bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digital Health Interventions to Promote Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Semiquantitative Analysis
Authors: Di Pumpo M. , Miatton A. , Riccardi M. T. , Graps E. A. , Baldo V. , Buja A. , Damiani G. 
Published: January 2025

ObjectivesPhysical activity (PA) is crucial for older adults’ wellbeing. Digital health interventions (DHIs) are important, however a synthesis aimed at healthy community-dwelling OA is lacking. This study aims to synthesize DHIs effect on PA levels among community-dwelling 60-year-old adults or older.MethodsA systematic review was performed. DHIs using eHealth/mHealth tools, apps and text messaging were included. Primary outcomes were daily steps, moderate-to-vigorous PA and sedentary time. Quality was assessed via Cochrane risk-of-bias tools. Study-reported effect, study quality, sample size, study duration and dropout rate were semi-quantitatively synthesized to determine the overall category effect.Results12 studies were included. 75% were low-quality, sample size was 16–18,080, study duration was 3–18 weeks, average dropout rate was 4.2%–46.7%. The synthesis of “motivational reminders” and “dynamic exercise programs” showed an overall positive effect, of “PA self-monitoring” showed mixed results and “exercise digital coaching” showed a non-positive effect.DiscussionMotivational reminders and dynamic exercise programs proved more effective in increasing PA in older adults than other interventions and should be more embedded in structured public health programs.
RAGE and its ligands in breast cancer progression and metastasis
Authors: Coser Madalina , Neamtu Bogdan Mihai , Pop Bogdan , Cipaian Calin Remus , Crisan Maria 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionBreast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed worldwide and the leading cause of death in women globally, according to Globocan 2020. Hence, investigating novel pathways implicated in cancer progression and metastasis could lead to the development of targeted therapies and new treatment strategies in breast cancer. Recent studies reported an interplay between the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and its ligands, S100 protein group, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) and breast cancer growth and metastasis.Materials and methodsWe used articles available in the NCBI website database PubMed to write this scoping review. The search words used were ‘RAGE receptor’ AND/OR ‘breast cancer, RAGE ligands, glycation end products’. A total of 90 articles were included. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the relationship between the RAGE rs1800624 polymorphism and breast cancer risk using fixed-effect or random-effect models to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).ResultsRAGE upon activation by its ligands enhances downstream signaling pathways, contributing to breast cancer cells migration, growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. In addition, studies have shown that RAGE and its ligands influence the way breast cancer cells interact with immune cells present in the tumor microenvironment (macrophages, fibroblasts), thus regulating it to promote tumor growth and metastasis.ConclusionBreast cancers with a high expression of RAGE are associated with poor prognosis. Targeting RAGE and its ligands impairs cell invasion and metastasis, showing promising potential for further research as potential prognostic biomarkers or targeted onco-therapeutics.
Effect of Amaranth-Containing Dietary Intervention in Improving Hemoglobin Concentration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yilma Mekdes Tigistu , Eifa Aberash , Belayneh Mehretu , Orsango Alemselam Zebdewos 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveAmaranth, a nutritious iron source, is known for treating anemia in young children and lactating mothers, but its effectiveness in reducing hemoglobin concentration needs further investigation. Therefore, this study aimed to summarize the effectiveness of amaranth-based food interventions in improving hemoglobin concentration.MethodA randomized controlled trial and quasi-experimental study conducted since 2000 were searched in databases like PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, AJOL, and Web of Science using prespecified keywords. Excel and Stata 17 were used for data extraction and analysis. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI systematic review critical appraisal tool. Meta-analysis was done to estimate the overall intervention effect.ResultTen studies were included from 1,032 articles (n = 1,225). The standardized mean hemoglobin concentration difference between groups was positive, with an overall effect of 0.08 (95%CI: −0.11, 0.26; p = 0.433), where I2 is 57.1%.ConclusionThe studies’ interventions showed positive effects on hemoglobin concentration, but their effectiveness was not statistically significant. This suggests the need for research on the impact of different cooking methods on iron bioavailability, phytic iron ratio, and intervention effects across different populations.Systematic Review RegistrationIdentifier PROSPERO CRD42023476402.
Diagnostic Sensitivity of Phytophthora ×alni from Environmental Samples Using Conventional and Real-Time PCR
Authors: Trzewik Aleksandra , Orlikowska Teresa 
Published: January 2025

The study aims to compare the sensitivity of conventional and real-time PCR in detecting Phytophthora ×alni DNA in plants, peat substrate, and water. The accuracy of the detection of DNA isolated from pure cultures of P. ×alni and the influence of DNA isolated from Alnus tissue and peat substrate on the sensitivity of P. ×alni detection are assessed. Real-time PCR is 100-fold more sensitive than conventional PCR in the reaction with DNA extracted from plants and peat. Adding 1 µL and 3 µL of plant and peat DNA, respectively, reduces the sensitivity of P. ×alni detection by 100 times when using conventional PCR and by 10 times when using real-time PCR. The conventional PCR technique allows for the detection of P. ×alni on the day the first necrosis symptoms become visible or two days before they appear on artificially inoculated shoots. The real-time PCR technique allows for the detection of P. ×alni, depending on the zoospore concentration and isolate, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 days before necrosis appears. Conventional and real-time PCR allow for the detection of 250 and 100 P. ×alni zoospores, respectively, in a 0.5 g peat substrate sample and 25 and 10 spores, respectively, in 100 µL water.
Identification of a New Pentafluorosulfanyl-Substituted Chalcone with Activity Against Hepatoma and Human Parasites
Authors: Viperino Alessandra , Höpfner Michael , Edel Nicole , Al Nasr Ibrahim S. , Koko Waleed S. , Khan Tariq A. , Ben Abdelmalek Imen , Schobert Rainer , Biersack Bernhard , Nitzsche Bianca 
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: New drugs are required for the treatment of liver cancers and protozoal parasite infections. Analogs of the known anticancer active and antileishmanial 2′,4′,6′-trimethoxychalcone SU086 were prepared and investigated. Methods: The chalcones were prepared according to the Claisen–Schmidt condensation protocol and analyzed. They were tested for activity against two liver cancer cell lines (HepG2 and HuH-7) and protozoal parasites (Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania major). Unspecific toxicity and expression of Hsp90 and Hsp70 upon treatment were analyzed in liver cancer cells. Results: A new chalcone, 2′,4′,6′-trimethoxy-3-pentafluorosulfanylchalcone (246TMP-3SF5), with a pentafluorosulfanyl (SF5) substituent showed pronounced activities against liver cancer cells and T. gondii parasites which were superior to the activities of the parent chalcone SU086 in these models. In contrast, SU086 and its anthracene analog 2′,4′,6′-trimethoxy-9-anthracenylchalcone (246TMP-Anth) were most active against L. major promastigotes. The new SF5-substituted chalcone behaved like the known Hsp90 inhibitor 17-AAG and upregulated Hsp70 expression in liver cancer cells. Conclusions: The SF5-substituted SU086 analog has potential to become a new drug for the therapy of hepatoma and toxoplasmosis.
Capacity building and sustainable development efforts of national population commission, Awka, Anambra State
Authors: Nwagbala Stella Chinelo , Edibo Musa David , Ejiogu Samuel Anodi , Obijiaku Chimamkpa Promise 
Published: January 2025

Purpose: This study explored the relationship between capacity building and sustainable development efforts of the National Population Commission, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the relationship between technological upgrade and accountability, it also determined the relationship between skills enhancement and resource efficiency of the National Population Commission, Awka, Anambra State.
Methods: The study employed a survey research design. The population of the study was 190. Hypotheses were tested with Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 27). Hypothesis one revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between technological upgrade and accountability of the National Population Commission, Awka, Anambra State with r = 0.876, n = 190, and p-value of 0.000 (p<0.05).
Results: Hypothesis two showed that there is a positive significant relationship between skills enhancement and resource efficiency of the National Population Commission, Awka, Anambra State with r = 0.647, n = 190, and p-value of 0.015 (p<0.05).
Limitations: The researcher encountered problems during the data collection process. The researcher was faced with an uncooperative attitude of some respondents by not providing answers to the questionnaire.
Contribution: This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the significant positive relationships between technological upgrade and accountability and skills enhancement and resource efficiency in the National Population Commission, Awka, Anambra State. This study provides novel insights into effective population management strategies in Southeastern Nigeria.
Ainu Representation in the World of Japanese Comics: Shumari and Golden Kamuy Take on the Ruling Narratives of Hokkaidō History
Authors: Keller Zsófia 
Published: January 2025

Examining Japanese history through manga may initially seem unconventional, given the considerable distrust towards the medium in Western scholarship, where it is often viewed as a tool for distorting history. To avoid misinterpretation in the analysis of Japanese comics, it is essential to approach them with what Tessa Morris-Suzuki terms historical truthfulness, recognising them as gateways to a complex web of inherited ideas rather than direct representations of the historical periods that they depict. This approach is supported by Luc Pauwels’ integrated conceptual framework for visual sociology, which cautions against conflating the depiction with the depicted in the analysis of pre-made visuals. This study employs this methodological framework to analyse and compare two manga series that explore Ainu history and culture: Tezuka Osamu’s Shumari and Noda Satoru’s Golden Kamuy. Both narratives are set in Meiji-era Hokkaidō, a time when Wajin newcomers sought to erase the Indigenous Ainu from the northern island’s history. Consequently, Hokkaidō is often still perceived as a natural frontier developed by settlers for the benefit of the Japanese nation, while the Ainu continue to be stereotyped as a dying race. By critically engaging with these prevailing narratives, Tezuka and Noda elevate their work to what Pierre Nora calls places of memory. Nissim Otmazgin describes the way in which interacting with such seemingly unassuming places of memory creates, propagates, and reproduces a variety of memories about history among its readership as banal memory. Tezuka’s Shumari challenges the narrative of Hokkaidō as empty land by portraying it as the colonised land of the Ainu, yet he struggles to escape the dying race stereotype in the depiction of his Ainu characters. Conversely, Noda’s Golden Kamuy rejects this stereotype by vividly—and at times anachronistically—showcasing the beauty of Ainu culture. However, by sidelining historical injustices in his narrative, Noda offers readers a shallow understanding of Ainu history.
P300 Event-Related Potential: A Surrogate Marker of Cognitive Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease Patients with Psychosis
Authors: Gupta Rajnish Kumar , Gothwal Mohit , Lenka Abhishek , Kamble Nitish , Yadav Ravi , Arumugham Shyam Sundar , Pal Pramod Kumar , Hegde Shantala 
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives:
Psychosis is one of the major neuropsychiatric non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Prolonged latency and decreased amplitude of the P300 event-related potential (ERP) is a potential neurophysiologic biomarker of deeper neurocognitive deficits in PD. We aimed to characterize electroencephalogram (EEG)/ERP parameters in PD patients with and without psychosis (PDP and PDNP, respectively), and to determine if such measures could act as endophenotypes for PD-associated psychosis (PDP).

Methods:
We recruited 40 PD patients (all males), 20 PDP patients and 20 PDNP patients, aged between 39 and 65 years. The cognitive composite scores for attention and working memory were calculated. EEG/ERP recording was carried out following this, with eyes-closed resting-state EEG followed by an auditory oddball P300 task.

Results:
The composite scores for both attention and working memory were significantly higher in the PDNP group compared to the PDP group. The mean reaction time during the oddball task in the PDP group was significantly higher than in the PDNP group. A trend of increased P300 amplitude was observed in the PDNP group compared to the PDP group; however, it was significant at CP4, P8, C4, TP8, T8, CZ, FC4, FT8, FZ, F4, and F8 electrode sites. Power spectral analysis indicated a significant increase in the EEG power of slow-frequency waves (delta, theta) across all the brain regions in the PDP group compared to the PDNP group.

Conclusions:
Our results demonstrate the association between psychosis and the severity of neurocognitive deficits in PD patients assessed using electrophysiologic measures. P300 may be considered a potential neurophysiologic biomarker of psychosis in PD.
Efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine in reducing the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome: a single case study
Authors: Prasanna P.V.L. , Swathi Paetaehalli Shivappa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormonal condition that affects 8%–12% of women of reproductive age and 10%–35% of obese women. It is characterised by high levels of androgen, irregular menstrual cycles and/or small cysts on one or both ovaries and it has the potential to cause several clinical manifestations, including hirsutism, oligomenorrhoea, excessive acne and hair loss. Stress is a hidden component that has an impact on modern life and is directly linked to the pathophysiology of many diseases, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women. The study established the effectiveness of yoga and naturopathy in treating PCOS symptoms. This is the case of a 22-year-old woman who was diagnosed with PCOS and complained about having irregular periods and weight gain before seeking yoga and naturopathy treatment. In the 8 months of follow-up, the patient successfully addressed yoga, dietary changes, hydrotherapy, chanting and lifestyle adjustments at home. This is apparent from the weight loss, regularisation of the menstrual cycle and structural alterations in the ovary were assessed by body mass index and ultrasonography. Yoga and naturopathy treatment was found to be effective in mitigating the symptoms of PCOS like reduction in weight and regular menstrual cycle. A combination of yoga, diet and hydrotherapy, as described in the clinical text, could be an effective and adaptable way to treat PCOS patients.
Effect of Arogya Raksha Panchatantra (five lifestyle principles) on heart rate variability, menstrual symptoms, health-related quality of life, performance and self-efficacy in Young female adults with primary dysmenorrhea: protocol for an exploratory randomized control trial
Authors: Silwal Karishma , Kodali Prakash Babu , Khan Vakeel , Sharma Hemanshu , Tewani Gulab Rai , Nair Pradeep M. K. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective:
Primary dysmenorrhea is a common condition among females and is associated with increased absenteeism, reduced performance and decreased quality of life. The study aims to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of implementing Arogya Rakshak Panchatantra (ARP) – a set of five lifestyle principles – among female adults with primary dysmenorrhea (PD).

Materials and Methods:
This study was designed as an open-label, parallel-arm, randomized control trial, including 52 young female adults with PD between the ages of 16 and 25 years and a normal body mass index. Participants were randomly assigned to either the ARP group or the control group. The ARP group included daily practices such as eating twice, drinking at least 2 seers (8–10 glasses) of water, exercising for 1 h, fasting (≤500 kcal) once a week and praying twice a day for 2 months. The control group followed their usual lifestyle throughout the study period. The outcome measures were to assess the changes in heart rate variability (HRV), menstrual distress, quality of life, pain, self-efficacy, emotions, absenteeism and treatment adherence, which were captured at baseline, first, second and third menstrual cycles in both the groups. Baseline comparisons and assessment of effectiveness are performed using relevant t tests and ANOVA. Generalized linear models and/or generalized estimating equations were used to determine the specific effect of ARP.

Discussion:
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first trial to explore the long-term effects and feasibility of ARP among young females with PD. The results of the study will encourage the use of ARP as a cost-effective and sustainable approach in managing PD.
Impact assessment of International Day of Yoga: results from a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Mohan Raghavendra Rao , Vadiraja Hosakote Sanjeeva , Moirangthem Ghanapriyari , Sandhu Surender , Rao Venkateshwar , Rao Mohan , Gupta Rakesh , Anburani S. , Bendore Preeti 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background:
Yoga is now a popular mind–body intervention to maintain health and wellness. The advent of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) by the United Nations dedicating 21st June of every year to observe this day the world over has gained yoga popular acclaim.

Materials and Methods:
In this study, we evaluated the impact of observance of IDY amongst a sample population by using a web-based form shared via social messaging platforms, social media platforms and government websites.

Results:
A total of 8314 people completed the web-based form over 1 month running up to the observance of the seventh IDY. Results showed that 84.8% of participants were aware of the Common Yoga Protocol. Participants (73.5%) considered yoga as an essential part of their lifestyle with 52.3% of participants being regular practitioners of yoga. The drivers for regular practice included yoga classes within a 1 km range of their residence, which was reported to be 32.2%. IDY also seemed to increase the knowledge and awareness of yoga (46.2%), health and physical activity (31.9%) and increased productivity in work (22.1%). IDY helped 27.2% of participants to stay calm and manage daily stress. The majority of the participants (37.6%) were practising integrated yoga (asanas, pranayama, prayer and meditation). IDY had a higher impact on males than on females in improving work productivity (P = 0.007) and quality of life (P = 0.02).

Conclusion:
The results suggest a good impact of IDY amongst the masses, further longitudinal studies need to be conducted to ascertain specific benefits of IDY amongst the community.
A pilot study on the short-term effect of Nadi Shodhana and Bhramari pranayama on stress, anxiety and depression levels amongst high school students during the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Thiruppathiraja Selvameenakshi , Muthukrishnan Padmasree , Panneerselvam Naresh Kumar , Paramasivam Krithiga , Ravindran Dhilip V. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) control measures by the government have impacted all age groups, especially adolescents who have undergone significant and unanticipated changes. These drastic and uncommon shifts caused psychological distress in the students, particularly in the early months of the epidemic. Pranayama practices have been found to have a positive impact on the stress and anxiety levels of students; this study aims to compare the effect of Bhramari Pranayama (BP) and Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (NSP) on stress, anxiety and depression in high school students during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 100 healthy student volunteers aged between 15 and 18 years from a high school were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups, namely BP and NSP groups, following inclusion and exclusion criteria. The intervention was administered to both groups for 15 min every day for 7 days.

Result:
The effect of NSP and BP for 7 days was studied in 100 healthy high school student volunteers. There was a significant change in stress, anxiety and depression levels in both practice groups. However, the BP group shows the more significant results.

Conclusion:
Regular NSP and BP practices serve an important role in reducing psychological distress, which may also increase the elastic recoiling of the lungs and the oxygen level in the blood to boost the body’s defense mechanism. As a result, this pranayama technique can be administered as a simple and supportive therapy for reducing stress, anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 lockdown for school students.
A Comparative Study on Effectiveness of Swedish Massage and Foam Roller Massage on Hamstring Flexibility and Lower Limb Power in Female Athletes: A Single-blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Kaur Navpreet , Sinha Akhoury Gourang Kumar , Mishra Arushi , Kumar Vaneet , Mohiuddin Md. , Ahmed Sohel 
Published: January 2025

Background:
The available research is inadequate to determine the relative impact of Swedish massage and foam roller massage on hamstring flexibility and explosive power.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to compare the effects of Swedish massage and foam roller massage on hamstring flexibility and explosive power in female athletes.

Methods:
A single-blind, randomized controlled trial was performed on a sample of 30 female athletes, who were divided into two groups of similar size. The first group had a foam roller massage, while the second group received a Swedish massage for 5 min on each leg on the posterior aspect. The outcome measurements of passive knee extension test (PKET), vertical jump height, and vertical jump power were collected both before and after the intervention.

Results:
The result of the study reported that both groups showed a significant improvement in PKET, vertical jump test, and vertical jump power. However, only PKET in the left leg of foam roller massage group did not show any significant improvement. This study found a significant difference in between-group comparison in all outcome variables. Hamstring flexibility (right and left), vertical jump height, and power were increased significantly in both the groups. However, in comparison with Swedish massage (20%, 13%, 19%, and 15%), the gain in flexibility and explosive power was less in the foam roller group (10%, 7%, 8%, and 4%).

Conclusion:
Regarding flexibility, the impacts of Swedish massage are superior from self-foam roller massage. Additional research is required to investigate the impact of these methods on various performance indicators.

CTRI Number:
CTRI/2019/10/021528