bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A non-randomized pilot study to test the feasibility of developing a frailty scale for pet cats
Authors: Colleran Elizabeth J. , Delgado Mikel M. , Ren Yunyi , German Alexander J. , Gruen Margaret E. , Gunn-Moore Danièlle A. , Romanowski Kathleen , Simpson Wendy , Kirnos Christine , Keefe Ternes Kathleen , Karnia Judy , Temples Marybeth , Taylor Sandra L. , Bain Melissa , Buffington C. A. Tony
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Human frailty has long been studied and dozens of “frailty scales” have been developed, but equivalent research is more limited in cats. This pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility of recruiting and retaining veterinary practices and owners, collecting study data, and analyzing results about frailty in older cats.

Methods

Participating feline-exclusive practice veterinarians recruited cats aged 11–20 years, of either sex and of any breed. Owners completed a questionnaire about their cat and estimated its frailty. Study veterinarians also estimated the cat's frailty after obtaining a history, conducting a physical examination, and completing a separate questionnaire. The derived variables were used to investigate the following domains of frailty: (1) cognitive function; (2) behavior; (3) activity; (4) body weight; (5) body condition score; (6) muscle condition score; (7) any unexplained changes in weight, cognitive function, or eating behavior; and (8) the number of chronic diseases identified in the cat. Some cats were followed prospectively for 6 months, and mortality during this period was compared with frailty status, as determined by the veterinarian.

Results

Half (6/12) of the veterinary practices invited to participate successfully recruited 273 owner-cat pairs, with baseline questionnaire results obtained from 189 owners (69%) and veterinarian questionnaires obtained for 210 cats (77%). Of 122 cats having both owner and veterinarian questionnaire results, 45 (37%) were classified as frail by the owner and 51 (42%) by the veterinarian, with 28 (23%) classified as frail on both questionnaires. Of the cats with follow-up data, 13 of the 64 cats (20%) reported by veterinarians to be frail died or were euthanased during the 6-month follow-up, compared with only 1 of 54 cats (2%) that were not reported to be frail (Fisher's exact test P = 0.003).

Discussion

Developing a brief feline frailty questionnaire (FFQ) was feasible, and the results of such assessments were associated with 6-month mortality. A larger definitive trial should be considered to explore further the (dis)agreement between owners and veterinarians and better understand which frailty signs owners might be missing.
Evaluating Risk in Kidney Living Donors
Authors: Ortiz Fernanda , Marson Lorna , Thomas Rachel , Kousios Andreas , Rista Elvana , Lefaucheur Carmen , Cimen Sanem , Cucchiari David , Zaza Gianluigi , Furian Lucrezia , Akin Baris
Published: February 2025

Kidney donation is a safe procedure for carefully screened donors. The growing shortage of organs and improved survival rates among recipients of living donor transplants have broadened the criteria for acceptable living donors, including older individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions. Consequently, ensuring both the short- and long-term safety of living donors is of paramount importance. The primary objectives are to prevent the need for kidney replacement therapy, major cardiovascular events, or premature death. Lifelong monitoring of living donors is essential to facilitate early treatment for preventable illnesses. To this end, annual follow-up is generally recommended, which should minimally include an assessment of blood pressure, body mass index, kidney function, albuminuria, lifestyle factors, and general wellbeing. However, the management of these risk factors and treatment targets in this population remain inadequately defined. Recommendations for genetic counseling in cases of living-related donation also remain inconsistent. The aim of this mini-review is to address the challenges in evaluating the evidence on the long-term consequences of kidney donation, particularly concerning the risk of developing end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular mortality, gestational complications, and hypertension. This article aligns with the ESOT call for action to promote living kidney donation and EKITA’s mission.
Evaluating the Agreement Index of the Barriers Faced by Women During the Transition from Higher Education to Empowerment in Brazil: A Sustainable Development Perspective
Authors: Rana Muhammad Qasim , Lee Angela , Rodrigues Bezerra José Fernando , Villas Boas Guilherme Hissa
Published: February 2025

Efficient and sustainable human resources are crucial for promoting development in emerging nations. Brazil’s education policy provides its citizens with widespread educational opportunities, resulting in high literacy rates. However, women with academic qualifications and skills often encounter significant barriers when transitioning from higher education to positions of empowerment, leading to an underutilisation of human capital. This study, conducted in 2024, gathered data from female students and staff at three Brazilian universities (the State University of Maranhãoo, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, and the University of São Paulo) using a survey methodology to ascertain the barriers impeding women’s transition from higher education to empowerment. The data were analysed using Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE), a soft computing technique, and it was identified that the most significant barriers revolve around women’s freedom and mobility. Additional challenges include gender norms, family responsibilities, violence and harassment, socio-cultural constraints, and financial limitations. The study offers practical recommendations such as organising awareness programmes and integrating digital technology to enhance workplace safety, thereby addressing these barriers. The findings contribute both practically and theoretically to the more effective utilisation of human resources in Brazil. These insights are particularly valuable for stakeholders, including government bodies, managers, and academic institutions, in fostering gender equality and empowering women in the workforce.
How Social Capital Drives Farmers’ Multi-Stage E-Commerce Participation: Evidence from Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Gao Kewei , Qiao Guanghua
Published: February 2025

The development of new e-commerce platforms has become a crucial driver of economic growth in developing countries, driven by the global wave of digitalization and informatization. However, research on e-commerce development in underdeveloped rural areas of China remains scarce, with even less focus on farmers’ e-commerce behaviors. Based on rural China’s unique characteristics, this study conducts a field survey of 346 rural households in Inner Mongolia. Using the Triple-Hurdle and mediation effect models through the lens of social capital, this study examines how social capital and digital literacy influence farmers’ short-term decisions and long-term investments in e-commerce participation across three dimensions: “willingness”, “choice”, and “degree of participation”. The aim is to identify how to leverage social capital as well as digital social literacy to enhance farmers’ e-commerce participation and promote the sustainable development of rural e-commerce. The results show the following: (1) Among the surveyed farmers, 198 households expressed a willingness to engage in e-commerce, 118 households participated, and only 1 household reached a participation level above 50%. This underscores the insufficient e-commerce engagement and ongoing challenges in rural Inner Mongolia. (2) Social capital, as a critical factor, positively affects farmers’ willingness to participate, choice to participate, and degree of participation in e-commerce at the 1% significance level, with regression coefficients of 1.386, 1.202, and 0.119, respectively. Its impact is strongest in the early stages of fostering willingness, followed by its effect on participation choice. However, its influence on the degree of participation diminishes due to the involvement of other complex factors. (3) Social capital enhances farmers’ digital social literacy at the 1% significance level, and digital social literacy plays a mediating role in the process by which social capital influences farmers’ e-commerce behavior. (4) Heterogeneity analysis shows that during actual participation, the impact of social capital on e-commerce behaviors is more pronounced among farmers with smaller household sizes and higher income levels. Based on these findings, this study recommends building social capital across different farmer groups, establishing online information-sharing platforms, and offering tailored technical and digital literacy training for diverse farmer demographics.
Experiences of End-of-Life Decision-Making in Equine Veterinary and Charity Teams
Authors: Cameron Amelia , Geldard Megan , Mair Tim , England Gary , Burford John , Freeman Sarah , Pollock Kristian , Wilson Eleanor
Published: February 2025

Veterinary and charity teams are frequently involved in equine end-of-life decisions. These can cause ethical dilemmas and emotional burdens and complicate communication with owners. Semi-structured focus groups explored experiences of making decisions about end-of-life care and euthanasia at three UK equine veterinary practices and one charity. There were 26 participants in a mix of roles. Inductive coding was conducted during thematic analysis. Major themes generated were ‘Equine Welfare’, ‘Relationships’, ‘Decision-Making’, and ‘Emotional Toll and Coping Strategies’. Communication, finances, and chronic vs. acute cases were key issues featured within multiple themes. The individual horse’s welfare was the participants’ priority during decision-making. However, there were barriers to coming to a decision about treatment or euthanasia, and conflict caused by these barriers could detrimentally affect participants’ mental health. Preferred style of decision-making varied depending on the situation. Examples given included shared decision-making, participants steering the decision, and attempts by participants or owners to shift decisional responsibility onto the other party. Some owners sought additional input into decisions from veterinary nurses and receptionists. Participants found aspects of their roles emotionally challenging. This could be mitigated by supportive relationships and communication with colleagues. Involving veterinary team members in varying roles in end-of-life care planning and euthanasia decision-making with owners contributes a range of skills and expertise and helps to share the burden of responsibility.
Convolutional Sparse Modular Fusion Algorithm for Non-Rigid Registration of Visible–Infrared Images
Authors: Luo Tao , Chen Ning , Zhu Xianyou , Yi Heyuan , Duan Weiwen
Published: February 2025

Existing image fusion algorithms involve extensive models and high computational demands when processing source images that require non-rigid registration, which may not align with the practical needs of engineering applications. To tackle this challenge, this study proposes a comprehensive framework for convolutional sparse fusion in the context of non-rigid registration of visible–infrared images. Our approach begins with an attention-based convolutional sparse encoder to extract cross-modal feature encodings from source images. To enhance feature extraction, we introduce a feature-guided loss and an information entropy loss to guide the extraction of homogeneous and isolated features, resulting in a feature decomposition network. Next, we create a registration module that estimates the registration parameters based on homogeneous feature pairs. Finally, we develop an image fusion module by applying homogeneous and isolated feature filtering to the feature groups, resulting in high-quality fused images with maximized information retention. Experimental results on multiple datasets indicate that, compared with similar studies, the proposed algorithm achieves an average improvement of 8.3% in image registration and 30.6% in fusion performance in mutual information. In addition, in downstream target recognition tasks, the fusion images generated by the proposed algorithm show a maximum improvement of 20.1% in average relative accuracy compared with the original images. Importantly, our algorithm maintains a relatively lightweight computational and parameter load.
Comparative Analysis of Real-Time Fluorescence-Based Spectroscopic Instruments: Bioaerosol Detection in the Urban Environment of Dublin City, Ireland
Authors: Clancy Jerry Hourihane , Markey Emma , Martínez-Bracero Moisés , Maya-Manzano José María , McGillicuddy Eoin J. , Sewell Gavin , Sarda-Estève Roland , Baisnée Dominique , Vélez-Pereira Andrés M. , Davis Gemma , O’Connor David J.
Published: February 2025

Primary Biological Aerosol Particles (PBAPs) range in size from a few nanometres to hundreds of micrometres and include particles such as pollen and fungal spores, which are significant due to their prevalence and potential to induce allergic reactions and other health-related issues. This study employs real-time fluorescence spectroscopy devices, the Wideband Integrated Bioaerosol Sensor (WIBS-NEO) and IBAC-2, to monitor PBAPs in the urban environment of Dublin, Ireland, during a six-week campaign in the summer of 2019. The WIBS-NEO demonstrated moderate correlations (R2 = 0.5–0.7) in comparison with Hirst volumetric air sampler data for pollen and fungal spore concentrations following appropriate data filtering. In contrast, the IBAC-2 showed poor correlation with ambient fungal spore concentrations and lacked the necessary particle size ranges for reliable pollen measurement. Comparative analysis between WIBS-NEO and IBAC-2 revealed moderate correlation (R2 ≈ 0.6) for small fluorescent particles (fluorescent particles between 0.7 and 1.5 μm optical diameter) but lower correlation for larger particles and specific bioaerosol types. The findings suggest that while the WIBS-NEO is effective for real-time bioaerosol monitoring, further refinement is needed for IBAC-2. This study underscores the potential of using advanced real-time monitoring tools in urban environments and highlights the need for continued development to address current limitations.
Exploring the Embedding of the Extended Zero-Divisor Graph of Commutative Rings
Authors: Al Khabyah Ali , Ansari Moin A.
Published: February 2025

Rc represents commutative rings that have unity elements. The collection of all zero-divisor elements in Rc are represented by D(Rc). We denote an extended zero-divisor graph by the notation ℸ′(Rc) of Rc. This graph has a set of vertices in D(Rc)*. The graph ℸ′(Rc) illustrates interactions among the zero-divisor elements of Rc. Specifically, two different vertices u and y are connected in ℸ′(Rc) iff uRc∩Ann(y) is non-null or yRc∩Ann(u) is non-null. The main idea for this work is to systematically analyze the ring Rc which is finite for the unique aspect of their extended zero-divisor graph. This study particularly focuses on instances where the extended zero-divisor graph has a genus or crosscap of two. Furthermore, this work aims to thoroughly characterize finite ring Rc wherein the extended zero-divisor graph ℸ′(Rc) has an outerplanarity index of two. Finally, we determine the book thickness of ℸ′(Rc) for genus at most one.
Exploring Growth-Stage Variations in Home Use of Positioning and Mobility Assistive Technology for Children with GMFCS IV Cerebral Palsy: Parental Insights and Challenges
Authors: Cheng Hsin-Yi Kathy , Hu Shun-Yin , Ju Yan-Ying , Yu Yu-Chun
Published: February 2025

This study examines how the use of postural and mobility devices evolves in home environments for children with GMFCS IV cerebral palsy, focusing on parents’ perspectives on benefits, outcomes, and challenges. As children grow, changes in muscle strength, motor function, and daily activity demands necessitate adjustments in assistive devices to maintain mobility and postural support. Data from 10 parents, collected through descriptive statistics and qualitative interviews, covered device types, usage patterns, and family impacts across developmental stages from preschool to adulthood. Device needs shift significantly with growth, transitioning from early gait trainers and postural support devices to advanced mobility devices, such as power wheelchairs, which become essential in adulthood. Parents reported positive outcomes, including improved emotional well-being, social participation, and independent mobility, alongside reduced caregiving burdens. However, challenges persist, including financial constraints, frequent device replacements, and limited training for users and caregivers. These insights highlight the need for more adaptable device designs and enhanced family-centered support programs to better assist caregivers in managing device transitions. This study addresses a gap by exploring the real-world outcomes of home-based device use, providing data and parental insights to inform device design, clinical practices, and family-centered support programs. Future research should focus on enhancing device functionality, customization, and accessibility to improve quality of life and promote greater independence for individuals with cerebral palsy.
Influence of Bracing Systems on Pile Design Parameters: A Structure–Soil–Pile Interaction Approach
Authors: Teberik Seyma , Celik Fatih , Aydin Ersin
Published: February 2025

Structural damages occurred during any earthquake arise not only from structural design flaw but also from the variability of sub-base soil behavior and the foundation system. For this reason, structure–soil–pile interaction has an important place in evaluating the behavior of a structure under dynamic effects. Bored pile application, which is one of the deep foundation systems, is a widely used method in the world to transfer the loads coming from the structure to the ground safely in problematic grounds. For this reason, in pile foundation system designs, how bored pile foundation systems will affect the structural design under earthquake loads is considered an important issue. In particular, how diagonally braced steel structures with piled raft foundation systems will behave under earthquake effects has been evaluated as a subject that needs to be examined. For this reason, this situation was evaluated as the main purpose of this study. The effect of the bored pile systems designed in different orientations on the behavior of diagonally braced steel structures during an earthquake under kinematic and inertial effects was investigated in detail within the scope of this study. Numerical analyses, based on data from shake table experiments on a scaled superstructure, examine various pile design scenarios. Experimental base shear force measurements informed the development of numerical scenarios, which varied pile lengths and inter-pile distances while maintaining constant pile diameters. This study analyzed the kinematic and inertial effects on the piles, offering insights into their structural behavior under seismic conditions. The increase in pile length and the increase in the distance between the piles caused a significant increase in the bending moment and shear force, which have an important place in pile design.
Thyroid Cancer—The Tumor Immune Microenvironment (TIME) over Time and Space
Authors: Jaume Juan Carlos
Published: February 2025

In thyroid cancer, the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) plays a crucial role in cancer development, progression and response to treatment. Like many other cancers, thyroid cancer creates a complex network of interactions with immune cells directly (cell-to-cell) and via humoral mediators (i.e., cytokines). This dynamic microenvironment undergoes constant modification, which can lead to changes in the immunophenotype that might explain cancer progression, dedifferentiation and resistance to treatment. According to the cancer immunoediting hypothesis, cancerous tumors can shape their immune microenvironment to create an immunosuppressive milieu that allows them to evade classic immune surveillance. One mechanism by which this occurs is through the reprogramming of immune cells, often shifting their phenotypes from cytotoxic to regulatory. Recent research has shed light on cellular components and molecular interactions within the thyroid cancer TIME. Immune cells such as Tumor-Associated Lymphocytes (TALs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) and Double-Negative (DN) T cells seem to play key roles in shaping the immune response to thyroid cancer. Additionally, cytokines, chemokines and other signaling molecules contribute to the communication and regulation of immune cells within that microenvironment. By studying these interactions, researchers aim to uncover not just potential therapeutic targets but also biomarkers of thyroid cancer that could provide clues on severity and progression. Based on that knowledge, strategies such as the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, antigen-specific targeted immunotherapies, and immunomodulatory agents are being explored to enhance the anti-tumor immune response and overcome cancer immunosuppressive mechanisms. In this review, we analyze the available literature and provide our own experience to unravel the complexity of the thyroid immune microenvironment. Continued research in this area holds promise for improving outcomes through the identification of immune markers of severity/progression of thyroid cancer and the development of innovative immunotherapeutic approaches.
Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Genes and Transforming Growth Factor Beta Pathway in Gastric Cancer for Novel Therapeutic Strategy
Authors: Minoura Hiroyuki , Okamoto Riku , Hiki Naoki , Yamashita Keishi
Published: February 2025

Background-Objective: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment of gastric cancer (GC). Understanding the molecular characteristics of CAFs-associated genes (CAFGs) is essential for elucidating their role in tumor progression and prognosis. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on CAFGs, highlighting their expression patterns, prognostic significance, and potential functional mechanisms. Methods: A comprehensive review of existing literature was conducted, focusing on molecular features of CAFGs in GC. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analyses were examined to assess the expression patterns of CAFGs in broad-sense CAFs, which include both CAFs and pericytes. Additionally, clinicopathological studies validating the prognostic significance of CAFGs were reviewed. Results: ScRNA-seq analyses revealed that CAFGs are not necessarily restricted to CAFs alone but may also reflect the activation status of surrounding cells. Several CAFGs, including SPARC, THBS2, COL1A1, COL3A1, INHBA, PDGFC, and SDC2, have been validated for their prognostic relevance in GC. However, compared with other cancers, the functional mechanisms of these genes in GC remain poorly understood. While CAFGs exhibit synchronized expression with TGFB1 in colorectal cancer (CRC), such patterns have yet to be confirmed in GC due to the limitations of available microdissected data. Conclusions: A comprehensive understanding of CAFGs and their interaction with the TGFB pathway, including LTBP family genes, may be critical for developing novel therapeutic strategies for GC. Further research is needed to elucidate their functional mechanisms and therapeutic potential.
Tumor-Agnostic Therapies in Practice: Challenges, Innovations, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Wu Sulin , Thawani Rajat
Published: February 2025

This review comprehensively analyzes the current landscape of tumor-agnostic therapies in oncology. Tumor-agnostic therapies are designed to target specific molecular alterations rather than the primary site of the tumor, representing a shift in cancer treatment. We discuss recent approvals by regulatory agencies such as the FDA and EMA, highlighting therapies that have demonstrated efficacy across multiple cancer types sharing common alterations. We delve into the trial methodologies that underpin these approvals, emphasizing innovative designs such as basket trials and umbrella trials. These methodologies present unique advantages, including increased efficiency in patient recruitment and the ability to assess drug efficacy in diverse populations rapidly. However, they also entail certain challenges, including the need for robust biomarkers and the complexities of regulatory requirements. Moreover, we examine the promising prospects for developing therapies for rare cancers that exhibit common molecular targets typically associated with more prevalent malignancies. By synthesizing these insights, this review underscores the transformative potential of tumor-agnostic therapies in oncology. It offers a pathway for personalized cancer treatment that transcends conventional histology-based classification.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Radiomics in the Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Assessment Using the Methodological Radiomics Score (METRICS)
Authors: Renjifo-Correa María Estefanía , Fanni Salvatore Claudio , Bustamante-Cristancho Luis A. , Cuibari Maria Emanuela , Aghakhanyan Gayane , Faggioni Lorenzo , Neri Emanuele , Cioni Dania
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive and lethal malignancy with increasing incidence and low survival rate, primarily due to the late detection of the disease. Radiomics has demonstrated its utility in recognizing patterns and anomalies not perceptible to the human eye. This systematic literature review aims to assess the application of radiomics in the analysis of pancreatic parenchyma images to identify early indicators predictive of PDAC. Methods: A systematic search of original research papers was performed on three databases: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Two reviewers applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and one expert solved conflicts for selecting the articles. After extraction and analysis of the data, there was a quality assessment of these articles using the Methodological Radiomics Score (METRICS) tool. The METRICS assessment was carried out by two raters, and conflicts were solved by a third reviewer. Results: Ten articles for analysis were retrieved. CT scan was the diagnostic imaging used in all the articles. All the studies were retrospective and published between 2019 and 2024. The main objective of the articles was to generate radiomics-based machine learning models able to differentiate pancreatic tumors from healthy tissue. The reported diagnostic performance of the model chosen yielded very high results, with a diagnostic accuracy between 86.5% and 99.2%. Texture and shape features were the most frequently implemented. The METRICS scoring assessment demonstrated that three articles obtained a moderate quality, five a good quality, and, finally, two articles yielded excellent quality. The lack of external validation and available model, code, and data were the major limitations according to the qualitative assessment. Conclusions: There is high heterogeneity in the research question regarding radiomics and pancreatic cancer. The principal limitations of the studies were mainly due to the nature of the trials and the considerable heterogeneity of the radiomic features reported. Nonetheless, the work in this field is promising, and further studies are still required to adopt radiomics in the early detection of PDAC.
Finerenone Alleviates Over-Activation of Complement C5a-C5aR1 Axis of Macrophages by Regulating G Protein Subunit Alpha i2 to Improve Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Li Zi-Han , Sun Zi-Jun , Tang Sydney C. W. , Zhao Ming-Hui , Chen Min , Chang Dong-Yuan
Published: February 2025

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), accounts for a major cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide, with a complicated pathogenesis and limited effective strategies nowadays. The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is a classical ligand-activated nuclear transcription factor. It is expressed in the renal intrinsic and immune cells, especially macrophages. Over-activation of the MR was observed in patients with DN and was associated with DN prognosis. The renoprotective role of a new generation of non-steroidal selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), finerenone, has been confirmed in DM and CKD patients. However, the mechanism by which finerenone improves renal inflammation in DN has yet to be completely understood. It was found in this research that the oral administration of finerenone attenuated the kidney injuries in established DN in db/db mice, and particularly improved the pathological changes in the renal tubulointerstitia. Specifically, finerenone inhibited the over-activation of the MR in macrophages, thereby reducing the expression of G protein subunit alpha i2 (GNAI2, Gnαi2), a key downstream component of the C5aR1 pathway. Animal experiments demonstrated that C5aR1 knockout alleviated renal injuries, confirming the critical pathogenic role of C5aR1 in DN. Moreover, finerenone mitigated inflammatory and chemotaxis responses by downregulating Gnαi2 in macrophages. These effects were reflected by reduced expressions of the pro-inflammatory chemokines CXCL15 and CCL2, the regulation of macrophage polarization and improvements in apoptosis. This study intends to understand the protective role of finerenone in DN, which is conducive to revealing the pathophysiological mechanism of DN and further optimizing the treatment of DN patients.
A2A Adenosine Receptor Antagonists and Their Efficacy in Rat Models of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Spinaci Andrea , Buccioni Michela , Dal Ben Diego , Francucci Beatrice , Klotz Karl-Norbert , Marucci Gabriella , Simola Nicola , Morelli Micaela , Pinna Annalisa , Volpini Rosaria , Lambertucci Catia
Published: February 2025

Parkinson’s disease (PD) represents a growing challenge to global health, as it involves millions of people. The high grade of disability is due to the loss of dopaminergic neuron activity, and levodopa is the gold-standard therapy used to restore dopamine in the dopamine-denervated regions. Another therapeutic approach is the use of A2A adenosine receptor antagonists and, among them, istradefylline is the only one currently approved for therapy in association with levodopa. In this work, we synthesized A2A adenosine receptor antagonists represented by 9-ethyl-2,8-disubstituted adenine derivatives, which were tested at human adenosine receptors in binding and functional assays. These compounds showed A2A adenosine receptor-binding affinities in the low nanomolar range and 1, 4, and 5 exhibited good potency in the functional assays. Hence, they were evaluated in in vivo rat models of PD, where they were demonstrated to revert haloperidol-induced catalepsy and potentiate levodopa-induced contralateral rotations in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats. The most potent derivative, 4, was then evaluated in the tacrine model, where it reduced the tremulous jaw movements, therefore demonstrating an action on parkinsonian tremor. These data revealed 8-ethoxy-2-phenethoxy-9-ethyladenine (4) as an A2A adenosine receptor antagonist endowed with antiparkinsonian effects and as a good candidate to treat the disease.
Constraint Therapy with and Without Virtual Reality for Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Roberts Heather , Clegg Nancy J. , Wang Wayni , Chapa Sydney , Arellano Briana , Trahan Madison , Reyes Fabiola , Delgado Mauricio R. , Ram Sue , Shierk Angela
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood motor disorder, with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) presenting with asymmetrical motor function that can cause decreased upper limb function. Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is an evidence-based intervention that addresses upper limb functional limitations, but further study on combining interventions with CIMT is warranted. Combining CIMT with virtual reality (VR) is hypothesized to enhance engagement and therapeutic outcomes. This study compared the effectiveness of CIMT alone versus CIMT combined with VR (CIMT + VR) in improving upper limb function and occupational performance in children with UCP. Methods: A blinded, randomized, controlled trial included children aged 5–13 years with Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) levels I–III. The participants were randomized into CIMT or CIMT + VR groups and completed a standardized 10-day camp protocol (60 h). Pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments included the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Secondary measures included acceptability ratings of VR devices and fidelity. Results: Thirty-two participants, with a mean age of 9 years and 3 months (3 years 1 month), MACS I = 4, II = 20, and III = 8, completed this study. CIMT and CIMT + VR led to significant improvements in upper limb function, with no statistically significant differences between the groups in bilateral hand use and occupational performance. Conclusions: These findings reinforce the efficacy of CIMT while highlighting the potential of VR to enhance engagement when the child prefers to interact with the technology, underscoring the importance of individualized approaches that consider a child’s preferences and responsiveness to different intervention modalities.
Genome-Wide Association Study for Nodule Traits in Guar
Authors: Malani Shubham , Ravelombola Waltram , Manley Aurora , Pham Hanh , Brown Madeline , Rahman Md. Mezanur
Published: February 2025

Guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] is a diploid legume crop cultivated for galactomannan (guar gum) extracted from the endosperm of the seed. Previous studies have suggested that nodulation of guar can be poor in field conditions; however, solid proof has yet to be provided. The objectives of this study were to conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with nodules in guar. GWAS was performed on a total of 225 guar genotypes using 19,007 filtered SNPs. Tassel 5 was used to run five models: single marker regression (SMR), generalized mixed linear model with PCA as a covariate (GLM_PCA), generalized mixed linear model with Q matrix as a covariate (GLM_Q), mixed linear model with PCA and Kinship (K) as covariates (GLM_PCA + K), and mixed linear model with Q and K as covariates (MLM_Q + K). Across all statistical models, the results showed a total of 3, 2, 25, 7, 2, and 3 SNPs were associated with plant height, nodule number per plant, fresh nodule weight, dry nodule weight, fresh aboveground plant biomass, and dry aboveground plant biomass. These SNPs could be used as a tool to select for better nodule traits in guar.
Equation of State Parameters of hcp-Fe Up to Super-Earth Interior Conditions
Authors: Zhang Yanyao , Zhang Shichang , Kuang Dongyang , Xiong Chao
Published: February 2025

Equation of state (EoS) parameters of hexagonal close-packed iron (hcp-Fe), the dominant core component in large terrestrial planets, is crucial for studying interior structures of super-Earths. However, EoS parameters at interior conditions of super-Earths remain poorly constrained, and extrapolating from Earth’s core conditions introduces significant uncertainties at TPa pressures. Here, we compiled experimental static and dynamic compression data and theoretical data up to 1374 GPa and 12,000 K from the literature to refine the EoS of hcp-Fe. Using the third-order Birch–Murnaghan and Mie–Grüneisen–Debye equations, we obtained V0 (unit-cell volume) = 6.756 (10) cm3/mol, KT0 (isothermal bulk modulus) = 174.7 (17) GPa, KT0′ (pressure derivative of KT0) = 4.790 (14), θ0 (Debye temperature) = 1209 (73) K, γ0 (Grüneisen parameters) = 2.86 (10), and q (volume-independent constant) = 0.84 (5) at ambient conditions. These parameters were then incorporated into an interior model of CoRoT-7b and Kepler-10b, which includes four solid compositional layers (forsterite, MgSiO3 perovskite, post-perovskite, and hcp-Fe). The model yields the core mass fractions (CMF) of 0.1709 in CoRoT-7b and 0.2216 in Kepler-10b, suggesting a Mars-like interior structure. Extrapolation uncertainties (±10–20% in density) can change CMF by −12.6 to 21.2%, highlighting the necessity of precise EoS constraints at the super-Earth interior conditions.
Mortality-Related Risk Factors in Patients with Hematologic Neoplasm Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review
Authors: Quintana Jhon H. , López-Vanegas Cesar David , Rivas-Tafurt Giovanna Patricia , Ordoñez-Mora Leidy Tatiana , Lozada-Ramos Heiler , Daza-Arana Jorge Enrique
Published: February 2025

Background: Hematooncology patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) are at high risk for mortality due to the severity of their critical illness. Such complications can develop into complex clinical management, thus signaling an urgent need to identify mortality-related factors to improve interventions and outcomes for these patients. Methods: A systematic review of studies published between 2012 and 2023 in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted, following the PRISMA guidelines. A meta-analysis was carried out to determine the significance of mortality-related factors. Results: In a review of twenty-four studies, it was found that invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) was associated with an odds ratio (OR) between 2.70 and 8.26 in 75% of the studies. The use of vasopressor support had an OR of 6.28 in 50% of the studies, while pulmonary involvement by tumor had an OR of 6.73 in 30% of the studies. Sepsis showed an OR of 5.06 in 60% of the studies, and neutropenia upon admission increased mortality in 40% of the studies. Severe respiratory failure (PaO2/FiO2 < 150) had an OR of 7.69 in 55% of the studies. Additionally, ICU readmission and late admission were identified as risk factors for increased mortality. Conclusions: Mortality among hematooncology ICU patients is associated with IMV, vasopressor support, pulmonary involvement, sepsis, neutropenia, severe respiratory failure, ICU readmission, and late admission. Identifying and managing these factors in a timely manner can improve survival and the quality of care.
A Novel Biplex Onchocerca volvulus Rapid Diagnostic Test Evaluated Among 3- to 9-Year-Old Children in Maridi, South Sudan
Authors: Hadermann Amber , Jada Stephen Raimon , Lubbers Charlotte , Amaral Luís-Jorge , Biamonte Marco , de Souza Dziedzom Komi , Bol Yak Yak , Siewe Fodjo Joseph Nelson , Colebunders Robert
Published: February 2025

Background: Point-of-care diagnostic tests are essential for confirming Onchocerca volvulus transmission in remote, resource-limited, onchocerciasis-endemic communities. In Maridi, South Sudan, we field-tested a novel “biplex A” rapid diagnostic test (RDT) developed by Drugs & Diagnostics for Tropical Diseases (DDTD), San Diego, California. Methods: In February 2023, children aged 3–9 years were recruited from study sites at different distances from the Maridi Dam, a known blackfly breeding site. O. volvulus antibodies were detected using the DDTD biplex A RDT, which detects antibodies to Ov16 and OvOC3261 at test line 1 and to Ov33.3 and OvOC10469 at test line 2, along with the commercially available Ov16 SD Bioline RDT. Both tests were performed on whole blood obtained via finger prick. The feasibility and acceptability of the DDTD biplex A RDT were assessed, and its results were compared with those of the Ov16 SD Bioline RDT. Results: A total of 239 children participated in the study. The anti-Ov16 seroprevalence detected by the Ov16 SD Bioline RDT was 30.2% (72/239), with the highest prevalence observed in children living closest to the Maridi Dam (p < 0.001). Testing with the DDTD biplex A RDT was determined to be feasible, acceptable, and easy to use in a field setting. The DDTD biplex A RDT test line 1 (anti-Ov16 and anti-OvOC3261) was positive in 35.1% (84/239) of children, while test line 2 (anti-Ov33.3 and anti-OvOC10469) was positive in 18.4% (44/239). Both lines were simultaneously visible in 15.5% (37/239). Conclusions: The DDTD biplex A RDT prototype was user-friendly and practical for field deployment. However, additional research is needed to evaluate its performance relative to the commercially available Ov16 SD Bioline RDT. The high anti-Ov16 seroprevalence that was observed underscores the ongoing O. volvulus transmission near the Maridi Dam. Strengthening the onchocerciasis elimination program in Maridi should be prioritized as a critical public health intervention.
Fatty Liver Index vs. Biochemical–Anthropometric Indices: Diagnosing Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease with Non-Invasive Tools
Authors: Demirci Selim , Sezer Semih
Published: February 2025

Background/Objective: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has emerged as a significant global burden, attributed to its increasing prevalence and strong correlation with metabolic syndrome and related conditions. Timely diagnosis and intervention are essential for minimizing the impact of MASLD. This study sought to analyze the efficacy of advanced anthropometric indices and non-invasive steatosis markers in diagnosing MASLD. Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study evaluated the data from 578 Turkish patients admitted to our gastroenterology clinic. MASLD was diagnosed based on internationally recognized criteria. The evaluated parameters included body mass index (BMI); waist–hip ratio (WHR); waist–height ratio (WHtR); body roundness index (BRI); conicity index (CI); a body shape index (ABSI); visceral adiposity index (VAI); abdominal volume index (AVI); lipid accumulation product (LAP); fatty liver index (FLI); hepatic steatosis index (HSI); and triglyceride–glucose index (TyG) and its variants TyG–waist circumference(WC) and TyG–BMI. Results: Among 215 men, 103 (56.9%) met the criteria for MASLD, while 260 out of 363 women (65.5%) fulfilled the criteria. In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for identifying MASLD, TyG–WC (0.826), TyG–BMI (0.820), and FLI (0.830) achieved the highest area under the curve (AUC) values, with statistically significant differences observed in their pairwise comparisons against the other parameters. Conclusions: TyG–WC and TyG–BMI are comparable to FLI in terms of simplicity of calculation and superior diagnostic accuracy, making them valuable non-invasive alternatives for MASLD screening and diagnosis.
An Evaluation of a Syndromic Molecular Panel in Optimising the Microbiological Diagnosis and Antimicrobial Therapy of Suspected Osteoarticular Infections in Paediatric Patients
Authors: Agosta Marilena , Cortazzo Venere , Onori Manuela , Lucignano Barbara , Vrenna Gianluca , Rossitto Martina , Pereyra Boza Maria del Carmen , Fox Valeria , Roversi Marco , Musolino Antonio , Krzysztofiak Andrzej , Lancella Laura , Giordano Marco , Falciglia Francesco , Porzio Ottavia , Villani Alberto , Perno Carlo Federico , Bernaschi Paola
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Paediatric osteoarticular infections (POAIs) present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Microbiological culture (MC) is typically time-consuming and lacks sensitivity, especially when patients have received antibiotics. The BIOFIRE® Joint Infection Panel (BJIP) is a syndromic molecular assay for the direct identification of most pathogens causing POAIs. Methods: We evaluated BJIP in 17 synovial fluids, and then, we retrospectively assessed its utility in 93 off-label specimens (i.e., 25 purulent fluids/biopsies and 68 whole blood samples). All specimens were collected from October 2022 to March 2024 from paediatric patients admitted at the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in Rome. Results: A bacterial pathogen was isolated in only one of 17 synovial fluid cultures, while BJIP identified eight additional microorganisms in MC-negative cases. The most frequently detected pathogen was S. aureus (44.5%, 4/9). BJIP performance in synovial fluids showed an overall positive percentage agreement (PPA) and negative percentage agreement (NPA) of 100% and 88.1%, respectively, compared to MC. All positive results (n/N = 9/17) were considered medically significant, with an increase in NPA to 100%. In purulent fluids/biopsies, BJIP and MC were concordant in 72% of cases (n/N = 18/25), with a per-sample PPA and NPA of 90% and 60%, respectively. For whole blood samples, almost all samples were negative by both methods (i.e., reference blood culture and BJIP), and the molecular test did not enable any further microbiological diagnosis. Conclusions: The BIOFIRE® Joint Infection Panel rapidly and accurately enabled or excluded a diagnosis of a POAI (~1 vs. 24–96 h for MC), optimising antimicrobial therapy.
An Improved GAS Algorithm
Authors: Wang Zhijian , He Yuchen , Luan Tian , Long Yong
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces an improved Grover Adaptive Search (GAS) algorithm. The GAS algorithm has been prove to achieve quadratic acceleration in the Constrained Polynomial Binary Optimization (CPBO) problem. Nevertheless, the acceleration effect of the GAS algorithm can be decreased by the poor threshold selection. This article uses the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) to improve the initial threshold selection, thereby accelerating the convergence speed of the original GAS algorithm. The acceleration effect of the improved GAS algorithm is presented by the Max-Cut problem and the CPBO problem.
Deep Learning-Based Markerless Hand Tracking for Freely Moving Non-Human Primates in Brain–Machine Interface Applications
Authors: Liu Yuhang , Wang Miao , Hou Shuaibiao , Wang Xiao , Shi Bing
Published: February 2025

The motor cortex of non-human primates plays a key role in brain–machine interface (BMI) research. In addition to recording cortical neural signals, accurately and efficiently capturing the hand movements of experimental animals under unconstrained conditions remains a key challenge. Addressing this challenge can deepen our understanding and application of BMI behavior from both theoretical and practical perspectives. To address this issue, we developed a deep learning framework that combines Yolov5 and RexNet-ECA to reliably detect the hand joint positions of freely moving primates at different distances using a single camera. The model simplifies the setup procedure while maintaining high accuracy, with an average keypoint detection error of less than three pixels. Our method eliminates the need for physical markers, ensuring non-invasive data collection while preserving the natural behavior of the experimental subjects. The proposed system exhibits high accuracy and ease of use compared to existing methods. By quickly and accurately acquiring spatiotemporal behavioral metrics, the method provides valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between neural and motor functions, further advancing BMI research.
Fault-Tolerant Control of a Multiphase Series Capacitor Buck Converter in a Master–Slave Configuration for Powering a Particle Accelerator Electromagnet
Authors: Ibarra Edorta , Arias Antoni , Martínez de Alegría Iñigo , Otero-Olavarrieta Alberto , Matallana Asier , de Mallac Louis
Published: February 2025

Multiphase DC/DC power converter architectures have recently been investigated for powering the superconducting electromagnets in the High-Luminosity (HL) upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, targeting high-performance figures and reliability. In terms of control, a master–slave voltage/current regulation configuration was previously proposed by the authors as an alternative to other well-known cascaded options. In this work, fault-tolerant features (i.e., diagnosis and reconfiguration under open-circuit switch faults) are incorporated into the aforementioned proposal. These features are highly desirable, as physics experiments—which can last for several hours—should not be interrupted in the event of a recoverable fault in the powering system. Simulation and experimental results are provided, demonstrating the correctness of the proposed fault-tolerant scheme.