bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recycling Waste Soils for Stability Enhancement in Bored Pile Construction
Authors: Li Feng , Zhang Lei , Wang Zhengzhen , Liu Qiqi , Su Tiantao , Wang Jinke
Published: January 2025

Instability in the hole wall of bored pile may cause serious environmental problems. Therefore, using the small hole expansion theory and elastic–plastic theory, we studied the instability mechanism of the hole wall of bored pile, determined the stress expansion solution of the soil layer after the excavation of pile holes in the semi-infinite elastic soil layer, and established a mechanical model. Then, the stability of the hole wall of bored pile in the cohesive soil layer and sandy soil layer was analyzed, and a formula for calculating pile hole wall stability was obtained. Finally, the stability of the hole wall of bored pile under the action of mud slurry was calculated, and the stress on the pile hole wall was analyzed when local instability and overall instability occurred, respectively. The results show that in a sandy soil layer, the safety factor of the hole wall of bored pile has no connection with the depth of the pile hole but is related to the density of mud slurry in the pile hole. In unstable soil layers, the pile hole wall was prone to instability, and the stability of the hole wall could be improved by appropriately increasing the gravity of mud slurry. With the increase in pile diameter, the lateral displacement and deformation of the hole wall increase, and the displacement of the soil layer increases when the hole wall is unstable, increasing the possibility of forming variable cross-section piles correspondingly.
Experimental Investigation on Toughness of SFRC and Bond Behavior with Reinforcing Bars
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Tang Zizhao , Li Jinguang , Hu Zheming , Feng Qian
Published: January 2025

Steel-fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) has the advantages of high strength, durability, and crack prevention ability. Studies on the compressive strength, tensile strength and flexural behavior of SFRC have been carried out by many researchers. In this paper, the toughness of SFRC along with the bond behavior between SFRC and reinforcement were investigated. Hooked-end and straight steel fibers were chosen in the toughness tests of SFRC. The test results show that the SFRC mixtures with hooked-end steel fibers exhibit higher toughness. In addition, hooked-end steel fibers were chosen to be mixed in the SFRC to demonstrate the bond behavior between SFRC and reinforcing bars. Different embedment lengths were considered in the tests to show the influence of the anchorage area on the bond–slip responses in the pull-out tests. The failure modes for different specimens were exhibited. The results show that the embedment length more than 5 times the bar diameter causes tensile failure of the reinforcement, while the embedment length of 3 times the bar diameter causes pull-out failure of the reinforcement.
A Navier–Stokes-Informed Neural Network for Simulating the Flow Behavior of Flowable Cement Paste in 3D Concrete Printing
Authors: Zhang Tianjie , Wang Donglei , Lu Yang
Published: January 2025

In this work, we propose a Navier–Stokes-Informed Neural Network (NSINN) as a surrogate approach to predict the localized flow behavior of cementitious materials for advancing 3D additive construction technology to gain fundamental insights into multiscale mechanisms of cement paste rheology. NS equations are embedded into the NSINN to interpret the flow pattern in the 3D printing barrel. The results show that the presented NSINN has a higher accuracy compared to a traditional artificial neural network (ANN) as the Mean Square Errors (MSEs) of the u, v, and p predicted by NSINN are 1.25×10−4, 1.85×10−5, and 3.91×10−3, respectively. Compared to the ANN, the MSE of the predictions are 5.88×10−2, 4.17×10−3, and 1.72×10−2, respectively. Moreover, the mean prediction time used in the NSINN, the ANN, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) are 0.039 s, 0.014 s, and 3.37 s, respectively. That means the method is more computationally efficient at performing simulations compared to CFD which is mesh-based. The NSINN is also utilized in studying the relationship between geometry and extrudability. The ratio (R = 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75) between the diameter of the outlet and that of the domain is studied. It shows that a larger ratio (R = 0.75) can lead to better extrudability of the 3D concrete printing (3DCP).
A Study of Composite Salt Erosion Resistance of Nano-Modified Cement Mortar in Early Ages
Authors: Guo Jia , Zheng Tao , Mou Fei , Qin Yang , Wang Zhi , Zhang Shiyi , Li Hui
Published: January 2025

Corrosion of traditional cement mortar is a critical issue in karst areas. Composite salt, i.e., sulfate–chloride salt, represents a typical corrosion agent due to the abundance of Cl− and SO42− ions in such geological environments. In this study, we used nano-metakaolin to enhance the physical and mechanical properties of cement mortar in the early aging stages, simulating groundwater corrosion by a compound salt solution in the karst region. The appearance and the change in the flexural/compressive strength of cement mortar upon the nano-metakaolin addition in the early aging stages under dry and wet cycling conditions were analyzed and combined with the results of scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and other methods, revealing the underpinning mechanism behind the function changes of nano-metakaolin-modified cement mortar. The results show that nano-metakaolin effectively promotes cement hydration in the early aging stages. The flexural/compressive strength after 7 days of aging with 1% of added nano-metakaolin increased by 10.38% and 4.41%, respectively, compared to ordinary cement mortar. Furthermore, adding 1–5% of nano-metakaolin under dry and wet cycling and the coupling effect of chloride and sulfate erosion effectively reduce the damage of harmful ions on the cement mortar, leading to evident corrosion inhibition. The generation of hydration products increased after adding the Ghanaian metakaolin, filling the microcracks and micropores, and increasing the overall microstructural compactness.
Advanced Damage Monitoring in Beam Structures Using Grey Wolf Optimizer and Additional Masses
Authors: Salama Abdallah , El-Sisi Alaa , Eraky Atef , Emad Shimaa
Published: January 2025

Dynamic characteristics are of significant interest to researchers in the field of damage detection. Among these, natural frequencies stand out due to their high accuracy and resistance to noise. However, relying solely on natural frequencies is often insufficient for determining the depth and location of damage. To address this limitation, additional masses can be strategically placed at different locations on structural elements, altering the natural frequencies. Each mass placement creates a distinct dynamic scenario with a unique frequency profile, enabling a more comprehensive analysis. In this study, additional masses were introduced at specific elements of the beam structure within the numerical model which were then strategically placed at various locations along the beam. The resulting shifts in natural frequencies served as inputs to the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), which identified elements with stiffness reductions indicative of damage. A custom MATLAB code was developed to perform finite element analysis on the numerical model. The results were validated against previously published experimental data, demonstrating the method’s reliability with a 5% difference. A parametric study involving both simple and continuous span beams was performed. The procedure effectively detected damage severities of 10%, 25%, and 50%, with corresponding errors of 4.3%, 0.44%, and 0.02%, respectively.
Optimization of Cast-Steel Tubular Circular-Hollow-Section Connections Based on Depth-First Search Algorithm
Authors: Jiang Kaien , Yang Ziming , Chen Ju , Lv Guoer , Yu Huafeng
Published: January 2025

This study introduces a novel design for a cast-steel joint in the shape of a T, aimed at resolving concerns regarding stress concentration at points where geometric intersections occur and enhancing the quality of welding in T-shaped welded joints. The proposed integrated design framework greatly facilitated the successful construction of a three-dimensional joint between a brace and a chord at a T-shaped node. The geometric parameters of curves in the connector were optimized using a depth-first search algorithm, resulting in control points for the optimized curve. Computer-aided design software was then employed to obtain the refined connector. The design framework has the ability to produce designs with smooth and uninterrupted boundaries, making them highly compatible with traditional casting methods and effectively tackling the manufacturing challenges related to topology optimization. The numerical simulation results demonstrate that, in comparison to traditionally welded T-joints of the same size, the stress concentration factor of the optimized joints exhibits a significant reduction, accompanied by a notable disparity in stress distribution. Moreover, the impact of the thickness of the brace and the axial compression ratio on the stress concentration factor of the optimized joints was relatively insignificant. The stress concentration factor of the cast-steel joint was reduced by more than 84%, leading to a significant enhancement in fatigue performance.
Finite Element Analysis of the Excavation Stability of Deep and Large Ventilation Shafts of Zimuyan Tunnel Using the Raise Boring Machine Method in a Karst Area
Authors: Wang Guofeng , Deng Fayi , Ren Kaifu , Fang Yougqiao , Xu Haiyan
Published: January 2025

The excavation of deep and large vertical shafts in karst areas can easily lead to sudden changes in the stress field of the surrounding rock and even cause disasters such as cave collapses. To investigate the influence of karst areas on the stability of deep and large vertical shaft excavation using the raise boring machine (RBM) method, based on the ventilation vertical shaft project of Zimuyan Tunnel, the influence of karst caves on the displacement and stress fields of the surrounding rock during the construction stage of the vertical shaft was analyzed using the finite element simulation method. Furthermore, the influence of the cave dimensions and the distance between the cave and the shaft on the stability of the surrounding rock was evaluated. The results indicate that the karst cave caused an increase in the radial displacement of the surrounding rock, and the radial displacements and stress in the surrounding rock increased linearly with depth. However, the radial displacement of the surrounding rock in the range of 20D to 21D (D is the well diameter) above the bottom of the well, and the radial stress of the surrounding rock in the range of 7D above and below the depth of the cave, are significantly affected by the cave. When the cavern size increased from 0 to 2.0D, the maximum radial displacement of the surrounding rock in each construction stage increased by 10.7, 16.6, 2.3, and 2.2 times, respectively. Moreover, when the distance between the cavern and the well was increased from 0.5D to 2.0D, the maximum radial displacements of the surrounding rock corresponding to each construction stage were reduced by 51.5%, 61.6%, 40.7%, and 18.4%, respectively. These findings can provide valuable references for the design, construction, and monitoring of deep and large vertical shafts in karst areas.
Modeling Soil Behavior with Machine Learning: Static and Cyclic Properties of High Plasticity Clays Treated with Lime and Fly Ash
Authors: Bekdaş Gebrail , Aydın Yaren , Nigdeli Sinan Melih , Ünver İnci Süt , Kim Wook-Won , Geem Zong Woo
Published: January 2025

Soils may not always be suitable to fulfill their intended function. Soil improvement can be achieved by mechanical or chemical methods, especially in transportation facilities. L and FA additives are frequently used as chemical improvement additives. In this study, two natural clay samples with extreme and very high plasticity were improved by using L and FA admixtures, and their properties under static and repeated loads were investigated by ML methods. Two soil samples from two different sites were analyzed. In this study, eight datasets were used. There are 14 inputs, including specific gravity (Gs), void ratio (eo), sieve analysis (+No.4, −No.200), clay size, LL, plastic limit (PL), plasticity index (PI), linear shrinkage (Ls), shrinkage limit (SL), cure day, agent, clay type, and agent percentage. The outputs are index and swelling properties (compressive, percent), compressive strengths, modulus of elasticity, and compressibility properties in soaked and non-soaked conditions. Prediction is attempted with different ML (ML) techniques. ML techniques used for regression (such as Decision Tree Regression (DTR) and K-nearest neighbors (KNN)). SHapley Additive Explanations (SHAP), the impact of inputs on outputs were observed, and it was generally found that PL and LL had the highest impact on outputs. Different performance metrics are used for evaluation. The results showed that these ML techniques can predict the static and cyclic properties of extremely high plasticity clays with high performance (R2 > 0.99). These results highlight the general applicability of the used ML models on different datasets containing soil properties.
Semantic and Syntactic Dimensional Analysis of Rural Wooden Mosque Architecture in Borçka
Authors: Çakıroğlu Birgül , Akat Reyhan , Çakıroğlu Evren Osman , Taşdemir Taner
Published: January 2025

Religion is one of the most important factors in architectural shaping. The concepts or sub-concepts that make up religion have a different language that each designer wants to explain. This language is presented semantically and syntactically through the architect and the user interprets this fiction mostly with its syntactic dimension. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into modern mosque design by establishing a connection between belief systems and architectural expressions. Moreover, the study contributes to heritage preservation efforts by proposing a framework that links historical values to contemporary practices. In this study, it is aimed to analyze the effects of the belief concepts in the Islamic religion by analyzing the semantic and syntactic dimensions in rural wooden mosque architecture. Starting from the assumption that abstract values have a language in shaping, the principle of semiotics was utilized to reach concrete results. How the concepts and principles are determined in the semantic and syntactic dimensions of semiotics are explained. In the examination of the semantic dimension, 5 concepts from the concepts of belief in the Islamic religion, namely wahdaniyet, survival, knowledge, powerand hereafter, were discussed. The syntactic dimension was analyzed under basic design principles. The semantic and syntactic dimensions of the sample wooden mosques were analyzed, interpretedand analyzed through architectural drawings, interiorand exterior visuals. These analyses provide practical strategies for translating abstract religious principles into tangible design elements, enhancing their applicability in both educational and professional contexts. As a result, the concepts that emerged in the analyzed examples and the indicators of the sub-concepts belonging to these concepts were presented. It is suggested that the determined analysis model can contribute to design education in design departments and provide convenience to designers and researchers. The model also serves as a tool for creating mosque designs that respect cultural identity while addressing contemporary needs. This research is important in terms of being a reference for the concrete expression of the concepts that we cannot see in architectural formations but we can feel that they exist.
Detection and Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells in Colorectal Cancer Patients via Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition Markers
Authors: Takahashi Yusuke , Ijiri Yuichi , Fujino Shiki , Elnaz Nakhaei , Kishimoto Ayuko , Shirai Kentaro , Iwanaga Shigeki , Yanagida Masatoshi , Bhagat Ali Asgar S. , Miyoshi Norikatsu
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Liquid biopsy methods have gained prominence as minimally invasive tools to improve cancer treatment outcomes. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) offer valuable insights into both primary and metastatic lesions. However, validating the CTC test results requires confirmation that the detected cells originate from cancer tissue. While studies have identified CTCs in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients using molecular markers, simultaneous validation of their cancer tissue origin remains unexplored. Methods: This study introduces a simple approach to detect adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene abnormalities alongside established CTC markers using a molecular imaging flow cytometer (MI-FCM). Given that APC gene abnormalities occur in 60–70% of CRC patients, their detection serves as strong evidence of cancer origin. Results: Our method achieved 92% concordance with DNA sequence analysis of tumor-derived cells. In a proof-of-concept study using 5 mL of whole blood from CRC patients, we observed a high frequency of cells exhibiting APC abnormalities, cytokeratin (CK), and vimentin (Vim) expression. Extending the study to 80 CRC patients across pathological stages I–IV confirmed CK and Vim as valid CTC markers. Three distinct cell populations were identified in blood: CK+/Vim−, CK+/Vim+, and CK−/Vim+. CTC number and frequency increased progressively with cancer stage. Conclusions: This is the first report demonstrating CK and Vim as effective markers for direct CTC detection in CRC patients. Our findings provide evidence-based validation of CTC markers, offering new insights and advancing approaches for patient care.
Feasibility and Acceptability of Integrating Acupuncture for Management of Multiple Symptoms in Medically Underserved Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Li Hongjin , Doorenbos Ardith Z. , Chen Zhengjia , Choi Hannah , Ma Weiwei , Danciu Oana , Patil Crystal L. , Gao Shuang , Lif Natalie , Schlaeger Judith M.
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer survivors undergoing long-term endocrine therapy often experience multiple symptoms, including pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, hot flashes, anxiety, and depression. This study explored the feasibility and acceptability of integrating acupuncture for symptom management in medically underserved breast cancer survivors. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at two clinics serving medically underserved populations. Breast cancer survivors (N = 62) were randomized to receive acupuncture (n = 31) or usual care (n = 31). The acupuncture group underwent 10 sessions over 5 weeks. Symptoms were assessed at baseline and Weeks 6 and 12. Results: The majority of participants (55%) were Black, mean age was 55.2 ± 9.3 years, and 62.9% had a household income below $55,000. Retention (90.3%), engagement (93.1%), and acceptability (92.8%) rates were high, demonstrating that integrating acupuncture into care for medically underserved breast cancer survivors is both feasible and acceptable. At Week 6, the acupuncture group showed significant reduction compared to the usual care group in pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and the symptom cluster score. All improvements persisted to Week 12 except for those in anxiety. Conclusions: Integrating acupuncture for symptom management in medically underserved breast cancer survivors is both feasible and acceptable. This approach offers potential benefits for reducing multiple symptoms and addressing health disparities.
Evaluating Treatment Preferences and the Efficacy of Capsaicin 179 mg Patch vs. Pregabalin in a Randomized Trial for Postsurgical Neuropathic Pain in Breast Cancer: CAPTRANE
Authors: Dupoiron Denis , Bienfait Florent , Seegers Valérie , Piloquet François-Xavier , Pluchon Yves-Marie , Pechard Marie , Mezaib Karima , Chvetzoff Gisèle , Diaz Jésus , Ahmeidi Abesse , Mauriès-Saffon Valérie , Lebrec Nathalie , Jubier-Hamon Sabrina
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: CAPTRANE evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of high-concentration capsaicin patch (HCCP) vs. oral pregabalin for the treatment of postsurgical neuropathic pain (PSNP) following breast cancer surgery. The study was designed with the aim of demonstrating noninferiority of one HCCP against daily pregabalin. Methods: This was a multicenter, randomized, parallel-arm, open-label study conducted across nine centers in France. The primary endpoint was a change from baseline in the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score after 2 months. Results: Recruitment challenges resulted in the randomization of 140 patients (versus 644 planned); the per-protocol population comprised 107 patients (HCCP: n = 65; pregabalin: n = 42). Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. In the per-protocol analysis, the mean (standard deviation) change versus baseline in NPRS score was −1.926 (2.554) with HCCP and −1.634 (2.498) with pregabalin. The prespecified analysis showed that HCCP was not inferior to pregabalin: the lower bound of the 90% confidence interval for the between-arm difference was −0.889 and the upper bound was +0.260 (i.e., below the predefined clinical threshold of +0.4). Patient-reported outcomes showed no statistically significant differences between treatments. The painful area size decreased significantly more with HCCP. Tolerability profiles differed, with HCCP mostly causing application-site reactions. While >50% of patients switched from pregabalin to HCCP, none switched from HCCP to pregabalin. Conclusions: This comparative study in PSNP post breast cancer surgery, evaluating a single treatment of HCCP, shows a noninferior reduction in pain intensity, a superior reduction in painful area size, and a patient preference for HCCP compared with pregabalin. Despite limitations, it contributes valuable initial data for PSNP management in breast cancer care.
Predicting the Progression from Asymptomatic to Symptomatic Multiple Myeloma and Stage Classification Using Gene Expression Data
Authors: Karathanasis Nestoras , Spyrou George M.
Published: January 2025

Background: The accurate staging of multiple myeloma (MM) is essential for optimizing treatment strategies, while predicting the progression of asymptomatic patients, also referred to as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), to symptomatic MM remains a significant challenge due to limited data. This study aimed to develop machine learning models to enhance MM staging accuracy and stratify asymptomatic patients by their risk of progression. Methods: We utilized gene expression microarray datasets to develop machine learning models, combined with various data transformations. For multiple myeloma staging, models were trained on a single dataset and validated across five independent datasets, with performance evaluated using multiclass area under the curve (AUC) metrics. To predict progression in asymptomatic patients, we employed two approaches: (1) training models on a dataset comprising asymptomatic patients who either progressed or remained stable without progressing to multiple myeloma, and (2) training models on multiple datasets combining asymptomatic and multiple myeloma samples and then testing their ability to distinguish between asymptomatic and asymptomatic that progressed. We performed feature selection and enrichment analyses to identify key signaling pathways underlying disease stages and progression. Results: Multiple myeloma staging models demonstrated high efficacy, with ElasticNet achieving consistent multiclass AUC values of 0.9 across datasets and transformations, demonstrating robust generalizability. For asymptomatic progression, both modeling approaches yielded similar results, with AUC values exceeding 0.8 across datasets and algorithms (ElasticNet, Boosting, and Support Vector Machines), underscoring their potential in identifying progression risk. Enrichment analyses revealed key pathways, including PI3K-Akt, MAPK, Wnt, and mTOR, as central to MM pathogenesis. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to utilize gene expression datasets for classifying patients across different stages of multiple myeloma and to integrate multiple myeloma with asymptomatic cases to predict disease progression, offering a novel methodology with potential clinical applications in patient monitoring and early intervention.
Calponin 3 Regulates Myoblast Proliferation and Differentiation Through Actin Cytoskeleton Remodeling and YAP1-Mediated Signaling in Myoblasts
Authors: Nguyen Mai Thi , Ly Quoc Kiet , Ngo Thanh Huu Phan , Lee Wan
Published: January 2025

An actin-binding protein, known as Calponin 3 (CNN3), modulates the remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton, a fundamental process for the maintenance of skeletal muscle homeostasis. Although the roles of CNN3 in actin remodeling have been established, its biological significance in myoblast differentiation remains largely unknown. This study investigated the functional significance of CNN3 in myogenic differentiation, along with its effects on actin remodeling and mechanosensitive signaling in C2C12 myoblasts. CNN3 knockdown led to a marked increase in filamentous actin, which promoted the nuclear localization of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), a mechanosensitive transcriptional coactivator required for response to the mechanical cues that drive cell proliferation. Subsequently, CNN3 depletion enhanced myoblast proliferation by upregulating the expression of the YAP1 target genes related to cell cycle progression, such as cyclin B1, cyclin D1, and PCNA. According to a flow cytometry analysis, CNN3-deficient cells displayed higher S and G2/M phase fractions, which concurred with elevated proliferation rates. Furthermore, CNN3 knockdown impaired myogenic differentiation, as evidenced by reduced levels of MyoD, MyoG, and MyHC, key markers of myogenic commitment and maturation, and immunocytochemistry showed that myotube formation was diminished in CNN3-suppressed cells, which was supported by lower differentiation and fusion indices. These findings reveal that CNN3 is essential for myogenic differentiation, playing a key role in regulating actin remodeling and cellular localization of YAP1 to orchestrate the proliferation and differentiation in myogenic progenitor cells. This study highlights CNN3 as a critical regulator of skeletal myogenesis and suggests its therapeutic potential as a target for muscle atrophy and related disorders.
Detection of Cancer Stem Cells from Patient Samples
Authors: Hakala Sofia , Hämäläinen Anna , Sandelin Sanne , Giannareas Nikolaos , Närvä Elisa
Published: January 2025

The existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in various tumors has become increasingly clear in addition to their prominent role in therapy resistance, metastasis, and recurrence. For early diagnosis, disease progression monitoring, and targeting, there is a high demand for clinical-grade methods for quantitative measurement of CSCs from patient samples. Despite years of active research, standard measurement of CSCs has not yet reached clinical settings, especially in the case of solid tumors. This is because detecting this plastic heterogeneous population of cells is not straightforward. This review summarizes various techniques, highlighting their benefits and limitations in detecting CSCs from patient samples. In addition, methods designed to detect CSCs based on secreted and niche-associated signaling factors are reviewed. Spatial and single-cell methods for analyzing patient tumor tissues and noninvasive techniques such as liquid biopsy and in vivo imaging are discussed. Additionally, methods recently established in laboratories, preclinical studies, and clinical assays are covered. Finally, we discuss the characteristics of an ideal method as we look toward the future.
Influence of Sample Preparation on SERS Signal
Authors: Bianchi-Carvalho Isabela , Oliveira Marcelo José dos Santos , Martin Cibely Silva , Sánchez-Cortés Santiago , Constantino Carlos José Leopoldo
Published: January 2025

Carbendazim (MBC), a commonly used fungicide from the benzimidazole group, was applied in this study as a probe molecule to understand the influence of sample preparation on the SERS (surface-enhanced Raman scattering) signal. We applied the external standard method (ESM), preparing fresh Ag colloid samples (reduced by hydroxylamine) for each concentration and measuring with and without potassium nitrate (KNO₃) as an aggregation-inducing salt. The impact of sample dilution before or after the addition of the salt to the Ag colloid was also explored. SERS signals were correlated with Ag colloid aggregation observed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis extinction, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential, examining diffusion-limited cluster aggregation (DLCA) and reaction-limited cluster aggregation (RLCA) mechanisms. The optimal results were achieved without KNO₃, with more compact aggregates at lower concentrations and more branched ones at higher concentrations. Dilution of the Ag colloid before salt addition enabled lower detection limits than without any dilution. No SERS signal was observed when the salt was added before dilution. These findings emphasize that a consistent relationship between aggregate morphology and the SERS signal cannot be generalized across analytes. Analyte-specific properties play a crucial role in determining optimal aggregation conditions for SERS analysis.
Severe Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children with Type 1 Diabetes: Ongoing Challenges in Care
Authors: Foti Randazzese Simone , La Rocca Mariarosaria , Bombaci Bruno , Di Pisa Alessandra , Giliberto Elèna , Inturri Teresa , Militi Daniel , Lombardo Fortunato , Gitto Eloisa , Salzano Giuseppina , Passanisi Stefano
Published: January 2025

Diabetic ketoacidosis is the most common acute complication in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, and contributes significantly to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden. This review aims to explore the multifaceted aspects of severe diabetic ketoacidosis in pediatric age, including its epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, complications and emphasizing advances in prevention strategies. Incidence rates vary due to influences from geographic, socioeconomic, cultural and demographic factors. Pathogenesis is linked to insulin deficiency and an excess of counter-regulatory hormones, which disrupt glucose, protein, and lipid metabolism, causing hyperglycemia, ketosis, acidosis, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. According to the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes guidelines, severe diabetic ketoacidosis is characterized by a pH < 7.1 or bicarbonate < 5 mmol/L. This condition can lead to a wide range of life-threatening complications, including cerebral edema that represents the leading cause of death. Several prevention strategies, including awareness campaigns, early diagnosis of diabetes, regular monitoring and management, effective insulin therapy, education, access to healthcare and technological assistance, may contribute to reduce the risk of severe diabetic ketoacidosis episodes in children and adolescents.
Targeting SLC4A4: A Novel Approach in Colorectal Cancer Drug Repurposing
Authors: Pawar Krunal , Gupta Pramodkumar P. , Solanki Pooran Singh , Niraj Ravi Ranjan Kumar , Kothari Shanker L.
Published: January 2025

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex and increasingly prevalent malignancy with significant challenges in its treatment and prognosis. This study aims to explore the role of the SLC4A4 transporter as a biomarker in CRC progression and its potential as a therapeutic target, particularly in relation to tumor acidity and immune response. Methods: The study utilized computational approaches, including receptor-based virtual screening and high-throughput docking, to identify potential SLC4A4 inhibitors. A model of the human SLC4A4 structure was generated based on CryoEM data (PDB ID 6CAA), and drug candidates from the DrugBank database were evaluated using two computational tools (DrugRep and CB-DOCK2). Results: The study identified the compound (5R)-N-[(1r)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butanoyl]-2-decanamide (DB07991) as the best ligand, demonstrating favorable binding affinity and stability. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed strong protein–ligand interactions with consistent RMSD (~0.25 nm), RMSF (~0.5 nm), compact Rg (4.0–3.9 nm), and stable SASA profiles, indicating that the SLC4A4 structure remains stable upon ligand binding. Conclusions: The findings suggest that DB07991 is a promising drug candidate for further investigation as a therapeutic agent against CRC, particularly for targeting SLC4A4. This study highlights the potential of computational drug repositioning in identifying effective treatments for colorectal cancer.
Screening of Anti-Hair Loss Plant Raw Materials Based on Reverse Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation
Authors: Xu Jiajia , He Congfen , Tian Rui
Published: January 2025

Hair loss is one of the skin conditions that can affect people’s mental health. Plant raw material extracts are of great interest due to their safety. In this study, we utilize reverse network pharmacology to screen for key targets of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the TGFβ/BMP signaling pathway, as well as key differential lipids, for plant raw materials selection. The aim is to identify plant raw materials that may have anti-hair loss properties and to validate these findings through cell experiments. Licorice, salvia miltiorrhiza, mulberry leaf, ephedra and curcumae radix were found that may possess anti-hair loss effects. Licorice water extract (LWE), salvia miltiorrhiza water extract (SMWE), mulberry leaf water extract (MLWE), ephedra water extract (EWE) and curcumae radix water extract (CRWE) did not exhibit cytotoxicity on human dermal papilla cells (HDPCs). Through ALP staining, it was found that the expression of ALP in HDPCs treated with LWE, SMWE, MLWE, EWE and CRWE was enhanced. In addition, LWE, SMWE, MLWE, EWE and CRWE have reduced the expression of hair growth inhibitory factor TGF-β1 and inflammatory factor IL-6. Additionally, various water extracts can enhance the secretion of VEGF, with high concentrations of SMWE, EWE and CRWE exhibiting better efficacy. Furthermore, β-catenin, a key factor of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, was enhanced by LWE, SMWE, MLWE, EWE and CRWE treatment in cultured HDPCs. In conclusion, all five plant raw materials showed some anti-hair loss potential, providing theoretical support for their application in anti-hair loss products.
Construction of Advanced S-Scheme Heterojunction Interface Composites of Bimetallic Phosphate MnMgPO4 with C3N4 Surface with Remarkable Performance in Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production and Pollutant Degradation
Authors: Cheng Ting , Zhu Jiarui , Chen Chen , Hu Yulin , Wu Liangliang , Zhang Mengyi , Cui Liwei , Dai Youzhi , Zhang Xiao , Tian Yuan , Wu Fei
Published: January 2025

Novel S-scheme heterojunction interface composite (MnMgPO4@C3N4) of bimetallic phosphate MnMgPO4 and C3N4 with different proportions was successfully constructed in this work. The nanosheet surface structure and the integration interface of two materials endowed the composite heterojunctions with superior visible light absorption and improved photogenerated carrier transfer, boosting the photocatalytic hydrogen production and degradation performance. The interface composite (5C5MMP) with the optimal mass ratio (MnMgPO4/C3N4 = 5/5) achieved the strongest photocatalytic potency. The hydrogen evolution rate was about 3.595 mmol·g−1·h−1, and the pollutants of methylene blue (MB), oxytetracycline (OTC), and tetracycline (TE) were almost entirely degraded within 40 min. The degradation rates were approximately 97.1% (MB), 95.4% (OTC), and 99.7% (TE). Notably, the heterojunction interface composite displayed exceptional photocatalytic stability and structural durability. The photocatalytic mechanism revealed that the 5C5MMP heterojunction interface exhibited the strongest photocurrent response, the least electron transfer resistance, and the lowest carrier recombination rate, resulting in exceptional photocatalytic performance. Furthermore, both C3N4 and MgMnPO4 were identified as n-type semiconductors. The optimized band structure of the composite photocatalyst interface and the enhanced charge carrier separation enabled the 5C5MMP photocatalytic system to generate more reactive photogenerated electrons for reduction and holes for oxidation, significantly accelerating the photocatalytic hydrogen production and pollutant degradation. By proposing an S-scheme heterojunction interface composite, this research offers an innovative strategy for designing efficient composite photocatalysts and underscores the feasibility of using bimetallic phosphate composites to enhance hydrogen production and pollutant removal.
An Investigation of Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Ablation by Femtosecond Laser Pulses for Further Material Cutting
Authors: Šlevas Paulius , Minkevičius Justinas , Ulčinas Orestas , Orlov Sergej , Vanagas Egidijus , Bilousova Anna , Baklan Denys , Myronyuk Oleksiy
Published: January 2025

Carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) is a popular material possessing great properties, such as strength, lightness, and resistance to corrosion and the environment. Important steps in the production of various parts made of CFRP are surface structuring, milling, drilling and cutting processes. Here, we propose to use ultrashort pulse lasers to achieve the high-quality, low-heat-affected-zone ablation of CFRP. We investigated the ablation efficiency dependence on the processing parameters, such as the pulse duration, pulse energy and pulse overlap. We showed that good-quality results could be achieved using just low-/mid-average-power femtosecond laser equipment. We also discuss further cutting process optimization possibilities using ultrashort pulse lasers and show the possibility of HAZ-free CFRP cutting by femtosecond laser ablation.
The Diversity of Edible Flowers and Its Biocultural Role in Local Food System in Dali, Southwest China
Authors: Zhang Qing , Zhang Jihai , Xu Congli , Wu Xianjin , Long Chunlin
Published: January 2025

Edible flowers (EFs) form a special group of food plants that serve a pivotal role in local food systems, both in their utilitarian value and cultural significance. Dali, renowned for its rich biocultural diversity, is home to various ethnic groups with unique traditions regarding the consumption of EFs. However, systematic and comprehensive ethnobotanical studies of EFs are lacking, and their biocultural significance has not been discussed. Through ethnobotanical surveys conducted in 15 markets across Dali, 163 taxa of EFs were documented, encompassing 56 families and 108 genera. They were consumed in 16 ways and as 5 types of food. Quantitative evaluations using the Relative Occurrence Frequency (ROF) and Cultural Food Significance Index (CFSI) assessed the local importance of these flowers. Comparisons were made with another site regarding flower-eating species and methods, revealing biocultural differences. The study highlights how these flowers contribute to local dietary practices and cultural traditions. The role of EFs in sustainable food systems (SFS) is discussed, with emphasis on their economic, environmental, and social impacts. Protecting biocultural diversity means maintaining reciprocal relationships between people and edible species, which are crucial nodes in local SFS.
Review of the Mackerel Genus Rastrelliger (Teleostei: Scombridae) with Redescription of R. chrysozonus (Rüppell, 1836) and R. kanagurta (Cuvier, 1816)
Authors: Bogorodsky Sergey , Muto Nozomu , Hata Harutaka , Motomura Hiroyuki , Alpermann Tilman
Published: January 2025

The Indo-West Pacific scombrid genus Rastrelliger Jordan & Starks is reviewed. Formerly, the genus was considered to contain three valid species, viz., R. brachysoma (Bleeker, 1851) known from the south-east coast of India to Samoa Islands; R. faughni Matsui, 1967 reported from the south-east coast of India to Fiji; and R. kanagurta (Cuvier, 1816), the most widespread species known from the east coast of Africa and the Persian/Arabian Gulf east to Tonga. Herein, R. chrysozonus (Rüppell, 1836), restricted to the Red Sea, is resurrected from the synonymy with R. kanagurta and both species are redescribed in detail, based on an integrative morphological and molecular assessment. Consequently, Scomber microlepidotus Rüppell, 1836 is moved from the synonymy with R. kanagurta to synonymy with R. chrysozonus. Rastrelliger chrysozonus differs from R. kanagurta primarily by a longer upper jaw. Rastrelliger brachysoma differs from the other three species by a deeper body, a deeper caudal peduncle, and a very long intestine. Rastrelliger faughni differs from the other three species in having a more slender body, usually X spines in the first dorsal fin (versus IX spines), shorter and fewer gill rakers, a shorter maxilla, and a shorter intestine. The phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial genes of all Rastrelliger species also demonstrated that R. chrysozonus forms a well divergent evolutionary lineage, with R. kanagurta being its closest relative. In addition to the redescriptions of R. chrysozonus and R. kanagurta, brief species accounts for R. brachysoma and R. faughni and the key to the four species are provided.
Cow Culling Rates and Causes in 12 Pasture-Based Dairy Herds in Southern Uruguay, a Pilot Study
Authors: Doncel-Díaz Benjamín , Fariña Santiago , Caffarena Rubén D. , Giannitti Federico , Riet-Correa Franklin
Published: January 2025

The reasons for culling dairy cows in Uruguay are largely unknown. This study aimed to describe the culling rates of dairy cows and identify the causes of cow culling in 12 commercial herds in Uruguay. We conducted a prospective longitudinal observational study from June 2019 to May 2020 on 12 dairy farms stratified by herd size. Six farms with 51–199 cows, five with 200–500 cows, and one farm with more than 500 cows in the departments of Colonia and San José were included. The cows were pure Holstein and Holstein–Jersey crossbreeds. The overall dairy cow population on these 12 farms was 3126 cows (range: 74–740 cows per farm). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The total annual culling rate was 23.1% (721/3126), including sales to slaughter (18.1%; 565/3126), on-farm mortality (4.5%; 141/3126), and dairy sales (0.5%; 15/3126). Cow culling for slaughter because of health (including reproductive) problems represented 70.7% (510/721) of the overall culling rate, most of which were due to reproductive failure (29.3%, 211/721), mastitis (25.9%, 187/721), poor udder conformation (6.2%, 45/721), lameness (4.6%, 33/721), and other diseases (4.7%, 34/721). Mortality represented 19.6% (141/721) of the overall culling rate. Cow culling for slaughter due to health (including reproductive) problems and mortality constituted 90.3% (651/721) of the total culled cows. In conclusion, dairy cows were culled mainly due to illnesses that lead to slaughter or death. Implementing effective measures to improve reproductive rates, reduce mastitis and lameness, and prevent other diseases, such as leukosis, paratuberculosis, and digestive disorders in the studied population would reduce cow culling, increasing cow longevity, animal welfare, and farm profitability.
Osteoprotegerin as an Emerging Biomarker of Carotid Artery Stenosis? A Scoping Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chudek Jerzy , Pośpiech Marta , Chudek Anna , Holecki Michał , Puzianowska-Kuźnicka Monika
Published: January 2025

Objective: In developed countries, stroke is the fifth cause of death, with a high mortality rate, and with recovery to normal neurological function in one-third of survivors. Atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the extracranial part of the internal carotid artery and related embolic complications are common preventable causes of ischemic stroke (IS), attributable to 7–18% of all first-time cases. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a soluble member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily, is considered a modulator of vascular calcification linked to vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and collagen production in atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, OPG emerges as a potential biomarker (BM) of calcified carotid plaques and carotid artery stenosis (CAS). Methods: We performed a literature search of PubMed on OPG in CAS and atherosclerosis published until 2024. Results: Increased levels of serum OPG were reported in both patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic CAS, and higher values were observed in those with unstable atherosclerotic plaques. Notably, increased OPG levels were observed regardless of the location of atherosclerosis, including coronary and other peripheral arteries. In addition, chronic kidney disease, the most significant confounder disturbing the association between vascular damage and circulating OPG levels, decreases the usefulness of OPG as a BM in CAS. Conclusions: Osteoprotegerin may be considered an emerging BM of global rather than cerebrovascular atherosclerosis. Its diagnostic significance in identifying patients with asymptomatic CAS and their monitoring is limited.
Pre-Hospital Point-of-Care Troponin: Is It Possible to Anticipate the Diagnosis? A Preliminary Report
Authors: Lazzari Cristian , Montemerani Sara , Fabrizi Cosimo , Sacchi Cecilia , Belperio Antoine , Fantacci Marilena , Sbrana Giovanni , Ognibene Agostino , Zanobetti Maurizio , Nocentini Simone
Published: January 2025

Background: Thanks to the evolution of laboratory medicine, point-of-care testing (POCT) for troponin levels in the blood (hs-cTn) has been greatly improved in order to quickly diagnose acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with an accuracy similar to standard laboratory tests. The rationale of the HEART POCT study is to propose the application of the 0/1 h European Society of Cardiology (ESC) algorithm in the pre-hospital setting using a POCT device (Atellica VTLi). Methods: This is a prospective study comparing patients who underwent pre-hospital point-of-care troponin testing (Atellica VTLi) with a control group that underwent standard hospital-based troponin testing (Elecsys). The primary objectives were to determine if the 0/1 h algorithm of the Atellica VTLi is non-inferior to the standard laboratory method for diagnosing AMI and to analyze rule-out/rule-in times and emergency department (ED) stay times. The secondary objective was to evaluate the feasibility of pre-hospital troponin testing. Results: The Atellica VTLi demonstrated reasonable sensitivity for detecting AMI, with sensitivity increasing from 60% at the first measurement (time 0) to 80% at the second measurement (time 1 h). Both the Atellica VTLi and the Elecsys method showed high negative predictive value (NPV), indicating that a negative troponin result effectively ruled out AMI in most cases. Patients in the Atellica VTLi group experienced significantly shorter times to diagnosis and discharge from the emergency department compared to the control group (Elecsys). This highlights a potential benefit of point-of-care testing: streamlining the diagnostic and treatment processes. Conclusions: POCT allows for rapid troponin measurement, leading to a faster diagnosis of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). This enables earlier initiation of appropriate treatment, potentially improving patient outcomes and the efficiency of emergency department operations. POCT could be particularly beneficial in pre-hospital settings, enabling faster triage and transportation of patients to appropriate care centers.