bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Obesity Risk Prediction and Management: Approaches, Insights, and Recommendations
Authors: Huang Lillian , Huhulea Ellen N. , Abraham Elizabeth , Bienenstock Raphael , Aifuwa Esewi , Hirani Rahim , Schulhof Atara , Tiwari Raj K. , Etienne Mill
Published: February 2025

Greater than 650 million individuals worldwide are categorized as obese, which is associated with significant health, economic, and social challenges. Given its overlap with leading comorbidities such as heart disease, innovative solutions are necessary to improve risk prediction and management strategies. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have emerged as powerful tools in healthcare, offering novel approaches to chronic disease prevention. This narrative review explores the role of AI/ML in obesity risk prediction and management, with a special focus on childhood obesity. We begin by examining the multifactorial nature of obesity, including genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors, and the limitations of traditional approaches to predict and treat morbidity associated obesity. Next, we analyze AI/ML techniques commonly used to predict obesity risk, particularly in minimizing childhood obesity risk. We shift to the application of AI/ML in obesity management, comparing perspectives from healthcare providers versus patients. From the provider’s perspective, AI/ML tools offer real-time data from electronic medical records, wearables, and health apps to stratify patient risk, customize treatment plans, and enhance clinical decision making. From the patient’s perspective, AI/ML-driven interventions offer personalized coaching and improve long-term engagement in health management. Finally, we address key limitations and challenges, such as the role of social determinants of health, in embracing the role of AI/ML in obesity management, while offering our recommendations based on our literature review.
Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation: Bridging the Gap Between Mechanisms, Risk, and Therapy
Authors: Antoun Ibrahim , Layton Georgia R. , Nizam Ali , Barker Joseph , Abdelrazik Ahmed , Eldesouky Mahmoud , Koya Abdulmalik , Lau Edward Y. M. , Zakkar Mustafa , Somani Riyaz , Ng Ghulam André
Published: February 2025

Background and objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most prevalent sustained arrhythmia, poses a significant public health challenge due to its links with stroke, heart failure, and mortality. Hypertension, a primary modifiable cardiovascular risk factor, is a well-established risk factor for AF that facilitates structural and electrical changes in the atria, including dilation, fibrosis, and pressure overload. Material and Methods: we conducted a literature search regarding the shared mechanisms, risks and treatments of hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Results: The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system plays a pivotal role in this remodelling and inflammation, increasing AF susceptibility. Uncontrolled hypertension complicates AF management, diminishing the effectiveness of mainstay treatments, including antiarrhythmic drugs, catheter ablation, and cardioversion. Effective blood pressure management, particularly with therapies targeting the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), can lower the risk of new-onset AF and reduce the incidence of recurrent AF, enhancing the success of rhythm control strategies. These antihypertensive therapies mitigate myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis and attenuate both atrial pressure strain and the inflammatory response, mitigating the substrates for AF. Conclusion: This review highlights the urgent need for integrated strategies that combine BP control, AF screening, and lifestyle modifications to minimise the burden of AF and its complications. Future research should investigate the specific mechanisms of cellular-level interactions associated with a hypertensive predisposition to AF, including systematic inflammation and the role of genetics, the impact of blood pressure variations on AF risk, and individualised treatment strategies specifically targeting the shared mechanisms, simultaneously propagating hypertension and AF.
Pulmonary Artery Pulsatility Index in Acute and Chronic Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Lyhne Mads Dam , Yuriditsky Eugene , Zochios Vasileios , Dragsbaek Simone Juel , Hansen Jacob Valentin , Andersen Mads Jønsson , Mellemkjær Søren , Kabrhel Christopher , Andersen Asger
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: The pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) is an emerging marker of right ventricular (RV) injury but has not been well investigated in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). We aimed to investigate its discriminatory capabilities and ability to detect therapeutic effects in acute PE and CTEPH. Materials and Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data from both experimental studies of autologous PE and human studies of acute PE and CTEPH. PAPi was calculated and compared in (1) PE versus sham and (2) before and after interventions aimed at reducing RV afterload in PE and CTEPH. The correlations between PAPi, cardiac output, and RV to pulmonary artery coupling were investigated. Results: PAPi did not differ between animals with acute PE versus sham, nor was it affected by clot burden (p = 0.673) or at a 30-day follow-up (p = 0.242). Pulmonary vasodilatation with oxygen was associated with a reduction in PAPi (4.9 [3.7–7.8] vs. 4.0 [3.2–5.6], p = 0.016), whereas positive inotropes increased PAPi in the experimental PE. In humans, PAPi did not change consistently with interventions. Balloon pulmonary angioplasty did not significantly increase PAPi (6.5 [4.3–10.7] vs. 9.8 [6.8–14.2], p = 0.1) in patients with CTEPH, and a non-significant reduction in PAPi (4.3 ± 1.6 vs. 3.3 ± 1.2, p = 0.074) was observed in patients with acute PE who received sildenafil. PAPi did not correlate well with cardiac output or measures of RV to pulmonary artery coupling in either species. Conclusions: PAPi did not detect acute, experimental PE or changes as a result of therapeutic interventions in patients with hemodynamically stable acute PE or CTEPH. However, it did change with pharmacological interventions in the experimental PE. Further research should establish its utility in detecting and monitoring RV injury in different clinical phenotypes of acute PE and CTEPH.
Matrix Linear Models for Connecting Metabolite Composition to Individual Characteristics
Authors: Farage Gregory , Zhao Chenhao , Choi Hyo Young , Garrett Timothy J. , Elam Marshall B. , Kechris Katerina , Sen Śaunak
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: High-throughput metabolomics data provide a detailed molecular window into biological processes. We consider the problem of assessing how association of metabolite levels with individual (sample) characteristics, such as sex or treatment, depend on metabolite characteristics such as pathways. Typically, this is done using a two-step process. In the first step, we assess the association of each metabolite with individual characteristics. In the second step, an enrichment analysis is performed by metabolite characteristics. Methods: We combine the two steps using a bilinear model based on the matrix linear model (MLM) framework previously developed for high-throughput genetic screens. Our method can estimate relationships in metabolites sharing known characteristics, whether categorical (such as type of lipid or pathway) or numerical (such as number of double bonds in triglycerides). Results: We demonstrate the flexibility and interoperability of MLMs by applying them to three metabolomic studies. We show that our approach can separate the contribution of the overlapping triglyceride characteristics, such as the number of double bonds and the number of carbon atoms. Conclusion: The matrix linear model offers a flexible, efficient, and interpretable framework for integrating external information and examining complex relationships in metabolomics data. Our method has been implemented in the open-source Julia package, MatrixLM. Data analysis scripts with example data analyses are also available.
A Versatile and Modular Microfluidic System for Dynamic Cell Culture and Cellular Interactions
Authors: Ramadan Qasem , Hazaymeh Rana , Zourob Mohammed
Published: February 2025

A versatile and modular microfluidic system for cell co-culture has been developed. Microfluidic chips, each featuring dual compartments separated by a porous membrane, have been fabricated and assembled within the system to facilitate fluidic interconnection and cell–cell communication through the chip assembly. A set of fluidic valves has been successfully integrated to regulate the flow through the chip assembly. The system allows for chip assembly in various arrangements, including in parallel, in series, and complex connections. Individual chips can be interconnected or disconnected within the system at any time. Moreover, the spatial order and orientation of the chips can be adjusted as needed, enabling the study of different cell–cell arrangements and the impact of the presence or absence of specific cell types. The utility of the system has been evaluated by culturing and interconnecting multi-monolayers of intestinal epithelial cells as a model of the complex cellular system. Epithelial monolayers were grown in multiple chips and interconnected in various configurations. The transepithelial electrical resistance and permeability profiles were investigated in detail for these configurations upon treatment of the cells with dextran sulfate sodium. Immune cells were stimulated through the epithelial layers and the expression of inflammatory cytokines was detected. This miniaturized platform offers controlled conditions for co-culturing key cellular components and assessing potential therapeutic agents in a physiologically relevant setting.
Coded Ultrasonic Ranging for the Distance Measurement of Coaxial Rotor Blades
Authors: Lu Yaohuan , Qiu Zhen , Zhang Shan , Hu Wenchuan , Qiu Yongqiang , Qiu Zurong
Published: February 2025

Coaxial rotor helicopters have a wide range of civilian and military applications; however, the collision risk of the upper and lower blades that comes with the coaxial rotor system remains. This paper introduces a blade-tip distance measurement method based on coded ultrasonic ranging to tackle this challenge. Coded ultrasonic ranging with phase modulation was adopted to improve the measurement rate. In this paper, seven-bit M-sequences and Gold codes are chosen with four periods of 200 kHz sine wave carriers as the excitation signals, and the received signals are filtered by a bandpass filter and decoded by a matching filter. The coding performance is evaluated by the distinguishability and energy level of the received signals. The experimental results show that the measurement rate can reach 3060 Hz for a distance of one meter. They also give the potential solution for other high-speed measurement problems.
Diode Laser and Red-Laser Photodynamic Therapy with Toluidine Blue Gel for the Treatment of Onychomycosis: A Case Series
Authors: García-Oreja Sara , Álvaro-Afonso Francisco Javier , Tardáguila-García Aroa , Navarro-Pérez David , García-Morales Esther Alicia , Lázaro-Martínez José Luis
Published: February 2025

Background: Onychomycosis is the most prevalent nail disease, posing a challenge for health professionals in terms of treatment. Conventional topical antifungal treatments can often prove insufficient, and the use of oral antifungal drugs carries a high frequency of adverse events and drug–drug interactions. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to determine the cure rate of onychomycosis using a combined treatment of diode laser and photodynamic therapy with red-laser photodynamic therapy (PDT) and toluidine blue gel. Methods: A series of onychomycosis cases were treated and monitored for 6 months with eight applications of diode laser therapy. This treatment was combined with three applications of red-laser PDT paired with toluidine blue gel. Clinical cure was evaluated one week after the treatment’s conclusion, while mycological cure was assessed via microbiological culture. Results: The study included 12 patients and a total of 17 nails. At the end of treatment, clinical, mycological, and complete cure rates were 100% for all patients and nails. No adverse reactions were reported during or after the PDT application. However, all patients experienced pain during laser application, and two patients experienced hematoma and subungual blistering post-treatment. Two patients (2/12) experienced recurrence in three nails (3/17; recurrence rate: 17.6%) within 6 months following treatment. Conclusions: The combination of diode laser therapy and red-laser PDT with toluidine blue gel seems effective and safe for the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe onychomycosis.
HNP-1: From Structure to Application Thanks to Multifaceted Functions
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Liu Zhaoke , Zhou Zhihao , Huang Zile , Yang Yifan , Wu Junzhu , Liu Yanhong
Published: February 2025

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are critical components of innate immunity in animals and plants, exhibiting thrilling prospectives as alternatives to traditional antibiotics due to their ability to combat pathogens without leading to resistance. Among these, Human Neutrophil Peptide-1 (HNP-1), primarily produced by human neutrophils, exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria and viruses. However, the clinical application of HNP-1 has been hampered by challenges associated with mass production and inconsistent understanding of its bactericidal mechanisms. This review explores the structure and function of HNP-1, discussing its gene expression, distribution, immune functions and the regulatory elements controlling its production, alongside insights into its antimicrobial mechanisms and potential clinical applications as an antimicrobial agent. Furthermore, the review highlights the biosynthesis of HNP-1 using microbial systems as a cost-effective alternative to human extraction and recent studies revealing HNP-1’s endogenous bactericidal mechanism. A comprehensive understanding of HNP-1’s working mechanisms and production methods will pave the way for its effective clinical utilization in combating antibiotic-resistant infections.
Prediction of Mine Waste Rock Drainage Quantity Using a Machine Learning Model with Physical Constraints
Authors: Zhang Can , Ma Liang , Liu Wenying
Published: February 2025

Mining activities generate substantial amounts of waste rock, which are often disposed of in waste rock piles. Drainage from these piles can pose serious environmental risks. It is crucial to reliably predict drainage properties in order to effectively manage them. In previous work, we developed a machine learning model to predict waste rock drainage quantity using weather monitoring data as the input and drainage flow rate as the output. However, this model lacked physical constraints, limiting its interpretability, reliability, and applicability. In this study, we introduced a new machine learning model designed with physical constraints to improve the predictions of drainage quantity. This new model incorporates a weather refining sub-model and integrates physical constraints to enhance the overall reliability of the model predictions. The weather refining sub-model transforms primary weather features (total precipitation and temperature) into secondary features (rainfall, snowmelt, and evaporation) through established mathematical relationships. These secondary features were then used as inputs for the machine learning model to predict drainage quantity. To embed physical principles within the machine learning model, we integrated a water balance equation into the neural network architecture and modified the loss function accordingly. In addition, we included an adjustable bias term to optimize the balance between model performance and interpretability. Compared with our previous model, the incorporation of physical constraints into the machine learning model improved the accuracy of the drainage quantity predictions. More importantly, this approach ensures that the model outputs adhere to physical laws, thereby enhancing its interpretability, reliability, and applicability.
Promiscuity in Polyphenol–Protein Interactions—Monitoring Protein Conformational Change upon Polyphenol–Protein Binding by Nano-Differential Fluorimetry (Nano-DSF)
Authors: Schmidt Dorothea , Wohlers Amelie , Kuhnert Nikolai
Published: February 2025

In this article, we introduce nano-differential fluorimetry (nano-DSF) as an analytical technique that is suitable for investigating polyphenol–protein interactions in solution. Nano-DSF monitors conformational changes in proteins induced by external agents upon interaction at the molecular level. We demonstrate the suitability of this technique to qualitatively monitor an interaction between selected dietary polyphenols and selected proteins including BSA, ovalbumin, amylase, pepsin, trypsin, mucin and ACE-1. Protein conformational changes induced by dietary polyphenols can be investigated. As a major advantage, measurements are carried out at a high dilution, avoiding the precipitation of polyphenol–protein complexes, allowing the rapid and efficient acquisition of quantitative and qualitative binding data. From this concentration, quantitative binding data could be obtained from the fluorescence response curve in line with published values for the association constants. We demonstrate that qualitative interactions can also be established for real food extracts such as cocoa, tea or coffee containing mixtures of dietary polyphenols. Most importantly, we demonstrate that polyphenols of very different structural classes interact with the same protein target. Conversely, multiple protein targets show an affinity to a series of structurally diverse polyphenols, therefore suggesting a dual level of promiscuity with respect to the protein target and polyphenol structure.
Stability and Reusability of Tungsten Catalyst on Structured Support in Catalytic Ozonation of Textile Wastewater
Authors: Kędzierska-Sar Aleksandra , Fronczak Maciej , Gmurek Marta , Bilińska Lucyna
Published: February 2025

Since heterogeneous catalytic ozonation (HCO) has become a leading trend in advanced oxidation processes, finding new prospective catalysts has become crucial. Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) is a method of thin-layer deposition that is useful in catalyst production on structured supports. This study presents a novel tungsten (W)-based catalyst used in HCO for textile wastewater discoloration. By changing PECVD parameters, we were able to design and prepare several types of diverse catalysts in terms of morphology and composition. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used for catalyst characterization and revealed a nano-sized granular morphology. The catalyst thickness was below 500 nm, preserving the geometry of the support. The satisfactory high W catalyst activity in dye removal was investigated through a catalytic test. The increased speed in color removal, represented by the enhancement factor, was equal to 1.47 when comparing single and catalytic ozonation. A high and almost unchanged color removal efficiency was maintained over seven cycles of HCO, allowing for more than 5 h of successful use.
Determination of the Polyphenol Composition of Raspberry Leaf Using LC-MS/MS
Authors: Alkhudaydi Hind Mesfer S. , Muriuki Esther Njeri , Spencer Jeremy P. E.
Published: February 2025

Background: Raspberry leaf (RL; Rubus idaeus) is a by-product of raspberry cultivation and has been proposed to be a rich source of micronutrients and potential bioactive components, including polyphenols. However, the precise chemical composition of the non-nutrient (poly)phenols in RL has not been as extensively studied. Objective: To evaluate the (poly)phenolic content of six RL samples from different geographical locations and to explore the impact of brewing duration on the levels of phenolic compounds available for absorption following consumption. Methods: A total of 52 polyphenolic constituents were investigated in the RL samples using Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), and RL tea samples were analysed for ellagitannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Tea samples were extracted using 80:20 (v/v) methanol/acidified water (0.1% formic acid) to maximise polyphenol recovery, with two sonication steps (30 and 25 min), followed by centrifugation, filtration, and storage at −18 °C. Extractions were performed in triplicate for comprehensive profiling. Additionally, raspberry leaf tea (2 g) was brewed in 200 mL of boiling water at various times (0.5–20 min) to simulate standard consumption practices; this was also performed in triplicate. This approach aimed to quantify polyphenols in the brew and identify optimal steeping times for maximum polyphenol release. Results: Raspberry leaf (RL) samples from six geographical sources were analysed, with 37 compounds identified in methanol and 37 in water out of the 52 targeted compounds, with only 7 compounds not detected in either methanol or water extracts. The analysis indicated that the total measured polyphenol content across the six samples from various sources ranged between 358.66 and 601.65 mg/100 g (p < 0.001). Ellagitannins were identified as the predominant polyphenolic compound in all RL samples, ranging from 155.27 to 394.22 mg/100 g. The phenolic acid and flavonoid concentrations in these samples exhibited a relatively narrow range, with the phenolic acids spanning from 38.87 to 119.03 mg/100 g and the flavonoids ranging from 125.03 to 156.73 mg/100 g. When brewing the tea, the 5 min extraction time was observed to yield the highest level of polyphenols (505.65 mg/100 g) (p< 0.001), which was significantly higher than that with shorter (409.84 mg/100g) and longer extraction times (429.28 mg/100 g). Notably, ellagic acid levels were highest at 5 min (380.29 mg/100 g), while phenolic acid peaked at 15 min (50.96 mg/100 g). The flavonoid content was shown to be highest at 4 min (82.58 mg/100 g). Conclusions: RL contains a relatively high level of polyphenols, particularly ellagic acid; thus, its consumption may contribute to the daily intake of these health-beneficial non-nutrient components.
Oral Asiatic Acid Improves Cognitive Function and Modulates Antioxidant and Mitochondrial Pathways in Female 5xFAD Mice
Authors: Varada Samantha , Chamberlin Stephen R. , Bui Lillie , Brandes Mikah S. , Gladen-Kolarsky Noah , Harris Christopher J. , Hack Wyatt , Neff Cody J. , Brumbach Barbara H. , Soumyanath Amala , Quinn Joseph F. , Gray Nora E.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Extracts of the plant Centella asiatica can enhance mitochondrial function, promote antioxidant activity and improve cognitive deficits. Asiatic acid (AA) is one of the constituent triterpene compounds present in the plant. In this study, we explore the effects of AA on brain mitochondrial function, antioxidant response and cognition in a beta-amyloid (Aβ)-overexpressing 5xFAD mouse line. Methods: Six- to seven-month-old 5xFAD mice were treated with 1% AA for 4 weeks. In the last week of treatment, associative memory was assessed along with mitochondrial bioenergetics and the expression of mitochondrial and antioxidant response genes from isolated cortical synaptosomes. The Aβ plaque burden was also evaluated. Results: AA treatment resulted in improvements in associative memory in female 5xFAD mice without altering the Aβ plaque burden. Cortical mitochondrial function and mitochondrial gene expression were increased in the AA-treated female 5xFAD mice, as was the expression of antioxidant genes. More modest effects of AA on cortical mitochondrial function and mitochondrial and antioxidant gene expression were observed in male 5xFAD mice. Conclusions: Oral AA treatment improved cognitive and mitochondrial function and activated antioxidant in Aβ-overexpressing mice. These changes occurred independent of alterations in Aβ plaque burden, suggesting that AA could have translational therapeutic relevance in later-stage AD when plaques are well established.
Nutrition Therapy in Critically Ill Patients with Obesity: An Observational Study
Authors: Lopez-Delgado Juan Carlos , Sanchez-Ales Laura , Flordelis-Lasierra Jose Luis , Mor-Marco Esther , Bordeje-Laguna M Luisa , Portugal-Rodriguez Esther , Lorencio-Cardenas Carol , Vera-Artazcoz Paula , Aldunate-Calvo Sara , Llorente-Ruiz Beatriz , Iglesias-Rodriguez Rayden , Monge-Donaire Diana , Martinez-Carmona Juan Francisco , Gastaldo-Simeón Rosa , Mateu-Campos Lidón , Gero-Escapa Maria , Almorin-Gonzalvez Laura , Nieto-Martino Beatriz , Vaquerizo-Alonso Clara , Grau-Carmona Teodoro , Trujillano-Cabello Javier , Servia-Goixart Lluis ,   the ENPIC Study Group
Published: February 2025

Background: Critically ill patients with obesity (PwO) have anthropometric characteristics that can be associated with different nutritional-metabolic requirements than other critically ill patients. However, recommendations regarding nutrition delivery in PwO are not clearly established among the different published clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). Our main aim was to evaluate the impact of energy and protein intake in critically ill PwO. Methods: A multicenter (n = 37) prospective observational study was performed. Adult patients requiring medical nutrition therapy (MNT) were included, and PwO (BMI ≥ 30 Kg·m−2) were analyzed. Demographic data, comorbidities, nutritional status, and the average caloric and protein delivery administered in the first 14 days, including complications and outcomes, were recorded in a database. Patients were classified and analyzed based on the adequacy of energy and protein intake according to CPG recommendations. Results: 525 patients were included, of whom 150 (28.6%) had obesity. The energy delivery was considered inadequate (<11 Kcal/Kg/d) in 30.7% (n = 46) and adequate (≥11 Kcal/Kg/d) in 69.3% (n = 104) of cases. PwO who received adequate energy delivery had greater use of the parenteral route and longer mean hospital stays (28.6 ± 26.1 vs. 39.3 ± 28.1; p = 0.01) but lower ICU mortality (32.6% vs. 16.5%; p = 0.02). Protein delivery was inadequate (<0.8 g/Kg/d) in 63.3% (n = 95), insufficient (0.8–1.2 g/Kg/d) in 31.33% (n = 47), and adequate (≥1.2 g/Kg/d) in only 5.4% (n = 8) of patients. PwO with inadequate protein delivery—compared with insufficient delivery—had higher use of the parenteral route and lower mortality in the ICU (25.5% vs. 14.9%; p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed that PwO who received adequate energy delivery (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.398; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.180–0.882; p = 0.023) had better survival, while patients with insufficient protein delivery (HR: 0.404; CI 95%: 0.171–0.955; p = 0.038) had better survival than those with inadequate delivery. Conclusion: PwO can frequently receive inadequate energy and protein delivery from MNT during an ICU stay, which may impact the short-term mortality of these critically ill patients. It is emerging to develop strategies to optimize MNT delivery in these patients, which may improve their outcomes. NCT Registry: 03634943.
Dietary Fatty Acid Composition Alters Gut Microbiome in Mice with Obesity-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Noureldein Mohamed H. , Rumora Amy E. , Teener Samuel J. , Rigan Diana M. , Hayes John M. , Mendelson Faye E. , Carter Andrew D. , Rubin Whitney G. , Savelieff Masha G. , Feldman Eva L.
Published: February 2025

Background: Peripheral neuropathy (PN), a complication of diabetes and obesity, progresses through a complex pathophysiology. Lifestyle interventions to manage systemic metabolism are recommended to prevent or slow PN, given the multifactorial risks of diabetes and obesity. A high-fat diet rich in saturated fatty acids (SFAs) induces PN, which a diet rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) rescues, independent of weight loss, suggesting factors beyond systemic metabolism impact nerve health. Interest has grown in gut microbiome mechanisms in PN, which is characterized by a distinct microbiota signature that correlates with sciatic nerve lipidome. Methods: Herein, we postulated that SFA- versus MUFA-rich diet would impact gut microbiome composition and correlate with PN development. To assess causality, we performed fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from donor mice fed SFA- versus MUFA-rich diet to lean recipient mice and assessed metabolic and PN phenotypes. Results: We found that the SFA-rich diet altered the microbiome community structure, which the MUFA-rich diet partially reversed. PN metrics correlated with several microbial families, some containing genera with feasible mechanisms of action for microbiome-mediated effects on PN. SFA and MUFA FMT did not impact metabolic phenotypes in recipient mice although SFA FMT marginally induced motor PN. Conclusions: The involvement of diet-mediated changes in the microbiome on PN and gut–nerve axis may warrant further study.
A Study on Dining-Out Habits Among Beijing Residents: A Case of Fast Food
Authors: Liu Zhishan , Chen Wenqiang , Cui Aoran , Gu Kaibiao , Lu Shijun
Published: February 2025

Background: With the continuous elevation of living standards, dining-out behavior has become increasingly prevalent among urban residents. The acceleration of lifestyle rhythms has prompted fast food to emerge as a frequently considered dietary option for urban residents when dining out. This study aims to investigate the current status and characteristics of dining-out habits for fast-food consumption among urban residents in Beijing. Methods: Urban residents in Beijing were selected using a stratified sampling method to survey restaurants. A database of fast-food items was created, and data were collected through a combination of field observations and qualitative interviews. Nutrient intake from fast food was systematically analyzed. Results: Residents consuming fast food while dining out exhibited high per-meal energy intake (737.5 kcal) and protein (44.8 g) consumption; however, the intakes of vitamin A (147.6 μg RAE), vitamin C (22 mg), vitamin E (3.2 mg), and calcium (89.5 mg) were inadequate. Western fast-food meals had higher protein (57.2 g) and sodium (251.5 mg) content compared to Chinese fast food. Conclusions: This study provides essential data to guide urban residents toward rational dining choices, offering key insights for the fast-food industry to develop balanced meal options.
Brain Glucose Hypometabolism and Brain Iron Accumulation as Therapeutic Targets for Alzheimer’s Disease and Other CNS Disorders
Authors: Rao Indira Y. , Hanson Leah R. , Frey II William H.
Published: February 2025

Two common mechanisms contributing to multiple neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, are brain glucose hypometabolism (BGHM) and brain iron accumulation (BIA). Currently, BGHM and BIA are both widely acknowledged as biomarkers that aid in diagnosing CNS disorders, distinguishing between disorders with similar symptoms, and tracking disease progression. Therapeutics targeting BGHM and BIA in Alzheimer’s disease can be beneficial in treating neurocognitive symptoms. This review addresses the evidence for the therapeutic potential of targeting BGHM and BIA in multiple CNS disorders. Intranasal insulin, which is anti-inflammatory and increases brain cell energy, and intranasal deferoxamine, which reduces oxidative damage and inflammation, represent promising treatments targeting these mechanisms. Both BGHM and BIA are promising therapeutic targets for AD and other CNS disorders.
Revealing the Calcium Assisted Partial Catalytic Graphitization of Lignin-Derived Hard Carbon Anode and Its Electrochemical Behaviors in Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Kim Jungpil , Lee Sang-Hyun , Yang Junghoon
Published: February 2025

Among the various contenders for next-generation sodium-ion battery anodes, hard carbons stand out for their notable reversible capacity, extended cycle life, and cost-effectiveness. Their economic advantage can be further enhanced by using inexpensive precursors, such as biomass waste. Lignin, one of the most abundant natural biopolymers on Earth, which can be readily obtained from wood, possesses a three-dimensional amorphous polymeric structure, making it a suitable candidate for producing carbonaceous materials through appropriate carbonization processes for energy storage applications. In this work, we synthesized hard carbon using lignin containing CaSO4 to facilitate partial catalytic graphitization to improve the microstructural features, such as interlayer spacing, degree of disorder, and surface defects. Partial catalytic graphitization enables hard carbon to develop an ordered structure compared with hard carbon carbonized without CaSO4 as analyzed by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning/transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The CaSO4-aided partially catalytic graphitized hard carbon (CCG-HC) exhibited improved electrochemical performance, showing a larger portion of the low-voltage plateau—an indicator typically associated with a highly ordered structure—compared to simply carbonized hard carbon (HC). Notably, CCG-HC delivered a reversible capacity of 237 mAh g−1, retained 95.6% of its capacity over 100 cycles at 50 mA g−1, and exhibited 127 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1.
Effects of Polymeric Crosslinker on Network Structure, Morphology, and Properties of Liquid Isoprene Rubber
Authors: Nirmala Suresh Jishnu , Liebscher Hans , Komber Hartmut , Tahir Muhammad , Gerlach Gerald , Wießner Sven
Published: February 2025

In this study, we investigated the influence of an epoxy end-capped polypropylene oxide crosslinker (epoxy-PPO) on the formation of the crosslinked network structure, the stress–strain response, and the electro-mechanical actuation performance of a maleic anhydride functionalized liquid isoprene rubber (LIR). The crosslinker amount varied from 10 (C-LIR-10) to 50 (C-LIR-50) weight parts per hundred parts (phr) of LIR. The swelling test of the cured rubbers revealed that C-LIR-20 formed the densest crosslinked network with the lowest chloroform uptake value within this series. The crosslinked rubber became stiffer in tensile response upon increasing the epoxy-PPO amount from C-LIR-10 to C-LIR-20 and then softened at higher amounts. The SEM measurements were used to relate this composition-induced softening of the rubbers to the phase morphology evolution from nanoscale homogeneity in C-LIR-10 to microscale segregations of excess crosslinkers in C-LIR-50. The use of epoxy-PPO improved the dielectric constant value of LIR; however, the leakage current through the films also increased from 25 µA DC to 320 µA DC for LIR-30 and LIR-50, respectively, during DEA operation. The electro-mechanical actuation tests with circular actuators showed that the C-LIR-10 elastomer film demonstrated a radial strain of 1.7% on activation at an electric field strength of 17.5 V/µm. At higher crosslinker amounts, the close proximity of excess epoxy-PPO molecules caused leakage current across elastomer films thus diminishing the actuation strain of otherwise relatively softer elastomers with higher dielectric constant values.
A Hybrid Simulated Annealing–Particle Swarm Optimization Framework for the Enhanced Operational Efficiency of the W23 Underground Gas Storage Facility
Authors: Bai Xuefeng , Gu Tong , Yu Bo , Liu Yun , Yang Jiakun , Huang Famu , Zhang Siyuan , Deng Wen , Zhong Zhi
Published: February 2025

Seasonal and industrial fluctuations in natural gas demands require optimized gas storage operations, especially in depleted reservoirs, to ensure a stable supply. This study proposes a novel optimization model for injection–production processes using the simulated annealing–particle swarm optimization (SA-PSO) algorithm. The model focuses on minimizing pressure variances across different reservoir blocks during injection–production cycles. The approach is applied to the W23 underground gas storage facility, where a high-precision 3D geological model and numerical simulations were developed. The SA-PSO algorithm effectively reduced pressure differentials during the sixth injection–production cycle, improving reservoir efficiency. During the gas injection period, the optimized pressure difference between blocks was reduced to one-eighth of that in the initial plan. The average formation pressures in Phase I and Phase II decreased by 0.35 MPa and 0.76 MPa, respectively. During the gas production period, the optimized pressure difference between blocks was reduced to one-tenth of that in the initial plan. The average formation pressures in Phase I and Phase II increased by 0.4 MPa and 1.21 MPa, respectively. The optimized injection–production strategy enhances working gas capacity, maintains balanced formation pressures, and mitigates risks such as high pressure and salt precipitation. The findings demonstrate the potential of SA-PSO optimization to improve the operational efficiency and safety of gas storage reservoirs.
Mechanical Characteristic Analysis of Interphase Spacers in Double-Circuit Lines Under Ice-Shedding Jump Conditions
Authors: Wang Feng , Ye Jiaxuan , Zhang Tong , Liu Zhangjun
Published: February 2025

To investigate the force characteristics of phase spacers during ice-shedding galloping of transmission lines, a comprehensive finite element model for double-circuit lines on the same tower was developed. The analysis focused on the spacers’ suppression effect on galloping and the variation in their axial force. A solid finite element model of phase spacers was constructed, incorporating suspension fittings, ball eye links, and composite insulators. By using the axial force time history under galloping as excitation, the deformation and stress distribution of phase spacers, as well as stress changes in their connection fittings, were studied. The results revealed that phase spacers significantly suppress galloping, with a more pronounced effect on middle-phase conductors. Axial force fluctuates sharply due to galloping, but stabilizes over time, approaching a limit value. The ice-shedding galloping phenomenon impacts stress distribution, with the ball eye link being more susceptible to fracture. Although the ball-and-socket connection at the composite insulator stem may experience high bending stress, the overall stress distribution meets safety requirements, ensuring safe and stable transmission line operation.
Harm Perception and Result Awareness Study for Tertiary Prevention in Patients with Comorbidity of Substance Use Disorder and Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Tarhan Nevzat , Demirsoy Çiğdem , Tutgun-Ünal Aylin
Published: February 2025

The long-term protective effect of self-awareness in substance use disorders, described as a type of brain disease, is currently being discussed and is called tertiary prevention. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the contribution of a positive psychotherapy program implemented in tertiary prevention by repeatedly measuring patients’ levels of harm perception and result awareness. A one-group pre-test–post-test experimental model was used according to the quantitative method. The sample of the study consisted of 44 patients who applied to AMATEM and were diagnosed with substance use disorder and/or alcohol use disorder and comorbid bipolar disorder. Two groups were formed by taking into account comorbidities: The first group consisted of 30 individuals with substance use disorder and/or alcohol use disorder. The second group consisted of 14 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder together with substance use disorder. The data were collected with the Uskudar Harm Perception Scale (USHPS) and the Uskudar Result Awareness Scale (USRAS), developed by Tarhan, Demirsoy, and Tutgun-Ünal. As a result of the study, the pre-test and post-test scores of the patients differed, and their awareness levels increased after the psychotherapy program. According to the pre-test and post-test Cohen’s d calculations, the effect size of the difference between the two groups was high (d > 0.8). It was understood that the program and measurement tools contributed to the tertiary prevention studies.
The Church Land Programme and Black Theology of Liberation: Solidarity and Suggestions for an Innovative Methodology
Authors: Mlambo Ntandoyenkosi
Published: February 2025

Black Theology of Liberation, particularly in South Africa, has always been for Black people in the world and produced theological reflections through the lens of Black people. In the evolving scholarship on BTL, there has been challenges in its middle class positionality toward the Black poor and oppressed. The Church Land Programme in Pietermaritzburg was presented with a similar challenge on its positionality in its work on land reform. The CLP’s shift from an organisation working on behalf of the Black poor to working with them may provide suggestions for BTL’s methodology and positionality. This article analyses the Church Land Programme’s community-led publications and how these provide innovative methodological choices for Black Theology of Liberation scholars. Firstly, it explores the Church Land Programme’s history, strategic shifts, and publication partnerships within communities. Secondly, is analyses the publications’ use of stories from within communities. Finally, it discusses new methodological choices in Black Theology of Liberation through lessons from the Church Land Programme’s shift and resultant publications. The results reveal that narratives from below can be promoted in Black Theology of Liberation’s methodology.
Systemic Signs of an Unexpected Guest in a Case of Apparent Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Leading to an Endoscopic Extraction of a Foreign Body: A Case Report
Authors: Crăciun Rareș , Tefas Cristian
Published: February 2025

Background and Clinical Significance: Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common emergency, typically requiring prompt intervention. This case report presents a unique situation where apparent GI bleeding was ultimately identified as anaphylaxis triggered by accidental wasp ingestion. Such cases are rare, underscoring the need for a broad differential diagnosis in atypical presentations. Case Presentation: A 53-year-old male with a history of heavy alcohol use presented with presumed acute hematemesis, hypotension, and tachycardia. An initial examination revealed mild anemia and elevated liver enzymes. An urgent upper GI endoscopy showed severe esophagitis with no signs of active or stigmata of recent bleeding; instead, two dead wasps were found in the gastric antrum. Further inquiry revealed that the patient had recently consumed a home-brewed alcoholic beverage, likely contaminated with the wasps. The patient’s symptoms were then attributed to anaphylaxis from venom exposure rather than hemorrhagic shock. The patient’s condition improved with antihistaminic therapy, and he was discharged with follow-up recommendations. Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of considering rare but critical diagnoses, such as insect-induced anaphylaxis, in patients presenting with presumed GI bleeding. It reinforces the value of thorough history taking, prompt endoscopy, and systematic management in assessing and treating atypical emergency presentations.
Global Overview of the Lithium Market and Opportunities for Chile
Authors: Mura Mauricio , Castillo Ignacio , Torres David , Galleguillos Madrid Felipe M. , Gálvez Edelmira , Gallegos Sandra , Castillo Jonathan , Varas Marinka , Jamett Ingrid , Toro Norman
Published: February 2025

Lithium is a metal with a highly promising outlook for future global demand. Its industrial processing relies on two primary methods: production from brines through solar evaporation ponds and production from rock sources via flotation, roasting, and subsequent leaching. Chile is currently the world’s second-largest producer of lithium, surpassed only by Australia. However, Chile’s lithium production process is significantly advantaged by the exceptionally high lithium concentration in the Salar de Atacama—the highest in the world—and the region’s high solar radiation, which enables the most cost-effective solar evaporation process globally. Despite these comparative advantages, Chile’s lithium production has stagnated in recent years. This stagnation can be attributed to the need for more flexible legislation surrounding the lithium industry or an increase in the number of CEOLs (Lithium Exploitation Contracts) to regain its position as the leading global producer of lithium. Furthermore, increased investment in national universities and research centers is essential to foster the development and implementation of new, clean technologies for future projects. By addressing these challenges, Chile has the potential to solidify its role as a key player in the global lithium market while promoting sustainable industrial practices.
MangiSpectra: A Multivariate Phenological Analysis Framework Leveraging UAV Imagery and LSTM for Tree Health and Yield Estimation in Mango Orchards
Authors: Afsar Muhammad Munir , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Bakhshi Asim Dilawar , Hussain Ejaz , Iqbal Javed
Published: February 2025

Mango (Mangifera Indica L.), a key horticultural crop, particularly in Pakistan, has been primarily studied locally using low- to medium-resolution satellite imagery, usually focusing on a particular phenological stage. The large canopy size, complex tree structure, and unique phenology of mango trees further accentuate intrinsic challenges posed by low-spatiotemporal-resolution data. The absence of mango-specific vegetation indices compounds the problem of accurate health classification and yield estimation at the tree level. To overcome these issues, this study utilizes high-resolution multi-spectral UAV imagery collected from two mango orchards in Multan, Pakistan, throughout the annual phenological cycle. It introduces MangiSpectra, an integrated two-staged framework based on Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks. In the first stage, nine conventional and three mango-specific vegetation indices derived from UAV imagery were processed through fine-tuned LSTM networks to classify the health of individual mango trees. In the second stage, associated data such as the trees’ age, variety, canopy volume, height, and weather data were combined with predicted health classes for yield estimation through a decision tree algorithm. Three mango-specific indices, namely the Mango Tree Yellowness Index (MTYI), Weighted Yellowness Index (WYI), and Normalized Automatic Flowering Detection Index (NAFDI), were developed to measure the degree of canopy covered by flowers to enhance the robustness of the framework. In addition, a Cumulative Health Index (CHI) derived from imagery analysis after every flight is also proposed for proactive orchard management. MangiSpectra outperformed the comparative benchmarks of AdaBoost and Random Forest in health classification by achieving 93% accuracy and AUC scores of 0.85, 0.96, and 0.92 for the healthy, moderate and weak classes, respectively. Yield estimation accuracy was reasonable with R2=0.21, and RMSE=50.18. Results underscore MangiSpectra’s potential as a scalable precision agriculture tool for sustainable mango orchard management, which can be improved further by fine-tuning algorithms using ground-based spectrometry, IoT-based orchard monitoring systems, computer vision-based counting of fruit on control trees, and smartphone-based data collection and insight dissemination applications.