bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting Ferroptosis in Parkinson’s: Repurposing Diabetes Drugs as a Promising Treatment
Authors: Duță Carmen , Muscurel Corina , Dogaru Carmen Beatrice , Stoian Irina
Published: February 2025

This review explores the promising potential of repurposing type 2 diabetes (T2D) medications for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD), highlighting the shared pathophysiological mechanisms between these two age-related conditions, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ferroptosis. The overlap suggests that existing diabetes drugs could target the common pathways involved in both conditions. Specifically, the review discusses how T2D medications, including metformin (Met), peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonists, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, incretins, and dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, can improve mitochondrial function, reduce neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and potentially inhibit ferroptosis. The connection between ferroptosis and existing treatments, including diabetes medication, are only beginning to be explored. The limited data can be attributed also to the complexity of mechanisms involved in ferroptosis and Parkinson’s disease and to the fact that the specific role of ferroptosis in Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis has not been a primary focus until recent. Despite the promising preclinical evidence, clinical findings are mixed, underscoring the need for further research to elucidate these drugs’ roles in neurodegeneration. Repurposing existing diabetes medications that have well-established safety profiles for Parkinson’s disease treatment could significantly reduce the time and cost associated with drug development and could offer a more comprehensive approach to managing Parkinson’s disease compared to treatments targeting a single mechanism.
Preliminary Investigation Towards a Safety Tool for Swine Brucellosis Diagnosis by a Proteomic Approach Within the One-Health Framework
Authors: Sagona Simona , Bertelloni Fabrizio , Turchi Barbara , Roncada Paola , Tafi Elena , Fratini Filippo , Felicioli Antonio , Cerri Domenico
Published: February 2025

Brucellosis is a zoonosis that affects domestic and wild animals, causing reproductive disorders and significant economic losses in livestock. Brucella melitensis, B. abortus, and B. suis are the main agents of brucellosis in livestock and humans, thereby their control and eradication are crucial. Serological tests based on identification of antibodies against Brucella smooth lipopolysaccharides (sLPS) in the serum of infected animals are traditionally used. This approach shows two main limits: (i) tests can give false positives due to the similarity of Brucella sLPS with the LPS of other Gram-negative bacteria; (ii) antigen production represents a possible risk of zoonoses. In this work, a proteomic approach, starting from B. melitensis Brucellergene, was employed to identify possible Brucella antigenic proteins useful for a more specific and safe serological diagnosis. Four proteins binding to the infected swine serum were identified: (i) “probable sugar-binding periplasmic protein B. abortus str 2308A”; (ii) “peptide ABC transporter substrate-binding protein B. melitensis”; (iii) “GntR family transcriptional regulator B. melitensis”; (iv) “conserved hypothetical protein B. melitensis M28”. These proteins could be promising specific antigens for serological investigations in swine. In the near future, these antigenic proteins could be synthesized in vitro and used to produce a safer and more specific diagnostic kit.
Circulating RNA Markers Associated with Adenoma–Carcinoma Sequence in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kim Li Ah , Han Jin , Kim Tae Il , Park Jae Jun , Lee Jae Myun , Kim Jong Koo , Park Sunyoung , Lee Hyeyoung
Published: February 2025

Colorectal cancer progresses through a well-defined adenoma–carcinoma sequence (ACS), which is pivotal for early detection and intervention. While ACS-based surveillance has been instrumental, its reliance on tissue sampling limits accurate staging. Liquid biopsies, including circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and extracellular RNA, have emerged as non-invasive alternatives, yet they primarily detect genetic alterations or passive RNA release rather than active biological processes. Thus, there is a need for biomarkers that reflect real-time immune responses and tumor–microenvironment interactions during ACS progression. This study aimed to identify circulating RNA biomarkers associated with ACS by analyzing blood samples from 160 individuals across five groups: colorectal cancer, advanced adenoma, non-advanced adenoma, symptomatic non-disease control, and healthy control. RNA sequencing coupled with gene ontology and protein–protein interaction analyses identified stage-specific circulating transcripts. Notably, IFI27 was linked to the symptomatic non-disease control group, DEFA4 to the non-advanced adenoma group, MPO to the advanced adenoma group, and CD177 to the colorectal cancer group. These findings suggest that colorectal-cancer-related circulating RNA markers reflect host immune responses during ACS progression, supporting their potential role in early detection and non-invasive diagnoses. By addressing critical gaps in early colorectal cancer detection, this study advances the utility of circulating RNA biomarkers and liquid biopsies in colorectal cancer screening and clinical management.
Stress, Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms, Burnout and Insomnia Among Greek Nurses One Year After the End of the Pandemic: A Moderated Chain Mediation Model
Authors: Pachi Argyro , Sikaras Christos , Melas Dimitrios , Alikanioti Sofia , Soultanis Nikolaos , Ivanidou Maria , Ilias Ioannis , Tselebis Athanasios
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Several studies have reported alarming rates of mental health issues and sleep problems among nurses even in the post-pandemic era. The objective was to investigate the prevalence of stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms, burnout and insomnia among nurses in Greece one year after the end of the pandemic and to construct a mediation model evaluating the impact of stress on insomnia, the chain mediating roles of depressive symptoms and burnout, as well as the moderating role of anxiety symptoms in the model. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted online in July 2024 and included 380 hospital nurses who completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) and the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). Results: The prevalence rates of stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms, burnout and insomnia were 33.9% with 95% confidence interval (CI): [0.292, 0.390], 33.3% (95% CI: [0.284, 0.381]), 35% (95% CI: [0.302, 0.400]), 46.8% (95% CI: [0.399, 0.502]) and 56.1% (95% CI: [0.509, 0.611]), respectively. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the Depression subscale of the DASS-21 explained 40.6% of the variance in the AIS, while an additional 7.6% was explained by the CBI and another 1.3% rate by the Stress subscale of the DASS-21. Mediation analysis revealed that stress affected insomnia both directly and indirectly through the chain mediating roles of depressive symptoms and burnout. Anxiety symptoms moderated the chain mediation path by enhancing the negative impact of stress on depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The proposed moderated chain mediation model introduces certain factors influencing insomnia and explains how changes in any one of these factors effectuate changes in the other factors, offering insights for individualized interventions.
The European Society of Cardiology 2024 Guidelines on Chronic Coronary Syndromes: A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Ferrari Roberto , Gowdak Luis Henrique W. , Padilla Francisco , Quek David K. L. , Ray Saumitra , Rosano Giuseppe , Indolfi Ciro , Perrone Filardi Pasquale
Published: February 2025

Background: During the 2024 annual meeting in London, The European Society of Cardiology released new guidelines (GLs) on chronic coronary syndromes (CCSs) and simultaneously published them in the European Heart Journal. Method: A few experts on the topic from Europe, South America, India, and Asia, who attended the presentation and the Question and Answer sections, met virtually to comment on the GLs after carefully reading the 123-page document. Result: There is a consensus that the presented GLs are a comprehensive, up-to-date, clear document of the available data on how to diagnose and treat CCSs and a definite step forward compared to all previous GLs. Of particular value are (a) the efforts to link both diagnosis and treatment to the underlying pathophysiology with the recognition that not all the ischaemic episodes are the same; (b) the decision to adopt the graphic of the so-called “Diamond Approach”, although its spirit that no antianginal drug is superior to another is not fully adopted; and (c) the innovative way it condenses and expresses the relevant messages with eye-catching illustrations. Conclusions: The present article summarises and comments on the 123-page GLs, highlighting strengths and weaknesses according to the thoughts of the authors.
Resistance to Thyroid Hormone in a Boy with a Severe, Complex, Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Requiring Multiple Cardiac Surgeries—Whether and How to Prepare Child for the Surgery
Authors: Fedorczak Anna , Kruk Beata , Mazurek-Kula Anna , Kępczyński Łukasz , Stawerska Renata
Published: February 2025

Background: Resistance to thyroid hormones (RTH) is a rare, genetically determined disease characterised by reduced tissue sensitivity to thyroid hormones (THs). It is caused by mutations in genes encoding the receptors for thyroid hormones, α (THRα) or β (THRβ), the distribution of which varies between tissues. Therefore, patients present with elevated TH levels with unsuppressed TSH levels, and symptoms of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism may be present. Methods: Hence, we report the case of a boy with a complex, cyanotic, congenital heart defect who was also diagnosed with TH resistance syndrome. Results: Because of the clinical features of hyperthyroidism in preparation for cardiac surgery, thiamazole was administered, resulting in the normalisation of TH effects on the α-receptor for HTs. Due to the effectiveness of the proposed treatment, it was further introduced before the further stages of cardiac surgeries. Conclusions: The management of RTH is a constant challenge for clinicians and must be individualised.
A Novel 3D Magnetic Resonance Imaging Registration Framework Based on the Swin-Transformer UNet+ Model with 3D Dynamic Snake Convolution Scheme
Authors: Han Yaolong , Wang Lei , Huang Zizhen , Zhang Yukun , Zheng Xiao
Published: February 2025

Transformer-based image registration methods have achieved notable success, but they still face challenges, such as difficulties in representing both global and local features, the inability of standard convolution operations to focus on key regions, and inefficiencies in restoring global context using the decoder. To address these issues, we extended the Swin-UNet architecture and incorporated dynamic snake convolution (DSConv) into the model, expanding it into three dimensions. This improvement enables the model to better capture spatial information at different scales, enhancing its adaptability to complex anatomical structures and their intricate components. Additionally, multi-scale dense skip connections were introduced to mitigate the spatial information loss caused by downsampling, enhancing the model’s ability to capture both global and local features. We also introduced a novel optimization-based weakly supervised strategy, which iteratively refines the deformation field generated during registration, enabling the model to produce more accurate registered images. Building on these innovations, we proposed OSS DSC-STUNet+ (Swin-UNet+ with 3D dynamic snake convolution). Experimental results on the IXI, OASIS, and LPBA40 brain MRI datasets demonstrated up to a 16.3% improvement in Dice coefficient compared to five classical methods. The model exhibits outstanding performance in terms of registration accuracy, efficiency, and feature preservation.
Similarity Principle for Ship Plate Structures
Authors: Yu Haicheng , Wu Songhao , Liu Wenlong , Yang Haiyi
Published: February 2025

The similarity principle serves as the theoretical foundation for experimental research on scaled ship structures. While extensive studies have been conducted on global longitudinal responses using scaled hydroelastic segmented ship models, there is a notable gap in experimental research on scaled local ship plate structures. This research introduces a novel composite similarity principle tailored for local ship plate structures, drawing upon classical beam and plate theories. We propose a design methodology to determine the appropriate scaled model for ship plate structures. To validate our proposed similarity principle and its associated design method, we present several numerical experiments. These methods are not only expected to inform future experimental design for local ship plate structures but also to enhance the current experimental framework, contributing to a more holistic approach to experimental, structural ship research.
Corporate Governance Mechanism and Bank Performance, New Insights from Emerging Economy: Evidence from Nigeria Banking Sector
Authors: Olowofela Olusola Enitan , Donfack Hermann Azemtsa , Soh Celestin Wafo
Published: February 2025

We investigated the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and bank performance in the Nigerian banking sector. We focused on data from 2012 to 2022 extracted from the balance sheets of deposit money banks in Nigeria. We employed the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) with Stata 13 and Python library to analyze the data. The research underscores the positive influence of non-executive directors and effective credit risk management on risk-adjusted return on assets in the Nigerian banking sector. Conversely, larger board sizes and higher levels of independence negatively impact performance. Notably, corporate governance variables do not significantly determine risk-adjusted return on equity, except for a negative association with lending rates. Practical implications include advocating for non-executive directors, optimizing board size and prioritizing robust credit risk management for enhanced financial outcomes. This research contributes to understanding the crucial role of corporate governance in the Nigerian banking sector, emphasizing its significance for prudent risk management and stakeholder confidence.
The Effectiveness of Patient-Controlled Analgesia in Orthopedic Joint Replacements: A Systematic Review
Authors: Altamimi Reem , Bin Salamah Rawan , AlZelfawi Lama A. , AlHarthi Alanood , AlMazroa Ghayda , Alkhalifa Mohammad , AlMutiri Wijdan A. , AlMajed Ebtesam , AlAwadh Afnan , AlSarhan Reem , AlShebel Malak N. , Hadaddi Rafa
Published: February 2025

Orthopedic joint replacement procedures, including total hip and knee arthroplasty, are crucial interventions for managing degenerative joint diseases and enhancing patients’ quality of life. Postoperative pain management remains a critical challenge affecting recovery and outcomes. Recognizing pain management as pivotal in patient care, this systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in orthopedic surgeries. This systematic review synthesizes the current literature to assess PCA’s role in orthopedic joint replacements. Studies focusing on pain relief, opioid consumption, hospital stays, rehabilitation outcomes, and patient satisfaction were analyzed. Significant findings were extracted from statistical analyses to evaluate PCA’s efficacy compared to traditional pain management methods. PCA significantly improves postoperative pain relief (p < 0.05), leading to a 30% reduction in opioid consumption and a 20% shorter hospital stay on average compared to traditional methods. Additionally, patients using PCA reported higher satisfaction scores (85% vs. 65%) and demonstrated improved rehabilitation outcomes, enhancing overall recovery and quality of life post surgery. This review underscores PCA’s effectiveness as a superior strategy for postoperative pain management in orthopedic joint replacements. By reducing pain, opioid use, and hospitalization duration and enhancing rehabilitation outcomes, PCA contributes significantly to improving patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.
Effects of Driving Conditions on Tire Hydroplaning Performance
Authors: Deng Tuo , Wang Shukun , Cheng Dichuan , Zheng Long , Ren Luquan
Published: February 2025

Hydroplaning occurs as standing water on the road surface not only acts as a lubricant but also generates hydrodynamic pressure, causing the tire to lose contact with the ground. This significantly reduces the friction between the tire and the road, thereby increasing the risk of traffic accidents. In this study, a 185/65R14 passenger radial tire was selected as the research subject. A complex fluid–structure interaction model was employed to thoroughly analyze the mechanisms influencing tire hydroplaning under various conditions. The results indicate that hydroplaning was more likely to occur with an increase in water depth or vehicle speed. Furthermore, increasing the tire inflation pressure and load was found to significantly enhance the friction between the tire and the ground, with the improvement exhibiting a nonlinear accelerating trend.
Development of Electrohydraulic Proportional Valve Model for Precise Steering Control in Autonomous Tractors
Authors: Min Yi-Seo , Kim Yong-Joo , Baek Seung-Yun , Baek Seung-Min , Kim Wan-Soo
Published: February 2025

Autonomous tractors are emerging as a pivotal technology in agricultural automation. Precise steering control in these tractors requires high-performance electrohydraulic proportional valves (EHPVs). To optimize EHPV performance and reduce development costs and time, simulation analysis serves as a valuable pre-testing tool. This study aimed to develop a simulation model capable of predicting the hydraulic characteristics of EHPVs under real-world operating conditions. The model was created using AMESim, incorporating actual tractor operating conditions and valve control signals. The proposed model was validated through experiments conducted on a tractor equipped with an EHPV, evaluating hydraulic characteristics across various engine speeds and steering angular velocities. The simulation model was utilized to analyze the priority valve control flow characteristics of the automatic steering system and the hydraulic response of the EHPV under step inputs at specific engine speed points. The results indicate that the simulation model demonstrated a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) ranging from 7.45% to 9.79% for hydraulic power. A t-test analysis of hydraulic power indicated no statistically significant difference between the simulation and experimental values under all test conditions. The proposed EHPV simulation model can be utilized for the optimal future design of EHPV systems.
Optimizing Water Use in Maize Irrigation with Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Alkaff Muhammad , Basuhail Abdullah , Sari Yuslena
Published: February 2025

As global populations grow and environmental constraints intensify, improving agricultural water management is essential for sustainable food production. Traditional irrigation methods often lack adaptability, leading to inefficient water use. Reinforcement learning (RL) offers a promising solution for developing dynamic irrigation strategies that balance productivity and resource conservation. However, agricultural RL tasks are characterized by sparse actions—irrigation only when necessary—and delayed rewards realized at the end of the growing season. This study integrates RL with AquaCrop-OSPy simulations in the Gymnasium framework to develop adaptive irrigation policies for maize. We introduce a reward mechanism that penalizes incremental water usage while rewarding end-of-season yields, encouraging resource-efficient decisions. Using the Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) algorithm, our RL-driven approach outperforms fixed-threshold irrigation strategies, reducing water use by 29% and increasing profitability by 9%. It achieves a water use efficiency of 76.76 kg/ha/mm, a 40% improvement over optimized soil moisture threshold methods. These findings highlight RL’s potential to address the challenges of sparse actions and delayed rewards in agricultural management, delivering significant environmental and economic benefits.
Robust Estimation of L1-Modal Regression Under Functional Single-Index Models for Practical Applications
Authors: Almulhim Fatimah A. , Alamari Mohammed B. , Bouzebda Salim , Kaid Zoulikha , Laksaci Ali
Published: February 2025

We propose a robust procedure to estimate the conditional mode of a univariate outcome O given a Hilbertian explanatory variable I, under the assumption that (O,I) follow a single-index structure. The estimator is constructed using the M-estimator for the conditional density, and we establish its complete convergence. We discuss the estimator’s advantages in addressing challenges within functional data analysis, particularly robustness and reliability. We then evaluate both the performance and practical implementation of our method via Monte Carlo simulations. Furthermore, we carry out an empirical study to showcase the improved reliability and robustness of this estimator compared to conventional approaches. In particular, our methodology is applied to predict fuel quality based on spectrometry data, illustrating its strong potential in real-world scenarios.
Mode Shape Projection for Damage Detection of Laminated Composite Plates
Authors: Saadatmorad Morteza , Pashaei Mohammad-Hadi , Jafari-Talookolaei Ramazan-Ali , Khatir Samir
Published: February 2025

The wavelet technique has limitations in detecting damage at the edges of two-dimensional signals. This weakness arises from the nature of the wavelet transform procedure, which shifts the signal by differencing the signal’s pair arrays in the neighborhood. This study introduces the mode shape projection method as an efficient technique for detecting damages in two-dimensional signals in rectangular laminated composite plates to eliminate the weakness of damage detection by the wavelet method. In other words, this paper proposes creating two one-dimensional waves containing information about damages or faults in signals from vibration amplitude signals of composite plates to have an efficient damage detection method. Results show that the proposed method acts much better than wavelet transform and detects damages in numerical and experimental investigations with high performance for various damage scenarios.
Impact of Lifestyle Modifications on Cancer Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rabbani Syed Arman , Patni Mohamed Anas , El-Tanani Mohamed , Rangraze Imran Rashid , Wali Adil Farooq , Babiker Rasha , Satyam Shakta Mani , El-Tanani Yahia , Almetwally Abdelrahman Adel Mohamed Shehata
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: Cancer survival poses significant challenges in oncology, with lifestyle modifications increasingly recognized as crucial in modifying patient outcomes post-diagnosis. This meta-analysis aims to systematically evaluate the impact of various lifestyle interventions on cancer survival across different types of cancer. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane was performed to identify relevant studies up to 30 November 2024. Relevant studies were chosen and data were extracted and analyzed using SPSS Version 29.0 software. Results: Our systematic review included data from 98 studies involving a total of 1,461,834 cancer patients to evaluate the impact of lifestyle factors on cancer survival. Out of these, 64 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis demonstrates that adherence to specific dietary patterns significantly improves cancer-specific outcomes. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) diet was associated with a reduction in cancer-specific mortality (pooled log HR: −0.22; 95% CI: [−0.32, −0.12]; p < 0.001). Similar benefits were observed with the Mediterranean diet (aMED), which also reduced cancer mortality and recurrence (pooled log HR: −0.24; 95% CI: [−0.40, −0.07]; p < 0.001), and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet (pooled log HR: −0.22; 95% CI: [−0.33, −0.12]; p < 0.001). Additionally, general dietary improvements were beneficial for breast cancer-specific mortality across 17 cohort studies (pooled log HR: −0.15; 95% CI: [−0.25, −0.06]; p < 0.001). Engaging in any form of physical activity post-diagnosis was associated with significant improvements in cancer-specific mortality or recurrence (pooled log HR: −0.31; 95% CI: [−0.38, −0.25]; p < 0.001). Participants who ceased smoking after diagnosis exhibited more favorable cancer outcomes (pooled log HR: −0.33; 95% CI: [−0.42, −0.24]; p < 0.001), with smoking cessation notably reducing cancer-specific mortality among lung cancer survivors (pooled log HR: −0.34; 95% CI: [−0.48, −0.20]; p < 0.001). Additionally, reducing alcohol intake post-diagnosis significantly improved cancer outcomes (pooled log HR: −0.26; 95% CI: [−0.33, −0.19]; p < 0.001). Alcohol moderation in gastrointestinal tract cancer survivors specifically decreased both cancer-specific mortality and recurrence (pooled log HR: −0.22; 95% CI: [−0.29, −0.15]; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Lifestyle modifications after cancer diagnosis significantly improve cancer-specific outcomes. Specific dietary patterns, increased physical activity, smoking cessation, and reduced alcohol intake are all associated with lower cancer-specific mortality. Integrating these lifestyle changes into oncology care may enhance patient survival and quality of life.
Comparative Study of Two Root Coverage Procedures for Localized Gingival Recessions on Lower Anterior Teeth Using Partially De-Epithelialized Connective Tissue Graft (PE-CTG) Aided by a High-Speed Handpiece: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Goo Min-Young , Lee Seung-Kyu , Kim Kyung-Min , Lee Won-Pyo
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: Gingival recession is a common periodontal condition that can lead to aesthetic and functional problems if untreated, necessitating the development of effective root coverage techniques. The aim of this study was to compare two different root coverages for localized gingival recession on the lower anterior teeth using a partially de-epithelialized connective tissue graft (PE-CTG). Materials and Methods: This study included 18 patients (20 teeth) with lower anterior tooth recession. In the tPECTG group (seven patients, eight teeth), the recipient site was prepared with supraperiosteal tunneling. In the vPECTG group (11 patients, 12 teeth), the recipient site was prepared using the vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access technique. In both groups, partially de-epithelialized connective tissue was harvested from the hard palate using a high-speed handpiece diamond burr. The change in root coverage was evaluated based on vertical recession and keratinized tissue (KT) values before surgery and 6 months after surgery. Results: The mean root coverage was 89.01% across all cases, with the tPECTG and vPECTG groups achieving 87.85% and 89.78%, respectively. The average KT gain was 3.48 ± 1.37 mm, with the tPECTG group showing 3.94 ± 1.74 mm and the vPECTG group showing 3.17 ± 1.03 mm. No significant differences were found between the two groups for either parameter (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this retrospective case series, vPECTG was as effective as tPECTG, but easier. Moreover, in both groups, the keratinized gingival width increased, and the mucogingival junction was maintained.
Evaluation of Neurosurgery Consultations in Hospitalized Geriatric Patients During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kina Hakan , Yavuzer Hakan
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate neurosurgery consultations for elderly patients during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This study included patients aged 65 and older who were hospitalized in non-neurosurgery departments at Istinye University Gaziosmanpasa Medical Park Hospital and were referred for neurosurgery consultations between 1 April 2020 and 31 May 2024. Patients in the intensive care unit and emergency department were excluded. The period from 1 April 2020 to 30 April 2022 was defined as the pandemic period, and from 1 May 2022 to 31 May 2024 as the post-pandemic period. Results: A total of 123 patients were included in this study, with 57 from the pandemic period and 66 from the post-pandemic period. The average age during the pandemic period was 73.45 years (range: 65–93), compared to 71.09 years (range: 65–94) in the post-pandemic period. During the pandemic, 26.3% of patients were recommended for physical therapy and rehabilitation, 24.6% were advised to undergo surgery, 19.3% received neurology consultations, and 17.5% received medical treatment. In the post-pandemic period, 37.9% were recommended for surgery, 16.7% for neurology, 13.6% for physical therapy and rehabilitation, and 7.6% for medical treatment. Overall, 56.4% of patients accepted surgery. Conclusions: Despite the high prevalence of comorbidities in geriatric patients, appropriate neurosurgical referrals significantly improve treatment success, enhance quality of life and mobility, and reduce mortality. We therefore recommend earlier and more attentive referrals to neurosurgery for elderly patients with relevant symptoms to facilitate timely and effective interventions.
The Success and Safety of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Surgically Altered Gastrointestinal Anatomy
Authors: Han Samuel , Kolb Jennifer M. , Edmundowicz Steven A. , Attwell Augustin R. , Hammad Hazem T. , Wani Sachin , Shah Raj J.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy remains challenging, frequently necessitating the use of forward-viewing endoscopes. Given the challenge in endoscope selection based on the type of altered anatomy, the aim of this study was to examine ERCP success rates by specific endoscopes for different anatomy types. Methods: This single-center retrospective study examined ERCPs performed in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy during an 18-year period. Enteroscopy success, cannulation success, and intervention success rates were compared between the different anatomy and endoscope types. Results: This study included a total of 334 adult patients (665 total ERCPs) with altered anatomy. The pediatric colonoscope was most frequently utilized (32.2%), and the majority of procedures were performed for biliary indications. Enteroscopy success was 82.2% in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), 97% in Billroth II, 91.5% in Whipple, and 93.2% in Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ). Cannulation success was 90.5% in RYGB, 90.5% in Billroth II, 83.6% in Whipple, and 90.6% in RYHJ. Intervention success was 88.2% in Billroth II, 65.1% in RYGB, 81.6% in Whipple, and 87.5% in RYHJ. In patients with RYGB and RYHJ, SBE was utilized most frequently, with rotational enteroscopy having the highest success rates. The overall adverse event rate was 5.1%, with the majority of these being mild in severity. Conclusions: This large retrospective study found ERCP with forward-viewing endoscopes to be safe and effective for a variety of surgically altered anatomy types. Despite recent advances seen with endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage procedures, this study advocates for ERCP as the initial approach for pancreaticobiliary access in surgically altered anatomy.
Numerical Simulation of Effects of Mold Cavity and Submerged Entry Nozzle on Flow, Heat Transfer and Solidification in Funnel-Type Molds for Thin Slab Casting
Authors: Li Zhaoyang , Lu Yao , Wang Rudong , Li Gengyang , Cui Heng
Published: February 2025

As the third generation of thin slab continuous casting and rolling technology, endless strip production (ESP) has been widely used in the steelmaking industry. The key equipment in this process, the funnel-type mold, is prone to accidents such as slag entrainment, surface cracks and steel leakage under high casting speed conditions. To reduce the incidence of the above accidents, the numerical model of flow, heat transfer and solidification in the funnel-type mold is established by using the k-ε model, enthalpy–porosity method and magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), and the influence mechanism of the mold cavity and submerged entry nozzle (SEN) on the molten steel is studied, providing a new solution for optimizing the ESP process. The results show that compared with the type-I mold, the influence of the geometric disturbance of the top cavity on the flow state of the middle and lower body is localized, while the type-II funnel mold increases the thickness of the solidified shell at the outlet of mold; the marked enhancement in solidified shell thickness and uniformity at the mold exit achieved through the type-II SEN due to the distribution of temperature and velocity are more reasonable, reducing the risk of surface cracks and steel leakage.
Dynamic and Static Strength Analysis of 5056 Aluminum Alloy Fabricated by Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Evstifeev Alexey , Mavlyutov Aydar , Volosevich Darya , Gushchina Marina , Klimova-Korsmik Olga , Nasonovskiy Konstantin , Shabunina Sofya
Published: February 2025

This article presents the results of experimental studies on the dynamic and static strength of commercial aluminum alloy 5056 manufactured by wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). The main objective is to evaluate the utilization potential of this technology for manufacturing parts for operation under shock loads. The dynamic tensile strength of the material was investigated with a modified Kolsky method, implemented by a split Hopkinson pressure bar. A comparative analysis of the strength characteristics of materials manufactured by WAAM and conventional cold-rolling methods was carried out using a structurally temporal approach with the incubation time criterion. The results showed that the aluminum alloy obtained by WAAM demonstrates comparable strength levels to that of cold-rolled material. The findings suggest that WAAM can be a competitive alternative for producing high-strength aluminum alloys for operation under shock loads.
In Vitro Preliminary Evaluation of a New Rifamycin In Situ Gelling Formulation for Pouchitis Treatment
Authors: Aiello Caterina , Quattrocchi Cinzia , Musumeci Rosario , Nicolosi Daria , Petronio Petronio Giulio , Di Marco Roberto
Published: February 2025

Pouchitis is one of the most common long-term complications after ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) surgery, with a reported incidence rate of up to 50%. Identifying specific bacteria involved in the pathogenesis has important implications for clinical management. Indeed, antibiotic therapy is a common treatment option, but antibiotic choice and treatment duration can vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the bacteria involved. Ansamycins are effective in the management of antibiotic-dependent pouchitis. Therefore, this study aimed to test the in vitro antibacterial activity of a novel rifamycin gel solution, specifically intended for treating infections associated with pouchitis, with the agar diffusion assay. Furthermore, the in vitro antibacterial activity of rifamycin sodium salt against several bacterial strains involved in pouchitis was compared with the gel formulation. Rifamycin’s in vitro anti-microbial characteristics were not affected by the gel formulation. These results, although preliminary, support the potential of the Rifamycin Gel formulation as a valuable addition to the therapeutic armamentarium for this challenging condition.
Anions of α-Amino Acids as (O,N)-Donor Ligands in Si-, Ge- and Sn-Coordination Chemistry
Authors: Seidel Anne , Wagler Jörg
Published: February 2025

This review gives an overview of Si-, Ge- and Sn-compounds with (O,N)-bi- and -oligodentate ligands, which have the α-amino carboxylic acid motif N–C(R,R′)–C(=O)O in common (R,R′ = H or hydrocarbyl). While the amino acids themselves are encountered as mono- and di-anionic ligands, modifications at the N-terminus (e.g., extension of the ligand backbone by, e.g., additional alkane carboxylic acid groups) give rise to a wealth of ligands, which bear the α-amino carboxylic acid motif. With particular interest in the coordination features of these ligands, crystallographically characterized complexes are the focus of this review.
Differentially Expressed miRNA Profiles in Serum-Derived Exosomes from Cattle Infected with Lumpy Skin Disease Virus
Authors: Truong Anh Duc , Tran Ha Thi Thanh , Phan Lanh , Phan Thi Hoai , Chu Nhu Thi , Vu Thi Hao , Nguyen Hieu Minh , Nguyen Linh Phuong , Kim Chaeeun , Dang Hoang Vu , Hong Yeong Ho
Published: February 2025

Exosomal miRNAs from individual cells are crucial in regulating the immune response to infectious diseases. In this study, we performed small RNA sequencing (small RNA-seq) analysis to identify the expressed and associated exosomal miRNAs in the serum of cattle infected with lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV). Cattle were infected with a 106.5 TCID50/mL LSDV Vietnam/HaTinh/CX01 (HT10) strain and exosomal miRNA expression in the serum of infected cattle was analyzed using small RNA sequencing (small RNA-seq). We identified 59 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in LSDV-infected cattle compared to uninfected controls, including 18 upregulated and 41 downregulated miRNAs. These 59 miRNAs were used to predict 7656 target genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses revealed that the target genes were enriched in several biological processes and pathways associated with viral replication, immune response, virus–host interactions, and signal transduction. Additionally, we identified 708 potentially novel cattle miRNAs corresponding to 710 genomic loci. The transcription levels of five miRNA genes (bta-miR-11985, bta-miR-1281, bta-miR-12034, bta-miR-let-7i, and bta-miR-17-5p) were validated using reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR, showing consistency with the small RNA-seq results. Overall, these findings provide significant insights into the immune and protective responses during LSDV infection in cattle, offering valuable information on identifying new biomarkers and understanding the pathogenesis of LSDV.
Nanofibrous Scaffolds’ Ability to Induce Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation for Soft Tissue Regenerative Applications
Authors: Pisani Silvia , Evangelista Aleksandra , Chesi Luca , Croce Stefania , Avanzini Maria Antonietta , Dorati Rossella , Genta Ida , Benazzo Marco , Comoli Patrizia , Conti Bice
Published: February 2025

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have gained recognition as a highly versatile and promising cell source for repopulating bioengineered scaffolds due to their inherent capacity to differentiate into multiple cell types. However, MSC implantation techniques have often yielded inconsistent clinical results, underscoring the need for advanced approaches to enhance their therapeutic efficacy. Recent developments in three-dimensional (3D) bioengineered scaffolds have provided a significant breakthrough by closely mimicking the in vivo environment, addressing the limitations of traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures. Among these, nanofibrous scaffolds have proven particularly effective, offering an optimal 3D framework, growth-permissive substrates, and the delivery of trophic factors crucial for MSC survival and regeneration. Furthermore, the selection of appropriate biomaterials can amplify the paracrine effects of MSCs, promoting both proliferation and targeted differentiation. The synergistic combination of MSCs with nanofibrous scaffolds has demonstrated remarkable potential in achieving repair, regeneration, and tissue-specific differentiation with enhanced safety and efficacy, paving the way for routine clinical applications. In this review, we examine the most recent studies (2013–2023) that explore the combined use of MSCs and nanofibrous scaffolds for differentiation into cardiogenic, epithelial, myogenic, tendon, and vascular cell lineages. Using PubMed, we identified and analyzed 275 relevant articles based on the search terms “Nanofibers”, “Electrospinning”, “Mesenchymal stem cells”, and “Differentiation”. This review highlights the critical advancements in the use of nanofibrous scaffolds as a platform for MSC differentiation and tissue regeneration. By summarizing key findings from the last decade, it provides valuable insights for researchers and clinicians aiming to optimize scaffold design, MSC integration, and translational applications. These insights could significantly influence future research directions and the development of more effective regenerative therapies.
Quantitative Proteomics and Molecular Mechanisms of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Mice Treated with Incomptine A, Part II
Authors: García-Hernández Normand , Calzada Fernando , Bautista Elihú , Sánchez-López José Manuel , Valdes Miguel , Hernández-Caballero Marta Elena , Ordoñez-Razo Rosa María
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Incomptine A (IA) has cytotoxic activity in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cancer cell lines. Its effects on U-937 cells include induction of apoptosis, production of reactive oxygen species, and inhibition of glycolytic enzymes. We examined the altered protein levels present in the lymph nodes of an in vivo mouse model. Methods: We induced an in vivo model with Balb/c mice with U-937 cells and treated it with IA or methotrexate, as well as healthy mice. We determined expressed proteins by TMT based on the LC-MS/MS method (Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD060392) and a molecular docking study targeting 15 deregulated proteins. We developed analyses through the KEGG, Reactome, and Gene Ontology databases. Results: A total of 2717 proteins from the axillary and inguinal lymph nodes were analyzed and compared with healthy mice. Of 412 differentially expressed proteins, 132 were overexpressed (FC ≥ 1.5) and 117 were underexpressed (FC ≤ 0.67). This altered expression was associated with 20 significantly enriched processes, including chromatin remodeling, transcription, translation, metabolic and energetic processes, oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, cell proliferation, cytoskeletal organization, and with cell death with necroptosis. Conclusions: We confirmed the previously observed dose-dependent effect of IA as a secondary metabolite with important potential as an anticancer agent for the treatment of NHL, showing that the type of drug or the anatomical location influences the response to treatment. The IA promises to be a likely safer and more effective treatment to improve outcomes, reduce toxicities, and improve survival in patients with NHL, initially targeting histones and transcription factors that will affect cell death proteins.
Exploring the Anticancer Potential of NO-Donor Oxadiazole Assemblies Against Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Stebletsova Irina A. , Larin Alexander A. , Matnurov Egor M. , Ananyev Ivan V. , Babak Maria V. , Fershtat Leonid L.
Published: February 2025

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) has been linked to the pathogenesis of asbestos-related pleural diseases, including an extremely aggressive cancer called malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Given that MPM cells are characterized by a higher expression of NO synthases and elevated NO production relative to normal cells, the use of NO-donor compounds could potentially saturate the cancerous cells with NO, triggering their death. Methods: We developed a novel class of NO prodrugs by merging two NO-releasing components, 1,2,5-oxadiazole 2-oxides (furoxans) and 1,2,4-oxadiazoles, and studied their NO-releasing characteristics in a time-dependent manner using the Griess assay. The cytotoxicity against two human MPM cell lines and non-cancerous lung fibroblasts was evaluated using a colorimetric MTT assay. Results: All compounds exhibited excellent NO-donating properties, surpassing the capacity of two reference NO donor compounds, 3-carbamoyl-4-(hydroxymethyl)furoxan (CAS-1609) and 4-ethoxy-3-phenylsulphonylfuroxan (CHF-2363), by at least 1.5–3 times. All oxadiazole hybrids demonstrated high cytotoxicity against MPM cell lines in a low micromolar range, comparable or higher than the cytotoxicity of the standard-of-care drug cisplatin. Conclusions: Notably, the novel compounds displayed a markedly greater selectivity towards cancerous cells than cisplatin when compared with non-cancerous lung fibroblasts, aligning with the intended design.
Intravenous Nanoemulsions Loaded with Phospholipid Complex of a Novel Pyrazoloquinolinone Ligand for Enhanced Brain Delivery
Authors: Stanković Tijana , Ilić Tanja , Divović Matović Branka , Petkovic Milos , Dobričić Vladimir , Jančić Ivan , Bufan Biljana , Jezdić Kristina , Đoković Jelena , Pantelić Ivana , Randjelović Danijela , Sharmin Dishary , Cook James M. , Savić Miroslav M. , Savić Snežana
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The novel pyrazoloquinolinone ligand CW-02-79 shows a unique profile of selective binding to σ2 receptors, but its poor solubility in both water and lipids makes its research and development a burdensome task. We aimed to develop a phospholipid-complex-based nanoemulsion formulation containing CW-02-79 suitable for intravenous administration in preclinical research. Methods: The decorated and undecorated nanoemulsions were formulated and subjected to detailed physiochemical characterization. The delivery and exposure to CW-02-79 from selected nanoemulsions were examined in the in vitro blood–brain barrier model based on human-induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived microvascular endothelial cells, astrocytes, and pericytes, and in vivo neuropharmacokinetic study in rats, respectively. Results: The developed biocompatible nanoemulsions loaded with a CW-02-79—phospholipid complex at a mass ratio of 1:10 exhibited a small droplet size and narrow size distribution, with satisfactory physicochemical stability during steam sterilization and short-term storage at 25 °C. The analysis of protein binding interactions revealed that the PEGylated nanoemulsions had fewer observable interactions compared to the undecorated nanoemulsions, especially when 0.2% DSPE-PEG2000 and 0.1% DSPE-PEG2000-mannose were combined. An in vitro BBB study demonstrated that a substantial part of CW-02-79 present in the applied nanoemulsion is able to permeate the barrier. The quantification of CW-02-79 in plasma/brain homogenate and calculated pharmacokinetic parameters confirmed good systemic and brain availability after intravenous administration. There were subtle differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters in favor of a dual surface-functionalized nanoemulson containing the glucose transporter-1-targeting ligand (mannose). Conclusions: The developed and characterized nanoemulsions enable substantial brain exposure to CW-02-79 as a prerequisite for a pharmacologically and clinically relevant selective modulation of σ2 receptors.