bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marine Prosperity Areas: a framework for aligning ecological restoration and human well-being using area-based protections
Authors: Aburto-Oropeza Octavio , Platzgummer Valentina , Ferrer Erica M. , López-Sagástegui Catalina , Mirabent Rocío de Guadalupe Abud , Ávalos Galindo América , Favoretto Fabio , Giron-Nava Alfredo , Mendoza Camacho Isabel , Núñez Sañudo Claudia , Plascencia de La Cruz Marisol , Robles Alejandro
Published: February 2025

Mechanisms for marine ecological protection and recovery, including area-based conservation tools like ‘Marine Protected Areas’ (MPAs) are necessary tools to reach the Aichi Target or the forthcoming 30x30 target set by the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework. However, full ecosystem recovery takes years to manifest and the idea that MPA protection alone will foster human well-being is frequently contradicted by socio-economic evidence. Therefore, a new framework for marine area-based conservation and ecosystem restoration that reconciles the discrepancies between ecological recovery and socio-economic growth timelines is needed to effectively meet global biodiversity conservation targets. We introduce the concept of ‘Marine Prosperity Areas,’ (MPpA) an area-based conservation tool that prioritizes human prosperity as opposed to passively relying on ecosystem recovery to catalyze social change and economic growth. This concept leverages a suite of tried-and-true community-based intervention and investment strategies to strengthen and expand access to environmental science, social goods and services, and the financial perks of the blue economy. This data-driven framework may be of interest to stakeholders who support traditional area-based conservation models, but also to those who have been historically opposed to MPAs or have been excluded from past conservation processes.
An estimation method of sound speed profile based on grouped dilated convolution informer model
Authors: Qin Siyuan , Zhang Yi , Chen Zhou
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The accurate determination of the ocean sound speed profile (SSP) is essential for oceanographic research and marine engineering. Traditional methods for acquiring SSP data are often time-consuming and costly. Machine learning techniques provide a more efficient alternative for SSP inversion, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional approaches.

Methods

This study proposes a novel SSP inversion model based on a grouped dilated convolution (GDC) Informer architecture. By replacing the standard one-dimensional convolution in the Informer model with GDC, the proposed model expands its receptive field and improves computational efficiency. The model was trained using Argo profile data from 2008 to 2017, incorporating empirical orthogonal function (EOF) decomposition data, geographic location, temporal information, and historical SSP data, enabling SSP inversion across diverse regions and time periods.

Results

The model’s performance was evaluated using mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) metrics. Experimental results demonstrate that the Informer-GDC model achieves evaluation metrics of 0.355 m/s and 0.611 m/s for MAE, 0.241 m/s and 0.394 m/s for RMSE, and 0.018% and 0.025% for MAPE compared with measured data from 2018.

Discussion

Compared to the LSTM and Informer models, the proposed model improves MAE, RMSE, and MAPE by 46.51% and 29.66%, 51.65% and 39.28%, and 51.25% and 37.08%, respectively. These findings highlight the superior accuracy, stability, and efficiency of the Informer-GDC model, marking a significant advancement in SSP inversion methodologies.
Observation of symptomatic thromboembolic events in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography patients with interruption of antithrombotic therapies
Authors: Wu Jinqing , Hong Jianglong , Ding Hao , Mei Qiao
Published: February 2025

Background and objectives

An increasing number of patients with antithrombotic therapies are undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Interruption of antithrombotic therapies may be associated with a higher risk of symptomatic thromboembolic (TE) events. We aimed to investigate the risk of symptomatic TE events among patients undergoing ERCP.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study on patients at risk for symptomatic TE events who had undergone ERCP from January 2016 to October 2023 was conducted. A total of 2,482 patients who had undergone ERCP were included in this study. We compared the risk of symptomatic TE events within 30 days after ERCP between the group treated with antithrombotic agent and the group not treated with antithrombotic agent using multivariate regression analysis adjusted for covariates.

Results

A total of 15 patients (0.60%, 15/2,482) developed symptomatic TE events within 30 days after ERCP. The symptomatic TE event rate in subjects on any antithrombotic drug was 1.46% with an odds ratio (OR) of 5.267 (n = 689, 95% CI 1.79–15.46, p = 0.002), compared with those not treated with antithrombotic drugs (n = 1,793). The symptomatic TE event rate in subjects on temporary interruption of antithrombotic drugs was 1.48% with an OR of 5.36 (n = 677, 95% CI 1.83–15.74, p = 0.002), compared with those not treated with antithrombotic drugs (n = 1,793). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that patients with high-risk conditions had a significantly higher risk of post-ERCP symptomatic TE events (adjusted OR 11.73, 95% CI 2.23–61.70).

Conclusion

Interruption of antithrombotic drugs is associated with higher post-ERCP symptomatic TE events, particularly in high-risk conditions.
Growth factors IGF-1 and KGF and adipose-derived stem cells promote migration and viability of primary human keratinocytes in an in vitro wound model
Authors: Stadelmann Nina , Horch Raymund E. , Schmid Rafael , Ostendorf David , Peddi Ajay , Promny Theresa , Boos Anja M. , Kengelbach-Weigand Annika
Published: February 2025

Introduction

In the field of plastic surgery, epidermal transplantation is a potential treatment for chronic wounds that results in only minor donor site morbidity. Improving the regenerative capacities of epidermal grafts or single-cell suspensions and therefore accelerating healing processes would be of significant interest.

Methods

In the present study, we analyzed the effects of growth factors and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on keratinocyte properties. For optimum translation into the clinical setting, primary human keratinocytes and patient-matched ADSCs were isolated and used in an in vitro wound model.

Results

The keratinocyte migration and viability increased after treatment with the growth factors insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). A similar effect was observed with the use of a concentrated ADSC-conditioned medium (ADSC-CM). It was further possible to isolate the keratinocytes in a xenogen-free medium, which is essential for clinical translation. Importantly, a patient-dependent influence on the effects of the growth factors and ADSC-CM was observed.

Discussion

This study provides potential for the improvement of epidermal transplantation in the treatment of chronic wounds using xenogen-free isolated and cultivated keratinocytes, growth factors, and ADSC. Translating these results into clinical application may help accelerate wound healing and shorten the time until patients can return to everyday life.
Drivers of methane-cycling archaeal abundances, community structure, and catabolic pathways in continental margin sediments
Authors: Deng Longhui , Bölsterli Damian , Glombitza Clemens , Jørgensen Bo Barker , Røy Hans , Lever Mark Alexander
Published: February 2025

Marine sediments contain Earth’s largest reservoir of methane, with most of this methane being produced and consumed in situ by methane-cycling archaea. While numerous studies have investigated communities of methane-cycling archaea in hydrocarbon seeps and sulfate–methane transition zones, less is known about how these archaea change from the seafloor downward throughout diffusion-dominated marine sediments. Focusing on four continental margin sites of the North Sea-Baltic Sea transition, we here investigate the in situ drivers of methane-cycling archaeal community structure and metabolism based on geochemical and stable carbon-isotopic gradients, functional gene (mcrA) copy numbers and phylogenetic compositions, and thermodynamic calculations. We observe major changes in community structure that largely follow vertical gradients in sulfate concentrations and lateral gradients in organic carbon reactivity and content. While methane-cycling archaeal communities in bioturbated and sulfatic zones are dominated by known methyl-disproportionating Methanosarcinaceae and putatively CO2-reducing Methanomicrobiaceae, the communities change toward dominance of methane-oxidizing taxa (ANME-2a-b, ANME-2c, ANME-1a-b) in sulfate–methane transition zones (SMTZs). By contrast, the underlying methanogenesis zones are dominated by the physiologically uncharacterized ANME-1d, new genus-level groups of putatively CO2-reducing Methanomicrobiaceae, and methyl-reducing Methanomassiliicoccales. Notably, mcrA copy numbers of several major taxa increase by 2 to 4 orders of magnitude from the sulfatic zone into the SMTZ or methanic zone, providing evidence of net population growth in subsurface sediment. We propose that burial-related geochemical changes cause methane-cycling archaea in continental margin sediments to go through three successional stages (sulfatic, SMTZ, methanic). Herein, the onset of each new successional stage is characterized by a period of growth- and mortality-driven turnover in the dominant taxa.
Effects of two kinds of vestibular function training on reducing motion sickness in college students
Authors: Shi Linyao , Zhao Jing , Lu Jiamei , Cao Chuanxia , Zhang Qikun , Qiu Chuanjing , Jin Zhanguo , Yan Shengguang
Published: February 2025

Introduction

To explore the advantages and disadvantages of different vestibular function training to improve Motion sickness (MS) can be associated with significant symptoms, including fatigue, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Vestibular function training has increasingly replaced MS medications over the past few years and has almost no side effects.

Methods

We selected 109 students with MS from a university in Tangshan, China, and randomly assigned them to either an electric rotating chair group or a visual-motion cage rotating chair group. Both training groups underwent vestibular function training for 90 seconds a day for seven consecutive days.

Results

After training, both groups’ Graybiel scores, blood pressure, high-frequency power (HF), and root mean square of successive differences (rMSSD) between adjacent normal heartbeats significantly decreased. In the visual-motion cage rotating chair group, in addition to a reduction in the percentage of adjacent normal-to-normal intervals which differed by more than 50 ms (pNN50), as well as decreases in low-frequency power (LF), an increase in LF/HF was observed. Between-group comparisons showed that the Graybiel scores in the electric rotating chair group were better than those in the visual-motion cage rotating chair group. When the two groups were stratified into high and low-susceptibility subgroups, the low-susceptibility subgroup of the electric rotating chair group had lower Graybiel scores and diastolic blood pressures than the low-susceptibility visual-motion cage rotating chair subgroup, whereas in the high susceptibility subgroup, LF, rMSSD, and pNN50 were significantly higher in the visual-motion cage rotating chair group than in the electric rotating chair group.

Discussion

This study compared the effects of two types of vestibular function training on Graybiel scores and heart rate variability (HRV). we found that seven days of training with both the electric rotating chair and the visual-motion cage rotating chair relieved MS symptoms and enhanced sympathetic regulation. In terms of improving the subjective degree of MS, the electric rotating chair was superior to the visual-motion cage rotating chair. Subgroup analysis results showed that low-susceptibility MS patients’ symptoms were better relieved with electric rotating chair training, while high-susceptibility patients’ symptoms were better relieved with visual-motion cage rotating chair training.
A pelvis MR transformer-based deep learning model for predicting lung metastases risk in patients with rectal cancer
Authors: Li Yin , Li Shuang , Xiao Ruolin , Li Xi , Yi Yongju , Zhang Liangyou , Zhou You , Wan Yun , Wei Chenhua , Zhong Liming , Yang Wei , Yao Lin
Published: February 2025

Objective

Accurate preoperative evaluation of rectal cancer lung metastases (RCLM) is critical for implementing precise medicine. While artificial intelligence (AI) methods have been successful in detecting liver and lymph node metastases using magnetic resonance (MR) images, research on lung metastases is still limited. Utilizing MR images to classify RCLM could potentially reduce ionizing radiation exposure and the costs associated with chest CT in patients without metastases. This study aims to develop and validate a transformer-based deep learning (DL) model based on pelvic MR images, integrated with clinical features, to predict RCLM.

Methods

A total of 819 patients with histologically confirmed rectal cancer who underwent preoperative pelvis MRI and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) tests were enrolled. Six state-of-the-art DL methods (Resnet18, EfficientNetb0, MobileNet, ShuffleNet, DenseNet, and our transformer-based model) were trained and tested on T2WI and DWI to predict RCLM. The predictive performance was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

Our transformer-based DL model achieved impressive results in the independent test set, with an AUC of 83.74% (95% CI, 72.60%-92.83%), a sensitivity of 80.00%, a specificity of 78.79%, and an accuracy of 79.01%. Specifically, for stage T4 and N2 rectal cancer cases, the model achieved AUCs of 96.67% (95% CI, 87.14%-100%, 93.33% sensitivity, 89.04% specificity, 94.74% accuracy), and 96.83% (95% CI, 88.67%-100%, 100% sensitivity, 83.33% specificity, 88.00% accuracy) respectively, in predicting RCLM. Our DL model showed a better predictive performance than other state-of-the-art DL methods.

Conclusion

The superior performance demonstrates the potential of our work for predicting RCLM, suggesting its potential assistance in personalized treatment and follow-up plans.
Mucinous carcinoma in a male breast with skin ulcer: a case report
Authors: Lin Xiaohui , Liao Tingting , Yang Yuting , Zhou Jingzhi , Ma Jie
Published: February 2025

A case of pure mucinous carcinoma of the male breast presenting with skin ulceration was reported. The patient, a 67-year-old male, inadvertently discovered a subcutaneous mass with the size of a soybean near the areola on the right side of his chest. Pathological analysis identified the mass as mucinous adenocarcinoma. Differentiating between primary mucinous carcinoma of the skin and mucinous carcinoma of the breast was challenging due to their overlapping histological and immunohistochemical features. Ultimately, the tumor was diagnosed as pure mucinous carcinoma of the male breast based on the primary site and clinical history.
Bibliometric analysis of rhein in the treatment of tumors
Authors: Jiang Lan , Huang Qian , Shi Zhongquan , Yang Yi
Published: February 2025

Background

Rhein is an anthraquinone compound with a variety of biological activities. It has inhibitory effects on liver cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, oral cancer, gastric cancer, and other cancers. However, a comprehensive bibliometric review of this field has not yet been published.

Objective

This study aims to investigate and evaluate the current research trends and directions about the antitumor properties of rhein using bibliometric analysis.

Methods

The literature related to rhein in cancer treatment from 2003 to 2023 was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database, and the annual number of publications, main authors, major institutions, keyword clustering, and keyword bursts were visually analyzed using CiteSpace 6.3.R1 software. This study aims to discuss the status quo, hotspots, and development trends of rhein research over the past 20 years.

Results

A total of 220 articles were retrieved from the core collection database, and the number of articles related to treating tumors with rhein increased annually. Among them, Chung, Jing Gung has the highest number of articles in this field, but most researchers lack cooperation with each other. The institutions with the highest number of articles were the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (13 articles) and China Medical University (Taiwan) (13 articles). Research hotspots include the promotion of apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inhibition of proliferation, drug resistance, and nanoparticles.

Conclusion

Rhein exerts antitumor effects by inducing cell apoptosis, controlling metastasis, and inhibiting proliferation. However, owing to its poor water solubility, in recent years, functional modification of its functional groups or production of rhein nanoparticles to enhance its bioavailability and antitumor effects has become a hot research direction in the future.
Bridging gaps in healthcare: child health services and specialist care collaboration for young children with autism and coexisting conditions
Authors: Nygren Gudrun , Gillberg Christopher , Carlsson Emilia
Published: February 2025

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate a clinical project aiming to address gaps in healthcare for young children in an immigrant, low-resource district from early identification of regulatory problems, autism, and other neurodevelopmental symptoms by child health services to assessment and interventions in specialist care.

Methods

A mixed-model design was employed, consisting of a description of the clinical project and data from healthcare statistics to evaluating the care chain. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted to capture the perspectives of participating child health nurses. Data were analyzed using content analysis.

Results

The mean age for referral from primary to specialist care for suspected autism decreased from 38 to 27 months at (n = 59). A total of 55 children were diagnosed with autism. The mean age at autism diagnosis decreased from 44 to 31 months. Waiting times from referral to intervention were shortened. Interventions were already initiated in primary care at the time of referral. Qualitative analyses of nurse experiences revealed three main categories: (1) new and increased knowledge, (2) great importance for every child and family, and (3) an efficient method with fewer gaps, which holds further potential for development.

Conclusion

Professionals’ increased knowledge of early symptoms in children, combined with novel healthcare methods for close collaboration, made it possible to bridge the gaps and provide young children and their families with early assessments and essential early interventions. The study results point to opportunities for integrated healthcare and collaboration with families and preschools.
Advancements related to probiotics for preventing and treating recurrent respiratory tract infections in children
Authors: Zhang Yali , Xu Yingying , Hu Ling , Wang Xiaomei
Published: February 2025

Recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) are a common condition in pediatrics and significantly impact children's quality of life; however, their pathogenesis and contributing factors are not yet fully elucidated. Probiotics have recently emerged as promising agents for modulating intestinal microecology and have gained considerable attention in clinical research on preventing and treating RRTIs in children. This article provides an initial overview of the concept, classification, and mechanisms underlying probiotics. It emphasizes their beneficial effects on respiratory health by modulating intestinal microbial equilibrium, augmenting immune system functionality, and attenuating inflammatory responses. Subsequently, we examine existing research regarding the use of probiotics in pediatric RRTIs. Numerous clinical trials have unequivocally demonstrated that supplementing with probiotics can significantly reduce both the frequency and severity of RRTIs in children while also simultaneously decreasing antibiotic usage. However, there are ongoing controversies and challenges in current research concerning the influence of probiotic type, dosage, duration of use, and other factors on efficacy. Furthermore, variations have been observed across different studies. Additionally, it is crucial to further evaluate the safety and potential long-term side effects associated with probiotic use in children with RRTIs. In conclusion, we propose future research directions including conducting more high-quality randomized controlled trials to optimize application strategies for probiotics alongside other treatments while considering variations based on age and health conditions among pediatric populations. Finally, in summary although probiotics exhibit promising benefits in preventing and treating RRTIs in children; additional studies are necessary to refine their application strategies ensuring both safety and effectiveness.
Role of ferroptosis in atrial fibrillation: a review
Authors: Fan Shaowei , Hu Yuanhui , Shi Jingjing
Published: February 2025

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality, with atrial fibrillation emerging as one of the most common conditions encountered in clinical practice. However, its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, prompting ongoing research. Ferroptosis, a recently discovered form of regulated cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation and disrupted cellular redox balance leading to cell death due to iron overload, has attracted significant attention. Since its identification, ferroptosis has been extensively studied in various contexts, including cancer, stroke, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, and heart failure. Growing evidence suggests that ferroptosis may also play a critical role in the onset and progression of atrial fibrillation, though research in this area is still limited. This article provides a concise overview of the potential mechanisms by which ferroptosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation.
Preclinical pharmaco-toxicological screening of biomimetic melanin-like nanoparticles as a potential therapeutic strategy for cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Marcovici Iasmina , Chioibas Raul , Zupko Istvan , Pinzaru Iulia , Moaca Alina , Ledeti Adriana , Barbu-Tudoran Lucian , Geamantan Andreea , Predescu Iasmina , Dehelean Cristina Adriana
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Despite its rarity, cutaneous melanoma (CM) represents the deadliest skin cancer with a high mortality rate, an incidence on the rise, and limited therapeutic options at present. Melanin is a polymeric pigment naturally produced within melanocytes and CM cells that gained a noteworthy attention due to its pharmacological properties, and potential for the design of nanoplatforms with biomedical applications. Up to date, the utilization of melanin-like nanoparticles (MEL-NPs) in cancer treatment has been well-documented, although their efficacy in CM therapy remains scarcely investigated. The current study presents the preclinical evaluation of MEL-NPs as a potential nanomedicine for CM management.

Methods

MEL-NPs were produced through the oxidative polymerization of dopamine and characterized via electron microscopy and UV-VIS spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity was determined by using the DPPH method. The cytotoxic, anti-migratory, anti-clonogenic, pro-oxidant and pro-apoptotic properties of MEL-NPs were investigated in vitro by applying the MTT viability test, bright-field and immunofluorescence microscopy, DCFDA/H2DCFDA test, scratch assay, colony formation assay, and RT-qPCR. The irritant and anti-angiogenic effects were assessed in ovo on the vascularized chorioallantoic membrane (CAM).

Results

The as-made MEL-NPs presented a spherical morphology, an average size of 85.61 nm, a broad UV-VIS absorption spectrum, and a strong antioxidant activity. After a 24 h treatment, MEL-NPs exerted a selective cytotoxicity in SH-4 and B164A5 CM cells compared to HEMa, HaCaT, and JB6 Cl 41-5a healthy skin cells, except for the concentration of 100 µg/mL, at which their viability declined under 70%. Additionally, MEL-NPs accumulated within the intracellular space of CM cells, forming a perinuclear coating, inhibited their motility and clonogenic potential, increased intracellular oxidative stress, targeted the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and induced apoptosis by altering cell morphology, nuclear aspect, F-actin and tubulin distribution, and by modulating the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic markers. In ovo, MEL-NPs lacked irritant and vascular toxic effects, while exerting an angio-suppressive activity.

Conclusion

MEL-NPs demonstrated promising anti-melanoma properties, showing a selective cytotoxicity, a strong anti-invasive effect and a pro-apoptotic activity in CM cells, while inhibiting CAM angiogenesis, these novel findings contributing to future research on the potential application of this nanoplatform in CM therapy.
New insights into the salt-responsive regulation in eelgrass at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels
Authors: Zhao Huan , Dong Xu , Yang Dazuo , Ge Qingchao , Lu Peng , Liu Chang
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The adaptation mechanisms of marine plants to the environments have garnered significant attention in recent years. Eelgrass (Zostera marina), a representative marine angiosperm, serves as an ideal model for investigating the mechanisms underlying salt tolerance.

Methods

This study integrated mRNA, sRNA, and degradome sequencing data to identify key genes associated with salt tolerance in eelgrass.

Results

The results indicate that a series of genes involved in biological processes such as “in response to water deprivation” and “biosynthesis of secondary metabolites” respond to salt stress. Analysis of cis-regulatory elements and expression similarities suggests that the ABA synthase 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) may be regulated by ERF members, while phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) may be regulated by MYB members. At the post-transcriptional regulation level, miRNA156 and miRNA166 might be involved in the response by regulating potential target genes, such as members of the WRKY and HD-ZIP families. Additionally, eelgrass exhibits unique responses to salt, such as the up-regulation of genes involved in the “fucose biosynthetic process”. These findings enhance our understanding of how eelgrass adapts to the marine environment.

Discussion

As a marine monocotyledon, eelgrass is helpful to find conserved salt tolerance mechanisms by cross-species comparison. By examining the transcriptional responses of homologous genes in eelgrass, rice, and maize, we identified several groups of genes that are conserved in their response to salt stress. These conserved gene resources may provide targets for genetic engineering to improve the salt tolerance of crops.
Species delimitation in the Populus laurifolia complex (Salicaceae) based on phylogenetic and morphometric evidence
Authors: Wei Xueya , Cui Xingyong , Yuan Fulin , Zhou Kerou , Zhou Liwei , Zhao Changli , Guo Shaoyu , Shang Ce , Zhang Zhixiang
Published: February 2025

Due to significant morphological differences and extensive interspecific hybridization, there are numerous species complexes with taxonomic challenges in the genus Populus. Integrative taxonomy, which combines evidence of morphology, molecular phylogeny, niche differentiation, and reproductive isolation, provides the most effective approaches for species delimitation. The Populus laurifolia complex, which belongs to Populus subg. Tacamahaca (Salicaceae), is distributed in the Altai Mountains and Tianshan Mountains. This complex exhibits morphological variability, making species delimitation challenging. Due to limited sampling and systematic studies, its taxonomy has remained unresolved. In this study, 337 specimens, along with online digital samples representing nearly all wild populations, were collected. Morphological analyses were performed to evaluate key traits and clarify species boundaries. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed using concatenation and coalescent methods based on 566,375 nuclear single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Ecological niche differentiation was assessed, and ABBA–BABA analysis was used to examine interspecific hybridization. The results revealed that this complex, based on a series of significant character states, could be morphologically distinguished into three species—P. laurifolia (Populus pilosa considered a synonym of P. laurifolia), Populus talassica, and Populus pamirica—which also correspond to three well-supported clades in the phylogenetic trees. P. pamirica exhibits some degree of ecological niche differentiation from P. talassica and P. laurifolia, whereas the latter two show minimal differentiation. Gene flow within the complex remains limited. This research underscores the importance of integrating multiple lines of evidence in the classification of Populus, providing a framework for future taxonomic studies.
Leveraging on large language model to classify sentences: a case study applying STAGES scoring methodology for sentence completion test on ego development
Authors: Bronlet Xavier
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The emergence of artificial intelligence and the widespread availability of large language model open the door to text analysis at scale leveraging on complex classification instructions. This case study explores the possibility of using available large language models to measure ego development at scale and establish a methodology that can be applied to other classification instructions. Ego consists of the traits that influence how a person perceives and engages with the world, while ego development is a crucial aspect of adult personality growth, influencing behaviors and decisions in both personal and professional contexts. Accurate assessments of ego development stages are vital for creating effective strategies in organizational psychology and corporate analytics.

Methods

This case study investigates the agreement between expert and automated classifications of ego development stages, aiming to evaluate the potential of automation in this domain leveraging artificial intelligence and large language models. Cohen’s kappa statistic has been used to measure the agreement between classifications made by experts and those generated by an automated process leveraging large language models.

Results

The comparison between the scoring of experts and large language models yielded a weighted Kappa value of 0.779, indicating a substantial level of agreement that is statistically meaningful and unlikely to be due to chance.

Discussion

While this suggests valuable scoring that leverages large language models, it also highlights the opportunity for further refinement to closely match expert assessments. We observed low variability in aggregated values, demonstrating that the automated process functions effectively at scale. The robustness of aggregated data is particularly evident when calculating ego development scores for individuals, groups, corporate units, and entire corporations. This capability underscores the utility of the automated system for high-level evaluations and decision-making leveraging on a solid indicator. While the classification system developed in this case study shows promise, targeted enhancements may help to achieve a level of accuracy and reliability that improves alignment with experts’ evaluations for single sentences. The methodology developed in this case study appears to be useful to support other evaluations at scale that leverage large language models using other maps of classifications.
Does gambling preference level affect occupational fraud behavior?—Evidence from a survey study in China
Authors: Huang Shihua , Chen Yizao , Li Baitong
Published: February 2025

Occupational fraud presents significant economic challenges globally. This study aims to understand the factors contributing to such fraudulent behavior and to develop strategies to mitigate it, focusing on the relationship between gambling preferences and occupational fraud within the framework of the fraud triangle theory, emphasizing the ‘pressure' element. To explore this relationship, the research employed several methods, including reliability and validity tests, correlation analysis, and regression analysis, to strengthen the survey research. The findings indicate that individuals with stronger gambling preferences are more likely to engage in occupational fraud. This relationship is mediated by ego depletion and moderated by psychological capital and superstitious beliefs, which align with theoretical models of cognitive biases. Further analysis reveals that psychological capital and superstitious beliefs play a moderating role through the mediating effect pathway from gambling preferences to ego depletion. The study provides valuable insights for developing effective fraud prevention strategies in corporate governance.
Visually-guided compensation of deafening-induced song deterioration
Authors: Rolland Manon , Zai Anja T. , Hahnloser Richard H. R. , Del Negro Catherine , Giret Nicolas
Published: February 2025

Human language learning and maintenance depend primarily on auditory feedback but are also shaped by other sensory modalities. Individuals who become deaf after learning to speak (post-lingual deafness) experience a gradual decline in their language abilities. A similar process occurs in songbirds, where deafness leads to progressive song deterioration. However, songbirds can modify their songs using non-auditory cues, challenging the prevailing assumption that auditory feedback is essential for vocal control. In this study, we investigated whether deafened birds could use visual cues to prevent or limit song deterioration. We developed a new metric for assessing syllable deterioration called the spectrogram divergence score. We then trained deafened birds in a behavioral task where the spectrogram divergence score of a target syllable was computed in real-time, triggering a contingent visual stimulus based on the score. Birds exposed to the contingent visual stimulus—a brief light extinction—showed more stable song syllables than birds that received either no light extinction or randomly triggered light extinction. Notably, this effect was specific to the targeted syllable and did not influence other syllables. This study demonstrates that deafness-induced song deterioration in birds can be partially mitigated with visual cues.
The effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on sleep quality in patients with more than mild depressive mood: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Yu’ang , Huang Silang , Zhang Xinxin , Liao Huangying , Liu Weiguo , Zhang Zhi , Qu Xianhui , Wang Ziwen
Published: February 2025

Background

The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) therapy on sleep quality in patients with more than mild depressive mood.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and ScienceDirect on rTMS to improve sleep quality in patients with more than mild depressive mood up to September 2023 were searched. A meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 17.0 software.

Results

A total of 11 studies, which involved 548 patients, were included. After rTMS treatment, the effect on sleep quality improvement in patients with more than mild depressive mood was better in the experimental group than in the control group [I2 = 53%, mean difference (MD) = −2.27, 95%CI = −2.97 to −1.57, p < 0.00001]. The results of the subgroup analyses showed that, in terms of stimulation frequency, compared with the 5-Hz and 10-Hz groups, the treatment effect of the 1-Hz group was better (I2 = 32%, MD = −2.69, 95%CI = −3.78 to −1.60, p < 0.00001). In terms of treatment duration, compared with the 2-week and 4-week groups, the group with more than 4 weeks of treatment had better treatment outcomes (I2 = 0%, MD = −2.81, 95%CI = −3.22 to −2.40, p < 0.00001). In terms of whether combination therapy was used or not, compared with the combination therapy group (I2 = 29%, MD = −1.39, 95%CI = −2.30 to −0.48, p = 0.003), the non-combination therapy group had a better treatment effect (I2 = 0%, MD = −2.93, 95%CI = −3.36 to −2.50, p < 0.00001).

Conclusion

rTMS significantly improves sleep quality in patients with more than mild depression. Subgroup analyses showed that the group using the 1-Hz stimulation frequency, the group with more than 4 weeks of treatment time, and the group with rTMS alone had better efficacy in treating the sleep quality of patients with more than mild depressive mood using rTMS, with the use of combination treatment or not being the main source of heterogeneity.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023467971
High prevalence of overweight/obesity and central obesity among women in a rural district of Nepal in 2012–2013: a population-based study
Authors: Yogal Chandra , Stunes Astrid Kamilla , Shakya Sunila , Karmarcharya Biraj , Koju Rajendra , Mosti Mats P. , Gustafsson Miriam K. , Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Schei Berit , Syversen Unni
Published: February 2025

Background

The prevalence of overweight is rapidly escalating, especially in South-Asia. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of overweight/obesity and central obesity, and associated risk factors among women in a rural setting of Nepal.

Methods

A cross-sectional study addressing reproductive health and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) was conducted 2012–2013 in a rural district of Nepal. Married, non-pregnant women ≥15 years of age were included. Height, weight, and waist circumference (WC) were measured, and body mass index (BMI) calculated. WHO cut-offs for Asians were used to assess the prevalence of overweight (23.0–27.4 kg/m2), obesity (≥ 27.5 kg/m2) and central obesity (WC ≥ 80 cm). Data concerning socioeconomic and lifestyle factors were collected.

Results

Altogether, 1,391 women 43.1 ± 14.4 years of age were included. The majority belonged to the Adhivasi/Janajati ethnicity, were uneducated and worked in agriculture. Altogether, 30.5% were overweight, 12.0% obese, and 34.2% centrally obese; 25.7% were both overweight/obese and centrally obese. Underweight (< 18.5 kg/m2) was observed in 9.6%. Among women with normal weight or underweight, 14.9 and 15.3% had central obesity, respectively. Hypertension was observed in 13.4% and was associated with both overweight/obesity and central obesity. Instant noodle intake ≥2 times weekly was associated with increased prevalence of central obesity and overweight/obesity.

Conclusion

We observed a high prevalence of overweight/obesity and central obesity among women in a rural district of Nepal, which entails an increased risk of metabolic complications and NCDs. Our findings underscore the need for public health programs addressing nutritional patterns and physical activity to prevent obesity.
Application and comparison of five risk assessment methods in ferrous metal foundry enterprises with silica dust concentration exceeding the limit posts
Authors: Li Qimeng , Li Xiaoying , Qin Ge , Qi Yuanmeng , Liu Jie , Tang Xiaocui , Wu Di , Hao Changfu , Wang Sihua
Published: February 2025

Background

Explore methods to accurately reflect the risk level of ferrous metal foundry workplaces when the silica dust concentration exceeds the limit, and provide a basis for the application of risk assessment techniques in key industries with occupational exposure to silica dust.

Methods

The survey was conducted in 25 ferrous metal casting industries in Henan Province, China. Five occupational health risk assessment (OHRA) methods, including Risk index method, Hazard grading method, International Council on Mining and Metals model, The synthesis index method, and The exposure ratio method, were used to assess the occupational health risk of the workplaces that produced silica dust and the concentration of silica dust exceeded the occupational exposure limits (OELs), and to compare the results of the different methods.

Results

The risk index assessment method yielded one job of mild hazard, seven job of moderate hazard, fifteen jobs of high hazard, and forty-four jobs of extreme hazard. The hazard classification method resulted in two jobs of mild hazard, six jobs of moderate hazard, and fifty-nine jobs of high hazard. The ICMM qualitative method identified fifteen jobs of moderate risk and fifty-two jobs of high risk. The synthesis index method revealed nine jobs of moderate risk and fifty-eight jobs of high risk. The exposure ratio method identified ten jobs of high risk and fifty-seven jobs of extremely high risk. The results obtained from the synthesis index method showed relatively lower levels, except for the index method, there was a certain correlation (r: 0.541–0.798, P < 0.05) and consistency (kapa: 0.521–0.561, P < 0.05) with the remaining four methods.

Conclusion

This study shows that although there are some differences in the results of different OHRA methods, there is also some correlation between them, which can corroborate each other and enhance the reliability of the assessment results. In practical application, appropriate assessment methods should be selected according to specific situations and the results of multiple methods should be combined and analyzed comprehensively to ensure accurate identification and assessment of occupational hazards and provide a scientific basis for improving occupational safety and health management.
Healthy lifestyle and its change attenuated the risk of hypertension among rural population: evidence from a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ren Tingyun , Yuchi Yinghao , Liao Wei , Kang Ning , Li Ruiying , Wang Chongjian
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Lifestyle may potentially influence blood pressure level, but the association of multiple healthy lifestyles with hypertension was limited, especially for rural population. The study aimed to explore the relationship of healthy lifestyles on hypertension, and then whether lifestyle change could influence hypertension in rural adults.

Methods

A total of 16,454 participants were enrolled from the Henan Rural Cohort study, in China. The healthy lifestyles score (HLS) was concluded by smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, diet status and body mass index. Associations of HLS and lifestyle change with systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were analyzed by generalized linear models, and with hypertension were analyzed by logistic regression model and restricted cubic spline plots.

Results

The results from the generalized linear models showed SBP and DBP levels decreased with the HLS increasing (Ptrend < 0.01). Compared with participants with lower HLS (scored 0–2), the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for hypertension in those with HLS = 3, 4, or 5 were 0.853 (0.737, 0.987), 0.881 (0.754, 1.029), and 0.658 (0.519, 0.834), respectively. And compared with participants with unhealthy lifestyle consistently, those changing lifestyle from unhealthy to healthy had lower levels of blood pressure [β (95% CI): SBP: −1.603 (−2.539, −0.668). DBP: −1.713 (−2.326, −1.100)] and hypertension risk [OR (95%CI): 0.744 (0.594, 0.931)]. Similar results could be found by the sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion

The findings showed that healthy lifestyles could reduce blood pressure and hypertension risk, and that implementing healthier lifestyle changes could be an effective strategy to prevent hypertension in rural area.
Case Report: Combination of focal vibration therapy and botulinum toxin injections to treat equinus gait in a child with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Boulay Christophe , Coq Jacques-Olivier , Sangeux Morgan , Authier Guillaume , Ulian Alexis , Pradines Maud , Baude Marjolaine , Desnous Béatrice , Jouve Jean-Luc , Parratte Bernard , Peltier Emilie , Pesenti Sébastien , Gracies Jean-Michel
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Focal vibration therapy (FVT) is increasingly used in the treatment of spastic paresis. In adults, it has been shown to reduce spasticity and to increase torque production from the vibrated muscles by restoring reciprocal inhibition of antagonists, thereby improving overall gait. In children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP), FVT has also been suggested to reduce spasticity, increase torque production and improve gait function, but evidence is limited.

Methods

We report the case of a child with unilateral spastic CP (USCP) and equinus gait (GFMCS II level) with (i) ankle dorsiflexor paresis, (ii) ankle plantar flexor overactivity, especially in gastrosoleus complex and peroneus longus, (iii) spastic myopathy, affecting gastrosoleus complex in particular, and (iv) calf pain seemingly related to muscle overactivity. The child was treated with a two-month program of alternating dorsiflexor and plantar flexor focal vibration therapy (FVT) and botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) injections into plantar flexors, alongside conventional physiotherapy.

Results and discussion

Clinical evaluations during the two-month program showed (i) improved walking speed (ii) decreased ankle dorsiflexor paresis and ankle plantar flexor overactivity, especially spastic co-contraction and spasticity, (iii) improved passive extensibility in plantar flexors, and (iv) reduced pain. This is the first report of the combination of FVT and BoNT-A injections having promising effects on equinus gait in USCP.
Ableism-sensitive, self-reflective emotion work as part of inclusive teacher education
Authors: Hauser Mandy
Published: February 2025

In this perspective article, emotions are considered as an inherent component of ableist practices, and the question is explored of how ableism-sensitive, self-reflective emotion work can be designed for inclusive teacher education. In this process, connections to the Sociology of Emotions are established, with particular emphasis on the collectivity and sociality of emotions. Within this context, self-reflective emotion work is integrated into the concept of “unlearning ableism” and argued for its implementation as a systemically oriented group process. Finally, questions regarding the design of emotion work and its implementation in a manner critical of ableism are discussed.
Nonlinear Optimal Control for Spacecraft Rendezvous and Docking Using Symplectic Numerical Method
Authors: Wei Zhengtao , Yang Jie , Wen Hao , Jin Dongping , Chen Ti
Published: February 2025

This paper addresses the autonomous rendezvous and docking between a chaser spacecraft and a target spacecraft. An optimal control method is employed to plan the rendezvous and docking maneuver, considering various constraints, including force, velocity, field of view, and collision avoidance with a diamond-shaped obstacle. The optimal trajectories are derived using a symplectic algorithm, which ensures high accuracy and enhances computational efficiency. These trajectories serve as the reference for the maneuver. A PD-based tracking control method is proposed to enable real-time feedback control. An air-bearing experimental system, encompassing state measurement, data transmission, and processing, is established to conduct ground-based tracking experiments. Furthermore, specialized simulators for the chaser and target spacecraft, equipped with a docking mechanism, are designed. Experimental results validate both the feasibility of the reference trajectories and the effectiveness of the PD tracking control approach.