bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating Modifiable Factors Associated with Cognitive Decline: Insights from the UK Biobank
Authors: Ma Xiangge , Gao Hongjian , Wu Yutong , Zhu Xinyu , Wu Shuicai , Lin Lan
Published: February 2025

Objectives: Given the escalating global prevalence of age-related cognitive impairments, identifying modifiable factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions. Methods: After excluding participants with dementia and substantial missing data, 453,950 individuals from UK Biobank (UKB) were included. Cognitive decline was assessed across four cognitive domains. The top 10% exhibiting the greatest decline were categorized as the “Cognitively At-Risk Population”. Eighty-three potential factors from three categories were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were employed to assess the independent and joint effects of these factors on cognitive decline. Population Attributable Fractions (PAFs) were calculated to estimate the potential impact of eliminating each risk category. Results: Our findings revealed a significant impact of unfavorable medical and psychiatric histories on processing speed and visual episodic memory decline (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.20–1.51, p = 6.06 × 10⁻7; HR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.22–1.86, p = 1.62 × 10⁻4, respectively). Furthermore, PAF analysis indicated that physiological and biochemical markers were the most critical risk category for preventing processing speed decline (PAF = 7.03%), while social and behavioral factors exerted the greatest influence on preventing visual episodic memory decline (PAF = 9.68%). Higher education, socioeconomic status, and handgrip strength emerged as protective factors, whereas high body mass index (BMI), hypertension, and depression were detrimental. Conclusions: By identifying this high-risk group and quantifying the impact of modifiable factors, this study provides valuable insights for developing targeted interventions to delay cognitive decline and improve public health outcomes in middle-aged and older adults.
The Next Frontier in Neuroprosthetics: Integration of Biomimetic Somatosensory Feedback
Authors: Tian Yucheng , Valle Giacomo , Cederna Paul , Kemp Stephen
Published: February 2025

The development of neuroprosthetic limbs—robotic devices designed to restore lost limb functions for individuals with limb loss or impairment—has made significant strides over the past decade, reaching the stage of successful human clinical trials. A current research focus involves providing somatosensory feedback to these devices, which was shown to improve device control performance and embodiment. However, widespread commercialization and clinical adoption of somatosensory neuroprosthetic limbs remain limited. Biomimetic neuroprosthetics, which seeks to resemble the natural sensory processing of tactile information and to deliver biologically relevant inputs to the nervous system, offer a promising path forward. This method could bridge the gap between existing neurotechnology and the future realization of bionic limbs that more closely mimic biological limbs. In this review, we examine the recent key clinical trials that incorporated somatosensory feedback on neuroprosthetic limbs through biomimetic neurostimulation for individuals with missing or paralyzed limbs. Furthermore, we highlight the potential impact of cutting-edge advances in tactile sensing, encoding strategies, neuroelectronic interfaces, and innovative surgical techniques to create a clinically viable human–machine interface that facilitates natural tactile perception and advanced, closed-loop neuroprosthetic control to improve the quality of life of people with sensorimotor impairments.
The Architectural Language of Biophilic Design After Architects Use Text-to-Image AI
Authors: Thampanichwat Chaniporn , Wongvorachan Tarid , Sirisakdi Limpasilp , Somngam Panyaphat , Petlai Taksaporn , Singkham Sathirat , Bhutdhakomut Bhumin , Jinjantarawong Narongrit
Published: February 2025

Biophilic design is an architectural concept that bridges the gap between modern buildings and the innate human longing for nature. In addition, it promotes physical and mental well-being while aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals. Recent research highlights that the architectural language used to describe the attributes of biophilic architecture remains unclear. Previous research has shown that text-to-image AI enhances architects’ ability to articulate their ideas more effectively. Therefore, this study aims to address the following research question: What are the architectural languages of biophilic design after architects use text-to-image AI? The initial step involves generating images of biophilic architecture by using three popular text-to-image AI tools: DALL-E 3, MidJourney, and Stable Diffusion. The 30 selected images were used to help architects develop the architectural language to describe the characteristics of biophilic design across 10 categories: Form, Space, Movement, Light, Color, Material, Object, View, Sound, and Weather. The terms obtained were analyzed using natural language processing (NLP) techniques, including word cloud analysis, frequency analysis, and topic modeling. The results indicate that the architectural language of biophilic design exhibits greater detail and clarity after architects utilize text-to-image AI. Nevertheless, in some instances, the language used to describe biophilic design is also constrained by the images generated by the text-to-image AI that the architects observe.
Research on Vehicle Fatigue Load Spectrum of Highway Bridges Based on Weigh-in-Motion Data
Authors: Feng Ruisheng , Xie Guilin , Zhang Youjia , Kong Hu , Wu Chao , Liu Haiming
Published: February 2025

Establishing an accurate vehicle fatigue load spectrum is a critical prerequisite for fatigue life analysis and design of highway bridges. However, the time-varying and regional characteristics of vehicle loads pose significant challenges to achieving this goal. This study focuses on vehicle data collected by a weigh-in-motion system installed on a highway bridge in Chongqing, China. The statistical characteristics of vehicle-load-related parameters are analyzed, and the actual vehicle fatigue load spectrum for this section of the road is established. Specifically, vehicles are first categorized based on axle count characteristics. Then, statistical analyses are conducted on key parameters such as vehicle weight, headway time, and axle load for each vehicle type. Finally, the actual vehicle fatigue load spectrum is developed based on Miner’s linear damage rule and the equivalent fatigue damage principle, and the contributions of different vehicle types to fatigue damage are investigated. The results show that the weight distributions of different vehicle types follow a Gaussian mixture distribution, while the headway time distribution for each lane follows a log-normal distribution. A linear approximate relationship was observed between the axle loads of different vehicle types and their respective total weights. Although two-axle trucks exhibited higher frequencies, six-axle trucks contributed the most to structural fatigue damage, accounting for 53.81%. Therefore, six-axle trucks can be regarded as the standard fatigue vehicle model for this section of the road. These findings provide valuable insights for fatigue design and fatigue life assessment of highway bridges under similar vehicle loading conditions.
Recent Advances in Pineoblastoma Research: Molecular Classification, Modelling and Targetable Vulnerabilities
Authors: Jiang Zhe , Allkanjari Michelle S. , Chung Philip E. D. , Tran Hanna , Ghanbari-Azarnier Ronak , Wang Dong-Yu , Lin Daniel J. , Min Jung Yeon , Ben-David Yaacov , Zacksenhaus Eldad
Published: February 2025

Pineoblastoma (PB) is a rare yet lethal pediatric brain cancer of the pineal gland, a small endocrine organ that secretes melatonin to regulate the circadian rhythm. For PB patients ≤5 years of age, the overall survival rate is approximately 15%; metastatic PB is incurable. Standard treatment, including surgical resection, radiation, and systemic chemotherapy, improves survival but compromises neurocognitive function. A better understanding of the disease and the generation of preclinical models may enable re-evaluation of previous clinical trials, development of precision therapeutic strategies and improve patient outcome. Over the past 5 years, PB has been recognized to include several major subtypes driven by (i) loss of microRNA processing factors DICER and DROSHA characterized by a relatively good prognosis; (ii) loss of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor RB1; and (iii) amplification or induction of the cMYC protooncogene, with the latter two subtypes exhibiting exceedingly poor prognosis. Recently, mouse models for the major PB subtypes (RB1-, DICER1- and DROSHA-) except MYC- have been established. This progress, including better understanding of the disease, cell of origin, tumor progression, role of autophagy, and targetable vulnerabilities, holds promise for novel therapeutic strategies to combat each subtype of this lethal childhood malignancy.
Why the MARS2 Trial Does Not Mean the End of All Mesothelioma Surgery
Authors: Waller David , Bilancia Rocco , Ventura Luigi , Tenconi Sara , Socci Laura , Bille Andrea
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The published report of the MARS2 trial suggested that the addition of extended pleurectomy/decortication to chemotherapy for pleural mesothelioma was harmful. Thus, the report goes on, all disease should be considered as unresectable and no further mesothelioma surgery for survival benefit should be considered. This statement has changed clinical practice in the UK; however, the design of the MARS2 trial has several limitations which should prevent its conclusions being over interpreted. These limitations include the following: the inclusion of too many patients who would fall outside contemporary selection criteria including age, co-morbidity and histology; the unnecessary resection of too much tissue, particularly the diaphragm, and operating on patients too late in the disease process due to less than rigorous staging. Methods: We retrospectively analysed the selection and outcome of data of 79 of the 158 (50%) patients who underwent surgery in the surgical arm of the MARS2 study who were operated by the authors in four of the five trial surgical centres. We revised the clinical staging of these patients by applying the criteria in the forthcoming 9th TNM edition including the measurement of pleural thickness. Results: Based on reported guidelines, the selection for surgery was reset as stage I or II epithelioid PM. We found that 52 (66%) of these patients (group A) would not have been considered for surgery using contemporary selection criteria for the following reasons: non-epithelioid PM in 5; cT/4 in 35; cT2N1 in 10 and 2 cT2N0 (pN1), which would have been detected on preoperative mediastinal biopsy. Of the 27 (34%) trial patients fulfilling current criteria (group B), 12 were cT1N0, 1 was cT1N1, 6 were cT1N0pN1 and 8 were cT2N0, all with epithelioid PM. The median survival of group B was 32 (1–72) months, which was significantly higher than in group A: 8.5 (1–55) months, p < 0.0005 (Mann–Whitney). Conclusions: As contemporary selection criteria were not applied in MARS2, its conclusions cannot be universally applied to all those with PM. Together with the favourable postoperative survival in this selected group, we suggest that there is still scope for a further trial of surgery in early-stage epithelioid mesothelioma.
Lung Cancer Therapy: The Role of Personalized Medicine
Authors: Ramos Raquel , Moura Conceição Souto , Costa Mariana , Lamas Nuno Jorge , Correia Renato , Garcez Diogo , Pereira José Miguel , Lindahl Thomas , Sousa Carlos , Vale Nuno
Published: February 2025

Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer worldwide, exhibiting the highest incidence rate among all cancer types. Poor outcomes often characterize this cancer as it is commonly diagnosed in advanced stages due to its unspecific symptoms. After diagnosis, the therapeutic choice is a crucial stage that profoundly affects patients’ survival. Treatment choices for lung cancer must be made carefully, acknowledging the histological type and genetic characteristics of the tumor. Non-small cell lung cancer, the most common and complex type, has a high mutational burden, making next-generation sequencing (NGS) essential for identifying specific mutations and guiding treatment. With several approved targeted therapies already available, this approach highlights the critical role of personalized medicine in lung cancer care. Despite the current therapeutic pipeline, research trying to develop new tailored drugs considering individual patient characteristics has evolved over the years. This article aims to outline the current therapeutic approach for each type of lung cancer and present the latest insights into emerging therapies, highlighting the role of personalized medicine in enhancing treatment outcomes and improving patients’ quality of life.
Cancer Risk in IBD Patients Treated with JAK Inhibitors: Reassuring Evidence from Trials and Real-World Data
Authors: Puca Pierluigi , Del Gaudio Angelo , Iaccarino Jacopo , Blasi Valentina , Coppola Gaetano , Laterza Lucrezia , Lopetuso Loris Riccardo , Colantuono Stefania , Gasbarrini Antonio , Scaldaferri Franco , Papa Alfredo
Published: February 2025

The advent of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, including tofacitinib, filgotinib, and upadacitinib, has significantly widened the therapeutic options for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These agents offer the advantage of oral administration and have demonstrated efficacy in inducing and maintaining remission. However, concerns regarding their safety have emerged, particularly concerning cardiovascular and infectious complications, which appear more pronounced in patients with pre-existing risk factors such as older age, smoking, or comorbidities. While these risks are better understood, the potential association between JAK inhibitors and malignancies remains a subject of ongoing investigation. Current data from randomised controlled trials, pooled and integrated analyses, and real-world studies provide conflicting evidence regarding cancer risk. Notably, studies in patients with rheumatologic diseases treated with JAK inhibitors have contributed additional insights into long-term safety outcomes. Despite the uncertainty surrounding malignancy risks, it is likely that predisposing factors, including older age, smoking history, and long-standing IBD with chronic inflammation, play a more substantial role in cancer development than JAK inhibitor therapy alone. This paper reviews safety data from clinical trials, meta-analyses, and observational studies, focusing on cancer risk in patients treated with JAK inhibitors for IBD. We also review evidence from rheumatology studies, highlighting the need for individualised risk assessment and close monitoring to optimise the safety profile of these medications in clinical practice.
Design and Synthesis of Self-Supported Water-Splitting Transition Metal-Based Electrocatalysts via Electrospinning
Authors: Che Sai , Jia Yu , Li Yongfeng
Published: February 2025

Recent advances in transition metal-based electrocatalysts have significantly enhanced the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water electrocatalysis. Self-supported electrodes, where active sites are directly integrated with substrates, offer superior kinetics and stability compared to traditional powder-based electrocatalysts. The electrospinning technique is particularly effective for fabricating self-supported electrocatalysts with high surface areas, porosity, and uniform distribution of active sites, leading to improved catalytic performance. Despite extensive research on self-supported electrocatalysts, a comprehensive review focusing on those developed via electrospinning remains scarce. This review provides a detailed overview of the electrospinning process, the fundamental principles of water electrocatalysis, and recent progress in the development of transition metal-based electrocatalysts fabricated through this approach.
Molecular Basis of Impaired Decidualization in the Eutopic Endometrium of Endometriosis Patients
Authors: Retis-Resendiz Alejandra Monserrat , Gómez-Suárez Sandra Karen , García-Gómez Elizabeth , Vázquez-Martínez Edgar Ricardo
Published: February 2025

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. A common feature of this pathology is the impaired decidualization of endometrial stromal cells, a critical process that prepares the uterus for embryo implantation. This decidualization defect has been mechanistically linked to progesterone resistance in endometriotic lesions. However, the presence and underlying mechanisms of decidualization defects in the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis remain controversial. The aim of the present study is to integrate and discuss molecular evidence from both in vivo and in vitro studies examining decidualization alterations in the eutopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis. Multiple studies have demonstrated impaired decidualization in the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis. These alterations have been reported on multiple genes, signaling pathways, and epigenetic processes. However, additional functional studies are warranted to elucidate whether these decidualization defects directly contribute to endometriosis-associated infertility. A better understanding of the decidualization process and its dysregulation in endometriosis will not only advance the development of targeted fertility treatments but also facilitate the design of more effective therapeutic strategies for managing this chronic condition.
Influence of Glass Fiber Content on Sintering of Construction and Demolition Waste to Manufacture Ceramic Parts
Authors: Rebollo-Alburquerque José Carlos , Gómez-Domínguez Jesús Iñaki , Antón Iglesias María Natividad
Published: February 2025

The present work aims to determine the possibility of using construction and demolition waste (CDW) and wind turbine blade waste (WTBW) together for the fabrication of sintered specimens using only waste materials. The sinterability curve was determined for five compositions with different amounts of WTBW (from 10 to 50% in mass). The materials were characterized by optical and electronic microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Later, the series was mechanically characterized by the application of the Brazilian test. The obtained tensile strength values were approximately 12 MPa, which were sufficient for their utilization as building materials; however, the composition with more WTBW was problematic due to the deformation in the specimens, which was the main effect of the addition of a larger amount of WTBW.
Improvement of Malagasy Traditional Earth Bricks by Using a Derivative of CNSL as a Binding Agent
Authors: Holiarinala Volana Mifelana , Ramiharimanana Fenia Diane , Rafanoela Hermann , Randriatsarazaka Stephanoel , Razafimahatratra Raymond , Metay Estelle , Ramanandraibe Voahangy Vestalys , Lemaire Marc
Published: February 2025

Traditional bricks are still the most widely used building material in Madagascar. Bricks are made from clay that is fired for weeks in open-air kilns (600–750 °C) by using rice husks, peat, charcoal, coal, and wood as fuels. This process contributes significantly to environmental pollution by emitting CO2 and particles. In addition, the intensive use of wood and charcoal is partly responsible for the deforestation that still taking place on the “Red Island”. The development of sustainable building materials is therefore of global interest. This research provided a solution by implementing the oxyacetic acid derivative of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) as a binder to reduce energy consumption in the preparation of earthen materials. This product was obtained from cashew nut waste and was used in a proportion of 5 to 15% with the red soil of Madagascar. The materials were formulated at a much lower temperature (60 °C) compared to the traditional process for 24 to 48 hours in a custom-designed mold. The material with 10% oxyacetic binder from CNSL was a compact, hard solid with higher mechanical properties, including a twice higher compressive strength (5.6 MPa compared to 2.2 MPa) and a higher tensile strength (2.2 MPa compared to 1.6 MPa). This material also had better water resistance after 2 months of immersion; traditional clay bricks absorbed 36.65% of the water, and the material with binder only absorbed 12.62%. This research demonstrates that the utilization of local agricultural waste as a binder is a viable strategy for reducing the carbon footprint of traditional building materials while significantly improving their physico-mechanical properties.
Development for Probiotics Based Insulin Delivery System
Authors: An Byung Chull , Lee Jusung , Won Hye Yeon , Ryu Yongku , Chung Myung Jun
Published: February 2025

Probiotics show beneficial effects on diabetes mellitus (DM). If probiotics can secrete the recombinant insulins that may help suppress DM development, then it would likely have very few adverse side effects. To produce insulin analogs in bacteria, recombinant insulin (insulin-CBT1) should be the single-chain insulin (SCI) similar to proinsulin. However, insulin-CBT1 should allow the protein to activate insulin receptors directly without the need for proteolytic cleavage. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the flexible linker peptide on the physical and structural characteristics of insulin-CBT1 compared with commercial insulin (c-insulin). In the results, the linker peptide had marked effects on polarity and structure by increasing the α-helix content (19.3%→25.6%). Furthermore, insulin-CBT1 induced MIN6 proliferation 1.75-fold more than c-insulin, whereas differentiation and glucose uptake rates by 3T3-L1 were 39% and 15% lower, respectively. The biological anti-diabetes properties of insulin-CBT1 were well evaluated compared with c-insulin. Furthermore, we first suggest a special method for oral administration of insulin-CBT 1 without damage to the digestive tract. We developed an insulin-CBT1 delivery system using Pediococcus pentosaceus (PP), which has been reported as a potential bacteria in DM. First, insulin-CBT1 was harbored in pCBT2-24, which verified the expression and secretion vector system of PP. We finally confirmed that PP-insulin-CBT1 successfully secreted insulin-CBT1 proteins to culture media. These results presented herein open up new avenues to developing therapeutic options for DM.
Faster Spiral: Low-Communication, High-Rate Private Information Retrieval
Authors: Luo Ming , Wang Mingsheng
Published: February 2025

Private information retrieval (PIR) enables a client to retrieve a specific element from a server’s database without disclosing the index that was queried. This work introduces three improvements to the efficient single-server PIR protocol Spiral. We found that performing a modulus switching towards expanded ciphertexts can improve the server throughput. Secondly, we apply two techniques called the composite NTT algorithm and approximate decomposition to Spiral to further improve it. We conduct comprehensive experiments to evaluate the concrete performance of our protocol, and the results confirm an approximately 1.7 times faster overall throughput than Spiral.
Open Georeferenced Field Data on Forest Types and Species for Biodiversity Assessment and Remote Sensing Applications
Authors: Gasparini Patrizia , Di Cosmo Lucio , Floris Antonio , Murgia Federica , Rizzo Maria
Published: February 2025

Forest ecosystems are important for biodiversity conservation, climate regulation and climate change mitigation, soil and water protection, and the recreation and provision of raw materials. This paper presents a dataset on forest type and tree species composition for 934 georeferenced plots located in Italy. The forest type is classified in the field consistently with the Italian National Forest Inventory (NFI) based on the dominant tree species or species group. Tree species composition is provided by the percent crown cover of the main five species in the plot. Additional data on conifer and broadleaves pure/mixed condition, total tree and shrub cover, forest structure, sylvicultural system, development stage, and local land position are provided. The surveyed plots are distributed in the central–eastern Alps, in the central Apennines, and in the southern Apennines; they represent a wide range of species composition, ecological conditions, and silvicultural practices. Data were collected as part of a project aimed at developing a classification algorithm based on hyperspectral data. The dataset was made publicly available as it refers to forest types and species widespread in many countries of Central and Southern Europe and is potentially useful to other researchers for the study of forest biodiversity or for remote sensing applications.
The Effectiveness of Mesh-Less Pectopexy in the Treatment of Vaginal Apical Prolapse—A Prospective Study
Authors: Pirtea Marilena , Bălulescu Ligia , Pirtea Laurentiu , Brasoveanu Simona , Secosan Cristina , Balan Lavinia , Olaru Flavius , Dabica Alexandru , Margan Mădălin-Marius , Navolan Dan
Published: February 2025

Objectives: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition affecting women, often requiring surgical intervention. Laparoscopic pectopexy has gained popularity, but there is ongoing debate about the efficacy and safety of mesh versus thread as fixation materials. This study aims to compare the outcomes of these two techniques, focusing on cure, recurrence and postoperative complication rates. Methods: A prospective analysis was conducted on patients undergoing laparoscopic pectopexy for POP. This prospective study included 78 patients diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse stage II–IV according to the POP-Q system. Thirty-six (46.15%) underwent laparoscopic pectopexy with mesh and forty-two patients (53.84%) underwent the laparoscopic pectopexy procedure with thread. Data on cure rates, recurrence, mild asymptomatic cystocele and chronic pain were analyzed. Statistical significance was assessed using chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests. Results: The cure rate was high in both group: 94.4% in the Mesh group and 100% in the thread group. Recurrence of vaginal apex prolapse occurred in 5.56% of the Mesh group, while no recurrence was observed in the thread group. Chronic pain was reported in 11.11% of the Mesh group but was absent in the thread group (p < 0.05). The overall rate for cystocele across all participants was 44.87% (40.48% of patients in the thread group experienced mild asymptomatic cystocele, compared to 50% in the Mesh group). No intraoperative complications were reported in either group. Conclusions: Thread-based laparoscopic pectopexy demonstrates equivalent or superior outcomes compared to mesh, with a high cure rate, no recurrence rate and no chronic pain. These findings support the use of thread as a safer alternative, aligning with FDA guidelines on mesh usage.
Evaluation of Respiratory Conditions in Individuals Undergoing Rapid Maxillary Expansion: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study
Authors: Alan Arzu , Ugurlu Mehmet , Bayrakdar İbrahim Sevki , Gonuldas Fehmi , de Castro Lopes Sergio Lucio Pereira , Ferreira Costa Andre Luiz , Orhan Kaan
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The effect of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on the nasal and pharyngeal airways in children remains uncertain. This retrospective study utilized computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to assess the changes in ventilation parameters caused by RME in children. Methods: Pre- and post-RME cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 20 patients (4 males, mean age 13 ± 2 years) treated with RME for maxillary transverse insufficiency were evaluated. The RME treatment was conducted using two distinct techniques: tooth-borne and tooth-bone-borne. CFD simulations were used to investigate the airflow conditions (pressure and velocity) in the whole upper airway, nasal airway, and maxillary sinus. Morphological alterations and variations in ventilation parameters before and after RME treatment were statistically compared. The extent of changes in the morphological and ventilatory characteristics of the upper airway, depending on the type of RME, was assessed. Additionally, changes in the ventilation conditions of the upper airway, nasal airway, and maxillary sinus after RME treatment were statistically analyzed. Statistical analyses using IBM SPSS v22 (New York, USA) software included paired t-tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests, intraclass correlation coefficients, and coefficients of variation (p < 0.05). Results: The CFD study revealed a notable reduction in both air flow velocity and pressure after the RME treatment (p < 0.05). A statistically significant increase was seen in the parameters used to assess the morphological changes following RME treatment, including nasal width, anterior and posterior nasal cross-sectional area, intermaxillary and intermandibulary molar width, and oropharyngeal airway width (p < 0.05). Regarding the change in airway ventilation, there was no statistically significant difference between tooth-borne and tooth-bone-borne RME treatments (p > 0.05). Conclusions: RME not only treats orthodontic issues in childhood but also increases airflow, which enhances ventilation. CDF is an effective method for the detection of ventilation improvement.
Is Global Limb Anatomic Staging System Classification a Useful Tool in Predicting Lower Limb Revascularization Procedures’ Success?
Authors: Rata Andreea Luciana , Khazaleh Nawaf Al , Sirca Sergiu , Pîrvu Cătălin Alexandru , Furdui Alexandru , Rizea Elena , Barac Sorin
Published: February 2025

Background. GLASS (Global Limb Anatomic Staging System) classification is a classification proposed in 2019 by The Lower Extremity Guidelines Committee of the Society for Vascular Surgery, which aims to identify the anatomic substrate that defines the severity of a lower extremity arterial injury and predict the success rate of possible revascularization. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the usefulness of this classification and if it is a reliable tool in predicting the success of the revascularization procedures for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Methods. A retrospective study was conducted on patients undergoing revascularization for CLTI. Glass staging was applied to angiographic data, categorizing them into GLASS 1, 2, or 3 based on the complexity of the femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal lesions. We investigated the clinical characteristics and types of endovascular treatment in correlation with GLASS classification. We also evaluated the technical success of revascularization procedures and the specificity and accuracy of the GLASS classification. Results. After the first testing, we found out that GLASS classification has a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 77%. After the second testing, the sensitivity was 82%. of 77% also. The follow-up of this sample was made after 1 year, with no patients lost to follow-up and with an amputation-free survival of 81.3%. Conclusions. GLASS 1 and 2 patients had significantly higher rates of success compared to GLASS 3. GLASS serves as a valuable tool in predicting revascularization success and provides a standardized approach to anatomical complexity, but further studies should integrate more data in order to enhance its predictive capability.
Examination of Respiratory Disturbance Index Before and After Cheiloplasty and Palatoplasty
Authors: Murasugi Ryo , Kawanabe Hitoshi , Murakami Ayano , Fukuya Yasuhiko , Imura Hideto , Natsume Nagato , Sato Ken , Mitachi Seiko , Fukui Kazunori
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) can cause behavioral and cognitive problems and even physical growth impairment, but it is often under-recognized. Cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) is a common birth defect and known risk factor for SDB. In this study, we examined the sleep breathing status in infants with unilateral CLP (UCLP) before and after cheiloplasty and palatoplasty. Methods: This prospective before–after study included infants with UCLP who could undergo the sleep breathing test and sleep for >1 h. Their sleep breathing status was assessed using a fiber-based sleep apnea sensor (Fiber-Based Sleep Apnea Syndrome Sensor®) on the day before surgery and 1–3 d after surgery. We calculated and compared the pre- and postoperative respiratory disturbance index (RDI) following the criteria proposed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Results: The mean RDI significantly improved both after cheiloplasty (from 7.5 ± 4.6 to 2.7 ± 1.4 events/h, p = 0.007) and after palatoplasty (from 4.4 ± 2.3 to 1.7 ± 0.4 events/h, p = 0.010). Conclusions: Cheiloplasty and palatoplasty could improve SDB and reduce its adverse effects on the physical growth and development of infants with UCLP.
Healthcare Resource Utilization and Economic Outcomes of RSV-Hospitalized Patients Aged ≥ 60 Years: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Puggina Anna , Dovizio Melania , Domnich Alexander , Marijam Alen , Veronesi Chiara , Rizzo Caterina , Vicentini Marta , Degli Esposti Luca , Calabrò Giovanna Elisa , Fonseca Maria João
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives The economic impact of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Italy is not well defined. This analysis assessed the economic outcomes of RSV-hospitalized patients aged ≥ 60 years in Italy. Methods: Healthcare resource utilization and direct healthcare costs during the first RSV hospitalization and 12-month follow-up were collected from Italian administrative databases. A propensity-score-matched (PSM) analysis was performed between patients hospitalized for RSV and those hospitalized for any cause (without an RSV diagnosis). Results: Among 201 patients, an average of 1.95 hospitalizations, 19.38 prescriptions, and 7.11 outpatient services were reported during the first RSV hospitalization and the following 12 months. The mean direct healthcare costs were EUR 11,599 (related to hospitalization [79%], prescriptions [16%], and outpatient services [5%]). Following PSM analyses, direct healthcare costs were 15% higher for RSV-hospitalized patients versus those hospitalized for any cause (EUR 9369 versus EUR 8173; p < 0.05), driven by differences in hospitalizations (EUR 7477 versus EUR 6327; p < 0.05) and intensive care unit admissions (EUR 818 versus EUR 178; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Despite a limited sample size, this study reports a substantial economic burden associated with RSV-hospitalized patients aged ≥ 60 years in Italy. The results provide important evidence to inform preventative RSV strategies to reduce the economic burden on the Italian National Health Service.
The Treatment of Gingival Recessions in the Lower Anterior Region Associated with the Use/Absence of Lingual-Fixed Orthodontics Retainers: Three Case Reports Using the Laterally Closed Tunnel Technique and Parallel Incision Methods
Authors: Dias Alexandra Tavares , Lopes Jessica Figueiredo , Fernandes Juliana Campos Hasse , Fernandes Gustavo Vicentis Oliveira
Published: February 2025

Background: The prevalence of gingival recessions (GRs) in the global population is 78%. A long-term study showed a 47% increase in the prevalence of GRs five years post-orthodontic treatment, particularly in the lower anterior region. It can be caused and/or exacerbated after orthodontic treatment, where the retainer placed can induce tooth movement or when it fails to maintain a passive position upon bonding. Thus, the goal of this case report was to present treatments for gingival recessions, with the approaches of the laterally closed tunnel technique and parallel incision methods, after orthodontic treatment in patients using non-passive lingual retainers. Methods: This case report adhered to the CARE guidelines. Three healthy patients were referred due to GR defects in the lower anterior region (RT1 and RT2). All patients had GR associated with deficient lingual-fixed orthodontics retainers. The same experienced periodontist (ATD) developed the surgeries and aimed to achieve root coverage using the connective tissue graft associated with a coronally advanced flap (CAF) and modify the recipient area’s gingival phenotype. Results: In all cases, a new orthodontic treatment was not possible due to anatomical or patient-related factors. Outcomes after six months, three years, and five years are presented, encompassing clinical and esthetic evaluations. Conclusions: GRs must always be addressed by orthodontic therapy or lingual-fixed orthodontic retainers. In cases where dental elements are positioned outside the bone envelope, orthodontic treatment may be considered before root coverage surgery. Therefore, surgical intervention should be undertaken for the keratinized tissue and volume gain, independently of the tooth position. Modifying the phenotype in these situations is vital for the long-term maintenance of periodontal health.
A Review of Last-Mile Delivery Optimization: Strategies, Technologies, Drone Integration, and Future Trends
Authors: Shuaibu Abdullahi Sani , Mahmoud Ashraf Sharif , Sheltami Tarek Rahil
Published: February 2025

Last-mile delivery (LMD) is an important aspect of contemporary logistics that directly affects operational cost, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. In this paper, we provide a review of the optimization techniques of LMD, focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven decision-making, IoT-supported real-time monitoring, and hybrid delivery networks. The combination of AI and IoT improves predictive analytics, dynamic routing, and fleet management, but scalability and regulatory issues are still major concerns. Hybrid frameworks that integrate drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), ground robots, and conventional vehicles reduce energy expenditure and increase delivery range, especially in urban contexts. Furthermore, sustainable logistics approaches, including electric vehicle fleets and shared delivery infrastructures, provide promise for minimizing environmental impact. However, economic viability, legal frameworks, and infrastructure readiness still influence the feasibility of large-scale adoption. This review offers a perspective on the changing patterns in LMD, calling for regulatory evolution, technological advancement, as well as interdisciplinary approaches toward cost-effective, durable, and environmentally friendly logistics systems.
BRA-YOLOv10: UAV Small Target Detection Based on YOLOv10
Authors: Zhang Quanyu , Wang Xin , Shi Heng , Wang Kunhui , Tian Yan , Xu Zhaohui , Zhang Yongkang , Jia Gaoxiang
Published: February 2025

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) targets are typically small in size, occupy only a limited pixel area, and are often located in complex environments. Existing models, however, tend to overlook smaller targets in complex backgrounds, making it easy to miss important information and resulting in missing targets. This paper proposes an innovative UAV detection method called BRA-YOLOv10. Firstly, Bi-Level Routing Attention (BRA) is used during the feature extraction stage to effectively reduce background interference. By focusing on the target’s key information, the model optimizes overall detection performance. Secondly, based on this improvement, adding a high-resolution small target detection layer (STDL) enhances the model’s detection accuracy by providing more detailed target information. Then, the SimCSPSPPF module is incorporated to further improve the model’s performance, particularly with regard to small targets on complex backgrounds, to effectively retain low-level feature information. Finally, training and testing are conducted on the SIDD dataset, and its generalization performance is shown on a variety of datasets (TIB-Net, Det-Fly, and UAVfly). Experimental results show that BRA-YOLOv10 has superior performance to existing models on 98.9% precision, 92.3% recall, and 96.5% mAP50, respectively, representing an improvement of 2.5%, 2.9%, and 1.7% over YOLOv10. For targets with target sizes between 10×10 and 5×5, the detection rate reached 84.97%, an increase of 16.76% compared with YOLOv10.
User-Centric Cell-Free Massive Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output System with Noisy Channel Gain Estimation and Line of Sight: A Beckmann Distribution Approach
Authors: Almeida Danilo B. T. , Alencar Marcelo S. , Queiroz Wamberto J. L. , Duarte Rafael M. , Madeiro Francisco
Published: February 2025

This paper analyzes for the first time how the Beckmann distribution can be used to characterize the random variable that represents the envelope of the effective channel gain experienced by the k-th user equipment (UE) of a user-centric (UC) cell-free (CF) system in a scenario with noisy channel state information (CSI) estimation and line of sight (LoS). Additionally, it is shown how the Beckmann probability density function (PDF) can be used to derive the PDF and the cumulative density function (CDF) of the instantaneous signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of the UC CF k-th UE, followed by applications in the ergodic capacity (EC) and outage probability (OP) expression derivations. It is shown that, regardless of the type of distribution considered for the channel gain between each access point (AP) and UE links, the effective gain presents a Beckmann distribution.
The Gender of Science: A Scientific Analytically-Based Project to Enhance Secondary School Students’ Awareness of Gender Stereotypes in STEM
Authors: Liccardo Antonella , Gargano Angela , Pastena Andreana
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a pedagogical intervention targeted at secondary school students developed by two researchers in physics. The project seeks to narrow the gender gap in STEM fields by fostering students’ critical awareness of gender stereotypes and roles, helping them to recognize the influence that gender has on their educational choices and professional aspirations. Unlike other orientation programs, here STEM subjects are not the explicit content, rather the working methodology. Our intervention adopts a project-based learning approach introduced by a board game designed to engage students in the topic. Students are guided in carrying out an autonomous investigation of gender discrepancies within their family, school, and peer contexts through a scientific approach, by administering surveys, gathering and analyzing data, and using gender indicators. The final objective is developing a Gender Report of the school. After presenting the project, we document the project experience in nine schools of the Naples (Italy) area through a qualitative analysis of students’ Reports, focusing on the gender dynamics they have identified, as well as the facilitators’ observations. Our analysis shows that traditional gender roles and stereotypes persist, yet first-hand observation may stimulate students’ critical thinking skills from a gender perspective.
“Simply Math”—A Hybrid MOOC Supporting Advanced Mathematics Learning in Israeli Secondary Schools
Authors: Sharkia Halima , Kohen Zehavit
Published: February 2025

The present study explores the integration of a hybrid MOOC (H-MOOC) called Simply Math in the setting of advanced mathematics lessons in school. Considering two components—institutional support and curricular content alignment—the H-MOOC theoretical framework was applied to this study to gain a better understanding of how existing MOOCs can be incorporated into the secondary school curriculum. This understanding was informed by examining the perceptions of 55 high school teachers of the use of H-MOOC, and through two case studies of teachers Raya and Israa, who integrated the H-MOOC into their mathematics lessons. The research tools included a perception questionnaire, as well as classroom observations and retrospective interviews. The findings revealed that the two components illustrating the implementation of the H-MOOC were highly evident in the current study. Specifically, concerning the institutional goals, numerous key components and attributes of hybrid learning were identified in practice, indicating successful MOOC implementation. The H-MOOC’s value stood out in promoting active learning, fostering interaction between the teacher and students, intensive problem-solving, and collaborative group learning. With respect to the curricular content alignment, higher satisfaction was observed with the online filmed lectures than with the online exercises.
Exploring the Factor Structure of Criminogenic Cognitions in Incarcerated Males: Psychometric Evaluation of the Criminogenic Cognitions Scale (CCS)
Authors: Pereira Teresa , Oliveira Catarina , Basto-Pereira Miguel
Published: February 2025

Despite the importance of criminogenic thinking in addressing criminal behavior, validated instruments to measure these cognitions in Portuguese forensic settings are scarce. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Criminogenic Cognitions Scale (CCS) in a sample of 364 Portuguese incarcerated males (Mage = 37.88, SD = 10.88). An exploratory factor analysis was conducted, indicating a 15-item, two-factor structure (KMO = 0.82; Bartlett’s test, χ2 = 1841.2, df = 105, p < 0.001). The CCS dimensions, comprising Short-Term Orientation and Responsibility Evasion and Authority Resistance, demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties, including convergent validity with antisocial traits, moral disengagement, and self-control dimensions, as well as internal consistency (omega coefficient = 0.60–0.77; composite reliability = 74–91; coefficient H = 89–95), and sensitivity of items. The CCS is a valuable tool within prison settings for assessing criminogenic thinking patterns, supporting risk assessment, the development of targeted rehabilitation programs, and monitoring cognitive changes over time to reduce recidivism, thereby promoting inmates’ safer reintegration into society. Overall, our findings suggest the CCS is a promising tool for assessing criminogenic cognitions in the forensic Portuguese population.
A Layered Framework for Universal Extraction and Recognition of Electrical Diagrams
Authors: Cao Weiguo , Chen Zhong , Wu Congying , Li Tiecheng
Published: February 2025

Secondary systems in electrical engineering often rely on traditional CAD software (AutoCAD v2024.1.6) or non-structured, paper-based diagrams for fieldwork, posing challenges for digital transformation. Electrical diagram recognition technology bridges this gap by converting traditional diagram operations into a “digital” model, playing a critical role in power system scheduling, operation, and maintenance. However, conventional recognition methods, which primarily rely on partition detection, face significant limitations such as poor adaptability to diverse diagram styles, interference among recognition objects, and reduced accuracy in handling complex and varied electrical diagrams. This paper introduces a novel layered framework for electrical diagram recognition that sequentially extracts the element layer, text layer, and connection relationship layer to address these challenges. First, an improved YOLOv7 model, combined with a multi-scale sliding window strategy, is employed to accurately segment large and small diagram objects. Next, PaddleOCR, trained with electrical-specific terminology, and PaddleClas, using multi-angle classification, are utilized for robust text recognition, effectively mitigating interference from diagram elements. Finally, clustering and adaptive FcF-inpainting algorithms are applied to repair the connection relationship layer, resolving local occlusion issues and enhancing the overall coupling of the diagram. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms existing approaches in robustness and universality, particularly for complex diagrams, providing technical support for intelligent power grid construction and operation.