bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrated geospatial approach and the factors required to delineate irrigation suitability areas
Authors: Nhamo Luxon , Magidi James , Mpandeli Sylvester , Liphadzi Stanley , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe
Published: December 2024

Most emerging economies rely on agriculture, yet over 90% of the sector remains rainfed, which is characterised by low productivity and is highly susceptible to climate change. The focus now is to increase the irrigated area to boost crop-water productivity under climate change. However, there is varied information on actually irrigated areas and no consensus on the factors that should be used to delineate areas suitable for irrigation. This study defined the factors required to delineate areas suitable for irrigation, including rainfall, landuse, closeness to waterbodies, soil characteristics, and groundwater depth. These physical factors were used to delineate irrigation suitability areas in Monze District, Zambia, applying an integrated geospatial technique and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multi-criteria decision method, in ArcGIS. Socio-economic factors were excluded in this instance as they are only ideal for indicating optimal areas to initiate irrigation projects under a set of given conditions, including crop-specific conditions. Accuracy was assessed by overlaying field points of currently irrigated lands obtained during fieldwork on geospatially delineated irrigation suitability areas created in this study. All the fieldwork points matched the modelled irrigation suitability areas, providing the best possible accuracy of 100%. However, there are vast lands that were also mapped as suitable but are not being irrigated, highlighting the underutilisation of the irrigation potential in the study area. The results are significant for policy decisions on irrigation expansion and development.
Development of a triplex crystal digital RT-PCR for the detection of PHEV, PRV, and CSFV
Authors: Shi Kaichuang , Hu Xin , Yin Yanwen , Shi Yuwen , Pan Yi , Long Feng , Feng Shuping , Li Zongqiang
Published: December 2024

Porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (PHEV), porcine pseudorabies virus (PRV), and classical swine fever virus (CSFV) are currently prevalent worldwide and cause similar neurological symptoms in infected pigs. It is very important to establish a detection method that can rapidly and accurately detect and differentiate these three viruses. Targeting the PHEV N gene, PRV gB gene, and CSFV 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR), three pairs of specific primers and probes were designed, and a triplex crystal digital reverse transcription-PCR (cdRT-PCR) was developed to detect PHEV, PRV, and CSFV. The results indicated that this assay had high sensitivity, and the limitation of detection (LODs) for PHEV, PRV, and CSFV were 4.812, 4.047, and 5.243 copies/reaction, respectively, which was about 50 times higher than that of multiplex real-time quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). This assay showed good specificity, without cross-reaction with other important swine pathogens, i.e., FMDV, PRRSV, PEDV, SIV, TGEV, PoRV, and PCV2. This assay had high repeatability, with intra-assay coefficients of variation (CVs) of 0.73–1.87%, and inter-assay CVs of 0.57–2.95%. The developed assay was used to test 1,367 clinical tissue samples from Guangxi province in China, and the positive rates of PHEV, PRV, and CSFV were 3.44% (47/1,367), 1.24% (17/1,367), and 1.90% (26/1,367), respectively, with a coincidence rate of 98.98% and a Kappa value of 0.94 to the reference multiplex RT-qPCR. The established triplex cdRT-PCR was a highly rapid, sensitive, and accurate assay to detect and differentiate PHEV, PRV, and CSFV.
Evaluation the protective role of baicalin against H2O2-driven oxidation, inflammation and apoptosis in bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Kong Xiaohui , Wang Mingyan , Guo Zhiheng , Yang Xingda , Lian Hongxia , Gao Tengyun , Zhang Liyang , Fu Tong
Published: December 2024

Mastitis is one of the most common diseases in dairy farms. During the perinatal period, the bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) of High-yielding dairy cows accelerate metabolism and produce large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It is one of the primary causes of mastitis and will lead to the breakdown of redox balance, which will induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Baicalin is a flavonoid substance extracted from the root of natural plant Scutellaria baicalensis, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-viral and other biological functions. In this research, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used to construct a mastitis oxidative stress model, and relevant mechanisms were analyzed by immunofluorescence techniques, qRT-PCR and Western Blot to explore how baicalin affects BMECs' oxidative stress and inflammation caused by H2O2, as well as to provide new perspectives on the combined application of baicalin in the prevention and treatment of mastitis. The results demonstrated that baicalin treatment could reduce the accumulation of H2O2-induced intracellular ROS and decrease the expression of inflammatory cytokines Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and the apoptosis rate. The inhibitory effect of baicalin on H2O2-induced intracellular ROS accumulation and the expression of inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic factors in BMECs was blocked by pretreatment with the Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inhibitor retinoic acid (RA) prior to H2O2 and/or baicalin treatment. In summary, baicalin could served as a natural antioxidant agent to regulate cell apoptosis through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects to combat BMECs damage caused by H2O2.
Three novel constituents from the roots of Rhaponticum carthamoides
Authors: Zomborszki Zoltán Péter , Kúsz Norbert , Hohmann Judit , Csupor Dezső
Published: December 2024

Aims: The purpose of our study was to conduct a phytochemical analysis of Rhaponticum carthamoides in order to gain a better understanding of its chemical profile and the active constituents responsible for its bioactivities.

Methods: The methanolic extract of the root was fractionated using multiple chromatographic methods, including normal, medium and high-pressure chromatography, rotation planar chromatography with a variety of stationary phases and eluents. The structures of the isolated compounds were identified by comparing their NMR spectra with those reported in the literature.

Results: As a result of our experiments, the mixture of cis and trans isomers of tiophene derivatives, vanillic acid, chloro-genic acid methyl ester, ajugasterone C, makisterone C, tachioside, 20-hydroxyecdysone, 24-epi-makisterone A and evofo-lin B were isolated and identified in the root of the plant.

Conclusion: Tachioside, evofolin B and chlorogenic acid methyl ester have been reported for the first time from this species.
Face Image Inpainting of Tang Dynasty Female Terracotta Figurines Based on an Improved Global and Local Consistency Image Completion Algorithm
Authors: Fan Qiangqiang , Wei Cong , Wu Shangyang , Xie Jinhan
Published: December 2024

Tang Dynasty female terracotta figurines, as important relics of ceramics art, have commonly suffered from natural and man-made damages, among which facial damage is severe. Image inpainting is widely used in cultural heritage fields such as murals and paintings, where rich datasets are available. However, its application in the restoration of Tang Dynasty terracotta figurines remains limited. This study first evaluates the extent of facial damage in Tang Dynasty female terracotta figurines, and then uses the Global and Local Consistency Image Completion (GLCIC) algorithm to restore the original appearance of female terracotta figurines, ensuring that the restored area is globally and locally consistent with the original image. To address the issues of scarce data and blurred facial features of the figurines, the study optimized the algorithm through data augmentation, guided filtering, and local enhancement techniques. The experimental results show that the improved algorithm has higher accuracy in restoring the shape features of the female figurines’ faces, but there is still room for improvement in terms of color and texture features. This study provides a new technical path for the protection and inpainting of Tang Dynasty terracotta figurines, and proposes an effective strategy for image inpainting with data scarcity.
A Two-Stage Feature Selection Approach Based on Artificial Bee Colony and Adaptive LASSO in High-Dimensional Data
Authors: Onakpojeruo Efe Precious , Sancar Nuriye
Published: December 2024

High-dimensional datasets, where the number of features far exceeds the number of observations, present significant challenges in feature selection and model performance. This study proposes a novel two-stage feature-selection approach that integrates Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) optimization with Adaptive Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (AD_LASSO). The initial stage reduces dimensionality while effectively dealing with complex, high-dimensional search spaces by using ABC to conduct a global search for the ideal subset of features. The second stage applies AD_LASSO, refining the selected features by eliminating redundant features and enhancing model interpretability. The proposed ABC-ADLASSO method was compared with the AD_LASSO, LASSO, stepwise, and LARS methods under different simulation settings in high-dimensional data and various real datasets. According to the results obtained from simulations and applications on various real datasets, ABC-ADLASSO has shown significantly superior performance in terms of accuracy, precision, and overall model performance, particularly in scenarios with high correlation and a large number of features compared to the other methods evaluated. This two-stage approach offers robust feature selection and improves predictive accuracy, making it an effective tool for analyzing high-dimensional data.
Optimization Potential of Side-Lit Windows for Energy and Daylight Performance of University Classrooms in Shanghai
Authors: Song Yiming , Wang Haisong
Published: December 2024

University classrooms have an urgent need for energy saving and environmental optimization due to the energy consumption characteristics and the demand for a daylight environment. Classrooms in hot summer and cold winter (HSCW) areas in China are typically designed with a south-facing layout, but the indoor environment of the classrooms in actual use is not as satisfactory as it should be. This research examines the impacts of side-lit window design parameters and shading forms on the energy and daylight performance by using measurements and simulation. It is found that there is significant seasonal variation in the energy consumption of teaching buildings in HSCW areas, with cooling energy consumption being the primary focus of energy conservation. Additionally, appropriate shading measures can not only compensate for the energy deficiencies of the orientation and window-to-wall ratio (WWR), but also considerably enhance the indoor daylight conditions. The results indicate that the most effective way to optimize energy and daylight performance in classrooms is to adopt a north-facing layout with 400 mm shading louvers. The illuminance level of the working plane can be made more uniform and the useful daylight illuminance (UDI) can be increased to over 60%. Therefore, classroom designs in HSCW areas can be more flexible in terms of optimizing energy efficiency and daylight conditions by integrating various design parameters and shading measures.
Advances in Corrosion of High-Temperature Materials: Interfacial Migration and Alloy Design Strategies
Authors: Singh Aditya Narayan , Swain Shashwat Kumar , Meena Abhishek , Islam Mobinul , Nam Kyung-Wan
Published: December 2024

High-temperature structural materials face severe degradation challenges due to oxidation and corrosion, leading to reduced long-term stability and performance. This review comprehensively examines the interfacial migration mechanisms of reactive elements (REs) such as Ti, Al, and Cr in Ni/Fe-based alloys, emphasizing their role in forming and stabilizing protective oxide layers. We discuss how these oxide layers impede ion migration and mitigate environmental degradation. Key findings highlight the importance of selective oxidation, oxide layer healing, and the integration of novel alloying elements to enhance resistance under ultra-supercritical conditions. Advanced insights into grain boundary engineering, alloy design strategies, and quantum approaches to understanding charge transport at passive interfaces are also presented. These findings provide a foundation for developing next-generation high-temperature alloys with improved degradation resistance tailored to withstand extreme environmental conditions.
Efficient Catalytic Hydrogenation of Lignin-Derived Phenolics Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Song Yumeng , Chen Ping , Lou Hui , Zheng Xiaoming , Song Xiangen
Published: December 2024

This paper studies the catalytic hydrogenation reduction of lignin-derived phenolic compounds, such as catechol, guaiacol (O-methoxyphenol), phenol, P-methylphenol, O-ethylphenol, O-ethoxyphenol, etc. The reaction system focuses on the catalytic performance of hydrodeoxygenation reactions involving the phenolic derivatives of the lignin depolymerization products catechol and guaiacol. A series of Al2O3-TiO2 composite oxide supports with different Al/Ti ratios were prepared by a co-precipitation method, and a 5% Pd/Al2O3-TiO2 bifunctional catalyst was prepared by an impregnation method and characterized with XRD, SEM, BET, NH3-TPD, etc. Among these, the Pd/Al2Ti1 catalyst had the most excellent catalytic performance. At 100 °C and 2 MPa hydrogen pressure, the conversion of catechol was as high as 100%, and at 100 °C and 5 MPa hydrogen pressure, the conversion of guaiacol reached 90%.
Silsesquioxanes as Promising Materials for the Development of Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors
Authors: Zahrebelnei Felipe , Ribicki Ariane Caroline , Martins Duboc Natal Aline , Fujiwara Sérgio Toshio , Wohnrath Karen , Lima Dhésmon , Pessôa Christiana Andrade
Published: December 2024

Silsesquioxanes (SSQs) comprise an interesting and versatile class of three-dimensional organosilicate oligomers with diverse structural arrangements and interesting physicochemical properties. SSQs are of considerable technological interest, with applications that include the development of electrochemical detection devices. The presence of functional groups on their structures enables the anchoring of different electroactive and conductive species, such as complexes, metal nanoparticles and carbon nanomaterials, and biomolecules, including enzymes, nucleic acids, and antibodies, which boosts the sensitivity and selectivity of the obtained (bio)sensors. These materials can also be incorporated into conductive matrices using a range of methods, which enhances their versatility. This mini review provides an overview of the most recent applications of hybrid organic–inorganic SSQs in the preparation of modified electrodes for the development of electrochemical sensors and biosensors. Special focus is placed on the incorporation of nanomaterials in their polymeric structure and on the design and fabrication of electrochemical devices using different strategies.
Prevention of Muscle Atrophy by Low-Molecular-Weight Fraction from Hirsutella sinensis Mycelium
Authors: Chen Yi-Wen , Li Tsung-Ju , Wang Li-Ching , Yang Bi-Hua , Chen Yen-Lien , Chen Chin-Chu , Lin Hsin-Tang
Published: December 2024

Muscle atrophy, an age-related condition, presents a growing healthcare concern within the context of global population aging. While studies have investigated Hirsutella sinensis for its potential antifatigue properties, reports on its active components remain limited. This study evaluated the efficacy of H. sinensis mycelium extract on muscle health, utilizing a 1:1 water–ethanol preparation administered to C57BL/6 mice exhibiting acute hind leg atrophy. The results indicated no adverse effects, with significant improvements in muscle endurance and soleus muscle mass observed over a 14-day period. To further elucidate the mechanisms and effects of H. sinensis mycelium on dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy, the water extract was fractionated into components of <3.5 kDa, 3.5–10 kDa, and >10 kDa using dialysis membranes. The investigation utilized a C2C12 cell atrophy model, induced by dexamethasone, to analyze the expression of relevant genes via qPCR. The results demonstrated that the <3.5 kDa and >10 kDa fractions significantly upregulated the expression of Myh2 and Myh7 genes while simultaneously downregulating the expression of MuRF-1 and Atrogin-1. It is noteworthy that the <3.5 kDa fraction exclusively enhanced MYHC protein expression and suppressed AMPK expression, as confirmed by Western blot analysis. This comprehensive pilot study suggests that the low-molecular-weight fraction of H. sinensis mycelium exhibits considerable potential for muscle mass preservation and atrophy mitigation. As a result, it offers a promising direction for the development of supplements aimed at addressing fatigue and preventing muscle atrophy.
Analysis of Lacquer from the Zeng Cemetery (1046–771 BCE) at Guojiamiao
Authors: Chen Zifan , Wei Suya , Fu Yingchun , Fang Qin
Published: December 2024

The wooden lacquerware unearthed from the Zhou Dynasty (1046–771 BCE) Zeng Cemetery of Guojiamiao in Hubei Province, China, holds significant cultural value. Although the artifacts retain intact lacquer films, the wooden bodies exhibit high moisture content and severe decay, necessitating immediate dehydration and reinforcement. The characterization of the samples was carried out using microscopy, SEM-EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy—Energy Dispersive Spectrometry), XRD (X-Ray Diffraction), Raman spectroscopy, and THM-Py-GC/MS (Thermally Assisted Hydrolysis–Methylation Pyrolysis–Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) to analyze their physical and chemical properties, while moisture content was assessed through the loss-on-drying method. Findings reveal that the wooden structures of the dou and bow are made from Catalpa wood and Sawtooth oak, respectively, with a moisture content reaching 274%. The lacquer film comprises three layers: a mortar layer, a lacquer layer, and a cinnabar-containing red pigment layer. The purpose of this study is to investigate the material properties of lacquered wood artifacts, focusing on the application of advanced analytical techniques to assess their condition and composition, offering a foundation for effective conservation strategies for these cultural relics.
Agroecological Weed Management and the Potential Role of Fungi-Based Bioherbicides in Conservation: Advantages, Applications and Future Prospects
Authors: Petraki Dimitra , Kanatas Panagiotis , Zannopoulos Stavros , Kokkini Metaxia , Antonopoulos Nikolaos , Gazoulis Ioannis , Travlos Ilias
Published: December 2024

Recently, there has been growing interest by farmers and researchers in various agroecological approaches enhancing biodiversity and conservation including the use of natural herbicides derived from fungi to provide adequate weed control. This change is driven by growing concerns about herbicide resistance, environmental impacts and regulatory requirements. This review summarizes the results of various studies and highlights the efficacy and benefits of fungal bioherbicides in weed control. Fungi-based bioherbicides utilize the natural weed suppression capability of selected fungi to reduce weed density and competitiveness without completely eradicating the plants and such an approach is at the core of agroecology. Bioherbicides contribute to conservation by providing an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical herbicides. By reducing the reliance on synthetic chemicals, fungal bioherbicides help preserve soil health, water quality and protect non-target species, including beneficial organisms such as pollinators and soil microbes. They also promote biodiversity by selectively targeting specific weed species, leaving native plants and other organisms unharmed and favoring diversified weed flora without the dominance of a few species. Despite their promising potential, bioherbicides face several challenges, including delayed action, production difficulties and the potential toxicity of certain fungal toxins to mammals. This review highlights the growing adoption of fungal bioherbicides as an eco-friendly component of Integrated Weed Management (IWM). Further research is necessary to identify optimal fungal strains for controlling persistent weeds without putting at risk the overall biodiversity and to develop improved formulations for enhanced efficacy.
Automated Supraclavicular Brown Adipose Tissue Segmentation in Computed Tomography Using nnU-Net: Integration with TotalSegmentator
Authors: Jørgensen Kasper , Høi-Hansen Frederikke Engel , Loos Ruth J. F. , Hinge Christian , Andersen Flemming Littrup
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a crucial role in energy expenditure and thermoregulation and has thus garnered interest in the context of metabolic diseases. Segmentation in medical imaging is time-consuming and prone to inter- and intra-operator variability. This study aims to develop an automated BAT segmentation method using the nnU-Net deep learning framework, integrated into the TotalSegmentator software, and to evaluate its performance in a large cohort of patients with lymphoma. Methods: A 3D nnU-Net model was trained on the manually annotated BAT regions from 159 lymphoma patients’ CT scans, employing a 5-fold cross-validation approach. An ensemble model was created using these folds to enhance segmentation performance. The model was tested on an independent cohort of 30 patients. The evaluation metrics included the DICE score and Hausdorff Distance (HD). Additionally, the mean standardized uptake value (SUV) in the BAT regions was analyzed in 7107 FDG PET/CT lymphoma studies to identify patterns in the BAT SUVs. Results: The ensemble model achieved a state-of-the-art average DICE score of 0.780 ± 0.077 and an HD of 29.0 ± 14.6 mm in the test set, outperforming the individual fold models. Automated BAT segmentation revealed significant differences in the BAT SUVs between the sexes, with higher values in women. The morning scans showed a higher BAT SUV compared to the afternoon scans, and seasonal variations were observed, with an increased uptake during the winter. The BAT SUVs decreased with age. Conclusions: The proposed automated BAT segmentation tool demonstrates robust performance, reducing the need for manual annotation. The analysis of a large patient cohort confirms the known patterns of BAT SUVs, highlighting the method’s potential for broader clinical and research applications.
Urinary Immune Complexes Reflect Renal Pathology in Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Tang Chenling , Teymur Aygun , Wu Tianfu
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Lupus nephritis (LN) is a serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), involving immune complex deposition in the kidneys. While renal biopsy is the diagnostic gold standard, its invasiveness limits frequent use, driving the need for non-invasive urinary biomarkers to monitor disease progression and response to treatment. This study aimed to identify and validate urinary biomarkers for LN. Methods: Data from 10 LN-related omics databases, including urine, PBMCs, and kidney tissue, were analyzed. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and genes (DEGs) were identified, and candidate biomarkers were validated via ELISA in an independent cohort of 87 urine samples. Results: We identified 78 biomarkers, with 14 overlapping across transcriptomic categories. Novel urinary biomarkers, including SERPING1, SLPI, and CD48, were validated. Urinary CD163, VCAM1, and ALCAM levels showed significant differences between LN and healthy controls, while urinary immune complexes (ICx) demonstrated superior diagnostic performance, with urinary ALCAM-ICx and CCL21-ICx achieving the highest AUC values. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the potential of urinary immune complexes and antigens as non-invasive biomarkers for LN. ALCAM, CD163, and SERPING1-ICx, in particular, were found as promising candidates for a urinary biomarker panel to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of LN.
Prenatal Ultrasound Findings and Chromosomal Outcomes of Pregnancies with Mosaic Embryo Transfer
Authors: Hong You Mi , Kim Soo Hyun , Park Hee Jin , Ryu Hyun Mee , Cha Dong Hyun , Kim Moon Young , Han You Jung
Published: December 2024

Background: To investigate prenatal ultrasound findings and the chromosomal outcomes of mosaic embryo transfer. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on pregnant women who underwent mosaic embryo transfer following blastocyst-stage preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) at CHA Gangnam Medical Center from January 2021 to July 2024. Trophectoderm biopsy specimens were collected using standard protocols, and next-generation sequencing profiles were defined as mosaics when displaying copy number counts in the 20–80% range. The results of the PGT-A, the amniocentesis results, the findings of prenatal ultrasounds, and the pregnancy outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total of 88 mosaic embryos were transferred, of which 77 embryos were successfully implanted. Sixty-seven embryo-maintained pregnancies went beyond 11 weeks (87.0%), all among 58 patients with singleton pregnancies. The chaotic subtype showed the lowest ongoing pregnancy rate, and high-level mosaicism was less frequent in the ongoing group, compared to the total study group and the successful implantation group. Amniocentesis was performed on 33 mothers (56.9%), revealing two cases with abnormal findings that did not correlate with the PGT-A results. Two cases showed abnormalities in the second trimester detailed ultrasound, and both subsequently demonstrated normal findings in the third trimester and after birth. The average gestational age at birth was 38.4 weeks, and the average birth weight was 3313 g. No congenital anomalies were detected in 16 postnatal cases. Conclusions: Our study indicated that mosaic embryos can develop into euploid healthy infants with various levels or types of mosaicism, although the postnatal follow-up data are limited. This study is invaluable for counseling clinical results after mosaic embryo transfer, reassuring that, if patients do not have euploid embryos available, mosaic embryos can also be a viable option for transfer.
Effect of Nitrite and Temperature on Autotrophic Denitrification in Anammox Granular Biomass from a Partial Nitritation–Anammox Reactor
Authors: Ibarra Benjamín , Lesty Yves , Pastur Mateo , Castro Celia , Girard Chloe , Chamy Rolando
Published: December 2024

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is a key process in the removal of nitrogen from wastewater, in which episodes of substrate inhibition may occur. In this study, the effect of nitrite on anammox in the short and long term was investigated using granules from a full-scale SBR reactor in operation. In the short term, maximum activity was achieved at 100 mg N-NO2−/L, with higher concentrations being inhibitory. It was determined that the biomass behavior is well interpreted (R2 = 0.955) by a non-competitive substrate inhibition model (Andrews model), with a KS of 55.6 mg N-NO2−/L and a KI of 116.7 mg N-NO2−/L, and also well interpreted by the Edwards model (R2 = 0.957), with a KS of 36 mg N-NO2−/L and a KI of 287 mg N-NO2−/L. In the long term, the biomass retained its anammox activity at 15 mg N-NO2−/L over a three TRH horizon; however, at 30 mg N-NO2−/L, anammox activity decreased by 50% at the end of the experiment. Finally, the effect of temperature on the activity of the anammox granules from a different source was studied, revealing that the activity increases with temperature within the range of 25–35 °C, which can be useful if a rapid increase in activity is desired. Operationally, maintaining nitrite below 30 mg N-NO2−/L ensures stability, while exceeding 100 mg N-NO2−/L causes immediate SAA inhibition and slower recovery.
Short-Term Impacts of Fire and Post-Fire Restoration Methods on Soil Properties and Microbial Characteristics in Southern China
Authors: Zhou Hongen , Yang Mengmeng , Luo Xuan , Yang Zefang , Wang Lanqing , Liu Shizhong , Zhang Qianmei , Luo Mingdao , Ou Jinwei , Xiong Shiyang , Qin Yujie , Li Yuelin
Published: December 2024

Wildfires and post-fire restoration methods significantly impact soil physicochemical properties and microbial characteristics in forest ecosystems. Understanding post-fire soil recovery and the impacts of various post-fire restoration methods is essential for developing effective restoration strategies. This study aimed to investigate how fire and soil depth influence soil physicochemical properties, enzymatic activities, and the structure of microbial communities, as well as how these factors change under different post-fire management practices. We sampled 0–10 cm (topsoil) and 10–20 cm (subsoil) in unburned plots, naturally restored plots, and two afforestation plots in southern China. The results showed that fire reduced topsoil soil moisture, nutrient levels, and microbial biomass. The variations in soil physicochemical properties significantly influenced microbial processes. Soil bulk density, nitrate, ammonium, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and availability of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium availability influenced soil enzyme activities. Soil pH, ammonium nitrogen, and the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were key factors shaping microbial composition. Fire altered the soil microbial communities by reducing the availability of nitrogen. Soil depth alleviated the impact of fire on the soil to some degree. Although artificial interventions reduced soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and phosphorus, planting nitrogen-fixing species, such as Acacia mangium, promoted microbial recovery.
Clinical and Pathological Characteristics of Chronic Otomastoiditis: A Retrospective Analysis of Risk Factors, Outcomes, and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns
Authors: Popescu Cristina , Popescu Alin Iulian Silviu , Văruț Renata Maria , Popescu Mihaela , Niculescu Carmen Elena , Singer Cristina Elena
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Chronic otomastoiditis is a complex inflammatory condition frequently associated with delayed diagnosis, inadequate antibiotic use, and healthcare disparities. This study aimed to analyze the clinical, demographic, and microbiological characteristics of chronic otomastoiditis and its complications over a 10-year period in rural versus urban populations. Methods: This retrospective study included 292 patients with chronic otomastoiditis admitted to the ENT Clinic of Craiova County Emergency Clinical Hospital from 2013 to 2023. Data were collected on patient demographics, clinical presentations, imaging findings, audiometry, bacteriological profiles, and surgical outcomes. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify risk factors and patterns of antibiotic resistance. Results: Urban patients represented 60.27% of cases, while rural patients (39.73%) presented later with more advanced disease. Cholesteatoma was identified in 49.31% of cases, frequently associated with hearing loss and structural complications. Significant antibiotic resistance was noted for Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, with high resistance rates to amoxicillin and amoxicillin–clavulanate. Surgical interventions, primarily mastoidectomy, were associated with varied recovery rates and complications. Conclusions: Chronic otomastoiditis is influenced by healthcare accessibility and antibiotic resistance. Early diagnosis, antibiotic stewardship, and targeted surgical interventions are critical in managing this condition, particularly in underserved rural populations. Public health efforts should focus on improving healthcare accessibility to mitigate long-term complications.
Simulation and Visualisation of Traditional Craft Actions
Authors: Zabulis Xenophon , Stamou Andriani , Demeridou Ioanna , Koutlemanis Panagiotis , Karamaounas Polykarpos , Papageridis Vasileios , Partarakis Nikolaos
Published: December 2024

Digital tools exhibit the potential to support the sustainability of traditional crafts through training and presentation applications. This work presents an integrated approach, combining state-of-the-art simulation and visualisation techniques to model mechanical actions characteristic of traditional crafts. This integration promotes a deeper understanding of the material behaviours and processes that are fundamental to traditional crafts, providing a valuable resource for researchers, educators, and conservators. Developed from an analysis of crafting activities regarding elementary actions, these tools support the safeguarding and education of craft techniques. The ability to realistically simulate and visualise crafting actions enhances applications in training and offers new avenues for the commercial presentation of craft products. The results demonstrate that this integrated approach yields detailed and realistic representations, providing a robust foundation for validating the traditional methods, comparing diverse techniques, and exploring innovative applications.
Droplet Entrainment in Steam Supply System of Water-Cooled Small Modular Reactors: Experiment and Modeling Approaches
Authors: Fossum Kenneth Lee , Bhowmik Palash Kumar , Sabharwall Piyush
Published: December 2024

Droplet entrainment in steam-flow is a prominent phenomenon that needs adequate safety and risk analysis of postulated transient and accident scenarios—including experimental investigation and representative modeling and simulation (M&S)—for small modular reactor (SMR) system design and demonstration. This study identifies knowledge gaps by evaluating experimental and computational fluid dynamics modeling approaches to support early-stage reactor system design, testing, and model evaluation. Previous studies reported in the literature for steam-flow entrainment primarily focused on gigawatt capacity pressurized water reactor (PWR) systems. However, entrainment phenomena are even more prominent for PWR-type SMRs due to their more compact integrated designs, which need further research and development. To fill the research gaps, this study provides insight by specifying the phenomena of interest by leveraging the lessons learned from past research, adopting advanced M&S techniques and advanced instrumentation and control. The findings and recommendations are applicable for evaluating steam-flow entrainment models and for designing integral effect test and separate effect test facilities for gaining reactor design approvals.
Cyclic Peptides as Protein Kinase Modulators and Their Involvement in the Treatment of Diverse Human Diseases
Authors: Martínez-Alcantar Lorena , Hernández-Padilla Laura , Díaz-Pérez Alma Laura , Villalón-Magallán Lizbeth Guadalupe , Durán-Maldonado Mayra Xóchitl , Díaz-Pérez César , Campos-Morales Marlene E. , Figueroa-Guzmán Citlali , Campos-García Jesús
Published: December 2024

Protein kinases (PKs) are an important and very popular family of enzymes that play a vital role in regulating cellular processes via the phosphorylation of targets. Nevertheless, modifications in the expression due to mutations or their dysregulation can lead to diseases, including autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular problems, diabetes, neurological diseases, and cancers. Cyclic ultra-short peptides are amazing structures with unique properties. The cyclicity of cyclic peptides (CPs) can mimic the interactions between PKs and natural substrates, influencing the enzyme activity essential in health and disease physiology. Our review summarized that interference in the signal transduction mechanism of the PKs by CPs implies the inhibition of substrate phosphorylation at the level of the active site, similar to anti-neoplastic drugs. The remarkable capacity of CPs to interact with targets positions them as promising candidates for developing protein kinase inhibitors in treating diseases. This review offers new insights for CPs in molecular mechanisms, cytotoxicity, target selectivity, and the possibility of designing more effective and safe therapeutic agents.
Efficient Removal of Phenol Red Dye from Polluted Water Using Sustainable Low-Cost Sewage Sludge Activated Carbon: Adsorption and Reusability Studies
Authors: Aljubiri Salha M. , Younes Ayman A. O. , Alosaimi Eid H. , Abdel-Daiem Mahmoud M. , Abdel-Salam Enas T. , El-Shwiniy Walaa H.
Published: December 2024

The use of sewage sludge activated carbon (thickened samples ACS1 and non-thickened samples ACS2) in a variety of applications and simple environmentally friendly production techniques are attracting more and more attention. We offer here a novel environmentally friendly method based on the green synthesis of activated carbons (ACS1/ACS2) using sewage sludge (SS). These activated carbons are then used to effectively remove the water-based reactive dye phenol red (PR). The ACS1 and ACS2 produced are porous materials with an average diameter of 20.72–13.30 and 6.20–7.34 nm, respectively. These ACS1/ACS2 were analyzed using a range of characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. Elimination of toxic PR dye was investigated using several operational factors, including ACS1/ACS2 dose, initial PR dye concentration, pH and temperature. Under the best experimental conditions, the ACS1 and ACS2 adsorbents absorbed nearly 89.58% and 97.69% of the PR dye, respectively. It was found that both ACS1 and ACS2 adsorption corresponded to pseudo-first-order kinetics (R = 0.996 and 0.980) and fulfilled Langmuir’s (ACS1) and Freundlich’s (ACS2) models well, with maximum adsorption capacities of 65.35 and 122.72 mg/g, respectively. It was found that the adsorption processes are basically exothermic. The results suggest that sewage sludge can be effective as a low-cost and environmentally beneficial synthesis of ACS1 and ACS2 in the purification of water sources contaminated with hazardous dyes.
Characterizing Interactions Between Small Peptides and Dimethyl Sulfoxide Using Infrared Spectroscopy and Computational Methods
Authors: Panuszko Aneta , Pastwa Przemysław , Gajewski Jacek , Bruździak Piotr
Published: December 2024

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the interactions between dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and two small peptides, diglycine and N-acetyl-glycine-methylamide (NAGMA), in aqueous solutions using FTIR spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and DFT results revealed that DMSO does not form direct bonds with the peptides, suggesting that DMSO indirectly influences both peptides by modifying the surrounding water molecules. The analysis of HDO spectra allowed for the isolation of the contribution of water molecules that were simultaneously altered by the peptide and DMSO, and it also explained the changes in the hydration shells of the peptides in the presence of DMSO. In the DMSO–diglycine system, DMSO contributes to the additional strengthening of water hydrogen bonds in the reinforced hydration sphere of diglycine. In contrast, DMSO has a more moderate effect on the water molecules surrounding NAGMA due to the similarity of their hydration shells, leading to a slight weakening of the hydrogen bonds in the NAGMA hydration sphere. DFT/ONIOM calculations confirmed these observations. These findings demonstrated that DMSO influences peptide stability differentially based on their structural characteristics.
Azobenzene as Multi-Targeted Scaffold in Medicinal Chemistry
Authors: De Filippis Barbara , Della Valle Alice , Ammazzalorso Alessandra , Maccallini Cristina , Tesse Giuseppe , Amoroso Rosa , Mollica Adriano , Giampietro Letizia
Published: December 2024

The discovery of a multi-target scaffold in medicinal chemistry is an important goal for the development of new drugs with different biological effects. Azobenzene is one of the frameworks in medicinal chemistry used for its simple synthetic methods and for the possibility to obtain a great variety of derivatives by simple chemical modifications or substitutions. Phenyldiazenyl-containing compounds show a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-neurodegenerative, anti-cancer, and anti-enzymatic. The aim of this review is to highlight the importance of azobenzene as a scaffold in medicinal chemistry, with particular attention to the chemical modifications and structure–activity relationships (SARs). This review emphasizes the main therapeutic applications of phenyldiazenyl derivatives, with a particular focus on structural modification and its influence on activity, with the aim of inspiring medicinal chemists to obtain new, increasingly powerful azobenzenes useful in therapy.
Oligostyrylbenzene Derivatives with Antiparasitic and Antibacterial Activity as Potent G-Quadruplex Ligands
Authors: Pérez-Soto Manuel , Peñalver Pablo , Muñoz-Báez Paloma , Tolosa Juan , García-Martínez Joaquín Calixto , Cebrián Rubén , Morales Juan Carlos
Published: December 2024

G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical secondary structures that play a crucial role in the regulation of genetic expression. This study explores the interaction between G4s and a small family of oligostyrylbenzene (OSB) derivatives, characterized by tris(styryl)benzene and tetrastyrylbenzene backbones, functionalized with either trimethylammonium or 1-methylpyridinium groups. Initially identified as DNA ligands, these OSB derivatives have now been recognized as potent G4 binders, surpassing in binding affinity commercially available ligands such as pyridostatin and displaying good selectivity for G4s over duplex DNA. Furthermore, OSB derivatives 1 and 2 demonstrated significant antiparasitic activity against bloodstream forms of T. brucei and extracellular L. major, with high selectivity indices when compared to MRC-5 healthy control cells. Derivatives 1 and 2 exhibited moderate biocidal effects against a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Notably, a synergistic antibacterial effect was observed when these compounds were combined with traditional antibiotics, particularly against Acinetobacter baumannii, highlighting their potential utility in addressing drug-resistant bacterial infections. The differences in bioactivity among the OSB derivatives can be attributed to variations in cellular uptake, as proved by flow cytometry analysis. This suggests that the degree of cellular internalization plays a pivotal role in the observed antiparasitic and antibacterial efficacy.
Differentiation of Insect Flours by Elemental Analysis and Chemometrics: A Study Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Authors: Montanaro Mattia , Biancolillo Alessandra , D’Archivio Angelo Antonio , Foschi Martina
Published: December 2024

Background: This study aimed to validate a method for characterizing and quantifying the multi-elemental profiles of different insect flours to enable their distinction, identification, and quality assessment. The focus was on three insect species: cricket (Acheta domesticus), buffalo worm (Alphitobius diaperinus), and mealworm (Tenebrio molitor). Methods: Mealworms were powdered in the laboratory through mechanical processing. Sample analysis involved acid digestion using a microwave digester, followed by profiling with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). This technique enabled rapid, multi-elemental analysis at trace levels. Chemometric methods, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for exploratory analysis, Covariance Selection-Linear Discriminant Analysis (CovSel-LDA), alongside forward stepwise LDA classification methods, were applied and compared. Results: ICP-MS accurately detected elements at micro trace levels. Both classification models, based on different variable selection methods and externally validated on a test set comprising 45% of the available samples, proved effective in classifying samples based on slightly different pools of trace elements. CovSel-LDA selected Mg and Se, whereas the stepwise-LDA focused on Mg, K, and Mn. Conclusions: the validated methods demonstrated high accuracy and generalizability, supporting their potential use in food industry applications. This model could assist in quality control, facilitating the introduction of insect-based flour into European and international markets as novel foods.
Kinetically Controlled Direct Synthesis of Ag Nanoclusters as Precursor of Luminescent AgAu Alloy Nanoclusters for Aluminum Ions Detection
Authors: Liu Xianhu , Chang Yanping , Yao Wanqing , Li Long , Guo Hongwei
Published: December 2024

Direct preparation of silver nanoclusters is of great significance for their applications. In this work, by selecting sodium cyanoborohydride as a weak reducing agent to control the kinetics of the reduction reaction, we successfully prepared silver nanoclusters protected by thiol-containing ligands, including mercaptosuccinic acid, cysteine, and glutathione. Based on the silver nanoclusters protected by mercaptosuccinic acid, silver–gold alloy nanoclusters were obtained through a gold doping reaction. Spectroscopic and particle size analyses showed that the silver–gold alloy nanoclusters exhibited aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) properties. A fluorescent probe for aluminum ions was developed based on the silver–gold alloy nanoclusters. In the presence of methionine and mercaptoacetic acid, the probe demonstrated good selectivity for aluminum ion detection. The linear range of this detection method was 0 to 192 μM, with a detection limit of 1.6 μM. The working mechanism of this detection method was further investigated through spectroscopic analysis.
Prenatal Breastfeeding Intention Is Consistently Associated with Breastfeeding Duration Among WIC-Participating Women
Authors: Anderson Christopher E. , Yang Fu-Chi , Whaley Shannon E.
Published: December 2024

Background/Objective: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides breastfeeding support to participating women in low-income households. This study aimed to determine the relationships between prenatal maternal and household characteristics and breastfeeding duration, as well as whether these characteristics modify associations of prenatal breastfeeding intention with breastfeeding duration. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of pregnant respondents to Los Angeles County (LAC), California, WIC surveys conducted between 2005 and 2020 (n = 1014). Associations of prenatal breastfeeding intention with duration (months) of any or fully breastfeeding, determined by WIC infant food package issuance, were assessed with linear regression models. Results: Most women reported the intention to breastfeed (67.7%) and perceived breastfeeding support during pregnancy from WIC and family/friends was associated with breastfeeding intention (both p-values < 0.0001). Stronger breastfeeding intention, lower maternal BMI, greater maternal age, greater maternal education, paternal cohabitation and employment, and greater breastfeeding support from family/friends were associated with longer duration of any or fully breastfeeding in multivariable models. Stronger breastfeeding intention was more strongly associated with longer duration of any breastfeeding among women with lower BMI (interaction p-value 0.03). Conclusions: Breastfeeding support from WIC is an important contributor to stronger breastfeeding intention. Given the robust association of breastfeeding intention with breastfeeding duration, regardless of maternal and household characteristics, WIC breastfeeding support during pregnancy represents an important mechanism to improve breastfeeding outcomes in this population. Further research is needed to understand the directionality of associations between breastfeeding support and intention among WIC participants.