu Xiaofeng , Wang Xinju , Chen Peng
Published: January 2025

Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) are human-centric wireless networks, and implantable antennas represent a vital communication component within WBANs. The dielectric properties of human tissue are highly complex, with each layer exhibiting distinct dielectric constants that significantly influence the performance of implanted antennas. It is therefore imperative that a compact broadband implantable antenna be designed in order to address the instability in communication of medical implant devices. The antenna, coated in silicone, is a single-layer structure fed by a coaxial cable, with a volume of just 6 mm × 6 mm× 0.53 mm. A metallic patch is etched on the upper surface of the substrate, and the compact antenna design is enhanced with the introduction of S-shaped, F-shaped, and rectangular slots on the patch. The bottom side of the substrate is etched with rectangular ground planes, which broaden the impedance bandwidth of the antenna. The simulation results demonstrate that the antenna attains an impedance bandwidth of 23.8% (2.08–2.64 GHz), encompassing the entirety of the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band (2.4–2.48 GHz). In order to simulate the working environment of the antenna within the human body, physical tests were conducted on the antenna in pork tissue. The test results demonstrate that the antenna exhibits a measured bandwidth of 28% (2.3–3.03 GHz), with a radiation pattern that displays omnidirectional radiation characteristics. The antenna’s impedance matching and radiation characteristics remain essentially consistent in both bent and unbent states, indicating structural robustness. In comparison to other implantable antennas, this antenna displays a wider impedance bandwidth, a lower Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), and superior implant performance.
Evaluation of Probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii Yeast as a Distillery Strain
Authors: Patelski Andrea Maria , Pragłowski Ksawery , Pielech-Przybylska Katarzyna , Balcerek Maria , Dziekońska-Kubczak Urszula
Published: January 2025

The probiotic properties of the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii are fairly well recognised, and research into the use of this strain in fermentation processes has been ongoing for several years. In this article, we have described the research results to evaluate the distillery potential of S. boulardii yeast. Compared to Ethanol Red and Thermosacc Dry yeast, the probiotic strain formed slightly different amounts of volatile compounds and fermented the available sugars less vigorously. The final ethanol concentration formed by the probiotic yeast was close to that observed for the distillery strains. Rye distillates with an alcohol content of 40% (v/v) obtained with S. boulardii yeast, according to the sensory panel, were distinguished by their delicately composed flavour and were rated better than distillates after fermentation by distillery yeast. The results are promising for the possibility of production of niche distillates using probiotic yeast.