bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regeneration of Vascular Endothelium in Different Large Vessels
Authors: Sesorova Irina S. , Bedyaev Eugeny V. , Vavilov Pavel S. , Levin Sergei L. , Mironov Alexander A.
Published: January 2025

The regeneration of endothelial cells (ECs) lining arteries, veins, and large lymphatic vessels plays an important role in vascular pathology. To understand the mechanisms of atherogenesis, it is important to determine what happens during endothelial regeneration. A comparison of these processes in the above-mentioned vessels reveals both similarities and some significant differences. Regeneration is carried out by moving intact ECs from the edges of the viable endothelial layer towards the centre of the EC damage zone. A sharp decrease in contact inhibition leads to the spreading of the edges of the ECs situated on the damage border. This stimulates the second row of ECs to enter the S-phase, then the G2 phase of cell cycle, and finally mitosis. In all three types of vessels studied, mitotically dividing ECs were found using correlation light and electron microscopy. These ECs have a body protruding into the lumen of the vessel, covered with micro-villi and other outgrowths. The level of EC rounding and protruding is highest in the arteries and least pronounced in the lymphatic vessels. The intercellular contacts of mitotically dividing cells become wider. The EC division leads to an increase in the density of ECs. ECs moving over the damaged area and partially outside the damaged area acquire a fusiform shape. In the process of regeneration of arterial endothelium, the damaged ECs are removed. Then health ECs move to a surface devoid of endothelium, and detach spreading out, flattened platelets from the luminal surface of the vessel. In the veins, ECs grow on the surface of platelets and microthrombi. In lymphatic vessels, ECs detach from the basement membrane slower than in the veins and arteries. There, the migrating ECs grow under fibrin fibres. After some time (usually after 30 days), the EC mosaic returns to normal in all three types of vessels.
De Novo DNM1L Pathogenic Variant Associated with Lethal Encephalocardiomyopathy—Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Magistrati Martina , Zupin Luisa , Lamantea Eleonora , Baruffini Enrico , Ghezzi Daniele , Legati Andrea , Celsi Fulvio , Murru Flora Maria , Capaci Valeria , Pinamonti Maurizio , Bussani Rossana , Carrozzi Marco , Dallabona Cristina , Zeviani Massimo , Bonati Maria Teresa
Published: January 2025

Pathogenic variants in DNM1L, encoding dynamin-like protein-1 (DRP1), cause a lethal encephalopathy. DRP1 defective function results in altered mitochondrial networks, characterized by elongated/spaghetti-like, highly interconnected mitochondria. We validated in yeast the pathogenicity of a de novo DNM1L variant identified by whole exome sequencing performed more than 10 years after the patient’s death. Meanwhile, we reviewed the broadness and specificities of DNM1L-related phenotype. The patient, who exhibited developmental delay in her third year, developed a therapy-refractory myoclonic status epilepticus, followed by neurological deterioration with brain atrophy and refractory epilepsy. She died of heart failure due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. She was found to be heterozygous for the DNM1L variant (NM_ 012062.5):c.1201G>A, p.(Gly401Ser). We demonstrated its deleterious impact and dominant negative effect by assessing haploid and diploid mutant yeast strains, oxidative growth, oxygen consumption, frequency of petite, and architecture of the mitochondrial network. Structural modeling of p.(Gly401Ser) predicted the interference of the mutant protein in the self-oligomerization of the DRP1 active complex. DNM1L-related phenotypes include static or (early) lethal encephalopathy and neurodevelopmental disorders. In addition, there may be ophthalmological impairment, peripheral neuropathy, ataxia, dystonia, spasticity, myoclonus, and myopathy. The clinical presentations vary depending on mutations in different DRP1 domains. Few pathogenic variants, the p.(Gly401Ser) included, cause an encephalocardiomyopathy with refractory status epilepticus.
Curcumin Solubility and Bioactivity Enhancement Through Amorphization with Tryptophan via Supercritical Fluid Technology
Authors: Garbiec Ewa , Rosiak Natalia , Sip Szymon , Zalewski Przemysław , Cielecka-Piontek Judyta
Published: January 2025

Curcumin, a compound known for its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, faces challenges due to its low water solubility, which can limit its effectiveness. One effective method to address this issue is through amorphization. Incorporating curcumin into a polymeric matrix to form amorphous solid dispersions is a common approach. Another strategy involves co-amorphous systems, where low-molecular-weight components act as co-formers. A recent innovative approach combines these strategies. This study used tryptophan as a co-former and prepared systems using supercritical fluid technology. The amorphous nature of two systems was confirmed through X-ray powder diffraction: one with 10% curcumin and a polymer, and another with 10% curcumin, a polymer, and tryptophan. Fourier-transform infrared analysis demonstrated molecular interactions among all components in the systems. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the amorphization process significantly modified the morphology of the powder particles. The ternary system with tryptophan notably increased curcumin solubility by over 300-fold. The amorphous form of curcumin in both systems exhibited significantly higher dissolution rates compared to its crystalline form. The system with tryptophan showed more than a threefold improvement in permeability according to the PAMPA test. The enhanced solubility led to over a sixfold increase in antioxidant activity and a 25-fold improvement in the inhibition of the enzyme butyrylcholinesterase.
Improving Replication in Endometrial Omics: Understanding the Influence of the Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Chung Jessica , Rogers Peter Adrian
Published: January 2025

The dynamic nature of human endometrial tissue presents unique challenges in analysis. Despite extensive research into endometrial disorders such as endometriosis and infertility, recent systematic reviews have highlighted concerning issues with the reproducibility of omics studies attempting to identify biomarkers. This review examines factors contributing to poor reproducibility in endometrial omics research. Hormonal fluctuations in the menstrual cycle lead to widespread molecular changes in the endometrium, most notably in gene expression profiles. In this review, we examine the variability in omics data due to the menstrual cycle and highlight the importance of accurate menstrual cycle dating for effective statistical modelling. The current standards of endometrial dating lack precision and we make the case for using molecular-based modelling methods to estimate menstrual cycle time for endometrium tissue samples. Additionally, we discuss statistical considerations such as confounding and interaction effects, as well as the importance of recording the detailed and accurate clinical information of patients. By addressing these methodological challenges, we aim to establish more robust and reproducible research practises, increasing the reliability of endometrial omics research and biomarker discovery.
Starch-Assisted Eco-Friendly Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles: Enhanced Photocatalytic, Supercapacitive, and UV-Driven Antioxidant Properties with Low Cytotoxic Effects
Authors: Djafarou Roumaissa , Brahmia Ouarda , Haya Soumia , Sahmetlioglu Ertugrul , Kılıç Dokan Fatma , Hidouri Tarek
Published: January 2025

This study presents an efficient and environmentally sustainable synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using a starch-mediated sol-gel approach. This method yields crystalline mesoporous ZnO NPs with a hexagonal wurtzite structure. The synthesized nanoparticles demonstrated remarkable multifunctionality across three critical applications. In photocatalysis, the ZnO NPs exhibited exceptional efficiency, achieving complete degradation of methylene blue within 15 min at pH 11, significantly surpassing the performance of commercial ZnO. Under neutral pH conditions, the nanoparticles effectively degraded various organic dyes, including methylene blue, rhodamine B, and methyl orange, following pseudo-first-order kinetics. The methylene blue degradation process was aligned with the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model, emphasizing their advanced catalytic properties. For supercapacitor applications, the ZnO NPs attained a high specific capacitance of 550 F/g at 1 A/g, underscoring their potential as energy storage solutions. Additionally, the nanoparticles demonstrated strong UV-induced antiradical activity, with an EC50 of 32.2 μg/mL in DPPH assays. Notably, the cytotoxicity evaluation revealed an LC50 of 1648 μg/mL, indicating excellent biocompatibility. This study highlights a sustainable approach for the synthesis of multifunctional ZnO NPs that offers effective solutions for environmental remediation, energy storage, and biomedical applications.
Disease-Associated Signatures Persist in Extracellular Vesicles from Reprogrammed Cells of Osteoarthritis Patients
Authors: Piñeiro-Ramil María , Gómez-Seoane Iván , Rodríguez-Cendal Ana Isabel , Sanjurjo-Rodríguez Clara , Riva-Mendoza Selva , Fuentes-Boquete Isaac , De Toro-Santos Javier , Señarís-Rodríguez José , Díaz-Prado Silvia
Published: January 2025

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent joint disorder that lacks effective therapies to halt cartilage degeneration. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are being investigated as promising chondroprotective agents. Compared to primary MSCs, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived MSCs (MLCs) offer superior scalability and enhanced paracrine activity. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of using autologous MLC-derived sEVs as a potential therapeutic strategy for OA through the analysis of their protein cargo. iPSCs from an OA patient and a healthy donor were differentiated into MLCs. sEVs were isolated from these MLCs and characterized, with a particular focus on their protein cargo. Both iPSC lines were successfully differentiated into MLCs, which secreted sEVs with comparable size distributions and yields. The analysis of differentially expressed proteins revealed a high abundance of proteins associated with OA pathology and cartilage degradation in sEVs from OA MLCs compared to those from healthy MLCs. The persistence of OA-associated protein signatures in autologous MLC-derived sEVs may limit their therapeutic efficacy. These findings underscore the importance of carefully evaluating disease-specific protein profiles in sEVs for regenerative applications.
Small Fish, Big Answers: Zebrafish and the Molecular Drivers of Metastasis
Authors: Martínez-López Mayra Fernanda , López-Gil José Francisco
Published: January 2025

Cancer metastasis is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths and represents one of the most challenging processes to study due to its complexity and dynamic nature. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have become an invaluable model in metastasis research, offering unique advantages such as optical transparency, rapid development, and the ability to visualize tumor interactions with the microenvironment in real time. This review explores how zebrafish models have elucidated the critical steps of metastasis, including tumor invasion, vascular remodeling, and immune evasion, while also serving as platforms for drug testing and personalized medicine. Advances such as patient-derived xenografts and innovative genetic tools have further established zebrafish as a cornerstone in cancer research, particularly in understanding the molecular drivers of metastasis and identifying therapeutic targets. By bridging the experimental findings with clinical relevance, zebrafish continue transforming our understanding of cancer biology and therapy.
The Ferroxidase–Permease System for Transport of Iron Across Membranes: From Yeast to Humans
Authors: Amadei Matteo , Polticelli Fabio , Musci Giovanni , Bonaccorsi di Patti Maria Carmela
Published: January 2025

Transport of iron across the cell membrane is a tightly controlled process carried out by specific proteins in all living cells. In yeast and in mammals, a system formed by an enzyme with ferroxidase activity coupled to a membrane transporter supports iron uptake or iron efflux, respectively. Ferroxidase belongs to the family of blue multicopper oxidases, enzymes able to couple the one-electron oxidation of substrate(s) to full reduction of molecular oxygen to water. On the other hand, the permeases are widely different and are specific to Fe3+ and Fe2+ in yeast and multicellular organisms, respectively. This review will describe the yeast and human ferroxidase–permease systems, highlighting similarities and differences in structure, function and regulation of the respective protein components.
A Window into New Insights on Progression Independent of Relapse Activity in Multiple Sclerosis: Role of Therapies and Current Perspective
Authors: Guerra Tommaso , Iaffaldano Pietro
Published: January 2025

In multiple sclerosis (MS), there is significant evidence indicating that both progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) and relapse-related worsening events contribute to the accumulation of progressive disability from the onset of the disease and throughout its course. Understanding the compartmentalized pathophysiology of MS would enhance comprehension of disease progression mechanisms, overcoming the traditional distinction in phenotypes. Smoldering MS activity is thought to be maintained by a continuous interaction between the parenchymal chronic processes of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration and the intrathecal compartment. This review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the neuropathological and immunological evidence related to the mechanisms underlying PIRA phenomena in MS, with a focus on studies investigating the impact of currently available therapies on these complex mechanisms.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Algae-Derived Biomolecules in Gut Health: A Review
Authors: Brizzi Alessia , Rispoli Rosaria Margherita , Autore Giuseppina , Marzocco Stefania
Published: January 2025

Under physiological conditions, the inflammatory response acts as a biological defense against tissue damage or infection, and is rapidly resolved once the infection is cleared. However, chronic inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), have become increasingly widespread in the last decades, placing a burden on the quality of life of affected people and on healthcare systems worldwide. Available drug therapies are often ineffective due to the chronic nature of these diseases, and prolonged administration of drugs can result in severe side effects for the patient or a lack of efficacy. In addition, there is the growing problem of bacterial resistance to synthetic antibiotics. Together, these factors have led to a strong research focus on the discovery of natural products capable of treating IBD. Recently, there has been a growing interest in compounds derived from marine sources, mainly algae, due to their bioactive secondary metabolites with anti-inflammatory properties well known in the literature. Based on this evidence, this review aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of algae-derived biomolecules in IBD. In particular, interesting species from green algae (e.g., Chlorella vulgaris and Ulva pertusa), brown algae (e.g., Macrocystis pyrifera and Ecklonia cava) and red algae (e.g., Porphyra tenera and Grateloupia turuturu) are included in this review due to their proven anti-inflammatory properties. For this purpose, an extensive literature search was conducted using several databases. The results suggest that both macroalgae and microalgae have remarkable potential for IBD therapy due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of their bioactive compounds. However, while the preclinical evidence is encouraging, further and long-term clinical studies are needed to better understand their mechanisms of action in order to determine the true efficacy of marine algae in the treatment of IBD.
Research on Compressed Input Sequences Based on Compiler Tokenization
Authors: Li Zhe , Lu Xinxi
Published: January 2025

Current applications of large language models (LLMs) in the field of code intelligence face issues related to low tokenization efficiency. This results in longer token sequences for input to source code types, which leads to the waste of contextual resources for large models. Additionally, the existing LLM tokenization technology struggles to ensure the contextual synonymity of variables. To address these problems, we propose a compiler-based compressed input sequence method. We focus on using the compiler’s lexical analyzer for preliminary tokenization of the input statements, followed by tokenization and filtering through the large model’s tokenizer. This approach results in shorter, semantically clearer, and higher-quality embedded token sequences. Then, using a contextual dictionary, the reduced tokens can be restored to their original state in the output statements. The experimental results show that our compressed input sequence method can be run smoothly in code generation scenarios. Compared to the baseline model, the compiler-based tokenization method can reduce the input token count by 33.7%. This study provides new insights for the application of LLMs in the field of code intelligence.
Evaluating the Reliability of ChatGPT for Health-Related Questions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Beheshti Mohammad , Toubal Imad Eddine , Alaboud Khuder , Almalaysha Mohammed , Ogundele Olabode B. , Turabieh Hamza , Abdalnabi Nader , Boren Suzanne A. , Scott Grant J. , Dahu Butros M.
Published: January 2025

The rapid advancement of large language models like ChatGPT has significantly impacted natural language processing, expanding its applications across various fields, including healthcare. However, there remains a significant gap in understanding the consistency and reliability of ChatGPT’s performance across different medical domains. We conducted this systematic review according to an LLM-assisted PRISMA setup. The high-recall search term “ChatGPT” yielded 1101 articles from 2023 onwards. Through a dual-phase screening process, initially automated via ChatGPT and subsequently manually by human reviewers, 128 studies were included. The studies covered a range of medical specialties, focusing on diagnosis, disease management, and patient education. The assessment metrics varied, but most studies compared ChatGPT’s accuracy against evaluations by clinicians or reliable references. In several areas, ChatGPT demonstrated high accuracy, underscoring its effectiveness. However, performance varied, and some contexts revealed lower accuracy. The mixed outcomes across different medical domains emphasize the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI like ChatGPT into healthcare. The high accuracy in certain areas suggests that ChatGPT has substantial utility, yet the inconsistent performance across all applications indicates a need for ongoing evaluation and refinement. This review highlights ChatGPT’s potential to improve healthcare delivery alongside the necessity for continued research to ensure its reliability.
An Overview of the Nutritional Requirements of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Ansaloni Leticia S. , Kristl Janja , Domingues Caio E. C. , Gregorc Aleš
Published: January 2025

Honey bees are known for their wide global distribution, their ease of handling, and their economic and ecological value. However, they are often exposed to a wide variety of stress factors. Therefore, it is essential for beekeepers to maintain healthy bee colonies. In this context, a balanced diet is recommended to support the growth of strong and healthy honey bee colonies. The purpose of this review is therefore to provide an overview of the nutritional requirements of Apis mellifera and their importance for the maintenance of healthy bee colonies. An adequate diet includes the consumption of sufficient amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, water, and essential sterols, and a diet based on multi-floral pollen is desirable. However, when honey bee colonies are located near agroecosystems with lower resource diversity, both brood rearing and colony longevity may decrease, making them more susceptible to parasites and diseases. On the other hand, efforts have been made to improve the health of honey bee colonies with the help of nutritional supplements consisting of a variety of components. Nevertheless, studies have shown that even with these supplements, a lack of nutrients can still be an issue for honey bee colonies. Furthermore, future research should focus on identifying nutritional supplements that can better replicate natural diet diversity and assessing long-term effects on honey bee colony resilience, especially in low-flowering areas. This review discusses the interaction between nutrient requirements and the effects of supplements on colony health.
Computer Model of an IoT Decision-Making Network for Detecting the Probability of Crop Diseases
Authors: Diachenko Grygorii , Laktionov Ivan , Vovna Oleksandr , Aleksieiev Oleksii , Moroz Dmytro
Published: January 2025

This article is devoted to the development and testing of a computer model of an IoT system that combines wireless network technologies for the online monitoring of climatic and soil conditions in agriculture. The system supports decision-making by predicting the probability of crop diseases. This study focuses on the processes of aggregation, wireless transmission, and processing of soil and climatic measurement data within infocommunication software and hardware solutions. This research makes both scientific and practical contributions. Specifically, it presents a computer model based on wireless sensor networks and edge-computing technologies. This model aggregates and intelligently processes agricultural monitoring data to predict crop diseases. The software component, developed using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), was integrated into the microcontroller unit of IoT systems for agricultural applications. This approach enabled the substantiation of an optimised algorithmic and structural organisation of the IoT system, enabling its use in designing reliable architectures for agricultural monitoring systems in open fields with decision-making support.
Gender-Based Differences in Stroke Types and Risk Factors Among Young Adults: A Comparative Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Gulzar Sumaira , Kiani Bushra Hafeez , Akram Raja Waseem , Hussein Ahmed M. , Alamri Abdulaziz
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Stroke is considered the second-leading cause of mortality and a primary contributor to adult disability among both men and women. The primary aim of this research is to conduct a comprehensive investigation into gender disparities and stroke subtypes concerning symptoms, risk factors, and clinical and laboratory aspects of stroke, with a specific focus on young stroke patients. Methods: In this retrospective comparative study, a total of 185 stroke patients were selected through random sampling from the neurology department of a local hospital in Pakistan between August 2022 and March 2024. Data collection was carried out using a standardized questionnaire, and the collected data were cleaned, processed, input, and analyzed using SPSS software version 24.0. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson’s chi-square test for categorical variables, and descriptive statistics were utilized to present the frequency, percentages, means, and standard deviations of the variables. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of <0.05. Results: Out of the 185 participants in this study, 122 (65.9%) were male and 63 (34.1%) were female. The comparison of laboratory, clinical, and risk factors between males and females revealed a higher prevalence of smoking in males compared to females (p = 0.014). Additionally, higher levels of LDL and triglycerides were noted in males, while females showed a greater prevalence of vertigo (p = 0.002). No statistically significant differences were found in the comparison of laboratory and clinical characteristics among stroke types. In ischemic stroke patients, significant associations were found with symptoms such as loss of strength or weakness (p = 0.002), headache (p = 0.00001), and fever (p < 0.00001), although these associations did not differ by gender. Conclusions: The outcomes of this study underscore the disparities in stroke types and risk factors between genders, providing valuable insights for the development of gender-specific approaches for stroke assessment and prevention among young individuals in Pakistan.
Public Unawareness of Renal Function: A Questionnaire Survey at a Health Promotion Seminar
Authors: Aimiya Yukinori , Hasegawa Sho , Sakakibara Mikio , Hasegawa Midori , Tsuboi Naotake , Nakagawa Naoki , Yamada Shigeki
Published: January 2025

Background: Progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases the risk of complications such as cardiovascular disease; however, knowledge regarding renal function in the general population is low. We aimed to determine factors necessitating CKD education in the general population. Methods: Participants for a health promotion seminar were recruited via the Sugiura Memorial Foundation website and Sugi Pharmacy stores. Those who agreed to participate in the seminar were included in the questionnaire survey after a health seminar. Results: Out of 1548 participants, 1050 answered all questionnaire items, resulting in a valid response rate of 67.83%. Multivariable analysis revealed that sex (OR = 0.611), pharmacy consultations (OR = 0.661), receiving a blood test within 1 year (OR = 0.268), awareness of blood pressure (OR = 0.038), and knowledge of blood glucose level (OR = 0.099) were factors for unawareness of renal function. Conclusions: This study suggests that female individuals unaware of their blood pressure or glucose levels, those who have not had a blood test within 1 year, and those who have not sought health consultations need education on renal function.
Stable Yet Destabilised: Towards Understanding Brain Network Dynamics in Psychogenic Disorders
Authors: Badr Mostafa , Bröhl Timo , Dissouky Nayrin , Helmstaedter Christoph , Lehnertz Klaus
Published: January 2025

Background: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are seizure-like episodes that resemble behavioral aspects observed for epileptic seizures but are without the abnormal electrical activity typically seen in epilepsy. The lack of an etiologic model for PNES as well as limitations of available diagnostic methods largely hinders a clear-cut distinction from epilepsy and from a normal functioning brain. Methods: In this study, we investigate the brain dynamics of people with PNES and people with epilepsy during phases far-off seizures and seizure-like events as well as the brain dynamics of a control group. Probing for differences between these groups, we utilise the network ansatz and explore local and global characteristics of time-evolving functional brain networks. We observe subject-specific differences in local network characteristics across the groups, highlighting the physiological functioning of specific brain regions. Furthermore, we observe significant differences in global network characteristics—relating to communication, robustness, and stability aspects of the brain. Conclusions: Our findings may provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying PNES and offer a promising diagnostic approach to differentiate them from epilepsy.
Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy in Diabetes Mellitus: Pathogenesis, Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Clinical Implications: A Narrative Review
Authors: Gogan Alexandra , Potre Ovidiu , Avram Vlad-Florian , Andor Minodora , Caruntu Florina , Timar Bogdan
Published: January 2025

Background: Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a serious but sometimes underdiagnosed complications of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Because of the subtle onset and non-specific symptoms that can be mistaken for other conditions, CAN is frequently underdiagnosed despite the serious consequences that can appear. Its significance as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, including arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death, and silent myocardial ischemia, is being demonstrated by recent studies. The objective of this review article is to highlight the reasons why CAN is underdiagnosed and its association with decreased cardiovascular risk and promote clinical awareness. This review article summarizes the epidemiology, influence on the cardiovascular system and diagnostic methods of CAN, and the clinical implications of diabetic neuropathy. This review analyzes available data from papers relevant to the topic of diabetic neuropathy, cardiac autonomic neuropathy, and cardiovascular system implications. Conclusions: CAN is still underdiagnosed despite its clinical impact because routine screening is lacking, and healthcare providers are not aware of it. To improve outcomes for people with DM, it is necessary to introduce standardized diagnostic procedures into clinical practice and increase the knowledge about CAN.
Relationships Among Comorbidities, Disease Severity, and Hospitalization Duration in the United States Using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Database
Authors: Lee Junse , Park Jungmin
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Hospital length of stay (LOS) is widely analyzed and serves as a benchmark for assessing changes during hospitalization. This study introduced a method to estimate patients’ LOS and highlighted the variations in LOS among individuals with or without multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) and across different levels of disease severity, using data from the 2016 National Inpatient Sample in the United States. Methods: To analyze the factors influencing LOS, a multinomial logistic regression model was employed, demonstrating its effectiveness in estimating and predicting expected LOS. Factors such as demographic characteristics, MCCs, and disease severity were strongly linked to LOS. Results: The overall prevalence of MCCs exceeded 66%, rising to over 90% among elderly patients and more than 88% among those with severe diseases. LOS distribution was primarily concentrated within the first month following admission: over 13% of patients were discharged within a day, over 85% within a week, and more than 99% within a month. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that LOS was significantly influenced by age, disease severity, and the presence of MCCs. Older patients, especially those with MCCs, had significantly longer LOSs compared to younger patients without MCCs. Conclusions: LOS tended to increase with age and higher disease severity, particularly in patients with MCCs. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that patients over 65 and those with high disease severity (severity score 4) had significantly longer LOS. Shorter LOS was more frequent among patients under 65 years old, those without MCC, and those with low disease severity, whereas longer LOS was commonly observed in patients with MCCs or high disease severity.
Neuronal Populations Involved in Motor Function Show Prominent Expression of Sbno1 During Postnatal Brain Development
Authors: Zolzaya Sunjidmaa , Ihara Dai , Erkhembaatar Munkhsoyol , Ochiai Shinsuke , Isa Ayaka , Nishibe Mariko , Bellier Jean-Pierre , Shimizu Takahiro , Kikkawa Satoshi , Nitta Ryo , Katsuyama Yu
Published: January 2025

Human genome studies have suggested that strawberry notch homologue 1 (SBNO1) is crucial for normal brain development, with mutations potentially contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders. In a previous study, we observed significant developmental abnormalities in the neocortex of Sbno1 as early as one week after birth. In the present study, we conducted an extensive analysis of Sbno1 postnatal expression in the brain of C57BL/6 mice using a newly developed in-house polyclonal antibody against Sbno1. We found that Sbno1 is expressed in all neurons, with certain neuronal populations exhibiting distinct dynamic changes (both temporal and spatial) in expression level. These findings suggest that the neuronal expression of Sbno1 is developmentally regulated after birth. They also indicate that while Sbno1 may play a general role across all neurons, it may also serve more specialized functions in certain neuronal types and/or for certain cellular activities related to particular neuronal pathways.
Modulated-Diameter Zirconia Nanotubes for Controlled Drug Release—Bye to the Burst
Authors: Onyenso Gabriel , Vakamulla Raghu Swathi Naidu , Hartwich Patrick , Killian Manuela Sonja
Published: January 2025

The performance of an orthopedic procedure depends on several tandem functionalities. Such characteristics include materials’ surface properties and subsequent responses. Implant surfaces are typically roughened; this roughness can further be optimized to a specific morphology such as nanotubular roughness (ZrNTs) and the surfaces can further be used as static drug reservoirs. ZrNTs coatings are attracting interest due to their potential to improve the success rate of implant systems, by means of better physical affixation and also micro/nano physio-chemical interaction with the extracellular matrix (ECM). Effective control over the drug release properties from such coatings has been the subject of several published reports. In this study, a novel and simple approach to extending drug release time and limiting the undesirable burst release from zirconia nanotubes (ZrNTs) via structural modification was demonstrated. The latter involved fabricating a double-layered structure with a modulated diameter and was achieved by varying the voltage and time during electrochemical anodization. The structurally modified ZrNTs and their homogenous equivalents were characterized via SEM and ToF-SIMS, and their drug release properties were monitored and compared using UV–Vis spectroscopy. We report a significant reduction in the initial burst release phenomenon and enhanced overall release time. The simple structural modification of ZrNTs can successfully enhance drug release performance, allowing for flexibility in designing drug delivery coatings for specific implant challenges, and offering a new horizon for smart biomaterials based on metal oxide nanostructures.
Divergent Patterns of Metabolite Expression in Red Seaweeds (Devaleraea mollis and Palmaria hecatensis) Following Nitrate and Ammonium Supplementation
Authors: Umanzor Schery , Jung Jae Woo , Dittrich Muriel , Kim Jang K. , Tomco Patrick , Redman Zachary C. , Brandhuber Monica
Published: January 2025

This study explores species-specific metabolic responses to different nitrogen-rich formulations in Devaleraea mollis and Palmaria hecatensis, highlighting distinct adaptive strategies. We evaluated the effects of Von Stosch Enrichment (VSE, nitrate-only), F/2 (nitrate-only), and Jack’s Special (JS, nitrate and ammonium) on metabolic profiles. D. mollis exhibited elevated energy storage and growth-related metabolites, with JS enhancing creatine production for energy storage and regeneration, alongside increased DNA/RNA synthesis and cell division activity. This suggests D. mollis prioritizes rapid growth and energy demands, supporting broader ecological adaptability. Conversely, P. hecatensis showed higher expression of metabolites linked to amino acid metabolism and protein synthesis, indicating a focus on efficient nitrogen use for protein production, likely advantageous in low-light, high-turbidity conditions. Nitrogen sources significantly influence amino acid metabolism, with JS promoting broader amino acid production and VSE and F/2 stimulating specific metabolites. These species-specific metabolic patterns underscore the flexibility of D. mollis in energy use versus adaptations of P. hecatensis to protein synthesis pathways. These findings highlight species-specific nutrient formulations as essential for optimizing seaweed growth and metabolic traits in aquaculture.
Reverse Logistics as a Catalyst for Decarbonizing Forest Products Supply Chains
Authors: Nunes Leonel J. R.
Published: January 2025

Background: The forest products industry plays a significant role in global carbon emissions, highlighting the need for sustainable practices to address the climate crisis. Reverse logistics (RL), focusing on the return, reuse, and recycling of materials, offers a promising approach to decarbonizing supply chains. However, its application within forest products supply chains remains underexplored. Methods: This study conducts a review of the literature on RL, its environmental implications, and its potential to reduce carbon emissions in forest products supply chains. Key areas examined include greenhouse gas reduction, waste management, and the promotion of circular economy principles. Additionally, the study evaluates case studies and models that integrate RL practices into forest-based industries. Results: The findings reveal that RL can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by optimizing transportation routes, minimizing waste, and extending product life cycles. Incorporating these practices into forestry operations reduces the environmental impact and aligns with sustainable forestry goals. The study identifies gaps in current research, particularly regarding empirical data and the scalability of RL solutions. Conclusions: RL represents a critical strategy for decarbonizing forest products supply chains and advancing sustainable development. Future research should focus on developing standardized methodologies, enhancing technological integration, and fostering policy support to maximize its impact. These steps are essential to fully leverage RL as a tool for mitigating climate change and promoting a circular economy.
Cell Structure in LPBF 316L—Microstructural Heterogeneity, Thermal Stability, and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Barode Jayant , Brander Marco , Yu Tianbo , Nadimpalli Venkata Karthik , Jensen Dorte Juul , Wang Xiaobo
Published: January 2025

The microstructure of additively manufactured 316L stainless steel is hierarchical, and on a fine scale, it contains cell structures and dislocations. These microstructures define the mechanical properties, and it is thus of importance to quantify them and understand their thermal stability. This study investigates the heterogeneity of the microstructure in laser powder bed-fused 316L with a focus on variations in the cell and dislocation structures through the sample thickness along the build direction. While at the coarse scale the microstructure is rather homogeneous throughout its thickness, there are significant variations in the dislocation network, highlighting a higher dislocation density near the bottom layers than near the top. Furthermore, post-processing heat treatment at 500 °C and 800 °C reveals different stabilities of the cell structures, with significant cell dissolution at 800 °C, particularly at the top of the build. Microhardness measurements corroborate these findings, showing higher hardness in the bottom layers across all conditions, e.g., an increase in hardness from 225 HV to 236 HV is observed in the as-built condition. These results underpin the suggestion that significant microstructural heterogeneity may exist through the thickness in as-built parts, which affects the mechanical properties and subsequent heat treatments.
Textured Lead-Free Piezoelectric Ceramics: A Review of Template Effects
Authors: Zate Temesgen Tadeyos , Abdurrahmanoglu Cenk , Esposito Vincenzo , Haugen Astri Bjørnetun
Published: January 2025

Crystallographic texture engineering through templated grain growth (TGG) has gained prominence as a highly effective strategy for optimizing the electromechanical performance of lead-free piezoelectric ceramics, offering a pathway toward sustainable alternatives to lead-based systems like lead zirconate titanate (PZT). By achieving high degrees of texture, with Lotgering factors (LFs) often exceeding 90%, these systems have demonstrated piezoelectric properties that rival or even surpass their lead-based counterparts. Despite these advancements, the field lacks a comprehensive understanding of how specific template parameters influence the texture quality and functional properties across different material systems. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the influence of the template morphology, composition, and crystallographic orientation on the texturing of key lead-free systems, including BaTiO3 (BT), (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (KNN), and Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (BNT). Furthermore, it explores how the template selection affects the induced crystallographic direction, and how this impacts the material’s phase structure and domain configurations, ultimately influencing the piezoelectric and dielectric properties. By consolidating the existing knowledge and identifying current challenges, this work highlights key strategies for optimizing the texture and electromechanical performance in lead-free ceramics, providing essential insights for future research aimed at advancing high-performance, environmentally friendly piezoelectric materials for applications such as sensors, actuators, and energy-harvesting devices.
Experimental Study of the Application of Calcined Shield Muck Powder as a Substitute for Fly Ash in Synchronous Tunnel Grouting Materials
Authors: Liu Wei , Wu Enfeng , Du Hangyu , Liu Hu , Liu Suyun , Chang Kangqi , Li Yongqiang
Published: January 2025

During shield tunnel construction, waste mud is a significant source of urban construction waste. However, the disposal of waste mud has always been a challenge in engineering. Addressing the challenge of harmlessly disposing of, or repurposing, mud cakes formed after pressure filtration of shield mud remains a pressing issue for many cities. To address the challenge of shield mud disposal and explore the utilization technology of this resource, this study focuses on shield mud obtained from the Shenzhen subway tunnel. Calcined shield mud powder (CSMP) was prepared by activating its potential pozzolanic properties through a calcination process. Compressive strength tests revealed that, while CSMP exhibits some pozzolanic activity, its performance is limited. When 30% of the cement is replaced, the mortar’s maximum strength activity index (SAI) is only 82.6%, which makes it unsuitable as a supplementary cementitious material for concrete applications. At the same time, CSMP was also evaluated as a partial replacement for fly ash in the formulation of synchronous grouting materials, with performance metrics including fluidity, bleeding rate, hardening rate, setting time, and compressive strength systematically tested. The experimental results showed that, while CSMP reduces the fluidity of grouting, it significantly improves volumetric stability, shortens setting time, and enhances mechanical performance. Compared to the fly ash used in the study, CSMP exhibited better pozzolanic reactivity, promoting the formation of C-S-H and C-A-S-H phases, optimizing the pore structure, and increasing the density and overall performance of the grouting material. When the substitution rate is below 60%, the performance of grouting meets standard requirements, indicating the strong feasibility of utilizing CSMP to replace fly ash in synchronous grouting materials.
Study on the Mechanical Properties of Modified Sludge Soil Based on an SM-C Modifier
Authors: Nie Jun , Zhang Kai , Fan Xiangyang , Zhang Yixuan , Wei Guoxu , Yu Xiangyong , Xu Wen
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study is to solve the problem of the harmless treatment of dredged silt and soil extraction during road construction in lake areas. The silt in the project area is used as the research material to evaluate its engineering applicability as an improved filling material for the roadbed of the lake’s surrounding road. Through indoor pretreatment and a series of mechanical performance tests, including compaction tests, unconfined compressive strength tests (UCS), bearing ratio tests (CBR), triaxial compression tests (CU consolidated undrained), and consolidation tests, we obtained key mechanical parameters of modified sludge soil, such as maximum dry density, optimal moisture content, unconfined compressive strength, bearing ratio, shear strength, and compression characteristics. The research results show that with the increase in modifier dosage, the optimal moisture content of modified sludge soil increases, the maximum dry density decreases, and its compressive strength and shear strength significantly improve. The CBR value also meets the technical requirements of each layer of the roadbed. Specifically, after 7 days of curing, the compaction degree of 10% modified sludge soil can exceed 96%, the unconfined compressive strength reaches 0.819 MPa, the CBR value reaches 17.5, the cohesion measured by triaxial tests is 78 kPa, the internal friction angle is 27°, and it exhibits low compressibility. These findings provide new solutions for environmentally friendly treatment, resource utilization, and road engineering in river and lake sediments.
Fault Diagnostics of Synchronous Motor Based on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Abood Samir , Annamalai Annamalai , Chouikha Mohamed , Nejress Turk
Published: January 2025

Electrical motors and drives are the unseen forces driving our modern world, powering everything from electric vehicles to industrial machinery. The efficiency, precision, and sustainability of these systems are very important. Unexpected motor failures can cause major disruptions, risk human lives, and cause costly downtime. This research aims to improve the efficiency and performance of three-phase synchronous machines using Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategies. The research uses real-time data and optimization techniques to explore advanced diagnostic techniques, fault diagnosis, fault tolerance, and condition monitoring schemes to enhance safety, reliability, and performance in electric synchronous operations. Experimental results demonstrated that AI-driven methods achieve higher fault detection accuracy than traditional techniques. The findings highlight the potential of AI in improving the reliability of industrial synchronous motors.
New Class of Estimators for Finite Population Mean Under Stratified Double Phase Sampling with Simulation and Real-Life Application
Authors: Alghamdi Abdulaziz S. , Alrweili Hleil
Published: January 2025

Sampling survey data can sometimes contain outlier observations. When the mean estimator becomes skewed due to the presence of extreme values in the sample, results can be biased. The tendency to remove outliers from sample data is common. However, performing such removal can reduce the accuracy of conventional estimating techniques, particularly with regard to the mean square error (MSE). In order to increase population mean estimation accuracy while taking extreme values into consideration, this study presents an enhanced class of estimators. The method uses extreme values from an auxiliary variable as a source of information rather than eliminating these outliers. Using a first-order approximation, the properties of the suggested class of estimators are investigated within the context of a stratified two-phase sampling framework. A simulation research is conducted to examine the practical performance of these estimators in order to validate the theoretical conclusions. To further demonstrate the superiority of the suggested class of estimators for dealing with extreme values, an analysis of three different datasets demonstrates that they consistently provide higher percent relative efficiency (PRE) when compared to existing estimators.