bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aprender haciendo en el análisis e interpretación del déficit bilateral y simetría de miembros inferiores en gestos funcionales
Authors: Gómez Rodas Alejandro
Published: February 2025

La enseñanza y aprendizaje de la biomecánica implica una alta dosis de abordaje teórico, frecuentemente complejo y difícil, que incluye terminología específica propia de la disciplina y dominio conceptual para su posterior utilización en la comprensión de las variables mecánicas ligadas al comportamiento del movimiento corporal humano. En este sentido, se presenta en este documento una propuesta de práctica evaluativa que fomenta el aprendizaje en la práctica, bajo el enfoque educativo del “aprender haciendo”, valiéndose de una experiencia de captura de movimiento, análisis e interpretación del déficit bilateral y simetría de gestos funcionales en voleibolistas durante el desarrollo de las asignaturas de biomecánica del Programa Fisioterapia y de biomecánica deportiva del Programa de Entrenamiento Deportivo de la Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina sede Pereira. Este tipo de experiencias contribuye de manera efectiva y significativa a los resultados de aprendizaje de los estudiantes que cursan asignaturas complejas como biomecánica, permitiendo a los alumnos la construcción propia de su conocimiento y su contextualización sociocultural, convirtiéndolos en sujetos activos y participantes de su aprendizaje para la conducción de los cambios y adelantos que requiere la sociedad.
Rúbricas y listas de chequeo como herramientas para una evaluación formativa e integral del conocimiento en la asignatura de gestión de la información
Authors: Torres Molina Kadier , Londoño Cruz Paola Andrea
Published: February 2025

El departamento de Informática Educativa de la Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina, seccional Pereira, ha realizado diversos procesos de mejoras a las propuestas evaluativas para hacer más ameno este proceso con los estudiantes, para ello y bajo el soporte del aula virtual (Moodle Institucional) se trabaja con la creación de cursos Master donde entre todos los docentes planean los temas y las evaluaciones que dinamizan las evidencias para el aprendizaje con el apoyo de los instrumentos de las rúbricas y listas de chequeo. Todo ello para que el estudiante entienda como el profesor realiza la evaluación y los requerimientos para adquirir las habilidades y competencias, de modo que la evaluación se planea, comunica y aplica bajo las necesidades del estudiante de acuerdo con el currículo y es donde se gestionan los procesos de mejora continua para evocar el modelo de aprendizaje aumentado de Areandina. Además, Este proyecto trata de la implementación de una metodología educativa innovadora basada en cambios significativos para abordar el proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje desde nuevas posibilidades de dinamizar los encuentros con los estudiantes.
Evaluación de competencias clínicas por criterios de complejidad: una reflexión curricular en el programa de Odontología de la Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina (2020)
Authors: Blanco Pérez Isadora , Reyes Moreno Theweler
Published: February 2025

La función del docente formador de talento Humano en salud es una tarea que no puede tomarse a la ligera, se debe considerar el perfil profesional que necesita la sociedad para mejorar la salud bucal de la población colombiana, el programa de Odontología del Areandina, después de una reflexión curricular, ha generado espacios de evaluación flexible en la práctica clínica que le permiten al estudiante acercarse a la situación actual del país. Objetivo: Implementar una metodología de evaluación final para consolidar las competencias clínicas en los estudiantes de 6to a 10mo semestre en el programa de Odontología del Areandina. Esta práctica ha permitido ajustar las necesidades de la evaluación, comprendiendo que las dinámicas sociales, estructurales, y pedagógicas han venido cambiando para el estudiante del siglo XXI, rompiendo así paradigmas tradicionales de evaluación para consolidar por medio de ella competencias de forma integral para ser profesionales con calidad académica y ética.
Switching to elearning in pandemic Colombia and overcoming challenges of meaningful evaluation
Authors: Selkirk Graham
Published: February 2025

In this paper I seek to lay out how I jumped online at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when schools abruptly closed, how I processed the flood of new technologies that availed themselves to teachers, and how I developed a teaching method that was manageable, adopting a new approach for putting students at the center of learning their second language. Faced with the problems of reduced connectedness and immersiveness, the model of the class needed to be modified. Using new evaluative techniques better suited for elearning, and adjusting the presentation of class content based on principals of cognitive load and universal design theory, I sought to give my students an experience akin to being in an in-person ESL classroom - one that required their input and collaboration.
The Completed Density Functional Theory (cDFT) for Accurate Description and Prediction of Properties of Materials
Authors:   Department of Mathematics and Physics, Southern University and A&M College, USA, Bagayoko Diola , Issa Diakite Yacouba ,   Department of Studies and Research (DSR) in Physics, Center of Calculation, Modeling and Simulation (CCMS), College of Sciences and Techniques (CST), University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako BP 3206, Mali, Dioum Alle ,   Department of Physics, Materials – Composite Systems and Applications (MASCA), Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD), Senegal, Malozovsky Yuriy ,   Department of Mathematics and Physics, Southern University and A&M College, USA
Published: February 2025

The foundational theorems of DFT require, for its correct application, the use of the ground state charge density of a material
for calculating its electronic and related properties. The à priori unknown nature of this ground state charge density points to the
incomplete nature of the seminal DFT. Mainstream calculations have mostly assumed that results obtained with self-consistent
iterations using a single basis set represent the ground state of a material; such results are stationary states among an infinite
number of such states – with no relation to the ground state of the material under study. The Completion of DFT [AIP Advance,
4, 127104 (2014)] entailed (a) the introduction of the second corollary to the first DFT theorem and (b) the methodical search
for and attainment of the ground state of a material with successive, self-consistent calculations with progressively augmented
basis sets. With (a) and (b), the completed density functional theory (cDFT) has unfailingly and accurately predicted properties
of several materials and described electronic and related properties of dozens of semiconductors, including their band gaps.
The cDFT does not invoke a self-interaction correction or a derivative discontinuity of the exchange-correlation energy. It does
not utilize ad hoc potentials. Results of cDFT calculations possess the full physical content of the theory and are in accord
with corresponding, experimental ones; they clearly indicate that objectives of the Materials Genome Initiative (MGI) can be
reached with a widespread utilization of cDFT [MRS Advances 8, 619-625 (2023)].
Edukasi Teknik Ekualisasi Penyelaman Turtle Conservation Community di Pantai Nipah Kabupaten Lombok Utara
Authors: Sabariah Sabariah , Iing Iing , Qamaru Lalu Anzuru Wahiyal , Akbarsyah Muhammad Diandra , Khairiyah Dinur , Bendesa I Wayan Surya Adi Pradhana , Arsana Bagus Surya , Muhid Abdul , Nabila Rahma Igta , Widyadari Ni Nengah Dirwi Bella , Qarimah Yendry Ahlatul
Published: February 2025

This community service aims to increase knowledge of Equalization techniques for Turtle Conservation Community divers in Nipah beach, North Lombok regency. The implementation method used interactive education with 15 participants. This community service activity was carried out in several stages, namely; 1). Pre-test, 2). Education using videos and posters, 3) Discussion, and 4). Post-test. Furthermore, the data obtained was analyzed using Microsoft Excel software. The results of this community service showed that the knowledge of the Nipah Turtle Conservation Community regarding diving equalization techniques increased, as evidenced by the average pre-test and post-test results obtained increasing by 25%.
Participatory Planning in Village Spatial Development : Creating Comprehensive Spatial Planning Documents to Enhance Investment and Development Potentials
Authors: Nur Ahmad Amri , Sandri Dian , Ahmada Naufal Haidar , Purbandini Revi Aulia , Purwati Purwati
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this community service is to assist Sumampir Village in compiling the Village Spatial Planning (RTRD) document as a guideline for development, attracting investment, and optimizing village potential. The method used is participatory planning through focus group discussions (FGD) and field surveys, by actively involving the community in identifying priority areas and formulating spatial strategies. The service partners include village officials and community representatives, who provide data, input, and aspirations that are important for the planning process. The evaluation instruments for this activity include assessing the specificity of priority areas set out in the RTRD document, the level of community understanding and participation during the process, and the alignment of priority area plans with village potential. The data analysis technique used is a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, with depiction as the main tool for processing and visualizing data collected during FGDs and field surveys. Spatial data analysis using GIS is used to map regional potential based on criteria such as accessibility, legality and land availability, and economic potential, supported by field validation and stakeholder input. The resulting maps, created using tools such as ArcGIS, visually illustrate the findings and provide a strong foundation for data-based decision-making in village spatial planning. The results of this service show that Sumampir Village now has a well-structured RTRD document that identifies priority areas with significant potential for development and investment. This document is aligned with local policies, visions, and collective aspirations, which serve as a strategic reference for sustainable village growth and empower local actors in spatial management.
Optimalisasi Aplikasi Artificial Intelligence (AI) dalam Pembuatan Media Pembelajaran Inovatif bagi Guru TK ABA Wasur II Kabupaten Merauke
Authors: Istiqomah Nurul , Giovani Evelin
Published: February 2025

This community service activity aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of kindergarten teachers in utilizing AI technology to design innovative teaching media. The method of implementing this community service used training and mentoring with participants, namely ABA Wasur II Kindergarten teachers in Merauke Regency. The stages of the activity included preparation, implementation, application, and monitoring and evaluation. The evaluation was conducted by administering a pre-test and post-test. The results of this community service show that there was an increase in teachers' understanding of AI tools that could be utilized to enhance students’ language skills. Additionally, the teachers were able to effectively apply the AI tools introduced to create teaching media based on the sequence picture method.
Promoting Religious based Tourism through Traditional Culinary Product Up-Scaling
Authors: Saadah Mar Atun , Suri Anggun , Rosa Refa , Marpaung Asnija Minarni
Published: February 2025

This community service aims to provide training and assistance in making business legality in the form of Halal Certificates (HC), Business Identification Numbers (BIN), and Household Industry Food License Numbers (HIFL) as an effort to support halal tourism in the Seberang Kota area. This service applied a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach that emphasizes active participation from service participants to ensure the transfer of knowledge and skills. The participants of this activity consisted of 24 business actors who processed various superior products based on local potentials such as processed fish, shrimp, and tubers. We employed objective-oriented, management-oriented, and participant-oriented monitoring approaches. Furthermore, we applied the participatory evaluation method by involving the community, facilitators, and project team. The results of this community service showed that there was an increase in participants' knowledge about the urgency of business legality, halal sharia provisions, and knowledge of the halal certification process. There is also a change in behavior from being unable to process legality to being able to access various online creation pages. At the end of the activity, the team submitted 24 BIN, HIFL, and CH documents.
ESG and Corporate Valuation of Non-financial Listed Firms: Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Yiru , Jiang Jiatong , Liu Weijie , Chen Jiaqi
Published: February 2025

ESG has become increasingly important for modern businesses seeking to drive growth while achieving sustainable development. Studies have found a significant positive relationship between a company's ESG performance and its market valuation, as measured by Tobin's Q. This paper evaluates the effect of ESG on the corporate valuation of Chinese non-financial listed firms during 2019 and 2024 by using multiple regression analysis and robust tests. The results indicate that corporate valuation is positively correlated with social factors, governance factors, and overall ESG score, while it is negatively correlated with environmental factors. This suggests firms should focus on enhancing their internal governance systems, including strengthening the board, ensuring transparency, and managing stakeholder relationships. Digitization can also improve ESG scores by reducing costs and improving communications. While environmental factors may initially reduce valuation, green marketing and promoting eco-friendly products can help offset this by attracting environmentally conscious consumers and investors.
Impact of COVID-19 on SMEs: A Case Study of the Pay TV Installation Sector in Johannesburg
Authors: Lwabi Anathi , Shabane Zamokuhle Welcome
Published: February 2025

This paper intends to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises, generally referred to as SMEs. The case study is on the Pay TV installation sector in Johannesburg, a city in South Africa. The article further ascertains if Pay TV installers were able to cope with the pandemic due to limited operational and financial resources as a result of the pandemic. The use of qualitative research is deemed suitable for this study to determine the opinions, thoughts, and feelings of SMEs in the Pay TV installation sector in Johannesburg whose operations were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The population of Pay TV installers is estimated to be 117. Since this number is quite large and would serve impractical to base the research on the entire population, an approach of sampling Pay TV installation SMEs in the Johannesburg area was adopted. The authors sampled 11 Pay TV installers as participants, which they considered enough to achieve data saturation and article objectives. Amongst others, the article findings indicate that the constrained movement of people limited word-of-mouth advertising. Some participants got infected with COVID-19 and other participants had employees that were infected. Furthermore, poor administration of government financial assistance applications caused additional strain on Pay TV installation businesses. The overall impact of this was limited business continuity.
Folate metabolism in cancer: new opportunities and strategies to exploit metabolic vulnerabilities
Authors:   , van der Krift Felix
Published: February 2025

Our research provides novel insights into how tumor cells alter folate metabolism to support growth and survival, revealing vulnerabilities that can be exploited for therapy. A key finding is the characterization of a novel compound that targets cancer cells resistant to classical antifolates. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the enzyme DHFR2, a poorly characterized paralog of the folate pathway regulator DHFR, plays a key role in regulating mitochondrial homeostasis. Using organoid models, CRISPR strategies, and metabolomics, we showed that DHFR2 has a distinct function from DHFR and that its increased expression supports cancer stem cell traits associated with more aggressive disease. Finally, we demonstrated that, using a novel technology for inducing membrane protein degradation, we can target ‘difficult-to-drug’ amino acid transporters that drive colorectal cancer progression. This thesis thereby advances our understanding of folate metabolism in cancer and identifies novel metabolic vulnerabilities that can be exploited to inhibit tumor growth, overcome resistance, and spare healthy tissues.
Pemanfaatan Tanaman Mangrove Untuk Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan Masyarakat Pesisir di Desa Tapulaga
Authors: Dewi Nurhayati Yusuf  , Fekri Latifa , Asnani
Published: February 2025

Tapulaga Village has a natural beauty that is still preserved, one of which is a mangrove forest filled with mangrove plants. Mangrove fruit has content that can be utilized and processed into food or cosmetic products that have economic value. Assistance is provided to the community of Tapulaga Village, Southeast Sulawesi, which aims to increase knowledge and improve the welfare of the coastal community of Tapulaga Village through the processing and marketing of products from mangrove fruit. Socialization is provided through video screenings and joint discussions. Socialization was carried out at the coastal community reading house in Tapulaga Village and was attended by 15 people consisting of fishermen, fisherwomen, and teenagers. In addition to socializing the benefits and processing of food and cosmetics from mangrove raw materials, the speakers also provided education on marketing systems and packaging methods so that processed mangrove products have high selling value. Community understanding regarding the use of fruit as a medicinal ingredient has been known and applied, but the use and processing of mangrove fruit as a food and cosmetic ingredient (scrub) is new knowledge.
Keywords: mangrove fruit, food ingredients, cosmetic ingredients
Chapter 26: Systems thinking and complexity in transitions research: Understanding system dynamics, feedback loops, and non-linear change
Authors: Alkemade Floor , Papachristos Georgios
Published: February 2025

Sustainability transitions research focuses on understanding and fostering fundamental change processes in our human systems and making our societies more sustainable. It is urgent that these systems transitions increase in scope, scale and speed as highlighted by the IPCC’s 2018 Special Report on limiting warming to 1.5C, (de Coninck et al., 2018). Interventions in our human systems intended to bring about the necessary transitions have to come from a systems-based view that accounts for interactions within and across systems (Andersen and Geels, 2023; Köhler et al., 2019; Papachristos et al., 2013). While the sustainability transitions field has developed its own theoretical frameworks and related approaches, such as the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP, see Chapter 2) and Technological Innovation Systems (TIS, see Chapter 4), it has also benefited significantly from insights drawn from complexity science and systems thinking. These approaches are particularly valuable because they provide frameworks and tools for the analysis of interactions, feedback loops, and emergent behaviours that characterize transition processes.
Non-relativistic Coulomb white hole
Authors: Svanbayev Yeldos
Published: February 2025

The hypothesis of a white hole actively ejecting matter and energy through a wormhole was first substantiated by I. Novikov in 1964 based on the theory of relativity. It is possible extend some of the characteristics of a white hole to objects of classical astrophysics – stars. A star can be classified as a gray hole if it ejects matter at a speed exceeding the gravitational limit. For this, the star must have energy and a driving force that allows it to overcome gravity. There is a lot of thermal energy on hot stars. And the combination of gravity and a significant difference in the thermal velocity of electrons and ions leads to polarization in the star's atmosphere and forms a Coulomb accelerator on hot stars, which converts thermal energy into electromotive force. The presence of an accelerator on the surface of a star allows us to consider a new class of objects - a "Coulomb gray hole" for non-relativistic hot stars. The observable sign of a Coulomb gray hole will be the presence of an ion flow from the star, significantly exceeding the gravitational limit.
Active short-circuit capacity identification method for LCC-HVDC system considering the integration of renewable energy
Authors: Peng Maolan , He Xiaopeng , Xiao Jiachen , Feng Lei , Liao Fangqun , Jiang Wen
Published: February 2025

For LCC-HVDC system with renewable energy integration, the randomness and variability of renewable energy will cause wide variations in the short-circuit capacity provided by the AC system. To effectively assess the supporting capability of the AC system, this paper proposes an active short-circuit capacity identification method for LCC-HVDC system considering the integration of renewable energy. First, an equivalent AC system was established based on Thevenin theorem, and the equivalent electromotive force was calculated. Then, the sensitivity of the voltage at the point of common coupling (PCC) to the active and reactive power flowing through the PCC was computed. Through sensitivity analysis, the key factors affecting the identification of the equivalent resistance and reactance were studied. Based on this, an active short-circuit capacity identification method combining the switching of filters and changes in DC power was proposed. Finally, a simulation model of LCC-HVDC system with grid-following wind power integration was built in PSCAD/EMTDC for verification. The results show that the proposed method is applicable to AC systems with different impedance characteristics. Moreover, with the increase of the grid-following renewable energy, the short-circuit capacity provided by the AC system shows a decreasing trend. The proposed method can actively identify the short-circuit capacity of AC system with renewable energy, thus provides a theoretical basis for the development of control strategies for LCC converter station under different AC system strength.
EndoGene database: reported genetic variants for 5,926 Russian patients diagnosed with endocrine disorders
Authors: Buzdin Anton A. , Zolotovskaia Marianna A. , Roumiantsev Sergey A. , Emelyanova Aleksandra G. , Golounina Olga O. , Pugacheva Polina A. , Luppov Daniil V. , Kuzminyh Anastasia V. , Alexeeva Arseniya O. , Emelianova Anna A. , Novoselov Alexey L. , Matrosova Alina , Slepukhina Anastasia A. , Popov Sergey V. , Plaksina Evgeniya V. , Petrov Vasiliy M. , Guselnikova Anastasia R. , Shagina Anastasia D. , Suntsova Maria V. , Zakharova Victoriya V. , Belaya Zhanna E. , Vorontsova Maria V. , Melnichenko Galina A. , Mokrysheva Natalia G. , Chekhonin Vladimir P. , Dedov Ivan I.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Endocrine system disorders are a serious public health burden and can be caused by deleterious genetic variants in single genes or by the combined effects of multiple variants along with environmental and lifestyle factors.

Methods

The EndoGene database presents the results of next-generation sequencing assays used to genetically profile 5,926 patients who were diagnosed with 450 endocrine and concomitant diseases and were examined and treated at the National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology between November 2017 and January 2024. Among them, 494, 1,785, 692, and 1,941 patients were profiled using four internally developed genetic panels including 220, 250, 376, and 382 genes, respectively, selected based on a literature analysis and clinical recommendations, and 1,245 patients were profiled by whole exome sequencing covering 31,969 genes.

Results

2,711 genetic variants were reported as clinically relevant by medical geneticists and are presented here along with genomic, technical, and clinical annotations.

Discussion

This publicly accessible database will be useful to those interested in genetics, epidemiology, population statistics, and a better understanding of the molecular basis of endocrine disorders.
Metformin-mediated intestinal AMPK activation ameliorates PCOS through gut microbiota modulation and metabolic pathways
Authors: Xu Yating , Ning Li , Si Yu , Li Xiu , Wang Ruyue , Ren Qingling
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder characterized by metabolic and ovulatory dysfunctions, often associated with an imbalance in gut microbiota. Despite current treatments, effective management strategies targeting underlying mechanisms remain limited.

Methods

In this study, we used a rat model of PCOS induced by letrozole and a high-fat diet. The effect of intestinal AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation was evaluated through metformin administration, the most commonly used AMPK activator. We analyzed metabolic parameters, ovulatory functions, gut microbiota composition, and serum levels of Indole-3-carboxaldehyde (I3A), a metabolite involved in inflammation and apoptosis regulation.

Results

Metformin treatment significantly reversed metabolic disorders and restored ovulatory functions in PCOS rats. Moreover, metformin treatment led to notable improvements in gut microbiota composition and an increase in serum I3A levels, which have been shown to mitigate inflammation and apoptosis.

Discussion

This study highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting intestinal AMPK in managing PCOS. By improving both metabolic and reproductive health, activation of AMPK may offer a promising approach for restoring physiological balance in PCOS patients.
Case report: Plasma exchange as a therapy for Miller-Fisher syndrome
Authors: Guan Dongmei , Shan Yuanzhuang , Zhang Hailin
Published: February 2025

This is a report of an anti-GQ1b antibody-negative case of Miller-Fisher syndrome, presenting with diplopia and gait disturbance 3 days after catching a cold, accompanied by dizziness and headache, pain in the eyeballs and orbits, superficial sensory loss, ptosis, eye movements fixed in the middle of eyes, and limb weakness. Physical examination suggested that the patient had eye movements fixed in the middle of eyes, limb muscle strength was reduced, and the bilateral finger-to-nose and heel-knee-shin tests were clumsy and dysmetric. Assistant examinations showed albumin-cytologic dissociation in cerebrospinal fluid, incomplete bilateral facial nerve lesions, and negative anti-GQ1b antibody. After being treated with plasma exchange, the patient experienced slight improvement in eye adduction when she was discharged from the hospital and her diplopia and limb weakness were significantly improved. She could walk on her own without dizziness or headache and the pain in her eyeballs and orbits was completely relieved.
Role of skin-homing t-cells in recurrent episodes of atopic dermatitis: a review
Authors: Guo Huimin , Yuan Huimin , Yu Yanru , Sun Jingwei , Sun Yan , Tang Yang , Zheng Fengjie
Published: February 2025

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing disease with complex pathogenesis. Among them, inflammation is one of the primary pathogenesis of AD. AD is characterized by infiltration of lymphocytes into the skin’s dermis, and the skin homing of lymphocytes plays an essential role in the recurrence of AD. Currently, there is more and more evidence to support this view. This article reviews the relevant role of T lymphocyte skin-homing-related molecules in the recurrence of AD to provide a reference for the cure of AD.
Dynamics of spike-specific neutralizing antibodies across five-year emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern reveal conserved epitopes that protect against severe COVID-19
Authors: Zayou Latifa , Prakash Swayam , Vahed Hawa , Dhanushkodi Nisha Rajeswari , Quadiri Afshana , Belmouden Ahmed , Lemkhente Zohra , Chentoufi Aziz , Gil Daniel , Ulmer Jeffrey B. , BenMohamed Lbachir
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Since early 2020, several SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) continue to emerge, evading waning antibody mediated immunity produced by the current Spike-alone based COVID-19 vaccines. This caused a prolonged and persistent COVID-19 pandemic that is going to enter its fifth year. Thus, the need remains for innovative next generation vaccines that would incorporate protective Spike-derived B-cell epitopes that resist immune evasion.

Methods

Towards that goal, in this study we (i) Screened the sequences of Spike among many VOCs and identified conserved and non-conserved linear B-cell epitopes; (ii) Compared titers and neutralization antibodies specific to these conserved and non-conserved B-cell epitopes from serum of symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients that were exposed to multiple VOCs across the 5-year COVID-19 pandemic, and (iii) Compared protective efficacy of conserved versus non-conserved B-cell epitopes against the most pathogenic Delta variant in a “humanized” ACE-2/HLA transgenic mouse model.

Results

We found robust conserved B-cell epitope-specific antibody titers and neutralization in sera from asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. In contrast, sera from symptomatic patients contained weaker antibody responses specific to conserved B-cell epitopes. A multi-epitope COVID-19 vaccine that incorporated the conserved B-cell epitopes, but not the non-conserved B-cell epitopes, significantly protected the ACE2/HLA transgenic mice against infection and COVID-19 like symptoms caused by the Delta variant.

Discussion

These findings underscore the importance of conserved B-cell epitopes in generating robust protective immunity against severe COVID-19 symptoms caused by various VOCs, providing valuable insights for the development of broad-spectrum next generation Coronavirus vaccines capable of conferring cross-variant protective immunity.
The role of efferocytosis in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Liu Yi-Qian , Li Zhan-Zhan , Han Yong-Li , Wang Qing-Bo
Published: February 2025

Efferocytosis is the process by which various phagocytes clear apoptotic cells. In recent years, an increasing body of evidence has emphasized the importance of efferocytosis in maintaining internal homeostasis. Intestinal macrophages play a crucial role in modulating intestinal inflammation and promoting tissue repair. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, progressive, and relapsing condition, primarily marked by the presence of ulcers in the digestive tract. The exact mechanisms underlying IBD are not yet fully understood, and current treatment approaches mainly aim at repairing the damaged intestinal mucosa and reducing inflammatory responses to ease symptoms.This article provides new perspectives on IBD treatment and clinical management by examining the expression of macrophage efferocytosis-related molecules, the effects of efferocytosis on IBD development, the various roles of macrophage efferocytosis in IBD, and treatment strategies for IBD that focus on efferocytosis.
Transcriptomics and microbiome insights reveal the protective mechanism of mulberry-derived postbiotics against inflammation in LPS-induced mice
Authors: Abbas Zaheer , Tong Yucui , Zhang Jing , Sammad Abdul , Wang Junyong , Ahmad Baseer , Wei Xubiao , Si Dayong , Zhang Rijun
Published: February 2025

Background

Natural food-derived bioactive compounds have garnered increasing attention for their potential to modulate immune responses and promote gut health. In particular, compounds like mulberry-derived postbiotics (MDP) may offer novel therapeutic strategies to address inflammation, a key driver of many metabolic disorders.

Methodology

This study examines the protective effects of MDP against inflammation in LPS-induced mice, using transcriptomic and microbiome analyses to explore underlying mechanisms.

Results

MDP pretreatment alleviates LPSinduced villous atrophy and intestinal barrier damage, promoting recovery of intestinal morphology. Transcriptomic profiling revealed significant changes in gene expression, with 983 upregulated and 1220 downregulated genes in the NC vs LPS comparison, and 380 upregulated and 204 downregulated genes in the LPS vs LPS+MDP comparison. Enrichment analysis using GO and KEGG pathways revealed significant associations with transcriptional regulatory activity, and the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway among the differentially expressed genes. Protein-protein interaction analysis identified key genes involved in inflammation and immune regulation, with hub genes like IL6, CXCL10, and MYD88 in the LPS group and CD74, CIITA, and H2-AB1 in the MDP-treated group.

Conclusion

Microbiome analysis suggested MDP may also influence gut microbiota composition, supporting systemic immune regulation. These findings highlight MDP’s potential as a food additive for immune modulation and gut health.
Exploring the role of mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein in cardiac diseases
Authors: Qi Yuying , Yin Jie , Xia Weiwei , Yang Shiwei
Published: February 2025

Mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) was first discovered as an activator of NF-κB and IRF3 in response to viral infection in 2005. As a key innate immune adapter that acts as an ‘on/off’ switch in immune signaling against most RNA viruses. Upon interaction with RIG-I, MAVS aggregates to activate downstream signaling pathway. The MAVS gene, located on chromosome 20p13, encodes a 540-amino acid protein that located in the outer membrane of mitochondria. MAVS protein was ubiquitously expressed with higher levels in heart, skeletal muscle, liver, placenta and peripheral blood leukocytes. Recent studies have reported MAVS to be associated with various conditions including cancers, systemic lupus erythematosus, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. This article provides a comprehensive summary and description of MAVS research in cardiac disease, encompassing structure, expression, protein-protein interactions, modifications, as well as the role of MAVS in heart disease. It is aimed to establish a scientific foundation for the identification of potential therapeutic target.
Sequential activation of conventional and plasmacytoid dendritic cells in autoimmune pancreatitis and systemic lupus erythematosus: similarities and dissimilarities
Authors: Hara Akane , Watanabe Tomohiro , Minaga Kosuke , Kamata Ken , Strober Warren , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: February 2025

Type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are caused by type I IFNs secreted by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). Our understanding of the immune consequences before and after pDC activation in SLE is expanding, whereas knowledge on those in AIP are insufficient. In this article, we summarize the similarities and dissimilarities in pDC activation between AIP and SLE. In SLE, neutrophil extracellular traps containing self-DNA, anti-microbial peptides, and endogenous alarmins form anti-DNA antibody complexes, promoting type I IFN production by pDCs. Type I IFNs produced by pDCs function as initiators rather than effectors in SLE, as evidenced by the fact that these cytokines induce the maturation of conventional DCs (cDCs) leading to the expansion of autoreactive T cells and B cells. Notably, type I IFNs produced by pDCs were observed at the maturation phase but not at the induction phase in experimental AIP. Mechanistically, cDCs producing type I IFNs, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9), and CXCL10 are initiator cells of AIP, and C-X-C chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3)+T helper type 1(Th1) cells migrate to the pancreas in response to CXCL9 and CXCL10. CXCR3+Th1 cells produce C-C chemokine ligand 25 (CCL25) to attract C-C chemokine receptor 9 (CCR9)+pDCs to the pancreas. Pancreatic pDCs producing type I IFNs, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCR3+Th1 cells producing CCL25 form a positive feedback loop in which the sensing of intestinal dysbiosis induces large amounts of type I IFNs by pDCs.
An innovative method for the preservation and exhibition of four plastination specimens from a single minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)
Authors: Jiang Wen-Bin , Song Xue , Shah M. Adeel Alam , Han Jian , Ma Xue-Wei , Sui Hong-Jin
Published: February 2025

Plastination represents the most advanced technique for preserving biological specimens, widely adopted in education, scientific research, and popular science. This study employed the technique of plastination to explore an innovative method for preserving and exhibiting minke whales, addressing challenges to optimize the use of rare marine mammal specimens and the multi-layered understanding of cetacean anatomy. A 6.5-meter-long adult female minke whale cadaver, weighing 3,368 kg, was dissected, plastinated with polymers, and assembled with internal support frames. Subsequently, skin, muscle, bone, and viscera specimens were prepared separately. The four specimens of the minke whale can be displayed together or individually, and their internal and external structures have been mostly well preserved, with superb surface textures and fine details. This marks the first application of plastination technique to create four distinct presentations from a single minke whale cadaver globally, which significantly conserves biological materials by maximizing the use of a single rare animal body. The innovative plastination technique not only broadens our understanding of cetacean biology but also establishes a sustainable model for preserving rare marine specimens, offering insights into the relationship between structures and functions, as well as environmental adaptations. This study will provide valuable tools for education, research, and popular science education.
Sources, calculation methods, and reduction strategies for GHG emissions at ports: current status and future trends
Authors: Shen Jinxing , Gao Wenlong , Lu Jingwei , Li Fengjiang , Feng Xuejun
Published: February 2025

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ports have gained increasing attention due to their significant impact on climate change. Nevertheless, the existing research in this domain remains fragmented, with limited generalizable findings. To address this gap, an integrative framework is proposed in this study to systematically review the literature and identify future research directions. Using the Web of Science database, a bibliometric analysis of 230 documents and an in-depth review of 68 studies are conducted, focusing on emission sources, emission calculations, and abatement technologies. Key findings can be drawn as follows: (1) Research on port-related GHG emissions has expanded rapidly since the Paris Agreement, but international collaboration and institutional coordination remain insufficient, hindering the development of comprehensive solutions. (2) Inconsistent classification of GHG emission sources across studies leads to biases and limits comparability. Reclassifying emissions based on equipment operation locations could improve both accuracy and cross-study alignment. (3) Activity-based approaches are the primary methods for emissions assessment but heavily rely on static emission factor datasets, particularly for container ports. Expanding these datasets for diverse port types, updating localized factors in real-time, and integrating alternative energy sources can enhance adaptability and accuracy. (4) Current mitigation strategies focus on technological innovations, energy substitution, and operational optimization. However, limitations such as high implementation costs, slow commercialization, and insufficient policy support continue to impede progress. To achieve zero-carbon port operations, future research should prioritize the integration of technical innovations with economic and policy frameworks. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for overcoming current barriers and promoting sustainable practices in port management.
A retrospective study of the Dual-channels Bolus Contrast Injection (Dc-BCI) technique during endovascular mechanical thrombectomy in the management of acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion: a technical report
Authors: Jiang Ying , Liu Yi-Lin , Zhou Xiang , Shu Qin-Qin , Dong Lan , Xu Zheng , Wan Jie-Qing
Published: February 2025

Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) is an effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke and identifying the precise thrombus size remains key to a successful EMT. However, no imaging modality has been able to provide this information simultaneously and efficiently in an emergency setting. The present study introduces a novel technique named dual-channel bolus contrast injection (Dc-BCI) for determining thrombus size and location during EMT. In the in vitro study, the Dc-BCI demonstrated an accurate projection of the thrombus size, as the actual thrombus diameter (R2 = 0.92, p < 0.01) and length (R2 = 0.94, p < 0.01) exhibited a high degree of correlation with that of obtained from Dc-BCI. Consequently, between February 2023 and August 2024, 87 patients diagnosed with acute cerebral large vessel occlusions were enrolled in the study and received EMT for the treatment of acute cerebral large vessel occlusions. The Dc-BCI was successfully performed in all patients to measure the diameter and length of the thrombus. These information were used to select an appropriate stent-retriever for EMT. The restoration of blood flow was achieved in 84 patients (96.6%) to an mTICI score of 2b/3. Additionally, a low incidence of postoperative complications was observed (e.g., subarachnoid hemorrhage 8% and cerebral hemorrhage 5.7%). In conclusion, it can be posited that the Dc-BCI has the potential to enhance the outcomes of EMT, as it is capable of revealing the thrombus size information, which optimizes the interaction between the stent retriever and the thrombus, while simultaneously reducing the risk of vascular injury that is associated with the prolonged use of the stent retriever.
Biochemical and agro-morphological traits-based mining for Malt Barley Germplasm
Authors: Khera Shakti , Kumar Prakash , Tripathi Shashi Bhushan , Jacob Sherry Racheal , Kumar Dinesh , Singh Charan , Bhardwaj Rakesh , Ahlawat Sudhir Pal , Rana Jai Chand , Riar Amritbir
Published: February 2025

Barley serves as a crucial feed crop and is also utilized for baking, malting, and brewing purposes. In India, the consistent demand for malting-type barley has not been met due to the lack of suitable varieties. This study evaluated 136 barley germplasm accessions for diversity in biochemical and agro-morphological traits. The accessions were grown in Augmented Block Design and biochemical estimations were carried out using official and standard methods. The accessions exhibited substantial biochemical diversity with protein content (PC) ranging from 8.6 to 17.4%, starch content (SC) from 32.4 to 60.3%, amylose content (AC) from 13.3 to 19.3%, β-glucan content (βgC) from 1.31 to 6.06%, and total phenol content (TPC) from 8.6 to 17.4%. The agro-morphological traits also displayed considerable variation, with days to spike emergence (DSE) ranging from 74 to 124 days, days to physiological maturity (DPM) from 119 to 147 days, plant height (PH) from 82 to 165 cm, spike length (SL) from 5 to 11 cm, spikelet triplet groups (STG) per spike from 13 to 35, grain number per spike (GNS) from 15 to 71, hundred-grain weight (HGW) from 2 to 6.7 grams, and grain yield per meter row (GY) from 13.7 to 236.3 grams. Multivariate analyses, including the Mantel test, Pearson’s correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), were conducted. No significant correlation was observed between biochemical and agro-morphological traits. However, significant positive correlations were found between SC and AC (r = 0.48) and βgC with PC (r = 0.2). Significant negative correlations were observed between SC and PC (r = −0.41) and AC with PC (r = −0.4). Highly significant positive correlations were observed between DSE and DPM (r = 0.55), GY and PH (r = 0.29), PH and DPM (r = 0.2), and HGW and SL (r = 0.25). The GWL was significantly positively correlated with βgC (r = 0.257) and significantly negatively correlated with TPC (r = −0.235). Apart from Grain Width to Length Ratio (GWL), no other agro-morphological trait was significantly correlated with any biochemical trait. Various accessions suitable for malting, human food, and cattle feed applications were identified.
CAMTA1-immunonegative epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas of the liver: a clinicopathological and molecular analysis of seven cases
Authors: Nie Yang , Jing Wenyi , Zheng Xuanxuan , He Xin , Chen Min , Zhang Hongying
Published: February 2025

Background

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare malignant vascular tumor. Most EHEs (>90%) cases harbor WWTR1::CAMTA1 fusion gene, and CAMTA1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a highly sensitive and specific tool for EHE diagnosis. However, there exist CAMTA1-immunonegative cases, the majority of which harbor YAP1::TFE3 fusion, with a few cases having more rare fusions. Liver is one of the most common sites of EHE, where the CAMTA1 subtype dominates, and the other variants are extremely rare. Hence, we focused on the hepatic CAMTA1-immunonegative EHEs to analyze the clinicopathological and molecular features of these peculiar cases.

Methods

The SNOMED search of the hospital pathology files between January 2016 to November 2023 identified 57 hepatic EHEs and 7 cases were CAMTA1-immunonegative. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), next generation sequencing (NGS) and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify the genetic change of the 7 cases.

Results

This series included 3 females and 4 males, aged from 33 to 64 years. All the 7 cases were negative for CAMTA1 IHC. Four cases were positive for TFE3 IHC and exhibited YAP1::TFE3 fusion. Another 3 cases were also negative for TFE3, while WWTR1::CAMTA1 fusion were detected by NGS in 1 case and demonstrated by FISH in all the 3 cases. Morphologically, among the 4 TFE3 rearrangement cases, 3 cases showed the TFE3-sutype morphologic appearance, while the histology of 1 case was similar to that of CAMTA1- subtype. In the 3 CAMTA1-rearranged lesions, 2 cases had classic EHE morphology, and 1 case exhibited atypical histology, with higher atypia and well-formed vessels. Surgical resection was performed on five cases and two cases were biopsied and received chemotherapy. Follow-up information was available in 6 patients (median 46 months), including 4 patients were alive without disease and 2 patients were alive with disease.

Conclusion

Our study reported 7 CAMTA1-immunonegative hepatic EHEs and most of them were TFE3-rearranged EHEs with morphology variation. Moreover, there does exist the CAMTA1-immunonegative but CAMTA1-rearranged EHE cases. Therefore, the diagnosis of EHE should be based on morphology, combined with CAMTA1 and TFE3 IHC, and if necessary, supplemented by genetic analysis including FISH and NGS, to establish correct diagnosis.