bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Three Pre-Season Training Protocols with Different Training Frequencies on Biochemical and Performance Markers in Professional Female Basketball Players
Authors: Mexis Dimitrios , Nomikos Tzortzis , Kostopoulos Nikolaos
Published: February 2025

This study examined the impact of three pre-season fitness training protocols with different training frequencies (heavy, moderate and light) on the physical abilities and the biochemical indicators of muscle damage and oxidative stress in female basketball athletes as expressed through physiological and biochemical assessments. Also, a comparison and a search for correlations were made between the physiological and biochemical changes that were caused by each protocol. The sample consisted of 28 professional female basketball athletes, who competed in three different teams, and each training protocol was assigned to each of the three teams. The somatometric and performance markers measured were as follows: weight, fat percentage, aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, vertical jumping ability, speed, acceleration, explosiveness and maximum lower body part strength. The biochemical measurements consisted of exercise-induced muscle damage (creatine kinase—CK, lactate dehydrogenase—LDH) and oxidative stress markers (protein carbonyls—PCs, glutathione peroxidase—GPx). The three fitness training protocols that were used improved the fitness status of high-level female basketball athletes after 6 weeks during the pre-season period, but they were also accompanied by some significant differences between them (fat percentage, anaerobic capacity, speed and acceleration). The results were also accompanied by an increase in CK and LDH for the three teams and by an increase in GPx for Teams 1 and 3. Also, we concluded that even 4 more or 4 less fitness training units (TUs) during a 6-week basketball preparation period can be considered important to differentiate the outcomes of physiological and biochemical markers. The purpose of this study was to provide more theoretical and practical knowledge to basketball coaches and trainers, so they can optimize the training process during the preparation period and thus maximize the performance of their athletes. Nevertheless, the present study was created with certain limitations, such as the small sample size for each team, the absence of a long-term follow-up or the lack of a control group. Future studies may need to turn their focus on fitness protocols with longer durations, try to differentiate the types of training protocols and attempt to achieve a better balance between maximizing performance and mitigating the muscle damage and oxidative stress levels.
Analog Gaussian-Shaped Filter Design and Current Mode Compensation for Dot-Matrix TSP Readout Systems
Authors: Ko Seunghoon
Published: February 2025

In-cell touch and display integrated panels, along with their integrated readout systems, are widely adopted in mobile devices for their cost-effectiveness and compact design. This paper proposes an analog Gaussian-shaped filter and a current mode compensation technique for dot-matrix Touch Screen Panel (TSP) readout systems. Specifically, this article presents a noise management strategy for both intrinsic and external noise, offering simulation guidelines for determining intrinsic circuit noise levels in relation to scan time and enhancing external noise immunity through the Gaussian-shaped filter response. The system achieved an intrinsic SNR of 66 dB with a 200 kHz TSP driving frequency and a 160 μs scan time, while the 4-bit quantized Gaussian coefficients filter provided 33 dB noise suppression for out-of-band noise. The compensation error in the dot-matrix capacitance compensation was measured at 1.24 pF, which corresponds to a 0.078% deviation. The simulated power consumption of the proposed readout system is 24 mW, with a layout area of 1.017 mm2 for the 10-channel readout front-end.
Vestibular Agnosia: Toward a Better Understanding of Its Mechanisms
Authors: Cedras Assan Mary , Dion Jonathan , Saj Arnaud , Champoux François , Maheu Maxime
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Vestibular agnosia is characterized by a reduced or absent self-motion perception while demonstrating the presence of normal peripheral vestibular function following stimulation. This condition has previously been reported by previous authors in different populations and more recently in traumatic brain injury patients. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for vestibular agnosia remain a matter of debate. The objective of this manuscript is to review and compare the behavioral and neuroanatomical findings in populations where vestibular agnosia has been demonstrated to better understand the underlying mechanism. Methods: A review of the literature was conducted using four databases: Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and PubMed. A normal vestibulo-ocular reflex function with an impaired self-motion perception following vestibular stimulation represented the inclusion criteria used. Results: Behavioral data reviewed in the studies revealed a clear association with postural instability. However, no consensus can be drawn from neuroanatomical data due to variability in brain impairments in those populations even though impairments in the parietal cortex are often reported. Conclusions: In general, behavioral data and neuroanatomical data regarding vestibular agnosia have been poorly documented throughout the literature. However, vestibular agnosia can be observed in different populations and is present in concomitant postural control deficits, an important predictor of falls. Finally, even though the parietal cortex has been associated with vestibular agnosia, future studies are required to adequately identify the underlying mechanism. Indeed, the parietal cortex could be part of a larger network mediating vestibular agnosia. This review proposes various methods that future studies should use to overcome the present limitations.
Optimization of Tibial Stem Geometry in Total Knee Arthroplasty Using Design of Experiments: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Lee Hyun Hee , Hong Hyoung-Taek , Kim Jong-Keun , Koh Yong-Gon , Park Kwan Kyu , Kang Kyoung-Tak
Published: February 2025

The stability of the tibial component in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is critical to preventing aseptic loosening, a major cause of implant failure. However, existing tibial stem designs often lead to stress shielding and bone resorption, highlighting the need for further optimization. This study addresses these challenges by employing the Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology, specifically utilizing a full factorial design approach combined with finite element analysis (FEA), to optimize the geometry of the tibial stem. The material properties of the cortical and cancellous bone, as well as the tibial tray, were assigned based on values from the literature, representing their elastic moduli and Poisson’s ratios. For boundary conditions, the distal end of the tibia was fully constrained to simulate realistic load transfer, while compressive loads representative of walking and daily activities were applied to the tibial base. Key design parameters, including stem diameter, length, mediolateral ratio (M/L ratio), and wing angle, were systematically analyzed. The results identified stem diameter and length as the most influential factors in improving biomechanical performance, while the wing angle showed minimal impact. The optimized design, featuring a stem diameter of 12 mm, length of 40 mm, M/L ratio of 0.61, and a wing angle of 60°, demonstrated significant reductions in stress shielding and aseptic loosening compared to conventional models. These findings provide valuable insights into enhancing the long-term success of TKA implants by balancing implant stability and minimizing bone resection.
Molecular Insights in Endometrial Stromal Sarcomas: Exploring New Targets for Novel Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Costa Alice , Astolfi Annalisa , Gozzellino Livia , Nannini Margherita , Pasquinelli Gianandrea , Pantaleo Maria Abbondanza
Published: February 2025

Uterine mesenchymal tumors (UMTs) are the second most common type of tumors within the uterus corpus after endometrial carcinomas. Among the UMTs, smooth muscle neoplasms are the most common subtype, followed by endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS). ESSs are uncommon malignancies characterized by molecular heterogeneity and an aggressive behavior. Their management poses significant challenges, particularly for high-grade subtypes. Surgery is the primary intervention for localized disease, while the role of adjuvant therapies, including radiation and chemotherapy, must be better investigated. Hormonal therapy has shown efficacy in low-grade cases but limited success in high-grade tumors. Recent advancements in molecular profiling have revealed potential targets, offering promise for personalized treatments. However, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to improve patient outcomes, particularly for advanced and recurrent disease. This review offers a perspective on the possible novel therapeutic approaches based on the most recent molecular analyses performed on endometrial stromal sarcomas.
Neuroprotective Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate Against Aβ Toxicity and Accumulation in Cellular and Animal Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Vuic Barbara , Milos Tina , Kvak Erika , Konjevod Marcela , Tudor Lucija , Farkas Szidónia , Nedic Erjavec Gordana , Nikolac Perkovic Matea , Zelena Dora , Svob Strac Dubravka
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Beneficial effects of neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) on cognition, emotions and behavior have been previously reported, suggesting its potential in the prevention and treatment of various neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aimed to investigate the potential neuroprotective actions of DHEAS against Aβ toxicity in both cellular and animal models of AD. Methods: After optimizing the AD model in vitro, we investigated the DHEAS effects on the viability and death of primary mouse neurons exposed to toxic Aβ42 oligomers for 24 h. In order to extend our research to an in vivo study, we further tested the acute effects of intraperitoneal DHEAS administration on the Aβ plaque density in different brain regions of 3xTg-AD mice, an animal model of AD. Results: In cell culture, DHEAS hampered the decrease in the neuronal viability caused by toxic Aβ oligomers, primarily by influencing mitochondrial function and apoptosis. DHEAS also counteracted the increase in the mRNA expression of selected genes (PI3K, Akt, Bcl2, Bax), induced in neuronal culture by treatment with Aβ42 oligomers. Obtained data suggested the involvement of mitochondria, caspases 3 and 7, as well as the PI3K/Akt and Bcl2 signaling network in the antiapoptotic properties of DHEAS in neurons. Forty-eight hours after DHEAS treatment, a significantly lower number of Aβ plaques was observed in the motor cortex but not in other brain areas of 3xTg-AD mice. Conclusions: Results indicated potential neuroprotective effects of DHEAS against Aβ toxicity and accumulation, suggesting that DHEAS supplementation should be further studied as a novel option for AD prevention and/or treatment.
Mechanisms for Orofacial Pain: Roles of Immunomodulation, Metabolic Reprogramming, Oxidative Stress and Epigenetic Regulation
Authors: Khan Saniyya , Tao Feng
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: Orofacial pain corresponds to pain sensitization originating from the facial and oral regions, often accompanied by diagnostic complexity due to a multitude of contributory factors, leading to significant patient distress and impairment. Here, we have reviewed current mechanistic pathways and biochemical aspects of complex orofacial pain pathology, highlighting recent advancements in understanding its multifactorial regulation and signaling and thus providing a holistic approach to challenging it. Materials and Methods: Studies were identified from an online search of the PubMed database without any search time range. Results: We have discussed neuron–glia interactions and glial cell activation in terms of immunomodulatory effects, metabolism reprogramming effects and epigenetic modulatory effects, in response to orofacial pain sensitization comprising different originating factors. We have highlighted the fundamental role of oxidative stress affecting significant cellular pathways as well as cellular machinery, which renders pain pathology intricate and multidimensional. Emerging research on the epigenetic modulation of pain regulatory genes in response to molecular and cellular environmental factors is also discussed, alongside updates on novel diagnostic and treatment approaches. Conclusions: This review deliberates the integrative perspectives and implications of modulation in the immune system, glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and redox homeostasis accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction as well as epigenetic regulation accommodating the effect of dysregulated non-coding RNAs for an interdisciplinary understanding of pain pathology at the molecular level, aiming to improve patient outcomes with precise diagnosis offering improved pain management and treatment.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Middle-Aged Lithuanian Men: A Comparative Study of an Apparently Resistant Hypertension Group
Authors: Šileikienė Vaida , Dženkevičiūtė Vilma , Čypienė Alma , Bublys Martynas , Puronaitė Roma , Badarienė Jolita , Laucevičius Aleksandras , Butkevičiūtė Eglė , Rinkūnienė Egidija
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Hypertension (HTN) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and a subset of patients exhibits apparently resistant hypertension (aRHTN), where blood pressure remains inadequately controlled despite treatment. This study aims to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged Lithuanian men with HTN and aRHTN, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of hypertension management in these groups. Methods: Data from 52,012 men participating in the Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk Programme (LitHiR) between 2009 and 2019 were analysed. Participants were categorised into two groups: treated hypertension (HTN) and apparent resistant hypertension (aRHTN). Despite treatment, the aRHTN group included those who failed to achieve their target blood pressure. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (dyslipidaemia, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, physical inactivity, and an unbalanced diet) was compared between the groups. Results: The overall prevalence of HTN was 47%, with 9.9% of treated hypertensive men having aRHTN. Dyslipidemia was both groups’ most prevalent risk factor (94.1% in HTN vs. 95.5% in aRHTN, p < 0.001). Men with aRHTN exhibited higher rates of diabetes (25.9% vs. 18.5%, p < 0.001), metabolic syndrome (75.3% vs. 66.3%, p < 0.001), and left ventricular hypertrophy (59.4% vs. 43.1%, p < 0.001). Treatment success was significantly lower in the aRHTN group (7.57% vs. 28.4%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Hypertension affects almost half of the studied population, with 10% of treated hypertensives exhibiting aRHTN. The aRHTN group had a higher number of additional cardiovascular risk factors and lower treatment success rates. Improved management of cardiovascular risk factors is crucial, especially in the aRHTN population, to reduce the burden of CVD.
Neutrophils, Fast and Strong 2.0: Heterogeneity of Neutrophil Parameters in Health and in Disease
Authors: Sud’ina Galina F.
Published: February 2025

Neutrophils are very important cells of the immune system, and every year, new nuances of their functional activity in the body and participation in various pathological processes are discovered [...]
Learning from Demonstrations via Deformable Residual Multi-Attention Domain-Adaptive Meta-Learning
Authors: Yan Zeyu , Gan Zhongxue , Lu Gaoxiong , Liu Junxiu , Li Wei
Published: February 2025

In recent years, the fields of one-shot and few-shot object detection and classification have garnered significant attention. However, the rapid adaptation of robots to previously unencountered or novel environments remains a formidable challenge. Inspired by biological learning processes, meta-learning seeks to replicate the way humans and animals quickly adapt to new tasks by leveraging prior knowledge and generalizing across experiences. Despite this, traditional meta-learning methods that rely on deepening or widening neural networks offer only marginal improvements in model performance. To address this, we proposed a novel framework termed Residual Multi-Attention Domain-Adaptive Meta-Learning (DRMA-DAML). Our framework, motivated by biological principles like the human visual system’s concurrent handling of global and local details for enhanced perception and decision making, empowers the model to significantly enhance performance without augmenting the depth of the neural network, thus avoiding the overfitting and vanishing gradient problems typical of deeper architectures. Empirical evidence from both simulated environments and real-world applications demonstrates that DRMA-DAML achieves state-of-the-art performance. Specifically, it improves adaptation accuracy by 11.18% on benchmark tasks and achieves a 97.64% success rate in real-world object manipulation, surpassing existing methods. These results validate the effectiveness of our approach in rapid adaptation for robotic systems.
Recent Progress in Flexible Microelectrode Arrays for Combined Electrophysiological and Electrochemical Sensing
Authors: Siwakoti Umisha , Jones Steven A. , Kumbhare Deepak , Cui Xinyan Tracy , Castagnola Elisa
Published: February 2025

Understanding brain function requires advanced neural probes to monitor electrical and chemical signaling across multiple timescales and brain regions. Microelectrode arrays (MEAs) are widely used to record neurophysiological activity across various depths and brain regions, providing single-unit resolution for extended periods. Recent advancements in flexible MEAs, built on micrometer-thick polymer substrates, have improved integration with brain tissue by mimicking the brain’s soft nature, reducing mechanical trauma and inflammation. These flexible, subcellular-scale MEAs can record stable neural signals for months, making them ideal for long-term studies. In addition to electrical recording, MEAs have been functionalized for electrochemical neurotransmitter detection. Electroactive neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and adenosine, can be directly measured via electrochemical methods, particularly on carbon-based surfaces. For non-electroactive neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, glutamate, and γ-aminobutyric acid, alternative strategies, such as enzyme immobilization and aptamer-based recognition, are employed to generate electrochemical signals. This review highlights recent developments in flexible MEA fabrication and functionalization to achieve both electrochemical and electrophysiological recordings, minimizing sensor fowling and brain damage when implanted long-term. It covers multi-time scale neurotransmitter detection, development of conducting polymer and nanomaterial composite coatings to enhance sensitivity, incorporation of enzyme and aptamer-based recognition methods, and the integration of carbon electrodes on flexible MEAs. Finally, it summarizes strategies to acquire electrochemical and electrophysiological measurements from the same device.
NanoBioAnalytical (NBA) Platform to Decipher Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by Microvascular Endothelial Cells Under Benzo[a]pyrene Exposure
Authors: Raizada Geetika , Guillouzouic Joan , Rouleau Alain , Lesniewska Eric , Le Ferrec Eric , Elie-Caille Céline , Boireau Wilfrid
Published: February 2025

Recent advances in the clinical extracellular vesicles (EVs) field highlight their potential as biomarkers for diverse diseases and therapeutic applications. This study provides an in-depth characterization of 10k EVs from human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) exposed to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon found in food and smoke. Given EVs’ complexity, with numerous surface and cargo proteins, phenotyping remains challenging. Here, we introduce a multiplex biosensor, in µarray format, for profiling EVs from distinct cellular conditions, employing a multimodal approach that combines surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) and in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) to decipher EVs’ biochemical and biophysical properties. SPRi experiments showed notable EV capture differences on ligands such as Anti-CD36, Anti-CD81, and Anti-ApoA between treated and control conditions, likely due to B[a]P exposure. A complementary AFM study and statistical analyses revealed size differences between EVs from treated and control samples, with ligands like Annexin-V, Anti-CD36, and Anti-VEGFR1 emerging as ligands specific to potential cytotoxicity biomarkers. Our findings suggest that B[a]P exposure may increase EV size and alter marker expression, indicating phenotypic shifts in EVs under cytotoxic stress. The original combination of SPRi and AFM reveals valuable data on the phenotypical and morphological heterogeneities of EV subsets linked to cytotoxic stresses and highlights the potential of EVs as specific toxicological markers.
Linguistic Prediction in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: O’Shea Aimee , Engelhardt Paul E.
Published: February 2025

Background: Autism spectrum disorder has been argued to involve impairments in domain-general predictive abilities. There is strong evidence that individuals with ASD have trouble navigating the dynamic world due to an inability to predict the outcomes of particular events. There is also evidence that this is apparent across the diagnostic criteria of ASD and common among correlates of ASD. However, the question remains as to whether this impairment in predictive abilities is domain-specific or domain-general, with little research investigating prediction in linguistic measures. Methods: The current study investigated whether individuals with ASD showed atypicalities in linguistic prediction using a cloze probability task. In Experiment 1, 33 individuals with ASD were compared to 64 typically developing individuals in an offline cloze task. Results: There was no significant effect of an ASD diagnosis on the cloze probability. However, individuals with higher levels of autistic traits were significantly more likely to produce lower-probability (non-modal) cloze responses. In Experiment 2, 19 individuals with ASD were compared to 22 typically developing individuals in a lab-based cloze task, in which we also measured the reaction times to begin speaking (i.e., voice onset time). The results showed that individuals with ASD had significantly slower reaction times (~200 ms) but, similarly to Experiment 1, did not show differences in the cloze probability of the responses produced. Conclusions: We conclude that individuals with ASD do show inefficiency in linguistic prediction, as well as indicating which ASD traits most strongly correlate with these inefficiencies.
Exploring Cognitive Stimulation as a Therapy for the Prevention of Delirium in a Hospital Setting: A Narrative Review
Authors: Fatima Emman , Hill Ian , Dover Noah , Faisal Hina
Published: February 2025

Delirium is a highly prevalent and costly neuropsychiatric condition that affects up to 87% of critically ill hospitalized patients. It impacts various cognitive domains, including attention, memory, perception, and motor functions, with symptoms such as behavioral changes, hallucinations, slurred speech, visual impairments, and fatigue. Non-pharmacological interventions have been shown to reduce the incidence and duration of delirium, with strategies like reality orientation, cognitive stimulation, family support, and physical support. However, the scalability of these interventions in hospital settings is limited by resource constraints, low patient engagement, and the complexity of delivery. Digital technology-based cognitive stimulation offers a potential solution to these barriers, though evidence supporting its effectiveness is currently insufficient. This narrative literature review explores both traditional and novel digital technology-based cognitive stimulation techniques for the prevention and management of delirium in acute hospital settings.
Decomposing Brand Loyalty: An Examination of Loyalty Subcomponents, Product Price Range, Consumer Personality, and Willingness to Pay
Authors: Damaschi Gabriele , Aboueldahab Ali , D’Addario Marco
Published: February 2025

Brand loyalty is widely recognized as a key driver of consumer behavior, significantly influencing their willingness to pay more for preferred brands. This study explores the relationship between brand loyalty, its components, willingness to pay, consumer personality traits, and product price range. A tailored online survey involving participants aged 18 to 60 revealed a strong positive correlation between brand loyalty and increased willingness to pay. The findings also underscore the influence of Conscientiousness and Energy on brand loyalty, alongside the moderating effect of product price range. Specifically, habit-based loyalty dominates low-priced, routine purchases, while higher-priced decisions involve deeper cognitive-affective evaluations. These insights offer valuable guidance for enhancing customer satisfaction and optimizing brand profitability.
Development and Optimization of a Novel Damper Control Strategy Integrating DCV and Duct Static Pressure Setpoint Reset for Energy-Efficient VAV Systems
Authors: Dharmasena Pasidu , Nassif Nabil
Published: February 2025

Climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have made energy efficiency in modern building operations more critical than ever. This study presents an improved damper control strategy for VAV systems, combined with techniques like DCV and duct static pressure adjustments, to optimize fan energy consumption. Using energy simulations and mathematical models, the research evaluates traditional HVAC operating methods against the proposed novel control approach across diverse climates. Findings show that the refined control integrations effectively adjust ventilation air volumes during low occupancy and achieve up to 47% savings in fan energy, cost, and CO2 savings annually. While DCV alone had minimal impact on fan energy, it significantly reduced the amount of outdoor air that required conditioning, thereby lowering cooling and heating demands. This research highlights the importance of integrating an advanced control strategy in building mechanical systems to reduce operational costs and environmental impact, contributing to sustainability and carbon reduction goals.
Demographic Analysis of Occupational Safety in the Construction Sector: Strategies and Insights for Risk Reduction
Authors: Bilim Atiye
Published: February 2025

The construction sector is among the most dangerous industries, recognized for its significant rate of accidents with even more serious consequences, especially in developing countries. In addition to threatening the health and living conditions of workers, occupational accidents also negatively impact work productivity and sustainability. In this context, a country-by-country analysis of occupational accidents in the sector is critical to understand local demographic differences better and determine the impact of workplace safety practices. In parallel with the growing economy, the construction sector in Türkiye creates a large employment area and stands out as one of the sectors where occupational accidents occur most frequently. This study aims to analyze the interactions of occupational accidents and incapacity with demographic factors in the construction sector in Türkiye. This study analyzes the demographic factors, including age, gender, marital status, education, and work experience, of workers involved in occupational accidents within the construction industry between 2018 and 2022. As a result, it is found that young (18–27 years), male, single, and less experienced (1–10 years) workers are more prone to occupational accidents while increasing age and education level increases the risk of incapacity caused by occupational accidents. As experience increases, the probability of occupational accidents decreases; however, the recovery period is longer for workers who are exposed to heavy working conditions for a long time. The results show that the probability and severity of occupational accidents differ according to demographic characteristics. Therefore, high-risk workers should be identified, and occupational safety policies should be restructured based on this data. This study provides an important guide for policy changes and practical applications for demographically oriented restructuring of occupational safety measures in the construction industry.
Finite Element Modeling of Crack Width and Localization in Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Červenka Vladimír , Červenka Jan , Rimkus Arvydas , Gribniak Viktor
Published: February 2025

The crack width assessment and reliable modeling of the crack localization process are essential for accurately modeling crack propagation, which is critical for evaluating deflections, serviceability limit states, and the redistribution of internal forces, which influence ultimate limit states. This paper examines various modeling approaches and their impact on crack width predictions and load–displacement responses. It employs the finite element method and nonlinear fracture mechanics, focusing on relatively coarse finite element meshes typical in large-scale engineering problems. The influences of mesh size, reinforcement modeling approaches, and material parameters are analyzed. In addition, this manuscript provides the random fields’ simulation example, adequately capturing the experimental crack initiation phase. This study marks the initial phase of a research project to develop efficient numerical models for assessing crack width and patterns, employing carefully documented test results conducted at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University.
Images of Architectural Landmarks Integrated into Spatial Vision Based on Urban Image Theory: A Case Study on the Wuhan Design Biennale Exhibition Space
Authors: Wang Tianjia , Chen Yile , Wei Zhengcong , Chen Junming , Fang Jiaying , Dong Ziyang , Zheng Liang
Published: February 2025

An exhibition is a complex organic system. The spatial design of an exhibition aims to visualize the ideology of this complex system in space, a process known as visual spatialization. How to integrate landmark buildings in a city into the visual design of large exhibition spaces is an academic and practical issue worth exploring. This study examined the exhibition space design of the Wuhan Design Biennale as a typical case. We conducted a limited survey on Wuhan’s image using the theory of urban image cognition, employing methods such as drawing cognitive maps, interviews, and network search image analysis to extract elements that could represent the image of Wuhan city and reflect Wuhan design in the minds of the public. The study found that: (1) whether it is an image map or a questionnaire, the mention rate of many bridges in Wuhan was very high, becoming an important element of the image of the river city today; (2) in the survey on internet images, the key elements of the “river city image” were more prominent; and (3) the urban image survey helped designers understand the characteristics of the public’s cognition of urban space more comprehensively and meticulously, thereby providing a focus for creative design. This innovative design method has been applied to the exhibition space design of the Wuhan Design Biennale, garnering significant praise for its implementation. This study summarizes the mechanism of integrating landmark buildings in cities into the visual design of large exhibition spaces, hoping to provide a reference for the design of future large exhibition spaces.
Development of an Electrically Heated Sidewalk System for Enhanced Winter Pedestrian Safety
Authors: Mohapoo Ramita , Chakraborty Rajesh , Yeon Jung Heum
Published: February 2025

This study aims to develop an electrically heated sidewalk system to efficiently clear ice and snow from pedestrian walkways, ensuring safety and minimizing environmental impact during winter. While extensive research has been conducted on heated pavement and slab systems for vehicles and aircraft, there is a notable gap in studies focusing on heated sidewalk systems for pedestrians, which are unique due to their disjointed configurations. Concrete mixtures containing 2.2% carbon fibers (CFs) and 0.5% carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by cement weight were used to cast the electrically heated concrete side blocks. No. 3 structural rebars served as electrodes to physically connect the side blocks and distribute electrical power to them. A laboratory-scale prototype, consisting of a 5 × 5 block array (750 mm × 750 mm), was constructed to evaluate heating performance. The surface and internal temperatures were measured using an infrared camera and thermocouples, respectively, while consistently powering the prototype with a power supply. The blocks were connected in a parallel electrical configuration to operate the system at low voltage levels. The results indicated a surface temperature increase of 16–20 °C over two hours with a power density ranging from 620 to 830 W/m2, which was sufficient for deicing pedestrian walkways.
The Application of Intelligent Construction Technology to Modern Wood Structures in China: A Critical Review
Authors: Li Jiachen , Chen Hua , Wang Long , Ou Yazhou , Yin Tengteng , Zhang Jin , Qin Dekai , Du Yanchao
Published: February 2025

This paper explores the current application status and development trends of intelligent construction technologies in modern timber structures in China. By using VOSviewer software for bibliometric analysis, the research focused on three key areas: BIM technology, machine vision, and lifecycle information management. The study found that BIM technology has significantly improved the design accuracy and construction efficiency of timber buildings through 3D visualization, parametric design, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Machine vision technology enhances the quality control and damage assessment efficiency through automation. Lifecycle information management promotes the sustainable development of timber buildings in line with carbon neutrality goals. The paper further analyzes the challenges and difficulties of applying intelligent construction technologies to modern timber structures and proposes the development of technology solutions tailored to the characteristics of timber structures, including deepening the integration with environmental science and urban planning and enhancing user feedback optimization. These studies provide new perspectives for the intelligent and low-carbon development of timber buildings and offer support for achieving sustainability goals and carbon neutrality.
Generation of a Double Reporter mES Cell Line to Simultaneously Trace the Generation of Retinal Progenitors and Photoreceptors
Authors: Zabiegalov Oleksandr , Berger Adeline , Kamdar Dhryata , Adamou Kabirou , Tian Chuanxi , Mbefo Martial , Quinodoz Mathieu , Udry Florian , Rivolta Carlo , Kostic Corinne , Arsenijevic Yvan
Published: February 2025

Three-dimensional retinal culture systems help to understand eye development and the pathology of disorders. There is a need for reporter stem cell lines to allow in vitro studies on retinal progenitors and photoreceptors and their developmental dynamics or properties and to test therapeutic approaches. The isolation of pure progenitor populations or photoreceptor precursors may serve for drug, gene, and cell therapy development. Here, we generated a dual-reporter mouse embryonic stem cell line Crx-GFP;Rax-mCherry enabling the visualization or isolation of photoreceptors and retinal progenitors from retinal organoid settings. From day 4 organoids, we isolated mCherry-positive cells to assess their early retinal progenitor identity with proliferation tests as well as transcriptomic and proteomic profiling. The timing of eye field transcription factor expression at the transcriptomic and protein levels is in accordance with mouse retinogenesis. This new line will be helpful for rapidly investigating biological questions or testing therapeutics before using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which require a much longer time for retinal organoid formation.
Epigenetic Mechanisms in CRSwNP: The Role of MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Gatsounia Alkmini , Schinas Georgios , Danielides Gerasimos , Grafanaki Katerina , Mastronikolis Nicholas , Stathopoulos Constantinos , Lygeros Spyridon
Published: February 2025

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a prevalent inflammatory disease of the upper airway, contributing significantly to the global disease burden. CRSwNP is characterized by sustained and exaggerated inflammation, accompanied by marked changes in gene and protein expression regulated through intricate molecular mechanisms. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small single-stranded RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, have emerged as pivotal players in CRSwNP pathophysiology. Dysregulated miRNA expression is implicated in numerous human diseases, including cancer, asthma, and inflammatory disorders, highlighting their broad clinical relevance. In CRSwNP, miRNAs influence important inflammatory pathways, including T2 immune responses and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which leads to chronic inflammation and tissue remodeling. Profiling studies have identified specific miRNAs as potential biomarkers for disease severity, prognosis, and therapeutic response, offering a pathway to personalized medicine. Furthermore, advances in small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) and exosomes, which naturally transport miRNAs, provide innovative avenues for targeted miRNA delivery, minimizing systemic side effects. This review explores current knowledge on miRNA expression and function in CRSwNP, emphasizing their role in disease pathogenesis and their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
The Cross-Talk Between the Peripheral and Brain Cholesterol Metabolisms
Authors: Savulescu-Fiedler Ilinca , Dorobantu-Lungu Luiza-Roxana , Dragosloveanu Serban , Benea Serban Nicolae , Dragosloveanu Christiana Diana Maria , Caruntu Ana , Scheau Andreea-Elena , Caruntu Constantin , Scheau Cristian
Published: February 2025

Cholesterol is an essential element for the development and normal function of the central nervous system. While peripheral cholesterol is influenced by liver metabolism and diet, brain cholesterol metabolism takes place in an isolated system due to the impermeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). However, cross-talk occurs between the brain and periphery, specifically through metabolites such as oxysterols that play key roles in regulating cholesterol balance. Several neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease are considered to be affected by the loss of this balance. Also, the treatment of hypercholesterolemia needs to consider these discrete interferences between brain and peripheral cholesterol and the possible implications of each therapeutic approach. This is particularly important because of 27-hydroxycholesterol and 24-hydroxycholesterol, which can cross the BBB and are involved in cholesterol metabolism. This paper examines the metabolic pathways of cholesterol metabolism in the brain and periphery and focuses on the complex cross-talk between these metabolisms. Also, we emphasize the regulatory role of the BBB and the need for an integrated approach to cholesterol management.
Dentures Used for Rehabilitation of Mastication After Loss of Teeth Maintain Proper Biomechanical Properties of Masseter Muscles—A Comparative Study
Authors: Szajkowski Sebastian , Pasek Jarosław , Cieślar Grzegorz
Published: February 2025

Background: Various types of dentures are applied in the treatment of missing teeth. The research carried out so far has proven that both the absence of teeth and the replacement of missing teeth with dentures affect the functional condition of masseter muscles. The purpose is, thus, to find out how the tone, elasticity, and stiffness of masseter muscles change after prosthetic treatment. Material and methods: The material for the study consisted of 137 individuals, who were divided into group 1, with dentures (n = 87) and undergoing prosthetic treatment, and group 2, without dentures (n = 50) with teeth preserved, and not undergoing prosthetic treatment. Additionally, group 1 was divided into subgroups, in accordance with the type of prosthetic treatment applied: group 1a—removable complete dentures (n = 14), group 1b—removable partial dentures (n = 48), group 1c—fixed partial dentures (n = 22), group 1d—fixed complete dentures (n = 3). The biomechanical properties of masseter muscles, namely: tone, stiffness, and elasticity were assessed by means of myotonometry. The measurements were taken under muscle relaxation and under maximum muscle contraction. Results: The values of the parameters of tone, stiffness, and elasticity were higher in group 2, without dentures, in comparison with group 1, with dentures, yet they did not differ with statistical significance. The type of prosthesis used affected the results obtained. Masseter muscles demonstrated the best biomechanical parameters in the case of applying fixed partial dentures. Conclusions: Prosthetic replacement of missing teeth contributes to maintaining the good condition of masseter muscles, which has been confirmed by the results of myotonometric measurements taken.
Coffee and Tea Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Older Australians
Authors: Wong Tommy Hon Ting , Burlutsky George , Gopinath Bamini , Flood Victoria M. , Mitchell Paul , Louie Jimmy Chun Yu
Published: February 2025

Background: The prospective relationship between coffee and tea consumption and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is seldom assessed in older adults. This study investigated the association between coffee and tea consumption and the 10-year incidence of T2DM in older Australian adults. Method: Data were collected from participants aged 49 years or above at baseline of the Blue Mountains Eye Study (n = 1668). Coffee and tea intakes were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. T2DM was ascertained by the self-reported history, fasting blood glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/L, or self-reported use of diabetes medication. Associations were assessed using discrete-time logistic regression, adjusting for lifestyle and demographic factors. Results: Compared to no consumption, coffee intake of 1 cup/day was associated with a lower risk of developing T2DM (multivariate-adjusted HR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.91) in the 10-year follow-up period. However, consumption of 2–3 cups/day (HR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.37, 1.18) or ≥4 cups/day (HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.52, 2.08) showed no significant association. Tea consumption at any level was not significantly associated with T2DM incidence. Results were similar after excluding participants with implausible energy intake. Conclusions: In older adults, moderate coffee intake (1 cup/day) was associated with lower T2DM incidence, while higher coffee consumption and tea intake at any level were not. The lack of a dose-dependent effect in coffee consumption warrants further investigation. These findings should be verified in larger studies, considering different coffee and tea types and potential age-related and genetic factors.
Anxiety and Depression in Children with Irritable Bowel Syndrome—A Narrative Review
Authors: Pop Daniela , Man Sorin Claudiu , Farcău Dorin
Published: February 2025

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders diagnosed in children. It has a complex pathophysiology with several potential risk factors, including psychological disorders like anxiety and depression. This paper aimed to find genetic, pathophysiological, and clinical links between psychological factors (mainly anxiety and depression) and IBS in children. Impairment of the gut–brain communication and signalling of serotonin is responsible for both gastrointestinal and psychological disorders. Childhood psychological events seem to be linked to gastrointestinal symptoms not only in childhood but also in adulthood. Evidence of the efficacy of therapies targeting psychological disorders (antidepressant, hypnotherapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy) in children with IBS was evaluated. Further studies that use updated criteria for IBS and uniform questionnaires and outcome measures are needed to draw reliable conclusions regarding the connection between psychological factors and IBS.
Artificial Intelligence in Psychiatry: A Review of Biological and Behavioral Data Analyses
Authors: Baydili İsmail , Tasci Burak , Tasci Gülay
Published: February 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in psychiatry, improving diagnostic precision, treatment personalization, and early intervention through advanced data analysis techniques. This review explores recent advancements in AI applications within psychiatry, focusing on EEG and ECG data analysis, speech analysis, natural language processing (NLP), blood biomarker integration, and social media data utilization. EEG-based models have significantly enhanced the detection of disorders such as depression and schizophrenia through spectral and connectivity analyses. ECG-based approaches have provided insights into emotional regulation and stress-related conditions using heart rate variability. Speech analysis frameworks, leveraging large language models (LLMs), have improved the detection of cognitive impairments and psychiatric symptoms through nuanced linguistic feature extraction. Meanwhile, blood biomarker analyses have deepened our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of mental health disorders, and social media analytics have demonstrated the potential for real-time mental health surveillance. Despite these advancements, challenges such as data heterogeneity, interpretability, and ethical considerations remain barriers to widespread clinical adoption. Future research must prioritize the development of explainable AI models, regulatory compliance, and the integration of diverse datasets to maximize the impact of AI in psychiatric care.
Distributed Cognitive Positioning System Based on Nearest Neighbor Association and Multi-Point Filter Initiation for UAVs Using DTMB and INS
Authors: Zha Li , Zhang Hai , Wang Na , Tao Cancan , Lv Kunfeng , Zhang Ruirui
Published: February 2025

Location is critical for the safe and effective completion of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) missions. Since positioning errors tend to accumulate over time, uncorrected measurements from Inertial Navigation Systems (INSs) are unreliable. Aiming for UAV self-positioning under the challenges of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), this article integrates Digital Terrestrial Multimedia Broadcast (DTMB) signals and assisted INS components as external radiation sources for system design. The trigonometric geometry algorithm is proposed to estimate the pseudo-measurement, and the impact factors of the positioning error are analyzed. After filtering the pseudo-measurement by multi-point initiation, we designed a model for cross-regional positioning scenarios using the nearest-neighbor navigation association and scalar weighted distributed fusion. The simulation results demonstrate that the model can effectively track the target. Finally, the effectiveness of the positioning at a constant altitude is evaluated through different vehicle-mounted scenarios with a speed of 60 km/h. The experimental results show that the minimum positioning error can reach 18.95 m over a 525 m trajectory, thus meeting actual UAV requirements and having practical value.