bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid speciation of Chinese hypogean fishes driven by paleogeoclimatic and morphological adaptations
Authors: Luo Tao , Lan Chang-Ting , Yu Jing , Song Ling-Xing , Fan Cui , Wang Jia-Jia , Zhou Jia-Jun , Xiao Ning , Zhou Jiang
Published: February 2025

Major geoclimatic events trigger clade divergence, shaping diversification patterns. However, the influence of historical geoclimatic events on the diversification of subsurface biota remains poorly understood. This study investigates the phylogeny and evolutionary history of under-recognized hypogean fishes in the Nemacheilidae family (HFN) in southwestern China, using mitogenome and nuclear gene sequencing. Our phylogeny supports the current genus-level classification but reveals conflicts between mitochondrial and nuclear gene topologies, suggesting past hybridization events. The ancestor of the HFN originated in eastern China–Korean Peninsula–Japanese Islands, north of northwest China–Mongolian Plateau, the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibetan) Plateau–Hengduan Mountains during the late Eocene (~36 million years ago (Mya)) and early Miocene (~16 Mya), and dispersed twice into the karst region of southwestern China. An ancient radiation event occurred from 22.44 Mya to 12.25 Mya. In situ diversification is the major speciation event, originating around 30 Mya and increasing sharply at ~11 Ma, with three peaks at ~7 Mya, ~3 Mya, and 1 Mya, and two valleys at ~5 Mya and ~2 Mya. Ancestral state reconstruction suggests at least four independent origins for the colorless, eye-blind, and troglobitic species morphs, as opposed to two events for the caudal adipose keel, and that these traits have undergone multiple reversals. These results highlight the role of geological processes and climatic events in the evolution of hypogean fishes and provide insights for conservation efforts, particularly in specialized cave habitats.
Evidence-based medicine and the cardiac troponin 99th percentile for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Hickman Peter E , Potter Julia M , Cullen Louise , Eggers Kai M , Than Martin , Pickering John W , Parsonage William , Doust Jenny
Published: February 2025

The 99th percentile of cardiac troponin assays for determining the presence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was set when assay analytical performance was much less precise than currently and was chosen, in part, to reduce the frequency of ‘false-positive’ results. A result greater than 99th percentile criterion has been a requirement of each version of the universal definition of MI. It also became used as a dichotomous decision-making threshold in diagnostic strategies for investigating AMI in acute care settings. There are numerous difficulties in deriving the 99th percentile which undermine its reliability as a standalone test threshold. It is important for patient safety that all users are aware of the challenges and pitfalls of using the 99th percentile for decision-making. We present a focused review of the 99th percentile, highlighting some difficulties with its use as a decision threshold as well as possible adjunctive strategies and alternative approaches.
15-Year Trends, Predictors and Outcomes of Heart Failure Hospitalisation Complicating First Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Modern PCI Era
Authors: Rashid Muhammad , Abramov Dmitry , Naseer Muhammad Usman , Van Spall Harriette , Ahmed Fozia Z , Lawson Claire , Dafaalla Mohamed , Kontopantelis Evan , Mohamed Mohamed O , Petrie Mark C , Mamas Mamas A
Published: February 2025

Background

Heart failure (HF) following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a global health concern, but data on risk factors associated with HF hospitalisation post-AMI are limited.

Methods

We analysed data from the Myocardial Ischaemia National Audit Project (MINAP), including patients admitted with AMI from 1 January 2006 to 31 March 2019. Data linkage with Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care (HES-APC) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) facilitated a longitudinal analysis. High-risk patients were identified using DAPA-MI and EMPACT-MI criteria. We assessed clinical outcomes, adherence to European Society of Cardiology (ESC) quality indicators, and predictors of HF-related hospitalisations.

Results

Out of 1,046,480 AMI patients, 9.1% overall, 17.2% in the DAPA-MI cohort, and 16.6% in the EMPACT-MI cohort experienced HF hospitalisation within a year post-AMI. High-risk patients, defined by the presence of five risk factors, had nearly one in four hospitalisations with HF at one-year follow-up. The predicted adjusted incidence rate for heart failure within 1 year almost doubled from 64.5 cases per 1,000 person-years (95% CI: 51.1 to 78.0) in 2005, to 118.2 cases per 1,000 person-years in 2019 (95% CI: 115.0 to 121.5). HF hospitalisation was associated with a threefold increase in one-year mortality (HR 3.01, 95% CI 2.95-3.13).

Conclusion

One in ten AMI patients experienced HF hospitalisation within the first year post-AMI, with rising trends in high-risk subgroups. These findings highlight the need for targeted post-AMI care strategies to improve outcomes and address the increasing burden of HF in the modern PCI era.
Prevalence and main characteristics of primary aldosteronism in bilateral macronodular adrenal disease: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Panarelli Annalisa , R O L Schweizer Júnia , Stuefchen Isabel , Brüdgam Denise , Zopp Stephanie , Zimmermann Petra , Mulatero Paolo , Deniz Sinan , Beuschlein Felix , Reincke Martin , Nowak Elisabeth
Published: February 2025

Context

Bilateral macronodular adrenal disease (BMAD) typically presents with bilateral benign adrenocortical macronodules and variable cortisol excess. Anecdotal evidence suggests oversecretion of other adrenal steroids, including mineralocorticoids.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that primary aldosteronism (PA) can occur in BMAD, resulting in a distinct, more severe phenotype compared to BMAD with isolated cortisol hypersecretion or unilateral PA (uPA).

Objective

To assess the prevalence and characteristics of PA in BMAD.

Methods

We systematically reviewed case reports and series of BMAD patients with PA, following PRISMA guidelines. BMAD was defined by bilateral adrenal nodules ≥10 mm. PA diagnosis followed US or Japanese Endocrine Society guidelines. We compared these findings with two cohorts from LMU Hospital Munich: BMAD with isolated cortisol hypersecretion and uPA.

Results

From 1018 articles, 18 representing 68 cases were included. Of these, 66 had BMAD with PA and two had BMAD with aldosterone precursor excess. The PA proportion in published BMAD series ranged from 2%-43%. BMAD patients with PA were predominantly male (75%) and younger (median 51.5 years) than those with isolated cortisol hypersecretion (median 60.5 years, P < .01). Their median blood pressure was higher (170/100 mmHg) compared to those with isolated cortisol hypersecretion (138/80 mmHg) or uPA (153/94 mmHg, P < .01). Treatment was only described in 28 cases, with 93% undergoing adrenalectomy. Clinical outcome was similar across groups post-treatment.

Conclusion

This review highlights the need for increased screening for PA in younger, hypertensive BMAD patients. Larger multicenter studies are needed to determine the association between these conditions, cardiovascular risk, and optimal treatment.
Physiological adaptations of clinical vs. indoor environmental strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a hospital setting
Authors: Vasco Gabriela , Martínez Ruth , Noboa Diego , Vasco Karla , Trueba Gabriel
Published: February 2025

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a remarkably adaptive bacterium frequently implicated in severe, sometimes fatal infections within healthcare institutions. The origins of clinical strains have generated considerable debate, suggesting that infectious variants emerge through selection from a broader environmental bacterial population. Our investigation explored the physiological differences between environmental (indoor) and clinical strains of P. aeruginosa isolated from a hospital over a year. We assessed various parameters, including survival patterns, antibiotic resistance, vulnerability to ciliate predation, bacterial antagonism, and motility. Despite the minimal incidence of patient infections during our observation, environmental P. aeruginosa was prevalent throughout the hospital during our study. Clinical strains exhibited diminished resistance to certain antibiotics, increased resistance against ciliate predators, and enhanced swarming and swimming motility compared to their environmental counterparts. Clinical strains maintained higher cell densities under starvation conditions but were outcompeted by environmental strains in a nutrient medium. In conclusion, our study suggests that P. aeruginosa clinical isolates possess unique physiological adaptations that may favor host colonization.
The UDP-glycosyltransferase PpUGT74F2 is involved in fruit immunity via modulating salicylic acid metabolism
Authors: Jiang Dan , Lin Siyin , Xie Linfeng , Chen Miaojing , Shi Yanna , Chen Kunsong , Li Xian , Wu Boping , Zhang Bo
Published: February 2025

Flesh fruits are essential for human health, but pathogen infection poses a threat to fruit production and postharvest storage. The hormone salicylic acid (SA) and its metabolites, such as sugar conjugates and methyl salicylate MeSA, play a crucial role in regulating plant immune responses. However, the UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) responsible for modulating SA metabolism in fruit have yet to be identified, and further investigation is needed to elucidate its involvement in fruit immune response. Here, we identified PpUGT74F2 as an enzyme with the highest transcription level in peach fruit, responsible for catalyzing the biosynthesis of SA glucoside (SAG), but not for MeSAG formation in fruit. Furthermore, infection of peach fruit with Monilinia fructicola, which causes brown rot disease, led to reduced expression of PpUGT74F2 resulting in significant decrease in SAG content and an increase in MeSA levels. Transgenic tomatoes expressing heterologous PpUGT74F2 increased susceptibility to gray mold. Interestingly, overexpressing PpUGT74F2 did not affect SA levels but dramatically reduced MeSA levels in response to pathogen infection, accompanied by significantly reduced expression of pathogen related (PR) genes in transgenic tomatoes. This study highlights that PpUGT74F2 acts as a negative regulatory factor for fruit immunity through a distinct mechanism not previously reported in plants.
A chromosome-scale and haplotype-resolved genome assembly of tetraploid blackberry (Rubus L. subgenus Rubus Watson)
Authors: Paudel Dev , Parrish S Brooks , Peng Ze , Parajuli Saroj , Deng Zhanao
Published: February 2025

Blackberries (Rubus spp.) are globally consumed and well known for their rich anthocyanin and antioxidant content and distinct flavors. Improving blackberries has been challenging due to genetic complexity of traits and limited genomic resources. The blackberry genome has been particularly challenging to assemble due to its polyploid nature. Here, we present the first chromosome-scale and haplotype-phased assembly for the cultivated primocane-fruiting, thornless tetraploid blackberry selection BL1 (Rubus L. subgenus Rubus Watson). The genome assembly was generated using Oxford Nanopore Technology and Hi-C scaffolding, resulting in a 919 Mb genome distributed across 27 pseudochromosomes, with an N50 of 35.73 Mb. This assembly covers >92% of the genome length and contains over 98% of complete BUSCOs. Approximately 58% of the assembly consists of repetitive sequences, with long terminal repeats being the most abundant class. A total of 87 968 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which, 82% were functionally annotated. Genome mining and RNA-Seq analyses identified possible candidate genes and transcription factors related to thornlessness and the key structural genes and transcription factors for anthocyanin biosynthesis. Activator genes including PAP1 and TTG1 and repressor genes such as ANL2 and MYBPA1 play an important role in the fine tuning of anthocyanin production during blackberry development. Resequencing of seven tetraploid blackberry cultivars/selections with different horticultural characteristics revealed candidate genes that could impact fruiting habit and disease resistance/susceptibility. This tetraploid reference genome should provide a valuable resource for accelerating genetic analysis of blackberries and facilitating the development of new improved cultivars with enhanced horticultural and nutritional traits.
Integrating State-Space Modeling, Parameter Estimation, Deep Learning, and Docking Techniques in Drug Repurposing: A Case Study on COVID-19 Cytokine Storm
Authors: Bakshi Abhisek , Gangopadhyay Kaustav , Basak Sujit , De Rajat K , Sengupta Souvik , Dasgupta Abhijit
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study addresses the significant challenges posed by emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, particularly in developing diagnostics and therapeutics. Drug repurposing is investigated by identifying critical regulatory proteins impacted by the virus, providing rapid and effective therapeutic solutions for better disease management.

Materials and Methods

We employed a comprehensive approach combining mathematical modeling and efficient parameter estimation to study the transient responses of regulatory proteins in both normal and virus-infected cells. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers were used to pinpoint specific protein targets for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, advanced deep learning models and molecular docking techniques were applied to analyze drug-target and drug-drug interactions, ensuring both efficacy and safety of the proposed treatments. This approach was applied to a case study focused on the cytokine storm in COVID-19, centering on Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which plays a key role in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Results

Our findings suggest that activating ACE2 presents a promising therapeutic strategy, whereas inhibiting AT1R seems less effective. Deep learning models, combined with molecular docking, identified Lomefloxacin and Fostamatinib as stable drugs with no significant thermodynamic interactions, suggesting their safe concurrent use in managing COVID-19-induced cytokine storms.

Discussion

The results highlight the potential of ACE2 activation in mitigating lung injury and severe inflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2. This integrated approach accelerates the identification of safe and effective treatment options for emerging viral variants.

Conclusion

This framework provides an efficient method for identifying critical regulatory proteins and advancing drug repurposing, contributing to the rapid development of therapeutic strategies for COVID-19 and future global pandemics.
Effects of Cocoa Extract Supplementation and Multivitamin/Multimineral Supplements on Self-Reported Fractures in the Cocoa Supplement and Multivitamins Outcomes Study (COSMOS) Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Crandall Carolyn J , Chou Sharon , Kim Eunjung , Ratnarajah Dana , Cook Nancy R , Clar Allison , Sesso Howard D , Manson JoAnn E , LeBoff Meryl S
Published: February 2025

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem among older adults. Forty percent of older U.S. adults take multivitamin/multimineral (MVM) supplementation. The effects of MVM supplementation on fractures is unclear. Preclinical and observational studies suggest that MVM and flavanols may have beneficial effects on bone. We conducted an ancillary study to COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS; NCT05232669) designed to investigate incident fracture and injurious falls in 21 442 COSMOS participants (12 666 females aged ≥65 years and 8776 males aged ≥60 years) randomized in a 2x2 factorial design to 1 of 4 intervention groups: cocoa extract + MVM, cocoa extract + MVM placebo, cocoa extract placebo + MVM, or double placebo. The daily cocoa extract supplement contained 500 mg/d flavanols and 80 mg/d (–)-epicatechin (Mars Edge); the daily MVM supplement was Centrum Silver® (Haleon). The median (interquartile range) duration of the intervention was 3.6 (3.2-4.2) years. Annually, participants self-reported incident fractures. In intention-to-treat analyses, we examined the effects of cocoa extract and MVM on the primary outcomes of total clinical fracture (hip, upper leg, forearm/wrist, pelvis, upper arm/shoulder, spine, knee, or other), hip fracture, and nonvertebral fracture, and secondary outcomes of clinical spine, forearm/wrist, major osteoporotic, and pelvic fracture using Cox proportional hazards models. During the intervention period, 2083 incident clinical fractures occurred. Compared with placebo, cocoa extract was not significantly associated with lower risk of incident clinical fracture (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.03, 95% CI 0.95-1.12) or nonvertebral fracture (aHR 1.05, 95% CI 0.96-1.14). MVM supplementation was not associated with lower risk of total clinical fracture (aHR 1.09, 95% CI 1.00-1.19), hip fracture (aHR 1.06, 95% CI 0.80-1.42), or nonvertebral fracture (aHR 1.10, 95% CI 1.00-1.20). These findings do not support the use of cocoa extract or MVM to decrease fracture risk in older individuals not selected for pre-existing osteoporosis.
The distribution of galaxy rotation in JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey
Authors: Shamir Lior
Published: February 2025

JWST provides a view of the Universe never seen before, and specifically fine details of galaxies in deep space. JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES) is a deep field survey, providing unprecedentedly detailed view of galaxies in the early Universe. The field is also in relatively close proximity to the Galactic pole. Analysis of spiral galaxies by their direction of rotation in JADES shows that the number of galaxies in that field that rotate in the opposite direction relative to the Milky Way galaxy is ∼50 % higher than the number of galaxies that rotate in the same direction relative to the Milky Way. The analysis is done using a computer-aided quantitative method, but the difference is so extreme that it can be noticed and inspected even by the unaided human eye. These observations are in excellent agreement with deep fields taken at around the same footprint by HST and JWST. The reason for the difference may be related to the structure of the early Universe, but it can also be related to the physics of galaxy rotation and the internal structure of galaxies. In that case the observation can provide possible explanations to other puzzling anomalies such as the Ho tension and the observation of massive mature galaxies at very high redshifts.
New Red Supergiant Stars in the other side of our Galaxy
Authors: Zhang Lin , Chen Bingqiu , Ren Yi , Zhang Zehao , Gao Jian , Jiang Biwei
Published: February 2025

Red supergiant stars (RSGs) are massive stars in a late stage of evolution, crucial for understanding stellar life cycles and Galactic structure. However, RSGs on the far side of our Galaxy have been underexplored due to observational challenges. In this study, we introduce a novel method and present a new catalogue comprising 474 RSGs situated on the far side of the Milky Way, sourced from the OGLE-III catalogue of Variable Stars (OIII-CVS). The identification of these RSGs was made possible by analyzing the granulation parameters extracted from OGLE I-band time-series data and the stellar parameters from Gaia DR3. Additionally, we estimate the distances to these RSGs using an empirical relation between their characteristic amplitude, absolute magnitude, and intrinsic color, achieving a distance uncertainty of 13 %. These newly identified RSGs are distributed at Galactocentric distances between 0 and 30 kpc, and reside roughly 1 to 4 kpc above and below the Galactic plane. This distribution provides new insights into the structure of the Milky Way, particularly at its outer boundaries. Our results reveal that the vertical distribution of these RSGs is consistent with the flare structure of the Galactic disk, confirming that the far side of the Milky Way exhibits a similar flaring pattern to the near side. This catalogue offers a valuable resource for future detailed studies of RSGs and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the Galactic structure and stellar evolution.
Time-resolved proteomic profiling of Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 in the copper-induced viable-but-non-culturable state
Authors: Patocka Timothej , Gupta Surya , Mastroleo Felice , Leys Natalie , Matroule Jean-Yves , Van Houdt Rob
Published: February 2025

Copper-based materials are actively explored for their potential as antimicrobial agents. However, recent studies show that sublethal concentrations of Cu ions can induce the viable-but-non-culturable (VBNC) cell state in certain bacteria, hampering contamination control and monitoring. In this study we contribute to the unravelling of this largely enigmatic phenomenon by determining the time-resolved proteome of Cu-treated Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 during VBNC induction and resuscitation. High-throughput quantitative LC-MS/MS analysis was performed at multiple sample time points, revealing the cellular adaptations that trigger VBNC formation and the characteristic spontaneous recovery of culturability. Entry into the VBNC state correlated with a widespread response to oxidative stress as well as downregulated pyruvate metabolism. The expression of specific metal resistance determinants changed with Cu exposure time and culminated in the strong upregulation of proteins linked to periplasmic Cu ion detoxification during the resuscitation phase. We suggest that this delayed induction of Cu resistance proteins is paralleled by the gradual reconstitution of energy reserves through metabolization of intracellular polyhydroxybutyrate, as supported by flow cytometric fluorescence measurements. Furthermore, Cu-treated cells showed upregulation of several motility and chemotaxis proteins, and increased cell motility was observed phenotypically. Our results reveal a highly dynamic proteomic response, provide fundamental insights into the VBNC state and emphasize the advantages of time-resolved proteomic analysis.
Tensor renormalization group study of the three-dimensional SU(2) and SU(3) gauge theories with the reduced tensor network formulation
Authors: Yosprakob Atis , Okunishi Kouichi
Published: February 2025

We perform a tensor renormalization group simulation of non-Abelian gauge theory in three dimensions using a formulation based on the ‘armillary sphere.’ In this formulation, matrix indices are completely traced out, eliminating the degeneracy in the singular value spectrum of the initial tensor. We demonstrate the usefulness of this technique by computing the average plaquette at zero temperature and the Polyakov loop susceptibility at finite temperatures for 2+1D SU(2) and SU(3) gauge theories. The deconfinement transition is identified for both gauge groups, with the SU(2) case being consistent with previous Monte Carlo results.
52 THE INFLUENCE OF FOLK MUSIC ON SOCIAL FUNCTION AND SOCIAL DISORDER IN PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA
Authors: Wang Haicheng
Published: February 2025

Background

Social dysfunction and social withdrawal are common in schizophrenia patients, affecting the quality of life and social adaptability. Improving social function is the key goal of treatment. Folk music can express emotions and trigger cultural resonance, and is considered to be an effective non-drug intervention that can promote emotional communication and social interaction of patients. However, there are few systematic studies on the effects of folk music on social function and disorder in patients with schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of folk music intervention on improving patients’ social function and alleviating social disorders, and to provide evidence for its application in the field of mental health.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial design was used to include 100 patients with schizophrenia, who were randomly divided into a folk music intervention group (n=50) and a control group (n=50). The intervention group received 12 weeks of ethnic music therapy twice a week for 60 minutes, including instrumental experience, song singing, and musical social activities. The control group received only conventional medication and psychological support. The Social Functioning Scale (SFS) and Social Disability Assessment Scale (SDAS) were measured at baseline, every 3 weeks, and at the end of the intervention.

Results

Baseline assessment showed no significant difference in SFS and SDAS scores between the intervention group and the control group (P>0.05). After the intervention, the SFS score in the intervention group gradually increased from 48.3±8.6 at baseline to 68.7±9.4 at week 12, which was significantly higher than 55.4±8.9 in the control group (P<0.05). SDAS scores in the intervention group decreased progressively from 12.7±3.1 at baseline to 6.3±2.5 at week 12, while those in the control group only decreased from 12.5±3.2 to 10.4±2.9 (P<0.05). The details are shown in Table 1.

Discussion

Folk music therapy can significantly improve the social function of schizophrenia patients and reduce their social barriers, and promote the recovery of social ability through cultural resonance and emotional expression, which has important psychological treatment value. This study provides scientific basis for the application of folk music in the treatment of schizophrenia, and demonstrates its unique advantages as a means of cultural intervention. Future studies may further explore the specific mechanisms of different ethnic music forms.
97 THE EFFECT OF NON-HERITAGE CULTURE ON STRESS RELIEF OF SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS UNDER THE CONCEPT OF STEAM EDUCATION ANALYZED
Authors: Sun* Yanhu , Majid Nuriah Abd , Halim Sharina Abdul , Li Haoze , Zhang Qi
Published: February 2025

Background

Schizophrenia patients often face high levels of psychological stress, which not only affects their daily life and social functions, but may also aggravate the severity of symptoms. Traditional treatment methods mainly focus on medication and psychotherapy, but rarely involve cultural and artistic interventions. As a comprehensive cultural resource, intangible cultural heritage (ICH) under the educational concept of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics Education (STEAM) has the potential to relieve stress and improve mental health. By integrating ICH into the STEAM education framework and exploring its stress relief effect on schizophrenia patients, it is helpful to provide new ideas and methods for mental treatment.

Methods

Fifty schizophrenia patients were selected and randomly divided into an ICH intervention group and a control group, with 25 patients in each group. The ICH intervention group participated in a 12-week training by participating in an ICH course with traditional crafts, folk music and dance as the content. The course combined the STEAM education concept and emphasized hands-on operation and artistic creation. The control group continued to receive conventional drug treatment and psychological intervention. Before and after the study, the stress level and symptom changes were evaluated by the Stress Assessment Scale (SAS) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

Results

The results showed that the intangible cultural heritage intervention significantly reduced the psychological stress of patients with schizophrenia and improved the patients’ positive symptoms and overall symptom performance. See Table 1 for specific data. As can be seen from Table 1, the improvement in the stress score of the intangible cultural heritage intervention group was 13.7 points, from 42.3 points to 28.6 points (P < 0.05), and the positive symptom score dropped from 16.4 points to 12.3 points (P < 0.05). In the control group, the improvement in stress scores and positive symptom scores was smaller, 2.6 points and 0.3 points respectively. It can be seen that the improvement effect of the intangible cultural heritage intervention group was significantly better than that of the control group (P < 0.05).

Discussion

Research shows that intangible cultural heritage intervention under the STEAM education concept can significantly alleviate the psychological stress of patients with schizophrenia and effectively improve the positive symptoms of patients. By combining the unique charm of intangible cultural heritage and the diversified teaching methods of STEAM education, a new and effective stress relief method can be provided for patients with schizophrenia. This intervention method has good clinical application prospects and provides a new direction for the rehabilitation treatment of schizophrenia.
105 THE EFFECT OF INK PAINTING ART THERAPY ON EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL COGNITION INTERVENTION IN PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA
Authors: Feng Momo , Bai* Ying
Published: February 2025

Background

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by cognitive impairments, emotional dysregulation, and social cognition deficits, severely affecting patients’ quality of life. Non-pharmacological therapies, especially art therapy, have gained attention for their creativity and psychological intervention. Ink painting therapy, part of Chinese culture, may positively impact emotional control and social cognition in patients through the expression and regulation of emotions in painting. Research on its therapeutic effects is scarce; this study aims to explore its impact on schizophrenia patients’ emotional stability and social cognition, offering new clinical treatment approaches.

Methods

The study included 120 patients meeting the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia and were randomly divided into the experimental group (n=60) and the control group (n=60). The experimental group received 12 weeks for 90 minutes; the control group was maintained with conventional treatment. Ink painting art therapy includes the teaching of basic painting skills, free subject painting, and group discussion. Intervention effects were assessed by emotional stability on the Emotional Stability Scale (Emotional Stability Scale, ESS), social cognition measured by the Social cognitive Questionnaire (Social Cognition Questionnaire, SCQ), and P300 component changes related to emotional processing and social cognition were analyzed by event-related potentials (Event-Related Potentials, ERP). Data analysis used SPSS 26.0 software.

Results

The changes in emotional and social cognitive indicators between the experimental group and the control group before and after the intervention are shown in Table 1. As shown in Table 1, the experimental group showed significant improvements in ESS, SCQ, and P300 amplitudes. After intervention, the amplitudes increased from 48.5±6.2 to 67.3±5.8, 58.9±7.1 to 74.6±6.3, and 8.3±1.2 to 10.6±1.1, respectively. The control group showed no significant changes, ranging from 49.2±6.4 to 52.1± 6.5, 59.3±7.5 to 61.2±7.0, and 8.2±1.3 to 8.4±1.3, respectively. The inter group differences and time effects were significant (P<0.001), indicating that the intervention had a significant positive effect on emotional stability, social cognition, and P300 amplitude.

Discussion

The results indicate that ink painting art therapy can significantly improve the emotional stability and social cognitive ability of patients with schizophrenia, and its mechanism of action may be related to enhancing P300 amplitude. This suggests that ink painting art therapy may indirectly enhance patients’ social cognitive function by improving their attention allocation and emotional processing abilities. Future research should further explore its intervention mechanisms and optimal implementation strategies, while considering the impact of different cultural backgrounds on intervention effectiveness.
Recent, Intricate Speciation in Amazonia Uncovered by a Multilayered Genomic Analysis of Tree Squirrels
Authors: Abreu Edson F , Prado Joyce R , Maldonado Jesús E , Wilson Don E , Percequillo Alexandre R , Pavan Silvia E
Published: February 2025

Accurate estimates of species diversity are essential for all biodiversity research. Delimiting species and understanding the underlying processes of speciation are also central components of systematic biology that frame our comprehension of the evolutionary mechanisms generating biodiversity. The South American tree squirrels (genus Guerlinguetus) are keystone mammals, widely distributed, that are critical in tree-seed predation and dispersal in one of the most fragile and threated ecosystems of the world, the tropical rainforests of South America. We obtained genomic data (ultraconserved elements and single nucleotide polymorphisms) to explore alternative hypotheses on species limits of this genus and to clarify recent and rapid speciation on continental-scale and dynamically evolving landscapes. Using a multilayered genomic approach that integrates fine-scale population genetic analyses with quantitative molecular species delimitation methods, we observed that (i) the most likely number of species within Guerlinguetus is six, contrasting with both classic morphological revision and mitochondrial species delimitation; (ii) incongruencies in species relationships still persist, which might be a response to population migration and gene flow taking place in the lowlands of eastern Amazonia and/or to the extremely rapid successive speciation events; and (iii) effective migration surfaces detected important geographic barriers associated with the major Amazonian riverine systems and the mountain ranges of the Guiana Shield. In conclusion, we uncovered unexpected and higher species diversity on Guerlinguetus and corroborate recent findings suggesting that much of the extant species-level diversity in Amazonia is young, dating back to the Quaternary. We also reinforce long-established hypotheses on the role of rivers and climate-driven forest dynamics in triggering Amazonian speciation. [gene flow; Guerlinguetus; migration; mito-nuclear discordance; Neotropics; quantitative species delimitation; Sciuridae; ultraconserved elements]
Improvements in RNA and DNA nanopore sequencing allow for rapid genetic characterization of avian influenza
Authors: Perlas Albert , Reska Tim , Croville Guillaume , Tarrés-Freixas Ferran , Guérin Jean-Luc , Majó Natàlia , Urban Lara
Published: February 2025

Avian influenza virus (AIV) currently causes a panzootic with extensive mortality in wild birds, poultry, and wild mammals, thus posing a major threat to global health and underscoring the need for efficient monitoring of its distribution and evolution. We here utilized a well-defined AIV strain to systematically investigate AIV genetic characterization through rapid, portable nanopore sequencing by comparing the latest DNA and RNA nanopore sequencing approaches and various computational pipelines for viral consensus sequence generation and phylogenetic analysis. We show that the latest direct RNA nanopore sequencing updates improve consensus sequence generation, but that the application of the latest DNA nanopore chemistry after reverse transcription and amplification outperforms such native viral RNA sequencing by achieving higher sequencing accuracy and throughput. We additionally leveraged the direct RNA nanopore sequencing data for the detection of RNA modifications, such as N6-methyladenosine and pseudouridine, which play a role in viral immune evasion. Finally, we applied these sequencing approaches together with portable AIV diagnosis and quantification tools to environmental samples from a poultry farm, demonstrating the feasibility of nanopore sequencing for on-site non-invasive AIV monitoring in real-world outbreak scenarios.
Fungal and bacterial species associated with storage diseases in sugar beet from the Red River Valley of Minnesota and North Dakota
Authors: Bill Malick , Adhikari Shraddha , Bruni Gillian O. , Fugate Karen Klotz , Qi Yunci , Khan Mohamed Fizal , Liu Zhaohui , Kandel Shyam L.
Published: February 2025

Sugar beet is a major source of consumable sugar in domestic and industrial applications in the U.S. Sugar beet roots are stored for up to seven months under cold ambient temperature conditions in the Red River Valley (RRV) of Minnesota (MN) and North Dakota (ND). During this period, storage rots often develop that can reduce the sucrose content and processing quality of the roots. Knowledge of the pathogens responsible for this sucrose loss is limited but crucial for devising management strategies. This study was conducted to re-examine and identify storage pathogens infecting sugar beet roots in open non-ventilated piles in the RRV of MN and ND and characterize their prevalence and geographic distribution. In the first year of the study, over 50 roots exhibiting storage rot were collected from an outdoor non-ventilated pile (ONVP) in MN. In the successive year, 150 storage rot and damaged symptomatic roots were collected from five geographically distinct ONVPs with three located in MN and two located in ND. Penicillium spp., Geotrichum candidum, and Mucor spp., were common filamentous fungal species identified, while Pichia membranifaciens was the dominant yeast identified in both years of the study. Leuconostoc mesenteroides and G. cerinus were common bacterial isolates in both years of the study. Most of the bacterial isolates obtained from ONVP-4 (ND) (63%) and ONVP-5 (ND) (99%) during the second year of the study were identified as L. mesenteroides. This study identified fungal and bacterial species associated with storage diseases of sugar beet roots in the RRV of MN and ND, which is pivotal for implementing management strategies to minimize postharvest sucrose losses during sugar beet storage.
“Blessed Be the Fruit”—The Contemporary Rise of Pronatalism
Authors: Forati R , Bartz D
Published: February 2025

(N Engl J Med. 2024;391(17):1569–1571. doi:10.1056/NEJMp2410208)

Margaret Atwood’s novel The Handmaid’s Tale, published in 1985, was influenced by the political changes during the Reagan administration. These changes involved shifts in voter demographics and alliances with religious traditionalists, leading to increased polarization on issues such as abortion and LGBTQIA+ rights. While not as severe as the dystopia in Atwood’s fiction, current policies regarding abortion, contraception, and in vitro fertilization have deviated from the beliefs of the majority of Americans. Present-day politicians still support laws that limit the choices of women who do not have children on purpose or due to circumstances, often using rhetoric associated with White supremacy and eugenics.
Likelihood of Primary Cesarean Section Following Induction of Labor in Singleton Cephalic Pregnancies at Term, Compared With Expectant Management: An Australian Population-Based, Historical Cohort Study
Authors: Hu Y , Homer CSE , Ellwood D , Slavin V , Vogel JP , Enticott J , Callander EJ
Published: February 2025

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2024;103:946–954. doi:10.1111/aogs.14785)

In high-income countries, there has been a clear trend toward earlier deliveries and a rise in the use of labor induction (IOL) and cesarean deliveries (CD) for women with term pregnancies. From 1990 to 2018, the average CD rate in high-income settings increased from 12% to 27% and is expected to reach 37% by 2030. Likewise, the rate of IOL rose from 20% in 1990 to 30% in 2019. Subsequently, the average length of pregnancy at delivery has dropped in the United States and Australia from 40 to 39 weeks. Australia has seen greater IOL and CD rates than other affluent nations. From 2010 to 2020, there was a rise in IOL rates from 25% to 37%, and CD rates increased from 31% to 36% for pregnancies at full term. There is concern that Australia’s CD rate may hit 45% by 2030. Cesarean delivery imparts increased risk for maternal and neonatal morbidity as well as substantial financial challenges for individuals and health care systems. This study investigated the probability of needing a CD after IOL in women with single, head-first pregnancies at 37 to 40 weeks, compared to women with spontaneous labor.
Routine Use of Cell Salvage During Cesarean Section: A Practice Evaluation
Authors: Leeson C , Jones M , Odendaal J , Choksey F , Quenby S
Published: February 2025

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2024;103:498–504. doi:10.1111/aogs.14753)

A leading global cause of maternal death is obstetric peripartum hemorrhage (PPH). When PPH occurs during cesarean delivery (CD), there are increased risks of requiring a hysterectomy, developing disseminated intravascular coagulation, or needing intensive care unit admission. Some of these can be taken into account before a CD, but unexpected bleeding can always occur. A common treatment for PPH is blood transfusion, but donor blood is scarce and there are risks associated with it such as ABO mismatch and blood borne infection. An alternative to this treatment is intraoperative cell salvage (IOCS) with autologous blood transfusion, which involves collecting, washing, and reinfusing blood during the procedure. Potential risks of this procedure include fetal cell alloimmunization and amniotic fluid embolism. This study was designed to assess routine use of IOCS in a tertiary obstetric center over 4 years, analyzing rates of isoimmunization in subsequent pregnancies and maternal and fetal complications over 8 years of follow-up.
Facilitating Positive Birth Experience When Preferences Are Not Met: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Lawal T , Dodge LE , Toffey D , Zera C , Wu M , Larson E
Published: February 2025

(Birth. 2024;51:275–283. doi:10.1111/birt.12783)

Effective health care systems prioritize patient-focused care that incorporates personal preferences and needs, ultimately boosting patient contentment and wellness. Loss of fulfillment of preferences during childbirth can detrimentally effect childbirth experiences and patient well-being. Meeting the desires of patients is essential in providing top-notch birthing care; studies show that satisfying a birth plan is associated with increased contentment. When discrepancies arise between preferences and actual experiences, even when medically indicated, they can result in a negative birth experience. A frequent source of disagreement is labor induction. In 2020, induction was used for 31% of births, even though many patients would rather experience spontaneous labor. Research indicates that many women were coerced into induction by health care providers and did not fully comprehend the rationale behind it, impacting their capacity to provide informed consent.
Allogenic Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Improve Motor Function in Prenatal Surgical Repair of Myelomeningocele: An Ovine Model Study
Authors: Athiel Y , Jouannic J-M , Mauffré  , Dehan C , Adam C , Blot S , Lallemant P , De Saint Denis T , Larghero J , Nasone J , Guilbaud L
Published: February 2025

(BJOG. 2024;131(6):759–767. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.17624)

Myelomeningocele (MMC), also referred to as open spina bifida, is the most severe type of spina bifida and a significant abnormality in the neural tube. It consists of a sac filled with fluid found on the back of infants and is linked to dysfunction with the lower limbs, digestion, and urinary systems, as well as possible cognitive impacts. Research conducted by MOMS revealed the advantages of prenatal repair for MMC compared with surgery after birth, resulting in the widespread acceptance of prenatal surgical methods. Even with these improvements, 71% of patients are still unable to walk without assistance by the time they turn 8, and 75% must use a urinary catheter every day by the age of 10. Therefore, further tactics are needed to improve results. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) may be beneficial in MMC due to their protective and repair mechanisms. Preliminary research showed only slight, insignificant enhancements in motor function from UC-MSCs in a sheep MMC model, leading to the need for more study.
The Association Between Epidural Labor Analgesia and Postpartum Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tan HS , Tan CW , Sultana R , Chen HY , Chua T , Rahman N , Gandhi M , Sia ATH , Sng BL
Published: February 2025

(Anaesthesia. 2024;79(4):357–367. doi:10.1111/anae.16178. PMID: 37990597)

Postpartum depression (PPD) has many adverse effects, including the objective rates of increased maternal and infant morbidity and increased health care expenses, as well as the more subjective effects on breastfeeding, infant and maternal bonding, maternal responsiveness to infant needs, social emotional, behavioral, and cognitive development of the child. A significant challenge in PPD care lies in the fact that some symptoms require treatments that are not safe for pregnant women. Severe peripartum pain has also been associated with PPD, leading to a consideration that a method for clinical improvement may be preventing such pain through epidural analgesia. Recent meta-analyses provide conflicting data and results on whether epidural use reduces risk of PPD. Thus, the authors sought to elucidate this using a randomized controlled trial.
Examining the Relationship Between Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children Whose Mother Had Labour Epidural Analgesia for Their Birth: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zamstein O , Sheiner E , Binyamin Y , Pariente G , Wainstock T
Published: February 2025

(Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2024;41(4):282–287. doi:10.1097/EJA.0000000000001932. PMID: 38084085)

Many mothers choose to use labor epidural analgesia (LEA); however, new concerns have been raised as to whether this inadvertently contributes to the neurodevelopmental disorder, autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The developmental field incompletely understands the pathogenesis of ASD, however, it is generally believed to be a result of environmental influences that affect the epigenetic expression of genes of already susceptible individuals. Recent hypotheses about the influence of LEA on the epigenetics related to autism have been investigated, without consensus. This group sought to investigate and provide further evidence to the field of childhood autism.
Mechanism of Chronic Iatrogenic CSF Leak Following Dural Puncture-Ventral Dural Leak: Case Report
Authors: Caroll IR , Lansinger O , Do HM , Dodd R , Mahaney K , Li D
Published: February 2025

(Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2024;49:293–297. doi:10.1136/rapm-2023-105197)

Unintended dural puncture (UDP) is a possible complication of epidural catheter placement, which can cause acute postdural puncture headache (PDPH). The resulting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak can heal without treatment, but the third most common cause of lawsuits against anesthesiologists by obstetric patients was headache (HA), showing that the impact of these symptoms is not benign and can be long-term. This article is a case report focused on a patient with UDP that reported persistent severe symptoms despite treatment with epidural blood patch (EBP) triggering further investigation and the confirmation of a persistent ventral dural puncture.