bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profiling conserved transcription factor binding motifs in Phaseolus vulgaris through comparative genomics
Authors: Kondratova Liudmyla , Vallejos C. Eduardo , Conesa Ana
Published: February 2025

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), a staple food in Latin America and Africa, serves as a vital source of energy, protein, and essential minerals for millions of people. However, genomics knowledge that breeders could leverage for improvement of this crop is scarce. We have developed and validated a comparative genomics approach to predict conserved transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) in common bean and studied gene regulatory networks. We analyzed promoter regions and identified TFBS for 12,631 bean genes with an average of 6 conserved motifs per gene. Moreover, we discovered a statistically significant relationship between the number of conserved motifs and amount of available experimental evidence of gene regulation. Notably, ERF, MYB, and bHLH transcription factor families dominated conserved motifs, with implications for starch biosynthesis regulation. Furthermore, we provide gene regulatory data as a resource that can be interrogated for the regulatory landscape of any set of genes. Our results underscore the significance of TFBS conservation in legumes and aligns with the notion that core genes often exhibit a more conserved regulatory makeup. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of a comparative genomics approach for addressing genome information gaps in non-model organisms and provides valuable insights into the regulatory networks governing starch biosynthesis genes that can support crop improvement programs.
Additive effect of a single intravenous dose of acetaminophen administered at the end of laparoscopic hysterectomy on postoperative pain control with nefopam and fentanyl-based patient-controlled analgesia: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nam Seungpyo , Yoo Seokha , Park Sun-Kyung , Kim Jin-Tae
Published: February 2025

Background

Acetaminophen is a widely used analgesic for postoperative pain management. However, data on its combined use with nefopam for managing postoperative pain following laparoscopic hysterectomy are limited. This study evaluated the effects of a single intravenous dose of acetaminophen combined with fentanyl- and nefopam-based patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Methods

In this prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 84 patients were randomized to receive either 1 g of intravenous acetaminophen (treatment group, n = 42) or normal saline (control group, n = 42) at the end of surgery. All patients received fentanyl and nefopam via PCA, postoperatively. PCA consumption, pain scores at rest, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) scores were assessed at 1, 6, and 24 h postoperatively. Patient satisfaction and opioid-related side effects were also evaluated. The primary outcome was the total PCA consumption within the first 24 h.

Results

No significant difference in 24-h PCA consumption was observed between the control and treatment groups (27.9 ± 16.6 vs. 26.4 ± 11.2, P = 0.623). The pain scores at rest measured at 1, 6, and 24 h after surgery were also not significantly different between the two groups. There were no differences in the satisfaction scores, PONV scores, rescue analgesic use, adverse effects, or length of hospital stay between the groups.

Conclusions

A single intraoperative dose of intravenous acetaminophen, combined with nefopam- and fentanyl-based PCA, did not significantly reduce analgesic requirements, pain scores at rest, or opioid-related side effects compared with placebo in laparoscopic hysterectomy patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03644147 | August 21, 2018).
Association between glycation gap and impaired cardiorespiratory fitness: evidence from American adults
Authors: Fei Min , Wu Bo , Tu Jiabin , Chen Hongkui , Guo Yansong
Published: February 2025

Background

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a critical indicator of overall health, while the glycation gap (G-Gap) emerges as a potential novel biomarker for metabolic and cardiovascular risk assessment. However, the relationship between G-Gap and CRF remains incompletely understood.

Objective

To investigate the association between glycation gap and impaired CRF, and evaluate its potential as an early health risk indicator.

Methods

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999–2004), we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 3,818 adult participants. G-Gap was calculated by standardizing glycated albumin (GA) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, comparing actual and predicted HbA1c values. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed through maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), with impaired CRF defined as performance below the 20th percentile for gender and age-specific thresholds. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed, adjusting for demographic characteristics, laboratory parameters, and potential confounding factors.

Results

In unadjusted models, For every 1 increase in G-Gap as a continuous variable, the chance of CRF damage increased by 65% (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.29–2.11). After comprehensive covariate adjustment, the association remained statistically significant, with odds ratios of 1.87 (95% CI 1.41–2.49) in partially adjusted and 1.41 (95% CI 1.01–1.98) in fully adjusted models. Quartile analysis revealed significantly higher risks of impaired CRF in the third and fourth G-Gap quartiles compared to the first quartile.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates an association between higher G-Gap values and an increased likelihood of impaired CRF.
Perceived discrimination and coping with substance use among Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Bacong Adrian Matias , Maglalang Dale Dagar , Tsoh Janice Y. , Saw Anne
Published: February 2025

Background

Race/ethnicity-related discrimination against Asian Americans increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous studies have found an association between discrimination and use of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) as a form of coping. In this study, we evaluate the association of stress from race/ethnicity-related discrimination and coping with tobacco, alcohol, or cannabis (marijuana or cannabidiol) among Asian Americans during the pandemic.

Methods

We used data from Asian American participants of the Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AA & NH/PI) COVID-19 Needs Assessment Project (n = 3,159). We measured COVID-19 discrimination by racial/ethnic discrimination perceived as the greatest stressor, whether racial/ethnic discrimination impacted participants’ families, and perceived racial bias. Binary logistic regression examined the association between each AOD outcome, discrimination variables, and other COVID-19 stressors accounting for sociodemographic factors, physical and mental health, and survey medium.

Results

Asian Americans used alcohol to cope with COVID-19 pandemic stressors (13.0%) followed by tobacco (4.3%) and cannabis (4.1%). About 24% of Asian Americans reported that racial/ethnic discrimination was the greatest source of stress. Racial/ethnic discrimination was only associated with cannabis use. However, COVID-19 stressors (aside from discrimination) were positively associated with all the AOD outcomes.

Conclusions

Asian Americans’ AOD use for stress coping during the pandemic was prevalent. Perceived racial bias was associated with cannabis use, however other pandemic-induced stressors, not discriminatory in nature, were consistently associated with AOD use. Targeted research and policy efforts are warranted to address impacts from diverse stressors while tackling racism and substance use within Asian American communities to facilitate post-pandemic recovery.
miR-193b-3p suppresses lung cancer cell migration and invasion through PRNP targeting
Authors: Ho Hsiang-Ling , Lin Shin-Chih , Chiang Chao-Wei , Lin Ching , Liu Che-Wei , Yeh Yi-Chen , Chen Mei-Yu , Chou Teh-Ying
Published: February 2025

Background

Tumor metastasis is responsible for approximately 90% of mortality in lung cancer. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of lung cancer metastasis is crucial for developing new treatment strategies. Cellular prion protein (PrPc), encoded by PRNP gene, was previously found to enhance lung cancer invasiveness. However, research on the post-transcriptional regulation of PRNP remains limited.

Methods

Dual-luciferase reporter assays identified miRNAs targeting the PRNP 3'-UTR, and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) confirmed the interaction between miR-193b-3p and PRNP mRNA. Promoter deletions and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays established c-Jun as a transcriptional repressor of miR-193b-3p. Functional validation of the c-Jun-miR-193b-3p-PrPc axis was conducted using transwell assays, LNA-in situ hybridization, RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Subcutaneous mouse xenograft models assessed the anti-tumor effects of miR-193b-3p in vivo.

Results

We demonstrated that miR-193b-3p downregulates PrPc expression by directly targeting the 3'-UTR of PRNP. Overexpression of miR-193b-3p significantly suppressed PRNP expression at both mRNA and protein levels, and reduced lung cancer cell migration, invasion and proliferation, which was reversed by PrPc overexpression. Conversely, miR-193b-3p silencing enhanced PRNP expression as well as those oncogenic properties, which were mitigated by PRNP knockdown. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a significant negative association between miR-193b-3p and PrPc expression in lung cancer tissues (p = 0.017), and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated that high PrPc (p = 0.039) or low miR-193b-3p (p = 0.027) expression correlated with poorer overall survival. Intra-tumoral injection of the miR-193b-3p mimic in mouse xenograft models significantly reduced tumor volume. In addition, c-Jun was identified as a transcriptional repressor of miR-193b-3p. Functional studies revealed that c-Jun knockdown inhibited lung cancer cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, effects that were reversed by either PrPc overexpression or miR-193b-3p inhibitor treatment. A significant association between PrPc and c-Jun expression in lung cancer tissues (p = 0.004) was observed. High expression of PrPc and/or c-Jun was found to be associated with poor overall survival of patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study is the first to uncover a novel regulatory pathway where c-Jun acts as a transcriptional repressor of miR-193b-3p, leading to PRNP upregulation, which promotes lung cancer migration and invasion. This previously unrecognized c-Jun-miR-193b-3p-PrPc axis also provides valuable insights for the potential development of new therapeutic strategies against lung cancer metastasis through RNA-targeting technology.
MGMT epimutations and risk of incident cancer of the colon, glioblastoma multiforme, and diffuse large B cell lymphomas
Authors: Nikolaienko Oleksii , Anderson Garnet L. , Chlebowski Rowan T. , Jung Su Yon , Harris Holly R. , Knappskog Stian , Lønning Per E.
Published: February 2025

Background

Constitutional BRCA1 epimutations (promoter hypermethylation) are associated with an elevated risk of triple-negative breast cancer and high-grade serous ovarian cancer. While MGMT epimutations are frequent in colon cancer, glioblastoma, and B-cell lymphoma, it remains unknown whether constitutional MGMT epimutations are associated with risk of any of these malignancies.

Methods

We designed a nested case–control study, assessing potential associations between MGMT epimutations in blood from healthy individuals and subsequent risk of incident cancer. The study cohort was drawn from postmenopausal women, participating in the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study, who had not been diagnosed with either colon cancer, glioblastoma, or B-cell lymphoma prior to study entry. The protocol included n = 400 women developing incident left-sided and n = 400 women developing right-sided colon cancer, n = 400 women developing diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, all matched on a 1:2 basis with cancer-free controls, and n = 195 women developing incident glioblastoma multiforme, matched on a 1:4 basis. All cancers were confirmed in centralized medical record review. Blood samples, collected at entry, were analyzed for MGMT epimutations by massive parallel sequencing. Associations between MGMT methylation and incident cancers were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Analyzing epimutations affecting the key regulatory area of the MGMT promoter, the hazard ratio (HR) was 1.07 (95% CI 0.79–1.45) and 0.80 (0.59–1.08) for right- and left-sided colon cancer, respectively, 1.13 (0.78–1.64) for glioblastoma, and 1.11 (0.83–1.48) for diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Sensitivity analyses limited to subregions of the MGMT promoter and to individuals with different genotypes of a functional SNP in the MGMT promoter (rs16906252), revealed no significant effect on HR for any of the cancer forms. Neither did we observe any effect of rs16906252 status on HR for any of the cancer forms among individuals methylated or non-methylated at the MGMT promoter.

Conclusions

Constitutional MGMT promoter methylation in normal tissue is not associated with an increased risk of developing colon cancer, glioblastoma, or B-cell lymphoma.
Low apolipoprotein A-II levels causally contribute to increased mortality in septic shock
Authors: Takahashi Nozomi , Campbell Kyle R. , Shimada Tadanaga , Nakada Taka-aki , Russell James A. , Walley Keith R.
Published: February 2025

Background

Lipoproteins and their component apolipoproteins play an important role in sepsis. However, little is known with regard to the association and causal contribution of these proteins to mortality in patients of different ancestries following septic shock. The objective of this study was to determine whether lipoprotein and apolipoprotein levels, and related genetic variants, are associated with clinical outcomes in septic shock.

Methods

We investigated the association between lipoprotein and apolipoprotein levels at the point of admission to the intensive care unit and in-hospital mortality in 687 Japan patients diagnosed with septic shock. For each clinically significant candidate protein, we extracted haplotype tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the corresponding gene and examined the association of the candidate gene variants with 28-day mortality and organ dysfunction. We tested for replication in a Caucasian septic shock cohort (Vasopressin and Septic Shock Trial, VASST, n = 474). To determine whether the candidate lipoprotein causally contributed to septic shock outcome, we used a Mendelian randomization analysis based on polygenic scores generated from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in the Japan cohort.

Results

In the Japan cohort, low apolipoprotein A-II levels were associated with increased septic shock mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 1.05; 95%CI, 1.02–1.09; P < 0.001). For a haplotype tag SNP of the corresponding ApoA2 gene, rs6413453 GG carriers had significantly higher 28-day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06–3.04; P = 0.029) and significantly fewer days free of cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and neurologic dysfunction than AG/AA carriers. This result was replicated in the Caucasian septic shock cohort (28-day mortality: aHR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.02–2.68; P = 0.041). Mendelian randomization using 9 SNPs from an apolipoprotein A-II GWAS suggested that genetically decreased levels of apolipoprotein A-II were a causal factor for increased mortality in septic shock (odds ratio for mortality due to a 1 mg/dL decrease in apolipoprotein A-II is 1.05 [95% CI; 1.01–1.03, P = 0.0022]).

Conclusions

In septic shock, apolipoprotein A-II levels and ApoA2 genetic variations are important factors associated with outcome.
Intermittent Echocardiographic Monitoring During Superior Vena Cava Recanalization: A Protocol for Early Recognition and Management of Hemopericardium
Authors: Fitzgerald Kara M. , Shin David S. , Monroe Eric J. , Abad Santos Matthew , Hua Ethan , Chick Jeffrey Forris Beecham
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Endovascular recanalization and stent reconstruction constitute an effective and safe treatment option for symptomatic thoracic central venous obstruction (TCVO). Rare life-threatening adverse events are possible during or immediately following the procedure, with the most feared one being hemopericardium with cardiac tamponade. A technique to improve efficiency in detection and treatment of cardiac tamponade is described.

Materials and methods

An institutional protocol was established for intraprocedural transthoracic echocardiographic monitoring during the TCVO recanalization procedures. The lower chest and upper abdomen were prepared within the sterile field. A separate stand was set up with unopened supplies needed for pericardial drain placement. Intermittent echocardiographic monitoring was performed throughout the TCVO procedure using a dedicated curvilinear probe prepared on the field. If indicated, an image guided pericardial drain was placed expeditiously.

Results

Four cases of cardiac tamponade were encountered during or immediately post-procedure. All cases demonstrated technically successful and prompt pericardial drain placement with immediate reversal of the tamponade physiology.

Conclusion

Echocardiographic monitoring during TCVO reconstruction by interventional radiologists is a useful technique which may aid in early diagnosis and management of cardiac tamponade.
Development of Angiopep-2 targeted dendrimer-based nanotheranostic system for enhanced temozolomide delivery to glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Parashar Ashish Kumar , Saraogi Gaurav Kant , Shrivastava Vivek , Bagri Rashmi , Tyagi Lalit Kumar , Sethi Vandana Arora , Jain Pushpendra Kumar
Published: February 2025

Background

Glioblastoma multiforme remains a challenging cancer to treat effectively. This study focuses on developing a novel nanotheranostic platform to improve targeted temozolomide delivery and enhance glioblastoma multiforme treatment.

Results

This study successfully developed a multifunctional nanocarrier system utilizing fourth-generation polypropylene imine (PPI) dendrimers, functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) for enhanced biocompatibility and conjugated with Angiopep-2 (ANG-2) for targeted delivery to glioblastoma multiforme cells. Incorporating silver sulfide (Ag2S) quantum dots conferred near-infrared (NIR) imaging capabilities, enabling noninvasive real-time monitoring. Comprehensive characterization using FTIR, NMR, and mass spectrometry validated the successful synthesis, functionalization, and encapsulation of the nanocarrier, with evidence of efficient loading of temozolomide (TMZ) at 56.32 ± 2.8%. In vitro drug release studies demonstrated a sustained release profile, achieving 52.86 ± 2.09% release within 24 h. Ex vivo studies revealed significantly enhanced cellular uptake and cytotoxicity against BCECs and C6 glioma cells compared to free TMZ, while in vivo biodistribution studies confirmed targeted accumulation of the nanocarrier in tumor tissues, as visualized through NIR imaging.

Conclusions

This study highlights the significant potential of the developed dendrimer-based nanotheranostic system as an innovative platform for glioblastoma multiforme treatment. The successful integration of fourth-generation PPI dendrimers, PEG functionalization, ANG-2 targeting ligands, and Ag2S quantum dots enabled precise imaging-guided delivery and targeted temozolomide therapy. The system demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, high drug-loading capacity, sustained drug release, enhanced cellular uptake, and tumor-specific accumulation, translating into superior therapeutic efficacy and real-time imaging capabilities. These findings highlight the promise of this multifunctional nanoplatform in addressing the challenges of glioblastoma therapy and pave the way for future clinical translation in personalized cancer treatment.
The secret behind instant messaging: video identification attack against complex protocols
Authors: Huang Ruiqi , Wu Hua , Wang Xiaohui , Cheng Guang , Hu Xiaoyan
Published: February 2025

People conveniently share and watch videos through Instant Messaging(IM) software, which is likely to reveal their preferences. Identifying IM video content can enable attackers to snoop on user privacy. Existing methods identify videos based on the features embodied in the DASH stream. However, IM software does not transmit video using DASH. IM software uses various transmission protocols or even private protocols for video transmission, which poses a challenge for video content identification. In this paper, we propose a video content identification framework for IM software, which obtains video content by extracting unique and stable features of videos as transmission fingerprints and matching them in a video fingerprint database. We evaluate the method on two popular IM software. The experimental results show that our method has an accuracy of 98.05% and 99.49% for ciphertext videos transmitted over GQUIC protocol and HTTPS protocol, respectively, and even reaches 100% identification accuracy for plaintext videos. Furthermore, the experimental results outperform the existing methods.
Regulation and inhibition of type III secretion systems in plant pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Xie Xin , Zhao Zhibo
Published: February 2025

Type III secretion systems (T3SS) are syringe-like apparatuses acting as protein transport nanomachines found in most Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. They can inject effector proteins into the host cell cytoplasm, crossing the host cell membrane, and cause infection. Due to their critical role in pathogenicity, T3SS represent attractive targets for vaccinations and disease treatments. This review elucidates the overarching structural framework and operational mechanisms of T3SS apparatuses while also delineating the responsiveness of phytobacterial T3SS to host-derived signals and the nuanced orchestration of their activities by host and environmental stimuli. This discussion encompasses shared features and idiosyncratic attributes among a spectrum of pathogens, including but not limited to Pseudomonas syringae, Ralstonia, Xanthomonas, and Erwinia. Additionally, we scrutinize the contribution of natural products and synthetic chemicals as T3SS inhibitors, elucidating their hallmark and role in the ongoing quest for and design of novel drugs. An in-depth comprehension of T3SS functionality and the modes of action of diverse inhibitors holds promise for developing innovative drugs aimed at swiftly suppressing phyto-pathogenicity elicited by a spectrum of bacterial species.
Dynamic Interaction between S-Wave Vibrator and Ground under Sweep Frequency Excitation: Modeling and Disturbance Investigation
Authors: Li Gang , Liu Yang , Hao Lei , Liu Zhigang , Huang Zhiqiang
Published: February 2025

Shear-wave exploration is an emerging geophysical technique with promising application potential. However, the decoupling phenomenon between the baseplate and the ground during the excitation of S-wave vibrators weakens energy transmission and reduces the signal-to-noise ratio. To address this issue, this paper introduces the concepts of dynamic stiffness and dynamic damping to describe the interaction between the baseplate and the ground under disturbance, and establishes a vibration coupling model to analyze the dynamic responses of both the driven mass and the reaction mass. Experimental validation of the S-wave vibrator's disturbance phenomenon was carried out, and the experimental and theoretical acceleration values of the driven mass and the reaction mass in the horizontal direction were compared, confirming the accuracy of the model. The experimental results reveal that the height difference between the horizontal excitation force and the baseplate-ground contact surface generates a moment that induces disturbances. The acceleration of the driven mass increases significantly with the vibration frequency, particularly in the low-frequency range, whereas the acceleration of the reaction mass first increases, then decreases, and stabilizes after 20 Hz. Further analysis shows that the disturbance level increases linearly in the low-frequency range (3-9 Hz), peaks, then rapidly declines between 9 and 40 Hz, and stabilizes in the mid-to-high frequency range (40-105Hz). The impact of different parameters on the disturbance varies: soil elastic modulus, soil density, and base plate area are inversely related to the disturbance amplitude, while horizontal excitation force and contact surface height difference are directly related. Notably, the baseplate area has the most significant effect on the disturbance of the S-wave vibrator. Additionally, in the low-frequency range (3-26 Hz), the mass of the driven mass is positively correlated with the disturbance amplitude, whereas in the mid-to-high frequency range (26-105 Hz), it is negatively correlated.
Comparison of Sagittal Plane Correction With “Bullet” Versus “Banana” Type Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Devices
Authors: Pennington Zach , Hamouda Abdelrahman , Martini Michael , Kumar Rahul , Mikula Anthony L. , Potes Maria Astudillo , Bydon Mohamad , Clarke Michelle J. , Krauss William E. , Nassr Ahmad N. , Freedman Brett A. , Sebastian Arjun S. , Fogelson Jeremy L. , Elder Benjamin D.
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) allows for direct and indirect decompression and segmental lordosis in sagittal plane correction. This study compares the effectiveness of “Bullet” type and “Banana” type devices for sagittal plane correction.

METHODS:

Patients who underwent 1-level or 2-level TLIF for degenerative pathology at a single tertiary care center were identified. Details were extracted on demographics, interbody dimensions, and preoperative and postoperative lumbopelvic parameters from upright radiographs. Cages were categorized as “Bullet” or “Banana” type based on morphology and manufacturer description of optimal position. Univariable comparisons between levels treated with “Bullet” and “Banana” type interbodies were performed. Multivariable linear regression was performed to identify independent predictors of postoperative segmental lordosis and change in segmental lordosis.

RESULTS:

One hundred and ninety eight unique patients (median 66.6 years; [IQR 59.5, 73.7]; 56.6% female) were included with 241 levels treated, of which 114 (52.7%) were treated with “Banana” type interbodies and 127 (47.3%) with “Bullet” type. “Banana” type interbodies afforded both greater postoperative segmental lordosis (8.1 [6.2, 10.7] vs 7.5 [5.2, 9.6]; P = .048) and greater increase in segmental lordosis (3.3 [0.7, 7.0] vs 2.3 [0.1, 4.2]; P = .015). On multivariable linear regression, only preoperative segmental lordosis (β = 0.322 per degree; [0.244, 0.399]; P < .001), implant listed lordosis (β = 0.146 per degree; 95% CI [0.048, 0.244]; P = .004), preoperative pelvic incidence (0.072 per degree; [0.034, 0.111]; P < .001), and use of bilateral TLIF windows (β = 3.133; [1.213, 5.053]; P = .001) were predictive of postoperative segmental lordosis.

CONCLUSION:

The present analysis suggests that baseline lumbopelvic anatomy, interbody lordosis, and the use of bilateral TLIF windows are the most important predictors of postoperative segmental lordosis. Use of “Banana” vs “Bullet” type interbodies was not predictive of segmental lordosis achieved on immediate postoperative upright radiographs. Further work is merited to determine whether the 2 interbody types demonstrate differences regarding subsidence risk or maintenance of correction.
Integrating animal tracking and trait data to facilitate global ecological discoveries
Authors: Beltran Roxanne S. , Kilpatrick A. Marm , Adamczak Stephanie K. , Beumer Larissa T. , Czapanskiy Max F. , Davidson Sarah C. , McLean Bryan S. , Mueller Thomas , Payne Allison R. , Soria Carmen D. , Weeks Brian C. , Williams Terrie M. , Salguero-Gómez Roberto
Published: February 2025

Understanding animal movement is at the core of ecology, evolution and conservation science. Big data approaches for animal tracking have facilitated impactful synthesis research on spatial biology and behavior in ecologically important and human-impacted regions. Similarly, databases of animal traits (e.g. body size, limb length, locomotion method, lifespan) have been used for a wide range of comparative questions, with emerging data being shared at the level of individuals and populations. Here, we argue that the proliferation of both types of publicly available data creates exciting opportunities to unlock new avenues of research, such as spatial planning and ecological forecasting. We assessed the feasibility of combining animal tracking and trait databases to develop and test hypotheses across geographic, temporal and biological allometric scales. We identified multiple research questions addressing performance and distribution constraints that could be answered by integrating trait and tracking data. For example, how do physiological (e.g. metabolic rates) and biomechanical traits (e.g. limb length, locomotion form) influence migration distances? We illustrate the potential of our framework with three case studies that effectively integrate trait and tracking data for comparative research. An important challenge ahead is the lack of taxonomic and spatial overlap in trait and tracking databases. We identify critical next steps for future integration of tracking and trait databases, with the most impactful being open and interlinked individual-level data. Coordinated efforts to combine trait and tracking databases will accelerate global ecological and evolutionary insights and inform conservation and management decisions in our changing world.
Movement ecology of gelatinous zooplankton: approaches, challenges and future directions
Authors: Gemmell Brad J. , Colin Sean P. , Costello John H.
Published: February 2025

Understanding the movement patterns and behavior of marine organisms is fundamental for numerous ecological, conservation and management applications. Over the past several decades, advancements in tracking technologies and analytical methods have revolutionized our ability to study marine animal movements. Oceanic zooplankton often make up the bulk of the macroscopic animal biomass in the oceans, yet we know very little about the life histories, migrations and long-term behaviors of these ecologically important animals. In this Review, we consider recent developments in marine movement ecology and animal tracking techniques of gelatinous zooplankton, and discuss the challenges, opportunities and future directions in this rapidly evolving field.
The energetics of movement, from exercise to ecology and evolution
Authors: Pontzer Herman
Published: February 2025

Movement is energetically costly, requiring muscle activity to support and propel the animal as it walks, runs, climbs, swims or flies. In this Review, I examine the metabolic impact of locomotion over different timescales. During locomotion, whole-body energy expenditure can rise by more than an order of magnitude above resting, and these costs arise from activating muscle to exert force as well as the work that muscles perform. Over hours or days, locomotion can dominate daily energy expenditure (i.e. field metabolic rate), particularly when provisioning young, migrating, or during other periods of intense activity. The relationship between muscle force and metabolic cost means that locomotor costs and daily expenditures can be tracked using wearable accelerometers. Over longer timescales, however, the relationship between locomotion and daily expenditure becomes more tenuous. Compensatory trade-offs with other physiological activity, including thermoregulation, growth, maintenance and reproduction, obscure the relationship between daily locomotor activity and daily energy expenditure. Over evolutionary timeframes, variation in daily locomotor activity does not predict variation in daily expenditure. The apparent trade-offs between locomotor expenditure and other physiological tasks suggests that, over long timescales, the cost of locomotion might be best measured by its effects on other systems. The impact of locomotion on growth, reproduction and maintenance should be incorporated into ecological and evolutionary assessments of the costs of movement.
Towards the yin and yang of fish locomotion: linking energetics, ecology and mechanics through field and lab approaches
Authors: Liao James C.
Published: February 2025

Most of our understanding of fish locomotion has focused on elementary behaviors such as steady swimming and escape responses in simple environments. As the field matures, increasing attention is being paid to transient and unsteady behaviors that characterize more complex interactions with the environment. This Commentary advocates for an ecologically relevant approach to lab studies. Specific examples have brought new understanding to the energetic consequences of fish swimming, such as (1) station holding around bluff bodies, which departs drastically from steady swimming in almost all aspects of kinematics, muscle activity and energetics, and (2) transient behaviors such as acceleration and feeding, which are critical to survival but often neglected because of challenges in measuring costs. Beyond the lab, a far richer diversity of behaviors is available when fish are given enough space and time to move. Mesocosm studies are poised to reveal new insights into fish swimming that are inaccessible in laboratory settings. Next-generation biologgers that incorporate neural recordings will usher in a new era for understanding biomechanics in the wild and open the door for a more mechanistic understanding of how changing environments affect animal movement. These advances promise to allow insights into animal locomotion in ways that will mutually complement and accelerate laboratory and field studies in the years to come.
Integrating muscle energetics into biomechanical models to understand variance in the cost of movement
Authors: Lichtwark Glen A. , Jessup Luke N. , Konno Ryan N. , Riveros-Matthey Cristian D. , Dick Taylor J. M.
Published: February 2025

In this Review, we explore the state of the art of biomechanical models for estimating energy consumption during terrestrial locomotion. We consider different mechanical models that provide a solid framework to understand movement energetics from the perspective of force and work requirements. Whilst such models are highly informative, they lack specificity for predicting absolute metabolic rates across a range of species or variations in movement patterns. Muscles consume energy when they activate to generate tension, as well as when they shorten to generate positive work. Phenomenological muscle models incorporating steady-state parameters have been developed and are able to reproduce how muscle fibre energy consumption changes under different contractile conditions; however, such models are difficult to validate when scaled up to whole muscle. This is, in part, owing to limited availability of data that relate muscle dynamics to energetic rates during contraction of large mammalian muscles. Furthermore, factors including the compliance of tendinous tissue, dynamic shape changes and motor unit recruitment can alter the dynamics of muscle contractile tissue and potentially improve muscle efficiency under some locomotion conditions. Despite the many challenges, energetic cost estimates derived from musculoskeletal models that simulate muscle function required to generate movement have been shown to reasonably predict changes in human metabolic rates under different movement conditions. However, accurate predictions of absolute metabolic rate are still elusive. We suggest that conceptual models may be adapted based on our understanding of muscle energetics to better predict the variance in movement energetics both within and between terrestrial species.
An annual cycle perspective on energetics and locomotion of migratory animals
Authors: Shamoun-Baranes Judy , Camphuysen Kees C. J.
Published: February 2025

Animal migrations, or long-distance movements, on land, through water or in the air, are considered energetically costly because of the investment in persistent locomotion typical for migration. Diverse strategies exist to manage these energetic costs. Yet migration is only one stage in an annual cycle and may not be the most energetically costly. To better understand how free-ranging animals adaptively organize energy expenditure and locomotion, an annual cycle perspective is needed. Bio-logging data are collected for a range of animal species and could facilitate a life cycle approach to study energy expenditure. We provide examples from several studies across different taxa, as well as a more in-depth exploration from our own recent research on time activity budgets based on field observations and bio-logging data to estimate daily energy expenditure in a migratory seabird throughout a year. Our research has shown that daily energy expenditure is highest (1.7× average daily energy expenditure) during the spring migration of long-distance migratory gulls, whereas short-distance migrants expend the most energy (1.4× average daily energy expenditure) during the breeding season. Based on the examples provided, we show how bio-energetic models create exciting opportunities to study daily energetics and behaviour of migratory animals, although limitations also still exist. Such studies can reveal when, where and why peaks and lulls in energy expenditure arise over the annual cycle of a migrant, if long-distance movements are indeed energetically expensive and how animals can adapt to fluctuating demands in their natural environment throughout the year.
Integrating physiology into movement ecology of large terrestrial mammals
Authors: Hetem Robyn S. , Haylock Kiara A. , Boyers Melinda , Parrini Francesca , Owen-Smith Norman , Beytell Piet , Strauss W. Maartin
Published: February 2025

Movement paths are influenced by external factors and depend on an individual's navigation capacity (Where to move?), motion capacity (How to move?) and are ultimately driven by internal physiological state (Why move?). Despite physiology underlying most aspects of this movement ecology framework, the physiology–movement nexus remains understudied in large terrestrial mammals. Within this Commentary, we highlight the physiological processes that underpin the movement ecology framework and how integrating physiological measurements can provide mechanistic insights that may enhance our understanding of the drivers of animal movement. We focus on large terrestrial mammals, which are well represented within the movement ecology literature but are under-represented in movement studies that integrate physiological state. Recent advances in biologging technology allow for physiological variables, such as heart rate and body movements, to be recorded remotely and continuously in free-living animals. Biologging of body temperature may provide additional insights into the physiological states driving movement. Body temperature not only provides a measure of thermal stress, but also an index of animal wellbeing through quantification of nutrition, hydration, reproductive and disease states that may drive animal movements. Integrating measures of body temperature with fine-scale GPS locations may provide insights into causality and improve our mechanistic understanding of animal movement, which is crucial for understanding population performance and monitoring reintroduction success. We recommend that baseline studies are undertaken, linking animal movement to the underlying physiological mechanisms, to allow for the development of realistic predictive models to improve conservation efforts in the Anthropocene.
Behavioural energetics in human locomotion: how energy use influences how we move
Authors: McAllister Megan J. , Chen Anthony , Selinger Jessica C.
Published: February 2025

Nearly a century of research has shown that humans, and other animals, tend to move in ways that minimize energy use. A growing body of evidence suggests that energetic cost is not only an outcome of our movement, but also plays a central role in continuously shaping it. This has led to an emerging research area, at the nexus between biomechanics and neuroscience, termed behavioural energetics, which is focused on understanding the mechanisms of energy optimization and how this shapes our coordination and behaviour. In this Review, we first summarize the existing evidence for and against our preferred locomotor behaviours coinciding with energy optima. Although evidence of our preference for energetically optimal gaits has existed for decades, new research is revealing its relevance across a surprising array of dynamic locomotor tasks and complex environments. We next discuss evidence that we adapt our gait toward energy optima over short timescales and in novel environments, which we view as a more stringent test that energy expenditure is optimized in real-time. This necessitates that we sense energy use, or proxies for it, on similar timescales. We therefore next provide an overview of candidate sensory mechanisms of energy expenditure. Finally, we discuss how behavioural energetics can be applied to novel wearable assistive technologies and rehabilitation paradigms, and conclude the Review by outlining what we see as the most important future challenges and opportunities in behavioural energetics.
Halide perovskite solar cells and heterostructures
Authors: Δαριβιανάκη Ελευθερία
Published: February 2025

Οι ημιαγωγοί περοβσκιτών αλογόνου βρίσκονται στο επίκεντρο την έρευνας σήμερα, βρίσκοντας πεδίο εφαρμογής σε πολλές περιοχές της οπτοηλεκτρονικής, με το κυρίαρχο ενδιαφέρον να εστιάζεται σε φωτοβολταϊκές εφαρμογές, εξαιτίας της εξαιρετικά υψηλής απόδοσης που παρουσιάζουν. Όμως, τα περοβσκιτικά φωτοβολταϊκά παρουσιάζουν περιορισμένη σταθερότητα, που αποτελεί εμπόδιο για την εμπορευματοποίησή τους. Στην παρούσα διατριβή, κατασκευάστηκαν περοβσκιτικά φωτοβολταϊκά μονής επαφής, με στόχο τη βελτίωση της σταθερότητας των φωτοβολταϊκών διατάξεων. Για το σκοπό αυτό, κατασκευάστηκαν περοβσκιτικά φωτοβολταϊκά υπό συνθήκες περιβάλλοντος, χρησιμοποιώντας διαφορετικές τεχνικές εναπόθεσης λεπτών-υμενίων του περοβσκιτικού στρώματος, οι οποίες εστιάστηκαν, τελικά, στη μέθοδο δύο σταδίων. Με την μέθοδο αυτή, μια βελτιωμένη εναπόθεση του περοβσκιτικού στρώματος επιτεύχθηκε υπό συνθήκες περιβάλλοντος, κατά την οποία τα περοβσκιτικά φωτοβολταϊκά παρουσίασαν εξαιρετική περιβαλλοντική σταθερότητα και φωτοσταθερότητα. Όμως, η φωτοβολταϊκή απόδοση των διατάξεων ήταν χαμηλή, ως αποτέλεσμα της μεγάλης σειριακής αντίστασης στις διεπιφάνειες των στρωμάτων, που περιόρισε την αποτελεσματική εξαγωγή των φωτοπαραγόμενων φορέων. Σε μια προσπάθεια να διορθώσουμε αυτό το πρόβλημα, και με στόχο να βελτιώσουμε τα χαρακτηριστικά μεταφοράς φορτίου των διατάξεων, χρησιμοποιήσαμε το GaAs σας στρώμα μεταφοράς ηλεκτρονίων. Έτσι, ένα κύριο μέρος της δουλειάς σχετίζεται με την κατασκευή υβριδικών ετεροδομών περοβσκίτη/νανονημάτων GaAs. Σε αυτήν την κατεύθυνση, κατασκευάστηκαν επιτυχώς διοδικές διατάξεις υβριδικών δομών περοβσκίτη/νανονημάτων GaAs, που παρουσίασαν βελτιωμένα ηλεκτρικά χαρακτηριστικά, μετά από κατάλληλο ντοπάρισμα (n-τύπου) των νανονημάτων GaAs. Οι εν λόγω διατάξεις παρουσίασαν μετρήσιμη φωτο-απόκριση υπό συνθήκες φωτισμού, παρόλο που αυτή της στιγμή τα αποτελέσματα δεν είναι ανταγωνιστικά. Αποδίδουμε την παρατηρούμενη απώλεια φωτορεύματος, στην αρχιτεκτονική της φωτοβολταϊκής διάταξης, η οποία δεν επιτρέπει τον επαρκή φωτισμό της ενεργού περιοχής της διάταξης. Μελλοντικές κατευθύνσεις για να ξεπεραστεί αυτό το πρόβλημα αφορούν την χρήση διαφανών αγώγιμων οξειδίων σαν επάνω ηλεκτρόδιο, καθώς και μια αναθεώρηση της συνολικής αρχιτεκτονικής της διάταξης, ώστε να είναι εφικτός ο επαρκής φωτισμός της ενεργού περιοχής. Κλείνοντας, η παρούσα Διατριβή αποτελεί μια νέα κατεύθυνση στην ανάπτυξη φωτοβολταϊκών διατάξεων περοβσκίτη και εξάγει συμπεράσματα σχετικά με τη συμπεριφορά των διεπιφανειών μεταξύ των περοβσκιτών και των μη-οξειδικών ετεροδομών. Καθώς το μεγαλύτερο μέρος των πειραμάτων έγινε σε συνθήκες περιβάλλοντος, χρήσιμα συμπεράσματα μπορούν να εξαχθούν για την σταθερότητα των περοβσκιτών αλογόνου, που ενδεχομένως μπορεί να συνεισφέρει στην επίλυση του προβλήματος της μακροχρόνιας σταθερότητας των περοβσκιτών αλογόνου.
Επιδράσεις της ελεγχόμενης συχνότητας αναπνοής στις φυσιολογικές αποκρίσεις στην κολύμβηση
Authors: Λιάπακη Πηνελόπη
Published: February 2025

Εισαγωγή: Ο στόχος αυτής της ερευνητικής διατριβής ήταν να εξετάσει την επίδραση της αναπνοής έναντι της άπνοιας στην οξεοβασική ισορροπία, τις φυσιολογικές αποκρίσεις και την απόδοση κατά τη διάρκεια επαναλαμβανόμενων διαλειμματικών αποστάσεων υψηλής έντασης στην κολύμβηση. Μεθοδολογία: Δύο ομάδες των δεκαέξι (16) αθλητών, κολυμβητές και ελεύθεροι δύτες, ολοκλήρωσαν 6 x 25μ. και 6 x 50μ. ελεύθερου στυλ κολύμβησης με κανονική αναπνοή και άπνοια σε μέγιστη ένταση, με 30 δευτερόλεπτα και 1 λεπτό ξεκούραση, αντίστοιχα. Μετρήθηκαν: Ι) Τα αέρια του τριχοειδούς αίματος (pH, PCO2, PO2, HCO3, Hct, Hb) συλλέχθηκαν σε τέσσερα (4) χρονικά σημεία μέτρησης: 1) σε ηρεμία μία φορά, 2) στο διάλειμμα αμέσως μετά την 3η επανάληψη , 3) στον τερματισμό και 4) στα 10 λεπτά αποκατάστασης, ΙΙ) η καρδιακή συχνότητα (HR) και ΙΙΙ) ο κορεσμός του αρτηριακού αίματος σε οξυγόνο (SaO2) σε τρία (3) χρονικά σημεία μέτρησης: 1) σε ηρεμία μία φορά, 2) κατά τη διάρκεια κολύμβησης και 3) στο 1ο λεπτό αποκατάστασης, IV) η συγκέντρωση του γαλακτικού οξέος στο αίμα (La) στην ηρεμία και στο 8ο λεπτό αποκατάστασης, V) η συστολική (SBP) και διαστολική αρτηριακή πίεση (DBP) στην ηρεμία και στο 1ο λεπτό αποκατάστασης, VI) η υποκειμενική αντίληψη της κόπωσης (RPE) στην ηρεμία και στον τερματισμό και VII) ο χρόνος κολύμβησης (t25, t50 ). Αποτελέσματα: Η μη αντιρροπούμενη μεταβολική οξέωση, παρουσιάζει την κυρίαρχη θέση κατά τη διάρκεια της άπνοιας και αποδίδεται σε αυξημένη γαλακτική οξέωση λόγω άσκησης και στις δύο αναπνευστικές καταστάσεις (κανονική αναπνοή και άπνοια). Παρά το γεγονός ότι εμφάνισαν βραδυκαρδία οι αθλητές, επέδειξαν, όμως, ταχύτερους χρόνους κολύμβησης κατά τη διάρκεια της άπνοιας. Συμπεράσματα: Κατά τη διάρκεια επαναλαμβανόμενης διαλειμματικής κολύμβησης μικρών αποστάσεων, συγκεκριμένα 25 και 50 μέτρων ελευθέρου, υψηλής έντασης, η άπνοια βελτιώνει την απόδοση χωρίς να αντισταθμίζει τη μεταβολική οξέωση.