bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum surfactant protein D as a significant biomarker for predicting occurrence, progression, acute exacerbation, and mortality in interstitial lung disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: He Xing , Ji Jiaqi , Zheng Dan , Luo Zeli , Luo Linjie , Guo Lu
Published: February 2025

Objective

Serum surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a potential biomarker for the non-invasive prediction of interstitial lung disease (ILD) status. However, previous studies lacked comprehensively qualitative and quantitative pooled analysis methods to summarize the relationship between SP-D and ILD.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive literature search from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Ovid, and Cochrane Library, up to 16 December 2023. The Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was employed to evaluate the quality of each included study. Pooled analyses were primarily performed for weighted mean difference (WMD), odds ratio (OR), and hazard ratio (HR). Sensitivity analysis was conducted by sequentially eliminating one study at a time and reanalyzing the remaining studies. In addition, the trim-and-fill method was applied for correcting publication bias.

Results

More than 3,561 patients with ILD from 41 articles were included for pooled analysis. The pooled results showed that serum SP-D levels were higher in the ILD group than the control group (WMD = 120.24 ng/mL, 95% CI: 72.45–168.03, p<0.001). Additionally, SP-D levels among patients with ILD were significantly elevated in the acute exacerbation (AE) group compared with the non-AE group (WMD = 9.88 ng/mL, 95% CI: 2.64–17.12, p=0.008), and in the death group compared with the survival group (WMD = 32.98 ng/mL, 95% CI: 2.11–63.84, p=0.036). However, no significant difference was observed between the progression group and the stable group (WMD = 13.54 ng/mL, 95% CI: −23.68–50.76, p=0.227). In addition, pooled results demonstrated that serum SP-D was a reliable predictive factor for various outcomes associated with ILD: occurrence (OR=4.66, 95%CI = 2.46, 8.86, p<0.001), progression (OR=1.003, 95%CI= 1.001, 1.006, p=0.033), and mortality (HR=1.002, 95%CI= 1.001, 1.003, p=0.023) of ILD. In contrast, there was no significant difference for predicting AE (HR = 1.004, 95% CI = 0.997, 1.011, p=0.240).

Conclusion

Serum SP-D is a significant biomarker associated with ILD occurrence, progression, acute exacerbation, and mortality. It remains essential to clarify the predictive value of serum SP-D levels concerning the disease status in patients with different ILD subtypes. Moreover, it may be beneficial to conduct a combined analysis of SP-D with other potential biomarkers to further enhance its diagnostic capability regarding the disease status in patients with ILD.

Systematic Review Registration

https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2024-5-0050/, identifier INPLASY 202450050.
Report on adverse events of COVID-19 vaccines in Iran: a comprehensive national prospective longitudinal analysis
Authors: Jamaati Hamidreza , Karimi Saeed , Arshi Shahnam , Zahraei Seyed Mohsen , Panahi Yunes , Nouri Fatemeh , Hajimoradi Maryam , Hasanzade Arman , Mokhtari Majid , Tayeri Katayoun , Abedini Atefeh , Mohamadnia Abdolreza , Tabarsi Payam , Sharif-Kashani Babak , Marjani Majid , Rashid Farokhi Farin , Hashemian Seyed Mohammad Reza , Hosseini-Baharanchi Fatemeh Sadat , Norizadeh Mostafa , Astani Bahamin , Noorali Sima , Ahmadi Farnaz , Shafaghi Shadi , Ghorbani Fariba
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated urgent vaccine development, raising concerns about potential vaccine adverse events (AEs).

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, conducted from February 2021 to December 2022, all individuals across Iran who received any COVID-19 vaccine dose and reported adverse events were investigated. Our aim was to evaluate these AEs based on the vaccine types, patients’ age and types of AES, and provide a comprehensive analysis.

Results

In Iran, 155 million COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered, with Covilo (Sinopharm) being the most commonly vaccine administered (80.35%). Adverse events predominantly affected individuals aged 40-70 (45%). A total of 86,275 adverse events were recorded, with 92.7% classified as non-serious and 6 299 (7.3%) serious and among the serious cases, 279 were confirmed to be vaccine-related, with 46 resulting in fatalities and 233 requiring hospitalizations. The incidence of serious AEs was 0.41 per 10,000 doses. Serious AEs were more frequently associated with Sputnik V and Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), with 0.73 and 0.64 cases per 10,000 injections, respectively. Coagulation and thrombosis disorders were the most common serious AEs (29%), followed by neurological (24.7%) and cardiovascular AEs (15.8%).

Discussion

In conclusion, the AEs of COVID-19 vaccination were primarily mild and transient, while serious AEs remained exceptionally rare.
Fabrication and performance of the wide-band highly shielded polyvinylidene fluoride film
Authors: Fu Liwu , Hu Jiangfeng , Luo Peng , Xiang Dong , Hui Wenying , Cheng Lei , Zhou Yan , Zhengrong Xiong , Yao Dengzun , Jing Xianghai
Published: February 2025

The white weathering layer materials that can effectively block the entire solar light band is of great importance for improving the service life, safety, and reliability of the materials. In this work, CsxWO3@PDA was prepared by in situ polymerization to achieve high absorption in the full spectral range and increase the compatibility between CsxWO3 particles and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). PVDF composite films with different particle contents were prepared through compounding with titanium dioxide (TiO2) and CsxWO3@PDA. The prepared composite films were characterized by FT-IR, field emission scanning electron microscopy, universal material testing machine, whiteness meter, and ultraviolet visible spectroscopy. The results showed that the CsPVDF composite films with CsxWO3@PDA and TiO2 exhibited a whiteness level higher than 74, a transmittance of less than 5% in the wavelength range of 200–2500 nm, and a transmittance close to zero in the range below 1750 nm, demonstrating excellent shielding effect. The xenon lamp aging test also confirmed that the composite films had excellent weather resistance after aging 500 h. At the same time, adding a certain amount of CsxWO3@PDA could improve the tensile strength of PVDF.
Non-linear association between CD4+ T-cell counts and mortality risk in people living with HIV: evidence from a 10-year cohort study
Authors: Sun Ruohan , Jia Huangchao , Kang Qiujia , Ma Yanmin , He Zichen , Ma Xiuxia , Yuan Jun , Guo Huijun , Xu Qianlei , Jin Yantao
Published: February 2025

Background

The study aimed to investigate the dose–response association between CD4+ T-cell counts and mortality risk in people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Methods

Data on PLHIV who had a high prevalence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were retrospectively collected from the routine treatment database in Henan Province, China, covering the period from October 2003 to October 2021. We randomly selected 1,000 PLHIV from age groups 30, 40, 50, and 60 years who met the inclusion criteria as study participants. The Kaplan–Meier analysis, the Cox proportional hazards regression model, and the restricted cubic spline (RCS) model were employed to analyze the association between CD4+ T-cell counts and mortality risk in PLHIV.

Results

A total of 4,000 participants were enrolled in the study, with a follow-up period of 28,158 person-years. During this period, there were 941 (23.5%) deaths, resulting in a mortality rate of 3.34 per 100 person-years. The mean duration of follow-up was 6.77 ± 3.45 years, and the cumulative survival rate was 76.5%. The Cox proportional hazards regression model revealed that as the CD4+ T-cell count increased, the hazard ratio (HR) decreased. The results of the RCS model demonstrated a non-linear association between CD4+ T-cell counts and mortality risk in PLHIV, with cutoff values for each age group being 382, 332, 334, and 215 cells/μL. The non-linear curve indicated that the HR decreased as the CD4+ T-cell counts increased. However, once the CD4+ T-cell counts reached their respective cutoff values, the curve showing the reduction in mortality risk began to flatten.

Conclusion

There was a non-linear association between CD4+ T-cell counts and mortality risk in PLHIV. Although the cutoff values vary across age groups, they consistently remain close to 350 cells/μL. Therefore, considering a threshold of CD4+ T-cell count <350 cells/μL across various age groups is crucial as a strategic approach to mitigate mortality rates among PLHIV.
Research trends and hotspots in the surgical treatment of peripheral nerve injuries of the upper limb from 2000 to 2024: a bibliometric visualization study
Authors: Ruan Jian , He Hekun , Li Xueyuan , Chen Hong
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Surgical treatment plays a crucial role in the management of peripheral nerve injuries of the upper limb, but little bibliometric analysis has been conducted on it. This study was aimed to examine the global trends and hotspots in the field of Peripheral nerve injuries of the upper limb.

Methods

Publications on the surgical treatment of peripheral nerve injuries of the upper limb in the Web of Science database were collected between 2000 to 2024. CiteSpace and VOSviewer software was applied to visualize and analyze publications, countries, institutions, journals, authors, references, and keywords.

Results

A total of 751 articles were collected, the most active countries in this field were the United States and China. The authors with the most publications were Mackinnon, Susan E from the United States, and Xu WD and Gu YD from China. JOURNAL OF HAND SURGERY AMERICAN VOLUME was the journal with the most published. Based on keywords, the current research hotspots primarily revolved around nerve transfer, brachial plexus and reconstruction.

Conclusion

The results of this bibliometric study provide clinical trends and hotspots in the surgical treatment of peripheral nerve injuries of the upper limb over the past 24 years, which may help researchers to identify clinical trends and explore new treatment in the field of peripheral nerve injuries.
Cerebrolysin as an adjuvant therapy after mechanical thrombectomy in large vessel occlusion cardioembolic stroke: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: ElBassiouny Ahmed , Shehata Mohamed S. A. , Zaki Amr S. , Bedros Rady Y. , El-Sudany Ayman Hassan , Nasser Azza Abdel
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Endovascular recanalization therapy has demonstrated considerable efficacy in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, not all patients appear to benefit on the long term from this therapy. No studies have assessed the role of Cerebrolysin following mechanical thrombectomy (MT). The present study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Cerebrolysin as add-on treatment to MT in patients with cardioembolic AIS.

Methods

This study evaluated 150 patients admitted to the stroke unit. Data were prospectively collected from 75 patients with cardioembolic AIS and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥10, who underwent successful MT ± recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA). Patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were consecutively enrolled and treated with Cerebrolysin at a daily dose of 30 ml for 14 days, with treatment initiated within 8 h following MT. Patients were compared with a historical control group of 75 well-matched patients who underwent MT ± rt-PA but did not receive Cerebrolysin. The primary outcome measure was a favorable modified Rankin Scale (mRS = 0–2) at day 90. Secondary parameters included the NIHSS, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the rate of hemorrhagic transformation, mortality, and adverse events. Propensity score matching was performed to match the variables between the compared groups.

Results and discussion

The overall results demonstrated that patients treated with Cerebrolysin exhibited a significantly higher proportion of mRS scores of 0–2 at day 90 (64% vs. 34.7%) in comparison to the control group. This finding was consistent with lower NIHSS and mRS scores at all study visits, and a lower any hemorrhagic transformation rate (20% vs. 57.3%). Furthermore, the logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with favorable mRS scores were less likely to undergo hemorrhagic transformation (odds ratio = 2.75, 95% confidence interval = 1.17, 6.45; p = 0.002). The administration of Cerebrolysin as an add-on treatment resulted in a significant benefit for AIS patients following MT, characterized by an improvement in mRS and NIHSS scores, along with a reduced rate of hemorrhagic transformation. The administration of Cerebrolysin was safe and well tolerated. Further studies are required to confirm these results.
Unveiling the effects of Rosa canina oligosaccharide liposome on neuropathic pain and motor dysfunction following spinal cord injury in rats: relevance to its antioxidative effects
Authors: Ahmadpour Yasaman , Bahrami Gholamreza , Arkan Elham , Abbaszadeh Fatemeh , Aghaz Faranak , Fakhri Sajad , Echeverría Javier
Published: February 2025

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a leading cause of sensorimotor disorders, impacting millions of people globally. The absence of effective treatments and the side effects of existing medications highlight the need for innovative research into new therapeutic compounds.

Purpose

Given the critical role of oxidative stress in the development of SCI and the antioxidant properties of oligosaccharides in other neurological disorders, this study focuses on the role of oxidative stress in SCI and explores the potential of a novel oligosaccharide nanoformulation derived from Rosa canina (Oligo-L).

Materials and methods

Oligo-L was formulated using soy lecithin as the phospholipid and the characterization included size, zeta potential, morphology, and drug loading efficiency. Then 35 Wistar male rats were divided into five groups of Sham, SCI, and Oligo-L (10 μL intrathecal injection of 15, 30, and 45 mg/mL). An aneurysm clip was used to induce compression injury of the SCI and Oligo-L groups. Sensory-motor functions were evaluated weekly for 4 weeks using tests such as the BBB scale, inclined plane, acetone drop, hot plate, von Frey, and monitoring of weight changes. Additionally, oxidative stress markers and histological changes were examined to evaluate changes in nitrite, glutathione, catalase, and neuronal survival.

Results and discussion

The findings indicated that Oligo-L treatment led to significant improvements in neuropathic pain, and motor function performance and weight of the animals from the first week post-SCI. Oligo-L also enhanced catalase and glutathione levels while reducing serum nitrite levels, contributing to neuronal preservation. Additionally, Oligo-L increased neuronal survival in the both ventral (motor neurons) and dorsal (sensory neurons) horns of the spinal cord.

Conclusion

Overall, Oligo-L, characterized by its beneficial physicochemical properties, showed promising potential as a neuroprotective agent and facilitated the recovery of sensory and motor functions after SCI.
The association between the lifestyle risk score and metabolically healthy and unhealthy obesity phenotype in Iranian women with overweight and obesity: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ebrahimi Sara , Shiraseb Farideh , Ladaninezhad Maryam , Izadi Azimeh , Navaei Negin , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: February 2025

Background

The evidence shows that all women with obesity do not develop metabolic complications thus, they may be metabolically healthy. The lifestyle factors in combination may influence obesity phenotypes including metabolically healthy and unhealthy obesity. While previous studies examined associations between single lifestyle factors and obesity phenotype, no previous study has examined associations between lifestyle risk score (LRS) and obesity phenotypes. This study for the first time created the LRS which is a combination of lifestyle factors and investigated the LRS in relation to various obesity phenotypes among women with overweight and obesity.

Methods

This cross-sectional study analyzed 278 women referred to health centers of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. A multistage sampling method was used to recruit the participants. The LRS was created based on diet, physical activity (PA), sleep, obesity, and sociodemographic characteristics. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between obesity phenotypes and LRS.

Results

Women with higher LRS had higher body mass index (BMI) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) while had lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), PA, education levels, sleep quality, vegetables, grains and legumes intake. Furthermore, women with higher LRS were more likely to experience metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO).

Conclusion

This study found significant associations between higher LRS and an increased likelihood of MUO. Further prospective studies are needed to advance our understanding of the relationship between lifestyle and obesity.
Co-producing a ‘creative toolkit’ to support the mental health and wellbeing of palliative care professionals: a community case study
Authors: Clancy Marie A. , Kight Caitlin R. , Stein Jessica , Glanville Naome , Wilson Anthony C. , Kyle Richard G.
Published: February 2025

Alterations to the clinical, social, and economic landscape have made palliative care an increasingly challenging sector in which to work; COVID-19 introduced further changes that pushed palliative care professionals to the breaking point. Their struggles at work are exacerbated by the fact that specialists in this field tend to ignore their own needs, instead centring and prioritising those of their patients—a situation that is not tenable. Within this community case study we describe how our team, comprising clinical and university staff, sought to address this by co-creating a suite of resources to support the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual health of palliative care workers. The result was the Creative Toolkit©, which is both an overall approach and a suite of materials that uses creative, arts-based intervention to facilitate reflection, relaxation, and rejuvenation—and to ensure that clinical staff feel connected and valued. Although participants sometimes initially hesitate due to their limited prior exposure to art-based methods, feedback on our sessions has been unanimously positive, revealing the value of creative activities for, among other things, aiding in processing difficult feelings and creating community amongst staff. While initial results are promising, we acknowledge the need for an expanded evidence base to encourage more widespread uptake of our method.
Advancing Taxonomy with Machine Learning: A Hybrid Ensemble for Species and Genus Classification
Authors: Nanni Loris , Gobbi Matteo De , Junior Roger De Almeida Matos , Fusaro Daniel
Published: February 2025

Traditionally, classifying species has required taxonomic experts to carefully examine unique physical characteristics, a time-intensive and complex process. Machine learning offers a promising alternative by utilizing computational power to detect subtle distinctions more quickly and accurately. This technology can classify both known (described) and unknown (undescribed) species, assigning known samples to specific species and grouping unknown ones at the genus level—an improvement over the common practice of labeling unknown species as outliers. In this paper, we propose a novel ensemble approach that integrates neural networks with support vector machines (SVM). Each animal is represented by an image and its DNA barcode. Our research investigates the transformation of one-dimensional vector data into two-dimensional three-channel matrices using discrete wavelet transform (DWT), enabling the application of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) that have been pre-trained on large image datasets. Our method significantly outperforms existing approaches, as demonstrated on several datasets containing animal images and DNA barcodes. By enabling the classification of both described and undescribed species, this research represents a major step forward in global biodiversity monitoring.
Effects of Abiotic Stresses on Horticultural and Cereal Crops at Physiological and Genetic Levels
Authors: Zhou Rong
Published: February 2025

Various abiotic stresses (e [...]
Spectral Variability Analysis of Lupinus mutabilis Sweet Under Nanofertilizer and Chelate Application Through Spectroscopy and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Multispectral Images
Authors: Sinde-González Izar , Murgueitio-Herrera Erika , Falconí César E. , Gil-Docampo Mariluz , Toulkeridis Theofilos
Published: February 2025

Lupin is an Andean legume that has gained importance in Ecuador due to the protein content in its grain. Nonetheless, in recent times the production of lupin has been affected by inadequate nutritional management. In order to avoid such circumstances, the current study spectrally analyzed lupin cultivation under the application of nanofertilizers and Fe and Zn chelates, within two controlled trials, using a radiometer spectrum, an active crop sensor and a multispectral sensor mounted on a UAV. Vegetation indices were generated and subsequently statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests. In the field trial, the treatments lacked an indication of significant improvements, while in the greenhouse trial, the nanofertilizer treatments indicated better results compared to the control treatments. However, it was also determined that the application of nanofertilizers at a concentration of 540 ppm demonstrated significant efficiency in greenhouse conditions, which could not be achieved in the field. Furthermore, the chelate treatment presented a certain degree of toxicity for the plant.
Dietary Arginine Supplementation Modulates the Proteome of Boar Seminal Plasma
Authors: Oladejo Emmanuel O. , Gruhot Tasha R. , Park Seongbin , Ishak Ghassan M. , Mote Benny E. , Liao Shengfa F. , Feugang Jean M.
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the impact of an increased arginine (ARG) level in a boar diet on semen production, sperm quality, and seminal plasma proteome. Adult Nebraska Index Line boars were assigned to two groups, one receiving a control diet with 0.77% arginine (n = 4) and the other a high-arginine diet with 1.77% arginine (n = 5). Semen was collected twice a week over the whole experiment, including one week before, six weeks during, and six weeks after the supplementation. Parameters such as semen volume and concentration were assessed immediately after collection, alongside sperm motility and morphology. Centrifugation of raw semen samples yielded seminal plasma for a gel-based proteome analysis. The seminal plasma proteins were extracted, quantified, and separated via 2D gel electrophoresis, allowing protein identification through mass spectrometry. Data analysis involved two-way ANOVA for comparisons (p < 0.05). Results showed that arginine supplementation improved semen volume and total sperm counts, with averages of 21 ± 3 doses in the control group versus 24 ± 2 in the ARG group (p = 0.05). Although sperm motility and morphology remained unaffected (p > 0.05), dietary arginine upregulated ten proteins and downregulated two. In summary, increased dietary arginine did not significantly alter key parameters of semen output or sperm quality but significantly impacted seminal plasma proteome, warranting further research on sperm viability.
Avian Antibodies as Potential Therapeutic Tools
Authors: Eriksson Mats , Larsson Anders
Published: February 2025

Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) is the primary antibody found in the eggs of chicken (Gallus domesticus), allowing for large-scale antibody production with high titers, making them cost-effective antibody producers. IgY serves as a valuable alternative to mammalian antibodies typically used in immunodiagnostics and immunotherapy. Compared to mammalian antibodies, IgY offers several biochemical advantages, and its straightforward purification from egg yolk eliminates the need for invasive procedures like blood collection, reducing stress in animals. Due to the evolutionary differences between birds and mammals, chicken antibodies can bind to a broader range of epitopes on mammalian proteins than their mammalian counterparts. Studies have shown that chicken antibodies bind 3–5 times more effectively to rabbit IgG than swine antibodies, enhancing the signal in immunological assays. Additionally, IgY does not interact with rheumatoid factors or human anti-mouse IgG antibodies (HAMA), helping to minimize interference from these factors. IgY obtained from egg yolk of hens immunized against Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been used in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis and chronic pulmonary colonization with this bacterium. Furthermore, IgY has been used to counteract streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity and for the treatment of enteral infections in both humans and animals. However, the use of avian antibodies is limited to pulmonary, enteral, or topical application and should, due to immunogenicity, not be used for systemic administration. Thus, IgY expands the range of strategies available for combating pathogens in medicine, as a promising candidate both as an alternative to antibiotics and as a valuable tool in research and diagnostics.
In Vitro Antiviral Activity of a Silydianin-Rich Extract from Silybum marianum Seeds Against Four Strains of Enteroviruses: EV71, Coxsackievirus B2, Coxsackievirus A10, and Poliovirus SL-1 and Its Impact on Improving Delayed Gastric Emptying in Mice
Authors: Zaher Houda , Quílez del Moral José Francisco , Lemrabet Sanae , Koutchala Neri , Bencharki Bouchaib
Published: February 2025

Background: Gastroparesis, a chronic digestive disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying, often results from diabetes, post-surgical complications, autoimmune diseases, and neurological disorders. In approximately 50% of cases, the cause is idiopathic gastroparesis (IGD). Recent studies suggest a link between chronic enteroviral infection and persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, including delayed gastric emptying. This study investigates the effects of a silydianin-rich extract from Silybum marianum seeds on enteroviral infections in vitro and the mitigation of delayed gastric emptying in mice. Silydianin, a key bioactive compound known for its liver-protective and antioxidant properties, has not been extensively studied for its impact on enteroviral infections and gastroparesis. Methods: NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, DEPT 135 and 2D, and HSQC) and HRMS identified silydianin as the primary compound, with minor flavonolignans. This study assessed the cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of the extract at various stages of the viral life cycle, including virucidal activity, cell protection, and post-infection effects, using neutral red assays in RD cells, with results confirmed by real-time PCR. The viruses studied included coxsackievirus B2, coxsackievirus A10, poliovirus SL-1, and enterovirus EV71. The impact on delayed gastric emptying was evaluated in a mouse model using doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg compared to a control group receiving physiological saline. Results: The silydianin-rich extract showed consistent antiviral activity, with the highest selectivity index (SI) for EV71 (4.08) during virucidal activity. It provided moderate cell protection, with EC50 values ranging from 120.88 to 186.10 µg/mL and SI values from 2.20 to 3.39. Post-infection treatment showed varying efficacy, with coxsackie A10 demonstrating the highest SI (3.90). In vivo, the extract at 200 mg/kg significantly improved gastric emptying to 96.47% and slightly increased gastrointestinal transit from 50.33% to 61.46%. Conclusions: These results suggest that silydianin may be effective for treating enteroviral infections and enhancing intestinal function, making it a promising candidate for gastroparesis treatment and warranting further research.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Antibiotics in Hyperglycemia-Induced Macrophage Dysfunctions
Authors: Yossapol Montira , Srinontong Piyarat , Aengwanich Worapol , Panil Monchaya , Somsup Supissara , Odoi Justice Opare , Wandee Jaroon
Published: February 2025

Background: Diabetes mellitus exacerbates immune dysfunction, leading to higher susceptibility to infections. This study investigated the effects of antibiotics on macrophage functions under high glucose conditions to mimic a diabetic context. Methods: Using murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7, the present study evaluated the cytotoxicity, phagocytosis, bactericidal activity, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production after treatment with four antibiotics: oxytetracycline, ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim, and cefotaxime. Results: All antibiotics demonstrated no cytotoxicity across 1×–8× MIC concentrations. Hyperglycemia significantly impaired macrophage phagocytosis and bactericidal activity while inducing pro-inflammatory mediator markers, IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS. Only ciprofloxacin significantly improved phagocytic achieving levels comparable to the low glucose control. Treatments with ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim, and cefotaxime significantly enhanced bactericidal activity without altering the pro-inflammatory cytokine profile. Conclusions: These findings underscore the negative effect of high glucose on macrophage functions and suggest that ciprofloxacin may be a potential therapeutic option for diabetes-associated infections.
An Artificial Intelligence-Based Digital Twin Approach for Rejection Rate and Mechanical Property Improvement in an Investment Casting Plant
Authors: Nieves Javier , Garcia David , Angulo-Pines Jorge , Santos Fernando , Rodriguez Pedro Pablo
Published: February 2025

The manufacturing process carried out in the investment casting industry suffers from problems similar to other production processes. In addition, the high requirements of the customers and the industries that require these parts mean that high quality standards must be met. If those requirements are not achieved, this leads to the rejection of the manufactured parts. Therefore, given the current technology revolution (i.e., Industry 4.0) and the possibilities offered by tools such as digital twins and artificial intelligence, it is possible to work on a generation of intelligent systems that can reduce and even avoid these problems. Therefore, this study proposes the creation of a digital twin based on artificial intelligence to work on proactively identifying problems before they happen and, if they are detected, launch an optimization process that offers corrective actions to solve them. More specifically, this work focuses on the analysis of the manufacturing process (definition, KPI extraction, capture, distribution, and visualization), the creation of a base system for the integral management of process optimization, and experiments developed for determining the best method for making predictions. Additionally, we propose a recommender system to (i) avoid the appearance of porosities and (ii) keep the elongation of the parts in the ranges desired by the customer.
Optimizing Lattice Basis Reduction Algorithm on ARM V8 Processors
Authors: Cao Ronghui , Wang Julong , Zheng Liming , Zhou Jincheng , Wang Haodong , Xiao Tiaojie , Gong Chunye
Published: February 2025

The LLL (Lenstra–Lenstra–Lovász) algorithm is an important method for lattice basis reduction and has broad applications in computer algebra, cryptography, number theory, and combinatorial optimization. However, current LLL algorithms face challenges such as inadequate adaptation to domestic supercomputers and low efficiency. To enhance the efficiency of the LLL algorithm in practical applications, this research focuses on parallel optimization of the LLL_FP (LLL double-precision floating-point type) algorithm from the NTL library on the domestic Tianhe supercomputer using the Phytium ARM V8 processor. The optimization begins with the vectorization of the Gram–Schmidt coefficient calculation and row transformation using the SIMD instruction set of the Phytium chip, which significantly improve computational efficiency. Further assembly-level optimization fully utilizes the low-level instructions of the Phytium processor, and this increases execution speed. In terms of memory access, data prefetch techniques were then employed to load necessary data in advance before computation. This will reduce cache misses and accelerate data processing. To further enhance performance, loop unrolling was applied to the core loop, which allows more operations per loop iteration. Experimental results show that the optimized LLL_FP algorithm achieves up to a 42% performance improvement, with a minimum improvement of 34% and an average improvement of 38% in single-core efficiency compared to the serial LLL_FP algorithm. This study provides a more efficient solution for large-scale lattice basis reduction and demonstrates the potential of the LLL algorithm in ARM V8 high-performance computing environments.
Mechanical Focal Vibration Therapy for Muscle Injury Recovery in a Runner
Authors: Marotta Nicola , Lopresti Ennio , Prestifilippo Emanuele , Aiello Vincenzo , Mazzei Marco , Scozzafava Lorenzo , Pisani Federica , Inzitari Maria Teresa , Longo Umile Giuseppe , de Sire Alessandro , Ammendolia Antonio
Published: February 2025

Vibrotherapy has been gaining popularity as a conceivable rehabilitative physical agent modality to decrease the pain and time for proper return-to-sport. This study aimed to assess the administration of mechanical Focal Vibration (mFV) in an adult male amateur runner with a grade II lesion of the rectus femoris muscle. He had to stop training 2 years ago and recently started running at least 3 days a week (5 km for 30 min/session). Five sessions of mechanical vibration were performed (20 min application, with an approximately 30 s pause between sequential sessions) per week for 2 weeks. Four weeks after the therapy, the lesion was healed, with an early good recovery in balance (Centre of pressure (CoP) speed (mm/s) decreased from 70.2 ± 13 to 46.7 ± 8, CoP area (mm2) decreased from 258 ± 31 to 203 ± 25) and pain relief (NRS reduced from 8/10 to 2/10), allowing the patient a short-term return to sport. These case report results might suggest that the use of mFV is a safe and reliable approach for muscle injury recovery, combinable within a multidisciplinary rehabilitation model.
Recognizing Mixing Patterns of Urban Agglomeration Based on Complex Network Assortativity Coefficient: A Case Study in China
Authors: Zhang Kaiqi , Jia Lujin , Xu Sheng
Published: February 2025

Understanding mixing patterns in urban networks is crucial for exploring the connectivity relationships between nodes and revealing the connection tendencies. Based on multi-source data (Baidu index data, investment data of listed companies, high-speed rail operation data, and highway network data) from 2017 to 2019 across seven national-level urban agglomerations, this study introduces complex network assortativity coefficients to analyze the mechanisms of urban relationship formation from two dimensions, structural features and socioeconomic attributes, to evaluate how these features shape urban agglomeration networks and reveal the distribution of network assortativity coefficients across urban agglomerations to classify diverse developmental patterns. The results show that the sampled cities exhibit heterogeneous characteristics following a stretched exponential distribution in urban structural features and a log-normal distribution in socioeconomic attributes, demonstrating significant resource mixing patterns. Different types of urban agglomeration networks display distinct assortativity characteristics. Information network mixing patterns within urban agglomerations are insignificant; investment relationships, high-speed rail, and highway networks demonstrate significant centripetal mixing patterns. The assortativity coefficients of urban agglomerations follow a unified general probability density distribution, suggesting that urban agglomerations objectively tend toward centripetal agglomeration.
Study on the Influence of Strip-Shaped Urban Rail Transit Stations on Urban Vitality Distribution Based on Point of Interest Data
Authors: Wu Yuchen , Yang Min’an , Li Xin , Wei Xu , Qian Yongsheng
Published: February 2025

Against the backdrop of the newly constructed urban rail transit network and the ongoing urbanization of strip-shaped cities, this study investigates the distribution and evolution of commercial points of interest (POIs) in the central urban area of Lanzhou. The research analyzes data from three distinct years (2016, 2018, and 2020) to observe the temporal changes in commercial entities before and after the establishment of metro stations. Stable explanatory variables influencing the distribution and evolution of commercial POIs are identified, including rail transit passenger flow, demographic characteristics of the working and residential populations surrounding stations, as well as building and road densities in their vicinity. Through statistical analysis and model construction, these influencing factors are systematically evaluated to establish a relatively stable linear regression equation that quantifies the weights assigned to each factor. This study enhances our understanding of how urban rail transit impacts urban vitality within belt-shaped cities while elucidating its positive role in shaping development patterns unique to such areas. It clarifies the relationship between changes in urban vitality and spatial configuration, thereby providing valuable insights for urban planners and decision-makers. Furthermore, this research can serve as a reference model for other strip-shaped cities seeking to optimize their distribution of urban vitality through the effective utilization of urban rail transit systems.
Effect of 10 kV/m Electric Field Therapy in a Pressure Injury Model in Rats: An Innovative Preliminary Report
Authors: Özcan Mustafa Soner , Aşcı Halil , Karabacak Pınar , Özden Eyyüp Sabri , Taner Rümeysa , Özmen Özlem , Tepebaşı Muhammet Yusuf , Çömlekçi Selçuk
Published: February 2025

Background: Pressure injuries are still an important health problem worldwide, although many therapies have been applied to date. This study aimed to determine the optimal duration of external application of a 10 kV/m direct current (DC, static) electric field in a pressure injury model in rats. Methods: Twelve male Wistar–Albino rats were divided into three groups: Grade-1, Grade-2, and Grade-3. Two round magnets were placed 4 h daily for one day in Grade-1, two days in Grade-2, and three days in Grade-3. Following wound formation, one rat from each group was designated the control, while the other rats were exposed to a 10 kV/m electric field for 15, 30, or 60 min. Results: Histopathological improvements were observed after 15 and 30 min of application, whereas a sharp decrease in the gene expression of growth factors at 30 min revealed that 15 min of application was optimal overall. Conclusions: According to the results of this study, 15 min applications of an external 10 kV/m electric field are promising for providing satisfactory results in wound healing. Further studies should examine in greater detail the effects of electric fields on growth factors and the mechanisms underlying these responses.
Host Specificity of the Bioherbicidal Fungal Strain Paramyrothecium eichhorniae TBRC10637 for Control of Water Hyacinth
Authors: Siriphan Tanyapon , Unartngam Arm , Imsabai Wachiraya , Lueangjaroenkit Piyangkun , Kosawang Chatchai , Jørgensen Hans Jørgen Lyngs , Unartngam Jintana
Published: February 2025

Paramyrothecium eichhorniae TBRC10637 has been reported as a potential biocontrol agent of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in Thailand. Despite its great potential, it remained unclear whether the strain may cause disease in other plant species, especially those sharing the same niche as water hyacinth. Here, we examined the strain for its specificity and pathogenicity on 55 plant species from 26 families ranging from crop plants to aquatic weeds. We showed that, except for water hyacinth, P. eichhorniae TBRC10637 did not cause leaf spot or leaf blight or on any of the tested plants. Scanning electron microscopy of spores inoculated on eight plant species, including economically important plants such as maize (Zea mays) and chilli (Capsicum annuum) at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h after inoculation, showed no spore germination, except on water hyacinth. Inoculation with spore-free culture washing led to blight symptoms on leaves of water hyacinth 72 h after inoculation, suggesting that enzymes and secondary metabolites may be involved in causing the blight symptoms. Our results confirmed high specificity of P. eichhorniae TBRC10637 towards water hyacinth, paving the way to control the spread of water hyacinth effectively.
Multi-Omics Characterization of Genome-Wide Abnormal DNA Methylation Reveals FGF5 as a Diagnosis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Recurrence After Radiotherapy
Authors: Long Zhi-Qing , Ding Ran , Quan Ting-Qiu , Xu Rui , Huang Zhuo-Hui , Wei Denghui , Zheng Wei-Hong , Sun Ying
Published: February 2025

Background: Aberrant expression and mutations in the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family play crucial roles in cell differentiation, growth, and migration, contributing to tumor progression across various cancers. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a malignancy prevalent in East Asia, is primarily treated with radiotherapy; however, radioresistance remains a major challenge, leading to recurrence and poor outcomes. While FGFs are known to activate signaling pathways such as MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and JAK/STAT to promote cancer progression, the specific role of individual FGFs in NPC radioresistance remains unclear. Emerging evidence highlights FGF5 as a key player in NPC progression, metastasis, and radioresistance, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic target to overcome treatment resistance and improve clinical outcomes. Methods: We analyzed single nucleotide variation (SNV) data, gene expression, and DNA methylation patterns using cancer datasets, including TCGA and GTEx, to investigate FGF5 expression. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and interpreted using functional enrichment analysis, while survival analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were conducted to identify clinical correlations. DNA methylation patterns were specifically assessed using the HumanMethylation850 BeadChips on tissue samples from nine recurrent and nine non-recurrent NPC patients. Functional assays, including cell viability, migration, invasion, and clonogenic survival assays, were performed to evaluate the effects of FGF5 on NPC cell behavior in vitro and in vivo. Results: FGF5 showed elevated SNV frequencies across multiple cancers, particularly in HNSC and NPC. DNA methylation analysis revealed an inverse relationship between FGF5 expression and methylation levels in recurrent NPC tumors. Functional assays demonstrated that FGF5 enhances migration, invasion, and radioresistance in NPC cells. High FGF5 expression was associated with reduced distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and increased radioresistance, highlighting its role in metastatic progression and recurrence. Conclusions: FGF5 plays a significant role in the progression and recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Its elevated expression correlates with increased migration, invasion, and radioresistance as well as reduced distant metastasis-free survival. These findings suggest that FGF5 contributes to the metastatic and recurrence potential of NPC, making it a potential target for therapeutic intervention in treating these cancers.
Relationship Between Noninvasive Doppler-Derived Coronary Flow Reserve Measured by Transthoracic Echocardiography and Angiography Thermodilution-Measured Coronary Flow Reserve and the Index of Microcirculatory Resistance in Patients with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries
Authors: Čanković Milenko , Milovančev Aleksandra , Tadić Snežana , Stefanović Maja , Petrović Milovan , Kovačević Mila , Tomas Igor , Dabović Dragana , Ivanović Vladimir , Ilić Aleksandra , Stojšić-Milosavljević Anastazija , Stojšić Snežana , Komazec Nikola , Mihajlović Bojan , Ivanov Igor
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is emerging as a critical factor in patients presenting with anginal symptoms without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aims to investigate the relationship between invasive measurements of coronary flow reserve (CFR) and the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) using thermodilution techniques, compared to non-invasive assessments of CFR with transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TDE). Methods: In this observational prospective cross-sectional study, a total of 49 patients, clinically characterized as having angina with no obstructive CAD (ANOCA) or ischemia with no obstructive CAD (INOCA), underwent both TDE and invasive coronary angiography (ICA) followed by thermodilution assessment of CFR and IMR. Results: It was found that there is a statistically significant negative correlation between both non-invasive and invasive CFR measurements and IMR. Specifically, a negative moderate correlation was observed between non-invasive CFR and IMR (rs = −0.477, p < 0.01), as well as a high negative correlation between invasive CFR and IMR (r = −0.541, p < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that both non-invasive and invasive CFRs are effective predictors of CMD, defined as IMR > 25. Conclusions: Both noninvasive and invasive CFR measurements are significant independent predictors of CMD. Our results indicate that noninvasive TDE CFR can be a reliable tool for assessing CMD in patients with ANOCA, potentially facilitating earlier diagnosis and management strategies for this patient population.
Suspected Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Complex Pathophysiology in Fatal Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome: Insights from a Case Report and Post-Mortem Findings
Authors: Shirvani Arash , Shirvani Purusha , Jonah Ugochukwu , Moore Brian E. , Holick Michael F.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is a complex connective tissue disorder with multi-systemic manifestations that significantly impact quality of life. This case report investigates the clinical course and molecular mechanisms of advanced hEDS through an in-depth case study and post-mortem findings. Methods: The clinical history of a 24-year-old patient with advanced hEDS was analyzed, focusing on progressive complications across multiple systems. Post-mortem examination and genetic analysis were performed to elucidate the underlying pathophysiology. Results: The patient’s clinical course was marked by gastrointestinal, neurological, and immune complications requiring numerous surgical interventions. Post-mortem findings revealed severe gastrointestinal dysmotility and Alzheimer’s Type II astrocytes. Genetic analysis identified variants in mtDNA genes ATP6, CYB, and ND, suggesting a potential role of impaired mitochondrial function in hEDS pathogenesis but requiring further validation through functional studies. Conclusions: This case report provides valuable insights into the potential role of mitochondrial dysfunction in advanced hEDS and highlights the need for further research in this area. Future studies should include comprehensive functional assays, longitudinal tissue sampling, family genetic analyses, and muscle biopsies to better understand the complex interplay between genetic factors, mitochondrial function, and clinical manifestations in hEDS. Establishing genetic bases and developing targeted therapies addressing both structural and metabolic aspects are crucial. The patient’s legacy offers invaluable information that could significantly contribute to enhancing diagnostic accuracy and developing personalized treatment strategies for this challenging disorder, potentially leading to better care for individuals living with hEDS.