bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El Proceso de Reconstrucción Post Sismo 1999, un Desafío para la Sostenibilidad de la Gestión del Riesgo en los Procesos de Desarrollo: Lecciones por Aprender en el Municipio de Pereira
Authors: Alzate Buitrago Alejandro
Published: February 2025

Research exercise involved assessing and collating over the last decade (1999-2009) different operational progress, technical, legal and administrative as well as the evolution of institutional tasks, lessons learned and ownership of the subject by all local development actors, under the management of disaster risk reduction in the municipality of Pereira. The investigation picked up the experiences in the processes of care, response, reconstruction and rehabilitation of areas affected by the occurrence of catastrophic events on the international, national, regional and local levels and thereby identify strengths and weaknesses of the intervention policy adopted in the 1999 post-seismic reconstruction process, in order to define local administrative tools that realize the vision and institutional perception compared to how the issue should be addressed in the municipal territory, as well as local needs explicit management disaster risk.
Enseñar matemáticas usando objetos virtuales de aprendizaje en la Universidad Católica de Pereira
Authors: Murcia Londoño Euclides , Córdoba Vargas Héctor
Published: February 2025

This article presents the results of a research carried out in order tomotivate students in the learning process of mathematics through the useof Virtual Learning Objects (OVA) and having as a significant departureteaching practices based in context, since it is one of the areas havinghigher academic mortality in educational institutions in our country.The aim is to transform some teaching practices in this area and developa Virtual Learning Object to be used as a motivating axis among student -teacher - discipline and to provide the student with the acquisition of skills,competences, and abilities inherent to those proposed by the NationalMinistry of Education.It is very important to consider that the design and construction of theOVA is a fundamental aspect when appropriating a methodology thataims to consolidate mathematical concepts and specific knowledge in thestudents.An aspect taken into account when designing these “objects” is that thestudents use this resource as much as possible; that is why they mustbe developed with specifications of adaptability, accessibility and easynavigation
Mecanismos de Interactividad en un Ambiente de Televisión Digital y Propuesta de Interactividad Basada en Voz
Authors: Calderón C. Oscar J. , Gómez Figueroa Laura , Sandoval León Jesús Armando
Published: February 2025

Interactive television brings new services which need interaction mechanisms different from remote control for allowing effective and simple access to the information. Therefore, this document presents the analysis about the advantages and disadvantages the main interactivity devices used in a digital television environment have. Furthermore, this paper proposes a solution of Video on Demand service controlled through Voice over IP.
Patrones Grasp y Anti-Patrones: un Enfoque Orientado a Objetos desde Lógica de Programación
Authors: Botero Tabares Ricardo
Published: February 2025

This article presents a teaching strategy for introducing the use of patterns GRASP (General Responsibility Assignment Software Patterns) and the disuse of anti-design patterns in the course  “fundamentals object-oriented programming”, where problems are solved according to four phases: identification of requirements, design class diagram, specification of responsibilities and pseudocode writing.
Caracterización Del Proceso De Producción De Tableros Alistonados En Pereira Y Dosquebradas
Authors: Londoño Echeverri Carlos Andrés
Published: February 2025

From a research project registered in the UCPR Research Center, this article presents the study results on current techniques in the  manufacturing process of edge-glued panels, as well as the technology used for the wood and furniture regional industry in the handling and disposal of the wood laths (raw material) and edge-glued panels. In addition, it is analyzed a different way of working with wood as an alternative for the regional industry, considering that not only adequate mechanical properties are achieved, which are higher than normal wood, but also itis possible to provide aesthetic value of wood products.
Architecting Scalable Cloud Systems: Advanced API Integration Strategies and Best Practices
Authors: Himaja Sabbineni
Published: February 2025

This comprehensive article explores the evolution and implementation of scalable cloud architectures with advanced API integration strategies in modern enterprise environments. The article explores fundamental aspects of distributed computing, container orchestration, and high-availability patterns while examining their impact on system performance and business outcomes. Through an analysis of current industry practices, the article demonstrates how organizations leverage various API protocols, performance optimization techniques, and security measures to build resilient cloud infrastructures. The article further delves into real-world applications across e-commerce, financial services, logistics, and media streaming platforms, highlighting transformative improvements in operational efficiency and user experience. By examining implementation best practices, including architecture design patterns, security considerations, monitoring strategies, and DevOps integration, the research provides valuable insights for organizations pursuing cloud transformation initiatives. The article also explores emerging trends in serverless computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, offering a forward-looking perspective on the evolution of cloud architectures and their role in driving business innovation.
ЗАРУБІЖНИЙ ДОСВІД СОЦІАЛЬНОЇ РОБОТИ З ВЕТЕРАНАМИ ВІЙНИ
Authors: ПОПИК Юрій Володимирович
Published: February 2025

Метою дослідження є аналіз основних методів і структурних компонентів соціальної підтримки ветеранів у США, Великобританії, Канаді, Австралії та Німеччині для розробки рекомендацій щодо впровадження ефективної системи соціальної допомоги в українських умовах. Методологія дослідження включає порівняльний аналіз зарубіжних моделей соціальної роботи з ветеранами, огляд публікацій, досліджень та нормативних документів, що описують досвід цих країн у сфері підтримки ветеранів. Основними методами є системний підхід для структурування елементів соціальної підтримки та компаративний аналіз для виявлення ключових відмінностей та подібностей між різними моделями. Результати роботи показують, що в усіх розглянутих країнах основними компонентами соціальної підтримки ветеранів є медична допомога, психологічна реабілітація, програми соціальної адаптації та професійної реінтеграції. Спільним для зарубіжного досвіду є надання комплексної психологічної допомоги, особливо для ветеранів із посттравматичним стресовим розладом (ПТСР), що включає індивідуальну та групову терапію, підтримку сімей ветеранів і програми соціальної взаємодії. Програми професійної підготовки та перекваліфікації, такі як програма GI Bill у США, забезпечують ветеранам доступ до освіти та працевлаштування, сприяючи їх економічній стабільності. Неурядові організації відіграють важливу роль у підтримці ветеранів у Великобританії та Канаді, тоді як у Німеччині соціальна підтримка ветеранів тісно пов’язана із системою соціального захисту Bundeswehr. У висновках дослідження зазначено, що успішне впровадження елементів зарубіжного досвіду в Україні може значно покращити якість життя ветеранів, забезпечивши їм належний рівень підтримки та адаптації. Рекомендується розробити національну систему психологічної допомоги для ветеранів із ПТСР, а також створити програми для сімей ветеранів, які б забезпечували комплексну підтримку. Адаптація програм професійної реінтеграції та співпраця з неурядовими організаціями можуть підвищити ефективність підтримки ветеранів в українському суспільстві.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles vs Zn- EDTA in the growth and production of strawberry crops (Fragaria x ananassa Duch)
Authors: Loera Alvarado María Elena , Becerril-Román A. E. , Velasco-Cruz C. , Zavaleta-Mancera Hilda. A , Calderón-Zavala G. , Jaén-Contreras D.
Published: February 2025

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate and to compare the effects on growth between zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and Zn-EDTA, nutrient concentration of zinc in leaf and fruit, and strawberry production.
Design/methodology/approach: Strawberry plants were used, established in plastic bags with a mixture of substrate, peat and agrolite. Two factors were evaluated: first, the concentration of ZnO NPs (100, 200, 500, 1000 mg L-1), plus treatment with Zn-EDTA and a control; and the second, manner of application (foliar and to the substrate). A completely randomized increased factorial design was used. Growth was measured, leaf and fruit zinc concentration was determined, the number of flowers and weight of fruits per plant, and the variables of firmness and total soluble solids of fruits were quantified.
Results: The results obtained indicate that the foliar application of the 200 mg L-1 dosage of ZnO NPs caused the greatest plant height, as well as the highest number of flowers, crowns and fruits per plant, and the greatest production. The highest leaf zinc concentrations within the sufficiency interval were observed with the leaf application of 100 and 200 mg L-1 of ZnO NPs.
Findings/conclusions: The study allows inferring that the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles is an alternative source of fertilizer with respect to conventional Zn sources to improve growth, zinc concentration and fruit production in strawberry .
Investigação das propriedades de resistência do desgaste abrasivo pela utilização de minerais específicos como componentes da solução abrasiva no ensaio com esfera rotativa fixa
Authors: Silva Gustavo Evangelista da , Fagundes Júnior José Gedael , Costa Flavio Luiz
Published: February 2025

Setores industriais, em parceria com universidades, têm estudado o desgaste abrasivo. Este estudo tem o objetivo de analisar a ação do desgaste sobre as superfícies dos equipamentos, por meio da medição de parâmetros como área, diâmetro e volume desgastado, resultando na determinação do coeficiente de desgaste. Realizou-se uma pesquisa experimental laboratorial, na qual, foram utilizados três minerais abrasivos: gnaisse, rejeito de minério de ferro e carboneto de silício. Os materiais passaram por cominuição e peneiramento, coletando-se o passante da malha 400 mash. Os ensaios de desgaste foram realizados em corpos de prova de aço ASTM A-36, preparados no Centro Tecnológico (CTec) da Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais, campus João. Foram definidos quatro ensaios de desgaste, com distâncias de deslizamento de 25, 50 e 100 metros. O equipamento utilizado combinou força normal com a carga C para avaliar o desgaste abrasivo. Durante os ensaios, as polpas abrasivas foram aplicadas gota a gota na área de contato entre os corpos de prova e a esfera fixa. Os resultados mostraram que o rejeito de minério de ferro e o gnaisse apresentaram variação crescente no coeficiente de desgaste, com índices distintos. O carboneto de silício também apresentou crescimento no coeficiente de desgaste, mas, no último ensaio, houve uma redução. Este estudo demonstra a viabilidade do equipamento desenvolvido para simular o desgaste abrasivo, fornecendo dados importantes sobre os fatores que influenciam o desgaste e a obtenção do regime permanente de desgaste.
Influence of racial bias in the use of facial recognition applied to access control: A critical analysis
Authors: Oliveira Alexandre Mundim de , Rodrigues Hugo Xavier , Nery Alexandre Solon , Mendonça Fábio Lúcio Lopes de , Ribeiro Junior Luiz Antonio
Published: February 2025

Racial bias has been a persistent issue in facial recognition technologies, particularly within access control applications. This study aims to examine the widespread adoption of these technologies in the machine learning era, highlighting their integration into information security, cybersecurity, and data privacy frameworks. Despite their growing prevalence, the underlying datasets and algorithms frequently exhibit significant biases, disproportionately impacting individuals from marginalized racial groups. Through an extensive literature review, this research identifies critical gaps and proposes 14 targeted recommendations aimed at mitigating racial bias in facial recognition systems. These recommendations encompass diversifying training datasets, enhancing algorithmic transparency, and incorporating multidisciplinary teams to ensure ethical decision-making. The findings underscore the potential to improve both the equity and accuracy of these technologies, paving the way for more reliable and inclusive applications. By implementing the proposed measures, stakeholders can address ethical concerns, reduce discriminatory outcomes, and enhance public trust in the adoption of facial recognition for sensitive access control contexts. This critical analysis provides a roadmap for advancing fairness and accountability in artificial intelligence, fostering transformative impacts in the field.
Mecanismos patogênicos da doença periodontal – Revisão de literatura
Authors: Tardelli Juliana Peregrino de Brito , Melo Ana Tatiana Gonzalez de , Franceschini Neto Francisco , Silva Ennyo Sobral Crispim da , Farias Naiara de Oliveira
Published: February 2025

Introdução: Alterações do periodonto, causadas pelo biofilme dental, acarretarão em gengivites e/ou periodontites. As reações inflamatórias e imunes são seus achados predominantes. Tal reação é visível clínica e microscopicamente no periodonto afetado. O objetivo do presente estudo é compreender os mecanismos que regem a patogênese das doenças periodontais visto que são fatores decisivos na tomada de medidas eficazes no controle da doença. Fundamentação Teórica e Discussão: Os tecidos periodontais saudáveis demonstram sinais estruturais e fisiológicos de proteção. Quando componentes bacterianos interagem com o epitélio e conseguem penetrar no tecido conjuntivo, inicia-se uma resposta imune-inflamatória do hospedeiro. Se o desafio microbiano permanece inalterado, o processo inflamatório irá aumentar na região. As condições dentro do biofilme dentário que está se formando começam a favorecer a sucessão de espécies bacterianas e levar a alterações micro e macroscópicas dos tecidos periodontais, que serão resultado da interação entre os micro-organismos presentes neste biofilme e os tecidos e as células inflamatórias do hospedeiro. Metodologia: Revisão narrativa de literatura sobre os mecanismos imuno-biológicos que envolvem a patogênese da doença periodontal. A busca dos artigos foi realizada nas bases de dados PubMed, Bireme e Scielo e os seguintes descritores: pathogenesis, dental biofilm, periodontal disease. Conclusão: O biofilme dentário é fundamental para o início do processo patológico. Ele por si só não explica a variedade dos estágios da doença. De forma que questões sobre a suscetibilidade imunológica do indivíduo podem ser a complementação da resposta. Assim, o planejamento do tratamento periodontal deve ser pautado no embasamento científico.
Vitamin D: Mechanisms and Challenges of a Pandemic
Authors: Vieira Ana Cecília Amâncio , Ribeiro Anna Luiza Menezes , Lima Beatriz Eler de , Pacheco Thyago José Arruda
Published: February 2025

Vitamin D is an essential pro-hormone that plays a critical role in human health, aiding the immune response through the absorption of essential minerals such as calcium, phosphate and magnesium. It also contributes to the inhibition of TH1 and stimulation of T cells, key components in the body's defense. The objective is to explain mechanisms, in addition to listing the impact that this vitamin has not only on the development of the human body, but also against various diseases, avoiding a pandemic of vitamin D deficiency and its consequences. This study reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2023, selecting those which provided the most significant contributions. Evidence indicates that adequate vitamin D supplementation can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 76% and the risk of developing certain types of cancer by 66%, as well as being beneficial in cases of severe covid-19 and other diseases. Obese people often have lower levels of vitamin D, complicated by polymorphisms in receptors that can affect the absorption of the vitamin. This study aims to highlight the effectiveness of vitamin D in disease prevention and warns of the global deficiency of this vitamin. We conclude that awareness strategies and targeted interventions are essential, especially for those in at-risk groups, to reduce the persistent pandemic of vitamin D deficiency worldwide.
How to Play with Our Child. Module 11
Authors:   HoltIS Association
Published: February 2025

The Module ”How to Play with Our Child” covers theoretical and practical aspects of the importance of play in a child’s development. By participating in this module, attendees will acquire the skills needed to engage in play with their child, learn how to plan play activities together in a way that develops multiple skills, and understand that helping a child adopt play and master various activities requires time. In the first part of the module, the parental educator initiates a discussion with participants about their perceptions of what play represents. All responses will be written on a flipchart and later discussed. This approach helps establish a starting point for defining play. Participants will then be introduced to information about the evolution of play, its importance, and practical ways to engage in play with their children. In the second part, the educator presents different types of games and toys, involving participants in hands-on activities. The session will include age-appropriate suggestions for play activities that parents can use with their children, tailored to individual circumstances. This module is part of the materials dedicated to the training of parental educators.
Memory CD4+ T cells sequentially restructure their 3D genome during stepwise activation
Authors: Ward Alexander I. , de las Heras Jose I. , Schirmer Eric C. , Fassati Ariberto
Published: February 2025

Background

CD4+ T cells are a highly differentiated cell type that maintain enough transcriptomic plasticity to cycle between activated and memory statuses. How the 1D chromatin state and 3D chromatin architecture support this plasticity is under intensive investigation.

Methods

Here, we wished to test a commercially available in situ Hi-C kit (Arima Genomics Inc.) to establish whether published performance on limiting cell numbers from clonal cell lines copies across to a primary immune cell type. We achieved comparable contact matrices from 50,000, 250,000, and 1,000,000 memory CD4+ T-cell inputs. We generated multiple Hi-C and RNA-seq libraries from the same biological blood donors under three separate conditions: unstimulated fresh ex vivo, IL-2-only stimulated, and T cell receptor (TCR)+CD28+IL-2-stimulated, conferring increasingly stronger activation signals. We wished to capture the magnitude and progression of 3D chromatin shifts and correlate these to expression changes under the two stimulations.

Results

Although some genome organization changes occurred concomitantly with changes in gene expression, at least as many changes occurred without corresponding changes in expression. Counter to the hypothesis that topologically associated domains (TADs) are largely invariant structures providing a scaffold for dynamic looping contacts between enhancers and promotors, we found that there were at least as many dynamic TAD changes. Stimulation with IL-2 alone triggered many changes in genome organization, and many of these changes were strengthened by additional TCR and CD28 co-receptor stimulation.

Conclusions

This suggests a stepwise process whereby mCD4+ T cells undergo sequential buildup of 3D architecture induced by distinct or combined stimuli likely to “prime” or “deprime” them for expression responses to subsequent TCR-antigen ligation or additional cytokine stimulation.
Regulation of VEGFR3 signaling in lymphatic endothelial cells
Authors: Kuonqui Kevin G. , Campbell Adana-Christine , Pollack Bracha L. , Shin Jinyeon , Sarker Ananta , Brown Stav , Park Hyeung Ju , Mehrara Babak J. , Kataru Raghu P.
Published: February 2025

The receptor tyrosine kinase vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 3 (VEGFR3) is the principal transmembrane receptor responsible for sensing and coordinating cellular responses to environmental lymphangiogenic stimuli in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). VEGFC and D (VEGFC/D) function as the cognate ligands to VEGFR3 by stimulating autophosphorylation of intracellular VEGFR3 tyrosine kinase domains that activate signal cascades involved in lymphatic growth and survival. VEGFR3 primarily promotes downstream signaling through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Ras signaling cascades that promote functions including cell proliferation and migration. The importance of VEGFR3 cascades in lymphatic physiology is underscored by identification of dysfunctional VEGFR3 signaling across several lymphatic-related diseases. Recently, our group has shown that intracellular modification of VEGFR3 signaling is a potent means of inducing lymphangiogenesis independent of VEGFC. This is important because long-term treatment with recombinant VEGFC may have deleterious consequences due to off-target effects. A more complete understanding of VEGFR3 signaling pathways may lead to novel drug development strategies. The purpose of this review is to 1) characterize molecular mediators of VEGFC/VEGFR3 downstream signaling activation and their functional roles in LEC physiology and 2) explore molecular regulation of overall VEGFR3 expression and activity within LECs.
Diagnostic accuracy of methylated SEPT9 for primary liver cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jin Danwen , Qian Liyong , Chen Jiayao , Yu Ze , Dong Jinliang
Published: February 2025

Background

Primary live cancer (PLC), including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of blood methylated septin 9 gene (mSEPT9) for PLC and to analyze its performance across various subgroups.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), covering research up to May 10, 2024. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratios, and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (AUC) were calculated for the diagnostic performance of mSEPT9 for PLC. The quality of the studies was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool, and the meta-analysis was performed using Stata16.0 software.

Results

Ten articles with 2,182 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity of mSEPT9 for detecting primary liver cancer was 0.51 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37-0.65), and the pooled specificity was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.78-0.98). The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 13 (95% CI: -58), and the area under the Summary Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.71-0.79). Subgroup analyses showed that ICC, case-control studies, qPCR and Asian populations had higher specificities (0.99 [95% CI: 0.97–1.00], 0.93 [95% CI: 0.91-0.95], 0.90 [95% CI: 0.88-0.92] and 0.94 [95% CI: 0.92-0.96], respectively) and diagnostic odds ratios (62.04 [95% CI: 6.53-589.53], 17.62 [95% CI: 4.03-76.99], 13.03 [95% CI: 2.01-84.63] and 14.19 [95% CI: 2.42-83.11], respectively) compared to hepatocellular carcinoma, cohort Study, and Euramerican populations.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that mSEPT9 in blood has high specificity and moderate sensitivity for detecting primary liver cancer. The diagnostic performance of mSEPT9 varied across different subgroups, limiting its use as an independent screening tool and necessitating its use in conjunction with other methods for confirmatory diagnostics.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024549669.
Effects of maternal-offspring supplementation of probiotics and synbiotics on the immunity of offspring Bama mini-pigs
Authors: Ding Sujuan , Ye Ting , Azad Md. Abul Kalam , Zhu Qian , Liu Yating , Tan Bie , Kong Xiangfeng
Published: February 2025

Maternal nutrition is one of the main factors regulating the growth and immunity of piglets. This study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal or maternal-offspring supplementation of antibiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics on the immunity of offspring (21, 65, and 125 day-old) in Bama mini-pigs. The results showed that adding antibiotics to maternal diets increased the plasma IFN-γ level of offspring piglets at 21 day-old. Compared with maternal supplementation, maternal-offspring supplementation of antibiotics decreased the IL-10 level in the spleen, probiotics decreased IL-2, IL-10, and TNF-α levels in the ileum, and synbiotics decreased IL-10 and IFN-γ levels in the ileum of offspring piglets. Moreover, maternal-offspring antibiotics supplementation increased the IL-1β level in the ileum, while probiotics supplementation increased the IL-1β level in the spleen of offspring piglets. Maternal antibiotics supplementation increased the TNF-α level in the ileum at 95 day-old compared with maternal probiotics and synbiotics supplementation. Maternal-offspring antibiotics supplementation increased the IL-1β level in the ileum compared with the probiotics supplementation, while synbiotics supplementation increased the IL-6 level in the ileum than the probiotics and antibiotics supplementation at 95 day-old. Moreover, maternal-offspring probiotics supplementation increased the IL-1β level in the spleen of offspring pigs, which was higher than the maternal probiotics supplementation. These findings suggest that the immune function of the offspring piglets varied depending on the specific approach used for probiotics and synbiotics supplementation.
Targeting amino acid metabolism to inhibit gastric cancer progression and promote anti-tumor immunity: a review
Authors: Jiang Yuchun , Tao Qing , Qiao Xuehan , Yang Yufei , Peng Chen , Han Miao , Dong Kebin , Zhang Wei , Xu Min , Wang Deqiang , Zhu Wen , Li Xiaoqin
Published: February 2025

The incidence of gastric cancer remains high and poses a serious threat to human health. Recent comprehensive investigations into amino acid metabolism and immune system components within the tumor microenvironment have elucidated the functional interactions between tumor cells, immune cells, and amino acid metabolism. This study reviews the characteristics of amino acid metabolism in gastric cancer, with a particular focus on the metabolism of methionine, cysteine, glutamic acid, serine, taurine, and other amino acids. It discusses the relationship between these metabolic processes, tumor development, and the body’s anti-tumor immunity, and analyzes the importance of targeting amino acid metabolism in gastric cancer for chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Rheumatoid arthritis-associated rheumatoid factors post-COVID-19
Authors: Titi Adam H. , Krisko Braedon T. , Bashar S. Janna , Adyniec Ryan R. , Parker Maxwell H. , Murren Nat F. , Myhr Courtney B. , Shelef Miriam A.
Published: February 2025

Objective

Rheumatoid factors (RFs) are a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis but also arise in infections, including COVID-19. Moreover, infections, again including COVID-19, are associated with rheumatoid arthritis development, positioning RFs as a potential link between infection and rheumatoid arthritis. RFs traditionally have been thought to be relatively uniform in their reactivity across conditions apart from some increased reactivity in rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, however, IgG RFs that bind citrulline- and homocitrulline-containing IgG epitopes were identified in rheumatoid arthritis, but not other autoimmune diseases, whereas IgM RFs that bind specific native linear IgG epitopes were found uniquely post-COVID-19. The objective of this study was to determine if rheumatoid arthritis-associated RFs develop post-COVID-19 in order to provide new insights into post-infection immune tolerance loss.

Methods

COVID-19 convalescent, rheumatoid arthritis, and control sera (n=20) were used in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to evaluate IgG, IgM, and IgA binding to eight IgG1-derived peptides in their native, citrulline-containing, and homocitrulline-containing forms. Antibody levels were compared by Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn’s multiple comparisons test, and the number of participants with binding greater than all controls was compared by Fisher’s exact test.

Results

IgG binding to seven of the eight IgG1-derived peptides was increased in a citrulline- or homocitrulline-specific manner only in rheumatoid arthritis. IgA binding was increased to five of eight IgG1-derived peptides in a citrulline- or homocitrulline-specific manner in rheumatoid arthritis and to one homocitrulline-containing peptide post-COVID-19. More post-COVID-19 participants than controls had elevated IgG or IgA binding to two IgG1-derived peptides in a homocitrulline-specific manner.

Conclusion

Rheumatoid arthritis-associated RFs are primarily restricted to rheumatoid arthritis, but some individuals post-COVID-19 generate moderate levels of a few rheumatoid arthritis-associated RFs, especially of the IgA isotype and homocitrulline-reactive. These findings refine our understanding of RFs, provide novel insights into loss of immune tolerance post-infection, and reveal new possibilities for biomarker development in preclinical rheumatoid arthritis.
Pyogenic liver abscess and sepsis caused by mixed anaerobic bacteria in an immunocompetent adult: a case report
Authors: Fan Ziwen , Mei Mu , Chen Cen
Published: February 2025

Background

Anaerobic bacterial communities in the digestive tract play an important role in digestive tract infections and aspiration pneumonia. However, ectopic infections originating from these communities are uncommon.

Case report

We present a rare case of a 64-year-old immunocompetent female was admitted with no significant medical history who developed a pyogenic liver abscess and sepsis caused by multiple anaerobic bacteria of digestive tract origin. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) detected four types of anaerobic bacteria in both peripheral blood and abscess puncture fluid. Culture confirmed the presence of three of these microorganisms. Treatment with a combination of meropenem and metronidazole resulted in the patient’s subsequent recovery and discharge.

Conclusion

This report highlights the occurrence of ectopic infections caused by multiple anaerobic bacteria leading to pyogenic liver abscess and sepsis, underscoring the importance of considering anaerobic bacteria and conducting rapid comprehensive pathogen detection in clinical practice.
Long-term iron supplementation in four patients with X-linked erythropoietic protoporphyria: associations with serum proteins and erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels—a single-centre retrospective study
Authors: Minder Anna-Elisabeth , Granata Francesca , van Breemen Franziska , Schneider-Yin Xiaoye , Minder Elisabeth I. , Saleh Lanja , Barman-Aksözen Jasmin
Published: February 2025

Introduction

X-linked erythropoietic protoporphyria (XLEPP) is an ultra-rare inborn error of the heme biosynthesis characterised by the accumulation of large amounts of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) and zinc-protoporphyrin in the erythrocytes. PPIX absorbs the energy of the visible light range and upon exposure causes painful phototoxic reactions and tissue damage. In addition, PPIX is excreted via the liver and bile, and can induce liver failure that requires life-saving liver transplantation. Case reports and data from a limited number of patients enrolled in a prospective study indicate that supplementation with iron, a co-substrate of the heme biosynthesis, can decrease blood PPIX concentrations and improve liver damage and photosensitivity in patients with XLEPP. However, long-term data on safety and effectiveness of iron supplementation in XLEPP to support this treatment strategy is limited.

Methode

Here, we report the experience and long-term effects over up to 8 years of iron supplementation of the four patients with XLEPP in the Swiss cohort.

Results

Our study shows that iron supplementation was safe and effective in lowering blood PPIX concentrations in our patients in the long term.

Discussion

However, monitoring for adequate dosing and long-term effects is advisable and a standardisation of treatment protocols and international best practice guidelines are needed.
The relationship between lateral cervical lymph node positivity rate and recurrence after comprehensive treatment in differentiated thyroid carcinoma: a single-center retrospective cohort study from China
Authors: Ye Ting , Shao Shihan , Yao Shulin , Wang Ruimin
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The lateral cervical lymph node positivity rate has been hypothesized to correlate with the recurrence risk in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients. However, the extent of this association within the Chinese population remains understudied. This study seeks to elucidate the potential causal link between the lymph node positivity rate and DTC recurrence.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study, examining clinical records of 4,731 DTC patients who received surgical treatment at the First Medical Center of the General Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army from January 2015 to May 2020. The study variables encompassed demographic and clinical characteristics, including sex, age, tumor size, location, laterality, capsular invasion, lymph node metastasis counts, lymph node positivity rates, histological subtypes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis co-occurrence, and the timing of iodine-131 therapy post-surgery. After applying strict inclusion criteria, 1,074 patients were selected for analysis. Recurrence was defined as structural incomplete response (SIR), confirmed by imaging or histological means. The lymph node positivity rate was calculated as the proportion of positive lymph nodes to the total lymph node count.

Results

Multivariate analysis revealed a nonlinear association between the lateral cervical lymph node positivity rate and post-treatment recurrence, with a significant threshold at 0.5. The recurrence risk was substantially elevated with a positivity rate below this threshold (HR: 27.48, 95% CI: 7.21–104.70, P<0.0001), while no significant association was observed above it (HR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.02–1.57, P=0.119). Subgroup analysis within the high-risk cohort did not yield a significant association between the positivity rate and recurrence risk (HR=0.43, 95% CI: 0.10–1.79, P=0.246).

Discussion

In conclusion, this study identifies a nonlinear relationship between the lateral cervical lymph node positivity rate and the risk of DTC recurrence post-treatment. A positivity rate of less than 0.5 is positively associated with recurrence, while this association diminishes in significance among high-risk patients. This differs from the results previously reported. Further studies are needed to determine the potential mechanisms of the associations observed in observational studies.
Evaluating the effectiveness of evidence-based falls prevention programs: a study on participant risk levels and program congruency
Authors: Elrod Cathy S. , Wong Rita A.
Published: February 2025

Background

Falls are a leading cause of injury and injury-related deaths in older adults. A variety of community-delivered, evidence-based, fall risk-reduction programs have been developed and proven effective. These evidence-based fall prevention programs (EBFPP) have been classified along a fall-risk continuum, indicating the target fall-risk level of participants. The congruency between the program’s targeted and enrolled fall-risk level of participants is unknown. This study creates a fall-risk classification index, places participants into one of three fall risk categories, and then examines congruency of actual vs. recommended fall-risk of participants, by program.

Methods

Data came from the Healthy Aging Programs Integrated Database, created by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) for use by ACL falls prevention program grantees. Using data from a pre-participation survey designed by the ACDL for their grantees, a fall risk index was created. The fall risk levels of the participants were then compared to the fall risk profile of the EBFPPs as identified in NCOA’s Evidence-based Falls Prevention Programs Risk Continuum Guidance for Program Selection in which they were enrolled.

Results

Between July 2016 and June 2022, 105,323 older adults participated in one of eight EBFPPs. Participant characteristics varied among programs. Applying the fall risk index to the fall risk sample (31,064 older adults), 29% of participants were identified as being at high risk, 41% at moderate risk, and 30% at low risk. When the fall risk level of participants, by program, was compared to the target risk profile of the associated EBFPP, programs that had a risk profile targeting individuals at moderate to low risk were found to enroll a larger percentage of adults at high risk than expected. All programs enrolled at least some participants at each of the three risk levels.

Conclusion

All eight EBFPPs enrolled participants across all three fall-risk levels with most programs being at least somewhat congruent with the fall-risk program continuum recommendations. More research is needed to better understand inconsistencies between risk-levels of program, target risk-levels, and actual participant risk-level, to guide either adaptations in the risk-level classification or program modifications to accommodate different risk-levels.
Couple Anti-Swing Obstacle Avoidance Control Strategy for Underactuated Overhead Cranes
Authors: Meng Shuo , He Weikai , Liu Na , Zhang Rui , Liu Cungen
Published: February 2025

Overhead cranes are widely used for transportation in factories. They move slowly by manual operation to prevent the payload from swinging sharply or colliding with sudden obstacles. To address these issues and enhance work efficiency, this paper proposes a couple anti-swing obstacle avoidance control method for 5-DOF overhead cranes. Time polynomial fitting is employed for trajectory planning to achieve obstacle avoidance. To achieve anti-swing of the payloads, a coupled variable incorporating both actuated and underactuated states is defined, alongside a boundary for dynamic performance. Finally, MATLAB simulation and hardware experiments are carried out to verify the reliability and compared with some existing control methods.
Integrating Sustainability in Aircraft Component Design: Towards a Transition from Eco-Driven to Sustainability-Driven Design
Authors: Filippatos Angelos , Markatos Dionysios , Theochari Athina , Pantelakis Spiros
Published: February 2025

Eco-design is an innovative design methodology that focuses on minimizing the environmental footprint of industries, including aviation, right from the conceptual and development stages. However, rising industrial demand calls for a more comprehensive strategy wherein, beyond environmental considerations, competitiveness becomes a critical factor, supported by additional pillars of sustainability such as economic viability, circularity, and social impact. By incorporating sustainability as a primary design driver at the initial design stages, this study suggests a shift from eco-driven to sustainability-driven design approaches for aircraft components. This expanded strategy considers performance and safety goals, environmental impact, costs, social factors, and circular economy considerations. To provide the most sustainable design that balances all objectives, these aspects are rigorously quantified and optimized during the design process. To efficiently prioritize different variables, methods such as multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) are employed, and a sustainability index is developed in this framework to assess the overall sustainability of each design alternative. The most sustainable design configurations are then identified through an optimization process. A typical aircraft component, namely a hat-stiffened panel, is selected to demonstrate the proposed approach. The study highlights how effectively sustainability considerations can be integrated from the early stages of the design process by exploring diverse material combinations and geometric configurations. The findings indicate that the type of fuel used, and the importance given to the sustainability pillars—which are ultimately determined by the particular requirements and goals of the user—have a significant impact on the sustainability outcome. When equal prioritization is given across the diverse dimensions of sustainability, the most sustainable option appears to be the full thermoplastic component when kerosene is used. Conversely, when hydrogen is considered, the full aluminum component emerges as the most sustainable choice. This trend also holds when environmental impact is prioritized over the other aspects of sustainability. However, when costs are prioritized, the full thermoplastic component is the most sustainable option, whether hydrogen or kerosene is used as the fuel in the use phase. This innovative approach enhances the overall sustainability of aircraft components, emphasizing the importance and benefits of incorporating a broader range of sustainability factors at the conceptual and initial design phases.
Long-Term Assessment of NDVI Dynamics in Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Using a Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Atanasov Asparuh I. , Mihova Gallina M. , Atanasov Atanas Z. , Vlăduț Valentin
Published: February 2025

The application of reflective vegetation indices is crucial for advancing precision agriculture, particularly in monitoring crop growth and development. Among these indices, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is the most widely used due to its reliability in capturing vegetation dynamics. This study focuses on the applicability and temporal dynamics of the NDVI in monitoring winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) under the specific climatic conditions of Southern Dobrudja, Bulgaria. Using a Survey3W Camera RGN mounted on DJI unmanned aerial vehicles (Phantom 4 Pro and Mavic 2 Pro) at an altitude of 100 m, NDVI data were collected over a five-year period (2019–2024). Results reveal distinct NDVI trends, with maximum values reaching 0.56 during favorable conditions, and sharp declines during late spring frosts or drought periods. These NDVI variations correlate strongly with environmental factors, including precipitation and temperature fluctuations. For instance, during the 2019–2020 season, the NDVI decreased by 30% due to severe drought and high winter temperatures. In this study, vegetation indices, including the Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) and the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), were utilized to compare the results with the NDVI. The high-resolution UAV methodology demonstrated in this study proves highly effective for breeding and agronomic applications, offering precise data for optimizing wheat cultivation under variable agro-climatic conditions. These findings highlight the NDVI’s potential to enhance crop monitoring, yield prediction, and stress response management in winter wheat.
Long-Term Annual Changes in Agricultural Carbon Footprints and Associated Driving Factors in China from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Xiao Xingyuan , Hu Xuanming , Liu Yaqun , Lu Changhe
Published: February 2025

China is one of the world’s largest agricultural producers, and its agricultural carbon footprint (CF) is a major contributor to global warming. However, the long-term annual changes in its agricultural CF and the underlying driving factors remain largely unknown, compromising the scientific basis for effective carbon reduction and sustainable agriculture management. To this end, we used the life cycle assessment (LCA) method and statistical data to calculate long-term annual agricultural CFs in China. We then adopted the linear regression slope and the Moran’s I method to analyze the temporal trends and spatial clustering characteristics and revealed the correlations between the main drivers and agricultural CFs. The results showed that the total (TCF) and farmland-averaged carbon footprint (FCF) of crop production both increased first and then decreased in China from 2000 to 2020, with a turning point in 2015. Overall, the TCF increased by 6.82% (3022.16 × 104 t CO2 eq), while the FCF slightly decreased by 0.004% (0.01 t CO2 eq/ha). Both the TCF and the FCF showed spatial heterogeneity, with high values in the east and low values in the west, and the spatial clustering of the TCF and its components has weakened over time. Fertilizer (39.26%) and paddy (27.38%) were the main contributors to TCF. Driver analysis found that grain yield was positively correlated with TCF in most provinces, indicating that the continuous yield increase has brought greater pressure on agricultural carbon emission reduction in China. Agricultural stakeholders should optimize crop planting structures and patterns and improve resource-use efficiencies through technological and management innovation to adapt to these threats and achieve low-carbon agriculture. The findings of our research can aid the scientific research on spatiotemporal estimation and driver analysis of agricultural CFs and provide decision-making support for sustainable agricultural practices.