bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Cold” Somatostatin Analogs in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Decoding Mechanisms, Overcoming Resistance, and Shaping the Future of Therapy
Authors: Massironi Sara , Albertelli Manuela , Hasballa Iderina , Paravani Piero , Ferone Diego , Faggiano Antongiulio , Danese Silvio
Published: February 2025

Background. Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) represent a heterogeneous group of tumors that pose significant therapeutic challenges due to their potential for progression, metastasis, and hormonal syndromes. Somatostatin analogs (SSAs) have emerged as a cornerstone in NEN treatment, offering both antisecretory and antiproliferative effects by targeting somatostatin receptors (SSTRs). Despite their proven efficacy, intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms, including receptor downregulation, tumor heterogeneity, and microenvironmental influences, limit their long-term effectiveness. Recent advances, including high-dose SSA regimens and novel formulations, have aimed to optimize their therapeutic utility and address these limitations. Body of the review. This review explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor effects of SSAs, including receptor-mediated signaling pathways, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, and antiangiogenesis. The role of SSAs in combination therapies with mTOR inhibitors and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is analyzed, emphasizing their synergistic potential. Key clinical trials, such as RADIANT-2, EVERLAR, and NETTER-1, support the efficacy of these approaches, demonstrating improved outcomes when SSAs are combined with targeted agents or radiolabeled therapies. Emerging strategies include high-dose SSA regimens, particularly in progressive cases with low Ki67 indices. Finally, novel formulations, including oral octreotide, paltusotine, and subcutaneous depot formulations like CAM2029, offer improved pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and patient adherence. Ongoing clinical trials, including SORENTO, further evaluate their efficacy and safety profiles. Conclusions. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of SSAs. SSAs remain integral to the management of NENs, providing effective tumor stabilization and symptom control. However, resistance mechanisms and tumor heterogeneity necessitate innovative approaches, including high-dose regimens, combination strategies, and next-generation formulations. Future research should focus on refining these strategies to optimize patient outcomes, enhance long-term efficacy, and expand the therapeutic landscape for NENs.
The Impact of Parental Behaviors on Children’s Lifestyle, Dietary Habits, Screen Time, Sleep Patterns, Mental Health, and BMI: A Scoping Review
Authors: Maia Cátia , Braz Diogo , Fernandes Helder Miguel , Sarmento Hugo , Machado-Rodrigues Aristides M.
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: Childhood obesity and being overweight are influenced by the family environment, diet, sleep, and mental health, with parents playing a key role in shaping behaviors through routines and practices. Healthy parental habits can encourage positive outcomes, while poor routines and stress often lead to unhealthy weight gain. This study analyzed the impact of parental behaviors on children’s lifestyles and habits, as well as the trend and intensity of the effect of these behaviors on different age groups. Methods: A systematic review of 1504 articles from Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and APA PsycNet (as of 22 July 2024) included studies on parents and children aged 4–18 years, focusing on physical activity, sleep, screen time, nutrition, and mental health. Twenty-six studies were analyzed, including 19 cross-sectional and 7 longitudinal studies. The outcomes included physical activity, sedentary behaviors, eating and sleeping habits, mental health, and BMI. Bias was assessed using JBI tools according to the GRADE framework and Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment. Results: The studies involved 89,545 youths and 13,856 parents. The key findings revealed associations between parental physical activity, sleep, dietary habits, mental health, screen time, and their children’s BMIs. Parenting styles significantly influence children’s behaviors. This review highlights the crucial influence of parenting styles and behaviors on children’s physical activity, diet, sleep, and mental health, emphasizing the link between family dynamics and childhood obesity. The findings stress the importance of targeting parental habits in interventions focused on healthy routines and stress management. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine causality, while research involving diverse populations is essential to enhance the applicability of these findings.
Arteriovenous Fistula with Pseudoaneurysm and Facial Palsy Following Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy: A Case Report
Authors: Ivanic-Sefcikova Michala , Starke Vasco , Groessing Lukas , Augustin Michael , Schwaiger Michael , Zemann Wolfgang
Published: February 2025

Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy is a commonly used, standard procedure in orthognathic surgery to correct malocclusion and jaw misalignment. Postoperative vascular complications are extremely rare and under-reported in the literature. This contribution presents the case of a 48-year-old male patient who underwent bilateral sagittal split osteotomy due to class II skeletal malocclusion. There were no abnormalities during the surgery. However, the patient developed facial palsy and experienced a pulse-synchronised murmur. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) revealed an arteriovenous fistula between the right external carotid artery and the pterygoid plexus with pseudoaneurysm. Following the diagnosis, the patient was successfully treated with an intervention involving coiling and sealing with histoacrylic glue. It is crucial to be aware of serious vascular complications following orthognathic surgery, as a delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to life-threatening bleeding or long-term damage. CTA is the most rapid and accurate method of confirming the diagnosis. If there is clinical suspicion, this examination should not be delayed, and the therapeutic approach should be determined on an interdisciplinary basis.
Visual Footprint of Separation Through Membrane Distillation on YouTube
Authors: Aytaç Ersin , Khayet Mohamed
Published: February 2025

Social media has revolutionized the dissemination of information, enabling the rapid and widespread sharing of news, concepts, technologies, and ideas. YouTube is one of the most important online video sharing platforms of our time. In this research, we investigate the trace of separation through membrane distillation (MD) on YouTube using statistical methods and natural language processing. The dataset collected on 04.01.2024 included 212 videos with key characteristics such as durations, views, subscribers, number of comments, likes, etc. The results show that the number of videos is not sufficient, but there is an increasing trend, especially since 2019. The high number of channels offering information about MD technology in countries such as the USA, India, and Canada indicates that these countries recognized the practical benefits of this technology, especially in areas such as water treatment, desalination, and industrial applications. This suggests that MD could play a pivotal role in finding solutions to global water challenges. Word cloud analysis showed that terms such as “water”, “treatment”, “desalination”, and “separation” were prominent, indicating that the videos focused mainly on the principles and applications of MD. The sentiment of the comments is mostly positive, and the dominant emotion is neutral, revealing that viewers generally have a positive attitude towards MD. The narrative intensity metric evaluates the information transfer efficiency of the videos and provides a guide for effective content creation strategies. The results of the analyses revealed that social media awareness about MD technology is still not sufficient and that content development and sharing strategies should focus on bringing the technology to a wider audience.
Multimodal Elastography of the Main Salivary Glands—A Narrative Review
Authors: Donci Delia Doris , Lenghel Lavinia Manuela , Dinu Cristian , Stoia Sebastian , Bădărînză Maria , Mocan Rareș , Solomon Carolina , Ciurea Anca
Published: February 2025

Elastography has emerged as a valuable imaging technique that evaluates tissue stiffness and offers complementary insights into conventional ultrasonography. The aim of this article is to review the utility of elastography in assessing salivary gland pathologies. The review categorizes findings by pathology and the physical principles underlying each elastographic modality. Key modalities discussed include strain elastography, shear wave elastography, and novel hybrid techniques, such as viscoelastography, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and clinical applications in salivary gland imaging.
Evaluating Rabies Test Accuracy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human and Canine Diagnostic Methods
Authors: Candia-Puma Mayron Antonio , Pola-Romero Leydi , Barazorda-Ccahuana Haruna Luz , Goyzueta-Mamani Luis Daniel , Galdino Alexsandro Sobreira , Machado-de-Ávila Ricardo Andrez , Giunchetti Rodolfo Cordeiro , Ferraz Coelho Eduardo Antonio , Chávez-Fumagalli Miguel Angel
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Rabies is almost invariably fatal once clinical symptoms manifest. Timely and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and prevention. Dogs are the principal reservoirs of the virus, particularly in developing nations, highlighting the importance of precise diagnostic and control measures to prevent human cases. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the accuracy of laboratory tests for diagnosing rabies in humans and dogs. Methods: The PubMed database was searched for published studies on rabies diagnosis between 1990 and 2024. Following PRISMA statement recommendations, we included 60 studies that met the selection criteria. Results: The results demonstrated the effectiveness of immunological tests like the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and molecular tests such as Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) for both humans and dogs. In this study, the Direct Fluorescent Antibody Test (DFAT) exhibited lower diagnostic performance, with an area under the curve for false positive rates (AUCFPR = 0.887). In contrast, ELISA (AUCFPR = 0.909) and RT-PCR (AUCFPR = 0.905) provided more consistent results. Notably, the Rapid Immunochromatographic Test (RIT) showed the best performance (AUCFPR = 0.949), highlighting its superior diagnostic capabilities compared to DFAT. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need to modernize rabies diagnostic protocols by incorporating advanced methodologies to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce transmission, and decrease mortality rates.
The Impact of Transurethral Enucleation Therapeutic Approach in All-Size Benign Prostatic Obstruction Pathology: From Contemporary Technological Advances to Evidence-Based Clinical Progresses
Authors: Bulai Catalin-Andrei , Multescu Razvan-Dragos , Geavlete Petrisor-Aurelian , Punga Ana Maria Andreea , Militaru Adrian , Buzescu Bogdan-Gabriel , Ene Cosmin-Victor , Mares Cristian , Geavlete Bogdan-Florin
Published: February 2025

Transurethral enucleation (TUE) has revolutionized the management of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO), offering a minimally invasive solution with superior efficacy across all prostate sizes. This review explores the advancements in TUE techniques, including Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP), Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (ThuLEP), and bipolar enucleation, highlighting their clinical benefits, safety profiles, and long-term outcomes. Compared to traditional approaches such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and open prostatectomy, TUE has been associated with reduced complication rates, shorter recovery times, and durable symptom relief. The manuscript also examines patient-centered considerations, such as quality of life improvements and preservation of sexual function, which contribute to high patient satisfaction. Furthermore, the economic advantages of TUE, driven by reduced retreatment rates and healthcare costs, underscore its value for both patients and healthcare systems. Emerging innovations, including artificial intelligence (AI), promise to further enhance procedural planning, surgical precision, and training pathways. Efforts to expand global access through cost-effective adaptations like bipolar enucleation and targeted training initiatives are paving the way for wider adoption of TUE. With its adaptability, technological advancements, and focus on patient outcomes, TUE is poised to become the global standard of care in BPO management.
UAV Path Planning Trends from 2000 to 2024: A Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization
Authors: Wu Qiwu , Su Yunchen , Tan Weicong , Zhan Renjun , Liu Jiaqi , Jiang Lingzhi
Published: February 2025

UAV path planning, as a key technology in the field of automatic control and intelligent systems, has demonstrated significant potential in various applications, including logistics and distribution, environmental monitoring, and emergency rescue. A comprehensive reassessment of the existing representative literature reveals that most reviews in this field focus on specific aspects and are largely confined to methodological investigations, primarily qualitative analyses that lack empirical data to support their conclusions. To address this gap, this study employs the mapping knowledge domain (MKD) method of bibliometrics, utilizing CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix R package to analyze a total of 4416 documents from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) spanning from 2000 to 2024. Through retrospective analysis and scientific knowledge mapping, we first review the development of UAV path planning and categorize it into four distinct stages. Secondly, we identify key external features of the field. Using techniques such as co-citation analysis and keyword clustering, we then identify research trends, burst papers, and hotspots. Finally, we highlight five typical application scenarios of UAV path planning. The results of the study indicate that the field of UAV path planning has made significant advancements over the past two decades, particularly since 2018. These studies encompass various disciplinary areas, underscoring the increasing necessity for the integration of multidisciplinary approaches to UAV path planning in recent years. The aim of this study is to provide researchers with a comprehensive reference and new research perspectives while offering technical guidelines for professionals working in related applications.
Analysis of Aftershocks from California and Synthetic Series by Using Visibility Graph Algorithm
Authors: Muñoz-Diosdado Alejandro , Aguilar-Molina Ana María , Solis-Montufar Eric Eduardo , Zamora-Justo José Alberto
Published: February 2025

The use of the Visibility Graph Algorithm (VGA) has proven to be a valuable tool for analyzing both real and synthetic seismicity series. Specifically, VGA transforms time series into a network representation in which structural properties such as node connectivity, clustering, and community structure can be quantitatively measured, thereby revealing underlying correlations and dynamics that may remain hidden in traditional linear or spectral analyses. The time series transformation into complex networks with VGA provides a new approach to analyze seismic dynamics, allowing scientists to extract trends and behaviors that may not be possible by classical time-series analysis. On the other hand, many studies attempt to find viable trends in order to identify preparation mechanisms prior to a strong earthquake or to analyze the aftershocks. In this work, the seismic activity of Southern California Earthquake was analyzed focusing only on the significant earthquakes. For this purpose, seismic series preceding and following each earthquake were constructed using a windowing method with different overlaps and the slope of the connectivity (k) versus magnitude (M) graph (k-M slope) and the average degree were computed from the mapped complex networks. The results revealed a significant decrease in these parameters after the earthquake, due to the contribution of the aftershocks from the main event. Interestingly, the study was extended to synthetic seismicity series and the same behavior was observed for both k-M slope and average degree. This finding suggests that the spring-block model reproduces a relaxation mechanism following a large-magnitude event like those of real seismic aftershocks. However, this conclusion contrasts with conclusions drawn by other researchers. These results highlight the utility of VGA in studying events that precede and follow major earthquakes. This technique may be used to extract some useful trends in seismicity, which could eventually be employed for a deeper understanding and possible forecasting of seismic behavior.
An Experimental Study on a Blockage Effect of Sting-Free AxialCircular Cylinders
Authors: Okuizumi Hiroyuki , Wajima Yuki , Konishi Yasufumi , Sawada Hideo , Obayashi Shigeru , Ohnishi Naofumi
Published: February 2025

The correction of the blockage effect is crucial in wind tunnel experiments, particularly for the drag forces on bluff bodies with a large flow separation at the leading edge. Maskell’s wake blockage correction is a widely used method for bluff bodies. However, the correction method is limited to the separated flow that does not reattach. In this study, the blockage effect and correction methods were investigated due to the presence or absence of the leading-edge-separated shear layer reattachment in a flow field with non-support interference produced using a magnetic suspension and balance system (MSBS). The drag coefficient without a wall constraint (CDL) was evaluated by varying the fineness ratio in the models with L/D=1.0 and 2.0. For L/D=1.0, where the leading-edge-separated shear layer does not reattach, the solid blockage correction following the wake blockage correction reduced the difference to within ±0.01. However, as S/C changed, the corrected drag coefficient was not constant. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the possibility of overcorrection. For L/D=2.0, the reattachment occurs; the wake blockage correction alone is insufficient; therefore, a solid blockage correction must apply along with the wake blockage correction. It leads the difference to become less than ±0.02 compared to CDL. The results of this study suggest that both wake and solid blockage corrections are effective regardless of the presence or absence of the reattachment of the leading-edge-separated shear layer on the cylinder.
Neuronal Network Activation Induced by Forniceal Deep Brain Stimulation in Mice
Authors: Tang Bin , Wu Zhenyu , Wang Qi , Tang Jianrong
Published: February 2025

Background: The fimbria-fornix is a nerve fiber bundle that connects various structures of the limbic system in the brain and plays a key role in cognition. It has become a major target of deep brain stimulation (DBS) to treat memory impairment in both dementia patients and animal models of neurological diseases. Previously, we have reported the beneficial memory effects of chronic forniceal DBS in mouse models of intellectual disability disorders. In Rett syndrome and CDKL5 deficiency disorder models, DBS strengthens hippocampal synaptic plasticity, reduces dentate inhibitory transmission or increases adult hippocampal neurogenesis that aids memory. However, the underlying neuronal circuitry mechanisms remain unknown. This study we explored the neural network circuits involved in forniceal DBS treatment. Methods: We used acute forniceal DBS-induced expression of c-Fos, an activity-dependent neuronal marker, to map the brain structures functionally connected to the fornix. We also evaluated the mouse behavior of locomotion, anxiety, and fear memory after acute forniceal DBS treatment. Results: Acute forniceal DBS induces robust activation of multiple structures in the limbic system. DBS-induced neuronal activation extends beyond hippocampal formation and includes brain structures not directly innervated by the fornix. Conclusions: Acute forniceal DBS activates multiple limbic structures associated with emotion and memory. The neural circuits revealed here help elucidate the neural network effect and pave the way for further research on the mechanism by which forniceal DBS induces benefits on cognitive impairments.
Editorial for the “Non-Coding RNAs in Human Health and Disease” Special Issue
Authors: Paul Sujay
Published: February 2025

Numerous non-coding RNA (ncRNA) species, including miRNAs, siRNAs, piRNAs, circRNAs, and lncRNAs, have displayed a substantial correlation with human diseases, and may serve as prospective targets for gene therapy and diagnostic biomarkers [...]
Interactive Conversational Agents for Perinatal Health: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review
Authors: Amil Samira , Da Sié-Mathieu-Aymar-Romaric , Plaisimond James , Roch Geneviève , Sasseville Maxime , Bergeron Frédéric , Gagnon Marie-Pierre
Published: February 2025

Background: Interactive conversational agents (chatbots) simulate human conversation using natural language processing and artificial intelligence. They enable dynamic interactions and are used in various fields, including education and healthcare. Objective: This systematic review aims to identify and synthesize studies on chatbots for women and expectant parents in the preconception, pregnancy, and postnatal period through 12 months postpartum. Methods: We searched in six electronic bibliographic databases (MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase, Web of Science, Inspec, and IEEE Xplore) using a pre-defined search strategy. We included sources if they focused on women in the preconception period, pregnant women and their partners, mothers, and fathers/coparents of babies up to 12 months old. Two reviewers independently screened studies and all disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. Two reviewers independently extracted and validated data from the included studies into a standardized form and conducted quality appraisal. Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven were from the USA, with others from Brazil, South Korea, Singapore, and Japan. The studies reported high user satisfaction, improved health intentions and behaviors, increased knowledge, and better prevention of preconception risks. Chatbots also facilitated access to health information and interactions with health professionals. Conclusion: We provide an overview of interactive conversational agents used in the perinatal period and their applications. Digital interventions using interactive conversational agents have a positive impact on knowledge, behaviors, attitudes, and the use of health services. Interventions using interactive conversational agents may be more effective than those using methods such as individual or group face-to-face delivery.
Perceived Stress, Well-Being, and Academic Performance of University Students During the First COVID-19 Lockdown: A Study of Portuguese, Spanish, and Brazilian Students
Authors: Marques-Pinto Alexandra , Curral Luís , Costa Maria R. , Quadros Francisca , Jesus Saúl Neves de , Martínez Isabel Maria , Roazzi António , Oliveira Sofia
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected university students globally, exacerbating their already existing academic stress. This study investigates how the first COVID-19 lockdown (March–July 2020) differently impacted Portuguese, Spanish, and Brazilian university students’ perceived academic stress, personal well-being, academic engagement, and performance. Methods: An online survey collected responses from 1081 university students (78.17% female; Mage = 25.43 years, SD = 9.27). Qualitative data on academic stressors were analyzed using content analysis. Cross-country differences were assessed through chi-square analyses and ANOVAs. Hypotheses were tested with a mediation path analysis. Results: Emotional distress emerged as the most prevalent stressor (54%). The results evidence differences in how students from the three countries experienced their academic life during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Personal and academic well-being mediated stress’ effects on performance. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for context-tailored interventions and proactive measures to support students’ academic engagement in challenging contexts, informing educators and policymakers alike.
Effects of Macronutrients on the Growth, Essential Oil Production, and Quality of Echinophora platyloba (DC.) in Natural Ecosystems
Authors: Mohammadi Somayeh , Fallah Sina , Maggi Filippo
Published: February 2025

Echinophora platyloba DC. (Apiaceae) is recognized for its important secondary metabolites and antifungal agents. To evaluate the effects of macronutrient fertilizers on the growth parameters and essential oils yield of E. platyloba, a study was conducted in 2018 at Shahrekord University, Iran. The treatments included the individual and combined application of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with control groups. The results revealed that nitrogen application significantly influenced biomass accumulation in stems, leaves, and inflorescences, with phosphorus-treated plants showing a notable increase in leaf weight. Compared to a positive control, phosphorus increased the essential oil yield by 488%, while nitrogen enhanced biomass accumulation by 165%. The primary compounds identified included (E)-β-ocimene, (E)-sesquilavandolol, and β-pinene, with percentages ranging between 21.3–32.1%, 14.1–42.0%, and 2.0–8.8%, respectively. The levels of β-pinene, (E)-β-ocimene, γ-decalactone, and spathulenol were found to be higher in the phosphorus and potassium treatments than in nitrogen. In contrast, limonene, linalool, geraniol, and (E)-sesquilavandulol concentrations were greater in the nitrogen treatment compared with phosphorus and potassium treatments. In conclusion, phosphorus fertilization can substantially increase the essential oil yield in E. platyloba compared to other treatments, potentially enhancing production per unit area, which supports farmers’ income and helps prevent the degradation of this species in natural habitats.
From Flocks to Fields: Pastoralism in Eastern al-Andalus During the 11th Century
Authors: Jiménez-Castillo Pedro , García José Luis Simón , Moreno-Narganes José María
Published: February 2025

The development of transhumant livestock farming in the Iberian Peninsula from the Late Middle Ages onward is one of the most thoroughly studied aspects of economic history, as it laid the foundation for the prosperity of the Kingdom of Castile throughout the Early Modern period. In contrast, there is very little information about livestock activity in the earlier period of al-Andalus, the part of the peninsula under Islamic rule from the eighth to the fifteenth centuries. This lack of information is due to epistemological reasons, as the absence of written sources makes archaeological data on pastoralism highly elusive. Additionally, historiographical reasons have led to the belief that livestock farming played a secondary role in the Andalusi economy. Given the current state of research, this work is significant as it presents convincing archaeological evidence of Andalusi livestock farming as early as the 11th century, linked to rural communities where sheep herding for wool production was the primary activity.
The Breast to Bone (B2B) Cohort Study to Prevent, Detect and Improve Treatment of Metastatic Disease: Baseline Assessment, Description and Progress
Authors: Brockton Nigel T. , Cook Linda S. , Magliocco Anthony M. , Shemanko Carrie S. , Vogel Hans J. , Khan Momtafin , Kopciuk Karen A.
Published: February 2025

Women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer can develop metastatic disease following successful initial treatment, with bone being the most common site of metastases. The Breast to Bone (B2B) cohort study of early-stage breast cancer patients was established as a research platform to study the basic biology of breast cancer to bone metastasis and to identify the factors that could improve prevention, early detection and treatment for this debilitating and incurable disease. The B2B cohort includes 478 women diagnosed with incident primary breast cancer (stages I to III) who were recruited from Calgary, Alberta and surrounding areas between February 2010 and July 2015. Four projects have been conducted to date, utilizing data and samples from this cohort. These studies have found the following: (a) women with insufficient or deficient levels of vitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations in pretreatment serum samples had larger tumors and higher breast cancer grades, (b) several metabolomic biomarkers and cytokines were associated with tumor characteristics and time to recurrence, (c) additional biomarkers were found to be predictive for the high risk of bone metastasis and (d) circulating progastrin (hPG80) was associated with multiple survival outcomes. These research studies and future ones will provide new evidence on bone metastasis etiology in women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, improve identification of those at high risk and contribute to personalized treatment and prevention options.
A Pilot Study Exploring the Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Employees Handling Healthcare Waste in Selected Healthcare Risk Waste Facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Sehlapelo Neo M. M. , Rathebe Phoka C. , Tlotleng Nonhlanhla
Published: February 2025

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has increased healthcare waste (HCW) across the globe, giving rise to new challenges such as illegal dumping of medical waste, and an increased risk to hazardous waste exposure such as blood and body fluids that could cause diseases. The study aimed to determine factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection among employees handling medical waste in selected healthcare risk waste (HCRW) facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa. The pilot study followed a cross-sectional design, where self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data on occupation-related risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 among HCW handlers working in waste generation, transportation, and final disposal. A total of 33 participants selected from eight HCRW facilities participated in the study. The analysis showed that 21.9% (n = 7) of the HCW handlers who participated in the study reported a positive test result for COVID-19, while 78.1% (n = 26) reported a negative test result for COVID-19. The logistic regression analysis showed that repeated handling of HCW (COR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.00–2.25) and not having sufficient hand washing facilities (COR: 1.13: 95% CI: 1.04–1.24) increased the odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, these factors were not significant as risks for SARS-CoV-2. In the multivariable analysis, not being trained on personal protective equipment (PPE) use (AOR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.00–1.58) increased the odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection, while having 3-6 years of experience in medical waste handling significantly lowered the odds of occupation-related SARS-CoV-2 infection by 33% (AOR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.48–0.95). These preliminary findings show that factors such as the accessibility of handwashing facilities, training on the use of PPE, years of work experience, and repeated contact with medical waste may play a role in modifying the odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCW handlers. A study with a larger sample size is needed to comprehensively quantify occupation related risk factors associated with communicable disease infections among HCW handlers.
Do We Have a Knowledge Gap with Our Patients?—On the Problems of Knowledge Transfer and the Implications at the End of Life
Authors: Heuser Nils , Heers Hendrik , Gschnell Martin , Urhahn Fabian , Schrade Severin , Volberg Christian
Published: February 2025

Background: Cancer patients are often unaware of their exact diagnosis, stage of disease, and prognosis. This affects their treatment, quality of life, and end-of-life decisions. In this study, patients with skin and urological cancers were asked about their level of knowledge about their disease and its treatment in order to highlight this problem and describe possible effects on end-of-life decisions. Methods: 150 patients with advanced skin cancer and 88 patients with advanced urological cancer were interviewed using a structured questionnaire at a German university hospital. Descriptive and statistical analysis of the data were performed. The significance level was set at alpha ≤ 0.05. Results: 67% of skin cancer patients could not state their exact stage. Of these, younger patients (<60 y) were more likely to state their stage correctly (p = 0.017). All of those patients knew about their therapy. A total of 56 patients had distant and 143 had local metastasis. The majority was aware of that (84%, 78%). Also, 95% of the urological cancer patients stated that they knew their stage of disease, but not a single patient could tell it correctly. All urological patients knew about the presence of metastasis. A total of 30% of urological cancer patients were unaware of their tumor therapy, and one patient stated that he did not receive any treatment, even though he did. The majority of patients could not correctly name their exact therapy. Conclusions: In the patients observed, it was found that many of them were unaware of their stage of disease, which can have a huge impact on their end-of-life decisions, such as the type of treatment they want. Many patients were also unaware of their own treatment. There is a risk that false hopes of cure may be attached to therapies and that, as a result, patients may be less likely to opt for palliative care with a focus on maintaining quality of life.
The Cortisol Effect on the NO/cGMP Pathway
Authors: Signorello Maria Grazia , Leoncini Giuliana
Published: February 2025

Previously, it has been shown that cortisol induces oxidative stress in human platelets, stimulating reactive oxygen species production, superoxide anion formation, lipid peroxidation, and depleting antioxidant defenses. In this study, the cortisol effect on platelet function has been described. Results demonstrate that cortisol stimulates platelet activation and aggregation, leading to CD62P surface exposure and intracellular calcium elevation. Cortisol potentiates its aggregating effect, reducing the level of the powerful anti-aggregating agent nitric oxide (NO). Likewise, cortisol reduces cGMP levels. Moreover, specific inhibitors of the Src/Syk/PI3K/AKT pathways reverse the inhibiting effect of cortisol, partially restoring NO and cGMP levels. Unexpectedly, cortisol stimulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, measured in platelet lysates prepared by whole cells treated with the hormone. The phosphorylation of the Ser1177 eNOS activating-residue is increased by cortisol. The Src/Syk/PI3K/AKT pathways appear to be involved in the phosphorylation of this residue. Moreover, cortisol induces the formation of nitrotyrosine, that can be considered a biomarker for reactive nitrogen species, including peroxynitrite. In conclusion, through these mechanisms, cortisol potentiates its capacity to induce oxidative stress in human platelets.
Exercise in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: Its Protective Effects and Molecular Mechanism
Authors: Chen Humin , Guo Liang
Published: February 2025

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the cardiovascular complications of diabetes, characterized by the development of ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction due to factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and disordered glucose metabolism. As a sustainable therapeutic approach, exercise has been reported in numerous studies to regulate blood glucose and improve abnormal energy metabolism through various mechanisms, thereby ameliorating left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and mitigating DCM. This review summarizes the positive impacts of exercise on DCM and explores its underlying molecular mechanisms, providing new insights and paving the way for the development of tailored exercise programs for the prophylaxis and therapy of DCM.
Indoor Microclimate Monitoring and Forecasting: Public Sector Building Use Case
Authors: Sudniks Ruslans , Ziemelis Arturs , Nikitenko Agris , Soares Vasco N. G. J. , Supe Andis
Published: February 2025

This research aims to demonstrate a machine learning (ML) algorithm-based indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring and forecasting system for a public sector building use case. Such a system has the potential to automate existing heating/ventilation systems, therefore reducing energy consumption. One of Riga Technical University’s campus buildings, equipped with around 128 IAQ sensors, is used as a test bed to create a digital shadow including a comparison of five ML-based data prediction tools. We compare the IAQ data prediction loss using Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) error metrics based on real sensor data. Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) and Kolmogorov–Arnold Networks (KAN) prove to be the most accurate models regarding the prediction error. Also, GRU proved to be the most efficient model regarding the required computation time.
Smart Buildings Using Web of Things with .NET Core: A Framework for Inter-Device Connectivity and Secure Data Transfer
Authors: Ekren Nazmi , Sensoy Mehmet , Akinci Tahir Cetin
Published: February 2025

The Internet of Things (IoT) is experiencing rapid growth, with an increasing number of devices connected to the Internet. By 2020, approximately 54% of the 21.7 billion active internet-connected devices worldwide were IoT devices. This number is projected to reach 30 billion by 2025, with an average of four IoT devices per person globally. IoT devices use communication protocols, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RFID, to facilitate data exchange. However, the absence of standardized communication protocols and reprogrammable architectures presents significant challenges for IoT applications. Smart buildings, which heavily depend on IoT technology, are particularly affected by the diversity of protocols and standards used by different devices. The Web of Things (WoT) framework has been introduced to address these challenges, enabling interoperability among devices with heterogeneous communication protocols and enhancing system programmability. The increasing adoption of IoT devices necessitates more efficient communication protocols and integrated architectures to meet the demands of modern innovative building systems. This study presents a WoT-based modular architecture designed to ensure compatibility among devices and protocols while providing scalable, flexible, and secure solutions tailored to the current IoT trends. In this study, an Application Programming Interface (API) and a Worker Service were developed using .NET Core technology and the WoT framework for modular intelligent building automation. This system integrates various subsystems, leveraging hardware and communication protocols for seamless functionality. The API facilitates device monitoring and control, while the Worker Service manages scheduling and database operations. The system supports asynchronous communication by employing the HTTP and WebSocket protocols and provides multi-user access with role-based authorization. The proposed automation system was implemented and evaluated, demonstrating its practical applicability and effectiveness in managing complex, innovative building environments.
Thermal Video Enhancement Mamba: A Novel Approach to Thermal Video Enhancement for Real-World Applications
Authors: Hovhannisyan Sargis , Agaian Sos , Panetta Karen , Grigoryan Artyom
Published: February 2025

Object tracking in thermal video is challenging due to noise, blur, and low contrast. We present TVEMamba, a Mamba-based enhancement framework with near-linear complexity that improves tracking in these conditions. Our approach uses a State Space 2D (SS2D) module integrated with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to filter, sharpen, and highlight important details. Key components include (i) a denoising module to reduce background noise and enhance image clarity, (ii) an optical flow attention module to handle complex motion and reduce blur, and (iii) entropy-based labeling to create a fully labeled thermal dataset for training and evaluation. TVEMamba outperforms existing methods (DCRGC, RLBHE, IE-CGAN, BBCNN) across multiple datasets (BIRDSAI, FLIR, CAMEL, Autonomous Vehicles, Solar Panels) and achieves higher scores on standard quality metrics (EME, BDIM, DMTE, MDIMTE, LGTA). Extensive tests, including ablation studies and convergence analysis, confirm its robustness. Real-world examples, such as tracking humans, animals, and moving objects for self-driving vehicles and remote sensing, demonstrate the practical value of TVEMamba.
Unmasking the True Identity: Unveiling the Secrets of Virtual Private Networks and Proxies
Authors: Jain Vikas Kumar , Aggrawal Jatin , Dangi Ramraj , Prasad Shukla Shiv Shankar , Yadav Anil Kumar , Choudhary Gaurav
Published: February 2025

The growing use of VPNs, proxy servers, and Tor browsers has significantly enhanced online privacy and anonymity. However, these technologies are also exploited by cybercriminals to obscure their identities, posing serious cybersecurity threats. Existing detection methods face challenges in accurately tracing the real IP addresses hidden behind these anonymization tools. This study presents a novel approach to unmasking true identities by leveraging honeypots and Canarytokens to track concealed connections. By embedding deceptive tracking mechanisms within decoy systems, we successfully capture the real IP addresses of users attempting to evade detection. Our methodology was rigorously tested across various network environments and payload types, ensuring effectiveness in real-world scenarios. The findings demonstrate the practicality and scalability of using Canarytokens for IP unmasking, providing a non-intrusive, legally compliant solution to combat online anonymity misuse. This research contributes to strengthening cyber threat intelligence, offering actionable insights for law enforcement, cybersecurity professionals, and digital forensics. Future work will focus on enhancing detection accuracy and addressing the advanced evasion tactics used by sophisticated attackers.
Diversity of Gut Bacteria of Field-Collected Aedes aegypti Larvae and Females, Resistant to Temephos and Deltamethrin
Authors: Viafara-Campo Jennifer D. , Vivero-Gómez Rafael José , Fernando-Largo Daniel , Manjarrés Lina Marcela , Moreno-Herrera Claudia Ximena , Cadavid-Restrepo Gloria
Published: February 2025

The Aedes aegypti mosquito serves as a vector for several diseases, including dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. This species is well adapted to urban environments and poses a significant threat to public health. Some studies suggest that the gut bacteria of insect vectors may play a crucial role in developing resistance to insecticides. This study assessed the resistance of Ae. aegypti from Florencia, Caquetá, to temephos and deltamethrin and analyzed the diversity of gut bacteria in resistant larvae and adult females. Larvae exhibited resistance to temephos at a lethal concentration 50 (LC50) of 0.034 µg/mL, while females showed resistance to deltamethrin at a discriminant concentration of 10 µg/mL. The bacterial load in the guts of deltamethrin-treated females (3.42 × 106 CFU/mL) was significantly higher compared to temephos-treated larvae (9.4 × 105 CFU/mL) and untreated females (8 × 104 CFU/mL). A total of sixty-eight bacterial strains were isolated from the guts of both larval and resistant females Ae. aegypti, with 31 strains identified through 16S rRNA gene analysis and 11 confirmed by gyrB gene sequencing. In untreated females, Bacillus comprised 12.55% of the gut bacteria and was identified as an exclusive genus. In resistant larvae, Serratia was the most abundant and exclusive genus, accounting for 35.29%, while in resistant females, Cedecea was the predominant genus, representing 66.67%. These findings suggest that gut bacteria may influence the resistance of Ae. aegypti to temephos and deltamethrin. Furthermore, this research provides valuable information that can be considered for the design of local vector control strategies. The results highlight new research focused on the study of insecticide tolerance and degradation within the gut microbiota of insect vectors of arboviruses.
Modeling the Potential Climatic Suitability and Expansion Risk of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Under Future Climate Scenarios
Authors: Gao Tai , Feng Rui , Liu Zibo , Zhu Zengrong
Published: February 2025

In this study, we predicted the global climatic suitability of Tuta absoluta, using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) modeling. We used species’ natural occurrence records in 1981–2024 and environmental variables in 1981–2010, reflecting near-current climate conditions, for modeling. The occurrence records used for modeling excluded the data from greenhouses and summer-only presence. The optimized MaxEnt models demonstrated an excellent predictive performance; Jaccard’s and Sørensen’s indices were greater than 0.8. Temperature, particularly the mean daily air temperature in February (tas2), was identified as the primary influencing factor. Projections based on five global climate models (GCMs) and four shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) indicated an increasing risk of T. absoluta expansion. Under SSP126, the lowest-risk period (2011–2040) exhibited a 7.08% increase in suitable areas, while SSP370 during the highest-risk period (2071–2100) projected an 18.13% increase relative to near-current conditions. Model outputs underestimated the pest’s actual distribution, underscoring its invasive potential. We recommend stringent quarantine measures, particularly for artificial facilities that support overwintering, to mitigate future invasions. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers and agricultural stakeholders to safeguard global tomato production against this invasive threat.
Primary Efficacy of Co-Fumigation with Methyl Bromide and Phosphine Against Tribolium castaneum and Sitophilus zeamais in Wood Pellets as a Quarantine Treatment
Authors: Cho Donghun , Park Min-Goo
Published: February 2025

Pests in wood pellets are treated using methyl bromide (MB) fumigation, which has low efficacy against pests because of its high adsorption to wood pellets. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of combined MB and phosphine (PH3) fumigation of adults and pupae of Tribolium castaneum and Sitophilus zeamais. The LC99 of MB for T. castaneum pupae were 31.49, 39.21, and 53.48 mg/L for 24 h treatment at 20, 10, and 5 °C, respectively. For S. zeamais, the LC99 were 24.32, 36.06, and 51.49 mg/L under the same conditions. The addition of PH3 (0.04 mg/L) to MB against T. castaneum pupae significantly decreased the LC99 of MB to 4.05 mg/L at 20 °C. MB was strongly adsorbed to wood pellets, which prevented complete extermination of T. castaneum at loading ratios between 20 and 60%. However, at the highest filling ratio (60%), the addition of 0.7 mg/L PH3 with 70 mg/L MB achieved 100% mortality for T. castaneum. When pupae of S. zeamais were targeted, MB + PH3 effectively disinfected both stages of both pests after 24 h at 5, 15, and 20 °C. Combined MB + PH3 treatment is an alternative to the currently approved MB treatment for controlling exotic beetles in imported wood pellets in Korea.