Search Results (124)

Hybrid rocket engines offer a compromise between safety, controllability, and performance, making them attractive for small-scale propulsion systems. However, oxidizer selection remains a critical early-stage design decision that cannot be determined solely from ideal thermodynamic metrics. This study presents a comparative analysis of three oxidizers—nitrous oxide (N₂O), gaseous oxygen (GOX), and liquid oxygen (LOX)—for a 1 kN-class hybrid rocket engine using HDPE fuel under identical operating conditions. Equilibrium combustion performance was first evaluated using NASA Chemical Equilibrium with Applications (CEA) to determine optimal oxidizer-to-fuel ratios and theoretical specific impulse. These results were subsequently refined using Rocket Propulsion Analysis (RPA) to incorporate finite combustion chamber geometry and non-ideal nozzle expansion effects. The equilibrium analysis predicts maximum specific impulses of approximately 260 s for N₂O/HDPE and nearly 300 s for oxygen-based systems. However, finite-geometry modelling indicates that practical performance is reduced by approximately 5–8%, yielding delivered specific impulses of about 275 s for GOX and 272 s for LOX. The results demonstrate that although oxygen (GOX and LOX) provides higher thermodynamic performance, the practical advantage of LOX over GOX becomes marginal at the kilonewton scale. Consequently, oxidizer selection for small hybrid engines should be treated as a system-level trade-off involving performance, infrastructure complexity, and operational safety. Full article

Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) relies on hydroponic systems to achieve high yields, yet optimizing plant performance remains a challenge. Beneficial endophytic bacteria offer a sustainable solution by promoting growth and nutrient uptake. Here, we investigated the mechanistic basis of growth enhancement in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) inoculated with Pseudomonas psychrotolerans IALR632 in a nutrient film technique (NFT) system. Growth measurements showed significant increases in shoot and root biomass and leaf greenness. RNA-seq profiling at 4, 10, and 15 days after transplanting revealed dynamic transcriptional reprogramming, with 38, 796, and 7642 differentially expressed genes, respectively. MapMan and GO analyses indicated up-regulation of pathways related to cell wall remodeling, lipid metabolism, nitrogen assimilation, and stress adaptation, alongside modulation of ethylene signaling. Root bacterial microbiome through 16S metabarcoding sequencing demonstrated distinct community shifts, confirmed by analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) (R = 1, p = 0.028), with enrichment of genera linked to nutrient cycling and plant growth promotion. These findings provide integrated molecular and ecological evidence that IALR632 enhances lettuce growth by coordinating host gene expression and rhizobiome restructuring, offering a mechanistic framework for microbial inoculant strategies in hydroponic horticulture. Full article

Microgreens are gaining prominence for their high nutritional value, rapid growth cycle, and suitability for controlled-environment agriculture (CEA). Among key agronomic factors, seed density critically influences both yield and microbial safety, and it also impacts production cost. This study evaluated: (1) the effects of various seed densities on the yield and microbial load of cress (Lepidium sativum L.), rocket (Eruca sativa), and pea (Pisum sativum L.); and (2) the influence of supplemental UV-A radiation on the biomass, microbial load, and phytochemical profile of pea microgreens. The study found that fresh biomass increased with increasing seed density across all species up to a threshold, achieving maximum yields at 12 seeds/cm² for cress and rocket and 2 seeds/cm² for pea. However, higher seed densities were also associated with increased levels of total aerobic bacteria (TAB), Enterobacteriaceae, and fungi, which could pose an increased risk of microbial hazards concerning food safety, e.g., TAB in cress increasing from 7.04 ± 0.09 to 7.94 ± 0.17 log₁₀CFU/g as seed density increases from 6 to 14 seeds/cm². Initially white light supplemented with UV-A recorded a lower yield (11 g) compared to white light (13 g), but the final biomass was comparable under both lights, with microbial load remaining stable at ~3.8–4.2 log₁₀ CFU/g. A temporary increase in carotenoids exhibited significantly higher levels (2.00± 0.29 µg/mg DW) under white light supplemented with UV-A radiation compared to white light alone (1.48 ± 0.23 µg/mg DW). However, these increases were not maintained throughout the growing period. These results indicate that optimising seed density in these species is vital for balancing productivity and food safety, and continuous UV-A exposure did not lead to sustained higher phytochemical levels or reduced microbial load compared with white light alone. Full article

Background and Objectives: Gastric cancer is an aggressive malignancy characterized by high recurrence rates, even following curative resection. The Albumin–Bilirubin (ALBI) score was originally established to assess hepatic functional reserve in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). By reflecting both systemic inflammation and nutritional status, the ALBI score has demonstrated significant prognostic utility across a spectrum of solid malignancies. The present study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of the ALBI score in gastric cancer patients receiving adjuvant therapy after curative-intent resection. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 168 patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative-intent resection followed by adjuvant therapy between November 2008 and January 2021. ALBI scores were calculated from pre-treatment serum albumin and bilirubin levels. Patients were dichotomized into ALBI Grade 1 and ALBI Grade 2 based on an optimal ROC-derived cut-off value of −2.60. Survival outcomes, including overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS), were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared via the log-rank test. Independent prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: Of the 168 patients, 56.5% were classified as ALBI Grade 1 and 43.5% as ALBI Grade 2. ALBI Grade 2 was associated with significantly shorter median RFS (18.7 vs. 72.2 months; p = 0.001) and OS (40.7 vs. 104.3 months; p = 0.003). Multivariable analysis identified ALBI Grade 2 as an independent predictor for both poor OS (HR: 1.699, p = 0.010) and RFS (HR: 1.767, p = 0.004). Pathological stage III disease was also a significant independent prognostic factor for OS (HR: 3.024) and RFS (HR: 3.049) (all p = 0.010). Additionally, elevated CEA correlated with shorter RFS (p = 0.023). Conclusions: The ALBI score is a prognostic marker for both overall and recurrence-free survival in gastric cancer patients receiving adjuvant therapy. A lower ALBI score is associated with longer survival outcomes. The ALBI score may support postoperative risk stratification and individualized follow-up planning. Full article

Background: Awake carotid endarterectomy (CEA) under local anesthesia demands an optimal sedation strategy that ensures patient comfort while preserving the ability for real-time neurological assessment. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) and remifentanil (REMI) are widely used agents, but direct comparisons in this setting remain scarce. Methods: Exploratory, retrospective, single-center study of awake CEA (March–July 2019). DEX or REMI infusions were titrated to a Richmond Agitation–Sedation Scale (RASS) of −1 to −2. Outcomes were sedation failure (RASS ≥ +2 despite maximum infusion rate), bradycardia, hypotension, and neurologic events. Statistical analyses used χ² test (categorical variables) and Student’s t-test or Mann–Whitney test (continuous variables). Associations were assessed with Firth’s logistic regression (univariable and bivariate models), reporting odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI_95%). Trends in the Bispectral Index (BIS), hemodynamic, and respiratory parameters were assessed using two-way repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Fifty-two patients were included (DEX = 25; REMI = 27). DEX group showed more frequent sedation failure (32.0% vs. 3.7%; p = 0.020), bradycardia (36.0% vs. 3.7%; p = 0.009), and hypotension (28.0% vs. 0%; p = 0.011). DEX was associated with increased risk in sedation failure (OR 8.58, CI_95% 1.70–85.81), bradycardia (OR 10.17, CI_95% 2.05–101.21), and hypotension (OR 22.30, CI_95% 2.46–2959.60); the direction of associations remained consistent in bivariate models adjusted for baseline confounders. ANOVA showed group-by-time interactions for BIS, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and end-tidal CO₂. No intraoperative complications or adverse outcomes were observed. Conclusions: In this retrospective cohort of awake CEA, DEX was associated with higher rates of sedation failure and hemodynamic adverse events compared with REMI, without an apparent impact on procedural success. Given non-random allocation and baseline imbalances, these findings are hypothesis-generating and warrant confirmation in larger, robust, and prospective studies. Full article

Creating an optimal light environment for different crops is crucial for achieving high yields under controlled environment agriculture conditions. Currently, there are no optimal technologies, including lighting technologies, for growing root crops (in particular radish) in CEA (Controlled Environment Agriculture). This study examined the effects of HPS (High-pressure sodium vapor lamps) and three original sunlike full-spectrum LED lamps on the morphophysiological characteristics and the diffuse reflectance indices of the leaves of two contrast radish cultivars. It was found that a higher blue light content (24%) in the spectrum of the LED 3 lamp contributed to the formation of radish plants with a more compact leaf rosette and maximum yield of roots (up to 19%) compared to the other two types of LED lamps. When treated with LED 3, photosynthesis efficiency was probably higher compared to LED 1 and LED 2, which led to a significant decrease in reflected radiation, especially in the blue and red ranges (by 5–143% and 32–86%, respectively). It was found that the genotype had a significant effect on all morphophysiological parameters of radish, while lighting treatment only affected the integral parameters (Pr—proportion of root crop, and Ai—attraction index) and leaf thickness. However, lighting treatment exhibited a greater impact on leaf reflection indices compared to the genotype, especially those related to chlorophyll content. The results of the study indicate that LED 3 lamps, simulating natural light at midday, are suitable for the production of radish root crops under CEA conditions. Full article

Background and Objectives: BRCA1-interacting protein C-terminal helicase 1 (BRIP1) encodes a member of the RecQ DEAH helicase family and interacts with the BRCT repeats of breast cancer type 1 (BRCA1). It also participates in DNA damage repair and tumor suppression; thus, its mutations may be associated with an increased risk of several cancers, including fallopian tube and ovarian cancer. Recent research has explored whether BRIP1 dysregulation also contributes to the development and progression of other malignancies. This study investigated the clinical and prognostic value of BRIP1 in colorectal cancer (CRC). Materials and Methods: We first analyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset to evaluate the prognostic significance of BRIP1 mRNA expression in CRC. BRIP1 expression was subsequently examined in tumor tissues from 60 CRC patients, and its associations with clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes were assessed. Results: In rectal cancer, a higher BRIP1 expression was associated with younger age. In colon cancer, BRIP1 expression was correlated with gender, lymphatic invasion, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level, pathological stage, M stage, N stage, microsatellite instability (MSI) status, and anatomical tumor location. Survival analysis showed that low BRIP1 expression was associated with poorer overall survival in both rectal and colon cancers significantly. In CRC patient tissues, lower BRIP1 expression was further related to elevated CEA levels and unfavorable clinical outcomes. Lower BRIP1 mRNA expression is significantly associated with aggressive clinicopathological features and poor prognosis in CRC. Conclusions: BRIP1 may serve as a promising biomarker for risk stratification and a potential therapeutic target in the management of CRC. Full article

Objectives: In the absence of massive screening programs, it is imperative to develop and validate a candidate selection strategy for opportunistic endoscopic screening (OES) targeting the early detection of gastric cancer. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling both health check-up controls and gastric cancer patients. Data collection included two components: (1) a questionnaire including demography, self-reported comorbidities, and family history of cancers; (2) serology including hemoglobin, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9). Associations between potential variables and gastric cancer risk were assessed and the predictive efficacy of these risk factors was quantified. Sequentially, risk stratification scoring systems were constructed and their cost-effectiveness profiles were evaluated. Results: A total of 58,218 participants were included in the analysis, among whom 619 (1.1%) were gastric cancer patients. Multivariate analyses identified male, age >40 years, family history of gastric cancer, comorbidities of upper digestive tract benign diseases (UDTBDs), anemia, and elevated serum CEA and/or CA19-9 as independent risk factors of increasing gastric cancer risk. Cost-effectiveness analysis demonstrated that individuals, especially those symptomatic, presenting any of following conditions should be recommended for OES: (1) age ≥50 years, (2) family history of gastric cancer, and/or (3) comorbid UDTBDs. Elsewise, unclear anemia and/or elevated serum CEA and/or CA19-9 presenting among males and/or persons 41–50 years of age should be considered for OES. Notably, this selection strategy achieved a detection rate comparable to that of alternative protocols while yielding superior cost-effectiveness outcomes. Conclusions: The integrated strategy combining questionnaire and sequential serology represents an effective and cost-effective approach to identifying high-risk candidates for gastric cancer OES. Further investigations are warranted to develop more precise and tailored screening and surveillance protocols, with the aim of optimizing both detection rates and cost-effectiveness in clinical practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, with systemic inflammation increasingly recognised as a determinant of disease progression. This study aimed to establish a taxonomy-based classification of patients with newly diagnosed primary CRC using systemic inflammatory, haematological, and anthropometric markers, and to evaluate its association with tumour stage. Methods: A total of 229 patients (111 women, 118 men) undergoing surgery for primary CRC were included. Blood samples were analysed for haemoglobin, leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, C-reactive protein (CRP), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Anthropometric data were collected. Taxonomic clustering and ordinal logistic regression were used to explore associations with TNM and Astler–Coller classifications. Results: Men had higher neutrophil and leukocyte counts, elevated CEA concentrations (132.8 vs. 81.3 ng/mL), and higher NLR values (4.74 vs. 4.23) compared with women. Logistic regression confirmed that platelet count (OR 1.003; p = 0.004), PLR (OR 1.003; p = 0.003), and CEA (OR 1.03; p < 0.001) were positively associated with advanced TNM stage, while haemoglobin was inversely correlated (OR 0.88; p = 0.045). Among 84 clustering models, two taxonomies were the most clinically informative: Taxonomy I (BMI, neutrophils, platelets) and Taxonomy II (age, lymphocytes, platelets), both significantly associated with T, N, M, overall TNM stage, and Astler–Coller grade. Taxonomy I identified three patient groups. Type 3 represented the poorest phenotype, characterised by low BMI and haemoglobin, high platelets, elevated CEA and PLR, and predominance of TNM IIIC tumours, consistent with a cachectic–inflammatory profile. Type 1 displayed higher BMI, lower inflammation, and earlier-stage disease. Type 2 was characterized by elevated neutrophils and leukocytes. Taxonomy II distinguished four groups, with Type 2 demonstrating the most favourable profile (high haemoglobin and lymphocytes, low NLR and PLR, early TNM stage). Conclusions: Systemic inflammatory markers, haemoglobin, platelets, and CEA strongly predict CRC advancement. The proposed taxonomy provides clinically meaningful stratification of CRC patients and may support personalised risk assessment. This accessible approach may facilitate early identification of high-risk individuals, although validation in prospective studies is required. Full article

Despite the availability of conventional serum markers for colorectal cancer (CEA, CA 19-9), there remains a need for more sensitive and specific biomarkers, particularly for early-stage detection. This study evaluated the diagnostic usefulness of serum Relaxin-2 (RLN2) and Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40) as potential adjunct markers in patients with CRC. Serum concentrations of all the proteins were measured using a multiplexing assay and CMIA and were subsequently compared using non-parametric statistical tests. The concentrations of YKL-40, CEA, and CA 19-9 were elevated in CRC patients relative to controls (p < 0.05), but not so for RLN2. The concentrations of YKL-40 were also significantly elevated in patients undergoing chemotherapy or preoperative radiotherapy referral. Kruskal–Wallis and post-hoc testing found that YKL-40 and CEA were associated with tumor progression, but RLN2 and CA 19-9 were increased primarily in advanced, metastatic disease. No statistically significant differences in marker levels were observed between cancer subtypes or between histologic grades. Performance analysis for diagnostic purposes showed YKL-40 was moderately sensitive (65%) but very specific (77.5%), and its AUC was 0.702, higher than CA 19-9 (AUC = 0.632) but lower than CEA (AUC = 0.869) (all p < 0.05). RLN2 did not reach statistical significance (AUC = 0.593, p = 0.09). Correlation analysis demonstrated the best correlation with disease stage for CEA and weaker positive correlations for YKL-40, CA 19-9, and RLN2. These findings suggest that YKL-40 may serve as a useful adjunct serum biomarker for CRC diagnosis, especially when combined with conventional markers such as CEA. Full article

Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) is known to gate nociceptive signals, while the central amygdala (CeA) plays a key role in encoding pain and avoidance behaviors; however, whether TRPV1 within CeA mediate orthodontic tooth-moving pain remains unclear. To investigate this, we examined the role of TRPV1 in the CeA using a rat model of experimental tooth movement. A total of 118 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control, 30 g, 50 g, and 80 g force groups. Micro-CT confirmed successful tooth movement, and the 50 g force was selected as optimal. Pain was assessed by mechanical hypersensitivity using the von Frey test, face-grooming, and the Rat Grimace Scale (RGS). All measures showed maximal changes at day 1 and returned to baseline by day 7. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis in the 50 g group revealed upregulation of TRPV1 in the CeA following force application, a trajectory that paralleled the pain behavioral responses. These findings indicate that experimental tooth movement upregulates TRPV1 in the CeA and that this channel contributes to orthodontic pain. Full article

Background/Objectives: T cell bispecific antibodies (TCBs) result in the activation of T cell receptor signaling upon binding to tumor antigens providing signal 1 to T cells. To enhance and sustain their activity, a co-stimulatory signal 2 is required. Here CEACAM5-targeted 4-1BBL antibody fusion proteins for combination with CEA-TCB (cibisatamab, RG7802) are described in an investigation of the relationship between the CEACAM5 epitope and T cell activity. Methods: CEACAM5-targeted bispecific 4-1BBL antibody fusion proteins (CEA-4-1BBLs) were generated based on different CEACAM5 antibodies and characterized in vitro in Jurkat-4-1BB reporter and PBMC cell assays. The impact of shed CEA on in vitro activity and cynomolgus cross-reactivity was studied. In vivo efficacy was assessed in human stem cell humanized NSG mice xenograft models bearing MKN-45 and HPAFII tumors. Results: MFE23-4-1BBL and Sm9b-4-1BBL showed superior functional activity in Jurkat-4-1BB reporter and primary T cell assays when combined with the CD3 antibody V9, whereas T84.66-LCHA-4-1BBL and A5B7-4-1BBL performed better when combined with CEA-TCB. In humanized NSG mice MKN-45 and HPAFII xenograft models, T84.66-LCHA-4-1BBL mediated the best anti-tumor efficacy. Conclusions: For the assessment of the combination of CEA-TCB with CEA-4-1BBL, co-stimulatory antibody fusion protein in vitro assays are not sufficient to fully capture the complex relationships affecting efficacy. Thus, screening with different cell assays and in vivo efficacy studies in combination with CEA-TCB are essential to select the best candidate. Based on the totality of data on the T84.66-LCHA-4-1BBL antibody fusion protein comprising the CEACAM5 antibody, T84.66-LCHA was selected as the optimal combination partner for CEA-TCB. Full article

In the environment of modern climate uncertainty, institutional uncertainty, and digital disruption, resilience along the supply chain has become a strategic imperative for organisations operating in large-scale, high-risk infrastructure ecosystems. According to the dynamic capabilities’ theory, the current study examines the degree to which big data analytics management capability (BDMC) supports supply chain resilience (SCR) through three intermediary mechanisms, including fintech adoption (FTA), circular economy activities (CEA), Internet of Things (IoT), and environmental dynamism acts as a moderating factor to determine the effect that external volatility conditions have on such associations. This study addresses several notable research gaps: (1) the insufficient theorization of how digital tools such as BDMC, FTA, IoT, and CEA interact in building SCR; (2) a lack of empirical clarity on the mediating mechanisms that link digital capabilities with resilience; and (3) limited understanding of the moderating role of environmental dynamism in volatile contexts like the CPEC. A survey was conducted among 441 mid and senior level professionals residing in Pakistan and working in industries related to the China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC). Structural equation modelling (SEM) revealed that BDMC has a significant, positive impact on SCR, as well as a mediated influence in this direction. Among mediating sets, the significant pathway discovered CEA supported by the next important pathway IoT and FTA, which also explained the layered (complementary) nature of both digital and sustainability targeting skills. Moreover, the factor of environmental dynamism was also found to have a positive moderating effect on the relationship between BDMC and SCR, indicating that the factor of dynamic capabilities becomes more significant in an environment where environmental uncertainty is high. The research questions driving this study are: (1) How does BDMC enable SCR in the CPEC context? (2) What are the mediating roles of FTA, CEA, and IoT in this relationship? (3) How does environmental dynamism moderate the BDMC-SCR nexus? Theoretically, this study extends DCT to an emerging megaproject context and conceptualizes BDMC as an orchestrating capability. The main innovation lies in integrating digital technologies and sustainability practices into a unified capability system, especially within high-risk, underdeveloped regions. The study provides a practical resilience roadmap for policymakers and firms, outlining the strategic integration of digital and circular practices, rather than merely adopting them. However, this study is limited by its cross-sectional survey design and its focus on a single geographic context, which may affect generalizability. Findings offer timely insights for resilience-building strategies in unstable organisational environments. Full article

This study presents a high-performance silicon nanowire (SiNW) array biosensor for the combined detection of two key colorectal cancer (CRC) biomarkers: circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The device was fabricated using conventional micromachining techniques, enabling the integration of dual SiNW arrays on a single chip with precise control over structure and surface functionalization. Specific probe DNA and anti-CEA antibodies were immobilized on distinct array regions to facilitate targeted binding. The biosensor demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving an ultralow detection limit of 10 aM for ctDNA with a linear range from 0.1 fM to 10 pM, and a sensitivity of 1 fg/mL for CEA. It exhibited high selectivity against interfering substances, including single-base mismatched DNA and non-specific proteins, and maintained robust performance in human serum samples. The platform offers a scalable, label-free, and real-time detection solution with significant potential for application in early CRC screening and personalized medicine. Full article

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare systems globally, raising concerns about delays in CRC diagnosis and treatment, and their potential negative effects on surgical outcomes. However, the extent of this impact remains uncertain. Aim: To compare the clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes of CRC patients between the Pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 Era groups, and to identify independent predictors of metastasis and mortality. Methods: This retrospective multicenter study included 397 CRC patients who underwent surgical treatment between 1 July 2018, and 1 August 2021, at three tertiary medical centers. Patients were divided into two groups: Pre-COVID-19 (n = 213) and COVID-19 Era (n = 184). Demographic data, tumor characteristics, surgical approach, postoperative complications, and survival outcomes were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of metastasis and mortality. Results: The median age was 64 years (95% CI: 63–66), with 59.2% being male. Compared to the Pre-COVID-19 group, patients in the COVID-19 Era had significantly larger tumors (p < 0.001), with a significantly higher total LN retrieved (p = 0.006), more advanced T-stage (p = 0.007), higher N2 lymph node involvement (p = 0.027), and poorer tumor differentiation (p = 0.030). Intestinal perforation was more frequent in the Pre-COVID-19 group (p = 0.042). Multivariate analysis revealed increased odds of mortality associated with the positive LN retrieved (OR: 1.14; p = 0.001), moderate tumor differentiation (OR: 2.99; p = 0.043), poor differentiation (OR: 4.57; p = 0.023), undifferentiated histology (OR: 6.95; p = 0.028), intestinal obstruction (OR: 2.67; p = 0.007), intestinal perforation (OR: 11.76; p < 0.001), and distant metastasis (OR: 2.86; p = 0.008). Regarding metastasis, elevated preoperative CEA (OR: 1.02; p = 0.002), lymph node involvement (OR: 4.87; p = 0.002), and perineural invasion (OR: 2.17; p = 0.033) were independently associated with increased odds of metastasis. Conclusions: Although overall survival did not differ significantly between groups, patients treated during the COVID-19 Era exhibited more advanced histopathological characteristics, including a higher proportion of T4 tumors, increased N2 lymph node involvement, and poorer differentiation grades. Despite no significant differences in postoperative complications between groups, it is noteworthy that preoperative intestinal perforation was less frequent in the COVID-19 Era cohort. Full article