bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on task design in pre-service mathematics teacher education: a scoping review
Authors: Markle Josh , McGarvey Lynn M.
Published: February 2025

Tasks are central to every facet of mathematics education. In this scoping review, we bring together research focused on task design in the context of pre-service mathematics teacher education. We perform a qualitative content analysis of 112 peer-reviewed studies published between 2001 and 2023. The results of our review describe a diverse field of research, identify connections between works reflecting different demographics, aims, and methodological and theoretical commitments, and finally, through the application of the MEDSS task design action framework, foreground the different practical actions pre-service teaches must take to effectively design tasks. These include the practical actions of modifying, evaluating, developing, selecting, and sequencing (MEDSS) tasks. We believe the results of this study will be of value to mathematics teacher educators and researchers.
Adopting AI in education: optimizing human resource management considering teacher perceptions
Authors: Gârdan Iuliana Petronela , Manu Magdalena Beatrice , Gârdan Daniel Adrian , Negoiță Lucian Dragoș Leonard , Paștiu Carmen Adina , Ghiță Ecaterina , Zaharia Alina
Published: February 2025

There is an intense concern in various fields, in order to quantify in the most complete and explicit way the impact that the accelerated development of the technology that is the basis of AI has on education. A very special issue in this context is represented by the impact AI has on the teaching methods and techniques used by teachers. Still, in order to develop and refine new methods and techniques based on AI technology is necessary that perceptions and attitudes toward this technology in general and its application in education in special to become positive and people to be open to new experiences in using it. The present research explores how different variables like perception towards inclusion of Generative AI tools within teaching materials development, degree of familiarity, challenges of AI implementation in education, importance of AI within the teaching process, resilience to change can influence the perceived utility of AI in education fostering positive attitude towards it and usage intention among teachers. The results are showing that the influence exerted by the above variables can be assessed within an empirical model that can explain the intention of teachers to use effectively AI based tools at different levels of the didactic activity. Implications at the level of human resources management in education are also discussed.
Sex-specific differences in the relationship between fasting plasma glucose and carotid plaque in a cardiovascular high-risk population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Mengjie , Xu Kai , Lin Weiguo , Sun Ruixue , Yan Shaorong , Chen Xiaoshu , Lin Yuzhan
Published: February 2025

Background

Despite extensive research on the epidemiological risk factors linking diabetes and carotid plaques, evidence regarding sex-specific differences remains scarce. This study aims to investigate the gender differences in the association between fasting blood glucose levels and the risk of carotid plaques among cardiovascular high-risk populations.

Methods

This study used cross-sectional data from a large prospective cohort study. From 2019 to 2020, fasting blood glucose and carotid ultrasound examinations were conducted on high-risk cardiovascular populations in the pilot area. The independent variable was fasting blood glucose, and the dependent variable was the presence or absence of carotid plaques. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to calculate risk ratios. Generalized additive models combined with curve fitting were employed to assess the nonlinear relationship between fasting blood glucose levels and carotid plaques in the overall population and different genders.

Results

This study included 1,063 cardiovascular high-risk patients. In the fully adjusted model, fasting blood glucose levels in men were positively associated with carotid plaques (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.02-1.45, p = 0.0312). In women, fasting blood glucose levels were also positively associated with the risk of carotid plaque formation (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.95-1.39). The generalized additive model results showed a linear relationship between fasting blood glucose levels and carotid plaques in the overall population. Stratified results indicated a linear relationship in men, while a nonlinear relationship was observed in women.

Conclusion

There is an association between fasting blood glucose levels and carotid plaque, with an increased risk of carotid plaque as fasting blood glucose rises. Moreover, this relationship differs between sexes.
Tacrolimus (FK506) promotes placentation and maternal-fetal tolerance through modulating FASN-CEACAM1 pathway
Authors: Meng Xinhang , Shi Minfeng , Qian Jinfeng , Luo Yujie , Cui Liyuan , Li Dajin , Wang Songcun
Published: February 2025

The establishment of placentation and maternal-fetal tolerance are important determinants of a successful pregnancy. Tacrolimus, also known as FK506, is a calcineurin inhibitor that has often been used for pregnant women after solid organ transplantation. Previous therapeutic interventions have shown the benefits of using the immuno-suppressive agent FK506 in improving clinical pregnancy and live birth rates and reducing the risk of spontaneous miscarriage. However, the mechanism(s) by which FK506 is involved in these processes have not been fully elucidated. To further characterize its function in early pregnancy, we explored the effect of FK506 on the human-derived first trimester extravillous trophoblast cells (HTR8/SVneo cells) and found that FK506 promoted invasion, tube formation and proliferation, but inhibited apoptosis of HTR8/SVneo cells. Based on the integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses, the present study provided the cellular and molecular cues evidently showing that FK506 had positive effects on the placentation and maternal-fetal tolerance through modulating FASN-CEACAM1 pathway. The spontaneous-abortion-prone model gave further evidence that FK506 exerted a protective effect on pregnancy by regulating the FASN-CEACAM1 axis. These findings might provide a new fundamental mechanism and promising potential of low-dose FK506 in preventing pregnancy loss.
Expanding the horizon of CAR T cell therapy: from cancer treatment to autoimmune diseases and beyond
Authors: Yang Zishan , Ha Bingjun , Wu Qinhan , Ren Feng , Yin Zhinan , Zhang Hongru
Published: February 2025

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy has garnered significant attention for its transformative impact on the treatment of hematologic malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma. Despite its remarkable success, challenges such as resistance, limited efficacy in solid tumors, and adverse side effects remain prominent. This review consolidates recent advancements in CAR-T-cell therapy and explores innovative engineering techniques and strategies to overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). We also discuss emerging applications beyond cancer, including autoimmune diseases and chronic infections. Future perspectives highlight the development of more potent CAR-T cells with increased specificity and persistence and reduced toxicity, providing a roadmap for next-generation immunotherapies.
Fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio: a new biomarker to identify inflammatory bowel disease in active stage
Authors: Chen Xiao-Fu , Huang Zhi-Ming , Huang Xie-Lin
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The objective of our study was to externally validate the value of the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR), a new biomarker used to identify active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Materials and methods

A total of 245 ulcerative colitis (UC) and 543 Crohn’s disease (CD) patients were included in our study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the independent association between FAR and disease activity in patients with UC or CD. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the prediction accuracy of biomarkers in distinguishing disease states.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the FAR as the strongest predictor to discriminate disease activity of UC (odds ratio: 24.871, 95% confidence interval: 9.831–38.912, p < 0.001) and CD (odds ratio: 28.966, 95% confidence interval: 21.009–37.250, p < 0.001). The FAR gave the highest area under the curve in identifying both active UC (0.870, 95% confidence interval: 0.824–0.916) and CD (0.925, 95% confidence interval: 0.904–0.946). The probability of both UC and CD patients being in the active stage significantly increased when the FAR was more than or equal to the optimal cutoff values.

Conclusion

The FAR, a simple prognostic indicator, performs well in identifying active IBD.
The nonlinear relationship between the ratio of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the risk of diabetic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Cai Dan-Xuan , Huang Ye-Hong , Lin Ni-Na , Zhang Yun-Feng , Huang Shu-Qin , Han Yun , Hu Xin-Yu , Cai Song-Tao , Tao Yan-Ling
Published: February 2025

Background

The ratio of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (NHHR) is a novel marker related to atherosclerosis, but its role in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains unclear. This study investigated the relationship between NHHR and DKD risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and evaluated its potential as a marker for early DKD screening.

Methods

Data from adults with T2DM participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018 were analyzed. Demographic information, laboratory tests, and other relevant information were collected. To evaluate the correlation between NHHR levels and DKD risk, weighted multivariable logistic regression and weighted restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses were employed. Furthermore, threshold effect analysis was employed to further explore the relationship at different NHHR levels, and subgroup analyses validated the results.

Results

The study enrolled a total of 3,243 participants, comprising 1,258 individuals with DKD (38.79%) and 1,985 individuals without DKD (61.21%). The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that T2DM patients with higher NHHR levels exhibited a 45% reduction in the risk of developing DKD in comparison to those with lower NHHR levels (Q2 vs. Q1: OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.40–0.76). The weighted RCS analysis revealed a nonlinear correlation between NHHR and the risk of DKD in patients with T2DM (P for nonlinear = 0.003), with the RCS plot exhibiting an L-shaped association. A negative association was observed between NHHR levels and the risk of DKD when NHHR was ≤2.82 (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.49–0.83). A statistically significant correlation between NHHR and DKD risk was not observed when NHHR was >2.82. The subgroup analyses indicated that age may have an interaction effect on this association at higher NHHR levels (p for interaction<0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings revealed a non-linear relationship between the NHHR levels and the risk of DKD in adult T2DM patients in the United States. Managing the NHHR levels in the right range in T2DM patients can help reduce the risk of DKD. This suggests that NHHR may be a valuable and easily measurable biomarker for identifying those at risk for DKD, thereby promoting early intervention and improved disease management.
Case report: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding associated with pancreatic segmental portal hypertension: six case reports and literature review
Authors: Miao Qian , Zheng Zhongqing , Piao Meiyu , Cao Hailong , Wang Bangmao , Liu Wentian
Published: February 2025

Background

Pancreatic segmental portal hypertension (PSPH) is a clinical syndrome in which splenic vein hypertension is caused by obstruction, stenosis, or thrombosis of the splenic veins in the primary pancreatic disease. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage caused by gastric varices (GVs) is one of the life-threatening complications in the patients with left portal hypertension. The aim was to report our experience and discuss the manifestations, management, and prognosis of PSPH with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB).

Method

We retrospectively analyzed six patients with PSPH and UGIB in our department. The clinical data were collected such as demographic information, medical history, and clinical presentation.

Result

The autoimmune pancreatitis, pancreatic tumor, pancreatic surgery, chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic pseudocyst were diagnosed in six patients, respectively. Five patients presented with hematemesis and/or melena on admission, and one patient presented with fatigue. All patients had isolated GVs. Follow-up patients were treated with portal vein stenting in one case, laparoscopic splenectomy in two cases, endoscopic gastric fundic vein embolization and injection of Cyanoacrylate Glue in one case, and improvement in conservative treatment in two cases. All patients were alive at the last follow-up.

Conclusion

PSPH should be seriously considered in patients with pancreatic disease with isolated GVs. It is particularly important to choose specific approaches for individual cases based on the primary disease, the severity of varicose veins and the general condition of the patients.
Gut microbiota mediates the pro-pyroptosis effect of xierezhuyubuxu decoction in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zeng Zhili , Feng Mingxuan , He Fan , Zhang Enxin , Li Xiushen , Cao Zebiao
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Xierezhuyubuxu decoction (XRZYBXD) is prepared by adding and reducing the Dahuang Zhechong Pill, which is a traditional Chinese medicinal formula in “The Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber”. XRZYBXD has previously been reported to have good efficacy in treating Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in clinical and basic research. However, its underlying mechanism in treating HCC has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the study is to investigate the pro-pyroptosis effect of XRZYBXD in HCC and the role of gut microbiota in this process.

Methods

Firstly, we executed comprehensive analyses of XRZYBXD on pyroptosis, intestinal flora, microbial metabolites and intestinal barrier function using TUNEL, IHC, ELISA, WB, Q-PCR, 16S rRNA sequencing, and untargeted metabolomics in a H22 tumor-bearing mice model. Further, through rescue experiment of antibiotics-induced microbiota depletion and fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) experiment, the mechanism of XRZYBXD promoting pyroptosis of HCC by improving intestinal flora was verified.

Results

We found that XRZYBXD medium and high dose significantly inhibited the growth of tumor and induced pyroptosis of hepatoma cells. They also modified intestinal ecological disorders by expansion of the abundance of beneficial bacteria (such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Parabacteroides distasonis) and reduction of the abundance of harmful bacteria (such as Barnesiella intestinihominis). Accordingly, microbiota metabolites and intestinal barrier function were also significantly improved by XRZYBXD.

Discussion

Further, elimination of gut microbiota by antibiotics weakened the efficacy of XRZYBXD, and FMT with feces from the XRZYBXD high dose group achieved similar therapeutic efficacy as XRZYBXD. In brief, XRZYBXD promote pyroptosis of hepatoma cells via adjusting intestinal dysbiosis.
Behavioral and neurobiological implications of kairomones for rodents: an updated review
Authors: Manjunath Diya , Sampath Hayavadhan , Kirkwood Roy N. , Santhosh Sinsha , Sankarganesh Devaraj
Published: February 2025

Like many other vertebrates, rodents communicate via pheromones, which favors intraspecies communication. In contrast, kairomones are semiochemicals involved in interspecific communication, facilitating information between organisms of different species but advantageous for the receiver. Kairomones induce behavioral, physiological, and endocrinological changes in rodents, and have been proven to activate specific neuronal pathways in one or multiple components of the olfactory system (the main olfactory system, accessory olfactory system, and Gruenberg ganglion). The sophisticated olfactory networks help rodents innately recognize kairomones and elicit appropriate behavioral (aversive, avoidance, defense, and escape mechanisms), physiological, and endocrinological changes. Thus far, odor sources (e.g., urine, feces, hair, and body rubbings) of predators, such as felines, canines, and serpentes, have been studied in rodents. Specific kairomones have been identified, behaviorally tested, and validated for their potential to induce behavioral, neuronal, and endocrinological changes in rodents. One of the most studied kairomones is the fox odor, 2,5-dihydro 2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, although other compounds have been reported to a limited extent. This review summarizes the current knowledge on kairomones and their effects on the behavioral, neuronal, and endocrine systems of rats and mice.
Machine learning-based identification of high-risk bone metastasis factors after radical prostatectomy in prostate cancer
Authors: Yang Haijun , Wei Chengxiang , Zhou Shan , Mao Fei
Published: February 2025

Background

Bone metastasis is a serious complication following radical prostatectomy in prostate cancer patients, significantly affecting their long-term survival. This study aims to develop a clinical predictive model utilizing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and advanced machine learning algorithms to identify key factors that increase the risk of bone metastasis (BM).

Patients and methods

The study analyzed a cohort of 1161 prostate cancer patients, including 38 who developed bone metastasis. Preoperative T2-weighted images (T2WI) were obtained, and tumor lesions were manually delineated to extract relevant features from the imaging data. Spearman correlation analysis, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm, and logistic regression were used to select and construct the model. Four machine learning algorithms—extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and k-nearest neighbor (KNN)—were employed to predict BM occurrence, integrating these with clinical information.

Results

Among the four prognostic models evaluated, the XGBoost algorithm performed the best. In the training dataset, the XGBoost model achieved an AUC of 0.926 (0.870-0.982), an accuracy of 0.847 (0.773-0.921), a sensitivity of 0.880 (0.835-0.926), and a specificity of 0.829 (0.755-0.904). In the validation dataset, the XGBoost model attained an AUC of 0.706 (0.586-0.826), an accuracy of 0.687 (0.661-0.713), a sensitivity of 0.693 (0.557-0.829), and a specificity of 0.664 (0.505-0.822). The external validation dataset yielded an AUC of 0.91, demonstrating the robust predictive capabilities of the XGBoost model.

Conclusion

The predictive model for bone metastasis in prostate cancer, developed using the XGBoost machine learning algorithm, shows high accuracy and significant clinical relevance. This model provides a valuable tool for identifying high-risk patients, potentially informing better management and treatment strategies.
Monitoring lung recruitability during recruitment maneuvers in children with respiratory failure on ECMO using electrical impedance tomography: case report
Authors: Clausen Jan-Christoph , Krauß Annemarie , Schulz Antonia , Miera Oliver
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Currently, there are no clear guidelines regarding the use of recruitment maneuvers in pediatric patients with severe respiratory failure who are on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), nor is there consensus on how they should be performed.

Methods

In this report, we describe pulmonary recruitment maneuvers performed in four children with respiratory failure on ECMO (three on VA-ECMO and one on VV-ECMO), all of whom were monitored using electrical impedance tomography (EIT) between March and December 2024.

Results

Our findings demonstrate that EIT is a feasible tool for evaluating lung recruitability in children with severe respiratory failure on ECMO. Additionally, EIT aids in distinguishing between responders and non-responders to recruitment maneuvers.
Impact of levetiracetam on direct oral anticoagulant level and outcomes among older Asian patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Huang Yu-Ting , Chen Tzu-Ling , Huang Yun-Lin , Kuo Ching-Hua , Peng Yu-Fong , Tang Sung-Chun , Jeng Jiann-Shing , Huang Chih-Feng , Lin Shin-Yi , Lin Fang-Ju
Published: February 2025

Objective

This purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of levetiracetam (LEV) on direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) exposure and its implications for clinical outcomes.

Methods

This investigation comprised a retrospective cohort study utilizing the integrated medical database and a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary hospital. Patients aged >65 years with atrial fibrillation and undergoing DOAC therapy were included and were categorized as LEV users and non-users based on LEV exposure status. In retrospective cohort, clinical outcomes between LEV users and non-users were compared, included ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (IS/TIA), systemic thromboembolism (STE) and major bleeding. In prospective cohort, DOAC trough concentration was measured.

Results

The retrospective study included 191 LEV users and 694 matched LEV non-users. The risk of IS/TIA and STE were not significantly different between two groups (hazard ratio [HR], 0.99 [0.51–1.91] and 0.94 [0.49–1.79], respectively). For major bleeding, a non-significant higher risk was observed in the LEV-user group in contrast to the LEV-non-user group (HR 2.65 [0.43, 16.33]). The prospective analysis included 19 LEV users and 76 matched LEV non-users. Low DOAC concentrations were observed in 5.3% of LEV-users and 14.5% of LEV non-users (P = 0.53). High DOAC concentration were observed in 10.5% of LEV-users and 11.8% LEV non-users (P = 0.57). The association between LEV therapy and low or high DOAC concentration was non-significant.

Conclusion

Concurrent use of LEV and DOAC did not significantly affect DOAC exposure or clinical outcomes. LEV may be a safe anti-seizure medication for patients receiving DOAC therapy.
Association between hyperuricemia and all-cause mortality in people taken Statins: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhu Bin , He Zijun , Wu Mingfen , Huo Jiping , Zhao Zhigang , Guo Wei , Yang Li
Published: February 2025

Background

Statins are one of the most widely prescribed medicines in clinical practice. Their benefits have extended beyond cardiovascular applications to reduce serum uric acid levels. This study aims to investigate the relationship of hyperuricemia with the risk of all-cause mortality among individuals taking statins.

Method

A retrospective cohort study was performed using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database between 2005 and 2018. The weighted Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate the relationship between hyperuricemia and all cause-mortality.

Results

A total of 1,958 participants were enrolled for analysis. Of them 1,429 participants were with normal uric acid levels and 529 people were with hyperuricemia. After 12 years of follow-up, there were 267 participants who died from all-cause mortality in the non-hyperuricemia group and 136 died in the hyperuricemia group. Additionally, 32.49% of participants took more than five kinds of medicines in the non-hyperuricemia group compared to 42.05% participants in the hyperuricemia group. Even after adjusting for confounding factors, we found that the serum uric acid (SUA) level was significantly correlated with all-cause mortality among statin users (HR = 1.13, 95% CI:1.02–1.24, p = 0.0161). Additionally, hyperuricemia resulted in significant increases in all-cause mortality relative to non-hyperuricemia participants in three models (HR = 1.51, 95% CI:1.16–1.96, P = 0.0023).

Conclusion

Although statins have been shown to reduce uric acid levels, hyperuricemia is still significantly associated with the all-cause mortality in people taking statins. Those taking statins and having hyperuricemia should pay special attention to their SUA level.
TCMRD - KG: innovative design and development of rheumatology knowledge graph in ancient Chinese literature assisted by large language models
Authors: Li Haotian , Xia Congmin , Hou Youjuan , Hu Sile , Liu Yanjun , Jiang Quan
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Rheumatic immune diseases are a type of immune-inflammatory disease that affects muscles, bones, joints, and surrounding soft tissues. They have a long course and a high disability rate, seriously affecting the quality of life of patients. Traditional Chinese medicine plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic immune diseases. The unique theoretical system and rich treatment methods of traditional Chinese medicine are preserved in ancient Chinese medical books.

Methods

This study takes the content related to rheumatism in ancient traditional Chinese medicine books as the research object, integrates ontology theory and technology into the knowledge graph, and realizes the reconstruction of traditional Chinese medicine information knowledge. It provides a basic data structure for data mining and knowledge discovery.

Results

This study is the first rheumatism-specific knowledge graph constructed based on ancient traditional Chinese medicine books. It has explored the construction method of a knowledge graph from ancient books by combining automatic labeling of mainstream large language models with manual review. Considering the knowledge characteristics of ancient traditional Chinese medicine books, where existing word segmentation technology struggles to accurately reproduce the original meaning, a new type of entity extraction method is proposed.

Discussion

This provides an important foundation for improving the clinical diagnosis and treatment level of traditional Chinese medicine in treating rheumatism, further exploring the knowledge representation and application of traditional Chinese medicine in rheumatism treatment, and it has potential for future expansion and improvement.
Nephroprotective effects of substances of medicine food homology and traditional Chinese medicine phytochemicals against acute kidney injury
Authors: Chen Ling , Deng Yanyan , Hu Jing , Gong Xuezhong
Published: February 2025

Acute kidney injury (AKI) represents significant medical challenges due to its elevated rates of morbidity and mortality, with limited therapeutic options currently available. Hence, the exploration of novel medicinal treatments for AKI management remains vital. Substances of medicine food homology (SMFH), referring to substances having characteristics of both food and medicine, have been applied in China for thousands years.They could be used for daily diets and body conditioning. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its naturally derived components and demonstrated effectiveness, presents distinctive benefits in AKI treatment. Numerous studies have shown that SMFH and TCM phytochemicals could function satisfactorily with nephroprotective effects and have a significant effect on alleviating AKI as well as its complications. In this review, the pathogenesis of AKI was illustrated. We concentrated on SMFH and TCM phytochemicals against AKI and tried to summarize the underlying mechanisms in various kinds of AKI, highlighting the crucial phytochemical components in AKI prevention and therapy. Besides, strategies for SMFH and TCM phytochemicals globalization are analysed. This review comprehensively reveals that SMFH and TCM phytochemicals exhibit promising potential for AKI intervention by targeting various signal pathways and targets, which would contribute to AKI’s cognition, preventive treatments, as well as global promotion.
Association between the lactate-to-albumin ratio (LAR) index and risk of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients with sepsis: analysis of the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Hua Yiming , Ding Ning , Jing Huaizhi , Xie Yifei , Wu Hao , Wu Yue , Lan Beidi
Published: February 2025

Background

Lactate-to-albumin ratio (LAR) is an emergency predictive indicator of sepsis-related mortality. An elevated LAR is associated with poor outcomes in critically ill patients. However, its predictive value for acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with sepsis remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between LAR and AKI in patients with sepsis.

Methods

The study population was derived from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (2.0) database and stratified into quartiles based on the LAR. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of AKI. The secondary endpoints were the use of renal replacement therapy (RRT) and in-hospital mortality. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between the LAR index and risk of AKI in patients with sepsis.

Results

In this study, 5,222 patients with sepsis were included, of whom 3,029 were male (58%). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated significant differences in the cumulative incidence of AKI and cumulative usage rate of RRT among patients with sepsis based on the quartiles of the LAR index. Additionally, Cox proportional hazards analysis adjusted for confounding factors showed a significant association between the LAR index and incidence of AKI in patients with sepsis.

Conclusion

Our study indicated that a high LAR index can serve as an independent predictor of AKI in patients with sepsis.
Web-based machine learning application for interpretable prediction of prolonged length of stay after lumbar spinal stenosis surgery: a retrospective cohort study with explainable AI
Authors: Yasheng Paierhati , Yusufu Alimujiang , Yimiti Yasenjiang , Luan Haopeng , Peng Cong , Song Xinghua
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is an increasingly important issue related to back pain in elderly patients, resulting in significant socioeconomic burdens. Postoperative complications and socioeconomic effects are evaluated using the clinical parameter of hospital length of stay (LOS). This study aimed to develop a machine learning-based tool that can calculate the risk of prolonged length of stay (PLOS) after surgery and interpret the results.

Methods

Patients were registered from the spine surgery department in our hospital. Hospital stays greater than or equal to the 75th percentile for LOS was considered extended PLOS after spine surgery. We screened the variables using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and permutation importance value and selected nine features. We then performed hyperparameter selection via grid search with nested cross-validation. Receiver operating characteristics curve, calibration curve and decision curve analysis was carried out to assess model performance. The result of the final selected model was interpreted using Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), and Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME) were used for model interpretation. To facilitate model utilization, a web application was deployed.

Results

A total of 540 patients were involved, and several features were finally selected. The final optimal random forest (RF) model achieved an area under the curve (ROC) of 0.93 on the training set and 0.83 on the test set. Based on both SHAP and LIME analyses, intraoperative blood loss emerged as the most significant contributor to the outcome.

Conclusion

Machine learning in association with SHAP and LIME can provide a clear explanation of personalized risk prediction, and spine surgeons can gain a perceptual grasp of the impact of important model components. Utilization and future clinical research of our RF model are made simple and accessible through the web application.
Germination responses of native fire ephemerals of Patagonian grasslands to smoke water and karrikinolide
Authors: Gonzalez Sofía , Franzese Jorgelina , Ghermandi Luciana
Published: February 2025

Plant fire ephemerals are well-adapted to fire-prone environments, with germination strategies linked to fire-related cues like smoke. Germination requirements linked to fire cues in Patagonian fire ephemerals are poorly studied, with no research on the effects of smoke water (SW) and smoke isolated karrikinolide (KAR) on their germination. We assessed the germination responses of two native ephemeral herbs, Boopis gracilis, and Nicotiana linearis, to SW and KAR1 at three concentrations (1/100, 1/1000, and 1/10000) and a Control (no SW or KAR1). Seeds collected on different harvest dates were incubated in a germination chamber, and germination responses were analyzed using Generalized Linear Models and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. KAR1 significantly enhanced and accelerated germination in both species, with the strongest effect at the highest concentration (1/100). In contrast, SW did not stimulate germination and inhibited germination in N. linearis at the highest concentration. This inhibitory effect decreased with storage time, suggesting that toxic compounds in SW degrade over time. Additionally, N. linearis seeds exhibited variable germination across harvest years, likely due to after-ripening requirements. Our findings highlight the contrasting effects of SW and KAR1 on seed germination; KAR1 being a reliable germination stimulant. The chemical complexity of smoke water (heterogeneous composition and uncertain concentration) and the time elapsed since its production likely limit its efficacy in promoting germination. These results provide valuable insights into post-fire seedling dynamics in Patagonian grasslands for the conservation in fire-affected ecosystems.
The impact of undergraduate nursing students’ time management disposition on innovative behavior: the chain mediating role of academic self-efficacy and flow experience
Authors: Lin Ye , Wang Xixi , Zhang Xinyi , Hu Hongli , Liu Li , Pang Keyi , Li Yan , Hu Chaoqun , Sun Zhiqin , Li Xiaona
Published: February 2025

Objective

To explore the chain intermediary effect of academic self-efficacy and flow experience of undergraduate nursing students in the influence mechanism of time management disposition on innovative behavior.

Methods

Seven hundred and sixty-three undergraduate nursing students from 3 universities in Jiangsu Province were investigated with Adolescent time Management Disposition Scale, Academic Self-efficacy Scale, Flow Short Scale and Innovation Behavior Scale. The chain intermediary model was constructed and verified.

Results

The time management disposition of undergraduate nursing students was positively correlated with their average scores in academic self-efficacy, flow experience, and innovative behavior. The direct impact of time management disposition on innovative behavior was significant, and academic self-efficacy and flow experience exhibited both independent mediating effects and a chain mediating effect.

Conclusion

The time management disposition of undergraduate nursing students can significantly positively predict innovative behavior, in which academic self-efficacy and flow experience play a significant independent intermediary role and chain intermediary role. Nursing teachers and students can promote innovative behavior from the point of view of improving time management skills, enhancing academic self-efficacy and flow experience.
Differences between musicians and athletes in personal characteristics: mental toughness, imagery and personality
Authors: Budnik-Przybylska Dagmara , Huzarska-Rynasiewicz Izabela , Jurek Paweł , Przybylski Jacek
Published: February 2025

Introduction

It appears that music and sports share many common elements. However, it turns out that mental toughness and imagery are present in both musicians and athletes, but they are understood and conceptualized differently within these domains. The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between mental toughness, personality, and imagery in two unique groups.

Methods

The sample consisted of a group of athletes (N = 164, 82 females and 82 males) and a group of musicians (N = 97, 61 females and 36 males), aged between 13 and 46 (M = 23.65; Median = 21), with varying levels of experience. The participants filled in the Imagination in Sports Questionnaire, the Short Scale of Mental Toughness in Sport Questionnaire-19, and the Big Five Inventory—Short, with indicators adjusted to both research groups. The results proved significant differences between the two groups.

Results

Our findings indicated that musicians tend to exhibit lower levels of mental toughness compared to athletes. Additionally, musicians demonstrated reduced conscientiousness but higher levels of neuroticism and openness to experiences, as opposed to athletes. In the group of musicians, mental toughness was associated with lower extraversion, neuroticism, higher levels of agreeableness, and lower physiological feelings in imagery. Mentally tough athletes were characterized by lower neuroticism and higher situational and general imagery. Personality and imagery explained 21% of the variance in mental toughness among athletes and 37% among musicians. Neuroticism was the main predictor in both groups. Imagery, however, predicted mental toughness only in the athletes’ group.

Discussion

The comparison of the unique groups brings a fresh perspective on theoretical and practical work in terms of individual differences, confirming the need of creating mental toughness-building interventions in mental preparation for performance in both music and sports.
Opening the window to the children’s mind: the superior efficacy of open-ended physical games in the development of attention and socio-emotional skills
Authors: Lyu Shanshan , Zhang Weixiao
Published: February 2025

Background

The promotional effects of physical exercise on children’s attention and social–emotional skills have been widely confirmed. However, the advantages of open physical games in intervention effects still need further exploration. Therefore, this study discusses the intervention effects of open physical games on children’s attention and social–emotional skills.

Methods

This study adopted a quasi-experimental design. Two administrative classes were divided into the experimental group (15 boys and 16 girls) and the control group (16 boys and 15 girls) using the coin-toss method. The intervention intensity was moderate (60–69% of HRmax), lasting for 12 weeks, with 3 sessions per week, each lasting 40 min. Both groups focused on the teaching of fundamental motor skills (FMS). The experimental group was intervened with open physical games, while the control group was intervened with closed physical games. The Adolescent Attention Test was used to measure attention quality; the Children’s Social and Emotional Skills Scale was used to measure social–emotional skills; the Test of Gross Motor Development-Third Edition was used to measure locomotors and manipulative skills; and the Fundamental Movement Skill Development Test for Children Aged 3 to 10 was used to measure stability skills. Based on SPSS 25.0 and GraphPad Prism 8 software, statistical analysis was conducted using independent samples t-tests, χ2 tests, MANOVA, and Pearson partial correlation analysis.

Results

After the intervention, open physical games had a more positive effect on children’s attention distribution (F = 6.223, p = 0.022, η2 = 0.090). Open physical games had a more positive effect on children’s self-awareness (F = 11.027, p = 0.002, η2 = 0.165), others’ awareness (F = 10.315, p = 0.002, η2 = 0.156), collective awareness (F = 6.494, p = 0.014, η2 = 0.104), collective management (F = 12.108, p = 0.001, η2 = 0.178), and overall social–emotional skills (F = 38.453, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.407). Open physical games had a more positive effect on locomotors skills (F = 6.458, p = 0.014, η2 = 0.104), manipulative skills (F = 6.380, p = 0.014, η2 = 0.102), and overall FMS (F = 10.333, p = 0.002, η2 = 0.156). In addition, there is a certain degree of positive correlation between FMS, attention, and social–emotional skills (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Open physical games have superior effects on children’s attention, social–emotional skills, and FMS compared to closed physical games. This has guiding significance for subsequent physical education practices and the formulation of public health policies.
Exposure to non-endemic arboviruses (alphaviruses) in Costa Rica assessed from human samples collected in areas with contrasting levels of dengue endemicity
Authors: Valles-Morera Andrea , Murillo Tatiana , Lizano-Bolaños Jose , Gutierrez-Roche Sergio , Alvarado Margarita , Alfaro-Alvarado Jonathan , Calvo-Salas Gerardo Andrés , Prado-Hidalgo Grace , Ortega Johis , Corrales-Aguilar Eugenia
Published: February 2025

Arboviruses represent a global public health challenge. The lack of diagnostic protocols and the presence of asymptomatic infections complicate confirmatory diagnostics. Alphaviruses, such as the equine encephalitis viruses, can cause severe outbreaks and are usually misdiagnosed as dengue. Thus, evidence for their circulation was assessed here. Plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) was used to compare sera collected during 2022–2023 from an area with high dengue endemicity (Hone Creek) with another with low endemicity (Great Metropolitan Area, GMA) to elucidate the putative alphavirus circulation and determine whether there were differences between the two areas. The screening results of PRNT50% against the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) and the Eastern equine encephalitis virus showed that 20.5% of sera collected from Hone Creek were positive for VEEV, with 15.4% (n = 40) showing real neutralizing titers. In the GMA, only 0.8% tested positive for VEEV during the screening, with only 0.3% (n = 1) showing a true neutralizing titer. No sample was positive for the Eastern equine encephalitis virus or Mayaro (MAYV) and one serum sample from Hone Creek was chikungunya positive. This study underscores the global health challenge posed by arboviruses with their similar clinical presentation and antibody cross-reactivity, particularly in tropical regions where flaviviruses and alphaviruses prevail and co-circulate. The comparison of PRNT results between high and low dengue-endemic areas in Costa Rica shed light on the potential circulation of the VEEV and the fact that there is no circulation of Eastern equine encephalitis virus or Mayaro yet. These findings indicate a higher prevalence of VEEV in the high-endemic area, emphasizing the importance of targeted surveillance, control measures, and better diagnostics.
Characteristics of airborne particles emitted from typical indoor combustion sources
Authors: Geng Chen , Wu Xinyuan , Wang Tao , Fu Hongbo
Published: February 2025

Combustion is an important source of indoor emissions, and exposure to combustion emissions not only concerns the quality of life of individuals but also directly affects the overall health level of society. To date, very few studies have examined the size-resolved emission characteristics of airborne particulate matter (PM) emitted from indoor sources. The study examined PM emissions from the specified combustion sources. PM concentrations and emission factors for metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed under identical burning durations. Particle size distributions were determined, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) components were characterized using fluorescence spectroscopy. Health risk assessments were conducted to identify major carcinogenic risks among the emitted components. The results revealed distinct trends in PM concentrations and emission factors among the combustion sources, with cigarettes exhibiting the highest levels followed by mosquito coils and candles. The peak diameters of PM number concentration were found to be 68.5 nm for mosquito coils, 105.5 nm for cigarettes, and 201.7 nm for candles. Fine fraction (PM0.056–3.2) had significantly higher emission factors than coarse fraction (PM3.2–18), with the highest emission factor observed within the particle range of 0.18-0.32 μm. DOM from burning mosquito coils and cigarettes comprised two primary components: a protein-like (C1) and a humus-like (C2) fluorescent component. Health risk assessments indicated that chromium and benzo[a]pyrene posed the greatest carcinogenic risks among metals and PAHs in typical indoor combustion environments. Our results were primarily helpful to determine the characteristics of the PM from combustion emissions and also significant to ensure public health protection, especially for people who usually spend time indoors.
A hype-adjusted probability measure for NLP stock return forecasting
Authors: Cao Zheng , Geman Helyette
Published: February 2025

This article introduces a Hype-Adjusted Probability Measure in the context of a new Natural Language Processing (NLP) approach for stock return and volatility forecasting. A novel sentiment score equation is proposed to represent the impact of intraday news on forecasting next-period stock return and volatility for selected U.S. semiconductor tickers, a very vibrant industry sector. This work improves the forecast accuracy by addressing news bias, memory, and weight, and incorporating shifts in sentiment direction. More importantly, it extends the use of the remarkable tool of change of Probability Measure developed in the finance of Asset Pricing to NLP forecasting by constructing a Hype-Adjusted Probability Measure, obtained from a redistribution of the weights in the probability space, meant to correct for excessive or insufficient news.
Nutritional, bioactive, and antimicrobial analysis of powders and ethanolic extracts of three important halophyte plants (Anabasis articulata, Lycium shawii, and Zilla spinosa), and their application in bakery product
Authors: Hussain Ashiq , Mouhaddach Aziz , Khalid Ibtissame , Kausar Tusneem , Bouhrim Mohamed , Shahat Abdelaaty A. , Noman Omar M. , Eto Bruno , Yaqub Shazia , Arshad Rizwan , Farooq Humna , Firdous Nida , Bilal Muhammad
Published: February 2025

Introduction

New alternate food and pharma sources, halophyte plants have long been displaying exceptional nutritional and functional qualities.

Methods

Present investigations were carried out to explore three important halophyte herbs; Anabasis articulata, Lycium shawii, and Zilla spinosa,harvested from deserts, for phytochemical composition and potential food application.

Results and discussion

Plant leaves, converted into powders showed significant amounts of ash, fiber, and important minerals as contents (%) of ash and fiber in Anabasis articulata, Lycium shawii, and Zilla spinosa were 6.39 and 6.79, 8.19 and 9.14, and 4.35 and 8.87, respectively, while Mg, Zn, Cu and Mn were significantly higher in Anabasis articulata, with values 52.40, 50.59, 16.33 and 48.25 mg/kg, respectively, whereas Zilla spinosa presented Fe as 120.95 mg/kg, highest from all. Total phenolic contents (45.92 mg gallic acid equivalent/g), total flavonoid contents (11.31 mg quercetin equivalent/g) and total antioxidant activity (22.85 mg Trolox/g) were found highest in ethanolic extract of Lycium shawii, while in remaining two plants these values were also prominent. Extracts of these three halophytes leaves exhibited prominent antimicrobial activities, as calculated zone of inhibitions (mm) were comparable to reference drugs. Incorporation of powders of all three halophytes resulted in significant increment in ash fiber and minerals (Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn) content of biscuits but with slight decrement in moisture, fat and protein. Formulated biscuits were also found boosted in total phenolic and flavonoid contents with elevated antioxidant activity as a result of incorporation of halophytes powders. Assessment of biscuits revealed that 5% levels of all halophyte’s powders produced acceptable product in terms of color, taste, texture and overall acceptability. Thus, halophyte plant powders and extracts could be used as new and sustainable source for food and pharma products.