bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolomics-Driven Biomarker Discovery for Breast Cancer Prognosis and Diagnosis
Authors: Kaur Rasanpreet , Gupta Saurabh , Kulshrestha Sunanda , Khandelwal Vishal , Pandey Swadha , Kumar Anil , Sharma Gaurav , Kumar Umesh , Parashar Deepak , Das Kaushik
Published: December 2024

Breast cancer is a cancer with global prevalence and a surge in the number of cases with each passing year. With the advancement in science and technology, significant progress has been achieved in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer to make ends meet. The scientific intradisciplinary subject of “metabolomics” examines every metabolite found in a cell, tissue, system, or organism from different sources of samples. In the case of breast cancer, little is known about the regulatory pathways that could be resolved through metabolic reprogramming. Evidence related to the significant changes taking place during the onset and prognosis of breast cancer can be obtained using metabolomics. Innovative metabolomics approaches identify metabolites that lead to the discovery of biomarkers for breast cancer therapy, diagnosis, and early detection. The use of diverse analytical methods and instruments for metabolomics includes Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, LC/MS, UPLC/MS, etc., which, along with their high-throughput analysis, give insights into the metabolites and the molecular pathways involved. For instance, metabolome research has led to the discovery of the glutamate-to-glutamate ratio and aerobic glycolysis as biomarkers in breast cancer. The present review comprehends the updates in metabolomic research and its processes that contribute to breast cancer prognosis and metastasis. The metabolome holds a future, and this review is an attempt to amalgamate the present relevant literature that might yield crucial insights for creating innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at addressing metastatic breast cancer.
Chromosomal Abnormalities in Miscarriages and Maternal Age: New Insights from the Study of 7118 Cases
Authors: Pendina Anna A. , Krapivin Mikhail I. , Chiryaeva Olga G. , Petrova Lubov’ I. , Pashkova Elizaveta P. , Golubeva Arina V. , Tikhonov Andrei V. , Koltsova Alla S. , Trusova Ekaterina D. , Staroverov Dmitrii A. , Glotov Andrey S. , Bespalova Olesya N. , Efimova Olga A.
Published: December 2024

Chromosomal abnormalities of the embryo are the most common cause of first-trimester pregnancy loss. In this single-center study, we assessed the frequency and the spectrum of chromosomal abnormalities in miscarriages for each year of maternal age from 23 to 44. Cytogenetic data were obtained by conventional karyotyping of 7118 miscarriages in women with naturally conceived pregnancies. Chromosomal abnormalities were identified in 67.25% of miscarriages. The total incidence of chromosomal abnormalities increased with maternal aging; however, its average change for a one-year increase in maternal age differed between age spans, equaling 0.704% in the span from 23 to 37 years and 2.095% in the span from 38 to 44 years. At the age of 38 years, the incidence rate surged sharply by 14.79% up to 79.01% and then increased progressively up to 94% in 44-year-old women. The spectrum of chromosomal abnormalities in miscarriages was the same for each year of maternal age from 23 to 44 years. However, the proportions of particular chromosomal abnormalities differed between karyotypically abnormal miscarriages in younger and older women. The proportions of trisomy 16, polyploidy, monosomy X, mosaic aneuploidies, and structural rearrangements decreased with increasing maternal age. In contrast, the proportions of multiple aneuploidies and regular trisomies 13, 15, 18, 21, and 22 showed an upward trend with maternal aging. To summarize, despite the increase in the total incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in miscarriages with maternal aging, the rate of change differs for younger and older women, being three times lower in the former than in the latter. Moreover, the proportion of some abnormalities in karyotypically abnormal miscarriages shows a steady growth, whereas the proportion of others becomes increasingly low with maternal aging, most probably due to the age-dependent prevalence of different molecular and cellular defects.
ST8SIA6 Sialylates CD24 to Enhance Its Membrane Localization in BRCA
Authors: He Jinxia , Zhang Fengchao , Wu Baihai , Yu Wengong
Published: December 2024

CD24, a highly sialylated glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol (GPI) cell surface protein that interacts with sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (Siglecs), serves as an innate immune checkpoint and plays a crucial role in inflammatory diseases and tumor progression. Recently, cytoplasmic CD24 has been observed in samples from patients with cancer. However, whether sialylation governs the subcellular localization of CD24 in cancer remains unclear, and the impact of CD24 expression and localization on the clinical prognosis of cancer remains controversial. Here, we performed a systematic pan-cancer analysis of the gene expression levels and clinical correlation of CD24. Our analysis revealed that CD24 was highly expressed in breast tumor tissues and tumor cells, significantly shortening patient survival time. However, this correlation was not evident in other types of cancer. Additionally, a correlation analysis of CD24 levels with sialyltransferases (STs) revealed that ST8SIA6 is the key ST affecting CD24 sialylation. Further investigation demonstrated that ST8SIA6 directly modified CD24, promoting its localization to the cell membrane. Taken together, these findings elucidate, for the first time, the mechanisms by which ST8SIA6 regulates CD24 subcellular localization, providing new insights into the biological functions and applications of CD24.
Cognitive and Linguistic Development in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Cadime Irene , Ribeiro Iolanda , Lorusso Maria Luisa
Published: December 2024

Cognitive development encompasses the mental processes involved in acquiring, organizing, and utilizing knowledge [...]
Disclosing the Complexities of Childhood Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Tarani Luigi , Fiore Marco
Published: December 2024

Neurodevelopmental disorders represent an important and complex area of pediatric medicine, including a wide range of conditions affecting brain and nervous system functioning during development [...]
Child Maltreatment and Medical Traumatic Stress—A Double-Edged Sword
Authors: Kapel Lev-ari Rony , Aloni Roy , Shalev Amit , Elbaz Avi , Ankri Yael L. E. , Ben-David Shiri , Kahana Levy Naomi , Benarroch Fortu , Ben-Ari Amichai
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Medical procedures can be a traumatic event for both children and their parents. Children who have experienced maltreatment or early traumatic experiences are at a higher risk for various emotional, behavioral, and health issues, including declining mental health. This may include experiencing heightened distress following medical procedures. The goal of this paper is to investigate the risk of distress symptoms following medical procedures for children with a history of child maltreatment vs. controls. Methods: A prospective study of 219 parents and children hospitalized in a pediatric surgical ward was conducted, with participants divided into study and control groups based on their reports of early traumatic experiences. Questionnaires measuring psychological distress were administered before the medical procedure and 3–5 months after discharge. Results: Children from the study group displayed significantly more distress symptoms before and after the procedure, with a substantial post-procedure increase. Parents of children who endured prior trauma and child maltreatment also exhibited elevated pre-procedure distress. Prior trauma and child maltreatment independently contributed to heightened medical distress. Post-procedure child distress was influenced by the early traumatic events and also by family support, socioeconomic status, and parental procedure-related post-traumatic stress symptoms. Conclusions: Children with a history of child maltreatment and trauma show an increased chance of psychological distress following medical procedures. Medical teams should be aware of this heightened risk and provide appropriate support.
Patient-Reported Outcomes in Children Undergoing the Modified Green Procedure for Treating Sprengel’s Deformity: Results from a Multicentric Study
Authors: Trisolino Giovanni , Zarantonello Paola , Todisco Marco , Di Gennaro Giovanni Luigi , Menozzi Grazia Chiara , Scheider Philipp , Depaoli Alessandro , Antonioli Diego , Rocca Gino , Farr Sebastian
Published: December 2024

Background: Sprengel’s Deformity (SD) is a rare condition of the shoulder girdle, appearing as the principal congenital anomaly of the shoulder in paediatric patients. The aim of this study is to document the combined experience of two paediatric orthopaedic departments in managing SD using the modified Green Procedure, with a specific emphasis on the clinical and functional outcomes reported by patients; Methods: from June 2010 to February 2023, 42 shoulders in 40 paediatric patients were surgically treated for SD at two paediatric orthopaedic departments. All patients were treated using the modified Green Procedure with or without clavicle osteotomy. To better evaluate the deformity, the Cavendish’s classification for aesthetic appearance and the Rigault’s classification for radiological aspect were used, while movements of abduction and flexion were quantified to assess shoulder mobility. Several dedicated questionnaires such as QuickDASH, the Shoulder Pain Index and the Shoulder Disability Index (SPADI) and finally the UCLA Shoulder Scale were submitted to assess the quality of life of the subjects and the ability to practice certain activities, including work and sports. Complications were evaluated according to the modified Clavien–Dindo–Sink classification; Results: The mean follow-up was 5 years (range, 1.0–13.6). Clavicular osteotomy, performed in 15 patients, improved post-operative abduction by a mean of 25° (95% CI: 11–39°; p = 0.001). Three patients had complications (7.1%), with two requiring re-operation. At follow-up, 67.5% of patients had a qDASH score < 7, highlighting excellent functional outcomes. Shoulder function showed moderate correlation with pre- and post-operative flexion. The SPADI and UCLASS scores indicated significant improvement, with 70.0% reporting high satisfaction. Factors like sex, associated anomalies, and surgical technique did not impact patient-reported outcomes or satisfaction; Conclusions: The modified Green’s technique has proven to be a safe procedure with a low rate of complications and satisfactory clinical and functional patient-reported outcomes.
Whole Genome Identification and Integrated Analysis of Long Non-Coding RNAs Responding ABA-Mediated Drought Stress in Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer
Authors: Chen Peng , Chang Cheng , Kong Lingyao
Published: December 2024

Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer is a perennial herb that is used worldwide for a number of medical purposes. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in diverse biological processes but still remain poorly understood in ginseng, which has limited the application of molecular breeding in this plant. In this study, we identified 17,478 lncRNAs and 3106 novel mRNAs from ginseng by high-throughput illumine sequencing. 50 and 257 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and DE lncRNAs (DELs) were detected under drought + ABA vs. drought conditions, respectively. The DEGs and DELs target genes main enrichment is focused on the “biosynthesis of secondary metabolites”, “starch and sucrose metabolism”, and “carbon metabolism” pathways under drought + ABA vs. drought conditions according to KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, suggesting that these secondary metabolites biosynthesis pathways might be crucial for ABA-mediated drought stress response in ginseng. Together, we identified drought stress response lncRNAs in ginseng for the first time and found that the target genes of these lncRNAs mainly regulate the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites pathway to response to drought stress. These findings also open up a new visual for molecular breeding in ginseng.
The Critical Management of Spinal Cord Injury: A Narrative Review
Authors: Moreno-González Emilio , Ibarra Antonio
Published: December 2024

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is defined as physical damage that alters the function and structure of the spinal cord. Traumatic causes, such as vehicle accidents, falls, and violence, account for 90% of SCI cases. Recent evidence suggests that early intensive care unit (ICU) monitoring improves patient prognosis, highlighting the importance of prompt ICU admission and early decompression surgery. This review includes 50 publications selected based on specific criteria to gather evidence on the current management of SCI in acute settings. Pharmacological agents have been studied for their neuroprotective properties, offering hope for improved neurological outcomes. Several clinical trials are evaluating new pharmacological alternatives for SCI. In conclusion, the current management of acute SCI should focus on standardized treatments addressing ventilatory, cardiopulmonary, and hematologic complications, all of which directly impact long-term neurological and functional prognosis. New neuroprotective agents currently in clinical trials show promising results and should be further studied to determine their role in acute SCI management.
On Adaptive Fractional Dynamic Sliding Mode Control of Suspension System
Authors: Karami-Mollaee Ali , Barambones Oscar
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces a novel adaptive control method for suspension vehicle systems in response to road disturbances. The considered model is based on an active symmetry quarter car (SQC) fractional order suspension system (FOSS). The word symmetry in SQC refers to the symmetry of the suspension system in the front tires or the rear tires of the car. The active suspension controller is generally driven by an external force like a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator. The external force of the actuator is determined using fractional dynamic sliding mode control (FDSMC) to counteract road disturbances and eliminate the chattering caused by sliding mode control (SMC). In FDSMC, a fractional integral acts as a low-pass filter before the system actuator to remove high-frequency chattering, necessitating an additional state for FDSMC implementation assuming all FOSS state variables are available but the parameters are unknown and uncertain. Hence, an adaptive procedure is proposed to estimate these parameters. To enhance closed-loop system performance, an adaptive proportional-integral (PI) procedure is also employed, resulting in the FDSMC-PI approach. A comparison is made between two SQC suspension system models, the fractional order suspension system (FOSS) and the integer order suspension system (IOSS). The IOSS controller is based on dynamic sliding mode control (DSMC) and a PI procedure (DSMC-PI). The results show that FDSMC outperforms DSMC.
Advanced Copper Oxide Chemical and Green Synthesis: Characterization and Antibacterial Evaluation
Authors: Modan Ecaterina Magdalena , Schiopu Adriana-Gabriela , Moga Sorin Georgian , Negrea Denis Aurelian , Istrate Daniela , Ciuca Ion , Oproescu Mihai
Published: December 2024

Recent advancements in nanotechnology have improved the application of copper oxide (CuO) nanostructures, known for their diverse antibacterial, electrical, catalytic, optical, and pharmacological properties, which depend on nanoparticle morphology. This study investigated two synthesis methods for structured CuO: microwave-assisted hydrolysis and ultrasound using copper acetate and KOH, and an eco-friendly method involving cholesterol-free egg white albumin and Solanum lycopersicum extract. Characterization techniques, including XRD, FTIR, and SEM-EDS, were utilized to analyze the produced CuO. XRD confirmed high-purity monoclinic CuO structures in the sample obtained via the chemical method, while characteristic peaks of tenorite and dolerophanite were observed in the albumin-synthesized sample. ATR-FTIR analysis revealed O-H stretching bands around 3400 cm−1, indicating adsorbed H-OH or -OH and strong Cu-O bond peaks at 434 cm−1. The CuO synthesized via microwave and ultrasound methods displayed superior crystallinity compared to commercial CuO. SEM illustrated various morphologies, such as flakes, microspheres, and irregular polyhedra, influenced by the presence of proteins and organic acids. Antibacterial tests demonstrated the effective inhibition of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis, confirming the potential of CuO as a promising antibacterial agent. Overall, the findings highlight the effectiveness of green chemistry in developing crystalline CuO for various applications.
The Architecture of BaTiO3 Nanoparticles Synthesis via Temperature-Responsive for Improved Oil Recovery: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation and Core-Flooding Experimental Study
Authors: Sikiru Surajudeen , Soleimani Hassan , Rostami Amir , Khodapanah Leila
Published: December 2024

This research investigates the influence of various concentrations of BaTiO3 nanofluid on adsorption energy and improved oil recovery. BaTiO3 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using a Sol-gel approach at temperatures of 400 °C, 500 °C, 800 °C, and 1000 °C and characterized for their structural and morphological properties and interfacial tension (IFT)/Wettability measurement. The study focuses on using ferroelectric nanofluid in combination with an electromagnetic field to enhance oil recovery mechanisms. Three concentrations of BaTiO3 nanofluid were prepared, and their effects on pressure and recovery factors were examined. The results demonstrate that BaTiO3 nanofluids increase the reservoir fluid’s ionic conductivity, leading to environmental polarization. Applying BaTiO3 nanofluid on glass bead samples resulted in a significant 42.15% increase in the recovery factor at a 0.3% concentration in various measurements, including interfacial tension, core-flooding, and wettability. The nanofluid caused a reduction in interfacial tension and a shift in wettability from oil-wet to water-wet. The higher adsorption energy of the nanofluid corresponded to more significant oil recovery. The optimal concentration for maximum adsorption energy (−2.566331 × 104) and oil recovery (22.5%) was 0.3wt%. At 0.1% concentration, the IFT value was 0.023 mN/m, at 0.3% concentration the IFT was 0.017 mN/m and at 0.5% concentration IFT value was 0.032 mN/m. The contact angle of the brine with the oil was 89.39% compared to the contact angle of 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% which were 64.25%, 10.57%, and 44.63%, respectively. It was revealed from the result that 0.3% of nanofluid decreased the contact angle from 89.39% to 10.57 at a 0.3% concentration of BaTiO3 nanofluid. This shows that the wettability of the rock surface changed from oil-wet to water-wet with the novel application of BaTiO3 nanoparticles. This improvement in recovery can be attributed to the modification of wettability and reduction of interfacial tension.
Embedded Rough-Neck Helmholtz Resonator Low-Frequency Acoustic Attenuator
Authors: Sun Xianming , Yu Tao , Wang Lipeng , Lu Yunshu , Chen Changzheng
Published: December 2024

In various practical noise control scenarios, such as duct noise mitigation, industrial machinery, architectural acoustics, and underwater applications, it is essential to develop noise absorbers that deliver effective low-frequency attenuation while maintaining compact dimensions. To achieve low-frequency absorption within a limited spatial volume, this study proposes an embedded Helmholtz resonator featuring a roughened neck and establishes a numerical computational model that incorporates thermos viscous effects. A quantitative investigation is conducted on three types of embedded rough-neck geometries (rectangular-grooved, triangular-grooved, and undulated) to elucidate their acoustic performance, with particular attention to differences in acoustic transmission loss and acoustic impedance characteristics. In response to the practical demand for even lower-frequency attenuation, this work further focuses on optimizing the structural parameters of an embedded rectangular-grooved Helmholtz resonator (ERHR). A back-propagation (BP) neural network models and predicts how structural parameters impact the acoustic transmission coefficient, elucidating the effects of geometric variations. Moreover, by coupling the BP network with the Golden Jackal Optimization (GJO) algorithm, a BP-GJO optimization model is developed to refine the structural parameters. The findings reveal that the proposed method significantly improves resonator spatial utilization at a specific noise frequency while preserving acoustic transmission loss performance. This work thereby provides a promising strategy for designing low-frequency, compact Helmholtz resonators suitable for a wide range of noise control applications.
Vulvar Metastasis in Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report Highlighting the Aggressive Nature of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Boiangiu Andreea , Cioca Ana-Maria , Gorecki Gabriel-Petre , Sima Romina-Marina , Pleș Liana , Novac Marius-Bogdan , Coman Ionut-Simion , Grigorean Valentin-Titus , Lungu Vasile , Georgescu Mihai-Teodor , Filipescu George-Alexandru
Published: December 2024

Vulvar cancer is one of the rarest gynecological malignancies. The development of this condition can be associated with either dysplasia linked to human papillomavirus (HPV), primarily affecting younger women, or vulvar dermatoses such as lichen sclerosus, which predominantly affect older women. Over the last decade, the incidence of vulvar cancer has risen by 0.6% annually, while the relative survival rate has declined. Although metastasis to the vulva is uncommon, it can occur, particularly from cancers in nearby organs such as the cervix, bladder, rectum, or anus. More rarely, metastases from breast cancer and renal cell carcinoma have been reported in the vulva. Vaginal metastases from clear cell renal carcinoma are especially rare. In this article, we present the case of a 56-year-old patient diagnosed with clear cell renal carcinoma, who came to our clinic with a lesion on the right labia, which was identified as a metastasis originating from the kidney. Given the rarity of genital metastases in renal cancer, such cases should be examined and discussed to encourage further research and studies.
Improving Cancer Diagnosis in Alberta, Canada: A Qualitative Study of Emergency Department Healthcare Providers’ Perspectives on Diagnosing Cancer in the Emergency Setting
Authors: Pujadas Botey Anna , Carrier Cassandra , Lang Eddy , Robson Paula J.
Published: December 2024

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada, with diagnoses increasing annually. In Alberta, many cancer cases are detected in emergency departments, often at advanced stages. Despite the significant role of emergency departments in cancer diagnosis, limited research exists on the experiences of healthcare providers in this context. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perspectives of physicians and nurses working in emergency departments in Edmonton and Calgary regarding cancer diagnosis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 physicians and nurses, recruited through convenience and snowball sampling. Data collection continued until thematic saturation was reached. Interviews were analyzed thematically using an inductive, iterative process. Three main themes emerged: the acute care focus of the emergency department, its unsuitability for cancer diagnosis, and the need for systemic improvements to better support patients with suspected cancer. Participants highlighted challenges related to high patient volumes, the emotional burden of delivering cancer diagnoses, and barriers to effective communication and patient interaction in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. The findings suggest the need for systemic reforms, including stronger primary care and improved care coordination, to alleviate pressure on emergency departments and enhance both patient outcomes and healthcare provider well-being.
A Real-World Comparison Between Adjuvant Docetaxel with Cyclophosphamide (TC) and Anthracycline–Taxane Chemotherapy in Early HER-2 Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Giffoni de Mello Morais Mata Danilo , Pezo Rossanna C. , Chan Kelvin K. W. , Menjak Ines , Eisen Andrea , Trudeau Maureen
Published: December 2024

Background: Anthracycline–taxane chemotherapy is the gold standard in high-risk breast cancer (BC), despite the potential risk of congestive heart failure (CHF). A suitable alternative for anthracycline-sparing chemotherapy is through the combination of docetaxel and cyclophosphamide (TC). Methods: Through a retrospective study of stage I-III HER2-negative BC, using administrative databases, we analyzed a total of 10,634 women treated with adjuvant chemotherapy in Ontario, Canada, between 2009 and 2017. We compared TC versus standardized anthracycline–taxane chemotherapies (ACT and FEC-D). We investigated the overall survival (OS), and explored the incidence of CHF, emergency department (ED) visits and febrile neutropenia. Results: With a median follow-up of 5.5 years, the 5-year analysis showed an increased OS in patients treated with TC, versus those treated with ACT, HR 0.77 (0.63–0.95, p = 0.015). Among ER+ BC, there was an increased OS in patients treated with ACT and FEC-D, versus those treated with TC, HR 0.70 (0.52–0.95, p = 0.021) and HR 0.71 (0.56–0.91, p = 0.007), respectively. There were no substantial differences in CHF, between TC and anthracycline-based treatments. Patients treated with TC and FEC-D had more ED visits, compared to those treated with ACT. Conclusion: Our study shows that anthracycline–taxane regimens were the most commonly prescribed adjuvant chemotherapy options in HER2-negative BC. Women who received ACT had the lowest OS, likely due to their unfavorable pathology.
AI-Enhanced Healthcare: Integrating ChatGPT-4 in ePROs for Improved Oncology Care and Decision-Making: A Pilot Evaluation
Authors: Liao Chihying , Chu Chinnan , Lien Mingyu , Wu Yaochung , Wang Tihao
Published: December 2024

Background: Since 2023, ChatGPT-4 has been impactful across several sectors including healthcare, where it aids in medical information analysis and education. Electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) play a crucial role in monitoring cancer patients’ post-treatment symptoms, enabling early interventions. However, managing the voluminous ePRO data presents significant challenges. This study assesses the feasibility of utilizing ChatGPT-4 for analyzing side effect data from ePROs. Methods: Thirty cancer patients were consecutively collected via a web-based ePRO platform, reporting side effects over 4 weeks. ChatGPT-4, simulating oncologists, dietitians, and nurses, analyzed this data and offered improvement suggestions, which were then reviewed by professionals in those fields. Results: Two oncologists, two dieticians, and two nurses evaluated the AI’s performance across roles with 540 reviews. ChatGPT-4 excelled in data accuracy and completeness and was noted for its empathy and support, enhancing communication and reducing caregiver stress. It was potentially effective as a dietician. Discussion: This study offers preliminary insights into the feasibility of integrating AI tools like ChatGPT-4 into ePRO cancer care, highlighting its potential to reduce healthcare provider workload. Key directions for future research include enhancing AI’s capabilities in cancer care knowledge validation, emotional support, improving doctor-patient communication, increasing patient health literacy, and minimizing errors in AI-driven clinical processes. As technology advances, AI holds promise for playing a more significant role in ePRO cancer care and supporting shared decision-making between clinicians and patients.
Ecological Indicators and Estimators of Fish and Crustacean Diversity in the Yucatan Peninsula
Authors: Gutiérrez-Aguirre Martha Angélica , Cervantes-Martínez Adrián , Suárez-Morales Eduardo
Published: December 2024

Biodiversity patterns provide insights into the conservation value of ecosystems and also aid in an understanding of some research priorities. This research paper presents an exhaustive inventory of crustaceans and fish species from the Yucatan Peninsula’s epicontinental, underground, and anchialine aquatic systems. Using records spanning from 1936 to 2024, this study analyzed over 2600 entries across 670 aquatic systems, including cenotes, flooded cave lakes, springs, and wetlands. A total of 329 species were recorded, comprising 117 fish and 212 crustacean species. The richness and endemism of these species were assessed through a completeness analysis, utilizing non-parametric models (Chao 2, Jackknife 1, Bootstrap) to estimate potential species richness. Notably, the region exhibits high endemism, especially among crustaceans, with up to 50 species and 2 endemic families being unique to the Yucatan Peninsula. This study underscores the importance of the eastern YP for crustaceans and the central YP for fish, highlighting areas critical for conservation. These findings emphasize the need for further exploration, as the diversity of aquatic species remains incompletely understood. This comprehensive synthesis aims to inform future conservation strategies, environmental management, and regional planning efforts, particularly highlighting the vulnerability of these unique aquatic systems to environmental degradation.
The Impact and Mechanism of New-Type Urbanization on High-Quality Forestry Development: A Case Study of the Yellow River Basin in China
Authors: Ma Longbo , Wang Qian , Zhu Yiqi , Liu Zujun
Published: December 2024

The Paris Agreement emphasizes the critical role of forests in addressing climate change and ecological protection. High-quality forestry development is an important aspect of forest conservation. As a core strategy for China’s economic transformation, new-type urbanization is increasingly interacting with high-quality forestry development. This study aims to explore this relationship and analyze its impact mechanism. Taking the representative Yellow River Basin in China as an example, this research uses a benchmark regression model, mediation effect model, and threshold effect model from 2010 to 2022 to quantitatively analyze the impact of new-type urbanization on high-quality forestry development. The results show that (1) new-type urbanization has significantly promoted high-quality forestry development, with an estimated coefficient of 0.325; (2) forestry in different regions exhibits significant differences, with the forestry return coefficients for the upper, middle, and lower reaches being 0.326, 0.213, and −0.359, respectively; (3) technological innovation plays a key role in improving forestry production efficiency, resource diversity, and ecosystem services, with an estimated coefficient of 6.543 for technological innovation; (4) the greater the government support, the larger the impact. The p-value of the double threshold is 0.037. Accordingly, to achieve high-quality forestry development, joint efforts are required at both the national and regional levels in promoting new-type urbanization. At the national level, specific ecological areas should be taken as units, and a collaborative development plan for new-type urbanization and high-quality forestry development should be formulated based on the land spatial planning system. This plan should clarify top policy objectives, set up special funds, establish long-term incentives and supervision mechanisms, and ensure that new urbanization has a positive impact on forestry development. At the regional level, appropriate technological innovations should be introduced based on local characteristics, and differentiated new-type urbanization development policies should be formulated to promote high-quality forestry development in the region.
Catfishes from the North-Western Part of Lake Tanganyika: Contribution to a Reference Library of DNA Barcodes
Authors: Mushagalusa Mulega Archimède , Boom Arthur F. , Rahmouni Imane , Bazairi Hocein , Benhoussa Abdelaziz , Vanhove Maarten P. M. , Van Steenberge Maarten
Published: December 2024

In spite of the global barcoding effort, there is still a lack of genetic data on African freshwater fishes. We aimed to contribute to bridging this gap by providing molecular data on commercially important catfish species from the north-western part of Lake Tanganyika. We collected 215 catfish specimens and sequenced the standard vertebrate barcoding gene (COI) for 41 specimens. Additionally, we sequenced 20 specimens for the mitochondrial Cyt-b gene to make the link to previously published datasets. We identified 11 species using morphology, compared DNA sequences with those available on GenBank, and employed Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) and phylogenetic approaches. The dataset includes the first molecular data (COI and Cyt-b) for Chrysichthys acsiorum, as well as the first-ever COI sequences for Dinotopterus cunningtoni and Malapterurus tanganyikaensis. Our findings extend the known distribution of C. acsiorum by approximately 100 km. Additionally, we demonstrated the difficulty in delineating species of Chrysichthys and Synodontis from Lake Tanganyika with molecular tools. For Chrysichthys, automated methods, such as ABGD, failed to delineate species. However, barcoding does seem promising as all the individual species are resolved as clades. Within Synodontis, the study found a strong similarity between S. grandiops and S. multipunctatus, highlighting a need for revision. Our findings emphasize the necessity for integrative taxonomy in the study of catfishes from Lake Tanganyika.
Biodiversity of Marine Mollusk Assemblages from Two Contrasted Algal Habitats in the Mediterranean Sea (Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava, NE Spain)
Authors: Ballesteros Manuel , Silva Angra S. , Villamizar Óscar F. , Pontes Miquel , Oliva Francesc
Published: December 2024

The malacological faunae of two algal habitats with different lighting conditions—a sciophilous wall and a photophilous one—both located in Tossa de Mar (Costa Brava, Girona, NE Spain), have been studied to examine the differences in the malacological communities, their distribution over time, and the role played by micromollusks in these algal habitats. Every two months, for a year, samples were collected via scuba diving and scraping standardized surfaces (20 × 20 cm) of the algal communities. In the laboratory, the samples were washed and filtered using two metal sieves (2 mm for coarse fraction and 513 µm for fine fraction). Mollusks were separated, identified, and later analyzed statistically to assess biodiversity indices and sample grouping. A total of 7913 mollusk specimens from 148 species (112 Gastropoda; 32 Bivalvia and 4 Polyplacophora) were identified across all samples, with 1669 specimens (84 species) from the sciophilous algae and 6244 specimens (133 species) from the photophilous algae. Moreover, 10 species accounted for 76.27% of the total abundance, with each species represented by over 100 specimens in the total samples. The gastropod Bittium latreillii was the most abundant species, with 2106 specimens recorded. Regarding the two fractions, 337 specimens (69 species) were found in the coarse fraction, while 7576 specimens (111 species) were found in the fine fraction. Significant differences were obtained between samples with respect to time, habitat type, and size fraction. The Shannon–Wiener biodiversity index values indicated differences between the two communities over time, as well as variations in biodiversity, with the photophilous community exhibiting higher values. It was demonstrated that algal thalli provide a highly suitable substrate for juvenile forms and micromollusks. Our findings, combined with the literature and various online citations, establish Tossa de Mar as the town on the Catalan coast with the best-documented malacological fauna.
Parasite Fauna of the Blackbelly Garter Snake (Thamnophis melanogaster) in Central Mexico
Authors: Silva-Trejo Frida S. , Sánchez-Nava Petra , Sunny Armando , Venegas-Barrera Crystian Sadiel , Manjarrez Javier
Published: December 2024

Vertebrates function as intermediate hosts for the last larval stages of metazoan parasites and as their definitive hosts where sexual reproduction takes place. In this work, the metazoans that parasitize the snake Thamnophis melanogaster in Laguna de Cuitzeo, Michoacán, were identified, and their infection parameters were calculated to determine the factors that determine the presence of the metazoan species found. A total of 24 snakes (20 adults and 4 neonates) were collected, but only the adults affected by parasitic metazoans were detected, accounting for 54.2% of the total sample. One trematode species, one nematode species, and one acanthocephalan species were found inside the snake. The cystacanth Polymorphus brevis (37.5%) and Contracaecum sp. (25%) stand out for their high prevalence. Ochetosoma brevicaecum and the pentastomids of the genus Porocephalus presented a low prevalence. Only O. brevicaecum uses T. melanogaster as a definitive host. The life cycles of the metazoan that parasitizes T. melanogaster suggest that the snake acquires the infection through active transmission by penetration or passive transmission by ingestion.
In-House Fabrication and Validation of 3D-Printed Custom-Made Medical Devices for Planning and Simulation of Peripheral Endovascular Therapies
Authors: Mersanne Arianna , Foresti Ruben , Martini Chiara , Caffarra Malvezzi Cristina , Rossi Giulia , Fornasari Anna , De Filippo Massimo , Freyrie Antonio , Perini Paolo
Published: December 2024

Objectives: This study aims to develop and validate a standardized methodology for creating high-fidelity, custom-made, patient-specific 3D-printed vascular models that serve as tools for preoperative planning and training in the endovascular treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Methods: Ten custom-made 3D-printed vascular models were produced using computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans of ten patients diagnosed with PAD. CTA images were analyzed using Syngo.via by a specialist to formulate a medical prescription that guided the model’s creation. The CTA data were then processed in OsiriX MD to generate the .STL file, which is further refined in a Meshmixer. Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing technology was employed, utilizing either flexible or rigid materials. The dimensional accuracy of the models was evaluated by comparing their CT scan images with the corresponding patient data, using OsiriX MD. Additionally, both flexible and rigid models were evaluated by eight vascular surgeons during simulations in an in-house-designed setup, assessing both the technical aspects and operator perceptions of the simulation. Results: Each model took approximately 21.5 h to fabricate, costing €140 for flexible and €165 for rigid materials. Bland–Alman plots revealed a strong agreement between the 3D models and patient anatomy, with outliers ranging from 4.3% to 6.9%. Simulations showed that rigid models performed better in guidewire navigation and catheter stability, while flexible models offered improved transparency and lesion treatment. Surgeons confirmed the models’ realism and utility. Conclusions: The study highlights the cost-efficient, high-fidelity production of 3D-printed vascular models, emphasizing their potential to enhance training and planning in endovascular surgery.
Stroke in Athletes with Atrial Fibrillation: A Narrative Review
Authors: Certo Pereira Joana , Lima Maria Rita , Moscoso Costa Francisco , Gomes Daniel A. , Maltês Sérgio , Cunha Gonçalo , Dores Hélder , Adragão Pedro
Published: December 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, linked with a significantly heightened risk of stroke. While moderate exercise reduces AF risk, high-level endurance athletes paradoxically exhibit a higher incidence. However, their stroke risk remains uncertain due to their younger age, higher cardiovascular fitness, and lower rate of comorbidities. Several key studies highlight that AF may increase the risk of stroke in endurance athletes, particularly those over 65. However, the overall risk within this population remains relatively low. Notably, older male athletes show a higher AF incidence but experience lower stroke risk than their non-athletic counterparts. Regular physical activity prior to a first stroke appears to reduce mortality, though recurrent stroke risk in athletes with AF mirrors that of non-athletes, despite an elevated AF incidence. Management of AF in athletes is complex, with limited evidence guiding anti-thrombotic strategies. In this setting, specific recommendations are sparse, particularly in sports where bleeding risk is heightened. Individualized management, emphasizing shared decision-making, is critical to balance stroke prevention with athletic performance. Rhythm control strategies, such as catheter ablation, may be a reasonable first-line treatment option for athletes, particularly in those desiring to avoid long-term medication. This review synthesizes the current literature on the incidence, predictors, and management of stroke in athletes with AF.
Up-to-Date Imaging for Parathyroid Tumor Localization in MEN1 Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism: When and Which Ones (A Narrative Pictorial Review)
Authors: Berti Valentina , Mungai Francesco , Lucibello Paolo , Brandi Maria Luisa , Biagini Carlo , Imperiale Alessio
Published: December 2024

Patients diagnosed with multiple endocrine neoplasia type-1 (MEN1) often initially present with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), and typically undergo surgical intervention. While laboratory tests are fundamental for diagnosis, imaging is crucial for localizing pathological parathyroids to aid in precise surgical planning. In this pictorial review, we will begin by comprehensively examining key imaging techniques and their established protocols, evaluating their effectiveness in detecting abnormal parathyroid glands. This analysis will emphasize both the advantages and potential limitations within the clinical context of MEN1 patients. Additionally, we will explore integrated imaging approaches that combine multiple modalities to enhance localization accuracy and optimize surgical planning—an essential component of holistic management in MEN1 cases. Various imaging techniques are employed for presurgical localization, including ultrasound (US), multiphase parathyroid computed tomography (CT) scanning (4D CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine techniques like single photon emission computed tomography/CT (SPECT/CT) and positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT). US is non-invasive, readily available, and provides high spatial resolution. However, it is operator-dependent and may have limitations in certain cases, such as intrathyroidal locations, the presence of bulky goiters, thyroid nodules, and previous thyroidectomy. Four-dimensional CT offers dynamic imaging, aiding in the identification of enlarged parathyroid glands, particularly in cases of ectopic or supernumerary glands. Despite concerns about radiation exposure, efforts are underway to optimize protocols and reduce doses, including the use of dual-energy CT. MR imaging offers excellent soft tissue contrast without radiation exposure, potentially providing superior differentiation between parathyroid glands and the surrounding structures. Radionuclide imaging, especially PET/CT using radiopharmaceuticals like [18F]FCH, shows promising results in localizing parathyroid tumors, particularly in patients with MEN1. [18F]FCH PET/CT demonstrates high sensitivity and may provide additional information compared to other imaging modalities, especially in cases of recurrent HPT.
The Potential for High-Priority Care Based on Pain Through Facial Expression Detection with Patients Experiencing Chest Pain
Authors: Kao Hsiang , Wiryasaputra Rita , Liao Yo-Yun , Tsan Yu-Tse , Chu Wei-Min , Chen Yi-Hsuan , Lin Tzu-Chieh , Yang Chao-Tung
Published: December 2024

Background and Objective: Cardiovascular disease (CVD), one of the chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), is defined as a cardiac and vascular disorder that includes coronary heart disease, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, cerebrovascular disease (stroke), congenital heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, and elevated blood pressure (hypertension). Having CVD increases the mortality rate. Emotional stress, an indirect indicator associated with CVD, can often manifest through facial expressions. Chest pain or chest discomfort is one of the symptoms of a heart attack. The golden hour of chest pain influences the occurrence of brain cell death; thus, saving people with chest discomfort during observation is a crucial and urgent issue. Moreover, a limited number of emergency care (ER) medical personnel serve unscheduled outpatients. In this study, a computer-based automatic chest pain detection assistance system is developed using facial expressions to improve patient care services and minimize heart damage. Methods: The You Only Look Once (YOLO) model, as a deep learning method, detects and recognizes the position of an object simultaneously. A series of YOLO models were employed for pain detection through facial expression. Results: The YOLOv4 and YOLOv6 performed better than YOLOv7 in facial expression detection with patients experiencing chest pain. The accuracy of YOLOv4 and YOLOv6 achieved 80–100%. Even though there are similarities in attaining the accuracy values, the training time for YOLOv6 is faster than YOLOv4. Conclusion: By performing this task, a physician can prioritize the best treatment plan, reduce the extent of cardiac damage in patients, and improve the effectiveness of the golden treatment time.
Detection of Aspergilloma Disease Using Feature-Selection-Based Vision Transformers
Authors: Aydın Siyami , Ağar Mehmet , Çakmak Muharrem , Koç Mustafa , Toğaçar Mesut
Published: December 2024

Background: Aspergilloma disease is a fungal mass found in organs such as the sinuses and lungs, caused by the fungus Aspergillus. This disease occurs due to the accumulation of mucus, inflamed cells, and altered blood elements. Various surgical methods are used in clinical settings for the treatment of aspergilloma disease. Expert opinion is crucial for the diagnosis of the disease. Recent advancements in next-generation technologies have made them crucial for disease detection. Deep-learning models, which benefit from continuous technological advancements, are already integrated into current early diagnosis systems. Methods: This study is distinguished by the use of vision transformers (ViTs) rather than traditional deep-learning models. The data used in this study were obtained from patients treated at the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Fırat University. The dataset consists of two class types: aspergilloma disease images and non-aspergilloma disease images. The proposed approach consists of pre-processing, model training, feature extraction, efficient feature selection, feature fusion, and classification processes. In the pre-processing step, unnecessary regions of the images were cropped and data augmentation techniques were applied for model training. Three types of ViT models (vit_base_patch16, vit_large_patch16, and vit_base_resnet50) were used for model training. The feature sets obtained from training the models were merged, and the combined feature set was processed using feature selection methods (Chi2, mRMR, and Relief). Efficient features selected by these methods (Chi2 and mRMR, Chi2 and Relief, and mRMR and Relief) were combined in certain proportions to obtain more effective feature sets. Machine-learning methods were used in the classification process. Results: The most successful result in the detection of aspergilloma disease was achieved using Support Vector Machines (SVMs). The SVM method achieved a 99.70% overall accuracy with the cross-validation technique in classification. Conclusions: These results highlight the benefits of the suggested method for identifying aspergilloma.