bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EEG Abnormalities and Phenotypic Correlates in Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Ferrini Luca , Bartolini Emanuele , Mancini Alice , Tancredi Raffaella , Ferrari Anna Rita , Calderoni Sara
Published: January 2025

Background: The literature suggests the existence of an association between autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and subclinical electroencephalographic abnormalities (SEAs), which show a heterogeneous prevalence rate (12.5–60.7%) within the pediatric ASD population. The aim of this study was to investigate the EEG findings in a cohort of ASD preschoolers and their correlation with the phenotypic characteristics. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data on 141 ASD preschoolers evaluated in a tertiary care university hospital over the period 2008–2018. All participants underwent at least one standard polygraphic electroencephalogram (EEG) and a clinical multidisciplinary assessment with standardized instruments. Results: 77 patients (55%) showed SEAs, which were mainly represented by epileptiform discharges (p < 0.00001), especially focal and multifocal (p = 0.010). Abnormal EEG (p = 0.035) and epileptiform discharges (p = 0.014) were associated with seizure onset and were predominant in sleep (p < 0.00001). Patients with abnormal tracing (p = 0.031) and slow abnormalities (p < 0.001) were significantly younger. ASD severity was not found to be correlated with EEG results, which showed a potential, albeit non-significant, association with some psychometric parameters. Very similar results were found when patients were divided according to sex. Conclusions: EEG abnormalities appear to correlate more with ASD internalizing, externalizing and emotional comorbidities, rather than with ASD core symptoms; larger samples are needed to further investigate this association.
A Comparative Environmental and Economic Analysis of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Recycling Processes Using Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Costing
Authors: Vogiantzi Christina , Tserpes Konstantinos
Published: January 2025

The recycling of carbon-fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) presents significant challenges due to their thermosetting matrix, which complicates end-of-life management and often results in energy-intensive disposal or significant waste accumulation. Despite advancements in recycling methods, knowledge gaps remain regarding their sustainability and economic viability. This study undertakes a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Life Cycle Costing analysis of four key recycling techniques: mechanical recycling, pyrolysis, solvolysis, and high-voltage fragmentation (HVF). By using the SimaPro software, this study identifies mechanical recycling and HVF as the most sustainable options, with the lowest cumulative energy demand (CED) of 5.82 MJ/kg and 4.97 MJ/kg and global warming potential (GWP) of 0.218 kg CO2eq and 0.0796 kg CO2eq, respectively. In contrast, pyrolysis imposes the highest environmental burdens, requiring 66.3 MJ/kg and emitting 2.84 kg CO2eq. Subcritical solvolysis shows more balanced environmental impacts compared to its supercritical counterpart. Cost analysis reveals that for mechanical recycling and pyrolysis, material costs are negligible or zero. In contrast, solvolysis and HVF incur material costs primarily due to the need for deionized water. Regarding energy costs, pyrolysis stands out as the most expensive method due to its high energy demands, followed closely by solvolysis with supercritical water.
Cardiovascular Diseases, Vital Organ Fibrosis, and Chronic Inflammation Associated with High-Intensity and/or High-Volume Exercise Training: Double-Edged Sword Effects of Vigorous Physical Activity in Elderly People and/or in Middle-Age Cancer-Therapy-Treated Patients
Authors: Guertin Pierre A.
Published: January 2025

Cardiotoxicity, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), hypertension, hepatotoxicity, and respiratory problems occurring several months to several years post-chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy are increasingly documented by scientists and clinicians. Anthracyclines, for example, were discovered in the late 1960s to be dose-dependently linked to induced cardiotoxicity, which frequently resulted in cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Most of those changes have also been associated with aging. While it is well known that exercise can slow down cellular aging processes, lessen the effects of chemotherapy, improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments, and prevent health problems in the general population, it remains unclear how exercise volume or intensity may affect the overall benefits of physical activity on health. For instance, higher rates of sudden cardiac arrest or coronary artery calcification have been found in marathon and ultra-marathon runners. Several additional pathological consequences have also been reported recently on many organs of those athletes. This review reports the most recent evidence suggesting that excessive intensity and/or volume may have deleterious effects on health. These findings are in clear contrast with the popular belief that all forms of physical activity can generally reduce the pathological changes associated with aging or cancer therapies. In conclusion, high-intensity training (HIT) and/or high-volume training (HVT) should not be recommended for middle-age and elderly people who have had cancer therapies or not in order to avoid an exacerbation of the consequences of aging or long-term cancer treatment effects on vital organ structures and functions.
Correlation Between Cryptococcus Infection and the Nasal Mycobiota in a Population of Free-Ranging Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: McPherson Andrew S. , Haworth Sophie L. , Kan Alex , de Miranda Luisa Monteiro , Krockenberger Mark B.
Published: January 2025

Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease in humans and animals, caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes. Clinical cryptococcosis primarily manifests as upper respiratory tract disease; however, dissemination to other organs, particularly the brain, can occur. Nasal colonisation and subclinical cryptococcosis are common in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) due to their shared environmental niche with Cryptococcus: Eucalyptus trees. However, for reasons that remain unclear, the prevalence of clinical disease is low in koalas. Interactions between respiratory pathogens and the nasal mycobiome are thought to play a role in the development and progression of numerous respiratory diseases. As such, this study aimed to characterise the mycobiome of the nasal vestibule in koalas with and without evidence of cryptococcal colonisation and subclinical disease via the next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the ITS1 region of the fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene. Samples were collected from 47 koalas from a population of free-ranging koalas in the Liverpool Plains, NSW, Australia, with a known history of Cryptococcus exposure and nasal colonisation. Of the 47 animals tested, 6.4% were culture-positive only, 4.3% were seropositive only, and 2.1% were culture- and seropositive. C. gattii was detected in four samples via NGS. C. neoformans was not detected via NGS. There were no significant differences in the nasal mycobiomes of Cryptococcus-positive and -negative animals; thus, we could not establish a definitive association between the mycobiome and infection outcomes. We identified a number of fungal genera that were significantly more abundant in samples from Cryptococcus-positive animals, but there was no apparent relationship between these genera and the development of cryptococcosis. This study represents the first investigation of the nasal mycobiota of wild koalas. Further studies involving koalas with clinical disease are necessary to determine the role of the nasal mycobiota in the development of cryptococcosis.
Firm Performance and the Determinants in the Textile and Textile Product Industry of Indonesia Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Setiawan Maman , Septiani Berliana Anggun
Published: January 2025

This research aimed to examine firm performance and its determinants in the textile and textile product (TPT) industry of Indonesia before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis used data from the manufacturing survey conducted by Indonesia’s Bureau of Central Statistics (BPS) for the period 2018–2021. It further incorporated the fixed-effect model on the subsectors by applying least-square dummy variables. The results show that firm performance declined during the COVID-19 pandemic while the price–cost margin was affected by firm size, export orientation, foreign ownership, and the pandemic. However, the Herfindahl–Hirschman index did not have a significant influence on firm performance. This research addresses the gaps identified in previous publications, which had limitations regarding sample data. It further contributed to the literature by applying price–cost margin (PCM) as a proxy for firm performance and investigating the determining factors in the TPT industry before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Indonesia.
Research on Groundwater Drought and Sustainability in Badain Jaran Desert and Surrounding Areas Based on GRACE Satellite
Authors: Liu Xiaojun , Wang Naiang , Wang Yixin , Meng Nan , Wang Yuchen , Qiao Bin , Lu Rongzhu , Yang Dan
Published: January 2025

Groundwater plays a crucial role in the formation of the Badain Jaran Desert-Sand Dune Lake System, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024. However, the region’s wetland ecosystem is significantly impacted by climate change and human activities. This study utilizes GRACE satellite data and in situ observation data to establish a groundwater storage anomaly (GWSA) time series for the Badain Jaran Desert and its surrounding areas (BJDCA) from 2003 to 2022. The analysis reveals the spatiotemporal patterns of groundwater drought and sustainability, as well as the underlying factors affecting regional groundwater sustainability. The results indicate that 99.2% of the study area exhibited a significant decline in GWSA (α ≤ 0.01), with the annual mean GRACE Groundwater Drought Index (GGDI) dropping from 1.44 to −1.54, reflecting a worsening groundwater drought. In 2022, the GGDI in the southeastern part of the BJDCA reached as low as −3.04, highlighting severe groundwater stress. Furthermore, the Sustainability Index (SI) of the study area declined markedly from 1.00 to 0.01, underscoring the critical impact of human activities on groundwater resources in the BJDCA. These findings provide valuable insights for formulating more effective groundwater resource management policies and promoting sustainable development in arid regions.
Influence of Environmental Factors on the Aboveground Biomass of Mature and Postmining Forests in Chocó
Authors: Abadía David Pérez , Mosquera Harley Quinto , Arco José María Del
Published: January 2025

Environmental factors control the accumulation of aboveground biomass (AB) in tropical forests, along with the role of AB in climate change mitigation. As such, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of factors such as forest type, succession, abundance of individuals, species richness, height, diameter, texture, and soil nutrient levels on the AB in mature and postmining forests in Chocó, Colombia. Five plots each were set up in primary and postmining forests with 15 and 30 years of regeneration, in which the amount of AB was measured and related to the environmental factors. The AB was 178.32 t ha−1 in the mature forests and 35.17 and 56.3 t ha−1 after 15 and 30 years of postmining regeneration, respectively. Furthermore, the general AB level was determined by the ecosystem type, diameter, richness, abundance, Shannon evenness, and Margalef diversity. In mature forests, the AB amount was positively influenced by height and richness, and negatively influenced by dominance and evenness; in areas degraded by mining, the AB level was positively related to richness and equity, and negatively related to species diversity and soil silt. In summary, environmental factors determine the carbon storage in the forests in Chocó. Mining reduces the function of these ecosystems in mitigating climate change.
The Influence of Initial Surface Roughness on the Current-Carrying Friction Process of Elastic Pairs
Authors: Yang Zhenghai , Li Wenbo , Zheng Xiaomeng , Zhao Mengfeng , Zhang Yongzhen
Published: January 2025

To investigate the effect of the initial surface roughness on the performance at the initial stage of the current-carrying friction of an elastic friction pair, experiments were conducted using a self-made current-carrying friction and wear tester. The results indicate that under the experimental conditions, the lifespan of the friction pair decreases as the surface roughness and load decrease. When the surface roughness is Ra 0.2 μm and the load is 0.025 N, the lifespan is the longest, reaching 320 cycles, with an average contact resistance of 0.045 Ω and a standard deviation of 0.009 Ω. During the normal service period of the friction pair, the main wear mechanism is furrowing. As adhesion and tearing occur, the electrical contact performance begins to degrade. The impact of arc erosion on the wear surface is far greater than that of mechanical wear. This provides a reference for the design and manufacture of current-carrying friction pairs represented by connectors.
Methodology for Surface Reconstruction and Prediction Based on the Electrical Discharge Machining Removal Mechanism of Cf-UHTC Materials
Authors: Gong Sirui , Hu Yizhou , Zhang Leheng , Wang Zhenlong , Wang Yukui
Published: January 2025

Cf-UHTC is an ideal aerospace material because of its exceptional properties, but its machinability is facing great challenges. Electrical discharge machining (EDM) offers a potential solution, but its removal mechanism remains unclear, lacking reliable prediction tools to guide the actual production. This paper deeply explores the EDM removal mechanism of Cf-ZrB2-SiC through single-pulse experiments, high-speed camera observations, and thermal–fluid coupling simulations, revealing key processes like heat transfer, phase transformation, molten pool dynamics, crater formation, and reinforcing phase effects. And the prediction of single-pulse removal with different parameters is also realized. Based on experimental and simulation results, a random continuous discharge model is developed, which deeply studies the dynamic erosion process, reconstructs EDM surfaces, and accurately predicts surface roughness. Furthermore, the thickness of the recast layer can be predicted based on the equivalent temperature method. Undoubtedly, this model provides an ideal approach for efficient production.
Enhancing Consumer Agent Modeling Through Openness-Based Consumer Traits and Inverse Clustering
Authors: Benaissa Brahim , Kobayashi Masakazu , Takenouchi Hiroshi
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the relationship between consumer personality traits, specifically openness, and responses to product designs. Consumers are categorized based on their levels of openness, and their affective responses to nine vase designs, varying in curvature and line quantity, are evaluated. The study then introduces the inverse clustering approach, which prioritizes maximizing predictive model accuracy over within-cluster similarity. This method iteratively refines cluster assignments to optimize prediction performance, minimizing errors in forecasting consumer design preferences. The results demonstrate that the inverse clustering approach yields more effective clusters than personality-based clustering. Moreover, while there is some overlap between personality-based and accuracy-based clustering, the inverse clustering method captures additional individual characteristics, extending beyond personality traits and improving the understanding of consumer product design response. The practical implications of this study are significant for product designers, as it enables the development of more personalized designs and optimization of product features to enhance specific consumer perceptions, such as robustness or esthetic appeal.
Analysis and Prediction of Grouting Reinforcement Performance of Broken Rock Considering Joint Morphology Characteristics
Authors: Liang Guanglin , Huang Linchong , Cao Chengyong
Published: January 2025

In tunnel engineering, joint shear slip caused by external disturbances is a key factor contributing to landslides, instability of surrounding rock masses, and related hazards. Therefore, accurately characterizing the macromechanical properties of joints is essential for ensuring engineering safety. Given the significant influence of rock joint morphology on mechanical behavior, this study employs the frequency spectrum fractal dimension (D) and the frequency domain amplitude integral (Rq) as quantitative descriptors of joint morphology. Using Fourier transform techniques, a reconstruction method is developed to model joints with arbitrary shape characteristics. The numerical model is calibrated through 3D printing and direct shear tests. Systematic parameter analysis validates the selected quantitative indices as effective descriptors of joint morphology. Furthermore, multiple machine learning algorithms are employed to construct a robust predictive model. Machine learning, recognized as a rapidly advancing field, plays a pivotal role in data-driven engineering applications due to its powerful analytical capabilities. In this study, six algorithms—Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Regression (SVR), BP Neural Network, GA-BP Neural Network, Genetic Programming (GP), and ANN-based MCD—are evaluated using 300 samples. The performance of each algorithm is assessed through comparative analysis of their predictive accuracy based on correlation coefficients. The results demonstrate that all six algorithms achieve satisfactory predictive performance. Notably, the Random Forest (RF) algorithm excels in rapid and accurate predictions when handling similar training data, while the ANN-based MCD algorithm consistently delivers stable and precise results across diverse datasets.
A Consensus Community-Based Spider Wasp Optimization for Dynamic Community Detection
Authors: Yu Lin , Zhao Xin , Lv Ming , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2025

There are many evolving dynamic networks in the real world, and community detection in dynamic networks is crucial in many complex network analysis applications. In this paper, a consensus community-based discrete spider wasp optimization (SWO) approach is proposed for the dynamic network community detection problem. First, the coding, initialization, and updating strategies of the spider wasp optimization algorithm are discretized to adapt to the community detection problem. Second, the concept of intra-population and inter-population consensus community is proposed. Consensus community is the knowledge formed by the swarm summarizing the current state as well as the past history. By maintaining certain inter-population consensus community during the evolutionary process, the population in the current time window can evolve in a similar direction to those in the previous time step. Experimental results on many artificial and real dynamic networks show that the proposed method produces more accurate and robust results than current methods.
On the Exponential Atom-Bond Connectivity Index of Graphs
Authors: Das Kinkar Chandra
Published: January 2025

Several topological indices are possibly the most widely applied graph-based molecular structure descriptors in chemistry and pharmacology. The capacity of topological indices to discriminate is a crucial component of their study. In light of this, the literature has introduced the exponential vertex-degree-based topological index. The exponential atom-bond connectivity index is defined as follows: eABC=eABC(Υ)=∑vivj∈E(Υ)edi+dj−2didj, where di is the degree of the vertex vi in Υ. In this paper, we prove that the double star DSn−3,1 is the second maximal graph with respect to the eABC index of trees of order n. We give an upper bound on eABC of unicyclic graphs of order n and characterize the maximal graphs. The graph K1∨(P3∪(n−4)K1) gives the maximal graph with respect to the eABC index of bicyclic graphs of order n. We present several relations between eABC(Υ) and ABC(Υ) of graph Υ. Finally, we provide a conclusion summarizing our findings and discuss potential directions for future research.
Umbral Interpolation: A Survey
Authors: Costabile Francesco Aldo , Gualtieri Maria Italia , Napoli Anna
Published: January 2025

A survey on recent umbral polynomial interpolation is presented. Some new results are given, following a matrix-determinant approach. Some theoretical and numerical examples are provided.
A 10-Year Risk Assessment and Primary Prevention Study of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Among Adult Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alkhalaf Abdulhameed , Aljabr Qasem , Al Mulla Khalid , Almubarak Duaa , Khan Abdul Sattar , Al Jaziri Zainab Y. , Albahrani Ibrahim
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), primarily driven by atherosclerosis, are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) poses a significant public health challenge. To estimate the 10-year ASCVD risk among adults in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, and identify prevalent risk factors such as age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, cholesterol, and preventive medication use. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 58,743 adults aged 35–75 years from the Al-Ahsa Health Cluster. The ASCVD risk was calculated using the ACC/AHA Pooled Cohort Equations. Statistical analysis identified predictors of high ASCVD risk. Results: Most participants (76.3%) were at low ASCVD risk (≤10%), 13.3% at borderline to intermediate risk (10–19%), and 10.4% at high risk (≥20%). Smoking, diabetes (39.6%), hypertension (40.8%), and male gender were key predictors of high ASCVD risk. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) was protective, reducing ASCVD risk by 3%. Among high-risk individuals, 29.7% used aspirin, and 58.3% used statins. Conclusions: While most adults in Al-Ahsa are at low ASCVD risk, a significant portion remains at elevated risk. Modifiable risk factors, including smoking, diabetes, and hypertension, combined with statin and aspirin adherence, highlight critical areas for targeted interventions to reduce the ASCVD burden in this population.
Navigating Emergency Management of Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Study on First-Time, End-Stage, and Other Established Diagnoses in a High Turnover Emergency County Hospital
Authors: Corlade-Andrei Mihaela , Iacobescu Radu-Alexandru , Popa Viorica , Hauta Alexandra , Nedelea Paul , Grigorasi Gabriela , Puticiu Monica , Ciuntu Roxana Elena , Sova Andreea Ivona , Cimpoesu Diana
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives: The incidence and prevalence of cancers are increasing worldwide, with special emphasis placed on prevention, early detection, and the development of new therapeutic strategies that strongly impact patient outcomes. Limited data are available about emergency care’s role in treating patients with cancer. This study aims to determine the burden of end-stage and first-time diagnosis of cancer on emergency care in a high-turnover emergency care center. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted to identify patients requesting emergent aid for cancer-related symptoms in the Emergency Department of “St. Spiridon” Hospital from Iasi (Romania) between 1 October 2022 and 30 September 2023. The proportion and demographic characteristics of end-stage patients and those who received a first-time diagnosis during the emergency visit were evaluated. Risk analysis was performed to understand these patients’ care needs (such as medical care, surgical care, specialty consults, intensive care, ward admission, and other hospital transfers) and immediate care outcomes (such as in-hospital mortality and home discharge). Results: 2318 patients with cancer requested emergent care (patient presentation rate of 3.08%), of which 444 (19.15%) were diagnosed for the first time, and 616 (26.57%) were at the end-stage. First-time diagnosed patients had a significantly different distribution of cancer types (p < 0.001), were more likely to need any form of medical care, to require a specialty consultation, or to be admitted to a ward (OR 2.65, 95% CI: 2.12–3.32; p < 0.001; OR 3.28, 95% CI: 2.48–4.35, p < 0.001; OR 2.09, 95% CI: 1.70–2.59; p < 0.001, respectively) but were less severe, while end-stage patients were more likely to address repeatedly to the emergency room (OR 1.86, 95% CI: 1.32–2.59; p = 0.001) and had higher odds of needing intensive care, assisted ventilation and death (OR-4.63, 95% CI: 1.10–19.45, p = 0.04; OR 2.59, 95% CI: 1.57–4.28; p < 0.001, and OR 4.06, 95% CI: 1.73–9.54; p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The emergency department often carries the weight of diagnosing patients with cancer and treating patients with end-stage disease. These data highlight the importance of prehospital care, particularly for cancer screening and palliative care, and the importance of fostering multidisciplinary collaboration in the emergency room with oncologists, geriatricians, and palliative care specialists to improve patient outcomes.
Animal Brucellosis in Egypt: Review on Evolution, Epidemiological Situation, Prevalent Brucella Strains, Genetic Diversity, and Assessment of Implemented National Control Measures
Authors: Menshawy Ahmed M. S. , Vicente Acacia Ferreira , Hegazy Yamen M. , Djokic Vitomir , Hamdy Mahmoud E. R. , Freddi Luca , Elbauomy Essam M. , Sayour Ashraf E. , Ponsart Claire , Abdel-Hamid Nour H.
Published: January 2025

Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease that has a significant economic and public health impact, especially in endemic countries. This review delves deeply into brucellosis’s current epidemiological situation and potential sources of livestock infection in Egypt during the last two decades. MLVA-16 and Whole Genome Sequencing based on core-genome SNP analyses confirm the presence of different B. abortus and B. melitensis outbreak strains, both older widely disseminated Brucella strains and newly introduced ones. Despite implementing the test-and-slaughter control strategy over forty years, the disease is still endemic, and different Brucella species circulate among several animal species. The raising of mixed animal species in the same households or farms, exposure to aborted animals, and lack of public awareness about brucellosis transmission are among the main risk factors for increasing livestock brucellosis prevalence in Egypt. Young animals’ voluntary vaccination, lack of a nationwide animal identification system, and uncontrolled animal movement stand beyond the ineffectively applied control strategy and may be subdued by applying mass vaccination to decrease disease prevalence dramatically and target imported camels, domestic pigs, and dogs (housed and stray) in the national control surveillance. Increasing awareness through educational campaigns is compulsory to reduce brucellosis transmission risk to livestock/humans.
Developing a Versatile Arsenal: Novel Antimicrobials as Offensive Tools Against Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Ma Junze , Lu Zheng
Published: January 2025

The pervasive and often indiscriminate use of antibiotics has accelerated the emergence of drug-resistant bacterial strains, thus presenting an acute threat to global public health. Despite a growing acknowledgment of the severity of this crisis, the current suite of strategies to mitigate antimicrobial resistance remains markedly inadequate. This paper asserts the paramount need for the swift development of groundbreaking antimicrobial strategies and provides a comprehensive review of an array of innovative techniques currently under scrutiny. Among these, nano-antimicrobials, antimicrobials derived from ribosomal proteins, CRISPR/Cas-based systems, agents that undermine bacterial bioenergetics, and antimicrobial polysaccharides hold particular promise. This analysis gives special attention to CRISPR/Cas-based antimicrobials, scrutinizing their underlying mechanisms, exploring their potential applications, delineating their distinct advantages, and noting their likely limitations. Furthermore, we extend our exploration by proposing theoretical advancements in antimicrobial technology and evaluating feasible methods for the effective delivery of these agents. This includes leveraging these advances for broader biomedical applications, potentially revolutionizing how we confront bacterial pathogens in the future, and laying a foundation for extended research in multimodal therapeutic strategies.
Fertilization Induced Soil Microbial Shifts Show Minor Effects on Sapindus mukorossi Yield
Authors: Liu Juntao , Yu Zhexiu , Gong Yingyun , Chen Jie , Zhou Ling , Zhang Weihua , Jia Liming
Published: January 2025

Fertilization can improve soil nutrition and increase the yield of Sapindus mukorossi, but the response of soil microbial communities to fertilization treatments and their correlation with soil nutrition and Sapindus mukorossi yield are unclear. In order to investigate the characteristics of soil physicochemical qualities and the bacterial community, we carried out a field experiment comparing various quantities of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers to the unfertilized control treatments and the yield of Sapindus mukorossi in raw material forests in response to different applications of fertilizers and to try to clarify the interrelation among the three. Results showed that (1) there are significant differences in the effects of different fertilization treatments on the soil properties of Sapindus mukorossi raw material forests. The increase in the application rates of nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizers significantly reduced the soil pH value. (2) Compared with control, the α-diversity of bacterial communities was significantly lower in N3P2K2 and N1P1K2 treatments. Among the dominant groups of soil bacteria at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Chloroflexi showed an increase and then a decrease trend with the increase in N application. The relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Fusobacteriota was positively correlated with the application of P and K fertilizers, while the relative abundance of Acidobacteriota and Verrucomicrobiota decreased with the increase in P and K fertilizers. (3) The N2P2K2 treatment produced the highest sapindus yield (1464.58 kg/ha), which increased by 258.67% above the control. (4) Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that the primary determinants of bacterial community structure were soil pH, total K, and effective P concentration. (5) Structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that soil nutrient content was the main direct factor driving the yield of Sapindus mukorossi, whereas the bacterial community attributes (e.g., diversity and structure) had minor effects on the yield. In summary, the rational use of formulated fertilization can change the bacterial community structure, improve the bacterial diversity, and increase the soil nutrient content, with the latter exerting a significant effect on the improvement of the yield of Sapindus mukorossi.
«Green-Ligand» in Metallodrugs Design—Cu(II) Complex with Phytic Acid: Synthetic Approach, EPR-Spectroscopy, and Antimycobacterial Activity
Authors: Koshenskova Kseniya A. , Makarenko Natalia V. , Dolgushin Fedor M. , Yambulatov Dmitriy S. , Bekker Olga B. , Fedin Matvey V. , Dementev Sergei A. , Krumkacheva Olesya A. , Eremenko Igor L. , Lutsenko Irina A.
Published: January 2025

The interaction of sodium phytate hydrate C6H18O24P6·xNa·yH2O (phytNa) with Cu(OAc)2·H2O and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) led to the anionic tetranuclear complex [Cu4(H2O)4(phen)4(phyt)]·2Na+·2NH4+·32H2O (1), the structure of the latter was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The phytate 1 is completely deprotonated; six phosphate− fragments (with atoms P1–P6) are characterized by different spatial arrangements relative to the cyclohexane ring (1a5e conformation), which determines two different types of coordination to the complexing agents—P1 and P3, P4, and P6 have monodentate, while P2 and P5 are bidentately bound to Cu2+ cations. The molecular structure of the anion complex is stabilized by a set of strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds involving coordinated water molecules. Aromatic systems of phen ligands chelating copper ions participate in strong intramolecular and intermolecular π-π interactions, further contributing to their association. At the supramolecular level, endless stacks are formed, in the voids of which sodium and ammonium cations and water molecules are present. The stability of 1 in the presence of human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Continuous wave (CW) EPR spectra in water/glycerol frozen solution clearly indicate a presence of an exchange-coupled Cu(II)-Cu(II) dimeric unit, as well as a Cu(II) monomer-like signal arising from spins sufficiently distant from each other, with comparable contributions of two types of signals. In the presence of albumin at a 1:1 ratio (1 to albumin), the EPR spectrum changes significantly, primarily due to the reduced contribution of the S = 1 fraction showing dipole–dipole splitting. The biological activity of 1 in vitro against the non-pathogenic (model for Mycobacterium tuberculosis) strain of Mycolicibacterium smegmatis is comparable to the first-line drug for tuberculosis treatment, rifampicin.
Green Tea Polyphenol Epigallocatechin Gallate Interactions with Copper-Serum Albumin
Authors: Fu Meiling , Zhang Liangliang , Killeen Rick , Onugwu Kenneth E. , McCarrick Robert M. , Hagerman Ann E.
Published: January 2025

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), an abundant phytochemical in green tea, is an antioxidant that also binds proteins and complex metals. After gastrointestinal absorption, EGCg binds to serum albumin in the hydrophobic pocket between domains IIA and IIIA and overlaps with the Sudlow I site. Serum albumin also has two metal binding sites, a high-affinity N-terminal site (NTS) site that selectively binds Cu(II), and a low-affinity, less selective multi-metal binding site (MBS). We proposed to determine whether EGCg binds or reacts with Cu(II)-serum albumin using fluorescence, UV–Visible and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Our results suggest that when serum albumin is loaded with Cu(II) in both sites, EGCg binds to the MBS-Cu(II) and reduces the copper to Cu(I). EGCg does not bind to or react with Cu(II) in the high-affinity NTS site. Potential consequences include changes in copper homeostasis and damage from pro-oxidative Fenton reactions.
Photokinetics of Photothermal Reactions
Authors: Maafi Mounir
Published: January 2025

Photothermal reactions, involving both photochemical and thermal reaction steps, are the most abundant sequences in photochemistry. The derivation of their rate laws is standardized, but the integration of these rate laws has not yet been achieved. Indeed, the field still lacks integrated rate laws for the description of these reactions’ behavior and/or identification of their reaction order. This made difficult a comprehensive account of the photokinetics of photothermal reactions, which created a gap in knowledge. This gap is addressed in the present paper by introducing an unprecedented general model equation capable of mapping out the kinetic traces of such reactions when exposed to light or in the dark. The integrated rate law model equation also applies when the reactive medium is exposed to either monochromatic or polychromatic light irradiation. The validity of the model equation was established against simulated data obtained by a fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. It was then used to describe and quantify several situations of photothermal reactions, such as the effects of initial concentration, spectator molecules, and incident radiation intensity, and the impact of the latter on the photonic yield. The model equation facilitated a general elucidation method to determine the intrinsic reaction parameters (quantum yields and absorptivities of the reactive species) for any photothermal mechanism whose number of species is known. This paper contributes to rationalizing photokinetics along the same general guidelines adopted in chemical kinetics.
Multivariate Statistical Analyses of the Temporal Variation in the Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil of Eucalyptus torquata in Cyprus
Authors: Bulama Modu Mustapha , Yiğit Hanoğlu Duygu , Hanoğlu Azmi , Alkaş Fehmi Burak , Başer K. Hüsnü Can , Özkum Yavuz Dudu
Published: January 2025

The genus Eucalyptus L’Hér., is native to Australia with 61 introduced taxa in Cyprus, including E. torquata Luehm., which has a wide distribution on the island. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible seasonal variations in the chemical composition of the essential oils of juvenile and mature leaves collected from Nicosia, Cyprus, by using multivariate statistical analysis. The leaves of 12 monthly collections were separately hydrodistilled, and GC-FID and GC/MS analyses were conducted. In general, the results revealed 1,8-cineole (mature: 3.6–27.8%; juvenile: 12.7–21.5%) and torquatone (mature: 27.6–48.8%; juvenile: 28.8–41.5%) as major compounds as well as an inverse relation between 1,8-cineole and torquatone content. Other important compounds found were α-pinene, β-eudesmol and α-eudesmol for all samples. The data support the existence of three major clusters, distinguished by the concentration of torquatone and miniatone. Minor compounds were also temporally relevant. The present study is among the first of its kind, analyzing the essential oils for a one-year period in Cyprus as well as conducting statistical analysis on E. torquata to reveal possible temporal variations between heterophyllous leaves, and also performing Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, determining the primary components of variability.
The Effectiveness of a Virtual Reality-Based Exergame Protocol in Improving Postural Balance in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gatica-Rojas Valeska , Camoglino-Escobar María Isabel , Carrillo-Bestagno Hernán , Cartes-Velásquez Ricardo
Published: January 2025

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced physical activity levels, particularly among older people, negatively impacting their postural balance and increasing the risk of falls and hip fractures. This study aims to assess the effect of a virtual reality-based exergame physical activity protocol at home on improving postural balance in older people. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed with 10 older people (71 ± 9 years) who participated in a virtual reality-based exergame physical activity protocol consisting of eighteen 25 min sessions conducted at home. The protocol incorporated 3D movement tracking using a sensor attached to the participants’ bodies to monitor postural sway in real time. Clinical measurements included the Timed Up and Go test and posturographic measures of center-of-pressure, including sway area, velocity, and standard deviation in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions under four conditions: static with the eyes open and eyes closed and dynamic voluntary sway in the mediolateral direction following a 30 Hz metronome with the eyes open and eyes closed. Paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-intervention data. Results: The intervention led to significant improvements in postural balance as measured using both posturographic measures (p < 0.05) and the Timed Up and Go test (p = 0.04). Conclusion: The virtual reality-based exergame physical activity protocol conducted at home, comprising eighteen 25 min sessions, effectively improves postural balance in older people.
The Effect of the 14:10-Hour Time-Restricted Feeding (TRF) Regimen on Selected Markers of Glucose Homeostasis in Diet-Induced Prediabetic Male Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Msane Sthembiso , Khathi Andile , Sosibo Aubrey Mbulelo
Published: January 2025

Background: Prediabetes is a condition that often precedes the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Literature evidence indicates that prediabetes is reversible, making it an important therapeutic target for preventing the progression to T2DM. Several studies have investigated intermittent fasting as a possible method to manage or treat prediabetes. Objectives: This study evaluated the impact of a 14:10-hour time-restricted feeding (TRF) regimen on leptin concentration, insulin sensitivity and selected markers associated with the insulin signalling pathway and glucose homeostasis in diet-induced prediabetic rats. Methods: Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats were obtained and randomly divided into two dietary groups: group 1 (n = 6) received a standard diet and water, while group 2 (n = 18) was provided a high-fat, high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet supplemented with 15% fructose for a period of 20 weeks to induce prediabetes. After confirming prediabetes, an intermittent fasting (IF) regimen was assigned to the rats while also having untreated and metformin-treated prediabetic rats serving as controls. Results: Both IF and HFHC-Met groups yield significantly lower blood glucose, leptin and BMI results compared to the prediabetic group. The IF group yielded significantly lower insulin, HOMA-IR and HbA1C than both controls. Conclusions: The study showed the potential of IF in alleviating prediabetes-induced dysregulation of glucose homeostasis and therefore warrants further investigations into its use in the management of prediabetes.
An Asset-Based Examination of Contextual Factors Influencing Nutrition Security: The Case of Rural Northern New England
Authors: Ryan Claire H. , Morgan Caitlin , Malacarne Jonathan G. , Belarmino Emily H.
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Rural communities face a disproportionate burden in terms of diet-related health challenges and have been identified as a target for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s nutrition security initiatives. In this paper, we adopt an asset-based approach and use the Community Capitals Framework to examine the characteristics that support nutrition security in rural communities, using rural northern New England as a case study. Methods: We conducted focus groups and interviews with 32 food and nutrition professionals in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont in 2023 and 2024 to explore the contextual factors that influence nutrition security in rural communities. We coded the data for community assets and mapped the identified assets into the seven dimensions of the Community Capitals Framework: built capital, cultural capital, financial capital, human capital, natural capital, political capital, and social capital. Results: The participants described assets in all dimensions of the Community Capitals Framework except built capital. The specific assets discussed were related to local food production (natural and cultural capital), coordination between food system stakeholders and strong social networks (human and social capital), regional political commitments to food security and nutrition (political capital), and the strong seasonal tourist economy present in some communities (financial capital). Conclusions: Rural communities remain under-studied in the literature regarding nutrition, and little is known about how to advance healthful eating in rural contexts. An asset-based approach was helpful for identifying existing resources that enhance rural nutrition security and may provide an opportunity to characterize and disseminate strategies to advance rural health equity.
Psychoneurological Links Contributing to Body Mass Index and Eating Disorder Severity
Authors: Reivan Ortiz Geovanny Genaro , Elizalde Braulio , Tapia Cristhian , Granero Roser
Published: January 2025

Background-objectives: Multiple dynamic interacting factors contribute to the presence and progression of eating disorders (ED). Empirical research has provided mixed findings regarding the mechanisms explaining the contribution of body mass index (BMI) to the diverse ED endophenotypes. The present study aims to evaluate the underlying processes (direct and indirect effects) contributing to BMI and ED severity, considering the contribution of multiple neuropsychological constructs. Method: Path analysis, implemented through structural equation models (SEM), was applied to a sample of N = 193 ED patients, men and women, aged 17 to 50 years old, and diagnosed with bulimia nervosa, night eating syndrome, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding. Results: BMI was directly associated with ED severity level. The ED symptom level was also a mediational link into the relationship between BMI with emotion regulation strategies, decision-making capacity, stress levels, and impulsiveness. Multigroup SEM revealed invariance of the structural coefficients by sex, but differences according to the ED subtype. Conclusions: This study provides new empirical evidence on predictors of ED severity, focusing on the role of impaired decision-making and BMI. Our results could contribute to new intervention plans with techniques specifically aimed at improving emotional regulation capacity, decreasing impulsivity levels, and improving reasoning skills. Nutrition education plans may also play a key role for preventing the onset and progression of ED, helping patients understand how food affects their physical and emotional health and how to manage anxiety and fears related to food.
An Assessment of Intermittent and Continuous Enteral Feeding in Critically Ill Children
Authors: Misirlioglu Merve , Yildizdas Dincer , Ekinci Faruk , Akcay Nihal , Bingol Ilyas , Sahin Ebru , Varol Fatih , Duyu Muhterem , Asik Ayse , Durak Fatih , Atman Leyla , Bayraktar Suleyman , Alakaya Mehmet , Arslankoylu Ali Ertug , Bozan Gurkan , Kiral Eylem , Ozgur Horoz Ozden , Telefon Hasan Ali , Akkus Abdullah , Yazar Abdullah , Sandal Ozlem , Agin Hasan , Koker Alper , Ulgen Tekerek Nazan , Kutlu Nurettin Onur , Kilinc Mehmet Arda , Korulmaz Ali , Feray Ari Hatice , Uysal Yazici Mutlu , Sevketoglu Esra , Menentoglu Mehmet Emin , Kacmaz Ebru , Talay Mehmet Nur , Orhan Ozhan , Egehan Oruncu Berna , Kesici Selman , Odek Caglar , Arslan Didar , Hepduman Pinar , Evren Gultac , Kinik Kaya Hatice Elif , Yener Nazik , Gun Emrah , Gardiyanoglu Ilkem , Udurgucu Muhammed , Yavuz Sinan , Avci Ali , Ozkale Murat , Ozkale Yasemin , Yavas Kocaoglu Damla Pinar , Sincar Sahin , Coban Yasemin
Published: January 2025

Background: The inability to ensure adequate nutrition for patients, and failure to provide adequate calorie and protein intake, result in malnutrition, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The present study assesses the two approaches to enteral nutrition—intermittent and continuous enteral feeding—in critically ill pediatric patients in Türkiye to determine the superiority of one method over the other. Methods: Included in this multicenter prospective study were patients receiving enteral nutrition via a tube who were followed up over a 3-month period. Anthropometric data, calorie and protein intake, and signs of feeding intolerance were evaluated in a comparison of the different feeding methods. Results: A total of 510 patients were examined. In the continuous enteral feeding (CEF) group, 20.2% of patients developed metabolic abnormalities, and 49.5% experienced enteral nutrition intolerance, both of which were higher than in the intermittent enteral feeding (IEF) group, and the differences were statistically significant. No significant differences were observed between the two feeding methods in terms of reaching the target calorie intake on days 2 and 7 (p > 0.05). On day 7, there were significant differences between the two feeding methods in terms of calorie and protein intake (p = 0.023 and 0.014, respectively). Conclusions: In the present study, assessing the IEF and CEF approaches to enteral nutrition, critically ill pediatric patients receiving intermittent feeding exhibited lower rates of enteral nutrition intolerance and metabolic abnormalities. Furthermore, the calorie and protein intake on day 7 were noted to be higher in the IEF group than in the CEF group. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the findings of the present study.