bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
kNDVI Spatiotemporal Variations and Climate Lag on Qilian Southern Slope: Sen–Mann–Kendall and Hurst Index Analyses for Ecological Insights
Authors: Zhang Qian , Cao Guangchao , Zhao Meiliang , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2025

In the context of climate change, the southern slope of the Qilian Mountains stands as a pivotal region for China’s ecological security, holding immense significance for sustaining ecological sustainable development. This study aims to precisely monitor and predict the dynamic changes in vegetation cover within this region, along with their time-lagged effects on climate change, thereby providing a scientific basis for ecological management. By calculating the kNDVI from 2001 to 2020 on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, and integrating the Sen’s trend analysis, Hurst exponent, and partial correlation analysis, we have conducted an in-depth exploration of the long-term spatiotemporal variations in kNDVI on the southern slope of the Qilian Mountains and its delayed responses to climate factors. The primary research findings can be summarized as follows: The kNDVI on the southern slope of the Qilian Mountains exhibits an overall positive trend, with notable geographical variations in its spatial distribution. The proportion of areas showing vegetation improvement is as high as 84%, while degraded areas account for only 17%. Furthermore, there is an average lag response of 1.6 months for kNDVI to precipitation and 0.6 months to temperature in this region. The response speed positively correlates with the time-lagged partial correlation coefficient between kNDVI and climate factors. Notably, kNDVI is more sensitive to temperature variations in the southern slope area of the Qilian Mountains. This study not only fills the gap in long-term kNDVI monitoring for the southern slope of the Qilian Mountains but also offers scientific support for ecological governance and green development initiatives in the region. Additionally, it showcases the innovative application of advanced remote sensing technologies and statistical analysis methods in ecological research, providing fresh perspectives for future ecological management strategies. These findings hold profound implications for promoting sustainable development and ecological conservation in the Qilian Mountains area.
Fall Risk Assessment and Prevention Strategies in Nursing Homes: A Narrative Review
Authors: Miura Takeshi , Kanoya Yuka
Published: February 2025

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Falls in nursing homes significantly affect residents’ health and quality of life. Although considerable progress has been made in fall prevention strategies in acute care settings and community environments, research on fall risk assessment methods and prevention strategies in nursing homes remains scarce. Nursing homes provide long-term care for residents with high levels of dependency, presenting unique challenges in managing fall risks. Nevertheless, unlike hospitals, nursing homes face operational constraints, such as limited resources and staffing. These factors necessitate a tailored approach to fall risk management. This study aimed to summarize the current knowledge of fall risk assessment and prevention methods in nursing homes, clarify practical insights for implementation, and identify research gaps based on studies published over the past five years. Methods: This narrative review targeted studies published between 2019 and 2024 on fall risk assessment and prevention methods in nursing homes. A literature search was conducted using the PubMed and CINAHL databases, combining keywords such as “Accident Prevention”, “Fall Risk Assessment”, “Nursing Homes”, “Long-Term Care”, and “Aged”. The inclusion criteria allowed the inclusion of peer-reviewed academic articles on fall risk assessment or prevention interventions in long-term care facilities published in English within the past five years. Studies focusing on community-dwelling older adults, hospitalized older adults, and review articles were excluded. Results: This review analyzed 55 studies; among them, 27 studies focused on fall risk assessment and 28 focused on fall prevention. Regarding fall risk assessment, widely used tools, such as the Morse Fall Scale, which is also utilized in medical settings, have been extensively examined. In addition, new predictive methods utilizing electronic health records (EHR) and wearable devices have been introduced. However, the limited number of reports highlights the potential challenges in developing indicators that consider the unique characteristics and feasibility of LTC facilities. Regarding fall prevention, studies have examined indirect approaches, such as environmental modifications, and direct interventions, such as exercise programs. Furthermore, staff education and organizational initiatives are crucial in implementing preventive measures. However, most studies have been conducted in experimental settings, with limited empirical research available to assess the practical applications of these strategies in real-world nursing home environments. Conclusions: Fall risk assessments in nursing homes lack practical indicators tailored to the specific characteristics of long-term care facilities. Although various digital technologies have been explored for fall prevention, empirical studies that validate their real-world applicability are lacking.
Associations of Mentally Active Versus Passive Sedentary Behavior with Overweight/Obesity in Adults: Role of Patterns and Sex
Authors: Alobaid Daliya S. , Alansare Abdullah B.
Published: February 2025

Objectives: This study assessed associations of total and mental-activity-based sedentary behavior (SB) with the risk of being overweight or obese in adults. The role of sex and SB patterns and the effects of statistically exchanging different mental-activity-based SBs on body mass index (BMI) were explored. Methods: Participants (n = 1154) from the Saudi Post-COVID-19 Sedentary Behavior Survey self-reported demographics, health-related variables, and last-measured body height and weight. BMI was calculated to classify adults as normal weight or overweight/obese. The Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire estimated total and mentally active and passive SB per day, during weekdays, and on weekends. Adjusted logistic regression and isotemporal substitution models assessed the associations of SBs with the risk of being overweight or obese and the effects of displacing mental-activity-based SBs on BMI, respectively. Results: No significant relationships were observed in the overall sample (p > 0.05). Once sex was considered, the risk of being overweight or obese increased between 5.2% and 10.7% for each hour increase in total and mentally active SBs per day and on weekends in men only (p < 0.05 for all). Replacing one hour of mentally active SB with mentally passive SB resulted in non-significant effects on BMI (p > 0.05). Conclusions: These findings reveal the importance of distinguishing between SBs based on mental activity for more optimal obesity outcomes, particularly in men. Importantly, exchanging mental-activity-based SBs does not appear to be an effective behavioral strategy to reduce obesity. Obesity prevention and management plans should target reducing total and mentally active SBs daily and on weekends.
The Sense of Coherence as a Mediator of the Negative Effect of Discrimination on the Quality of Life in the Migrant Population
Authors: Urzúa Alfonso , Henríquez Diego , Hernández Sara , Caqueo-Urízar Alejandra
Published: February 2025

Migration generates changes in the quality of life (QoL) of immigrants. One of the difficulties that the process of migrating can entail is discrimination, which is the set of negative attitudes towards a person, in this case, because of their nationality. Objective: To analyze the effect that the sense of coherence (SOC) has on the relationship that discrimination by national origin has on quality of life. Method: The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to assess QoL, and Krieger’s Perceived Discrimination Experiences scale and Antonovsky’s SOC-13 scale were applied to 2144 participants (49.9% women), aged between 18 and 82 years, from Venezuela, Colombia and Peru, all of them being first generation migrants living in Chile. Results: In all the national groups evaluated, discrimination has an inverse relationship with both QoL and SOC, while the latter has a positive relationship with QoL. The direct effect of discrimination on QoL life is found to be smaller when this relationship is mediated by the presence of the SOC. This proposed model has good goodness-of-fit indicators in the three national groups evaluated. Conclusions: A strong and well-defined life purpose, a perception of greater control over surrounding events and situations, and perceiving life events as understandable and consistent can be an effective tools to diminish the effect of discrimination on quality of life in the migrant population.
Melatonin Treatment Delays the Senescence of Cut Flowers of “Diguan” Tree Peony by Affecting Water Balance and Physiological Properties
Authors: Wu Mengdi , Zhang Peidong , Sun Yuke , Shang Wenqian , Shi Liyun , Yu Shuiyan , He Songlin , Song Yinglong , Wang Zheng
Published: February 2025

Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.), which is a traditional flower cultivated in China, is rapidly becoming an important species in the cut flower industry. Thus, extending the vase life of tree peony cut flowers is a major goal in the cut flower industry. Melatonin, which is a new type of antioxidant, plays an important regulatory role in the preservation of cut flowers. Therefore, this study employed the cut flower of tree peony “Diguan” as the test material to investigate the preservative effects of the antioxidant melatonin on the cut flower of tree peony “Diguan”. We examined tree peony cut flowers in terms of their morphology, lifespan, relative fresh weight, relative diameter, and water balance value after treatments with different melatonin concentrations (0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mg·L−1) to select the optimal treatment concentration. Considered together, these analyses clarified the effects of melatonin on the preservation of “Diguan” tree peony cut flowers. Specifically, the exogenous application of melatonin positively affected the preservation of tree peony cut flowers by improving the water balance value and increasing the soluble protein content and antioxidant enzyme activities, thereby prolonging the ornamental period of tree peony cut flowers. The fresh weight of flower branches is significantly positively correlated with soluble protein, and cut flower lifespan increases with the values of soluble protein and the fresh weight of flower branches, with a large correlation coefficient. It can be used as an important indicator to measure cut flower lifespan in subsequent research. The 0.4 mg L−1 melatonin treatment was optimal for preserving tree peony cut flowers because of its positive effects on the duration of the ornamental period and ornamental quality.
Synaptic Dysregulation Drives Hyperexcitability in Pyramidal Neurons Surrounding Freeze-Induced Neocortical Malformations in Rats
Authors: Malkin Sergey L. , Amakhin Dmitry V. , Soboleva Elena B. , Postnikova Tatiana Y. , Zaitsev Aleksey V.
Published: February 2025

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is a leading cause of drug-resistant epilepsy; however, the mechanisms underlying hyperexcitability in the affected cortical regions remain poorly understood. In this study, we employed a freeze-induced neocortical malformation model in rats to investigate the electrophysiological properties of pyramidal neurons surrounding the microgyrus and to evaluate changes in synaptic transmission. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, we analyzed passive and active membrane properties, synaptic responses, and epileptiform activity in brain slices from rats with FCD and sham-operated controls. Our results revealed that while the intrinsic biophysical properties of neurons remained largely unchanged, the summation of excitatory and inhibitory inputs was significantly enhanced. Notably, the balance of inhibitory and excitatory synaptic currents was shifted toward excitation, making the perilesional cortex more susceptible to seizure generation. In a model of epileptiform activity induced by GABAA receptor blockade and reduced Mg2+ concentration, we observed early ictal activity originating in the microgyrus and spreading to adjacent regions. These findings demonstrate that synaptic perturbations, rather than alterations in intrinsic neuronal properties, are the primary drivers of hyperexcitability in this model. Our study highlights the importance of synaptic dysregulation in FCD-related epilepsy and suggests that targeting synaptic transmission may offer a promising therapeutic strategy for controlling seizures in patients with cortical malformations.
Genomic and Antigenic Differences Between Monkeypox Virus and Vaccinia Vaccines: Insights and Implications for Vaccinology
Authors: Shen-Gunther Jane , Cai Hong , Wang Yufeng
Published: February 2025

Amid the current multi-country mpox outbreak, analyzing monkeypox virus (MPXV) and vaccinia virus (VACV) genomes is vital for understanding evolutionary processes that may impact vaccine efficacy and design. This study aimed to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships and structural features of viral antigens, which are crucial for developing effective vaccines. By aligning 1903 MPXV genomes from the NCBI Virus repository (released between 2022 and 2024), an increase in phylogenetic diversity was observed compared to previous studies. These genomes were grouped into Clade I (25 genomes) and Clade IIB (1898 genomes), with a new Clade I sub-lineage emerging from samples collected in Sud-Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Comparing six key MPXV neutralization determinants (A29, A35, B6, E8, H3, and M1) of a novel 2024 Clade I MPXV isolate to those of the 1996 Zaire isolate revealed remarkable sequence conservation despite spanning 28 years. Homology-based modeling of the Clade I MPXV antigens (A29, A35, E8, H3, and M1) showed high-match identities (84% to 99%) with VACV templates (current mpox vaccine), with several amino acid variants near potential antibody binding sites. Phylogenomic analysis, combined with structural modeling and variant profiling, has yielded valuable insights into the virus and vaccine, guiding vaccine design and functional studies.
Combining Sulfonylureas with Anticancer Drugs: Evidence of Synergistic Efficacy with Doxorubicin In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Tomczyk Mateusz D. , Matczak Karolina , Denel-Bobrowska Marta , Dzido Grzegorz , Kubicka Anna , Gendosz de Carrillo Daria , Cichoń Tomasz , Golec Marlena , Powieczko Beata , Rzetelny Waldemar , Olejniczak Agnieszka B. , Pérez-Sánchez Horacio
Published: February 2025

Sulfonylureas (SUs)—a class of drugs primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes—have recently attracted interest for their potential anticancer properties. While some studies have explored the chemical modification or design of new SU derivatives, our work instead centers on biological evaluations of all commercially available SUs in combination with doxorubicin (DOXO). These antidiabetic agents act by stimulating insulin secretion via KATP channel inhibition, and because KATP channels share structural features with ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters involved in multidrug resistance (e.g., P-glycoprotein, MRP1, and MRP2), SUs may also reduce cancer cell drug efflux. In this study, we systematically examined each commercially available SU for potential synergy with DOXO in a panel of human cancer cell lines. Notably, combining DOXO with glimepiride (GLIM), the newest SU, results in a 4.4-fold increase in cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells relative to DOXO alone. Mechanistic studies suggest that the observed synergy may arise from increased intracellular accumulation of DOXO. Preliminary in vivo experiments support these findings, showing that DOXO (5 mg/kg, i.v.) plus GLIM (4 mg/kg, i.p.) is more effective at inhibiting 4T1 tumor growth in mice than DOXO alone. Additionally, we show that adding a small amount of the surfactant Tween-80 to culture media affects SU binding to bovine serum albumin (BSA), potentially unmasking anticancer effects of SUs that strongly bind to proteins. Overall, these results underscore the potential of repurposing existing SUs to enhance standard chemotherapy regimens.
Mint3 as a Molecular Target Activated in the Early Stage of Hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Nishitani Masaki , Okada Hikari , Nio Kouki , Hayashi Tomoyuki , Terashima Takeshi , Iida Noriho , Shimakami Tetsuro , Takatori Hajime , Honda Masao , Kaneko Shuichi , Sakamoto Takeharu , Yamashita Taro
Published: February 2025

Mint3 enhances aerobic ATP production with subsequent nuclear translocation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and activation of angiogenesis-related genes. It remains unclear if and when Mint3 is activated and whether it is involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. We explored the expression of Mint3 in surgically resected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues. We evaluated the effects of Mint3 knockdown on spheroid formation capacity and subcutaneous tumor growth in immune-deficient mice. We used Mint3 knockout mice to evaluate the effects of chemically induced HCC development. Mint3 was overexpressed in well-differentiated HCC with the activation of HIF-1 target genes irrespective of the absence of hypervascularization. Mint3 knockdown ameliorated the expression of HIF-1 target genes in patient-derived HCC cell lines and suppressed spheroid formation. Mint3 knockdown further inhibited subcutaneous tumor formation in vivo in immune-deficient mice. Chemical HCC development induced by N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) or DEN/CCl4 was dramatically suppressed in Mint3 knockout mice compared to control mice. Mint3 plays a crucial role in early-stage HCC development before hypervascularization by activating HIF-1 target genes before the tumor becomes hypoxic. Mint3 is a molecular target that prevents HCC development in the early stages.
The Dynamic Landscape of the Coagulome of Metastatic Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Arnault Jean-Philippe , Chemmama Kimberley , Ferroudj Khedidja , Demagny Julien , Panicot-Dubois Laurence , Galmiche Antoine , Saidak Zuzana
Published: February 2025

The local expression of coagulation-related genes defines the tumor coagulome. The tumor coagulome plays a pivotal role in cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) and hemostatic complications, such as venous thromboembolism (VTE), which are frequent in patients with advanced/metastatic cancer. Genomic analyses of human tumors, such as skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM), have unveiled the complexity of the metastatic trajectories. However, no study to date has focused on the metastatic coagulome along these trajectories. Using bulk-tumor and single-cell analyses of primary SKCM, metastastic samples and circulating tumor cells (CTCs), we explored the coagulome of SKCM along metastatic progression. We identified consistent changes in the coagulome of SKCM metastases compared to primary tumors and observed metastatic site specificity. Compared to other metastatic sites, lung metastases of SKCM had a specific coagulome with a higher expression of F3, encoding Tissue Factor. Single-cell analyses were used to chart the inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity and characterize the metastatic coagulome of SKCM. We found that a subpopulation of CTCs from SKCM expressed high levels of platelet genes, suggesting the contribution of CTC–platelet interactions to the CTC coagulome. These findings highlight the dynamic properties of the metastatic coagulome and its link to cancer progression.
Novel Oxadiazole-Quinoxalines as Hybrid Scaffolds with Antitumor Activity
Authors: Corona Paola , Gessi Stefania , Ibba Roberta , Merighi Stefania , Mirandola Prisco , Pinna Gérard Aimè , Nigro Manuela , Pozzi Giulia , Asproni Battistina , Travagli Alessia , Piras Sandra , Carta Antonio , Caria Paola , Murineddu Gabriele
Published: February 2025

A small library of 25 novel 1,3,4-oxadiazole-quinoxalines was synthesized and evaluated in vitro for its cytotoxic activity at 10 μM concentration against nine NCI-different cancer cell lines. Among tested compounds, derivatives 24, 25, and 26 showed good inhibition percentages over different cell lines and, therefore, progressed to the full five-dose assay. Compound 24, possessing a 1,3,4-oxadiazole-core, bearing a 7-trifluoromethyl-quinoxaline nucleus on C-2 and a C-5 phenyl ring, had activity against leukemia, CNS, ovarian, renal, prostate, and breast cancer, with highest the values against breast MCF7 (GI50: 1.85 μM) and MDA-MB-468 (GI50: 1.95 μM) cell lines, showing the better MG_MID value (−5.02). These novel derivatives were able to delay the S phase of the cell cycle and induce apoptosis.
Application of mRNA-Seq and Metagenomic Sequencing to Study Salmonella pullorum Infections in Chickens
Authors: Chao Xiaohuan , Fan Zhexia , Wu Jiongwen , Ye Chutian , Wang Xiaomeng , Li Ruina , Chen Shuya , Zhang Xiquan , Fang Cheng , Luo Qingbin
Published: February 2025

The disease caused by Salmonella pullorum has been demonstrated to exert a deleterious effect on the performance of poultry, giving rise to elevated mortality and considerable economic losses within the breeding industry. However, there is a paucity of research investigating the relationship between cecal gene expression and different isomer and Salmonella pullorum infection, and research on the relationship between intestinal microbiota and Salmonella pullorum infection is also limited. In this study, mRNA-Seq and metagenomic sequencing were performed on the cecal tissues and fresh feces of individuals who tested positive (n = 4) and negative (n = 4) for Salmonella pullorum, with the aim of exploring the chickens infected with Salmonella pullorum from two perspectives: the gene transcription level and the microbial level. The mRNA sequencing results revealed 1560 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 380 genes were found to be up-regulated and 1180 genes were down-regulated. A number of genes were reported to be associated with immunity, including AQP8, SLC26A3, CBS, IFI6, DDX60, IL8L1 and IL8L2. Furthermore, a total of 1047 differentially expressed alternative splicings (DEASs) were identified through alternative splicing analysis, including CBS, SLC6A9, ILDR2, OCRL, etc. The joint analysis of DEGs and DEASs revealed 70 genes that exhibited both differentially expressed alternative splicings and differential expression, including CTNND1, TPM1, SPPL2A, etc. The results of metagenomic sequencing demonstrated that the abundances of Bacteroides, Firmicutes, and Verrucobacteria underwent a significant alteration subsequent to the infection of Salmonella pullorum. In summary, the present study conducted a preliminary exploration of the genetic basis of chickens infected with Salmonella pullorum. TPM1 and SPPL2A were found to be differentially expressed by mRNA-Seq, and differences in alternative splicing events. Furthermore, metagenomic sequencing revealed significant changes in the microbial communities of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Verrucobacteria during infection with Salmonella pullorum.
Drosophila melanogaster: A Model Organism in Muscular Dystrophy Studies
Authors: Zhao Yu , Wang Yujie , Tulehalede Ayibota , Meng Zhu , Xu Lizhong , Bai Huashuai , Sha Junhui , Xie Wei , Geng Junhua
Published: February 2025

Muscular dystrophy is a group of complicated, genetically heterogeneous disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. Due to the intricate nature, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying muscular dystrophy presents significant challenges. Drosophila, as a versatile and genetically tractable model organism, offers substantial advantages in muscular dystrophy research. In the present review, we summarize the application of Drosophila in studying various types of muscular dystrophy, highlighting the insights gained through genetic manipulations, disease modeling, and the exploration of molecular pathways. Drosophila serves as a powerful system for understanding disease progression, exploring the roles of key genes in muscle function and pathology, and identifying novel therapeutic targets. The review highlights the significant role of Drosophila in advancing our understanding of muscular dystrophy.
Resampling Point Clouds Using Series of Local Triangulations
Authors: Suriyababu Vijai Kumar , Vuik Cornelis , Möller Matthias
Published: February 2025

The increasing reliance on 3D scanning and meshless methods highlights the need for algorithms optimized for point-cloud geometry representations in CAE simulations. While voxel-based binning methods are simple, they often compromise geometry and topology, particularly with coarse voxelizations. We propose an algorithm based on a Series of Local Triangulations (SOLT) as an intermediate representation for point clouds, enabling efficient upsampling and downsampling. This robust and straightforward approach preserves the integrity of point clouds, ensuring resampling without feature loss or topological distortions. The proposed techniques integrate seamlessly into existing engineering workflows, avoiding complex optimization or machine learning methods while delivering reliable, high-quality results for a large number of examples. Resampled point clouds produced by our method can be directly used for solving PDEs or as input for surface reconstruction algorithms. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach with examples from mechanically sampled point clouds and real-world 3D scans.
Influence of Load Variation on the Flow Field and Stability of the Francis Turbine
Authors: Li Shenhui , Pang Jiayang , Dan Chengmei , Xiang Wenping , Yi Xutao , Liu Xiaobing
Published: February 2025

With the development of a power system predominantly reliant on new energy sources, turbine generator sets are increasingly required to operate under wide load conditions, resulting in numerous unstable flow phenomena and substantial economic losses for power stations. This study employs the Shear Stress Transport (SST) k-ω turbulence model to combine numerical simulations with experimental methods. It calculates the guide vane opening at the rated head of a Francis turbine and examines the internal flow field characteristics and pressure pulsations under various operating conditions. The findings indicate that the entropy production ratio in the draft tube is the highest among all load conditions, ranging from about 72.7% to 95.9%. Energy dissipation in the vaneless zone and the runner increases with greater opening. At 45% and 100% load conditions, the draft tube is mainly influenced by dynamic and static interference, single and double frequencies induced by runner rotation, and low-frequency fluctuations of the vortex and. Under 60% load conditions, pressure fluctuations in the draft tube are primarily caused by the eccentric vortex band, characterized by higher intensity and a frequency of 0.2 fn. Numerical results closely align with experimental observations. The findings provide essential guidance for ensuring the stable operation of power plant units.
Systematic Review: AI Applications in Liver Imaging with a Focus on Segmentation and Detection
Authors: Pomohaci Mihai Dan , Grasu Mugur Cristian , Băicoianu-Nițescu Alexandru-Ştefan , Enache Robert Mihai , Lupescu Ioana Gabriela
Published: February 2025

The liver is a frequent focus in radiology due to its diverse pathology, and artificial intelligence (AI) could improve diagnosis and management. This systematic review aimed to assess and categorize research studies on AI applications in liver radiology from 2018 to 2024, classifying them according to areas of interest (AOIs), AI task and imaging modality used. We excluded reviews and non-liver and non-radiology studies. Using the PRISMA guidelines, we identified 6680 articles from the PubMed/Medline, Scopus and Web of Science databases; 1232 were found to be eligible. A further analysis of a subgroup of 329 studies focused on detection and/or segmentation tasks was performed. Liver lesions were the main AOI and CT was the most popular modality, while classification was the predominant AI task. Most detection and/or segmentation studies (48.02%) used only public datasets, and 27.65% used only one public dataset. Code sharing was practiced by 10.94% of these articles. This review highlights the predominance of classification tasks, especially applied to liver lesion imaging, most often using CT imaging. Detection and/or segmentation tasks relied mostly on public datasets, while external testing and code sharing were lacking. Future research should explore multi-task models and improve dataset availability to enhance AI’s clinical impact in liver imaging.
Lipid Biomarkers and Cardiometabolic Diseases: Critical Knowledge Gaps and Future Research Directions
Authors: Yang Hyun Suk
Published: February 2025

The past decade has witnessed transformative changes in our understanding of various lipid or lipid-related biomarkers (Table 1) and their relationships with cardiometabolic diseases [...]
Naringenin Decreases Retroperitoneal Adiposity and Improves Metabolic Parameters in a Rat Model of Western Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: López-Almada Gabriela , Domínguez-Avila J. Abraham , Robles-Sánchez Rosario Maribel , Arauz-Cabrera Jonathan , Martínez-Coronilla Gustavo , González-Aguilar Gustavo A. , Salazar-López Norma Julieta
Published: February 2025

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial disease with detrimental effects on health and quality of life; unregulated satiety plays a crucial role in food intake and obesity development. Naringenin (NAR) has shown beneficial effects on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, although its impact on adiposity and satiety remains unclear. This study reports a Western diet (WD)-induced obesity model in rats, wherein 100 mg/kg of NAR was administered as an anti-obesity agent for 8 weeks; oxidative stress, lipid profile, and satiety biomarkers were then studied, as well as in silico interaction between NAR and cholecystokinin (CCK) and ghrelin receptors. Results: NAR supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in retroperitoneal adipose tissue and liver weight, as compared to the untreated WD group (p < 0.05), potentially associated with a decreased feed efficiency. NAR also inhibited the development of dyslipidemia, particularly by reducing serum triglycerides (p < 0.05). NAR supplementation increased CCK serum levels in the basal diet group, an effect that was abolished by the WD (p < 0.05); likewise, no changes were determined on ghrelin (p > 0.05). In silico data shows that NAR is capable of interacting with the CCK and ghrelin receptors, which suggests a potential for it to modulate hunger/satiety signaling by interacting with them. Conclusions: We conclude that NAR has anti-obesogenic effects and may regulate CCK serum levels, although further research is still needed.
Research on Deflection and Stress Analyses and the Improvement of the Removal Uniformity of Silicon in a Single-Sided Polishing Machine Under Pressure
Authors: Ye Guoqing , Yao Zhenqiang
Published: February 2025

The chemical–mechanical polishing (CMP) of silicon wafers involves high-precision surface machining after double-sided lapping. Silicon wafers are subjected to chemical corrosion and mechanical removal under pressurized conditions. The multichip CMP process for 4~6-inch silicon wafers, such as those in MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors), IGBTs (Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistors), and MEMS (Micro-Electromechanical System) field materials, is conducted to maintain multiple chips to improve efficiency and improve polish removal uniformity; that is, the detected TTV (total thickness variation) gradually increases from 10 μm to less than 3 μm. In this work, first, a mathematical model for calculating the small deflection of silicon wafers under pressure is established, and the limit values under two boundary conditions of fixed support and simple support are calculated. Moreover, the removal uniformity of the silicon wafers is improved by improving the uniformity of the wax-coated adhesion state and adjusting the boundary conditions to reflect a fixed support state. Then, the stress distribution of the silicon wafers under pressure is simulated, and the calculation methods for measuring the TTV of the silicon wafers and the uniformity measurement index are described. Stress distribution is changed by changing the size of the pressure ring to achieve the purpose of removing uniformity. This study provides a reference for improving the removal uniformity of multichip silicon wafer chemical–mechanical polishing.
XPS Study of Grafting Paramagnetic Ions onto the Surface of Detonation Nanodiamonds
Authors: Panich Alexander , Froumin Natalya , Aleksenskii Aleksandr , Chizhikova Anastasiya
Published: February 2025

Grafting of paramagnetic transition and rare earth metal ions onto the surface of detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) was successfully implemented in the recent decade and opened new opportunities in the biomedical application of these compounds, particularly as novel contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging. The grafting was studied mainly using EPR, NMR, and magnetic measurements. Such a highly surface-sensitive, quantitative, chemical analytic technique as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was very rarely used. In this paper, we report the XPS study of grafting transition and rare-earth metal ions (Cu2+, Co2+, Mn2+, and Gd3+) onto the surface of DNDs. Binding energies for metal, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen atoms were determined and attributed to the corresponding ion states and atomic groups. Comparing XPS and EPR findings, we showed that the developed synthesis route resulted in almost complete grafting of manganese and gadolinium atoms in the form of paramagnetic ions Mn2+ and Gd3+ to the diamond surface, while only 30% of the copper atoms on the surface are in the paramagnetic state Cu2+, and the rest 70% are in the non-magnetic Cu+ state. It was not possible to draw a similar conclusion regarding Co2+ ions due to the lack of data on the amount of these paramagnetic ions on the DND surface.
The Small Non-Coding RNA Profile of Human and Mouse Sperm
Authors: Yap Yoon Sing , Patrizio Pasquale , Cimmino Luisa , Sdrimas Konstantinos , Telonis Aristeidis G.
Published: February 2025

Small non-coding RNAs constitute a dynamic epigenetic layer in mature spermatozoa that can exert transgenerational regulatory functions. Here, we review recent advances in the field of small RNAs in spermatozoa, how their profiles change in response to lifestyle or environmental factors, and their impact on offsprings’ physiology. The profile of these RNAs changes dramatically during spermatozoa maturation. The majority of intracellular small RNAs during early spermatogenesis are miRNAs and piRNAs, but, in mature spermatozoa, tRNA- and rRNA-derived fragments (tRFs and rRFs, respectively) are the predominant forms, primarily delivered from the epididymis via extracellular vesicles. Diet, exercise, and environmental exposures have a direct effect on small RNA levels in spermatozoa, and this differential abundance can reprogram the development of the embryo. Offsprings of fathers with different lifestyles can have different phenotypes, including altered metabolism or behavior. Therefore, small RNAs in spermatozoa are emerging as an important epigenetic layer in development and transgenerational inheritance.
Exposure Time to a Tuberculosis Index Case as a Marker of Infection in Immigrant Populations
Authors: Godoy Sofia , Alsedà Miquel , Parrón Ignasi , Millet Joan-Pau , Caylà Joan A. , Follia Núria , Carol Monica , Orcau Angels , Toledo Diana , Ferrús Gloria , Plans Pere , Barrabeig Irene , Clotet Laura , Domínguez Angela , March-Llanes Jaume , Godoy Pere ,   on behalf of the Transmission of Tuberculosis in Catalonia (Spain) Working Group
Published: February 2025

Background: Exposure time to a tuberculosis (TB) index case may be a marker of a recent latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) risk. The aim of this study was to determine the LTBI risk involved in immigrant contact based on exposure time to pulmonary TB index cases. Methods: We conducted a 30-month LTBI prevalence study of pulmonary TB immigrant contacts in Catalonia (1 January 2019–30 June 2021). Contacts with LTBI were identified by means of the tuberculin skin test and/or interferon gamma release assay. Variables associated with LTBI in contacts were analysed using adjusted OR (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) values. Results: LTBI prevalence was 37.4% (939/2509). Prevalence was higher in men than women (40.6% versus 33.5%; p < 0.001), and in all age groups, relative to children <5 years (12.2%; p < 0.001)). Prevalence increased with exposure time to the index case; relative to <6 h/week exposure, LTBI risk was greater for both ≥6 h/day (aOR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.5–2.6) and <6 h/day but ≥6 h/week (aOR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1–2.2). Conclusions: The LTBI risk in immigrant contacts increases with recent exposure time to the index case, and may suggest recent LTBI in immigrants.
Look at My Body: It Tells of Suffering—Understanding Psychiatric Pathology in Patients Who Suffer from Headaches, Restrictive Eating Disorders, or Non-Suicidal Self-Injuries (NSSIs)
Authors: Pratile Diletta Cristina , Orlandi Marika , Carpani Adriana , Mensi Martina Maria
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Adolescence is a developmental stage characterized by profound physical and psychological transformations, often leading to vulnerabilities such as body dissatisfaction, identity challenges, and the use of maladaptive coping strategies. This often leads to body-related psychopathologies, including headaches, restrictive eating disorders, and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). The present study aimed to describe the typical functioning and features of these conditions and the differences between the three groups, and to identify the most effective assessment for predicting these conditions. Methods: Sixty adolescent patients (51 female; mean age = 15.34 ± 1.80) were divided into three groups: headaches, restrictive eating disorders, and NSSI, and assessed for differences in symptoms, cognitive performance, personality, functioning, and illness severity using semi-structured interviews, clinician-based scales, and performance-based tests like the Rorschach inkblot test, according to the Rorschach Performance Assessment System (R-PAS). Results: Individuals with headaches experienced more internalizing symptoms, had an average IQ, maintained some functioning areas, and had distorted patterns of self–other relationships with the tendency to project malevolent aspects onto others. Patients with restrictive eating disorders had high levels of depressive symptoms, above-average IQ scores, negative symptoms, moderate presence of obsessive–compulsive personality traits, disorganized thinking, and a tendency to interpret situations subjectively. Patients with NSSI showed the highest level of depressive symptoms and social anxiety symptoms, and a considerable presence of psychotic symptoms and perceptual distortions. Negative symptoms, borderline personality traits, and psychosis symptoms had the strongest predictivity. Conclusions: The study provides clinicians with relevant insights into the features of these conditions and highlights assessment strategies, tailored interventions, and enhanced outcomes for these vulnerable populations.
Naringenin-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Physical–Chemical Characterization and In Vitro Antibacterial Activity
Authors: De Gaetano Federica , Caridi Francesco , Totaro Noemi , Celesti Consuelo , Venuti Valentina , Ginestra Giovanna , Nostro Antonia , Tommasini Silvana , Ventura Cinzia Anna , Stancanelli Rosanna
Published: February 2025

Currently, problems related to antibiotic resistance are shifting the focus of pharmaceutical research towards natural molecules with antibacterial properties. Among them, flavonoids represent promising molecules with strong antibacterial features; however, they have poor biopharmaceutical properties. In this study, we developed solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with the flavanone naringenin (NRG) to offer an option for treating bacterial infections. NRG-SLNs systems were prepared by a solvent emulsification/diffusion and ultrasonication method, using Compritol® 888 ATO (COM) as the lipid. The optimal formulation was obtained using a 10% (w/w) theoretical amount of NRG (NRG10-SLNs), exhibiting homogeneous sizes (approximately 50 nm and 0.15 polydispersity index), negative zeta potential (−30 mV), and excellent encapsulation parameters (an encapsulation efficiency percentage of 97.9% and a drug content of 4%). NRG10-SLNs presented good physical stability over 4 weeks. A cumulative drug release of 55% in 24 h and the prolonged release of the remaining amount over 10 days was observed. In addition, µ-Raman spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction measurements were carried out to characterize the drug–lipid interactions. Finally, the in vitro antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of NRG10-SLNs were assayed and compared to free NRG. NRG10-SLNs were bacteriostatic against Staphylococcus aureus, including the methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli strains. An improvement in the antibacterial activity of NRG-loaded SLNs compared to the free molecule was observed against S. aureus strains, probably due to the interaction of the surfactant-coated SLNs with the bacterial surface. A similar trend was observed for the biofilm inhibition.
Effects of Infill Patterns on the Mechanical and Tribological Behaviour of 3D-Printed Polylactic Acid/Bamboo Biocomposites for Structural Applications
Authors: Balaji Devarajan , Arulmurugan Balasubramanian , Bhuvaneswari Venkateswaran
Published: February 2025

Composite materials are gaining attention owing to their exemplary characteristics and, if the materials are eco-friendly, they attract much more. One such composite of poly lactic acid (PLA) combined with bamboo fiber in the ratio of 80:20 is selected for this study. The composites are manufactured using additive manufacturing, or the 3D-printing technique. In this article, a novel approach of infilling a honeycomb with around 12 infill patterns has been made, and all the 3D-printed specimens were tested for their mechanical and tribological properties. The 3D-printed composites were characterized using Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) to evaluate their chemical composition and crystallite size (CS), respectively. Based on the results, the cross infill pattern outperforms irregular geometries like the Gyroid in terms of impact strength owing to its efficient stress distribution and superior interlayer bonding. By utilizing bidirectional reinforcement and distributing loads uniformly, the grid infill was able to attain the Shore D maximum hardness due to its strong 3D lattice structure; the Octet infill is very resistant to wear, which improves energy absorption and decreases material loss. Such honeycomb-filled 3D-printed composites can act as high-mechanical-strength components and find their applications in aerospace applications like drones and their allied structures.
Composite Films Based on Linear Polyethyleneimine Polymer and Starch or Polysaccharides from DDGS: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Studies
Authors: Galaburri Gonzalo , Infantes-Molina Antonia , Melian Queirolo Cynthia M. , Mebert Andrea , Tuttolomondo María V. , Rodríguez-Castellón Enrique , Lázaro-Martínez Juan M.
Published: February 2025

Different films were synthesized from starch or polysaccharides extracted from distillers dried grains with soluble (DDGS) in combination with different percentages of linear polyethyleneimine (PEI) hydrochloride polymer to assess the mechanical and antimicrobial properties of the resulting composites. Moreover, a simple method for the extraction of the polysaccharide content from DDGS is reported. The materials obtained were characterized by ATR-FTIR, NMR, and XPS spectroscopy, swelling capacity, and by organic elemental analysis. In particular, the stability of the film prepared with only DDGS in copper ion solutions was improved by the incorporation of PEI. 13C HRMAS NMR studies evidenced the incorporation of the PEI polymer in the new films. Moreover, the release of PEI molecules from the films was studied by 1H NMR experiments in D2O to explain the antimicrobial properties of the PEI-based films against Staphylococcus aureus, with the DDGS–10% PEI films being the most active surface. Furthermore, the incorporation of copper ions into the different films enhanced their antimicrobial activity. Additionally, the starch–10% PEI film exhibited good swelling capacity in deionized water (~1500%), which decreased with the addition of salts (~250%). Instead, the DDGS–10% PEI film showed low swelling capacity in deionized water (~80%), with this capacity increasing with the addition of salts (~250%). The mechanical properties of the films improved considerably when 3% PEI was used.
Rapid Quantitative Determination of Adulteration of Camellia Oil Using Portable Raman Spectroscopy and Chemometrics
Authors: Chang Boxue , Li Zhen , Ji Kaidi , Ruan Yinlan , Liu Rukuan
Published: February 2025

Over the past decade, Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics have been extensively utilized in the food industry for the research and development of new products but have failed to establish a strong foothold in quality control and the assessment of food items. To bridge this gap, we introduce a novel application of Raman spectroscopy capable of swiftly identifying free fatty acids (FFAs) in cooking oil and quantifying adulteration. This advanced method was validated using camellia oil, a highly esteemed cooking oil in China and various Asian countries known for its nutritional richness and diverse culinary applications. With its growing popularity among high-end food consumers in Asia, camellia oil has increasingly become a target for adulteration, causing dissatisfaction among both consumers and genuine producers. In this study, we employed Raman spectroscopy to characterize the FFA profiles of cooking oil samples, complemented by principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) for sample categorization and adulteration detection in camellia oil. By segregating camellia oil from other vegetable oils and differentiating genuine from adulterated samples using the partial least squares (PLS) method, we achieved a high determination coefficient (R2) of over 0.98 and a low root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of less than 1.45%. These findings offer a robust predictive model for rapid camellia oil adulteration assessment, potentially augmenting traditional qualitative tests and streamlining sampling procedures in the food industry.