bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fractional CO2 Laser for Pediatric Hypertrophic Scars: Lessons Learned from a Prematurely Terminated Split-Scar Trial
Authors: Sinha Sarthak , Baykan Altay , Hulin Karen , Baron Doug , Gabriel Vincent , Fraulin Frankie O. G.
Published: February 2025

Background: Assessing hypertrophic scar (HTS) interventions is challenging because scars continue to undergo dynamic changes. A split-scar design can distinguish treatment effects from natural HTS evolution. Despite promising reports of ablative fractional CO2 lasers (AFCO2Ls) for HTS, split-scar evidence, particularly in pediatric scars, remains limited. Objective: To explore the feasibility of a split-scar design in assessing AFCO2L’s impact on pediatric HTS and to identify potential trends in treatment outcomes. Methods: Initially designed as a prospective single-center split-scar randomized controlled trial, our study transitioned to a feasibility trial due to recruitment challenges. Pediatric patients aged 1–17 years with HTS suitable for split-scar evaluation received three AFCO2L treatments at 6–8-week intervals, with outcomes assessed using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), SCAR-Q, and Cutometer. Results: Recruitment was limited by COVID-19 restrictions, concerns about general anesthesia for split-scar treatment, and low interest in divided-scar interventions, resulting in only 6 participants with 9 scars enrolled, far below the target sample size of 44. This small heterogeneous sample precluded meaningful clinical outcome analysis. Conclusions: Our feasibility trial highlights challenges in conducting rigorous pediatric HTS studies and the need for careful interpretation of evidence due to potential publication bias. Future trials should focus on tailored recruitment and comprehensive reporting to improve feasibility and reliability.
Could Intravenous Lipid Emulsion Improve the Level of Consciousness in Acute Sedative and Antipsychotic Poisoning? A Review of Randomised Human Trials
Authors: Koh Justin , Chalmers Debra , Hryniv Roman , King Angharad , Cave Grant
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Sedative and antipsychotic (SAP) agents are amongst the most common overdoses seen clinically, with few available antidotes. The proposed “lipid shuttle” mechanism of action for intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) could augment the redistribution of SAP agents from the central nervous system in overdoses. We reviewed randomised controlled clinical trials to evaluate the effect of intravenous lipid emulsion when the indication for use was a reduction in the level of consciousness in SAP overdoses. Methods: We searched for human randomized controlled trials comparing the use of ILE to placebos in SAP drug overdoses. Animal and non-randomised human studies were excluded. Relevant databases were searched with two independent reviewers assessing studies for inclusion and risk of bias using the ROB 2 tool. Results: Five identified studies enrolled 270 patients in total, of whom 226 had isolated tramadol or clozapine toxicity. One study was assessed as having serious concerns for bias, and the other four as having some potential for bias. In all studies, there was a statistically significant increase in the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), favouring the ILE groups. This effect does not appear to have been due to changes in haemodynamics. Secondary outcomes on length of stay and QT interval were also positive. No patient died in any study. Conclusions: In the five reported randomised human trials of the effect of ILE on level of consciousness post-SAP overdose, patients receiving ILE had a greater increase in GCS over time. The potential for bias existed in all studies, and trial results may be true but specific to the intoxicants and situations studied, which prevents the generalisability of findings. More research is both feasible and necessary in this area.
Unboxing Okun’s Relation Between Economic Growth and Unemployment Rate: Evidence from the United States, 1948–2024
Authors: Peláez-Herreros Óscar
Published: February 2025

We develop the first disaggregation of Okun’s law that quantifies all of the information that is subsumed within its coefficients. The proposed method decomposes the coefficients into the sum of the direct effect of the change in output upon the unemployment rate, plus the indirect effects of the variations in the output per hour worked, the hours worked per employed person, the participation rate, and the size of the working-age population. With quarterly data for the United States from 1948 to 2024, we found that the value of the intercept in Okun’s relation is determined by the increases in working-age population and output per hour of work, along with the decrease in the number of hours worked per employed person, plus the growth of the participation rate until the 1990s and its subsequent decline. For its part, the slope, that is, the value of Okun’s coefficient, depends mainly upon the variations in output per hour of work and the hours per employed person. The other factors were scarcely relevant. Changes in these components caused the Okun’s relation to vary over time, showing a greater sensitivity of the unemployment rate to variations in production since the 2008 crisis.
Deep Reinforcement Learning for a Self-Driving Vehicle Operating Solely on Visual Information
Authors: Audinys Robertas , Šlikas Žygimantas , Radkevičius Justas , Šutas Mantas , Ostreika Armantas
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the application of Vision Transformers (ViTs) in deep reinforcement learning (DRL) for autonomous driving systems that rely solely on visual input. While convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are widely used for visual processing, they have limitations in capturing global patterns and handling complex driving scenarios. To address these challenges, we developed a ViT-based DRL model and evaluated its performance through extensive training in the MetaDrive simulator and testing in the high-fidelity AirSim simulator. Results show that the ViT-based model significantly outperformed CNN baselines in MetaDrive, achieving nearly seven times the average distance traveled and an 87% increase in average speed. In AirSim, the model exhibited superior adaptability to realistic conditions, maintaining stability and safety in visually complex environments. These findings highlight the potential of ViTs to enhance the robustness and reliability of vision-based autonomous systems, offering a transformative approach to safe exploration in diverse driving scenarios.
Named Entity Recognition in Track Circuits Based on Multi-Granularity Fusion and Multi-Scale Retention Mechanism
Authors: Chen Yanrui , Chen Guangwu , Li Peng
Published: February 2025

To enhance the efficiency of reusing massive unstructured operation and maintenance (O&M) data generated during routine railway maintenance inspections, this paper proposes a Named Entity Recognition (NER) method that integrates multi-granularity semantics and a Multi-Scale Retention (MSR) mechanism. The proposed approach effectively transforms expert knowledge extracted from manually processed fault data into structured triplet information, enabling the in-depth mining of track circuit O&M text data. Given the specific characteristics of railway domain texts, which include a high prevalence of technical terms, ambiguous entity boundaries, and complex semantics, we first construct a domain-specific lexicon stored in a Trie tree structure. A lexicon adapter is then introduced to incorporate these terms as external knowledge into the base encoding process of RoBERTa-wwm-ext, forming the lexicon-enhanced LE-RoBERTa-wwm model. Subsequently, a hidden feature extractor captures semantic representations from all 12 output layers of LE-RoBERTa-wwm, performing weighted fusion to fully leverage multi-granularity semantic information across encoding layers. Furthermore, in the downstream processing stage, two computational paradigms are designed based on the MSR mechanism and the Regularized Dropout (R-Drop) mechanism, enabling low-cost inference and efficient parallel training. Comparative experiments conducted on the public Resume and Weibo datasets demonstrate that the model achieves F1 scores of 96.75% and 72.06%, respectively. Additional experiments on a track circuit dataset further validate the model’s superior recognition performance and generalization capability.
Influence of Carbon Particle Characteristics on Oxidative Filtration Under Biomass Gasification Gas Atmosphere
Authors: Jiang Junfei , Ji Xingying , Ling Qingyan , Luo Peilan , Liu Fengfeng , Zhao Pengfei , Feng Haodong , Wu Xiaojun
Published: February 2025

The oxidation of filter cake particles (FCPs) is beneficial for preventing filter media blockage during the hot filtration of raw biomass gasification gas. The influence of particle characteristics on hot oxidative filtration was investigated through characterization, kinetic study, and lab-scale experiments. The characterization results indicated that FCPs are particles with C content of more than 60%, containing –CHn and C=O functional groups. After pyrolysis treatment, these functional groups gradually diminished, while the degree of atomic nucleus condensation increased. The oxidation kinetic calculation indicated that the oxidation activation energy of particles ranged from 55.24 to 117.84 kJ/mol, and higher treatment temperatures could reduce the particle reactivity. The hot oxidative filtration at 400 °C revealed that the primary reaction was C + O2 = CO2 rather than combustion or oxidation of combustive gas components. Furthermore, it was observed that the active minerals on the surface of carbon particles would promote the catalytic oxidation of CO. Experimental findings confirmed that the untreated FCPs containing abundant –CHn functional groups could effectively react with low-concentration O2. However, the presence of active minerals on the particle surface likely promoted CO oxidation within the FCP layer, thereby reducing the calorific value of the product gas.
Advances in Green Energy, Environment and Carbon Neutralization
Authors: Kong Fanying , Ren Hongyu
Published: February 2025

Population growth and industrialization have led to a rapid increase in the consumption of fossil fuels and resources [...]
The Importance of Exploring and Developing a Wide Variety of Photovoltaic Technologies
Authors: Artegiani Elisa
Published: February 2025

According to the latest Copernicus report [...]
Research on the DC Ice-Melting Model and Its Influencing Factors on the Overhead Contact Systems of an Electrification Railway
Authors: Huang Guosheng , Wu Mingli , Liang Jieyi , Fu Songping , Tian Fuqiang , Pei Xiaojuan , Liu Qiujiang , Li Teng
Published: February 2025

The overhead contact system of the electrification railway is exposed to the natural environment throughout the year and is liable to encounter the problem of line icing. The icing on the line will reduce the current-collection performance of the pantograph, resulting in a decrease in the safety and reliability of the overhead contact system. It is an effective way to solve the icing problem by using the Joule heat generated by the DC in the conductor to melt the ice. In this paper, the multi-physics simulation software COMSOL is used to construct the finite element simulation model of the overhead contact system unit composed of a contact line, catenary wire and dropper. The model covers the physical processes such as convective heat transfer between conductor and air, heat conduction between overhead contact system and ice layer during ice melting, and considers the latent heat factor of ice melting. Under the condition of no icing, the actual data of several temperature points are measured under the applied current state of the overhead contact system, and the validity of the model is verified by comparing the simulated temperature data with the measured data. On this basis, the effects of ambient temperature, ice thickness and current on ice melting were studied using simulations. The results show that the ambient temperature has a significant effect on the ice-melting speed. Under 10 mm ice thickness and 2 m/s wind speed conditions, the time to start melting ice increases from 2 to 60 min until the ice cannot be melted as the ambient temperature decreases from −1 °C to −25 °C. Various initial conditions for ice thickness and wind speed were analyzed. Under the condition of no ice, the temperature rise of the contact wire and the catenary wire increases significantly with the current increase. When the current increases from 500 A to 2000 A, the temperature rise of the contact wire increases from 9.08–9.25 °C to 214.07–218.59 °C, and the temperature rise of the catenary wire increases from 6.88–7.01 °C to 173.43–177.13 °C. In addition, there is an optimal ice thickness range for the ice-melting process. When melting ice at −1 °C and −5 °C, the optimal ice thickness ranges are 4–8 mm and 1–4 mm, respectively.
Does Carbon Pricing Matter? Evidence from a Global Sample
Authors: Al-Abdulqader Khalid S. , Ibrahim Abdul-Jalil , Ong JingKai , Khalifa Ahmed A.
Published: February 2025

Implementing a carbon pricing policy in any country remains a complex challenge, requiring the careful navigation of economic, social, and political factors to ensure policy coherence and stakeholder buy-in. Given the critical role of carbon pricing in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, this study provides empirical evidence on the impact of carbon price implementation on carbon emission reductions globally. The study is motivated by the a priori assumption that carbon pricing policies incentivize polluters to adopt carbon-neutral technologies, leading to emission reductions. Using data from 30 jurisdictions between 1990 and 2020, comprising both developed economies and eight emerging markets where either a carbon tax, an emission trading system, or both have been implemented, we assess the effectiveness of carbon pricing mechanisms while controlling for economic growth, population, energy intensity, and environmental policy stringency. The findings confirm that carbon pricing leads to a significant reduction in emissions, with the Emission Trading System proving to be more effective in accelerating emission reductions than the carbon tax. Specifically, the Emission Trading System is associated with a 12.06% reduction in carbon emissions, compared to an 8.91% reduction under the carbon tax. These results underscore the importance of market-based mechanisms in driving decarbonization efforts. The findings also have critical policy implications, highlighting the need for tailored carbon pricing strategies that align with national economic structures and political contexts. Robustness checks and policy recommendations are provided to guide policymakers in designing effective carbon pricing frameworks to enhance climate mitigation efforts.
The Complete Mitochondrial Genome of the Rare Winter-Blooming Rosy Red Cherry Prunus cerasoides
Authors: Wang Yujun , He Mingjun , Han Feifei , Liang Chengxiang , Fu Wenyi , Qian Siyu , Zeng Xinglin , Yun Yingke , Yi Xiangui
Published: February 2025

Prunus cerasoides D.-Don is a rare winter-blooming species and a distinctive and potential germplasm resource for cherry blossoms. We have characterized the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of P. cerasoides and acquired a monocyclic molecule measuring 421,258 bp. A total of 58 unique genes were annotated, comprising 36 protein-coding genes, 19 tRNAs, and three rRNAs. In the mitochondrial genome of P. cerasoides, we detected 86 simple sequence repeats, 727 dispersed repeats, and 21 tandem repeats. We detected 456 RNA editing sites from 34 unique protein-coding genes, leading to the cytosine to uracil transitions. Collinear analysis revealed that the mitogenome of P. cerasoides is quite conservative among species of the subgenus Cerasus. Moreover, our study detected 26 segments of plastid genomic DNA that had transferred from the plastome to the mitogenome. Six genes were found to be completely transferred from these fragments. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis utilizing the mitogenomes of 29 distinct Rosaceae species supports the classification of P. cerasoides into separate branches. Comprehending the mitochondrial genomic characterization of P. cerasoides is crucial for elucidating its genetic foundation and offers insights into evolutionary relationships within the Prunus species.
Population Structure Dynamics of Elasmobranchs Susceptible to Shrimp Trawling Along the Southern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Zea-de la Cruz Heber , Meiners-Mandujano César , Tovar-Ávila Javier , Jiménez-Badillo Lourdes , Oviedo-Pérez Jorge Luis
Published: February 2025

Elasmobranch species are susceptible to anthropogenic stressors such as fishing activities, particularly the bycatch in bottom-trawl fisheries. Understanding the diversity, segregation, and population structure of species at risk of capture is critical for enhancing their conservation. This study evaluated the species composition and population structure dynamics of susceptible elasmobranch species caught as bycatch in the Mexican shrimp trawl fishery in the southern Gulf of Mexico. Data were collected by examining bycatch from 55 fishing trips conducted between 2013 and 2017 during closed and commercial fishing seasons. We analyzed the species composition, length, sex ratio, and maturity stages of susceptible species across zones, sampling seasons, and depth. Six dominant species (Rostroraja texana, Gymnura lessae, Narcine bancroftii, Pseudobatos lentiginosus, Squatina dumeril, Hypanus americanus) accounted for >98% of all captures and were found in all fishing zones, seasons, and depths. These species were caught in a range of sizes, from newborns to mature individuals, and showed both inter- and intraspecific segregation patterns across fishing zones, seasons, and depths. The elasmobranch composition and population structure in bycatch are influenced by ontogenetic segregation and bathymetric distribution of the species. Current Mexican shrimp trawl fishery regulations benefit the majority of elasmobranchs by providing comprehensive spatiotemporal protection and selective exclusion mechanisms. However, small-sized ray species and juveniles of larger species continue to face fishing pressure. The preset study highlights the southern Gulf of Mexico as an important reproductive area for demersal elasmobranchs and unravels their complex segregation behavior, leading to the identification of potential risk zones and seasons. The impacts of bycatch on the most susceptible elasmobranchs may be mitigated through improvements in trawl fishing technology and the implementation of additional temporal bans in specific trawling areas, enhancing species-specific conservation efforts.
Multiclass Determination of 87 Mixed Veterinary Drugs, Pesticides and Mycotoxin Residues in Beef Muscle Samples by Ionic Liquid-Based Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction and Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Mookantsa Sandy O. S. , Dube Simiso , Nindi Mathew M.
Published: February 2025

A miniaturised, eco-friendly and efficient multiclass method for the simultaneous determination of 87 veterinary drugs, pesticides and mycotoxin residues in beef muscle samples by ionic liquid-based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (IL–DLLME) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was developed and validated according to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/808 and ISO/IEC 17025: 2017. Under IL–DLLME optimum conditions, matrix calibration yielded a coefficient of determination (R2) ranging from 0.99942 to 0.99997. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.93 to 23.78 µg kg−1 and from 1.98 to 38.27 µg kg−1, respectively. Recoveries ranged from 80.0 to 109.8% and the decision limit (CCα) values ranged from 13.0 to 523.0 µg kg−1. Repeatability and reproducibility values were achieved in the ranges of 1.55–12.91% and 1.44–13.35%, respectively. The validated method was applied to 50 real beef samples and 12% of the tested samples contained traces of some residues, but they were all below their respective LOQs and CCα; hence, the beef was fit for human consumption. The greenness of the method was assessed using five green analytical chemistry (GAC) metrics, namely, the Analytical Eco-Scale (AES), NEMI, GAPI, AGREE and ComplexGAPI, and found to be green according to the AES metric and Analytical GREEnness Metric Approach and Software (AGREE). The method provided better results at a greatly reduced cost and analysis time in comparison with standard method.
Recent Advances in Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels for Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhou Youxi , Chen Kaizhao , Cheng Hongwei , Zhang Shuaishuai
Published: February 2025

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment and led to a significant increase in patient survival rates and quality of life. However, the effectiveness of current immunotherapies is limited by various factors, including immune evasion mechanisms and serious side effects. Hydrogels are a type of medical material with an ideal biocompatibility, variable structure, flexible synthesis method, and physical properties. Hydrogels have long been recognized and used as a superior choice for various biomedical applications. The fascinating results were derived from both in vitro and in vivo models. The rapid expansion of this area suggests that the principles and uses of functionalized polysaccharides are transformative, motivating researchers to investigate novel polysaccharide-based hydrogels for wider applications. Polysaccharide hydrogels have proven to be a practicable delivery strategy for tumor immunotherapy due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and pronounced bioactive characteristics. This study aims to examine in detail the latest developments of polysaccharide hydrogels in tumor immunotherapy, focusing on their design, mechanism of action, and potential therapeutic applications.
Effect of Positive Mental Health on Elderly Patients with Chronic Diseases: The Chain-Mediated Effects of Gratitude and Forgiveness Tendencies at a Tertiary Hospital in Guangzhou
Authors: Liu Hai-Cheng , Zhou Ying , Liu Chun-Qin , Wu Xiao-Bing , Smith Graeme D. , Wong Thomas Kwok-Shing , Hu Xin-Yang , Liu Yi-Meng , Qin Ying-Ying , Wang Wen-Jing
Published: February 2025

Background: This study aims to elucidate the mediating roles of gratitude and forgiveness tendency between mature happiness and positive mental health, seeking to reveal the significance of enhancing these psychological traits to enhance the well-being of this population, so as to provide a theoretical foundation for strategies aimed at promoting healthy aging and enhancing the happiness of elderly patients with chronic illness. Methods: From April to October 2024, elderly patients with chronic diseases in the geriatric department of a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou China were selected as subjects through convenience sampling. The study utilized the general information questionnaire, the Chinese Version of Mature Happiness Scale-Revised, the Positive Mental Health Scale, the Gratitude Questionnaire-6, and the Tendency to Forgive Scale for data collection. Results: A total of 319 valid questionnaires were obtained. The mature happiness, positive mental health, gratitude, and forgiveness tendency of elderly patients with chronic diseases were at a medium level. Correlation analysis indicated that mature happiness was positively associated with positive mental health, gratitude, and forgiveness tendency. Mediation analysis illuminated that positive mental health robustly predicted the extent of gratitude, which served as a pivotal predictor of mature happiness. Moreover, gratitude and forgiveness tendency together played a significant chain mediating role between mature happiness and positive mental health, accounting for 26.31% of the total effect (p = 0.246). Conclusions: Positive mental health has a significant positive impact on mature happiness amongst elderly patients with chronic diseases, mediated through the chain mediating effects of gratitude and forgiveness tendency. Consequently, fostering traits of gratitude and forgiveness in this population may enhance their mental health and mature happiness.
Could Blood Transfusion Increase the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease? A Narrative Review
Authors: Li Xiaoyue , Pei Renjun , Fei Zhangcheng , Chen Zhongsheng , Lin Fangzhao , Sun Pan , Cao Haijun
Published: February 2025

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disease, and its pathogenesis is complex. In addition to amyloid-β and phosphorylated tau, inflammation and microbial infections also play a role in the development of AD. Currently, there is no effective clinical intervention to cure AD or completely halt its progression. Blood transfusion, a critical life-saving medical procedure widely employed in modern healthcare, faces growing demand due to global population aging. However, whether blood transfusion could increase the risk of AD is still not clear. Aβ and tau play major roles in the pathogenesis of AD and may possess the potential for transmission through blood transfusion. Iron overload and chronic inflammation, which can independently influence AD pathogenesis, may result from repeated transfusions. Additionally, herpesvirus, known to accelerate AD progression, can also be potentially transmitted by blood transfusion. In this study, recent advances in the associations between blood transfusion and the occurrence and development of AD were reviewed, and whether blood transfusion could increase the risk of AD was discussed. Furthermore, the related proposals for blood management and future research were advanced to provide references for the prevention and control of AD.
Effect of an 11-Week Repeated Maximal Lumbar Movement with Controlled Breathing on Lumbar Sagittal Range of Motion in Elite Swimmers: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Solana-Tramunt Mónica , Bofill-Ródenas Ana , Cabedo Josep , Badiola-Zabala Alesander , Guerra-Balic Myriam
Published: February 2025

Lumbar range of motion (ROM) is essential to develop effective movements during the underwater undulatory swimming technique. Core exercises are used to improve the strength of the muscles that participate in that technique, and variations in sensory input and attentional focus may modulate neuromuscular responses and impact training outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of an 11-week program of repeated maximal lumbar movements with closed eyes and without focused attention on lumbar sagittal ROM in elite swimmers versus executing them solely with proper exercise technique with controlled breathing. Methods: A sample of 57 professional swimmers, including 34 males (20.2 ± 4.2 years) and 23 females (20.7 ± 3.3 yrs), volunteered to complete this study. They were randomly divided into two experimental groups (EG1 and EG2) and one control group (CG). All subjects underwent the same type of training program in parallel with the EG intervention. EG1 and EG2 performed three sets of ten repetitions of lumbar flexion and extension exercises at breathing pace, 6 days a week for 11 weeks. EG1 performed the core workout with closed eyes and focused attention on the lumbar movement, while EG2 only followed the technique of the exercises at a controlled breathing pace. Lumbar flexion (F), extension (E), and total ROM (TROM) were assessed by an electrogoniometer in a seated, relaxed position over a Swiss ball. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant differences in the multivariate profiles across groups and over time. F (8, 48) = 3.495, p = 0.002. EG1 had non-significant increases in lumbar ROM, EG2 had significant increases in TROM and extension ROM, and CG had no changes. Conclusions: The results suggest that repeating maximal lumbar movement at a controlled breathing pace, with opened eyes and non-focusing attention on the movement, increases lumbar ROM in the sagittal plane.
The Impact of Agricultural Land Use Patterns on Natural Vegetation, Plant, and Livestock Diversity in the European Union
Authors: Bacsi Zsuzsanna , Szálteleki Péter , Bánhegyi Gabriella
Published: February 2025

The preservation of natural heritage is a global concern nowadays, which is equally important for climate resilience and for sustainable resource use. The present research is focused on assessing the trends of natural landscape changes, such as forests, meadows, and pastures, and the preservation of locally kept traditional livestock, and plant varieties as indicators of biodiversity, in the countries of the European Union between 2012 and 2021, using secondary data. The research methodology was a panel analysis according to the Linear Mixed Model method. The results show that while larger areas allocated to agriculture generally enhance plant biodiversity, they have the opposite effect on the number of local livestock breeds. The spreading of organic farming enhances the preservation of local livestock breeds, while the spreading of forest areas is beneficial for plant biodiversity. The share of permanent meadows and pastures increases with increasing agricultural areas, and this also affects plant biodiversity positively. All biodiversity indicators increased during the analyzed period, as did well as the size of forest areas and, permanent meadows and pastures, which reflects the improvement in natural heritage and the enhancement of environmental protection awareness with time. The differences among countries show, that highly developed agriculture does not mean better preservation of natural heritage, nor the opposite, as ecological conditions and agricultural history may influence the natural vegetation and biodiversity. The protection of natural heritage in Europe differs from the rest of the world, as recent agricultural policy of the EU emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability. The promotion of low-input use in agriculture, however, may be in conflict with the globally increasing demand for food.
Structural Optimization Based on Response Surface Methodology for the Venturi Injector Used in Fertigation System
Authors: Tang Pan , Zhang Zhizhong
Published: February 2025

To enhance the hydraulic performance of the Venturi injector, the effects of the structural parameters were investigated using response surface methodology (RSM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The fertilizer suction chamber diameter, contraction angle, and throat diameter ratio were chosen as variables, while the suction flow rate, suction concentration, and suction efficiency were selected as performance indicators. Multiple regression models were established, and the regression models were used for parameter optimization and experimental verification. The results showed that under the same inlet-outlet differential pressure, with the increase in the fertilizer suction chamber diameter, contraction angle, and throat diameter ratio, the suction flow rate, suction concentration, and suction efficiency showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, and there were peaks in suction performance. Predictive regression equations were established for the suction flow rate, concentration, and efficiency within the experimental parameter range. The determination coefficients of the three regression equations were 0.9987, 0.9961, and 0.9990, respectively, which indicated that the established regression equations could be used for performance prediction. The optimized combination of structural parameters included a fertilizer suction chamber diameter of 32 mm, a contraction angle of 35°, and a throat diameter ratio of 2.93. The error between the predicted and experimental values was less than 3%, indicating a high level of reliability in the predictive regression model. The performance indicators of the optimized Venturi injector were significantly improved, with an increase of 124.1~793.7 L h−1 in the suction flow rate, 9.52~16.42 percentage points in suction concentration, and 5.4~9.19 percentage points in suction efficiency.
Toxic Effects of Bisphenol A on L. variegatus and A. punctulata Sea Urchin Embryos
Authors: Kunsman Jacob D. , Schlesinger Maya C. , McCain Elizabeth R.
Published: February 2025

Bisphenol A, BPA, is a small molecule frequently used in large-scale plastic production. The chemical has garnered a reputation for its association with harmful human health effects, and numerous animal studies have contributed to its classification as an endocrine disruptor. Prior research has investigated the impact of the chemical on echinoderms, including seven species of sea urchin. Our project investigated the toxic effects of this chemical on two uninvestigated species: Lytechinus variegatus and Arbacia punctulata. We exposed embryos to a range of environmentally relevant BPA concentrations (1 µg/L, 10 µg/L, 100 µg/L, and 1000 µg/L) for 48 h, until the pluteus stage. Larvae were classified according to the type of abnormality they exhibited, using a light microscope, and the EC50 was determined through probit analysis and dose–response curves. We also examined isolated plutei skeletons under a scanning electron microscope to assess changes to the skeletal structure under increasing concentrations of BPA. Our results suggest BPA induces embryotoxicity and soft tissue abnormalities more severely in L. variegatus, whereas A. punctulata exhibits more resistance to these effects. The EC50 values, over 1000 µg/L for A. punctulata and approximately 260 µg/L for L. variegatus, support this. These relative values also agree with our hypothesis that sea urchin embryos in a single genus have a similar level of BPA embryotoxicity. Interestingly, under SEM examination, the A. punctulata skeletal microstructure appears to be altered as a result of BPA exposure. While the EC50s are below what has been documented in many, but not all, marine environments, longer and consistent exposure may have a more deleterious impact. These findings suggest BPA’s effects on echinoderms should be further explored with multiple forms of analysis and over the long term.
Functional Characterization of β-Glucuronidase Genes Involved in Baicalein Biosynthesis from Scutellaria baicalensis Based on Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Zuo Xin , Li Ping , Ren Guangxi , Bai Zhenfang , Jiang Dan , Liu Chunsheng
Published: February 2025

Baicalein is a unique flavonoid compound with important pharmacological activities, derived from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. Baicalein, as the aglycone of baicalin, is a key form for exerting pharmacological activity in vivo. β-glucuronidases (GUSs) are the enzymes involved in the conversion of baicalin to baicalein. In this study, the content of baicalein in S. baicalensis was significantly increased by 20.44% after treatment with 5% PEG6000. Seven GUSs from the glycoside hydrolase 79 family were identified through comparative transcriptome analysis. Among them, GUS1 and GUS2 were confirmed to have catalytic activity in converting baicalin to baicalein in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. The correlation analysis further revealed a significant positive correlation of 0.962 (p < 0.01) between the expression of GUS2 and baicalein content in six different sources of S. baicalensis. Interestingly, the presence of variable sites in the GUS1 and GUS2 genes significantly affected their catalytic efficiency in the S. baicalensis samples from the six geographic origins. These findings also provide valuable GUS biological enzyme resources for the effective synthesis of baicalein and offer new insights into the accumulation pattern of baicalein in S. baicalensis.
Impact of Ultra-High-Dose-Rate Irradiation on DNA: Single-Strand Breaks and Base Damage
Authors: Wang Yucheng , Zhang Yan , Huang Chenyang , Fu Qibin , Huang Tuchen
Published: February 2025

Studying different types of DNA damage induced by ultra-high-dose-rate (UHDR) irradiation is essential for understanding the mechanism underlying the FLASH effect. pBR322 plasmid DNA was irradiated using an electron FLASH beam. The content of each subtype of plasmid DNA was measured via gel electrophoresis, and the extent of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and single-strand breaks (SSBs) under UHDR and conventional-dose-rate irradiation (CONV) was quantitatively compared. Furthermore, by adding the endonucleases Nth and Fpg, the extent of base damage in the UHDR and CONV group was quantitatively analyzed. In addition, the effects of different plasmid concentrations on the damage degree were studied. The induction rates of SSBs (×10−3 SSB/Gy/molecule) under UHDR and CONV were 21.7 ± 0.4 and 25.8 ± 0.3, respectively. When treated with the Fpg and Nth enzymes, the base damage induction rates (×10−3 SSB/Gy/molecule) under UHDR and CONV irradiation were 43.3 ± 2.0 and 58.4 ± 4.5, respectively. Additionally, UHDR irradiation consistently reduced SSBs and base damage at both high and low plasmid concentrations, although the absolute level of DNA damage was still influenced by the plasmid concentration. UHDR has a significant effect on reducing SSBs and base damage when compared to CONV across plasmid concentrations.
CTHRC1 Expression Results in Secretion-Mediated, SOX9-Dependent Suppression of Adipogenesis: Implications for the Regulatory Role of Newly Identified CTHRC1+/PDGFR-Alpha+ Stromal Cells of Adipose
Authors: Siviski Matthew E. , Bercovitch Rachel , Pyburn Kathleen , Potts Christian , Pande Shivangi R. , Gartner Carlos A. , Halteman William , Kacer Doreen , Toomey Barbara , Vary Calvin , Koza Robert , Liaw Lucy , Ryzhov Sergey , Lindner Volkhard , Prudovsky Igor
Published: February 2025

Adipogenesis is regulated by the coordinated activity of adipogenic transcription factors including PPAR-gamma and C/EBP alpha, while dysregulated adipogenesis can predispose adipose tissues to adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia. We have previously reported that Cthrc1-null mice have increased adiposity compared to wildtype mice, supporting the notion that CTHRC1 regulates body composition. Herein, we derived conditioned medium from 3T3-L1 cells expressing human CTHRC1 and investigated its anti-adipogenic activity. This constituent significantly reduced 3T3-L1 cell adipogenic differentiation commensurate to the marked suppression of Cebpa and Pparg gene expression. It also increased the expression of the anti-adipogenic transcription factor SOX9 and promoted its nuclear translocation. Importantly, Sox9 gene knockdown demonstrated that the anti-adipogenic effect produced by this conditioned medium is dependent on SOX9 expression, while its ability to positively regulate SOX9 was attenuated by the application of Rho and Rac1 signaling pathway inhibitors. We also identified the selective expression of CTHRC1 in PDGFRA-expressing cell populations in human white adipose tissue, but not brown or perivascular adipose tissues. Congruently, flow cytometry revealed CTHRC1 expression in PDGFR-alpha+ stromal cells of mouse white adipose tissue, thus defining a novel stromal cell population that could underpin the ability of CTHRC1 to regulate adiposity.
Repetitive Low-Level Blast Exposure Alters Circulating Myeloperoxidase, Matrix Metalloproteinases, and Neurovascular Endothelial Molecules in Experienced Military Breachers
Authors: Rhind Shawn G. , Shiu Maria Y. , Tenn Catherine , Nakashima Ann , Jetly Rakesh , Sajja Venkata Siva Sai Sujith , Long Joseph B. , Vartanian Oshin
Published: February 2025

Repeated exposure to low-level blast overpressure, frequently experienced during explosive breaching and heavy weapons use in training and operations, is increasingly recognised as a serious risk to the neurological health of military personnel. Although research on the underlying pathobiological mechanisms in humans remains limited, this study investigated the effects of such exposure on circulating molecular biomarkers associated with inflammation, neurovascular damage, and endothelial injury. Blood samples from military breachers were analysed for myeloperoxidase (MPO), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and junctional proteins indicative of blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption and endothelial damage, including occludin (OCLN), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), aquaporin-4 (AQP4), and syndecan-1 (SD-1). The results revealed significantly elevated levels of MPO, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-10 in breachers compared to unexposed controls, suggesting heightened inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular injury. Increased levels of OCLN and SD-1 further indicated BBB disruption and endothelial glycocalyx degradation in breachers. These findings highlight the potential for chronic neurovascular unit damage/dysfunction from repeated blast exposure and underscore the importance of early targeted interventions—such as reducing oxidative stress, reinforcing BBB integrity, and managing inflammation—that could be essential in mitigating the risk of long-term neurological impairment associated with blast exposure.
Biomarker Identification for Alzheimer’s Disease Using a Multi-Filter Gene Selection Approach
Authors: Pashaei Elnaz , Pashaei Elham , Aydin Nizamettin
Published: February 2025

There is still a lack of effective therapies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia and cognitive decline. Identifying reliable biomarkers and therapeutic targets is crucial for advancing AD research. In this study, we developed an aggregative multi-filter gene selection approach to identify AD biomarkers. This method integrates hub gene ranking techniques, such as degree and bottleneck, with feature selection algorithms, including Random Forest and Double Input Symmetrical Relevance, and applies ranking aggregation to improve accuracy and robustness. Five publicly available AD-related microarray datasets (GSE48350, GSE36980, GSE132903, GSE118553, and GSE5281), covering diverse brain regions like the hippocampus and frontal cortex, were analyzed, yielding 803 overlapping differentially expressed genes from 464 AD and 492 normal cases. An independent dataset (GSE109887) was used for external validation. The approach identified 50 prioritized genes, achieving an AUC of 86.8 in logistic regression on the validation dataset, highlighting their predictive value. Pathway analysis revealed involvement in critical biological processes such as synaptic vesicle cycles, neurodegeneration, and cognitive function. These findings provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for AD.
Alpha4 Na,K-ATPase Localization and Expression Are Dynamic Aspects of Spermatogenesis and in Sperm Incubated Under Capacitating Conditions
Authors: Milewski David , James Paul F.
Published: February 2025

Utilizing high-resolution microscopy in conjunction with a new antibody highly specific for rat alpha4 Na,K-ATPase, we describe changes in alpha4 expression during spermatogenesis and in sperm incubated under capacitating and noncapacitating conditions. Immunohistochemical analyses showed alpha4 expression at low levels in spermatogonia and in pachytene spermatocytes. Alpha4 then becomes highly expressed on round spermatids and the midpiece of elongated spermatozoa within the seminiferous tubules. In noncapacitating conditions, alpha4 was confined mainly to the flagellum of mature sperm; however, under capacitating conditions, sperm acquired intense alpha4 staining along the acrosomal region of the sperm head. To visualize the precise localization of alpha4 in the sperm head, we performed an ultrastructural analysis using immuno-scanning electron microscopy. Under capacitating conditions, sperm exhibited alpha4 staining along the dorsal surface of the sperm head associated with the acrosome. In addition, after 4 h of incubation in motility buffer, we observed an increase in alpha4 protein in sperm that could be blocked with chloramphenicol, a mitochondrial-type ribosome inhibitor. These findings demonstrate that both the localization and expression level of alpha4 Na,K-ATPase are dynamic aspects of sperm maturation and suggest that sperm motility and capacitation may be supported by these changes to the location and amount of this protein.
The Cardioprotective Properties of Pulses and the Molecular Mechanisms of Their Action
Authors: Olas Beata
Published: February 2025

: Legumes and their seeds (pulses) have various nutritional and health benefits and form an important part of a healthy diet. The present work reviews recent studies from the literature concerning the cardioprotective properties of legumes, particularly pulses, and summarizes their molecular basis. The literature was gathered from electronic databases, including ScienceDirect, PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Knowledge, Sci Finder, and Web of Science, using the following terms: “legume seeds”, “pulses”, “beans”, “peas”, “broad beans”, “chickpea”, “lentils”, “cardiovascular system”, and “cardiovascular disease”, and their combinations. The abstracts of any identified articles were initially analyzed to confirm whether they met the inclusion criteria. Pulses may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) by various mechanisms, including altering plasma lipid composition (especially lowering total and LDL cholesterol), increasing satiety, reducing inflammation, and decreasing oxidative stress and blood pressure. It is, however, unclear whether pulses maintain their cardioprotective properties after processing, and more research is needed in this area.
Phylogenetic, Structural, and Evolutionary Insights into Pepper NBS-LRR Resistance Genes
Authors: Liu Jia , Cheng Yuan , Ruan Meiying , Ye Qingjing , Wang Rongqing , Yao Zhuping , Zhou Guozhi , Liu Chenxu , Wan Hongjian
Published: February 2025

The comprehensive analysis of NBS-LRR resistance genes in the pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) genome reveals their structural diversity, evolutionary history, and functional importance in plant immunity. A total of 252 NBS-LRR genes were identified, distributed unevenly across all chromosomes, with 54% forming 47 gene clusters. These clusters, driven by tandem duplications and genomic rearrangements, underscore the dynamic evolution of resistance genes. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the dominance of the nTNL subfamily over the TNL subfamily, reflecting lineage-specific adaptations and evolutionary pressures. Structural analyses identified six conserved motifs (P-loop, RNBS-A, kinase-2, RNBS-B, RNBS-C, and GLPL) essential for ATP/GTP binding and resistance signaling. Subfamily-specific differences in motif composition and sequence similarity highlight their functional divergence and specialization. Comparative analyses across species further revealed a greater prevalence of nTNL genes in angiosperms, with significant losses of TNL genes in monocots. This study enhances our understanding of the evolution and diversification of plant-resistance genes and provides a foundation for developing disease-resistant crops through targeted breeding strategies.