bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the inspiratory muscle warm-up have an acute effect on wrestling recovery performance?
Authors: Demirkan Erkan , Tosun Mehmet Ismail , Kaplan Abdurrahim , Eker Arici Irem , Harmanci Halit , Favre Michael , Cosmin Damian George , Aslan Veysi
Published: February 2025

This study aims to investigate the acute effects of inspiratory muscle warm-up (IMW) in young wrestlers. Wrestling is a high-intensity sport that demands anaerobic metabolism, with rapid recovery and endurance playing crucial roles in subsequent performance. Inspiratory muscle warm-up specifically targets the inspiratory muscles, reducing fatigue during exercise and helping to sustain performance. Our study compares three different warm-up protocols (traditional wrestling warm-up, wrestling warm-up (WWIW) +  IMW, and wrestling warm-up +  placebo (WWPL)) to analyse changes in inspiratory muscle strength and select respiratory function parameters. The study was conducted with 14 male wrestlers aged 15-16. Participants were subjected to the three different warm-up protocols, followed by simulated wrestling bouts. Results showed that the WWIW protocol increased maximal inspiratory pressure by 17.3% compared to the traditional and placebo warm-ups. Additionally, the WWIW protocol delayed fatigue and improved recovery rates among the wrestlers. Specifically, WWIW enabled a faster return to normal heart rate post-competition, accelerating the recovery process. These findings suggest that WWIW can be effectively used in high-intensity sports like wrestling to enhance recovery between matches and improve overall performance. Further studies with larger sample sizes and in different sports are recommended to validate these results.
Assessing the impact of a negative air ionization system on particulate matter and gaseous pollutants in the swine farrowing environment
Authors: Campler Magnus R. , Shen Yi-Fan , Klüppel Leonardo M. , Arruda Andréia G.
Published: February 2025

Air quality on swine farms has long been a concern for both human and swine health as it has been previously linked with respiratory issues; the main cause being the inhalation of small airborne particulate matter (PM) < 10 μm in diameter. Negative ionizing systems have previously been successfully used to improve air quality in human residential- and commercial buildings as well in agricultural settings. However, less is known about the efficacy of negative ionizing systems in commercial swine farrowing environments. Thus, the objective of this study was to use a swine farrowing environment to evaluate the effects of a negative air ionization system on 1) the quantity of airborne gaseous and particulate matter, and 2) swine health and production parameters. Six farrowing rooms containing 60 sows each were installed with 30 negative ionization systems per room. Three out of six rooms were randomly allocated between active ionization (L-ON) or inactive ionization (L-OFF) between farrowing rounds (N =  4). For each round, measurements of PM2.5, PM10, Ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S), temperature, and humidity were collected twice a week, in the morning and afternoon at two heights, pig level (61 cm) and human level (152 cm). Pig performance metrics (parity, number of piglets born, number of live piglets born, piglet mortality, fostered piglets, and number of weaned pigs) were collected at the end of each batch. Comparisons between L-ON and L-OFF treatments were conducted by averaging room and day specific measurements for all days when rotating rooms shared contrasting treatments. Each room-specific L-ON treatment was then compared to all other L-OFF rooms using a linear regression model. No statistically significant differences were found between treatments for PM2.5 or PM10 at the pig nor human level. However, numerical reductions in the cumulative increase of PM2.5, and PM10 for L-ON rooms compared to L-OFF rooms were found in 60% of the L-ON rooms. One out of five L-ON rooms showed statistically slower buildup of NH3 concentrations compared to L-OFF rooms (P <  0.01) and 60% of the L-ON rooms had significantly slower buildup of H2S concentrations compared to L-OFF rooms (P < 0.01). No effect on production metrics were found between treatments. In conclusion, indications of improved air quality were found in this study, but given the complexity of these types of assessments, further work is needed to conclude the efficacy of negative ionization systems in commercial farrowing systems.
Developing a localized resilience assessment framework for historical districts: A case study of Yazd, Iran
Authors: Moayedfar Saeedeh , Mohebbi Hossein , Mozaffaree Pour Najmeh , Sharifi Ayyoob
Published: February 2025

Growing natural and man-made disasters necessitate enhanced resilience in urban historical districts, vital for cultural heritage and tourism. This study aims to develop a localized assessment framework tailored to the unique characteristics of Yazd, Iran, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient architecture and cultural significance. By adapting and downscaling indicators from established DROP and BRIC models, we evaluated resilience across seven key dimensions and 17 criteria. Using advanced multi-criteria decision-making methods, including Delphi, Fuzzy DEMATEL, Fuzzy ANP, and VIKOR, we prioritized and ranked the historical districts based on their resilience scores. The results revealed that the social dimension and housing infrastructure are the most crucial factors for resilience. Environmental and institutional dimensions, while important, were found to be less critical in comparison. The VIKOR analysis identified specific districts with lower adaptability, requiring targeted interventions. These findings provide valuable information for policymakers and urban planners, offering a robust framework for enhancing urban historical district resilience. This study provides a context-specific approach to resilience assessment, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to preserve and strengthen the resilience of culturally significant urban areas.
Intelligent tuning method for service scheduling in electric power communication networks based on operational risk and QoS guarantee
Authors: Yu Yang , Jiang YueLin , Dou Zeng , Cong Li , Huang Wei , Zhang Qiang , Hu Yang , Bi YanJun
Published: February 2025

In the operational planning of electric power communication networks, a well-structured service scheduling scheme based on the established network topology can significantly enhance the risk prevention capabilities of these networks. Since routing policies directly influence data transmission paths, routing optimization serves as an effective strategy for improving network performance by mitigating transmission risks and threats. This paper introduces an Intelligent Tuning Method for Service Scheduling in Electric Power Communication Networks Based on Operational Risk and Quality of Service (QoS) Guarantee. Based on a comprehensive assessment of service transmission reliability and time costs, a route satisfaction evaluation function model has been developed. Utilizing this model, an enhanced Risk-Time Ant Colony Optimization (RT-ACO) routing algorithm is proposed, which builds upon the traditional ant colony algorithm. The improvements to the ant colony algorithm are made in four key areas: the definition of heuristic information, the weighting of parameters, the state selection strategy, and the pheromone update strategy. These enhancements aim to achieve optimal routing scheduling based on risk information. At the same time, a reconfiguration algorithm for power optical communication networks, based on service priority, is proposed for specific service requests. This algorithm provides both a primary routing path and an alternate routing path for service transmission, ensuring the delivery of high-priority services even when both the primary and standby paths are unavailable. Simulation results from an actual power business communication network demonstrate that the algorithm outputs the main and alternate paths with the lowest risk costs. Additionally, the path satisfaction of the proposed algorithm is improved by 7.4% compared to the traditional ant colony algorithm. This improvement validates the accuracy and superiority of the proposed algorithm and offers a valuable reference for ensuring the reliable operation of power optical fiber communication network systems.
Altered spawning seasons of Atlantic salmon broodstock transcriptionally and epigenetically influence cell cycle and lipid-mediated regulations in their offspring
Authors: Saito Takaya , Espe Marit , Mommens Maren , Bock Christoph , Fernandes Jorge M.O. , Skjærven Kaja Helvik
Published: February 2025

Manipulating spawning seasons of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is a common practice to facilitate year-round harvesting in salmon aquaculture. This process involves adjusting water temperature and light regime to control female broodstock maturation. However, recent studies have indicated that altered spawning seasons can significantly affect the nutritional status and growth performance of the offspring. Therefore, gaining a deeper understanding of the biological regulations influenced by these alterations is crucial to enhance the growth performance of fish over multiple generations. In this study, we investigated omics data from four different spawning seasons achieved through recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and sea-pen-based approaches. In addition to the normal spawning season in November (sea-pen), three altered seasons were designated: off-season (five-month advance, RAS), early season (two-month advance, sea-pen), and late season (two-month delay, sea-pen). We conducted comprehensive gene expression and DNA methylation analysis on liver samples collected from the start-feeding larvae of the next generation. Our results revealed distinct gene expression and DNA methylation patterns associated with the altered spawning seasons. Specifically, offspring from RAS-based off-season exhibited altered lipid-mediated regulation, while those from sea-pen-based early and late seasons showed changes in cellular processes, particularly in cell cycle regulation when compared to the normal season. The consequences of our findings are significant for growth and health, potentially providing information for developing valuable tools for assessing growth potential and optimizing production strategies in aquaculture.
Field-based investigation of failure modes and thresholds of granite residual soil slopes under heavy rainfall conditions
Authors: Ronghua Li , Fu Wu , Siyi Jiang , Minning He , Hongjian Pan
Published: February 2025

Rainfall is a primary coefficient of slope instability. To study patterns of slope failure mode and key index threshold values of slope instability under varying rainfall intensities, real-time data from in-situ monitoring tests of an engineering slope were utilized. This data facilitated the analysis of the temporal and spatial responses of a rainfall infiltration slope. Four field tests were conducted under four different rainfall intensities, namely 75mm/h, 125mm/h, 150mm/h, and 175mm/h, to study the progressive failure characteristics of the granite residual soil slope. These characteristics were studied based on water-time and displacement-time curves, and the rainfall duration and threshold for slope instability were proposed. The result revealed that the granite residual soil slope undergoes progressive failure under rainfall conditions, which can be categorized into four modes: “shallow local sliding”,“shallow global sliding and collapse”, “deep local sliding”, and“deep global sliding”. It takes 25 ~ 135min for the shallow sliding failure characteristics from significant deformation to instability, while the deep sliding only lasts for 18 ~ 20min. A significant correlation was observed between soil moisture content and slope instability. Instability symptoms such as cracking and peristaltic deformation begin to appear when the soil moisture content in the shallow layer of the slope increases to 42 ~ 45%. When the soil moisture content escalates to 47 ~ 50%, the slope begins to disintegrate, leading to rapid landslides and collapses.
In vivo biocompatibility and long-term durability of nanofibrillated cellulose as a urethral bulking agent in rats and Beagle dogs
Authors: Peltokallio Nina M. M. , Noël Stéphanie , Bolen Géraldine , Kuure Satu , Raussi-Lehto Eija , Reyes Guillermo , Ajdary Rubina , Kuula Jani , Hamaide Annick , Laitinen-Vapaavuori Outi M.
Published: February 2025

Background

Cystoscopy-assisted submucosal injections of urethral bulking agents offer a safe and efficient alternative to surgery for treating urinary incontinence in both dogs and women. To address the concern of their transient therapeutic effect, a preclinical study evaluating the biocompatibility, safety, and durability of nanofibrillated cellulose as a bulking agent was designed. Plant-based nanofibrillated cellulose is considered renewable, biocompatible, and non-degradable in vivo. To the best of our knowledge, no studies of nanofibrillated cellulose injected into the urethral wall of experimental animals have been published to date.

Methods

After assessing the rheological behavior of nanofibrillated cellulose, a biocompatibility study with 50 rats and a durability study with two Beagle dogs were conducted. In anesthesized rats, deposits of either nanofibrillated cellulose or sodium chloride as an inert control were injected into the urethral wall via a caudal laparotomy. The rats were euthanized for histopathological assessment after 7, 30, and 90 days. In dogs, cystoscopy-assisted injections of nanofibrillated cellulose were followed with magnetic resonance imaging at 14 days and at 2, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results

The rheological studies demonstrated a gel-like behavior under a wide range of shear stress. Nanofibrillated cellulose induced a moderate host tissue response according to the EN ISO 10993-6 standard, consisting primarily of macrophages, foreign body giant cells, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. No significant difference was observed in the tissue response at different time points. In dogs, the bulking agent was visible in 4/5 (80%) injection sites on magnetic resonance imaging at 12 months post-injection. No signs of migration, abscess formation or any major or long-term complications were observed.

Conclusions

Nanofibrillated cellulose maintains a chronic but stable and tolerable inflammatory response for up to 90 days in the urethral wall of rats. Durability in the urethral wall of dogs indicates a potential long-term effect.
A randomized trial to evaluate a complex, co-created, culture-sensitive intervention to promote healthy lifestyles and compliance to therapy in immigrants with type 2 diabetes: A protocol of a multicenter Italian study
Authors: Bonvicini Laura , Venturelli Francesco , Bononi Francesca , Balestra Giulietta Luul , Iorio Giusy , Ghirotto Luca , Petrelli Alessio , Pierconti Silvia , Laurendi Giovanna , Perticone Maria , Pellegrino Alessio , Boddi Maria , Modesti Pietro Amedeo , Giorgi Rossi Paolo ,   DIABETHIC Working Group
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The active involvement of end users may overcome socio-economic, cultural and context-related barriers that may reduce health promotion effectiveness in type 2 diabetes control and prevention. The “Cardio-metabolic diseases in immigrants and ethnic minorities: from epidemiology to new prevention strategies” (DIABETHIC) project funded by the European Union through the Italian Ministry of Health includes a multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to assess the effectiveness of a co-created health promotion intervention for immigrants affected by type 2 diabetes. This protocol describes the co-creation process and methodological challenges in evaluating co-created health promotion interventions.

Methods and analysis

Between November 2023 and July 2024, four Italian primary care centres will recruit 200 immigrants with type 2 diabetes that will be randomised to usual health promotion practice or to the experimental health promotion intervention developed through a participatory process. Endpoints are changes in glycated haemoglobin, Body Mass Index, diet, physical activity and therapeutic adherence at 12 months after recruitment. Qualitative research experts supported the participatory process at local and national levels. According to available evidence and recommendations, the participatory process focused on the three pillars of type 2 diabetes control (diet, physical activity, and therapeutic adherence). To co-create the intervention, interviews, focus groups and role-plays were conducted with patients and immigrants, healthcare workers and representatives of social services. Identified barriers were ranked according to priority and actionability. Given different health promotion practice in the four centres, the intervention was standardised by function (dietary counselling, culturally tailored information materials, access to cultural mediation, training in effective and reflective communication, individual and group meetings) rather than by form (operators involved, protocols and timeframes), which was defined locally by feasibility and by contrasting usual health promotion. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT06131411).
Alternative perimetric tests for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy
Authors: Thakur Monika , Gattu Abhinay Kumar , Murthy Jagarlapudi M. K. , Satgunam PremNandhini
Published: February 2025

Objective

Visual field assessment is an important presurgical test for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), particularly with posterior cortex epilepsy. However, the assessment using conventional perimeters like Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer (HFA) may not always be feasible in some patients. This study aims to determine if alternative methods like tangent screen perimetry or Baby Vision Screener (BaViS) can be used for such patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included 17 patients (mean age: 18 ±  8.7, range: 6 to 38 years) with DRE. Visual fields were attempted first with HFA and then with one or both alternative methods, by different examiners. Visual field extent was measured using the kinetic perimetry mode in the alternative methods. With HFA, kinetic and/or static perimetry was attempted.

Results

Only 12% of the patients were able to perform the HFA. Whereas the testability of BaViS was 91% and tangent screen perimetry was 87%. Comparable visual field isopters were obtained on one patient on whom all the 3 tests could be performed, and in two patients on whom at least two tests could be performed reliably. For one patient, visual field isopters could not be quantified on any device. In this patient, a gross visual field assessment was possible using BaViS.

Conclusion

BaViS or tangent screen perimeter can be used to quantify visual field defects in patients with DRE when conventional perimetry is not possible. Such an approach may help the clinician in assessing the suitability of patients with DRE and visual field deficits, for epilepsy surgery.
Development and validation of predictive models for diabetic retinopathy using machine learning
Authors: Yang Penglu , Yang Bin
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aimed to develop and compare machine learning models for predicting diabetic retinopathy (DR) using clinical and biochemical data, specifically logistic regression, random forest, XGBoost, and neural networks.

Methods

A dataset of 3,000 diabetic patients, including 1,500 with DR, was obtained from the National Population Health Science Data Center. Significant predictors were identified, and four predictive models were developed. Model performance was assessed using accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and area under the curve (AUC).

Results

Random forest and XGBoost demonstrated superior performance, achieving accuracies of 95.67% and 94.67%, respectively, with AUC values of 0.991 and 0.989. Logistic regression yielded an accuracy of 76.50% (AUC: 0.828), while neural networks achieved 82.67% accuracy (AUC: 0.927). Key predictors included 24-hour urinary microalbumin, HbA1c, and serum creatinine.

Conclusion

The study highlights random forest and XGBoost as effective tools for early DR detection, emphasizing the importance of renal and glycemic markers in risk assessment. These findings support the integration of machine learning models into clinical decision-making for improved patient outcomes in diabetes management.
Interventions to improve adherence/compliance to home noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in stable hypercapnic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Kacem Amani , Ben Saida Imen , Chebil Dhekra , Ben Saad Helmi , Boussarsar Mohamed
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent condition often leading to chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure in its advanced stages. Home noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (Home-NIPPV) has emerged as a key therapeutic strategy for managing stable hypercapnic COPD patients, improving survival rates, and enhancing quality of life. Despite these benefits, patient adherence/compliance to Home-NIPPV remains a significant challenge, hindered by various barriers. The present paper is a protocol of a systematic review that aims to identify and evaluate interventions designed to improve adherence/compliance to Home-NIPPV in stable hypercapnic COPD patients.

Methods

The protocol is developed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024581616). A comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library will be conducted. Eligible studies will include randomized controlled trials that focus on interventions that aims to improve adherence/compliance to Home-NIPPV in stable hypercapnic COPD patients. Data extraction will be meticulously carried out by two independent reviewers. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool will be utilized to assess the quality and risk of bias of the included studies. The findings of this systematic review will be synthesized to provide a thorough understanding of effective strategies to enhance adherence/compliance to Home-NIPPV in stable hypercapnic COPD patients.

Conclusion

The results of this review could inform clinical practice and guide the development of targeted strategies to improve adherence/compliance to Home-NIPPV and consequently outcomes in stable hypercapnic COPD patients.

Registration

This protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews under the reference code CRD42024581616.
Pickup and delivery planning for the crowdsourced freight delivery routing problem
Authors: Zhang Jingxian
Published: February 2025

Pickup and delivery problem (PDP) and dynamic vehicle routing problem (DVRP) are two key components of crowdsourced freight delivery services. Although previous research has focused predominantly on static vehicle routing problems, this study formally defines the dynamic problem specific to crowdsourced freight delivery and presents a mixed-integer linear programming model based on a rolling-horizon framework. The objective is to minimize total service costs, including fixed vehicle costs, transportation costs, and penalty costs for delays, while planning routes that cover all orders. To solve this combinatorial optimization problem, we propose an improved partheno genetic algorithm (IPGA) and a simulated annealing algorithm (SA). Numerical experiments demonstrate that the IPGA outperforms the SA, reducing the total service costs by over 10% on average. In addition, a real-world case study illustrates the practical applicability of our model and algorithms, providing a solid foundation for real-world implementation.
Chemical nucleases are a robust alternative for RNase H cleavage of human ribosomal RNA
Authors: Wesseling Hagen , Krug Dennis , Wehrheim Marvin , Göbel Michael W. , Kaiser Stefanie
Published: February 2025

Besides the abundant ribosomal and transfer RNA transcripts (rRNA and tRNA, respectively), there are tens of thousands of long coding (mRNA) and non-coding transcripts (lncRNA) within each cell whose modification profiles have not yet been elucidated. One reason for this is that most mRNAs and lncRNAs are low abundant and their purification prior to direct modification analysis by mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is highly challenging. State-of-the-art mRNA purification protocols are based on poly(A) enrichment with subsequent rRNA depletion using either magnetic pulldown assays or RNase H. While these methods are well suited for RNA sequencing, where residual rRNA content can be acceptable, LC-MS analysis of mRNA requires samples with less than 1% rRNA and higher yields, making the existing methods close to unaffordable. Thus, a new principle for low-cost (pre)mRNAs and lncRNAs preparation from total RNA will be beneficial for LC-MS analysis but also sequencing approaches. Here, we show that the use of ARRR (artificial ribosomal RNA remover: conjugates of standard DNA probes and a small-molecule chemical nuclease) is suitable for rRNA cleavage. In addition, ARRR has a higher target specificity compared to E. coli RNase H using regular DNA probes and only limited off-target RNA degradation is observed with ARRR. In summary, we present a promising tool with high potential to remove overly abundant rRNA, which might be used for enrichment of lncRNAs and (pre)mRNAs for downstream sequencing and MS-based analysis.
Protective effect of Pinacidil on hypoxic-reoxygenated cardiomyocytes in vitro and in vivo via HIF-1α/HRE pathway
Authors: Wang Ying , Wang Jiaqi , Chen Liangen , Zhou Wenjing , He Haifeng , Chen Xiyuan , Wang Haiying
Published: February 2025

Cardiomyocyte hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR) is considered as a major cause of heart failure. Pinacidil is a classic ATP sensitive potassium channel opener and plays a crucial role in cardiomyocyte HR injuries. However, the specific mechanism is poorly understood. We established HR rat model and introduced 5-Hydroxydecanoate (5-HD), N-(2-Mercaptopropionyl)-glycine (MPG), and Dimethylethylenediylglycine (DMOG) to investigate the protection of Pinacidil (P) on cardiomyocyte. HE staining, electron microscopy and JC-1 staining were used to observe mitochondrial structure and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Reactive oxygen species (ROS), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were analyzed in this study. Network pharmacology analysis and auto-docking were used to predict the possible target of Pinadicil under cardiomyocyte HR condition. The integrity of mitochondrial structure and MMP were effectively promoted in P and MPG+DMOG + P groups. ROS was significantly increased after HR, treatment with P or MPG+DMOG + P, the content of ROS was increased. The expressions of HIF-1α, VEGF-A, HO-1 and iNOS were significantly increased in P and MPG+DMOG + P groups compared with HR group. Docking results confirmed that prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) was the most possible target for unsaturated binding with Pinacidil guanidine. Altogether, these data indicate that Pinacidil up-regulated and activated HIF-1α protein to protect caridomyocytes against HR injuries and the mechanism may be related to Pinacidil guanidine binding to PHD.
Exploring cotton plant compounds for novel treatments against brain-eating Naegleria fowleri: An In-silico approach
Authors: Zaman Aqal , Noor Sana , Ahmad Iqra , Shehroz Muhammad , Alhajri Nour , Ahmed Sibtain , Nishan Umar , Sheheryar Sheheryar , Ullah Riaz , Shahat Abdelaaty A. , Dib Hanna , Shah Mohibullah
Published: February 2025

To find potential inhibitors of Naegleria fowleri S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase (NfSAHH), a brain-eating parasite, structure-based drug design was adopted. N. fowlerica causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a fatal central nervous system (CNS) disorder if untreated. NfSAHH protein (PDB ID: 5v96), involved in parasite growth and gene regulation, was targeted and screened against 163 metabolites from Gossypium hirsutum (cotton plant). With the aid of different software and web tools, the metabolites were subjected to several analyses. The RMSD was evaluated to validate our molecular docking strategy. Neplanocin A, a common anti-parasitic medication, was used as a reference to select top ligands for post-docking studies. Significant interactions were observed with residues THR-198, HIS-395, and MET-400. The drug-likeness of the top fifty hits was analyzed using Lipinski, Ghose, Veber, Egan, and Muegge rules. The top ten compounds following Lipinski’s RO5 were studied regarding medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetic simulation, and Swiss target prediction. Advanced strategies, including molecular dynamic simulations, binding energy calculations, and principal component analysis, were employed for the top three hits, namely curcumin, heliocide H2, and piceid, which indicated that heliocide H2 is the most promising candidate, while curcumin and piceid may need further optimization to improve their stability. Overall, the top ten phytochemicals, dotriacontanol, melissic acid, curcumin, 6,6′-dimethoxygossypol, phytosphingosine 2, methyl stearate, stearic acid, piceid, heliocide H2, and 6-methoxygossypol, reported in our study, are worthy enough to be subjected to in vivo and in vitro experimentation to find a novel drug to treat PAM.
Time-sensitive effects of quercetin on rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cell responsiveness and intracellular signaling
Authors: Matsuo Mana , Liu Shuang , Yamada Haruna , Takemasa Erika , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Mogi Masaki
Published: February 2025

Quercetin is known for its ability to inhibit mast cell degranulation and reduce the release of inflammatory mediators. However, it has also been reported to sensitize mast cells, potentially leading to hyperresponsiveness. This necessitates careful optimization of its use in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. To fully harness quercetin’s therapeutic potential, this study investigated the effects of quercetin on rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells responsiveness over varying durations of exposure. We employed comprehensive transcriptome analysis and subsequent functional validation of key signaling pathways. Our findings revealed that quercetin initially reduced cell activity with short-term treatment. However, with prolonged exposure, quercetin transiently enhanced both IgE cross-linkage-mediated and non-IgE-mediated responses. Specifically, prolonged quercetin treatment downregulated IgE-mediated degranulation and FcεRI expression, while potentially sensitizing RBL-2H3 cells to other non-IgE secretagogues through enhanced PKC activity. Given quercetin’s multifaceted effects on intracellular signaling pathways, it is crucial to further investigate its efficacy and potential risk of adverse effects. Future studies should focus on a deeper understanding of these mechanisms to optimize quercetin’s therapeutic applications while mitigating any possible negative outcomes.
Factors involving in healthcare professionals’ decision-making process regarding the use of restrictive care practices in adult mental health inpatient units: A protocol for an umbrella review
Authors: Belayneh Zelalem , Yenealem Biazin , Molla Alemayehu , Alemnew Nigus , Ergetie Temesgien , Mekonnen Workua , Mekuriaw Birhanie
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The use of restrictive care practices, such as physical restraint, seclusion, and chemical restraint, remains common practices, yet controversial aspect of mental health care, particularly in inpatient settings. Variations in legal definitions and protocols guiding the implementation of these practices often create legal and ethical dilemmas for professionals when deciding whether to implement such practices in certain circumstances. This leads them to rely on subjective decision-making, which is further shaped by epistemic disparities stemming from differences in knowledge, perspectives, and experiences that impact professionals’ understanding and implementation of restrictive practices.

Aims

This is a study protocol for an upcoming umbrella review aiming to identify and analyse the thematic elements that affect healthcare professionals’ decision-making regarding the uimplementations of restrictive care practices in adult mental health inpatient settings.

Methods

This protocol outlines the approach for an umbrella review. The review will conduct a systematic literature search of electronic databases (Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, OVID, PsycINFO, Cochrane Reviews, and Web of Science) using comprehensive search strings, as well as a manual review of reference lists from included reviews. Only review studies will be considered. Textual data discussing issues related to professionals’ decision-making regarding the use of restrictive care practices will be extracted from each study, coded, and analysed using inductive content analysis. This protocol has been reported according to the PRISMA-P Checklist.

Discussion

The findings from this review will provide valuable insights into the key factors influencing the implementation of restrictive practices in adult mental health inpatient settings. The factors identified in this umbrella review will be applied in clinical practices to guide healthcare practitioners in considering and navigating various contexts when deciding how and in which situations restrictive care practices should be implemented. This contributes to the current global effort in promoting more patient-centered, transparent, evidence-based and accountable practices, while minimizing restrictive interventions. It will also inform future training, practice, and policy interventions aiming at reducing the use of restrictive measures in adult mental health settings.

Protocol registration: This protocol has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD-42024581848).
Spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of Nanjing place names—Based on data mining of Tang-Song poetry and online travelogues
Authors: Zhang Weiya , Lai Zhicheng , Tang Shu
Published: February 2025

Tang-Song poetry, a distinguished element of China’s traditional cultural heritage, is intricately linked with the historical and cultural development of Chinese cities. This paper uses Nanjing as a case study and applies digital humanities techniques to analyze and compare the spatiotemporal distribution of place names found in Tang-Song poetry with those in online travel narratives. The aim is to uncover key factors that have influenced the cultural continuity of these historical cities and their relevance today. Findings indicate that: (1) Locations mentioned in Tang and Song poetry show significant spatial differentiation, with urban areas displaying a clustered distribution and suburbs showing scattered hotspots. (2) The number of locations referenced in Song poetry increased significantly compared to Tang poetry, suggesting that Nanjing’s economic growth heightened the city’s appeal and inspired more literary output. (3) Song Dynasty poetry reflects a shift toward more neutral and negative emotions, with a marked decrease in positive expressions. This rise in negative sentiment can be traced to the decline in national strength from the Tang to the Song Dynasty, amplifying Nanjing’s role as a place of reflection and mourning. (4) Nanjing’s cultural hotspots, such as Xuanwu Lake and the Zhongshan Scenic Area, feature prominently in both Tang-Song poetry and modern travelogues. This study contributes to research in literary geography and literary tourism at the urban spatial level, offering fresh insights into the cultural legacy of historical cities.
Influencing consumer perceptions in green tourism: criteria and strategies for effective destination branding
Authors: Chen Tianchang , Liu Gao , Sui Xin , Solangi Yasir Ahmed
Published: February 2025

As the global shift towards sustainable tourism intensifies, the need for effective destination branding strategies becomes increasingly important. This study investigates and prioritizes these strategies to enhance consumer perceptions of sustainable tourism destinations, with a focus on Guilin. The research examines five key criteria, twenty sub-criteria, and nine strategic approaches essential for destination branding. The primary objective is to shape consumer perceptions and promote green tourism marketing in the region. Through the application of Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), key criteria and strategies are identified and evaluated. Results from the fuzzy AHP highlight communication and brand transparency (GM3) as the most critical criterion, stressing the necessity of transparent communication channels. Environmental sustainability (GM1) ranks as the second most important criterion, emphasizing the importance of eco-friendly practices and the preservation of Guilin’s natural environment. Stakeholder collaboration and partnerships (GM4) is identified as the third key criterion. The fuzzy TOPSIS analysis reveals the most effective strategies, with strategic collaborations and partnerships (STM9), eco-friendly infrastructure development (STM1), and energy efficiency measures (STM4) emerging as the top approaches. These strategies have significant potential to influence consumer perceptions positively towards green tourism marketing.
Examining the relationship between reproductive empowerment and contraceptive self-injection: Tackling the endogeneity problem
Authors: Lydon Megan M , Burke Holly M , Anfinson Katherine M , Mulugeta Tihut , Anteneh Aderaw , Teklu Teferi , Chen Mario
Published: February 2025

Background

Self-care interventions, including contraceptive self-injectables such as subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC), are hypothesized to be empowering to users. It is also believed that those who are empowered are more likely to use self-care. Though critical for ensuring equity of these interventions, evidence for the relationship between empowerment and contraceptive self-care is scant. However, studying this relationship is challenging. In addition to the potential reversed causality between these two constructs, empowerment is determined by similar factors as the motivation for using self-care, contributing to an endogeneity problem. If not addressed, endogeneity can lead to incorrect causal assertions.

Methods

Using data from a study of 400 women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia who opted to self-inject DMPA-SC, we assessed the directionality between the two constructs. First, we assessed the change in empowerment after participants’ first self-injection. Second, we assessed the effect of empowerment on potential future use of self-injection. To address potential endogeneity, we identified instrumental variables of empowerment and then applied a two-stage regression approach to predict desire to continue self-injecting at follow-up with an instrument for empowerment, controlling for other variables.

Results

Empowerment scores among the 343 women who were followed-up were high and did not significantly change from baseline to endline. Most women (78%) wanted to continue self-injecting. The following variables were identified and used as instruments: religion, employment status and post-secondary school attendance. The final model did not identify a significant relationship between desire to continue self-injecting and empowerment. The test of exogeneity was marginally significant (p = 0.08).

Conclusions

We did not find evidence of a significant relationship between reproductive empowerment and desire to continue self-injecting. Though there are limitations to this secondary data analysis, we recommend future research investigate this relationship using the methodology demonstrated to address endogeneity inherent in answering this critical question about self-care interventions.
Advanced computational approaches for predicting sunflower yield: Insights from ANN, ANFIS, and GEP in normal and salinity stress environments
Authors: Khalifani Sanaz , Darvishzadeh Reza , Montaseri Majid , Zaman Zad Ghavidel Sarvin , Hatami Maleki Hamid , Kordrostami Mojtaba
Published: February 2025

Prediction of crop yield is essential for decision-makers to ensure food security and provides valuable information to farmers about factors affecting high yields. This research aimed to predict sunflower grain yield under normal and salinity stress conditions using three modeling techniques: artificial neural networks (ANN), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and gene expression programming (GEP). A pot experiment was conducted with 96 inbred sunflower lines (generation six) derived from crossing two parent lines, over a single growing season. Ten morphological traits—including hundred-seed weight (HSW), number of leaves, leaf length (LL) and width, petiole length, stem diameter, plant height, head dry weight (HDW), days to flowering, and head diameter—were measured as input variables to predict grain yield. Salinity stress was induced by applying irrigation water with electrical conductivity (EC) levels of 2 dS/m (control) and 8 dS/m (stress condition) using NaCl, applied after the seedlings reached the 8-leaf stage. The GEP model demonstrated the highest precision in predicting sunflower grain yield, with coefficient of determination (R2) values of 0.803 and 0.743, root mean squared error (RMSE) of 4.115 and 4.022, and mean absolute error (MAE) of 3.177 and 2.803 under normal conditions and salinity stress, respectively, during the testing phase. Sensitivity analysis using the GEP model identified LL, head diameter, HSW, and HDW as the most significant parameters influencing grain yield under salinity stress. Therefore, the GEP model provides a promising tool for predicting sunflower grain yield, potentially aiding in yield improvement programs under varying environmental conditions.
Exploratory study of serum protein biomarkers for sudden cardiac arrest using protein extension assay: A case-control study
Authors: Shin Ha Yeon , Park Jeong Ho , Cha Kyoung-Chul , Kim Hyun Je , Jung Woo Jin , Choi Seulki , Moon Ji Hwan , Roh Young Il , Ro Young Sun , Hwang Sung Oh , Do Shin Sang ,   for CAPTURES-II Investigators
Published: February 2025

Background

Biomarkers associated with the occurrence of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) are not currently utilized in clinical practice. We aimed to identify novel protein biomarkers associated with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) using proteomic profiling and evaluate their predictive power alongside traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods

A total of 42 SCA patients with medical causes, aged ≤ 65 years and whose initial rhythm was shockable, and 42 age- and sex-matched controls were analyzed. The initial serum samples obtained after emergency department visits were used for SCA cases. Using a protein extension assay, we identified significant biomarkers through correlation analysis with SCA and extracted proteins with no or weak correlation with the initial lactate level and arrest-to-sampling time to account for post-cardiac arrest changes. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was calculated to assess the predictive performance of the extracted proteins.

Results

Among the 246 distinct proteins that met quality criteria, 97 showed a strong correlation with SCA. Among these 97 proteins, 44 showed weak or no correlation with lactate levels, and 12 showed weak or no correlation with onset-to-sampling time. Two proteins (AXL receptor tyrosine kinase [AXL] and TIMP Metallopeptidase inhibitor 4 [TIMP-4]) met all the criteria for biomarker extraction. Both showed significant associations with SCA and enhanced predictive power when combined with traditional risk factors in multivariable analysis. The AUROC for the baseline model using traditional risk factors was 0.692 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.578–0.806), which improved significantly with the addition of AXL and TIMP-4 (AUROC [95% CI] 0.891 [0.817–0.964] and 0.910 [0.910–0.997], respectively).

Conclusion

AXL and TIMP-4 may be crucial role in the early detection and risk assessment of SCA. Future research to verify the utility of AXL and TIMP-4 in large cohorts is warranted.
Liver stage P. falciparum antigens highly targeted by CD4+ T cells in malaria-exposed Ugandan children
Authors: Acevedo Gonzalo R. , Samiee Sophie S. , Ilala Mikias , Levan Justine , Olive Meagan E. , Hunter Riana D. , Prahl Mary , Rajalingam Raja , Rek John , Dorsey Grant , Feeney Margaret E.
Published: February 2025

T cell responses against liver stage Plasmodium help protect against reinfection, but the antigens and epitopes targeted by these T cells are largely unknown. This knowledge gap has impeded mechanistic studies to identify the effector functions most critical for protection. We performed a bioinformatic analysis of gene expression datasets to identify plasmodial genes that are highly and selectively expressed during liver stage infection and predict epitopes within them likely to bind MHC-II molecules prevalent in Uganda. We then tested their recognition by malaria-exposed Ugandan children. In over two-thirds of the children, we detected a peripheral blood CD4+ T cell response to one or more antigens. The most highly targeted antigen, LISP1, contained several epitopes, including one that was promiscuously presented and recognized by most participants. These novel liver stage P. falciparum epitopes should be explored as potential vaccine targets and will facilitate the development of tools to interrogate antimalarial immunity at the single-cell level and inform future vaccine development efforts.
A Serious Game for the Daily Care of Autistic Children in Times of Covid-19
Authors: Oikawa Vitor , Albuquerque De La Higuera Amato Cibelle , Farinazzo Martins Valéria
Published: February 2025

Autism (autism spectrum disorder – ASD) is characterized by changes in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Most autistic children need different types of intervention, whether behavioral, linguistic, social, or occupational, among others. Since the emergence of the virus that caused the COVID-19 pandemic, the lives of millions of people have been drastically impacted: schools closed, commercial establishments closed, lockdown, and remote work. Children with ASD have experienced a series of changes in their lives, in addition to those mentioned, since they had their appointments reduced or canceled and, after a few months, changed in the online version. Masks became mandatory for many months until greater flexibility was obtained, which still faces ups and downs. These children had to adapt to living in a different environment than they lived in long ago. For example, wearing masks makes it difficult to understand people’s words. This project presents a serious game to train the child’s ability to understand the words now said by people wearing a face protection mask without the possibility of the visual resource of facial mimicry. Nine speech therapists and fourteen diagnostic children with ASD validated the game. The children tested the game during one of the online speech therapy sessions. Both groups answered a satisfaction questionnaire the speech therapist carried out, which was adapted to their characteristics. The evaluation results with both groups provide evidence that the game was well accepted.