bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bariatric Surgery as a Molecular Modulator: The Role of FSHR Polymorphisms in Enhancing eNOS Expression and Reproductive Hormone Dynamics in Women with Severe Obesity
Authors: Voros Charalampos , Mavrogianni Despoina , Bananis Kyriakos , Karakasis Alexios , Papahliou Anthi-Maria , Topalis Vasileios , Varthaliti Antonia , Mantzioros Rafail , Kondili Panagiota , Darlas Menelaos , Sotiropoulou Regina , Mathiopoulos Dimitris , Athanasiou Diamantis , Antsaklis Panos , Loutradis Dimitrios , Daskalakis Georgios
Published: December 2024

This study examines the effects of bariatric surgery on women with severe obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m²), with a focus on eNOS expression and reproductive hormone modulation across follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) polymorphism groups. Among 29 patients, significant increases in eNOS expression after surgery were seen across all polymorphism groups (p < 0.0001), with the Ser/Ser group demonstrating the most heterogeneity. Pre-surgery, the Ser/Ser group had significantly higher FSH levels (7.41 ± 0.60 mIU/mL) than the Asn/Asn group (5.20 ± 0.63 mIU/mL, p < 0.001). After surgery, FSH levels were higher in the Ser/Ser group (9.45 ± 0.87 mIU/mL), with significant differences between Ser/Ser and Asn/Ser groups (mean difference = 0.97, p = 0.019). SHBG levels showed a strong negative connection with eNOS expression after surgery (r = -0.365, p = 0.049), while ovarian reserve markers like AMH and AFC were consistent between polymorphism groups. BMI reduction was consistent across groups, with an average decrease of 15.2 ± 1.8 kg six months after surgery. These findings underscore the dual function of bariatric surgery in improving vascular health and regulating reproductive hormones, particularly in patients with the Ser/Ser genotype. The findings highlight the potential for combining genetic testing with surgical intervention to customize infertility treatment in obese women.
Homocysteine Metabolites, Endothelial Dysfunction, and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: JAKUBOWSKI HIERONIM , Witucki Łukasz
Published: December 2024

Atherosclerosis is accompanied by inflammation that underlies cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its vascular manifestations, including acute stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral artery disease, the leading causes of morbidity/mortality worldwide. The monolayer of endothelial cells formed on the luminal surface of arteries and veins regulates the vascular tone and permeability, which supports the vascular homeostasis. Endothelial dysfunction, the first step in the development of atherosclerosis, is caused by mechanical and biochemical factors which disrupt vascular home-ostasis and induce inflammation. Together with increased plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), diabetes, hypertension, cigarette smoking, infectious microorganisms, and genetic factors, epidemiological studies established that dysregulated metabolism of homocysteine (Hcy) causing hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is associated with CVD. Patients with severe HHcy exhibit severe CVD and die prematurely due to vascular complications. Biochemically, HHcy is characterized by elevated levels of Hcy and related metabolites such as Hcy-thiolactone, and N-Hcy-protein, seen in genetic and nutritional deficiencies in Hcy metabolism in humans and animals. The only known source of Hcy in humans is methionine released in the gut from dietary protein. Hcy is generated from S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) and metabolized to cystathionine by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and to Hcy-thiolactone by methionyl-tRNA synthetase. Hcy-thiolactone, a chemically reactive thioester, modifies protein lysine residues generating N-homocysteinylated (N-Hcy)-protein. N-Hcy-proteins lose their normal native function, and become cytotoxic, auto-immunogenic, proinflammatory, prothrombotic, and proatherogenic. Accumulating evidence, discussed in this review, shows that these Hcy metabolites can promote endothelial dysfunction, CVD and stroke in humans by inducing pro-atherogenic changes in gene expression, upregulating mTOR signaling, and inhibiting autophagy through epigenetic mechanisms involving specific mi-croRNAs, histone demethylase PHF8, and methylated histone H4K20me1. Clinical studies, also discussed in this review, show that cystathionine and Hcy-thiolactone are associated with myo-cardial infarction and ischemic stroke by influencing blood clotting. These findings contribute to our understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, CVD, and stroke, and identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Comparison of Swim-Up and MFSS Methods in Selection of Sperm for ICSI
Authors: Ješeta Michal , Doubravská Adéla , Antalíková Jana , Mekiňová Lenka , Franzová Kateřina , Remundová Kateřina , Hošek Jan , Kempisty Bartosz , Hudeček Robert
Published: December 2024

Microfluidic sperm selection systems (MFSS) are increasingly being used and appear to be a promising adjunct in assisted reproductive treatment (ART). They are practical, easy to use, and often presented as highly effective. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of Ca0 microfluidic chip compared to the swim-up (SU) technique with respect to oxygen radicals and spermiogram parameters. Sample from each patients was separated by both methods and after that sperm was evaluated for sperm concentration, motility, morphology, DNA integrity, acrosomal status and mitochondrial membrane potential. Two subpopulations were selected on basic of spermiogram evaluation: normozoospermic (n=25) and non-normozoospermic (n=20). During analyses when we compare male characteristics between technics of separation, no significant differences were observed except for a lower DNA fragmented sperm in the CA0 group compared to SU (SU: 9,94 vs. CA0: 4,55, p = 0.016) in the non-normozoospermic cohort but not in normozoospermic cohort. The Ca0 method is simple, frequently used in laboratories, and gives good results but does not provide much benefit over the swim-up. In patients who do not have a normal spermiogram and have other problems (e.g. a higher proportion of sperm with fragmented DNA), it may improve the effectiveness of infertility treatment.
Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in Endometriosis Treatment with Progestogen: A Metabolic Understanding
Authors: Chiara Francesco , Allegra Sarah , Caudana Maura , Mula Jacopo , Turco Davide , Liuzzi Simona , Puccinelli Maria Paola , Mengozzi Giulio , De Francia Silvia
Published: December 2024

Endometriosis afflicts 10% of women in their reproductive years and nearly half of women with infertility and its etiology is not yet clear. Pharmacological therapy is generally based on progestins like progestogen. This drug binds to progesterone receptors with many known side effects. Here we described the case of a 33-year-old woman surgically treated for endometriosis continued with drug therapy based on estradiol valerate and dienogest. Approximately 21 months after treatment, she reported ocular symptoms with vision alteration, diplopia and metamorphopsia related to central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). After discontinuation of combined progestin-based treatment, CSC fully subsided. Semeiological, clinical and laboratory approaches were adopted; urinary steroids were measured. A slight increase in prolactinemia in the absence of macro-prolactinemia was reported. Steroidal profile appeared without abnormalities, without abnormalities, although a slight alteration of estrogens balance was noted. Considering the pharmacodynamics of dienogest versus selective progesterone receptor modulators, it can be assumed that patients clinical events are related to specific-site-response of steroids that bind the progesterone receptor. Dienogest may have induced the CSC, as a not yet characterized side effect of the drug. Undoubtedly, further specific studies are needed concerning the metabolic and pharmacodynamic aspects that cannot be exhaustively covered here.
Population-Level SARS-CoV-2 Rt‒pcr Cycle Threshold Values and Their Relationships with COVID‒19 Transmission and Outcome Metrics: A Time Series Analysis Across Pandemic Years
Authors: De Arcos-Jiménez Judith Carolina , Quintero-Salgado Ernestina , Martínez-Ayala Pedro , Rosales-Chavez Gustavo , Damian-Negrete Roberto , Fernandez-Diaz Oscar Francisco , Ruiz-Briseño Mariana Del Rocio , Lopez-Romo Rosendo , Vargas-Becerra Patricia Noemi , Rodríguez-Montaño Ruth , López-Yánez Ana María , Briseno-Ramirez Jaime
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values and key COVID-19 transmission and outcome metrics across five years of the pandemic in Jalisco, Mexico. Utilizing a comprehensive time-series analysis, we evaluated weekly median Ct values as proxies for viral load and their temporal associations with positivity rates, reproduction numbers (Rt), hospitalizations, and mortality. Cross-correlation and lagged regression analyses revealed significant lead-lag relationships, with declining Ct values consistently preceding surges in positivity rates and hospitalizations, particularly during the early pandemic phases. Granger causality tests and vector autoregressive modeling confirmed the predictive value of Ct values, highlighting their potential as early warning indicators. Demographic stratification showed lower Ct values in older adults and males, indicative of higher viral loads in these subgroups. The study further observed a weakening association in later pandemic stages, likely due to vaccination campaigns, natural immunity, and diagnostic shifts. These findings underscore the utility of Ct values as scalable tools for public health surveillance, offering actionable insights for resource allocation and outbreak mitigation. Integrating Ct monitoring into surveillance systems could enhance preparedness for respiratory viral pandemics and improve epidemiological modeling frameworks.
Comparative Transcriptomics of Portuguese and Turkish Behçet Syndrome Patients: Are We Looking at the Same Behçet?
Authors: Isik Tulin , Tasir Seda , Zolkhfan Abdulfettah , Oygur Cagdas Sahap , Oguz Ali Kemal
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives: Behçet syndrome (BS) is a multisystemic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology. Currently, BS is classified as a complex autoinflammatory disorder presenting with a variable vessel vasculitis. Inconsistent, sometimes contrasting immunological findings observed in BS studies and considerable geographic variation in BS’s disease expression are in need of explanation. Significant gene expression and molecular disease mechanisms differences were documented between BS clinical phenotypes. Such differences among patients of the same population brings to mind the case across different populations. This study aimed to compare gene expression profiles of Portuguese and Turkish BS patients. Materials and Methods: Publicly available (GEO repository) transcriptome datasets from Portuguese (GSE17114) and Turkish (GSE209567) BS cohorts were retrieved and analyzed. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using p≤0.05 and fold-change (FC) thresholds of ≥1.5 and ≥2. BRB-ArrayTools for class comparisons, Venny 2.1.0 for Venn diagram analyses, Cluster 3.0 and Java Treeview for clustering analyses, and WebGestalt for functional enrichment analyses were used. Results: Substantial differences in DEG profiles were observed between Portuguese and Turkish BS patients. During the class comparison PBvs.TB (PB: Portuguese and TB: Turkish BS patients), 8024 DEGs were documented with an FC≥2. Venn diagram analysis showed no shared genes at the intersection PBvs.PC TBvs.TC (PC: Portuguese and TC: Turkish controls). Both populations demonstrated decreased anti-inflammatory gene expressions, albeit with distinct gene identities. A set of 20 genes including IFI27 successfully clustered PB&TB. No enriched gene ontology terms were shared during functional enrichment analyses. Conclusions: Significant molecular differences exist between Portuguese and Turkish BS patients. In addition to its complex genetic background, BS is a heterogeneous syndrome. Decreased expression of anti-inflammatory genes is common in BS. The identities of these genes are different across populations. Pro-inflammatory genes may further enhance disease severity in BS. A forthcoming era of personalized therapeutics based on molecular profiles may be approaching.
Towards More Efficient PEM Fuel Cells Through Advanced Thermal Management: From Mechanisms to Applications
Authors: Wu Qian , Dong Zhiliang , Zhang Xinfeng , Zhang Chaokai , Iqbal Atif , Chen Jian
Published: December 2024

Proton membrane exchange fuel cells (PEMFCs) is an important energy solution to decarbonizing transport sectors and electric systems due to zero carbon emission during the operating process, and how to enhance the system efficiency of PEMFC is one of the most challengeable issues to hinder the large-scale commercial application of PEMFC. In recent years, numerous studies have been conducted to explore the feasibility and techno-economic performance of advanced thermal management to promote the efficiency of PEMFC systems. The thermal management of PEMFC can be implemented from two aspects: one is efficient cooling methods to maintain the PEMFC under proper working temperature range, and the other one is waste heat recovery from PEMFC and improve the overall system efficiency. Concentrated on these topics many achievements have been gained by academic and industrial communities, and it is imperative to analyze and conclude these experienced studies from mechanism, technology and application aspects. Therefore, this review summarized the great advances of thermal management of PEMFC from efficient cooling and waste heat recovery for the sake of improving the overall efficiency of PEMFC systems, providing guidelines for the future design and optimization of PEMFC systems.
Can Cognitive and Functional Variables Influence Early Rehabilitation in Stroke Recovery? Results from the CogniReMo Italian Multicentric Study
Authors: Mancuso Mauro , Iosa Marco , Morone Giovanni , De Bartolo Daniela , Irene Ciancarelli
Published: December 2024

Background: The time lapse between the acute event and the beginning of rehabilitation seems to play a significant role in determining the effectiveness of rehabilitation together with the severity of neurological deficits and impairment of motor and cognitive functions. The present study aims to further explore the prognostic role of cognitive and motor functions, concerning the different times of the beginning of neurorehabilitation. Methods: A secondary examination was conducted by applying a cluster analysis on the data of 386 stroke patients in the subacute phase who were enrolled in the Cognitive and Recovery of Motor Functions (CogniReMo) study. Results: Barthel Index at the admission predicts clinical outcome: if BI was 0 it was on average 28.7±24.1 at discharge. For patients with Barthel Index <15 at discharge, the discriminant was unaltered executive functions to have an average output of 61.3 instead of 45.5. In the range of BI at admission between 16 and 45 the discriminant variable was to have a NIHSS≤5 to obtain a high outcome (BI=75.4 instead of BI=61.9). Subjects with a BI at admission >45 were the best responders to rehabilitation, with a mean BI at discharge of 85 if they have alteration in spatial attention, and 95.3 if they have no deficits in spatial attention. Also, for in-patients hospitalized in a period ranging from the 20th to the 37th day after stroke, spatial attention was a discriminant variable to have a poor outcome (BI=34.3) vs. a good one (BI=76.7). Conclusions: the algorithm identified a hierarchical decision tree that might assume a significant role for clinicians in defining an appropriate rehabilitation pathway, depending on the time of rehabilitation beginning and the severity of motor and cognitive deficits.
Ricci–Bourguignon Almost Solitons with Vertical Torse-forming Potential on Almost Contact Complex Riemannian Manifolds
Authors: Manev Mancho
Published: December 2024

Almost contact complex Riemannian manifolds, also known as almost contact B-metric manifolds, are equipped with Ricci–Bourguignon-like almost solitons. These almost solitons are a generalization of the known Ricci–Bourguignon almost solitons, in which, in addition to the main metric, the associated metric of the manifold is also involved. In the present paper, the soliton potential is specialized to be pointwise collinear with the Reeb vector field of the manifold structure, as well as torse-forming with respect to the two Levi-Civita connections of the pair of B-metrics. The forms of the Ricci tensor and the scalar curvatures generated by the pair of B-metrics on the studied manifolds with the additional structures have been found. In the three-dimensional case, an explicit example is constructed and some of the properties obtained in the theoretical part are illustrated.
Thermal Behavior, Local-Scale Morphology, and Phase Composition of Spherulites in Melt-Crystallized Poly(vinylidene Fluoride) Films
Authors: Anokhin Denis V. , Plieva Dana S. , Rosenthal Martin , Churakov Andrei V. , Ivanov Dimitri A.
Published: December 2024

Synchrotron microbeam X-ray diffraction was employed to investigate the local-scale structure and solid-state phase transformation within individual spherulites of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). In thin, non-oriented films, PVDF crystallizes into α and γ phases, forming distinct spherulitic morphologies: large, banded α-spherulites and smaller, irregular “mixed” spherulites dominated by the γ-phase. For samples crystallized at high undercooling (160 °C), the mixed spherulites primarily consisted of the γ-phase, with only a minor fraction of α-lamellae localized at the spherulite boundaries. At higher crystallization temperatures (165 °C), the α-phase was entirely absent from the mixed spherulites. High-temperature annealing induced a phase transformation from the α-phase to the γ-phase, initiating at the interface between α- and γ-spherulites. The transformation propagated radially along the b-axis of the α-spherulite, while its characteristic banded morphology remained intact. Radial scanning with an X-ray microbeam provided spatially resolved mapping of the structural transition within the α-spherulite at the micrometer scale, offering detailed insights into the transformation mechanism and its impact on the spherulitic structure. The fast crystal growth direction remained unaltered during the transition, suggesting minimal material transport and maintaining structural coherence.
Potential of Biomass Liquefaction Hydrochar for Soil Amendment
Authors: Issifu Abdul Rashid , Zhang Cheng
Published: December 2024

Extensive research has been done on applications of pyrolysis biochar to amend soil. However, no research has been done on hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) hydrochar regarding its potential for soil amendment. In this study, corn stover derived hydrochar from HTL at 280 °C were characterized using suitable analytical techniques to determine the functional groups, specific surface area and morphology. The effects of HTL hydrochar on water holding capacity (WHC) and water retention ability of sandy loam soil and the resistance to biodegradation were also studied. The BET surface area of hydrochar was found to be 27.61 m2/g. The hydrochar particles are micro-sized stacking of nanometer-thick foliates. The hydrochar amended soil consistently showed better WHC ranging from 50 -55 % compared to the unamended soil of 48 %. Similar trend in results were observed for water retention over a period of four days. No notable biodegradation was observed for both the hydrochar and the heavy biocrude over up to over 115 days in soil or potting mix. Overall, these results demonstrate the potential of HTL hydrochar as a valuable soil amendment to enhance agriculture sustainability.
Solution-Processed Nanostructured Hybrid Materials Based on Graphene Oxide Flakes Decorated with Ligand Exchanged PbS QDs: Synthesis, Characterization and Optoelectronic Properties
Authors: Perez-Parra Giovanny , Torres-Gomez Nayely , Vinayakumar Vineetha , Garcia-Gutierrez Diana Fabiola , Sepulveda-Guzman Selene , Garcia-Gutierrez Domingo Ixcoatl
Published: December 2024

Nanostructured hybrid materials based on the combination of semiconductor QDs and GO are promising candidates for different optoelectronic and catalytic applications, being able to produce such hybrid materials in solution will expand their possible range of applications. In the current work, capping ligand exchange procedures have been developed to replace the lead oleate normally found on the surface of PbS QDs synthesized by the popular hot-injection method. After the capping ligand exchange process, the QDs are water soluble, which makes them soluble in most GO solutions. Solution-processed nanostructured hybrid materials based on GO flakes decorated with ligand exchanged (EDT, TBAI and L-Cysteine) PbS QDs were synthesized by combining PbS QDs and GO solutions. Afterward, the resulting hybrid materials were thoroughly characterized by means of FTIR, XPS, Raman, UV-Vis-NIR and photoluminescence spectroscopy, as well as SEM and TEM techniques. The results indicate a clear surface chemistry variation in the capping ligand exchanged PbS QDs, showing the presence of the exchanged ligand molecules. Thin films from the solution processed nanostructured hybrid materials were deposited by the spin-coating technique and their optoelectronic properties were studied. Depending on the capping ligand molecule, the photoresponse and resistance of the thin films varied; the sample with the EDT ligand exchange showed the highest photoresponse and the lowest resistance. This surface chemistry had a direct effect on the charge carrier transfer and transport behavior of the nanostructured hybrid materials synthesized. These results show a novel and accessible route to synthesize solution-processed and affordable nanostructured hybrid materials based on semiconductor QDs and GO. Additionally, the importance of the surface chemistry displayed by the PbS QDs, and GO, was clearly seen to determine the final optoelectronic properties displayed their hybrid materials.
Solar Thermochemical Fuel Production: A Novel, Validated Multiphysics Reactor Model for Reduction–Oxidation of Nonstoichiometric Redox Cycles
Authors: Orsini Francesco , Ferrero Domenico , Papurello Davide , Santarelli Massimo
Published: December 2024

Apparent kinetics are often used to describe a variety of reactions in the field of chemical looping and solar thermochemical processes, yet a rigorous analytical methodology for utilizing such kinetics has been lacking. The implementation of a novel approach was exemplified in the ceria thermochemical cycle for producing solar thermochemical hydrogen, specifically in the H2O-driven oxidation step. The H2 production rate equation was derived by rearranging apparent kinetics from experimental literature into a more suitable analytical form. The 1D model integrates heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and redox chemistry, describing a directly irradiated solar receiver reactor. Model robustness is ensured through the oxygen mass balance across the cycle, and comparison against experimental data shows high agreement. The methodology can be useful for simulating chemical looping cycles using any nonstoichiometric oxide, such as ceria-based oxides and, most importantly, oxidation-limited perovskites, for which optimizing the oxidation step in terms of fluid flow, kinetics, and reaction times is crucial. The proposed analytical model can be applied to arbitrarily complex reactor geometries. The inherently local nature of the model also allows to obtain spatial distributions of the redox material conversion and utilization, paving the way for optimization strategies of reactor’s design and operation.
The Role of a Healthy Diet in Chronic Disease Prevention: Insights into Dietary Patterns, Antioxidants, and Nutritional Strategies
Authors: Alismail Asma M , Alismail Houreya M , Aljayar Dalia M , Almutairi Khulud A , Noor Afrina M , Aldoseri Alhanoof B
Published: December 2024

A healthy diet plays an essential role in preventing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, cancer, and obesity. Numerous studies emphasize the role of nutrient-dense foods—such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats—in reducing the risk of these diseases. This article reviews recent literature on the impact of diet on disease prevention, focusing on dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet, antioxidant-rich fruits, and plant-based diets. The mechanisms through which diet contributes to reducing disease risk, including effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic pathways is highlighted in this study. By examining studies on cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and obesity, the review underscores the importance of nutrition in disease prevention. Public health strategies and individual dietary recommendations are discussed, emphasizing the need for continued research to explore the long-term benefits of these dietary interventions.
Application of Recommendation System Technology and Architecture in Video Streaming Platforms
Authors: Yang Qin
Published: December 2024

With the rapid development of video streaming platforms and the diversification of user content consumption habits, personalized recommendation systems have gradually become a critical technology for enhancing user experience, increasing user engagement, and optimizing platform profitability. This paper systematically studies the technical architecture and application scenarios of recommendation systems in video streaming platforms, focusing on the unique challenges in handling large volumes of video data, analyzing user behavior, and delivering personalized content recommendations. By examining the overall architecture of recommendation systems, data processing, feature engineering, model design, and optimization strategies, this paper summarizes the application effects of various commonly used recommendation algorithms on video streaming platforms and explores the value of recommendation systems in these platforms through practical case studies. Additionally, this paper discusses the future challenges and potential technological breakthroughs in recommendation systems, such as deep learning and multi-modal feature fusion, reinforcement learning and real-time recommendations, as well as privacy protection and fairness research. The research findings indicate that a well-designed and optimized recommendation system can effectively enhance the depth of user content exploration and the overall activity level of the platform, providing strong support for the sustainable development of video streaming platforms.
Association Between Frailty Scoring and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing. A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hunter Alex , Roche Matthew , Robeel Moheb , Hodgson Luke
Published: December 2024

Introduction Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), is the gold standard assessment of functional capacity and predicts postoperative outcomes in major abdominal and thoracic surgery, as well as in older individuals undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer. However, CPET is resource intensive and not universally available. Simpler objective assessments of functional capacity, such as clinical frailty scale (CFS) scoring, predict post operative complications and may be useful to aid shared decision and perioperative planning. Objectives To assess local cohort data and investigate the association between clinical frailty scoring, CPET outcomes and length of hospital stay. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis of all patients that received a cardiopulmonary exercise test as part of their pre-operative assessment for major abdominal and thoracic surgery between May 2018-December 2022 from four district general hospitals. Results 174 patients, age 73 (mean) CFS 3 (mean), underwent CPET testing with associated CFS scoring. CFS scores were weakly correlated with anaerobic threshold, VO2 peak and ventilatory equivalents, -0.34,-0.36 and 0.31 (all p<0.001) respectively. Linear regression demonstrated a negative coefficient for association of CFS with VO2 peak and AT, -1.22 and -1.70 respectively, both p<0.001. CFS score was not predictive of 1 year mortality in this group. In a subgroup analysis (n=59) there was no association with CFS score and length of stay. Conclusions Our data suggests a weak signal between CFS score and CPET results. Further investigation with larger datasets is required to explore the use of CFS as a surrogate for CPET testing and its use as an independent predictor for perioperative outcomes. This study supports the limited literature available.
Historical Overview of Methods for Recording Erosion Processes on the Territory of the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Malušević Ivan , Ristić Ratko , Radić Boris , Polovina Siniša , Milčanović Vukašin , Nešković Petar
Published: December 2024

Erosion is a significant environmental challenge in Serbia, shaped by natural and human factors. Pronounced relief, fragile geological substrate, a developed hydrographic network, and a cli-mate characterized by uneven distribution of precipitation throughout the year, make this area prone to activating erosion processes and flash floods whenever there is a significant disruption in ecological balance, whether due to the removal of vegetation cover or inadequate land use. Researchers have recorded approximately 11,500 torrents in Serbia, most of which were activat-ed during the 19th century, a period of significant social and political change, as well as inten-sive deforestation and irrational exploitation of natural resources. By the mid-19th century, the effects of land degradation were impossible to ignore. As the adequate assessment of soil ero-sion intensity is the initial step in developing a prevention and protection strategy and the type and scope of anti-erosion works and measures, this article presents the path that the anti-erosion field in Serbia has taken, from the initial observations of erosion processes through the first at-tempts to create the Barren Land Cadastre and Torrent Cadaster to the creation of Erosion Poten-tial Method (EPM), the first Erosion Map of SR Serbia in 1971 and the application of Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies in the XXI century.
Last Fifteen Years of Nanotechnology Application with Our Contribute
Authors: Alfei Silvana , Zuccari Guendalina
Published: December 2024

Currently, nanotechnology is the most promising science, engineering, and technology conducted at the nanoscale (nm) which is used in several sectors. The interest in nanomaterials is strongly increased during the last two decades and can be easily evaluated by considering the number of studies present in literature, which include 764,279 experimental works developed in the years 2009-2024. During such a period, implying the last 15 years, our group contributed to the field of applicative nanotechnology with several experimental and review articles, which we hope could have relevantly enhanced the knowledge of the scientific community. In this new publication, an exhaustive overview regarding the main types of developed nanomaterials and their applications, with particular attention to those employed for the enhancement of bioavailability and delivery of bioactive molecules, and to those used for ameliorating traditional food packaging have been provided. Then, we briefly reviewed all our experimental works on the development of nanoparticles (NPs), dendrimers, micelles and liposomes for biomedical applications and not only, by collecting inherent details in a reader-friendly Table. A brief excursus about our reviews on the topic has been also provided followed by the stinging question of nanotoxicology. Indeed, although the application of nanotechnology translates into a great improvement of properties of non-nanosized pristine materials, there may be a still not totally predictable risk for humans, animals and the environment associated with an extensive application of NPs to bioactive molecules and food. Nanotoxicology is a science in rapid expansion, but several sneaky risks are not yet fully disclosed. The final part of this work discusses the pending issue related to the possible toxic effects of NPs and their impact on customers’ acceptance, in a scenario of limited knowledge.
Comparison of DCMD and AGMD Membrane Distillation Configurations for Different Polymeric Membranes
Authors: Mesquita Cristiane Raquel Sousa , Cárdenas-Gómez Abdul Orlando , Naveira-Cotta Carolina Palma , Cotta Renato Machado
Published: December 2024

Membrane distillation (MD) has emerged as a promising thermal separation technology aimed mainly at water desalination, compatible with low-grade heat sources such as waste heat from thermal engines, solar collectors, and high concentration photovoltaic panels. This study presents a comprehensive theoretical-experimental evaluation of direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) and air gap membrane distillation (AGMD), focusing on the influence of different membrane materials (PVDF, PTFE, and PE) and operational parameters on performance. Ex-periments were conducted in a flat-sheet MD module under varying NaCl concentrations (7 to 70 g/L), feed temperatures (65–85°C), and flow rates (0.2–0.8 L/min). The DCMD configuration achieved significantly higher permeate flux, with PTFE membranes achieving up to 33.59 kg/m²h at 85°C, attributed to the high hydrophobicity (contact angle: 143.4°) and porosity (85%). Con-versely, AGMD exhibited lower distillate fluxes (maximum 24.77 kg/m²h with PE) but outper-formed DCMD in specific energy consumption (SEC), achieving values as low as 1390.14 kWh/m³ with PTFE at 85°C, in a setup without any heat recovery from either the feed or distillate streams. The thermal efficiency of AGMD reached 0.54, 17% higher than DCMD with the same membrane. Salinity impacted performance differently: PTFE exhibited consistent flux across NaCl concen-trations, while PE showed a reduction of 31.3% at 70 g/L. The proposed heat and mass transfer reduced model showed good agreement with experimental data, with deviations within ±15%, effectively capturing the influence of operational parameters. These findings underscore the trade-offs between DCMD's higher fluxes and AGMD's higher energy efficiencies, offering quantitative insights to guide the design and optimization of MD systems for desalination and wastewater treatment.
Virus-Mimicking Polymer Nanocomplexes Co-Assembling HCV E1E2 and Core Proteins with TLR 7/8 Agonist – Synthesis, Characterization and In Vivo Activity
Authors: Fuerst Thomas R. , Marin Alexander , Jeong Sarah , Kulakova Liudmila , Hlushko Raman , Gorga Katrina , Toth Eric A. , Singh Nevil J. , Andrianov Alexander K.
Published: December 2024

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health concern, and the development of an effective HCV vaccine plays an important role in an effort to prevent new infections. Supramolecular co-assembly and co-presentation of the HCV envelope E1E2 heterodimer complex and core protein presents an attractive vaccine design strategy for achieving effective humoral and cellular immunity. With this objective, the two antigens were non-covalently assembled with a TLR 7/8 agonist into virus-mimicking polymer nanocomplexes (VMPNs) using biodegradable synthetic polyphosphazene delivery vehicle. The resulting assemblies were characterized using dynamic light scattering and asymmetric flow field flow fractionation methods and directly visualized in their vitrified state by cryogenic electron microscopy. The in vivo superiority of VMPNs over the individual components and an Alum formulated vaccine manifests in higher neutralizing antibody titers, promotion of a balanced IgG response, and induction of CD4+ T cell responses to core proteins. Aqueous-based spontaneous co-assembly of antigens and immunopotentiating molecules enabled by a synthetic biodegradable carrier offers a simple and effective pathway to the development of polymer-based supramolecular vaccine systems.
Testing of Natural and Waste Material Adsorbents for the Removal of Sulfur Compounds from Gaseous Fuel and Petroleum Products
Authors: Iliev Iliya K. , Filimonova Antonina , Chichirov Andrey , Vlasova Alena , Kamalieva Ruzina , Beloev Ivan H
Published: December 2024

Natural gas, refinery gas, and coal gas contain acid gases such as hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. These compounds must be removed from the gas stream because of the toxicity of H2S and to prevent acid gas-induced corrosion of pipelines and facilities. Hydrogen sulfide is released as a result of various industrial processes, and its removal is critical because this compound can cause corrosion and environmental damage even at low concentrations. Sulfur compounds are also present in natural gas, biofuels and other fuel gases used in power plants. The article proposes new adsorbents and presents the results of their testing for the removal of acid gases. The review section comprehensively summarizes current research on hydrogen sulfide removal in gas cleaning processes using agricultural and industrial waste as highly efficient adsorbents. In the experimental section, 10 composite materials based on natural raw materials and wastes, as well as 6 commercial adsorbents, were synthesized and tested under laboratory conditions. The choice of materials for the adsorbents production was based on the principles of environmental friendliness, availability, and cost-effectiveness. The developed materials based on modified sludge from water treatment plants of thermal power plants are effective sorbents for the purification of gas emissions from petrochemical enterprises.
Egyptian Cultural Heritage Legislation in Perspective
Authors: Shaikhon Ahmed Motawea
Published: December 2024

Legislation and regulations aimed at ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage exist in many countries worldwide and Egypt. The legislation creates a regulatory framework and defines the roles and responsibilities of various departments and agencies, while it also formalizes institutional arrangements. In the Antiquities sector, the main objective of such legislation is to protect, for the enjoyment of future generations, the Archaeological heritage resource from any unwarranted destruction. The analytical method of the texts of the relevant laws has been adopted in writing the research as it is based on extrapolation and comparison, through reviewing the legal texts that the legislator mentioned in this regard, whether they are at the heart of the Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt for the year 2014, contained in the laws that relate to antiquities and heritage trying to analyze it and discussing it to demonstrate its sufficiency to provide the necessary protection and management tools for this important archaeological heritage.
Legislation, both internationally and nationally, on archaeological heritage management is often based on a dominant heritage discourse that focuses on material conservation. The range of legislation that either directly or indirectly influences the protection and management of Archaeological heritage is extensive currently there exists within the Egyptian legislative landscape a myriad of statutes that impinge on Archaeological heritage. This paper explores the Integration between these statutes and the availability of strengthening the imperative to protect Archaeological heritage through such instruments as policy statements and plans. The effectiveness of these changes, however, will only become apparent as these planning instruments are reconsidered in light of the enhanced requirements.
A Survey on the Organization and Operation of Level II/III Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Greece: Comparison Between 2004 and 2022
Authors: Sarafidis Kosmas , Iacovidou Nicoletta , Hatzidaki Eleftheria , Chatziioannidis Ilias , Dimitriou Gabriel
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Limited data exist on the organization and operation of Level II/III Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in Greece; this retrospective cross-sectional survey explored their structure and functioning in 2004 and 2022. Methods: A structured questionnaire was utilized, along with demographic and perinatal data obtained from the Hellenic Statistical Authority. Results: Between 2004 and 2022, live births decreased by 28%, while the prematurity rate rose from 6.96% to 11.87% (p<0.001). Significant regional differences were observed in the number of NICUs (p=0.033), live births (p<0.001), and NICUs per 10,000 live births (p=0.025). In this survey, data from 20 Level III NICUs in 2004 and 22 NICUs (one Level II) in 2022 were analyzed. NICU admissions increased by 16.1% (p=0.389), while the rate of admitted neonates/1,000 live births increased from 13.5 to 21.8 (p<0.001). In 2022, premature infants constituted 40.2% of NICU admissions. The number of board-certified neonatologists increased by 21.8% between 2004 and 2022 (p= 0.795), along with a rise in the ratio of neonatologists per 10,000 live births (from 14.8 to 25, respectively, p<0.001). Conversely, there was a significant 17.2% reduction in the nursing staff by 2022 (p=0.034). The number of available NICU beds also increased during the study period. The ratio of ventilators to intensive care beds significantly improved (p<0.001). New treatment modalities, like therapeutic hypothermia, were introduced. Most NICUs reported offering long-term follow-up programs. Conclusions: This survey highlights significant advancements in Level II/III NICU infrastructure and care capabilities, while emphases demographic changes and a critical shortage of neonatal nursing staff. These factors should be carefully considered by health authorities in the development of future neonatal care strategic planning in the country.
ANG(1–7) Provides Potent Long-Term Neurorepair/Neuroregeneration in a Rodent White Matter Stroke Model: Nonarteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (rNAION)
Authors: Woo Kwang Min , Guo Yan , Mehrabian Zara , Walther Thomas , Miller Neil R. , Bernstein Steven
Published: December 2024

Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is an ischemic lesion of the anterior optic nerve (ON), currently untreatable due to the length of time from symptom onset until treatment. We evaluated angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang(1-7)): the MAS1-receptor ligand, as a possible NAION treatment using the rodent NAION model (rNAION). Long-Evans rats were unilaterally rNAION-induced. 1d post-induction, lesion severity was quantified via optic nerve head (ONH) edema using spectral domain-optical coherence tomography. Animals meeting rNAION induction criteria were randomized into: 1) Subcutaneous Ang(1-7) infusion for 28 days; 2) Vehicle. Visual function was assessed using both visual acuity and flash visual evoked potentials (fVEP). Tissues were collected >30d and RGC neurons quantified by stereology. ONs were histologically examined for inflammation. Ang(1-7) improved post-rNAION visual function. Ang(1-7)-treated animals showed improved visual acuity (ANCOVA: p = 0.0084) and improved fVEP amplitudes (AN-COVA: p = 0.0378) vs vehicle controls. Relative degree of improvement correlated with ONH edema severity. Treated animals showed trends towards increased RGC survival, and reduced optic nerve inflammatory cell infiltration. Ang(1-7) is the first agent effective ≥ 1 day after rNAION induction. Ang(1-7) type agonists may be useful in improving long-term function and neuronal survival in clinical NAION and other forms of white matter ischemia.
Cooperative Decay of N Atoms in a Ring Configuration
Authors: Piovella Nicola
Published: December 2024

We provide an analytic expression of the spectrum of the cooperative decay rate of N two-level atoms regularly distributed on a ring in the single-excitation configuration. The results are obtained first for the scalar model and then extended to the vectorial light model, assuming all the dipoles aligned.
Scalar Field Source Teleparallel Robertson-Walker F(T)-Gravity Solutions
Authors: Landry Alexandre
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates the Teleparallel Robertson-Walker (TRW) F(T) gravity solutions for a scalar field source. We use the TRW F(T) gravity field equations (FEs) for each k-parameter value case added by a scalar field to find new teleparallel F(T) solutions. For k=0, we find an easy-to-compute F(T) solution formula applicable for any scalar field source. Then we obtain for k=−1 and +1 situations some new analytical F(T) solutions only for specific values of n-parameter and well-determined scalar field cases. We can find by those computations a large number of analytical teleparallel F(T) solutions independent of any scalar potential V(ϕ) expression. The V(ϕ)-independence makes more easy the FEs solving and computations. The new solutions will usually be relevant for future cosmological applications on dark matter, dark energy (DE) quintessence, phantom energy and quintom models of physical processes.
SeamCarver: LLM-Enhanced Content-Aware Image Resizing
Authors: Liu Dong , Yu Yanxuan , Tan Lianghao , Wu Wenjun , Zhao Bide , Li Zichao , Lu Bingjie , Wen Yijie
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces "SeamCarver," a LLM-enhanced method that redefines image resizing . SeamCarver addresses the limitations of traditional seam carving with static pre-defined parameters, it uses LLM to achieve dynamic and user-controlled AI-resizing of images. We also evaluate the performance of SeamCarver on different datasets.The inclusion of LLMs in this research facilitates dynamic optimization of parameter tuning and adaptive energy function adjustments, enhancing overall robustness and efficiency of image resizing. SeamCarver emerges as a transformative tool, offering versatile, high-quality resized images.
Orthogonal Polynomials on Radial Rays in the Complex Plane: Construction, Properties and Applications
Authors: Milovanović Gradimir V.
Published: December 2024

Orthogonal polynomials on radial rays in the complex plane were introduced and studied intensively in several papers almost three decades ago. This paper presents an account of such kind of orthogonality in the complex plane, as well as a number of new results and examples. In addition to several types of standard orthogonality, the concept of orthogonality on arbitrary radial rays is introduced, some or all of which may be infinite. A general method for numerical constructing, the so-called discretized Stieltjes-Gautschi procedure, is described and several interesting examples are presented. The main properties, zero distribution and some applications are also given. Special attention is paid to completely symmetric cases. Recurrence relations for such kind of orthogonal polynomials and their zero distribution, as well as a connection with the standard polynomials orthogonal on the real line, are derived, including the corresponding linear differential equation of the second order. Finally, an electrostatic interpretation of the zeros of polynomials on the symmetric radial rays is mentioned.