bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine Hua-Feng-Dan in a rat model of ischemic stroke involve renormalization of gut microbiota
Authors: He Xiaoxia , Yuan Xiaofeng , Shu Qilin , Gao Yayang , Chen Youli , Liu Yao , Xu Jian , Zhang Yongping , Cao Guoqiong
Published: January 2025

Hua-Feng-Dan is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat ischemic stroke, but little is known about its therapeutic mechanism. This study explored whether and how the mechanism involves readjustment of gut microbiota. Rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion as a model of ischemic stroke or to sham surgery, then treated or not with Hua-Feng-Dan. The different groups of animals were compared in terms of neurological score, cerebral infarct volume, brain edema, brain and gut histopathology to assess stroke severity. They were also compared in terms of indices of intestinal barrier permeability, inflammation and oxidative stress, brain metabolites as well as composition of the gut microbiota and their metabolites. Hua-Feng-Dan significantly reduced cerebral infarct volume and brain water content and improved neurological score, ischemic brain histopathology, and gut histopathology. It partially reversed stroke-induced intestinal barrier disruption and leakage, inflammation, dyslipidemia and oxidative stress, as well as the stroke-induced increase in pathogenic gut microbiota (e.g., Escherichia-Shigella, Enterococcus, Clostridium_innocuum_group) and decrease in beneficial microbiota (e.g., Lachnospiraceae, unclassified__f__Lachnospiracea and Ruminococcus_torques_group). The treatment altered levels of 39 and 38 metabolites produced during gut microbial and brain tissue metabolism respectively, mainly of amino acids, nucleosides, short-chain fatty acids, and essential fatty acids. Levels of factors related to inflammation and intestinal barrier permeability correlated positively with relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and Clostridium_innocuum_group, and negatively with 4-(glutamylamino) butanoate, 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid, dihomo-α-linolenic acid, dihomolinoleic acid, and 10-nitrolinoleic acid. Conversely, levels of 4-(glutamylamino) butanoate, 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid, and 10-nitrolinoleic acid correlated positively with relative abundance of unclassified__f__Lachnospiracea. Our results suggest that Hua-Feng-Dan may mitigate ischemic stroke injury by renormalizing gut microbiota and restoring gut barrier function, gut metabolism, thereby helping to alleviate inflammatory, neurological damage, and brain metabolic disorders.
The gut–kidney axis is regulated by astragaloside IV to inhibit cyclosporine A-induced nephrotoxicity
Authors: Han Cong , Gao Ran-ran , Zhou Le , Li Wei
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Chronic nephrotoxicity caused by CNIs (CICN) manifests clinically as chronic kidney disease (CKD). Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) plays a certain role in the treatment of CKD. This study aimed to verify the ameliorative effects of AS-IV on CICN and further explore the mechanisms underlying the modulation of the “gut–transcriptome–metabolome coexpression network” by AS-IV within the context of the “gut–kidney axis” to improve CICN.

Methods

Five groups of 40 mice were studied: a normal group (N, olive oil), a model group (M, CsA, 30 mg kg-−1 d−1), a low-dose AS-IV group (CsA + AS-IV, 30 mg kg−1 d−1 + 10 mg kg−1 d−1), a high-dose AS-IV group (CsA + AS-IV, 30 mg kg−1 d−1 + 20 mg kg−1 d−1), and a valsartan group (CsA + Val, 30 mg kg−1 d−1 + 10 mg kg−1 d−1). The gut microbiota, renal transcriptome, and urine metabolome were separately detected to construct a gut–transcriptome–metabolome coexpression network. The target species, target genes, and target metabolites of AS-IV were evaluated.

Results

CsA led to increased proteinuria and a deterioration of kidney function, accompanied by increased inflammation and oxidative stress, whereas AS-IV improved kidney damage. AS-IV inhibited intestinal permeability and disrupted the microbiota structure, increasing the abundance of Lactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobacterium animalis, Ignatzschineria indica, and Blautia glucerasea. Six coexpression pathways related to transcription and metabolism, including the citrate cycle, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, proximal tubule bicarbonate reclamation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, ferroptosis, and drug metabolism–cytochrome P450, were identified. Seven target metabolites of AS-IV were identified in the 6 pathways, including UDP-D-galacturonic acid, 2-phenylethanol glucuronide, dehydroascorbic acid, isopentenyl pyrophosphate, alpha-D-glucose, 3-carboxy-1-hydroxypropylthiamine diphosphate and citalopram aldehyde. Five target genes of AS-IV, Ugt1a2, Ugt1a9, Ugt1a5, Pck1, and Slc7a11, were also identified and predicted by NONMMUT144584.1, MSTRG.30357.1 and ENSMUST00000174821. Lactobacillus reuteri was highly correlated with renal function and the target genes and metabolites of AS-IV. The target genes and metabolites of AS-IV were further validated. AS-IV inhibited intestinal-derived urinary toxins and improved renal tissue apoptosis, lipid accumulation, collagen deposition, and mitochondrial damage.

Conclusion

AS-IV improved CICN through the coexpression of the gut–transcriptome–metabolome network. The six pathways related to energy metabolism driven by L. reuteri, including the citrate cycle, ascorbate and alderate metabolism, proximal tube bicarbonate metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, ferroptosis, drug metabolism–cytochrome P450, are important mechanisms.
Diatom responses to rapid light and temperature fluctuations: adaptive strategies and natural variability
Authors: Juffermans Emma , Hoch Lilian , Songsomboon Kittikun , Ralph Peter J. , Herdean Andrei
Published: January 2025

Diatoms are crucial in global primary productivity and carbon sequestration, contributing significantly to marine food webs and biogeochemical cycles. With the projected increase in sea surface temperatures, climate change poses significant threats to these essential organisms. This study investigates the photobiological responses of nine diatom species to rapid changes in light and temperature, aiming to understand their adaptability and resilience to climate-induced environmental fluctuations. Using a high-throughput phenoplate assay, we evaluated the maximum quantum yield of photosystem 2 (Fv/Fm), non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and additional photosynthetic parameters under varying temperature conditions. Our results revealed significant variability in the photophysiological responses among the species, with temperature emerging as a dominant abiotic factor relative to light, accounting for 13.2%–37.5% of the measured variability. Measurements of effect size of temperature and light on Fv/Fm showed that there is additional significant innate variability in the samples when a homogeneous culture is fractioned in 384 subpopulations. Furthermore, hierarchical clustering analysis of the effect size of temperature, light and innate variability on all measured photosynthetic parameters identified two distinct diatom groups. One group exhibited strong interaction between light intensity and temperature, suggesting active synergetic mechanisms to cope with fluctuating environments, while the other showed potential limitations in this regard. These findings highlight diatoms’ diverse strategies to optimize photosynthesis and manage light and thermal stress, providing insights into their potential responses to future climate scenarios. Furthermore, we demonstrate that using the method presented in this work we can functionally cluster different diatom species.
Efficient and secure electronic evidence exchange scheme for internet of things
Authors: Xiao Yulong , Chen Liang
Published: January 2025

With the rapid development of information technology, Internet of Things (IoT) is profoundly impacting various fields of the socio-economic landscape, driving the transformation of traditional industries towards intelligence. However, the widespread application of IoT has also led to a surge in electronic evidence, whose importance in the judicial field is increasingly prominent, but its characteristics such as ease of replication and leakage have posed new challenges for privacy protection. This paper focuses on the security and privacy issues of electronic evidence in IoT and proposes an efficient and secure interaction scheme based on chebyshev chaotic map, hash functions and XOR operations. Through a secure two-factor authentication mechanism, this scheme achieves identity verification between the user and the storage center, as well as confidentiality during the data transmission process. This has significant implications for the healthy development of IoT, judicial fairness and personal privacy protection. Experimental and theoretical analysis shows that the proposed scheme not only effectively resists various known attacks, but also performs excellently in terms of communication and computation costs, making it well-suited for IoT.
Phytotoxicity and phytoremediation potential of Lemna minor exposed to perfluorooctanoic acid
Authors: Noori Azam , Corbelli Lorena , Lincoln Erin , Thomas Sara , Jones Jasmine , Nason Sara L. , White Jason C. , Lewis Riley , Haynes Christy L.
Published: January 2025

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is one of the highly toxic compounds which was phased out of application in consumer products in 2015 due to its harmful effects on human and environmental health. However, this chemical was in use for many years and is still found in water resources. This study focuses on the physiological response of duckweed (Lemna minor) exposed to PFOA so as to determine phytotoxicity and the potential of this aquatic species to remove PFOA from the environment. A time-dependent phytotoxicity assay showed that exposure to 0.1 µg/L PFOA for 14 days resulted in the loss of chlorophyll pigment and 15-25% more chlorosis than in controls. Although exposure to PFOA for seven days resulted in chlorosis, no significant impact on physiological parameters such as photosynthetic pigment or anthocyanin content were detected. The analysis of cellular size on day zero and seven of the experiment showed that the control group showed significantly larger cell size after seven days (213 ± 6.5 µm²) compared with the day zero group (186 ± 18 µm²), while the size of the PFOA exposed group (198 ± 13 µm²) did not change significantly after seven days compared with the day zero group. The nuclear size increased significantly by 13% upon exposure to PFOA compared with the controls (ρ < 0.0001). The concentration of essential elements K, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Mo were reduced in L. minor exposed to PFOA compared with the controls by 39.6, 33.4, 42.1, 35.2, 31.9, 40.2%, respectively. Additionally, PFOA accumulated in L. minor fronds and roots with an average bioaccumulation factor of 56 ± 7. Overall, while some symptoms of toxicity were observed, this study shows that L. minor can tolerate up to 0.1 µg/L PFOA, a commonly found concentrations in water bodies, and can remove PFOA from water. This study provides invaluable information regarding the phototoxicity impacts of PFOA on aquatic species and the potential for aquatic phytoremediation of PFOA.
Genome-wide identification of the bHLH gene family in Scutellaria baicalensis and their relationship with baicalin biosynthesis under drought stress
Authors: Sun Yingxin , Wang Beier , Zhang Lichao , Zheng Xiaohan , Xu Peng , Zhang Meng , Han Meiguang , Di Peng , Han Mei , Cheng Lin , Yang Limin
Published: January 2025

The bHLH gene family plays a critical role in regulating internal responses in plants. Although the pharmacological properties of Scutellaria baicalensis have been extensively studied, its bHLH gene family remains poorly investigated. In this study, 142 SbbHLH genes were identified using the complete genome data of S. baicalensis. Phylogenetic and conserved motif analyses were performed. Gene duplication events were analyzed, and cis-element analysis was conducted to explore regulatory factors. The expression patterns of these genes in different tissues and under drought stress were investigated using transcriptome data and qRT-PCR analysis. Phylogenetic and conserved motif analyses revealed that the gene structures within each SbbHLH clade are relatively conserved. Gene duplication analysis identified 29 duplication events in the SbbHLH gene family, most of which involved gene pairs under purifying selection. Cis-element analysis revealed that these genes are regulated by various environmental and hormonal factors. Transcriptomic data and qRT-PCR results demonstrated tissue-specific expression patterns for the 142 SbbHLH genes. Additionally, bHLH genes potentially involved in baicalin biosynthesis were identified under drought stress. The findings suggest that under drought stress, SbbHLH74, SbbHLH98, and SbbHLH142 are regulated by a network centered on SbbHLH53, which enhances baicalin biosynthesis. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the bHLH gene family in S. baicalensis and identifies 4 potential SbbHLH genes involved in regulating baicalin biosynthesis under drought stress.
Nanoparticles: a promising tool against environmental stress in plants
Authors: Zhou Xu , El-Sappah Ahmed H. , Khaskhoussi Amani , Huang Qiulan , Atif Amr M. , Elhamid Mohamed A. Abd , Ihtisham Muhammad , El-Maati Mohamed F. Abo , Soaud Salma A. , Tahri Walid
Published: January 2025

With a focus on plant tolerance to environmental challenges, nanotechnology has emerged as a potent instrument for assisting crops and boosting agricultural production in the face of a growing worldwide population. Nanoparticles (NPs) and plant systems may interact molecularly to change stress response, growth, and development. NPs may feed nutrients to plants, prevent plant diseases and pathogens, and detect and monitor trace components in soil by absorbing their signals. More excellent knowledge of the processes of NPs that help plants survive various stressors would aid in creating more long-term strategies to combat these challenges. Despite the many studies on NPs’ use in agriculture, we reviewed the various types of NPs and their anticipated molecular and metabolic effects upon entering plant cells. In addition, we discussed different applications of NPs against all environmental stresses. Lastly, we introduced agricultural NPs’ risks, difficulties, and prospects.
Variations in the composition and frequency of celiac disease epitopes among synthetic wheat lines
Authors: Ebrahimzadegan Rahman , Mirzaghaderi Ghader
Published: January 2025

Bread wheat serves as an important staple crop in the human diet, largely because of the physicochemical properties of its dough and its protein content. Gluten is the main and complex component of wheat proteins. Despite the significant importance in breadmaking properties, wheat gluten contains some immunogenic peptides capable of triggering a T cell reaction in celiac disease (CD) patients, leading to inflammation in the small intestine. Among gluten proteins, α-gliadins are the most immunogenic components because they possess the primary T-cell stimulating epitopes (DQ2.5-Glia-α1, DQ2.5-Glia-α2, and DQ2.5-Glia-α3), which are primarily located on the D subgenome. Developing new wheat varieties by integrating the D subgenome from various sources is not only useful for introducing low immunogenic gluten, but it can also circumvent the challenging policies arising from the manipulation of wheat genome through transgenic approaches. Here, we performed RNA amplicon sequencing of the most toxic region of alpha-gliadins to analyze the content and composition of CD-related alpha-gliadin epitopes across eight synthetic wheat lines developed from crosses between durum wheat and different Aegilops species containing the D-genome (Ae. tauschii, Ae. crassa, and Ae. ventricosa). By searching the previously identified 121 epitopes and those with one mismatch in our amplicons, we found 54 different α-gliadins epitopes across our genotypes, four of which were new variants. The canonical epitopes were present in all lines, although their expression patterns varied. The occurrence of DQ2.5-Glia-α1a and DQ2.5-Glia-α3 was higher than that of DQ2.5-Glia-α2 and DQ2.5-Glia-α1b across all genotypes. Since a higher quantity of toxic alpha-gliadin epitopes is associated with increased immunogenicity in individuals susceptible to celiac disease, we measured the frequency of the most toxic alpha-gliadin epitopes among different synthetic lines to estimate the overall immunogenic load of our lines. Generally, the immunogenic load of lines with the D-genome originating from Ae. crassa was much lower than those with the D-genome from Ae. tauschii. In this way, the Ae. tauschii derived lines 5 and 6 contained higher levels of toxic alpha-gliadin epitopes, while lines 3, 4, and 7 (derived from Ae. crassa) contained the lowest levels of toxic peptides. We conclude that replacing the bread wheat D-genome with that of the Ae. crassa may help lower the gluten immunogenicity in the deriving synthetic wheat lines.
The influence of generative artificial intelligence on creative cognition of design students: a chain mediation model of self-efficacy and anxiety
Authors: Hwang Younjung , Wu Yi
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This study investigated the role of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing the creative cognition of design students, examining the mediating effects of self-efficacy and anxiety reduction.

Methods

A quantitative approach was employed, collecting data through online surveys from 121 design students at universities in southern China. The study utilized scales for AI knowledge and perception, self-efficacy, anxiety, and creative cognition, adapted from previous studies and evaluated on 5-point Likert scales. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 24.0 for exploratory factor analysis and PROCESS v3.5 for mediation analysis.

Results

The findings confirmed that AI positively impacted students’ innovative thinking (*β* = 0.610, *p* < 0.001). Self-efficacy (standardized *β* = 0.256, 95% CI [0.140, 0.418], *p* < 0.001) and anxiety reduction (standardized *β* = 0.093, 95% CI [0.018, 0.195], *p* < 0.05) positively mediated the relationship between generative AI and creative cognition. Additionally, a serial mediation effect through self-efficacy and anxiety reduction was observed (standardized *β* = 0.053, 95% CI [0.012, 0.114], *p* < 0.05).

Discussion

Our empirical analysis demonstrates that AI positively affects design students’ innovative thinking, with self-efficacy and anxiety reduction serving as significant mediators. These findings provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers, suggesting that AI-integrated design curricula can significantly foster creative cognition, promote academic achievement, and enhance designer capabilities. Understanding AI’s impact on students’ creative processes is crucial for developing effective teaching strategies in today’s evolving educational landscape.
Acceptance of sexual attraction and its link to psychological distress and sexual offending among pedohebephilic clients: results from a preliminary analysis
Authors: Konrad Anna , Heid Laura Maria , Scheuermann Hannah , Beier Klaus Michael , Amelung Till
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Pedohebephilic disorder is characterized by intense sexual urges or fantasies involving children, which can lead to distress or sexual behavior with children. While theoretical and qualitative accounts suggest that accepting one’s pedohebephilic sexual interests may help mitigate both distress and problematic behaviors, the only published quantitative study to date has linked acceptance with behavior but did not analyze its effect on distress.

Methods

We examined the relationship between acceptance of sexual interests and child sexual abuse (CSA), the use of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM), and psychological distress in 238 pedohebephilic and teleiophilic men outside the judicial system (i.e., in the “Dunkelfeld”).

Results

Compared to teleiophilic individuals, pedohebephilic individuals showed lower acceptance of their sexual interests. No significant differences were found between groups regarding past sexual offending. In a subsample of 197 pedohebephilic individuals (n = 197), correlations with recent sexual behavior were minimal. In another subsample of pedohebephilic men (n = 84) with data on psychological distress, increased acceptance was associated with decreased psychological distress, although this association weakened among those reporting recent offenses.

Discussion

Acceptance of one’s sexual interests is associated with reduced distress in pedohebephilic disorder among non-offending individuals. However, its role among offending individuals remains unclear. Efforts to improve measuring the acceptance of one’s sexual interests and further explore its role in pedohebephilic disorder are warranted.
Functional assertiveness with acceptance and commitment therapy for employees returning to work: a preliminary investigation
Authors: Ito Daisuke , Okabe Yushun , Nobushige Aya , Saito Seiko , Takahashi Yoshinari
Published: January 2025

Owing to the ongoing global mental health crisis, providing support for employees returning to work after a mental health leave has become a crucial issue. This study aimed to preliminarily examine the efficacy of a functional assertiveness training program incorporating acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in a pilot study involving individuals who had taken a leave of absence due to mental health problems. As part of the program, eight group sessions were offered to these individuals in a group format while they attended an outpatient psychiatric clinic. The effectiveness of the program was assessed in terms of mindfulness, psychological flexibility, functional assertiveness, and difficulty in returning to work. A total of 29 participants took part in the program, and 28 participants completed it. A paired t-test and effect size analysis (Cohen’s d) were conducted using data from 26 participants; two participants were excluded from the analysis due to post-test data was not collected. The results showed an increase in participants’ mindfulness (observing, non-reactivity and non-judging), psychological flexibility, and functional assertiveness increased and their sense of difficulty in returning to work (especially difficulties arising from workplace relationships) decreased after the intervention. Although the lack of a control group makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions, the results suggest that a functional assertiveness training program incorporating ACT may be beneficial for employees on leave due to mental health issues in returning to work.
Eco-Sattva: a Buddhist response to the plastic waste crisis in Thailand
Authors: Liu Yaoping , Run Pharatt , Beliatte Metteyya
Published: January 2025

The plastic waste crisis in Thailand has emerged as a substantial environmental dilemma, significantly exacerbating pollution in both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Although previous study has mostly focused on technological and policy solutions, it is still necessary to conduct a thorough evaluation of the approach to this issue that is driven by cultural and spiritual values. This study aims to examine the influence of eco-sattva principles on the management of plastic garbage and the Buddhist communities in Thailand. It also seeks to assess the effects of Eco-Sattva’s teachings by conducting a case study at Wat Chak Daeng. A comprehensive series of interviews were carried out with a total of 15 participants, encompassing priests, community leaders, and volunteers. The transcribed data was processed and examined using the NVivo program. The interview findings demonstrate that the lessons of Eco-Sattva on plastic waste management are extremely advantageous in terms of their practical use and execution. This study investigates and analyses the three-step waste management process at Wat Chak Daeng for plastic waste management, which involves reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic trash. This study provides a significant contribution by showing that the resolution to the plastic waste crisis is not solely reliant on technical or policy-focused approaches, but may also be derived from spiritual principles.
Understanding compassion fatigue among social workers: a scoping review
Authors: Wu Tian , Lu Chun-Rong
Published: January 2025

Exposure to significant sources of trauma and stress among social workers is increasingly identified as an important issue that can impact the quality of professional services, and the social worker’s well-being. There is more and more literature focusing on this phenomenon and related concepts. However, to our knowledge, there has been no published systematic review of the literature on compassion fatigue (CF) among social workers. Therefore, we performed a systematic scoping review by searching five electronic databases for studies published from 2001 to 2021, with the aim of identifying relevant literature. A total of twenty-nine studies were selected in the review following the systematic search strategy. Five themes were identified through the use of a narrative approach to synthesizing the literature by a Five-step framework of scoping review, including the prevalence, factors related, attributes and characteristics, consequences and strategies or interventions to reduce compassion fatigue among social workers. Findings revealed that few studies had examined the consequences and tested the effectiveness of specific interventions. Furthermore, future research involving concept analysis and related theoretical model was required in the field of social work.
A study of the mediating effect of self-perceived burden between meaning in life and dignity in disabled patients based on a dignity theory model
Authors: Rong Tang , Xing Ding , Xianzong Cheng , Ruian Liu
Published: January 2025

Objective

To explore the mediating role of self-perceived burden between meaning in life and the level of dignity in patients with disability.

Methods

From July to October 2023, 229 disabled patients in a tertiary hospital in Sichuan Province, China were selected and surveyed using the Self-Perceived Burden Scale, Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and Patient Dignity Inventory.

Results

The levels of self-perceived burden, meaning of life, and dignity of the disabled patients were 23.55 ± 9.83, 46.27 ± 9.71, and 43.38 ± 22.04 points, respectively. Self-perceived burden was positively correlated with the level of dignity (r = 0.460, p < 0.001), and meaning in life was negatively correlated with self-perceived burden and the level of dignity (r = −0.325, r = −0.526, both p < 0.001). The results of structural equation modeling showed that the total effect of the meaning in life of disabled patients on the level of dignity was −1.1945, the direct effect was −0.9559, and the indirect effect was −0.2386, with the indirect effect accounting for 19.98% of the total effect.

Conclusion

Self-perceived burden partially mediated the relationship between the meaning of life and the dignity of patients with incapacitation. Caregivers should pay attention to the level of patients’ self-perceived burden and actively cooperate with treatment and control of disease development as the current goal of life to enhance patients’ meaning of life and improve the loss of dignity.
Exploring the impact of different types of exercise on working memory in children with ADHD: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Song Xiangqin , Hou Yaoqi , Shi Wenying , Wang Yan , Fan Feifan , Hong Liu
Published: January 2025

Background

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children, often accompanied by working memory deficits. Recently, exercise interventions have gained attention as a potential strategy to improve cognitive function in children with ADHD. However, the effects of different types of exercise on working memory remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the effects of various exercise interventions on working memory in children with ADHD using a network meta-analysis.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant studies. After screening according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 17 eligible studies were identified for analysis. A network meta-analysis was performed to integrate data and evaluate the effects of cognitive-aerobic exercise, ball games, mind-body exercises, interactive games, and general aerobic exercise on working memory in children with ADHD.

Results

The results indicated significant differences in the effectiveness of various types of exercise interventions on working memory in children with ADHD. Cognitive-aerobic exercise showed the most significant effect (SMD = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.44–1.00), followed by ball games (SMD = 0.61, 95% CI: −0.12–1.35). Mind-body exercises and interactive games had moderate effects (SMD = 0.50 and 0.37, respectively), while general aerobic exercise showed relatively small effects (SMD = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.19–0.60). SUCRA analysis further confirmed the highest preference for cognitive-aerobic exercise in improving working memory. Meta-regression analysis showed that intervention frequency and total intervention duration significantly affected the effectiveness of cognitive-aerobic exercise, while other variables did not significantly moderate the effects.

Conclusion

Cognitive-aerobic exercise had the most significant effect on improving working memory in children with ADHD. Higher intervention frequency and longer intervention duration may enhance its effects. Future research should explore the impact of these factors and consider increasing sample sizes to validate the role of these moderators.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=627915.
Single-session upper limb plyometric training is as effective as two sessions for improving muscle strength, power, and serve velocity in male youth tennis players: a randomized parallel controlled study
Authors: Wang Jian , Xu Qi
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Providing a balanced training stimulus that promotes positive adaptations without excessively increasing training volume—and thereby avoiding disruptions to the training process—is a challenging task for strength and conditioning coaches. This study aimed to compare the effects of one vs. two weekly sessions of upper limb plyometric training (ULPT) on muscle strength, power, and serve velocity in male youth tennis players.

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled study with two ULPT groups: one receiving one session weekly (ULPT1w) and the other two sessions (ULPT2w), alongside a control group maintaining regular tennis training. The intervention lasted 8 weeks. A total of 47 male youth tennis players (15.6 ± 0.9 years), competing at the trained/developmental level, participated in the study. Evaluations were conducted twice—once before the intervention and once after—assessing isometric shoulder rotation strength (internal [ISRT] and external [ESRT]) with a dynamometer, the medicine ball chest throw (MBCT), seated shot-put test (SST), and serve velocity using a radar gun.

Results

In the post-intervention, significant differences were observed between groups for the variables of ISRT (p = 0.010; ηp2 = 0.189), ESRT (p = 0.004; ηp2 = 0.226), MBCT (p = 0.012; ηp2 = 0.181), SST (p = 0.019; ηp2 = 0.164), and tennis serve velocity (p = 0.004; ηp2 = 0.226).

Conclusion

The study found that ULPT significantly improves upper limb muscle strength, power, and serve velocity in young male tennis players, with both once and twice weekly training yielding similar benefits. As practical implications coaches can effectively incorporate ULPT once a week to enhance physical performance in young male tennis players.
Attitudes towards persons with disabilities vs. personality traits of Polish students
Authors: Radlińska Iwona , Kożybska Marta , Prajzner Arkadiusz , Krzywoszański Łukasz , Karakiewicz Beata
Published: January 2025

Objective

The study aimed to establish the relationship between attitudes towards persons with disabilities and personality traits among Polish students, and whether sociodemographic factors moderate this.

Methods

A cross-sectional self-report online survey was conducted on 595 Polish students, aged 18–29, from different fields of study: 1) natural science and engineering technology; 2) social science and humanities; 3) medical and health sciences; 4) law, economics, and management. Polish adaptations of the scales were used in the study: Multidimensional Attitudes Scale Towards Persons With Disabilities (MAS) and the Ten Item Personality Inventory (TIPI).

Results

A significant correlation was demonstrated between attitudes towards individuals with physical disabilities and a range of personality traits, including agreeableness, extroversion, conscientiousness, and openness, among Polish students. The strongest attitude predictors were openness to experience, agreeableness, and extraversion, with correlation coefficients ranging from -0.06 to -0.19, -0.14 to -0.22, and -0.09 to -0.15, respectively. As scores increased in these personality traits, attitudes towards people with disabilities became more positive. However, conscientiousness (-0.07 to -0.09) and emotional stability (-0.02 to 0.12) were poor predictors. The supplementary analyses indicate that contact with a person with a disability and socio-demographic factors, such as gender, age, place of residence, mode, and field of study, assessment of one’s health, and material conditions, did not moderate the relationships between personality dimensions and attitudes towards persons with disability.

Conclusion

Polish students’ attitudes towards individuals with physical disabilities are associated with personality traits such as agreeableness, extraversion, conscientiousness, and openness. However, the strength of these relationships is relatively weak. This relationship is not moderated by contact with a person with a disability or sociodemographic factors. It seems that undertaking educational interventions to strengthen the indicated personality traits is particularly important. The results indicate the need for further research into factors that modulate attitudes towards persons with disabilities, including a theoretical deepening of the problem and cultural aspects.
Population aging, technological innovation and industrial differentiation
Authors: Li Chunhua , Chen Zhangqing , Wu Wangchun , Gao Bin , Zou Lingfeng
Published: January 2025

As China’s aging population deepens and its pace accelerates, it is particularly crucial to rely on technological innovation to drive industrial differentiation. Is there a connection between population aging, technological innovation, and industrial differentiation? Does technological innovation have a moderating effect? Based on the panel data of 31 provinces in China from 2006 to 2022, this paper constructs the entropy index to measure the overall industrial differentiation and tertiary industrial differentiation in China, and subsequently investigates the relationship among the three using the two-way fixed effect model. The results indicate that population aging has a significant positive impact on the overall industrial differentiation in China, with a regression coefficient of 1.1025. Technological innovation plays a positive moderating role, with an interaction coefficient of 0.3489. The effects of population aging on the differentiation of the three industries differ: the regression coefficient for the primary industry is −0.6437, which is significantly negative; for the secondary industry, the regression coefficient is 0.9252, which is statistically insignificant; and for the tertiary industry, the regression coefficient is 0.1539, which is significantly positive. The government should encourage enterprises to invest in technology research and development through tax cuts and subsidies, and enterprises should absorb high-quality talents, carry out intelligent transformation of traditional industries of enterprises, and improve their competitiveness.
A scoping review of therapeutic mentoring for youth mental health
Authors: Werntz Alexandra , Rhodes Jean E. , Brockstein Hannah , Fallon Lindsay , Cook Amy
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Therapeutic mentoring, which leverages paraprofessional care, is a potential way to scale access to care to address the youth mental health crisis. This scoping review synthesizes the current state of research on self-designated therapeutic mentoring programs for youth mental health.

Method

A systematic search was conducted across four databases using the term “therapeutic mento*” and related keywords, taking a label-first approach to describe the available literature. Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed articles about research on therapeutic mentoring in the US, written in English. Data were extracted on study characteristics, intervention details, mentor background, and outcomes.

Results

Eighteen empirical articles were identified, published between 2003 and 2024. Most studies focused on at-risk youth from diverse backgrounds. Therapeutic mentoring programming varied, although most (N = 13) studies examined the Campus Connections program. Mentors were typically trained paraprofessionals or undergraduate students supervised by clinical professionals. Only two randomized controlled trials were found, both of the Campus Connections program.

Discussion

The review revealed a lack of rigorous experimental studies on therapeutic mentoring efficacy, as defined by studies that use the term therapeutic mentoring. While some studies showed promising effects, more research is needed to establish the definition of therapeutic mentoring and whether it is an acceptable and effective intervention for youth mental health.

Conclusion

A clear definition of therapeutic mentoring is needed to advance the field and facilitate systematic evaluation of its effectiveness in supporting youth mental health. Future research should prioritize developing program models that align with diverse youth's cultural values, conducting randomized controlled trials, examining program components, and developing standardized measures for assessing therapeutic mentoring outcomes.
The evolution of green spaces within institutional plots in Yeka Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Debebe Utant , Assefa Alazar
Published: January 2025

Understanding the dynamics of urban green coverage is crucial for informing urban planning and design decisions that foster sustainable cities. This study employed Google Earth imagery and Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA) to investigate the changes in urban green coverage within institutional plots in Yeka Sub-City, Addis Ababa, over a twenty-year period from 2003 to 2023. Subsequent image processing and analyses were conducted using GIS and ERDAS Imagine software. The findings revealed a gradual decline in green space coverage by 10.86 hectare, primarily attributed to the expansion of built-up areas and an increase in bare land. These changes suggest that the trend is driven by institutions constructing new facilities and optimizing land use within their compounds. The moderate positive spatial autocorrelation (Moran’s I value of 0.60) indicated that changes in green space were not randomly distributed but tended to cluster in specific areas. This study emphasizes the importance of preserving and enhancing existing green spaces within institutional compounds to promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability. By integrating green space preservation into urban planning and institutional land management practices, policymakers can ensure balanced urban development that aligns with environmental sustainability goals.
Evaluating handgrip strength and functional tests as indicators of gait speed in older females
Authors: Muollo Valentina , D’Emanuele Samuel , Ghiotto Laura , Rudi Doriana , Schena Federico , Tarperi Cantor
Published: January 2025

Introduction

With aging, females often experience greater declines in functional capacity [e.g., gait speed (GS)] compared to males, highlighting the need for sex-difference considered in screening and intervention planning. In certain contexts, assessing GS may not be feasible. Handgrip strength (HGS) commonly used as a surrogate measure for physical performance, also serves as an indirect indicator of muscle strength in the lower limbs. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the associations between HGS and common functional tests and to determine the optimal cut-off values for these tests in assessing GS.

Methods

142 community-dwelling older females aged 60–80 years old (mean age: 75 ± 6 years) were evaluated with HGS, the 30-second arm curl (30 s-AC), 30-second chair stand (30 s-CS), the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and the 8-foot Up & Go (8-UG) test. Pearson's correlation (r) was used to assess the strength of associations between HGS and functional variables, while multiple linear regression models identified determinants of GS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to evaluate the effectiveness of various tests in detecting slow GS (<1.0 m/s), by means of the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity.

Results

HGS showed positive significant (p < 0.001) associations with 30 s-AC (r = 0.499), SPPB (r = 0.447), and 30 s-CS (r = 0.329). Standardised coefficients of the linear models were: 30 s-AC (β=0.593), 30 s-CS (β=0.513), 5-CS (β=−0.431), and HGS (β=0.475) (all p < 0.001). ROC analysis revealed the following results: 30 s-AC (AUC = 0.80, cut-off=∼16 repetitions, sensitivity 83%, specificity 36%), 30 s-CS (AUC = 0.74; cut-off=∼13 repetitions, sensitivity 78%, specificity 64%), and 5-CS (AUC = 0.75, cut-off = 10.0 s, sensitivity 81%, specificity 57%), HGS (AUC = 0.73, cut-off=∼20 kg, sensitivity 79%, specificity 46%).

Discussion

We found that HGS was moderately-to-weakly associated with functional outcomes in older females, indicating that it may not reflect the overall body functional capacity. Despite similar AUCs across all tests, the 30 s-CS and 5-CS showed a better balance of sensitivity and specificity, making them potential indicators of slow GS compared to HGS and 30 s-AC.
Evaluating the impact of an after-school program on overhand throwing and perceived motor competence among students from low socio-economic backgrounds in the U.S.
Authors: Albaloul Omar , Nam Kahyun , Kulinna Pamela Hodges , Acri Conner
Published: January 2025

The study examined the effect of a 5-week Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) on overhand throw skills and perceived motor competence in students from low socio-economic backgrounds. Participants were children recruited from a Title 1 school in the Southwest U.S. Students were assigned to either CSPAP condition (n = 60, 26 boys, 34 girls; Mgrade = 4.27, SD = .43) or a control condition (n = 20, 7 boys, 13 girls; Mgrade = 4.00, SD = .35). Overhand throwing and perceived motor competence were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the Test of Gross Motor Development—2nd Edition and Perceived Motor Competence for Children (PMC-C). The Analysis of Covariance test showed that students who participated in the CSPAP performed statistically significant improvements in the overhand throw compared to control students in the post-test p < .001, with a moderate effect size. However, there was no significant difference in the PMC-C score after the 5-week intervention between the CSPAP students and control students. CSPAP can improve overhand throwing in students from low-income families, but new strategies are needed to enhance perceived motor competence in after-school contexts.
Reducing trailing limb collisions in older adults through targeted leading limb placement after obstacle crossing: effect of closer foot placement
Authors: Hakamata Tomoki , Higuchi Takahiro
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Older adults experience a higher frequency of collisions with obstacles when stepping over obstacles, particularly with the trailing limb. We recently demonstrated that placing the leading limb closer to an obstacle after crossing effectively increases the toe height of the trailing limb, resulting in reduced collision. This study investigated whether the intervention of placing the leading limb closer to the obstacle is effective in reducing trailing limb collisions in healthy older adults.

Methods

Twenty-one older individuals (11 males, 10 females; mean age 75.7 years) participated. Participants were allocated to one of two groups: a closer placement group, instructed to place the leading limb on a square target positioned on their walking path after crossing an obstacle, and a control group, instructed to cross the obstacle naturally. The target in the closer group was set at 0.5 times the leading limb's foot placement distance, as determined in a pre-test for each participant. The experimental design included a pre-test, intervention, and post-test.

Results and discussion

The collision rate for the trailing limb in the closer group was significantly lower in the post-test than that in the pre-test. Furthermore, the variability in toe height and walking speed of the trailing limb in the closer group decreased significantly in the post-test compared to the pre-test. These findings suggest that the intervention of placing the leading limb foot closer to the obstacle after crossing may improve obstacle avoidance by the trailing limb in healthy older adults.
Blood biochemistry changes in a minipig infarction model
Authors: Kőrösi Dénes , Göcző Ágoston , Varga Noémi , Garamvölgyi Rita , Balogh Nándor , Farkas Kornélia , Vorobcsuk András
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The present study aimed to assess changes in biochemical parameters during the adaptation of the myocardial infarction model to a conventional Hungarian minipig breed. According to our hypothesis, changes in the blood level of the necroenzymes are not only related to the interventional procedure but are also influenced by peri-procedural animal keeping and treatment conditions.

Methods

Closed chest acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was induced by balloon occlusion for 90 min in the left anterior descendent coronary artery (LAD) in 24 adult, female Pannon minipigs followed by reperfusion. Blood samples were taken before AMI, and immediately after the reperfusion, during the cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) on days 3 and 30. Aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and high-sensitivity troponin I were determined.

Results

While the parameters measured at baseline remained within physiological ranges, a notable elevation was seen in comparison with the results observed on day 30. This phenomenon was evident in all the laboratory parameters tested, except hs-troponin. The results for AST, ALT, LDH, and CK were statistically significant (p = 0.011, p = 0.001, p = 0.013, and p = 0.001, respectively). A statistically significant difference was observed between the baseline and 30-day AST/ALT ratio (p = 0.00514).

Discussion

The elevated levels of necroenzymes observed at baseline are likely to be a consequence of the physical and social stress imposed by the study design on the minipigs during the 72-h period prior to intervention. It is essential to define the optimal timing of baseline blood tests to ensure the reliability of the biochemical profile in a large animal infarction model.