bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Decade of Change in Peritoneal Dialysis in Brazil: Challenges and Perspectives in the Public Health System
Authors: Moura-Neto José A. , Modelli de Andrade Luís Gustavo , Moura Ana Flávia , Cruz Constança Margarida Sampaio
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The Brazilian Constitution defines health as a universal right and a State responsibility, with the Unified Public Health System (SUS) ensuring free access to comprehensive care, including renal replacement therapies (RRTs) such as dialysis and kidney transplantation. This study aimed to analyze trends in peritoneal dialysis (PD) usage within Brazil’s public health system over a 10-year period, focusing on geographic, demographic, and clinical changes. Methods: Using data from DATASUS and the Brazilian Society of Nephrology Dialysis Census, we analyzed PD usage and patient characteristics from 2014 to 2023. This methodology enabled an in-depth examination of shifts in RRT trends across regions and patient demographics. Results: PD usage declined from 6.5% in 2014 to 4.3% in 2023, with the steepest reductions observed in the North and Northeast regions. Usage increased in the Central-West region, while the Southeast and South experienced steady declines from 2016 to 2023. The proportion of centers offering PD decreased from 51.6% in 2014 to 37.9% in 2023. Over time, the average age of PD patients increased, as did the proportion of Brown/Black individuals receiving PD. Despite these shifts, patient serum levels of hemoglobin, parathyroid hormone, and phosphorus remained stable. Conclusions: This study highlights a relative decline in PD availability and use within Brazil’s public health system, with notable regional disparities. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted policies to support PD infrastructure, funding, and training to ensure equitable access to RRT across the country.
Differences in Provider Beliefs and Delivery of the 5As for Cigarette and Non-Cigarette Tobacco Use Between Two Types of Healthcare Centers Serving Rural and/or Medically Underserved Areas of Texas, US
Authors: Siddiqi Ammar D. , Carter Brian J. , Britton Maggie , Chen Tzuan A. , Martinez Leal Isabel , Moosa Asfand B. , Williams Teresa , Casey Kathleen , Sanchez Hector , Reitzel Lorraine R.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Rural populations in the US bear a disproportionate burden of cancer mortality, which may be partly due to their elevated tobacco use and the limited receipt of tobacco use interventions in rural healthcare settings. Here, we examine providers’ use of the 5As (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange), a brief tobacco cessation intervention, with their patients to assess intervention gaps. Methods: Provider practices in substance use treatment centers (SUTCs) and medical healthcare centers (MHCs), each serving rural and/or medically underserved areas (MUAs) of Texas, were compared. In total, 347 providers from 10 SUTCs (n = 174) and 9 MHCs (n = 173) responded to an anonymized survey about their cigarette and non-cigarette screening and intervention delivery, along with their perceived importance and workforce’s preparedness to help patients stop using tobacco. Linear mixed and generalized linear mixed models were used to assess differences between practices at SUTCs and MHCs. Results: More MHC than SUTC providers reported that cigarette and non-cigarette tobacco use cessation intervention were (respectively) important parts of their job (p = 0.0009; p = 0.0023) and that their workforce was prepared to help their patients quit tobacco (p = 0.0275), although less than half of all respondents endorsed preparedness. Relative to those at SUTCs, MHC providers reported higher rates of asking (SUTCs = 59.57% and MHCs = 77.21%; p = 0.0182) and advising (SUTCs = 45.34% and MHCs = 72.35%; p = 0.0017) their patients to quit cigarette smoking and advising them to quit non-cigarette tobacco products (SUTCs = 43.94% and MHCs = 71.76%; p = 0.0016). Conclusions: Overall, providers in both settings may benefit from greater preparation to deliver tobacco cessation care; needs were more prevalent within SUTCs than MHCs. Our findings can inform strategic planning to improve centers’ capacity to comprehensively address their patients’ tobacco use in rural/MUAs of Texas, US.
Current Practices of Haemodynamic Monitoring in High-Risk Surgical Patients: A Nationwide Survey Among Malaysian Anaesthesiologists
Authors: Sayed Masri Syarifah Noor Nazihah , Khalid Iskandar , Chan Weng Ken , Izaham Azarinah , Musthafa Qurratu Aini , Zainal Abidin Mohd Fitry , Yunus Siti Nadzrah , Shariffuddin Ina Ismiarti , Samsudin Afifah , Mazlan Mohd Zulfakar , Cannesson Maxime P.
Published: February 2025

Background: Advanced haemodynamic monitoring has been recommended for use in high-risk surgeries and high-risk patients undergoing surgery. This study aims to assess the current practices of haemodynamic monitoring in high-risk surgical patients among Malaysian anaesthesiologists. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional survey among Malaysian anaesthesiologists, following approval from the institution’s Medical Research Ethics Committee and the National Medical Research Register. The survey utilised a questionnaire developed by Cannesson et al. to gather demographic data, practice information, and haemodynamic monitoring practices. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, and results were presented as the mean, median, or frequency as appropriate. Results: A total of 366 participants responded to the questionnaire, and 2 dropped out due to an incomplete form. This study found differences in the frequency of haemodynamic optimisation and monitoring techniques used in different healthcare settings. Written protocols or statements concerning haemodynamic management in high-risk surgical cases were only available to 15.7% of participants in the institution. The overall utilisation rate of cardiac output monitoring was found to be 31.1%, with a significant majority of the usage observed in university hospitals (p < 0.001). Central venous pressure was more commonly used in university hospitals and private hospitals compared to public hospitals (p < 0.001). The usage of advanced parameters such as stroke volume variation, cardiac index, and systemic vascular resistance was significantly higher in university hospitals, with a p value < 0.001. Transthoracic echocardiography was the most common tool used for high-risk surgical patients. The primary reasons for participants not utilising cardiac output monitoring include the lack of availability of such monitoring in their respective settings, which constitutes 66.9% of the respondents. The overwhelming majority of participants, namely 98%, expressed the belief that there is room for improvement in their present haemodynamic care. Conclusions: This study offers significant insights into the prevailing haemodynamic monitoring practices employed by Malaysian anaesthesiologists in the context of high-risk surgical patients. The findings have the potential to contribute to future educational initiatives and establish practice standards for haemodynamic monitoring in high-risk surgical procedures.
Associations Between Domains and Patterns of Sedentary Behavior with Sleep Quality and Duration in Pregnant Women
Authors: Khojah Nada , Gibbs Bethany Barone , Alghamdi Saja Abdullah , Alsalman Alawyah , Sowadi Om Kalthom , Saad Hadeel , Alshuwaier Ghareeb Omar , Alansare Abdullah Bandar
Published: February 2025

Objectives: To assess the associations of sedentary behavior (SB) with sleep quality and duration in pregnant women by trimesters and to consider SB domains and patterns. Methods: This investigation included 935 participants (age = 30.0 ± 5.6 years; first trimester = 24.1%, second trimester = 33.9%, third trimester = 42.0%). The total, domains (leisure, occupational, commuting), and patterns (weekdays, weekends) of SB, as well as sleep quality and duration, were self-reported. Adjusted logistic regression models examined the associations of different SBs with the risk of poor sleep quality, not adhering to sleep duration guidelines (7–9 h/day), or being a short- or long-sleeper. Results: The odds of poor sleep quality were significantly higher by 14.2% and 7.4% for each hour increase in total and leisure SB on weekends, respectively. The odds of not adhering to sleep duration guidelines were significantly higher by 5.5% and 11.4% for each hour increase in total and leisure SB during weekdays, respectively; paradoxically, the odds of not complying with the sleep duration guidelines were significantly lower, ranging between 6.6% and 34.4% for each hour increase in total, leisure, or commuting SB on weekends. Further, when analyzed separately, the likelihood of being a short- or long-sleeper was highly variable across SB domains, with associations being more apparent in the first and third trimesters. Conclusions: The relationship between SB and healthy sleep during pregnancy was complex. These variable findings underscore the importance of considering domains and patterns of SB beyond simple total durations in future research to inform interventions and guidelines to improve sleep health during pregnancy.
Global and Specific NIR Models for Oxidative Stability Prediction and Cultivar Discrimination in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Authors: Yılmaz-Düzyaman Hande , de la Rosa Raúl , Núñez-Sánchez Nieves , León Lorenzo
Published: February 2025

The Oxidative Stability Index (OSI) is crucial for evaluating the commercial, nutritional, and sensory properties of extra virgin olive oils (EVOO). Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers a rapid and cost-effective alternative to evaluate OSI with respect to traditional methods like Rancimat. This study aimed to develop a robust global NIRS model for predicting OSI in EVOO and compare it with specific models for key Spanish cultivars such as ‘Picual’, ‘Arbequina’, and ‘Sikitita’ (a new, recently released cultivar for commercial hedgerow planting systems). Using NIRS spectra from 1100 to 2500 nm, we analyzed 939 samples globally and developed cultivar-specific models based on 59 ‘Picual’, 84 ‘Arbequina’, and 48 ‘Sikitita’ samples. Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression models demonstrated promising results in all sample sets tested, with the global model outperforming individual yearly models, highlighting the importance of incorporating variability to enhance predictive performance. Log-transformed OSI data improved accuracy across all models. Additionally, discriminant analysis (LDA) was performed on NIRS spectra from five cultivars (‘Arbequina,’ ‘Picual,’ ‘Koroneiki,’ ‘Sikitita,’ and ‘Arbosana’), a total of 254 samples, achieving 96% accuracy in differentiating monovarietal EVOO samples. These findings demonstrate the versatility of NIRS for OSI modeling and cultivar discrimination, making it a valuable tool for breeding programs and quality assessment.
Reproductive Dynamics and Hermaphroditism in the Black-Footed Limpet (Patella depressa Pennant, 1777) on an Intertidal Rocky Shore on the Algarve Coast (Southern Portugal)
Authors: Moura Paula , Vasconcelos Paulo , Pereira Fábio , Carvalho André N. , Gaspar Miguel B.
Published: February 2025

The present study aimed to describe the reproductive cycle of the black-footed limpet (Patella depressa Pennant, 1777) from an intertidal rocky shore on the Algarve coast (southern Portugal). Samples were collected monthly between January 2017 and December 2018, with the species’ gametogenic cycle being described based on gonad histology and the mean gonadal index. The presence of both transitional and mosaic hermaphrodites indicates that some individuals are able to change sex (sequential hermaphroditism). Despite the occurrence of hermaphroditism, sex proportions were approximately equal, suggesting the absence of protandric sex change in this species. The population exhibited an extensive occurrence of ripe and spawning gonads throughout almost the whole study period, probably related to consecutive processes of gonadal re-ripening and partial spawning events. The reproductive dynamics of P. depressa displayed clear inter-annual differences, with a short resting period recorded in 2017 (June–August) and the absence of resting gonads in 2018. The continued monitoring of this population and collection of environmental data are required to further improve knowledge of the reproductive dynamics of this species. Such information is crucial for proposing additional management measures for the sustainable harvesting of limpets in southern Portugal.
Spatial Autocorrelation Analysis of CO and NO2 Related to Forest Fire Dynamics
Authors: Atalay Hatice , Sunar Ayse Filiz , Dervisoglu Adalet
Published: February 2025

The increasing frequency and severity of forest fires globally highlight the critical need to understand their environmental impacts. This study applies spatial autocorrelation techniques to analyze the dispersion patterns of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions during the 2021 Manavgat forest fires in Türkiye, using Sentinel-5P satellite data. Univariate (UV) Global Moran’s I values indicated strong spatial autocorrelation for CO (0.84–0.93) and NO2 (0.90–0.94), while Bivariate (BV) Global Moran’s I (0.69–0.84) demonstrated significant spatial correlations between the two gases. UV Local Moran’s I analysis identified distinct UV High-High (UV-HH) and UV Low-Low (UV-LL) clusters, with CO concentrations exceeding 0.10000 mol/m2 and exhibiting wide dispersion, while NO2 concentrations, above 0.00020 mol/m2, remained localized near intense fire zones due to its shorter atmospheric lifetime. BV Local Moran’s I analysis revealed overlapping BV-HH (high CO, high NO2) and BV-LL (low CO, low NO2) clusters, influenced by topography and meteorological factors. These findings enhance the understanding of gas emission dynamics during forest fires and provide critical insights into the influence of environmental and combustion processes on pollutant dispersion.
Molecular Simulation of the Binding of Amyloid Beta to Apolipoprotein A-I in High-Density Lipoproteins
Authors: Malajczuk Chris J. , Mancera Ricardo L.
Published: February 2025

Disrupted clearance of amyloid beta (Aβ) from the brain enhances its aggregation and formation of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s disease. The most abundant protein constituent of circulating high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles, apoA-I, readily crosses the blood–brain barrier from periphery circulation, exhibits low-micromolar binding affinity for soluble, neurotoxic forms of Aβ, and modulates Aβ aggregation and toxicity in vitro. Its highly conserved N-terminal sequence, 42LNLKLLD48 (‘LN’), has been proposed as a binding region for Aβ. However, high-resolution structural characterisation of the mechanism of HDL–Aβ interaction is very difficult to attain. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate for the first time the interaction of Aβ and the ‘LN’ segment of apoA-I. Favourable binding of Aβ by HDLs was found to be driven by hydrophobic and hydrogen-bonding interactions predominantly between the ‘LN’ segment of apoA-I and Aβ. Preferential binding of Aβ may proceed in small, protein-rich HDLs whereby solvent-exposed hydrophobic ‘LN’ segments of apoA-I interact specifically with Aβ, stabilising it on the HDL surface in a possibly non-amyloidogenic conformation, facilitating effective Aβ clearance. These findings rationalise the potentially therapeutic role of HDLs in reducing Aβ aggregation and toxicity, and of peptide mimics of the apoA-I interacting region in blocking Aβ aggregation.
The NbCBP1-NbSAMS1 Module Promotes Ethylene Accumulation to Enhance Nicotiana benthamiana Resistance to Phytophthora parasitica Under High Potassium Status
Authors: Noorin Sadia , Du Youwei , Liu Yi , Wang Shuanghong , Wang Yan , Jia Hongchen , Hsiang Tom , Zhang Rong , Sun Guangyu
Published: February 2025

Potassium (K) fertilization is crucial for plant resistance to pathogens, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigate the molecular mechanism by which the addition of K promotes resistance in Nicotiana benthamiana to Phytophthora parasitica. We found that N. benthamiana with high K content (HK, 52.3 g/kg) produced more ethylene in response to P. parasitica infection, compared to N. benthamiana with low-K content (LK, 22.4 g/kg). An exogenous ethylene application effectively increased resistance in LK N. benthamiana to the level under HK status, demonstrating the involvement of ethylene in the HK-associated resistance in N. benthamiana. Further, transcriptome analysis showed that NbSAMS1, encoding ethylene biosynthesis, was induced to upregulate P. parasitica about five times higher in HK than in LK N. benthamiana. NbSAMS1 overexpression enhanced resistance in LK plants, whereas NbSAMS1 silencing reduced resistance in HK plants, confirming its importance in conferring resistance. Furthermore, we identified a calcium-binding protein, NbCBP1, which interacted with NbSAMS1, promoting its expression in HK N. benthamiana. Silencing NbCBP1 compromised resistance in HK N. benthamiana, whereas its overexpression improved resistance in LK N. benthamiana. Notably, NbCBP1 protected NbSAMS1 from degradation by the 26S proteasome, thereby sustaining ethylene accumulation in HK N. benthamiana in response to P. parasitica infection. Thus, our research elucidated some mechanisms of the NbCBP1-NbSAMS1 module associated with disease resistance in HK N. benthamiana.
Indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Consortium Enhances Growth and Protects Boufeggous Gharas Date Palm Against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis Infection in Figuig Oasis (Morocco)
Authors: Gagou Elmostafa , Bouchentouf Halima , Chakroune Khadija , Abbas Mahmoud , Lamkami Touria , El Jaziri Mondher , Hakkou Abdelkader
Published: February 2025

An indigenous consortium of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from the Figuig oasis in southern Morocco, comprising Rhizophagus sp., Funneliformis sp., Acaulospora sp., Sclerocystis sp., and Scutellospora sp., was evaluated for its effects on the growth and sensitivity of Phoenix dactylifera L. variety (cv. Boufeggous Gharas) to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Albedinis (Foa), the causal agent of Bayoud disease. Despite its high fruit quality and local appreciation, the Boufeggous Gharas variety is highly susceptible to Foa and is currently at risk of extinction, underscoring the urgent need for its sustainable management. The results demonstrated that Boufeggous Gharas seedlings inoculated with a consortium of indigenous AMF showed significantly improved shoot and root length, leaf number, and biomass as compared to non-mycorrhized seedlings. In contrast, Foa-infected seedlings showed significantly reduced growth, with a 46.6% decrease in shoot height and a 50.4% reduction in root length compared to non-infected seedlings. Interestingly, AMF inoculation mitigated this sensitivity to Foa, significantly restoring growth parameters. Seedlings treated with AMF + Foa showed a 51% increase in shoot height and a 61% improvement in root length, along with over 100% gains in shoot and root biomass compared to seedlings infected solely with Foa. This study provides the first evidence of integrating AMF into sustainable date palm cultivation practices to mitigate the impacts of biotic stresses, thereby promoting the preservation and valorization of vulnerable date palm varieties. The protective effects of AMF are attributed to improved nutrient uptake, enhanced root architecture, and systemic resistance induced by AMF colonization.
Hybrid U-Net Model with Visual Transformers for Enhanced Multi-Organ Medical Image Segmentation
Authors: Jiang Pengsong , Liu Wufeng , Wang Feihu , Wei Renjie
Published: February 2025

Medical image segmentation is an essential process that facilitates the precise extraction and localization of diseased areas from medical pictures. It can provide clear and quantifiable information to support clinicians in making final decisions. However, due to the lack of explicit modeling of global relationships in CNNs, they are unable to fully use the long-range dependencies among several image locations. In this paper, we propose a novel model that can extract local and global semantic features from the images by utilizing CNN and the visual transformer in the encoder. It is important to note that the self-attention mechanism treats a 2D image as a 1D sequence of patches, which can potentially disrupt the image’s inherent 2D spatial structure. Therefore, we utilized the structure of the transformer using visual attention and large kernel attention, and we added a residual convolutional attention module (RCAM) and multi-scale fusion convolution (MFC) into the decoder. They can help the model better capture crucial features and fine details to improve detail and accuracy of segmentation effects. On the synapse multi-organ segmentation (Synapse) and the automated cardiac diagnostic challenge (ACDC) datasets, our model performed better than the previous models, demonstrating that it is more precise and robust in multi-organ medical image segmentation.
Influence of Hyperthermia Treatment on Varroa Infestation, Viral Infections, and Honey Bee Health in Beehives
Authors: Xu Xinjian , Zhou Shujing , Huang Jinrong , Geng Fa , Zhu Xiangjie , Abou-Shaara Hossam F.
Published: February 2025

The mite Varroa destructor is widely acknowledged as the most destructive threat to honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies on a global scale. Varroa mite infestations in bee colonies are intricately linked with viral infections, collaboratively leading to diminished bee populations and accelerated colony losses. Extensive research has firmly established the correlation between varroa mites and viruses, underscoring the mite’s efficiency in spreading viruses among bees and colonies. The effective control of varroa mites is expected to result in a decrease in viral infections within bee colonies. Research suggests that thermal treatments (hyperthermia) present a viable approach to combat varroa mites, with studies demonstrating the role of heat stress in reducing viral infections in affected bees. This article examines the extant literature surrounding the utilization of hyperthermia as a potential method to ameliorate the adverse impacts of varroa mites and their associated viral infections on honey bee colonies. It also outlines the thermal characteristics of these stressors. Diverse devices can be used for subjecting colonies to hyperthermia treatment, targeting mites both within and outside of brood cells. The application of thermal treatments, typically ranging between 40 and 42 °C for 1.5–3 h, as a method to reduce varroa mites and viral infections, has shown promise. Notably, the precise effectiveness of hyperthermia treatment in comparison with alternative varroa mite control measures remains uncertain within the available literature. The potential deleterious repercussions of this control mechanism on immature and mature honey bees are evaluated. Concurrently, the detrimental implications of prolonged treatment durations on colonies are discussed. Regarding viral infections, hyperthermia treatment can impact them negatively by either reducing varroa mite infestations or by inducing the production of heat shock proteins that possess potential antiviral properties. Various factors are identified as influential on hyperthermia treatment efficacy within bee colonies, including the device type and treatment duration, necessitating further empirical investigations. Additionally, this article highlights the existing gaps in the knowledge and provides insights into the prospective directions of research concerning this control method.
Factors Impacting the Use of an Allelochemical Lure in Pome Fruit for Cydia pomonella (L.) Monitoring
Authors: Knight Alan Lee , Preti Michele , Basoalto Esteban
Published: February 2025

A four-component blend comprising pear ester, DMNT, linalool oxide, and acetic acid (CM4K) was identified as a potent allelochemical lure for both sexes of codling moth (CM), Cydia pomonella (L.). Studies conducted from 2020 to 2022 in Washington State (USA) examined factors which could impact the lure’s relative performance. The CM4K lure was effective across a range of mating disruption programs and was equally attractive in monitoring wild and sterile CM. The lure remained attractive for at least 10 weeks. Total catch in traps baited with the CM4K was significantly less impacted than a sex pheromone lure located near mating disruption dispensers and female catches were largely unaffected. Traps with the CM4K lure caught significantly more females and fewer males when placed near clusters of fruits in a trellised orchard. Two factors were found to significantly impact the relative performance of the CM4K to sex pheromone lures: the CM4K lure was only equivalent to sex pheromone lures in pear MD orchards, and apple and pear orchards with vigorous weed growth. This is the first report of a monitoring lure for a tortricid moth being negatively impacted by the background odor of non-host weed species present within an orchard.
COI Insights into Diversity and Species Delimitation of Immature Stages of Non-Biting Midges (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: Stasiukynas Laurynas , Havelka Jekaterina , da Silva Fabio Laurindo , Torres Jimenez Maria Fernanda , Podėnas Sigitas , Lekoveckaitė Aistė
Published: February 2025

The diversity of non-biting midges (Chironomidae, Diptera) remains an unresolved topic, with estimates of species numbers ranging from 6000 to 15,000 according to various authors. To assess Chironomidae diversity in Lithuania, we evaluate the effectiveness of COI gene-based species delimitation methods for providing rapid diversity estimates. Nevertheless, differences between tree-based and distance-based approaches can result in varying group classifications, which may cause species numbers to be overestimated or underestimated. For our study, we analyzed a dataset of 109 specimens sampled from six Lithuanian streams. By applying multiple methods, such as Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning (ASAP), Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD), the generalized mixed Yule-coalescent (GMYC) model, and the Bayesian implementation of the Poisson Tree Processes (bPTP) model, we found that species estimates ranged from 28 to 58. Among these methods, ASAP proved to be the most effective for our dataset, identifying 58 putative species. These results reinforce our assumption that the current understanding of Chironomidae species diversity is incomplete.
Imaging Findings of Human Papillomavirus-Positive and Human Papillomavirus-Negative Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Associated with Recurrence
Authors: Suto Taketo , Kawaguchi Masaya , Kato Hiroki , Shibata Hirofumi , Ogawa Takenori , Ando Tomohiro , Noda Yoshifumi , Hyodo Fuminori , Matsuo Masayuki
Published: February 2025

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the imaging findings associated with the recurrence of HPV-positive and HPV-negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Methods: In total, 68 patients (51 men; mean age, 64.4 years; age range, 41–86 years; 48 HPV-positive patients and 20 HPV-negative patients) with histopathologically proven OPSCC who underwent CT, MRI, and 18F-FDG-PET/CT before treatment between October 2014 and July 2022 were enrolled in this study. The imaging findings were retrospectively evaluated and statistically compared. Results: HPV-positive OPSCC had a significantly lower recurrence rate compared with that of HPV-negative OPSCC (p < 0.01). Among HPV-positive OPSCCs, patients with recurrence were considerably older than those without recurrence (p < 0.05); however, the T and N categories did not differ between the two groups. Meanwhile, among HPV-negative OPSCCs, the T and N categories were associated with recurrence (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the attenuation on contrast-enhanced CT (p < 0.05) and signal intensity on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images (p < 0.05) of nodal metastases were significantly lower in recurrence patients compared to those in nonrecurrence patients. Cystic change in nodal metastases in HPV-positive and HPV-negative OPSCCs were similar in patients with and without recurrence. Conclusions: The T and N categories were associated with recurrence in HPV-negative OPSCC but not in HPV-positive OPSCC. Prognostic factors differed significantly between HPV-positive and HPV-negative OPSCC.
Expanding the Genetic and Clinical Spectrum of Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis: The Glu61Ala Variant
Authors: Messina Christian , Gulizia Salvatore , Scalia Federica , Borgione Eugenia , Cappello Francesco , Brighina Filippo , Di Stefano Vincenzo
Published: February 2025

Introduction. Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR) is a rare disorder with a largely variable worldwide prevalence, and it is caused by autosomal dominant mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene, leading to cardiological, neurological, or mixed phenotypes. Apart from the Glu89Gln, Phe64Leu, and Thr49Ala variants, recently, other mutations of TTR gene have been reported in Sicily (His90Asn, Val122Ile, Ser77Phe, Val20Ala). With this paper, we describe a novel mutation in the TTR gene, the Glu61Ala variant, which had been previously reported in only one case with a cardiac phenotype, and the clinical findings surrounding it. Materials and Methods. One individual affected by chronic idiopathic polyneuropathy and a major red flag for hATTR underwent genetic testing to look for mutations in the TTR gene. Then, his relatives were subjected to the same test. We assessed the anamnestic profile and conducted general and neurological examination, blood tests, nerve conduction studies (NCS), electrocardiogram, and Sudoscan for each patient. Written informed consent was acquired for every patient. Results. Among 7 patients screened, 5 patients carried the Glu61Ala variant (71%). The mean age was 64.6 ± 10.2 years, whereas the mean age at onset was 59.4 ± 7.9 years. In our study, three patients (60%) showed a mixed phenotype, whereas two of them (40%) showed a neurological phenotype. Discussion. The Glu61Ala variant was reported only in one case with a cardiological phenotype, but our patients showed both neurological and cardiological involvement. Further studies are needed to improve knowledge of this genetic variant.
Wealth and Altitude Explain Urban Plant Diversity in Residential Areas of Hainan, China
Authors: Su Linke , Tang Huiting , He Gong , Nizamani Mir Muhammad , Wang Huafeng
Published: February 2025

Rapid urbanization worldwide poses significant challenges to biodiversity, as urban habitat fragmentation coexists with diverse landscape forms. Residential areas, a critical component of urban ecology, are essential for understanding the mechanisms that drive biodiversity conservation and the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. Additionally, the gradient distribution of biodiversity remains a focal point in ecological research, aiding in the comprehension of fundamental species–environment interactions. In this study, we sampled 269 residential areas across fifteen counties and municipal districts on Hainan Island to investigate biodiversity alongside residential characteristics, as well as socio-economic and environmental variables. Utilizing the Generalized Linear Model (GLM), we analyzed the differences and commonalities of plant driving factors through horizontal and vertical two-dimensional gradient models with box plots, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA), and path models to examine the existence, distribution, and nature of these gradients. Our findings indicate the following: different plant types are driven by distinct mechanisms; cultivated plants are primarily valued for ornamental purposes, whereas in rural areas, their edible value is emphasized. Urban residential plant diversity was primarily influenced by altitude and fundamentally affected by economic factors. Our analyses identified distinct differences in the driving factors influencing various plant types and established two primary gradients of plant diversity distribution within residential areas: a horizontal gradient influenced by housing prices and a vertical gradient corresponding to changes in elevation. Both gradient models were found to be outcomes of socio-economic factors, highlighting the significant role of economic development in shaping urban biodiversity.
A Novel Model for Soil Organic Matter and Total Nitrogen Detection Based on Visible/Shortwave Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Qi Jiangtao , Cheng Panting , Zhou Junbo , Zhang Mengyi , Gao Qin , He Peng , Li Lujun , Muga Francis Collins , Guo Li
Published: February 2025

Soil organic matter (SOM) and total nitrogen (TN) are critical indicators for assessing soil fertility. Although laboratory chemical analysis methods can accurately measure their contents, these techniques are time-consuming and labor-intensive. Spectral technology, characterized by its high sensitivity and convenience, has been increasingly integrated with machine learning algorithms for soil nutrient monitoring. However, the process of spectral data analysis remains complex and requires further optimization for simplicity and efficiency to improve prediction accuracy. This study proposes a novel model to enhance the accuracy of SOM and TN predictions in northeast China’s black soil. Visible/Shortwave Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (Vis/SW-NIRS) data within the 350–1070 nm range were collected, preprocessed, and dimensionality-reduced. The scores of the first nine principal components after a partial least squares (PLS) dimensionality reduction were selected as inputs, and the measured SOM and TN contents were used as outputs to build a back-propagation neural network (BPNN) model. The results show that spectral data processed by the combination of standard normal variate (SNV) and multiple scattering correction (MSC) have the best modeling performance. To improve the accuracy and stability of this model, three algorithms named random search (RS), grid search (GS), and Bayesian optimization (BO) were introduced. The results demonstrate that Vis/SW-NIRS provides reliable predictions of SOM and TN contents, with the PLS-RS-BPNN model achieving the best performance (R2 = 0.980 and 0.972, RMSE = 1.004 and 0.006 for SOM and TN, respectively). Compared to traditional models such as random forests (RF), one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1D-CNNs), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), the proposed PLS-RS-BPNN model improves R2 by 0.164–0.344 in predicting SOM and by 0.257–0.314 in predicting TN, respectively. These findings confirm the potential of Vis/SW-NIRS technology and the PLS-RS-BPNN model as effective tools for soil nutrient prediction, offering valuable insights for the application of spectral technology in sensing soil information.
Protease-Resistant, Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Peptides with High Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity
Authors: Kocagoz Tanil , Temur Betul Zehra , Unubol Nihan , Acikel Elmas Merve , Kanlidere Zeynep , Cilingir Sumeyye , Acar Dilan , Boskan Gizem , Akcelik Deveci Sumeyye , Aybakan Esma , Ozcan Yoner Aslihan , Yurttutan Uyar Neval , Serteser Mustafa , Sahsuvar Seray , Erdemgil Yigit , Yildirim Keles Zeynep Zulfiye , Demirhan Deniz , Sakalauskaite Sandra , Daugelavicius Rimantas , Ozal Ildeniz Tugba Arzu , Atik Ahmet Emin , Mozioglu Erkan , Eren Tarik , Arbak Serap , Suyen Guldal , Can Ozge
Published: February 2025

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a diverse group of small, naturally occurring molecules that orchestrate the innate immune response of various organisms, from microorganisms to humans. Characterized by their broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi and viruses, AMPs are increasingly recognized for their potential as novel therapeutic agents in the face of rising antibiotic resistance. Here, we present several newly designed AMPs, one of which, DTN6, exerts significant activity against several organisms with MIC values as low as 0.5 µg/mL. The D-TN6 peptide influences both bacteria and yeasts. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results showed that the bacterial membrane is affected by D-TN6, which is resistant to proteases and is effective against antibiotic-resistant pathogens with hemolytic activity and low toxicity. The D-TN6 peptide is effective in vivo against standard S. aureus strains in wounds. Thus, D-TN6 is a potent antibiotic candidate with a broad spectrum of activity. Overall, AMPs are a promising tool for the development of next-generation antimicrobial agents that could mitigate global health threats posed by multidrug-resistant pathogens.
Anticancer Chemotherapy-Induced Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Izquierdo-Condoy Juan S. , Arias-Intriago Marlon , Becerra Cardona Diego Alexander , García-Cañarte Susana , Vinueza-Moreano Paul
Published: February 2025

The introduction of anticancer agents has transformed oncology, significantly improving survival rates. However, these therapies have introduced unintended cardiovascular risks, with atherosclerovascular disease (ASCVD) emerging as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors. The development of ASCVD in this population involves multifactorial mechanisms, including endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and disrupted lipid metabolism. This review examines the various mechanisms through which anticancer chemotherapy contributes to ASCVD and highlights strategies for risk assessment and management. Each class of anticancer agents presents distinct cardiovascular challenges: anthracyclines induce oxidative stress and endothelial damage, promoting foam cell formation and plaque progression; taxanes and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors impair lipid metabolism and vascular stability; anti-metabolites exacerbate endothelial injury through reactive oxygen species; and mTOR inhibitors, hormonal therapies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors disrupt lipid profiles and inflammatory pathways, increasing the risk of plaque rupture and thrombosis. Mitigating chemotherapy-induced ASCVD necessitates a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. Detailed pre-treatment cardiovascular risk assessments must address traditional and cancer-specific risk factors, including demographics, pre-existing conditions, and modifiable behaviors such as smoking and inactivity. Pharmacological interventions like statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, paired with lifestyle modifications, are essential to reducing ASCVD risk. In resource-limited settings, cost-effective strategies should be prioritized to enhance accessibility. Establishing cardio-oncology units facilitates care coordination, while long-term surveillance enables timely detection and intervention. These strategies collectively improve cardiovascular outcomes and survivorship in diverse patient populations.
On the Thermal Transformation of All-trans-1,6-Diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (All-trans-DPH) into Its s-cis Conformer (s-cis-DPH) in Solution
Authors: Catalán Javier
Published: February 2025

The behavior of the energy of the peaks of the first UV/Vis absorption band and the presence or absence of isosbestic points in this band with changing temperature for all-trans-DPH and all-trans-β-carotene, dissolved in 1-chlorobutane or hydrocarbon solvents, allows us to show conclusively whether these compounds transform their all-trans-molecular structures into a structure of their conformers. From these analyses, it is concluded that in these solvents, all-trans-DPH is not thermally transformed to its conformer s-cis-DPH in a temperature range from 133 K to 350 K. On the other hand, all-trans-β-carotene, as a model-compound, does show changes in its molecular structure in these solvents with changing temperature. We also show that a portion of all-trans-DPH dissolved in cis-Decalin, at room temperature, slowly transforms into its conformer s-cis-DPH.
6,6′-{[Ethane-1,2-diylbis(azaneylylidene)]bis(methaneylylidene)}bis[(1-oxyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidine-3-carboxy)phenolato] Nickel(II)
Authors: Vereshchagin Anatoliy A. , Rodionova Ulyana M. , Dolmatova Anastasiia G. , Suglobov Sergey S. , Behrends Jan , Alekseeva Elena V.
Published: February 2025

Conductive polymers with TEMPO pendants are considered as a promising class of energy storage materials. However, the rational design of such materials demands for the minimization of the molar mass of the unit. The utilization of the PROXYL stable radical instead of TEMPO may decrease the weight of the monomeric unit and, thus, improve the capacity of the materials. Herein, we report a NiSalen complex with 3-carboxy-PROXYL pendants, designed to decrease the molar mass of the complex. The resulting product was characterized by 1H NMR, electrospray high-resolution mass spectrometry and EPR.
Thermodynamic and Electrochemical Characterization of Nd* (III) Ion Diffusion in (LiF-CaF2)-Nd2O3 Molten Salts
Authors: Sun Kailei , Luo Linsheng , Wang Xu
Published: February 2025

Data on the diffusion and migration characteristics of rare earth metal ions in fluoride molten salt systems are crucial for optimizing the electrolytic preparation of rare earth metals and alloys. This study investigated the solubility, conductivity, and density of the (LiF-CaF2)eut. system saturated with Nd₂O₃ using the isothermal saturation method, conductivity cell constant variation, and the Archimedes method, respectively. Employing the Hittorf method’s principles, a three-compartment electrolyzer was designed to determine the mobility number of dissolved Nd* (III) ions in the saturated (LiF-CaF2)eut.-Nd2O3 system. The radial distribution function was computed via ab initio molecular dynamics, and the self-diffusion coefficient of ions in the system was analyzed. Utilizing the Nernst–Einstein equation, the diffusion coefficient of Nd* (III) ions was calculated. The solubility, conductivity, and density of the saturated (LiF-CaF2)eut.-Nd2O3 system exhibit linear variation within 1173–1473 K. The mobility number of solvated Nd* (III) ions increases linearly with temperature, displaying nonlinear variation with potential within 3.5–4.5 V, and gradually decreases after reaching a maximum of 4.0–4.25 V. The radial distribution function reveals the highest diffusion and mobility barriers for Nd* (III) ions, with solvated O* (II) ions presenting the most significant hindrance. The Nd* (III) ion diffusion coefficients linearly increase with temperature (1123–1373 K) under specific potential conditions (3.5–4.5 V) but exhibit nonlinear changes with potential (3.5–4.5 V) under fixed temperature conditions (1123–1373 K), then decrease after peaking within 4.0–4.5 V. The diffusion coefficients of Nd* (III) ions are sensitive to potential changes.
Evaluation of the Properties of Bioactive Mesoporous Glasses Doped with Cerium and Loaded with Polyphenols
Authors: Giordana Alessia , Cavazzoli Chiara , Fraulini Francesca , Zardi Paolo , Zambon Alfonso , Cerrato Giuseppina , Lusvardi Gigliola
Published: February 2025

(1) Background: The onset of inflammation and oxidative stress after biomaterial implantation can lead to complications and prolonged recovery times. To address this, bioactive mesoporous glasses doped with cerium (0, 3.6 and 5.3 mol%) were loaded with three different biomolecules—3-hydroxyflavone, quercetin and morin hydrate—to enhance antioxidant properties while preserving bioactivity. (2) Methods: Elemental analysis, specific surface area determination, spectroscopic techniques, evaluation of antioxidant activity and in vitro bioactivity assessment were performed to characterize mesoporous glass loaded with biomolecules. (3) Results: Biomolecule loading gives values in the range of 0.5–2.0% and 10.3–39.6% for loading content and loading efficiency, respectively. The loading order is quercetin > morine hydrate > 3-hydroxyflavone, and a cerium percentage of 3.6 seems to be a good compromise. The antioxidant properties evaluated on both solids and solutions in contact with simulated biological fluids improve markedly over loaded glasses, and the most promising results are obtained with quercetin. In the most efficient systems, the bioactivity results were delayed and more evident at longer times (168 h) but were still retained. (4) Conclusions: We obtained new materials still bioactive with improved antioxidant properties that can be proposed for the regeneration of both hard and soft tissues.
The Impact of Pre- and Post-Treatment Processes on Corrosion Resistance of Micro-Arc Oxidation Coatings on Mg Alloys: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chi Jiuwei , Zhang Hongliang , Song Shuyu , Zhang Weisheng , He Xingyu , Nong Zhisheng , Cui Xue , Liu Teng , Man Tiannan
Published: February 2025

As one of the lightest metallic structural materials, magnesium (Mg) alloys possess numerous distinctive properties and are utilized across a broad spectrum of applications. However, the poor corrosion resistance of Mg alloys limits their application. Micro-arc oxidation (MAO) is an effective surface treatment method that enhances the corrosion resistance of Mg alloys. Nevertheless, the intrinsic porous structure of MAO coatings hinders significant improvement in corrosion resistance. Research indicates that the pre- and post-treatment processes associated with MAO markedly enhance the densification of the oxide coatings, thereby improving their overall performance. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review and analysis of the effects of various pre- and post-treatment processes, highlighting key advancements and research gaps in improving MAO coatings on Mg alloys. An in-depth analysis of the crucial role of pre-treatment in optimizing interfacial bonding and post-treatment in enhancing coating density is conducted using electrochemical testing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, the future development of pre- and post-treatment processes are discussed.
Effect of Thermal Treatment and the Addition of Texture Modifiers on the Rheological Properties and the Microflora of Reconstituted Kefir Powder
Authors: Exarhopoulos Stylianos , Krystallis Euripides , Rousi Eleni , Groztidou Olga , Georgiou Despoina , Kalogianni Eleni P. , Goulas Athanasios , Dimitreli Georgia
Published: February 2025

The present study examines the effect of low-temperature thermal treatment before drying, through storage at −10 °C and 4 °C for 72 h, respectively, on the physicochemical and microbiological properties of spray-dried kefir powder. Furthermore, with the intention of improving the rheological behavior of the reconstituted product, texture modifiers were employed including milk proteins (milk proteins, sodium caseinates, and whey protein concentrates) and carrageenan. According to the results, the low-temperature thermal treatment of kefir, prior to drying, resulted to an increased moisture content and yellowness of the kefir powder samples, with a simultaneous drop to the whiteness index and an increase of the particle size in both the powder and the reconstituted samples. The sample with prior treatment at 4 °C for 72 h, exhibited decreased pH values and increased acidity for both kefir and reconstituted product, while it also improved post drying population survival of lactobacilli and yeasts. The reconstituted sample with prior treatment at −10 °C for 72 h, exhibited evident pseudoplastic behavior, which, at low shear rates, yielded viscosity values very close to those of the fresh control kefir. Addition of sodium caseinates, in the absence and/or simultaneous presence of carrageenan, resulted to the highest viscosity increase of the reconstituted products. Milk proteins with the combined presence of carrageenan exhibited similar apparent viscosity values to the control.