bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic utility of MRI-based convolutional neural networks in soft tissue sarcomas: a mini-review
Authors: Voigtländer Hendrik , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Sedaghat Sam
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This review assesses the diagnostic performance of MRI-based convolutional neural networks for identifying and grading soft tissue sarcomas, evaluating therapy responses, and assessing the risk for metastases and recurrences.

Methods

Electronic databases, specifically PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar, were diligently scoured for studies that delved into the intersection of convolutional neural networks, soft tissue sarcomas, and MRI. Three topics were included: 1) differentiating and grading soft tissue sarcomas, 2) assessing therapy response, and 3) predicting metastases and recurrences.

Results

This review included 12 articles. Seven articles investigated the differentiation and grading of soft tissue sarcomas. Sensitivity for that issue ranged from 0.85 to 0.95, specificity from 0,33 to 1, and the area under the curve (AUC) from 0.74 to 0.96. Three articles investigated therapy responses, and two discussed metastasis and recurrence prediction. Only one article out of the five articles above presented accurate diagnostic values. That article examined the prediction of lung metastases and demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.47, a specificity of 0.97, and an AUC of 0.83.

Conclusion

AI applications using CNNs demonstrated robust capabilities in differentiating and grading soft tissue sarcomas using MRI. However, studies on therapy response and prediction of metastases and recurrences are still lacking.
Systematic trends in the spin-orbit splitting toward weak-binding
Authors: Chen Jie
Published: February 2025

Spin–orbital (SO) splitting in atomic nuclei results from the coupling between a nucleon’s spin and its orbital angular momentum, fundamentally influencing nuclear structure, especially near the magic numbers. This paper reviews the impact of various effects on SO-splitting, including tensor and weak-binding effects in neutron-rich and weakly bound nuclei, focusing on both theoretical interpretations and recent experimental results. The study summarizes new experimental results on SO-splitting in isotopes such as 34Si, 32Si, and 132Sn, showing a consistent smooth reduction in SO energy for weakly bound orbits, attributed to extended radial wave functions rather than a reduced SO potential strength. These findings reinforce the need for further experimental research with advanced radioactive ion beam facilities to understand the intricate behaviors of SO interactions in exotic nuclei.
Mitigating low-temperature stress in alfalfa by postponing phosphorus application and remodeling of antioxidant activities and carbon-nitrogen metabolism
Authors: Xu Hui , Xu Liying , Hassan Muhammad Ahmad
Published: February 2025

Low-temperature stress has become a major limiting factor for the sustainable production of forage crops and animal husbandry. This experimental study evaluated the effects of optimizing phosphorus application on the antioxidant properties and carbon-nitrogen metabolism physiology of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) under LT stress, aiming to provide a reference for efficient stress-resistant alfalfa production. In this study, the LT tolerant cultivar ‘Caoyuan’ (CY) and LT sensitive cultivar ‘Xinmu’ (XM) were used as plant materials, and the physiological changes of alfalfa plants under natural temperature (NT) and LT were compared under traditional phosphorus application (R1) and postponing phosphorus application (R2) treatments. The results showed that LT stress increased the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) in alfalfa plants and inhibited root activity, carbon metabolism, and photosynthesis in both cultivars. The negative impacts of LT are more prevalent in XM than in CY. The postponing phosphorus application treatments enhanced root vitality as compared to the traditional phosphorus application treatments and accumulated more soluble sugar (5.6-11.2%), sucrose (8.5-14.0%), proline (7.5-11.7%), and soluble protein (8.3-11.7%) by increasing the enzyme activities related to carbon-nitrogen metabolism. Under postponing phosphorus application treatments, the enzymatic activities of antioxidants and regulation of osmotic sub-stances significantly increased in the leaves, MDA contents were decreased by 4.6-7.6%, and chlorophyll contents were increased by 4.8-8.6%, the net photosynthetic rate in alfalfa leaves increased by 5.1-7.5%. Besides, plant dry weight, root dry weight, and plant phosphorus concentration increased by 5.8-16.9%, 7.8-21.0%, and 5.1-9.9% under postponing phosphorus application treatments. In summary, split-phosphorus fertilization improved the nutrient absorption capacity of alfalfa roots compared to traditional phosphorus application treatments under LT stress. Moreover, it improved the carbon-nitrogen metabolism physiology and photosynthetic production capacity of the alfalfa plants, thus reducing the adverse effects of LT stress on the growth and development of alfalfa.
The indirect effect of sleep quality on stress-related psychosocial outcomes in adolescents: an investigation across genders
Authors: Koike Camila , Nestor Bridget A. , Baumer Andreas M. , Kossowsky Joe
Published: February 2025

Background

Sleep is foundational for adolescent psychosocial outcomes though often compromised by normative developmental changes and external factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study examined sleep quality as a mechanism linking stress and psychosocial outcomes and explored gender differences.

Results

Adolescents (N = 236; Mean = 15.66; SD = 1.07, 46.19% female) completed self-report measures assessing sleep quality and psychosocial outcomes. Structural equation modeling was used to test the potential mediating effect of sleep quality on associations between stress and psychosocial outcomes. Results indicated sleep quality accounted for 82.0% of the total effect of stress on school functioning (β = −0.45, p < 0.001) and 61.9% of the total effect of stress on pain (β = 0.14, p < 0.001). A larger indirect effect of sleep quality on school functioning (βdiff = −0.27, p = 0.006) emerged for boys than girls, and the effect of sleep quality on pain was significant only for girls (β = 0.20, p = 0.003, 65.0% of total effect).

Conclusion

Sleep quality explained a large proportion of the cross-sectional association between stress and school functioning and pain. Sleep quality represents a modifiable transdiagnostic pathway that may buffer the effects of stress in adolescence.
Restricted economic activity due to health conditions and risk of depression: results from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Yun Il , Kim Jae-Hyun , Moon Jong Youn
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the association between the restricted economic activity due to health conditions and risk of depression, and further evaluate the differences in this association according to gender and across the older people.

Methods

Data from the KLoSA from 2006 to 2016 was used and 10,144 research samples were included at baseline at 2006. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was applied in this longitudinal analysis.

Results

Of the 10,144 individuals at baseline 2006, the odds ratio (OR) of depressive symptoms in those responding “very probable” on restricted economic activity was 2.88 times higher (p-value: <0.0001) compared with “not at all” respondents of restricted economic activity. In 64 years or less and 65 years or more, OR of depressive symptoms in “very probable” respondents of restricted economic activity was 3.03 times higher (p-value: <0.0001) and 2.85 times higher (p-value: <0.0001) compared with “not at all” respondents of restricted economic activity, respectively. In male and female, OR of depressive symptoms in “very probable” respondents of restricted economic activity was 1.76 times higher (p-value: <0.0001) and 1.56 times higher (p-value: <0.0001) compared with “not at all” respondents of restricted economic activity, respectively.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that restricted economic activity due to adverse health conditions was associated with risk of depression, especially among men between the ages of 45 ~ 64. These results suggest that in order to improve mental health in the middle-aged people, public health interventions are needed to sustain economic activity.
Prevalence and associated factors with oral frailty in middle-aged and older hospitalized patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dou Jun-kai , Liu Huan , Min Jiahui , Luo Yang , Liu Qian , Shi Xue-zhi , Tao Xiubin , Zhang Ming
Published: February 2025

Background

With the development of the economy and society, people pay more and more attention to oral health. Oral frailty can limit nutritional intake and make an individual physically weak, which is detrimental to people’s health. Therefore, it is urgent to identify oral frailty and their associated risk factors. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the oral frailty and its influencing factors in Chinese middle-aged and older hospitalized patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2023 to February 2024 in 2 tertiary hospitals in Wuhu City, Anhui Province, China. The self-designed sociodemographic information, the Oral Frailty Index-8, the 2-item Connor–Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC-2), the sarcopenia screening questionnaire, and the three-item short literacy survey were used in this study.

Results

A total of 914 middle-aged and older adults patients were recruited. The prevalence of oral frailty was 48.7% (445/914). In the univariate analysis, oral frailty was significantly associated with age, education, place of residence, monthly income, sarcopenia, resilience, and health literacy. Correlation analysis showed that oral frailty was significantly negatively correlated with sarcopenia, resilience, and health literacy. In the binary logistic regression analysis, oral frailty was significantly associated with sarcopenia, and health literacy. Health literacy was a protective factor of oral frailty.

Conclusion

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of oral frailty and identify the associated influencing factors among middle-aged and older adults patients in Anhui Province, China. This study identified several factors influencing oral frailty in middle-aged and older adults patients. Therefore, the government and relevant departments should implement targeted interventions to improve middle-aged and older adults patients’ oral frailty.
Daily physical activity and trajectories of care service use among older adults: the HUNT4 Trondheim 70+ study
Authors: Ustad Astrid , Edwin Trine Holt , Melsæter Kjerstin Næss , Sverdrup Karen , Tangen Gro Gujord , Døhl Øystein , Thingstad Pernille , Vereijken Beatrix , Skjæret-Maroni Nina
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Understanding factors that influence care service use is crucial for developing preventive strategies to maintain independence among older adults. In this study, we aimed to identify distinct trajectory groups of municipal care service use among community-dwelling older adults to determine whether daily physical activity is associated with future care service use.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 981 community-dwelling older adults from the HUNT4 Trondheim 70+ study. At baseline, physical activity was assessed over seven consecutive days using two accelerometers attached to the thigh and lower back. An activity type machine learning model was used to classify the physical activity types: walking, standing, cycling, running, sitting, and lying. Municipal care service use was retrieved monthly from medical records for 3 years. Using group-based trajectory modeling, we identified distinct trajectories of care service use. Multinomial regression models adjusted for age, sex, education level, dementia, and physical performance were used to evaluate the associations between daily physical activity at baseline and care service group belonging.

Results

We identified four distinct trajectory groups of municipal care service use, labeled steady low (72.7%), low increasing (9.0%), medium increasing (12.0%), and high increasing (6.3%). Daily time spent in total physical activity was not associated with trajectory group belonging when adjusted for age, sex, education level, dementia, and physical performance. However, more time spent walking, in bouts lasting longer than a minute, was associated with a reduced relative risk of belonging to the high increasing compared to the steady low group. Furthermore, age, physical performance, and dementia were all significantly associated with trajectory group belonging, and sex differences were observed. Compared to women, men had a reduced relative risk of belonging to the low increasing, medium increasing, or high increasing trajectory groups.

Conclusion

This study identified four distinct trajectories of municipal care service use among older adults over 3 years. Total daily physical activity was not associated with trajectories of care service use, but more time spent walking in longer bouts was independently associated with lower care service use, even when adjusted for the strong predictors of physical performance, dementia diagnosis, and age.
Patient-reported outcome measures to deliver patient and family-centered care in pediatrics: the ball is now in our court
Authors: Bele Sumedh , Santana Maria J.
Published: February 2025

Patient-reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) are self-reported questionnaires that are used to deliver patient and family-centered care, but their use in routine pediatric clinical care remains limited. The American Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends patient-centered care to achieve high quality health care delivery and PROMs can be used in routine pediatric clinical care to support six critical dimensions of patient-centered care endorsed by the IOM. The growing evidence including our systematic review of pediatric PROMs, shows that incorporating PROMs into routine pediatric clinical practice significantly enhances the quality of care and has a positive impact on Health-related Quality of Life (HRQL) among children and youth. Thus, we are sharing our perspectives on the current evidence, emphasizing the need for using PROMs in routine pediatric clinical care and proposing strategies for pediatric implementation.
The Bad Side of Face Masks and How Bacteria Can Help
Authors: Flores-Díaz Amairani , Rangel-Mendez Rene , Ontiveros-Valencia Aura
Published: February 2025

The use of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic prevented many people from catching the virus, but it also produced a lot of environmental pollution from microplastics—small pieces of plastic the size of an ant or smaller. Microplastics travel for months through rivers, lakes, and drainage systems, until they reach wastewater treatment plants where contaminants are removed from water. However, due to their unique characteristics and small size, microplastics are not eliminated from treated water and can end up in our food. Luckily, tiny organisms like bacteria can help us to tackle this problem by “eating” microplastics. In this article, you will learn about these small creatures and how they can help us remove plastics from water.
Surrounding Residential Greenness and Health: Associations With Abdominal Obesity and Dyslipidemia. A Meta-Analysis of Cross-Sectional Studies
Authors: Marcilla-Toribio Irene , Bizzozero-Peroni Bruno , Notario-Pacheco Blanca , Cekrezi Shkelzen , Fernandez-Perez Martin , Perez-Moreno Ana , Diez-Fernandez Ana , Martinez-Andres Maria
Published: February 2025

Objectives

We aimed to quantify the relationships of surrounding residential greenness with abdominal obesity and dyslipidemia.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in January 2024 through 5 electronic databases including Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINHAL (Complete and GreenFILE). The DerSimonian and Laird method was used to calculate the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024528548).

Results

Eleven cross-sectional studies involving 564,254 individuals with a mean age of 55.95 years were included. A significant inverse relationship was observed between increased surrounding greenness and lower odds of abdominal obesity (OR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.70–0.91), elevated TG (OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.96–0.97), and low HDL-C levels (OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.95–1.00).

Conclusion

Abdominal obesity and elevated triglyceride levels could be reduced in the general adult population by increasing residential greenness. These findings underscore the importance of integrating greenness into urban planning and public health policies to promote healthier environments. Interventions such as the development of urban green spaces could play a crucial role in reducing cardiometabolic risk factors.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024528548
Energy Management and Hosting Capacity Evaluation of a Hybrid AC-DC Micro Grid Including Photovoltaic Units and Battery Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Awdaa Mohammed Ajel , Mashhour Elaheh , Farzin Hossein , Joorabian Mahmood
Published: February 2025

Renewable energy sources must be scheduled to manage power flow and load demand. Photovoltaic power generation is usually connected to power distribution networks and is not designed to add significant amounts of production in the event of increased electricity demand. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the generated capacity (i.e., hosting capacity) to meet the expansion in demand. This paper discussed two topics; the first is how to create an energy management strategy (EMS) for a hybrid micro-grid containing photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS). A model was created within the MATLAB program through which the charging and discharging process of the BESS was managed, and the energy source was through PV. The model is connected to the leading network, where the m.file is linked to the model to control variable settings. This was carried out by using a logical–numerical modeling method. The second topic discussed how to evaluate hosting capacity (HC) without causing the network to collapse. This was achieved by choosing the best location and size for the PV. This study relied on the use of two algorithms, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Harris hawks optimization (HHO). The fast decoupled load Flow (FDPF) method was adopted in the network analysis and finally the results of the two algorithms were compared.
Physiological Responses and Assessment of Salt Tolerance of Different Blueberry Cultivars Under Chloride Stress
Authors: Ma Wenwen , Wang Ying , Li Ke , Lu Chunze , Hou Dekang , Li Yanan , Liu Haiguang , Wu Lin , Li Jinying
Published: February 2025

The degree of soil salinization is still on the rise. In saline environments, NaCl is the main substance that causes plant salt damage, with the toxicity of ions under salt stress primarily involving sodium (Na+) or chloride (Cl−). However, fewer studies have focused on Cl− stress. This study investigated the differences in the growth and physiology of five blueberry varieties under Cl− stress, aiming to understand the mechanisms of Cl− tolerance and the physiological responses to Cl− stress in these varieties. Five blueberry varieties (‘Northland’, ‘PL19’, ‘Duke’, ‘Reka’, and ‘Bonnie’) were used as test materials. This study examined the changes in growth and physiological indices of blueberry plants under different concentrations of Cl− (A1–A6: 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 mmol/L) treatments. A control treatment (CK) was included to serve as a baseline for comparison. We comprehensively evaluated the Cl− tolerance of these five varieties to screen for chlorine-tolerant varieties. This study examined the concentration-dependent changes in growth and physiological indices of blueberry plants, including plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll content, electrical conductivity, levels of soluble sugar (SS), malondialdehyde (MDA), proline (Pro), and soluble protein (SP), as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). The results revealed that as the Cl− concentration increased, the growth of all blueberry varieties was inhibited; plant height, leaf area, and chlorophyll content consistently declined, whereas electrical conductivity showed a steady increase. SS and MDA content exhibited a biphasic response, with an increase at lower Cl− concentrations followed by a decrease at higher concentrations. The activities of SOD and CAT in ‘Duke’ consistently increased with rising Cl− levels. In ‘PL19’ and ‘Reka’, chlorophyll content decreased with increasing Cl−, while their proline content rose initially and then declined. In contrast, the other varieties generally showed an increasing trend in proline content. Similarly, the soluble protein content of ‘Northland’ and ‘PL19’ increased at lower Cl− levels and decreased at higher concentrations, whereas ‘Bonnie’, ‘Duke’, and ‘Reka’ displayed an overall declining trend. Principal component analysis indicated that the Cl− tolerance of the blueberry varieties ranked as follows: ‘Duke’ > ‘Bonnie’ > ‘Reka’ > ‘PL19’ > ‘Northland’. These findings lay a foundation for blueberry cultivation in saline–alkaline soils and support the selection and development of new, chlorine-tolerant varieties.
Exploring the Potential of Non-Cellular Orthobiologic Products in Regenerative Therapies for Stifle Joint Diseases in Companion Animals
Authors: Guerra-Gomes Maria , Ferreira-Baptista Carla , Barros Joana , Alves-Pimenta Sofia , Gomes Pedro , Colaço Bruno
Published: February 2025

Stifle joint diseases present a significant challenge in companion animals that often lead to hind limb lameness, with osteoarthritis being a prevalent degenerative condition causing pain and reduced mobility. Regenerative medicine offers a promising avenue for improving treatment outcomes, with a range of emerging therapies showing potential to alleviate symptoms and promote joint health. Among these, hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma have been widely used as intra-articular treatments to enhance joint lubrication, reduce inflammation, and provide symptomatic relief. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein, autologous conditioned serum, and autologous protein solution represent the next generation of regenerative therapies, offering more disease-modifying effects by inhibiting key mediators of joint inflammation. More recently, the MSC-derived secretome has emerged as an innovative, cell-free approach that leverages the diverse bioactive factors secreted by MSCs to support tissue repair and modulate inflammation. This review highlights the evidence base behind these non-cellular orthobiologic treatments for stifle joint disease, aiming to inform veterinary practitioners and owners about available options and their efficacy in supporting conventional treatments.
Enhanced Antitumor Activity of Korean Black Soybean Cultivar ‘Soman’ by Targeting STAT-Mediated Aerobic Glycolysis
Authors: Park Su Hwan , Seo Jeong Hyun , Kim Min Young , Yun Hye Jin , Kang Beom Kyu , Kim Jun Hoi , Heo Su Vin , Lee Yeong Hoon , Park Hye Rang , Choi Man Soo , Lee Jong-Ho
Published: February 2025

Black soybeans have numerous health benefits owing to their high polyphenolic content, antioxidant activity, and antitumor effects. We previously reported that the Korean black soybean cultivar ‘Soman’ possesses higher anthocyanin and isoflavone contents and superior antioxidant potential than other Korean black soybean cultivars and landraces (Seoritae) do. Here, we investigated and compared the antitumor effects of Soman and Seoritae and aimed to elucidate the possible mechanisms of action. Soman inhibited cancer cell proliferation and was more potent than Seoritae. Mechanistically, Soman inhibited the phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT1, 3, and 5) in a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-independent manner, subsequently decreasing glycolytic enzyme expression and the activities of pyruvate kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. Thus, Soman suppressed glucose uptake, lactate production, and ATP production in cancer cells. Additionally, it inhibited tumor growth in a B16F10 murine melanoma syngeneic model, accompanied by reduced STAT1 phosphorylation and decreased proliferation in Soman-treated mice, more potently than observed in Seoritae-treated mice. These findings showed that Soman exerted superior antitumor activities by suppressing STAT-mediated aerobic glycolysis and proliferation. Overall, our findings demonstrate the potent, tumor-suppressive role of Soman in human cancer and uncover a novel molecular mechanism for its therapeutic effects in cancer treatment.
Antioxidant Activity of Bovine Colostrum in the Colon of a Mouse Model of TNBS-Induced Colitis
Authors: Leonardi Leonardo , Dib Shadi , Costanzi Egidia , Brecchia Gabriele , Traina Giovanna
Published: February 2025

(1) Background: Bovine colostrum (BC) is the initial milk produced by cows after giving birth and has revealed significant potential in helping various health conditions, particularly in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as inflammatory bowel disease, including colitis. BC is renowned for its rich composition of components that strengthen the immune system. Inflammatory bowel diseases, including colitis, are characterized by elevated oxidative stress, leading to tissue damage and exacerbated symptoms. The aim of this study was to explore the potential antioxidant activity of bovine colostrum in the context of a mouse model of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis. The effectiveness of BC in mitigating oxidative stress and its effects on colitis was evaluated. (2) Methods: Mice were divided into two groups, one group received BC by gavage for 21 days, the other group received saline solution; after 21 days one half of each of the two groups of mice were treated intrarectally with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid to induce colitis. Colon samples were processed by immunocytochemical methods. The immunoreactivity of the main antioxidant enzymes, (i) catalase (CAT), (ii) superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), (iii) superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), at the colon level was analyzed. (3) Results: The results showed positive immunoreactivity of catalase and SOD2 activities of BC in the colon of animals after induction of inflammation. (4) Conclusions: The findings have the potential to suggest new strategies for the management of gastrointestinal disorders related to oxidative stress. Furthermore, the knowledge gained could contribute to the development of functional foods or supplements specifically designed for the management of colitis. Future studies will be aimed at identifying the bioactive fractions of BC to study the mechanisms underlying its actions, as well as to trace which populations can benefit most from colostrum consumption, in addition to subjects with gastrointestinal disorders.
The Role of Elderberry Hydrolate as a Therapeutic Agent in Palliative Care
Authors: Gonçalves Sara , Caramelo Ana
Published: February 2025

Elderberry hydrolate, derived from the berries of Sambucus nigra, has gained attention for its therapeutic properties, particularly in skincare. This review explores its potential applications in palliative care, where patients often experience compromised skin health due to illness or treatment. The bioactive compounds in elderberry hydrolate, including phenylacetaldehyde, 2-acetyl-pyrrole, n-hexanal, furfural, and (E)-beta-damascenone, contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and skin-healing effects. These properties make it a promising option for addressing common dermatological issues in palliative care, such as irritation, dryness, pruritus, and inflammation. For example, phenylacetaldehyde’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions help soothe irritated skin, while 2-acetyl-pyrrole’s antioxidant effects protect sensitive skin from oxidative stress. Additionally, n-hexanal’s antimicrobial properties reduce infection risks and furfural aids in skin regeneration. (E)-beta-damascenone’s antioxidant effects help maintain skin health and prevent further damage. Despite these promising effects, barriers to the widespread implementation of elderberry hydrolate in palliative care exist, including cost, accessibility, patient sensitivities, and regulatory challenges. Future research focusing on standardized chemical profiling, clinical trials, and addressing these practical concerns will be crucial for integrating elderberry hydrolate into palliative care regimens. This review highlights its potential as a natural, supportive therapy for enhancing patient comfort and quality of life in palliative care settings.
Impact of High Water Levels in Lake Baikal on Rare Plant Species in the Coastal Zone
Authors: Alymbaeva Zhargalma , Zharnikova Margarita , Ayurzhanaev Alexander , Sodnomov Bator , Chernykh Vladimir , Gurzhapov Bair , Tsydypov Bair , Garmaev Endon
Published: February 2025

This paper presents an assessment of potential losses and damage costs to rare coastal plant species of Lake Baikal (UNESCO World Heritage Site) as a result of inundation at high water levels. The lake’s ecosystem is characterized by an exceptional diversity of rare and endemic animal and plant species. The construction of a hydroelectric power plant caused an increase in the water level of Lake Baikal, resulting in the inundation of low-lying coastal areas, the destruction of the coastline, alterations to the hydrological regime, etc. However, there are practically no works devoted to water-level modeling and the assessment of its impact on riparian vegetation, including rare species. We conducted fieldwork to determine the abundance of four vulnerable species and identified inundation zones at different high water levels on the basis of digital elevation models based on aerial photography data. The analysis revealed that at the maximum level of inundation, the number of plant species affected would total 5164, amounting to a financial loss of biodiversity estimated at 3098.4 thousand rubles. To mitigate the projected losses, it is imperative to implement measures that restrict water-level fluctuations above the 457.00 m threshold. The absence of flora as an object of state environmental monitoring, which is not specified in the regulatory legal document, must be rectified in a timely manner.
Inverse Analysis of Thermal Parameters of Arch Dam Concrete Based on Walrus Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Wang Youle , Miao Zhengjian , Song Rui , Zhou Junchi , Pan Yuheng , Wang Feng
Published: February 2025

In the simulation of concrete thermal stress fields, thermal parameters are crucial for calculating the concrete temperature field. In actual construction, due to the adjustment of the concrete mixing ratio and the changing external environment (temperature fluctuations, cooling conditions, solar radiation, thermal insulation measures, etc.), there are significant differences between the thermal parameters obtained in tests and the actual working conditions, which affect the simulation accuracy. Therefore, the inverse analysis of concrete thermal parameters under real working conditions can be carried out based on the measured temperature data. A method for inverse analysis of thermal parameters of arch dams using the walrus optimization algorithm (WaOA) is proposed. To verify the accuracy of the inversion parameters, twelve classical test functions are used to compare the three algorithms to evaluate their fitness. The efficiency difference is analyzed by nonparametric methods such as Fredman and Wilcoxon rank sum test. The results consistently indicate that the walrus optimization algorithm performs better. Furthermore, the WaOA is utilized for the parameter inversion of an arch dam in the downstream area of the Jinsha River. We bring the inversion results into different dam sections to calculate the temperature field during construction, which effectively verifies the efficient solution ability of the WaOA for the inverse analysis of concrete thermal parameters under complex engineering backgrounds.
Experimental Study on Mechanical Deformation and Energy Evolution of Deep Coal Under Complex Stress Paths
Authors: Jiang Yue , Mao Xingfeng , Zhang Dongming , Yang Xiang
Published: February 2025

This study proposes a novel cyclic stress path with simultaneous axial and confining stress and conducts triaxial testing on raw coal over various cycle periods. The analysis of bias stress–strain curves, deformation parameters, and energy indexes elucidated the mechanical and energy evolution patterns of coals under novel stress routes. The three deformation parameters can well reflect the deformation characteristics of the specimens. The last few cycles saw an increase in Poisson’s ratio and irreversible deformation, indicating that the coal samples were likely to crack. Specimens are more prone to instability and destruction due to increased expansion under high frequency loading. To explore the energy evolution, the energy percentage and damping ratio are added to the previously mentioned basic energy indexes. Faster cyclic period reduces specimen microstructure stability, increases mineral particle misalignment friction, and raises dissipated energy percentage and damping ratio. DS and Dd based on deformation parameters and cumulative dissipated energy, respectively, can characterize the coal’s three damage stages of “deceleration–stabilization–acceleration”. Both damage variables accumulate faster in the acceleration damage stage due to cyclic period acceleration.
New Challenges for Tropical Cyclone Track and Intensity Forecasting in Unfavorable External Environment in Western North Pacific. Part I. Formations South of 20° N
Authors: Elsberry Russell L. , Tsai Hsiao-Chung , Huang Wen-Hsin , Marchok Timothy P.
Published: February 2025

A pre-operational test started in mid-July 2024 to demonstrate the capability of the ECMWF’s ensemble (ECEPS) to predict western North Pacific Tropical Cyclones (TCs) lifecycle tracks and intensities revealed new forecasting challenges for four typhoons that started well south of 20° N. As Typhoon Gaemi (05 W) was moving poleward into an unfavorable environment north of 20° N, a sharp westward turn to cross Taiwan was a challenge to forecast. The pre-Yagi (12 W) westward turn across Luzon Island, re-formation, and then extremely rapid intensification prior to striking Hainan Island were challenges to forecast. The slow intensification of Bebinca (14 W) after moving poleward across 20° N into an unfavorable environment was better forecast by the ECEPS than by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), which consistently over-predicted the intensification. An early westward turn south of 20° N by Kong-Rey (23 W) leading to a long westward path along 17° N and then a poleward turn to strike Taiwan were all track forecasting challenges. Four-dimensional COAMPS-TC Dynamic Initialization analyses utilizing high-density Himawari-9 atmospheric motion vectors are proposed to better define the TC intensities, vortex structure, and unfavorable environment for diagnostic studies and as initial conditions for regional model predictions. In Part 2 study of selected 2024 season TCs that started north of 20° N, more challenging track forecasts and slow intensification rates over an unfavorable TC environment will be documented.
Study on the Distribution of Gravity Wave (GW) Activity in Six Bay of Bengal Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Nanda Kousik , Sasmal Sudipta , Hazra Raka , Datta Abhirup , Panchadhyayee Pradipta , Potirakis Stelios M.
Published: February 2025

This study explores how the variation of Gravity Waves (GWs) is modified and intensified during tropical cyclones using high-resolution ERA5 reanalysis data. GWs play a vital role in understanding tropical cyclone dynamics due to their connection with energy and momentum transfer in the atmosphere. Different issues related to six tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal from 2019 to 2022, spanning different intensities and seasonal conditions, are analyzed. Using temperature and pressure data across 37 vertical levels, several variables like perturbation temperature and potential energy Ep profiles associated with GWs are computed. Spatial temperature distributions and Ep exhibit spiral formations resembling cyclone structures with significant altitude-dependent variations. Temperature signatures are observed at altitudes between 1.4 km and 5.8 km, with Pressure Levels (PLs) of 850 hPa and 500 hPa, respectively, varying by season and intensity, while Ep signatures are prominent between 15.25 km and and 20.77 km, with PLs of 125 hPa and PL 50 hPa, respectively, peaking at 16.58 km and PL 100 hPa for most cyclones, except Cyclone Fani, which peaked at 18.72 km with a PL of 70 hPa. Ep values range from 10 to 25 J/kg, reflecting strong GW–cyclone interactions. These findings highlight the influence of cyclone intensity, seasonality, and atmospheric dynamics on GW behavior, enhancing the understanding of energy transfer processes in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.
Impact on Classification Process Generated by Corrupted Features
Authors: Moldovanu Simona , Munteanu Dan , Sîrbu Carmen
Published: February 2025

The topic of this study is the testing of the robustness of machine learning (ML) and neural network (NN) models with a new idea based on corrupted data. Typically, ML and NN classifiers are trained on real feature data; however, a portion of the features may be false, with noise, or incorrect. The undesired content was analyzed in eight experiments with false data, six with feature noise, and six with label noise. These tests were all conducted on the public Breast Cancer Wisconsin Dataset (BCWD). Throughout this, the false and noise data were gradually corrupted in a random way, generating new data and replacing raw features that belonged to the BCWD. Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be properly selected while categorizing different diseases using medical data. The Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) applied between features monitored their correlation in each experiment, and a correlation matrix between both true and false features was used. Four machine learning (ML) algorithms—Random Forest (RF), XGBClassifier (XGB), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Support Vector Machine (SVM)—were used, as well as for the analysis of important features (IF) and the binary classification. The study was completed using three deep neural networks—a simple Deep Neural Network (DNN), a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and a Transformer Neural Network (TNN). In the context of a binary classification, the accuracy, F1-score, Area Under the Curve (AUC), and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) metrics of the performance of classification in malignant versus benign breast cancer (BC) was computed. The results demonstrated the robustness of some methods and the sensitivity of other machine learning algorithms in the context of corrupted data, computational cost, and hyperparameters optimization.
Who Will Author the Synthetic Texts? Evoking Multiple Personas from Large Language Models to Represent Users’ Associative Thesauri
Authors: Bakaev Maxim , Gorovaia Svetlana , Mitrofanova Olga
Published: February 2025

Previously, it was suggested that the “persona-driven” approach can contribute to producing sufficiently diverse synthetic training data for Large Language Models (LLMs) that are currently about to run out of real natural language texts. In our paper, we explore whether personas evoked from LLMs through HCI-style descriptions could indeed imitate human-like differences in authorship. For this end, we ran an associative experiment with 50 human participants and four artificial personas evoked from the popular LLM-based services: GPT-4(o) and YandexGPT Pro. For each of the five stimuli words selected from university websites’ homepages, we asked both groups of subjects to come up with 10 short associations (in Russian). We then used cosine similarity and Mahalanobis distance to measure the distance between the association lists produced by different humans and personas. While the difference in the similarity was significant for different human associators and different gender and age groups, neither was the case for the different personas evoked from ChatGPT or YandexGPT. Our findings suggest that the LLM-based services so far fall short at imitating the associative thesauri of different authors. The outcome of our study might be of interest to computer linguists, as well as AI/ML scientists and prompt engineers.
Bioengineering of the Motor System
Authors: Frigo Carlo Albino
Published: February 2025

About fifty years ago, which seems very recent, new technologies for motion analysis were being developed, promising a more detailed and precise study of the human motor system [...]
Characterization of Exosome-like Nanoparticles from Saffron Tepals and Their Immunostimulatory Activity
Authors: Martínez Fajardo Cristian , López-Jiménez Alberto J. , López-López Susana , Morote Lucía , Moreno-Giménez Elena , Diretto Gianfranco , Díaz-Guerra María José M. , Rubio-Moraga Ángela , Ahrazem Oussama , Gómez-Gómez Lourdes
Published: February 2025

Plant exosomes exhibit high stability and easy absorption, and have emerged as promising bioactive tools due to their potential health benefits and biomedical applications. Saffron tepals contain abundant metabolites with potential therapeutic properties and were used for exosome extraction by ultracentrifugation and gradient purification. The exosomes showed an average particle size of 151.5 ± 79.6 nm and exhibited a spherical morphology. Five well-conserved miRNAs—miR157, miR166, miR168, miR396, and miR398—were identified in the exosomes, which are involved in the coordination of growth and physiological plant responses with endogenous and environmental abiotic and biotic signals, and their potential targets in mammals are upregulated in specific cancer types and associated with inflammation. Proteome analysis revealed an enrichment of proteasome proteins, ribosomal proteins, and proteins involved in the cytoskeleton, transport across the membrane (ABC transporters), and vesicle trafficking (RAB GTPases, TM9SF and Coatomer subunits). Metabolite analyses showed mainly anthocyanins. The exosomes have selective stimulatory activity on macrophages, increasing the expression of surface molecules (CD80 and CD86), and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), but not the levels of IL-10. Overall, these results indicated that saffron flowers are an effective and abundant source of exosomes as new nanomedicines for human health.
Fibromyalgia, Depression, and Autoimmune Disorders: An Interconnected Web of Inflammation
Authors: Sedda Stefania , Cadoni Maria Piera L. , Medici Serenella , Aiello Elena , Erre Gian Luca , Nivoli Alessandra Matilde , Carru Ciriaco , Coradduzza Donatella
Published: February 2025

Background: Fibromyalgia, depression, and autoimmune diseases represent a triad of interconnected conditions characterized by overlapping biological pathways, including chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and neurochemical imbalances. Understanding their shared mechanisms offers opportunities for innovative therapeutic approaches. Objective: This systematic review explores the common inflammatory- and immune-related pathways among these conditions, emphasizing their implications for biomarker development and novel therapeutic strategies. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Studies examining the relationship between fibromyalgia, depression, and autoimmune diseases with a focus on immune responses, inflammatory biomarkers, and therapeutic interventions were included. The quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results: From the 255 identified studies, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Evidence supports the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) and neurochemical dysregulation (e.g., serotonin, dopamine) as key factors in the pathophysiology of these conditions. Pilot studies highlight the potential of immune-modulating therapies, including low-dose IL-2 and anti-inflammatory agents such as N-acetylcysteine and minocycline, in alleviating both physical and psychological symptoms. Emerging biomarkers, including cytokine profiles and platelet serotonin activity, show promise for personalized treatment approaches. Conclusions: The shared inflammatory pathways linking fibromyalgia, depression, and autoimmune diseases underscore the need for integrated therapeutic strategies. Although pilot studies provide preliminary insights, validation through large-scale, multicenter trials is essential. Future research should focus on standardizing methodologies and leveraging biomarker-driven precision medicine to improve outcomes for patients with these complex, multifactorial conditions.
Advancing Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Optimization of Raman Spectroscopy for Urine-Based Early Detection
Authors: Andras David , Cozan Ramona G. , Muresan Delia E. , Moisoiu Vlad , Crisan George , Bintintan Vasile , Dindelegan George C. , Leopold Nicolae , Iancu Stefania D.
Published: February 2025

Background: Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) analysis of urine is a promising liquid biopsy technique for cancer detection. However, its clinical translation is hindered by two major challenges that impact classification efficacy. First, the SERS signal of urine is confounded by fluctuations induced by physiological differences in urine composition such as pH and dilution. Second, the molecular origin of the SERS signal of urine is incompletely understood, limiting the interpretability of machine learning classifiers in terms of specific biochemical markers. Methods: In this pilot study, we analyzed urine samples from breast cancer patients (n = 18) and control subjects (n = 10) at three pH levels (5, 7, and 9). Additionally, we analyzed simulated urine mixtures consisting of uric acid, hypoxanthine, xanthine, and creatinine in physiological concentrations to explain the variation in the SERS spectra at different pH values. Results: Urine at pH 9 yielded the most detailed spectral features. The SERS spectral pattern under alkaline pH reflected greater contributions from hypoxanthine, uric acid, and creatinine, while xanthine contributions diminished due to competitive interactions at the SERS substrate surface. Normalizing SERS signals to the creatinine band at 1420 cm−1 effectively mitigated the confounding effects of urine dilution. Conclusions: Optimizing the pH to 9 and normalizing to creatinine significantly enhances the interpretability and accuracy of SERS-based urine analysis for cancer detection. These findings offer important theoretical and practical advancements for the development of SERS-based liquid biopsy tools for cancer detection.