bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Remineralizing Agents: Outcomes on White Spot Lesions
Authors: Monjarás-Ávila Ana Josefina , Hardan Louis , Cuevas-Suárez Carlos Enrique , Alonso Norma Verónica Zavala , Fernández-Barrera Miguel Ángel , Moussa Carol , Jabr Jamal , Bourgi Rim , Haikel Youssef
Published: January 2025

Dental caries is a widespread issue impacting global oral health. White spot lesions, the earliest stage of caries, compromise enamel’s esthetics and integrity. Remineralization therapies, both fluoride and non-fluoride based, aim to restore enamel, but limited comparative data exist on their effects on lesion depth and microhardness. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of remineralizing agents on lesion depth and microhardness of human teeth. The literature search included the following five databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scielo, SCOPUS, and EMBASE from the period 2012 to October 2022. Studies evaluating lesion depth and microhardness in human teeth after the application of a remineralizing agent were considered for review. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark). A random effect model was used to pool estimate of effect and its 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for surface microhardness and depth lesion. Subgroup analyses were performed considering the presence of fluoride or not in the remineralization agent. Thirty-three studies were included in the qualitative review. Of these, twenty-six studies were included in the meta-analysis. The main risks of bias associated with the studies included a lack of blinding of the test operator and failure to obtain sample size. To conclude, fluorinated agents are more effective in remineralizing artificially induced white spot lesion than non-fluoride remineralizing agents.
The Impact of LED Light Spectra on the Growth, Yield, Physiology, and Sweetness Compound of Stevia rebaudiana
Authors: Aljafer Naofel , Alrajhi Abdullah , Anderson von Trampe Toby , Vevers William , Fauset Sophie , Rihan Hail Zuhir
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the effects of several light spectra on Stevia rebaudiana, analysing growth parameters, yield, and physiological responses within a controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) system. The experimental design involved different light treatments, including specific combinations of blue (435 nm and 450 nm), red (663 nm), and ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths (365 nm), to determine their impact on morphological development and biochemical properties, particularly focusing on the production of the sweetening compounds stevioside and rebaudioside A. Stevia rebaudiana plants cultivated from cuttings sourced from a reputable UK nursery (Gardener’s Dream Ltd., Glasgow, UK) were subjected to these spectral treatments over a period of five weeks under vertical farming conditions. Physiological measurements, such as chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), stomatal conductance, and leaf temperature, were recorded, alongside growth metrics (plant height, leaf area, and biomass). This study also incorporated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to quantitatively analyse the influence of the light treatments on the sweetener concentration. The results demonstrated that targeted LED spectra, particularly those that include UV light and blue light (435 nm), significantly nhanced both the quantitative and qualitative attributes of stevia growth, indicating that strategic light management can markedly improve the nutritional and commercial yields of Stevia rebaudiana. This research contributes to the optimisation of light conditions in vertical farming systems, aiming to enhance agricultural efficiency and reduce the reliance on imported stevia by maximising local production capabilities.
Soil Seedbank Dynamics and Species Diversity in Pimelea-Infested Paddocks Under Pasture and Cultivated Conditions
Authors: Saleem Rashid , Bajwa Ali , Campbell Shane , Fletcher Mary T. , Kalaipandian Sundaravelpandian , Adkins Steve W.
Published: January 2025

Pasture lands, while appearing uniform in species diversity, exhibit notable variations upon closer examination. The study on Pimelea (or riceflower) seedbank dynamics revealed significant variations in seed density and distribution across soil depths, sites, years, and between pasture and cultivated paddocks in the same region of western Queensland. For the total number of germinable riceflower seeds across both the years 2019 and 2020, there is a clear distinction between pasture and cultivated paddocks. Pasture paddocks exhibited a gradual increase in total seed count from 108 seeds m−2 in 2019 to 121 seeds m−2 in 2020, resulting in a combined total of 229 seeds m−2 over the 2 years across both depths. In contrast, cultivated paddocks showed a more substantial increase, with seed counts rising from 146 seeds m−2 in 2019 to 255 seeds m−2 in 2020, resulting in a combined total of 401 seeds m−2 across both depths. Additionally, the Shannon–Wiener index at Site 1 indicated increased species diversity in the topsoil of pasture paddocks in 2020 compared to 2019, while deeper soil diversity decreased. Cultivated paddocks showed a declining trend, while pasture sites exhibited stable or increasing diversity. Pasture management generally maintained or enhanced diversity better than cultivation, especially in the topsoil layer. These findings highlight site-specific differences influenced by soil properties, land management practices, and local environmental conditions, shaping riceflower seedbank dynamics. Understanding these patterns is crucial for developing targeted management strategies to control riceflower in affected areas. Long-term field studies focusing on seedbanks are essential to develop sustainable control strategies.
A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of the 0.19 mg Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant in Non-Infectious Uveitis
Authors: Yeo Suji , Chung Yoo-Ri , Song Ji Hun , Bodaghi Bahram , Touhami Sara
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The fluocinolone acetonide implant (FAI) is an intravitreal corticosteroid implant designed to have a therapeutic effect lasting up to 3 years. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of the FAI (0.19 mg, releasing at 0.2 μg/day) in patients with non-infectious uveitis. Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were last searched on 6 September 2024. Studies comparing FAI with sham injections were investigated. The primary outcome was the recurrence of uveitis. Secondary outcomes included visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and occurrence of cataracts. Results: Significantly more patients in the FAI group experienced no uveitis recurrence for up to 36 months compared to the sham group, with a relatively lower number of recurrences. Systemic adjuvant therapy was similar between groups, while fewer patients required local rescue injections in the FAI group (95% confidence interval (CI): −2.91 to −1.70). Visual acuity changes and the proportion of eyes with ≥15 letters gain were not significantly different between the groups. More patients needed cataract surgery in the FAI group (95% CI: 0.68–1.96). No differences were observed in IOP change, final IOP, or treatment-requiring events related to an increased IOP. However, more subjects experienced events of IOP > 25 mmHg with the FAI (95% CI: 0.73 to 2.14). Conclusions: The 0.19 mg FAI was effective in preventing uveitis recurrence, and reduced the need for local injections. No significant impacts were noted in terms of systemic therapy, visual improvement, or most IOP-related complications.
Dizziness in Fabry Disease
Authors: Johansen Aslak Broby , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla , Klokker Mads
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disease. Earlier studies have mentioned dizziness/balance issues and vestibular involvement as a symptom of Fabry disease. Research on the matter remains scarce. This pilot study aims to show the prevalence of dizziness/balance issues and whether it is due to peripheral, central, or other factors. Methods: A Dizziness Handicap Inventory, with added questions, was sent out to 91 Fabry patients to estimate the prevalence of dizziness/balance issues. Additionally, this study reports analyses from eight Fabry patients with self-reported dizziness/balance issues who were offered referrals for in-depth investigations of their condition. All eight underwent a comprehensive oto-neurological examination, Videonystagmography, a Video Head impulse test, vestibular myogenic evoked potential, and audiometry. Results: A total of 55 of the 91 patients with Fabry disease answered the survey. Of these, 78.2% felt symptoms of dizziness/balance issues. The most common form of dizziness/balance issues was short-lasting attacks. All eight ENT-examined patients had normal outer and middle ear conditions. Five of eight Fabry patients had abnormal results in the optokinetic test and audiometry. Conclusions: The survey showed a high prevalence of dizziness/balance issues in Fabry patients. The abnormal optokinetic test suggested a central cause and was the only objective measurement we found that could lead to an explanation for dizziness/balance issues. Polypharmacy was present in all eight examined patients and could also explain the dizziness/balance issues in Fabry patients. There is no other clear pattern regarding the characteristics of dizziness/balance issues in Fabry patients in this exploratory study.
Baicalin Decreases the LPS-Induced Intestine Inflammatory Responses by ROS/p-ERK/p-P38 Signal Pathways In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Sun Xinyi , Guo Mengru , Su He , Liang Mei , Wu Huining , Zhao Linlu , Zhang Jin , He Jieyi , Yong Yanhong , Yu Zhichao , Ma Xingbin , Ju Xianghong , Liu Xiaoxi
Published: January 2025

Background: This study aimed to investigate the role of ROS/MAPK signaling pathways and the effects of baicalin in LPS-induced inflammatory responses in mice and porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). Methods: In vivo, 18 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6): control, LPS (3.5 mg/kg LPS administered intraperitoneally [ip] on day 7), and baicalin (200 mg/kg orally for 7 days, with LPS ip on day 7). On day 8, mice were sacrificed, and jejunal tissues were collected for H&E staining. ROS levels in serum and cytokine protein expressions (TNF-α and IL-6) in the jejunum were measured via ELISA, while intestinal MAPK proteins were analyzed using Western blotting. In vitro, the study involved two experimental setups: NAC (a ROS scavenger) and baicalin. For the NAC experiment, IPEC-J2 cells were divided into three groups: control, LPS, and NAC. In the LPS group, cells were treated with LPS (40 μg/mL) for 1 h. In the NAC group, cells were pretreated with NAC prior to LPS exposure. For the baicalin experiment, IPEC-J2 cells were divided into five groups: control, LPS, and baicalin at low (10 μM), medium (20 μM), and high (40 μM) doses. Cells were pretreated with baicalin for 24 h before LPS exposure. ROS/LDH levels and cytokine expressions in the supernatant were determined via ELISA, and MAPK protein expressions were assessed using Western blotting. Results: In vivo, LPS-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the intestine, reduced the villus height-to-crypt ratio, and significantly increased protein expressions of p-ERK, p-P38, JNK, and p-JNK (p < 0.05). Baicalin treatment significantly inhibited serum ROS levels (p < 0.01), reduced jejunal cytokine expressions (TNF-α and IL-6, p < 0.05), improved intestinal structural damage, and decreased p-ERK, p-P38, and p-JNK protein expressions (p < 0.05). In vitro, NAC significantly reduced ROS levels (p < 0.01), cytokine expressions (TNF-α and IL-6), and MAPK activation (ERK, JNK, P38, and their phosphorylated forms, p < 0.05). Baicalin also significantly decreased ROS (p < 0.05), TNF-α (p < 0.05), IL-6 (p < 0.05), and MAPK protein expressions (ERK, p-ERK, and p-P38, p < 0.05). Molecular docking demonstrated that baicalin effectively bound to ERK and P38 proteins. Conclusions: Baicalin mitigated LPS-induced inflammatory responses via the ROS/p-ERK/p-P38 signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro.
Radiofrequency Ablation for Locoregional Structural Incomplete Response in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Initial Experience in Greece
Authors: Simeakis George , Kapama Aikaterini , Paparodis Rodis D. , Gkousis Pyrros , Koursaros Panayiotis , Kokkinis Christos , Zozolou Maria , Gkeli Myrsini
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Structural incomplete response (SIR) (persistence/recurrence) may occur in 2–6% of low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC)-cases and in 67–75% of high risk. Regarding locoregional disease, surgery is the optimal therapeutic modality if the smallest dimension of the targeted node is ≥8 mm or ≥10 mm (central or lateral compartment). In the presence of smaller nodes, contraindications or the patient’s unwillingness for reoperation, active surveillance (AS) or minimally invasive treatments (MITs) may be considered. Methods: We retrospectively studied eight DTC patients with SIR confirmed by ultrasound (U/S)-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and the measurement of Thyroglobulin (Tg) in the washout fluid. Fourteen malignant lesions were ablated by radiofrequency (RF). We assessed prior to RF ablation (RFA) and consecutively at one month, three months and, then, every three months the volume of each lesion, serum Tg and Anti-Tg antibodies and calculated the volume reduction ratio (VRR). Results: Patients were followed for a mean period of 13.25 months (range: 4–24) after RFA was performed. The targeted lesions reduced significantly from a median volume of 0.24 mL (range: 0.09–0.9) to 0.02 mL (range: 0–0.03) (p < 0.05), with a median VRR of 94.5% (range: 78–100%) and concomitant significant biochemical remission (decrease in serum Tg from a median of 1.05 ng/mL to 0.2 ng/mL, p < 0.05). In one patient with an aggressive radioiodine (RAI)-refractory histological variant, re-recurrence was documented, which was successfully re-ablated by RF. In two patients, Horner syndrome was diagnosed as an RFA complication, which was totally resolved within six months. Conclusions: RFA may be considered as an effective and safe MIT in selective DTC patients with SIR, especially in cases of smaller lesions. Additional prospective studies are needed, including aggressive DTC histological variants towards a tailored therapeutic approach.
Do Minority-Serving Institutions Make a Difference in the Engagement and Outcomes of Minority College Students? Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Huang Yuheng , Han Zengchen , Tian Yu , Cao Yannan
Published: January 2025

This study uses nationally representative data from the Chinese College Student Survey (CCSS) (N = 37,508) to examine the impact of minority-serving institutions (MSIs) on learning opportunities, processes, and outcomes for ethnic minority college students. The CCSS uses a self-report questionnaire with multiple scales to measure ethnic minority students’ development, including family and ethnic background, university admission opportunities, learning behavior and psychology, and skill development in areas such as leadership and innovative thinking. We employ logistic regression and propensity score matching and find that MSIs offer valuable learning opportunities to minority students from ethnic areas and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as those with weak academic preparation. Furthermore, these institutions enhance ethnic minority students’ engagement in active and cooperative learning, participation in high-impact educational activities, acquisition of knowledge and skills, innovative thinking, leadership development, and overall growth. However, MSIs are less effective at fostering interpersonal relationships. Additionally, MSIs exert a significant positive influence on college students from ethnic groups characterized by strong religious affiliations or low average educational levels, particularly in terms of learning behaviors and both academic and social integration.
An Innovative Steel Sleeve Dry Connection SRCC Frame: Seismic Performance Evaluation
Authors: He Yuxuan , Liu Fangcheng , Ge Ruirui , Zhao Wenbo , Hu Jie , He Jie , Yang Yuan
Published: January 2025

Split reinforced concrete column (SRCC), recognized for their exceptional ductility as seismic members, have faced developmental challenges due to the complexities of on-site casting. This study presents an innovative steel sleeve dry connection assembled SRCC, which is highly modular and simplifies construction, aiming to promote the engineering application of this innovative ductile seismic structural system. This study used a validated 3D finite element (FE) method to analyze internal joint forces. Key parameters influencing joint performance, such as the axial compression ratio (u) and cross-sectional equal division ratio (n), were analyzed in detail. Subsequently, a comparative of dynamic analysis of SRCC and normal reinforced concrete column (NRCC) frames was conducted, leading to recommendations for structural strengthening. The analysis revealed that the sleeve can provide effective protection for the core area of the joint. The ductility of SRCC is 2–3 times higher than that of NRCC. A detailed formula for calculating the shear-bearing capacity of SRCC joints was derived, showing strong agreement with numerical simulations. At a high seismic intensity of 9°, the acceleration response of the SRCC frame is significantly reduced compared to the NRCC frame, with the maximum base shear (MBS) decreasing by approximately 4 times, which significantly enhances its seismic performance. However, due to the larger inter-story displacements, it is necessary to incorporate energy-dissipating braces to comply with code requirements. Collectively, these findings underscored that the proposed SRCC system significantly enhances seismic performance by improving ductility and energy dissipation, providing a robust foundation for future studies and practical applications in seismic design.
Spatial Distribution of Dynamic Characteristics of Fan Airflows and Their Impact on Thermal Comfort
Authors: Wang Kailong , Xie Zuoyu , Xiao Ye , Zhou Xiang , Luo Maohui
Published: January 2025

As one of the most widely used appliances in home and office scenarios over recent decades, electrical fans and their use in built environments have garnered considerable research interest. However, current methods are insufficient to reflect the overall characteristics of different types of fan equipment. This study conducted airflow field tests for six typical electrical fans and human comfort experiments across background temperature conditions of 26 °C, 28 °C, and 30 °C. The airflow test results showed the following: (1) for the mechanical airflow generated by fans, the mean airflow speed (MAS) had a strong negative correlation with turbulence intensity (Tu) and the power spectral index (β), which made Tu and β have a complementary distribution with airflow speed, meaning that areas with a higher airflow speed had lower dynamic characteristics; and (2) the form of the fan mainly affected the flow field distribution in the near-fan area (within 2 m), where tower fans and vaneless fans with elongated outlets had a mainstream airflow area that spread to about 0.2 m in width but 0.6 m in height at a distance of 0.25 m from the fan. The airflow speed distribution shape of axial-flow fans with circular outlets was circular on the test surface at the same position, with a radius of about 0.1–0.2 m. The human comfort experiment revealed that, at 28 °C, in the low-airflow-speed area (v < 1.5 m/s), the increased Tu and power spectral β of the airflow near the head and chest could reduce the thermal sensation vote (TSV). Additionally, this improvement slightly increased as the room temperature rose. When the airflow speed was high, the dynamic characteristics were generally low, and at this time, airflow speed played a leading role in reducing thermal sensation. The results of this paper have certain reference value for the improvement of comfortable dynamic characteristics and functional flow field design in subsequent fan product development.
Forty-Year Long-Term Outcome After Endoscopic and Open Surgery for Esthesioneuroblastoma in Consideration of Prognostic Factors
Authors: Koch Michael , Balk Matthias , Schlaffer Sven , Agaimy Abbas , Iro Heinrich , Mueller Sarina K.
Published: January 2025

Background: The objective of this study was to compare results after endoscopic (ES) and open surgery (OpS) for esthesioneuroblastoma over a 40-year period. Methods: In a retrospective study, patients who had undergone ES and OpS for esthesioneuroblastoma with curative intent were included. The following outcome parameters were compared after ES and OpS: epidemiologic, clinical (including known tumor classifications), histopathologic, therapeutic (resection state, adjuvant therapy), and development of recurrences. Crude survival and Kaplan–Meier 10 y, 20 y, and 35 y actuarial survival were calculated. Results: Between 1981 and 2021, 15 patients were operated with ES and 28 with OpS. Advanced-stage tumors were significantly more often treated using OpS. For all other parameters, there were no other significant differences between ES and OpS. After ES, the 35 y OS, DSS, and DFS were 48.1%, 100%, and 55.9%, respectively. After OpS, they were 40.5%, 77.5%, and 35.3%. Conclusions: ES is an effective approach in esthesioneuroblastoma, even in the long-term course over decades, if the appropriate indication compared to OpS is respected.
Coral Reef-like CdS/g-C3N5 Heterojunction with Enhanced CO2 Adsorption for Efficient Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Zhang Fuhai , Xiong Jing , Yu Xiaoxiao , Wang Lei , Wu Tongyu , Yu Zhendong , Tang Minmeng , Liu Haiyan , Chao Yanhong , Zhu Wenshuai
Published: January 2025

As a promising member of the carbon nitride family, nitrogen-rich g-C3N5 has attracted significant attention because of its excellent light absorption performance. Nevertheless, its practical application in photocatalytic CO2 reduction is hindered by severe photogenerated charge recombination and limited CO2 adsorption capacity. Constructing a heterojunction has emerged as an effective strategy to mitigate charge recombination, thereby enhancing the photocatalytic performance of the catalyst. Herein, a series of CdS/g-C3N5-X heterojunction catalysts were prepared via an in situ hydrothermal approach. The obtained heterojunction catalysts exhibited a novel coral reef-like morphology which facilitated the exposure of additional active sites, thereby enhancing the adsorption and activation of CO2. Moreover, studies have shown that CdS can be anchored to the surface of g-C3N5 through C-S bonds, forming a built-in electric field at the interface, which accelerated the separation and transfer of photogenerated charges. Consequently, the resulting heterojunction materials demonstrated high efficiency in photocatalytic CO2 reduction with H2O as a sacrificial agent. In particular, CdS/g-C3N5-0.2 exhibited the maximum photocatalytic performance up to 22.9 μmol·g−1·h−1, which was 6 times and 3 times that of unmodified g-C3N5 and CdS, respectively. The results indicated that the increased active sites and enhanced charge separation of the Cd/g-C3N5-0.2 catalyst were the primary reasons for its improved photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance. This work provides a novel heterojunction-based photocatalyst for efficient CO2 photocatalytic reduction, offering insights into the preparation of high-performance photocatalysts for sustainable energy applications.
Circular Economy for Nepal’s Sustainable Development Ambitions
Authors: Melles Gavin , Gautam Suresh , Shrestha Richan
Published: January 2025

The circular economy (CE) is a global proposition about decoupling consumption and production from resource use through reduce, reuse, and recycle (3R) and other r-strategies. In addition to promoting responsible consumption and production (SDG12), advocates claim the CE has wide-ranging impacts on sustainable development. Critics, however, see ambiguous definitions, practical conflicts with sustainability, and limited global appetite for a sustainability transition through the CE. Despite these criticisms, following the lead of other countries in Asia, Nepal has recently adopted the CE as an answer to waste recycling, sustainable tourism, energy generation, e.g., biogas, and and sustainable development in general. Until recently, the discussion about promoting circular r-strategies in Nepal, such as recycling, has lacked any critical review of circular claims for Nepal. Addressing this lack, this perspectives paper critically examines the scope and claims for the CE in Nepal relative to its sustainable development commitments. In contrast to the prevailing enthusiasm, our review finds that the CE may contribute little to Nepal’s development ambitions, that the EU influence is questionable, and the mainstream CE ignores a tradition of resource efficiency in Nepal. Our review suggests that other institutional demands must be met before with a transition to a sustainable circular economy can happen. The authors hope this perspectives paper will be read by governments, businesses, and other actors to inform a critical review of Nepal’s CE ambitions.
Terephthalic-co-glycerol-g-fumaric Acid: A Promising Nanopolymer for Enhancing PPSU Membrane Properties
Authors: Alani Harith A. , Alsalhy Qusay F. , Al-Saadi Saad , Alani Faris H. , Meskher Hicham , Al-Juboori Raed A. , Russo Francesca , Chiappetta Giampiero , Di Luca Giuseppe , Figoli Alberto
Published: January 2025

This study introduces an innovative approach to modifying polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) membranes for wastewater treatment applications. Terephthalic-co-glycerol-g-fumaric acid (TGF) was used as an innovative nanopolymer pore former. By incorporating TGF at varying concentrations, our research investigates its effects on the morphological and surface properties of PPSU membranes. Two different solvents were used to dissolve PPSU, optimizing the properties of the fabricated membranes. The resultant PPSU/TGF membranes were systematically characterized regarding topography, morphological changes, hydrophilicity, chemical composition, and performance against protein and synthetic dyes. Experimental results revealed that adding TGF resulted in a smoother membrane surface. With 6% TGF inclusion in the casting solution, a more porous structure was achieved, as confirmed by SEM analysis, along with significant improvements in porosity and a near doubling of pore size. Although the hydrophilicity of the membranes exhibited only minor enhancement, performance evaluation demonstrated a substantial increase in pure water flux, with an improvement of more than fourfold. Moreover, the retention of BSA and two synthetic dyes was found to be directly proportional to the concentration of the nanopolymer pore former used. These findings highlight the potential advantages of TGF/PPSU membranes for protein separation and synthetic dye separation applications, underscoring their viability for wastewater treatment.
Tethered Antigenic Suppression Shields the Hemagglutinin Head Domain and Refocuses the Antibody Response to the Stalk Domain
Authors: Kim Donguk , Loeffler Kathryn , Hu Yixin , Arsiwala Ammar , Frey Steven , Murali Shruthi , Hariharan Vivek , Moreno Alberto , Kane Ravi S.
Published: January 2025

Influenza has been a global health concern for the past century. Current seasonal influenza vaccines primarily elicit an antibody response that targets the immunodominant head domain of the viral glycoprotein hemagglutinin (HA), which consistently mutates due to selective pressure. To circumvent this problem, we introduce a “tethered antigenic suppression” strategy to shield the HA head domain and refocus the immune response towards the conserved but immunosubdominant stalk domain of HA. Specifically, we tethered an antibody fragment (Fab) that recognizes the Sb antigenic site in the HA head domain to the HA protein with a linker. We immunized separate groups of female mice with the Fab-tethered HA or regular HA and characterized the elicited antibody response. We demonstrate that shielding the HA head domain with a tethered Fab suppresses the antibody titers towards all five key antigenic sites in the HA head domain while eliciting a robust anti-stalk antibody response. Our work highlights the potential of tethered antigenic suppression as a strategy to refocus the antibody response towards conserved epitopes on protein antigens.
Comment on Lombardo et al. The Impact of Insulin-Induced Lipodystrophy on Glycemic Variability in Pediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes. Children 2022, 9, 1087
Authors: Foster Timothy P. , Schatz Desmond
Published: January 2025

As Type 1 diabetes pediatric physician-scientists, we read the publication “The Impact of Insulin-Induced Lipodystrophy on Glycemic Variability in Pediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes” by Lombardo et al [...]
The Role of Online Social Support in Mental Health: Comparing Rural and Urban Youth
Authors: Knowles Ellen A. , Danzi BreAnne A.
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Social support is essential to development, mental and emotional health, and reducing risk for psychological distress. Youth are exposed to various opportunities for socialization with peers, including through social media. Strong online social networks may be most critical for youth from isolated communities, including those from rural areas or LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, etc.) youth. With this study, we investigated associations between social media use and online social support among adolescents. Additionally, we compared the online experiences of rural and urban youth. We also examined associations between online social support and psychological functioning and investigated whether the strength of these relationships was moderated by community type (rural versus urban). Finally, we evaluated the online experiences of LGBT+ youth. Methods: Two hundred seventy-five participants (ages 13–19) from seven high schools located in either rural or urban communities completed a paper and pencil survey on their mental health, social media use, and online social support. Results: Social media use was positively associated with online social support. Rural youth were found to report greater social media use and online social support compared to urban youth. Online social support was not associated with depression or anxiety; community type (rural versus urban) did not moderate the strength of these relationships. LGBT+ youth in rural communities reported greater social media use and support online compared to LGBT+ youth in urban communities. Conclusions: These findings shed light on the potential positive benefits of social media use as it is related to perceptions of social support among online friends. They demonstrate that interactions online may contribute to stronger support networks within adolescents, particularly among vulnerable youth. Findings suggest social media may increase accessibility to social support for youth who may be at risk for social isolation.
Photodynamic Therapy in Cancer: Insights into Cellular and Molecular Pathways
Authors: Papa Vincenzo , Furci Fabiana , Minciullo Paola Lucia , Casciaro Marco , Allegra Alessandro , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: January 2025

Photodynamic therapy is a non-ionizing radiation treatment that utilizes a photosensitizer in combination with light to produce singlet oxygen. This singlet oxygen induces anti-cancer effects by causing apoptotic, necrotic, or autophagic cell death in tumor cells. Currently, photodynamic therapy is employed in oncology to treat various cancers. In the presence of oxygen, this non-invasive approach leads to direct tumor cell death, damage to microvasculature, and the induction of a local inflammatory response. These effects allow photodynamic therapy to be effective in treating early-stage tumors, extending survival in cases where surgery is not feasible, and significantly improving quality of life. In this paper, we provide a state of the art on cytomolecular mechanisms and associated pathways involved in photodynamic therapy. By integrating these mechanistic insights with the most recent advancements in nanotechnology, this phototherapeutic approach has the potential to become a prevalent treatment option within conventional cancer therapies, enhancing its application in precision medicine.
Thermal Analysis Kinetics and Luminescence Properties of Y2O3-Coated MgO: Ce+3 Particles
Authors: Zhang Quanqing , Ma Weimin , He Lijie , Tan Guanglei , Lu Yang , Wu Nan
Published: January 2025

Y2O3-coated MgO: Ce+3 particles with different precipitants were prepared by the co-precipitation method; the phase and morphology of the sample were characterized by XRD, TEM, and DTA-TG, and the apparent activation energy of the coated particles was studied by thermal analysis kinetics. The results showed that the precursors synthesized by single-phase and multi-phase precipitants were calcined at 1000 °C for 1.5 h to obtain Y2O3-coated MgO: Ce+3 particles with coating thicknesses of about 2.5 nm and 5 nm. The apparent activation energies of the precursor phase change in three stages were calculated using the Doyle–Ozawa method and the Kissinger method. The average values for single-phase samples were 95.61, 74.90, and 275.27 kJ/mol, while those for multi-phase samples were 74.90, 56.06, and 240.14 kJ/mol. The activation energies for the grain growth of the two samples were 30.56 kJ/mol and 26.27 kJ/mol. Due to the differences in activation energies at each reaction stage, the reason for the influence on the thickness of the coating layer of the two precipitants is that the smaller the activation energy, the lower the required synthesis energy. An increase in coating thickness indicates an improvement in the surface activity of the coated particles. Moreover, the luminescence intensity of the composite sample is significantly higher than that of the single-phase sample, and the luminescence performance is optimal when the Ce+3 ion in the composite sample is 0.3 mol%.
Combining Smartphone Inertial Sensors and Machine Learning Algorithms to Estimate Power Variables in Standing Long Jump
Authors: De Lazzari Beatrice , Vannozzi Giuseppe , Camomilla Valentina
Published: January 2025

Standing long jump (SLJ) power is recognized as informative of the ability of lower limbs to exert power. The study aims to provide athletes/coaches with a simple and low-cost estimate of selected SLJ power features. A group of 150 trained young participants was recruited and performed a SLJ task while holding a smartphone, whose inertial sensors were used to collect data. Considering the state-of-the-art in SLJ biomechanics, a set of features was extracted and then selected by Lasso regression and used as inputs to several different optimized machine learning architectures to estimate the SLJ power variables. A Multi-Layer Perceptron Regressor was selected as the best-performing model to estimate total and concentric antero-posterior mean power, with an RMSE of 0.37 W/kg, R2 > 0.70, and test phase homoscedasticity (Kendall’s τ < 0.1) in both cases. Model performance was dependent on the dataset size rather than the participants’ sex. A Multi-Layer Perceptron Regressor was able to also estimate the antero-posterior peak power (RMSE = 2.34 W/kg; R2 = 0.67), although affected by heteroscedasticity. This study proved the feasibility of combining low-cost smartphone sensors and machine learning to automatically and objectively estimate SLJ power variables in ecological settings.
Partially Regular Microreliefs Formed by Rotation
Authors: Dzyura Volodymyr , Maruschak Pavlo , Bytsa Roman , Zinchenko Ihor
Published: January 2025

A new scheme for forming partially regular microreliefs by rotational rolling is proposed. A new transcendental curve-shaped, partially regular microrelief (of a trochoid type) is discussed; the shape and geometric parameters of its grooves are substantiated. Grooves discussed below proved to be technologically advanced, providing for a high performance of all types of equipment. Once combined, they act together to provide for the best in-service properties of planar, partially regular microreliefs formed by rotation, which are unparalleled among those of their kind. Analytical dependences are presented that describe the groove’s shape. A relationship is established between the main technological parameters, that is, feed rate and rotation frequency of the deforming element that produces microrelief grooves of different shapes and sizes. Possible location variants for microrelief grooves are given and classified. Technological layouts and movement cyclograms are substantiated for the tool that forms regular microrelief grooves by means of rotation. A comparative analysis of the profile lengths of the grooves of rotational and sinusoidal microreliefs modeled in the MathCAD environment was conducted.
A Study of the Effects of Mechanical Alloying Fraction, Solution Treatment Temperature and Pre-Straining Degree on the Structure and Properties of a Powder Metallurgy-Produced FeMnSiCrNi Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Matcovschi Elena , Pricop Bogdan , Lohan Nicoleta-Monica , Popa Mihai , Bădărău Gheorghe , Cimpoeșu Nicanor , Ozkal Burak , Bujoreanu Leandru-Gheorghe
Published: January 2025

A shape memory alloy with the chemical composition Fe-14Mn-6Si-9Cr-5Ni (mass %) was produced by powder metallurgy (PM) from as-blended powders mixed with mechanically alloyed (MA’ed) powder volumes in amounts of 0, 10 and 20. After powder blending, pressing and sintering, the specimens were hot-rolled, spark erosion cut with different configurations and solution-treated between 700 and 1100 °C. After metallographic preparation, structural analyses were performed by X-ray diffraction and microscopic observation performed by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The analyses revealed the presence of thermal- and stress-induced martensites caused by solution treatment and pre-straining. Due to the relatively low Mn amount, significant quantities of α′ body center cubic martensite were formed during post-solution treatment water cooling. Solution-treated lamellar specimens underwent a training thermomechanical treatment comprising repeated cycles of room temperature bending, heating and sputtered water cooling. By cinematographic analysis, the occurrence of the shape memory effect (SME) was revealed, in spite of the large amount of α′ bcc martensite. Tensile specimens were subjected to room temperature failure tests and pre-straining (up to 4% permanent strain, after loading–unloading). After tensile pre-straining, a diminution of α′ martensite amount was noticed on XRD patterns, which was associated with the formation of internal sub-bands in the substructure of martensite and were observed by high-resolution SEM. These results prove that SME can be obtained in trained PM_MA’ed Fe-14Mn-6Si-9Cr-5Ni specimens in spite of the large amount of thermally induced α′ bcc martensite, the stress-induced formation of which is impeded by the presence of internal sub-bands.
Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and Associated Risk Factors Among Preschool Children in the City of Jeddah and Surrounding Areas: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Khatib Mai A. , Aljaaly Elham A. , Albajri Eram , Khalifa Nahlaa A. , Khateeb Saleh , Ajabnoor Sarah M. , Radhwan Daniah , Aljohani Khawlah , Hussein Aisha Y.
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) affect children’s daily activities and overall performance due to gastrointestinal symptoms. This study assesses the prevalence and types of FGIDs in children living in Jeddah City and its countryside. It also examines factors that contribute to the incidence of these disorders and their impact on children’s lifestyles. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 285 mothers of preschool children enrolled in kindergartens during the academic year 2020–2021. The Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire was sent out online through kindergartens to be filled out by the children’s mothers. The questionnaire assessed the prevalence of FGIDs subjectively through symptoms and their frequency. Results: Among the 285 participants, 9% (n = 27) fit the diagnostic criteria for FGIDs. Common FGIDs included functional constipation, 3.5% (n = 10); postprandial distress syndrome, 2.4% (n = 7); functional abdominal pain—not otherwise specified, 1% (n = 3); and functional epigastric pain, 0.7% (n = 2). Significant risk factors for developing FGIDs among the children in the sample included being a preterm baby (p < 0.01), being previously diagnosed with a gastrointestinal condition (p < 0.010), having a family history of diarrhea or nausea and vomiting (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively), skipping lunch at kindergarten (p < 0.01), and having pre-existing food allergies (p < 0.01). Conclusions: FGIDs were prevalent among 9% of children in Jeddah City and its countryside. Functional constipation was the most common disorder. Factors associated with FGIDs in children included preterm birth, being previously diagnosed with a GI condition, a family history of gastrointestinal conditions, irregular eating habits, and food allergies.
Advancements in Hysteroscopic Diagnosis and Management of Endometritis
Authors: Matsas Alkis , Stefanoudakis Dimitrios , Kotsira Georgia , Stavros Sofoklis , Gkoufas Spyridon , Vrettou Nikoletta , Christopoulou Smaragdi , Christopoulos Panagiotis
Published: January 2025

Infertility remains a complex clinical challenge, with intrauterine pathologies contributing to a significant percentage of in vitro fertilization (IVF) failures. Chronic endometritis (CE) has gained attention due to its potential association with unexplained infertility and recurrent miscarriage. This review explores the role of hysteroscopy in diagnosing and treating CE. The endometrium undergoes dynamic changes orchestrated by ovarian steroids, and disturbances may lead to CE, characterized by plasma cell infiltration. Diagnosis traditionally relies on histopathologic examination, but hysteroscopy offers real-time imaging, revealing the specific macroscopic alterations associated with CE. However, diagnostic accuracy varies, prompting the need for standardized criteria. CE has been linked to poor reproductive outcomes, emphasizing the importance of effective treatment. Antibiotic therapy is a common approach, with doxycycline as the first-line regimen. Hysteroscopic polypectomy, targeting non-infectious CE, emerges as a promising treatment, demonstrating fertility benefits. The review underscores the significance of hysteroscopy in diagnosing and treating CE, providing insights into its impact on reproductive outcomes in infertile women. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and establish unified diagnostic criteria.
Research on UAV Trajectory Planning Algorithm Based on Adaptive Potential Field
Authors: Shao Mingzhi , Liu Xin , Xiao Changshi , Zhang Tengwen , Yuan Haiwen
Published: January 2025

For multi-obstacle complex scenarios, the traditional artificial potential field method suffers from the defects of potential field imbalance, its capability to easily fall into the local minima, and encounter unreachable targets in complex navigation environments. Therefore, this paper proposes a three-dimensional adaptive potential field algorithm (SAPF) based on multi-agent reinforcement learning. First, in this paper, the gravitational function in the artificial potential field (APF) is modified to weaken the gravitational effect on the UAV in the region far away from the target point in order to reduce the risk of collision between the UAV and the obstacles during the moving process. Second, in the region close to the target point, this paper improves the artificial potential field function to ensure that the UAV can reach the target point smoothly and realize path convergence by considering the relative distance between the UAV’s current position and the target point. Finally, for the characteristics of UAV trajectory planning, a 3D state space is designed based on the 3D coordinates of the UAV, the distance between the UAV and the nearest obstacle, and the distance between the UAV and the target point; an action space is designed based on the displacement increment of the UAV in the three coordinate axes; and the specific formulas for collision penalties and path optimization rewards are re-designed, which effectively avoids the UAV from entering the local minimal points. The experimental results show that the artificial potential field method designed with reinforcement learning can plan shorter paths and exhibit better planning results. In addition, the method is more adaptable in complex scenes and has better anti-interference.
Adaptive CoCoLasso for High-Dimensional Measurement Error Models
Authors: Yu Qin
Published: January 2025

A significant portion of theoretical and empirical studies in high-dimensional regression have primarily concentrated on clean datasets. However, in numerous practical scenarios, data are often corrupted by missing values and measurement errors, which cannot be ignored. Despite the substantial progress in high-dimensional regression with contaminated covariates, methods that achieve an effective trade-off among prediction accuracy, feature selection, and computational efficiency remain significantly underexplored. We introduce adaptive convex conditioned Lasso (Adaptive CoCoLasso), offering a new approach that can handle high-dimensional linear models with error-prone measurements. This estimator combines a projection onto the nearest positive semi-definite matrix with an adaptively weighted ℓ1 penalty. Theoretical guarantees are provided by establishing error bounds for the estimators. The results from the synthetic data analysis indicate that the Adaptive CoCoLasso performs strongly in prediction accuracy and mean squared error, particularly in scenarios involving both additive and multiplicative noise in measurements. While the Adaptive CoCoLasso estimator performs comparably or is slightly outperformed by certain methods, such as Hard, in reducing the number of incorrectly identified covariates, its strength lies in offering a more favorable trade-off between prediction accuracy and sparse modeling.
KAN–CNN: A Novel Framework for Electric Vehicle Load Forecasting with Enhanced Engineering Applicability and Simplified Neural Network Tuning
Authors: Pei Zhigang , Zhang Zhiyuan , Chen Jiaming , Liu Weikang , Chen Bailian , Huang Yanping , Yang Haofan , Lu Yijun
Published: January 2025

Electric Vehicle (EV) load forecasting is critical for optimizing resource allocation and ensuring the stability of modern energy systems. However, traditional machine learning models, predominantly based on Multi-Layer Perceptrons (MLPs), encounter substantial challenges in modeling the complex, nonlinear, and dynamic patterns inherent in EV charging data, often leading to overfitting and high computational costs. To overcome these limitations, this study introduces KAN–CNN, a novel hybrid architecture that integrates Kolmogorov–Arnold Networks (KANs) into traditional machine learning frameworks, specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). By combining the spatial feature extraction strength of CNNs with the adaptive nonlinearity of KAN, KAN–CNN achieves superior feature representation and modeling flexibility. The key innovations include bottleneck KAN convolutional layers for reducing parameter complexity, Self-Attention Kolmogorov–Arnold Network with Global Nonlinearity (Self-KAGN) Attention to enhance global dependency modeling, and Focal KAGN Modulation for dynamic feature refinement. Furthermore, regularization techniques such as L1/L2 penalties, dropout, and Gaussian noise injection are utilized to enhance the model’s robustness and generalization capability. When applied to EV load forecasting, KAN–CNN demonstrates prediction accuracy comparable to state-of-the-art methods while significantly reducing computational overhead and simplifying parameter tuning. This work bridges the gap between theoretical innovations and practical applications, offering a robust and efficient solution for dynamic energy system challenges.