bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of individual-based morphological brain network alterations with cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Shen Die , Huang Xuan , Diao Ziyu , Wang Jiahe , Wang Kun , Lu Weiye , Qiu Shijun
Published: January 2025

Objective

To investigate the altered characteristics of cortical morphology and individual-based morphological brain networks in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as well as the neural network mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in T2DM.

Methods

A total of 150 T2DM patients and 130 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited in this study. The study used voxel- and surface-based morphometric analyses to investigate morphological alterations (including gray matter volume, cortical thickness, cortical surface area, and localized gyrus index) in the brains of T2DM patients. Then two methods, Jensen-Shannon divergence-based similarities (JSDs) and Kullback–Leibler divergence-based similarities (KLDs), were used to construct individual morphometric brain networks based on gray matter volume, to discover altered features of the topological network and extract abnormal key brain regions. Subsequently, partial correlation analyses were performed to explore the relationship between clinical biochemical indices, neuropsychological test scores, and altered cortical morphology and network indices.

Results

Brain regions with reduced gray matter volume and cortical thickness in T2DM patients were mainly concentrated in the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, anterior cingulate gyrus, insula, lingual gyrus, and cerebellar hemispheres. The global attributes of the Individual-based morphological brain network were significantly reduced (Cp, Eloc, σ), with an increase in the nodal efficiency of the hippocampus and the nodal local efficiency of the anterior cingulate gyrus, and the nodal local efficiency of the parahippocampal gyrus and transverse temporal gyrus were reduced. There was a correlation between these node attributes and cognitive scale scores.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that patients with T2DM exhibit generalized cortical atrophy and damage to individual morphologic brain networks. It also identified overlapping and cognitively relevant key brain regions, primarily within the limbic/paralimbic network (especially the hippocampus and cingulate gyrus), which may serve as imaging markers for identifying cognitive deficits in T2DM. These findings offer new insights into the neural network mechanisms underlying T2DM-associated brain damage and cognitive impairment.
Prediction of delirium occurrence using machine learning in acute stroke patients in intensive care unit
Authors: Kim Hyungjun , Kim Min , Kim Da Young , Seo Dong Gi , Hong Ji Man , Yoon Dukyong
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Delirium, frequently experienced by ischemic stroke patients, is one of the most common neuropsychiatric syndromes reported in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Stroke patients with delirium have a high mortality rate and lengthy hospitalization. For these reasons, early diagnosis of delirium in the ICU is critical for better patient prognosis. Therefore, we developed and validated prediction models to classify the real-time delirium status in patients admitted to the ICU or Stroke Unit (SU) with ischemic stroke.

Methods

A total of 84 delirium patients and 336 non-delirium patients in the ICU of Ajou University Hospital were included. The 8 fixed features [Age, Sex, Alcohol Intake, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), HbA1c, Prothrombin time, D-dimer, and Hemoglobin] identified at admission and 12 dynamic features [Mean or Variability indexes calculated from Body Temperature (BT), Heart Rate (HR), Respiratory Rate (RR), Oxygen saturation (SpO2), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP)] based on vital signs were used for developing prediction models using the ensemble method.

Results

The Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUROC) for delirium-state classification was 0.80. In simulation-based evaluation, AUROC was 0.71, and the predicted probability increased closer to the time of delirium occurrence. We observed that the patterns of dynamic features, including BT, SpO2, RR, and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) kept changing as the time points were getting closer to the delirium occurrence time. Therefore, the model that employed these patterns showed increasing prediction performance.

Conclusion

Our model can predict the real-time possibility of delirium in patients with ischemic stroke and will be helpful to monitor high-risk patients.
Sleep patterns and cardiovascular disease risk in US participants: a comprehensive analysis
Authors: Wu Yue , Li Zhizheng , Zhao Peng , Xu Jiajing , Yuan Min
Published: January 2025

Background and purpose

To evaluate the association between sleep-related factors, including sleep duration, self-reported sleep disturbances, and diagnosed sleep disorders, and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in US participants.

Methods

The data of this study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2007 and 2014. Sleep factors were assessed using a standardized questionnaire, and overall sleep scores were calculated on a scale of 0 to 3. The participants were classified into three sleep pattern groups: poor sleep pattern (overall sleep score ≤ 1), intermediate sleep pattern (overall sleep score = 2), and healthy sleep pattern (overall sleep score = 3). CVD was defined based on self-reported questionnaire responses. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between sleep factors and CVD.

Results

Among 21,115 participants, 2,245 (10.6%) were diagnosed with CVD. Participants with poor sleep patterns had a significantly higher risk of CVD (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.52–2.16, p < 0.001). Self-reported trouble sleeping (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.32–1.78, p < 0.001), and sleep disorder (OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.75–2.50, p < 0.001) were related to an increased risk of CVD. However, no such association was observed for either short (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.95–1.33, p = 0.174) or long sleep durations (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.90–1.45, p = 0.266). Our study also suggested an interaction between sleep patterns and age (P for interaction = 0.002).

Conclusion

This study highlights the significant association between poor sleep patterns and an increased risk of CVD in US participants.
LC-MS based analysis reveal antimicrobial compounds from Gabonese pharmacopoeia: chemical characterisation and cytotoxicity evaluation
Authors: Otogo N’nang Elvis , Essone Paulin N. , Ella Ndong Judicael , Boueya Augustin , Kokou Kossiwa , Kriz Richard , N’nengué Marie Andrée , Ovono Abessolo Félix , Lell Bertrand , Kremsner Peter G. , Agnandji Selidji T.
Published: January 2025

Plants used in traditional medicine represent an important source of new compounds. Hallea ledermannii (H. ledermannii) (Krause) Verdc. (Rubiaceae), Gossypium barbadense (G. barbadense) (Malvaceae), Pycnanthus angolensis (P. angolensis) (Myristicaceae), Drypetes gossweileri (D. gossweileri) S. Moore (Euphorbiaceae) and Scyphocephalium ochocoa (S. ochocoa) Warb (Myristicaceae) are five plants widely used in traditional Gabonese medicine as antimicrobials. However, little is known about the active compounds associated with their biological activities. Based on botanical studies and the claims of traditional healers regarding the antimicrobial effects of these plants, a study to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and phyto-chemical profile of aqueous extracts of three plants (bark of H. ledermannii, G. barbadense root bark and P. angolensis bark) and methanolic extracts of two plants (S. ochocoa stem bark and D. gossweileri root bark). Under the guidance of LC-MS detection, identified twenty seven (27) potentially active compounds. Eight (8) of these belong to the quinovic acid-type triterpenoid sap-onins identified in the aqueous extract of H. ledermannii, eleven (11) are dibenzofurans, chroman and stigmasterol detected in the methanolic extract of S. ochocoa and eight (8) compounds in the methanolic extract of D. gossweileri are friedelin, drypemolundein B and gossweilone, to name but a few. In parallel, the five extracts were tested on reference bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 278533, Salmonella thyphi ATCC 13311, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603, Shigella flexneri ATCC 24570. Three of these extracts (aqueous extract of H. ledermannii and two methanolic extracts of S. ochocoa stem bark and D. gossweileri root bark) showed moderate activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, with inhibition zones of 12.3 ± 0.5 mm, 10.1 ± 0.5 mm and 7,6 ± 0 mm respectively. In addition, we assessed the toxicity of the three extracts that showed antimicrobial activity using an invertebrate model, Galleria mellonella (GM). We found that the LD varied according to the concentration of the plant material. The aqueous extract of H. ledermannii and the methanolic extracts of S. ochocoa and D. gossweileri were not toxic to G. mellonella. The LD50s (mg/mL) obtained were 93.2 mg/mL [717.2 g/kg body weight (bw)] and 100 mg/mL (762.3 g/kg bw), 95.4 mg/mL [721.1 g/kg body weight (bw)].
Key considerations based on pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic in the design of antibody-drug conjugates
Authors: Gao Yangyang , Xia Yuwei , Chen Yixin , Zhou Shiqi , Fang Yingying , Yu Jieru , Zhang Leyin , Sun Leitao
Published: January 2025

Background

Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) is an anticancer drug that links toxins to specifically targeted antibodies via linkers, offering the advantages of high target specificity and high cytotoxicity. However, complexity of its structural composition poses a greater difficulty for drug design studies.

Objectives

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) based consideration of ADCs has increasingly become a hot research topic for optimal drug design in recent years, providing possible ideas for obtaining ADCs with desirable properties.

Methods

From the assessment of the ADC action process based on PK/PD, we introduce the main research strategies of ADCs. In addition, we investigated the strategies to solve the prominent problems of ADC in the clinic in recent years, and summarized and evaluated the specific ways to optimize various problems of ADC based on the PK/PD model from two perspectives of optimizing the structure and properties of the drugs themselves. Through the selection of target antigen, the optimization of the linker, the optimization of novel small molecule toxins as payload, the optimization of ADC, overcoming the multi-drug resistance of ADC, improving the ADC tumor penetration of ADC, surface modification of ADC and surface bystander effect of ADC provide a more comprehensive and accurate framework for designing new ADCs.

Results

We’ve expounded comprehensively on applying pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics while designing ADC to obtain higher efficacy and fewer side effects. From the ADC’s PK/PD property while coming into play in vivo and the PK/PD study strategy, to specific ADC optimization methods and recommendations based on PK/PD, it has been study-approved that the PK/PD properties exert a subtle role in the development of ADC, whether in preclinical trials or clinical promotion.

Conclusion

The study of PK/PD unfolds the detailed mechanism of ADC action, making it easier to control related parameters in the process of designing ADC, limited efficacy and inevitable off-target toxicity remain a challenging bottleneck.
The relationship between HYDIN and fallopian tubal cilia loss in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Guo Yuanli , He Xinxin , Liu Junfeng , Tan Yanming , Zhang Chao , Chen Shan , Zhang Sheng
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Primary cilia play an important role in the development of cancer by regulating signaling pathways. Several studies have demonstrated that women with BRCA mutations have, on average, 50% fewer ciliated cells compared with general women. However, the role of tubal cilia loss in the development of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains unclear. Few specific studies have been found in linking HYDIN, a ciliary defect associated gene that encodes HYDIN axonemal central pair apparatus protein, which is involved in the transduction of Hedgehog (Hh) signal and is considered a cancer associated antigen, to ovarian cancer. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the correlation between HYDIN gene mutations and tubal cilia loss in EOC.

Methods

A whole exome sequencing (WES), immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blot, and reverse transcription quantitative (RT q) PCR were performed in 80 patients with EOC and 50 cases of non ovarian cancer to detect the mutations and expression of tubal ciliary marker, ciliary morphology, and abnormal rate.

Results

We found that the incidence of tubal cilia loss was higher in EOC group with decreased expression of HYDIN compared with the control group (P<0.05).

Discussion

This study suggests that tubal ciliary loss is evident in epithelial fallopian tube carcinoma, and ciliary cells may be involved in the occurrence and development of EOC, and cilia-related gene HYDIN is expected to be a tumor marker for epithelial ovarian cancer.
Adverse drug events (ADEs) risk signal mining related to eculizumab based on the FARES database
Authors: Wang Xi-Feng , Bao Lu-Ri , Hu Ta-La , Xu Rui-Feng , Gao Wu-Niri , Wang Jing-Yuan , Zhao Jian-Rong , Fu Zhen-Li , Wang Shu-Fang , Meng Yan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Eculizumab is a C5 complement inhibitor approved by the FDA for the targeted treatment of four rare diseases, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG), and aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G-positive optic neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (AQP4-IgG+NMOSD). The current study was conducted to assess real-world adverse events (AEs) associated with eculizumab through data mining of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Methods

Disproportionality analyses, including Reporting Ratio Ratio (ROR), Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN), and Multi-Item Gamma Poisson Shrinker (MGPS) algorithms were used to quantify the signals of eculizumab-associated AEs.

Results

A total of 46,316 eculizumab-related ADEs reports were identified by analyzing 19,418,776 reports in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. A total of 461 PTs were identified as satisfying by all four algorithms. These PTs reported adverse reactions consistent with the specifications, such as fatigue, nasopharyngitis, meningococcal infection, fever, and anemia. Some PTs, such as aplastic anemia, gene mutation, mastication disorder, kidney fibrosis, BK virus infection, abnormal neutrophil count, C3 glomerulopathy, neuroblastoma, and glomerulonephritis membranoproliferative, were also detected outside the instructions. The median time to onset of eculizumab adverse events was 159 days (interquartile range [IQR] 11∼738 days). In addition, at the PT level, 51 PTs were determined to have an imbalance in the occurrence of ADEs between the sexes.

Conclusion

These findings provide valuable insights into the occurrence of ADEs following the use of eculizumab and could support clinical monitoring and risk identification efforts.
Protective effects of berbamine against arginase-1 deficiency-induced injury in human brain microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Wei Xiaolan , Li Weiwei , Chen Zixuan , Chen Jintu , Chen Yun , Cai Jiangping , Lin Huasong
Published: January 2025

Endothelial cell dysfunction plays a crucial role in the early development of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Arginase-1 (ARG1) is expressed in endothelial cells, and its deficiency may exacerbate cerebrovascular damage by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, thereby inducing endothelial cell apoptosis. Berbamine (BBM) has shown potential in neuroprotection and cardiovascular disease prevention. This study aimed to investigate the impact of ARG1 deficiency on human brain microvascular endothelial cells and the protective effects of BBM against ARG1 deficiency-induced damage. Human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HCMEC/D3) were cultured in vitro, and ARG1 knockdown or overexpression was achieved using plasmid transfection techniques. We examined the effects of ARG1 expression levels on HCMEC/D3 cell viability, migration, apoptosis, adhesion, and angiogenesis through cellular experiments. Additionally, we explored how ARG1 expression levels influenced arginine (Arg), nitric oxide (NO), and ROS levels in HCMEC/D3 cells. The results demonstrated that ARG1 deficiency inhibited HCMEC/D3 cell viability, migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis, while promoting apoptosis and elevating Arg, NO, and ROS levels in HCMEC/D3 cells. Next, the effect of different BBM concentrations on HCMEC/D3 cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, revealing that BBM at a concentration of 5 µM had no significant impact on cell viability. Subsequently, after successfully knocking down ARG1 in HCMEC/D3 cells, the cells were treated with BBM. The results showed that BBM effectively mitigated the negative effects of ARG1 deficiency on HCMEC/D3 cell viability, migration, apoptosis, adhesion, and angiogenesis, while also reducing Arg, NO, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and ROS levels in HCMEC/D3 cells. In conclusion, this study suggests that ARG1 deficiency may damage HCMEC/D3 cells by increasing Arg levels, leading to elevated NO and ROS levels. BBM may provide protection to ARG1-deficient HCMEC/D3 cells by reducing Arg, NO, iNOS, and ROS levels. These findings deepen our understanding of the pathogenesis of CSVD and provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of BBM.
UGT2B15 single nucleotide polymorphism reduces dabigatran acylglucuronide formation in humans
Authors: Park Jin-Woo , Kim Jong-Min , Bang Young Yoon , Kim Kyoung-Ah , Yu Sungwook , Park Ji-Young
Published: January 2025

Background

Dabigatran etexilate (DABE), a prodrug of dabigatran (DAB), is a direct thrombin inhibitor used to prevent ischemic stroke and thromboembolism during atrial fibrillation. The effect of genetic polymorphisms on its metabolism, particularly UGT2B15, has not been extensively explored in humans. This study aimed to investigate the effects of UGT2B15, ABCB1, and CES1 polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of DAB and its acylglucuronide metabolites in healthy subjects.

Methods

A total of 124 healthy males were genotyped for UGT2B15, ABCB1, and CES1 polymorphisms. After a single 150 mg dose of DABE, plasma concentrations of total and free DAB, as well as dabigatran acylglucuronide (DABG) were measured using LC-MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed using non-compartmental methods, and statistical comparisons were conducted between the genotype groups.

Results

UGT2B15 c.253G>T significantly affected free DAB pharmacokinetics, with a lower Tmax and oral clearance in TT genotype (n = 28, p < 0.05). For DABG, Cmax was significantly higher in GG genotypes (n = 32, 42.3 ± 16.3 ng/mL) compared to that in GT (n = 64, 32.4 ± 20.5 ng/mL) and TT (29.7 ± 17.1 ng/mL) genotypes. Similarly, the AUCall of DABG was highest in GG genotypes (327 ± 148.3 ng h·mL-1), followed by GT (238.7 ± 166.5 ng h·mL-1) and TT (223.3 ± 165.4 ng h·mL-1) genotypes (p < 0.05). The metabolite-to-parent ratios (m/p ratios) for Cmax and AUCall were significantly higher in GG and GT genotypes than that in TT genotype. ABCB1 and CES1 polymorphisms had no significant impact on the pharmacokinetics of DAB or DABG.

Conclusion

UGT2B15 polymorphisms were associated with difference in DAB glucuronidation and pharmacokinetics in healthy male participants.
Polydatin enhances oxaliplatin-induced cell death by activating NOX5-ROS-mediated DNA damage and ER stress in colon cancer cells
Authors: Zhao Qi , Zhang Yan , Liu Jieyu , Chen Peipei , Onga Annabeth , Cho Namki , Cui Ri , Zheng Chenguo
Published: January 2025

Background

Polydatin (3,4′,5-trihydroxy-3-β-d-glucopyranoside, PD) is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Oxaliplatin (OXA)-based chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for metastatic and recurrent colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the lack of selectivity for normal cells often results in side effects. Consequently, the search for anti-cancer components with high efficacy and low cytotoxicity has become a significant focus in recent years.

Methods

The anti-tumor effects of PD, OXA or their combination were assessed by cell viability, colony formation, and wound-healing assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was measured by flow cytometry and DNA damage was assessed by immunofluorescence assay. The relative gene and protein expressions were analyzed by quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot assays. Molecular docking analysis predicted the interaction between PD and potential targets.

Results

We found that PD exerted anti-CRC activity by promoting Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 5 (NOX5)-mediated ROS production, activating the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and inducing DNA damage. Knocking down NOX5 attenuated the inhibition of proliferation and colony forming ability induced by PD in colon cancer cells and reversed the expression of C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) proteins. In addition, combination of PD and OXA synergistically exerted anti-CRC activities by promoting DNA damage and activating ER stress signaling pathway.

Conclusion

The combination of PD and OXA could be an effective treatment strategy for certain patients with CRC.
Hamstrings and quadriceps muscle size and strength in female and male elite competitive alpine skiers
Authors: Fitze Daniel P. , Franchi Martino V. , Müller Brusco Clarissa , Engeler Nadine , Frey Walter O. , Spörri Jörg
Published: January 2025

Competitive alpine skiing requires a high level of physical fitness to perform sport-specific manoeuvres and to minimise the risk of injury. The aim of this study was to establish reference values for the maximal anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSAmax) of the individual hamstrings (HAM) and quadriceps (QUAD) muscles as well as for the maximal voluntary torque (MVT) during knee flexion (KF) and knee extension (KE) of female and male elite competitive alpine skiers. Ultrasound and dynamometer data were obtained from a largely overlapping but not identical dataset. The ultrasound data were collected from 33 elite alpine skiers (20 women and 13 men), and the dynamometer data were collected from 35 elite alpine skiers (20 women and 15 men). Compared with female skiers, male skiers presented a significantly greater ACSAmax in the biceps femoris short head (BFsh), biceps femoris long head (BFlh), and semitendinosus (ST) muscles, as well as in the entire HAM muscle group. The ACSAmax of the semimembranosus (SM) did not differ significantly between the two sexes. Compared with female skiers, male skiers presented significantly greater ACSAmax values in the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM) and entire QUAD muscle groups. At VI, there was no significant difference in the ACSAmax between the two sexes. Compared with male skiers, female skiers had a significantly greater proportional SM ACSAmax. In terms of MVT, male skiers presented greater absolute and relative values than females did. There were no differences in the MVT/ACSAmax between the sexes. Neither the HAM/QUAD ACSAmax ratio nor the KF/KE MVT ratio differed between the sexes. The present study provides normative values for the muscle size and strength of the HAM and QUAD muscles of elite competitive alpine skiers. These values can be used as benchmarks for youth alpine skiers striving for the elite level. An interesting finding of the present study was that female skiers had a greater proportional ACSAmax of the SM, as this may be relevant in anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention given the function of tibia internal rotation.
Nitric oxide in exercise physiology: past and present perspectives
Authors: Mueller Breanna J. , Roberts Michael D. , Mobley Christopher B. , Judd Robert L. , Kavazis Andreas N.
Published: January 2025

Nitric oxide (NO) is a ubiquitous signaling molecule known to modulate various physiological processes, with specific implications in skeletal muscle and broader applications in exercise performance. This review focuses on the modulation of skeletal muscle function, mitochondrial adaptation and function, redox state by NO, and the effect of nitrate supplementation on exercise performance. In skeletal muscle function, NO is believed to increase the maximal shortening velocity and peak power output of muscle fibers. However, its effect on submaximal contraction is still undetermined. In mitochondria, NO may stimulate biogenesis and affect respiratory efficiency. NO also plays a role in the redox state within the skeletal muscle, partially through its interaction with respiratory chain enzymes and transcriptional regulators of antioxidant production. Nitrate supplementation leads to an increased bioavailability of NO in skeletal muscle. Thus, nitrate supplementation has been investigated for its ability to impact performance outcomes in endurance and resistance exercise. The effect of nitrate supplementation on endurance exercise is currently indecisive, although evidence indicates that it may extend the time to exhaustion in endurance exercise. Alternatively, the effect of nitrate supplementation on resistance exercise performance has been less studied. Limited research indicates that nitrate supplementation may improve repetitions to failure. Further research is needed to investigate the influence of training status, age, sex, and duration of supplementation to further elucidate the impact of nitrate supplementation on exercise performance.
The effects of eccentric phase tempo in squats on hypertrophy, strength, and contractile properties of the quadriceps femoris muscle
Authors: Kojic Filip , Mandic Danimir , Duric Sasa
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of eccentric phase tempo in squats on hypertrophy, strength, and contractile properties of the quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle.

Methods

Eighteen participants (10 males and 8 females, age 24.0 ± 1.7 years) with no resistance training (RT) experience in the last 8 months were randomized into two groups, each following a 7 week squat resistance training (RT) protocol with either a fast eccentric (FE, 1 s eccentric/0 s isometric/1 s concentric/0 s isometric) or slow eccentric (SE, 4 s eccentric/0 s isometric/1 s concentric/0 s isometric) tempo. The training intensity (60%–70% RM), the number of sets (3–4), and the rest intervals (120 s) were consistent in both groups. The study measured changes in quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA), one-repetition maximum (1RM) strength, and muscle contractile properties such as contraction time (Tc) and radial displacement (Dm), using tensiomyography (TMG). An ANCOVA model with baseline values as covariates was used to examine between-group differences.

Results

Results showed significant strength gains in both groups, with the SE group achieving greater 1RM increases (effect size [ES] = 1.60 vs 0.99, p < 0.05). CSA increased for all QF muscles; however, the SE group exhibited significantly higher hypertrophy in the vastus lateralis (ES = 1.74 vs. 1.37, p < 0.05). TMG analysis revealed decreased Dm in the rectus femoris for both groups (p < 0.05), while Tc significantly (ES = 1.33, p < 0.01) increased in the SE group.

Discussion

These findings suggest that slower eccentric tempo in RT may optimize vastus lateralis hypertrophy and enhance strength while promoting muscle fiber-type specificity, contributing to the understanding of eccentric training’s role in muscle adaptation.
Comparative response mechanisms of two cultivars of Musa paradisiaca L. to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense infection
Authors: Duan Yajie , Jia Zhiwei , Lu Zhiwei , Hu Huigang , Zhan Rulin
Published: January 2025

With the aim of enhancing plants’ ability to respond to pathogenic fungi, this study focuses on disease resistance genes. We commenced a series of investigations by capitalizing on the pronounced differences in resistance to Fusarium wilt between resistant and susceptible varieties. Through an in-depth exploration of the metabolic pathways that bolster this defense, we identified genes associated with resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc). For our analysis, root tissues from seedlings that had been in contact with Fusarium oxysporum for four days were harvested, including both infected and uninfected samples, which served as our study specimens. The crude extract treatment led to a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, lignin content, and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity. Conversely, there was a notable decline in protein content, ergosterol levels, and pectinase activity. In the control group, it was observed that 4,474 genes in the resistant varieties were significantly up-regulated compared to the susceptible varieties. The functional annotation of these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) emphasized their predominant participation in biological processes. Further analysis via the KEGG database revealed that 14 DEGs in the susceptible varieties were particularly enriched in pathways related to plant hormone signaling. Through the perspective of transcriptome data, we focused on genes associated with lignin and cell wall development for Q-PCR validation. Notably, the expression levels of Macma4_02_g07840 (COMT) and Macma4_10_g06530 (CCOAOMT) were relatively elevated. Our findings suggest that the resistance of these varieties to wilt infection can be ascribed to the accumulation of lignin metabolites, which inhibits pathogenic fungus growth by restricting the synthesis of cellular metabolites. The evidence documented in our research provides a framework for a deeper understanding of the disease resistance mechanisms in bananas, laying a solid theoretical foundation for future studies in this area.
Inheritance of resistance to maize lethal necrosis in tropical maize inbred lines
Authors: Kavai Hilda M. , Makumbi Dan , Nzuve Felister M. , Woyengo Vincent W. , Suresh L. M. , Muiru William M. , Gowda Manje , Prasanna Boddupalli M.
Published: January 2025

Maize (Zea mays L.) production in sub-Saharan Africa can be improved by using hybrids with genetic resistance to maize lethal necrosis (MLN). This study aimed to assess the general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA), reciprocal effects, and quantitative genetic basis of MLN resistance and agronomic traits in tropical maize inbred lines. A total of 182 hybrids from a 14-parent diallel, along with their parents, were evaluated under artificial MLN inoculation and rainfed conditions for 3 years in Kenya. Disease ratings at four time points, grain yield (GY), and other agronomic traits were analyzed using Griffing’s Method 3 and Hayman’s diallel models. Significant (P < 0.001) GCA and SCA mean squares were observed for all traits under disease conditions and most traits under rainfed conditions, highlighting the importance of both additive and non-additive genetic effects. However, additive gene action predominated for all traits. Narrow-sense heritability estimates for MLN resistance (h2 = 0.52–0.56) indicated a strong additive genetic component. Reciprocal effects were not significant for MLN resistance, suggesting minimal maternal or cytoplasmic inheritance. Four inbred lines showed significant negative GCA effects for MLN resistance and positive GCA effects for GY under artificial MLN inoculation. Inbred lines CKL181281 and CKL182037 (GCA effects for MLN4 = -0.45 and -0.24, respectively) contained the most recessive alleles for MLN resistance. The minimum number of groups of genes involved in MLN resistance was estimated to be three. Breeding strategies that emphasize GCA could effectively be used to improve MLN resistance in this germplasm.
OsWRKY26 negatively regulates bacterial blight resistance by suppressing OsXa39 expression
Authors: Tun Win , Vo Kieu Thi Xuan , Derakhshani Behnam , Yoon Jinmi , Cho Lae-Hyeon , Win Kay Tha Ye Soe , Lee Sang-Won , Jung Ki-Hong , Jeon Jong-Seong , An Gynheung
Published: January 2025

Plants are susceptible to infection by various pathogens with high epidemic potential. Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) causes bacterial blight in rice, one of the most significant diseases in both temperate and tropical regions. In this study, we report the identification and characterization of OsWRKY26, a sucrose-inducible transcription factor, that plays a role in the plant defense responses following Xoo infection. We found that mutant plants with defective OsWRKY26 showed enhanced defense response specifically to Xoo, indicating that this transcription factor acts as a negative defense regulator. In contrast, mutant plants did not exhibit higher resistance compared to wild-type (WT) plants when infected with the rice blast fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae. Transcriptomic analysis of mutant and WT plants revealed that several pathogen resistance genes were upregulated in mutants. Of these, we selected OsXa39 for further analysis. Transient expression experiments in rice protoplasts showed that OsWRKY26 repressed the expression of a Luciferase reporter gene driven by the OsXa39 promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that OsWRKY26 binds directly to the promoter region of OsXa39. These findings suggest that OsWRKY26 negatively regulates the defense response during Xoo infection by repressing OsXa39 as well as other pathogen-related genes such as OsXa47, OsBBR1, OsRSR1, OsPR1a, OsPR1-11, OsPR2, and OsPR4c.
A study on the relationship between physical exercise and feelings of inferiority among college students: the chain mediating effect of social support and emotional regulation ability
Authors: Peng Bo , Chen Weisong , Wang Hongshen , Yu Ting , Kong Mingmin
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aims to explore the impact of physical exercise on feelings of inferiority among college students, focusing on the mediating roles of social support and emotional regulation ability. The research investigates both direct and indirect pathways to understand how physical exercise enhances psychological resilience and mitigates negative self-perceptions.

Methods

A sample of 2,036 college students from 15 provinces in China was surveyed using validated scales for physical exercise, feelings of inferiority, social support, and emotional regulation ability. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test hypothesized pathways, including direct effects and chain mediation effects. Gender invariance was assessed through multi-group analysis to ensure consistency across male and female participants.

Results

Physical exercise significantly reduces feelings of inferiority, both directly and indirectly. Social support and emotional regulation ability independently mediate this relationship, with social support further enhancing emotional regulation in a sequential chain mediation effect. Gender invariance testing confirmed that these relationships are consistent for male and female students. Key findings indicate that physical exercise fosters social connections and strengthens emotional regulation, collectively promoting psychological resilience and reducing feelings of inferiority.

Conclusion

The findings emphasize the critical role of physical exercise in enhancing mental health among college students through social and emotional pathways. Holistic intervention programs incorporating physical activities with social interaction and emotional skill-building can effectively alleviate feelings of inferiority. These insights provide actionable recommendations for educational institutions to promote mental health and foster inclusive, supportive campus environments.
Impact of crop commercialization on multidimensional poverty in rural Ethiopia: propensity score approach
Authors: Eyasu Anteneh Mulugeta , Zewotir Temesgen , Dessie Zelalem G.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Reducing poverty through crop commercialization is one of the antipoverty efforts that helps promote health. This study explored the prevalence and the causal relationship between crop commercialization and rural Ethiopian households’ multidimensional poverty using multilevel data.

Methods

The study uses data from the most recent nationally representative Ethiopian socioeconomic survey 2018/19 to calculate the rural multidimensional poverty index using the Alkire and Foster technique. The data show 2,714 rural households nested in 59 administrative zones of Ethiopia. Based on several parameters (nutrition and health, education, living standards, rural livelihoods and resources, and risk), the investigation looks into the multidimensional poverty levels of Ethiopian rural households and how they differ across Ethiopian administrative zones.

Results

The results indicate that 47.8% of the rural households of Ethiopians were multidimensionally poor in several dimensions; nutrition and health, education, living standards, rural livelihoods and resources, and risk. The living standard dimension is most deprivation-prone for the rural, multidimensional poor households. In addition, multidimensional poverty is more prevalent in Somali and Afar region rural areas. The best linear unbiased prediction estimates of multidimensional poverty vary substantially across Ethiopia’s administrative zones. Specifically, the top poorest performing administrative zones concerning the likelihood of being multidimensional poor among rural households were Shebelle, Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, and Konso special woreda.

Conclusion

The results of the generalized linear mixed-effects model show that crop-commercialized households have reduced the odds of being multidimensionally poorer than those who did not. This study recommends policymakers focus on rural mumyltidimensional poverty reduction strategies.
Relationship between emotional labor strategies and the quality of work life of operating room nurses
Authors: Li Li , Cao Yingjuan , Sun Yinuo , Li Yue , Zhai Yonghua , Yan Yan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Emotional labor involves regulating one’s emotional state at work to align with organizational expectations. For operating room (OR) nurses, emotional labor is an inherent part of their roles, with different strategies potentially impacting their work-related quality of life (WRQoL) in distinct ways. This study aimed to examine the relationship between emotional labor strategies and WRQoL among OR nurses.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling, recruiting 395 OR nurses from 11 secondary and tertiary hospitals in Shandong Province. Data were collected using the General Information Questionnaire, Emotional Labor Scale, and Work-Related Quality of Life scale. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple stratified regression, were applied to explore the relationships between variables.

Results

A total of 372 valid responses were obtained, with an effective response rate of 94.18%. The mean WRQoL score was 114.17 (SD = 16.54). Among emotional labor strategies, expressing naturally felt emotions was the most frequently used. Surface acting showed a significant negative correlation with WRQoL (r = −0.437, p < 0.05), while deep acting and expressing naturally felt emotions were positively correlated with WRQoL (r = 0.291 and r = 0.457, respectively, p < 0.05). Multiple stratified regression analysis confirmed that emotional labor strategies significantly influenced WRQoL.

Conclusion

Emotional labor strategies play a crucial role in shaping the WRQoL of OR nurses. Nursing managers should prioritize assessing nurses’ emotional labor status and provide targeted guidance to promote positive strategies, such as deep acting and expressing naturally felt emotions. Such measures can enhance nurses’ physical and mental well-being, ultimately improving their quality of work life.
Validation of a tri-axial accelerometer for measuring physical activity in patients with subacute stroke
Authors: Kimura Yosuke , Suzuki Yoshiki , Kubo Hiroki , Yoshida Keishi , Ota Tomohiro , Shimizu Natsuki , Kanai Masashi
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to validate the accuracy of the Active Style Pro HJA-750C (ASP) in measuring metabolic equivalents (METs) during walking and reaching tasks in individuals with subacute stroke using a respiratory gas analyzer as a reference.

Methods

Twenty-three hospitalized patients with subacute stroke participated in this study. They performed sitting and standing reaching tasks, as well as walking while wearing a VO2 Master respiratory gas analyzer and ASP devices on both the paretic and non-paretic sides. The METs values recorded by the ASP were compared with those obtained using a VO2 Master respiratory gas analyzer. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated for each task, and Bland–Altman plots were used to assess the agreement between the two methods.

Results

The ASP demonstrated good concurrent validity, with correlation coefficients of 0.71 and 0.74 for the sitting reaching task, 0.75 and 0.79 for the standing reaching task, and 0.83 and 0.85 for walking when the ASP was placed on the paretic and non-paretic sides, respectively. Bland–Altman analysis indicated no significant fixed or proportional errors. The ASP accurately measures METs whether worn on the affected or unaffected side of the waist.

Conclusion

The ASP provides valid measurements of physical activity during walking and reaching tasks in patients with subacute stroke. These findings suggest that ASP is a valuable tool for monitoring physical activity in clinical rehabilitation settings.
Sustainability-driven fertilizer recommender system for coffee crops using case-based reasoning approach
Authors: León Chilito Edinson David , Casanova Olaya Juan Fernando , Corrales Juan Carlos , Figueroa Cristhian
Published: January 2025

Introduction

In recent years, the increased demand for food has prompted farmers to increase production to support economic expansion. However, the excessive use of mineral fertilizers poses a significant threat to the sustainability of food systems. In Colombia, coffee cultivation plays a fundamental role in the economy, thus creating a recognized demand to elevate its production while minimizing its environmental impact sustainably.

Methodology

The study follows the CRISP-DM methodology (Cross-Industry Standard Process for Data Mining) developing of a fertilizer recommender system (FRS) for coffee crops. This process includes business understanding, where the key factors influencing coffee production were identified; data understanding and preparation, where agroclimatic data and expert knowledge were collected and processed; modeling, which involved building a case-based reasoning (CBR) system to recommend fertilizer doses and frequencies, and evaluation, where expert feedback was gathered to assess the system's performance. The CBR system integrates soil, crop, and climate variables to provide tailored recommendations for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium applications.

Results

The results revealed that the FRS was deemed acceptable for application in the region, with expert evaluations rating the recommendations based on their experience and knowledge. Additionally, valuable feedback was provided to facilitate future enhancements to the system.

Discussion

Based on expert feedback and system performance, the proposed FRS meets the minimum requirements for deployment in real crops, serving as a valuable tool for small-scale farmers. Future work will expand the case base and refine recommender algorithms to improve accuracy and usability.
Resilience to climate-induced food insecurity in Nigeria: a systematic review of the role of adaptation strategies in flood and drought mitigation
Authors: Akinkuolie Timothy A. , Ogunbode Timothy O. , Adekiya Aruna O.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Climate change presents weighty challenges globally, with Nigeria particularly vulnerable to its multifaceted impacts. This review explores the effects of climate change-induced droughts and floods on food security in Nigeria, where agriculture is central to economic stability and livelihoods.

Methods

The analysis integrates a comprehensive metadata evaluation, identifying trends, thematic gaps, and regional disparities in existing research. A systematic review of 2,500 publications, following PRISMA criteria, narrowed the focus to 450 studies, with 104 high-quality studies undergoing in-depth analysis.

Results

Metadata analysis revealed an increase in research interest post-2010, a lack of longitudinal studies, and an underrepresentation of semi-arid northern regions in the literature. Findings indicate a growing threat to Nigeria’s food security, as frequent flooding destroys infrastructure, erodes topsoil, and reduces agricultural productivity, leading to lower food output and increased costs. At the same time, droughts, particularly in the semi-arid north, drastically reduce crop yields and worsen food insecurity by depleting vital water resources. These challenges disproportionately affect smallholder farmers and pastoral communities, waning poverty and hunger.

Discussion

The review highlights the complexity of Nigeria’s food insecurity, shaped by factors such as geography, socioeconomic status, and adaptive capacity. Despite advancements in adaptation strategies, issues like fragmented policies and inadequate infrastructure continue to hinder effective responses. However, the review identifies key opportunities to enhance food security and resilience, including greater stakeholder engagement, increased investment in climate adaptation, and the use of digital technologies. By addressing these challenges and leveraging the opportunities, Nigeria can build a more resilient and sustainable food system capable of withstanding the increasing threats posed by climate change.