bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Genetics to Neuroinflammation: The Impact of ApoE4 on Microglial Function in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Dias Daniela , Portugal Camila Cabral , Relvas João , Socodato Renato
Published: February 2025

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder marked by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss, impacting millions of people around the world. The apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) allele is the most prominent genetic risk factor for late-onset AD, dramatically increasing disease susceptibility and accelerating onset compared to its isoforms ApoE2 and ApoE3. ApoE4’s unique structure, which arises from single-amino-acid changes, profoundly alters its function. This review examines the critical interplay between ApoE4 and microglia—the brain’s resident immune cells—and how this relationship contributes to AD pathology. We explore the molecular mechanisms by which ApoE4 modulates microglial activity, promoting a pro-inflammatory state, impairing phagocytic function, and disrupting lipid metabolism. These changes diminish microglia’s ability to clear amyloid-beta peptides, exacerbating neuroinflammation and leading to neuronal damage and synaptic dysfunction. Additionally, ApoE4 adversely affects other glial cells, such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, further compromising neuronal support and myelination. Understanding the ApoE4–microglia axis provides valuable insights into AD progression and reveals potential therapeutic targets. We discuss current strategies to modulate ApoE4 function using small molecules, antisense oligonucleotides, and gene editing technologies. Immunotherapies targeting amyloid-beta and ApoE4, along with neuroprotective approaches to enhance neuronal survival, are also examined. Future directions highlight the importance of personalized medicine based on individual ApoE genotypes, early biomarker identification for risk assessment, and investigating ApoE4’s role in other neurodegenerative diseases. This review emphasizes the intricate connection between ApoE4 and microglial dysfunction, highlighting the necessity of targeting this pathway to develop effective interventions. Advancing our understanding in this area holds promise for mitigating AD progression and improving outcomes for those affected by this relentless disease.
Integrating Fusion Strategies and Calibration Transfer Models to Detect Total Nitrogen of Soil Using Vis-NIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Tao Zhengyu , Tao Anan , Lu Yi , Li Xiaolong , Liu Fei , Kong Wenwen
Published: February 2025

Visible near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy is widely used for rapid soil element detection, but calibration models are often limited by instrument-specific constraints, including varying laboratory conditions and sensor configurations. To address this, we propose a novel calibration transfer method that eliminates the conventional requirement of designating ‘master’ and ‘slave’ devices. Instead, spectral data from two spectrometers are fused to create a master spectrum, while independent spectral data serve as slave spectra. We developed an ensemble stacking model, incorporating partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector regression (SVR), and ridge regression (Ridge) in the first layer, with BoostForest (BF) as the second layer, trained on the fused master spectrum. This model was further integrated with three calibration transfer methods: direct standardization (DS), piecewise direct standardization (PDS), and spectral space transfer (SST), to enable seamless application across slave spectra. Applied to soil total nitrogen (TN) detection, the method achieved an R2P of 0.842, RMSEP of 0.017, and RPD of 2.544 on the first slave spectrometer, and an R2P of 0.830, RMSEP of 0.018, and RPD of 2.452 on the second. These results demonstrate the method’s ability to simplify calibration processes while enhancing cross-instrument prediction accuracy, supporting robust and generalizable cross-instrument applications.
Evaluating the Effects of Irrigation with Reused Water and Compost from a Pilot Wastewater Treatment Unit on the Experimental Growth of Two Common Ornamental Plant Species in the City of Athens
Authors: Tsimnadis Konstantinos , Katsenios Giannis , Fanourakis Stylianos , Kyriakopoulos Grigorios L. , Kyriakakis Antonios , Kyriakakis Dimitrios , Tsagkaropoulos Dimitrios
Published: February 2025

Since 2019, the NextGen pilot wastewater treatment unit—also known as the NextGen Sewer Mining concept—has been operating at the Athens Plant Nursery, transforming sewage from Athens’ central network into irrigation water and compost. This unit produces resources for plant growth through membrane bioreactors (MBRs) and aerobic sludge digestion. This study experimentally evaluates the effects of NextGen reused water and compost on two common ornamental plant species in Athens, Pittosporum tobira (Angelica) and Myrtus communis (Common Myrtle), compared to the use of tap water and red soil without additional fertilization. The results indicate that NextGen reused water combined with compost significantly promotes both height and weight growth in these plants. However, by the end of the experiment, compost fertilization had a greater effect on the height and weight growth of both Angelica and Myrtus plants when applied independently and watered with tap water, compared to the use of NextGen reused water combined with red soil. Notably, none of the 96 plants withered throughout the experiment, indicating that promising and sustainable technologies like the concept of Sewer Mining can effectively replace conventional and environmentally outdated methods of plant nutrition and irrigation by producing reused water and compost.
Microstructure and Properties of Ni3N Composite Films on Ni-Based Nanosheets by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Yan Chenxi , Guo Feng , Cai Huisheng , Liu Liang , Li Yuguang , Kang Yu , Dou Zhiwei
Published: February 2025

Single-layered Ni/Ni3N, inter-layered Ni/Ni3N/Ni, and double-layered Ni/Ni3N composite films were produced on an AZ31 magnesium alloy substrate through a magnetron sputtering technique, utilizing precise control over the N2 flow’s modulation. An investigation was conducted to examine the phase composition, structural characteristics, tribological behavior, and corrosion resistance of the developed composite films. The experimental findings reveal that the composite film exhibits a stratified structure, wherein layers of Ni and Ni3N are superimposed with distinct interlaminar boundaries, and the layers have a tight connection between them. Relative to the AZ31 magnesium alloy, the wear volume for the single-layered Ni/Ni3N, inter-layered Ni/Ni3N/Ni, and double-layered Ni/Ni3N composite films was significantly reduced, exhibiting reductions of 68.1%, 80.4%, and 90.1%, respectively. The electrochemical corrosion current density was substantially reduced for the composite film deposition, with respective decrements of 89.5%, 91.4%, and 88.2%. The influence of Ni and Ni3N on the wear and corrosion resistance of composite films varies with different laminated configurations, resulting in distinct levels of wear and corrosion resistance among the various films.
Identification of Marker Compounds for the Detection of Anthraquinone-Based Reactive Dyes in Foods
Authors: Küchner Laurenz , Nguyen Thanh Binh , Diers Lina , Tautz Chantal , Jerz Gerold , Winterhalter Peter
Published: February 2025

The detection of reactive dyes in food matrices is crucial for food safety and compliance with regulations, especially since the use of such in food products is not approved. This study investigates the potential of using tin(II)chloride and laccase to cleave anthraquinone reactive dyes and to detect their characteristic degradation products as markers for the presence of dye in food. Nine reactive blue anthraquinone dyes and one green anthraquinone dye were cleaved using tin(II)chloride and laccase. Reactions with reactive dyes bound to maize starch were also carried out to evaluate the suitability of these methods for detecting matrix-bound dyes. Model food matrices, including gummy candy, hard candy, and maize chips, were spiked with the reactive dyes, and the presence of degradation products was analysed using LC-ESI-MS/MS. Two common cleavage products were formed from each sample, namely 1,4-diaminoanthrahydroquinone-2-sulphonic acid (DAHS) and 1-aminoanthraquinone-2-sulphonic acid (AAS). In all examined cases, at least one of the characteristic cleavage products could be detected. Laccase showed lower effectiveness with matrix-bound dyes, whereas treatment with acidic tin(II)chloride was effective even in complex food matrices. These findings suggest that the analysis of cleavage products could be a valuable tool for the detection of reactive dyes in food matrices.
Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Long-Term Outcomes and Risk Stratification in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients: A 44-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Buta Marko , Santrac Nada , Goran Merima , Jeftic Nikola , Raketic Jovan , Savkovic Nevena , Pavlovic Saska , Zegarac Milan , Jokic Neven , Cvetkovic Ana , Stojanovic Marko , Jotic Ana , Gavrilovic Dusica , Markovic Ivan
Published: February 2025

Background: Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in children and adolescents is a rare but significant malignancy, often presenting at more advanced stages compared to adults, although it is associated with favorable long-term outcomes. This study aimed to identify prognostic factors and perform risk stratification with the goal of identifying low-risk patients who would benefit from a less radical treatment approach. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients aged 21 years and younger with DTC treated at the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia between 1980 and 2024. Results: The study analyzed 99 patients (39 children, 60 adolescents) with a median follow-up of 15.6 years (range: 0.6–43.6 years). No significant differences in long-term outcomes were observed between children and adolescents. Multivariate regression analysis identified a total number of more than 10.5 positive lymph nodes and extrathyroidal tumor extension as independent predictors of adverse events and event-free interval (EFI). Using these prognostic factors, patients were stratified into three groups: low-risk (no risk factors), intermediate-risk (one of two risk factors), and high-risk (both risk factors). Statistically significant differences in EFI were observed among the three groups. Notably, none of the patients in the low-risk group had evidence of disease after treatment. Patients classified as having no evidence of disease after treatment demonstrated significantly better EFI compared to those with evidence of disease. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of meticulous risk stratification in predicting long-term outcomes and might serve as a basis for developing personalized therapeutic strategies. Identifying low-risk patients who may benefit from a less aggressive treatment approach while ensuring optimal treatment and follow-up for high-risk patients remains a central objective in the modern management of DTC.
Association of rs3798220 Polymorphism with Cardiovascular Incidents in Individuals with Elevated Lp(a)
Authors: Lemešić Dunja Leskovar , Šimičević Livija , Ganoci Lana , Gelemanović Andrea , Šućur Nediljko , Pećin Ivan
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] plays a significant role in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Genetic regulation of Lp(a) involves variations in the apo(a) LPA gene, as specific polymorphisms like rs10455872 and rs3798220, both linked to higher Lp(a) levels and CVD. CVD remains the leading global cause of death, with high Lp(a) levels increasingly recognized as a significant factor in younger patients with no other CVD risk factors. We aimed to evaluate the association of LPA genetic variations with Lp(a) levels and its effect on cardiovascular risk as there are existing inconsistent findings. Methods: This case–control study included 251 subjects with a median age of 52 years (interquartile range, IQR = 17) and elevated Lp(a) levels. Cases were subjects who experienced early cardiovascular incidents (women < 65, men < 55 years old), and the control group included subjects without such history. Genotyping of LPA gene polymorphisms (rs10455872 and rs3798220) was performed, and demographic data with Lp(a) levels were collected. To evaluate the association between the LPA genotypes and the risk of cardiovascular incidents (CVI), several logistic regression models were performed. The cut-off points for Lp(a) levels were determined using diagnostic test accuracy measures. Results: The rs3798220-C allele was associated with higher Lp(a) levels (288 ± 166 nmol/L in cases vs. 189 ± 102 nmol/L in controls, p < 0.001) and myocardial infarction (53% in cases vs. 36% in controls, p = 0.036). Among cases, 28.9% carried the rs3798220-C allele, compared to 18.7% in controls. The rs10455872-G allele was slightly more prevalent in controls (34.15% vs. 29.69%) but without further significant associations. In this study, the cut-off Lp(a) value of 151 nmol/L, for patients with a positive family history of early CVD, is associated with a higher chance of developing CVI. Conclusions: This study demonstrates an association between the LPA rs3798220-C allele and higher Lp(a) levels, as well as an increased risk of early onset myocardial infarction. However, the obtained association should further be evaluated at a much larger scale.
Pericardial Fluid Biomarkers as Early Predictors for Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation—A Systematic Review
Authors: Mitu Florin , Adam Cristina Andreea , Richter Patricia , Costache Alexandru-Dan , Gavril Radu Sebastian , Cojocaru Clementina , Țăruș Andrei , Enache Mihail , Cumpăt Carmen Marinela , Leon Maria Magdalena , Tinică Grigore
Published: February 2025

(1) Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is one of the most common complications of cardiac surgery, frequently occurring in the first 2–4 days after surgery. With a variable incidence depending on the type of surgery, research in recent years has focused on identifying predisposing factors with the aim of correcting them and thus decreasing the risk of cardiovascular and total morbidity and mortality. The analysis of pericardial fluid allowed the identification of biomarkers (interleukin-6, mitochondrial DNA, myeloperoxidase or natriuretic peptides) whose presence postoperatively was associated with increased risk of POAF. (2) Materials and Methods: We conducted a search on EMBASE and PubMed and identified 75 articles, of which 10 entered the final analysis. (3) Results: Patients who develop POAF accumulate large amounts of interleukin 6, mitochondrial DNA, myeloperoxidase, or secondary atrial natriuretic peptide as a consequence of the associated inflammatory status, atrial remodeling, or disturbance of homeostasis of various ions. There are also observations that their levels in the pericardium correlate with blood levels, but further studies on larger cohorts of patients are needed to provide new evidence in this regard. (4) Conclusions: Early recognition of patients at risk of developing POAF based on easy-to-dose and easy-to-use biochemical biomarkers, whose association with POAF has been demonstrated so far in small cohorts of patients, has both therapeutic and prognostic implications, which justifies further research on large cohorts of patients.
A Continuous Space Path Planning Method for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Based on Particle Swarm Optimization-Enhanced Deep Q-Network
Authors: Han Le , Zhang Hui , An Nan
Published: February 2025

In the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) path planning, the conventional deep Q-network (DQN) algorithm encounters the issue of action space discretization, which results in the generation of unsmooth and inefficient planned paths. To address this issue, we introduce the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm into DQN to convert the discrete action space into a continuous one. This method divides the agent’s surrounding space into discrete and continuous action spaces. The PSO algorithm performs a global search in the continuous space to obtain a continuous candidate solution, while DQN learns a policy in the discrete space to obtain a discrete candidate solution. Then, the two candidate solutions are combined using a weighted vector method to determine a direction that balances global search and policy learning. Additionally, we introduce a novel feature matrix as the state space for DQN, providing more accurate environmental and positional representations. Furthermore, we incorporate a mechanism into the base prioritized experience replay (PER) and N-step updates, which combines the current temporal difference error (TD-error) with historical priorities and includes a policy entropy penalty term, thereby enhancing DQN’s ability to learn long-term dependencies. The performance of the PSO-DQN model is further improved through an enhanced ε-greedy policy and learning rate decay strategy. Simulation results and experiments using the Flightmare simulator demonstrate that the proposed method generates smoother and more efficient paths for drones, exhibiting strong robustness in complex environments.
Underwater Acoustic MAC Protocol for Multi-Objective Optimization Based on Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Jiang Jinfang , Dong Yiling , Han Guangjie , Su Gang
Published: February 2025

In underwater acoustic networks (UANs), communication between nodes is susceptible to long propagation delays, limited energy, and channel conflicts, and traditional multi-access control (MAC) protocols cannot easily cope with these challenges. To enhance network throughput and balance channel allocation fairness and energy efficiency, this paper proposes a multi-objective optimization MAC protocol (MOMA-MAC) based on multi-agent reinforcement learning. MOMA-MAC utilizes a delay reward mechanism combined with the Multi-agent Proximal Policy Optimization Algorithm (MAPPO) to design a dual reward mechanism, which enables agents to adaptively collaborate and compete to optimize the use of network resources. According to experimental results, MOMA-MAC performs noticeably better than traditional MAC protocols and deep reinforcement learning-based methods in terms of throughput, energy efficiency, and fairness in multi-agent scenarios, showing great potential for improving communication efficiency and energy utilization.
Exploring Physiotherapy Students’ Competencies in Clinical Setting Around the World: A Scoping Review
Authors: Magni Eleonora , Teixeira-da-Costa Emília-Isabel Martins , Oliveira Isabel De Jesus , Cáceres-Matos Rocío , Guerra-Martín María Dolores
Published: February 2025

Clinical education is a fundamental component of physiotherapy entry-level education programs, with practice education being a core element. The aim of this scoping review is to identify and define the competencies of physiotherapy students in clinical settings. This review followed the five steps of the Arksey and O’Malley framework, employing a search strategy that utilized Mesh terms. Searches were performed in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, ERIC, WOS, and PsycINFO, with additional exploration of the grey literature. The inclusion criteria were defined using Peter’s concept: (population) physiotherapy students; (concept) competencies aligned with the WCPT educational framework; (context) clinical environment. A total of 1798 sources were identified, and 86 studies were finally selected. Studies originated from 14 countries, with the United States, Australia, and Canada being the most represented. Of the selected studies, 62 used specific tools to identify competencies. The “Clinical Performance Instrument” and the “Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice” were the most frequently used instruments and covered all of the World Physiotherapy competencies’ domains. “Clinical Competence” emerged as the most widely recognized and utilized term across countries. Among the WCPT domains, “Physiotherapy Assessment and Intervention”, “Ethical and Professional Practice”, and “Communication” were the most represented, whereas “Evidence-Based Practice” and “Quality Improvement” were the least mentioned.
Current Research Status and Prospects of Electrode Boilers Under the Background of the “Dual Carbon” Goals
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Hu Rui , Zhang Yu , Dong Heming , Du Qian
Published: February 2025

In the context of “dual carbon” goals, energy structures are rapidly shifting towards cleaner, low-carbon solutions. The clean and efficient electrode boiler, with its unique heat generation mechanism, is well aligned with this trend. This review begins by outlining the operating principles of electrode boilers, emphasizing their advantages in terms of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. It then examines the current status of electrode boiler applications within the framework of the “dual carbon” objectives, addressing key challenges and technological barriers. The review concludes that electrode boilers hold significant potential for clean heating, grid peak-shaving, and the integration of renewable energy. However, research on electrode materials, boiler-based water treatment, electric field distribution within boilers, and corrosion issues remains insufficient. To address these gaps, this paper proposes several recommendations, including fostering cross-regional scientific collaboration, advancing the development of new electrode materials and coatings, and leveraging smart internet technologies to optimize electrode boiler performance and applications.
The Use of Comparative Multi-Criteria Analysis Methods to Evaluate Criteria Weighting in Assessments of Onshore Wind Farm Projects
Authors: Vagiona Dimitra G.
Published: February 2025

This research provides a comparative analysis of different methods of weighting criteria used in the investigation of site suitability of existing onshore wind farm projects. The ranking of this suitability was performed by integrating various multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques. The assessments of the site suitability of such projects considered several criteria, including wind velocity, distance from high-electricity grids, slope, distance from road networks, installed capacity, distance from protected areas, years of operation, and distance from settlements. Both subjective and objective methods were used to compute criteria weights and compare the results, which is the main contribution of the paper. This is especially significant, as criteria weighting in the wind farm siting literature is mainly focused on subjective methods, and therefore the criteria weights are provided by subjective judgments. In this study, 374 existing onshore wind farm projects in Greece served as alternatives, and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method was employed to rank their suitability. The results show very high positive correlations in the rankings of both the evaluation criteria and the alternatives when subjective methods are used. Using objective weighting methods may provide a robust solution when expert judgement is missing, and the CRITIC method seems to present a high correlation with subjective MCDM methods regarding the ranking of alternatives. Various MCDM methods could be used to assess the weighting of criteria in challenges related to site suitability of renewable energy projects, as they can aid in the selection of the most sustainable sites while minimizing the downsides and maximizing the benefits of each method.
Novel Topological Aggregation Method for Grid-Forming Converters of Renewable Energy with Threshold Correction
Authors: Zhai Haibao , Yu Shaoqi , Gong Weizheng , Mei Sihan , Ma Meiling , Han Dong
Published: February 2025

With the increasing integration of renewable energy sources into modern power grids, the dynamic and operational complexity of power systems has grown significantly, rendering traditional control and modeling approaches insufficient. Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG) technology has emerged as a critical solution, replicating the dynamics of synchronous generators to enhance the stability of inverter-based systems. Aggregation of VSG units is essential for efficient modeling and analysis of large-scale systems, especially in addressing challenges like power oscillations, dynamic stability, and control interactions. This paper proposes an improved homological equivalent method tailored for VSGs, incorporating a precise definition of critical parameters such as the time window and threshold to enhance its applicability. Additionally, aggregation methods for VSG control and circuit parameters are developed to facilitate the representation of complex systems. The proposed methods are validated through Matlab/Simulink simulations, where the performance of the aggregated VSG model is compared with the original VSG group. Results confirm the reliability and effectiveness of the approach in retaining dynamic characteristics while reducing modeling complexity. This research provides a theoretical foundation and practical methodology for VSG aggregation, contributing to enhanced stability analysis and operational efficiency in high-renewable-penetration power systems.
LSKA-YOLOv8n-WIoU: An Enhanced YOLOv8n Method for Early Fire Detection in Airplane Hangars
Authors: Deng Li , Wu Siqi , Zhou Jin , Zou Shuang , Liu Quanyi
Published: February 2025

An aircraft hangar is a special large-space environment containing a lot of combustible materials and high-value equipment. It is essential to quickly and accurately detect early-stage fires when they occur. In this study, experiments were conducted in a real aircraft hangar to simulate the occurrence of early-stage fires, and the collected images were classified, labeled, and organized to form the dataset used in this paper. The fire data in the dataset were categorized into two target classes: fire and smoke. This study proposes an aircraft hangar fire detection method that integrates an attention mechanism, which was based on the You Only Look Once Version 8 Nano (YOLOv8n) framework and further improved. Technically, the optimization of YOLOv8n was mainly carried out in two stages: Firstly, at the network structure level, the neck network of YOLOv8n was reconstructed using a large separable kernel attention (LSKA) module; secondly, in terms of loss function design, the original CIoU loss function was replaced with a dynamic focus-based Wise-IoU to enhance the detection performance of the model. This new algorithm is named LSKA-YOLOv8n+WIoU. Experimental results show that the LSKA-YOLOv8n+WIoU algorithm has superior fire detection performance compared to related state-of-the-art algorithms. Compared to the YOLOv8n model, the precision increased by 10% to 86.7%, the recall increased by 8.8% to 67.2%, and the mean average precision (mAP) increased by 5.9% to 69.5%. The parameter size was reduced by 0.5MB to 5.7MB. Through these improvements, the accuracy of flame and smoke detection was enhanced while reducing computational complexity, increasing computational efficiency, and effectively mitigating the phenomena of missed and false detections. This study contributes to enhancing the accuracy and speed of fire detection systems used in aircraft hangar environments, providing reliable support for early-stage aircraft hangar fire alarm work.
Effect of Extrusion Conditions on the Characteristics of Texturized Vegetable Protein from a Faba Bean Protein Mix and Its Application in Vegan and Hybrid Burgers
Authors: Guerrero Maria , Stone Andrea K. , Singh Ravinder , Lui Yuk Chu , Koksel Filiz , Nickerson Michael T.
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to produce texturized vegetable proteins (TVPs) from faba bean protein via low-moisture extrusion. The effect of extrusion variables including temperature (110, 125, and 140 °C at the die), feed moisture content (30, 35, and 40%), and screw speed (200, 300, and 400 rpm) on the TVP properties were investigated. An increase in feed moisture content or extruder temperature reduced the specific mechanical energy and torque by 40–45% during extrusion. An increase in feed moisture created TVPs with lower bulk densities and rehydration ratios while an increase in extruder temperature or screw speed increased the bulk density of the TVPs. An increase in screw speed also caused a decrease in the water holding capacity of the milled TVP flours. The TVP flours had a 33–70% higher oil holding capacity than the raw material. The texture profile showed that an increase in feed moisture influenced TVP hardness, gumminess, and chewiness with higher values compared to the treatments with lower moisture contents. Springiness, cohesiveness, and resilience were more affected by a change in screw speed with higher values at 200 rpm. The best parameters were selected (125 °C, 40% MC, 300 rpm) to produce TVP to use as a partial (hybrid burger) and complete (vegan burger) replacement of beef in a burger patty. The replacement of 25% beef with TVPs in a hybrid burger increased the cooking yield and moisture retention and decreased the thickness and diameter change compared to the beef burger without TVPs. In a vegan formulation, the faba bean TVP burger had lower cooking yield and moisture retention than commercial products.
From Single-Chain Polymeric Nanoparticles to Interpenetrating Polymer Network Organogels: A One-Pot Fabrication Approach
Authors: Daglar Selin , Balta Demet , Temel Binnur , Temel Gokhan
Published: February 2025

In this study, we developed a novel one-pot synthesis method to fabricate well-defined single-chain polymeric nanoparticles (SCNPs) integrated with interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) systems. The synthesis process involved an initial intramolecular crosslinking of poly(methyl methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) to form SCNP followed by intermolecular crosslinking to produce single-chain nanogel (SCNG) structures. In addition, the achieved single-chain polymeric nanoparticle was subsequently incorporated into an IPN structure through urethane bond formation and a Diels–Alder click reaction involving furfuryl methacrylate (FMA) and bismaleimide (BMI). The thermal properties, swelling behaviors, and morphologies of the resulting SCNP-IPN systems were investigated. This work presents a novel strategy that integrates the single-chain folding concept with IPN systems, providing a promising platform for the development of robust and functional polymeric materials with potential applications in advanced materials science.
Advancements in Wound Dressing Materials: Highlighting Recent Progress in Hydrogels, Foams, and Antimicrobial Dressings
Authors: Alberts Adina , Tudorache Dana-Ionela , Niculescu Adelina-Gabriela , Grumezescu Alexandru Mihai
Published: February 2025

Recent advancements in wound dressing materials have significantly improved acute and chronic wound management by addressing challenges such as infection control, moisture balance, and enhanced healing. Important progress has been made, especially with hydrogels, foams, and antimicrobial materials for creating optimized dressings. Hydrogels are known for maintaining optimal moisture levels, while foam dressings are excellent exudate absorbents. Meanwhile, antimicrobial dressing incorporates various antimicrobial agents to reduce infection risks. These dressing options reduce wound healing time while focusing on customized patient needs. Therefore, this review highlights the newest research materials and prototypes for wound healing applications, emphasizing their particular benefits and clinical importance. Innovations such as stimuli-responsive hydrogels and hybrid bioengineered composites are discussed in relation to their enhanced properties, including responsiveness to pH, temperature, glucose, or enzymes and drug delivery precision. Moreover, ongoing clinical trials have been included, demonstrating the potential of emerging solutions to be soon translated from the laboratory to clinical settings. By discussing interdisciplinary approaches that integrate advanced materials, nanotechnology, and biological insights, this work provides a contemporary framework for patient-centric, efficient wound care strategies.
Product Speculation from Carotenogenic Gene Cluster of Nonlabens spongiae Genome, and Identification of Myxol and Functional Analysis of Each Gene
Authors: Nakazawa Keisuke , Mineo Daiki , Harayama Takuya , Yoshizawa Susumu , Takaichi Shinichi , Sugiyama Kenjiro
Published: February 2025

Background: Myxol, a monocyclic carotenoid with β- and ψ-end groups, has been identified in only a limited number of bacteria, such as flavobacteria and cyanobacteria. Despite its biological significance, the biosynthetic pathway of myxol is not well understood, and studies on its physiological functions and biological activities are limited because of its rarity. Methods: BLAST homology searches for carotenoid biosynthesis genes in the genome of Nonlabens were performed. The carotenogenesis-related genes in the genome of the marine flavobacteria Nonlabens spongiae were individually cloned and functionally characterized using a heterologous Escherichia coli expression system. Carotenoids from N. spongiae were identified using an LC-MS analysis. Results: We identified a gene cluster involved in carotenoid biosynthesis in the genome of N. spongiae. This cluster includes genes encoding phytoene synthase (CrtB), phytoene desaturase (CrtI), lycopene cyclase (CrtY), carotenoid 1,2-hydratase (CruF), carotenoid 3,4-desaturase (ψ-end group) (CrtD), carotenoid 2-hydroxylase (ψ-end group) (CrtA-OH), and carotene hydro-xylase (CrtZ). Based on the characteristics of these enzymes, the primary products were predicted to be myxol and/or zeaxanthin. A spectroscopic analysis confirmed that myxol was the primary carotenoid. Furthermore, a plasmid containing a reconstructed gene cluster and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (CrtE) located outside the cluster was introduced into E. coli. This system predominantly accumulated myxol, indicating that the reconstructed gene cluster enabled efficient myxol production in E. coli. Conclusions: This study highlighted the potential biotechnological applications of the carotenoid biosynthesis gene clusters for myxol production.
Effects of Twelve Weeks of Square Stepping Exercises on Physical and Cognitive Function and Plasma Content of SMP30: A Randomised Control Trial
Authors: Franco-García Juan Manuel , Pérez-Gómez Jorge , Castillo-Paredes Antonio , Redondo Pedro Cosme , Rojo-Ramos Jorge , Mayordomo-Pinilla Noelia , Villafaina Santos , Gómez-Álvaro Mari Carmen , Melo-Alonso Maria , Carlos-Vivas Jorge
Published: February 2025

Background: Ageing and sedentary lifestyles affect physical and cognitive function and markers of frailty, increasing the risk of falls in older adults and affecting their quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a Square Step Exercise programme on physical and cognitive function and plasma SMP30 levels for the prevention of falls in older adults. Methods: A randomised controlled trial was designed with 44 participants assigned to an experimental group (SSE group) and a control group. The SSE group performed SSE sessions twice a week for three months, with a follow-up in the fourth month. The assessments of physical function included tests such as the Four-Square Step Test, Brisk Walking and its dual-task variant, Time Up and Go and its imagined and dual-task variants, 30 s Sit-to-Stand and its dual-task and imagined variants and a 6 min walking test. Questionnaires were also used to assess the risk and fear of falling. Resting EEG activity was also recorded to assess electrocortical brain activity. SMP30 levels were measured by Western blotting. Results: The SSE group showed significant improvements compared to the control group in the Four-Square Step Test (p < 0.001), Brisk Walking (p < 0.05) and reduction in the fear of falling (p < 0.001) after the training programme, but these adaptations were not maintained one month after the programme ended (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the remaining variables of physical function, cognitive function, fall risk questionnaire, EEG activity or plasma levels of SMP30 compared to the control group (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The SSE programme showed efficacy in improving balance, gait speed and reducing fear of falling in older adults but did not show improvement over the control group in other areas of physical or cognitive function or plasma SMP30 levels for fall prevention.
Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Rehabilitation: Perceptions, Knowledge, and Challenges Among Healthcare Providers
Authors: Aldhahi Monira I. , Alorainy Amal I. , Abuzaid Mohamed M. , Gareeballah Awadia , Alsubaie Naifah F. , Alshamary Anwar S. , Hamd Zuhal Y.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The current literature reveals a gap in understanding how rehabilitation professionals, such as physical and occupational therapists, perceive and prepare to implement artificial intelligence (AI) in their practices. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional observational study to assess the perceptions, knowledge, and willingness of rehabilitation healthcare providers to implement AI in practice. Methods: This study was conducted in Saudi Arabia, with data collected from 430 physical therapy professionals via an online SurveyMonkey questionnaire between January and March 2024. The survey assessed demographics, AI knowledge and skills, and perceived challenges. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS 27) and DATAtab (version 2025), with frequencies, percentages, and nonparametric tests used to examine the relationships between the variables. Results: The majority of respondents (80.9%) believed that AI would be integrated into physical therapy in future, with 78.6% seeing AI as significantly impacting their work. While 61.4% thought that AI would reduce workload and enhance productivity, only 30% expressed concerns about AI endangering their profession. A lack of formal AI training has commonly been reported, with social media platforms being respondents’ primary source of AI knowledge. Despite these challenges, 85.1% expressed an eagerness to learn and use AI. Organizational preparedness was a significant barrier, with 45.6% of respondents reporting that their organizations lacked AI strategies. There were insignificant differences in the mean rank of AI perceptions or knowledge based on the gender, years of experience, and qualification degree of the respondents. Conclusions: The results demonstrated a strong interest in AI implementation in physical therapy. The majority of respondents expressed confidence in AI’s future utility and readiness to incorporate it into their practice. However, challenges, such as a lack of formal training and organizational preparedness, were identified. Overall, the findings highlight AI’s potential to revolutionize physical therapy while underscoring the necessity to address training and readiness to fully realize this potential.
Towards Best-Practice Healthcare for Transgender Patients: Quality Improvement in United Kingdom General Practice
Authors: Silver Carine , Calvey Rebecca , Martin Alexandra , Butterworth Joanne
Published: February 2025

Introduction: The ongoing care of transgender patients in United Kingdom (UK) general practice (GP) is hampered by a lack of UK primary care guidelines regarding the monitoring of treatments, despite the key role that general practice has in holistic lifelong care. This quality improvement project aimed to audit the monitoring of treatments and health screening in a GP practice population, across two large practices in southwest England, in order to drive local improvement and to identify gaps in wider healthcare support for this population. Methods: This project updated a previously published audit instrument, incorporating a novel, pragmatic standard, based on up-to-date UK gender clinic guidelines and the UK population screening programmes. National Health Service (NHS) Health Research Authority and Medical Research Council processes were used to confirm that this quality improvement project did not require formal ethics committee approval. An audit against this standard was performed for 176 transgender and gender-minority patients, to provide data on the consistency of the monitoring of gender hormonal treatments and reminders for appropriate population health screening programmes. Results: A total of 16% of those undergoing hormonal treatments had received optimal monitoring; 20% were missing the most basic hormone level monitoring. Reminders regarding appropriate health screening were rare in patients who had changed the gender markers on their electronic record. Long waiting lists, the use of private clinics, confusion around responsibilities shared between primary and secondary care and growing complex co-morbidity were demonstrated. Conclusions: This project supports previous calls for consistent evidence-based guidelines, improved data systems and adequately resourced primary and secondary care services to support the safe and effective lifelong care of transgender patients.
Tele-Exercise for Fitness: Physical and Psychological Outcomes in Athletes and Non-Athletes’ Trainees
Authors: Iuliano Enzo , Zimatore Giovanna , Fabbrizio Antonio , De Giorgio Andrea , Sausa Martina , Matteo Barbara Maria , Angilletta Sonia , Reis Victor Machado , Garrido Nuno D. , Vilaça-Alves José , Peixoto Rafael , Perusina Paulina , Aristova Aleksandra , Baldari Carlo , Macaluso Filippo , Fucarino Alberto , Cantoia Manuela
Published: February 2025

Background: This research explored how tele-exercise influenced physical fitness and mental well-being in individuals with and without disabilities and with different training habits. Methods: One hundred and ninety-three participants were categorized into two groups: athletes and non-athletes. Participants were involved in either synchronous or asynchronous tele-exercise programs of two or three sessions of workouts per week, lasting eight weeks. Psychological well-being was evaluated pre- vs. post-intervention by the WHO-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Fitness assessment tools included the 2-minute step test, curl-up test, forward bending test, and squat test. Body weight was also assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results: The analysis showed a significant increment in all fitness scores (p-value ranged from <0.001 to 0.015) with no change in body weight. Psychological tests indicated an overall increment in the participants’ well-being measured by the WHO-5 and unexpectedly, also in the stress level assessed through PSS-10. Conclusions: Enabled by technology, tele-exercise provides a flexible and convenient complementary approach to conventional workouts, helping individuals maintain an active lifestyle and improve their well-being. Positive effects on the sedentary population’s lifestyles are discussed.
Relative Quantitation of EFNA1 Expression in Mouse Heart Tissue Histologic Sections Using MALDI-MSI
Authors: Torres Maria , Gruer Laura , Valsaraj Smrithi , Reece Shaun , Prokop Jeremy , Zeczycki Tonya , Taylor Cameron , Byers Taylor , Cruz William , Kew Kim , de Castro Braz Lisandra , Virag Jitka
Published: February 2025

EFNA1 (ephrinA1), a highly expressed tyrosine kinase receptor-ligand in healthy cardiomyocytes, is reduced following myocardial infarction (MI). A single intramyocardial injection of chimeric EFNA1-Fc at the time of ischemia mitigates the injury in both reperfused and non-reperfused mouse myocardium by reducing apoptosis, necrosis, and inflammation. Recently, we have successfully imaged and qualitatively identified endogenous EFNA1 pre- and post-MI using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) coupled with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MALDI/TOF MS). Building on our previous work, we are currently focused on understanding and characterizing EFNA1’s role in cardiac tissue by developing an integrated quantitative method to determine endogenous levels of EFNA1 using MALDI-MSI technologies. Herein, we have optimized a method for the relative quantitation of endogenous tryptic EFNA1 peptides detected in the murine heart as compared with routine western blotting. In healthy myocardium, there was approximately 50 ng of endogenous EFNA1 per section of 9.43 mm3 tissue, or roughly 12 pg/µg of homogenized tissue. MALDI-MSI thus provides a tool for determining the anatomical distribution and relative quantitation of endogenous EFNA1 in cardiac tissue. Future applications of these tools will allow us to investigate the dynamic changes in EFNA1 expression profile that occur in pathological states such as myocardial infarction and upon therapeutic treatments.
A Novel SLPI Splice Variant Confers Susceptibility to Otitis Media in Humans
Authors: Elling Christina L. , Ryan Allen F. , Yarza Talitha Karisse L. , Ghaffar Amama , Llanes Erasmo Gonzalo d. V. , Kofonow Jennifer M. , Reyes-Quintos Maria Rina T. , Riazuddin Saima , Robertson Charles E. , Tantoco Ma. Leah C. , Ahmed Zubair M. , Chan Abner L. , Frank Daniel N. , Chiong Charlotte M. , Santos-Cortez Regie Lyn P.
Published: February 2025

Otitis media is the most frequently diagnosed disease and a leading cause of hearing loss in young children. However, genetic contributors to susceptibility and pathogen–host–environment interactions in otitis media remain to be identified. Such knowledge would help identify at-risk individuals and effectively monitor, diagnose, and treat patients with otitis media. Through exome and Sanger sequencing, we identified a rare, deleterious splice variant SLPI c.394+1G>T co-segregating with otitis media in a large pedigree, with a genome-wide significant maximum LOD score of 4.59. Alternative splicing of SLPI was observed in saliva RNA of variant carriers. In bulk mRNA-seq data from an independent cohort of children with otitis media, SLPI was co-expressed with genes involved in infection, immune response, inflammation, and epithelial cell organization. After inoculation of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae, Slpi was upregulated in polymorphonuclear leukocytes and epithelial cells of mouse middle ears. Furthermore, in the human middle ear, Haemophilus was significantly enriched in non-carriers, whereas Family-XI-Incertae-Sedis and Dialister were significantly enriched in variant carriers. Given the role of SLPI in immune modulation and host defense in mucosal epithelia, our findings support the SLPI variant as modulating susceptibility to otitis media.