bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Planting Systems on the Physicochemical Properties and Bioactivities of Strawberry Polysaccharides
Authors: Zhang Qiuqiu , Huang Renshuai , Chen Guangjing , Guo Fen , Hu Yan
Published: January 2025

Suitable planting systems are critical for the physicochemical and bioactivities of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) polysaccharides (SPs). In this study, SPs were prepared through hot water extraction, and the differences in physicochemical characteristics and bioactivities between SPs derived from elevated matrix soilless planting strawberries (EP-SP) and those from and conventional soil planting strawberries (GP-SP) were investigated. A higher extraction yield was observed for EP-SP (5.88%) than for GP-SP (4.67%), and slightly higher values were measured for the average molecular weight (632.10 kDa vs. 611.88 kDa) and total sugar content (39.38% vs. 34.92%) in EP-SP. In contrast, a higher protein content (2.12% vs. 1.65%) and a more ordered molecular arrangement were exhibited by GP-SP. Monosaccharide composition analysis revealed that EP-SP contained higher levels of rhamnose (12.33%) and glucose (49.29%), whereas GP-SP was richer in galactose (11.06%) and galacturonic acid (19.12%). Thermal analysis indicated only minor differences in decomposition temperatures (approximately 225–226 °C) and thermal stability between the samples. However, GP-SP showed a higher enthalpy change (ΔHg = 18.74 J/g) compared to EP-SP (13.93 J/g). Biological activity assays revealed that GP-SP generally exerted stronger non-enzymatic glycation inhibition at both early and final stages (IC50: 7.47 mg/mL vs. 7.82 mg/mL and 11.18 mg/mL vs. 11.87 mg/mL, respectively), whereas EP-SP was more effective against intermediate α-dicarbonyl compounds (maximum inhibition of 75.32%). Additionally, GP-SP exerted superior α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 = 2.4583 mg/mL), in line with kinetic and fluorescence quenching analyses showing a higher enzyme–substrate complex binding affinity (Kis = 1.6682 mg/mL; Ka = 5.1352 × 105 M−1). Rheological measurements demonstrated that EP-SP solutions exhibited a pronounced increase in apparent viscosity at higher concentrations (reaching 3477.30 mPa·s at 0.1 s−1 and 70 mg/mL) and a stronger shear-thinning behavior, while GP-SP showed a comparatively lower viscosity and lower network order. These findings suggest that different planting systems significantly affect both the molecular structures and functionalities of SPs, with GP-SP demonstrating enhanced hypoglycemic and anti-glycation properties. It is therefore recommended that suitable planting systems be selected to optimize the functionality of plant-derived polysaccharides for potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Altitude-Driven Variations in Nutritional, Bioactive, and Mineral Profiles of Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
Authors: Liu Yanyan , Chen Lu , Shen Guohui , Gu Yanting , Guo Yanzhi , Han Juan
Published: January 2025

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), a plant widely distributed in temperate and subtropical regions, is valued for its bioactive compounds and diverse health benefits. Known for its remarkable adaptability to various environmental conditions, hawthorn thrives across different altitudes, but these environmental factors, particularly altitude, significantly influence the accumulation of its bioactive substances. This study investigates the effects of altitude on hawthorn’s nutritional, bioactive, and mineral profiles to provide insights into its cultivation and utilization. Through comprehensive analysis of 20 nutritional indicators from high- and low-altitude samples, including essential nutrients, bioactive compounds, and trace elements, multivariate analyses such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) revealed clear altitude-driven clustering. While primary nutritional components like dietary fiber, protein, and soluble solids exhibited stability across different altitudes, low-altitude samples showed higher levels of hypericin, quercetin, and rutin, likely due to favorable light and temperature conditions. Conversely, high-altitude samples were enriched in calcium, reflecting adaptations to cold stress and structural needs, while phosphorus content was reduced under cooler conditions. Potassium, iron, zinc, selenium, and strontium levels remained stable, indicating robust metabolic regulation. These findings confirm the significant role of altitude in shaping hawthorn’s bioactive and mineral profiles, providing essential guidance for altitude-specific cultivation practices and tailored processing strategies. By leveraging these insights, the functional and nutritional properties of hawthorn can be optimized, supporting its sustainable application in the food and health industries.
Formal Relationship Between the Firearm “Memory Effect” and the Decay Time of the GSR Particles Present on the Shooter’s Hands
Authors: Nunziata Carmelo , Rotter Gabriele , Nunziata Felice
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), combined with an Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS), has been, for over fifty years of practical experience and research in the field, the analytical system of choice for the investigation and analysis of Gun Shot Residues (GSRs). However, the interpretation of analytical results has profoundly changed in recent decades. Specifically, the criteria for evaluating particles presumptive of contamination of a possible discharge have evolved, assessments regarding possible primary/secondary transfer phenomena have been refined, and the retention times of particulate matter on various types of surfaces involved during the discharge have been revalued. The purpose of this study is to provide a formal representation that links together the firearm memory effect, namely the formation of composite characteristic GSRs resulting from the use of the same Firearm but with ammunition having different metallic alloy constituents and different primer mixtures, and the decay time. Methods: The deduced mathematical model is based on experimental results reported in the scientific literature listed below, and it has been elaborated with a series of non-contradictory assumptions, each of which plays a specific role in the mathematical formalism used. Results and Conclusions: This model, although not yet validated through rigorous experimentation, represents a valuable tool in investigations related to the firearm memory effect when forensic specialists have collected GSR samples from the hands of the alleged shooter within four hours of the shooting.
Rudolf Fuchs: An Underestimated Cultural Intermediary and Social Critic in Times of Conflict
Authors: Kountouroyanis Konstantin
Published: January 2025

Rudolf Fuchs (1890–1942) was an influential figure in Prague’s early 20th-century literary scene as well as an intermediary between German and Czech literature at a time of intense social and political transformation. This study places Fuchs’ work within the broader context of his period, underscoring his significant, yet often overlooked, contributions to cultural mediation. The methods employed in this study include a detailed examination of Fuchs’ literary output and translations, alongside an analysis of his correspondence with contemporaries, to trace the evolution of his thinking from an initial alignment with Expressionism to a strong commitment to socialism. The results highlight Fuchs’ role in enhancing intercultural understanding, revealing how his translations and personal ideologies shaped the literary landscape of German–Czech relations. The study asserts the enduring relevance of Fuchs’ endeavors, particularly in the modern European sociopolitical climate. It also yields insights into the management of cultural diversity and ideological conflicts, as well as the upholding of social values amidst political volatility.
Prevalence of Being Obese, Overweight, and Underweight Among Jordanian Children and Adolescents Based on International Growth Standards
Authors: Al-Qerem Walid , Zumot Ruba , Jarab Anan , Eberhardt Judith , Alasmari Fawaz , Hammad Alaa
Published: January 2025

Objectives: The rise of obesity and other nutrition-related conditions among children and adolescents is a global challenge, particularly in the Middle East. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of being underweight, overweight, and obese among Jordanian children and adolescents using the body mass index (BMI) percentiles of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) standards. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional/longitudinal study analyzed 58,474 (42.6% males; 57.4% females) height, weight, and BMI-for-age records from 31508 healthy Jordanian children and adolescents aged 2–19 years. The data were retrieved from the Ministry of Health’s nationwide electronic database (2017–2023) and assessed using the CDC and WHO growth standards. Logistic regression was performed to assess the variables associated with overweight/obese status. Results: The prevalence of being underweight, overweight, and obese varied by the reference used, as more cases of being obese and underweight were reported when applying the CDC standards. The regression models showed the males had significantly lower odds of being overweight and obese than the females. Increased age was associated with higher odds of being overweight and obese, with annual increases observed across all age groups. Conclusions: Using the WHO and CDC standards, the prevalence of being underweight was higher in the males aged 6 years and older, while being overweight and obese was more prevalent in the females. The observed annual increase in the prevalence of being overweight and obese underscores the need for targeted strategies. Growth references tailored to regional profiles may improve national nutrition policies for Jordanian children and adolescents.
Daewoo, Thomson, and Privatization in Late-Twentieth-Century France
Authors: Harsin Jill
Published: January 2025

The region of Lorraine in France witnessed the collapse of the steel industries in the late twentieth century, causing massive job losses and social devastation. Daewoo Electronics, a division of one of the great Korean conglomerates of the 1980s and 1990s, came to Lorraine in eastern France in 1987. It was lured there by generous French government subsidies and the chance to enter the European market. It opened three factories in consumer electronics and components, and also nearly acquired Thomson Multimédia, a state-owned consumer electronics factory, from the French government “for a single symbolic franc”. The resulting uproar, from political opponents and Thomson and Daewoo employees, ended the deal and soured its relationship with France. Daewoo employed just over a thousand people before it closed in 2003, a result of the collapse of the entire Daewoo Group. This article places this sequence of events, widely covered in the media, in the context of French anxiety about globalization, the loss of industrial substance, and France’s place in a changing world. It examines the process of privatization, and the ways in which it went so badly wrong in the Thomson case. This episode occurred at a critical juncture in the transformation of industrial capitalism into a service and digital economy.
Synergy of Remote Sensing and Geospatial Technologies to Advance Sustainable Development Goals for Future Coastal Urbanization and Environmental Challenges in a Riverine Megacity
Authors: Mumtaz Minza , Jahanzaib Syed Humayoun , Hussain Waqar , Khan Sadia , Youssef Youssef M. , Qaysi Saleh , Abdelnabi Abdalla , Alarifi Nassir , Abd-Elmaboud Mahmoud E.
Published: January 2025

Riverine coastal megacities, particularly in semi-arid South Asian regions, face escalating environmental challenges due to rapid urbanization and climate change. While previous studies have examined urban growth patterns or environmental impacts independently, there remains a critical gap in understanding the integrated impacts of land use/land cover (LULC) changes on both ecosystem vulnerability and sustainable development achievements. This study addresses this gap through an innovative integration of multitemporal Landsat imagery (5, 7, and 8), SRTM-DEM, historical land use maps, and population data using the MOLUSCE plugin with cellular automata–artificial neural networks (CA-ANN) modelling to monitor LULC changes over three decades (1990–2020) and project future changes for 2025, 2030, and 2035, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Karachi, southern Pakistan, one of the world’s most populous megacities. The framework integrates LULC analysis with SDG metrics, achieving an overall accuracy greater than 97%, with user and producer accuracies above 77% and a Kappa coefficient approaching 1, demonstrating a high level of agreement. Results revealed significant urban expansion from 13.4% to 23.7% of the total area between 1990 and 2020, with concurrent reductions in vegetation cover, water bodies, and wetlands. Erosion along the riverbank has caused the Malir River’s area to decrease from 17.19 to 5.07 km2 by 2020, highlighting a key factor contributing to urban flooding during the monsoon season. Flood risk projections indicate that urbanized areas will be most affected, with 66.65% potentially inundated by 2035. This study’s innovative contribution lies in quantifying SDG achievements, showing varied progress: 26% for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 18% for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 13% for SDG 13 (Climate Action), and 16% for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). However, declining vegetation cover and water bodies pose challenges for SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), with 16% and 11%, respectively. This integrated approach provides valuable insights for urban planners, offering a novel framework for adaptive urban planning strategies and advancing sustainable practices in similar stressed megacity regions.
Deciphering the Proteome and Phosphoproteome of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Pegs Penetrating into the Soil
Authors: Yang Sha , He Mei , Tang Zhaohui , Liu Keke , Wang Jianguo , Cui Li , Guo Feng , Liu Ping , Zhang Jialei , Wan Shubo
Published: January 2025

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the most important crops for oil and protein production. The unique characteristic of peanut is geocarpy, which means that it blooms aerially and the peanut gynophores (pegs) penetrate into the soil, driving the fruit underground. In order to fully understand this phenomenon, we investigated the dynamic proteomic and phosphoproteomic profiling of the pegs aerially and underground in this study. A total of 6859 proteins and 4142 unique phosphoproteins with 10,070 phosphosites were identified. The data were validated and quantified using samples randomly selected from arial pegs (APs) and underground pegs (UPs) by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). Function analyses of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) and differentially regulated phosphoproteins (DRPPs) exhibited that they were mainly related to stress response, photosynthesis, and substance metabolism. Once the pegs successfully entered the soil, disease-resistant and stress response proteins, such as glutathione S-transferase, peroxidase, and cytochrome P450, significantly increased in the UP samples in order to adapt to the new soil environment. The increased abundance of photosynthesis-associated proteins in the UP samples provided more abundant photosynthetic products, which provided the preparation for subsequent pod development. Phosphoproteomics reveals the regulatory network of the synthesis of nutrients such as starch, protein, and fatty acid (FA). These results provide new insights into the mechanism, indicating that after the pegs are inserted into the soil, phosphorylation is involved in the rapid elongation of the pegs, accompanied by supplying energy for pod development and preparing for the synthesis of metabolites during pod development following mechanical stimulation and darkness.
Limosilactobacillus reuteri AJCR4: A Potential Probiotic in the Fight Against Oral Candida spp. Biofilms
Authors: Rajão António , Silva João P. N. , Almeida-Nunes Diana L. , Rompante Paulo , Rodrigues Célia Fortuna , Andrade José Carlos
Published: January 2025

Oral candidiasis is one of the most common infections in the immunocompromised. Biofilms of Candida species can make treatments difficult, leading to oral infection recurrence. This research aimed to isolate a Lactobacillus with anti-Candida effects from the oral cavity. An oral Lactobacillus was isolated in caries-free individuals. The best isolate was evaluated against Candida spp. planktonic and biofilm forms. The bacterial impacts on Candida biofilms’ adhesion to acrylic discs were analyzed through an in vitro test. L. reuteri AJCR4 had the best anti-Candida activity in the preliminary screening. Results were promising in both planktonic and biofilms, particularly with C. albicans SC5314 and C. tropicalis ATCC750, where no viable cells were detected when using the cell-free supernatant (undiluted). In C. glabrata ATCC2001 and C. parapsilosis ATCC22019 biofilms, reductions of 3 Log10 and more than 2 Log10, respectively, were noted when using a cell suspension of L. reuteri ACJR4 (108 CFU/mL). On polymethyl methacrylate acrylic discs, the cell-free supernatant reduced Candida adhesion, resulting in no viable cell detection on the surface. In conclusion, L. reuteri AJCR4 demonstrated notable antifungal activity against Candida biofilms. This oral isolate and its postbiotic can be a potential alternative strategy to oral candidiasis, especially to treat recalcitrant infections.
Special Issue: Molecular Research on Depression
Authors: Sowa-Kućma Magdalena , Stachowicz Katarzyna
Published: January 2025

Depressive disorders (DDs) are responsible for a significant burden of disease in the human population [...]
Metagenomic Sequencing for Diagnosing Listeria-Induced Rhombencephalitis in Patient and Contaminated Cheese Samples: A Case Report
Authors: Resman Rus Katarina , Bosilj Martin , Triglav Tina , Jereb Matjaž , Zalaznik Mateja , Klešnik Maša , Češljarac Danilo , Matičič Mojca , Avšič-Županc Tatjana , Rus Tomaž , Korva Misa
Published: January 2025

Among the various causes of rhomboencephalitis, Listeria monocytogenes infection is the most common. However, conventional microbiological methods often yield negative results, making diagnosis challenging and leading to extensive, often inconclusive, diagnostics. Advanced molecular techniques like metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) offer a powerful and efficient approach to pathogen identification. We present a case of life-threatening rhomboencephalitis in a 32-year-old immunocompetent patient where extensive microbiological, immunological, and biochemical tests were inconclusive. Given the patient’s consumption of unpasteurized homemade cheese, neurolisteriosis was suspected, and mNGS was employed on clinical samples (CSF, serum, urine) and the food source to identify the pathogen. mNGS detected L. monocytogenes in both patient samples and the cheese. Mapping reads were distributed across the genome, with 18.9% coverage in clinical samples and 11.8% in the cheese sample. Additionally, the Listeriolysin (hlyA) gene was detected with 22.3% coverage in clinical samples and 12.3% in the food source, confirming neurolisteriosis. The patient fully recovered following antibiotic treatment. This case underscores the importance of mNGS in diagnosing CNS infections when conventional methods yield negative results, and supports its inclusion in diagnostic protocols for suspected neurolisteriosis, particularly when traditional methods prove inadequate.
Integrated Metabolome, Transcriptome, and Physiological Analysis of the Flavonoid and Phenylethanol Glycosides Accumulation in Wild Phlomoides rotata Roots from Different Habitats
Authors: Li Zuxia , Geng Guigong , Yin Chongxin , Zhou Lianyu , Wu Xiaozhuo , Ma Jianxia , Su Rui , Wang Zirui , Qiao Feng , Xie Huichun
Published: January 2025

Phlomoides rotata, a traditional medicinal plant, is commonly found on the Tibetan Plateau at altitudes of 3100–5200 m. Its primary active medicinal compounds, flavonoids and phenylethanol glycosides (PhGs), exhibit various pharmacological effects, including hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant activities. This study analyzed flavonoid and PhG metabolites in the roots of P. rotata collected from Henan County (HN), Guoluo County (GL), Yushu County (YS), and Chengduo County (CD) in Qinghai Province. A total of differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs) including 38 flavonoids and 21 PhGs were identified. Six genes (UFGT1, CHS1, COMT2, C4H3, C4H8, and C4H5) and four enzymes (4CL, C4H, PPO, and ALDH) were found to play key roles in regulating flavonoid and PhG biosynthesis in P. rotata roots. With increasing altitude, the relative content of 15 metabolites, the expression of seven genes, and the activity of four enzymes associated with flavonoid and PhG metabolism increased. These findings enhance our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of flavonoid and PhG metabolism in P. rotata and provide insights into the potential pharmaceutical applications of its bioactive compounds.
CO2@C84: DFT Calculations of Structure and Energetics
Authors: Slanina Zdeněk , Uhlík Filip , Akasaka Takeshi , Lu Xing , Adamowicz Ludwik
Published: January 2025

Encapsulations of carbon dioxide into D2(22)-C84 and D2d(23)-C84 fullerenes are evaluated. The encapsulation energy is computed with the DFT M06-2X/6-31+G* approach corrected for the basis set superposition error evaluated by the counterpoise method. The resulting encapsulation energy for CO2@D2(22)-C84 and CO2@D2d(23)-C84 amounts to substantial values of −14.5 and −13.9 kcal/mol, respectively. The energy gain is slightly larger than for CO@C60, already synthesized with a high-temperature and high-pressure treatment—so that a similar preparation of CO2@C84 could be possible. The calculated rotational constants and IR vibrational spectra are presented for possible use in detection. The stability of (CO2)2@C84 is also briefly discussed.
Massive Central Pulmonary Embolism with Riding Embolus and Concomitant Aortic Arch Embolism—Should We Diagnose Patients Earlier for Blood Clotting Disorders? Case Report
Authors: Lis Anna , Kowalski Paweł , Wita Marcin , Zawadzki Tomasz , Ilczak Tomasz , Żurawiński Wojciech , Majewski Mateusz
Published: January 2025

Paradoxical embolism occurs when a clot originates in the venous system and traverses through a pulmonary or intracardiac shunt into the systemic circulation, with a mortality rate of around 18%. The risk factors for arterial embolism and venous thrombosis are similar, but different disease entities can lead to a hypercoagulable state of the blood, including antithrombin III (AT III) deficiency. We report the case of a 43-year-old man with a massive central pulmonary embolism with a rider embolus and concomitant aortic arch embolism with involvement of the brachiocephalic trunk, bilateral subclavian and axillary arteries, and the right vertebral artery, followed by a secondary ischaemic stroke. The Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) consulted the patient on several occasions; he was treated initially with an intravenous infusion of unfractionated heparin under activation partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and AT III substitution. After several days of hospitalisation and the conversion of pharmacotherapy to oral anticoagulants, the patient was discharged home in a stable condition with recommendations for further follow-up in appropriate clinics. This case highlights the role of in-depth diagnostics for coagulation disorders in patients after pulmonary embolism, especially without known risk factors.
Preventive Effects of Botulinum Neurotoxin Long-Term Therapy: Comparison of the ‘Experienced’ Benefits and ‘Suspected’ Worsening Across Disease Entities
Authors: Hefter Harald , Samadzadeh Sara
Published: January 2025

Background: Repetitive intramuscular injections of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) have become the treatment of choice for a variety of disease entities. But with the onset of BoNT therapy, the natural course of a disease is obscured. Nevertheless, the present study tries to analyze patients’ “suspected” course of disease severity under the assumption that no BoNT therapy had been performed and compares that with the “experienced” improvement during BoNT treatment. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, all 112 BoNT long-term treated patients in a botulinum toxin out-patient department were recruited who did not interrupt their BoNT/A therapy for more than two injection cycles during the last ten years. Patients had to assess the remaining severity of their disease as a percentage of the severity at onset of BoNT therapy and to draw three different graphs: (i) the CoDB-graph showing the course of severity of patient’s disease from onset of symptoms to onset of BoNT/A therapy, (ii) the CoDA-graph illustrating the course of severity from onset of BoNT/A therapy until recruitment, and (iii) the CoDS-graph visualizing the suspected development of disease severity from onset of BoNT/A therapy until recruitment under the assumption that no BoNT/A therapy had been performed. Three different types of graphs were distinguished: the R-type indicated a rapid manifestation or improvement, the C-type a continuous worsening or improvement, and the D-type a delayed manifestation or response to BoNT therapy. Four patient subgroups (cervical dystonia, other cranial dystonia, hemifacial spasm, and the migraine subgroup) comprised 91 patients who produced a complete set of graphs which were further analyzed. The “experienced” improvement and “suspected” worsening of disease severity since the onset of BoNT/A therapy were compared and correlated with demographical and treatment related data. Results: Improvement was significant (p < 0.05) and varied between 45 and 70% in all four patient subgroups, the “suspected” worsening was also significantly (p < 0.05) larger than 0, except in the migraine patients and varied between 10 and 70%. The “total benefit” (sum of improvement and prevented “suspected” worsening) was the highest in the other cranial dystonia group and the lowest in the migraine subgroup. The distributions of R-,C-,D-type graphs across CoDB-, CoDS-, and CoDB-graphs and across the four patient subgroups were significantly different. Conclusions: (i) Most BoNT long-term treated patients have the opinion that their disease would have further progressed and worsened if no BoNT/A therapy had been performed, (ii) The type of response to BoNT/A is different across different subgroups of BoNT/A long-term treated patients.
Therapeutic Inertia in Dyslipidemia Management for Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention: Results from the Italian ITACARE-P Network
Authors: Faggiano Andrea , Gualeni Anna , Barbieri Lucia , Mureddu Gian Francesco , Venturini Elio , Giallauria Francesco , Ambrosetti Marco , Ruzzolini Matteo , Maranta Francesco , Silverii Maria Vittoria , Garau Laura , Garamella Davide , Napoli Raffaele , Maresca Luigi , Panetta Gaetano Luca , Maggi Antonio , Carugo Stefano , Fattirolli Francesco , Faggiano Pompilio
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: This study assessed the proportion of secondary cardiovascular prevention patients who achieved low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol targets as per the 2019 ESC/EAS Dyslipidemia Guidelines. We also evaluated whether lipid-lowering therapies (LLTs) were adjusted in patients not meeting targets and analyzed the likelihood of these modifications achieving recommended levels. Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional observational study retrospectively reviewed medical records of 1909 outpatients in 9 Italian cardiac rehabilitation/secondary prevention clinics from January 2023 to June 2024. Inclusion criteria included prior atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and recent LDL-cholesterol levels. Data included demographics, ASCVD presentation, lipid profiles, and LLTs. Patients at very high risk had LDL targets of ≤55 mg/dL, or ≤40 mg/dL for recurrent events within 2 years. Clinicians’ approaches to LLT modification in patients not at target were recorded, with LLT efficacy estimated based on percentage distance from LDL-cholesterol targets. Results: Of the 1909 patients, 41.3% met the LDL-cholesterol target. Predictors of achieving targets included male gender, cardiac rehabilitation, recent acute coronary syndrome, diabetes, and triple therapy (statin + ezetimibe + PCSK9 inhibitors). Conversely, a target of ≤40 mg/dL, lack of therapy, and monotherapy were negative predictors. Among 1074 patients not at target, LLT modifications were proposed for 48.6%. Predictors of LLT modification included recent ASCVD events, cardiac rehabilitation, and greater percentage distance from the LDL target, while advanced age and an LDL target of ≤40 mg/dL were negative predictors. However, only 42.3% of modified therapies were predicted to be effective in reaching LDL targets. Conclusions: Despite 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines, a significant proportion of high-risk patients did not achieve LDL targets, and proposed LLT modifications were often insufficient. More intensive LLT regimens are needed to improve outcomes in this population.
Endoscopic-Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Pancreatic Tumors
Authors: Coluccio Chiara , Cappetta Stefania , Romagnoli Giovanna , Di Giorgio Valentina , Giuffrida Paolo , Fabbri Stefano , Fabbri Carlo , Binda Cecilia
Published: January 2025

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a promising minimally invasive technique for the treatment of pancreatic lesions. This review first focuses on the technical aspects in EUS-RFA: the procedure typically employs EUS probes with integrated radiofrequency electrodes, enabling accurate targeting and ablation of pancreatic lesions. Different types of RFA devices, monopolar and bipolar energy delivery systems, are discussed, along with considerations for optimal ablation, including energy settings, procedure time, and pre- and post-procedural management. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review of EUS-RFA applied to both solid and cystic pancreatic lesions, including functioning and non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs), pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and pancreatic metastases (PMs), discussing current evidence on safety, efficacy, clinical outcomes, and adverse events (AEs). EUS-RFA is an emerging technique with expanding potential for the treatment of both benign and malignant conditions; however, further studies are needed to better define patient selection criteria, assess long-term benefits, and establish definitive indications for its use.
Short-Term Safety and Efficacy of PreserFlo™ Microshunt in Patients with Refractory Intraocular Pressure Elevation After Dexamethasone Implant Intravitreal Injection
Authors: Bourauel Leonie , Petrak Michael , Holz Frank G. , Mercieca Karl , Weber Constance
Published: January 2025

Background: The PreserFlo™ MicroShunt (PFMS) is a bleb-forming device considered to be less invasive than traditional glaucoma surgery such as trabeculectomy. This study evaluates the 1-year success rates as well as safety profile of PFMS in patients having high intraocular pressure (IOP) and/or glaucoma refractory to drop therapy with a history of prior intravitreal dexamethasone therapy. Methods: A total of 16 eyes after PFMS implantation due to elevated IOP after intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX-I) administration were included in this retrospective cohort study. Success rates and secondary outcomes were evaluated. Results: Qualified and complete success rates at 12 months, respectively, were 14/16 and 12/16 eyes for criterion A, 13/16 and 11/16 eyes for B, 13/16 and 11/16 eyes for C, and 6/16 and 6/16 eyes for D. The overall mean (range) preoperative IOP decreased from 27 (16–38) mmHg to 13 (10–17) mmHg at 12 months. BCVA was not significantly different up to 12 months (p = 0.63). The preoperative mean (range) number of medications decreased from 3.56 (2–4) to 0.31 (0–3) at 12 months. One eye underwent needling twice, and two eyes were revised surgically. One patient needed replacement of the PFMS. There were no hypotony-related complications. Conclusions: The PFMS is an effective surgical option for patients with steroid-induced IOP elevation. It demonstrates satisfactory short-term success rates, a reduced need for pressure-lowering eye drops, an excellent safety profile with minimal postoperative care, and a low complication rate. Additional interventions such as needling or revisions were infrequently necessary. However, PFMS may not be the ideal choice for cases requiring a low target pressure (≤12 mmHg).
Kinetic, Isothermal and Thermodynamic Study on the Removal of Hexavalent Chromium with Biocomposites (Cellulose–PLA)
Authors: Tejada-Tovar Candelaria , Villabona-Ortiz Ángel , Ortega-Toro Rodrigo
Published: January 2025

Currently, water is being polluted via various anthropogenic activities, resulting in wastewater contaminated with multiple pollutants, including heavy metals. Hexavalent chromium is a toxic heavy metal that poses significant health risks upon exposure. Biocomposites are materials that are partially composed of organic substances that enhance different properties of a composite. The aim of this study was to evaluate the kinetic, isothermal, and thermodynamic behaviour of a cellulose-based biocomposite with polylactic acid (PLA) for the removal of Cr (VI) from synthetic water. The results indicated that the Freundlich and Elovich models provided the best fit for the isothermal and kinetic data, with R2 values of 0.671 and 0.973, respectively, suggesting that the adsorption process was chemical in nature and occurred on a heterogeneous, multilayer surface. Additionally, the thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption process was exothermic, irreversible, and non-spontaneous. This study presents an innovative approach to the removal of metal ions using a cellulose–PLA biocomposite for wastewater treatment, offering kinetic, isothermal, and thermodynamic data applicable to the adsorption of other heavy metals.
Synthetic Vesicle-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Oral Disease Therapy: Current Applications and Future Directions
Authors: Huang Pengjie , Li Weichang , Guan Jiezhong , Jia Yibing , Wang Dan , Chen Yurun , Xiao Niu , Ou Songyue , Wang Yan , Yang Bo
Published: January 2025

Oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontitis, and oral cancer are prevalent and present significant challenges to global public health. Although these diseases are typically treated through procedures like dental preparation and resin filling, scaling and root planning, or surgical excision, these interventions are often not entirely effective, and postoperative drug therapy is usually required. Traditional drug treatments, however, are limited by factors such as poor drug penetration, significant side effects, and the development of drug resistance. As a result, there is a growing need for novel drug delivery systems that can enhance therapeutic efficacy, reduce side effects, and improve treatment outcomes. In recent years, drug-loaded vesicles, such as liposomes, polymersomes, and extracellular vesicles (EVs), have emerged as promising drug delivery platforms due to their high drug encapsulation efficiency, controlled release properties, and excellent biocompatibility. This review provides an in-depth examination of the characteristics, advantages, and limitations of liposomes, polymersomes, and extracellular vesicles in the context of oral disease treatment. It further explores the reasons for their advantages and limitations and discusses the specific applications, development prospects, and strategies for optimizing these vesicle-based systems for improved clinical outcomes.
Enhancing Physical Spatial Resolution of Synthetic Aperture Sonar Images Based on Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Xu Pan , Gao Dongbao , Yu Shui , Li Guangming , Zhao Yun , Xu Guojun
Published: January 2025

The sonar image has limitations on the physical spatial resolution due to system configuration and underwater environment, which often leads to challenges for underwater targets detection. Here, the deep learning method is applied to enhance the physical spatial resolution of underwater sonar images. Specifically, the U-shaped end-to-end neural network which contains down-sampling and up-sampling parts is proposed to improve the physical spatial resolution limited by the array aperture. The single target and multiple cases are considered separately. In both cases, the normalized loss on the testing sets declines rapidly, and the predicted high-resolution images own great agreement with the ground truth eventually. Further improvements in resolution are focused on, that is, compressing the predicted high-resolution image to its physical spatial resolution limitation. The results show that the trained end-to-end neural network could map high resolution targets to the impulse responses at the same location and amplitude with an uncertain target number. The proposed convolutional neural network approach could give a practical alternative to improve the physical spatial resolution of underwater sonar images.
Underwater Target Detection with High Accuracy and Speed Based on YOLOv10
Authors: Hu Zhengliang , Cheng Le , Yu Shui , Xu Pan , Zhang Peng , Tian Rui , Han Jingqi
Published: January 2025

Underwater target detection exhibits extensive applications in marine target exploration and marine environmental monitoring. However, conventional images of underwater targets present challenges including blurred contour information, complex environmental conditions, and pronounced scattering effects. In this work, an underwater target detection method based on YOLOv10 is designed, and the detection performance is compared with the YOLOv5 model. Experimental results demonstrate that the YOLOv10 model has a mAP50 of 85.6% on the URPC 2020 dataset, improving the mAP50 by 1.2% than that of YOLOv5. This model exhibits high detection accuracy and high proceeding speed, which provides a promising support for precise and fast underwater target detection.
A Risk Assessment of Underwater Cultural Heritage for Wave-Induced Hazards: The Impact of Climate Change on Cadiz Bay
Authors: Ferrero-Martín C. , Izquierdo A. , Bethencourt M. , Fernández-Montblanc T.
Published: January 2025

The combination of future changes in sea levels and wave climate in coastal areas represents one of the greatest threats to the preservation of underwater cultural heritage (UCH). This study presents a new methodology to assess climate change’s impacts on UCH preservation in shallow waters, focusing on wave-induced hazards like decontextualization, scouring, and wear erosion. The approach uses hybrid downscaling of bias-corrected wave fields from the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 CMIP5 scenarios. The methodology was applied in the Bay of Cadiz, where an overall reduction in wave energy flux was observed. However, local increases were detected in rocky outcrops and coastal areas with high UCH density. As a result, the shallow zones exhibited significant changes in decontextualization and scouring hazards. However, the most relevant risk changes were linked to wear erosion, particularly at sites on rocky outcrops near Cadiz. The methodology proposed in this study is essential for identifying areas with higher risk and for evaluating UCH preservation under future climate conditions. It offers an effective tool for discriminating sites at risk and for conducting a long-term assessment of these risks in coastal environments affected by climate change.
Laboratory Study of Local Scour Around an Array of Pile Groups in Clear-Water Scour Conditions
Authors: Gong Ming , Pan Xinying , Du Shengtao , Wu Guoxiang , Lv Yingxue , Sun Yunjia , Ding Guangjia , Liang Bingchen
Published: January 2025

Current-induced local scour around pile groups weakens the capacity of structures. In this paper, experimental tests of local scour around an array of 5 × 5 pile groups were conducted in a steady current in a hydraulic flume. The pile-to-pile space was five times the diameter of a single pile. All the tests were in clear-water scour conditions. The effects of upstream piles on the local scour characteristics of downstream piles, as well as the outer-arranged side piles on the inner-arranged piles, were studied within flow intensities of 0.37–1.0. Both the three-dimensional topography of bed elevation changes and the maximum temporal scour depths are discussed. The results showed that the minimum threshold of flow intensity that can induce local scour around the pile groups was 0.40. The scour holes were independent of each other, though a global scouring phenomenon occurred between piles at a flow intensity of 1.0. The temporal scour depths of the downstream piles increased slowly throughout the local scour processes. During the initial scouring stage, they accelerated rapidly. At flow intensities of 0.60, 0.80, and 1.0, the scour development then progressed gradually, resembling the behavior of a single pile. The developing scouring stage can hardly be distinguished in the case of flow intensity of 0.80. The maximum scour depths in the flow intensity of 0.60 showed irregular variations with increasing row and column numbers. The equilibrium scour depths in the central-positioned piles tended to a constant value of 0.5 times the pile diameter. In larger flow intensities of 0.80 and 1.0, they decreased linearly with pile row number, with the maximum scour depths at the piles in the first row. The local scour depths of the inner-positioned piles in the parallel arrangement showed few differences at the front and rear piles.
Diagnostics and Therapeutics in Ophthalmology
Authors: Arnold-Vangsted Andreas , Subhi Yousif
Published: January 2025

Clinical research aims to answer questions that are of importance to daily clinical practice in order to improve and optimize disease diagnosis and therapy, which ultimately impacts patients’ well-being [...]
Analysis of Farmers’ Crop Rotation Intention and Behavior Using Structural Equation Modeling: Evidence from Heilongjiang Province, China
Authors: Zhang Rui , Du Guoming , Faye Bonoua , Liu Haijiao
Published: January 2025

Exploring the factors driving farmers’ crop rotation intention and behavior can provide a scientific foundation for enhancing crop rotation policies. Utilizing 448 micro-research samples from three counties in Heilongjiang Province, a structural equation model was developed to examine the factors influencing farmers’ crop rotation intention and behavior. This analysis focused on farmer cognition, family endowment, and the external environment. The study results indicate that farmer cognition and family endowment positively impact their intention to rotate. The rotation intention, in turn, is a crucial driver of actual rotation behavior. However, the external environment tends to affect rotational behavior negatively. Then, positive effects were noted, and factors such as the benefits of crop rotation, policy awareness, social support, larger cropland area, narrower return, the profit gap between maize and soybean, lower spatial connectivity standard, and higher crop rotation subsidy standard significantly encourage farmers’ crop rotation intention and behavior. In a nutshell, to effectively promote the area of rotation, it is crucial to enhance policy communication, target subsidy to larger households, and establish differentiated subsidy standards. These measures are essential to boosting farmers’ motivation and increasing the adoption of crop rotation in the region.
A Novel Approach for In Vitro Testing and Hazard Evaluation of Nanoformulated RyR2-Targeting siRNA Drugs Using Human PBMCs
Authors: Bettinsoli Valeria , Melzi Gloria , Crea Angelica , Degli Esposti Lorenzo , Iafisco Michele , Catalucci Daniele , Ciana Paolo , Corsini Emanuela
Published: January 2025

Nucleic acid (NA)-based drugs are promising therapeutics agents. Beyond efficacy, addressing safety concerns—particularly those specific to this class of drugs—is crucial. Here, we propose an in vitro approach to screen for potential adverse off-target effects of NA-based drugs. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), purified from buffy coats of healthy donors, were used to investigate the ability of NA-drugs to trigger toxicity pathways and inappropriate immune stimulation. PBMCs were selected for their ability to represent potential human responses, given their likelihood of interacting with administered drugs. As proof of concept, a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting Ryanodine Receptor mRNA (RyR2) identified by the Italian National Center for Gene Therapy and Drugs based on RNA Technology as a potential therapeutic target for dominant catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, was selected. This compound and its scramble were formulated within a calcium phosphate nanoparticle-based delivery system. Positive controls for four toxicity pathways were identified through literature review, each associated with a specific type of cellular stress: oxidative stress (tert-butyl hydroperoxide), mitochondrial stress (rotenone), endoplasmic reticulum stress (thapsigargin), and autophagy (rapamycin). These controls were used to define specific mRNA signatures triggered in PBMCs, which were subsequently used as indicators of off-target effects. To assess immune activation, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ) was measured 24 h after exposure. The proposed approach provides a rapid and effective screening method for identifying potential unintended effects in a relevant human model, which also allows to address gender effects and variability in responses.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Porphyromonas gingivalis: Exploring the Links
Authors: Shawkatova Ivana , Durmanova Vladimira , Javor Juraj
Published: January 2025

Recent research highlights compelling links between oral health, particularly periodontitis, and systemic diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although the biological mechanisms underlying these associations remain unclear, the role of periodontal pathogens, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis, has garnered significant attention. P. gingivalis, a major driver of periodontitis, is recognized for its potential systemic effects and its putative role in AD pathogenesis. This review examines evidence connecting P. gingivalis to hallmark AD features, such as amyloid β accumulation, tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, and other neuropathological features consistent with AD. Virulence factors, such as gingipains and lipopolysaccharides, were shown to be implicated in blood–brain barrier disruption, neuroinflammation, and neuronal damage. P. gingivalis-derived outer membrane vesicles may serve to disseminate virulence factors to brain tissues. Indirect mechanisms, including systemic inflammation triggered by chronic periodontal infections, are also supposed to exacerbate neurodegenerative processes. While the exact pathways remain uncertain, studies detecting P. gingivalis virulence factors and its other components in AD-affected brains support their possible role in disease pathogenesis. This review underscores the need for further investigation into P. gingivalis-mediated mechanisms and their interplay with host responses. Understanding these interactions could provide critical insights into novel strategies for reducing AD risk through periodontal disease management.