bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ProBDNF as a Myokine in Skeletal Muscle Injury: Role in Inflammation and Potential for Therapeutic Modulation of p75NTR
Authors: Aby Katherine , Antony Ryan , Yang Tao , Longo Frank M. , Li Yifan
Published: January 2025

Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) is expressed by skeletal muscle as a myokine. Our previous work showed that the active precursor, proBDNF, is the predominant form of BDNF expressed in skeletal muscle, and that following skeletal muscle injury, proBDNF levels are significantly increased. However, the function of the muscle-derived proBDNF in injury-induced inflammation has yet to be fully understood. Using a model of tourniquet-induced ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury of the hindlimb, this study presents, for the first time, strong and novel evidence that following IR injury, proBDNF is released from skeletal muscle into circulation as an endocrine signaling molecule. Further, this study shows that 1 day post-IR injury, the proBDNF receptor, p75NTR, is upregulated 12-fold in splenic monocytes, which are known to be quickly mobilized to the injury site. We demonstrate that p75NTR plays a role in the activation of splenic monocytes, and that treatment with a p75NTR small-molecule modulator, LM11A-31, significantly reduced monocyte inflammatory responses upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Overall, the present study establishes proBDNF as a myokine that plays a significant role in skeletal muscle injury-induced inflammation through its receptor, p75NTR, which may be modulated using LM11A-31 as potential translational therapeutic against injury and inflammation.
Role of PI3 Kinases in Cell Signaling and Soleus Muscle Atrophy During Three Days of Unloading
Authors: Zaripova Ksenia A. , Belova Svetlana P. , Kostrominova Tatiana Y. , Shenkman Boris S. , Nemirovskaya Tatiana L.
Published: January 2025

During skeletal muscle unloading, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and especially PI3K gamma (PI3Kγ), can be activated by changes in membrane potential. Activated IP3 can increase the ability of Ca2+ to enter the nucleus through IP3 receptors. This may contribute to the activation of transcription factors that initiate muscle atrophy processes. LY294002 inhibitor was used to study the role of PI3K in the ATP-dependent regulation of skeletal muscle signaling during three days of unloading. Inhibition of PI3K during soleus muscle unloading slows down the atrophic processes and prevents the accumulation of ATP and the expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase MuRF1 and ubiquitin. It also prevents the increase in the expression of IP3 receptors and regulates the activity of Ca2+-dependent signaling pathways by reducing the mRNA expression of the Ca2+-dependent marker calcineurin (CaN) and decreasing the phosphorylation of CaMKII. It also affects the regulation of markers of anabolic signaling in unloaded muscles: IRS1 and 4E-BP. PI3K is an important mediator of skeletal muscle atrophy during unloading. Developing strategies for the localized skeletal muscle release of PI3K inhibitors might be one of the future treatments for inactivity and disease-induced muscle atrophy.
Proteomic Profile of Daphnia pulex in Response to Heavy Metal Pollution in Lakes of Northern Patagonia
Authors: Norambuena Juan-Alejandro , Poblete-Grant Patricia , Beltrán Jorge F. , De los Ríos-Escalante Patricio , Aranzaez-Ríos Cristian , Farías Jorge G.
Published: January 2025

Over recent decades, Northern Patagonia in Chile has seen significant growth in agriculture, livestock, forestry, and aquaculture, disrupting lake ecosystems and threatening native species. These environmental changes offer a chance to explore how anthropization impacts zooplankton communities from a molecular–ecological perspective. This study assessed the anthropogenic impact on Daphnia pulex by comparing its proteomes from two lakes: Llanquihue (anthropized) and Icalma (oligotrophic). Results showed substantial differences in protein expression, with 17 proteins upregulated and 181 downregulated in Llanquihue, linked to elevated levels of copper, manganese, dissolved solids, phosphate, and nitrogen. These stressors caused metabolic damage and environmental stress in D. pulex. Our findings highlight the importance of monitoring pollution’s effects on Northern Patagonian ecosystems, especially on keystone species like D. pulex, essential for ecosystem stability. This research provides fresh molecular–ecological insights into pollution’s impacts, a perspective rarely addressed in this region. Understanding these effects is critical for conserving natural resources and offers pathways to study adaptive mechanisms in keystone species facing pollution. This approach also informs strategies for ecosystem management and restoration, addressing both immediate and long-term challenges in Northern Patagonian aquatic environments.
The Fetal Environment and the Development of Hypertension—The Epigenetic Modification by Glucocorticoids
Authors: Mori Fumiko-Kawakami , Shimosawa Tatsuo
Published: January 2025

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a risk factor for postnatal cardiovascular, metabolic, and psychiatric disorders. In most IUGR models, placental dysfunction that causes reduced 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (11βHSD2) activity, which degrades glucocorticoids (GCs) in the placenta, resulting in fetal GC overexposure. This overexposure to GCs continues to affect not only intrauterine fetal development itself, but also the metabolic status and neural activity in adulthood through epigenetic changes such as microRNA change, histone modification, and DNA methylation. We have shown that the IUGR model induced DNA hypomethylation in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in the brain, which in turn activates sympathetic activities, the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), contributing to the development of salt-sensitive hypertension. Even in adulthood, strong stress and/or exogenous steroids have been shown to induce epigenetic changes in the brain. Furthermore, DNA hypomethylation in the PVN is also observed in other hypertensive rat models, which suggests that it contributes significantly to the origins of elevated blood pressure. These findings suggest that if we can alter epigenetic changes in the brain, we can treat or prevent hypertension.
Single and Combined Impact of Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Metformin on β-Cell Maintenance and Function Under High-Glucose–High-Lipid Conditions: A Comparative Study
Authors: Gojani Esmaeel Ghasemi , Wang Bo , Li Dongping , Kovalchuk Olga , Kovalchuk Igor
Published: January 2025

Type 2 diabetes (T2D), the most common form, is marked by insulin resistance and β-cell failure. β-cell dysfunction under high-glucose–high-lipid (HG-HL) conditions is a key contributor to the progression of T2D. This study evaluates the comparative effects of 10 nM semaglutide, 10 nM tirzepatide, and 1 mM metformin, both alone and in combination, on INS-1 β-cell maintenance and function under HG-HL conditions. INS-1 cells were pretreated for 2 h with single doses of metformin (1 mM), semaglutide (10 nM), tirzepatide (10 nM), or combinations of 1 mM metformin with either 10 nM semaglutide or 10 nM tirzepatide, followed by 48 h of HG-HL stimulation. The results indicate that combining 1 mM metformin with either 10 nM semaglutide or 10 nM tirzepatide significantly enhances the effects of 10 nM semaglutide and 10 nM tirzepatide on HG-HL-induced apoptosis and dysregulated cell cycle. Specifically, the combination treatments demonstrated superior restoration of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) functionality compared to 1 mM metformin, 10 nM semaglutide, and 10 nM tirzepatide.
Identification of Endometriosis Pathophysiologic-Related Genes Based on Meta-Analysis and Bayesian Approach
Authors: Kang Jieun , Ahn Kwangjin , Oh Jiyeon , Lee Taesic , Hwang Sangwon , Uh Young , Choi Seong Jin
Published: January 2025

Endometriosis is a complex disease with diverse etiologies, including hormonal, immunological, and environmental factors; however, its exact pathogenesis remains unknown. While surgical approaches are the diagnostic and therapeutic gold standard, identifying endometriosis-associated genes is a crucial first step. Five endometriosis-related gene expression studies were selected from the available datasets. Approximately, 14,167 genes common to these 5 datasets were analyzed for differential expression. Meta-analyses utilized fold-change values and standard errors obtained from each analysis, with the binomial and continuous datasets contributing to endometriosis presence and endometriosis severity meta-analysis, respectively. Approximately 160 genes showed significant results in both meta-analyses. For Bayesian analysis, endometriosis-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the human transcription factor catalog, uterine SNP-related gene expression, disease–gene databases, and interactome databases were utilized. Twenty-four genes, present in at least three or more databases, were identified. Network analysis based on Pearson’s correlation coefficients revealed the HLA-DQB1 gene with both a high score in the Bayesian analysis and a central position in the network. Although ZNF24 had a lower score, it occupied a central position in the network, followed by other ZNF family members. Bayesian analysis identified genes with high confidence that could support discovering key diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for endometriosis.
Chronic Exposure to Two Regimens of Waterpipe Smoke Elicits Lung Injury, Genotoxicity, and Mitochondrial Impairment with the Involvement of MAPKs Activation in Mice
Authors: Hamadi Naserddine , Al-Salam Suhail , Beegam Sumaya , Zaaba Nur Elena , Elzaki Ozaz , Nemmar Abderrahim
Published: January 2025

While the pulmonary effects of regular waterpipe smoking (R-WPS) are well-defined, the impact of occasional waterpipe smoking (O-WPS) on the lungs remains less established. This study investigated the pulmonary toxicity and underlying mechanisms of O-WPS versus R-WPS following 6 months of exposure, focusing on histopathology, inflammation in the lung, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and plasma, as well as oxidative stress, genotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in lung homogenates. Exposure to both O-WPS and R-WPS resulted in significant histological changes, including increased numbers of alveolar macrophages and lymphocytes, as well as interstitial fibrosis. Only R-WPS increased the number of neutrophil polymorphs and plasma cells. R-WPS also significantly increased the chemokines CXCL1, CXCL2, and CCL2 in the lung, BALF, and plasma, while O-WPS increased CXCL1 and CXCL2 in the lung and CXCL1 in the plasma. Both exposure regimens significantly increased lung injury markers, including matrix metalloproteinase-9 and myeloperoxidase. Additionally, R-WPS induced a significant increase in the cytokines IL1β, IL6, and TNFα in the lung, BALF, and plasma, while O-WPS elevated IL1β and IL6 in the lung. Oxidative stress was observed, with increased levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and superoxide dismutase in both the O-WPS and R-WPS groups. Exposure to either O-WPS or R-WPS triggered genotoxicity and altered mitochondrial complex activities. R-WPS exposure also resulted in elevated expression of p-JNK/JNK, p-ERK/ERK, and p-p38/p38, while O-WPS augmented the p-ERK/ERK ratio in the lungs. Taken together, these findings indicate that both O-WPS and R-WPS contribute to lung injury and induce inflammation, oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and mitochondrial dysfunction, with R-WPS having a more pronounced effect. These effects were associated with the activation of MAPKs.
Revolutionizing Supply Chains: Unleashing the Power of AI-Driven Intelligent Automation and Real-Time Information Flow
Authors: Shamsuddoha Mohammad , Khan Eijaz Ahmed , Chowdhury Md Maruf Hossan , Nasir Tasnuba
Published: January 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) and smart automation are revolutionizing the global supply chain ecosystem at an accelerated pace, providing tremendous potential for resilience, innovation, efficacy, and profitability. This paper examines how AI, machine learning (ML), and robotic process automation (RPA) influence supply chain operations to adjust to the risks and vulnerabilities. It focuses on how AI and other relevant technologies will enhance forecasting to predict actual demand, expedite logistics, increase warehouse efficiency, and promote instantaneously making decisions. This study utilizes thematic analysis to find AI-driven supply chain applications, including logistics optimization, forecasting demand, and risk mitigation, among 383 peer-reviewed articles (2017–2024). It provides a strategic framework for dealing with vulnerabilities, operational excellence, and resilient solutions. Additionally, the research investigates how AI contributes to supply chain resilience by predicting disruptions and automating risk mitigation strategies. This paper identifies critical success factors and challenges in adopting intelligent automation by analyzing real-world industry implementations. The findings will propose a strategic framework for organizations aiming to leverage AI to achieve operational excellence, agility, and real-time information flow for effective decision-making.
Cross-Chain Identity Authentication Method Based on Relay Chain
Authors: Huang Qipeng , Tan Minsheng , Tian Wenlong
Published: January 2025

The cross-chain identity authentication method based on relay chains provides a promising solution to the issues brought by the centralized notary mechanism. Nonetheless, it continues to encounter numerous challenges regarding data privacy, security, and issues of heterogeneity. For example, there is a concern regarding the protection of identity information during the cross-chain authentication process, and the incompatibility of cryptographic components across different blockchains during cross-chain transactions. We design and propose a cross-chain identity privacy protection method based on relay chains to address these issues. In this method, the decentralized nature of relay chains ensures that the cross-chain authentication process is not subject to subjective manipulation, guaranteeing the authenticity and reliability of the data. Regarding the compatibility issue, we unify the user keys according to the identity manager organization, storing them on the relay chain and eliminating the need for users to configure identical key systems. Additionally, to comply with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) principles, we store the user keys from the relay chain in distributed servers using the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS). To address privacy concerns, we enable pseudonym updates based on the user’s public key during cross-chain transactions. This method ensures full compatibility while protecting user privacy. Moreover, we introduce Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technology, ensuring that audit nodes cannot trace the user’s identity information with malicious intent. Our method offers compatibility while ensuring unlinkability and anonymity through thorough security analysis. More importantly, comparative analysis and experimental results show that our proposed method achieves lower computational cost, reduced storage cost, lower latency, and higher throughput. Therefore, our method demonstrates superior security and performance in cross-chain privacy protection.
LSTM+MA: A Time-Series Model for Predicting Pavement IRI
Authors: Zhang Tianjie , Smith Alex , Zhai Huachun , Lu Yang
Published: January 2025

The accurate prediction of pavement performance is essential for transportation administration or management to appropriately allocate resources road maintenance and upkeep. The international roughness index (IRI) is one of the most commonly used pavement performance indicators to reflect the surface roughness. However, the existing research on IRI prediction mainly focuses on using linear regression or traditional machine learning, which cannot take into account the historical effects of IRI caused by climate, traffic, pavement construction and intermittent maintenance. In this work, a long short-term memory (LSTM)-based model, LSTM+MA, is proposed to predict the IRI of pavements using the time-series data extracted from the long-term pavement performance (LTPP) dataset. Effective preprocessing methods and hyperparameter fine-tuning are selected to improve the accuracy of the model. The performance of the LSTM+MA is compared with other state-of-the-art models, including logistic regressor (LR), support vector regressor (SVR), random forest (RF), K-nearest-neighbor regressor (KNR), fully connected neural network (FNN), XGBoost (XGB), recurrent neural network (RNN) and LSTM. The results show that selected preprocessing methods can help the model learn quickly from the data and reach high accuracy in small epochs. Also, it shows that the proposed LSTM+MA model significantly outperforms other models, with an R2 of 0.965 and a mean square error (MSE) of 0.030 in the test datasets. Moreover, an overfitting score is proposed in this work to represent the severity degree of the overfitting problem, and it shows that the proposed model does not suffer severely from overfitting.
Getting to the Heart of the Matter: Control over the Photolysis of PbI2 Through Partial Lead Substitution
Authors: Ustinova Marina I. , Shilov Gennadii V. , Troshin Pavel A. , Aldoshin Sergey M. , Frolova Lyubov A.
Published: January 2025

A crucial problem of the photoinduced degradation of perovskite semiconductors based on complex lead halides has been addressed here by suppressing PbI2 photolysis to metallic lead. The systematic screening of >30 modifying cations introduced as substituents for 5% of Pb2+ in the PbI2 composition has revealed their tremendous effects on the rate of material degradation under light exposure. Thus, the most successful stabilizing cations could maintain a high absorbance of the Pb0.95M0.1/nI2 films and block Pb0 formation after 400 h of continuous illumination, when the non-modified PbI2 films completely decomposed to Pb0 and I2. The obtained results present a promising solution for the problem of metallic lead formation in the active layer of perovskite solar cells during their operation, which can pave the way for the development of a new generation of highly efficient and stable perovskite photovoltaics.
High Antennal Expression of CYP6K1 and CYP4V2 Participate in the Recognition of Alarm Pheromones by Solenopsis invicta Buren
Authors: Jiang Xinyi , Shen Jiacheng , Lin Peng , Hou Youming
Published: January 2025

Insects have highly developed olfactory systems in which cytochrome P450s (CYPs) were involved as odor-degrading enzymes throughout the olfactory recognition of odor compounds by insects to avoid continuous stimulation of signaling molecules and thus damage to the olfactory nervous. To understand whether the highly expressed CYPs in the antennae play an olfactory function in Solenopsis invicta worker, in this study, we find six highly expressed antennal CYPs from the transcriptome of S. invicta. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis divided them into two families: the CYP3 family (SinvCYP6K1, SinvCYP6K1-1) and the CYP4 family (SinvCYP4C1, SinvCYP4C1-1, SinvCYP4C1-2, SinvCYP4V2). The expression patterns of these six CYPs were analyzed by RT-qPCR, which revealed that SinvCYP6K1 and SinvCYP4V2 were only highly expressed in the antennae of adult workers. The expression of SinvCYP6K1 and SinvCYP4V2 in workers was markedly diminished after feeding with dsRNA. The electroantennography (EAG) assay demonstrated that the silencing of either SinvCYP6K1 or SinvCYP4V2 resulted in a notable reduction in the EAG response of workers to 2-ethyl-3,6(5)-dimethylpyrazine (EDMP). Furthermore, the trajectory behavior assay showed that the worker’s range and speed of movement in response to EDMP significant decreased after the silencing of SinvCYP6K1 and SinvCYP4V2. The findings indicated that both SinvCYP6K1 and SinvCYP4V2 were implicated in the recognition of EDMP by S. invicta.
Influences of Rearing Season, Host Plant, and Silkworm Species on Gut Bacterial Community
Authors: Chen Chang , Hao Yujuan , Yang Jiaqi , Zhang Jingyu , Wang Huan , Liu Yanqun
Published: January 2025

The gut bacterial community plays many important roles in the production of nutrients and digestion. Antheraea pernyi and A. yamamai (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) are two traditional sources of human food, as well as being silk-producing insects. In the present study, the influences of rearing season (spring and autumn), silkworm species (A. pernyi and A. yamamai), and host plant (Quercus wutaishanica and Salix viminalis) on gut microbiota diversity were tested using Illumina MiSeq technology. We found that the bacterial composition and diversity of larvae reared in the autumn are elevated compared to those of larvae from the spring. Silkworm species played an important role in the gut bacterial community. Host plants also affected the diversity of the intestinal flora of the insects: the diversity of the intestinal flora of A. pernyi reared using S. viminalis was higher than those reared using Q. wutaishanica. Our findings provide insights into the gut microbial environment in edible insects.
Valproic Acid and Lamotrigine Differentially Modulate the Telomere Length in Epilepsy Patients
Authors: Sánchez-Badajos Salvador , Ortega-Vázquez Alberto , López-López Marisol , Monroy-Jaramillo Nancy
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Antiseizure drugs (ASDs) are the primary therapy for epilepsy, and the choice varies according to seizure type. Epilepsy patients experience chronic mitochondrial oxidative stress and increased levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, recognizable hallmarks of biological aging; however, few studies have explored aging markers in epilepsy. Herein, we addressed for the first time the impact of ASDs on molecular aging by measuring the telomere length (TL) and mtDNA copy number (mtDNA-CN). Methods: We used real-time quantitative PCR (QPCR) in epilepsy patients compared to matched healthy controls (CTs) and assessed the association with plasma levels of ASDs and other clinical variables. The sample comprised 64 epilepsy patients and 64 CTs. Patients were grouped based on monotherapy with lamotrigine (LTG) or valproic acid (VPA), and those treated with a combination therapy (LTG + VPA). Multivariable logistic regression was applied to analyze the obtained data. Results: mtDNA-CN was similar between patients and controls, and none of the comparisons were significant for this marker. TL was shorter in not seizure-free patients than in CTs (1.50 ± 0.35 vs. 1.68 ± 0.34; p < 0.05), regardless of the ASD therapy. These patients exhibited the highest proportion of adverse drug reactions. TL was longer in patients on VPA monotherapy, followed by patients on LTG monotherapy and patients on an LTG + VPA combined scheme (1.77 ± 0.24; 1.50 ± 0.32; 1.36 ± 0.37, respectively; p < 0.05), suggesting that ASD treatment differentially modulates TL. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that clinicians could consider TL measurements to decide the best ASD treatment option (VPA and/or LTG) to help predict ASD responses in epilepsy patients.
Thiamine Deficiency Is Common and Underrecognized in Emergency Department Oncology Patients
Authors: Boopathy Deepika , Grahf Daniel , Ross Jacob , Hawatian Kegham , Rammal Jo-Ann , Alaimo Katherine , Miller Joseph B.
Published: January 2025

Background: Wernicke’s encephalopathy can occur in oncology patients independent of alcohol use, likely resulting from poor dietary thiamine intake. High metabolic demands, such as those in acute illnesses seen in the emergency department (ED), can exacerbate thiamine deficiency. In this study, our objective was to assess the incidence of thiamine deficiency in ED oncology patients, which could lead to Wernicke’s encephalopathy or other thiamine deficiency disorders if left untreated. Methods: This was a single-center prospective cohort study. We included patients with acute illness and a history of active cancer management in the ED of a large, urban hospital. We also included age and sex-matched control patients with no history of cancer who sought ED care. We excluded patients with a history of alcohol use or parenteral thiamine administration before enrollment. We recorded whole blood thiamine levels to measure total body thiamine stores and collected data on clinical variables, thiamine treatment, and adverse events. Results: In total, 87 oncology and 71 control patients were included in the study. The mean age was 62.1 ± 13.7 and 58.9 ± 12.6 years, respectively, and 48% of oncology vs. 55% of control participants were female. The most common cancers represented were colon (23%), lung (25%), prostate (10%), and breast (9%). Thiamine deficiency was significantly higher in ED oncology patients (25, 28.7%) compared to controls (6, 8.5%), odds ratio 4.4 (95% CI 1.7–11.4). None of the oncology patients with deficiency received thiamine treatment in the ED. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that thiamine deficiency is prevalent in acutely ill oncology patients, yet rarely treated in the ED.
Management, Flow, and Outcomes of Patients with Aortic Stenosis Followed by a Heart Valve Clinic: The Untold “Behind the Scene” from a High-Volume, Real-World Experience
Authors: Cammertoni Federico , Pavone Natalia , Bruno Piergiorgio , Di Giammarco Gabriele , Burzotta Francesco , Romagnoli Enrico , Lombardo Antonella , Graziani Francesca , Nesta Marialisa , Grandinetti Maria , D’Avino Serena , Marcolini Alberta , Cutrone Gessica , D’Acierno Edoardo Maria , Panzera Rudy , Mazzenga Gabriele , Montesano Marco , Massetti Massimo
Published: January 2025

Background: According to current guidelines, patients with heart valve disease should be followed by Heart Valve Clinics (HVCs). Regular quality analysis is a major prerequisite of an HVC’s program, but few data have been reported so far. Methods: We retrospectively collected patients with isolated, native aortic valve stenosis who had been visited in our HVC at least once between 2021 and 2024. For each outpatient visit, symptoms, physical examination, echocardiographic data, complementary tests, and indications were acquired. Also, adverse events (hospitalization, unplanned procedures, and death) were retrieved. Results: A total of 320 patients were included. Mean visits/patient ratio was 1.2. At the first visit, 69.7% already had severe aortic stenosis, and severe symptoms (NYHA ≥ III) were evident in 24.4%. In addition, 26.5%, 59.1%, 12.8%, and 1.6% were in Généreux stage I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Overall, 197 (78.5%) and 54 (21.5%) patients received an indication for transcatheter AVR and surgical AVR, respectively. AVR-free survival was 46%, 23%, and 6% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively (mean 8.8 months CI95% 7.7–9.9). Adverse event-free survival was 97.2%, 95.5%, and 85% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Conclusions: Patients referred to our HVC already had an advanced disease with cardiac damage. Transcatheter AVR was mostly indicated, and it showed excellent short-term results. A low rate of adverse events was seen among patients in follow-up, but the odds of receiving AVR were high and driven by Généreux’s stage. Despite these favorable results, further efforts to sensitize earlier patient referral should be made.
Preoperative Home-Based Multimodal Physiotherapy in Patients Scheduled for a Knee Arthroplasty Who Catastrophize About Their Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Terradas-Monllor Marc , Beltran-Alacreu Hector , Ochandorena-Acha Mirari , Garcia-Oltra Ester , Aliaga-Orduña Francisco , Hernández-Hermoso José
Published: January 2025

Background: Chronic pain affects about 20% of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients, with high pain catastrophizing being a key predictor. Screening and addressing this modifiable factor may improve postoperative outcomes. Objective: We aimed to compare the effectiveness of two preoperative home-based multimodal physical therapy interventions on pain catastrophizing in high-catastrophizing TKA patients. Secondarily, the study aimed to assess postoperative outcomes over six months. Methods: A total of 40 patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis and moderate pain catastrophizing were randomly allocated to the control, therapeutic patient education (TPE), and multimodal physiotherapy (MPT) groups. Preoperative interventions comprised pain neuroscience education, coping skills training, and therapeutic exercise, differing in the number of sessions and degree of supervision. All outcomes were assessed before and after the treatment in the preoperative period, and 1, 3, and 6 months post-surgery. The primary outcome measure was pain catastrophizing. Results: Both intervention groups showed a preoperative reduction in pain catastrophizing. TPE patients had lower pain ratings at rest and lower catastrophizing scores at 1 and 6 months post-surgery, reduced kinesiophobia and improved dynamic balance at 3 and 6 months post-surgery, and higher self-efficacy at 1 month post-surgery. MPT patients exhibited lower pain catastrophizing and pain intensity during walking at 1 month post-surgery, and better outcomes in kinesiophobia, self-efficacy, and dynamic balance at 1, 3, and 6 months post-surgery, along with higher walking speed at 6 months post-surgery. Conclusions: Preoperative physiotherapy reduces preoperative pain catastrophizing and improves postoperative pain-related outcomes, behaviors, and cognitions in high-catastrophizing TKA patients. Registration is with the United States Clinical Trials Registry (NCT03847324).
The Efficacy of Defensive Antibacterial Coating (DAC™) Periprosthetic Joint Infection Prevention in the Hip: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bove Antonio , Braile Adriano , Matino Giovanni , Del Regno Nicola , Sirico Sabrina , Orabona Nicola , Braile Mariantonia
Published: January 2025

Background: Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a significant issue in joint replacement surgery patients, affecting results and mortality. Recent research focuses on developing hydrogels (HG) and antimicrobial coatings to reduce pressure injuries, with DAC™ HG showing lower infection risk in hip revision surgery. However, the effectiveness of DAC™ hydrogel in PIJs is still unknown. Here, we attempt to update the literature in this field, pointing out methodological flaws and providing guidance for further research. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review using the PRISMA guidelines. Quality assessment was performed with the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Coleman Methodology Score (CMS). Results: Among 27 records from the initial search, 3 studies resulted eligible for final evaluation. It was observed that following the three surgical procedures performed in combination with DAC™ loaded with specific antibiotics, the quality of life of the treated patients had improved. No side effects associated with DAC™ treatment were in fact observed. Conclusions: The amount and quality of scientific evidence are yet insufficient to either encourage or dissuade the use of such hydrogels in hip prosthesis, despite some intriguing first results. These challenges will be better addressed by randomized controlled trials or longitudinal prospective investigations.
Clinical and Topographic Screening for Scoliosis in Children Participating in Routine Sports: A Prevalence and Accuracy Study in a Spanish Population
Authors: González-Ruiz José María , Mohamed Nada , Hassan Mostafa , Fald Kyla , de los Ríos Ruiz Eva , Pérez Cabello Pablo , Redondo Álvaro Rubio , da Rosa Bruna , Burke Thomaz Nogueira , Westover Lindsey
Published: January 2025

Background: Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a common spinal deformity affecting 0.5% to 5.2% of children worldwide, with a higher reported range in Spain (0.7–7.5%). Early detection through screening is crucial to prevent the progression of mild cases to severe deformities. Clinical methods such as the ADAM test and trunk rotation angle (TRA) are widely used, but the development of three-dimensional (3D) surface topography (ST) technologies has opened new avenues for non-invasive screening. The objectives of this study were (1) to perform clinical and ST-based scoliosis screening in a sample of healthy children involved in club sports, (2) to estimate the agreement between clinical and ST screening methods, (3) to describe the prevalence of scoliosis by sport, sex, and age, and (4) to evaluate the diagnostic performance of both screening approaches using available radiographs as a reference standard. Methods: A total of 343 children (58.7% males, 41.3% females; mean age 11.69 ± 2.05 years) were screened using both clinical and ST methods. Clinical screening included the ADAM test and TRA measurement, while ST screening was performed using BackSCNR®, a markerless 3D scanning software. The children with positive screening results were recommended to obtain radiographs to confirm the diagnosis. Kappa agreement, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were calculated for both screening modalities using radiographic results as the gold standard. Results: The prevalence of scoliosis was 3.2% (n = 11) based on radiographic confirmation. The prevalence by sport was highest in swimming (17.6%), with minimal differences by sex (males 3.6%, females 2.5%). The clinical screening showed a sensitivity of 73%, specificity of 97%, PPV of 47%, NPV of 99%, and accuracy of 96%. The ST screening showed a sensitivity of 36%, specificity of 99%, PPV of 80%, NPV of 97%, and accuracy of 97%. The kappa values indicate a moderate influence of chance for both methods (clinical κ = 0.55; ST κ = 0.48). The balanced accuracy was 84% for the clinical screening and 68% for the ST screening. Conclusions: The clinical screening method showed superior sensitivity and balanced accuracy compared to ST screening. However, ST screening showed higher specificity and PPV, suggesting its potential as a complementary tool to reduce the high positive predictive value. These results highlight the importance of combining screening methods to improve the accuracy of the early detection of IS in physically active children, with the radiographic confirmation of the positive screened cases remaining essential for accurate diagnosis.
Does Scapular and Thoracic Morphology Affect Latarjet Alpha Angle?
Authors: Kizilkurt Taha , Darilmaz Muhammed Furkan , Okatar Furkan , Ersen Ali
Published: January 2025

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the relationship between alpha angle (the angle between the screws and the glenoid) and thoracic diameters in patients undergoing the Latarjet procedure. Defining the relationship between thoracic morphology and alpha angle is aimed at filling the gap in the literature and improving surgical outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 74 patients who underwent the Latarjet procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder instability between 2022 and 2024. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon using a standardized protocol to ensure consistency of surgical technique across cases. In postoperative chest CT scans, alpha angle, anteroposterior diameter of the thorax, transverse diameter of hemithorax, scapular inclination, and glenoid version were evaluated. Results: The study included predominantly male patients (90%) with a mean age of 26.4 ± 6.4 years who underwent Latarjet procedures predominantly on the right side (60%). Significant associations were observed between thoracic morphology and alpha angle on postoperative CT scans. There was a significant positive correlation between anterior-posterior/transverse diameter ratio (AP/T) and alpha angle (r = 0.407, p < 0.001), as well as correlations between scapular inclination, glenoid version, thoracoscapular angle, and alpha angle (r = 0.275, p = 0.018; r = 0.241, p = 0.039; r = −0.288, p = 0.013, respectively). Patients were divided based on an alpha angle threshold of 15 degrees, with results indicating worse outcomes for angles above this threshold. Additionally, the AP/T ratio demonstrated predictive value for poor outcomes (AUC = 0.660, p = 0.018) with a threshold of 1.2545. Conclusions: This study highlights the direct impact of thoracic morphology on the alpha angle observed on post-Latarjet chest CT scans. Specifically, patients with a higher ratio of anterior-posterior to transverse thoracic diameter (AP/T) show a proportional increase in alpha angle. When the AP/T ratio exceeds 1.25, surgeons may face challenges in achieving the target alpha angle.
Improving Sternal Closure Outcomes in Cardiac Surgery: Polyethylene Suture Tapes vs. Steel Wires
Authors: Khalpey Zain , Kumar Ujjawal Aditya , Aslam Usman , Phillips Tyler , Khalpey Zacharya , Cooper Anthony , Riley Robert
Published: January 2025

Background: Steel wires are often inadequate for sternal closure for patients at high risk of sternal complications. This study compares a novel sternal closure system to conventional steel wires to assess its potential to reduce sternal complication rates and improve clinical outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 300 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery via median sternotomy. A total of 150 patients underwent steel wire sternal closure, while 150 underwent suture tape closure. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected and analyzed for both groups. Results: Rates of sternal wound infections (1% vs. 5%, p = 0.0363) and sternal dehiscence (0% vs. 5%, p = 0.0297) were lower in the suture tape group. Suture tape patients had significantly less pain at 14 and 30 days (p = 0.0002 and 0.0071). The requirement for sternal protection adjuncts was eliminated with suture tape closure. Sternal closure time was significantly shorter in the suture tape group (11 vs. 19 min, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Suture tapes proved safe, feasible, and effective for sternal closure, demonstrating significant advantages for sternal closure over steel wires, with reduced rates of sternal dehiscence, infection, postoperative incisional pain, and closure time. These superior outcomes and the elimination of sternal protection adjuncts can potentially reduce healthcare costs. Our experiences suggest that this novel sternal closure system has significant potential, with larger prospective studies warranted to optimize sternal closure strategies.
Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy for Anxiety Reduction in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Brandão Constança , Sampaio Maria , Sousa-Gomes Valéria , Fávero Marisalva , Moreira Diana
Published: January 2025

Background: Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a clinical approach aimed at building valuable human–animal relationships with both preventive and therapeutic goals. It is provided by a healthcare professional and involves animals (meeting certain criteria) as an integral part of the treatment process. This type of therapy has been shown to have multiple benefits in several areas, such as reducing anxiety in a variety of different groups of people. However, few studies have specifically investigated the benefits of AAT in reducing anxiety in children and adolescents. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively assess the evidence regarding the effectiveness of AAT in reducing anxiety among children and adolescents while also identifying research gaps in this field. Methods: Studies focusing on the relationship of these two variables were obtained from multiple databases (EBSCO, PubMed, and Web of Science). Results: AAT has grown and the literature demonstrates several benefits of this approach. However, few studies have demonstrated the benefits of AAT for reducing anxiety in children and adolescents. Conclusions: Most of these few studies show that this type of intervention can help reduce anxiety levels.
Association of Physical Function, Quantity, and Quality of the Quadriceps with Postoperative Physical Activity Before Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Watabe Takaya , Sengoku Takuya , Sakurai Goro , Yoshida Shinya , Taniguchi Yuta
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: This single-center cohort study investigated preoperative risk factors such as physical function, quantity, and quality of the quadriceps femoris for physical activity (PA) 1 year after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: This study included 204 patients with knee osteoarthritis who underwent TKA; they were divided into increased and decreased PA groups. Items with significant differences between the two groups in non-operative-side quadriceps strength, knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome scores (KOOS), Sport/Rec scores, operative-side cross-sectional area (CSA) of the vastus medialis (VM), and operative-side computed tomography attenuation values (CTV) of the vastus lateralis (VL) were fitted in the multiple logistic regression analysis. The cutoff value of the preoperative CSA of the VM required for PA to exceed the required points at 1 year postoperatively was calculated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the non-operative-side quadriceps strength KOOS sport/rec, operative-side CSA of VM, and operative-side CTV of the VL were significantly associated with increased PA after TKA. The ROC-calculated cutoff value was 10.2 cm2. Conclusions: These results suggested that preoperative muscle quantity and quality, particularly in the VM, could play important roles in postoperative PA outcomes after TKA.
Preparation and Performance Optimization of a Two-Component Microcapsule Self-Healing Fluoro Silicone Rubber
Authors: La Yuan , Wang Zengchao , Zhu Junlin , Yuan Yao , Cai Dexuan , Yin Fanghui , Gao Ximing , Wang Liming
Published: January 2025

In recent years, transformer failures caused by the aging of bushing sealing materials have become increasingly common in power systems, posing significant risks to the safe and stable operation of transformers. Microencapsulated self-healing technology offers a promising solution by repairing microcracks and extending the service life of rubber sealing materials. This study developed polyurea-formaldehyde microcapsules encapsulating polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) self-healing agents based on a Pt/PDMS curing system. A two-component microencapsulated self-healing system was further established for fluoro-silicone rubber materials. The feasibility of self-healing in these composite materials was validated through tensile property tests. Additionally, the effects of varying microcapsule contents and two-component ratios on material performance were systematically investigated, leading to the optimization of the mechanical and self-healing properties of the microcapsule/fluoro-silicone rubber composites. The results demonstrated that using SYLGARD™ 184 as the healing agent, with a two-component microcapsule ratio of 6:4 (A:B) and a microcapsule content of 10 phr, yielded a remarkable self-healing performance, achieving a healing efficiency of approximately 63%. The results of this paper can provide reference for the development of long-life rubber sealing materials.
Examination of Harmful Substances Emitted to the Environment During an Electric Vehicle Fire with a Full-Scale Fire Experiment and Laboratory Investigations
Authors: Kuti Rajmund , Tánczos Petr , Tánczos Zoltán , Stadler Tamás , Papp Csenge
Published: January 2025

Nowadays, electromobility has a significant role in transportation; different electrically driven vehicles are spreading continuously. Due to this form of drivetrain, fire safety hazards have also changed when compared to those of conventional vehicles. Lately, electric vehicle fires have become more common; thus, we have chosen to investigate the negative impacts of these fires on humans and the environment, in addition to the toxic properties of the resulting combustion products. In our research work, we conducted a full-scale fire experiment on an electric passenger car. Fire extinguishing was executed with fire-fighting foam, and its efficiency was examined. After extinguishing the fire, we took samples from the combustion gases and soil. Samples were subjected to laboratory investigations. Our results and experiences are presented in this article.
From Blood to Therapy: The Revolutionary Application of Platelets in Cancer-Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Xie Lijuan , Gan Fengxu , Hu Yun , Zheng Yibin , Lan Junshan , Liu Yuting , Zhou Xiaofang , Zheng Jianyu , Zhou Xing , Lou Jie
Published: January 2025

Biomimetic nanodrug delivery systems based on cell membranes have emerged as a promising approach for targeted cancer therapy due to their biocompatibility and low immunogenicity. Among them, platelet-mediated systems are particularly noteworthy for their innate tumor-homing and cancer cell interaction capabilities. These systems utilize nanoparticles shielded and directed by platelet membrane coatings for efficient drug delivery. This review highlights the role of platelets in cancer therapy, summarizes the advancements in platelet-based drug delivery systems, and discusses their integration with other cancer treatments. Additionally, it addresses the limitations and challenges of platelet-mediated drug delivery, offering insights into future developments in this innovative field.
Effect of Al/Cu Ratio on Microstructure and High-Temperature Oxidation Resistance of AlxCoCrCuyFeNi High-Entropy Alloy Coatings
Authors: Zhou Ling , Liu Hongxi , Zhang Qinghua , Liang Jiazhu , Peng Yuanrun , Hao Xuanhong , Yang Chen , Liu Yaxia , Wang Yueyi
Published: January 2025

To improve high-temperature oxidation resistance for Ti6Al4V alloy, AlxCoCrCuyFeNi (x = 0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0; y = 1.0, 0.7, 0.5, 0.3, 0, x + y = 1.0) high-entropy alloy (HEA) coatings were prepared on the Ti6Al4V alloy substrate by a laser cladding technique. The results show that the coatings were mainly composed of FCC, BCC, and Ti-rich phases. Severe segregation of the Cu element occurred in the CoCrCuFeNi HEA coatings as a Cu-rich phase (FCC2). The Cu-rich phases decreased with a decreasing Cu content and completely disappeared until the Al content reached 1.0. The microhardnesses of the Cu1.0, Cu0.7Al0.3, Cu0.5Al0.5, Cu0.3Al0.7, and Al1.0 HEA coatings were 2.01, 2.06, 2.08, 2.09, and 2.11 times that of the substrate, and compared with those of a Ti6Al4V alloy substrate, the oxidation rates of the HEA coatings decreased by 55%, 51%, 47%, 42%, and 35%, respectively. The surface oxides of the five coatings were mainly composed of CuO, TiO2, Fe3O4, Cr2O3, and Al2O3. The increase in the Al content promoted the generation of Al2O3 film and Cr2O3 on the surfaces of the coatings, which significantly improved the high-temperature antioxidant performance of the high-entropy alloy coatings for 50 h at 800 °C. When x = 1.0, the coating showed the best high-temperature antioxidant performance.
A Consequence-Based Response Framework for More Resilient Shipping Amidst Growing Uncertainty
Authors: Thanopoulou Helen , Strandenes Siri Pettersen
Published: January 2025

The 2011 Fukushima disaster and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic are two major 21st century events that were least expected while being highly disruptive, having an immediate as well as longer-term impact on shipping operations. However, while pandemics are a recurrent phenomenon of the “known-knowns” type, the combination of phenomena which led to Fukushima had no assigned probability; hence, no preparedness was in place, as this was practically a unique occurrence in shipping. Considering significant shipping incidents of various less or more uncommon etiologies, such as the capsizing of vessels, missile attacks on merchant ships or vessel-onto-bridge collisions, this conceptual paper puts forward a consequence-based approach for assessing and managing shocks in the maritime domain, especially the ones classified in the “unknown-unknowns” or “Black Swan” categories. In the context of preparedness theory, the authors propose the adoption by shipping businesses, in parallel to any other risk approaches and tools, of the Assessment-reaction-Recovery-Conversion (ArRC) framework for managing risk and of relevant key recovery indicators which may assist in (a) increasing resilience through focusing the recovery planning on consequence-oriented, root-neutral reactions and (b) in promoting a “bounce-back-better” frame of mind and action plan, contributing to faster and easier recovery after a shock of any type.