bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prototyping of Automated Guided Vehicle for Teaching Practical Mechatronics
Authors: Ria Andrea , Dini Pierpaolo , Bucchi Francesco
Published: February 2025

This paper presents an innovative approach to teaching mechatronics at the bachelor’s level, using the design and construction of an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) as a comprehensive example of a mechatronic system. The course, titled Laboratory of Electronic Systems, is part of a newly established professionalizing bachelor’s degree program at the University of Pisa, focused on techniques for mechanics and production. This program was developed to meet industry demands for technically skilled personnel with an engineering-related background but without the need for a full traditional engineering education. The course is designed to provide students with hands-on experience, integrating fundamental concepts from mechanical, electronic, and control engineering, along with software development. The curriculum emphasizes practical applications rather than theoretical depth, aligning with the program’s goal of preparing students for operational roles in industrial settings. We present the course structure, educational objectives, and the interdisciplinary nature of mechatronics as addressed in this teaching approach. A dedicated section outlines the critical steps involved in the AGV prototype development, highlighting practical challenges and learning opportunities. The effectiveness of the course is assessed through the evaluation of student projects, specifically via a technical report and a final discussion on the design of a mechatronic system. The results demonstrate the value of a project-based learning approach in equipping students with the practical skills and knowledge required for careers in mechatronics and industrial automation.
Simulation of Combined Aging Effects for Battery Operated Trains: A Benchmark Case Study on the Line Between Reggio Calabria and Catanzaro
Authors: Pugi Luca , Povolato Tommaso Elios , Tiezzi Nico
Published: February 2025

The expected life and reliability of components is a critical aspect for railway applications where the expected life and maintenance intervals of rolling stock are quite demanding issues both in terms of equivalent mileage and duration. For these reasons, when the mileage of the mission is within 100 km, adopted accumulators are based on lithium titanate chemistry, which, despite a relatively low density, ensures a very long operational life both in terms of cycle and time aging. In this work, the authors introduce a benchmark test case, an Italian line between Reggio Calabria and Catanzaro, in which the required autonomy, more than 170 km, involves the usage of high-energy batteries such as LiNMC or LiFePO4 derived from corresponding automotive applications. In this work, the authors propose a simulation model based on IEC 62864-1:2016 to investigate how the combined effect of cycle and time aging should influence in different ways the design of the system and how relatively small interventions such as the partial electrification of a small intermediate section of the line should improve the overall stability and reliability of the performed engineering analysis.
Bridging the Gap to Decarbonization: Evaluating Energy Renovation Performance and Compliance
Authors: Stegnar Gašper
Published: February 2025

Achieving a decarbonized built environment by 2050 requires significant advancements in building renovation strategies, with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and emissions reduction. This study examined the compliance of buildings renovated between 2015 and 2022 with national energy performance regulations. While many buildings have undergone improvements, a substantial portion still fail to meet the stricter, current requirements, particularly in terms of window and floor insulation, highlighting the need for further retrofit measures. Comparing static and dynamic simulation models reveals that static models frequently overestimate energy savings, leading to misaligned investment decisions. Dynamic simulations, by incorporating real-time climate interactions and transient thermal behaviors, provide a more accurate assessment of energy demand and efficiency improvements. A financial analysis indicates that static models often predict unrealistically short payback periods, potentially resulting in suboptimal renovation investments. To meet decarbonization goals, future strategies must integrate advanced simulation methodologies, strengthen regulatory oversight, and enhance financial incentives for comprehensive energy renovations. A data-driven approach is essential to ensure that building retrofits achieve meaningful energy savings and contribute to climate neutrality. Strengthening compliance frameworks and promoting standardized renovation practices will be key to bridging the gap between expected and actual performance, ensuring a sustainable and resilient built environment.
Wind-Mambaformer: Ultra-Short-Term Wind Turbine Power Forecasting Based on Advanced Transformer and Mamba Models
Authors: Dong Zhe , Zhao Yiyang , Wang Anqi , Zhou Meng
Published: February 2025

As global climate change accelerates and fossil fuel reserves dwindle, renewable energy sources, especially wind energy, are progressively emerging as the primary means for electricity generation. Yet, wind energy’s inherent stochasticity and uncertainty present significant challenges, impeding its wider application. Consequently, precise prediction of wind turbine power generation becomes crucial. This paper introduces a novel wind power prediction model, the Wind-Mambaformer, which leverages the Transformer framework, with unique modifications to overcome the adaptability limitations faced by traditional wind power prediction models. It embeds Flow-Attention with Mamba to effectively address issues related to high computational complexity, weak time-series prediction, and poor model adaptation in ultra-short-term wind power prediction tasks. This can help to greatly optimize the operation and dispatch of power systems. The Wind-Mambaformer model not only boosts the model’s capability to extract temporal features but also minimizes computational demands. Experimental results highlight the exceptional performance of the Wind-Mambaformer across a variety of wind farms. Compared to the standard Transformer model, our model achieves a remarkable reduction in mean absolute error (MAE) by approximately 30% and mean square error (MSE) by nearly 60% across all datasets. Moreover, a series of ablation experiments further confirm the soundness of the model design.
Exploring Sustainable Development and the SDGs 3, 4, and 8 Using the Carbon Intensity of Human Well-Being and Longitudinal Multilevel Modeling
Authors: Dadon Golan Zehorit , Purcell Wendy M.
Published: February 2025

Multilevel modeling statistics for longitudinal examination to explore the connections, relatedness, and interdependency of SDG3 “Good Health and Well-being”, SDG4 “Quality Education”, and economic growth SDGs 8 “Decent Work and Economic Growth” at a country level over the period 2000–2020. This is a novel approach that incorporates “nested” or “hierarchically nested” observations. Health and well-being, as measured in this study by the carbon intensity of human well-being (CIWB), was positively linked to economic growth and is a production function of sustainability. Results indicate that countries investing in the promotion of health and well-being outcomes will increase their economic growth over the long term. In contrast to previous studies, the relationship between education and economic growth was insignificant with the caveat of the indicators chosen. Using the advanced statistical methods adopted here could offer policymakers new insights and tools to focus their efforts to accelerate the progress of sustainable development and achieve the SDG targets by 2030.
A National Study on the Impact of Wildfire Smoke on Cause-Specific Hospitalizations Among Medicare Enrollees with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias from 2006 to 2016
Authors: Do Vivian , McBrien Heather , Teigen Katharine , Childs Marissa L. , Kioumourtzoglou Marianthi-Anna , Casey Joan A.
Published: February 2025

Older adults may experience worse wildfire fine particulate matter (PM2.5) smoke-related health effects due to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs). We evaluated whether wildfire PM2.5 was associated with acute hospitalizations among older adults with ADRD, linking modeled daily wildfire PM2.5 concentrations and circulatory, respiratory, anxiety, and depression hospitalizations from 2006 to 2016. We employed a case-crossover design and conditional logistic regression to estimate associations between lagged daily wildfire PM2.5 and hospitalizations. Also, we stratified cause-specific models by age, sex, emergency hospitalization status, and zip code-level urbanicity and poverty. The 1,546,753 hospitalizations among Medicare enrollees with ADRD were most coded for circulatory (71.7%), followed by respiratory (43.6%), depression (2.9%), and anxiety (0.7%) endpoints. We observed null associations between wildfire PM2.5 and circulatory, respiratory, and anxiety hospitalizations over the six days following exposure. Same-day wildfire PM2.5 was associated with decreased depression hospitalizations (rate ratio = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90, 0.99). We saw some effect measure modifications by emergency hospitalization status and urbanicity. There were some stratum-specific effects for age, but the results remained mostly null. Future studies should use improved methods to identify ADRD and examine recent years with higher wildfire concentrations.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Molecular Mechanism of Pseudomonas with Different Adhesion Abilities on Tilapia Decay
Authors: Zhuang Liumin , Song Chen , Wei Yunru , Han Jinzhi , Ni Li , Ruan Chengxu , Zhang Wen
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of Pseudomonas with varying adhesion capabilities to Tilapia’s intestinal mucus influence the spoilage potential of Tilapia. Sodium chloride(NaCl) was used as an environmental factor to regulate Pseudomonas’ adhesion ability. After being exposed to 3.5% NaCl stress, the PS01 strain with low adhesion showed an enhancement in adhesion ability, while the LP-3 strain with high adhesion exhibited a decrease. Correspondingly, the expression of critical adhesion genes, such as flgC, fliC, and cheB, was found to be altered. LP-3, with high adhesion ability, was observed to promote a relative increase in Nocardioides and Cloacibacterium in fish intestines. This led to the production of more volatile compounds, including 2-octen-1-ol Z, 2,3-Octanedione, and Eicosane, thus deepening the spoilage of tilapia. LP-3, with reduced adhesion ability after NaCl regulation, showed a diminished capacity to cause fish spoilage. Transcriptomics analysis was used to examine two Pseudomonas strains that exhibited different adhesion abilities, leading to the identification of an adhesion regulatory network involving flagellar assembly regulation, bacterial chemotaxis, quorum sensing, two-component systems, biofilm formation, and bacterial secretion systems. This study identified the Pseudomonas adhesion regulatory pathway and determined 10 key adhesion-related genes.
New Predefined Time Sliding Mode Control Scheme for Multi-Switch Combination–Combination Synchronization of Fractional-Order Hyperchaotic Systems
Authors: Zhang Hailong , Xi Zhaojun
Published: February 2025

A new predefined time sliding mode control theme is proposed and applies to the multi-switch combination–combination synchronization (MSCCS) of fractional-order (FO) hyperchaotic systems. Firstly, based on the Lyapunov stability theory, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed predefined time sliding mode control theme. Meanwhile, based on the new predefined time control strategy, we propose new sliding mode surfaces and controllers to achieve the MSCCS of FO hyperchaotic systems. Considering the system’s external environment’s complexity in practical applications, the parameter uncertainties and external disturbances are added to the FO hyperchaotic system. Through the final numerical simulation, the predefined time slide mode controller proposed in this paper can make the drive–response systems reach the predefined time synchronization, thus proving the effectiveness of the control strategy and its robustness to some unfavorable factors, such as external perturbations.
A Novel Liposomal In-Situ Hydrogel Formulation of Hypericum perforatum L.: In Vitro Characterization and In Vivo Wound Healing Studies
Authors: Kurt Ahmet Arif , Aslan İsmail
Published: February 2025

Hypericum perforatum L. (H.P.) is a species with a well-documented history of use in wound healing practices across the globe. The objective of this study was twofold: firstly, to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of liposomal in situ gel formulations in wound healing, both clinically and histopathologically, and secondly, to determine the physicochemical characterization of liposomal in situ gel formulations. The in vitro studies will be assessed in terms of particle size, zeta potential, release kinetics, rheological behaviors, and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The in vivo studies will be evaluated in clinical animal experiments and pathology studies. The in-situ hydrogel formulations were prepared using the physical cross-linking method with Poloxamer 188, Poloxamer 407, Ultrez 21, and Ultrez 30. The liposome formulations phospholipid 90H and lipoid S100 were prepared using the thin film solvent evaporation method. The antioxidant activity of the samples was evaluated through in vitro studies employing the DPPH antioxidant activity, ABTS+ test, and FRAP test. The antimicrobial activity of the samples was evaluated through the determination of MIC and MBC values employing the 96-well plate method. In vivo, 36 male New Zealand rabbits aged 32–36 weeks were utilized, with six rabbits in each group. The groups were composed of six distinct groups, including conventional and in situ gel liposome formulations of HHPM, three different commercial preparations, and a control group (n = 6). The HHPM-LG8 formulation developed in this study was found to be applicable in terms of all its properties. The new liposomal in situ hydrogel formulation demonstrated notable wound healing activity, a result that was supported by the formulation itself.
Construction of PdCu Alloy Decorated on the N-Doped Carbon Aerogel as a Highly Active Electrocatalyst for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Bai Yangxin , Hao Wenke , Altaf Aleeza , Lu Jiaxin , Liu Liu , Zhu Chuanyong , Gu Xindi , Wu Xiaodong , Shen Xiaodong , Cui Sheng , Chen Xiangbao
Published: February 2025

Fuel cells/zinc–air cells represent a transformative technology for clean energy conversion, offering substantial environmental benefits and exceptional theoretical efficiency. However, the high cost and limited durability of platinum-based catalysts for the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode severely restrict their scalability and practical application. To address these critical challenges, this study explores a groundbreaking approach to developing ORR catalysts with enhanced performance and reduced costs. We present a novel Pd3Cu alloy, innovatively modified with N-doped carbon aerogels, synthesized via a simple self-assembly and freeze-drying method. The three-dimensional carbon aerogel-based porous structures provide diffusion channels for oxygen molecules, excellent electrical conductivity, and abundant ORR reaction sites. The Pd3Cu@2NC-20% aerogel exhibits a remarkable enhancement in ORR activity, achieving a half-wave potential of 0.925 V, a limiting current density of 6.12 mA/cm2, and excellent long-term stability. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that electrons tend to transfer from the Pd atoms to the neighboring *O, leading to an increase in the negative charge around the *O. This, in turn, weakens the interaction between the catalyst surface and the *O and optimizes the elementary steps of the ORR process.
New Antidepressant Prescriptions Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: Sex and Age Differences in a Population-Based Ecological Study
Authors: Martinez-Cengotitabengoa Monica , Sanchez-Martinez Monike , Sanchez-Martinez Andoni , Long-Martinez Daniel , Dunford Daisy , Revuelta Paula , Echevarria Enrique , Calvo Begoña
Published: February 2025

Purpose: It is well established that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the incidence of depressive symptoms in the general population. So far, there are no studies analyzing how this pandemic has affected the prescription of antidepressants. Methods: We retrospectively estimated the incidence of new cases of depression by analyzing new prescriptions of antidepressive agents over a period of 6 years distributed in three periods of 2 years each: pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic, running from March 2018 to February 2024. This research was conducted in a healthcare area with 130,000 individuals in Spain. Results: New prescriptions for antidepressants increased significantly during the pandemic and even more in the post-pandemic period, with the increase being greater in women than in men. During the pandemic period, the increased prescription for antidepressants was specifically due to an increase among people under 20 years of age, while in the post-pandemic period, the increase has occurred in all age groups. In the subgroup analysis, we found that the pandemic period exclusively affected the number of women aged 40 or under who were prescribed a new antidepressant, while in the post-pandemic period, there has been a significant increase in the number of both male and female patients with a new antidepressant in all age groups compared to the two previous periods, except in young men aged up to 20 years. Conclusions: Our study highlights the importance of addressing the mental health of the population in parallel with addressing physical problems and adapting health systems accordingly.
Indirect Interventions: Lifestyle Options to Treat Mental Disorders
Authors: Kazdin Alan E.
Published: February 2025

Mental disorders are highly prevalent worldwide. Unfortunately, most people with these disorders do not receive any treatment. This is due in part to a large set of barriers (e.g., no access to therapists or clinics, lack of insurance, stigma) that impede seeking and obtaining mental health services. Many lifestyle interventions that are not part of traditional mental health services have indirect effects on reducing symptoms of mental disorders. These are interventions that target a direct focus (e.g., physical health, socialization, general well-being) but also have indirect and significant impact on reducing mental disorders. This article discusses indirect interventions as an additional way of reaching people in need of help with mental health problems. Interventions such as physical activity and exercise, diet, addressing sleep problems, yoga, tai chi, qigong, and volunteering have indirect beneficial effects. This article highlights the scope of mental illness as a background, introduces indirect interventions, and details three illustrations with evidence that targeting one focus with indirect effects on improving mental disorders. The interventions point to a category of interventions are not systematically used in the care of mental health problems. Among their many advantages is the prospect of their use at the levels of individuals and populations. Indirect interventions do not replace any of the current advances in treatment but add to ways of reaching people in need.
CsWRKY46 Is Involved in the Regulation of Cucumber Salt Stress by Regulating Abscisic Acid and Modulating Cellular Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Bai Xue , Liu Pengyu , Zhu Fangyi , Zhang Chong , Pang Hongbo , Zhang Ying
Published: February 2025

Soil salinity significantly restricts the growth, development, and productivity of vegetables. Cucumber, a crucial greenhouse vegetable, is helpful for understanding how plants perceive, signal, and respond to salt stress. The WRKY family plays an important role in regulating stress responses. This study utilized the cucumber variety ‘Zhongnong 26’ to investigate the effects of salt stress on morphological changes, physiological and biochemical indices, and molecular regulations. CsWRKY46 was up-regulated in both salt stress and ABA response conditions in the leaves, roots, and fruits of cucumber. Transgenic Arabidopsis lines overexpressing CsWRKY46 (CsWRK46-OE1 and CsWRK46-OE5) showed higher proline accumulation and reduced electrolyte leakage compared to the wild type (WT). These overexpression lines demonstrated higher peroxidase (POD) and glutathione reductase (GR) activity, along with lower ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) activity. qRT-PCR analysis revealed elevated expression levels of ABI5 and ABF4 in CsWRKY46-OE lines compared to the WT. Additionally, the overexpression of CsWRKY46 increased the expression of stress-inducible genes such as PSCS1, PY19, and RD19. These findings suggest that CsWRKY46 enhances plant tolerance to salt stress, potentially through ABA regulation and modulation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and provide a foundation for the identification of new sources of salt stress tolerance for breeding programs.
Unveiling the Mechanism of Action of Palmitic Acid, a Human Topoisomerase 1B Inhibitor from the Antarctic Sponge Artemisina plumosa
Authors: Ottaviani Alessio , Pietrafesa Davide , Soren Bini Chhetri , Dasari Jagadish Babu , Olsen Stine S. H. , Messina Beatrice , Demofonti Francesco , Chicarella Giulia , Agama Keli , Pommier Yves , Morozzo della Rocca Blasco , Iacovelli Federico , Romeo Alice , Falconi Mattia , Baker Bill J. , Fiorani Paola
Published: February 2025

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for novel and more effective treatments. Natural products, with their structural diversity, represent a valuable source for the discovery of anticancer compounds. In this study, we screened 750 Antarctic extracts to identify potential inhibitors of human topoisomerase 1 (hTOP1), a key enzyme in DNA replication and repair, and a target of cancer therapies. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the identification of palmitic acid (PA) as the active compound from the Antarctic sponge Artemisina plumosa, selectively inhibiting hTOP1. Our results demonstrate that PA irreversibly blocks hTOP1-mediated DNA relaxation and specifically inhibits the DNA religation step of the enzyme’s catalytic cycle. Unlike other fatty acids, PA exhibited unique specificity, which we confirmed through comparisons with linoleic acid. Molecular dynamics simulations and binding assays further suggest that PA interacts with hTOP1-DNA complexes, enhancing the inhibitory effect in the presence of camptothecin (CPT). These findings identify PA as a hTOP1 inhibitor with potential therapeutic implications, offering a distinct mechanism of action that could complement existing cancer therapies.
Molecular Docking of Lactoferrin with Apoptosis-Related Proteins Insights into Its Anticancer Mechanism
Authors: Angel-Lerma Lidia Esmeralda , Carrillo-Campos Javier , Siañez-Estrada Luis Ignacio , Siqueiros-Cendón Tania Samanta , León-Flores Dyada Blanca , Espinoza-Sánchez Edward Alexander , Arévalo-Gallegos Sigifredo , Iglesias-Figueroa Blanca Flor , Rascón-Cruz Quintín
Published: February 2025

Human Lactoferrin (hLf), a multifunctional glycoprotein, has been analyzed through molecular docking to evaluate its role in apoptosis regulation and its potential as an anticancer agent. The docking results highlight XIAP (X-linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein) and Caspase-3 as the most reliable targets, where hLf disrupts XIAP’s inhibition of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9, potentially restoring apoptotic signaling; hLf also stabilizes Caspase-3, enhancing its activation in intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Weaker interactions were observed with Fas, Bcl-2, and Akt. hLf’s role in Fas signaling is likely due to expression upregulation rather than direct binding. In contrast, its binding to Bcl-2 may disrupt anti-apoptotic function, and its interaction with Akt suggests interference with pro-survival signaling. These findings suggest that hLf may promote apoptosis by enhancing caspase activation and modulating key apoptotic regulators, supporting its potential use in cancer treatment. However, further experimental validation is needed to confirm these interactions and their therapeutic implications.
A Virtual Screening Approach to Evaluate the Multitarget Potential of a Chalcone Library with Binding Properties to Oligopeptidase B and Cysteine Proteinase B from Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis
Authors: Monteiro Patrícia Queiroz , Schaeffer Edgar , da Silva Alcides José Monteiro , Alves Carlos Roberto , Souza-Silva Franklin
Published: February 2025

Leishmaniasis remains a significant public health problem in Brazil, particularly due to Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, which is associated with severe dermatological syndromes. The current treatments are limited by toxicity and uncertain efficacy, highlighting the need for new compounds with pharmacological potential. This study investigates chalcones as multitarget binding agents for oligopeptidase B (OPB) and cysteine proteinase B (CPB), which are critical pathogenic determinants of L. (V.) braziliensis. The methodology involved replacing methoxy groups with aryl motifs at various positions within the chalcone structures and introducing specific functional groups at the C-4 position. This was followed by a virtual screening approach using molecular docking to assess interactions with the target proteinases. Several chalcones from the virtual library (n = 178) exhibited high binding affinities for OPB and CPB, outperforming control ligands. A total of 30 chalcones with multitarget potential were identified, with fluorinated compounds C-191 and C-135 emerging as promising inhibitors, distinguished by the best energy rankings for both enzymes. ADMET analyses confirmed the viability of these chalcones as drug candidates, with most adhering to Lipinski’s rules. These data suggest that chalcones may provide new multitarget treatment options for leishmaniasis.
Special Issue “Molecular Genetics and Plant Breeding 3.0 and 4.0”
Authors: Du Hai
Published: February 2025

Molecular genetics aims to understand the genetic principles and functions of genes at the molecular level, while plant breeding aims to apply this information to improve plant traits and develop new crop varieties with desired characteristics [...]
Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Anandamide in Human Gastric Cancer Cells Are Mediated by AKT and ERK Signaling Pathways
Authors: García-Hernández Víctor M. , Torres-Román Ana Laura , Ruiz-García Erika , Santamaría Abel , Manzo-Merino Joaquín , García-López Alejandro , Angélica-Lezama Ruth , Matus-Santos Juan A. , Prospéro-García Oscar , Navarro-Ríos Julián , Ortega-Gómez Alette
Published: February 2025

Gastric cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide. A growing number of studies have addressed the anti-proliferative effects of cannabinoids on several tumor cells. The molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-proliferative effects of the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide (AEA) on gastric tumor cell lines have yet to be characterized. Here, we investigated the anti-proliferative mechanisms elicited by AEA on the AGS human gastric cancer cell line employing an Oncoprint database, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. We observed that AEA (5 µM) inhibited phosphorylated AKT’s expression level. This point is relevant because AKT is mutated in AGS cells, according to Oncoprint. In addition, AEA induced the up-regulation of phosphorylated ERK and, in turn, inhibited Bcl-2 expression and activated pro-apoptotic signals induced by pro-apoptotic Bax and Bak, which resulted in caspase-3 activation. The effect of anandamide on phosphorylated AKT was dependent on cannabinoid receptor 2 activation (CB2R) as revealed by the selective inverse agonist JTE-907, which reverted the anandamide-induced expression in the phosphorylated AKT/total AKT ratio. In contrast, changes in phosphorylated ERK evoked an increase in pro-apoptotic pathways that culminated in cell death by caspase-3 activation. These results indicate that the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide in gastric cancer cells increases caspase-3 activity via mitochondrial pro-apoptotic Bax/Bak proteins and decreases viability through CB2R via AKT down-regulation’s trophic mechanisms. These effects constitute a promising tool for the design of gastric cancer therapies.
Challenges and Revisions in Diagnostic Criteria: Advancing Early Detection of Prion Diseases
Authors: Shimamura Mika Inada , Satoh Katsuya
Published: February 2025

Prion diseases are fatal neurological disorders characterized by abnormal protein accumulation in the brain, leading to neurodegeneration, dementia, and ataxia. Sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (sCJD), the most common form, accounts for 80–90% of cases and progresses rapidly, with most patients surviving <6 months to a year after symptom onset, indicating the importance of early diagnosis. The disease is classified into six subtypes based on PRNP gene polymorphisms, with differences in protein degradation patterns contributing to the diversity of clinical symptoms. However, diagnosis remains challenging because of the variability in clinical presentation and disease duration. Traditional diagnostic criteria established by the World Health Organization (WHO) rely on clinical findings, electroencephalogram, and cerebrospinal fluid tests, such as the 14-3-3 protein assay. However, these criteria require pathological confirmation, often delaying diagnosis. The recently proposed Hermann’s criteria represent a significant advancement by incorporating newer biomarkers, including magnetic resonance imaging, real-time quaking-induced conversion assay, tau protein, and neurofilament light chain. These criteria improve diagnostic sensitivity and specificity but have a slightly higher risk of false positives. This review compares the effectiveness of these biomarkers with the WHO criteria and highlights the importance of early diagnosis for improving patient care.
Comprehensive SHAP Values and Single-Cell Sequencing Technology Reveal Key Cell Clusters in Bovine Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Guo Yaqiang , Ma Fengying , Li Peipei , Guo Lili , Liu Zaixia , Huo Chenxi , Shi Caixia , Zhu Lin , Gu Mingjuan , Na Risu , Zhang Wenguang
Published: February 2025

The skeletal muscle of cattle is the main component of their muscular system, responsible for supporting and movement functions. However, there are still many unknown areas regarding the ranking of the importance of different types of cell populations within it. This study conducted in-depth research and made a series of significant findings. First, we trained 15 bovine skeletal muscle models and selected the best-performing model as the initial model. Based on the SHAP (Shapley Additive exPlanations) analysis of this initial model, we obtained the SHAP values of 476 important genes. Using the contributions of these 476 genes, we reconstructed a 476-gene SHAP value matrix, and relying solely on the interactions among these 476 genes, successfully mapped the single-cell atlas of bovine skeletal muscle. After retraining the model and further interpretation, we found that Myofiber cells are the most representative cell type in bovine skeletal muscle, followed by neutrophils. By determining the key genes of each cell type through SHAP values, we conducted analyses on the correlations among key genes and between cells for Myofiber cells, revealing the critical role these genes play in muscle growth and development. Further, by using protein language models, we performed cross-species comparisons between cattle and pigs, deepening our understanding of Myofiber cells as key cells in skeletal muscle, and exploring the common regulatory mechanisms of muscle development across species.
Age-Related Differences in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Delirium-like Behavior Implicate the Distinct Microglial Composition in the Hippocampus
Authors: Sun Congli , Kang Xiaomin , Jia Xirui , Wang Yuwei , Zhao Lijia , Sun Xinyu , Abula Anaerguli , Liu Lijie
Published: February 2025

As the global population ages, the mechanisms underlying age-related susceptibility to delirium have attracted attention. Given the central role of microglia in the pathogenesis of inflammation-related delirium, we investigated the temporal dynamics of neurobehavioral changes and microglial responses, following lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 200 μg/kg) administration in young and old male C57BL/6 mice. Although a similar illness trajectory across 48 h post-treatment (HPT) was observed in both age groups, old-LPS mice exhibited worsened delirium-like behavior. At 48 HPT, in old but not young mice, significantly decreased hippocampal neuronal activity coincided with microglial overactivation. Widespread hippocampal microglial activation was present at 3 HPT but subsided by 12 HPT in young but not old mice, indicating a generally retarded but prolonged microglial response to LPS challenge in old mice. However, for both age groups, at 3 HPT, p16INK4a-negative microglia (with low abundance in the aged brain) exhibited comparable morphological activation, which was not observed for p16INK4a-positive microglia (highly abundant in the aged brain). These results suggest that age-related susceptibility to LPS-induced delirium-like behavior accompanied by different patterns of microglial response might implicate microglial composition shifts and that optimizing microglial composition represents a promising approach to reduce vulnerability to inflammatory challenge.
A Comprehensive Analysis Revealing BUB1B as a Potential Prognostic and Immunological Biomarker in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hao Zhenzhen , An Fei , Zhang Wanting , Zhu Xiaoshuang , Meng Shihao , Zhao Bo
Published: February 2025

BUB1B, a member of the spindle assembly checkpoint family known as BUB1 mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine kinase B, has been associated with the promotion of tumor progression. Nevertheless, its specific contributions to tumorigenesis remain largely unexplored. This study seeks to offer a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the role of BUB1B in the progression of various cancers, with a particular focus on lung adenocarcinoma, utilizing a range of databases. We investigated BUB1B’s role in pan-cancer using TCGA data, analyzing it with platforms like HPA, TIMER, TISIDB, GEPIA, cBioPortal, GDC, LinkedOmics, and CancerSEA. Additionally, we assessed BUB1B’s impact on lung adenocarcinoma proliferation and migration through CCK-8, wound healing, transwell assays and Western blot analysis. This study found that BUB1B was upregulated in most cancers and was significantly linked to patient prognosis. Its expression correlated with immune cell infiltration and genetic markers of immunomodulators across different cancers. BUB1B was involved in the acute inflammatory response and IgA production pathways but negatively correlated with inflammation in lung adenocarcinoma. Moreover, the siRNA-mediated knockdown of BUB1B resulted in the inhibition of proliferation and migration of lung cancer cells in vitro. This study underscores the potential of BUB1B as a biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
Biocontrol Potential of Bacillus Strains from Grapevine Rhizosphere Against Allorhizobium vitis, Causal Agent of Crown Gall Disease in Moroccan Vineyards
Authors: Yahyaoui Hiba , El Allaoui Nadia , Batbat Amine , Aziz Aziz , Aoujil Faical , Hafidi Majida , Habbadi Khaoula
Published: February 2025

Beneficial bacteria are recognised for their antimicrobial compounds, making them valuable for disease control in agriculture. Bacillus species stand out for their stability, versatility, and selectivity as biocontrol agents. This study aimed to identify potential antagonists within the rhizosphere microorganisms by isolating bacterial strains from grapevine roots and rhizosphere soil in Moroccan vineyards. The antimicrobial activities of these isolates against Allorhizobium vitis, the causative agent of grapevine crown gall, were evaluated in vitro using a disc diffusion assay, followed by in planta assessments under preventive and simulated inoculation conditions. Screening led to the isolation of 123 strains, with six showing strong antagonistic properties, achieving inhibition percentages up to 39.6%. 16S rRNA sequencing led to identifying five Bacillus species: B. amyloliquefaciens, B. velezensis, B. halotolerans, B. subtilis, and B. anthracis. These strains were further characterised by their biochemical traits and plant growth-promoting abilities. Compatibility assays identified optimal combinations for microbial consortia, demonstrating pathogen inhibition up to 37.4%. In planta bioassays confirmed the effectiveness of the isolates and consortia, reducing tumour size. These findings highlight the potential of these Bacillus strains as biocontrol agents and underscore the value of microbial consortia as a sustainable approach to managing grapevine crown gall.
Visual Functioning and Mental Health in the Digital Age
Authors: Kopilaš Vanja , Korać Dora , Brajković Lovorka , Kopilaš Mirko
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Considering the omnipresence of digital devices in every aspect of our lives, and from an increasingly younger age, digital eye strain (DES) and dry eye disease (DED) have become a global concern. The main objective of this paper is to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the relationship between digital screen use and ocular surface health, as well as the potential negative impact of impaired visual functioning on certain aspects of mental health and daily performance. Methods: Using the PRISMA method, the screening and study selection process resulted in the inclusion of 15 papers published in the electronic databases PubMed and WoS. Results: The findings highlight the prolonged use of digital devices and the concerning prevalence of DED or DES symptoms across different populations. A significant relationship was found between DED and DES symptoms and mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and stress. Furthermore, higher frequency and severity of DED or DES symptoms was associated with reduced sleep quality and difficulties in certain aspects of daily functioning. Conclusions: Given the ongoing exposure to digital devices and increasing prevalence of DED and DES symptoms across all age groups, there is a need to design interventions and programs focused on preserving ocular surface health and improving subjective well-being. The multifaceted impact these symptoms have on physical and mental health, as well as daily functioning, requires a holistic approach, integrating ergonomic interventions, digital hygiene, and mental health support.
Assessment of Factors Related to Sarcopenia in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Yuce Inel Tuba , Dervis Hakim Gozde , Birlik Merih
Published: February 2025

Objectives: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients exhibit a heightened vulnerability to sarcopenia, a condition characterized by the loss of muscle mass and strength. This study aims to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with SSc and to investigate the associated factors contributing to this condition. Methods: Eighty patients with SSc were included in the study, and their demographic and clinical characteristics, body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis, SARC-F score, chair-stand test performance, and 4 m walking speed were recorded. Results: Among the 80 participants, 91.3% were female, with a median age of 56.5 years (range 45–65). The majority (70%) had limited SSc, and 71.3% reported at least one comorbidity. According to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, only 12.5% of participants met the criteria for an active lifestyle. The SARC-F questionnaire indicated that 20% of patients were at risk for sarcopenia. The prevalence of sarcopenia among patients showed considerable variability: 5% (95% CI 0.1–9) were identified through the appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI), 8.8% (95% CI 2.4–15) via the fat-free mass index (FFMI), and a concerning 20% (95% CI 11–29) according to the skeletal muscle mass index (SSMI). A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age as the only factor significantly influencing the SARC-F score, with an odds ratio of 1.081 (95% CI 1.012–1.154, p = 0.020). Additionally, the older age group demonstrated a lower level of physical activity, poorer chair-stand test outcome, and slower 4 m gait speeds (p = 0.013, p = 0.008, p = 0.001, respectively), as well as a higher reported frequency of falls (p = 0.039). Conclusions: Sarcopenia is a prevalent issue among individuals with SSc, particularly in the older population. This study did not identify a direct correlation between sarcopenia and SSc subtype, disease activity, or other clinical parameters. However, the need for an improved cut-off value for diagnosing sarcopenia in this specific cohort is evident.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Potential Complications of Triplane Ankle Fractures in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Talaski Grayson M. , Sleem Bshara , Luo Emily J. , Ralph Julia , Kiwinda Lulla , O’Neill Conor N. , Walley Kempland C. , Anastasio Albert T. , Lau Brian C.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Triplane ankle fractures represent a complex fracture type in pediatric patients. These fractures can prove challenging due to the involvement of multiple fracture planes and variations in segment fragmentation. With increasing literature pertaining to the treatment of triplane fractures and the limitations of previous systematic reviews, the aim of this review is to summarize recent data on the diagnosis, treatment, and complications of pediatric triplane ankle fractures. Methods: This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and searched five major databases up to July 2024. The inclusion criteria focused on observational studies and randomized controlled trials in pediatric triplane fractures. Case reports, cadaveric studies, and systematic reviews were excluded. Articles were screened and graded using the MINORS tool for quality assessment. Data were extracted on demographics, fracture types, treatment approaches, and outcomes. Results: A total of 34 studies met the inclusion criteria. The use of CT scans in combination with radiographs was common, and two-part fractures were the most frequently observed type. Surgical treatment, particularly open reduction with internal fixation, was preferred, while conservative surgical treatment remains under-reported. Complications were minimal, with limb length discrepancy being the most common. Conclusions: This review highlights the increased use of CT for diagnosing triplane fractures and the preference of certain surgical interventions. Conservative treatment approaches, though less studied, may offer alternatives in moderate cases. This review emphasizes the need for further research on conservative treatment outcomes, longer follow-ups, and randomized controlled trials to refine treatment strategies for this complex fracture pattern.
Management of Severe Hypothermia: Challenges and Advanced Strategies
Authors: Oprita Bogdan , Olaru Ionut , Botezatu Liviu , Diaconu Alice Elena , Oprita Ruxandra
Published: February 2025

Severe hypothermia is a medical emergency that can be fatal if not promptly and effectively managed. Background: This case report examines a patient with severe hypothermia and describes the advanced approaches utilized in treatment, highlighting the challenges encountered and the clinical decisions that led to a favorable outcome. Methods: We report a case of an approximately 60-year-old adult, who was found unconscious in low-temperature conditions, presenting with bradycardia and a measured core temperature of 25 °C. Results: Medical intervention included active internal rewarming and the use of a controlled intravascular active heating system to support vital functions. Conclusions: This case underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and the advantages of utilizing modern technologies in the management of severe hypothermia for selected cases.
A Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine on Emergence Delirium and Agitation in Children and Adolescents Undergoing Tonsillectomy and/or Adenoidectomy
Authors: Al Mutair Abbas , Alabbasi Yasmine , Alshammari Bushra , Alrasheeday Awatif M. , Alharbi Hanan F. , Aleid Abdulsalam M.
Published: February 2025

Background: Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are two common pediatric operations that are frequently associated with postoperative problems like emergence agitation (EA) and emergence delirium (ED). Intranasal dexmedetomidine, which has anxiolytic and sedative qualities with low respiratory effects, is becoming increasingly popular as a premedication in pediatric patients. However, there is limited evidence on its efficacy in tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. This original research is a meta-analysis examining the impact of intranasal dexmedetomidine on EA, ED, and other perioperative outcomes in children having these procedures. Methods: A thorough search of the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases was performed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published by January 2025 of select studies on children undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. The intervention was intranasal dexmedetomidine (1–2 µg/kg), whereas the comparator was placebo/no intervention. Results: Four RCTs with 669 children met our inclusion criteria. Intranasal dexmedetomidine substantially decreased the incidence of EA (RR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.92, p = 0.03) and ED (RR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.84, p = 0.01), despite significant heterogeneity. Pediatric Anesthesia Emergency Delirium (PAED) scores were also considerably lower in the dexmedetomidine group (MD = −2.11, 95% CI interval: −3.77 to −0.44, p = 0.01). We found significant changes in extubation time (p = 0.91) or PACU discharge time (p = 0.53). Conclusions: Intranasal dexmedetomidine may reduce the occurrence of EA and ED, while also lowering PAED scores in children undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. And although it has demonstrated safety with few side effects, more research is needed to validate its impact on other perioperative outcomes and enhanced dosing regimens.