Literature Data Research Articles

Low fetal fraction and adverse pregnancy outcomes- systematic review of the literature and metanalysis.

While cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening has emerged as a screening modality for common aneuploidies, further research and several publications over the past decade suggested some correlation between the low concentrations of cfDNA and a number of pregnancy-related complications. The primarygoal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the potential value of low-ff levels in the prediction of subsequent PE/PIH, GDM, SGA/FGR, and PTB. The meta-analysis results aim atsummarizing the currently available literature data and determining the clinical relevance of this biochemical markerand the potentialnecessity for additional investigation of its utility in complications other than the detection of common aneuploidies. This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. It included all observational studies that reported low -ff levels after the performance of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) as part of the screening for chromosomal abnormalities and their association with adverse pregnancy outcomes, namely the subsequent development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and the detection of small for gestational age fetuses or growth-restricted fetuses. The Medline (1966-2041), Scopus (2004-2024), Clinicaltrials.gov (2008-2024), EMBASE (1980-2024), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL (1999-2024) and Google Scholar (2004-2024) databases were used in our primary search along with the reference lists of electronically retrieved full-text papers. The date of our last search was set at February 29, 2024. Our search identified 128 potentially relevant studies and,overall, 8 studies were included in the present systematic review that enrolled a total of 72,507 patients. Low ff of cfDNA cfDNA was positively associated with HDP (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.34, 2.06, I-square test: 56%). Low ff of cfDNA was positively associated with GDM (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03, 1.56, I-square test: 76%). Furthermore, low ff levels were positively associated with SGA/FGR (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.32, 2.03, I-square test: 0%). Low ff levels were positively correlated with the risk for PTB but the association did not manage to reach a statistical significant level (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.89, 1.67, I-square test: 66%). Our study suggests that low ff is associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, including PE/PIH, GDM, and SGA/FGR. However, the relationship between ff and PTB remains unclear due to conflicting evidence. It should be emphasized that further research is needed to reveal the underlying mechanisms behind the association of low ff with adverse pregnancy outcomes and explore its potential role in an overall prenatal screening, which could potentially not be limited to detecting aneuploidies.

International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH) recommendations for the performance and interpretation of activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time mixing tests.

This guidance document has been prepared on behalf of the International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH). The aim of the document is to provide guidance and recommendations for the performance and interpretation of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) plasma mixing tests in clinical laboratories in all regions of the world. The following areas are included in this document: preanalytical, analytical, postanalytical, and quality assurance considerations as they relate to the proper performance and interpretation of plasma mixing tests. The recommendations are based on good laboratory practice, published data in peer-reviewed literature, and expert opinion.

Exploring Financial Risks in Relation to Performance of MPESA Agents in Rural Areas, Kenya

The growth of mobile banking services, specifically Mpesa, has transformed financial transactions in Kenya, particularly in marginalized and rural regions. Ever since Safaricom introduced Mpesa in 2007, it has enabled various financial transactions like money transfers, bill payments, savings, and loans, becoming vital to Kenya's financial infrastructure. In rural areas, Mpesa shops are at risk of facing financial challenges which can impact their operations and long-term success. This research investigates how liquidity, credit, and operational risks affect the financial performance of Mpesa outlets in rural Kenya. The mismatch between cash coming in and going out results in liquidity risks, which can cause service interruptions and unhappy customers. Credit risks, resulting from borrowers failing to repay loans on time or defaulting, put pressure on cash flow and the stability of finances. Operational risks like technical failures, fraud, and regulatory non-compliance pose additional threats to the functionality and customer trust of the shops. By thoroughly analyzing pertinent literature and empirical data, this research investigates the way in which these risks interplay and impact the economic sustainability of Mpesa shops. The results are intended to guide improved risk management methods and policy suggestions to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of Mpesa agents, guaranteeing ongoing availability of crucial financial services in rural Kenya.

The Future of the Digital Social Economy: Navigating the Confluence of Blockchain, Metaverse, and Artificial General Intelligence

This paper explores the transformative dynamics within the digital social economy, focusing on the intersection of Blockchain technology, the Metaverse, and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Our research illuminates the pathways and implications of this confluence, presenting a comprehensive view of its potential to reshape economic, social, and technological landscapes. We propose a multifaceted framework integrating these technologies, highlighting their collective potential to revolutionize the digital social economy. Methodologically, we combine extensive analysis of existing literature and current market data with qualitative interviews with industry experts in blockchain, virtual reality, and AGI. Our findings reveal that blockchain serves as the backbone for secure and transparent transactions, essential for trust in virtual interactions. The Metaverse emerges as a transformative platform for social and economic engagement, while AGI drives intelligent, adaptive, and personalized experiences within these digital realms. We identify critical challenges, such as platform interoperability, ethical considerations in AGI deployment, and the digital divide hindering equitable access. We propose strategic solutions, emphasizing robust governance frameworks, ethical AI development standards, and inclusive policies. This paper provides strategic insights for stakeholders, offering a visionary perspective for future innovation and policy development in the evolving digital social economy.

Critical Raw Materials Supply: Challenges and Potentialities to Exploit Rare Earth Elements from Siliceous Stones and Extractive Waste

Critical raw materials (CRMs) supply is a challenge that EU countries have to face, with many thinking about domestic procurement from natural ore deposits and anthropogenic deposits (landfills and extractive waste facilities). The present research focuses on the possibilities linked to the supply of CRMs and the potential for exploiting rare earth elements (REEs), investigating a large variety of extractive waste and siliceous rocks in the Piedmont region (Northern Italy). Indeed, the recovery of REEs from the extractive waste (EW) of siliceous quarries and other siliceous ore deposits can be a valuable way to reduce supply chain risks. Starting with a review of the literature on mining activities in Piedmont and continuing with the sampling and geochemical, mineralogical, petrographic, and environmental characterization of EW facilities connected to siliceous dimension stones, of kaolinitic gneiss ore deposits, and of soils present near the investigated areas, this study shows that the degree of REEs enrichment differs depending on the sampling area (soil or EW) and lithology. The concentration of REEs in the EW at some sampling sites fulfils the indicators of industrial-grade and industrial recovery; the high cumulative production and potential market values of EW and the positive recovery effects through proven methodologies indicate a viable prospect of REE recovery from EW. However, REE recovery industrialization faces challenges such as the difficulty in achieving efficient large-scale recovery due to large regional differences in REE abundance, the mismatch between potential market value and waste annual production, etc. Nonetheless, in the future, EW from dimension stone quarries could be differentially studied and reused based on the enrichment and distribution characteristics of trace elements. The present paper shows investigation procedures undertaken to determine both CRMs potentialities and environmental issues (on the basis of literature data employed to select the more-promising areas and on sampling and characterization activities in the selected areas), together with procedures to determine the waste quantities and tentative economic values of REEs present in the investigated areas. This approach, tested on a large area (Piedmont region), is replicable and applicable to other similar case studies (at EU and non-EU levels) and offers decision makers the possibility to acquire a general overview of the potential available resources in order to decide whether and where to concentrate efforts (including economic ones) in a more detailed study to evaluate the exploitable anthropogenic deposits.

Сontribution of circadian rhythms to the development of neurological disorders after prolonged anesthesia

Despite the improvement of pre-, intra- and postoperative care methods, the problem of the development of postoperative neurological complications following prolonged anesthesia remains. A mechanism of occurrence of these complications may be circadian rhythm disorders. This article presents a review of the literature data on the prevalence, pathophysiological mechanisms, and risk factors of postoperative autonomic and circadian disorders. Notably, circadian rhythm disorders in surgical patients are observed at several levels: disruption of the sleep and wakefulness cycle, decreased melatonin secretion, instability of cortisol levels and body temperature, and changes in the vegetative balance towards sympathetic regulation. These disorders contribute to the development of postoperative pain and cognitive and anxiety-depressive disorders, hinder effective rehabilitation, and may be associated with postoperative mortality.

CFD Modeling of Aerosol Transport and Deposition Using a Drift-Flux Model

Aerosol transport and deposition are important processes in modeling of accident scenarios for a small modular reactor. An aerosol drift-flux model is attractive because it is computationally less expensive than Lagrangian particle tracking. It must be determined, however, how well it performs when implemented in a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. This work presents results of modeling aerosol transport and deposition using a full Eulerian three-dimensional drift-flux model implemented in the commercial CFD code STAR-CCM+. The forces due to gravity and thermophoresis are included in the present drift-flux model along with Brownian motion and turbulent diffusion. The forces are added as a source term to a passive scalar transport equation. In addition, a drift velocity representing the forces is used in a built-in electrochemical species transport equation. The results of these two approaches are compared. An appropriate deposition velocity is used to calculate the aerosol concentration deposited on surfaces. The semiempirical relation proposed by Lai and Nazaroff (2000) is used to compute the deposition velocity due to gravitational settling, and the present results are compared with the experimental and numerical data obtained from the work of Chen et al. (2006). It was found that the concentration profile obtained from the present drift-flux model showed reasonable agreement with the literature data. A thermophoresis model showed good agreement when compared with the analytical solution of Nazaroff and Cass (1987). In addition to the particle concentration results, this work presents details of the drift-flux model implementation and the bulk flows. These extra details will enable comparisons by others developing similar models.

Pitfalls and complications in the treatment of clubfoot by the Ponseti method: A literature review

BACKGROUND: At every step of clubfoot treatment using the Ponseti method, pitfalls leading to complications, both minor and potentially dangerous, may occur. Any doctor involved in the treatment of clubfoot may encounter similar difficulties in their practice; however, publications devoted to this problem are limited, and in some cases, experts cannot reach a consensus regarding the interpretation of actions that entail undesirable consequences. AIM: This study aimed to analyze pitfalls and complications associated with the Ponseti method for the treatment of clubfoot using modern literature data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Articles were searched for in PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and eLibrary databases using the following keywords: idiopathic clubfoot, Ponseti method, serial casting, bracing, Achilles tenotomy, pitfalls, and complications. The search was performed without language restrictions. Most of the studies included were published no more than 10 years ago. RESULTS: Current literature data present on the pitfalls and complications encountered in the treatment of clubfoot using the Ponseti method. The review also covered associated complications and unfavorable prognostic factors. The restrictive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the treatment of clubfoot. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the causes of pitfalls and complications and control of unfavorable prognostic factors will help reduce complications of clubfoot treatment using the Ponseti method and optimize orthopedic care for children.

Development and validation of the metaverse perception scale for nursing students

BackgroundThe use of Metaverse applications in nursing education is increasing every day and the evaluation of nursing students' perceptions of this new digital technology may guide interventions related to the use of the Metaverse. However, currently, no standardized instrument specifically designed to measure nursing students' perceptions of the Metaverse exists in Turkey. AimTo develop and validate the Metaverse Perception Scale for Turkish nursing students. MethodThis methodological study was carried out between March 1, 2023 and June 30, 2023 and its sample consisted of 770 nursing students who were enrolled in undergraduate nursing departments of universities in Turkey. The item pool was created based on a literature review and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, item analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, convergent and divergent validity, correlation analysis, internal consistency reliability and test-retest analysis. ResultsThe content validity index for the items ranged between 0.85 – 1.00. According to exploratory factor analysis, the eigenvalue of four factors was greater than one. These four factors explained 77.28 % of the total variance. In the scale model developed for this study, model fit was found to be acceptable for goodness of fit index:.921 and root mean square error of approximation:.064. χ2/sd: 1.659, normalized fit index:.961 and chi-square/degree of freedom revealed that model fit was at a good level and within the recommended value ranges. It was determined that the scale showed convergent and divergent validity and Cronbach's Alpha value ranged between 0.95 and 0.93 in the subscales. The Metaverse Perception Scale in Nursing Students was found to have a high level of test-retest reliability. ConclusionThis study showed that the scale, which consists of 24 items and four subscales, is a valid and reliable measurement tool that can be used to assess nursing students' perceptions of the Metaverse in the Turkish context. This scale can contribute to the evaluation of Turkish nursing students' perceptions of the Metaverse, as well as the effective management of processes related to Metaverse practices.

Efficacy of Interval Training in Improving Body Composition and Adiposity in Apparently Healthy Adults: An Umbrella Review with Meta-Analysis.

Although the efficacy of interval training for improving body composition has been summarized in an increasing number of systematic reviews in recent years, discrepancies in review findings and conclusions have been observed. This study aims to synthesize the available evidence on the efficacy of interval training compared with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and nonexercise control (CON) in reducing body adiposity in apparently healthy adults. An umbrella review with meta-analysis was performed. A systematic search was conducted in seven databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database, CINAHL, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) up to October 2023. Systematic reviews with meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing interval training and MICT/CON were included. Literature selection, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment (AMSTAR-2) were conducted independently by two reviewers. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the type of interval training [high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training (SIT)], intervention duration, body mass index, exercise modality, and volume of HIIT protocols. Sixteen systematic reviews, including 79 RCTs and 2474 unique participants, met the inclusion criteria. Most systematic reviews had a critically low (n = 6) or low (n = 6) AMSTAR-2 score. Interval training demonstrated significantly greater reductions in total body fat percent (BF%) compared with MICT [weighted mean difference (WMD) of - 0.77%; 95% confidence interval (CI) - 1.12 to - 0.32%] and CON (WMD of - 1.50%; 95% CI - 2.40 to - 0.58%). Significant reductions in fat mass, visceral adipose tissue, subcutaneous abdominal fat, and android abdominal fat were also observed following interval training compared to CON. Subgroup analyses indicated that both HIIT and SIT resulted in superior BF% loss than MICT. These benefits appeared to be more prominent in individuals with overweight/obesity and longer duration interventions (≥ 12weeks), as well as in protocols using cycling as a modality and low-volume HIIT (i.e., < 15min of high-intensity exercise per session). This novel umbrella review with large-scale meta-analysis provides an updated synthesis of evidence with implications for physical activity guideline recommendations. The findings support interval training as a viable exercise strategy for reducing adiposity in the general population.

Towards Using Digital Technologies to Balance Conservation and Fire Mitigation in Building Heritage Hosting Vulnerable Occupants: Rapid Evacuation Simulator Verification for the “Omero Museum” (Ancona, Italy)

Digital technologies can support designers in balancing architectural heritage conservation and performances using multidisciplinary approaches. Fire safety represents a challenging issue, especially in public historical buildings hosting vulnerable occupants, since heavy modifications are often required to facilitate their evacuation. Digital tools based on evacuation simulation are able to verify the impact of other sustainable, compatible evacuation management and planning approaches, especially considering the use of generic software, which can be used by low-trained technicians according to rapid setups. Nevertheless, simulator reliability should be experimentally verified through case study applications. This work thus offers the experimental verification of a rapid setup-based generic evacuation simulator in the context of a significant case study (the “Omero Museum”, Ancona, Italy), placed in a historic building hosting vulnerable occupants (disabled, elderly, children), thanks to a full-scale evacuation drill. The rapid setup described different vulnerable occupants’ categories according to literature data. Comparisons between drill and simulation results, using consolidated verification indicators, showed the overall reliability of the proposed approach, and thus encourage additional tests in historical buildings. The proposed setup-based simulator could be combined with other digital tools (virtual reality, BIM-related) to provide full support to fire risk and evacuation assessments when vulnerable occupants are present.

Dynamics of feet dorsiflexion after percutaneous Achilles lengthening for correction of flat feet in children

BACKGROUND: Achilloplasty is one of the most common procedures in the reconstruction of various foot deformities. Achilles tendon lengthening is often used in most reconstructive interventions in patients with flatfeet. Literature data reflecting the dynamics of foot dorsiflexion after percutaneous achilloplasty are limited. AIM: This study aimed to determine the foot dorsiflexion dynamics in children with flatfeet at different time points after foot reconstruction in combination with percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included the observation results of 159 children (260 feet) aged 12 (9–17) years having flatfeet with Achilles tendon shortening after flatfoot reconstruction and percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening. Dynamic follow-up was performed for 3 years after foot reconstruction. The obtained data were analyzed statistically by nonparametric one-factor analysis of variance, Kruskal–Wallis and post hoc test, pairwise comparisons, and Dwass–Steel–Critchlow–Fligner test. RESULTS: At follow-up after Achilles tendon lengthening, significant differences were obtained in the magnitude of the initial foot dorsiflexion up to 2 years after surgery, and other indicators were not significantly different. Foot dorsiflexion with tarsal joint stabilization was significantly different at all stages of follow-up compared with baseline. Foot dorsiflexion tended to decrease throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: After reconstructive interventions on the feet in combination with percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening, the dorsiflexion of the feet decreased over time. At 2 and 3 years after Achilles surgery, dorsiflexion was not significantly different from baseline. The angle of dorsiflexion of the feet with the tarsal joint stabilization 3 years after Achilles tendon lengthening was significantly different from the initial level, but throughout the follow-up there was also a tendency to its gradual decrease.

Analysis of Electric Breakup Characteristics of Emulsion Droplets Based on Dissipative Particle Dynamics Method

Crude oil desalination and dehydration are necessary for storage, transportation, and processing procedures. However, the behaviour of fine emulsion droplets under an electric field has always been questioned. This paper modified the dissipative particle dynamics method (DPD) to study the deformation process of fine emulsion droplets under a high-strength electric field. Compared with the literature data, the reliability of the DPD method is confirmed. The influence of the crude oil properties and the electric field characteristics on the behaviour of the emulsion droplet was analysed, and the effect factors included electric field intensity, electric field frequency, emulsion droplet size, centre distance ratio, conservative force intensity, dissipative strength, and crude oil density. The relationship between critical electric field intensity and emulsion droplet deformation was formulated based on the simulational dates.

Consensus paper on the management of acute isolated vertigo in the emergency department.

Acute vertigo is defined as the perception of movement of oneself or the surroundings in the absence of actual motion and it is a frequent cause for emergency department admissions. The utilization of medical resources and the duration of hospital stay for this kind of symptom is high. Furthermore, the efficiency of brain imaging in the acute phase is low, considering the limited sensitivity of both CT and MRI for diagnosing diseases that are the causes of central type of vertigo. Relying on imaging tests can provide false reassurance in the event of negative results or prolong the in-hospital work-up improperly. On the other hand, clinical examinations, notably the assessment of nystagmus' features, have proven to be highly accurate and efficient when performed by experts. Literature data point out that emergency physicians often do not employ these skills or use them incorrectly. Several clinical algorithms have been introduced in recent years with the aim of enhancing the diagnostic accuracy of emergency physicians when evaluating this specific pathology. Both the 'HINTS and 'STANDING' algorithms have undergone external validation in emergency physician hands, showing good diagnostic accuracy. The objective of this consensus document is to provide scientific evidence supporting the clinical decisions made by physicians assessing adult patients with acute vertigo in the emergency department, particularly in cases without clear associated neurological signs. The document aims to offer a straightforward and multidisciplinary approach. At the same time, it tries to delineate benchmarks for the formulation of local diagnostic and therapeutic pathways, as well as provide a base for the development of training and research initiatives.

MARVEL analysis of high-resolution rovibrational spectra of 16O12C18O.

Empirical rovibrational energy levels are presented for the third most abundant, asymmetric carbon dioxide isotopologue, 16O12C18O, based on a compiled dataset of experimental rovibrational transitions collected from the literature. The 52 literature sources utilized provide 19,438 measured lines with unique assignments in the wavenumber range of 2-12,676 cm-1. The MARVEL (Measured Active Rotational-Vibrational Energy Levels) protocol, which is built upon the theory of spectroscopic networks, validates the great majority of these transitions and outputs 8786 empirical rovibrational energy levels with an uncertainty estimation based on the experimental uncertainties of the transitions. Issues found in the literature data, such as misassignment of quantum numbers, typographical errors, and misidentifications, are fixed before including them in the final MARVEL dataset and analysis. Comparison of the empirical energy-level data of this study with those in the line lists CDSD-2019 and Ames-2021 shows good overall agreement, significantly better for CDSD-2019; some issues raised by these comparisons are discussed.

The Effect of Thyroid Status on the Features of the Course of Perimenopause

Introduction. According to statistics, the average life expectancy of the female population is steadily increasing and more than ⅓ of a woman’s life is in the period of periand postmenopause. Many women approach the period of perimenopause with existing diseases of the endocrine system, most often associated with the thyroid gland. Such a high prevalence of this pathology occurs due to natural iodine deficiency in almost the entire territory of the Russia. Therefore, the relationship between the symptoms of menopause and endocrine diseases is very relevant.The purpose of the work is to analyze the data presented in the modern literature on the influence of thyroid status on the features of the course of perimenopause.Materials and methods. This review is based on data from domestic and foreign studies obtained as a result of a selective search in the electronic databases PubMed and eLibrary from 2016 to 2023.Results and discussion. The period of perimenopause is accompanied by an increase in the incidence of thyroid diseases. The analysis of the literature data showed the influence of thyroid status on the features of the course of perimenopause and the conditions accompanying it (impaired cognitive functions, changes in bone metabolism, the frequency of abnormal uterine bleeding, the risk of cardiovascular diseases).Conclusion. Given the relationship of thyroid status with the peculiarities of the course of perimenopause, it is necessary to consider the possibility of complex therapy of thyroid diseases and correction of symptoms of menopausal syndrome.

Carbohydrate storage in cells: a laboratory activity for the assessment of glycogen stores in biological tissues.

Carbohydrates and fats constitute our primary energy sources. The importance of each of these energy substrates varies across cell types and physiological conditions. For example, the brain normally relies almost exclusively on glucose oxidation, while skeletal muscle shifts from lipids towards higher carbohydrate oxidation rates as exercise intensity increases. Understanding how carbohydrate are stored in our cells and which tissues contain significant carbohydrate stores is crucial for health professionals, especially given the role of carbohydrate metabolism in various pathophysiological conditions. This laboratory activity uses a simple and low-cost iodine binding method to quantify glycogen in mouse skeletal muscle and liver samples. By integrating the results of this activity with literature data, students can determine overall glycogen storage in the human body. The primary goal of the activity is to enhance students understanding of the importance and limitations of glycogen stores in energy metabolism.

Isothermal turbines − New challenges. Numerical and experimental investigations into isothermal expansion in turbine power plants

The efficiency of power plants with steam or gas turbines depends on the efficiencies of a thermodynamic cycle and devices implementing this cycle. In the case of high power outputs, we cannot expect a significant increase in the efficiency of individual devices. Therefore, what remains is to increase the efficiency of the implemented thermodynamic cycle − the complex Rankine cycle in the case of steam turbines or the extended Brayton cycle in gas turbine units. The efficiencies of these cycles depend on the hot reservoir temperatures, limited by the materials used. The solution seems to be the thermodynamic cycles with the highest efficiency within given temperature limits, the „generalized Carnot cycles”. About gas turbines, such a cycle is the Ericsson cycle. The most difficult element of this cycle is carrying out high-temperature expansion. So far, there is no literature data on a technical device implementing this process. In this article, we present a method for designing turbine nozzles for isothermal expansion and the results of experimental tests of the first isothermal turbine. In the case of gas microturbines with a regenerator, isothermal expansion can increase efficiency from 24% to 28% up to 36%. An increase in efficiency of several to a dozen percentage points is expected for Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) turbines. Due to such significant increases in energy generation efficiency, an isothermal turbine may become a future solution for energy systems.

HPV Infections-Classification, Pathogenesis, and Potential New Therapies.

To date, more than 400 types of human papillomavirus (HPV) have been identified. Despite the creation of effective prophylactic vaccines against the most common genital HPVs, the viruses remain among the most prevalent pathogens found in humans. According to WHO data, they are the cause of 5% of all cancers. Even more frequent are persistent and recurrent benign lesions such as genital and common warts. HPVs are resistant to many disinfectants and relatively unsusceptible to external conditions. There is still no drug available to inhibit viral replication, and treatment is based on removing lesions or stimulating the host immune system. This paper presents the systematics of HPV and the differences in HPV structure between different genetic types, lineages, and sublineages, based on the literature and GenBank data. We also present the pathogenesis of diseases caused by HPV, with a special focus on the role played by E6, E7, and other viral proteins in the development of benign and cancerous lesions. We discuss further prospects for the treatment of HPV infections, including, among others, substances that block the entry of HPV into cells, inhibitors of viral early proteins, and some substances of plant origin that inhibit viral replication, as well as new possibilities for therapeutic vaccines.

DrugRepoBank: a comprehensive database and discovery platform for accelerating drug repositioning.

In recent years, drug repositioning has emerged as a promising alternative to the time-consuming, expensive and risky process of developing new drugs for diseases. However, the current database for drug repositioning faces several issues, including insufficient data volume, restricted data types, algorithm inaccuracies resulting from the neglect of multidimensional or heterogeneous data, a lack of systematic organization of literature data associated with drug repositioning, limited analytical capabilities and user-unfriendly webpage interfaces. Hence, we have established the first all-encompassing database called DrugRepoBank, consisting of two main modules: the 'Literature' module and the 'Prediction' module. The 'Literature' module serves as the largest repository of literature-supported drug repositioning data with experimental evidence, encompassing 169 repositioned drugs from 134 articles from 1 January 2000 to 1 July 2023. The 'Prediction' module employs 18 efficient algorithms, including similarity-based, artificial-intelligence-based, signature-based and network-based methods to predict repositioned drug candidates. The DrugRepoBank features an interactive and user-friendly web interface and offers comprehensive functionalities such as bioinformatics analysis of disease signatures. When users provide information about a drug, target or disease of interest, DrugRepoBank offers new indications and targets for the drug, proposes new drugs that bind to the target or suggests potential drugs for the queried disease. Additionally, it provides basic information about drugs, targets or diseases, along with supporting literature. We utilize three case studies to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of predictively repositioned drugs within DrugRepoBank. The establishment of the DrugRepoBank database will significantly accelerate the pace of drug repositioning. Database URL: https://awi.cuhk.edu.cn/DrugRepoBank.