Trace detection of nitroaromatic explosives such as 2,6-dinitrotoluene (2,6-DNT) and trinitrotoluene (TNT) is of great significance in the fields of homeland security, anti-terrorism monitoring and environmental governance. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has become a research hotspot in the field of chemical sensing owing to its unique 'fingerprint identification' capacity and high detection sensitivity. Nitroaromatic molecule analytes exhibit weak binding affinity toward conventional citrate-stabilized Ag NPs, which limits the effective adsorption of target molecules to the Ag NPs surface. These conventional substrates only enable detection of 2,6-DNT and TNT at concentrations as high as 10-1 M and 10-2 M, respectively. In this study, a surface regulation strategy is proposed by pretreatment highly concentrated Ag NPs with KI to fabricate a high-performance SERS sensing platform on a low-cost aluminum foil substrate. Benefiting from iodide-mediated surface modulation, the detection performance is greatly improved, with distinct characteristic Raman peaks of 2,6-DNT observable at an ultralow concentration of 10-10 M. I- can be used as a cleaning agent to effectively remove citrate from Ag NPs surface and provide abundant active sites for the analytes adsorption. In addition, the AgI shell formed on Ag NPs surface by reaction of I- and Ag+ can provide additional chemical enhancement through charge transfer mechanism. This strategy enables highly sensitive detection of nitroaromatic explosives and provides a very competitive solution for the monitoring of trace explosives in the field of public safety.
The longevity of emulsion explosives under extreme thermal conditions (up to 150 °C) is dictated by specific molecular-level degradation pathways, where surfactant headgroup reactivity, salt type, and chemical stabilizers determine interfacial integrity. Thermal breakdown mechanisms of emulsion explosives were investigated at temperatures up to 150 °C, analyzing the effects of surfactant chemistry and additives on rheological performance and interfacial stability. We demonstrate that at 150 °C, the heat-induced hydrolysis of ester headgroup emulsifiers severely degrades the interfacial surfactant film, causing interfacial film rupture, significant coalescence (∼50 μm drops), and subsequent crystallization. While heating breaks urea-containing emulsions through ammonia-induced interfacial weakening (increased G'), stability is tunable: sodium ions enhance thermal stability via strong Na+-PIBSA binding, whereas calcium ions induce rapid crystallization in the presence of urea. These findings establish the key degradation pathways to improve the high-temperature stability of explosive formulations.
Peroxide-based compounds, notably triacetone triperoxide (TATP), have gained notoriety for their extensive use in terrorist activities as improvised explosive devices. The inherent volatility and ease of synthesis from readily available chemicals make these substances particularly appealing for illicit use. Furthermore, the growing concern is the increased risk of explosions and terrorist incidents linked to compounds with similar peroxide-based structures. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for comprehensive research and understanding of these hazardous materials. In response, research on various possible peroxide structures is being conducted. Investigations using comprehensive quantum chemical calculations including density functional theory, molecular orbital analysis, and thermodynamic modeling provide explosive characteristics and NMR, IR, and Raman spectra for TATP substituted with various substituents and molecules containing peroxide structures, thereby linking preliminary hazard screening with molecular identification. Additionally, quantum chemistry-based mass spectrometry simulation through QCxMS analysis provides decomposition pathways and mass spectral predictions of peroxide structures as complementary identification fingerprints. These integrated computational methods can support conservative hazard prioritization of peroxide-structured explosives and improve detection-oriented identification capabilities.
To determine the effects of an 8-week in-season plyometric training (PT) program on lower-body explosive power, change-of-direction (COD) ability, and functional movement quality in collegiate basketball players. Sixty-four university basketball players were recruited, stratified by gender, and randomly assigned to a plyometric training group (PTG) or control group (CG); 56 completers (20.9 ± 2.1 years) were included in the per-protocol analysis. The PTG completed two progressive PT sessions per week across adaptation, stabilization, and realization phases, whereas the CG completed time-matched technical shooting drills. Outcomes included the Squat Jump (SJ), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Agility T-test, 505 COD test, and Functional Movement Screen (FMS). Compared with the CG, the PTG improved all physical performance outcomes (all p < .001), with large Group × Time effects, for SJ (ηp2 = .26), CMJ (ηp2 = .39), Agility T-test (ηp2 = .33), and 505 COD (ηp2 = .40). Adjusted between-group differences favored the PTG for SJ (6.69 cm, 95% CI [3.55, 9.82]), CMJ (7.97 cm, 95% CI [5.16, 10.79]), Agility T-test (-0.89 s, 95% CI [-1.26, -0.53]), and 505 COD (-0.59 s, 95% CI [-0.80, -0.39]). A significant Group × Time × Gender interaction was observed for FMS (ηp2 = .11, p = .017). Sensitivity analyses showed higher post-intervention FMS scores in the PTG for males (2.21 points, 95% CI [0.79, 3.63]) and females (5.42 points, 95% CI [4.15, 6.70]). Periodized in-season PT improved explosive power and COD ability and may attenuate female-specific declines in functional movement quality.
Overweight and obesity have become increasingly prevalent among female university students, whereas conventional exercise interventions are often limited by poor adherence and time constraints. Exercise snacks (ES) may offer a flexible and time-efficient alternative; however, their effectiveness in this population remains unclear. We compared the effects of 8 weeks of ES (75 min/week) and HIIT on body composition, cardiometabolic health, cardiorespiratory fitness, and lower-body explosive power in overweight and obese females in a real-world setting. Thirty overweight and obese female university students were randomized to either the ES group or the high-intensity interval training (HIIT) group in an 8-week randomized controlled trial. Both groups completed 75 min of bodyweight exercise per week. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included body composition, cardiometabolic health, cardiorespiratory fitness, and lower-body explosive power. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze training effects, with Bonferroni post hoc tests. Effect sizes were reported as partial eta squared ( η p 2 ) or Cohen's d, with significance set at p < 0.05. Compared with the HIIT group, the ES group showed significantly lower RPE throughout the intervention period (p < 0.05). Significant time effects were observed for body weight (p < 0.001, η p 2 = 0.59), BMI (p < 0.001, η p 2 0.60), body fat percentage (p < 0.001, η p 2 = 0.46), standing long jump performance (p < 0.001, η p 2 = 0.43), V̇O2max (p < 0.001, η p 2 = 0.47), SBP (p < 0.001, η p 2 = 0.54), TC (p = 0.004, η p 2 = 0.26), and LDL-C (p = 0.002, η p 2 = 0.30). A significant time × group interaction was observed for DBP (p = 0.02, ηp2 = 0.19), with a significant reduction in the HIIT group (p = 0.002, d = 0.86) but not in the ES group (p = 0.86, d = -0.04). No significant time effects were observed for TG (p = 0.96) or HDL-C (p = 0.10). Weekly mean RPE was significantly lower in the ES group than in the HIIT group throughout the intervention period. In conclusion, in a real-world remote setting, 75 min/week of bodyweight-based ES may be a promising strategy that warrants confirmation in adequately powered randomized controlled trials.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Veterans have complex exposure histories that may contribute to chronic symptom burden. Identifying health features that are distinct to EOD Veterans may help describe this complex, chronic symptom burden. A machine learning approach to identify the unique health symptoms that can discriminate EOD and non-EOD Veterans who participated in the WRIISC (War Related Illness and Injury Study Center) clinical program will be presented to demonstrate these analytic methods. This approach orders clinical data to characterize EOD Veterans' health profiles to prioritize Veterans that may require additional clinical services, research opportunities, and focused education. Clinical intake data from a battery of validated questionnaires and clinical measures acquired demographics, military occupational and deployment history, medical history, exposure concerns, and symptoms that were analyzed from EOD (n = 52) and non-EOD (n = 794) Veterans. Features were selected from these data using the Boruta algorithm, then used to train a balanced random forest classifier. Gini importances were then extracted from this model. Training of the balanced random forest classifier required 75% of the selected clinical data to achieve a Receiver Operator Curve, Area Under the Curve (ROC AUC) score of 0.93 on the remaining 25% of data. In total, 21 of the 143 features from the Clinical intake packet were selected using the Boruta algorithm. Characterizing EOD health profiles using aggregated clinical information supports efficient delivery of VA services. The results specify combat exposure, physical functioning, and TBI symptom burden rank the highest as vital measures to the classification of EOD Veterans. Results indicate attention should be given to combat exposure and to physical functioning when considering complex military exposure cases. These methods can be applied towards other complex multifactorial exposures and novel emerging threat concerns to monitor health trends and guide quality improvement activities.
A high-throughput analytical method for quantifying the explosive picric acid (PA) is reported. The approach first involves developing a three-electrode thermoplastic chip, which was then integrated with circular paper structures to generate microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs). The electrochemical setup was fabricated using a 3D printing pen, a tool commercialized as a toy for kids. The electrochemical chips were initially tested using differential pulse voltammetry to promote the analyte's reduction. After evaluating the PA electrochemical behavior, the µPADs were assembled using a practical procedure with clamps and filter paper. The µPAD assembly was optimized by evaluating the paper substrate, injection volume, and detection potential. Larger-pore papers resulted in a superior response due to greater accessibility of the analyte solution to the electrode surface during injection. Increasing the injection volume enhanced the signal intensity, besides providing better repeatability. Increasing the detection potential enhances the system response. However, this parameter affects selectivity as other species could also be reduced on the electrode surface. Under optimal conditions, the proposed system enabled the sequential injection of an analyte solution into a single device, yielding a sample throughput of (131 ± 14) injections h-1. Furthermore, a linear response was obtained from 10 to 100 µmol L⁻1 picric acid, with a limit of detection of 5.0 µmol L-1. Moreover, the system's applicability was further demonstrated for lake water analyses through recovery studies. Therefore, this work reports a practical analytical tool for the PA quantification in environmental analyses.
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Espeit, L, Rozand, V, Gravholt, A, Ravel, A, Gondin, J, Millet, GY, Maffiuletti, NA, and Lapole, T. Effects of narrow- vs. wide-pulse neuromuscular electrical stimulation training on functional performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training has been shown to improve maximal isometric strength but inconsistent effects have been reported on dynamic/functional outcomes. Inconsistencies have been attributed to the general training setup (isometric mode) and to the unphysiological motor unit recruitment pattern of NMES. As pulse duration could modify motor unit recruitment, the aim of the present study was to compare the effects of NMES training with narrow vs. wide pulses on explosive and isokinetic strength, jumping performance, and fatigability. Thirty-six healthy men were randomly allocated to a control group or 1 of 2 NMES training groups, who underwent a 6-week NMES program. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation with narrow (0.2 ms) or wide (1 ms) pulses was applied to the quadriceps muscle with a stimulation frequency of 50 Hz and at the maximal tolerable current intensity. PRE- and POST-training measurements included explosive strength (early and late rate of torque development [RTD]), isokinetic strength (concentric at 60°·s-1 and 180°·s-1, eccentric at -60°·s-1), countermovement jump (CMJ) performance and fatigability (fatigue index during repeated maximal concentric contractions). The effects of NMES training were similar for the 2 training groups. Late- but not early-phase RTD increased at POST (p < 0.05). Isokinetic strength increased at POST (p < 0.05) at all angular velocities. No changes were observed for CMJ performance and fatigue index. In conclusion, 6 weeks of NMES with narrow and wide pulses induced similar improvements in explosive and isokinetic strength but failed to improve jumping performance and fatigability in healthy men.
Traditional physical education (PE) faces declining student interest and limited fitness gains. Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive, gamified experiences, but evidence regarding its effectiveness and explanatory pathways remains limited. This explanatory sequential mixed-methods randomized trial assigned 360 adolescents (aged 13-16) from three middle schools to either VR-supported PE (n = 180) or conventional PE (n = 180) for 12 weeks, with a 4-week follow-up. Outcomes included exercise interest (validated scale), physical fitness (coordination via MABC-2, cardiorespiratory endurance via the 20-m shuttle run, explosive power via the standing long jump, and speed via the 10-m sprint), and accelerometer-measured physical activity. The qualitative component involved 38 unique students: 32 completed individual semi-structured interviews, and six additional students participated only in focus groups. Three-level linear mixed-effects models and exploratory structural equation modeling were used. The VR group showed significantly greater improvements in exercise interest (d = 0.78), coordination (d = 0.62), cardiorespiratory endurance (d = 0.55), and speed (d = 0.48) than the control group (all p < 0.001), but not in explosive power (d = 0.12, p = 0.148). Effects were partially retained at follow-up (interest d = 0.65, coordination d = 0.48, endurance d = 0.42, and speed d = 0.30), a pattern not fully consistent with a purely novelty-driven explanation. Exploratory mediation identified exercise interest as a statistically compatible explanatory pathway (indirect effect = 0.34, 95% CI [0.22, 0.46]), although the timing of measurement precludes causal interpretation. Qualitative findings contextualized these results by highlighting immersion, feedback, self-efficacy, and perceived transfer. VR-supported PE may enhance adolescents' exercise interest and selected fitness dimensions, but its limited effect on explosive power and possible novelty contribution indicate that it should complement, rather than replace, conventional PE. Longer-term studies are needed.
The rational integration of lattice strain and carrier defect offers strategy to adjust the electronic structure of heterogeneous catalysts, yet remains synthetically difficult. We present an explosive-driven approach to construct Pt nanoparticle-decorated UiO-66 (PtNP/UiO-66) catalysts with tunable tensile lattice strain and defect-engineered metal-MOF interfaces. By precisely controlling the explosive dosage, Pt nanoparticle with different degrees(0.229 nm) of lattice strain are generated in situ and anchored onto defect-rich UiO-66, leading to the formation of interfacial Schottky junctions. The acidic HER is selected as a representative model system to elucidate the correlation between structure and catalytic activity. Among the obtained catalysts, PtNP-10/UiO-66, possessing the highest lattice tensile strain, delivers an overpotential of 16 mV. In situ x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements reveal the continuous variation of the local coordination structure of Pt throughout the HER process. Complementary spectroscopic characterizations combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations further show that explosive-induced lattice strain systematically modulates the adsorption strength of the H* intermediate.
Actors in conflict, those in asymmetric warfare, conducting criminal activity or participating in paramilitary training activities may possess explosive ordnance. For various reasons this ordnance can misfire resulting in failure to detonate and become impaled or embedded in those near an intended target. The management of the patient with an impaled or embedded unexploded ordnance (eUXO) is a high impact event with the potential to cause death of those in proximity and destruction of the health care facility. The probability of this event is low with less than 50 cases reported in the literature. The objective of this study is to use a modified Delphi approach to produce statements to develop treatment guidelines of the eUXO patient in low-resource settings without explosive ordnance disposal team (EOD) assets. Fifty-three statements were derived from authoritative texts and a PRISMA-Scoping review through an iterative process by the authors. Included experts rated their agreement with each statement on a 7-point linear numeric scale. Consensus amongst experts was defined as a standard deviation ≤1. Statements attaining consensus after the first and subsequent rounds moved to the final report. Statements that did not attain consensus moved to the next round and this process repeated for 3 rounds. The remaining statements did not attain consensus. The University of South Florida Institutional Review Board determined that this study met the criteria for exemption. After the 37 experts first, 35 experts second, and 33 experts third round, 29 statements attained consensus, and 24 statements did not attain consensus. Although agreement was reached on key safety, transport, and training principles, uncertainties remain on how best to weigh clinical priorities to manage an eUXO patient to reduce the risk of detonation without available EOD assets in low-resource settings.
To analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of chikungunya incidence in municipalities in the Brazilian Northeast from 2015 to 2023. Ecological time-series study of probable cases of chikungunya reported to Brazil's Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). Monthly trends were assessed by joinpoint regression analysis with estimation of the monthly percent change (MPC) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). High-risk space-time clusters were identified using a Poisson-based scan statistic (relative risk [RR], p < 0.05). A total of 769 986 cases were reported in 2015-2023, mostly in the states of Ceará (27.9%), Bahia (25.3%), and Pernambuco (14.5%). Explosive outbreaks occurred in 2016, 2017, and 2022, interspersed with periods of low transmission. The temporal analysis revealed high initial MPC estimates, e.g., in Maranhão (127.4%; 95% CI: 112.5-172.6). In 2022, explosive outbreaks occurred once again, particularly in Alagoas (MPC = 342.4%; 95% CI: 187.2-557.3) and Piauí (MPC = 242.9%; 95% CI: 162.6-441.8). Significant space-time clusters were identified, 70% of which began in 2016. A disconnect was observed between geographic spread and magnitude of risk: the highest RR (45.5; 95% CI: 43.7-47.3) occurred in a cluster in Bahia in 2020, whereas the largest cluster involved 431 municipalities across four states in 2016. The dynamics of chikungunya in the Brazilian Northeast were characterized by spatiotemporal heterogeneity, with shifting epicenters and persistent pockets of high risk, providing further evidence of the need for integrated, regionalized surveillance and control to address sustained transmission in high-risk pockets and interstate clusters. Analisar a dinâmica espaço-temporal da incidência de chikungunya nos municípios da região Nordeste do Brasil, de 2015 a 2023. d> Estudo ecológico de série temporal com casos prováveis de chikungunya notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). A tendência temporal mensal foi analisada pela regressão por pontos de inflexão (joinpoint), cálculo do Percentual de Variação Mensal (PVM) e intervalos de Confiança de 95% (IC95%). Identificaram-se aglomerados espaço-temporais de alto risco pela varredura Scan de Poisson (risco relativo - RR, valor p < 0,05). Foram notificados 769.986 casos (2015-2023), concentrados nos estados do Ceará (27,9%), Bahia (25,3%) e Pernambuco (14,5%). Epidemias explosivas ocorreram em 2016, 2017 e 2022, intercaladas por períodos de baixa transmissão. A análise temporal revelou PVMs iniciais elevados, como no Maranhão (127,4%; IC95%: 112,5–172,6). Em 2022, epidemias explosivas voltaram a ocorrer, com destaque para Alagoas (PVM = 342,4%; IC95%: 187,2–557,3) e Piauí (PVM = 242,9%; IC95%: 162,6–441,8). Foram identificados aglomerados espaço-temporais significativos, 70% deles com início em 2016. Observou-se dissociação entre extensão geográfica e intensidade do risco: o maior RR (45,5; IC95%: 43,7–47,3) ocorreu em um cluster na Bahia, em 2020, e o de maior abrangência envolveu 431 municípios de quatro estados, em 2016. A dinâmica da chikungunya no Nordeste caracterizou-se por heterogeneidade espaço-temporal, com deslocamento de epicentros e persistência de bolsões de alto risco, reforçando a necessidade de vigilância e controle integrados e regionalizados, visando responder à transmissão sustentada em bolsões de alto risco e aos clusters interestaduais. Analizar la dinámica espaciotemporal de la incidencia del chikunguña en los municipios de la región Nordeste de Brasil, entre el 2015 y el 2023. Estudio ecológico de series temporales de casos probables de chikunguña notificados en el Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Notificación Obligatoria (SINAN, por su sigla en portugués). La tendencia temporal mensual se analizó mediante una regresión de puntos de inflexión (joinpoint), el cálculo del porcentaje de variación mensual (PVM) e intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC95%). Se detectaron conglomerados espaciotemporales de alto riesgo mediante el análisis de barrido espacial de Poisson (riesgo relativo [RR], valor de p < 0,05). Se notificaron 769 986 casos (2015-2023), concentrados en los estados de Ceará (27,9%), Bahía (25,3%) y Pernambuco (14,5%). En el 2016, el 2017 y el 2022 se produjeron brotes epidémicos de rápida expansión, intercalados con períodos de transmisión baja. El análisis temporal reveló valores iniciales elevados del PVM, como en Maranhão (127,4%; IC del 95%: 112,5-172,6). En el 2022 se produjeron nuevamente brotes epidémicos, sobre todo en Alagoas (PVM = 342,4%; IC del 95%: 187,2-557,3) y Piauí (PVM = 242,9%; IC del 95%: 162,6-441,8). Se detectaron conglomerados espaciotemporales significativos, el 70% de los cuales comenzaron en el 2016. Se observó una disociación entre la extensión geográfica y la intensidad del riesgo: el RR más alto (45,5; IC del 95%: (43,7-47,3) se produjo en un conglomerado en Bahía, en el 2020, y el de mayor alcance afectó a 431 municipios de cuatro estados, en el 2016. La dinámica que presenta el chikunguña en el nordeste del país se ha caracterizado por una heterogeneidad espaciotemporal, con el desplazamiento de los epicentros y la persistencia de focos de alto riesgo, lo que refuerza la necesidad de una vigilancia y un control integrados y regionalizados, con el fin de responder a la transmisión sostenida en los focos de alto riesgo y a los conglomerados interestatales.
The purpose is to evaluate how blood flow restriction (BFR) and resistance training (RT), influence muscle adaptation and sports performance in team-athletes. Preferred Reporting Program for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines are adhered to in the conduct of this study. From the beginning to September 11, 2025, a thorough literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus. Subsequently, a random-effects meta-analysis was performed to synthesize data on muscle adaptation and sports performance. The meta-analysis included 12 studies involving 859 team-athletes. Results indicated that, compared to RT alone, the addition of BFR significantly induced muscle hypertrophy (SMD = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.58, P = 0.02, I² = 4%) and improved muscle strength (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.66, P<0.001, I² = 10%). Jumping or sprint performance did not show any statistically significant differences. BFRT slightly improves the muscle hypertrophy and strength of team-athletes, but has no significant increase in explosive power output such as jumping and sprinting. It can be used as a complementary means of load management, but should be interpreted with caution. The optimal prescription for transforming it into explosive power should be explored in the future.
Concern has grown over the potential neurological effects following repetitive exposure to blast waves generated by explosives and weapons during training and operations. Military personnel may be repeatedly exposed to low-level blast although using explosives to gain entry and during routine heavy weapons training. Repeated blast exposure, even within allowable limits, has been associated with cognitive deficits. The Blast Overpressure (BOP) Tool was developed to support BOP exposure mitigation guidance by informing training cadre, unit commanders, and range managers of predicted exposures to facilitate mitigation of BOP risk during training. Section 734 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91) required the Secretary of Defense to conduct a longitudinal medical study of blast pressure exposure of members of the armed forces. The BOP Tool was developed as a part of this initiative to improve awareness and mitigation of BOP in training environments. The team received feedback from the operational community. The BOP Tool predicts BOP exposures based on weapon type, ammunition, individual posture, and proximity to the weapon system. Three versions of the tool address specific end-user requirements. A mobile application offers real-time feedback and increased feasibility for field use. A desktop version includes a Site Module for planning weapon placement and personnel positions to minimize exposure, and a Scene Module for three-dimensional visualization of blast effects on the human body, allowing users to test mitigation strategies and assess cumulative exposure to different body regions. Additionally, an ArcGIS-integrated version supports range safety management by providing enhanced BOP risk assessment capabilities. Preliminary end user feedback suggests that the tool is already informing best practices to protect Service Members from BOP in the garrison environment by simulating comparatively more protective postures and positioning around weapon systems during live fire training. The BOP Tool advances understanding of blast exposure and supports the development of safer training protocols for military personnel. By enabling real-time prediction and visualization of BOP effects, the tool augments leader risk assessment and decision-making, ultimately contributing to optimized health and safety of Service Members during heavy weapon training.
A landmark 2026 Cell publication by Chai et al. characterized Ruptosis, a previously unclassified form of regulated cell death executed by specialized glandular immune cells termed ruptoblasts in the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea. Triggered exclusively by elevated activin (a dual hormone/inflammatory cytokine), Ruptosis manifests rapid, contact-independent explosive cellular disintegration and releases diffusible toxins to eliminate aberrant somatic cells, stem cells and invading bacteria. Distinct from apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis and neutrophil NETosis at morphological, biochemical and kinetic levels, this novel lytic pathway substantially expands the canonical regulated cell death (RCD) classification system. This commentary outlines the defining unique features of Ruptosis and discusses its evolutionary implications for cell death and innate immunity research.
Canine distemper-a measles-like disease with high mortality and presently without a cure-poses a major threat to wild and domestic carnivores globally. Domestic dogs are generally considered to be the main reservoir and long-range transmitter of the disease, but the role of wildlife is likely underestimated and the long-term persistence of CDV in wildlife has never been assessed. We sequenced canine distemper virus (CDV) full and partial genomes that were sampled over a decade (2012-2021) from Arctic foxes and other canids in Alaska and Yellowstone, and compiled a dataset of all published CDV genomes sampled across 32 species globally. We show the first ever evidence of persistence of CDV in wildlife (for almost a decade) with explosive transmission dynamics crossing host species barriers. Strains sampled from the Arctic for the first time connect North America to Eurasia, and are distinct from the Yellowstone strain and other known North American lineages. This suggests that separate wildlife outbreaks occur concurrently in North America, with possible introductions from Eurasia. The long-term persistence, long-range movement and explosive spread of this devastating panzootic virus that we document within wildlife is alarming and highlights the need for increased monitoring efforts to better protect wildlife populations globally.
Melanin is an ancestral biopigment with strong adaptive value and diverse functions across all phyla. In mammals, melanin appears in the skin, retinal-pigmented epithelium, central nervous system and in the malignant melanoma, one of the most aggressive and therapy-resistant tumors. Owing to the occurrence of melanin in melanomas, structural and physico-chemical properties can be considered to develop improved treatments. Several chemical structures have been suggested for melanin, but the model that best aligns with all known features, is the planar or spiral catechol/benzoquinone derivative of the porphycene ring. This model contains the 2,2'-bipyrrole motif as revealed by Ru(II)-induced luminescence, accounting for melanin's broadband light and ultrasound absorption, metal, dye and drug binding, antioxidant capacity, radical scavenging, electrical conductivity and multilayered graphite-like structure, observed by X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy. Due to this properties, endogenous melanin is an ideal target for treating melanotic melanomas by near infrared (NIR)-driven photothermal therapy (PTT). In addition to PTT with melanin itself and its complexes with red- or NIR-absorbing intercalating and redox dyes, further perspectives include PTT using mixed-valence and inclusion compounds. Recently, even more exotic approaches involve employing isotopes ¹ ⁰boron and ¹ ⁵⁷gadolinium for enhanced neutron-capture therapy, lanthanide-based up-conversion, ultrasonic-piezoelectric and tetrazine photo-explosive effects. Excited π-electrons after NIR or electrochemical production of reactive oxygen species and radicals following ultrasound absorption induce efficient thermal and/or oxidative responses, leading to tumor cell death. The ability of melanin to bind metal cations, dyes and drugs with high affinity has seminal implications for Cell Biology, Histochemistry, Pathology and Pharmacology of melanomas. Ultimately, this review explores melanin's structure as a therapeutic target, leveraging its striking biophysical, biochemical and biological properties to propose and implement new strategies for melanoma treatment.
To investigate the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Physical Fitness Index (PFI) among middle and high school students aged 13-18 in Shanxi Province, and to provide a reference for adolescent physical health promotion. A total of 3,600 middle and high school students aged 13-18 (1,800 boys and 1,800 girls) from Shanxi Province who participated in the 2025 National Physical Fitness and Health Survey were selected as the study subjects. They were divided into underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese groups based on the Chinese screening standards for overweight, obesity, and malnutrition in school-age children and adolescents. The Z-score method was used to calculate the Z-scores for each physical fitness indicator, which were then summed to obtain the Physical Fitness Index (PFI), comprehensively reflecting physical fitness status. Differences in physical fitness indicators among students of different genders and different BMI groups were compared, and the association between BMI and PFI was examined using a quadratic polynomial regression model, in which age was included as a covariate and BMI was centered to minimize multicollinearity. Analysis of data from middle and high school students aged 13-18 revealed significant differences in PFI among different BMI groups (P < 0.05). The normal weight group had the highest PFI (boys: 0.37 ± 3.61, girls: 0.15 ± 3.33), while the underweight and obese groups had significantly lower PFI. BMI and PFI showed an inverted "U"-shaped distribution. Furthermore, except for vital capacity and grip strength, most physical fitness indicators were optimal in the normal weight group. Overweight and obese groups performed poorly in endurance running and standing long jump, among other events. With increasing age, BMI and most physical fitness indicators significantly improved (P < 0.01). Gender comparison showed boys had advantages in strength and explosive power events, while girls had better flexibility, with significant differences (P < 0.01). Regression analysis showed that, after controlling for age, the regression coefficient of BMI_C2 was negative (boys: B = -0.036, P < 0.01; girls: B = -0.026, P < 0.01), indicating that PFI is a quadratic function of BMI, with PFI first increasing and then decreasing as BMI increases. Based on the 2025 physical fitness survey data from Shanxi Province, this study found an inverted U-shaped association between BMI and PFI among middle and high school students aged 13-18, with the normal weight range corresponding to the peak PFI, while both underweight and overweight/obesity were associated with lower PFI. This association remained significant after controlling for age, but had limited explanatory power in girls. It is recommended that school physical education programs address both underweight and overweight/obese students with targeted interventions, and consider gender differences when developing intervention strategies. Future studies should include variables such as physical activity, dietary habits, and body fat percentage, and adopt longitudinal designs to verify the directionality of the association.
Postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) refers to acute, transient improvements in explosive motor performance after high-intensity conditioning activity (CA), when an appropriate recovery period is allowed. Although the self-selected recovery interval (SSI) can elicit PAPE effectively, its reliability has not yet been established, which is essential to determine whether this strategy can be applied consistently across training sessions and whether observed performance enhancements reflect true physiological responses rather than random variation. This study assessed the reliability of the SSI used by strength-trained athletes across 2 identical sessions conducted on different days to elicit PAPE. Both magnitude of changes in performance (PAPE) and the SSI would be reproducible. Nonrandomized, single-group, crossover design with repeated measures. Level 2. Thirteen strength-trained athletes completed 3 sessions after familiarization with countermovement jump (CMJ) testing and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) squat determination. Two experimental sessions involved a CA comprising squats at 87% 1RM, followed by CMJ testing after a self-selected recovery. In the control session, CMJ was assessed after a light warm-up and a recovery equivalent to average SSI. Baseline CMJ tests were conducted in all sessions. SSI durations were compared using paired t tests. A 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance evaluated CMJ performance. Reliability of SSI and CA-induced CMJ changes was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and coefficient of variation. No significant differences were found in SSI durations between experimental sessions 1 (EXP1) and 2 (EXP2). CMJ performance did not change significantly after the light warm-up in CON, but increased by 9.7% in EXP1 (35.61 ± 10.78 cm vs 39.06 ± 11.47 cm; effect size [ES] = 0.31; P < 0.001) and by 10.6% in EXP2 (35.67 ± 10.8 cm vs 39.44 ± 11.51 cm; ES = 0.34; P < 0.001). ΔCMJ showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.997), while SSI duration showed good reliability (ICC = 0.868). The findings confirm that SSI is a reliable strategy for eliciting PAPE. The reproducibility of SSIs supports their practical implementation in strength and power training to achieve consistent performance enhancements across sessions.