bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term outcomes of LDR-brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Mäkelä Lauri , Pétas Anssi , Mikkola Arto , Visapää Harri
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This retrospective study aims to evaluate the long-term efficacy and urinary toxicity of LDR-brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer.

Materials and methods

235 primary prostate cancer patients treated with LDR-brachytherapy and subsequently followed up in our center were included in this study. Biochemical relapse free survival (bRFS), overall survival (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were evaluated. Additionally, the incidence of late urinary complications was recorded.

Results

Median follow-up time was 11,6 years. 181 patients (77%) were classified as low-risk patients, while 52 patients (22,1%) were intermediate risk. The overall bRFS was 83,8% at 5 years and 72,4% at 10 years. 5- and 10-year OS were 97,8% and 87,8% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in bRFS or OS between different risk groups. The rate of late urinary complications was 8,9%. Volume of prostate had a statistically significant effect on bRFS, as smaller prostate volumes led to worse bRFS.

Conclusions

This retrospective study shows that LDR brachytherapy is an effective treatment for low- and intermediate risk prostate cancer patients with relatively low but still significant risk of late urinary complications.
Case report: Relapse of intrathyroidal parathyroid carcinoma in a patient with novel variants in MET and CDKN1C genes
Authors: Kim Ekaterina , Lavreniuk Anastasiia , Spasskaya Olga , Eremkina Anna , Salimkhanov Rustam , Urusova Liliya , Tarbaeva Natalia , Popov Sergey , Zakharova Victoria , Mokrysheva Natalia
Published: January 2025

Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is one of the rarest malignant neoplasms of the human endocrine system, with a prevalence of approximately 0.005% of all oncological diseases. Despite its indolent course, PC generally relapses in about 40%–60% of cases. The severity of the disease is usually determined by uncontrolled life-threatening hypercalcemia. Currently, there are no reliable criteria for preoperative diagnosis of PC; moreover, topical diagnosis and morphologic examination remain challenges. Surgery remains the gold standard for the treatment of both primary tumors and distant metastases. Other treatment options, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, are limited. Targeted therapy is considered a promising direction for disseminated tumors. We present a clinical case of a 70-year-old female patient with recurrent intrathyroidal PC and distant lung metastases, with novel variants in the MET and CDKN1C genes.
Global, regional, and national trends in colorectal cancer burden from 1990 to 2021 and projections to 2040
Authors: Zhang Tao , Guo Yuchen , Qiu Binxu , Dai Xianyu , Wang Yifei , Cao Xueyuan
Published: January 2025

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy with notable recent shifts in its burden distribution. Current data on CRC burden can guide screening, early detection, and treatment strategies for efficient resource allocation.

Methods

This study utilized data from the latest Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD) Study. Initially, a series of descriptive statistics were performed on the incident cases, deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and age-standardized rates (ASRs) of CRC. Percentage changes and average annual percentage changes (AAPC) were then calculated to understand the trends in CRC disease burden. Decomposition and frontier analyses were conducted, and finally, the Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model was used to predict changes in ASRs up to 2040.

Results

The GBD 2021 estimates indicate a significant increase in the global incident cases, deaths, and DALYs of CRC from 1990 to 2021. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) increased (AAPC: 0.2), while the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) (AAPC: -0.72) and age-standardized DALYs rate (AAPC: -0.73) decreased. Males bore a higher disease burden than females, though the trends in disease burden changes were similar for both sexes. Although developed regions had higher incident cases, deaths, and DALYs, they showed more significant declines in ASRs. Decomposition analysis revealed that population growth and aging were the primary drivers of the increased disease burden. Frontier analysis showed that as the Socio-demographic Index increased, the disparity in CRC ASRs among countries widened, with developed regions having greater potential to reduce these rates. The By 2040, the BAPC model projects significant declines in global ASMR and age-standardized DALYs rates, while ASIR is expected to decrease in females but increase in males and across both sexes.

Conclusion

CRC remains a significant public health issue with regional and gender differences, necessitating region- and population-specific prevention strategies.
Long-term disease control in dedifferentiated liposarcoma: a case report on trabectedin priming followed by PD-1 inhibition
Authors: Waldschmidt Johannes M. , Haug Lukas , Riedhammer Christine , Deinzer Christoph K. W. , Zimmermann Marcus , Heidemeier Anke , Raab Peter , Rudert Maximilian , Hendricks Anne , Lock Johan F. , Buck Viktoria , Rosenwald Andreas , Einsele Hermann , Reichardt Peter , Kunzmann Volker , Wiegering Armin , Pink Daniel , Kortüm K. Martin
Published: January 2025

Background

Dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) is a rare mesenchymal cancer originating from the adipose tissue, with poor survival rates for most patients, highlighting the critical need for novel treatment options.

Case description

This report examines the efficacy and safety of sequential pre-treatment with the marine-derived alkaloid trabectedin followed by checkpoint inhibition using the anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab in a 63-year-old male patient with unresectable retroperitoneal DDLPS. Treatment was initiated at the time of the seventh relapse as part of the NitraSarc phase 2 multicenter trial for inoperable soft tissue sarcoma conducted by the German Interdisciplinary Sarcoma Group (GISG-15, NCT03590210). The patient demonstrated an immediate tumor response, and in combination with minor surgery, achieved R0 resection status, which was subsequently maintained without the need for further therapy for the past 52 months. Correlative molecular analyses revealed a sustained DNA damage repair machinery and downregulation of PD-1 protein expression in post-treatment tumor samples.

Conclusion

This report provides exemplary insight on the feasibility and efficacy of sequential pre-treatment with trabectedin as a priming strategy for PD-1 inhibition in advanced DDLPS. Full trial results from NitraSarc are pending for publication.
Predicting recurrence of non-muscle invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma: predictive value of the optimal cut-off value of Ki67
Authors: Peng Rende , Zhang Yaoyu , Jia Mingzhu , Yi Xinping , Yi Xiaoyao , Li Shadan , Pi Jiangchuan , Meng Wenjun
Published: January 2025

Objective

To investigate the optimal cut-off value of immunohistochemical marker Ki67 as a prognostic factor to predict the recurrence of non-muscle invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma (NMIBUC).

Methods

A total of 331 patients diagnosed with NMIBUC who underwent surgery in the Yongchuan Hospital and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2012 to January 2020 were finally included in this study. The optimal cut-off value of Ki67 for predicting recurrence of NMIBUC was calculated by ROC curve and Youden index. According to the cut-off value, the patients were divided into high ratio group and low ratio group, and the clinicopathological data of the two groups were compared. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between the expression of Ki67 and postoperative recurrence of NMIBUC. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used for survival analysis.

Results

18% is the optimal cut-off value of Ki67 for predicting postoperative recurrence of NMIBUC. High Ki67 expression (Ki67>18%) was significantly correlated with tumor stage (P=0.001), tumor grade (P=0.014), immediate postoperative instillation (P=0.001), the expression of P53 (P=0.019) and CK20 (P=0.001). Ki67 expression greater than 18% was an independent risk factor for high recurrence rate of NMIBUC (P=0.001). Moreover, the 1-year and 3-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) of the high Ki67 group were 56.6% (95%CI 51.2%-62%) and 43.6% (95%CI 37.5%-49.7%) respectively, which were significantly lower than those in low Ki67 group which present as 92.9% (95%CI 89.0%-96.8%) and 88.3% (95%CI 82.4%-94.2%) respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001).

Conclusions

18% is the optimal cut-off value of Ki67 for predicting recurrence of NMIBUC. Ki67>18% is an independent risk factor for high recurrence rate of NMIBUC. This cut-off value can more accurately predict the risk of recurrence and has the potential clinical value for guiding the postoperative adjuvant treatment and follow-up strategy of NMIBUC.
Diagnostic approach to limbal stem cell deficiency
Authors: Lent-Schochet Daniella , Akbar Mizna , Hou Joshua H. , Farooq Asim V.
Published: January 2025

Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is an important cause of visual and ocular morbidity. Effective diagnosis and management require a thoughtful and comprehensive evaluation of the ocular surface. This review describes the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and grading of LSCD, as well as characteristic findings via slit lamp examination, in-vivo confocal microscopy, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), impression cytology, and OCT angiography.
Walnut oil prevents hyperlipidemia induced by high-fat diet and regulates intestinal flora and liver metabolism
Authors: Yang Rui , Chen Dan , Chen Yanling , Ma Yage , Chen Chaoyin , Zhao Shenglan
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aims to investigate the preventive effect of walnut oil as medicinal food on abnormal lipid metabolism and its influence on liver metabolites and intestinal flora.

Methods

The rat model of abnormal lipid metabolism was established by feeding high-fat diet and administering a high-fat emulsion via gavage. The rats were randomly assigned to one of the five groups: the normal group (ND), the model group (HFD), and three walnut oil intervention groups differing in dosage [low-dose (OL, 2.5 g/kg. BW/day), medium-dose (OM, 5 g/kg. BW/day) and high-dose (OH, 10 g/kg. BW/day)]. Modeling and administration were performed simultaneously for 10 weeks. After the last administration, the serum and organs of the animals were collected under anesthesia, and the organ index was analyzed. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured. A histopathological examination of the liver was performed, and the intestinal flora was detected by Illumina technology.

Results

Compared to the ND group, the HFD group exhibited a significant increase in body weight and Lee’s index. Compared to the HFD group, each walnut oil intervention group showed a relatively reduced degree of liver swelling and a significant decrease in fat vacuoles within the cytoplasm. Levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while HDL-C levels were increased (p < 0.05), along with a significant increase in the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) content in serum. These findings indicated that walnut oil could improve the blood lipid profile in hyperlipidemia-model rats. The results of intestinal flora showed that at the genus level, there were significant increases in the relative abundance of Collinsella and Blautia (p < 0.01) while significant decreases of Oscillospira and Allobaculum (p < 0.01) in the HFD group vs. the ND group. However, these flora changes were impeded although only Collinslla (p < 0.05) in the OL group. Metabonomics analysis identified that a total of 19 potential biomarkers were screened out from the differential metabolites with |log2FC| > 1, VIP > 1 and p < 0.05.

Conclusion

Walnut oil can significantly prevent hyperlipidemia caused by high-fat diet. The mechanism is mainly through significantly reducing the content of MDA and the activities of ALT and AST, significantly increasing the activity of GSH-PX, and improving intestinal flora and liver metabolism.
Validation of existential fulfillment scale in Chinese university students
Authors: Chen Jian , Chen Xiaoyan , Miao Chen
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Existential Fulfillment Scale (EFS) in a Chinese university student sample, emphasizing the cultural fit of the scale.

Methods

A cohort of 1,600 undergraduate students from six universities in Fujian Province completed questionnaires including the EFS, Meaning of Life Questionnaire (MLQ), Index of Well-Being (IWB), and Self-Depression Scale (SDS). We conducted item analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and assessments of criterion-related validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability.

Results

The Chinese EFS consists of two dimensions—self-acceptance and self-breakthrough—across 14 items, reflecting cultural distinctions from the original model by combining the dimensions of self-actualization and self-transcendence. This revised structure aligns with Chinese cultural perspectives on individual growth, where self-actualization often integrates aspects of self-transcendence. The scale showed positive associations with the MLQ and IWB and a negative association with the SDS, supporting the scale’s criterion-related validity. Internal consistency ranged from 0.87 to 0.97, and test-retest reliability ranged from 0.75 to 0.83.

Discussion

These findings indicate that the Chinese EFS is a reliable tool for assessing existential fulfillment among Chinese university students.
Impact of pediatric tracheostomy on family caregivers’ burden and quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Aung Win Thu , Ong Natasha Yixuan , Yeo Shina Qing Chun , Juhari Nur Syahindah Binti , Kong Gwyneth , Lim Nicole-Ann , Amin Zubair , Ng Yvonne Peng Mei
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The incidence of pediatric tracheostomy is on the rise. More children are undergoing tracheostomy at a younger age and living longer and cared for at home. Caring for children with tracheostomy affects the caregivers’ Quality of Life (QOL) and caregiver burden. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the impact of pediatric tracheostomy on caregivers’ QOL and caregiver burden.

Methods

We performed a search for quantitative studies measuring QOL, caregiver burden and related factors such as psychological distress, coping, stress, and financial strain using validated instruments, reported by caregivers of children with tracheostomy. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials, CINAHL, and PsycINFO with the following search terms: “pediatrics,” “tracheostomy,” “quality of life,” “caregivers,” “care burden” from the inception of respective databases to 23rd May 2024. Meta-analysis was conducted using R (version 4.3.1).

Results

Twenty-three studies (1,299 caregivers) were included in systematic review. Seven studies (469 caregivers) using Pediatric Quality of Life Family Integrated Module underwent meta-analysis. The pooled mean total family impact score, parental health-related QOL, family functioning score were 70.29 [95% CI, 61.20–79.37], 69.27 [95% CI, 60.88–77.67], and 72.96 [95% CI, 65.92–80.00] respectively. Other key instruments were the Pediatric Tracheostomy Health Status Instrument and Zarit Burden Interview. Qualitative synthesis identified several risk factors for lower QOL and higher caregiver burden: comorbidities in children, younger age at tracheostomy, need for additional medical equipment, presence of older siblings, higher financial strain, being the sole caregiver or being unmarried, and maternal depression. Caregivers’ QOL correlated positively with coping and negatively with stress which is, in turn, associated with medical complications in the first year and the duration of tracheostomy. About 40% of mothers experienced moderate to severe caregiver burden while caring for their children with tracheostomy and this was significantly correlated with depression. Encouragingly, parents also reported positive experience including closeness of the family, feeling stronger, and having a strong sense of mastery.

Discussion

Caregivers of children with tracheostomy experience low QOL and high caregiver burden, which were exacerbated by various medical and psychosocial factors. QOL should be assessed during clinical encounters to identify caregivers who require additional support which includes learning coping and stress reduction strategies.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=334457, identifier CRD42022334457.
Case report: VEXAS syndrome: first documented cases in Latin America
Authors: Ottati Carolina , Gervaz Inés , Yandian Martín , Boada Matilde , Vidal-Senmache Gabriela , Ortiz-Guerra Percy , Catalán Ana I. , Kutscher Patricia , Lopez Diego , Diaz Lilian , Grille Sofia
Published: January 2025

Introduction

VEXAS syndrome (Vacuoles, E1 Enzyme, X-linked, Autoinflammatory, Somatic) is a recently identified disorder associated with somatic mutations in the UBA1 gene. Predominantly affecting adult males, it is characterized by a wide range of autoinflammatory symptoms and hematologic abnormalities.

Methods

We present three cases from Latin America, marking the first reported occurrences in this region, to illustrate the clinical variability and diagnostic challenges of VEXAS syndrome.

Results

Each patient exhibited unique clinical presentations, including refractory autoinflammatory symptoms, myelodysplastic syndrome, and bone marrow vacuolization. All cases were confirmed via genetic testing, revealing pathogenic UBA1 mutations alongside other genetic variants commonly linked with myeloid neoplasms.

Discussion

These findings underscore the importance of considering VEXAS syndrome in patients with unexplained inflammatory and hematologic symptoms. The coexistence of UBA1 mutations with other genetic variants suggests a potential overlap with clonal hematopoiesis, complicating the clinical picture. These cases contribute to the understanding of VEXAS syndrome and highlight the need for increased awareness and diagnostic testing in diverse populations to ensure early and accurate diagnosis.
Classification performance and reproducibility of GPT-4 omni for information extraction from veterinary electronic health records
Authors: Wulcan Judit M. , Jacques Kevin L. , Lee Mary Ann , Kovacs Samantha L. , Dausend Nicole , Prince Lauren E. , Wulcan Jonatan , Marsilio Sina , Keller Stefan M.
Published: January 2025

Large language models (LLMs) can extract information from veterinary electronic health records (EHRs), but performance differences between models, the effect of hyperparameter settings, and the influence of text ambiguity have not been previously evaluated. This study addresses these gaps by comparing the performance of GPT-4 omni (GPT-4o) and GPT-3.5 Turbo under different conditions and by investigating the relationship between human interobserver agreement and LLM errors. The LLMs and five humans were tasked with identifying six clinical signs associated with feline chronic enteropathy in 250 EHRs from a veterinary referral hospital. When compared to the majority opinion of human respondents, GPT-4o demonstrated 96.9% sensitivity [interquartile range (IQR) 92.9–99.3%], 97.6% specificity (IQR 96.5–98.5%), 80.7% positive predictive value (IQR 70.8–84.6%), 99.5% negative predictive value (IQR 99.0–99.9%), 84.4% F1 score (IQR 77.3–90.4%), and 96.3% balanced accuracy (IQR 95.0–97.9%). The performance of GPT-4o was significantly better than that of its predecessor, GPT-3.5 Turbo, particularly with respect to sensitivity where GPT-3.5 Turbo only achieved 81.7% (IQR 78.9–84.8%). GPT-4o demonstrated greater reproducibility than human pairs, with an average Cohen's kappa of 0.98 (IQR 0.98–0.99) compared to 0.80 (IQR 0.78–0.81) with humans. Most GPT-4o errors occurred in instances where humans disagreed [35/43 errors (81.4%)], suggesting that these errors were more likely caused by ambiguity of the EHR than explicit model faults. Using GPT-4o to automate information extraction from veterinary EHRs is a viable alternative to manual extraction, but requires validation for the intended setting to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Winter Wheat Yield Prediction Using Satellite Remote Sensing Data and Deep Learning Models
Authors: Fu Hongkun , Lu Jian , Li Jian , Zou Wenlong , Tang Xuhui , Ning Xiangyu , Sun Yue
Published: January 2025

Accurate crop yield prediction is crucial for formulating agricultural policies, guiding agricultural management, and optimizing resource allocation. This study proposes a method for predicting yields in China’s major winter wheat-producing regions using MOD13A1 data and a deep learning model which incorporates an Improved Gray Wolf Optimization (IGWO) algorithm. By adjusting the key parameters of the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with IGWO, the prediction accuracy is significantly enhanced. Additionally, the study explores the potential of the Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI) in yield prediction. The research utilizes data collected from March to May between 2001 and 2010, encompassing vegetation indices, environmental variables, and yield statistics. The results indicate that the IGWO-CNN model outperforms traditional machine learning approaches and standalone CNN models in terms of prediction accuracy, achieving the highest performance with an R2 of 0.7587, an RMSE of 593.6 kg/ha, an MAE of 486.5577 kg/ha, and an MAPE of 11.39%. The study finds that April is the optimal period for early yield prediction of winter wheat. This research validates the effectiveness of combining deep learning with remote sensing data in crop yield prediction, providing technical support for precision agriculture and contributing to global food security and sustainable agricultural development.
Bacteriocin-Producing Staphylococci and Mammaliicocci Strains for Agro-Food and Public Health Applications with Relevance of Micrococcin P1
Authors: Fernández-Fernández Rosa , Lozano Carmen , Campaña-Burguet Allelen , González-Azcona Carmen , Álvarez-Gómez Tamara , Fernández-Pérez Rocío , Peña Raquel , Zarazaga Myriam , Carrasco Jaime , Torres Carmen
Published: January 2025

Antimicrobial-producing strains and their bacteriocins hold great promise for the control of bacterial diseases, being an attractive alternative to antibiotics. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory activity of 15 bacteriocin-producing staphylococci and mammaliicocci (BP-S/M) strains and their pre-purified extracts with butanol (BT) against a collection of 27 harmful or zoonotic strains (including Gram-positive/-negative bacteria and molds) with relevance in the public health and agro-food fields. These indicators (excluding Gram-negative strains) were grouped into seven categories based on their potential application areas: dairy livestock mastitis, avian pathogen zoonoses, swine zoonoses, food safety, aquaculture, wine making, and mushroom cultivation. In addition, cross-immunity assays between the BP-S/M strains were carried out to identify potential strain combinations to enhance their activity against pathogens. Finally, the hemolytic and gelatinase activities were tested in the BP-S/M strains. A strong inhibitory capacity of the BP-S/M strains was verified against relevant Gram-positive indicators, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Clostridium perfringens, among others, while no activity was detected against Gram-negative ones. Interestingly, several BT extracts inhibited the two mold indicators included in this study as representants of mushroom pathogens. The Micrococcin P1 producer Staphylococcus hominis C5835 (>60% of indicators were intensively inhibited by all the methods) can be proposed as a potential candidate for the control of bacterial diseases in the aforementioned categories alone or in combination with other BP-S/M strains (mainly with Staphylococcus warneri X2969). In this regard, five potential combinations of BP-S/M strains that enhanced their activity against specific pathogens were detected.
Treating Metabolic Dysregulation and Senescence by Caloric Restriction: Killing Two Birds with One Stone?
Authors: Russo Lara , Babboni Serena , Andreassi Maria Grazia , Daher Jalil , Canale Paola , Del Turco Serena , Basta Giuseppina
Published: January 2025

Cellular senescence is a state of permanent cell cycle arrest accompanied by metabolic activity and characteristic phenotypic changes. This process is crucial for developing age-related diseases, where excessive calorie intake accelerates metabolic dysfunction and aging. Overnutrition disturbs key metabolic pathways, including insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS), the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and AMP-activated protein kinase. The dysregulation of these pathways contributes to insulin resistance, impaired autophagy, exacerbated oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, further enhancing cellular senescence and systemic metabolic derangements. On the other hand, dysfunctional endothelial cells and adipocytes contribute to systemic inflammation, reduced nitric oxide production, and altered lipid metabolism. Numerous factors, including extracellular vesicles, mediate pathological communication between the vascular system and adipose tissue, amplifying metabolic imbalances. Meanwhile, caloric restriction (CR) emerges as a potent intervention to counteract overnutrition effects, improve mitochondrial function, reduce oxidative stress, and restore metabolic balance. CR modulates pathways such as IIS, mTOR, and sirtuins, enhancing glucose and lipid metabolism, reducing inflammation, and promoting autophagy. CR can extend the health span and mitigate age-related diseases by delaying cellular senescence and improving healthy endothelial–adipocyte interactions. This review highlights the crosstalk between endothelial cells and adipocytes, emphasizing CR potential in counteracting overnutrition-induced senescence and restoring vascular homeostasis.
Dual Roles of Reducing Systems in Protein Persulfidation and Depersulfidation
Authors: Liu Zhichao , Rouhier Nicolas , Couturier Jérémy
Published: January 2025

The oxidative modification of specific cysteine residues to persulfides is thought to be the main way by which hydrogen sulfide (H2S) exerts its biological and signaling functions. Therefore, protein persulfidation represents an important thiol-switching mechanism as other reversible redox post-translational modifications. Considering their reductase activity but also their connections with proteins that generate H2S and its related molecules, the glutaredoxin (GRX) and thioredoxin (TRX)-reducing systems have potential dual roles in both protein persulfidation and depersulfidation. In this review, we will first focus on recent advances describing the physiological pathways leading to protein persulfidation before discussing the dual roles of the physiological TRX and glutathione/GRX-reducing systems in protein persulfidation/depersulfidation.
Research on Motion Trajectory Planning and Impedance Control for Dual-Arm Collaborative Robot Grinding Tasks
Authors: Qian Lu , Hao Lei , Cui Shuhao , Gao Xianglin , Zhao Xingwei , Li Yifan
Published: January 2025

In robot grinding tasks, dual manipulators possess improved flexibility, which can cooperate to complete different tasks with higher efficiency and satisfactory effect. In collaborative robot grinding tasks, the critical issues lie in the motion trajectory planning of the two manipulators and trajectory tracking with satisfactory accuracy under the condition that the two manipulator ends apply force on each other. In order to accomplish the goals in a more concise and feasible way, a complete scheme for dual-arm robot grinding tasks is essential. To address this issue, taking the motion trajectory planning and impedance control into consideration, a novel scheme for dual manipulators to complete collaborative grinding tasks is presented in this paper. To this end, a dual-arm grinding system is first constructed, and the kinematic constraints in the cooperative motion are analyzed, based on which the motion trajectories of the dual manipulators are planned according to the grinding task objectives. Then, an impedance controller is designed to achieve accurate tracking of the motion trajectory in the grinding process. Finally, dual-arm collaborative simulations and grinding experiments are carried out, and the results show that the proposed method can achieve good motion results and better flexibility compared to the single-arm motion, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Intra-Individual Variation in the Jump Smash for Elite Malaysian Male Badminton Players
Authors: Ramasamy Yuvaraj , Wei Yeap Ming , Towler Harley , King Mark
Published: January 2025

The badminton jump smash is vital for winning rallies, but players can have unintended variations in performance. This study examines the causes of intra-individual smash speed variations among 19 Malaysian male elite players. Twenty-five jump smashes were recorded using a 3D motion capture system, with the three fastest (95.0 ± 3.6 m·s−1) and three slowest (85.8 ± 5.8 m·s−1) smashes per participant categorised into different groups. Six racket/shuttlecock variables and six upper body technique variables during the swing phase and at the point of contact were analysed. Five out of the six racket/shuttlecock variables, including post-impact shuttlecock speed, racket head speed at contact, impact location, distance from the racket’s geometric centre, and swing time, significantly differed between groups. Only the shoulder elevation angle differed significantly from 75% to 95% of the forward swing (p = 0.023), with less elevation during faster smashes. Consistency in producing high shuttlecock speeds during the jump smash for elite players is primarily achieved through variables linked to timing. Players/coaches should focus on being able to initially produce high racket head speeds, at which point ensuring a consistently efficient impact between the stringbed and shuttlecock should be the priority.
Enhancing Mass Transport in Organic Redox Flow Batteries Through Electrode Obstacle Design
Authors: Martínez-López Joseba , Fernández-Gamiz Unai , Sánchez-Díez Eduardo , Beloki-Arrondo Aitor , Ortega-Fernández Íñigo
Published: January 2025

This study examines the impact of incorporating obstacles in the electrode structure of an organic redox flow battery with a flow-through configuration. Two configurations were compared: A control case without obstacles (Case 1) and a modified design with obstacles to enhance mass transport and uniformity (Case 2). While Case 1 exhibited marginally higher discharge voltages (average difference of 0.18%) due to reduced hydraulic resistance and lower Ohmic losses, Case 2 demonstrated significant improvements in concentration uniformity, particularly at low state-of-charge (SOC) levels. The obstacle design mitigated local depletion of active species, thereby enhancing limiting current density and improving minimum concentration values across the studied SOC range. However, the introduction of obstacles increased flow resistance and pressure drops, indicating a trade-off between electrochemical performance and pumping energy requirements. Notably, Case 2 performed better at lower flow rates, showcasing its potential to optimize efficiency under varying operating conditions. At higher flow rates, the advantages of Case 2 diminished but remained evident, with better concentration uniformity, higher minimum concentration values, and a 1% average increase in limiting current density. Future research should focus on optimizing obstacle geometry and positioning to further enhance performance.
Order in Chaos: Lesser-Conserved and Repeat Structures in Dehydrins
Authors: Strimbeck G. Richard
Published: January 2025

Dehydrins (Dhns) are a group of intrinsically disordered land plant proteins that are closely associated with tolerance of dehydrative stress. Dhns are recognized and classified by the presence and sequence of five different conserved segments, varying in length from 8 to 15 residues, separated by highly variable disordered regions. In addition to one or more copies of the diagnostic, fifteen-residue K segment, most Dhns can be classified into one of three major groups based on the mutually exclusive presence of three other conserved segments (H, Y, or F), with all three groups typically incorporating multi-serine S segments. Many Dhns also include repeat structures. From an input library of 8675 non-redundant candidate sequences, a specialized R script identified and classified 2658 complete and 236 partial Dhn sequences in all major green plant (Viridiplantae) lineages, including a few green algal genera. An examination of the connecting segments bridging the conserved segments identified additional conserved patterns, suggesting that multi-Y, S-K, and K-S domains may act as functional units. Dhn Decoder identified 857 Dhns with repeat structures, ranging from 3 short, simple repeats to elaborate variations with up to 45 repeats or repeats of up to 85 residues comprising 1 or more of the conserved segments, suggesting that internal sequence duplication is an important mode of evolution in Dhns.
Ru/Beta Zeolite Catalysts for Levulinic Acid Hydrogenation: The Importance of Catalyst Synthesis Methodology
Authors: Petcuta Oana Adriana , Guzo Nicolae Cristian , Bordeiasu Mihai , Nicolaev Adela , Parvulescu Vasile I. , Coman Simona M.
Published: January 2025

Ruthenium-based catalysts were prepared through a deposition–precipitation approach, taking beta zeolites with Si/Al ratios of 12.5, 18.5, and 150, respectively, as supports, and 1–3 wt% loadings of metal. Their activation was performed in the presence of either H2 or NaBH4. The dispersion of the Ru species and the acid–base properties were influenced by both the preparation method and the activation protocol. The catalysts reduced under H2 flow presented well-dispersed Ru(0) and RuOx nanoparticles, while the reduction with NaBH4 led to larger RuOx crystallites and highly dispersed Ru(0). These characteristics exerted an important role in the hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to γ-valerolactone (GVL). The H2 dissociation occurred via a heterolytic mechanism involving Lewis acid–base pairs associated with RuOx and the framework oxygen (Si-O-Al) located near the zeolite pore edge. The Ru(0) nanoparticles activated the –C=O bond of the LA substrate, while the presence of the carrier zeolite Brønsted acid sites promoted the ring-closure esterification of the 4-hydroxyvaleric acid (4-HVA) intermediate to GVL. An optimal combination of these features was achieved for the catalyst with 3 wt% Ru and a Si/Al ratio of 150, which selectively converted LA (XLA = 96.5%) to GVL (SGVL = 97.8%) at 130 °C and 10 bars of H2.
Research Progress in Photocatalytic-Coupled Microbial Electrochemical Technology in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Zeng Qianhao , An Wenhui , Peng Dongxiao , Liu Qiting , Zhang Xu , Ge Haiyu , Liu Hongbo
Published: January 2025

Photocatalytic-coupled microbial electrochemical systems (MESs) represent an emerging wastewater treatment technology which aims to address the limitations of traditional methods, such as the inadequate removal of refractory pollutants and excessive energy consumption. This technology realizes the simultaneous degradation of refractory pollutants in wastewater and bioenergy recovery, demonstrating significant potential for development. However, the practical application of this technology is currently hindered by challenges including insufficient electrical power output, poor stability of photoelectric electrodes, and the design of amplified application systems. This review comprehensively examines the common coupling methods and principles of photocatalytic-coupled microbial electrochemical systems. Compared to previous studies, it provides a detailed analysis of the optimal configurations for treating wastewater containing various components, such as recalcitrant organic compounds, heavy metals, and nitrates, to achieve maximum efficiency. Moreover, it summarizes the synergistic effects observed between photocatalysis and MES that enhance the degradation efficiency of pollutants through various pathways, including increasing the potential difference of cytochromes, promoting the formation of conductive nanowires, accelerating the electron transfer rates, and inhibiting electron–hole recombination. Finally, this review highlights the challenges in practical applications and proposes future research directions to facilitate the further development of this technology.
Review on Synthesis and Catalytic Properties of Cobalt Manganese Oxide Spinels (CoxMn3−xO4, 0 < x < 3)
Authors: Béres Kende Attila , Homonnay Zoltán , Kótai László
Published: January 2025

The cobalt manganese oxides, especially the spinels and related (multiphase) materials described with the formula CoxMn3−xO4 (0 < x < 3), are widely used catalysts in a range of processes in significant industrial and environmental areas. The great diversity in the phase relations, composition, and metal ion valences, together with ion and vacancy site distribution variations, results in great variety and activity as catalysts in various industrially important redox processes such as the removal of CO or volatile organic substances (VOCs) from the air and oxidative destruction of pollutants such as dyes and pharmaceuticals from wastewater using peroxides. These mixed oxides can gain application in the selective oxidation of organic molecules like 5-hydroxyfurfural or aromatic alcohols such as vanillyl alcohol or in the production of fuels and other valuable chemicals (alcohols, esters) with the Fischer–Tropsch method. In this review, we summarize these redox-based reactions in light of the chemical and phase composition of the catalysts with the formula CoxMn3−xO4 with 0 < x < 3.
QD/SnO2 Photoactivated Chemoresistive Sensor for Selective Detection of Primary Alcohols at Room Temperature
Authors: Skrypnik Maria Yu. , Platonov Vadim B. , Kurtina Daria A. , Sinyashin Oleg G. , Rumyantseva Marina N. , Vasiliev Roman B.
Published: January 2025

Sensors based on nanocomposites of quantum dots (QDs) and wide-gap metal oxides are of exceptional interest for photoactivated detection of toxic and pollutant gases without thermal heating. However, the class of detecting gases has been limited almost exclusively to oxidizing gases like NO2. Here, we designed a photoactivated sensor for the selective detection of primary alcohols at room temperature using CdSe quantum dots coupled to a wide-gap SnO2 semiconductor matrix. Our concept of the sensor operations is based on the photochemical reaction of primary alcohols via photoactivated QD-SnO2 charge transfer and does not involve chemisorbed oxygen, which is traditional for the operation of metal oxide sensors. We demonstrated an efficient sensor response to C1–C4 primary alcohols of ppm concentration under photoexcitation with a yellow LED in the absence of a signal from other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We believe that proposed sensor concept opens up new ways to design photoactivated sensors without heating for the detection of VOCs.
Modelling on How Topcoat/Bond Coat Micro-Rough Interface and Nearby Voids Affect the Stress Distribution in Thermal Barrier Coating Systems in Quenching Process
Authors: Lu Xiaoliang , Huang Songtao , Shi Tianjie , Pang Xiaoxiao
Published: January 2025

The distribution of voids in ceramic topcoats (TC) and the micro-roughness of metallic bond coat (BC) interfaces are important for the structure design and coating life of thermal barrier coating (TBC) systems. In this study, finite elemental (FE) models were built by considering those two structural factors to investigate their influence on the stress distribution in TBCs in quenching processes under thermal shock conditions. According to the simulation analyses, the function of the voids in TCs includes the dilution effect of the stress concentration at the macro-scale, the releasing effect of the tensile stress along the vertical direction above the TC peak, and the “stress trapping” effect bringing higher stress at the horizontal tips of the voids on the micro-scale. The micro-roughness of the TC/BC interface did not have much effect on the stress values in the TC, aside from at the TC peak, but had a significant influence on the stress value along the interface due to the “stress trapping” effect. The TBC samples that were experimentally tested under water-cooling thermal shock conditions were also analyzed in this paper to verify the modelling results.
Experimental Investigation of Stability of Emulsions Produced by Catastrophic Phase Inversion Using Non-Ionic Surfactants
Authors: Doutsi Maria , Vlachou Maria C. , Koukiotis Christos , Kostoglou Margaritis , Karapantsios Thodoris D.
Published: January 2025

Emulsions stabilized by environmentally friendly surfactants have been at the center of research attention over recent decades. Non-ionic surfactants with good biodegradability, while being non-toxic and non-irritating, have dominated in this area. For a chosen system, the main goal is to engineer its properties for smaller droplet sizes and better stability, a process which is mainly derived from the emulsification method. In the present study, Ethylan 1005 and Ethylan 1008 were used as stabilizers, both alone and combined at different ratios, in eco-friendly emulsions produced by paraffin oil and Millipore water, via direct emulsification, catastrophic phase inversion and catastrophic phase inversion in droplets. During the experiments, the emulsions’ rheological behavior, phase separation, and droplet size distribution profiles were measured. Catastrophic phase inversion in droplets resulted in the finest droplet size distributions for both emulsifiers when used alone. As the concentration of Ethylan 1008 increased from 0% to 100% in the surfactant mixtures, the droplets’ mean diameter and range also increased, indicting degradation of emulsion stability. However, phase separation tests revealed the opposite. Explanation was found in the chemical structure of the two emulsions and the steric phenomena caused by this, while a semi-quantitative analysis of these trends was also developed.
Large-Scale Cross-Cultural Tourism Analytics: Integrating Transformer-Based Text Mining and Network Analysis
Authors: Ramadhani Dian Puteri , Alamsyah Andry , Febrianta Mochamad Yudha , Fajriananda Muhammad Nadhif , Nada Mahira Shafiya , Hasanah Fathiyyah
Published: January 2025

The growth of the tourism industry in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, establishes the region as a leading global tourism destination. Numerous studies have explored tourist behavior within specific regions. However, the question of whether tourists’ experience perceptions differ based on their cultural backgrounds is still insufficiently addressed. Previous articles suggest that an individual’s cultural background plays a significant role in shaping tourist values and expectations. This study investigates how tourists’ cultural backgrounds, represented by their geographical regions of origin, impact their entertainment experiences, sentiments, and mobility patterns across the three countries. We gathered 387,010 TripAdvisor reviews and analyzed them using a combination of advanced text mining techniques and network analysis to map tourist mobility patterns. Comparing sentiments and behaviors across cultural backgrounds, this study found that entertainment preferences vary by origin. The network analysis reveals distinct exploration patterns: diverse and targeted exploration. Vietnam achieves the highest satisfaction across the cultural groups through balanced development, while Thailand’s integrated entertainment creates cultural divides, and Indonesia’s generates moderate satisfaction regardless of cultural background. This study contributes to understanding tourism dynamics in Southeast Asia through a data-driven, comparative analysis of tourist behaviors. The findings provide insights for destination management, marketing strategies, and policy development, highlighting the importance of tailoring tourism offerings to meet the diverse preferences of visitors from different global regions.
Real-World Life Analysis of a Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Smart Insulin Pen System in Type 1 Diabetes: A Cohort Study
Authors: Pantanetti Paola , Cangelosi Giovanni , Morales Palomares Sara , Ferrara Gaetano , Biondini Federico , Mancin Stefano , Caggianelli Gabriele , Parozzi Mauro , Sguanci Marco , Petrelli Fabio
Published: January 2025

Background: Diabetes affects over 460 million people worldwide and represents a growing public health challenge driven largely by dietary and lifestyle factors. While Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is more prevalent, Type 1 diabetes (T1D) presents unique therapeutic challenges, particularly in younger individuals. Advances in diabetes management, such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), insulin pumps (IP), and, more recently, smart multiple dose injection (MDI) pens, have significantly enhanced glycemic control and improved patients’ quality of life. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the baseline characteristics of patients switching from MDI therapy to the Medtronic Smart MDI system [composed of a smart insulin pen (InPenTM) and a connected CGM Medtronic SimpleraTM sensor] and to assess its impact on glycemic outcomes over different time periods (14, 30, and 90 days). Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted among adults with T1D who initiated Medtronic Smart MDI therapy. Participants were enrolled voluntarily at the Diabetes and Nutrition Clinic in Ast Fermo, Marche Region, Italy. Glycemic parameters were monitored using CGM data and analyzed with descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation (SD), and interquartile range (IQR). Comparisons across time periods were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: This study included 21 participants with a mean age of 51.5 years, a mean BMI of 24.7, and a mean duration of T1D of 21.9 years. The transition from a traditional MDI system to the Smart MDI system resulted in significant improvements in key glycemic parameters: mean Sensor Glucose (SG) decreased from 171.0 mg/dL to 153.5 mg/dL (p = 0.035), Time In Range (TIR) increased from 58.0% to 64.4% (p = 0.005), and time above range (TAR; >180 mg/dL) decreased from 39.0% to 34.2% (p = 0.015). No significant differences were observed in the time below range (TBR). Conclusions: The transition to the Medtronic Smart MDI system significantly enhanced glycemic control by lowering mean glucose levels and increasing TIR. These findings highlight its efficacy in improving hyperglycemia management while maintaining a stable risk of hypoglycemia.