bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UK Policy Instruments for Aviation Decarbonisation: The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate and Policymaking Approach Underlying the Future UK Framework
Authors: Maulet Nicolas
Published: February 2025

The UK’s fuel decarbonisation toolbox is expanding to include more policy support for developing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This support framework will grow out of the UK experience with the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation by including a sector-specific mandate. Westminster is also working on a future revenue certainty mechanism for SAF, that is yet to be legislated. In doing so, the UK government proposes to deliver a continued support to low-carbon fuel innovation. The government also intends to address the Climate Change Committee’s persistent calls for a swifter decarbonisation across transport modes. This SAF policy should help speed up aviation decarbonisation by serving multiple purposes and targets, a policymaking approach typically associated with renewable energy support programmes. The SAF policy’s consultations, government documentation, and expert opinions, help recognize several policy traits, coming out as critical design characteristics when structuring policy programmes supporting renewable energy sources. Such policy characteristics include providing certainty, clarity, continuity, and adaptability when structuring instruments and government interventions. Policy programmes should also prove capable of adapting to market and trade conditions. Instruments should equally factor in WTO rules and rulings on subsidies, renewable support schemes, sustainable fuels, or export markets, as and when applicable.
Getting Support from your Colleagues: Bill Reintroduction in the U.S. House
Authors: Gui Fred , Yu Ouyang
Published: February 2025

What happens to bills that fail to become law in a given Congress? Which are reintroduced in the next, and why? As legislative success becomes increasingly difficult, understanding bill reintroduction is crucial. We propose a utility-based theory, arguing that members of the House (MCs) value both the extent and intensity of external support when making the decisions of reintroduction. Specifically, MCs are more likely to reintroduce bills with a higher number of cosponsors. In addition, they prioritize support from copartisans and members of the bill’s referred committee, viewing it as more intense and valuable. Using a text reuse approach, we analyze all bills introduced in the House from 2003 to 2019, and find strong evidence to support these arguments. Our findings deepen the understanding of the dynamics behind legislation and provide insights into the internal workings of the U.S. House.
Outcomes and risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with low ejection fraction
Authors: Zhao Yang , Yu Xu , Ma Xiaolong , Zhang Liang , Wang Zehui
Published: February 2025

Objective

To investigate the short-term prognosis and risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with low ejection fraction.

Methods

Clinical data were collected from 765 patients who underwent CABG with an ejection fraction of less than 40% between 2019 and 2023 at Anhui Chest Hospital and Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University. The patients were categorized into a in-hospital mortality group (n = 38) and a in-hospital survival group (n = 727), based on whether they died within 30 days post-operation. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify risk factors for in-hospital mortality. The relationship between these risk factors and the likelihood of in-hospital mortality was assessed using restricted cubic splines (RCS). Additionally, predictive values were evaluated by plotting receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC).

Results

In-hospital mortality occurred in 38 out of the 765 patients, resulting in an incidence rate of 4.97%. Compared to the survival group, those in the mortality group exhibited significantly higher rates of exploratory thoracotomy, intra-aortic balloon pump usage, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation application, gastrointestinal bleeding incidents, and acute renal failure occurrences. Independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality included preoperative age, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), fasting glucose levels (Glu), and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Conversely, standardized preoperative administration of oral nitrates and aspirin as well as intraoperative utilization of internal mammary arteries emerged as protective factors against in-hospital mortality. ROC analysis revealed predictive efficiencies for age at 68.5%, LVEF at 76.6%, Glu at 60.5%, while eGFR demonstrated a predictive efficiency of 78.1%.

Conclusion

The incidence of in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with low ejection fraction is correlated with several factors, including advanced age, LVEF, Glu, eGFR, and the standardized preoperative administration of oral nitrates and aspirin. These findings serve as a guide for enhancing the in-hospital prognosis for this patient population in clinical practice.
Angiogenesis after acute myocardial infarction: a bibliometric -based literature review
Authors: Tan Yu , Li Min , Ma Xiaojuan , Shi Dazhuo , Liu Wei
Published: February 2025

Objective

The prevalence of acute myocardial infarction, a severe ischemic cardiac disease, is on the rise annually. The establishment of coronary collateral circulation in the border zone of the infarct can effectively relieve myocardial ischemia and impede cell death, while angiogenesis can promote the formation of collateral circulation in the ischemic tissues. Over the past two decades, studies related to angiogenesis in acute myocardial infarction have increased rapidly. However, there is a lack of bibliometric studies in this particular field.

Methods

For this study, we employed bibliometric analysis to outline focal points and patterns in scientific and clinical research. The collection of literature was gathered using the Web of Science Core Collection database. Bibliometric and visual analysis were conducted. Knowledge maps were generated using CiteSpace and VOSviewer software.

Results and conclusions

With the deepening of the research, therapeutic angiogenesis will become a treatment direction for acute myocardial infarction in the future.
Selection, evolution and persistence of paleoecological systems
Authors: Roopnarine Peter D.
Published: February 2025

The Phanerozoic fossil record can be organized as a nested set of persistent paleoecological units, ranging from paleocommunities to Sepkoski’s Evolutionary Faunas. This paper argues that the basis for ecological persistence on geological timescales is rooted in the robustness of ecological communities, that is, the resistance and resilience of communities when perturbed by the environment. Here I present the Ecological Functional Networks Hypothesis (EFNH) that proposes that networks of species functions, or Ecological Functional Networks (EFNs), underlie ecological stasis and persistence, and that EFNs are both subject to selection and evolve. An EFN varies if the species composition and hence functional structures of its constituent communities vary, and EFNs may differ from each other based on the robustness of those constituent communities, numerical representation, and biogeographic distribution. That variation is subject to selection acting on EFN community composition, and determines both the persistence of an EFN and the differential persistence among multiple EFNs. Selection pressures on EFNs in turn exert top-down influence on species evolution and extinction. Evidence is presented to both establish the reality of EFNs in the fossil record, for example, community structures that persist even as species composition changes, and the selection of EFNs, which is apparent during and after episodes of severe biotic turnover such as mass extinctions. Finally, tests are suggested that make the EFNH falsifiable, including testing the correlation between EFNs or EFN emergent traits and geological persistence, and using models of paleocommunity dynamics to examine the relationship between community or EFN robustness and geological persistence. The tests should be applied broadly throughout the Phanerozoic and diverse environments. The EFNH is part of a growing body of hypotheses that address the selection, evolution and persistence of non-reproducing systems, including ecosystems and entire biospheres, and addresses those concepts on geological timescales.
Transcriptomic analysis of the effects exerted by curcumin on dihydrotestosterone-induced ovarian granulosa cells
Authors: Chen Dejian , Yu Qian , Sheng Shuhao , Cai Lingshi , Zheng Jisuo , Zhang Yaling
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Hyperandrogenism is a leading cause of developmental retardation in ovarian granulosa cells. Previous studies have indicated that curcumin significantly improves follicular dysplasia, a characteristic of the polycystic ovary syndrome. Our purpose was to explore the signaling pathways which enable curcumin to protect the development of hyperandrogen-induced granulosa cells.

Methods

Ovarian granulosa cells treated with or without curcumin at different dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, were screened for cell viability, reactive oxygen species production, and apoptosis. RNA sequencing (transcriptome sequencing) was used to determine global gene expression in DHT-induced granulosa cells treated with curcumin.

Results

24 hours of combined curcumin and DHT treatment inhibited granulosa cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Curcumin upregulated estrogen synthesis-related enzymes, downregulated lipid metabolism-related genes and the glucuronic acid process, inhibited androgen receptor (AR) activity, significantly improved cell viability, and corrected granulosa cell development. Gene set enrichment and genome transcriptome pathway analyses revealed the potential role played by curcumin in protecting granulosa cell development.

Conclusion

High androgen levels may disrupt steroid hormone synthesis and lipid metabolism pathways associated with granulosa cell development, thereby activating AR and inhibiting estrogen biosynthesis. Curcumin restores granulosa cell development by correcting abnormal steroid gene expression and disordered lipid fatty acid metabolism.
Progressive role of artificial intelligence in treatment decision-making in the field of medical oncology
Authors: Bongurala Archana Reddy , Save Dhaval , Virmani Ankit
Published: February 2025

This article explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical oncology, emphasizing its impact on treatment decision-making for adult and pediatric cancer care. AI applications, including advanced imaging, drug discovery, and clinical decision support systems, enhance precision, personalization, and efficiency. Pediatric oncology benefits from improved diagnostics, risk stratification, and targeted therapies, despite unique challenges. AI-driven personalized medicine optimizes treatment strategies, improving patient outcomes and reducing costs. Ethical considerations, such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and explainability, remain critical for responsible AI integration. Future advancements, including explainable AI and quantum computing, promise to redefine cancer care through data-driven insights.
Neural correlates and plasticity of explicit emotion regulation following the experience of trauma
Authors: Konrad Annika C. , Miu Andrei C. , Trautmann Sebastian , Kanske Philipp
Published: February 2025

Experiencing trauma or other adverse life events is highly prevalent and poses a significant risk for the development of mental disorders. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and neural processes involved in trauma processing is crucial for both prevention and targeting symptoms. Especially, difficulties in emotion regulation emerge as one key mechanism implicated in the development of conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following traumatic experiences. However, neural correlates of explicit emotion regulation among individuals who have undergone trauma have not received much attention. Understanding the neural basis of dysregulated emotion following trauma could reveal important details about how trauma interferes with emotional regulation systems, informing the development of more specific intervention approaches. Therefore, this mini review summarizes current research, and identifies relevant gaps in the literature and challenges for future studies. Specifically, it provides an overview of the neural dysregulation associated with explicit emotion regulation strategies such as reappraisal or suppression. Finally, it highlights promising findings from intervention studies targeting emotion regulation, such as trauma-focused exposure therapy and neurofeedback, indicating neural plasticity in individuals with traumatic experiences. Hereby, this review aims to bridge the gap between fundamental and intervention research and highlights future directions for translational research.
A new directionality index based on high-resolution joint symbolic dynamics to assess information transfer in multivariate networks
Authors: Schulz Steffen , Schumann Andy , Bär Karl-Jürgen , Haueisen Jens , Seifert Georg , Voss Andreas
Published: February 2025

The detection and quantification of coupling strength and direction are important aspects for achieving a deeper understanding of physiological regulatory processes in the field of network physiology. Due to the limitations of established approaches, we developed directionality indices based on simple mathematical symbolization principles and simple computational procedures that allow a quick and comprehensive understanding of the underlying couplings. We introduced a new directionality index (DHRJSD) derived from the pattern family density matrix of the High-Resolution Joint Symbolic Dynamics (HRJSD) approach and its multivariate version (mHRJSD) to determine coupling direction and driver-response relationships. The mHRJSD approach contains the multivariate directionality index DmHRJSD (DmHRJSD(x,y|z), DmHRJSD(x,z|y), and DmHRJSD(y,z|x)), allowing us to determine the primary driver **DmHRJSD, the secondary driver *DmHRJSD, and the dominant responder −DmHRJSD in multivariate systems that are at least weakly coupled. Different linear and non-linear bi- and multivariate coupled systems (Gaussian autoregressive models) with different mutual influences were generated to validate these indices. The simulation results showed that DHRJSD was able to correctly detect the dominant coupling direction in linear bivariate coupled systems but was partly able to detect the dominant coupling direction in non-linear bivariate coupled systems. The proposed directionality index DmHRJSD derived from the mHRJSD approach is able to correctly detect the driver-responder relationships in linear coupled systems. The main advantages of the newly introduced directionality indices include their insensitivity to non-stationary time series, their ability to capture couplings through a simple, fast, and easy-to-implement symbolization procedure, and their scale invariance. Additionally, they are independent of time series length, model order selection, and the procedure for determining their significance level.
Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) acutely alters ionic currents but does not increase cardiac cell death
Authors: Esposito Simona , McGuinness Lauren R. , Sharma Parveen , Chadwick Amy E. , Rainbow Richard D.
Published: February 2025

Background

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a product of the action of gut microbiota on choline and other choline-containing compounds ingested in the diet. The presence of TMAO at high concentrations has been reported in the blood of patients with cardiovascular disease, suggesting the role for TMAO as either a marker or causative agent of the disease. These investigations examined whether TMAO had an effect on cardiomyocyte contractile function, calcium homoeostasis, and survival from metabolic insult.

Results

TMAO had no effect on metabolic function or the ability of cells to survive a metabolic insult; however, it did cause transient changes to contractile function. These changes included an increase in calcium current and an increase in Kir6.1 channel activity in the cell, causing a shortening of the action potential duration to 90% repolarised but lengthening the action potential to 30% repolarised. These effects occurred within minutes of TMAO application; however, they were not observed following 24 h culture. These data suggest that TMAO does modulate contractile function, albeit only in the short-term, but has no effect on metabolic behaviour or the ability to withstand a metabolic challenge.

Conclusion

These data suggest that high TMAO concentrations in the blood of patients may be a marker of potential cardiovascular disease rather than playing a causative role.
Balancing accuracy and user satisfaction: the role of prompt engineering in AI-driven healthcare solutions
Authors: Wang Mini Han , Jiang Xudong , Zeng Peijin , Li Xinyue , Chong Kelvin Kam-Lung , Hou Guanghui , Fang Xiaoxiao , Yu Yang , Yu Xiangrong , Fang Junbin , Pan Yi
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The rapid evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has opened new possibilities for public healthcare. Effective integration of these technologies is essential to ensure precise and efficient healthcare delivery. This study explores the application of IoT-enabled, AI-driven systems for detecting and managing Dry Eye Disease (DED), emphasizing the use of prompt engineering to enhance system performance.

Methods

A specialized prompt mechanism was developed utilizing OpenAI GPT-4.0 and ERNIE Bot-4.0 APIs to assess the urgency of medical attention based on 5,747 simulated patient complaints. A Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) machine learning model was employed for text classification to differentiate urgent from non-urgent cases. User satisfaction was evaluated through composite scores derived from Service Experiences (SE) and Medical Quality (MQ) assessments.

Results

The comparison between prompted and non-prompted queries revealed a significant accuracy increase from 80.1% to 99.6%. However, this improvement was accompanied by a notable rise in response time, resulting in a decrease in SE scores (95.5 to 84.7) but a substantial increase in MQ satisfaction (73.4 to 96.7). These findings indicate a trade-off between accuracy and user satisfaction.

Discussion

The study highlights the critical role of prompt engineering in improving AI-based healthcare services. While enhanced accuracy is achievable, careful attention must be given to balancing response time and user satisfaction. Future research should optimize prompt structures, explore dynamic prompting approaches, and prioritize real-time evaluations to address the identified challenges and maximize the potential of IoT-integrated AI systems in medical applications.
Health care experiences of individuals accessing or undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the U.S.: a narrative review of qualitative studies
Authors: Peterson Summer K. , Jennings Mayo-Wilson Larissa , Spigel Lauren , Morgan Isabel , Parker Adriana
Published: February 2025

Background

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an increasingly common method of assisted reproduction given the high rates of infertility in the United States (U.S.). However, despite growing utilization of IVF technologies, there is little known about the experiences of those accessing or undergoing IVF, particularly among adults in the U.S. The aims of this review are to (1) explore how economic, emotional and physical health, and interpersonal relationships impact and are impacted by accessing or undergoing IVF, and (2) understand the role of healthcare providers and the healthcare system.

Methods

A narrative review was conducted to summarize the current literature and provide insight into potential channels for care improvement. Eligible studies were published in English from 2013 to 2024 which qualitatively evaluated experiences of individuals and couples accessing or undergoing IVF. Peer-reviewed publications were identified from three electronic bibliographic databases. Methodologic rigor was assessed by two reviewers who also abstracted data on the study's characteristics as they pertained to four domains: health systems, economic, interpersonal, and physical and emotional health. Among the 32 papers retrieved for review, 22 met inclusion criteria and were retained for analysis.

Results

The available literature suggests accessing and undergoing IVF can be positively and negatively influenced by health systems, economic, interpersonal, and physical and emotional health factors. Often an individual or couple experiences multiple factors that compound to create a complex situation. Health systems-related factors included physician interaction and challenges with information volume and processing. Economic challenges primarily pertained to financing IVF and navigating insurance coverage. Interpersonal factors related to changes in relationships with partners, family members, and friends due to IVF. Physical health concerns (e.g., pain) and emotional health concerns (e.g., sadness, stress) were also noted by all included papers.

Conclusions

Efforts to improve care experiences of adults accessing or undergoing IVF are urgently needed. The evidence base points to a need for provider sensitivity trainings, clinic-based intervention, and community education in both physical and virtual spaces.
Transforming Kenya’s addressing landscape: use case models approach to a responsive National Addressing System
Authors: Kipkemoi Isaac , Ngare Innocent Osoro
Published: February 2025

The rapid urbanization and population growth in Kenya highlight the need to revive the National Addressing System (NAS). This study aims to examine address systems across the globe, focusing on countries known for their efficient addressing infrastructures, such as the USA, UK, Japan, Switzerland, and Germany, and compare them to the currently used system in Kenya. Additionally, we critique the format proposed by NAS and use this knowledge to build conceptual models of a responsive NAS. Beyond conducting a simple survey of best practices, our objective is to extract the underlying principles and intricacies that lead to the success of these models. Drawing on this extensive global knowledge, our research aims to propose a detailed conceptual framework specifically designed to address the unique attributes and challenges that characterize Kenya’s dynamic addressing landscape. By combining global insights with local needs, this paper advocates for a NAS that goes beyond traditional boundaries, aligning with international standards while promoting adaptability and resilience in response to the ever-changing urban fabric of Kenya.
Simultaneous determination of the amylose and amylopectin content of foxtail millet flour by hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Wang Guoliang , Liu Min , Xue Hongtao , Guo Erhu , Zhang Aiying
Published: February 2025

The levels of amylose and amylopectin in foxtail millet are important factors that influence grain quality. The application of organic fertilizers can affect the ratio of amylose and amylopectin components. These components are typically determined using chemical analysis methods, which are difficult to apply on a large scale for nutrient deficiency diagnosis and do not meet the original intention of precise agricultural development. This study set up five different gradient treatments for organic fertilizer (sheep manure) application. Hyperspectral imaging combined with chemometrics was employed to achieve rapid and non-destructive detection of the content of amylose and amylopectin in foxtail millet flour. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal dosage of organic fertilizers for application. Spectral data preprocessing used multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), and the combined algorithm of competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), random frog (RF), and iterated retaining informative variables (IRIVs) was employed for key band extraction. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was then used to establish the prediction model and regression equation, which was used to visualize the two components. Results demonstrated that the key band extraction combined algorithm effectively reduced data dimension without compromising the accuracy of the prediction model. The prediction model for amylose using MSC–RF–IRIV–PLSR exhibited good performance, with the correlation coefficient (R) and root mean square error (RMSE) predicted to be 0.73 and 1.23 g/(100 g), respectively. Similarly, the prediction model for amylopectin using MSC–CARS–IRIV–PLSR also demonstrated good performance, with the R and RMSE values predicted to be 0.59 and 7.34 g/(100 g), respectively. The results of visualization and physicochemical determination showed that the amount of amylopectin accumulation was highest, and the amount of amylose was lowest, under the application of 22.5 t/ha of organic fertilizer. The experimental results offer valuable insights for the rapid detection of nutritional components in foxtail millet, serving as a basis for further research.
Test-retest reliability of gaze precision of a novel virtual reality-based medical device
Authors: Coito Ana , Naidu Avantika , Lehmann Julian , Hauser Bruno , Brügger Dominik , Abegg Mathias
Published: February 2025

In virtual reality (VR) systems that track eye movements using infra-red cameras, the precision of gaze measurement is crucial for reliable detection of eye movement disorders. To assess gaze measurement ability and gaze precision consistency of an HMD VR-based medical device system, neosTM, under optimal conditions, we used a robotized setup that provides the advantage of mimicking human eye movements with minimal movement variability. We assessed neos™’s gaze examination test twice for thirteen simulated conditions with different noise levels, and then assessed gaze precision and gaze consistency for each by computing the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurements (SEM) and Bland-Altman analysis. We found excellent test-retest reliability (ICC > 0.99, SEM = 0.04) for neos™’s gaze precision, with good agreements between first and second gaze precision measurements observed via Bland-Altman analysis. The high ICC and low SEM of neos™ in all nine cardinal directions of gaze demonstrates its eye tracking reliability and measurement consistency. This is a crucial feature for eye-tracking applications for HMD-based VR devices when used in clinical settings. The use of a robotic eye to objectively validate a VR-based eye tracker can be applicable to other devices. Future research will investigate the longitudinal stability of the measurements in different human populations.
Case Report: Intracranial ectopic schwannoma originating from the internal carotid artery wall
Authors: Guo Zhige , Alafate Wahafu , Gan Wu
Published: February 2025

This case report presents a rare instance of an ectopic schwannoma originating from the internal carotid artery wall in a 21-year-old male, initially misdiagnosed as an anterior clinoid meningioma. The patient presented with intermittent headaches and dizziness for over two years, aggravated for the past month. Brain MRI revealed a mass above the left side of the parasellar region, hypointense on T1-weighted images and heterogeneously hyperintense on T2-weighted and T2 FLAIR sequences. The operation involved a left frontotemporal craniotomy, and the tumor was found to be compressing and displacing the ipsilateral optic nerve and internal carotid artery. The tumor was completely resected, and postoperative MRI confirmed no residual tissue. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma. This case is unique in its origin from the internal carotid artery wall and its favorable prognosis, with complete functional recovery and resolution of symptoms. The report emphasizes the importance of careful surgical approach and the excellent prognosis of paraclinoid region schwannomas.
Robotic Surgical Procedures for Ventral Hernia Repair
Authors: Christoffersen M. W. , Andresen K. , Perregaard Helene , Henriksen N. A.
Published: February 2025

The recent availability of robotic platforms has facilitated the adoption of advanced minimally invasive ventral hernia repair. Robotic-assisted ventral hernia repair is an evolving field with many new techniques and acronyms for different accesses and approaches. This paper aims to describe the four currently most used procedures for robotic ventral hernia repair, all of which are MIS sublay repairs; robotic Trans-Abdominal-Preperitoneal (r-TAPP), robotic Trans-Abdominal-Retromuscular-Mesh (r-TARM), robotic Extended-Totally-Extra-Peritoneal (r-E-TEP), and robotic Transversus-Abdominis-Release (RoboTAR). Their descriptions are supported by illustrations. The paper describes trocar placement, practical tips and tricks, and briefly discusses the indications for each procedure. Furthermore, technical details such as the incision of the flap, access to the correct anatomical planes, dissection techniques, handling of the hernia sac, mesh choice and placement, and restoration of the abdominal wall layers are described. In conclusion, robotic ventral hernia repair has gained wide acceptance with promising postoperative results. There are many different techniques and approaches available, and this paper describes the four most commonly performed procedures in a detailed step-by-step fashion.
Multi-Objective Manoeuvring Optimization for Multi-Satellite Responsive Earth Observation
Authors: Argirò Annarita , Cimmino Nicola , Isoletta Giorgio , Opromolla Roberto , Fasano Giancarmine
Published: February 2025

Many space missions require that an area of interest on the ground is observed in a timely manner. Several approaches have been proposed in literature for this purpose, which involve modifying the ground track of an in-orbit satellite to overfly one or more Earth sites. Multi-satellite systems can clearly provide advantages for addressing this task in terms of responsiveness. In this context, this paper proposes a decision-making architecture to select the optimal manoeuvring or non-manoeuvring solution that enables a set of multiple sensor-equipped satellites in low Earth orbit to observe an area of interest in a timely fashion. For satellites that do not overfly the Earth site within the specified time period, dual coplanar impulsive manoeuvres are designed by applying a sensor-aware ground-track adjustment method. In particular, sensor footprints and percentage coverage of the assumed areas of interest are explicitly taken into account. A multi-objective optimization problem is then solved to determine which satellite provides the best solution to cover the area of interest in terms of fuel consumption (if ground-track adjustment is required) and time to overflight. Both simulated and real-world scenarios are considered to numerically validate the proposed methodology.
Reformulation of Puff Pastry Using Oils from Agri-Food Residues, Chia, and Poppy Seeds to Produce a Functional Spanish Cake: ‘Miguelitos de la Roda’
Authors: Martínez Elena , Ferreira Diana Melo , Nunes Maria Antónia , Oliveira Maria Beatriz P. P. , Pardo José E. , Álvarez-Ortí Manuel
Published: February 2025

In this study, hydrogenated fat and butter in traditional puff pastry were partially replaced with vegetable oils from seeds to evaluate their impact on the physicochemical and sensory properties of the final product. The incorporation of vegetable oils led to changes in texture, specifically reducing hardness and chewiness. These modifications influenced the sensory perception of texture in some cases. In terms of color, the addition of vegetable oils reduced luminosity in all reformulated samples compared to the control, while parameters a* and b* were affected by the pigments present in the oils. From a nutritional perspective, this reformulation proved beneficial in reducing total fat content (between 7.34% and 17.19%) and, consequently, the energy value. The inclusion of vegetable oils also led to a decrease in saturated fatty acids, particularly in samples where butter was replaced, while the PUFA content increased (for example, 39.04% in puff pastry with chia oil; 43.04% in puff pastry with poppy oil) as well as the bioactive compounds (vitamin E). Moreover, depending on the oil used, the n-6/n-3 ratio increased compared to the control samples. Regarding sensory evaluation, all reformulated samples were well accepted, with scores above 1. However, across all evaluated parameters, the control samples consistently received higher scores. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of vegetable oils as a viable alternative to replace traditionally used fats known for their negative health effects. Additionally, the utilization of seed oils derived from agri-food waste contributes to sustainability efforts, aligning with the goals of the 2030 Agenda and promoting innovative applications in the food industry.
Reproductive Efficiency of Low-Fertility Dairy Cows Submitted to Presynch-Ovsynch or Double-Ovsynch Scheme for First Service
Authors: Mendonça Luis Gustavo Delamanha , Wronka Kenneth , Fridkovski Guy , Bilby Todd , Stevenson Jeffrey
Published: February 2025

Reproductive efficiency has a major impact on the profitability of dairy operations. Focusing on improving the reproductive performance of cows with expected reduced fertility is desired; however, further research is needed in this area. The objectives of this study were to identify a subpopulation of cows with suboptimal fertility and evaluate whether hormonal interventions would improve the reproductive efficiency of low-fertility cows. Cows in one herd were enrolled in the study at 50 days in milk (DIM) and classified as low or high fertility according to a proprietary Fertility Index. Weekly cohorts of cows were allocated to three treatments at 50 DIM: (1) high fertility and Presynch-Ovsynch (H-PO; n = 1036); (2) low fertility and Presynch-Ovsynch (L-PO; n = 665); (3) low fertility and Double-Ovsynch (L-DO; n = 645). The voluntary waiting period (VWP) was 65 and 50 DIM for first-lactation and second- and greater-lactation cows, respectively, regardless of the treatment group. For H-PO and L-PO treatments, Presynch-Ovsynch was initiated at 75 ± 3 DIM, and when cows were not inseminated early after detected estrus, timed artificial insemination (TAI) occurred at 113 ± 3 DIM. For cows assigned to the L-DO treatment, Double-Ovsynch was initiated at 53 ± 3 DIM, and when cows were not inseminated early after detected estrus, TAI occurred at 80 ± 3 DIM. All cows were eligible to be inseminated after the end of the VWP and during the entire presynchronization schemes. The Fertility Index successfully identified differences in pregnancy and culling outcomes regardless of the lactation number. Fewer cows (p < 0.01) predicted to have high compared with low fertility required a TAI for the first service, more (p < 0.01) were pregnant by 100 DIM, more (p < 0.01) were alive and pregnant by 250 DIM, fewer (p < 0.01) were culled by 250 DIM, and fewer tended (p = 0.08) to have pregnancy loss after first AI. Applying a fertility scheme (DO) to low-fertility cows failed to increase the proportion of cows pregnant by 250 DIM compared with low-fertility cows exposed to PO when cows were allowed to be inseminated at estrus during the entire presynchronization scheme. We conclude that submitting low-fertility cows to DO optimized the service rate for the first service; however, it did not increase pregnancy per AI compared with L-PO. Lastly, the Fertility Index successfully predicted differences in practical reproductive outcomes routinely monitored in dairy farms.
The Oncoprotein Mucin 1 in Pancreatic Cancer Onset and Progression: Potential Clinical Implications
Authors: Dieli Rosalia , Lioy Rosa , Crispo Fabiana , Cascelli Nicoletta , Martinelli Mara , Lerose Rosa , Telesca Donatella , Milella Maria Rita , Colella Marco , Loperte Simona , Mazzoccoli Carmela
Published: February 2025

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy characterized by poor prognosis, therapeutic resistance, and frequent recurrence. Current therapeutic options for PDAC include surgery, radiotherapy, immunological and targeted approaches. However, all these therapies provide only a slight improvement in patient survival. Consequently, the discovery of novel specific targets is becoming a priority to develop more effective treatments for PDAC. Mucin 1 (MUC1), a transmembrane glycoprotein, is aberrantly glycosylated and frequently overexpressed in pancreatic cancer. Recent studies highlighted the role of this oncoprotein in pancreatic carcinogenesis and its involvement in the acquisition of typical aggressive features of PDAC, like local invasion, metastases, and drug resistance. This review explores the mechanisms by which MUC1 contributes to cancer onset and progression, with a focus on its potential role as a biomarker and novel therapeutic target for pancreatic adenocarcinoma treatment.
How Does Conscientiousness Relate to Employee Creativity? An Exploratory Study of Frontline Technical Workers
Authors: Xu Sen , Cheng Jiajia
Published: February 2025

Building on the interactionist perspective of organizational creativity, we investigated the relationship between conscientiousness and employee creativity. We surveyed 260 frontline technical workers and their supervisors at three Chinese manufacturing enterprises. The results showed a positive relationship between conscientiousness and employee creativity. We also found a three-way interaction effect between conscientiousness, perceived time pressure, and trust in one’s leader, which impacts employee creativity. We ended by discussing both the theoretical and managerial implications.
Experimental Investigation on the Stress–Strain Behavior of Steel Fiber-Reinforced Rubberized Concrete Subjected to Cyclic Compressive Loading
Authors: Dong Shuo , Shi Feng-Wei , Deng En-Feng , Chen Hai-Tao
Published: February 2025

In this paper, the effect of the combination of steel fiber and rubber particles on the compressive behavior of steel fiber-reinforced rubberized concrete (FR-RC) under uniaxial cyclic compression was investigated. A total of 60 specimens with steel fiber volume fractions ranging from 0% to 1.5% and rubber particle volume substitutions ranging from 0% to 20% were fabricated and tested. The compressive stress–strain relationship and the failure mode of FR-RC were examined. The results indicate that the introduction of steel fiber and rubber particles has a synergistic effect on improving the cyclic mechanical behavior of concrete, including ductility, hysteretic energy dissipation, and stiffness degradation. Additionally, increasing the steel fiber and rubber particle content leads to a significant decrease in plastic strain accumulation. Based on the test results, formulas are proposed for the characteristic points of the hysteresis loop, such as the peak strength and strain, residual point, turning point, and end point. Furthermore, a cyclic constitutive model and its simplified form are developed to generalize the cyclic stress–strain behavior of FR-RC.
Green Tea Components: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence for Their Anticancer Potential in Colon Cancer
Authors: Randisi Federica , Perletti Gianpaolo , Marras Emanuela , Gariboldi Marzia Bruna
Published: February 2025

Green tea consumption has been implicated in various biological activities, with particular emphasis on its anticancer properties. The antineoplastic effects of green tea are primarily attributed to its rich polyphenol content, among which, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is recognized as the most bioactive and potent catechin, responsible for the majority of its anticancer activity. This review provides a detailed examination of the in vitro and in vivo effects of green tea components, focusing on their potential therapeutic implications in colorectal cancer. The molecular mechanisms of action and bioactive constituents of green tea are systematically discussed, alongside an evaluation of experimental evidence supporting their efficacy. Furthermore, insights into the relationship between green tea dietary intake and colorectal cancer risk are analyzed, with a particular emphasis on clinical data and findings from meta-analyses involving patients diagnosed with colon cancer. The aggregated evidence underscores the necessity for well-designed randomized controlled trials and longitudinal cohort studies to substantiate the role of green tea as a chemopreventive agent. Additionally, future investigations should prioritize determining the optimal dosages, the appropriate durations of consumption, and the potential modulatory effects of dietary or lifestyle factors on green tea’s anticancer efficacy.
Minimally Invasive One-Docking, Two-Target, and Three-Port Robotic-Assisted Nephroureterectomy: Redefining Surgical Approach
Authors: Zohar Yarden , Hefer Ben , Vazana Itay , Jabareen Muhammad H. , Moed Rabea , Mazor Elad , Charabati Emilio , Alsaraia Nimer , Mabjeesh Nicola J.
Published: February 2025

Objective: Nephroureterectomy (NU) is a challenging multi-quadrant surgical procedure that involves intra–infra- and retroperitoneal dissection. The introduction of the da Vinci Xi platform has further improved the minimally invasive approach. With the Xi robotic system, single docking for multi-quadrant dissection is now feasible and increasingly popular. Herein, we redefined the surgical technique by optimizing minimal port usage, maximizing template visualization, and utilizing the Xi platform’s retargeting system, based on our experience with 15 patients. Methods: This single-center cohort study was based on the experience of a single surgeon with 15 patients who underwent robotic radical nephroureterectomy (RRNU) between 2019 and 2024, performed via the one docking, three-port technique. Patient data were retrospectively collected and analyzed from the medical records. Results: The cohort’s median age was 79 years, with male predominance of 80%. The median operative time was 133 min, with 60% of procedures completed within 150 min; longer times (>150 min) were due to additional intraoperative non-robotic procedures. Median blood loss was 100 mL, with two patients requiring intraoperative blood transfusion. Lymph node dissection (LND) in six patients did not significantly affect the overall operative time. The intraoperative and major postoperative complication rates (Clavien-Dindo grade > III) were 13.3%. Conclusions: The use of three robotic ports combined with the Xi platform’s camera-hop feature is a safe and effective technique for multi-quadrant, minimally invasive procedures, particularly in RRNU. This approach facilitates procedural goals and reduces overall operative time.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications of the SUMOylation Pathway in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Chatzikalil Elena , Arvanitakis Konstantinos , Filippatos Filippos , Diamantopoulos Panagiotis T. , Koufakis Theocharis , Solomou Elena E.
Published: February 2025

Epigenetics encompasses heritable and stable changes in gene expression caused by external chromosomal modifications, without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Epigenetic modifications, established during early development and maintained through successive cell divisions, play a critical role in regulating gene expression. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are a key aspect of epigenetics and are essential for modulating protein functionality, as well as regulatory cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, metabolic pathways, and tumorigenic events. Among these, the small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMOylation) system is a reversible PTM mechanism that alters target protein interaction surfaces through covalent binding to lysine residues, thereby influencing protein structure and function. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly aggressive malignancy characterized by the clonal expansion of primitive hematopoietic stem cells of the myeloid lineage in the bone marrow. Despite recent advancements in therapeutic strategies and an improved understanding of leukemogenic pathways, patient outcomes remain poor, particularly in elderly populations. Consequently, efforts have focused on developing novel agents, including co-targeting specific mutations or integrating targeted therapies into combinatorial chemotherapeutic regimens. Emerging evidence suggests that SUMOylation plays a significant role in AML pathogenesis and treatment response, representing a promising therapeutic target for advanced disease cases. This review provides a brief analysis of the functional role of the SUMOylation system in AML and highlights its potential as a therapeutic target. We also discuss current knowledge gaps and propose directions for future research to advance precision medicine approaches for AML treatment.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Systemic Treatment: Disruptive Early-Stage Developments for Overcoming Stagnation in the Advanced Pipeline
Authors: Alonso-Ron Carlos , Vethencourt Andrea , González-Suárez Eva , Oruezabal Roke Iñaki
Published: February 2025

New breast cancer (BC) diagnoses will soon reach 2.5–3 million/year worldwide, with 15–25% of them being triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the most aggressive type, characterized for lacking the main pharmacological targets: estrogen and progesterone receptors (ERs and PRs), as well as HER2 overexpression. Therefore, chemotherapy remains the almost-unique systemic treatment for TNBC. However, some targeted therapies are recommended for use in combination with chemotherapy; namely, PARP inhibitors for BRCA-mutated TNBC, the immune checkpoint inhibitors pembrolizumab and atezolizumab, as well as the antibody–drug conjugates sacituzumab govitecan and trastuzumab deruxtecan, the latter for HER2low subtypes. Regardless of the limited benefits they provide, other treatments with similar mechanisms of action are being investigated in advanced clinical stages. Further, therapies that benefit other cancers, like PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and CDK4/6 inhibitors, are still being investigated for TNBC, although convincing results have not been obtained. Given this scenario, it might appear innovation for TNBC treatments has become stuck. However, the huge unmet medical need drives intense research into the biology of the disease. As a result, emerging disruptive therapies are being tested in early-stage trials, designed for novel targets and applying cutting-edge advances in immunotherapy and precision oncology.