bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative circulation predict prolonged length of stay after head and neck free flap reconstruction: a retrospective study based on machine learning
Authors: Liu Zhongqi , Wen Jinbei , Chen Yingzhen , Zhou Bin , Cao Minghui , Guo Mingyan
Published: January 2025

Background

Head and neck free flap reconstruction presents challenges in managing intraoperative circulation, potentially leading to prolonged length of stay (PLOS). Limited research exists on the associations between intraoperative circulation and PLOS given the difficulty of manual quantification of intraoperative circulation time-series data. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify intraoperative circulation data and investigate its association with PLOS after free flap reconstruction utilizing machine learning algorithms.

Methods

804 patients who underwent head and neck free flap reconstruction between September 2019 and February 2021 were included. Machine learning tools (Fourier transform, et al.) were utilized to extract features to quantify intraoperative circulation data. To compare the accuracy of quantified intraoperative circulation and manual intraoperative circulation assessments in the PLOS prediction, predictive models based on these 2 assessment methods were developed and validated.

Results

Intraoperative circulation was quantified and a total of 114 features were extracted from intraoperative circulation data. Quantified intraoperative circulation models with a real-time predictive manner were constructed. A higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was observed in quantified intraoperative circulation data models (0.801 [95% CI, 0.733–0.869]) compared to manual intraoperative circulation assessment models (0.719 [95% CI, 0.641–0.797]) in PLOS prediction.

Conclusion

Machine learning algorithms facilitated quantification of intraoperative circulation data. The developed real-time quantified intraoperative circulation prediction models based on this quantification offer a potential strategy to optimize intraoperative circulation management and mitigate PLOS following head and neck free flap reconstruction.
EIF4A3-induced circ_0022382 promotes breast cancer cell progression through the let-7a-5p/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and SLC7A11 axis
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhang Jun , Zhang Jiawen , Ye Yu , Zhu Jianqin , Yu Qiwen , Li Tao , Sun Xiaochun , Chen Huabiao
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women and poses a serious threat to women's health. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been found to be specifically expressed in cancers and regulate the growth and death of tumor cells. The role of circRNAs in breast cancer remain unknown. In this study, we explored the impacts of circRNAs on the progression of breast cancer cells.

Methods

Using bioinformatics analysis, we screened out one up-regulated circRNA in breast cancer, and its function and regulatory mechanisms were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR, cell counting kit-8 experiment, migration assay, dual luciferase reporter assay, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis, cell immunofluorescence, clone formation assay, scratch wound healing experiment, RNA immunoprecipitation and subcutaneous tumor-bearing experiments.

Results

Circ_0022382 was highly expressed in breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231, MCF-7 as well as breast cancer tissues, and promoted the proliferative and migratory capacity of breast cancer cells. In terms of regulatory mechanisms, circ_0022382 activated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and SLC7A11 by sponging let-7a-5p, while knockdown of circ_0022382 contributed to the occurrence of disulfidptosis. In addition, EIF4A3 promoted the expression of circ_0022382 in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. Consistently, knockdown of circ_0022382 inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells in vivo.

Discussion

Circ_0022382 and its related molecules may be effective targets for diagnosis or targeted therapy of breast cancer.
Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma coexisting with tuberculosis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Huang Zhi-Hao , Zhu Yu-Fei , Zeng Yun-Yun , Huang Hui-Yi , Liu Jia-Qi , Cen Wen-Chang , Su Shan
Published: January 2025

Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is a rare non-small-cell lung cancer with sarcomatous components or sarcomatoid differentiation, high degree of malignancy, and insensitivity to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The management of PSC coexisting with tuberculosis (TB) poses a greater challenge, as it necessitates concurrent administration of both anti-TB and anti-neoplastic therapies. The efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer is promising, but its safety in patients with co-existent TB remains uncertain. Here, we describe a case of advanced PSC coexisting with TB, which experienced progression-free survival (PFS) of over 36 months after receiving anti-TB and anti-neoplastic therapy composed of chemotherapy, vascular targeting therapy, and PD-1 inhibitors simultaneously. The patient is still being followed up with a satisfactory quality of life. This paper is focused on the characteristics and treatment of PSC and discuss the clinical strategies of lung cancer coexisting with TB.
Efficacy and safety of the combination of anlotinib and envafolimab in the treatment of unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma: findings from a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Liu Hongliang , Hao Qisheng , Wang Xi , Cheng Mengxing , Qiu Fabo , Zhou Bin
Published: January 2025

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of anlotinib combined with envafolimab in the treatment of unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma.

Methods

This single-center, retrospective study enrolled 15 patients with unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma, who were treated at the Retroperitoneal Tumor Surgery Research Center of Qingdao University Affiliated Hospital between April 2022 and November 2023. The treatment regimen consisted of anlotinib combined with envafolimab. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were assessed using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0.

Results

A total of 15 patients with unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma were included; among them, seven were male (46.7%) and eight were female (53.3%), with a median age of 55 years. The pathological subtype distribution was as follows: three (20.0%) patients with well-differentiated liposarcoma, 11 (73.3%) patients with dedifferentiated liposarcoma, and one (6.7%) patient with myxoid liposarcoma. At 12 weeks post-diagnosis, none of the patients achieved a complete response. The objective response rate was 6.7%, with one patient (6.7%) achieving a partial response. Disease stability was observed in 10 (66.6%) patients, which corresponded to a disease control rate of 73.3%. Disease progression occurred in four (26.7%) patients. The median follow-up time was 16.9 months and the median progression-free survival time was 14.2 months. Seven patients experienced TRAEs, of whom three (42.2%) had grade 3–4 TRAEs. The most common TRAEs were liver function abnormalities, hypertension, and fatigue.

Conclusion

Anlotinib combined with envafolimab demonstrates promising efficacy and manageable safety in treating unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma.
Cardiovascular complications in chronic active Epstein–Barr virus disease: a case report and literature review
Authors: Feng Zhiyuan , Duan Hongyu , Wang Lin , Yu Huan , Zhou Kaiyu , Hua Yimin , Wang Chuan , Liu Xiaoliang
Published: January 2025

Background

Cardiovascular involvement is a rare but severe complication of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infections. Patients with chronic active EBV (CAEBV) are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications and have a poor prognosis. Here, we report the rare case of a pediatric patient with CAEBV and EBV- hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) complicated with a giant coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) and thrombosis, a giant Valsalva sinus aneurysm, and ascending aorta dilation seven years after the disease onset.

Case presentation

A previously healthy 3-year-old girl was initially misdiagnosed as presenting incomplete Kawasaki disease complicated by coronary artery lesions (CALs) for which she received intravenous immunoglobulin and aspirin therapy. Subsequently, she was transferred to our hospital, where we diagnosed her as having a primary EBV infection. After acyclovir therapy, her clinical symptoms resolved with negative EBV-DNA, and she was discharged home with aspirin treatment for the remaining CALs. However, she did not have regular follow-ups after that. Seven years later, the 10-year-old girl developed a prolonged fever and fatigue, and she was diagnosed as presenting CAEBV and EBV-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH) due to the presence of a high EBV-DNA load, prolonged fever, splenomegaly, bicytopenia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypofibrinogenemia, hemophagocytosis, low NK-cell activity, and increased levels of ferritin and soluble CD25. The echocardiography images showed giant left and right coronary artery aneurysms, a giant Valsalva sinus aneurysm, and ascending aorta dilation. Her parents agreed to a therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin, methylprednisolone, antiplatelet, and anticoagulant, but not to the standard therapy of EBV-HLH. However, the cardiovascular complications, including CAAs and thrombosis, Valsalva sinus aneurysm, and aorta lesions, did not resolve. Three weeks later, the patient was finally discharged home asymptomatic. Unfortunately, one month after discharge, the fever recurred the girl. The guardian had refused treatment and took the patient home due to economic difficulties. During our subsequent follow-up visit, the girl subsequently passed away.

Conclusions

We reported the case of a pediatric patient with EBV infection who developed rare and fatal cardiovascular complications (CAAs and thrombosis, Valsalva sinus aneurysm, and aortic lesions) seven years after the onset of the infection. Clinicians should be aware of these complications during the long-term follow-up of patients with EBV infection, especially in patients with CAEBV and/or EBV-HLH.
Assessment of right ventricular endocardial fibroelastosis in fetuses with critical pulmonary stenosis and pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum
Authors: Wang Yue , Luo Gang , Sun Yi , Chen Taotao , Pan Silin
Published: January 2025

Background

This study aimed to assess right ventricular (RV) endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE) in fetuses with critical pulmonary stenosis (CPS) and pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) and to investigate the implications of RV EFE for circulatory outcomes.

Methods

Fetal echocardiographic data from July 2018 to January 2021 were collected. Three reviewers independently graded EFE based on the presence and extent of endocardial echogenicity. Since this is a novel study on grading RV EFE, intra- and interobserver comparisons were performed. The associations among EFE severity, anatomic variables, and late-gestational circulatory outcomes were analysed.

Results

Eighty-one patients with RV EFE were identified. By consensus, EFE severity was assessed as Grade 1 (n = 66, 81.5%) or Grade 2 (n = 15, 18.5%). At the first consultation, RV sphericity values were greater in Grade 2 EFE fetuses than in Grade 1 EFE fetuses, implying more severe noncompliance and worse diastolic function. From the first consultation to late gestation, significant differences were observed in the changes in the tricuspid/mitral valve (TV/MV) annulus diameter (P = 0.042) and TV z-score (P = 0.001) between the Grade 1 and Grade 2 RV EFE groups. Among the ten patients who underwent fetal cardiac intervention (FCI), the restoration of the TV z-score was more significant in Grade 2 RV EFE fetuses than in Grade 1 EFE fetuses. Among Grade 2 EFE cases, fetuses who underwent FCI exhibited greater changes in the right/left ventricular (RV/LV) long-axis dimension, TV/MV, and RV sphericity compared to non-FCI fetuses, indicating that FCI benefited Grade 2 EFE fetuses by restoring the development of ventricular structure.

Conclusions

This study graded RV EFE in fetuses with CPS/PA-IVS, shedding light on its implications for circulatory outcomes. FCI offered benefits in Grade 2 RV EFE patients, suggesting its potential to preserve cardiac development in affected fetuses with CPS/PA-IVS.
Amphotericin B tissue penetration and pharmacokinetics in healthy and Candida albicans-infected rats: insights from microdialysis and population modeling
Authors: Santos Valdeene Vieira , Pereira Laiz Campos , de Araújo Jackeline Marley Santos , Borges Matheus Antônio da Hora , Brandão Carolina Magalhães , Santos Luisa Oliveira , Villarreal Cristiane Flora , Azeredo Francine Johansson
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This study evaluated the relationship between total plasma and free kidney concentrations of amphotericin B (AmB) in healthy and C. albicans-infected Wistar rats using microdialysis and has the potential to significantly impact future research in this field and promote the development of antifungal drugs. The findings of this study, which show that plasma levels are a good predictor for AmB kidney concentrations and can be used to optimize its dosing regimen, underscore the importance of this research.

Methods

Microdialysis probe recovery rates were determined by dialysis and retrodialysis in vitro, as well as by retrodialysis in vivo. The intravenous (i.v.) administration of 2.5 × 106 CFU/mL of C. albicans ATCC induced the infection. A 2.5 mg/kg i.v. bolus was used in healthy and C. albicans-infected rats (n = 6/group). Plasma and microdialysate samples were analyzed using HPLC-diode-array detection. AmB tissue penetration was analyzed using the ratio between the total plasma and kidney concentrations and population pharmacokinetics (PopPK) to assess the impact of the infection on the pharmacokinetic parameters. The chosen flow rate was set to 1.5 μL/min, and there was no statistical difference between the relative recovery values when changing AmB concentrations.

Results and Discussion

The in vivo relative recovery was determined to be 10.9% ± 3.7%. The antifungal tissue penetration was 0.77 and 0.71 for the healthy and infected animals, respectively. The structural PK model with two compartments and linear elimination describes the concentration versus time profile of AmB simultaneously in the plasma and tissue. Infection by C. albicans does not interfere with AmB kidney penetration. AmB protein binding is demonstrated to be nonlinear and dependent on the AmB concentration in the plasma of healthy and infected animals.
Study on the performance of pervious concrete under freeze–thaw cycle based on PFC3D
Authors: Xiao Qidan , Gao Bo , Deng Hui , Zhao Jun
Published: January 2025

Pervious concrete exhibits different freeze–thaw performance compared to conventional concrete owing to its unique porous structure. Therefore, studying its mechanical and durability properties under freeze–thaw conditions has become a pressing issue. A numerical model of pervious concrete was created using the discrete element method based on actual aggregates to evaluate the impact of freeze–thaw cycles (FTCs) on the mechanical properties of pervious concrete. Pore water in the microstructure of pervious concrete was defined using PFC3D software through simulation of the freezing and expansion processes of the pore water, while applying freeze–thaw loading. This study employs the parallel bond model in PFC3D software to account for adhesion between the material particles. The linear ontological relationship of the parallel bond model was modified to a linear curvilinear relationship. The FTCs resulted in strength loss reductions of 0.62%, 2.17%, 4.06%, and 5.87% for corresponding mass losses of 0.66%, 0.89%, 1.21%, and 6.66% compared to the control. The models were monitored for fracture location and uniaxial compressive damage using PFC3D software, and the attenuation constant of the freeze–thaw resistance of pervious concrete was examined with respect to varying porosity and initial uniaxial compressive strength (UCS). The results indicate that the decay constant increases with increasing porosity and modulus of elasticity while decreasing with increasing values of the initial UCS.
Simultaneous observations of MHD hot flow anomaly and kinetic foreshock bubble and their impacts
Authors: Lu Xi , Liu Terry , Chen Xingran , Otto Antonius , Zhang Hui
Published: January 2025

Hot flow anomalies (HFAs) and foreshock bubbles (FBs) are two types of transient phenomena characterized by flow deflected and hot cores bounded by one or two compressional boundaries in the foreshock. Using conjunction observations by the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) mission, we present an MHD HFA with a core filled with magnetosheath material around the bow shock and a typical kinetic FB associated with foreshock ions upstream of the bow shock, occurring simultaneously under the same solar wind/interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions. The displacements of the bow shock moving back and forth along the sun-earth line are observed. Electron energy shows enhancements from ∼50 keV in the FB to ∼100 keV in the HFA core, suggesting additional acceleration process across the bow shock within the transient structure. The magnetosheath response of an HFA core-like structure with particle heating and electron acceleration is observed by the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission. Ultralow frequency waves in the magnetosphere modulating cold ion energy are identified by THEMIS, driven by these transient structures. Our study improves our understanding of foreshock transients and suggests that single spacecraft observations are insufficient to reveal the whole picture of foreshock transients, leading to an underestimation of their impacts (e.g., particle acceleration energy and spatial scale of disturbances).
Chaotic and fractal maps in higher-order derivative dynamical systems
Authors: El-Nabulsi Rami Ahmad , Anukool Waranont
Published: January 2025

Hamiltonian maps are considered a class of dynamical systems that hold meticulous properties used to model a large number of complex dynamical systems. When time flows in dynamical systems with two-dimensional degrees of freedom, the trajectories in phase space can be analyzed within bidimensional surfaces known as Poincaré sections. The Chirikov–Taylor standard map for two canonical dynamical variables (momentum and coordinate) is the most renewed map characterized by a family of area-preserving maps with a single parameter that controls the degree of chaos. In this study, a generalization of the standard map for two different problems is presented and discussed. The first problem deals with the higher-order derivative Hamiltonian system (up to the fourth order) since the fourth-order characteristic provides the possibility of chaotic behavior at all scales including nanoscales where high-order derivatives take place in nanosystems. The second problem concerns the time-dependent δ-kicked rotor in fractal dimensions characterized by a time-dependent potential due to its important implications in quantum chaos. This study shows that higher-order derivative maps and fractal dimensional δ-kicked rotor maps apparently exhibit a large number of chaotic orbits and fractal patterns, including the spiral fractal patterns comparable to the Julia set. Moreover, these problems are characterized by additional parameters which can be used to control chaos. Some of these parameters lead to chaos, and others lead to fractal patterns.
Stellate ganglion blockade under ultrasound-guidance and the physiological responses in the rat
Authors: Tran Robert M. N. , Malik Shaista , Reist Christopher , Oh Chad K. , Abdul-Musawir Najeebah , Tjen-A-Looi Stephanie C. , Fu Liang-Wu , Baird Theodore J. , Nguyen Anh T. , Gong Yiwei D. , Guo Zhi-Ling
Published: January 2025

Stellate ganglion blockade (SGB) is a practical approach to managing many clinical disorders. Ultrasound-guided SGB is currently adopted as a more effective and safer method in humans. Developing this technique in rats would facilitate further study of SGB application. The present study examined physiological responses following ultrasound-guided SGB in Sprague-Dawley rats. Under general anesthesia, lidocaine containing Chicago blue dye (1.0%–1.5% in 40–60 µL) was injected into the unilateral stellate ganglion (SG). Ptosis was observed on the ipsilateral right (n = 8) or left (n = 7) side of lidocaine administration. No ptosis was noted in any controls by 0.9% normal saline injection into the right (n = 6) or left (n = 6) SG. Heart rate (HR) was significantly decreased after administration of lidocaine (344 ± 32 to 289 ± 47 bpm; p = 0.015, pre-vs. after-injection), but not after normal saline, into the right SG. HR was unaltered after injecting lidocaine or normal saline into the left SG. Heart rate variability analysis showed that SGB with lidocaine on the right or left side caused a decrease in the ratio of the power of low-frequency over high-frequency. Respiratory rate, body temperature, and general conditions were unchanged in all rats, regardless of left or right SGB. Chicago blue dye was confirmed to be distributed in the SG region. No bleeding or tissue damage was evident in the injected SG area. Our findings suggest that ultrasound-guided unilateral SGB effectively inhibits cervicothoracic sympathetic nerves in rats and enhances heart rate variability, and sympathetic nerves controlling HR are likely predominantly associated with the right SG in the rat.
Short-time cycling performance in young elite cyclists: related to maximal aerobic power and not to maximal accumulated oxygen deficit
Authors: Støa Eva Maria , Rønnestad Bent , Helgerud Jan , Johansen Jan-Michael , Andersen Ingvild Tronstad , Rogneflåten Torkil , Sørensen Anders , Støren Øyvind
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To explore the relationships between performance variables and physiological variables in a short-time (2–3 min) cycling time trial (TT) on a cycle ergometer.

Methods

Fifteen young elite cyclists (age: 17.3 ± 0.7 years, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max): 76.6 ± 5.2 mL⋅kg−1⋅min−1) participated in this study. Maximal aerobic power (MAP), maximal anaerobic power (MANP), time to exhaustion at 130% of maximal aerobic power (TTE), maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) in the TT, anaerobic power reserve (APR) and lactate threshold (LT) was tested. MAP was calculated as VO2max/oxygen cost of cycling (CC), MANP was determined as mean power output (W) during a 10 s maximal cycling sprint test, and MAOD was calculated as (VO2 demand - VO2 measured) ∙ time. APR was calculated as the relative difference between MAP and MANP.

Results

There was a strong correlation between MAP and TT time (r = −0.91, p < 0.01) with a standard error of estimate (SEE) of 4.4%, and a moderate association between MANP and TT time (r = −0.47, p = 0.04). Neither MAOD, TTE, LT nor APR correlated with TT.

Conclusion

MAP was highly correlated with TT with a SEE of 4.4%. Since neither TTE nor MAOD correlated with TT, this indicates that these two variables do not play a significant role in differentiating short-time endurance cycling performance. We suggest training for improving MAP and, or MANP to improve short-time endurance cycling performance.
Halotolerant bacterial endophyte Bacillus velezensis CBE mediates abiotic stress tolerance with minimal transcriptional modifications in Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Abd El-Daim Islam A. , Raynes Gareth , Fernandez-Fuentes Narcis , Hawkins Sarah , Cookson Alan , Farrar Kerrie
Published: January 2025

Nitrogen and water are the primary resources limiting agricultural production worldwide. We have demonstrated the ability of a novel halotolerant bacterial endophyte, Bacillus velezensis CBE, to induce osmotic stress tolerance in Brachypodium distachyon under nitrogen-deprived conditions. Additionally, we aimed to identify the molecular factors in plants that contribute to the beneficial effects induced by B. velezensis CBE in B. distachyon. To achieve this, we conducted transcriptomic profiling using RNA-seq on 18-day-old B. distachyon seedlings treated with B. velezensis CBE in the presence or absence of available nitrogen, with and without osmotic stress. These profiles were then compared to those obtained from B. distachyon treated with known plant growth-promoting bacterial strains, Azospirillum brasilense Cd and Azoarcus olearius DQS4, under the same growth conditions. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to the combinations of bacterial strains and stress treatments. Interestingly, only 73 transcripts showed significant differential expression in B. velezensis CBE-treated plants under stress conditions, compared to 1,078 DEGs in plants treated with A. brasilense Cd and 2,015 DEGs in A. olearius DQS4. Our findings suggest that the novel endophyte B. velezensis CBE mediates osmotic stress tolerance in B. distachyon through the fine-tuning of molecular mechanisms with minimal transcriptional modifications.
Fruit quality evaluation of different mulberry varieties
Authors: Tian Jie , Wen Haichao , Liu Bingxiang , Tian Xinyuan , Wu Yibo , Yang Jingyan , Zhang Bingying , Li Hongjiao
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The quality of fruits has long been a key focus for breeders, and the development of scientifically sound and reasonable methods for evaluating fruit quality is of great significance in selecting superior cultivars. The mulberry tree, as a plant resource that serves both medicinal and dietary purposes, contains rich nutritional components and various bioactive compounds. These include properties such as immune enhancement, lipid-lowering effects, and anti-tumor activities.

Methods

Therefore, to select mulberry varieties with superior quality and adapt to the diversification trends in mulberry development, this study uses 21 mulberry varieties to analyze and compare differences in fruit appearance quality, nutritional quality, functional components, and antioxidant capacity. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to identify core evaluation indices, and the Entropy Weight Method was used to assign weights based on these core quality indices. Subsequently, Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) was used for a comprehensive evaluation of the fruit quality of the 21 mulberry varieties.

Results

The results indicate that, in terms of appearance quality, varieties such as ‘Ri Ben Guo Sang’, ‘Hong Guo 1’, ‘Lv Shen Zi’, ‘He Lan Sang’, and ‘Ju Shen’ stand out overall. In terms of nutritional quality, ‘Tang 10’ has relatively higher levels of free amino acids and soluble proteins, but its solid-acid ratio is the lowest, which affects the taste of the fruit. Overall, varieties such as ‘Jiang Mi Guo Sang’, ‘Bai Shen 2’, ‘Ji Gui Hua’, ‘Xiao Bai E’, ‘Da Bai E’, and ‘Da Yi Bai’ stand out in terms of comprehensive quality. Regarding functional components, the four varieties—’Lv Shen Zi’, ‘Hei Zhen Zhu’, ‘He Lan Sang’, and ‘Da 10’—are prominent across all indicators. In terms of antioxidant capacity, ‘Jiang Mi Guo Sang’, ‘Hong Guo 1’, ‘Xiao Bai E’, ‘Da Bai E’, and ‘Da Yi Bai’ rank relatively high, which largely overlaps with the varieties selected for their nutritional quality. Regarding fruit enzyme activity, ‘Ri Ben Guo Sang’, ‘Hong Guo 1’, ‘Lv Shen Zi 1’, ‘Lv Shen Zi 2’, ‘He Lan Sang’, and ‘Da 10’ show high enzyme activities. Finally, based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the fruit’s appearance quality, nutritional quality, functional components, and antioxidant capacity were categorized into seven principal components, covering 12 indicators, with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 88.424%. The Entropy Weight Method was used to assign weights to these 12 indicators, and the final correlation degree was calculated using Grey Relational Analysis (GRA), with a range from 0.406 to 0.817.

Conclusion

This study suggests that varieties such as ‘Da 10’, ‘Feng Guo Sang’, ‘He Lan Sang’, ‘Lv Shen Zi’, and ‘Ri Ben Guo Sang’ exhibit superior overall fruit quality and rich nutritional value, providing a theoretical basis for the selection, development, and utilization of future mulberry fruit varieties.
Partner phubbing and relational aggression in romantic relationships among young adults in China: the roles of social support and gender
Authors: Ying Liang , Ren Lvzhou , Wang Xin , He Jiankang , Yang Xue , Zhang Guohua
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Phubbing may have significant interpersonal consequences. This study examines the association between partner phubbing and relational aggression, the mediation effect of social support, and the moderation effect of gender among young Chinese adults.

Method

A total of 772 young adults currently in a romantic relationship participated in an online survey that assessed their partner phubbing, relational aggression, and social support (i.e., ideal support, actual support, and discrepancy between ideal and actual support).

Results

The results show that partner phubbing was positively and significantly correlated with relational aggression for males and females, respectively. Actual support and support discrepancy partially mediated the relationship between partner phubbing and relational aggression among all participants. Regarding gender difference, actual support and support discrepancy partially mediated the relationship between partner phubbing and relational aggression in females but were not significant mediators for males.

Discussion

These findings suggest that partner phubbing had a significant effect on relational aggression in romantic relationships for both male and female participants. Social support may play a significant role between partner phubbing and relational aggression in females only. Tailored interventions for partner phubbing to prevent negative interpersonal consequences are warranted.
The influence of expectations on shame, rumination and cognitive flexibility: an experimental investigation on affect-regulatory characteristics of deceptive placebos
Authors: Schäfer Leonora Nina , Rief Winfried
Published: January 2025

Background

Several studies identified affect-regulatory qualities of deceptive placebos within negative and positive affect. However, which specific characteristics of an affect-regulatory framing impacts the placebo effect has not yet been subject to empirical investigations. In particular, it is unclear whether placebo- induced expectations of direct emotion inhibition or emotion regulation after emotion induction elicit stronger effects in affect regulation.

Purpose

The aim of the study was to identify whether specifically framed expectations on the occurrence (antecedent-focused) vs. regulation capability (response-modulating) of affect, induced with an active placebo nasal-spray, have effects on affect-regulatory processes. Because personality traits have been suspected to influence placebo responses and affect regulation, an additional goal of the study was to examine modulating influences of shame proneness, level of depression, experiential avoidance, and emotional control.

Methods

Healthy volunteers (n = 121) were randomized to either a deceptive placebo condition (antecedent-focused vs. response-modulating instruction) or a no-treatment control group before shame was experimentally induced via autobiographical recall. Groups were compared on outcomes of state shame, rumination, and cognitive flexibility.

Results

Both antecedent-focused and response-modulating placebo framings influenced changes in state shame (b = 3.08, 95% CI = [0.80–5.92], p = 0.044), rumination (b = 4.80, 95% CI = [1.50–8.09], p ≤ 0.001) and cognitive flexibility outcomes (b = −3.63, 95% CI = [−6.75 – −0.51], p = 0.011) after shame-induction interventions. Only the antecedent-focused placebo response was modulated by personality traits. Experiential avoidance modulated shame experience (F(2,115) = 3.470, p = 0.031) whereas emotional control influenced the reports of state rumination (F(2,115) = 4.588, p = 0.012). No modulatory influences of levels of depression and shame proneness could be observed (ps > 0.05).

Conclusion

The results suggest that shame, rumination and cognitive flexibility can be positively influenced by placebo treatment in healthy subjects. Personality traits of emotional control and experiential avoidance influenced the placebo response of the antecedent-focused treatment rationale on outcomes individually.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05372744.
Can role model women in politics help married women reduce suicides? Evidence from a quasi-experimental study in Brazil
Authors: Arvate Gabriela Gerote , Arvate Paulo , Massuda Adriano , Massuda Raffael , Atun Rifat
Published: January 2025

Background

The medical literature has demonstrated that macro-variables and social factors can influence suicide rates. Additionally, social science literature has shown that women in prominent political positions (such as mayors) can influence the behavior of other women. The purpose of our work is to demonstrate that women in such positions reduce suicide rates within a group affected by gender inequality: married women.

Methodology

We use regression discontinuity methodology and quasi-experimental electoral designs (elections with a margin of victory very close to zero) to ensure causal inference between the election of women and suicide rates among married women.

Principal findings

Municipalities that elected women as mayors have 1.33 fewer suicides among married women per 100,000 inhabitants compared to those that elected men as mayors.

Conclusion

These results offer new insights into how empowered women can challenge social norms and improve public health outcomes.
Artificial intelligence-based framework for early detection of heart disease using enhanced multilayer perceptron
Authors: Abdullah Monir
Published: January 2025

Cardiac disease refers to diseases that affect the heart such as coronary artery diseases, arrhythmia and heart defects and is amongst the most difficult health conditions known to humanity. According to the WHO, heart disease is the foremost cause of mortality worldwide, causing an estimated 17.8 million deaths every year it consumes a significant amount of time as well as effort to figure out what is causing this, especially for medical specialists and doctors. Manual methods for detecting cardiac disease are biased and subject to medical specialist variance. In this aspect, machine learning algorithms have proved to be effective and dependable alternatives for detecting and classifying patients who are affected by heart disease. Precise and prompt detection of human heart disease can assist in avoiding heart failure within the initial stages and enhance patient survival. This study proposed a novel Enhanced Multilayer Perceptron (EMLP) framework complemented by data refinement techniques to enhance predictive accuracy. The classification model asses using the CDC cardiac disease dataset and achieved 92% accuracy by surpassing all the traditional methods. The proposed framework demonstrates significant potential for the early detection and prediction of cardiac-related diseases. Experimental results indicate that the Enhanced Multilayer Perceptron (EMLP) model outperformed the other algorithms in terms of accuracy, precision, F1-score, and recall, underscoring its efficacy in cardiac disease detection.
Advanced robotics for automated EV battery testing using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Rastegarpanah Alireza , Contreras Cesar Alan , Ahmeid Mohamed , Asif Mohammed Eesa , Villagrossi Enrico , Stolkin Rustam
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) has highlighted the need for efficient diagnostic methods to assess the state of health (SoH) of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) at the end of their life cycle. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) offers a non-invasive technique for determining battery degradation. However, automating this process in industrial settings remains a challenge.

Methods

This study proposes a robotic framework for automating EIS testing using a KUKA KR20 robot arm mounted on a 5 m rail track, equipped with a force/torque sensor and a custom-designed End-of-Arm Potentiostat (EOAT). The system operates in a shared-control mode, enabling the robot to function both autonomously and semi-autonomously, with the option for human intervention to assume control as needed. An admittance controller ensures stable connections, with forces optimized for accuracy and safety. The EOAT’s mechanical strength was validated through finite element analysis.

Results

Experimental validation demonstrated the effectiveness of the developed robotized framework in identifying varying levels of battery degradation. Internal resistance measurements reached up to 1.5 mΩ in the most degraded cells, correlating with significant capacity reductions. The robotic setup achieved consistent and reliable EIS testing across multiple LIB modules.

Discussion

This automated robotic framework enhances battery diagnostics by improving testing accuracy, reducing human intervention, and minimizing safety risks. The proposed approach shows promise for scaling EIS testing in industrial environments, contributing to efficient EV battery reuse and recycling processes.
Uncontrolled urban vegetable farming poses public health risks in Ethiopia
Authors: Addis Taffere , Ketema Sisay , Melaku Abayneh
Published: January 2025

Urban agriculture is increasingly recognized as a vital part of food security initiatives in cities worldwide, including Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We studied trace metal levels in sediment, soil and irrigated vegetables from farms located along the Akaki River in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, and evaluated the associated public health risks. A total of 24 sediment and 36 soil samples, and edible parts of most widely cultivated vegetables were collected and analyzed for trace metals content using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). In sediment samples, the contents of As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were above the threshold effect level. Soil levels of As, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Zn levels exceeded typical values of world soils. Besides, Ni soil content at one farming site exceeded the limits set by the European Economic Community (EEC) for agricultural soils. Strikingly, the levels of As, Pb, and Zn in few vegetable samples were above the allowable limits of the World Health Organization (WHO) despite the fact that the levels of these metals in the soil samples were within the acceptable ranges for agricultural soils. Therefore, the allowable concentrations of trace elements in agricultural soils may need to be more stringent. Cadmium, a known cause for kidney, bone, and lung diseases including cancer, was the most accumulated in vegetables. Among the toxic metals, the levels of As, Cr, and Pb were higher in Swiss chard samples. The irrigation water quality and consumption of vegetables cultivated in such urban soils may also need to be restricted.
Relative age effects in ice hockey extends to coaching
Authors: Grondin Simon , Fortin-Guichard Daniel , Lemoyne Jean , Trudeau François , Baker Joe
Published: January 2025

Date of birth influences the chances of success in sports. Compared to players born just before a cutoff date for marking the admissibility in a category (age groups), players born soon after are overrepresented. However, it is not yet known whether the effect of date of birth in sports applies beyond the players' active participation in the game. The aim of the study was to determine whether there is a date of birth effect among ice hockey's coaches. The birthdates of 3,380 coaches in minor league hockey for the 2023–2024 season were obtained from Hockey Québec. The investigation indicated that people born in the first half of the year were more likely to become minor hockey coaches than those born in the second half. This significant birthdate effect is observed with coaches born in 1980s (53.42% vs. 46.58%) and after 1989 (55.73% vs. 44.27%), but not with coaches born before 1980 where the effect tended to reverse. This finding is interpreted as a consequence of the birthdate effect during the development as a hockey player and suggests a loss of potential coaches to the ice hockey system.
The impact of data elements on agricultural economic resilience: a dynamic QCA analysis
Authors: Luo Wei , Zuo Shanxiang , Song Yuqi , Tang Shengfa
Published: January 2025

Enhancing agricultural economic resilience is a critical component for ensuring sustainable agricultural development and promoting agricultural modernization. To explore the diverse influencing factors and effective pathways for enhancing agricultural economic resilience in the context of digital transformation in China, this study constructs a theoretical model of data elements empowering agricultural economic resilience based on the “Technology-Organization-Environment” framework. Using dynamic QCA methods, panel data from 30 provinces and municipalities in China from 2012 to 2022 are analyzed to configure the factors influencing agricultural economic resilience. The results indicate that no single variable constitutes a necessary condition for high agricultural economic resilience. With the introduction of time effects, it is found that digital inclusive finance and the necessity of agricultural industry digitalization have been increasing year by year. The patterns of enhancing agricultural economic resilience can be summarized as follows: the market-driven industrial technological innovation ecosystem optimization model, the TOE-enabled agricultural digital development model and the government-led cultural promotion of agricultural digital transformation model, all showing significant temporal and regional effects. Based on these findings, it is recommended that regions strengthen the synergistic interaction among elements in the technology, organization, and environment dimensions and formulate differentiated strategies for enhancing agricultural economic resilience tailored to local economic levels and the actual development of agricultural industries. These insights provide both theoretical and practical value for enhancing agricultural economic resilience in various regions worldwide.
Surgical management of ossifying fibroma in a 9-year-old Hungarian Vizsla: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Pop Romelia , Tăbăran Alexandru-Flaviu , Vasiu Iosif , Milgram Joshua , Ober Ciprian Andrei
Published: January 2025

Ossifying fibroma (OF) is a rare, benign fibro-osseous neoplasm that primarily originates from membranous bones. While most frequently documented in equines, OF has also been reported in other species, including dogs, though it remains uncommon. The condition poses significant diagnostic challenges due to its ambiguous presentation, often requiring differentiation from other benign and malignant intraosseous lesions. This case report describes an ossifying fibroma localized to the zygomatic bone in a 9-year-old Hungarian Vizsla. A zygomatic arch ostectomy was successfully performed, and long-term follow-up was excellent. This is only the second documented case of zygomatic localization of OF in a dog, highlighting the rarity of this presentation. The discussion emphasizes the importance of distinguishing OF from other proliferative fibro-osseous lesions, such as fibrous dysplasia (FD) and cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD), and considering the potential for malignancies, such as low-grade osteosarcoma (LG-OSA), to mimic these benign growths. This case contributes valuable insights to the limited veterinary literature on ossifying fibroma, particularly regarding its atypical presentations in canine patients.
SynthSecureNet: An Improved Deep Learning Architecture with Application to Intelligent Violence Detection
Authors: Zungu Ntandoyenkosi , Olukanmi Peter , Bokoro Pitshou
Published: January 2025

We present a new deep learning architecture, named SynthSecureNet, which hybridizes two popular architectures: MobileNetV2 and ResNetV2. The latter have been shown to be promising in violence detection. The aim of our architecture is to harness the combined strengths of the two known methods for improved accuracy. First, we leverage the pre-trained weights of MobileNetV2 and ResNet50V2 to initialize the network. Next, we fine-tune the network by training it on a dataset of labeled surveillance videos, with a focus on optimizing the fusion process between the two architectures. Experimental results demonstrate a significant improvement in accuracy compared with individual models. MobileNetV2 achieves an accuracy of 90%, while ResNet50V2 achieves a 94% accuracy in violence detection tasks. SynthSecureNet achieves an accuracy of 99.22%, surpassing the performance of individual models. The integration of MobileNetV2 and ResNet50V2 in SynthSecureNet offers a comprehensive solution that addresses the limitations of the existing architectures, paving the way for more effective surveillance and crime prevention strategies.
Analysis of Collision Types in Collaborative Robots Using Mechanism Actuated by Pneumatic Artificial Muscle
Authors: Kóczi Dávid , Sárosi József
Published: January 2025

In the safety technology of collaborative robots, standards differentiate between various collision types, the identification and differentiation of which are essential for ensuring safe operation. The objective of this paper is to develop and test a mechanism actuated by artificial muscle to examine the detection of these profiles in different collision scenarios. The ISO 15066 standard distinguishes between two types of collisions: quasi-static and transient. Using a simplified model, experiments were conducted to evaluate whether sensors could identify collision types accurately. The results demonstrate the feasibility of identifying collision types through sensor data. The findings have the potential to enhance the safety of collaborative robots.
Research on the Operational Parameters and Performance of Key Components of an Industrial Hemp Harvester and Drier
Authors: Feng Chao , Liu Changxi , Wang Bosheng , Shi Hang , Sun Hao , Li Yufei , Hu Jun
Published: January 2025

Industrial hemp has significant utilization value, and China is the largest producer of industrial hemp in the world, primarily growing hemp for fiber. Heilongjiang Province is the largest area of hemp fiber cultivation in China. In response to issues such as inconsistent operating standards, low efficiency, and poor harvesting quality of industrial hemp harvesters in China, this study integrates the mechanical properties of the “Hanma 5” hemp stalk and applies cutting platform design theory to analyze and optimize the key components of existing hemp harvesters, aiming to obtain optimal operational parameters. First, by analyzing the motion laws of the cutting blade and the regression equations of shear power consumption and shear force, the relationship between cutting speed and time is established, and the cutting and conveying parameter ranges are derived, providing the basis for subsequent simulation analysis and field validation. Next, dynamic simulation analysis of the key components of the domestic 4GM-2.2 industrial hemp harvester for fiber is conducted using ADAMS and Workbench. The conveyor speed values and corresponding chain drive combinations under different conveyor speed ratios are obtained. Field experiments validated the optimal combination of key operational parameters for the industrial hemp harvester as follows: forward speed of 2.1 m/s, cutting speed of 2.5 m/s, conveyor speed ratio of 2.2, coefficient of variation for the laying angle of 6.88%, coefficient of variation for the laying thickness of 4.11%, and cutting height of 10.4 cm. Under the optimal operational parameter combination, the re-cut rate was 8.4%, with no missed cutting observed. This paper provides technical references for exploring the optimal operational parameters of industrial hemp harvesters for fiber to achieve high-quality harvesting operations.