bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tribulus terrestris Fruit Extract: Bioactive Compounds, ADMET Analysis, and Molecular Docking with Penicillin-Binding Protein 2a Transpeptidase of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Alzahrani Khalid J.
Published: January 2025

Tribulus terrestris is a rich source of bioactive molecules and thrives in Mediterranean and desert climate regions worldwide. In this study, Tribulus terrestris methanolic HPLC fractions were evaluated for bioactive compounds and PBP2a transpeptidase inhibitors against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE). Among the collected HPLC fractions, F02 of the methanol extract demonstrated potential activity against MRSE01 (15 ± 0.13 mm), MRSE02 (13 ± 0.21 mm), and MRSE03 (16 ± 0.14 mm) isolates. GC-MS analysis of the F02 fraction identified seventeen compounds. Among seventeen compounds, eight have favorable pharmacokinetics and medicinal chemistry; however, on the basis of in silico high water solubility, high GI absorption, blood–brain barrier non-permeability, lack of toxicity, and potential drug-likeness, 1-ethylsulfanylmethyl-2,8,9-trioxa-5-aza-1-sila-bicyclo[3.3.3]undecane and phthalimide, N-(1-hydroxy-2-propyl), were processed for molecular docking. 1-ethylsulfanylmethyl-2,8,9-trioxa-5-aza-1-sila-bicyclo[3.3.3]undecane formed three hydrogen bonds with Ser-452, Thr-584, and Asn-454 residues of the PBP2a transpeptidase. Similarly, phthalimide, N-(1-hydroxy-2-propyl)-formed four hydrogen bonds with Ser-396, Asn-454, Lys-399, and Ser-452 residues of PBP2a transpeptidase. These two compounds are proposed as novel putative PBP2a transpeptidase inhibitors. Further characterization of compounds extracted from Tribulus terrestris may aid in identifying novel PBP2a inhibitory agents for managing MRSE infections.
Adjuvant Treatment with Empagliflozin or Semaglutide Increases Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Subjects with Well-Controlled Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Preložnik Navodnik Maja , Reberšek Katarina , Klinar Katarina , Janež Andrej , Podgornik Helena
Published: January 2025

Circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are promising markers of vascular damage and endothelial regeneration potential. We focused on the detection of CECs and EPCs using flow cytometry with regard to analytical challenges and its suitability for routine testing. As part of a clinical validation, CECs and EPCs were measured in blood samples from 83 subjects with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), evaluating an adjuvant intervention with two different antidiabetic drugs, empagliflozin (N = 28) and semaglutide (N = 29). Both groups receiving adjuvant therapy were compared with the insulin-only group (N = 26) at two time points: before the start of therapy and after 12 weeks of adjuvant therapy. All three groups were comparable regarding demographic characteristics and concomitant risk factors. Absolute and relative endothelial cell count at baseline were low and comparable to those of healthy individuals. In the group receiving empagliflozin or semaglutide, a significant increase in EPC was observed after 12 weeks of treatment. We demonstrated that EPCs have the potential to serve as markers for monitoring the efficacy of adjuvant therapy in T1DM patients. However, before their implementation in clinical practice, the flow cytometry protocol for CEC and EPC identification and quantification must be standardized.
Advances in Carbon Coatings for Current Collectors in Lithium-Ion Battery Applications: Focus on Three-Dimensional Carbon Nanowalls
Authors: Han Cheol-Min
Published: January 2025

Current collectors are key components of lithium-ion batteries, providing conductive pathways and maintaining interfacial stability with the electrode materials. Conventional metal-based current collectors, such as aluminum and copper, exhibit excellent conductivity and mechanical strength. However, they have considerable limitations, including electrochemical corrosion, interfacial resistance caused by the formation of passive layers, and mechanical degradation due to repeated cycling. To overcome these challenges, various carbon-based coatings, including amorphous carbon, graphene, and carbon nanotubes, have been developed. These coatings enhance the current collector performance by improving the collector conductivity, chemical stability, and interfacial adhesion. Vertically aligned graphene-like structures known as carbon nanowalls (CNWs) have garnered attention owing to their unique architecture, resulting in high surface area, exceptional conductivity, and excellent thermal and mechanical properties. In this mini-review, the recent advancements in carbon-based coating technologies and their role in enhancing the performance of current collectors were summarized, focusing on the innovative applications of CNWs in next-generation energy storage systems.
Research on the Influence of Magnetic Field Assistance on the Quality of an Electro-Spark Deposition Layer
Authors: Liu Yu , Zhang Shiqi , Shao Weiqiang , Wang Ziguang , Qu Jiawei , Zhou Weiming , Zhang Shengfang
Published: January 2025

Aimed at solving the problems of single control measures in the electro-spark deposition (ESD) process, difficulty controlling the micro-process using heterogeneous materials (for the electrode and matrix), and the unstable quality and reliability of repairs to the deposition layer, a method of magnetic-field-assistance electro-spark deposition (MFESD) was proposed. An MFESD device was built, and a Ni electrode was used for deposition on the surface of 45 steel under the conditions of deposition voltages of 30 V, 60 V, and 90 V, respectively. This study examined the impact of the magnetic field’s intensity and frequency on the microstructure and mechanical properties of electro-spark deposition layers. The results show that the sputtering and protrusion of the electrode material on the surface of the deposition layer gradually decrease with an increase in the magnetic field’s intensity and frequency, defects such as pores and cracks are obviously improved, and the structure is uninterrupted and compact. The surface roughness of the deposited layer decreases with an increase in the magnetic field’s intensity and frequency, and its surface roughness decreases by 44.3%. The cross-section effect of the deposited layer is improved. The thickness of the deposited layer increases with an increase in the magnetic field’s intensity and frequency; the thickness of the deposited layer increases by 13.39%, and its maximum thickness can reach 54.396 μm. At the same time, the microhardness of the deposited layer increases with an increase in the two aforementioned properties of the magnetic field, and its hardness increases by 5.32%. Using a magnetic field to control ESD can effectively control the microscopic process of deposition and obtain high-quality deposition coatings, which have important significance in the surface remanufacturing of key components of high-end equipment.
An Investigation of Hand Gestures for Controlling Video Games in a Rehabilitation Exergame System
Authors: Husna Radhiatul , Brata Komang Candra , Anggraini Irin Tri , Funabiki Nobuo , Rahmadani Alfiandi Aulia , Fan Chih-Peng
Published: January 2025

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can significantly impact individuals’ quality of life (QoL), often requiring effective rehabilitation strategies to promote recovery. However, traditional rehabilitation methods can be expensive and may lack engagement, leading to poor adherence to therapy exercise routines. An exergame system can be a solution to this problem. In this paper, we investigate appropriate hand gestures for controlling video games in a rehabilitation exergame system. The Mediapipe Python library is adopted for the real-time recognition of gestures. We choose 10 easy gestures among 32 possible simple gestures. Then, we specify and compare the best and the second-best groups used to control the game. Comprehensive experiments are conducted with 16 students at Andalas University, Indonesia, to find appropriate gestures and evaluate user experiences of the system using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ). The results show that the hand gestures in the best group are more accessible than in the second-best group. The results suggest appropriate hand gestures for game controls and confirm the proposal’s validity. In future work, we plan to enhance the exergame system by integrating a diverse set of video games, while expanding its application to a broader and more diverse sample. We will also study other practical applications of the hand gesture control function.
Crystal Structure Evolution of Piezoelectric Fe-Doped ZnO Film by Magnetron Co-Sputtering Technique
Authors: Cheng Ya-Chih , Brahma Sanjaya , Wu Sean , Huang Jow-Lay , Lee Alex C. H.
Published: January 2025

Zinc oxide (ZnO) exhibits piezoelectric properties due to its asymmetric structure, making it suitable for piezoelectric devices. This experiment deposited Fe-doped ZnO films on silicon substrates using a dual-target magnetron co-sputtering system. The films achieved a high c-axis orientation, and the piezoelectric coefficient of the film reached its optimal value of 44.35 pC/N when doped with 0.5 at% of Fe. This value is approximately three times that of undoped ZnO films with a piezoelectric coefficient of 13.04 pC/N. The study utilized a diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy to evaluate the crystal structure evolution of the zinc oxide films and employed X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to assess the valence state of the Fe ions.
Potential of Natural-Based Sun Protection Factor (SPF): A Systematic Review of Curcumin as Sunscreen
Authors: Shabrina Ayunda Myela , Azzahra Raden Siti Salma , Permata Ivana Nathania , Dewi Humaira Praswatika , Safitri Ratnadani Amalia , Maya Ira , Aulia Rizqa Nurul , Sriwidodo Sriwidodo , Mita Soraya Ratnawulan , Amalia Eri , Putriana Norisca Aliza
Published: January 2025

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun significantly damages the skin, leading to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and oxidative stress that disrupts skin homeostasis. UV radiation increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), accelerating skin deterioration. Although sunscreens remain the primary method for UV protection, chemical-based formulations are often associated with side effects, such as allergic reactions and acne. To address these concerns, the inclusion of natural ingredients in sunscreen formulations has gained attention. Curcumin, an active compound found in turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Java turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza), is well-known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review explores the potential of curcumin as a natural ingredient for enhancing the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of sunscreen products. A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing 200 articles sourced from Google Scholar and PubMed using keywords such as “Curcumin”, “Curcuma”, “Antioxidant”, “Anti-Inflammatory”, and “Sun Protection Factor”. Studies unrelated to UV protection were excluded. The findings, presented in tabular form, indicate that curcumin and Curcuma exhibit significant potential to enhance SPF values due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and UV-absorbing properties. Additionally, curcumin may aid in skin repair following UV-induced damage. However, the specific concentration of curcumin in various Curcuma species remains unknown, and further research is necessary to determine its optimal use. Consideration of additional excipients in sunscreen formulations is also required to maximize efficacy. In conclusion, curcumin demonstrates considerable promise as a sustainable and effective natural ingredient for protecting the skin from UV radiation, offering a safer alternative to conventional chemical-based sunscreens.
Determinants of Success in Revision Cochlear Implant Surgeries: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Patient, Surgical, and Radiological Factors
Authors: Alshehri Sarah , Alasmari Thikra Khalid Hamdi
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: This study aims to evaluate factors influencing revision cochlear implant surgeries, including patient demographics, surgical techniques, and radiological findings. The main aim was to identify factors influencing surgical success to inform clinical treatment and enhance patient outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study included adult patients over the age of 18 who underwent revision cochlear implant surgery due to implant-related complications. Data were collected from systematic chart reviews of electronic medical records, including demographics, surgical techniques, radiological output from standard high-resolution CT and MRI, and intraoperative data. The primary outcome was surgical success, defined by improved auditory function, stable device positioning, and absence of postoperative complications. Statistical analyses, including multivariate logistic regression, were conducted to identify independent predictors of surgical success. Results: A total of 188 patients were included, with a mean age of 45.67 years. Younger age, shorter duration of implant use, modified surgical techniques, and absence of co-morbidities are key factors contributing to surgical success. Modified surgical techniques were associated with better outcomes (39.29% vs. 68.75%, OR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.25–6.14, p = 0.012). Radiological patterns significantly affected outcomes, with normal findings associated with higher success rates. In contrast, abnormalities such as electrode migration (OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.12–4.09, p = 0.021) and ossification (r = −0.51, β = −0.44, adjusted R2 = 0.25, p < 0.01) were correlated with poorer results. Smoking status, when comparing smokers to non-smokers, was associated with unfavorable outcomes (20.00% vs. 45.83%, OR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.01–4.01, p = 0.048), and a history of previous surgeries (21.43% vs. 37.50%, OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.03–3.71, p = 0.033) was significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes. Conclusions: Statistically, significantly better outcomes are positively correlated with the duration of the first cochlear implant experience and negatively with prior otologic pathology and nonauditory environmental influences on surgical success. Younger age, modified surgical techniques, and normal radiological findings were related to better outcomes; complications such as electrode migration and ectopic ossification were strong predictive factors for surgical failure. These findings underscore the need for tailored surgical approaches and early intervention to enhance outcomes in revision cochlear implant surgeries.
The Development and Initial Validation of the REST Questionnaire: A Multidimensional Tool for Assessing Fatigue in Individuals with and Without a History of Cancer
Authors: Di Lorenzo Giuseppe , Buonerba Carlo , Baio Raffaele , Monteleone Eleonora , Passaro Francesco , Tufano Antonio , Montanaro Vittorino , Riccio Vittorio , Gallo Ilaria , Cappuccio Francesca , Fortino Federica , Buonocore Anna , Monaco Federica , Verde Antonio , Amato Anna Rita , Strianese Oriana , Costabile Ferdinando , Scafuri Luca
Published: January 2025

Background: Fatigue is a prevalent and complex condition with significant impacts on well-being. Existing fatigue assessments often lack comprehensiveness or practicality for general population studies. Methods: This study validated the REST Questionnaire, a novel fatigue assessment tool, in a sample of 268 adults. Psychometric properties, including internal consistency and construct validity, were evaluated. REST scores were correlated with WHO-5 well-being, BMI, self-rated health, and chronic conditions. Exploratory factor analysis identified underlying dimensions of fatigue. Results: The REST Questionnaire demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.918) and construct validity. Higher fatigue scores were associated with lower well-being, female gender, and the presence of certain chronic conditions (cancer, kidney stones, gastric ulcers). Two distinct fatigue dimensions, “physical fatigue and functional impacts” and “emotional and social consequences”, were identified. Conclusions: The REST Questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for assessing fatigue in the general population. Its multidimensional framework and sensitivity to comorbidities offer valuable insights for research and public health applications, with the potential to inform targeted interventions aimed at improving well-being.
Interpretable State Estimation in Power Systems Based on the Kolmogorov–Arnold Networks
Authors: Wang Shuaibo , Luo Wenhao , Yin Sixing , Zhang Jie , Liang Zhuohang , Zhu Yihua , Li Shufang
Published: January 2025

Power system state estimation is a critical task for ensuring stable grid operation and serves as the foundation of grid control and analysis. Conventional approaches largely involve field measurements, network topology, and manual anomaly detection, which present significant limitations, particularly while dealing with dynamic and complex power systems. In recent years, deep learning techniques have been progressively applied in this field to overcome the shortcomings of conventional approaches, which are based on mathematical models and static analysis. However, existing deep learning techniques primarily focus on power system security analysis and computational resource management. In spite of the powerful capabilities in supervised learning tasks, the lack of interpretability still makes deep learning models less convincing, and thus might hinder their practical applications. In response to this issue, we apply a computational model for power system state estimation based on the Kolmogorov–Arnold network (KAN) model with learnable activation functions, visualization capabilities, and pruning features. From the perspective of feature interpretability, we find the influence of bus features on the model output, such as bus voltage magnitude. Moreover, through analysis of the internal structure of the model, we uncover a possibility of potential mechanisms of power system state estimation. Experimental results show that our study not only enhances the interpretability of power system state estimation but also effectively ensures grid security and stability through state estimation.
W-Shaped Net: An Inter-Slice Super-Resolution Segmentation Deep Network for CT Scans of Hepatic Ducts
Authors: Cai Nian , He Zhaoquan , Lai Lexuan , Zheng Yu , Xu Shaoqiu , Zhou Yinghong
Published: January 2025

The three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the hepatic duct tree is significant for the minimally invasive surgery of hepatobiliary stone disease, which can be influenced by the quantity of the CT scans of hepatic ducts. If insufficient CT scans with low inter-slice resolution are directly utilized for 3D reconstruction, discontinuities and gaps will emerge in the reconstructed hepatic duct tree. In this paper, a novel end-to-end deep learning framework is designed for the inter-slice super-resolution segmentation of the CT slices of hepatic ducts, which can improve the 3D reconstruction performance in the inter-slice dimension. Specifically, the framework cascades into an inter-slice super-resolution subnetwork and a segmentation subnetwork. A deep learning network is introduced as the inter-slice super-resolution subnetwork to generate an intermediate slice between two adjacent CT slices in the simulated CT scans with low inter-slice resolution. To capture the spatiotemporal correlation existing in the CT scans of hepatic ducts, the ConvLSTM is introduced into the U-Net-like segmentation subnetwork in the high-dimensional feature space. To further suppress the problems of discontinuities and gaps, a structure-aware loss function is proposed by incorporating the structural similarity index measure (SSIM) as a regulator to dynamically assign the contribution of the generated CT slice to the total loss of the designed framework. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed framework performs better segmentations for hepatic ducts than several existing deep learning networks with the performance of 0.7690 DICE and a 0.7712 F1-score, which is beneficial for the 3D reconstruction of the hepatic duct tree.
AT4CTIRE: Adversarial Training for Cyber Threat Intelligence Relation Extraction
Authors: Han Yue , Jiang Rong , Li Changjian , Huang Yanyi , Chen Kai , Yu Han , Li Aiping , Han Weihong , Pang Shengnan , Zhao Xuechen
Published: January 2025

Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) plays a crucial role in cybersecurity. However, traditional information extraction has low accuracy due to the specialization of CTI and the concealment of relations. To improve the performance of CTI relation extraction in the knowledge graph, we propose a relation extraction architecture called Adversarial Training for Cyber Threat Intelligence Relation Extraction (AT4CTIRE). Additionally, we developed a large-scale cybersecurity dataset for CTI analysis and evaluation called Cyber Threat Intelligence Analysis (CTIA). Inspired by Generative Adversarial Networks, we integrate contextual semantics to refine our study. Firstly, we use some wrong triples with incorrect relations to train the generator and produce high-quality generated triples as adversarial samples. Secondly, the discriminator used actual and generated samples as training data. Integrating the discriminator and the context-embedding module facilitates a deeper understanding of contextual CTI within threat triples. Finally, training a discriminator identified the relation between the threat entities. Experimentally, we set two CTI datasets and only one baseline that we could find to test the effect in the cybersecurity domain. We also took general knowledge graph completion tests. The results demonstrate that AT4CTIRE outperforms existing methods with improved extraction accuracy and a remarkable expedited training convergence rate.
Flying a Micro-Drone by Dynamic Charging for Vertical Direction Using Optical Wireless Power Transmission
Authors: Watamura Tomoya , Nagasaka Takuo , Kikuchi Yuto , Miyamoto Tomoyuki
Published: January 2025

Micro-drones weighing less than about 200 g have a limited flight time of 5–15 min. Dynamic charging by optical wireless power transmission is a promising solution to this problem. This paper investigated the configuration and conditions required for dynamic charging of micro-drones by optical wireless power transmission and clarified the effect of weight change on the power required for flight and the size of solar cells that can be installed. Furthermore, a micro-drone equipped with a solar cell without a battery was used to demonstrate a vertical flight height of 75 cm at 35 W light output. The results are useful for continuous flight of micro-drones by optical wireless power transmission.
NT-proBNP for Heart Failure Screening in Primary Care in an Eastern European Country: What We Know and Proposed Steps
Authors: Teleanu Ioana Camelia , Mîrșu-Păun Anca , Bejan Cristian Gabriel , Stănescu Ana-Maria Alexandra
Published: January 2025

Epidemiological studies indicate that heart failure (HF) prevalence and associated mortality are significantly higher among Eastern European countries as compared to their Western European counterparts. The significant financial burden on the healthcare system matches these sobering data. Thus, efficient programs for patients with HF have been called for. N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) represents a widely used, cost-effective, and readily available test that can be used to evaluate HF risk. However, it should not be used as a universal assessment, given the existing variability in proposed cut-off scores for various subgroups of patients. Thus, the clinical context needs to always be considered, and alternative diagnoses need to be ruled out. Based upon evidence from the literature for the above assumptions, the advantages and limitations of using NT-proBNP in primary care settings, along with other HF diagnostic modalities, are discussed in this paper. Also, this paper argues that an effective primary care network, in collaboration with specialist providers, may avoid a delay in HF diagnoses, may help provide on-time treatments, and may ultimately cut unnecessary healthcare expenditures associated with HF hospitalizations. Therefore, the present paper proposes an algorithm for diagnosing HF in primary care settings and discusses specific knowledge and skills that family physicians should be well equipped with in order to successfully respond to the needs of their patients with HF.
The Digital Economy Promotes the Coordinated Development of the Non-Timber Forest-Based Economy and the Ecological Environment: Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Mo Li , Chen Song , Zhou Lei , Wan Shenwei , Zhou Yanbang , Liang Yixiao
Published: January 2025

The digital economy offers new solutions for reconciling the growth of the non-timber forest-based economy (NTFBE) with ecological and environmental protection. Utilizing panel data from China’s provinces between 2011 and 2020, this study constructed a comprehensive indicator system for the purpose of examining the coordinated development of the NTFBE and the ecological environment. The employment of a panel of econometric methods, including Tobit models, mediated effects models, spatial Durbin models and threshold regression models, has enabled us to ascertain that the digital economy can effectively drive this coordinated development. The digital economy has a positive spillover effect in neighboring regions, although there is no discernible impact in central and northeastern China. Improvements in human capital and digital infrastructure reinforce this effect. Furthermore, the empowerment of green technology and industrial transformation, as well as the adoption of differentiated development strategies across distinct forest economic models, would be of paramount importance. These findings indicate a necessity for the standardization of the NTFBE. In conclusion, these implications offer novel solutions from China’s forested regions that reconcile socioeconomic growth and environmental protection, thereby fostering the sustainable development of forests.
Improving the Biostability of Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Olive Fruit Extract During Prolonged Deep Frying
Authors: Mehany Taha , González-Sáiz José M. , Pizarro Consuelo
Published: January 2025

This study explores approaches to enhancing the biostability of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) supplemented with olive fruit extract (OFE) enriched with hydroxytyrosol (HTyr). The investigation focuses on prolonged deep frying (DF) conditions at 170 °C and 210 °C, over durations ranging from 3 to 48 h, with the aim of improving sensorial attributes, polyphenolic content, and thermal oxidative stability. Parameters, such as acidity, peroxide value (PV), K232, K270, ΔK, phenolic compounds, and sensory attributes, were monitored. The PV did not exceed the standard limit in HTyr-EVOO at 210 °C/24 h; however, in non-supplemented EVOOs, it remained within the limits only up to 210 °C/18 h. Acidity stayed within the acceptable limit (≤0.8) at 170 °C/24 h in both enriched and non-enriched EVOOs. K232 values were ≤2.5 in HTyr-EVOO fried at 170 °C/18 h. K270 and ΔK did not exceed the limits in HTyr-EVOO at 170 °C/3 h, whereas they surpassed them in non-supplemented oils. Additionally, HTyr and tyrosol levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in HTyr-EVOOs. Phenolic compounds, including verbascoside, pinoresinol, 1-acetoxypinoresinol, and phenolic acids, such as chlorogenic, vanillic, homovanillic, 4-dihydroxybenzoic, and caffeic acids, were detected in HTyr-EVOOs. Oxidized secoiridoid derivatives increased significantly as DF progressed. Moreover, sensory analysis revealed that positive attributes in EVOOs—such as fruity, bitter, and pungent notes—decreased significantly with increasing temperature and frying duration (p < 0.05). Beyond 210 °C/6 h, these attributes were rated at zero. However, HTyr-EVOOs exhibited lower rancidity compared to non-enriched oils under identical conditions, attributed to the protective effect of HTyr. In conclusion, HTyr-EVOOs demonstrated thermal stability up to 210 °C/6 h, retaining desirable sensory qualities, higher phenolic content, and reduced degradation. These findings indicate that natural OFEs have strong potential as food additive in deep fried EVOOs, enhancing sensory properties, health benefits, and overall oil stability. This innovation provides a practical solution for the food industry by improving the biostability and versatility of EVOO. Further research is recommended to investigate various EVOO categories and oils from diverse origins.
Missing Regulation Between Genetic Association and Transcriptional Abundance for Hypercholesterolemia Genes
Authors: Hakim Aaron , Connally Noah J. , Schnitzler Gavin R. , Cho Michael H. , Jiang Z. Gordon , Sunyaev Shamil R. , Gupta Rajat M.
Published: January 2025

Background: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and it plays a causal role in the development of atherosclerosis. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have successfully identified hundreds of genetic variants associated with LDL-C. Most of these risk loci fall in non-coding regions of the genome, and it is unclear how these non-coding variants affect circulating lipid levels. One hypothesis is that genetically mediated variation in transcript abundance, detected via the analysis of expressed quantitative trait loci (eQTLs), is key to the biologic function of causal variants. Here, we investigate the hypothesis that non-coding GWAS risk variants affect the homeostatic expression of a nearby putatively causal gene for serum LDL-C levels. Methods: We establish a set of twenty-one expert-curated and validated genes implicated in hypercholesterolemia via dose-dependent pharmacologic modulation in human adults, for which the relevant tissue type has been established. We show that the expression of these LDL-C genes is impacted by eQTLs in relevant tissues and that there are significant genomic-risk loci in LDL-GWAS near these causal genes. We evaluate, using statistical colocalization, whether a single variant or set of variants in each genetic locus is responsible for the GWAS and eQTL signals. Results: Genome-wide association study results for serum LDL-C levels demonstrate that the 402 identified genomic-risk loci for LDL-C are highly enriched for known causal genes for LDL-C (OR 527, 95% CI 126–5376, p < 2.2 × 10−16). However, we find limited evidence for colocalization between GWAS signals near validated hypercholesterolemia genes and eQTLs in relevant tissues (colocalization rate of 26% at a locus-level colocalization probability > 50%). Conclusions: Our results highlight the complexity of genetic regulatory effects for causal hypercholesterolemia genes; we suggest that context-responsive eQTLs may explain the effects of non-coding GWAS hits that do not overlap with standard eQTLs.
Transformative Insights into Community-Acquired Pressure Injuries Among the Elderly: A Big Data Analysis
Authors: Shafran-Tikva Sigal , Gabay Gillie , Kagan Ilya
Published: January 2025

Purpose: To investigate community-acquired pressure injuries (CAPIs) in older people by utilizing big data. Design: Retrospective data curation and analysis of inpatient data from two general medical centers between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2018. Methods: Nursing assessments from 44,449 electronic medical records of patients admitted to internal medicine departments were retrieved, organized, coded by data engineers, and analyzed by data scientists. Potential explanatory patient characteristics tested were gender, age, admission indices, nursing assessments including CAPIs, CAPI type and location, vital signs, and the results of lab tests within the first 36 h of admission. Findings: Most CAPIs were located in the buttocks (56.9%), followed by the sacrum (11.8%), ankle (10.8%), trochanter (5.1%), and leg (3.9%). Tissue associated with CAPIs was described as necrotic, serotic, bloody, granolithic, epithelial, and infected. There were 31% of first-degree CAPIs, 41% second-degree, and 18% third-degree. Previously unacknowledged patient characteristics associated with CAPIs are as follows: age, oxygen use, intestinal function, the touch senses of heat and pain, albumin, RDW (red cell distribution width), and systolic blood pressure. Conclusions: The novel indicators for CAPIs underscore the importance of data-driven approaches in detecting and preventing CAPIs in community care. These markers can detect and prevent pressure ulcers in the community, particularly among the elderly. Relevance for Clinical Practice: Nursing management is called upon to integrate information about novel patient characteristics associated with CAPI into clinical practice. Assimilating the insights from this hospital nursing-led study into community nursing will enhance the safety and quality of care for the elderly.
Validity and Reliability of the Spanish Version of Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire in Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Martín Núñez Javier , Valenza Marie Carmen , Heredia Ciuró Alejandro , Calvache Mateo Andrés , Navas Otero Alba , Blasco Valls Paula , Reychler Gregory
Published: January 2025

Background: Prostate cancer is highly prevalent in Spanish men. Although physical activity has benefits on several factors in prostate cancer survivors, this is diminished after medical oncology treatment. Cancer-related fatigue is one of the main barriers to physical activity, leading to a decrease in activity levels in these patients. Therefore, it is essential to assess physical activity in an efficient and simple way in order to design rehabilitation programmes for this population. Objective: The aim was to translate and adapt the Godin–Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (GSLTPAQ) for Spanish-speaking prostate cancer patients and to assess its validity and reliability using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) as a reference standard. Methods: Following Beaton’s guidelines, the GSLTPAQ was back-translated and cross-culturally adapted. Validity and reliability were assessed with a sample of thirty prostate cancer patients. Internal consistency and test-retest variability were also evaluated. Results: The Spanish GSLTPAQ demonstrated excellent validity, with high correlations with the IPAQ for light (r = 0.924), moderate (r = 0.931), and vigorous activities (r = 0.882). Internal consistency was strong (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.845–0.950). Test-retest reliability showed strong intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for all activity levels, indicating good reliability. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the GSLTPAQ is a valid and reliable tool for assessing physical activity in prostate cancer patients. It shows strong correlations with the IPAQ, excellent internal consistency, and test-retest reliability.
Explainable Artificial Intelligence for Predicting Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adults
Authors: Namasse Zineb , Tabaa Mohamed , Hidila Zineb , Mouchawrab Samar
Published: January 2025

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that starts in childhood, sometimes persisting into adulthood. It puts a strain on their social, professional, family, and environmental lives, which can exacerbate disorders such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Background/Objectives: This paper aims to predict ADHD in children and adults and explain the main factors impacting this disorder. Methods: We start by introducing the main symptoms and challenges ADHD poses for children and adults such as epilepsy and depression. Then, we present the results of existing research on three ADHD comorbidities: anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, and their possible continuity in adulthood with therapeutic implications. After that, we explain the impact of this disorder and its relationship with these comorbidities on the affected patient’s health and environment and list proposed treatments. We propose a methodology for predicting this impairment in children and adults by using Machine Learning algorithms (ML), Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI), and two datasets, the National Survey for Children’s Health (NSCH) (2022) for the children and the ADHD|Mental Health for the adults. Results: Logistic Regression (LR) was the most suitable algorithm for children, with an accuracy of 99%. As for adults, the XGBoost (XGB) was the most performant ML method, with an accuracy of 100%. Conclusions: Lack of sleep and excessive smiling/laughing are among the factors having an impact on ADHD for children, whereas anxiety and depression affect ADHD adults.
Assessment of Quality of Life and Psychological Well-Being in Italian Adult Subjects with Prader–Willi Syndrome Using the Health Survey Short Form and the Psychological General Well-Being Index Questionnaires
Authors: Guerrini Usubini Anna , Bottacchi Michela , Bondesan Adele , Caroli Diana , Grugni Graziano , Castelnuovo Gianluca , Sartorio Alessandro
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare, genetically determined neurodevelopmental disorder. Individuals with PWS face numerous challenges that significantly impact their psychological well-being and quality of life, ultimately limiting their personal and social functioning. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life and psychological well-being in a sample of Italian adult patients with PWS compared to an age-matched control group of normal-weight Italian individuals. Methods: Thirty patients with PWS (11 men and 19 women; mean age ± SD: 36.4 ± 10.31 years; mean Body Mass Index (BMI: 35.7 ± 8.92 kg/m2) and thirty Italian adult individuals from the general population (5 men and 25 women; mean age ± SD: 32.1 ± 6.86 years; mean Body Mass Index (BMI: 21.8 ± 2.90 kg/m2) were studied. Quality of life and well-being were assessed using the Italian versions of the 36-item Health Survey Short Form and the Psychological General Well-Being Index. Results: Normal-weight subjects scored significantly higher than PWS patients on the physical health (p < 0.001) and social functioning (p = 0.047) subscales of the SF-36. Conversely, PWS patients scored higher on the vitality subscale (p < 0.001). Similarly, the vitality subscale of the PGWBI was significantly higher in PWS patients than in controls (p = 0.010), whereas the Self-Control subscale of the PGWBI was higher in controls compared to PWS patients, albeit not statistically significant (p = 0.057). Discussion: Patients with PWS exhibited impairments in various aspects of quality of life and psychological well-being, including physical, behavioral, and social domains. However, the higher vitality scores observed in PWS patients suggest a preserved dimension of their psychological well-being. Conclusions: These findings enhance the understanding of the psychological condition of patients with PWS and provide valuable insights for improving multidisciplinary psychological treatment approaches for these individuals.
Research Progress and Trend Analysis of Picking Technology for Korla Fragrant Pear
Authors: Jiang Yanwu , Chen Jun , Wang Zhiwei , Hu Guangrui
Published: January 2025

This article provides a comprehensive review of the current results of pear-picking technology, delving into the development process, classification, application status, and development trends of picking machinery, picking robots, and intelligent technology. By analyzing the key technologies in pear fruit harvesting, this paper explores the working principles of harvesting machinery, the technical characteristics of harvesting robots, and the potential applications of intelligent technology. Furthermore, a bibliometric analysis was employed to examine two decades of the research literature on Korla fragrant pear, spanning from January 2004 to June 2024, utilizing the core collection of the Web of Science and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database as the retrieval platforms. The visualization of the analysis results indicates that the focal points of research in this field are predominantly aspects such as the quality and storage conditions of fragrant pears, with a scarcity of studies directed toward mechanized harvesting. Additionally, this study addresses the existing challenges and issues within pear-picking technology and delineates potential avenues for future development, with the objective of providing a foundation for subsequent research on Korla fragrant pear-harvesting technology.
The Role of Organic Extracts and Inorganic Compounds as Alleviators of Drought Stress in Plants
Authors: Garcia-Caparros Pedro , Ciriello Michele , Rouphael Youssef , Giordano Maria
Published: January 2025

Climate changes have exacerbated the progression of drought conditions on a global scalethreating to crop production and heightening concerns over food security. Water scarcity enforces alterations in fundamental morphology, physiology and biochemical traits in crops. Consequently, it is imperative to identify environmentally sustainable alternative solutions to mitigate this problem and enhance overall plant performance. In this sense, biostimulants have emerged as a promising alternative as they improve plant resilience, enhance physiological processes, and mitigate the detrimental consequences of water deficit conditions on crop production. This review compiles the latest research on the application of organic extracts and inorganic compounds in crops subjected to drought conditions, specifically humic acids, protein hydrolysates, seaweed extracts, and silicon. Moreover, it offers a comprehensive overview of the origins and effectiveness of these biostimulants, with a detailed analysis of their application and the associated physiological, biochemical, and genetic modifications induced by these bioactive compounds. This knowledge enhances the understanding of the efficacy and implementation strategies pertinent of these compounds under water stress scenarios in agricultural settings.
Building Connections and Striving to Build Better Futures: A Qualitative Interview Study of Alcohol Recovery Navigators’ Practice in the North East of England, UK
Authors: Salonen Domna , O’Donnell Amy , Jackson Katherine , Hulse Sarah , Crosbie James , Swiers Ryan , Tasker Fiona , Muldowney Gemma , Pickford Anna , Christie-de Jong Floor , Kaner Eileen , Holland Emma-Joy
Published: January 2025

To address the holistic and continuity of care needs of people who attend North East hospitals frequently for alcohol-related reasons, Recovery Navigator (Navigator) roles were introduced into Alcohol Care Teams in six hospitals in the North East of England, UK, in 2022. The Navigators aimed to provide dedicated holistic support to patients experiencing alcohol harms, starting whilst in the hospital with the potential to continue this beyond discharge. This qualitative study explores the contributions that the Navigators make towards integrated alcohol care. Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 7 patients, 1 carer, and 17 staff. We used reflexive thematic analysis and applied the concept of continuity of care and Self-Determination Theory. The findings suggest that all of the participants value Navigators having dedicated time to work with patients to address their social needs, that patients benefit from having someone who provides relational support and is ‘gently persistent’, and that most of the Navigators have good relationships with community providers and have supported the transition of patients to these services. Staff recognise the challenges of holistic alcohol care in hospitals, and the support of the Alcohol Care Teams and Navigators is seen as invaluable. Navigators help to address gaps in the provision of holistic support for patients who experience significant health inequalities.
Clinical and Genomic Features of Androgen Indifferent Prostate Cancer
Authors: Masur Jack , Ratan Aakrosh , Wierbilowicz Krzysztof , Ayanambakkam Adanma , Churchman Michelle L. , Graham Laura S. , Grass George Daniel , Gupta Sumati , Kern Sean Q. , King Jennifer , Myint Zin , Rounbehler Robert J. , Salhia Bodour , Singer Eric A. , Zakharia Yousef , Paschal Bryce M. , Viscuse Paul V.
Published: January 2025

Androgen-indifferent prostate cancer (AIPC) is increasingly common and particularly lethal. Data describing these tumors are sparse, and AIPC remains a poorly understood malignancy. Utilizing the Oncology Research Information Exchange Network (ORIEN) database, we enriched for tumors with features of AIPC using previously described characteristics. Our AIPC cohort included three subgroups: aggressive variant prostate cancer (AVPC), neuroendocrine PC (NEPC), and double-negative PC (DNPC). Of 1496 total PC patients available for analysis, we identified 323 (22%) as MCRPC. Of those, 39 (12%) met AIPC criteria (17 AVPC, 13 NEPC, 9 DNPC) and 284 (88%) were non-AIPC. Forty-three percent of AIPC patients had de novo metastatic disease vs. 15% for non-AIPC (p = 0.003). Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) and tumor mutational burden (TMB) did not differ between cohorts, but microsatellite instability scores (MSI) were significantly higher in AIPC (p = 0.019). Using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), we found that genes defining response to androgens and genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation were the most downregulated, whereas genes involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and immune signaling were significantly upregulated in AIPC vs. non-AIPC. Our study demonstrates the potential for predefined criteria that aim to enrich for AIPC and suggests opportunities for therapeutic investigation.