bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flocculation Mechanism and Microscopic Statics Analysis of Polyacrylamide Gel in Underwater Cement Slurry
Authors: Lu Hao , Dai Bo , Li Chunhe , Wei Hua , Wang Jinhui
Published: February 2025

Zeta potential testing, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, and total organic carbon analysis were employed in this manuscript to explore the flocculation mechanism of polyacrylamide (PAM) on slurry with a high content of polycarboxylate ether (PCE). Through the combination of assessments of chemical bond shifts, adsorption indicators, and intrinsic viscosity of high-molecular-weight polymer systems, the microscale flocculation mechanisms of different PAM dosages in cement suspensions were elucidated, showcasing stages of “adsorption–lubrication–entanglement”. Initially (PAM < 0.3%), with PAM introduction, the polymer primarily underwent adsorption interactions, including hydrogen bonding between the ester group, amine group, and water molecules; chelation between the ester group and Ca2+ and Al3+ on the cement surface; and bridging between PAM’s long-chain structure and cement particles. As the PAM content increased, the cement particles’ adsorption capacity saturated (PAM < 0.67%). The entropy loss of polymer conformation could not be offset by adsorption energy, leading to its exclusion from the interface and depletion attractive forces. Slurry movement shifted from inter-particle motion to high-molecular-weight polymer sliding in interstitial fluid, forming a lubrication effect. With further PAM content no less than 0.67%, the polymer solution reached a critical entanglement concentration, and the contact of the rotation radius of the long-chain molecules led to entanglement domination. By introducing bridging adsorption, depletion attraction, and entanglement forces, the cohesion of cement-based polymer suspensions was subsequently determined. The results showed a linear correlation between cohesion and PAM concentration raised to powers of 0.30, 1.0, and 0.75 at different interaction stages, and a multiscale validation from microscopic flocculation mechanisms to macroscopic performance was finally completed through a comparative analysis with macroscopic anti-washout performance.
Potential of Encapsulated Bovine Colostrum in Powder-Based Formulations for Facial Clay, Peel-Off Gel, and Sleeping Gel Masks
Authors: Chuesomboon Pornpansa , Rades Thomas , Chaiyana Wantida
Published: February 2025

Bovine colostrum is a bioactive compound with potential in cosmetic applications but has a limited shelf life. This study aimed to develop an effective encapsulation system for bovine colostrum using the complex coacervation method and incorporate it into powder formulations for facial masks. The research explored various gelatin-to-gum Arabic ratios to optimize the physical and chemical stability, encapsulation efficiency, and loading capacity of the encapsulated bovine colostrum (EBC). The EBC was further incorporated into powder formulations for clay masks, peel-off gel masks, and sleeping gel masks. The optimal gelatin-to-gum Arabic ratio was found to be 2:1, yielding the highest entrapment efficiency (66.6 ± 3.3% w/w) and loading capacity (67.6 ± 3.4% w/w) of bovine colostrum. For clay masks, the most effective powder blend incorporating EBC enhanced the moisture content, water solubility, and hygroscopicity, without affecting the drying time (9.7 ± 0.6 min). Additionally, peel-off gel masks incorporating EBC significantly reduced water activity and improved moisture content and hygroscopicity, while the drying time decreased from 44.3 ± 0.6 to 25.0 ± 1.7 min. For sleeping gel masks, the formulation with EBC increased water activity, while other parameters remained stable. In conclusion, the EBC with enhanced stability was effectively integrated into various powders for facial mask formulations.
Narrative Review of Genetic and Immunological Mechanisms Involved in the Pathogenesis of Kimura’s Disease: New Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Loperfido Antonella , Cavaliere Carlo , Fionda Bruno , Bellocchi Gianluca , Masieri Simonetta , Caminati Marco
Published: February 2025

Kimura’s disease (KD) is a rare, chronic inflammatory disorder that predominantly affects young men of East Asian descent. It is characterized by painless solid masses primarily localized to the deep subcutaneous tissues of the head and neck, eosinophilia, and elevated serum immunoglobulin E (IgE). While the exact cause remains unclear, the pathogenesis is thought to involve dysregulated immune responses, particularly those mediated by T-helper cells 2 (Th2), eosinophils, and IgE production. Advances in molecular biology have suggested that genetic factors play a significant role in the development and progression of this chronic inflammatory condition. Recent studies have implicated several genes and immune pathways in its development, and understanding these genetic components may provide insights into better diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for KD. In this regard, biological therapies, by targeting the immune mechanisms underlying KD, have been used to treat this challenging condition with promising results, contributing to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of this rare disorder. The aim of this study was to review the literature concerning the genetic factors and immune mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis of KD, with a special focus on the role of biological therapies.
Factors Related to Self-Rated Health Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Park Seoyoung , Kang Se-Won
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: This study explored factors influencing self-rated health (SRH) among community-dwelling older adults to better support its use in health screening and provide an alternative for older adults who may have difficulty working with lengthy assessment scales. Methods: The participants were 8379 individuals aged 65 years or older from the 2020 Elderly Survey. Data were collected in South Korea between September and November 2020. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and independent samples t-tests, a Kruskal–Wallis test, and weighted multiple regression analysis were conducted using IBM SPSS for Windows ver. 23.0. SRH factors, such as illness, daily living performance, nutritional status, depression, and cognitive impairment, were analyzed. Results: The greater the number of chronic conditions (β = −0.21, p < 0.001), the higher the dependence on activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living (β = −0.05, p = 0.002; β = −0.13, p < 0.001), the higher the depression score (β = −0.22, p < 0.001), the more severe the cognitive impairment (β = −0.04, p < 0.001), and the worse the SRH. Conclusions: Participants with high-risk medical conditions, such as cancer, stroke, and depression, thought their health was poor. However, they did not consider hypertension, malnutrition, and abnormal BMI as significantly affecting their health status. Therefore, these factors should be considered when measuring SRH in older adults.
The Varying Impact of Cryptocurrency Investments on a Company’s Liquidity in Korean Companies
Authors: Lee Namryoung
Published: February 2025

This study investigates whether cryptocurrency investments have a distinct impact on corporate liquidity depending on when they are held and the stage of a firm’s life cycle at the time of holding, using a sample of Korean companies. The empirical findings first show that cryptocurrency investments affect a company’s liquidity differently depending on when they are held. The findings demonstrate that, three years prior, labeled as t-1, t-2, and t-3, the two-year-old cryptocurrency investments appear to have greatly increased the company’s financial liquidity. Second, this study discovers that cryptocurrency investments have a different effect on a company’s liquidity based on the four stages of its life cycle, which comprise Introduction, Growth, Maturity, and Decline, at the time of holding. According to the findings, cryptocurrency investments at the Mature stage appear to contribute significantly and positively to the company’s financial liquidity. When the coefficients of interaction terms between each year and each life cycle are examined, it is observed that the holding of cryptocurrencies at the Mature stage in year t-2 has the most favorable influence on the company’s financial liquidity in year t. Although the findings do not conclude that the company’s cryptocurrencies held in year t-2 and at the Mature life cycle stage are the only ones that improve financial liquidity, they do suggest that a corporation may profit if it makes astute cryptocurrency investments at the appropriate time to suit its specific set of circumstances.
Anticancer Activity of Enantiomeric Neplanocins A: Exploring the Role of Chirality in Tumor Suppression
Authors: Pawlowska Roza , Banaszkiewicz Hubert , Chworos Arkadiusz , Żurawiński Remigiusz
Published: February 2025

Neplanocin A (NPA) is a natural carbocyclic analogue of adenosine that was isolated from Ampullariella regularis, which is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer activity. Although the activity of this compound has been demonstrated in many biological models, the mechanism of its anticancer activity is not fully understood. In the current work, we present the comparison of the biological activity of two enantiomers of neplanocin A in the series of cancerous and non-cancerous cell types. In all tested cell lines, the compound with natural stereochemistry, (-)-NPA, was found to be more cytotoxic than its synthetic (+)-NPA derivative; however, sensitivity to neplanocins A varied between cell types. To determine possible reasons for the observed differences in individual cancer cell types, the expression level and effects of individual genes of adenosine-interacting enzymes were analyzed. Bioinformatic analysis of the interaction between (-)-NPA and (+)-NPA with major adenosine-interacting enzymes, such as adenosine kinase (ADK), adenosine deaminases (ADA and ADA2), and S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH, AHCY), was performed. The molecular docking results revealed differences in the binding energy of the individual enantiomers of neplanocin A with the targets, which sheds new light on the mechanism of action of these adenosine analogues.
Protective and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Novel Formulation Based on High and Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid and Salvia haenkei
Authors: d’Agostino Maria , Giori Andrea , Vassallo Valentina , Schiraldi Chiara , D’Agostino Antonella
Published: February 2025

Salvia haenkei (SH-Haenkenium®), a native plant of Bolivia, is known as strong inhibitor of senescence and recently exploited in wound healing and for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. Hyaluronan at high and low molecular weight (HCC), explored in diverse cell models, and recently used in clinical practice, showed beneficial effects in dermo aesthetic and regenerative injective treatments. In this research work a novel formulation based on HCC coupled SH was tested for its potentiality in counteracting dermal injury. In vitro wound healing has been used to demonstrate HCC + SH capacity to improve keratinocytes migration respects the sole HCC, supported also by positive modulation of remodeling and integrity biomarkers. In addition, an in vitro dehydration test showed its ability to defend the skin from dryness. Moreover, an in vitro inflammation model (with lipopolysaccharides derived from E. coli) was used to assess molecular fingerprint of the pathological model and compare the cell response after treatments. Inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., KRT6, TLR-4 and NF-κB) and specific cytokines (e.g., IL-6, IL-22, IL-23) proved the effect of HCC + SH, in reducing inflammatory mediators. A more complex model, 3D-FT skin, was used to better resemble an in vivo condition, and confirmed the efficacy of novel formulations to counteract inflammation. All results trigger the interest in the novel formulation based on SH extract and hyaluronan complexes for its potential efficacy as natural anti-inflammatory agent for damaged skin, for its healing and regenerative properties.
Experimental and Computational Investigation of the Target and Mechanisms of Gelsemium Alkaloids in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Wang Yunfan , Yang Zhijiang , Huang Tengxin , Pan Li , Ding Junjie , Liu Zhaoying
Published: February 2025

Gelsemium has a long history of medicinal use but is also a poisonous plant. Some low-toxicity alkaloids in Gelsemium exhibit anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and other pharmacological effects; however, certain alkaloids in Gelsemium are highly toxic. Nevertheless, the molecular targets underlying the biological effects of Gelsemium alkaloids remain poorly understood. We employed electrophysiological techniques and molecular modeling to examine the modulatory effects of Gelsemium alkaloids on inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors, as well as to elucidate the mechanisms underlying their molecular interactions. Our findings indicate that low-toxicity alkaloids primarily exert their pharmacological effects through actions on glycine receptors, with the binding site located at the orthosteric site between two α-subunits. Both highly toxic and low-toxicity alkaloids target GABAA receptors, using the β+/α− interface transmembrane structural domains as common binding sites. These results identify the targets through which Gelsemium alkaloids affect the central nervous system and predict the binding modes and key amino acids involved from a computational modeling perspective. However, further experimental validation through mutational studies is necessary to strengthen these findings.
Cardiac Tyrosine 97 Phosphorylation of Cytochrome c Regulates Respiration and Apoptosis
Authors: Morse Paul T. , Pasupathi Vignesh , Vuljaj Susanna , Yazdi Nabil , Zurek Matthew P. , Wan Junmei , Lee Icksoo , Vaishnav Asmita , Edwards Brian F.P. , Arroum Tasnim , Hüttemann Maik
Published: February 2025

It was previously reported that tyrosine 97 (Y97) of cytochrome c is phosphorylated in cow heart tissue under physiological conditions. Y97 phosphorylation was shown to partially inhibit respiration in vitro in the reaction with purified cytochrome c oxidase. Here, we use phosphomimetic Y97E Cytc to further characterize the functional effects of this modification both in vitro and in cell culture models. In vitro, phosphomimetic Y97E Cytc showed lower activity in the reaction with purified cow heart cytochrome c oxidase (COX), decreased caspase-3 activity, and reduced rate of reduction. Additionally, the phosphomimetic Y97E Cytc tended to be resistant to heme degradation and showed an increased rate of oxidation. Intact mouse Cytc double knockout fibroblasts were transfected with plasmids coding for phosphomimetic Y97E Cytc and other variants. Compared to cells expressing wild-type Cytc, the cells expressing phosphomimetic Y97E Cytc showed reduced respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species production, and protection from apoptosis. In an oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation cell culture model of ischemia/reperfusion injury, mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species production were decreased. These data show that Cytc phosphorylation controls the overall flux through the electron transport chain by maintaining optimal intermediate ΔΨm potentials for efficient ATP production while minimizing reactive oxygen species production, thus protecting the cell from apoptosis.
MFP-MFL: Leveraging Graph Attention and Multi-Feature Integration for Superior Multifunctional Bioactive Peptide Prediction
Authors: Ge Fang , Zhou Jianren , Zhang Ming , Yu Dong-Jun
Published: February 2025

Bioactive peptides, composed of amino acid chains, are fundamental to a wide range of biological functions. Their inherent multifunctionality, however, complicates accurate classification and prediction. To address these challenges, we present MFP-MFL, an advanced multi-feature, multi-label learning framework that integrates Graph Attention Networks (GAT) with leading protein language models, including ESM-2, ProtT5, and RoBERTa. By employing an ensemble learning strategy, MFP-MFL effectively utilizes deep sequence features and complex functional dependencies, ensuring highly accurate and robust predictions of multifunctional peptides. Comparative experiments demonstrate that MFP-MFL achieves precision, coverage, and accuracy scores of 0.799, 0.821, and 0.786, respectively. Additionally, it attains an Absolute true of 0.737 while maintaining a low Absolute false of 0.086. A comprehensive case study involving 86,970 mutations further highlights the model’s ability to predict functional changes resulting from sequence variations. These results establish MFP-MFL as a powerful tool for the discovery and application of multifunctional peptides, offering significant potential to advance research and biomedical applications.
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Gene Expression Analysis to Identify Some Potential Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV) Receptors and Host Cell Enzymes Potentially Involved in the Viral Replication and Tissue Tropism
Authors: Khan Mohd Yasir , Shah Abid Ullah , Duraisamy Nithyadevi , ElAlaoui Reda Nacif , Cherkaoui Mohammed , Hemida Maged Gomaa
Published: February 2025

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) exhibits dual tissue tropism, infecting both the respiratory and enteric tracts of cattle. Viral entry into host cells requires a coordinated interaction between viral and host proteins. However, the specific cellular receptors and co-receptors facilitating BCoV entry remain poorly understood. Similarly, the roles of host proteases such as Furin, TMPRSS2, and Cathepsin-L (CTS-L), known to assist in the replication of other coronaviruses, have not been extensively explored for BCoV. This study aims to identify novel BCoV receptors and host proteases that modulate viral replication and tissue tropism. Bovine cell lines were infected with BCoV isolates from enteric and respiratory origins, and the host cell gene expression profiles post-infection were analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Differentially expressed genes encoding potential receptors and proteases were further assessed using in-silico prediction and molecular docking analysis. These analyses focused on known coronavirus receptors, including ACE2, NRP1, DPP4, APN, AXL, and CEACAM1, to identify their potential roles in BCoV infection. Validation of these findings was performed using the qRT-PCR assays targeting individual genes. We confirmed the gene expression profiles of these receptors and enzymes in some BCoV (+/−) lung tissues. Results revealed high binding affinities of 9-O-acetylated sialic acid and NRP1 to BCoV spike (S) and hemagglutinin-esterase (HE) proteins compared to ACE2, DPP4, and CEACAM1. Additionally, Furin and TMPRSS2 were predicted to interact with the BCoV-S polybasic cleavage site (RRSRR|A), suggesting their roles in S glycoprotein activation. This is the first study to explore the interactions of BCoV with multiple host receptors and proteases. Functional studies are recommended to confirm their roles in BCoV infection and replication.
Construction of a TAT-Cas9-EGFP Site-Specific Integration Eukaryotic Cell Line Using Efficient PEG10 Modification
Authors: Qi Shiyu , Wang Yibo , Liu Zhimei , Wu Sujun , Zhao Yue , Li Yan , Deng Shoulong , Yu Kun , Lian Zhengxing
Published: February 2025

The CRISPR/Cas9 system enables precise and efficient modification of eukaryotic genomes. Among its various applications, homology-directed repair (HDR) mediated knock-in (KI) is crucial for creating human disease models, gene therapy, and agricultural genetic enhancements. Despite its potential, HDR-mediated knock-in efficiency remains relatively low. This study investigated the impact of 5′ end PEG10 modification on site-specific integration of the target gene. The HEK293 cell line is considered a highly attractive expression system for the production of recombinant proteins, with the construction of site-specific integration cell lines at the AAVS1 locus enabling stable protein expression. This study investigated the impact of the 5′ end PEG10 modification on the site-specific integration of the target gene at the AAVS1 locus in the 293T cell line. Utilizing this 5′ end PEG10 modification resulted in a 1.9-fold increase in knock-in efficiency for a 1.8 kb target fragment, improving efficiency from 26% to 49%. An optimized system was utilized to successfully establish a high-expression, site-specific integration 293T cell line for TAT-Cas9-EGFP, providing a reliable resource of seed cells for subsequent protein production.
Towards a Rational Basis for the Selection of Probiotics to Improve Silkworm Health and Performance
Authors: Suraporn Siripuk , Liu Jisheng , Ren Feifei , Wang Luoluo , Feng Min , Terenius Olle , Swevers Luc
Published: February 2025

Pathogenic infections of silkworms constitute the greatest threat to sericulture. An attractive approach to the improvement in silkworm health and performance comprises the use of probiotics, i.e., microorganisms that confer beneficial properties such as an increased growth rate and resistance against pathogens. While this method has already resulted in promising results, generally, there is a lack of a rational basis for guidance on the selection of probiotics. This review attempts to organize useful information that needs to be considered for the successful application of probiotics: the constitution of the microbiota in silkworms and its origins; the interaction of the major silkworm pathogens with the microbiota; and the microorganisms that have been used so far as silkworm probiotics. Our analysis points to two major issues that seem of vital importance: (1) the absence of a “core microbiota” in silkworms which necessitates continuous supply of beneficial microorganisms according to environmental conditions and (2) the apparent negative impact that some other microorganisms can have on resistance against baculovirus infections. Recent findings have reported the beneficial effects of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus sp.) when applied as probiotics in improving silkworm health and performance.
The Evolution of Vascular Interventional Radiology and Endovascular Surgery: An Overview of Recent Advances
Authors: Szőnyi Ádám , Nyárády Balázs Bence , Mezzetto Luca , Dósa Edit
Published: February 2025

Vascular interventional radiology (VIR) and endovascular surgery (EVS) are dynamic and rapidly evolving fields in modern medicine [...]
Food Intolerance and Allergy: Do They Have an Etiological Role in Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis?
Authors: Yurdacan Muge , Papila Berrin , Turgut Basar Can , Uzun Hafize , Velidedeoglu Mehmet
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Despite its long-standing recognition, the etiopathogenesis of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) remains poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the relationship between IGM and food intolerance, allergies, and immunological factors to shed light on its etiology. Materials and Methods: This case–control study included 32 patients with IGM and 32 healthy women. In order to examine their potential relevance to allergy and immunology, serum interleukin (IL)-4, IL-4 receptor, histamine, and histamine-releasing factor (HRF) were measured by ELISA. Furthermore, serum IgG antibodies against specific food allergens were measured to evaluate food intolerance. Results: The patient group exhibited significantly higher intolerance values for lentils and curry compared to the control group (p = 0.023 and p = 0.012, respectively). Histamine (p < 0.001) and IL-4 (p = 0.003) levels were elevated in IGM patients compared to the control group, while HRF and IL-4R outcomes did not show any significant differences (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Elevated histamine and IL-4 levels may suggest the involvement of allergy and immunological factors in IGM’s etiopathogenesis. The integration of anti-histamine medications for IGM patients with elevated histamine levels could provide an alternative therapeutic strategy.
Novel Indexes in the Assessment of Cardiac Enlargement Using Chest Radiography: A New Look at an Old Problem
Authors: Matusik Patrycja S. , Popiela Tadeusz J. , Matusik Paweł T.
Published: February 2025

Background: Chest X-rays are among the most frequently used imaging tests in medical practice. We aimed to assess the prognostic value of the cardio–thoracic ratio (CTR) and transverse cardiac diameter (TCD) and compare them with novel chest X-ray parameters used in screening for cardiac enlargement. Methods: CTR, TCD, and five other non-standard new radiographic indexes, including basic spherical index (BSI), assessing changes in cardiac silhouette in chest radiographs in posterior–anterior projection were related to increased left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) assessed in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Results: TCD, CTR, and BSI were the best predictors of both LVH and increased LVEDV diagnosed in CMR. The best sensitivity, along with good specificity in LVH prediction, defined as left ventricular mass/body surface area (BSA) > 72 g/m2 in men or >55 g/m2 in women, was observed when TCD and BSI parameters were used jointly (69.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 52.4–83.0% and 80.0%, 95% CI: 51.9–95.7%, respectively). In the prediction of cardiac enlargement defined as LVEDV/BSA > 117 mL/m2 in men or >101 mL/m2 in women, BSI > 137.5 had the best sensitivity and specificity (85.0%, 95% CI: 62.1–96.8% and 82.4%, 95% CI: 65.5–93.2%, respectively). Conclusions: TCD may be valuable in the assessment of patients suspected of having cardiac enlargement. CTR and BSI serve as complementary tools for a more precise approach. TCD appears particularly useful for the prediction of LVH, while BSI demonstrates greater utility as an indicator of increased LVEDV.
Continuous Monitoring Enables Dynamic Biomarkers to Assess Resilience in Acute COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Rector Jerrald L. , Kuranova Anna , Olde Rikkert Marcel G. M. , van Goor Harry , Melis René J. F. , Bredie Sebastian J. H.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The effective management of acute illnesses like COVID-19 requires tools to dynamically assess a patient’s resilience to health stressors. This study evaluates novel dynamic biomarkers from continuous blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring, exploring their association with patient outcomes to support clinical decision making. Methods: We examined 200 hospital admissions from 181 adults diagnosed with COVID-19. Two dynamic biomarkers reflecting the homeostatic regulation efficiency of SpO2 were developed to assess their association with adverse hospital outcomes, specifically ICU admission or death, using binary logistic regressions. The resilience exponent α recorded the relative frequency of prolonged SpO2 declines, while O2 challenges quantified the dynamic response to changes in O2 supplementation. Results: Increased resilience exponent α corresponded to decreased odds of adverse outcomes (OR [95% CI] = 0.59 [0.37–0.93], p = 0.03). Larger SpO2 increases in response to O2 supplementation were associated with increased odds of adverse outcomes (OR [95% CI] = 1.40 [1.04–1.83], p = 0.03). Additionally, the number of O2 supplementation increases (OR [95% CI] = 2.91 [1.90–4.49]) and decreases (OR [95% CI] = 0.33 [0.20–0.55]) during hospitalization were independently linked to poorer and improved outcomes, respectively (both p < 0.001). Conclusions: The resilience exponent α and the O2 challenge response provide insights into the dynamic regulation of SpO2, reflecting physical resilience in COVID-19 patients. Continuous SpO2 monitoring in acute care settings could support more informed clinical decisions during patient management.
Hybrid CT Angio Suite for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A New Time-Saving Workflow Model?
Authors: Trombatore Pietro , Cottonaro Simone , Valente Iacopo , Lozupone Emilio , Della Gatta Luigi , Cannella Alfio , Di Lorenzo Clara , Ragusa Antonio , Mammino Luca , Galvano Gianluca
Published: February 2025

Objectives: Explore the effect of the introduction of a hybrid CT angio suite on the in-hospital workflow time of patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods: This was a retrospective observational case-control study. All consecutive patients admitted to our emergency department with suspected ischemic stroke who underwent stroke imaging and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in the new hybrid CT angio suite from October 2023 to March 2024 were included in the study. The primary outcome was the evaluation of in-hospital workflow times by the assessment of both the time from hospital admission to the beginning of the endovascular treatment (door-to-groin time, DTG) and the time from the interpretation of imaging to arterial puncture (CT-to-groin time, CTTG). The secondary aim was the evaluation of the clinical outcome through the evaluation of the mRS at 3 months. These data were compared to the control group. Results: Between October 2023 and March 2024, 50 consecutive patients with suspected ischemic stroke underwent neuroimaging and MT in the hybrid CT angio suite. We observed a significant reduction of the median DTG time from 71 min to 36 min (p < 0.001) and the median CT-to-groin time from 44 min to 12 min (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Conclusions: The introduction of the hybrid CT angio suite dedicated to acute ischemic stroke has definitely reduced in-hospital delays, allowing better management of these patients.
Isotemporal Substitution Effect of 24-h Movement Behaviors on Well-Being, Cognition, and BMI Among Older Adults
Authors: Oginni John , Ryu Suryeon , Chen Yingying , Gao Zan
Published: February 2025

Background: This study investigated the interdependent relationships among older adults’ daily engagement in physical activity (PA), sedentary time (ST), sleep, and their well-being, cognition, and body mass index (BMI). Method: Forty healthy older adults (31 females; Mean [age] = 70.8 ± 5.58) were included in the analysis. Participants wore a Fitbit tracker for an average of 23 h a day, five days a week, over six months. The Fitbit device tracked lightly active time, active time, ST, and sleep durations. Quality of life and cognitive flexibility were assessed using validated instruments. BMI was calculated using participants’ self-reported height and weight. A compositional analysis (CODA) investigated the codependent associations among these variables and model time reallocation between behaviors. Results: Regression models utilizing CODA indicated significant associations between the outcomes of BMI (p = 0.05; Adj. R2 = 0.20), while cognitive flexibility and quality of life revealed no association (p > 0.05). Shifting 10 min from ST to active time is associated with a theoretical decrease of −0.76 (95% CI, −1.49 to −0.04) units in BMI. Similarly, reallocating 10 min from active time to ST is associated with a theoretical increase of 1.17 (95% CI, 0.03 to 2.3) units in BMI. Reallocating 10 min between other movement behaviors yielded no statistical significance. Conclusions: Our study highlights the importance of promoting active time to improve BMI in this population. Encouraging 10 min bouts of PA among older adults, in place of ST, is vital for improving national PA guideline adherence.
Is Insulin Resistance an Independent Predictor of Atherosclerosis?
Authors: Landowska Małgorzata , Kałuża Bernadetta , Watała Cezary , Babula Emilia , Żuk-Łapan Aleksandra , Woźniak Kinga , Kargul Aleksandra , Jurek Jonasz , Korcz Tomasz , Cicha-Brzezińska Małgorzata , Franek Edward
Published: February 2025

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is a condition that precedes the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is regarded as an established risk factor for atherosclerosis (AS). Considering that the same metabolic changes as those caused by IR are evidenced to promote the development of AS, we investigated whether IR estimated by the homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) could predict the occurrence of preclinical AS. Methods: The study participants were divided into two groups based on the presence of IR diagnosed during the baseline hospitalization and defined as a HOMA-IR value equal to or higher than 2.5. After a follow-up period of at least four years, a total of 79 (n = 79) were prospectively assessed in terms of the presence of preclinical AS, determined by either an abnormally low ankle–brachial index (ABI) (ABI < 0.9) or an increased carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) (CIMT > 1 mm). Results: Using the multivariate logistic regression analysis, it was demonstrated that the HOMA-IR was associated with an abnormally low ABI (odds ratio: 1.609, 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.041–2.487], p = 0.032). The Cox regression model revealed that the HOMA-IR was a predictor of both an abnormal ABI (hazard ratio: 1.435, CI: [1.076–1.913], p = 0.014) and increased CIMT (hazard ratio: 1.419, CI: [1.033–1.948], p = 0.031), independently of age, sex, dyslipidemia, smoking, triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and total cholesterol levels. Conclusions: IR, as estimated by the HOMA-IR, may be considered as a predictor of preclinical AS, independently of cardiovascular risk factors.
Preliminary Results of Microsurgical Sperm Retrieval in Azoospermic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Operating Microscope vs. Surgical Loupes
Authors: Preto Mirko , Boeri Luca , Cirigliano Lorenzo , Falcone Marco , Parolin Valentina , Peretti Federica , Ferro Ilaria , Plamadeala Natalia , Scavone Martina , Zupo Emanuele , Gontero Paolo
Published: February 2025

Objectives: To compare surgical outcomes and sperm retrieval rates (SRRs) between conventional microsurgical-assisted testicular sperm extraction (m-TeSE—Group A) and testicular sperm extraction performed with surgical loupes (l-TeSE—Group B) in adult males with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Methods: A multicentric prospective randomized trial (ethics committee no. 202/2022) in accordance with the CONSORT guidelines was conducted from March 2022 to April 2024. Adult males with NOA without genetic alterations who signed the informed consent were enrolled. SRRs, intra- and postoperative complications (according to the Clavien–Dindo classification), and hormonal profile changes were considered as outcomes during the follow-up period. Results: A total of 42 NOA patients were enrolled. The median age was 35 years (IQR: 33–49). The preoperative median FSH was 16.5 mIU/mL (IQR: 11.6–22.5) and the total testosterone was 4.6 (3.5–5.6). Overall, the SRR was 22.6%, with sperm retrieved from 19 testes. Histopathological findings reported Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) in 46.4% (39 cases), hypospermatogenesis in 26.2%, and germ cell arrest in 26.2% of the patients. No intraoperative complications were recorded. The postoperative complications were minimal (Clavien–Dindo grade I), but no significant differences were recorded in-between the two surgical approaches. Considering the operative time of the testicular exploration alone, Group B seemed to be faster than the m-TeSE, with a median time saving of 8 min (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The use of surgical loupes was safe and comparable with m-TeSE in terms of the SRRs and complication rates. L-TeSE offered a reduction in the operative time compared with m-TeSE.
Moving Beyond the Checklist—An Enhanced Approach to Context-Driven Overuse Injury Prevention in Overhead Youth Athletes
Authors: Lau Rachel , Mukherjee Swarup
Published: February 2025

The increasing discussions regarding the research-to-practice gap in sport injury prevention have led to a growing focus on the significance of context in injury prevention programs. A context-driven injury prevention program is advantageous to address and enhance injury prevention efforts in specific populations. Considering the prevalent concern for overuse injuries among overhead youth athletes, and the developmental and contextual factors unique to this population, this review introduces the OverHead Youth Athlete (OH-YA) overuse injury prevention process. Tailored to address the challenges of working with overhead youth athletes, the context-specific four-step framework includes the following: (1) development of a context-specific instrument with strong sample representation, (2) determination of the context-specific injury burden magnitude and associated factors, (3) development of a context-specific intervention with end-users, and (4) evaluation of the context-specific intervention. This framework would likely help maximize the use of typically limited resources in youth sports. Using shoulder overuse injuries among overhead youth athletes as a case study, the OH-YA overuse injury prevention process provides an enhanced approach to context-driven overuse injury prevention while illustrating the importance and integration of context to minimize the “research-to-practice” gap.
Patients with Adult-Onset Still’s Disease in Germany: A Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Practices Ahead of the Release of the German Recommendations
Authors: Schoenau Verena , Wendel Sarah , Tascilar Koray , Henes Joerg , Feist Eugen , Baerlecken Niklas Thomas , Popp Florian , Schmidt-Haendle Matthias , Hellmich Bernhard , Kötter Ina , Andreica Ioana , Rech Jürgen
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is an autoinflammatory disorder that can be challenging to diagnose and manage. The aim of this study was to analyze retrospective data to provide insights into the clinical presentation, disease activity, and treatment patterns and outcomes of AOSD during routine clinical care prior to the release of new AOSD guidelines. Methods: This retrospective database analysis evaluated adult patients (≥18 years) with a diagnosis of AOSD who engaged in a clinical visit between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2020. The evaluated outcomes included demographic characteristics, symptoms, disease activity, and treatment. Results: Our study included 120 patients (67 [55.8%] of whom were female) diagnosed with AOSD according to the Yamaguchi criteria at ten German rheumatology centers. The median (quartile [Q] 1, Q3) age was 51 (36, 62) years, and the median (Q1, Q3) time from diagnosis was 9 (4, 11) years. Approximately half (66 [55.0%]) had a polycyclic disease course. The most frequent symptoms at initial diagnosis were arthralgia (105 [87.5%]) and fever (86 [71.7%]), and these symptoms continued for a substantial proportion of patients at the current visit (35 [29.2%] and 22 [18.3%], respectively). High neutrophil and ferritin levels were also common. The mean Still Activity Score, a measure of disease activity, improved from 4.66 at initial diagnosis to 1.97 at the most recent visit. The treatments most frequently used at some point in the disease course were glucocorticoids (118 [98.3%]), interleukin (IL)-1 inhibitors (89 [74.2%]), and methotrexate (85 [70.8%]). The most common current treatments were IL-1 inhibitors (55 [45.8%]), followed by methotrexate (29 [24.2%}) and glucocorticoids (28 [23.3%]). Conclusions: Our cohort of patients with AOSD seen at German rheumatology clinics showed strong improvements in symptoms and disease activity from initial diagnosis, but a high symptom burden remained for some patients. Future studies may be able to build on our data to document the impact of new guidelines on treatment patterns.
Physicochemical Studies of Opoka as a Raw Material Component of Sodium Silicate Mixture for Subsequent Synthesis of Foam Glass Material Based on It
Authors: Zhakipbayev Bibol , Kolesnikov Alexandr , Syrlybekkyzy Samal , Seidaliyeva Leila , Koishina Akmaral , Taizhanova Lyailim
Published: February 2025

The present article presents the results of physical and chemical studies of opoka. In particular, the opoka was subjected to chemical analysis, X-ray phase, differential thermal analysis, scanning microscopy, and X-ray energy dispersive elemental microanalysis. The opoka was studied with the aim of using it as an available raw material for obtaining a sodium silicate mixture and, in the future, developing an energy-saving technology for obtaining a building heat-insulating and sound-insulating foam glass material based on it, using synthesis. As a result of the studies, the chemical composition of the opoka was determined, which is 69–80% represented by silica. The elemental composition of the opoka was established, which is represented by 94.25% oxides of Si, Al, and Fe. The presence of such oxides makes it an ideal raw material component of a silicate-sodium mixture for the subsequent synthesis of foam glass material from it. Experimental exploratory studies on the synthesis of foam glass based on opoka have been carried out. The experimentally obtained sample of foam glass material consists of 93.37% Si, Al, Mg, and Na oxides, has a porous structure with a pore size of 2–5 microns, an average density of 375 kg/m3, thermal conductivity of 0.063 W/(m °C) at 25 °C, and noise absorption of 51.6 Db.
The Potential of a Robot Presence in Close Relationship to Influence Human Responses to Experimental Pain
Authors: Nakae Aya , Bu-Omer Hani M. , Chang Wei-Chuan , Kishimoto Chie , Onishi Yuya , Sumioka Hidenobu , Shiomi Masahiro
Published: February 2025

Pain management is a critical challenge in healthcare, often exacerbated by loneliness and emotional distress. This study investigated the potential of a communication robot, Moffuly, to reduce pain perception and influence hormonal responses in a controlled experimental setting. Nineteen healthy participants underwent heat pain stimulation under two conditions: with and without robotic interaction. Pain levels were assessed using the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire and the Visual Analogue Scale, while mood and mental states were evaluated through established questionnaires including the Profile of Mood States, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Self-Rating Depression Scale. Hormonal changes, including cortisol, growth hormone, oxytocin, estradiol, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, were measured from blood samples collected at key time points. The results demonstrated significant reductions in subjective pain and improvements in mood following robotic interaction. These effects were accompanied by favorable hormonal changes, including increased oxytocin and decreased cortisol and growth hormone levels. The findings suggest that robotic interaction may serve as an innovative approach to pain management by addressing both physiological and psychological factors. This study highlights the potential of robotics to complement traditional therapies in alleviating pain and enhancing emotional well-being. By mitigating emotional distress and loneliness, robotic interventions may enhance existing pain therapies and offer innovative solutions for resource-limited healthcare systems.
Effect of Pipe Wall Wear Defects on the Flow Characteristics of Slurry Shield Discharge Pipe
Authors: Fang Yingran , Li Xinggao , Li Xingchun , Guo Yidong , Liu Hongzhi
Published: February 2025

During slurry shield tunneling in hard rock or cobble strata, the discharge pipes suffer serve wear and damage. However, the effect mechanism of pipe wall wear defects on the flow characteristics of two-phase flow is unclear. In this study, a three-dimensional slurry particle model of pipeline transport was established using the coupled computational fluid dynamics–discrete element method (CFD-DEM) considering the pipe wall wear defect, and the typical pipeline forms of straight pipe and 90° elbow pipe were selected as the research targets. The results indicated that the localized wear defect of pipes can lead to increased inhomogeneity in the velocity distribution, generating localized low-flow zones and resulting in a reduced flow rate or stagnancy in parts of the pipe. Meanwhile, the wear defect of the pipe results in local shape changes, so that the fluid flow path through the pipe is no longer smooth, causing more vortex/turbulence and secondary flow, where an increased vortex promotes localized kinetic energy reduction and creates larger pressure losses at the elbow. In addition, for the elbow pipe without wear defect, the pressure drop of the elbow increases quadratically from an increase of 6.5% to an increase of 16.9%, with the maximum wear depth increasing from 4 mm to 19 mm. For the straight pipe without wear defect, the pressure drop of the elbow increases linearly, from an increase of 2.2% to an increase of 10.2% with the maximum wear depth increasing from 4 mm to 19 mm. The paper investigates the potential mechanism of pipe flow characteristics influenced by wear defect and provides practical guidelines for the efficient operation of a slurry shield circulating system.
Microscopic and Biomechanical Analysis of PEEK Interspinous Spacers for Spinal Fusion Applications
Authors: Alcántara-Arreola Elliot Alonso , Rodríguez-Tovas Aida Verónica , Hernández-Benítez José Alejandro , Torres-SanMiguel Christopher René
Published: February 2025

Spinal fusion is a surgical intervention used to join two or more vertebrae in the spine. An often-used method involves the placement of intervertebral spacers. They are commonly composed of biocompatible materials like polyetheretherketone. It has strength, longevity, and the capacity to interact harmoniously with the human body. Standardized mechanical tests were performed on two distinct implants to assess their biomechanical characteristics. The studies were conducted at a velocity of 2 mm/min. The stopping criteria were determined based on the loads sustained by the 50th percentile. Furthermore, the chemical composition of the implants was assessed using Raman spectroscopy. The implant created via subtractive manufacturing has a significant change in its elastic region at a force of 1300 N, and it begins subsidence when vertebrae are subjected to a load of 1500 N. The integration of microscopic characterization techniques with the mechanical analysis of prostheses in numerous case studies facilitates the biomechanical evaluation of implants.
Endothelial Markers in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: A Pilot Study
Authors: Péč Martin Jozef , Jurica Jakub , Bolek Tomáš , Škorňová Ingrid , Péčová Monika , Cingel Marek , Horná Simona , Stančiaková Lucia , Staško Ján , Tóth Štefan , Sokol Juraj , Galajda Peter , Mokáň Marián , Samoš Matej
Published: February 2025

Background: Impaired endothelial function has been associated with vascular complications in type 2 diabetes (T2D), but its role in T2D-related heart failure (HF) remains indeterminate. The aim of this study was to assess selected markers of endothelial function in T2D patients with acute decompensated HF. Methods: A pilot prospective study on patients with acute decompensated HF requiring in-hospital admission was carried out. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) were assessed at admission and after decongestion. Subsequently, differences in these markers between T2D and non-diabetic (ND) patients were studied. Results: In total, 39 patients (21 with T2D and 18 ND patients) were enrolled. Twenty-eight patients presented with preserved ejection fraction (EF), and 11 presented with reduced EF. Looking at the VEGF levels in T2D patients, on admission, a median of 233.0 pg/mL (1.7–598 pg/mL) was found compared to 106.0 pg/mL (1.7–888 pg/mL) in ND individuals; the differences reached statistical significance (p = 0.04). There were no significant differences in VEGF levels after decongestion, and in VCAM-1 (2237 ± 1195 vs. 2699 ± 1093 ng/mL, p = 0.37) and ICAM-1 (596 ± 268 vs. 638 ± 437 ng/mL, p = 0.79) levels between T2D and ND patients upon admission and after decongestion. The value of EF (preserved or reduced) affected the VEGF levels upon admission. Conclusions: This study identified significantly higher VEGF levels upon admission due to acute decompensated HF in T2D patients.