bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Rising Burden of Childhood Obesity: Prevention Should Start in Primary School
Authors: Porri Debora , Wasniewska Malgorzata , Luppino Giovanni , Morabito Letteria Anna , La Rosa Elisa , Pepe Giorgia , Corica Domenico , Valenzise Mariella , Messina Maria Francesca , Zirilli Giuseppina , Li Pomi Alessandra , Lanzafame Aurora , Alibrandi Angela , Aversa Tommaso
Published: February 2025

Background: The increasing rates of childhood obesity (CO) are an ongoing problem. We focused on the adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), physical activity, and sleep habits of preschool children in order to investigate the relationship between lifestyle habits and health outcomes through parental perception. Methods: In the context of “EpPOI: Education to prevent CO”, we investigated physical activity (PA) and sleep hygiene using an online survey for caregivers. Parents also completed the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents (Kid-Med) questionnaire. Results: A total of 5.3% of the interviewees achieved a score indicating an adequate adherence to the MD. Additionally, 50.5% of children ate sweets every day, and 80% skipped breakfast. We also found that the parents’ perceptions of their children’s PA were a predictor of MD adherence, and PA was also positively correlated with fruit consumption [p < 0.034], vegetable consumption [p < 0.015], and fish consumption [p < 0.005]. Conclusions: Parents seem to be oriented towards a healthy lifestyle, but the children’s level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet is poor. CO prevention requires a synergic effort that includes an adherence to healthy eating patterns such as the MD and a greater awareness of parents on the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle at an early age.
Assessing Creatine-Related Gene Expression in Kidney Disease: Can Available Data Give Insights into an Old Discussion?
Authors: Medeiros Matheus Anselmo , Abreu Bento João , Lima João Paulo Matos Santos
Published: February 2025

The impact of creatine supplementation on individuals with kidney disease or pathological conditions with an increased risk of developing kidney dysfunction remains an active discussion. However, the literature on gene expression related to cellular creatine uptake and metabolism under altered renal function is scarce. Therefore, the present study utilized comprehensive bioinformatics analysis to evaluate the expression of creatine-related genes and to establish their relationships to normal and disturbed renal conditions. We identified 44 genes modulated explicitly in response to creatine exposure from a gene enrichment analysis, including IGF1, SLC2A4, and various creatine kinase genes. The analysis revealed associations with metabolic processes such as amino acid metabolism, indicating a connection between creatine and tissue physiology. Using the Genotype-Tissue Expression Portal, we evaluated their basal tissue-specific expression patterns in kidney and pancreas tissues. Then, we selected several pieces of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) transcriptomic data, estimated their expression values, and established relationships to the creatine metabolism pathways and regulation, shedding light on the potential regulatory roles of creatine in cellular processes during kidney diseases. These observations also highlight the connection between creatine and tissue physiology, emphasizing the importance of understanding the balance between endogenous creatine synthesis and creatine uptake, particularly the roles of genes such as GATM, GAMT, SLC6A8, and IGF1, under several kidney dysfunction conditions. Overall, the available data in the biological databases can provide new insights and directions into creatine’s effects and role in renal function.
Phytosterol-Enriched Dietary Supplements for Lowering Plasma LDL-Cholesterol: Yes or No?
Authors: Stellaard Frans , Lütjohann Dieter
Published: February 2025

Elevated plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is associated with an increased risk for atherosclerosis and development of cardiovascular disease. An elevated plasma LDL-C concentration is the result of enhanced C synthesis, C absorption, and/or altered C homeostasis. Plasma LDL-C lowering can be achieved using pharmaceutical means. Statin therapy inhibits endogenous C synthesis and leads to a mean 40% LDL-C reduction. Ezetimibe inhibits C absorption and achieves an average 20% LDL-C reduction with a 10 mg daily intake. Phytosterol therapy is established by dietary supplements enriched in phytosterols and/or phytostanols. A dosage of 2 to 3 g a day reduces C absorption and leads to an average 10% LDL-C reduction. This dosage expresses a 10-fold increased daily intake for phytosterols or a 100-fold increased intake of phytostanols. Phytosterol- and -stanol-enriched dietary supplements are freely available in the supermarket. The majority of consumers may be healthy subjects with a plasma LDL-C in the normal range. Scientific evidence reveals that increased phytosterol intake may be associated with the development of atherosclerosis. The degree of increased risk is dependent on the patient’s genetic polymorphisms in NPC1L1 and ABCG5/G8 transport proteins as well as on the established risk reduction due to LDL-C lowering. Subjects with a normal or only slightly elevated LDL-C have only minimal LDL-C lowering and lack the compensation for the potential increased risk for atherosclerosis by phytosterols.
Unbalanced Diets: High-Fat, High-Sucrose and High-Protein Diets
Authors: Reynés Bàrbara , Palou Mariona
Published: February 2025

This Special Issue of Nutrients, “Unbalanced Diets: High-Fat, High-Sucrose and High-Protein Diets” includes five original articles conducted in animal models [...]
Propensity Score Analysis of the Utility of Supervised Perioperative Abdominal Wall Exercises for the Prevention of Parastomal Hernia
Authors: López-Callejón Victoria Alejandra , Yuste-Sanchez Amparo , Murad Mayed , Navarro-Martínez Rut , Pérez-Santiago Leticia , Martín-Arevalo José , Moro-Valdezate David , Pla-Martí Vicente , Casado-Rodriguez David , Espí-Macías Alejandro , García-Botello Stephanie
Published: February 2025

Retrospective studies have suggested that performing perioperative abdominal wall exercises may decrease the incidence of parastomal hernias. Objectives: This study seeks to assess the usefulness of supervised preoperative and postoperative abdominal wall exercises in the prevention of parastomal hernia. Methods: An observational study of patients who underwent a stoma, temporary or permanent, between January 2019 and December 2020, was performed. Minimum follow-up was 12 months. During the first 12 months of recruitment, patients were enrolled on a consecutive basis and assigned to the control group, and the remaining patients were assigned to the intervention group. A propensity score matching was performed to obtain totally comparable groups. A set of exercises was designed by the Rehabilitation Department, and their performance was supervised by physiotherapists and stoma therapists. The diagnosis of parastomal hernia was made by physical examination and computed axial tomography. Descriptive statistics of the study group were performed. Subsequently, prediction models for the occurrence of parastomal hernia were created based on binary logistic regression and classification trees. Results: After propensity matching and inclusion criteria, 64 patients were included (colostomy: n = 39, ileostomy: n = 25). Independent prognostic variables for parastomal hernias in colostomy were age (p = 0.044) and perioperative exercises (p = 0.003). The binary logistic regression model based on these variables gave an AUC of 97.6. The classification tree model included only perioperative exercises with an AUC of 92.5%. In the case of ileostomy, perioperative exercises were the only independent prognostic variable identified. The classification-tree-based model reported an AUC of 84%. Conclusions: The performance of supervised abdominal wall training and strengthening exercises may be useful in the prevention of parastomal hernias.
Development and Implementation of an Ultrasound Wireless Technology Educational Program for Nursing Students: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Morotti Elena , Rovesti Sergio , Diambri Chiara , Boni Davide , Di Lorenzo Rosaria , Caleffi Dalia , Bellifemine Mauro , Ferri Paola
Published: February 2025

Background: Training on the use of ultrasounds (US) is offered to nurses after their degree in specialization courses or in a work setting. When considering the positive impact of US on patient quality of care, this training should be offered to undergraduate nursing students. The aim of this quality improvement project was to assess the quality of nursing curricula by evaluating the effects of an ultrasound technology educational program (USTep) on nursing students’ knowledge, self-confidence, satisfaction and perceived usefulness of the training for the acquisition of US skills. Methods: 118 nursing students completed a 3-h USTep, that combined a theoretical introduction with simulation training. Data were collected before and after the USTep, using a survey with closed and open-ended questions. Results: After the educational program, a net increase was seen in knowledge about US (pre-test 48.1% vs. post-test 93.4%, p < 0.00001) and in student self-confidence (pre-test m = 1.7 ± 0.9 vs. post-test m = 3.9 ± 0.8, p < 0.001). According to the participants, this training benefited the students (during their training and for future employment opportunities), the patients, and the profession. Lastly, 97% of the sample expressed satisfaction with the training experience. Conclusions: This quality improvement project shows that a 3-h USTep improved undergraduate nursing students’ knowledge, self-confidence, and satisfaction.
Recognition, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Clostridioides difficile Enterocolitis Presenting Without Diarrhea: A Literature Review
Authors: Yılmaz Ezgi , Gencer Duygu Işıl , Akın Mustafa Salih , Şahin Meyha , Ceylan Bahadır , Mert Ali
Published: February 2025

Diarrhea, as the well-known clinical feature of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), may be absent at the initial presentation, leading to delays in diagnosis. The delay is due to both underrecognition of such presentations and the dependence of CDI diagnosis on stool samples. This review was conducted to evaluate the literature for CDI cases presenting without diarrhea, raise awareness about the possibility of CDI in the differential diagnosis regardless of diarrhea, and assemble relevant data to harmonize clinical approaches. The PubMED Medline database was used to conduct this literature review, focusing on reported CDI cases presenting without diarrhea. After exclusions, 22 articles were included for analysis, providing data for 48 cases. This paper will present the selected clinical data of these 48 patients and follow a real-life case with a clinical course of CDI including presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcomes. The excessive mortality and bowel resection rates of CDI patients presenting without diarrhea were the notable findings. Poor prognosis was possibly inflated by delayed diagnoses in an unfamiliar setting, emphasizing the importance of a high index of suspicion to allow early recognition of CDIs in the appropriate clinical context despite the absence of diarrhea.
The Role of Outcome Response Rate in Planning Biosimilar Studies Using Different Evaluation Metrics
Authors: Cen Liyi , Arani Ramin , Tang Dejun
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Biosimilar studies use overall response rate to assess clinical similarity. Sample size and power depend on the equivalence margin, defined in either risk difference or risk ratio scale. This manuscript investigates how different evaluation metrics and varying response rates affect study power. Methods: Two numerical simulations are conducted. The first is designed to test in the risk difference scale, while the second tests in the risk ratio scale. Both simulations consider no difference between the biosimilar and reference product. Response rates vary from 0.1 to 0.9, and all scenarios are repeated 10,000 times. Results: The study shows inconsistent results in testing the equivalence of overall response rate across the risk difference and risk ratio scales, even when the hypotheses are mathematically equivalent. Consequently, the study is often under powered for testing in both scales. Additionally, study power is sensitive to outcome response rate deviation, with different directions of change in the two different evaluation metrics. Conclusions: Biosimilar study design should avoid the concept of converting equivalence margins between risk difference and risk ratio scales, assuming no change in study power. Careful strategies should be planned for estimating overall response rates for sample size assessments.
Cellular Senescence in Health, Disease, and Lens Aging
Authors: Qin Ying , Liu Haoxin , Wu Hongli
Published: February 2025

Background: Cellular senescence is a state of irreversible cell cycle arrest that serves as a critical regulator of tissue homeostasis, aging, and disease. While transient senescence contributes to development, wound healing, and tumor suppression, chronic senescence drives inflammation, tissue dysfunction, and age-related pathologies, including cataracts. Lens epithelial cells (LECs), essential for maintaining lens transparency, are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress-induced senescence, which accelerates lens aging and cataract formation. This review examines the dual role of senescence in LEC function and its implications for age-related cataractogenesis, alongside emerging senotherapeutic interventions. Methods: This review synthesizes findings on the molecular mechanisms of senescence, focusing on oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). It explores evidence linking LEC senescence to cataract formation, highlighting key studies on stress responses, DNA damage, and antioxidant defense. Recent advances in senotherapeutics, including senolytics and senomorphics, are analyzed for their potential to mitigate LEC senescence and delay cataract progression. Conclusions: LEC senescence is driven by oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired redox homeostasis. These factors activate senescence path-ways, including p53/p21 and p16/Rb, resulting in cell cycle arrest and SASP-mediated inflammation. The accumulation of senescent LECs reduces regenerative capacity, disrupts lens homeostasis, and contributes to cataractogenesis. Emerging senotherapeutics, such as dasatinib, quercetin, and metformin, show promise in reducing the senescent cell burden and modulating the SASP to preserve lens transparency.
Role of Polyphenols in Dermatological Diseases: Exploring Pharmacotherapeutic Mechanisms and Clinical Implications
Authors: Salazar Juan , Ortega Ángel , Pérez José Luis , Garrido Bermary , Santeliz Raquel , Galbán Néstor , Díaz Maria Paula , Cano Raquel , Cano Gabriel , Contreras-Velasquez Julio Cesar , Chacín Maricarmen
Published: February 2025

Although not frequently lethal, dermatological diseases represent a common cause of consultation worldwide. Due to the natural and non-invasive approach of phytotherapy, research for novel alternatives, such as polyphenols, to treat skin disorders is a subject of interest in modern medicine. Polyphenols, in particular, have been considered because of their anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, low molecular weight, and lipophilic nature that enables the passage of these compounds through the skin barrier. This review discusses the treatment of common dermatological diseases such as acne vulgaris, fungal infections, dermatitis, alopecia, and skin cancer, using polyphenols as therapeutic and prophylactic options. The specific molecules considered for each disorder, mechanisms of action, current clinical trials, and proposed applications are also reviewed.
New Eye Drop Formulation Based on Desonide and Xanthan Gum in Dry Eye Disease: Nonclinical Studies
Authors: Viola Santa , La Rosa Luca Rosario , De Pasquale Giuseppe , Santonocito Manuela , Spina Donato , Abbate Ilenia , Giuliano Francesco , Curatolo Maria Cristina , Mazzone Maria Grazia , Zappulla Cristina
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: A novel ophthalmic formulation, XanterDES, containing 0.2% xanthan gum and 0.025% desonide sodium phosphate (DES), was developed to alleviate ocular surface discomfort and irritation. This study aimed to evaluate its pharmacodynamic properties and to characterize its rheological behavior and mucoadhesive characteristics, compared to another formulation containing 0.2% hyaluronic acid and 0.001% hydrocortisone (HYD). Methods: A rabbit (New Zealand White) model of LPS-induced uveitis was used to test different concentrations of DES on ocular markers of inflammation. The efficacy of XanterDES and HYD on induced dry eye was evaluated by assessing tear volume and corneal damage in C57BL/6 mice exposed to a controlled environmental chamber. The rheological and mucoadhesive properties of XanterDES and HYD were assessed using a HAAKE RheoStress RS600 rheometer and a TA-XT2 texture analyzer, respectively. Results: In the uveitis model, unlike DES 0.25%, a low concentration of 0.025% DES showed a significant inhibitory activity localized to the eye surface and effectively reduced corneal edema. In the dry eye model, XanterDES demonstrated superior efficacy compared to HYD, effectively preventing both tear volume reduction and corneal damage. XanterDES also demonstrated pseudoplastic and enhanced mucoadhesive properties compared to HYD. Conclusions: The ancillary anti-inflammatory effects of a low dose of DES combined with the biophysical properties of xanthan gum are supportive of a favorable therapeutic profile, promoting the maintenance or restoration of ocular surface homeostasis while minimizing the risk of adverse effects typically associated with standard-dose corticosteroids. The comparison with another low-dose corticosteroid highlights the superiority of XanterDES in pharmacodynamic and biophysical performance.
Pharmacokinetics of Non-Psychotropic Phytocannabinoids
Authors: Lacerda Mariana , Carona Andreia , Castanheira Sara , Falcão Amílcar , Bicker Joana , Fortuna Ana
Published: February 2025

Cannabinoids are widely recognized for their potential therapeutic effects, making them significant and valuable candidates for medical research and applications across various fields. This review aims to analyze the pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabigerol (CBG), and Cannabichromene (CBC), along with their corresponding acidic forms, Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), and Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA). Among these cannabinoids, CBD is the most extensively studied. Nevertheless, research involving all the mentioned cannabinoids has shown that their pharmacokinetic parameters are highly variable, depending significantly on factors such as dose, formulation, route of administration, and diet. Furthermore, challenges such as brain penetration and first-pass metabolism have been highlighted. In conclusion, this review demonstrates significant progress in understanding the pharmacokinetics of non-psychotropic cannabinoids. However, it also underscores the need for further research, particularly on CBG, CBC, and their respective acidic forms, with the most significant gap being in clinical investigations. Expanding these studies is essential to facilitate their optimized use in medical treatments.
Quantifying Heart Rate Changes After Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Administration Using a PBPK-PD Model in Healthy Adults
Authors: Qian Lixuan , Zhou Zhu
Published: February 2025

Background: As cannabis becomes legal in several U.S. states, the risk of THC-induced tachycardia increases. This study aimed to develop and verify a physiologically based pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PBPK-PD) model to assess the impact of THC and its active metabolite, 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC), on the heart rate of healthy adults. Methods: A PBPK-PD model for intravenous (IV) 11-OH-THC administration was first developed. Secondly, a PBPK-PD model for IV THC, combined with the metabolized 11-OH-THC, was established, verified, and validated. Direct PD models driven by the plasma, brain, and heart concentrations of THC and 11-OH-THC predicted using our previously verified PBPK model were tested for model development. Finally, the risks of tachycardia at a rest condition from various doses of oral and inhaled THC were simulated for 500 individuals aged 18–65 years, with a sex ratio of 1:1 and a baseline heart rate of 70 beats per minute. Results: The PD model was best described by a direct nonlinear Emax model driven by the sum of the total THC and 11-OH-THC concentrations in their effect compartments linked to their heart compartments. In 42 simulated dosing regimens with THC doses ranging from 2 to 69.4 mg, 97% of the observed heart rates or heart rate changes following THC administration fell within the 5th to 95th percentiles of the model-predicted values. Similarly, for two simulated 11-OH-THC IV doses, 93% of the observations fell within this range. Simulations indicated that half of the simulated population would experience tachycardia at doses of 60 mg and 15 mg of THC for oral and inhaled administration, respectively. The simulated risks of tachycardia based on specific conditions should be interpreted with caution. Conclusions: Our verified PBPK-PD model successfully describes the heart rate changes in healthy adults after IV, oral, and inhaled THC administration. This model provides a tool to predict the effects of THC and its primary metabolite on heart rates, offering valuable insights for assessing the risk of tachycardia in both clinical and recreational cannabis use.
Uptake and Inhibition of P-Glycoprotein-Mediated Efflux Evaluation of Encapsulated Methotrexate Chitosan and Hypromellose Phthalate Nanoparticles for Potential Glioblastoma Treatment
Authors: Naves Valéria de Moura Leite , Bruzadelli Rafaela Franco Dias , Ionta Marisa , Gremião Maria Palmira Daflon , Pedreiro Liliane Neves , Pereira Gislaine Ribeiro , Carvalho Flávia Chiva
Published: February 2025

Background: Methotrexate (MTX), a folic acid antagonist used in chemotherapy, faces limitations due to cancer cell resistance, high toxicity, and low bioavailability. Objective: This study developed nanoparticles (NPs) of chitosan (QS) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP) to encapsulate MTX for potential effect investigation on glioblastoma cell targeting and P-gp efflux inhibition. Method: NPs were produced by the polyelectrolyte complexation method and were characterized by DLS, PDI, DSC, FTIR, PXRD, MEV, drug release profile, and an in vitro mucoadhesion test. Cell viability, flow cytometry, and LSCM using U251MG (glioblastoma) and CCD 1059Sk (fibroblasts) cells were used to evaluate glioblastoma and the P-gp efflux effect. Results: NPPM29 (QS3:1) showed 91.72% encapsulation efficiency, a mean diameter of 452.6 nm, and a zeta potential of +22.5 mV. DSC, FTIR, and PXRD confirmed the QS-HPMCP supramolecular interaction. Liquid falling mucoadhesion tests demonstrated strong retention of NPPM29 (84%) compared to free MTX (10.5%). In vitro release studies indicated controlled drug release at pH 7.4. Cytotoxicity assays in U251MG revealed enhanced efficacy of NPPM29 (IC50 = 68.79 µg/mL) compared to free MTX (IC50 = 80.54 µg/mL), with minimal impact on fibroblasts, confirming tumor specificity. Flow cytometry and LSCM confirmed improved cellular internalization and P-gp inhibition. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of MTX-QS-HPMCP-NPs for glioblastoma therapy.
A Performance of “Aesthetics”—Conflicts and Commons in the Translation of a Nomenclature
Authors: Nakai You
Published: February 2025

This paper recounts the author’s reluctant journey of translating Matthew Fuller and Eyal Weizman’s Investigative Aesthetics: Conflicts and Commons in the Politics of Truth into Japanese, a process that turned out to be a mix of philosophical tightrope walking and comedic pratfalls. Along the way, we meet Baumgarten, the original translator who coined the aesthetica nomenclature, Kant, who insists that there can be no such thing as a science of sensibility, and a parade of Japanese translators who took great artistic liberties in rendering an alien term into a complicated language formed by three layers of different writing systems. The author reflects on his coining of a new translation for “aesthetics” in Japanese—Kansei-Jutsu (“Sensibility-Art”)—a term that baffled publishers, thrilled a few cultural studies scholars, and may have earned a side-eye from beauty salons already using “estetikusu” for facials. The translation saga spirals into debates about what “aesthetics” even means, culminating in a bittersweet realisation: translation is less about getting it right and more about sparking delightful, sometimes ridiculous, new ways of thinking. By the end, aesthetics re-emerges as a celebration of difference, proving that even conflicts can create a strange and wonderful commons when approached with an openness to diverse sensibilities.
Changing Perceptions of Ornamental Plants in Urban Yangon, Myanmar
Authors: Si Aung , Kyawphyo Aung
Published: February 2025

Gardening is a popular pastime for people from all walks of life in Yangon, the most populous city of Myanmar and its former capital. The cultivation of ornamental plants has continued uninterrupted despite decades of social and political crises that have plagued the country, but there are indications that people’s tastes have changed considerably. These changing tastes are documented here through interviews of nursery owners and amateur gardeners from Yangon. This study also investigates the development of naming patterns in Burmese, in particular the names coined for recently introduced plants. A total of 176 older and 156 newer (introduced over the last two decades) ornamental plants grown in Yangon were documented; of the former category, 75% were still available in nurseries, whereas the rest were no longer popular. The newer plants had significantly fewer unanalysable names than the older plants, suggesting a modern preference for descriptive/allusive labels. This also applies to native, wild-harvested orchid species. Many of the newer, introduced orchid hybrids have not been given Burmese names, but are only referred to by shorthand labels like dendro and vanda. This study provides a first, linguistically informed ethnobiological report of ornamental plants in Myanmar.
The Role of Nano-Fertilizers in Sustainable Agriculture: Boosting Crop Yields and Enhancing Quality
Authors: Kekeli Mcholomah Annalisa , Wang Quanlong , Rui Yukui
Published: February 2025

With the rising need for sustainable agricultural practices, nano-fertilizers have emerged as an innovative alternative to traditional fertilizers. These advanced fertilizers enhance nutrient use efficiency, promote crop growth, and minimize environmental harm by enabling precise nutrient delivery. This review evaluates various nano-fertilizer application techniques and their influence on plant growth, yield, and quality. Additionally, it explores their interactions with soil composition and microbial communities, emphasizing their role in enzymatic activity and nutrient cycling. While nano-fertilizers offer significant benefits, challenges such as proper dosage regulation, potential toxicity, and long-term ecological effects necessitate further research. This study highlights recent advancements in nano-fertilizer technology and underscores the importance of an integrated approach to optimize agricultural productivity while preserving soil health and environmental sustainability.
The Impact of Temperature on the Leaves of Ceratonia siliqua L.: Anatomical Aspect, Secondary Metabolite Analysis, and Antimicrobial Activity of the Extracts
Authors: Stefi Aikaterina L. , Kalampokis Evangelos , Ntroumpogianni Georgia C. , Katsiadrami Iliana , Nikou Theodora , Katsifas Efstathios A. , Gkikas Dimitrios , Christodoulakis Nikolaos S. , Halabalaki Maria
Published: February 2025

Ceratonia siliqua L. (Fabaceae) is an evergreen sclerophyllous species that successfully overcomes the challenges of the Mediterranean climate. Commonly, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites is a major reaction of the plants thriving in the Mediterranean formations against temperature stress. Due to concerns about the climate crisis, we studied the impact of 6-day low (5 °C) and high (40 °C) temperature stress on young carob seedlings. In stressed plants, mainly the heat-treated, the leaves appear xeromorphic. Parameters of the physiology of the plants such as chlorophyll-a and -b, total phenolic content, and oxidative stress were measured and presented via Principal Component Analysis. Chlorophyll-a and -b contents are inferior in cold-stressed leaves while heat-stressed leaves accumulate more phenolics and experience higher oxidative stress as compared to their cold-stressed counterparts. The phytochemical profile of different extracts obtained from stressed carob leaves was identified so as to gain insight into metabolites produced under stress. Moreover, LC-HRMS/MS metabolomic workflow was utilized for the discovery of biomarkers, over- or under-regulated in stressed conditions. The antimicrobial activity of carob leaf extract fractions was assessed against six human pathogen strains and three phytopathogen bacterial strains. MeOH-H2O and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts presented notable activity against Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, while DCM extracts inhibited the growth of Erwinia amylovora. We may conclude that carob tree exposure to temperature stress does not have a significant influence on secondary metabolic pathways.
Innovative and Eco-Friendly Natural Fiber Composites for Dental Impression Materials: A Study on Wheat Bran Reinforcement
Authors: Aboamer Mohamed A. , Almutairi Abdulmajeed Rasheed , Alassaf Ahmad , Alqahtani Tarek M. , Almutairi Turki F. , Saijari Ghazwan Najdat , Mohamed Nader A. Rahman
Published: February 2025

This study addresses the high cost of traditional dental impression materials by introducing a novel composite material reinforced with wheat bran powder, aiming to reduce expenses while maintaining suitable mechanical performance. Tensile and compression test specimens were prepared according to the ASTM D412 and ASTM D575 standards, respectively, to evaluate the mechanical properties of the pure elastomer and the wheat-bran-reinforced composite. Comparative t-tests were conducted to analyze the tensile and compression strengths of both materials, focusing on their cost-effectiveness and suitability for dental applications. The results demonstrate that the wheat-bran-reinforced composite exhibits compression strength (105 MPa) comparable to that of the pure elastomer while offering controlled deformation and enhanced stiffness under compression. Although the composite shows reduced tensile strength (7 MPa vs. 11 MPa), its performance remains adequate for applications requiring moderate tensile properties. Notably, the new material reduces costs by approximately 50%, making it an economical and sustainable alternative for dental impression materials. This innovation aligns with sustainable practices by incorporating natural fibers and offers dentists a cost-effective solution without compromising on performance.
Wild-Grown Romanian Eupatorium cannabinum: Advancing Phyto-Nanocarriers via Maltodextrin Micro-Spray Encapsulation—Metabolite Profiling, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Cytotoxicity Insights
Authors: Vlase Gabriela , Segneanu Adina-Elena , Bejenaru Ludovic Everard , Bradu Ionela Amalia , Sicoe Crina , Vlase Titus , Mogoşanu George Dan , Buema Gabriela , Herea Dumitru-Daniel , Ciocîlteu Maria Viorica , Bejenaru Cornelia
Published: February 2025

In Romanian ethnopharmacology, Eupatorium cannabinum species is known for its remarkable biological activity. We present an advanced approach to encapsulation using maltodextrin matrices to enhance the stability and efficacy of phytoconstituents and nanoparticles. Two distinct carrier systems were developed: (i) a direct micro-spray encapsulation of E. cannabinum in maltodextrin to produce a maltodextrin-encapsulated carrier (MEC), and (ii) a two-step process involving the preparation of a new phytocarrier system based on gold nanoparticles (EC-AuNPs), followed by micro-spray encapsulation in maltodextrin to create the maltodextrin-encapsulated AuNPs system (MEC-AuNPs system). Comprehensive chemical profiling using GC–MS and ESI–QTOF–MS revealed 80 bioactive molecules, including terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phytoecdysteroids. Morpho-structural (XRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM) and thermal analyses confirmed the successful integration of NPs within the matrices. EC-AuNPs and MEC-AuNPs exhibited superior antioxidant activity, significant antimicrobial efficacy against major bacterial pathogens (S. aureus, B. subtilis, B. cereus, P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, and E. coli), and enhanced cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and HT-29 cancer cell lines. This study highlights the potential of combining E. cannabinum with AuNPs and maltodextrin encapsulation to develop multifunctional therapeutic systems. The findings underscore the importance of phytoconstituent stabilization and nanotechnology in addressing global antimicrobial resistance and advancing innovative medical applications.
Reliability Evaluation Method for Underground Cables Based on Double Sequence Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Zhang Jiaxing , Wang Bo , Ma Hengrui , He Yifan , Wang Hongxia , Zhang Hanqi
Published: February 2025

With the increasing demand for electrical reliability, power grid companies often need to operate urban underground cable systems at flexible ratings during planned or emergency events, but the risk of failure caused by such loading operations has not yet been quantified. Based on this, this paper proposes a reliability assessment method for underground cables based on dual sequence Monte Carlo simulation, which can consider the cumulative risk impact caused by electrical faults and insulation aging of underground cables during emergency events. Firstly, the integration of the electrical and thermal design characteristics of the integrated underground cable system within the overall network reliability framework was introduced. A dual sequence Monte Carlo simulation loop was used to evaluate the performance of the cable and network while considering the thermal aging effects of emergency loads on the cable. Then, the proposed method is applied to improve the IEEE 14 bus network by introducing cable design risk factor α and aging risk acceptance factor β to achieve flexibility and operational risk under long-term and short-term high-load emergency rating scenarios. Finally, the research results of the IEEE 14 bus network show that the expected unserved energy of scenario 1 is 30.15 MWh/year, which is 59% lower than the basic scenario of 73.34 MWh/year. The expected network failure frequency remains almost unchanged. Scenario 2 and scenario 3 show a decrease in the gain of network performance due to emergency-rated operation after using α and β, demonstrating the accuracy of the proposed method in cable reliability assessment.
The Effect of Downhole Turbine Modeling Parameters on Mechanical Output Performance
Authors: Sun Xiaofeng , Tan Yanjie , Li Xianyi , Ding Chengyu , Hu Qiaobo
Published: February 2025

Small-size turbine drilling tools have better application prospects in small borehole drilling and so on. Based on the SST model, the influence of a Φ73 mm turbine knuckle-shape parameters on the mechanical energy output characteristics was simulated, and the vortex structure of the turbine internal flow field was analyzed to find the law. First, the influence of leading-edge radius on the turbine internal flow field is concentrated on the rotor suction surface. Second, as with the axial clearance, there is a regular effect of the trailing-edge radius on the flow field in the rotor as a whole and in the middle and rear parts of the stator. Third, the change in the installation-staggering angle does not change the turbine output performance. The output performance is optimal when the leading-edge radius of the Φ73 mm turbine blade is 0.8 mm, the trailing-edge radius is 0.4 mm, and axial clearance is 6 mm. At the same time, the effects of rotational speed, displacement, and fluid viscosity on the output performance of the turbine were simulated, and the output performance of the turbine of this size was predicted under the conditions of low rotational speed, small displacement, and high fluid viscosity. Under the working conditions of conventional drilling parameters, the output pressure drop of a single-stage turbine can be up to 0.018 MPa or less, and the torque is more than 1.6 Nm. If 100–200-stage turbines are used as the power, the output torque can reach 150–300 Nm, which can meet the demand of rock-breaking in the mine.
A Bivariate Model for Correlated and Mixed Outcomes: A Case Study on the Simultaneous Prediction of Credit Risk and Profitability of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Loans
Authors: Wang Yan , Ni Xuelei Sherry , Ni Huan , Biswas Sanad
Published: February 2025

In the peer-to-peer (P2P) lending market, current studies focus on two categories of approaches to evaluate the loans, thus providing investment suggestions to the investors: credit scoring (i.e., predicting the credit risk) and profit scoring (i.e., predicting the profitability). However, relying on a single scoring approach may bias the loan evaluation conclusion. In this paper, we propose a bivariate model based on the integration of two scoring approaches. We first formulate the loan evaluation task as a multi-target problem, in which loan_status (i.e., default or not default) is used as the discrete outcome for the credit risk measure while the annualized rate of return (ARR) is used as the continuous outcome for the profitability measure. Then to solve the multi-target problem, we design a novel loss function based on the assumption that the discrete outcome follows a Bernoulli distribution, and the continuous outcome is normally distributed conditional on the discrete output. The effectiveness of the proposed model is examined using the real-world P2P data from the Lending Club. Results indicate that our approach outperforms the sole scoring methods by identifying loans with higher profit and lower default risk. Therefore, the proposed method can serve as an alternative for loan evaluation.
Global Navigation Satellite System Meta-Signals with an Arbitrary Number of Components
Authors: Borio Daniele
Published: February 2025

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) meta-signals are obtained when components from different frequencies are jointly processed as a single entity. While most research work has focused on GNSS meta-signals made of two side-band components, meta-signal theory has been recently extended to the case where the number of components is a power of two. This condition was dictated by the use of multicomplex numbers for the representation of GNSS meta-signals. Multicomplex numbers are multi-dimensional extensions of complex numbers whose dimension is a power of two. In this paper, the theory is further extended and a procedure for the construction of GNSS meta-signals with an arbitrary number of components is provided. Also in this case, multicomplex numbers are used to effectively represent a GNSS meta-signal. From this representation, multi-dimensional Cross Ambiguity Functions (CAFs) are obtained and used to derive acquisition and tracking algorithms suitable for the joint processing of components from different frequencies. The specific case with three components is analysed. Theoretical results are supported by experimental findings obtained by jointly processing Galileo E5a, E5b and E6 signals collected using three synchronized Software-Defined Radio (SDR) HackRF One front-ends. Experimental results confirm the validity of the developed theory.
Exploring the Long-Term Relationship Between Thermospheric ∑O/N2 and Solar EUV Flux
Authors: Li Hao , Xiao Cunying , Li Kuan , Wang Zewei , Wu Xiaoqi , Yu Yang , Xiao Luo
Published: February 2025

Column O/N2 ratio (∑O/N2), a physical quantity representing thermospheric disturbances, is influenced by solar extreme ultraviolet radiation flux (QEUV) changes. Investigating the correlation between these two factors is essential for understanding the evolution of the thermosphere. This study examines the correlation and periodic variations of ∑O/N2 and QEUV across different phases of solar activity, using data from the Global Ultraviolet Imager (GUVI) spanning from 2002 to 2022. A correlation analysis reveals a positive relationship between ∑O/N2 and QEUV. The function fitting results show that the magnitude of changes in ∑O/N2 due to QEUV variations is approximately 30% of the mean ∑O/N2. A wavelet analysis reveals their coherence in periodic components of 27-day, annual, and 11-year periods. These results are significant for studying the Sun–Earth coupling mechanism and understanding the impact of space weather on the thermosphere.
Extracting Features from Oblique Ground-Based Multispectral Images for Monitoring Cotton Physiological Response to Nitrogen Treatments
Authors: Swaminathan Vaishali , Thomasson J. Alex , Rajan Nithya , Hardin Robert G.
Published: February 2025

Early detection of nitrogen deficiency in cotton requires timely identification of stress symptoms like leaf chlorosis (yellowing) and canopy stunting. Chlorosis initially appears in older, lower-canopy leaves, which are often not visible in conventional nadir-looking imaging. This study investigates oblique ground-based multispectral imaging to estimate plant height and capture spectral details from the upper (UC) and lower (LC) cotton canopy layers. Images were collected from four camera pitch and height configurations: set 1 (30°, 2 m), set 2 (55°, 2 m), set 3 (68°, 3 m), and set 4 (70°, 1.5 m). A pre-trained monocular depth estimation model (MiDaS) was used to estimate plant height from aligned RGB images and an empirically derived tangential model corrected for perspective distortion. Further, the lower and upper vertical halves of the plants were categorized as LC and UC, with vegetation indices (CIgreen, CIrededge) calculated for each. The aligned images in set 1 had the best sharpness and quality. The plant height estimates from set 1 had the highest correlation (r = 0.64) and lowest root mean squared error (RMSE = 0.13 m). As the images became more oblique, alignment and monocular depth/height accuracy decreased. Also, the effects of perspective and object-scale ambiguity in monocular depth estimation were prominent in the high oblique and relatively low altitude images. The spectral vegetation indices (VIs) were affected by band misalignment and shadows. VIs from the different canopy layers demonstrated moderate correlation with leaf nitrogen concentration, and sets 2 and 3 specifically showed high and low differences in VIs from the UC and LC layers for the no and high-nitrogen treatments, respectively. However, improvements in the multispectral alignment process, extensive data collection, and ground-truthing are needed to conclude whether the LC spectra are useful for early nitrogen stress detection in field cotton.
Performance of an Effective SAR Polarimetric Calibration Method Using Polarimetric Active Radar Calibrators: Numerical Simulations and LT-1 Experiments
Authors: Chen Yibin , Li Liang , Liu Guikun , Li Zhengshuai
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a new approach to polarimetric calibration, extending classical PARC-based methods by exploring new matrix combinations that broaden the applicability of the existing techniques. By investigating alternative matrix configurations, the proposed method not only enhances the flexibility of conventional calibration approaches but also identifies matrix combinations that offer superior performance advantages. The influence of the SNR and scattering matrix error of PARC on the proposed method is evaluated by numerical simulations. The results demonstrate that the proposed method is highly accurate for PARCs with an SNR greater than 34 dB and with single-channel scattering matrix deviations less than −40 dB and four-channel scattering matrix deviations less than 0.5 dB. The effectiveness and precision of the method were validated through calibration experiments conducted on the L-band polarimetric synthetic-aperture radar aboard the LT-1 satellite. The experimental results demonstrate that the amplitude and phase estimation errors of channel unbalance are less than 0.6 dB and 4.5°, respectively, and that the crosstalk estimation error is less than −33 dB. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the method is validated through trihedral corner reflector correlation experiments and the synthesis of pseudo-color images via Pauli decomposition. The theoretical polarization characteristics of the reference target exhibited a high degree of agreement with the calibrated polarization characteristics.
Mapping Spatiotemporal Dynamic Changes in Urban CO2 Emissions in China by Using the Machine Learning Method and Geospatial Big Data
Authors: Guo Wei , Li Yongxing , Cui Ximin , Zhao Xuesheng , Teng Yongjia , Rienow Andreas
Published: February 2025

Accurately and objectively evaluating the spatiotemporal dynamic changes in CO2 emissions is significant for human sustainable development. However, traditional CO2 emissions estimates, typically derived from national or provincial energy statistics, often lack spatial information. To develop a more accurate spatiotemporal model for estimating CO2 emissions, this research innovatively incorporates nighttime light data, vegetation cover data, land use data, and geographic big data into the study of pixel-level urban CO2 emissions estimation in China. The proposed method significantly improves the precision of CO2 emissions estimation, achieving an average accuracy of 83.76%. This study reveals that the type of decoupling varies according to different scales, with more negative decoupling occurring in northern cities. Factors such as the per capita GDP and urbanization contribute to the increase in CO2 emissions, while the structure of industry and energy consumption play a crucial role in reducing them. The findings in this study could potentially be used to develop tailored carbon reduction strategies for different spatial scales in China.
A Robust Digital Elevation Model-Based Registration Method for Mini-RF/Mini-SAR Images
Authors: Xu Zihan , Zhao Fei , Lu Pingping , Gao Yao , Meng Tingyu , Dang Yanan , Li Mofei , Wang Robert
Published: February 2025

SAR data from the lunar spaceborne Reconnaissance Orbiter’s (LRO) Mini-RF and Chandrayaan-1’s Mini-SAR provide valuable insights into the properties of the lunar surface. However, public lunar SAR data products are not properly registered and are limited by localization issues. Existing registration methods for Earth SAR have proven to be inadequate in their robustness for lunar data registration. And current research on methods for lunar SAR has not yet focused on producing globally registered datasets. To solve these problems, this article introduces a robust automatic registration method tailored for S-band Level-1 Mini-RF and Mini-SAR data with the assistance of lunar DEM. A simulated SAR image based on real lunar DEM data is first generated to assist the registration work, and then an offset calculation approach based on normalized cross-correlation (NCC) and specific processing, including background removal, is proposed to achieve the registration between the simulated image, and the real image. When applying Mini-RF images and Mini-SAR images, high robustness and good accuracy are exhibited, which produces fully registered datasets. After processing using the proposed method, the average error between Mini-RF images and DEM references was reduced from approximately 3000 m to about 100 m. To further explore the additional improvement of the proposed method, the registered lunar SAR datasets are used for further analysis, including a review of the circular polarization ratio (CPR) characteristics of anomalous craters.