bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Report: Type A invasive thymoma with renal metastasis
Authors: Wang Xiao-Xia , Zhao Xiao-Dong , Wang Ming
Published: February 2025

Thymomas are rare malignancies originating from the epithelial cells of the thymus, typically presenting in the anterior mediastinum. Despite their indolent nature and slow growth, thymomas have the potential to metastasize to various organs, including the lungs, bones, and liver. However, renal metastasis is exceedingly rare. This case reported the details a 65-year-old male diagnosed with invasive thymoma (Type A, Masaoka stage IV) with renal metastasis seven years after the initial diagnosis. The patient underwent laparoscopic-assisted radical nephrectomy, followed by chemotherapy. The case demonstrated the potential for long-term survival among patients with advanced stages of thymoma when managed with a multidisciplinary approach, and underscored the need for monitoring extrathoracic metastases during the follow-up of patients with thymomas, thereby improving early detection and survival of these patients.
Detection of radiosensitive subpopulations ex-vivo with Raman microspectroscopy
Authors: Meade Aidan D. , Maguire Adrian , Bryant Jane , Cullen Daniel , Medipally Dinesh , White Lisa , Armstrong John , Dunne Mary , Noone Emma , Bradshaw Shirley , Finn Marie , Shannon Aoife M. , Howe Orla L. , Lyng Fiona M.
Published: February 2025

Although significant advances in understanding the molecular drivers of acquired and inherited radiosensitivity have occurred in recent decades, a single analytical method which can detect and classify radiosensitivity remains elusive. Raman microspectroscopy has demonstrated capabilities in the objective classification of various diseases, and more recently in the detection and modelling of radiobiological effect. In this study, Raman spectroscopy is presented as a potential tool for the detection of radiosensitivity subpopulations represented by four lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from individuals with ataxia telangiectasia (2 lines), non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and Turner’s syndrome. These are classified with respect to a population with mixed radiosensitivity, represented by lymphocytes drawn from both healthy controls, and prostate cancer patients. Raman spectroscopic measurements were made ex-vivo after exposure to X-ray doses of 0 Gy, 50 mGy and 500 mGy, in parallel to radiation-induced G2 chromosomal radiosensitivity scores, for all samples. Support vector machine models developed on the basis of the spectral data were capable of discrimination of radiosensitive populations before and after irradiation, with superior discrimination when spectra were subjected to a non-linear dimensionality reduction (UMAP) as opposed to a linear (PCA) approach. Models developed on spectral data acquired on samples irradiated in-vitro with a dose of 0Gy were found to provide the highest level of performance in discriminating between classes, with performances of F1 = 0.92 ± 0.06 achieved on a held-out test set. Overall, this study suggests that Raman spectroscopy may have potential as a tool for the detection of intrinsic radiosensitivity using liquid biopsies.
lncRNA HIF1A-AS2 acts as an oncogene to regulate malignant phenotypes in cervical cancer
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Yunyan , Chen Cha , Roy Bhaskar , Li Qun , Zhang Wei , Zhang Xuan , Pu Jieying , Li Yuguang , Liu Yanli , Liao Huanlan , Wang Jingjing , Zhou Rui , Zhuo Huiyan , Li Youqiang
Published: February 2025

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) HIF1A-AS2 is upregulated in multiple human cancers and are associated with various aspects of tumor progression. However, the molecular mechanisms of HIF1A-AS2 in cervical cancer (CC) remain largely unknown. In this study, we aim to investigate the expression pattern and signaling pathways of HIF1A-AS2 in CC.

Methods

The study included a group of 20 CC patients, from whom tumor tissue specimens were collected. Additionally, three distinct CC cell lines (HeLa, SiHa, CaSki) were utilized. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to assess the transcript levels of HIF1A-AS2 in these samples. Functional studies were performed by CCK-8, Transwell and Apoptosis assays. Databases including JASPAR, miRDB and Targetscan were used for the transcription factor or target miRNA prediction, subsequent dual luciferase activity assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and Ago2 immunoprecipitation (RIP) were also adopted for validation.

Results

The study demonstrated that HIF1A-AS2 expression was elevated in clinical cervical cancer specimens and cultured cell lines in comparison to normal controls. Knockdown of HIF1A-AS2 notably inhibited the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells, while inducing apoptosis. In contrast, HIF1A-AS2 overexpression promoted cellular proliferation and invasion and suppressed apoptosis. It was also identified that c-Jun functions as a transcription factor, activating HIF1A-AS2 expression. Additionally, HIF1A-AS2 was found to serve as a molecular sponge for miR-34b-5p, negatively regulating its expression. Furthermore, HIF1A-AS2 controlled the expression of radixin (RDX) by sponging the miR-34b-5p pathway.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that c-Jun-activated HIF1A-AS2 acts as an oncogenic factor in CC by sponging miR-34b-5p to target radixin. These findings suggest that HIF1A-AS2 might be a viable and promising therapeutic target for cervical cancer treatment.
Baseline cross-sectional imaging of locally advanced high-risk breast cancer facilitates highly customized radiation therapy in surgically inaccessible anatomical areas
Authors: Borowiec Tomasz , Matkowski Rafał , Cybulska-Stopa Bożena , Kuniej Tomasz , Kołodziejczyk Andrzej , Dupla Dorota , Maciejczyk Adam
Published: February 2025

Background

Routine medical imaging used for preliminary breast cancer workup, such as mammography (MMG) and ultrasound (US), has limited utility for radiation oncologists. We hypothesized that the inclusion of cross-sectional imaging (CT scan or PET-CT) prior to primary systemic therapy (PST) would improve clinical staging accuracy and facilitate customized postoperative radiation therapy planning. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the standard baseline imaging with extended radiological staging.

Methods

To assess our hypothesis, we performed a prospective, single-center study that included 132 participants who were recruited from October 2015 to March 2020. We quantified the value of cross-sectional imaging compared to those of MMG and US. Descriptive statistics, the Friedman and chi-square tests were performed, and p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Patients were grouped into two cohorts: the CT scan cohort (n = 87) and the PET-CT cohort (n = 43). A comparison of the value of cross-sectional imaging with those of MMG and US revealed that staging and radiation planning were altered by this additional procedure. The originally determined disease stage changed in 36.8% and 51.2% of cases in the first and second groups, respectively. The consistency between the assessment of involved axillary lymph nodes using imaging (cN) and the postoperative pathology report (pN) were evaluated. In most cases, clinical and pathological evaluation were consistent, with χ2(1) = 18.98; p < 0.001 for CT scan, and χ2(1) = 6.41; p = 0.03 for PET-CT.

Conclusions

Cross-sectional imaging is recommended for patients with locally advanced high-risk breast cancer. A highly customized radiation therapy, including a dose boost, was administered in nine patients with affected lymph nodes that were surgically inaccessible. This procedure was facilitated by extended radiological staging.
Secukinumab in refractory non-infectious anterior uveitis
Authors: Olivas-Vergara Otto M. , Hernanz Inés , Borges-Deniz Pablo E. , Romero-Bueno Fredeswinda , Sanchez-Pernaute Olga , Carreño Ester
Published: February 2025

Background

Secukinumab is a monoclonal antibody that selectively neutralizes interleukin-17A and has shown efficacy in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, and axial spondyloarthritis. Its use in non-anterior non-infectious uveitis is controversial, with evidence generally not supporting its effectiveness in these conditions. However, the role of secukinumab in anterior non-infectious uveitis remains unclear.

Methods

Case series. Five patients with biological therapy-refractory non-infectious anterior uveitis who were treated with secukinumab were included.

Results

All 5 patients experienced a uveitis flare-up during treatment, and secukinumab failed to induce long-term remission in 2 of these patients, who also had uncontrolled systemic disease.

Conclusion

Secukinumab failed to prevent uveitis flare-up in these patients with biological therapy-refractory disease. Further studies are necessary to determine the potential role of secukinumab in the treatment of anterior uveitis.
Ocular symptoms in COVID-19 patients with a history of hospitalization in the first pandemic wave in Styria, Austria
Authors: Guttmann Andreas , Heidinger Astrid , Woltsche Nora , Brodmann Marianne , Kurzmann-Gütl Katharina , Nemecz Viktoria , Kaindl Matthias , Wurzer Herbert , Schwantzer Gerold , Horwath-Winter Jutta
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence and timing of ocular surface manifestations in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, providing insights into the occurrence of eye involvement before, during, or after the illness. This study contributes to understanding the extent of ocular involvement in COVID-19, which has been suggested to occur due to potential viral entry through the eyes.

Methods

451 confirmed COVID-19 patients had a history of hospitalization in Styria, Austria. The study included 176 patients aged 18-95 years who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swabs by RT-PCR and received treatment at two hospitals. Telephone interviews were conducted after recovery, focusing on ocular symptoms and medical history (openMEDOCS).

Results

Seventeen percent (n=30) reported new-onset ocular symptoms in the context of COVID-19. Patients with ocular symptoms were younger (p<0.001). Sore throat (p=0.013) and high fever (p=0.038) were significantly more prevalent in patients with new-onset ocular symptoms. Persistent ocular symptoms beyond the duration of hospitalization affected more than half (56.7%) of the participants with new-onset ocular symptoms. However, there were no differences in blood parameters, lung imaging, or comorbidities between groups with and without ocular symptoms.

Conclusions

In hospitalized COVID-19 patients, ocular symptoms occur with a significant prevalence of 17%. Younger age (p<0.001) and the presence of sore throat (p=0.013) are associated with an increased risk of developing new-onset ocular symptoms in the context of COVID-19.
The impact of physical exercise interventions on social, behavioral, and motor skills in children with autism: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang YanAn , Qian Guoping , Mao Sujie , Zhang Shikun
Published: February 2025

Background

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social impairments, sensory processing issues, repetitive behavior patterns, motor abnormalities, and executive function impairments.

Objective

To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of various exercise modalities on flexibility and cognitive control, social skills, behavioral problems, motor skills, and coordination in children with ASD, providing scientific evidence for clinical practice to guide effective exercise interventions for children with ASD.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, and Web of Science databases, covering the period from database inception to February 15, 2024. Inclusion criteria included studies involving children with ASD, any form of exercise intervention, reporting at least one ASD-related outcome, and designed as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-experimental studies. Exclusion criteria included reviews, conference abstracts, commentary articles, and studies lacking sufficient statistical data for meta-analysis. Study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Effect sizes were calculated using standardized mean differences (SMD). Heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 statistic. Multiple subgroup analyses were conducted, and publication bias was evaluated using Begg's Test and Egger's Test.

Results

23 RCTs were included in this study, showing positive effects of exercise interventions in various domains.Upper grade students showed significant improvement in flexibility and cognitive control (SMD = −0.282, p = 0.161). Lower grade children showed the most significant improvement in motor skills and coordination (SMD = 0.475, p = 0.043). Preschool children showed significant enhancement in social skills (SMD = 0.312, p = 0.041). Behavioral problems improved significantly across all age groups (SMD = −0.674, p < 0.001). Martial arts and ball games were particularly effective in enhancing these domains, and appropriate periodic exercise interventions effectively improved various abilities in children with ASD. Results varied across different ages and intervention types.

Conclusion

Exercise interventions significantly improve flexibility, cognitive control, motor skills, coordination, social skills, and behavioral problems in children with ASD. This study supports exercise interventions as an effective method to enhance multiple abilities in children with ASD and emphasizes the importance of designing personalized intervention programs tailored to different ages and needs. Future research should focus on larger sample sizes and long-term follow-ups to confirm the sustainability and generalizability of intervention effects.
Machine learning-based prediction of mortality in pediatric trauma patients
Authors: Deleon Alex , Murala Anish , Decker Isabelle , Rajasekaran Karthik , Moreira Alvaro
Published: February 2025

Background

This study aimed to develop a predictive model for mortality outcomes among pediatric trauma patients using machine learning (ML) algorithms.

Methods

We extracted data on a cohort of pediatric trauma patients (18 years and younger) from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB). The main aim was to identify clinical and physiologic variables that could serve as predictors for pediatric trauma mortality. Data was split into a development cohort (70%) to build four ML models and then tested in a validation cohort (30%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to assess each model's performance.

Results

In 510,381 children, the gross mortality rate was 1.6% (n = 8,250). Most subjects were male (67%, n = 342,571) and white (62%, n = 315,178). The AUCs of the four models ranged from 92.7 to 97.7 with XGBoost demonstrating the highest AUC. XGBoost demonstrated the highest accuracy of 97.7%.

Conclusion

Machine learning algorithms can be effectively utilized to build an accurate pediatric mortality prediction model that leverages variables easily obtained upon trauma admission.
Case Report: Persistent toxic reactions in a toddler with a negative blood cantharidin toxicology test
Authors: Duan Zhuyan , Qu Yanning , Tang Rui , Sheng Mengyi , Wang Liangliang , Li Jiao , Zheng Si , Guo Linying
Published: February 2025

Cantharidin is a potent natural toxin and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat cancers and various ailments such as rabies or psoriasis. However, improper use of cantharidin can easily lead to poisoning. Despite there is an increasing amount of literature on the toxic mechanisms of cantharidin, there is still limited knowledge about the disease progression, toxic reactions and toxic blood concentrations in children with cantharidin poisoning. Caregivers of children suffering from cantharidin poisoning might fail to provide an accurate exposure dose when the children exhibit symptoms of intoxication. Moreover, the detection results on routine blood drug screens may be negative, thus delaying the clinical diagnosis and treatment. This study describes a case of cantharidin poisoning in a 2-year-old boy who ingested a traditional Chinese herbal remedy for dog bites. The toddler exhibited severe symptoms related with digestive and urinary systems. Though cantharidin was no longer detectable in the blood 20 h after admission, the poisoning symptoms persisted for approximately 5 days, and ultrasound showed that there was still sediment in the bladder two weeks after discharge. This case highlights the need for clinicians to consider the widespread tissue distribution of cantharidin, which may lead to prolonged toxic reactions.
Unfractionated heparin may improve near-term survival in patients admitted to the ICU with sepsis attributed to pneumonia: an observational study using the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Fang Shusheng , Wang Yali , Nan Wenyu , Feng Yanhao , Su Wen , Wang Yiming , Jiang Xiaodong
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Limited data are available on the use, duration, and dosage of anticoagulant therapy in patients with pneumonia-induced sepsis, and the survival benefits of heparin remain uncertain. This study aimed to assess whether heparin administration improves near-term survival in critically ill patients with pneumonia-induced sepsis and identify the optimal dosage and treatment duration.

Methods

This study utilized the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database. The variance inflation factor was employed to exclude highly collinear variables. Propensity score matching (PSM), the Cox proportional hazards model, and Cox regression subgroup analysis were used to evaluate the outcomes of subcutaneous heparin prophylactic anticoagulation after intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The primary outcomes were 30-, 45-, and 60-d mortality rates. Secondary outcomes included ICU length of stay (LOS_ICU), hospital length of stay (LOS_Hospital), in-hospital mortality, and the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Results

We enrolled 1,586 adult patients with pneumonia-induced sepsis. After PSM, 1,176 patients remained (588 in the heparin group and 588 in the non-heparin group). The 45-d survival rate was significantly higher in the heparin-treated group than that in the non-heparin group (84.4% vs. 79.4%; HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.572–0.83; adjusted HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.563–0.964; P < 0.05). LOS_ICU and LOS_Hospital were significantly shorter in the heparin group (P < 0.001), with no significant difference in gastrointestinal bleeding incidence between the two groups. Cox proportional hazards models demonstrated that heparin dose and duration were strongly associated with 45-d survival. Subgroup analysis indicated a significant survival advantage in patients aged 18–60 years, without diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or stage 1 acute kidney injury, who received a daily heparin dose of 3 mL for more than 7 d.

Conclusion

Our study found that early administration of heparin, particularly in sufficient doses (Heparin Sodium 5,000 units/mL, 1 mL per dose, three times daily (TID)) for more than 7 d, was associated with reduced near-term mortality in critically ill patients with pneumonia-induced sepsis. These findings underscore the potential benefits of anticoagulant therapy in this high-risk patient population.
The effect of tanshinones on cognitive impairments in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Shuwei , Yang Jinsha , Zheng Wenbin , Zhang Serena , Zhong Dayong
Published: February 2025

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurological illness that poses a significant hazard to human health. A fat-soluble compound called tanshinones was isolated from Danshen, a traditional Chinese herb. Recent years have seen reports of clinical trials examining the effects of tanshinones on cognitive impairment among individuals with AD, as well as the publication of pertinent basic research. Tanshinones are not yet commonly utilized in the therapeutic treatment of AD, and the effectiveness of tanshinones as a treatment program for AD is not yet adequately supported by evidence. To assess the impact of tanshinones on cognitive impairment in experimental rodent models of AD, we carried out a systematic review in this work.

Method

All relevant studies on the usage of tanshinones in AD model animals published in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, Chinese Biomedicine Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure before 8 September 2024, were systematically retrieved. To assess the methodological quality, the CAMARADES checklist was used. Meta-analysis was calculated and graphed in the Stata 14.0 software. For each outcome in every study, the standard mean difference (SMD) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) of each effect size were calculated.

Results

Fourteen studies were included in this study. Compared with the AD model group without tanshinones intervention, tanshinones significantly reduced the number of escape latency [SMD = −2.082, 95% CI = (−2.481, −1.683), p < 0.001]. Tanshinones also increased the times of platform crossing [SMD = 1.464, 95% CI = (1.183, 1.744), p < 0.001] and time in target quadrants [SMD = 2.703, 95% CI = (2.132, 3.275), p < 0.001].

Conclusion

Tanshinones are thought to have positive effects on cognitive impairment in rodent models of AD, according to the findings of this study. However, the level of quality of the included research may have an impact on the accuracy of positive outcomes. Thus, more high-quality randomized controlled animal studies are required to guide future scientific and clinical research.

Systematic Review Registration

identifier CRD42024557980
Precision medicine in colorectal cancer: genomics profiling and targeted treatment
Authors: Muradi Muhar Adi , Velaro Adrian Joshua , Prananda Arya Tjipta , Nugraha Sony Eka , Halim Princella , Syahputra Rony Abdi
Published: February 2025

Precision medicine has revolutionized the treatment of colorectal cancer by enabling a personalized approach tailored to each patient’s unique genetic characteristics. Genomic profiling allows for the identification of specific mutations in genes such as KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA, which play a crucial role in cell signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. This information enables doctors to select targeted therapies that inhibit specific molecular pathways, maximizing treatment effectiveness and minimizing side effects. Precision medicine also facilitates adaptive monitoring of tumor progression, allowing for adjustments in therapy to maintain treatment effectiveness. While challenges such as high costs, limited access to genomic technology, and the need for more representative genomic data for diverse populations remain, collaboration between researchers, medical practitioners, policymakers, and the pharmaceutical industry is crucial to ensure that precision medicine becomes a standard of care accessible to all. With continued advances and support, precision medicine has the potential to improve treatment outcomes, reduce morbidity and mortality rates, and enhance the quality of life for colorectal cancer patients worldwide.
Melatonin protects retinal pigment epithelium cells against ferroptosis in AMD via the PI3K/AKT/MDM2/P53 pathway
Authors: Wu Ping , Zhao Long , Du Yong , Lu Jing , He Yuxia , Shu Qinxin , Peng Hui , Wang Xing
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Oxidative stress-prompted degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) notably contributes to the onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the pathways leading to RPE deterioration and possible preventative strategies are not yet completely comprehended.

Methods

Ferroptosis was assayed through the evaluation of lipid peroxidation (C11-BODIPY and MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), iron content measurement, q-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. To assess the structure and retinal function of RPE in mice, ERG (electroretinography), OCT (optical coherence tomography), and H&E (hematoxylin and eosin) staining were employed. Network pharmacology methods were utilized to elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying melatonin's protective effects against ferroptosis in RPE cells in AMD. Genetic engineering techniques were applied to investigate the regulatory relationships among phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase-B (AKT), murine double minute-2 (MDM2), protein 53 (P53), and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11). In vitro knockdown experiments of MDM2 were conducted to explore its regulatory role in ferroptosis within RPE cells.

Results

Aβ1-40 can trigger ferroptosis in RPE cells. Melatonin can inhibit the oxidative stress and ferroptosis induced by Aβ1-40 in RPE cells. Melatonin exhibits a protective effect on Aβ1-40-induced AMD, significantly improving the structure of the mouse retina and RPE layer, and facilitating the restoration of visual function. Network pharmacology methods revealed that the potential targets of melatonin in AMD are closely related to ferroptosis, and indicated that the predominant pathways are significantly associated with the PI3K/AKT/MDM2/P53 signaling pathway. Knocking down the specific expression of MDM2 can significantly weaken the inhibitory effect of melatonin on oxidative stress and ferroptosis.

Discussion

Melatonin can suppress cell death by ferroptosis in RPE via the PI3K/AKT/MDM2/P53 pathway, thereby preventing and decelerating the progression of AMD.
Trends in the research and development of peptide drug conjugates: artificial intelligence aided design
Authors: Zhang Dong-E , He Tong , Shi Tianyi , Huang Kun , Peng Anlin
Published: February 2025

Peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) represent an emerging class of targeted therapeutic agents that consist of small molecular drugs coupled to multifunctional peptides through cleavable or non-cleavable linkers. The principal advantage of PDCs lies in their capacity to deliver drugs to diseased tissues at increased local concentrations, thereby reducing toxicity and mitigating adverse effects by limiting damage to non-diseased tissues. Despite the increasing number of PDCs being developed for various diseases, their advancements remain relatively slow due to several development constraints, which include limited available peptides and linkers, narrow therapeutic applications, and incomplete evaluation and information platforms for PDCs. Marked by the recent Nobel Prize awarded to artificial intelligence (AI) and de novo protein design for “protein design and structure prediction,” AI is playing an increasingly important role in drug discovery and development. In this review, we summarize the recent developments and limitations of PDCs, highlights the potential of AI in revolutionizing the design and evaluation of PDC.
Efficient high performance computing with the ALICE event processing nodes GPU-based farm
Authors: Ronchetti Federico , Akishina Valentina , Andreassen Edvard , Bluhme Nora , Dange Gautam , de Cuveland Jan , Erba Giada , Gaur Hari , Hutter Dirk , Kozlov Grigory , Krčál Luboš , La Pointe Sarah , Lehrbach Johannes , Lindenstruth Volker , Nešković Gvozden , Redelbach Andreas , Rohr David , Weiglhofer Felix , Wilhelmi Alexander
Published: February 2025

Due to the increase of data volumes expected for the LHC Run 3 and Run 4, the ALICE Collaboration designed and deployed a new, energy efficient, computing model to run Online and Offline O2 data processing within a single software framework. The ALICE O2 Event Processing Nodes (EPN) project performs online data reconstruction using GPUs (Graphic Processing Units) instead of CPUs and applies an efficient, entropy-based, online data compression to cope with Pb–Pb collision data at a 50 kHz hadronic interaction rate. Also, the O2 EPN farm infrastructure features an energy efficient, environmentally friendly, adiabatic cooling system which allows for operational and capital cost savings.
A meta-analysis of the effects of strength training on physical fitness in dancers
Authors: Yang Yunqing , Deng Nuannuan , Yang Xinggang
Published: February 2025

Background

Physical fitness is fundamental for successfully carrying out daily tasks and activities associated with dance. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of strength training on various aspects of physical fitness in dancers.

Methods

A comprehensive search of Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, SCOPUS, Cochrane library, CINAHL, and Embase was conducted until 10 December 2024, supplemented by hand-searches via Google Scholar and reference lists of included studies. Controlled trials that assessed the effects of strength training on at least one physical fitness measure in dancers were selected. Effect sizes (ES, Hedges’ g) were calculated using a random-effects model to compare experimental and control groups. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tools.

Results

A total of 15 studies, involving 351 dancers, met the eligibility criteria. The analyses revealed significant moderate to large effects of strength training on muscle strength (ES = 1.84; 95% CI: 0.90 to 2.77; p < 0.001) and muscle power (ES = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.98; p < 0.001). Non-significant effects (all p > 0.05) were found for body mass (ES = 0.13; 95% CI: −0.32 to 0.58; p = 0.572), body fat percentage (ES = 0.08; 95% CI: −0.04 to 0.61; p = 0.754), cardiorespiratory endurance (ES = 0.28; 95% CI: −0.48 to 1.04; p = 0.469), and flexibility (ES = 0.37; 95% CI: −0.06 to 0.79; p = 0.090).

Conclusion

The findings indicate that strength modalities, including resistance training, plyometric training, weight training, and combined programs, positively impact muscle strength and power in dancers. However, future research should explore the effective training parameters (e.g., frequency, session length, intensity, and specificity of strength exercises) necessary to improve not only strength and power but also other components of physical fitness in dancers.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=596550, Identifier CRD42024596550.
A maternal hypoxia mouse model to study the effect of late gestational hypoxia on offspring lung outcomes
Authors: Nguyen Thi-Tina N. , Lewis Caitlin V. , Hidalgo Daniel Colon , Posey Janelle N. , Jordan Mariah , Porfilio Timothy E. , Grayck Maya R. , Wright Clyde J. , Delaney Cassidy , Nozik Eva S.
Published: February 2025

Extremely preterm birth predisposes infants to bronchopulmonary dysplasia and associated pulmonary hypertension (PH). High altitude exposure during pregnancy has also been shown to worsen infant lung and pulmonary vascular outcomes. Animal models addressing the mechanisms for how maternal hypoxia impacts postnatal and adult lung and pulmonary vascular outcomes are lacking and development of a model to address this gap would enable new mechanistic studies. We hypothesize that late gestational hypoxia disrupts lung and pulmonary vascular development in the offspring, leading to abrupted lung development and PH in adulthood. Pregnant wild-type mice were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia at 505 mmHg, from day 16.5 of gestation until birth. Lung and pulmonary vascular outcomes were measured in juvenile and mature offspring. We found that late gestational hypoxia resulted in abrupted alveolar and pulmonary vascular development in juvenile offspring and that adult offspring showed persistent abrupted alveolar development as well as PH. This striking model will provide a new opportunity to determine mechanisms responsible for poor outcomes secondary to maternal hypoxia and assess important factors that increase susceptibility to adult diseases in former preterm infants.
The effect of combined compression and tactile stimulation on ankle somatosensation in a lunar gravity lower limb load analog
Authors: Marchant Ashleigh , Witchalls Jeremy , Wallwork Sarah B. , Ball Nick , Waddington Gordon
Published: February 2025

Ankle somatosensation appears to be negatively affected when in simulated hypogravity (gravity, 1 > g < 0). Developing countermeasures to reduce this negative effect is necessary for sensorimotor control as astronauts prepare to explore the Moon. Head-elevated supine lying has been found to be an effective method in simulating the physiological impact of hypogravity by reducing the weight-bearing capacity through the lower limbs. This study investigated whether wearing a combined compression sock with plantar textured sole (compression-tactile sock) is associated with enhanced somatosensory acuity of the lower limbs in a simulated hypogravity environment. Ankle somatosensory acuity was assessed on 55 healthy participants between the ages of 18 and 65 years (female subjects 28, male subjects 27; mean age 41 years ±14). The active movement extent discrimination assessment (AMEDA) was used to assess somatosensory acuity on participants’ non-dominant foot under four conditions: (1) upright standing in barefoot; (2) upright standing wearing compression-tactile socks; (3) simulated hypogravity (head-elevated supine position) in barefoot; and (4) simulated hypogravity (head-elevated supine position) wearing compression-tactile socks. Analysis was conducted for (i) the whole participant group, (ii) high (above-average) performers, (iii) medium (average) performers, and (iv) low (below average) performers. It was hypothesized that low performers would experience the greatest gains when wearing the sock, compared to those in barefoot. When assessing the group as a whole, AMEDA scores were significantly reduced in the simulated hypogravity (head-elevated supine) conditions when compared to upright standing conditions (p < 0.001; 3% decline when barefoot; 2.9% decline when wearing the socks). Wearing compression-tactile socks had no effect on AMEDA scores when compared to barefoot (p = 0.173). When analyzed by the performance group, somatosensory acuity was enhanced in the compression-tactile sock condition, when compared to barefoot (upright, p = 0.009, 4.7% increase; head-elevated supine, p = 0.022, 3% increase) in the low performers only. In the medium and high-performer groups, there was no difference between the compression-tactile sock conditions and barefoot conditions (p > 0.05 for all). Compression-tactile socks may be associated with enhanced somatosensory acuity in upright standing and simulated hypogravity for individuals with below-average somatosensory acuity. Further research is warranted to assess the effect of compression-tactile socks in an actual hypogravity environment to determine whether the compression-tactile socks can maintain one’s somatosensory acuity.
Revealing that artificial reproduction promotes increased genetic diversity between generations in Carpinus putoensis
Authors: Li Dingsheng , Gao Kai , Chen Yeping , Gao Haojie , Huang Haiming , Ye Bo , Shi Lei , Yu Haina , Zhao Ying
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Carpinus putoensis, an endemic species of Putuo Island in the Zhoushan Archipelago, Zhejiang Province, China, is listed as critically endangered (D1) in the 1998 World List of Threatened Trees.

Methods

Using 15 pairs of SSR primers markers, 143 individuals from three population generations were analyzed, generating 193 alleles.

Results and Discussion

The average number of alleles (Na) was 12.9, ranging from 4 to 28, while the average effective number of alleles (Ne) was 4.900, with a range of 1.649 to 11.602. The multilocus outcrossing rate (tm) was 1.000, and the single-locus outcrossing rate (ts) was 0.871, ranging from 0.751 to 0.920 across the families studied. The difference between tm and ts (0.129) and the positive biparental inbreeding coefficients (0.080 to 0.249) indicate the presence of inbreeding. Moreover, an increase in Na and Ne was observed across generations, from 6.400 and 2.838 in the F1 generation to 9.200 and 4.228 in the F3 generation, respectively. These results highlight the need for artificial interventions to increase population size and improve genetic diversity, which are critical factors for the conservation and recovery of C. putoensis.
Fungicide resistance profiles of Alternaria spp. associated with fruit rot of blueberry in Georgia, USA
Authors: Beg Mirza Ashikul , Aktaruzzaman Md. , Lewis Kippy J. , Oliver Jonathan E.
Published: February 2025

Georgia blueberry growers experience significant losses annually due to fruit rots including Alternaria rot caused by Alternaria spp. Fungicide applications from bloom through harvest are typically recommended for management of fruit rots, however fungicide resistance development has the potential to complicate management activities by reducing fungicide efficacy. To evaluate fungicide resistance issues in Georgia, 46 isolates of Alternaria spp. from ripe blueberry fruit from four major blueberry-producing counties were collected and identified by morphological and molecular features. The majority of the isolates were Alternaria alternata (n=43) but also included Alternaria tenuissima (n=1), Alternaria dumosa (n=1), and Alternaria limoniasperae (n=1). All isolates were assessed for resistance to fungicides which included fludioxonil, fluazinam, metconazole, cyprodinil, pydiflumetofen, boscalid, and pyraclostrobin. For all tested fungicides, with the exception of pyraclostrobin, a mycelial growth inhibition assay was used to determine the EC50 values. For pyraclostrobin, a spore germination assay was used. EC50 value ranges of A. alternata for fludioxonil, fluazinam, cyprodinil, metconazole, pydiflumetofen, boscalid, and pyraclostrobin were 0.037 to 0.234 µg/mL, 0.025 to 0.125 µg/mL, 0.015 to 0.404 µg/mL, 0.125 to 5.729 µg/mL, 0.008 to 1.114 µg/mL, 0.551 to >100 µg/mL, and 0.04 to >100 µg/mL, respectively. These EC50 values suggest that all tested Alternaria spp. isolates were sensitive to fludioxonil, fluazinam, metconazole, and cyprodinil. However, 12 Alternaria spp. isolates showed reduced sensitivity to pydiflumetofen, 21 were resistant to boscalid and 10 were resistant to pyraclostrobin. Among these resistant isolates, 6 were resistant to both of the two latter fungicides. Sequencing portions of the sdhB, sdhC and sdhD genes from boscalid-resistant isolates and the cytochrome b gene from pyraclostrobin-resistant isolates revealed the presence of known resistance mutations in resistant isolates - including H134Q or G79R mutations in the sdhC gene or H134R mutations in the sdhD gene of some, but not all, boscalid-resistant isolates, and the presence of the G143A mutation in pyraclostrobin-resistant isolates. Our findings indicate that resistance to boscalid and pyraclostrobin is present in Alternaria spp. from Georgia blueberries and suggest that growers utilizing these fungicides in some Georgia locations may experience Alternaria fruit rot control failures.
Support based on psychoeducation intervention to address quality of life and care burden among caregivers of patients with cancer: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mirhosseini Seyedmohammad , Imani Parsa Fateme , Moghadam-Roshtkhar Hasan , Basirinezhad Mohammad Hasan , Ameri Malihe , Ebrahimi Hossein
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Cancer affects not only patients but also their family caregivers, causing increased caregiving burden and reduced quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a psychoeducation intervention on improving the quality of life and reducing caregiving burden among caregivers of cancer patients.

Methods

This study employed a non-blinded randomized controlled trial design involving 66 family caregivers of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Shahroud, Iran in 2024. Of the 69 caregivers initially approached, one declined to participate, and two were excluded due to lack of smartphone access, leaving a final sample of 66 caregivers. Participants were assigned to either the psychoeducation intervention program or the control group using the quadruple block randomization method. The intervention spanned 3 months and consisted of six online group sessions lasting 35–45 min each. The psychoeducation intervention was delivered by trained psychiatric nurse. Data were collected before and 1 month after the intervention using the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire and the Novak and Guest care burden inventory. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi squared, independent t-tests, and the linear regression analysis with a significance level set at 0.05.

Results

The primary outcome of this study was the change in caregivers’ quality of life and caregiver burden. Initially, both groups exhibited similar average scores for care burden and quality of life (p > 0.05). The intervention group showed a significant reduction in caregiving burden by 4.1 ± 13.7, whereas the control group experienced a slight increase of 2.5 ± 12.0. Similarly, quality of life scores improved by 4.7 ± 16.9 in the intervention group but declined by 8.6 ± 15.3 in the control group. Regression analysis indicated that the psychoeducation group demonstrated significantly lower caregiving burden scores and higher quality of life scores following the intervention compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Caregivers of cancer patients often face significant burdens that impact their quality of life. Psychoeducational interventions focusing on coping, problem-solving, and stress management should be integrated into cancer care plans to provide essential support.

Clinical trial registration

https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/54613, identifier IRCT20180728040617N3.
Challenges of face identification with varied mask coverage in the post COVID-19 era
Authors: Chen Yi-Lang , Wang Shu-Yu
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Recent studies have shown that wearing masks can influence face recognition abilities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people became increasingly familiar with seeing masked faces, leading to a reduced familiarity with fully uncovered faces. With Taiwan now transitioning to a post-COVID-19 phase and the removal of mask mandates, this study investigates how varying levels of mask coverage affect face identification accuracy and response times.

Methods

We examined three levels of mask coverage—full coverage (FC), coverage up to the middle of the nose bridge (MB), and coverage up to the bottom of the nose bridge (BB)—to determine their effects on identification performance. A computer-based simulation was conducted with 100 university students (50 men and 50 women), where participants completed 30 trials (5 trials for each mask coverage level across two target sexes). Each trial presented a masked target face corresponding to one of the three coverage levels, alongside four full-face images. Participants were instructed to choose the image that best matched the masked target face, with an option to select “None” if no match was found.

Results

The findings indicate that faces with FC were identified both faster and more accurately, while those with MB coverage were the most challenging and time-consuming to recognize, particularly for female targets. The performance with BB coverage was intermediate between the other two levels.

Conclusion

This study highlights a notable shift in face identification processes in the aftermath of the pandemic, with FC now leading to quicker and more accurate recognitions, suggesting a significant adaptability in human perceptual mechanisms. These results emphasize the importance of further research into face recognition as we continue to adapt to the pandemic’s lasting effects on social interactions and identity verification.
Gamified interactive e-books for bullying prevention: enhancing knowledge and motivation in Chinese primary schools
Authors: Shao Jiawei , Abdul Rabu Siti Nazleen , Chen Chuang
Published: February 2025

Bullying is increasingly prevalent in Chinese schools, contributing to a rise in associated criminal cases. A key factor in this trend is the lack of comprehensive understanding of bullying. Studies indicate a clear correlation between the level of understanding of bullying and its frequency. The adverse effects of bullying are expected to persist into adulthood, particularly during the crucial phase of behavioral and cognitive development in elementary school, when children are most receptive to changes in behavior and attitudes. Traditional lecture-based methods used to teach bullying awareness to Chinese primary school students often result in boredom and disengagement, reducing their ability to comprehend and address bullying effectively. This study developed a gamified interactive e-book (GIEB) aimed at enhancing the motivation and anti-bullying knowledge of Chinese primary school students. A quasi-experimental design with pretest and posttest assessments was employed to evaluate the approach’s effectiveness. The study involved 60 third-grade students from a public primary school in Hefei, Anhui Province, China, who were randomly assigned to either an experimental group using the gamified interactive e-books (GIEB group) or a control group receiving traditional lectures (TL group). Findings indicated that the GIEB group showed significant improvements in motivation and understanding of bullying compared to the TL group. This research highlights the potential of gamified interactive e-books as effective educational tools for bullying prevention by making learning more engaging and effective. The practical implications of this study suggest that integrating gamified interactive e-books into the curriculum could significantly enhance students’ motivation to learn about bullying and their anti-bullying knowledge, ultimately contributing to more effective bullying prevention in schools.
The relationship between motor competence and executive function as influenced by age, sex, and family socio-economic status
Authors: Ghorbanzadeh Behrouz , Orangi Behzad Mohammadi , Sahin Tolga
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Motor Competence (MC) plays a fundamental role in physical, cognitive, and social development, while executive function (EF) is a key factor influencing MC. The primary objective of this study was to compare MC across three age groups (children, adolescents, and young adults), sex, and socio-economic status (SES). The main aim was to investigate the relationship between MC and EF and to determine whether age, sex, and SES could modify this relationship.

Methods

This descriptive-correlational study evaluated 475 participants from three age groups (8–11, 12–15, and 18–21 years). MC was measured using the BOT-2 test, and EF was assessed with the Stroop test. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and linear regression analysis.

Results

Findings revealed that MC was higher in children compared to adolescents and young adults, and higher SES was associated with better MC, whereas sex had no significant effect on MC. Additionally, a strong positive relationship (44%) was identified between EF and MC, with this relationship being moderated by age, sex, and SES.

Discussion

The results indicated that MC and EF are influenced by the interaction of individual (age and sex) and environmental (SES) constraints. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating these factors into educational and sports planning for more holistic development.