bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antiparasitic Activities of Acyl Hydrazones from Cinnamaldehydes and Structurally Related Fragrances
Authors: Al Nasr Ibrahim S. , Koko Waleed S. , Khan Tariq A. , Schobert Rainer , Biersack Bernhard
Published: November 2024

Background: New drugs for the treatment of protozoal parasite infections such as toxoplasmosis and leishmaniasis are required. Cinnamaldehyde and its derivatives appear to be promising antiparasitic drug candidates. Methods: Acyl hydrazones of cinnamaldehyde, 4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde, and of the synthetic fragrances silvialTM and florhydralTM were prepared and tested for activity against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Leishmania major (L. major) parasites. Results: Three cinnamaldehyde acyl hydrazones (3-hydroxy-2-naphthoyl 2a and the salicyloyls 2c and 2d) showed good activity against T. gondii, and two compounds derived from cinnamaldehyde and florhydralTM (3-hydroxy-2-naphthoyls 2a and 4a) exhibited moderate activity against L. major promastigotes. Conclusions: In particular, the identified antitoxoplasmal activities are promising and might lead to the development of new potent and cost-effective drug candidates for the therapy of toxoplasmosis.
Cell Wall-Mediated Antifungal Activity of the Aqueous Extract of Hedera helix L. Leaves Against Diplodia corticola
Authors: Crisóstomo Christina , Simões Luara , Barros Lillian , Finimundy Tiane C. , Cunha Ana , Oliveira Rui
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Cork oak forests have been declining due to fungal pathogens such as Diplodia corticola. However, the preventive fungicides against this fungus have restricted use due to the deleterious effects on human health and the environment, prompting the need for sustainable alternatives. Here, we describe the antifungal activity of an aqueous extract of Hedera helix L. leaves (HAE) against D. corticola and the possible mechanism of action. Results/Methods: The chemical analysis revealed compounds like the saponin hederacoside C, quinic acid, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, rutin, and glycoside derivatives of quercetin and kaempferol, all of which have been previously reported to possess antimicrobial activity. Remarkable in vitro antifungal activity was observed, reducing radial mycelial growth by 70% after 3 days of inoculation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants, bck1 and mkk1/mkk2, affected the cell wall integrity signaling pathway were more resistant to HAE than the wild-type strain, suggesting that the extract targets kinases of the signaling pathway, which triggers toxicity. The viability under osmotic stress with 0.75 M NaCl was lower in the presence of HAE, suggesting the deficiency of osmotic protection by the cell wall. Conclusions: These results suggest that ivy extracts can be a source of new natural antifungal agents targeting the cell wall, opening the possibility of preventing fungal infections in cork oaks and improving the cork production sector using safer and more sustainable approaches.
Differential Biological Effects of Trifolium pratense Extracts—In Vitro Studies on Breast Cancer Models
Authors: Albulescu Lucian , Suciu Alexandru , Neagu Mihaela , Tanase Cristiana , Pop Sevinci
Published: November 2024

The increasing popularity of herbal supplements emphasizes the need of scientific data regarding their health benefits and possible toxicological concerns. The complexity of botanical extracts, which include thousands of distinct compounds, contributes to the challenging nature of this endeavor. In this study, we explored the hormetic effects of two Trifolium pratense extracts on breast cell lines. Using a wide range of concentrations (0.1 to 3.33 mg/mL), we analyzed how extracts modulate cellular processes such as viability, proliferation, and oxidative stress on breast adenocarcinoma highly invasive estrogen receptor negative (ER-) and noninvasive ER+ cells, as well as on non-tumorigenic ER- normal cells. The cytotoxicity and real-time cell analysis (RTCA) assays showed that both extracts exercised a biphasic dose effect on adenocarcinoma ER+ and normal ER- cell proliferation and oxidative stress. We report a monotonic dose-dependent cytotoxicity on highly invasive adenocarcinoma ER- cells; the induced apoptosis was based on the pro-oxidant activity of extracts. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by high-dose ethanolic extract was observed in all cells, followed by mitochondria dysfunction. Oxidative stress parameters, such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were affected. Our study demonstrates that T. pratense extracts have chemoprevention potential in normal and tumorigenic breast cells by modulating cellular proliferation and oxidative stress.
Research and Analysis of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Prepreg Detection Based on Electromagnetic Coil Sensors
Authors: Zhang Sichang , Cao Shouqi , Wang Meiling
Published: November 2024

In response to the challenges posed by the complexity and potential hazards of traditional chemical methods for detecting the surface density of carbon fiber prepreg materials, this paper explores the use of eddy current testing principles. It establishes the relationship between coil impedance variation and the surface density of carbon fiber prepreg materials and designs a quadrupolar excitation eddy current detection probe. This probe can detect the surface density of both single-line and woven carbon fiber prepreg structures. The overall structure and dimensions of the designed quadrupolar probe were optimized using finite element simulation software. The results show that the number of coil turns significantly affects the sensor performance, with more turns leading to increased sensitivity. Moreover, with the same number of coil turns, smaller inner diameters and larger outer diameters of the coil enhance sensor sensitivity. A comprehensive comparison between unidirectional and woven carbon fiber models suggests that woven structures have superior electrical conductivity at identical excitation frequencies, while unidirectional models show more pronounced electrical anisotropy. These findings provide valuable insights for analyzing electrical properties, numerical simulations, and eddy current testing in composite materials.
Degradation of Low-Density Polyethylene Greenhouse Film Aged in Contact with Agrochemicals
Authors: Picuno Caterina , Godosi Zoe , Santagata Gabriella , Picuno Pietro
Published: November 2024

Plasticulture is a technique widely affirmed throughout Europe and the rest of the world that employs plastic material for protecting agricultural cultivations, e.g., soil mulching, low/middle tunnel covering, and greenhouse farming. Because of their effects on the sustainability of agricultural production, these materials present serious environmental drawbacks. Even if plastic recycling is a consolidated technical solution, several obstacles hinder the mechanical recycling of film used in plasticulture. Mostly, the degradation of its mechanical characteristics, due to aging and simultaneous contamination with agrochemicals used for fighting plant disease and ensuring crop health, plays a major hampering role. In the present paper, the results of laboratory tests on agricultural PE-LD plastic film for greenhouse covering, artificially aged for different lengths of time and treated with two different agrochemicals (fungicide and anti-aphid), are presented. The contamination with agrochemicals resulted in a considerable reduction in mechanical properties throughout the usage phase even if in samples that underwent twofold spraying, slower degradative kinetics were observed. In conclusion, based also on the measured changes in the Carbonyl Index value, it is doubtful that this plastic film would be included in a mechanical recycling process.
Progressive Pruning of Light Dehaze Networks for Static Scenes
Authors: Park Byeongseon , Lee Heekwon , Kim Yong-Kab , Youm Sungkwan
Published: November 2024

This paper introduces an progressive pruning method for Light DeHaze Networks, focusing on a static scene captured by a fixed camera environments. We develop a progressive pruning algorithm that aims to reduce computational complexity while maintaining dehazing quality within a specified threshold. Our key contributions include a fine-tuning strategy for specific scenes, channel importance analysis, and an progressive pruning approach considering layer-wise sensitivity. Our experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our progressive pruning method. Our progressive pruning algorithm, targeting a specific PSNR(Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio) threshold, achieved optimal results at a certain pruning ratio, significantly reducing the number of channels in the target layer while maintaining PSNR above the threshold and preserving good structural similarity, before automatically stopping when performance dropped below the target. This demonstrates the algorithm’s ability to find an optimal balance between model compression and performance maintenance. This research enables efficient deployment of high-quality dehazing algorithms in resource-constrained environments, applicable to traffic monitoring and outdoor surveillance. Our method paves the way for more accessible image dehazing systems, enhancing visibility in various real-world hazy conditions while optimizing computational resources for fixed camera setups.
BSMD-YOLOv8: Enhancing YOLOv8 for Book Signature Marks Detection
Authors: Guo Long , Wang Lubin , Yu Qiang , Xie Xiaolan
Published: November 2024

In the field of bookbinding, accurately and efficiently detecting signature sequences during the binding process is crucial for enhancing quality, improving production efficiency, and advancing industrial automation. Despite significant advancements in object detection technology, verifying the correctness of signature sequences remains challenging due to the small size, dense distribution, and abundance of low-quality signature marks. To tackle these challenges, we introduce the Book Signature Marks Detection (BSMD-YOLOv8) model, specifically designed for scenarios involving small, closely spaced objects such as signature marks. Our proposed backbone, the Lightweight Multi-scale Residual Network (LMRNet), achieves a lightweight network while enhancing the accuracy of small object detection. To address the issue of insufficient fusion of local and global feature information in PANet, we design the Low-stage gather-and-distribute (Low-GD) module and the High-stage gather-and-distribute (High-GD) module to enhance the model’s multi-scale feature fusion capabilities, thereby refining the integration of local and global features of signature marks. Furthermore, we introduce Wise-IoU (WIoU) as a replacement for CIoU, prioritizing anchor boxes with moderate quality and mitigating harmful gradients from low-quality examples. Experimental results demonstrate that, compared to YOLOv8n, BSMD-YOLOv8 reduces the number of parameters by 65%, increases the frame rate by 7 FPS, and enhances accuracy, recall, and mAP50 by 2.2%, 8.6%, and 3.9% respectively, achieving rapid and accurate detection of signature marks.
Evaluation of Finger Movement Impairment Level Recognition Method Based on Fugl-Meyer Assessment Using Surface EMG
Authors: P Adhe Rahmatullah Sugiharto Suwito , Ohnishi Ayumi , Prawitri Yudith Dian , Rulaningtyas Riries , Terada Tsutomu , Tsukamoto Masahiko
Published: November 2024

Subjectivity has been an inherent issue in the conventional Fugl-Meyer assessment, which has been the focus of impairment-level recognition in several studies. This study continues our previous work on the use of EMG to recognize finger movement impairment levels. In contrast to our previous work, this study provided a better and more reliable recognition result with improved experimental settings, such as an increased sampling frequency, EMG channels, and extensive patient data. This study employed two data processing mechanisms, inter-subject cross-validation (ISCV) and data-scaled inter-subject cross-validation (DS-ISCV), resulting in two evaluation methods. The machine learning algorithms employed in this study were SVM, random forest (RF), and multi-layer perceptron (MLP). MLP_ISCV achieved the highest average recall score of 0.73 across impairment levels in the spherical grasp task. Subsequently, the highest average recall score of 0.72 among non-majority classes was achieved by SVM_DS-ISCV in the mass extension task. The cross-validation result shows that the proposed method effectively handled the imbalanced dataset without being biased toward the majority class. The proposed method demonstrated the potential to assist doctors in clarifying the subjective assessment of finger movement impairment levels.
An Attempt to Establish a Mathematical Model for an Unconventional Worm Gear with Bearings
Authors: Haragâș Simion , Ninacs Roland , Buiga Ovidiu , Tudose Lucian , Haragâș Alexandru , Sas-Boca Ioana Monica , Cristea Felicia Aurora
Published: November 2024

The aim of this paper is to develop a mathematical model for an unconventional worm gear consisting of a globoid worm and a worm wheel where the teeth are bearings. Using rolling elements such the teeth of the worm wheel (ball bearings) transforms the sliding friction to rolling friction during the process of worm gear meshing, improving power. The geometry of the component elements of the gear is analyzed in correlation with its kinematics. After the creation of the mathematical model, it is validated both analytically (through complex graphic representations) and experimentally (by creating, for a particular case, the 3D model and the concrete physical model (prototype) of the gear through 3D printing).
Advanced SDR-Based Custom OFDM Protocol for Improved Data Rates in HF-NVIS Links
Authors: Șorecău Emil , Șorecău Mirela , Bechet Paul
Published: November 2024

In the current context of global communications, HF (High Frequency) NVIS (Near Vertical Incidence Skywave) data networks can be of strategic importance, providing short- and medium-range communication capabilities independent of terrestrial configuration and existing conventional communications infrastructure. They are essential in critical conditions, such as natural disasters or conflicts, when terrestrial networks are unavailable. This paper investigates the development of such systems for HF NVIS data communications by introducing a customized Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) protocol with parameters adapted to HF ionospheric propagation, implemented on Software-Defined Radio (SDR) systems, which provide extensive configurability and high adaptability to varying HF channel conditions. This work presents an innovative approach to the application of OFDM narrow-channel aggregation in the HF spectrum, a technique that significantly enhances system performance. The aggregation enables a more efficient utilization of the available spectrum and an increase in the data transmission rate, which represents a substantial advancement in NVIS communications. The implementation was realized using an SDR system, which allows flexible integration of the new OFDM protocol and dynamic adaptation of resources. The work also includes the development of a messaging application capable of using this enhanced HF communication system, taking advantage of the new features of channel aggregation and SDR flexibility. This application demonstrates the applicability of the protocol in real-world scenarios and provides a robust platform for data transmission under conditions of limited access to other means of communication. Thus, this study contributes to the technological advancement of NVIS communications and opens new research and deployment directions in HF communications.
Impact of Crop Type and Soil Characteristics on Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Latvian Agricultural Systems
Authors: Memgaudis Karlis , Pilecka-Ulcugaceva Jovita , Valujeva Kristine
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the impact of crop type and soil characteristics on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Latvian agriculture, offering insights directly relevant to policymakers and practitioners focused on sustainable land management. From 2020 to 2023, emissions were monitored across four agricultural sites featuring different crop rotations: blueberry monoculture, continuous maize cropping, winter barley–winter rapeseed rotation, and spring barley–bean–winter wheat–fallow rotation. Results indicate that GHG emissions vary widely depending on crop and soil type. CO2 emissions varied significantly based on both crop and soil type, with organic soils under maize cultivation in Mārupe averaging 184.91 kg CO2 ha−1 day−1, while mineral soils in Bērze under spring barley emitted 60.98 kg CO2 ha−1 day−1. Methane absorption was highest in well-aerated mineral soils, reaching 6.11 g CH4 ha−1 day−1 in spring barley fields in Auce. Maize cultivation contributed the highest N2O emissions, reaching 33.15 g N2O ha−1 day−1. These findings underscore that targeted practices, like optimized crop rotation and fertilizer use, can substantially reduce GHG emissions. Climate variability across locations affects soil moisture and temperature, but these factors were statistically controlled to isolate the impacts of crop type and soil characteristics on emissions. This study provides valuable data to inform sustainable agricultural policies and help achieve EU climate goals.
From Uncertainty Relations to Quantum Acceleration Limits
Authors: Cafaro Carlo , Corda Christian , Bahreyni Newshaw , Alanazi Abeer
Published: November 2024

The concept of quantum acceleration limit has been recently introduced for any unitary time evolution of quantum systems under arbitrary nonstationary Hamiltonians. While Alsing and Cafaro used the Robertson uncertainty relation in their derivation, employed the Robertson–Schrödinger uncertainty relation to find the upper bound on the temporal rate of change of the speed of quantum evolutions. In this paper, we provide a comparative analysis of these two alternative derivations for quantum systems specified by an arbitrary finite-dimensional projective Hilbert space. Furthermore, focusing on a geometric description of the quantum evolution of two-level quantum systems on a Bloch sphere under general time-dependent Hamiltonians, we find the most general conditions needed to attain the maximal upper bounds on the acceleration of the quantum evolution. In particular, these conditions are expressed explicitly in terms of two three-dimensional real vectors, the Bloch vector that corresponds to the evolving quantum state and the magnetic field vector that specifies the Hermitian Hamiltonian of the system. For pedagogical reasons, we illustrate our general findings for two-level quantum systems in explicit physical examples characterized by specific time-varying magnetic field configurations. Finally, we briefly comment on the extension of our considerations to higher-dimensional physical systems in both pure and mixed quantum states.
A Novel Method for Estimating State of Power of Lithium-Ion Batteries Considering Core Temperature
Authors: Zhang Ruixue , Wang Keyi , Yu Zhilong , Zhao Gang
Published: November 2024

Operation above acceptable limits in terms of current, voltage, and temperature can lead to lithium batteries overheating, increasing the risk of thermal runaway, which can also degrade battery materials more quickly, reducing overall lifespan. Estimating the state of power (SOP) of a battery is necessary for battery safety control and preventing operation above acceptable limits. However, the SOP is influenced by coupled multiple parameters including the state of charge, state of health, and core temperature, which make it challenging to estimate comprehensively. Based on the electro-thermal model, this study proposes a multi-parameter coupled method for comprehensively estimating the SOP considering the core temperature. This method provides a robust approach to accurately assessing the SOP across varying core temperatures, states of charge (SoC), and voltage levels. The combination of maximum likelihood estimation, adaptive genetic algorithms for parameter identification, and the unscented Kalman filter for state estimation was found to enhance the accuracy and robustness of battery models. The results show that the battery core temperature and terminal voltage are important and the main limitation on the SOP, respectively. This study lays a strong foundation for effective energy management and life extension of lithium batteries, particularly in high-temperature environments.
Influence of the Initial Guess on the Estimation of Knee Ligament Parameters via Optimization Procedures
Authors: Theodorakos Ilias , Andersen Michael Skipper
Published: November 2024

Optimization procedures provide ligament parameters by minimizing the difference between experimental measurements and computational simulations. Literature values are used as initial guesses of ligament parameters for these optimization procedures. However, it remains unknown how these values affect the estimation of ligament parameters. This study evaluates the effects of the initial guess on estimations of ligament parameters. A synthetic data set was generated using a subject-specific knee computational model, reference ligament parameters and simulated laxity tests. Subsequently, ligament parameters were estimated using an optimization routine and four different initial guesses. The distance of these initial guesses from their true values ranged from 0 to 3.5 kN and from 0 to 3.6% for the stiffness and reference strains, respectively. The optimized ligament parameters had an average absolute mean error ranging from 0.15 (0.09) kN and 0.08 (0.04)% to 3.67 (2.46) kN and 1.25 (0.76)%, while the kinematic error remained below 1 mm and 1.2° for all conditions. Our results showed that the estimations of the ligament parameters worsened as the initial guesses moved farther away from their true values. Moreover, the optimization procedure resulted in suboptimal ligament parameters that provided similar behavior to the true laxity behavior, which is an alarming finding that should be further investigated.
Large and Small Yellow Croakers Feeding and Living Together Make Large Yellow Croaker Population Recovery Difficult: A Guild Perspective
Authors: Cai Pengyu , Wang Zhenhua , Zhang Shouyu , Yu Jintao
Published: November 2024

In recent decades, China’s large-scale stock enhancement programs to restore the collapsing large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) fishery resources have not yielded the desired results, and a comprehensive analysis of the underlying reasons for this problem is required. Based on small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) catch survey data obtained from 15 fishing ports along the coast of the East China Sea, we examined the proportion of large yellow croakers mixed in the small yellow croaker catch and their biological parameters. In addition, we analyzed the differences in the intestinal microbiota and feeding ecology between these two species to explore the reason why the stock enhancement program failed to achieve the desired outcome. The results show that there is a high likelihood of the two species appearing in each other’s ecological niches, and there is a significant overlap in their dietary ecology. They may cohabitate and form a guild. The fishing season targeting the small yellow croaker indirectly catches the large yellow croaker population, which puts huge fishing pressure on large yellow croaker resource and shows obvious overfishing. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize and adjust the fishing ban policy and stock enhancement strategies, appropriately reducing the fishing intensity after the fishing ban to facilitate the effective accumulation of resource replenishment effects during the fishing ban period, thus effectively restoring wild large yellow croaker resources.
Predictive and Prognostic Significance of Molecular Biomarkers in Glioblastoma
Authors: Shah Siddharth , Nag Aiswarya , Sachithanandam Sirpi Vivekanandam , Lucke-Wold Brandon
Published: November 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a WHO grade 4 glioma, is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor, characterized by rapid progression and poor prognosis. The heterogeneity of GBM complicates diagnosis and treatment, driving research into molecular biomarkers that can offer insights into tumor behavior and guide personalized therapies. This review explores recent advances in molecular biomarkers, highlighting their potential to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes in GBM patients. Key biomarkers such as MGMT promoter methylation, IDH1/2 mutations, EGFR amplification, and TERT promoter mutations, etc., are examined for their roles in prognosis, therapeutic response, and tumor classification. While molecular biomarkers offer valuable insights for tailoring GBM treatments, their clinical application is hindered by tumor heterogeneity, dynamic genetic evolution, and the lack of standardized testing methods. Future research should aim to confirm new biomarkers and incorporate them into regular clinical practice to improve prognosis and treatment choices. Advances in genomic and proteomic technologies, along with consistent biomarker detection, could transform GBM care and enhance patient outcomes.
Reliability and Validity of the KFORCE Sens® Inertial Sensor for Measuring Cervical Spine Proprioception in Patients with Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain
Authors: Koumantakis George A. , Gkouma Stamatina , Floka Christina , Tatsios Petros I. , Moutzouri Maria , Sakellari Vasiliki
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Patients with non-specific chronic neck pain (NSCNP) exhibit sensorimotor disturbances, with proprioception impairment considered an important aspect. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of a novel inertial sensor-based electrogoniometer (KFORCE Sens®) for cervical spine (CS) proprioception measurement in patients with NSCNP. Methods: The within-day intra-rater reliability of CS proprioception and its association with patient demographics and clinical status were examined in fifty-nine patients with NSCNP, aged between 25–65 years, recruited from primary care. CS proprioception was examined via angle reproduction, in angles set mid-range in the available CS range of motion (ROM) in each motion direction. The clinical status evaluation comprised the maximum and average pain intensity in the last week, disability, fear of movement/re-injury, catastrophizing, neck awareness, and CS-ROM. Reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), standard error of the measurement (SEM), and minimum detectable change (MDC95%). Pearson’s R assessed between-measures associations. Results: CS proprioception reliability was good (ICC2,1 = 0.75–0.89), with low measurement error (SEM = 1.38–3.02° and MDC95% = 3.83–8.38°). Correlations between participants’ CS proprioception and their clinical status or demographics were not significant. Conclusions: The reliability of CS proprioception assessment with the KFORCE Sens® was good in a sample of mildly to moderately disabled patients with CNP and thus deemed suitable for further research in this field.
Face Processing in Prematurely Born Individuals—A Systematic Review
Authors: Tang Tiffany , Pledts Kasper , Moerkerke Matthijs , Van der Donck Stephanie , Bollen Bieke , Steyaert Jean , Alaerts Kaat , Ortibus Els , Naulaers Gunnar , Boets Bart
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Prematurely born individuals are at risk for developing socio-emotional difficulties and psychopathologies such as autism spectrum disorder. Particular difficulties processing social information conveyed by the face may underlie these vulnerabilities. Methods: This comprehensive review provides an overview of 27 studies published between 2000 and mid-2022 concerning face processing in individuals born preterm and/or born with low birth weight across different age ranges, paradigms, and outcome measures. The results were interpreted across different developmental stages. Results: Behavioural studies indicated that prematurity is associated with poorer facial identity and expression processing compared to term-born controls, especially for negative emotions. Structural alterations and delayed maturation in key neural face processing structures could explain these findings. Neuroimaging also revealed functional atypicalities, which may either be rooted in the structural alterations or may partly compensate for the delayed maturation. Conclusions: The results suggest that altered face processing may be associated with an increased risk of developing psychopathologies in individuals born prematurely. Future studies should investigate the preterm behavioural phenotype and the potential need for face processing rehabilitation programs.
Maintenance of Bodily Expressions Modulates Functional Connectivity Between Prefrontal Cortex and Extrastriate Body Area During Working Memory Processing
Authors: Ren Jie , Zhang Mingming , Liu Shuaicheng , He Weiqi , Luo Wenbo
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: As a form of visual input, bodily expressions can be maintained and manipulated in visual working memory (VWM) over a short period of time. While the prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays an indispensable role in top-down control, it remains largely unclear whether this region also modulates the VWM storage of bodily expressions during a delay period. Therefore, the two primary goals of this study were to examine whether the emotional bodies would elicit heightened brain activity among areas such as the PFC and extrastriate body area (EBA) and whether the emotional effects subsequently modulate the functional connectivity patterns for active maintenance during delay periods. Methods: During functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning, participants performed a delayed-response task in which they were instructed to view and maintain a body stimulus in working memory before emotion categorization (happiness, anger, and neutral). If processing happy and angry bodies consume increased cognitive demands, stronger PFC activation and its functional connectivity with perceptual areas would be observed. Results: Results based on univariate and multivariate analyses conducted on the data collected during stimulus presentation revealed an enhanced processing of the left PFC and left EBA. Importantly, subsequent functional connectivity analyses performed on delayed-period data using a psychophysiological interaction model indicated that functional connectivity between the PFC and EBA increases for happy and angry bodies compared to neutral bodies. Conclusions: The emotion-modulated coupling between the PFC and EBA during maintenance deepens our understanding of the functional organization underlying the VWM processing of bodily information.
Spinal Cord Stimulation for Spinal Cord Injury-Related Pain: A Pilot Study
Authors: Alamri Alexander , MacDonald Meredith , Al-Mohammad Alaa , Ricciardi Lucia , Hart Michael G. , Pereira Erlick A.
Published: November 2024

Background: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has emerged as an effective treatment for managing chronic pain that is unresponsive to traditional therapies. While SCS is well documented for conditions like failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), its effectiveness in managing pain related to spinal cord injuries (SCI) is less studied. This study aims to assess the efficacy of SCS in alleviating SCI-related pain and improving patients’ quality of life, filling a gap in the existing literature. Methods: This cohort study included 15 adult patients with traumatic and non-traumatic SCIs, treated between 2016 and 2022. Patients received SCS implants after either a trial or direct implantation. Pain levels were assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) scores, while quality of life was evaluated using the EuroQol five-dimensional (EQ-5D) scale. The SCS devices were implanted at different spinal levels, with various stimulation protocols applied, including high-frequency stimulation (10 kHz). Results: In patients with traumatic SCI, the mean VAS score decreased from 8.6 to 4.5, with 71% reporting more than 50% pain relief. Non-traumatic SCI patients experienced a reduction from 8.5 to 2.5, with all showing more than 50% pain relief. EQ-5D scores improved in both groups. A 49% reduction in pain medication usage was also observed, though one patient required revision surgery due to an adverse event. Conclusions: SCS significantly reduces pain and improves quality of life for SCI patients, particularly with high-frequency protocols. While promising, further research is needed to optimize patient selection and stimulation parameters for better long-term outcomes.
Nonlinear Static Analysis of Spherical Hinges in Horizontal Construction of Bridges
Authors: Zhao Lin , Sun Xiaohu , Wu Zhe , Chen Ying , Liu Jian , Wang Youzhi
Published: November 2024

During the construction of parallel swivel bridges, the stress state of the spherical hinge under load is crucial. The stress results of the spherical hinge are of great significance to the subsequent structural design and even the safety and stability of the bridge structure. The refined finite element model of the spherical hinge was established using ABAQUS software. The vertical displacement and local stress state of the spherical hinge under vertical load were analyzed and discussed. The results indicate that the maximum principal compressive stress is less than the allowable stress and meets the requirements. When the spherical hinge is only subjected to the upper static load, the vertical stress of the upper and lower steel spherical hinges gradually increases along the center of the spherical hinge to the edge, in which the vertical stress at the edge of the spherical hinge is the largest and the stress of the lower spherical hinge is slightly smaller than that of the upper spherical hinge. The maximum compressive stresses of the upper spherical hinge and the lower spherical hinge are 63.89 MPa and 54.24 MPa, respectively. Under the upper static load, the displacements of the upper and lower spherical hinges are very small, with maximum displacements of 0.234 mm and 0.202 mm, respectively, thus meeting the design requirements.
The Evolution of Treatment Policies and Outcomes for Patients Aged 60 and Older with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Population-Based Analysis over Two Decades
Authors: Diekmann Benno , Veeger Nic , Rozema Johanne , Kibbelaar Robby , Franken Bas , Güler Yasemin , Adema Bram , van Roon Eric , Hoogendoorn Mels
Published: November 2024

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignancy of the bone marrow with a median age at diagnosis of 70 years. AML is difficult to treat, especially in older patients, among whom outcomes have historically been poor. Over the last two decades, a greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the pathology has led to the development of new drugs and multiple updates to treatment guidelines. Methods: A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted for all patients aged 60 and older who were newly diagnosed with AML (n = 370) as defined by the European Leukemia Net 2022 criteria in Friesland, a Dutch province, between 2005 and 2023. Results: In this cohort of patients with a median age of 73 years, complete bone marrow analysis to classify the AML according to ELN increased in time from 49% (2005–2011) to 86% (2022–2023). The rate of patients receiving antileukemic therapy increased over time (2005–2011: 19%; 2012–2016: 64%; 2017–2021: 75%; 2022–2023: 74%), mainly driven by the introduction of hypomethylating agents. Over these time periods, the use of intensive chemotherapy (13%, 27%, 27%, and 5%) and rates of stem cell transplantation (3%, 9%, 27%, and 14%) underwent similar development as more patients were deemed eligible for these interventions from 2012 onwards, but usage declined again after the introduction of venetoclax in 2022. The median overall survival was 3.7, 7.3, 8.0, and 9.4 months over the four time periods, respectively. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates how outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed AML aged 60 and older improved over the last two decades.
Primary Extradural Meningioma: A Systematic Review of Diagnostic Features, Clinical Management, and Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Balasubramanian Kishore , Zuccato Jeffrey A. , Kharbat Abdurrahman F. , Janssen Christopher , Gonzalez Nancy M. , Dunn Ian F.
Published: November 2024

Objective: This systematic review consolidates the literature on primary extradural meningiomas (PEMs), a rare subset of meningiomas. We describe the clinical features, management strategies used, and treatment outcomes for published cases. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines across multiple databases to 29 July 2024. Inclusion criteria were adult patients with primarily extradural meningioma and where individual patient clinical data were provided. Results: Of 216 studies that met the initial search criteria, 41 satisfied the final inclusion criteria. These 41 studies included 82 patients with 84 total PEMs. The cohort was balanced between sexes with a median age of 46 (range 18–82). Frequent symptoms at initial presentation included pain/headache (46%), weakness (44%), paresthesias (24%), and a palpable superficial mass (23%). The median duration of symptoms to diagnosis was 11 months (range 0.75–120). Surgical resection was the primary treatment approach, achieving a gross total resection in 67% of cases. The majority of lesions were classified as WHO grade 1 (87%). A recurrence was identified during the published follow-up in 11% of cases and a higher WHO grade was expectedly associated with a greater risk of recurrence. The described practice was to use adjuvant radiotherapy in recurrent and high-grade cases. Most cranial lesions were located in the frontal bone, while most spinal lesions affected the cervical spine. Post-treatment symptom improvement or resolution was described in almost all patients at the last follow-up. Conclusions: In comparison to intradural meningiomas, PEMs largely follow a more indolent course with a longer duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis, more benign symptoms, a higher proportion of grade 1 tumors, and favorable outcomes; however, there is a small subset of PEMs with extension outside the cranium and spine that require specific considerations for management.
The Role of Radiation, Immunotherapy, and Chemotherapy in the Management of Locally Advanced or Metastatic Cutaneous Malignancies
Authors: Yacoub Irini , Rayn Kareem , Choi J. Isabelle , Bakst Richard , Chhabra Arpit , Qian Joshua Y. , Johnstone Peter , Simone Charles B.
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Skin cancer impacts a significant proportion of the population. While surgical management is often the mainstay of treatment, advanced or metastatic cutaneous malignancies require additional local and/or systemic therapies. Methods: A review of the literature was performed studying the use of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy for locally advanced or metastatic cutaneous malignancies. Results: A summary of the present literature on the management of locally advanced or metastatic cutaneous malignancies is presented across cutaneous head and neck basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. The addition of multidisciplinary therapies to resection is often associated with improved outcomes. Conclusion: The management of cutaneous head and neck malignancies requires an approach integrating multiple specialties, to optimize outcomes and minimize toxicities.
Iron Promoted TiO2-Activated Carbon Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Degradation of Congo Red in Water
Authors: Negoescu Daniela , Bratan Veronica , Gherendi Mihaela , Atkinson Irina , Culita Daniela C. , Neacsu Andreea , Baran Adriana , Petrescu Simona , Parvulescu Viorica
Published: November 2024

Nanocomposites containingTiO2 and activated carbon were obtained by the sol-gel method in the presence of Brij 58 surfactant. The sample with a higher surface area (185.6 m2/g) was promoted with Fe by impregnating it with aqueous solution of Fe(NO3)3. The obtained iron loadings, measured using X-ray fluorescence, were 0.83%, 3.30% and 7.17%. TiO2 anatase was identified in all the samples by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, but the presence of iron oxides could not be detected. However, infrared spectroscopy indicated the existence of Fe-O and Fe-O-Ti bonds. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed the presence of Fe2+ for samples with a lower Fe content and a mixture of Fe2+ and Fe3+ in the sample with 7.17% Fe. UV-Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy showed the presence of carbon and Fe alongside TiO2. This combination led to new properties due to the generation of intermediate energy levels and defects, contributing to an enhancement in the photocatalytic performance. The highest photodegradation efficiency of Congo red in solution (84.46%) was obtained for the sample with 7.17% Fe under visible light irradiation and acidic conditions. The synergistic contribution of dye adsorption and photodegradation was demonstrated, taking into account ZPC values of nanocomposites. Kinetic studies were completed with reaction mechanisms based on the results obtained in the presence of scavengers.
Extended Chalcones: Synthesis, In Vitro Analysis, and In Vivo Testing Against a Drosophila melanogaster Alzheimer’s Disease Model
Authors: Jaipuria Aadya , Castillo Madison , Boksanski James , Landry Greg , Beak Ji Hyung , Young Michelle , Priefer David T. , Guessab Kaïs , Ellis Crystal N. , Priefer Ronny
Published: November 2024

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in individuals over the age of 65. There is no known prevention for the progression of the disease, although the FDA recently approved two drugs for AD. The exact etiology of AD is still under debate; however, it is commonly associated with the aggregation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques in the brain. Recently some extended chalcones were reported to be potential anti-amyloidogenic agents. In this study, a larger library of extended chalcone analogs were synthesized with modifications on both rings. These were tested using the Thioflavin T fluorescence assay to measure their anti-Aβ aggregation properties. Three notably active compounds were further evaluated for potential neurotoxicity and neuroprotection using an MTT cell viability assay. These compounds were non-neurotoxic and displayed a trend toward neuroprotection. These were further assessed in a Drosophila melanogaster animal AD model. A forced climbing assay revealed statistically significant changes in flies’ movement by ~30% when fed these anti-amyloidogenic agents.
Bacterial Meningitis in Infants Under 90 Days of Age: A Retrospective Single-Center Study
Authors: Buttera Martina , Mazzotti Sofia , Zini Tommaso , Corso Lucia , Dallai Valeria , Miselli Francesca , Bedetti Luca , Rossi Katia , Spaggiari Eugenio , Iughetti Lorenzo , Lugli Licia , Berardi Alberto
Published: November 2024

Background: Bacterial meningitis (BM) in infants is a serious condition that can lead to significant complications. Lumbar puncture (LP) is essential to provide diagnoses, however false negatives may result if LP is performed after the starting of antibiotic therapy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of infants of any gestational age with BM within their first 90 days of life and admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Modena Policlinico between 1 January 2011, and 31 December 2023. Results: A total of 44 episodes of meningitis were confirmed in 40 infants, diagnosed by positive cerebrospinal fluid cultures (n = 37), polymerase chain reaction testing (n = 4), or both methods (n = 3). Three out of forty infants (8%) experienced a relapse of meningitis. Most episodes (31/44, 70%) occurred in preterm infants. The incidence of early-onset meningitis was lower than that of late-onset (0.18 vs. 0.94 cases per 1000 births, respectively), with Gram-positive accounting for most cases (27/44, 61%). LP was performed prior to antibiotic administration in most episodes (30/44, 68%). Two preterm infants (5%) died from meningitis-related complications. Forty-two episodes occurred among thirty-eight surviving infants; brain lesions were detected through brain ultrasound or MRI in nine out of forty-two episodes (21%). Conclusions: Preterm infants have higher rates of BM, brain lesions or case fatalities. Early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic treatment are critical to improve outcomes.
Microstructure and Tribological Properties of FeCrCoMnSix High-Entropy Alloy Coatings
Authors: Zhang Shuling , Jiang Di , Sun Shengdi , Zhang Bo
Published: November 2024

For shaft parts, 45 steel has been widely used due to its favorable mechanical properties and low cost. However, the relatively low wear resistance of 45 steel limits its application. In this work, high-entropy alloy of FeCrCoMnSix (x = 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1) coatings were prepared on the surface of a 45 steel substrate using laser cladding technology to improve the wear performance of 45 steel. The effect of the Si element on the microstructure and tribological property of these coatings is investigated. The results show that the structure of FeCrCoMn coatings is mainly an FCC + HCP dual-phase solid solution, grown in equiaxial crystals. When a small amount of Si (x = 0.3) is added, the BCC phase is generated in the coating; meanwhile, the microstructure is transformed into the divorced eutectic character. When the content of Si is x = 0.6, the eutectic structure is promoted, and the microstructure is refined and becomes denser. When the content of Si increases to x = 0.9 and 1.0, the metal silicate phase containing Mn and Cr is formed due to the precipitation of supersaturated solid solution. At the same time, the microstructure is transformed into dendritic crystals due to the composition super-cooling effect by the excessive Si element, inducing serious element segregation. The hardness of FeCrCoMnSix high-entropy alloy coatings increases to 425.8 HV when the Si content is 0.6 under the synergistic effect of the solid-solution and dense eutectic structure. The friction and wear analysis shows that the friction and wear mechanisms of the coating are mainly abrasive wear and oxidative wear. The coefficient of friction and the wear rate of the FeCrCoMnSix high-entropy alloy coating decreases to 0.202 and 4.06 × 10−5 mm3/N·m, respectively, when the content of Si is 0.6 due to the dense microstructure and high hardness. The above studies prove that the presence of Si in the FeCrCoMnSi0.6 high-entropy alloy coating induces a refined eutectic microstructure and improves the coating’s anti-wear properties by increasing hardness and decreasing the coefficient of friction.
Correction: Zhao et al. Plasma Spraying NiCoCrAlY-Cr2O3-AgMo Coatings: Fabrication and Tribological Mechanisms. Coatings 2024, 14, 1233
Authors: Zhao Yafei , Gao Yanping , Zhai Zhaoyang , Zhang Yanchao , Zhang Dongya
Published: November 2024

In the published paper [...]