bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congenital Bullous Syphilis: A Case Report from Italy and a Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Cammarata Edoardo , Esposto Elia , Di Cristo Nunzia , Airoldi Chiara , Bernascone Elena , Burzio Valentina , Savoia Paola
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives: Congenital syphilis remains a significant global health concern, with severe morbidity and mortality if undiagnosed and untreated. Although many infants appear asymptomatic at birth, subtle clinical signs—including bullous lesions (congenital bullous syphilis, also known as pemphigus syphiliticus)—may facilitate early detection. Recognizing this rare manifestation is crucial for timely intervention, reducing serious outcomes. Materials and Methods: We systematically reviewed Medline (PubMed), Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to December 2024 for cases of congenital bullous syphilis, also known as pemphigus syphiliticus. We extracted demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiological, treatment, and outcome data. Additionally, we included clinical information from a newly documented case of congenital bullous syphilis managed in our center. Results: Twenty-four cases of congenital syphilis with bullous lesions were identified, twenty with sufficient detail for analysis. Patients presented three distinct clinical patterns: confined palmoplantar lesions, acrally distributed lesions, and diffuse bullous-erosive involvement. Despite variable severity, cutaneous manifestations provided a key diagnostic clue. Nontreponemal and treponemal serologic tests were central to diagnosis, supported by maternal screening and imaging. Intravenous penicillin G was the most frequently employed therapy. While most infants achieved remission, severe respiratory involvement was associated with mortality. Our new case aligned with these findings, demonstrating full resolution after appropriate antibiotic therapy. Conclusions: Bullous syphilis, though rare, is an important early sign of congenital syphilis. Prompt recognition and diagnosis—enabled by diligent maternal screening, targeted neonatal testing, and careful clinical examination—are essential to initiate timely penicillin therapy and prevent severe complications or death. This review underscores the need for heightened clinical vigilance and adherence to established guidelines for syphilis screening and treatment during pregnancy, ultimately improving neonatal outcomes.
The Platelet-Specific Gene Signature in the Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease Transcriptome
Authors: Oguz Ali Kemal , Oygur Cagdas Sahap , Gur Dedeoglu Bala , Dogan Turacli Irem , Serin Kilicoglu Sibel , Ergun Ihsan
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives: Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated, fibroinflammatory, multiorgan disease with an obscure pathogenesis. Findings indicating excessive platelet activation have been reported in systemic sclerosis, which is another autoimmune, multisystemic fibrotic disorder. The immune-mediated, inflammatory, and fibrosing intersections of IgG4-RD and systemic sclerosis raised a question about platelets’ role in IgG4-RD. Materials and Methods: By borrowing transcriptomic data from Nakajima et al. (GEO repository, GSE66465) we sought a platelet contribution to the pathogenesis of IgG4-RD. GEO2R and BRB-ArrayTools were used for class comparisons, and WebGestalt for functional enrichment analysis. During the selection of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the translationally active but significantly low amount of platelet mRNA was specifically considered. The platelet-specific gene signature derived was used for cluster analysis of patient and control groups. Results: When IgG4-RD patients were compared with controls, 268 DEGs (204 with increased and 64 with decreased expression) were detected. Among these, a molecular signature of 22 platelet-specific genes harbored genes important for leukocyte–platelet aggregate formation (i.e., CLEC1B, GP1BA, ITGA2B, ITGB3, SELP, and TREML1) and extracellular matrix synthesis (i.e., CLU, PF4, PPBP, SPARC, and THBS1). Functional enrichment analysis documented significantly enriched terms related to platelets, including but not limited to “platelet reactivity”, “platelet degranulation”, “platelet aggregation”, and “platelet activation”. During clustering, the 22 gene signatures successfully discriminated IgG4-RD and the control and the IgG4-RD before and after treatment groups. Conclusions: Patients with IgG4-RD apparently display an activated platelet phenotype with a potential contribution to disease immunopathogenesis. If the platelets’ role is validated through further carefully designed research, the therapeutic potentials of selected conventional and/or novel antiplatelet agents remain to be evaluated in patients with IgG4-RD. Transcriptomics and/or proteomics research with platelets should take into account the relatively low amounts of platelet mRNA, miRNA, and protein. Secondary analysis of omics data sets has great potential to reveal new and valuable information.
Differences in Characteristics of Peripartum Patients Who Did and Did Not Require an Upgrade to the Intensive Care Unit: A Propensity Score Matching Study
Authors: Walker Jennifer A. , Yang Jerry M. , Pirzada Saad , Zahid Manahel , Asuncion Samantha , Tuchler Amanda , Cooper Gillian , Lankford Allison , Elsamadicy Emad , Tran Quincy K.
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives: This study sought to identify predictors for peripartum patients admitted to non-intensive care wards who later upgraded to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of patients admitted to the Maternal Fetal Ward between 01/2017 and 12/2022, who later upgraded to the ICU. Upgraded patients were 1:1 propensity score matched with those who remained on the Maternal Fetal Ward (control). The Classification And Regression Tree, a machine learning algorithm, was used to identify significant predictors of ICU upgrade. Multivariable ordinal regression analysis was used to assess the time interval to upgrade. Results: From 1855 peripartum patients, we analyzed 37 control and 34 upgrade patients. Mean maternal age (±Standard Deviation) and gestational age for the group was 29.5 (±5.8) years and 31.5 (±7.5) weeks, respectively. The Median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score [Interquartile] at ward admission for the controls was 0 [0–1] versus 2 [0–3.3, p = 0.001] for upgrade patients. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score at Maternal Fetal Ward admission was most predictive, followed by the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, and lactate dehydrogenase levels. The APACHE II score was also associated with ICU upgrade within 12 h of hospital admission (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.08–1.91, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Compared to control patients, peripartum patients upgraded to the ICU are associated with higher physiologic scores at Maternal Fetal Ward admission. Until further studies are performed to confirm our observation, clinicians should pay attention to these physiologic scores, since they may be associated with higher-risk patients.
Research on Envelope Profile of Lithium Niobate on Insulator Stepped-Mode Spot Size Converter
Authors: Bao Jianfeng , Yang Dengcai , Chen Zhiyu , Zhang Jingyuan , Yang Feng
Published: January 2025

To enhance the end-face coupling efficiency of lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) chips, in conjunction with current device fabrication processes, a stepped spot size converter (SSC) based on a special outer envelope profile has been proposed and investigated. This stepped SSC can reduce the coupling loss between the LNOI waveguide and a normal single-mode optical fiber. First, the output waveguide of a mode converter was proposed and simulated, in which the mode field had the biggest overlapping integral factor with a single-mode fiber (MDF ≈ 9.8 μm). Then, a stepped LNOI waveguide, the basic structure of the mode converter, with three kinds of outer envelope profile, was proposed and analyzed. Through analysis of the impacts of different envelope profiles on mode spot conversion efficiency, the relationship between envelope profile and propagation efficiency was obtained. Additionally, the rule of LNOI stair height variation tendency and the pattern of mode spot conversion efficiency for the multi-step mode spot converter in LNOI were obtained. Ultimately, a stepped SSC with a COS-shaped envelope curve was adopted. When this stepped SSC is coupled to single-mode fiber with a mode-field diameter of 9.8 μm, the coupling efficiency of the TE mode was 95.35% at the wavelength of 1550 nm.
Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolated from Raw Cow’s Milk
Authors: Drugea Roxana Ionela , Siteavu Mădălina Iulia , Pitoiu Elena , Delcaru Cristina , Sârbu Ecaterina Monica , Postolache Carmen , Bărăităreanu Stelian
Published: January 2025

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the most common pathogens in both humans and livestock. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of E. coli isolated from raw cow milk and evaluate its antimicrobial resistance rates. A total of 1696 milk samples were collected from Romanian dairy farms from 2018 to 2022. E. coli was isolated on various selective agar media, such as Cled agar and Columbia Agar with 5% Sheep Blood. The identification of E. coli was performed by MALDI-TOF MS. E. coli isolates were tested for their susceptibility against 18 commonly used antibiotics in a disk diffusion method. The overall prevalence of E. coli was 22.45% of all isolated pathogens. Antibiogram analysis revealed that 27.51% of E. coli isolates from milk were multidrug-resistant. Resistance was highest for penicillin–novobiocin (87.78%), followed by streptomycin (53.7%). Resistance to six drugs (amoxicillin, streptomycin, kanamycin–cephalexin, marbofloxacin, ampicillin) showed a significant increasing trend over time, while for two drugs (penicillin G-framycetin, doxycycline), a significant decrease was observed. Our results suggest that milk can be a reservoir of bacteria with the potential for infection in humans via the food chain. Furthermore, there is a need for surveillance and monitoring to control the increase in resistance to currently used antimicrobials in dairy farms because the occurrence of multidrug-resistant E. coli isolated from milk poses a health hazard to consumers.
Enhanced Interfacial Contact and Lithium-Ion Transport in Ionic Liquid Polymer Electrolyte via In-Situ Electrolyte-Cathode Integration
Authors: Chen Zehua , Li Mianrui , Qi Shengguang , Du Li
Published: January 2025

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have attracted much attention due to their excellent flexibility, strong interfacial adhesion, and good processibility. However, the poor interfacial contact between the separate solid polymer electrolytes and electrodes leads to large interfacial impedance and, thus, hinders Li transport. In this work, an ionic liquid-modified comb-like crosslinked network composite solid-state electrolyte with an integrated electrolyte/cathode structure is prepared by in situ ultraviolet (UV) photopolymerization. Combining the enhanced interfacial contact and the introduction of ionic liquid, a continuous and fast Li+ transport channel at the electrolyte–cathode interface is established, ultimately enhancing the overall performance of solid-state lithium batteries. The composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) exhibit an ionic conductivity of 0.44 mS cm−1 at 60 °C. LiFePO4//Li cells deliver a high discharge capacity (154 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C) and cycling stability (with a retention rate of more than 80% at 0.5 C after 200 cycles) at 60 °C.
Evaluation of Mechanochemically Prepared CePO4∙H2O Nanoparticles as UV Filter for Photoprotective Formulations
Authors: Kurajica Stanislav , Brleković Filip , Keser Sabina , Dražić Goran , Mužina Katarina , Mihajlović Vanesa
Published: January 2025

Rhabdophane, CePO4∙H2O, nanoparticles were prepared by mechanochemical synthesis with different durations and thoroughly characterized by various characterization techniques. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the optimal synthesis duration was 15 min, since, in this case, pure rhabdophane is obtained, without traces of contamination by the vessel material. The size of the obtained nanoparticles, as determined from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images, was around 5 nm. According to UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy results, rhabdophane nanoparticles show transparency to visible light and high absorption in the UV region, with a direct bandgap of 3.1 eV. The photocatalytic activity in the Castor oil degradation process and the cytotoxicity for human skin cells were determined and compared to commercial TiO2 nanoparticles, with rhabdophane nanoparticles exhibiting superior properties. Small particle size, purity, absorption in the UV range, transparency to visible light, low photocatalytic activity, and low cytotoxicity indicated the possibility of prepared rhabdophane application as an inorganic UV filter in photoprotective formulations.
Compounds Involved in the Invasive Characteristics of Lantana camara
Authors: Kato-Noguchi Hisashi , Kato Midori
Published: January 2025

Lantana camara L. is native to tropical America and has naturalized in many other tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions in Asia, Africa, Oceania, North and South America, and Europe. L. camara infests diverse habitats with a wide range of climatic factors, and its population increases aggressively as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species. Its infestation reduces species diversity and abundance in the natural ecosystems and reduces agricultural production. The life history characteristics of L. camara, such as its high reproductive ability and high adaptive ability to various environmental conditions, may contribute to its ability to infest and increase its population. Possible evidence of the compounds involved in the defense functions of L. camara against natural enemies, such as herbivore mammals and insects, parasitic nematodes, pathogenic fungi and bacteria, and the allelochemicals involved in its allelopathy against neighboring competitive plant species, have accumulated in the literature over three decades. Lantadenes A and B, oleanonic acid, and icterogenin are highly toxic to herbivore mammals, and β-humulene, isoledene, α-copaene thymol, and hexadecanoic acid have high insecticidal activity. β-Caryophyllene and cis-3-hexen-1-ol may function as herbivore-induced plant volatiles which are involved in sending warning signals to undamaged tissues and the next plants of the same species. Farnesol and farnesal may interrupt insect juvenile hormone biosynthesis and cause abnormal metamorphosis of insects. Several triterpenes, such as lantanolic acid, lantoic acid, pomolic acid, camarin, lantacin, camarinin, ursolic acid, and oleanonic acid, have demonstrated nematocidal activity. Lantadene A, β-caryophyllene, germacrene-D, β-curcumene, eicosapentaenoic acid, and loliolide may possess antimicrobial activity. Allelochemicals, such as caffeic acid, ferulic acid, salicylic acid, α-resorcylic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, unbelliferone, and quercetin, including lantadenes A and B and β-caryophyllene, suppress the germination and growth of neighboring plant species. These compounds may be involved in the defense functions and allelopathy and may contribute to L. camara’s ability to infest and to expand its population as an invasive plant species in new habitats. This is the first review to focus on how compounds enhance the invasive characteristics of L. camara.
Epigynum auritum-Derived Near-Infrared Carbon Dots for Bioimaging and Antimicrobial Applications
Authors: Shi Wenfeng , Li Jiahui , Pu Junmei , Cheng Guiguang , Liu Yaping , Xiao Shanshan , Cao Jianxin
Published: January 2025

The use of biomass feedstocks for producing high-value-added chemicals is gaining significant attention in the academic community. In this study, near-infrared carbon dots (NIR-CDs) with antimicrobial and bioimaging functions were prepared from Epigynum auritum branches and leaves using a novel green synthesis approach. The spectral properties of the synthesized NIR-CDs were characterized by ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The crystal structures of the NIR-CDs were further characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The NIR-CDs exhibited minimal toxicity, excellent biocompatibility, and high penetrability in both in vivo and in vitro environments, making them ideal luminescent probes for bioimaging applications. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of NIR-CDs was tested against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), showing significant bacterial growth inhibition. The antimicrobial effect is likely attributed to the NIR-CDs disrupting the cell membrane integrity, leading to the leakage of the intracellular contents. Therefore, NIR-CDs hold promise as fluorescent bioimaging probes and antimicrobial agents.
Antifungal Potential of Biogenic Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Controlling Cercospora Leaf Spot in Mung Bean
Authors: Aftab Zill-e-Huma , Mirza Faisal Shafiq , Anjum Tehmina , Rizwana Humaira , Akram Waheed , Aftab Muzamil , Ali Muhammad Danish , Li Guihua
Published: January 2025

Agricultural growers worldwide face significant challenges in promoting plant growth. This research introduces a green strategy utilizing nanomaterials to enhance crop production. While high concentrations of nanomaterials are known to be hazardous to plants, this study demonstrates that low doses of biologically synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) can serve as an effective regulatory tool to boost plant growth. These nanoparticles were produced using Nigella sativa seed extract and characterized through UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antifungal properties of ZnO NPs were evaluated against Cercospora canescens, the causative agent of Cercospora leaf spot in mung bean. Application of ZnO NPs significantly improved plant metrics, including shoot, root, pod, leaf, and root nodule counts, as well as plant length, fresh weight, and dry weight—all indicators of healthy growth. Moreover, low-dose ZnO NPs positively influenced enzymatic activity, physicochemical properties, and photosynthetic parameters. These findings suggest that biologically synthesized ZnO NPs offer a promising approach for enhancing crop yield and accelerating plant growth.
Controllable Nano-Crystallization in Fluoroborosilicate Glass Ceramics for Broadband Visible Photoluminescence
Authors: Xiang Yuanhang , Long Yi , Cen Peiying , Liu Sirang , Fang Zaijin , Jiao Renjie
Published: January 2025

A transparent fluoroborosilicate glass ceramic was designed for the controllable precipitation of fluoride nanocrystals and to greatly enhance the photoluminescence of active ions. Through the introduction of B2O3 into fluorosilicate glass, the melting temperature was decreased from 1400 to 1050 °C, and the abnormal crystallization in the fabrication process of fluorosilicate glass was avoided. More importantly, the controlled crystallizations of KZnF3 and KYb3F10 in fluoroborosilicate glass ceramics enhanced the emission of Mn2+ and Mn2+–Yb3+ dimers by 6.7 and 54 times, respectively. Moreover, the upconversion emission color of glass ceramic could be modulated from yellow to white and blue by adjusting the Yb3+ concentration. The well-designed glass ceramic is a novel and significant compound to simultaneously provide efficiently coordinated sites for transition metal and rare earth ions. More importantly, the design strategy opens a new way for engineering high-quality oxy-fluoride glass ceramics with properties of excellent stability, controllable nano-crystallization and high-efficiency photoluminescence.
Spirulina Supplementation Alleviates Intense Exercise-Induced Damage and Modulates Gut Microbiota in Mice
Authors: Wang Chunxia , Liu Huijuan , Zhang Shuyu , Ren Chengyi , Xu Jiaming , Chen Juanjuan , Chen Haimin , Wu Wei
Published: January 2025

Background: Spirulina, which are filamentous cyanobacteria, have gained significant popularity in the food industry, medicine, and aquaculture. Methods: In this study, our objective was to explore the influence of Spirulina on the gut microbiota and exercise capacity of mice undergoing high-intensity exercise. Twenty-four male BALB/c mice were divided into four groups, with six mice in each group. These groups included the control group (Control, in which the mice received saline gavage and were permitted free movement), the exercise group (Running, in which the mice were gavaged with the same volume of saline and subjected to a structured exercise regimen), and the Spirulina intervention groups (including Spirulina Low and Spirulina High). In the Spirulina intervention groups, the mice were orally administered with Spirulina at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg/day for four weeks while simultaneously participating in the exercise protocol. Results: The results illustrated that the Running group mice subjected to intense exercise exhibited reduced weight and tension, acute damage to muscle and liver tissues, oxidative stress, and an imbalance in the gut microbiota compared with that of the Control group. However, high-concentration Spirulina supplementation was found to increase the tensile strength of the exercise mice by 1.27 ± 0.19 fold (p < 0.05) and ameliorate muscle and liver damage. In the Spirulina High group, the levels of certain indicators related to muscle oxidative stress, including reactive oxygen species, total superoxide dismutase, and catalase, were decreased by 39 ± 5.32% (p < 0.01) and increased by 1.11 ± 0.17 fold and 1.19 ± 0.22 fold (p < 0.01) compared to the Running group. Additionally, a correlation analysis reveals that the alterations in gut microbiota induced by Spirulina might be associated with the indicators of tension and oxidative stress. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings point to the fact that Spirulina can effectively mitigate the acute damage to muscles and the liver induced by intense exercise in mice by enhancing antioxidant capacity and regulating the gut microbiota, thereby providing novel insights into the mechanism underlying the enhancement of exercise function.
Effects of the Mediterranean Diet on the Components of Metabolic Syndrome Concerning the Cardiometabolic Risk
Authors: Scaglione Stefania , Di Chiara Tiziana , Daidone Mario , Tuttolomondo Antonino
Published: January 2025

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors, including abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia (intended as an increase in triglyceride levels and a reduction in HDL cholesterol levels), and elevated fasting glucose, that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. With the rising prevalence of metabolic syndrome, effective dietary interventions are essential in reducing these health risks. The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil and moderate in fish and poultry, has shown promise in addressing metabolic syndrome and its associated components. This diet’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, primarily due to its unsaturated fats, polyphenols, and fiber, have improved blood pressure, lipid levels, and insulin sensitivity. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet has been linked to reductions in central obesity and insulin resistance, both key elements in managing metabolic syndrome. Regarding lipid management, the Mediterranean diet lowers triglyceride levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol while raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, enhancing lipid profiles. It also helps regulate blood glucose levels, reducing the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the diet promotes weight loss and improves body composition, particularly by decreasing visceral fat, a primary driver of metabolic syndrome according to IDF classification. The Mediterranean diet offers a holistic approach to managing metabolic syndrome and reducing the risk of related chronic diseases. Its positive impact on metabolic health, combined with lifestyle changes like increased physical activity, provides a sustainable method for addressing the global burden of this syndrome. This review aimed to summarize the positive effects of the Mediterranean diet on the component of the metabolic syndrome with subsequent positive effects on cardiometabolic risk profile.
Brussels Chicory Enhances Exhaustive Aerobic Exercise Performance and Post-Exercise Recovery, Possibly Through Promotion of Lactate Oxidation: A Pilot Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Two-Way Crossover Study
Authors: Mao Yihui , Huang Junhao , Li Shuangshuang , Chen Guanyu , Du Yushi , Kang Mengxi , Zhu Shasha , Zhang Wenyu , Xu Qiuhui , Wang Yihan , Ling Wenhua , Luo Xijuan , Wang Dongliang
Published: January 2025

Background: Brussels chicory affluent in phenolic acids could inhibit atherosclerosis; however, its effects on exercise performance and post-exercise recovery are unknown. We hypothesized that Brussels chicory could enhance exhaustive aerobic exercise performance and post-exercise recovery by promoting lactate oxidation. Methods: This is a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled two-way cross-over trial involving 32 untrained college students (men 18) who consumed either Brussels chicory juice (100 g of Brussels chicory containing ~130 mg phenolic acids and 180 mL fresh milk) or placebo (180 mL fresh milk) for 7 days with a 2-week washout period. On the 7th day, participants received a short-term, progressive workload, high-intensity, exhaustive aerobic exercise with the Bruce protocol. Time to exhaustion and blood lactate were evaluated after exercise. C2C12 myotubes were treated with Brussels chicory phenolic acids (0.625–10 μM) to evaluate these effects on lactate metabolism and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and B (LDHB), two enzymes responsible for lactate biosynthesis and oxidation, respectively. Results: Brussels chicory consumption increased time to exhaustion by 8.3% and 12.2% for men and women participants, respectively. This administration also promoted post-exercise recovery, evidenced by a reduction in blood lactate (14.5% for men and 10.6% for women). In C2C12 myotubes, Brussels chicory protocatechuic acid and caffeic acid did not affect LHDA-mediated lactate production, whereas these compounds dose-dependently promoted LDHB-mediated lactate oxidation through an enrichment of mitochondria LDHB. Conclusions: Dietary supplementation with Brussels chicory may enhance short-term, progressive workload, high-intensity, exhaustive aerobic exercise performance and post-exercise recovery in humans, possibly by accelerating LDHB-mediated lactate oxidation.
Survival Patterns and Prognostic Factors in Lip Cancer Patients: A 15-Year Single-Center Experience from Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Freire Guilherme Carlos Beiruth , Juliasse Luiz Eduardo Rodrigues , Queiroz Salomão Israel Monteiro Lourenço , Lins Ruthinéia Diógenes Alves Uchôa , Mourão Carlos Fernando , de Vasconcelos Gurgel Bruno César
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Lip cancer represents one of the most prevalent malignant neoplasms in the oral cavity worldwide. This study investigated the prevalence, epidemiological profile, and survival rates of lip squamous cell carcinoma cases at the Liga Norte Riograndense Contra o Câncer (LNRCC) through a 15-year retrospective analysis. Methods: Data collection included sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors, tumor features, staging, and treatment modalities from 348 patient records. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 12.0 and SPSS 22.0. Results: Results showed a predominance of male patients (70.4%), with a mean age of 65.51 years, mostly brown-skinned, illiterate individuals working in rural areas and residing in the state’s eastern region. Moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (82.8%) affecting the lower lip (89.1%) was most frequent, with a tendency toward advanced staging. The overall survival rate was 88.90%, with lower rates observed among white, illiterate, and substance-using patients, as well as those with advanced-stage disease and chemotherapy treatment. Conclusions: Notably, race emerged as the most significant survival predictor, with white individuals showing consistently lower survival rates regardless of disease characteristics or treatment approach.
Correction: Yamarthi et al. Sepia pharaonis Ink Mitigates Dehydroepiandrosterone-Induced Insulin Resistance in Mouse Model of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Pathophysiology 2024, 31, 408–419
Authors: Yamarthi Prathyusha , Kotipalli Rama Satyasri , Patnaik Samatasai , Veena Kv , Kathirvel Muralidharan , Vutukuri Rajkumar , Bhanoori Manjula
Published: January 2025

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Impact of Oseltamivir and Diabetes Development
Authors: Tzang Bor-Show , Tzang Chih-Chen , Chuang Pei-Hua , Kuo I-Ying , Pan Yu-Chun , Wu Pei-Hsun , Hsu Tsai-Ching
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Influenza is a major global health challenge, causing thousands of deaths annually. Antiviral drugs, particularly oseltamivir, a neuraminidase inhibitor, have become essential therapeutic options due to their oral bioavailability and efficacy. Previous studies suggest a potential association between oseltamivir use and the onset of diabetes mellitus. However, further investigation is needed to establish a definitive link. Methods: This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), including 1,631,968 patients (815,984 oseltamivir users) between 1 January 2009 and 28 December 2018. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS 9.4M8 software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Results: Cox proportional hazards regression and multivariate analyses revealed a statistically significant association between oseltamivir use and overall diabetes risk (HR = 1.027, p = 0.0186). While no significant association was observed for Type 1 diabetes (HR = 1.021; p = 0.06795), oseltamivir users showed a higher incidence of Type 2 diabetes (HR = 1.024; p < 0.05). Oseltamivir was also linked to increased risks of comorbidities, including dyslipidemia (HR = 1.295, p < 0.0001), chronic liver disease (HR = 1.446, p < 0.0001), hypertension (HR = 1.586, p < 0.0001), and obesity (HR = 2.949, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Oseltamivir is associated with an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes but not Type 1, and related comorbidities.
The Effects of Oral Semaglutide on Hepatic Fibrosis in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes in Real-World Clinical Practice: A Post Hoc Analysis of the Sapporo-Oral SEMA Study
Authors: Kitsunai Hiroya , Shinozaki Yuka , Furusawa Sho , Kitao Naoyuki , Ito Miki , Kurihara Hiroyoshi , Oba-Yamamoto Chiho , Takeuchi Jun , Nakamura Akinobu , Takiyama Yumi , Nomoto Hiroshi
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an important common comorbidity in subjects with type 2 diabetes, and liver fibrosis is a factor directly related to its prognosis. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are useful treatment options for MASLD; however, the efficacy of oral semaglutide in treating liver steatosis/fibrosis has not been fully elucidated. Methods: A secondary analysis of a multicenter, retrospective, observational study investigating the efficacy and safety of oral semaglutide in Japanese subjects with type 2 diabetes in a real-world clinical setting (the Sapporo-Oral SEMA study) was conducted. Subjects in the original cohort were divided into groups as follows: subjects with suspected MASLD (alanine aminotransferase > 30 U/L) were placed in an overall group; a subpopulation from an overall group at high risk for hepatic fibrosis (fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index ≥ 1.3 or platelet count < 200,000/µL) was placed in a high-risk group; and the remaining subjects were placed in a low-risk group. Changes in the hepatic steatosis index and FIB-4 index after oral semaglutide induction were explored using a paired t-test or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Overall, 169 subjects (including 131 that switched from other medications) were analyzed, and 67 and 102 subjects were selected for the high-risk and low-risk groups, respectively. Oral semaglutide significantly improved the hepatic steatosis index (from 46.1 to 44.6, p < 0.001) and FIB-4 index (from 1.04 to 0.96, p < 0.001) as well as several metabolic parameters in all cohorts. The efficacy of semaglutide in treating liver fibrosis was confirmed by the addition of, and switching from, existing agent groups. Furthermore, improvement in the FIB-4 index was significantly negatively correlated with the baseline FIB-4 index. Conclusions: The induction of oral semaglutide might be a useful treatment option for subjects with type 2 diabetes at high risk for liver fibrosis, even when switching from conventional medications for diabetes.
Copper Imparts a New Therapeutic Property to Resveratrol by Generating ROS to Deactivate Cell-Free Chromatin
Authors: Khanvilkar Salooni , Mittra Indraneel
Published: January 2025

Resveratrol, a bioactive phytoalexin, has been extensively studied as a pharmaceutical and nutraceutical candidate for the treatment of various diseases. Although its therapeutic effects have been largely attributed to its anti-oxidant properties, its underlying mechanisms and dose dependency are not well understood. Recent studies have shown that cell-free chromatin particles (cfChPs), which are released daily from billions of dying cells, can enter circulation and be internalized by healthy cells, wherein they trigger various damaging effects, including double-strand DNA breaks. Notably, deactivating cfChPs using a mixture of resveratrol and copper can neutralize their harmful effects. The addition of copper imparts a novel therapeutic property to resveratrol viz. the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are capable of deactivating cfChPs without damaging the genomic DNA. This perspective article discusses how the deactivation of cfChPs via the ROS generated by combining resveratrol with copper can have multiple therapeutic effects. Exploiting the damaging effects of ROS to deactivate cfChPs and ameliorate disease conditions may be a viable therapeutic approach.
Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Neuroinflammation Intervention with Medicinal Plants: A Critical and Narrative Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Barbalho Sandra Maria , Leme Boaro Beatriz , da Silva Camarinha Oliveira Jéssica , Patočka Jiří , Barbalho Lamas Caroline , Tanaka Masaru , Laurindo Lucas Fornari
Published: January 2025

Neuroinflammation is a key factor in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, driven by the dysregulation of molecular pathways and activation of the brain’s immune system, resulting in the release of pro-inflammatory and oxidative molecules. This chronic inflammation is exacerbated by peripheral leukocyte infiltration into the central nervous system. Medicinal plants, with their historical use in traditional medicine, have emerged as promising candidates to mitigate neuroinflammation and offer a sustainable alternative for addressing neurodegenerative conditions in a green healthcare framework. This review evaluates the effects of medicinal plants on neuroinflammation, emphasizing their mechanisms of action, effective dosages, and clinical implications, based on a systematic search of databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. The key findings highlight that plants like Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala, Curcuma longa, Cannabis sativa, and Dioscorea nipponica reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), inhibit enzymes (COX-2 and iNOS), and activate antioxidant pathways, particularly Nrf2. NF-κB emerged as the primary pro-inflammatory pathway inhibited across studies. While the anti-inflammatory potential of these plants is significant, the variability in dosages and phytochemical compositions limits clinical translation. Here, we highlight that medicinal plants are effective modulators of neuroinflammation, underscoring their therapeutic potential. Future research should focus on animal models, standardized protocols, and safety assessments, integrating advanced methodologies, such as genetic studies and nanotechnology, to enhance their applicability in neurodegenerative disease management.
Nanosuspension Innovations: Expanding Horizons in Drug Delivery Techniques
Authors: Jacob Shery , Kather Fathima Sheik , Boddu Sai H. S. , Attimarad Mahesh , Nair Anroop B.
Published: January 2025

Nanosuspensions (NS), with their submicron particle sizes and unique physicochemical properties, provide a versatile solution for enhancing the administration of medications that are not highly soluble in water or lipids. This review highlights recent advancements, future prospects, and challenges in NS-based drug delivery, particularly for oral, ocular, transdermal, pulmonary, and parenteral routes. The conversion of oral NS into powders, pellets, granules, tablets, and capsules, and their incorporation into film dosage forms to address stability concerns is thoroughly reviewed. This article summarizes key stabilizers, polymers, surfactants, and excipients used in NS formulations, along with ongoing clinical trials and recent patents. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of various methods for NS preparation is provided. This article also explores various in vitro and in vivo characterization techniques, as well as scale-down technologies and bottom-up methods for NS preparation. Selected examples of commercial NS drug products are discussed. Rapid advances in the field of NS could resolve issues related to permeability-limited absorption and hepatic first-pass metabolism, offering promise for medications based on proteins and peptides. The evolution of novel stabilizers is essential to overcome the current limitations in NS formulations, enhancing their stability, bioavailability, targeting ability, and safety profile, which ultimately accelerates their clinical application and commercialization.
The Primal Scream: Re-Reading the “Temporality” Chapter of Phenomenology of Perception in the Context of Negative Philosophy
Authors: Whitmoyer Keith
Published: January 2025

Merleau-Ponty’s specific theory of negation has received surprisingly little attention within the literature. Given his engagement with Sartre, not to mention Hegel and Marx, one would think that this concept and its surrounding issues and problems would occupy a more central place within various readings and interpretations. This essay attempts to give some indications of how to think about a Merleau-Pontian theory of negativity specifically. By re-reading the “Temporality” chapter from Phenomenology of Perception in dialogue with later writings and lectures, I propose a theory of “integration” and “disintegration” of temporal passage in place of a dialectic of pure being and nothingness. This theory organizes various themes in Merleau-Ponty’s work, including sense-genesis and his references to the “scream of light”.
Performance Art in the Age of Extinction
Authors: Tenti Gregorio
Published: January 2025

This paper aims to map out the transformations in contemporary performance art during the current ‘age of extinction’. The first section extends Claire Bishop’s notion of “delegated performance” in order to categorize a turn towards the inclusion of other-than-human entities in the performance field. This operation leads to the concept of ‘performative animism’, referring to the strategies of re-animation of reality through artistic performance. The second section works out the idea of ‘planetarization’ of the performance field, which designates its opening to spatial and temporal fluxes coming from a dimension that overcomes the scale of human experience, that is, the planetary dimension. The third and final section interprets the meaning of these two transformations by introducing the concepts of ‘exbodiment’ and ‘excarnation’, which tie closely to a new political task for performance art.
Polyamines Interaction with Gaseous Signaling Molecules for Resilience Against Drought and Heat Stress in Plants
Authors: Nidhi  , Iqbal Noushina , Khan Nafees A.
Published: January 2025

Plants face a range of environmental stresses, such as heat and drought, that significantly reduce their growth, development, and yield. Plants have developed complex signaling networks to regulate physiological processes and improve their ability to withstand stress. The key regulators of plant stress responses include polyamines (PAs) and gaseous signaling molecules (GSM), such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitric oxide (NO), methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and ethylene (ET). The functions of PAs and GSM in stress perception, signal transduction, and stress-responsive pathways have been explored. However, there is a lack of detailed, updated information on the interaction of PAs and GSM in the adaptation of drought and heat stress. This review explores the interaction between PAs and GSM for the adaptation to drought and heat stress. It explores their synergistic effects in mitigating the negative impacts of drought and heat stress on plant growth, development, and productivity. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis of physiological, biochemical, and molecular approaches demonstrates that their interaction activates key stress-responsive pathways, enhances antioxidant systems, and modulates gene expression. These combined effects contribute to improved drought and heat tolerance in plants. The information presented in the review provides valuable insights into plant stress resilience strategies and suggests potential measures for developing climate-resilient crops to address the increasing environmental challenges.
Arabidopsis Calcium Dependent Protein Kinase 3, and Its Orthologues OsCPK1, OsCPK15, and AcCPK16, Are Involved in Biotic and Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Valmonte-Cortes Gardette R. , Higgins Colleen M. , MacDiarmid Robin M.
Published: January 2025

Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CPKs) are plant proteins that directly bind calcium ions before phosphorylating substrates involved in biotic and abiotic stress responses, as well as development. Arabidopsis thaliana CPK3 (AtCPK3) is involved with plant signaling pathways such as stomatal movement regulation, salt stress response, apoptosis, seed germination and pathogen defense. In this study, AtCPK3 and its orthologues in relatively distant plant species such as rice (Oryza sativa, monocot) and kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis, asterid eudicot) were analyzed in response to drought, bacteria, fungi, and virus infections. Two orthologues were studied in O. sativa, namely OsCPK1 and OsCPK15, while one orthologue—AcCPK16—was identified in A. chinensis. Reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that OsCPK1 and AcCPK16 exhibit similar responses to stressors to AtCPK3. OsCPK15 responded differently, particularly in bacterial and fungal infections. An increase in expression was consistently observed among AtCPK3 and its orthologues in response to virus infection. Overexpression mutants in both Arabidopsis and kiwifruit showed slight tolerance to drought, while knockout mutants were slightly more susceptible or had little difference with wild-type plants. Overexpression mutants in Arabidopsis showed slight tolerance to virus infection. These findings highlight the importance of AtCPK3 and its orthologues in drought and pathogen responses and suggest such function must be conserved in its orthologues in a wide range of plants.
Zero Waste Concept in Production of PLA Biocomposites Reinforced with Fibers Derived from Wild Plant (Spartium junceum L.) and Energy Crop (Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby)
Authors: Kovačević Zorana , Pilipović Ana , Meheš Mario , Bischof Sandra
Published: January 2025

This research follows the principles of circular economy through the zero waste concept and cascade approach performed in two steps. Our paper focuses on the first step and explores the characteristics of developed biocomposite materials made from a biodegradable poly(lactic acid) polymer (PLA) reinforced with natural fibers isolated from the second generation of biomass (agricultural biomass and weeds). Two plants, Spartium junceum L. (SJL) and Sida hermaphrodita (SH), were applied. To enhance their mechanical, thermal, and antimicrobial properties, their modification was performed with environmentally friendly additives—linseed oil (LO), organo-modified montmorillonite nanoclay (MMT), milled cork (MC), and zinc oxide (ZnO). The results revealed that SH fibers exhibited 38.92% higher tensile strength than SJL fibers. Composites reinforced with SH fibers modified only with LO displayed a 27.33% increase in tensile strength compared to neat PLA. The addition of LO improved the thermal stability of both biocomposites by approximately 5–7 °C. Furthermore, the inclusion of MMT filler significantly reduced the flammability, lowering the heat release rate to 30.25%, and enabling the categorization of developed biocomposite in a group of flame retardants. In the second step, all waste streams generated during the fibers extraction process are repurposed into the production of solid biofuels (pellets, briquettes) or biogas (bio)methane.
Interactive Coupling Relaxation of Dipoles and Wagner Charges in the Amorphous State of Polymers Induced by Thermal and Electrical Stimulations: A Dual-Phase Open Dissipative System Perspective
Authors: Ibar Jean Pierre
Published: January 2025

This paper addresses the author’s current understanding of the physics of interactions in polymers under a voltage field excitation. The effect of a voltage field coupled with temperature to induce space charges and dipolar activity in dielectric materials can be measured by very sensitive electrometers. The resulting characterization methods, thermally stimulated depolarization (TSD) and thermal-windowing deconvolution (TWD), provide a powerful way to study local and cooperative relaxations in the amorphous state of matter that are, arguably, essential to understanding the glass transition, molecular motions in the rubbery and molten states and even the processes leading to crystallization. Specifically, this paper describes and tries to explain ‘interactive coupling’ between molecular motions in polymers by their dielectric relaxation characteristics when polymeric samples have been submitted to thermally induced polarization by a voltage field followed by depolarization at a constant heating rate. Interactive coupling results from the modulation of the local interactions by the collective aspect of those interactions, a recursive process pursuant to the dynamics of the interplay between the free volume and the conformation of dual-conformers, two fundamental basic units of the macromolecules introduced by this author in the “dual-phase” model of interactions. This model reconsiders the fundamentals of the TSD and TWD results in a different way: the origin of the dipoles formation, induced or permanent dipoles; the origin of the Wagner space charges and the Tg,ρ transition; the origin of the TLL manifestation; the origin of the Debye elementary relaxations’ compensation or parallelism in a relaxation map; and finally, the dual-phase origin of their super-compensations. In other words, this paper is an attempt to link the fundamentals of TSD and TWD activation and deactivation of dipoles that produce a current signal with the statistical parameters of the “dual-phase” model of interactions underlying the Grain-Field Statistics.