bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Navigating the Path to Food Security in China: Challenges, Policies, and Future Directions
Authors: Du Mingyuan , Lei Jiaqiang , Li Shengyu
Published: February 2025

This paper provides a comprehensive review and an in-depth analysis of the multifaceted issues surrounding food security in China, exploring historical trends, current challenges, and future strategies. Drawing upon a wide range of sources including government reports, the academic literature, and expert analyses, it examines the complex interplay of factors influencing food production, distribution, and consumption in China. The paper highlights the importance of addressing environmental sustainability, technological innovation, and social equity in shaping China’s food security agenda. By synthesizing key findings and proposing actionable recommendations, this paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on food security in China and offers insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners alike. These findings underscore the need for integrated policies that promote sustainable agricultural practices, technological innovation, and infrastructure development while supporting smallholder farmers, ensuring that China’s food security remains resilient in the face of climate change and evolving global food dynamics.
Rheological and Gelling Properties of Chicken-Mushroom Hybrid Gel for Flexitarian-Friendly Functional Food Applications
Authors: Mussa Ngassa Julius , Chaijan Manat , Thongkam Porntip , Wongnen Chantira , Kitpipit Warangkana , Çavdar Hasene Keskin , Kim Siriporn Riebroy , Panpipat Worawan
Published: February 2025

Hybrid gels combining chicken and mushroom offer innovative functional food choices, catering to the growing demand for flexitarian-friendly products. These gels reduce meat content while enhancing dietary fiber, bioactive compounds, and sustainability. This study examined the effects of split gill mushroom (Schizophyllum commune) powder (SGM) substitution (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%, w/w) for Ligor chicken meat in hybrid gels, focusing on rheological and gelling properties. The 25% SGM gel demonstrated optimal performance in terms of rheology, texture, microstructure, pH, water-holding capacity, and color. At this level, hybrid gels exhibited superior gelation properties, demonstrating elasticity dominance, as indicated by a higher storage modulus (G′) than loss modulus (G″), along with stable cohesiveness and unaffected springiness (p > 0.05). However, hardness, gumminess, and chewiness were significantly lower than the control (p < 0.05). Higher SGM levels (50–75%) markedly weakened the gels, reducing viscoelasticity, increasing porosity and water release, and causing discoloration. These findings highlight 25% SGM as an optimal level for hybrid meat gels, maintaining product quality while promoting sustainability in the meat industry.
Evaluation of Different Nutritional Sources in Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermentation for Sustainable Postbiotic Production
Authors: Garrote Achou Chajira , Cantalejo Díez María J. , Diaz Cano Jesús , Molinos Equiza Xabier
Published: February 2025

In recent years, interest in postbiotics has grown due to their potential health benefits and applications in food systems. This study evaluated various nutritional sources for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation to enhance postbiotic production. Three LAB strains were tested: Pediococcus acidilactici CECT 9879 (PA), Weissella cibaria CECT 30731 (WC), and Lactococcus lactis CECT 30734 (LL). Fermentation experiments assessed bacterial growth, pH levels, and antibacterial activity against E. coli using different carbon and nitrogen sources. Fructose and xylose significantly improved growth in WC (9.39 ± 0.16 log CFU/mL) and LL (9.37 ± 0.22 log CFU/mL) compared to glucose. Ribose enhanced antimicrobial activity in PA (41.67 ± 2.89%) and WC (50.00 ± 0.00%) relative to glucose. Additionally, plant-based nitrogen sources, such as soy (LL: 8.93 ± 0.12 log CFU/mL and 81.67 ± 2.89%) and wheat (WC: 9.40 ± 0.17 log CFU/mL and 65.00 ± 0.00%), along with microbial sources like yeast (PA: 9.57 ± 0.12 log CFU/mL and 40.00 ± 0.00%), effectively supported growth and antibacterial activity. These findings highlight the potential of developing animal-free fermentation media that meet nutritional, safety, and sustainability criteria while making a significant contribution to the optimization of postbiotic production.
Trembling Curiosity: Sex and Desire in El curioso impertinente and Carne trémula
Authors: Burningham Bruce R.
Published: February 2025

There is a longstanding connection between “curiosity”, “desire”, and “sexuality”. This connection can be found in texts as diverse as works of scripture like the Hebrew Bible and the Quran as well as in contemporary works of critical theory. Miguel de Cervantes explored such a connection more than four centuries ago in El curioso impertinente, an exemplary novella embedded in the 1605 part one of Don Quixote. Through a comparative reading of Cervantes’s El curioso impertinent, Pedro Almodóvar’s 1997 film Carne trémula (itself a free adaptation of Ruth Rendell’s 1986 novel Live Flesh), and Luis Buñuel’s 1955 film Ensayo de un crimen, this essay analyzes the intersection of curiosity and desire—inflected through the lenses of both Girardian and Lacanian theory—in order to explore the fundamental role not just of curiosity in early modern Spain, but also in the representation of modern (and postmodern) sexuality.
Forecasting Financial Literacy Levels with Respect to Consumer Shopping Behaviour
Authors: Kicova Eva , Svabova Lucia , Ponisciakova Olga , Rosnerova Zuzana
Published: February 2025

Contemporary consumer society is deeply intertwined with the concepts of money and shopping, which are closely related yet often studied separately. Despite their interconnectedness, there is a notable gap in research that simultaneously addresses financial literacy as a tool for effective money management and informed shopping decisions. This study investigates the relationship between these concepts through theoretical analysis and an empirical survey conducted in the Slovak Republic. Given the similarities in business environments across V4 countries, we posit that our findings may have broader applicability. Survey results were analysed using selected statistical methods, including the chi-square test of independence, to test hypotheses related to financial literacy. Where dependencies were identified, contingency coefficients were used to quantify their strength. Additionally, predictive models of financial literacy levels of two types were developed. Firstly, models were created for both predictive and explanatory purposes using the CHAID classification tree and logistic regression demonstrating high performance, clarity, and interpretability. Secondly, several prediction models using advanced machine learning techniques were created for highly precise predictions of financial literacy levels.
Meta-Analysis of QTL Mapping and GWAS Reveal Candidate Genes for Heat Tolerance in Small Yellow Croaker, Larimichthys polyactis
Authors: Liu Feng , Liu Haowen , Zhang Tianle , Guo Dandan , Zhan Wei , Ye Ting , Lou Bao
Published: February 2025

High temperatures present considerable challenges to global fish growth and production, yet the genetic basis of heat tolerance remains underexplored. This study combines quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to examine the genetics of heat tolerance in Larimichthys polyactis. As a result, a genetic linkage map was constructed with 3237 bin markers spanning 24 linkage groups and totaling 1900.84 centimorgans, using genotyping-by-sequencing of a full-sib family comprising 120 progeny and their two parents. Based on this genetic linkage map, QTL mapping identified four QTLs associated with heat tolerance, which encompassed 18 single nucleotide polymorphisms and harbored 648 genes within the QTL intervals. The GWAS further disclosed 76 candidate genes related to heat tolerance, 56 of which overlapped with the QTL results. Enrichment analysis indicated that these genes are involved in immune response, development, lipid metabolism, and endocrine regulation. qPCR validation of 14 prioritized genes, which were simultaneously enriched in Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways, confirmed significant upregulation of smpd5, polr3d, rab11fip2, and gfpt1, along with downregulation of gpat4 and grk5 after 6 h of heat stress. These findings demonstrate their responsiveness to elevated high temperatures. This meta-analysis of QTL mapping and GWAS has successfully identified functional genes related to heat tolerance, enhancing understanding of the genetic architecture underlying this critical trait in L. polyactis. It also provides a molecular breeding tool to improve genetic traits associated with heat tolerance in cultured L. polyactis.
Integrated Analysis of Somatic DNA Variants and DNA Methylation of Tumor Suppressor Genes in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Nishiki Hisashi , Ura Hiroki , Togi Sumihito , Hatanaka Hisayo , Fujita Hideto , Takamura Hiroyuki , Niida Yo
Published: February 2025

DNA methylation of tumor suppressor genes in cancer is known to be a mechanism for silencing gene expression, but much remains unknown about its extent and relationship to somatic variants at the DNA sequence level. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed DNA methylation and somatic variants of all gene regions across the genome of the major tumor suppressor genes, APC, TP53, SMAD4, and mismatch repair genes in colorectal cancer using a novel next-generation sequencing-based analysis method. The Targeted Methyl Landscape (TML) shows that DNA hypermethylation patterns of these tumor suppressor genes in colorectal cancer are more complex and widespread than previously thought. Extremely high levels of DNA methylation were observed in relatively long regions around exon 1A of APC and exon 1 and surrounding region of MLH1. DNA hypermethylation occurred whether or not somatic DNA variants were present in the tumor. Even in tumors where the loss of heterozygosity has been demonstrated by somatic variants alone, additional methylation of the same gene can occur. Our data demonstrate that somatic variants and hypermethylation of these tumor suppressor genes were considered independent, parallel events, not exclusive of each other or having one event affecting the other.
A Weapon Against Implant-Associated Infections: Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Potential of Biomaterials with Titanium Nitride and Titanium Nitride-Silver Nanoparticle Electrophoretic Deposition Coatings
Authors: Hojda Sandra , Biegun-Żurowska Maria , Skórkowska Alicja , Klesiewicz Karolina , Ziąbka Magdalena
Published: February 2025

Implant-associated infections are a frequent complication of surgeries involving biomaterial implants. Staphylococcus and Enterococcus species are the leading causes of infections linked to bone-anchored and joint implants. To address this challenge, developing antibacterial coatings to prevent bacterial attachment and biofilm formation on biomaterials is critical. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of two biomaterial coatings: titanium nitride (TiN) and titanium nitride with silver nanoparticles (TiN/Ag). Antibacterial activity was tested against common biofilm-forming pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Enterococcus faecium. The results demonstrated that both coatings significantly reduced bacterial cell counts, with the TiN/Ag coating showing superior performance due to the addition of silver nanoparticles. This enhancement was particularly effective in reducing biofilm formation across all the tested strains, with the most pronounced effects observed for E. faecium and E. faecalis. The silver nanoparticles synergistically improved the antibiofilm properties of the TiN coating, efficiently disrupting biofilm integrity and reducing bacterial adhesion. By reducing bacterial attachment and biofilm formation on biomaterial surfaces, TiN/Ag coatings offer a promising strategy to minimize complications associated with biomaterial implants. These findings highlight the potential of TiN and TiN/Ag coatings for medical applications.
Effects of Heat Treatment on Physicochemical Properties of Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaf Protein
Authors: Xi Chuyu , Li Wenjie , Xu Zhiguo , Xie Jing , Gao Xiaoyu , Feng Dan , Tian Yang , Song Shuang
Published: February 2025

M. oleifera leaves represent a novel and nutritious food. Prior research has demonstrated that M. oleifera leaves can elicit allergic responses in BALB/c mice. Based on these findings, further studies were conducted to investigate the effects of heat treatment on the allergenicity, particle size, zeta potential, total sulfhydryl (TSH) content, hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, ultraviolet spectrum, and intrinsic fluorescence spectrum of M. oleifera leaf protein. Additionally, in vitro digestion experiments were carried out to gain further insights into the protein’s behavior under these conditions. The experiment simulated the alterations in M. oleifera leaf protein during the processes of cooking and digestion. The findings of this experiment can provide certain guidance for the processing of M. oleifera leaf products. The hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, transmembrane region, antigen index, calcium binding site, spatial structure, and homology of M. oleifera leaf fructose 1,6 bisphosphate aldolase (FBA) were simulated and calculated based on the amino acid sequence of the 36 kDa allergen. These parameters collectively serve to indicate the allergenic activity of the peptide. The findings of the analysis align with the outcomes of the sensitization experiments, suggesting that the FBA of M. oleifera leaves is indeed consistent. In conjunction with the heat treatment experiments, this research can inform the preparation of M. oleifera leaf foods and provide a foundation for further investigation into M. oleifera leaf allergens.
Fog-Enabled IoT Robotic System for Efficient Date Palm Monitoring in Moroccan Oases
Authors: Mohamed Baghrous , Abdellatif Ezzouhairi
Published: February 2025

Date palms are a vital resource in the oases of Morocco, providing economic and ecological benefits to local communities. However, monitoring these trees at scale presents challenges, particularly in rural areas where traditional IoT-based agricultural systems rely on extensive sensor networks. These systems face significant limitations, including high deployment costs, network coverage issues, and energy constraints. To address these challenges, we propose an agricultural robot equipped with multiple IoT sensors to monitor date palm health and environmental parameters, reducing the need for widespread fixed sensors. To overcome the latency, bandwidth, and energy inefficiencies associated with cloud-based solutions, the system integrates the fog computing paradigm. Fog computing brings computational resources closer to the data source, enabling real-time processing and decision-making while reducing network congestion. Using iFogSim, we evaluate the proposed system on key metrics, including latency, energy consumption, and network performance. The results demonstrate significant improvements over traditional approaches, highlighting the potential of IoT-based robotic systems combined with fog computing to revolutionize date palm monitoring in remote oases.
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Shaikh Taha , Nguyen Darren , Dugal Jasmine K. , DiCaro Michael V. , Yee Brianna , Houshmand Nazanin , Lei KaChon , Namazi Ali
Published: February 2025

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is characterized by structural abnormalities, arrhythmias, and a spectrum of genetic and clinical manifestations. Clinically, ARVC is structurally distinguished by right ventricular dilation due to increased adiposity and fibrosis in the ventricular walls, and it manifests as cardiac arrhythmias ranging from non-sustained ventricular tachycardia to sudden cardiac death. Its prevalence has been estimated to range from 1 in every 1000 to 5000 people, with its large range being attributed to the variability in genetic penetrance from asymptomatic to significant burden. It is even suggested that the prevalence is underestimated, as the presence of genotypic mutations does not always lead to clinical manifestations that would facilitate diagnosis. Additionally, while set criteria have been in place since the 1990s, newer understanding of this condition and advancements in cardiac technology have prompted multiple revisions in the diagnostic criteria for ARVC. Novel discoveries of gene variants predisposing patients to ARVC have led to established screening techniques while providing insight into genetic counseling and management. This review aims to provide an overview of the genetics, pathophysiology, and clinical approach to ARVC. It will also focus on clinical presentation, ARVC diagnostic criteria, electrophysiological findings, including electrocardiogram characteristics, and imaging findings from cardiac MRI, 2D, and 3D echocardiogram. Current management options—including anti-arrhythmic medications, device indications, and ablation techniques—and the effectiveness of treatment will also be reviewed.
Safety and Effectiveness of a Peripheral Rheolytic Thrombectomy Catheter in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Case Series
Authors: Giacchi Giuseppe , Bentivegna Agnese , Logatto Ida , Nicosia Antonino
Published: February 2025

Percutaneous treatment of highly thrombotic coronary lesions is demanding, due to worse acute and long-term clinical outcomes. In this report, we describe a case series of six patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and high-thrombus-burden coronary lesions. All patients were treated with the AngioJet Solent® Dista catheter, a rheolytic thrombectomy device designed for peripheral use. The catheter effectively reduced the thrombus burden in all cases, achieving satisfactory final angiographic results. One case of no-reflow was observed following lesion dilatation prior to thrombectomy, but no other major in-hospital adverse events occurred. At mid-term follow-up, all patients remained free from angina. These preliminary findings suggest that this approach could represent a promising option for managing highly thrombotic coronary lesions, but further studies with larger populations and long-term follow-up are needed to confirm these results.
Corneal Epithelial Thickness Maps in Eyes with Mild and Moderate Keratoconus
Authors: Mlyniuk Patryk , Kaszuba-Modrzejewska Magdalena , Rzeszewska-Zamiara Jagoda , Piotrowiak-Slupska Ilona , Kaluzny Bartlomiej J.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The evaluation of the differences in corneal epithelial thickness profiles in healthy eyes and eyes with mild and moderate stages of keratoconus, using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: Fifty-two healthy eyes (group 0), forty-one eyes with mild keratoconus (group I), and thirty eyes with moderate keratoconus (group II) were included in this study. Only one of the patient’s eyes was enrolled, and they were divided into groups using the Amsler–Krumeich (A–K) classification—stage I and II. All patients underwent a visual acuity assessment, slit-lamp examination, corneal tomography, and automatic mapping of corneal thickness and epithelial thickness on a diameter of 9 mm. Corneal tomography with a Placido/Scheimpflug instrument (Sirius, CSO, Florence, Italy) and OCT with a corneal adaptor module (Avanti RTVue XR, Optovue, Lombard, IL, USA) were used. Results: Minimum corneal epithelium thickness was 49.5, 43, and 40 µm in groups 0, I, and II, respectively (Kruskal–Wallis test, p < 0.001). A moderate correlation was found between minimum epithelial thickness and the apex curvature (Pearsons’s coefficient r = −0.62, p < 0.001) and posterior radius of central corneal curvature (Pearsons’s coefficient r = 0.62, p < 0.001). The difference between minimum and maximum epithelial thickness showed a high correlation (r = −0.770, p < 0.001). In groups I and II, on corneal epithelial thickness maps the thinnest sector, located inferiorly and temporally to the center, was surrounded by sectors with increased thickness. Conclusions: At the apex of the cone, the corneal epithelium becomes thinner, and a thicker ring forms around the cone. Although there is a moderate-to-strong correlation to parameters linked with the severity of keratoconus, and minimum epithelial thickness as well as the minimum–maximum difference, it is not possible to establish cut-off values for stages I and II in the Amsler–Krumeich (A–K) classification.
Psychometric Properties of the QuickDASH in Patients with Neck Pain
Authors: Lue Yi-Jing , Cheng Kuang-I , Lin Chih-Lung , Chen Chung-Hwan , Lu Yen-Mou
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Many patients with neck pain have upper limb disorders, and prolonged use of computers at work commonly induces neck/shoulder pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) in patients with neck pain. Methods: A total of 189 patients with neck pain were included in acceptability, reliability, validity, and responsiveness studies. The floor and ceiling effects were used for assessing acceptability. The internal reliability and test–retest reliability were used for assessing reliabilities. The construct validities (convergent/divergent validity and exploratory/confirmatory factor analyses) were used for assessing validity. The effect size (ES) and standardized response mean (SRM) were used for assessing responsiveness. Results: The QuickDASH had a slight floor effect (16.4%). For reliability, the internal consistency (Cα= 0.945) and test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.98; SEM = 3.17, and MDC = 8.79) were excellent. For validity, the convergent and divergent validities were satisfactory. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors of the QuickDASH (function factor and symptom factor), and confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the two-factor model. Responsiveness was supported by the high ES (0.85) and SRM (0.82). Conclusions: The QuickDASH is a reliable, valid, and responsive instrument for assessing upper limb disorders in patients with neck pain.
Facial Recognition Algorithms: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: EL Fadel Nazar
Published: February 2025

This systematic literature review aims to understand new developments and challenges in facial recognition technology. This will provide an understanding of the system principles, performance metrics, and applications of facial recognition technology in various fields such as health, society, and security from various academic publications, conferences, and industry news. A comprehensive approach was adopted in the literature review of various facial recognition technologies. It emphasizes the most important techniques in algorithm development, examines performance metrics, and explores their applications in various fields. The review mainly emphasizes the recent development in deep learning techniques, especially CNNs, which greatly improved the accuracy and efficiency of facial recognition systems. The findings reveal that there has been a noticeable evolution in facial recognition technology, especially with the current use of deep learning techniques. Nevertheless, it highlights important challenges, including privacy concerns, ethical dilemmas, and biases in the systems. These factors highlight the necessity of using facial recognition technology in an ethical and regulated manner. In conclusion, the paper proposes several future research directions to establish the reliability of facial recognition systems and reduce biases while building user confidence. These considerations are key to responsibly advancing facial recognition technology by ensuring ethical practices and safeguarding privacy.
Spatial State Analysis of Ship During Berthing and Unberthing Process Utilizing Incomplete 3D LiDAR Point Cloud Data
Authors: Li Ying , Wang Tian-Qi
Published: February 2025

In smart ports, accurately perceiving the motion state of a ship during berthing and unberthing is essential for the safety and efficiency of the ship and port. However, in actual scenarios, the obtained data are not always complete, which impacts the accuracy of the ship’s motion state. This paper proposes a spatial visualization method to analyze a ship’s motion state in the incomplete data by introducing the GIS spatial theory. First, for the complete part under incomplete data, this method proposes a new technique named LGFCT to extract the key points of this part. Then, for the missing part under the incomplete data, this method applies the key point prediction technique based on the line features to extract the key points of this part. Note that the key points will be used to calculate the key parameters. Finally, spatial visualization and spatial-temporal tracking techniques are employed to spatially analyze the ship’s motion state. In summary, the proposed method not only spatially identifies a ship’s motion state for the incomplete data but also provides an intuitive visualization of a ship’s spatial motion state. The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified through experimental data collected from a ship in Dalian Port, China.
Research on the Response Characteristics of Excavation and Support in Circular Sand Soil Foundation Pit Based on Parameter Verification
Authors: Gao Xuhe , Bi Yanqiu , Dong Yi , Wang Jiading , Liu Xiaoling , Li Jiachun
Published: February 2025

This study is aimed at the complex deformation response characteristics of deep soil in the processes of excavation and support of round sand foundation pits. The displacement of the diaphragm wall during the excavation and support of the foundation pit was monitored in a round foundation pit project at the west anchorage of Humen Second Bridge. A full-cycle model of foundation pit excavation was established, and a new method for parameter checking based on the principle of three-factor (c, φ, E) multi-level orthogonal experimental design was proposed. Dynamic calibration parameters based on construction monitoring data were obtained. The characteristics of the uplift at the bottom of the foundation pit and the effective plastic strain of the soil before and after the steady-state seepage conditions were applied and analyzed. The most dangerous working conditions (Conditions 5–6: construction of the fourth layer of lining and excavation of the fifth layer; construction of the fifth layer of lining and excavation at the sixth layer) existed during the excavation and support of the foundation pit. The research method can provide a great practical guiding significance for covering lack of monitoring data at the construction site and early warning analysis on foundation pit excavation.
The Influence of the East Australian Current on the Regional Distribution of Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Authors: Woletz Patrick , Meynecke Jan-Olaf
Published: February 2025

Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) migrate annually along the east coast of Australia, utilizing various habitats, including open embayments such as the Gold Coast bay (GCB) in southeast Queensland, for resting and social behaviors. While their migration is well-documented, the influence of oceanographic factors such as the East Australian Current (EAC)—a warm ocean current near the GCB—on humpback whale counts nearshore is not well understood. This study aims to assess the regional distribution of humpback whales in the GCB over consecutive years and investigate how dynamic environmental factors, such as the proximity of the EAC’s inner edge to shore and sea surface temperature (SST), affect the distribution and migration patterns of humpback whales. We employed citizen science data to obtain humpback whale sightings and applied generalized additive models (GAM) to evaluate the effects of environmental variables on humpback whale counts. Results suggested that shifts in EAC proximity and SST significantly influence humpback whale presence in the GCB, indicating that oceanographic features may guide migratory pathways and aggregation patterns. These findings improve our understanding of how climatic factors affect coastal humpback whale distributions, providing insights relevant to management and abundance estimates.
The Biotherapeutic Potential of a Novel Probiotic Kluyveromyces marxianus Isolated from a Sourdough Starter Against Vaginal Candida albicans Strains
Authors: Buonanno Annalisa , Imparato Marianna , Maione Angela , Carraturo Federica , Galdiero Emilia , Guida Marco , de Alteriis Elisabetta
Published: February 2025

There is an increasing interest in yeasts isolated from natural sources to be used as probiotics. Saccharomyces-based probiotics have been proposed as a valid alternative to the conventional drug therapy for the prevention and treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis, also considering the resistance of some Candida strains to many antifungals. Here, we isolated from an artisanal sourdough a new yeast strain which was identified as Kluyveromyces marxianus and assessed its probiotic and safety properties, which resulted in comparable properties to all those exhibited by the commercial probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii. Then, we checked the antagonistic activity of the new isolate against some clinical fluconazole resistant C. albicans strains, showing its ability to inhibit filamentation, biofilm formation, and the adhesion of C. albicans to vaginal epithelial A-431 cells. Also, K. marxianus reduced the cell damage provoked by C. albicans and the expression of SAP2 and SAP6 genes. On the whole, our results enlarge the spectrum of the beneficial properties of the food-grade yeast K. marxianus showing for the first time its biotherapeutic potential against C. albicans.
Enhancing the Cellular Robustness of Cyanobacteria to Improve the Stability and Efficiency of Bio-Photovoltaics
Authors: Yuan Xiangyi , Xu Xuejing , Gao Xuemin , Liu Xiangxiao , Liang Bo , Luan Guodong , Lu Xuefeng
Published: February 2025

Solar photovoltaic technology has consistently been regarded as a crucial direction for the development of clean energy systems in the future. Bio-photovoltaics (BPV), an emerging solar energy utilization technology, is mainly based on the photosynthesis process of photoautotrophic organisms to convert solar energy into electrical energy and output a photocurrent via extracellular electron transfer. As the fundamental unit of the bio-photovoltaic system, the stability of photosynthetic microorganisms under fluctuating and stressful light and heat conditions is likely to have a significant influence on the efficiency of bio-photovoltaic devices. However, this aspect has often been overlooked in previous bio-photovoltaics research. This study took an important cyanobacteria chassis strain, Synechococ elongatus PCC 7942, as the model organism and explored the impact of physiological robustness optimization on its performance as a bio-photovoltaic functional unit. In this work, two types of BPV systems, namely the suspension mode and the biofilm attachment mode, were assembled to evaluate the electricity-generating activity of Synechococcus cells. Overall, the latter demonstrated a remarkable photoelectric output performance. When its light and temperature tolerance was enhanced through FoF1-ATP synthase engineering, the optimized Synechococcus strain exhibited stronger photosynthetic physiology and photoelectric output activity. Under the condition of a light intensity of 2400 μmol photons/m2/s, the maximum photocurrent output of the Synechococcus-based BPV device was increased significantly by 41% over the system based on the wild-type control strain. The results of this study provided a new perspective for the future development and optimization of bio-photovoltaics.
Microstructure of Neutron-Irradiated Al3Hf-Al Thermal Neutron Absorber Materials
Authors: Guillen Donna Post , Wharry Janelle , Lu Yu , Wu Michael , Sharapov Jeremy , Anderson Matthew
Published: February 2025

A thermal neutron-absorbing metal matrix composite (MMC) comprised of Al3Hf particles in an aluminum matrix was developed to filter out thermal neutrons and create a fast flux environment for material testing in a mixed-spectrum nuclear reactor. Intermetallic Al3Hf particles capture thermal neutrons and are embedded in a highly conductive aluminum matrix that provides conductive cooling of the heat generated due to thermal neutron capture by the hafnium. These Al3Hf-Al MMCs were fabricated using powder metallurgy via hot pressing. The specimens were neutron-irradiated to between 1.12 and 5.38 dpa and temperatures ranging from 286 °C to 400 °C. The post-irradiation examination included microstructure characterization using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. This study reports the microstructural observations of four irradiated samples and one unirradiated control sample. All the samples showed the presence of oxide at the particle–matrix interface. The irradiated specimens revealed needle-like structures that extended from the surface of the Al3Hf particles into the Al matrix. An automated segmentation tool was implemented based on a YOLO11 computer vision-based approach to identify dislocation lines and loops in TEM images of the irradiated Al-Al3Hf MMCs. This work provides insight into the microstructural stability of Al3Hf-Al MMCs under irradiation, supporting their consideration as a novel neutron absorber that enables advanced spectral tailoring.
Measuring the Effective Electro-Optic Coefficient of Low-Temperature-Prepared Lead Zirconate Titanate Thin Films
Authors: Li Bin , Yu Hongyan , Yang Chen , Wang Jungan , Han Yu , Qiu Feng
Published: February 2025

Developing lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-based electro-optic (EO) modulators is vital for integrated photonics. The high annealing temperature required for the processing of PZT thin films restricts their compatibility with modern complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology. In this work, high-quality PZT films were fabricated on SiO2/Si substrates at a low annealing temperature of 450 °C. The PZT films demonstrated a preferential (100) orientation and were uniform and crack-free. Based on the low-temperature PZT films, we subsequently designed and fabricated a Mach–Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) waveguide modulator. The measured half-wave voltage (Vπ) was 4.8 V at a wavelength of 1550 nm, corresponding to an in-device EO coefficient as high as 66 pm/V, which shows potential use in optical devices. The results reported in this work show great promise for the integration of PZT thin films with other complex systems.
Ameliorative Effect of N-Acetylcysteine Against 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Cardiotoxicity via Targeting TLR4/NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 Pathways
Authors: Abdelbagi Omer , Taha Medhat , Al-Kushi Abdullah G. , Alobaidy Mohammad Ahmad , Baokbah Tourki A. S. , Sembawa Hatem A. , Azher Zohor Asaad , Obaid Rami , Babateen Omar , Bokhari Bayan T. , Qusty Naeem F. , Malak Hesham A.
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely prescribed and effective chemotherapeutic drug, but its cardiotoxic side effects pose a significant challenge to its use. Identifying a protective agent that does not affect its anticancer efficacy is essential. Our study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effect of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) against 5-FU-induced cardiac injury and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods: This study included four experimental groups, each with eight rats (n = 8): Group I (control group), Group II (NAC group), Group III (5-FU group), and Group IV (combined group 5-FU+NAC). Cardiac enzymes, oxidative stress, inflammatory, and apoptotic markers were investigated, and cardiac sections from the different groups were histologically examined. Results: Co-treatment of 5-FU with NAC resulted in significantly lower levels of cardiac enzymes (alanine transaminase (ALT) by 62.1%, aspartate transaminase (AST) by 73.6%, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) by 55.8%, and creatine kinase (CK) by 57.3%) compared to the 5-FU group, along with marked improvements in heart tissue histology. Additionally, NAC enhanced the activity of cardiac antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 295.6%, catalase (CAT) by 181%, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) by 320.9%) while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) by 51.1%, a marker of membranous lipid peroxidation. This might be due to significant upregulation of the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway at the gene and protein levels. The combined treatment significantly decreased the gene expression of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cell (NF-κB) pathway. Furthermore, it downregulated the protein levels of inflammatory markers, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) by 29.9%, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) by 21.9%, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by 49.3%. Moreover, it upregulated the antiapoptotic marker B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein levels by 269% and decreased apoptotic indicators Bcl-2-associated protein x (Bax) by 57.9% and caspase-3 by 30.6% compared to the 5-FU group. Conclusions: This study confirmed that NAC prevented the cardiotoxic effect of 5-FU through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties, suggesting its potential application as an adjuvant therapy in chemotherapy to alleviate 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity.
Atrial Fibrillation as an Independent Predictor of Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: Bechlioulis Aris , Rammos Aidonis , Papadopoulos Athanassios , Zotou Paraskeni , Alexiou Sotiria , Kekiopoulou Areti , Michalis Lampros K. , Naka Katerina K. , Sioka Chrissa , Katsouras Christos
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are highly prevalent cardiovascular conditions. This study investigated the role of AF in myocardial ischemia, as assessed with myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), in patients with suspected stable CAD. Materials and Methods: Our retrospective study included 259 individuals with a negative medical history of CAD who underwent 99mTc tetrofosmin MPI—single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)—for nonspecific symptoms to rule out stable CAD. Results: Of the enrolled patients, 90 MPIs were from patients with AF and 169 MPIs were from patients without AF. Semi-quantitative assessments of the extent and severity of perfusion abnormalities according to the summed stress score (SSS) and summed difference score (SDS) were conducted. It was found that patients with a history of AF, compared to patients without AF, were older (p < 0.001), of the male gender (p < 0.001), and had dyslipidemia (p = 0.019). History of AF was associated with increased SSS ≥ 4 (OR 5.12, p < 0.001) and SDS ≥ 2 (OR 2.66, p < 0.001). After adjustment for other risk factors, AF remained an independent predictor of myocardial ischemia on MPI-SPECT. Conclusions: In the current study, an association of AF with extensive perfusion defects in MPI-SPECT studies was found in patients with clinically suspected CAD independently of common cardiovascular risk factors.
Evaluation of Asthma Course in Patients Hospitalized in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Due to Severe Asthma Exacerbation
Authors: Selmanoglu Ahmet , Celik Hatice Irmak , Genis Cankat , Kockuzu Esra , Emeksiz Zeynep Sengul , Misirlioglu Emine Dibek
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: Childhood asthma represents a significant global public health issue and is the most common chronic disease among children. Hospitalization costs, especially for intensive care, are quite high. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics, prognosis, and preventable risk factors of patients admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) due to severe asthma exacerbations. Materials and Methods: We assessed patients admitted to the Ankara Bilkent City Hospital PICU from January 2013 to December 2022 diagnosed with asthma based on The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) criteria. The collected data encompassed demographic and clinical characteristics, intensive care treatments, hospitalization duration, atopic conditions, and respiratory viral panel results. The current clinical status was assessed using hospital records and caregiver interviews, with a focus on recent emergency admissions, ongoing treatments, exacerbation frequency, and asthma control based on GINA guidelines. Results: The study comprised 83 patients with a mean age of 72.9 (±45.5) months, predominantly male (63.9%). The average follow-up duration post-discharge was 40.7 ± 26.9 months. Patients received respiratory support in the PICU for a mean of 3.8 (±2.8) days and systemic steroid therapy for 4 (±1.5) days. Respiratory viral panel results identified pathogens in 42 patients, with rhinovirus being the most frequent. Post-discharge, 72.3% of patients continued follow-up at pediatric allergy clinics. Of the 60 patients contacted, 67.5% were on current asthma treatment and 48.2% had experienced an exacerbation in the past year. Asthma management steps remained unchanged for 33 patients, decreased for 13, and increased for 47 (44.6%). Asthma maintenance treatments pre-admission and post-discharge showed that 44.6% (n = 47) of the patients required an increase in their GINA treatment step after PICU admission, which was statistically significant (p < 0.001). History of atopic dermatitis was a significant risk factor for escalating treatment steps in both univariate and multivariate analyses (p = 0.018, p = 0.03). Conclusions: We found that admission to the PICU due to severe asthma exacerbation not only increases the risk of recurrent asthma exacerbations but also serves as a risk factor for stepping up maintenance treatment according to GINA guidelines during long-term follow-up.
Preparation of Ultrafine Spherical Al-Mg Alloy and Its Energy Release Characteristics in Explosives
Authors: Liu Junhui , Yao Jie , Wang Zichao , Liu Wei , Nie Jianxin , Yan Shi
Published: February 2025

The substitution of aluminum powder with highly reactive ultrafine aluminum-based metal fuels has a significant impact on the energy release of aluminum-containing energetic materials because of their excellent energy density and combustion performances. A series of ultrafine spherical Al-Mg alloy fuels with different contents of magnesium were prepared by close-coupled gas atomization technology. The properties of Al-Mg alloy powders of 13~15 μm were tested by SEM, TG-DSC, and laser ignition experiments. Results show that alloying with magnesium can significantly enhance thermal oxidation and combustion performance, leading to more oxidation weight gains and higher combustion heat release. HMX-based castable explosives with the same content of Al and the novel Al-Mg alloy were made and tested. Results show that the detonation performances of HMX/Al-Mg alloy/HTPB are better than HMX/Al/HTPB. Compared to the HMX/Al/HTPB explosive, the detonation heat of HMX/ Al-Mg alloy/HTPB was increased by 200 kJ/kg, the energy release efficiency was enhanced from 80.55% to 83.19%, the detonation velocity was increased by 114 m/s, and the shock wave overpressure at 5 m was increased by 83%. This research provides a new type of composite metal fuel for improving the combustion performance of Al powder.
Cross-Sectional Assessment on Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria Isolated from Patients in Moldova
Authors: Nirca Vadim , Fuchs Frieder , Burgwinkel Tessa , del Pino Rocío Arazo , Zaharcenco Ecaterina , Hagen Ralf Matthias , Poppert Sven , Frickmann Hagen , Higgins Paul G.
Published: February 2025

Information on the molecular epidemiology and carbapenem resistance mechanisms in Gram-negative bacterial isolates in Moldova is scarce. To close this knowledge gap, carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria were collected over an 11-month period in a routine diagnostic laboratory in Moldova. Antimicrobial susceptibility was phenotypically and genotypically assessed. Phylogenetic relationships were investigated and multi-locus sequence types were provided. The assessment indicated several clusters of phylogenetically closely related carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (sequence types ST101, ST395 and ST377), Acinetobacter baumannii (ST2, ST19 and ST78) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ST357 and ST654) isolates next to a number of less frequently observed species and sequence types. A phylogenetic relationship to characterized isolates from neighboring Ukraine could be confirmed. Identified carbapenemase genes comprised blaOXA-23, blaOXA-72 and blaGES-11 in A. baumannii, blaKPC-3, blaNDM-1 and blaOXA-48 in K. pneumoniae, as well as blaVIM-2 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In conclusion, the assessment suggested the spread of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria in Moldova which were partly pre-described from neighboring Ukraine, as well as likely spill-over events, facilitating the regional spread of carbapenem-resistant clones. Several isolates with very high genomic similarity further support the hypothesis of likely regional transmission events driven by several evolutionary successful clonal lineages.
Future Perspectives of NMDAR in CNS Disorders
Authors: Capó Toni , Rebassa Joan Biel , Raïch Iu , Lillo Jaume , Badia Pau , Navarro Gemma , Reyes-Resina Irene
Published: February 2025

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are among the leading causes of physical and cognitive disability across the globe. Fifty million people worldwide suffer these diseases, and that number is expected to rise as the population ages. Ictus is another pathology that also courses with neurodegeneration and is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability in developed countries. Schizophrenia is not as common as other mental disorders, affecting approximately 24 million people worldwide. All these disorders have in common that still there is not an effective pharmacological treatment to cure them. The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (NMDAR) has attracted attention as a potential therapeutic target due to its important role in learning and memory and also due to its implication in excitotoxicity processes. Some drugs targeting NMDARs are already being used to treat symptoms of disorders affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we aim to review the implications of NMDAR in these CNS pathologies, its role as a potential therapeutic target, and the future perspectives for developing new treatments focused on these receptors.
Nanomaterials for Energy Storage Systems—A Review
Authors: Mohammed Habeeb , Mia Md Farouq , Wiggins Jasmine , Desai Salil
Published: February 2025

The ever-increasing global energy demand necessitates the development of efficient, sustainable, and high-performance energy storage systems. Nanotechnology, through the manipulation of materials at the nanoscale, offers significant potential for enhancing the performance of energy storage devices due to unique properties such as increased surface area and improved conductivity. This review paper investigates the crucial role of nanotechnology in advancing energy storage technologies, with a specific focus on capacitors and batteries, including lithium-ion, sodium–sulfur, and redox flow. We explore the diverse applications of nanomaterials in batteries, encompassing electrode materials (e.g., carbon nanotubes, metal oxides), electrolytes, and separators. To address challenges like interfacial side reactions, advanced nanostructured materials are being developed. We also delve into various manufacturing methods for nanomaterials, including top–down (e.g., ball milling), bottom–up (e.g., chemical vapor deposition), and hybrid approaches, highlighting their scalability considerations. While challenges such as cost-effectiveness and environmental concerns persist, the outlook for nanotechnology in energy storage remains promising, with emerging trends including solid-state batteries and the integration of nanomaterials with artificial intelligence for optimized energy storage.