bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activity-Based Prospective Memory and Motor Sleep Inertia in Insomnia
Authors: Tonetti Lorenzo , Occhionero Miranda , Giovagnoli Sara , Giudetti Federica , Briganti Elena , Natale Vincenzo
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study is to shed light on activity-based prospective memory upon the awakening and its association with motor sleep inertia in different phenotypes of insomnia disorder. Methods: To this end, 67 patients with insomnia and 51 healthy controls took part in the study. After enrollment, previously proposed actigraphic quantitative criteria were adopted, and the following phenotypes of insomnia disorder were observed in the patient sample: sleep onset (n = 12), maintenance (n = 19), mixed (n = 17), and negative misperception (n = 19). Each participant had used the Micro Motionlogger Watch (Ambulatory Monitoring, Inc., Ardsley, NY, USA) actigraph for one week. Actigraphic recording allowed for a description of both the activity-based prospective memory performance upon the awakening—by computing the time interval between sleep end and the time participants actually remembered to push the event-marker button of the actigraph—and the motor sleep inertia, i.e., the mean motor activity, minute-by-minute, in the first 60 min after sleep end in the morning. Results: Compared to healthy controls, a longer time interval was observed between sleep end and activity-based prospective memory performance in patients with mixed and maintenance insomnia. Moreover, a significant association was highlighted between motor sleep inertia and the activity-based prospective memory performance: higher levels of motor activity in those who remembered to perform the memory task early after sleep end, that spread over a longer time interval in maintenance and mixed insomnia. Conclusions: Overall, the present results seem to highlight a more marked cognitive inertia in patients with mixed and maintenance insomnia as well as a significant association between motor and cognitive inertia that spreads over a different time interval according to the phenotype of insomnia.
Impact of Wall Paint Solar Absorptance on CO2 Emissions in Residential Buildings: A Case Study from Bangkok
Authors: Wongmahasiri Rungroj , Wongvorachan Tarid , Thampanichwat Chaniporn , Bunyarittikit Suphat
Published: December 2024

Electricity consumption in buildings is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which drive climate change. Reducing electricity use in residential buildings, which account for approximately 20% of Thailand’s total electricity consumption, represents a key opportunity for lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of this study was to assess the potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through the use of appropriate solar absorptance in wall paint, conducted via an energy simulation using a representative residential building model from Bangkok. The DOE2.1E program was employed to simulate a standard two-story house commonly found in Thailand, with an approximate floor area of 120 square meters. The window-to-wall ratios were set at 10% and 20%, and air conditioning usage was modeled for nighttime hours. External wall paint was assigned varying solar absorption coefficients, ranging from 10% to 90%. Greenhouse gas emissions were calculated by multiplying the simulated annual electricity consumption by the emission factor, expressed in kgCO2eq/kWh, provided by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization. The results indicated that adjusting wall paint solar absorptance from 10% to 90% led to a 10% variation in both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 411–456 kgCO2eq per house per year. Therefore, implementing regulations that mandate the use of wall paints with appropriate solar absorption coefficients could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to environmental protection efforts in Thailand.
Correlation Between BMI and Kidney Tumor Lateralization: Insights into Survival and Risk Factors
Authors: Czajkowski Mateusz , Falis Michał , Żawrocki Anton , Sternau Magdalena , Lubiewski Andrzej , Rytlewska Magdalena , Matuszewski Marcin
Published: December 2024

Background: Kidney cancer accounts for approximately 2% of all diagnosed cancers and fatalities worldwide, and a notable increase in its incidence has been observed in recent years. Previous studies have identified various risk factors for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, overweight, and obesity. However, limited information is available regarding the correlation between RCC risk factors and tumor lateralization. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the lateralization of kidney tumors in patients undergoing surgery for renal cell carcinoma. Moreover, we aim to evaluate the impact of lateralization of malignant kidney tumors on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Materials and Methods: This single-center study included 287 patients who underwent surgical treatment for kidney tumors between January 2016 and December 2019. The patients were allocated into the following groups based on their BMI: normal (18.5–24.99 kg/m2), overweight (25–29.99 kg/m2), or obese (≥30 kg/m2). The study collected demographic and histopathological data, as well as patient history, including risk factors such as smoking and hypertension. Results: Right-sided kidney tumors occurred more frequently (55.05%, n = 158) than left-sided ones (44.95%, n = 129). A statistically significant relationship (p = 0.04731) was observed between BMI and the frequency of right-sided kidney tumors in the overweight group (70 vs. 43 cases). There was no correlation between BMI and the occurrence of kidney tumors in the normal BMI and obesity groups. Furthermore, the analysis revealed no association between the lateralization of kidney tumors, smoking, and hypertension. The 5-year survival rate was 62%, with a mean follow-up duration of 104 months (approximately 8.5 years). No statistically significant difference was observed between the right- and left-sided cancer groups, with survival rates of 58% and 66%, respectively (p = 0.652). Conclusions: This study highlighted that right-sided kidney tumors occurred significantly more frequently in overweight individuals in our cohort of patients. No association was observed between lateralization of kidney cancer and overall survival (OS) or cancer-specific survival (CSS).
Potential Probes for Targeted Intraoperative Fluorescence Imaging in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Martinelli Serena , Fortuna Laura , Coratti Francesco , Passagnoli Federico , Amedei Amedeo , Cianchi Fabio
Published: December 2024

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract associated with high mortality rates and accounting for approximately 1 million new cases diagnosed annually. Surgery, particularly radical gastrectomy, remains the primary treatment; however, there are currently no specific approaches to better distinguish malignant from healthy tissue or to differentiate between metastatic and non-metastatic lymph nodes. As a result, surgeons have to remove all lymph nodes indiscriminately, increasing intraoperative risks for patients and prolonging hospital stay. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) can provide real-time visualization of the surgical field using both conventional laparoscopy and robotic mini-invasive precision surgery platforms. However, its application shows some limits, as ICG is a non-targeted contrast agent. Several studies are now investigating the potential efficacy of fluorescent targeted agents that could selectively bind to the tumor tissue, offering a valuable tool for metastatic mapping during robotic gastrectomy. This review aims to summarize the key fluorescent agents that have been developed to recognize GC markers, as well as those targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME) and metabolic features. These agents hold great potential as valuable tools for enhancing precision surgery in robotic gastrectomy procedures improving the clinical recovery of GC patients.
A Prospective Monocentric Study of Invasive Breast Carcinoma Diagnosed at 80 Years and Older: Survival Outcomes and Peculiar Challenges
Authors: Gambini Donatella , Veronesi Valentina , Despini Luca , Ferrero Stefano , Rossi Claudia , Garrone Ornella , Rigoni Marta , Muti Paola Cornelia Maria , Runza Letterio , Kuhn Elisabetta
Published: December 2024

Background: The lengthening of the lifespan led to an increase in breast cancer (BC) diagnosed in very old age, but the treatment recommendations in this patient group usually lack evidence-based practice. We conducted a prospective observational monocentric study specifically targeting patients diagnosed with invasive BC at 80 years of age or older. Methods: We enrolled 88 patients consecutively observed for a new BC diagnosis at 80 years or older. The aim was to investigate progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS), with a long follow-up period, along with clinico-pathological characteristics of the population. Results: At the end of the 5-year follow-up, the estimated OS and PFS probabilities were 82.9% (95% CI: 71.3–95.3%) and 64.0% (95% CI: 51.7–79.2%), respectively. After 8.5 years from the BC diagnosis, 48.9% died. The cause of death was BC in 32.6% of patients, different from BC in 13.9%, and unknown in the remaining. Surgery was performed in 69.3% of the cases and was associated with improved 12-month PFS (p < 0.001). Adjuvant systemic therapy and radiotherapy were omitted in 32% and 93% of eligible patients, respectively. A higher rate of metastatic disease at the diagnosis was observed in comparison with data described in younger people, as well as a significantly high rate of drop-out (27.3%). Conclusions: Ultra-old patients have a not negligible life expectancy; therefore, the oncologic treatment should be optimal and should adequately fight BC, always considering the quality of life of these frail patients. Future research should focus on developing personalized treatment protocols that incorporate comprehensive geriatric assessments and quality-of-life metrics. Additionally, larger, multicentric studies are needed to validate our findings and explore the role of emerging therapies in this age group.
Contrast-Enhanced Mammography: A Literature Review of Clinical Uses for Cancer Diagnosis and Surgical Oncology
Authors: Chung Wai-Shan , Tang Ya-Chun , Cheung Yun-Chung
Published: December 2024

Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) uses intermittent dual-energy (low- and high-energy) exposures to produce low-energy mammograms and recombine enhanced images after the administration of iodized contrast medium, which provides more detailed information to detect breast cancers by using the features of morphology and abnormal uptake. In this article, we reviewed the literature to clarify the clinical applications of CEM, including (1) the fundamentals of CEM: the technique, radiation exposure, and image interpretation; (2) its clinical uses for cancer diagnosis, including problem-solving, palpable mass, suspicious microcalcification, architecture distortion, screening, and CEM-guided biopsy; and (3) the concerns of surgical oncology in pre-operative and neoadjuvant chemotherapy assessments. CEM undoubtedly plays an important role in clinical practice.
Novel Spatial Approaches to Dissect the Lung Cancer Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Lubo Idania , Hernandez Sharia , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Solis Soto Luisa Maren
Published: December 2024

Lung cancer is a deadly disease with the highest rates of mortality. Over recent decades, a better understanding of the biological mechanisms implicated in its pathogenesis has led to the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapy, resulting in improvements in patient outcomes. To better understand lung cancer tumor biology and advance towards precision oncology, a comprehensive tumor profile is necessary. In recent years, novel in situ spatial multiomics approaches have emerged offering a more detailed view of the spatial location of tumor and tumor microenvironment cells, identifying their unique composition and functional status. In this sense, novel multiomics platforms have been developed to evaluate tumor heterogeneity, gene expression, metabolic reprogramming, signaling pathway activation, cell–cell interactions, and immune cell programs. In lung cancer research, several studies have used these spatial technologies to locate cells and associated them with histological features that are relevant to the pathogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma. These advancements may unveil further molecular and immune mechanisms in tumor biology that will lead to the discovery of biomarkers for treatment prediction and prognosis. In this review, we provide an overview of more widely used and emerging pathology-based approaches for spatial immune profiling in lung cancer and how they enhance our understanding of tumor biology and immune response.
Progress Toward Epigenetic Targeted Therapies for Childhood Cancer
Authors: Liapodimitri Athanasia , Tetens Ashley R. , Craig-Schwartz Jordyn , Lunsford Kayleigh , Skalitzky Kegan O. , Koldobskiy Michael A.
Published: December 2024

Among the most significant discoveries from cancer genomics efforts has been the critical role of epigenetic dysregulation in cancer development and progression. Studies across diverse cancer types have revealed frequent mutations in genes encoding epigenetic regulators, alterations in DNA methylation and histone modifications, and a dramatic reorganization of chromatin structure. Epigenetic changes are especially relevant to pediatric cancers, which are often characterized by a low rate of genetic mutations. The inherent reversibility of epigenetic lesions has led to an intense interest in the development of epigenetic targeted therapies. Additionally, the recent appreciation of the interplay between the epigenome and immune regulation has sparked interest in combination therapies and synergistic immunotherapy approaches. Further, the recent appreciation of epigenetic variability as a driving force in cancer evolution has suggested new roles for epigenetic therapies in limiting plasticity and resistance. Here, we review recent progress and emerging directions in the development of epigenetic targeted therapeutics and their promise across the landscape of childhood cancers.
Quinoline Hydroxyalkylations from Iron-Catalyzed, Visible-Light-Driven Decarboxylations
Authors: Ríos-Malváez Zita G. , González-Rivas Nelly , Cuevas-Yañez Erick
Published: December 2024

One of the current challenges in organic synthesis is the direct alkylation of heterocyclic systems with a minimal impact on the environment. In this report, 4-substituted hydroxyalkyl quinolines were obtained by treating quinoline with different alkyl carboxylic acids in the presence of catalytic amounts of an iron (III) chloride–phenanthroline complex. The reaction was mediated by blue LED light under acidic conditions as a cleaner alternative to conventional heating, reducing the use of harmful substances.
Electrochemical Mineralization of Chloroquine in a Filter-Press-Type Flow Reactor in Batch Recirculation Mode Equipped with Two Boron-Doped Diamond Electrodes: Parametric Optimization, Total Operating Cost, Phytotoxicity Test, and Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Regalado-Méndez Alejandro , Zavaleta-Avendaño Juliana , Alanis-Ramírez Claudia , Amado-Piña Deysi , Ramírez Serrano Armado , Peralta-Reyes Ever
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the electro-mineralization of chloroquine (CQ) in a filter-press-type flow reactor using two BDD electrodes operating in batch recirculation mode. The optimal operating parameters were established using response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite rotatable design (CCRD) with three parameters: current density (j), initial pH (pH0), and volumetric flow rate (Q), with the mineralization efficiency of (CQ) and specific energy consumption (SEC) as responses. Optimal operating parameters were j = 155.0 mA/cm2, pH0 = 9.75, and Q = 0.84 L/min within a reaction time of 9 h, leading to a maximum mineralization efficiency of CQ of 52.59% and a specific energy consumption of 15.73 kW/mg TOC, with a total operating cost of USD 0.18 per liter. Additionally, an ultra-high-performance chromatography study identified three by-products (4-amino-7-choloroquinoline, formic acid, and acid acetic) of CQ degradation. Furthermore, the phytotoxicity test indicates that the electrochemical wastewater proposed decreased the effluent’s phytotoxicity, and an increase in the percentage of Vigna radiata germination was observed. The carbon footprint of optimized electrochemical mineralization of chloroquine is 2.48 kg CO2 eq., representing a 48% reduction in cumulative energy demand (CED) when the source of energy is a mixture of fossil fuels (50%), wind (25%), and photovoltaic (25%) energy.
SMOX Inhibition Preserved Visual Acuity, Contrast Sensitivity, and Retinal Function and Reduced Neuro-Glial Injury in Mice During Prolonged Diabetes
Authors: Alfarhan Moaddey , Liu Fang , Matani Bayan R. , Somanath Payaningal R. , Narayanan S. Priya
Published: December 2024

Diabetic retinopathy, a major cause of vision loss, is characterized by neurovascular changes in the retina. The lack of effective treatments to preserve vision in diabetic patients remains a significant challenge. A previous study from our laboratory demonstrated that 12-week treatment with MDL 72527, a pharmacological inhibitor of spermine oxidase (SMOX, a critical regulator of polyamine metabolism), reduced neurodegeneration in diabetic mice. Utilizing the streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model and MDL 72527, the current study investigated the effectiveness of SMOX inhibition on the measures of vision impairment and neuro-glial injury following 24 weeks of diabetes. Reductions in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and inner retinal function in diabetic mice were improved by MDL 72527 treatment. Diabetes-induced changes in neuronal-specific class III tubulin (Tuj-1), synaptophysin, glutamine synthetase, and vimentin were attenuated in response to SMOX inhibition. In conclusion, our findings show that SMOX inhibition improved visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and inner retinal function and mitigated diabetes-induced neuroglial damage during long-term diabetes. Targeting SMOX signaling may provide a potential strategy for reducing retinal neuronal damage and preserving vision in diabetes.
Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (ADSCs) Have Anti-Fibrotic Effects on Lung Fibroblasts from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) Patients
Authors: Ouji-Sageshima Noriko , Hiyama Aiko , Kumamoto Makiko , Kitabatake Masahiro , Hara Atsushi , Furukawa Ryutaro , Hontsu Shigeto , Kawaguchi Takeshi , Sawabata Noriyoshi , Muro Shigeo , Ito Toshihiro
Published: December 2024

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common type of fibrosis in lungs, characterized as a chronic and progressive interstitial lung disease involving pathological findings of fibrosis with a median survival of 3 years. Despite the knowledge accumulated regarding IPF from basic and clinical research, an effective medical therapy for the condition remains to be established. Thus, it is necessary for further research, including stem cell therapy, which will provide new insights into and expectations for IPF treatment. Recently, it has been reported that one of the new therapeutic candidates for IPF is adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs), which have several benefits, such as easy accessibility and minimal morbidity compared to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Therefore, we investigated the possibility of ADSCs as a therapeutic candidate for IPF. Using human lung fibroblasts (LFs) from IPF patients, we demonstrated that human IPF LFs cocultured with ADSCs led to reduced fibrosis-related genes. Further analysis revealed that ADSCs prevented the activation of the ERK signaling pathway in IPF LFs via the upregulation of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor-type R (PTPRR), which negatively regulates the ERK signaling pathway. Moreover, we demonstrated that intravascular administration of ADSCs improved the pathogenesis of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis with reduced collagen deposition in histology and hydroxyproline quantification and collagen markers such as the gene expression of types I and III collagen and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in a murine model. ADSC transfer was also investigated in a humanized mouse model of lung fibrosis induced via the infusion of human IPF LFs, because the bleomycin installation model does not fully recapitulate the pathogenesis of IPF. Using the humanized mouse model, we found that intravascular administration of ADSCs also improved fibrotic changes in the lungs. These findings suggest that ADSCs are a promising therapeutic candidate for IPF.
Attempts to Create Transgenic Mice Carrying the Q3924E Mutation in RyR2 Ca2+ Binding Site
Authors: Zhang Xiao-hua , Tang Fu-lei , Trouten Allison M. , Morad Martin
Published: December 2024

Over 200 point mutations in the ryanodine receptor (RyR2) of the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) are known to be associated with cardiac arrhythmia. We have already reported on the calcium signaling phenotype of a point mutation in RyR2 Ca2+ binding site Q3925E expressed in human stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) that was found to be lethal in a 9-year-old girl. CRISPR/Cas9-gene-edited mutant cardiomyocytes carrying the RyR2-Q3925E mutation exhibited a loss of calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) and caffeine-triggered calcium release but continued to beat arrhythmically without generating significant SR Ca2+ release, consistent with a remodeling of the calcium signaling pathway. An RNAseq heat map confirmed significant changes in calcium-associated genes, supporting the possibility of remodeling. To determine the in situ cardiac phenotype in an animal model of this mutation, we generated a knock-in mouse model of RyR2-Q3924E+/− using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique. We obtained three homozygous and one chimera mice, but they all died before reaching 3 weeks of age, preventing the establishment of germline mutation transmission in their offspring. A histo-pathological analysis of the heart showed significant cardiac hypertrophy, suggesting the Q3924E-RyR2 mutation was lethal to the mice.
Small Molecule with Big Impact: Metarrestin Targets the Perinucleolar Compartment in Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Kashyap Vivek K. , Sharma Bhuvnesh P. , Pandey Divya , Singh Ajay K. , Peasah-Darkwah Godwin , Singh Bhupesh , Roy Kuldeep K. , Yallapu Murali M. , Chauhan Subhash C.
Published: December 2024

Metarrestin (ML246) is a first-in-class pyrrole–pyrimidine-derived small molecule that selectively targets the perinucleolar compartment (PNC). PNC is a distinct subnuclear structure predominantly found in solid tumor cells. The occurrence of PNC demonstrates a positive correlation with malignancy, serving as an indicator of tumor aggressiveness, progression, and metastasis. Various promising preclinical results have led to the clinical translation of metarrestin into a first-in-human trial. This review aims to summarize (i) the current understanding of the structure and function of PNC and its role in cancer progression and metastasis, (ii) key findings from studies examining the effect of metarrestin on various cancers across the translational spectrum, including in vitro, in vivo, and human clinical trial studies, and (iii) the pharmaceutical relevance of metarrestin as a promising anticancer candidate. Furthermore, our molecular docking and MD simulation studies show that metarrestin binds to eEF1A1 and eEF1A2 with a strong and stable affinity and inhibits eEF1A2 more efficiently compared to eEF1A1. The promising results from preclinical studies suggest that metarrestin has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of cancer, heralding a paradigm shift in its therapeutic management.
Cell Therapy as a Way to Increase the Effectiveness of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Pashkina Ekaterina , Blinova Elena , Bykova Maria , Aktanova Alina , Denisova Vera
Published: December 2024

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a standard method for treating a number of pathologies, primarily blood diseases. Timely restoration of the immune system after HSCT is a critical factor associated with the development of complications such as relapses or secondary tumors and various infections, as well as the graft-versus-host reaction in allogeneic transplantation, which ultimately affects the survival of patients. Introduction into the recipient’s body of immune system cells that are incapable of sensitization by recipient antigens during the period of immune reconstitution can increase the rate of restoration of the immune system, as well as reduce the risk of complications. This review presents the results of studies on cell therapy with various cell subpopulations of both bone marrow and mesenchymal origin during HSCT.
Inhibition of Neural Crest Cell Migration by Strobilurin Fungicides and Other Mitochondrial Toxicants
Authors: Magel Viktoria , Blum Jonathan , Dolde Xenia , Leisner Heidrun , Grillberger Karin , Khalidi Hiba , Gardner Iain , Ecker Gerhard F. , Pallocca Giorgia , Dreser Nadine , Leist Marcel
Published: December 2024

Cell-based test methods with a phenotypic readout are frequently used for toxicity screening. However, guidance on how to validate the hits and how to integrate this information with other data for purposes of risk assessment is missing. We present here such a procedure and exemplify it with a case study on neural crest cell (NCC)-based developmental toxicity of picoxystrobin. A library of potential environmental toxicants was screened in the UKN2 assay, which simultaneously measures migration and cytotoxicity in NCC. Several strobilurin fungicides, known as inhibitors of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex III, emerged as specific hits. From these, picoxystrobin was chosen to exemplify a roadmap leading from cell-based testing towards toxicological predictions. Following a stringent confirmatory testing, an adverse outcome pathway was developed to provide a testable toxicity hypothesis. Mechanistic studies showed that the oxygen consumption rate was inhibited at sub-µM picoxystrobin concentrations after a 24 h pre-exposure. Migration was inhibited in the 100 nM range, under assay conditions forcing cells to rely on mitochondria. Biokinetic modeling was used to predict intracellular concentrations. Assuming an oral intake of picoxystrobin, consistent with the acceptable daily intake level, physiologically based kinetic modeling suggested that brain concentrations of 0.1–1 µM may be reached. Using this broad array of hazard and toxicokinetics data, we calculated a margin of exposure ≥ 80 between the lowest in vitro point of departure and the highest predicted tissue concentration. Thus, our study exemplifies a hit follow-up strategy and contributes to paving the way to next-generation risk assessment.
Silencing LY6K Suppresses CD44+ EpCAM+ HCT116 Human Colon Cancer Stem Cells Growth: Insights from In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence
Authors: Fu Changhao , Chen Kuiqiao , Duan Jinyue , Liu Kun , Li Miaomiao , Chen Yuanyuan , Cong Zhongyi , Wang Yi
Published: December 2024

Lymphocyte antigen 6 complex, locus K (LY6K) is a putative oncogene in various human cancers, including colorectal cancer, where elevated expression is associated with poor prognosis. This study investigates the antitumor effects of LY6K in colon cancer stem cells (CCSCs) both in vitro and in vivo. EpCAM and CD44 surface markers were used to isolate CCSCs from HCT116 cells, and the expression of LY6K in CCSCs was analyzed by real-time PCR. RNA interference was used to silence LY6K to evaluate its potential role of LY6K on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle of CCSCs. Functional assays, including MTS assays, flow cytometric analyses, Transwell migration and invasion assays, and a xenograft model, were used for analysis. The results revealed that LY6K was highly expressed in CCSCs. siRNA-mediated LY6K-silencing in CCSCs inhibited cell proliferation by inducing G1 phase cell cycle arrest and suppressed migration and invasion. In vivo, LY6K silencing effectively reduced tumor growth and extended survival in a mouse model. These findings suggest LY6K as a promising therapeutic target for eradicating CCSCs in colorectal cancer treatment.
Extracting the Optical Constants of Partially Absorbing TiO2 ALD Films
Authors: Chowdhary Nimarta Kaur , Gougousi Theodosia
Published: December 2024

Typical titanium oxide (TiO2) films are transparent in the visible range, allowing for their index of refraction and thickness to be extracted by single-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) using a Cauchy model. However, TiO2 films grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) from tetrakis(dimethylamino)titanium (IV) (TDMAT) and H2O at 350 °C absorb in the visible range due to the formation of Ti-O-N/Ti-N bonds. Single-angle SE is inadequate for extracting the optical constants of these films, as there are more unknowns (n, k, d) than measurable parameters (ψ, Δ). To overcome this limitation, we combined SE with transmission (T) measurements, a method known as SE + T. In the process, we developed an approach to prevent backside deposition on quartz substrates during ALD deposition. When applying a B-spline model to SE + T data, the film thicknesses on the quartz substrates closely matched those on companion Si samples measured via standard lithography. The resulting optical constants indicate a reduced refractive index, n, and increased extinction coefficient, k, when compared to purer TiO2 thin films deposited via a physical vapor deposition (PVD) method, reflecting the influence of nitrogen incorporation on the optical properties.
Bio-Based Corrosion Inhibition of Carbon Steel Using Ammi visnaga L. Essential Oil in Acidic Mediums: Experimental Analysis and Molecular Modeling
Authors: Zaher Aouatife , Lgaz Hassane , Boukhraz Asmaa , Aldalbahi Ali , Lee Han-seung , Bourkhiss Brahim , Ouhssine Mohammed
Published: December 2024

Bio-based corrosion inhibitor formulations are incredibly promising for mitigating corrosion, offering an environmentally sustainable approach while providing effective protection against material degradation. This study explores the corrosion inhibition potential of Ammi visnaga essential oil (AVEO) on carbon steel (CS) in a 1 mol/L hydrochloric acid (HCl) medium, combining electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), linear polarization resistance (LPR), weight loss (WL) analysis, density functional theory (DFT), density-functional tight-binding (DFTB) modeling, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The AVEO was extracted through hydrodistillation, and its chemical profile was characterized to identify key active compounds. EIS and PDP results revealed that the AVEO effectively inhibited corrosion through the formation of a protective layer on the steel surface, exhibiting inhibition efficiencies of up to 84% at 3 g/L, with a mixed-type corrosion inhibition action. Nyquist plots displayed an increased polarization resistance with the AVEO concentration, indicating an enhanced surface coverage and reduction in active corrosion sites. WL studies further supported these findings, showing decreased corrosion rates proportional to the AVEO concentration, while temperature variation studies showed a decreased performance at higher temperatures. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis supported the formation of an effective protective layer on the CS surface upon the addition of AVEO to the HCl medium. DFTB modeling and MD simulations were employed to evaluate the interaction between major AVEO constituents and the steel surface, providing insight into the adsorption behavior and the electronic contributions at the molecule–metal interface. The combined experimental and theoretical findings indicate that AVEO holds promise as a natural, eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor, with implications for sustainable metal protection in acidic environments.
Designing Continuous Crystallization Protocols for Curcumin Using PAT Obtained Batch Kinetics
Authors: Vashishtha Mayank , Ranjbar Mahmoud , Walker Gavin , Kumar K. Vasanth
Published: December 2024

Developing theory-informed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the continuous crystallisation of pharmaceuticals still remains a bottleneck. For the continuous manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, the current methods rely on the laborious trial-and-error approach to identify process conditions such as the dilution rate (flow per unit volume of reactor) and initial supersaturation, where the productivity will be at maximum at steady-state conditions. This approach, while proven and considered to be useful, lacks or ignores the information obtained from batch kinetics. Herein for the first time, we propose a theoretical method to develop batch kinetics-informed theoretical procedures for the continuous manufacturing of a model compound curcumin in isopropanol. The theoretical approach uses batch kinetic constants to theoretically identify the optimum dilution rate and the corresponding mass of the model compound curcumin when crystallised, as well as its productivity at steady-state conditions as a function of initial supersaturation. The theory-informed procedures will serve as a valuable guideline to develop operating procedures for the continuous production of the target compound and thus eliminate the trial-and-error approach used to develop the protocols for the continuous manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. We also showed that our methods allow for the estimation of the dilution rate that corresponds to washout conditions (i.e., where all the crystals in the crystalliser will be washed out due to the high flow rate of the input stream) during the continuous manufacturing of crystals.
Numerical Simulation of Fracture Failure in Three-Point Bending Specimens of Yellow River Granular Ice
Authors: Deng Yu , Liang Ju , Wang Juan
Published: December 2024

Currently, a comprehensive understanding of the macro- and micro-scale mechanisms of ice fracture failure in the Yellow River remains limited. Therefore, this paper adopts a microscopic perspective by modeling Yellow River granular ice as a three-phase composite comprising ice grains, grain boundaries, and initial defects. A numerical approach was proposed to simulate river ice fracture using a three-dimensional random defect solid element model, accompanied by the development of an elastic–brittle constitutive model for Yellow River granular ice. The fracture process of three-point bending samples of Yellow River granular ice was numerically simulated. The results indicated that the crack locations and failure progression in the simulations aligned well with observations from physical tests. Furthermore, the numerical analysis yielded values that aligned closely with those from the physical tests. The comparison with physical tests confirms that the proposed model effectively simulates the three-point bending fracture process of river ice. These findings provide valuable insights for the numerical simulation of fracture behavior in Yellow River granular ice.
The Clinical Characteristics of a Stage II Colorectal Cancer T4 Tumor: A Ten-Year Single-Center Research Report
Authors: Lin Bo-Zhi , Lin Chang-Lin , Chiang Feng-Fan , Chen Chou-Chen , Chen Ming-Cheng , Lin Chun-Yu , Huang Shang-Chih
Published: December 2024

Aim: The tumor staging of colorectal cancer (CRC) plays a significant role in both treatment and prognosis, impacting surgical planning and adjuvant therapy decisions. Currently, the staging of CRC is based on the TNM system developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer. Prior studies have suggested that survival rates and recurrent rates of T4a tumors appear to be worse than that of T4b tumors, although there is currently no consensus. Therefore, we collected patient data from Taichung Veterans General Hospital over the past decade in order to conduct further research. Method: Between 2010 and 2018, a total of 5760 newly diagnosed CRC patients were seen at the hospital. To eliminate the influence of any local lymph node involvement or distant organ metastasis on the research results, we focused on patients with pathologic Stage IIc disease (T4a-bN0M0). Patients with rectal cancer who had received neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy were excluded. Ultimately, 132 patients were included in this study. A multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify independent risk factors for both 10-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 132 patients were included in the study, with 90 classified as T4a and 42 as T4b. The 10-year CSS for pT4a and pT4b was 72.5% and 56.5%, respectively, with a p-value of 0.011. The 10-year OS for pT4a and pT4b was 48.4% and 42.5%, respectively, with a p-value of 0.086. There was no significant difference in the site of first recurrence between the pT4a and pT4b groups (p-value = 0.936). Overall, patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy therapy had a significantly better prognosis (p-value < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in prognosis between oral 5-FU and FOLFOX. Conclusion: Based on our data, patients diagnosed with pathologic T4aN0M0 CRC appeared to experience a trend toward better 10-year OS when compared to those with T4bN0M0 disease, but this trend lacks statistical significance. Patients with locally advanced Stage II colon cancer clearly benefited from adjuvant chemotherapy therapy; therefore, FOLFOX may not necessarily be required.
Exploring the Diversity and Ancestry of Fine-Aroma Cacao from Tumaco, Colombia
Authors: Delgadillo-Duran Paola , Berdugo-Cely Jhon A. , Mejía-Salazar Julián , Pérez-Zúñiga José Ives , Yockteng Roxana
Published: December 2024

The cacao plant, Theobroma cacao, is economically significant, as its beans are essential for chocolate production. Cacao from Tumaco on Colombia’s Pacific coast is renowned for its distinct flavor and aroma, accessing specialty markets. However, production challenges include low yields, inconsistent post-harvest practices, and limited knowledge of local genotypes. To tackle these issues, a research project genetically characterized 25 Tumaco landraces, establishing their phylogenetic relationships using reduced representation libraries (RRL). The analysis yielded 359,950 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for Tumaco and identified 38,812 SNPs in common with Colombian National Germplasm Bank genotypes and reference groups. Genetic structure analysis divided Tumaco samples into nine populations, revealing admixtures primarily from the Nacional, Iquitos, Amelonado, and Criollo groups. Some Tumaco samples showed predominant ancestry from the Iquitos group, while others leaned towards the Nacional type, with limited Criollo and Contamana ancestry. No Tumaco landrace exhibited complete ancestry from a single group, suggesting a hybrid origin. These insights into Tumaco’s genetic diversity and structure are essential for improving landraces in Colombia’s Pacific region, contributing to the genetic enhancement of cacao.
Variability of Zooplankton in Two Neighboring Tropical High-Mountain Lakes
Authors: Alcocer Javier , Fernández Rocío , Oseguera Luis A.
Published: December 2024

High-mountain lakes (HMLs) El Sol and La Luna are located 600 m apart in the crater of the Nevado de Toluca volcano, yet they display distinct differences in their morphometry and limnology. This study aimed to compare the zooplankton communities in these two lakes. El Sol harbored 31 zooplankton taxa, while La Luna had only 11. Notably, only four taxa were shared. The zooplankton abundance and biomass were lower than those in other tropical HMLs. La Luna’s zooplankton abundance was just 10% of El Sol’s, and its biomass was only 3%. Copepods dominated El Sol, while cladocerans dominated La Luna. The tropical seasonality (rainy and dry) was evident in meteorological and limnological variables but not in zooplankton; no seasonal patterns were observed in taxonomic richness, abundance, or biomass. No specific factors could explain the temporal dynamics in either lake. The extreme conditions in La Luna (e.g., lower pH and increased UV exposure) likely explained the differences between both lakes. The introduction of rainbow trout in El Sol during the 1950s may have also played a role.
Beta-Thalassemia and Male Infertility: Unraveling the Oxidative Stress Connection—An Up-to-Date Review
Authors: Roidos Christos , Batakoias Christos-Alexandros , Symeonidis Evangelos N. , Kaltsas Aris , Tzikoulis Vasileios , Tsampoukas Georgios , Tsiampali Chara , Palapela Natalia , Zachariou Athanasios , Sofikitis Nikolaos , Dimitriadis Fotios
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Beta-thalassemia (BTH), a genetic disorder resulting from beta-globin gene mutations, affects over 1.5 million people globally. The disorder’s multifactorial impact on male fertility, particularly through oxidative stress (OS), warrants focused study. This review examines the mechanisms of OS in TM, its implications for male infertility, and the potential of antioxidant therapies to mitigate fertility challenges. Methods: A non-systematic review was conducted using the PubMed, Cochrane, and Medscape databases, focusing on studies on beta-thalassemia (BTH), erectile dysfunction (ED), hormonal alterations, and OS. Studies were screened based on relevance, language, and topic, with 71 articles meeting the inclusion criteria after removing duplicates. Results: The findings reveal that OS, exacerbated by iron overload from regular blood transfusions, is significantly associated with impaired sperm quality and fertility in patients with TM. Iron toxicity affects gonadotropin levels, reduces sperm quality, and contributes to hypogonadism. Additionally, antioxidant therapies show promise in reducing OS-induced sperm damage, though efficacy is limited by a lack of robust clinical trials. Conclusions: OS plays a considerable role in male infertility among patients with TM, primarily through iron-induced sperm damage and hormonal disruptions. While antioxidant therapies may offer a partial remedy, further research is necessary to understand OS’s mechanisms in TM and develop effective fertility treatments. This review highlights the need for personalized antioxidant approaches to improve reproductive outcomes in this population.
NLP-Driven Analysis of Pneumothorax Incidence Following Central Venous Catheter Procedures: A Data-Driven Re-Evaluation of Routine Imaging in Value-Based Medicine
Authors: Breitwieser Martin , Moore Vanessa , Wiesner Teresa , Wichlas Florian , Deininger Christian
Published: December 2024

Background: This study presents a systematic approach using a natural language processing (NLP) algorithm to assess the necessity of routine imaging after central venous catheter (CVC) placement and removal. With pneumothorax being a key complication of CVC procedures, this research aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for optimizing imaging protocols and minimizing unnecessary imaging risks. Methods: We analyzed electronic health records from four university hospitals in Salzburg, Austria, focusing on X-rays performed between 2012 and 2021 following CVC procedures. A custom-built NLP algorithm identified cases of pneumothorax from radiologists’ reports and clinician requests, while excluding cases with contraindications such as chest injuries, prior pneumothorax, or missing data. Chi-square tests were used to compare pneumothorax rates between CVC insertion and removal, and multivariate logistic regression identified risk factors, with a focus on age and gender. Results: This study analyzed 17,175 cases of patients aged 18 and older, with 95.4% involving CVC insertion and 4.6% involving CVC removal. Pneumothorax was observed in 106 cases post-insertion (1.3%) and in 3 cases post-removal (0.02%), with no statistically significant difference between procedures (p = 0.5025). The NLP algorithm achieved an accuracy of 93%, with a sensitivity of 97.9%, a specificity of 87.9%, and an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.9283. Conclusions: The findings indicate no significant difference in pneumothorax incidence between CVC insertion and removal, supporting existing recommendations against routine imaging post-removal for asymptomatic patients and suggesting that routine imaging after CVC insertion may also be unnecessary in similar cases. This study demonstrates how advanced NLP techniques can support value-based medicine by enhancing clinical decision making and optimizing resources.
A Novel Spherical Shortest Path Planning Method for UAVs
Authors: Liu Fan , Wang Pengchuan , Bhattacharjya Aniruddha , Li Qianmu
Published: December 2024

As a central subdivision of the low-altitude economy industry, industrial and consumer drones have broad market application prospects and are becoming the primary focus of the low-altitude economy; however, with increasing aircraft density, effective planning of reasonable flight paths and avoiding conflicts between flight paths have become critical issues in UAV clustering. Current UAV path planning often concentrates on 2D and 3D realistic scenes, which do not meet the actual requirements of realistic spherical paths. This paper has proposed a Gradient-Based Optimization algorithm based on the State Transition function (STGBO) to address the spherical path planning problem for UAV clusters. The state transition function is applied on the scale of medium and high-dimensional cities, balancing the stability and efficiency of the algorithm. Through evolution and comparisons with many mainstream meta-heuristic algorithms, STGBO has demonstrated superior performance and effectiveness in solving Medium-Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MUAV) path planning problems on three-dimensional spherical surfaces, contributing to the development of the low-altitude economy.
Drone-Enabled AI Edge Computing and 5G Communication Network for Real-Time Coastal Litter Detection
Authors: Duangsuwan Sarun , Prapruetdee Phoowadon
Published: December 2024

Coastal litter is a severe environmental issue impacting marine ecosystems and coastal communities in Thailand, with plastic pollution posing one of the most urgent challenges. Every month, millions of tons of plastic waste enter the ocean, where items such as bottles, cans, and other plastics can take hundreds of years to degrade, threatening marine life through ingestion, entanglement, and habitat destruction. To address this issue, we deploy drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors to capture detailed coastal imagery for assessing litter distribution. This study presents the development of an AI-driven coastal litter detection system using edge computing and 5G communication networks. The AI edge server utilizes YOLOv8 and a recurrent neural network (RNN) to enable the drone to detect and classify various types of litter, such as bottles, cans, and plastics, in real-time. High-speed 5G communication supports seamless data transmission, allowing efficient monitoring. We evaluated drone performance under optimal flying heights above ground of 5 m, 7 m, and 10 m, analyzing accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. Results indicate that the system achieves optimal detection at an altitude of 5 m with a ground sampling distance (GSD) of 0.98 cm/pixel, yielding an F1-score of 98% for cans, 96% for plastics, and 95% for bottles. This approach facilitates real-time monitoring of coastal areas, contributing to marine ecosystem conservation and environmental sustainability.