bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Workplace Violence Against Chinese Nurses From the Perspectives of Social Media and News Reports: A Multilayer Text Mining Analysis
Authors: Cao Yucheng , Gao Yu , Chappell Kathy
Published: February 2025

Aims

This study compares the emotional expressions and structural characteristics of workplace violence (WPV) against Chinese nurses in social media comments and news reports, highlighting differences and focal points in dissemination.

Design

A quantitative study utilising text mining and social network analysis.

Methods

Data containing the keywords ‘nurse violence’, ‘nurse workplace violence’, ‘nurse bullying’, ‘nurse workplace bullying’ were collected from social media platforms (e.g., Xiaohongshu, Zhihu, Weibo) and news platforms (e.g., Baidu News, People's Daily, Xinhua News) between January 1, 2016, and October 31, 2024. Using Python 3.8.9, time trends and sentiment analyses were performed, while Ucinet 6.0 was used for social network analysis to explore dissemination patterns and keyword structures. A total of 5431 social media comments and 89 news reports were analysed.

Results

Temporal analysis showed that social media attention to WPV against nurses significantly exceeded that of news reports, with a peak in 2024. Sentiment analysis revealed predominantly negative emotions (52.75%) on social media, while news reports exhibited a more positive tone (62.92%). Social network analysis revealed stark differences in keyword structures between platforms. Social media exhibited a dense and decentralised network, with keywords like ‘head nurse’, ‘leader’ and ‘bullying’ highlighting internal professional conflicts. In contrast, news reports showed a centralised network focusing on external violent incidents, with keywords such as ‘violence’, ‘assault’ and ‘patient’ dominating.

Conclusions

Social media and news reports demonstrated significant differences in describing WPV against nurses. Social media focused on emotional expressions of interpersonal conflicts, whereas news reports prioritised factual accounts of violent incidents and proposed solutions.

Impact

This study offers insights into how WPV against nurses is communicated through different media, helping nursing administrators and policymakers understand the complexity of these narratives. The findings can inform the development of targeted communication strategies to address WPV and enhance public awareness.

Patient or Public Contribution

Not applicable.
Diabetes Mellitus and Hyperlipidemia Status Among Hypertensive Patients in the Community and Influencing Factors Analysis of Blood Pressure Control
Authors: Zhang Shijia , Yang Yunou , Chen Xiongfei , Fan Liumei , Wu Jiagang , Liu Xiangyi , Lin Weiquan , Zhai Zhiyu , Lin Guozhen , Liu Hui , Zhou Qin
Published: February 2025

To evaluate the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hyperlipidemia in hypertensive patients in South China and assess the relationship between these comorbidities and blood pressure control to develop targeted strategies for hypertension management. Data from the 2020 Guangzhou National Basic Public Health Service Program were analyzed using Chi‐square tests, t‐tests, and logistic regression with R 4.1.2. Among 275,789 hypertensive patients, the blood pressure control rate was 51.51%. The prevalence of T2DM and hyperlipidemia comorbidities was 12.79%, with 12.78% for T2DM alone, 33.54% for hyperlipidemia alone, and 40.89% with no comorbidities. Blood pressure control rates significantly differed by comorbidity (p < 0.05): 52.84% for those without T2DM/hyperlipidemia, 54.18%, 49.25% for T2DM or hyperlipidemia alone, and 50.52% for both conditions. Multivariate analysis indicated a lower blood pressure control rate in patients with hyperlipidemia alone (OR = 1.144) or both T2DM and hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.082), and a higher rate in those with T2DM alone (OR = 0.936). Subgroup analysis revealed that males, older age, higher education, obesity, alcohol use, lack of physical activity, and poor medication adherence were associated with lower control rates. This study found a high prevalence of diabetes and hyperlipidemia among hypertensive patients in Guangzhou. Additionally, hypertensive patients with hyperlipidemia had poorer blood pressure control compared to other diabetic patients. Key factors such as obesity, being overweight, and unhealthy lifestyle choices significantly impact blood pressure management in this population. Therefore, comprehensive measures should be implemented to integrate lipid management into community health efforts and to effectively control blood pressure levels among hypertensive patients.
Association Between a New Model of Insulin Sensitivity and Hypertension in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Ji Baolan , Shi Shuwei , Gao Guanqi , Wang Yangang , Ban Bo
Published: February 2025

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension often coexist, and insulin resistance (IR) plays an important role in their pathological progression. An increasing number of studies have focused on the relationship between different IR indices and hypertension. A natural log transformation of the glucose disposal rate (loge GDR) has been proposed as a new model for insulin sensitivity in patients with T2D. The study aimed to explore the relationship between loge GDR and hypertension in T2D patients. This cross‐sectional study included 1544 Chinese T2D patients. Clinical and biochemical characteristics were collected. The loge GDR was calculated based on triglycerides, urinary albumin to creatinine ratio, gamma‐glutamyl transferase, and body mass index. Patients were categorized into hypertension and nonhypertension groups stratified by gender. Among both females and males, compared with the nonhypertension group, the level of loge GDR was significantly decreased in the hypertension group (both p < 0.001). As the loge GDR increased, the levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and the prevalence of hypertension were obviously increased (all p < 0.001). Univariate analysis displayed that loge GDR was negatively related to hypertension (correlation coefficient: −0.243, p < 0.001 in females; correlation coefficient: −0.181, p < 0.001 in males). Furthermore, the logistic regression analysis showed that loge GDR was independently associated with hypertension (OR: 0.456; 95% CI: 0.224–0.927 in females; OR: 0.544; 95% CI: 0.314–0.941 in males). This study revealed that loge GDR was closely related to hypertension, which might help monitor and manage hypertension in T2D patients.
Directional Temporal Relationship Between Hypertension and Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Cross‐Lagged Cohort Study
Authors: Tang Jianmin , Aheyeerke Halengbieke , Ni Xuetong , Cao Tengrui , Wang Xuan , Chen Shuo , Han Yumei , Kong Linrun , Yang Xinghua
Published: February 2025

The temporal relationship between non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hypertension (HTN) remains unclear despite their known association. Using data from the Beijing Health Management Cohort (BHMC) with a 5‐year follow‐up, we investigated these bidirectional links through Cox proportional hazards regression and a cross‐lagged panel model (CLPM), adjusting for confounders. Systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) and hepatic steatosis index (HSI) were treated as continuous variables to enhance biological interpretability. Cox regression revealed that HTN increased the risk of NAFLD (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.30, p < 0.05) among participants without NAFLD at baseline, while NAFLD elevated the risk of HTN (HR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02–1.21, p < 0.05) among those without HTN at baseline. However, CLPM involving 7349 participants identified a unidirectional temporal relationship from HTN to NAFLD, regression coefficients βSBP2017→HSI2022: 0.036 (95% CI: 0.012, 0.059), βDBP2017→HSI2022: −0.044 (95% CI: −0.068, −0.020), both p < 0.05; but not from NAFLD to HTN, regression coefficients βHSI2017→SBP2022: 0.017 (95% CI: −0.003,0.037), βHSI2017→DBP2022:0.006 (95% CI: −0.016,0.028), both p > 0.05. Overall, our study demonstrates a unidirectional temporal association from HTN to NAFLD. However, a bidirectional relationship was also observed in individuals under 60 years and in those without central obesity. These findings highlight the importance of considering age and central obesity to manage HTN to reduce the risk of future NAFLD and to manage NAFLD to reduce the risk of future HTN.
Evaluation of A Combination of Ketamine and Dexmedetomidine as A Field Anesethetic Protocol for Immobilization of Golden‐Mantled Howler Monkeys (Alouatta palliata palliata)
Authors: Nodolf Shannon B. , Smith Joseph A. , Volle Kurt A. , Bernal‐Valle Sofía , Russell Maraiah
Published: February 2025

Background

The golden‐mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata palliata) is an endangered primate experiencing acute population declines for reasons not fully identified. Health and disease monitoring are critical factors for understanding animal and ecosystem health, yet limited research has been achieved in this species due to difficulties in successful immobilization and sample collection. The purpose of this research is to investigate the efficacy of combined ketamine and dexmedetomidine in providing safe field anesthesia for golden‐mantled howler monkeys (A. palliata palliata) to perform physical examinations and biological data collection.

Methods

Eighteen free‐ranging golden‐mantled howler monkeys from the Marino las Baulas National Park in Costa Rica received a remote intramuscular injection of a ketamine‐dexmedetomidine combination. Anesthetic timing intervals, cardiorespiratory parameters, and venous blood gases were evaluated.

Results

Successful anesthesia was induced with mean doses of ketamine 8.65 mg/kg (±0.9) and dexmedetomidine 0.043 mg/kg (±0). Recoveries after reversal administration were rapid and smooth, with all animals successfully reintroduced to their colonies within 49 min (mean 38 min) of reversal administration.

Conclusions

Ketamine‐dexmedetomidine combination is effective at inducing the appropriate anesthetic plane required for field work in this species and should be considered for in situ capture of free‐ranging mantled howler monkeys.
Enhancing Consumer Satisfaction in Complex Choices Through a Sequential Elimination Approach
Authors: Poluektova Olga , Barjaková Martina , Lunn Peter D.
Published: February 2025

Consumers often face challenges in making choices when their preferences are unclear, the number of alternatives is high, and information is complex. This can result in reduced engagement and satisfaction with the process and result of choice. These negative effects can be countered by sequentially eliminating choice alternatives via a series of more manageable trade‐offs. We applied this approach to private health insurance choices, designing a product comparison tool that splits this complex decision into a sequence of simpler trade‐offs. In a pre‐registered online study with 801 participants, we compared the sequential tool to a regulator's existing comparison tool. Results showed higher satisfaction and a clear preference for the sequential tool across sociodemographic groups. The sequential tool also positively influenced satisfaction with chosen health insurance plans. Our findings support the potential of simplified, sequential elimination to enhance choice satisfaction, suggesting opportunities for developing consumer decision aids in complex product markets.
Xanthine Derivative KMUP‐3 Alleviates Periodontal Bone Resorption by Inhibiting Osteoclastogenesis and Macrophage Pyroptosis
Authors: Huang Shang‐En , Hu Kai‐Fang , Lin Meng‐Xuan , Tseng Ching‐Jiunn , Wu Bin‐Nan , Dai Zen‐Kong , Hsu Jong‐Hau , Yeh Jwu‐Lai
Published: February 2025

Aim

This study investigated the function effects of KMUP‐3, a self‐developed synthetic xanthine‐based derivative, in suppressing Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg‐LPS)‐aggravated osteoclastogenesis and pyroptosis as a potential treatment for periodontitis.

Methods

In vitro, the effects of Pg‐LPS and KMUP‐3 on osteoclast formation and macrophage pyroptosis were investigated using the receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐primed RAW264.7 macrophages. In vivo, the therapeutic effects of KMUP‐3 were evaluated in a model of experimental periodontitis induced by gingival ligature placement.

Results

We reveal that KMUP‐3 suppressed osteoclastogenesis, inducible nitric oxide synthase activation, and reduced nitric oxide production enhanced by Pg‐LPS in RANKL‐primed RAW264.7 cells while also decreasing TLR4/NF‐κB p65 pathway activation and decreased pro‐inflammatory cytokine production; moreover, Pg‐LPS promoted NLRP3 activation and exacerbated pyroptosis induction effects that were abolished by KMUP‐3. Finally, KMUP‐3 ameliorated alveolar bone loss and IL‐1β levels in the gingival crevicular fluid in the rat ligature periodontitis model.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that KMUP‐3 attenuates Pg‐LPS‐enhanced osteoclastogenesis and macrophage pyroptosis. Notably, KMUP‐3 alleviates alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis rats and thus suggests its certain role in safeguarding against periodontal bone resorption.
Coagulation status of immune‐mediated polyarthritis in dogs
Authors: Packham L. A. F. , Black V.
Published: February 2025

Objective

To describe the coagulation status of dogs with immune‐mediated polyarthritis.

Materials and Methods

Hospital records at a single referral centre were retrospectively reviewed for dogs diagnosed with immune‐mediated polyarthritis. Cases were classified as hypercoagulable, normocoagulable, hypocoagulable, or hypercoagulable and hypocoagulable according to the results of viscoelastic testing performed at the time of diagnosis. Other data including signalment, body weight, age at diagnosis, haematological and biochemical laboratory findings, number of joints sampled and synovial fluid analysis, and short‐term outcome were recorded. Breed predisposition was defined through comparison to the hospital population and odds ratio calculation.

Results

Thirty‐eight dogs were included with a median age of diagnosis of 4 years (range 9 months to 10 years). One dog (2.6%) was classified as hypercoagulable, 32 (84.2%) were classified as normocoagulable, four (10.5%) were classified as hypocoagulable and one dog (2.6%) had changes associated with both hypercoagulability and hypocoagulability.

Clinical Significance

In contrast to other systemic inflammatory disorders, immune‐mediated polyarthritis was not commonly associated with either hypo‐ or hypercoagulability in this cohort of dogs.
Factors Associated With Complementary Feeding Practices in Afghanistan: Analysis of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2022–2023
Authors: Gardner Hannah , Prakash Atma , Rawal Shweta , Azimi Said M. Yaqoob , Joe William , Murira Zivai , Sethi Vani
Published: February 2025

Children between the ages of 6 and 23 months require the age‐appropriate introduction of complementary foods alongside breastfeeding to meet their nutritional needs, but in humanitarian settings children frequently do not receive appropriate diets. Using data from 9193 children aged 6–23 months in the Afghanistan Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2022–2023, this paper provides nationally representative estimates of the percentage of children meeting key IYCF indicators and assesses the child, maternal and household determinants of receiving minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF) and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) using multivariable logistic regression. Results showed that 85%, 65% and 93% of children were not fed a diet that met MDD, MMF or MAD criteria, respectively. Older children (18–23 months) had significantly higher odds of meeting all three criteria compared to younger children (6–11 months) (MDD aOR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.93–3.12; MMF aOR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.11–1.50; MAD aOR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.51–2.65), as did children from the richest households (vs. poorest) (MDD aOR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.72–4.70; MMF aOR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.35–2.46; MAD aOR = 3.88, 95% CI: 2.14–7.04). There was substantial variation in the odds of all outcomes by region. Rural residence (vs. urban) was also associated with higher odds of receiving MMF (aOR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.25–2.05) and MAD (aOR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.18–2.42) but not MDD. Overall, alarmingly few children in Afghanistan are receiving appropriate complementary diets amidst a context of concurrent political, economic and environmental crises. Reversals to funding reductions are vital to ensure proven interventions responding to the determinants identified here continue to be delivered to support nutrition among Afghanistan's infants and young children.
Hoarding the intangible: Language as an object of colonial collecting
Authors: Shulist Sarah
Published: February 2025

This commentary builds on the concept of “colonial hoarding” by considering how it applies to intangible cultural practices, such as language. The central processes and practices that allow language to fit within this system are its artefactualization—its ontological transformation into something tangible—and its subsequent circulation through regimes of property and access. Building on my experience as a linguistic anthropologist working with Indigenous communities on language revitalization, I propose that these processes emerge, sometimes unintentionally, from the foundational ideologies that inform scholarly work on “endangered” languages. By using the concept of “colonial hoarding” in this way, I argue that we can further the discussion about Indigenous language reclamation by recognizing the relationship to what is happening to other types of ancestors.
Neuromuscular Junction Damage in the Calf Muscles of Patients With Advanced Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Tu Huiyin , Hakim Ali H. , Kim Julian K. , Zhu Zhen , Tian Yuqian , Pipinos Iraklis I. , Li Yu‐Long
Published: February 2025

Aims

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) reduces blood flow to the legs and causes severe muscle and leg dysfunction for PAD patients. Skeletal muscle contractile function is dependent on the health of the muscle itself and that of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) on the muscle membrane.

Methods

To determine whether the NMJ, including the motor nerve terminals and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR), is damaged in PAD, gastrocnemius muscles were collected from 3 controls and 13 PAD patients to capture images from 331 control NMJs and 512 PAD NMJs.

Results

For the motor nerve terminals, there were more denervated nAChR clusters and fewer nerve terminal occupancies in NMJs in PAD patients, compared with controls. For the nAChR clusters in the NMJs, the area per nAChR cluster was 369.3 ± 6.7 versus 225.2 ± 5.3 μm2, the area per fragment was 195.9 ± 9.2 versus 107.1 ± 3.1 μm2, the number of fragments per nAChR cluster was 2.3 ± 0.1 versus 3.2 ± 0.1, the nAChR cluster area per endplate area was 75.7 ± 1.6 versus 55.7 ± 1.1%, total distance of fragments per nAChR cluster was 4.6 ± 0.4 versus 8.8 ± 0.8 μm, and the fragmented nAChR clusters were 7.6% versus 21.6% of total nAChR clusters in controls versus PAD patients, respectively (p < 0.05 in all parameters).

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate deterioration of the motor nerve terminals and nAChR clusters, which may compromise neuromuscular transmission, and contribute to the severe leg dysfunction observed in patients with PAD.
National screening for delirium in paediatric intensive care units: A quality improvement initiative
Authors: Blackwood Bronagh , Aitken Leanne M. , Craske Jennie , Gala‐Peralta Sandra , Liew Ashley , Murray Maeve , McIlmurray Lisa , Tume Lyvonne N.
Published: February 2025

Background

Internationally, one in three children develop delirium during their intensive care stay. International guidelines strongly recommend twice‐daily screening for paediatric delirium using validated instruments. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, delirium was assessed only when suspected and few intensive care units (ICUs) used validated instruments.

Aim

This initiative aimed to implement a national screening strategy in 28 paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Study Design

The strategy involved: (a) rapidly reviewing, evaluating and ranking paediatric screening instruments for sensitivity, specificity, appropriateness and acceptability for national implementation; (b) achieving national agreement to implement a common tool; (c) creating and disseminating training materials while supporting training personnel in implementation; and (d) integrating delirium monitoring within the Paediatric Intensive Care Audit Network national database.

Results

Among seven validated instruments, the top ranked options (from 1, most applicable to 7, least applicable) were the Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium (average rank 1.25) and the Sophia Observation withdrawal Symptoms‐Paediatric Delirium scale (1.5). Twenty‐three units voted for their preferred choice of instrument: fifteen preferred the Cornell instrument, eight favoured the Sophia instrument and five did not respond. Training and implementation began in November 2021 and by March 2023 18 of the 28 units (64%) had successfully implemented screening. The national database began actively collecting delirium data from units in January 2024.

Conclusions

This initiative outlined critical steps for implementing and maintaining practice of delirium screening in PICUs. We provided clinicians with validated screening tools for detecting paediatric delirium and the necessary support and infrastructure to maintain screening. Embedding and sustaining screening is an ongoing challenge.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Undertaking routine screening for all intensive care patients from admission to discharge using validated instruments will provide earlier detection and treatment for critically ill children. This strategy offers a model for standardized and effective implementation in clinical practice in ICUs.
Field‐Deployable RPA/Cas12a Diagnostic Assay for On‐Site Detection of Alternaria Section Alternaria in Sweet Cherry
Authors: Hussain Rafakat , Hu Jia‐Jie , Zhao Bing‐Yu , Aarti Aarti , Karim Mohammad Mazharul , Yin Wei‐Xiao , Luo Chao‐Xi
Published: February 2025

Alternaria section Alternaria causes diseases in many fruit and vegetable varieties on a global scale and causes considerable losses. The wide distribution and ecological adaptability in different ecological niches make it important for plant and animal health. Therefore, comprehensive and rapid detection and diagnosis of Alternaria section Alternaria are required, enabling farmers to develop timely, effective, and accurate management strategies to mitigate the impact on agricultural yields and quality. Here, we present the development of a rapid and specific detection method that can be completed within 40 min. Remarkably, this assay can be performed with mini‐UV light or ordinary incandescent light from a mobile phone, allowing detection with the naked eye. The sensitivity of the assay is impressive, with a lowest detection limit of 9.5 × 104 fg/μL DNA of the target pathogen, ensuring reliable detection even at low pathogen densities. The evaluation of the specificity of the assay showed that it can detect the target pathogen with no cross‐reactivity with other common fungal pathogens on stone fruits such as cherry and peach. Furthermore, the RPA/Cas12a assay was demonstrated to detect all strains from different geographical regions of China. In simulation of field application, the RPA/Cas12a assay displayed high specificity and sensitivity, accurately distinguishing the diseased fruit inoculated with Alternaria alternata from healthy samples, reaffirming its reliability and practicality for on‐site detection. In summary, the RPA/Cas12a assay offers rapid, sensitive, and specific detection and can be applied directly in the field without compromising sensitivity and specificity.
Phytohormones enhance resistance to Tenebrio molitor by regulating reactive oxygen species and phenolic metabolism in pigeon pea
Authors: Yang Jie , Li Hongquan , Zhang Su , Zhang Yuexin , Xie Jianbo , Wink Michael , Fu Yujie
Published: February 2025

Pigeon pea is an important economic crop with medicinal and nutritional value. Unfortunately, pest infestation of leaves during postharvest storage seriously affects the quality of pigeon pea. Phytohormones play a crucial role in disease and pest defence by regulating the accumulation of specialized metabolites. Still, their impact on the postharvest storage of pigeon pea has not been reported. In this study, the physiological parameters and main phenotypes of pigeon pea leaves treated with MeJA, ABA, and GA were investigated for the first time. The activity of the antioxidant enzyme system, which eliminates reactive oxygen species, was enhanced by applying MeJA, GA, and ABA. MeJA, GA, and ABA significantly affected crown width, plant height, and relative water content in pigeon pea, respectively. Metabolomic profiling analysis identified phenolic compounds as the main differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs). UPLC‐QqQ‐MS/MS identified stilbenes, flavanones, flavones, isoflavones and anthocyanins as major phenolic compounds responsive to MeJA, GA, and ABA induction. By feeding insects, it was found that the insects fed on MeJA‐, ABA‐, and GA‐treated leaves less than on control leaves. Correlation analysis confirmed that isoflavones play an important role in this process. Moreover, the expression of key genes involved in flavonoid biosynthetic pathways and anti‐insect‐related genes was regulated by MeJA, GA, and ABA. Overall, this work provides a new strategy for the cultivation and storage of pigeon pea or other commercial crops and preliminarily clarifies that flavonoid metabolites under plant hormone treatment can promote plant growth and defence against insects by regulating reactive oxygen species.
Transcriptome and metabolome analysis reveal the mechanisms of iron absorption differences in apple rootstocks under alkaline condition
Authors: Li Yanmei , Chen Peng , Zeng Fanwei , Wang Han , Ma Weifeng , Wu Aiyuan , Ma Zonghuan , Mao Juan , Chen Baihong
Published: February 2025

Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient for plant growth and development. Fe deficiency leads to growth restriction, developmental disorders, chlorosis, and yield loss of fruit trees. This study investigated the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying the differences in Fe absorption among various apple rootstocks under alkaline conditions. Results showed that ‘Oregon Spur II’ grafted onto Qingzhen No.2 (OS/Q2) exhibited foliage etiolation, while ‘Oregon Spur II’ grafted onto Qingzhen No.1 (OS/Q1) did not display such etiolation under alkaline conditions. Physiological experiments revealed that total Fe, ferrous Fe, and chlorophyll content in OS/Q2 were significantly lower than those in OS/Q1, whereas the Fe reductase activity in OS/Q2 was higher than that in OS/Q1. Additionally, a total of 7,025 and 9,102 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 488 transcription factors (TFs), were identified in OS/Q1L vs. OS/Q2L and OS/Q1R vs. OS/Q2R, respectively. Subsequently, the pathways associated with “phenylpropanoid biosynthesis”, “plant hormone signal transduction”, “hydrogen ion export across plasma membrane”, “heme binding”, and “iron binding” were identified as critical for responding to Fe deficiency under alkaline conditions. Furthermore, a total of 244 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified in OS/Q1R vs. OS/Q2R. A combined analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome revealed that “ABC transporters”, “biosynthesis of amino acids”, and “carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms” were significantly overrepresented in the KEGG pathways of both DEGs and DAMs. These newly acquired genes and metabolites involved in Fe metabolism will enhance our capacity to employ genetic engineering technologies to maintain Fe homeostasis in plants in the future.
Haplotype‐resolved genome assembly of Ficus carica L. reveals allele‐specific expression in the fruit
Authors: Usai Gabriele , Giordani Tommaso , Vangelisti Alberto , Castellacci Marco , Simoni Samuel , Bosi Emanuele , Natali Lucia , Mascagni Flavia , Cavallini Andrea
Published: February 2025

In this study, we produced a haplotype‐phased genome sequence of the fig tree (Ficus carica L.), a non‐Rosaceae fruit tree model species, providing a systematic overview of the organization of a heterozygous diploid genome and, for the first time in a fruit tree, evidence of allelic expression direction‐shifting among haplotypes. The genome was used for whole genome analysis of heterozygosis, allelic cytosine methylation, and expression profiles in peel and pulp fruit tissues. The two pseudo‐haplotypes spanned approximately 355 and 346 Mbp, respectively, and 97% of the sequences were associated with 13 chromosome pairs of the fig tree. Overall, the methylation profile in peel and pulp tissues showed no variations between the homologous chromosomes. However, we detected differential DNA methylation within defined heterozygous allelic gene regions, particularly in upstream regions. Among 6768 heterozygous coding sequences identified, 4024 exhibited allele‐specific expression, with approximately 18% specific to the peel and 14% to the pulp. Specifically, 2715 genes were consistent, with one allele always more expressed than the other in both peel and pulp. On the contrary, 22 allele‐specific expressed genes switched allele expression among the fig fruit peel and pulp tissues, indicating evidence of overdominance and suggesting that the genome can express one of the two alleles higher or lower depending on developmental or environmental triggers. Notably, these genes were associated with key biological processes, including fruit maturation regulation, seed maturation, and stress response, highlighting their potential role in the plant's developmental and adaptive functions in view of gene editing‐based breeding.
Xenotransplantation Literature Update July–December 2024
Authors: Shirini Kasra , Ladowski Joseph M. , Meier Raphael P. H.
Published: February 2025

This review highlights groundbreaking progress from July to December 2024, including developments in gene‐edited pigs, cellular therapies, organ preservation, and transplantation techniques. Recent advancements, particularly in gene‐editing technologies and immunosuppressive protocols, have brought the field closer to clinical application. While significant ethical, immunological, and societal challenges remain, this progress underscores the immense potential of xenotransplantation to revolutionize transplantation medicine.
Lorentzian polynomials and the independence sequences of graphs
Authors: Bendjeddou Amire , Hardiman Leonard
Published: February 2025

We study the multivariate independence polynomials of graphs and the log‐concavity of the coefficients of their univariate restrictions. Let be the operator defined on simple and undirected graphs which replaces each edge with a caterpillar of size 4. We prove that all graphs in the image of are what we call pre‐Lorentzian, that is, their multivariate independence polynomial becomes Lorentzian after appropriate manipulations. In particular, as pre‐Lorentzian graphs have log‐concave (and therefore unimodal) independence sequences, our result makes progress on a conjecture of Alavi, Malde, Schwenk and Erdős which asks if the independence sequence of trees or forests is unimodal.
Peeling pressure-sensitive adhesive elastica from circular cylinder
Authors: Plaut Raymond H.
Published: February 2025

Quasi-static peeling of a pressure-sensitive tape from the outside of a rigid circular cylinder is analyzed. The finite-length tape is perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder and up to half the circumference. The tape is modeled as an inextensible elastica, so that bending resistance predominates and stretching of the tape is neglected. A transversality (debonding) condition is derived for peeling, based on the common fracture mechanics approach. The tape is unstrained when straight, and will not stick to the curved substrate if the adhesion is sufficiently weak. Displacement control is considered, and the deflections and rotations may be large. The pulled end of the tape may have an initial unbonded straight segment at the pulled end. Equilibrium curves of force versus vertical deflection of the pulled end are determined, along with curves of the maximum force, which occurs at the initiation of peeling. Detachment of the tape from the substrate is examined. The effects of the initial bonded and unbonded lengths of the tape, the angle of pulling, the work of adhesion, and the radius of curvature of the cylinder are investigated.
Effects of Combined Versus Single Supplementation of Creatine, Beta-Alanine, and L-Citrulline During Short Sprint Interval Training on Basketball Players’ Performance: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Menghao , Sheykhlouvand Mohsen
Published: February 2025

Purpose: Athletes often use sport supplements to improve their physical and physiological performance. This randomized, double-blind, placebo (PL) -controlled study aimed to investigate the effects of combined versus single supplementation of creatine (Cr), beta-alanine (BA), and L-citrulline (L-Cit) during short sprint interval training (SSIT) on basketball players’ physical and physiological performance over a period of 28 days. Methods: Forty-eight basketball players were equally assigned to 6 groups of Cr (0.1 g/kg of Cr monohydrate daily), BA (4.8 g daily), L-Cit (6 g daily), combined supplementation, PL, and an active control group, and each group consisted of 8 participants. The training groups participated in SSIT (3 sets of 10 repetitions of 5-s all-out runs) sessions 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Physical (vertical jump, 20-m sprint, Illinois change of direction) and physiological (Wingate anaerobic power and cardiorespiratory fitness test) performance were evaluated before and after the training period. Results: All training groups (Cr, BA, L-Cit, combined, and PL) showed significant improvements in physical and physiological performance over the 4-week intervention (P < .05). Interestingly, the supplement groups displayed significantly (P = .001) greater changes than the PL group, indicating better outcomes in performance adaptations. However, significant differences in performance variables were observed among the supplement groups. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that short-term supplementation with Cr, BA, and L-Cit, as well as a combination of them during SSIT, can significantly improve the physical and physiological performance of basketball players compared to a PL.
Combining an Internal Attentional Focus With Mirror Motor Observation Enhances Mechanical Output During Isokinetic Leg-Extension Exercise
Authors: Mendonca Goncalo V. , Carvalho Jorge , Matos João , Santos Paulo , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Pezarat-Correia Pedro
Published: February 2025

When carrying out a motor task, the direction of the performer’s attentional focus can affect mechanical output and muscle activation. Cortical excitability increases with the observation of motor skills. However, it is unknown if this effect can be additive to that resulting from an internal attentional focus during resistance exercise. A crossover-study design was employed to examine the acute effects of combining mirror self-motor observation (MO) and internally focused verbal instructions on mechanical output and muscle activation during isokinetic concentric knee-extension exercise. Ten participants were tested in 2 different conditions: verbal alone and verbal + MO-mirror. The combination of verbal + MO-mirror attenuated the decrease in torque output in response to 6 sets of 10 isokinetic contractions (P = .043). Interestingly, this effect was paired by a lower-level antagonist/agonist coactivation with the verbal + MO-mirror condition (P = .031). No other differences between conditions were noted. Taken together, these results suggest that the combination of both cueing modalities elicits a more effective contraction strategy during knee-extension exercise. Ultimately, this provides preliminary evidence of better motor performance and heightened fatigue resistance in response to isokinetic exercise.
The Value of Practicing the “Wrong” Way: Skill Development and Affordance Perception Through Broad Exploration of the Solution Space
Authors: Gray Rob
Published: February 2025

Traditionally, in sports, we spend the majority of practice time trying to do the “right” things; that is, producing the desired performance outcomes (e.g., hitting a golf shot down the middle of the fairway, shooting a basketball into the net, hitting a baseball into fair play). An alternative is to practice doing the “wrong” thing (i.e., an undesired outcome) sometimes. This could give the performer more information about the solution space and available affordances. In two experiments, a baseball batting virtual environment was used to compare these two types of training. In Experiment 1, the constant goal group always attempted to “hit the ball hard into fair play” (i.e., the desired outcome) and were given technical instructions about the swing and corrective feedback from an experienced coach. The variable goal group received no technical instruction and had different outcome goals for each session, including undesired ones: Hit the ball as far to the right (or left) as you can, pop the ball up into air, and drive the ball into the ground. In Experiment 2, the constant goal group did not receive explicit instructions or corrective feedback. All groups trained for 6 weeks. In pre- and posttests, batters completed simulated games in which the pitch speed, type, and location were varied, an umpire called balls and strikes, and the fielders shifted locations (e.g., they all moved to the left or right side of the field). In both experiments, the variable goal group had a significantly larger increase in hits, adapted more effectively to variations in pitch trajectory, and demonstrated superior affordance perception (e.g., not swinging at pitches out of the strike zone and ones that would have likely led to hitting into the defense).
The Effects of Different Core Stability Training on Trunk Stability and Athletic Performance in Adolescent Female Basketball Players
Authors: Liang Ian-Ju , Lin Linda L. , Huang Chen-Chia
Published: February 2025

Purpose: Trunk function is not only related to physical fitness performance, but also important for the balance, and stability of the whole body. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 2 training methods on trunk stability and athletic performance in adolescent female basketball players. Methods: Fifty-one healthy elite female basketball players (age: 14.76 [1.84] y, body mass index: 21.41 [1.96] kg/m2) were assigned to TRX training (n = 17), Swiss ball training (n = 17), or control groups (n = 17). Participants performed a progressive program of unstable core muscle training consisting of 8 different exercises, with each exercise performed in 3 sets, twice a week for 8 weeks. The outcome measures were a plank test, the modified double leg lowering task, and athletic performance including jumping, speed, agility, cardiopulmonary endurance, and the ankle proprioception. Results: Significant group and time interaction were identified in the modified double leg lowering task (P = .032, η2 = .134), with post hoc comparisons revealing improvements in the TRX group (P = .014). The TRX group (8.6%) improved significantly more than the Swiss ball group (2.9%) when it comes to the modified double leg lowering average change percentage. The plank test also exhibited a significant group and time interaction (P = .033, partial η2 = .133), with notable improvements in both the Swiss ball (P = .001) and the TRX groups (P = .001). Athletic performance measures showed no significant differences among groups. Conclusions: The results indicate that both TRX and Swiss ball training can increase core muscle strength and stability without compromising athletic performance after 8 weeks of training. Furthermore, incorporating core muscle training enhances power transmission capabilities. Nevertheless, considering the goal was to improve speed and ankle proprioception during preseason training, careful consideration must be given to the timing and intensity of any intervention involving unstable core muscle training.
Normative Hip Range of Motion and Strength Profiles of Uninjured Baseball Athletes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kennedy Sean M. , Hannon Joseph P. , Morrow Reagan M. , Kaylin Kruseman J. , McCauley Frankie-Ann , Vasquez Jacob E. , Farnsworth James L. , Arnold Amanda J. , Myers Natalie L.
Published: February 2025

Context: The baseball athlete incorporates the use of the entire kinetic chain while throwing. Hip range of motion (ROM) and strength have been previously studied in its relation to injury development. It is a clinical necessity to understand the normative profiles of hip musculoskeletal function across the playing career. Objectives: To identify the normative hip ROM and strength profiles of baseball players across level of play. Evidence Acquisition: The researchers searched the electronic databases MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and Embase using a custom search strategy. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 31 articles were reviewed. Of these 31 articles, 22 examined hip ROM and/or strength in uninjured baseball athletes. A manual search of the references of those 22 articles revealed 4 additional articles that met the inclusion criteria. In total, 26 articles were included in data collection. Evidence Synthesis: Articles were assessed for quality using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies. The appropriate hip ROM and strength data, along with player demographics, were extracted and reviewed to ensure accuracy. Articles were also categorized based on level of play and player position. Conclusions: Hip ROM and strength profiles of baseball athletes across all levels of play were identified and presented to comprehensively summarize the available data on normative musculoskeletal hip profiles. Observed differences between positions and across levels of play were documented. In general, hip external rotation ROM was greater than internal rotation across all levels and between the stance and lead limbs. As age and level of play increased, the difference between hip external rotation and internal rotation ROM also increased. Hip strength increased as level of play (and subsequently age) increased. These summarized data can be used as benchmarks to compare clinical populations.
Coordinating interleukin-2 encoding circRNA with immunomodulatory lipid nanoparticles to potentiate cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Yang Kai , Bai Bing , Li Xiaomei , Rou Wei , Huang Cheng , Lu Meixin , Zhang Xueyan , Dong Chunbo , Qi Shaolong , Liu Zhida , Yu Guocan
Published: February 2025

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a cytokine vital for CD8
+
T cell activation and proliferation, holding great potential for cancer immunotherapy. Nevertheless, inherent shortcomings of short half-life, activation of regulatory T (T
reg
) cells, and systemic toxicity limit its application. To tackle these, a circular RNA (cRNA)–based IL-2 therapy using immunomodulatory lipid nanoparticles [ursodeoxycholic acid lipid nanoparticles (ULNPs)] and sustained-release hydrogel was developed. Fusing fragment crystallizable (Fc) region into IL-2 and encoding this fusion protein IL-2-Fc (IL-2F) in cRNA (cRNA
IL-2F
) greatly extend the half-life. ULNPs containing ursodeoxycholic acid, a transforming growth factor-β1 inhibitor, suppress the function of T
reg
cells. Consequently, the ULNPs-cRNA
IL-2F
formulation promotes CD8
+
T cells and suppresses T
reg
cells, increasing the CD8
+
/T
reg
ratio for effective immunotherapy. Furthermore, a locally administrated hydrogel loading with ULNPs-cRNA
IL-2F
sustains the release, enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity. This innovative approach achieves remarkable tumor inhibition in both melanoma and orthotopic glioma models with or without surgery, offering a promising future for cancer immunotherapy.
Mining coral-derived terpene synthases and mechanistic studies of the coral biflorane synthase
Authors: Chen Bao , Mao Jingjing , Xu Kangwei , Liu Lijun , Lin Wei , Guo Yue-Wei , Wu Ruibo , Wang Chengyuan , Xu Baofu
Published: February 2025

Biflorane diterpenoids are unique natural products often seen in marine animals. Recent studies have reported a small number of biflorane synthases. However, the catalytic mechanism and structural basis for biflorane formation remain unclear. To address these issues, we conducted genome mining of terpene synthases from the sea whip coral
Paramuricea clavata
, resulting in the discovery of a biflorane synthase
Pc
TS1. We performed a series of isotope labeling, crystallography, quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations, and mutagenesis studies toward
Pc
TS1 to investigate the mechanism. Isotopic labeling studies, together with calculations, elucidate a cascade of 1,10-cyclization, 1,3-hydride shift, 1,6-cyclization, 1,2-hydride shift, 2,6-cyclization, cyclopropane ring opening, and deprotonation by the generated pyrophosphate, forming the biflorane scaffold. Crystallography, quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics, and mutagenesis studies confirmed the cascade and produced different terpene scaffolds. Our work demonstrated the mechanism of marine biflorane formation, elucidated the second crystal structure of a coral terpene synthase, and realized the terpene skeleton expansion.