Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 10;15(1):12236. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-94445-9.

ABSTRACT

This swift growth in Internet of Vehicle (IoV) networks has created serious security issues, primarily in intrusion detection due to the fact that these are complex, dynamic, and large-scale networks. AES-256 encryption for strong real-time security and access control, along with Secure Multi-Party Computation (SMPC) and Homomorphic Encryption (HE) for privacy-preserving collaborative data processing and encrypted computations, are some of the innovative contributions to IoV security that this work presents. Z-score normalization and median imputation are two excellent methods for prepping high-quality data for a deep learning-based intrusion detection system (IDS). Vision Transformer (ViT), wavelet transforms, and GAT ensure effective feature extraction, and a novel hybrid optimization known as Crayfish-Mother secure Optimization (CMSO) method is proposed to optimize feature selection to its maximum and reduce computational cost. DenseNet, GoogleNet, AlexNet, and SqueezeNet are also integrated in the newly proposed DAGSNet architecture to enhance feature detection and classification, enhancing the dependability and effectiveness of the IDS for IoV security. A highly secure, effective, and precise intrusion detection system in IoV environments is guaranteed by this holistic approach with the minimum time of encryption and decryption (0.02 s, 0.82 s) and maximum precision of two datasets (0.991, 0.984).

PMID:40210906 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-94445-9

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Apr 10;197(5):535. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-13972-0.

ABSTRACT

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a crucial role in carbon cycle management and soil fertility. Understanding the spatial variations in SOC content is vital for supporting sustainable soil resource management. In this study, we analyzed the variability in SOC content across eleven different types of land use in the mining basin of Provence in southeastern France. We modelled this variability spatially using machine and deep learning regression. Four algorithms were tested: random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and deep neural networks (DNNs). These integrated 162 soil samples and 21 environmental covariates, including climatic parameters, lithology, topographical features, land cover, remote sensing data, and soil physicochemical parameters. The results clearly show a large variability in SOC content across land use types, with forests revealing the highest values (mean of 69.3 g/kg) and arable land the lowest (mean of 8.9 g/kg). The Pearson correlation coefficients (R) indicate that land cover, topography, lithology, environmental indices, and clay content are the main factors influencing the SOC content. The XGBoost model generated the best result (R2 = 0.73), closely followed by RF (R2 = 0.68) and DNN (R2 = 0.60), while SVM showed the weakest performance (R2 = 0.36). XGBoost and RF remain the best options for obtaining reliable results with a limited number of soil samples and reduced calculation time. The results of this study provide vital insights for managing soil organic carbon in southeastern France and for climate change mitigation in sustainable land management.

PMID:40210813 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-13972-0

J Imaging Inform Med. 2025 Apr 10. doi: 10.1007/s10278-025-01488-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study addresses the limitations of inexpensive, high-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) systems in visualizing small ocular structures and anatomical landmarks, especially outside the focal area, by improving image quality and visibility of important ocular structures for clinical ophthalmology applications. We developed a generative adversarial network (GAN) method for the 3D ultrasound biomicroscopy (3D-UBM) imaging system, called Spatially variant Deconvolution GAN (SDV-GAN). We employed spatially varying deconvolution and patch blending to enhance the original UBM images. This computationally expensive iterative deconvolution process yielded paired original and enhanced images for training the SDV-GAN. SDV-GAN achieved high performance metrics, with a structural similarity index measure (SSIM) of 0.96 and a peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of 36.92 dB. Structures were more clearly seen with no noticeable artifacts in the test images. SDV-GAN deconvolution improved biometric measurements made from UBM images, giving significant differences in angle opening distance (AOD, p < 0.0001) and angle recess area (ARA, p < 0.0001) measurements before and after SDV-GAN deconvolution. With clearer identification of apex, SDV-GAN improved inter-reader agreement in ARA measurements in images before and after deconvolution (intraclass correlation coefficient, [ICC] of 0.62 and 0.73, respectively). Real-time enhancement was achieved with an inference time of ~ 40 ms/frame (25 frames/s) on a standard GPU, compared to ~ 93 ms/frame (11 frames/s) using iterative deconvolution. SDV-GAN effectively enhanced UBM images, improving visibility and assessment of important ocular structures. Its real-time processing capabilities highlight the clinical potential of GAN enhancement in facilitating accurate diagnosis and treatment planning in ophthalmology using existing scanners.

PMID:40210809 | DOI:10.1007/s10278-025-01488-5

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 10;15(1):12280. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-95580-z.

ABSTRACT

The timely and accurate detection of unidentified drones is crucial for public safety. However, challenges arise due to background noise in complex environments and limited feature representation of small, distant targets. Additionally, deep learning algorithms often demand substantial computational resources, limiting their use on low-capacity platforms. To address these issues, we propose LMWP-YOLO, a lightweight drone detection method that incorporates a multidimensional collaborative attention mechanism and multi-scale fusion. Inspired by ARM CPU efficiency optimizations, the model uses depthwise separable convolutions and efficient activation functions to reduce parameter size. The neck structure is enhanced with a collaborative attention mechanism and multi-scale fusion, improving feature representation. An optimized loss function refines bounding box matching for small targets, while a pruning strategy removes redundant filters, boosting computational efficiency. Experimental results show that LMWP-YOLO outperforms YOLO11n, with a 22.07% increase in mAP and a 52.51% reduction in parameters. The model demonstrates strong cross-dataset generalization, balancing accuracy and efficiency. These findings contribute to advancements in small drone target detection.

PMID:40210712 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-95580-z

Ann Biomed Eng. 2025 Apr 10. doi: 10.1007/s10439-025-03729-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a life-threatening, progressive lung disease with limited therapeutic options, often resulting in poor patient outcomes. Current treatments, such as Nintedanib (NTB) and Pirfenidone (PFD), require frequent administration, leading to adverse effects and low patient adherence. The purpose of this study was to investigate a sustained-release drug delivery system utilizing microparticles (MPs) composed of insoluble beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD) polymers to enhance the bioavailability and extend the release of NTB and PFD.

METHODS: A multidisciplinary approach, including in silico modeling, in vitro assays, and in vivo studies, was employed to assess the efficacy of β-CD-polymer MPs as drug carriers.

RESULTS: Molecular docking simulations and surface plasmon resonance studies demonstrated a stronger binding affinity of NTB to β-CD-polymer MPs compared to PFD, suggesting an extended delivery profile for NTB over PFD. Pharmacokinetic analysis in healthy mice confirmed sustained-release profiles for both drugs, with NTB maintaining therapeutic plasma concentrations for over 70 h. In a bleomycin-induced IPF mouse model, NTB-loaded β-CD-polymer MPs significantly reduced pro-inflammatory markers and required fewer injections than the standard daily NTB regimen.

CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that β-CD-polymer MPs may serve as a promising platform for reducing dosing frequency of NTB and enhancing therapeutic outcomes in the treatment of IPF.

PMID:40210794 | DOI:10.1007/s10439-025-03729-8

Chest. 2025 Apr;167(4):931-932. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2024.12.009.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40210309 | DOI:10.1016/j.chest.2024.12.009

Chest. 2025 Apr 8:S0012-3692(25)00422-2. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2025.04.003. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) are chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases associated with irreversible loss of lung function and early mortality. Admilparant (BMS-986278) is an oral lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPA1) antagonist under development for treatment of IPF and PPF.

RESEARCH QUESTION: How does admilparant affect time to disease progression in patients with IPF or PPF?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In a phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, parallel cohorts of patients with IPF or PPF were randomized separately 1:1:1 to receive 30-mg admilparant, 60-mg admilparant, or placebo twice daily for 26 weeks; background antifibrotics were allowed. The effect of admilparant vs placebo on time to disease progression was assessed post hoc. Disease progression was defined as a composite of relative decline of ≥10% in percentage of predicted forced vital capacity (ppFVC), acute exacerbation, all-cause hospitalization, and all-cause mortality. Subgroup analyses were performed based on median ppFVC at baseline. A Kaplan-Meier product-limit approach assessed time to first event of disease progression over 26 weeks.

RESULTS: In total, 255 patients with IPF and 114 patients with PPF were included. Median ppFVC at baseline was 77.3% and 64.7% in the IPF and PPF cohorts, respectively. Treatment with 60-mg admilparant delayed time to disease progression over 26 weeks compared with placebo in both cohorts of patients (IPF: hazard ratio, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.31-0.95]; PPF: hazard ratio, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.18-0.90]). A similar trend was observed in the subgroup analysis of patients with ppFVC at baseline either below or above the median value. In both cohorts, the most frequent first event was relative decline of ≥10% in ppFVC; no deaths were reported as first progression events.

INTERPRETATION: These findings support further evaluation of admilparant as a therapeutic option for patients with IPF or PPF in phase 3 trials.

PMID:40210090 | DOI:10.1016/j.chest.2025.04.003

Mol Psychiatry. 2025 Apr 10. doi: 10.1038/s41380-025-03013-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Dopamine modulates corticostriatal plasticity in both the direct and indirect pathways of the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) loops. These gradual changes in corticostriatal synaptic strengths produce long-lasting changes in behavioral responses. Under normal conditions, these mechanisms enable the selection of the most appropriate responses while inhibiting others. However, under dysregulated dopamine conditions, including a lack of dopamine release or dopamine signaling, these mechanisms could lead to the selection of maladaptive responses and/or the inhibition of appropriate responses in an experience-dependent and task-specific manner. In this review, we propose that preventing or reversing such maladaptive synaptic strengths and erasing such aberrant "memories" could be a disease-modifying therapeutic strategy for many neurological and psychiatric disorders. We review evidence from Parkinson's disease, drug-induced parkinsonism, L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance use disorders, and depression as well as research findings on animal disease models. Altogether, these studies allude to an emerging theme in translational neuroscience and promising new directions for therapy development. Specifically, we propose that combining pharmacotherapy with behavioral therapy or with deep brain stimulation (DBS) could potentially cause desired changes in specific neural circuits. If successful, one important advantage of correcting aberrant synaptic plasticity is long-lasting therapeutic effects even after treatment has ended. We will also discuss the potential molecular targets for these therapeutic approaches, including the cAMP pathway, proteins involved in synaptic plasticity as well as pathways involved in new protein synthesis. We place special emphasis on RNA binding proteins and epitranscriptomic mechanisms, as they represent a new frontier with the distinct advantage of rapidly and simultaneously altering the synthesis of many proteins locally.

PMID:40210977 | DOI:10.1038/s41380-025-03013-0

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 10;15(1):12246. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-95893-z.

ABSTRACT

The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic was characterized by the fixation of a plethora of mutations, many of which enable the virus to evade host resistance, likely altering the virus' genome compositional structure (i.e., the arrangement of compositional domains of varying lengths and nucleotide frequencies within the genome). To explore this hypothesis, we summarize the evolutionary effects of these mutations by computing the Sequence Compositional Complexity (SCC) in random stratified datasets of fully sequenced genomes. Phylogenetic ridge regression of SCC against time reveals a striking downward evolutionary trend, suggesting the ongoing adaptation of the virus's genome structure to the human host. Other genomic features, such as strand asymmetry, the effective number of K-mers, and the depletion of CpG dinucleotides, each linked to the virus's adaptation to its human host, also exhibit decreasing phylogenetic trends throughout the pandemic, along with strong phylogenetic correlations to SCC. We hypothesize that viral CpG depletion (throughout C➔U changes), promoted by directional mutational pressures exerted on the genome by the host antiviral defense systems, may play a key role in the decrease of SARS-CoV-2 genome compositional heterogeneity, with specific adaptation to the human host occurring as a form of genetic mimicry. Overall, our findings suggest a decelerating evolution of reduced compositional complexity in SCC, whereas the number of K-mers and the depletion of CpG dinucleotides are still increasing. These results indicate a genome-wide evolutionary trend toward a more symmetric and homogeneous genome compositional structure in SARS-CoV-2, which is partly still ongoing.

PMID:40210974 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-95893-z

Nat Commun. 2025 Apr 11;16(1):3429. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-58520-z.

ABSTRACT

The biotransformation of nanoparticles plays a crucial role in determining their biological fate and responses. Although a few engineering strategies (e.g., surface functionalization and shape control) have been employed to regulate the fate of nanoparticles, the genetic control of nanoparticle biotransformation remains an unexplored avenue. Herein, we utilized a CRISPR-based genome-scale knockout approach to identify genes involved in the biotransformation of rare earth oxide (REO) nanoparticles. We found that the biotransformation of REOs in lysosomes could be genetically controlled via SMPD1. Specifically, suppression of SMPD1 inhibited the transformation of La2O3 into sea urchin-shaped structures, thereby protecting against lysosomal damage, proinflammatory cytokine release, pyroptosis and RE-induced pneumoconiosis. Overall, our study provides insight into how to control the biological fate of nanomaterials.

PMID:40210885 | DOI:10.1038/s41467-025-58520-z

Sci China Life Sci. 2025 Apr 8. doi: 10.1007/s11427-024-2860-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Access to structurally-defined human proteoforms is essential to the biochemical studies on human health and medicine. Chemical protein synthesis provides a bottom-up and atomic-resolution approach for the preparation of homogeneous proteoforms bearing any number of post-translational modifications of any structure, at any position, and in any combination. In this review, we summarize the development of chemical protein synthesis, focusing on the recent advances in synthetic methods, product characterizations, and biomedical applications. By analyzing the chemical protein synthesis studies on human proteoforms reported to date, this review demonstrates the significant methodological improvements that have taken place in the field of human proteoform synthesis, especially in the last decade. Our analysis shows that although further method development is needed, all the human proteoforms could be within reach in a cost-effective manner through a divide-and-conquer chemical protein synthesis strategy. The synthetic proteoforms have been increasingly used to support biomedical research, including spatial-temporal studies and interaction network analysis, activity quantification and mechanism elucidation, and the development and evaluation of diagnostics and therapeutics.

PMID:40210795 | DOI:10.1007/s11427-024-2860-5

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2025 Apr 10;109(1):89. doi: 10.1007/s00253-025-13477-3.

ABSTRACT

The low frequency of homologous recombination together with poor efficiency in introducing DNA into the cell are the main factors hampering genetic manipulation of some bacterial strains. We faced this problem when trying to construct mutants of Streptomyces iranensis DSM 41954, a strain in which conjugation is particularly inefficient, and suicidal vectors had failed to yield any exconjugants. In this work, we report the construction and application of a conjugative replicative vector, pDS0007, which allows selection of exconjugants even with poor conjugation efficiency. The persistence of the construct inside the cell for as long as required facilitates the homologous recombination events leading to single and double crossovers. While it was confirmed that the vector is frequently lost without selection, the recognition sequence for the I-SceI endonuclease was included in the backbone of pDS0007. The presence of a I-SceI recognition sequence would allow to force the loss of the vector and the appearance of double crossover recombinants by introducing a second construct (e.g. pIJ12742) that expresses a Streptomyces codon-optimised gene encoding the I-SceI endonuclease. To facilitate screening for vector-free clones, the construct also carries a Streptomyces codon-optimised gusA gene encoding the β-glucuronidase expressed from a constitutive promoter. We prove the usefulness of this vector and strategy with the strain S. iranensis DSM 41954, in which we could readily delete an essential gene of a newly discovered biosynthetic pathway for a phosphonate-containing natural product, which led to loss of phosphonate production according to 31P NMR spectroscopy. KEY POINTS: • pDS0007 is a new vector for gene-targeting in difficult-to-manipulate streptomycetes. • pDS0007 is self-replicative but easy to cure, targetable and allows visual screening. • pDS0007 was used to prove the discovery of a novel phosphonate biosynthetic pathway.

PMID:40210783 | DOI:10.1007/s00253-025-13477-3

Trends Plant Sci. 2025 Apr 9:S1360-1385(25)00094-9. doi: 10.1016/j.tplants.2025.03.017. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Excessive use of agrochemicals poses an ongoing threat to ecosystems. Using an interdisciplinary approach, Sun et al. recently revealed that selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) biosynthesized by selenobacteria recruit beneficial microbes via chemotaxis and biofilm formation, enriching rhizosphere diversity. This ability to manipulate plant-microbe interactions using SeNPs offers a novel approach for sustainable agriculture.

PMID:40210496 | DOI:10.1016/j.tplants.2025.03.017

Genome Res. 2025 Apr 10. doi: 10.1101/gr.279365.124. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In mammals, cohesin and CTCF organize the 3D genome into topologically associating domains (TADs) to regulate communication between cis-regulatory elements. Many organisms, including S. cerevisiae, C. elegans, and A. thaliana contain cohesin but lack CTCF. Here, we used C. elegans to investigate the function of cohesin in 3D genome organization in the absence of CTCF. Using Hi-C data, we observe cohesin-dependent features called "fountains," which have also been reported in zebrafish and mice. These are population average reflections of DNA loops originating from distinct genomic regions and are ∼20-40 kb in C. elegans Hi-C analysis upon cohesin and WAPL-1 depletion supports the idea that cohesin is preferentially loaded at sites bound by the C. elegans ortholog of NIPBL and loop extrudes in an effectively two-sided manner. ChIP-seq analyses show that cohesin translocation along the fountain trajectory depends on a fully intact complex and is extended upon WAPL-1 depletion. Hi-C contact patterns at individual fountains suggest that cohesin processivity is unequal on each side, possibly owing to collision with cohesin loaded from surrounding sites. The putative cohesin loading sites are closest to active enhancers, and fountain strength is associated with transcription. Compared with mammals, the average processivity of C. elegans cohesin is about 10-fold shorter, and the binding of NIPBL ortholog does not depend on cohesin. We propose that preferential loading and loop extrusion by cohesin is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that regulates the 3D interactions of enhancers in animal genomes.

PMID:40210441 | DOI:10.1101/gr.279365.124

Exp Eye Res. 2025 Apr 8:110381. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2025.110381. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The signaling of flash visual evoked potential (fVEP) derives from the retina, but how retinal activity influences fVEP remains unclear. This work aimed to decipher the specific retinal kinetic contributions to fVEP response.

METHODS: Monocular and simultaneous recordings of flash VEP and electroretinogram were performed. Healthy and adult mice C57BL/6J were used. The right eye was injected intravitreally with 1 μL of PBS containing 25 mM APB, 10 mM Bicuculline, 30 mM DNQX, 100 mM Glutamate, 100 mM GABA, 5 mM TPMPA, or 25 mM HEPES. The left eye was injected with 1 μL of PBS and then wore an opaque patch. The amplitude and latency of fVEP were analyzed in detail.

RESULTS: In the control group, at light intensity ≤ 0.1 cd·s/m2, four robust components of the fVEP recordings, N1, P1, N2, and P2, were identified in dark adaptation conditions. After administration reagents, N1 and P1 components were abolished by APB, Bicuculline, DNQX or TPMPA, but were preserved by GABA/Glutamate or HEPES. Notably, N2 and P2 components were always kept. The latency and amplitude of fVEP were shown to be stimulus-dependent. Nevertheless, the amplitude showed greater inter-individual variability than latency.

CONCLUSION: N1 and P1 components are strongly related to rod photoreceptor activity and/or the level of horizontal cell excitation. Latency, rather than fVEP amplitude, could be a good biomarker for clinical and diagnostic purposes, particularly the P2 latency in the rod-driven scotopic response.

PMID:40210193 | DOI:10.1016/j.exer.2025.110381

Cell Rep. 2025 Apr 6:115354. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2025.115354. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Flamenco (Flam) is a prominent Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) locus expressed in Drosophila ovarian follicle cells that silences gypsy/mdg4 transposons to ensure female fertility. Promoter-bashing reporter assays in ovarian somatic sheet (OSS) cells uncover compact enhancer sequences within Flam. We confirm the enhancer sequence relevance in vivo with Drosophila Flam deletion mutants that compromise Flam piRNA levels and female fertility. Proteomic analysis of proteins associated with Flam enhancer sequences discover the transcription factor Traffic Jam (TJ). Tj knockdown in OSS cells causes a decrease in Flam transcripts, Flam piRNAs, and multiple Piwi pathway genes. TJ chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis confirms TJ binding at enhancer sequences deleted in our distinct Flam mutants. TJ also binds multiple Piwi pathway gene enhancers and long terminal repeats of transposons that decrease in expression after Tj knockdown. TJ plays an integral role in the ongoing arms race between selfish transposons and their suppression by the host Piwi pathway and Flam piRNA locus.

PMID:40209716 | DOI:10.1016/j.celrep.2025.115354

Redox Biol. 2025 Mar 29;82:103624. doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2025.103624. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Humans exposed to chlorine (Cl2) due to industrial accidents or acts of terrorism may develop lung injury culminating to Acute Respiratory Distress syndrome and death from respiratory failure. Early molecular targets of inhaled oxidant gases suitable for pharmacologic modulation have not been established. Because the mitochondrial genome is highly sensitive to oxidant stress, we tested the hypothesis that mice exposure to Cl2 gas causes oxidative damage to the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that triggers the development of acute and chronic lung injury. Cl2 gas-exposed C57BL/6 mice and returned to room air, developed progressive loss of lung DNA glycosylase OGG1, followed by oxidative mtDNA damage. This resulted in activation of inflammatory pathways by circulating DNA, progressive increased airway resistance, alveolar injury and acute pulmonary edema due to loss of epithelial amiloride-sensitive sodium channels. Mice not succumbing acutely displayed a delayed syndrome of progressive increase in airway resistance and emphysematous-like changes in lung morphology. Global proteomics of lungs harvested 24 h post Cl2 exposure revealed alterations in over 1500 lung proteins, including 14 key mitochondrial proteins. Intranasal instillation of a recombinant protein targeting OGG1 to mitochondria (mitoOGG1) at 1 h post exposure decreased oxidized lung mtDNA, alterations to the lung and mitochondrial proteomes, severity of the acute and delayed lung injury and increased survival. These data show that injury to the mt-genome is a key contributor to the development of acute and chronic lung injury after Cl2 gas exposure and point to mtDNA oxidation as a target for pharmacologic intervention.

PMID:40209617 | DOI:10.1016/j.redox.2025.103624

Drug Ther Bull. 2025 Apr 10:dtb-2025-000013. doi: 10.1136/dtb.2025.000013. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40210451 | DOI:10.1136/dtb.2025.000013

Drug Ther Bull. 2025 Apr 10:dtb-2025-000014. doi: 10.1136/dtb.2025.000014. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40210450 | DOI:10.1136/dtb.2025.000014

Clin Lab. 2025 Apr 1;71(4). doi: 10.7754/Clin.Lab.2024.241019.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This case report presents the history, findings, and diagnostic workup of a 28-year-old woman who presented to the hospital with a yellowish, parasite-like structure in her stool.

METHODS: The patient had no significant gastrointestinal complaints other than weight loss and decreased appetite, and no parasites or leukocytes were detected on direct examination of the stool.

RESULTS: No eosinophilia, elevated C-reactive protein or leukocytosis was detected in laboratory tests. It was suggested that the structure in the stool of the patient whose symptoms occurred after taking extended-release metformin could be a ghost tablet, and further investigation was not considered necessary.

CONCLUSIONS: The report emphasizes the importance of considering drug-related side effects, especially ghost pills, in patients with atypical stool findings to avoid unnecessary investigations and anxiety.

PMID:40209786 | DOI:10.7754/Clin.Lab.2024.241019