bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competitive Effects of Dwarf Bean Cultivars (Phaseoulus vulgaris L.) on Maize (Zea mays L.) Intercrop Productivity Influenced by Spatial Arrangements
Authors: Kamalongo Donwell , Siyeni Donald , Simwaka Pacsu Lukamba , Ngwira Amos Robert , Dambo Geckem , Munene Prisca , Mphangamo Masautso
Published: February 2025

Competitive effects and responses influenced by spatial arrangements and dwarf bean interactions were assessed in traditional maize/bean intercropping systems in northern Malawi at the Meru Experimental Research Station between the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 growing seasons. A revised maize population with reduced plant spacing as a response to crop intensification limited the inclusion of bean intercrops and, hence, reduced bean productivity. Increasing dwindling landholding per capita aggravated the need to identify suitable bean cultivars for intercropping. Five dwarf bean varieties bred for a sole cropping system were evaluated in four spatial intercropping arrangements with maize at two bean planting densities in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) replicated four times in an additive series. Interactions between companion crops were assessed with the land equivalent ratio (LER) and aggressivity (A). Crop yields were measured to ascertain crop interactions. The PLER showed significantly higher values for maize than bean intercrops. Across the two cropping seasons and at any bean sowing density, alternate-row intercropping showed statistically better land and resource use efficiencies than within-row intercropping. The A values for maize were higher than beans in the intercropping systems. In the intercropping system, maize and beans had positive and negative A values, respectively. In both growing seasons, LER and A values increased in alternate-row over within-row intercropping systems, demonstrating that maize/dwarf bean intercropping has the potential to improve productivity among smallholder farmers in Malawi. All bean cultivars performed well in intercropping arrangements in both seasons except for Mnyambitira, which performed inferiorly in within-row intercropping except for alternate-rows. At any bean sowing density, farmers can realise more benefits if the bean intercrops are spatially sown in alternate-row than within-row arrangements
How Does Rice Cope with High-Temperature Stress During Its Growth and Development, Especially at the Grain-Filling Stage?
Authors: Lu Feifei , Feng Baohua , Chen Long , Qiu Jiehua , Wei Xiangjin
Published: February 2025

The trend of global warming is becoming increasingly evident, with frequent extreme high-temperature events posing a severe challenge to food security. Rice (Oryza sativa L.), the world’s primary food crop, is highly susceptible to the adverse effects of high-temperature stress throughout its growth cycle. High temperatures, defined as ambient temperatures exceeding 35 °C during reproductive stages and 33 °C during vegetative stages, can impair seed germination, reduce tillering, disrupt pollination, and diminish grain quality. Notably, heat stress during the grain-filling stage accelerates grain maturation, leading to increased chalkiness, a higher degree of chalky formation, deteriorated cooking and eating quality, and decreased grain weight. To cope with high-temperature stress, rice activates a series of complex physiological and biochemical responses, including heat-related signaling pathways and transcriptional regulatory networks. Although some agronomic practices and genetic improvement methods have been developed to enhance rice’s heat tolerance, the regulatory mechanisms of rice’s response to high-temperature stress, especially the molecular mechanisms during the grain-filling stage, remain poorly understood. This review identifies knowledge gaps in understanding rice’s response mechanisms, emphasizing molecular pathways during the grain-filling stage and provides an outlook on future rice high-temperature defense measures.
Field-Based, Non-Destructive, and Rapid Detection of Pesticide Residues on Kumquat (Citrus japonica) Surfaces Using Handheld Spectrometer and 1D-ResNet
Authors: Dai Qiufang , Luo Zhen , Li Zhen , Lyu Shilei , Xue Xiuyun , Song Shuran , Yu Shounan , Huang Ying
Published: February 2025

With growing consumer concerns about food safety, developing methods for the field-based, non-destructive, and rapid detection of pesticide residues is becoming increasingly critical. This study introduces a field-based, non-destructive, and rapid method for detecting pesticide residues on kumquat surfaces. Initially, spectral data from the visible/near-infrared (VNIR) light bands were collected using a handheld spectrometer from kumquats treated with three pesticides at various gradient concentrations and water. The data were then preprocessed and analyzed using machine learning (SPA-SVM) and deep learning models (1D-CNN, 1D-ResNet) to determine the optimal model. Features from the convolutional layer of the 1D-ResNet model were extracted for visualization and analysis, highlighting significant differences in features between the different pesticides and across varying concentrations. The results indicate that the 1D-ResNet model achieved 97% overall accuracy, with a macro average of 0.96 and a weighted average of 0.97, and that precision, recall, and F1-score approached 1.00 for most pesticide treatment gradients. The results of this research verified the feasibility of the handheld spectrometer combined with 1D-Resnet for the detection of pesticide residues on the surface of kumquat, realized the visualization of pesticide residue characteristics, and also provided a reference for the detection of pesticide residues on the surface of other fruits.
Multi-Omics Profiling of Lipid Variation and Regulatory Mechanisms in Poultry Breast Muscles
Authors: Zhang Hongyuan , Dai Yaqi , Gu Jinxing , Li Hongtai , Wu Ran , Jia Jiyu , Shen Jingqi , Li Wanli , Han Ruili , Sun Guirong , Li Wenting , Liu Xiaojun , Zhao Yinli , Li Guoxi
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to elucidate the genetic basis of lipid composition in the breast muscles of poultry, including AA broilers, dwarf guinea fowl, quails, and pigeons, and the impact of artificial selection on lipid traits. By employing lipidomics and transcriptomic sequencing, the research analyzed the chest muscle tissues of these four poultry. A total of 1542 lipid molecules were identified, with 711 showing significant differences among species. These lipids primarily belonged to subclasses such as TG, PC, Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), Ceramides (Cer), and Diglyceride (DG), with each species demonstrating distinct profiles in these subclasses. Additionally, 5790 orthologous genes were identified, with 763, 767, 24, and 8 genes in AA broilers, dwarf guinea fowl, quails, and pigeons, respectively, exhibiting positive selection (Ka/Ks > 1). Notably, 114 genes related to lipid metabolism displayed significant differential expression, particularly between AA broilers and dwarf guinea fowl. The findings revealed that the metabolic pathways of PC and LPC lipid molecules in the glycerophospholipid pathway, as well as TG lipid molecules in the glycerolipid pathway, exhibited marked interspecies differences, potentially contributing to variations in breast muscle lipid composition. These results provide a solid foundation for understanding the lipid composition and molecular regulatory mechanisms in diverse poultry, offering valuable insights for further research in poultry lipid metabolism and artificial breeding programs.
Thermal Mitigation Behaviors of Captive Blue Peafowls and Visitors’ Outdoor Thermal Comfort: A Case Study at Jinan Zoo, China
Authors: Zhou Zhiqiang , Jiao Ran , Hu Huijian , Khan Tauheed Ullah
Published: February 2025

Zoos play dual roles in wildlife conservation and in providing recreational experiences for visitors in urban green spaces. However, the impacts of thermal environments on both visitor comfort and captive animal welfare remain unexplored, which is an important aspect to address for improving overall zoo management. This study investigated thermal conditions at Jinan Zoo, China, over 20 summer days. Questionnaires were used to collect visitor thermal comfort and viewing satisfaction, while the thermal mitigation behaviors of 70 blue peafowls were recorded under various thermal conditions on-site. The findings showed that the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) neutral range for visitors was 20.1–24.4 °C, with a significant drop in visitor numbers when WBGT exceeded 35.5 °C. Visitors with higher animal viewing satisfaction (aVSV) scores were more heat tolerant. The blue peafowls reduced their activity levels and displayed feather-spreading and gular flutter at WBGT levels of 26.4–30.4 °C, especially during peak visitor hours. Our study also showed that visitor thermal sensation was most affected by radiation, whereas blue peafowl heat stress was likely influenced by air temperature, followed by humidity and radiation. These findings offer practical insights for designing zoo enclosures and visitor areas to improve comfort and animal welfare in hot weather.
Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli in Broiler and Indigenous Farm Environments in Klang Valley, Malaysia
Authors: Veloo Yuvaneswary , Thahir Syahidiah Syed Abu , Shaharudin Rafiza , Rajendiran Sakshaleni
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The global health threat posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a cause for serious concern. Poultry farming in Asia, particularly with indiscriminate use, has been identified as a major contributor to AMR, resulting in the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli). Considering the environment’s role in harboring pathogens, this study aimed to determine the distribution of MDR E. coli in the environments of broiler and indigenous farms in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Methods: Soil and effluent samples were collected from 30 poultry (19 broiler and 11 indigenous) farms. Selective chromogenic E. coli agar plates were used for the isolation of bacteria. The VITEX® 2 system was employed for identification and susceptibility testing. Results: A total of 117 E. coli isolates were recovered. The isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin (76.1%), followed by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (47.9%), and ampicillin-sulbactam (46.2%). AMR rates were higher in broiler farms (91.3%) than in indigenous farms (64.6%) (p < 0.05). The high multiple antibiotic resistance index in the environment of broiler farms (0.22) implies a higher risk of contamination compared to indigenous farms (0.10). Conclusions: The elevated levels of AMR observed in broiler farms underscore the need for collaborative efforts across sectors to address this issue. As AMR is a global One Health issue, monitoring AMR in the environment is essential to complement existing health programs. Implementing best practices, biosecurity, hygiene, continuous monitoring, and food safety management systems is crucial to reduce antimicrobial use and curb the rise of MDR bacteria.
Advanced Solubilization of Brazilian Cerrado Byproduct Extracts Using Green Nanostructured Lipid Carriers and NaDESs for Enhanced Antioxidant Potentials
Authors: Mello Victor Carlos , de Brito Giovanna Oliveira , Radicchi Marina Arantes , Florêncio Isadora , Piau Tathyana Benetis , Ferreira Eduardo Antonio , de Azevedo Chang Leonardo Fróes , Silveira Ariane Pandolfo , Simões Marina Mesquita , de Paiva Karen Letycia Rodrigues , Salviano Santos Mac-Kedson Medeiros , Alves Nicole Santana , Grisolia Cesar Koppe , Báo Sônia Nair , Gris Eliana Fortes
Published: February 2025

This study explores the development and characterization of lipid nanostructures (NLCs) containing natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs) derived from taperebá peel extract (Spondias mombin), a by-product rich in bioactive phenolic compounds, including ellagic acid and quercetin. The taperebá extract exhibited a high polyphenol content (2623 mg GAE/L) and notable antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by DPPH (258 mM TEAC/100 mL) and ABTS (495 mM TEAC/100 mL) assays. NLCs were developed using NaDESs to enhance the stability and bioavailability of the antioxidant compounds. Physicochemical characterization confirmed the formation of stable, nanometric, and monodispersed formulations with efficient encapsulation. Biological evaluation of the NLC-TAP-NaDES formulation demonstrated its remarkable capacity to mitigate oxidative stress in cells subjected to H2O2-induced ROS generation. Fluorescence imaging revealed a significant reduction in intracellular ROS levels in treated cells compared to untreated controls, confirming the antioxidant efficacy of the formulation. This outcome underscores the synergy between NaDESs and NLC systems in protecting and delivering phenolic compounds. This study highlights the potential of utilizing underexplored by-products, such as taperebá peels, to develop sustainable and effective antioxidant delivery systems. The NLC-TAP-NaDES platform combines nanotechnology with green chemistry principles, presenting significant implications for the treatment of oxidative stress-related conditions and broader applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sciences. These findings contribute to advancing sustainable innovations in antioxidant therapies, leveraging the dual benefits of bioeconomy and high-performance nanomaterials.
Polyphenol and Flavonoid Content and Antioxidant Activity of Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John’s Wort) Extracts for Potential Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Applications
Authors: Błońska-Sikora Ewelina , Zielińska Agnieszka , Dobros Natalia , Paradowska Katarzyna , Michalak Monika
Published: February 2025

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine owing to its high content of various bioactive metabolites and wide geographic occurrence. Nowadays, it plays an important role in the pharmaceutical industry and is increasingly significant in modern cosmetology. The objective of this study was to assess the antioxidant activity and compare the content of polyphenolic compounds in two commercial extracts of H. perforatum, glycerol–water and propylene glycol–water, which are used as cosmetic raw materials. The HPLC method was used to determine phenolic compounds. The total polyphenol content and total flavonoid content of H. perforatum extracts were determined using spectrophotometric methods. Free radical-scavenging properties were analyzed using a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical assay with electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (DPPH-EPR assay), as well as the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method. St. John’s wort extracts were able to scavenge free radicals, indicating beneficial cellular protection against oxidative stress. The use of non-toxic extractants makes it possible to obtain extracts with high antioxidant potential, which can be safely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. The results of this study, i.e., the values for TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP), suggest that Hypericum perforatum, especially the glycerol–water extract, has antioxidant potential.
Study on Explosive Fracturing Mechanism of Qianjiang Shale Oil
Authors: Luo Jing , Xu Yingtao , Tian Ruidi , Sun Fei , Yu Haitao , Xiang Dong , Yu Weichu
Published: February 2025

We employed the nonlinear finite element software ANSYS LS-DYNA 19.0 to develop a coupled dynamic-static load model for shale oil reservoirs in the Qianjiang Depression through theoretical analysis and numerical simulation and to investigate an oil extraction technology by improving oil yield while maintaining environmental sustainability of Qianjiang Depression. The effects of various loading conditions, including hole size and different oxygen balance of explosives, on oil recovery efficiency during reservoir rock blasting are extensively examined. Numerical simulations reveal that NTNMT explosions transfer more energy to the reservoir rock, compared to DEGDN and TNT. Specifically, when the charging radius is set to 6 cm, NTNMT yields optimal fracture expansion and coalescence, leading to improved economic benefits for shale oil extraction. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) simulations were conducted to analyze the decomposition processes of different oxygen balance explosive molecules within the reservoir and assess their potential pollution. The results indicate that all the explosives can degrade reservoir rocks, but the explosion of positive oxygen balance, NTNMT, exhibits the highest degradability and lowest environmental impact.
Application of Three-Dimensional Hierarchical Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise in Ship Automatic Identification System Trajectory-Cluster Analysis
Authors: Wang Shih-Ming , Yang Wen-Rong , Zhuang Qian-Yi , Lin Wei-Hong , Tian Mau-Yi , Su Te-Jen , Cheng Jui-Chuan
Published: February 2025

Clustering algorithms are widely used in statistical data analysis as a form of unsupervised machine learning, playing a crucial role in big data mining research for Maritime Intelligent Transportation Systems. While numerous studies have explored methods for optimizing ship trajectory clustering, such as narrowing dynamic time windows to prevent errors in time warp calculations or employing the Mahalanobis distance, these methods enhance DBSCAN (Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise) by leveraging trajectory similarity features for clustering. In recent years, machine learning research has rapidly accumulated, and multiple studies have shown that HDBSCAN (Hierarchical Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise) outperforms DBSCAN in achieving accurate and efficient clustering results due to its hierarchical density-based clustering processing technique, particularly in big data mining. This study focuses on the area near Taichung Port in central Taiwan, a crucial maritime shipping route where ship trajectories naturally exhibit a complex and intertwined distribution. Using ship coordinates and heading, the experiment normalized and transformed them into three-dimensional spatial features, employing the HDBSCAN algorithm to obtain optimal clustering results. These results provided a more nuanced analysis compared to human visual observation. This study also utilized O notation and execution time to represent the performance of various methods, with the literature review indicating that HDBSCAN has the same time complexity as DBSCAN but outperforms K-means and other methods. This research involved approximately 293,000 real historical data points and further employed the Silhouette Coefficient and Davies–Bouldin Index to objectively analyze the clustering results. The experiment generated eight clusters with a noise ratio of 12.7%, and the evaluation results consistently demonstrate that HDBSCAN outperforms other methods for big data analysis of ship trajectory clustering.
Unraveling Mass Transfer and Reaction Processes in CVD-Grown MoS2 Films: A Multiphysical Field Coupling Study
Authors: Yang Zhen , Lin Jinwei , Zhang Qing , Liu Yutian , Han Shujun , Zhou Yanbin , Chen Shuo , Zhong Shenlong , Su Xianli , Zhang Qingjie , Tang Xinfeng
Published: February 2025

The two-dimensional semiconductor material MoS2, grown via chemical vapor deposition, has shown significant potential to surpass silicon in advanced electronic technologies. However, the mass transfer and chemical reaction processes critical to the nucleation and growth of MoS2 grains remain poorly understood. In this study, we conducted an in-depth investigation into the mass transfer and chemical reaction processes during the chemical vapor deposition of MoS2, employing a novel multi-physics coupling model that integrates flow fields, temperature fields, mass transfer, and chemical reactions. Our findings reveal that the intermediate product Mo3O9S4 not only fails to participate directly in MoS2 film growth but also hinders the diffusion of MoS6, limiting the growth process. We demonstrate that increasing the growth temperature accelerates the diffusion rate of MoS6, mitigates the adverse effects of Mo3O9S4, and promotes the layered growth of MoS2 films. Additionally, lowering the growth pressure enhances the convective diffusion of reactants, accelerating grain growth. This research significantly advances our understanding of the mass transport and reaction processes in MoS2 film growth and provides critical insights for optimizing chemical vapor deposition systems.
First Appraisal of Effective Microplastics Removal from the Textile Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Bonnail Estefanía , Vera Sebastián , Blasco Julián , DelValls T. Ángel
Published: February 2025

The textile industry consumes large volumes of freshwater, producing enormous wastewater containing chemicals from dyeing and bathing, but also microplastics concentrations that have not been deeply studied. Liquid wastes from the synthetic and natural textile manufacturers were treated with a new disruptive technology (Adiabatic Sonic Evaporation and Crystallization, ASEC), which completely removed contaminants from water, providing distilled water and crystallized solids. The current study presents the characterization of the industrial residues and the obtained by-products: microplastics and organic matter contained in the solid residue were analyzed and characterized through chromatography. The results of the analyses displayed that compounds such as benzene, benzoic acid and 2,4-dymethyl-1-heptene were found in the synthetic industry water samples as degraded compounds of polyester and polypropylene. Meanwhile, the natural industry water also contained polyester, nylon and PMM polymer. After the depuration of samples, microplastics were completely retained in the solid phase, together with the organic matter (sulfate and surfactants) resulting on clean water. This is the first study focused on the study of microplastics generated by the textile industry and their prevention by removing them as solid waste.
Optimization Design of Body-in-White Stiffness Test Rig Based on the Global Adaptive Algorithm of the Hybrid Element Model
Authors: Hu Zhaohui , Mo Shuai , Liu Huang , Mo Fuhao
Published: February 2025

One of the challenging aspects of designing body-in-white stiffness test rigs is measuring test accuracy. This paper proposes a method of integrating the body-in-white stiffness test rig and the body-in-white into an overall model for the optimization design. It establishes an optimization mathematical model based on the overall structure of the stiffness test rig, taking into account the factors affecting the accuracy of the test results of the body-in-white stiffness test rig. The stiffness test rig’s testing accuracy can be significantly increased by designating the degrees of freedom at each connection position as discrete variables. The Hybrid and Adaptive Metamodeling Method (HAM) is used to optimize the mathematical model. This approach uses and integrates three distinct metamodels with various attributes. The body-in-white torsional stiffness test result error is only 1.1%, and the body-in-white bending stiffness test result error is only 3.4%, owing to the optimization result that was used to design and manufacture a set of body-in-white stiffness test rigs and use them for a body-in-white stiffness test verification.
Establishment and Operation of an Early Warning Service for Agrometeorological Disasters Customized for Farmers and Extension Workers at Metropolitan-Scale
Authors: Shin Yong-Soon , Lee Hee-Ae , Park Sang-Hyun , Han Yong-Kyu , Shim Kyo-Moon , Han Se-Jin
Published: February 2025

A farm-specific early warning system has been developed to mitigate agricultural damage caused by climate change. This system utilizes weather data at the farm level to predict crop growth, forecast weather disaster risks, and provide risk alerts to farmers and local governments. For effective implementation, local governments must lead operating early warning services that reflect regional agricultural characteristics and farmers’ needs, while the central government provides foundational data. The system connects data from each region to the cloud, enabling the establishment of a nationwide integrated service operation framework that includes the central government, metropolitan cities, municipalities, and farmers.
An Overview of π and Euler Numbers, Including Their History, Relevance, and Current and Future Applications
Authors: Roa González Julián , Ordóñez Yanko , López Araque Silvia , Díaz Palencia José Luis
Published: February 2025

The mathematical constant π and Euler numbers En have long been of relevance in various branches of mathematics, particularly in number theory, combinatorics, numerical analysis, and mathematical physics. This review article introduces an exploration of their historical evolution, theoretical foundations, and recent advancements. We examine how π and Euler numbers have facilitated advances in different scientific areas like quantum field theory and numerical algorithms. We introduce some emerging perspectives that highlight their interdisciplinary applications and potential future trajectories. Certainly, both numbers are of great relevance in current mathematical research, and their adaptability and ubiquity will continue to ensure their continuous appearance in future mathematical discoveries. The integration of π and Euler numbers into advanced computational techniques and fields like artificial intelligence exemplifies their potential in driving mathematical innovation.
A Comprehensive Study of LFP-Based Positive Electrodes: Process Parameters’ Influence on the Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Arouca Maia Beatriz , Magalhães Natália , Cunha Eunice , Correia Nuno , Braga Maria Helena , Santos Raquel M.
Published: February 2025

This study explores the preparation of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) electrodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), focusing on electrode loadings, dispersion techniques, and drying methods. Using a three-roll mill for LFP slurry dispersion, good electrochemical properties were achieved with loadings of 5–8 mg·cm−2 (0.8–1.2 mAh·cm−2 areal capacity). Adding polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) during the final milling stage reduced performance due to premature solidification in-between rolls. Vacuum-free drying improved ionic conductivity, stability against lithium metal, and discharge capacity, whereas vacuum-dried samples exhibited higher initial resistance and lower capacity retention. These findings highlight critical parameters for enhancing LFP electrode performance, paving the way for high-performance, and sustainable energy-storage solutions.
Intraindividual Effects of Take-Off Distance on Hurdling and Interval Running in Sprint Hurdles
Authors: Seki Keitaro , Kikuchi Shota , Okamura Kunihiro , Kageyama Ayata , Paradisis Giorgos
Published: February 2025

Purpose: This study explores the impact of take-off distance on hurdling and interval running kinematics in sprint hurdles, recognizing its potential to improve performance. While beginners often use shorter take-off distances, a deeper understanding could inform coaching strategies aimed at improving hurdle technique. Methods: Ten male elite and highly trained hurdlers ran 60 m hurdles under original, short, and long take-off distances (OTD, STD, and LTD, respectively). The sagittal plane kinematics of the fourth hurdle and interval running were obtained using two high-speed cameras at a rate of 120 frames per second. Intraindividual step parameters were compared between conditions. Results: Running speed and step frequency were significantly lower in the STD than in the OTD and LTD. Significant interactions were found for step length with a significantly longer recovery step length in the STD than in the LTD. Furthermore, the hurdling distance was significantly longer in the LTD than in the OTD. In addition, the touchdown distance was significantly shorter in the LTD and longer in the STD compared to the OTD. Therefore, an STD is associated with a shorter acceleration distance between hurdles, whereas an LTD is associated with a longer acceleration distance. Therefore, the take-off distance influenced the distance for acceleration between hurdles, and the recovery step was related to the take-off distance. Conclusions: STD has negative effects on hurdling and interval running, even among elite and highly trained hurdlers.
Unmasking the Complex Interplay of Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome, Heart Failure, and Sleep Dysfunction: A Physiological and Psychological Perspective in a Digital Health World
Authors: Battaglia Elvia , Poletti Valentina , Compalati Elena , Azzollini Matteo , Volpato Eleonora
Published: February 2025

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a multifaceted condition characterized by significant respiratory, cardiovascular, and psychological consequences. Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy remains the cornerstone treatment, improving respiratory function, neurocognition, and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. However, its long-term impact on quality of life, physical activity, and broader health outcomes is not fully understood. Challenges such as residual apnoea/hypopnea index, reduced physical activity, and impaired quality of life persist despite high adherence rates. Factors like hypercapnia and daytime respiratory symptoms play a pivotal role in patient outcomes, underscoring the need for strategies beyond adherence alone. This review explores the interplay between OHS, heart failure, and sleep dysfunction, advocating for personalized PAP settings, targeted management of residual respiratory events, and enhanced patient education. Digital health technologies, including remote monitoring and feedback systems, present promising tools to optimize care delivery and foster holistic management. By integrating physiological, psychological, and digital health perspectives, this narrative review aims to advance understanding and improve outcomes for patients with OHS and other complex sleep-disordered breathing conditions.
How Epistemic Curiosity Influences Digital Literacy: Evidence from International Students in China
Authors: Ma Shaojun , Jin Xuan , Li Xin , Dong Hongming , Dong Xuehang , Tang Bowen
Published: February 2025

Digital literacy is the core competitiveness and necessary ability that international students should cultivate while studying in China in the context of education digitalization, and this paper mainly explores whether epistemic curiosity can affect the digital literacy of international students in China. Based on the Technology Acceptance Model, this paper introduces the variable of epistemic curiosity, uses questionnaire survey method and quantitative tools (SPSS and AMOS software) to construct a model of the cognition–perception–formation mechanism of international students’ digital literacy in China, and obtains the following conclusions: Firstly, both interest- and deprivation-type epistemic curiosity can directly promote the digital literacy of international students in China. Secondly, this paper discusses how interest- and deprivation-type epistemic curiosity can affect digital literacy under the mediating effect of perceived usefulness. Finally, perceived ease of use can also indirectly promote the relationship between epistemic curiosity and digital literacy of international students in China. The contribution of this paper is to highlight the formation mechanism of digital literacy in cross-cultural contexts and to explore how interest- and deprivation-type epistemic curiosity affect the digital literacy of international students in China. To a certain extent, this paper reveals the potential process of international students in China to use digital resources to transform into digital literacy and also provides useful evidence for the further development of attractive digital resources.
Comparison of Thermal Comfort in Different Subway Spaces in China’s Hot Summer and Cold Winter Region: A Field Investigation Based on Subway Station Transition
Authors: Zhang Chi , Xu Shen , Qi Congyue , Dai Rui , Mendis Thushini , Wang Minghao
Published: February 2025

With the accelerated development of subways in China, elevated subway stations (ESSs) capitalize on natural ventilation and lighting to significantly save energy. Nevertheless, their thermal environments are rarely addressed. This study conducts annual thermal environment measurements, surveys, and thermal comfort analysis on five typical ESS buildings. The results of field measurements demonstrate that the station’s thermal environment is influenced by architectural space forms such as skylight ratio, platform doors, openness, and platform form. The standard effective temperature—predicted thermal sensation (SET*—PTS) equation was developed based on the survey, indicating that passengers’ thermal adaptability surpasses the PTS. In summer, the neutral temperatures for passengers in open and enclosed stations are 28.74 SET* °C and 27.13 SET* °C, correspondingly. In winter, they are 23.43 SET* °C and 21.98 SET* °C. Physiological changes that passengers experience during the transition from entering the metro station to arriving at the platform were measured and quantified, which confirmed differences in thermal adaptation during the shift between hot and cold environments, emphasizing thermal delay and accumulation effects. This study provides important guidance for the construction, renovation, and operation of ESS buildings and the development of related standards.
Extracellular Microvesicle MicroRNAs and Imaging Metrics Improve the Detection of Aggressive Prostate Cancer: A Pilot Study
Authors: Avasthi Kapil K. , Choi Jung W. , Glushko Tetiana , Manley Brandon J. , Yu Alice , Park Jong Y. , Brown Joel S. , Pow-Sang Julio , Gantenby Robert , Wang Liang , Balagurunathan Yoganand
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most diagnosed cancer in men worldwide. Early diagnosis of the disease provides better treatment options for these patients. Recent studies have demonstrated that plasma-based extracellular vesicle microRNAs (miRNAs) are functionally linked to cancer progression, metastasis, and aggressiveness. The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the standard of care provides an overall assessment of prostate disease. Quantitative metrics (radiomics) from the MRI provide a better evaluation of the tumor and have been shown to improve disease detection. Methods: We conducted a study on prostate cancer patients, analyzing baseline blood plasma and MRI data. Exosomes were isolated from blood plasma samples to quantify miRNAs, while MRI scans provided detailed tumor morphology. Radiomics features from MRI and miRNA expression data were integrated to develop predictive models, which were evaluated using ROC curve analysis, highlighting the multivariable model’s effectiveness. Results: Our findings indicate that the univariate feature-based model with the highest Youden’s index achieved average areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.76, 0.82, and 0.84 for miRNA, MR-T2W, and MR-ADC features, respectively, in identifying clinically aggressive (Gleason grade) disease. The multivariable feature-based model yielded an average area under the curve (AUC) of 0.88 and 0.95 using combinations of miRNA markers with imaging features in MR-ADC and MR-T2W, respectively. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that combining miRNA markers with MRI-based radiomics improves the identification of clinically aggressive prostate cancer.
The Effect of Blood Selenium Level on the pCR Rate in Breast Cancer Patient Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Szwiec Marek , Tomiczek-Szwiec Joanna , Marciniak Wojciech , Derkacz Róża , Huzarski Tomasz , Cybulski Cezary , Gronwald Jacek , Osowiecka Karolina , Sibilski Robert , Narod Steven A. , Lubiński Jan
Published: February 2025

Purpose: Among patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), a high survival rate is observed for those who experience a pathological complete response (pCR). Various tumor factors are predictive of a pCR, but few host factors have been studied.We sought to inquire whether or not a patient’s blood selenium level prior to treatment was predictive of a pCR. Methods: We studied 329 women diagnosed with primary invasive breast cancer who were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). We included patients with HER2-positive (n = 183) or triple-negative breast cancer (n = 146). Blood was collected before the initiation of treatment. Blood levels of selenium were quantified by mass spectroscopy. Each patient was assigned to one of three tertiles based on the distribution of blood selenium levels in the entire cohort. Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) were treated with a range of combination chemotherapies. Patients with HER2-positive breast cancer received anti-HER2 treatment based on trastuzumab alone or trastuzumab and pertuzamab. After treatment, each patient was classified as having pCR or no pCR. Results: In the entire cohort, the pCR rate was 59.0% for women in the highest tertileof blood selenium (≥107.19 μg/L) compared to 39.0% for women in the lowest tertile (≤94.29 μg/L) (p = 0.003). Conclusions: A high selenium level is predictive of pCR in women treated for HER2-positive or triple-negative breast cancer. If confirmed, this observation may lead to a study investigating if selenium supplementation improves pCR rates and survival in breast cancer women receiving NAC.
Biosocial Determinants of Health Among Patients with Chronic Liver Disease and Liver Cancer
Authors: Samanta Tagari , Park Jun Hyoung , Kaipparettu Benny Abraham
Published: February 2025

Background: Metabolic disorders and chronic liver disease (CLD) play crucial roles in the development and progression of liver cancer (LC). Since the ethnic minority population increasingly suffers from CLD and LC, it is vital to understand the biosocial factors contributing to CLD and LC. The ’All of Us’ database, with significant participation from minority populations, provides a valuable tool for studies in different racial/ethnic groups. Using different databases, including the ‘All of Us’ and ‘The Cancer Genome Atlas’, this study aimed to understand the biosocial factors contributing to CLD and LC. Methods: Using ‘All of Us’ data, confounding factors like the lack of immunization, comorbidities, and socioeconomic status (SES) barriers were analyzed in a cohort of 33767 CLD [non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, and Hepatitis B and C] patients. Among the 556 LC patients in the ‘All of Us’ database, 92% had CLD. Since hypoxanthine is known to be increased in the urine of LC patients, purine metabolic pathway genes were analyzed using different databases and validated using publicly available RNASeq data. Results: We identified several confounding factors associated with CLD in Hispanic (HA) and African American (AA) populations compared to the non-Hispanic White (NHW) populations. HA and AA CLD patients suffer from high SES barriers. While most of the genes related to the purine metabolic pathway were upregulated in LC, xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), which converts hypoxanthine to uric acid, showed a downregulation in the tumor compared to the normal tissues. The TCGA data among different racial/ethnic groups showed that only in Asian (AN) LC tumors the XDH expression was significantly lower compared to the NHW. The decreased XDH mRNA expression in AN LC compared to benign tissues was further validated using publicly available RNAseq datasets. Survival analysis confirmed poor overall survival among the AN LC patients with lower XDH expression in their tumors. Conclusions: Our study identified several confounding factors contributing to the minority CLD population. This study also identified decreased XDH expression as a critical metabolic alteration that has clinical significance in AN LC patients.
New Treatment Strategies in Advanced Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Driven Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Beyond Single Agent Osimertinib
Authors: Maione Paolo , Palma Valentina , Pucillo Giuseppina , Gridelli Cesare
Published: February 2025

Osimertinib has been the standard treatment for advanced Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-driven non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for many years. However, even with remarkable response rate, progression-free survival (PFS) and survival benefit as compared to the old generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) gefitinib and erlotinib, treatment outcomes for these subsets of patients remain a challenge. Recently, in order to go beyond osimertinib, new treatment strategies have been developed. In particular, in the FLAURA 2 phase III randomized trial, the combination of platin-based chemotherapy and osimertinib showed impressive PFS benefits as compared to single-agent osimertinib. Furthermore, in the MARIPOSA phase III randomized study, the combination of the anti-EGFR and anti-MET monoclonal antibody amivantamab combined with the new anti-EGFR TKI lazertinib demonstrated remarkable PFS benefit as compared to single agent osimertinib. This paper will discuss these new treatment options and potential selection criteria for personalized treatment of patients.
New Advances in Chemoenzymatic Synthesis
Authors: Speranza Giovanna , Bavaro Teodora
Published: February 2025

The field of chemoenzymatic synthesis is rapidly evolving, offering innovative solutions for sustainable and efficient chemical production [...]
Endometriosis and Cytoskeletal Remodeling: The Functional Role of Actin-Binding Proteins
Authors: Arendt Wioletta , Kleszczyński Konrad , Gagat Maciej , Izdebska Magdalena
Published: February 2025

Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent gynecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. Despite its prevalence and significant impact on women’s health, the underlying mechanisms driving the invasive and migratory behavior of endometriotic cells remain incompletely understood. Actin-binding proteins (ABPs) play a critical role in cytoskeletal dynamics, regulating processes such as cell migration, adhesion, and invasion, all of which are essential for the progression of endometriosis. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the involvement of key ABPs in the development and pathophysiology of endometriosis. We discuss how these proteins influence cytoskeletal remodeling, focal adhesion formation, and interactions with the extracellular matrix, contributing to the unique mechanical properties of endometriotic cells. Furthermore, we explore the potential of targeting ABPs as a therapeutic strategy to mitigate the invasive phenotype of endometriotic lesions. By elucidating the role of ABPs in endometriosis, this review provides a foundation for future research and innovative treatment approaches.
The Dual Role of cGAS-STING Signaling in COVID-19: Implications for Therapy
Authors: di Flora Daniele , Lara João , Dionizio Aline , Buzalaf Marília
Published: February 2025

The progression of COVID-19 involves a sophisticated and intricate interplay between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the host’s immune response. The immune system employs both innate and adaptive mechanisms to combat infection. Innate immunity initiates the release of interferons (IFNs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, while the adaptive immune response involves CD4+ Th lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and CD8+ Tc cells. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPS) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), activating the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) signaling pathway, a crucial component of the innate immune response to SARS-CoV-2. This pathway fulfills a dual function during infection. In the early phase of infection, the virus can suppress cGAS-STING signaling to avoid immune detection. However, in the late stages, the activation of this pathway may trigger excessive inflammation and tissue damage, exacerbating disease severity. Modulating the cGAS-STING pathway, whether through agonists like dimeric amidobenzimidazole (diABZI) or inhibitors targeting viral proteins, such as 3CLpro, for example, offers a promising approach for personalized therapy to control the immune response and mitigate severe inflammation, ultimately improving clinical outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19.
How to Evaluate a Regional Telemedical Care Network Focusing on Critically Ill Children? Results from the Consensus-Based Development of an Evaluation Design
Authors: Mathiebe Josephine , Müller Gabriele , Schmitt Jochen , Brenner Sebastian , Winkler Stefan , Schawohl Anne , Waurig Franziska , Scheibe Madlen
Published: February 2025

Background: The medical care of critically ill children requires special expertise in pediatric emergency and intensive care medicine. In Germany, this expertise is mainly available in specialized centers at maximum-care hospitals due to the small number of cases of critically ill children. Telemedical care networks, such as the Pediatric-Tele-Intensive-Care Network Saxony, offer a solution for networking these centers with regional hospitals providing basic or standard care. However, the evaluation of these networks represents a major challenge, especially because it involves a heterogeneous target group of patients with various diseases. This article reports on the evaluation design development process for such a network, under equal participation of all relevant stakeholders, and presents the resulting evaluation design. Methods: The methods used were a literature review, two workshops, and a survey of all relevant stakeholders (representatives of 17 partner clinics, 4 external experts in pediatric intensive care, and 2 patient representatives). Results: The evaluation design contained proposals for a care objective, outcomes, and the corresponding databases (project database, clinic database, and survey database) to investigate these. Conclusions: Our study can offer other researchers and stakeholders a methodological approach and template for their evaluation design. It is the first published, consented evaluation design for a telemedical care network in pediatric intensive care. When developing and realizing an evaluation design for (tele)medical interventions, including the perspectives of relevant stakeholders, from the outset, it is essential to achieve a high level of commitment to the implementation of the evaluation.
Treatment of Pediatric Displaced Intraarticular Olecranon Fractures with Resorbable Poly-L-Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) Pins and Polydioxanone (PDS) Loops
Authors: Tóth Zoltán , Kassai Tamás , Varga Marcell , Molnár Tibor , Antal Eszter , Lamberti Anna Gabriella , Nudelman Hermann , Lőrincz Aba , Józsa Gergő
Published: February 2025

Background: Pediatric olecranon fractures, though rare, can be serious. Treatment varies by type and severity; displaced, intraarticular fractures usually need surgery, where biodegradable implants are emerging as an encouraging option to metal hardware. Methods: Our prospective, single-center, single-arm case series evaluates three pediatric olecranon fracture patients treated by resorbable poly-L-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) pins and polydioxanone (PDS) loops between Jan 2022 and January 2023 at the Department of Pediatrics, University of Pécs, Clinical Complex. Results: All patients achieved complete radiological healing with excellent functional recovery and no implant-related complications at one-year follow-up. Conclusions: Resorbable PLGA pins and PDS loops provide a promising alternative to conventional metallic fixation in pediatric olecranon fractures, abolishing the need for a second implant-removal surgery while maintaining stability and biocompatibility. Our findings support the child-friendly nature and growing role of biodegradable materials in pediatric fracture management.