bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A management of patients achieving clinical complete response after neoadjuvant therapy and perspectives: on locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Liu Yu-Xin , Yang Xin-Rong , Peng Lan-Qing , Li Zhuo-Hong
Published: January 2025

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME) and selective use of adjuvant chemotherapy is currently considered the standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Despite this, the concept of organ preservation is gradually challenging this approach. The management of complete clinical remission (cCR) lacks international consensus, leading scholars to develop their own perspectives based on well-designed studies and long-term data from large multicenter cohorts. To ensure appropriate treatment, this review focuses on the choice of neoadjuvant therapy, criteria for defining cCR, and treatment strategies for patients who achieve cCR after neoadjuvant therapy. By providing guidance on the accurate management of LARC patients after cCR, this review aims to prevent over- or under-treatment.
Peritoneal chemotherapy delivery systems for ovarian cancer treatment: systematic review of animal models
Authors: Simonsen Marcelo , Mendoza López Rossana Verónica , Maistro Simone , Ikeoka Lucas Takeshi , Pereira Glaucia Fernanda de Lima , Lugão Ademar Benévolo , Sadalla José Carlos , Katayama Maria Lúcia Hirata , Folgueira Maria Aparecida Azevedo Koike
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for ovarian cancer treatment has controversial benefits as most methodologies are associated with significant morbidity. We carried out a systematic review to compare tumor response, measured by tumor weight and volume, between intraperitoneal chemotherapy delivered via drug delivery systems (DDSs) and free intraperitoneal chemotherapy in animal models of ovarian cancer. The secondary aim was to assess the toxicity of DDS-delivered chemotherapy, based on changes in animal body weight.

Methods

Based on PRISMA and SYRCLE guidelines, we identified 38 studies for review, of which 20, were used in the meta-analysis. We evaluated outcome, through tumor volume and tumor weight and, toxicity, through animal weight. Analysis was based on drugs employed and treatment duration.

Results

Most studies were performed on mice. Ovarian cancer cell lines most commonly used to induce xenografts were SKOV3 (19 studies) and A2780 (6 studies). Intraperitoneal device, also known as drug delivery systems (DDS), consisted in nanoparticles, hydrogels, lipid polymer and others. The most commonly used drugs were paclitaxel and cisplatin. Most studies used as the control treatment the same chemotherapy applied free intraperitoneally and tumor response/animal weight were evaluated weekly. There was a small benefit in overall tumor reduction in animals treated with intraperitoneal chemotherapy applied through the slow release device compared with animals treated with intraperitoneal free chemotherapy, as evaluated through tumor weight - results in standardized mean difference. (-1.06; 95% CI: -1.34, -0.78) and tumor volume (-3.72; 95% CI: -4.47, -2.97), a benefit that was seen in most weekly evaluations and for most chemotherapy drugs, such as carboplatin (tumor weight: -5.60; 95% CI: -7.83, -3.37), paclitaxel (tumor weight: -1.18; 95% CI: -1.52, -0.83), and cisplatin (tumor volume: -2.85; 95% CI: -3.66, -2.04) carboplatin (tumor volume: -12.71; 95% CI: -17.35, -8.07); cisplatin (tumor volume: -7.76; 95% CI: -9.88, -5.65); paclitaxel (tumor volume: -2.85; 95% CI: -3.66, -2.04). Regarding animal weight, there was no weight reduction in animals treated with intraperitoneal chemotherapy applied through the slow-release device compared with animals treated with intraperitoneal free chemotherapy. However, significant heterogeneity was observed in some comparisons.

Conclusion

slow-release devices are overall safe and effective in animal models of ovarian cancer. It was not possible to evaluate which one is the most promising device to treat ovarian cancer, because many different types were used to apply chemotherapy intraperitoneally.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42021224573.
Efficacy and safety of anticoagulants on venous thromboembolism: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Fu Weijie , Zhao Maolin , Ding Sheng , Xin Mei , Yang Ke , Jiang Li , Wu Fan , Wu Xiaochen , Wang Jian , Chen Jie , Gao Feng , He Siyi
Published: January 2025

Background

Anticoagulants are the primary means for the treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE), but their clinical standardized application still remains controversial. The present study intends to comprehensively compare the efficacy and safety of various anticoagulants in VTE.

Methods

Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library from their inception up to August 2023 were searched to compare the efficacy and safety of various anticoagulants in VTE. We extracted data on study settings, baseline characteristics, interventions, and outcomes, applying the intention-to-treat principle. Two researchers assessed study bias using the Cochrane tool, resolving disagreements through discussion or third-party adjudication. Network meta-analyses were performed based on Bayesian generalized linear models, and a frequentist framework with multivariate random effects was used to fit the model.

Results

In terms of treatment, 58 trials with 119,417 patients proved eligible, while 125 trials with 225,414 patients were included in terms of prevention. All anticoagulants were found to reduce the recurrence or incidence of VTE compared with Placebo, of which high-level evidence indicated that direct thrombin inhibitors (TIs) and novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) were the two most effective drugs. For treatment, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), unfractionated heparin (UFH), and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) significantly increased the risk of major bleeding in comparison to Placebo. For prevention, only UFH (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2–3.3) and NOACs (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2–2.6) showed significant increased risks in major bleeding. Additionally, after an exhaustive analysis of NOACs, analysis showed that apixaban (RR 0.5, 95%CI 0.17–1.46) had a superior performance in major bleeding compared to rivaroxaban (RR 3.87, 95%CI 1.48–10.09).

Conclusion

TIs and NOACs were superior in efficacy with minimal side effects, making them pivotal choices for both prevention and treatment of VTE. Clinical practitioners must carefully weigh drug characteristics, indications, and contraindications to optimize treatment outcomes.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=466775.
Photodynamic therapy with a novel photosensitizer inhibits DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in rats via the NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Rong Yumei , Zhu Minghui , Wang Nan , Zhang Feiyu , Liu Tianjun
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the digestive tract.

Methods

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with a novel photosensitizer LD4 was used to treat UC rat models to explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of LD4-PDT on UC. 16S ribosomal RNA was used to detect the composition of Gut microbiota.

Results

Our findings indicate that LD4-PDT could protect the integrity of the colonic mucosa, alleviate the inflammatory response and promote the healing of colonic mucosa. Mechanism studies demonstrated that LD4-PDT could inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway, downregulated the expression of the inflammatory factors’ tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), increased the contents of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and decreased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA). Additionally, analysis of gut microbiota revealed that LD4-PDT treatment could decrease the abundance of the Proteobacteria phylum in fecal samples, while no significant differences were observed in the Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, or Actinobacteria phyla among the three groups using 16S rRNA analysis.

Discussion

In summary, our data suggested that LD4-PDT could inhibit DSS-induced UC in rats via the NF-κB signaling pathway, indicating its potential as a novel photosensitizer for the treatment of UC.
Muscle-derived extracellular vesicles mediate crosstalk between skeletal muscle and other organs
Authors: Jia Jiajie , Wang Lu , Zhou Yue , Zhang Peng , Chen Xiaoping
Published: January 2025

Skeletal muscle (SKM) has crucial roles in locomotor activity and posture within the body and also functions have been recognized as an actively secretory organ. Numerous bioactive molecules are secreted by SKM and transported by extracellular vesicles (EVs), a novel class of mediators of communication between cells and organs that contain various types of cargo molecules including lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. SKM-derived EVs (SKM-EVs) are intercellular communicators with significant roles in the crosstalk between SKM and other organs. In this review, we briefly describe the biological characteristics, composition, and uptake mechanisms of EVs, particularly exosomes, comprehensively summarize the regulatory effects of SKM-EVs on the function of, which include myogenesis, muscle repair and regeneration, as well as metabolic regulation. Furthermore, we explore the impact of SKM- EVs on various organs including bone, the cardiovascular system, adipose tissue, and nervous system. As emerging evidence suggests that SKM-EVs are involved in the development and regulation of type 2 diabetes (T2D), systemic inflammation, and other chronic diseases, we also highlight the potential of SKM-EVs as therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers, emphasizing the need for further research to elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying intercellular communication in physiological and pathological contexts.
Salivary testosterone and cortisol responses to seven weeks of practical blood flow restriction training in collegiate American football players
Authors: Luebbers Paul E. , Kriley Luke M. , Eserhaut Drake A. , Andre Matthew J. , Butler Michael S. , Fry Andrew C.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 7-week supplemental BFR training intervention on both acute and chronic alterations in salivary testosterone (sTes) and cortisol (sCort) in collegiate American football players.

Methods

58 males were divided into 4 groups: 3 completed an upper- and lower-body split resistance training routine (H, H/S, H/S/R; H = Heavy, S = Supplemental, R = BFR), with H/S/R performing end-of-session practical BFR training, and H/S serving as the volume-matched non-BFR group. The final group (M/S/R) completed modified resistance training programming with the same practical BFR protocol as H/S/R. Athletes were further split into AM and PM training groups based upon their pre-determined training schedules, in cooperation with University strength and conditioning staff. Practical BFR consisted of end-of-session barbell bench press and back squat using 20% 1 repetition maximum (1RM) for 30-20-20-20 repetitions across 4 sets, with 45-seconds rest. Saliva samples were taken pre- and post- the first lower-body training sessions in week 1 and week 7 (i.e., test 1 and test 2) of the program, yielding four total. sTes and sCort were analyzed using 4-way (4 × 2 × 2 × 2) mixed model ANOVA’s.

Results

Hormonal variables all exhibited main effects for time-of-day (p < 0.001). A significant group × time interaction effect (F3,50 = 3.246, p < 0.05) indicated increases in sTes post-training cycle for the H/S/R group only. Further, PM post-exercise sCort decreased from test 1 to test 2 (nmol·L−1: 95% CI: PM test 1 post-exercise = 10.7–17.1, PM test 2 post-exercise = 5.0–8.9). For the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio (T/C), AM pre-exercise was lower than PM (p < 0.05), with no change in post-exercise T/C for both AM and PM conditions when collapsed across testing times.

Discussion

Overall, these findings suggest an ecologically valid method of BFR implementation is capable of inducing heightened concentrations of sTes in well-resistance trained American football athletes, providing additional insight on possible physiological mechanisms underpinning BFR’s ability to elicit beneficial muscle hypertrophy and maximal strength adaptations when performed during regimented training programs. Additionally, notable rises in T/C, and a null sCort response post-exercise were observed post-program for all groups, possibly indicative of positive physiological adaptation.
Comprehensive prediction of potential spatiotemporal distribution patterns, priority planting regions, and introduction adaptability of Elymus sibiricus in the Chinese region
Authors: Lu Huan-Huan , Zheng Yu-Ying , Qiu Yong-Sen , Tang Liu-Ban , Zhao Yan-Cui , Xie Wen-Gang
Published: January 2025

The natural grassland in China is facing increasingly serious degradation. Elymus sibiricus L., as an important native alpine grass, is widely used in the restoration and improvement of natural grassland. In this study, the geographical distribution and environmental data of E. sibiricus in China were collected, and the potential spatiotemporal distribution pattern, planting pattern, and introduction adaptability of E. sibiricus were comprehensively predicted by using ensembled ecological niche model and Marxan model. The results show that (1) the potential spatial distribution of E. sibiricus mainly spans 33°–42°N and 95°–118°E. It was widely distributed in Qilian Mountains (northeast of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau), Taihang Mountains (junction of Loess Plateau and Inner Mongolia Plateau), and Tianshan Mountains; (2) with the passage of time, the suitable distribution regions of E. sibiricus generally showed a collapse trend, but its main distribution regions did not show obvious change, and the suitable regions (centroid) generally migrated to the southwest of China by 2.93 km; (3) the spatial distribution of E. sibiricus in the current period was significantly affected by the annual range of monthly near-surface relative humidity, mean annual air temperature, annual range of monthly potential evapotranspiration, mean monthly potential evapotranspiration, annual range of monthly climate moisture index, elevation, exchangeable Ca2+, available P, mean monthly near-surface relative humidity, exchangeable H+, and annual precipitation amount, respectively; (4) the potential planting area of E. sibiricus cover 2.059 × 105 km2, which was mainly distributed in Qilian Mountains (northeast of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau), Taihang Mountains (southeast of Inner Mongolia Plateau), the middle part of Tianshan Mountains, and the southeast of Altai Mountains; (5) the introduction adaptability regions of six E. sibiricus germplasm (LM01–LM06) were all distributed in the high-elevation regions of western China. The study aims to provide an effective theoretical basis for the collection, preservation, and utilization of E. sibiricus germplasm resources in China.
Participants’ satisfaction with social security is closely associated with their acceptance of vulnerable groups: a nationwide cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Guo Chaowei , Wu Yifan , Ge Lina , Qi Li , Ma Yi , Zang Shuang
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Social security, as a core component of the national welfare system, has consistently played a crucial role in ensuring the basic livelihood of citizens and promoting social equity and justice. Against this backdrop, this study explores the association between social security satisfaction and acceptance of vulnerable groups.

Methods

This study involved 9923 participants. Generalized linear regression and smooth curve fitting were used to assess the association between social security satisfaction and acceptance of vulnerable groups. Threshold effect was examined by piecewise regression. We conducted subgroup analyses and assessed the potential interaction effect.

Results

A non‑linear association was detected between social security satisfaction and inclusion of vulnerable groups with an inflection point of 45.00. When social security satisfaction was < 45.00, inclusion of vulnerable groups increased with increasing social security satisfaction score up to inflection point. The association between social security satisfaction and inclusion of vulnerable groups differed across gender, education level, and spouse subgroups.

Discussion

The study reveals the importance of social security satisfaction on their acceptance of vulnerable groups. It has a significant meaning in enhancing individuals’ acceptance of vulnerable groups level.
Effectiveness of the mobile Stress Autism Mate Junior application in reducing stress and improving quality of life in adolescents with autism: a pilot study
Authors: van Asselt Alvin , Hoeberichts Kirsten , Demirel Sevda , Scheeren Anke , Roke Yvette
Published: January 2025

Objective

Studies indicate that stress levels of autistic adolescents may be particularly high. Therefore, support is needed to help them deal with their stressors. Stress Autism Mate (SAM) Junior, a mobile self-help tool, was designed in co-creation with adolescents with autism to help reduce daily stress levels. The app is based on the SAM app, which was previously shown to be effective in reducing stress in autistic adults. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the SAM Junior app in reducing perceived stress and maladaptive coping styles, and increasing adaptive coping styles and quality of life in adolescents with autism.

Methods

A total of 24 Dutch adolescents with autism participated in this Single Case Experimental Design study. Sixteen of them (9 girls and 7 boys; Mage = 15.0 years, SD = 1.9) completed all research phases. Data were collected at four time points separated by four weeks: Control, pre-test, post-test and follow-up. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze the data.

Results

At post-test, use of the SAM Junior app had no significant effects on participants’ perceived stress (B = 0.31; 95% CI [-1.59, 2.22], p = .73), adaptive coping (B = -1.38; 95% CI [-5.69, 2.94], p = .51), maladaptive coping (B = -0.63; 95% CI [-4.56, 3.30], p = .74) and quality of life (B = -4.13; 95% CI [-12.19, 3.94], p = .29). These non-significant effects persisted at follow-up.

Discussion

Current preliminary results do not show effectiveness of the SAM Junior app to support adolescents with autism. Using the app as intended, without professional supervision, may have been too complex for this population. Further research is needed to determine the potential effects of the SAM Junior app with more certainty.
The influence of health literacy on how preschool educators and parents perceive the continuous development of health competencies within the framework of sustainability: Lithuanian case
Authors: Daniuseviciute-Brazaite Laura , Draudviliene Lina
Published: January 2025

Preschool education is one of the most important priorities of modern educational policies and the basis of lifelong learning. Health-literate educators and parents are better equipped to instill sustainable health practices in young children. Therefore, it is important to examine health literacy and determine how preschool educators and parents perceive the continuous development of health competencies within the framework of sustainability. The quantitative survey results revealed the dominant levels of general health literacy among respondents: problematic (31.1% vs. 33.5%) and sufficient (39.8% vs. 43.3%) for parents and teachers, respectively. Parents’ attitudes toward the development of children’s health competence within the framework of sustainability in preschool showed that parents and educators understand that their role is one of the most important factors in strengthening children’s health competence. However, most respondents spend only 2 h being active with children on healthy lifestyles (61.5% vs. 55%) for parents and teachers, respectively. A moderate correlation was found between health literacy and the weekly time spent developing children’s health competencies (r = 0.526). In addition, educators and parents who always or very often focus on the development of children’s health competence seek to plan daily activities in a way that would enhance health promotion (r = 0.463). Within the framework of sustainability, this influence becomes even more pronounced as sustainable health education aims to instill long-lasting, holistic health practices that benefit individuals and communities over time.
The role of PCBP1 in carbon ion-induced ferroptosis and inhibition of lung adenocarcinoma proliferation
Authors: Kang Zhenchao , Fu Zihan , Tian Xuejiao , Geng Yichao , Zhang Qiuning , Liu Yanli , Wang Xinhua , Luo Hongtao , Yang Zhen
Published: January 2025

Objective

To investigate the role of PCBP1 in the inhibition of lung adenocarcinoma proliferation by carbon irradiation.

Methods

A549 cells were irradiated with different doses of carbon ions to observe clonal survival and detect changes in cell proliferation. Whole transcriptome sequencing and the Illumina platform were used to analyze the differentially expressed genes in A549 cells after carbon ion irradiation. The relationship between the expression levels of PCBP1, ACSL4, and ALOX15 and survival was analyzed by combining data from the UCSC database and the Kaplan–Meier Plotter public platform. Additionally, the knockdown of the poly (rC)-binding protein 1 (PCBP1) gene using siRNA techniques was employed to further investigate the relationship between the expression levels of PCBP1 and ALOX15. To investigate the relationship between ALOX15 expression and survival, we assessed changes in key indicators of ferroptosis (mitochondrial morphology, ROS, MDA, and divalent iron) in A549 cells after knocking down the PCBP1 gene using siRNA technology. Additionally, the expressions of PCBP1, ACSL4, and ALOX15 in different groups were further analyzed through RT-PCR and Western blot techniques. The differential expression of PCBP1, ACSL4, and ALOX15 in NSCLC tissues was found to correlate with clinical prognosis for survival.

Results

Carbon ions significantly inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells, and 5.16 Gy carbon ions significantly induced the expression of differentially expressed genes in these cells. Additionally, carbon ions inhibited the expression of PCBP1, which led to alterations in mitochondrial morphology in lung adenocarcinoma cells. This was associated with a significant increase in the levels of ROS, MDA, and Fe2+. Furthermore, low expression of PCBP1 promoted ferroptosis by increasing the expression of ACSL4 and ALOX15.

Conclusion

Carbon ions decreased the expression of PCBP1 in A549 cells, and low expression of PCBP1 inhibited tumor proliferation by promoting ferroptosis.
Community acceptance of services and effectiveness of health camps in high-risk areas of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan, 2021
Authors: Abbasi Fayaz Hussain , Mehraj Jaishri , Khowaja Azeem , Sodhar Irshad Ali , Chandio Shoukat Ali , Rasool Shumaila , Zardari Asif Ali , Hussain Imtiaz , Bosan Altaf , Stuckey Erin M. , Shaikh Ahmed Ali
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Health camps are organized to provide basic health services in underprivileged communities. This study was conducted to determine community acceptance and effectiveness of health camps in the high-risk areas for the polio program in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey was conducted at the health campsites in high-risk union councils (HRUCs) of four districts of Karachi, Sindh. The survey was carried out in three rounds after a polio vaccination campaign in June, August, and October 2021. In June and August, health camps were organized in eight HRUCs; in October, the scope was extended to 33 union councils. All health camps provided basic health services, maternal and child health services, and routine immunization.

Results

In June 877, August 367, and October 383 respondents participated in the survey. The main services availed include consultation with a doctor (64% in June, 79% in August, 78% in October), followed by childhood vaccination (58% in June, 55% in August, 69% in October), and nutrition support (34% in June, 17% in August, 17% in October). Children’s immunization increased from 80% in June to 86% in August and 96% in October health camp rounds. Among parents who do not allow oral polio vaccine from polio teams at their doorstep, also vaccinated children at the health camps 48 (81%) in June, eight (80%) in August, and 13 (87%) in October.

Conclusion

Health camps played a crucial role in building the reputation of the polio program among underserved communities in Karachi’s high-risk areas. Alongside routine immunization vaccination services, the provision of public health services such as permanent healthcare facilities, access to safe drinking water, proper waste disposal, and mother and child healthcare services, are crucial steps toward improving immunization and overall health outcomes and strengthening community trust.
The impact of work–family conflict on early childhood teachers’ occupational well-being: the chain mediating role of psychological empowerment and job crafting
Authors: Wang Liqun , Qiao Tianqi , Wang Xinxin , Wang Chen , Ye Pingzhi
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The occupational well-being of early childhood teachers, as a crucial measure of the stability of the early childhood workforce, is increasingly becoming a core topic of interest within the education system. Work-related stressors, particularly work–family conflict, have drawn significant attention for their impact on the occupational well-being of early childhood teachers, becoming a prominent issue in the education field. However, current research rarely explores the relationship between these factors and the underlying mechanisms involved. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between work–family conflict and the occupational well-being of early childhood teachers and the mediating role of psychological empowerment and job crafting.

Methods

This study conducted a survey involving 1,200 early childhood teachers from Guangdong Province, China, using personal information forms and four scales. The collected data were processed and analyzed using SPSS 27.0.

Results

Work–family conflict showed a significant negative correlation with early childhood teacher’s occupational well-being (β = −0.268, p < 0.001). Psychological empowerment (indirect effect size = −0.049) and job crafting (indirect effect size = −0.019) partially mediated the relationship between work–family conflict and occupational well-being. Furthermore, psychological empowerment and job crafting played a chain mediating role between work–family conflict and occupational well-being (indirect effect size = −0.036).

Conclusion

This study reveals the underlying mechanisms by which work–family conflict affects early childhood teachers’ occupational well-being. The findings demonstrate that work–family conflict has a direct and negative impact on the occupational well-being of early childhood teachers. Psychological empowerment and job crafting both partially mediate the relationship between work–family conflict and occupational well-being among early childhood teachers, and they also function in a serial mediating role within this association. The study provides crucial evidence supporting the significant impact of work-related stressors on early childhood teachers’ occupational well-being, serving as a reference for policymakers and educators in developing interventions targeting occupational well-being.
Developing and validating a drug recommendation system based on tumor microenvironment and drug fingerprint
Authors: Wang Yan , Jin Xiaoye , Qiu Rui , Ma Bo , Zhang Sheng , Song Xuyang , He Jinxi
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Tumor heterogeneity significantly complicates the selection of effective cancer treatments, as patient responses to drugs can vary widely. Personalized cancer therapy has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance treatment effectiveness and precision. This study aimed to develop a personalized drug recommendation model leveraging genomic profiles to optimize therapeutic outcomes.

Methods

A content-based filtering algorithm was implemented to predict drug sensitivity. Patient features were characterized by the tumor microenvironment (TME), and drug features were represented by drug fingerprints. The model was trained and validated using the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database, followed by independent validation with the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) dataset. Clinical application was assessed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, with Best Overall Response (BOR) serving as the clinical efficacy measure. Two multilayer perceptron (MLP) models were built to predict IC50 values for 542 tumor cell lines across 18 drugs.

Results

The model exhibited high predictive accuracy, with correlation coefficients (R) of 0.914 in the training set and 0.902 in the test set. Predictions for cytotoxic drugs, including Docetaxel (R = 0.72) and Cisplatin (R = 0.71), were particularly robust, whereas predictions for targeted therapies were less accurate (R < 0.3). Validation with CCLE (MFI as the endpoint) showed strong correlations (R = 0.67). Application to TCGA data successfully predicted clinical outcomes, including a significant association with 6-month progression-free survival (PFS, P = 0.007, AUC = 0.793).

Discussion

The model demonstrates strong performance across preclinical datasets, showing its potential for real-world application in personalized cancer therapy. By bridging preclinical IC50 and clinical BOR endpoints, this approach provides a promising tool for optimizing patient-specific treatments.
A fast monocular 6D pose estimation method for textureless objects based on perceptual hashing and template matching
Authors: Araya-Martinez Jose Moises , Matthiesen Vinicius Soares , Bøgh Simon , Lambrecht Jens , Pimentel de Figueiredo Rui
Published: January 2025

Object pose estimation is essential for computer vision applications such as quality inspection, robotic bin picking, and warehouse logistics. However, this task often requires expensive equipment such as 3D cameras or Lidar sensors, as well as significant computational resources. Many state-of-the-art methods for 6D pose estimation depend on deep neural networks, which are computationally demanding and require GPUs for real-time performance. Moreover, they usually involve the collection and labeling of large training datasets, which is costly and time-consuming. In this study, we propose a template-based matching algorithm that utilizes a novel perceptual hashing method for binary images, enabling fast and robust pose estimation. This approach allows the automatic preselection of a subset of templates, significantly reducing inference time while maintaining similar accuracy. Our solution runs efficiently on multiple devices without GPU support, offering reduced runtime and high accuracy on cost-effective hardware. We benchmarked our proposed approach on a body-in-white automotive part and a widely used publicly available dataset. Our set of experiments on a synthetically generated dataset reveals a trade-off between accuracy and computation time superior to a previous work on the same automotive-production use case. Additionally, our algorithm efficiently utilizes all CPU cores and includes adjustable parameters for balancing computation time and accuracy, making it suitable for a wide range of applications where hardware cost and power efficiency are critical. For instance, with a rotation step of 10° in the template database, we achieve an average rotation error of 10°, matching the template quantization level, and an average translation error of 14% of the object’s size, with an average processing time of 0.3s per image on a small form-factor NVIDIA AGX Orin device. We also evaluate robustness under partial occlusions (up to 10% occlusion) and noisy inputs (signal-to-noise ratios [SNRs] up to 10 dB), with only minor losses in accuracy. Additionally, we compare our method to state-of-the-art deep learning models on a public dataset. Although our algorithm does not outperform them in absolute accuracy, it provides a more favorable trade-off between accuracy and processing time, which is especially relevant to applications using resource-constrained devices.
Self-Efficacy in Life Skills and Psychological Correlates in Sicilian Adolescents: A Brief Report
Authors: Indiana Maria Luisa , Sagone Elisabetta
Published: January 2025

The aim of this paper is to discuss the findings derived from the associations between self-efficacy in life skills and its major psychological correlates (psychological well-being, resilience, and coping strategies) in various convenience samples of Sicilian adolescents. We include a summary of the main results and statistical outcomes obtained from previous studies performed in the Sicilian context, focusing on several psychological topics associated with self-efficacy in life skills. Comparing the outcomes from different studies revealed positive correlations between self-efficacy in life skills and higher levels of psychological well-being, resilience, and functional coping strategies to manage critical situations. Future research will focus on the development of life skills programs to improve the quality of life of adolescents and promote their functional and optimal development.
Silage Preparation, Processing and Efficient Utilization
Authors: Wang Siran
Published: January 2025

Ensiling is a technique for the long-term preservation of feed which is both effective and widespread, and it is characterized by low costs and ease of operation [...]
Influence of No-Tillage on Soil CO2 Emissions Affected by Monitoring Hours in Maize in the North China Plain
Authors: Du Kun , Li Fadong , Leng Peifang , Zhang Qiuying
Published: January 2025

There is still controversy over the influence of no-tillage (NT) on CO2 emissions in farmland soil. Few studies focus on the impact of monitoring hours on the response of soil CO2 emissions to NT. Therefore, an in situ experiment was conducted in maize cropland in the Shandong Yucheng Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station in the North China Plain. The soil CO2 emissions, soil water content (SWC), and soil temperature (ST) were automatically monitored using the morning sampling (MonS) and continuous sampling (multi-hour sampling in one day, DayS) methods during the whole maize growth stages. The results showed that the MonS method decreased the sum of soil CO2 emissions by 146.39 g CO2 m−2 in the wet year 2018 and increased that by 93.69 g CO2 m−2 in the dry year 2019 when compared to the DayS method. The influence intensity of NT on soil CO2 effluxes was decreased with the MonS method. In contrast, the MonS method had no significant effect on the differences in SWC between NT and conventional tillage. However, the MonS method increased the variance in ST between NT and conventional tillage by 0.45 °C, which was higher than that with the DayS method (0.20 °C) across years. Compared to the DayS method, the MonS method increased the regression coefficient of soil CO2 emissions with SWC but decreased that with ST. This study is beneficial for reducing the artificial impact of monitoring hours on the data accuracy of soil CO2 effluxes and deepening the understanding of the influence of NT on soil CO2 emissions.
From Prediction to Precision: Explainable AI-Driven Insights for Targeted Treatment in Equine Colic
Authors: Cetintav Bekir , Yalcin Ahmet
Published: January 2025

Colic is a leading cause of mortality in horses, demanding precise and timely interventions. This study integrates machine learning and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) to predict survival outcomes in horses with colic, using clinical, procedural, and diagnostic data. Random forest and XGBoost emerged as top-performing models, achieving F1 scores of 85.9% and 86.1%, respectively. SHAP (Shapley additive explanations) was employed to provide interpretable insights, offering both global and local explanations for model predictions. The analysis revealed that key features, such as pulse rate, lesion type, and total protein levels, significantly influenced survival likelihood. Local interpretations highlighted the unique contribution of clinical factors to individual cases, enabling personalized insights that guide targeted treatment strategies. These tailored predictions empower veterinarians to prioritize interventions based on the specific conditions of each horse, moving beyond generalized care protocols. By combining predictive accuracy with interpretability, this study advances precision veterinary medicine, enhancing outcomes for equine colic cases and setting a benchmark for future applications of AI in animal health.
Effects of Standardized Natural Citrus Extract on Growth, Gut Health, Carcass Quality, and Welfare of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Cisse Sekhou , Matuszewski Arkadiusz , Bień Damian , Ciborowska Patrycja , Zalewska Anna , Urban Jakub , Michalczuk Monika , Mendel Marta , Latek Urszula , Polak Joanna , Sobczak-Filipiak Małgorzata , Konieczka Paweł , Benarbia Mohammed El Amine
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a Standardized Natural Citrus Extract (SNCE) on broiler chickens’ growth performance, gut health, carcass quality, and welfare. A total of 756 one-day-old Ross 308 males were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group (CTL) fed with a standard diet, and a citrus group (SNCE) fed with the same standard diet supplemented with 250 g/ton of feed of SNCE. Growth performance was recorded weekly until d 35, while mortality was recorded daily. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) and European Efficiency Index (EEI) of broiler chickens were also calculated weekly. At day 35, 10 birds per group were randomly selected for slaughter performance. In parallel, broiler chickens’ welfare was assessed according to the Welfare Quality Assessment Protocol. Caecal digest was also collected post mortem for short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) analyses, and jejunum samples were collected for ex vivo gut permeability assay. SNCE dietary supplementation enhanced broiler chickens’ performance, i.e., final bodyweight and EEI, compared to the CTL group. The carcass weight was also significantly higher in the SNCE group. In addition, the fat percentage was lower in the SNCE group. Regarding broiler chickens’ welfare and gut health parameters, Footpad Dermatitis (FPD) and gate score were also lower in birds supplemented with SNCE. The SCFA measurement showed a lower concentration of iso-butyric acid, iso-valeric acid, and total putrefactive SCFA in the SNCE group. The differences in gut permeability measured as TEER value indicate that using citrus extract lowered the risk of gut inflammation. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of action that may underlie the observed effects of SNCE on performance, as demonstrated in this study and others. These effects could potentially be attributed to the reduction in inflammation and the enhanced utilization of nutrients. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Wild Boar Attacks on Hunting Dogs in Czechia: The Length of the Hunting Season Matters
Authors: Adámková Jana , Lazárková Karolína , Cukor Jan , Brinkeová Hana , Bartošová Jitka , Bartoš Luděk , Benediktová Kateřina
Published: January 2025

Hunting dogs are exposed to the risk of injury in driven hunts, an often-used method for managing growing wild boar numbers. This study investigated the impact of increased hunting pressure—both across the hunting season and within individual hunting events—on the risk of wild boar attacks on hunting dogs, i.e., the length of the hunting season (2.68 ± 0.76 months, mean ± standard deviation), the number of driven hunts per season (3.99 ± 0.43), the intervals between hunts (17.85 ± 4.83 days), the number of wild boars harvested per season (14.46 ± 13.10), and the number of participants (23.8 ± 10.69) and dogs (4.56 ± 2.66) involved per hunt. The data were collected via a retrospective questionnaire survey. The information-theoretic approach (IT-AIC) and GLMM were employed to estimate the factors’ effects on the number of wild boar attacks on dogs reported in 40 hunting grounds in five consecutive hunting seasons (2.60 ± 5.07 attacks per hunting season in a hunting ground). The number of attacks only increased with the length of the hunting season. The best model did not include other factors, such as shorter intervals between hunts, a higher number of driven hunts, wild boars harvested, or participants. The respondents reported 150 injuries by wild boars during 797 driven hunts. Most injuries were mild (73.8%), with fewer severe (18.8%) and fatal (7.4%) cases. Further investigation into wild boar and hunting dog interactions is necessary for constructing strategies to improve hunting practices and reduce dog injury risks.
Isolation of a Novel Caprine Eimeria christenseni Strain (GC) in Canary Islands and Analysis of Parasitological, Clinical, and Pathological Findings on Experimentally Infected Goat Kids
Authors: Barba Emilio , Molina José Manuel , Rodríguez Francisco , Ferrer Otilia , Muñoz María Carmen , Silva Liliana M. R. , Del Río María Cristina , Molina José Adrián , Taubert Anja , Hermosilla Carlos , Ruiz Antonio
Published: January 2025

Eimeria christenseni is considered among the most pathogenic Eimeria species in goats. The aim of this study was to isolate an E. christenseni strain and to assess its infectivity, pathogenicity, and ability to develop a protective immune response. After previous collection of E. christenseni-positive faeces, purification of oocysts, and amplification in donor animals, an experimental infection was carried out. A total of 19 kids were divided into three groups: primary-infected and challenged, challenge control, and uninfected control. Infections were performed orally with 2 × 105 sporulated oocysts per animal. Oocyst shedding, clinical signs, and production parameters, in addition to haematological and histopathological features, were monitored. The results showed that the Gran Canaria (GC) E. christenseni strain had similar morphological and biological characteristics to those previously described, but no significant clinical signs were observed despite the high oocyst counts here recorded. The novel strain isolated would therefore be of low pathogenicity but still able to develop significant immunoprotective responses upon challenge infections. Its biological similarities to highly pathogenic species such as Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae and Eimeria arloingi might enable comparative studies aimed at developing alternative strategies for drug treatments, including Eimeria species (strain)-specific vaccination strategies for the efficient control of goat coccidiosis.
Emergence of Carbapenem-Resistant blaPOM-1 Harboring Pseudomonas otitidis Isolated from River Water in Ghana
Authors: Ofosu Appiah Frederick , Mahazu Samiratu , Prah Isaac , Kawamura Taira , Ota Yusuke , Nishikawa Yohei , Yoshida Mitsunori , Suzuki Masato , Hoshino Yoshihiko , Suzuki Toshihiko , Ishino Tomoko , Ablordey Anthony , Saito Ryoichi
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Pseudomonas otitidis, known for carrying the blaPOM-1 gene and linked to various diseases, is widely distributed. However, its prevalence in Ghana is unknown, mainly due to misidentification or inadequate research. In this study, for the first time, we characterized P. otitidis from Densu river water in Ghana. Methods: The antimicrobial susceptibility and whole genome characteristics of two strains (Tg_9B and BC12) were determined. The resistance and virulence features were determined using ResFinder and the VFDB database, respectively. Maximum-likelihood phylogeny was conducted based on amino acid sequences of blaPOM-1 and P. otitidis core genomes. Results: The strains carried blaPOM-1 on the chromosome, with only Tg_9B showing intermediate resistance to meropenem. Tg_9B had a unique genetic make-up downstream of blaPOM-1, compared with BC12 and other reference strains. Both strains harbored virulence factors able to induce pathogenicity through immune evasion. The efflux pump genes (adeF, rsmA, and qacG) were present in the genomes of all the strains used in this study. The amino acid sequences of POM-1 in the strains shared a sequence homology with seven other sequences from different countries. Conclusions: This study highlights the emergence of blaPOM-1 harboring P. otitidis in Ghana and affirms the conservation of blaPOM-1 and adeF, rsmA, and qacG in the species.
Exploring Potential Complement Modulation Strategies for Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury in Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Troise Dario , Allegra Costanza , Cirolla Luciana Antonia , Mercuri Silvia , Infante Barbara , Castellano Giuseppe , Stallone Giovanni
Published: January 2025

The complement system plays a crucial role in regulating the inflammatory responses in kidney transplantation, potentially contributing to early decline in kidney function. Ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) is among the factors affecting graft outcomes and a primary contributor to delayed graft function. Complement activation, particularly the alternative pathway, participates in the pathogenesis of IRI, involving all kidney compartments. In particular, tubular epithelial cells often acquire a dysfunctional phenotype that can exacerbate complement activation and kidney damage. Currently, complement-modulating drugs are under investigation for the treatment of kidney diseases. Many of these drugs have shown potential therapeutic benefits, but no effective clinical treatments for renal IRI have been identified yet. In this review, we will explore drugs that target complement factors, complement receptors, and regulatory proteins, aiming to highlight their potential value in improving the management of renal IRI.
Identification Method of Highway Accident Prone Sections Under Adverse Meteorological Conditions Based on Meteorological Responsiveness
Authors: Gao Yanyang , Zhang Chi , Ye Maojie , Wang Bo
Published: January 2025

To mitigate the prevalence of highway accidents in Southwest China during adverse weather conditions, this study introduces a novel method for identifying accident-prone sections in complex meteorological circumstances. The technique, anchored in data mining’s support index, pioneers the concept of meteorological responsiveness, which includes the elucidation of its mechanisms and the development of computational methodologies. Historical meteorological data and accident records from mountainous highways were meticulously analyzed to quantify the spectrum of adverse weather impacts on driving risks. By integrating road geometry, weather data, and accident site information, meteorological events were identified, categorized, and assigned a meteorological responsiveness score. Outlier sections were processed for preliminary screening, enabling the identification of high-risk segments. The Meteorological Response Ratio Index was instrumental in highlighting and quantifying the influence of adverse weather on traffic safety, facilitating the prioritization of critical sections. The case study of the SC2 highway in Southwest China validated the method’s feasibility, successfully pinpointing eight high-risk sections significantly affected by adverse weather, which constituted approximately 19.05% of the total highway length. Detailed analysis of these sections, especially those impacted by rain, fog, and snow, revealed specific zones prone to accidents. The meteorological responsiveness method’s efficacy was further substantiated by correlating accident mechanisms under adverse weather with the road geometry of key sections. This approach stands to significantly enhance the safety management of operational highways.