bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dukungan Keluarga dengan Kepatuhan Minum Obat pada Orang Dengan Gangguan Jiwa
Authors: Yunere Falerisiska , Botti Tanti Anggreini , Parensah Linna
Published: February 2025

Ketidakpatuhan minum obat dapat menyebabkan kekambuhan pada pasien gangguan jiwa. Hal ini dapat terjadi karena berbagai faktor, seperti kurangnya motivasi keluarga untuk mendampingi pasien minum obat. Keluarga yang belum memahami bahwa gangguan jiwa adalah penyakit medis yang membutuhkan pengobatan jangka panjang hal ini menyebabkan banyak ODGJ yang tidak patuh dalam minum obat secara teratur, sehingga kondisi mereka sering kambuh atau memburuk, juga disebabkan Stigma masyarakat terhadap gangguan jiwa dapat membuat pasien dan keluarganya enggan mencari bantuan kesehatan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui apakah ada Hubungan Dukungan Keluarga Dengan Kepatuhan Minum Obat Pada ODGJ Di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Bukittinggi Tahun 2024. Metode penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan menggunakan desain penelitian cross sectional dengan pendekatan non probability sampling dengan teknik purposive sampling dengan menggunakan uji chi-square. Dan jumlah populasi sebanyak 267 dengan responden 73 orang. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dari 47 responden yang memiliki dukungan keluarga baik ada 40 orang (85,1 %) responden yang kepatuhan minum obat patuh, ada 7 orang (14,9 %) yang memiliki kepatuhan minum obat tidak patuh, sedangkan dari 26 responden yang memiliki dukungan keluarga kurang baik ada sebanyak 10 orang (38,5 %) responden yang kepatuhan minum obat patuh, ada 16 orang (61,5 %) responden yang kepatuhan minum obat tidak patuh. Uji statistik antara dukungan keluarga dengan kepatuhan minum obat didapatkan nilai p value 0.000 < 0,05. Disarankan kepada keluarga untuk selalu memperhatikan kebutuhan obat pasien sebagai upaya kesembuhan dan mencegah kekambuhan berulang pasien jiwa.
The Visceropoetics of Horror: Abdominal Crisis, Surgical Trauma, and Gastrointestinal Torment in Thomas Ligotti
Authors: Baumgartner Brad
Published: February 2025

In this essay, I aim to understand the relation between horror and the abdomen in the work of Thomas Ligotti by piecing together a gastrointestinal anti-system that blurs the lines, or mucosal layers, among mind, body, and spirit, wherein the corporeal and the textual are interwoven through a ‘visceropoetics’. As such, I foreground the underlying prevalence of an alternating dialectic of physical/psychic collapse and posit the necessity for developing a theoretical approach to modern horror fiction that operates from an approach which reveals the inevitable collapse of the human body into stages of dis-ease and gastrointestinal torment.
Improved blockchain-based ECDSA batch verification scheme
Authors: Wu Guangfu , Zhou Jiandong , Fu Xiaoyan
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Blockchain technology has attracted much attention due to its decentralization, transparency and security. Initially applied in the financial field, it has now expanded to various fields such as Internet of Things (IoT), electronic cash and healthcare. However, the open nature of blockchain has raised potential security concerns about sensitive transaction data, and the increasing number of transactions requires low-latency solutions. Most blockchain applications still rely on the lightweight Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA). Due to complex operations such as vectorized multiplication and modular inversion, this may introduce significant additional overhead.

Methods

To address these issues, a new scheme named KTP-ECDSA is proposed. This scheme is based on the improved two-parameter Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (TP-ECDSA) and the KGLP algorithm. In both the signing and verification processes, this scheme eliminates modular inverse operations and reduces scalar multiplications during the verification stage by using batch verification.

Result

The experimental results show that, compared with the traditional ECDSA, KTP-ECDSA has achieved a speed increase of over 50% in both independent verification and batch verification, significantly improving the efficiency of signature verification.

Discussion

By adopting the KTP-ECDSA algorithm and using the digital signature batch verification method, multiple signatures can be verified simultaneously, thus reducing the computational burden of the traditional single-verification method. This greatly increases the overall transaction throughput and improves resource utilization efficiency.
Single-cell and spatial analysis reveals the interaction between ITLN1+ foam cells and SPP1+ macrophages in atherosclerosis
Authors: Li Ying , Wang Shanshan , Zhang Ruidan , Gong Yingying , Che Yulu , Li Kening , Pan Zongfu
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) caused by atherosclerosis (AS) remains the leading cause of mortality in developed countries. Understanding cellular heterogeneity within the inflammatory microenvironment is crucial for advancing disease management strategies. This study investigates the regulatory functions of distinct cell populations in AS pathogenesis, focusing on the interaction between vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-derived ITLN1+ foam cells and SPP1+ FABP5+ macrophages.

Methods

We employed single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize cell populations within AS plaques. Correlation analyses and the CellChat package were utilized to elucidate intercellular communication networks among various cell types. The functional roles of key subsets of macrophages and VSMCs were assessed using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. Pseudotime trajectory analysis was conducted to explore the dynamics of VSMC differentiation. Additionally, spatial transcriptomics analysis was used to demonstrate the physical interactions between different cell subpopulations.

Results

We identified significant infiltration of macrophage clusters in AS, with SPP1+ FABP5+ macrophages being highly enriched in AS plaques. These macrophages were associated with lipid transport, storage, and cell migration pathways. A distinct subset of ITLN1+ foam cells derived from VSMCs exhibited robust expression of foam cell markers and lipid metabolism-related genes. Pseudotime trajectory analysis indicated that ITLN1+ foam cells represent a terminal stage of VSMC differentiation, characterized by elevated expression of genes linked to lipid synthesis and AS progression. Spatial transcriptomics and CellChat analysis revealed a significant interaction between ITLN1+ foam cells and SPP1+ FABP5+ macrophages, mediated by the MIF-(CD74 + CD44) and SPP1-CD44 ligand-receptor axes.

Discussion

Our findings underscore the critical crosstalk between ITLN1+ foam cells and SPP1+ macrophages in promoting lipid accumulation and AS progression. Targeting this cell-cell interaction may offer new therapeutic avenues for managing atherosclerosis. Further validation of these mechanisms is necessary to develop effective immunotherapeutic strategies against AS.
Effects of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate injection on pro-inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules and chemokines in Chinese patients with atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Xie Fan , Fu Xiaoying , Li Wenbo , Bao Yujin , Chang Feng , Lu Yun , Lu Yuqiong
Published: February 2025

Background

Inflammation, as the basic pathogenic mechanism of atherosclerosis, promotes the development of atherosclerosis (AS) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In numerous experiments based on animal and cellular models, sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) injection has been found to reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, and chemokines in patients with AS and ASCVD, exerting an anti-inflammatory effect to treat the disease.

Objectives

This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to quantify the effects of STS on pro-inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, and chemokines in patients with AS and ASCVD.

Methods

Eight literature databases were searched from inception to January 2024, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Ebsco, CNKI, VIP, WanFang Data, and ClinicalTrails.gov. Two reviewers independently screened articles and extracted data. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk Assessment Tool 2.0. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.

Results

Of the 2,698 publications screened, 42 studies were included, and the related trials involved 4,654 Chinese patients. The meta-analysis showed that STS significantly reduced the concentration level of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6) [standardized mean difference (SMD)=−1.50, 95%CI(−2.06, −0.95), p < 0.00001], tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) [SMD = −2.55, 95%CI(−3.24, −1.86), p < 0.00001], and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) [SMD = −1.21, 95%CI(−2.41, −0.01), p < 0.0001], of adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) [SMD = −1.28, 95%CI(−1.55, −1.02), p < 0.00001] and p-selectin [SMD = −1.06, 95%CI(−1.46, −0.67), p < 0.00001], and of chemokines fractalkine [SMD = −1.32, 95%CI(−2.02, −0.61), p = 0.0003] and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) [SMD = −0.83, 95%CI(−1.11, −0.55), p < 0.00001] among patients with AS and ASCVD.

Conclusion

The use of STS in patients with AS and ASCVD appeared to significantly decrease levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, and chemokines.

Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/], PROSPERO [CRD42024496960].
Implementing tokenization in clinical research to expand real-world insights
Authors: Walters Chelsea , Langlais Crystal S. , Oakkar Eva E. , Hoogendoorn Wilhelmina E. , Coutcher James B. , Van Zandt Mui
Published: February 2025

Interest in leveraging real-world data (RWD) to support clinical research is increasing, including studies to further characterize safety and effectiveness of new treatments. Such studies often require a combination of primary, study-specific data, with secondary, existing RWD. So-called enriched studies are becoming more common but require tailored methodologies that facilitate linkage across data sources. Tokenization has emerged as a key tool in the United States (US) to enable the linkage of secondary data with primary data, although key considerations to operationalize tokenization are often overlooked during study set-up. This article aims to explore key aspects for implementing tokenization in the US and to define relevant terminology. Appropriate study designs and RWD sources to leverage this tool are also discussed and advantages and considerations for study stakeholders to enhance possibilities to generate real-world evidence are highlighted. The article concludes with a description of case studies where tokenization is a suitable fit to fulfill study goals.
Multi-source landslide inventories for susceptibility assessment: a case study in the Concepción Metropolitan Area, Chile
Authors: Castro-Venegas Francisco , Jaque Edilia , Quezada Jorge , Palma José Luis , Fernández Alfonso
Published: February 2025

The Concepción Metropolitan Area (CMA) in South-Central Chile presents a complex interplay of climatic conditions, tectonic activity, and varied topography that heightens landslide susceptibility. The CMA is characterized by steep escarpments and sloping valleys atop tectonic blocks. This complex setting creates landslide-prone areas as urban development extends into unstable hillslopes. Unfortunately, current landslide inventories are limited and inconsistent, hindering effective susceptibility zoning and urban planning efforts. The objective of this study was to improve quantitative landslide susceptibility assessments in the CMA by developing a comprehensive landslide inventory spanning from 1990 to 2023. The methods we implemented included compiling a multitemporal and multi-source comprehensive landslide inventory for the CMA, integrating historical and recent data. The inventory consolidates detailed records from the Chilean Geological Survey (SERNAGEOMIN), encompassing materials, conditioning factors, anthropogenic influences, and other relevant variables. To test the potential of our inventory for landslide susceptibility, we compared its performance relative to existing compilations using the Frequency Ratio method. Three slide susceptibility models were compared, two using previous databases, and one using the inventory developed in this study. A comparative analysis highlighted differences in predictive accuracy due to inventory completeness. Our findings show that the model using our landslide inventory exhibited the highest predictive accuracy and spatial specificity, emphasizing the benefits of a detailed, curated landslide inventory for more reliable localized assessments. Additionally, this study is novel for the region and shows that detailed inventories significantly improve accuracy of landslide susceptibility models, providing a more reliable foundation for risk-informed urban planning and land-use management in vulnerable regions.
Exploring the implication of changes in forest cover on sago nutrients: insights from monitoring in selected regions of Papua, Indonesia
Authors: Fetriyuna Fetriyuna , Purwestri Ratna Chrismiari , Letsoin Sri Murniani Angelina , Jati Ignasius Radix A. P. , Rahmawan Fajar , Wirawan Nia Novita , Setiawan Budhi , Hájek Miroslav , Herák David
Published: February 2025

Sago (Metroxylon spp.), a traditional staple food that naturally grows in Papuan forests, plays a vital role in the food security of local inhabitants and is equally important in food and non-food industries. Changes in forest cover to other land uses might lead to shifts in the sago ecosystem, which could also affect sago production and nutrients. Currently, there is a lack of studies correlating vegetation changes and nutrient profiles. This research article aims to explore the vegetation area changes and their potential relationship to the sago forest ecosystem and nutrient profiles of the sago. NDVI information was collected from Mappi and Merauke Regency, Papua Province of Indonesia in 1990, 1996, 2012, 2018, and 2020. Sago samples were gathered from selected sites in Mappi and Merauke. No statistically significant changes in NDVI degradation classes or sago habitat area classifications were observed over the years in each regency. NDVI degradation classes in Merauke showed a significantly higher proportion of degraded areas (>76%) and a more pronounced yellowish color than in Mappi (8%). Approximately 90% of areas in Mappi were categorized as having an increase in trees and no degradation, which was significantly higher than in Merauke (<5%). Sago in Merauke exhibited significantly higher macro and micronutrient content than Mappi. Findings from GLM predictor analysis showed that higher carbohydrate, protein, Ca, Cu, Mg, and Na content of sago samples were positively and significantly associated with collected samples in Merauke. An increase in carbohydrate levels was also positively associated with a higher percentage of NDVI classes related to the yellowish color. The results indicated that sago palms in Merauke are more mature, and therefore, the samples were harvested at an older age than those in Mappi. NDVI can be used to monitor area degradation and predict nutritional quality.
Effect of environmental stress factors on the expression of virulence genes and pathogenicity of lethal Bacillus cereus of bovine origin
Authors: Meng Qinglei , Song Lili , Chi Shanshan , Wang Haifeng , Li Jie , Chen Yunjiao , Liu Zhilin , Zhang Xin , Jia Zelin , Cui Jiayu , Wang Xueli
Published: February 2025

Objective

Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) can be used as a probiotic or produce a variety of toxins that are pathogenic to humans and animals. Environmental stressors can affect the growth process of B. cereus and the expression of its virulence genes. Due to the limitations of methods such as pharmacological disinfection methods (there are limits to the use of antibiotics) and chemical disinfection methods (chemical methods may produce residues), attempts can be made to remove and reduce B. cereus infections through environmental stress factors.

Methods

In this study, the expression of four virulence genes (nheA, hblD, cytK, and entFM) of bovine-origin lethal B. cereus was investigated by qPCR under the effect of different environmental stressors. The extent of pathological damage to various organs of mice by B. cereus was observed by pathological sections.

Results

The results showed that high temperature could inhibit the expression of B. cereus virulence genes. Expression of B. cereus virulence genes was affected under the influence of pH. Different salt concentrations could make the B. cereus virulence genes show low expression. Under a single environmental stressors, nheA, hblD, cytK, and entFM had the lowest expression at 40°C, pH 8.0, and were lowly expressed at all salt concentrations except the control group. The action of multiple environmental stressors affect the expression of virulence genes. Under multiple environmental stressors, nheA, hblD and cytK were least expressed at a temperature of 40°C, pH 6.0, and salt concentration of 3.0%, and entFM was least expressed at a temperature of 20°C, pH 8.0, and salt concentration of 1.5%. Animal pathogenicity tests have shown that environmental stressors affect the virulence of B. cereus.

Conclusion

The level of virulence gene expression in B. cereus can be reduced by environmental stress factors, thus further reducing the risk of B. cereus to human health. This study provides some reference for the prevention and control of B. cereus disease.
UPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of pyrantel, praziquantel, febantel, fenbendazole and oxfendazole in dog plasma and its application to a bioequivalence study
Authors: Zhang Fengyichi , Guo Fanxi , Zhao Xinyu , Li Chongyang , Wang Junli , Wang Mengyun , Ma Ruixia , Chen Baochang , Miao Qiangqiang , Wang Yimeng , Wang Zihan , Cao Di , Yu Zugong
Published: February 2025

A rapid, sensitive and reliable ultra–performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantitation of pyrantel (PYR), praziquantel (PRA), febantel (FBT) and its active metabolites, fenbendazole (FEN) and oxfendazole (OXF) in dog plasma. Fenbendazole–D3 (FEN–D3) was used as an internal standard (IS). The analytes and IS were prepared using simple protein precipitation (PP) combined with liquid–liquid extraction (LLE). Chromatographic analysis was performed on UPLC BEH C18 column using acetonitrile–0.1% formic acid in water for gradient elution. Detection was carried out in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode under positive electrospray ionization. The standard curves were linear through the concentration range of 4–240 ng/mL for PYR and OXF, 15–900 ng/mL for PRA, 2–120 ng/mL for FBT and 10–600 ng/mL for FEN with all correlation coefficients >0.99. The intra–and inter–batch precision was 1.08%–14.26% and accuracy was from 90.66% to 110.28%. The mean extraction recoveries for the analytes and IS were >90%. The total run time was 9.0 min. The developed method was successfully applied to a bioequivalence study after oral administration of compound febantel tablets in 38 healthy dogs.
Damage spreading and coupling in spin glasses and hard spheres
Authors: Hukushima Koji , Krauth Werner
Published: February 2025

We study the connection between damage spreading, a phenomenon long discussed in the physics literature, and the coupling of Markov chains, a technique used to bound the mixing time. We discuss in parallel the Edwards–Anderson spin-glass model and the hard-disk system, focusing on how coupling provides bounds on the extension of the paramagnetic and liquid phases. We also work out the connection between path coupling and damage spreading. Numerically, the scaling analysis of the mean coupling time determines a critical point between fast and slow couplings. The exact relationship between fast coupling and disordered phases has not been established rigorously, but we suggest that it will ultimately enhance our understanding of phase behavior in disordered systems.
Pharmacological and psychological approaches to insomnia treatment in cardiac patients: a narrative literature review
Authors: Stapel Britta , Alvarenga Marlies E. , Kahl Kai G.
Published: February 2025

Sleep disorders are highly prevalent in the general population and are considered a major public health issue. Insomnia constitutes the most frequent sleep disorder in healthy individuals and has been shown to be even more frequent in patients with physical illnesses including cardiovascular diseases. Inadequate sleep quality and short sleep duration, independent of underlying causes, have been linked to the development and progression of cardiometabolic disorders. Additionally, insomnia has been found to be associated with adverse outcome measures, including daytime sleepiness, fatigue, decreased self-reported physical functioning, lower exercise capacity, poor health related quality of life, depressive symptoms, higher rates of hospitalization and increased mortality in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Against this background, comparatively little information is available in the literature regarding the treatment of chronic insomnia in cardiac patient populations. While guidelines for the general population suggest cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia as a first-line treatment option and preliminary evidence suggests this treatment to be beneficial in cardiac patients with insomnia symptoms, it is often limited by availability and possibly the clinician’s poor understanding of sleep issues in cardiac patients. Therefore, pharmacologic treatment remains an important option indicated by the high number of hypnotic drug prescriptions in the general population and in patients with cardiovascular disorders. In this narrative review of the literature, we summarize treatment options for chronic insomnia based on clinical guidelines for the general population and highlight necessary considerations for the treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cortical excitability and therapeutic efficacy
Authors: Han Yu , Wei Zi-Yu , Zhao Na , Zhuang Qian , Zhang Hang , Fang Hong-Li , Zang Yu-Feng , Feng Zi-Jian
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) currently lacks a universally accepted biomarker or diagnostic test, underscoring the need for objective and effective assessment methods. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a promising tool for both assessing cortical excitability and providing therapeutic interventions. This study conducted two independent meta-analyses to evaluate: 1) the potential of TMS in assessing cortical excitability, and 2) its therapeutic efficacy in managing ADHD symptoms.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ClinicalTrials, and PubMed following PRISMA guidelines. The “cortical excitability” meta-analysis included studies comparing TMS-EMG or TMS-EEG neurophysiological measures between ADHD patients and healthy controls. The “therapeutic“ meta-analysis focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating repetitive TMS (rTMS) effects on ADHD symptoms. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for pooled effect sizes.

Results

In the “cortical excitability” meta-analysis, 17 studies were included, demonstrating significantly reduced short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) in ADHD compared to healthy controls (pooled SMD = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.41–0.88, P < 0.00001). No significant differences were observed for motor evoked potentials (MEP), motor thresholds (aMT/rMT), cortical silent period (cSP), ipsilateral silent period (iSP), or intracortical facilitation (ICF). The “therapeutic“ meta-analysis, encompassing 8 samples from 7 studies, demonstrated that rTMS significantly improved ADHD symptoms compared to control conditions (pooled SMD = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.19–0.70, P = 0.0006).

Conclusions

This study highlights the potential of TMS as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in ADHD. Reduced SICI appears to be a key neurophysiological marker of ADHD, reflecting cortical GABAergic dysfunction. Additionally, rTMS shows promise in alleviating ADHD symptoms, though further studies are needed to confirm long-term therapeutic benefits and optimize stimulation protocols.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024507867.
Assessing the Potential Distribution of Lonicera japonica in China Under Climate Change: A Biomod2 Ensemble Model-Based Study
Authors: Pan Yaxuan , Guan Yijie , Lv Shan , Huang Xiaoyu , Lin Yijun , Wei Chaoyang , Xu Danping
Published: February 2025

Lonicera japonica, an importante rsource plant, possesses significant medicinal, economic, and ecological value. To understand its response to climate change and to optimize its conservation and utilization, this study employed the Biomod2 ensemble model to predict its potential distribution under future climate scenarios and identified key environmental factors influencing its distribution. The results showed that under current climatic conditions, the potential distribution of honeysuckle is primarily concentrated in low-altitude regions of central and eastern China and the Sichuan Basin. In future scenarios, the overall distribution pattern changes less, and the area of highly suitable habitats slightly decreases by 0.80%. Distribution analysis indicated a trend of northward migration towards higher latitudes. Temperature-related factors, including temperature seasonality, the minimum temperature of the coldest month, the mean temperature of the coldest quarter, and the annual mean temperature, were identified as dominant factors affecting its distribution. The Biomod2 ensemble model significantly improved the precision and accuracy of suitability predictions compared to single models, providing a scientific basis for predicting the future geographic distribution of honeysuckle and for establishing and utilizing its cultivation regions in China.
Mulching Improves the Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Millet in Northern China: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Haikang , Geng Jing , Liu Zhenyu , Ao Honggui , Wang Zhenjiang , Xue Quanting
Published: February 2025

In northern China, the production of millet is constrained by water scarcity, necessitating suitable agronomic measures to realize its yield potential. Mulching effectively conserves soil moisture and increases the yield. However, the yield effect varies with the climatic conditions and field management. A meta-analysis of 751 experimental datasets from 58 peer-reviewed papers explored the impact of mulching on the millet yield, yield composition, and water use efficiency (WUE), considering 11 factors. The results showed that, compared to traditional flat planting without mulching, mulching significantly increased the millet yield and WUE by 30.9% and 27.3%, respectively, and also enhanced the yield composition. For optimal results under mulching, the planting density should be less than 300,000 ha−1, with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer rates below 60 kg·ha−1. Sites with an average temperature below 10 °C, Huangmian soil, or in the northwest region showed superior yield effects from mulching. The annual rainfall and planting methods had no significant impact on the yield, yield composition, and WUE. The variety “Longgu” exhibited the highest yield increase of 63.9%. Biodegradable plastic film mulch showed the most significant yield increase of 61.7%. Overall, mulching should be adapted to the local conditions, and appropriate field management practices should be selected to promote stable increases in the millet yield and WUE.
Therapeutic Potential and Challenges of Pioglitazone in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Vasileiou Maria , Diamantoudis Sotirios Charalampos , Tsianava Christina , Nguyen Nam P.
Published: February 2025

Pioglitazone (ACTOS) is a thiazolidinedione for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) that has been well established for the second or third line treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Beyond the effects on glucose metabolism, pioglitazone displays positive effects on lipid metabolism, blood pressure, endothelial function, bone density, and apoptosis of cancer cells. In fact, according to in vitro experiments and preclinical studies, PPAR-γ ligand is currently considered a potential target for both chemoprevention and cancer therapy. PPAR-γ ligands are known to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and metastasis through terminal differentiation and underexpression of inflammatory mediators. Despite its anticancer properties, pioglitazone was withdrawn by the national medicine agencies of France and Germany, due to reports of increased incidence of bladder cancer. These reports were associated with European populations undergoing higher doses and longer durations of treatment. In this review, we discuss the pharmacokinetics, therapeutic potential, and limitations regarding the clinical use of pioglitazone, with a focus on cancer treatment.
Offensive Patterns and Performance Analysis in One-Possession Scenarios During the Last Minute and Overtime in the EuroLeague
Authors: Vázquez-Estévez Christopher , Prieto-Lage Iván , Reguera-López-de-la-Osa Xoana , Gutiérrez-Santiago Jesús Antonio , Toledo-González Mario , Gutiérrez-Santiago Alfonso
Published: February 2025

In elite basketball, closely contested games are often decided in the last minute, where a single possession can significantly alter the outcome. The objective of this study was to analyze the offensive patterns and effectiveness of successful play sequences executed during the last minute and overtime periods of the 2022–2023 EuroLeague men’s basketball season. Specifically, we examined how offensive strategies varied based on score conditions and team status (winning, losing, or tied) in games with a score difference of three points or fewer, representing a maximum one-possession margin. The sample consisted of 709 technical–tactical actions performed in one-possession games during the last minute and overtime periods of the men’s EuroLeague 2022–2023 season. An observational methodology was employed using the LINCE PLUS software with a purpose-designed observational instrument. Descriptive analyses and chi-square (χ2) tests were conducted using SPSS 25, and T-Pattern analysis was performed with Theme 6 software. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The results showed that teams leading at the start of the possession executed a higher number of successful actions, primarily through free throws drawn from fouls committed by the opposing team. Additionally, plays involving few or no passes, executed within the first 17 s of possession, and completed by point guards or centers, were associated with higher success rates. While less frequent, fast breaks proved to be more effective than set offenses. Furthermore, the study highlights the role of elite playmakers in late-game situations, as their ability to read defenses and create scoring opportunities plays a crucial role in determining offensive success. The practical implications of this study can assist coaches in optimizing offensive strategies during high-pressure moments in elite men’s basketball by refining late-game decision-making and tactical planning.
Evaluating the Impact of Membership Functions and Defuzzification Methods in a Fuzzy System: Case of Air Quality Levels
Authors: Lima Juan Fernando , Patiño-León Andrés , Orellana Marcos , Zambrano-Martinez Jorge Luis
Published: February 2025

Since the 1960s, fuzzy logic has contributed to developing control systems based on modeling nonlinear problems using linguistic terms and inference rules. In the air quality domain, fuzzy logic has allowed us to tackle inferential environmental systems that are tolerant of human uncertainty and aimed at decision support. These systems are composed of three processes: a function to define a membership degree of the system’s value concerning a human linguistic term; an inference engine for decision making; and defuzzification methods focused on transforming the aggregated fuzzy set into a real-world value. Over the years, multiple mathematical formulas have been proposed to enrich membership functions or defuzzification methods; however, their use is sometimes limited to classical functions, limiting the importance of other proposals. This paper aims to evaluate the impact of the transformation functions in an air quality fuzzy system. The results of this work prove that the defuzzification method has a more significant effect than the others. It should be noted that by considering these results or their evaluation method, the quality of future fuzzy systems can be improved in both industrial and academic domains.
Thermodynamic Evaluation of the Potential of a Sorption Storage System for Renewables and Waste Heat Integration
Authors: Ametta Matteo , Maggio Gaetano , Vasta Salvatore
Published: February 2025

This work investigates the potential of a sorption-based thermal energy storage (TES) system for enhancing the integration of renewable energy and waste heat recovery in key sectors—industry, transport, and buildings. Sorption-based TES systems, which utilize reversible sorbent–sorbate reactions to store and release thermal energy, offer long-term storage capabilities with minimal losses. In particular, the aim of the study is to evaluate the efficiency of an adsorption TES system for various working pairs under different operating conditions, by means of a thermodynamic model (supported by experimental data). Key findings demonstrate that water-based solutions (e.g., zeolite and silica gel composites) perform well for residential and transport applications, while methanol-based solutions, such as LiCl-silica/methanol, maintain higher efficiency in industrial contexts. Short-term storage shows higher energy efficiencies compared to long-term applications, and the choice of working pairs significantly influences performance. Industrial applications face unique challenges due to extreme operating conditions, limiting the viable solutions to water-based working pairs. This research highlights the capability of sorption-based TES systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and facilitate a transition to sustainable energy practices. The findings contribute to developing cost-effective and reliable solutions for energy storage and renewable integration in various applications.
Three-Month Durability of Bilateral Two-Level Stellate Ganglion Blocks in Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Mulvaney Sean W. , Dineen Kyle J. , Mahadevan Sanjay , Desronvilles Roosevelt , Rae Olmsted Kristine L.
Published: February 2025

Purpose: Determine if performing ultrasound-guided, bilateral, two-level cervical sympathetic chain blocks (2LCSB) (performed on subsequent days) provides durable improvement in symptoms associated with anxiety. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted between January 2022 and November 2024. We identified 114 patients who received bilateral, 2LCSB for anxiety symptoms. Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7) outcome measure scores were collected at baseline and three-months post procedure in 71 males and 43 females. Results: Out of 114 patients, 99 patients (86.8%) showed a long-lasting improvement in their GAD-7 scores. Collected GAD-7 forms had a baseline average of 15.52 (14.99 for males and 16.40 for females), which decreased after three months to an average of 7.28 (6.96 for males and 7.81 for females). This represents a 52% average improvement in anxiety symptoms. Conclusions: In individuals treated with bilateral, 2LCSB, GAD-related symptoms were improved by 52% for at least 3 months regardless of initial anxiety severity.
The Influence of Face Masks on Micro-Expression Recognition
Authors: Zhang Yunqiu , Zhu Chuanlin
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to explore the influence of various mask attributes on the recognition of micro-expressions (happy, neutral, and fear) and facial favorability under different background emotional conditions (happy, neutral, and fear). The participants were asked to complete an ME (micro-expression) recognition task, and the corresponding accuracy (ACC), reaction time (RT), and facial favorability were analyzed. Results: (1) Background emotions significantly impacted the RT and ACC in micro-expression recognition, with fear backgrounds hindering performance. (2) Mask wearing, particularly opaque ones, prolonged the RT but had little effect on the ACC. Transparent masks and non-patterned masks increased facial favorability. (3) There was a significant interaction between background emotions and mask attributes; negative backgrounds amplified the negative effects of masks on recognition speed and favorability, while positive backgrounds mitigated these effects. This study provides insights into how masks influence micro-expression recognition, crucial for future research in this area.
The Chain Mediating Effects of Parent–Child Conflict and Screen Time on the Relationship Between Parental Phubbing and Problem Behaviors in Preschoolers
Authors: Gu Qiulan , Zhao Mei
Published: February 2025

This study aims to investigate the key factors contributing to parental phubbing behaviors (the combination of “phone” and “snubbing”), ultimately reducing behavioral problems and promoting healthy development among preschool children. Parental phubbing refers to the phenomenon where parents neglect their children due to excessive mobile device use during parent–child interactions. A questionnaire was administered to 751 parents of preschool children during 2023 using a convenience sampling methodology. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate the underlying mechanisms among parental phubbing behavior, parent–child conflict, children’s screen exposure duration, and preschool children’s problematic behaviors. The phenomenon of parental phubbing exhibits a medium-high level of prevalence, paralleled by medium-high levels of problematic behaviors in preschool children; Parental phubbing not only directly predicts problematic behaviors in preschool children, but also indirectly influences these behaviors through a mediating chain comprising parent–child conflict and children’s screen exposure duration. However, parental phubbing behavior does not directly predict preschool children’s screen exposure duration; rather, parental phubbing behavior influences children’s screen time through parent–child conflict as a significant mediating factor. The phenomenon of parental phubbing behavior is concerning, suggesting that parents should pay attention to the potential hazards of media use on preschool children, improve their own media literacy, and provide appropriate media guidance to their children while accompanying them at home, so as to jointly promote the comprehensive development of preschool children.
Slab-to-Column Seismic Pounding Between Multistorey Buildings: Influence of the Impact Point Location and the Pre-Existing Gap Size
Authors: Manoukas Grigorios , Karayannis Chris
Published: February 2025

The present paper deals with the asymmetric seismic interaction phenomenon between multistorey reinforced concrete buildings. The paper focuses on the so-called floor-to-column pounding and aims to identify the influence of two specific factors: the exact impact point location and the width of the pre-existing separation gap between the interacting structures. Furthermore, the estimation of the effective impact length, i.e., the part of the external columns directly suffering the hit within their clear height that experiences severe damage, is attempted. For this purpose, several interaction cases are analyzed by means of inelastic dynamic analysis, and representative response quantities are calculated. In addition, a well-documented analytical procedure is applied in order to determine the effective impact length. The whole investigation highlights the crucial role of the impact point location for the local response of the external columns. On the contrary, it demonstrates that the overall building behavior is not considerably affected. In addition, it reveals that the existence of inadequate seismic joints may be more unfavorable in comparison with the complete absence of separation between the interacting structures. Thus, the relevant code provisions imposing a minimum seismic joint width should be strictly abided by. Finally, the investigation confirms field observations and experimental results which indicate that the damage of external columns which undergo strong pounding forces is limited to a short area with length equal to about 1 m or less. Due attention should be given to this area during retrofitting of existing buildings.
Role of Spatially Fractionated Radiotherapy (LATTICE) Treatment in Inoperable Bulky Soft-Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Majercakova Katarina , Aguilar Natalia Tejedor , Isern Verdum Josep , Bargalló Helena Vivancos , Capel Antonio Vila , Mancera Soto Miriam , Gómez de Segura Melcón Guillermo , Cordero Jady Vivian Rojas , González-López José Antonio , Rosell Silvia Bagué , Jover Diana Hernandez , Mitre Saba Rabi , Ibañez Ana Peiró , Sebio Ana , Sancho-Pardo Gemma
Published: February 2025

Background: The clinical outcome of inoperable sarcoma patients treated with LATTICE (LRT) is limited and therefore the objective of our study was to report treatment response, overall survival (OS), local-recurrence free survival (LRFS) and toxicity. Methods: This retrospective observational study includes 15 histologically proven inoperable non-extremity sarcoma patients with no treatment options or no response to systemic therapy, treated at our institution between 2020 and 2024. The patients were treated with a combination of LRT and normo- or hypo-fractionated external beam radiotherapy. Treatment response was evaluated by RECIST1.1 criteria, toxicity by CTCAE 5.0 and OS and LRFS by Kaplan–Meier curves. Results: The median follow-up (F-UP) since the beginning of the treatment was 10 months (range 4–32). Nine patients were male and six female. Their mean age was 60 years. The median gross tumor volume (GTV) was 1058 cm3 (range 142–6103 cm3). The median number of spheres was 9 (4–30). All patients with symptoms reported symptoms’ relief. Based on RECIST1.1 criteria, 10 patients (67%) had stable local disease at 1–2 months F-UP on computed tomography (CT). Surgical resection was feasible in five patients. Three of them are alive without disease and two died due to metastatic progression. From 10 (67%) non operated patients, 5 patients died (50%) due to disease. The remaining five patients (50%) are alive, three with stable disease at 21, 22, and 32 months of F-UP and two with disease progression who are currently receiving palliative chemotherapy treatment. Reported G2 toxicity was as follows: gastrointestinal (2), asthenia (1). Two patients had G3 toxicity: esophagitis (1) and inguinal dermatitis (1). No acute or chronic G4–G5 toxicity was observed. Conclusions: LRT is a feasible and well-tolerated radiation technique for inoperable bulky soft-tissue sarcomas. Further studies are needed to establish protocols to determine which patients could benefit from palliative or preoperative treatment.
cfDNA Chimerism and Somatic Mutation Testing in Early Prediction of Relapse After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for Myeloid Malignancies
Authors: Rowley Scott D. , Albitar Maher , Baker Melissa F. , Ali Alaa , Kaur Sukhdeep , Suh Hyung C. , Goy Andre , Donato Michele L.
Published: February 2025

Background: Disease relapse is a primary cause of treatment failure after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the treatment of malignancy. Consolidation therapy early after transplantation may reduce this risk, but it is difficult to administer in the setting of various post-transplant complications. We proposed that testing donor cell chimerism and for persistent minimal residual disease (MRD) with next-generation sequencing (NGS) of plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) early after transplantation would identify those patients at higher risk of relapse who would possibly benefit from consolidation therapy. Methods: We enrolled 20 subjects with known tumor-associated somatic mutations into this prospective pilot study, testing plasma samples before and at 28, 56, and 84 days after transplantation. Pre- and post-transplant bone marrow samples were also analyzed. All samples were subjected to an agnostic, commercially available panel covering 302 genes. Results: Significantly more mutations (p < 0.0001) were detected in the plasma cfDNA than in the bone marrow cells in pre-transplant testing (92 versus 61 mutations, respectively), most likely reflecting sampling variation when bone marrow was used. Two subjects were negative for MRD in staging studies immediately before transplants. Most (19/20) subjects had intermittent or sustained MRD detected in post-transplant plasma cfDNA testing, albeit with much lower average variant allele frequencies (VAFs). Six out of 20 subjects suffered relapses within 12 months after transplantation, and all 6 could be identified by adverse-risk driver mutations that persisted after transplantation. No patients who cleared the adverse-risk mutations relapsed. Donor chimerism using cfDNA fell for all relapsed patients and contributed to the identification of patients at early risk for relapse. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that testing plasma cfDNA for persistent leukemia-associated somatic mutations and donor chimerism as early as 28 days after transplantation will identify a subset of patients with high-risk mutations who are at high risk of relapse. This early assessment of relapse risk may facilitate modifications to the treatment plan, reducing the risk of treatment failure.
A Perspective on Therapeutic Targeting Against Ubiquitin Ligases to Stabilize Tumor Suppressor Proteins
Authors: Ganesan Ishaar P. , Kiyokawa Hiroaki
Published: February 2025

The loss of functions of tumor suppressor (TS) genes plays a key role in not only tumor initiation but also tumor progression leading to poor prognosis. While therapeutic inhibition of oncogene-encoded kinases has shown clinical success, restoring TS functions remains challenging due to conceptual and technical limitations. E3 ubiquitin ligases that ubiquitinate TS proteins for accelerated degradation in cancers emerge as promising therapeutic targets. Unlike proteasomal inhibitors with a broad spectrum, inhibitors of an E3 ligase would offer superior selectivity and efficacy in enhancing expression of its substrate TS proteins as far as the TS proteins retain wild-type structures. Recent advances in developing E3 inhibitors, including MDM2 inhibitors, highlight their potential and ultimately guide the framework to establish E3 inhibition as effective strategies to treat specific types of cancers. This review explores E3 ligases that negatively regulate bona fide TS proteins, the developmental status of E3 inhibitors, and their promise and pitfalls as therapeutic agents for anti-cancer precision medicine.