Repeated sprint training (RST) effectively enhances lower-body performance, yet its effects on upper-body strength and sport-specific punching ability in boxers remain poorly understood. To investigate the effects of a 4-week boxing-specific repeated sprint training intervention on upper-body strength, anaerobic capacity, and punching ability in elite male boxers. Sixteen elite male boxers were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG, n = 8) or a control group (CG, n = 8). The EG performed three weekly sessions of all-out, sport-specific RST (14 sets of 3 s maximal heavy-bag punches, 10 s rest between sets, 1 min rest between rounds) in addition to conventional training, while the CG continued conventional training only. Upper-body strength (bench press mean propulsive power, MPP), anaerobic capacity (upper-body Wingate peak and mean power), and punching ability (peak punch velocity, total punches in 30 s, mean punch velocity) were assessed before and after the 4-week intervention. The EG showed large within-group improvements in Wingate peak power (d = 1.10, +16.7%) and mean power (d = 1.14, +20.6%), with large between-group effect sizes post-intervention (peak power: d = 1.60; mean power: d = 1.61). Bench press MPP increased substantially within the EG (d = 1.15, +20.4%), and although the between-group difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.059), the effect size was large (d = 1.03). The EG also exhibited large within-group improvements in peak punch velocity (d = 1.13, +7.3%), total punches (d = 1.15, +16.8%), and mean punch velocity (d = 1.35, +14.9%). The between-group difference in total punches was not significant (p = 0.074) but corresponded to a large effect size (d = 0.97). Incorporating three weekly sessions of boxing-specific RST into conventional training over 4 weeks significantly improved upper-body anaerobic capacity and produced practically meaningful enhancements in explosive strength and punching endurance in elite male boxers.
Punching is a fundamental and extensively employed process in the field of cold forming, prized for its operational simplicity, high performance, and ability to produce components of superior quality. However, the process is inherently complex, as the selection of optimal punching parameters remains a challenging endeavor. Achieving a high-quality punched product is critically dependent on the precise and validated choice of these parameters, which directly influence the mechanical and geometrical integrity of the final component. In this study, the shear zone height, a key indicator of punched part quality, is systematically investigated. The finite element method (FEM), integrated with the Johnson-Cook material model, is employed to simulate and analyze the influence of various punching parameters on the shear zone height, with particular emphasis on the effect of different punch shaft shapes. The Johnson-Cook model, renowned for its accuracy in capturing material behavior under high strain rates and temperatures, enables a robust and reliable simulation framework. The results of this investigation reveal that punch tools featuring a pointed shaft shape exhibit an almost constant distribution of shear zone height across a range of punching parameters. This consistency suggests that such designs are less sensitive to parameter variations, thereby offering a more stable and predictable performance. Consequently, the pointed punch shape is identified as the optimal configuration for achieving superior punched part quality, minimizing defects, and enhancing process reliability. This work contributes to the advancement of cold forming technology by providing insights into the relationship between punch geometry and shear zone characteristics, ultimately facilitating the selection of punching parameters for improved product quality and process efficiency.
Stroboscopic training uses intermittent visual occlusion to disrupt continuous visual information flow, inducing adaptive improvements in visuomotor processing. Although its efficacy has been demonstrated across several fast-response sports, its application in boxing - particularly among female athletes - remains largely unexplored. This study investigated the effects of a six-week stroboscopic training program on visual performance skills and punching accuracy in female amateur (Olympic-style) boxers, and examined the durability of training effects at a four-week follow-up. Twenty-six female amateur boxers (mean age 24.69 ± 5.48 years; mean boxing experience 7.19 ± 2.51 years) were randomly assigned to a stroboscopic training group (n = 13) or a non-stroboscopic control group (n = 13). Visual performance was assessed across 10 metrics using the Senaptec Sensory Station at pre-test, post-test, and retention. Punching accuracy (%Hit) was assessed from video recordings of official bouts and formal intra-team sparring sessions. The six-week intervention consisted of three 35-minute sessions per week combining general visual reaction drills and boxing-specific reactive tasks, performed under stroboscopic or normal visual conditions. Significant group × assessment phase interactions were observed for five visual performance metrics: Eye-Hand Coordination (EHC; F(2,48) = 6.105, p = 0.004, ηp² = 0.203), Reaction Time (RT; F(2,48) = 3.230, p = 0.048, ηp² = 0.119), Go/No-Go (GNG; F(2,48) = 4.807, p = 0.013, ηp² = 0.167), Perception Span (PS; F(2,48) = 6.005, p = 0.005, ηp² = 0.200), and Multiple Object Tracking (MOT; F(2,48) = 6.039, p = 0.005, ηp² = 0.201). Punching accuracy also improved significantly (F(2,48) = 4.626, p = 0.015, ηp² = 0.162), with post-test %Hit (35.02 ± 7.27%) significantly higher than pre-test (28.85 ± 7.45%). Training effects on EHC, GNG, PS, and MOT were partially retained at the four-week follow-up; RT and %Hit improvements were not retained. No significant changes were observed for basic visual functions (VC, CS, DP, TC, NFQ) in either group. Six weeks of stroboscopic training significantly improved key visuomotor skills and punching accuracy in female amateur boxers, with partial retention of effects four weeks post-intervention. These findings support the integration of stroboscopic training into evidence-based boxing preparation programs and highlight the need for periodic booster sessions to sustain long-term gains.
The analysis of mixed or contaminated biological materials represents a persistent challenge in both forensic genetics and diagnostic pathology. This study presents two casework applications demonstrating the analytical value of a targeted FFPE punching strategy coupled with STR genotyping for resolving complex scenarios. In the first case, an unexpected focus of high-grade urothelial carcinoma within a prostatic surgical specimen raised concerns regarding cross-sample contamination. STR profiling of microdissected punches-respectively containing the carcinoma and benign prostatic tissue-yielded fully concordant single-source profiles (LR = 2.5 × 10²¹), thereby unequivocally establishing a common donor origin and excluding inadvertent tissue transfer. In the second case, involving paternity assessment of mechanically aborted embryonic material from an alleged sexual assault, morphologically guided punching enabled selective isolation of chorionic villi from a grossly heterogeneous specimen. Although low-level maternal DNA was detected, mixture interpretation allowed reconstruction of a complete embryonic genotype, resulting in a conclusive paternity (LR = 2.2 × 10¹⁰). Altogether, these observations underscore the analytical robustness, cost-efficiency, and operational simplicity of punched-FFPE-based STR typing as a first-line approach for contamination assessment and targeted genotype recovery.
Accurate quantification of punch force is essential for performance assessment and training optimization in combat sports. This study introduces a Custom-Built Punch Force Dynamometer using two S-type load cells and evaluates its reliability, sensitivity, and partial ecological validity under sport-specific conditions. The device was mounted vertically on a wall and tested under both controlled and sport-specific conditions. Mechanical trials were assessed using a standardized drop-weight protocol with repeated trials. Partial ecological validity involved 11 experienced athletes from striking-based combat sports performing standardized straight punches across two lab visits. Reliability metrics included intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest worthwhile change (SWC). The dynamometer demonstrated excellent reliability during mechanical trials (ICC > 0.90) and good to excellent reliability during partial ecological validity (ICC = 0.75-0.90). SEM values were consistently lower than SWC, indicating strong measurement sensitivity. These findings support the reliability and practical utility of this device for assessing punch force in both laboratory-based research and sport-specific applications.
A 4H-SiC n-p-n floating-base phototransistor (FB-PT) achieving ultra-high responsivity via a punch-through induced barrier lowering (PT-IBL) mechanism is reported. By engineering the base region to operate near the structural punch-through state, the emitter-base barrier becomes highly sensitive to photogenerated hole accumulation. The device exhibits an ultra-high peak responsivity of 9.8 × 104 A/W at 272 nm under 9 V bias. Based on the high spatial response uniformity observed at 7 V, the FB-PT demonstrates an optimized balance of performance, yielding a specific detectivity (D*) of ~3.5 × 1013 Jones, a noise equivalent power (NEP) of ~10.8 fW, a responsivity of 125 A/W, and rise/fall times of ~5.1/9.4 ms. Furthermore, a single-pixel imaging system using this FB-PT reconstructs high-fidelity patterns under a low light intensity of ~1 μW/cm2. These results quantify the potential of the PT-IBL mechanism for sensitive UV sensing and integrated optoelectronics.
By a classical approach, the invasive margins of colorectal carcinomas can be typed as expansive or infiltrative, the latter portending a poor prognosis. To gain insight into the tumor biology behind these morphological features, we submitted 18 microsatellite-stable colorectal carcinomas that could be typed as having invasive margins of the infiltrative (N = 7) or expansive type (N = 11) with confidence to nanoString nCounter® analysis (Tumor Signaling 360™ Panel). Tissue microarray punch samples were obtained from the tumors and prior to RNA extraction histological sections were prepared. In an unsupervised cluster analysis of the gene expression data, 9 tumors, all of which expansive-types, were assigned to cluster 1, and all 7 cases with infiltrative-type margins to cluster 2 which also included 2 expansive-type cancers. Thus, invasive margin-types were mirrored in gene expressions; however, tumor budding, the second type of colorectal carcinoma invasion phenotype, was not. Nanostring Annotation Scores were significant (p < 0.05) for signaling pathways (TGFb, PDGF, MET, FGFR), extracellular matrix remodeling, and anti-tumor immunity processes, but any hopes that the tumor biology behind the two phenotypes of invasion could be pinpointed to differential expressions of a small set of genes were not fulfilled. Taken together, the data indeed give a molecular underpinning to the two invasion phenotypes, pointing out that matrix features and anti-tumor immunity are key. Nevertheless, we failed to gain a more detailed insight into the mechanics at work, and this may well be due to general limitations of the technology employed.
Skin biopsies provide a valuable source of culturable cells for a broad range of clinical and biomedical research applications. However, conventional methods for establishing primary cell cultures typically require relatively large tissue specimens obtained through invasive procedures that involve intradermal anesthesia, suturing, and subsequent wound care. These factors are of particular concern when working with pediatric populations. To address these limitations, we developed a simplified protocol that reduces patient discomfort by minimizing the punch biopsy diameter to as little as 1 mm. Despite the markedly smaller sample size, this method consistently enables the successful establishment of primary fibroblast cultures, with no complications reported to date. This streamlined approach is compatible with basic cell culture facilities and provides a reliable source of fibroblasts for downstream applications. Overall, this protocol represents a meaningful advancement in both pediatric research and clinical practice.
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[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.101548.].
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Punch biopsies are considered the primary technique to obtain full-thickness skin specimens for dermatologic diagnoses. However, limitations include scarring, sampling error, poor margin identification, and post-sampling deformations. To introduce a novel micro-biopsy technique utilizing a modified hypodermic needle to achieve full-thickness skin micro-columns and a streamlined post-sampling process for histological analysis. Ex-vivo skin biopsies were taken using a modified hypodermic needle and compared to 3 mm punch biopsies. They were fixed and processed inside the needle, resulting in a firm, columnar sample, which was then sectioned, stained, and imaged. Dimensions and horizontal shrinkage were also calculated. The technique consistently yielded uniform, columnar-shaped histological samples. These sections were of sufficient quality to perform staining with a significantly smaller horizontal shrinkage rate compared to standard 3 mm punch biopsies. We demonstrate a novel technique for a skin micro-biopsy that allows for fixation and processing of the tissue inside the sampling instrument, yielding small, full-thickness columnar skin histological samples that can be used for dermatological diagnosis with minimal post-sampling deformation. Punch biopsies are considered the primary technique to obtain full-thickness skin specimens in order to diagnose skin conditions. However, scarring associated with skin biopsies and the deformations that happen to samples during processing pose persistent challenges. To minimize invasiveness, sub-millimeter skin punch biopsies have been introduced, but there has been no standardized, widely adoptable technique to utilize sub-millimeter skin punch biopsies to make diagnoses. Here, we introduce a novel skin biopsy needle that obtains skin samples that are less than 0.5 mm in diameter, which is below the scarring threshold, as well as a processing technique to easily fix, stain, and image the samples to make skin diagnoses.
This study aimed to contribute to the development of modern mouthguards by evaluating the stresses generated by hook and uppercut punches applied during combat sports on dentoalveolar structures and mouthguards, the protective effectiveness of different mouthguard designs, and the resulting deformations using three-dimensional finite element analysis. Three-dimensional solid models of the maxilla, mandible, teeth, alveolar bone, and mouthguards were constructed using an anatomical head model with Class I occlusion and complete permanent dentition. A conventional mouthguard with a uniform thickness of 4 mm made of ethylene vinyl acetate and a hybrid mouthguard consisting of a 3 mm polycarbonate occlusal surface with EVA axial walls were modeled. Hook and uppercut punch loads were simulated at an impact velocity of 12 m/s with an effective mass parameter of 5 kg. Von Mises equivalent stresses and displacement values occurring in the jaws, teeth, alveolar structures, and mouthguards were analyzed using three-dimensional finite element analysis. During hook and uppercut punch application, the highest von Mises stress values in the mandible were observed in the model without a mouthguard (200 and 520 MPa, respectively), while the lowest values were detected in the model with a hybrid mouthguard (170 and 260 MPa). Similarly, mandibular teeth exhibited the highest stress values in the model without a mouthguard (1100 and 1600 MPa) and the lowest values in the hybrid mouthguard model (300 and 500 MPa). Stress transmission to the maxilla and maxillary teeth was minimal in all models. For both punch types, the hybrid mouthguard demonstrated higher stress values than the conventional mouthguard. In models using mouthguards, maximum displacement occurred later after impact, and deformation was distributed over a wider surface area rather than being localized. Hybrid mouthguards demonstrated superior biomechanical performance compared with conventional mouthguards by reducing stress transmission to dentoalveolar structures. The combination of a rigid occlusal component and flexible axial walls enabled more effective energy distribution, particularly under high-energy vertical loading. These findings suggest that hybrid mouthguards represent an effective option for preventing dentoalveolar trauma in combat sports.
Tablet weight variability is a critical quality attribute in solid oral dosage manufacturing. Despite its practical importance, existing approaches for relating tablet weight variability to formulation and tooling parameters remain largely empirical. In this work, we develop a first-principles statistical model that predicts tablet weight variability as a function of tablet weight, punch diameter, and blend particle size distribution. The model builds on particle-sampling theory used in content uniformity analysis and explicitly incorporates tooling geometry and particle size distribution to describe the statistical origins of weight variability. Experimental data spanning multiple punch diameters, tablet weights, and particle sizes were generated using Suglets® spheres to validate the model. The predicted scaling relationships with tablet mass, punch diameter, and particle size were independently confirmed, and a single scaling factor was sufficient to capture the full dataset with high accuracy (R² ≈ 0.93, normalized RMSE ≈ 0.05). Model robustness was demonstrated using bootstrap resampling and a leave-one-out cross-validation scheme. The framework was further applied to quantitatively assess commonly used empirical relationships between particle size and tooling dimensions and to construct design maps illustrating their combined effects on tablet weight variability. This work provides a predictive framework for understanding and controlling tablet weight variability.
When reinforced concrete (RC) slabs are subject to low velocity impacts (LVI), they will experience highly non-linear behaviors based upon the combined effects of flexural deformations; tensile membrane actions; punching shears; and local crushing as well as the evolving nature of damage in these structures. Most analytical models have been developed under restrictive simplifications; lack complete partitioning of energies; and depend heavily upon computationally intensive finite element simulations. An analytical-energy-based approach is presented to predict the non-linear dynamic behavior of RC slabs subjected to both LVIs and equivalent blast loads. The proposed model integrates an improved two degree-of-freedom (2-DoF) dynamic interaction system with an explicit multi-mechanism energy partitioning procedure which can be used to quantify all of the major forms of energy consumption including flexural; membrane; shear; crushing; damping and damage. The analytical framework has incorporated strain rate enhancement through use of dynamic increase factors (DIFs); punching shear capacity through application of the critical shear crack theory (CSCT); and geometrically non-linear membrane behavior via Xie's formulation for large deflection membrane behavior. A wide-ranging parametric analysis was performed to examine the effect of impact energy; slab thickness; reinforcement ratio; boundary conditions and advanced materials systems such as normal strength concrete (NSC); ultra high-performance concrete (UHPC); and ultra high-performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC). Results indicated that an increase in the magnitude of impact energy from 1 to 6 kJ resulted in an approximate 301% increase in slab displacement. Furthermore, an increase in the slab thickness from 60 to 125 mm resulted in a reduction of approximately 68% in slab displacement. It was also found that when compared with RC slabs made with NSC, those made with UHPFRC had displacements decreased by approximately 61% and reduced damage dissipation energy by approximately 69% due to higher levels of crack bridging and membrane resistance. Lastly, it was determined that twisted and hooked end fibres had the greatest energy absorbing capability and provided the longest delay to punching shear failure. Validation studies were conducted against existing experimental data and comparative non-linear ABAQUS CDP simulations indicating prediction error margins generally less than ± 5-10% and good correlation in terms of slab displacement response; crack development; and failure progression. The validation studies also showed that the method could be easily adapted for equivalent blast load analyses using impulse equivalency principles thus enabling a rapid predictive tool for designing RC slab systems resistant to either low velocity impact or blast loads.
Treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection primarily relies on nucleos(t)ide analogues to achieve viral suppression, with tenofovir or entecavir as first-line agents. Expanding treatment and improving its outcomes are crucial strategies to support progress towards global viral hepatitis elimination targets. However, therapeutic drug monitoring has not been optimized for HBV therapy. We conducted a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD420250599139) to identify studies reporting on the relationship between drug concentrations and treatment outcomes of HBV in English from PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Primary search included people living with HBV, with or without HIV coinfection, treated with tenofovir and/or entecavir, and linked to treatment outcome. Six studies were included, of which five reported on HIV/HBV coinfection, and one on HBV monoinfection. Across studies, tenofovir concentrations >800 fmol/punch in dried blood spots were typically associated with viraemic suppression for both HIV and HBV. Evidence suggests that higher tenofovir concentrations (e.g. 1000-1500 fmol/punch) may be required for consistent HBV suppression. A therapeutic threshold cannot currently be defined for concentrations of tenofovir or entecavir in HBV. Larger cohort studies focusing on HBV monoinfection are needed to define therapeutic drug thresholds to optimize personalized care for people living with HBV.
Executive function deficits have been demonstrated to be closely associated with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents. However, no studies to date have explored how the dimensions of executive function relate to specific NSSI behaviors in a joint framework. This study aimed to examine the relationships between the two constructs at a fine-grained level and identify the central nodes and bridge nodes of their relationships using network analysis. In this cross-sectional study, 1,300 Chinese adolescents completed the Adolescent Executive Function Scale to assess self-reported inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory, and the 12-item behavioral subscale of the Adolescent Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Assessment Questionnaire to measure specific NSSI behaviors. A regularized partial correlation network was estimated to investigate the connections between variables, and the expected influence (EI) and bridge expected influence (BEI) were calculated for each node. In addition to connections within each community, network analysis revealed specific cross-community associations between executive function dimensions and NSSI behaviors. Inhibitory control was most strongly connected to B4 "Intentionally punching walls, tables, windows or the ground"; working memory was most strongly connected to B6 "Deliberately biting oneself"; and cognitive flexibility showed associations with B1 "Deliberately pinching oneself." The most important central node was B2 "Deliberately scratching oneself," and the critical bridge nodes were B4 "Intentionally punching walls, tables, windows or the ground" and IC "Inhibitory control." These preliminary findings suggest that different dimensions of self-reported executive function difficulties exhibit distinct patterns of co-occurrence with specific NSSI behaviors. The central node and bridge nodes identified here may represent potential targets for future prevention and intervention research.
To analyze the available evidence regarding the contribution of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to the evaluation of osteolytic lesions resulting from multiple myeloma (MM) and to the early diagnosis of the disease. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Embase, LILACS, Google Scholar, and OpenGrey through November 2025, without restrictions on language or publication date. Studies that identified or described MM-related lesions using CBCT were included, whereas those involving patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws were excluded. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria, including 11 case reports, 2 case series, and 4 cross-sectional studies. In most case reports (9 studies), the initial clinical suspicion arose from oral alterations and/or the identification of osteolytic lesions on CBCT, prompting medical referral. The mandible was the most frequently affected site (13 studies). Various tomographic patterns were described, most commonly extensive lesions with irregular contours and ill-defined margins (10 studies) and punched-out lesions (5 studies). CBCT demonstrates potential as a valuable tool for the early identification and characterization of MM-related lesions in the head and neck region. However, the available literature remains limited and is predominantly composed of isolated case reports, indicating a substantial knowledge gap. These findings underscore the need for further research and for the training of dental professionals-particularly radiologists-to adopt a more sensitive and multidisciplinary diagnostic approach.
This paper presents a new process for forming stepped shafts by upsetting with two movable deformation zones. The developed technology enables several shaft steps to be formed at the same time, thereby increasing process efficiency and reducing material consumption. A distinctive feature of the process is that it uses two forming sleeves, each with a variable cross-section of the impression, which move in an opposite direction to that of the punches during operation. This results in a simultaneous occurrence of upsetting and extrusion, thus leading to intensified plastic deformation and stabilized metal flow. The practical applicability of the process is demonstrated on the example of a forged railway axle. An analysis is carried out by the finite element method (FEM) using specimens of hot-formed C35 steel. The obtained results reveal proper material flow and the correct filling of the tool impressions. The examination of strain and stress distributions confirms favorable forming conditions. The calculated values of the Cockcroft-Latham integral indicate favorable forming conditions and a low risk of fracture initiation during the analyzed process. The results demonstrate the potential of the proposed technology and provide a basis for future experimental verification and industrial assessment.