bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Survey of Blockchain Applications for Management in Agriculture and Livestock Internet of Things
Authors: Yang Yang , Lin Min , Lin Yangfei , Zhang Chen , Wu Celimuge
Published: January 2025

In the area of agriculture and livestock management, the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a groundbreaking strategy to enhance operational efficiency and advance intelligent process management. However, this sector faces significant challenges, including ambiguity in product origins and limited regulatory oversight of IoT devices. This paper explores the innovative integration of blockchain technology within the agricultural and livestock IoT, highlighting how this convergence significantly enhances operational security and transparency. We provide an in-depth review of the latest applications and advancements of blockchain in these domains, offering a comprehensive analysis of the current state of technology and its implications. Furthermore, this paper discusses the potential future development trajectories in agricultural and livestock IoT, emphasizing blockchain’s role in addressing current challenges and shaping future innovations. The findings suggest that blockchain technology not only improves data security and trustworthiness but also opens new avenues for efficient and transparent management in agriculture and animal husbandry.
Oxidative Stability of Virgin Avocado Oil Enriched with Avocado Leaves and Olive-Fruit-Processing By-Products (Leaves, Pomace) via Ultrasound-Assisted Maceration
Authors: Pyrka Ioanna , Stefanidis Stavros , Ordoudi Stella A. , Lalou Sofia , Nenadis Nikolaos
Published: January 2025

Virgin avocado oil (VAO), treasured for its nutritional and sensory properties, is susceptible to oxidation. To improve its oxidative stability, the feasibility of enrichment with antioxidants from avocado or olive-processing by-products via ultrasound-assisted maceration was explored. Dried, milled avocado (AL), olive leaves (OL), or olive pomace (OP) were ultrasound-macerated with laboratory-extracted VAO at 5, 10, and 20% w/w levels. Induction-period (IP) values, determined via Rancimat (110 °C, 20 L/h), increased by 1.1–1.6-fold. Maceration with AL and OL added pigments (β-carotene, lutein, α-chlorophyll, and α-pheophytin) but only AL significantly boosted α-tocopherol levels (up to 3.7-fold). Extraction of major polar phenols (chlorogenic acid, oleuropein, and hydroxytyrosol) was poor (<42 mg/kg oil). Oleanolic and maslinic acids, from OL and OP, reached up to 650 and 260 mg/kg. The IP values correlated (r = 0.796, p = 0.002) only with total polar phenol content. Maceration with OP resulted in superior antioxidant activity, extending the predicted shelf-life from 14 to 22.3 months, reaching that of a hydroxytyrosol-rich extra-virgin olive oil (24.9 months). GC-MS revealed the dominance of volatile acids in OL- and OP-VAOs, and estragole in AL-VAO highlighting some organoleptic and safety challenges to be considered, particularly when aiming to exploit these materials for the enhancement of the oxidative stability of VAOs to sustain its production.
Methodology Based on BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers) to Improve Solar Irradiance Prediction of Deep Learning Models Trained with Time Series of Spatiotemporal Meteorological Information
Authors: Benavides-Cesar Llinet , Manso-Callejo Miguel-Ángel , Cira Calimanut-Ionut
Published: January 2025

Accurate solar resource forecasting is important because of the inherent variability associated with solar energy and its significant impact on the cost for energy producers. The traditional method applied in solar irradiance forecasting involves two main phases, related to (1) data selection and (2) model selection, training, and evaluation. In this study, we propose a novel end-to-end methodology for solar irradiance forecasting that starts with the search for the data and all of the preprocessing operations involved in obtaining a quality dataset, continuing by imputing missing data with the BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers) model, and ending with obtaining and evaluating the predicted values. This novel methodology is based on three phases; namely, Phase_1, related to the acquisition and preparation of the data, Phase_2, related to the proposed imputation with a BERT model, and Phase_3, related to the training and prediction with new models based on deep learning. These phases of the proposed methodology can be applied in a disjointed manner, and were used on two public datasets accessible to the scientific community. Each of the proposed phases proved to be valuable for the workflow, and the application of the novel method delivered increases in performance of up to 3 percentage points (3%) when compared to the traditional approach.
Pore Structure and Its Fractal Dimension: A Case Study of the Marine Shales of the Niutitang Formation in Northwest Hunan, South China
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhang Yang , Ma Tianran , Chen Song , Hu Yang , Wei Qiang , Zhuang Dingxiang
Published: January 2025

To analyze the pore structure and fractal characteristics of marine shale in the lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation in northwestern Hunan Province, China, the pore characteristics of shale were characterized using total organic carbon (TOC) content, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), low temperature nitrogen adsorption (LT-N2GA) and methane adsorption experiments. The pore surface and pore space fractal dimensions of samples were calculated, respectively. The influencing factors of fractal dimensions and their impact on the adsorption of shale reservoirs were discussed. The results indicate the Niutitang Formation shale mainly develops four types of pores: organic pores, intragranular pores, intergranular pores and microcracks. The pores have a large specific surface area (SSA), primarily consisting of mesopores. The fractal dimensions are calculated using the FHH model and the XS model. The fractal dimensions (D2 and Df) are greater than D1, indicating that the pore surface with larger pore size is rougher, and the pore structure of shale is complex. The pore volume (PV), SSA, and TOC show positive correlations with the fractal dimensions but negative correlations with APS. There is no obvious correlation between fractal dimensions and quartz content, while clay minerals show a negative correlation with D2 and Df. This is mainly because clay mineral particles are small in size and have weak resistance to compaction. The pyrite content is positively correlated with the fractal dimensions because pyrite promotes the development of organic, intergranular, and mold pores. According to Pearson correlation analysis, the main influencing factors of the pore surface fractal dimension are PV, SSA, and APS. The main influencing factors of the pore space fractal dimension are APS and the content of clay minerals. Further analysis of the influence of the fractal dimension on the adsorption capacity of shale reveals that the fractal dimensions are positively correlated with Langmuir volume, indicating that fractal dimensions can be used as a quantitative target for evaluating shale gas reservoirs.
Rethinking Gender and Epistemic Injustice: A Comparative Study of Male and Female Breast Cancer Memoirs
Authors: Bhattacharyya Mahua , Mishra Ajit K
Published: January 2025

Breast cancer patients’ experiences of epistemic injustice in healthcare is a well-established fact. However, the significant role that gender plays in deciding the nature of epistemic injustice encountered by male and female breast cancer patients is still underexplored. Through a comparative analysis of Alan F. Herbert’s The Pink Unicorns of Male Breast Cancer (2016) and Nina Riggs’ The Bright Hour: A Memoir of Living and Dying (2017), we explore how male and female breast cancer patients distinctly experience vitiated testimonial dynamics and hermeneutical marginalisation. Breast cancer patients can negotiate credibility deficit, identity crisis, and existential crisis caused by epistemic injustice through narrating. Taking from Fricker’s epistemic injustice, later contextualised in formal healthcare by Kidd and Carel, this study considers both the male and the female points of view to identify subtle instances of injustice and ways to overcome it. This article also articulates the need to overcome the stigma of considering breast cancer ‘a woman’s disease’ so that male breast cancer patients’ testimonies are equally prioritised along with female breast cancer patients. This comparative study highlights the ignorance inside institutional healthcare by foregrounding insensitivity toward all breast cancer patients and especially a lack of awareness of male breast cancer. Therefore, reading and writing such memoirs might secure future epistemic justice to all breast cancer patients irrespective of their gender.
NOS3 Gene Polymorphisms (rs2070744 and rs1799983) and Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Investigating Associations with Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Tiucă Robert Aurelian , Pop Raluca Monica , Tiucă Oana Mirela , Bănescu Claudia , Cârstea Ana Claudia , Preda Cristina , Pașcanu Ionela Maria
Published: January 2025

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy, with genetic factors playing an important role in its development and progression. This study investigated the association between nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) gene polymorphisms (−786T>C or rs2070744 and Glu298Asp or c.894T>G or rs1799983) and the clinical characteristics and outcomes of DTC, aiming to evaluate their potential as biomarkers for prognosis. A case-control study was conducted, enrolling 172 individuals from the Endocrinology Clinics of Târgu Mureș and Iași, Romania, between 2021 and 2023. This study included 88 patients with DTC and 84 healthy controls, matched for age and sex. DNA was extracted from blood samples, and the NOS3 polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan assays. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests with a significance level set at p < 0.05. The distribution of the rs2070744 and rs1799983 polymorphisms showed no significant differences between the patients with DTC and healthy controls (p = 0.387 and p = 0.329, respectively). Furthermore, no significant associations were found between these polymorphisms and key clinical outcomes such as biochemical control, structural control, or loco-regional metastases. Our findings indicate that NOS3 rs2070744 and rs1799983 gene polymorphisms do not significantly influence the clinical outcomes of DTC, suggesting their limited utility as biomarkers for DTC prognosis.
Determining the Location of the National Repository of Italian Radioactive Waste: A Multi-Risk Analysis Approach
Authors: Anelli Angelo , Harabaglia Paolo , Vona Marco
Published: January 2025

Following the 1987 referendums, the Italian government stopped its nuclear energy production. Radioactive waste produced by existing nuclear facilities and the very-low- and low-level radioactive waste due to other activities (e.g., healthcare) require the construction of a National Repository. To this end, the National Map of Suitable Areas (CNAI), through which the optimal site to host the National Repository would be identified, was published on 23 December 2023. Over the years, the possible location of the National Repository has been repeatedly contested by the citizens of the territories concerned. However, the need to identify a site and build the National Repository is unavoidable. This study proposes an approach based on multi-criteria analysis. The approach represents an alternative model useful for enriching the public debate with additional information and criteria and is also consistent with the local needs of the communities involved. The proposed approach compares the sites proposed in the CNAI by analyzing their main short- and long-term risks, namely their seismic, transport-related and socio-economic risks. The obtained results show a possible different priority order of the CNAI sites. They highlight the possibility of identifying the optimal site mainly via using site safety criteria assessed throughout the entire service life of the infrastructures to be built and also consider the possible short-term economic advantages deriving from the construction of the National Repository.
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Health Care Trainees, Staff and Faculty at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Zhang Sijia , Zisook Sidney , Davidson Judy , Shapiro Desiree , Doran Neal
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Health care workers are at greater risk for death by suicide compared to the general population and are less likely to seek assistance. More information about correlates of suicidality and treatment-seeking behavior are needed to reduce risk. Methods: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention developed an Interactive Screening Program to identify and engage at-risk staff and trainees in health care settings. The study reports on the prevalence and demographic and clinical predictors of current suicidal thoughts, behaviors and mental health treatment at a single site (n = 5898) from 2009 to 2024. Results: The study found that 18.2% of respondents reported current suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These were more common among respondents who were younger, male, and who identified as a race/ethnicity other than non-Hispanic White. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors were more likely among those with higher PHQ-8 scores (OR = 1.23, p < 0.01) and those who endorsed maladaptive coping behaviors, hopelessness, loneliness, stress and nervousness (ORs 1.36–3.04, ps < 0.01). Current mental health treatment was more likely among women, non-Hispanic White respondents compared with Asian or Pacific Islander respondents, and nurses relative to physicians. Mental health treatment was also associated with higher PHQ-8 scores, lifetime suicide attempts, difficulty controlling eating and alcohol consumption, and recent feelings of anxiety, stress and nervousness. Conclusions: Findings suggest a continued need to identify and engage health care trainees and staff who are at risk for suicide and to establish new approaches to linking these individuals to resources or interventions aimed at reducing risk. The study identified male and/or Asian/Pacific Islander-identifying health care workers who reported intense loneliness and/or hopelessness, use of non-prescription drugs and recent suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors as high-risk individuals who may require enhanced methods of outreach, identification, acceptance and accessibility of treatment.
New Treatment Regimens, New Drugs, and New Treatment Goals for Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Rossi Giovanni M. , Vaglio Augusto
Published: January 2025

Lupus nephritis is one of the most severe manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus, affecting roughly 40% of all lupus patients. With the introduction of cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil, outcomes have dramatically improved. However, 10% of patients still progress towards end-stage kidney disease, which carries an elevated mortality rate. In recent years, several novel agents have been approved for use or have shown preliminary evidence of efficacy in lupus nephritis. These agents include belimumab, voclosporin, and obinutuzumab, among others. Efficacy has also been demonstrated in recent trials combining older drugs. However, determining which patients would benefit the most from novel agents or combined drug regimens and whether these drugs might serve as an alternative to current remission-induction drug regimens rather than as add-on therapies remain unresolved issues. In this review, we will explore the current evidence regarding the efficacy of novel agents.
Doctors’ Self-Presentation Strategies and the Effects on Patient Selection in Psychiatric Department from an Online Medical Platform: A Combined Perspective of Impression Management and Information Integration
Authors: Liu Xuan , Chi Xiaotong , Li Jia , Zhou Shuqing , Cheng Yan
Published: January 2025

Online medical consultation has become a crucial channel for patients seeking health support. Based on data from a psychiatric department in a leading online medical consultation platform in China, this study examines two possible types of online self-presentation strategies (positive impression management strategy and blending-in impression management strategy) employed by doctors in three dimensions: informational management, affective management, and image management, and explores their impact on patient selection. Meanwhile, an information integration perspective was incorporated and the interaction effects between impression management strategies taken by doctors and patient reviews expressed by online patients are also explored. Results indicate that the information quantity (representing the informational management dimension) in doctors’ profiles has a negative impact on patient selection (β = −0.142, p < 0.01), while the positive emotion expression (representing affective management) (β = 0.423, p < 0.01) and profile photo (representing image management) (β = 1.098, p < 0.01) positively influence patient selection. Patient reviews related to expertise positively moderate the effect of information quantity in doctors’ introduction on patient selection (β = −0.632, p < 0.05). In contrast, patient reviews concerning attitude (β = −0.882, p < 0.01) and credibility (β = −0.488, p < 0.01) negatively moderate the effect of emotion expression and profile photos on patient selection, respectively. The findings extend the applicability of impression management theory, providing a novel perspective for comprehending the impact of doctors’ self-presentation on patient selection and its interaction effect with patient impressions.
A Rare Case of Neonatal Desmoid Tumor Leading to Severe Aortic Coarctation: Review of Literature and Case Report
Authors: Margarint Irina Maria , Youssef Tammam , Filip Cristina , Bizubac Ana-Mihaela , Popescu Alexandru , Rotaru Iulian , Untaru Olguta , Manolache Stefan , Iliescu Vlad Anton , Vladareanu Radu
Published: January 2025

Desmoid tumors are a rare entity, especially in the pediatric population. There are no reports of such a tumor in newborns. They are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, even though they are benign soft tissue tumors. This is due to them exhibiting locally aggressive growth with the compression or invasion of adjacent structures. Abdominal localization is most commonly reported, although there are reports of mediastinal desmoid tumors. We present the case of a 6-day male patient with a mediastinal desmoid tumor that led to severe aortic coarctation with hemodynamic instability. The tumor also compressed the left pulmonary artery and obstructed the left main bronchus. The initial management consisted of successful emergency surgery with partial resection of the tumor mass and coarctation repair. In the postoperative setting, the patient evolved with severe respiratory dysfunction which was managed with tracheostomy, allowing weaning the child from the mechanical ventilation one month after surgery, along with chemotherapy. We also review the literature, focusing on the management of desmoid tumors.
Lubricating and Conductive Properties of Modified Graphene/Silver Nanoparticles Under Current-Carrying Friction Conditions
Authors: Chen Yuxin , Peng Kun , Li Xiao , Sun Luyi , Su Taiyu , Zhang Wei , Zhang Dancong , Fan Shiwei , Yin Hongbin , Zhou Ming
Published: January 2025

With the rapid development of the electric vehicle industry, motor bearings have higher requirements for the friction reduction and electrical conductivity of grease. The addition of lubricant additives to improve the interfacial state is an effective method for enhancing both lubrication and electrical conductivity. In this study, graphene (G) and silver nanoparticles (AG) were modified using ionic liquids (ILs) to prepare additive ionic liquid/graphene/silver nanoparticles (GILAG) with good performance. GILAG was incorporated into the grease, and the current-carrying friction test results demonstrated significant improvements in both lubrication and electrical conductivity, with a 63.66% decrease in contact resistance relative to the base grease. These excellent properties are mainly attributed to the synergistic effect between the G, IL, and AG in GILAG, which improves the interfacial state, promotes lubricity, and enhances the electrical conductivity of the friction interface. This work provides new conceptual bases for the design of conductive lubrication additives.
Analytical Solution for Surrounding Rock Pressure of Deep-Buried Four-Hole Closely Spaced Double-Arch Tunnel
Authors: Sun Xianghao , Shi Qi , Wu Jian , Liu Dunwen , Wu Shan
Published: January 2025

Research on the calculation method of deep-buried surrounding rock pressure is an important subject in engineering mathematics. The existing calculation methods are mainly the two-hole closely spaced tunnel, double-arch tunnel, three-hole closely spaced tunnel, and three-arch tunnel. The four-hole closely spaced double-arch tunnel has the characteristics of both the double-arch tunnel and closely spaced tunnel, and its surrounding rock pressure distribution is more complicated. In this paper, the research is carried out based on Protodyakonov’s theory and the concept of process load. The influence of the post-construction tunnel on the supporting structure of the pre-construction tunnel is also considered. The calculation model of the surrounding rock pressure of the deep-buried four-hole closely spaced double-arch tunnel is established, and the calculation formula of the surrounding rock pressure is deduced and verified. Finally, the influences of the rock column parameters, excavation procedure, tunnel span, and middle partition wall on the surrounding rock pressure are analyzed.
Integrating Explainable Artificial Intelligence in Extended Reality Environments: A Systematic Survey
Authors: Maathuis Clara , Cidota Marina Anca , Datcu Dragoș , Marin Letiția
Published: January 2025

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within Extended Reality (XR) technologies has the potential to revolutionize user experiences by creating more immersive, interactive, and personalized environments. Nevertheless, the complexity and opacity of AI systems raise significant concerns regarding the transparency of data handling, reasoning processes, and decision-making mechanisms inherent in these technologies. To address these challenges, the implementation of explainable AI (XAI) methods and techniques becomes imperative, as they not only ensure compliance with prevailing ethical, social, and legal standards, norms, and principles, but also foster user trust and facilitate the broader adoption of AI solutions in XR applications. Despite the growing interest from both research and practitioner communities in this area, there is an important gap in the literature concerning a review of XAI methods specifically applied and tailored to XR systems. On this behalf, this research presents a systematic literature review that synthesizes current research on XAI approaches applied within the XR domain. Accordingly, this research aims to identify prevailing trends, assess the effectiveness of various XAI techniques, and highlight potential avenues for future research. It then contributes to the foundational understanding necessary for the development of transparent and trustworthy AI systems for XR systems using XAI technologies while enhancing the user experience and promoting responsible AI deployment.
Retrospective Analysis of the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Retinopathy of Prematurity in a Single-Center Cohort in Romania and Comparison with National and European Data
Authors: Simon-Szabó Zsuzsánna , Pál Sándor , Pándi Aliz , Gáll Zsuzsanna , Finta Hajnal , Incze-Bartha Zsuzsánna , Maki Cristina , Cucerea Manuela
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives: This study investigated and compared with European literature data the incidence, severity, and perinatal risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants admitted to the Premature Department of Mureş County Clinical Hospital over a two-year period (January 2022–December 2023). Materials and Methods: ROP screening was performed in 96 infants (76.8%) according to professional guidelines. A literature review was conducted to compare our findings with national and European data. Significant differences were identified in comparisons with studies from Cluj-Napoca (p = 0.0125), Timișoara, and Bucharest (p < 0.0074), as well as Serbia and Croatia when stratified by gestational age limits. The variations in GA thresholds (32 vs. 34 weeks) between studies required stratified analyses to ensure meaningful comparisons. The included European studies provided data on screening criteria, prevalence, and associated risk factors, offering a comprehensive perspective on screening effectiveness. Results: Among the 149 admitted patients, 125 were preterm (n = 125). Of the screened patients, 20 (20.83%) infants were diagnosed with ROP, including 13 boys (65%) and 7 girls (35%), all requiring prolonged respiratory support, and 55% of them needed blood transfusion. The average birth weight of affected infants was 1030.5 g (550–1700 g ), and the mean gestational age was 28.3 weeks (25–34 weeks). In those found to have stage 2 and 3 ROP in zone II with plus disease (n = 6), intravitreal anti-VEGF injections and/or retinal laser treatments were performed. Notably, no cases of ROP-related blindness were recorded. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare ROP prevalence and screening outcomes across Romanian national centers. Identified risk factors in this cohort, such as respiratory distress syndrome, oxygen therapy, blood transfusion, and intraventricular hemorrhage, are consistent with the existing literature data. These findings underscore the importance of standardized screening criteria and effective management protocols to prevent ROP-related blindness. The comparative approach of this study highlights the necessity of harmonized internationally applied criteria to facilitate robust comparisons and, more importantly, improve patient care outcomes.
Association of Sociodemographic Variables and Healthy Habits with Body and Visceral Fat Values in Spanish Workers
Authors: Gordito Soler María , López-González Ángel Arturo , Tárraga López Pedro Juan , Martínez-Almoyna Rifá Emilio , Martorell Sánchez Cristina , Vicente-Herrero María Teófila , Paublini Hernan , Ramírez-Manent José Ignacio
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives: The accumulation of fat in the body, especially visceral fat, is associated with various cardiometabolic conditions such as diabetes mellitus and fatty liver. The reasons for the accumulation of this fat are diverse. Some studies, also in the working population, have shown a clear association between sociodemographic variables and health habits with scales that assess overweight and obesity. This study aims to determine how certain sociodemographic variables, such as age, gender, and socioeconomic level, as well as certain healthy habits like physical activity and tobacco consumption, affect the levels of body and visceral fat. Materials and Methods: We conducted a descriptive and cross-sectional study involving 8590 Spanish workers. The percentage of body and visceral fat was measured using a bioimpedance analysis with a Tanita DC 430MA device. Results: Both the average values and the prevalence of elevated body and visceral fat increase with age and decrease with social class and lower levels of physical activity. These values are higher in smokers. A multivariate analysis shows that the variables most influential in increasing the risk of high levels of both body and visceral fat are age and low levels of physical activity. Conclusions: The profile of a person at high risk of having elevated body and visceral fat levels is an older male with a low socioeconomic status who smokes and leads a sedentary lifestyle.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/6 Inhibitors in Early- and Very Early-Onset Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Doğan Akif , İlhan Nurullah , Akdağ Goncagül , Yıldırım Sedat , Seyyar Mustafa , Yüksel Yaşar Zeynep , Erölmez Hande Nur , Sürmeli Heves , Öztosun Buğra , Sever Özlem Nuray , Odabaş Hatice , Yıldırım Mahmut Emre , Çabuk Devrim , Turan Nedim , Gümüş Mahmut
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives: Early-onset breast cancer (EOBC), particularly in patients under 40, presents with distinct biological characteristics and worse survival outcomes compared to late-onset cases. Despite intensive treatments, EOBC patients, especially those with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-) subtypes, show poorer prognosis. CDK4/6 inhibitors, combined with endocrine therapy (ET) have become the standard for HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer, yet younger patients are underrepresented in clinical trials. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of ribociclib and palbociclib with ET in HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer, addressing the critical gap in understanding treatment outcomes in younger patient populations. Materials and Methods: This multicenter, retrospective study evaluated the efficacy and safety of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitors, ribociclib, and palbociclib, in combination with endocrine therapy in patients with hormone receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer. Results: A total of 198 patients treated between 2019 and 2023 were analyzed for progression-free survival, overall survival, and prognostic factors. Very early-onset breast cancer, which is diagnosed before the age of 35, was identified as an independent prognostic factor for poor progression-free survival. Additional factors associated with poorer outcomes included liver metastasis, progesterone receptor negativity, high tumor grade, and the concurrent use of fulvestrant with CDK4/6 inhibitors. Both ribociclib and palbociclib demonstrated similar efficacy, and dose reductions due to treatment-related adverse events did not compromise therapeutic outcomes. Conclusions: This study is the first to focus specifically on the treatment of early-onset breast cancer with CDK4/6 inhibitors, providing critical insights into the unique challenges faced by this patient population. The findings underscore the urgent need for personalized treatment strategies, routine genetic testing, and dedicated clinical trials designed to address the specific needs of these high-risk subgroups. By advancing our understanding of the clinical and molecular landscape of early-onset breast cancer and very early-onset breast cancer, this study lays the groundwork for improving outcomes in these underserved patients through tailored therapeutic approaches.
Grape Pomace: A Review of Its Bioactive Phenolic Compounds, Health Benefits, and Applications
Authors: Lopes Janice da Conceição , Madureira Joana , Margaça Fernanda M. A. , Cabo Verde Sandra
Published: January 2025

The wine industry generates high amounts of waste, posing current environmental and economic sustainability challenges. Grape pomace, mainly composed of seeds, skins, and stalks, contains significant amounts of bioactive compounds and constitutes the main solid residue of this industry. Various strategies are being explored for its valorization, from a circular economy perspective. This review provides an updated overview of the composition of grape pomace from winemaking, highlighting sustainable methodologies for extracting phenolic compounds and their potential health benefits, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, antiproliferative, anti-aging, and gut health properties. Furthermore, this review explores the potential applications of this agro-industrial waste and its extractable compounds across the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Influence of the Cellulose Purification Method on the Properties of PVA Composites with Almond Shell Fibres
Authors: Gil-Guillén Irene , González-Martínez Chelo , Chiralt Amparo
Published: January 2025

Almond shells (ASs) are a potential source of cellulose that could be obtained through sustainable methods for their valorisation. Biocomposites (BCs) from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and cellulose are interesting materials for developing sustainable packaging materials. BC based on PVA and AS cellulose were obtained by melt blending and compression moulding, by using subcritical water extraction at 160 or 180 °C, and subsequent bleaching with sodium chlorite (C) or hydrogen peroxide (P) to purify cellulose. The influence of the purification method on the properties of BC was analysed. Fibres treated with C were better dispersed in composites than those bleached with P. Residual phenolic compounds in the fibres provide the composite with ABTS∙+ scavenging capacity in line with the residual lignin content of the fibres. Both the presence of phenols and dispersed fibres reduced the film transparency, mainly in the UV range. Fibres enhanced the oxygen barrier capacity of composites, and those treated with HP also improved the water vapour barrier capacity. Fibres treated with C better promoted the increase in the elastic modulus of the composites, due to their highest crystallinity and dispersibility, while favoured the PVA crystallisation. Therefore, the obtained AS cellulose fibres could be used to obtain thermoprocessed PVA biocomposites for food packaging applications.
Facile Synthesis of Functional Mesoporous Organosilica Nanospheres and Adsorption Properties Towards Pb(II) Ions
Authors: Deng Liping , Gu Shichun , Wang Ruyi , He Yapeng , Dong Hairong , Wang Xue
Published: January 2025

We successfully synthesize monodisperse sulfhydryl-modified mesoporous organosilica nanospheres (MONs-SH) via one-step hydrolytic condensation, where cetyltrimethylammonium chloride and dodecyl sulfobetaine are employed as dual-template agents with (3-mercaptopropyl)triethoxysilane and 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane as the precursors and concentrated ammonia as the alkaline catalyst. The prepared MONs-SHs deliver a large specific surface area (729.15 m2 g−1), excellent monodispersity, and homogeneous particle size. The introduction of ethanol into the reaction systems could expand the particle size of the synthesized MONs-SH materials from 18 to 182 nm. Moreover, the successful modification of -SH groups endowed MONs-SHs with an excellent adsorption capacity (297.12 mg g−1) for Pb2+ ions in aqueous solution through ion exchange and complexation function. In addition, the established isotherm model and kinetic analyses reveal that the adsorption of Pb2+ ions on MONs-SHs follows the secondary reaction kinetic models, where both physisorption and chemisorption contribute to the adsorption of Pb2+ ions. The favorable recyclability of MONs-SHs is demonstrated with the maintained adsorption efficiency of 85.35% after six cycles. The results suggest that the synthesized MONs-SHs exhibit considerable application prospects for effectively eliminating Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions.
Beneficial Effects of a Moderately High-Protein Diet on Telomere Length in Subjects with Overweight or Obesity
Authors: De la Fuente Blanca , Milagro Fermín I. , Cuervo Marta , Martínez José A. , Riezu-Boj José I. , Zalba Guillermo , Marti Del Moral Amelia , García-Calzón Sonia
Published: January 2025

Background and aim: Telomere length (TL) is a key biomarker of cellular aging, with shorter telomeres associated with age-related diseases. Lifestyle interventions mitigating telomere shortening are essential for preventing such conditions. This study aimed to examine the effects of two weight loss dietary strategies, based on a moderately high-protein (MHP) diet and a low-fat (LF) diet on TL in individuals with overweight or obesity. Methods and Results: A total of 164 participants, aged 18–65 years from the OBEKIT trial received the MHP (n = 83) or the LF diet (n = 81) for 4 months and had TL data for analyses. TL was measured at baseline and after 4 months of the intervention using monochrome multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (MMqPCR). Both groups experienced significant improvements in anthropometric and biochemical parameters after the dietary intervention (p < 0.001). The MHP group showed an increase in TL (+0.16 ± 0.13) compared to the LF group (−0.05 ± 0.13) in multiple-adjusted models (p = 0.016). An interaction was observed between the sex and dietary group, where women in the MHP group had increased TL (+0.23 ± 0.16) after 4 months compared to women in the LF group (−0.13 ± 0.15; p = 0.001); no differences between dietary groups were found in men. This increase in TL for women was associated with an increase in protein intake (p = 0.006), measured through dietary questionnaires. Conclusion: This study shows that a MHP diet may have a protective effect on TL during weight loss, particularly in women, potentially contributing to healthier aging. These results highlight the importance of considering macronutrient composition in dietary interventions aimed at preserving TL.
Fully Automated Production of (((S)-1-Carboxy-5-(6-([18F]fluoro)-2-methoxynicotinamido)pentyl)carbamoyl)-l-glutamic Acid ([18F]JK-PSMA-7)
Authors: Krapf Philipp , Wicher Thomas , Zlatopolskiy Boris D. , Ermert Johannes , Neumaier Bernd
Published: January 2025

Background: The radiotracer [18F]JK-PSMA-7, a prostate cancer imaging agent for positron emission tomography (PET), was previously synthesized by indirect radiofluorination using an 18F-labeled active ester as a prosthetic group, which had to be isolated and purified before it could be linked to the pharmacologically active Lys-urea-Glu motif. Although this procedure could be automated on two-reactor modules like the GE TRACERLab FX2N (FXN) to afford the tracer in modest radiochemical yields (RCY) of 18–25%, it is unsuitable for cassette-based systems with a single reactor. Methods: To simplify implementation on an automated synthesis module, the radiosynthesis of [18F]JK-PSMA-7 was devised as a one-pot, two-step reaction. The new method is based on direct (“late-stage”) radiofluorination of an appropriate onium triflate precursor and subsequent deprotection with ortho-phosphoric acid. It was successfully established on the cassette-based Trasis AllInOne (AIO) module. Results: Overall, the new protocol enabled the production of [18F]JK-PSMA-7 in activity yields of 39 ± 4% (RCY = 58%) with an overall synthesis time of about 1 h. In a single production run with an initial activity of 36-43 GBq, 13-19 GBq of [18F]JK-PSMA-7 with a radiochemical purity of >99% was obtained. Conclusions: We have established a highly reliable, GMP-compliant process for the automated radiosynthesis of [18F]JK-PSMA-7 on the Trasis AllinOne (AIO) synthesizer, ensuring consistent and efficient production of this radioligand.
Opioid System and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Łazarczyk Marzena , Skiba Dominik , Mickael Michel-Edwar , Jaskuła Kinga , Nawrocka Agata , Religa Piotr , Sacharczuk Mariusz
Published: January 2025

Opioids are a challenging class of drugs due to their dual role. They alleviate pain, but also pose a risk of dependency, or trigger constipation, particularly in cancer patients, who require the more potent painkillers in more advanced stages of the disease, closely linked to pain resulting from general inflammation, bone metastases, and primary or secondary tumour outgrowth-related nerve damage. Clinicians’ vigilance considering treatment with opioids is necessary, bearing in mind extensive data accumulated over decades that have reported the contribution of opioids to immunosuppression, tumour progression, or impaired tissue regeneration, either following opioid use during surgical tumour resection and post-surgical pain treatment, or as a result of other diseases like diabetes, where chronic wounds healing constitutes a challenge. During last few years, an increasing trend for seeking relationships between opioids and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer research can be observed. Transiently lasting EMT is desirable during wound healing, but in cancer, or vital organ fibrogenesis, EMT appears to be an obstacle to overcome, forcing to adjust treatment strategies that would reduce the risk for worsening of the disease outcome and patient prognosis. The same opioid may demonstrate promoting or inhibitory effect on EMT, dependently on various conditions in particular clinical cases. We have summarized current findings on this issue to uncover some rules that govern opioid-mediated EMT induction or repression; however, many aspects still remain to be elucidated.
A Systematic Review on the Prevalence of Comorbid Substance Use Disorder in Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder Among the General Population
Authors: Akosile Adeola Y. , Tiyatiye Babangida , Akosile Wole
Published: January 2025

Background: To estimate the prevalence of co-occurring obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) with substance use disorder (SUD) in the general population. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on the prevalence of comorbid OCD and SUD in the general population using MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE and CINAHL. Using the keywords, relevant studies published between 1993 and 2021 were identified. These studies were analysed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and the guidelines for Meta-analysis for Observational Studies in Epidemiology. Results: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and had a total combined sample size of 47,850 participants. The lifetime prevalence of any identified SUD in patients with OCD ranged between 4.3% and 62.4%. Among co-occurring OCD with AUD, prevalence ranged between 14.1% and 35.9%; cannabis use disorder and OCD, between 11.5% and 24.4%; and tobacco use disorder and OCD, between 15% and 23.1%. Alcohol was the commonest psychoactive substance used in most of the studies reviewed and the prevalence of co-occurring substance use was highest in males. Conclusions: In conclusion, this review highlights the variable prevalence of co-occurring SUDs in individuals with OCD, emphasizing that the association differs based on the type of substance. Overall, the prevalence rate of co-occurring OCD and SUDs underscores the need for further research on the relationship between these conditions and the development of effective treatment strategies that address both disorders concurrently.
An Infrared Small Moving Target Detection Method in Complex Scenes Based on Dual-Region Search
Authors: Cao Huazhao , Hu Yuxin , Wang Ziming , Yang Jianwei , Zhou Guangyao , Wang Wenzhi , Liu Yuhan
Published: January 2025

Infrared (IR) small target detection is a crucial component of infrared imaging systems and is vital for applications in surveillance, security, and early warning systems. However, most existing algorithms for detecting small targets in infrared imagery encounter difficulties in achieving both high accuracy and speed, particularly in complex scenes. Additionally, infrared image sequences frequently exhibit gradual background changes as well as sudden alterations, which further complicates the task of detecting small targets. To address these issues, a dual-region search method (DRSM) is proposed and combined with multi-directional filtering, min-sum fusion, and clustering techniques, forming an infrared small moving target detection method in complex scenes. First, a multi-directional filter bank is proposed and it causes the original infrared image sequence to retain only point-like features after the filtering. Then, several consecutive filtered feature maps are superimposed into one, where the moving target will leave a trajectory due to its motion characteristics. Finally, based on the trajectory, a dual-region search strategy is employed to pinpoint the exact location of the target. The experimental outcomes show that, compared to alternative algorithms, the proposed approach outperforms others in terms of detection accuracy and speed, particularly in diverse real-world complex scenarios.
Potential of Abandoned Agricultural Lands for New Photovoltaic Installations
Authors: Ronchetti Giulia , Aiello Martina
Published: January 2025

Decarbonization strategies aim at increasing renewable energy source (RES) capacity, including new photovoltaic (PV) systems. Utility-scale PV installations are often placed in agricultural areas, resulting in a reduction in agricultural land and affecting the environment. To balance agricultural and energy policies, PV development should not limit agricultural purposes, allowing sustainable exploitation under specific technological and environmental conditions, particularly in areas of actual or potential abandonment. Studying agricultural abandonment is complex due to its multifaceted nature, the lack of a clear definition, and challenges in acquiring cartographic data. This study introduces and compares two methodologies to identify abandoned agricultural areas, aiming to delineate macro-areas of potential abandonment and examine patterns for conversion to energy use, with a focus on Toscana, a region (NUTS-2) in central Italy, which has experienced cropland reduction unrelated to urbanization. The first, simplified approach analyses land cover changes from 2000 to 2018, while the second method provides a more detailed abandonment detection by means of medium spatial resolution satellite imagery from the Harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 dataset. A Random Forest classifier combined with Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) is applied to satellite data to map annual active/non-active croplands. Annual maps are then validated with a trajectory-based approach to detect agricultural land abandonment. This second methodology can help in providing spatially and timely meaning estimates of abandoned agricultural areas to be recovered for energy purposes and promote a sustainable growth of PV systems.
Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Brain Health Indicators in Cuban Preschoolers
Authors: Ramírez Benítez Yaser , Díaz Bringas Miriela , Jiménez-Morales Rodneys Mauricio , Ngyah-Etchutambe Ijang Bih , Pagani Linda S.
Published: January 2025

Secondhand smoke affects nearly 40% of children worldwide, leading to serious health and behavioral problems. Being neurotoxic, it poses potential risks for child health and learning. In Cuba, there is limited research on the association of secondhand smoke with children’s brain health, especially in vulnerable populations like young children at home. The overall purpose of this study is two-fold. First, we determined the relationship between household smoke exposure and risks to brain health in Cuban children. Second, we analyzed the role of family environment factors, such as socio-economic status, in our estimates. Although this research represents the first investigation of its kind in Cuba, we expect to find evidence of neurotoxic associations with household smoke. We collected data between 2015 and 2018 using the medical records of 627 Cuban preschool children to explore the link between brain health indicators and exposure to tobacco smoke at home. We assessed archival reports on parental smoking, duration and frequency of exposure, and several indicators of brain health, including executive function, language development, sleep quality, and fluid intelligence. The findings indicate that exposure to tobacco smoke at home has a negative association with children’s brain health, affecting both the cognitive (executive and linguistic functions) and non-cognitive aspects (sleep quality) of child development. Continuous exposure (five to seven times per week) and transient exposure (two to three times per week) were found to be more negatively related to sleep quality than in cognitive functions, particularly in children of middle socio-economic status. This highlights the need to implement parental information campaigns in Cuba.