bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Cervicovaginal Infection, Human Papillomavirus Infection and Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Romanian Women
Authors: Brăila Anca Daniela , Poalelungi Cristian-Viorel , Albu Cristina-Crenguţa , Damian Constantin Marian , Dȋră Laurențiu Mihai , Bănățeanu Andreea-Mariana , Bogdan-Andreescu Claudia Florina
Published: January 2025

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is a premalignant cervical condition closely linked to persistent high-risk HPV infection, a major risk factor for cervical cancer. This study aims to investigate the relationship between cervicovaginal infections, HPV infection, and CIN development in 94 Romanian women with cervical lesions. Comprehensive assessments included HPV genotyping, cytology, colposcopy, and histopathology. In 53.20% of cases, vaginal infections were identified, with Candida albicans most frequently associated with HPV. Histopathology revealed 48.94% low-grade CIN, 42.55% high-grade CIN, and 8.51% invasive carcinoma. There was a strong correlation between high-risk HPV types (especially HPV 16 and 18), colposcopic findings, histopathology, and age. This study emphasizes the mutual effect of cervicovaginal infections and HPV infection in increasing the risk of developing CIN and cervical cancer among Romanian women. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, particularly HPV 16 and 18, has been confirmed as a primary driver of CIN and cervical cancer progression.
Co-Optimization of Operational and Intelligent Completion Parameters of CO2 Water-Alternating-Gas Injection Processes in Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Deng Xili , Wang Jingxuan , Zhao Xiangguo , Rao Liangyu , Zhao Yongbin , Sun Xiaofei
Published: January 2025

Recently, maximum reservoir contacting (MRC) wells have attracted more and more attention and have been gradually applied to CO2 WAG injections. During the use of MRC wells for CO2 WAG injections, intelligent completions are commonly considered to control CO2 breakthroughs. However, the design of the operational and intelligent completion parameters is a complicated process and there are no studies on the co-optimization of the operational and intelligent completion parameters for CO2 WAG processes. This study outlines an approach to enhance the oil recovery from CO2 WAG injection processes through the co-optimization of the operational and intelligent completion parameters of MRC wells in a carbonate reservoir. First, a simulation method is developed by using Petrel and Intersect. Then, a series of simulations are performed to prove the viability of intelligent completions and to investigate the effects of the timing and duration of the CO2 WAG injection, as well as the type, number, and placement of intelligent completion devices on the performance of a CO2 WAG injection by MRC wells. Finally, the imperialist competitive algorithm is used to co-optimize the operational and intelligent completion parameters for MRC wells. The results show that compared with the spiral inflow control device (SICD), autonomous inflow control device (AICD), labyrinth inflow control device (LICD), and annular interval control valve (AICV), the nozzle inflow control device (NICD) is the best type of intelligent completion device for MRC wells. There is an optimal installation timing, inflow area, and number of NICDs for a CO2 WAG injection by MRC wells. The NICDs need to be placed based on the permeability distribution. The oil recovery for the optimal case with the NICDs reached 46.43%, which is an increase of 3.8% over that of the base case with a conventional completion. In addition, compared with the non-uniformity coefficient of the base case (11.7), the non-uniformity coefficient of the optimal case with the NICDs decreased to 4.21. This is the first time that the co-optimization of the operational and intelligent completion parameters of a CO2 WAG injection has been reported, which adds more information about the practical applications of MRC wells in CO2 WAG injections for enhancing oil recovery in carbonate reservoirs.
The Entry of Pollinating Fig Wasps Plays a Pivotal Role in the Developmental Phase and Metabolic Expression Changes in Ficus hookeriana Figs
Authors: Zhang Ying , Guan Yunfang , Li Zongbo , Wang Yan , Chen Changqi , Yang Xiaoyan , Zhang Yuan
Published: January 2025

The fig (the syconium of the Ficus tree) and its pollinating fig wasp represent exceptional examples for researching plant–insect interactions due to their remarkable specificity in species interaction and mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. However, the mechanisms underlying the developmental process of monoecious figs in response to the entry of pollinating fig wasps (pollinators) and the metabolic changes occurring during this process remain elusive. Our study employed a combination of controlled experiments in the field and LC-MS methods to investigate the impact of pollinating fig wasp entry on the developmental phase of figs, as well as the metabolic alterations occurring during this process. A total of 381 metabolites and 155 differential metabolites were identified, with the predominant classes of metabolites being organic acids, lipids, and benzene aromatic compounds. The results suggest that in the absence of wasp entry, the receptive phase of fig would exhibit an extended duration. However, upon the entry of fig wasps, the receptive phase of figs would terminate within a span of 1 to 2 days, concomitant with substantial fluctuations in the composition and proportions of metabolites within the fig. Our research focuses on the analysis of linoleic acid metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. Our findings suggest that the entry of wasps triggers alterations in the metabolic regulatory mechanisms of figs. Prior to wasp entry, metabolites primarily regulate fig growth and development. However, after wasp entry, metabolites predominantly govern lipid accumulation and the establishment of defense mechanisms, indicating a transition in fig development. This metabolic perspective explains why figs promptly enter an interflower phase that is not attractive to pollinating fig wasps after their entry, and how figs achieve reproductive balance through the regulation of different metabolic pathways. This study provides scientific evidence for elucidating the stability mechanism of the fig wasp mutualistic system.
Acute Toxicity and Neuroprotective Effect of “RJ6601”, a Newly Formulated Instant Soup, in Geriatric Rats
Authors: Chaisanam Rujikarn , Wattanathorn Jintanaporn
Published: January 2025

Given its antioxidant effects and central nervous system benefits, we hypothesized that RJ6601 should improve neurodegeneration in the hippocampus, a region critical for cognition and the maintenance of quality of life (QoL). To assure its safety, a single fixed dose of 2000 mg/kg BW was administered to female Wistar rats (250–450 g, 18 months old) to test the acute toxicity of RJ6601. No mortality and toxicity signs were observed. To prove that RJ6601 can protect against age-related neurodegeneration, RJ6601 at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg BW was administered to the female Wistar rats once daily for 4 weeks. At the end of the study period, assessments were conducted to evaluate the neuron density; MDA levels; and activities of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, AChE, total MAO, MAO-A, and MAO-B in the hippocampus. Our results reveal increased neuron density, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px but decreased MDA, AChE, total MAO, MAO-A, and MAO-B in the hippocampi of female Wistar rats subjected to RJ6601 treatment at both doses used in this study. Therefore, RJ6601 is considered to have low toxicity and may improve neurodegeneration as well as cholinergic and monoaminergic dysfunctions. Subchronic toxicity studies and clinical trials are essential to confirm the safety of RJ6601 consumption and its health benefits.
Comparison and Classification of LMW-GS Genes at Glu-3 Loci of Common Wheat
Authors: Zhao Yongying , Zhao Xianlin , Xiang Zhiguo , Zhang Dan , Yang Hongshan
Published: January 2025

Background: The low molecular weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GS) of wheat have great effects on food processing quality, but the resolution of LMW-GS and the scoring of their alleles by direct analysis of proteins are difficult due to the larger number of expressed subunits and high similarity of DNA sequences. It is important to identify and classify the LMW-GS genes in order to recognize the LMW-GS alleles clearly and develop the functional markers. Methods: The LMW-GS genes registered in GenBank were searched at NCBI, and 593 Glu-3 genes with complete coding sequences were obtained, including 146 Glu-A3, 136 Glu-B3, and 311 Glu-D3. Sequence analysis and characterization of DNA and deduced amino acids were performed using the software DNAman. Results: The alignment and classification showed that there were at least 9 genes with 69 allelic variants at the Glu-A3 locus, 11 genes with 64 allelic variants at the Glu-B3 locus, and 10 genes with 96 variants at the Glu-D3 locus, respectively. Furthermore, the specificity of some Glu-3 genes and their variations was analyzed. Conclusions: The results were beneficial to understanding the LMW-GS genes fully and to developing the functional markers and will provide a theoretical reference for the quality improvement of wheat variety.
Cutaneous Paraneoplastic Syndromes in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Ionescu Vlad Alexandru , Gheorghe Gina , Georgescu Teodor Florin , Buica Vlad , Catanescu Mihai-Stefan , Cercel Iris-Andreea , Budeanu Beatrice , Budan Mihail , Nastac Ancuta , Antonie Ninel Iacobus , Costache Daniel O. , Costache Raluca Simona , Bacalbasa Nicolae , Tiuca Loredana-Crista , Diaconu Camelia Cristina
Published: January 2025

Despite many advances in the management of patients with colorectal cancer, this malignancy remains the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. One of the keys to improve the prognosis of these patients is diagnosis in early stages, making them eligible for curative surgical treatment. Cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes can enhance the diagnostic management of these patients. The time elapsed from the appearance of skin lesions to the appearance of the first digestive symptoms can reach up to a decade. Thus, comprehensive paraclinical evaluation and the monitoring of patients with specific skin lesions play an important role in detecting an underlying cancer. Given these findings, it is imperative to increase the awareness of cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes among patients and medical professionals. Additionally, the investigation of the mechanisms that elucidate this pathogenic link has the potential to result in the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
Supporting a Family Member with Dementia to Live at Home: The Experiences of Caregivers
Authors: Redley Marcus , Poland Fiona , O’Raw Linda , Orrell Martin
Published: January 2025

Background: In the United Kingdom, specialist teams managing crises in dementia make efforts to reduce inpatient admissions by supporting people to live for longer in their own homes. However, fluctuations in the health and social circumstances of both the person with dementia and/or their family caregiver can lead to ‘crisis’: a breakdown in home care often leading to inpatient admissions. At this point, a team managing crises in dementia (TMCD) might become involved. These multidisciplinary teams begin with a rapid assessment to establish the needs of the person with dementia and their caregiver(s), followed by intensive but short-term interventions to reduce the risk of inpatient admission. There is little evidence as to how family caregiver experience input from a TMCD. Methods: A thematic analysis of qualitative interviews with caregivers supporting a family member with dementia to live at home and who have received support from a TMCD. Results: The personal troubles of family caregivers are intertwined with their experience of engaging with and trying to gain support from human services, particularly TMCDs. While respondents describe how specific individuals have addressed or added to the troubles they face, the most impactful interventions from their perspectives are medication for managing challenging behaviour and knowing that there is a service they can telephone in a crisis. Conclusions: Efforts to reduce inpatient admissions by supporting people to live in their own homes for as long as is practicable, even when carers may have reached the limits of their caring capacities, can, at best, only delay inpatient to long-stay residential accommodation. This is because when one frail older person has the responsibility of caring for another frail older person, even with support from TMCD and other health and social care services, crises are difficult to manage.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Seizure Control in Pediatric Epilepsy: Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Lim Jihye , Moon Ja Un
Published: January 2025

Background: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in children, associated with significant morbidity and socioeconomic burden. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted healthcare delivery, potentially exacerbating seizure control among pediatric epilepsy patients. This study aimed to evaluate the pandemic’s impact on seizure characteristics and identify risk factors contributing to seizure exacerbation in children with epilepsy. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical records of 84 pediatric epilepsy patients at The Catholic University of Korea Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital from July 2019 to July 2022. Data were collected on demographics, epilepsy characteristics, and healthcare accessibility. Changes in seizure outcomes were analyzed alongside potential risk factors, including infections and socioeconomic variables. Statistical analyses assessed correlations between these factors and seizure exacerbations. Results: Among the 84 pediatric epilepsy patients, 25% experienced significant seizure exacerbations during the COVID-19 pandemic. These included increased seizure frequency (18%), prolonged duration (13%), emergence of new seizure types (4%), and status epilepticus requiring hospitalization (5%). Multivariate analysis identified recent epilepsy diagnosis (<1 year) and low socioeconomic status as independent predictors of seizure worsening (p < 0.05). Infections with non-COVID-19 respiratory viruses, such as RSV and influenza, were strongly associated with exacerbated seizure activity (p < 0.001). Dissatisfaction with access to epilepsy care further increased the risk of poor seizure control, reflecting the challenges posed by disrupted healthcare systems. Notably, no significant relationship was observed between SARS-CoV-2 infection and seizure outcomes, suggesting that indirect factors, rather than direct viral effects, were primary contributors to seizure exacerbation. Conclusions: This study highlights the compounded impact of disrupted healthcare access, socioeconomic challenges, and respiratory viral infections on seizure control during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategies such as telehealth expansion, regular monitoring, and vaccination against respiratory pathogens are essential to optimize seizure management in future health crises.
Genome-Wide Identification of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Gene Family in Cymbidium Species and Functional Analysis of CsSODs Under Salt Stress in Cymbidium sinense
Authors: Li Ruyi , Lin Songkun , Yan Yin , Chen Yuming , Wang Linying , Zhou Yuzhen , Tang Shuling , Liu Ning
Published: January 2025

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes are essential for reducing oxidative damage resulting from overabundant reactive oxygen species under abiotic stress. While the SOD gene family has been extensively studied in many species, research focusing on Cymbidium species remains limited. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of the SOD gene family in three Cymbidium genomes was conducted. A total of 23 SOD genes were identified, with nine SODs in C. sinense, eight in C. ensifolium, and six in C. goeringii. These SOD genes were categorized into three clades: Cu/Zn-SOD, Fe-SOD, and Mn-SOD, with the Cu/Zn-SOD being the most abundant in these three types. This classification was supported by analyses of conserved domains, motifs, and phylogenetic relationships. Cis-element prediction showed that stress-responsive elements were identified in most SODs. Transcriptomic data revealed that seven CsSODs exhibited a border expression in all sequenced tissues, while two exhibited undetectable expression levels. Further qRT-PCR analysis showed that all CsSODs were upregulated under salt stress, with some exhibiting significant changes in expression. These findings all highlight the crucial role of CsSODs in the salt stress response and provide valuable insights for further breeding salt-tolerance varieties of C. sinense.
The Effect of Mulching on the Root Growth of Greenhouse Tomatoes Under Different Drip Irrigation Volumes and Its Distribution Model
Authors: Ge Jiankun , Zhu Yuhao , Gong Xuewen , Yao Chuqi , Wu Xinyu , Zhang Jiale , Li Yanbin
Published: January 2025

Despite the continuous development of greenhouse cultivation technology, the influence mechanism of covering conditions on the root distribution of greenhouse crops remains unclear, which is emerging as a significant research topic at present. The interaction between mulching and irrigation plays a key role in the root growth of greenhouse tomatoes, but its specific impact awaits in-depth exploration. To explore the response patterns of greenhouse crop root distribution to the drip irrigation water amount under mulching conditions, the tomato was chosen as the research object. Three experimental treatments were set up: mulched high water (Y0.9), non-mulched high water (N0.9), and mulched low water (Y0.5) (where 0.9 and 0.5 represent the cumulative evaporation from a 20 cm standard evaporation pan). We analyzed the water and thermal zone of tomato roots as well as the root distribution. Based on this, a root distribution model was constructed by introducing a mulching factor (fm) and a water stress factor (Ks). After carrying out two years of experimental research, the following results were drawn: (1) The average soil water content in the 0–60 cm soil layer was Y0.9 > N0.9 > Y0.5, and the average soil temperature in the 0–30 cm soil layer was Y0.5 > Y0.9 > N0.9. (2) The interaction between mulching and irrigation had a significant impact on the distribution of tomato roots. In the absence of mulch, the root surface area, average root diameter, root volume, and root length density initially increased and then decreased with depth, with the maximum root distribution concentrated around the 20 cm soil layer. Under mulched conditions, roots were predominantly located in the top layer (0–20 cm). Under the film mulching condition, the distribution range of root length density of low water (Y0.5) was wider than that of high water (Y0.9). (3) Root length density exhibited a significant cubic polynomial relationship with both the soil water content and soil temperature. In the N0.9 treatment, root length density had a bivariate cubic polynomial relationship with soil water and temperature, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.97 and a normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of 20%. (4) When introducing the film mulching factor (fm) and water stress factor (Ks) into the root distribution model to simulate the root length density distribution of Y0.9 and Y0.5, it was found that the NRMSE was 22% and R2 was 0.90 under the Y0.9 treatment, and the NRMSE was 24% and R2 was 0.98 under the Y0.5 treatment. This study provides theoretical support for the formulation of scientifically sound irrigation and mulching management plans for greenhouse tomatoes.
Challenges and Resiliency: Social Determinants of Health, COVID-19, and the Disproportionate Impact on Immigrants and Refugees Living with HIV
Authors: Marriette Natasha , Dhungel Rita , Karki Karun Kishor , Tovillo Jose Benito
Published: January 2025

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic is a global public health and social justice issue. HIV continues to disproportionately affect marginalized populations, including immigrants and refugees living with HIV (IRLHIV). This study investigated and captured the experiences of IRLHIV using the social determinants of health framework. This study examined the intersecting factors affecting the health and well-being of IRLHIV in Alberta, Canada, prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concurrent mixed methods were used. Employing an online survey (n = 124) and photovoice methodology (n = 13), the researchers identified five salient themes: experiences of racism and discrimination, challenges accessing nutrition, healthcare, and affordable housing, and precarious employment situations. The findings underscored the amplification of pre-existing inequities during the COVID-19 pandemic, intensifying the discrimination and stigma faced by IRLHIV due to both their health status and immigration background. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted, evidence-based interventions to address the social determinants of health that adversely affect IRLHIV. The researchers recommend further participatory research action into health disparities for IRLHIV to create responsive and culturally safe services for IRLHIV.
A Fresh Look at Celery Collenchyma and Parenchyma Cell Walls Through a Combination of Biochemical, Histochemical, and Transcriptomic Analyses
Authors: Mokshina Natalia , Sautkina Olga , Gorshkov Oleg , Mikshina Polina
Published: January 2025

Celery (Apium graveolens) can be considered as a model plant for studying pectin-enriched primary cell walls. In addition to parenchyma cells with xyloglucan-deficient walls, celery petioles contain collenchyma, a mechanical tissue with thickened cell walls of similar composition. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of these tissues at both early and late developmental stages, integrating data on polysaccharide yield, composition, localization, and transcriptome analysis. Our results reveal that young collenchyma walls possess distinct polysaccharide compositions, including higher levels of rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I), branched galactans, esterified homogalacturonan, and xyloglucan, compared to parenchyma cells. A significant number of genes encoding proteins involved in pectin methylesterification and acetylation were upregulated in young collenchyma. Different gene isoforms encoding glycosyltransferases involved in RG-I biosynthesis were activated in both collenchyma and parenchyma, suggesting potential variations in RG-I structure and function across different primary cell walls. We identified a set of potential glycosyltransferases involved in RG-I biosynthesis in collenchyma and proposed synthase complexes for heteromannan and heteroxylan. The transcriptome data not only confirmed known biochemical traits of celery cell walls but also provided deeper insights into the peculiarities of cell wall polysaccharide metabolism, thereby helping to narrow down candidate genes for further molecular genetic studies.
Homocysteine Metabolites, Endothelial Dysfunction, and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Jakubowski Hieronim , Witucki Łukasz
Published: January 2025

Atherosclerosis is accompanied by inflammation that underlies cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its vascular manifestations, including acute stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral artery disease, the leading causes of morbidity/mortality worldwide. The monolayer of endothelial cells formed on the luminal surface of arteries and veins regulates vascular tone and permeability, which supports vascular homeostasis. Endothelial dysfunction, the first step in the development of atherosclerosis, is caused by mechanical and biochemical factors that disrupt vascular homeostasis and induce inflammation. Together with increased plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), diabetes, hypertension, cigarette smoking, infectious microorganisms, and genetic factors, epidemiological studies established that dysregulated metabolism of homocysteine (Hcy) causing hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is associated with CVD. Patients with severe HHcy exhibit severe CVD and die prematurely due to vascular complications. Biochemically, HHcy is characterized by elevated levels of Hcy and related metabolites such as Hcy-thiolactone and N-Hcy-protein, seen in genetic and nutritional deficiencies in Hcy metabolism in humans and animals. The only known source of Hcy in humans is methionine released in the gut from dietary protein. Hcy is generated from S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) and metabolized to cystathionine by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and to Hcy-thiolactone by methionyl-tRNA synthetase. Hcy-thiolactone, a chemically reactive thioester, modifies protein lysine residues, generating N-homocysteinylated (N-Hcy)-protein. N-Hcy-proteins lose their normal native function and become cytotoxic, autoimmunogenic, proinflammatory, prothrombotic, and proatherogenic. Accumulating evidence, discussed in this review, shows that these Hcy metabolites can promote endothelial dysfunction, CVD, and stroke in humans by inducing pro-atherogenic changes in gene expression, upregulating mTOR signaling, and inhibiting autophagy through epigenetic mechanisms involving specific microRNAs, histone demethylase PHF8, and methylated histone H4K20me1. Clinical studies, also discussed in this review, show that cystathionine and Hcy-thiolactone are associated with myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke by influencing blood clotting. These findings contribute to our understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, CVD, and stroke and identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy as a Method for Identifying Variation in Puparial Morphology and Establishing Characters for Taxonomic Determination
Authors: Elowsky Christian , Higley Leon
Published: January 2025

Calliphoridae, or blow flies, are of much ecological and practical importance given their roles in decompositional ecology, medical and veterinary myiasis, and forensic entomology. As ephemeral and rapidly developing species, adults are frequently not present for identification, but puparia (the remaining outer integument of the third instar larvae) are frequently found. These heavily sclerotized remains are stable in the environment but they are of a conservative character. Historically, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been used for characterization, a technique which is not only time-consuming but also often expensive, effectively making large numbers of specimens impossible to quantify. As an alternative, confocal laser scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) was tested for utility in providing superior data over SEM. Furthermore, due to the use of intrinsic autofluorescence for imagining, CSLM is significantly more rapid than SEM, requiring no preparation for imaging. Three channels of excitation and emission spectra provided not only image data from the pupal wall but also from the hydrocarbons found upon the puparia. The excitation wavelengths were 404.7, 488, and 640.5 nm, and the emissions were 425–475, 500–550, and 663–738 nm. For ten species of calliphorids, CSLM was used to image puparia. Not only did this provide characters for species identification but it also allowed for the examination of hundreds of specimens.
Intelligent Human–Computer Interaction for Building Information Models Using Gesture Recognition
Authors: Zhang Tianyi , Wang Yukang , Zhou Xiaoping , Liu Deli , Ji Jingyi , Feng Junfu
Published: January 2025

Human–computer interaction (HCI) with three-dimensional (3D) Building Information Modelling/Model (BIM) is the crucial ingredient to enhancing the user experience and fostering the value of BIM. Current BIMs mostly use keyboard, mouse, or touchscreen as media for HCI. Using these hardware devices for HCI with BIM may lead to space constraints and a lack of visual intuitiveness. Somatosensory interaction represents an emergent modality of interaction, e.g., gesture interaction, which requires no equipment or direct touch, presents a potential approach to solving these problems. This paper proposes a computer-vision-based gesture interaction system for BIM. Firstly, a set of gestures for BIM model manipulation was designed, grounded in human ergonomics. These gestures include selection, translation, scaling, rotation, and restoration of the 3D model. Secondly, a gesture understanding algorithm dedicated to 3D model manipulation is introduced in this paper. Then, an interaction system for 3D models based on machine vision and gesture recognition was developed. A series of systematic experiments are conducted to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed system. In various environments, including pure white backgrounds, offices, and conference rooms, even when wearing gloves, the system has an accuracy rate of over 97% and a frame rate maintained between 26 and 30 frames. The final experimental results show that the method has good performance, confirming its feasibility, accuracy, and fluidity. Somatosensory interaction with 3D models enhances the interaction experience and operation efficiency between the user and the model, further expanding the application scene of BIM.
Comparative In Vitro Study of Sol–Gel-Derived Bioactive Glasses Incorporated into Dentin Adhesives: Effects on Remineralization and Mechanical Properties of Dentin
Authors: Park In-Seong , Kim Hyun-Jung , Kwon Jiyoung , Kim Duck-Su
Published: January 2025

To overcome limitations of dentin bonding due to collagen degradation at a bonded interface, incorporating bioactive glass (BAG) into dentin adhesives has been proposed to enhance remineralization and improve bonding durability. This study evaluated sol–gel-derived BAGs (BAG79, BAG87, BAG91, and BAG79F) and conventional melt-quenched BAG (BAG45) incorporated into dentin adhesive to assess their remineralization and mechanical properties. The BAGs were characterized by using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy for surface morphology. The surface area was measured by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to determine the crystalline structure of the BAGs. Adhesive surface analysis was performed after approximating each experimental dentin adhesive and demineralized dentin by using FE-SEM. The elastic modulus of the treated dentin was measured after BAG-containing dentin adhesive application. The sol–gel-derived BAGs exhibited larger surface areas (by 400–600 times) than conventional BAG, with BAG87 displaying the largest surface area. XRD analysis indicated more pronounced and rapid formation of hydroxyapatite in the sol–gel BAGs. Dentin with BAG87-containing adhesive exhibited the highest elastic modulus. The incorporation of sol–gel-derived BAGs, especially BAG87, into dentin adhesives enhances the remineralization and mechanical properties of adhesive–dentin interfaces.
First Clinical Evidence About the Use of a New Silver-Coated Titanium Alloy Instrumentation to Counteract Surgical Site Infection at the Spine Level
Authors: Leggi Lucrezia , Terzi Silvia , Sartori Maria , Salamanna Francesca , Boriani Luca , Asunis Emanuela , Griffoni Cristiana , Giavaresi Gianluca , Gasbarrini Alessandro
Published: January 2025

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) following spinal instrumentation surgery are among the most concerning complications. This study is aimed at assessing the effectiveness of a new treatment approach for SSIs that includes a single-stage approach with the removal of the previous hardware, accurate debridement, and single-stage instrumentation using a silver fixation system (SFS) made of titanium alloy coated with silver (Norm Medical, Ankara, Turkey) by means of a retrospective observational study. Materials and Methods: The demographic data, type of surgery, comorbidities, pathogens, and treatment details of consecutive patients with an SSI who received the SFS between 2018 and 2021 were extracted from their medical records and analyzed. The patients treated with the SFS for primary pyogenic infections were excluded. The patients were re-evaluated at multiple endpoints in order to assess the rate of reinfection and the local and general complications. Results: Fifty-six patients were treated with the SFS and thirty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. Out of those 34 patients, the rate of infection recurrence or insurgence after the implantation of the SFS was 11.8%, with infection detected in 4 out of 34 cases and mechanical problems detected in 2 of the 34 cases (5.9%). The overall success rate in controlling infection recurrence or emergence was 88.2% (30 out of 34 cases). The overall survival rate of the SFS was 87%, 78%, and 71% at one, two, and three years, respectively. Conclusions: The surgical strategy with the SFS demonstrated promising outcomes in preventing infection recurrence or insurgence, with a low incidence of mechanical complications. However, further structured and comprehensive studies are essential for validating these initial findings.
Time Estimation Following an Exhaustive Exercise
Authors: Maci Tiziana , Santagati Mario , Razza Grazia , Petralia Maria Cristina , Massimino Simona , Rinella Sergio , Perciavalle Vincenzo
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Time estimation was investigated in 24 healthy adults, including 12 women and 12 men, before and after an exhaustive exercise. Methods: We compared the ability of estimating time intervals in the range 1 to 5 s using tasks requiring mental counting and tasks that did not allow it. Time estimation and blood lactate levels were evaluated before and at the end of the exercise. Results: We found that the perception of time intervals between 1 and 5 s was affected at the end of the exercise. The observed effects, associated with a significant increase in blood lactate levels, were different in the two types of time estimation used in the present study. When participants had to evaluate the duration of the time interval using mental counting, a significant reduction in the overestimation of time made at rest was observed at the end of exercise. On the other hand, when participants had to assess the difference in duration between two events without the possibility of mental counting, a significant deterioration in performance was observed at the end of the exercise. In both cases, no differences were seen between genders. Conclusions: It could be hypothesized that an increase in blood lactate, acting as a type of physiological arousal, could contribute to the distortion of perceived time intervals. On the other hand, it does not yet seem possible to propose a model to explain the worsening of the perception of time when mental counting is not possible.
An Embedding-Based Semantic Analysis Approach: A Preliminary Study on Redundancy Detection in Psychological Concepts Operationalized by Scales
Authors: Huang Zhen , Long Yitian , Peng Kaiping , Tong Song
Published: January 2025

As psychological research progresses, the issue of concept overlap becomes increasing evident, adding to participant burden and complicating data interpretation. This study introduces an Embedding-based Semantic Analysis Approach (ESAA) for detecting redundancy in psychological concepts, which are operationalized through their respective scales, using natural language processing techniques. The ESAA utilizes OpenAI’s text-embedding-3-large model to generate high-dimensional semantic vectors (i.e., embeddings) of scale items and applies hierarchical clustering to group semantically similar items, revealing potential redundancy. Three preliminary experiments evaluated the ESAA’s ability to (1) identify semantically similar items, (2) differentiate semantically distinct items, and (3) uncover overlap between scales of concepts known for redundancy issues. Additionally, comparative analyses assessed the ESAA’s robustness and incremental validity against the advanced chatbots based on GPT-4. The results demonstrated that the ESAA consistently produced stable outcomes and outperformed all evaluated chatbots. As an objective approach for analyzing relationships between concepts operationalized as scales, the ESAA holds promise for advancing research on theory refinement and scale optimization.
The Donkey and the Thorn Tree: Reappraising Globalisation and Africa
Authors: Mills Greg , Morrow Richard
Published: January 2025

Africa is vulnerable to a perfect storm which comprises a burgeoning youthful population, insufficient infrastructure, benign donor neglect and more malign foreign interference, much of which can be traced to decades of weak economic performance. African excuses for such failure have focused largely on external factors. But countries from similar domestic environments and in the same world order across Asia, Europe and Latin America have developed in leaps and bounds. This would suggest that, for at least some countries, Africa is poor because its leaders have chosen the wrong path. This essay provides a reappraisal of globalisation vis-à-vis Africa, arguing that the continent does not have too much globalisation, but too little in the form of open competition for business and markets, and that politics, not economics, is the principal development impediment. Examples on the continent (Somaliland) and elsewhere (Singapore) illustrate what impact effective politics can have, highlighting that a major challenge for Africa is an inability to create regional exemplars of prosperity that other states can emulate and feed off in a positive cycle of development. To this end, getting the (democratic) politics right in Africa makes good development sense.
Risk Management in DeFi: Analyses of the Innovative Tools and Platforms for Tracking DeFi Transactions
Authors: Adamyk Bogdan , Benson Vladlena , Adamyk Oksana , Liashenko Oksana
Published: January 2025

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is a recent advancement of the cryptocurrency ecosystem, giving plenty of opportunities for financial inclusion, innovation, and growth domains by providing services such as lending, borrowing, and trading without traditional intermediaries. However, inadequate regulatory oversight and technological vulnerabilities raise pressing concerns around market manipulation, fraud, and regulatory compliance, exposing a clear research gap in effective DeFi risk management. This paper addresses this gap by proposing a utility-based framework to evaluate six leading DeFi tracking platforms—Chainalysis, Elliptic, Nansen, Dune Analytics, DeBank, and Etherscan—focusing on two critical metrics: transaction accuracy and real-time responsiveness. Applying a mixed methods approach that combines a quantitative survey (n = 138) with qualitative interviews (n = 12), we identified critical platform features and found significant differences across these platforms with respect to compliance features, advanced analytics, and user experience. We used a utility-based model that links accuracy and responsiveness metrics, allowing us to adjust differing priorities and risk management needs for users. The results show the need for balanced, user-centric solutions that accommodate regulatory, technological efficiency and affordability requirements. Our study contributes to the growing knowledge base by providing a structured evaluation model and empirical insights, offering clear directions for practitioners, platform developers, and policymakers aiming to strengthen the DeFi ecosystem.
Edge Computing-Aided Dynamic Wireless Charging and Trip Planning of UAVs
Authors: Shaikh Palwasha W. , Mouftah Hussein T.
Published: January 2025

In today’s era of rapid technological advancement, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are transforming sectors such as remote delivery, surveillance, and disaster response. However, challenges related to energy consumption and operational efficiency continue to hinder their broader adoption. To address these issues, this study proposes an integrated system design combining dynamic wireless charging (DWC), intelligent trip planning, and intelligent edge computing (IEC). The proposed system leverages IEC for local data processing to reduce latency and optimize energy management, 6G networks for real-time vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, and DWC to enable efficient, on-the-go energy replenishment. Additionally, a dynamic arrival management algorithm is introduced to minimize UAV wait times to enhance operational efficiency. Simulations of this system demonstrated significant improvements: larger UAVs achieved an average charging efficiency of 91.2%, while smaller UAVs achieved 92.75%, with dynamic arrival management reducing wait times by an average of 1.5 min for smaller UAVs and 5.0 min for larger UAVs. These findings underscore the system’s effectiveness in optimizing UAV operations and charging efficiency. This integrated approach offers a scalable framework to enhance UAV capabilities and sets a benchmark for future advancements in operational efficiency and charging technology for urban and environmental applications.
Prescription of Strong Opioids in Chronic Non-Cancer Pain in the Province of Valladolid (Spain)
Authors: Enríquez de Salamanca Gambara Rodrigo , Sierra Santos Ana María , Ruiz San Pedro Ana María , Montero Cuadrado Federico , Muñoz León Irene , Castro Villamor Miguel Ángel , Córdoba Romero Alicia , Del Olmo Tornero Ana María , Pérez Pérez Lucía , Morales-Quezada León
Published: January 2025

Background: Chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) is one of the leading causes of disability. The use of strong opioids (SOs) in the management of CNCP is increasing, although evidence supporting their use remains limited. Primary care (PC) plays a key role in this context. Objectives: Our objectives were to determine the prevalence and profile of patients using SOs for CNCP in PC consultations in Valladolid in 2022, and to describe the consumption of SO prescribed for CNCP from 2020 to 2023. Methods: We conducted a descriptive and retrospective study using data extracted from the Pharmaceutical Consumption Information System of Castilla y León. Patients in Valladolid with SO use for more than three months due to CNCP were analyzed. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of these patients in 2022 were described. The number of defined daily doses (nº DDDs) and costs from 2020 to 2023 were analyzed. Results: A total of 3642 patients were included (0.7% of the population of Valladolid), 71.8% of whom were women. Of the patients, 62.4% were aged 70 or older, 39.8% lived in rural areas, and 9.9% resided in nursing homes. The most frequently prescribed SOs in nº DDDs were fentanyl and tapentadol. The highest consumption in nº DDDs was in patients who lived in nursing homes, were over 70 years old and were resident in rural areas. The number of DDDs from 2020 to 2023 for SOs in DCNO increased by 41%. Conclusions: In total, 0.7% of the population of Valladolid consumes SOs for CNCP, mostly women and people over 70 years old. The consumption of strong opioids in DDDs grew by 41% from 2020 to 2023.
Hemoadsorption in Multiorgan Failure Due to Viscerocutaneous Loxoscelism
Authors: Valenzuela Córdova Raúl , Rivera Estrella David , Bernardo José F. , Jiménez Darío , Rodríguez Tudero Celia , Elías Raúl , De La Flor José C.
Published: January 2025

Background: The bite of the Loxosceles spider is a public health problem around the world, mainly in Latin America. The viscerocutaneous presentation is related to the inoculation of toxins (phospholipase-D) that generates a systemic inflammatory reaction with a subsequent increase in cytokines and chemokines. Hemoadsorption is proposed as a therapy that allows for the removal of the toxin and modulation of the inflammatory response in this disease. Case Report: We present the case of a 31-year-old woman who was admitted to the hospital due to decreased urinary flow and jaundice 48 h after a spider bite. Despite treatment with intravenous (IV) monovalent antiloxoscelism serum, antibiotic therapy, and corticosteroids, the patient’s evolution was poor, and she was admitted to the critical care unit for severe multi-organ involvement, including hepatic and kidney damage and coagulation disorders, eventually requiring hemodialysis support and hemoadsorption therapy. After the therapy was administered, rapid improvement was evident with the suspension of vasopressor support and a decrease in inflammatory markers. Conclusions: This case presents hemoadsorption as a therapeutic option, based on its capacity to reduce the intensity of hyperinflammation and to regulate the immunological response.
A Low-Power General Matrix Multiplication Accelerator with Sparse Weight-and-Output Stationary Dataflow
Authors: Liu Peng , Wang Yu
Published: January 2025

General matrix multiplication (GEMM) in machine learning involves massive computation and data movement, which restricts its deployment on resource-constrained devices. Although data reuse can reduce data movement during GEMM processing, current approaches fail to fully exploit its potential. This work introduces a sparse GEMM accelerator with a weight-and-output stationary (WOS) dataflow and a distributed buffer architecture. It processes GEMM in a compressed format and eliminates on-chip transfers of both weights and partial sums. Furthermore, to map the compressed GEMM of various sizes onto the accelerator, an adaptable mapping scheme is designed. However, the irregular sparsity of weight matrices makes it difficult to store them in local buffers with the compressed format; denser vectors can exceed the buffer capacity, while sparser vectors may lead to the underutilization of buffers. To address this complication, this work also proposes an offline sparsity-aware shuffle strategy for weights, which balances the utilization of distributed buffers and minimizes buffer waste. Finally, a low-cost sparse computing method is applied to the WOS dataflow with globally shared inputs to achieve high computing throughput. Experiments with an FPGA show that the proposed accelerator achieves 1.73× better computing efficiency and 1.36× higher energy efficiency than existing approaches.
Advancements in MEMS Micromirror and Microshutter Arrays for Light Transmission Through a Substrate
Authors: Baby Shilby , Iskhandar Mustaqim Siddi Que , Hasan Md Kamrul , Liebermann Steffen , Chen Jiahao , Qasim Hasnain , Liu Shujie , Farrag Eslam , Löber Dennis , Ahmed Naureen , Xu Guilin , Hillmer Hartmut
Published: January 2025

This paper reviews and compares electrostatically actuated MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) arrays for light modulation and light steering in which transmission through the substrate is required. A comprehensive comparison of the technical achievements of micromirror arrays and microshutter arrays is provided. The main focus of this paper is MEMS micromirror arrays for smart glass in building windows and façades. This technology utilizes millions of miniaturized and actuatable micromirrors on transparent substrates, enabling use with transmissive substrates such as smart windows for personalized daylight steering, energy saving, and heat management in buildings. For the first time, subfield-addressable MEMS micromirror arrays with an area of nearly 1 m2 are presented. The recent advancements in MEMS smart glass technology for daylight steering are discussed, focusing on aspects like the switching speed, scalability, transmission, lifetime study, and reliability of micromirror arrays. Finally, simulations demonstrating the potential yearly energy savings for investments in MEMS smart glazing are presented, including a comparison to traditional automated external blind systems in a model office room with definite user interactions throughout the year. Additionally, this platform technology with planarized MEMS elements can be used for laser safety goggles to shield pilots, tram, and bus drivers as well as security personal from laser threats, and is also presented in this paper.