bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascularized Deep Femoral Periosteal Flap: Anatomical Study and Clinical Application in Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia in Two Cases
Authors: da Costa Antonio Carlos , Romero‐Larrauri Pablo , Rojas‐Neira Juliana , Gonzalez‐Morgado Diego , Fouad Amr , Alves Cristina , Soldado Francisco
Published: February 2025

Background

Vascularized periosteal transplants have proven to be highly effective and rapid in promoting bone healing in biologically complex nonunions in children, with several reported donor sites. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of harvesting a vascularized diaphyseal femoral periosteal flap (VDFPF) from cadavers and evaluate its clinical application in two cases of bilateral congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia.

Methods

This study investigated the periosteal branches of the deep femoral vessels (DFV) supplying the femoral diaphysis in 19 previously latex‐injected cadavers. The femur was divided into four segments. The distance from the midpoint of the inguinal ligament to the origin of the DFV and the number of periosteal branches were recorded. The vascularized diaphyseal femoral periosteal flap (VDFPF) was used to treat one side in two patients with bilateral congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (aged 14 and 2 years).

Results

The DFV's origin was located at a mean of 4.2 cm (range 2.8–8.5 cm) distal to the midpoint of the inguinal ligament. In 15 cases, the DFV coursed adjacent to the second and third quarters of the femoral shaft, providing a mean number of 5 (range 4–8) periosteal branches, allowing for the harvesting of a new pure vascularized periosteal flap. Healing of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia occurred within 3 months in both patients, with no donor or recipient site complications at the final follow‐up of 13 months.

Conclusions

The VDFPF may be an effective periosteal transplant and a viable alternative to other large free periosteal transplants used in children for treating complex non‐unions, especially when tibial and fibular donors are not available. Bone union was fast compared to other techniques used to treat these challenging cases.
Efficient Optimization of Engineering Problems With A Particular Focus on High‐Order IIR Modeling for System Identification Using Modified Dandelion Optimizer
Authors: Izci Davut , Hashim Fatma A. , Mostafa Reham R. , Ekinci Serdar , Smerat Aseel , Migdady Hazem , Abualigah Laith
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces the modified dandelion optimizer (mDO), a novel adaptive metaheuristic algorithm designed to address complex engineering optimization challenges, with a focus on infinite impulse response (IIR) system identification. The proposed mDO incorporates three key advancements: an enhanced descending phase to improve global exploration, a novel exploration‐exploitation phase that balances search intensity and breadth, and a self‐adaptive crossover operator that refines solutions dynamically. These innovations specifically target the challenges associated with high‐order IIR modeling, enabling mDO to deliver more precise and efficient system identification. To validate its performance, mDO was rigorously evaluated across diverse testing environments, including the CEC2017 and CEC2022 benchmark functions, various IIR model identification scenarios, and real‐world engineering design problems such as multi‐product batch plant design, multiple disk clutch brake design, and speed reducer design. Comparative analyses reveal that mDO consistently outperforms leading optimization algorithms in terms of accuracy, robustness, and computational efficiency, particularly in complex, high‐dimensional landscapes. Statistical assessments further confirm mDO's superior capability in accurately identifying IIR system parameters even under noise and varying model orders. This study positions mDO as a competitive and versatile tool for engineering applications, offering significant improvements in optimization accuracy and adaptability for advanced system modeling and real‐world problem‐solving.
“It's Gonna Be a Stressful Day!”: How Stressor Forecasting Moderates Stress and Wellbeing in Real‐World Contexts
Authors: Elsey Jamie S. , Dutton Sam , Lohani Monika
Published: February 2025

Stressor forecasting predicts the likelihood of a stressful event occurring in an upcoming timeframe and can significantly influence everyday experiences. The current study aimed to understand how stressor forecasting may moderate links between hourly stress and affective experiences over the course of a day. An ecological momentary assessment approach was used to collect data from 304 participants about their predicted stressor forecasting and hourly stress to personally relevant stressors and affective experiences 10 times within a day. We predicted that stressor forecasting would moderate the relationship between stress and affective experiences (separately for negative and positive affect). Stressor forecasting significantly moderated the links between stress and negative affect, but not between stress and positive affect. These findings emphasize the meaningful implications that adverse stressor forecasting can have on daily wellbeing, which may lead to the development and maintenance of chronic stress.
Validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory: Parent version
Authors: Hashimoto Ryusaku , Sueda Keitaro , Tsuji Yui , Nakashima Yota , Yagyu Kazuyori , Takeda Toshinobu
Published: February 2025

Aim

We developed a Japanese version of the Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory (CABI) and evaluated its validity and reliability.

Methods

A total of 2433 parents and 108 students in grades 4 and above participated in this study. First, we assessed the agreement between the parents' evaluations of internalizing disorders (anxiety and depression modules) and their children's self‐reports. The criterion‐related validity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)‐inattention, ADHD‐hyperactivity/impulsivity, and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) modules was also evaluated. Subsequently, we investigated whether cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS) items differed from the ADHD items through factor analysis and examined the relationship between CDS and internalizing problems. Finally, we established normative data to adapt the CABI for use in the Japanese population.

Results

Parents' observational evaluations of internalizing disorders showed moderate agreement with children's self‐reports. The ADHD‐inattention, ADHD‐hyperactivity/impulsivity, and ODD modules demonstrated moderate to high criterion‐related validity. Factor analysis revealed that the CDS module assesses symptoms distinct from ADHD symptoms. In the Japanese population, CDS exhibited a two‐factor structure (daydreaming and mental confusion), with developmental changes observed across age groups. The internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the CABI are moderate to high.

Conclusions

The scores of each CABI module were found to be reliable and valid within the Japanese sample. Future clinical research should focus on the evaluation of CDS, which is often comorbid with ADHD.
ShiftScan: A tool for rapid analysis of high‐throughput differential scanning fluorimetry data and compound prioritization
Authors: Waterworth Samantha C. , Shenoy Shilpa R. , Sharma Nirmala D. , Wolcott Chris , Donohue Duncan E. , O'Keefe Barry R. , Beutler John A.
Published: February 2025

Differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) can be an effective high‐throughput screening assay in drug discovery for detecting protein‐compound interactions that stabilize or destabilize macromolecules. Due to the magnitude and quality of the data produced by this biophysical assay, analyzing and prioritizing compounds from large‐scale DSF data sets has proven challenging to the research community. Here, we present ShiftScan—a powerful, stand‐alone tool designed for the rapid analysis of DSF data and compound prioritization based on thermal transition patterns. ShiftScan accurately and quickly predicts melting temperatures (Tm values) from both canonical and non‐canonical transition patterns, efficiently filtering out spurious data to minimize false positives. We report on the use of this tool for data analysis of screens involving both pure compound and natural product fraction libraries and provide the software to the screening community to aid in the discovery of molecularly‐targeted compounds. Instructions for installation and usage of ShiftScan can be found at our GitHub repository: https://github.com/samche42/ShiftScan.
TYMIRIUM® technology: the discovery of Cyclobutrifluram
Authors: Flemming Anthony , Guest Marcus , Luksch Torsten , O'Sullivan Anthony , Screpanti Claudio , Dumeunier Raphael , Gaberthüel Matthias , Godineau Edouard , Harlow Philippa , Jeanguenat André , Kurtz Benedikt , Maienfisch Peter , Mondière Régis , Pierce Andy , Slaats Brigitte , Smejkal Tomas , Loiseleur Olivier
Published: February 2025

Syngenta responded to significant agricultural losses caused by plant‐parasitic nematodes by initiating a next‐generation nematicide discovery program. This effort led to the development of TYMIRIUM® technology, a nematicide and fungicide solution containing Cyclobutrifluram as its active ingredient. In 2022, this innovative solution received its first registration. Cyclobutrifluram, a chiral phenyl‐cyclobutyl‐pyridineamide, demonstrates wide‐ranging effectiveness against all economically important plant parasitic nematodes and several soil‐borne diseases, particularly those caused by Fusarium species. The discovery of this molecule involved hit the identification, lead exploration, and optimization stages, which made use of various methods such as phenotypic nematicide screening platforms, targeted screening libraries, rapid target identification through biochemical and genetic approaches, in vitro assays for structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis, and homology models for structure‐based design. This multi‐disciplinary approach led to the successful identification of Cyclobutrifluram as the key component in TYMIRIUM® technology. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pyridoxic Acid as Endogenous Biomarker of Renal Organic Anion Transporter Activity: Population Variability and Mechanistic Modeling to Predict Drug–Drug Interactions
Authors: Thakur Aarzoo , Mathialagan Sumathy , Kimoto Emi , Varma Manthena V. S.
Published: February 2025

Pyridoxic acid (PDA) was suggested as a potential endogenous biomarker to assess in vivo renal organic anion transporter (OAT) 1 and 3 activity. Here, we first investigated the population variability in the plasma baseline levels of PDA using data from five independent studies (conducted/supported by Pfizer), and subsequently developed mechanistic physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to assess its effectiveness in biomarker‐informed drug–drug interaction (DDI) predictions. Meta‐analysis suggested that the inter‐individual variability in PDA plasma concentration was ~40% across all five studies (n = 71 subjects). While sex‐dependent differences were not evident, the baseline plasma PDA levels were significantly higher (38%, p < 0.05) in White males compared to Japanese males. Correspondingly, the amount of PDA excreted in urine and renal clearance were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in Japanese males (1.5‐ and 2.2‐fold, respectively), compared to White males. A PBPK model considering relative activity factor‐based scaling of in vitro transport data indicated > 80% contribution by OAT3 to the renal clearance of PDA. The baseline plasma concentrations across multiple studies were recovered by the model; and using in vitro inhibition potency data, the model predicted effect of OAT inhibitors (probenecid, ritlecitinib and tafamidis) on PDA pharmacokinetics. Furthermore, DDIs with OAT3 object drug, furosemide, were well‐predicted by the biomarker‐informed PBPK model. PDA data and the modeling approach indicated lack of clinically‐relevant OAT inhibition with ritlecitinib and tafamidis. Overall, this study presents PDA as a reliable biomarker to assess OAT3‐mediated renal DDIs with moderate inter‐subject and inter‐study variability.
Climate Change, Land Degradation and Sustainable Development in Africa? Evidence for AfCFTA Implementation
Authors: Okunade Solomon O. , Assoua Joe E. , Binuomote Samuel O. , Osabuohien Evans , Eric Bomdzele , Enwa Sarah , Omosehin Olanrewaju
Published: February 2025

This study assesses the effect of climate change and land degradation on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 indicators (agricultural productivity, crop yields, agricultural output per capita, livelihoods, and economic growth) for different African regions. Using data from 46 African countries (1990–2022), we employ the Panel‐Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE) and the Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) techniques to show that both climate change and land degradation have substantial negative impacts on the pursuit of achieving SDG2, especially in agriculture, forestry, and fishing. We also show that some specific indicators of climate change, like rainfall patterns, had positive impacts on SDG2, while indicators of land degradation such as deforestation and resource depletion hindered progress. Thus, the study provides evidence of a critical need for integrated policies and strategies encompassing climate change adaptation and mitigation, land restoration and conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices in Africa.
Enhancing the Solubility of Dihomo‐gamma‐Linolenic Acid Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents for Human Tumors Therapy Development
Authors: Hayyan Adeeb , Al‐Maari Mohammed Abobakr , Abed Khalid M. , Alanazi Yousef Mohammed , Saleh Jehad , Gupta Bhaskar Sen , Kang Devin Chen Yung , Hizaddin Hanee F. , Salleh M. Zulhaziman M.
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the potential of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) for dihomo‐γ‐linolenic acid (DGLA) solubility. The conductor‐like screening model for real solvents (COSMO‐RS) was used in this study as a computational software tool to predict the relative solubilization ability of 50 different NADES for DGLA. Furthermore, the solubilization mechanisms were examined by analyzing the activity coefficients, sigma profile (σ‐profile), and the excess Gibbs free energy. The results reveal that NADES, consisting of menthol and camphor, Men/Cam (1:1), exhibited the highest capacity (6.352) for DGLA capacity, highlighting its potential for enhanced delivery and application. Furthermore, the σ‐profile analysis and excess Gibbs free energy calculations confirm strong interaction and miscibility of Men/Cam (1:1) with DGLA. This computational approach offers valuable guidance for selecting the optimal NADES compositions to improve DGLA solubility, potentially advancing cancer therapy strategies and contributing to pharmaceutical science and drug delivery. This is the first study to apply COSMO‐RS in designing and developing a promising therapeutic agent for human tumor treatment.
Progress in Advanced Composite Hydrogel Dressings: Innovative Materials and Designs for the Treatment of Chronic Wounds
Authors: Sun Zhongqi , Zhao Li , Wang Fenglong , Zhao Degang , Jiang Yanyan
Published: February 2025

Chronic wounds, as a kind of long‐term disease that is difficult to cure, are challenged in healthcare, placing substantial physical, emotional, and economic burdens on patients and society. Effective treatment of chronic wounds is essential for improving patient quality of life, reducing healthcare costs, and alleviating the strain on medical resources. Hydrogel materials have emerged as promising candidates for chronic wound treatment due to their exceptional adaptability to wound environments and the ability to deliver various therapeutic agents, effectively promoting the healing of chronic wounds. However, the wide array of available materials with diverse functionalities presents a challenge in selecting the most appropriate components for synthesizing hydrogel wound dressings. This review summarizes the common hydrogel materials, including their properties, cross‐linking methods, and applications. Additionally, it systematically categorizes different therapeutic agents, elucidating their action mechanisms and therapeutic effects. Furthermore, this work offers guidance on material selection and hydrogel dressing design based on the characteristics of chronic wounds. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of composite hydrogels in the field of wound dressings are discussed. This review provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of hydrogel wound dressings and offers a reliable basis for selecting appropriate materials to synthesize ideal hydrogel wound dressings for chronic wounds.
Electrochemical Approaches for Radioactive Wastewater Treatments
Authors: Sholikhah Mu'nisatun , Harmesa Harmesa , Sinaga Septy , Putri Yulia Mariana Tesa Ayudia , Fisli Adel , Ivandini Tribidasari A.
Published: February 2025

Radioactive waste has become a critical concern due to its adverse impacts on the sustainability of living organisms and the environment. The waste is widely generated from various nuclear activities, such as nuclear power generation, healthcare, industry, mining, and research. Recently, there has been an intense focus on developing electrochemical techniques for radioactive waste management as these techniques offer several advantages compared to other methods, including cleanliness, versatility, environmental friendliness, ease of operation, and good compatibility with other waste management methods. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the electrochemical‐based methods development and their capabilities to extract various radionuclides from liquid wastes. This article follows a traditional literature review method, unsystematically collecting publications from 2009 to 2024 and analyzing them using a theoretical approach and comparative data. Various electrochemical techniques, such as electrodeposition, electro‐Fenton, electrodialysis, electrocoagulation flotation, microbial fuel cells, electrosorption/capacitive deionization, and photoelectrocatalysis, have been discussed. The main focus includes radionuclide types, electrodes, process conditions, as well as radionuclide extraction effectiveness. This review highlights the application of electrochemical technologies in radioactive waste treatment and provides a comparative analysis to support future research and development.
Phytochemical Profiling and Bioactivity of Leucosceptrum Canum Extracts from the Uttarakhand Himalayas: Nematicidal and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Potential
Authors: Karakoti Himani , Kumar Ravendra , Mahawer Sonu Kumar , Prakash Om , Kumar Satya , Rawat Shilpi , Rawat D.S. , Maslowiecka Jolanta , Isidorov Valery A. , de Oliveira Mozaniel Santana
Published: February 2025

This study includes a comparative investigation to analyze the phytochemical composition, nematicidal efficacy, in vitro AChE inhibitory activity, and molecular docking study of Leucosceptrum canum. (LC) extracts. Various polarity solvent extracts including hexane (LCHE), dichloromethane (LCDE), and methanol (LCME) were prepared from LC aerial parts using Soxhlet extraction. Phytochemical analysis was done using GC‐MS technique to identify and quantify the presence of bioactive compounds revealing that LCHE is abundant in fatty acids (43.85%) and triterpenoid (24.18%) compounds. LCDE, on the other hand, is characterized by a predominance of flavones and flavonoids (53.75%), while LCME is rich in phenols and phenolic compounds (34.83%). Nematicidal efficacy was evaluated against root knot nematode in terms of egg hatchability inhibition and mortality assay. LCDE exhibited significant nematicidal activity, with 74.67% mortality at 1000 µg/mL after 96 h of exposure. LCHE and LCDE showed maximum egg hatching inhibition of 78.94% at 1000 µg/mL after 96 h. The in vitro assay was conducted to assess acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity revealing that LCDE exhibited the most potent inhibition (IC50 = 26.08 µg/mL), followed by LCHE (IC50 = 38.85 ± 0.85 µg/mL) and LCME (IC50 = 54.66 ±1.03 µg/mL). Molecular docking revealed binding interactions between the bioactive compounds identified in LC extracts and the catalytic domain of AChE.
Reversible Microadhesives with Good Adhesion Anisotropy via Dual‐Gradient Modulus Constructing
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Liu Shijie , Tian Jinfeng , Ding Weiyi , Han Shitian , Yang Gengchen , Chen Yang , Liang Mei , Liu Pengbo , Heng Zhengguang , Zhou Shengtai , Luo Yinfu , Yan Liwei , Xia Shuang , Zou Huawei
Published: February 2025

Bioinspired microadhesives can generate strong adhesion at the interface through van der Waals forces, demonstrating promising potential applications across various fields. However, the inherent conflicts between microstructural stability and compliance, as well as strong adhesion and easy detachment, significantly hinder the development and practical applications of microadhesives. In this work, wedged microadhesives (WMs) of dual‐gradient modulus are fabricated via magnetically assisted soft‐molding. The dual‐gradient modulus WMs exhibit a maximum shear adhesion performance of 4.9 N cm−2 and a minimum normal adhesion performance of 0.13 N cm−2 under the same preload, achieving an excellent anisotropy ratio (AR) of up to 37.7. The dual‐gradient modulus generates a greater modulus gradient difference, with the low modulus facilitating to maintain well‐conformal contact, while the high modulus enhances the shear adhesion and normal detachment capabilities, which simultaneously improve the long‐term stability. Additionally, a quadruped gripping mechanism is designed and exhibited stable grasping and on‐demand rapid release when integrated with the WMs, demonstrating an excellent anisotropic adhesion performance. The dual‐gradient modulus WMs provide a valuable solution for designing microadhesives that exhibit both structural stability and compliance, along with strong adhesion and easy detachment. These findings will greatly benefit the applications of reversible microadhesives in on‐orbit servicing technology.
ESIPT Nano‐Emitter to Probe Lysosome Biogenesis in Live Cells
Authors: Virmani Mishika , Jayakannan Manickam
Published: February 2025

Endosome‐lysosome fusion and endo‐lysosome fission‐mediated lysosome biogenesis are crucial in regulating cellular health, and their dysregulation signifies disease. Tracking such intricate events with minimal disturbance remains elusive due to the scarcity of single‐component synthetic probes capable of distinctly and simultaneously labeling both endosomes and lysosomes. Here, an amphiphilic π–conjugated imine probe is designed that forms micellar self‐assemblies in water, called Nano‐emitter, which distinctly and simultaneously labels endosomes and lysosomes upon monochromatic‐wavelength excitation. ESIPT (Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer) active Nano‐emitter shows red fluorescence at endosomal pH. Its hydrolysis to fluorescent amine, PEG‐Naph at lysosomal pH illuminated lysosomes fluorescent green, with both imine and amine forms excitable using a 405 nm confocal laser. The two‐color labeling of endosomes and lysosomes enabled tracking of their fusion and lysosome‐biogenesis processes in living cells. Using multiplexed time‐lapse imaging with Nano‐emitter and anti‐cancer drug doxorubicin, the role of these processes is investigated in lysosome‐mediated doxorubicin sequestration in MCF‐7 cells. The results show that endosomes as well as endo‐lysosomes also sequestered doxorubicin apart from lysosomes. Interestingly, doxorubicin‐sequestered endo‐lysosomes underwent fission and generated more doxorubicin‐sequestered lysosomes, preventing the drug's nuclear localization. Such versatile probes can enhance the understanding of drug sequestration and foster therapeutic strategies.
Biomineralize Mitochondria in Metal‐Organic Frameworks to Promote Mitochondria Transplantation From Non‐Tumorigenic Cells Into Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhou Jun‐Nian , Liu Chang , Wang Yonghui , Guo Yong , Xu Xiao‐Yu , Vuorimaa‐Laukkanen Elina , Koivisto Oliver , Filppula Anne M. , Ye Jiangbin , Zhang Hongbo
Published: February 2025

Mitochondria are crucial to cellular physiology, and growing evidence highlights the significant impact of mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetes, aging, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancers. Therefore, mitochondrial transplantation shows great potential for therapeutic use in treating these diseases. However, transplantation process is notably challenging due to very low efficiency and rapid loss of bioactivity post‐isolation, leading to poor reproducibility and reliability. In this study, we develop a novel strategy to form a nanometer‐thick protective shell around isolated mitochondria using Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs) through biomineralization. Our findings demonstrate that this encapsulation method effectively maintains mitochondria bioactivity for at least 4 weeks at room temperature. Furthermore, the efficiency of intracellular delivery of mitochondria is significantly enhanced through the surface functionalization of MOFs with polyethyleneimine (PEI) and the cell‐penetrating peptide Tat. The successful delivery of mitochondria isolated from non‐tumorigenic cells into cancer cells results in notable tumor‐suppressive effects. Taken together, our technology represents a significant advancement in mitochondria research, particularly on understanding their role in cancer. It also lays the groundwork for utilizing mitochondria as therapeutic agents in cancer treatment.
A Systemic Reflection On Why Biology Is Best : E(s) ∞$$ \infty $$mc2Sentience, Consciousness and Transcendance?
Authors: McIntyre‐Mills J. J.
Published: February 2025

The short essay makes a case that a post biological world will be a devolution. Sentience is a relational process linked with the awe and wonder we experience in relation to one another and our shared habitat. The voiceless need to be protected by extending solidarity on the basis of sentience—a normative plea, but also on the basis of pragmatism—as our shared existence in a shared habitat is co‐determined. Posthuman beings in a digital world could have a very different existence in relationship to the few remaining human beings who could perhaps self‐select through their ability to protect themselves at the expense of others and our shared habitat. Evolution rests on both the ability to compete and to co‐operate. The former has been emphasised to the extent that it threatens our shared existence through commodification of life and the destruction of other species.
Ovarian Pedicle Local Analgesia in Midline versus Flank Cat Ovariectomy
Authors: Carbonari Alice , Di Bello Antonio , Lillo Edoardo , Caprio Francesco , Burgio Matteo , Cicirelli Vincenzo , Sciorsci Raffaele Luigi , Rizzo Annalisa
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The study aimed to assess perioperative pain in cats subjected to ovariectomy, performed with a midline or flank approach, receiving a lidocaine splash on each ovarian pedicle.

Methods

Eighty female cats were divided into two groups: flank group (F), made up of 40 subjects ovariectomised using the flank approach, and the midline group (M), which consisted of 40 subjects using the midline approach. Each group was divided into two subgroups: the local anaesthesia group (L), consisting of 20 cats belonging to group F (LF) and 20 cats belonging to group M (LM), which received a splash of lidocaine (4 mg/kg) diluted in 0.5 mL/kg of saline solution on the ovarian pedicles before their ligation, and the control group (C), consisting of 20 cats belonging to group F (CF) and 20 cats belonging to group M (CM), which received the same splash using saline solution. Heart rate, respiratory rate and systolic blood pressure were monitored to assess intraoperative nociception response. An operator assigned postoperative pain scores following the Glasgow scale revised composite measure pain scale feline.

Results

Intraoperative HR and SBP and postoperative pain scores were higher in the control groups. The number of patients requiring rescue analgesia was higher in the control groups. In the midline approach, HR and SBP increased significantly during exteriorisation of both ovaries, while in the flank approach, this occurred predominantly during exteriorisation of the second ovary.

Clinical Significance

Concurred use of local and systemic analgesia in cats undergoing flank or midline ovariectomy may reduce intraoperative nociception and postoperative pain and reduce the need for rescue analgesia.
Comparison of cervical versus thoracic spinal cord injury outcomes in pediatric trauma patients
Authors: Martino Alice M. , Grigorian Areg , Kuza Catherine M. , Burruss Sigrid , Swentek Lourdes , Guner Yigit , Goodman Laura F. , Nahmias Jeffry
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To explore differences based on level of pediatric spinal cord injury (SCI), we compared cervical and thoracic SCI in pediatric trauma patients (PTPs), hypothesizing higher mortality and length of stay (LOS) for cervical SCI.

Methods

The 2017–2021 Trauma Quality Improvement Program was queried for all PTPs ≤ 17 years-old with cervical or thoracic SCI. Bivariate analyses compared the two groups. The primary outcome was mortality and secondary outcomes included hospital LOS and injury severity scores (ISS). Logistic regression models were used to determine independent risk factors for death and prolonged ventilation.

Results

Of 5280 PTPs, 2538 (65.9%) had cervical SCI and 1316 (34.1%) had thoracic SCI. Motor vehicle collisions were the most common cause of both cervical and thoracic SCI (37.8 and 41.9%). PTPs with thoracic SCI had higher rates of positive drug screen as compared to cervical SCI (39.2 vs 29.8%, p = 0.001). PTPs with thoracic SCI had higher median ISS (25 vs 16, p < 0.001), while cervical SCI had higher mortality (13 vs 6.1%, p < 0.001) but decreased hospital LOS (median 9 vs 5 days, p < 0.001. Cervical SCI were associated with a nearly fourfold increase in the risk of death (95% CI 2.750–5.799, p < 0.001) and a 1.6-fold increase in the risk of prolonged ventilator requirement (95% CI 1.228–2.068, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

PTPs with cervical SCI have higher mortality while those with thoracic SCI have higher ISS and hospital LOS. Cervical SCI were associated with a fourfold higher risk of death. MVC was the most common cause of injury, and both groups had high rates of positive drug screens. Understanding differing outcomes may assist providers with prognostication and injury prevention.
Assessing customized multivalent chemokine-binding peptide treatment in a murine model of coxsackievirus B3 myocarditis
Authors: Kelm Nicolas , Kespohl Meike , Smagurauskaite Gintare , Vales Serena , Karuppanan Kalimuthu , Mburu Philomena , Thiele Arne , Pinkert Sandra , Bukur Thomas , Mülleder Michael , Berndt Nikolaus , Klingel Karin , Gaida Matthias M. , Bhattacharya Shoumo , Beling Antje
Published: February 2025

Myocarditis, an inflammatory disease of the heart muscle, is often triggered by viral infections. This inflammation, which can lead to severe cardiac dysfunction and adverse outcomes, is mediated by various CC and CXC chemokines that interact with receptors in a “one-to-many” fashion. Ticks have evolved chemokine-binding salivary proteins known as Evasins, which efficiently suppress inflammation. This study explores a tailored Evasin-derived CC chemokine-targeting strategy using a 17-mer synthetic dimeric peptide, BK1.3. This peptide inhibits the inflammatory chemokines CCL2, CCL3, CCL7, and CCL8 in murine Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection, a viral trigger of myocarditis. Administered at a dose of 5 mg/kg twice daily, BK1.3 effectively maintains virus control without exacerbating CVB3-induced morbidity markers, such as hemodynamic compromise, multiorgan failure with hepatitis and pancreatitis, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and weight loss. Metabolic profiling combined with proteomics reveals preserved reprogramming of lipid storage and gluconeogenesis capacity in the liver, alongside sustained energy production in the injured heart muscle. In survivors of acute CVB3 infection exhibiting manifestations of the subacute phase, BK1.3 enhances virus control, reduces myeloid cell infiltration in the heart and liver, improves markers of liver injury, and alleviates cardiac dysfunction, as evidenced by echocardiographic global longitudinal strain analysis. These findings affirm the safety profile of BK1.3 peptide therapeutics in a preclinical mouse model of acute CVB3 infection and emphasize its potential for therapeutic advancement in addressing virus-induced inflammation in the heart.
Herbivory legacy modifies leaf economic spectrum and drought tolerance in two tree species
Authors: Gordaliza Guillermo G. , García-Rovés José Carlos Miranda , López Rosana , Aranda Ismael , Gil Luis , Perea Ramón , Rodríguez-Calcerrada Jesús
Published: February 2025

The concurring effect of herbivory by wild ungulates and drought events is experiencing a notable increase in Mediterranean and temperate forests. While many studies have addressed the influence of drought on plant susceptibility to herbivory, it appears crucial to comprehend the impact of prolonged browsing on the physiological response of plants to increasing water deficit. To this end, we analyzed the effect of long-term recurrent herbivory by ungulates on physiological, biochemical, anatomical and morphological variables of Ilex aquifolium and Fagus sylvatica saplings during the growing seasons of 2018 and 2019 in a mixed sub-Mediterranean forest. We compared plants growing within an exclosure fence since 2006 (unbrowsed) with plants growing outside (browsed) that were also fenced during the study to investigate herbivory legacy. Twelve years of herbivory pressure modified significantly plant functional performance. Independently of the species, browsed plants showed higher root-to-shoot ratio, stem cross-sectional area-to-leaf area ratio, predawn leaf water potential, leaf nitrogen concentration and leaf gas exchange rates than unbrowsed plants. Moreover, browsed plants had lower leaf bulk modulus of elasticity, and higher osmotic potential at full turgor and turgor loss point. Thus, herbivory modified the leaf economic spectrum towards a more resource-acquisitive and less water stress tolerant type. These results suggest that, once browsing has subsided, plants continue to reflect some legacy effects that make them more vulnerable to further abiotic and biotic stresses, which has implications for forest regeneration.
The effects of enteral tube feeding on nutrition, survival, and quality of life outcomes in advanced upper gastrointestinal cancers: a systematic literature review
Authors: Mannino Adriana , Lasry Caroline , Kuypers Julia , Haines Terry P. , Croagh Daniel , Hanna Lauren , Furness Kate
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Despite guidelines, enteral tube feeding is not routinely provided to advanced upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer patients who cannot consume adequate nutrition and who have an expected survival of at least 3 months. This review examined its effect on nutrition status, survival, and quality of life (QOL) in these patients.

Methods

Five databases (CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, Ovid, Web of Science) were searched for original research on nutrition, survival, and/or QOL outcomes in adults with inoperable UGI cancers receiving enteral tube feeding. Quality was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist: Primary Research, and a narrative synthesis was conducted.

Results

Five studies were eligible for inclusion, most participants were male (n = 205), with low sample sizes across all studies (n = 16–131). Enteral tube feeding resulted in a similar proportion of participants with weight loss above or below 5% (baseline to 12 weeks) compared to a control group [p > 0.05] (1 study), and a significant increase in mean lean body mass [+1.3 (± 4.0) kg, p = 0.01] (1 study). There was variability in survival outcomes, statistical modelling, and comparators in five studies, with subsequently contradictory results. Only one study reported on QOL. Study quality was assessed as neutral (4 studies) or negative (1 study), reflecting methodological/analytical issues across the studies.

Conclusions

This systematic literature review highlights a significant knowledge gap, with no high-quality randomised controlled trial-based evidence available on enteral nutrition efficacy, limiting its use in dietetic practice in this sub-population. Despite treatment developments prolonging survival, research investigating feeding and its impact on QOL remains inadequate. Further research is needed to promote change and influence practice, policy, and guidelines, alongside high-quality intervention studies with defined nutrition outcomes, regimens, and robust statistical analyses to determine the benefits of enteral tube feeding in this vulnerable population.
Cytochromes P460 and c′-β: exploiting a novel fold for multiple functions
Authors: Adams Hannah R. , Fujii Sotaro , Pfalzgraf Hans E. , Smyth Peter , Andrew Colin R. , Hough Michael A.
Published: February 2025

Two related classes of ligand-binding heme c-containing proteins with a high degree of structural homology have been identified and characterized over recent decades: cytochromes P460 (cyts P460), defined by an unusual heme-lysine cross-link, and cytochromes c′-β (cyts c′-β), containing a canonical c-heme without the lysine cross-link. The shared protein fold of the cyt P460-cyt c′-β superfamily can accommodate a variety of heme environments with entirely different reactivities. On the one hand, cyts P460 with polar distal pockets have been shown to oxidize NH2OH to NO and/or N2O via proton-coupled electron transfer. On the other hand, cyts c′-β with hydrophobic distal pockets have a proposed gas binding function similar to the unrelated, but more extensively characterized, alpha helical cytochromes c′. Recent studies have also identified ‘halfway house’ proteins (cyts P460 with non-polar heme pockets and cyts c′-β with polar distal heme pockets) with functions yet to be resolved. Here, we review the structural, spectroscopic and enzymatic properties of the cyt P460-cyt c′-β superfamily with a view to understanding the structural determinants of their different functional properties.

Graphical abstract
Digital Pathology Displays Under Pressure: Benchmarking Performance Across Market Grades
Authors: Marletta Stefano , Caputo Alessandro , Guidi Gabriele , Pantanowitz Liron , Pagni Fabio , Bavieri Iacopo , L’Imperio Vincenzo , Brunelli Matteo , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo , Eccher Albino
Published: February 2025

Digital pathology (DP) has transformed the practice of pathology by digitizing pathology glass slides, thereby enhancing diagnostic capabilities. In contrast to radiology, studies comparing the efficiency of DP monitors are limited. This work used a stress test that simulated DP sign-out in practice to evaluate the performance of medical-grade (MG) and consumer off-the-shelf (COTS) displays. Four displays, including three MG and one COTS, were assessed for luminance, contrast ratio, accuracy, and image uniformity. Key metrics, such as luminance uniformity and maximum brightness, were evaluated during a 1-month period that simulated use to reflect an 8-h work day. MG displays outperformed COTS in critical parameters, even though consumer displays were satisfactory for diagnostic purposes. Image uniformity exhibited the most significant variations, with deterioration noted over 2.5% for all displays during the test period. This study compared different types of displays for DP and highlights the importance of regular calibration for maintaining display performance when using DP. Further research is recommended to define validation protocols, including the impact of display aging on DP accuracy.
The number of conspecific alarm substance donors notably influences the behavioural responses of zebrafish subjected to a traumatic stress procedure
Authors: van Staden Cailin , Finger-Baier Karin , Weinshenker David , Botha Tarryn L. , Brand Linda , Wolmarans De Wet
Published: February 2025

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) represents a complementary pre-clinical model in stress and anxiety research. Conspecific alarm substance (CAS), an alarm pheromone secreted by injured fish, acts as a warning signal and modulates fear responses. Given their schooling nature and that injury precedes CAS release, varying fresh CAS concentrations extracted from different numbers of CAS-donating zebrafish may uniquely influence trauma-related behaviours. Thus, we investigated the behaviour of juvenile and adult zebrafish exposed to traumatic stress protocols, in the presence of CAS extracted from varying numbers of donating zebrafish. Juveniles were assessed for anxiety and boldness in the light–dark and open field tests (LDT and OFT), while adults were assessed in the novel tank test (NTT) and novel OFT (nOFT). We found that (1) trauma minimally impacted juvenile behaviour regardless of donor-derived CAS concentrations, (2) trauma-exposed adults displayed reduced exploration and heightened risk-taking behaviours in the NTT and nOFT compared to control-exposed fish, (3) NTT and nOFT freezing behaviours were distinctly emulated in adult fish and (4) post-trauma behaviour in adults was influenced by the number of donors. Therefore, CAS concentration as determined by donor number has age-related effects on anxiety- and risk-taking behaviours in trauma-exposed zebrafish, a valuable finding for studies utilising fresh CAS as a stress trigger. While we did not directly investigate CAS concentration through serial dilution, our data are of significant translational and ethological relevance, highlighting the importance of in-house method standardization in stress-related studies utilizing fresh CAS as an alarm cue.
Internal migration, precarious housing and health issues in urban Ghana
Authors: Dotsey Senyo , Dzikpe Francis , Amoah Daniel Kennedy
Published: February 2025

Most housing forms and living arrangements in contemporary African cities poorly address the needs of mobile populations. This paper therefore explores the housing and living conditions that emerge from the temporal mobility patterns practised by poor, low-income internal migrants and health issues emanating from such living and housing arrangements. The study is based on 71 semi-structured interviews with internal migrants—head porters (locally known as kayayei)—who primarily migrated from northern Ghana to the central part of the country, Kumasi. The findings demonstrate that in addition to the health problems arising from the physically demanding nature of their work, all participants endure precarious housing conditions, further exacerbating their health issues. More importantly, it is argued here that the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened their socio-economic vulnerability and instability. The implications of these findings are significant for policies related to housing, health and (internal) migration.
Demarcation that Makes the Layperson Smart
Authors: Makuła Szymon
Published: February 2025

This paper presents an easy-to-use and layperson-friendly general demarcation for recognising scientific claims. The research was inspired by Gerd Gigerenzer’s approach to heuristics, which consists of a few yes or no questions and various ideas from social epistemology, such as Longino’s venues, Goldman’s notion of cognitive expertise, Anderson’s hierarchy of experts, and Lackey’s concept of acquiring knowledge through others’ testimony. The whole procedure is divided into two tasks. The first establishes whether a given testimony source S is an expert by checking S’s h-index on the Google Scholar search engine. The second is to search Google Scholar for any documented evidence (e.g., reports and textbooks) that proves that there is a consensus among experts that S’s claim is correct.
Software Defined Network Traffic Classification for QoS Optimization Using Machine Learning
Authors: Serag Rehab H. , Abdalzaher Mohamed S. , Elsayed Hussein Abd El Atty , Sobh M.
Published: February 2025

In the era of rapidly expanding network infrastructures, ensuring optimal performance and quality of service (QoS) for diverse applications face significant challenges. Traditional traffic classification (TC) methods often fall short due to their inability to adapt to the dynamic and complex nature of modern network environments. To address this limitation, this paper proposes integrating software defined network (SDN) architecture with machine learning (ML) technology. The study examined four scenarios: multiclass classification and binary classification, both before and after scaling. We used various ML models, including linear, non-linear, and hybrid models. To evaluate the performance of these models, we utilized several evaluation metrics, such as accuracy, F1 score, kappa score, ROC curve, and confusion matrix. The paper examined different feature scaling methods, including standard scaling, min-max scaling, max-abs scaling, and robust scaling. The results showed that both min-max and max-abs scaling provided the best performance enhancement across the four scaling methods. Finally, XGBoost model provided the highest performance across all scenarios, with accuracy reaching up to 99.97%.
Tracking genetic diversity in amur tigers: a long-term study using microsatellites in Southwest Primorye, Russia
Authors: Lee Jangmi , Marchenkova Taisiia , Matiukhina Dina , Lim Anya , Kim Yung Kun , Jeong Daecheol , Hyun Jee Yun , Cho Sujoo , Kim Dong Youn , Li Ying , Darman Yury , Min Mi-Sook , Cho Je-Yeol , Bardyuk Victor , Lee Younghee , Pandey Puneet , Lee Hang
Published: February 2025

Background

The tiger population in Southwest Primorye is small and predominantly isolated from the main Sikhote-Alin population, which constitutes approximately 90% of the wild Amur tiger population. By 1996, this population declined to fewer than 10 individuals, but it has since grown and expanded into nearby habitats, now numbering over 50 individuals. Therefore, the regular genetic monitoring of this population is essential, as it has grown from a few founding members and remained geographically isolated.

Methods and results

Genetic diversity was assessed using nine heterologous microsatellite markers amplified from non-invasively collected samples of 20 individual tigers. The Southwest Primorye tiger population exhibited moderate genetic diversity, with allelic richness (Na) at 3.67 and observed heterozygosity (Ho) at 0.63. Additionally, we detected a slight tendency toward heterozygosity excess at several loci, with an overall negative FIS, which may be influenced by recent genetic admixture or subtle population structuring. comparative assessment between our study and Sugimoto et al. (2012) revealed a marginal increase in genetic diversity over time, suggesting improved genetic health of the population, potentially due to genetic exchange with other populations.

Conclusions

The significant growth and expansion of the Southwest Primorye tiger population into adjacent areas of Northeast China over the past two decades suggest a positive population trajectory. This modest increase in genetic diversity indicates a potentially favorable population condition. However, continuous genetic monitoring remains essential to track genetic trends, detect potential risks, and inform conservation strategies. This study highlights the need for ongoing evaluations to ensure the long-term survival of the Amur tiger population in Southwest Primorye.