bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological Analysis of Suicidal Behaviour in Spain from 2017 to 2022 and Comparative Perspectives with Japan: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Martínez-Rives Noelia L. , Babu Hellen W. , Kotera Yasuhiro , Martin Pilar , Colman Rory D. , Gilmour Stuart
Published: February 2025

Background: Suicide is a significant public health issue globally. The patterns and disparities in suicide rates may have changed with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using epidemiological comparative studies, we can identify how suicide incidence is influenced by risk factors such as personal pressures and social support. This study analyses Spanish suicide data during the period from 2017 to 2022 and compares them with previously analysed data from Japan, with the aim of exploring the variability in suicide distribution in both countries. Methods: We used a retrospective observational design with national-level suicide data from Spain to estimate trends in suicide mortality over this period and compared these data with previously analysed data from Japan. Results: In Spain, no significant changes in suicide rates were found before and after the pandemic period, but notable monthly variations occurred at the pandemic’s onset in the youngest age group, highlighting the increase use of poisoning among women until 2020. In Japan, a notable variation was found following the pandemic. Specifically, older age groups and younger women were at higher suicide risk, while the suicide risk transitioned from younger to older ages between 2020 and 2021 among men. These changes are likely attributed to exacerbated socio-economic factors. A similar trend was observed in both countries based on sex with a different influence noted for women. Conclusions: This study offers detailed insight into the patterns and circumstances of suicide in these countries, offering a basis for future interventions and preventive measures. These comparisons emphasize the critical nature of suicide and underline the necessity for enhanced prevention efforts.
Co-Design and Evaluation Protocol for the RECOVER Model of Care After Childhood Cancer Treatment
Authors: Bradford Natalie , Cashion Christine , Sharwood Erin , Rumble Shelley , Condon Paula , Cossio Danica , Stratton Helen , Ekberg Stuart , Semerci Remziye , Bowers Alison , Pole Jason , Alexander Kimberly
Published: February 2025

Background: Advances in diagnosis and treatment have significantly increased survival rates for childhood cancer, leading to a growing population of long-term survivors. However, these survivors face substantial physical and psychological sequelae that affect both the child and their family. We developed the RECOVER model of care to support childhood cancer survivors as they transition from the end of their planned treatment to survivorship, addressing the broader health and wellness needs beyond medical surveillance. The primary objectives are to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the RECOVER model of care in routine paediatric oncology practice. Secondary objectives include evaluating preliminary efficacy outcomes and identifying factors that influence the successful adoption and integration of the model. Methods: The study comprises a Type 2 Hybrid Implementation/Effectiveness non-randomised controlled trial to compare historical and prospective data. Quantitative data will assess feasibility, reach, effectiveness, adoption, maintenance, and implementation. The qualitative component will assess end-user acceptability and appropriateness through focus groups, surveys, and interviews. Quantitative and qualitative results will be integrated during the interpretation phase to provide complementary insights into the interconnected contextual factors that facilitate the model uptake. Discussion: The RECOVER model of care aims to offer a robust approach to survivorship care, facilitating the continuous monitoring and management of long-term and late effects in childhood cancer survivors. This model has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life and health outcomes for this vulnerable population by addressing their comprehensive needs in a timely and systematic manner.
Neuropathic Symptoms and Frequency of Chronic Pain in an International Online Sample of Individuals with Sub-Acute and Chronic Stroke
Authors: Haslam Brendon S. , Butler David S. , Kim Anthony S. , Carey Leeanne M.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Chronic pain is common following a stroke and is associated with increased disability. Yet, little is known about the chronic pain experience in the stroke population. This study aimed to identify and explore the features and neuropathic symptoms of chronic pain in individuals with longstanding stroke. Methods: This observational study utilized an online survey that was developed for individuals who have had a stroke (>3 months). Data sought included participant demographics, medical history, and details of the stroke(s). Participants who reported experiencing chronic pain completed the Numerical Rating Scale for Pain, the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory, and body maps to indicate region(s) of pain. Results: A total of 533 individuals with longstanding stroke participated. Chronic pain was reported as being experienced by 60% of participants and was more frequently experienced by individuals who reported being female (p = 0.002). Moderate or severe pain intensity was commonly reported (mean = 5.98, SD = 1.89). Individuals with chronic pain post-stroke reported a range of neuropathic symptoms rather than a common pain experience, with combinations of spontaneous, paroxysmal, and evoked pains in addition to pain associated with paraesthesia/dysaesthesia. Pain involving the upper limb was the most common region (shoulder 39%, hand and forearm 38%), followed by the lower limb (foot 30%, leg 29%). Having multiple strokes was associated with a higher frequency of chronic pain (p = 0.01), as was peripheral vascular disease (p < 0.001) and lipid disorders (p = 0.001). Conclusions: These findings highlight the varied nature of chronic pain experienced by individuals following a stroke, while also detailing stroke and medical history associated with chronic pain. It builds on existing knowledge of chronic pain post-stroke and provides new insight into the neuropathic symptoms experienced. This knowledge has the potential to assist in the development of tailored interventions based on addressing pain symptomatology and health literacy.
Mitochondrial Genomes of Hibiscus Reveal Structural Heterogeneity and Phylogenetic Relationships
Authors: Ge Jing , Yang Cheng-Ao , Wu Jia-Yi , Xue Jia-Yu
Published: February 2025

Hibiscus, which belongs to the Malvaceae family, is primarily distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Hibiscus species are known for their large, visually striking flowers, which are highly valued for ornamental purposes and are widely admired. Despite this diversity, the mitochondrial DNA of Hibiscus species remains largely unexplored. Here, we assembled chromosome-level mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of H. schizopetalus, H. syriacus, H. hamabo, and Talipariti tiliaceum (Hibiscus tiliaceum) using Illumina short reads (Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) and PacBio long reads (Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc., Menlo Park, CA, USA), and conducted comparative genomic analyses. Our findings revealed that the mitogenomes of Hibiscus species exhibited structural complexity, including variable sizes and multi-molecular configurations, while maintaining high conservation in codon usage bias and GC content. Repeat sequence analysis suggested that repeat-mediated homologous recombination played a critical role in frequent recombination events in the mitogenomes. In addition, phylogenetic analysis showed that Hibiscus species did not form a monophyletic clade, and H. hamabo and T. tiliaceum were positioned in sister clades, which was consistent with the results of synteny analysis. To sum up, our study provides valuable resources for phylogenetic research and makes significant contributions to exploring further genetic mechanisms and biodiversity of Hibiscus species.
Airborne Plasmopara viticola Sporangia: A Study of Vineyards in Two Bioclimatic Regions of Northwestern Spain
Authors: Carrera Lucía , Fernández-González María , Aira María Jesús , Espinosa Kenia C. Sánchez , Otero Rosa Pérez , Rodríguez-Rajo Francisco Javier
Published: February 2025

Downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara viticola, is one of the most destructive diseases affecting grapevines, particularly in areas with bioclimatic conditions that favor its development, such as northwestern Spain. This study examined the presence of P. viticola sporangia in three vineyards located in two distinct bioclimatic regions (ultra-oceanic and subcontinental) over two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) using Hirst-type volumetric samplers. The relationship between P. viticola and grapevine phenology, along with meteorological variables, was analyzed to help develop effective strategies for managing this disease. Spearman correlation analysis showed that temperature was the most influential variable in all vineyards. However, water-related variables (relative humidity and precipitation) showed stronger correlations in the ultra-oceanic vineyard, which also had the highest sporangium concentrations. Principal Component Analysis revealed that sporangium concentrations in the ultra-oceanic region were most strongly associated with relative humidity and wind speed. In contrast, sporangium concentrations in the subcontinental vineyards were more closely related to temperature, dew point, and wind speed (in Alongos), as well as wind speed (in Alongos and Cenlle). PCA results clearly differentiated the two bioclimatic zones. These findings provide valuable insights that can improve downy mildew management in vineyards in northwestern Spain.
Antibacterial Activity of Banglene Extracted from Indonesian Ginger “Bangle” Against Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Sebe Mayu , Senoura Satoka , Miura Kiyoshi , Kobayashi Wako , Yano Nagisa , Yamauchi Gaku , Harada Kenichi , Fukuyama Yoshiyasu , Kubo Miwa , Murakami Keiji
Published: February 2025

Periodontitis is one of the most common diseases associated with the lifestyle habits of adults and is caused by the formation of biofilms, called dental plaques, in periodontal pockets by oral bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis. Bangle, Zingiber purpureum Rosc. (Indonesian ginger), a native Indonesian plant, has been traditionally consumed as food and medicine across Southeast Asia. The cis- and trans-banglenes, components of the rhizomes of Z. purpureum, have been reported to possess neurotrophic activity. Hexane extract of bangle exhibited antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 8 μg/mL. We isolated several compounds from the active fractions through the bioassay-guided isolation of hexane extract. Further, we found that c- and t-banglene inhibited the growth of P. gingivalis at 4 µg/mL; however, these compounds showed no antibacterial effects against oral microorganisms. We also observed that c- and t-banglenes resulted in 47% and 40% reductions in biofilm formation. In conclusion, our results suggest that banglene has specific antibacterial effects against the periodontopathogen P. gingivalis, with minimal impact on oral microorganisms. Thus, banglene has potential applications in the prevention of periodontitis without the risk of substituted microbisms.
Expression and Secretion of Intraocular Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 4 (ioFABP4) and 5 (ioFABP5) Are Regulated by Glucose Levels and Fatty Acids
Authors: Ohguro Hiroshi , Higashide Megumi , Ishiwata Erika , Hikage Fumihito , Watanabe Megumi , Nishikiori Nami , Sato Tatsuya , Furuhashi Masato
Published: February 2025

Intraocularly, fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) and 5 (FABP5) mainly originate from human ocular choroidal fibroblasts (HOCF), and human nonpigmented ciliary epithelium (HNPCE) cells have been suggested to be pivotally involved in intraocular pathophysiology. To elucidate the unidentified regulatory mechanisms of the gene expression and protein secretion of FABPs, the effects of glucose levels, fatty acids (FAs), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) modulators were studied. To elucidate the additional biological role of FABPs, laser choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in Fabp4−/− and Fabp4/5−/− mice was analyzed by fluorescein angiography. By changing glucose levels, the secretion and expression of FABP4 in HOCF were significantly upregulated, whereas the secretion and expression of FABP5 in HNPCE decreased. The administration of various FAs, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), markedly increased the expression and secretion of both FABPs. PPAR modulators also influenced the secretion and expression of FABPs. In vivo, wild-type retina exhibited evident CNV with high fluorescein intensity, while Fabp4−/− retina showed reduced CNV formation and Fabp4/5−/− retina displayed evident CNV along with vitreous leakage. These findings suggest that (1) the production and secretion of intraocular FABP4 and FABP5 are distinctly regulated by glucose levels, FAs, and PPARs; and (2) intraocular FABP4 and FABP5 are critical for inducing retinal neovascularization and maintaining the blood-aqueous barrier.
The Impact of Uterus-Derived Prostaglandins on the Composition of Uterine Fluid During the Period of Conceptus Elongation in Dairy Heifers
Authors: Zhang Beibei , Han Yuan , Wang Shengxiang , Cheng Ming , Yan Longgang , Zhou Dong , Wang Aihua , Lin Pengfei , Jin Yaping
Published: February 2025

In ruminants, the survival and development of the conceptus are heavily dependent on the composition of the uterine lumen fluid (ULF), which is influenced by prostaglandins (PGs). However, the variations in underlying PG-mediated ULF remain unclear. Herein, cycling heifers received an intrauterine infusion of vehicle as a control (CON) or meloxicam (MEL) on days 12–14 of the estrous cycle. Then, the ULF was collected on day 15 and alternations in its protein and lipid levels were analyzed. The suppression of prostaglandins induced by meloxicam resulted in 1343 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) and 59 differentially altered lipids. These DAPs were primarily associated with vesicle-mediated transport, immune response, and actin filament organization, and were mainly concentrated on the ribosome, complement and coagulation cascades, cholesterol metabolism, chemokine signal pathway, regulation of actin cytoskeleton and starch and sucrose metabolism. These differential lipids reflected a physiological metabolic shift as the abundance of cell membrane-related lipids was modulated, including an accumulation of triacylglycerols and reductions in lysophosphatidylcholines, hexosyl ceramides, ceramides, and sphingomyelins species. Integration analysis of the DAPs and differentially altered lipid metabolites revealed that glycerophospholipid metabolism and choline metabolism were the core pathways. These findings highlight the potential roles of prostaglandins in ULF, providing new insights into the contributions of prostaglandins in the development of the conceptus.
HPF1 Regulates Pol β Efficiency in Nucleosomes via the Modulation of Total Poly(ADP-Ribose) Synthesis
Authors: Kutuzov Mikhail , Sayfullina Dinara , Belousova Ekaterina , Lavrik Olga
Published: February 2025

The maintenance of genome stability and the prevention of genotoxic damage to DNA require immediate DNA repair. In the cell, the repair process is usually preceded by a release of DNA from complexes with chromatin proteins accompanied by nucleosome sliding, relaxing or disassembly. Base excision DNA repair (BER) corrects the most common DNA lesions, which does not disturb the DNA helix dramatically. Notably, small DNA lesions can be repaired in chromatin without global chromatin decompaction. One of the regulatory mechanisms is poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation, leading to the relaxation of the nucleosome. In our work, we demonstrated that recently a discovered protein, HPF1, can modulate the efficiency of one of the key BER stages—DNA synthesis—via the regulation of total poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation. Accordingly, we investigated both short-patch and long-patch DNA synthesis catalyzed by DNA polymerase β (pol β; main polymerase in BER) and showed that HPF1’s influence on the poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation catalyzed by PARP1 and especially by PARP2 results in more efficient DNA synthesis in the case of the short-patch BER pathway in nucleosomes. Additionally, HPF1-dependent poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation was found to positively regulate long-patch BER.
Rampant Interkingdom Horizontal Gene Transfer in Pezizomycotina? An Updated Inspection of Anomalous Phylogenies
Authors: Aguirre-Carvajal Kevin , Cárdenas Sebastián , Munteanu Cristian R. , Armijos-Jaramillo Vinicio
Published: February 2025

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a significant source of diversity in prokaryotes and a key factor in their genome evolution. Although similar processes have been postulated for eukaryotes, the validity of HGT’s impact remains contested, particularly between long-distance-related organisms like those from different kingdoms. Among eukaryotes, the fungal subphylum Pezizomycotina has been frequently cited in the literature for experiencing HGT events, with over 600 publications on the subject. The proteomes of 421 Pezizomycotina species were meticulously examined to identify potential instances of interkingdom HGT. Furthermore, the phylogenies of over 275 HGT candidates previously reported were revisited. Manual scrutiny of 521 anomalous phylogenies revealed that only 1.5% display patterns indicative of interkingdom HGT. Moreover, novel interkingdom HGT searches within Pezizomycotina yielded few new contenders, casting doubt on the prevalence of such events within this subphylum. Although the detailed examination of phylogenies suggested interkingdom HGT, the evidence for lateral gene transfer is not conclusive. The findings suggest that expanding the number of homologous sequences could uncover vertical inheritance patterns that have been misclassified as HGT. Consequently, this research supports the notion that interkingdom HGT may be an extraordinary occurrence rather than a significant evolutionary driver in eukaryotic genomes.
Smooth Muscle Silent Information Regulator 1 Contributes to Colitis in Mice
Authors: Liu Xiaoqin , Song Yu , Shen Mengmeng , Liu Xinlong , Zhang Wendi , Jiang Haibin , Han Mei
Published: February 2025

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are an essential component of the intestine, play an important role to maintain intestine structure, and produce peristaltic and segmentation movements. The silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) has a dual role along with possible mechanisms in the different experimental models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, very little is known about other putative roles that overexpression of SIRT1 in SMCs may have. Here, we explored the role of SMC SIRT1 in colonic mucosa regeneration and recovery after DSS-induced colitis. We showed that smooth-muscle-specific SIRT1 transgene (Sirt1-Tg) mice have abnormal baseline intestinal architecture. The overexpression of SIRT1 impaired the recovery after DSS-induced injury. Furthermore, we showed that smooth-muscle SIRT1 affected the intestinal epithelial regeneration after damage by releasing cZFP609, which inhibited the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α nuclear translocation. Together, we identify an important signaling axis cZFP609-HIF-1α linking SMCs and intestinal epithelium, which is involved in colitis development.
A Comparison of asIgE Levels Measured with ALEX and ImmunoCAP ISAC in Polish Children with Food Allergies
Authors: Majsiak Emilia , Choina Magdalena , Miśkiewicz Karolina , Pukalyak Solomiya , Smolińska Sylwia , Kurzawa Ryszard
Published: February 2025

In order to establish the reliability of new multiplex tests for determining allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (asIgE) levels in serum, the results of asIgE determinations obtained via ALEX tests were compared to those obtained via ImmunoCAP ISAC in a group of 40 Polish children hospitalized due to food allergy and/or anaphylaxis. The analysis was based on 6320 determinations of asIgEs relative to 79 common allergen molecules included in both tests (80 tests conducted—40 ALEX and 40 ISAC). The study showed a high correlation of results between the compared diagnostic tests, with the concordance of asIgE determinations at the level of 92.5% (n = 2922). The results of this study showed the sensitivity of the ALEX test to be comparable with that of the ImmunoCAP ISAC test. One indisputable advantage of the ALEX test is its high number of determinations per procedure, which provides more information about the patient’s molecular profile; moreover, the use of an inhibitor of the asIgEs that bind to cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) reduces their impact on the results for allergens naturally containing carbohydrate determinants. Comparative analyses of asIgE test results obtained with ALEX and ImmunoCAP ISAC tests demonstrate that the ALEX test is a reliable diagnostic tool for asIgE assessments. However, significant differences in the absolute values of asIgEs relative to individual molecules suggest the need for caution when directly comparing asIgE levels from both tests.
Network Architecture of a Fog–Cloud-Based Smart Farming System
Authors: Biheng Alain , Tu Chunling , Owolawi Pius Adewale , Du Plessis Deon , Du Shengzhi
Published: February 2025

With the rapid increase in the human population and urbanization worldwide, the demand for food production has played a significant role in driving the integration of technology into agriculture. Various Cloud-based systems, such as livestock tracking systems, have been proposed. In those systems, data were collected by the sensors and sent to the Cloud for processing. However, significant issues with those systems were noted, such as high bandwidth utilization and security concerns, such as a high volume of row data traveling from the data collection devices (such as sensors) to the Cloud through the Internet. Additionally, the long distance between the Cloud and the data collection devices makes it unsuitable for latency-sensitive livestock disease monitoring and tracking systems. Therefore, this paper proposes a Fog–Cloud-based approach, where the processing is conducted at the Fog layer, closer to the data collection devices, and only the result is sent to the Cloud for remote viewing. The proposed method aims to reduce power consumption and latency in communication. To validate the proposed method, both the Cloud-based and Fog–Cloud-based scenarios are simulated using iFogSim (a novel simulation tool for IoT and Cloud computing), and the result shows that there is less than twice the power consumption in some scenarios and that the time consumed in the proposed Fog–Cloud-based system, depending on the number of sensors, is five to ten times lower. This study further supports the point that the Fog–Cloud-based is suitable for latency-dependent farming systems such as livestock tracking systems.
Psychedelics and Suicide-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Meshkat Shakila , Malik Taha , Zeifman Richard , Swainson Jennifer , Zhang Yanbo , Burback Lisa , Winkler Olga , Greenshaw Andrew J. , Claire Reichelt Amy , Vermetten Eric , Erritzoe David , Jha Manish K. , Dunn Walter , Jetly Rakesh , Husain Muhammad Ishrat , Bhat Venkat
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Suicide accounts for 1.4% of global deaths, and the slow-acting nature of traditional treatments for suicide risk underscores the need for alternatives. Psychedelic therapies may rapidly reduce suicide risk. This systematic review evaluates impact of psychedelic therapies on suicide-related outcomes. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted up to November 2024. Results: Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated suicidality as a secondary outcome or safety measure, showing significant reductions in suicidal ideation with psilocybin (three studies) and MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT; one study). Effect sizes, measured by Cohen’s d, ranged from =0.52 to 1.25 (p = 0.01 to 0.005), with no safety issues reported. Five additional RCTs assessed suicidality as a safety measure, showing reductions in suicidal ideation with psilocybin (two studies) and MDMA-AT (three studies; p = 0.02 to 0.04). Among 24 non-randomized and cross-sectional studies, results were mixed. Psilocybin (three studies) reduced suicidal ideation, with odds ratios (OR) of 0.40–0.75. MDMA-AT (five studies in PTSD patients) had a pooled effect size of d = 0.61 (95% CI: 0.32–0.89). LSD (six studies) showed increased odds of suicidality, with odds ratios ranging from 1.15 to 2.08. Studies involving DMT (two studies) and multiple psychedelics (three studies) showed mixed results, with DMT studies not showing significant effects on suicidality and studies involving multiple psychedelics showing varying outcomes, some reporting reductions in suicidal ideation and others showing no significant change. Conclusions: The effect of psychedelic therapies on suicide-related outcomes remains inconclusive, highlighting the need for further trials to clarify safety and therapeutic mechanisms.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Lee Max L. , Finegersh Andrey , Chen Michelle M.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented disruptions to cancer care, including the care of head and neck cancer. Given the necessity of timely treatment for mucosal cancers, it is important to understand how the pandemic affected the diagnosis, presentation, and treatment of mucosal head and neck cancer. Methods: The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with primary head and neck mucosal cancer. The number of annual diagnoses and the number of days between diagnosis and the start and end of any treatment were tracked over time from 2004 to 2020. Chi-square tests were used to compare differences in patient clinical and demographic characteristics in 2019 and 2020 to provide the most direct comparison. Multivariable linear regression and logic regression analyses were also used to compare three treatment quality measures between 2019 and 2020: number of days between diagnosis and start of treatment, number of days between surgery and start of postoperative radiation, and number of days between surgery and end of radiation. Results: The number of mucosal cancer diagnoses decreased (9.1%) during the early stages of the pandemic, with a larger decrease (12.4%) among patients receiving surgery. On multivariable analysis comparing 2020 to 2019, time to treatment was shorter (2.3 days; 95% CI, 1.69 to 2.85 days), and time from surgery to start of postoperative radiation was less likely to be delayed (OR, 0.91 of radiation greater than 42 days from surgery; 95% CI, 0.85 to 0.97). However, patients who were black, female, older, or uninsured were more likely to experience treatment delays. Conclusions: Overall, there were no treatment delays for patients with surgical head cancer and patients with neck cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, vulnerable groups, such as patients who were black, female, older, and uninsured, were at higher risk of experiencing treatment delays.
Exploring Mechanical Features of 3D Head and Neck Cancer Models
Authors: Evangelista Aleksandra , Scocozza Franca , Conti Michele , Auricchio Ferdinando , Conti Bice , Dorati Rossella , Genta Ida , Benazzo Marco , Pisani Silvia
Published: February 2025

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) presents significant challenges in oncology due to its complex biology and poor prognosis. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture models cannot replicate the intricate tumor microenvironment, limiting their usefulness in studying disease mechanisms and testing therapies. In contrast, three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models provide more realistic platforms that better mimic the architecture, mechanical features, and cellular interactions of HNSCC. This review explores the mechanical properties of 3D in vitro models developed for HNSCC research. It highlights key 3D culture techniques, such as spheroids, organoids, and bioprinted tissues, emphasizing their ability to simulate critical tumor characteristics like hypoxia, drug resistance, and metastasis. Particular attention is given to stiffness, elasticity, and dynamic behavior, highlighting how these models emulate native tumor tissues. By enhancing the physiological relevance of in vitro studies, 3D models offer significant potential to revolutionize HNSCC research and facilitate the development of effective, personalized therapeutic strategies. This review bridges the gap between preclinical and clinical applications by summarizing the mechanical properties of 3D models and providing guidance for developing systems that replicate both biological and mechanical characteristics of tumor tissues, advancing innovation in cancer research and therapy.
Body Asymmetry and Sports Specialization: An Exploratory Anthropometric Comparison of Adolescent Canoeists and Kayakers
Authors: Herrera-Amante Carlos Abraham , Carvajal-Veitía William , Yáñez-Sepúlveda Rodrigo , Alacid Fernando , Gavala-González Juan , López-Gil José Francisco , Olivares-Arancibia Jorge , Ramos-García César Octavio
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The evaluation of body asymmetry between the right and left sides of the body is crucial in the context of sports because of its potential impact on performance and injury prevention. This study analyzed the anthropometric differences between the right and left sides of the body in adolescent (13.0 [2.0] years) male canoeists and kayakers from Spain. This study aimed to explore the asymmetries associated with these disciplines. Methods: Anthropometric assessments were carried out on 27 male adolescents (13 canoeists and 14 kayakers). A total of 58 anthropometric variables were assessed, including 23 pairs of bilateral variables and 12 unilateral measurements. The evaluations included basic measures, skinfolds, girths, lengths, and breadths. Relative differences between sides were calculated via the bilateral asymmetry index (%BAI). Nonparametric tests, such as the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for within-group comparisons and the Mann–Whitney U test for between-group comparisons, were applied. Results: Comparisons between body sides within the groups revealed significant asymmetries in the subscapular skinfold (p = 0.010) in canoeists and in the mid-thigh girth (p = 0.041) in kayakers. Among the groups, differences were found in the subscapular skinfold (p = 0.010) and the bicep skinfold (p = 0.038) on the right side. Conclusions: Although significant differences were found in some variables, no distinctive profile of the differences between canoeists and kayakers was established in the categories analyzed. These results suggest that, in general, body asymmetries do not significantly distinguish between these disciplines within the sample studied. Further research is needed to better understand the implications of these differences for performance and injury prevention in specific adolescent sports contexts.
Numerical Analysis of Roll Hydrodynamic Coefficients of 2D Triangular Cylinder Using OpenFOAM
Authors: Hwang Eunchong , Yang Kyung-Kyu
Published: February 2025

Predicting the roll damping coefficient of a ship is a crucial factor in determining the dynamic stability of the vessel. However, a nonlinear analysis that considers the viscosity of the fluid is required to accurately estimate the roll damping coefficient. This study numerically analyzed the hydrodynamic coefficients related to the roll motion of ships, focusing on the eddy-making damping coefficient. A series of forced vibration tests were conducted on a two-dimensional triangular cylinder floating on the water surface. The overset method and the volume-of-fluid method were applied, and the governing equations were solved using the open-source software OpenFOAM v2106. Uncertainties in the grid size and time intervals were identified through the International Towing Tank Conference (ITTC) procedure, and the obtained hydrodynamic coefficients were compared with available experimental data and potential flow results. Additionally, eddy-making damping was extracted from the shed vortex for various excitation frequencies and amplitudes. The study found that the uncertainty in the roll damping coefficient was less than 8%, with eddy-making damping being the dominant factor influencing the results. Numerical results showed a good agreement with experimental data, with an average deviation of 4.4%, highlighting the importance of considering nonlinear effects at higher excitation amplitudes. Comparison with experimental data and empirical formulas revealed that the nonlinearity due to the excitation amplitude must be considered in empirical formulations.
First Report of Microplastic Ingestion and Bioaccumulation in Commercially Valuable European Anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus, Linnaeus, 1758) from the Romanian Black Sea Coast
Authors: Ciucă Andreea-Mădălina , Stoica Elena , Barbeș Lucica
Published: February 2025

Microplastics (<5 mm) are an emerging threat to marine ecosystems and organisms, including fish. Recent studies have ranked the Black Sea as one of the most plastic-polluted European seas. Although there is evidence of microplastic ingestion in various fish species in the Black Sea, data for the Romanian sector are still lacking. This study presents the first assessment of microplastic abundance, color, shape, and size in the gastrointestinal tract and gills of Engraulis encrasicolus (European anchovy) collected from different locations along the Romanian coast (NW Black Sea). Ingested plastics were identified using 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) chemical digestion and analyzed under a stereomicroscope. We observed a high frequency of plastic ingestion, with up to 88% of anchovies containing microplastics (98.5%) and mesoplastics (1.5%), with a mean of 3.03 plastic items/individual, marking the highest reported abundance in the Black Sea. The most common types found were transparent fibers, within the size range of 330 µm–1 mm. Our assessment is the first to demonstrate microplastic contamination in commercial European anchovies from the Romanian coast. Further studies are required to completely understand the extent of microplastic pollution in Black Sea anchovies and its potential impact on both human health and the ecosystem.
Assembly Mechanisms and Functional Adaptations of Soil Fungal Communities of Different Plant Rhizospheres in Ilmenite Mining Area
Authors: Chen Sumin , Liu Bingliang , Zhang Yunfeng , Peng Lianxin , Zou Liang , Cheng Jie , Li Qiang
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the mechanisms of structural assembly and functional adaptations of fungal communities in the rhizosphere soils of seven different plants grown in the ilmenite zone. We analyzed changes in the rhizosphere soil fungal communities using ITS sequencing. The results revealed that different plants affected the properties of the rhizosphere soil. The contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, and total potassium in the rhizosphere soil exhibited significant variations compared to the soil that was not occupied by plants. Soil fungal composition analysis revealed that Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the dominant phyla in the soil of this mining area. At the genus level, compared to the mineral soil without plants, the proportion of Epicoccum increased in the rhizosphere soils of different plants, while the proportion of Fusarium decreased. Alpha diversity studies revealed that fungal diversity in the rhizospheres of different plants changed significantly. Beta diversity studies showed a significant differentiation in the fungal community structure of different plant rhizosphere soils compared to the KB group. The FunGuild predictions indicated that different plant rhizosphere soils are enriched with different guilds and trophic patterns of fungi. In addition, we found that soil physical and chemical properties were significantly correlated with the abundance and diversity of fungal communities. The above results indicate that plant species and soil physicochemical properties are important factors influencing the assembly of soil fungal communities in the rhizosphere. This research provides insights into the assembly mechanisms and functional adaptations of fungal community structures in the rhizosphere soils of seven plant species in ilmenite iron mining areas. This helps us to screen plant and fungal community assemblages that can promote soil restoration in ilmenite mining areas and provide a theoretical basis for future ecological restoration in ilmenite areas.
Correction: Xu et al. Whole-Genome Sequencing and Genome Annotation of Pathogenic Elsinoë batatas Causing Stem and Foliage Scab Disease in Sweet Potato. J. Fungi 2024, 10, 882
Authors: Xu Yuan , Liu Yuqing , Wang Yihan , Liu Yi , Zhu Guopeng
Published: February 2025

In the original article [...]
Integrated Multi-Omics Analysis to Investigate the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Response of Auricularia heimuer to High-Temperature Stress
Authors: Lu Fang , Sun Xin , Dai Xiaodong , Zhang Piqi , Ma Yinpeng , Xu Yafei , Wang Lei , Zhang Jiechi
Published: February 2025

High-temperature stress is a key factor that reduces the yields of edible fungi. Auricularia heimuer (A. heimuer) is a nutrient-rich edible fungus that is widely cultivated in China. In this study, we analyzed the physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic results of A. heimuer (variety “Hei29”) under high-temperature stress. Our findings revealed that high temperatures (30 °C and 35 °C) significantly reduced hyphal growth, increased malondialdehyde content and antioxidant enzyme activity, and enhanced the accumulation of secondary metabolites, such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids. A total of 15 candidate genes potentially responsive to high-temperature stress were identified through transcriptomic analysis, including those involved in regulating antioxidant defense, heat shock response, sugar metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and accumulating secondary metabolites. Metabolomic analysis identified three candidate metabolites potentially responsive to high-temperature stress, including kinetin, flavonoids, and caffeic acid, as well as several metabolic pathways, including nucleotide metabolism, ABC transporters, and cofactor biosynthesis. These mechanisms help mitigate oxidative damage to cellular structures and energy deficits caused by elevated temperatures, enabling the fungus to maintain cellular stability, metabolic function, and growth under heat stress. This study is the first to explore the molecular mechanism of A. heimuer in response to high-temperature stress. The results provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of heat stress tolerance in A. heimuer, highlighting potential targets for developing heat-tolerant strains for industrial application.
Impact of Urban Redevelopment on Low-Income Residential Segregation in South Korea’s Metropolitan Cities, 2011–2020
Authors: Lee Chaeyeon , Kim Donghyun
Published: February 2025

Residential segregation, which has been centered on race and ethnicity, has recently expanded to include income and social class as social inequality has increased. In particular, South Korea is one of the countries where social inequality is increasing as a result of economic growth. Existing studies have considered a relationship between redevelopment and residential segregation with respect to income, but there is a lack of factual evidence incorporating analysis in terms of spatial units. We analyzed patterns of low-income residential segregation (LiRS) in South Korea from the macro and micro perspectives to determine the net effect of redevelopment on this phenomenon. By classifying recipients of the National Basic Livelihood Security System (NBLSS) as low-income people, we measured LiRS using the dissimilarity index, the isolation index, the location quotient, and local Moran’s I (LISA) in seven metropolitan cities in South Korea between 2011 and 2020. We explored the net effect of redevelopment on LiRS using propensity score matching (PSM), and we estimated that redevelopment would reduce LiRS by 0.0289. The findings reveal that low-income residential segregation declined from 2011 to 2020. PSM analysis indicates that redevelopment mitigates LiRS. This study provides insights into the need to consult with those responsible for low-income housing policies to ensure the positive impact of redevelopment on LiRS.
Study on Damage Mechanism of Fiber Concrete with Initial Pores
Authors: Hu Ankui , Du Xinyu , Wang Fei , Li Junjie , Zhang Tianlong , Li Yajing
Published: February 2025

Currently, fiber-reinforced concrete, as a building material, is widely used in highway bridges and tunnel linings, and it has become a global research hotspot, with indoor tests, numerical simulations, performance studies, and application scenarios surrounding it. Many researchers have conducted experiments and analyses on the damage patterns of fiber-reinforced concrete under different conditions. However, there is relatively little research on the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced concrete that already contains initial damage. This article establishes a micro-model composed of aggregates, mortar, and interface layers using MATLAB. It introduces the CDP (Concrete Damage Plasticity) constitutive equation for fiber-reinforced concrete and uses the least squares method to fit and validate the equation. After model validation, uniaxial compression tests are conducted on models with different initial porosities using the ABAQUS (2023) software, resulting in changes in crack damage, peak stress, and elastic modulus mechanical properties. The conclusions are as follows: The improved characteristic structure curve using the least squares method fits the experimental results well, and the rationality of the algorithm was verified by comparing it with physical tests. As the porosity increased from 2% to 8%, the peak stress decreased from 98.6% to 70.5% compared to non-porous fiber concrete with a significant rate of decrease of about 30%. After considering the strain rate, the peak stress increased slowly with increasing strain rate, but the elastic modulus increased at a significant rate, with a 1.26 times higher elastic modulus at a strain rate of 100 than at a strain rate of 10−2. This result provides a certain theoretical basis for the mechanical properties and damage modes of fiber-containing concrete in practical engineering.
Long-Term Outcomes of Children Receiving Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Feeding
Authors: Grayeb Mahmood , Lahad Avishay , Elhaj Rana , Elias Marwan , Shmaya Yael , Rinawi Firas
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: Data regarding long-term outcomes of gastrostomy-fed children is scarce. The aim of the study was to analyze the long-term follow-up of children receiving percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in terms of nutritional outcomes, hospitalization, and fundoplication rates. Materials and Methods: The medical records of gastrostomy-fed children who underwent PEG placement between January 2002 and June 2022 and subsequently attended primary care clinics of the Clalit Health Services (CHS) in Northeastern Israel, were reviewed in this retrospective cohort study. Results: A total of 372 gastrostomy tubes (GT) were placed, 88% of the children had neuro-developmental impairment. During the median follow-up of 64 months, 230 patients (62%) had frequent recurrent hospitalizations defined as at least two hospitalizations per year on average. Hospitalizations were due to respiratory infections in 52%. Among 322 patients who underwent iron status work-up, (64%) and (31%) had iron deficiency (ID) and ID anemia, respectively. Laboratory monitoring of other micronutrient levels was limited but showed that 25/73 (34%) had vitamin D deficiencies, without significant association with recurrent hospitalization (p > 0.1). A total of 12% of the patients underwent subsequent fundoplication. Conclusions: This study confirmed the durability of gastrostomy tube feeding in children with neurological impairment, noting a low prevalence of fundoplication but a high rate of hospitalizations, primarily due to respiratory infections. Regular assessment of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin D, is recommended for these patients.
Integrated Computational Materials Engineering in the Hot Roll Bonding of Ultra-Thick 45 Steel Plates
Authors: Jiang Jianbo , Qi Qingwen , Li Mengnie , Bu Hengyong , Qi Huarong , Duan Yonghua
Published: February 2025

To resolve the challenges of weak bonding interface and to avoid expensive and time-consuming trials, integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) was applied to study the hot roll bonding and forming of ultra-thick 45 steel stacked assemblies (>60 mm) and to optimize the rolling processes. Microstructure and properties of the continuous cast slabs of 45 steel subjected to heating and forming were acquired from JMatPro V13.2 calculations and essential experimental validations. Interfacial bonding criteria were established from hot compression tests and were applied to the finite element simulations of the multi-pass rolling processes of a two-slab stacked assembly and a three-slab stacked assembly to predict the bonding of interior interfaces and the deformation of the plates. Unlike previous studies, the aim of this research is to apply the concept of integrated computational materials engineering to shorten the development cycle and reduce re-search costs. The results revealed that the compressive strain of 0.05 is sufficient to form metallurgical bonding at the interface for machined 45 steel in a vacuum. Finite element simulation results indicate that complete bonding of the interfaces is established after two passes for the two-slab stacked plate and four passes for the three-slab stacked plate. Optimized rolling process parameters from analyzing the finite element simulation results are applied to design the hot rolling process of the stacked slab assemblies to produce ultra-thick plates. By applying the concept of integrated computational materials engineering, the development cycle of product processes can be significantly shortened, and financial investment can be reduced.
Guidance Gyro System with Two Gimbals and Magnetic Suspension Gyros Using Adaptive-Type Control Laws
Authors: Lungu Romulus , Mihai Constantin-Adrian , Tudosie Alexandru-Nicolae
Published: February 2025

The authors have designed a structure for a gyro system (used for the guidance of self-guided missiles) with two gimbals and a rotor in magnetic suspension (AMBs—active magnetic bearings). The system (double-gimbal magnetic suspension gyro system for guidance—DGMSGG) orients the common axis rotor AMB (the sight line) in the direction of the target line (the guide line) by means of some control system of the gyro rotor’s rotations and translations, as well as by means of some servo systems for the gimbals’ rotation angle control. The DGMSGG provides specific signals for the missile’s autopilot, to guide it toward the target, so that the guidance line translates parallel to itself to the point of interception of the target (according to the self-guidance method by parallel approach). Based on the DGMSGG’s established mathematical model, the authors propose and design adaptive control systems for the decoupled dynamics of the gyro rotor’s translations and rotations and of the gimbals’ rotations; the concept of dynamic inversion is used, as well as linear dynamic compensators (P.D.- and P.I.D.-type), state observers, reference models, and neural networks. The theoretical results are validated through numerical simulations, using Simulink/Matlab models’ stabilization and orientation operating regimes.